& COUNTY LIVING THE EAST MIDLANDS' PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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ISSUE 44 / 2015
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Features 08 Events Agenda What’s on, in and around the region, in the coming months.
18 Celebrity Profile - Amanda Seyfried Actress, singer and model, what people in Hollywood consider to be a triple threat.
20 Essential Section The latest Films, DVD’s, Cds, Books and Gadgets available.
26 Celebrity Profile - Jim Carrey How Jim Carrey overcame poverty and rejection to become a comedic icon.
32 Restaurant Reviews We visit and review three of Nottingham’s most recent new eateries.
38 In The Kitchen Three seasonal dishes from the kitchen of the Farndon Boat House.
54 Purple Rain Women’s Fashion - The colour that screams luxury and Royalty.
56 Suit Up Men’s fashion - Suits are coming back into the fashion scene in a major way.
58 Nailed It Paint, polish, lacquer, from subtle nudes to flamboyant shades.
60 Paint The Town Red Whatever shade you choose, red is this season’s hot lipstick colour.
66 Time Warp 1950's beauty is a style that we are starting to see more and more of.
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72 RSViP Business Directory The new RSViP directory featuring some of their recommended businesses.
74 Interior Themes Trends in interior design that are taking centre stage in our homes.
91 5 Star London City Life visit and review some of London’s finest 5 star hotels.
98 Our Property Man In Spain Looking for a property abroad, then tour the Costa Blanca with our man in Spain. CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING 6
108 The All New-Audi Q7 Audi has completely reinvented the Q7. The improvement is astounding!
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112 New BMW 2 Series Convertible The new car replaces the 1 Series Convertible, the most successful car in it’s class.
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Welcome... This issue marks the start of City Life & County Living Magazine's 12th year in publication. Looking back it is incredible how quickly those years have gone by. The magazine has come a long way since it's first few issues and it has evolved in to the magazine that you see today, by listening to both our readers and advertisers, to hopefully have become a magazine that meets everyone's interests. Six years ago we also introduced a digital edition enabling us to quickly reach a much larger audience than with the printed magazine alone. At the time it was a relatively new technology and although it was predicted that it could spell the end of printed magazines, nationally they still only account for less than 3% of most national titles combined circulations, meaning printed magazines as we know them are here to stay for a good while longer. Good news for us!
Cover image courtesy of Massimo Dutti
Contact Details Address: City Life Magazine Bridgford Business Centre, 29 Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6AU
For our main feature in this issue we venture back to London to experience some of the best 5 star hotels the capital has to offer. Nowhere else in the country is there such a concentration of 5 star hotels, but a few stand head and shoulders above the rest. City Life went to find out why, and bring you our top 3 recommendations. We feature two celebrity profiles, Jim Carey and Amanda Seyfried. The former is everyone's marmite actor, you either love or loathe him, whilst Miss Seyfried is a singer, actor and model, someone described in Hollywood as a triple threat. Although she had been on the scene for quite a while, her rise to fame seemed to come from nowhere and she quickly established herself as one of the most in demand actresses around. Motoring wise we have the new BMW 2 series Convertible, perfect if you are hoping to go open top motoring this summer. We also feature the all new Audi Q7. The SUV market is a competitive place and Audi have thrown down the gauntlet with their new improved 4 x 4. I hope you enjoy this issue.
Sales: t: 0115 977 5486 e: sales@citylifemagazine.com
Nick Smith, Editor
Editorial: t: 0115 977 5484 e: editorial@citylifemagazine.com
Accounts:
w: www.citylifemagazine.com City Life Magazine is a trading division of CL Communications Ltd. Reg: 8718527
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t: 0115 977 5485 e: accounts@citylifemagazine.com
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UB40 9 APR ROYAL CONCERT HALL UB40 are Britain's greatest reggae artists and have survived more than 30 years in the music business, clocking up more than 70 million record sales worldwide with songs like Kingston Town and Red, Red Wine. With over 50 singles in the UK Chart, UB40's contribution to pop music is extraordinary. Ali, Astro and Mickey, the three founding members are currently embarking on a huge world tour, which the fans have been crying out for, playing all the hits and new tracks from their newest album Silhouette. The Brand New Heavies who will be supporting the band for their 2015 dates are without doubt true pioneers of the London Acid Jazz scene. A British institution, their unique mix of jazz, funk and soul has lit up the UK music scene for well over two decades. Over the years The Brand New Heavies have been responsible for some of the UK's biggest R & B/ soul tracks, scoring 16 top 40 singles including 'Dream On Dreamer' and 'You've Got A Friend', as well as over two million album sales.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
SING-A-LONG-A-FROZEN
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13 APR THEATRE ROYAL Singalonga Productions are delighted to announce that Disney's Frozen is the new Singalonga must see! A screening of Disney's Frozen with lyrics on screen to help you sing along with Elsa and Anna, together with live host and magic moments fun pack so that you can interact with the movie. The host will show you how to use the fun pack and then just sit back and 'Let it Go'! YOU the audience are the stars! Remember to
dress up as your favourite character for the fancy dress competition and be a Snow Queen for the day or Olaf the snowman, the coolest iceman ever! It's the most popular comedy-adventure to hit the big screen in recent years and, with the fairydust of Singalonga added, you are guaranteed a great time. Come on an epic journey to find Anna's sister Elsa, the Snow Queen and put an end to her icy spell. Sooooo 'do you wanna build a snowman.....?
DIRTY DANCING 30 APR - 23 MAY BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage - is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heartpounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives, and features hit songs including Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart stopping (I've Had) The Time Of My Life. Don't miss your chance to see this truly spectacular musical theatre event. You'll have the time of your life!
RAINBOW RUN 2 MAY FOREST RECREATION GROUND Back for its second epic year, experience the explosion of colour in Nottingham's 5K Rainbow Run! It's not about speed or fitness, it's about celebration, having crazy fun with friends
and raising money and a smile for your local children's hospice Registration opens at 10.30am and the race starts at 12 noon. Come along wearing a white t-shirt (and running gear you don't mind getting messy!) and leave with a smile and every colour of the rainbow! Experience the Rainbow Run through the stations of colour where you will be showered with different coloured powder paints. Powder paints are 100% natural and water soluble and used across the globe in the Hindu Holi Festivals. This paint will not harm the environment or participants however, please do not enter if you have a respiratory, skin or medical condition that could be affected. A minimum age of 5 applies.
THE VAMPS 5 MAY CAPITAL FM ARENA The Vamps are set to take 2015 by storm with their first arena tour which will see them headline shows to over 150,000 fans across the UK and Ireland's largest cities, including a date at Capital FM Arena Nottingham on 5 May 2015. The Vamps will be joined on tour by Union J and other special guests. Their album Meet The Vamps debuted at no.2 in April and has been a permanent fixture in the UK top 20 albums chart for an impressive five months. The album has spawned four Top 4 singles, including Can We Dance, Wild Heart, Last Night and Somebody To You.
EVENTS
STEWART FRANCIS - PUN GENT
JAKE BUGG - FOOTBALL ROCKS
10 MAY NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE Stewart Francis, star of Mock The Week, Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow and Live At The Apollo embarks on a brand new stand-up tour, starting in Spring 2015, with his fantastic, hilarious new show Pun Gent!
16 MAY MEADOW LANE STADIUM The chart-topping music star, who turned 21 on February 28, will be joined by the likes of Saint Raymond, Reverend and The Makers and The Enemy ay Meadow Lane for Football Rocks on Saturday, May 16.
With Francis it's all about puns. And he's a gent. If time is money, Stewart's the man to do your shopping. He'll fill every minute with comedy bargains in the form of non-stop quick-fire gags, rarely giving you time to cease giggling until the next one starts. And it's not cheap produce either, previous goods winning awards such as Dave's Funniest Joke Of The Fringe Award 2012 and earning him a reputation as one of the finest comics around.
Profits will go to both the British Heart Foundation and Robin Hoodie, a charity set up by Bugg to buy music equipment for schools.
Quite simply, the service Francis provides is good old-fashioned joke telling with a hook, punch-line and a dose of panache thrown in for good measure. So where's the catch? Well there probably is a pun-related answer, but only word wizards such as Stewart Francis could find one.
Ten teams comprising members of over 16 bands will compete at Meadow Lane during the day for the right to play off in the final. The day begins at 11am and will culminate in the final match at 5pm. Tickets are £10 (plus booking fee), while accompanied under 7s are £1, from nottscountydirect.co.uk or gigantic.com. Adds Jake: “The team are organising a really great day and the atmosphere will be brilliant for all ages with plenty of surprise visits during the day. Everyone's being so generous with their time.” Meet and greets, signing sessions, memorabilia and merchandise will be available on the day.
S CLUB 7 NO TOMORROW FESTIVAL 6 - 7 JUN WOLLATON PARK After attracting 10,000 people to Wollaton Park last summer, No Tomorrow Festival will this year take place over two days, on 6 & 7 June 2015. Organised by Nottingham-based DHP Family, who also hosts the popular Splendour Festival, the outdoor music
It has been confirmed that John Newman and Jessie Ware will headline the festival, and Nottingham DJ Philip George will also be in attendance.
DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 12 - 14 JUN DONINGTON PARK Download Festival is the UK's premier rock festival! A mammoth 5 day rock event, based at the spiritual home of rock - Donington Park. This year we will be seeing Slipknot, Muse and Kiss, to name just a few!
DERREN BROWN 29 JUN - 10 JUL DE MONTFORT HALL The multi-award winning acknowledged master of psychological illusion is back on tour in 2015 with a brand new oneman show. Having confessed that performing live on stage gives him the greatest pleasure, Derren is once again looking forward to the challenge that comes with being acknowledged as one of the world's most renowned live performers; a dark manipulator of magic and mind control. This will be Derren's seventh show since 2003. Since then he has toured every year and been watched by an estimated audience of over one and a half million people. He has won two prestigious Olivier Awards, for Something Wicked This Way Comes (2006) and Svengali (2012). His last show, Infamous was universally acclaimed by critics and audiences alike.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
15 MAY CAPITAL FM ARENA After months of feverish speculation and their triumphant performance on BBC's Children In Need, which resulted in the greatest hits album surging up the chart, pop powerhouse S Club 7 have confirmed their hotly-anticipated return to the music scene with their 2015 'Bring It All Back' arena tour, their first in over 10 years.
festival will cater for students after their end-of-term exams. Although the festival is aimed at students it is open to anyone aged 18 and over.
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MATIN SHOWEE
MATIN SHOWEE
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Sunday 2 August 2015 River Trent, Victoria Embankment
Act now! Form a crew and enter the challenge!
Tel 01780 470718 www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/nottingham
Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine
Spin To The Eiffel Tower For Tiny Tickers Charity with Alea Casino - Nottingham. Alea staff members took up the challenge to cycle the distance from Nottingham to the Eiffel Tower in 42 hours to raise money in aid of Tiny Tickers as part of Heart Week. Mark Hands - Venue Director commented:
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
‘We are so pleased to do our bit to support Tiny Tickers Heart week as they are a great charity and make such a difference to so many life's. Having children is one of the most wonderful, yet stressful moments for anyone, however having a child with a potential Heart defect or other ailment must be unbearable, if our hard work manages to save just one life, then we will put it down as one of the biggest wins at Alea casino'
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Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine
Macmillan Charity Ball at The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club was the host venue for a glamorous charity ball, held to raise money in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Guests dressed for the occasion and enjoyed a sumptuous meal whilst entering into the fundraising spirit for such a worthwhile cause.
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Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine
Thousands Raised for Local Charities by St James's Place A staggering £36,000 has been raised for local charities, as a result of the fantastic event led by St James's Place recently. The wealth management experts, St. James's Place, along with brand agency, Champions (UK) plc, organised an amazing Oscars-themed evening at the King Power Stadium, Leicester to raise money for their chosen charities last year. Snooker legend and Strictly Come Dancing star, Willie Thorne, welcomed guests to a night full of entertainment as the Great Hall was transformed to pay tribute to the annual spectacle that is the Oscars. As a result of a number of activities throughout the evening, the event raised a total of £18,000 awarded to the St James's Place Foundation. This was generously matched by the St James's Place East Midlands office and a further £18,000 donated to Champions (UK) plc's selected charity, Rainbows Children's Hospice. St James's Place Foundation helps to give relief to a number of worthwhile causes including children's charities and hospice-based charities. A total of £4,412,415 was raised by the Foundation in 2014, excluding the phenomenal excess of £34 million raised throughout the 22 year history so far.
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The event was a huge success and Richard Thompson, Principal of St. James's Place Wealth Management, said: “We are thrilled with the amazing efforts made by Champions to ensure such a successful event. The money raised by the generous guests and businesses will make a significant difference to both the St James's Place Foundation and Rainbows Children's Hospice.”
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amanda Seyfried
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Amanda Seyfried is what people in Hollywood consider to be a triple threat, actress, singer and model. Though at first she was shrugged off as merely a pretty face, over the last few years, Seyfried has started to prove her mettle and raw talent.
