The Cheshire Magazine - August 2020

AUGUST 2020 s ISSUE 077

Happiness A destination or a journey?

TEAM Family The evolution of family life in lockdown

COWORTH PARK We take a trip to the Berkshire countryside

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Managing Director Kathryn Otto Deputy Editor Craig Hough Editorial Team Louisa Warde Kevin Evans Contributers James Fossdyke Mary Jane Greenhalgh Matthew Roper Jackie Duffy Brand Ambassador Sarah Irlam Design & Production Kate Woods Picture Editor Kat Hannon Charity and Event’s Coordinator Rachel O’Hare

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s the sun continues to shine down on Cheshire this Summer, we have put together a fun-filled issue to keep you entertained by your pool.

Not Going Out star Lee Mack discusses his new BBC Sitcom Semi-Detached (p.10) and how he begged to play the lead role. Talking of going out, we look at some of our favourite north-west venues that are taking part in the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme (p.36) and Matthew Roper escapes to the Queen’s Countryside to review the stunning Coworth Park (p.50).

Our Food and Drink section is brimming with goodness as Elisa Rossi shares 4 of her delicious plantbased recipes from her new e-book (p. 40). Liverpool’s Instagramable Dash Restaurant and Bar serves up their recipe for a Pornstar Martini (p.47) and we showcase the new Lumi Chiller water filter (p.45), the perfect addition to your home office.

Also this month, Kids & Family Insight Specialist, Ben Younie takes a look at how family life has evolved during lockdown (p.28), while Life & Executive Coach Adam Taylor discusses happiness and the chemical hacks to keep you smiling (p.30). Our Resident petrol-head James Fossdyke discovers if the Ferrari Portofino is more than just a pretty face (p.60) and we talk to Natalie Zrihan about her life in Cheshire (p.9).

So get your BBQ sizzling, a cocktail in hand, kick back, relax and enjoy this month’s read.

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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 Piccilinos Alderley

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DISTRIBUTION The Cheshire Magazine is the largest targeted luxury lifestyle publication in Cheshire and the north west, delivered by Royal Mail subscription service to selected homes, businesses, newsagents and retail outlets.

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AUGUST 2020 s ISSUE 077

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Contents FOOD & DRINK

A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITES

10

SEMI-DETACHED

28

TEAM FAMILY

30 50

Lee Mack discusses his new BBC sitcom

Ben Younie takes a look at how family life has evolved during lockdown

36

EAT OUT TO HELP OUT

40

HAPPY SKIN KITCHEN

47

COCKTAIL HOUR

HAPPINESS

Adam Taylor shares his happiness chemical hacks to keep you smiling

COWORTH PARK

Matthew Roper escapes to the Queen’s Countryside

We breakdown our favourite places promoting the new government scheme

Elisa Rossi shares recipes from her new e-book

Dash share another of their favourite recipes with us

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS

21

…AND RELAX

The stunning Spa At Carden Park is back in business

FAMILY

27

LEARNING, RELAXATION, PLAY

Immersive POD play space, a calming space for children

TRAVEL

49

REGULARS

09

MY LIFE IN CHESHIRE Natalie Zrihan, General Manager at The Alderley Bar & Grill her life in Cheshire with us

STYLE

15

LIGHTWEIGHT LUXURY

Casablanca’s essential summer shirt

LIVE THE HIGH LIFE Treehouse London, a rooftop oasis

DRIVE

60

BEAUTY & A BEAST

Is the Ferrari Portofino more than just a pretty face?

HOME

68

TEN WAYS TO STAY COOL

With temperatures set to soar, cool down with our top 10 fans, air circulators and purifiers

My life in

CHESHIRE NATALIE ZRIHAN , GENERAL MANAGER, THE ALDERLEY BAR & GRILL

How would you describe yourself ?

Outgoing, loyal, considerate and happy.

Where is home? And work?

Home is Wilmslow and work, very close by in Alderley Edge.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

A gymnast first and then a firefighter. I was inspired by the Olympics as a child and when growing up, I liked the idea of helping others.

My job provides me with the opportunity to do the latter, albeit in a very different industry.

Name a few of your favourite places to be...

Home, Scotland and Greece. My partner is Scottish, and we’ve spent a lot of time together there – it has some of the most incredible coastlines I’ve ever seen. Greece is like home abroad for me, having holidayed there most years as a child; I love to return. Closer to home and on a sunny day, I love to be on the terrace at The Alderley Bar & Grill.

What or who inspires you?

I’m inspired by young successful people with good values. I also look up to my mum and sister.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

Tickets to a comedy show.

Tell us a secret/fun fact?

I can do the splits and snowboard quite well too.

Skiing was not for me; my legs went in totally the wrong direction.

Who or what would you place in Room 101?

Spiders and people with bad manners.

What’s been your biggest life lesson?

I believe in karma, treat others as you’d like to be treated yourself and you can’t go too far wrong. That, and family comes first. www.individualrestaurants.com

“I believe in karma, treat others as you’d like to be treated yourself and you can’t go too far wrong”

9

Semi-Detached The Cheshire Magazine talks to Lee Mack about his brand-new sitcom coming to the BBC this month

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

M

ade by Happy Tramp North and written by David Crow and Oliver Maltman, each episode of SemiDetached plays out in real time and is exactly like 24, except instead of following a government agent as he saves the planet, the series follows a perennial loser called Stuart (Lee Mack - Not Going Out, Would I Lie To You?) as his life goes down the pan in a suburban cul-de-sac. Each episode of SemiDetached will give viewers an incredibly fast moving, half-hour window into Stuart’s world.

All Stuart wants is a quiet life as a wedding DJ but his family seems to have other ideas. On top of barely coping with a (much younger) partner April (Ellie White - Stath Lets Flats, The Other One) and a new born baby, Stuart also has to look out for his jailbird brother Charlie (Neil Fitzmaurice - Peep Show, Mount Pleasant) and his promiscuous, drug-taking Dad Willie (Clive Russell - Happiness, Game Of Thrones). Then there’s the ex-wife Kate (Samantha Spiro - Sex Education, Grandma’s House), who lives across the cul-de-sac with their teenage daughter Madonna (Sarah Hoare - Chewing Gum, Black Mirror) and Kate’s husband Ted (Patrick Baladi - The Office, Stella) who thinks he’s better than Stuart because he sells fish to sushi restaurants.

What can you tell us about Semi-Detached?

It’s about a man who lives with his much younger girlfriend and he’s living opposite his ex-wife who lives with her new fella. It’s very claustrophobic in the sense that he lives on a Cul-De-Sac and he’s only a few steps away from his ex-wife across the road. I think mid-life crisis is the way I’d look at it, his age has never been specified so I have to assume he’s my age because he looks like me, and I’m 51. He’s pretty pathetic, I think.

What makes this show unusual is that 99 percent of the time the camera is following my character around. It’s all real time. If I walk down the stairs the camera follows me. In a normal sitcom, if I leave the bedroom, they’d just have the next shot of me being over the road, but on Semi-Detached the camera follows me down the stairs, out the door… everything is real time.

Every step is filmed to give a feeling of thirty minutes in a man’s life. And that’s the essence

“...that’s the essence of the show... thirty 10

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

of what the show is, thirty minutes in a man’s life that’s falling apart.

Are there any challenges about filming in real time?

The main challenge is that I’m in every single scene. I think there was one scene, the only time in the whole series, where the camera follows someone else. I’m not in every shot so sometimes it’s cut between different characters, but my character is in every scene. I used to complain that actors say ‘I’m tired’ but now I’m like, ‘I’ll keep my mouth shut when actors complain it’s tiring.’

I’m lucky because in Not Going Out I write it, so I turn up and know all the words already, suddenly I had to remember all these lines which I hadn’t written which sounds really obvious but

that’s not what I’ve done in the past. This time I had to be a proper actor. Well, I’ll let the viewers decide that!

How did you get involved with the series?

One of my oldest friends who I went to university with, Neil Webster, we’ve known each other for years and have worked together over the years, actually not as much as we probably should’ve done, we’ve known each other for a long, long time but he’s busy doing his own projects.

He’s got his own production company and he sent me the script, I think more out of, ‘What do you think?’, and I said, ‘Not only do I really

like it, but I want to play the part of Stuart’. So I got involved with trying to get it made, went to the BBC and just said, ‘I’d really like to do this, I think it’s a great script and I’m keen to start doing some acting in other people’s projects, not just my own.’

I’m very lucky I get a lot of offers to do things, but not in the acting world, that’s the bit where I’m not on that list or part of that world. I want to do more of that, so this was my opportunity, I really liked the script, I liked the character and no one had the part yet. Before you know it, we’ve made a pilot and they liked it and booked a series.

Is it different to not be writing?

Absolutely. I’ve spent the last fifteen years writing my own sitcom, every episode I write with someone, and it’s so labour intensive. Most of my work life on that show is the writing, probably 90 percent of the hours is writing it, not actually performing in it. So, to let go of that and let someone else do that is both great and a bit of a challenge. I had suggestions for scripts and I came up with ideas but only a small amount. I loved letting go.

I always try and remember something Jack Nicholson said which is if he has a choice between doing what the director says or doing what he thinks is right, he’ll tend to come down on the side of doing what the director says

minutes in a man’s life that’s falling apart” 11

because he likes letting go and relinquishing control. The problem with stand-up and being yourself is you end up with so much control.

On Would I Lie To You? I say whatever I want because it’s my mouth, or in Not Going Out, I can put whatever words I want into my mouth because I write the scripts with someone else.

But on this, someone else is making the decisions and the danger of me getting too involved is I’d be saying what I would do as a performer in the situation when the whole point is to play someone else.

How would you describe your character?

Pathetic is probably the best way.

I’m from a background of stand-up and basically playing and being myself, even in Not Going Out which is my main acting thing I’ve done in the last ten years, it’s a version of me.

