The Cheshire Magazine - February 2021 by The Cheshire Magazine & The Rutland Magazine

FEBRUARY 2021 s ISSUE 082

DEVILS Patrick Dempsey discusses his new Sky Original Thriller

A New Italian LOVE AFFAIR We discover intimate experiences in Italy

From the Heart Give the gift of love this Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

F E B RUA R Y 2 0 2 1 s ISSUE 082 s

Managing Director Kathryn Otto Deputy Editor Craig Hough Editorial Team Louisa Warde Kevin Evans Contributers James Fossdyke Jo Williams Mary Jane Greenhalgh James Dutfield Georgie May David Poynton Alexandra Delf Brand Ambassador Sarah Irlam Design & Production Kate Woods Picture Editor Kat Hannon Charity and Event’s Coordinator Rachel O’Hare

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Where to find us... CHESTER Abode Hotel 1539 Restaurant Chester MediSpa Gieves & Hawkes Oddfellows Opera Bar & Grill The Pied Bull The Inspiring Travel Co.

s the snow continues to fall across the region, adding a white blanket across the picturesque city of Chester, it creates the perfect scene for romantic, Valentine’s walks. Love and romance is very much in the air and is spread throughout our February issue… We start with a range of gift options for your loved one this Valentine’s Day (p.10). We take a trip to Italy to see what intimate, off-the-beaten-track experiences the country offers (p.48). Travel continues to Barbados where we discover why the Caribbean Island is the perfect destination for couples (p.54) and also see what Namibia has to offer (p.51). With everyone spending more time indoors, Nosheel from Middlewood Bakes shares his top home cooked recipes (p.42), we trial some of the best food and drink home delivery services (p.38) and take a look at the best WFH accessories that will transform your work space (p.70). In our main feature interview this issue we talk to American actor, and star of Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey about his new role in the Sky Original Thriller, Devils (p.12). In Drive, James Fossdyke trials the new BMW 4 Series (p.60). Within Style, AERON showcase their Resort 2021 collection (p.17) and we focus on raising your self-care game in our Health, Beauty and Wellness pages (p.26).

LIVERPOOL Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar David M Robinson

MANCHESTER David M Robinson Gotham Hotel Great John Street Hotel Harvey Nichols Hilton Manchester Deansgate King Street Townhouse Mappin & Webb Rosso Restaurant Bar & Grill Watches of Switzerland 20 Stories Manchester Arena

MANCHESTER AIRPORT Falcona Private Jets 1903 Airport Lounge, T3 PremiAir Terminal

CHESHIRE 52 Alderley Road Clinic Bolesworth Estate & Events Carden Park Hotel Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Kitchen Architecture Willow Boutiques The Mere The Church Inn The Roebuck Inn The Colony The Stanneylands Pulse of Perfumery (POP) Piccolinos Knutsford

So please pour yourself a warm drink, kick back and enjoy the read.

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A young couple share a romantic dinner with candles heart on the sea sand beach. Photograph by Mirelle, Shutterstock

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Contents FOOD & DRINK

A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITES

FROM THE HEART WITH LOVE Give the gift of love this Valentine’s

DEVILS

A NEW ITALIAN LOVE AFFAIR

HOSPITALITY AT HOME

MEET THE CHEF

Patrick Dempsey discusses his new Sky Original Thriller

The team trial some of the best home delivery food and drink products on offer in the area

Nosheel, Owner of Middlewood Bakes shares his favourite recipes

TRAVEL

We discover more intimate experiences in romantic Italy

UNDER THE NAMIBIAN SKY

We take a pre-lockdown trip to Little Kulala

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS

SHINE THROUGH SELF-CARE

Top tips to help raise your self-care game

FAMILY

33 REGULARS

MY LIFE...

Holly-Emma Gough from Entertainment 12 shares her life in North Wales with us

STYLE

RESORT 2021

AERON release their new collection

TOP TIPS

To protect your little one’s mental health while homeschooling

DRIVE

FANTASTIC 4

James Fossdyke trials the new BMW 4 Series

HOME

GLOBAL INFLUENCE

COSY UP TO YOUR HOME OFFICE

Keeping our nomadic dreams alive with these top products for your home

The best WFH accessories that will transform your work space

Say hello to our new Champneys spa at Mottram Hall Gift cards and spa experiences available at

Champneys.com

My life ... HOLLY-EMMA GOUGH ,EVENTS MANAGER AT ENTERTAINMENT 12

How would you describe yourself ? Always a tough one, but I would say motivated, energetic, always up for fun but most of all a workaholic! Where is home? And work? Home is North Wales, but I travel all over the UK for work. What did you want to be when you were younger? A fashion designer. Name a few of your favourite places to be... Turkey, Oludeniz. I go every year. Prague is also a firm favourite of mine.

“As long as you give 100% to ever ything you do, that is all that matters” What or who inspires you? My family, partner and my girls, always supporting and motivating each other to be the best version of ourselves. What was the last gift you gave someone? I bought my partner a pair of Valentinos at Christmas. Tell us a secret/fun fact? I’m a Karaoke Queen on the sly (I can’t sing!). Who or what would you place in Room 101? People who eat with their mouths open. What’s been your biggest life lesson? You can’t please everyone, do what makes you happy. As long as you give 100% to everything you do, that is all that matters. Instagram: Entertainment_12_ Facebook: Entertainment12events

From the Heart

with Lo Love

Give the gift of love this Valentine’s Day…

Stationary for your Sweetheart For a gift unique and personal – a handwritten letter full of sentiment to show just how much you care. Perfect for declaring your burning adoration, luxury stationer’s, Pen Heaven offer a bountiful collection of writing sets, fountain pens and deep crimson ink to give your words more substance. Furthermore, why not gift your beau with the art of writing, to solidify your devotion to each other and immortalise your love forever!

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1. Sealed with a kiss, the traditional Wax & Seal Set (£12.50), will ensure those passionate words remain a secret until they find its lucky recipient. 2. For the lover of cursive, a writer, or the romantic poet in your life, a luxury engraved fountain pen is a must for capturing every sentimental verse. And they don’t come much better than this Montegrappa Felicita Red Velvet Fountain Pen (£180). 3. Bring your words to life with this Pilot Iroshizuku Ink (£28.96) in a crimson shade – perfect for pouring your heart out. 4. The perfect memento, this ornate Bomo Art Rose Square Journal (£27.50), oozes vintage style and is ideal for storing all those lustful wittering’s and desires. Emboss the leather spine with initials, date or place you met, or a pet name for a sentimental present to be preserved forever. 5. For when love takes over, this charming Feather Quill & Correspondence Set (£17.99) will help invoke your burning desires. www.penheaven.co.uk 10

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

A Night in with Chester Zoo Staying in is definitely the new going out this Valentine’s. Make the most of these dark and cosy winter evenings by snuggling up on the couch with Chester Zoo. Binge watch the TV series, Our Zoo, with a glass of Chester Zoo’s very own botanical gin. This tasty tipple is infused with hand-picked ingredients grown at the zoo. The bundle is completed with a fragranced candle, with glass votive candle holder and a delicious solid Belgian milk chocolate. It is a truly special gift and will be sure to tickle the taste buds of any gin lover! A Night In With Chester Zoo, £50, www.chesterzoo.org

From The Heart Wine Time One for wine lovers, The Northern Wine & Beer Co has launched a special steamy Valentine’s Wine Case guaranteed to get temperatures racing and hit the right note this Valentine’s Day. The case of six includes two bottles of red, two whites, a Champagne and an organic sparkling win. All of the wines have been sourced from small craft, often family run producers and are usually found in top restaurants around the UK. Valentine’s Wine Case, £75, www.northernwineandbeer.co.uk

Pamper your partner’s palate with this decadently smooth and creamy selection of milk, dark and ruby chocolates from Fortnum and Mason. Indulge in the Dark Cherry Truffle infused with rich cherry liqueur, or a Milk Hazelnut Cluster with whole Turkish hazelnuts roasted, caramelized then double coated in velvety milk chocolate. Be tempted by the Ruby Countess Grey Ganache, made using Fortnum’s very own tea, the Dark Chocolate Passionfruit Fondant, and Rosé Champagne Truffle filled with a dark chocolate ganache and enrobed in ruby chocolate. Devour the Dark Chocolate Cassis bursting with blackcurrant jelly, the Milk Chocolate Rhubarb Truffle, and finally the delectable Milk Chocolate Honeycomb Dome. Presented in a heart-shaped box – how could you resist? Heart Chocolate Selection Box, 210g, £35, www.fortnumandmason.com

The Scent Of Love

MyLO is a charming and sunny fragrance inspired by the White Lily, one of the most beloved flowers in perfumery- the perfect choice as a Valentine’s Day gift. A White Lily heart, surrounded by fruity, floral and soft notes, draws a smile on the face of whoever wears this fragrance. A warm base, rich in persuasive notes of benzoin, vanilla, white amber and musk, strengthens the floral notes and leaves its trace on the skin. Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Yellow Mandarin, Pink Peppercorn, White Lily, Jasmine, Iris, Rose, Benzoin, Vanilla, White Amber, Musk MyLO, £90, www.pulseofperfumery.com 11

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

DEVILS Patrick Dempsey talks to The Cheshire Magazine about his upcoming role in the Sky Original thriller based on Guido Maria Brera’s bestseller

lessandro Borghi stars in Devils as Massimo Ruggeri, the Head of Trading at one of the most important investment banks in the world. Massimo’s successes have seen him make hundreds of millions of dollars for his employers, and with it, all but certain promotion to vice-CEO. However, a scandal involving his wife puts a brake on Massimo’s ambitions, leading his American CEO and mentor, Dominic Morgan (Patrick Dempsey), to withdraw his support. Massimo takes this rejection hard, and things go from bad to worse when his rival and apparent successor suddenly dies, and Massimo becomes the prime suspect. Sensing that Dominic is hiding something, Massimo sets about clearing his name and finding out the truth behind the vast political game plan he has inadvertently been caught up in. What attracted you to this project? When I read the script I kept turning the page. I was so intrigued, wondering, ‘Where is this going to end up?’ I loved the insight into the financial world, and Guido’s vision. It was fascinating to take this financial world which we’re used to seeing from the American perspective and look at it from a European perspective. That feels fresh. And sure enough, the feedback I’ve been getting is that financial people really like it. It has an authenticity. The visual style is really cool, that was another thing that impressed me. They’d been shooting for about a month when I arrived in Europe and they showed me a couple of scenes with Alessandro and I was like, ‘Wow, this has a great look’. It was really exciting to hit the ground running, knowing that. And to be honest, filming in Rome and in London was a big attraction for me.

Can you describe your character, Dominic? He’s the CEO of the London branch of the New York London bank. His biggest anxiety is chaos and anything that is out of his control. What’s his relationship with Massimo like? They’ve known each other for 20 years; Massimo was his protégé. It’s a very complicated relationship where he needs Massimo very much in order to keep control. And I think the vulnerability of that is his weakness. For Dominic it’s a real love; their relationship crosses professional boundaries. It’s a father-son relationship. So when Massimo lets him down it’s a real disappointment, as much as he’s capable of showing vulnerability. There’s a deep love story between these two men and that’s what makes the betrayal so profound for both of them. One of the things about this series is who betrays who first, and why. Loyalty is key to all of this and the most fascinating aspect of Devils.

directors and listening to their feedback and saying, ‘Okay, let’s try this’. How high are the stakes? They’re high: what they’re doing in the banks is affecting whole nations. And that’s another thing that I like, because our drama is spliced with real-life news footage which tells the real human story. Through Sofia’s back story, and Massimo’s back story, we see the effect on people on the streets when the banks take these massive gambles. Everyday men and woman are affected. We see how the working-class population in the UK is affected, how a small fishing village in Italy is affected, the tragedy that ensues. I like that aspect of it. What’s Dominic’s marriage to Nina like? They have lost their son and that has, understandably, destabilised their marriage. But they understand the importance of their union on a professional level, and they are trying to navigate the personal and professional worlds despite their grief. As an audience, the script plays with our perceptions: we never know who to trust or who is betraying whom. Is that a challenge, as an actor? That’s the fun part. And part of the decision of doing this was to play a character like that, and then try to find a balance. I never really got a chance to read the book until I was finished shooting so I didn’t have the benefit of knowing where the story was going. I really had to lean on Nick [Hurran, director] and Guido [Maria Brera, creator and writer] to tell me what’s happening with the story. Then with each take we would try different approaches of the power struggle so that was the fun part, trying to find the right tone and trusting the

What did you already know about this period in 2011, and what extra research did you do? I was really fortunate to spend a lot of time with Guido who was wonderful. He was my professor in the world of finance, and in life, really: he’s very much a philosopher. So it was spending time with him and really trying to get an understanding of what it was that he was trying to say, and then helping him with that realisation. We went to Canary Wharf in London, to the bank where Guido used to work. He took us through all the departments, so I got a really good understanding of the bank and its operations. Each floor represented a different country and a different type of investment, and I really got an overview of the banking system. It was fascinating to see it firsthand, to feel the energy on the floor, and also to get a better understanding about what it’s like to be an executive. Then Guido would recommend different books and documentaries. And we were all given a great vocabulary list.

