SEPTEMBER 2018 s ISSUE 057
Trip the light
Fantastic
Our review of the Strictly Come Dancing 2018 lineup
Going for
GOLD
The shiniest accessories to suit every space
Little
WHITE Book
We open our little white book of top wedding contacts
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s we wave a fond farewell to the holiday season accompanied, no doubt by our bought of good weather (it’s currently raining as I write this), we usher in the unusually busy ‘perfect day period’, yes, wedding season is upon us (p.47). For this issue we don our hat to a few of the magazine’s friends, reviewing their perfect day. We discuss the glittery celebrity lineup for the British staple that is, Strictly Come Dancing, which sees us glued to the TV, tripping the light fantastic with, Tess and Claudia and the usual judging panel (p.24.) Natalie Anglesey revisits the colony of enormous bee sculptures adorned with all manner of decorations in Manchester City before some of them are auctioned off for the Lord Mayors charity (p.21). A panel of experts from local educational institutions gives us the low down on A-level results and schooling in this beautiful county that is Cheshire (p.117).
Our roving travel reporter, Rebecca Underwood goes on a whistle-stop tour of the ‘City’ of New York, Manhattan (p.88), and we uncover two detoxing city breaks in south-east Germany (p.93.) We introduce Nabil Nayal, one of the most exciting emerging brands on the British fashion scene (p. 33) not forgetting our pick of the most decadent accessories to invest in for your home throughout our must read, Home & Interiors section (p. 127.) So, if you’re like us, you’ll be soon getting ready for the abundance of wedding frippery that occurs in September, we hope you enjoy it along with this months issue, dedicated to the ceremony of life, the Wedding...
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Bee In The City
Natalie Anglesey revisits the colony of huge bee sculptures adorned with all manner of decorations throughout Manchester City
FEATURES
24 29 33
Tripping the Light Fantastic
Natalie Anglesey guides us through an overview of the new celebrity line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2018
Voice of Britain
As Chris Evans looks forward to life after the BBC, we look back at the life and career of one of Cheshire’s most famous personalities
Born to do it
We introduce Nabil Nayal, one of the most exciting emerging brands on the British fashion scene
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33
REGULARS
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008 | Publisher’s letter 010 | Contributors 016 | My life in Cheshire Florence Webster, director of luxury home fragrance brand, Florence Verity shares her life in Cheshire with us 019 | Notebook This month is dedicated to Manchester Arena and what’s on between now and November
STYLE 035 | Watch & Jewellery A full round up of all the latest in style and sparkle 068 | Hideaway Local designer Matthew O’Brien opens his new store and we review his new collection
102 | Spotlight On... Northcote Our review of the fabulous, Michelinstarred restaurant
68 DRIVE 077 | News We look at what’s hot off the press in the motoring world
107 | Local Scene All the glamour and gossip from our county 088 | Isle of Joy Rebecca Underwood takes us on a whistle-stop tour of the ‘City’ of New York, Manhattan
080 | Aston Martin DB11 AMR Could this be the first road-going racer that actually makes sense?
074 | Beauty news New treatments, products and all the latest news
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104 | Meet the Chef Elliot Hill, Head Chef at Oddfellows Chester turns an apple pudding on its head
TRAVEL 086 | Travel news The latest happenings from near and far
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113 | Family news From toys to tempting interiors, design is for all the family
HOME & INTERIORS
93 093 | Stadt & Schloss City break or country detox? Why not opt for both, in south-east Germany, writes Francesca Lee-Rogers
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FAMILY
096 | Weekend Away Lynette Page-Colin and Rachel O’Hare check out the Twenty 20 cricket at Old Trafford and the facilities at the Hilton Garden Hotel
127 | Interiors news News, products and advice on making the most of your home, inside and out 134 | Life in Design We meet Rachel Bates, CEO & Founder of Rachel Bates Interiors Limited
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FOOD & DRINK
136 | The Edit Here’s our pick of the most decadent accessories to invest in
099 | Food & drink news Local chefs, new openings and our restaurant review
149 | Hot Property The latest homes on the market, at home or away
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My life in
CHESHIRE FLORENCE WEBSTER, DIRECTOR OF LUXURY HOME FRAGRANCE BRAND, FLORENCE VERITY
How would you describe yourself ? I would say I’m ambitious and kind. But I can also be stubborn at times! I grew up and still live in the countryside, but I’m definitely a girl who loves city life, too. I used to be a fashion buyer, and love fashion, but my true passions lie in fragrance and interiors. I recently launched my own luxury home fragrance brand, Florence Verity, born out of my love for stylish homes and luxury, unique-fragrance blends.
What/who inspires you? My fiancé, Will. He helps motivate me and pushes me to be the best person I can be.
Where is home? And work? Home is a converted cow barn surrounded by beautiful fields. It’s ideal as I’m within easy reach of both Liverpool and Manchester. My office is in Knutsford. It’s such a pretty place and the perfect spot for lots of gorgeous coffee shops.
What was the last gift you gave someone? That’s easy! A Champagne and Pomelo Florence Verity candle for a friend’s birthday. What better way to celebrate, than with a drop of fizz?
“I used to be a fashion buyer, and love fashion, but my true passions lie in fragrance and interiors”
What did you want to be when you were younger? A ‘This Morning’ TV presenter. I saw myself as the next Holly Willoughby. Name a few of your favourite places to be... At the moment, my favourite place for dinner and cocktails is 20 Stories in Manchester. I love the interior design of the restaurant and bar, and the fabulous 360-degrees views across the city; especially at night when the city lights sparkle. I also enjoy spending time on Formby beach with my fiancé, walking our dog, Margot. It’s the perfect place to clear your head and plan for the week ahead. However, the place that has captured my heart is definitely Paris. It’s a city full of style and romance.
FROM TOP: PARIS EIFFEL TOWER AND RIVER SEINE © CATARINA BELOVA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, COCKTAIL IMAGE © 279PHOTO STUDIO / SHUTTERSTOCK. COM, YACHT ON THE SOLENT DURING COWES WEEK – © DONSIMON / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, FORMSBY BEACH NEAR LIVERPOOL ON SUNNY DAY © ANNA MENTE / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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Tell us a secret/fun fact about yourself I spent a week on a racing yacht. We raced in the Solent Sea, the location of the famous ‘Cowes Week’, and I won the ‘best sailor’ award. What’s been your biggest life lesson? I hate to sound clichéd, but you only get one opportunity to live your life and your destiny is in your hands. I truly believe the saying, ‘No one is you and that is your power’. www.florenceverity.co.uk
Janey Butler Interiors & Llama Architects form part of the Llama Group. Creating award winning residential and commercial projects in the UK and abroad. W:
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
NOTEBOOK Our guide, dedicated to Manchester Arena and what’s on between now and November
Rush Headlong
into a New Ecosystem OVO is teeming with life
Insects work, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy in motion. Their home, filled with biodiversity, beauty, action and moments of quiet emotion. The awestruck insects are intensely curious when a mysterious egg appears, representing the enigma and cycles of their lives. Discover a world of insects teaming with amazement, joy and unstoppable energy. Follow them on their adventure and uncover the secret world at our feet – a colourful ecosystem where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight
and love. Ovo is a non-stop riot of energy and movement and features many of Cirque du Soleil’s show-stopping performers including a stunning 14m high flying trapeze act – the biggest of its kind! An unforgettable experience for the entire family, don’t miss your chance to experience the worldfamous Cirque du Soleil performing at Manchester Arena 26 - 30 September, book your prime seats today. hospitality@smg-europe.com | 0161 950 5337
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What’s On? Dates for the Diary
The Best Events at Manchester Arena
50 Cent
21 September
Shania Twain
22 September
Jason Derulo
23 September
Cirque du Solei
26-30 September
Kylie
1 October
Early Doors
4 October
Jeff Lynn’s ELO
5-6 October
Disney On Ice
10-14 October
U2
19-20 October
The Supervet
21 October
Enrique Iglesias
26 October
Rick Astley
27 October
David Byrne
2 November
WWE RAW
5 November
WWE Smackdown
6 November
Slayer
9 November
Jess Glynne
17 November
Culture Club
18 November
The Four Tops & The Temptaions
20 November
Nitro Circus
22 November
Florence & The Machine
23 November
The Human League
24 November
Hits Radio Live
25 November
Lauryn Hill
26 November
Pete Tong Presents Ibiza Classics
29 November
Jason Manford
30 November
manchester-arena.com
20
@manchesterarena
Experience the biggest and best names in live entertainment, all from the extraordinary setting of Manchester Arena’s premium hospitality zone
Book your Prime Seats Today hospitality@smg-europe.com T: 0161 950 5337
1 OCT
Kylie - Golden Tour Tickets £50.00 - £150.00 www.manchesterarena.com
Prime Experience
Entertain your clients in one of our fully stocked and furnished Prime Suites, or indulge your staff with the best seats in the house with our Prime View or Prime Seats packages. hospitality@smg-europe.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
BEE IN THE CITY
AU BEE MANCHESTER© DAVID OATES PHOTOGRAPHY
Natalie Anglesey revisits the colony of huge bee sculptures adorned with all manner of decorations throughout Manchester City, and discovers how you could be the new owner of a Bee!
R
emember it’s your last chance this month to enjoy Bee In The City, Manchester’s spectacular public Art trail, and we’d hate you to miss out as it finishes on 23 September. The various landmark sites in the city house over 100 super-sized 3D Bee sculptures plus 131 little Bee sculptures created by schools, young people and community groups, turning Manchester into a huge, creative adventure trail. You’ll have fun discovering each bee is
decorated with its own unique design. Organised by global public art producer, Wild in Art in partnership with Manchester City Council, the Bee in the City trail will provide family-friendly entertainment for Mancunians and visitors to enjoy. Sally-Ann Wilkinson, Director of Wild in Art, enthuses: “Bee in the City is a celebration of Manchester’s diversity, creativity and culture. Each Bee represents our fantastic
city’s many achievements, from its legendary music scene to scientific discoveries and industrial heritage. “Manchester is such a unique city in many ways, and one of those is its ability to bring people together. As well as a celebration of creativity, the trail is also a celebration of unity. As families and friends take to the streets to complete the trail, I hope people will remember 2018 as the year the Bees came to Manchester!” Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Executive Member Schools, Culture and Leisure, Manchester City Council, adds: “The Council is delighted to support Bee in the City and would like to congratulate everyone who has taken part and contributed to this extraordinary event. Manchester is known the world over for its innovation and creativity and it’s great to see this in action through Bee in the City.” Iconic Mancunian designs include a ROCK ’N’ ROLL Bee designed in partnership with Liam Gallagher. Mancunian artist Justin Eagleton returns to 90’s Madchester with Hac ‘BEE’ enda 21
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FLORA IN HEATON PARK, KAREN WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
“.As well as a celebration of creativity, the trail is also a celebration of unity.”
Bee celebrating the legendary nightclub, sponsored by The Printworks. Rowetta, a Hacienda regular, is in our picture. You can also spot a pinaforewearing Bee honouring Coronation Street’s iconic Hilda Ogden who has been given a BEE makeover as Hilda Bugden, created by artist Lee O’ Brien. The Manchester BID has taken this design under their wings while Lee has also designed the Queen Bee chosen by the Royal Exchange. Music is at Manchester’s heart and the Bee Live in MCR is signed by A-listers the Rolling Stones, recently wed Ed Sheeran, Gary Barlow and the likes of Billy Joel. I Wanna ‘Bee’ Adored, created by Lesley Hamilton, caught the eye of sponsors Deloitte for her fruity, humorous creation inspired by the Stone Roses’ debut album and is signed by bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield. Plus Bee Here Now, celebrating 22
Manchester’s music scene as a whole has portraits ranging from Oasis and Joy Division to Herman’s Hermits. SJM Concerts followed suit by commissioning Amy Coney’s 24 Hour Party Bee. While fans of cartoon character Mr Benn (Mr Bee-nn) can see the famous bowlerhatted adventurer sponsored by Factory, the Altrincham-based animation studio.
After the trail ends on September 23 there’s the last chance to see some of the bees indoors in a farewell weekend on 12-14 October at the Velodrome. Then on 17 October over 70 bees will be auctioned off to raise money for The Lord Mayor of Manchester’s We Love MCR Charity, which works to improve the lives and life chances of Manchester people. www.welovemcrcharity.org
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
Tripping
THE LIGHT
Fantastic Natalie Anglesey guides us through an overview of the new celebrity line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2018
I
f, like many of us, you’ve been suffering from Strictly deprivation, fear not because now you’ll be able to dust off your dancing shoes as Strictly Come Dancing waltzes back onto BBC One for its 16th series. Once again the hosts are the usual-but-popular combination of our own glamorous Tess Daly from Bolton and slightly kooky but lovable Claudia Winkleman. They are metaphorically rolling out the red carpet to welcome the celebrities of 2018 as they begin their ‘journey’ in Strictly Come Dancing: The Launch. The announcement of the 15 celebrity contestants has already caused controversy, because some of them may be unfamiliar to us; but let’s give them a whirl as they make their grand entrance into the famous Strictly ballroom to discover which professional dancer will be their partner. Once the pairings have been announced, the celebrities and professionals will take to the dance floor for the very first time in a spectacular group performance. Once again our ‘Queen of Latin’ Shirley Ballas, from the Wirral, returns as Head Judge. She knows her stuff and isn’t afraid to say so. The
other judges are ex-ballerina, Dame Darcey Bussell, the exuberant Bruno Tonioli who always tries to be encouraging. There’s also outspoken Craig Revel Horwood, who has already been as controversial as he can about everything from their pay scale to same-sex couples dancing together on the show! As these experienced judges cast their eyes on the class of 2018 for the very first time, we wonder, will we agree with their decisions – or shout at the telly if we disagree? At the launch show, however, as usual they will be leaving their scoring paddles at home. As you may have read, there could be a lack of sparkle this year because of the controversy over harming our sea-life, but the BBC wardrobe department I’m sure will rise to the occasion. The show opens with a spectacular red carpet event as the Strictly family dance to a medley of Nile Rodgers’ greatest hits performed by Chic and the man himself. Later in the show, Craig David and Stefflon Don will join Nile and Chic to perform their new single. So, as we take a brief look at the new contestants, remember to keep dancing – even if it is from the comfort of your couch. Strictly Come Dancing: The Launch is on Saturday 8 September on BBC One.
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GIRLS Katie Piper The first celebrity to be announced for 2018 was campaigner and presenter Katie Piper. After her horrific attack in 2008, the former model bravely decided to bring awareness to what burns victims have to deal with, by taking part in a documentary. “I’m nervous about doing Strictly because I have trouble even clapping in time, but I feel privileged and excited to be part of my favourite TV show. I can’t wait to show my girls my dance moves,” she smiled.
Ashley Roberts Ashley Roberts first found fame in The Pussycat Dolls before leaving to pursue a solo career. She has popped up on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, The Jump, Dancing on Ice and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. ”I’m beyond excited and grateful to be part of the Strictly family.”
Kate Silverton
Stacey Dooley
BBC newsreader Kate Silverton has fronted Breakfast News and the News at Ten. Now she’s swapped the newsroom for the ballroom. “I’m looking forward to the fun, laughter and all the challenges ahead,” she grinned.
Stacey Dooley is best known for presenting CBBC’s The Pets Factor and a series of hard-hitting investigative documentaries. “It’s happening! I’m taking part in Strictly and my mother is going to explode. See you on the dance floor.”
Faye Tozer
Lauren Steadman
Singer Faye Tozer rose to fame in 1997 as a member of the hugely popular pop group Steps, known for an astonishing number of hits including the famous Tragedy with its expert hand choreography. She is delighted to put on her dancing shoes. “Being on Strictly is a dream came true and I promise to relish every moment.”
Lauren Steadman is a double worldchampion Paralympian athlete who has medals to prove it, finally winning silver at Rio in the Women’s PT4. She also has degrees in Business Management and Psychology. “I don’t think it has sunk in yet that I’m going to be on Strictly.”
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Susannah Constantine Susannah Constantine is a fashion journalist and author who pops up now and again on our television screens. “What can I say? I’m delighted of course.” No doubt she’ll have something to say about her costumes.
Vick Hope If you don’t listen to Capital FM’s Breakfast Show you won’t know who Vick Hope is, so let’s wait and see. “I’m honoured to be on Strictly and I used to do contemporary dance where I’d pretend to be a tree or a rock.” As I said let’s wait and see!
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
BOYS Jacob Masters in Casualty. ”To be associated with a show which commands such high viewing figures both excites and alarms me.”
Lee Ryan Former member of Blue, Lee Ryan turned to acting in EastEnders and is now hitting the gym in preparation for his latest challenge. ”I’m so excited to be joining this year’s Strictly line-up. It’s a real honour for me and I can’t wait to get on that dance floor. I was nervous even about saying ‘Yes’, but I’ve been boxing a lot to keep my weight down.”
“It’s been so hard because you are sworn to secrecy. Anyone who knows me knows that I love a bit of sparkle – so bring it on. My cheesy code name with my agent has been ‘old goat’ so he’s been calling me that all week.” At least he can tell him now to stop.
Graeme Swann
Seann Walsh
One of England’s most famous cricketers and spin bowlers, Graeme Swann admits, “ I don’t have a background in dancing but can do the floss – so let’s hope this comes in useful. Keeping the news from my kids has been nearly impossible. They are huge fans of the show and I can’t wait to see their faces when I tell them.” Let’s hope he rises from the ashes to ace a spin on the dance floor.
Comedian and actor Seann Walsh is best known for Jack Dee’s ITV sitcom Bad Move. He also makes appearances on shows like Live at the Apollo and 8 Out of 10 Cats. “Having seen videos of me dancing on friends’ phones from the night before, it’s safe to say I’m petrified, but also excited. I’m really looking forward to the lifts, the lycra and the laughs although, as Craig would probably say, ‘Dancing is no laughing matter dahhhling.’.”
Dr Ranj Singh
Charles Venn
I used to watch Dr Ranj Singh on CBeebies programmes before he turned up on This Morning – must be those eyebrows. He wanted to apologise to his parents and friends for keeping his Strictly involvement secret.
Charles Venn, also known as Chucky Venice, prides himself on keeping fit and no doubt the Strictly wardrobe team will be able to help show off his physique. An actor, you may have seen him play Ray Dixon in Eastenders and
Danny John Popular actor Danny John-Jules is best known as Cat from Red Dwarf and lovable policeman Dwayne Myers from Death in Paradise. As well as dancing with the cast of Red Dwarf for Comic Relief, Danny also appears on the video of Wham’s single, The Edge of Heaven. ”A friend of mine worked in their offices and they were looking for a couple of dancers. I even choreographed a bit for them based on George Michael’s moves, not ours. I’m absolutely delighted at the chance of performing in glittery spandex.”
