Lextons Magazine Volume 2

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Fine food from a master chef

CHRISTMAS LEFTOVER RECIPES Delicious eating, easily

BRIGHTON’S FINEST PROPERTIES A selection of our latest properties www.lextons.co.uk

DAME JUDI DENCH

Tells us about her new role

Property & Lifestyle Magazine 1

CONTENTS

IN THIS ISSUE… 4/5

MEET THE TEAM The people of Lextons

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BRIGHTON’S FINEST PROPERTIES A selection of our latest properties

10-13

WHAT OUR SELLERS SAY

Discover their stories

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www.lextons.co.uk

CONTENTS

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BRIGHTON’S FINEST PROPERTIES More of our latest properties

20-24

DAME JUDI DENCH Tells us about her new role

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TONY DENMAN Mortgage advice for all

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MARKET COMMENT What to expect in 2019

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Fine food from a master chef

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30/31 VELVET

Stylish shopping

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SARAH VAN-LOOCK

The garden squares of Brighton

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CHRISTMAS LEFTOVER RECIPES Delicious eating, easily

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MEET THE TEAM

Oliver Lucraft Sales Manager Oliver has recently moved into the area from London and joins us as our Sales Manager, heading up the sales team. He’s already made a great impression, making sure we have a well-run, efficient sales team, to deliver a fantastic service to our clients.

We had a chat with Oliver to find out a little more:

You were a successful estate agent in London. What prompted your move from London to Brighton?

The majority of my experience within estate agency until now has been in West and South West London. During that time, I’ve seen the market in London change considerably with lots of families moving out of the city in favour of the south coast.

When my daughter was born, my wife and I decided to make the move out of London too. Now we can’t understand why we didn’t do it sooner!

We sold our flat in Hammersmith and moved down to Hove. Here we have nearly three times the space and can walk to the sea (which is better than the Thames any day of the week!). Plus we have wonderful coffee shops and pubs right on our doorstep.

I don’t see the tide changing anytime soon. The draw of the coast will pull young professionals and young families down here and the affordability of housing here is significantly more desirable than London.

What’s the best thing about living and working in Brighton?

I live in Poets Corner in Hove. It’s a lovely family area with great pubs and a couple of really good coffee shops. We’re about 10 minutes’ walk to the sea as well.

Brighton and Hove is such an eclectic

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I LIVE IN POETS CORNER IN HOVE. IT’S A LOVELY FAMILY AREA WITH GREAT PUBS AND A COUPLE OF REALLY GOOD COFFEE SHOPS. WE’RE ABOUT 10 MINUTES’ WALK TO THE SEA AS WELL.

place, there’s always something going on and there’s a real buzz to the city. And of course, a walk along the seafront is a lovely way to relax at the end of the day.

How do you like to relax?

My 18-month old daughter keeps me busy but when I do have chance to relax, I enjoy cycling, cricket and rugby.

What would your dream home look like?

I’m a fan of modern, minimalist architecture with lots of glass and natural light. So I guess I’d have to build my own place. Luckily my brother is an architect so fingers crossed he’ll help me out when the time comes!

How many times have you moved house?

I’ve been quite lucky so far - my wife and I have bought and sold our flat in London and bought our house here. So I’ve only moved twice as an adult and once as a child.

The process can be stressful when everyone is working to different timelines and has different priorities but a good agent and a good solicitor will relieve most of that pressure.

www.lextons.co.uk

MEET THE TEAM

George Meyer Sales Consultant George has joined us as a new consultant and is quickly learning all the skills needed to become a successful estate agent. We asked George about her role at Lextons and life in Brighton:

What do you enjoy most about working at Lextons?

I love the team here at Lextons. Everyone is so passionate about what they do and have really welcomed me into the team.

I’m enjoying learning new things every day.

It’s lovely to meet new people and this is a perfect role for me as I’m at my happiest when chatting to customers.

How do you like to relax?

I’m a big music fan and enjoy playing the piano and guitar. One of the great things about working in Brighton is that it’s so easy to socialise after work – heading to a bar is a great way to relax after a busy day.

What’s the best thing about living and working in Brighton?

beer garden with heated pods so you can sit outside all year round.

Being so close to the sea – I love being able to head out for a walk on the beach anytime.

Tell us about your favourite shop in Brighton It has to be Beyond Retro in the North Laines neighbourhood. It’s a fantastic vintage clothing store. The stock is constantly changing so you never know what pieces you might find – and it’s definitely never boring!

Which is your favourite Brighton bar or restaurant?

One of my favourites is Open House, next to London Road station. Although, I may be slightly biased as I used to work there. It has a really fun atmosphere and a fantastic

www.lextons.co.uk

BEING SO CLOSE TO THE SEA – I LOVE BEING ABLE TO HEAD OUT FOR A WALK ON THE BEACH ANYTIME.

Are there any charities that mean a lot to you?

I’m a big animal lover and regularly support the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre in Reading.

Which subjects did you enjoy at school?

My favourite subjects were art and English. I love reading and anything creative.

What’s your favourite film of all time?

I’d choose Because of Winn-Dixie. It’s a heart-warming story about a little girl and her dog – and the soundtrack is great!

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Westbourne Villas

£1,500,000

This substantial Victorian family home is located moments from the seafront, with five bedrooms, four bathrooms and off-street parking.

The property features a grand reception room, thoughtfully-designed kitchen and generously proportioned bedrooms. There’s also a separate studio annex and westfacing garden with a decked area for outdoor entertaining.

Westbourne Villas is located between New Church Road and Kingsway, a short distance to the amenities on Church Road, including Tesco’s Superstore. Nearby Aldrington and Hove stations offer direct links to London.

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Carlisle Road, Hove

£1,100,000

This recently refurbished and thoughtfully-designed five/six bedroom semi-detached house is located in one of Hove’s most popular streets.

Here you’ll find grand reception rooms, a modern kitchen, utility room and bedrooms across two floors, including one with en-suite shower room.

