HBCP Families and Spring Holidays May 2015

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES TRAVEL CULTURE LIFESTYLE

Families and Spring Holidays

MAY 2015

EDITOR’S LETTER For any of our readers who dream of one day running their own businesses this issue is a bumper source of inspiration! We have a wonderful collection of stories of how people have taken a step into a brave new world and now are more in charge of their own destiny.

So for this Bank Holiday sit back and enjoy reading about a possible new future!

We have interviews with the following: Catherine Brookes, Founder of AliOli Kids Amanda Selby, Owner of St Mawes Retreats Andrew Gardner, Director at Amberley House Cottage Holidays.

Clare Scott-Dryden, Founder of Riverside Lifestyle Alasdair and Sarah Kirkpatrick, Founders of Beacon Park Boats.

We also showcase some of our adorable children’s brands and for holiday inspiration there is a wonderful collection of holiday collections near and far.

In addition we also have a special interview with Marlena de Blasi Author of The Umbrian Thursday Night Supper Club All this plus a delicious collection of books and our Beauty-Round Up. Enjoy! www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com https://twitter.com/Hotbrands Picture Credits Front cover image courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent Villas http://www.akvillas.com Other images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured.

Please Note All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items.

Inclusion in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

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ABERCROMBIE & KENT VILLAS Abercrombie & Kent Villas offer a wide range of luxury villas throughout Europe, from French chateaux to Tuscan farmhouses. As well as beautiful properties, we can also help organise the finer things that make your holiday complete with everything from private chefs to local hosts to help you make the most of your stay. www.akvillas.com

ELEGANT ADDRESS PROPERTY GROUP Introducing the Elegant Address Luxury Property Group - a Luxury Property Consultancy providing specialist knowledge, unrivalled British bespoke service and a vast portfolio of hand-picked luxury villas, five star hotels, chalets and apartments for rental and sale within some of the world’s most glamorous, exotic and characteristic locations. http://elegant-addresslpg.com/

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NUMBER ONE DART MARINA Number One Dart Marina is an exquisite home in a breath-taking location by the River Dart in Dartmouth, Devon. A stunning combination of views, luxury and style, within a few steps of Dart Marina Hotel & Spa, see more at www.dartmarina.com/numberone

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UFFORD PARK Relax in style in the heart of Suffolk’s most beautiful, peaceful countryside: come to Ufford Park Woodbridge, Hotel, Golf & Spa – to stay or simply to enjoy our bars, restaurant and many other facilities. Set in 120 acres of historic parkland and just ten easy miles from Ipswich, child-friendly, family-owned Ufford Park Woodbridge offers you so much more including: High-standard hotel accommodation, undulating 18-hole championship, par-71 golf course – as used by the PGA EuroPro Tour, modern, well-equipped health club with spacious gym and indoor, deck-level swimming pool and the very latest thermal suite spa and much more! http://www.uffordpark.co.uk/

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POWDER BYRNE Powder Byrne is the luxury holiday company for parents. And kids. With over 30 years of experience creating inspiring getaways for active families, we’d love to put together the perfect holiday for you. www.powderbyrne.com

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HOITY-TOITY Hoity-Toity enters the childrenswear market this season as a celebrated UK-made label that fuses a strong design ethos, with a sustainable approach to fashion. The 18-piece collection for girls, playfully embraces English eccentricity and charm. Limited Edition heritage prints and appliques, all produced exclusively by the small in-house design team. The creation of future heirlooms that are made to last, is the essence of this new British brand http://www.hoity-toity.co.uk/

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ATTICUS & GILDA Atticus & Gilda is a children’s nightwear and accessories brand launched in 2013 by Conchita Scott and Lucy Gaiger . Both from a costume design background they met while working on Phantom of the Opera and have worked together many times since,latterly on Mamma Mia! Many of the trimmings you will find on the accessories are from past productions and will contain a little piece of theatre history. www.atticusandgilda.co.uk.

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Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Catherine Brookes, Founder of AliOli Kids for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW 10

What was your inspiration behind AliOli Kids?

My inspiration for AliOli Kids is fundamentally the Mediterranean way of dressing children, but without the stiffness and formality that this sometimes involves. I love unfussy fabrics, colours, textures and apply this simplistic approach to the designs. I want children to be happy and comfortable in our clothes and parents to know that they have purchased a quality product, which can be handed down to siblings.

Our AliOli Kids collection is simple, classic and easy to wear without being stuffy or over elaborate. Our own brand collection does not pander to fashion. We use 100% cotton, hand finishing and first-rate textiles to create quality clothes. Our range starts at 0 and goes up to 12 years from which age our trusted experts…mothers and children, agree is the age children generally like to decide for themselves what to wear.

I am also a great believer in making your own luck. With the way the jobs market is going, I wanted to create a family company, which my children, if they wish, can take over in the future.

How has your background helped in establishing the brand?

I began working in advertising agencies in London and moved to Madrid to open a regional advertising office for a leading British magazine company. I was Director of Marketing, when I became pregnant and wanted a change of direction. My background has helped in terms of creating the brand image, however, the rest has been a learning process. When I started out 3 years ago I was new to the world of children’s fashion and very green!

How did you balance starting a new business with other demands on your time?

I am extremely lucky to have fantastic help at home and my children and husband are a great support.

If people knew what starting a business involved, emotionally, physically and economically, I don’t think anyone would do it! 3 years later I am so glad that I did it!

Do you have particular favourites in your range?

So many to choose from! However my favourites pieces within the Spring/Summer 15 collection have to be the gingham pinafore dress and matching shorts and polo. I also love the kaftan, which is an addition to our popular swimwear range. Our customers really appreciate the quality of the swimwear. It really does last and last.

How would you like to see AliOli Kids develop?

We have been focusing our efforts on improving our website, most recently with the launch of a mobile friendly version. We have also been very focused on wholesale growth with the collection now sold by stockists in New Zealand, Spain and shortly Asia. We’d like to see sustained growth to new wholesale markets while continuing to give our stockists excellent help and support.

Product development is always top of my mind and this season we have been talking to new textile suppliers and factories.

What makes a perfect holiday for you?

Switching off my phone and appreciating my family. www.aliolikids.com

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AURALEY Beautiful designer nightwear for girls and boys ages 2 to 8. The acclaimed signature is luxurious sustainable fabrics, tailored styling, gorgeous trim and embroidery, while always maintaining exceptional comfort. A piece from the Auraley collection is a wardrobe staple makes the perfect gift. www.auraley.com

LITTLE LUCY WILLOW Step into spring with Little Lucy Willow. Create beautiful bedrooms in perfect pastels.

