i-on magazine | January 2018

WIN A HOLLAND COOPER BLAZER And overnight stay at Monachyle Mhor NEXT LEVEL FITNESS Hit your wellbeing goals WRAP UP Discover the world’s best cashmere

EDINBURGH | GL A SGOW

START AFRESH Make 2018 your best year yet

Contents

Issue 144 / January 2018

48

REGULARS

10 We Can’t Wait to…

This month’s unmissable events 12 Win… A Holland Cooper blazer and stay at Monachyle Mhor 14 The Lifestyle Edit Local news in Edinburgh and Glasgow 80 Take to the Streets Your 2018 resolutions 82 A Day in the Life of…

Barry Bryson, private chef

FEATURES

32 Land of Luxury The opulence of Scottish cashmere 38 Designer Interior Purchases Your gateway home décor purchases 48 Next Level Fitness New approaches to your wellbeing

I-ON EVENTS

22 On Sale Now Preview evening at Fazenda and wine

tasting at Toast 24 We Were There Epicurean’s 1st birthday

TRAVEL

43 A Tale of Two Cities Historic Hotels in London and Edinburgh

BEAUTY

60 The Age of Beauty Skincare to help you grow older gracefully 64 How to Change Your Life in 40 Minutes Latest products, treatments and reviews

CULTURE

66 Music Preview 2018 Highlights for the year ahead

FOOD & DRINK

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74 More Than a Fry Up Breakfast with a difference in Edinburgh and Glasgow 78 Middle Eastern Promise Bowled over at Baba

INTRODUCTION

I-ON THIS MONTH

Cover by Lynsey Jean Henderson, LJH Studios

Happy New Year to you! Now that our Hogmanay hangovers are behind us, we can embrace January and the new beginnings it brings. I resolutely haven’t made any resolutions this year, other than to stay happy, healthy and well. If I try to commit to anything strict my brain wants to do the opposite, so little changes are the way forward for me. But if you’re in the market for a major health change, check out our feature on taking things up a notch (p48) – maybe a triathlon or climbing a mountain can be your personal goal this year.

If you’re more inclined to be warm and cosy than clad in outdoor gear, our guide to what makes Scottish cashmere so desirable (p32) shows why you should be investing in at least one piece to keep you warm for winters to come.

Speaking of looking good, this month’s giveaway is a women’s blazer from new kids on the Multrees Walk, Holland Cooper, and they’ve thrown in an overnight stay for two people at Monachyle Mhor too, a stylish Highland lochside hotel (p12). Sounds good to me. Congratulations to last month’s competition winner Marguerite Reid, who has a tasting menu for four people to look forward to at Bistro Deluxe by Paul Tamburrini.

Part of my quest to stay well this year is to take more care of myself, and my skin in particular. Having recently left my thirties (cough…), I’m in the market for treatments

ionedinburgh

ion_magazine

ion_magazine

Laura (acting editor!) and Jo (co-director)

and products to support my quest to age with grace – see our recommendations on page 60 if you’re looking to do the same.

And finally, in a bid to keep the happy box ticked, I’m determined to take in more live events and music in 2018. Our round up of this year’s must-do events (p66) will make sure you don’t miss out.

And there was me saying I’d made no resolutions. See? Failed already.

Until next month, enjoy i-on

ion_magazine

i_online

Published by Treacle Productions Ltd, Suite 9, 2 Commercial Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH6 6JA Tel: +44 (0)131 555 4126, Email info@ionmagazine.co.uk, ionmagazine.co.uk, ionmembersclub.com Directors Laura Cully, Jo Morris, Creative Director Paul Dickson, Editor Nicky Howden, Contributing Editor Carine Seitz, Editorial Intern Charlotte Hulme, Holly Tracey Digital Content Executive Lucy Cruickshank, Account Director Amy Falconer, Finance Manager Michelle Clancy, Business Development Manager Amanda Southey, Head of Photography Susie Lowe, Contributors Georgia Black, Damon Deville, Sarah Howden, Emma MacKenzie, Tracy McCallum, Carrie Mitchell, Emily Murray, Sarah Ormerod, David Pollock, Jess Shurte, Cat Thomson, Leila Williams All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices correct at time of going to press but are subject to change. i-on magazine cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The views and opinions by contributors in this magazine may not represent the views of the publishers. i-on magazine takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication. i-on is a trademark of Treacle Productions. ©Treacle Productions Ltd 2018.

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FEATURES

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ILLUSTRATION

COVER STAR Meet Lynsey Jean Henderson of LJH Studio, the creative brain behind our January cover

What was it like to do the cover for i-on? It was a real honour to create a unique piece of art that welcomes the folk of Edinburgh and Glasgow into 2018. New year represents a fresh and happy new beginning, and nothing quite says ‘happy’ more than a splash of colour and a big smile.

What’s the favourite part of your job? I love working as part of a team.

When I am working on artwork and murals in a venue it can be hard graft and I can be on site for 10 hours every day, but the camaraderie and giggles you get from working in a tight team is priceless. I couldn’t do it without the folk around me.

Your best job to date? It has to be the Boozy Cow bars; being able to create a totally bonkers artwork scheme and to be trusted with free reign to create murals and pieces of art for the bars was pretty awesome. If you could tell my 20-year-old self this is what she would be doing at 34, she would not believe you. It’s a dream come true to do what I love as my job and I feel incredibly blessed. lynseyjean-henderson.squarespace.com, lynsey@lynseyjeanhenderson.com

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photos by Zoe Stewart Photograph y

What will be your big life achievements in 2018? Finding balance; it’s easy to get lost in work and the stresses and strains of life. It’s my goal to make 2018 all about joy. I’m desperate to spend more time with my mum, too. She recently fought and won the battle against breast cancer and I’m really proud of how she managed the whole experience. We plan on having as much fun in 2018 as we can.

House of Fraser 45 Buchanan Street, Glasgow 0141 221 3880 xt 3102 www.ChesterBarrie.co.uk

WE CAN’T WAIT TO… The i-on team shares their must-dos this month

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…dust off my dancing shoes “I love Scottish Cinema, I love Glasgow, and I love cheesy music; so Glasgow Film Festival’s special screening of Gregory’s Girl at SWG followed by the ultimate 80s v 90s school disco is a no-brainer must-do for me. Tickets have been on sale since 20 December so grab yours while you still can – I’ve got mine!.” More special events are to be announced along with the full festival programme on 24 January. glasgowfilm.org/festival Laura Cully, Director

2 …plan a wedding “I’m getting married in July and so far have organised… well, nothing. I’ve been telling myself I’ve got ages yet and now suddenly it’s happening this year. Thank goodness then, for the Edinburgh Wedding Exhibition taking place at Murrayfield Stadium on 27-28 January. With exhibitors covering everything from the dress to the cake to the band, I’m hoping to go and have everything nailed down in a day.

Or we’ll elope.” edinburghweddingexhibition.co.uk Lucy Cruickshank, Digital Content Executive

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…combat the January blues “January can be a bit depressing after all the festivities in December, so I like to take in a bit of comedy to perk me up. Chris Rock is bringing The Total Blackout Tour to Glasgow in his first UK tour in 10 years, so I bought tickets as soon as I found out. It’s been getting rave reviews so far – so I’m looking forward to a night of laughs.” 24 January at Glasgow SSE Hydro. Tickets at ticketmaster.co.uk.

Paul Dickson, Creative Director

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NEWS

Going Up PORRIDGE There are new porridge-themed trips in Scotland for enthusiasts to indulge their love of oats and eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Seems Goldilocks was onto something. visitscotland.com

4 …have an art attack “I love all things fashion, textiles and interiors, so I’m really looking forward to Artist Textiles - Picasso to Warhol, an exhibition from London’s Fashion & Textile Museum, taking place at New Lanark World Heritage Site. The exhibition shows how ordinary people have been able to engage with modern art through their choice of clothing and home furnishings, and features over 200 rare pieces from artists including Andy Warhol, Barbara Hepworth, Salvador Dalí and some of iconic British designer Zandra Rhodes’ personal collection.”

26 January-29 April, tickets from newlanark.org.

Carine Seitz, Contributing Editor

5 ...get moving “Yes I know, ‘do more exercise’ is a massively clichéd New Year resolution, but I’m determined to give this fitness thing a whirl (even if it only lasts a month). I’m getting my trainers on for the Simplyhealth Great Edinburgh Winter Run on 13 January – it’s 5k around the scenic Holyrood Park.

And at the finish line there’s an event village packed with food stalls… well you didn’t think I was doing it for the fun of it did you?” Enter for £21 at greatrun.org.

Michelle Clancy, Finance Manager

CASH IN THE ATTIC If you’ve got a dusty old box of books in the loft, you’d do well to have a rummage – a hardback 1997 first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone could fetch £50,000 at auction, while a first edition of The Hobbit could bag you £40,000. Now that really would be a happy new year.

THAT WEDDING Oh yes, we did go there. Love them or loathe them, you can’t deny that a right royal wedding is a little bit exciting. Even if it just means we might get a day off work.

Barometer Going Down NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS You get yourself all revved up for the thing; on 01 January you throw yourself into the thing with gusto; by 08 January you hate the thing; and by week two you’ve given up on the thing, filling yourself with self loathing and feeling like a proper loser. Don’t do it to yourself.

MIXED MESSAGES The fitness industry has been preaching HIIT (high intensity interval training) for months and now the newest craze is LIIT. Yep, low intensity interval training.

So instead of going hell-for-leather for short bursts, you should walk for long periods. We’re confused.

PURPLE HAZE Pantone have announced that 2018’s colour of the year will be Ultra Violet – basically, purple. We’re not fans at i-on HQ. But maybe we can be convinced.

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I-ON PRIZES

WIN A HOLLAND COOPER WOMEN’S BLAZER AND A STAY AT MONACHYLE MHOR

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he recently opened Holland Cooper store on Multrees Walk is the first in Scotland and is a brand new venture from Scottish entrepreneur Nadia Cunningham, who lives in Perth with her two young daughters and fiancé, Murray Alexander. The Edinburgh store offers a sophisticated ready-to-wear collection for men, women and children, including luxury outerwear, tailoring and accessories, all beautifully designed and using premium fabrics, ranging from the finest leather and suede, to handwoven Scottish tweeds and wool. The tweeds have been expertly woven in mills with a 200-year history, while every item of tweed clothing has been hand cut and made in Great Britain.

Holland Cooper’s first standalone store is at 10 Multrees Walk, EH1 3DQ, Tel: 0131 556 0988. hollandcooper.com

THE PRIZE To celebrate the launch of its flagship store in Scotland, Holland Cooper Edinburgh is offering i-on readers the chance to win a Holland Cooper women’s Knightsbridge blazer in navy and a one-night stay for two at boutique hotel, Monachyle Mhor, in Perthshire. The coat is hand cut and made in the UK, with a beautiful three-quarter length fitted style. The overnight stay includes dinner and breakfast. Dates will be subject to availability.

TO ENTER For a chance to win, visit ionmagazine.co.uk by noon on Friday 19 January and leave your details. The winner will be notified by email and announced in the February issue of i-on.

For more exclusive prizes subscribe to the i-on weekly newsletter at ionmagazine.co.uk.

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PERsonaLisEd HoLidays tailor-made for you

Travel in style, relax in luxury

Fly direct from Edinburgh to Valencia, Lisbon, Porto, Malaga & Palma

www.jimmymartintravel.com 94 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, Lothian EH14 1HH

To book your Classic Collection Holiday

Call 0131 343 1800

EDINBURGH_lifestyle

EDINBURGH WELL, WELL, WELL… If, like us, you’re starting 2018 with good intentions, the Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival at the Assembly Rooms on 27 and 28 January is the hot ticket you need to know about. The weekend will be dedicated to health, fitness and wellness with a programme of yoga classes and meditation sessions. There will also be a series of talks and workshops on nutrition and mindfulness held by some of the biggest names in the business from best-selling author Jasmine Hemsley (of the Hemsley sisters) to Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge (pictured), internationally renowned yoga teacher Finlay Wilson and presenter of BBC1’s Doctor in the House, Dr Rangan Chatterjee, amongst others.