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The blonde bombshell was born in Pennsylvania on December 3rd, 1985, she began modelling and taking singing lessons at the age of 11; ambitious from a young age. During her teen modelling years, she got a few small jobs, including being the cover girl for a series of teen books, The Victoria Martin Trilogy, but for Amanda it wasn’t enough. While still attending high school, she started chasing acting work and it wasn’t long before she was cast in several soap operas including “As the World Turns” and “All my Children”.
After her high school graduation, Amanda enrolled at Fordham University in New York, only to turn her back on education to accept her first lead role in a film. It was at 19 that she landed the part of Karen, a dim-witted beauty in 2004’s “Mean Girls” and neither Amanda, nor anyone else, could predict the huge success the film would be.10 years on and the movie has become something of a cult classic to young women, and men alike. The sharp, witty comedy written by Tina Fey, also starred Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams and Lacey Chabert, it shone a light on high school social cliques and the devastating
effect it can have on young girls. The film grossed $129 million worldwide and amassed a huge following. That is so fetch! A few small movie roles later and Amanda returned to television, though not to soap operas; “Veronica Mars” was a Drama series about a high school girl moonlighting as a private investigator after the death of her best friend. Kristen Bell played the titular role and Amanda portrayed the murdered best friend in flashbacks reminiscent of Twin Peaks. In 2008, Amanda’s singing lessons proved to be worthwhile after she got the part of Sophie in the film adaptation of Broadway Classic “Mamma Mia!” based on the songs of Abba. Amanda played the daughter of Meryl Streep and Colin Firth...or Pierce Brosnan..or Stellan Skarsgård; no one is really sure which. With “Mamma Mia”, Amanda found herself acting alongside cinematic legends and had a chance to showcase her beautiful singing voice. Though the film received mixed reviews from critics, it grossed a worldwide total of $602,609,487 and is the fifth highestgrossing film of 2008; it eventually became the highest grossing musical of all-time in terms of worldwide gross.
Mean Girls
Jennifer’s Body
Chloe After the huge success of “Mamma Mia”, Amanda had become a big name in Hollywood, with that came a multitude of leading roles. First came 2009’s “Jennifer’s Body”, in which Amanda played “Needy”, a bookish plain jane who just happens to be best friends with the most popular girl in school, Jennifer (Megan Fox). Written by Juno’s Diablo Cody, the film goes down dark and sinister paths when Jennifer becomes a demon succubus after a Satanic Sacrifice gone wrong. The film proved that Amanda was able to break out of her usual popular girl role, she captured the insecure, caring nature of Needy perfectly and really brought the character to life. In the same year, “Chloe” was released, a thriller in which Amanda starred as a call girl hired by Julianne Moore to test her husband (Liam Neeson)’s fidelity. As the film goes on Amanda shows Chloe going from placid and cool high class call girl to obsessive stalker, slowly revealing the total deterioration of Chloe’s mental state. At this point people began to see the full potential in Amanda and not just a young pretty face. In 2010, we saw Amanda star alongside heartthrob Channing Tatum in “Dear John”, an adaptation of the Nicholas Spark’s tearjerker about a young woman exchanging love letters with a soldier (Tatum) while he is overseas completing his enlistment. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a great success at the box office.
Les Miserables
In 2013 Les Misérables was nominated for 8 Academy awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Hugh Jackman and Best Supporting Actress for Anne Hathaway, who went on to win the award; though unfortunately Amanda was not nominated. Amanda’s next film of choice was biopic “Lovelace”, about the tragic life of 70’s porn star, Linda Lovelace, the film was seen as an ill judged move on Amanda’s part and ultimately flopped, though many critics did take time to state that Amanda’s performance was the film’s only strong point. 2014 brought the arrival of Seth Macfarlane’s second feature film, “ A Million Ways to Die in the West”, a western comedy. Though the film boasted an impressive cast, the film was ultimately bashed. A silver lining of Amanda’s participation with the film was her new friendship with Macfarlane, who went on to cast her in the sequel to Ted. Ted was enormously successful and Ted 2 is predicted to do just as well, breaking into that form of comedy may open new doors for Amanda if the film does as well as we all hope. Now, at just 29, Amanda Seyfried has an impressive list of films under her belt and with new films such as Ted 2 and Pan on the way, we only see further success in the future.
Dear John
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
It was in 2012 that Amanda got the role that had many other actresses positively green with envy, the part of Cosette in Les Misérables; a role greatly coveted by many. Her second musical, also a Broadway adaptation, is perhaps one of the most popular stage musicals of all time; needless to say, this film adaptation was highly anticipated. Actors and actresses from
across the world fought to be the lucky ones to win the main roles, but in the end we saw Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and of course, Amanda Seyfried. Amanda once again wowed audiences with her sweet angelic voice and was widely praised for her fantastic portrayal of Cosette. The film broke the record for the highest opening day gross for a musical film, previously held by High School Musical 3: Senior Year.
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Films
Cinderella CITY LIFE
FAVE
The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the tragic death of her mother. Keen to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother Lady Tremaine and her daughters Anastasia and Drizella into the family home. But, when Ella’s father suddenly and unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella since she used to work in the cinders, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who abuse her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears as if her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming “Kit.” Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand as a kindly beggar woman steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella’s life forever.
Taken 3 Liam Neeson returns as ex-covert operative Bryan Mills, whose reconciliation with his ex-wife is tragically cut short when she is brutally murdered. Consumed with rage, and framed for the crime, he goes on the run to evade the relentless pursuit of the CIA, FBI and the police. For one last time, Mills must use his “particular set of skills,” to track down the real killers, exact his unique brand of justice, and protect the only thing that matters to him now – his daughter.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
The Wedding Ringer
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Doug Harris (Josh Gad) is a loveable but socially awkward groom-to-be with a problem: he has no best man. With less than two weeks to go until he marries the girl of his dreams (Kaley Cuoco), Doug is referred to Jimmy Callahan (Kevin Hart), owner and CEO of Best Man, Inc., a company that provides flattering best men for socially challenged guys in need. What ensues is a hilarious wedding charade as they try to pull off the big con, and an unexpected budding bromance between Doug and his fake best man Jimmy.
ESSENTIAL GUIDE
Predestination
Insurgent
Predestination chronicles the life of a Temporal Agent (Ethan Hawke) sent on an intricate series of time-travel journeys designed to prevent future killers from committing their crimes. Now, on his final assignment, the Agent must stop the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time and prevent a devastating attack in which thousands of lives will be lost.
In the eagerly awaited sequel to Divergent, Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Kate Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.
Chappie
The Woman in Black: Angel of Death
Every child comes into the world full of promise, and none more so than CHAPPiE: he is gifted, special, a prodigy. Like any child, CHAPPiE will come under the influence of his surroundings -some good, some bad - and he will rely on his heart and soul to find his way in the world and become his own man. But there’s one thing that makes CHAPPiE different from anyone else: he is a robot. The first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself. His life, his story, will change the way the world looks at robots and humans forever.
As bombs rain down on London during the Blitz of World War II, a group of schoolchildren are evacuated with Eve, their young and beautiful schoolteacher, to the safety of the English countryside. Taken to an old and empty estate, cut off by a causeway from the mainland, they are left at Eel Marsh House.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
One by one, the children begin acting strangely and Eve, with the help of local military commander Harry, discovers that the group has awoken a dark force even more terrifying and evil than the city’s air raids. Eve must now confront her own demons to save the children and survive the woman in black.
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DVDs Maleficent From Disney comes Maleficent — the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceful forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal — an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king’s successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom — and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well.
CITY LIFE
FAVE
Wish I was Here
If I Stay
Boyhood
Wish I Was Here is the story of Aidan Bloom (Zach Braff), a struggling actor, father and husband, who at 35 is still trying to find his identity; a purpose for his life.
Gayle Forman’s best-selling novel comes to the screen in new drama If I Stay, starring Chloë Grace Moretz (Carrie, Kick-Ass), Mireille Enos (TV’s The Killing, World War Z), Joshua Leonard, Jamie Blackley and Stacy Keach. Mia Hall (Moretz) thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam (Blackley). But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not only decide her future but her ultimate fate.
Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater’s Boyhood is a groundbreaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason’s parents and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, Boyhood charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before. Snapshots of adolescence from road trips and family dinners to birthdays and graduations and all the moments in between become transcendent, set to a soundtrack spanning the years from Coldplay’s Yellow to Arcade Fire’s Deep Blue. Boyhood is both a nostalgic time capsule of the recent past and an ode to growing up and parenting. It’s impossible to watch Mason and his family without thinking about our own journey.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
He winds up trying to homeschool his two children when his father, Gabe, can no longer afford to pay for private education and the only available public school is on its last legs. Through teaching them about life his way, Aidan gradually discovers some of the parts of himself he couldn’t find on his own.
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The city needs heroes. Darkness has settled over New York City as Shredder and his evil Foot Clan have an iron grip on everything from the police to the politicians. The future is grim until four unlikely outcast brothers rise from the sewers and discover their destiny as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Turtles must work with fearless reporter April O’Neil (Megan Fox) and her wise-cracking cameraman Vern Fenwick (Will Arnett) to save the city and unravel Shredder’s diabolical plan.
CDS
Marina & the Diamonds Froot The singer has revealed that her third LP will drop on April 6, further describing the record as “reflective”. The album was produced by David Kosten, who has previously worked with Everything Everything and Bat For Lashes. The south Wales-born singer also spoke about her struggles with depression and how this influenced her making of the album; highlighting her own low points and a specific relationship which she had to end. A very honest and revealing album, which is said to be a whole new take on her music.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Chasing Yesterday Noel Gallagher is returning with his second High Flying Birds album, Chasing Yesterday will be out March 2, 2015. Taking on some new responsibilities, this is the first record he’s both written and produced himself, we’re eager to see how he’s handled it. We’ve already had a taste of the album, with the already released single “In the Heat of the Moment” and no, sadly it isn’t an Asia cover.
Rixton - Let the Road The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived Rixton fans, the boys have released their debut album! The ‘Me And My Broken Heart’ singers dropped debut record ‘Let The Road’ early this January, after a huge year for the band after the release of their first single. The album features ten tracks, including their first single and upcoming release ‘Wait On Me’, as well as a song written by the legendary Ed Sheeran.
Books Red Queen - Victoria Aveyard A thrilling new fantasy trilogy for fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games. The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with godlike powers. To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.
But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?
New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver delivers a gripping story about two sisters inexorably altered by a terrible accident. Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the accident that left Dara’s beautiful face scarred and the two sisters totally estranged. When Dara vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl, nine-year-old Madeline Snow, has vanished, too, and Nick becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. Now Nick has to find her sister, before it’s too late. In this edgy and compelling novel, Lauren Oliver creates a world of intrigue, loss and suspicion as two sisters search to find themselves and each other.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.
Vanishing Girls - Lauren Oliver
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Gadgets
Monster DNA Pro Wireless Headphones The Monster DNA on-ear headphones deliver rich and deep bass along with clear and concise mids and highs, designed to play your music as the artist intended it to be heard. Featuring a lightweight and comfortable construction, the DNAs use Advanced Noise Isolating cushions allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the music for extended periods, while the dual audio ports give you the ability to connect your MusicShare headphones together and share your music with your friends. These great looking cans deliver an ultra-dynamic sound for a full fidelity performance, making each and every detail heard. Featuring advanced Bluetooth® capability with embedded AAC for iOS devices and aptX® for near-lossless wireless sound in Android devices.
£139.95, Superfi
Happy Charging Cable
LG G Watch R
Sick and tired of your iphone charger weakening and eventually breaking all together? Why not add a bit of fun and colour to charging your iPhone, iPad or iPod with one of these colourful Happy Braided Charging Cables. One end of the cables features a USB connector to place into your computer whilst the other end features a lightning connector to plug into your electronic device. The braided cables come in a variety of colours and each end features cool glowing tips.
LG’s second generation smartwatch has a more traditional look than many of it’s competitors, a fully circular clock face replaces the square, digital watch, making it a much more attractive and stylish piece. The screen is 320x320, there’s a Snapdragon 400 processor calling the shots, paired with 512MB RAM and 4GB of internal storage.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
£5.99, Menkind
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Kindle Voyage The new Kindle Voyage is the 7th generation Kindle e-reader and the thinnest Kindle yet! With 300ppi display resolution and PagePress for smooth page navigation.
£169.00, Amazon
£219.00, LG
Soundbook X3 Soundbook X3 is the latest addition to the Soundbook range of Bluetooth wireless speakers, which is portable yet powerful enough to fill a room with rich sound. Soundbook X3 defies its size with smooth, defined bass, pronounced, clear vocal range and detailed high note reproduction. It delivers quality audio playback from a number of devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops and also offers both a speakerphone feature and integrated FM radio. Soundbook X3 is designed with advanced audio compression technology aptX to maintain quality audio over the Bluetooth connection, allowing you to lose the wires without losing the audio quality.
£249.99, Bayan Audio
ESSENTIAL GUIDE
Lavolta CoolFlow Laptop Stands Lavolta CoolFlow Laptop Stands help increase the life and performance of your laptop, by reducing its operating temperature through improved cooling airflow. Gamers and high-end professionals will appreciate the sleek design, extra cooling power, and performance improvements that come with using your laptop on one of these laptop stands. Now you never have to worry about your laptop shutting down unexpectedly due to overheating. These laptop stands are available in multiple sizes to best suit the most popular laptop models, and should fit most popular laptop form factors (including screen sizes from 12” to 17”).
