The Cheshire Magazine - January 22 by The Cheshire Magazine & The Rutland Magazine

JANUARY 2022 s ISSUE 091

SKI HARD,

Look Flawless Black Crow’s new collection

New Starts

with the Speakmans

YOU ARE INVITED TO A LUXURY SWIMMING POOL, SAUNA & WELLNESS EVENT at Mere Hall Farm, Knutsford, WA16 6LE on 10th, 11th & 12th January 2022

Guncast invites prospective clients, architects, landscape designers and developers to a ‘meet the experts’ event at their new showroom. The event will provide an opportunity for those attending to understand the complete range of Guncast products and services. The pool and wellness experts will be able to discuss and design your indoor/ outdoor pools and wellness areas, for the home, high end residential developments, commercial and boutique spa facilities.

Visit www.guncast.com, call 0161 358 0840 or email manchester@guncast.com

O RD LONDON MANCHESTER OXFO NEW YORK

Celebrate the New Year Clogau® Celebration Life’s momentous occasions are made all the more meaningful when celebrated with those you care about. The inspiration behind these elegant and contemporary designs draws on the captivating bubbles in a glass of champagne. This delicate jewellery serves as the perfect gift to mark unforgettable moments.

www.clogau.co.uk

Visit Our Chester Boutique 1 0 - 1 2 F o r e g a t e S t r e e t , C h e s t e r, C H 1 1 H A

J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 2 s ISSUE 091 s

Managing Director Kathryn Otto Editor Craig Hough Editorial Team Kevin Evans Toby Taylor Isla Wilson Contributers James Fossdyke Clare Stobart Martine Alexander James Dutfieldw Design & Production Kate Woods Picture Editor Kat Hannon Brand Ambassador Keely Barrett Charity and Event’s Coordinator Rachel O’Hare

Proudly published by

www.thecheshiremagazine.co.uk The Cheshire Magazine Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and The Cheshire Magazine Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. All Information within this issue of The Cheshire Magazine is correct at time of going to print 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 and retail outlets. Distributiont locations may vary at present due to local restrictions ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES hello@thecheshiremag.co.uk

A Note From... A

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

s we step into 2022, the new year brings fresh opportunity for a restart, which is the focus of issue 91. We begin by meeting Fitness Coach Dan Hooper who shares his life in Cheshire with us (p.15). Life Change Therapists Nik and Eva Speakman advise on how a new year can be a new start for us all (p.29) and Clare Stobart gets personal with actress Denise Welch on how she overcomes “the unwelcome visitor” (p.48). Expert advice is flowing through this issue as Co-Founder of Select Personal Introductions, Alex Mellor-Brook shares his expert guidance on returning to the world of dating after a break-up (p.23). Michaele Valentine, Engagement Ring Specialist at Powells Fine Jewellery in Chester, offers her essential guide to engagement rings (p.34). We meet our new Fashion Expert, Martine Alexander, who tells us about her experience as a Celebrity Stylist and Wardrobe Concierge (p.36), and Professor Alice Gregory explains we can do to help children relax at bedtime (p.58). Elsewhere this issue, we spend a weekend away at The Gantry London (p.74) and visit Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora (p.76) in Travel. Resident petrolhead James Fossdyke test drives the Bentley Bentayga V8 (p.84) in Drive. And finally, we look at the process behind the design of The Ophelia House, a Cotswold Chalet-style family home (p.92) in Home. There is so much to enjoy in our first issue of the year so please kick back and enjoy.

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

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

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

Frisør Salon & Wellness Jackson-Stops

Team Cheshire Magazine

PARTNER

David M Robinson

GREATER MANCHESTER

Happy reading,

PROUD TO

LIVERPOOL Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar

Oddfellows on the Park

cover On the

Little Girl Hugging Dog Looks Forward Photograph - In Green

Would you like to be part of the family, receiving Cheshire’s premiere lifestyle magazine right to your front door each month, you can now subscribe easily online. Get your own, beautifully printed copy from as little as £3.50

Subscribe today by visiting: www.thecheshiremagazine.co.uk/subscribe

Contents A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITES

NEW STARTS WITH THE SPEAKMANS

How a new year can be a new start for us all

SKI HARD, LOOK FLAWLESS

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE

STYLE

PROPOSE WITH POWELLS

MEET MARTINE

3 OF THE BEST...

LOCAL SCENE

Our social pages this month are filled with fizz and fun from the region’s top events

Jason Annette, Senior Head Chef at The Ivy Spinningfields, Manchester

GRAN MELIÁ PALACIO DE ISORA Kathryn Otto gets some winter sun

We welcome our new Fashion Expert to the team

GETTING PERSONAL WITH DENISE WELCH

Clare Stobart talks exclusively to the television star

DRIVE

Fitness Coach Dan Hooper on his life in Cheshire

Dog Friendly Travel Award Winners

3 COURSES WITH…

Your essential guide to engagement rings

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS

MY LIFE IN...

A look at what we can do to help children relax at bedtime

TRAVEL

Why Chester is the perfect city for your pooch

A HELPING HAND AT BEDTIME

FOOD & DRINK

Black Crows has set the bar for innovation in high-performance ski wear

REGULARS

FAMILY

THE BIGGER THEY ARE…

We take a look at the Bentley Bentayga V8

HOME

90 96

BUYING ART AT AUCTION

Top tips for those taking their first steps into an auction room

Q&A WITH...

Louise Stockton, owner of Around The House Furniture

A Luxury H ealth Club that dares to be di fferent! BRAND NEW Signature swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool and wellness area allows you to relax, recover and rejuvenate in serene yet stylish surroundings – – – – – –

Salt crystal steam room Sauna Infrared sauna On-site cryotherapy chamber -140oC UK’s first beauty light therapy machine Subsidised elite personal training sessions – Unique changing rooms, amenities include towels/beauty products etc. – APRIL’S Kitchen dedicated members’ private dining

CYCLO

One of the world’s best skill bike studios with a 10m2 video wall

INFERNO

Home to one of the toughest bootcamp sessions in Cheshire

OXYGEN

Find your sense of balance, peace and purpose

Access All Areas Inclusive Membership available at:

C PAS E . CO. U K 0156 533 2022

INFO@CPASE.CO.UK

@claresspacecheshire

CPASE

Find us at Mobberley / Knutsford / WA16 7RN

S TAT E O F T H E A R T A E S T H E T I C C L I N I C S I T UAT E D I N T H E H E A R T O F C H E S T E R

WE OFFER A RANGE OF NON SURGICAL A N D H O L I S T I C A E S T H E T I C T R E AT M E N T S , P R O V I D E D B Y H I G H LY S K I L L E D A N D EXPERIENCED MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS. S E R V I C E S A N D T R E AT M E N T S T H AT W E O F F E R : • ANTI WRINKLE INJECTIONS & DERMAL FILLERS • PROFHILO • L A S E R S K I N R E S U R FA C I N G : A C N E , A C N E S C A R R I N G , R E D N E S S , P I G M E N TAT I O N , O P E N P O U R S • L A S E R H A I R R E M O VA L • FAT R E D U C T I O N A N D S K I N T I G H T E N I N G • N O N S U R G I C A L FA C E & B O DY L I F T • NON SURGICAL BRAZILIAN BUM LIFT