Tickets for individual events and classes are priced from £12. For more info visit edinburghwellbeingfestival.com.

THE SOUND OF SAIGON

photo by Cameron Mac

kintosh

The unstoppable force that is Cameron Mackintosh is back with a new production of Miss Saigon, whirling into Festival Theatre from 17 January until 17 February. Mackintosh has produced three world-renowned musicals that have become the longestrunning of all time – Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera and Cats. This revamp of the war romance will capture our hearts all over again. For tickets, Tel: 0131 529 6000 or visit edtheatres.com/misssaigon.

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(WATER OF) LIFE LESSONS Once Upon a Whisky tours are inviting devotees of the national drink to explore various lesser-exposed nooks and crannies in the city, every day from 11 January to 28 April. You’ll be taken to four hidden bars during the New Town tour, learning about the best single malts, flavours and regions along the way. Tickets cost £57 per person on Tel: 07504744205 or onceuponawhisky.co.uk.

PASS THE KEYS

Increase rental earnings with short-terms lets

HOME OF HOT YOGA

Special offer 3 classes just £25

L

andlords with properties in sought-after Edinburgh and Glasgow city centre locations can earn 50-100% more when renting on a short-term basis to holidaymakers and visitors, than to long-term tenants.

Short let is increasingly popular among families and couples looking for a personal experience and business travellers who prefer the home-from-home approach to a hotel stay. Whilst the property may not have a permanent tenant in place, holiday homes command significantly higher rates during high season, making up for empty spells between rentals. Even then, short-let properties in central Edinburgh and Glasgow have an annual occupancy of 70% and 65% respectively.

But what about the extra costs and work involved in short-term rental? The simple answer is that there doesn’t need to be any additional work, nor a significant loss in earnings, for owners at all.

Pass the Keys offers full property management for Airbnb hosts in Edinburgh and Glasgow at a charge of only 13%-16% (on a par with long term rentals but with a more active role in your property management) – removing the hassle, and keeping the revenue from your property in your own pocket.

Included in Pass the Keys management services are: xx Listing and advertising xx Guest screening and communication xx 24/7 key exchange and check-in xx Professional cleaning xx Clean linen, towels and toiletries xx 24/7 Guest support …leaving you to get on with life, earn some extra cash and create a great experience for your guests.

Call Pass the Keys on 0208 050 2818 to find out how much your property could be earning.

Hot yoga is practised in a heated studio to enable better stretching. Our studio is warm during the day and hot during the evening.

Hot yoga Edinburgh offers a range of yoga styles from relaxing yin to dynamic vinyasa.

All levels welcome.

2 Ladyfield, Edinburgh EH3 8EZ tel. 07387 865064 / 0131 452 8470 hotyogaedinburgh.com

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EDINBURGH_lifestyle

On the food radar The antithesis of a no carbs January, Holly Tracey goes for full-on comfort with ‘won’t-break-the-bank-either’ pizza

VAPIANO

The Italian restaurant chain recently opened its first branch in Scotland just off St Andrew Square and it’s a goodie. All the pasta, pizza and salads are freshly prepared in-house. Diners can order at the individual stations then watch as their dish is cooked to perfection in front of them. Great news for those in the West too, Vapiano is due to open on Buchanan Street early 2018. vapiano.com

LA FAVORITA

They’ve been dishing up some of the best pizza in town for more than 10 years and were the first to shout about thin crusts and log fired ovens. The pizzas never disappoint and

Civerinos Slice @pizza

will taste even better with 50% off your entire food bill this month, from 08 – 26 January. Just quote JS18 on reservation, online bookings only. Simple as that. vittoriagroup.co.uk/lafavorita

@PIZZA

We’re loving everything we hear about new kid on the block @pizza.

Design your slice as you like for no extra charge? Check. All pizzas are a flat rate £9.50. Cooked and ready to eat in a mind-boggling 90 seconds?

Check. Names like ‘At Tiffany’s’, ‘Boombastic’ and ‘Heartbreaker’ on their classic designs? Check. Sign us up. Charlotte Lane, EH2 4QZ

CIVERINOS SLICE

Everyone’s favourite neighbourhood hangout is doing the mother of all deals with unlimited slices and a beer for just £10 every Monday to Wednesday, 9 – 11pm. Round up some pals and fill your boots. civerinosslice.com

GUSTO

La Favorita

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Who says going out is only for December? Not us. And certainly not the guys over at Gusto where the pizza is big, plentiful and pretty special, and costs 50% less during January. Gustorestaurants.uk.com

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Create your perfect space

2017 NEFF showroom of the year

free Franke boiling tap with all kitchens ordered in January*

2014 kitchen designer of the year

2016 UK bathroom designer of the year

the place for kitchens

0131 337 2579 51-57 dalry road, edinburgh, eh11 2bx

www.developmentdirect.co.uk *Subject to terms and conditions

Loake Shoemakers Edinburgh A service that is second to none

18A Frederick Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HB Tel: 03301 592642

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lifestyle_EDINBURGH

Dinner TIME

Whoever said that January was a month for frugality and lean living clearly never heard of the exclusive offers at Dine. The award-winning brasserie and cocktail lounge is offering a three course meal plus a glass of Prosecco for just £39.50 per couple. That’s £19.75 each – deal. 10 Cambridge St, Above the Traverse Theatre, EH1 2ED. Tel: 0131 218 1818.

REAL ACTION FILMS

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will sweep your mind to extremes, with films depicting extraordinary levels of tight-rope walking, sledging, skiing and more. The footage, which can be viewed on 13 January at the Festival Theatre, is split into a red programme and a blue programme with the aim to transport you through the journeys of some of the world’s most daring adventurers. Highlights include a madcap group of French free fall flyers as they perform an aerial stunt of a lifetime in Give me Five and four Yorkshire mums taking on the gruelling Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Tickets cost £15.50, banff-uk.com

ADDRESSING THE HAGGIS

The Dunstane Houses is hosting a Burns Night that the poet himself would be proud of. The ticket price includes a whisky cocktail on arrival, cullen skink starter and the traditional Address to a Haggis and toast. There’ll be neeps, tatties, cranachan and Scottish cheeses, and even a spot of live folk music. There may also be a slightly sore head the next morning – it’s what Rabbie would have wanted. The supper takes place on Friday 26 January and tickets are £45pp, or luxury stay and Burns party from £105pp. thedunstane.com

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EDINBURGH_lifestyle

How did you end up launching PeatReekers? I founded a whisky subscription company in 2015 that aimed to break down some of the barriers that can make whisky an intimidating drink. I built the company to a point where I met with an investor and he asked me if I had any plans to launch my own whisky… the rest is history.

Calum Leslie’s

Edinburgh The founder of PeatReekers on Scottish rugby, his ‘zen’ place and what makes Edinburgh home

How long have you lived in Edinburgh? I’ve lived here for most of my life. I moved away to study in Austin, Texas, and spent some time in London and Glasgow but Edinburgh has always been home. I moved back last year and now live in Fairmilehead. I grew up in this side of the city and I guess you become accustomed to what you know.

Edinburgh’s best bits

Describe a typical day: PeatReekers has just launched so I spend a lot of my time speaking to people about the brand. Our first product, Double Standard, is an Islay blended malt that focuses on channelling the spirit of 1725; a time of riots, rebellion and illicit whisky. There’s always a few interesting questions and conversations to be had.

Sum up Edinburgh in three words: Active, cosy, beautiful.

Best and worst things about the city?

I think that Edinburgh is the best place in the world during the Fringe Festival in August. The worst thing, without a doubt, is the weather. Although they say that “today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky”, so it may not be all bad.

In your opinion where’s the city’s most vibrant area? Pre and post a Scotland Rugby match at Murrayfield. You can’t beat the vibe, especially when Scotland wins.

Where do you go for a quick escape?

The top of Blackford Hill. There’s a rock formation opposite the cairn that looks over the Hermitage. I like to run from my place to the top and sit around there for a while.

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Date Heads & Tales (make your own cocktail) Dinner with pals Mexican at Miros Coffee Indigo Yard Posh nosh Gaucho Cocktails Bramble

p/SRU

©SNS Grou

lifestyle_EDINBURGH

The early bird does catch the worm...

We know it’s only January but this is the best time to secure a great Festival let.

“ I returned home delighted to find the condition so good. It had clearly been treated well by the guest and the cleaning had been done to a standard I’d struggle to match, thank you. I look forward to renting the property out with your help in the future.”

Jaap - Owner, December 17

#weknowedinburgh | w w w.dickins.co.uk | 0131 558 110 8 21

I-ON EVENTS

EXCLUSIVE I-ON PREVIEW NIGHT AT FAZENDA

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e’re all in a tizz over the February opening of Fazenda on George Street – and lucky i-on readers ar going to be the first to sample their wares at an exclusive preview night.

Inspired by the authentic churrascarias of Brazil where beef is slowly grilled over hot coals and then carved at the table, Fazenda offers a continuous tableside service of chicken and lamb, pork and beef prime cuts – including Fazenda’s signature Picanha cut, a juicy, tender and flavourful cap of rump popular in Brazil – alongside a gourmet salad bar with hot and cold dishes, salads, cured meats, continental cheese, sushi, some traditional dishes like Brazilian feijoada, all for a set price.

Diners eat at your own pace, with a start/ stop signalling system on every table – green tells the chefs to bring out skewers of exceptionally well-cooked meats one by one, while red indicates a resting point – allowing you to take your time and enjoy your meal.

As you’d expect, the wine list is extensive and comprises both new and old world, plus a special selection of South American premium and aged wines. Fazenda is a class act, with luxurious furnishings, knowledgeable staff, and a sense of refinement.

ON SALE NOW

You are invited to preview the Fazenda experience in an exclusive event for i-on readers on Wednesday 21 February.

Ticket includes: xx xx xx xx

A glass of sparkling wine on arrival Gourmet side bar Grilled meats A reserved table

£22 per person (normally £42) £32 per person with wine (normally £52) Buy tickets from ion.ticketbud.com 102 George St, EH2 3DF, fazenda.co.uk

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FEATURES

EXCLUSIVE I-ON READER OFFER

20% off Innovative Leadership for Women course

ON SALE NOW Simone Hart Sibbald

I-ON EVENTS

EXCLUSIVE WINE TASTING AT TOAST Toast is an i-on favourite; we like it for its great coffee, cakes and wine, served with a smile and a relaxed vibe. Located on the Shore is Leith’s first wine café, serving simple yet imaginative food (think Ottolenghi style) alongside a carefully curated, predominantly, biodynamic, organic and natural wine list. i-on is proud to bring you the first i-on @ Toast event; a blind tasting of four wines alongside tasting platters of chef Lizzie’s Arber’s Mediterranean-influenced menu (with vegetarian options available). xx xx xx xx

Date: Thursday 25 January 2018 Time: 7-9pm Price: £25 Offering: Prosecco on arrival, four glasses of different wines and generous Mediterranean sharing platters.

W

hen you need to stop and take a good look at getting the absolute best out of your career, Creative Leadership for Women, Steer Your Career is the ideal course for you. The innovative twoday leadership course, run by a team of experienced coaches, focuses on leadership skills, confidence and personal development with practical workshops in a small and collaborative group, which help to define your online personal brand, visualise your career and build your self-confidence.