Boasting timeless, exclusive collections, designed in-house, there is something here to suit every girl, boy or teen. The Lancashire-based company also provide accessories, soft furnishings and gifts. www.littlelucywillow.co.uk

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LE MU Le Mu is a UK brand specialising in occasionwear and accessories that will excite and delight little girls aged 2-9 years. Instilling natural confidence and style, a Le Mu dress is a modern classic with sharp tailoring, comfort and elegance. www.le-mu.co.uk

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WHITE RABBIT ENGLAND White Rabbit England is a luxury childrens’ brand founded in 2001 by sisters Charlotte Thompson and Victoria Sullivan. We design and manufacture lighting and interiors for the nursery and special gifts for little ones. Our award winning White Rabbit lamp represents perfectly the uniqueness and quality of both the design and manufacture of everything we do to create heirlooms of the future. “Designed by us, made for you, keep forever” www.whiterabbitengland.com

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RUFUS RABBIT Rufus Rabbit, the funny bunny whose gorgeously packaged baby gift range was lovingly created by Anna Danielle, co-owner of the family firm The Little Dog. Dedicated to creating quality gifts with a service to match, Rufus Rabbit always goes the extra mile to create a smile! www.rufusrabbit.co.uk/

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MY HEART AND HOME Time for bed sleepy head! We offer a beautiful range of traditional cotton nightwear and a charming selection of keepsake gifts, rag dolls and teddies for little ones. www.myheartandhome.co.uk

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CAPTURE AND KEEP We always ‘capture the moment’ with our photographs...why not capture the moment on personalised engraved charms and keep the memory forever! Individually personalised jewellery - commemorate that Special Event in your life by personalising charms and making them individual to you. www.captureandkeep.co.uk

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CARRIER Carrier knows that to travel is to make aspirations comes true; our curated selection is the perfect starting point to explore some of the finest family holidays. Time together is precious - allow Carrier to create the ultimate family getaway in 2015. www.carrier.co.uk

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Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Amanda Selby, Owner of St Mawes Retreats for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW 20

What was your vision for St. Mawes Retreats?

To create luxury holiday houses where families could enjoy all the services of a 5 star hotel but with the bonus of having space and privacy that you often cannot find in a hotel.

I wanted to provide families and friends the opportunity of reuniting under one roof for special occasions, birthdays, weddings and anniversaries.

As a mother of two children I am only too aware that in a hotel a parent can often never relax and children can never be themselves for fear of upsetting other guests.

If you are paying money for a holiday you need to have fun and enjoy it and in my luxury self catering houses both children and parents can be themselves and run around the garden and laugh and talk out loudly to their hearts content.

Staying at St Mawes Retreats luxury self catering houses you have “Freedom to do whatever you want on holiday whenever you want!”

As well as having beautiful views, the interiors of your properties are stunning, how do you start to design the interior of a new home?

I decided to start with a blank canvas and to gut each house! I then looked at every nook and cranny in each house and identified how I could maximise every inch of the space. I knocked down many walls to obtain the best sea and Carrick Headland views in every house!

In Moonrakers, Stargazers and Dreamcatchers it was important to me that every bedroom had its own bathroom and that they were both big and spacious! Guests feel that they have their own separate and private area to escape from their fellow guests.

I even sat in baths with builders present ( fully clothed ) to work out the correct positioning of them to guarantee guests the best sea view from the bath!!

I didn’t want the houses design to be the stereotypical interior found in places by the sea. I wanted the interior design of the houses to be different and to be bright, fun and luxurious! I chose Designers Guild for all my fabrics and spent hours, days and weeks at their flagship store in the Kings Road, London choosing everything.

I wanted the larger houses to work perfectly for families and friends staying on a week’s holiday. I knew that space was essential and that despite the fabulous beaches and sea there would be times in the day or evening when the guests may be at home. I realised it was essential to have two living rooms one for the children and one for the adults so they could relax, chat or watch their own television. Happy children! Happy parents!

What do your guests appreciate being organized for them?

Guests love the fact that through my concierge service I can organise anything and everything for them.

I have organised anything from a bouncy castle for a Christening party to a champagne and chocolate fountain for a Hen weekend and a Pizza van with a wood burner cooking pizza to order on the doorstep of the house, to a Grand Piano for a family reunion!

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Guests love the fact that a private chef can pop in and cook a breakfast, lunch or dinner, barbecue for them and the only effort they need to put into it is to eat and enjoy the food. Even the washing up is done for them!

The In House Spa treatments are very popular for our guests who want to relax on their holiday and enjoy some pampering. The great thing is the guests don’t have to go anywhere.

Child minding is welcomed by all the parents who want to enjoy some time together even in the day or evening. I have a fantastic team of childminders who are CRB qualified and mothers themselves. The children and child minders have great fun playing together. I even get children requesting a favourite childminder for their future stays!

What are some of the special places available locally for people to visit?

Guests love the easy access and short walk to the harbour, village shops, pubs and restaurants from all of the houses.

They can experience the pleasure of sailing on the sea and catch the St Mawes ferry to Falmouth, which is building a great reputation as a vibrant seaside town with great shops, restaurants, the National Maritime Museum and Rick Stein’s Fish and Chip Shop and Restaurant and of course fabulous art studios.

Lamorran Gardens is located next door to Stargazers and is only three minutes walk from Moonrakers and is the most stunning Mediterranean style garden. It really is St Mawes best kept secret with 4 acres of sub tropical paradise and is a haven of peace and beauty.

St Mawes Castle and its larger sister castle Pendennis were built by Henry V111 to protect the South Coast of Cornwall. This dominates the headland in St Mawes and is only two minutes walk from Stargazers and five minutes walk from Moonrakers.

St Mawes Sit on Kayaks and Water Taxi On the harbour guests can hire a kayak and explore the Percuil River or kayak to a place called Place and enjoy a coastal walk of the Carrick Headlands to St Anthony’s Lighthouse.

The Water Taxi is available from the harbour and can be booked in advance dependant on the tides. It is a great way to travel across the sea to the 13th century Award winning Pandora Inn pub for a delicious lunch or early evening supper or to visit Trebah garden and access it from Trebah’s private beach or Trelissick Gardens accessed from its own landing stage to name a few of the incredible places for people to experience.

Sailing and water sport activities St Mawes is the perfect harbour side town for guests to enjoy a wide range of water sport activities.

Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding lessons can be organised for children and adults.

Mackeral fishing on a traditional fishing boat is a fun activity for all the family and you get to keep your catch and cook it on the barbecue back at home for tea!