£50 OFF VOUCHER REDEEMABLE A G A I N S T T R E AT M E N T S (EXCLUDING SKIN C ARE P RODUC T S) EXPIRES 31ST JAN

• VA G I N A L T I G H T E N I N G & R E J U V E N AT I O N • FA C I A L T R E AT M E N T S • TAT T O O R E M O VA L • HYPNOTHERAPY & PSYCHOTHERAPY • M O L E A N D S K I N TA G R E M O VA L

C O N TA C T U S T O D AY F O R Y O U R

F R E E C O N S U LTAT I O N 01244 72300 W W W. D D C L I N I C A L . C O M

My life ... DAN HOOPER, FITNESS COACH AT CPASE HEALTH CLUB

How would you describe yourself ? I don’t take myself too seriously, outgoing, fun, caring and passionate about helping others. Where is home? And work? I’m originally from Stockport but now live in Worsley with my fiancé Rachael, my daughters Lexi (11), Pippa (9 months) and stepdaughter Chloe-May (11). And our untrainable dog Hugo who is a crazy loving Cavapoochon. I work at the luxury boutique health club, CPASE, in the heart of Cheshire as a Health and Fitness Coach. I’m very lucky to be part of something so unique and special surrounded by such a fantastic team. What did you want to be when you were younger? From as young as I remember I always wanted to be a professional footballer and luckily, I managed to achieve this, moving up through the youth ranks from the age of 7 at various clubs and then onto a couple of stints in Scandinavia. It wasn’t the career I had hoped for as injuries cut my career short and I then dropped down the leagues, but I always look back with fond memories and the amazing people I met on that journey. Name a few of your favourite places to be... I absolutely love Barcelona, I think it has everything from amazing food, architecture and great nightlife. Over the last few years as a family, we have been lucky enough to rent a beautiful house in Saint Paul de Vence in the South of France and had some wonderful times.

“

The decisions that scare you the most are usually the ones that change your life for the better.

”

What or who inspires you? Without a doubt my whole family, but I would have to single out my stepdaughter Chloe-May who has dyspraxia and learning difficulties, yet she wakes up every morning with absolutely no fear, with a smile on her face ready for the daily challenges that lay ahead. What was the last gift you gave someone? Secret Santa at work. A very nice bottle of Malbec. Tell us a secret/fun fact? I’m a trained TV actor and have appeared in quite a few things. What would your Mastermind subject be? Movie quotes. What’s been your biggest life lesson? The decisions that scare you the most are usually the ones that change your life for the better. www.cpase.co.uk

Join us for our Join us for Join us for our our

Whole Open Day Whole School Open Day Whole School School Open Day on on

Saturday Saturday 29th 29th January January on

INTRODUCING PRE-PREP AT MYDDELTON INTRODUCING INTRODUCING PRE-PREP PRE-PREP AT AT MYDDELTON MYDDELTON A leading co-educational boarding and day school for students aged 3 - 18 years, set in 37 acres of beautiful A leading co-educational boarding and day school for students aged 3 - 18 years, set in 37 acres of beautiful A leading co-educational boarding andMyddelton day school College for students aged 3 - your 18 years, ina37 acresfuture. of beautiful Welsh countryside. Find out how can prepare childset for bright Welsh countryside. Find out how Myddelton College can prepare your child for a bright future. Welsh countryside. Find out how Myddelton College can prepare your child for a bright future. Contact admissions to register: Contact admissions to register: +44 (0) 1745 472204 to register: Contact admissions +44 (0) 1745 472204 @myddeltoncollege +44 (0) 1745 472204 @myddeltoncollege myddeltoncollege.com @myddeltoncollege myddeltoncollege.com admissions@myddeltoncollege.com myddeltoncollege.com admissions@myddeltoncollege.com admissions@myddeltoncollege.com

AWARD-WINNING INDEPENDENT DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL AWARD-WINNING AWARD-WINNING INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT DAY DAY & & BOARDING BOARDING SCHOOL SCHOOL

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

NOTEBOOK WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

Cast astlle Q uest

IMAGE: ENGLISH HERITAGE

With spring just around the

corner, get out and about this February half term on this brand new explorer quest. Track down the clues and solve the puzzles as you follow the family trail through the grounds of Beeston Castle, and enjoy a brilliant day out in history. 19 Feb - 27 Feb 2022 www.english-heritage.org.uk

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

6 FEB

Chester 10K, Chester Zoo

What’s O n ?

The Chester Zoo 10k is back for 2022. Join fellow runners for a unique opportunity to run a chip timed 10k that starts amongst the rhinos, elephants, giraffes and zebras! The course will run through the zoo before heading out onto the surrounding closed roads before finishing back inside the zoo. www.runchesterzoo.com

EVERY MONDAY

Pawpcorn Ducie Street Warehouse, Manchester

OPEN DAILY

Aerial Trek, Vertigo The Spa at Carden For those looking to get active this winter, Vertigo at Carden offers the ultimate face-your-fears adventure. Brave dizzying heights in this unforgettable outdoor experience, complete with an aerial trek lasting up to 2 hours where you will combat a variety of challenges. End with the option to either leap into a giant stunt pillow or glide down a 210m zip line back to ground level. www.cardenpark.co.uk 18

Grab your pooch and order some hooch, every Monday at Ducie Street’s 36 seat cinema. K9 themed films such as Lady and the Tramp, Bolt and Homeward Bound will be played as you kick back with your four-legged friend. www.duciestreet.com

15 - 26 FEB

Blood Brothers Palace Theatre, Manchester Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical,’ Blood Brothers surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. www.atgtickets.com

CHAPELWOOD • WILMSLOW •

Located in the heart of Wilmslow, Chapelwood is a stunning collection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom later living apartments. Become part of a like-minded community and enjoy the facilities which include a wellness centre and restaurant. Whether you rent or buy, Pegasus homes have no exit fees.

Prices

£395,000 - £635,000

Rent from

£2,429

pcm

Call 01625 569 492 or

visit lifestory.group/Chapelwood PEGASUS

Alderley Road, Wilmslow, SK91EN

Part of

lll.ifestory

Prices correct at time of print. January 2022.

-,,....________________________.T.....,

-a

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

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The Best...

Dog Fr iendly Travel Awa rd Wi n ners As we enter 2022, leading dog-friendly PetsPyjamas, reveal the winners of their annual Dog-Friendly Travel Awards. Below we select our three favourite winners, selected from the thousands of their truly welcoming dog-friendly hotels, cottages, country houses in the UK.