Carlisle Road is located between Kingsway and New Church Road, with easy access over Kingsway to the seafront. Meanwhile, Church Road offers a selection of supermarkets and shops. Aldrington Station is a 0.6-mile walk away, giving access to London.

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Sackville Gardens, Hove ÂŁ1,150,000 A substantial and beautifully-presented four-bedroom home, located moments away from the seafront. This property benefits from a generous garden, off-street parking and potential for a loft conversion, subject to the required consents.

This property combines beautiful period features and plenty of space, with modern finishes, plus a mature rear garden.

Sackville Gardens is located between Kingsway and New Church Road, where you will find a selection of restaurants, bars and Tesco’s supermarket.

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STORIES FROM OUR SELLERS We love hearing stories and comments from our sellers.

We’re delighted to share a few with you here.

SECURING A SALE We were on the market with another agent but after nearly four months with them, we decided to move to Lextons.

With the other agent, it always felt like they were waiting for people to come to them and they just didn’t seem to be able to convert viewings into a sale.

Lextons’ approach is far more proactive and the team were able to book second and third viewings for us and then secured a sale.

SMOOTH PROCESS Our sale and purchase are both agreed now and the process has been very smooth.

There’s always someone there when you call Lextons and even if they do need to get back to you,

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Aaron & Vicki AARON IS MAKING THE MOVE FROM HOLLINGDEAN TO SHOREHAM WITH HIS PARTNER AND YOUNG SON. HERE AARON TELLS US ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE WITH LEXTONS.

LEXTONS ARE VERY GOOD AT MANAGING EXPECTATIONS. THEY CLEARLY EXPLAIN WHAT’S ACHIEVABLE AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO ACHIEVE THE SALE. they always return your phone call the same day. Likewise, when you email, you get a response that day.

The team are always very cheerful – having dealt with other agents in the past, Lextons is far superior to my previous experiences.

CLEAR EXPECTATIONS Lextons are very good at managing expectations. They clearly explain what’s achievable and what needs to be done to achieve the sale. Then, they get on and do it.

They got a result for us in the time period they set out. And they always gave us plenty of thinking time by planning ahead.

EXCELLENT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Lextons took the time to get to know our property – in fact, the whole team came to look around so that everyone in the office had the right information.

I would absolutely recommend Lextons to others. I really liked the fact that they are modern, not at all stuffy and their local knowledge is excellent.

www.lextons.co.uk

SELLERS’ FEEDBACK

Marie MARIE HAS RECENTLY CHOSEN LEXTONS AFTER LEAVING HER PREVIOUS ESTATE AGENT. WE’RE CURRENTLY MARKETING HER PROPERTY AND HAVE ALREADY SECURED A NUMBER OF VIEWINGS FOR HER. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES I did have my property on the market with another estate agent.

They were located on the same street as me, so I thought it made sense to use them. But I had a really rotten experience with this other agent. In fact, their service was so bad that I even questioned whether I should continue trying to sell my property at all. So I was feeling pretty bruised and battered - until I started talking to Lextons.

NO PRESSURE Luckily, Peter from Lextons knew I was selling and kept in touch regularly to find out how my sale was going. He never put any pressure on and so when my contract with the other agent came to an end, I had a chat with Peter. Lextons gave me such a positive outlook and made

www.lextons.co.uk

LEXTONS GAVE ME SUCH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK AND MADE EVERYTHING SO EASY, I FELT MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE ABOUT SELLING. everything so easy, I felt much more comfortable about selling.

CLEAR AND PROFESSIONAL Lextons are a really good example of what an independent estate agent should be. Their values matched with my own which was really important to me.

I’ve had a flurry of viewings on my property and Lextons are always very professional when organizing the appointments.

They make it really clear when viewings are happening and manage all the visits for me so I don’t have to be there. They also give great feedback after every appointment.

SMALL DETAILS MATTER Often it’s the small details that make a big difference. Like the fact that I’ve got a cat and don’t want him to get out during viewings. I know I can trust Lextons and am always happy to hand my keys over.

A PROACTIVE APPROACH The property market can be quite challenging so you need to know your estate agent is proactive.

My previous agent was often slow to respond but with Lextons there is always someone to speak to. Whoever answers the phone always has access to everyone’s diary. They have a simple but effective system that makes everything straightforward.

I’ve already recommended Lextons to friends who have had bad experiences with other agents – it’s so nice to be able to make a genuine recommendation.

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SELLERS’ FEEDBACK

Ria & Dave RIA IS BOTH BUYING AND SELLING HER PROPERTY WITH LEXTONS. AS SHE PREPARES TO MOVE WITH HER FAMILY, WE CAUGHT UP WITH RIA TO FIND OUT HOW THINGS ARE GOING.

CLEAR COMMUNICATION We found the property we wanted to buy through Lextons, so when we put our own house on the market it made sense to choose Lextons for that too.

I initially liked Lextons because they were assertive without being aggressive. They were also very polite and always got back to us very quickly.

A STRONG TEAM All the team are lovely and are really well informed about our sale. This means we never have to speak to people who are unsure of any detail – they all know what is going on at every stage. Lextons also gives really good advice which is important.

POSITIVE AND PROACTIVE Our sale actually fell through a couple of times – through no fault

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of Lextons. But what was great is that even when things didn’t go to plan, it never felt like the ball had been dropped. Lextons remained positive and were on it the very next day with new viewings.

GOOD QUALITY VIEWINGS Our neighbours were actually selling their property at the same time as us but with a different estate agent.

Despite our properties being so similar, we had many, many more viewings than they did.

We had at least 60 people view the property altogether because Lextons have so many contacts on their books. And all the buyers were well vetted to ensure good quality viewings. Lextons did all the viewings for us and managed the timetable really well.

IN THE CURRENT MARKET YOU NEED AN ESTATE AGENT WITH A PLAN AND A MISSION AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT LEXTONS DELIVERS. In the current market you need an estate agent with a plan and a mission and that’s exactly what Lextons delivers.