Joe Sugg Joe Sugg is a vlogger and a YouTuber with – it’s claimed – 25 million followers online. Sounds like he will probably be doing both in the wings while waiting to perform. ”I’m honestly so chuffed to be involved in the show this year. I’m not going to lie: I’m very nervous about it, it’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge. But that’s what life is all about, I guess.” 27
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
Voice of
BRITAIN As Chris Evans looks forward to life after the BBC, Joe Worthington looks back at the life and career of one of Cheshire’s most famous personalities.
C
hris Evans is undoubtedly the most famous and popular voice on our radios and TVs and as he announced his move from BBC radio’s flagship Radio 2 breakfast show to Virgin Radio, we thought now is the perfect time to look back at the life and career of a Warrington-born lad who has made a success of his life from humble beginnings. How did a boy born on a council estate, who has never shied away from admitting that he was bullied for his appearance as a child, become one of the UK’s most recognisable media personalities?
CHRIS EVANS ARRIVING FOR THE SONY RADIO ACADEMY AWARDS, GROSVENOR HOUSE HOTEL ON 09/05/2011 © PICTURE BY: SIMON BURCHELL / FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Humble Beginnings Christopher James Evans was born on April Fool’s Day in 1966 on a council estate in Warrington. His father, Martin Joseph Evans, worked as a bookmaker and health authority clerk, and his mother, Minnie Beardsall, managed a corner shop. Evans’ start in life was quite difficult. He went to St Margaret’s Church of England Infants and Junior school in Orford, during which time he saw his father and two paternal uncles die from colorectal cancer. His mother also survived breast cancer, which is possibly the main reason for Evans’ commitment to charity fundraising throughout later life. He described this difficult time as the shotgun that started his race in life, pushing Evans to work hard and made a success of his life and make his late father proud. Evans passed his Eleven-Plus exams and started his secondary education at Boteler Grammar
School in Warrington, working part-time from the age of 13 at the local T.J. & B. McLoughlin’s newsagents in Woolston to earn money for his family. He eventually left grammar school and spent the last three years of secondary education in the local Padgate High School comprehensive, running an unofficial tuckshop to earn more pocket money. He left secondary school at the age of 16 and worked in more than 20 dead-end jobs in and around Warrington over the next four years of his life, including as a private detective and a Tarzan-ogram – where people hired him to dress as Tarzan and appear at parties playing the famous jungle adventurer.
It was not long before BBC Radio controllers spotted Evans’ iconic radio voice Early Career Successes When Evans took his first steps into the world of radio, he found himself in good company at Piccadilly Radio in Manchester. He started as an unpaid schoolboy assistant in 1983, and a year later worked as an assistant to the legendary
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His voice has become the symbol of British radio broadcasting since the late Sir Terry Wogan’s retirement, and his northern accent proudly shines through. It was not long before BBC Radio controllers spotted Evans’ iconic radio voice and he was offered a job with BBC London’s GLR radio station. He produced content for Emma Freud’s mid-morning slot, and then Danny Baker’s Weekend Breakfast. In 1990, Evans was offered the chance to present the Saturday afternoon show and put his own stamp on London radio. He also presented The Greenhouse, a Monday to Thursday evening show on GLR. In 1991, Evans took his first steps as a TV presenter, hosting the Power Up music breakfast show on British Satellite Broadcasting’s The Power
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CHRIS EVANS ARRIVING FOR THE ROYAL WORLD PREMIERE OF ‘SKYFALL’ AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL, LONDON. 23/10/2012, © PICTURE BY STEVE VAS, FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Timmy Mallett, playing a character on his radio show called Nobby Nolevel (No O’ Level), as an amateur DJ in local pubs at night, and continuing his 5 am starts at the newsagents where he had worked since the age of 13, arranging newspaper deliveries. Towards the end of 1984, Evans got his big break. He was offered a full-time position at Piccadilly Radio, first driving the station’s car to listeners’ houses to surprise them when they phoned into the station, and as a producer to presenter James H.Reeve. He also presented a weekday slot offering competitions and listeners the opportunity to sell their belongings live on air – he admits that this was the graveyard shift and few people listened to what would become one of British radio’s most famous voices. Evans soon moved to The Superstation, a radio station owned by Richard Branson of Virgin fame, and he has just announced that he will be moving to Virgin Radio to work for Sir Richard once again. During his time at The Superstation Evans wrote scripts for Jonathan Ross, who would join Evans once again at Radio 2 several years later.
Station channel before presenting Round At Chris’s, every Saturday morning between 10 am and 1 pm.
The Big Time By 1992, Evans had made a name for himself as a popular radio presenter, with his iconic northern accent allowing him to stand out from the crowd, and as a funny and astute TV presenter. In March 1992, Evans was offered a Sunday slot on BBC Radio 1, filling the boots of Phillip Schofield who had moved onto other BBC projects. His radio show, Too Much Gravy, only lasted a year, but former controller Johnny Beerling later told of how he wished he had offered Evans a full-time contract there and then instead of allowing him to move to Virgin Radio where he presented a popular Saturday morning show. Towards the end of 1992, a television career beckoned for Evans, and he left radio to focus on his co-hosting of Channel Four’s The Big Breakfast alongside Gaby Roslin. Evans left the show in 1994 to establish his own TV production company, Ginger Productions, achieving instant success with his first commissioned show Don’t
CHRIS EVANS AND ALEX JONES FILMING SCENES OUTSIDE THE BBC BUILDING FOR THE ONE SHOW ON JUL 2, 2014 IN LONDON / © TWOCOMS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
Forget Your Toothbrush, a game show and music programme, which was sold to several foreign broadcasters. In April 1995, Evans returned to BBC radio, presenting the flagship Radio 1 Breakfast Show, which he produced using Ginger Productions rather than in-house by the BBC. Radio 1 controller, Matthew Bannister, gave Evans free reign to produce the show as he wanted, with listener numbers peaking at 7.5 million as a result of the innuendo-laden and risqué style that he would become famous for. Evans also continued to present Channel 4’s TFI Fridays TV programme – a combination of celebrity interviews, musical interludes and hilarious games involving famous guests. Evans left BBC radio in January 1997 after a split with the controllers and took a brief break from the public spotlight. On 13th October 1997, Evans hosted his first show as Virgin Radio’s newly-hired breakfast show presenter, successfully doubling listener figures from the first broadcast to 2.6 million.
Presenter to Media Mogul As the voice of Virgin Radio, Evans was unhappy with Sir Richard Branson’s proposed sale of the radio station to Capital Radio, so he gathered a group of investors and bought Virgin Radio on behalf of Ginger Media Group from Sir Richard for £85 million. He would come to sell his media group in 2000 for £225 million to Scottish Media Group (STV Group) proving that not only was he a respected media personality but also a successful businessman. In 2002, Evans established UMTV, another radio and television production company that focused on cutting-edge live entertainment, producing hit shows including Vernon Kay’s Boys and Girls, 18 Stone of Idiot hosted by Johnny Evans, and the BAFTA-award winning School of
Hard Knocks for Channel 4 Learning. When ratings began to slide for his shows, Evans hired Terry Wogan and Gaby Roslin to front the morning The Terry and Gaby Show, stating publicly that if it were a failure, he would set up a market stall. True to his word, Channel 5 axed the show, and Evans did set-up stall in a London market selling his own possessions in Stables Market, Camden.
Return to Radio Evans slowly returned to presenting, hosting the breakfast slot of UK Radio Aid’s day of programmes in aid of the devastating Asian Tsunami in 2005, the BRIT Awards in 2005 and 2006, and occasional Bank Holiday shows for BBC Radio 2. He returned as a permanent Radio 2 presenter, hosting the Saturday afternoon slot between 2-5pm, before moving to the Drivetime Show in 2006, replacing long-time presenter Johnnie Walker. Evans drew an audience of over 4.9 million per day, and this is likely why he replaced Sir Terry Wogan on the breakfast show in January 2010. The breakfast show is perhaps what Evans is best known for, but he announced, live on air, that he would be leaving the BBC for Virgin Radio once again on 3rd September of this year.
Household Name Throughout his long and varied media career, Chris Evans has won both listeners and the viewer’s hearts and countless awards, including the Sony Music Personality Award, top spot on the BBC’s The One Show alongside Alex Jones, and of course the position as the main presenter on Top Gear after Clarkson, May and Hammond left. Evans has become a household name across the UK, but despite his well-polished sizeable classic car collection and an annual salary of between £2 million and £2.5 million, he has never forgotten his humble roots in Cheshire, and the people of the North West have never neglected him either. His voice has become the symbol of British radio broadcasting since the late Sir Terry Wogan’s retirement, and his northern accent proudly shines through.
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
BORN
to do it
Nabil Nayal is one of the most exciting emerging brands on the British fashion scene, having won the attention of Vogue, a runner-up in the LVMH prize and most recently the backing of the British Fashion Council Fashion Trust - he is most certainly one to watch.
F
ollowing in the footsteps of Erdem, JW Anderson and Mary Katrantzou, Syrian-born Nabil is set to embark on his most exciting period in the industry yet - for starters, his very own show at London Fashion Week this month. Alongside him stands his trusted and Chester-born business partner Jennifer Davies and here the pair tell Fashion Editor Laura Garner what’s behind the rumbling success of Nabil Nayal, the brand. What brought you into fashion? Nabil Nayal (NN): Some of my earliest memories include sitting upon rolls of fabric at my father’s textile shop in Syria. I used to rip and cut little pieces of fabric and then draw on them, in fact at one stage my father didn’t realise and thought we had a problem with moths! My grandmother was the first person to show me how to actually make garments and that’s really when my love affair with fashion began. I’m a maker and I strongly believe in making clothes that tell a story and last a lifetime. In 1998 we returned to England and I began
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Featuring at
London Fashion
Week 2018
going down a fashion pathway. I was successful in my application to study at the Royal College of Art, however, I’m not from a moneyed background, so I really had no way of supporting my dream financially. A tutor informed me that the British Fashion Council were going to award one scholarship for that year. I was fortunate enough to win the scholarship, after rigorous interviews with Christopher Bailey of Burberry and the late Anne Tyrrell (who went on to be a great mentor to me). Where does the inspiration for collections come from? NN: I had developed a deep fascination with Elizabethan dress, but for me, that was not enough - I wanted to challenge myself and do something different. The lifts in the building at the Royal College never worked so I spent a lot of time walking up and down the stairs and looking at other departments in the building
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along the way. I came across the Rapid Prototyping department one day and I fell in love with the idea of working with something so far removed from historical research. I wanted to disrupt Elizabethan dress with other, more innovative technologies. What are the plans for Nabil Nayal the brand next year? Jennifer Davies (JD): This month we are presenting our SS ‘19 collection on the official London Fashion Week schedule. It will be held at the iconic British Library and it’s the first time they’ve ever held a fashion show there so we’re extremely excited that it’s a first for them as well as ourselves! We’ll also be going to Paris Fashion Week with the British Fashion Council to take part in their prestigious LONDONshowROOMS which gives a platform to emerging British designers to showcase their clothes to a host of international press and buyers. Fashion is now a business more than ever and your role is essential as the business part of the
The CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| Regulars | Feature The CHESHIRE
brand. Tell us more about you and your background Jennifer? I grew up in Chester and attended Upton-byChester High School. I’ve always loved fashion but I actually first met Nabil when I was signed as a singer and songwriter to Universal Records. We met through my talented photographer friend, Peter Wormleighton (also from Cheshire). Nabil used to lend me his amazing creations for various photo and video shoots and also kindly help out with styling too. I first got involved by helping him with lookbook shoots etc. We just really supported each other’s endeavours in whatever way we could. In 2015, I got dropped from the label which was a bit of a tough time. However, at that
time Nabil had been shortlisted for the LVMH prize and was beginning to get a lot of attention. I was at a bit of a loose end and Nabil suggested I come on board and help build the brand. Ever since then we’ve been steadily building the brand. We’ve still got a long way to go but I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved in a short space of time. We’re very committed to supporting the talent we have up in the North. Many of our best craftspeople who work on our collections are based in and around Cheshire. Whilst London is, of course, a major fashion capital it’s great to be able to show that not everything has to revolve around it and that we can make couture level clothes here. Nabil Nayal is stocked in Dover Street Market and Harvey Nichols, London and the label also accept a small number of private buyers each season for bespoke/couture pieces, on request. For more go to www.nabilnayal.com
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CARL CHRISTOPHER Congleton | 01260 281192 JOHN PASS JEWELLERS Crewe | johnpass.co.uk HENRY D JOHNSTONE Poynton | 01625 872470 MOCOCO Chester | 01244 312043 Mold | 01352 700456 Ruthin | 01824 705998 Wrexham | 01978 280045 Birkenhead | 0151 6477370 Liverpool | 0151 2550388 Warrington | 01925 639055 NEIL & BARKER JEWELLERS Widnes | 0151 4243343
Ariella
c h lob o . co . u k
Collection
Dreamy
DIAMONDS
David M Robinson
has a history of making luxurious, timeless pieces and their latest collection is no different. Model Carmen is pictured here wearing a DMR engagement ring, a round brilliant cut diamond weighing 2.02cts, set on a fine pave set diamond band. This stunning piece is set off beautifully by a pair of single stone diamond stud earrings in 18ct white gold, weighing 1ct. Carmen is also styled wearing the Love Lines bangle in 18ct white gold, which is set with 0.88cts of round brilliant cut diamonds. Ring, £27,000 | Earrings, £3,350 | Bangle, £2,500 www.davidmrobinson.co.uk
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David M Robinson Giallo Tribal Drop Earrings (18ct Yellow Gold)
Jewellery
News
A new addition to DMR’s Gia Ilo collection, our Tribal Drop Earrings provide a versatile pair of Yellow Gold earrings, replicating the bold style witnessed on the catwalk this season. £350 www.davidmrobinson.co.uk
Giallo Oval Drop Earrings (18ct Yellow Gold)
An exciting new addition to DMR’s statement earrings collection, this stylish pair of yellow gold earrings is designed with four oval links falling elegantly from the ear. £450 www.davidmrobinson.co.uk
Triangle Diamond Drop Earrings (18ct Rose Gold) With a trend for statement earrings emerging on catwalks around the world, DMR is pleased to introduce an exclusive collection of statement diamond earrings for Autumn Winter 2018. In 18ct Rose Gold, round brilliant cut diamonds are pave set in this striking pair of earrings, presenting a dazzling effect. £3950 www.davidmrobinson.co.uk
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Jewellery
Carat London Grace Sterling Silver Millennium Bracelet
Evoking a classic modernity, the sterling silver Grace bracelet is part of Carat’s timeless Millennium collection. Encrusted with brilliant cut white stones, this luxurious yet understated piece is the perfect finish to a sophisticated evening ensemble. £169 www.selfridges.com
Wedding Bands
Selfridges
Our favourite wedding rings available at Selfridges
Chaumet Les Eternelles Rubans 18Ct Yellow-Gold Secret Diamond Wedding Band
Exquisite and elegant, Chaumet’s Les Eternelles Rubans wedding band is crafted in 18-carat yellow-gold for a luxury finish. Featuring a secret brilliant-cut diamond on the inner side, this stunning design is simply timeless. £960 www.selfridges.com
Boucherons Serpent Bohème 18Ct White-Gold Wedding Band A pledge of eternal love, this wedding band from Boucheron is an interpretation of a serpent which has become a symbol of devotion. The delicate, engraved design is still a minimalistic choice to adorn the wedding finger. Each Boucheron creation is available to order online using our Click & Collect service at Selfridges London. You will collect your order at the Boucheron boutique in The Wonder Room. £670 www.selfridges.com
Chaumet Liens Evidence 18Ct Pink-Gold Wedding Band Exquisite and elegant, Chaumet’s Liens Evidence wedding band is crafted in 18-carat rose-gold for a luxury finish. Featuring an intricate joining link on the band, this stunning design offers a timeless choice for your big day. £1,150 www.selfridges.com
Chaumet Liens Evidence 18Ct White-Gold And Diamond Wedding Band Sealed with a loving kiss, Chaumet’s Liens Evidence wedding band has been crafted from 18-carat white-gold for striking effect. Slim and sleek, the 48 brilliant-cut diamond-set design makes for a beautiful focal point on your big day. £4,450 www.selfridges.com
loves 39
Luxurious living, the Eclectic Way
Discover our charming properties www.eclectichotels.com
Weddings
The Li t
e
e tle
Wh i te Boo k
We open our little white book of top wedding contacts
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Weddings
Save
the
Date
You’ve got the ring.... and that’s about it. As brides here, there and everywhere start planning their big day, The Cheshire Magazine opens our little white book to help you nail the party-throwing fundamentals
Alderley Edge Hotel Wedding Fair
23rd Sept
Merrydale Manor Open Day
23rd Sept
The Monastery Manchester Wedding Fayre
30 Sept
Mottram Hall Wedding Fayre
14th Oct
Manchester Central ‘National Wedding Show’
27th-28th Oct
loves The Chester Grosvenor Open Day
11th Nov
A BIG Manchester Wedding Fayre
11th Nov
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A Wedding Day to
Remember They say that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach – so why not combine a joint passion for fine foods with the most special of days at The Chester Grosvenor.
