SEPTEMBER 2019 s ISSUE 068
All That
GLITTERS
The Strictly Come Dancing contestants revealed
Destination
DUBAI Honeymoon experiences in the Persian Gulf
LOVE
&Marriage The Cheshire Magazine’s guide to your big day
J O I N
O U R
CHESHIRE LIFESTYLE W I T H
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“We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness–and call it love–true love.”
publisher’s
letter I
n the month of affection, as summer saunters away, we see weddings, blessings and partnerships of all kinds, and we celebrate all that is good when it’s full of love. We waltz down memory lane with some of our favourite wedding venues (p.52) who share their most memorable weddings with us, we highlight some of the best tips and tricks from the wedding professionals, with our guide to your big day (p.45). We clad ourselves in sequins and crystals and don our leotards and dancing shoes as we usher in the annual all that glitters spectacular that is Strictly Come Dancing (p.22), getting to know this year’s contestants. We sit down and take 5 with Michael Josephson MBE about his unique role as Vice Chairman of Patrons at Variety, the Children’s Charity (p.27) and get big-day beautiful with stunning wedding gowns by Anna Georgina (p.38). As summer leaves the UK for 2019, our minds wanderlust for warmer climates, so how does a remote island made for two in the Songo Songo Archipelago,
Tanzania sound (p.107), we also discover some uber-romantic experiences in the Persian Gulf (p.59). It’s back to school on our family pages, in style, naturally. We look at a whole host of natural playthings, from busy-boards to ethical wooden toys and also tear-free nourishing skincare (p.75). Not forgetting spoiling our four-legged friends in Pets’ Corner along with some businessmaking ideas (p.78). As we celebrate ‘back to school’ season, sorry... respect the fact our cherished little ones are back under someone else’s care, we check in with the heads at some of the counties most prestigious education institutions (p.81). What better excuse do you need to read, settle in and watch the wind blow your garden furniture around like legos, relax, October will be sweltering, probably... enjoy!
PROUD TO
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FOLLOW US
Scott Illingworth-Harrison Publisher
@thecheshiremagazine @TheCheshireMagazine @TheCheshireMag
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Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Where to find us...
The Contributors
CHESTER Abode Hotel 1539 Restaurant Boodles Chester MediSpa Gieves & Hawkes Oddfellows Opera Bar & Grill The Pied Bull The Inspiring Travel Co.
Managing Director Kathryn Otto Publisher Scott Illingworth-Harrison
LIVERPOOL Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar David M Robinson
Editorial Team
MANCHESTER
Richard Harrison
Craig Hough
David M Robinson Gotham Hotel Great John Street Hotel Harvey Nichols Hilton Manchester Deansgate King Street Townhouse Mappin & Webb Rosso Restaurant Bar & Grill Watches of Switzerland 20 Stories Manchester Arena
Natalie Anglesey Natalie is an author, broadcaster and journalist as well as a television producer and director.
M J Greenhalgh & Leila Bibby MJ and Leila are our passionate connoisseurs on all things fashion, beauty and wellness.
Kevin Evans Brand Ambassador Sarah Irlam Designers Paris Fielder Kate Woods Picture Editor Kat Hannon
MANCHESTER AIRPORT
Production
Falcona Private Jets 1903 Airport Lounge, T3
Hugo Wheatley
CHESHIRE
Commercial Team
52 Alderley Road Clinic Bolesworth Estate & Events Carden Park Hotel Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Piste Wine Bar & Restaurants Janey Butler Interiors Kitchen Architecture Willow Boutiques Coggles The Mere The Church Inn The Roebuck Inn The Colony The Stanneylands Pulse of Perfumery (POP) Piccolinos Knutsford Piccilinos Alderley Opera Grill Chester
Lindsay Rocke Marie Gerrard Charity and Event’s Coordinator Rachel O’Hare
GREATER MANCHESTER Frisør Salon & Wellness Jackson-Stops Oddfellows on the Park
James Fossdyke
Francesca Grace
Proudly published by
James is a motoring journalist with years of experience in print and online. Aside from cars, his passions include sports, skiing and wine.
Francesca Lee-Rogers is a luxury lifestyle journalist and has previously managed a portfolio of titles. She takes a keen interest in writing about food, travel and wellness.
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cover
On the
The cover features the Chanette wedding gown by Anna Georgina. The nearest stockist of Anna Georgina wedding gowns is: The White Gallery, www. thewhitegalleryramsbottom.co.uk
Also published by
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SEPTEMBER 2019 s ISSUE 068 s
The Cheshire Magazine Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and The Cheshire Magazine Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. DISTRIBUTION The Cheshire Magazine is the largest targeted luxury lifestyle publication in Cheshire and the north west, delivered by Royal Mail subscription service to selected homes, businesses, newsagents and retail outlets. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES hello@thecheshiremag.co.uk
MOMEN T U M CO L L ECT I O N stylelibrary.com/harlequin
contents OUR FAVOURITES
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All That Glitters
The Strictly Come Dancing Contestants Revealed
27 45 103
5 Minutes With...
We talk to Michael Josephson MBE about his unique role as Vice Chairman of Patrons at Variety, the Children’s Charity
Love & Marriage
A guide to your big day from picking venues and the perfect dress
Sun, Sea, Sand and I Do
We travel to Pathos for a luxury beach wedding
27
103 41
REGULARS
HOME & INTERIORS
006 | Publisher’s letter
128 | Interior news The very latest news, advice and trends from the world of interior design
008 | Contributors 015 | My life in Cheshire Tom Culshaw, Senior Food & Beverage Operations Manager at Chester Zoo shares his life in Cheshire with us 017 | Notebook Your guide to the finest things to do in Cheshire and beyond
COLLECTION 031 | Jewellery & Watches The wedding seasons must-have collections and trends you simply can’t afford to miss
STYLE 035 | Fashion News Sartorial indulgence for your Wedding Day, from shopping to style inspiration 038 | Big Day Beautiful Make an entrance in one of these stunning wedding gowns by Anna Georgina
078 | Pet’s Corner Not forgetting spoiling our four-legged friends in Pets’ Corner along with some businessmaking ideas 081 | Meet the Head We meet the heads of some of the counties best educational institutions
FOOD & DRINK 089 | Food & drink news From fine dining restaurants and enticing new menus to the best cocktail bars in the Northwest. Explore chef interviews, gourmet food and drink news
094 | Meet the Chef Meet Sean Sutton, the Regional Executive Chef at Brasserie ABode 065 | Health, Beauty & Wellness showcases his Rump of We review some of the best lamb with citrus crushed beauty products, treatments potatoes, smoked and fragrances tomato and basil
FAMILY
075 | Family news It’s back to school on our family pages, in style, naturally
TRAVEL 097 | Travel News The finest hotels and travel inspiration from
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100 across the world. First-class reviews and holiday recommendations, from UK retreats and European city breaks to far-flung tropical beaches
132 | Happy Homes Moving in together and designing your shared home is an exciting time for any couple but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily all plain sailing Already popular within the world of fashion and tech, AI Aqua is going to be taking our homes by storm too
100 | Weekend Away: Sea View Cottage Kat Hannon and family travelled to Kent for a sunny seaside wedding 107 | A Tanzanian Treat A private island made for two, for a remote honeymoon escape in the Songo Songo Archipelago, Tanzania 112 | Local Scene Our social pages this month are filled with fizz, fun, fundraising and a whole lot of fashion from the regions events
DRIVE 117 | News Behind the wheel of the latest luxury motors, from classic cars to the fastest four-wheelers; whether it sail, fly, ride or drive 120 | Back with a Bang The BMW Z4 is back, and James Fossdyke reckons the new model might just be the best two-seat roadster money can buy
PROPERTY 145 | Property News Top news from the buzzing property market in Cheshire and beyond 146 | Property Listings Find palatial properties available from Jackson Stops throughout our fabulous County 155 | Q&A with Base Architecture We meet Harry Reece, Director of multi-awardwinning Architectural Practice, Base Architecture 158 | Hot Property Through the keyhole of the finest addresses in the North West
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My life in
CHESHIRE TOM CULSHAW, SENIOR FOOD & BEVERAGE OPERATIONS MANGER, CHESTER ZOO
How would you describe yourself ? A confident, charismatic, people person with 12 years experience in hospitality. Where is home? And work? Home is my newly purchased house in Huntington, Chester with my wife Claire and our dog, Winter the Spoodle. Work is 125 acres of Chester Zoo overseeing the food and beverage offer. What did you want to be when you were younger? I always wanted to be a spy, films like Bond, Bourne and Mission Impossible make it seem very dangerous, exciting and glamorous. The reality of being 6ft 4, however, means that you stand out in a crowd, not a very good spy attribute... Name a few of your favourite places to be... Some of my favorite places to be are Wepre park with my wife and dog, the Lake District, especially Bowness-on-Windermere and I would have to say the gym, those are my happy places. Even though its my place of work the zoo is an amazing place to be and one of my favorites. Who inspires you? I find Keanu Reeves contagiously inspiring, you don’t have to look very hard for the amount of inspiring work he does, the vast majority with no press coverage and behind the scenes of his Hollywood image.
“...attain a work/life balance. Life passes far too quickly when you don’t have any, you don’t have to make yourself miserable to be successful” What was the last gift you gave someone? The dog - a new ball... this is a weekly occurrence but I always get the best reactions. Tell us a fun fact? I am a big fan of snowboarding, rock-climbing and heavy metal. Who or what would you place in Room 101? Bad parking... it drives me mad. What’s been your biggest life lesson? To attain a work/life balance. Life passes far too quickly when you don’t have any, you don’t have to make yourself miserable to be successful. Don’t confuse having a career with having a life. www.chesterzoo.org 15
“Visit your dream wedding venues and set the date” Matthew Naylor - Sales and Marketing Director from The Boutique Hotel Group
Peckforton Castle, Stone House Lane, Tarporley, CW6 9TN
Nunsmere Hall Hotel, Tarporley Rd, Northwich, CW8 2ES
Inglewood Manor, Badgers Rake Ln, Ledsham, CH66 8PF
TEL: 01829 260 930
TEL: 01606 889 100
TEL: 01505 339 5105
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
NOTEBOOK If you go down to the woods... WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH
Audio & Light
DELIGHT
This October step into a magical outdoor experience with
dazzling lighting and supreme sound in the depths of the Cheshire outdoors. With the woodland as a natural backdrop, you will experience a series of magical choreographed sound and light shows, along with some interactive features, while you follow the path around the forest. This is the perfect autumn adventure for all the family. From 12 October to 3 November, 2019, www.magicalwoodland.com
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Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine
11 - 13 OCT
Manchester Art Fair
What’s On? Dates for the Diary 3 - 6 OCT
Hosted at Manchester Central, this fair is renowned for selling modern and contemporary paintings, sculpture, photography and limited edition prints from a selection of UK and international galleries and artists. www.manchesterartfair.co.uk
17 OCT
Gary Neville ‘Live & Unscripted’ The Crowne Plaza Chester plays host to an evening with the Manchester United legend. www.superstarspeakers.co.uk
The Northern Antiques Fair
22 - 26 OCT
A plethora of beautiful antiques and fine art from over 40 dealers for sale at one of Harrogate’s most prestigious events. www.northernfair.com
The Exorcist
18 OCT
An Evening With Will Young Plus Special Guests
Based on the best-selling novel by William Peter Blatty and inspired by true events, this devilishly thrilling tale has been adapted for the stage by John Pielmeier. www.atgtickets.com/manchester
The winner of the inaugural series of Pop Idol brings his tour to the O2 Apollo Manchester playing tracks from new album Lexicon live for the first time, as well as some of the biggest hits from his career. www.o2apollomanchester.co.uk 19 - 20 OCT 17 OCT
28 OCT
Rip It Up: The 70s
Chester Health Healing & Wellbeing Festival
James Arthur Live at Liverpool Empire
Bringing one of music’s greatest decade to life in a feast of song and dance featuring Strictly Come Dancing champion Louis Smith MBE, Rachel Stevens and Pussycat Doll’s star Melody Thornton. www.atgtickets.com/manchester
Chester Racecourse hosts over 70 exhibitions stands including everything from gifted therapists and spiritual counsellors, to inspiring talks, workshops and demonstrations. www.healthhealingfestivals.co.uk
Having sold more than 25 million records, achieving over 3 billion streams worldwide and numerous award nominations; James Arthur has announced a very special Up Close and Personal Tour. www.atgtickets.com/liverpool
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion
Q&A w ith...
DAMIEN HIRST COLLECTION
Deepbridge Chester Arts Fair
Craig Hough sits down with Laura O’Hare to discuss her upcoming Chester Arts Fair at Chester Race Course
EMMA RODGERS COLLECTION
In a nutshell, what can visitors expect for a day out at Deepbridge Chester Arts Fair? The Fair welcomes novices, art enthusiasts and seasoned art collectors alike. There is something to suit everyone’s taste, with live art demonstrations, talks and workshops. Meet with over 120 artists with a choice of 3,000 pieces of art, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography and mixed media. We also have a dedicated children’s area for young artists to enjoy. Over the years Deepbridge Chester Arts Fair has worked closely with galleries to secure original artwork collections of such artists like Pablo Picasso and L.S Lowry for visitors to view and purchase. What names can visitors expect this year? 2019 looks set to be our most exciting fair to date. We are proud to announce investment works by Banksy and Damien Hirst. Award-winning international ceramic sculptor, Emma Rogers will be unveiling her new collection. We will also be welcoming Royal artist Sir John Demari, with his iconic vibrant oil fine artwork. In the past, the event has raised thousands for both local and national charities. What have you done in the past to fundraise and what have you planned for 2019?
LAURA O’HARE
You established the Deepbridge Chester Arts Fair back in 2012, what brought about the decision to create the fair and host in Chester? Whilst working as a solicitor, I wanted to use my network and love of art to support the community. My first event was to raise money for the charity Claire House whilst promoting talented local artists. Then together with my business partner Shirley-Ann O’Neill, we identified a gap in the market, as every other major global city hosts an annual large-scale contemporary arts fair. So, we took the plunge to leave our corporate careers to focus on creating an international arts fair. Now, celebrating its 8th edition, the Fair is widely recognised as the most prestigious UK art fair outside of London.
We are passionate about the benefits of art therapy. In the past we have held auctions and had famous works on sale. This year we are honoured to be working with our sponsors’ Deepbridge Capital and Hillyer McKeown to raise funds for children’s cancer charity, The Joshua Tree. Art therapy gives children a safe place to express themselves using art, pictures and stories. This can improve the child’s self-esteem, benefitting them emotionally and intellectually. 100 per cent of proceeds will go to buying art therapy sessions. A collection of artwork pieces will be live on our website for the public to bid for in the run up to the fair, as well as on display at the fair. Chester Arts Fair takes place on 15-17th November at Chester Racecourse, www.chesterartsfair.co.uk 19
Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine
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Best Kanuhura, Maldives
Romantic Breaks The team at Carrier share the perfect locations for a pre-wedding romantic stay
A bohemian paradise, Kanuhura is a fusion of understated luxury and rustic beauty. Ignite your soul with a yoga session at sea during a mesmerising sunset, or experience an authentic Maldivian spectacle around a bonfire illuminated by the full moon. Take part in an exotic cooking class on the beach, or discover the magical marine life in the tropical waters. This is an oasis for freespirited adventures. www.carrier.co.uk
DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand
Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai Those looking for alone time will be bewitched by this romantic, eco-friendly desert retreat. Set within the dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the location is simply breathtaking. Bask in the tranquillity of the desert during a Private Dune Dinner. The ultimate in romantic, under the stars dining, your guide will leave you at your very own private oasis where a carpet, cushions and low table are arranged Bedouin style. www.carrier.co.uk 20
Step away from routine at one of Asia’s private villa retreats. Here, 24 uniquely designed Thai-style residences exude an aura of seclusion, where privacy is paramount. For a memorable experience with the one you hold dear, savour authentic flavours as you glide through the lagoon at sunset aboard a traditional long-tail boat, or dine enveloped by candlelight and orchids with ‘Dinner of the Senses’ on a floating pontoon. www.carrier.co.uk
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ALL THAT Dust off your dancing shoes, Strictly Come Dancing is waltzing back to BBC One for its 17th series. The NTA and BAFTA award-winning entertainment show produced by BBC Studios returns with more sparkle, glitz and glamour than ever
A
s usual, the series will be presented by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman while the expert judges Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas will be casting their judgement every week. This year, they will be joined by new judge Motsi Mabuse, who has been a judge on the German version of the show since 2011. Let’s meet the new contestants for Strictly Come Dancing 2019 in their own words.
Alex Scott MBE In 2012 I tweeted a picture of me at a photoshoot in a sequinned outfit saying “Strictly, I’m waiting for my call up”! Strictly’s another world to me. In football, if something goes wrong, I know how to correct it. But what happens if I forget the dance routine with millions of people watching live on BBC One? That
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fear keeps running through my head. I’ve always wanted to be a part of this so I will be devastated if I go home early on and end up watching later rounds from my sofa. I don’t want it to end too soon. Yes, I’m a sportswoman – but I like to dress up also! I guess now I’m not in football anymore, I’m after a new trophy in the cabinet!
Anneka Rice I’ve decided in later life to take up new challenges. So when the call came for Strictly, I thought this is a massive thing for me to do as I have never danced. When I was seven, I was sent home from my ballet lesson because I didn’t fit in with the sugar plum fairy line up. It made me feel humiliated, and I never moved on. My family has never seen me dance, not at a wedding, not at a party, nothing. I don’t do dancing.
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
I’ve recently had an accident and hurt my shoulder badly, just after I was signed up, so my life is now a round of massage and physio and shoulder experts. I never enjoyed dressing up as a child, so I can’t imagine myself in a long dress at all!
Mitchell in EastEnders, so I am going to juggle filming that, as well as Strictly. Honey’s not going anywhere; she’s just swapping the tabard for a bit of sparkle for now.
Catherine Tyldesley
Viscountess Emma Weymouth
I am a massive fan of the show. But I can’t dance. I went to drama school but never had the confidence to take part in the dance classes. I was a lot bigger than I am now and I just didn’t enjoy it. I now want to prove to myself I can do it. Everyone has been so supportive and so excited. I don’t think there’s anybody I know who doesn’t like Strictly, so everyone’s thrilled. The costumes are breath-taking. I am a girly girl, so that’s probably the thing I am most excited about. I can’t wait to get glammed up every week. Hopefully, even if my dancing’s terrible, my dress will look great! Gemma Atkinson, Tina O’Brien, and Lisa Riley, friends of mine, have done said it was amazing. Obviously, Blackpool would be a dream as it was a huge part of my childhood, so my family would love it. Jason Manford and my Corrie friends want to come. My son’s only four, and he’s been watching all the old dances on YouTube, so I’m going to get him a sparkly waistcoat!
It’s a dream come true to be on Strictly. I was honoured to be offered a place in the line-up. I passionately love dance, and I cannot wait to be taught by fantastic professionals. I’m 5’8, so I want a tall dancer who is strong, obviously for the lifts and all the technical and fearless moves. I love the outfits because they are so brilliantly made so I hope I can do them justice. My family is my priority with my two little boys, and I usually am very busy with commitments at Longleat. I want to train as much as I physically can. It’s part of the discipline, part of the challenge and part of the experience. For sure, my family, my husband and my mum will be there.