£32.90, Play.com
Boon Glo Nightlight
3Doodler 3D Printing Pen
Rubik’s Futuro Cube
We’ve seen the light. And it’s awesome. Kids will beg you to turn off the lights because that’s when Glo really shines. This multi-colored, interactive nightlight has removable, illuminated Glo balls that turn a night time game of catch into something extraordinary. And there’s nothing electronic in them, so they don’t get warm and they won’t break. You can even tuck them into bed with your child. The glow fades to dark after 30 minutes, helping them fall asleep. Bonus: 95% effective at keeping monsters away all night long.
The world’s first 3D printing pen, a handheld 3D printer will unleash your creativity. The 3Doodler extrudes a thin, flexible filament of heated plastic that quickly hardens, allowing you to draw three dimensional shapes in real time – just as if you were drawing with a pen. There are an infinite number of 3D objects you can create with a little practice – start now and you’ll soon be creating your own 3D masterpieces. Practice by tracing simple 2D shapes and within hours you will be able to create stunning 3D sculptures, and so much more.
Do you love the classic games like Tetris, Snake or Gomoku? Do you like spatial brain-teasers, multiplayer challenges and smart gadgets? You can have it all in one box with the Rubik’s Futuro Cube! It’s the one gaming gadget you need. Rubik’s Futuro Cube senses rotation, determines tapping on any side and sees which side is facing towards ground. It can vibrate, play audio and dynamically change it’s LED colors across any face of the cube to provide feedback.
£53.99, Argos
£70 Approx, futurocube.com
£99.99, Maplin
G-Paws Pet GPS Tracker
£49.99, Firebox
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
You hear that cat flap go in the morning and you know that your beloved feline has (by some miracle) returned safe and sound from one of their debauched midnight adventures. Well now you can follow all the mad movements of your pets with the G-Paws Pet GPS Tracker and get to know their hangouts so that if they do eventually run off you’ll know where they’re headed. Robust and fully weatherproof, this miniature GPS tracker easily clips on to your pet’s collar and records its position every 5 seconds for up to 8 hours. Simply plug it into your computer via USB and amuse/horrify yourself and others with the eye-opening results. You can even view and share your pets activities using Google Maps.
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Jim CarRey
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Often when a person is raised in less than ideal circumstances, they can grow up to be bitter about it, however others use it to remind themselves of how far they have come and what they can achieve. Jim Carrey can proudly count himself among the latter.
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Born in Ontario, Canada in 1962, this Hollywood superstar began as hyperactive as we see him today, constantly entertaining his family and classmates with his impressions and skits; determined to bring a smile to everyone’s face. He started to find this particularly important when the family began to hit the hardest time of their lives. In 1976, Jim’s dad lost his job, forcing the already struggling family to move to the bleak industrial backdrop of Scarborough and even Jim, the youngest of 4 children at just 14, was forced to get a job. Jim and his siblings took on jobs as either security guards or janitors at a local factory, in order to keep the family afloat.
This wasn’t like your average paper route, everyday after school, Jim would start an 8 hour shift at the factory, working late into the night; needless to say his school work began to suffer. His usually high grades started to drop terribly, he was falling asleep in class and completing none of his homework, all for a little extra money that was still hardly enough to help. But rather than let this crush his spirit, Jim’s determination to make people laugh only became stronger, he had now decided that he wanted to be a professional comedian and would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
Eventually, the strain of unthinkable work hours led the family to their breaking point, they decided that it was too much and all quit their jobs, parents and children alike, moved out of their home and into the family VW Camper van. Six people living in one van seems unthinkable, soul destroying even, but Carrey’s spirits stayed strong, it was around this time that he made his debut at a local comedy club. Sadly his enthusiasm alone wasn’t enough to win over the audience and he was cruelly booed off the stage; though if his optimism had gotten him this far, it wouldn’t fail him now. After his shifts at the old factory had decimated his grades, Jim eventually dropped out of high school all together to become a full time comedian; he started to play more and more shows at comedy clubs, perfecting his act and growing in confidence. By 19, being booed at a small Toronto Comedy Club was long in the past and Carrey had moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career, he soon gained a regular spot at the Comedy Store; it was here that he got the attention of veteran comic Rodney Dangerfield, who soon asked Jim to be his opening act for a full season, things
Dumb & Dumber Grinch
With daughter Jane
were finally looking up for Jim Carrey. It was around this time that he started to broaden his horizons and look for TV & film work. In 1984, Jim snatched up his first lead role in “The Duck Factory” an, unfortunately, short lived TV show about a young cartoonist; the show was up against the hugely popular “Cheers” and “The Duck Factory” only lasted 4 months. Over the next few years Carrey landed a few small parts in films such as “Once Bitten” and “Peggy Sue Got Married” but struggled to lock down anything big. Though his career was slow, Jim’s personal life soon lit up when he met Melissa Womer, a waitress at The Comedy Store who had dreams of being an actress. Jim and Melissa fell in love and married in 1987, later that year Melissa gave birth to their daughter, Jane Erin Carrey. To think of the world famous funny man now, it’s hard to imagine comedic cinema without him, but for the beginning of his career, Carrey struggled greatly. Receiving numerous rejections, and only small roles when accepted, many people would have given up.
Though Carrey’s career was certainly on the up, it seemed his personal life had taken a turn for the worse, his marriage to Melissa
Ace Ventura
The Mask
Womer broke up in what is said to have been a very messy divorce surrounded by rumours of infidelity. Carrey quickly took up with his “Dumb & Dumber” co-star Lauren Holly, though she claims to have had nothing to do with the divorce. The pair were married by the following year, though this marriage proved to be shorter than his last, Lauren and Jim divorced less than a year later over even more infidelity rumours; on whose part, no one knows. Carrey’s next film, “The Cable Guy” directed by Ben Stiller and co-starring Matthew Broderick, was somewhat darker than his previous films, though still a comedy, audiences didn’t respond well to the film and it’s dark themes and it ultimately flopped. Critics predicted Carrey’s doom and everyone assumed he was past his best, that his brief bout of fame was over; but when had adversity ever knocked him down before? Carrey proved his peers wrong and bounced back with “Liar Liar”, a film about a man who was physically incapable of lying, the film allowed Carrey to return to his trademark light comedy and he was once again, much loved. Though this was a great move for his career, Carrey had started to grow tired of his goofy slapstick parts and began to crave some more serious roles. Ignoring the failure of “The Cable Guy”, Carrey began to develop a new acting style with the comedy drama “ The Truman Show”. This bold move proved to be a smart one as the film went on to be nominated for several Oscars and Carrey himself won a Golden Globe for his performance. Many argued that Carrey should have been nominated for an Oscar, for “The Truman Show” but was ignored due to the academy’s traditional lack of recognition for comedic actors. Carrey clearly got a taste for serious roles as he soon went on to star in the Andy Kaufman biopic ‘Man on the Moon’, which earned Carrey his second Golden Globe. People began to see Carrey’s full potential, he wasn’t just the rubber limbed goofball they were used to, he was clearly showing his range and talent as a serious actor, pleasantly surprising everyone.
In 2000, Carrey appeared in his most financially successful film to date, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” was the highest grossing film of the year, earning over $260 million; over a decade later and it is still a greatly treasured Christmas film to all. 2003 brought another huge success for Carrey, in the form of “Bruce Almighty”, which co-starred Friends actress Jennifer Aniston and grossed over $200 million at the box office. The money was pouring in and Carrey was one of the most successful men in Hollywood. It was now time for one of Carrey’s most serious roles in his career, he landed the lead part in Charlie Kaufman’s “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” in which Carrey starred along side Kate Winslet, as a man pursued through his memories as they are erased. Kaufmann won an Oscar and Winslet earned a nomination, but Carrey’s brilliant performance was once again overlooked by the Academy. In 2007, Carrey went down his darkest path yet, with supernatural thriller “The Number 23”. Even with the unique and intriguing plot, critics didn’t get on board with the dark tone of the movie and ultimately bashed it, the film only returned $35 million. Confidence knocked, Jim returned to some more light hearted comedy in the form of “Horton Hears a Who” and “Yes Man”. The former was insanely successful and once again Jim was on top. Over the last few years, Carrey has appeared in successes such as “A Christmas Carol” and “Kick Ass-2” and he has just seen the release of “Dumb & Dumber To”, the sequel comes 20 years after the original and has still gotten an enormous reaction. After something of a rollercoaster career, Carrey remains in the spotlight and is a performer we will never forget. If there is anything that we can learn from this treasured funny man, it is that no matter how difficult and hopeless things seem to be, it’s no reason to give up, it’s just time to fight harder.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
It wasn’t until Jim’s friend, Damon Wayans, helped him get a role on “In Living Colour”, a sketch show that Damons brother was creating, that Jim got his break. Carrey worked on the show for four years, in which time he could really go all out and have some fun with his insanely bizarre characters and get some real recognition. He was soon offered the script for his true breakthrough role, “Ace Ventura: The Pet Detective” in which Jim played an eccentric, goofy detective who specialises in animal mysteries. The film was a huge success with the public and Carrey was quickly offered a succession of roles, including leads in “The Mask” and “Dumb & Dumber”. The films grossed $120 million and $127 million, respectively, afterwards there wasn’t a person alive who didn’t know the name Jim Carrey.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
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FOOD & DRINK
Transform Your Home Into The Perfect Venue Wedding Receptions • Engagement Parties
Create the perfect setting for your engagement party or wedding reception... Garden Party Hire can supply absolutely everything you need to host the best party ever, conveniently & stress free. From Marquees & Furniture, to BBQ’s, Tableware, Mobile Bars and a full range of Catering Equipment and Uniformed Staff.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Throw a party or wedding reception to remember!
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The Garden Party specialists enquiries@garden-party-hire.co.uk
0115 849 5686
RECENT REFURBISHMENT TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY.
Now taking bookings for Mother’s Day Lunch, Sunday 15th March & Easter Sunday Lunch, Sunday 5th April
RESTAURANT REVIEWS
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
The Rum House
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Carluccio’s
9 Broad Street Nottingham NG1 3AJ
Central Avenue, West Bridgford Nottingham NG2 5GR
Tel: 0115 924 1555 www.rumhouse.co.uk
Tel: 0115 981 6390 www.carluccios.com/restaurants/westbridgford-nottingham
FOOD & DRINK
Missoula Montana Bar & Grill 7 High Pavement Nottingham NG1 1HF Tel: 0115 988 6870 www.missoulamontanabarandgrill.co.uk
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING 33
Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine
Angel Ball This year's Angel Christmas Ball, sponsored by Nottingham Audi, raised over ÂŁ14,000 for three amazing charities, Cancer Research UK, Maggie's Nottingham and the Parents'Association for Seriously Ill Children. Local accountancy firm Keith Willis Associates were involved with the event again along with the newly refurbished Walton Hotel who sponsored the Champagne reception, photobooth and after party!
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Amazing prizes at the auction, hosted by Gem 106's Sam and Amy, included a stunning Stephen Webster pendant and a Baume & Mercier watch from Hallam Fine Jewellery. Over 360 people attended the event which was organised by Big Table PR and held at Colwick Hall.
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NOTTINGHAM POST INDIAN RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR At Haveli, our food is inspired by the authentic home cooking, all our chefs are fully trained and have been working in the restaurant industry for many years. Food is our passion, prepared for you always with devotion, love, and the finest ingredients.
10 Attenborough Lane, Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 5JW Book your table now call 0115 9227778 or book online
www.havelifinedining.co.uk
No Need To Cook! You can eat at VIVO for just ÂŁ7.95 for 2 great courses - every lunchtime and Mon - Thurs evening before 7pm
Full a la carte menu also available
LIVE MUSIC With Natalie Friday 27th March BOOK NOW! VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS, OTHER MENUS AND MORE... Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 12.00-2.30pm, 5.30-10.00pm
FOOD & DRINK
IN THE KITCHEN Seasonal recipes from The Farndon Boathouse, creating seasonal dishes from the current menu. Perfect dishes to surprise guests at a dinner party this spring.
SEARED SHETLAND SCALLOPS WITH SALSIFY AND APPLE INGREDIENTS 3-4 scallops 2 stick salsify 1 granny smith Thyme Garlic 100ml Milk Salt & Pepper Pea Shoots Avocado Oil METHOD Peel salsify and gently fry with butter, thyme and garlic. And 100 ml of milk and poach slowly. Keep one stick to the side, purĂŠe the other in a food blender.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Prepare and season scallops, sear in a hot pan till golden then turn, cook for 30 seconds and finish with a knob of butter and lemon juice. Plate up, finish with pea shoots and avocado oil.
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FOOD & DRINK
PAN ROAST LAMB RUMP, BLACK PUDDING & APRICOTS INGREDIENTS 6oz lamb rump 100g black pudding 2 Maris Piper potatoes 30g Dried apricots 10g Capers Stem Broccoli Lamb jus Salt & Pepper Butter METHOD Season and pan roast the lamb for 8 minutes, wrap in cling film and rest for another 8. Crumble and pan fry the black pudding in butter, drain when crispy, grate the potato squash out the starch with a towel, add and salt and butter, fry in a hot pan till crispy. Soak the apricots in hot water and blend till smooth, finish the sauce with capers. Cook broccoli for 30 seconds in buttered water, cut and place in a hot dry pan to a charred note. Plate and serve.