W
hile some couples dream of a countryside wedding amongst rolling hills, others prefer a romantic oasis of luxury, in the heart of a beautiful and historic city. Since 1865, The Chester Grosvenor – one of the most iconic hotels in the north-west and owned by the Duke of Westminster – has been creating special memories for locals and visitors alike. Winner of the 2017 ‘World’s Best Classic Hotel’ category at the Boutique Hotel Awards, this slice of 19th century Chester heritage offers the perfect place for couples to say “I do”. The hotel offers a number of adaptable rooms to host ceremonies and wedding breakfasts, accommodating anything from an intimate occasion with just 2 guests, to something much
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larger up to 250 guests. Bigger parties can enjoy the elegant surroundings of the Belgrave and Alford Suites, while smaller groups can enjoy views over the iconic Eastgate Clock in the Eaton Suite – perfect for those oh-so-important wedding snaps for Instagram. The Drawing Room offers a beautifully classical décor with sumptuously soft furnishings and historic artworks adorning the walls, the perfect room for a more intimate celebration. Brides- and grooms-to-be can sit comfortably knowing that all menus at the hotel are overseen by Executive Chef Simon Radley, meaning they
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion
can astound their guests with a truly five-star wedding breakfast. Having re-joined the hotel in 1988, Radley earned the hotel its first Michelin star two years later and has had the rare achievement of maintaining the accolade every year – meaning that foodies have flocked to his eponymous restaurant ever since. Happy couples may select from a variety of exquisite canapés, followed by a choice of up to seven seasonally-inspired three-course menus for the wedding breakfast, evening buffet selections to keep the party going until the end of the night and a bespoke wine selection from the head sommelier. For newlyweds who are true food aficionados, the hotel also offers exclusive use of its Michelin starred restaurant, Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor, the ultimate culinary treat on for their big day. There is an old adage that the thing guests remember most about weddings is the food – and given its credentials, The Chester Grosvenor is assured to live long in the memory for anyone hosting or attending a wedding there. The Chester Grosvenor Hotel, Eastgate Street, Chester CH1 1LT, 01244 324 024, chestergrosvenor.com
“Brides- and grooms-to-be can sit comfortably knowing that all menus at the hotel are overseen by Executive Chef Simon Radley” 45
Meaningful gifts create lasting memories and the Build My Gift team are on hand to ensure that each one tells a story, from the carefully selected products, to the personalised message, and the bespoke wrapping details. Built to perfection, each curation that leaves our studio is a gift to be remembered! Get in touch with us to find out more about our Wedding Gift Concierge Service
CONTACT:
Tel: +44 (0) 787884910 Email: enq@buildmygift.com www.buildmygift.com
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The TheCHESHIRE CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| Weddings | Regulars
Memory Lane Weddings
When it comes to planning
your wedding it’s always good to hear what the experts have to say. We’ve spoken to some of the best Venues, Photographers & Wedding Planners to find out what weddings they remember most
PHOTOGRAPH : THE CRAWLEY’S BRIDE: JEMMA
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e Weddings | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Kate Mayo
Wedding Photography The Cheshire Magazine’s favourite Photographer tells us about her most memorable wedding
M
y memorable wedding was this summer in Tarporley. It started when we arrived at Jason and John’s stunning wedding location at Peckforton Castle, situated in the heart of Cheshire. The two grooms were beautiful and calm when I arrived. I love the build to get ready - lots of giggles. Then the guests started to arrive on this hot summer’s day and the ceremony followed. Throughout the day the guys had chosen little moments of joy for both themselves and the ...guests: during the ceremony, it was an owl that presented the rings; they had an awesome sword for the cutting of their cake; and the icing on my photographer’s cake was the ‘Proud Mary’ dance – well known to the grooms and many of their guests at the wedding.
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The TheCHESHIRE CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| Weddings | Regulars
‘Epic’ describes the events throughout Jason and John’s special day. They had a great combination of elegance, history and fun-loving joy, which I will never forget. I adored Peckforton Castle’s brilliant windows, giving light that changes throughout the day, creating effects and making each wedding day unique – a photographer’s dream.
www.katemayoweddingphotography.co.uk
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e ee Weddings | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Cottons Hotel & Spa Jenny Armitage, Wedding Co-ordinator for Cotton’s Hotel & Spa talks to The Cheshire Magazine about her most memorable wedding
R
ebecca and Claire chose Cottons as their preferred wedding venue in November 2016 to celebrate their marriage, before emigrating abroad in the summer of 2017. The day was filled with love, their favourite things and their most important friends and families. They started the day with a beautiful ceremony in our Verandah suite before moving downstairs into our Tabley Suite to celebrate with their loved ones during the drinks reception. They entertained their guests with a live
guitarist, canapés and cocktails, while they took the photos they will have forever to remember their special day. The occasion continued upstairs with an elegant three-course meal and speeches, followed by an intimate family occasion of singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and having birthday
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cake in a private room. They were joined by some amazing suppliers: Perfect Weddings dressed the venue, Adam Wiley produced amazing photography and their beautiful flowers were provided by White Orchid. Rebecca and Claire’s special day was one truly to remember for everyone involved. www.cottonshotel.co.uk
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Weddings | The CHESHIRE Magazine
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My Wedding Day
Hayley & Joel
The Cheshire Magazine’s good friend, Hayley Murray from Wren Kitchens tells us all about her perfect day
When I started planning my wedding day all my dreams came true. I’ve known exactly what I wanted since I was a little girl, from the dress to the type of venue, bridesmaids, flowers - my list went on, but I had it all in hand, and I was so excited. I visited many venues, and a most quite have that extra something I was looking for that ‘wow’ factor. Then I came across the most beautiful venue in the form of Rudding Park in Harrogate; the Radcliffe Room was just perfect: exactly how I’d envisiged my day. That was it: I booked Rudding Park for the 3rd September 2016. Thinking that its always good weather at the start of September, how wrong could I have been. It rained, no, bucketed it down all day!
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Luckily I had picked the right venue for needing to stay inside too. I hired a white baby grand piano for the day, had fairy lights on the pillars, and the entire room was white and gold with a hint of blush. My flowers were incredible: the fantastic Red Floral (Manchester) dressed the room for the ceremony and the wedding breakfast: it was truly breathtaking. After I had found the venue, I set off to London in search of the perfect dress. I headed to Vera Wang and Browns Bride. Vera Wang was beautiful, and I thought I’d found the one,
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
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until I arrived at Browns and the fantastic ladies had me try on the Crystal gown by Galia Lahav. As soon as I put the dress on, I felt like a princess - and on my wedding day, my couture gown fitted like a glove. My dress was entirely beaded and had a vast statement overskirt. My bridesmaids and I had our makeup done by the talented Richard Harvey, and hair by Richard Harrison Hair. We were all set after a couple of glasses of Champagne. I walked down the aisle with my dad while a pianist played Endless Love on the baby grand piano. The ceremony was short and sweet and, before I knew it, I was Mrs Murray, now married to my dream man, Joel Murray.. It was then on to the celebrations: I had an impressive magician – Mr Dominic Anthony –
to keep everyone entertained inside, along with plenty of Champagne and canapés. The wedding breakfast was broken up with some very impressive speeches from my dad, the four best men and my new husband. The food and service from Rudding Park were remarkable. The evening began with Rebecca Louise Porter – an incredible tribute to Adele, who recently starred in the BBC tribute show, Even Better Than the Real Thing. Her fabulous voice brought us gently to my first dance, where one of my best friends friends, Richard, surprised everyone by playing the piano while Rebecca sang How Long Will I Love You? by Ellie Goulding. As soon as the slow song finished, it was time to start the party. I had Six15 Events turn the Radcliffe room into a club with the best sound and lighting, along with the fantastic DJ and Gilo on percussion. Joel picked me up and spun me around while all our friends and family danced around us till 2am. From start to finish my day was perfect. We then took off to Vegas for some fun, before a week of pure bliss in Bora Bora, the French Polynesian island. Truly fabulous! www.ruddingpark.co.uk
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CHESTER
ON THE PARK
Winter Weddings
The most wonderful time of the year...
Our winter weddings make your wedding budget stretch that little bit further... The winter season runs from October through to March, so it’s never too soon to say ‘I Do!’ Oddfellows Chester
01244 345454 | www.oddfellowschester.com
Oddfellows On The Park
0161 697 3066 | www.oddfellowsonthepark.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Weddings
Destination
Wedding
We look at why the stunning Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul is the perfect wedding hotel for weddings outside the UK
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ocated in the epicentre of Istanbul’s vibrant Old City, Sultanahmet, and just steps away from iconic historic attractions such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, the 65-room Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet offers a tranquil sanctuary, filled with charm and elevated Four Seasons signature five-star service from the 200-person-strong team, creating an utterly flawless and personalised wedding amidst the enchanting city. With the ornately designed neoclassical guest rooms and suites circling a fragrant courtyard, the Hotel personifies privacy, giving wedding guests the feeling of absolute seclusion during the celebrations.
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Weddings | The CHESHIRE Magazine
With the ornately designed neoclassical guest rooms and suites circling a fragrant courtyard, the Hotel personifies privacy, giving wedding guests the feeling of absolute seclusion during the celebrations. Brides-to-be can pamper to their heart’s content by indulging in one of the Bridal Spa Treatments before the wedding, from sumptuous hot stone to tropical magnolia treatments. Guests can also share the relaxing and invigorating traditional hammam ritual with loved ones in the privacy of their own Turkish bath. The Hotel’s iconic rooftop lounge is one of the most awe-inspiring terraces in Istanbul with its unbeatable view of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque it is an ideal venue to host a reception with the backdrop of Old City, watching the stunning sunset over Istanbul. www.fourseasons.com/istanbul
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A truly unique contemporary British pub at the heart of Chester Zoo.
Book now at www.theoakf ield.org
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
Abigail Lucy
Luxury
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Wedding planner Abigail Lucy describes her favourite luxury wedding of the year
rom Greek, Jewish, Persian to Arabic weddings – I have had the pleasure of planning dozens of beautiful multicultural receptions and ceremonies; some traditional and intimate, some contemporary and luxurious, and some a spectacular fusion of the two. I think the beauty of being a wedding planner is the unbreakable friendships and memories that you develop with your clients. It is such an incredibly special feeling to be selected and trusted to plan the most important day in a couple’s lives, the beginning of their future together as husband and wife. I am a sucker for romance, so I love hearing about my clients’ love stories and the journey that they have come on to reach this point in their lives. I think it probably goes without saying that I love planning any and all weddings, no matter the sex or religion. For me, love wins. Honestly, when I receive wedding enquiries from different cultures, I love it. I think it is so important in life to understand each other, to be open to other people’s religions and beliefs. I personally really enjoy learning about other cultures and traditions. I find it so interesting. Recently, I planned an Iraqi wedding for the loveliest couple - which was definitely one of my favourites this year! It took place at Haigh Hall in Wigan and it was just fabulous. The energy, the atmosphere, the dancing (my favourite
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PHOTOGRAPHY: ZOSIA ZACHARIA @BYABIGAILLUCY, @ZOSIAZACHARIA
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Wedding & Events
part) - it was so much fun. There were guests of all nationalities who travelled from all over - London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Lebanon, Jordan - just to celebrate the couple’s special day. As the couple entered the room to cut the cake, it was traditional Iraqi music that was played, and the guests cheered and clapped. The three-tier cake was handcrafted with sugar flowers, and beautifully displayed in the centre of the reception room. The couple had gone for a sophisticated, rustic luxe style with vibrant peach, pale pinks, coral and red tones. The venue is an old stately home, built in 1827, so it has lovely tall ceilings and lots of rich warm colours – which worked perfectly. We decorated the tables using a mixture of floral wreaths and tall candlelabra displays to really give the room that ‘wow’factor. It was a truly magical day and I am so grateful to have been a part of it. www.abigail-lucy.com
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A SECRET
Gem Discover The Holford Estate; a picture-perfect venue ideal for those Instagrammable wedding snaps
I
f you’re looking for a magical venue in which to tie the knot, look no further than The Holford Estate, a venue like no other. Set within 130 acres of lush, verdant countryside, the entrances via a long sweeping tree-lined avenue, which is the perfect way to arrive on your big day. Imagine how this venue with it’s exquisite gardens will offer so many opportunities to capture beautiful and amazing memories.
Couples can say ‘I do’ in the refurbished Holford Barn which seamlessly blends traditional features with contemporary touches. The original 18th century barn has been restored but has retained many of its original features, making for an enchanting atmosphere. It’s a diverse and flexible space that includes a loft level floor, which is accessed by a dramatic dual staircase, a luxurious bridal en-suite dressing room, as well as a central log burner which is stunning in the winter months, while its outside terrace is ideal for long, balmy summer nights.
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion
“Set within 130 acres of lush, verdant countryside entrance via a long sweeping tree-lined avenue� Brides and grooms can also marry al fresco in the magnificent manicured Holford Gardens, surrounded by the backdrop of the old Hall. The formal gardens even feature an aptly-named knot garden, which has an array of evergreen trees, while the ancient stone bridge overlooking the moat and the orchard makes for more romantic, photographic locations. As an exclusive-use venue, which only ever hosts one wedding over one weekend, there are many options for soon-to-be newlyweds to truly make your own history; ensuring your Wedding Day is one of the most memorable days of your lives together. The Holford Estate, off Chester Road, (look for the Greyhound sign) Plumley, Nr Knutsford WA16 0UA, T: 01565 722840 M: 07392 080241 E: hello@theholfordestate.co.uk W: theholfordestate.co.uk
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What to Wear Our favourite bridal gowns and shoes that will make you look a million dollars Hoity Toity
Contemporary designer shoes without a trip away from Cheshire? Look no further than Hoity Toity in Tarporley for the way to step out in luxury style. New season styles from Stuart Weitzman serves up some Hollywood glamour here with his Nudistsong, in Magnesium Nocturn, at £369. For all the fun without compromising on comfort, Nicolas Kirkwood’s Mira Pearl Pump in Nude Nappa has it all, at £525. www.hoitytoityshoes.com
Above: Alicia Left: Bronte
Suzanne Neville
Suzanne Neville is one of Europe’s leading designers of bridal and evening wear. All of the gowns are British made, with designing and hand-made production being undertaken in London. Still adhering to traditional origins, Suzanne Neville dresses are hand crafted using the techniques of contemporary couture. Most well known for beautifully constructed wedding gowns and glamorous evening dresses with signature-structured bodices, the collection is incredibly diverse. W: www.suzanneneville.com
Sophia Webster Evangeline Winged Heeled Sandals
Bringing the style of the ancient Greeks to the people, Sophia Webster unleashes her Evangeline heeled sandals. Crafted from leather, they buckle with a slender ankle strap and feature winged heels. £425 www.selfridges.com
The Bride New World Order
Her dresses are ranked amongst the most pinned bridal pictures on Pinterest ever. Her multi-layered textures and finely selected materials mean Cheshire-based designer Emma Beaumont has certainly made an impact on the wedding world, in all the right ways. Bespoke bridal wear in the heart of Cheshire comes courtesy of Emma Beaumont whose coveted wedding gowns come from a wonderfully collaborative approach with her brides. With a vast selection of fabrics and experience, Emma says: “We can guide you to realise that perfect dress - one that is not only completely unique but made exactly to your precise measurements, fitting no one else but you.” For inspiration and a taste of her flare, check out her Instagram, it is the stuff of wedding dreams. The Emma Beaumont new collection is due to drop at the end of the year. Until then here is a selection of ‘real brides’ in their beautiful Emma Beaumont dresses. W: www.emmabeaumont.com
Jimmy Choo Romy 100 Dusty-Glitter Courts
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Part of Jimmy Choo’s Cruise 17 capsule collection, the Romy 100 courts pay tribute to iconic entrance-making moments and hint at the London label’s penchant for red carpet luxury. £475 www.selfridges.com
Set in 16 rolling acres, yet just 2 miles from the centre of Chester, Park Fields is the ultimate luxurious boutique wedding venue. Newly launched, Park Fields offers the style and sophistication of a 5-star hotel, but with the intimacy of a private house. It’s exclusively yours…with two large reception rooms, a state-of-the-art cinema/night club, the perfect contemporary outdoor entertaining area and landscaped gardens and 6 bespoke designed en-suite bedrooms, together with a beautifully appointed clear-span marquee, Park Fields provides the perfect setting for all sizes of event from the smallest to the very largest and everything in between. Together with top class catering from local award-winning supplier Cheeky Chilli and a dedicated event manager, the Park Field’s team will create your individually tailored, completely bespoke wedding day to remember.
Contact us today to book onto our exclusive open evening on Thursday 27th September from 4.30 to 8pm and come along to talk to our team and see everything Park Fields can offer for your perfect wedding day.
CONTACT:
E: hello@park-fields.co.uk T: 01244 292629
W: www.park-fields.co.uk
e ee e The
Venue Our pick of the best places to tie the knot
The Parkfields, Chester
Set in 16 rolling acres, yet just 2 miles from the centre of Chester, Park Fields is the ultimate luxurious boutique wedding venue. Newly launched, Park Fields offers the style and sophistication of a 5-star hotel, but with the intimacy of a private house. With 6 beautifully appointed bespoke designed en-suite bedrooms, two large reception rooms and a state-of-the-art cinema/ night club, together with a beautifully appointed clear-span marquee or tipee, Park Fields provides the perfect setting for all sizes of event from the smallest to the very largest and everything in between. With top class catering from local renowned supplier, Cheeky Chilli and a dedicated event manager, the Park Field’s team will create your individually tailored, completely bespoke wedding day to remember. Contact us today to book onto our exclusive open evening on Thursday 27th September from 4.30 to 8pm and come along to talk to our team and see everything Park Fields can offer for your perfect wedding day. W: www.park-fields.co.uk T: 01244 292629 E: hello@park-fields.co.uk
loves King Street Townhouse, Manchester Mixing history and modernity, from an Italian renaissance building dating back to 1872 comes our newest offering, King Street Townhouse. A desirable and versatile wedding venue that’s able to accommodate anything from intimate gatherings for close friends and family, to an extravagant informal Rooftop reception for 150 guests. Whatever your special day entails King Street Townhouse is sure to provide the most unforgettable setting! W: www.eclectichotels.co.uk T: 0161 667 0707 E: hello@kingstreettownhouse.co.uk
The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, Knutsford The Mere Golf Resort & Spa is the perfect countryside setting for both large and intimate weddings that offers breath-taking views of the Mere Lake; the perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs that will last a lifetime and a choice of four luxury event suites that can cater up to 550 guests. With a selection of chic menu packages that are hand crafted by their award-winning Chef, you’ll be sure your guests will enjoy the perfect wedding breakfast and with a handpicked list of suppliers and a friendly events team, you’ll be sure that every single detail is taken care of, exactly how you want. Let it begin at The Mere. For more information on saying I do at The Mere, please contact our events team W: www.themereresort.co.uk T: 01565 830 155 E: events@themereresort.co.uk
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The TheCHESHIRE CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| Weddings | Regulars
The BEST Harvey Nichols, Liverpool Bridal And Hen Parties
Getting hitched? Time to nail your beauty regime ahead of the big day. From bespoke fragrance styling with Jo Malone London to uber luxe facials with La Mer we’ve got the tools and expertise to make any bride feel and look their best. Not to mention, our latest concept, The Studio which allows you to enjoy a personalised makeover appointment with your pick of hero products from our portfolio of brands. Simply pick your nominated artist from our team of Beauty Stylists and we’ll do the rest. Looking for a little hen-spiration? Look no further, as we know how to throw a party. Why not start your experience under the shimmering roof of the WOW Bar over bubbles and nibbles, before enjoying a series of pampering treatments from our exclusive brands. 16 Manesty’s Lane,Liverpool ONE T: 0303 123 7014 W: www.harveynichols.com
e
of the rest
From pamper parties to music & events planning to the perfect gift. We round up our top picks to help your wedding planning Build My Gift
When it comes to gifting, it’s time to think inside the box. Whether you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy bridesmaid/ groomsman proposal, to thank your best girls for being your bridesmaids, your sister for being your maid-ofhonour or fun wedding welcome gifts for your guests for joining you to celebrate your big day, Build My Gift has the ultimate bespoke solution. Offering a truly bespoke service, they will work with you to create personalised gifts using leading luxury brands including Ruinart, Tom Dixon, Charbonnel et Walker, Wedgwood and more! Simply choose the items you’d like and they will beautifully package them for you. Get in touch with them to find out more about their Wedding Gift Concierge service E: enq@buildmygift.com W: www.buildmygift.com
Begin The Party Music Consultancy Begin The Party is a bespoke live music consultancy based in Knutsford Cheshire working exclusively with major brands, campaigns & clients in the UK. We work with the best DJs, session musicians, bands and original Artists inc: members from Olly Murs / Robbie Williams / Kylie Minogue & more. Providing music solutions for weddings, birthdays, national corporate events and exhibitions. From rising acoustic BBC Introducing ‘Live Lounge’ style music to headline acts - we cover it all. Having played guitar and worked alongside Brian May (Queen), Stereophonics, Paloma Faith, James Bay and more Managing Director Jordan Bracewell setup BTP. We offer the best in vetted super cool live music from our in-house private roster of ultra premium musicians. W: www.begintheparty.com E: info@begintheparty.com T: 01565 860 126
Tracy Lavin International Luxury Wedding Planner
Hiring a personal wedding planner like ourselves really pays for it self with what we save couples on their wedding re their time, negotiating supplier contracts, confidentiality agreements, arranging road & air transport and also being there to oversee every meticulous detail from start to finish. T: 01625 538999 E: tracy@tracylavinevents.co.ukW: www.tracylavinevents.co.uk 65
House of Evelyn is Manchester’s temple of hair & beauty. An oasis of elegance and well-being. A celebration of looking and feeling fabulous.