BEST FOR GOURMET GETAWAYS Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Oxfordshire,

Famously created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc, this dog-friendly gastro getaway is a must for foodies. A grand manor house in a beautiful setting, it offers the best in old-fashioned luxury, with impeccable service, magnificent rooms, and an award-winning restaurant that promises one of Britain's finest gastronomic experiences. Pampered pets will love exploring the secret places within the property’s lawns, as well as the fuss they receive from all the staff. Prices from £763 per night.

FAMILY FRIENDLY WINNER

BEST FOR SPA BREAK WINNER

South Lodge Hotel & Spa, West Sussex

For a pampering stay, with wonderful walks and bags of style, this five-star luxury country hotel bordering the beautiful South Downs National Park was a clear winner for its category. The state-of-theart spa boasts a gym, spin studio, indoor pool, outdoor hydrotherapy pool, wild swimming pool, a thermal suite and a wealth of treatments. Beyond the spa, guests can further unwind in 93 acres of woodland and dine in a choice of three awardwinning restaurants. Dogs can expect a five-star welcome, endless exploring and dining with their human in the Great Hall. Prices from £625 per night.

Wilderness, Suffolk

A collection of 12 gorgeous farmhouses and holiday cottages set on a 5,000 acre luxury estate, it was a clear winner for the family category with plenty of options for families to gather for special occasions. Spend lazy days fishing, toe-dipping, doggie paddling or enjoying the swimming pool and tennis courts too. The properties have well equipped kitchens or take the night off by hiring the in-house chef or dining at the dog-friendly pubs nearby. For the ultimate family gathering hire Chapel Barn – a renovated 15th-century barn with a dining room to cater for 30 guests. Prices are from £136 to £3625 per night. 20

www.petspyjamas.com

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

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

www.birkdalewindermere.co.uk

Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa | Wolmar | Flic en Flac | Mauritius T: +230 403 1500 | maradiva.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Restart estartii ng y our D a ting L ife on the R ight No N ote Co-founder and Dating Expert at Select Personal Introductions, Alex Mellor-Brook shares his expert advice on returning to the world of dating after a break up

eople talk about getting back on horses and never forgetting how to ride bicycles, but a romantic life is not a means of transport. It’s not just about getting over a few wobbles or having somebody nearby to catch you if you fall. Instead, it’s a full-on balancing act, where your own emotional life, and your willingness to step out into the wide world of dating need to synchronize. That might sound daunting, but it’s also the most worthwhile thing you can do for yourself, and for the person out there who’s just waiting to meet you. Actually having somebody nearby to catch you is as good an idea for your love life as for your transport adventures. Setting up a strong support network is a fantastic way to restart your love life. Get family and friends on your side by organising nights out with your mates as well as dates, so you can relax and talk to

them about how your dates are going, it’s a great way to explore what you’re really feeling and get some moral support.

When to date after a break up? There used to be strict rules about this, especially after a divorce, but today we’re more relaxed. We can offer some guidelines though. First try to establish where things went wrong in your last relationship before flying into the next one, so you can identify problems and see where you may need to change. After all, those who can’t see their mistakes may be doomed to repeat them. But don’t dwell on your sorrows too long - it’s mentally and emotionally healthier to seek out a new partnership than to feel lonely and isolated.

How to date again: • Accept your vulnerability. Whether you’re coming out of a twenty year marriage or a one year dating relationship, you may fear being hurt again. Being honest is important - first with yourself and then with anybody who might become important to you. • Have clear dating standards. Know your deal-breakers and triggers, so you can assess other people’s behaviour clearly. It’s easy to over-analyse and over-invest when we first start dating again. Having solid criteria to measure how things are going can help you view any potential partner realistically.

• Become sociable. Coming out of a relationship often means having to rebuild a whole social life, and purely looking for a new life partner can be destabilising. Focus on reconnecting with old friends and former hobbies or launch out in new directions. This stops you fixating on a relationship as your only solution. It also makes you a more interesting and relaxed partner on the dates you do get. • Trust your gut. Having found one person to share life with, it can feel strange to start talking to total strangers again. But while that’s normal, we need to be open to new possibilities. Having people to talk to; friends, family members, or even a dating expert, can help us see that we’re actually wellequipped to rely on our instincts when it comes to rebuilding a romantic life. And finally, be brave! We all deserve a fulfilling and rewarding emotional life, and sometimes we just need to stick our necks out a bit to get it. www.selectservices.co.uk 23

Local Scene ADVERT

Ladbrokes Northwest Football Awards 2021 The Point at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester More than 650 guests attended the black-tie event last night, which was hosted by BBC presenter, Dan Walker, at The Point at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, which celebrated and honoured the stars of the 2020/21 season. Winners were named in nine player categories, as well as in a raft of other honours handed out on the night. After an intensely fought season and much deliberation from the judges, Blackpool’s Neil Critchley was awarded the coveted Manager of the Season title, for winning promotion for Blackpool to the Championship, whilst Harvey Elliot who had an incredible season at Blackburn Rovers, on loan from Liverpool, won The Athletic Rising Star of the Season, as voted for by the fans. It was a double win for Liverpool FC as Mo Salah won Premier League Player of the Season, with Jordan Henderson being handed the Billy Seymour Impact Award, which recognises an individual who has made a significant positive impact on football in the region for his work both on and off the pitch. The Lifetime Achievement accolade was awarded to the legendary Denis Law, CBE, for his achievements throughout his playing career for Manchester United and Manchester City and Scotland. www.northwestfootballawards.com 24

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

An Evening with Praga Praga Cars UK, Cheshire Set at their Cheshire based HQ, ‘An Evening with Praga’ saw a unique panel of special guests give emotional and fascinating discussions on stage. Praga ambassador, former F1 driver and new Andretti Autosport IndyCar driver, Romain Grosjean, world-renowned car designed Frank Stephenson, and Praga Guest Drivers Jay Morton and Jimmy Broadbent, were interviewed by ex-racing driver, model and presenter Jodie Kidd, in front of an exclusive audience of 120 exclusively invited guests. www.pragaglobal.com

BOLESWORTH CRYSTAL BALL Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire More than 250 VIP guests gathered a Bolesworth Castle to celebrate the historic venue’s past successes and to hear the business’ exciting plans as the estate builds towards its 200th anniversary celebrations in 2028. The event provided an ideal opportunity to raise money for Bolesworth’s charity of the year - Hope House Children’s Hospices. More than £18,000 was raised at the black-tie event hosted in Bolesworth’s VIP Hospitality Marquee and event grounds. Guests were treated to a delicious three course meal, laser light display and music from the Singing Waiters. www.bolesworth.com 26

WELCOME TO OUR WORLD

Would you like to feature in Cheshire’s leading luxury lifestyle magazine? Contact us to discuss marketing opportunities in print & online,

hello@thecheshiremag.co.uk www.thecheshiremagazine.co.uk

B O O K YO U R F R E E N O O B L I G AT I O N CO N S U LTAT I O N with our qualified medical practitioners at the iconic Lowry Hotel We have also started to offer IV vitamin drips at the Lowry Hotel (Spa and in suite service)

CLASSIC MYERS:

The Myer’s cocktail is the original formulae created by John Myers MD physician from Baltimore. Classic Myers can improve immune health, boost energy levels with many more benefits. ∙ Vitamin C ∙ Calcium ∙ Magnesium

KICKSTARTER:

Looking to improve energy levels; pick yourself up with this IV which contains just the right mix of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. ∙ B vitamins ∙ Magnesium ∙ Calcium ∙ Thiamine ∙ Potassium

Throughout January, we’re offering 15% off these drips. Starting price: £200

P L E A S E CO N TAC T U S TO DAY. . .