It’s not a massive leap, shall we say, to do Not Going Out. But for this, this was the first time I’ve ever inhabited another character to any

“The main challenge is that I’m in ever y single scene”

12

great length and Ben Palmer, the director, was constantly saying to me, ‘Back foot’. Every time we’d do a scene, he’d say, ‘Can we do it again, you need to be more on the back foot’ and it got to the point where I was literally leaning on my back foot!

Everything Stuart does is apologetic, guilty or feeling like he’s to blame or is responsible, he’s basically just trampled on by everybody and lets it happen. That’s the way his life has ended up the way it is, everyone around him telling him what to do and blaming him. One of the most used words in the script is “Stuart!” with an exclamation mark.

In the new series, Stuart and April are parents, how are they finding it?

Stuart’s not coping very well, he’s clearly been lumbered with most of the work. The new series

TheCHESHIRE CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| Regulars | Feature The

“...in Not Going Out I write it, so I turn up and know all the words already, suddenly I had to remember all these lines” starts with April coming back from a weekend in a health spa because she felt she needed a bit of me time.

The more you learn about her the more you realise that she gets a lot of me time while Stuart is left looking after the baby, as well as trying to hold down a job. He’s taken the role of a stay at home dad and as we see in the show, he’s struggling to get it all together. On top of all that, he feels like his relationship is breaking down. He’s doing everything he can to prove he can cook her a nice meal. There’s a threat that she might not stay with him and that’s what we deal with in the first episode of the series, which isn’t great as the baby is only a few months old and already April is questioning the relationship.

What was it like working with the other cast?

They really were an amazingly good cast. I was surrounded by people that are far more experienced actors than me, especially in the world of comedy acting. I was nervous, I turned up thinking, ‘Can I do this? These guys are much, much better than me,’ and they were brilliant.

Each individual character is so well defined and that’s what I love about it. I basically go round introducing all these characters, so I run across the road and introduce my ex-wife played by Sam Spiro, and she’s such a funny character. She’s now an MP and you just question how they were ever together as she’s so opposite to Stuart. She’s trying to make something of her life and Stuart is just a pathetic DJ who hasn’t really got the dress sense to be with her, let alone the personality. Then her new husband Ted, who’s played by Patrick Baladi, and he’s Stuart’s arch enemy. But he’s so funny with the way he plays it and off camera he’s just forever trying to have a laugh. He’s really good fun to be with on set, same with

Sam, so was everyone on set. It was just a really good laugh, Ellie was brilliant too, as was Clive Russell. There wasn’t one person who wasn’t a good laugh. They’re all actors who didn’t take themselves too seriously, that’s the way I felt being with them.

Would you like to do more acting?

It’s something I’m very keen to do as it’s not traditionally what I’ve been about. Most of my work comes from me being myself as a host or stand-up, but this is an area of life I’m trying to get involved in.

I made a decision a few years ago and said to my agent I’d like to start doing more acting. I’ve been very lucky as I always wanted to be in Doctor Who and I got a part in Doctor Who, I got a part in Horrible Histories the movie and I did a bit on National Treasure. I’m certainly interested in more dramatic roles, I think comedy-drama is the way I’d describe what I’d like to do more of. I’m working on something at the minute with the Dawson Brothers who are great, it’s a little project we’re trying to get going but it would be comedy-drama.

Semi-Detached, Thursdays from August 6, 10.05pm, BBC Two.

13

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Family Learning, Relaxation, Play

We love this immersive POD play space

for children. With interchangeable themes, little adventures can change their world in a matter of seconds. With matching themed audiobooks and e-books, your little ones can join professor PODS on a journey into educational and exciting adventures. Relaxing sound effects also heighten the experience and adds a calming element to the atmosphere. Furthermore, PODS greatly benefit children with sensory needs and learning difficulties and act as a calming space, reducing anxiety, creating a safe space in times of meltdown.

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27

Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Team Family Ben Younie, Kids and Family Insight Specialist takes a look at how family life has evolved during lockdown.

I

t’s safe to say that events of 2020 and the subsequent lockdown have changed the way we behave, and even think. We’ve all likely changed as individuals, from the basics of how we shop and where we can go, to (on a more emotional level) how we feel about what is happening in the world around us.

Families, in particular, have experienced some of the biggest changes. Suddenly everyone is at home, schedules are out of the window, school lessons happen via a Zoom link, parents are endlessly Googling craft ideas for a rainy day and you’ve watched everything that Disney+ has to offer. It’s likely been difficult. But throughout this difficulty, a new appreciation for home and family life has emerged. Home is still where the heart is, but families are now creating new ways and systems of operating within it. There’s been a shift from parent and child as two separate entities, to now operating like a team. Team Family.

We’re Closer Than Ever Before

In a recent survey of 2,000 British parents (conducted by MumPoll), four in five parents believe their families have formed an even stronger bond since spending more time together during lockdown.

Families have been presented with the gift of endless time together, and that time has been utilised and harnessed to create new routines and behaviours. Not only have we had more time to do the typical things that we enjoy - playing, curling up with a film, big walks (when the British weather allows it), but we’ve also developed and expanded our interests. And we’ve done it together. There’s been a peak in different family activities, from 28

gardening and growing, to cooking and baking, to crafting and creating. Whilst these activities aren’t always new, what’s shifted is that we’ve taken them on as a team; inspired by the endless creativity of kids and guided by the knowledge and know-how of parents.

Technology To The Rescue It’s likely that technology has been the facilitator behind a lot of shared activity. Whether you’ve been YouTubing how your little ones can grow their own tomato plants, or you’ve binge watched Netflix together, it’s hard to deny how much tech has helped and supported us through lockdown. For families in particular, it’s been a necessity. And there’s nothing to feel guilty about here. If anything, there’s been a realisation in just how helpful and inspiring technology can be for us. Whereas once parents focused on limiting their child’s minutes and hours spent on tech, the focus has now shifted to understanding how technology can benefit the whole family. What can it help us learn? How can it inspire us? What can we watch and share that might act as a form of family bonding?

TikTok, in particular, is rapidly becoming the digital space where fun family moments are created.

Whether or not you’ve been exposed to a TikTok dance challenge yourself this summer, the platform has opened a whole new world of digital entertainment for all ages, allowing families to create and share together. Celebrities are also getting involved, from Reece Witherspoon to Jennifer Lopez, rounding up the family

to show off their creativity and shed a spotlight on their unfiltered home lives. Even Dame Judy Dench has a TikTok account, taking on her grandson in dance challenges - BAFTA winning stuff.

Beyond connecting us to those under our own roof, technology has also kept us close to our wider network of family and friends and has helped relationships out of the home to thrive. Hello Friday night family Zoom parties!

Creating Family Fandoms Lockdown has also led to the rise of collective family fandoms. It’s not unusual that a parent and child share a passion for a certain topic or team for example. How many of us support the football club that we do because it was passed down to us from the generation before? But now families are sharing new passions, or building on existing ones, as they have more time together and unprecedented digital access to go deep on their fandoms. From dressing up as your favourite superheroes to watch Marvel movies, to parents and kids alike becoming Littler Mixers, to reliving classic Man Utd moments together online, shared fandoms are bringing families closer together. Beyond that, being a fan and creating fandoms is fast becoming part of our family identity and how we express ourselves as a collective. It’s not just about liking something, but about owning and creating shared meaning together.

Rediscovering Community Spirit Outside of the home, and taking a step away from the global, digital sphere, families are rediscovering their local area and, more importantly, local communities. If lockdown has taught us anything it’s how much we rely upon and need the local resources that are around us. We have seen a

“throughout this difficulty, a new appreciation for home and family life has emerged”

movement towards supporting small retailers, with many independent grocers and bakers, for example, continuing to offer products and reliable delivery services throughout the crisis. Local restaurants and cafes have also diversified overnight, whether switching to provide takeaway services or using their kitchens to cook for NHS staff and other essential workers.

From the MumPoll survey, 62% of parents say that their children are now much more “community minded,” with around 50% even running errands for their friends and neighbours throughout lockdown. Whilst lockdown has been tough for families, and so much has had to change, the outcome of spending increased quality time together, both at home and in the local community, has had a positive impact. We’ve taken the time to talk to each other, share with each other, and care for each other.

There’s No Place Like Home As lockdown eases and life reawakens, families will start to reclaim some of their previous freedoms. As we begin to leave our homes more, and the world reopens, home will still remain an integral part of family life. Home has always been a place of stability, creativity and belonging. Home is our normal.

However, the lockdown has given Team Family an opportunity to experience home in a new way.

Through our new, shared experiences we have grown closer together. We’ve learned together, created together, laughed together, and no doubt shared a few tears together. Ok, a lot of tears. But taking these shared experiences forward, Team Family is primed and ready to take on the world’s “new normal”. www.benyounie.com 29

Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

HAPPINESS

A Destination or a Journey?

Life & Executive Coach Adam Taylor discusses happiness and the chemical hacks to keep you smiling

I

often wondered if I would ever reach happiness in my life, due to experiencing highs and lows on a daily basis and struggled to reach that consistent state of euphoria I was led to believe existed. So, happiness, what is it, how do we get it and what does it feel like?! Well let me pause you right there and suggest that happiness is not a place, nor is it a road trip, it’s simply a state of mind.

Happiness is choice, it’s always there for us, even when we don’t think so – we can control it and make it part of our daily lives and also share it with others. It’s inside of you and you can achieve it no matter what the outer circumstances are.

Happiness is not holding on to a negative feeling or a something that can adjust your mood, to surround yourself with people who make you content and to feel a sense of awesomeness about everything you are.

As a Life & Executive Coach, my clients are often held back from being their authentic selves, because of stigma, doubt, resentment, avoidance and much more. This can lead to a path of an unhappy state, so, in client sessions we talk about “a time when” they were happy and what this means, how it felt and associate techniques to harness those moments and grow the feelings into the present.