INSPIRATIONAL, RESTFUL, SHOW STOPPING Come inside and enjoy a range of the best treatments: HAIR & MAKE-UP - BEAUTY & AESTHETICS - NAIL TREATMENTS - FACIAL TREATMENTS ADDRESS
FOLLOW US
CONTACT US
EVELYN, 40 Spring Gardens,
+44 (0)161 302 8822
Manchester, M2 1EN
INFO@HOUSEOFEVELYN.COM
Style Seasonal Couture COLLECTION
The House of Matthew O’Brien
Local designer Matthew O’Brien celebrates opening his new store in Chester in October, alongside his new stunning elegant collection www.mattobrien.co.uk Harmony - Full-length eyelash lace evening gown £500
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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine
HIDEAWAY High fashion womenswear,
seasonal couture collection depicts Matthews signature style. Elegant, structured and fluid.
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Jasmin Full-length fishtail evening gown with train ÂŁ600
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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Utopia Neoprene V-Neck -V-Back Dress £410
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style
Naomi Tulip arm little black dress witch hip and neck pleated detail £320
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Two-piece trouser suit – Black lace and nude heavy crepe £450
Local designer Matthew O’Brien opens his new store in Chester in October, or order online now. www.mattobrien.co.uk
Discover the Luxury Hair Care Destination at Harvey Nichols Manchester Looking for the best colourists in town? Or perhaps a complete bridal hair package for your special day?
Enjoy 20% Off Your next colour appointment or bridal package.* Call us to enquire.
Harvey Nichols, 21 New Cathedral Street Manchester, M1 1AD 0161 828 8840 www.showdry.com * T&C’s: Discount offer valid until 31.12.18. Bridal bookings must be made in 2018 and secured with a 50% deposit. Appointments can be taken in 2019.
Botanical Beauty
Chantecaille sets a luxurious standard in the world of modern, botanical skincare, and the products are now available at Harvey Nichols. They are all brimming with floral extracts and natural ingredients, and are designed to heal and work in harmony with the body. The range is made from the purest ingredients, free from synthetic colours and fragrances and they do not contain any sulfate detergents, phthalates nor petrochemicals. This brand is definitely one to try. www.chantecaille.com
Health & Beauty news
We do love weddings (who doesn’t?), so our focus in this issue is preparation for that big day. Whether you are the glowing bride or a blushing guest, enjoy the celebrations! WORDS: MARY JANE GREENHALGH & LEILA BIBBY
PETAL POWER
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Elemis has just launched its Peptide24/7 range, which harnesses two world-exclusive ingredients, cultivated locally in the UK and grown for Elemis, both of which sync the skin for a healthier-looking, radiant complexion. Night Scented Stock releases a sweet aroma only in the evening hours, is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, working to hydrate, smooth and brighten skin. Peptide4 Thousand Flower Facial Mask: £37/75ml, Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream: £38/15ml, Peptide4 Night Recovery Cream-Oil: £49/30ml www.elemis.co.uk
Browtastic
The Benefit Contour Pro is a four-inone brow-defining and highlighting pencil, with everything you need for clean, shaped brows with definition and dimension. It has two shades to fill brows for a natural-looking gradient, an edge-definer to sharpen the brow shape and an arch-highlighter to accentuate. £28.50, www.benefitcosmetics.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style
OUR TOP 3
PRIMERS We’ve selected some of our favourites here to ensure you have the perfect glow throughout the whole day
Show Dry
corrects and perfects complexion
perfect for mattifying oily skins
EXPERT FEATURE
We love the Honeymoon eyeshadow colours, and each of the stunning Tom Ford eye colour quads is designed with four opulent complementing shades that achieve multiple looks, from a bold, smokey eye, to a sexy slash of colour – and everything in between. Tom Ford quad eyeshadows in Honeymoon £66, www.tomford.co.uk
EYES
1. Bio-Extract Glow Boost, £19.50 www.bio-extracts.co.uk 2. By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Primer, £42 www.selfridges.com 3. Dermalogica’s Hydrablur, £37.99 www.beautyflash.co.uk
HONEYMO
ON
packed with radiance boosting nutrients
Tamara Ecclestone, Founder and Creative Director, launches SHOW Dry’s first fully functioning hair salon in Harvey Nichols, Manchester. Tried and tested by ourselves, this fabulous salon offers everything. A complete in-salon and off-site bridal service for brides and bridal parties is available. The luxury 250 sq ft salon also boasts a private VIP cabana and a large bar where guests can enjoy complimentary bubbles, refreshments and nibbles while they wait for their appointment. Prices from £20 for an express blow dry. www.showdry.com
Secrets to hold back time
- Susan Kitchen of Susan Kitchen Aesthetics
Many are familiar with the benefits of botox and filler in helping to hold back the sands of time, but now jawline contouring is gaining increasing relevance in the world of aesthetics. Radiesse can be used to shape and redefine drooping jawlines and jowls, which are very ageing. Radiesse is an injectable filler made from calcium hydroxyapatite which is biocompatible within the body, and gives lifting and tightening effects on your skin from the moment of injection. The gel matrix of calcium microspheres fills in the contour deficits and gives instant volume. Treating the key areas of the face with Radiesse leads to excellent lifting effects, visibly rejuvenating the face, which lasts from approximately 12 to 16 months. Treatment from £450, www.susankitchenaesthetics.co.uk
Golden Eye
These fantastic bio-collagen individual eye masks provide immediate results to brighten skin tone, so are perfect for weddings. They instantly improve the appearance of dark circles and diminish fine lines and wrinkles, so eyes are camera-ready. £65 for a pack of five, www.mzskin.com 75
Drive SHAKEN not
STIRRED
As James Bond was,
we are in love with the new Aston Martin, the new DB11 AMR, which takes many of the developmental changes included in the V8 package and adds to them its own yowling V12 twist. So, there’s not just another 30bhp for the V12, bringing its total up to 630bhp for no more than a few additional lines of software. It has the V8’s revised suspension bushes for the rear axle, as well as its own damper tune, a thicker front anti-roll bar, a fruitier exhaust note in Sports mode.. Check out the full DB11 review on (p.78)
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Keeping you up to date with all the latest motoring and technology news W O R D S : G LY N D A V I E S
PROJECT PORSCHE Porsche Centres team work to restore a classic
I
n November 2017, Porsche Centres across the UK were invited to take part in the Porsche Restoracing Competition 2018. Each team was tasked with sourcing and restoring a 986 Porsche Boxster S to racing standards, choosing a historical Porsche racing livery and then carefully selecting a novice driver from within their team. Since then, Porsche Centre Wilmslow has been hard at work to restore and ensure their car is race-ready and raring to go. First, the team decided on livery inspired by the legendary Salzburg colour scheme, which truly succeeded in making the car stand out on the track. The Porsche Centre Wilmslow team then chose Alistair Nelson, their Parts Leader, to drive their Restoracing car across all three race weekends. Alistair has worked at the Centre for 23 years, and benefits from previous racing experience, having completed a number of races in his own Porsche 944 S2, which he has been developing and working on for the past 10 years. Porsche Centre Wilmslow placed 5th in both races across the weekend at the iconic Brands Hatch GP circuit on 78
their track debut in May this year. At Silverstone GP circuit in June, the team matched this success, finishing 5th and 4th, which once again made for an excellent weekend of racing. The finale at the beginning of September saw the team take to the Brands Hatch Indy circuit where they, once again, achieved 5th across both races. Alistair Nelson, the driver for the Wilmslow Restoracing car, has since commented: “It has been an amazing experience both building and racing the car. The Restoracing project has given us the opportunity to show our skill sets and passion for the product. Both our race technician Sam Beckett and crew chief Geoff Worth have done a fantastic job in producing and running a competitive and reliable race car. We have all enjoyed the experience and look forward to next season.” Overall, the team are extremely pleased and proud of their achievements in this year’s competition.
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring
Unveiled, the Audi e-Tron The e-Tron represents the first allelectric Audi to make it to production, and the first one has just rolled off the assembly line. Today Audi announced the very first e-Tron – in Catalunya Red – rolled off the production line, and arrives before a worldwide reveal in around two weeks’ time. According to Patrick Danau, managing director of Audi Brussels, the new electric car has forced employees to plan and
implement new production processes: ‘Our Brussels plant was comprehensively modernised for the production of the electric car,’ he says. ‘Audi Brussels offsets all emissions produced in production and at the site, primarily by using energy from renewable sources, but also through environmental projects.’ www.beta.audi.co.uk/e-tron
Mondial de l’Auto 2018
THE NEW SHORT HAUL?
loves
Volvo has unveiled a new vision that it believes could replace short-haul flights. Called the 360c, the new autonomous concept has a highly stylised exterior – but features an interior Volvo thinks is the future of travel. Somewhere between business class and a contemporary car interior, Volvo says the new cabin allows for the four main activities of travel: sleep, work, relaxation and entertainment. www.volvocars.com
We countdown to October’s Paris motor show looking at the likely highlights. Labelled as the world’s biggest car show by visitor numbers 2018 Mondial de l’Auto is a biennial exhibition, alternating with the Frankfurt motor show in Germany. Highlights to look forward to at the 2018 Paris auto show include the world debut of the new BMW 3-series iPerformance, our first look at the Mercedes-Benz EQ C electric car and the cutesy new Suzuki Jimny off-roader to name but three highlights confirmed for media day on Tuesday 2 October 2018. The expo was first held in 1898 in the Jardin des Tuileries in the French capital and the last show in 2016 it attracted 1,072,697 visitors, including 10,000 journalists. It’s immense! www.mondial-paris.com 79
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive
Could this be the first road-going racer that actually makes sense?
O
n the face of it, building a road-legal racing car is a stupid idea. Racers might be fast, but their pursuit of speed comes above all other considerations, so they’re uncomfortable, noisy and desperately lacking in equipment. They don’t bother with heavy navigation systems, cumbersome air conditioning or extravagant electric seats - they’d weigh it down too much. Out in the real world, the people that buy cars (you and I) quite like our speed machines to come with all these goodies. We pay for the ultimate road car; connected to our iPhones, guided by satellites and made comfortable by a herd of dead cows. And this is never truer than for those of us who buy the most quintessentially British sports car of all: an Aston Martin. Despite this, though, Aston Martin has called on its in-house racing team (the imaginatively named Aston Martin Racing, commonly known as AMR) to help develop the latest version of its flagship DB11 coupe. But the British brand claims that we shouldn’t worry, because the result of that treacherous liaison - the £175,000 DB11 AMR - is still an out-and-out grand tourer. Even Aston admits, though, that this is a GT car with sporting intent. Just one look at the lime-green stripe and carbon-fibre roof suggests that the firm had rather more exciting than monotonous motorway miles in mind when they began development. The marketing guff points to much the same conclusion. This car is laden with track-bred engineering, including lightweight wheels, enormous brakes and clever, race-derived aerodynamics. Team that with a twin-turbocharged V12 engine that produces 630hp and you’ve got a luxury coupe that’s capable of 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds. Top speed? That’ll be 208mph. If we’re honest, though, those are just numbers. They’re just squiggles on a page squiggles that simply can’t do justice to the savagery of the acceleration. Just a twitch of your right foot snaps the back of your head
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Aston Martin DB11 AMR stats against the embroidered head restraints, forces your stomach to collide with your spine and instantaneously shrinks anything in your rear-view mirror. And this is before you’ve switched from standard GT mode to the firebreathing Sport+ mode. It’s amazing how a stabbing a couple of unassuming buttons can transform a car from breathtakingly rapid to downright lethal. The truth is that the tyres can barely cope with the power, and dialling the electronic driver aids back is a little like removing the muzzle from an angry wolf. Suddenly, the car feels firmer, more highly strung, and the engine note becomes more menacing. It’s almost as though the car is prowling around you, snarling at you, daring you to take it on. And when you do, all hell breaks loose. The rear tyres instantly lose traction, causing the car’s hips to jerk out of line, but it keeps accelerating, exceeding the speed limit before you’ve had the chance to realise what’s happening. The noise is immense; a cacophony of exploding petrol and the snappy gear changes are supplemented with what sounds like amplified gunfire as unburned fuel explodes in the howitzer-sized exhausts. If it sounds visceral, violent, and just a little bit frightening, that’s because it is. But it’s also laugh-outloud exciting, with each pull of the paddle-shift gearbox bringing an
Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 Power: 630bhp 0-60mph: 3.5 seconds Top speed: 208mph Price: £174,995
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incredulous smile followed by a terrified glance at the digital speedometer. And yes, I said digital speedometer, because while the DB11 AMR may have strong links to the racing team, it isn’t a race car for the road. It’s a GT car with a little extra bite, but still a GT car. The cabin is filled with leather upholstery and big infotainment screens. There are solid-feeling touch-sensitive buttons, powerful air conditioning vents and even a posh sound system. Yes, there’s a lime-green stripe down the seats, and there are huge bolsters holding you into them, but it’s still an Aston Martin it’s still a grand tourer. That comes across best when you turn all the driving modes to their softest setting. That way, the car is fast but manageable, inherently stiff but still comfortable. The steering is perfect for flowing country roads, and though the car will always feel big and heavy (it weighs the best part of two tonnes) it seems to merge perfectly into the English countryside. So if you forget the garish stripe (which is an optional extra, incidentally) and the racing connotations, you’re getting one of the most beautiful grand tourers on the planet, but you’re also getting a stunning, scintillating, sweat-making supercar. Better still, it’s very much of the people. Everywhere it goes it raises thumbs and smiles in equal measure. Nobody calls you names or makes rude gestures. You can leave it in a shopping centre car park and not worry about who will key it. In short, then, it’s all the Aston Martin you could ever ask for.
EUROPE • INDIAN OCEAN • CARIBBEAN
Encompassing premium world-leading getaways composed from a curated collection of long-haul and short-haul holidays. Xclusivity can help you find the perfect place to start your new life together.
xclusivity.co.uk/honeymoons
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29/08/2018 14:49
Travel The
COAST is Clear
Located on the
coast and under an hour from Punta Cana International Airport, this resort is situated in an idyllic location. This 7,000-acre resort is home to the Caribbean’s number one golf course – Teeth of the Dog. With coastal views and a range of challenges, the 18 jaw-droppinglybeautiful holes are part of a resort which has everything you could imagine. With over 15 bars, over 20 restaurants and an array of activities including an Equestrian Centre and marina there is something to captivate everyone. £1,157, www.xclusivity.co.uk/ honeymoons
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Travel news loves
Aesthetic Beauty
Opening on 1 November, Silversands Grenada, is offering discerning travellers a new way to experience the unspoiled island. Set on the ivory white sands of Grand Anse beach, Silversands Grenada is an all-suite resort and residential project featuring 43 suites and a mixture of nine hillside and beachfront residential villas, which unobtrusively pepper the surrounding landscape. Its design is cool, slick and understated, while the 100-metre outdoor infinity pool, the longest in the Caribbean, intersects the resort. Wanderlusters can explore the surroundings by chasing waterfalls, scuba diving, visiting historical sites and centuries-old distillers, as well as donning a snorkel and mask and admiring the sculptures at the world’s first underwater museum. From approximately £767 per room per night, including private airport transfers and breakfast, as well as a selection of drinks, www.silversandsgrenada.com
Breaking Ground
Oil Nut Bay in the Virgin Islands will be reopening next month after undergoing some significant changes following on from the hurricane damage last year. After repairing and rebuilding, there are some new additions, including its two-bedroom Marina Villas with private suspended pools, and one-bedroom Bay Suites with direct access to the beach club and resort centre. The Marina Village also now features a communal pool on the deck, private hammocks over the water, a brand new restaurant and deli, boutiques, coffee shop and private resident library. What’s more, guests can enjoy a treatment in the new Organic Pharmacy spa or relax in the dedicated owners’ lounge. Meanwhile, the 86
beach club and restaurant remain the place to be seen for passing yachts. To continue the relief effort, owners David V Johnson and his wife, Pamela, have created the North Sound Foundation to support and enhance the greater Virgin Gorda community. Prices start from $550 (£428) per night, www.oilnutbay.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel
Wanderlusting for...
Wine Not?