Was that a challenge to learn? It was fun. We really don’t dumb down any of the dialogue, and certainly the vocabulary, which is why the people who are in the financial world call me to say they love this, because of the insight and subtlety and authenticity of it. What did you think of the bankers you met? They were very charming, very well-dressed, well-educated. There was a great diversity from around the world, of course, because they need to understand and represent the country’s clients. Bankers haven’t been particularly popular since the 2008 crash, have they? No, but I think it depends on how they handle success and what they do with it. You see some of these really smart corporations who understand the importance of giving back to their communities and supporting local charities and things that need to be given financing. So, if they’re giving money back into their community, I think that’s a good thing. And it’s an important thing, realising the importance of that, that it’s the right thing to do. But it’s a question of greed and capitalism and the sustainability of capitalism and democracy. Those themes are all in play in our series. Dominic lives in a lovely house and seems quite protected from the effects of some of his decisions. I don’t think he can afford to feel those ramifications. He makes a

calculation before doing a deal and looks at the overall cost and the benefit but he lives in a nice world. He’s a generous friend to the people around him, and I guess he has been a good husband in the past. He’s not irredeemable and he has people around him he has treated well. Tell me a little about filming on location. I loved the energy at Canary Wharf in London, it was really exciting. People walking around in suits, busy busy. We did the exteriors there. The rest of the time we were in Rome in an old warehouse, converted into the floor you see that is Dominic’s trading floor. I’ve actually spent a lot of time in Rome so it was good to be back. You have your neighbourhood that you’re living in, and then you have an opportunity to go to the museums, to go out and eat great food. There’s always something to do. And it’s also good to get out to the country on days off because the energy of the city is so intense and exciting. The countryside was beautiful. I was very fortunate to have a nice balance in terms of work and days off. My daughter got to come over and join me and we were able to explore the city and the museums and the history together, which was really a memorable experience for both of us. Fabulous, fabulous. Can you talk a little about Dominic’s ‘look’? Everything from the hair to the clothes was so important to get the character. Once you get that right, it’s really easy to move into it. It was about making sure everything was in place and not out of place. The appearance of having it all together was very important. A lot of the suits were handmade by

TheCHESHIRE CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| Regulars | Feature The

“ Loyalty is key to all of this and the most fascinating aspect of Devils ”

an older gentleman in Italy. That was a really fun process because I think a lot of these financial men working at this level have very well-tailored suits custom-made for them. It becomes less about the money and being flashy and more about the power. How did you get on with your co-stars? Alessandro was fantastic to work with; very focused. Our scenes were very intense but he’s a very warm, very giving, very funny, passionate actor to work with. I really enjoyed it through the whole process. And the cast in general, we became really very close because we were on ‘vacation’ together in Rome. There was a great atmosphere on the floor and we were very supportive of each other. It was very much part of the culture to get together and have big group dinners. Did you enjoy working with an international cast and crew? I loved it. It was an intense working environment because of the multiple languages that were going on, so we had to really focus and stay on top of it and attune to how people were feeling, but I really enjoyed that process. I think now we’re seeing the power of streaming, how it’s changed the business. Countries aren’t looking to America for content anymore. They’re looking in their own backyard and at their own filmmakers. There’s an opportunity for those filmmakers to show their point of view in a fresh way and have it seen by a worldwide audience.

Do you think we need agitators like Sofia to find information and hold bankers to account? I think there’s so much distrust in the world right now, and democracies are really fragile. I also think disinformation on social media has gone out of control. I think there have to be checks and balances. We’re seeing in the States, you know, how dangerous and how challenging that can be. I didn’t realise how fragile democracy was until the election. And look at what’s going on in England, the division that’s happening with Brexit. I definitely think we’re in a period of agitation. We’re looking at really scary environmental issues and if we don’t take care of that, that’s going to mean mass migration, which will put a lot of pressure on certain countries who are already seeing that. And because of the financial devastation of Covid-19, we’re seeing a lot of people are going hungry right now. So a lot is in front of us and it’s going to be hard. There’s a line in Devils that says the most powerful weapon in the world isn’t guns, it’s finance. Do you agree? I think it’s money, and power. It’s control, and money helps with that. You know, I think it’s easy to do this broad generalisation that all bankers are bad. I don’t think that’s true. I think it depends on the culture of whatever that company is, which certainly comes from leadership. Sky Studios presents Devils a Sky Italia and Lux Vide production in collaboration with Orange Studio and OCS “DEVILS” based on the novel I Diavoli by Guido Maria Brera published by Rizzoli

So you would work in Europe again? Absolutely. I love it there. 2020 was the longest period of time I spent outside Europe in more than 15 years so it was a hard year in the sense of being locked down and not being able to travel.

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Res eso ort 2021 AERON’s Resort 2021 collection draws inspiration from the studio style of contemporary ballet dancers and the artistic framework of choreographer Pina Bausch

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

n the second term of the twentieth century Pina Bausch established an ultimately new artistic language. By orchestrating her dancers in a profoundly intimate way, Bausch turned performances into surreal rites of the collective subconscious. In the times of self-reflection, her whispered instruction “dig deeper” echoes, and drives us to observe our thoughts and emotions in an act of liberating self-discovery. The dynamic conversation between masculine and feminine principles is a core foundation of this collection as pieces such as “Café Müller” or “The Rite of Spring” are all constructed around the concept of duality. In this season, the Budapest Atelier led by founding designer Eszter Áron reimagined AERON classics such as jumpsuits, oversized shirts, and monochromatic sets. House signature tailoring is reborn with a more disciplined objective, while floaty fabrics of recycled satin evoke the sensual fragility of dancers’ refined movement. The personal style of Bausch – her taste for a utilitarian, yet striking wardrobe – also played a key part in building the collection of gently floating shirts with collar details, fine knitwear paired with sharp suiting, and a strong focus on men’s trousers. Style of rehearsing ballet dancers at the studio turns function into an emblematic allure of dressing. Tops are knotted on the waist, sweaters are tied and twisted around the torso while airy jogger pants are rolled down to the hips. These elements are equally submitted to display the perfect posture, to showcase mastered elegance in movement – this concept is distilled in fine details throughout the collection. Colors are muted in house-signature neutral tones of ivory, sand, and beige with a cameo of tangerine and pistachio. As dancers stretch the limits of the human body to reach ethereal elegance, pieces get worn out. By elevating the idea of self-repaired ballet accessories, stitches, patches, and mendings are reborn to give an effortlessly decorative function on our washed denim jackets for a rustic look. Augmented with in-house developed prints of Bausch and sketches of dancers on wrinkled poplin, AERON’s Resort 2021 collection is united in exquisite craftsmanship. A confident combination of noble materials and unfinished edges give an effortless impression, refined essentials of a modern wardrobe.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

OPPOSTIE PAGE: BELLE Button Up Jumpsuit - Sand, €545 THIS PAGE: Breanna Drop-Waist Side Slit Dress - Dancer, €595

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

OPPOSITE PAGE: BRISE Cut-Out Back Detail Dress - Champagne, €425 PHILIPPINE Minimal Shopper - Black, €645

THIS PAGE: GLISSADE Tuxedo Style Blazer - Ecru, €895 ALLEGRO Two Tone Rib Knit Mock Neck Top - Black, €245 COUPE Ballet Pants - Black, €275

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

ANA Oversize Double Breasted Coat - Natural, €89 WALZER Pleated Viscose Knit Trousers - Cream, €345 PHILIPPINE CREAM Large Minimal Shopper - Cream, €395

Available to purchase at www.aeron.com

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This year The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity turns 25 and we want you to join the celebrations! This February don your very best green get-up and in turn help raise vital funds, to transform cancer care in our region.

Keep it simple, keep it safe and for Clatterbridge, your local cancer centre! Call 0151 556 5566 for more information or visit www.clatterbridgecc.nhs.uk/events/LetsGoGreen Registered Charity Number: 1051727

Health, Beauty

Wellness

Rain on Me An oasis of calm, the extensively restored and enlarged Spa at Mandarin Oriental, London is a place to enjoy peace and serenity and to restore mind, body and soul. Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, The Spa offers a diverse range of treatments from traditional Chinese medicine, Bastien Gonzalez renowned manicures and pedicures and anti-ageing Nescens facials. www.mandarinoriental.com/london

Wellness | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Shine through

Self-Care Georgie May offers her top 5 tips to help you step up your self-care game

020 was the year of self-awareness, let’s make 2021 of self-care… Let’s face it, life is pretty stressful right now and with Coronavirus affecting the global population, we need to look at our lives and take responsibility to promote and sustain self-care to avoid ill-health and burn-out. Self-care is defined as “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one‘s own health”. Benefits include; reducing stress and anxiety, improving self-esteem, protecting your mental health and can lead to better relationships. As a society, we often deem self-care as selfish– but it’s pleasing to see the perception of this is changing with more people putting themselves ‘first’. The common misconception of self-care is that it’s quite superficial, like getting our hair done or a trip to the spa – and whilst these are all lovely and nurturing forms of self-care, many don’t fully understand how other small simple acts can have a profound impact on our internal environment. Self-care is all about going deeper: it’s nurturing of the soul that will untimely lead us to living more fulfilled, peaceful and happy lives. Recall the adage ‘Put your oxygen mask on first’ – well the same goes for self-care. With many of us experiencing ‘unprecedented’ (sigh), difficult times, it’s imperative to learn self-care tools and techniques to incorporate a strong sense of calm into our daily lives. We can then be better equipped for what life throws at us – and in turn able to help and relate better to others.

Here are my top 5 tips to help you step up your self-care game:

Date Yourself Putting ‘me time’ on the backburner can actually lead to burnout. We all lead increasingly busy lives and it can be easy to forget to put yourself first, especially those have multiple responsibilities and others to care for, but time spent getting to know yourself and how you can best serve your needs will actually help you to be better equipped for dealing with others, strengthening relationships and most importantly, help you holistically. Schedule a full day once a week or month, or better yet, an hour a day where you dedicate the time totally to your needs and your personal development. Take a long soak in the bath with relaxing essential oils, cosy-up with a book, journal your thoughts, listen to that podcast or take that course you keep putting off -whatever it is you do, consciously make time to dedicate to yourself. Get that date in your diary, switch off your phone and indulge in unapologetic ‘me- time’ – thank me later!