“I was caught up in the daily grind of running a business. This program focused on me and my goals, instead of my business, for a change. I was able to realign my thinking and refocus on the why…why am I running this company, why am I making these sacrifices? I’d strongly recommend it to anyone unsure of their next steps.” Simone Hart Sibbald, managing director.

The next course runs on 10 February and 10 March 2018 in Edinburgh and i-on readers can save 20% on a two day course, reducing it from £400 to £320.

For more information and to secure your place plus a 20% discount, RSVP at ion.ticketbud.com

Tickets on sale at ion.ticketbud.com

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FEATURES

I-ON EVENTS

Epicurean’s 1st Birthday The G&V Royal Mile hotel’s award-winning bar, Epicurean, celebrated its first birthday in style, with a packed-out room of i-on readers as guests. The night, set to a DJ soundtrack, flowed with fizz, exclusive birthday cocktails from Daffy’s Gin, and a 20% discount to indulge in the bar’s stand-out cocktail menu of botanical European blends, made with fresh ingredients from the Evogro hydroponic and honey from the hotel’s rooftop bees. A great way to celebrate turning one.

photos by Jess Shurte

WE WERE THERE

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GLASGOW_lifestyle

Kelly Conway’s

Glasgow

Anything you’d change about the city? A better transport link between the areas, I love hanging out southside but it seems to take forever to get there from the east. Ideally, we could have another subway route which would link more places up.

The organiser of the monthly Glasgow Markets at BAaD on the East End, market traders and falling in love with the city

What made you move to Glasgow? I moved here from London two years ago. I visited for the weekend and fell in love with the city so moved up the following month. I live in the Barras Market, in one of the few residential buildings inside the famous Barras Signs. There is a great sense of community and history in the Barras and an eclectic mix of people.

I am really excited to follow the future of this area and see people spending Sundays ‘down the barras’ again.

How did you get into setting up the Vintage and Flea market? My grandparents were antiques dealers, as was my mum, so I have been pretty much selling antiques since I was four years old. I previously worked in marketing and events for bars and restaurants, so I decided to combine my experience of both and create an Antiques, Vintage and Flea market which offers a modern customer experience. I am very grateful to Glasgow for the brilliant response to the market - they love it!

Where in or around the city do you go for a quick escape? I love an old man’s pub and we have plenty around the Barras - it’s a great place to grab a quick pint and catch up with your thoughts or the Hielan Jessie karaoke Fridays are a must.

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And something that deserves a shout out? The small businesses, sole traders, market traders and creative individuals. It’s a city where creativity is encouraged and celebrated but it can be hard work - so shout out to all of you - you’re all doing a great job!

Glasgow’s best bits

Any new projects in the pipeline? I plan to expand the markets to new venues across Glasgow in 2018 and I’ll also be launching VAST Glasgow.

It’s an online service which celebrates the city as well as giving people access to a curated guide to events. It came as a reaction to wonderful things that happen in the city but I kept finding out about them the day after they happened.

Describe Glasgow in three words: Creative, encouraging, lively.

Date Mora in Finnieston Dinner with pals A’Challtainn at BAaD Coffee Trans-Europe Café Walk Glasgow Green Posh nosh Bilson Eleven Cocktails Kelvingrove Cafe Burgers Saint Luke’s

theglasgowmarkets.com

A’Challtainn

UP TO 15% OFF

DESIGN SALE

YOUR SPACE. YOUR SALE. For a limited time only.

BOOK YOUR FREE INTERIOR DESIGNER | boconcept.co.uk BoConcept Glasgow, 257 Sauchiehall Street, 0141 341 4920 BoConcept Edinburgh, 19B Rose Street, 0131 226 6367

GLASGOW_lifestyle

GLASGOW TAKE THREE places for healthy eats

A CRACKING NIGHT

See Scottish Ballet perform the most beloved of classics, The Nutcracker, as part of its UK tour at Theatre Royal from 04 to 13 January. Renowned for its sumptuous costumes, striking chocolate box set and snowflakes galore, Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score is performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. There won’t be a dry eye in the house. scottishballet.co.uk

THE HIGH LIFE

Check out Avo Avo, Glasgow’s first avocado restaurant on Argyle Street where all the dishes are avo based, naturally. Thought you’d exhausted all the ways to eat avocado in 2017? Think again. avoavo.co.uk Be spoilt for choice at Stereo on Renfield Lane. With a gourmet haggis and balsamic onion pizza and (Jack)fish and chips on the table, you won’t believe the menu is 100 per cent vegan. stereocafebar.com (Health) kick-start your day at Serenity Now, the latest café to arrive on Great Western Road, serving up plant-based breakfast, brunch, lunch, juices and baked goods. The menu changes weekly offering the perfect excuse to go again and again. serenitynowcafe.com

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Oh so Marbella darling… just the way we like it (well, sometimes), VIPS arrive via lift at the new Sky Bar on Merchant Square. A special place serving premium brands, you can expect first-class cocktails to go with a first-class view.

For reservations, contact bookings@skybaruk.com

CoLab Store

A creatively driven concept and lifestyle space with in-house coffee shop located in the heart of Glasgow’s Partick 11-13 Dowanhill Street, Glasgow G11 5QS @colabstoreglasgow /colabstoreglasgow www.colabstore.co.uk Brands include: Freitag / Triumph & Disaster / Han Kjobenhavn / Urban Apothecary / House Doctor / L:A Bruket

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GLASGOW_lifestyle

I-ON LOVES…

…arm candy. We are of course talking bags, but just not the kind with a £1000 price tag. Freitag, from graphic designers Markus and Daniel Freitag, is a range of functional, robust and water-repellent bags and accessories made from used truck tarpaulins, discarded bicycle inner tubes and car seat belts (did we mention how durable they are?), making each piece recycled and unique. Glasgow’s CoLab Store is Scotland’s exclusive stockist of the Freitag brand, with a range available to buy in store from 11-13 Downahill St, G11 5QX, Tel: 07554 884 707, colabstore.co.uk.

BEST FOOT FORWARD

We were super excited to hear about the opening of Margaret Dabbs first standalone clinic in Bothwell Street last month. For the uninitiated, Margaret Dabbs is also known as the Queen of Feet, and her medi pedi signature treatment fuses beauty and health for feet that look and feel 10 years younger. margaretdabbs.co.uk

ON SALE NOW You’ve gotta love a show that combines the musical genius of Sting and the raw talent and likeability factor of actor/singer Jimmy Nail. The acclaimed The Last Ship musical, with lyrics by Sting, sails into the Theatre Royal from 18 to 23 June, to tell the story of a community amid the demise of the shipbuilding industry in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, with the closure of the town’s Swan Hunter shipyard. Tickets cost £17.90£49.40, atgtickets.com/Glasgow

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Corum West End 82 Hyndland Road, Glasgow G12 9UT

the best sellers

LAND OF

LUXURY

Opulently soft, lightweight and warm, Holly Tracey asks what makes Scottish cashmere so special - and discovers three good reasons 32

FEATURES

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ashmere has long-been the coveted item of the winter season and, despite the fast-paced nature of the fashion industry, its enduring appeal never fades.

No other fibre provides the same degree of comfort, warmth and versatility and the beauty of a cashmere garment is that when purchased, it will only improve with age and wear. But why buy Scottish?

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THE WATER Manufacturers of some of the finest yarns in the country, Todd & Duncan say the secret to creating the softest cashmere is the pure and soft water - void of chemical treatment - they use to dye the fibre, sourced from Loch Leven. The company has been manufacturing yarn from its mill at Kinross since 1906 and provides the colour palette and some of the finest raw materials to the catwalk of one of the world’s leading design houses. (To get your hands on the super soft yarns, the mill also sells its own brand cashmere under the name of Cashmere at Loch Leven, at its retail space on Kinross High Street).

Johnstons of Elgin

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THE QUALITY The high price point of luxury cashmere is reflective of its scarcity and costly production process. Increasingly vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change, growers are forced to increase the size of their herds to keep up with market demand and counteract the drop in quality brought on by undernourishment. In recent years the high fashion industry has taken tangible steps towards embracing sustainability and putting an end to this harmful cycle. Johnstons of Elgin was at the forefront of this movement in 2015 as one of the three founding members of the Sustainable Fibre Alliance, establishing the first Sustainable Cashmere Standard, calling for selective breeding programs and the protection of herding communities and their supply chains. Belinda Dickson, Scottish designer and creative director of the Belinda Robertson brand, wants to move people away from the ‘throwaway fashion’ trend and encourage customers to buy less but better:

“FOR ME IT’S JUST A NO BRAINER, WHY WOULD I EVER LOOK TO ASIA OR EASTERN EUROPE FOR PRODUCTION WHEN WE HAVE THE SKILLS RIGHT HERE ON OUR DOORSTEP?” Rosie Sugden

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FEATURES

Todd & Duncan

“We have created our own cashmere circle of life so should your jumpers be beyond repair, we take them and upcycle them into beautiful recycled accessories.”

Edinburgh-based knitwear designer Rosie Sugden says: “My customers come to me not only for certain designs but because they know the products have been made in a sustainable environment. For me, it’s about ensuring customers understand that cashmere is an expensive commodity and just because you can buy a cashmere jumper on the high street for £37 doesn’t mean that is the going rate; it won’t be good quality, and it won’t have been sourced sustainably or been made in a viable environment.” And this attitude certainly seems to

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resonate with Sugden’s fanbase, drawing admirers from both here and across the pond. On her career highlight: “Seeing Beyoncé wearing my handknitted cashmere turban was pretty cool! It was my first ever design and there wasn’t anything on the market like it so it’s how my business was born.”

Lisa Cameron-Taylor, owner of Dundas Street boutique Epitome and own label brand, Cameron Taylor, understands that cashmere knitwear is always an investment and says that longevity and designing modern styles that remain timeless and classic is central to the Cameron Taylor brand ethos. “Most high street alternatives are made in China and will not stand the test

132 Bruntsfield Place Edinburgh EH10 4ER 0131 229 2882

22 Thistle Street Edinburgh EH2 1EN 0131 225 2308

Drapers Independents Awards ‘Winner of The Best New Business 2016’

FEATURES

CASHMERE BY THE EXPERTS “A CASHMERE BLANKET OR PAIR OF SOCKS LOCKS IN HEAT LIKE NOTHING ELSE.” Rosie Sugden

“EVERY MAN SHOULD HAVE A CASHMERE JACKET, WORN WITH JEANS OR DRESSED UP FOR WORK.” Johnstons of Elgin

“A NAVY CREW NECK IS SUITABLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS.” Todd & Duncan

“YOU CAN HAND WASH YOUR KNITWEAR, BUT MOST MODERN WASHING MACHINES OFFER COLD, DELICATE CYCLES. ALWAYS DRY FLAT AND AWAY FROM DIRECT HEAT TO HELP KEEP THE GARMENTS SHAPE.” Cameron Taylor

"THERE ARE MANY PARTS TO MAKING A QUALITY SWEATER, THE YARN, STITCH STRUCTURE, AND THE WAY IT’S CONSTRUCTED. YOU CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU PUT ON A REAL QUALITY SWEATER” Belinda Robertson

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Cameron Taylor

of time. We love when customers return to buy a new piece but still wear a jumper from seasons before as it shows that spending that bit more on a quality garment will give you longevity.”

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THE PEOPLE The Scottish textiles industry has an established reputation throughout the world. It is the reason many designers choose to keep their manufacturing in Scotland and see it as a hugely important part of their brand heritage. Rosie Sugden continues to work with the same family-run mill in the Borders as she has for years because she wants to utilise the highly-skilled workforce that has been in the trade for generations.