Michelle Visage
I turned 50, and I have done many things in my life, but I have never ballroom danced. I cannot believe I’m doing Strictly! We obviously need to have a laugh to get through eight-hour rehearsals (we also need deodorant!). I truly, with all my heart, hope I Emma Barton make it to Blackpool. Do I think I could win? I think I’m the biggest Strictly fan so when they said, “we I can do anything I set my mind to do, we all can! would love to have you this year” I thought, oh my goodness, you’re learning an amazing craft from the Now let’s see what my feet think... Everything in my life will be put on hold (apart from being a mommy best people in the business, and you get to dress up in the gorgeous costumes. It was a no-brainer, really. obviously). I am taking this very seriously. I am used to be Strictlified! I wear the hair, the I was going to buy some new bed linen but lashes, the sequins and glitter on a daily basis (I am thought I should leave it as it will probably be a female drag queen after all) so I will be in my turning orange all the time from the fake tan and comfort zone! My hubby of 22 years, David is so glitter. A few of my EastEnders family have done it. excited for me, and so are my kids. Because of all I’m not competitive; I just think it’s all about the the secrecy, I haven’t really told anyone apart from journey, not the destination as long as I have the my hubby, RuPaul and my BFF Leah Remini who camaraderie that will make me happy. I play Honey
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my mum, my partner and my good friend, Mark Foster who told me how much he enjoyed the show, so I changed my mind. I love a challenge! I don’t know what to expect and, am sure it will be much tougher than I think, but I am doing my best to prepare. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, the training, and getting dressed up. I am totally out of my comfort zone. However, if I set my mind to something, I do it. I am ultra-competitive, to a fault. I will still plan to go all the way; it is a competition after all. I didn’t realise how many of my family and friends watch the show. They are all looking forward to it.
Dev Griffin are all over the moon excited for me and will come to watch and support.
Saffron Barker The reaction has been crazy. It’s been even bigger than I expected, and the support has been incredible. My nan has been calling me every single day – she’s cried a lot and told me she’s very proud. She keeps telling me to sing the song ‘I Have Confidence’ from the Sound of Music to boost my confidence. When she was younger, she wanted to be a dancer, but her family only had enough money to send one of her sisters to dance classes, so she has told me I’m living her dream, which is really special. Joe Sugg told me just to enjoy the moment. The dresses, the tan, the glitz, the glam… It’s a dream. My family will definitely come and watch and my friends too. I was speaking to James from The Vamps, and he would like to come too. I can’t believe it’s actually happening.
Chris Ramsey When my manager told me they’d asked if I wanted to do Strictly, I said “oh my God, yes!” I’m also looking forward to the spectacle of the whole thing; the live shows, the crowd, the costumes… I’ve never had a full spray tan before. I’m looking forward to turning that up to ten. Maybe I’ll do a Ross from Friends. My dad has an obsession that I need to get really fit. He keeps warning me the dancers will be fit as a fiddle. He’s like Mickey, the coach from Rocky. I hope my son likes it. He’s only three and has been singing the Strictly theme tune around the house!
David James MBE I’ve only ever done charity shows like Sports Relief. However, only three people were told about Strictly;
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When I was first asked to be a part of this year’s line-up, I thought that this would definitely be one to tell the Grandkids! I know it’s going to be challenging, but it was too much of a fun opportunity to turn down. You can’t blag Strictly, you have to put the hard work in, and I am fiercely competitive. I’m playing to win! My team at Radio 1 have been incredibly supportive, letting me have time off from the show. I started my career in children’s TV, so when it comes to embarrassing outfits, I have already worn the T-shirt. There is nothing you can put me in that would make me look more ridiculous to what I’ve already worn!
James Cracknell OBE I thought it was about time I learned to dance and ditch my rowing lycra. But it seems I’ll be wearing more lycra than when I was rowing! I’m just incredibly nervous, but I keep telling myself ‘what’s the worst that can happen’? I’ll have no problem being ripped apart, sorry I should say being constructively criticised by my dance partner. I’m happy to be bossed around by someone who knows what they’re doing so I can learn. I am permitting myself to fail, and that’s a real challenge for me. I have lots of mates who have
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
done Strictly in previous years. I think I’m there for a good time, not a long time, which I’m sure my kids will be delighted about. I reckon the sequins and fake tan will be the least of my worries. I’m really keen to show people that there is a dancer in each of us, even in someone like me with two left feet. The first people I told were Bev and the kids. Bev’s been really supportive, and the kids were unsurprisingly mortified - but then they’ve seen my dance floor moves so I can’t blame them.
Karim Zeroual
I’ve always been a fan of the show. I watched it with my mum. Everyone has been so excited. I’ve never done anything like Ballroom, Latin, Salsa or the Tango. I’m excited to train and get a good routine together – and then all I can do is do my best to impress the judges and the audience. I am here to work hard. I’m going to carry on presenting at CBBC – so I’m going to be juggling that with Strictly. I grew up with music, so there’s rhythm in my bones. Any street dance! But I’m not sure how Craig would respond to that. My CBBC friends are so excited. I do live TV for a living – and of course, mistakes happen all the time on kids TV. But I am competitive! I want to go for gold.
Mike Bushell Strictly has always been one of my favourite shows, it’s been one of the biggest on British TV for the last decade. I have a lot of BBC breakfast colleagues who have already done Strictly, and two of them won -so no pressure there. Carol Kirkwood and Naga Munchetty said, “please just go and enjoy it, put a smile on your face and don’t worry about it too much”. I’m 5’5, so I’m vertically challenged. I will say to whoever gets me; it will be a privilege to get any of them. I’ve never been that good at sport; I’ve never been good enough to win things - except for the odd raffle!
Will Bayley MBE I want to fly the flag for disabled athletes – Jonnie Peacock and Lauren Steadman have done so amazingly on the show, and I want to carry that on. I want to inspire others. I was born with a condition called Arthrosis; it affects all four of my limbs and the muscles around them. It’s really difficult to build muscle and keep muscle. It affects my hands and my feet, so dancing is going to be really challenging. Until I joined the Paralympic team, the only person I knew who was similar to me was my mum. So I need to do it. I want kids with Arthrosis or similar conditions to be able to look up to someone and see them dancing. I would have liked that when I was a kid. I’ve never ever danced. I’m going to struggle and yet I’m really looking forward to it. I know I’ll be working with amazing, talented dancers and I know I can learn a lot from them. A few of my friends couldn’t believe I was doing it - they know I fall over just when walking down the street, yet I’m going to put myself up in front of millions of people and dance! I know they are rooting for me. Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing pulled out of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing after injuring his foot while recording the launch show.
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BERTA PRIVÉE
ONE OF THE MOST FASHION FORWARD BOUTIQUES IN THE UK. DESIGNER COLLECTIONS including:
BERTA PRIVÉE, JULIE VINO, PRONOVIAS ATELIER, ST PATRICK & STUDIO, ROSA CLARA, YOLAN CRIS, DAVID FIELDEN KNUTSFORD WEDDING GALLERY, 11/13 MINSHULL STREET, KNUTSFORD WA16 6HG TEL: 01565 633333 www.knutsfordweddinggallery.co.uk
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
5 MINUTES WITH
Michael Josephson MBE The Cheshire Magazine talks to entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael Josephson MBE about his unique role as Vice Chairman of Patrons at Variety, the Children’s Charity and his dedication to raising millions of pounds for disadvantaged children in the North West
Michael Josephson MBE Vice Chairman of Variety Patrons Cheshire businessman and entrepreneur Michael Josephson doesn’t do things by halves. When he decided to dedicate his time to raising money for good causes, he put his heart and soul into. His spirit and determination has seen him raise over a staggering £4 million for disadvantaged children in the North West of England. Michael’s work and commitment to fundraising for charity has seen him be awarded an MBE as well as the Freedom of the City of London, another huge accolade for this dedicated man. In 2015 Michael was honoured with a Variety Legend of Industry Award along with some other fantastic people, including Falklands hero Simon Weston OBE, Laurence Jones MBE of UK Fast and Steve Morgan CBE of Redrow.
Building The Patrons Programme Michael launched Patrons in the North West two years ago with a dinner that took place in the
Midland Hotel Tea Rooms in Manchester. He invited several like-minded people to the event to discuss how becoming a Patron of Variety would help so many children here in the North West to have a much brighter future. That night he engaged with six Variety Patrons from the North West, raising £180,000 on the night and was also invited to be Vice Chairman of Patrons at Variety, the Children’s Charity.
Summer Ball Over the years Michael has become synonymous with spectacular fundraising events. In 2018 he launched his inaugural Michael Josephson MBE Summer Ball. The charity dinner, held at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate, raised over £250,000. At this year’s Summer Ball in June
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(headlined by Glaswegian chart-toppers Texas) Michael raised an incredible £318,900 for his chosen charities, one of which is Variety, the Children’s Charity. Looking ahead to next year, Michael’s confirmed Saturday 6 June as the date for the Summer Ball held at the Hilton Manchester, Deansgate. Artistes for the 2020 Ball will shortly be announced. Michael is currently looking for support for the ball for unique auction prizes, sponsors. Very limited places left with a waiting list you will need to be quick to secure your tickets. If you’d like to get involved, please contact Michael directly on michael@stocksmcr.com. Explaining the reasons behind his philanthropy Michael said: “My own disadvantaged and abusive childhood puts me in the unique position of being able to understand how difficult life can be for children and young people from similar backgrounds. “I believe all children should have the same opportunities and if I can change the life of only one child then I would consider my life to have been worthwhile in making a difference to so many. “Variety, the Children’s Charity is dear to my heart and I will continue to do all I can to support their invaluable work”.
Transforming Lives Thanks to Michael’s tireless dedication to charity, the lives of countless children have been transformed. Specifically, he is responsible for providing much-needed specialist equipment
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including wheelchairs, which have enabled disabled youngsters to take part in sports like football and tennis. One of Michael’s most recent donations was of a specially adapted sports wheelchair which was presented to a tennis-mad young boy called Zac Corbishley. This meant that instead of just watching from the side-lines, Zac was able to fully participate in the game. He’s now a keen player and competitor in the sport. A world which was closed off to him, through no fault of his own, is now fully accessible to him, thanks to the great work of Michael Josephson. Michael also generously donated a Variety Sunshine Coach to Cromwell High School in Dukenfield Cheshire, which enabled the children to participate in social activities and trips that they previously wouldn’t have been able to do. He has also provided an eye gaze to a child who could only communicate by eye movement. It means he can now communicate faster, which reduces his frustration. The work being done
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
really is changing lives. Lyn Staunton, Northwest Development Director at Variety explains: “Having Michael as Vice Chairman of Variety Patrons is something of which we are very proud. His energy and
“I believe all children should have the same opportunities and if I can change the life of only one child then I would consider my life to have been worthwhile in making a difference to so many.” commitment is second to none. The impact he’s having on the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children is there for all to see.” Chief Barker of Variety Harold Tillman CBE said: “From the moment I met Michael he immediately struck me as a wonderful man with a very big heart. His passion to help children shines through everything and I knew he would be a brilliant Vice Chairman of Patrons of Variety.”
Patrons Dinner To continue building this programme, Michael is looking to host another exclusive Patrons dinner in 2020, which again will be an exclusive invite-only event where he hopes to engage with future Patrons. The support of the patrons is hugely important to the charity and covers every aspect of the work the charity does and Michael’s support is paramount to its success in the North West. Lyn.staunton@variety.org.uk www.variety.org.uk
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Collection BE MYNE Growing up in Pakistan
as children was life changing for sisters Fiona Wellington and Kate Murray-Gordos, but they didn’t realise quite how much until just last year in 2018 when they launched their jewellery brand, Myne London. Created as a way to reconnect and give back to the people of their childhood home, it quickly became a brand with a heart. Promoting responsibly sourced emeralds from the Swat Valley, supporting new enterprises in women’s lapidary work in Pakistan and giving ten per cent of its profits to the Malala Yousafzai fund. Better yet, the pieces in its collection truly speak for themselves. Exceptional emeralds – which are amongst the highest rated in the world, and still relatively undiscovered – are obtained for their clarity and colour, then expertly cut and set into exquisite designs. Now based in Cheshire and having launched in the USA in July, Myne London is set to take the world by storm. Myne London, www.mynelondon.co.uk
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Lucky Move Kate Moss, Sylvia Hoeks and Joan Smalls have officially been announced as the brand-new faces of Messika. With a campaign set to launch the new collection Lucky Move, we couldn’t think of anyone better than these three world-renowned icons, each representing strength, attitude and influence, to represent the beautiful Parisian jewellery. The new collection is inspired by medallions that act as lucky charms. Each piece offers a versatile and contemporary touch, with its illuminating contrast between the delicate medallions and strong geometric design. Lucky Move collection, www.messika.com
Jewellery&
Watch news W O R D S : J O A N N K H AT I B
Make a Statement
Wearing bold earrings has become a trend to last the ages, and it’s safe to say that it won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Regularly appearing on catwalks and the red carpet, making a statement with your ear candy has become the go-to technique to add some pizazz. With this in mind, David M Robinson has launched a selection of stunning statement earrings each boasting its own elegant design. Whether you opt from spectacular sphere drops or striking spikes, there is simply a pair for any occasion. Statement earrings, from £1,400, www.davidmrobinson.com 32
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Jewellery
Emma Clarkson Webb
Adventure, romance and the eternal moon are the three elements that inspired Fabergé’s striking new collection based on the shape of a crescent moon. The small collection includes an 18ct yellow gold pendant, ring and earrings, each delicately crafted with a fluted pattern and a line of diamond pave. And while Fabergé celebrates the crescent moon as a symbol of beauty and devotion, the glittering emerald, which features in each piece, has long been associated with eternity, the heart and the renewal of love. Crescent Collection, from £8,640, www.faberge.com
BESPOKE ENGAGEMENT RINGS, EMMA CLARKSON-WEBB, POA
Over the Moon
Emma Clarkson Webb is a bespoke fine jewellery designer specialising in creating beautifully made, one-of-a-kind design. Whether you’re after a design fashioned from scratch or alternatively a remodelling of an antique family heirloom, Emma’s extensive knowledge of the diamond market combined with her contemporary design aesthetic guarantees an engagement ring exclusive to you. www.emmacwebb.com
RING IT IN
With the wedding season officially here (and this being our wedding issue), what better time to explore the ring that gets you there. The gifting of a ring to mark an engagement originated in Ancient Egypt, the circular shape said to represent an eternal cycle and its DE BEERS CLASSIC CUSHION CUT SOLITAIRE placement on the fourth finger of the left hand is WITH SIDE PEARS, POA attributed to a vein that is believed to lead straight to the heart. From classic designs boasting DeBeers diamonds galore to bespoke rings designed by ‘A Diamond is Forever’ is the iconic you, there is definitely plenty to consider. tagline that DeBeers penned in
The Aquaracer
Tag Heuer has unveiled three new models of the Aquaracer for women, capturing the laid-back lifestyle at sea without comprising on its impressive diving functionalities. Boasting an enchanting, deep shade of blue that effortlessly reflects the sea, the new 35mm models also feature an engraved sun-wave pattern reminiscent of the gentle waves. Available with either a sleek stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap and water resistant up to 300m, the new Aquaracer is certainly one to add to your timepiece wish list. Acquaracer timepieces, POA, www.tagheuer.com
1948, which led to diamond rings becoming what they have today. So much so, that these days it’s become rare to find an engagement ring that doesn’t include a diamond of some sort. It’s no surprise, then, that DeBeers continues to create some of the most exquisite diamond engagement rings. www.debeers.co.uk DE BEERS CLASSIC SOLITAIRE RING WITH TAPERED BAGUETTES, £18,600
David M Robinson Having specialised in engagement rings since the brand first launched in 1960, David M Robinson is certainly not short on styles or expertise. Each piece carefully considered and exclusive to its showrooms, there is a style to suit every personality. Better yet, it offers a bespoke design service to craft the exact ring you had in mind. www.davidmrobinson.co.uk EMERALD CUT DIAMOND RING, DAVID M ROBINSON, FROM £90,000
Under the Sea
It was in the Philippines, back where she commissioned her first piece of jewellery, that iconic jeweller Annoushka found inspiration for her latest collection, Hidden Reef. It was there that she first developed a passion for the sea, blown away by the colourful coral beneath the waves. Each piece in the collection, which launches this month, features 18ct yellow gold, alongside clusters of pink and orange sapphires. An ode to the sea, and a reminder to protect the sea’s delicate habitat. Hidden Reef, from £550, www.annoushka.com 33
Style Lovely in
LACE
Dare to push the
boundaries with your choice of wedding dress and take inspiration from the BERTA PRIVÉE Nº 2 collection which showcases the designer’s style, known for being bold, sexy and with a modern fit that incorporates vintage materials and retro looks. Combining the brand’s classic silhouettes with timeless materials, the gowns feature delicate lace detailing, floral appliqués and the subtle hint of sequins, and appeal to any bride who is after a stand-out design, while still keeping in touch with a traditional and classic feel. Aside from creating all of the collections at the fashion house, designer Berta Balilti still oversees the production processes in her studio to this day, and she has more than 150 retailers all around the world. One of which is The Knutsford Wedding Gallery, which is the only northern stockist to sell BERTA PRIVÉE, and this December from the 7th to the 8th, the boutique is having a BERTA Trunk Show where it will showcase this dress and the whole of the 2020 collection. Knutsford Wedding Gallery, 11/13 Minshull Street, Knutsford, WA16 6HG, 01565 633 333, www.knutsfordweddinggallery.co.uk
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Hats Off to You WEDDING SPECIAL
Fashion news WORDS: FRANCESCA LEE-ROGERS
Best Foot Forward
These Be Wedd embellished court heels by Dune are sure to make a statement on your wedding day. Styled with a classic pointed toe and feminine slim high heel, the cascading elegant floral diamanté embellishment adds that extra touch of sparkle. £250, www.dunelondon.com
Rock On
Television personality Spencer Matthews has launched his bespoke diamond jewellery business, Eden Rocks. He was inspired to start it after working with jeweller Neil Duttson on the engagement ring he chose for his wife, Vogue Williams. Spencer was so impressed with how Duttson took him on a journey from idea to final product, that he decided to team up to form a business. www.edenrocks.co.uk 36
If you’re attending a wedding, a hat is generally a must-wear. However, headpieces can be so distinctive, you may not want to re-wear one, so why not take a look at The Hat Club, which hires designer pieces? With more than 1,000 hats and top couture styles to choose from, the team works with established milliners such as Frances Heeley, Gill Tate, Marzi and Vivien Sheriff and promotes top-notch designers including Bundle MacLaren, Cara Meehan, Edel Ramberg, Jane Taylor, Justine Bradley-Hill, Philip Treacy and Rachel Black among others. Available to hire at a fraction of the purchase price, they can be ordered directly through the website and couriered anywhere in the UK. www.hatclub.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style
In Other News
3 of the
Selfridges has launched Phase 2 of its Accessories Masterplan at The Trafford Centre. It is the second of three phases and includes offerings from Vivienne Westwood, See by Chloé and Coach. The expanded space will also feature the Restory, the London-based luxury one-stop repair shop and its very first destination outside the capital. Selfridges at The Trafford Centre, Stretford, Manchester M17 8DA, www.intu.co.uk; www.selfridges.com
BEST
It’s what’s underneath that counts, especially on your big day. Look your best in one of these sets
Delicate eyelash lace edged with soft elasticated trim makes this Lyra lingerie by Bluebella £40, www.bluebella.com
Trend Alert
Black might not be the first colour that springs to mind when deciding on bridesmaids dresses. However, more and more brides are turning to it as it’s classic and versatile. This one, Isabeli Embellished Jersey Maxi Dress, [pictured, model on right], is ever-so glam and the gathering around the bodice, keyhole detail and gems make it a sure-fire winner for the whole bridal party. £99, uk.monsoon.co.uk
Made from exquisite stretch French Leavers lace and silk, this Celestial set by Gilda & Pearl is simply beautiful. £170, www.gildapearl.co.uk
Dress to Impress
This satin set from Nine by Savannah Miller is perfect for a smooth silhouette and is decorated with floral lace for a feminine finish. £31, www.debenhams.com
What to wear to a wedding is always a dilemma but here at The Cheshire Magazine, we’ve fallen in love with this Temperley London Rose dress from the new collection. Made from satin and embroidered with lines of petals and hearts, it’s topped with mesh panels, leading the eye to the ankle-grazing, easy-breezy hem. Worn with summer sandals or heels, it will look fabulous in all of the photographs. What’s more, the brand has launched in store at Selfridges Manchester Exchange so it’s easy to try before you buy. £895, Selfridges Manchester, 1 Exchange Square, Corporation Street, Manchester, M3 1BD, www.selfridges.com
loves
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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine
BIG-DAY Beautiful Make an entrance in one of these gowns by Anna Georgina
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Anna Georgina Nova 39
Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Anna Georgina Bellatrix
Utopia Neoprene V-Neck -V-Back Dress £410
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style
Anna Georgina Chanette 41
Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine
The nearest stockist of Anna Georgina gowns is: The White Gallery, www.thewhitegalleryramsbottom.co.uk
Anna Georgina Saron
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FUNKY, FEMININE & VERSATILE
D.Exterior
Max et Moi
WEDDING
Øpëñ Dåÿ JOIN US FOR FIZZ AND CANAPÉS
OUR VENUE WILL BE DRESSED TO IMPRESS T O G E T Y O U I N S P I R E D F O R Y O U R S P E C I A L D AY .
SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER | 12-4PM ENQUIRIES@THECOLONYHQ.CO.UK
01625254000
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Weddings
LOVE & MARRIAGE The Cheshire Magazine’s guide to your big day
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Weddings
Diamonds are
Forever
With over 50 years in the business, David M Robinson use their extensive experience to pick out some wedding jewellery highlights from their latest collection Hopscotch Studs, £1,950, 18 ct white gold and princess-cut diamonds
Diamond Band, £1,250, 18 ct white gold and diamond Diamond Studs, £4,400, 18 ct white gold with 1.20 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds
Inspired by a childhood favourite, DMR’s exclusive Hopscotch collection features Princess cut diamonds set in the formation of the playground classic, adding a contemporary twist to timeless diamond jewellery.
Engagement Ring, £18,000, Platinum with a round brilliant-cut 2.02 carat centre stone, and diamond set shoulders
Love Lines Bangle, £2,500, 18 ct white gold and diamond
IWC Portugieser Chronograph Watch, £6,550, IW371491 Cloud Nine Necklace, £425, silver and round brilliant-cut diamonds Clouds are measured in terms of their height and the highest level is nine - hence to be high on life is... on Cloud Nine. Honeycomb Cufflinks, £95, silver Inspired by Manchester’s iconic ‘worker bee’ symbol, the exclusive Honeycomb collection is a firm favourite with friends of DMR.
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The Catering and Event Creatives. Planning your big day? We are experts at providing creative catering and can collaboratively deliver delicious menus tailored to fit your vision. Whether your Wedding is at one of our iconic venues across the North West or at your place, we promise a bespoke experience like no other. Get in touch to find out more, we would love to hear from you!
01244 304 660 horseradishcatering.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Weddings
The Gift of Love Celebrate the bride-to-be with these truly beautiful wedding gifts from the team at ChloBo that will make the bride’s big day even more magical
Shower them in Confetti This unique piece is a dreamy addition to your bridal look. Perfect for a backless wedding dress. This stunning chain of freshwater pearls and 925 sterling silver beads, wraps around the neck and falls effortlessly down the back. Completed with a signature ChloBo star charm, this statement necklace glistens gracefully on any bride. Confetti Falls Necklace, £229
Looking for that forever kind of love The Forever Love Set of 2 combines their highest quality 925 sterling silver and freshwater pearls, into a timelessly dainty stack. The perfect style to wear on your special day or a stunning gift for a loved one. Wear with the matching Forever Love Necklace for the complete look. Available in an adult size of 18cm or children’s size of 15cm. Forever Love Set of 2, priced from £85
The magic touch
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The Lifelong Magic Necklace brings something extra special to your bridal look. This adjustable necklace can be worn alone or layered with the ChloBo Champagne Kisses Necklace. Featuring the star charm this piece is thought to make wishes a reality. To complete the look, style with the Lifelong Magic Set of 2. Handcrafted using 925 sterling silver and freshwater pearls. Lifelong Magic Necklace, £110
Magic is all around us The Life Long Magic Set of 2 is a beautiful combination of glistening 925 sterling silver and ChloBo’s finest freshwater pearls. The star charm symbolises dreams and making
2 wishes a reality, a sweet sentiment to wear on your magical day or to gift to a treasured member of your wedding party. Available in an adult size of 18cm or children’s size of 15cm. Lifelong Magic Set of 2, from £85
True love lasts forever The Forever Love Necklace makes a beautifully elegant statement. This adjustable piece means you can wear it as a choker, ideal for layering with the stunning Champagne Kisses Necklace. To get the complete loved up look, style with the matching Forever Love Set of 2. Handcrafted using 925 sterling silver and freshwater pearls. Forever Love Necklace, £99
Let’s raise a glass…
ChloBo’s Champagne Kisses Necklace is a bridal staple. This stunningly simplistic design is handcrafted with their highest quality freshwater pearls and iconic 925 sterling silver beads. The adjustable length makes it perfect for layering with the other Confetti Fall necklaces, a ChloBo classic. Champagne Kisses Necklace, £115 www.chlobo.co.uk
DETAILS #1 Champagne Kisses Necklace, £115, #2 Forever Love Set of 2, priced from £85, #3 Lifelong Magic Necklace, £110, #4 Confetti Falls Necklace, £229, #5 Forever Love Necklace, £99
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Weddings
Be Our Guest Stylist and designer, Abi Fisher edits the chicest dresses to be a wedding wonder
W
ith the winter 'wedding season' having officially kicked off, is anyone else wondering what the perfect guest should be wearing? Upon receiving the invitation, there's usually one thing that flashes through all of our minds. What to wear. With very little in the way of a wedding guest outfit rulebook these days (other than no white, obviously) there is relative freedom when it comes to putting together your look. As we approach the Autumn/Winter season,
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we're swapping the punchy hues and brights with this winter's interesting fabrics - suede, velvet, leather etc. In fact, with white off the menu, we recommend experimenting with fabric as much as possible; even opting for punchy prints if you dare... Here's our pick of the best wedding guest dresses. www.abifisher.co.uk
#5 Midi print silk dress, £320
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4
#2 Feather print maxi, £425
#4 Blouse, £265 and trouser suit, £265
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3
#1 Gorgeous satin striped dress, £315
#3 Floral jacket, £315 and tailored trousers, £245 with satin blouse, £225
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Memory LANE
Some of our favourite venues share one of their most memorable weddings with us
Zoe & Carl Our wedding was two and half years in the making following a picture-perfect proposal on the beach at Indian Rocks, Florida in August 2016. After visiting many venues in Cheshire, Carl and I decided on Nunsmere Hall for our wedding day. We loved the building, the marque and the grounds, so booked for Saturday 27 April 2019 soon after our first visit. Next began the search for the perfect dress! With my mum in tow (and around 30 dresses later!) I eventually fell in love with a Stella York gown from Brides of Chester. I was lucky enough on the day to be surrounded by my closest friends and family as bridesmaids – alongside my gorgeous flower girl. Our hair and make-up were perfected by The Wildflower Hair Company and the team at Second Glance Beauty Lounge in Wilmslow. After an early start, we were all ready for the 2pm ceremony and thankfully free from any mishaps or last-minute dramas! Meanwhile, Carl, along with the ushers, were suited and booted in Whitfield and Ward suits and welcoming our guests into the Crystal Ceremony Room. Although the start of the week delivered scorching sunshine, by the Saturday it was uninterrupted rain with some hail thrown in for good luck – or so everyone kept telling us! While the weather may not have been perfect, we could not have wished for a better day. From the moment I walked down the aisle with my dad and became Mrs Scourfield, Nunsmere Hall provided us with our dream wedding. Uplit Event Hire transformed the venue to create both a romantic ceremony room and an idealistic wedding breakfast space within Nunsmere’s lakeside marque.
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Carl and I were lucky enough to have a family member that could create a wedding cake more amazing than we could ever have imagined. Our love of travelling was portrayed flawlessly, with the cake being three tiers of suitcases with a crispy cake globe as the top – and it tasted just as good as it looked. Our evening saw two bands bring the marque to life for our guests, with both a 10-piece Motown band and a lively Irish band to finish off the evening, we thought we had the perfect night planned. Little did we know as we welcomed our evening guests, we had a surprise on the way! Following an announcement from our band, all guests were whisked from the marque and led to the side of Nunsmere Hall to look over the gardens… for an incredible show in the sky by Blitz Fireworks. The months and months of planning were all worthwhile as we celebrated until the early hours – retiring to the late resident’s bar for a final few drinks as the new husband and wife! www.nunsmere.co.uk
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Weddings
Shelley and Stuart My husband, Stuart and I work in the events industry. In the lead up to our wedding - we would have three major events to organise so we needed to find a venue that not only met our high expectations to marry in - but also had a team that we could rely heavily on along the way. Having researched around 150 venues, both at home and abroad, there was just one we liked enough to visit. Aynhoe Park, a private country house in The Cotswolds. After the tour of the house and grounds, we walked back to our car and I burst into tears. It was beyond perfect. Lavishly decorated, full of quirky features and totally unique; it was the perfect mix of traditional elegance and modern glamour. Not only that, the food was incredible, the preferred suppliers all passionate and skilled and the house had room for all of our guests in sumptuous suites. It was just right for the wedding we wanted; which was basically a colossal, unforgettable party where we ended up married. With the venue booked exclusively for 3-5 September 2018, we had 16 months to plan. Invites went to just 50 of our closest family and friends, with another 60 asked to the evening party. The dress search was difficult. I wanted something different. Definitely not white or ivory; definitely not lace. Something nobody else would have. Erica Stacey Bridal Couture in Manchester came to the rescue. I emailed her a basic sketch of how I saw my dress and after a chat on the phone, she said she was confident she could create it. Cascading dove grey, champagne and blush layered chiffon with a nipped, ruched bodice and horsehair trim over tulle. With my schedule being extremely tight, 99 per cent of the design decisions were made by text and email and had just two trips to her before picking up the dress two days before the big day. She was fabulous. Stuart selected a Paul Smith suit in grey and heather, with custom made shoes in green and purple Italian leather to complete.
The day of arrival to Aynhoe started with afternoon tea. Ferret racing and Champagne on the lawns overlooking the deer park was the perfect icebreaker, followed by a boozy BBQ on the terrace complete with guests enjoying the hot tub until far too late! The morning of the wedding the gents enjoyed clay pigeon shooting, bacon butties and beers whilst the ladies were pampered in kimonos and waited on hand and foot by Mark the butler who supplied deli bagels and bottomless bellinis. Studio Sorores dressed the venue with the most incredible floral displays and our bouquets were rich purples and blues. We married in the orangery at 2pm in glorious sunshine. A magician friend entertained the guests during the drinks reception and we enjoyed four courses of the most amazing food in the Salon, whilst the orangery was transformed into the most spectacular party space with lighting, flooring and decorations. We holiday in Ibiza a lot so the evening party was key for us. We wanted something spectacular with a Balearic vibe, so we hired a resident DJ from the white isle with live bongo players and a saxophonist and banned any standard "wedding music". The dance floor was packed all night and at 2am a secret underground cellar club was revealed to the guests where Hedkandi DJ, Jayli kept us dancing until the early hours. Hot breakfast rolls and espresso martinis were served to keep everyone going until the last guest dropped at around 5am. There were sore heads all round the following day. A leisurely, long breakfast was served in the dining room and sad goodbyes were said. We had four days on Ibiza as a mini-break before heading to the Maldives for a long December honeymoon, which was worth the wait. Aynhoe is astounding and we loved every second of our ‘stay-away’ wedding! www.aynhoepark.co.uk
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Jessica & Kevin as told by Debbi from Hillbark Hotel & Spa The celebration of marriage between Mr and Mrs Riley is literally the story of love, set in the most romantic surroundings of our Hillbark Hotel & Spa. Jessica wore a breathtaking ivory fitted fishtail wedding dress bought from Brides by Tina Louise. Her bridesmaids stood proudly beside her in lilac fitted dresses and they were all brought together with bouquets of super white roses. Jessica initially dreamed of a ceremony in our outdoor pagoda overlooking the Dee Estuary, but instead decided that our Great Hall would be the chosen space for the exchanging of their vows. Jessica’s attention to detail on the day is what makes this wedding one of our favourites of 2019. She knew that walking across the balcony, her wedding guests would have a sneak peak of her, whilst sweaty palmed Kevin would remain in suspense until the moment she walked down the aisle. Kevin was driven to the venue in the Hillbark’s Bentley where he was joined by his five handsome Groomsmen, dressed in navy tailored suits. As a groom Kevin looked dapper in his light tan three-piece suit and hints of the Groomsmen’s dark blue. With an aisle of rose petals and bobbing candles in water-filled glass vases, Jessica had a smile that filled the
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room as she joined her soul mate Kevin. There was laughter, there were tears and then there was a kiss of pure love. As everyone celebrated the new Mr and Mrs Riley with overflowing bubbles, the sunshine began to shine. The pair knew they had to keep the big-day classy and elegant, so The Great Hall was turned into the Wedding Breakfast of pure white table cloths and silver candelabras. The day featured many personal touches, but we particularly loved the personalised cupcakes for each guest, displaying their dedicated seating and table. It was also a perfect way to serve as a sweet treat whilst Hillbark’s team prepared the courses to follow. Amongst speeches and wine, the guests were treated to live entertainment from Singing Waitresses who got everyone up and dancing. This was not to be the end of the performances, as saxophone and bongo players carried them into the evening under the twinkling lights of our ballroom. Mr and Mrs Riley created the fairytale love story, that the team at Hillbark Hotel will not forget anytime soon. www.hillbarkhotel.co.uk
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Weddings
Jessica & Aaron “When you start to plan your wedding you have a vision of how it’s going to look and thanks to Kate Park Events our wedding was more than we could ever have dreamt.” In June 2019 Kate Park Events planned and organised the wedding of Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United F.C.) and Jessica Unsworth at the stunning venue of Peckforton Castle. The day began with the gospel choir performing Over and Over Again by Nathan Sykes ft. Ariana Grande, as Jess made her way down the aisle to Aaron. Wearing a gorgeous dress designed by Philip Armstrong, in a room filled with beautiful flowers, twinkling candles and all their loved ones, Jess and Aaron became Mr and Mrs Cresswell. Gorgeous golds and crisp whites transformed the room. Every detail had been considered, from the Jo Malone favours and gold mirror menu cards to the large floral arrangements hosting masses of fresh flowers. Before the guests entered the room for the wedding breakfast, the couple had the chance to see if the set up was everything they had imagined. Following a rendition of John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ from Aaron on the piano, the couple left the room ready for their entrance once the guests had taken their seats. With fantastic food and fabulous entertainment, including a pianist and a surprise performance by the singing waiters, both Jess, Aaron and all their guests seemed overwhelmed by the day so far. Unbeknown to the guests, Kate Park Events changed the once elegant ceremony room into the
perfect party set up. Installing a full stage and room-filling dance floor ready for the evening’s entertainment; the celebrations began with the DJ as guests entered and took in the room’s transformation. Once everyone had taken advantage of the floral arch photo opportunity, now displaying a gold mirrored sign reading ‘Mr & Mrs Cresswell’, and enjoyed a few drinks, it was time for the surprise act; Gabrielle! A British singer and songwriter, Gabrielle performed an incredible set ending with her well known single Dreams, for Jess and Aaron’s first dance. Guests were left completely stunned by Gabrielle and in love with the happy couple as they shared the final moments of their first dance. The evening continued with further entertainment, including a saxophonist, percussionist and Holly Ellison from The Voice, keeping the guests on the dance floor all night. Then, just as the night was drawing to a close, the DJ continued the party downstairs into the castle cellars. Partying until the early hours of the morning it was daylight before they decided to head to bed and look back on their special day. “The whole day was like a fairy tale thanks to Kate and her team. We will be forever grateful for everything you did to make our day amazing.” www.kateparkevents.co.uk T: 0161 905 2052
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Weddings
10 STEPS TO BOOKING
YOUR DREAM WEDDING FROM LEADING WEDDING EXPERTS
Boutique Hotel Group
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our wedding day is the biggest day of your life, and there’s so much to think about. That’s why leading wedding expert Matthew Naylor, Sales and Marketing Director from The Boutique Hotel Group has put together these 10 easy steps so you won’t put a foot wrong
#1 Set an estimated budget This is probably going to be the most boring part of planning your wedding, but you’ll want to have a budget to spend on your wedding from the start. We recommend you set a realistic and idealistic budget then meet them somewhere in the middle, the last thing you’ll want is to find your dream venue, dress or supplier and realise it’s way out of budget
#2 Write your guest list First of all, you need to decide on guest numbers, this won’t be confirmed until you actually book a wedding venue but you can start to narrow down who you want to invite to your wedding. Concentrate on people you know will support you from the beginning – your bridesmaids and groomsmen!
#3 Set a theme Before you start looking at any kind of venue or dates for your wedding, you’ll need to set a theme as this will help tie everything together in the long run. It may help by deciding if you want a summer or
winter wedding first, then pick a colour scheme and so on.
#4 Visit your dream wedding venues and set the date Remember to take into account your budget and always visit a range of venues – but remember, most venues have a bit of wiggle room on price so don’t be afraid to negotiate! Think about your guests too, do they have accommodation on-site or nearby, do they have wedding planners who are going to help you plan your wedding from start to finish?
#5 Send your wedding invites Traditionally, your wedding invites are sent out 6-8 weeks before your wedding. Remember to include the theme you’ve carefully chosen so that people know what outfit to wear. Of course, you’ll also want to include the date, time, location and an RSVP deadline around 2-3 weeks before your wedding.
#6 Book your suppliers This is where the theme you set will really start to turn into a reality. Think about ways that you can make your guests feel special and thank them for coming with imaginative wedding favours. But remember this is your day so make sure everything is to your taste and not anyone else’s!
to pick your bridal attire, perhaps the most exciting part! Remember to take some accessories with you as this will really change how the dress/suit looks! Remember that this is your special day, so take your friends and family’s opinions on board but ultimately this is your decision!
#8 Book your honeymoon Remember, your honeymoon is your chance to relax and enjoy your life with your new wife/husband – so make sure you book somewhere special!
#9 Get Wed Wake up refreshed, give yourself plenty of time to get ready and most importantly RELAX! Most people are super nervous on the day of their wedding but this is meant to be the happiest day of your life so enjoy it! If you’ve planned to perfection then nothing can possibly go wrong.