07919583324 info@dermassure.ent Lowry Hotel, Dearmans Pl, Salford, M3 5LH @dermassureaesthetics

www.dermassure.net

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

New Starts

with The

Speakmans

Life Change Therapists Nik and Eva Speakman advise on how a new year can be a new start for us all

s we enter a new year, many of us see this as an opportunity for a new start allowing us to consider what we want, and how we can enhance ourselves and our life. New hobbies, new approaches, a new way of eating and behaving suddenly appear to be acceptable. Albeit the new year is a wonderful excuse to actually ask ourselves what we want, the truth is that with every new day we have the same right and power to design the day, the life and the future that we truly want and deserve. So perhaps your new year’s resolution should be to plan your life, not just annually but also day by day.

What Stops Us As harsh as it may seem, the truth is if you do not plan your life, then invariably you will become a part of someone else’s plan, and therefore a new start has to come with an acceptance of responsibility for your life. Think about it, there is only one person that will be with you for 24 hours each day, and for the rest of your life and that is YOU. You, therefore, owe it to yourself to decide what you want, not just as a new year unfolds but also each new day and for the rest of your life.

“ There is no greater project to work on than yourself ”

“Selfish” we hear you cry, but on the contrary, albeit we are conditioned to put others first, have you ever considered that if you put yourself first so that you are happy, healthy and emotionally and physically strong that this will allow you to help more people. Just consider the plane analogy; if the cabin pressure drops, please put your oxygen mask on before helping others”. Furthermore, your happiness will radiate on those around you. Moods are contagious, you can either spread happiness or misery. The choice is yours! Knowing that your mood can influence others, we would like you to

consider that creating your happiness is a selfless act benefiting not just you, but also those around you. A new start however for many can be daunting. We feel comfortable with the familiar, but staying with the familiar will always inhibit our growth. For those with low self-esteem, or a lack of confidence or a fear of failure or judgement, this could also clip our wings anchoring us in the same place, with the same people, same experiences, same feelings and same emotions whether good or bad.

The Benefits Allowing yourself to consider what you want from your day, your life, and your future is the first step in building your self-worth and helps increase your confidence as you give yourself the unconscious message that you matter. Going to the gym will build you physically, whereas creating a life plan, goals and resolutions will start to build you emotionally creating or improving strength of character. Once you have a plan, you have something to aim for. Imagine for example a football match with no goal posts. Players would be frantically running around, exhausting themselves and feeling frustrated as their effort had no purpose. Your life is no different. Knowing what you want gives you something to aim for, while allowing you to meet new people and to celebrate your achievements as you pass milestones along

your journey all of which help to nourish and enhance your self-esteem and self-worth. There is no greater project to work on than yourself, and a new start can be as simple as a new attitude or increased self-awareness.

How To Start Your first step to your new start is to ask yourself what you want and without limitations. Put age, cost, experience or how to make it happen to one side as you create your list. How doesn’t matter, the first step is knowing what you want and why. Consider; • What would I like to do? • What would I like to experience? • What would I enjoy? • What would I like to see? • Who would I like to meet? • Where would I like to visit? • If I woke up tomorrow and my life was perfect, what would it look like?

The CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| Regulars | Feature The CHESHIRE

“ You, owe it to yourself to decide what you want, not just as a new year unfolds but also each new day and for the rest of your life.” breaking your goal into manageable steps, anything can be accomplished Another great example is going on holiday, you don’t consider each mile of your road or flight, you consider the destination and the same goes in life. Don’t consider the journey, keep focused on your destination. Also, replicate the same approach as a Sat Nav. You input your destination, and whilst you may at times face a road closure or traffic jam, your sat nav doesn’t relent until it gets you to your destination and nor should you. Do not lose sight of the fact that you are already proficient and experienced in dealing with new starts as you wake up to a new day each morning. Your new start is growth, new experiences and fabulous new adventures. Nik and Eva’s new book Everyday Confidence: Boost your self-worth and build unshakeable confidence is out now

Ready, Steady, Go

Boost your selfworth and build unshakeable confidence E TE LIF -CHA O

TH ERA PISTS

To keep you focused, be sure to note down and read your goals regularly to keep you on track. Don’t try and sprint! Take your time. Don’t make your goals into monsters that seem too big and too frightening. Just like running a marathon from scratch can seem frightening, start by running to a lamp post, then two lamp posts, then a mile and so on. By

EVERYDAY CONFIDENCE

FA V

Once you have completed a list, just choose three things to start with, and then one tiny step that you would need to take to achieve that. For example, if you wanted to run a marathon your first step is to research how to apply. Use a diary not only to note and tick off the daily tasks you would like to complete but also to diary things in to keep you on track.

‘The Speakmans have changed so many people’s lives. I’ve seen their work in action, they really are extraordinary.’ DAVINA McCALL

YOUR

• If I were 100 years old looking back on my life, what would I regret not having done, said, tried or experienced?

N I K & E VA

SPEAKMAN

Style Step into Winte interr

Put your best foot forward into 2022 with ESSĒN THE LABEL, the luxury footwear label that believes that ESSĒ shoes are the foundation of a well-curated wardrobe and the bases of a great outfit. The brand is all about versatile dressing in order to minimize one’s wardrobe to the most essential pieces. In time for winter, ESSĒ ESSĒN has now launched new sustainable boots in three new styles – the Knee-High Boot, the Riding Boot and the Leather Lug Sole (pictured) (pictured).. www.essenthelabel.com

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

P R O PO POS SE with Powells

Fine Jewellery Michaele Valentine, Engagement Ring Specialist at the family-run jewellers in Chester, offers her essential guide to engagement rings

s we say hello to 2022, many couples may be thinking of starting a new chapter together by taking that next step in their relationship. With the romantic atmosphere in full swing due to Valentine’s Day approaching, perhaps you are considering getting down on one knee? For many, this day is the most romantic day of the year. After spending the last few months surrounded by friends and family, Valentine’s Day is an intimate time for couples to purely focus on one another, thus making this day the perfect opportunity for a proposal. Here at Powells Fine Jewellery, we have an array of engagement rings worthy of representing your unique love story.