Those who are partial to a glass of Champagne or two will love the recently-renovated Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa situated in the heart of Épernay. Overlooking the rolling vineyard hills of France’s famous region and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the five-star hotel is the epitome of luxury, and the super modern design makes a welcome change from traditional hotels in the area. Featuring a destination spa and daily changing menus from two-star Michelin chef Jean-Denis Rieubland – which are crafted with sparkling wine in mind – guests will also have exclusive access to private Champagne houses, harvesting sessions with local wine producers and tastings. From €485 (£440) per night, www.royalchampagne.com
Casa de Campo La Romana, Dominican Republic
Stay and Save
Have you ever wanted to stay in a National Trust house? Well, now you can. Commemorating the 10th anniversary of Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire becoming part of the National Trust, it is offering an opportunity not to miss. As well as guests residing in the stately home, you can take a wander around the 90 acres of gardens and parkland, visit its award-winning restaurant or unwind in the spa. From £196, until 23rd December, including bed and breakfast and entry into the house, www.hartwell-house.com
From Paris With Love
The famous Parisian hotel, Lutetia has reopened its fabled doors after four years of ambitious restorations. Dine in the iconic brasserie, which is under the care and attention of the celebrated three Michelin-star Chef Gerald Passedat, or spend an evening toe-tapping at the Jazz Club. From €850 (£770) per night including breakfast, www.hotellutetia.com
Located on the coast and under an hour from Punta Cana International Airport, this resort is situated in an idyllic location. With roots in the Mediterranean La Romana’s buildings are as colourful as the culture behind them. The nearby area of Bayahibe is renowned for its picturesque beaches and national park – the perfect location for immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic. This 7,000-acre resort is home to the Caribbean’s number one golf course – Teeth of the Dog. With coastal views and a range of challenges, the 18 jaw-droppingly-beautiful holes are part of a resort which has everything you could imagine. With over 15 bars, over 20 restaurants and an array of activities including an Equestrian Centre and marina there is something to captivate everyone. Complementary activities offer the perfect parallel to the relaxation opportunities at Casa De Campo. With a private beach and 15 pools, every day offers somewhere different to soak up the Dominican sun. Take a break from the heat at the resort’s own spa boasting the finest treatments and therapies – perfect for soothing mind and body. www.xclusivity.co.uk/honeymoons
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Isle of Joy Rebecca Underwood takes us on a whistle-stop tour of the ‘City’ of New York, Manhattan
R
eflecting on the words and music of two of New York’s most famous sons: lyricist Lorenz Milton Hart and composer Richard Charles Rodgers… ‘The great big city’s a wondrous toy, just made for a girl and boy, we’ll turn Manhattan into an isle of joy’. Manhattan – an island surrounded by the Hudson, Harlem and East rivers – is the most populated borough of New York City and an exciting metropolis that simply pulsates with life. Visitors are enthralled by an abundance of popular attractions including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Empire State Building, museums galore, an enormous choice of Broadway shows and plays – and you can eat and shop ‘til you drop. Manhattan continues to attract more than 55 million visitors per year and it may seem that they are all congregating in Times Square at the same time. This is the hub of Manhattan’s razzle ‘n’ dazzle, surrounded by imposing billboards with glittering lights, and the overwhelming spectacle demands unwavering attention. Towering skyscrapers adorned with advertising abound, and on the ground is a swirling maelstrom of people dodging yellow
cabs and a never-ending stream of traffic, while buses inch past long, sleek-lined limousines. Police cars, fire engines and ambulances whizz past with sirens blazing, and loud pop music blares out from stationary vehicles caught up in the melee. Manhattan is truly a place that never sleeps and, for art lovers, it’s a treasure trove. Head for the Morgan Museum and Library on Madison Avenue at 36th Street and view Pierpont Morgan’s 1906 Library. Pierpont Morgan, an American financier, selected architect Charles Follen McKim to design a library to house his enormous collection of rare books and manuscripts. The exterior of the property, adjacent to Pierpont’s erstwhile home, features Tennessee pink marble, the blocks set with
TOP TIP
To experience the warmth of Irish charm in the air, fly Business Class to JFK from LHR via Dublin, with Aer Lingus. Take advantage of the generous luggage allowance of 3 x 23kg, priority boarding and luxury in-flight dining. Relax in style on lie-flat seats for a soothing in-flight slumber. For more information visit www.aerlingus.com
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TOP TIP
For low fares and reliable, punctual flights from LaGuardia and JFK to a wide choice of US cities, fly with the recipient of the 2016 Business Traveller award for ‘Best Airline for North American Travel’; visit www.jetblue.com
Goodman. The enormous choice of designer jeans, bags and shoes should keep you entertained for hours. Or wander into Tiffany & Co and be prepared to go into a trance at the mere sight of those twinkling gems. If you’ve worked up an appetite struggling with all those shopping bags in tow and fancy a real NYC dining experience, head for Junior’s at 1626 Broadway. Founded in 1950, Junior’s is the home of the original New York cheesecake and, for those of us with a sweet tooth, it’s absolutely scrumptious. I also sampled a delicious pastrami sandwich and a vanilla milkshake with mountains of whipped cream and Maraschino cherry. After such a feast we returned to our hotel for a much-earned rest.
exact precision without the use of mortar. The interior of the library was restored in 2010 and the newly installed lighting illuminates the exquisite murals and décor. Sparkling chandeliers, ornate ceilings and beautiful pieces of period furniture reflect the grandeur of a bygone age. To learn more about the ‘big apple’, we wandered around the Museum of the City of New York on Fifth Avenue and 103rd Street. Exhibitions include ‘NY at its core’, which charts the city’s beginnings as a Dutch For explorers seeking a touch of luxury in a village and its emergence as a prime location, Manhattan offers an endless captivating and modern metropolis. choice of high-end hotels, including the Omni The ideal way to see all of the landmarks, Berkshire Place, located on East 52nd Street at including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Madison Avenue, which is steps away from Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and much more, is Radio City Music Hall. We relaxed in style in on board one of the Circle Line Sightseeing the opulent Rodgers and Hammerstein suite, Cruises, which depart from Pier 83 at West which provides more than 1,000 sq ft of lavish 42nd Street. We selected the 2.5 hour ‘Best of living space and features a 500 sq ft wrapNYC’: a fully narrated cruise that sails sedately around terrace; this served as the ideal spot for past all the famous sights, and passengers take a pre-dining cocktail or two while we admired full advantage of the photo opportunities, getting up close and personal with the main attractions TOP TIP as backdrops. Book a private transfer in Or if you prefer to remain on New York with Blacklane terra firma, and are in the mood for a reliable, punctual, for some luxury shopping, make first-class service. Prices are all-inclusive and for Fifth Avenue and browse guaranteed in advance, around Saks and Bergdorf
“... wander into Tiffany & Co and be prepared to go into a trance at the mere sight of those twinkling gems.”
so you can sit back and relax, on arrival. Visit www.blacklane.com for more information.
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel
TOP TIP
Purchase a NYC pass and ‘skip the lines’ at major attractions including the Empire State Building, Big Bus Tour, Statue of Liberty, New York Water Taxi, museums and more. Visit www.newyorkpass.com And to learn more about the ‘big apple’ visit www.nycgo.com
For those on a less generous budget, the Z NYC Hotel, located on 43rd Avenue, Long Island, Queens, is ideal. Steps away from Queensboro Bridge, Manhattan is within easy reach and the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle bus to the 59th Street Subway entrance (between Lexington and third Avenue) every hour from 07.00 to 23.00 hours. Guests are also welcome to use complimentary bicycles and a helmet, and chain/lock and cord for securing packages. The hotel accommodations are spacious and comfortable and we opted for a deluxe king room, measuring 290 sq ft, with a ten-foot-high ceiling and enormous windows with a direct view of the spectacular Manhattan skyline. Hotel amenities include complimentary international, domestic and local telephone calls and complimentary Wi-Fi. For our last dining treat, we made our way to Virgil’s Real BBQ Restaurant on West 44th Street, just a few steps away from Times Square. We devoured the tasty ½ rack of Memphis-style pork spare rib, dry-rubbed and hickorysmoked, which was served with aplomb. And as we held our glasses of Virgil’s ale in the air, we made a toast in honour of Rodgers and Hammerstein, and with a slight change of lyric, we sang:
the view of the Manhattan skyline. Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote their Broadway masterpiece ‘Oklahoma’ on this very spot in 1942 and the accommodation reflects the glamour of that era perfectly. The master bedroom features an enormous, ultracomfortable bed swathed in the finest linens, a luxurious bathtub with a glass shower, and a separate powder room. Guests are welcome to dine ‘in suite’ or visit Bob’s Chop and Steakhouse on the ground floor. I sampled the succulent 14oz prime ribeye served with glazed carrot and skillet-fried potatoes, and accompanied by a bottle of the 2011 Silver Oak Napa Valley: it was a first class dining experience.
“There is nothin’ like Times Square, Nothin’ in the world, There is nothin’ you can name That is anythin’ like Times Square”
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Everybody’s different. So any financial advice you’re given should be for you alone, and with Franklyn, it is. Our trusted, reliable, expert service is tailored to your individual circumstances. In short, we’re here to help build capital, provide retirement income, manage existing assets, and protect against financial risk... just for you.
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel
Stadt &
Schloss City break or country detox? Why not opt for both, in south-east Germany, writes Francesca Lee-Rogers
City Munich is known for its beer halls, and it’s well worth a visit to enjoy a stein or two. However, culture vultures won’t be disappointed by the Bavarian capital either, thanks to an eclectic art and architecture scene. Pay a visit to the ballet or opera, soak up the sights such as the imposing Frauenkirche church and walk around the many nearby museums. The 900-acre manicured English Garden is a popular playground for locals and tourists alike. It houses four beer gardens, a Japanese tea house and a man-made river which, impressively, is used for surfing.
The Bayerischer Hof Originally established in 1839, at the request of King Ludwig I, The Bayerischer
Hof is owned and has been run by the Volkhardt family since 1897. It’s considered to be one of the finest hotels in Munich, with five restaurants, six bars, 40 function rooms and the Blue Spa, which features a rooftop pool with a retractable roof. Past guests include Woody Allen, Brigitte Bardot, Robert De Niro and Sophia Loren. The Bayerischer Hof was almost completely destroyed during World War II – the only room to have survived unscathed was Falk’s Bar, located in the famed Spiegelsaal (mirror hall). The Bayerischer Hof is a foodie’s paradise, thanks to its array of restaurants, including the three-Michelin-star Atelier. A word of warning, though: the waiting list is long, so ensure you make a reservation well in advance of your stay. Elsewhere in the hotel, the Garden restaurant is exactly as you’d imagine, and diners can delight in modern takes on classic brasserie
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dishes under the stars in its glass-roofed conservatory-style space. Trader’s Vic is charmingly out of the ordinary – think tiki-style décor and fun drinks – and offers a taste of the South Pacific. Palais Keller, which has its own bakery, meanwhile, is a must-visit for those wishing to experience authentic Bavarian food – make sure you try the weisswurst and wiener schnitzel. Finally, one cannot fail to mention the roof terrace, where breakfast is served: soak up the vista of Munich with a glass of Champagne in hand. After all, you’re on holiday. www.bayerischerhof.de/en
Country
Bavaria, the south-eastern state in which Munich can be found, is a rather unique corner of Germany, taking pride in a wealth of rich and quirky traditions. Bavaria can be thanked for the world-famous Oktoberfest beer festival and its Romantic Road route, which starts in Würzburg, winds south through pretty medieval towns, and ends in the foothills of the Alps’ southern border.
Schloss Elmau Schloss Elmau – two hotels in one resort – is imposing on arrival: the original early 20thcentury castle is über grand, yet blends seamlessly with the all-suite retreat added in 2015. The original edifice was built between
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... soak up the vista of Munich with a glass of Champagne in hand. After all, you’re on holiday. 1914 and 1916 by Dr Johannes Peter Müller, a theologian and philosopher, as a hub for a new artistic and intellectual community. After it was severely damaged by fire, its owner Dietmar Müller-Elmau transformed the retreat in 2007. Set deep within the Bavarian Alps at the foot of a nature reserve, Schloss Elmau is only a 90-minute drive from Munich. Here, rushing streams fill the vast lakes, and the air is so clean that it’s no surprise that, as well as Schloss Elmau, some of the world’s leading wellbeing retreats call Bavaria home. (Schloss Elmau also hosted the G7 summit in 2015.)
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel
Here, rushing streams fill the vast lakes, and the air is so clean that it’s no surprise that, as well as Schloss Elmau, some of the world’s leading wellbeing retreats call Bavaria home. There’s much to do on-site at Schloss Elmau. For the culturally inclined, it is home to a world-class concert hall, bookshop, four libraries, plus an itinerary of music, literature and debating events throughout the year. There’s also the largest hammam west of Istanbul and several infinity pools. Away from the hotel, busy yourself hiking, canoeing, horseriding or paragliding. The 45-minute hike to mountain restaurant Elmauer Alm is well worth the trek, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps and the Elmau valley from 1,200m above sea level. From a gourmet tasting menu at Schloss Elmau’s Michelin-star restaurant – Luce d’Oro – to fondue feasts at Kaminstube, there’s an eatery for every occasion. We especially recommend Thai restaurant, Fidelio; our favourite dish was the glass-noodle salad with minced chicken, prawns and spicy lime sauce, and the grilled beef tenderloin satay skewer with peanut sauce. Alternatively, family-friendly options include La Salle buffet in the castle and Tutto Mondo in the Retreat. The Summit offers fine dining, while private dining takes place in the Wintergarten. www.schloss-elmau.de/en
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A
s a self-confessed luxe lover and indoors fan, a date to watch Twenty 20 cricket at Old Trafford had me feeling a little apprehensive, to say the least. The thought of standing in the cold, with a soggy pie and incoherent chants, had me searching Google for the most polite and convincing excuses. On arrival with my gal pal Rachel, I felt a little more at ease, with allocated parking and a friendly face with an umbrella (it was raining, typically) to walk us to reception. Nice touch. We’d been invited to stay at the Hilton Garden Hotel attached to the stadium “Great, at least we have a place to dry off,” I thought. Check-in was swift and informative in a clean, organised reception area with a view of their stylishly designed bar-restaurant to our right. Rachel had that ‘knowing’ look I’ve seen so many times before. Gin! “Great minds,” I thought... The match wasn’t starting for another hour or so, so we went up to our room to chill. I’d packed a woolly jumper and some boots, and was fretting about not having brought umbrellas when I was taken aback by the absolutely amazing room that was before us. The whole of the back wall had been turned into a huge glass panel, making the balcony a private box overlooking the whole pitch. Genius. There are 150 rooms to choose from at the Hilton Garden Hotel, with 85 private box rooms overlooking the pitch. It cost £15 million to build and furnish and it has a fantastic modern design throughout. Watching a major test match or even your favourite music star from here would be a great experience. You can also get up to 12 friends together, swap the beds for a sofa and, with a fully stocked fridge, you can have your own party-cumconcert Now, this is my kind of place!
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weekend away
Hilton Garden Hotel Manchester Lynette Page-Colin and Rachel O’Hare check out the Twenty 20 cricket at Old Trafford, and the facilities at the Hilton Garden Hotel
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel
As well as cricket, Emirates Old Trafford ground has hosted concerts by Beyonce, Rihanna and icon David Bowie, as well as X-Factor auditions, and the sell-out ‘One Love Manchester’ concert that Ariana Grande and friends put together for the 22 angels a week after the terrorist attack in May 2017 at the Manchester Arena. They offer great corporate event hire space, too. It almost felt like a little community of fun and the crowd was fab. Children ‘flossing’, parents enjoying themselves — oh yes, and cricket. As two females entering a sports ground, we felt safe and calm, and there was always a member of staff on hand to help. Rachel and I are now definitely genuine fans of the game, and we’ve booked tickets with our families to watch another Twenty 20 match. It’s a fast-paced game, with so much entertainment, and your children will love it.
What to Do Dine in The Garden Bar and Grille on site: A gorgeously designed long bar with really great lighting housing 13 Gins and counting. We tried Three Rivers Gin and it was lovely. The restaurant offers a twist on good old English faves such as fish and chips, and Italian dishes such as seafood pasta and pizza.
Where to Go If you’re staying for the weekend, after a hearty breakfast, hop on a tram into Manchester city centre and shop until you drop. With the likes of Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and lots of fashion houses for men and women less than 30 minutes away, you’re sure to enjoy a packed weekend.
Don’t Miss 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup: the games biggest competition. Packages start from £299. For more information contact hospitality@lancashirecricket.co.uk
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CORPORATE EVENTS WEDDINGS PRIVATE PARTIES ENTERTAINM ENT VENUE FINDING
KATE@ KATEPA RKEVEN TS.CO .U K TEL: 0161 905 2052 MO B: 07718 456 054 W W W.KATEPA RKEVEN TS.CO .U K
Food Drink NAUGHTY
Nibbles
New snacks,
named Naughty Nibbles, launched by Harvey Nichols, own label products. Currently stocked in all stores, Naughty Nibbles come in clear iridescent packaging, allowing customers to see the tempting treats within each bag. Set to be the trendiest food products to hit the shelves this summer, Harvey Nichols new fearlessly stylish own label range with vibrant colours, elegant patterns and witty words. Available online and in all Harvey Nichols stores, priced £1.50 - £2.95 and sharing Party Packs are priced £3.95 - £5.95. www.harveynichols.com
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Food &
Drink news
We are excited to see three months since Chef Entrepreneur, Gary Usher and his team open their bistro on Prescot’s high street, it has been announced that Pinion will officially open on Friday 28th September. WednesdaySunday, the bistro will serve a lunch and early evening menu, as well as an A la Carte from 6 pm and a Sunday lunch menu. The menus include dishes such as Chicken liver pate, Braised feather blade of beef, Sea Bream Fillet, Dark chocolate mousse with crushed honeycomb. Book now at www.pinionbistro.com
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: NATURAL SELECTION DESIGN: TORCHED MACKEREL, WATERMELON, RADISH AND PICKLED SHALLOT, GARY USHER AND CRÈME BRULEE
Laid Back, Bistro Style
PURCHASE of the
MONTH Basque Country
LeChef- Pro DOUBLE FLAME Mini Kitchen Blow Torch, £20, www.amazon.co.uk 100
We are loving this culinary journey through a food lovers paradise. The Basque Country not only boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than any other region in the world but its unique confluence of mountain and sea, values and traditions inform every bite of its cultural cuisine. Get this fabulous cookbook by Marti Buckley today, you won't be disappointed available for £26.99, www.amazon.co.uk
“EXTRACTED FROM BASQUE COUNTRY BY MARTI BUCKLEY (ARTISAN BOOKS). COPYRIGHT © 2018. PHOTOGRAPHS BY SIMON BAJADA.”