#10 Reflect Take the time to reflect post-wedding, this way you will remember it for years to come and make your new journey as a married couple that bit more special. www. bhguk.com
#7 Buy the bridal attire Take your bridesmaids/groomsmen along 57
Weddings | The CHESHIRE Magazine
EXPERT ADVICE Learn insider tips for your big day from some of the top wedding professionals
Camilla, Boutique Manager at Knutsford Wedding Gallery shares her top tips on choosing the perfect dress
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e inspired - our Tagline is “Elegance with a sense of drama” so we like to inspire brides with dresses that are classy but with an edge, or the ‘wow’ factor! Therefore, be open minded, look beyond your first thoughts. Do your research, source collections that appeal and search for their stockists. But be willing to try styles you had not previously considered. Allow the experts to guide you on your journey to your dream dress as it is not always easy to know what styles will suit your body shape in reality. Accept advice from your personal Bridal Consultants who know the
Abigail, Senior Wedding & Events Coordinator from Standon Hall shares her top tips on choosing the perfect venue
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efore you book a wedding venue there are a few things you need to keep in mind, the two most important ones are your guest numbers and budget. Work out who are you inviting for the ceremony as these make up your wedding breakfast numbers. The same goes for your budget, the venue will be where most of your wedding budget is spent so before you go for a visit, it is always good to get an idea of costs. I would always advise couples to go to look at different styles of venues, so if you think you want a barn venue and not a Manor House venue, go to look at both just to make sure you still feel the same after you have visited. Picking a venue is similar to how you will pick your dress or how you picked the person you want to marry, it is 58
collections very well and how they look ‘on’. Set a budget - obviously, you may be tempted to deviate from that for the perfect dress but try to give a guideline to the bridal boutique. Try not to be too influenced by glossy magazine pictures - try to imagine yourself in the dress at your chosen venue. Be confident in your final choice, trust your instincts and the advice offered. Above all else at this point stop looking! Choose your bride tribe wisely! In our experience too many cooks can be confusing and distracting for the bride and make it difficult for her to truly feel what she prefers. It also becomes difficult for the consultants to advise you. Don’t forget it should be a wonderful experience, with friendly helpful advice. www.knutsfordweddinggallery.co.uk
the feeling you will get when you walk in and know that this is the one. When you go for your show arounds, you need to look out for the little details. Does the venue have exclusive use or will you share the space with the public? Because this could determine where you are allowed to have photos within the venue and grounds. Are there any sound limits for your evening entertainment? Also, ask if you are allowed to bring in your own suppliers as some venues will have preferred suppliers. I would also be flexible with your date if you can, as having your heart set on a date and the venue being booked doesn’t leave a lot of options other then waiting until the following year. When you want to secure your date at a venue with a deposit, I would take it in person, it is an excuse for another visit and to ensure you get the same feeling. Take your parents or best man/maid of honour and make a celebration of it. A venue should be as special as your day. www.instagram.com/standonhall
www.chlobo.co.uk
Cosmic Connection
Dubai
YOUR PERFECT HONEYMOON DESTINATION BY DESTINOLOGY For those couples looking for somewhere luxurious, romantic and exciting, Dubai delivers a dream location
One & Only The Palm One & Only The Palm is known for its chic glamour; with its very own private beach, it is perfect for honeymooners and is located on the western peninsula of The Palm. There are lots of water sports on offer and afterwards, you can relax together in the spa. One & Only the Palm ‘Ultimate One&Only Guerlain Spa Escape for Two’ offers you the ultimate honeymoon privacy and features an hour long Guerlain Spa treatment and other amenities include a pool, beach and a private poolside cabana along with afternoon tea. There is a choice of three restaurants and bars and the magical 101 Dining Lounge and Bar is overwater and the Dubai skyline backdrop. Honeymooners can stroll along the many pathways surrounded by fountains, private gardens and dazzling blue swimming pools. Relax on a daybed with your favourite books and take in the stunning skyline that surrounds you. For the ultimate in luxury, you can stay in a private beachfront villa complete with private swimming pool just seconds from feeling the sand on your feet on the beach in front of you. It also has its own marina which gives it the feel of a romantic island getaway feel with boat transfers to One & Only Royal Mirage.
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Madinat Jumeirah Resort Madinat Jumeirah have a hotel to suit everyone. Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Mina A Salam, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf and Jumeirah Al Naseem are interconnected by 3kms of waterways traversed by traditional Abra boats. For honeymooners we recommend Madinat Jumeirah al Naseem, positioned along a stretch of private beach. The Gulf Ocean Suite is perfect for romance it has views of the ocean and beach from a private terrace with cabana: it also comes with Lounge benefits and access to the exclusive Summersalt Beach Club. Across the resort there are facilities and amenities including tennis, squash, rock climbing wall and fitness centre and all guests have access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark for some adrenaline-fuelled tube riding and lazy river floating. Talise Spa has couples’ suites and signature treatments and for something really special how about Full Moon Yoga by the beach together with your new spouse. Also, within the resort is the Madinat Souk where romantics will find boutiques, stands and stalls where mementos
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Wedding
are sure to be purchased. Dining options are many, but for something special for two enjoy the mezzes to share and a cocktail accompanied by soulful tunes at Bahri Bar overlooking the sea.
Waldorf Astoria Waldorf Astoria is located on a private beach which overlooks the Arabian Gulf and rooms have views over the sea or Palm Jumeirah. This is a fantastic haven for honeymooners to celebrate, especially if you want the chance to pamper yourselves at the Guerlain Spa which has a special couples suite where you and your partner can relax and have a variety of treatments in your own intimate suite. The spa also features whirlpool hot tubs, experience showers and ice fountains in its 3, 200-meter luxury spa with adult-only spa pool. There are also six dining options including Vietnamese cuisine at LAO and Social by Heinz Beck, a Michelin starred chef. As part of the honeymoon package you will receive a room upgrade subject to availability, a romantic room set up, a bottle of wine and cake in room upon arrival and a 25 per cent discount on spa treatments. You can also flop and drop on the private beach in a private pool cabana and relax together with a cocktail in hand or take part in an excursion or activity such as tennis or basketball.
pool where you can enjoy romantic meals and relaxation in total privacy. You can choose to dine in privacy, or at the fine dining restaurant or have a unique experience together on a ‘Dune Dining’ experience under the Arabian sky and lit by flame torches. Adventures on offer if you want to explore as well as relax and enjoy your time alone are guided nature walks within the reserve, sand dune driving, wildlife drives, a Ghaf tree walk and archery. The honeymoon package includes a private deck dining experience, a bottle of chilled Champagne upon arrival and two spa treatments with stays of 4 or more nights. The spa features private massage rooms for couples and there is a private Rasoul chamber, cold plunge pool, Jacuzzi and swimming pool.
Atlantis The Palm For an alternative honeymoon idea or if you are celebrating your honeymoon as a family with children, Atlantis The Palm could be the perfect Dubai destination for you. It sits on Dubai’s Palm Island and anyone staying here gets unlimited access to Wavehouse entertainment complex, Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium. www.destinology.co.uk
Al Maha a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa If you really want to escape the city and have a truly romantic haven, then Al Maha is the perfect secluded desert haven. The suites here are built to resemble the Bedouin encampment and interiors are filled with authentic Arabian furnishings. They each open out to a large wooden deck with private
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Weddings | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Destinology’s TOP ROMANTIC EXPERIENCES
FOR TWO IN DUBAI
Sitting around a pool on honeymoon can get tedious for some, so Destinology’s Phillip Munro suggests exciting things for newlyweds to do in Dubai
A Luxury Couple’s Spa Treatment What better way to enjoy your honeymoon than a romantic and relaxing spa treatment in one of the city’s most luxurious spas. If you book a couple’s treatment as honeymooners, you are likely to receive extra special attention! The Waldorf Astoria Spa has recently been voted ‘Best Luxury Beach Resort’ for 2018 in the United Arab Emirates and has over 3,200 meters of indoor space which includes an ice fountain, whirlpool hot tubs and experience showers.
Overnight Desert Safari Another romantic excursion is the famous Overnight Desert Safari Camp. As honeymooners, we recommend staying overnight at the Bedouin camp under millions of stars where you will feast on delicious Middle Eastern cuisine accompanied by live Arabian entertainment. This truly authentic experience will whisk you away from modern life filled with hustle, bustle, and technology. During the day you might want to do some dune activities including henna painting, quad biking, bellydancing and souvenir shopping – perfect.
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Adrenaline Lovers If you and your new partner enjoy adrenaline-fuelled activities, there is plenty to do in Dubai to get your heartbeat racing. There are many water sports including scuba diving, cage snorkelling, kite surfing and if you are brave enough, a shark safari! A sport Dubai takes very seriously is sky diving and they even host the international skydive championships. If you choose to fly in the city you may find yourself flying over the Palm Jumeirah with stunning views over its private beach and neighbouring marina.
Dinner at the World’s Most Luxurious Hotel A fantastic idea for the ultimate romantic dining option would be to treat yourselves to a dinner at the world’s most luxurious 7-star hotel, Burj Al Arab. The whole experience is worth every penny, from the stunning architecture, shaped to resemble the sail of a ship to the mouth-watering cuisine you will get to enjoy together. There are a range of dining options to choose from including the very popular
high tea and the hotel itself has ten restaurants to choose from each with its very own speciality. The hotel has an observation deck on the 124th floor which is truly stunning as the sun sets over the city. For the ultimate luxurious and romantic entrance why not arrive by helicopter so you can see Dubai from above before your intimate dinner. You may even decide that you want to stay overnight and really make it an evening to remember. The rooms come equipped with your very own personal butler, the choice of hiring a luxury car such as a Lamborghini or Ferrari and even the use of a solid gold iPad. W: www.destinology.co.uk
medically-led aesthetic clinic FEMI LIFT: Femi Lift is a non-surgical, quick and safe solution for various common feminine issues, such as Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), vaginal laxity, vaginal dryness, recurring infections and more. It helps alleviate these symptoms whether they were caused by menopause, hormone deficiency related to cancer therapy and post-labour conditions. COMMON FEMININE ISSUES THAT FEMI LIFT CAN TREAT:
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Non-Surgical facelift Fat Reduction and cellulite control Anti-Wrinkle Injections Dermal Filler Laser skin rejuvenation IV therapy Laser hair removal Hydra facials Skin peels Colonic Hydrotherapy Psychotherapy Private GP Wart and verruca Skin tags Fungal nail
200,000 women have been treated worldwide. More than 90% reported positive results. For maximum results we recommend 3 treatments 4 weeks apart. < Scan here with a QR reader from scan.me or visit: thecheshiremagazine.co.uk/ddclinical to see treatment before and after images.
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Health, Beauty
Wellness
Wildlife and
Wellness
Known as Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best kept
secret, Karkloof Safari Villas & Spa uses nature to its advantage. Located on a 3,000-hectare reserve, this idyllic location is surrounded by picturesque waterfalls, rivers and the gentle sounds of wildlife. Traditionally the focus of safari has of course been on the great outdoors, intrepid exploration and being up with the lark to pack in as much as possible, whilst the spa aspect even in some of the best lodges in the world has been sadly overlooked. Acknowledging that travel and wellness has become inextricably linked for the modern adventurer, Karkloof has extended its concept of wellness through being in and experiencing the great outdoors. www.karkloofsafarivillas.com
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I DO... So, you’ve found the person for you. Congratulations! Now it’s time to say ‘I do’ to your perfect fragrance. Harvey Nichols and Jo Malone offer you the opportunity to create your perfect fragrance for that special day. If you already have a Jo Malone London favourite, this is a good place to start. Take something you like and layer with another. Add a twist that is unique to you, inspired by your personality, style and the little details of your day. Your chosen scent is then presented in a Bridal Lace Bottle, etched with a delicate design of your choice. Elicit a smile with every spritz! www.harveynichols.com
Health & Beauty news WORDS: MARY JANE GREENHALGH & LEILA BIBBY
JUST PINCHED FRESH CHEEKS This pretty ballerina-pink face powder takes your complexion from dull to radiant. Sweep it on cheeks as a soft blush or dust it all over face as a brightening finishing powder- we love it and it’s the perfect colour for any bride. Dandelion Brightening Face Powder, £26.00, www.benefit cosmetics.com/uk
BRIDAL BEAUTY From deciding on flowers to favours, stationery to seating plans and everything in between, planning your dream wedding can be an overwhelming – and a potentially stressful affair. But it needn’t be so. Elemis has got your bridal prep skin essentials sorted to make sure you can relax and look and feel your best on the big day. For a day you’ll never forget. Discover dewy skin with this new collection of bestselling Elemis bridal heroes for a refined complexion and radiant glow. Bridal Beauty Countdown Collection, £65 (worth £98 ) includes: Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm 105g. Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads 60 pads, Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Masks 2 sachets. www.elemis.com 66
KISSABLE LIPS Lips can be the first things to show the signs of ageing so in order to keep your lips luscious and ready for that all important kiss try Hour Glass lip treatment. This advanced anti-aging treatment for lips combines essential oils, vitamins and three powerful active ingredients in a supremely luxurious oil blend. It even has a an opulent 24-karat gold-plated tip for application. It is available in one clear shade with a high shine finish, and five flattering shades to provide the lips a rich flush of healthy colour. £45, www.harveynichols.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Wellness
A NEW HOME FOR
Wellness Andrew Collinge relocates to the new Selfridges Beauty Hall
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aving already been established for nearly 20 years within Selfridges Trafford Centre, Andrew Collinge has now relocated to the impressive new, interactive Selfridges Beauty Hall alongside other prestigious brands. Expert stylists are on hand to create innovative and desirable hairstyles that perfectly suit each client’s wishes. With an extensive menu including cutting, restyling, colouring and colour correction, hair extensions and smoothing treatments, you will find everything you need to make your hair dreams come true. The salon has also introduced a new drop-in Express Styling service, the perfect solution for busy clients looking for quick yet professional styling whilst enjoying a shopping day out in the Trafford Centre. Services range from curling, waving, smoothing, plaiting, braiding, blow drys, dressing hair and updos. If you’ve yet to visit, why not pop into the beautiful new Andrew Collinge salon for haircare advice and a complimentary consultation. Andrew Collinge Hairdressing | 1 The Dome, Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8DA | 0161 629 1102 W: www.andrewcollinge.com
“You will find everything you need to make your hair dreams come true” 67
Wellness | The CHESHIRE Magazine
review
BEAUTY BAZAAR Leila Bibby visits the Harvey Nichols, Liverpool Beauty Bazaar for a lesson in indulgence
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eauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols is located in the heart of Liverpool’s fabulous shopping area and is heaven for all beauty junkies! As well as offering a huge selection of exclusive health and beauty brands, a wine store and Champagne bar the store offers some wonderful beauty packages and Beyond Medispa treatments tucked away on the second floor. I was lucky enough to try their extremely popular ‘Out of Office package’ which includes lunch at their Champagne bar. As soon as I entered the spa from the hustle and bustle of the store I instantly relaxed. I was warmly greeted with a lovely cold glass of Champagne by the very friendly, yet professional and informative staff. From that moment on you are expertly looked after by top therapists offering a wide range of traditional and
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more cutting-edge treatments in a luxurious and indulgent environment. Before starting my treatment with ESPA, the therapist Danielle asked me a few questions to gauge my general sense of well being on the day and I was then offered two essential oils to choose from to ensure the treatment was tailored exactly to my needs. The chosen oil reflects what the body is in need of – for me it was mild de-stress. The treatment then started with a back and shoulder massage which was expertly and firmly administered. Danielle is exceptional and was able to really identify all those areas of tension and I could feel all the stress melt out of my shoulders and back. I then enjoyed a revitalising facial and after a gentle cleanse an ultra-violet machine was used to assess my skin’s hydration levels. I was certainly in need of the facial! After some more lovely massage using essential oils which were again tailored to my personal needs, my skin was treated to a face mask whilst my hands and arms received the same expert massage technique. Both treatments create a real sense of well being and I certainly left the spa with the
much desired healthy glow. Following this 90 minutes of indulgence I then enjoyed a Nails inc. manicure at their nail and Champagne bar. The manicure used their gel-like nail polish and fantastic 45 second top coat to leave me with beautifully manicured hands. To complete the package I was then ushered for my last stop at the Marc Jacobs Beauty counter to enjoy an application of make-up by one of their highly trained professional make up artists. I floated out of Harvey Nichols not only feeling wonderfully relaxed but also looking my best. I will definitely be returning as many of their beauty packages are partly or full redeemable against purchases and they cater for large parties as well so perfect for a get together with friends. The ideal way to spend an afternoon! Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar, Liverpool ONE, www.harveynichols.com
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HA DERMAL FILLER
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion
I DO w ith REVOLAX The bridal glow - every bride wants it, and every skincare product promises it, but the desired glow can’t just be applied on the skin, it comes from within
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lumpness and hydration are the key ingredients to pictureperfect skin. Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a bridesmaid or the mother of the bride, pre-wedding dermal filler treatments can help you with precisely that. The demand for hyaluronic acid dermal fillers like REVOLAX has been increasing year-on-year and now hit on cult status. Brides are wanting to highlight the best version of themselves, bringing out their natural beauty on their big day. Tear trough fillers, lip enhancements and anti-ageing facial contouring count as the most asked for procedures from members of the bridal party. However, just like everything else to do with a wedding, fillers should be planned in advance. Preparing for a wedding is a time-consuming task, and so is the hunt for the perfect practitioner. Just like finding the perfect dress, finding an aesthetician with the necessary experience and
vision for such a high-profile treatment, is key. Both practitioner and client need to be in sync and make almost as great a team as the bride and groom. Dermal filler treatments before a wedding should be planned ahead, especially for first-timers. The initial treatment should be scheduled for about 12 months in advance, which allows enough time for corrections and optimisations of the results. The rejuvenating enhancements can then be maintained until the day of the wedding to remain fresh. The last treatment should be no later than eight weeks before the wedding to
ensure that all swelling has gone down. With the REVOLAX range lasting between 9 to 18 months, the end-results will take you straight through your wedding into your honeymoon and beyond. Fillers should look as natural as they feel, and this is where REVOLAX delivers! Non-surgical facelifts and full-face contours are a growing trend for women. Using a combination of all three REVOLAX products, a practitioner can not only enhance facial features but also combat signs of ageing, REVOLAX can sculpt, fill and contour while maintaining your natural beauty. Just like the perfect dress, REVOLAX dermal filler can boost your selfconfidence and ensure that you not only glow on your wedding day but for many more months to come. Say “I Do” to REVOLAX! For more information on REVOLAX and how you can get the most out of your summer filler, visit www.revolax.uk or contact customer services at support@revolax.uk. 71
Wellness | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Glowing Skin for your
Wedding Day Lindsay Anna shares her skin journey experience before her big day
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mbarking on a ‘skin journey’ at DD Clinical in Chester is the perfect way to prepare your skin to look at its best for your big day. The clinic, located in the heart of Chester, is a calm oasis and you are warmly welcomed by a team of experts who provide a first-class experience. Working with one of DD Clinical’s skin experts, my skin journey started with a full face scan using VISIA skin analysis. The technology scans your skin under the microscope and shares results for sun damage, wrinkles, age spots, polyporphyrin (pores), redness, inflammation, sensitivity and acne-causing bacteria. The scan results are then sensitively discussed with the specialist and a treatment course advised. Before starting the skin regime, a special aesthetic practitioner cleaned my pores with an Aqua Facial treatment, which only lasts 25-minutes and leaves your face feeling incredibly cleansed. The aesthetic practitioner even shows you the dirt that they have sucked out our your pores after the session if you are brave enough to see it. My area to focus on was anti-ageing and for a four month period, I used a skincare regime using ‘ZO Skin Health’ products that were specially selected for my skin needs by the team. Founded by Dr Obagi, world-renowned skincare expert, ZO Skin Health, products were created to provide physicians and patients with the world’s most innovative and effective skin health solutions. With these products containing strong ingredients, including safe level of retinol, it’s absolutely essential that you are advised by a skin specialist/ physician at a clinic, which products
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to use and how. With the expertise at DD Clinical, you know that you are in safe hands. When using these products you always need to wear SPF 30+ to protect the face, as the products increase sensitivity to sunlight. I absolutely love the ZO Smart Tone SPF 50 which was recommended to me. It has SPF 50 and tint, and no foundation needed as my skin is glowing from the products. My skin after 4 months has significantly improved, it’s much brighter and the texture of my skin and wrinkles has improved, especially wrinkles on my forehead which VISIA shows has decreased by 10%. My overall skin age has gone down by 1 year, in just four months. For any bride-to-be wanting to look their best with glowing skin, I highly recommend the team at DD Clinical to work their magic for your special day. www.ddclinical.com
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Family One Step FORWARD Ideal for the most curious of tiny
toes, the new Midi Shoe micro-collection from British brand, Poco Nido, is the perfect step into nurturing little oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early steps and building their confidence. 100 per cent leather, they are ideal first shoes for little explorers, crawling, walking or jumping plus the eco-conscious chrome free leather is wipe clean and the suede sole offers grip and protection while maintaining that important barefoot feel. Perfect for autumn. ÂŁ36, www.poconido.com
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Twinning
Family news W O R D S : C O M P I L E D B Y G I N A N D J E L LY T O T S . C O . U K
Following huge success from last season, Frugi Twinning has returned, allowing mums and dads, for the first time, to release their inner child and match their little ones. Great for synchronised twirling and family matching. From dinosaur pyjamas to manly stripes, we think it’s super cute. From £39, www.welovefrugi.com
Happy Skin
Hypoallergenic, pH balanced and certified natural, the skincare range from Kit & Kin is an essential in our house. From the hair and body wash, infused with naturally nourishing plant extract which makes it smell delicious and is tear-free to body butter for mum which is vegan friendly and super soft and indulgent, all are cruelty free and naturally nourishing. From £10, www.kitandkin.com
Smock Style
Everyone knows that babies equal mess, especially when it comes to eating, messy play and being in the garden. Fret no more about food stains spoiling your little one’s clothes with this Long Sleeve Waterproof Smock by Baby to Love. Whether its eating saucy spaghetti, playing with paint or learning how to plant, they’re sure to stay mess free... meaning less washing for you. £14.95, www.babytolove.co.uk 76
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family
Grass Storage
These adorable jute baskets make excellent storage for your little ones, however old. Whether it’s kid’s toys, hair and make-up essentials or for the washing trail around your teenager’s bedroom, they come in pairs for extra solution capability. Natural Grass Baskets, £24, www.sweetpeaandwillow.com
loves
#3 Linea Animal Memo Rack, £35.50 www.redcandy.co.uk
Unlimited Play
A FEW OF OUR
FAVOURITE #1 Katie Leamon, pencil set, £12.50 www.lilyking.co.uk
... back to school goodies #2 World Map Colour-in Backpack, £14.95 www.eatsleepdoodle.com
Thoughtfully designed by a team who firmly believes that play can supercharge learning, the award-winning muro modular busy board is a must-have for any little one, aged one and upwards. Centred around a plug and play system, interchangeable toys connect seamlessly for hours of entertainment. What’s more it is made from sustainable birch-plywood and the toys are made from rubber-wood re-purposed from the latex industry local to their factory. Available in two style, from £129, www.mymuro.com
Wooden London
Best Years has been specialising in making ethical toys for over ten years but they have been the soft variety. This October they will be launching their first collection of wooden toys, including a fabulous iconic London bus with 25 hand painted wooden passengers. They are also robust enough to withstand the most active of toddler play! From £10, www.bestyears.co.uk 77
Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Pets’ Corner All the very latest news and fabulous things for your furry family members
A Toast to Our Four-Legged Friends We love this Champagne dog toy from Sophie Allport. Made out of canvas, it is the perfect treat for your four-legged friend, celebration or not. £10, www,sophieallport.com
LIKE SOME CAT FROM JAPAN All hail, Ziggy Stardust, in the form of a felt cat cave. Inspired by the iconic face paint lightning bolt worn by David Bowie, you feline friend will love snuggling down in its cosmic, hypoallerginc den. £110, www.redcandy.co.uk
Stack the Decks It’s all about personalisation in the four-legged world and these original vintage playing card lead racks are the perfect addition to any home. Using vintage cards sourced from the 1930s spell out Walkies or your dog’s name but be sure never to lose the lead again! £75, www.charltonisland.com
PASSION TO POUNDS With an estimated nine million dogs in the UK, it’s fair to say that we are a nation of dog lovers and the sector is booming. Why not take advantage of it? New franchise company MyWaggyTails can help turn your love into cash with a range of pet care business opportunities. From Dog Walking to Home Boarding and Doggy Day-Care, the proven business model offers all the essentials and support to set up a successful business. MyWaggyTails is founded by business consultant Randle Stonier and inspired by his sister, Mitch Howey. Keen to have a job that she could work around her family life Mitch set up her own dog care business in 2017. After five months, Mitch turned to Randle to overhaul her marketing and, fast-forward, 18 months she was begging him to stop promoting it as she couldn’t cope with the demand. Mitch did, however, ask for his help for new licensing regulations and audit, resulting in a five-star rating. Today, they share their pet business know-how to help others start or grow their own dog businesses and pert care services, powered by MyWaggyTails. www.mywaggytails.co.uk 78
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The start of something special...