“For me it’s just a no brainer, why would I ever look to Asia or Eastern Europe for production when we have the skills right here on our doorstep?” And, while it is possible to replicate certain equipment, Johnstons of Elgin maintain that what cannot be bought is the particular set of skills and experience of their people, 100 of whom have been with the company for over 20 years. It's little wonder Scotland is regarded as producer of the world's finest cashmere.

r te in W on / n ow um n ut le A Sa FEATURES

35 Dundas Street Edinburgh EH3 6QQ Telephone: 0131 556 5554 epitomeofedinburgh.com 37

THE PURCHASE THAT IGNITED MY LOVE FOR

DESIGNER DECOR

by Emily Murray, founder of interiors blog The Pink House

Eames RAR chair

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INTERIORS

I

t’s a little-known fact that nearly nine years ago I had a fashion blog, the catalyst for which was the purchase of what I can only describe as a life-changing pair of shoes.

Specifically, the much-copied Chloe Susannah boot, in emerald green.

The blog may have been short-lived, but the boots went on to be admired in restaurants, bars, tube carriages, streets and offices from Edinburgh to London.

They also massively raised the bar when it came to my view on an ‘acceptable’ amount to spend on a pair of shoes/article of clothing, costing *cough* hundreds of pounds as they did. Since those boots I’ve welcomed into my wardrobe such hefty-pricetag items as a Burberry trench coat, Matthew Williamson silk dress, and Charlotte Olympia velvet flats.

So, there I was last week, gazing at the boot buy that broke the shopping seal, when I wondered (Carrie Bradshaw-style) what my interiors equivalent is? Answer: A pink velvet armchair I bought 12 years ago. It did make me wonder, however, about the objects of desire that broke the seal for other people so I asked the question: ‘What are your gateway purchases when it comes to home décor?’ on Instagram and was rewarded with a flood of fascinating, inspiring, shocking, heart-warming answers (and a whole host of monkeycovering-eyes emojis), a selection of which you can read below…

“The Flos Arco lamp - this lamp was our inspiration to ditch all our crap and surround ourselves with beauty.

Volieres bird cage light

Bluebellgray

“

STUDYING ARCHITECTURE I WAS INTRODUCED TO THE WORK OF THE EAMES AND VOWED ONE DAY I WOULD OWN ONE OF THEIR ROCKING CHAIRS”

As my friend says, ‘Only buy things that your kids will fight over when you’re dead.’ Here’s to the gateway pieces. They’re so, so worth it.” @kirstenweick “A footstool covered in Wee Archie fabric by Bluebellgray. I just loved the multi-coloured velvet – how I could not indulge slightly! Before this most things were bought ex display or just because they were on offer, rather than because I loved them.” @r_hocking “Studying architecture I was introduced to the work of the Eames and vowed one day I would own one of their rocking chairs. When I moved to London for a job I happily realised one was within my grasp at £355(!). BUT the day it was delivered the woman in the ground floor flat below me

decided to burn her house down with an unattended candle on a wicker table (needless to say, wicker has never featured in an interior scheme of mine). So as smoke came under my front door at 1am I ran out into the street barefoot and watched the flames licking the ceiling of her flat. While we waited for the fire engine to arrive, I thought my £355 had literally gone up in flames. Thankfully it was just smoke damage and my Eames rocker is still here to tell the tale.” @lise.carey “The Gubi Beetle chairs with brass legs. It’s been £££s on furniture since then. And nothing on clothes.” @aliza_marogy_nutrition “We bought some artworks that are so big we can’t ship them from New Zealand to Dubai so they are

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INTERIORS

in storage! Epic fail but they are stunning and special. We will eventually be back in New Zealand and have walls planned especially for them.” @bringwanderlusthome “A John Rocha glass lamp when we got married 16 years ago. It’s been with us on every house move and is switched on every night.” @neill2190 “My gateway purchase was my first Peter Blake – a Peter Blake Pop Art IV. It was about £3,500 I think. My granddad, who was my favourite person in the world, had just died and left me £3,000. I knew he’d be OK with me not being sensible with my cash. It started a terrifying chain of art buying: Brainwash/Eine/Magda Archer/Anne Klein etc – my house looks like a gallery! I LOVE it all though. Love it.” @livsalone “Our Graham & Green Aurelius pendant chandelier. We rarely turn it on but it looks so darn good!” @lucypartridge “Mine was the Volieres bird cage light. I’d lusted after it for four years. Finally gave in and bought it for our new house renovation and I LOVE it!” @_onehundredandtwelve

Flos Arco lamp

“Mine would have to be the Hua Trees wallpaper in grey by Sian Zeng – I think it was around £800. It’s just stunning – although it is in my daughter Willow’s bedroom and not mine. Hubby took some convincing but every time someone raves about how lovely it is, he settles into the splurge a bit more.” @pebbledashhouse “Mine would be my sofa.com lagoon blue 2.5-seater Isla that I bought three years ago for £1,200 – I factored in the time I’d spend sitting on it versus the cost. Comfort is key! It opened a dangerous gateway to my Swoon marble side tables (£229), my Loaf side table (£275), Swoon bedside table (£180) and my kitsch balloon dog lamp (£109).” @lucy_bails “I bought a House of Hackney lampshade which was such an extravagance…now I have the sofa, curtains and cushions too! Eeeek!” @never_subtle

Gubi Beetle chair

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For more home décor chat and inspiration, visit The Pink House on pinkhouse.co.uk, or on @pinkhouseliving

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M A K E Y O U R S TAY C A T I O N A S T Y L E C AT I O N WHETHER IT’S A CULTURE, SHOPPING, LEISURE, FAMILY OR ROMANTIC BREAK, MAKE AWARD-WINNING RADISSON BLU EDINBURGH YOUR ESCAPE.

Luxury hotel on the famous Royal Mile Stylish and sophisticated bedrooms & suites Award-winning food Tranquil spa, health club and swimming pool Scottish hospitality with a 100% service guarantee

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80 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TH Tel: +44 (0)131 473 6590 www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-edinburgh

HISTORIC HOTELS

Capital cities should be explored from the grandest settings…

TOWN HALL HOTEL Carrie Mitchell experiences the finer side of London’s East End from prestigious headquarters

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ith its bustling streets and noisy market stalls, Bethnal Green may not be the most salubrious of settings but the former town hall building is certainly impressive. The stunning Edwardian façade hints at the luxury within while a gorgeous Art Deco lobby, complete with marble columns and dramatic staircase, gives the best kind of first impression.

In contrast to the cold stone, the welcome I receive at reception is warm and down-to-earth rather than the formal and buttoned-up greeting you might expect from a chi-chi London hotel. This unexpected juxtaposition of grandeur with character continues in my suite where period features have been enhanced with quirky furnishings and modern minimalist décor.

It comes with its own kitchen and living area, making

me feel right at home, so I pop the kettle on and run the bath, almost forgetting where I am.

It’s hard to tear myself away from my new pied-aterre but I’m here to meet friends so I resist a trip to the hotel pool and get dressed for dinner. Being London’s most happening hood, there’s plenty of great places to eat nearby – Brick Lane, Columbia Road and Hoxton are all a stone’s throw away – but as luck would have it, we're booked into somewhere practically on the hotel’s doorstep. Sager + Wilde is situated under one of the railway arches on Paradise Row, offering excellent wine, the best cocktails and a modern, inventive menu lacking the pretension of many other hipster haunts. We stay there until the wee, small hours before retreating back to our home-from-home to enjoy a cocktail in our room (these are also provided pre-mixed and bottled in our kitchen).

The next morning, it’s straight for a dip in that pool – another stunning marble installation – then onto the hotel’s Corner Room for breakfast: avocado and toast, naturally. It’s what Londoners do.

Rooms from £175. Patriot Square, off Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, E2 9NF, Tel: 020 7871 0460, townhallhotel.com

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TRAVEL

PRINCIPAL EDINBURGH GEORGE STREET

Damon Deville checks into Edinburgh’s grand dame for the ultimate wedding night

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hat does every Venezuelan bride want on her first visit to Scotland? In my new wife’s case, a fairy tale wedding surrounded by castles, cobbles and historic charm, which is just what we had.

Our special day was topped off by a stay in The Principal on George Street in the heart of the New Town.

Formerly The George Hotel, this impressive establishment is comprised of five Georgian townhouses, originally built as private homes in 1775 before being transformed into a hotel in 1881. A multi-million pound refurbishment last year means it’s now looking better than ever.

On entering the lobby, the Principal courts the city`s literary heritage with the oak and marble stylings of a grand library. Shelves of books and supple leather seating invite you to sit back and relax while welcoming staff make you feel immediately at ease. I am a stickler for customer service and the staff could not have been any nicer – even upgrading us to a deluxe room on realising our newly-wedded status.

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Inside, gleaming furniture decked in leather, architectural artwork, and a huge luxurious bed dressed in the finest, freshest linens ensured our stay was as chic as it was comfortable. While wide windows stretching the length of the room offered a perfect view over the Firth of Forth. We could not have asked for more – yet we got it when a knock on the door heralded the arrival of cake and cocktails as a surprise wedding night treat.

The next morning, we headed downstairs to the hotel`s Printing Press Bar and Kitchen where we tucked into flaky pastries and strong coffee before ordering two full cooked breakfasts. Indulgent but so worth it – this place serves the best sweet-cured bacon we’d ever tasted.

Having been so spoiled, we were reluctant to check out but, with a full belly and a huge smile, I took my new wife’s hand and led her out into the city to explore her new home.

Deluxe rooms from £199 including breakfast. 19-21 George St, EH2 2PB, Tel: 0131 225 1251, phcompany.com

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i-on health and beauty

Ready, set...

©Marbella Club Wellness

It’s almost impossible to go into January without thinking about new beginnings. A fresh new year start can mean different things to different people but inevitably it sees us addressing our waistlines, contemplating our activity levels and considering our general health and wellbeing.

Maybe you’ve decided yoga’s going to be the thing to balance your yin and your yang, you’re committing to a plant-based diet, or you fancy a luxurious wellness break in the Marbella sunshine – whatever your personal goals for 2018, you’ll find some inspiration over the following pages to help make this year one of your best.

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NEXT LEVEL FITNESS

If you’re in the mood to shake up the way you approach fitness, five friends of i-on are on hand to tempt you with a new challenge

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FEATURES

Health tip: Make time for ‘me’ time Next level: Sarah Howden books a wellness break on Spain’s sunshine coast

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ellness is no longer just a trending concept and holidays for the soul are becoming the most appealing way to press the reset button on our health and wellbeing. It was not long after my doctor diagnosed me with burnout that I received the invitation to soothe my frazzled soul at the legendary Marbella Club Resort’s new Wellness retreat. The iconic five-star hotel on Marbella’s Golden Mile redesigned its wellness offering in the summer of 2017 to include a series of specific holistic programmes where physical, mental and emotional wellbeing are of equal importance. And rather than feeling a social pariah as you detox or slog it out in the fitness centre, Marbella Club has seamlessly integrated these programmes into the resort facilities, allowing guests to discreetly pursue their health, fitness and wellbeing goals alongside other residents.

With its stunning subtropical gardens and dreamy views over the Mediterranean Sea, the Marbella Club is a spectacular sight and an instant tonic. My garden view room included a living space straight out of an interior magazine and generous private terrace.

My wellbeing overhaul began with an in-depth lifestyle consultation with coach Magalie Paillard in the new holistic studio - an oasis of calm with Arabian-inspired architecture and garden filled with medicinal and aromatic herbs. She evaluated my lifestyle and pressure points and together we identified priorities I hadn’t previously considered. It was enlightening, empowering and I came away armed with notes and recommendations for at-home care.