The communication, speed and great advice that Lextons gives all make me happy to recommend them to others.

www.lextons.co.uk

SELLERS’ FEEDBACK

Stefan STEFAN IS IN THE PROCESS OF BOTH BUYING AND SELLING PROPERTIES WITH LEXTONS AS HE MAKES THE MOVE FROM SHOREHAM-BY-SEA TO POET’S CORNER. UNDERSTANDING MY NEEDS I’m buying and selling with Lextons as the guys found me somewhere to live!

The property that I’m buying was on my list of potentials and I’d looked at it online but then dismissed it. However, Peter and James at Lextons suggested that I should have another look. They knew exactly what kind of property would fit my needs and they were right!

DIFFERENT TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES My own property was previously on the market with another local estate agent. But I was massively unhappy with their service and their attitude led me to look elsewhere.

One thing the previous estate agents let me down on was photographs. I was so disappointed that I sourced my own photographer who then recommended Lextons to me.

Now I’m with Lextons I couldn’t be happier. They offer a phenomenal level of service that I’ve never received before.

STORIES FROM OUR SELLERS We love hearing stories and comments from our sellers.

We’re delighted to share a few with you here.

NOW I’M WITH LEXTONS I COULDN’T BE HAPPIER. THEY OFFER A PHENOMENAL LEVEL OF SERVICE THAT I’VE NEVER RECEIVED BEFORE. A PERSONAL SERVICE The buying and selling process is going really well and Lextons are quick to come back to me on any questions. Also, I needed out of hours viewings which they were very happy to accommodate.

I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lextons again in the future and I’ve already recommended them to people in the block where I’m selling.

If you’re buying or selling in the local area, you’d be mad not to use Lextons!

A TEAM THAT REALLY CARES When I first spoke to Lextons, every detail from the office location to the way they dressed impressed me – the team is so professional.

Peter is a joy to talk to and it feels like he actually cares. He gave me impartial advice, regardless of whether I was going to sell with Lextons.

I’ve dealt with a lot of estate agents over the years and this level of service was so surprising. It’s not a level expected in the industry and Lextons provide a very fresh approach.

www.lextons.co.uk

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Braemore Road, Hove

ÂŁ499,950

This wonderful duplex is located within a beautiful characterful building, moments from the seafront in Braemore Road, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and plenty of reception space. Wish Park is close by, with local stores available on Robertson Road.

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Portland Villas, Hove

ÂŁ725,000

A substantial family home, having five bedrooms, two bathrooms and two reception areas, all of which have been designed with the family in mind and benefits from bi-folding doors leading from the kitchen dining room into the garden.

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Coastal Place, Hove

ÂŁ325,000

A wonderful opportunity to purchase this two bedroom apartment, situated within the very desirable building Coastal Place on New Church Road, which has a communal garden area and this apartment has it’s own allocated underground parking space.

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Fallowfield Close, Hove

ÂŁ525,000

A bright and beautiful three bedroom semi detached house, benefitting from being refurbished by the current owners to make the perfect family home. There is off street parking, a large garden and a garage for additional storage.

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Trafalgar View

ÂŁ375,000

A wonderful opportunity to be moments from Brighton Station, ideal for commuters, benefiting from two bedrooms, underground parking space and a lift within the building, located in the heart of North Laine.

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St Aubyns, Hove

ÂŁ500,000

This wonderfully bright and spacious three bedroom duplex is located in one of the most popular streets in central Hove, benefiting from three bedrooms, large separate kitchen and the seafront at the end of the road.

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Langdale Road, Hove

ÂŁ425,000

A substantial, lateral apartment on the first floor of a detached building on Langdale Road, moments away from the Seafront and Wish Park in Hove. The property benefits of three bedrooms and potential for a loft conversion in the future.

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Westbourne Street, Hove

ÂŁ450,000

A beautifully presented and spacious three bedroom duplex apartment, located close to Poets Corner and Church Road, where you have a fantastic selection of pubs, bars and restaurants.

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Graham Avenue, Brighton ÂŁ599,950 A beautifully presented, three-bedroom family home, located in one of the most popular roads in Patcham.

Living spaces include a generous reception room with bay window, while the garden features its own studio or office space, plus outdoor space for dining.

With off-street parking, Graham Avenue is close to a good selection of shops, including an Asda superstore and a Marks and Spencer food hall. Access out of Brighton is easy via London Road, while Preston Park Station is just over a mile away.

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Palmeira Grande, Hove

ÂŁ800,000

This two-bedroom apartment is located on the second floor of a well presented and maintained block, in central Hove, moments from the seafront.

With sea views, pristine communal areas, and generously proportioned living spaces, this apartment offers everything you need for modern living and entertaining.

Palmeira Grande is located on the corner of Holland Road and Western Road. Many local amenities are on your doorstep, including popular bars, restaurants and local supermarkets. The seafront is at the end of Holland Road, and Hove Station is within walking distance.

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DAME JUDI DENCH

“I don’t want to retire” DAME JUDI DENCH ON WHY SHE HAS NO PLANS TO QUIT ACTING, WHAT SHE THINKS OF THE NEW BOND DIRECTOR, HER THOUGHTS ON OLDER WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD, HER LATEST ROLE IN ‘RED JOAN’ AND MORE…

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DAME JUDI DENCH

ame Judi Dench may be in her eighties – but the Oscar-winning actress says she has no plans to retire.

Speaking at the recent Zurich Film Festival 2018, the national treasure said: “People keep saying to me, ‘Aren’t you going to retire?’ And that’s a word that is simply not used in our family.

“People retire from work usually in order to do the things they really want to do – walk or read or paint or whatever, travel the world. Well, that’s what my job is to me. My job is entirely all those things. I love it. I just love it.”

During a Q&A session at the event, Judi also spoke about new Bond director Cary Fukunaga.