Fixing your thinking and not the

Happiness Chemicals & How to Hack them Dopamine

The Pain Killer

Completing a task Doing self-care activities Eating food Celebrating little wins

Laughter exercise Essential Oils Watch a comedy programme/film/play Dark Chocolate Exercising

Serotonin

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Endorphin

The Reward Chemical

Oxytocin

The Mood Stabiliser

The Love Hormone

Meditate Running Sun Exposure Walk in nature Swimming Cycling

Playing with a dog Playing with a baby Holding Hands Hugging your family or other loved ones Giving a compliment

problem is a huge step forward, often you find that the problem becomes resolved once the thinking is fixed – mindset shift, what a WOW moment!

I find that enabling yourself to step outside of an emotion and take a helicopter view on a situation, can give resolve or comfort which in turn allows you to be happy (don’t forget, you are controlling this). How many times have we absorbed ourselves so deep into something, that we forget how we got there and why we went, that then combined with a variety of emotions, produces a stuck state? Hover above yourself, look around, what advice would you give if you are now looking in? It’s amazing how these little tips can really make a difference.

I recently came across this brilliant nugget, which I hope you will find useful, try and apply a mix of them each day and see how you feel.

If you would like to find out more about how coaching can help you in your life, please contact me at www.adamtaylorcoaching.co.uk or @adamtcoaching on Instagram

mynelondon.co.uk

T HE AR T OF LAW

CORP ORATE | CO MMERCIAL LI T IG ATION | FAMILY | PROPERTY C ONVEYANCING | EMPLO YMENT W ILLS | PRO BATE jolliffes.com | 01244 310 022 | law@jolliffes.com 6 St. John Street, Chester, CH1 1DA

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

Breakdow n

of Love

in a Coronav irus

Climate

Leading family solicitor Elizabeth Hassall talks about the current ‘new normal’ in family law

W

ho could have predicted a global pandemic and the changes to every facet of everyday life it has meant?

The “new normal”, “furlough” and “social distancing” are all phases that we have not had to contend with in our vocabulary until this dreadful virus took hold. As a Family Solicitor I have continued to work partly from home and more frequently in my office in Chester. It has been tricky getting used to remote court hearings which have been introduced and which have to take place instead of actually attending a court building.

Our new normal is a Judge on the end of a phone or an approved video link.

Each court seems to have a different procedure. Clients do find it difficult and particularly nerve racking on occasion, to have to be in their own home on the phone instead of sitting beside their lawyer when dealing with often acrimonious issues with their estranged spouse or partner. It is equally difficult for the family lawyer to support their client when you do not have the ability of observing body language not only of your client but the opponent.

The court backlogs are frustrating as, although I am hugely sympathetic to the court staff trying to do their jobs often remotely and without the support of colleagues who are ill, the ability to give a timescale to a client for a court hearing or agreed order to be made is nigh on impossible. However, flexible we will always

be with negotiations on finance and children contact time continuing.

Farm and commercial buildings are now capable of being the subject of a formal valuation which was not the case even a few weeks ago. Markets are of course very volatile and therein causes a problem when looking at pension assets or investments as part of a divorce case.

Interim arrangements are often the main focus with couples looking to separate post-lockdown and discussions ensuing about where each will live, who will pay for what and whether a separation deed might address temporary arrangements ahead of a formal divorce being commenced. Variation of existing maintenance orders will be, I am sure, a hot topic as paying parties see their incomes shrink or even lose their jobs. In contrast, some couples have reported that lockdown prompted a decision to part which was festering below the surface and amicable discussions have ensued about how to separate and which process to use.

Alternatives to Court intervention do exist with, in particular, collaborative law as a process not having had much recent publicity but being a particularly attractive service to use if couples are happy to sit in the same room with their respective lawyers and negotiate a deal which is then converted into a consent order. This process attracts parties who want privacy, often swift negotiations and are adamant that they do not want to go to court.

Collaborative law would not be appropriate if court intervention was required which is always the case for some situations.

Dealing with the emotional fall out of a breakdown in a marriage or co-habiting relationship is often very challenging but is particularly heightened at the moment if a potential client cannot take advice from a specialist family lawyer. This has been the flavour over the last couple of months with snatched conversations with prospective clients from their bedrooms or parks when their partner is not about.

Fees are likely to be something that clients are particularly sensitive about but equally a DIY negotiation can often lead to difficulties with a client settling for far less than they might be entitled to or trying to negotiate at the wrong time when it would be better to take preliminary advice and then let asset value recover.

I would say that rather than struggle with a problem on your own do consider having a preliminary discussion with a specialist family lawyer as we may be able to propose some solutions or at least some creative paths which might lead to an answer even if in the short term until the current pandemic is over.

If you have any queries or feel we can help, you can contact Elizabeth in confidence on ejh@jolliffes.com. www.jolliffes.com

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Getfor ready thepopular most popular weekend of the summer.

Get ready the for most weekend featurefeature of the summer. us fordrinks food,and drinks and fairground at Ashley Hall,Estate.

Tatton Estate.

Join us Join for food, fairground rides atrides Ashley Hall,Tatton And,forget don’t to forget bringpooch. your pooch.

And, don’t bringtoyour

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16 AUG 30 AUG

A FAMILY DAY FOR OUTEVERYONE FOR EVERYONE A FAMILY DAY OUT

DRINKS BUS, FAIRGROUND & COUNTRY WALKS ODFOOD VANS,VANS, DRINKS BUS, FAIRGROUND RIDESRIDES & COUNTRY WALKS #TATTONSOCIAL #TATTONSOCIAL

19th|July | 114 am19th July 11 ampm 4 pm Address: Hall, Ashley Road, Ashley, Altrincham, Address: AshleyAshley Hall, Ashley Road, Ashley, Altrincham, WA14WA14 3QA 3QA Forinformation more information visit: tattonevents.co.uk/tatton-social/ For more visit: tattonevents.co.uk/tatton-social/ @tattonevents /tattonevents@tattonevents /tattonevents carapplies parking fee applies £5 car parking£5fee

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GIN

Strangeways Beers and Spirits has created Hazy Strawberry Gin - which have been handcrafted and distilled in Manchester and infused with CBD from authorised and regulated suppliers. For those with sweeter taste buds, the Hazy Strawberry Gin is a perfect summer tipple. Its blend of citrus peel and English strawberries create a bold and wonderful sweet and spicy blend. The CBD infusion makes this the ideal drink for the summer months ahead. www.strangewaysspirits.co.uk, £37.95 per bottle

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Eat Out to Help Out Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from Monday 3rd August – Monday 31st August, restaurants up and down the country will be offering 50% off all food and non-alcoholic beverages

COSY CLUB Best For: Brunch, sandwiches, burgers and tapas Opening Hours: Sunday-Wednesday: 9am - 11pm, Thursday-Saturday: 9am - midnight Corn Exchange, 37 Hanging Ditch, Manchester M4 3TR www.cosyclub.co.uk

RING O’ BELLS Best For: A welcoming Cheshire pub combining high class food with the finest wines and beers.

Opening Hours: Monday - Wednesday: 11.30am - 10pm, Thursday: 11.30am - 10pm, Friday: 11.30am - 11pm, Saturday: 11.30am - 10pm, Sunday: 12pm - 10:30pm Village Rd, Christleton, Chester, CH3 7AS www.ringobellschester.co.uk

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

HICKORY’S SMOKEHOUSE Best For: Family-friendly barbecue spot by the river with smoked and grilled meats, shakes and beers Opening Hours: Daily 11am - 11pm Souter’s Ln, Chester CH1 1SD www.hickorys.co.uk

THE PIED BULL Best For: Traditional British cuisine, speciality dishes and real ales made on site.

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11am - 11pm, Friday: 11am - midnight, Saturday: 10am - midnight, Sunday: 10am to midnight Address: 53 - 57 Northgate St, Chester CH1 2HQ www.piedbull.co.uk

THE WHITE HORSE Best For: Light bites, stone baked pizzas and sharing nibbles, along with comforting, seasonal dishes and a full children’s menu Opening Hours: Daily 12pm – 9pm The Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY www.thewhitehorsechester.co.uk

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Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

TARIFF & DALE Best For: Modern British cuisine from the grill with classic cocktails and British Beers at the bar.

Opening Hours: Monday - Wednesday: 12pm - midnight, Thursday: 12pm - 1am, Friday & Saturday: 12pm - 2am, Sunday: 12pm - 10pm 2 Tariff Street, Manchester, M1 2FF www.tariffanddale.com

THE BLACK DOG CHESTER Best For: Modern British cuisine with extensive drinks offering Opening Hours: Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 12pm to 10pm Friday & Saturday: 12pm to 12am Whitchurch Rd, Waverton, Chester CH3 7PB www.theblackdogchester.com

TATTU Best For: Contemporary Chinese cuisine and cocktails Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday: 5pm – late , Friday - Sunday: 12pm – late 3 Hardman Square, Gartside St, Manchester M3 3EB www.tattu.co.uk

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

INDIVIDUAL RESTAURANTS Diners with a taste for great food and drink enjoyed in stylish surroundings will be pleased to learn that Individual Restaurants is participating in the Eat Out to Help Out government initiative.

Greater Manchester and Cheshire restaurants that are offering the discount include:

Piccolino Caffe Grande, Manchester / Didsbury / Bramhall / Hale / Alderley Edge / Knutsford / Chester / Stockton Heath

Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant, Corn Exchange / My Pizza & Prosecco Bar, Manchester Arndale

The Restaurant bar & Grill The Restaurant Bar & Grill, Manchester / The Alderley Bar & Grill / Opera Grill Members of Club Individual, the lifestyle and rewards club from Individual Restaurants, can also enjoy double points at all restaurants throughout August, to be enjoyed all day, every day. That’s 10% of all food and drink spend back on to members’ Club Individual accounts in points.