â&#x20AC;&#x153;A friendly, caring environment in which each girl can feel confident and flourishâ&#x20AC;? While our school is consistently ranked as the top performing school in the North West based on GCSE and A-Level results, those who know us understand what really makes Withington special cannot be tested or measured.
As a school with no scholarships or academic prizes, Withington girls are free to develop and explore their academic potential and broader interests in a productive, collaborative and happy environment.
OPEN DAYS Junior School For girls aged 7-11
Senior School For girls aged 11-16
Sixth Form For girls aged 16+
Thursday 7th November 4.30pm to 6.30pm Saturday 9th November 10.00am to 12noon An Open Evening for Sixth Form students will be held on Thursday 17th October, from 6.00-8.00pm
To arrange a tour call 0161 249 3371 Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family
Meet the Head With the new school year in full swing, we decided to sit down and get to know some of our local Head Teachers
Withington Girls’ School Sarah Haslam, Headmistress at Withington Girls’ School What is your school’s ethos? Withington is a happy, harmonious, informal and purposeful school in which some of the best academic results in the country are achieved and there is a strong sense of empowering community. We value individuality, encourage our girls to think for themselves, to see learning as a lifelong journey and to understand the importance of tolerance and teamwork. The principles of respect for self, respect for others and personal responsibility underpin our ethos. When leaving your school where do your pupils progress to? We work hard to support our pupils in achieving their aspirations, no matter what those goals and ambitions might be. Our Oxbridge successes are notable – 16 places in 2018 or 1-in-6 of our leavers – while the majority of our pupils go on to Russell Group universities – 70 per cent of our 2018 leavers. Those who aspire to be accepted on more specialised course such as Art Foundation, Drama or Dance, or who wish to take up studies overseas, are also wholeheartedly encouraged and supported. What sets you apart from other schools? Embedded in Withington’s founding principles is the notion that the pleasure of learning is its own reward,
so it is an important aspect of Withington’s ethos that there are no academic prizes or scholarships – a fascinating paradox in a school where pupils excel in so many areas. In a modern context, we have found that removing these elements of academic competition and elitism produces an environment in which our pupils work more collaboratively and cooperatively to reach their own goals – and this is an approach endorsed by our girls who celebrate each other’s successes and have a strong sense of what they can achieve together. This ethos is consistently praised by our own students when, in post-GCSE and A-Level feedback, they quote time and again the highly supportive and collaborative environment they experience at Withington – not only from the teachers but from their own peer group too. The exciting energy and sense of possibility within the school is palpable. We are outward-looking and celebrate diversity – because we offer bursary support to one in six pupils, are fortunate to be able to welcome bright girls from all cultures, faiths and backgrounds. Pupils enjoy a wide range of extra-curricular interests – but what all our girls have in common is a love of learning and intellectual curiosity. Our selection process aims to identify girls who will flourish in the Withington environment – and the wellbeing and the happiness of each girl throughout her journey with us is a priority. www.wgs.org 81
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“Confident, modern, go-ahead” Tatler Schools Guide 2019
Open Days
Saturday 14th September & Saturday 9th November Boarding & Day for Girls & Boys aged 13-18 admissions@shrewsbury.org.uk 01743 280 552 | shrewsbury.org.uk
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
Shrewsbury School Leo Winkley, Headmaster of Shrewsbury School What is your school’s ethos? We believe that school should be ‘serious fun’. Learning and enjoyment go hand in hand: in the classroom, through a vibrant co-curricular programme and in the communal life of the school. A great education opens doors. This means getting the best possible examination results and qualifications. However, many skills, values and aptitudes do not come with a piece of paper, but they are nonetheless vital for happy and purposeful living. We aim to deliver a great education that nurtures character and lasts a lifetime. When leaving your school where do your pupils progress to? Pupils from Shrewsbury go on to top universities around the globe; Salopians (as we call them) this year will head off to 50 or so British universities, including 10 with Oxbridge places, and Durham and Exeter at the top of the list in terms of numbers. Overseas universities are increasingly popular – this year we have youngsters going to Yale and UCLA in the US, Germany and Sydney, Australia, for example. Most will go on to higher education, but a number are forging different paths, with two pupils going to music conservatoires, one training to be a helicopter pilot and several entering professional sport. Do you have any specific success stories from alumni students you’d like to share? Salopians lead such varied and interesting lives that it’s hard to single out individuals. Whether it’s the pupil who arrived as a shy new Sixth Former who moved onto Oxford University and captained the university cricket team, the girl who has had internships with the UN and World Food Programme whilst at university and has just been accepted to
the prestigious Sciences Po in Paris for a Masters, or the boy who was so inspired by his mountaineering at school that he climbed Everest, we’re proud of them all and work hard to keep in touch with them. How does the school help pupils with career and higher education guidance? We aim to provide ‘best-in-class’ advice and guidance to ensure our pupils are future-ready and have the skills and aptitudes, as well as the qualifications, to open doors and pursue a wide range of ambitions. We have a strong advice and guidance team working with academic colleagues as well as a full-time expert in the unique role of Head of Futures. As such, we’re heavily invested in preparing Salopians for life beyond the school gates, so that they can enter the world of work with the soft skills and resilience to succeed. Alongside a comprehensive calendar of workshops, seminars and lectures, we work closely with former pupils, who act as mentors to offer advice and guidance. Evidence suggests that most jobs that our pupils will have don’t even exist yet, so it’s important they build the dexterity and flexibility to turn their minds to anything. What sets you apart from other schools? Our history and heritage (Charles Darwin studied at Shrewsbury); our setting in 110 acres of parkland by a beautiful river and with easy access to a thriving market town; our unique atmosphere of calm purpose; the excellence in breadth that we offer – from top university and careers destinations, to outstanding arts and a thriving cultural life, a seemingly endless array of sporting and extension activities, and a unique spirit. We are a seven-day-a-week learning community in which our pupils are encouraged to be happy in their skins, to speak truth to power, and to pursue their goals with drive but also gentleness and consideration for others. www.shrewsbury.org.uk 85
Igniting her potential
“
A wonderfully empowering environment in which girls flourish academically but also personally, with bountiful opportunities on offer to pursue extra‑curricular passions and interests of every variety. THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE
OPEN DAYS An outstanding independent school for girls aged 4 –18 in the heart of Chester.
FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER Lower School Open House SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER Senior School Open Morning THURSDAY 17 OCTOBER Sixth Form Open Evening
To find out more and book your family’s visit call our Admissions Manager on 01244 312078 or visit thequeensschool.co.uk
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
The Queen’s School Sue Wallace-Woodroffe, Headmistress at The Queen’s School What is your school’s ethos? We offer a rigorous education in a stimulating learning environment, and the results speak for themselves. We are a Times Top 100 school for A-level results and girls make outstanding academic and developmental progress across the board. But more than that there exists at Queen’s an atmosphere of supportive enterprise, and we work hard to create this warm, nurturing environment which both inspires and develops girls, offering exceptional opportunities that encourage them to embrace challenges and aim to achieve their absolute best. Our goal for every Queen’s girl is that she leaves us with the abilities to think independently, collaborate confidently, and aspire globally. When leaving your school where do your pupils progress to? Every year girls go on to study at prestigious universities, both in the UK and abroad. The most popular courses over recent years have been: Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Economics, International Business Management, Business Studies and Biomedical and Natural Sciences, Biology, Biological Science, Biomedical Science. Do you have any specific success stories from alumni students you’d like to share? With alumnae including mountaineers, Olympians, TV presenters, artists, scientists and entrepreneurs, it’s difficult to choose just one to include here! One of our more recent success stories is artist Kara Chins who won the hugely prestigious Woon Foundation Art and Sculpture Prize and received a £20,000 fellowship. This follows her earlier success in 2013 when she was the recipient of the prestigious
Piran Strange Award for Young Artists. How does the school help pupils with career and higher education guidance? Girls are taught by outstanding teachers who really know their pupils, care about their respective futures, and are empowered to develop each pupil beyond her expectations. In Sixth Form, our Queen’s School Baccalaureate introduces university-style learning. It combines rigorous scholarship, beyond A-level expectations, with experience and training in research and presentation. Our innovative Virtual Boardroom equips senior girls with experiences of business projects with industry mentors. Girls are encouraged to aim high and the vast majority do choose to go to university. What sets you apart from other schools? We are the only independent girls’ school in Chester, and we regularly top local league tables (top A* rate in Cheshire 2018). We’re also the only independent school in the north of England to be designated a Confucius Classroom and girls are taught Mandarin in both the Lower and Senior schools. We were recently visited by The Good Schools Guide, and for me this quote from their review perfectly captures what makes us such a special school: “A wonderfully empowering environment in which girls flourish academically but also personally.” www.thequeensschool.co.uk
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PISTE WINE BAR 01829 732483 | 55 High St | Tarporley | CW6 0DP www.pistetarporley.com
Food Drink Over by Day Under by Night
Over Under is the latest hotspot to open on Deansgate, Manchester, serving top quality coffee and a delicious brunch menu by day and contemporary cocktails and live music by night. Headed up by Executive Chef, Paul Davies, from Cheshire, the simple yet considered menu includes classics such as American-style Pancakes, Smashed Avocado, Chorizo Hash and Ruben Toastie. But what makes Over Under unique is its ability to transform from day to night. Using clever design techniques which involve flipping tabletops and changing wall setups, the atmosphere transforms to create the perfect backdrop for whatever the night holds. Contemporary cocktails like Coffee Choco Negroni accompany music from the best new talent across Manchester in its monthly â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Live Sessionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. www.overundercoffee.com
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First Look at Stock Exchange Hotel
Co-owned by Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and hotelier Winston Zahra, one of Manchester’s most eagerly anticipated hotels will be opening its doors on 15 November 2019. The former Stock Exchange building is a striking example of Edwardian architecture from the 20th Century and is currently being meticulously transformed into a hotel which will offer a collection of 40 rooms, including two signature suites and a stunning 3,500 square foot penthouse residence. www.stockexchangehotel.co.uk
Food &
Drink news WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH
loves
Krombacher Pils is golden in colour with an aroma beautifully balanced between hops and malts. Crisp, clean, full in flavour with that classic refreshing bitter finish and suitable for vegans, the Pils is available in 50cl and 66cl bottles. www.krombacher.co.uk
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Tell us what brought you to your current position? My love for food and what I do. My aim is to make people happy and get them talking about food so what I serve must be cooked to perfection. What is your favourite style of food? Fine-dining is my favourite as it gives me the opportunity to play with a combination of flavour. What's your favourite ingredient and why? I would say potatoes as they are so versatile in what you can do with them. What is your favourite drink? Caipirinhas, of course. What piece of kitchen kit, could you not live without? A flat top grill. Who inspires you and why? I have been a chef for a long time but Coffey from Athlone in the Republic of Ireland taught me that food is not just for eating, when you are a chef you need to put your soul into your cooking to make it extra special. What would be your desert island dish? Fresh fish from the sea roasted on natural fire from the island.
New Dishes at Tattu
Krombacher Pils
...with THIAGO FERNANDES, Head Chef at Piste Wine Bar Restaurant, Tarporley
With a new season, comes brand new dishes from executive chef Andrew Lassetter and his team at Tattu. Their lastest à la carte menu features a total of 17 new dishes across its small plates and main dishes, along with a host of new indulgent desserts offering the group’s largest sweet menu to date. www.tattu.co.uk
What has been your most memorable meal? There's been a few but a pan-fried cod loin with potatoes foam mussels and pickled shallots. You can't go wrong with that. www.pistetarporley.com
SEASONAL GAME TASTING MENU 18th October 2019 7.30pm Champagne reception / 8pm dinner / £65pp We are in the heart of game season and it’s time to celebrate. Our special 5 course menu will feature the best local game cooked to perfection, which includes a paired wine flight to match and a glass of Taittinger upon arrival. The Alderley Edge Hotel, Award Winning Restaurant celebrates the finest Cumbrian game with an exclusive five-course dinner this autumn. Venison, pheasant, duck, quail and pigeon, to name but a few, will be cooked with the passion and imagination that has become synonymous with head chef, Colin Starkey. His delicate touch and creative presentation providing a perfect showcase for these exceptional ingredients. Each course of Colin’s tasting menu perfectly paired with a wine flight; complementing the wonderfully rich flavours to complete the evening.
Executive Head Chef, Colin Starkey
Macclesfield Road, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK9 7BJ | Telephone: +44 (0)1625 583 033 | www.alderleyedgehotel.com
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink
SPOTLIGHT ON... ROSA'S THAI CAFE, LIVERPOOL WORDS: JULIE KHAN
Best for... Authentic Thai dishes to share in groups
I
recently spent a very pleasant afternoon in Rosas Thai Café situated in the heart of Liverpool’s historic waterfront, The Albert Dock. The café is set amongst a collection of beautifully restored grade I listed warehouses with striking views across the waterfront. This area of Liverpool offers you a chance to step back in time and imagine what this part of the city was able to offer in bygone times as so much of the character of the buildings have been maintained and it is easy to imagine how important the docks were for storage of valuable cargoes such cotton, tea, silk, tobacco, ivory and sugar. I visited Rosas Thai Café with two of my friends at lunchtime; we had booked in advance and on arrival were immediately shown to our table by a very pleasant waitress. We had full view of the busy open plan kitchen from our table and the aromas and smells drifting our way were mouth-watering. Drinks were ordered (I opted for the refreshing Appe-Thai- Zing) and delivered to our table almost immediately and
our waitress very quickly pointed out that we could spice up our dishes or tone them down depending on our tastes. We chose to order our starters and delayed ordering our main course until later, there was never a sense of urgency and we were left to enjoy our food and our catch up throughout the afternoon without ever feeling rushed. We tackled our starters of Sweetcorn Patties, Grilled Sausage (Northern Style) and Spring Rolls with Gusto. The waitress explained the spicy and aromatic sausages were made with pork and kaffir lime leaves and were a classic recipe from the north of Thailand. For our mains, we shared Pork Skewers which came marinated in honey, soy and roasted coriander seeds and served with a beautiful tamarind dip. They were very incredibly succulent and flavoursome. We also ordered the Grilled Chicken with Lemon Grass which was lovely and tender as well as the Stir-Fried Aubergine with yellow bean, chilli, soya sauce & sweet basil. All of our food was served in the
middle of the table which allowed us to sample everything on offer this I particularly enjoyed, I am one of those people who always wishes I had ordered what the other person is having and having our food presented in this way meant I didn’t feel I was missing out. We then had fresh mango and Ice cream for dessert, the mango was perfect, lovely and refreshing after the wonderful spicy flavours of our starters and mains. Overall the service was friendly and efficient and the food was lovely and tasty. I also loved the informal setting and not forgetting the lovely dockside views perfect for when you want to share some good quality Thai food with your friends and family. As an added bonus once you have finished eating there is always the opportunity to visit the Tate Gallery, the Maritime Museum or the Beatles Story which are all just a short walk away from Rosas café. Rosa's Thai Cafe, Unit 7 on Britannia Pavilion, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AD T: 0151 9093268 www.rosasthaicafe.com 93
MEET THE CHEF:
Sean Sutton The Regional Executive Chef at Brasserie ABode, Chester and Manchester, showcases one of the most popular dishes on his menu; Rump of lamb with citrus crushed potatoes, smoked tomato and basil
L
aunched in 2017, Brasserie ABode is now a favourite fixture in the restaurant scene of both Chester and Manchester, offering a relaxed all-day and glamorous grand European brasserie and bar. From breakfast to lunches, dinner, classic cocktails and great music, the popular menus are overseen by talented chef Sean Sutton. Taking up the position as Regional Executive Chef at Brasserie ABode, Chester and Manchester last year, Sean came to the role after 14 years at Alderley Edge Hotel, where he rose from a Commis Chef to Head Chef, winning three AA rosettes for the restaurant along the way. While reassessing life on a holiday to Spain in 2018, Sean was considering a move from fine-dining towards a more popular, casualdining scene to embrace, as he says, “creating familiar dishes that customers really want to eat”. Sean comments, “I’m so proud of all I achieved in the world of fine-dining, but it’s
been an absolute pleasure to transfer the same skills, standards and dedication to the brasserie setting”. Sean’s favourite dishes include classics with a twist, including Brasserie ABode’s ‘Chicken Kiev with confit garlic butter and fine beans’, taken to the next level, by applying the classic crumb after cooking the chicken, rather than before. Sean explains, “this small change keeps the chicken moist and has made the dish one of our most popular – a real comfort dish, that also surprises and impresses”. Another favourite, which Sean has shared his recipe with here for readers, is Brasserie Abode’s ‘Rump of lamb with citrus crushed potatoes, smoked tomato and basil’, which celebrates Cumbrian lamb the best in the world according to Sean. www.brasserieabode.co.uk
“Sean has worked in restaurants for over 15 years, winning three AA rosettes along the way.”