Rock pooling and crabbing are some of the simplest pleasures that my children and I just love to indulge in on holiday in St Mawes. It is free and brings so much excitement to our day especially setting the crabs free on the slipway!

What makes a perfect ‘home away from home’ for you?

High quality and beautiful interiors, furnishings and fittings The best and most comfortable Hypnos beds in the world. If they are good enough for the Queen then they are good enough for my guests!

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Villeroy and Boch luxury bathrooms which have a shower and a bath in them for whatever the mood takes me and most importantly lots of space!

I hate any room that is small and pokey and if it is, knock a wall down and make it bigger!

Heavily lined curtains that don’t let in light and guarantee a perfect night’s sleep until I wake up naturally in the morning.

Beautiful manicured gardens for children to play in and a barbecue for the adults to cook on. Great outdoor furniture to dine and lounge on.

Good books and games, DVD’s for both children and adults to enjoy on rainy days.

When you pack your suitcase for a holiday, what do you always include?

My camera. My children always tease me that I take too many photos on holiday but I don’t regret any photo taking and secretly I don’t think they mind when we all have the pleasure of looking back on the amazing experiences that we have been lucky to enjoy on our travels throughout the world.

If on the rare occasion we forget our camera my daughter Izzy has the sweetest way of saying “Mummy let’s take a photo in our head!” Together we blink our eyes shut for the photo and the memory.

The greatest reward in managing St Mawes Retreats is welcoming my guests back on such a regular basis. My guests return to stay again and again, often taking more than one holiday in a year.

It is so exciting to know that guests share the love of each house and style that I have created and they move from one house to another dependant on their needs for each holiday.

Happy guests make me happy! www.stmawesretreats.co.uk

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HINTLESHAM HALL Beautiful grounds, surrounding a graceful 16th Century Grade 1 listed Country House Hotel.

A warm welcome from friendly efficient staff, showing you through to a sumptuous lounge with a roaring log fires during the winter months, papers to read while you relax on deep sofas with a Traditional Afternoon Tea awaiting you after a stroll in the grounds. www.hintleshamhall.com

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SUFFOLK COTTAGE HOLIDAYS Whether you are looking for contemporary chic or classic comfort, Suffolk Cottage Holidays’ stylish, luxury cottages are the very best in Suffolk. In the heart of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our coastal and countryside cottages are set in some of East Anglia’s finest locations. www.suffolkcottageholidays.com/

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INNTRAVEL Inntravel specialise in Slow holidays, which reveal the lesser-taken path and offer a truly individual holiday experience. From carefully crafted self-guided walking and cycling holidays, to inspiring winter snow holidays, uncover hidden corners and authentic local experiences along the way. www.inntravel.co.uk

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FOOTPATH HOLIDAYS Personally owned and run by Ian and Suzanne Newman, Footpath Holidays has been providing high quality walking holidays in Britain since 1983. Holiday options include guided walking as part of a group, self-guided holidays based in a single centre and selfguided holidays moving on each day and having your luggage transported. Every year Footpath Holidays organises a number of ‘tailor-made’ itineraries e.g. walks associated with pilgrimage routes, James Herriot’s Yorkshire, Daphne Du Maurier’s Cornwall, or the Arthurian Legends. http://www.footpath-holidays.com/

SYKES COTTAGES Give yourself something to look forward to with a holiday from Sykes Cottages. With over 4,000 self-catering holiday cottages throughout the UK and Ireland, you’ll be spoilt for choice when planning your 2015 getaway. To find out more, visit our website or give us a call. www.sykescottages.co.uk

HIDEAWAYS Hideaways cottages provide the perfect escape from busy and stressful lifestyles.

Located across the south of England from Cornwall to Kent and up to the Cotswolds and Welsh borders, Hideaways specialises in high quality properties – from idyllic, romantic retreats just for 2 to large barn conversions sleeping up to 22. www.hideaways.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES Exclusive Escapes provide you with wonderful villas and boutique hotels all exclusive to them. All their villas offer a ‘hotel-service’ with welcome hamper, daily maid cleaning and car hire. Its coastal programme includes top-of-the-range seafront townhouses and a host of brand new opportunities to explore south west Turkey including the introduction of a new region and the launch of a brand new hotel Alavya, and four brand new super chic coastal villas, and guided trekking on a new long-distance path-the Carian Trail. www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk/

NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH Founded by Paul Carberry in 2003, New Zealand in Depth specialise in creating tailormade holidays to New Zealand. Paul has spent more than a year of his life on the ground in New Zealand and offers a genuine personal service, taking the time to understand his clients, their interests and their needs. This is the only way to create a truly bespoke honeymoon experience. http://www.newzealandindepth.com/

BAILEY ROBINSON Bailey Robinson are a British based luxury travel company providing tailor made holidays across hand-picked global locations. Our experts will create a holiday to match your requirements and help you choose the best location for you. www.baileyrobinson.com

KESGRAVE HALL Step back, relax and indulge at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, a contemporary 4-star hotel with 23 fabulous bedrooms ranging from standard through to the ‘top grade’. Plenty of theatre can be found in the restaurant overlooked by the Engine Room, with head chef Stuart Oliver championing all that is great about Suffolk produce. www.kesgravehall.com

Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Andrew Gardner, Director at Amberley House Cottage Holidays for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW

What do you enjoy about running your own business?

Seeing our business grow successfully. It started with just me in 2009 and now we are a team of seven which is very rewarding. I like to think we are now contributing our bit to promoting local tourism and the benefits that in turn brings to the local economy around us.

My previous working life was in a large corporate environment where everything was very structured, so to have the ability to make your own decisions, apply directly your skills that have been developed over the years and see it all come together as a result is very rewarding.

What attracted you to Sussex and Kent?

Perhaps the question should be why I haven’t moved away!

I am a Sussex boy born and bred and what appeals to me is the variety of scenery we have in the south east, from chalk downland to glorious coastline that’s all very close together, and so easily accessible. I always enjoy going away but there is something special about coming back home. Where I live we are just one mile from the South Downs Way. Have you seen any changes in the pattern of holidays from your guests?

Yes, we are seeing a much greater demand for short breaks of three or four nights, and taken much more frequently. We also note that guests don’t always want to travel that far, perhaps as little as 40 or 50 miles from home, just far enough for a relaxing break away. July and August still tend to fill with weekly bookings, but weekly breaks are less popular now outside the peak summer season.

What are some of the local attractions that people like to visit?

We list over 60 on our website in Sussex and Kent alone, so there is a lot down here!