HOT CHOCOLATE FONDANT WITH MILK ICE CREAM, PISTACHIO & CHOCOLATE TUILLES INGREDIENTS
Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. Grease two ramekins with butter and set aside. For the fondant, place the butter, flour, sugar, egg yolk, eggs and chocolate into a food processor then spoon the mixture into the two ramekins to three quarters full and transfer to the oven. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
110g butter, plus extra to grease 110g self-raising flour 110g caster sugar 1 free-range egg yolk 2 free-range eggs 85g good quality dark chocolate, melted Milk ice cream Pistachio crumbs, Chocolate tuilles
METHOD
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Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine
Nottingham's MemSaab Indian Restaurant wins top rating in national restaurant Guide. There are close on 9,000 Indian Restaurants in the British Isles, and for the benefit of curry lovers, the Guide identifies the best 1,000 all over the UK, as voted by members of the public. The very best of those receive special Awards. Nottingham is no stranger to such Awards from the Cobra Good Curry Guide. Since 1982 we have been delighted to have presented special Awards to a number of above average Indian restaurants in this elegant city Nottingham's MemSaab is the latest to join this elite list. It has been attracting the attention of the restaurant critics receiving quite a few mentions and local awards. Now it has come to the full attention of the Cobra Good Curry Guide, passing all their stringent test programme. Not only is the food as good as it gets, the service, ambience, friendliness and cleanliness also have passed muster with flying colours. And it has achieved this in just a few years, following the sale of the long-standing 200 seater to Amita Sawhney in January 2012. The MemSaab first achieved an entry in the 2009 Cobra Good Curry Guide. By the 2013 edition, The MemSaab had achieved one of the Guide's most prestigious awards, its TOP 100 cachet. This Award is given primarily for the quality of the restaurant's food. Its taste, aroma, colour and textures is paramount. Presentation, ambience, competence and friendliness also have a bearing on a TOP 100 Award. The The MemSaab meets all these criteria with ease. It is one of the best Indian restaurants in the region. Now, The MemSaab is to receive an even better Cobra Good Curry Guide Award, Best in the East Midlands. Asked why The MemSaab stands out amongst so much competition, Amita Sawhney said “I always pay great detail to the diner's whole experience and never compromise. The food, service and ambience are so important. All ingredients are carefully and locally sourced. I never use artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. We serve a delicious array of Indian and Punjabi dishes, and our wine list is second to none. I invest in my staff and constantly seek customer feedback. It's great to be so highly recognised by Pat's celebrated Guide.”
Mem Saab honoured at tenth anniversary British Curry Awards 2014 The UK's favourite cuisine was celebrated at the milestone, tenth-anniversary British Curry Awards, in association with Just Eat. The industry at large, foodies, celebrities, MP's and dignitaries paid homage to the nation's finest curry restaurants amid the grandiose of Battersea Evolution, London. British Curry Awards 2014 winner: Best Spice Restaurant in Midlands: Mem Saab, Nottingham
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Speaking at the event, Rt Hon Teresa May MP, Home Secretary said, “I'm excited to be here at the tenth annual British Curry Awards. I was here when you first started the awards in 2005 and it is tremendous to see how big it has become over the years. We have top restaurateurs, talented chefs, journalists, broadcasters and many well-known faces here tonight. It's not hard to see why the Prime Minister and others have called these the Oscars of the curry industry. Enam, you've done a terrific job and I would like to congratulate you for bringing this to us for ten years now.
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Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine
RSViP Business Network Social at The Walton Hotel The Walton Hotel based in The Park, Nottingham played host to RSViP business network's 2014 grand finale Christmas style, with Champagne flowing all evening, more than one hundred business professionals joined in celebrating the last event of the year, whilst relaxed open networking took place, delicious canapĂŠs were served throughout the duration and a wine tasting session took place courtesy of Gauntleys. The chefs at The Walton also rustled up some scrumptious homemade jams and chutneys, packaged together beautifully, which were handed out to guests as gifts. Photography by Louise Mills-www.louisemillsphotography.co.uk
RSViP Business Network Social at Chino Latino Popular Nottingham restaurant Chino Latino worked alongside business network RSViP to welcome over ninety business professionals to mingle and enjoy a glass or two of Prosecco and Pan Asian delights from their famous menu. Corporate sponsors Firth & Scott offered complimentary cupcakes and exhibited alongside Grange Print & The Franchise Conference, who also showcased their services during the evening.Chino goody bags were given to guests as they left, containing discount vouchers amongst other things and a fantastic night was had by all!
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Photography by Louise Mills www.louisemillsphotography.co.uk
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FOOD & DRINK
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
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FASHION, HEATH & BEAUTY
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING 51
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
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FASHION, HEATH & BEAUTY
T: 0776 233 6222 www.louisemillsphotography.co.uk
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Passionate about creating stunning images Specialising in Family, Wedding and Event Photography
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Soft Purple Fitted Dress Next, ÂŁ45
Prada Suede Double Bag £1850.13, Saks Fifth Avenue
Robert Charles Suede Belt Purple £65.00, John Anthony
Purple Rain
Wool Hat £14.99, H&M
The colour that screams luxury and Royalty, once upon a time it was only adorned by an elite few, now it’s here for everyone and we will wear it proudly! Get ready for an explosion of this warm and sultry colour and remember to have some fun with it!
Almari Jacquard Collar Dress £31.00, John Lewis
Lovedrobe Dark Purple Textured Blazer £45.00, New Look
Purple Supersoft Blanket Scarf £15.00, River Island
Diane von Furstenberg Jaelyn Stretch-Ponte Mini Dress £175.00, The Outnet Oasis Peplum Top £25.00, Oasis
Mini Skirt with New Wool £25.00, M&S Blink Purple Heeled Platform Shoe £26.00, ASOS
Debut Purple Rhinestone Embellished Clutch Bag £30.00, House of Fraser Vans Atwood Canvas Skate Shoes £27.00, Wiggle.co.uk
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
MYLEENE KLASS
Karma Purple Disco Ball Bangle £30.00, Argento Nottingham
Boohoo Evie Low Rise Super Skinny Belted Jeans £25.00, Boohoo
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House of Fraser Blue herringbone flannel suit jacket £230 Blue herringbone flannel waist coat £65 Blue herringbone flannel suit trousers £120 All New & Lingwood Grey geometric shirt £85 Burgundy knitted tie £40
Ben Sherman Ohns Oxblood Derby Shoe £95.00, Next
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Swarovski Tension Tie Pin £74.00, Swarovski
Patek Philippe Gentlemen’s Calatrava in White Gold. £15,590, Berry’s Jewellers
Suit Up!
Cody Dip Dye Tie £25.00, French Connection
Blazers and brogues and ties, oh my! Looks like suits are coming back onto the fashion scene in a major way, no matter where you look on the runways, there’s a gentleman in a well cut suit holding all the attention.
Chester Barrie Wool Flannel Tailored Waistcoat £100.00, John Lewis
No longer confined to special events or fancy meetings; the sophisticated style is creeping into every day wear, will you dress it down with a simple blazer and button down, or go the whole nine yards?
Skopes Madrid Suit Waistcoat £32.50, House of Fraser Port Pocket Square £6.00, Topman
Polo Ralph Lauren Sky Blue Oxford Slim Shirt £85.00, Zee & Co.
HRS Celtio WC Derby Shoes £250.00, Kurt Geiger
Tailored-Fit Grey Wool Three-Piece Byard Suit £1,000.00, Paul Smith
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
TOM HIDDLESTON
Supercrease™ Pure New Wool Mini Houndstooth Trousers £84.00, M&S
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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
NAILED IT!
This seasons talon trends show that there is something for everyone, from subtle nudes to flamboyant shades!
O.P.I Nail Lacquer in AmazON AmazOFF
Butter London Nail Lacquer in Cheeky Chops
£ 11.95
£ 12.00
Nars Nail Polish Limited Edition in Madness £ 15.00
Kiss Everlasting Gel Polish in Lush
Models Own Nail Polish in Kaleidoscope - Dream Stream
Vinylux in Rock Royal Royalty
£ 13.99
£ 8.99
£ 4.99
Nails Inc The Perfect Nude
Revlon Nail Enamel in All Fired UP £ 6.49
Chanel Le Vernis in Black Satin £ 18.00
£ 12.00
TIPS & TRICKS CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
• Use a white base coat to make your colours pop!
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• Dry your nails faster by soaking them in ice water! • Rub Vaseline on skin around nails before painting, to make for easy clean up afterwards!
• Want your nails to last longer than a few days but no time to go to a salon? Try the Kiss Everlasting Gel System, it dries instantly and is chip free!
Lamp £38.99
Barry M Nail Paint in White £ 2.99
ESCAPE! WITH OUR FULL RANGE OF BEAUTY TREATMENTS:
20% OFF WHEN MENTIONING CITY LIFE MAGAZINE. VALID FOR ONE VISIT ONLY.
Within KH Hairdressing, 15 Castlegate, Nottingham
Tel: 0115 947 2332
www.retreatbeautysalon.co.uk
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Mac Lipstick in Dangerous Mac Cosmetics
Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Moisturising Lipstick John Lewis
£15.50
£20.00
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in Le Rouge Feelunique.com
£25.00
Paint the town
Red
Bare Mineral Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Light it Up Debenhams
Lancome L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Caprice House of Fraser
£16.00
£22.50
Sisley Phyto-Rouge Hydrating Long Lasting Lipstick in Rouge Passion House of Fraser,
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
£34.00
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Tom Ford Lip Colour in Wild Ginger Selfridges
£37.00
The Doctor will see you now... Or tonight, or tomorrow or this weekend, because at Nottingham Woodthorpe Hospital we understand that busy people need healthcare too.
Nottingham Woodthorpe Hospital are delighted to launch Nottingham’s first hospital based Private GP Service. Run by Dr Abraze Khalique and Dr Lawrence Lau, the hospital can provide fast access to on-site diagnostic facilities, consultant referrals, physiotherapy and medical treatments. With many years of experience in general medical practice between them, appointments are unhurried, full and in-depth.
For more information, or to book a consultation please telephone 0115 9932 015 or email nottingham.enquiries@ramsayhealth.co.uk
www.nottinghamhospital.co.uk Untitled-4 2
07/11/2014 11:31
Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine
Kilimanjaro Charity Ball On January 17th the St James Hotel hosted the Kilimanjaro Ball, celebrating the amazing fundraising feat that was to take place at the end of the month. 18 people, including Georgia-Mae Bowyer who organised the event, had planned an arduous and impressive climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, in an attempt to raise money for “Amy's Fund” and “The Dove Cottage Day Hospice”, two local charities. On The 31st January the 18 climbers start Day 1 of the 8 day climb, they are climbing 19,000 feet and walking 110 miles; each day they will be climbing between 3 and 8 hours a day. By paying for this trip entirely out of their own back pockets, all money raised goes directly to the two worthwhile causes on a 50/50 basis.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
On the night Georgia raised over £7,000 for the charities by ticket sales, a silent auction, a raffle and a kind donation from the bar spend from the St James Hotel. The event was a wonderful success not only for raising additional money, but for getting all of the climbers and their families together before their climb.
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NOW OPEN Located Within Nottingham’s Largest City Centre Spa
• Pamper the special person in your life with a gift voucher. This can be purchased in salon or online.
• Luxurious spa treatments, half and full day pamper packages which can include lunch, dinner and overnight accommodation.
• Urban hideaway located in the deluxe 4* Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Free parking whilst in treatment
Spa gym membership available from just £39.00 per month!
Full spa facilities including heated swimming pool, steam room, ice fountain, relaxation room and full gymnasium. The Urban Rooms, URBAN ESCAPE. Crowne Plaza Nottingham, Wollaton Street, Nottingham NG1 5RH Telephone 0115 9586323 Email us pamperme@theurbanrooms.co.uk Website www.theurbanrooms.co.uk
Facing up to cancer is a tough and daunting task for the sufferer and their family and friends. Lymphoedema massage:
The state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities at The Park Cancer Centre, which are operated in partnership with Cancer Partners UK, are now being supported by a series of complementary massage treatments provided by the hospital's physiotherapy team. Suzanne Marshallsay, Physiotherapy Manager at BMI The Park, explained: “Studies show massage reduces tension and stress as well as helping to ease pain. It also helps the patient to relax and promotes well-being, which is important as they are going through a tough time both physically and emotionally. “The therapies can be used alongside conventional treatments to provide a holistic approach aiming to care for the whole person. All massages are provided by therapists who have been trained in cancer care.”
Massage and physiotherapy treatments available include:
Lymphoedema which is a chronic swelling caused by a failure in the lymph drainage system which can be caused by cancer or its treatment. This is a specialised treatment involving massage, compression garments and exercises.