Tap into your Power EFT is the soon-to-be buzzword in the wellbeing space. The Emotional Freedom Technique or tapping is a therapeutic approach, backed by science, that works via the body’s energy system to eliminate negative emotions, or traumatic past events. This effective technique involves applying gentle percussive tapping on the meridian points located on the energy channels that run through your body. Through stimulating these meridian points by tapping, you access the body’s energy, which sends signals to the amygdala (our flight/ fight response) in your brain to control your level of stress, thus reducing the intensity of the negative emotion from your issue and ultimately restoring the balance to your disturbed energy. The EFT

technique is used extensively to work on a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, weight issues, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Tapping is a beautiful form of self-care. Spending just 10 minutes a day will help to acknowledge how you feel, then clear any negativity in your life, to bring balance to your mind and body. For more information see www.totao.co.uk or for free guided tapping mediations follow on Instagram @findyourtao_

easier to “nama-stay-in-bed” (get it?). Yoga is as old as time itself (well nearly) – and helps relieve anxiety, stress and depression, all while boosting energy levels and improving your overall sense of well-being, by actively calming down our nervous system and allowing us to go inwards. Yoga is a great form of self-care and NOT about touching your toes – the most common misconception! The practice of yoga is all about healing the self through self-discovery and selfacceptance. If you can’t get to a class, there are plenty of online resources, especially on YouTube– do you research, find a flow that suits you, and gently go for it.

Glow with Gratitude Gratitude and self-care go together like wine and cheese! There are numerous scientifically proven benefits to practicing gratitude; it can boost psychological health, reduce aggression, improve sleep and self-esteem – and more. Gratitude plays a key role in self-care, as when you express appreciation of yourself, others, or the world around you, you let go of any hostility, switch up your vibration, and simply ‘puts a smile on your face’. Change your perspective and implement gratitude as an essential part of your day to realise the profound impact on your life easily – and its free to do! Keep it simple: have a small notebook on your bedside table or use the notes app on your phone, then each night before bedtime, consciously scan through your day and write a list of everything you are grateful for. A study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology showed that participants who wrote in a gratitude journal for 10 weeks experienced better moods, optimism and better sleep – so surely that’s worth a try!

Flow for Freedom Time to roll out your mat, kick off your socks and get your Om on! We all know moving our bodies and exercising is great for both our mind and bodies, yet this is something we often neglect and it’s

Nurture with Nature Time to move our bodies again, and yes, it’s cold outside, so cosying up on the sofa binge watching Netflix is definitely more appealing, however heading into the great outdoors in ‘daylight’ and getting away from screens, is the perfect way to improve your mental and physical health and arguably, the best form of self-care. We all know exercise is good for us physically, but on an emotional level, getting outside for a walk-in nature everyday lowers stress, promotes happiness and improves productivity. Incorporate self-care into your day by adding any combination of these free and easy tips to your mental wellbeing toolkit, and lead a calmer, more empowered life. Go ahead - put on your oxygen mask and take deep restorative mindful breaths from today. 27

Wellness | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Mi nd & Body Health and fitness expert, Jo Williams shares her top tips and latest discoveries for a happier, healthy life

WOR K F ROM HOM E F I T With most of us working from home, from our bedrooms, sofas, kitchen tables or home office it is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing to keep moving. Sitting for long periods of time will impact our posture and can cause neck and shoulder pain, tightness in hips and leg cramps. Ideally your workspace should be set up correctly to minimise the chances of all of the above but don’t forget to move around or invest in a standing desk. Take breaks regularly, stand when on a call, use an exercise ball instead of a chair but make sure you stay active. Here’s a couple of exercises to try:

CHAIR BRIDGE

1. Sit on the edge of your chair with your hands down on the chair on each side of your body. 2. Then bridge up, driving up through your hands and heels. Lift your hips up as high as you can while pushing your chest out. Squeeze your glutes and draw your shoulder blades down and together. 3. Relax your head back and don’t shrug your shoulders. Make sure you aren’t hyperextending your low back to try to get your hips higher.

DESK HINGE

1. Place your hands on the desk and walk them down until your chest is parallel. Walk your feet back so that you are hinging over with your hips bent to about 90 degrees and your legs straight. Your back and arms should be straight with your arms running along side your head. You want a nice straight line from your hands on the wall to your tailbone. 2. Press your chest out through your arms and feel a nice stretch through your chest and down the sides of your back. You may even feel a stretch down your hamstrings as you lean over against the wall. Hold and breathe. Make sure your back is flat and not at all rounded as you hold.

Time for You I have, by chance, discovered this fabulous website which forces you to schedule in some you time. I am a little exhausted of scrolling through Netflix to find a new box set to watch but now I have opted for one of the any different subscriptions to reposed, I receive a lovely surprise book, some chocolate and teas and I can lose myself before bed in a little bit of slow down me time! The books are carefully selected, and you have join a fun community to share your thoughts - what’s not to love? www.reposed.co

TOP 3 OLD SCHOOL

FITNESS EQUIPMENT

The Kettlebell A great way to burn calories, long after your workout has finished. And perfect for all-in-one conditioning, core strength, stability and toning. 4kg Kettle Bell, £4, www.poundland.co.uk

The Swiss Ball Improve muscle tone and balance as well as a great tool for toning those abdominal muscles. Make sure you choose the right size though – your knees need to be at a right angle when you sit on it with your feet flat on the floor. Fitness Ball, £12.99. www.tkmaxx.com

The Skipping Rope A high intensity workout for the whole body, burning calories and working on suitability. Plus it’s suitable for all abilities. Skipping rope, £12, www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Follow Jo on instagram @ jewilliamspt 28

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SLIC ICE E

Make every day a celebration with this cute wooden birthday cake. It contains 26 pieces to create unique masterpieces for any occasion, with cake plate and matching server so that service is in style! Little Dutch Birthday Cake, ÂŁ18, www.amara.com

Family news W O R D S : G I N A N D J E L LY T O T S . C O. U K

FAMILY TIME We are huge fans of these retro books from Ladybird but for those who enjoy the classic games with a twist, try the revitalised games; Happy Families and Old Maid for some good old-fashioned family fun! Or revisit the classic How it Works collection for some vintage guidance on life… keeping it real. Happy Families and Old Maid Card Game, £7.95, www.yellowoctopus.com. Ladybird Books How it Works, £7.99, www.postboxed.co.uk

Den-Style This issue is all about helping everyone through lockdown so a den kit, designed to develop children’s thinking skills by offering challenges and some outside time (for when it warms up a little) has to be a good thing. Collated to facilitate Forest School curriculum, it will complement and reinforce what is being learned in the (virtual) classroom. The Den Kit, £60, www.thedenkitco.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

TO P T I P S WFH Together

To protect your little one’s mental health while homeschooling

We’re all working from home together, but there’s no excuse not to do it with form and function. We love these desk solutions from the magical people at Cuckooland. From a must-have adorable animal table set for the playroom to a desk and bookcase for all the family to use… Oeuf Play Table in White, £285, Oeuf Brooklyn Height Adjustable Desk, £540 & Bookcase, £550 www.cuckooland.com

Rosemary Blackburn, Head Teacher, The Firs School

Be Open

Make sure that you communicate that ups and downs are simply part of life, everybody feels anxious or worried at one point or another, even their favourite TV character. Encourage open chats about how they really feel and ensure that they know they are heard and it’s okay.

Plan Feel Good Playtime

Look After You

Sometimes the best thing to do is simply have fun together. It’s so easy to focus on teaching, discpline and educating, but for both your sakes, ask what they enjoy doing and join in. Spend time with them, sometimes the simplest thing is the most powerful.

Everyone is a little out of their comfort zone right now but remember, children learn so much from how you react. Responding to an outburst only prolongs the drama. Find your own way to help keep you calm so you can calmly respond and be helpful. And ensure that you look after you as much as you can. www.firsschool.net

CUSTOMISE & COLOUR-IN Great for arty kids (and adults) these pillowcases can be drawn on, designed and coloured using the ten wash-out pens. If you’re not happy, pop it in a warm wash, the ink disappears and it’s all ready to re-decorate. Home Decorator Pillowcase, £14.95, www.eatsleepdoodle.com

Encourage Old-Fashioned Notes In this digital age, and this tumultuous time, sending a note to someone special is a wonderful thing. So, why not use these fab pens to explore your handwriting, doodle or journal? UniBall Air Micro, £2.75, www.uniball.co.uk 33

“Education with a broader perspective.”

Food Drink The Ti Amo Box

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

SPOTLIGHT ON... A P R È S FO O D CO. WORDS: DAVID POYNTON

Best for... Healthy and nutritionally-balanced convenient meals

certainly was restaurant quality, and all this was a ready meal! The second dish that I tried was the 15-hour slow-cooked beef bourguignon. Slow-cooked again so it is already winning for me! Beef Bourguignon is an old favourite for me, but if I did find the time to make it, it probably would not turn out to be a healthy option. As we are lead to believe that healthy equals bland and tasteless. Yet again I could not believe I was eating a healthy ready meal as it was all but bland and tasteless. It was everything you could want out of homemade Beef Bourguignon. For a dessert I tried the sticky toffee pudding and had made some cookies out of the chocolate chip cookie dough. Now sticky toffee pudding and cookies only normally mean that waistline is going to expand! So to have a kinder version of these that might not be so damaging to your waistline is certainly an added bonus. And they were spot on, I’d even

say the sticky toffee pudding was one of the better ones I have had in a long time. If you’re like me I am sure that you do enjoy a bit of a treat for breakfast on a Sunday morning, so the American style Blueberry pancakes were a perfect way to start on a Sunday without worrying about not having a nutritious enough breakfast. Après Food Co. has many more dishes on offer and is great if you are looking to make an easy change to your diet or if you are just looking to try some new meals. After this taster I’d certainly go back for more. www.apresfood.com APRÈS FOOD CO. FOUNDERS: CATHERINE SHARMAN - ACCREDITED NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST, DANNY GRAY - HEAD CHEF

n todays world our health is as important as ever, and the need for a healthy balanced diet plays a huge part in that. I think many reading this now would like to make some changes to their diet, but the reality is that it can be easy and convenient not to have the best diet. Well Après Food Co.s new healthy food delivery service might have the answers for you! I will admit that I am a meat and potato kind of guy and, admittedly fall foul to the points I have already made. So I was looking forward to trying a range of healthy convenient meals. Not only were these meals healthy and nutritious, but they were also so appealing and made a fresh change to the cycle of monotonous meals I would otherwise make for myself. The first dish that I tried was the 12 hour slow-cooked Sri Lankan lamb curry. Any dish that has been slow-cooked instantly makes my mouth water. After having this dish I can safely say that I would eat this almost every day of the week! The lamb was so tender and the flavours did transport you to this Asian Island. This

Hospitality at Home The Cheshire Magazine Team trial some of the best home delivery food and drink products on offer in the area

Pizza Punks

Perfect for

Pizza Punks has a few offerings for restaurant quality Making your own pizza at ‘at-home’ cooking. All featuring their renowned San home Franciscan sourdough pizza with a choice of four toppings from the classic to the alternative. The Bake at Home pizzas are half-baked sourdough base, where you can simply put your toppings and put in the oven. Whilst the Dough-I-Y kits is for those who would like to roll out their own dough, making up the full experience of creating your own pizza - the kit includes 48-hour proofed sourdough, tomato, basil & garlic sauce, mozzarella, and the four toppings. Pizza Punks are available to order online now, with nationwide next day delivery. The Bake at Home kit for two (£16) and Punk It Up DoughIY kits for four (£26) are available for next day delivery. www.pizzapunks.co.uk

Vilarnau

Inspired by its home city of Barcelona, Perfect for Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé is stylish, Cava lovers vibrant and always at the centre of good times. Enjoy the endless stream of delicate pink bubbles and mouth-watering summer fruit flavours – the perfect aperitif. The Vilarnau Brut offers a crisp apple and ripe pear flavours amongst an abundance of fine bubbles. Produced from a blend of Macabeo, Parellada and Chardonnay which are fermented separately before blending, bottling and ageing for over 15 months. Available in 75cl and Magnum. Available for home delivery from Tesco and Ocado, www.vilarnau.es/en 38

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

Good Canteen

Perfect for

Date night treats This exciting, recently launched concept, offers a curated selection of premium healthy snacks and drinks that are designed to target different ‘food swings’ at four key points in the day - 11am, 3pm, 5pm, and 9pm. Born from the lockdown frustrations of uninspired snack cupboards, Good Canteen’s mission is to deliver the very best selection of curated treats at home. Prices per snack box start from £30 for the Morning Haze, Golden Hour, and Afternoon Delight and £35 for the Evening Bliss. Vegan and Gluten-Free options available. www.goodcanteen.co.uk

Popcorn Shed

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All you need is love and kernels! Spread Romantic night kernel shaped love this Valentine’s Day with in front of Popcorn Shed popcorn. The luxury gourmet the TV Valentine’s gifts are the perfect way to show you care. We have elegant Popcorn gifting jars, popcorn boxes and much more to help you be romantic in your own special way. The perfect gourmet popcorn Valentine’s day gift. www.popcornshed.com

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Chef hef’’s Rec eciipe Nosheel, Owner of Middlewood Bakes shares some of his favourite recipes with us

Passion Fruit & Berry Pavlova Probably my ‘signature’ dessert that gets rolled out to lots of dinner parties and occasions. It gets a gasp each time it arrives at the table, so how could I not? It’s also great because the meringue can be made 2 days in advance and then built just before serving - bonus! It’s also very much personal preference about what fruits to use but I love the sharpness of passion fruit and berries to cut through the sweetness of the meringue and they add another layer of texture, especially with the passion fruit seed crunch.