W O R D S : K E V I N E VA N S
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink
...with ADAM SMITH, Chef De Cuisine at the Jaunty Goat TELL US ABOUT WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO YOUR CURRENT POSITION? I wanted to work somewhere where I could develop and create my own food. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STYLE OF FOOD? French cuisine is a big influence as I trained there, but I think British food is very underrated. We have a lot of amazing produce. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE INGREDIENT AND WHY? I would have to say fish. I love preparing it, cooking it and eating it. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DRINK? I've been known to enjoy a beer.
Ingredient to
ENJOY
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF KITCHEN KIT? Sharp knives. There is nothing worse than a blunt knife! WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? Gordon Ramsay. His raw passion for the job, passion, knowledge and skill. I think he's very clever.
Blackberries
Blackberries contain a wide array of important nutrients including potassium, magnesium and calcium, as well as vitamins A, C, E and most of our B vitamins. They are also a rich source of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that give blackberries their deep purple colour. The sweet-tart flavour and earthy quality of Blackberries allow them to be used in both sweet and savoury applications. The moderately high acidity of Blackberries cuts through the rich flavours of creamy and aged cheeses, or rich fatty meats.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DESERT ISLAND DISH? Toad in the hole!
New Look
The Club Lounge at The Mere, Knutsford, has undergone a stunning new refurbishment which was designed and fitted by DV8 Designs and PS Interiors. Their vision was to create a vibrant and contemporary space for guests and members to enjoy which has been brought to life through its clean and light scheme, and its stylish furniture choices. www.themereresort.co.uk
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MEAL? A few years ago I ate at The Sticky Walnut and I loved all of it. Just extremely tasty and beautiful looking food and lovely wine.
Rough Handmade
We are crazy over Liverpool’s best-loved bakery, Rough Hand Made, which opened August 1st 2018 on the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool. This beautiful family-run bakery has brought its perfectly imperfect handcrafted pastries, speciality pittas, sandwiches and breads – all made fresh each day to its own unique recipes - to the new Dock location. www.roughhandmade.co.uk 101
Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine
SPOTLIGHT ON... W O R D S : K E V I N E VA N S
NORTHCOTE Blackburn, Lancashire Best for... Local ingredients and Michelinstarred food
N
orthcote is nestled on the Ribble Valley, Which is renowned foodie hotspot in the North West! North cotes aren't just a restaurant, it's a luxury hotel which is a member of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux and Pride of Britain Hotels. Northcote restaurant is renowned for its fine cuisine and serves traditional Lancashire recipes with a modern twist, created from local produce. To add to the experience, the Chef's Table, in the kitchen, offers insights into how the kitchen really operates, and the Cookery School provides a unique and intimate experience where you can learn new skills and dishes in a Michelin star kitchen. The chef reigns have been in the trusted hands of Nigel Haworth for over 30 years, however, last year these were handed to the very capable Lisa Goodwin-Allen his chef protégé for 18 years. It's no surprise that with the grounding and training that Lisa has had, and with her natural talent for working with local ingredients, it has been left in safe hands. On arriving we were speedily checked in and walked over to our room in the new part of the hotel, with plush carpets and modern boutique styling the room was enormous. We were lucky to have a balcony with an amazing view of the surrounding countryside.
“Looked like a painting on a plate, warm and professional service” We freshened up and then headed over to the bar where we were met by Jack our waiter with a glass of Louis Roederer and a couple of beautiful canapes – Potted 102
Shrimp Cornetto and a slow-cooked pork brawn with a mustard mayonnaise. This was a tasty simple start to the evening and along with the fizz made it really special. We opted of for the sixcourse tasting menu – which took us on a journey of Europe with its flavours but delivered with some fine local ingredients, which gave a real depth of flavour. The infused Isle of Wight tomatoes was a fresh light start to the menu which had a punch of basil running through it. The accompanying cheese and onion "brandy snap" was the highlight of this course – if we could have had a full plate of these we would have! We were then taken on a journey through deconstructed Goosnargh Chicken Cesar, Moroccan Ashcroft Cauliflower which was divine and then onto some Scarlet Prawns in Parsley & Garlic that looked like a painting on a plate it was so pretty. It then moved to the meat course where we were served Yorkshire
Dale lamb which was served with a white curry and sweet cicely. The lamb was cooked beautifully and was both tender and succulent. Finally, we were served a deconstructed Strawberry trifle – it looked anything but a trifle… stunningly plated and delicious strawberry depth of flavour with Lemon Verbena running through which complemented the strawberry. All of the above was expertly matched with wine by our expert sommelier Tony – the standout was the Viogner Les Vignes d'a Cote, Yves Cuilleron – 2016... So much so I asked where I could get it by the case for Christmas! Lisa has definitely put her stamp on the new menu, but at the same time has ensured that the loyal Northcote customers will not be scared away. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience, with a special mention on how welcoming the staff were and the level of warm and professional service that we received - Every time we visit Northcote it delivers another surprise and makes it a special inviting place to return to. www.northcote.com
L EF T B A N K | S P I NNI NG FI E L DS | M A NC HE STE R | M 3 3A N 0161 3254444 WWW. A L BA TROSSA NDA RNOL D . UK . COM
MEET THE CHEF:
Elliot Hill Elliot Hill, Head Chef at Oddfellows Chester turns an apple pudding on its head - with an odd twist and the addition of fennel!
E
lliot Hill is the dynamic chef behind the food offering at the Oddfellows Hotel, the quirky boutique hotel, restaurant and cocktail bar that sits in the heart of Chester in a gorgeous Georgian townhouse. The design-led hotel collection (who also have Oddfellows On The Park, Cheadle) pride itself on restoring properties using the history of the building and its location as inspiration and recently redesigned the hotel’s restaurant with living moss walls, antique mirrors and dramatic smoked glass lighting. Elliot returned home to Cheshire from London in March 2018, where he held the Executive Chef role at The Park Tavern, Wandsworth. He was also previously part of the opening team at Hotel Gotham, Manchester and spent part of his career training in Russia. Elliot said: ‘Oddfellows has a strong food and beverage ethos where creativity is positively encouraged. I’ve put my mark on the menus and introduced ‘odd’ plates alongside more traditional menus. I want to make sure our diners have as much flexibility as possible to enjoy their experience – they might want a nibble with a cocktail, to share a salad and some small plates or a full gastronomic tasting menu experience. And they can eat anywhere they like - in the secret garden in the sunshine, our bar or the restaurant.’ He added: ‘It goes without saying that quality, local and seasonal ingredients are at the forefront of everything we create. Cheshire is rich in brilliant ingredients and the produce we cultivate locally is world-class.’ Try Elliot’s food at his Supper Club on Thursday, September 20th. Places are limited. £35 per head. For more information, call 01244 345454 104
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink
INGREDIENTS FOR THE GRANITA:
130g green parts of fennel 60g fennel fronds 170ml water 90g sugar
3 granny smith apples, peeled and cored ½ lemon, juiced FOR THE SMOKED ALMOND BISCUIT CRUMBLE: 50g caster sugar
50g demerara sugar
100g smoked almonds ground 100g unsalted butter (room temperature) 100g plain flour pinch salt FOR THE ALMOND SPONGE: 100g almonds, ground
90g (+10) unsalted butter (room temperature) 100g caster sugar
2 medium to large eggs 25g self-raising flour
3 drops almond extract ½ vanilla pod scraped
3g sea salt flakes, crushed into powder FOR THE APPLE PUREE: 6 granny smith apples 1 ½ lemons, juiced TO FINISH: Fennel fronds Granny smith apple Smoked almonds, whole
METHOD For the Granita Freeze the green part of the fennel Bring the sugar and water to the boil, then chill Blend at highest speed all ingredients until smooth and pass through a sieve Freeze in a plastic container, going back with a fork every 20 minutes to scrape off, until frozen For the Smoked Almond Biscuit Crumble Sieve flour then add all the other ingredients and beat until they become a dough Cover in fridge and chill to rest Preheat oven at 160, place dough rolled equally to half a centimetre on a lined baking tray Once cool, crumble up until relatively fine
Bake for 20 minutes. Check cake is cooked by using a thin skewer probing the middle of the cake, if it comes out clear, then it is ready. For the Apple Pureé Peel and core the apples, then chop them into equal 1cm cubes Place in a microwave container with lemon juice and wrap in cling film 3 times Microwave full power for 2 minutes, then shake and repeat twice more. (TOP TIP - the microwave is the best way to keep the beautiful colour of the apple - the stove top method will brown them as they cook!) Once the apple is cooked, blend at full power until smooth, then chill immediately
For the Almond Sponge Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius Cream the butter and sugar together, and then gradually add the egg Pass the ground almonds, flour and salt through a sieve and fold into the butter mix Add the almond extract and the scraping of vanilla pod Line a loaf tin (12-15cm), and add the mix ¾ full
To Finish Tear the cake into pieces, place on the bottom of the bowl. Add the crumble to cover, then spoon on the apple puree. Into the apple, puree add thin fresh slices of granny smith apple (or use a melon baller!). Sprinkle the apple and fennel granita on to cover, finishing off with a garnish of fennel and smoked almonds.
“Cheshire is rich in brilliant ingredients and the produce we cultivate locally is world-class” 105
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
Local scene Our social pages this month are filled with fizz, fundraising and a whole lot of style
GUESTS ARRIVING FOR THE CHARITY EVENT
GUESTS ARRIVING FOR THE CHARITY EVENT
MODELING MATTHEW O’BRIENS NEW COLLECTION ENJOYING CANAPÉS, SUZIE PREST, JANE GOWER WITH JAMES ECCLESTON
LADY EVENT, EATON MARIETAVENERS ANSBRO, CHARITY DIANE CRAWLEY, LOUISEHALL ECCLESTON
MRS DARLENE STORRAR, MANAGING PARTNER STORRAR COWDRY. JULIE AUSTIN KAYE, LOUISE ECCLESTON
MODELING MATTHEW O’BRIENS NEW COLLECTION
LADY TAVENERS CHARITY EVENT WITH THE HOUSE OF MATTHEW O’BRIEN
LISA FORBES FROM TROPIC WITH MRS DARLENE STORRAR AND CLAIRE EMMERTON FROM TROPIC GUESTS ARRIVING FOR THE CHARITY EVENT
REBECCA & SUE MATHEWS MODELING MATTHEW O’BRIENS NEW COLLECTION
Eaton Hall, Cheshire Lady Taveners Charity event at Eaton Hall, celebrated The House of Matthew O’Brien launch of Matthews new collection and opening of his new store in Chester. Guests included Karen Metcalf, Lady Taveners, Hoity Toity & The Grosvenor Hotel. www.lordstaverners.org/lady-taverners www.mattobrien.co.uk 107
ANGELA CAVENDISH LEILA BIBBY, CLAIRE OKELL AND DREWSTACY COCKTON LADIES DAY BEST DRESSED WINNERS DRAPAN, SHABNAM MOHAMMED AND PAIGE FURNER POSE AT THE FLOWER WALL FEMALE JOCKEY HAYLEY TURNER ENJOYS GEARING UP TO HER FIRST RACE AT FOXY BINGO LADIES DAY
FOXY BINGO LADIES DAY Chester Racecourse Over 200 stylish racegoers entered a Ladies Day Best Dressed competition with a difference on the Roodee. Hosted at Chester Racecourse on Saturday 1 September to commemorate the final Ladies Day fixture of the season, female racegoers were invited to compete for ‘Best Classic Look’, ‘Best On-Trend Look’ and ‘Best Coordinated Look’. Three fantastic prizes were up for grabs for the winners to take home; Champagne, a £50 voucher to spend in Restaurant 1539 and two County Badges to a race meeting of choice in 2019 for each lady. www.chester-races.com
KENDALL RAE KNIGHT WITH HER MUM DREW COCKTON AND ROSALIND ELLIS AND SISTER
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CHESTER RACE COMPANY CHAIRMAN MARTIN BEAUMONT RECOGNISES DR MARWAN KOUKASH’S 500 WINNERS ACHIEVEMENT. DR KOUKASH’S CHILDREN ACCOMPANY
2018 MISS CHESHIRE BRITTANY FEENEY IS JOINED BY HER DAD DAVID EVANS, MUM, BROTHER AND BOYFRIEND ON THE ROOF OF THE MBNA PADDOCK CLUB
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
SEVENTY-9 SOCIAL EVENT AT ST ANDREWS CHURCH
PROFESSIONALS ENJOYING THE SEVENTY-9 EVENT
SEVENTY-9 SOCIAL WINE TASTING EVENT St Andrews Church, Chester Professionals from around the region joined together at the alter of the former St Andrews Church in Chester for a wine tasting event like no other. The evening was hosted by Seventy-9 club, Chester’s social group for professionals. E: admin@seventy9.org
THE SEVENTY-9 TEAM : JAMIE, JONNY & DAVID
IZZY GREY AND PARTNER
PROFESSIONALS ENJOYING THE WINE TASTING WITH THE SEVENTY-9 TEAM
ST ANDREWS CHURCH, CHESTER
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ABI FISHER, AN EXCLUSVE COLLECTION The Showroom, Willington Abi Fisher, An Exclusive Collection, hosted a fashion show to launch their stunning new Autumn/Winter 2018 collection. The fashion event was held at the beautiful showroom in Willington, near Tarporley with a fashion show taking place at lunchtime and then another show taking place in the evening. Clients were able to enjoy champagne and canapés whilst browsing the collection and enjoying the fabulous fashion show which really showcased the carefully crafted collection of Abi’s Own Private Label and European brands which cannot easily be found on the high street. www.abifisher.co.uk CLIENTS BROWSING THE ABI FISHER AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 COLLECTION
COMEDIAN MICK MILLER
FASHION SHOW FOR ABI FISHERS AUTUMN/WINTER COLLECTION 2018 FASHION SHOW FOR ABI FISHERS A UTUMN/WINTER COLLECTION 2018
FASHION SHOW FOR ABI FISHERS AUTUMN/WINTER COLLECTION 2018
CLIENTS BROWSING THE ABI FISHER AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 COLLECTION
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Luxury Home Fragrance
www.florenceverity.co.uk
FOUNDED IN 1487
An independent school for girls and boys from 3-18 years Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested)
Inspiring your child Senior School, Junior School and Pre-Reception Open Morning Saturday 22nd September, 10am - 12pm Sixth Form Open Evening Tuesday 16th October, 7pm Senior School Open Morning Saturday 17th November, 10am - 12pm Entrance Exam Wednesday 9th January 2019
Senior and Junior School day tours available Extensive school bus routes including Sale & Hale
Tel: 0161 456 9000
www.stockportgrammar.co.uk
Some
Family
BUNNY Loves You
Eco friendly brand,
Cuddledry has once again used their signature bamboo and cotton mix to create a silky soft fabric that is 60 per cent more absorbent than normal bath towels with this unbelievably soft, Cuddlebunny. (Cuddlepanda also available) Perfect for bath bunnies. ÂŁ29.99 (cuddledry.com)
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Desk Organiser
We are loving this simple, Italian-style children’s writing desk from Battistella, and fell deeper in love when we realised that the desk is designed with a whiteboard top for extra fun. Shown in white, we love the bright legs, which are available in a selection of colours. It’s also part of the Nidi children’s bedroom range, so you can coordinate away to your heart’s desire. Graphic rewriteable desk, £650 www.gomodern.co.uk
Family news September marks a time of new beginnings and, of course, a new school year. Let’s go back to school in style 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
#1 Miss Meter Measure, £12 (www.animica usa.com)
VIRTUAL HELP NHS Start4Life has launched a 24/7 Breastfeeding Friend on Google Assistant to support mums in the northwest. www.nhs. uk/start4life
A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS #3 Pastel Pens, £10 (www. uniball.co.uk)
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#2 Back to School gift box, £25 (www.post boxed.co.uk)
Walkies
Every respectable four-legged friend deserves neckwear to suit and we love these practical-yet-stylish Italian crafted collars and leads from MiaCara. With a herringbone nylon and natural fine grade leather, they are the perfect accessory for the designer pooch. Available in Riva dog collar, £61, Riva lead, £70 www. hugoandotto.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family
PETS CORNER File Away
Now, this may simply be because we are stationery geeks, but these organisers are our idea of bliss. In two sizes and a range of colours, they can hold all your important documents or act as a cover for your laptop; maybe even an industrialsize clutch. Either way we are delighted to have discovered this hidden gem. Large document organiser, £36, Small, £28 www.comisario.co
BACKOSAURUS No self-respecting dinosaur enthusiast will be going back to school this season without this oilcloth back spike rucksack. With a Diplodocus or two as well as a T-Rex on their backs, kids will be raring to get through those school gates. £24 www.sophieallport.com
Pixo-Light
Winner of a Red Dot Award, this desk light will look at home in any room. Highly manoeuvrable and 97 per cent recyclable, the LED light features full dimming and a base that includes a USB port for charging mobile devices. Style and function – perfectly balanced. £240 www.pablodesigns.com
HOW TO... introduce your dog to baby
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ur four-legged friend has already been a member of the family for nearly five years now, but when a human new member arrives, it can be a little daunting (even though I have joked that we have already had some practice and it can’t be that different, right?) Intuitive by nature, our Border Collie knew that there was a monumental event coming soon and began being super-protective of me and bump. Whilst, on the whole, very well behaved if a little excitable, we spent some time in pregnancy working with our dog to smooth out a few of those unwanted habits for peace of mind. It’s also worth setting boundaries, such as the nursery, at this time. Absolutely, let them explore, but with your supervision and your decision when they should leave. One personal recommendation is to bring an item of baby’s clothing home from the hospital before bringing baby home. Get your dog to sniff at your call and then leave with them so that they take ownership but also respect for baby’s smell. Then when you introduce baby, they will already be familiar with this new scent and member of the family. Sniffing and licking feet is a good thing – there is nothing better than a baby’s gurgle/giggle as the two bond. Now, just to keep the toys apart!