Chair massage: This is particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty lying in one position for any length of time. The treatment is carried out in a specially designed chair, where your face is resting in a cradle, looking down toward the floor with supports for your arms. It is a very comfortable position that allows complete relaxation of your back and neck whilst the having the massage. Exercise classes: Being active during and after treatment can reduce side effects, improve quality of life, reduce fatigue and breathlessness, improve bone health, cardiovascular fitness and help control weight. Small, friendly classes allow patients to work at a level that is appropriate for them and to enjoy a relaxation session at the end of each class.
Aromatherapy:
Oils extracted from certain, plants, flowers, fruits, herbs, trees and spices are specifically tailored to the individual's needs. Effects may include relaxation, stress relief, pain relief and reduction of muscle spasm. They can also help with reducing the effects of chemotherapy treatments, such as nausea, improve energy levels and stimulate the immune system.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy: Our physiotherapists offer individual assessment and treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal problems. These may occur as a direct result of cancer treatment, for example shoulder pain and stiffness after breast surgery, or may be more general, such as lower back pain as a result of being less active.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
On its website Cancer Research UK says: “One of the main reasons that people with cancer use massage is because it helps them feel good. It is a way they feel they can help themselves. Massage for people with cancer is promoted as a natural way to help you relax and cope with stress, anxiety, headaches and pain.
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“Generally, massage therapy can help lift your mood, improve your sleep and enhance your well-being.” For further information visit www.cancerresearchuk.org
For further information about BMI The Park visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/park
YOUR LOCAL PRIVATE HOSPITAL
To find out more about BMI The Park Hospital and the services we can offer, including our flexible finance options, call 0800 096 2907.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING 76
TIME WARP
Some of the world’s greatest Beauty Icons belong to this decade, Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Grace Kelly to name but a few. It was the time of Pin Up Girl Beauty, a style that we are starting to see more and more of.
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Lancôme Le Crayon Sourcils Eyebrow Pencil
Mac Lipstick in Hearts Aflame Mac Cosmetics
£16.50
£15.50
Pale, porcelain skin, subtle pastels and of course that killer red lip was all it took to become an absolute knock out! I ask you, why are we so obsessed with bronzer and self tanner when we can look so insanely elegant and stunning with this light complexion? The face literally becomes a canvas for the perfect pout. Pinks and Reds were reigning supreme in the 50’s and it is so easy to recreate now! For Blondes, redheads and other medium dark colours we suggest Orange-red shades, for those with darker hair, purple-red shades look absolutely amazing. So as not to distract attention from the lips, eye makeup was mostly minimal, a small amount of pastel eyeshadow and a thin application of eyeliner on the upper lash line to accentuate the lashes. To finish off the look, apply a light rosy blush to the apple of the cheek.
Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in Porcelain Bobbi Brown Nars Audacious Lipstick in Rita John Lewis
£29.00
£24.00 Maybelline New York Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner Boots
£7.99
Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Blush in Sweet Peach House of Fraser
£26.00
£22.00
Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer Beauty Bay
Benefit High Beam Highlighter Debenhams
Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte Natural Finish Pressed Powder Selfridges
£33.00
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
£20.50
£17.50
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette Feel Unique
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HAPPY NEW YEAR: HAPPY NEW YOU! With Care Dental, we want you to start the New Year with the new you. Don’t hide your smile this year! 2015 is the year to be happy with your smile Your smile is:
THE SEXIEST CURVE ON YOUR BODY IS YOUR SMILE.
FLAUNT IT.
C.A.R.E Dental Practice Free consultations for all services listed below...
a a a a a a a a a a a a a
• Cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry • Orthodontics (’Invisalign’ and 6 month smiles) • Sedation for nervous patients • Cosmetic veneers • Cerec technology-Same day crowns & Veneers • Same day emergency appointments • Family friendly practice • 6 hour smile make over • Routine dental treatments • Full mouth rehabilitation including root canal treatments • In-house laboratory
e done to achieve this to the best possible standard.
www.caredentalsurgery.com The Care Dental Team
Tel: 0116 239 0983 / 239 0941 2thspecialist@gmail.com
At C.A.R.E Dental Practice, Leicester we aim to provide the latest in high quality dentistry combined with professional care and good old fashioned personal service. The heart of our practice is CARE, caring for you and your families' every dental need, we build strong relationships with our patients getting to know their personal needs, the practice provides Dental Implants for missing teeth or loose dentures, cosmetic dentistry, tooth whitening with Enlighten or safe more cost effective options, Cerec crowns/ inlays/ veneers/bridges in a single visit made while you wait, straighter teeth with near invisible braces or 6 month smiles, CARE Dental is an amalgam free practice & has been for 14 years now. Dream your way through your next dental appointment, CARE has a dedicated Nervous patient programme, this is designed to put you at rest but if that's not enough then we also offer Intravenous Sedation for our patients, need some complex dentistry or just scared of the dentist? We can help, come in and meet the team, we really CARE, once you've met us, for most patients sedation isn't required, we build your confidence.
The core ethos of our practice is prevention rather than cure, let's get you dentally fit & help you stay that way, call us today to arrange a FREE no obligation consultation. CARE Dental Practice, Warren Court, Warren Lane, Leicester Forest East, Leicestershire LE3 3LW T: 0116 239 0983 / 239 0941 E: 2thspecialits@gmail.com www.caredentalsurgery.com Emergency Contact Number: 07919180188
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
The importance of rabies vaccination for travellers... Dr Bobby Ahmed is a medical doctor with a special interest and higher training in Travel Medicine. Dr Bobby Ahmed BMedSci BMBS MRCGP DOccMed FRSPH
RSViP Is Open For Business…. Many people will now be familiar with the unique form RSViP's 'Network Social' events take, with their sole focus to ensure all attendees not only make new contacts, build new business relationships but also generate new business on a regular basis. As part of Nottingham business network –RSViP's ongoing commitment to its members, founder Fiona Duncan is excited to announce the launch of a brand new kind of event to Nottingham, which caters for those who are looking for that bit more interaction with like-minded business folk; presenting…
The Business Room. In collaboration with marketing and business growth expert Paul Chapman of Marketing Jump Leads, The Business Room is aimed at business owners and managerial representatives from SME's to those within large corporate firms in a wide range of industries. The form it takes is a 'round–the-table' mastermind group, taking place on the third Wednesday of each month and is the place for like minded business owners to come together, share ideas, get help, feedback and be kept accountable. Topics of discussion are wide ranging and directed by the group, but in essence it is looking at 'Where do you want to get to?' and 'What do you need to have in place to get there?' Fiona & Paul have so far ran three sessions of The Business Room and are pleased to have welcomed extremely positive feedback and success stories from the mix so far.
This is the time of year that people begin planning for their summer holidays. Travellers are venturing farther afield than ever before. Parts of the world that were previously reserved for gap-year students or intrepid explorers are now being visited by increasing numbers of regular travellers, including those over the age of fifty. We have seen a marked shift in travel destinations over the past five years at our TravelDoc clinics in the East Midlands. Increasingly popular locations include Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala etc), South-East Asia (India, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Borneo, Indonesia etc) and Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Ecuador etc). Proper planning for potential health risks abroad is an important part of the considerations that accompany such travel. RABIES vaccination needs special attention and is often overlooked, despite being one of the most important considerations to these destinations.
Here are the facts: Every year around 15 MILLION people require post-exposure treatment for a potentially rabid bite or scratch. This is a disease that less than 10 people have ever been known to survive ie rabies is a fatal disease almost exclusively. More than 60,000 people per year die from rabies. Pre-exposure vaccinations does NOT “just buy you time”. The very limited availability of post-exposure human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) means that you cannot rely on being treated optimally after an exposure, as previously. HRIG has been in chronic short supply for the past 5 years in parts of the world where it is needed most. Rabies vaccine myths dispelled (Dr Bobby Ahmed, TravelDoc):
“
As a sole trader, I work alone a lot of the time and having attended three sessions of The Business Room so far, I have gained new perspective from different business owners from all kinds of backgrounds, which not only gives me a constant flow of new ideas to take away and implement within my business, but the positive environment also really inspires me to go back to my gallery and really go for it!
“
George Thornton, George Thornton Art Gallery
The Business Room has just 12 places available priced at £79 per session including a buffet lunch & refreshments – info@rsvipnetwork.co.uk / 0115 9417 548
1. “The vaccine just buys you (insert any number) hours to get to a hospital”. Very simply, the vaccine produces antibodies against the rabies virus (Lyssavirus). There is no clock involved. The median time to developing the disease after a rabid exposure is 90 days. The earliest rabies has ever been seen after an exposure is day 7/8. Pre-exposure vaccination offers protection against rabies and means that human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) is not needed in the event of an exposure. This is important given that HRIG is in chronically short supply in the countries where exposure risk is highest. 2. “The injection isn't a vaccine”. It definitely IS a vaccine! The exact origin of this conspiracy is unknown. 3. “I don't need the vaccine if I just stay away from dogs” Every year 15 million people don't manage to “stay away from dogs”. Rabies can be spread by animal other than dogs, especially BATS. Given that the rabies virus is present in saliva, it is possible to have an exposure without even realizing (aerosol spread).
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
4. “Not many people get rabies” The annual death rate from rabies is around 60,000 deaths per year. Tourists to SE Asia, Africa and Latin America have a clear exposure risk to this fatal disease. 5. “The vaccine is painful and goes into the stomach” It is an intramuscular injection given in the upper arm and is no more painful than any other vaccine. It is an unfortunate fact of life that pharmaceutical companies charge for their vaccines. Rabies vaccine is not available free of charge in the UK. The fact that is costs money should not detract from the importance of pre-exposure vaccination for travellers going to high-risk areas.
Regent Street Clinic Tel: 0800 5833331 70
Private GP
TravelDoc travel vaccination clinic
Confidential sexual health testing
Facial aesthetics - Ant wrinkle treatment,
Dermal fillers & Plasma rejuvenation Well person health screening Prescriptions
Total Body Screening UK
Occupational Health
X-rays, Ultrasound scans
Offshore medicals - OGUK
Same day appointments
Physiotherapy
Alcohol detox and rehab services
Blood tests
MRI and CT scans
Counselling and mental health services Home visits
Gym/sports profiles for elite athletes
Allergy testing
Business & Lifestyle Membership Directory RSVIP is a business and lifestyle networking membership. This is a collective group of professionals who are passionate about their businesses and committed to maintaining the highest levels of customer service. The businesses within the RSViP directory are therefore highly recommended.
RSViP Business Network RSViP offers a unique business networking experience to like-minded professionals, by hosting relaxed evening events, which focus on open networking, helping you to relax into making NEW connections, build NEW relationships, ultimately resulting in gaining you NEW business.
www.rsvipnetwork.co.uk
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RSViP Card- ÂŁ40 NAME
Enjoy Substantial Discounts & Added Value with RSViP Card
EXP 07/15
RSViP Card offers you substantial discounts at all of your favourite establishments including bars, restaurants, retailers and much more across Nottinghamshire, as well as sending you invitations to exclusive events, such as new product/business launches, exhibitions, black tie dinners, theatre productions & more...So join now for just ÂŁ40 for the year & enjoy what RSViP Card has to offer you...
www.rsvipcard.co.uk
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CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
The Rum House and Bad Juju Bar is a great addition to the Hockley area. Located on Broad Street, The Rum House offers a casual dining and cocktail experience, bringing Caribbean tapas to the Nottingham food scene.
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The vast range of cocktails and tapas dishes offer something to suit all tastes and palates. After enjoying the food and cocktails head upstairs on a Friday and Saturday night to Bad Juju bar for amazing tiki inspired cocktails and live music.
9 Broad Street, Nottingham NG1 3AJ Tel: 0115 924 1555
W: www.cherrywoodsolutions.co.uk Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. A typical fee for arranging a mortgage would be ÂŁ399. There is no charge for arranging insurance.
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T: 01158 242 111 M: 07908 152 111 E: info@cherrywoodsolutions.co.uk
Yu Energy is a brand new energy supplier, providing the best possible gas and electricity prices to businesses across the UK. We're that confident that we'll be able to beat your renewal, that if we can't, we'll send you a case of wine! Contact one of our team today and let us save Yu money.
0844 8000 141
EnergyforYu
www.yuenergy.co.uk
@EnergyforYu
CPK House | 2 Horizon Place | Nottingham Business Park | Mellors Way | Nottingham | NG8 6PY
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Switchstones is a unique, independent Estate Agency specialising in residential Sales, Lettings and property management. Established by experienced property professionals we offer a professional, first class service with personal relationship managers guiding you through the whole process from start to finish. Exceptional service for exceptional properties. RSVIP OFFER: 25% DISCOUNT OFF SALES & LETTINGS FEES
T: 0115 952 4021 E: info@switchstones.co.uk W: www.switchstones.co.uk
Stand Out PR & Comms Consultancy RedTree is an influential PR and communications consultancy based in Nottingham. Through the creation and delivery of bespoke PR and communications campaigns, RedTree secures the exposure which ensures clients benefit from being seen in the right places, whether that is digital, print, broadcast or social media.
0115 925 5499 hello@redtreepr.com www.redtreepr.com @RedTreePR
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With over 20 years combined Recruitment experience across an array of diverse industries, we offer tailor made recruitment packages to suit all business needs priding ourselves on our high calibre of candidates within the permanent and temporary market. We fully immerse ourselves in your business to achieve the ultimate goal; placing the right candidate.