INGREDIENTS MERINGUE 4 large egg whites - cold 220g caster sugar 2 tsp cornflour 1 tsp white wine vinegar 1 tsp vanilla CREAM 500g double cream 1 tbsp icing sugar 1 tsp vanilla FRUIT TOPPING 6-9 passion fruit 400-500g fresh berries 1 tbsp caster sugar Mint leaves & icing sugar to garnish (optional)

METHOD Preheat oven to 180 or 160 fan. Whisk egg whites on medium until peaks start to form - about 3 mins. Add sugar a tbsp at a time and beat on med/ high speed until it becomes shiny, glossy, cloudy peaks that are stiff and don’t move around the bowl. Feel free to try the old ‘hat’ test if you feel brave! On a lined baking tray/sheet, using a spatula, dab a couple of splodges of egg mix to stick the paper to the tray, then swirl a disc of meringue in a circle about 23cm (this will expand a little when done). I like mine to be a little higher on the edges, so it has a little border of sorts to help hold the filling later. Feel free to pipe but I think it’s a waste of time and tools. Place in the oven and turn the temperature down to 150 or 130 fan right away. Bake for 1 hour. Then switch off oven and leave in there to cool for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. The next morning remove from the oven and

gently peel off the paper. The meringue should feel firm, with a softer, sticky feel at the bottom and yes, there will be cracks, craters and little breakages - this is very much typical and desirable! If using the same night store somewhere dry and cool; mine goes under a covered cake stand but if serving the day after, I’ll loosely (and carefully) wrap in foil and put in a container somewhere safe. When ready to serve, scoop all the passion fruits into a bowl and add anything from 1-3tsp sugar depending on how sour/sweet you want them. Set aside. Whip the cream, vanilla and icing to soft peaks. BUILD! Pile on the cream almost to the edges and then add the passion fruit, seeds and all - I love it when bits of the yellow juice drips down the sides. Layer on whatever berries you like generously. Dust with icing sugar, add mint leaves if you like and serve. Await gasps.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

Red Velvet Cake Some years ago food writer Angie Mosier said of Red Velvet Cake: “It’s the Dolly Parton of cakes — a little bit tacky, but you love her.” Ironically, I sometimes think less is more with this cake: I love the sponge so much that I could (and often do) eat it without any, or very little icing when made for ‘personal use’. Though some people I have served this to say they could happily eat the cream cheese icing with a spoon!

INGREDIENTS SPONGE 150ml Vegetable/Sunflower Oil 2 Large Eggs 200g Caster Sugar 225g Plain Flour, sifted twice 1 (slightly heaped) tbsp Cocoa Powder ½ tsp Baking Powder 1 tsp Bicarb of Soda ¼ tsp Salt 15-20g strong red food colouring ideally gel 200ml Buttermilk 1.5 tsp Vanilla ICING/FROSTING 125g Butter 225g Cream Cheese 1 tsp Vanilla 400g Icing Sugar ½ tsp Salt

METHOD Preheat oven to 190 or 170 fan. Line the bases of and flour two 21/22cm cake tins, ideally about 3.5cm high to account for rising. Beat eggs, oil and sugar until smooth. In a jug, combine buttermilk, vanilla and food colouring. Remember you want the red to be shockingly vibrant as once it’s added to the cocoa tinged sponge and then baked, it will dilute the colour making it darker. Add this to the above mix and beat again until smooth don’t be alarmed at any appearance of curdling. Add dry mix of flour, cocoa, baking powder and bicarb and just beat to combine without over mixing. Divide mix between 2 prepared cake tins. If you are a complete geek like me, you’ll weigh your tins and then smooth for an even layer. Bake for 22-25 mins. Sometimes I turn this down by 10 degrees about halfway through if it’s very well risen and darkening quickly. Old test of wooden skewer to check doneness - should come out clean! Let cool in tins for 15-20 mins and then invert on

to a wire rack lined with baking paper and dusted generously with icing sugar (this helps avoid this moist sponge being pulled away by the metal ridges). For the icing, beat all ingredients except the icing sugar for a few mins until smooth and creamy. Then add the sugar and beat for a few more mins until smooth. Taste! If it still feels too sweet (as icing as such is intended) add another pinch of salt and beat. Once cakes have cooled, ice them, using an inverted spatula if possible. I ice between the layers and then the whole cake including sides. If you have time to chill the cakes in the fridge, it really helps to ice as this sponge is very delicate. If bits of cake come off onto the spatula when icing, just remove that bit of icing and go again - the crumb is so tender, which is a great thing but it does try to meddle with the icing sometimes! Serve at a cool room temperature but store in the fridge. I always take it out of the fridge 30 mins before serving. 43

Cheese, Leek & Potato Pie This is my ‘evolved’ version of a delicious but simple Lancashire C&O Pie, originally inspired by food writer and cook, Simon Hopkinson. No meat eater has ever craved meat whilst eating this and my favourite part is the room temperature leftover slices with some good piccalilli. The trick is to serve small(ish) slices to ensure leftovers! A great Sunday roast alternative, weeknight supper or for a picnic.

METHOD Lightly grease and flour a 25-27cm pie dish and

Once the pastry has had 30 mins in the fridge

until very soft - it’s fine if they break up, actually

Take the larger pastry disc and roll out to approx

Peel and cube the potatoes then boil or steam makes the pie better with various textures.

Season with S&P and leave to fully cool to room temp.

INGREDIENTS SHORTCRUST PASTRY 350g plain flour 200g butter - cold & diced ½ tsp dry thyme (optional) Pinch of seasoning 2 tbsp water - ice cold (might not need all) Splash of milk for brushing FILLING 300g Lancashire Cheese (feel free to mix and change here to personal preference but Cheddar makes for a good sub plus I usually grate extra so I can eat this as cook’s perk) 2 medium leeks 2 medium onions 2 large or 3 medium potatoes (about 500-550g when cubed but pre-cooked weight) 30g butter Splash olive oil ½ tsp dry thyme (optional) Pinch nutmeg (optional) 1-1.5 tsp salt ¾ tsp black pepper ½ tsp sugar

Slice the onions thinly and saute for 10 mins in

the butter and oil until soft. Add a ½ tsp of sugar to really bring out their sweetness but don’t let

(and the filling ingredients are cool), time to roll! ½ cm thickness on a floured surface. Using the rolling pin, line the greased pie dish ensuring there is about 1.5-2cm overhang around the

dish. Prick the base of the pastry with a fork in about 8-10 places to avoid “soggy bottom” later!

them darken much.

BUILD! Spoon in half the leek/onion mixture,

5-7 mins until soft, season with S&P, pinch of

- repeat so it finishes with cheese. Season a little

Slice leeks into rounds and add to onions. About nutmeg and dry thyme after a few mins then leave onion/leek mix to cool.

Grate the cheese, set aside. Eat some cheese while no one watches.

While the leek mix and potatoes are cooling,

measure out the cold butter, flour, seasoning and thyme for the pastry and add to a food

processor*. Blitz for 10-15 seconds until the

butter looks the size of peas and it resembles a coarse crumble topping. With the blender

running on low, add the ice cold water a couple of tsps at a time until it starts coming together like a dough but avoid making it too wet or

overworking it. Tip out onto a floured surface

and bring together quickly to avoid getting too

followed by half the spuds, then half the cheese further if you feel the spuds need it but go easy

remembering the cheese will add salt. Try to get the middle of the pie a little taller using the

potatoes as this makes it look a little better when baked and sliced.

Roll out the smaller pastry disc to the same

thickness to fit the pie dish, then brush the pastry edges with the milk and place the pastry on top. Crimp with hands or a fork and remove any

excess pastry. Use offcuts to make some shapes, decorations or swirls and stick them using the milk. *At this stage, the pie can be left in the

fridge to bake up to 24 hours later*. When ready to bake, brush the pastry all over with milk, not neglecting the decorations or edges.

warm. Split the pastry dough into 1/3 and 2/3 and

Bake on a preheated 200/180 fan for 50-60mins

30 mins. *Note - this can be done by hand of

turning after 30mins. The pastry should be

then wrap in cling film and wrap. Refrigerate for course. Just quickly and firmly rub the cold

butter into the flour until it’s at the the coarse

(from fridge cold might need an extra 5 mins),

beautifully golden brown all over and that’s when it’s done.

crumble texture, then again slowly add the ice

Let cool for approx 20-30 mins before slicing and

starts to form a dough (use a bigger bowl than

ENJOY!

cold water and beat with a wooden spoon until it

you think you’ll need).

set aside.

serving. The waiting is torture but it’ll be worth it.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food| Regulars & Drink The CHESHIRE Magazine

Chocolate Shortbread Hearts No surprise that my favourite biscuit is one that contains so much butter, Shortbread is great because not only is it essentially a trio of store cupboard ingredients but it's also so adaptable to any shape, flavour or occasion - though the taste implies it's much harder to make. I have to admit that when I make a batch for home, I love them ‘naked’ in their buttery, crumbly glory. But giving them a little makeover can make them feel a bit more special. Plus they make a perfect gift.

METHOD Preheat oven to 190 or 170 fan.

After 5 mins, remove from baking tray on to a

It will start to come together but if it seems to

Once fully cool, time to decorate if you wish. At

time: it shouldn’t need more than 2-3 tsps if at

Melt choc in the microwave doing little 20 sec

a waste and classic shortbread does not contain

use a pyrex bowl over some gently simmering

Sift flour and salt - add to above.

take an age, add a tsp of ice cold water one at a

INGREDIENTS MAKES 15-18 HEARTS (Double the quantities if needed) 170g Butter 100g Caster Sugar, 225g Plain Flour, sifted Pinch salt ½ tsp Vanilla 50g Chocolate, melted (I like 70-75% dark but totally personal choice) Sprinkles/decorations of choice

puffy but once they sit, they settle and firm up.

Cream butter and sugar until combined.

all. Some like to use egg yolks but it’s very much eggs (granted vanilla and chocolate are hardly traditional either)!

Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap in cling film

metal rack to cool.

this stage, I often stop and brew up!

bursts on med/low and stirring in between. Or water on the hob. If using white chocolate,

PLEASE use the hob method as white choc nearly always burns in the "mee-cro-wah-vay"!

and chill for 20-30 mins.

Let chocolate cool to room temp, then drizzle

thickness.

and then leave to set on a tray lined with baking

Roll out on a floured surface to approx 1cm If using a 6-7cm heart cutter, you’ll get 15-18 but it will require a re-roll and sometimes a final roll for the last couple. Use whatever shape cutter you fancy.