My particular stay focused on my emotional wellbeing, lack of sleep and pitiful energy levels, and an emphasis was placed on good nutrition and making sure I fuelled my body correctly. Thankfully, Scottish nutritionist Amanda Hamilton hosts signature wellbeing programmes from Marbella Club and has designed a number of specialist signature menus for the resort which are incorporated in the hotel’s food menus. And they are exquisite… with even the odd glass of wine or Champagne allowed too. I indulged in everything from fillet steak, gourmet salads, roasted seafood to healthy buffet breakfasts on a whole different level. Even the legendary Beach Club Buffet wasn’t off limits thanks to Amanda’s menus.

Over at the Thalasso Spa, a seaside sanctuary that offers a range of holistic, Thalasso and spa treatments, I invested in the Sleep Inducing Ritual with Comfort Zone, an innovative massage which works on three sensory pathways for profound relaxation – smell, touch and sound. I slept for 15 hours solid that night. With a renewed energy on my second day, I hit the state-of-the-art gym to attend pilates and abs classes, and took a bike ride along the promenade, soaking up the sights and sea views all the way to Puerto Banus and back to Marbella’s Old Town.

Non-intrusive, non-exhaustive and luxurious, The Marbella Club Wellness Escape is good for the soul. I left a whole new person and ready to take on life again.

Prices start at 555 euros for a two–night Wellness Escape. Accommodation is extra, with seasonal rates. marbellaclubwellness.com/en Amanda Hamilton’s retreats start at 1,780 euros and includes four nights’ accommodation, unlimited use of facilities, personalised detox-style cuisine, gut health daily boosters, a cooking workshop, daily seminars with Amanda, personal consultations, one spa treatment and activity programme. amandahamilton.com

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GO-TO GEAR Fitness gear that does the job and looks the part Health tip: Take regular exercise Next level: Sarah Ormerod discovers the world of triathlon

Women’s NIKE AIR ZOOM VOMERO 13

These must-have trainers combine the soft cushioning from Lunarlon technology with the responsiveness of Zoom Air. Suited for a quick pace but with the support to carry you for miles. £119.95

Men’s NIKE AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 34 iD

Using lightweight and breathable Flymesh fabric and a premium cushion foam, this trainer is designed to provide cool, lasting comfort and a spring in your stride. Choose your colour and add a personal ID at no extra cost. £114.95.

Nike Apple Watch

The accessory for running enthusiasts, the Apple Watch Nike+ Series 3 has built in GPS to track runs, check progress and receive motivational ‘cheers’.

Ideal for exercise and everyday wear. £359.

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M

y own venture into the world of triathlon came unexpectedly whilst out running with an ‘Ironman’. I had no idea what that meant. Turned out to be a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 40.2km marathon. Once I knew, I was hooked.

It was the challenge I needed and I wanted to be an Ironman too.

I’m not alone either. The inaugural Edinburgh 70.3 (1.9km swim, 90km bike and a 21.1km run) last July sparked interest in the longer distance triathlon, and 60 per cent of the starters were new to Ironman races. Most who took part are now determined to test their physical ability further and complete the full Ironman. Jon Mortimer is a Half Marathon finisher who was “bored of running and wanted something more.” Stephanie Ede is a keen cyclist who was looking for a new physical challenge. “The combination of swim, bike and run provides an entirely new platform,” she says, “and I train in a group of friendly, motivated people.”

If the idea of triathlon floats your boat, there are some excellent clubs where beginners can get a taste of triathlon life. Good ‘Try-a-Tri' events are held in Strathclyde Park, North Berwick

FEATURES

CHPT3 MONZAMILANO Jersey Designed to be a staple jersey, wearable in all conditions, it’s made of a crossdyed polyester to keep you dry and uses the same waistband design as the most aero of Castelli race jerseys, only with a reflective strip on the rear hem. £110

CHPT3 Jersey/ Jacket

This has one of the largest temperature ranges of any piece of cycling apparel, functioning between 0-10 degrees or 10-20 degrees, depending on the base layer. It keeps enough wind off to keep you warm but lets enough air through to prevent overheating and to let moisture escape. 21st century technology at its best. £200

and Stirling and are open to all, regardless of experience or bike qualit as long (as it is roadworthy). Races are pool or open water and start with sprint distance; usually an 800m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.

Silent Wolf’s sole purpose is to train triathletes from its base in Ronde Bicycle Outfitters in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, and online.

They’re a bunch of certified coaches who know their stuff and coach indoor cycling, running and strength work daily, with swim sessions in a local pool or in the sea on open water practise nights (Portobello is excellent for a sea swim and offers an enjoyment that is lost by swimming endless lengths in a pool). The objective here is to help release your inner athlete by becoming stronger, faster, healthier and more confident. The benefits of triathlon are numerous. It soon becomes a way of life.

CHPT3 DEFIANT Short

These shorts are made from a 190g/ m2 weight with 35% Lycra® XRTA LIFE™ content. It uses the same Progetto X2 chamois insert as all CHPT3 shorts - also used in the Team Sky Castelli shorts - and can be used in combination with all CHPT3 collections. £120

Ironman 70.3 Edinburgh 2018 takes place on 01 July. For more info visit eu.ironman.com www.silentwolf.co.uk

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Health tip: Strengthen your core muscles Next level: Holly Tracey cranks pilates up a gear at Reform Studios

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ure, I’ve heard of pilates; the 20th century fitness system designed to exercise the mind and body and boost core strength. It’s hard not to know about it. In 2017, there was a reported 28.9 million people practising it in the U.S. Reformer Pilates, on the other hand, is like pilates’ mysterious cousin, swapping the traditional mat in favour of a resistance carriage machine. With its roller mobility and variety of spring weights and pulleys, the carriage works multiple muscles at a deeper level for a total body workout. The basic principles of traditional pilates are still there, with attention to breathing and a strong focus on correct postural alignment central to the class. The addition of the carriage, however, accelerates the processes of stretching as the resistance created by the pulley and spring system provides a more challenging strength and endurance workout than mat classes.

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As a novice I signed up for the Apprentice Reformer class at Reform Studios in Edinburgh’s New Town, to ease myself in gently and get acquainted with the equipment (for the more experienced, there is the Dynamic Reformer class). Katherine, my instructor, explained how the carriage worked, adjusting my position to ensure I was exercising in the correct way. The class moved fluidly as we stretched through one exercise to the next with the final five minutes dedicated to a required ‘cool down’.

If you have ever had the dissatisfying experience of exercising in an overcrowded room while an instructor yells incoherently from the front, this is worlds away from that. The experience that Reform offers is seriously bespoke with classes limited to five clients.

Targeted stretching and the option of one-on-one training is also on offer if that’s your preference or if you’re recovering from injury.

I left my 55-minute class with that sweet – slightly smug – feeling of someone who has just achieved greatness. Well, I got up on a Sunday morning and worked out my limbs, which is basically the same thing, right?

Single Reformer class, £18. Block of 5, £80. Personal training from £50 per session. 26 Howe St, EH3 6TG, Tel: 0131 285 5285, reformstudios.uk.

photos by Cat Thomson

FEATURES

FEATURES

Sweaty Betty, Brahma Bamboo Padded Yoga Bra

With its seamless, all-natural fabric and antibacterial properties, the super-soft Brahma Padded Bra is ideal for low-impact exercise such as yoga and Pilates, or works just as well at a high intensity Barre class. £40

Health tip: Eat seven portions of fruit and veg a day Next level: Instagram queen Naturally Stefanie on a vegan lifestyle

O’Neill Zip Up Swimsuit

Featuring bold colour blocking, a front zip and O’Neill Hyperdry - (a Hydrophobic nano-technology Durable Water Repellency (DWR) treatment) -, this zip up swimsuit ticks both style and technical boxes. £36.79

G

lasgow born and bred, Stefanie Moir is an influential online force with a strong following on Instagram, You Tube and through her blog naturallystefanie.com. She’s been vegan since 2013 and champions a healthy lifestyle with fitness and a plant-based diet.

Veganism is trending with a 350% increase in people making the swap over the last two years. What was the clincher for you? I was never a fan of meat so grew up mostly vegetarian. I got into the gym and the whole fitness scene when I started uni. I also researched all about diet and nutrition and chose veganism. I shared my journey on Instagram and was constantly asked for the recipes which led to the creation of my blog, naturallystefanie.com.

What are your favourite vegan dishes? I love a basic dinner of brown rice, teriyaki tofu and stir-fried greens in soy sauce. So basic and so vegan but wholesome, good food.

The food scene in Glasgow is pretty eclectic. Where are your favourite spots for vegan food? The Bah Mi sandwich and soup combo at Mono is to die for. If you want the best dessert, definitely try 13th note’s sticky toffee pudding and ice cream. And for a night out, I like Zizzi in Princes Square. You have to try the vegan Margherita pizza with a passion fruitini cocktail.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of making the transition to veganism? Don’t over-complicate things and try go crazy with making cauliflower pizzas or bean cake. Just stick to healthy whole foods to fuel your body with the right stuff.

Sweaty Betty Contour 7/8 workout Leggings Made in super stretch lightweight fabric, the design of this multisport legging wicks away sweat and dries fast. In an exclusive luxury new print the leggings feature an adjustable drawcord at the waistband and a flattering high waist fit, providing superior comfort for your workout. £60

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VisitScotland.com/Kenny Lam Ben A’an over Loch Katrine

FEATURES

Health tip: get out in the fresh air Next level: Emma Mackenzie explains why you should climb a mountain this winter

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risp sunny winter days are gems during dark and dank Scottish months. And when high visibility days hit there’s no better place to be than a mountain peak, thermos of tea in hand and views of smooth lochs and sharp, craggy mountain ranges never-ending.

While the freezing weather isn’t the most appealing, many fitness experts recommend trying to get out during the winter months to make the most of those sporadic sunlit days and burn some calories. “Even two to three times per week should help you absorb vitamin D from sunlight and give you that feel-goodfeeling,” says David McLean, group fitness manager at Edinburgh Leisure.

Winter mountain climbing is no mean feat and it’s crucial to be prepared, with a sufficient warm up and adequate equipment first on the list. Liam Irving from the Cairngorms Adventure Guides says it’s important to have a plan of the mountain, and if equipment is required, know how to use it. The views and feel of your heart thudding will shoot endorphins through you, but

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don’t be silly about it. Check what the weather is doing and go with experienced people if you can. There are lots of hill-walking and mountaineering clubs in Scotland that help build confidence for beginners. There’s always the option of going with paid guides too.

Depending on fitness levels there are oodles of Munros around the country to attempt. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park has a few easier peaks to tackle.

Ben A’an is around a 90 minute drive out of Edinburgh and takes a similar time to reach the summit. Ben Lomond and Ben Vorlich, both in the national park, are great for beginners with stunning views of the picturesque lochs for which Scotland is famous. The Cairngorms is another area for beautiful scenery. Irving recommends two of the biggest Munros in Scotland, Braeriach and Cairn Toul.

And the remote mountains on the North West of Scotland are beautiful too. Liathach, Beinn Eighe and Ben Alligin are all pretty special as they rise steeply from the sea and are in a remote corner of Scotland, offering some of the landscape that makes the country what it is… and makes you proud to be part of it.

COAST & COUNTRY AT BOSUNS LOCKER Quality technical and casual marine wear complemented by top brand country wear

Dubarry Blackthorn coat priced at £449

Port Edgar Marina, South Queensferry, EH30 9SQ 0131 331 3875 bosuns.co.uk

Stamina Workout Bra, £35; Power 7/8 Workout Leggings, £75; New Balance trainers, all from Sweaty Betty

YOGA: A WORKOUT FOR BODY AND MIND Never tried yoga? Here’s why you should go with the flow

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here was a time when yoga was associated with long hair and middle partings and wooden beads. It then gained popularity in the western world in the ‘80s as an antidote to the stresses of high-paced living, when mobile phones were de rigeur and yuppie was the byword for success. More than just physical exercise, yoga has a meditative and spiritual core that attracts those burnt-out by modern life, and it’s these same qualities – along with the physical aspects – that can be credited for its enduring appeal almost forty years later today. Yoga practice reduces blood pressure and stress, and increases muscle strength and bone density, making it an excellent allround feel-good activity and stress-buster.