The more frequented are: Petworth House, Arundel Castle, Bodiam Castle, Sheffield Park Gardens, Nymans, Hever Castle, Chartwell, The Bluebell Railway, the Royal Pavilion, Goodwood, I could go on!

If you could go on holiday anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I don’t have a firm first choice. I would like to visit Namibia and the Skeleton Coast, it holds a fascination with me. I also have an ambition to visit Australia, both the outback to appreciate the sheer scale and then another time to enjoy from Sydney to Melbourne and on to Adelaide.

I also love visiting the US and have been to New York eight times, once on board Queen Mary 2 when she accompanied the QE2 on her final transatlantic crossing. Some friends sailed on the new Queen Elizabeth into New York Pier 90 and remained onboard for two nights before she sailed up the east coast. If Cunard ever repeat that cruise I would be on it like a shot, but at over 28 days in length, I would have to be retired first. Hey ho!

What do you always pack in your suitcase?

A couple of books to read when relaxing and a good travel guide. I like to read up about where I am going, and again after I’ve been there! www.amberleyhousecottages.co.uk

THE PIER The Pier stands proudly overlooking the picturesque harbour and the confluence of the Stour and Orwell rivers. Long established in Harwich, the hotel boasts four stars with two rosettes for cooking. The Harbourside on the first floor of The Pier, is renowned for using locally caught seafood, much of which is landed in the harbour opposite. Head Chef, John Goff takes much of his influence from the sea so Harwich lobster and crab are nearly always on the menu served whichever way you’d like. Stay over and capture the ambience of this delightful old town, a night in The Mayflower suite, complete with telescope is a must! http://www.milsomhotels.com/thepier

MAISON TALBOOTH Step back, relax and indulge at Maison Talbooth. Twelve individual bedrooms, day spa, outdoor pool (heated to a sizzling 85Ëšall year), hot tub, pool house and tennis court. Guests dine at the award winning Le Talbooth restaurant beside the river Stour, just a minute away by courtesy car. www.milsomhotels.com/maison

QUALITY VILLAS Quality Villas was established back in 1986 by Margaret Rees, the current owner, with a handful of villa properties. Today, with the same attention to detail and regard for only offering the best and most sumptuous properties, all enjoying a ‘wow’ factor of some sort, there are close to 500 villas in the portfolio. www.qualityvillas.com

QUALITY UNEARTHED Something a little different... unusual holiday accommodations such as Treehouses, gypsy wagons, off-grid places, or cool glamping abodes are our passion. And these alternative, ecologically sensitive holidays are something more of us are seeking out. Increasingly we want things in life that are authentic and unique and our choice of holiday accommodation is reflected in this. www.qualityunearthed.co.uk

QUALITY COTTAGES The tight knit family business based in North Pembrokeshire represents over 300 fabulous holiday properties throughout the most stunning coastal, countryside and mountainous regions of Wales. Quality Cottages was the first company to be awarded a gold medal for services to self catering holidays in Wales. http://www.qualitycottages.co.uk

WILDERNESS COTTAGES Wilderness Cottages offer a variety of self catering holiday properties throughout Scotland. These range in size from small cosy cottages, ideal for honeymoon couples and romantic holidays, or larger holiday cottages to sleep from six to twelve. From remote crofts to stays in luxury apartments we have properties to suit all tastes. Many cottages are open all year, have log fires and make pets welcome. http://www.wildernesscottages.co.uk/

ST BRIDES BAY COTTAGES St Brides Bay Cottages offers delightful cottages in superb locations around the North Pembrokeshire Coast. “Welcome� might be a small word, but here it has a very big meaning. The scenery is spectacular, the air is crystal fresh and the villages are full of character. The rugged beauty offers the perfect backdrop for a real get-away-from-it-all holiday. www.stbridesbaycottages.com

EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP Enriching the lives of the world’s most passionate travellers. Bespoke, luxury experienced based holidays in Asia. Experience is everything! www.experiencetravelgroup.com

Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Clare Scott-Dryden, Founder of Riverside Lifestyle for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW

What inspired you to create Riverside Lifestyle?

Riverside is about finding an equilibrium – life today means juggling so many things - activities, family, friends and work. We often go through the motions of making it all happen without taking it in because we are just too busy doing! I wanted Riverside Lifestyle to provide an excuse to stop and enjoy – to relax and share.

How do you decide on your product mix?

Think big then make it simply. Riverside offers holiday lets, artisan food and gifts. Our products are about making you feel good – a weekend away ; a delicious artisan jam on your breakfast table or beautiful smelling hand wash in your bathroom. They are simple yet luxury.

What is special about the location of your cottage?

Riverside is in a unique position – close and easy access to & from London, on the way South, close to Winchester and numerous Hampshire attractions yet totally removed from the ‘maddening crowd’ – it sits overlooking countryside on one side and the River Dever on the other – it is tranquil and relaxing allowing you to unwind and rejuvenate.

How do you see the business developing?

Riverside will shortly have a further three properties to rent, all providing the same calming atmosphere.

We are getting more enquiries to use Riverside as a wedding venue and for private dining and there is the possibility of a monthly pop-up farmer’s market.

The Riverside branded products are being stocked all over the country by lifestyle & artisan deli’s and farm shops and we will be looking for many more.

What are your tips for developing a work/life balance?

1. Find work that inspires you and you can feel passionate about.

2. Be focused and organized with the ability to work hard and then switch off and enjoy life’s moments, – it is a myth that you can do both at the same time.

3. Try not to be too serious – enjoy whatever you’re doing, What makes a home for you?

Home for me is about the family – its the excitement of each of us having done our own thing – whether school, or work, or sport, or whatever it is and then meeting and sharing the stories. www.riversidelifestyle.co.uk

BOVEY CASTLE Bovey Castle is a five-star hotel set within a 275-acre private estate with its own championship golf course, offering guests the unpretentious grandeur and sumptuous dĂŠcor of true English luxury on Dartmoor National Park www.boveycastle.com

BEACON PARK BOATS Beacon Park Boats is a family-run business offering luxury narrowboat holidays on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in the Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales.