Non-members can join Club Individual by downloading the Club Individual app on the app store or google play, or online at www.individualrestaurants.com/join-club-individual and enjoy up to £40 of welcome dining gifts.

39

Happy Skin

K itchen To celebrate the release of her new vegan and gluten free recipe e-book, Elisa Rossi shares some of her delicious recipes with us DESIGN BY EYEBROWSAM.COM

“H

appy Skin Kitchen e-book includes over 65 scrumptious vegan and gluten free recipes to nourish your skin from inside out. All the recipes are made with wholesome ingredients, no expensive superfoods or vegan mock meats and cheeses. I wanted all the recipes in this ebook to be simple and accessible to everyone. If you feel you are not a pro in the kitchen, don’t worry, these recipes are designed to be super easy to make and lots of them are under 30-20 minutes. I wanted to celebrate nature’s abundance by using everyday plantpowered foods which are not only feeding your skin with every bite, but taste utterly delicious too. From breakfast

“I wanted to celebrate nature’s abundance by using ever yday plant-powered foods which are not only feeding your skin with ever y bite, but taste utterly delicious too”

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& brunch to stews, curries, warming soups, satisfying pasta, creamy dips, baking and sweets there is definitely a dish for every occasion and for every season.

My hope for this ebook is to show you that delicious plant-based eating doesn’t have to be difficult, time consuming or bland. In the past 8 years I have learned that cooking wholesome vegan food can be super flavourful, but also quick and easy.”

To download a copy of the Happy Skin Kitchen e-book please visit www.happyskinkitchen.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

Beetroot Dahl This vibrant scarlet take on a classic Dahl is jammed packed with skin brightening antioxidants thanks to the humble beetroot. Lentils are also an excellent source of folate, an important nutrient for DNA synthesis and cell repair as well as iron for strong nails. What I love about lentils is that the don’t need soaking so they are great for a speedy and nutritious meal. I love serving this Dahl with a dollop of plain coconut yoghurt which adds a delicious creaminess the dish.

INGREDIENTS SERVES: 4 PEOPLE 1 cup of red split lentils - rinsed 1 onion - finely chopped 1 carrot - finely chopped 2 medium size beetrootpeeled and grated 2 garlic cloves - minced 1 red chilli deseeded and finely chopped 1 tsp of mild curry powder 1/2 tsp of cumin powder 1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder A bunch of fresh coriander 1 tbsp of coconut oil 2 tbsp of full fat coconut milk Salt to taste SERVE IT WITH: A dollop of plain coconut yoghurt Some fresh chopped coriander A sprinkle of sesame seeds COOKING TIME: 35 MINUTES

METHOD To a large pan add the coconut oil. Once hot add in the chopped onion, carrot, chopped coriander stalks and garlic. Cook on a medium heat for around 10 minutes until the onion and carrots starts to soften. Add in the curry, cumin, cinnamon and the chopped chilli. Give it a good stir and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add in the beetroot and lentils. Mix everything

together and pour over 350ml of boiling water.

Cover with a lid, turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes until the Dahl has thicken up. Just before serving add in the remaining chopped coriander and serve with a dollop of coconut yogurt and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Store any leftovers in the fridge for few days.

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Beluga Lentils & Aubergine Tray Bake This is the perfect mid-week dinner, only a handful of ingredients and only one tray to wash up! I absolutely love the smoky and spicy flavours from the harissa which goes so well with the aubergine. The tahini add a luscious layer or creaminess, please don’t skip it! If you have any leftovers enjoy them the next day as they will be even more delicious.

INGREDIENTS SERVES: 3-4 PEOPLE 1 tin (400g) of beluga lentils drained and rinsed 1 aubergine - cut into cubes 1 red onion - peeled and cut into quarters 3 tbsp of harissa paste 300g of cherry tomatoes 2 tbsp of tomato puree 3 tbsp of olive oil Salt and pepper to taste SERVE IT WITH: A generous drizzle of tahini The zest of 1 lemon - buy unwaxed or organic if you can A sprinkle of pine nuts A sprinkle of basil leaves COOKING TIME: 50 MINUTES

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METHOD Preheat the oven at 200 degrees celsius. Add the oil to a large baking tray and place in the oven for 5 minutes until hot. Add the aubergine cubes and onion quarters to the hot oil together with the harissa paste. Mix everything really well so the aubergine and onion get all nicely coated. Place the tray back in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven and

add the cherry tomatoes and tomato puree. Mix again. Return the tray to the oven for 20 minutes. Add the drained beluga lentils and stir well then return the tray to the oven for a final 10 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven, stir in the lemon zest and season with salt & pepper.

Serve with a generous drizzle of tahini, basil leaves, pine nuts and lemon zest.

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

Harissa Chickpea Stew This stew ticks all the boxes for me. Hearty, filling, flavourful and super simple to make. The harissa is warm and fiery and works so well with the sweetness of the peppers and the smokiness of the paprika. It has quickly become one of those dishes which I make on repeat, because it’s so easy and always hits the spot.

INGREDIENTS SERVES: 2 PEOPLE 1 medium size white onion peeled and finely chopped 4 garlic cloves - crushed 1 tin (400g) of chickpeas 1 tin (400g) of chopped tomatoes 1 sweet red pepper - chopped into small pieces 2 1/2 tbsp of harissa paste (I have used Belazu) 1 tsp of ground cumin 1tsp of smoked sweet paprika Salt & pepper to taste 1 tbsp of oil for cooking OPTIONAL: A handful of baby spinach to add some nutritious greens COOKING TIME: 35 MINUTES

METHOD Add the oil to a large pan on a medium heat.

Add in the chopped onion and pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the onion starts to caramelise and soften. Stir in the crushed garlic, harissa paste, paprika, cumin and a generous pinch of salt. Cook for another 5 minutes then add the tinned tomatoes and cook for another

2-3 minutes. Add the chickpeas and their water.

Turn the heat down to a simmer and leave to bubble for around 15 minutes until the tomato sauce is thick and rich. If using add in a handful of baby spinach and stir until they are wilted.

Serve with a crack of black pepper, a dollop of coconut yogurt and some warm pitta bread.

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Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Cauliflower Gnocchi Nothing beats a bowl of pillow-soft gnocchi. I love using cauliflower as it works so well in terms of texture but it’s also a great way to add extra vegetables to your diet. I love serving the gnocchi with the tamari pan-fried mushrooms and kale but you can also serve them with some pesto or a simple tomato sauce.

INGREDIENTS SERVES: 2 PEOPLE 800g of cauliflower florets - about 1 large head of cauliflower 130g of plain white flour A generous pinch of salt 200g of cavolo nero or curly kale - 150g of chestnut mushrooms 2 garlic cloves - crushed 3 tbsp of olive oil 2 tbsp of tamari or soy sauce A crack of black pepper

METHOD Bring to boil a large pan of salted water.

Add in the cauliflower florets and cook for around 15 minutes until they cauliflower is cooked through. Drain and place the cauliflower into a fine mesh tea towel or if you have one use a nut milk bag. Squeeze out all the water. When you think you are done, squeeze some more! You want to try to get rid of as much liquid as possible. Add the squeezed cauliflower to a food processor and pulse for few second until you have a crumbly mixture. Add in the flour, pinch of salt and blitz again until a sticky dough starts to form.

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Dust your working surface with some flour and tip the dough out of the food processor. Knead the dough until you a have a round ball. Cut the ball into 4 equal size section. Using your hands roll the dough into a long rope. Cut the rope into small gnocchi pieces. Prepare the kale and mushrooms: Cut the mushrooms into slices.

Remove the stem from the kale and roughly chop the leaves. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large frying pan on a medium heat. Add in the crushed garlic and cook for a couple of minutes. Add in the mushrooms and kale, add the tamari sauce and cook on a

medium/high heat for 8-10 minutes until the mushrooms have shrink in size and the kale starts to wilt. Turn off the heat.

To cook the gnocchi: add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to a separate pan and once hot pan fry the gnocchi until brown.

You might need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan. Once all your gnocchi are cooked add them to the pan with the kale and mushrooms. Mix everything together and serve with a sprinkle of chilli flakes.

Follow on Instagram @happyskinkitchen

loves

Water Cooler

Conversation

Stay hydrated this summer with this stylish and practical

addition to any home office, the Lumi Chiller, which offers cold, filtered water at the touch of a button. Its compact design also means that it won’t take up too much space on worktops and frees up space in fridges, for other food and drink essentials. It filters and chills water to 12 degrees in 30 minutes and with a capacity of over eight litres the whole family can stay hydrated through the work-from-home day and beyond. No plumbing or installation, just a single plug allows you to get chilled filtered water, right from your new desktop or kitchen.

Sets up in minutes, and it’s simple to use. The built in Evolve 5-Step filtration reduces impurities such as limescale, chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides from tap water. Catchup with your family and co-workers virtually, around your new water cooler.

Prices from £99.99 and available from Amazon, Robert Dya and Aqua Optima

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Gartside St, 3 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester Book now for a unique, modern Chinese dining experience.

tattu.co.uk @tatturestaurant

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

Cocktail Hour The team at Dash Restaurant and Bar in Liverpool city centre share their recipe for a delicious Pornstar Martini

METHOD INGREDIENTS 37.5ml Grey Goose vodka 12.5ml Briottet Passion fruit 25ml Passion fruit Puree 75ml Pineapple juice Dash Vanilla Syrup Dash Lemon juice GARNISH: 1/2 Passionfruit

Shot glass of Prosecco

Step 1: Firstly, it is important that we chill our Martini Coupe so guests can enjoy their cocktails as cold as possible for longer.