There’s a school of yoga to suit everyone – old, young, beginner or advanced – but if you’re new to the practice and you’re not sure where to start, we have an exclusive i-on Masterclass to give you a taster.

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I-ON YOGA MASTERCLASS, PLUS TWO FREE CLASSES, £10 Come along to one of our masterclasses and experience different types of yoga in order to find your perfect practice.

The hour-long masterclass will introduce a variety of poses and modifications to allow each student to find their maximum stretch. Suitable for all levels including absolute beginners, the class also includes breathing techniques to calm the mind and reduce stress, and will finish with a guided meditation to leave you feeling deeply relaxed.

Where: Hot Yoga Edinburgh When: Thursday 25 January at 5pm; Friday 26 January at 7.30pm; Saturday 27 January at 2pm.

Tickets: £10 (price includes one masterclass plus two free classes to be taken within one month). Buy tickets at ion.ticketbud.com

Three yoga hotspots You don’t have to look for a yoga class in Edinburgh – here’s a round up of three of our favourite studios Edinburgh Iyengar Yoga Studios About: Established in 1980, the centre is simply about doing yoga and doing it well.

Our skilled and dedicated teachers have a minimum of five years’ experience and training.

Yoga style: Iyengar yoga is systematic and thorough and is suitable for everyone, whatever your age or fitness level. We have classes for absolute beginners through to advanced yoga practitioners.

Classes: Book for our five or six week introductory courses starting in January and at end February/beginning of March.

These are on Mondays, 5.30pm and Saturdays, 9.15am.

195 Bruntsfield Pl, EH10 4DQ, yoga-edinburgh.com

Sunshine Yoga About: Our mission is to provide beautiful space filled with positive energy, the best yoga, therapies, yoga teacher training, retreats and vegan lunches.

Yoga style: Various classes including vinyasa, Forrest, power yoga and gentle yoga. Yoga that’s inclusive, accessible and fits into our busy lives no matter who we are or what we do.

Classes: Offering a limited number of memberships at £75 per month in January 6-8 Alexander Dr, EH11 2RH, edinburghsunshineyoga.com

Yoga Now About: A new, spacious Iyengar yoga studio, fully equipped and with a wall for yoga ropes.

We offer fun and challenging classes with experienced, friendly teachers.

Yoga style: Iyengar yoga takes a safe and structured approach to teaching yoga, allowing students to progress from simpler poses to more challenging ones over time.

Classes: Our classes are suitable for everyone. Stiffness is not a barrier to yoga.

Come and hang out with us - four classes for £25 in January.

4th floor, St. Margaret’s House, 151 London Rd, EH7 6AE. yoganowstudio.co.uk

YOGA GLOSSARY IYENGAR Great for learning correct alignment. Beginners get into poses with props even when they’re new, injured or simply stiff.

ASHTANGA A more vigorous style of yoga offering a series of poses.

VINYASA FLOW A dynamic, flowing style offering a good workout.

BIKRAM 26 yoga poses to stretch and strengthen the muscles done in a heated room.

HOT YOGA Performed in a heated studio to relax muscles more quickly and to increases the cardio workout.

KUNDALINI Includes meditation, breathing techniques and chanting.

HATHA The physical practice of yoga often a gentle yoga class.

YIN YOGA Passive postures and perfect for learning the basics of meditation and stilling the mind.

RESTORATIVE YOGA Similar to yin yoga, but with less emphasis on flexibility and more on relaxing.

FORREST YOGA A modern method with a strong emphasis on building core strength and a focus on shoulders, neck, upper and lower back.

YOGA FOR SPORTS Specifically designed for sports practitioners, targeting areas which are often tight such as hips, hamstrings, lower back and shoulders.

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Bellisimo, Chanel Brightening up winter is Chanel’s vibrant, new spring/summer collection, Neapolis: New City.

Global creative make-up and colour designer, Lucia Pica, has plucked colours from her childhood memories of the ancient Italian city of Naples: dark green reflects the Neapolitan sea at sunrise; shades of yellow, green, light pink and red reflect the seasonal hues of the city. Showcased here is the collection’s lead product, the Les 9 Ombres Palette, £67. Launches on 12 January. chanel.com

BEAUTYNOTES Must-try products and treatments

BEAUTY EXPERT

Featuring Claire TwiggeMolecey, owner of Ermana Natural Skincare

HOW TO WINTERPROOF YOUR HAIR

My company is all about… skincare, using all things natural. Our handblended oils and balms are packed with natural vitamins.

As a prolific hair bleacher I have to work hard to keep my hair in the best condition possible and the extremities of winter wreak havoc with my locks. So, I was excited to hear about the new treatment by System Professional Extra Liquid Hair at Paterson SA on Lothian Road. The treatment, which is £10 with any other service, uses selected amino acids to help reconstruct the hair’s fibre with keratin, making it stronger and more resilient. It’s applied over dry hair with a dropper and massaged through the ends before being activated with heat from a hairdryer to help it penetrate deep into the hair follicle. My hair feels soft and strong with a slight, unseen before sheen to it and I should see the benefits for up to five washes. It’s easier to style at home and I’ve received lots of compliments about how good it looks... and I have to agree.

My beauty inspiration is… Julianne Moore. She embraces growing older gracefully.

psahair.com

ermana.co.uk

Amy Falconer tries a new Liquid Hair treatment

My typical beauty routine is… a deep clean with our Cleanse balm and a hot muslin cloth. Then I use our Revive face oil for skin-nourishment, a tinted SPF moisturiser, and our Refresh lip balm.

My inspiration behind the name Ermana… my sister encouraged me to start the business, and the word comes from the Spanish for sister. It’s my way of thanking her.

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However pro-ageing we are, the development of wrinkles has us reaching for the nearest pot of industrial-strength serum.

Young skin is firm, smooth and radiant – and achieving this as we age can take more than moisturiser. Check out the latest non-invasive cosmetictreatments and revolutionary skincare promising to give back your glow.

TREATMENTS Micro-needling is Sarah Howden’s facial of choice Relaxing facials don’t cut it anymore – I need something more advanced. Cue Rejuvapen, a micro-needling treatment utilising the latest technology to restore, revitalise and rejuvenate skin.

After a thorough consultation, my skin was cleansed before an anaesthetic cream was applied - I was about to have 11 super-fine needles penetrate the surface of my skin. As the cream was left to activate, I was treated to a relaxing scalp massage before starting the treatment.

I was anxious about pain but the sensation was a soft buzzing on my skin. My therapist varied the depth for optimum results, targeting laughter lines, pigmentation and fine lines on my top lip.

Over the following days my skin felt dry as the cells regenerated, but after a good exfoliation on day five my skin looked incredible – three weeks on it still does.

Rejuvapen from £190 per session at Zen Lifestyle, 84 Hanover St, EH2 1EL, Tel: 0131 225 7009, zen-lifestyle.com.

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THE AGE OF

BEAUTY Growing old with grace... and a little assistance

BEAUTY

PRODUCTS Buffet Multi-award winning brand The Ordinary has converted legions of people to their no nonsense products because 1) they work, and 2) because of their extraordinarily low price points. A stand-out product is the multi-technology peptide serum Buffet, which contains a cocktail of anti-ageing peptides, amino acids, hyaluronic acids and a probiotic complex – a powerful anti-aging all-rounder. Worth noting that at £12.70 for 30ml, this is one of the most expensive products in the range. Buffet, £12.70, theordinary.com

CAIS Copper Amino Isolate Serum is a pro-repair, pro-collagen serum that indirectly targets signs of aging through its highly-focused effort to maintain healthy skin. It keeps skin in a state of repair to tackle everything from wrinkles, elasticity, inflammation and more. Its mix of peptides, hyaluronic acid, zinc and skin conditioning agents treat, heal, protect and stimulate the skin, and it helps whatever serum you use afterwards to work more efficiently. Copper Amino Isolate Serum, £38, niod.com

Heaven Skincare

Granactive Retinoid 2% In Squalane Retinol/retinoid, it’s all a bit confusing.

Essentially, retinol is a form of vitamin A, and retinoids are related to vitamin A. Either way, due to their ability to encourage the production of collagen and increase cell turnover, these are considered the gold standard in anti-aging skincare. An excellent starting point is The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, whose concentration of active complex has been shown to offer better results against multiple signs of ageing than retinol. Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, £7.80, theordinary.com

A luxurious range of anti-ageing, all-natural skincare containing organic ingredients, Heaven Skincare was created by beauty therapist Deborah Mitchell – creator of the Bee Venom facial – 25 years ago.

The range offers the potent power of nature combined with the latest breakthroughs in beauty technology.

Stand out products include Age Defiance Cream (Victoria Beckham is a fan).

Prices start at £10, heavenskincare.com

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BEAUTY

TREATMENTS Tracy McCallum discovers the merits of dermaplaning

TRIED AND TESTED Leila Williams finally catches on to laser hair removal

Dermaplaning is serious exfoliation to resurface and invigorate skin: removing dead skin cells from the epidermis with a scalpel, as well as fine vellus hairs. Epibrow Training Academy trains professionals in the technique, so I paid a visit.

The treatment started with a cleanse before moving on to the (pain-free!) scalpel exfoliation. My therapist then used a dermaroller to get rid of congestion around my jaw line and eye area, and finished with an application of hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate my skin. The results were astounding. My skin was a little pink immediately afterwards, but I couldn’t believe how fresh and healthy I looked.

Sculpt MET (Manual Exfoliation Technique) from £65 at Epibrow Glasgow Training Academy, 180 West Regent St, G2 4RW, Tel: 0333 370 3215, epibrow.com

Introducing...

Biotec Skin Resurfacer This revolutionary Elemis facial uses a combination of gentle massage, a selection of concentrated botanical serums and an ultrasonic, micro-current, oxygen and light therapy machine to lift, smooth, brighten and purifiy skin.

After a deep cleanse, serums are massaged onto the face before exfoliating using the ultrasonic frequency wand to loosen dull and dead skin cells. Serum is applied and encouraged into the deeper layers of the skin using a gentle galvanic current. A brightening facial mask and relaxing neck and massage complete the treatment, delivering a complexion that has never been smoother and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Sleeping Beauty Salon at Radisson Blu Hotel, 80 High St, EH1 1TH, Tel: 0131 202 6583, sleepingbeautysalon.com

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Well done me. After years of wanting to go down the laser hair removal route, I finally got my act together and booked an appointment at Therapie Clinic where laser specialist Beth spent a whole 40 seconds (!) on each underarm, and not much longer on my bikini area (ok, a bit, but you get the point).

It’s that simple… I’ve taken the first steps to a hair-free me.

Therapie Clinic is renowned within the industry as a leader in laser hair removal and uses a medical grade laser which delivers superior results in fewer sessions. And, unlike other lasers, it works on most skin types. My visits are spaced six weeks apart and, after six, I’m expecting to be the proud owner of a smooth and silky body in time for my summer holiday in the south of France.

Even better, the clinic regularly runs some excellent offers which make laser hair removal within reach of most budgets. Check out this month for example; Book a series of treatments for a selected area in January, and you’ll get another area for the princely sum of… 1p, one pence. i-on members get an extra 15% discount on any special offer too. For more info on the i-on members’ club visit ionmembersclub.com Therapie Clinic, 77 Lothian Rd, EH3 9AW, and 85 St Vincent St, G2 5TF, Tel: 0800 012 1565, therapieclinic.co.uk

Breathe new life into mind and body at Edinburgh’s leading urban spa. With an iconic rooftop Hydropool, rejuvenating Thermal Suite and advanced gym and studios, one visit is never enough. onespa.com /membership

BEAUTY

“

THE TREATMENT FEELS LIKE A HOT STONE MASSAGE FOR MY ER, ‘DOWN BELOW’.