Alasdair and Sarah Kirkpatrick combine their love of design, craftsmanship, boating, engineering and hospitality to give you the very best in canal boat holiday experiences. https://beaconparkboats.com/

AMBERLEY HOUSE COTTAGES In Sussex, Kent or East Hampshire you soon realise nothing is far away whether you want to enjoy the local lanes and villages of the Sussex High Weald and Kent’s Garden of England, the sheer variety of our coastline from Whitstable to Chichester Harbour, or the splendour of the South Downs, you will find it all within easy reach and very accessible. We offer you over 170 hand selected properties to choose from. These range from modern apartments in Chichester to wonderful Victorian apartment conversions in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. www.amberleyhousecottages.co.uk

RIVERSIDE LIFESTYLE Riverside Lifestyle is one hot brand cool place - it empowers you in spirit and mind – take a visit to the gorgeous self catering cottage in Hampshire positioned in 7 acres of blissful countryside and next to the River Dever (but never too far away from a pub or some retail / cultural therapy!). Smell, taste and enjoy Riverside’s lavender and olive oil scented luxury bath accessories or their award winning artisan foods including the scrumptious jams, marmalades and chutneys and mega trendy bucket of natural olive oil crisps. (the perfect gift btw!)

Riverside Lifestyle offers something for everyone - it gives you something creative, original and indulgent every time. Visit www.riversidelifestyle.co.uk

Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Alasdair and Sarah Kirkpatrick, Founders of Beacon Park Boats for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW

What inspired you to set up Beacon Park Boats?

Like many people, we’d always dreamed of leaving the rat race and starting our own business, we just didn’t know what to do or how to go about it!

Alasdair had sailed all his life – family trips in a 26’yacht across the North Sea with 4 children under 10 were the norm – and having taught me to sail when we met in our late teens, doing something with boats was about as far as we’d reached in the thought process.

By pure chance we saw an advert over the August bank holiday weekend of 2000, in the Saturday Times, for a boat business for sale in South Wales. Having walked in the area as students we were curious to know where the water was and so decided to book a viewing.

The business consisted of 10 narrowboats of fairly dubious quality and the wharf house; we knew we had the practical skills to improve the boats and the surroundings to offer customers truly relaxing holidays; all we needed to do was persuade someone to lend us the money.

All of the banks we approached rejected our business plans until we met with the Bank of Scotland at their headquarters in St. Katherine’s Dock. I think the deciding factor for them was when they asked what we knew about boats and we were able to point to the 30’ yacht we’d just moored in the dock. We’d sailed our boat from the east coast as part of our annual sailing holiday with our daughter Meg, just before she started school.

We moved in on Meg’s birthday at the beginning of January 2001 and Alasdair was released from his contract in March of that year just in time for the start of the new boating season – and the arrival of the Foot and Mouth epidemic, but that’s another story!

You offer luxury narrowboat holidays, what have been some of your most creative designs within your boats?

We like to be different and to offer boats that we would be happy to live on ourselves, and having been around boats most of our lives we have some pretty exacting standards. At the design stage we ensure the boat will have a light, airy feel with plenty of large opening windows to maximize the magnificent views of the Brecon Beacons.

We never compromise on quality at any stage of the build process and always look at including something unique – this can range from a hot tub on the front deck to a home cinema to a double ended roll top bath – the opportunities are endless and that’s the fun part of the process.

What are your hopes for your business in the future?

After many years of meticulous planning and negotiations with the Brecon Beacons National Parks Planning Authority we’re nearing completion of new purpose built premises some 6 miles north of our current base. This enables us to pull together all of our boat building, maintenance and storage into one site and will mean we can expand our fleet. The site has the Llangattock escarpment as a backdrop and is opposite Crickhowell, an exceptionally beautiful part of the canal.

We will continue to live in our lovely house at Llanfoist Wharf where we also have our two self - catering cottages – we’ll commute to work by cycling along the towpath.

What are the most enjoyable features on a narrowboat holiday?

Narrowboat holidays are not suitable for those in a rush. Some of the most enjoyable moments arise from this complete change of pace – it inevitably leads you to a fresh appreciation of the people and places around you. You’ll be spoilt with opportunities to get close to nature without even having to leave the boat – spot heron, kingfishers and red kites, feed the ducks, listen to the lambs, admire the bluebells and primroses, the magnificent beech woods and the incredible views along the Usk valley.

Sit on deck with a glass of wine admiring the constantly moving scenery, cook leisurely meals together in the high tech kitchen or simply enjoy a barbeque or walk to the local pub. Hardly 100 yards will pass without spotting some friendly wildlife, anticipating the next historic feature or arriving at a delightful village to explore.

Narrowboat holidays are an adventure for all ages – one of the easiest ways of going on holiday together and keeping all family members happy.

What are some of the attractions nearby for your guests?

Once on dry land you’re in walking country – from the gentle towpath to more challenging mountains. Bike hire, horse riding and the beautiful river Usk – one of Britain’s best salmon rivers are all near the canal.

The historic market town of Abergavenny with its markets, Priory church and castle, abundance of independent shops and annual Food Festival is just 1.5 miles from our base at Llanfoist Wharf. The canal passes through a number of old villages, and picturesque Crickhowell is only a short stroll away. At the end of the canal the historic town of Brecon is a lively mix of old and new, with its military museum, cathedral, markets, canalside theatre and annual jazz festival.

There’s an abundance of castles within easy driving distance and we have the National Coal mining museum, Big Pit and the Blaenavon Iron works just a few minutes’ drive from our wharf – giving context to the canal and its surrounding structures.

Given that you provide relaxing holidays for others, what makes an ideal holiday for you?

We have to take our main holiday in the winter months when the canal is closed for maintenance but during the season we take every opportunity we can to get out and about either walking or pottering along the canal in our ancient steam boat Bramble.

We’re addicted to water so our ideal holiday always involves boating of some sort. We take two or three weeks every year to go sailing, hiring a monohull usually somewhere in the Caribbean but last year a catamaran to explore the islands between Thailand and Malaysia. Swimming, snorkeling and generally messing about on the water make for a perfect holiday.

There’s an abundance of castles within easy driving distance and we have the National Coal mining museum, Big Pit and the Blaenavon Iron works just a few minutes’ drive from our wharf – giving context to the canal and its surrounding structures.

Given that you provide relaxing holidays for others, what makes an ideal holiday for you?

We have to take our main holiday in the winter months when the canal is closed for maintenance but during the season we take every opportunity we can to get out and about either walking or pottering along the canal in our ancient steam boat Bramble.

We’re addicted to water so our ideal holiday always involves boating of some sort. We take two or three weeks every year to go sailing, hiring a monohull usually somewhere in the Caribbean but last year a catamaran to explore the islands between Thailand and Malaysia. Swimming, snorkeling and generally messing about on the water make for a perfect holiday. www.beaconparkboats.com

REVIEWS The Picnic Cookbook- Laura Mason Synopsis: This book includes over 100 recipes covering picnics, barbecues and campfire food. They range from bresola rolls and lemon gin to be enjoyed as a punting picnic, to a warming minestrone and spiced parkin for bonfire night, a baba ganoush made with aubergines chargrilled on the barbecue, and mussels wrapped in seaweed and cooked on the embers of a campfire. Author Laura Mason gives tips on transporting and cooking the food in the great outdoors, as well as giving historical context to the recipes and suggesting the best National Trust places to eat outdoors.