4.32ct Round Brilliant Cut Solitaire £97,000

If you are looking to take it up a notch, a diamond such as this would certainly leave her speechless. A wise man once said... “more diamond, more sparkle!” This ring signifies only the best for your beloved, it is a statement through and through, making it the ultimate symbol of your everlasting love.

Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire – £3,340

Round brilliant cut diamonds are without a doubt the most favoured cut of the 21st century. This is due mostly because of their ability to display an incredible amount of fire and brilliance. This classic four claw with an offset twist lets the diamond do all the talking... after all, it is the star of the show isn’t it? 34

Marquise & Pear Cut Ring – £34,500.00

This ring is a particular favourite of mine. Marquise cuts are known for their abundant elegance; their slender, boat shaped appearance draws in the eye and is said to elongate the finger. I find this effect to be very flattering on most hand types and as a whole, this ring has a very feminine feel to it.

Asscher Cut Diamond Halo Ring – £8,500

Your love story is unique, so it seems befitting to propose with a ring just as special, doesn’t it? Asscher cut diamonds are the embodiment of Art Deco. Their clean-cut lines and geometric form feel right at home in the roaring 20s. Their iconic style has proven popular amongst celebrities such as Pippa Middleton, Elizabeth Taylor and Jessica Alba.

2.01ct Oval Cut Diamond Ring – £38,900.00

This GIA certified D colour oval is exceptional, to say the least. It will surely leave a remarkable impression with your bride-to-be and with envious onlookers. Invented in the mid 1900s, this cut has already proven to be a long-lasting and beloved style. A ring as beautiful as this deserves to be flaunted.

Cushion Cut Trilogy Diamond Ring £11,875.00

Three stone rings are one of the most coveted amongst brides-to-be due to their classic yet contemporary, fashionforward design. Three stone engagement rings have an even deeper meaning that symbolises friendship, love, and fidelity. With this heartfelt symbolism, this ring would undeniably make for an excellent option.

1ct Round Brilliant & Baguette Diamond Ring - £9,745

For those looking for an engagement ring that’s a little out of the ordinary, this could be the one for you. This ring possesses a timeless appeal thanks to the round brilliant cut diamond set within. Not only that, but the baguette cut diamonds that flank the centre stone give this ring an all round Art Deco feel.

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www.po wellsfineje weller y.com 35

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Mee t our Fashion Expert Introducing Martine Alexander, the uber talented Celebrity Stylist and Wardrobe Concierge who is now set to be the newest monthly contributor to The Cheshire Magazine

ack in 2005, Martine decided to leave her career in IT to return to her fashion and styling roots and follow her dreams of helping people look and feel incredible. She retrained as a personal stylist and since then, achieved a reputation as one of the north west’s most sought-after and credible fashion experts with a client base including celebrities, busy mums, high profile professionals and fashion brands. Martine is based in the north west but works nationally with clients dotted all over

“My job, as your stylist, is to take the pressure out of you looking amazing” 36

the country. But what is a wardrobe concierge? Martine explains, “My clients are busy, so as their wardrobe concierge I give them the time back to get on with their lives by managing their wardrobe. It’s my job to make sure their wardrobe works for them. Part of the role is to do a seasonal closet edit, where I go into a client’s home and advise them on new ways to wear their clothes and also help them get rid of items they are not wearing. I also go shopping for clients and their children taking clothes to their home or pack their suitcase for their holiday, with outfits organised and photographed, offering them time to focus on helping everyone else pack.” Martine is also a celebrity stylist with an impressive clients list that currently includes actress Catherine Tyldesley, Olympic gold medal winner Rebecca Adlington, and television presenter Kym Marsh. Martine says, “I style my clients for red carpets, television appearances and for magazine shoots. If a client has an upcoming event, I go shopping to source outfits and accessories. My job, as your stylist, is to take the pressure out of you looking amazing –

whatever that pressure may be. The most important aspect of working with you is building a relationship with you, so you know I understand you, your lifestyle, your needs and also your insecurities.” Each month Martine is set to unleash her expert advice, but what can readers expect? Martine explains, “Readers can expect an exclusive insight into a mix of luxury and high street fashion mixed with sustainable and independent businesses they may not have heard of. I may choose an item of clothing and offer 5 ways to wear it. I’ll also offer behind the scenes access to fashion events and shoots, highlight my favourite fashion finds and answer any reader’s questions.” Martine’s column debuts in our February issue, www.martinealexander.co.uk

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Mountain Touring, Merino Long Sleeve Line Tee, €109.95 ; Mountain Touring, Freebird Xpore Pant, €499.95 36

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

SKI HA HARD,

Loo k Look F l a wl wlee ss This winter, France-based brand, Black Crows has set the bar for innovation in high-performance ski wear. Their new collection incorporates new fabrics that expand the possibilities for comfort and function, while valuing sustainability and ethical practices, whilst maintaining uncompromising style and distinctive aesthetic appeal

he collection, for men’s and womenswear, comprises Big Mountain, Mountain Touring, and All-Terrain categories that feature silhouettes designed with ultraspecific sport and adventure in mind. The Black Crows design process creates pieces that are highly specialised with seamless cuts and sleek, minimal colourways. This season dials in the fit of each outfit, so that when you ski hard, you look flawless. The Big Mountain category centres around the Ora silhouettes, designed for freeride and off-piste skiing: it’s minimal, ergonomic, and practical. The Ora xpore ripstop silhouette, with bib and jacket, is composed of Xpore fabric, an all-weather, highly breathable material that uses the most eco-sustainable performance textile technology available. The Xpore membrane is entirely waterproof but breathable and is also free of all chemical solvents, so it’s 100% non-toxic. The Ora body map silhouette incorporates Polartec alpha direct active insulation, the newest in adaptable tech fabric that repels moisture and continuously releases excess body heat. All of the Ora pieces are designed to be elegant armour on the mountain: protective, intuitive and stylish. The Mountain Touring category, for mountain skiing and randonnée, is made up of the Freebird silhouettes, which are dependable and lightweight.