NOW, THERE’S SOMETHING I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SAY”

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE IN 40 MINUTES

Georgia Black tries out a revolutionary treatment for the most intimate body part

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hen alcohol flows and the chat gets louder, the ‘side effect’ of sneezing and jumping on trampolines is the subject of incredulity and hilarity amongst my group of girlfriends. It may not be everyone’s ideal topic of conversation but we’re in our late 30s to mid-40s with at least a couple of kids each under our belts – and this is what happens, right?

Good job for us we can laugh about it but vaginal laxity, whether caused by childbirth, ageing or any other reason, is a serious business that we should be talking about and, more importantly, doing something about it. For women in France and Switzerland, looking after the condition of their female parts is second nature with hospitals offering treatment and advice to strengthen the pelvic floor. And while we’re still so very British about the matter here in the UK, the new wellness clinic at Dr Nestor’s Medical Centre on Dundas Street has taken a giant leap for womankind with the introduction of ThermiVa, a treatment which claims to revitalise and tighten one's nether regions using radio frequency energy to stimulate collagen production and blood flow. Each session takes only 40 minutes (three treatments are

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recommended, spaced four weeks apart), is pain-free with no downtime, and results can last for about two years.

Too good an opportunity to pass up, I find myself, pants off, with the very lovely (female) Dr Fazzi taking photos of my shaved bits, for medical purposes, obviously, and a firm promise of total anonymity. Then, the ‘magic wand’ appears – the ThermiVa handpiece – and is moved around the vaginal canal in steady circular movements, to gently heat the tissue and, in return, produce collagen.

I feel warmth and a slight tugging, but nothing else and, externally, the treatment feels like a hot stone massage for my er, ‘down below’. Now, there’s something I never thought I’d say.

Although some clients notice differences immediately, the improvements became very obvious to me one week in and, apparently, I’ll notice more changes in the weeks to come. This treatment is revolutionary and I’m already excited about session two. I’m fully expecting the difference to be like night and day. And I’ll know. I’ll have the photos to prove it…

53 Dundas St, EH3 6RS, Tel: 0131 467 1450, drnestor.co.uk

FEATURES

NEW YEAR NEW YOU! 40% off all colouring in February along with a cut and style

A GIFT FOR YOU! 46 George Street 0131 220 0777 3 Drumsheugh Place 0131 225 2234 39 Lothian Road 0131 228 9977 45 York Place 0131 558 1010 2 Bruntsfield Avenue 0131 478 3522 www.cheyneshairdressing.com

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MUSIC PREVIEW 2018 FEATURES

David Pollock looks forward to some music highlights for the year ahead

Frans Ferdinand

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he music scene kicks back into life this month after a quiet December and in Scotland, there are two things that clearly signpost the new year. One; it’s the 25th anniversary of the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow, which uses a very broad definition of what music with Scottish roots sounds like to present a wide array of interesting international guests, one-off shows and curated collaborations; see the Hot Ticket for more info. Two; bands who want to make a splash get in early with their new album, while few others are putting work out and they can gather a lot of attention. In 2018, two of Scotland’s most exciting veteran art-pop groups make their return early, with Franz Ferdinand releasing Always Ascending (on 09 February; playing the Academy, Glasgow, 17 February), their first album in five years and since the

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Dua Lipa

MUSIC

departure of guitarist Nick McCarthy, and addictive art school electro crowd Django Django comes back with its third LP Marble Skies on 26 January, with live dates at Fat Sam’s, Dundee, 26 February; Garage, Aberdeen, 27 February; and SWG3, Glasgow, 01 March.

Throughout spring and into summer, Scotland will this year attract a load of high profile shows on the largest stages in the country, the most impressive among them being – no matter what you think of his music – Ed Sheeran’s astonishingly ambitious three-night run at Hampden Park in Glasgow, which runs from Friday 01 to Sunday 03 June. The other big outdoor headline show of summer 2018 announced so far is Bruno Mars, who’s playing Glasgow Green in the heart of the city on 10 July.

Staying on Glasgow Green, most people seem to have noticed that T in the Park is off the menu for the foreseeable future, and that the TRNSMT festival is here to stay.

This year, in fact, it’s escalated from a single weekender to five days’ worth of gigs over two weekends (29 June to 01 July, then 06

MOST PEOPLE SEEM TO HAVE NOTICED THAT T IN THE PARK IS OFF THE MENU FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, AND THAT THE TRNSMT FESTIVAL IS HERE TO STAY

Celtic Connections

Noel Gallagher, photo by Lawrence Watson

and 08 July), with the Stereophonics and Liam Gallagher announced as the first two days’ headliners. That’s a bit predictable, but the younger Gallagher brother has been an artist reborn lately, thanks to the success of As You Were, and the festival has moved to address complaints last year about the lack of female artists on the bill with slots for Wolf Alice and Jessie J, so far.

In other Gallagher news, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds takes to Glasgow’s Hydro stage in support of the new album Who Stole the Moon? on 24 April, while the same venue also hosts Arcade Fire on 16 April, Manic Street Preachers on 25 April and young Londoner and ‘New Rules’ singer Dua Lipa on 12 April. For something a bit more eclectic, meanwhile, try Kendrick Lamar and James Blake (Hydro, Glasgow, 11 February), Four Tet (Barrowlands, Glasgow, 16 February) or Young Fathers (Barrowlands, Glasgow, 24 March), while the Electric Fields festival is back at Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries & Galloway on 31 August and 01 September.

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CULTURE

THE HOT TICKET

Looking for things to do and see in 2018?

Here are some ideas to get you started.

GUESTLIST The club nights you’ll want to get into

HIDDEN DOOR Back once again at the gorgeous Leith Theatre building, which it rescued from derelict obscurity for last year’s ten-day festival, the Hidden Door returns for a pop-up event filled with music, theatre, art and film, which this year extends to the equally run-down State Cinema across the road. Leith Theatre and State Cinema, Edinburgh, hiddendoorblog.org

23 MAY03 JUN

CELTIC CONNECTIONS In this 25th anniversary year of the Celtic Connections festival, a huge diaspora of music with often distant roots in Scottish and Irish Celtic culture is explored. There are dozens of shows by artists including Richard Dawson, James Yorkston, Beth Orton, Siobhan Wilson and anniversary tributes to Blazin’ Fiddles and the Isle of Eigg’s independence. Various venues, Glasgow, celticconnections.com

THE LOVER 20 JAN- The Royal Lyceum, Stellar Quines 03 FEB and Scottish Dance Theatre come together for a high-quality coproduction, which tells the story of French novelist Marguerite Duras’ youthful affair growing up in Vietnam in the early 20th century. Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, lyceum.org.uk

18 JAN04 FEB

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BOLD GIRLS Rona Munro, writer of the National Theatre of Scotland’s The James Plays and soon to return to scriptwriting duties on Doctor Who after three decades, wrote this tale of four Belfast women surviving life during the Troubles in 1991. See how far we’ve come from those days. Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, citz.co.uk

TURNER IN JANUARY UNTIL Customarily brought out every 31 JAN January, when the light is apparently best for them to be seen, the late collector Henry Vaughan’s collection of Turner watercolours is a fixture of the winter arts programme in Edinburgh, as requested by Vaughan when he left the works to the National Galleries.

Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh, nationalgalleries.org

24 JAN10 FEB

BIG FISH LITTLE FISH 7 January, Drygate, Glasgow. Paul Reset of D’n’B night Livevevil takes over at the kid-friendly afternoon rave.

CELTIC CONNECTIONS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CEILIDH 20 January, Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow. A club of a different kind, with a late-night ceilidh set from The Occasionals.

ANU & SOFAY 26 January, Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh.

Two of the best young DJs in the country take over at Lionoil.

STEVE AOKI 30 January, Academy, Glasgow. Big-room EDM from the party-starting Miami house superstar.

£

CULTURE

THE BOOK SHELF Must-reads for January

At home viewing…

Reached the end of your favourite Netflix series and feeling lost? Keep these new 2018 releases on your radar.

Calm by Fearne Cotton (Orion Publishing, £18.99) Getting some ‘me-time’ isn’t always easy and, with this in mind, Fearne Cotton brings the follow up to her Sunday Times bestseller, Happy. In an exploration of the simple things in life, Cotton uses activities, conversations with wise friends and expert advice to induce a positive mind that leads to achieving your inner zen.

Out now.

The Woman in the Window

by A.J. Finn (HarperCollins, £12.99) In this New York-based thriller (currently in development as a major motion picture at Fox), female protagonist Anna Fox has confined herself to her apartment for the past 10 months.

When new neighbours move across the way, her attention is eerily drawn towards them. Then comes the scream that changes everything… Out 25 January.

Still me by Jo Jo Moyes (Penguin, £10) If you enjoy a good sob, you’re in for a treat with this new read by the best-selling author of Me Before You. In this sequel, our favourite bumble bee tight-wearing protagonist Lou Clark moves to New York and mixes with high society.

She struggles at the hands of love when she meets new man Joshua Ryan, who reminds her of her past. Out 30 January.

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For the laugh-out-loud-er’s… Samantha This Brazilian series follows the life of an '80s child star who isn’t ready to relinquish her fame. Laugh as you watch her attempts to get a dose of stardom in the most comical of ways.

For the comic book collectors… The Umbrella Academy A live action series from the Eisner award-winning comics following estranged members of a super hero family in a quest to solve their father’s death. With characters including The Monocle, Spaceboy, The Kraken, The Rumor, The Séance, and The White Violin.

For the romantics… Edha Buenos Aires, passion and betrayal… This one’s an attention grabber when a fashion designer’s world unravels after her lust for model Teo brings darkness to her life.

For the thrill seekers… Lost in Space We developed a love for sci-fi with Stranger Things and this will continue to flourish with upcoming American series Lost in Space. It’s a reboot of the 1965 television show, following a family of space colonists whose spaceship veers off-course.

FEATURES

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FEATURES

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i-on food+drink

Fresh Start One of our many resolutions for 2018 is to swap the morning caffeine fix for a freshly squeezed juice. For the days where we’re short on time to nutri or ninja, Hyde and Son on George Street is perfectly placed as a pit stop en route to the office. The fresh juice selection features classics; grapefruit or apple, lemon and honey, and an orange, ginger and carrot juice that provides enough vitamins to help boost your skin and health after a season of partying. They cost £4 each but great news if you’re an i-on member… there’s a 50% discount just for you. For full terms and conditions and to learn more about the i-on members’ club visit ionmembersclub. com/the-café.

Hyde and Son, 127 George St, EH2 4JN, hydeandson.com

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MORE THAN A FRY UP

Here’s where to find breakfast done differently in Edinburgh and Glasgow

CHAOPHRAYA Amy Falconer tries breakfast with an eastern flavour

W

ith so many restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offering breakfast and brunch, a new breakfast menu from an upmarket Thai restaurant took us off the beaten track and above ground level to Chaophrya.

Breakfasting with a panoramic view of Edinburgh castle is not to be sniffed at, especially on a clear, crisp and sunny winter’s day. So, when we step into the glass conservatory, sunglasses on, it’s a sight to behold.

I’d describe the menu as ‘East meets West’, with options from traditional breakfast rice soup; Khao Tom, £8 and Thai honey yoghurt, £6.50, to Pan eggs, £8.50, and smashed avocado on sourdough bread, £8.50.