Picnics and outdoor meals are a classic theme in British food. Afternoon tea in the garden on a golden afternoon in late summer, a packed lunch consumed on a hilltop while the eyes feast on a magnificent view, and the tantalising smell of grilling from a barbecue are all part of this. Being outside sharpens the senses and the appetite, refreshes the soul and gives different perspectives – and National Trust properties provide a wealth of different environments in which to enjoy food outdoors. http://store.pavilionbooks.com/9781909881587-the-picnic-cookbook. html Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This delightful book covers a vast array of topics related to picnics, from the practicalities of arranging a picnic to barbeques and campfires almost every conceivable venue for picnic is considered. There are delicious recipes, and beautiful photography, it describes itself as containing outdoor feasts for every occasion and it really lives up to its description. A perfect companion for the summer, we loved it!

A Girl And Her Greens - April Bloomfield Synopsis: April Bloomfield - co-owner of the lauded Spotted Pig restaurant in New York - is a chef renowned for her nose-to-tail ethos. But her reverence for sweet peas and bright bunches of radishes matches her passion for the perfect cut of meat. In A Girl and Her Greens, April proves that vegetables can be as juicy, inviting and indulgent as the most succulent steak. From Swiss Chard Cannelloni to Roasted Onions with Sage Pesto, from Kale Polenta to Fennel Salad with Blood Orange, from Braised Peas and Little Gem Lettuce to Roasted Leeks with Walnut Breadcrumbs A Girl and Her Greens is packed with tantalising and flavoursome recipes for hearty food where vegetables truly take centre stage. http://www.canongate.tv/a-girl-and-her-greens-printed-paper-cased. html Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict A Girl And Her Greens is beautifully illustrated, full of surprising and delicious ideas for cooking vegetables. April’s enthusiasm for vegetables bubbles through the book and her collection of recipes is an absolute joy!

Juice: Cleanse. Heal. Revitalize: 100 nourishing recipes and simple juice - Rosemary Ferguson Synopsis: Spring-clean your system and boost your health with Rosemary’s nourishing recipes. By simply consuming the right natural ingredients you can change the way you look and feel. Naturopathic nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson has created 100 powerful recipes to overhaul your health from the inside out. Whizz up one of Rosemary’s juices or smoothies for an instant boost or follow her simple detox plans for 1, 2 or 3 days to tackle your health head on. Learn about the power of plants so you can create personalised combinations to suit your tastebuds and revitalise your body. http://www.eburypublishing.co.uk/editions/rosemary-fergusons-juicesand-smoothies-100-nourishing-recipes-simple-detox-plans-to-cleanseheal-and-energise/9781785030208 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict With chapters covering Detox & Heal, Rest & De-stress, Energize, Protect & Strengthen, Calm & Balance, Care & Preserve and Detox Plans. And 100 recipes this helpful book is designed to help you create juices or smoothies for your own lifestyle.

Inspiralized: Inspiring recipes to make with your spiralizer Ali Maffucci Synopsis: The kitchen gadget that turns vegetables and fruits into imaginative, healthy dishes with this definitive spiralizer cookbook.

Whether you’re low-carb, gluten-free, Paleo, or raw, you don’t have to give up the foods you love. Inspiralized shows you how to transform vegetables and fruits into delicious meals that look and taste just like your favourite indulgent originals. Courgette turns into creamy clam linguine, turnip into pesto spaghetti, sweet potato becomes fried rice or a pizza base, and cauliflower makes great Tabouleh. . Everything is easy to follow, fresh and flavour packed and includes nutritional breakdowns.

Many of the recipes can be customised to use whatever vegetables you have to hand and whatever your personal goal may be - losing weight, following a healthier lifestyle, or simply making easy meals at home. So bring on a hearty appetite and a sense of adventure—you’re ready to make the most of this secret weapon for healthy cooking. http://www.eburypublishing.co.uk/editions/spiralize-over-100-inspiringrecipes-to-make-with-your-spiralizer/9781785031304 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict If you have wondered how to make best use of a spiralizer, this book is an inspiration! There are recipes for breakfast, snacks, sandwiches, soups, salads, casseroles, rices, pastas, and even desserts. This book covers every vegetable you can possibly spiralize, and offers advice for spiralizing whether you’re feeding just yourself, your family, or even a crowd.

Superfoods -Julie Montague Synopsis: With 90 delicious meat-, dairy- and sugar-free recipes, Superfoods by Julie Montagu introduces nutrient-rich superfoods quickly and easily into your daily diet. Following Julie’s ten golden rules, these recipes are all made with unrefined, wholesome ingredients to raise energy levels, lower cholesterol and keep blood sugar levels under control. Julie’s flexible approach demonstrates how simple it is to embrace a superfood lifestyle – even if only on a part-time basis.

So, if you’ve got an indulgent dinner planned, whizz up a green juice in the morning and you’ll get your five-a-day in one hit. If the week ahead looks gruelling, make some high-energy power balls on Sunday and eat one every afternoon for a boost.

This book is the flexible approach to eating more superfoods that will revolutionise eating habits, helping you to eat well and feel healthier with Julie’s brilliantly inspiring recipes. Superfoods, super you! http://w w w.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/18 49495823/ref=as _ li _tf_ tl?ie=UTF8&tag=artinthecitgu-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative= 6738&creativeASIN=1849495823 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Superfoods has 90 recipes covering Breakfast, Portable Lunches, Mains, Sides, Sweet Treats Fast Track Savers and includes Golden Rules to help you kick-start the day. If you want to eat with more wholesome ingredients this is a great place to start.

The Pattern Sourcebook: A Century of Surface Design - Drusilla Cole Synopsis: Over 350 images from the last 100 years are presented with informative captions, ordered aesthetically to create a pleasing visual impression whereby contemporary images are displayed next to historical images. The images are drawn from a wide variety of styles, art movements and countries of origin to give an overview of pattern design from the beginning of the last century to the present day.

Images include fabric designs and wallpaper patterns primarily, plus some ceramic and other decorative patterns where appropriate. http://www.laurenceking.com/en/the-pattern-sourcebook-a-centuryof-surface-design-1/ Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict In this fascinating book patterns are chosen from a number of sources, including the archives of colleges, museums and private collections.

International fashion houses and notable British designers such as Celia Birtwell and Zandra Rhodes have contributed images.