These pieces, from the lightest wool jackets to waterproof xpore protective outer layers, are sport-focused, and specifically designed for comfort to carry you from the near to the far side of the mountain. Each ultra-specific need is seamlessly integrated into the design, from pocket placement to the flawless fit between layers, so you can feel light and go far. All Terrain silhouette, the Ferus, is designed for all-terrain, freeride and resort skiing. The pieces are insulating and innovative, with a refined style that suits all phases of the day at the resort. Warmth and comfort are a necessity, and style is thoughtful and executed to the highest standard. For this season, 100% of the collection is made in European factories, and collections utilise ecofriendly Xpore fabrications, a shift that represents Black Crows’ eco-consciousness and efforts to preserve the environment and climate that brings so much joy. All down in coats (like the Ora micro down jacket and the Freebird expe down jacket) is 100% traceable duck down and feathers, so the welfare of the birds is respected at every stage. For the first time ever, Black Crows are also introducing new active layers in merino wool: long and short sleeve base layers cut to fit perfectly under Black Crows outwear. 39

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

THIS PAGE: LEFT: Crista Beanie, €44.95; Big Mountain, Ora Xpore Ripstop Jacket, €699.95; Big Mountain, Ora Xpore Ripstop Bib Pant, €599.95

RIGHT: Sorbus Beanie, €59.95; Big Mountain, Ora Polartec Pro Jacket, €179.95; All Terrain, Ferus Mechanical Pant, €349.95

OPPOSITE PAGE: Ora Beanie, €39.95 Mountain Touring, Freebird Expe Down Jacket, €699.95; Mountain Touring Freebird Xpore Jacket, €599.95; Mountain Touring, Freebird Xpore Pant, €499.95

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Sorbus Beanie,€59.95; Big Mountain, Ora Micro Down Jacket, €399.95; All Terrain, Ferus Mechanical Pant, €349.95

www.black-crows.com 42

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People come to stay with us when an aspect of their life is overwhelming all else. Whether it be their relationship with alcohol, substances or behaviour, we help guests heal and take back control. Delamere Health Ltd is the UK’s only purpose-built behavioural health clinic. Set discreetly amidst six acres of grounds beside Delamere Forest in Cheshire, we offer exemplary care in a dignified, discreet setting. To find out more, visit Delamere.com or contact our admissions team on 0330 111 2015

Health, Beauty

Wellness

True Dec eca aden dencce... The jewel in the crown of Bulgari Hotel in London, the award-winning Bulgari Spa is one to visit in 2022. Arranged over two levels, this urban oasis of tranquillity boasts a 25m swimming pool lined with shimmering green and gold mosaic and a vitality pool entirely covered by gold leaf tiles. The spa includes 11 private treatment rooms and one double spa suite, complete with its own steam room, hydromassage and private treatment room; and a 150m² fitness area with personal training at the gymnasium. www.bulgarihotels.com

Revitalise your Beauty Routine Known Nutrition has launched its first collagen supplement; a daily multivitamin that offers unrivalled collagen retention for optimum results, all while tasting great. The supplement is created with a bespoke blend of 8 scientifically proven active ingredients, combined with natural flavourings that make maintaining healthy, glowing skin easier and more delicious than ever before. The new product also contains a range of additional beneficial ingredients, including Vitamin A, C and E, which help contribute to the maintenance of normal skin, normal collagen formation within the skin and overall protection of the skin cells. www.knownnutrition.com

Health &

Beauty CHESHIRE

loves

I Cannot Get This Wrong by Dr Sarah Madigan I Cannot Get This Wrong is an exploration of how to live with anxiety, a blueprint for collective healing, and a joyful celebration of hope and transformation. Dr Sarah Madigan combines practical tips with neuroscience, guest author stories with deeply personal insights, self-help with social responsibility - showing you how to create joy, replace judgement with compassion, and build a life where you can focus on something other than anxiety. £11.99, www.amazon.co.uk

Daily Clarifying Peel Streamline skincare is having a moment and this multi-action liquid, bi-phase peel both smooths texture and improves the look of pores in 1 step with powerhouse ingredients: AHA (glycolic acid), BHA (salicylic acid) and retinoid. Exfoliants work great together, but their different compositions don’t always mix. Murad’s team of experts formulated a bi-phase peel that, when shaken, blends a resurfacing retinoid and glycolic acid with salicylic acid to help gently yet effectively clarify pores and improve surface cell turnover for smoother skin. Murad Daily Clarifying Peel, £33, www.murad.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Health & Beauty

Essential Spfs for The Slopes

Overnight Delight Introducing Luna Microcare, a new non-invasive anti-aging treatment delivers formulation of nutrients into your skin, restoring moisture and skin tone. Each patented Micro Channel Patch is worn overnight and administers minute quantities of treatment to your skin. Over a month-long course, the cumulative effect can produce wonderful results. Luna Microcare Eternal is specifically designed to perfect and protect delicate under-eye skin, Luna Microcare Luminous corrects hyperpigmentation and boosts luminosity, whilst Luna Microcare Enlighten helps boost radiance and an even skin tone. From £110, www.lunamicrocare.co.uk

#1 - Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Skinscreen Suitable for all skin types, this lightweight formula is infused with Kakadu plum, a vitamin C-rich, antioxidant fruit extract that helps to protect the skin from damaging free radicals and environmental stressors. This super hydrating high-factor sunscreen leaves a satin finish on the skin without any tell-tale white cast. 50ml, £34, www.spacenk.com #2 - Ultra Violette Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm Don’t leave your lips to fend for themselves, Ultra Violette’s luxurious lip balm is formulated to leave your lips soft and silky smooth with SPF 50 and with a subtle tint in shades; Rose, Nude, Shimmer and Peach £16, www.spacenk.com #3 - SkinCeuticals Oil Shield UV Defence Sunscreen New Oil Shield UV Defence Sun Cream SPF 50 has been created for oily and blemish prone skin. The lightweight formula protects with mineral and chemical filters while silica absorbs excess oil and blurs pores and imperfections. Skin remains mattified, yet never flat, and protected throughout the day. 30ml, £41 www.skinceuticals.co.uk

CREATE & COAT GelBottle Inc. has just launched its first ever Mani Pedi Spa called ‘Create & Coat’, in Harvey Nichols, Manchester. Loved by A-list celebrities and professional nail techs around the globe, TGB has created a new realm of salon experience, providing an oasis, complete with Insta-worthy interiors in the hub of Harvey Nichols. With over 15 years of industry experience, every element of the spa has been carefully considered so in true TGB style, no detail is left unpolished. www.createandcoat.com

Getting Personal with Denise Welch The Cheshire Magazine’s Clare Stobart talks exclusively to the television star about her book “The Unwelcome Visitor”

eeping fit and healthy is so important for mental health. Endorphins from physical activity not only makes us feel good but helps us tackle those obstacles and goals that come our way in everyday life. Everybody deals and copes with mental health differently, however, I truly believe that investing in health and wellness is a must. A healthy lifestyle is sure to keep the mind clear and reduce stress, it’s such a hot topic amongst friends, particularly limiting alcohol and unhealthy foods. By having a healthy balanced diet, it’s amazing how different you feel and look, from your complexion right through to the brightness of your eyes. Don’t underestimate exercise either, it is the best way to boost your mood. When you feel low on energy, it amazes me how much if you push through and say yes to a workout, you feel totally re-energised and concentration levels are at an all-time high. Most importantly it’s maintaining a balance and finding some “me time”. Find time to do what’s important to you whether it’s spending time with the family, meditating, working out, playing a sport, socialising, listening to music or reading a book. This will then prevent stress and we all know that stress causes adverse health effects. Denise is a true inspiration and a bundle of energy. From the outside world, she has the perfect life, so happy, healthy and bubbly, however, like a lot of people, Denise struggles with her mental health. When you can share your story like Denise and openly talk about your

battles with depression or any other type of mental illness you help so many people who may struggle in silence. Writing a book on such a private topic must have been such a difficult thing to do, I’m sure anyone that reads your book will be so grateful that you shared your personal experience to raise awareness of mental health. What gave you the courage to write “The Unwelcome Visitor”? I felt the need to write the book that I always wanted and could never find. And after the last (what used to be called “a breakdown”) serious episode I had 2 years ago, I impulsively video recorded the episode over a three-day period. I always talk in hindsight about what it’s like to go through a major depressive disorder episode, but something compelled me to put myself out there as I was going through it. The video went viral and the response was such that I felt I needed to put it into words and to chronicle how I have lived with “The Unwelcome Visitor”. I always wanted to help people understand their own