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Independent Education for Boys and Girls aged 4-16 near Great Budworth
Top Performing School at GCSE in Cheshire Open Day Saturday 22nd September 2018 admissions@cransleyschool.org.uk * Grade 4+ in English and Maths (100%), Attainment 8 (61.8), and EBacc (50%) - DfE Performance Tables 2017
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family
The Results are in A roundup of A Level results from some of the most prestigious schools
Shrewsbury School Pupils at Shrewsbury school are celebrating an outstanding performance in the A Level examination results, with results released in August. Fifty-six per cent of all papers were graded at A* or A and more than 80 per cent of all grades were at A* to B level, meaning that pupils are now poised to take up places at leading higher education institutions. Eleven pupils managed a clean sweep of A* grades and a total of 60 managed an A* or an A in every subject. Headmaster Mark Turner commented: “We are delighted that our pupils have been rewarded for their effort and industry and that they are now equipped not only with the grades that they need to access and thrive in the next step on their academic journey, but also with the enthusiasm for learning and open-mindedness that will prepare them for successful and fulfilled futures.” Shrewsbury School, Ashton Road, Shrewsbury SY3 7BA, shrewsbury.org.uk
Alderley Girls Alderley Edge School for Girls is celebrating its best ever A Level results, with well over three quarters of all results having been awarded at the highest A* to B grade. The girls have achieved highly across all of the 22 subjects offered, with – for instance – one hundred per cent of all grades achieved in Chemistry being either A* or A. All of the girls got into their university of choice with many deciding on a science focus to their degrees, such as dentistry, neuroscience and medical biochemistry. Helen Jeys, Headmistress at the School, is thrilled at the results and commented: “As we are approaching our twenty year anniversary, I am thrilled that these are the best results so far for Alderley Edge School for Girls.” Alderley Edge School for Girls, Wilmslow Road, Alderley Edge SK9 7QE, aesg.co.uk
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Whithington Girls’ School Withington Girls’ School is celebrating a set of exceptional A Level results by its Class of 2018, recording an all-time high of 41 per cent of subject grades passed at A*. With 19 students, or one in four, achieving a clean sweep of three or more A*s, over half of Withington’s Year 13 leavers earned at least three A* to A grades. Further cause for celebration at Withington are the places secured to study degree courses in a wide range of subjects at the country’s top universities, including 14 Oxbridge places (18 per cent of the cohort), the highest in recent years. “Withington students never cease to astonish me,” says Headmistress Mrs Sarah Haslam. “In a year of continuing A Level reform, we are delighted to see our students maintaining the Withington tradition of academic excellence and securing outstanding results that enable them to now move on to the next exciting stage and pursue their dreams and ambitions.” Withington Girls’ School, 100 Wellington Rd, Manchester, M14 6BL, wgs.org
Stockport Grammar Upper Sixth pupils at Stockport Grammar School had cause for celebration withmore than 51 per cent of all grades awarded at A* and A and 80 per cent of results awarded at A* to B. Their excellent results will see them heading for courses at the country’s most highly respected institutions, including nine confirmed places at Oxford and Cambridge. Headmaster Andrew Chicken said: “Congratulations to our girls and boys, I hope that they will enjoy celebrating their well-deserved success with their families. With the support of their parents and teachers, their hard work and dedication has brought them outstanding results and I wish them well as they go on to challenging courses at the country’s most competitive universities.” Stockport Grammar School, Buxton Road, Stockport SK2 7AF, stockportgrammar.co.uk
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The King’s School in Macclesfield
Independent education for 3 to 18 year olds
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Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 3 October, 6.30pm
Open Day (Whole School)
OUT FIND R ! MO E
Charity No. 1137204
Saturday 13 October, 10am – 1pm
• Top performing school at GCSE & A Level • All aspects rated ‘excellent’ in ISI inspection
Watch video! Scan me
01625 260000
• Bursaries & Scholarships at 11+ and 16+ • Huge range of extra-curricular activities admissions@kingsmac.co.uk
www.kingsmac.co.uk
“A friendly, caring environment in which each girl can feel confident and flourish�
OPEN DAYS Junior School For girls aged 7-11
Senior School For girls aged 11-16
Sixth Form For girls aged 16+
Thursday 8th November 4.30pm to 6.30pm Saturday 10th November 10.00am to 12noon An Open Evening for Sixth Form students will be held on Tuesday 16th October, from 6.00-8.00pm
To arrange a tour call 0161 249 3371 Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL
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wgs.org
Means -tested bursaries available from Year 5 upwards
05/09/2018 13:45
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family
Choosing the Right Independent School
As parents consider senior school options for their children, Withington Girls’ School Headmistress Mrs Sarah Haslam answers questions asked during Open Day events.
W
hat do selective independent schools look for in candidates? Wellbeing and the happiness of each child throughout their educational journey is a priority for us in the selection process. Schools in our sector are seeking children who will thrive within our respective environments; the ethos of each school will differ and most consider a child’s extracurricular interests as well as academic potential. How do I know if my child will thrive in a particular school? Once you have drawn up a short list, go along to as many Open Days as possible. Each will have a unique ambience and its own distinctive qualities and we often find that children (and families) quickly find an instinctive preference for a particular school. Ask questions – and encourage your child to ask questions too. But remember also to check what other opportunities there may be to get to know schools better. For example, Withington now offers events where children and parents can experience the School in action, as well as Taster sessions, and feedback received to date has been that these are very helpful. What does the selection process involve? Assessment for independent schools is usually via an initial entrance exam (typically Mathematics, English and sometimes Verbal Reasoning and/or Non Verbal Reasoning), followed by a face-to-face interview for shortlisted candidates. Try and minimise potential stress on your child; remind him or her that admissions procedures are designed to help identify pupils who will be happy and flourish in
our respective schools. We consider application and decision-making to be a shared process where schools and families are looking for the best fit for each child. What extra value is gained by an independent school education? Whilst independent schools do differ in their approach, we all have a genuine desire to see our pupils achieve their academic potential but also to develop character and confidence through the broad range of extracurricular and community programmes generally on offer. At the heart of our practice is a shared dedication to preparing young men and women to contribute to society with creativity and compassion. wgs.org | Admissions 0161 249 3371
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CO-EDUCATIONAL BOARDING IN THE HEART OF SHROPSHIRE Shrewsbury School provides an outstanding educational experience on a beautiful 105-acre campus for boys and girls aged 13-18. Our pupils achieve high academic levels and enjoy an extraordinary variety of extra-curricular activities. With strong personal pastoral care and support, we create an environment where pupils can flourish and grow to become caring, thoughtful and confident members of society. “They encourage you to be ambitious but most of all to find the right thing for you.” Pupil Scholarships and bursaries are available for entry at 13+ and 16+.
Shrewsbury School
Please contact us to book a place at one of our Open Days. OPEN DAYS Saturday 3rd November | Saturday 2nd March
admissions@shrewsbury.org.uk 01743 280552 www.shrewsbury.org.uk ShrewsSchool
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family
Ask the Expert We pose a common question to King’s School Macclesfield
H
OW CAN I HELP MY TEENAGER IN THIS ERA OF CONCERNS OVER A CRISIS IN MENTAL HEALTH?
Helen Broadley, Principal of the King’s School’s Girls’ Division, says: “Last month, there was a stark warning from The Children’s Society that almost a quarter of all 14-year-old girls have self-harmed in the last year. It blamed the crisis on a shortfall in social care funding and a lack of support in schools. However, there are many things that schools are doing to support both children and their parents. Schools such as King’s take the wellbeing of pupils exceedingly seriously, and have structured programmes in place to help equip young people with the tools and skills they need. We recognise that we may not be able to remove all the causes of stress and anxiety in a
modern society where social media, peer pressure, and issues such as appearance, sexuality and pressure to succeed are all part of daily life. But we can teach our young people how to manage these pressures, as well as how to identify the signs of stress and use self-help techniques and, of course, signpost where help can be found. Schools must take a proactive approach to wellbeing. Last year at King’s, we launched a programme to support pupils, staff and parents. It is wide ranging and covers healthy living, physical activity, happiness and resilience and it is implemented through training, assemblies, tutor sessions, external speakers, yoga and mindfulness sessions. We provide access to staff trained in Mental Health First Aid, as well as access to a qualified counsellor. We also support parents with presentations and workshops on e-safety and how to develop stronger, more resilient young adults. We work closely with Cheshire Police to educate children and their parents about staying safe online and the risks associated with gaming, sharing images and choosing appropriate privacy settings.” King’s School Macclesfield, Cumberland Street, Macclesfield, SK10 1DA, kingsmac.co.uk
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A Warm Welcome Stockport Grammar School has appointed a new head teacher, Dr Paul Owen
S
tockport Grammar School – an independent day school for girls and boys from age 3 to 18 – has appointed a new head teacher, Dr Paul Owen. Previously at Birkdale School in Sheffield, where he was headmaster from 2010, he has joined following the retirement of Andrew Chicken. Andrew said: “I am very pleased to learn of the appointment of Dr Paul Owen, a widely respected Head who has had experience of leadership in both day and boarding schools. He is committed to the highest academic standards, excellence in pastoral care and preserving the social diversity that underpins the strength of our school.” Paul is a highly regarded educationalist with extensive experience of school leadership, and in his new role is looking to build on the school’s successes while maintaining its essential ethos. Paul grew up in Hampshire, attending a large comprehensive school in Fleet before winning a scholarship to Winchester College. He studied Physics at Cambridge University and stayed on
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to gain a PhD in Low Temperature Physics. After a spell in industry, Paul discovered that he enjoyed teaching and held various academic and pastoral posts at Wellington School in Somerset. Paul still enjoys learning, particularly through reading, travel and theatre, and has wide interests in sport and music. He is married to Gail and has three children, with his daughter recently graduating from the Royal Northern College of Music, his eldest son studying at Cambridge University and his youngest son has just joined Stockport Grammar School. He said: “I am delighted to join Stockport Grammar School. During the interview process, I very much enjoyed meeting staff and students at such a happy, ambitious and successful school.” Stockport Grammar School, Buxton Road, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 7AF, stockportgrammar.co.uk
You are invited to our
OPEN DAY Independent pre-school and primary education for boys and girls 2-11
• • • • •
on Saturday 13th October 10am - 12.30pm
Inspirational - delivers exceptional learning Happy - nurtured and filled with a love for learning Outstanding - achieving the full potential of every child Focused - primary school specialists Caring - a Christian ethos, respecting all faiths & none
For further information or to arrange a visit contact: The Firs School, 45 Newton Lane, Chester, CH2 2HJ. Tel: 01244 322443 Fax: 01244 400450 Email: admin@firsschool.org www.firsschool.net
2383 The Firs Wirral Life Full Page Advert 210mm x 297mm JUL18.indd 1
03/07/2018 20:03
www.luxarvika.com CHURCHILL WAY, MACCLESFIELD, SK11 6AY
01625 439 200
arvika
HOMES AND
INTERIORS SHOWCASING THE
finest HOMES & PROPERTY IN CHESHIRE AND BEYOND
Culinary
CHIC
A bespoke design from Kitchen Architecture transforms a period property
Going for
GOLD
The shiniest accessories to suit every space
FRESH
Paint Bring heritage shades into your home with this unique National Trust collaboration A/W18 COLLECTION WWW.HABITAT.CO.UK
Home & Garden News FINISHING TOUCHES
latest news, and trends from the world interior AD EXCESTISThe MAIOvery BERIBUSCIM VOLUMadvice ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UTof QUAS UNTIOdesign 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
GREEN,
Glorious GREEN
B
ritish paint and wallpaper manufacturer Little Greene has collaborated with the National Trust to launch a new collection this September, centred on the colour green. The project is the result of an extensive research scheme, which involved visiting National Trust houses and gardens across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The collection of 31 hues is loosely divided into five categories; grey greens, neutral greens, yellow greens, blue greens and turquoise greens. 20 of these were directly derived from original paint shades uncovered at the trust’s historic properties, including Beatrix
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Potter’s Cumbrian farmhouse, George Bernard Shaw’s writing hut and Nostell Priory in Yorkshire. “We are delighted with the association with Little Greene, which will help everyone to bring the nation’s heritage into their own homes,” says Clare Brown, head of brand licensing for the National Trust. It’s hoped that the collection will help to preserve the stories of some of the people who lived in these homes. In this spirit of guardianship, Little Greene will donate paints back to the trust, to help it breathe life into properties that are still under
conservation. A direct donation to the trust will also be made from every can of Little Greene paint sold. www.littlegreene.com
Homes and Interiors
LET IT GLOW The Roca table lamp in Heathfield & Co’s Signature range is manufactured by some of Britain’s finest craftsmen, using some of the most exceptional materials available. Its design is inspired by the dramatic forms of Greek and Egyptian architecture and contrasts the naturally translucent, semi-precious alabaster with on-trend polished dark brass tones. The large lampshade gives an ambient glow and is available in a range of tones and materials to complement different settings. It’s finished with a twist cord mains lead. £730 including shade and free shipping to UK mainland. Tel: +44 (0)333 222 5550 www.uber-interiors.com
Flora and Fauna Cole & Son launches its new Botanical ~ Botanica collection of 15 wallpaper designs this month. The hand-drawn, hand-painted designs are inspired by the diversity of the British landscape, from country house gardens and flower show blooms to sunny meadows and wild woodlands. Flora and fauna have long been a staple for the brand, so its archive also played a part in informing the final designs. The deep green shades and diversity of trees depicted on its Forest design make it one of the most striking. From £85 per 10m roll www.coleand-son.com
Leather Love
Bill Amberg Studio is an expert in the field of bespoke leather products, interiors and furniture, and technology is now taking it in a new direction. The studio recently collaborated with five designers, including Tom Dixon and Timorous Beasties, on a series of patterned graphics, which have been digitally printed onto top-quality, undyed hides. The advanced technology to achieve the colourfast designs took three years to refine. The hides are then finished with a durable dressing, that helps retains the leather’s natural grain. The inaugural designs officially launch this September in line with the London Design Festival. www.billamberg.com
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HOME FINISHING & GARDEN TOUCHES NEWS 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
Wild Thing
loves
The exotic designs of Wallace Cotton’s A/W18 collection are largely inspired by the diverse natural landscape of New Zealand, where the brand originates. This season’s collection features colourful botanicals, tropical rainforest prints and earthy tones, with plainer styles in coordinating colours. Plus, if you like everything to match, it even does nightwear too. www.wallacecotton.co.uk
All Fired Up
PURCHASE of the
MONTH Emma Bridgewater’s autumn range launches this September and some new designs are joining the tomato and chilli patterns of the Vegetable Garden range. The new plate and two oblong and oval platters are decorated with illustrated sketches of kale and that all-divisive winter vegetable – the brussels sprout. It’s a table conversation starter. Plate £17.95; Sprout platter £39.95; Oval platter £59.95 www.emmabridgewater.co.uk
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When temperatures start to drop and there’s a crisp autumnal chill in the air, it’s the perfect time to add a fire pit to your outdoor space. This cast iron bowl-shaped version from Cox & Cox is raised up on a solid stand and the elements will give its surface a unique patina over time – making it an interesting focal point as well as a practical solution for staying warm when summer’s out. It even comes with a stainless steel grill shelf. Just
add guests, a stack of burning logs and a bottle of wine. £375 www.coxandcox.co.uk
A SENSE OF OCCASION One of the simplest ways to impress dinner guests is to invest in some statement cutlery, and Cutipol’s bright metallic designs are sure to stand out. Its latest 24-piece set of table knives, forks, tablespoons and teaspoons is rendered in brushed matt gold, with blue resin handles. The pieces are handmade in Portugal, with slight variations in the design adding to their unique charm. Crafted from 18/10 stainless steel, the higher percentage of nickel helps protect against corrosion, so you can show them off for years to come. £391 www.amara.com
Homes and Interiors
TWEET of the MONTH
Studio Hopwood @Danielhopwood Be brave! Love pattern, colour and texture? Don’t be afraid to use them in your home. The bedroom is the perfect place to start experimenting.
Decorex @Decorex_Intl Renowned ceramicist Regina Heinz draws on her love for her native countryside in her beautiful ceramic surfaces, which are rich in colour, form and texture. #Decorex2018
# H O M E W E B W AT C H : AS THE NIGHTS BEGIN TO LENGTHEN, WE CHECK OUT THE BEST PLACES TO F I N D S TAT E M E N T LIGHTING
www.leebroom.com
PLANTER PARADISE If you’re short on outdoor space, or simply want to bring some additional greenery into your home, this large standing planter from Ferm Living is the ideal way to keep things mess-free. The minimalistic coated-metal frame with slim legs speaks to the brand’s Scandinavian roots and means it’s perfectly suited to smaller spaces such as hallways. Try doubling it up as a drinks trolley, or keep it in the kitchen filled with a mix of herb pots and olive oils. Additional accessories you can buy include a brass tray which hooks over the top and acts like a shelf. £179 www.bearandbear.com
www.tomraffield.com www.busterandpunch.com
WORDS OF WISDOM “Serious is a word that must be entirely avoided when it comes to decoration.” - Kathryn M. Ireland
Light the Way
Signify has introduced two new products to the Philips Hue connected lighting system. The versatile Philips Hue Play and Philips Hue Signe light bars are designed to add ambience to your living areas and make your entertainment experiences more immersive. The tall, slim Signe light bars are ideal for
placing upright next to your TV, while the smaller Play bar can also sit horizontally or be mounted behind as a backlight. When connected to the Philips Hue bridge and the Philips Hue app, the lights can be personalised, allowing you to choose from 16 million different colours. If you’re really keen to go all-out, the additional Hue Sync app even allows you to bring the colours on screen into the room, by synchronising the light bars with the content you’re watching, or playing. It’ll make that home movie experience even more atmospheric. Philips Hue Play from €69.95 for a single pack; Philips Hue Signe table lamp €169.99 and floor lamp €269.99 www.meethue.com
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LIFE IN DESIGN
Rachel
BATES We meet to chat with the CEO & Founder of Rachel Bates Interiors Limited
Comfort is also of paramount importance if you are designing a piece of furniture for example.
The proudest moment in your career to date?
There have been a few really. The moment we launched our online boutique (www.rachelbatesinteriors.com) in 2015, after years of planning and hard work was an incredibly proud moment. Being featured in the Financial Times How to Spend It magazine the following day was the icing on the cake! I would say being awarded Positive Luxury ‘Brand to Trust’ status in 2017 was also a highlight.
The best thing about working in the industry?
The world of interior and product design is an incredibly friendly industry where people are genuinely happy for the successes and achievements of others. It’s an industry full of vibrant and interesting characters, ensuring there is never a dull moment! It is a diverse and uniquely talented community who provide so much inspiration for all those interested in creating beautiful products and sumptuous home environments.
What’s important to you when beginning a design?
When I begin any form of design work, be it a room scheme or a product design for my own label collections or special collaboration projects the approach is always the same. The end result is always going to be colourful, elegant & sophisticated. The underlying consideration, however, is practicality, usability, functionality and sustainability.
Which designer inspires you the most?
Interiors and Architecture – French & Italian Rococo Design by the likes of François de Cuvilliés, Germain Boffrand and Nicolas Pineau. Fashion - Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana.