An introduction discusses the predominant key themes that are relevant to the subject of pattern design. This book is aimed at anyone with an interest in surface design and pattern, whether they are students, hobbyists or professionals.

The Sustainable Design Book - Rebecca Proctor Synopsis: The Sustainable Design Book updates the reader on the latest products and developments in the field of green design and features 265 of the most exciting new products around.

The Sustainable Design Book is an unbeatable resource for those aspiring to best practice within the field of sustainable design, as well as students of contemporary product design. Consumers looking for beautiful but environmentally conscious products and accessories will also find this an essential guide. http://www.laurenceking.com/en/the-sustainable-design-book/ Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Beginning with a chapter on sustainable materials, the book goes on to cover furniture, lighting, home accessories and personal accessories.

There are fascinating Q&As with leading designers who give insight into trends and key techniques used within the industry.

There are also useful icons which highlight each product’s sustainability credentials at a glance. Web addresses of designers and retailers make each product easy to source.

Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise Thich Nhat Hanh Synopsis: We can spend a lot of time looking for happiness when the world right around us is full of wonder. But our hearts and minds are so full of noise that we can’t always hear the call of life and love. To hear that call and respond to it, we need silence.

In his beautiful new book, Buddhist monk and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh explains how mindfulness is the practice that stops the noise inside.

With gentle anecdotes, simple Buddhist wisdom and practical exercises, he shows us how to live mindfully so that all the internal chatter ceases and we are left with the eloquent sound of silence. Now, at last, we can answer the call of the beauty around us ht t p: // w w w. r i d e r b o o k s .co. u k / b o o k s/d eta i l s . asp?e=9781846044342&t=Silence-The-Power-of-Quiet-in-a-World-Full-ofNoise Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict A beautiful inspirational book, designed to help the reader take time to reflect and to live mindfully. Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us how important silence really is.

‘Silence shows us how to anwer the call of beauty around us. Through silence, we are free to hear to see-and simply be’

Mindfulness at Work: Reduce stress, live in the moment, and be happier and more productive at work- Anna Black Synopsis Flourish in the workplace with mindfulness meditation. Workrelated stress is an all-too-common part of modern life. The rise of digital media means that many people never really “switch off” from work and the culture of presenteeism causes us to spend more time at work than ever before. Many workers spend a lot of time either ruminating on past work stress or worrying about future work-related problems. By applying the principles of mindfulness - an ancient Buddhist practice - to our working lives, we can become aware of our habitual negative thoughts and behaviours and learn to recognise and manage the warning signs of stress. ht t p:// w w w.a m a zo n.co.u k /M i n d f u l n es s - at-Wo r k- A n n a - B l a ck / d p / 17 8 2 4 916 94 / r e f = s r _ 1 _ 3 ? i e = U T F 8 & q i d =14114 7 8 8 0 2 & s r = 8 3&keywords=mindfulness+at+work Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This book is an inspiration! Packed full with activities Anna’s suggestions are applicable to both office-based workers and those who work from home and she covers a range of topics including working mindfully with others, paying mindful attention in meetings and using meditation to cope with stressful situations.

Dailygreatness Business Planner: An Actionable Plan for Expanding Your Mind & Exploding Your Business Synopsis : Dailygreatness, the unique and transformational series of journals which have changed the face of self-help since their launch in 2014, introduces a new concept designed to help entrepreneurial women take their business planning to the next level and ensure success.

“The most difficult thing for an entrepreneur is learning how to focus,” Palmer-Clarke explains. “Entrepreneurs are, by nature, creative and with creativity comes ideas – sometimes too many. Capitalising on those ideas takes knowing how to focus on what’s important, while ensuring limited resources and cash flow don’t get in the way of continuing to grow the business,” says Lyndelle.

“Designed for optimal focus, personal growth and organisation, the week-to-a-view pages will guide you in forming excellent thinking habits while taking action on your most important priorities. The weekly checkins, planners, budget worksheets and inspiration, keep you firmly on track with your goals, while the 90-Day high-level check-ins and challenges keep you committed, accountable and motivated,” Palmer-Clarke explains.

Designed, for on-the-go use, the planner is the size of an iPad, highly durable and a comfortable light weight. Its smooth matte finish makes it a pleasure to hold while its full-colour design inspires you to use it daily.

The Dailygreatness Business Planner: An Actionable Plan is available to buy for £34.95 at www.dailygreatness.co

Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This bright and sunny planner comes with the advantage of an undated yearly planner (you can start anytime), Each planner features: Week-to-a-View Pages, One Page Business Plan, Business Vision Planner, Comprehensive Goal Planning System Weekly, Quarterly and Yearly Check-Ins, 90 Day Business Challenges Weekly Priority Planners, Weekly Action Planners, Inspirational Quotes, Weekly and Quarterly Goal Planners, Finance Manager and Budget Worksheets.

There are very helpful weekly check-ins, and if you like to take time to plan and focus on your business goals you will find inspiration here!

Paris Style Guide - Elodie Rambaud A stylist’s guide to Paris’s best-kept secrets Synopsis: Paris Style Guide looks inside the address book of Paris-based freelance stylist Elodie Rambaud and invites you to share it with her.

With over 230 elite addresses, Paris Style Guide opens doors to Parisian workshops, boutiques and special stores - some off the beaten track, that only a professional stylist would know. http://w w w.amazon.co.uk /Par is- St yle - Guide - Elodie - Rambaud/ dp/1743364652 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict The book divides into ten chapters - ‘Contemporary Inspiration’, ‘Textiles’, ‘Nature and Botanicals’, ‘Art and Colour’, ‘Toolbox’, ‘Vintage’, ‘World Decor’, ‘Table’, ‘Accessories’ and a final chapter dedicated to kids’ style.

Also included are recommendations for hip cafes and wine bars, amazing patisseries and restaurants as well as some of the coolest hotels Paris has to offer. Plus there are maps of selected areas and an extra section dedicated to Saint Ouen Flea Market that will help you navigate it like a local.

We are all Made of Stars by Rowan Coleman Synopsis Do not miss me, because I will always be with you…I am the air, the moon, the stars. For we are all made of stars, my beloved... Wherever you look, I will be there.Stella Carey exists in a world of night. Married to a soldier who has returned from Afghanistan injured in body and mind, she leaves the house every evening as Vincent locks himself away, along with the secrets he brought home from the war.

During her nursing shifts, Stella writes letters for her patients to their loved ones - some full of humour, love and practical advice, others steeped in regret or pain – and promises to post these messages after their deaths.