Step 2: Whilst your glass is chilling we now begin to prepare our ingredients, add Grey Goose vodka 37.5ml, Briottet Passion Fruit -12.5ml, Passion Fruit Puree - 25ml, Pineapple juice - 75ml, Vanilla Syrup - dash, Lemon juice - dash into a cocktail shaker.

Step 3: Now it’s time to shake! Shake the cocktail as hard and fast as possible to ensure all of the ingredients inside are nicely blended together, the most important part of this cocktail is the foam which will be created by the pineapple juice so shake, shake, shake.

Step 4: Once you have shaken and the tin becomes cold to touch it’s the time to check we have that foam we desire. Hold the tin in one hand and tap with the palm of your other hand. You want to do this with some force to break the lid away.

Step 5: Make sure that you have created a luxurious thick foam which you will be able to see as soon as you take a peek inside the tin, then as always make sure you taste. Here is a quick bar tenders trick: place a straw inside the tin and cover the end of the straw with your finger tip, this will allow you to taste your

beverage to make sure all the flavours are bursting through.

Step 6: Once you feel the drink tastes perfect, we then strain any leftover ice particles that have been broken down into the drink by shaking. We do this with two strainers, a Hawthorne and a fine strainer. Hold the Hawthorne strainer against the cocktail tin these are made for this so should fit in perfectly. We then pour our drink into our pre chilled Martini coupe through a fine strainer making sure everything is as smooth as possible. We really want to make sure we have all of that velvety foam we have just created so be patient and make sure that is all coming through once strained.

Step 7: Now we move onto garnish, slice a passion fruit in half and place gently into the centre of the drink balancing nicely onto the foam.

Step 8: Finally, we prepare a shot glass of Prosecco to be served with our Porn star Martini. The Prosecco is used to dry out the extra sweet cocktail to create balance.

Step 9: Take a seat and enjoy all of your efforts creating this Dash favourite. www.dashrestaurants.co.uk 47

There are some BIG animals at the zoo, some small, some weird but all of them WONDERFUL, and with your support that’s the way we can keep it.

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Whether you warm to our cheeky chimps or love our ginormous giraffes, adopting an animal at Chester Zoo is really rewarding.

Find out more at

chesterzoo.org/adoptananimal

Travel Liv Li ve the

High Life

True to its iconic location, Treehouse London is the gateway to everything British.

Perfectly perched across the street from the BBC and a stone’s throw from the movers and shakers on Regent and Bond Streets. Take in the landscape of London Town from above at our rooftop oasis offering world-class views of the London Eye, The Shard, Canary Wharf and Regent’s Park. www.treehousehotels.com/london

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Location This idyllic location next to Windsor Park offers next-level luxury that has to be seen to be believed. Coworth Park sets the bar when compared to other UK rural retreats. The venue is located moments from Ascot, Virginia Water and Windsor, while central London is just a 45-minute journey by car. Heathrow airport is also a short 20 minute drive away.

Style This Georgian Manor house built in 1776 is the only Hotel in the UK to have polo fields, an equestrian centre and stables. Arriving at Coworth Park, the beautifully maintained gardens that shadow the sprawling tree-lined driveway take your breath away. To be truthful, it could happen several times when you witness the true beauty the 240 acres of picturesque parkland the estate has to offer.

When you enter the sprawling white manor house you realise why this property has a strong celebrity following. You pass a fleet of luxury cars and are greeted by staff who wear headsets and welcome you as if you’ve just arrived at the ultimate A-List party. Coworth delivers the a 5 star service and standard you would expect from a property within the Prestigious Dorchester Collection. There is no old fashioned charm or shabby chic here from the moment you check-in within the Grand Hall you are greeted with a certain charm and service as if you have just returned home.

Accommodation There are 30 rooms in the Manor House and we were shown to our executive room on the second floor on the garden side with far-

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weekend away

Coworth Park Ascot Matthew Roper took a trip to the stunning Coworth Park in the Berkshire Countryside for an escape to the Queens Countryside

reaching views across the tennis courts and polo fields. The accommodation has a certain stylish flair you would expect. From the tasteful yet sophisticated individually-designed room (contemporary yet warm and inviting). One of the comfiest king-size beds I have ever slept on, a separate seating area, Bang and Olufsen Televisions and a lovely vanity area that converted conveniently into a desk area.

The bathrooms offer the ultimate haven, complete with a copper roll top bath with a window to gaze into the stars while you soak in the largest walk-in shower I’ve seen. If you want to experience the estate more there are a further 40 rooms that are uniquely designed within the original stables and cottages. Each room is different, but are deeply inviting, and give you a real taste of the countryside with beautiful calming tones throughout.

The ultimate prize has to go to Dower House, a private, Grade II-listed, threebedroomed cottage which with views across the estate will make you feel like the King (or Queen) of the Manor.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

signature Ultimate Aromatherapy massage.

They call it the Hero and you will definitely feel like one afterwards.

Food and Drink

The Spa Instantly overwhelming, The Spa at Coworth Park benefits from a stunning eco-friendly award-winning architectural design. With plenty of glass panelling that allows the maximum amount of natural light to fill the building, it's beautifully bright and airy. The floor to ceiling windows make a stunning frame to the extensive green surroundings and being tucked away a little distance from the hotel in its own private meadow, the spa and its surroundings seem to stretch miles.

Adding to the luxurious and high-end feel.

There is a vast menu of treatments to choose from that are mostly traditional with a fresh twist - all offering the very best in relaxation.

There are 8 treatment rooms and 2 couples rooms. Having soaked up the sun by the pool on one of the UK’s hottest days this year I was headed for the treatment rooms for a massage.

The ultimate chaser of indulgence, I tried their

Coworth Park's Executive Chef Adam Smith has created the hotel's truly amazing food offering and you can see why it gained a Michelin Star. The menu is modern British food, seasonal and flavoursome. Having spoken to our waiter they use produce from their very own grounds to add that perfect, seasonal touch to their exquisite dishes throughout the year. If relaxation and rustic is what you are looking for, the Barn is just a short stroll from the main Mansion House and adjacent to the converted stables. Here you can sit inside or alfresco under the stars (weather permitting) in the comfort of wooden tables perched next to a roaring fireplace and simply watch the sunset fall over the fields.

Afternoon Tea is a classic British tradition and a well-loved custom of ours, Coworth Park offers an award-winning alternative in their drawing room and conservatory. You can celebrate with an afternoon of sandwiches, scones and delicate pastries. The perfect setting for a quaint and relaxing afternoon.

Best For Couples, friends or solo travellers – If you want to experience a retreat on the doorstep of Windsor Castle or if anyone who needs a moments peace in idyllic surroundings of the Berkshire Countryside. This is it. www.dorchestercollection.com 51

Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

STAYCATION in the North Dakota Manchester, Manchester City Centre For those looking to escape to the city, Dakota Manchester is a Cheshire Magazine favourite. The hotel re-opened its doors again this month with physical distancing measures in place to ensure guests can enjoy a luxurious getaway in the comfort of safe surroundings. Located in the heart of Manchester, whether your staycation includes enjoying the sights of the city, or pampering yourself in one of the elegant bedrooms, you can relax and unwind with the service and safety measures you would expect from Dakota.

Each room is complete with bold and beautiful décor, sumptuously comfortable beds, rainfall showers and unlimited Sky Sports and Movies. And for those who do not fancy leaving the comfort of their rooms, room service will be available. Dakota Bar and Grill has also re-opened offering specially curated menu of classic Dakota light bites, grills, seafood and desserts. Guests are welcome to dine in The Grill, the Bar or the brand-new Terrace which offers guests an idyllic, al fresco space to enjoy Dakota’s incredible wine and champagne selection with friends and family.

To welcome guests back with warmth and style, Dakota Manchester is offering a special Summer Staycation package.

Until 31st August, book an overnight stay in one of their stylish Classic Rooms and get the second night from £100 (*Ts & Cs apply.) www.dakotahotels.co.uk/ manchester

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Titanic Hotel, Liverpool Set within a UNESCO World Heritage site, and just outside Liverpool’s city centre, the iconic Titanic Hotel Liverpool is the perfect place for a relaxing city staycation, a step away from the hustle and bustle. The New Clean programme has been introduced to ensure guests have peace of mind whilst they enjoy their stay, with the highest level of cleanliness and customer care throughout the hotel, in the bedrooms, communal areas and restaurants. Guests can relax in one of the 153 stylish bedrooms, enjoy a delicious cocktail from the Rum Bar outside on the sunny Colonnades, or enjoy a meal brimming seasonal delights available at Stanley’s Bar & Grill, with diners now having the option to have their meal delivered with room service.

The Love on the Docks offer which is currently available starts at £99 per couple and includes an overnight stay, full English breakfast and bottle of wine on arrival. www.titanichotelliverpool.com

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, Knutsford One of Cheshire’s premier resort destinations, The Mere Gold Resort in Knutsford has staycation packages to suit any taste. The resort is surrounded by beautiful scenic views of its Championship Golf Course and The Mere Lake. Guests can experience the perfect night’s stay in one of its 81 luxurious, individually designed guest bedrooms, which include 10 suites. It’s home to two restaurants, its 2 AA Rosette restaurant Browns for delicious dinners, afternoon tea and Sunday Lunch, and its Club Lounge which offers a more relaxed setting.