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Wellness

“...do not be afraid to say to people how you feel” unwelcome visitor and help the people who love them to understand the unwelcome visitor. What are your thoughts on the impact of exercise on mental wellbeing? Do you feel that the two go hand in hand? People often say, “Pull yourself together!”, “Snap out of it!”. People who have never suffered from any kind of mental illness have no idea how people will turn to alcohol, drugs, food to numb the pain. When people say “You’ve got to exercise” that is so true. But, when you are in a depression, you can’t even get out of bed. You can’t even wash; exercise is impossible. But when you are feeling well, exercise is important. I am naturally a lazy person, exercise is not my natural bedfellow, but recently, having to deal with the pandemic and with my father’s declining health*, I have found a new love for exercise and going to the gym is very much now absolutely part of my wellbeing. Being at a gym that considers mental health to be equally as important as physical health is a godsend for me. So now, to me, the two go hand in hand and it builds my physical strength which builds my mental strength to deal better next time an episode comes. So absolutely, exercise is very much part of my life now.

PHOTOS: FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Throughout the pages of “The Unwelcome Visitor”, you refer to your own battle with clinical depression over the last 30 years. What advice would you give to anyone who may be struggling? My advice to anyone suffering from depression is when you feel well enough, read my book because it shows you that I completely understand everything you’re going through. To the families of those who are

depressed, please look at the chapter about ‘Friends and Family’, to teach you how to understand a bit more. It’s so difficult to access mental health services, it was difficult before the pandemic, it’s nigh on impossible now to get a quick appointment. But, unlike when I was poorly and we didn’t have social media, there are some incredible sites that can help you. Obviously, there are charities like Mind, Sane and The Samaritans. But if you live in say Coventry you can Google “depression groups in Coventry” and there will be people to metaphorically throw their arms around you or hopefully physically throw their arms around you. They will help guide you through the worst until you can seek the appropriate help via the NHS, should you need that. More importantly than anything, do not be afraid to say to people how you feel. And to anybody else reading this, if you see your loved ones going quiet and withdrawing, that’s when they need your help. Self- love and care also improves our mental and physical health. What rituals do you implement day-to-day to ensure you look after yourself and those you love and care for around you? I’m a Geordie and I like all the wrong foods. I like pies and peas and fish and chips, and I still allow myself to these meals. When I gave up alcohol, people automatically assumed I lost weight. I actually put on over 2 stone because I replaced alcohol with food, and I was very aware that I was on a rocky road. I then lost weight with Lighter Life and I still actually use the Lighter Life ethos, so 2 days a week I flexi-fast. Also going to the gym has just pointed out to me what changes I need to make in my diet. I don’t have any particular rituals, but I do look after myself. If I want to have a duvet day I can and do, if I want to take myself to bed early and watch The Real Housewives of anywhere in the world, that’s like a meditation to me. I switch off and get lost in other people’s problems. *At the time of this interview, Denise’s Dad was poorly and has since sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with Denise and her family at this hard time. 49

Trusted to care Award winning care homes Our highly trained care home teams are specialists in residential, nursing, dementia and respite care, so whatever your needs and personal preferences, we’re here to help you and your family at every step of the journey. If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, call 03339 208890 or search careuk.com

Abney Court, Cheadle Deewater Grange, Chester Oakfield Croft, Sale

Family Ad v ent Adv entu u re R ea ead dy Peppa Pig, and her little

brother, is ready for her most exciting adventure yet, a new exciting collection with Regatta for AW21. The collection includes lifestyle tees and jogger sets, waterproof padded jackets and padded puddle suits teamed with coordinating accessories. New to the range this season are cosy fleece pyjamas, overnight bags and a range of accessories perfect for winter sleepover adventures. www.regatta.com

Family news WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

It’s the Ickle Touches that Make a Difference Following the brand’s hugely successful first foray into the interiors category, Ickle Bubba is thrilled to unveil even more stylish and affordable designs. Adding to the popular Mono Mountains, Cosmic Aura and Rainbow Dreams, the all-new prints Bunnychino and Rustic Safari will inject natural tones with super soft detail or statement patterns into this all important first room. What’s more, the original three prints have been such a hit that the brand has further expanded the offering across Mono Mountains, Cosmic Aura and Rainbow Dreams, with the addition of wall art, sleep aids, storage options, mobiles and more. There is so much choice, but the bright sunny sleep aid and calming rainbow mobile are definite highlights. www.icklebubba.com 52

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Let’s Have a Roaring Good Adventure Sustainable kidswear brand, Polarn O. Pyret has unveiled a truly fearsome collection for AW21, introducing a charming collaboration with the Swedish author and illustrator, Sarah Sheppard. The new designs are very much inspired by her award-winning children’s book ‘It Was Once… Lots of Dinosaurs.’ From cosy blankets to warming baby hats, snuggly tracksuits bottoms and a must-have winter jumper, there is something for all children 0-8 years. The brand new, super colourful, prehistoric designs will no doubt ignite little one’s imaginations as they charge around as triceratops, hunt like a T.Rex or plod like Dippy! Starting at £16.00, www.polarnopyret.co.uk

Sing When You’re Winning Following its successful UK launch last year, The Singing Ant has introduced the Scandinavian inspired Hygge Collection to its range. The new quilted designs in earth tones promise maximum comfort, with the bonus of a low allergy risk, and a vegan leather wipe clean surface. The limited edition playmats feature a soft, premium vegan leather surface, with a delicate quilted pattern. The mats are available in four natural tones including Sienna, Sand, Latte and Stone. RRP £66.00 www.thesingingant.com

BATHTIME IS FLIPPING FUN Featuring water-safe mould resistant marine friends, bathtime will never be the same again with the Infantino’s Ocean Fun Bathtime Playset. Designed to help babies gain confidence in the water while playing, the playset encourages logical thinking, as well as providing an engaging introduction to animals, numbers, counting, colours and early problem solving. RRP £19.99, www.amazon.co.uk 53

Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Ellesme llesmerre Colle olleg ge:

A World Class Education Many schools these days will claim to offer a world class education, co-curricular activities or sporting opportunities, but how many can truly say they are actually world class?

s one of only 39 schools worldwide, Ellesmere College can confidently claim it offers a level of education above and beyond, having been awarded the distinction of a ‘High Performance Learning (HPL) World Class School’. Following two years of rigorous assessment, the school has been recognised for its hard work and dedication in demonstrating a world class quality of education throughout the school and across all areas – academic, sport, co-curricular. The HPL programme doesn’t change what is taught at the school, but it does influence the approach in showing pupils how to learn. This has proved to be a successful programme that dovetails with any subject or curriculum, helping to achieve academic excellence alongside a broader set of values and attitudes while supporting pupil wellbeing.