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink
INGREDIENTS 1 Lamb Rump 100g Spinach (sautéed) Citrus Crushed Potatoes 3 Smoked Cherry Vine Tomatoes Lamb Jus Micro Basil Basil Oil Ingredients for Basil Oil 1 Bunch of Basil 100g Spinach 150ml Rapeseed Oil 50ml Olive Oil Ingredients for Citrus Crushed Potatoes 200g New Potatoes (ideally Jersey Royals) 50g Butter Zest of Half a Lemon and Juice 1 tbsp Basil Pesto
METHOD
Rump of Cumbrian Lamb, Citrus Crushed Potatoes, Smoked Tomato
For the Smoked Tomatoes Take tomatoes off the vine Drop in oil at 180ºc for a couple of seconds Drop into ice water and take off the skin Drain off and place in deep tray, cover with cling film Smoke 3 times with smoking gun then hold in the fridge Warm lightly to serve For the Basil Oil Remove most of the big stalks Blanche basil and spinach in boiling water then shock in ice water Drain well and squeeze off excess water Place in blender with oils and blend Drain through a fine sieve or coffee filter overnight Season to taste
Add basil pesto lemon zest and juice Season to taste For the Lamb Place the lamb rump in a vac pac bag and sous vide for 1 hour at 62ºc Once cooked take out of the bag and colour on the skin side Allow to rest and carve into 3 and season
“Brasserie ABode offers a relaxed all-day and glamorous grand European brasserie and bar.”
For the Citrus Crushed Potatoes Cook off the new potatoes in water butter and salt Once cooked, drain off and lightly crush
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Travel Make an
Entrance... ...down the Grande Allée at Hotel du Cap-EdenRoc. The breathtakingly beautiful venue that leads all the way down from the lobby to the sea is perfect for couples who are looking to wed in warmer climes in a romantic and glamorous setting. After saying ‘I do’, newlyweds can host their reception in the magnificent Salon Iles de Lérins, which can host a banquet of up to 220 guests or can be divided into three distinctive spaces, transforming the atmosphere throughout the big day. Meanwhile the venue’s large terrace adds further wow factor as it overlooks the Med. This setting, along with the secluded grounds, exquisite gardens and glistening coastline all make stunning backdrops for those all-important photographs. www.oetkercollection.com
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Travel news
WORDS:FRANCESCA LEE-ROGERS
Honeymoon Paradise
Nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef – one of the seven wonders of the natural world – InterContinental Hayman Island Resort has opened after a multimillion-dollar refurbishment. Located on a 400-hectare private island in The Whitsunday Islands, it features 166 rooms, suites and villas across three distinct wings, and is accessible by luxury catamaran, helicopter or seaplane. From AUD$750.00 per night, www.ihg.com
Time to Simply Be
Are you in need of some down time? It’s amazing what a day – or indeed three days – can make. Following on from last year’s inaugural The Present mindfulness programme, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, has announced its Retreat getaway, which is designed to help guests tune into the body and tune out the mind, and discover the bounteous benefits of mindful living. Each day will start at 6.30am and include a sitting, walking and eating meditation session, a Dharma talk and sharing with metal singing bowls, with plenty of mindful moments in between. The Retreat is available on 8-12 October and 28 November to 2 December, from £3,130 per person, staying in a one-bedroom villa excluding flights, www.fourseasons.com 98
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel
Cook and Catch
It can sometimes be tricky to entertain the kids on holiday so choosing a family-friendly resort with plenty of activities on offer certainly helps. Five-star private island, Kanuhura Maldives, has plenty of options to keep them busy, including its latest kids fishing excursions, which run throughout the year. Part of the weekly kids club activities with the trip taking place between 5-7pm when it’s slightly cooler, it doubles up as dinner as well, with any fish the children catch expertly prepared and cooked by the resort’s Executive Chef and team. $25 per person, www.kanuhura.com
Sail Away
Celebrity Cruises has launched and is the world’s first ship designed exclusively for the Galapagos Islands, named Celebrity Flora. The 100-guest liner has been thoughtfully designed to bring guests closer to the islands than ever before. Voyagers can enjoy the island’s incredible wildlife and biodiversity whilst embracing the beautiful and unspoilt white sandy beaches of Gardner Bay. Daily activities include snorkelling alongside sea turtles at Daphne Island and taking in the breath-taking views of the undiscovered archipelago. From £8,309 per person in a Deluxe Suite including return flights from London Heathrow, based on two people sharing, www.celebritycruises.co.uk
loves
Food, Glorious Food
If you’re looking for a mini-moon, why not try the recently renovated Linthwaite House, Leeu Collection’s contemporary country house hotel in the heart of the Lake District? It has just announced that Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan will take over its restaurant in October, opening Henrock, which is sure to make an evening meal to remember. With picture-perfect views over Linthwaite’s landscaped gardens, the restaurant will showcase seasonal ingredients and will comprise small sharing plates, with signatures set to include: raw aged beef, elderberry and shiso, halibut baked in cabbage leaf, bay shrimp and pink pepper and fried apple pie, miso butterscotch and cassia clotted cream. www.henrock.co.uk; www.leeucollection.com
On the Horizon
Six Senses will open its first resort in Israel in January next year. Located in the Negev Desert, lain into a dramatic cliff with panoramic views of the desert landscape, there will be plenty to keep honeymooners busy including an authentic tented Bedouin dining experience with a fire pit for late night feasting, an open-air amphitheatre for Six Senses’ signature ‘Cinema Paradiso’, mountain biking, bird-watching or creating his and hers lotions and potions at the spa. For a truly immersive desert experience, couples will be able to head off into the Negev Desert on camels and spend the night camping under the stars for a truly romantic experience. www.sixsenses.com 99
K
ent is one of the most beautiful counties in the British Isles. It’s green rolling hills leading to one of the most southern points of the English East Coast, really combines what the Great British landscape has to offer. My entire family was invited to the wedding of Nadiah and Becca in Kent in July. Two kids and a dog is a situation I usually try and avoid, not to be mean just too many balls to juggle. However, Mulberry Cottages offered so many properties that suited our family and needs that we took the plunge. We stayed at the sweetest cottage, called Sea View, in Sandgate, Folkstone. A restored fisherman’s cottage right on the doorstep of the seaside. On arrival a picturesque scene awaited. Our eldest daughter instantly spotted the house on and could not believe we were staying in a happy yellow cottage. Bijou in appearance, the fisherman’s cottage provided plenty of space for us all. The property was cosy and comfy and we all had places to ‘chill’. The lovely big bay window was by far the family favourite. You could see the sea, only metres away, hear the seagulls, smell the ocean and people watch to your heart’s content. In keeping with traditional British fisherman interiors, we loved the cottage décor and lush mix of naturals, whites and duck egg blues. I particularly warmed to the lovely exposed beams, fireplace, large family table to play around and the world map. The games were found in the cupboard by my youngest. Just a baby, she was initially attracted to the lovely knobs on the cupboard doors, she couldn’t stop twiddling, then we found the games. A big hit.
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weekend away
Sea View Cottage Kent Kat Hannon and family travelled to Kent for a sunny seaside wedding
As we were so close to the sea it meant we had instant access to the superb walk along the seafront, all super dog-friendly. Close to the cool café located 50 metres away, our chance to grab a cheeky cappuccino and the kids an ice-cream. Ok so you know when I say ‘the kids’ we all had one. The locals were so lovely, not unexpected but a surprise nevertheless. We were invited to a beach party and had some friendly smiles and comments as we stepped out in our boho Sunday best ready for the bride and bride. www.mulberrycottages.com
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SOME MORE INFORMATION...
Mulberry Cottages is a boutique holiday lettings agency, comprising over 600 unique, handpicked, self-catering properties across the South of England. Mulberry Cottages specialises in luxury breaks away, helping guests not only to secure their perfect holiday house, but also helping to arrange an array of other elements for the holiday, including catering, babysitting, group activities and full celebration solutions. Mulberry Cottages is based across two offices in Canterbury and Cheltenham, closely managing a portfolio of properties which span stately homes to converted railway carriages, coastal grand designs to ultra-modern city pads. More than half the portfolio is pet-friendly and over 250 are in Kent. Mulberry Cottages is part of Awaze UK. To book please visit mulberrycottages.com or call 01227 464 958
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel
Sun, Sea Sand &
I DO
Craig Hough travelled to the luxurious five-star King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort in Paphos, Cyprus for a romantic wedding by the beach
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n the past two years alone, more than 400,000 couples were married overseas as British couples seek to ditch the grey skies for glorious sunshine. As Cyprus boasts sandy beaches, ancient sights and lively nightlife it has become one of the most popular wedding destinations. I was lucky enough to be invited to the wedding of Andrew and Zoe Fletcher at the stunning King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort in Pathos. This five-star luxurious holiday complex on the southwest coast of the country offers a beachfront location with gorgeous panoramic views and has recently featured on the Channel 4 series Sun, Sea and Brides To Be. The hotel is situated on the beachfront of Chlorakas Bay and surrounded by extensive landscaped gardens of 100,000 square meters. Check-in was swift, which is always appreciated after a flight and I was shown to my room. I had booked a Suite and it offered everything you expect from a luxury hotel and more. After opening my door, I found a bottle of Champagne on ice alongside fresh fruit on the table, a nice touch. My room featured a double balcony and patio with 2 large comfy sun loungers (with carousel)
where I was happy to take a siesta each afternoon to escape the August summer heat. I had a king-size bed which I sunk into each night next to a partition wall, separating the bedroom from a seating and dining area. Other suites within the hotel had their own private pool to relax in. The King Evelthon had a range of facilities to appeal to every age range. These included 2 large outdoor pools and one indoor pool with a children’s section which several guests took advantage of due to the blistering heat. As a big kid myself, I took full advantage of the Aqua Park on site which had a range of slides, a lazy river, kamikaze and halfpipe. For the active type, there was also an air-conditioned gym with cardio fitness training equipment, free weights area, stretching zone, fixed strength equipment and sauna. Outside, the hotel also offered aqua aerobics to help burn off that bottle of wine with dinner as well as tennis and volleyball courts. For those less active, a snooker and table tennis table were also readily available alongside a wellness centre that hosted a whole host of treatments. The main restaurant was vast and staff waited on tables serving drinks while guests chose from the varied food options. Each night was themed and often local dishes were much more popular than mainstream choices. As a man with a sweet tooth, the desserts were the highlight; an array of delicious treats ranging from cheesecakes and panna cotta to fruit tarts and baklava. The fairly informal setting allowed for several
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families to dine together on one of the larger tables so was a perfect setting for those who have a wedding booked at the hotel, with lots of guests. The hotel has 4 restaurants including 1 buffet restaurant and 3 à la carte restaurants, serving a range of Greek, Italian and Mexican cuisine. One evening I dined at the Mexican restaurant situated at the Rooftop Bar on the 5th floor. Everything about the experience was outstanding, from the flavoursome/spicy food, the friendly and attentive service from the staff all topped off with an amazing sunset. It really set the scene for the wedding ahead. On the day of the wedding guests were invited up to the Rooftop Bar to enjoy a drink and socialise whilst the bride-to-be Zoe was in her room with the bridal party. It during this time I had the opportunity to speak to the groom-to-be Andrew and in a very British manner, complained about the heat over an ice-cold beverage. The magic of a wedding abroad is that you have all the excitement of a normal wedding, mixed with the thrill of being on holiday. The guests, who had flown from all across the world to see the couple unite, all had the chance to socialise, tell stories and get to know each other before it was time to make our way to the ceremony. Around 3:30 PM Anita (Wedding Planner) asked the guests to move downstairs. As we walked, Anita mentioned to me that she had had organised 7 different weddings that week. We walked towards the seafront where a bright white marquee was set up beside the palm trees, next to the beach. Each chair was carefully dressed in white, with a hand-held fan (thoughtfully shaped in a heart) placed on the seat. As soon as guests sat down
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the fans were out as the sun beat down, glistening against the ocean. As the ceremony began children from the family, including the couple’s own Zak and Ivy, walked down the aisle as guests looked on with huge smiles on their faces. The gorgeous bridesmaids soon followed. Then it was time. Zoe, linked with her father Wayne, turned the corner, down the aisle. She looked stunning. As I felt water running down my cheek I wasn’t sure if it was due to melting from the intense heat, or if the romantic occasion had affected me. The couple exchanged vows as the waves crashed against each other in the background and family and friends looked on in delight. Zoe commented, “Moments before walking down the aisle I was really emotional, as I heard our song, James Vincent Mc Morrow’s Higher Love and then seeing my son and daughter walk down the aisle before me, it was a moment I won’t forget.” After the ceremony and short photoshoot looking out into the ocean, all guests made their way back to the Rooftop Bar for dinner. In the ultimate thoughtful wedding gift to their guests, the couple had an artist draw a portrait of each person to illustrate where they sat. The hotel put on an incredible hot and cold buffet which guests enjoyed with panoramic views of Paphos. Zoe remarks “The hotel staff were fantastic on the wedding day. Anita, the Wedding Planner,
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had everything under control and was a very calming presence. She kept the day running smoothly and ensured all the small details we had requested were completed. We had a personal waiter, Kiri, who served us our champagne at the ceremony and looked after us during our reception; serving our food and drinks” After some hilarious speeches from the Best Men and the Groom himself (which included a pair of goalkeeper gloves and the line “she’s a keeper”) guests made their way to the other side of the Rooftop Bar where the views were equally as stunning. It was here we were treated to the first dance of the newlyweds. The music hit, the sun set, the couple gazed lovingly into each other eyes as the family and friends gathered around to cheer them on. To add a little sparkle, some pyrotechnics were set off around the side of the hotel. It was a moment to cherish forever. When asked about her overall experience getting married abroad Zoe said “It was
somewhat stressful having over 40 guests staying in the same place as us; worrying about the hotel and if it lived up to everyone’s expectations; if everyone was having a good time. But my nerves soon settled as the atmosphere around the pool during the day was very relaxed. The hotel is so large and spacious that guests were able to spend some time away from the larger party and spend some quality family time together. What was really lovely was that we had a good balance of time with friends and family; a busy first week with lots of guests, then as they began to fly home in our second week, we had time on our own with our children.” If you’re looking for a wedding with guaranteed sun, amazing sunsets and a seafront setting for a ceremony, The King Evelthon Resort and Spa in Paphos will tick every romantic box. www.tsokkos.com
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Christmas at Chester Zoo
IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START PLANNING! Raise a toast to the festive season in our beautifully restored Grade II listed building at the heart of Chester Zoo. Join us for Christmas lunch, book your team onto one of our Christmas corporate packages, or get in touch to organise your bespoke private event. We’ve got a number of options available whether you’re planning to dance the night away or enjoy an intimate meal, make your event a celebration to remember!