Golfers can enjoy 18 holes of golf, a floating driving range or lessons from its onsite PGAs. For those looking to relax, The Mere offers an award-winning Health Club & Spa which offers over 60 classes a week, spa treatments from Natura Bissé and Aromatherapy Associates, and a selection of beauty treatments. The luxury venue offers a range of packages from Girls’ Night In and Date Night to Golfer’s Getaway and Spa Massage. www.themereresort.co.uk

loves

Explorers K ids Club at Gleneagles, Scotland

This summer, Scott Dunn invites families to step into the great outdoors as it brings its award-winning Explorers Kids Club to the iconic Gleneagles in Scotland. A first for the UK– Scott Dunn has joined forces with Gleneagles to curate a fun-filled actionpacked programme, exploring the hotel’s glorious playground of extensive activities and country pursuits within its 850-acre sporting estate. Starting on 1st August 2020, the Explorers’ programme will run as a pop-up throughout the summer – with activities carefully planned to suit the interests of each age group from 4 months to mid-teens. Ideal for families yearning for fresh air and green space, Explorers at Gleneagles is a chance for children to reconnect with their peers and engage in a host of stimulating supervised activities, leaving parents able to enjoy some much-needed downtime, safe in the knowledge that their wee ones are in capable hands.

With all this newfound time on their hands, parents can relax in the pool and health club, tee off on three championship golf courses or hone their equestrian, fishing or clay pigeon shooting skills. For a feeling of pure escape, there are plenty of hiking trails on the doorstep that take in the spectacular local landscape. Refreshed and re-energised, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the long summer evenings, typical of a Scottish summer, together as a family, with relaxed yet refined dining options at one of the hotel’s six restaurants. The hotel has developed a meticulous new set of safety protocols, to provide the highest standards of safety at all times. An enhanced set of hygiene and safety measures have been implemented across the estate to provide even greater peace of mind.

The Explorers Kids Club at Gleneagles starts from £5,5950 for a family of four for five nights and from £8,450 for seven nights – both on a bed and breakfast basis. www.scottdunn.com

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Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

STAYCATION in the South The Curtain, London For those looking to celeb-spot and party until the early hours, The Curtain is located in the heart of stylish Shoreditch and is a members’ club and five-star hotel offering a plethora of amenities, including spa access and a rooftop pool. During their stay, hotel guests also have access to The Curtain’s member’s events, which include food and drinks masterclasses, sustainabilityfocused crafts and themed quiz nights. Plus, the newly launched bottomless brunch and afternoon tea at LIDO offers unparalleled views of London’s skyline. Guests looking to stay at The Curtain can book in confidence and receive the ‘Best Available Rate’ as well as the option to postpone their trip and change the date up to three times if needed. www.thecurtain.com

Sea Containers, London Set within the iconic Sea Containers building - on London’s South Bank - Sea Containers London boasts 359 guest rooms and suites with suitable nods to the building’s sea lubber heritage throughout. For those who enjoy a social drink, the hotel is home to an award-winning experimental cocktail bar spearheaded by acclaimed barman, Ryan Chetiyawardana (AKA Mr Lyan), 12th Knot, a rooftop lounge with panoramic views over the River Thames and Sea Containers restaurant serving modern ingredient-led cuisine. www.seacontainerslondon.com

Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill For those looking to explore the city, London’s quintessentially British hotel - the five-star Hyatt Regency London – is conveniently tucked away in upmarket Marylebone, in the heart of London’s West End and offers views over the charming gardens of Portman Square. Dining options include seasonal British dishes at the Kent-inspired The Montagu Kitchen and cocktails at the award-winning Churchill Bar and Terrace. www.hyatt.com

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TheThe CHESHIRE CHESHIRE Magazine Magazine | Regulars | Travel

Football Escapes at The Grove, Hertfordshire If you’re looking for active break for the family, Football Escapes, the company co-founded by footballers Rio Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora and premiership football coach Sam Hubert, is has launched its first ever staycation offering. The three-night family retreat will take place from 23rd25th August at The Grove in Hertfordshire, with a world-class coaching team led by Anton Ferdinand, and two additional players (TBA).

Former England and West Ham Defender Anton Ferdinand is the first of three-star coaches announced to host a series of training sessions. The sessions will be supported by Football Escapes’ team of UEFA licensed coaches, all of whom come from renowned English Premier League clubs.

Children of all abilities aged between 5 and 15 will have the opportunity to brush up on their ball skills and train alongside their football heroes with six hours of coaching spread across three days.

Parents can cheer on their soccer stars-in-training from the side-lines, with plenty of opportunities to mingle with the coaching team during meet and greet sessions.

The Grove is a family staycation haven, with plenty to keep the whole family entertained off-pitch, too. The five-star hotel boasts an award-winning spa, a championship golf course and secluded Walled Garden, complete with beach and outdoor pool. There is an abundance of activities on offer for all ages, including a Junior Golf Camp on Mondays, forest camps on Tuesdays, Segway tours, garden games, woodland hawking walks, archery, laser shooting, cycling, tennis and much more. www.footballescapes.com

The Runnymede on Thames, Windsor If you’re looking for a more relaxing break, The Runnymede on Thames is conveniently nestled on the banks of (if you haven’t already guessed) the Thames and boasts riverside views and is steps away from Windsor. The hotel has two on-site eateries - The LockBar & Kitchen and Leftbank Restaurant – both of which celebrate locally sourced produce. The Runnymede is home to an award-winning spa where you can discover the hotel’s indoor and outdoor swimming pools, whirlpool bath, infrared cabin, traditional saunas, eucalyptus steam room, and enjoy treatments from luxury brands Guinot, ESPA and Jessica. www.runnymedehotel.com

loves

The Culloden Estate & Spa, Holywood, Northern Ireland For those happy to travel that little bit further the recently refurbished five-star Culloden Estate & Spa is the ideal luxury choice. This stunning venue stands on the forested slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the glorious County Antrim coastline. Having recently celebrated 50 golden years of the Culloden Estate & Spa, the estate also celebrated the completion of its £4.8M Renovation Programme. From a 13 bedroom boutique hotel, the recent refurbishment has unveiled 98 enlarged bedrooms spanning two floors, with en-suite bathrooms overlooking the estate’s landscaped gardens.

Originally built as an official Palace for the Bishops of Down, the hotel stands in 12 acres of beautiful secluded gardens and woodland and provides the perfect city break. www.hastingshotels.com

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Drive High Class

When you think of luxury cars, you think of big saloons silently drawing to a halt outside boutique hotels. But even here, high-riding 4x4s are taking over. That’s why this – the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 – exists. Based on the Mercedes-Benz GLS, it’s a four-wheel-drive luxury limo in wellies.

Combatting the laws of physics are air suspension and a 550bhp V8, designed to ensure a smooth ride and rapid progress. From the elevated position of the reclining rear seats, passengers can survey their kingdom, conduct business or simply watch daytime TV on the gigantic rear screens. It brings luxury cars just a few feet closer to business jets. £tbc, www.mercedes-benz.co.uk

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DRIVE

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

LIVE AND LET FLY Bond’s carmaker of choice has branched out into helicopters, reaching new heights in the process

W

hen you think of helicopters, two names that probably won’t come to mind are Airbus – the maker of the A380 ‘super-jumbo’ – and Aston Martin, a firm that makes sports cars for one Commander James Bond, among others. Nevertheless, these two firms have collaborated to create something that brings “a new level of aesthetics and rigorous attention to detail” to the helicopter market.

You see, Airbus Corporate Helicopters is Airbus’ imaginatively named sideline in helicopters, and it’s that firm’s ACH130 model that has had the Aston Martin treatment. The British carmaker has provided buyers with a choice of four

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interior and exterior designs, which it says will “delight helicopter owners and pilots”.

That means the new chopper comes with a choice of Aston Martin paint options, including Stirling Green and Skyfall Silver. Inside, meanwhile, the cabin is trimmed in Pure Black ultra-suede, with a choice of Aston Martin leather upholstery colours. Aston Martin badges are scattered around the cabin, too.

And the helicopter has the performance to make it worthy of the Aston Martin name. Powered by an Arriel 2D jet engine with 952 shaft horsepower, it’s capable of carrying a pilot and up to six passengers, and it will cruise at up to 134 knots (154mph). £TBC, www.airbuscorporatehelicopters.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

CAR ROYALE Few nations are as well-versed in the art of luxury as Italy, and there aren’t many Italian companies that have mastered that art as well as Maserati. For more than 100 years, the company from Bologna has been building classy sports saloons, and this is the latest iteration.

Despite being built in a country that hasn’t had a monarchy since 1946, it’s called the Quattroporte Royale, and just a handful will be made. Customers get a choice of two lustrous colours — green or blue — and a choice of brown or black interiors. Both get woven leather textile panels in the seats, a Bowers and Wilkins sound system and an electric sunroof.

Power comes from a choice of three V6 engines: two potent petrols and a (relatively) fuel-efficient diesel.

From £103,150, www.maserati.com

loves

CHASING PAVEMENTS

SPORTY UTILITY VEHICLE Porsche’s SUVs are, without wishing to be too gushing, brilliant. Somehow, the German company has managed to imbue its high-riding, practical off-roaders with the sports car DNA that made its coupes and convertibles so special. And now the engineers have set about making the smallest SUV, the Macan, even better. The new GTS model is designed simply to go fast, with a 375bhp V6 petrol engine and lowered suspension that makes it better through the corners. Some sporty-looking exterior and interior adornments give other drivers fair warning of what hides under the skin.

From £58,816, www.porsche.com

Since its reincarnation at the turn of the century, Mini has been no stranger to a special edition, but this new Sidewalk Edition is the latest to hit the road. A mere 150 examples of the cute convertible will be built, with each boasting Deep Laguna paint and black bonnet stripes. There’s a distinctive arrow design on the hood, too, while the 190bhp petrol engine from a Cooper S provides ample oomph. Inside, satellite navigation, wireless phone charging and a Harman Kardon hi-fi all feature alongside leather seats and a head-up driver display.

From £34,215, www.mini.co.uk

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Beaut eauty y

&A BEAST

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

We gave James Fossdyke the arduous task of finding out whether the Ferrari Portofino is more than just a pretty face?

T

hey say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but researchers claim there could be science behind attractiveness.