Bake for 20-25 but you want them just lightly

browned, not dark, remembering ovens vary so

keep an eye out. They will look slightly risen and

My Baking Tips • Room temperature butter (leave it out the night before) • Room temperature eggs, except for meringue: meringue loves cold egg whites! • Prep is the key and make sure you have time to bake - when I rush, I usually have a disaster! • Enjoyment… You have to be in the mood - don’t ever feel pressured

with a spoon or dip half a biscuit into the choc

paper. If decorating with sprinkles, honeycomb or sweets etc, do it quickly while the chocolate is still liquid.

Follow Nosheel on Facebook: Middlewood Bakes, and Instagram: @MiddlewoodBakes

because your neighbours, or best mate or social media makes you feel like you should be making everything yourself • Weigh tins and level off sponges to get fairly even cakes but remember the joy of homemade cakes is that they don’t look factory made ‘perfect’! • If you can’t find buttermilk there are many good subs ie. thinned down yogurt, whole milk with some distilled vinegar or slightly thinned down sour cream.

FOUR SEASONS

Q U I N TA D O L A G O

Your Time, Your Place For friends, family, or just you

rel axation, Sunshine and e very thing in bet ween Lu x u ry v il l a s w i t h pr i vat e s w i m m ing p o ol or J a c u z z i . C lu bho u se w i t h T w o r e s ta u r a n ts & Ba r . H e at e d ind o or & o u t d o or p o ol s . G ym . B o u t iq u e spa . Te nni s a nd a G ol f S hop F O U R S E A S O N S F A I R W A Y S

Q U I N TA D O L A G O

A L G A R V E

P O RT U G A L

FOUR SEASONS

Q U I N TA D O L A G O

Seven nights in a two or three-bed villa or apartment with swimming pool or jacuzzi ranging from € 1250 to € 3950 on self-catering basis depending on travel dates. For more information and offers visit fourseasonsfairways.com/en/special-offers Avenida André Jordan 37 | Quinta do Lago | Algarve | Portugal | Tel: +351 289 357 667 | reservations@fairwaysdirect.com www.fourseasonsfairways.com @fourseasonsfairways *Subject to availability. Price correct at time of print – subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

Travel

Fast Fie ierrce Fun Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster – along with a pack of fierce Velociraptors – will be unleashed at Universal Orlando Resort in Summer 2021 with the debut of Jurassic World VelociCoaster. This new species of roller coaster touts a series of intense manoeuvres that will send guests catapulting up to 70 mph and more than 150 feet in the air with the swiftest of prehistoric predators. www.universalorlando.com

Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

A New Italian

Love Affair Alexandra Delf discovers more intimate, unusual experiences in romantic Italy

taly is appreciated by many as the most romantic country in the world, from the iconic Venetian canals or fair Verona, the birthplace of Romeo and Juliet, these cities are synonymous with romance. Hollywood has taken inspiration for some of the most iconic movies of all time from Rome, Florence and the Amalfi coast. This reputation means Italy is celebrated worldwide as one of the most, if not the most, romantic destination in the world to visit for lovers. By romance, I don’t mean a young Italian calling out a seductive “Ciao Bella!” from the back of a speeding Vespa, but a whole country and culture rooted in an appreciation and love of the beauty which can be found in Italian history, architecture, food and nature. Having had the pleasure of living in Italy for over five years, I enjoyed many of the well-known destinations for two. However, one of the most pleasurable things as a couple was discovering new places and more intimate, unusual experiences, off the well beaten lovers’ lanes.

An Alpine Affair Whether or not you are a lover of winter sports, the majestic beauty of snow-capped mountains in the Alps is guaranteed to leave you breathless (and not just from the altitude). To fully appreciate the stunning natural surrounds,

snowshoeing through the mountains on a moon-lit night takes some beating. If the charming medieval village of Courmayeur Mont Blanc with its cobbled streets and picturesque cafes wasn’t romantic enough, when night falls there is a unique opportunity to experience an alternative side of the mountain landscape. Led by a nature expert or professional Alpine guide, book a private snowwalking tour for two, to experience the crisp crunch of fresh snow underfoot and winding woodland trails, lit by moonlight and ideal for stargazing.

A History of Love Florence is steeped in culture and history, from the opulent Pitti Palace, once home to the Medici family or the Duomo, Florence’s most famous church and historic landmark. Many couples have marvelled at the beauty of Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, which hangs in the Uffizi Gallery or enjoyed views of the River Arno from the Ponte Vecchio. Wandering the winding streets of Florence and discovering hidden passageways is of course one way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. However, some of the most surprisingly romantic locations lie within easy reach, but outside the main city itself. Castello Sammezzano is one such discreet location, less than 40km outside

Florence, it was originally a medieval castle. Built in 1605, it was then re-imagined as one of the finest examples of Moorish Revival architecture in the world. Only open on rare days each year, each of the 365 rooms has a unique personality and kaleidoscopic appeal. Rooms include, the Room of the Lilies, the Room of the Peacocks and of course the Room of the Lovers. This incredible property is absolutely unique and a true fairy tale destination. Yearly opening times are rare and highly coveted, the last one sold out in 27 seconds.

Grotto Romance Tuscany evokes images of rolling hills, vineyards and hearty Italian cuisine. However, it is also home to a more discerning location, which famed composer, Giuseppe Verdi, regarded as the eighth wonder of the world. This is of course, Grotta Giusti, a historic Tuscan spa retreat and the former residence of poet Giuseppe Giusti. Here you can discover an ancient Grotto – a millennial thermal cave and a thermal underground hot spring lake. Poetry and spa, sounds like a recipe for romance. Divided into three distinct areas called Heaven, Purgatory and Hell, with temperatures ranging from 28° to 34° C, the natural steam and waters offer healing and therapeutic properties. A labyrinth of caverns ensures couples can enjoy peace and privacy. For more than simple relaxation, try a private scuba diving session for two in the underground lake, floating therapy or thermal yoga session in the warmth of the underground labyrinth. Getting lost together has never been more therapeutic.

Volcanic Love The Mediterranean and islands within it are some of the best known and most visited in the world. Heading south down the boot of Italy and just north of Sicily,

the Aeolian Islands can be found, offering an opportunity to explore a path less trodden. The islands of the Aeolian archipelago were named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, due to their importance to volcanology. Two active volcanoes remain, including Stromboli which is one of the most active volcanoes on earth. For the more adventurous couple, climbing Stromboli offers an amazing hiking experience and an opportunity to see an incredible natural firework display, as magma eruptions occur around every 15 minutes. If an active volcano is a little too hot to handle, there are a further six islands in the archipelago to choose from, each with a very distinct personality. For a totally remote experience, Filicudi is one of the most beautiful, but also underdeveloped of the islands. It is almost completely off the tourist radar, boasting crystal clear waters and only a handful of villages. Make sure to hop off on Salina to sample the locally grown Malvasia, Salina’s renowned honey-sweet white wine. Known as the greenest island, Salina offers lush greenery and abundant hiking. Whilst on the island, try an almond milk bath at Hotel Signum, surrounded by richly scented lemon groves and perfumed jasmine gardens. The history of Saint Valentine and Valentine’s Day is said to have roots in Roman history, so whether it is a visit to the eternal city itself or a more adventurous retreat, that’s amore, Italian style. For more information visit courmayeurmontblanc.it; visittuscany.com; grottagiustispa.com; visitsicily.info 49

LUXURY IN THE HEART OF THE LAKE DISTRICT Birkdale House is a stunning Victorian residence set in over 1000 acres of private land with unparalleled views of Lake Windermere and the Lake District fells. Available to rent exclusively from three nights, Birkdale House is the ideal private retreat - perfect for unwinding and spending time with family and friends.

e-mail: info@birkdalewindermere.co.uk tel: 015394 45756 @housebirkdale

www.birkdalewindermere.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

Under the

Namibian Sky Alexandra Delf took a pre-covid trip to Little Kulala to take in the stunning views and nature of Namibia

he night sky has never seemed so expansive, gazing in awe from a star bed in the middle of the Namib Desert. The vast blanket of space brings with it a newly found appreciation of the huge, open, star filled skies and expanding horizons that as city dweller, can never be found. A Namibian adventure means space and a lot of it, from wild rocky terrain as far as the eye can see, to the shifting red sands, endless desertscapes and Skeleton Coast the country is known for. Being surrounded by such incredible wild landscapes, also brings a feeling of living life on the edge. Experts such as Wilderness Safaris have recognised and created oases of comfort, from which to enjoy the raw powerful beauty of nature this region has to offer. One such oasis is Little Kulala, situated in the 27 000-hectare Kulala

Wilderness Reserve, offering access to the bucket list encounters in the region, such as Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. For time poor travellers, as with many properties throughout Namibia, nearby access to an airstrip is available. A large proportion of travellers choose to experience an itinerary via local flights to see as much as possible. On expert recommendation, we chose a road trip, allowing us to take in the stunning views and nature of Namibia up close and personal. Each suite at Little Kulala comes complete with its very own serene starbed and spending as much time in the desert air as possible is actively

encouraged, from stargazing to private rooftop dinners. Immersive dining comes complete with interactive storytelling bound to captivate, whereas dining in the wine cellar allows complete privacy and a vast selection of wines, tempting to try at such close proximity. Since our visit Little Kulala has been renovated and re-opened, including the launch of a range of mindful elements, such as all-new spa and farm-to-table menus. Local produce is key from the use of mogau oshi, an organic Namibian wild spinach that tastes like Swiss chard, to locally grown Rooibos tea. Arriving into Little Kulala after several hours of driving was a welcome delight. Not only was the accommodation breath taking, set within the sweeping red desert, but the opportunities to get out and explore immediately were plentiful. At least 55 million years old, the Namib desert is considered the oldest in the world, home to San Rock Art and rare desert adapted species. Little Kulala activities range from exhilarating rides on eco-sensitive quad-bikes, self-guided or guided trails on foot or on fat bikes and immersive desert adventures to engage with endemic animals. One of the most popular activities is climbing Big Daddy, the tallest dune in the Sossusvlei area at 325 meters, not for the faint hearted but highly recommended. Starting early meant a cooler climb, which definitely

helped and the spectacular views from the top made it worth every step up the shifting sands. The experience of ‘skiing’ down the dunes barefoot was unexpected and exhilarating and almost made me want to do a second climb back up again. However, with so much more to fit in, we pressed on to the iconic Dead Vlei, which was extremely busy, packed with tourists. One of the most popular areas to visit in Namibia, the striking landscape of blue sky, bleached clay pans and the skeletons of 900-year-old camelthorn trees, creates a photographic sensation visitors flock to capture. A visit at sunrise before the tourists arrived would I am sure, provide a more magical encounter of this astonishing location. A lone Oryx cuts a dark silhouette against the dunes, a striking figure, iconic of the region and Namibia’s national animal, a key example of one of Namibia’s desert adapted animals who have learnt to survive despite the harsh conditions.Nature is in absolute control here, footsteps on the dunes are swept away through the day, leaving them as pristine as ever for the arrival of the next explorers. When the wind picks up, the red sand is whipped into a frenzy and impossible to avoid. Driving across this difficult terrain is only manageable with a sturdy 4x4 and a steady hand. We didn’t experience desert storms frequently but when we did, the awesome power of nature and its hold over the region was irrefutable. However, even in such dry and inhospitable circumstances, life has adapted and survived and, in some cases thrived. Animal lovers visiting Namibia may need to adapt their expectations, this is not the land of