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When asked what she thought of an American taking over from Danny Boyle after the British director parted ways with the franchise during the making of the latest movie, Judi said: “My friend is directing, Cary. “He directed ‘Jane Eyre’. I’m very, very pleased for him.

I expect he’ll get on and do it very, very well.”

Judi was at the Zurich Film Festival to receive the Golden Icon award plus present her latest film ‘Red Joan’.

Directed by Trevor Nunn, the film tells the story of Joan Stanley, who was exposed as the KGB’s longestserving British spy. In Switzerland, she also spoke about her latest role, her path to acting, her thoughts on older women in Hollywood and more…

So Dame Judi, what does getting the golden icon award mean to you?

JUDI DENCH: Well can you imagine?

I’m absolutely thrilled to be in Zurich because I have never ever been here and it’s a flying visit. So I hope I’m going to fly back at some time and come for longer. But I’ve never been to Zurich and to be given an award is a huge honour and a treat and very, very flattering and I’m immensely grateful. And I love the title! [laughs] I’m not going to let anybody forget that. Nobody is going to mess with a Golden Icon.

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Looking back on your career, what does success mean to you?

JUDI DENCH: I don’t know the answer to that. All I know is that if Trevor [Nunn] was here, he once said to me on the first night of ‘A Comedy of Errors’, he came and he said, ‘Why are you always crying on a first night before the show.’ And I said, ‘Because I just never think that I’m going to be employed again.’

And I’ve always had that fear. I tried to analyse it just the other day.

And I thought, people keep saying to me, ‘Aren’t you going to retire?’

And that’s a word that is simply not used in our family. People retire from work usually in order to do the things they really want to do – walk or read or paint or whatever, travel the world. Well, that’s what my job is to me. My job is entirely all those things. I love it. I just love it. I love working with different people. I love working with different actors, I love learning something new each time and that’s genuinely my hobby and my career, thank goodness. So I don’t want to retire and I wouldn’t know what to do if I did.

When did you first know you had made it as an actress?

JUDI DENCH: There wasn’t a moment because what I trained to be was a theatre designer, that’s what I was going to be. And it was only in the ‘50s when I went to Stratford and saw a production of ‘King Lear’ with Michael Redgrave on the most incredible set, which was like an enormous, well, it was like a poppadom. An enormous kind of Indian biscuit. And in the middle was a rock which was a cave and turned and was a throne and everything. So I only understood about designing then, which was a long time ago, you know, the curtain going up and you see a set and the curtain comes down and the set changes and the curtain goes up again.

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But I didn’t know about a set that could remain open like that all the time and just be everything.

And it was a kind of overnight decision, and I suddenly thought, ‘I’m never going to be good enough at that. I simply don’t have that imagination.’ And my brother who was older than I am only ever wanted to be an actor and I caught it from him like the measles or something like that. I just thought I’d have a go at that.

And then I went straight from drama school to The Old Vic to play Ophelia and I got shot down at a thousand feet by the critics, who were very, very cross. But fortunately, I was employed to go on and be in several seasons at the Vic and I learnt. I once remember doing a play with my husband, this wonderful comedy. He said, ‘Oh we’re going to have such a lovely time doing this Jude.’ And in actual fact it was one of the most tiring things I’ve ever done in the whole of my life. We did have a lovely time but you never know what’s going to come up next.

In your latest film, you play British KGB spy ‘Red Joan’.

What attracted you to this role?

JUDI DENCH: What attracted me first was the fact that it was directed by Trevor Nunn, who is a very old friend of mine from the Royal Shakespeare Company. And we did many productions together – ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Comedy of Errors’.

Many, many Shakespeare plays. And so I wanted to work with Trevor in that capacity, and David [Parfitt], of course, who is also an old friend.

And then I was fascinated by this story, which is based on a true story and is about an amazingly ordinary person who does, in my eyes, a very extraordinary thing.

Why do you think this story felt relevant today? Perhaps too relevant today?

JUDI DENCH: Well, you know, people have called her a spy, I don’t think she’s a spy at all. I think she was somebody who believed that it was wrong to arm one country and not arm any of the others. Because only by that was there a parity and

THAT’S WHAT’S SO LOVELY ABOUT THIS JOB ACTUALLY. BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT KIND OF PERSON YOU’RE GOING TO BE PLAYING OR WHAT COMPANY YOU’RE GOING TO BE WITH. SO IT’S ALWAYS A LEAP IN THE DARK. That’s what’s so lovely about this job actually. Because you never know what kind of person you’re going to be playing or what company you’re going to be with.

So it’s always a leap in the dark.

only by that was it possible to not attack another country. And in her kind of innocence, I think, although she was quite a clever woman, I admired her for that and thought it was a most extraordinary story.

DAME JUDI DENCH

PEOPLE KEEP SAYING TO ME, ‘AREN’T YOU GOING TO RETIRE?’ AND THAT’S A WORD THAT IS SIMPLY NOT USED IN OUR FAMILY Did you meet the real woman who inspired this story?

JUDI DENCH: No, alas, no.

Sophie Cookson plays the younger version of your character, you don’t have any scenes together but did you give her any advice?

JUDI DENCH: Certainly not, no. I wouldn’t give her any advice, crikey!

I wouldn’t give another actor any advice. [laughs] No, we only met socially really, because we were divided into two parts. I hadn’t known her before, I hadn’t met her before so we didn’t get much of a chance, alas.

You didn’t talk about the character?

JUDI DENCH: No, we both talked to Trevor about it, so anything… it went through Trevor.

You mentioned you’ve worked with Sir Trevor Nunn for decades in the theatre – what is he like as a director on a film like this?

JUDI DENCH: I had never worked with him as a film director at all before, so in a way, he’s not unlike he is as a theatre director and I’ve never quite met that before, in a film. But it’s a lovely way of working and it’s very much to do with the rehearsal process, which you don’t usually get on film. Usually you must go pretty prepared with your answers and ready to know exactly what you’re doing. But Trevor actually rehearsed it, in a way. So it’s a different approach.

Why is that?