Apparently, 1:1.618 is the so-called ‘Golden Ratio’, from which you can draw an almost universally gorgeous visage. The bloke who discovered this was a plastic surgeon, and he wanted to use it to perfect his creations.

Whether it worked for him I don’t know — I haven’t seen his handiwork or his accounts — but there’s something ironically appealing about a rationale for beauty.

Presumably, then, there’s someone in the automotive industry being paid millions to find a similar ‘Golden Ratio’ for cars. And I can only assume he or she works for Ferrari because the famous Italian manufacturer has cracked it.

Yep, Ferrari has made the most beautiful car on sale today.

It’s called the Portofino, and walking around it feels almost voyeuristic. It’s like you’ve accidentally glimpsed your favourite supermodel in their underwear and you can’t stop looking — even though part of you is questioning the wisdom of such an activity.

There’s something about the long nose, the demure smile of the front grille and that simple, pure rear end… It’s gorgeous.

But before I get too carried away with the looks, let me explain what the Portofino is. Or more to the point, what it isn’t. You see, Ferraris are traditionally at their best on race tracks, where you can open up the taps and experience the poise spawned by generations of racing triumphs. But while the Portofino still displays some of that ability, it’s much more of a road car, designed to whisk you around at high speed without sacrificing style and comfort.

As such, the Portofino has back seats, a folding metal roof and an engine that sits in front of the driver, rather than somewhere behind their left ear. So when I finally drew up the courage to touch it, I opened the boot and dumped my bag in a space more than big enough for weekend luggage. And if I had run out of room, I’d have found that the tiny rear seats make a surprisingly capacious parcel shelf, which is probably their best use, because while kids might fit in there given a bit of persuasion, fully-grown adults will not.

Once I’d packed my bags, I slid the beautifully engineered driving seat back into place, settling into a high-tech cockpit of exposed carbon fibre, digital screens and complicated-looking buttons. And the cockpit is precisely the right word because it feels nothing like a road-legal sports car, but a proper racing machine. Sure, having half the buttons (including the indicators) on the steering wheel might take a bit of getting used to, but it certainly adds a sense of occasion. Not that you need much more of that when the prancing horse is looking right back at you.

Anyway, leaving the bright red ignition key buried in the pocket of my Levi’s, I stood on the aluminium brake pedal, stabbed the big scarlet button on the wheel and jumped out of my skin. The 3.9-litre V8 doesn’t rumble into life; it barks like a Doberman that’s taken exception to the postman. And once it’s settled to idle, it growls as though it’s fed up with being trapped in the front of a six-figure supercar.

Because I’m a child at heart, there’s something about the noise of a highperformance engine that makes me swoon, so with the rain temporarily banished, I lowered the roof. Unlike supercars of old, there’s no need to employ a troop of boy scouts here; just push a little button, and you’re suddenly left with all the headroom in the world.

That doesn’t just expose you to the mercy of the elements, but to a lot of stares. One chap on the M6 just gaped, wide-eyed, as I cruised past. I’m fortunate to have driven my fair share of supercars over the years, but few have attracted so much positive attention as the Portofino. If you can name it, I’ve been called rude words in it, but people love the drop-top Ferrari. Some go as far as stepping out into the road to get a better picture, even in towns where supercars are ten a penny.

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Ferrari Portofino

But while everyone in town loved the Portofino, I was less enamoured with driving it through town. It’s wide, it’s low, and when you’ve just been told the optional alloy wheels cost nearly £10,000, you quickly become nervous around kerbs. But despite my skittishness, the car actually coped quite well.

Visibility is decent — especially with the roof down — and the nose is far enough from the ground to deal with most, although not all, undulations. The suspension is impressive, too, soaking up the jolts when one of those huge alloys disappears down a cavernous pothole.

Once you’re out of the urban sprawl, though, the Portofino really comes good. On the motorway it’s soft and comfortable, only getting intrusively noisy when you prod the accelerator and unleash a few of the 592bhp on board. Its home territory, however, is a flowing A-road laced with fast bends, and when you get there, the whole car comes alive.

Twiddling a switch on the steering wheel to ‘Sport’ makes the car go into what I call ‘no more Mr Nice Guy’ mode, and you enter driving Nirvana.

With the roof still stashed in its hidey-hole in the boot, the noise of that scintillating V8 reverberates off walls and crash barriers, howling as the engine revolutions build. Each gear change is heralded by a crackle of petrol-fuelled gunfire from the exhaust, and overly judicious application of the throttle can result in a small tailslide,

Price: £166,551 Price as tested: £245,167 Top speed: 199mph 0-62mph: 3.5 seconds Engine: 3.9-litre V8 Power: 592bhp

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particularly when the road is still damp. But that’s fine because the steering is faultless. It’s lighter than you expect and it’s unerringly precise, which helps to keep the car on the straight and narrow.

And good God it’s fast. Official figures suggest other Ferraris are faster, but I can assure you that 199mph and 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds is plenty quick enough. I found that acceleration especially useful, not to mention enormously enjoyable, on motorway slip roads.

But the performance is not the thing I love most about the Portofino. No, I love its usability. Supercars have traditionally been uncomfortable, cramped and noisy, with creature comforts sacrificed in pursuit of lap records and other things that don’t really matter on the M56. But Ferrari has built a car for those who want a supercar badge, supercar speed and supercar style without the hassle.

Think of it as the black stallion on the company’s badge. It’s frisky, and it’ll still give you a good kick if you take liberties, but it’s beautiful, it’s surprisingly approachable and above all, it exudes a magical, gilt-edged aura of class. What more can you ask for?

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Lindop Toyota Queensferry lindopqueensferry.toyota.co.uk *0% APR Representative only available on new retail orders of C-HR Hybrid between 26th May 2020 and 30th September 2020 and registered and financed through Toyota Financial Services by 31st December 2020 on a 36 month AccessToyota (PCP) plan with 0%-35% deposit. ^Payment shown is based on a 36 month AccessToyota (PCP) contract with £6,651 customer deposit and Guaranteed Future Value/Optional Final Payment. Toyota Financial Services is a trading name of Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC; registered office Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UZ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. 8,000 miles per annum, excess miles over contracted charged at 10p per mile. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Participating Toyota Centres. Affordable finance through AccessToyota (PCP). Terms and conditions apply. Model shown is C-HR Hybrid Design 1.8 VVT-I Auto £29,225 including optional metallic paint at £600. 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 54.3 (5.2) - 57.6 (4.9). Combined CO2 86 g/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), which replaces the New European Driving Cycle test procedure (NEDC). All CO2 figures quoted are NEDC equivalent. This means the CO2 figures are based on the new WLTP test procedure but calculated (using a standard European calculation method) to allow comparison with the NEDC test procedure. The NEDC equivalent figures will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. All mpg figures quoted are full WLTP figures. More information can be found by visiting: [https://www.toyota.co.uk/world-of-toyota/environment/wltp]. The official CO2 figures for vehicles will change as from 6 April 2020, 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 recommended ‘on the road’ prices for new vehicles are subject to change for vehicles registered after 6 April 2020. Please consult contact your local Toyota Centre for further information.

Home Get

NAKED Naked bulb light fittings are still very much in the interior spotlight, and these highly decorative smoked glass bulbs, part of the new Manchester Collection from Trafford-based Ultra LEDs, will instantly transform almost any exposed light fitting into a bang on trend design feature.

Available in a range of sizes to fit standard light fittings and lamp bases, some styles are also dimmable allowing you to create the perfect ambience in any room. www.ultraleds.co.uk

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Interiors News FINISHING TOUCHES

We look back at some of our favourite news pieces from early this year AD EXCESTIS MAIO BERIBUSCIM VOLUM ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UT QUAS UNTIO EXCERERFERUM WORDS: JACKIE DUFFY 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

Botanically Beautiful After a successful 20-year career in fashion working for private labels, studios, designers and agents, multi-talented graphic and textile designer Susannah Weiland has rekindled her passion for needle and thread to add sparkle and substance to a gorgeous debut interiors collection.

The Botanical Collection was inspired by Susannah’s regular excursions to Kew Gardens and features hummingbirds, peacocks, frogs, butterflies, ladybirds and blooming chrysanthemums. Starting with a tonal black and white pencil drawing, Susannah brings the characters to life through the addition of delicate hand embroidery and beading in brilliant tropical colours.

As well as wall art and embroidered cushions, Susannah’s designs are carefully reproduced as luxury wallpaper, upholstery fabric, decorative bone china wall plates and quirky cocktail chairs bringing the colour and texture of nature into every aspect of the home. www.susannahweiland.co.uk

DOUBLE GLAZE

SALT & STEEL New online homeware store, Salt and Steel, was born out of founder Sarah Horne’s obsession with interiors and, in particular, with monochrome and texture. The store offers an eclectic mix of original pieces from furniture and lighting to decorative accessories. Most are from British designers and small independent businesses. We particularly love the cordless outdoor lamp that can be charged via a USB and then positioned wherever the party is. £495, www.saltandsteel.co.uk

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Original Style has launched two new additions to its Winchester ceramic tile collection. Manoir and Fabrique are both handcrafted by skilled artisans in the company’s Devon-based factory and feature charming hand-drawn patterns and sumptuous glazes that create appealing variances in tone, depth and colour creating miniature works of art. Stick to one design to create a harmonious statement or mix it up to make a statement. www.winchestertiles.com

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FIRST LIGHT Fresh and unapologetically feminine, the new collections from The French Bedroom Company are superbly on trend with a pastel colour palette that incorporates ‘First Light’, Benjamin Moor’s Colour of The Year for 2020. Our favourite pieces include the Tree of Life Pink Quilted Bedspread with its vibrant oriental inspired print and of course the fabulously fluffy and frivolous Gloria Pink Feather pendant, an elegant blend of contemporary chic and 1920’s old Hollywood glamour. www.frenchbedroomcompany.com

loves

EASTERN INFLUENCES Emerging luxury lifestyle brand GuanAnAn has launched a new home and fashion collection featuring contemporary illustrations of fantastic fish and beasts from ancient oriental literature. The illustrations are the work of Design Director Ju Guan, a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art who established the brand in Autumn 2018.