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The Big Five but The Little Five. Not quite as fearsome as their larger namesakes, depending on any phobias of course, Namibia’s Little Five include lizard, snake, gecko, chameleon and spider. The name Namib means ‘an area where there is nothing’ in local Nama and at a first glance down from an aerial view, the name seems incredibly apt. Flying across the dunes to see the iconic Skeleton Coast, the wild and untamed terrain below provides little evidence of life, apart from the large colonies of seals which line the coast. The coast takes its name from the skeletons of many ships abandoned in the shallow waters across hundreds of years, as well as the abundance of animal bones. The name paints an accurate portrait of the untameable yet mystical natural landscape below. Hidden diamonds, dunes and shipwrecks, all make for a fantastical feeling of otherworldly adventure. Even on a self-drive trip, the air offers an incredible perspective to take in the wild beauty of the Skeleton Coast and can be easily included in a morning or afternoon itinerary. Back down to earth, a guided tour of this same arid sandscape soon reveals what lies beneath, and it’s teeming with life, including the Namibian Little Five and more. Living Desert Adventures is led by extremely energetic environmentalist and Namibia expert, Chris Nel. An engaging and passionate approach brought the discovery of creatures in the Dorob National Park to life, from the rainbow hued sand-diving Palmato Gecko to the black Desert Chameleon. Each tiny creature was lovingly explained along with detailed insights of the desert eco-system. If the Little Five don’t quite fit the bill, there are options which allow up close and personal experiences with animals of a larger kind, which

have evolved and adapted to conditions in Namibia. Many desert adapted animals can be found across the country, from rhino and elephant to lions and horses. That is, if you know where to look and have the time, patience and stamina to find them. We were lucky enough to come across both desert adapted rhino and elephant after a substantial search. Unlike safari in well-known locations such as bordering South Africa or Botswana, numbers of such animals are small and the areas they inhabit are large and difficult to navigate, even with the help of trusted guides. We didn’t make it to Etosha National Park, but for big game viewing, those in the know recommend it as the place to tick off most of The Big Five with ease. From the wild Atlantic coastline to the miles of red desert or rugged rockscapes, be prepared to feel insignificant and in awe of the vastness of the natural surroundings. The driving element definitely allowed us to feel the magnitude off the Namibian wilderness, encountering no signs of life despite driving for several hours each day through beautiful alien panoramas. For the time poor, flying would be key to fit in an introduction to everything this incredible country has to offer. However, if you can take the time, the self-drive option, although longer and harsher, allows you to experience the ever-changing terrains and finer details that make this experience so unique. Namibia was unexpected, raw, powerful and beautiful, a totally different side of Sub-Saharan Africa to the one I had previously had the pleasure of exploring and dream of visiting again in the future. At this time, when we are all staying closer to home, taking inspiration from YouTube videos of starry Namibian skies, doesn’t quite live up to stargazing from a place of such splendour and solitude. For more information visit wilderness-safaris.com or namibiatourism.com.na

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Barbados: The Ultimate Romantic Destination Barbados is the ideal Caribbean destination for couples – perfect for newlyweds honeymooning, a special wedding day or even just an escape with the loved ones who matter most

ith beautiful white sandy beaches, year-round sunshine, spectacular landscape that changes from one area to the next, delicious cuisine, a warm and friendly atmosphere from the locals if couples can’t find something romantic to do in Barbados it’s time to call in a couples counsellor. Now is the time to be planning this idyllic break be it for a romantic honeymoon, a luxury wedding or to take advantage of the Barbados Welcome Stamp and stay for a whole year to live and work in luxury. For couples, the Caribbean hotspot is the perfect place to share an experience together, so this month we look at the top 5 romantic things to do on the island.

Romantic Beach Walks Every girl wants that magical moment. Walking hand-in- hand with the one they love on a tranquil white sandy beach as the sun goes down is a truly unforgettable memory for any couple. Barbados may be popular, but with more than 80 beaches, couples can easily find a quiet stretch of sand to unwind and get away from it all. The west coast of the island is a great spot to take in the tropical views and feel the romance, this is also 54

a perfect spot for those looking for a stunning proposal location.

Island Safari Tour Visit the highest cliff on the island where Jim Hackleton, devastated by unrequited love, rode his horse off the edge and crashed into the sea below. Professional guides take tours through the gullies, forests, remote bays and roads with coastal views exposing the hidden secrets of Barbados. Embrace the nature, history, culture and folklore of Barbados at captivating places of interest, usually inaccessible to ordinary vehicles, posing no challenge to the fleet of 4x4 Land Rovers. www.islandsafari.bb

forest that features incredible vegetation and a nature trail and is also a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Catamaran Cruise

Café Luna Barbados is often referred to as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, and it’s not difficult to see why with venues like Café Luna. Boasting a truly unforgettable rooftop venue with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, Café Luna sets the scene for a perfect wedding day in an intimate setting. This is arguably one of the islands most romantic restaurants providing Mediterraneanstyle al fresco dining. www.cafelunabarbados.com

Natural Wonders There is more to Barbados than stunning beaches for romantic walks. There are spectacular tropical flowers throughout the island, but Andromeda Gardens, the Flower Forest and Orchid World best showcase the island’s rich botanical blossoms. These tropical gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll and are an idyllic setting for a wedding ceremony. Hike up the Arbib Heritage and Nature Trail, an outstanding trail that received Islands magazine’s 1999 Ecotourism Award, to discover the gullies and environs of Speightstown, Barbados’ most northern town. Wander through Welchman Hall Gully, a tropical

Picture yourself, with your partner, relaxing on the deck of a luxurious catamaran while gliding over the sparkling, crystal-clear Caribbean waters with unrivalled views of the palm-fringed beaches. Cruises are available throughout the day. For a once-in-a-lifetime romantic event book a trip out to the coral reef at Folkestone Marine Park and enjoy the magical experience of swimming amongst endangered sea turtles that are tame enough to be fed and touched. For further information and for current government travel advice and restrictions please visit www.visitbarbados.org

BAR ARB BAD ADO OS WEL ELC COME STAM TAMP P Barbados is now accepting applications for its recently launched 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp visa. Those interested in living like a ‘Bajan’ for a year can visit www.barbadoswelcomestamp.bb to apply for the opportunity to live and work remotely in paradise.

WEALTH GOALS WEALTH GOALS HOW RAINY HOW TO TO SAVE FOR A RAINY DAY DAY & & PLAN PLAN A COMFORTABLE COMFORTABLE RETIREMENT

Todiscuss discuss your your options options call call us To us on on 0808 0808168 1685866 5866 to arrange a complimentary meeting to arrange a complimentary meeting Find out more at www.harteywm.co.uk Find out more at www.harteywm.co.uk Registered in England and Wales No 8288660. Registered Office: Hilliards Court, Chester Business Park, Chester CH4 9QP. Hartey Wealth Management Ltd is authorisedOffice: and regulated the Financial Registered in England and Wales No 8288660. Registered Hilliardsby Court, Chester Conduct Business Authority. Park, Chester CH4 9QP. Hartey Wealth Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Drive Unmistakably Fast Object Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse race team has

spent the past year or so building a special one-off car for a single customer. The unnamed buyer was involved in the design from the start, helping to sculpt the carbon-fibre body that surrounds the 6.5-litre, 759bhp V12 engine. Even the Bianco Fu white paintwork was created specially for the customer, while the carbon-fibre interior was also built to the buyer’s specifications. But the highlight is that bodywork, which nods to the brand’s previous highperformance roadsters, but adds some modern aerodynamic tweaks. The finished product is nothing short of spectacular. www.lamborghini.com

DRIVE

Keeping you up to date with all the latest motoring and technology news WORDS: JAMES FOSSDYKE

RACING GREEN The Bentley name is all about speed and luxury, but not necessarily eco-friendliness. The new Bentayga Hybrid is here to change the narrative

hen you think of Bentleys, you think of elegant grand tourers crossing continents and dashing sports cars lapping the world’s race tracks – usually in the hands of even more dashing drivers. What you probably don’t think about is ecology. Yet here we are, looking at Bentley’s new plug-in hybrid version of the Bentayga SUV. Yes, Bentley has built hybrid Bentaygas for some time now, but this is the latest version, based on the updated – and vastly improved – luxury off-roader. Like the petrol-powered models, the Hybrid comes with an opulent leather-lined interior, plenty of space and soundproofing to isolate you from the world outside. Under the bonnet, though, there’s a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and a 126 bhp electric motor, which combine to produce a healthy 443bhp. More

importantly, though, the 17.3kWh battery pack allows the car to travel around 31 miles on electricity before the petrol engine takes over. However, that figure has been calculated using an old, more lenient economy test available. In the real world, around 25 miles is probably more realistic. Nevertheless, Bentley says the car will be capable of completing most short journeys on electricity alone, reserving the petrol engine for high-performance situations and longer drives. “The Bentayga Hybrid is the next step on our journey to becoming the world’s leading sustainable luxury mobility company,” said the Cheshire-based firm’s CEO, Adrian Hallmark. “Bentley will transform from a 100-year-old luxury car company to a new, sustainable, wholly ethical role model for luxury.” £TBC, www.bentleymotors.com

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NOUGHT TO 60 Eddie Murphy, George Clooney and Boy George aren’t the only icons turning 60 this year. The sports car that defined the 1960s – the Jaguar E-Type – also celebrates its diamond anniversary, and Jaguar has decided to celebrate with a special edition of the E-Type’s spiritual successor, the F-Type. Dubbed the Heritage 60 Edition, the limited-edition E-Type comes in the E-Type’s classic Sherwood Green paintwork, while there’s a bespoke two-tone leather interior and an aluminium centre console finisher that pays homage to the E-Type dashboard. Under those classic touches, though, the car is thoroughly modern, with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine that churns out 567bhp. With four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the sprint from 0-60mph takes just 3.5 seconds. Fittingly, just 60 examples of the F-Type Heritage 60 Edition will be built, with customers offered a choice of Coupe and Convertible body shapes. £122,500, www.jaguar.co.uk

ANYWHERE loves YOU WANT

POISON DART The name ‘Hennessey’ might not mean much to British drivers unless they’re into their high-performance American pick-up trucks. But this is one of the companies fighting it out to build the world’s fastest road car. The title currently belongs to the interestingly named SSC Tuatara, but Hennessey is hoping to regain the crown with this – the Venom F5. With a 6.0-litre V8 engine producing more than 1,817bhp, it’s expected to accelerate from 0-124mph in 4.7 seconds, before hitting a top speed of more than 311mph (500kph). £TBC, www.hennesseyspecialvehicles.com

Anywhere. That’s where the Jeep Grand Cherokee – America’s answer to the Range Rover Sport – is designed to take you. Completely updated for 2021, the luxury 4x4 now gets a crisp, modern body and a much more premium cabin design. Under the skin, there’s clever air suspension and a high-tech four-wheeldrive system designed to increase economy and improve the car’s off-road credentials. In the US, customers get a choice of 3.6-litre V6 or 5.7-litre V8 petrol engines, but Jeep has promised a hybrid version is on the way. £TBC, www.jeep.co.uk

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Fantast antastiic Challenging design features have made life difficult for the new BMW 4 Series, but as James Fossdyke discovered, looks can be deceptive

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

hey say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but no matter how often that old adage is trotted out, we all do it. Whether it’s this month’s reading material, a new partner or a new car, the way something looks can attract or repel with equal vigour. So much so that it can render obvious qualities or faults irrelevant. Some of you, therefore, will have seen these pictures and immediately dismissed the new BMW 4 Series. No matter what I write, you won’t be able to see past that enormous grille or the vast expanse of metal behind the doors, so you’ll buy an Audi A5 or a Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe instead. And why not? They’re both very good cars. If you do go down one of those two paths, though, you’ll be missing out on something even better. The 4 Series is, in essence, a swoopy coupe version of the 3 Series saloon made so popular by estate agents, accountants and sales reps. But while I’m happy to make cheap gags about some of the clientele, I’m adamant the 3 Series is the best executive car on the market. It’s comfy, it handles well and it’s built like the proverbial outside loo. Except it’s more luxurious. It’s absolutely brilliant, and driving one is now socially acceptable because non-indicating, lane-hogging, tailgating morons have migrated to Audis. Anyway, back to the 4 Series. This is designed to be the 3 Series’ more stylish sister, and from the rear it absolutely delivers. The narrow lights, sloping rear window and chunky haunches just work. It’s sporty and smart all at once. It’s the same from dead side on, where there’s a rather stealthy, purposeful silhouette. Move to the front, however, and it all gets a bit more divisive. When I first laid eyes on this car, a little piece of me died inside. The formerly graceful BMW grilles were turned into comically large nostrils. It looked like a Star Wars Tie Fighter had crashed into the front. But spending more time with it has revived me. I’m aware the oversized grille is unnecessary, but it isn’t that bad. In fact, I now think it looks quite good… Moving swiftly on, undoubtedly followed by a hail of rocks and rotten tomatoes, I should also say I’m a big fan of the cabin, which is identical to that of the 3 Series. It’s quite Germanic in its immovable logic and functionality, and though I’d never call it pretty, it’s still unerringly classy. It has this wonderful solidity about it, too, and if you