Get in touch with our events team today on events@chesterzoo.org or 01244 650209
Start planning your special festive event today
@theoakfieldatcz www.theoakfield.org
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A Tanzanian A private island made for two, Alexandra Delf goes off grid for a remote honeymoon escape in the Songo Songo Archipelago, Tanzania
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edding planning can be challenging and the lead up and day itself can be wonderful but overwhelming. Many couples may only manage to steal a few moments together on their big day due to the combination of a busy schedule and the excitement of being surrounded by friends and family. Choosing a honeymoon location which combines a remote natural wilderness, fabulous food and a private island (almost) completely to yourself is an exclusive way to get some alone time on your terms. A gem set in the Songo Songo Archipelago, Fanjove Private Island Lodge is 140km south of
Treat
Dar es Salaam in the Indian Ocean and the journey to the remote island of Fanjove is the just the start of the adventure. Reaching the Archipelago is possible via a direct flight from Dar es Salaam or a stop-off flight via Mafia Island, which offers an amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with the local whale shark population. On arrival on Songo Songo island, a short transfer across the island leads to the final leg of the journey, the traditional boat or dhow to Fanjove. Approaching the island in a graceful dhow, sails billowing, the surroundings are picture perfect. Day-dream imaginings brought to life in the shape of a tropical honeymoon idyll. Deep
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“Day-dream imaginings brought to life in the shape of a tropical honeymoon idyll” blue ocean waves meet wide, clear, cloudless skies and a seemingly deserted island. From the ocean a natural wilderness comes into view, whose silhouette is broken only by the turquoise and white tip of a lighthouse. The presence of this 19th century lighthouse on the island is a nod to the archipelago and island’s unique, rich history, however the only inhabitants of the island are the small number of guests, the Fanjove team and a host of incredible flora and fauna. Many of the natural wonders that call Fanjove home are seasonal, however if you visit at the right time of year, green turtles, migrating birds using the island as a stop off and humpback whales can all be seen. More permanent members of the local wildlife community include the coconut crabs on the island which can grow up to 4kg in size and pods of spinner dolphins. Should you choose to take to the ocean in search of the dolphins, be prepared as the sheer volume and playfulness of the dolphins is astounding. Spinner dolphins at the name suggests, leap and flip through the air continuously before darting through the water, unafraid, treating
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the boat as if it were one of their own. The uninhabited nature of Fanjove lends itself to such wonderfully close encounters and the same can be said below the waves. For couples who dive and snorkel, the balmy 28°C waters around Fanjove offer a warm and welcoming environment to spend some time with the local marine life. The Fanjove coral reef extends for around 11km and is mostly unexplored and home to a wonderful concentration of biodiversity. Sightings include grey and black-tip reef sharks, whales, turtles and an underwater spectacle of brightly coloured fish and coral, which has mostly been preserved due to close relationships with the local communities and a focus on conservation. On closer inspection, Fanjove is as close as you can come to experiencing the glorious adventure of a deserted island Robinson Crusoe style getaway, with all the romantic personal touches of a honeymoon destination. Less than a kilometre long and with only six ‘bandas’ or traditional huts, there is harmony with nature throughout the island and this is reflected in the architecture. A focus on sustainability can be seen through the use of solar power which is employed in all the rooms, and the buildings use traditional, natural materials including sustainable wood, mukuti (palm leaves) and thatch. The spacious two storey bandas, not only blend into the vegetation of the island, offering direct access on to an unobserved area of beach,
The The CHESHIRE CHESHIRE Magazine Magazine | Regulars | Travel
but are also designed to resemble the local fisherman’s dhows. Complete with thatched roof and multiple windows and doors which open to the sides and front of the banda, you can sleep with everything open to the sea breeze. If falling asleep to the sound of the waves doesn’t appeal, you can always batten down the hatches and hide away in the privacy of your very own island retreat. The beauty of the island is the privacy and peace it affords, couples can choose to be as active or relaxed as they wish. The tidal nature of the island means that at low tide, long sandbanks are exposed providing walkways out into the ocean and another perfect opportunity for romance. A sand bank picnic is a must when visiting the island, your very own
pop up private dining destination for two, surrounded by nothing but white sands and turquoise water. Whether it’s a relaxed nature walk around the island, delicious candlelit dinner for two, or taking a moment to watch the sunset from the top of your banda, a sense of relaxation is tangible. Simple pleasures, surrounded by nature. So much more than simply a remote romantic location, this is taking time away together in a true slice of castaway paradise. Sundowners on the balcony of a historic lighthouse in the middle of the Indian Ocean anyone? www.selous.com/fanjove
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Local scene Our social pages this month are filled with fizz, fundraising and a whole lot of style
THE BOYS GREETING GUESTS
TONI MCKENZIE & SUE FRANCE WITH FRIENDS
THE ROYAL ASCOT FILLIES & STALLIONS CHARITY FASHION LUNCH San Carlo, Hale The sunshine shone through on this showery day and guests arrived at The Royal Ascot Fashion Lunch to canapés and fizz on draft, pictures were taken with a real live horse, a three-course lunch was cooked by Celebrity Chef, Aldo Zilli, with shopping and a fashion show by Style Agent. The day raised over £5,000 for The Kirsty Club Charity benefitting Francis House Hospice. Christine McGuiness was in attendance to support the National Autistic Society. www.cheshiresocialites.co.uk
THE STYLEAGENT MODELS
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JSKY FASHIONISTA
RATNALI JEWELS
STACEY & JOHN HOLT
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THE ULTIMATE STEAK MASTERCLASS The Restaurant Bar & Grill, Manchester Renowned for providing the finest cuts of steak, all prepared at its own in-house butchers, The Restaurant Bar & Grill, Manchester, invited guests to learn more about the art of selecting, cooking and carving the perfect steak at its inaugural Steak Masterclass last month. The intimate, sold-out event saw guests treated to a series of live demonstrations & tastings, each paired with the very best wine, before enjoying their preferred steak cooked to perfection. The event was hosted by Head Chef, David Barnard, and Head Sommelier, Dario Barbato. For more information on future Steak Masterclasses download the Club Individual app at www. individualrestaurants.com/join-club-individual
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SCOTT & JUDE MASSEY
MILLA & SUKI JOHNSON, THE DAUGHTERS OF KATE JOHNSON OF EYELOVE IN CHESTER, COULDN’T WAIT TO SEE THE SPACE
HANNAH VALLÉE THE SHOP OWNER AND FOUNDER WITH HER DAUGHTER PEACH AND CHRIS MATHESON MP
The Green Rooms Launch Party The Green Rooms, Chester, Green Light For The Green Rooms! The Green Rooms in Chester opened its doors on Sunday 1st September for the first time to celebrate the launch of Chester’s brand new art and plant cafe, offering fabulous interiors, lush houseplants and creative workshops. www.facebook.com/thegreenroomschester
PHOTOGRAPHY: MARIE-CLAIRE ASHCROFT - PROFESSIONAL REBEL
ELIZABETH HARVEY SPEAKING WITH CHRIS MATHESON MP BEFORE HE OFFICIALLY OPENED THE SHOP
LING, RACHEL & DEAN
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ALICE RICHARDSON, PEACH VALLÉE & CATHERINE OSBORNE
PEOPLE WERE QUEUING UP WITHIN MINUTES OF OPENING TO BUY HOUSEPLANTS, ART AND INTERIORS
SHELLEY BOND, SUZY SWEENEY & CERI PIMBLETT
A SUPPORTIVE CROWD FOR HANNAH VALLÉE
FIONA & CARA FROM CHESTER WOMEN’S AID SHOWING THEIR SUPPORT
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COCKTAILS AND CANAPES Aether’s Summer Soiree, Liverpool On Friday 9 August renowned cocktail bar, Aether, hosted a summer soiree which was attended by Liverpool’s leading journalists and influencers, along with key people from the food and drink industry. Guests enjoyed Fiero Spritz’s on arrival, along with cocktails from the new summer menu; including a zesty Chilli Chocolate cocktail featuring Santa Teresa rum, and the highly Instagrammable Tanqueraybased Bee Sting cocktail. www.thealchemist.uk.com/aether
DUDDON MILL FARM SUPPER CLUB PHOTOGRAPHY © CLAIRE PENN
Chester The new wedding and events venue near Chester hosted their first supper club event for an exclusively invited group from the area. www.duddonmillfarm.co.uk 115
Drive Vision of the
Future To celebrate its centenary,
Bentley has given us a glimpse into the future. The EXP 100 GT is a concept car that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make mass production - at least not yet - but it shows us what Bentleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s luxury grand tourers will look like in 2035. The long, sleek shape encases a completely autonomous car electric car, capable of ferrying you and your passengers up to 435 miles between charges. You choose whether to drive it yourself, or let the on-board systems take the strain while you enjoy the sumptuous and environmentally sustainable cabin. www.bentleymotors.com
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DRIVE
Keeping you up to date with all the latest motoring and technology news WORDS: JAMES FOSSDYKE
VOLT FROM THE BLUE Lotus is shaking off the traditional image with the help of this 2,000-horsepower electric beauty
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otus, the company famed for its racers and superlight sports cars, is based on a disused airfield near Norwich. It’s a place that swapped the deep rumble of American bombers with the scream of British sports cars. The company sticks religiously to its ethos of simplifying and adding lightness, and you won’t find SUVs or hydrogen fuel cells on the production line. The company’s achievements in motorsport are legendary, but Lotus’ cars have always had this slightly traditional image. Until this came along, that is. It’s called the Evija, and it looks like it was designed by the CEO’s children on a wet Saturday afternoon. The ground-hugging shape, the sheer number of fins and gills and angles; it’s the stuff of
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pre-pubescent boys’ dreams. And if the styling belongs in the wonderful world of a kid’s imagination, it’s nothing compared with the performance. You know when children come up with outrageous numbers, just to go bigger than everyone else? That’s what Lotus has done here, telling us the car will have almost 2,000bhp. Two thousand. That’s enough to make an F1 car look like a bikini line trimmer. Weirdly, though, that power will come from much the same technology found in the domestic beauty product. Yep, the Evija is electric, with two motors sending it to a top speed of more than 200mph. And Lotus says it’ll do 250 miles between charges. Production begins next year, but only 130 examples will be built. £TBC, www.lotuscars.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive
loves BRIGHT SPARK Electric cars are unquestionably suited to city centres, so logic tells us that Mini’s cute and cuddly hatchback should have been among the first to go green. But it’s only now, almost a decade after Nissan first brought out the Leaf, that the British brand has finally made the switch to battery power. Inside and out, the imaginatively named Mini Electric is much like any other Mini, but the cells under the floor can carry enough charge to drive for a maximum of 144 eco-friendly miles. From £24,400 (incl. Plug-In Car Grant), www.mini.co.uk
SUPERCAR SLAYER
TAKING LIBERTIES When you hear the words ‘business jet’, you think of a Learjet. It’s the Dyson of the skies; the iPhone of the air. But you don’t maintain that lofty position in a crowded, competitive marketplace without making constant progress. And so Bombardier, the company behind the Learjet, has brought out a new version of its flagship light jet. It’s called the Learjet 75 Liberty, and it’s designed to be more spacious, more comfortable and more capable than anything else in its class. Bombardier says the six-seat aircraft, which comes with a new Executive Suite cabin design, will be faster and quieter than its rivals, while also offering greater range. The 2,080 nautical-mile striking distance is enough to cross America, from Seattle to Washington, DC, without stopping. And with the longest cabin in the segment, Bombardier claims the Liberty will allow passengers to relax or work while on board. For those who choose to fly themselves, meanwhile, the newcomer also promises the luxury of a new ‘Bombardier Vision’ flight deck, complete with Garmin G5000 glass cockpit displays. From $9.9m (£8.2m) www.businessaircraft.bombardier.com
For years, Nissan’s motorsport department, Nismo, has been upgrading the GT-R - already a fast car in its own right - and turning it into a fire-breathing monster that chews up supercars and spits them across the race track. And now Nismo’s been at it again, fettling its creation to make it the most outrageous version yet. New turbochargers make the 592bhp engine more responsive, while liberal use of carbon-fibre makes it lighter. It’s more aerodynamic, too, and Nismo has even enlisted the help of Dunlop to make a completely new tyre that gives it more grip. The result, Nissan claims, is a car “more extreme” than any GT-R we’ve ever seen before. Price from £174,995 www.nissan.co.uk
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive
BACK WITH A
BANG
The BMW Z4 is back, and James Fossdyke reckons the new model might just be the best two-seat roadster money can buy
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he whole ‘wind-in-the-hair’ cliché must be among the most tired in motoring, prompting more eye rolling than a reality TV star’s geographical ignorance. Nevertheless, there’s an undeniable appeal to a drop-top sports car. It makes driving feel that little bit more real, turning it into an event, rather than a chore. But if you want a premium two-seat roadster for those long summer evenings and weekends away, your options are limited. The obvious choice is the Porsche 718 Boxster, which is fabulous in pretty much every way. It drives like a dream, it’s fast and it’s built like the proverbial outside khazi. There’s just one snag; it’s about as practical as a pair of stiletto-heeled wellingtons. The Boxster has two boots, but neither is especially useful. Because of their unusual shapes and underwhelming dimensions, you might get away with a couple of weekend bags, but you won’t manage much more than that. Then there are the looks. It isn’t a dog’s dinner, but nor is it an exquisite piece of automotive art. Even its biggest admirers - and I’m one of them would never call it beautiful, while its detractors use words such as ‘dull’ and ‘featureless’. So if those things put you off, where else do you turn? I guess you could have the Audi TT, but it’s nowhere near as agile as the Boxster, nor is it vastly better looking. You could have a MercedesBenz SLC, too, but that’s even less practical and it’s getting long in the tooth. It’s like driving around in a Sony Walkman, except it feels less modern.
Or you could have the new BMW Z4. Back after a relatively brief hiatus, the two-seat roadster is designed to be sportier than ever before, while still offering BMW’s trademark luxury and sensibility. And I know I’m supposed to leave the summing up until the end, but - cue massive spoiler alert - the Bavarian company has absolutely nailed it. Let’s start with the boring German stuff. The boot (singular) is at the back, where it should be, and although the total luggage space is roughly the same as that of the Boxster, having that volume encapsulated in just one sensibly-shaped box makes it far more usable. You can put suitcases in there - and normal-sized ones, at that. For a weekend away, the BMW already makes more sense than the Porsche. And that’s before you consider the interior, which is also surprisingly commodious. Some roadsters are narrow and cramped and uncomfortable, but the Z4 is none of those things. There’s oodles of shoulder room, the driving position is great and, when the roof is up, there’s still lots of headroom. Forget about the folding fabric hood, the lack of rear seats and the fact you’re sitting so close to the ground, and you could be in a 3 Series saloon - it’s that spacious. It’s every bit as well built as the 3 Series, too. Nothing rattles or hums in the cabin, and everything feels as solid and as reliable as a German train timetable. And it’s full of kit. My test car came with a digital instrument panel, satellite navigation and heated seats, plus a head-up display and a heated steering wheel.
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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine
BMW Z4 sDrive 30i M Sport
All that tech gives it a somewhat futuristic feel, like a road-going version of Tony Stark’s clifftop mansion. And that’s backed up by the bodywork, which is sharp and muscular and modern. And that muscle is backed up under the bonnet. You get a choice of three engines, named 20i, 30i and M40i. The 20i and 30i are 2.0-litre engines, with 194bhp and 255bhp respectively, while the flagship M40i is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, which packs a much meatier 335bhp. With a tiny kerb weight of just over 1.4 tonnes, even the 20i is fast, but the 3.0-litre M40i is really quick. Give it a bootful, and it’ll accelerate all the way to 155mph. But it’s the mid-range 30i, which - on paper at least - looks like the sweet spot in the range. It has the same top speed as the M40i, and although the 0-62mph time is a little slower, it’s still more than fast enough. Better still, the smaller engine makes it more economical and, crucially, a whole 120kg lighter. Whether that makes a huge difference is difficult to discern without driving the 30i and M40i back-to-back, but the 30i certainly feels nimble on the road. The seats are set almost exactly halfway between the front and rear of the car, so the weight is almost perfectly spread between the axles. Combine this with BMW’s trademark steering feel and the powerful brakes, and you’ve got a car that makes you feel like an integral part of the machine. But despite that, it’s still comfortable. Some sports cars are so stiff and unforgiving that they clatter and judder over the smallest imperfections in the road, but the Z4 doesn’t. You feel the
Price: £42,565 Price as tested: £47,685 Top speed: 155mph Engine: 2.0-litre turbo Power: 255bhp 0-60mph: 5.6s
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bumps, but it isn’t harsh in the slightest - it just lets you know what the wheels are doing. Of course, this means the Z4 doesn’t handle quite as sharply as the Boxster, but it’s well balanced and responsive, and the fat tyres give it barrels of grip. On pretty much any road you show it, from motorways to market places, it’ll be absolutely brilliant. Normally, I’d temper all this Z4-based eulogising with a smattering of flaws, but to tell the truth, I can’t really find any. Not serious problems, anyway. With most cars, you can pick something out, but not with the Z4. I’ve been thinking about this all month, and all I can think to say is that the cupholders are in a slightly awkward position. You have to kind of contort your left arm and reach behind your shoulder to take a swig of coffee. But unless you’re Jack Reacher, that’s not going to be a huge problem. So has BMW created the best two-seat roadster on the market? Yes, I think it has. Racing drivers will still want the brilliant Boxster, and I understand that entirely. Nothing in this class is as agile or as exciting when you’re going fast. But if I wanted to do more than just blast around a track or a quiet country lane, I’d have the Z4. It’s more comfortable, more practical and very nearly as good to drive. It offers 95 per cent of the Boxster pleasure with none of the pain, and that’s about as good as combinations come.
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01797 252030 www.northernfair.com To request a complimentary invitation please email CM@northernfair.com Supported by Thirsk branch 01845 522337 York branch 01904 451199
Home Let There BE LIGHT
And there’s no more stylish way than with this stunning feature chandelier from Fritz Fryer. Hung at different heights, the hand-blown glass pendants of varying sizes and shapes are perfect for a stairwell or hallway and we love the idea of them in a contemporary barn conversion. What’s more as it is hand made you can specify your pendants to suit. Herefordshire Cluster Chandelier, £2,156, www.fritzfryer.co.uk
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Kitchen KitchenArchitectureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Architectureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sdistinctive distinctiveinterpretation interpretationofofluxury luxuryliving living The TheFarmhouse Farmhouse The TheColony Colony Altrincham AltrinchamRoad Road Wilmslow WilmslowSK9 SK94LY 4LY Tel: Tel:01625 01625544 544890 890
kitchenarchitecture.co.uk kitchenarchitecture.co.uk
Interiors News FINISHING TOUCHES
The very latest news, advice and trends from the world of interior design AD EXCESTIS MAIO BERIBUSCIM VOLUM ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UT QUAS UNTIO EXCERERFERUM W O R D S: LO U I S A WA R D E VELECTIOS MOLORE CORUM VOLUPTI AUT INVEL IUS APELIGNITIIS INIS NON CONEM IL IPSAM, CUPTATE MPELLOREMPOS EST UT ET RE RE, SAM LAUT QUUNTIOS MOD MAIO. ITAE QUISTOT ATEMPOR EHENDIT EIUNT
Cartoon Time
Using the cast of much-loved Peanuts characters, Magpie has launched their latest homeware collaboration, from mugs to mirrors. The eightiesinspired collection does not forget it’s roots with philosophical sayings from Snoopy and the gang, taking some of us back to our youth and ‘I’m allergic to mornings’ teenage grumps, which linger today. www.magpieline.com
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3 O F T H E B E S T … C H A M PA G N E G L A S S E S Go Gold Sip in style with these shatterproof brushed gold glasses, which will keep your tipple refreshingly chilled for longer. £13.99, www.vonshef.com
Sophisticated For a refined crystal drinking experience the Shard glassware range from Anton Studio Designs offers just that, and at an affordable price. £49.95, www.notjustjugs.com
Pretty This set of champagne saucers from Ava & I are the ultimate in prettiness. Champagne with an added dash of feminine sass £18, www.kitchencraft.co.uk
CELEBRATING MID-CENTURY DESIGN
A SCENT OF STYLE Renowned for his mastery of print, renowned British designer Matthew Williamson has launched a collection of home fragrances. Working with esteemed Parisian perfumers, Matthew has created a range of candles and diffusers that reflect his signature aesthetic into the home and we cannot wait to get a scent… www.amara.com
From the warming palette of the 70s to the strong shapes of Art Deco, the new collection from MY Furniture embraces the beauty of mid-century design. The centre piece of the collection has to be the new Rill vases, which take on geometric form and restful colouring, yet are sure to make a statement in any room. Not forgetting the form and function of the Art Deco inspired lighting. Far out… www.my-funiture.co.uk
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· TA K E T W O · Sheepskin rugs
One to Watch
FINISHING TOUCHES
AD EXCESTIS MAIO BERIBUSCIM VOLUM ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UT QUAS UNTIO EXCERERFERUM VELECTIOS MOLORE CORUM VOLUPTI AUT INVEL IUS APELIGNITIIS INIS NON CONEM IL IPSAM, CUPTATE MPELLOREMPOS EST UT ET RE RE, SAM LAUT QUUNTIOS MOD MAIO. ITAE QUISTOT ATEMPOR EHENDIT EIUNT
Rare Scandinavian Gotland Sheepskin Rug, £425 www.thedesignhunter.com.au
THE ELEPHANT HEAD
Black Icelandic Sheepskin Rug, £85 www.thefrenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
PERFECTING THE ECLECTIC LOOK The very definition of eclectic style is that it is unique, whimsical, a mix of styles and materials. Despite this, there are rules to define what’s hot and what’s really not. Thanks to our friends at Cult Furniture, here are the golden rules to getting the look right 1. Mix textures but have one which is dominant. For example, use velvet with the occasional shaggy pillow or rough wooden piece 2. Have a focal point, one stand-out piece to unify the room. This could be your wallpaper 3. Make it livable www.cultfurniture.com
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Born out of a passion for craft and making, The Elephant Head is a family-run store striving to keep traditional art and craft at the heart of home design. Each piece is created by independent small-scale artisan groups, co-ops and workshops and is crafted with love using local materials and timehonoured traditions. We love their latest collection of traditional woodblock printed table linen sets from India. www.theelphanthead.co.uk
BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED KITCHENS DESIGNED JUST FOR YOU
BEAUTIFUL BESPOKE KITCHENS & BEDROOMS Showroom:
6 Kingsway, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1PJ www.wellsandhewitt.co.uk
0161 279 1670
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HAPPY HOMES Moving in together and designing your shared home is an exciting time for any couple but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily all plain sailing
M
erging two different lifestyles and design tastes under one roof can prove challenging and sometimes emotional. Each person’s style is individual and reflects their own passions and personality, so how do you blend two seemingly disparate styles into one unified look that represents you as individuals as well as a couple? We asked the interior design experts at Design by UBER for some tips to help you and your significant other navigate a smooth path through these potentially turbulent waters. They reassured us that the marriage of different looks and styles seamlessly blended together is the very thing that will help you create a home that is uniquely yours.
1. SET GROUND RULES To keep you on the straight and narrow, our experts advise setting an intention from the very beginning to respect each other’s opinions and
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preferences. Listening, negotiating and compromising is paramount in any relationship and the exercise of designing your home together is no different. Once that ground rule is set in place the first thing to establish is how you want your home to feel, for example should it be comfortable, glamourous, quirky, personal or minimal? By setting a broad theme for your home it will help you create a cohesive design scheme which can still incorporate both of your individual styles. It is also important to build a home that suits your lifestyle so ensure you talk about how each of you will use your home. This will enable any design decisions to be practical as well as aesthetically pleasing. It can be a good idea for each of you to create a wish list and earmark the areas or items that are of most importance to you as well as the elements you are able to be more flexible about.
2. BE INSPIRED Whenever you are discussing design it’s always a good idea to have a few inspirational images to hand to help your partner visualise what you mean. Equally, it is often helpful to show your “look book” of ideas to any professionals, such as kitchen designers, so that they have a clear idea of your vision too. This will help save time and avoid the frustration of being shown styles that do not suit your tastes.
3. HAVE YOUR SAY It is important that each of you has a say in how your home is styled. One way of doing this is by overlaying masculine and feminine elements in a room, for example you can dress traditionally masculine furniture with fabrics offering a feminine twist or vice versa to ensure that living spaces reflect both of your
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Home
personalities. Another alternative is to offer each person absolute free rein over a space in your home whether that be an office, den, guest room, dressing room or other space.