I chose the filled Thai roti, £4.50, with two fillings from a selection; eggs your way, Asian sausage, streaky bacon, black pudding or fresh spinach and cherry

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tomato. I opted for streaky bacon with fresh spinach and tomato. It is a lovely concept but there wasn’t much filling so it lacked the big bacon-y hit that I so crave in the morning. The chilli sauce on the side, however, was a very welcome addition. My breakfast buddy ordered the smashed avocado on sourdough bread which comes with two poached eggs and vine tomatoes. He also added some Asian sausage for good measure. The portion size was great with lots of creamy, fresh avocado but for a man of substantial size, the verdict on his first try of an Asian sausage was ‘small, tasty but not very plentiful’.

Fortunate for him then we had also ordered an extra breakfast to share (yes, we’re a bit greedy in the morning) and devoured a plate of light, fluffy and sweet coconut pancakes, topped with fresh mango and blueberries and a berry syrup.

All in all, it was a very different start to our usual weekend haunt for brekkie with some spectacular views of Auld Reekie to boot.

Chaophraya, 4th floor, 33 Castle St, EH2 3DN, Tel: 0131 226 7614, chaophraya.co.uk. i-on members receive a 25% discount on breakfast, visit ionmembersclub.com for more info.

FOOD AND DRINK

TURNIP & ENJOY Tracey McCallum turns up and discovers a restaurant is better than its name

Y

ou know when you see somewhere that you like the look of but the name irks you a bit? That’s how I felt about Turnip & Enjoy. It always looks so inviting but I could never quite bring myself to try it out.

Until recently that is, when its new weekend breakfast/brunch menu caught my attention; the first two things on the list were nduja Bloody Marys and blood orange martinis.

Knowing exactly who would appreciate cocktails for breakfast, I put in a call to my gal pal Victoria and our mate date was booked.

Naturally, the first thing we ordered was two Bloody Marys, £7 each. Our server was a little worried when we ordered them as spicy as he could make them but we assured him of our expertise and I’m pleased to say they kicked like a mule. We agreed that if we didn’t have to drive ever again, we’d probably start every day this way.

The breakfast menu at Turnip & Enjoy was a massive hit with us. It offers around eight delicious-sounding dishes including cinnamon spiced pumpkin porridge with poached fruits, £4, and potato rosti with smoked haddock and mustard cream, £7.

Victoria’s choice of the full breakfast, £9, with avocado on the toast, came with a shitake mushroom haggis. My baked duck

eggs with nduja sauce and crostini, £6.50, came with a delicious kale pesto. Given all the avocado, kale and tomato, we reasoned this is one breakfast menu that we’d put on the ‘indulgent but healthy’ list for future reference.

This little family-run bistro is a proper gem; simple surroundings, warm hospitality and interesting, reasonably priced food. I should never have let the name put me off because we turned up and we absolutely enjoyed.

393-395 Great Western Rd, G4 9HY, Tel: 0141 334 6622, turnipandenjoy.co.uk

OTHER PLACES TO TRY DISHOOM Can Dishoom ever do wrong? The breakfast menu here is insanely good with chilli eggs done just as the Parsi bodybuilders would have liked, and lassis and bacon naan rolls for the less adventurous.

FYLKIR OF COPENHAGEN A relative newcomer in Glasgow’s southside, this is a tiny food spot.

Anyway, we like it for the Danish brunch box to take away – eggs, sausage, bacon and scandi cheeses for £7.

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SPONSORED FEATURE

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Charlotte Hulme gets to grips with the new vegan menu at wagamama

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n a world where the vegan lifestyle choice is on the up with more and more people ditching meat and fish for a plant based diet, wagamama is making dining out simple with the launch of its new vegan menu. The asian inspired restaurant chain is serving up 29 plant-based dishes across its UK venues, with tastes that don’t stray far from the ones we know and love.

The menu, which includes 12 vegan dishes and 17 vegetarian, has been curated by executive chef Steve Mangleshot and features the PETA award-winning Yasai Samla curry; a flavourful lemongrass and coconut curry with tofu, peppers, shiitake mushrooms and baby-plum tomatoes. It gets the i-on seal of approval too. Other noteworthy vegan-offerings come in the form of yasai itame: rice noodles in a spicy green coconut and lemongrass soup and kare burosu ramen consisting of vitamin-rich vegetables and udon noodles. Much-loved classics such as pad thai and yaki soba are also on the menu and have been re-vamped to cater for the vegan way. wagamama prepares and cooks all its food from fresh – there’s not a microwave in sight – and it treats diet preferences and food allergies very seriously. In the kitchen, the wagamama trained chefs use separate utensils and teppan grills for all vegan dishes. wagamama-classics such as steamed edamame, tender wok-fried greens, steamed gyoza and mixed-leaves raw salad have all been given the vegan touch. For the finale?

Two sorbets are on offer in refreshing flavours; pink guava and passionfruit, or lemongrass and lime.

With this new menu, wagamama has proved that meat-free doesn’t mean taste-free. These new and welcome dishes provide choice for one and all. wagamama.com

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Dine is Edinburgh’s award-winning luxury brasserie and cocktail bar. Menus are designed by Michelin chef Stuart Muir using fresh, local and sustainable produce with fine wines, champagnes and seasonal cocktails available.

DINE WITH WINE WEEKENDS Enjoy a sumptuous lingering lunch with family or friends with our acclaimed weekend lunches.

Every Saturday 12–3pm / Sunday 12-6pm 2 people / 3 course meal / 1 bottle of house wine / £42.50

THE JANUARY EXCLUSIVE OFFER Available from 5pm, Monday – Thursday* Enjoy a splendid 3 course meal for two Including a glass of prosecco on arrival For only £39.50 per couple *Complimentary glass of prosecco for all diners who select from the A la carte menu

GINUARY AT DINE Everyday our talented bar team will create an inspired ‘Gin Cocktail of the Day’ with two of Scotland’s leading Gin Distillers, Darnley’s Gin & Edinburgh Gin For only £5.00 a cocktail Available all day and everyday throughout January!

VALENTINE’S DAY AT DINE Come and celebrate St. Valentine’s Day with the one you love!

A romantic four course meal including a glass of sparkling Rose Prosecco Only £69.50 per couple Or why not indulge instead with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Rose Champagne Only £79.50 per couple Available from 5pm, last sitting at 10pm

RESERVATIONS -

0131 218 1818

D I N E ED I N BU R G H .CO.U K Dine, Saltire Court, 10 (1F) Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2ED

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MIDDLE EASTERN promise Carine Seitz is bowled over by BABA

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ocated within The Principal Charlotte Square, BABA offers a bold menu of Eastern Mediterranean mezze dining. Our eagerly-anticipated visit lived up to expectations – drinks, food and service are all brilliant. Olive Oil Negroni, £9, and cauliflower fritters, zhug and crème fraîche, £3.50, whet our appetites; and our selection of eight dips including beetroot hummus; whipped feta and hazelnut dukkah; labneh, cherry tomatoes and harissa, and babaganoush with pomegranate and mint, served with hot pitta straight from the grill, £17 for all, were an assortment of extraordinarily good authentic flavours from the Levantine region, and beautifully presented.

Mains featured intensely flavourful squid with merguez sausage and salmorejo, £9.50; tangy ptitim (giant cous cous), preserved lemon and harissa,

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£4, and smoky chicken shawarma, grilled over hot coals and served with hummus, harissa tomatoes, garlic tahini and pitta, £9.50.

Excellent desserts include homemade ice cream (cardamom coffee, and tahini, were both standouts); and an olive oil cake to die for. A bottle of Lebanese Blanc de Blanc, Château Ksara, Bekaa Valley, £29, was the perfect accompaniment to our meal, which was rounded off with another excellent cocktail: an Arabiaca Pick-Me-Up: a frozen shot of dark matter Scottish spiced rum & aged semillon raki infused with coffee, £5.

BABA is a very welcome addition to the George Street dining scene and is not-to-be-missed if you like the full flavours of the Middle East. I booked my next visit as soon as we left.

130 George St, EH2 4JZ. Tel: 0131 527 4999, baba.restaurant

FOOD AND DRINK

Enjoy a taste of BABA at home with this recipe for squash hummus, toasted seeds, tahini and za’atar Ingredients xx 1kg of onion squash xx 1 clove of garlic xx 100g good quality tahini xx 50g crème fraiche xx 70g chick peas xx 1 lemon xx Red chilli xx 50g sunflower seeds xx 50g pumpkin seeds xx 20g Palestinian Za’atar xx Extra virgin olive oil xx Salt Method 1. Half the squash and remove the seeds.

2. Cut into 1” wedges, drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt.

3. Roast in an oven at approximately 200c for 30 mins.

4. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

5. Peel the skins from the roasted wedges and place in a blender with the garlic, chick peas and 60g of tahini.

6. Blend until smooth, then fold in the crème fraiche and juice from half of the lemon.

7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if required with salt and/or lemon juice.

8. Toast the seeds in a dry pan until golden.

9. Slice the red chill very thinly.

10. Spread two heaped tablespoons per person onto a plate and sprinkle with a few slices of red chilli, a tablespoon of toasted seeds and a good sprinkle of za’atar. Drizzle with the remaining tahini.

11. Eat at room temperature with freshly made grilled pita.

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BIT AT THE BACK

TAKE TO THE STREETS

Happy 2018! Charlotte Hulme heads to Glasgow’s Merchant City to find out this year’s resolutions.

“To curb my caffeine addiction.”

Gemma Travers, 23, on her way to university.

“To drink more water.” Erin Keir, 19, on a shopping spree with her mum.

“To quit smoking.” Matt McRyan, 25, having lunch with his grandma.

“To be kinder.” Lee Taylor, 30, on way to work.

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“To get an agent – I’m training to be an actor.” Kip Lawson, 23, on his lunch break.

photography Cat Thomson

“To join a gym, again!”

Laura Connolly, 30, on a city tour.

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BIT AT THE BACK

“

MY MORNING DOG WALK IS STRICTLY FOR THINKING - NO SPEAKING JUST THROWING STICKS”

HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY? Working in events, no two days are the same, but the mornings are; walks with my dog, Vera, - and a double shot of coffee. I talk and communicate a lot during the day, so this time is strictly for thinking, no speaking, just throwing sticks, then home, shower and I head off to work, usually for 8am.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY AT WORK INVOLVE? We have a commercial kitchen/ office space in Leith and I’m usually in whites and cooking by 9am. Late afternoon/early evening we travel to wherever we are working that night. My responsibilities are varied but the small team I work with helps spread the load and I tend to leave some of the admin to them…

I would rather cook.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF… Barry Bryson, private chef

Barry speaking at a recent live demo at The New Town Cook School

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WHAT TIME DO YOU GET HOME? On a good day I am home for 6.30pm but normally I finish around 10pm.

Nights in, Robin and I tend to binge watch a particular tv series (Stranger Things 2 recently) and I watch more current affairs programmes than is probably good for me.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU AT DINNERTIME? Most nights I eat what we serve our clients, while tasting, or afterwards as leftovers. I cook and eat a lot of fish. When I’m at home Robin will normally cook, which I massively appreciate. We like to eat out too though so will try to get a table at our local, Le Roi Fou on Forth St or nip around the corner to Spitaki, the Greek restaurant on East Claremont Street.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT? I have been cooking professionally for 15 years and it’s naturally morphed from what I was doing then into what I do now. 2017 was a great year for me. Our growth was significant but manageable. Working with clients like Louis Vuitton, Aston Martin and Jupiter Artland, as well as private dining clients, makes me very proud.

I also did several successful events and live cooking demos, overcoming my personal fear of speaking in public. We had some great press too. cateredinburgh.com, @chef.caterer.edinburgh

JANUAR Y

S A LE NO W ON

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GLASGOW, 60 Washington Street, Glasgow G3 8AZ EDINBURGH, 178 Dundee Street, Edinburgh EH11 1DQ DUNDEE, 92 Albert Street, Dundee DD4 6QH

www.victorparis.com