Until one night Stella writes the letter that could give her patient one last chance at redemption, if she delivers it in time… http://www.eburypublishing.co.uk/editions/one-night/9780091951382 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict We loved The Memory Book and yet again this brilliantly talented writer delivers a magical book, that will capture you and stay with you long after you finish reading it.We Are All Made of Stars is an achingly beautiful, heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting book that is so very special. Very Highly Recommended!

ST MAWES RETREATS Boutique collection of private holiday houses sleeping 2 to 12 in unrivalled luxury in Cornwall on the idyllic Roseland peninsula. Our properties are ideal for 2 to 12 guests, couples looking for a relaxing holiday together or larger groups of families and friends gathering for a special occasion, reunion or holiday. Whether you are looking for a short weekend break of 3 nights, midweek break of 4 nights or a week or two week holiday we would be delighted to welcome you to St Mawes Retreats. http://www.stmawesretreats.co.uk/

Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Marlena de Blasi, Author of The Umbrian Thursday Night Supper Club for an exclusive interview What inspired you to become a writer?

Like the shape of one’s eyes or the slant of a cheek, I think storytelling is a birthright. After all these years of being asked this question and my fumbling way of answering it I find myself wishing I could tell you of some early and grand epiphany which led me to a writing life. But the truth is that I can’t remember not writing.

Birthing babies and mothering them, working, moving through the years, one engrossing situation leading to the next, there’s always been so much I wanted to save. And so I wrote it down. And, after all this time, still I’m writing it down, saving the things I want to lock in, the things I want to keep safe for you.

I don’t think a person can be instructed to write. Rather one can embrace devices and contrivances proposed in a classroom or gleaned from a book and thus assume the guise -- inevitably thin -- of a writer. But one can’t become a writer by willing it.

If you could only choose one, which would it be cooking, or writing, and why?

A sort of Sophie’s Choice question, this. The passion for one feeds the passion for the other in me so that the two have long been inextricably woven. No matter which I might choose, the other would be there.

People are often intrigued about the life of an author, can you give us some insight into what its really like?

Writing is not a job, less is it a career. I’m never not writing. Even, let’s say, if I’ve not touched paper and pen or a computer for two weeks, I’ve never stopped writing so that when I do sit to work, all that’s been stored is there waiting. A grand exhileration.

But a writer’s life is not for the faint-hearted. Once the author tour is over, once one has read the day’s affirmations of faith from readers, there is solitude, loneliness, isolation. A writer wants courage. Maybe courage is a writer’s greatest resource. I think it is. Everything worth writing and saying and reading and doing comes from courage.

You have travelled to many places, do you have a favourite location?

Venice is my city. Until I get to Paris. Until I’m wandering in an October twilight along Brittany’s Cote di Granit Rose. Until…...

Do your have plans for future books?

Oh, yes.

From all your recipes what would make a perfect evening meal?

Much would depend on the season and, at least as much, on who would be my guests. It’s always mattered less to me what was on the table than who was on the chairs. I’m in my glory during the vendemmia -- the harvesting of the grapes -- and during the raccolta -- the gathering of the olives. So I’ll choose a supper which celebrates both moments.

INTERVIEW

I’d begin with rosemary perfumed flatbreads laid with sugar-crusted, black-peppered wine grapes. I tell the story of the bread in the text. This is a truly luscious bread and, especially so, when set down with a great wooden board of rosy curls of prosciutto and a fine thick wedge of Gorgonzola.

The grapes will have swelled to bursting in the oven so that each bite of the bread fills the mouth with their warm juices which, in turn, mingle with the salty creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the prosciutto.

Next, I’d be torn between serving the somewhat exotic Red-Wine Braised Pasta with Shavings of 99% Cacao Chocolate (recipe in the text) and a great pot of luscious just-picked borlotti beans braised in sage-perfumed oil and white wine. I don’t think there’s a recipe per se for the borlotti (cranberry) beans in the text but the method is simple….in a good heavy pot over a quiet flame, heat a smear of garlic, (four fat very fresh, very firm cloves), six ounces of minced pancetta, a fistful of fresh sage leaves -- torn rather than chopped -- with a generous dose of oil. Rub two or three tiny hot dried red peppers over the pot and let all the elements wallow about for 15 minutes or so, taking care not to let the garlic color.

Leave the flame quiet. Add two pounds of podded beans and stir them about in the scented oil until they glisten. Add sea salt. Turning up the flame then, add half a bottle of honorable and very dry white wine and allow the liquid to reduce for a few moments. Add water to barely cover the mass. With the lid askew, cook the beans until tender and much of the liquid has reduced. Gloss the beans with another dose of oil, adjust the sea salt and add two teaspoons of the best quality red wine vinegar. Stir well, replace the lid and allow the beans to rest for a few hours or, better, overnight. I’d serve the beans barely tepid and still in the terracotta pot I’d cooked them in, ladling them into deep soup plates and passing a flask of the new oil and thick trenchers of wood-roasted bread.

Just before we sat down to the grape breads and the cheese and the prosciutto, I would have begun panroasting some fresh butcher sausages which I’d earlier poached in water just long enough to firm them. The well-drained and poached sausages cook nicely in about a ½” of red wine, absorbing it and taking on a lovely burnt umber sort of color. But that’s not the only wine the sausages are going to drink in.

Have at the ready a pot in which you’ve reduced a bottle of good red wine by ½ its volume. (this amount of wine is sufficient for 1 pound of sausages). Once the sausages are nearly cooked, add the reduced wine and raise the flame to further distill the wine. Roll the sausages about in the wine and allow them to finish cooking.

They will take on an irresistible dark mahagony gloss. Remove the sausages to a warmed plate and, if you have it, add 1 teaspoon of true balsamic vinegar (if you use industrial vinegar you risk spoiling the dish) to the pan juices. If the vinegar is not available, mix 1 ½ tsp. of dark brown sugar with 2 tsp. of the finest red wine vinegar and stir it in to the juices. Heat for 30 seconds and pour the sauce over the sausages. Serve these beauties on warmed plates with nothing more than a few roasted potatoes.

I would serve a fine pasto -- an ending to the meal -- rather than a sweet, something that would be in harmony with what had come before it so that the supper would be round and complete, all of a piece. This idea of following a ‘conducting thread’ through a meal is much explored in the text. I would serve something with chestnuts.

Maybe just roasted in the oven or over the hot embers of the hearth, either way dosing them with red wine every once in a while as they cook. Those and little espresso cups of ricotta threaded with chestnut honey. Tiny glasses of moscato or any late-harvest ambered wine. http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/editions/the-umbrian-thursday-night-supperclub/9780091954307

Picture credit of Marlena De Blasi by Fernando de Blasi

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