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BMW M440i xDrive Coupe

comes with a 3.0-litre straightsix petrol engine, four-wheel Price as tested: £52,440 drive and 335bhp. It’s hardly Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic supercar fast, but a 0-62mph Engine: 3.0-litre straight-six petrol time of around five seconds 0-62mph: 5.2 seconds and a 155mph top speed is Top speed: 155mph more than sufficient. Power: 335bhp More importantly, this engine is silky smooth, creating barely a whisper as it wafts you along with its want ergonomics, there’s nothing better. This is enormous power reserves. And if you do want to the gold standard by which all other car interiors dig into those reserves, you’re rewarded with a are judged. rasping bark from the exhaust pipes, as well as a There’s plenty of tech, including a really good meaty shove in the back. Selflessly, I’ve also spent satellite navigation system and a digital instrument some time in the 2.0-litre diesel 4 Series, and that display, as well as more conventional stuff like was equally stunning to drive, albeit a little slower. heated seats and, better still, a heated steering Nevertheless, it’s a great, great car. Surprisingly wheel. It sounds frivolous, but when you refined, too. get in the car on a frosty morning, it’s So, whatever you think of the 4 Series’ the best in-car gadget since the looks, it’s a wonderful thing to drive. heated windscreen was invented. The market for cars such as this is It’s spacious, too, as long as you competitive, with the Audi A5 stay in the front seats. There’s no offering technology and solidity headroom in the back and getting while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is in requires the sort of comfy and suave. I admit both are contortionism that would make an prettier than the 4 Series, but despite earthworm blush. But if you wanted that, the BMW remains the best of the room in the back, surely you’d just buy bunch, mixing the best of those cars’ the 3 Series? capabilities with BMW’s road manners. And anyway, this isn’t a car to be It’s utterly superb. And if you don’t driven in, because it’s one of the like the grille, you can always have best driver’s cars on the road. Like the more practical (yet equally the 3 Series, the 4 Series serves up brilliant) 3 Series. this glorious mix of surefootedness and poise that makes it feel hugely stable, yet incredibly agile through the bends. It rides well, too, flattening all but the very worst of the potholes with far more skill than anyone at Cheshire East Council. As usual, you can have the 4 Series with a range of petrol and diesel engines, but like a true man of the people, I sampled the range-topping M440i model, which

LEAD THE CHARGE

RAV4 SELF-CHARGING HYBRID Lindop Toyota Queensferry Station Road Queensferry, CH5 2TE 01244 821031 lindopqueensferry.toyota.co.uk

Model shown is MY21 RAV4 Hybrid Design 2.5 VVT-i Auto FWD £33,570 including optional Pearlescent paint at £925. Prices correct at time of being published. 5 year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty. Terms and conditions apply. Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km): combined 49.22mpg - 51.21mpg. Combined CO2 102g/km. Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption and CO2 produced varies significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load. All models and grades are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). All mpg and CO2 figures quoted are full WLTP figures. The official CO2 figures for vehicles have changed, due to a change in the official method of calculation. CO2 figures are used in the calculation of Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) for new cars during their first year of registration. As a result, all CO2 figures, car tax and ‘on the road’ prices for new vehicles, which were provided or displayed prior to 1 April 2020, may now have changed for vehicles which were not registered before that date. These dates may change, please visit www.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/fcb/wltp.asp for the latest information. Choice of options and accessories fitted (pre-registration) may affect the official CO2 figures, car tax and ‘on the road’ price. For details of your preferred model and grade derivative, please contact your local Toyota Centre.

Home Floral Fancy

Our friends at Sofas and Stuff have been busy working on some amazing floral fabrics to brighten our new year. Thank you. We particularly love this Alwinton sofa with iconic Howard arm in Signature Linen, a classic print on a great fabric, and everything a British sofa should be. Alwinton 3 Seater Sofa in Floral Linen Lela Mystery Indiga, ÂŁ3,256. Showrooms in Knutsford and Manchester, www.sofasandstuff.com

Interiors News FINISHING TOUCHES

The very latest news, advice and trends from the world of interior design AD EXCESTIS MAIO BERIBUSCIM VOLUM ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UT QUAS UNTIO EXCERERFERUM WORDS: LOUISA WARDE 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

GLOBAL INFLUENCE With the restrictions of travelling over the past year, it is important to still hold onto that aspect. Bringing a global influence into our home is a perfect way to keep our nomadic dreams alive. From Moroccan inspired to the Japandi trend, we have selected the top products that are ideal for the Global Influence trend. 1 - Global Bazaar Outdoor Living Set, www.dobbies.com 2 - Nomad Tea Towels, £12.99, www.ruthholly.co.uk 3 - Hiram Table Lamp, £132, www.darlighting.co.uk 4 - Chinese Money Plant, £15, www.leafenvy.co.uk 5 - Tableware Dish Marrakesh, £3.95 , www.rexlondon.com 6 - Antique Chinese Elm Painting Table, circa 1820, £1,995, www.shimu.co.uk 7 - Round Rattan Cabinet, £215, www.audenza.com 8 - Trellis Tiles, £19.95, www.wallsandfloors.co.uk

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3 O F T H E B E S T … FA U X F L O W E R S

A DASH OF DRAMA

ARTSY SUCCULENT

AN ELEGANT ADDITION

Faux Magnolia, Eucalyptus &

Faux Stag Horn Fern Plant (small),

White Orchid in Pot (medium),

Hydrangea Bunch, £130, www.oka.com

£29.99, www.dowsingandreynolds.com

£375, www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN An interiors trend for 2021, feeling the presence of nature all around us has inspired a new collection from Micucci Interiors, teaming elegance with the unusual. We are in love. www.micucci.co.uk

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· TA K E T W O · FIREBOWLS

One to Watch

FINISHING TOUCHES

AD EXCESTIS MAIO BERIBUSCIM VOLUM ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UT QUAS UNTIO EXCERERFERUM VELECTIOS MOLORE CORUM VOLUPTI AUT INVEL IUS APELIGNITIIS INIS NON CONEM IL IPSAM, CUPTATE MPELLOREMPOS EST UT ET RE RE, SAM LAUT QUUNTIOS MOD MAIO. ITAE QUISTOT ATEMPOR EHENDIT EIUNT

Oxidised Woodland Globe Fire Pit, £349 www.ludlowstoves.co.uk

BETTY BOYNS DESIGNS Quan Quadro Wood Fired BBQ, From £999 www.cuckooland.com

MARBLE WALLPAPER Using the traditional Japanese art of Suminagashi, meaning ‘floating ink’, this marble wallpaper is sure to make a statement in any home, whether you create yourself a true feature wall or simple frame a panel to catch the eye. Each piece is unique and is signed by the artist, Natascha Maksimovic, a German designer and illustrator based in Margate. Marble Wallpaper Print, £75 a roll, www.natmaks.com

Designer and artist Paula Nicholls, works under her mother’s maiden name of Betty Boyns, creating prints and postcards focusing on coastal area near her Cornish home, and her love of animals. Beautifully reproduced the collections highlight fond memories of holidays past with a twinkle of Cornish charm. From £16, www.bettyboynsdesigns.co.uk

Gracing the chambers of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very best hotels, Coze Linen delivers the ultimate in luxury textiles for the home. L IN E N | B E D D IN G | TOWEL S | BLA NKETS | BATHROBES TE A TOW E L S | TA BLE LINEN | CUSHIONS Exclusive Sophie Paterson for Coze monogramming service available. Shop the five star collection at

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Feature

COSY UP YOUR

HOME OFFICE The environment you work in is essential to keep your mind focused and your attitude positive. Why not make your working from home space extra cosy and inviting. From desirable desks to aesthetically pleasing home office accessories, we have rounded up the best work from home accessories that will transform and rejuvenate your working space.

DESIRABLE DESKS #1

Comfort is key when working from home. Make sure your office space is kitted out with a desk that provides you with the space you need. A stylish yet sensible desk is the first accessory you will need for your home office. If you want a piece of furniture that is versatile, invest in a sturdy and sleek table that you can use for working at home when you desire. #1 Vintage Teak Desk, £400, www.scaramanga.co.uk; #2 Gagne Desk, £poa, www.officinainglesa.com; #3 Dennis Computer & Office Desk in Steel by Woood, £249, www.cuckooland.com

#2 #2

ORGANISERS #3

Being organised when working from home is so important to keep track of your regular tasks. Invest in a notebook and some stationery to keep on top of your to dos. Add a few shelves into your office to file away any important information, this will keep your space tidy, as a tidy workspace equals a tidy mind. #1 Hanging Storage Rack, £30, www.gardentrading.co.uk; #2 Seagrass Baskets dipped in white, £24, www.ellajames.co.uk; #3 Bunny Scissors and Desk Organiser, £23.50, www.redcandy.co.uk

COMFY CHAIRS Pair your desk with a comfortable chair. Remember, if you are planning on working from home for a while then having a comfortable chair to work from is vital. You could invest in a cosy armchair or opt for a classic office desk chair, pick something that will suit your needs and will not give you aches and pains and the end of a working day. #1 Luther Velvet Buttoned Armchair, £550, www.decoville.co.uk; #2 Soft Pad Office Chair, £239, www.cultfurniture.com #3 Hektor Office Chair in Tan, £199, www.made.com

#2 #1

Homes and Interiors

WALL DECOR If your surroundings are empty then so will your head be. Wall decor is a fantastic way to bring some life and character into your home office. There are lots of companies that sell wall decor for a reasonable price, so you won’t be splashing the cash to revamp your space. Wall art will fill in the bare spaces and will instantly lift your mood when working from home. #1 Radical Act Print, £25, www.mintandmay.co.uk; #2 Dream Big Neon Sign, £59.99, www.lights4fun.co.uk; #3 Think Positive Mural, £29/m2, www.wallsauce.com

PLANTS #3

CANDLES & SCENTS

Bring the outside in with lots of plants. Plants are not only ideal for revamping an office space, they are also great for your health, purifying the air, increasing concentration and productivity, boosting your mood, relieving stress and even helping you sleep at night. Plants are a quick and relatively cheap way to refresh your home office. #1 Declan the Daschund Wall Planter, £18, www.redcandy.co.uk; #2 Short Grey Legged Geometric Planter, £ 38, www.ofcabbagesandkings.co.uk; #3 Bohemia Open Weave Hanging Basket, £24, www.bohemiadesign.com

Fill your office space with scented accessories. From candles to diffusers, there are lots of options for bringing an inviting smell into your office and adding a touch of class and calmness to your desk. #1 Alang Alang Diffuser, £100, www.sweetpeanadwillow.com; #2 Luxury Scented Soy Wax Essential Oil Candle, £15, www.joinstorelondon.co.uk; #3 Essential Oil Diffuser, £45, www.petitsrituels.com

RUGS

Make the room as cosy as possible with a stylish rug or two. Whether you are Scandi obsessed or a traditional trend lover, a rug will instantly lift your mood and bring joy into your work from home space. #1 Oslo Multi-coloured Cotton Diamond Rug, £19.99, www.homescapesonline.com; #2 Dayream Circular Rug, £1,500 , www.missonihome.com; #3 Pink Mongolian Sheepskin Rug, £115, #3 www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