For all RSVIP members we will offer an introduction fee of 10% contact us for more details to create your tailor made recruitment package. (Our standard fee is fixed at 15%)
Nottingham Offices We provide offices, meeting rooms and studio space at Lace Market House, a vibrant and friendly business centre for creative, media, marketing, architectural, legal, recruitment and finance businesses, including local and national famous faces - such as the Terrence Higgins Trust.
www.nottingham-offices.com Tel: 0115 933 8323
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Telephone: 0115 8561082 Email: info@responsenetwork.co.uk Web Address: www.responsenetwork.co.uk
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Vancouver Petite Oak Display Cabinet £510.00, Choice Furniture Superstore
Ashley Antique Pine 3 Door 5 Drawer Wardrobe £474.99, Worldstores.co.uk
Premier Walnut Finish Solid Birch Coat Stand £36.99, Barnitts.co.uk
Montague Oak Boat Bookcase £449.00, The Cotswold Company
Sunart 3 Seat Hallway Hardwood Bench with Under Seat Storage £159.99, Trueshopping.co.uk
Wooden Carved Nordic Owl Ornament £6.00, Debenhams Acacia Plasma Unit - 3 Shelves £319.00, Verty Furniture
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Teknik Office French Gardens Pine Study Desk £249.99, The Plasma Centre
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Tenali Light Mango Square Trunk £212.79, Casa Bella Furniture
Into the
Keswick Extending Dining Table & Solid Wood Chairs £599.00, Harvey’s
Linea Wooden Acorn Ornament £9.60, House of Fraser
To call this a trend would be inaccurate, wooden decor always has and always will be a staple in interior design, but sometimes it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Throw out the chromes, silvers and golds and remind yourselves of the warm, timeless beauty of expertly crafted wooden furniture.
Newgate Clocks King’s Cross Station Clock - Dark Wood £135.00, Amara.com
Woods
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
G Plan Monet King Size Wooden Bed Frame £944.98, Firstfurniture.co.uk
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La Vie En Rose French Inspired Accessories Gifts & Soft Furnishings www.lavieenrosesales.co.uk
Vist us at: Williams Yard, Derby Road, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8JR Follow us on...
or Buy On Line @ www.lavieenrosesales.co.uk Telephone: 01332 864 878
FMS1654
Nevada Four Tier Ceiling Pendant Light Shade in Red £19.99, diningroomworld.com
Harrison Extending Oak Dining Table and 6 Leather Chairs Set (Boston Red) £599.99, Furniture Choice
Faux Suede Eyelet Curtains From £35.00, Freemans
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Searchlight Antigua 1 Light Table Lamp Red £27.84, Ocean Lighting
Randig Scented Candle Set, Red £7.00, Ikea
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Macy Sleek Rolling Design Bed £659.00, Living It Up
Sherlock Chair Antique Red Velvet £475.00, Next
Thomas Kent 20” Arabic Red Clock £85.00, nigelohara.com
Catherine Lansfield Heat Seal King Size Quilt Set £24.00, Amazon Sherlock Petite Sofa Antique Red Velvet £675.00, Next
This stunning colour is both warm and striking, gives a beautiful radiance to any room, big or small; it’s currently heating up both the runway and now the home!
Morphy Richards Accents Red Traditional Kettle £39.99, Dunelm
Red Revolution
Rayware 16-Piece Red Reactive Glaze Square Dinner Set £24.99, 24 Studio
Take a look at some of these bold statement items and liven up your living space!
Akai Microwave Oven in Red £59.95, Sonic Direct
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
George Home Highland Fling Red Knit Throw £15.00, Asda
Typhoon Vintage Kitchen Red Canister Set £24.99, Lakeland
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HOME & GARDEN
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Nottingham’s Newest Premier Stove Showroom Opening Soon
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Kitchens from £5,000 to £30,000
Ferguson Interiors 48 Derby Road Nottingham NG1 5FQ Tel: 0115 9799191 www.fergusoninteriors.co.uk
HOME & GARDEN Vintage Nautical Seaside Door Drawer Cupboard Knob £7.95, notonthehighstreet.com
Marco Stripe Towels From £4.00, bedeckhome.com
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Imperial King Charles Freestanding Panelled Bath £3598.00, ukbathrooms.com
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Nautical Map Octopus Art Print From £5.99, Etsy
HOME & GARDEN
Linea Nautical Blue Basin Accessories From £7.00, House of Fraser
Maine Stripe Bath Mat £8.00, cargohomeshop.com
Gisela Graham Medium Natural Wood Anchor Hanging Ornament £14.95, toysandinteriors.co.uk
Ship shape Tired of your bathroom looking bland and basic? This Nautical themed trend is an easy way to give the room a little character!
Authentic Models Cabin Porthole Mirror Large £155.00, Occa-Home
Thumbprintz Nautical Nonsense Blue/ White Starfish Shower Curtain Approx £36.99, overstock.com
Either go all out with stunning Navy blue fixtures, or if your budget won’t allow a complete refurbishment, then you can simply use accessories: your bathroom will be Ship Shape in no time!
Decorative Boat £8.00, Matalan
Wenko 3-Litre Marine Cosmetic Pedal Bin £24.97, Wayfair
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Large Caddy Blue Striped £4.00 Wilko
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THE BEST SELECTION OF
CANE & RATTAN FURNITURE LARGE SELECTION OF LIGHTING & ONE OF THE BIGGEST DISPLAYS OF MIRRORS IN THE MIDLANDS
CANE & RATTAN FURNITURE COLLECTIONS
NEW LIGHTING SHOWROOM NOW AT PALMERS
One of the largest selections of Cane & Rattan, Conservatory and Garden Furniture, Lighting & Mirrors in the Midlands!
NOW STOCKISTS OF
CANE & RATTAN
GARDEN & CONSERVATORY FURNITURE
A World of Design & Possibilities In today's world it is unusual to find a company which manages to provide the peace of mind of being large enough to have its own kitchen & bedroom manufacturing factory, yet small enough to appreciate the importance of personal service. At Princess Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms we have done exactly that, from inception to finished results we deal on a personal basis, discussing every possible detail in order to create your unique dream kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. A warm welcome awaits you at our showroom – why not pop in and discuss your project with your dedicated design team?
Visit our website for more information...
www.princessdesign.co.uk
Address: Radcliffe Road West Bridgford Nottingham NG2 5FX
Tel: 0115 981 5444
Email: nottingham@princessdesign.co.uk
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm Sun 11am-4pm
5 STAR LONDON
If you are looking for a hotel to stay at, maybe for a luxury break or a special occasion, City Life Magazine’s new 5 Star feature will highlight some of the finest hotels that are virtually on your doorstep. Some of these hotels are based out in the country, but nowhere has a concentration of the world’s most luxurious hotels, more than our own capital city, London. Many hotels have the 5 star badge, but some reside on a level far above the others. It is these hotels that we will feature over the next few issues. Over the next 6 pages we will look at how they describe themselves plus our own experience staying there to see whether they really live up to their enviable reputations.
This issue’s recommended 5 star hotels...
Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BP www.roccofortehotels.com
252 High Holburn, London WC1V 7EN www.rosewoodhotels.com
Strand, London WC2R 0EU www.fairmont.com
5 STAR LONDON
Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BP www.roccofortehotels.com
HOTEL DESCRIPTION... As the finest of all the 5-star hotels in London, Brown's Hotel lies in the centre of this great city, where tradition and modern London life meet. We are as close to the boutiques of Bond Street as the Royal Academy of Arts. As near to the hustle and bustle of Soho as the calm of Green Park. Our hotel is a place where you can take traditional Afternoon Tea and taste the best of modern British cooking, courtesy of the capital's celebrated chef, Mark Hix. Like all good hosts, we help our guests experience the city as Londoners do. A distinctive mix of old and new, each of our 117 bedrooms has been designed by Olga Polizzi. Her exquisite blend of styles and vintage gives a distinctive charm to the finest rooms in London Suites Period features. Muted colours. Well-appointed bathrooms. Our 29 London suites are generous and elegant, and when you stay in a Classic Suite or above, you'll enjoy additional services too.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Restaurants Sophistication and style is always on the menu at Brown's, whether it's in our HIX Mayfair restaurant, Donovan Bar or award-winning English Tea Room
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The best of contemporary British food meets the best of contemporary British art. One of the best restaurants in London, the HIX Mayfair menu is all about big British flavours handled deftly and with sophistication. Mixed beets with Cachel blue. Norfolk treacle tart with clotted cream. Each plate as much of a work of art as the Tracey Emin and Bridget Riley that hang on the walls
Director of Food Mark Hix has helped create a menu of bold British classics, using carefully sourced local ingredients. So good, you'll want to attend one of his masterclasses and recreate the dishes at home. Some of our most important guests are also the smallest. From the Children's VIP card that is presented upon arrival to the gift and personalised cookie waiting in their room, our Five Star Kids' Programme makes sure our junior guests are just as pampered as the grown-ups. For Little Ones Toys, a temperature tester and plenty of bubbles – everything you need for bathtime fun. When it's time to say goodnight, your little one can snuggle up with a Brown's bear and tuck into homemade cookies and milk, all part of our Teddy Turndown service. For Older Children Our Children's Library at Reception offers an array of movies and books. Children can curl up in their dressing gown and slippers with their very own copy of Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book, which was written in the hotel. Museums and galleries. Gigs and sport, our Concierge will ensure that older children experience the best of the city. Back at the hotel, we can provide complimentary internet access and special spa treatments. Story Made up of 11 Georgian townhouses, Brown's has a rich and intriguing history. Distinguished guests have included presidents and prime ministers, royalty and writers. One notable regular was Agatha Christie — her 1965 thriller, At Bertram's Hotel, was inspired by Brown's.
PERFECT FOR THE FAMILY... THE EXPERIENCE... Brown's Hotel in London receives top marks for location, right in central Mayfair, with access to all you could need virtually on your doorstep, mere moments away from many of the famous shopping districts, as well as the theatres and arts venues. The building is much more modest and subdued than many of the other luxury hotels in London, but still doesn't struggle to attract attention and admiration. A hotel of luxury and history, a recent remodelling brought aspects of the modern era to the 178 year old building without clouding its historically rich soul. After all this is a place founded by Lord Byron's butler, the place where Alexander Graham Bell made the first ever phone call and of course where Rudyard Kipling completed The Jungle Book; facts that seem to be sadly forgotten by many. The lobby is understated but effortlessly sophisticated and the staff are all calmly confident in their work, ensuring that you are tended to in the best way possible, the attentiveness is excellent.
and anything else that they would normally like to occupy their spare time with. For the younger one’s, milk and cookies arrive just before bedtime. The warm, homely design differs so much from chic cosmopolitan styled hotels, and really allows you to feel at home right in the centre of London.
The Hix Mayfair restaurant The Hix Mayfair restaurant at Brown's Hotel, is ran under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Lee Streeton and Director of Food Mark Hix. The invitingly warm design immediately drew us in, highly polished wood panelling underfoot and up the walls and obscure art dotted around the room, somehow managing to make a room that could easily look like so many others, unique. The food itself was excellent, the menu bulged with a great many options, combinations none of us had seen before and were eager to sample; so much to choose from and so little time! Once again, the staff were wonderfully helpful, polite and cheerful, there to offer help with anything we may have needed and wearing a smile as our food was brought over to us. The restaurant manages to make a fine job of presentation without crossing the line towards Haute Cuisine, where all you can find is an admittedly beautiful looking piece of art, but only a slither of meat and a dash of sauce. The servings at the Hix Mayfair were plentiful and the meals delicious.
The hotel also put in a lot of effort to ensure that children are pleased. In the room we found toys, books, sweets and individual Gingerbread men with our younger children's' names delicately iced onto them. The older children are offered play stations, games
With an overall welcoming and homely presence, exemplary service and delightful food, even if you aren't interested by the history of Brown's Hotel, it is definitely one to visit and one that we guarantee will not disappoint.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Our family suite at Brown's Hotel included 2 rooms and a lounge and basically came with anything you could possible ask for. The bathrooms are fully stocked with anything you could need, even obscure products rarely found in hotels, such as face masks and luxury oils. With a large super king size bed and luxurious bathroom, it seemed a shame to venture out.
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5 STAR LONDON
252 High Holburn, London WC1V 7EN www.rosewoodhotels.com
HOTEL DESCRIPTION... Guests arrive at Rosewood London through an archway that opens into a grand Edwardian courtyard, in a little oasis of tranquillity unique among London luxury hotels. It is the perfect start to a memorable stay in a timeless heritage hotel, set just steps from Covent Garden Visitors arrive through wrought iron gates that lead into a peaceful inner courtyard, providing a sense of arrival more akin to a private manor house than a hotel. Leading from the courtyard is the rose bronze gallery, a dramatic corridor connecting the hotel's public spaces. The lobby is rich and luxurious in every detail and comprises a black and white marble mosaic flooring, gilded eglomise glass partitions filled to the brim with quirky art and books, stunning oak armoires and a parchment reception desk. ACCOMMODATION
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Rosewood London offers guests true urban sanctuaries, with 262 rooms and 44 suites that are among the top hotels in London. Informed by the grand traditions of a British manor home, the five-star hotel's stylish interiors – are crafted from the finest materials and appointed to the highest standard.