Your work has enabled you to travel extensively; tell us your favourite destination
Gosh, there are so many beautiful places that I have visited over the years both on
“It’s an industry full of vibrant and interesting 134
Homes and Interiors
holiday and for business purposes, although when it’s business travel you often don’t have much time to see the sights. My favourite country of all is Italy. I love the people, food, scenery and the culture & history of the place. My two favourite places to escape to with my husband for a break are The Splendido in Portofino and Villa D’Este in Lake Como. The latter is where I met one of my heroes this summer, Lionel Ritchie. I was really dancing on the ceiling! I also attended the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda in Como which was just mindblowing. I’m a huge fan of the brand but when I realised that it was being held in Como whilst we were staying there and that hubby had planned to take me, I nearly passed out with excitement!
Where will we usually find you when you are not in the studio, working?
Spending time with my husband and family is of the utmost importance to me so mostly that’s where you’ll find me if I’m not busy working or travelling. I love cooking too, I find it incredibly relaxing and it allows me to switch off completely. I have been working on a
lifestyle and cookery book in my rare windows of spare time which I plan to publish in the near future. For exercise, I can often be found walking to The Edge with my adorable pug, Arabella and my sister & business partner Katie and her little pug, Isadora. We like to stop at the wizard tea room mid-walk. One Saturday a month I meet up with my girlfriends at Piccolino in Alderley Edge for a late lunch and a catch-up. We all lead such busy lives so the dates are booked in the diary on a “make-it-if-youcan” basis. We generally have a full house, hell would freeze over before we all missed out on a girly catch up and a few glasses of Champagne! Sunday Lunch at The Edge Hotel is also a favourite. I have little to zero time for shopping for myself so when the opportunity does crop up I can generally be found with my feet up, reading a magazine or surfing online for some new wardrobe staples. Two of my favourite go-to sites are Moda Operandi and The Outnet. However, I do think it’s very important to support the local businesses and shops in our villages too and Out Dazzle is a particular favourite, Sally, the owner, is a super lady and always helps you to pick out some wonderful pieces for your travel wardrobe. Jennifer Gibson, who specialises in exquisite, vintage costume jewellery is another local favourite. You can often find her on a Sunday at Altrincham Market or popping up at Black and White Denim in Wilmslow, or you can simply visit her e-boutique. Both are excellent local retailers to add to your shopping list Ladies! If I need wonderful, fresh produce for the dining table then a run out to Grantham’s in Alderley Edge is an absolute must. www.rachelbatesinteriors.com
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Homes and Interiors
THE EDIT
GOOD AS GOLD When the nights begin to darken, brighten your interiors with opulent touches of this precious metal. Here’s our pick of the most decadent accessories to invest in
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Metal Frame Cups, Midnight Gold, £19 for a set of two www.baristaandco.com
Paparazzo Lamp, £350 www.oka.com
Tabitha Wire Lounge Chair, £275 www.habitat.co.uk
Matchbox + Matches, £95 www.uk.l-objet.com
Fornasetti Wall Plate No. 47, £225 www.libertylondon.com
Spray Cushion, £60 www.amara.com
Paloma Matt Gold Cutlery Set, £220 www.amara.com
L’Arbre Tropical Gold Framed Print - Le Cocotier, £250 www.audenza.com
Beosound 2 speaker, Brass Tone, £1,475 www.beoplay.com
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
G I FFO R D LE A , C H E S H I R E
Just imagine coming home‌
Retire In Style From decluttering to the overall prospect of downsizing, for many people the thought of moving in their retirement can be somewhat overwhelming. Yet villages such as Gifford Lea are providing a practical, immediate and extremely stylish solution that is safer, easier to maintain and in turn, more economically viable. Group’s premium later living destinations, paving the way for ‘a life less ordinary’.
From light, bright, spacious apartments to fully fitted kitchens, walk in showers, feature fire places and an abundance of storage space, when it comes to retirement living, there really isn’t any need to compromise on style. Add to this your very own wellness spa, chauffeur service, cafe and restaurant… moving into later life just got a whole lot more appealing. Just eight miles from Chester, Tattenhall is one of Cheshire’s most coveted postcodes thanks to its natural beauty and idyllic charm. Forming an important part of the local community and home to 48 luxurious retirement apartments, Gifford Lea is one of Inspired Villages
Gifford Lea will also be introducing a spectacular new range of luxury facilities, including a heated indoor pool and saunas that provide an inviting thermal experience. The wellness spa has been designed to empower and support residents, offering a dedicated environment for therapeutic exercise and wellbeing. Other new facilities to be introduced include a beauty salon, a lush, close-mown bowling green and much more.
Providing a range of ground and first-floor apartments, each contains distinct charm and character, celebrating a neutral colour palette and luxurious fittings.
Every room has been carefully designed to utilise space and keep clutter to a minimum, whilst the addition of large windows, generously proportioned door frames and strategically placed lighting keeps the rooms feeling light and airy, creating the perfect home to retire to.
Book your appointment today by visiting: www.giffordlea.co.uk/cl01 or call the sales team at Gifford Lea on: 01829 289 131 or email: info@giffordlea.co.uk
Call 01829 289 131 www.giffordlea.co.uk/cl01 Frog Lane, Tattenhall, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 9DN
HENBURY The most important classical house built in England in the 20th Century, at the heart of a beautifully landscaped historic Estate extending to approximately 530 acres. FOR SALE AS A WHOLE OR AS 12 SEPERATE LOTS: • Lot 1: Henbury Hall - gardens, grounds and parkland, in approximately 138.9 acres • Lot 2: The Cave – Grade II Listed 5 bedroom house in approximately 13.9 acres • Lot 3: Pale Lodge – 4 bedroom house in approximately 45.2 acres • Lot 4: Horseshoe Lodge – Grade II Listed 3 bedroom house • Eight further lots of parkland, agricultural land and woodland.
PRICE ON APPLICATION
W I L M S LOW
01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk
LOT 2
LOT 3
LOT 4
WINCLE
W I L M S LOW
01625 540 340
A small Estate with 2 substantial houses, extensive equestrian facilities, farmland and outbuildings, standing in about 62.31 acres, with a further Lot of 62.22 acres available
wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk
separately. Potential for significant stamp duty savings.
• 6 bedroom barn conversion • 3 bedroom farm house • Equestrian facilities including 40m x 25m rubber and sand manege, field shelters & extensive stabling • Large range of barns • Small lake • Extensive farmland & smaller horse paddocks • Mature woodland • In all about 115 acres
GUIDE PRICES: LOT 1 - £1,850,000 EPC RATING C, F & B
LOT 2 - £300,000
Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices
CGI
CGI
CGI
WILMSLOW
W I L M S LOW
A period family house with entertainment suite and annexe, currently being renovated
wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk
and extended by Huntsmere, sitting in approximately 1.63 acres of landscaped gardens.
• 3 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room open-plan to family room & dining area • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • 1 bedroom annexe • Entertainment suite with bar, games & cinema areas • Garage • Gardens • About 1.63 acres
GUIDE PRICE £3,500,000 PREDICTIVE EPC RATING B
01625 540 340
Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices
BOWDON
HALE
A spacious and recently refurbished ground floor apartment with two terraces, situated in
hale@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk
this prestigious development on South Downs Road.
• Reception room • Kitchen/dining room • 3 bedrooms (2 en suite) • Bathroom • Verandah • Private patio • Communal gardens • Private storage • 2 underground parking spaces • Visitor parking
GUIDE PRICE £975,000 EPC RATING D
0161 928 8881
Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices
CGI
CGI
CGI
HALE BARNS
HALE
LAST HOUSE REMAINING Masterful design and modern luxury are uniquely embodied
hale@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk
in this 5 bedroom detached new build house, due for completion in Spring 2019.
• Open-plan living/dining kitchen • 2 reception rooms • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • Garage • Mature gardens
GUIDE PRICE £2,500,000 EPC RATING B
0161 928 8881
Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices
WILMSLOW
EPC RATING E
A beautifully presented and generously proportioned, south-facing, period family house, within walking distance of central Wilmslow.
• 3 reception rooms • Breakfast kitchen • 4 bedrooms (1 en suite) • Bathroom • Cellarage • Garaging • Gardens GUIDE PRICE £1,350,000
ALDERLEY EDGE
EPC RATING D
A substantial portion of an original Alderley villa, renovated to a stunning standard, on a prestigious private road.
• Drawing room • Kitchen/dining/living room with cooking area off • 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) • Garden room • Garaging • Gardens GUIDE PRICE £1,195,000
W I L M S LOW
01625 540 340
8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AA wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk
CGI
CGI
NETHER ALDERLEY
CGI
EPC RATING (EXISTING) F
An amazing opportunity to create an exquisite country house sitting in just under 5 acres, overlooking a stunning lake. Further land and development opportunity available by separate negotiation. Proposed: • 6 reception rooms • Study • Kitchen • Breakfast room • 7 bedrooms • 5 bathrooms • Leisure suite • Just under 5 acres
OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £2,000,000
MOTTRAM ST ANDREW An immaculately presented, Grade II Listed barn conversion, sitting in around 9.84 acres, with breathtaking views.
• Dining hall • 2 reception rooms • Study • Kitchen/breakfast room • 4 bedrooms (2 en suite) • Bathroom • Garaging with gym & office above • Gardens • Approximately 9.84 acres GUIDE PRICE £1,750,000
W I L M S LOW
01625 540 340
8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AA wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk
EPC EXEMPT
HOW BIG IS YOURS? WE’D LOVE TO MEET AN EXPERIENCED
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER As we continue to grow our leading luxury lifestyle title, we’re doing a little growing of our own. So we’d love to meet proven sales executives with a love of luxury, a sense of style and a taste for the finer things.
careers@thecheshiremag.co.uk
Homes and Interiors
HOT PROPERTY WE’VE SCOURED THE WORLD TO BRING YOU SOME OF THE FINEST HOMES ON THE MARKET
Sunnybank CLOTTON
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his large, Victorian family home boasts an excellent location in the quiet hamlet of Clotton. Residents here benefit from peaceful surroundings – and a local public house – while still living in easy reach of the amenities of Tarporley (two miles away) and Chester (eight miles). Tarporley’s historic high street has a broad range of shops including fashion boutiques, art galleries and florists, as well as offering restaurants, two churches, a primary and secondary school and a pair of well-regarded golf courses. It also affords easy access to motorway and railway networks. Back in Clotton, the gated Victorian property on offer boasts two reception rooms, a kitchen/diner, four bedrooms (one with an en-suite), a further bathroom and a cellar. The kitchen and dining area is a particular highlight, mixing the heritage feel of parquet
flooring with a range of contemporary white and grey handleless units, granite work surfaces and built-in appliances. A utility room should help to keep this space uncluttered, thanks to its additional storage units and space for white goods. Charming period features throughout the house include sash bay windows, picture rails, feature fireplaces and an original Minton tiled floor in the hallway. At the front of the property, a gravel driveway provides ample off-road parking for several vehicles. Meanwhile, its private garden offers relaxing views across open farmland. The outdoor space is divided into lawn and paved seating areas, ideal for those who prefer a garden with less maintenance. A final bonus is the detached Coach House in the grounds, which already has planning permission in place for conversion. Available through Hinchliffe Holmes T: 01829 730021 www.hinchliffeholmes.co.uk Priced at £595,000
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50 Hawthorne Road HALE, CHESHIRE
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et in one of Hale’s most popular locations within walking distance of both Hale and Altrincham, this house has been superbly modernised and extended by our clients and now offers fabulous accommodation spread over three floors. Briefly, the accommodation comprises a good sized entrance
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hallway, a well-proportioned bay fronted lounge and dining room, completing the ground floor is a magnificent extended breakfast kitchen opening onto the rear garden complemented by a utility room and ground floor WC. At first floor level leading from a good sized landing are double bedrooms and a family bathroom, and at the secondfloor level is a magnificent loft conversion with master bedroom, en-suite and eaves storage area.
Completing the overall picture are good sized gardens to the rear and compact landscaped gardens to the front. Hawthorn Road is characterised by a mixture of two, three and four bedroomed period houses many of which have been completely upgraded and extended. The house sits within ten minutes flat walking distance of Hale and Altrincham. Hale with its fashionable range of shops and restaurants is complemented by Altrincham’s rapidly improving market town centre with Metro system into Manchester. The urban motorway network and International Airport are literally on the doorstep and sporting and recreational facilities abound. Available through J Hilditch & Co T: 0161 929 6363 www.jhilditch.com Offers in the region of £535,000
Homes and Interiors
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
Morningside PRESTBURY
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orningside is a truly bespoke residence, one of the finest in Prestbury and enjoys a magnificent position adjoining Prestbury Golf course. It has been the subject of a painstaking refurbishment in recent years including the creation of arguably the finest leisure suite we have seen to date. Set within over an acre of landscaped grounds with mature specimen trees, rolling lawns and wonderful outside entertaining areas, this is a property equally at home for a family as for entertaining in grand style. Morningside is a truly bespoke residence, one of the finest in Prestbury and enjoys a magnificent position adjoining Prestbury Golf
course. It has been the subject of a painstaking refurbishment in recent years including the creation of arguably the finest leisure suite we have seen to date. Set within over an acre of landscaped grounds with mature specimen trees, rolling lawns and
wonderful outside entertaining areas, this is a property equally at home for a family as for entertaining in grand style. Available through Savills www.savills.co.uk £3,950,000
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HOT PROPERTY
PROPERTY of the MONTH Chester Row BELGRAVIA, LONDON, SW1W
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et in the heart of Belgravia, Chester Row offers the unique opportunity to combine two grand Georgian stucco homes. The property comes with planning permission to create an impressive 6,500 sq. ft. home with six bedrooms set across five floors in a Westminster conservation area. The plans include a cinema room,
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games room and gym to the basement along with an extensive garden rivalling the size of any in the area. The interiors of the property are currently in great condition, featuring charming wood floors and white walls throughout, offering the perfect blank canvas for someone wanting a property project. Set on one of London’s most desirable streets, the property is surrounded by fashionable restaurant and cafes. While moments is away is the desirable shopping district of Sloane Square.
Available through UK Sotheby’s International Realty | +44 (0)20 7495 9580 | www.sothebysrealty.co.uk | Offers in the region of £10,500,000.
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CASE STUDY
The Heart of
THE HOME The design experts at Kitchen Architecture bring light and fluidity into this period property
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amily firm Kitchen Architecture was established in 2002 and its expertise in creating sleek, statementmaking spaces has made it one of the most trusted names in the industry. The company now has showrooms in London, Oxford and Cheshire, and is the largest global retailer of top-of-the-range bulthaup kitchens. These beautifully-crafted yet highlypractical kitchen systems combine the brilliance of German engineering with stylish aesthetics, and Kitchen Architecture specialises in personalising the bulthaup product.
The exceptional customisation service it offers has attracted clients from interior design and architecture firms to food experts including award-winning cookery writer Diana Henry and chef Heston Blumenthal – it just can’t promise one of its kitchens will improve your cooking. The kitchen itself is often referred to as the heart of the home, and the trend for open-plan living has seen this position cemented in recent years. Designing a space used for cooking, eating, relaxing and entertaining needs careful consideration, and Kitchen Architecture believes that a site visit in the early stages ensures layout, style and functionality are all equally considered. In this pictured project, that process began when the clients got the keys to their property. The house dates from the Victorian era and is bursting with character, boasting high-ceilinged rooms and a beautiful garden, which the clients were keen to incorporate into the design. Kitchen Architecture is not one to shy away from larger-scale
“The idea behind this was to create a generous 154
Homes and Interiors
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT © DARREN CHUNG
transformations, and initial discussions led to the removal of an internal wall and an extension being added across the rear and side of the property. The idea behind this was to create a generous open-plan space with easy garden access, for the couple and their four children to enjoy, and to bring in more natural light through the extension’s additional glazing and skylights. It’s also important to consider the overall flow of the ground floor. In this case, it was crucial to understanding how the space would connect to the other existing rooms, such as the snug.
open-plan space with easy garden access” 155
CASE STUDY
Ease of movement within the room itself is aided by a large rectangular island. With bar stools alongside it, a separate dining area on the other side of the room and an open walkway between, the family can move freely around the space, and in and out of the garden. The proportion was also a key consideration and at 4.3m long, the island is large enough to not get lost in the open-plan space. As well as functioning as a prepping surface, its grand size also accommodates a
sink, breakfast area and storage. A further run of tall cabinets behind the island houses all of the major appliances and even more storage – ideal for keeping the space tidy when entertaining guests. The tall furniture is recessed into stud walling, something to consider for a more sleek, streamlined finish. As part of the personalisation
element, the island features recessed grips and plinths in an antique bronze finish. The single lever mixer by Dornbacht and the Quooker boiling water tap are also both custom-finished in antique bronze. With handleless furniture, these metallic touches act as the focal points in an otherwise minimalistic and clean scheme, while pendant lighting directly above ensures it’s a practical space to cook. The other statement piece in the room is the black five-oven AGA Dual Control range cooker. When built into units of the same colour, it makes a more traditional stove look like a strikingly bold and modern choice. Additional top-of-the-range, family-size appliances include a
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large, matching wine storage unit and fridge-freezer by Sub-Zero; and a coffee machine, combination microwave, warming drawer and fully-integrated dishwasher by Miele. These items were a significant element of the budget but with a large space to entertain in, the technology needed to match, both in scale and capability.
As for the colour scheme, the now bright, light-filled room was in need of some contrast. Kitchen Architecture introduced an industrial edge with dark grey and white shades, concrete work surfaces and a polished concrete floor. The concrete for the surfaces had to be cast on site and poured directly into a frame on top of the furniture, making it a truly one-of-akind finishing touch. Kitchen Architecture’s bulthaup kitchens start at £50,000. A similar kitchen to the one shown in this feature would cost approximately £80,000. Kitchen Architecture, The Colony, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4LY. 01625 544 890 / www.kitchenarchitecture.co.uk
recessed grips and plinths in an antique bronze finish. 157
New Showroom Store Street Bollington Cheshire SK10 5PN t: 01625 466200 e: showroom@portraitpools.com w: portraitpools.com
Kitchen Architecture’s distinctive interpretation of luxury living The Farmhouse The Colony Altrincham Road Wilmslow SK9 4LY Tel: 01625 544 890
kitchenarchitecture.co.uk
Janey Butler Interiors & Llama Architects form part of the Llama Group. Creating award winning residential and commercial projects in the UK and abroad. I n t e r n at i o n a l A wa r d W i n n i n g A r c h i t e c t s & D e s i g n e r s The Coach House, Capesthorne Hall, Nr Alderley Edge , Cheshire , SK11 9JY
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l l a m ag ro u p . c o . u k
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T: 01625 861935 E:
h e l lo @ ja n e y bu t l e r . c o . u k
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T: 01625 861936 E:
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