JUDI DENCH: In the theatre, tomorrow I can get it better, but in filming I suddenly look and I think… I understand suddenly that the buttons that I pressed for something and then I think, ‘Oh no, no, no, that’s not the right buttons at all, I could press better buttons than that.’

So you enjoyed that process?

JUDI DENCH: I like any kind of thing that is any kind of guidance to how to do it better.

You have such a distinctive sound to your voice, over your career has that been a plus or a minus?

Do you have the same process for getting into a character for every part? And do you always start from zero, even though you’ve been in this job for so long?

JUDI DENCH: Oh I can answer this.

I played Sally Bowles in ‘Cabaret’ in London, when it opened in London, and I had some visitors who came round, I admit I didn’t know them very well. And they came round and they saw me and they had a drink and they were very, very nice indeed and then their parting shot was, ‘Lovely to see you and we’ll come back when you’re cold is better!’ [laughs] And in fact we posted it in the foyer, saying she doesn’t have a cold, this is it. So I mean I’m sure that often somebody has said, ‘No, no we can’t have that kind of voice that sounds as if she’s up all night drinking and bad living.’

I’m sure they’ve said that - but I’ve got by so far. And I shall keep my fingers crossed! And when we were doing ‘Cabaret’ I was sent to a most marvellous opera singer called Gwen Catley, you probably won’t have heard of her, because she was an elderly lady then and she said a wonderful thing to me.

She said, ‘Don’t be frightened about the singing, singing is only telling the story with some music in the background. So you use exactly the voice that you used to speak, is the voice you use to sing.’ And so that took all the kind of strain of thinking, ‘I’m not going to be able to make that note’. And then also Harold Prince said to me: ‘If you can’t get the note, act that you can’t

JUDI DENCH: I start at zero for every part. [laughs] Well, you know, I’ve always maintained that, you play a part and very often, if you’re lucky anyway, or perhaps in this case you’re unlucky, you get offered a part that is similar. People often say, ‘Oh having seen you in something I realise you could play something else.’ And then you find it’s a rather similar part and that in actual fact is the very last thing you want to do. I’m always saying to my agent, ‘Can’t you get me this part that is an Afghanistan woman who learns to walk the tightrope and turns into a dragon in the last act.’ [laughs] I don’t want to play somebody now like Joan again, well actually I haven’t, in between this I’ve played somebody quite different – so that’s very good. And so you want somebody completely different. And so you have to start from zero and I rely incredibly on a director and the other actors but I need to be told.

And then I seldom see the film so it’s all a learning process.

So you don’t like to watch your finished films?

JUDI DENCH: I don’t much like it no.

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DAME JUDI DENCH

get it.’ The thing about Sally Bowles was that she wasn’t a singer and that she couldn’t do it and she was just a girl who was brought up in Cheltenham and happened to sing in a club. It was a good note.

Do you have any Shakespeare coming up?

JUDI DENCH: I’m playing Anne Hathaway at the moment in a film with Ken Branagh. Am I allowed to say that? Perhaps we shouldn’t dwell on it.

Do you think it’s easier or harder for a female actor starting out today than it was when you first started?

JUDI DENCH: I think it’s hard for everybody. There are a lot of actors about and actresses, but it’s hard for everybody. People are always asking for advice, what is the advice? It’s terribly difficult to know, it’s such a question of luck, really a question of luck. I wouldn’t have gone to The Old Vic if they hadn’t been casting ‘Hamlet’ and somebody happened to see me at that time, I wouldn’t have gone to the Vic. I think it’s so much a question of you being in the right place at the right time. I have said to a lot of young actors: ‘See as much as you can, watch as much as you can, just see what you think works and what you think doesn’t work.’ Because only with that can you learn to somehow pass the torch on. And I can remember also all those years at the Vic from ’57 to ’61, I never went, after coming off stage, either walking on or playing a part. I never went to my dressing room. I only ever stood at the side of the stage and watched absolutely everything every night.

Now that’s alright if you’re in work but if you’re not it’s a question of… well, I always say, we have the Edinburgh Festival at home and a lot of young people I know somehow

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I THINK WOMEN NOW ARE CAST IN MORE PLAYS, IN MORE PARTS, THERE’S CROSSCASTING IN LOTS OF THINGS. BUT IT’S ALWAYS GOING TO BE OVERCROWDED. get money together. I get letters… so many letters each year saying, ‘Could you give me some money for this project for the Festival.’ And in many cases, those are huge successes.

Anyway, it gives you experience.

But I wish there were more parts to go round. I think women now are cast in more plays, in more parts, there’s cross-casting in lots of things. But it’s always going to be overcrowded.

Some people say there are not enough roles for older women but you seem as busy as ever?

JUDI DENCH: Touch wood!

Are you happy with the roles that are coming your way?

JUDI DENCH: Well, I’m employed. I’m being employed. And they are pretty different too. I mean you don’t often get to play head of the leprechauns and then Anne Hathaway do you? Not often. Lucky, lucky.

In ‘Red Joan’ you get interrogated by MI5 – how was that seeing as you’ve been on the other side of that encounter when you played M in James Bond?

JUDI DENCH: [laughs] Being on the other side of it! Yes, it was quite…

I thought there is bound to be somebody in a window watching. [laughs].

Did it seem funny though?

JUDI DENCH: I didn’t actually think of that, I didn’t think of it at all. I’ll

tell you a very funny story about MI6, while I was playing M, I got invited to lunch there. They said, ‘Would you come to lunch?’ And I said, ‘Yes I’d absolutely love to come to lunch. What time shall I come?’

They said, ‘No, no, no, not your car.

We’ll send our car.’ They said, ‘You won’t know where we are?’ I said, ‘But you’re that Lego building on the South Bank! I know exactly where you are.’ They said, ‘No, no, no, we’ll send our car.’ Well, I can only tell you that their car couldn’t find my house and I was three quarters of an hour late for lunch - entirely their fault, not mine! It was thrilling.