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DINING From the beguiling jewel box design of the Mirror Room to a buzzy modern British brasserie – not to mention the conversational Scarfes Bar and charming Edwardian courtyard terrace – Rosewood London offers some of the capital's finest cuisine. An ideal destination for romantic dinners or corporate entertaining, the heritage hotel offers an assortment of culinary experiences to remember.
Scarfes Bar, inspired by the atmosphere of a drawing room and the sophistication of a gentleman's club, features a roaring fire, a collection of cosy velvet armchairs and shelves filled with over 1,000 antique books hand-picked by a Portobello antique dealer. A creative menu of cocktails and complimentary live music six nights a week all add to the conviviality and certainly give true meaning to the phrase 'get scarfed' at Gerald's eponymous bar where potions and paintings meet. The bartenders are true connoisseurs of their craft from advising on beers and matching wines to preparing speciallycurated cocktails. Scarfes Bar is a must-visit in the heart of Holborn. A grand brasserie set in midtown London, Holborn Dining Room serves up seasonal, locally sourced British cuisine with a twist in a vibrantly bustling dining salon. It's a place for enjoying a convivial meal with friends, a spontaneous pint of local lager and a burger, or a selection of crustacea and charcuterie paired with wine. The dining room adjoins Holborn Delicatessen and includes a bar and a dining counter, each topped with aged copper and patina brass and leads to the Courtyard Terrace in the hotel's peaceful inner courtyard - set in the peaceful courtyard of the Edwardian Grade II-listed building, the easygoing terrace offers a breath of fresh air for diners, whether enjoying the summer sun or snuggled up in blankets during the colder months The Courtyard Terrace is the al fresco extension of Holborn Dining Room, set in the serene Edwardian inner courtyard of Rosewood London. Sit back and relax whilst enjoying a cocktail or two during the warmer months and a charcuterie board with a glass of wine during the winter months in this stunning enclave within the hotel.
A TIMELESS LONDON RESIDENCE... THE EXPERIENCE...
British food.
The best way to describe the newly opened Rosewood Hotel in London would be, awe-inspiring. You enter by means of a stone archway, leading through to a grand Edwardian courtyard, here you must allow yourself a few moments to blink away the surprise from the beautiful architecture and remind yourself that you are in fact not in a fairytale.
The restaurant, like the hotel itself, has been beautifully designed with polished marble floors and red leather upholstery, brasserie style’. The menu offers a multitude of inspired, unique dishes and those that we tried were fantastic, expertly made and bursting with flavour.
We were greeted by a doorman dressed in a light cream Panama suit, something I have never seen elsewhere, the usual formalities seemingly set aside. We quickly realised that all of the staff were dressed in the style of Country Gentlemen, this took away any sense of pomposity that can sometimes be found in luxury hotels, though it didn't reduce the level of professionalism at all. Every member of staff we met was fantastic; polite and helpful, constantly working to make sure you have all that you need without becoming bothersome. It is easy to tell that the Rosewood London is refreshingly set apart from other 5 star Hotels, with its own individual flair.
The monochromatic, metropolitan rooms are effortlessly chic, minimalistic yet oozing sophistication. Our suite came equipped with a lounge, a wide screen TV, an incredibly lavish marble bathroom, an unparalleled butler service and finally, what must have been the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. The night we arrived, we dined at the Hotel's restaurant, The Holborn Dining Room, a grand brasserie serving locally sourced
The overall atmosphere of the bar manages to exude high levels of class without becoming even remotely intimidating, on the contrary, it is very easy to settle down and enjoy the evening in this divine bar. The bar can fill up fast due to its popularity, so it's best to book a table in advance. The following morning we had our breakfast in the courtyard terrace, the outdoor extension to the Holborn Dining Room and part of the hotel's peaceful Edwardian Courtyard. The serene experience gave the feeling of being abroad, enjoying our breakfasts in the soft morning light.
The Rosewood Hotel perfectly achieves class and sophistication without becoming stuffy or pretentious and brings forward a unique tone that will have you coming back time and again.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
The Hotel is located in High Holborn, an oasis tucked away from the mainstream tourist hot spots, but only minutes away from Covent Garden.
Next we visited the famous Scarfes Bar, named after the artist Gerald Scarfe, whose illustrations can be found all around the bar. Here we met some true cocktail experts behind the bar, who were endlessly helpful and advised us, helping us choose the perfect drinks. We eventually went for Champagne Cocktails which were excellent, and enjoyed them by the roaring fireplace in plush, stately chairs admiring the antique books that lined the walls.
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5 STAR LONDON
Strand, London WC2R 0EU www.fairmont.com
HOTEL DESCRIPTION... The Savoy has been one of the leading London hotels since it first opened back in 1889, and has always been synonymous with style and luxury. The hotel seamlessly blends stunning English Edwardian luxury with Art Deco style, and its interiors sparkle with timeless elegance. The hotel has a colourful and glamorous history, and anyone who is anyone has passed through its doors at one time or another. It has recently been lovingly restored, with most of its stunning Art Deco interior kept carefully intact.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
The savoy is one of London’s favourite and most famous meeting places. The location is wonderfully convenient, lying at the very centre of the capital between the City and Westminster, close to Covent Garden and the West End. The Savoy is one of the most eminent venues for London society. The hotel’s enduring showmanship has attracted people down the generations from royalty, the arts, business, politics and the law.
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Perfectly placed in the heart of one of the world's most exciting cities and on the banks of the River Thames. Bordering some of the city’s most interesting neighbourhoods, The Savoy offers the best location from which to both explore, and be a part of, life in London. Providing the glamour of yesteryear, with the functionality of today, The Savoy is your base to discover iconic London landmarks, designer shopping in Knightsbridge and Mayfair and the finest food experiences across town.The Savoy is an iconic hotel brilliantly reinvented for the 21st century, where the glamour of 125-years of history sparkles with a new lustre. Presenting a unique collection of six restaurants and bars, with extraordinary personalities and specialists to be found in each
of them, The Savoy is a destination for food lovers and drink connoisseurs. Kaspar’s - a seafood bar and grill - delivers exceptional sustainable, fresh fare in a beautiful art deco-style restaurant from morning until night. The famed American Bar is the ageless setting in which to sip untainted libations of years past and witness the future of the beverage industry as it arrives. Thames Foyer provides the light and elegant environment for England’s long-loved Afternoon Tea tradition, while the Beaufort Bar is the luxurious space for alchemy in its character cocktails and unusual concoctions under a darkened room sharpened with gold. Simpson’s-in-the-Strand and the Knight’s Bar remain steadfastly at the top of every Londoner’s list for the best roast dinner in the city and a sense of British tradition. The Savoy’s bijou tea store Savoy Tea, offers exquisite teas and bespoke accessories in an imperial Eastern atmosphere. The Savoy's 195 guest rooms and 73 suites are decorated in either Edwardian or Art Deco style, and many afford breathtaking views over the River Thames. Blending comfort and elegance with discreet technology, nine Personality Suites take inspiration from high profile guests, while our two-bedroom Royal Suite is an impressive stately procession of rooms spread across the front of the entire fifth floor, overlooking the river. THE SAVOY SUITE WELCOMEThe luxury of a stay at The Savoy now begins before you check in. Guests booking a Family Suite or above will enjoy The Savoy Suite Welcome. In addition to our legendary Butler service guests will receive a complimentary chauffeured car service with return airport/station transfers and local drop-off's, welcome beverage, Wi-Fi and the pressing of one garment per person per stay.
LONDON’S MOST FAMOUS HOTEL... THE EXPERIENCE... The World famous Savoy Hotel in London is located on the water's edge of Covent Garden, among the dynamic shopping and theatre district, looking out from the North Bank of the River Thames. The hotel itself, is a marvel, the lobby radiates huge levels of class and opulence. Gleaming marble floors stretch along the expanse of the lobby and are met by mahogany panelled walls, it is a lobby that you wouldn't mind having to wait in; but with the attentive and friendly staff, there is no waiting at the Savoy. In 2010, the Savoy underwent a renovation, one that went down in history, reportedly costing over £220 million, and though such numbers do make our heads spin, the outcome is tremendous. The hotel itself was built in 1889 and over the decades, it became the top London Hotel by stars such as Laurence Olivier and Marilyn Monroe, though as of late it had begun to wilt in comparison to the modern competitors, spurring the renovation. The Savoy is now once again a monumental building to behold and of course, a brilliant Hotel of the highest standards.
Modern luxuries are dotted amongst the classic décor, such as a
The Savoy also holds some of London's best known restaurants, there is of course the prestigious Savoy Grill, 1920's style décor and a classic British and French menu never fails to bring in countless patrons. Then there's the more recent addition, Kaspar's Seafood Bar & Grill, launched in May 2013, which also holds a 1920's air with a strong art deco twist, the menu offering anything from a traditional Seafood pie to an exotic Malaysian Seafood Curry. After much consideration this was our restaurant of choice for our evening meal. Service, presentation and our meal were all exemplary. Now some would say that the epitome of all that is British is of course, a cup of tea, and if you want to try the best of the best, then the Multi Award Winning Thames Foyer is an absolute must. By day, natural light fills the foyer, cast from the glass dome at the roof and directly below, in the centre of the room you will find a pianist playing and mesmerising the guests. Finally, I simply must mention the Beaufort Bar, plush, decadent, gold and black décor demands adoration, and we are happy to supply. The bar offers unique cocktails served in vintage glassware, ensuring that your experience isn't likely to be topped elsewhere. It I was a hotel critic, I would be lost for words as I can’t think of anything that wasn’t up to the exacting standards that you would expect of a hotel of this calibre. It has rightfully earned it’s place as one of London’s finest hotels.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Leaving the lobby and making our way to our room, we opened the door to our suite to find one of the most inviting beds I have ever seen, and a fantastic view of the London Eye and the Thames. My wife and I settled in the room fit for a King, and were struck by the sheer beauty of the suite, almost on par with the impressive lobby; the room was impeccable and spotless. Every comfort had been well and truly considered and implemented
wide screen TV and an iPod dock, but all of the attention is held by the stunning chandelier which hangs above the bed.
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CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
FROM THE BANKS Costa Blanca North Apartments Moraira 2 Beds, 2 Baths Complex Pool, 5 Mins Beach and central Denia
FROM 97,800â‚Ź
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Last Remaining Apartment Phase 1
Phase 2 Now Selling Prices from ÂŁ265,000
Castle Point, 8 Castle Boulevard, The Park Nottingham, NG7 1FL
www.nottinghamcastlepoint.com 27 Stunning Apartments in Nottingham’s Prestigious Park Estate Viewings by appointment
1 Hope Drive, The Park, Nottingham NG7 1DL Tel: 01159 583 679 Email: info@sashadavidestates.com
www.sashadavidestates.com
PROPERTY
Rushcliffe’s Premier Building & Development Company Expand with New Headquarters based in central West Bridgford. O'Keeffes Builders is already one of Nottingham's Premier Building and Development companies and they are now expanding, opening new office premises in West Bridgford meaning that they will be able to service the Rushcliffe area and be on hand at all times for their clients. The Award winning family run business expects 2015 to be a great year, further solidifying their position as one of the best building and development companies around Founded in 1981, O'Keeffe's won the 2012 Best Small Family Business category Award in the Midlands' Family Business Awards, beating off stiff competition from some of the region's leading small family businesses, classified as those with an annual turnover of up to £5 million. .
but to ensure that their clients are receiving the work and product that they truly wish for. To O'Keeffes Builders, a real success isn't a good total sum, but the satisfaction and happiness of their clients. It's not only the unparalleled customer service that keeps O'Keeffes on top, but also the high standards of quality produced time and time again by the company. O’Keeffe’s is a true family affair, with Russel O’Keeffe, Operations Director joining his father Michael, the Managing Director and brother Matthew, the Systems Director in 2006, with sister Jessica subsequently coming on board as Associate Director. Almost a third of O’Keeffe’s employees - approx 40 are also family members, with some having been with the business more than 25 years and many for a decade or more.
O'Keeffe Building Services portfolio reflects the aspirations of a much broader range of home buyers, encompassing medium to large-scale developments in towns, cities and the countryside, mixed use schemes, riverside apartments, refurbished historic buildings and urban loft spaces. The company has also gained considerable experience in creating sustainable communities within complex regeneration schemes. We are always in close communication with our clients, even before any contract or New Build has begun. We will also enquire into your New Build preferences and which suppliers and materials you wish to use.