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FINISHING TOUCHES

GET TH E LOOK

WWW.FURNITURECHOICE.CO.UK

#3 #1

SO SCANDI Go all Hygge in your home with this cool look. #1 White & Oak Computer Desk, £154.99, www.vonhaus.com; #2 Magazine rack, £20, www.blockdesign.co.uk; #3 Wise Words A2 Framed Print, £65, www.made.com; #4 Copenhagen 100% Cotton RUG, £29.99, www.homescapesonline.com; #5 Finesse Metal Desk Lamp, £29, www.cultfurniture.com; #6 Skinny Locker, £300, www.mustardmade.com

Home Homes and Interiors The CHESHIRE Magazine |

AU NATURALE Indulge with some textures for a cosy feel #1 Luxury Desk Set, £400, www.iwoodesign.com; #2 Yeti Faux Fur Mongolian Beanbag, £89.99, www.beanbagbazaar.co.ukl #3 Wooden Box Desk Clock, £250, www.ksl-living.frl #4 Portobello Notebook, Fern, £235, www.smythson.com #5 Mustang Brown Leather Office Chair, £392, www.modishliving.co.uk; #6 Industrial Lansdowne Rustic Wood Bookcase, £499, www.modishliving.co.uk

WWW.FURNITURECHOICE.CO.UK

#5 #4

Quality Care you can trust Compassionate and expert teams deliver quality care you can trust, in luxury hotel-style surroundings

eewater Grange in Chester, Oakfield Croft in Sale and Abney Court in Cheadle are all modern purposebuilt care homes that provide long and short term residential, dementia and nursing care. Five Star Luxury Living If you’ve not set foot in a care home before – or even if you have – Care UK’s care homes in Cheshire may surprise you. Each home boasts luxury state-of-the-art facilities including their own café, activity room, hair and beauty salon, cinema and bar – so whether you want to have a natter over a cuppa and and slice of cake, relax with a classic film or a enjoy a G&T every evening, you can have it all. All three Care UK homes are beautifully designed throughout with stylish high quality fittings and furnishings, offering a five star ‘home from home’ environment. The spacious en-suite bedrooms are individually decorated and those on the ground floor enjoy private patios and access to wonderful secure gardens.

Each care home is divided into smaller suites - a design which helps to create an intimate atmosphere that is particularly calming for residents living with dementia. Trusted to Care With safety top-of-mind for everyone right now, each home has enhanced their already-robust infection control measures to keep residents and colleagues safe, using the latest technologies. The Covid vaccination programme has commenced with colleagues and residents vaccinated with the initial dose. Each home has a dedicated inside ‘COVID safe’ visiting suite accessed from the garden, which enables visits to take place from behind a sealed glass panel, using a sound system to assist with communication.

Homes and Interiors

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

A Fabulous Lifestyle Living in a Care UK home is all about quality of life. Lifestyle teams go above and beyond to make every day fulfilling for residents. There’s plenty going on every day to keep residents busy, from dancing and gardening to bowling and gin evenings. Whether it’s an existing hobby, an aspired pastime or a lifetime wish, the team do their best to make it happen.

Care UK’s award winning and highly trained chefs combine creativity with an in-depth knowledge of nutrition for older people, including skills such as high nutrient dishes, fragrant cooking and soft, modified foods. With over 35 years’ experience of delivering high quality care to older people, Care UK is the most awarded care home provider for the last two years and has more outstanding rated homes than any other provider.*

Dining with Dignity Care UK care homes offer a dining experience that enables residents to maintain their independence and dine with dignity. Meal times are an important part of the day with an emphasis on enjoying delicious food in the company of friends - and the beautiful bistro-style dining rooms are just perfect for that.

*As rated by the Care Quality Commission in England and the Care Inspectorate in Scotland.

Abney court care home, Cheadle Tel 0161 820 7879, Careuk.com/abney-court Deewater Grange care home, Chester Tel 01244 457872, Careuk.com/deewater-grange Oakfield Croft, Sale Tel 0161 532 7912, Careuk.com/oakfield-croft

Hot Properties

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FEATURING YOUR PROPERTY FOR SALE OR LET IN THE CHESHIRE MAGAZINE CONTACT

hello@thecheshiremag.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

The Next Generation of The CrossWave

Introducing the new BISSELL CrossWave Cordless Max 3-in-1 Multi-Surface Cleaner

The new advanced features include; • High-performance vacuum, mop and dry at the same time - suitable for hard floors and rugs • Better edge cleaning for improved pick-up along walls and skirting boards • Undiminished 36v battery power for up to 30 min run time • Xl brush roll to cover a larger surface area • New sleek design with digital user interface • Fully automatic self-cleaning function for easy maintenance High Performance - Vacuum, Mop and Dry Designed for larger households to tackle everything from spilt cereal, milk and coffee to messy footprints left by family and pawpals. No need to get down on your hands and knees to scrub as the high-performance BISSELL® CrossWave™ Cordless Max 3-in-1 Multi-Surface Cleaner simultaneously vacuums, mops and dries multiple surfaces from hard floors, vinyl, laminate and delicate wood flooring to rugs and even rubber floor mats. Multi-Surface, Removeable Brush Roll with 60% Better Edge Cleaning For the best results, the spinning, pivoting removable XL multi-surface

brush roll has up to 60% better edge cleaning for improved performance along walls and skirting boards and can cover a larger surface area. Designed to work on different floor types, the soft part of the brush roll absorbs the cleaning solution as it spins, while the bristles agitate dirt for easier pick up. Cordlesss Re-Chargeable Cleaning with 30 Minutes Run Time The next generation of the CrossWave® Cordless Max combines vacuuming, mopping and drying up to 100m of hard flooring and rugs in one go with the freedom of efficient fade-free cordless convenience and an undiminished 36V battery power for up to 30 minutes. Digital User Interface and Self-Cleaning Cycle at the Touch of a Button The new sleek design has a digital user interface which indicates when it’s fully charged and ready to use as well as an indicator to tell you when the dirt tank is full. The fully automatic self-cleaning cycle flushes out dirt, hair and debris from the appliance and brush roll using the water from the clean tank for low maintenance, hygienic

cleaning after each use at the touch of a button. Separate Tanks for Clean and Dirty Water There are TWO separate tanks to ensure optimum cleaning results; one for clean water mixed with BISSELL cleaning formula to ensure that only fresh water reaches the floor and a second to collect the dirty water. The latter features a removeable divider that catches hair and debris to make the process of emptying hassle-free - an absolute must if you share your home with four-legged family members. Switch from Cleaning Hard Floors to Refreshing Area Rugs in an Instant Choose the Hard Floor or Area Rug option on the handle, hold the trigger to release the BISSELL solution, and move the appliance forward to mop and vacuum then release the trigger and pull back to dry. For a deep clean, move the brush roll over the area and hold the trigger for a few seconds (pull back to dry). The BISSELL ® CROSSWAVE™ CORDLESS MAX 3-IN-1 MULTISURFACE CLEANER, RRP £429.99, is available from major electrical retailers and www.bisselldirect.co.uk

Hot Property

ASH HOUSE OUTSTANDING RESIDENTIAL ESTATE ÂŁ7,500,000

sh House is one of the outstanding houses in Cheshire. In recent years it has been renovated and remodelled to an exceptional standard of design and quality with the creation of award-winning gardens and grounds. The style of architecture clearly shows the evolution of the house, with the earlier parts thought to date from the 17th Century and a handsome Georgian core finished in Cheshire brick beneath a slate roof. Later wings, the most recently completed in 2015, incorporate the extensive leisure facilities. The result is a unique contemporary country home. The sweeping drive through parkland leads to parking and turning areas both at the front of the house, beneath a beautiful weeping willow and at the side adjacent to the extensive garaging. The front door sits beneath a painted portico and opens

into a stunning reception hall with fitted book shelves which divides the entertaining areas into the more formal and informal parts. The centre piece of the hall is a magnificent sweeping staircase leading to a galleried landing. There are four principal reception rooms including a beautiful drawing room with a bow window and views over the garden, and a stunning dining room set within an orangery which sits to one end of the symmetrically planted walled garden framing a reflective pond with fountains. A substantial cinema room has a chess/ brandy snug attached and links

to the modern sunroom extension which has two glazed walls, a sweeping staircase to the first floor and access to a circular wine cellar via spiral stairs. At the opposite end of the house is an impressive open plan kitchen with an Aga, painted kitchen units, Sub-Zero fridges, dining and sitting areas. A door leads to a study and at the opposite end to laundry and boot rooms. The exceptional leisure facilities are a key part of the property and sit in wings at either end of the house. They include a stone lined indoor pool with an adjoining hot tub, a shower/steam room and changing facilities. In

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Home

addition there is a large gym and a superb first floor games room with a bar. The first floor is arranged as a series of hugely impressive bedroom suites plus a fifth bedroom, with the master suite featuring twin dressing rooms and access to a balcony overlooking the gardens. Domestic offices with fitted storage are accessed via stairs from a lobby beside the gym. A fitted lift from the downstairs cinema room links the upstairs end suite with the rest of the house. The modern sunroom can be used as an inside outside entertainment room as both glass walls fold away to open up to a outside seating area overlooking a romantic woodland garden and adjunct tennis court which is framed by a multitude of azelias and rhododendron. The walled garden features a replica of a Victorian greenhouse and has been maintained fully organic. Keeping connected the house also features a helicopter landing pad with night lights just between the end of the formal garden and the sweeping grassland with a stunning lake full of koi and other wildlife. An idyllic oasis within the heart of Cheshire. For further information contact Savills Knutsford, 01565 632618

Home | Homes and Interiors The CHESHIRE Magazine

And Finally ... Let your imagination run wild with this magical print, featuring wonderful places and exotic creatures. Magic of Books Limited Edition Print by Charlotte Posner, ÂŁ65, www.limelace.co.uk

HANDPICKED INTERIORS Who are we? We’re a Cheshire based home interior company specialising in handpicked furniture and bespoke designs. We search for, and carefully select an extensive range of luxury, affordable and unique designs for your perfect home.

What we Offer? We offer a collection of chosen furniture and homeware items from solid oak tables hand-built in our Cheshire workshop to artisan leather chairs. Our interior design team are constantly searching for the latest trends to ensure theres something for every home.

Our Workshop Our workshop is based in the heart of Cheshire. We have a dedicated small team of skilled designers that are able to create and furniture to suit your home and style. We work with local timber suppliers to find some of the finest materials to make your vision a reality.

Our Online Store All our products are available on our website at

www.fordandgrey.co.uk Any bespoke queries please visit the bespoke section or email directly to

service@fordandgrey.co.uk As a gift from us to you we would like to offer you a 20% discount on your first order with code Cheshire20 *Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

GUY SALMON LAND ROVER KNUTSFORD

THE 2021 LAND ROVER PORTFOLIO

Land Rover’s magnificent 2021 range represents decades of constant progress in terms of style, innovation and state-of-the-art technology, both in our traditional engines and our new Hybrid Powertrains. Come and explore the latest models as well as our Land Rover Approved Vehicles. – Browse our exceptional promotions and competitive finance packages – Our Land Rover servicing costs less than you think, because we’ll match any local garage within 20 miles.* – To ensure the everyone’s safety, service bookings are by appointment only. Please call 01565 859581, next day bookings are often available. – We are always looking for used stock - exceptional prices given, cash or part exchange. Please call us today for more information or to book a test drive. Guy Salmon Land Rover Knutsford Manchester Road, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0ST 01565 859581 guysalmon.knutsford.landrover.co.uk Offer correct at time of going to press, and is subject to change without notice and can not be used in conjunction with any other offer. *Quotes must be produced in writing and quoted using only Land Rover Genuine Parts ®. Like-for-like content of quote must be for exactly comparable work. Quote supplied can come from any independent repairer within a 20 mile driving distance from Guy Salmon Knutsford.