After making seven Bond movies, how do you feel that the next 007 movie is going to be directed by an American?

JUDI DENCH: Oh my friend is directing Cary [Fukunaga], he’s directing. He directed ‘Jane Eyre’. I’m very, very pleased for him. I expect he’ll get on and do it very, very well.

And Ralph Fiennes I expect will play M very well – [jokingly] said she through gritted teeth [laughs]. No that’s not true. [laughs]

Were you sad to give up playing M? JUDI DENCH: No, no. In fact I did eight of them because I did do a morning on ‘Spectre’. One morning, I haven’t seen ‘Spectre’ but I did, is she on the television for a minute?

Sending a message over the telly, something like that. That’s what I did. So I can say that I did eight.

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MORTGAGE ADVICE

DENMAN BRACE Finding the right mortgage advice.

WE HAD A CHAT WITH TONY DENMAN AND DISCOVERED HOW HIS COMPANY HELPS PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE. rom first-time buyers to those starting a new chapter in their lives, everyone has different needs when it comes to finding the right mortgage product. That’s why it’s so important to get the right advice for your own situation.

At Lextons, we regularly recommend Denman Brace Financial Management Ltd. for the help and support you need to finance your next move.

As a family business with over 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry, the company offers a wide range of mortgage products, with no fee for the advice offered.

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The mortgage market has performed as expected this year, taking economic, political and regulatory challenges in its stride.

However, it is becoming more difficult for younger borrowers to climb onto the property ladder.

Saving for a deposit is still one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers, and many struggle as wages fail to keep up with rising house prices.

It’s not just first-time buyers who need advice, but other borrowers

facing life-changing events, such as divorce or career changes. In addition, the older generation can sometimes find themselves in financial difficulties. This could be due to failing to downsize at the right time, or dealing with the emotional burden of selling a family home to repay an existing mortgage.

I therefore believe we have an essential role to help people in different walks of life, providing professional advice and support – no matter what their circumstances may be. Lenders are finding new ways to help different types of borrowers and with new financial

products available, we’re able to help more people through their property journey, at every stage of life.

We know moving can be stressful, especially when dealing with lenders directly. So we take the stress away, by guiding customers through the process from application to completion of the mortgage.

It’s a pleasure to advise Lexton’s clients on their mortgage requirements and when you’re ready; we’ll be here for you.

If you require mortgage advice contact Tony Denman on 01273 230159 or 07734 009 355. tony@denmanbrace.co.uk

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MARKET AND EXPECTATIONS

MARKET AND EXPECTATIONS HOW WILL 2019 SHAPE UP FOR THE BRIGHTON & HOVE PROPERTY MARKET?

uring this ongoing time of political and economic uncertainty for the UK, we’re often asked what the right or wrong thing is to do when it comes to making property decisions in the current market.

We know people expect a simple response. But the honest answer is, it all depends on your own personal

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position.

While, it’s natural to consider external factors; the most important question to ask is what is right for you at any particular time. So, there really is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer.

What we can do is look at your own goals, your aspirations for the future and your current position, before providing the guidance and

advice you need to plan your next move. It may be that you want to move to a particular location to fulfil your career or lifestyle aspirations, or you may be facing a life-changing event that is prompting your move.

Either way, our advice would be; don’t let speculation put you off planning your ideal future.

MARKET AND EXPECTATIONS

What to expect in Brighton and Hove Before we look at the local area, it’s worth seeing what’s going on in the capital. Many reports suggest that the market in London could struggle in 2019, mainly due to the lack of international purchasers looking to make an investment there.

However, the Brighton and Hove market is somewhat different, with its own trends that set it apart from London and the rest of the country.

Here we’re still seeing a healthy number of applicant registrations coming from Londoners looking to move to the area. Typically, this is to fulfil a change in lifestyle, whether that is as a second home or as a new permanent home.

For the team at Lextons, it’s easy to see why so many are keen to make the move to Brighton from London.

We’ve both made the move ourselves, as have a number of our colleagues.

Plenty of areas here feel like parts of London so buyers can maintain the lifestyle they’re used to but with all the benefits of living on the coast. And with excellent train links, Brighton and Hove continues to be the perfect location for professionals, families and retirees.

House prices and the B-word Naturally, everyone wants to know what is likely to happen to house prices after Brexit.

At the time of writing, the drama continues at Westminster as the Prime Minister tries to gain support for her Brexit plan. And we suspect that when you read this, there will still be many unanswered questions.

But reassuringly, figures show that UK prices remained stable after the Brexit vote in 2016 – even though many experts predicted a drop.

At the same time, Britain has become more affordable for investors, compared to the property markets in France and Germany where returns have fallen in recent years.

THE BRIGHTON AND HOVE MARKET IS SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT, WITH ITS OWN TRENDS THAT SET IT APART FROM LONDON AND THE REST OF THE COUNTRY. HERE WE’RE STILL SEEING A HEALTHY NUMBER OF APPLICANT REGISTRATIONS COMING FROM LONDONERS LOOKING TO MOVE TO THE AREA. While many expected house prices to drop in 2018, there was in fact a small increase. According to the Office for National Statistics, average house prices in the UK have increased by 3.1% in the year to July 2018.

A weak pound is not necessarily bad news when it comes to selling property as it means overseas buyers will get a better deal by investing in the UK. So, although there may be fewer international buyers in London, overall we’re expecting the market in Brighton and Hove to remain strong, despite the economic uncertainty.

Of course, we’ll be keeping a careful eye on Brexit proceedings over the coming months. If you’d like any advice tailored to your own particular circumstances in 2019, pop in to our offices and we’ll be happy to help.

quoted, with many estate agents suggesting that they have a fall through rate of between 25% and 33%.

At Lextons, we have put strategies in place to keep our fall through rate much lower than this.

We make sure every buyer who makes an offer has already completed documentation, providing the details of their solicitor and mortgage advisor. If they are making a cash purchase, we ask for evidence to show that the money is available. As a result, in 2018 we were able to keep our fall through rate down at 24%; a figure that is much lower than the national average.