With O'Keeffe's being the Premier building company for the Rushcliffe Borough, it seemed time for the company to open their new offices in West Bridgford, to allow themselves to be more dedicated to their loyal Rushcliffe clients, being able to meet and respond with more effectiveness and efficiency to their customers every need. CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING 102
Something that O'Keeffes has always been able to offer is genuine care and identity, unlike many of the firms out there, faceless and hiding behind countless layers of employees, making it almost impossible to get to the heart of the business. The people you speak to and deal with when working with O'Keeffes are some of the friendliest and most helpful people imaginable and will make it their priority that you come out of the experience happy. O'Keeffes is the kind of business that isn't just working for profit,
It's a very exciting time for O'Keeffe's and 2015 will see the company developing some fantastic New Homes in West Bridgford and Keyworth and also a number of selected projects for private customers throughout the borough. The company will cover any job from a small loft conversion to an entire new build, whether it be your dream home or a large development, no job is more important than any other. For enquiries Telephone: 01159 771188 Email: info@okeeffe.uk.com The Old Dairy, Melton Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham
PROPERTY
Proposed Prestigious New Build - Nicker Hill, Keyworth. Enquiries Tel: 0115 977 1188.
Over the past few years, O'Keeffes have done some truly amazing work throughout the borough, spurring some kind words from extremely happy customers:
We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at O'Keeffe's for our beautiful new family home. You all made the process so straightforward for two very inexperienced "new build" house purchasers!! It was fantastic that we were able to have such an input into the layout and finish of the house - it means that it is absolutely perfect for us! The O'Keeffe business has a brilliant team who work for them - they are hard-working, friendly and more than happy to help in any way they can - they are a credit to the company.
We hadn't embarked on any major building work before so an extension felt quite daunting for us, added to by the fact that people told us we were mad to live in the house while the work was being done! Actually, it went incredibly smoothly. The teams who worked with us were skilled, professional and courteous. There were plenty of decisions to make along the way but we felt very supported to make the right calls for us and we're given plenty of advance warning so we had time to think things through.
COMPLETED 2014 - All Sold Off Plan
We have had so many compliments about the standard of the work and love the new extended home O'Keeffe helped us to create, many many thanks to Russell and the team.
3 Home Development in Keyworth
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
New Build - High View, Keyworth. Completed 2014
New Build - Hollies Drive, Edwalton
Ruddington Project
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Enquiries: Sasha David Estates
T: 01159 583 679
www.nottinghamcastlepoint.com
Sales at Castle Point, one of Nottingham's landmark buildings have been brisk with almost all of phase one having sold and phase two has just two remaining from five. Phase one comprises 15 beautifully converted luxurious apartments in Castle Point, a landmark building that has served as a textile mill and more recently as a bank. Phase two which is on Peveril Drive just by the gates to The Park Estate is converted from its former use as insurance and accountants offices into two 2 bed apartments, two 3 bed duplex apartments and a 2 bed coach house.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
These first two of the three phases benefit from the spectacular location beneath The Castle at the junction of Castle Boulevard and Peveril Drive. The prestigious position is matched by the longstanding reputation and connection with the City of the developer Pickering Developments who built and ran the Savoy and Royal Hotels in Nottingham.
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All of the properties within the development have been painstakingly designed to be as light as possible and benefit from the views so large glass expanses have been used wherever possible creating space and a modern feel. Both these first two phases benefit from designated parking spaces for each apartment as well as the option for residents to acquire permit parking in The Park. The ground floor 2 beds on Peveril Drive will also benefit from a landscaped and private outdoor space.
Apartments are contemporary in style and content. High speed internet access is readily available and HDMI cabling has been installed in the lounge and both bedrooms to provide multi-media and offer a choice between Virgin and Sky for its delivery. The new double glazing and acoustic separation of each apartment provides a home superbly insulated against noise and heat loss to the latest building standards. The additional benefit of gas fired under floor heating provides a clean, efficient and cost effective warmth! Kitchens are well equipped with Neff ceramic hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher and fridge freezer. There is also an Indesit washer/tumbler. Specification of each apartment is identical and the floor areas are similar at around 1,000 square feet although room shapes vary giving a personal feel. Each apartment also benefits from a lockable store of 100 square feet in the basement – the perfect storage solution for busy professionals who enjoy a range of sporting hobbies. Generous bespoke floor to ceiling soft glide wardrobes and fitted carpets have been installed in all bedrooms maximising storage without compromising space. Oak laminate floors grace the kitchen and lounge-dining room and the bathrooms are fully tiled and furnished with the latest in contemporary style sanitary ware. The car park area is to be landscaped to increase privacy with a designated parking space for each apartment. Additionally there will be a provision for visitor parking spaces. The superb location provides easy walking access to the designer shops, exclusive restaurants and bars of the Lacemarket and Castle Rock area's as well as the riverside retail and adjacent corporate offices of the canal side redevelopment. Apartments are being marketed by Sasha David Estates llp at 1 Hope Drive, The Park NG7 1DL 50 metres behind the development www.sashadavidestates.com or 01159 583 679.
www.nottinghamcastlepoint.com Phase 2 Now Selling Prices from ÂŁ265,000
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ARCHIVING BULK CCTV DELIVERY EQUIPMENT
FLEXIBLE FORKLIFT GOODS PALLET SECURE
STOCK STORAGE TOOLS WAREHOUSE
Please mention the code CITYBYOO1 in order to claim your discount
Big Yellow Nottingham - 0115 986 4550
bigyellow.co.uk/business
S S E N I S U B
Get some space in your business.
MOTORS
New 2015 Audi Q7... The Q7 marks a fresh styling direction for all Audi SUVs
Audi has completely reinvented its Q7. The degree to which the midsize sport utility vehicle has improved relative to its predecessor is astounding.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
The German automaker cut more than 700 pounds while loading it up with advanced technology, some of it unprecedented, such as partial autonomous driving capabilities.
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The 2015 Audi Q7 is 716.5 pounds lighter than its predecessor. Shedding weight equivalent to that of a grand piano helps make it 26 percent more efficient than the outgoing model, which first went on sale in 2005. Other improvements range from a roomier interior to better voice recognition capabilities. Making vehicles lighter is a major trend in the industry as car companies work to reduce fuel consumption and emissions to comply with more stringent regulations. The Audi Q7's weight loss involved a massive re-engineering
effort, starting with the underlying structure of the vehicle, which is made of super thin “ultra-high-strength� steel and aluminium. This structure forms the backbone of the vehicle and alone accounts for 156.5 pounds of weight savings. New lightweight chassis components in the suspension and driveline save another 220 pounds. Aluminium doors cut an additional 53 pounds. Like its predecessor, the 2015 Audi Q7 is offered with V6 petrol and diesel engines. The Q7 3.0 TFSI gas-powered model is about 28 percent more efficient than the previous version, achieving an estimated 28.3 to 30.5 miles per gallon overall, depending on the seating configuration (five seats versus seven) as well as the wheels and tyres. The 2015 Q7 3.0 TDI diesel is 23 percent more efficient than its equivalent predecessor. It gets an estimated 37.9 to 41.3 miles per gallon overall. Those are impressive numbers indeed for a midsize SUV. The 2015 Audi Q7 will get two new engines in addition to the usual six-cylinders. The Q7 2.0 TFSI model will feature a
EXPECTED RESULTS
Model: 3.0-Litre TDI Diesel Power: 273bhp 0-62mph: 6.3 secs Top Speed: 146mph Price: £50,340 (from)
turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, while the Q7 e-tron quattro includes a diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain that can drive around 35 miles on electric power and gets an estimated 138 miles per gallon. All 2015 Audi Q7 models will come with a new eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and all-wheel drive. Seating for five will be standard, with the option to add a third row with two additional seats for children. Though Audi is emphasizing efficiency with the re-engineered Q7, it will not sacrifice sportiness or comfort. For example, fourwheel steering, a feature used on sports cars like the Porsche 911, makes the Q7 more agile at high speeds and easier to manoeuver at low speeds. The suspension system automatically adjusts in height and stiffness based on the terrain. An optional sport suspension further improves the Q7′s agility. Despite being one inch shorter front to back, and 0.6 inches narrower on the outside than its predecessor, the 2015 Audi Q7's interior is marginally taller, longer and wider, giving occupants more head, leg and shoulder room. This is a good thing, because one of the key deficiencies of the current Q7 is its cramped interior.
Voice recognition has been improved as well. Audi says the system no longer requires predefined commands, but recognizes natural speech such as, “Where can I get petrol?” The new MMI also works with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, which allow the dashboard screen to mirror smartphone functions like music streaming and navigation. Rear-seat occupants can get their fill of gadgetry too with an optional tablet, or a pair of them. When combined with highspeed wifi connectivity in the car, these 10-inch screens act just like an Apple iPad or Microsoft Surface tablet. They even work outside the vehicle and include 32 gigabytes of internal storage, a high-definition camera, bluetooth connectivity and near-field communication. But unlike consumer electronics, Audi's tablets are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures and the severe forces felt during a crash. The 2015 Audi Q7 is laden with the latest crash-avoidance systems. The adaptive cruise control has been improved and is one step closer to autonomous driving. It not only maintains a predetermined speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, but also completely takes over steering functions for the first time. But the automated steering only works on “developed highways” at speeds under 40.4 mph.
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
Audi made lots of changes to the Q7′s Multi-Media Interface, or MMI system. The menus and controls are more intuitive, and a large touchpad and eight programmable buttons have been added to the centre console. All of these changes make it easier to search for specific song titles, place phone calls and
input addresses in the navigation system.
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MOTORS
CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
The New BMW 2 Series Convertible...
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The 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible has arrived, bringing with it some rear-drive flair to the compact luxury convertible segment. It joins the 2 Series CoupĂŠ and 2 Series Active Tourer in the line-up, with prices starting at ÂŁ29,180 OTR. The new car replaces the 1 Series Convertible, the most successful car in its class with global sales of more than 130,000 units, and the only one with rear-wheel drive. The scope of the progress made as part of the handover between generations is immediately visible in the design of the new car and instantly noticeable in its performance capability. Moreover, the BMW 2-Series Convertible - like the recently launched BMW 2-Series Coupe - occupies very different ground from the BMW 1 Series, far more so than its
predecessor. This demarcation is evident in both its design and its extremely powerful range of engines. As with the Coupe, the distinctive character this engenders is encapsulated in its model designation. The number 2 has a special importance in the model history of BMW and, since the arrival of the BMW 02 range more than 45 years ago, has identified the presence of exceptionally sporting driving pleasure in a compact car. Introduced in 1966, the 02-Series went on to become a byword around the world for sporty, agile handling - and from 1967 these gifts could also be enjoyed with the roof down. Specialist coachbuilder Baur wasted little time in developing a pair of softtop variants based on the BMW 02 range which remained in production until 1975. The BMW 2 Series Convertible will be available with a choice of four engines, including a new 2.0-litre diesel for the 220d and, for the first time in a BMW convertible, an M Performance variant, the M235i. Fuel economy improvements over the previous model average 18 per cent. The 2 Series Convertible also brings significant improvements in passenger space and access, acoustic comfort, style, dynamism and equipment, while the ConnectedDrive services for the first time include wireless updating of navigation data.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Model: 220i Sport Convertible Engine: 1,997cc Power: 184bhp @ 4000rpm 0-62mph: 7.4 secs Top Speed: 144mph Price: ÂŁ29,180 (from)
More open-top driving pleasure with an added dash of style.
tilted forwards. Large door pockets, a spacious glovebox, a central storage compartment and two cup holders provide improved in-cabin storage.
The BMW 2 Series Convertible is longer (by 72mm) and wider (by 26mm) than the model it replaces, and has a wheelbase which has been elongated by 30mm. These increases have been put to good use to enhance passenger access and space, increase driving enjoyment with the roof down and change the proportions so that BMW's latest compact convertible looks even more stylish.
The stretched silhouette of the BMW 2 Series Convertible emphasises the tell-tale BMW design characteristics of a long bonnet and wheelbase, short overhangs and a rear-biased cabin. The double kidney grille leans slightly forwards between twin-round circular headlights that narrow towards the centre, replicating the outlines of the lower air intakes.
The electrically operated folding soft top lowers or raises in just 20 seconds at the touch of a button, and can be carried out at speeds of just over 30mph. Additional insulation in the skin of the soft-top improves acoustic comfort, with a 4db noise reduction, and adds to the year-round usability of the car. Improved aerodynamics, with a Cd of just 0.31, also helps to make the cabin quieter. An easier-to-use optional wind deflector provides greater protection against turbulence when travelling top-down. Once folded, the soft top disappears fully into the boot to give the BMW 2 Series Convertible a premium 'boat deck' appearance. Luggage capacity increases by 30 litres to 335 litres, making it the largest boot in its class. A through-loading system is optionally available to increase versatility.
The interior has been deliberately kept as simple as possible, with layered surfaces, driver-focused controls, clear instruments and a Sport or M Sport leather-covered multifunction steering wheel. Controls for the audio and climate control systems are set against High-gloss Black surfaces and the air vents have chrome surrounds. Switchable ambient lighting is further confirmation of the car's premium quality. The BMW iDrive controller, linked to a 6.5-inch display screen, gives access to the car's control systems with minimum distraction. CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING
The four-seat interior, with folding rear bench, provides greater space and a more intense open-top driving experience, placing the occupants in a typical BMW set-back position. Rear access benefits from an 11mm wider aperture when the front seats are
An LED accent light cuts across the top of the lighting unit on the optional Xenon headlights, while Adaptive Headlights featuring Selective Beam technology are also available. Air Curtains in the front apron channel air to outlets in the front side panels, reducing turbulence in the wheel arches to enhance fuel efficiency.
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