Within the range are luxurious velvet cushions, fringed pendant light shades, silk scarves and wallpaper in azure blue and black jade colourways. www.guananan.co.uk

3 O F T H E B E S T … Q U I R K Y TA B L E L A M P S

Harvey Hare Antique Silver Lamp, Velvet Shade

Stalking Panther Table Lamp, Black Shade

£185, www.cotterellandco.com

£139.95, www.audenza.com

La Volières Bird Cage Table Lamp £390, www.beaumonde.co.uk

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Home | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Feature

10 QUIET WAYS TO STAY COOL With temperatures set to soar this summer, keep your cool with our top 10 Quiet Mark Awarded fans, air circulators and purifiers

1

NSAUK TFRDC- 5 0RC RECHARGEABLE COLUMN FAN

This elegant Rechargeable Tower Fan combines stylish good looks with exceptional cooling performance, quiet operation and is packed with useful features. The intelligent timer feature allows you to program ‘Time ON’ & ‘Time OFF’ and speed of air flow is easily controlled by a swirl dial on the top of the fan. Aroma oils can be used via the aroma box where drops of essential oils can be added to the lint drawer for a subtle, delicate aroma.

Original price £129.99

2

MEACOFAN 10 5 6 AIR CIRCULATOR

The MeacoFan combines market leading DC technology with a large airflow giving you a quiet, low energy fan that moves a large amount of air to keep you cool all summer long. If you want a quiet fan for the bedroom to help you sleep at night, a timer function gives you the option to programme when the fan will turn itself off so you don’t wake up cold in the middle of the night.

Original price £99.99

3

DYSON PURE COOL ME™ PURIFYING FAN

Dyson’s first purifying fan for personal use, cools you with a stream of purified air. Engineered to help improve your air quality, it projects cooling, filtered air - wherever you need it.

Original price £299.99

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Homes and Interiors

4

GEOSMARTPRO AIRGO SMART FAN

GeoSmartPro has launched with a product that has been around for decades, the fan. The transition is a smooth one, still enjoying the same functions that we’re used to, except they’ve gone a step further and turned it into a fantastic app and voice-enabled fan, called AirGo. This smart fan can be controlled via your GeoSmartPro app from anywhere, allowing you to benefit from all its fantastic features, namely the Timer, Schedule, Mode, App automation, Speed and Swing.

Original price £109.99

5

DIMPLEX DXRCF RECHARGEABLE COOLING FAN

The highly portable 5” desk fan is compact, rechargeable and one of the quietest cooling fans on the market. It’s stylish, simple design and white finish ensure it will look at home wherever you place it, be it the office or the bedroom, or even in the garden. The 5-watt fan is charged through a USB port, can run for up to 15 hours on a single charge, has 4 speed settings and a 90 degree manually adjustable tilting.

Original price £29.99

6

BLUEAIR BLUE PURE 4 11 AIR PURIFIER

Blue Pure 411 is not only whisper silent and energy efficient, the one-button speed control makes it super easy to use. The entire bottom part of each air purifier consists of an advanced filter. Using both mechanical and electrostatic filtration, it catches virtually every airborne contaminant down to a virus in size: pollen, dust, pet dander, mould spores, smoke, allergens and bacteria.

Original price £135

7

DYSON PURE COOL LINK™ TP02 TOWER PURIFIER FAN

The Dyson Pure Cool Link™ Tower purifier fan has dual functionality. As a purifier, it automatically removes 99.95% of allergens from the air. It monitors, reacts and reports air quality to your Dyson Link app – enabling you to remotely control your environment. And as a fan, it projects and circulates cooling air throughout the room.

From £499

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Home | The CHESHIRE Magazine

8

FINISHING TOUCHES

PHILIPS SERIES 3 000I AIR PURIFIER AC 3 0 33 / 3 0

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

At just the touch of a button the Philips Series 3000i will continuously detect and remove pollutants from the air without you having to worry, ensuring you always have healthy clean air in your home. The intuitive digital display easily shows your indoor air quality in real time but by also connecting to Philips Clean Home+ app you can monitor your air quality and adjust the purifier settings wherever you are.

Original price £450

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BLUEAIR CLASSIC 200 SERIES AIR PURIFIER

Using the best in electrostatic and mechanical filtration, the HEPASilent™ technology is a revolutionary combination of advanced filter media and an encapsulated particle-charging chamber. The product is lightweight and easy to move around your home. With its compact fan design and huge filter surface, it delivers solid performance, freeing your home of allergy and asthma triggers. The Blueair Classic 280i is Wi-Fi enabled and comes with integrated air quality sensors.

From£479

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VENT-AXIA LO-CARBON SVAR EXTRACTOR FAN The launch of Svara marks the next generation of unitary fans. Consumers will be attracted to Svara’s good looks with its sleek modern design, plus its quiet running. For electricians, installation is made simple through Svara’s Bluetooth-enabled App allowing you to choose whether to opt for intermittent or continuous ventilation; whether you would like the humidistat to trigger operation or not; and whether the overrun timer is required. No more fiddly switches and jumpers!

Original price £243

All stockist cans be found at www.quietmark.com

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Brighten up your Summer...

Mahal Indian Rug ECD007 • From £99.00

Kashimar Woven Rug EXP951 • From £99.50

Pop of Colour...

Yellow is definitely the ultimate mood booster and adding it to a room will fill it with cheerfulness and freshness. Shop for our yellow rugs and get that pop of colour you’re looking for.

Make a Statement...

Using a rug as a statement piece in your room will create the perfect focal point. Warm colours in minimal settings definitely make a statement.

Fjord Woven Rug ZBN007 • From £119.00

Indian Lattice Rug DFS702 • From £49.00 Perfectly Pink...

Our Lattice ranges come in variety of different colours.

This soft blush one is perfect for adding a touch of colour, while adding a touch of calm.

Mix & Match...

Jazz up a dull looking room with a rug from our ‘Fjord’ range.

Bold patterns mixed with subtle colours fit in any room. Soft to touch, made from 100% polyester means little or no shedding.

With over 30,000 rugs online we definitely have something to brighten up summer frithrugs.co.uk

@frithrugs

@frithrugs

01745 584 404

N Wales: LL18 5TZ Shrewsbury: SY1 3TG Warrington: WA2 7XE Bristol: BS34 7BR FrithRugs is a trading name of G H Frith (Bodelwyddan) Ltd.

20d01

Q&A

with

PHILIP PALMER, LAND DIRECTOR FOR ELAN HOMES IN THE NORTH

How would you describe yourself ?

I live in Hoole, affectionately known locally as Notting Hoole or the Notting Hill of Chester, with my beautiful wife and children. We’re an active family and weekends are very much centred around our two boys, aged seven and four. As a family we enjoy exploring Cheshire and North Wales, going on country walks and having meals out together.

I’m a keen sportsman and avid Liverpool FC fan. I regularly play five-a-side and, when time allows, golf. I have a tidy 17 handicap and would love to play more often – I’m known to be useful in Stableford competitions.

Who are your greatest influences?

My family, particularly my two elder brothers who are very much ‘yin and yang’ with me having a more balanced personality. Also, my uncle, who was a local house builder in the Formby and Southport area where I grew up. Being on building sites at a young age, in part, inspired my career path.

What have been some of your best jobs/experiences at work and why?

I’ve been privileged to work with some great north west businesses, learning from my superiors along the way. An old adage in business generally is that ‘you are only as good as your last deal’. My last deal was pretty significant

for Elan Homes – the acquisition of the former Philips Electronics factory in Southport for a scheme for 157 homes providing a broad product mix from two-bedroom first time buyer units through to mid-sized four-bedroom detached family homes. It’s a true statement of intent in the market place and one that sets the foundations for the growth ambitions for the business.

Traditional vs contemporary style?

I like to combine traditional historic roots with a touch of contemporary style.

What would you consider your greatest achievement?

Aside from being a husband and father, my greatest achievement to date is maintaining gainful employment during the 2008 recession. During a period of economic uncertainty, I remained positive and flexible towards the market dynamics, developing a strong reputation for due diligence and a well rounded approach to development opportunities.

What would your super power be?

Flying – but without a cape! www.elan-homes.co.uk

P.S. Last book you read?

The Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve Peters Dream buy?

I’d love to buy a house with a section of river, perhaps in the Lake District

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And Finally ...

We simply had to share this breathtaking Bird of Paradise cotton velvet sofa from ethical interiors brand, Ian Snow Ltd. Ian Snow offers eclectic pieces from hand-picked artisan manufacturers around the globe. This stunning sofa is available in Magenta or Mustard and is manufactured using traditional techniques and recycled fabrics, such as sarees. Fairtrade and fabulous! ÂŁ1,625, www.iansnow.com

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ORIGINAL, LIMITED-EDITION ART DECO POSTERS

Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned Art Deco posters feature glamorous holiday destinations around the world, ski resorts in the European Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Over 100 designs to choose from, all printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, measuring 97 x 65 cm.

Pullman Editions Ltd 94 Pimlico Road Chelsea London SW1W 8PL www.pullmaneditions.com

Priced at £395 each.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0547 Email: info@pullmaneditions.com

Private commissions are also welcome.

Our central London gallery

All images and text copyright © Pullman Editions Ltd. 2020

View and buy online at w w w.pullmaneditions.com

Kitchen Architecture’s distinctive interpretation of luxury living The Farmhouse The Colony Altrincham Road Wilmslow SK9 4LY Tel: 01625 544 890

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