Where sales did fall through, it was largely due to the individual’s personal circumstances changing, rather than any issues with finance.

Looking forward to 2019 House Sale Success Finding the right buyer for your property is just the first step in securing a sale. It’s what happens next that is so important to ensure the sale reaches completion.

In a study by Post Office Money, researchers found that 44% of house sales fall through within four weeks of an offer being agreed. This is a much higher figure than is often

To wrap up, our prediction for the Brighton and Hove market in 2019 is very positive.

We’re expecting to see more buyers wanting to move into the area, with many making the most of what may be the lowest interest rates in mortgage lending we will see for a while.

Peter Phillips and James Pepper Directors, Lextons

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ETCH

etch.

STEVEN EDWARDS, ONE OF THE YOUNGEST EVER WINNERS OF MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS (2013), OPENED THE DOORS TO HIS DEBUT RESTAURANT, etch.

BY STEVEN EDWARDS, IN BRIGHTON LAST YEAR.

ith the Sussex countryside and surrounding areas being home to home to some of the finest, freshest, and tastiest ingredients, etch is passionate about celebrating local produce and supporting local suppliers. To ensure that every guest through the door can truly appreciate the etch

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way of life, they are presented with tasting menus only – the tasting menus change monthly to perfectly reflect the seasons. etch currently holds a Michelin Plate, 5 Good Food Guide, and 2 AA Rosettes.

What is your background as a chef – what led you to create etch.?

I have been a chef for over 15 years starting off in country house hotels and working my way up the ladder through different kitchens most notably with Michelin starred chefs Matt Gillan & Raymond Blanc. My first head chefs role was at South Lodge Hotel in Horsham but things changed when I won MasterChef: The Professionals in 2013. This

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ETCH

gave me a platform to showcase my style of food and led me to create etch. It started off as a popup restaurant concept offering weekly changing 6-course menus and took me all over the country.

After some market research and support from guests of the pop ups I decided Hove would be the perfect location for me to open my first restaurant.

Tell us a little about the ethos behind etch./the background to the restaurant?

I wanted a restaurant that showed off my style as a chef but also wanted it to feel like I was welcoming guests in to my home. I didn’t want a stuffy or pretentious restaurant with a dress code, table cloths and no music. We want our guests to feel as comfortable as possible. The food side is simply described dishes usually 2 main ingredients and shown off to the best of our ability.

What can diners expect when they come to etch. for the first time?

We want them to be impressed from start to finish. We put a lot of time and effort in to the whole experience but want them to have fun and enjoy themselves.

What style of food is offered on the menu?

I would say Contemporary British Monthly Changing Tasting Menus is what we offer. Using the best local and British produce to create pure, clean flavoured dishes.

How do you choose the menu?

The menu changes monthly and is ultra seasonal. I use what is readily available from my key suppliers and I always joke that the menu is written by them. Its then my job to create the best dishes from those ingredients.

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I WANTED A RESTAURANT THAT SHOWED OFF MY STYLE AS A CHEF BUT ALSO WANTED IT TO FEEL LIKE I WAS WELCOMING GUESTS IN TO MY HOME..

Is there a signature dish?

Its our bread & butter. We are known for our Marmite Brioche and Seaweed Butter and is always featured.

Has the restaurant won any awards/accolades?

Yes, we won best newcomer in the Sussex Food and drink awards, 2 AA Rosettes, Michelin Plate, 5 in the Good Food Guide. Our Restaurant Manager Sam has recently won Sommelier of the month and Sous Chef George is the Brighton young chef of the year.

What do you love about running a business in Brighton?

I love the support we get from our locals, I see ourselves as a neighbourhood restaurant and want to do the community proud.

Where can people find you?

So etch is a great location on the corner of Hove Street and Church Road, opposite The Connaught Pub or up the road from the Ginger Pig.

What is the best way to book (telephone/website, etc?)

The easiest and quickest way to book is online at www.etchfood.co.uk or if you have a special request or question to call us on 01273 227485.

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VELVET

VELVET WE SPOKE TO THE DIRECTOR OF VELVET, HOVE’S LIFESTYLE STORE, EMMA HARROP. VELVET IS A LARGE LIFESTYLE STORE SELLING FASHION, INTERIORS, JEWELLERY, GIFTS, MIRRORS, ACCESORIES, BOOKS, STATIONARY AND MORE…

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www.lextons.co.uk

VELVET

What is Velvet all about?

Velvet was started in 2000 in Brighton, by Emma. 18 years of retailing later (and 3 children) Velvet has moved a few times and had a few more stores. But Velvet has been very happy in the large Hove store for the last 10 years, over 2000 sqft - a mini department store!

We pride ourselves on always having gorgeous ranges and new products arrive every day so it is always a fresh and exciting shopping experience for our customers. Our ethos is to sell beautiful products at a really reasonable price. Myself and my amazing team of 12 very lovely ladies love a good chat with our customers.

I feel very lucky that we have so many regular and loyal customers, many have become friends. Customers tend to spend a long time in the store!

OUR ETHOS IS TO SELL BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTS AT A REALLY REASONABLE PRICE. Whats the best part of your job?

What is so special about Velvet?

I spend a great deal of time sourcing new and original products from all over the world, from hundreds of different suppliers, so you get something a bit different in Velvet. We sell loads of Danish clothing brands because they are such good quality, really on-trend and at a great price

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My job is a joy, I LOVE retailing, it’s very exciting buying and sourcing new amazing stuff and making the shop look beautiful.

But the best part of the job is seeing the reaction of our customers to products we have chosen and when they are really excited about an outfit they have bought, or some

beautiful new pieces for their home. It makes us happy!

Follow us on instagram for regular updates on stuff we love... @velvethove www.velvetstore.co.uk 66-68 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3PD 01273 725992

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THE GARDEN SQUARES

THE GARDEN SQUARES OF BRIGHTON & HOVE HOUSE HISTORIAN SARA VAN LOOCK DISCOVERS THE ENDURING APPEAL OF LIVING IN THE CITY’S HISTORIC BUILDINGS.