4. SET A NEUTRAL BASE Work with a neutral palette of base colours for your walls and key items of investment furniture such as your sofa. The most versatile neutral tones
to use are shades of taupe, linen, white, chocolate or grey. These form the backdrop of your scheme which you can then overlay with soft furnishings and accessories in vibrant accent colours for an on-trend look which brings the room to life. Accessories are easy and relatively inexpensive to change should styles or your taste evolve over time and often the smallest changes can make a dramatic impact – changing a shade on a lamp or the colours of the cushions can transform a room. For a cohesive look, it works well to stick to no more than two accent colours in a room but you can add further interest by using varying shades of those colours. This offers a structure to the room which can
hold the scheme together even if you add a wildly eclectic mix of furniture and accessories!
5. TOGETHER
home should tell your story so weave your memories and personalities into it and embrace a mix of both masculine and feminine items. The key is to let your style evolve over time and, most importantly, make sure you enjoy the journey. www.designbyuber.com
Whilst you won’t always be able to shop together for your home, try to look at key items such as the sofa, carpets or wallpaper together. This minimises any potential for conflict further down the line. Where possible it is also really helpful to see samples in the space you are designing for. Design by UBER advises living with wallpaper, paint and fabric samples for several days to see them in different lights before making a decision. Ultimately, remember that when you style your home as a couple there are no right or wrong answers. Your
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Feature I WANDERED LONELY AS A CLOUD Our gardening expert, Tom Bannister, looks into creating a wild meadow in your garden and truly bringing it to life
I
can’t think of anything in the world that gives me a sense of joy the same way a wildflower meadow does. These habitats are Mother Nature’s very own tapestries, rich in colour, texture and wildlife. A living, breathing William Morris piece if you like. The best thing is, these living tapestries can easily be created in our own gardens no matter how big or small. Although mesmerising to observe, meadows are not just there to provide us with a beautiful display, if we scratch below the surface, we can see they’re actually sustaining our very existence. Wildflower meadows produce bio-diverse habitats, supporting birds, mammals, bees, butterflies and many other invertebrate species. These meadows provide food for our pollinators and they, in turn, work hard to provide food for us. Since the end of the Second World War 75 years ago, the UK has lost 97 per cent of these naturally occurring wildlife havens. 7.5 million acres of land (or an area one and half times the size of Wales) has disappeared due to rising population and the need for intense farming. Our wildlife is without doubt feeling the effects. With the rise in popularity of artificial lawns and so-called ‘low maintenance’ gardens, places for our wildlife to retreat are dwindling fast and they’re relying on us to find a better balance. We have around 23 million gardens in the UK and we can all take part in replenishing this loss. It’s very easy to create REAL low maintenance gardens that are beautiful to look at, will only need minimal watering, offer long flowering periods and have the added benefit of creating a home for our wildlife.
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They are also pretty wonderful places for us to sit and unwind after a long day at the office. When visiting potential clients, many of them tell me they want a beautiful garden with minimal maintenance. This can be quite a challenge, as, like anything, gardens need some care and attention. Creating a meadow though could be a good solution to help deal with part of this conundrum. Sowing a meadow ticks many boxes for the low maintenance gardener. An established meadow requires no watering, will only need cutting a handful of times in the year, is spectacular visually, and in large parts, takes care of itself. The wildlife will also thank you for it! Whenever I mention wildflower gardens to customers, images of old-fashioned, high maintenance, somewhat complicated gardens are conjured up and perhaps its difficult to see how this fits into our modern lives and home. It really doesn’t need to be something to worry about. There is definitely room for the meadow in a contemporary setting. The best gardens for me cater for all of our entertaining needs with beautiful, expansive hard
Home Homes and Interiors The CHESHIRE Magazine |
Here are some things to think about when creating your wildlife haven:
1
It might sound hard to believe but meadows prefer poor, impoverished soil to thrive. This helps prevent competitive grasses outgrowing the flowers. It will also avoid any one species becoming overly dominant. To achieve this it might mean stripping the existing topsoil away before sowing but important to make sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not fertile. landscaping but it is paramount that great planting surrounds the hard landscaping details. A welldesigned planting scheme brings out the best in the materials whilst making them sit comfortably in their surroundings. Good trees and large planting beds create that transition between the hard and the soft whilst helping to blend the garden into the landscape beyond. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this balance that makes the best designs work. A good designer will show you how to create this cohesion without forgetting the need for that increasingly important ecological balance for our wildlife. www.tombannisterstudio.com
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The two most common ways to start a meadow are to sow from seed or to lay a pre-made roll of meadow turf. The first method is to sow your own from a packet of seed into poor, weed free soil. To establish from here will require more effort than the turf but is a much cheaper process. The ready established turf is more expensive than the seed but the results are almost guaranteed. As long as you keep it watered in the early stages, you and the wildlife will be enjoying the benefits in no time. Sowing is best done in autumn.
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3
FINISHING TOUCHES For most meadows mixes, you will need to
ingredient to keep your eye for is yellow rattle.
AD EXCESTIS MAIO BERIBUSCIM VOLUM ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UT QUAS UNTIO EXCERERFERUM choose a location that is open with plenty of Yellow rattle has the ability to reduce the vigour of VELECTIOS MOLORE CORUM VOLUPTI AUT INVEL IUS APELIGNITIIS INIS NON CONEM IL IPSAM, CUPTATE MPELLOREMPOS sunshine. An old lawn that has been cut for many the grasses which in turn will help the flowers to EST UT ET RE RE, SAM LAUT QUUNTIOS MOD MAIO. ITAE QUISTOT ATEMPOR EHENDIT EIUNT
years with the clippings removed and no added fertiliser could be the ideal starting point.
4
If you are going to take the route of sowing your own, because the sowing is so thin it’s best to mix the seed with dry silver sand (the type used for block paving). Do not use builders’ sand as it is not fine enough and is usually too damp. Pale-coloured sand helps you see areas that you’ve already sown and whether you’ve missed anywhere. The correct ratio is usually three-five parts sand to one of seed. Just scatter the seed as you walk across the ground. To try and get an even coverage, split your seeds into batches and sow one batch walking in one direction and another batch walking at 90 degrees.
5
A good wildflower mix will include birds-foot trefoil, common sorrel, cowslip, field scabious, meadow buttercup, ox-eye daisy, red clover, wild carrot, yarrow plus a range of wild grasses (not lawn grasses). And the magic
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do their thing.
6
Meadows do evolve. Some species that are strong initially may make way for other species as the years go by. Bees and butterflies will be particularly attracted to this area of the garden. Birds will feed there and bats may skim over the top. It will become one of the most life-filled parts of your garden. For more information on how to create your wildlife haven the RSPB website has some very easy to follow information www.rspb.org.uk www.pictorialmeadows.co.uk will provide all the advice and seeds packets you can ever dream of
www.seventy9.social
Chester’s social group for professionals
Aimed at professionals who are tired of all those “networking” groups, we’re providing a different approach to bring like-minded people together through exclusive social events in and around Chester. Our key objective is to expand our social circles through enjoyable environments, whilst meeting others. We’re not a group who wants to just meet in a pub or hotel function room once in a while. We’re building a vibrant, strong and purposeful group of professionals who can influence each other as well as Chester.
Membership is free, with a cost for each event. Premium membership is £55 per year and includes event discount and other perks. For more details about becoming a member, sponsorship or hosting an event, please email the team at admin@seventy9.club
seventy9_social
seventy9_social
Seventy 9 Social
designbyuber.com uberinteriors.com +44 (0)371 705 1475 CHELFORD ROAD OLLERTON KNUTSFORD CHESHIRE WA16 8RY
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Indian Silk Lampshade, £40 www.redcandy.co.uk
Alma G
arden D ining Chair, £65 www.dan etti.com
Bolga Storage Basket, £35 www.lolaandmawu.com
Rice Plate, £13 www.takatomo.de The King Candle Holder, £120 www.theshopfloorproject.com
9 34.9 n, £ y.com o i h le Cus mor cet insand o v A .perk shop
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AI AQUA Already popular within the world of fashion and tech, AI Aqua is going to be taking our homes by storm too 141
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Case Study
CONTEMPORARY
ART DECO Renowned Parisian architect Laurent Maugoust, mixed Parisian style with modern contemporary design in his refurnishing of Hotel Victor Hugo Paris Kléber
S
ituated between the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe, stands a beautiful Art Deco building and within the four-star Parisian private property, Hotel Victor Hugo. The owner, Jacques Blanc is passionate about Art Deco and called upon Laurent Maugoust to refurnish and renovate this building and hotel. The architect was given carte blanche but describes his design inspiration came from imagining this ‘… timeless boutique hotel as an extension of the home, where we invite our friends to stay’. While respecting the 1930s spirit of the building, Maugoust combines innovative and trendy with welcoming chic, continuing the history but creating the welcome sought by its clientéle.
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The modernity comes from creating space within the building, openingup the entrance hall and working with perspectives, such as the carpet marble floor of the lobby and the Art Deco patterns of the front door that reflect the exterior architecture. And the chromatic range of the Art Deco heritage - black, white, gold - is retained in spite of an injection of colour and pattern, as can be seen from the entrance hall. Here, the black Art Deco inspired screen in a floral pattern fits perfectly with the contemporary golden velvet armchairs and modern brushed aged brass and marble side table. The lobby has been designed to accommodate versatile, warm spaces where you want to meet, have breakfast, a drink or discover the works of art. The result is an exoticism and peacefulness to the Art Deco. Particular attention has been taken in the selection of ‘singular and eclectic materials such as raffia, grained leather, marble, velvet, satin, polished glass, lacquered wood and metal to create a timeless elegant address’. The charming entrance, where opposites clearly attract, displays the indubitable life mantra that you cannot be afraid to take risks, in life and in style. Products supplied by www.brabbu.com
Interiors Homes Homes and and Interiors
The Details Project Hotel Victor Hugo Paris KlĂŠber Description: Art Deco boutique hotel in the exclusive 16th district of Paris More information: www.victorhugohotel.com
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San Marco, Sunlight and Shadow, oil 12” x 10” by Ken Howard, RA NEAC
San Marco, Sunlight and Shadow, oil 12” x 10” by Ken Howard, RA NEAC
Gallery for home business San Marco,artworks Sunlight and Shadow, oil 12” x 10” by Kenor Howard, RA NEAC Penelope RBSA SWAoil Nursery x 30” San Marco,Timmis Sunlight and Shadow, 12” x 10”Walk by Ken30” Howard, RAacrylic OPEN HOUSE Penelope Timmis RBSA SWA Nursery Walk 30” x 30” acrylic OPEN HOUSE NEAC to buy by appointment
OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE
Gallery artworks to buy For home or office Gallery artworks topastel buy6th Open 1. Thursday 22nd November Rockpool by Graham Painter -until 28”December x 28” For home or office Gallery artworks to buy Gallery artworks to buy Open 22nd November until 6th December LongThursday View, Mannings Lane North, Chester CH2 2PB 2. Reflections by Graham Painter - oil 28” x 33” Open Thursday 22nd November until 6th December Gallery artworks to buy Gallery artworks to buy 11am – 9pm each day by appointment Long 3. View, Lane North, TowerMannings Bridge by Matthew AlexanderChester - oil 20” xCH2 30” 2PB LongThursday View, Mannings Laneby North, Chester 2PB Open 22nd until 6th CH2 December or any other time appointment 4. Towards Beeston and Peckforton, Cheshire by 11am –November 9pm each day by appointment 11am – 9pm each day Long View, Mannings Lane North, Longueville PS RBSA - oil Chester 12” x 16” CH2 2PB orJames other time by appointment orany any other time by appointment 07854 490 220 11am – 9pm each day or anywww.sarahsamuels.co.uk other time490 by220 appointment 07854 220 07854 490 Previous Corporate Clients include: www.sarahsamuels.co.uk www.sarahsamuels.co.uk
07854 490 220 Previous Clientsinclude: include: PreviousCorporate Corporate Clients www.sarahsamuels.co.uk Previous Corporate Clients include:
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Property News The top homes and news from the property market WORDS: LOUISA WARDE
FORMER HOME OF MARY, DUCHESS OF ROXBURGHE FOR SALE Mary, Duchess of Roxburghe, was born in 1915, to Robert CreweMilnes, 1st Marques of Crewe and Lady Peggy Primrose, goddaughter of Queen Mary and was brought up at Crewe Hall in Cheshire and Crewe House, on Curzon Street in London, one of Mayfair’s last great mansions. Her former home is now for sale for £15.5m and comprises three reception rooms, scullery, kitchen, private terrace, six bedrooms, three bathrooms and service rooms. Exceptionally well located and with stunning views this is one of London’s most desirable residences. www.beauchamp.com
RETIREMENT LIVING Inspired Villages has opened up its luxury Cheshire retirement community just outside Tattenhall to renters as well as homeowners. The company has found that one in five of couples and individuals that they asked would prefer to rent than buy and with research by the Centre for Ageing Better supporting this, it’s a great option for over-65s with different requirements and financial circumstances to be able to enjoy all that Gifford Lea has to offer. www.inspiredvillages.co.uk /village/gifford-lea
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ALTRINCHAM
HALE
An elegant detached period residence of superb proportions set in beautiful gardens
hale@jackson-stops.co.uk
extending to approximately 1 acre.
jackson-stops.co.uk
• Reception hall • 3 reception rooms • Study • Orangery • Cinema • Games room • Gym • Kitchen • Pantry • 6 bedrooms (2 en suite) • 2 bathrooms • Second floor sitting room • Potential au pair suite • Garaging • Gardens
GUIDE PRICE: £4,000,000 EPC RATING E
0161 928 8881 Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices
HALE
HALE
An imposing, modern mansion with leisure suite on arguably Hale’s most sought-after road.
hale@jackson-stops.co.uk
• 2 reception rooms • Family room/study • Living/dining kitchen • Entertainment suite with reception room, bar & cinema • Swimming pool & gym • 6 bedrooms (5 en suite) • Bathroom • Potential for a further bedroom suite • Garaging • Gardens • In all approximately 0.9 of an acre
PRICE ON APPLICATION EPC RATING C
0161 928 8881 jackson-stops.co.uk Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices
ALDERLEY EDGE
ALDERLEY EDGE
A contemporary, state of the art Alderley villa with magnificent leisure suite, set in a
alderley@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk
quiet and elevated position, within walking distance of the village. • 6,400 sq ft • 3 reception rooms • Sitting room open-plan to kitchen and breakfast room • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • Leisure suite with pool, bar area & gym • 2 balconies • Garaging • Gardens
GUIDE PRICE: £2,999,995 EPC RATING B
01625 540 340
Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices
BRERETON
ALDERLEY EDGE
A compact Country Estate with a Grade I Listed Elizabethan country house.
alderley@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk
• 4 reception rooms • Billiards room • Conservatory • Study • Domestic offices • Breakfast kitchen • 12 bedrooms • 10 bathrooms/shower rooms • Suite of offices with potential for self-contained wing • Garaging • Outbuildings • Planning for stable block • Approximately 23.14 acres • A further approximately 92 acres is available by separate negotiation
GUIDE PRICE £3,950,000 EPC EXEMPT
01625 540 340
Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices
CGI
CGI
NETHER ALDERLEY
ALDERLEY EDGE
A rare opportunity to acquire a detached property in superb grounds, with planning
alderley@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk
permission for a replacement dwelling of (in all) approximately 6,866 sq ft. Existing: • 2 reception rooms • Study • Sun room • Kitchen • 4 bedrooms (1 en suite) • Bathroom • Garage Proposed: • 2 reception rooms • Living/dining kitchen • 4 bedrooms (all en suite) • Studio/office • Games room • Stables • Garaging • Gardens • In all just over 1 acre
GUIDE PRICE: £1,650,000 EPC RATING E
01625 540 340
Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices
CAVERSWALL, STAFFORDSHIRE
ALDERLEY EDGE
An historic Grade I Listed, 17,816 sq foot, moated castle with 3 separate converted turrets,
alderley@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk
all with potential for a myriad of uses, set within over 21 acres of stunning landscaped gardens, with beautiful lakes and paddock land. • Lift • 10 reception/games rooms • Orangery • 2 kitchens • Old dungeon • 12 bedrooms (9 en suite) • Bathroom • Potential for apartment/annexe • 3 converted 1 bedroom turrets • 1 bedroom converted gatehouse • Garaging • Outbuildings • Paddock land • Lakes • Moat • In all about 21.77 acres
OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £1,500,000 EPC EXEMPT
01625 540 340
Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices
MOTTRAM ST ANDREW EPC EXEMPT A captivating Grade II Listed semi-detached cottage with south-facing gardens, within the grounds of Mottram Hall. • 2 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) • Bathroom • Garaging • Gardens
GUIDE PRICE: £795,000
ALDERLEY EDGE EPC RATING E A stunning, newly renovated and completely refurbished, modern semi-detached house with exceptional views of The Edge. • Reception room • Kitchen/breakfast room • 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) • Bathroom • Garage • Gardens • Off-street parking
GUIDE PRICE: £750,000
ALDERLEY EDGE
01625 540 340
54 London Road, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK9 7DZ alderley@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk
ALDERLEY EDGE EPC RATING C A beautifully presented, crisp and modern penthouse with large covered balcony and far-reaching rooftop views, within an easy walk of the high street. • Communal lift • Reception room open-plan to kitchen/breakfast room • Balcony/terrace • 2 bedrooms (1 en suite) • Bathroom • Garaging • Parking for 2 cars
OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £1,000,000
ALDERLEY EDGE EPC RATING B A stunning, Arts and Crafts style, beautifully presented five bedroom semi-detached house with south-facing gardens, only a short walk from Alderley Edge village centre. • 2 reception rooms • Orangery • Kitchen/breakfast room • 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) • Bathroom • Dressing room/study • Gardens
GUIDE PRICE: £875,000
ALDERLEY EDGE
01625 540 340
54 London Road, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK9 7DZ alderley@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk
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with
HARRY REECE, DIRECTOR OF BASE ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
How would you describe yourself ? I’m a Director of Base Architecture & Design that has offices in Chester, Shrewsbury and Conwy. I am passionate about architecture and what we do at Base, the majority of which is creating high-end innovative designs for private clients or developers in the residential sector. We work on schemes across Cheshire and the surrounding counties, as well as occasional work further afield. I’m also an exceptionally tired father to Ted (2) and Pippa (7 months) with my exceptionally understanding (and also very tired) wife, Becky. When home and work life allows, I love countryside pursuits and spending time with friends and family on the North Wales coast as well as socialising, rugby and, of course, cheese and wine. My family were based in construction and farming in north Shropshire and I knew I wanted to work in architecture from the age of nine! My first job was with a global company that worked mainly on multi-million pound education projects but in 2010 I took a leap of faith and joined Base, working my way through the ranks to Associate, Senior Associate and now Director. We’ve grown from five to a team of 18 working on around 200 live projects at any one time and opened our Christleton Road office two years ago. Who are your greatest influences? Most in this industry would name high profile architects and designers but my influencers are closer to home. My late mum taught me you can achieve anything with the right approach, dedication and drive. My dad balances this with an element of realism! I also count myself lucky to work alongside Carl Huntley who set up Base in 2003. I’ve learned a great deal from him. What have been some of your best experiences at work and why? Seeing one of the first self-build projects that I led at Base make the front cover of a national magazine was a good feeling. One of the most ‘out of the ordinary’ was managing a new build project in Cheshire from concept to completion for a couple living on the Isle of Arran. We only met them four times during the whole process - the level of trust they had in
us and their delight with the finished house was fantastic. Traditional vs contemporary style? I favour modern additions to traditional buildings or settings so you could argue that my preference is contemporary. What would you consider your greatest achievement? It would have to be reaching the national finals of a design award for the remodel of a 70s home in a Conservation Area after winning the county and regional titles. What would your super power be? Time travel would be quite exciting! www.basearchitecture.co.uk
P.S. Last book you read? First Man In by Ant Middleton. Dream buy? A new build holiday home. Discreet from the front but with a fully glazed rear elevation out to a private beach. Complete with boat storage and an outside social space with built in BBQ kitchen area finished in reclaimed ship flooring that blends into the beach line… not that I have thought it through much!
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Home | Homes and Interiors The CHESHIRE Magazine
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