THE GARDEN SQUARES

hey are an inherent part of Brighton & Hove’s rich architectural heritage their pale stuccoed facades bound by elegant black railings and overlooking peaceful green open spaces. From the grandeur of Palmeira Square and Brunswick Square – part of the great 1830s vision of the Brunswick Town development - to the intimate classicism of Bedford Square and Clarence Square, the city’s garden squares offered first class living for the most discerning of residents who flocked to Brighton in the wake of the Prince Regent.

Their names commemorate the Regency era in all its riotous glory.

Clarence Square, begun in the early 1800s, was named after the Prince’s brother the Duke of Clarence, later the ‘sailor King’ William IV. The Duke had ten illegitimate children by his mistress, actress Dorothea Jordan - famous on the Drury Lane stage for her drag act and her beautiful legs – and then deserted her when Parliament offered to pay his debts if he married a suitable wife. One night after dinner in 1814 at the Pavilion and ‘evidently drunk’, he pressed himself upon the Russian Ambassador’s wife in her carriage. When she complained to the Prince Regent, he is said to have ‘laughed like a madman’.

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Sctress Harriot Mellon, Duchess of St Albans, resident of Regency Square

Norfolk Square, developed in the 1820s, was named after the Prince’s friend ‘Jockey of Norfolk’, the 11th Duke, whose excess with wine and women was notorious even by Regency standards. Bedford Square, started in 1801 and acknowledged as the city’s oldest square, was named after the Duke of Bedford who once accepted a bet that Lord Barrymore could produce a man who would eat a live cat. Fortunately, the bet was unsuccessful.

From the earliest days of Brighton’s development, living in a square or crescent with access to private gardens was regarded as the height of fashion. When Kemp Town was created by Thomas Read Kemp aristocrats such as the Duke of Devonshire and the Marquis of Bristol were among the original settlers.

When Regency Square was built, in 1828, upon the former military camp called Bellevue Fields, the earliest residents of No1 were the immensely wealthy Duke and Duchess of St Albans. The Duchess, formerly actress Harriot Mellon, had firstly married one of the richest men in England, the banker Thomas Coutts, 42 years her junior. The Duke of St Albans was 24 years her junior, yet it was a true love match. No1 Regency Square, renamed ‘St Albans House’, was a centre of lavish hospitality, although the Duchess retained her simple tastes

for stout and cold chicken, and once began a speech “Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking – since the days when anyone who wished could hear me for sixpence in the gallery …”. She is said to have purchased No1 Regency Square to eat prawns while looking at the sea – a pastime still enjoyed, as the building is today home to the Regency fish restaurant. The words ‘St Albans’ are still visible, carved above the doorway.

The city’s squares retain their appeal to this day and possess a special magic. The proportions, high ceilings, grand staircases and impressive stucco-work are still to be seen and enjoyed by residents, just as they have been for the last two centuries.

For information about commissioning a house history, contact Sara Van Loock 079613 78 756 saravanloock@househistories.com

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RECIPES

CHRISTMAS Leftover Recipes

BY STEVEN EDWARDS, CHEF OWNER AT ETCH.

BY STEVEN EDWARDS

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www.lextons.co.uk

RECIPES

Turkey & Quinoa Salad

Turkey Broth, Dripping, Sourdough

Serves 2-4 cooking time: 45 mins 1 Red pepper (seeds removed & cut into 8) 300g Leftover turkey breast or leg 1tsp Cajun seasoning 100g Quinoa 200g Chicken Broth / stock (or just a stock cube) 1 Spring onion (finely sliced) 2 Sprigs coriander (Chopped)

Serves 2-4 Cooking time: 90 mins 1 Turkey carcass 1 Onion (peeled & sliced) 2 Carrots (sliced) 2 Celery stalks (sliced) 1 Leek (sliced) 3 sprigs thyme To serve: Finely chopped spring onions Torn coriander In a large saucepan add all ingredients and cover completely with cold water. Heat the water to just under a boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce the heat to a very low simmer and cook gently for 1 hour.

Strain through a fine sieve, then using a ladle, skim the fat off the top of the stock before reducing by half.

Finish the broth with any left over turkey, finely chopped spring onions and torn coriander. Heat through for about 2 minutes, season with sea salt if needed before serving.

A great addition would be some charred sourdough and turkey dripping.

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Honey Roast Ham Spring Roll with mustard mayo Serves 2-4 cooking time: 30 mins 150g Honey roast ham 1 Spring onion (sliced) 1 Sprig parsley (chopped) 2 Sheets of spring roll pastry or wraps Plain flour & water for sticking 10g Whole grain mustard 50g Mayonnaise

Pre-heat oven to 180c Heat the chicken stock or broth (or use a chicken stock cube and hot water).

In an oven proof dish, add the quinoa and pour the stock over it - season with sea salt.

Tin foil the dish and bake in the oven for 30 minutes – until the quinoa is cooked and all liquid has been absorbed.

While the quinoa is cooking, drizzle some oil and season the red pepper before roasting in the oven at the same time (approx. 20 minutes).

Mix the Cajun seasoning with the leftover turkey and pan fry to heat and colour.

To serve, start with the quinoa on the base and garnish over with the turkey, roasted red pepper, spring onion and coriander.

Mix together the chopped ham, spring onion & parsley.

Mix together the mustard and mayonnaise and place in a pot for dipping.

Cut the spring roll pastry from circles into rough squares and quarter evenly.

Mix together flour and water to make a paste.

Divide the ham mix between the 8 squares and brush with the flour and water paste before rolling into spring rolls.

Heat a fry or a pan of oil to 170c before frying for 4 minutes Remove from the oil before serving with the mustard mayonnaise.Â

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Brighton & Hove’s Premier Estate Agent

01273 56 77 66 www.lextons.co.uk