What is HPL? High Performance Learning (HPL) is an international movement delivering educational change, working with schools and teachers to provide a flexible learning framework, building cognitive competencies and designed to achieve academic and lifetime success. Professor Deborah Eyre, Founder and

Chair at High Performance Learning said of the accreditation, “Truly worldclass schools understand that while grades are important, producing students who are intellectually and socially confident, work-place and life-ready with a global outlook and concern for others is our true aim. Ellesmere College has worked hard to strengthen its practice and to move closer to the vision of every child becoming a high performer.” Ellesmere College employs the HPL approach through the whole school system - from Lower School to Sixth Form – and has an established network of staff mentors. It reflects what is already known about advanced thinking skills and learning behaviours, helping pupils to develop skills and attitudes like confidence, agile thinking, perseverance and a greater awareness and concern for the society we live in - ensuring they are fully prepared for the path of study, work and life which lie ahead. A report by the HPL assessor found: “The HPL journey at Ellesmere College has been well considered, well planned, embedded and expertly delivered within the teaching framework of the school. From the outset, HPL was seen as part of a holistic education that would ensure that all Ellesmere students are ‘Life:Ready’. The school also prides itself on the

broad co-curricular provision that provides a wealth of incredible opportunities to its students.” Mr. Brendan Wignall, Headmaster Ellesmere College, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the High Performance Learning World Class School Accreditation and are in elite company with only 38 other schools holding this status globally. The HPL World Class School Award Scheme delivers a flexible teaching and learning framework that systematically builds cognitive competencies leading to academic and lifetime success. It is a programme we have fully embraced, has been hugely successful and something visitors to the college are asking more about because they have seen it in action as part of a tour and are keen to learn more. HPL is a progressive approach and one which doesn’t limit our thinking and expectations to examination success, although they are of course still extremely important,” he said. Mrs. Pritt-Roberts, Deputy Head Academic and HPL Lead at the college said, “We strongly believe every child has it in them to be an effective learner and HPL provides a greater level of confidence and self-belief for our pupils to strive to be the best they can possibly be, becoming better equipped to deal with life’s journey.” For more information visit www.ellesmere.com or join the next Open Day in March 2022.

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Top of the Class

One of the newest private schools in the UK has scooped two major awards at the independent education sector’s ‘Oscars’

PICTURES BY MANDY JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

yddelton College, Denbigh, which was only founded five years ago, was the only school in Wales to be honoured at the Independent Schools Association awards. Headmaster Andrew Allman and his team came away with two prestigious prizes, for Outstanding International Involvement and for Outstanding Sport in a Small School. It has been a meteoric rise for Myddelton, the UK’s newest independent school when it opened in 2016 on the former Howell’s School campus on Denbigh’s Park Street. Andrew Allman said: “It’s a huge honour for us to be recognised with two major awards at such a prestigious event and it is a tribute to the staff and students that we’ve been recognised at a national level. “We believe that a school shouldn’t just be an exam factory and that it is also important that our students receive a well-rounded education. “We want to give all our pupils a breadth of opportunities, indoors and outdoors including the chance to work

FROM LEFT: SENIOR BOARDING HOUSEMASTER IAN CHAN; ASSISTANT HEADMASTER MIKE PEARSON, HEAD OF SPORT; HEAD OF ENGLISH ALAN BILES-LIDDELL; HEAD BOY GARETH STOTT; HEADMASTER ANDREW ALLMAN; HEAD GIRL FFION LLOYD; DEPUTY HEADMISTRESS ALICIA VOGLER; GIRLS PE TEACHER SUSANNA JAMES; SENIOR DEPUTY HEADMASTER IAN LLOYD

with and form bonds with people and countries all over the world.” The International Involvement award paid tribute to the Myddelton College’s pioneering role in reaching out to schools in the USA, Russia and France to form a shared learning network. In the depths of the pandemic lockdown Myddelton’s English department used Microsoft’s Flipgrid platform to contact Morton East High School, in Cicero, Illinois, in 2020 and the two schools began working together. That success encouraged them to extend their links to Gymnasium S.V Baymenova in Pokhvistnevo, over 750 miles east of Moscow, in the Samara Oblast region of Russia and then to Lycée St Paul, in Cambrai, in Northern France, and most recently with a secondary school in Turn, in Italy. Their initiative culminated on UNESCO’s World Poetry Day when the three schools shared poems in Russian, Welsh, English, French and Spanish and then when Head of English Alan Biles-Liddell took a class with pupils from Russia while a Transatlantic Book Club has also been set up with the school in Illinois. The American, Russian and French schools are now also working with each other while the Italian school is due to join soon and Myddelton College Head of English Alan Biles-Liddell said: “It has just been so successful and now we are going to include the project on the curriculum and grow it.

“For World Poetry Day we had students from each school reading poems that were special to them and a student from Illinois from a Hispanic background actually chose Dylan Thomas’s ‘Do not go gentle into that good night’ which was great for us here in Wales.” The judges were impressed at the diversity of Myddelton’s sporting provision for a school whose numbers are below 300 with football, rugby, netball, gymnastics, basketball, hockey, badminton, tennis, rounders, athletics, equestrian, climbing and orienteering all on offer. Students have competed at international level at tennis, sailing, wheelchair basketball, fly-fishing and showjumping while their regular outdoor learning days involve walking, scrambling and climbing, canoeing, kayaking and orienteering. Director of Sport and Assistant Headmaster Mike Pearson said: “I think what helped was the sheer variety of opportunities we offer and the number of competitions we enter, and we encourage students to take part in sport and be active when they’re out of school as well. Myddelton College, a co-educational day and boarding school, was the UK’s newest independent school when it opened in the autumn of 2016 and is the only school in North Wales with a 5G network. For more information about Myddelton College go to www.myddeltoncollege.com 57

A Helping Hand

at Bedtime Christy Kirkpatrick talks to Professor Alice Gregory about what we can do to help children relax at bedtime

he nights are drawing in and there’s a chill in the air. Autumn is my favourite season, and it’s a real treat to curl up on the sofa with a book or a magazine in the evenings, once my children are in bed. When I say that it’s a treat, I mean it. It is a treat to have some quiet time in the evenings, because in my house, putting the children to bed can take a while. I have three children, with ages ranging from five to twelve, and while one child may be tired, there is almost always another claiming to be wide awake. It seems I’m not alone in finding that bedtime can be tricky. Other parents I speak to also have trouble getting their children to sleep in the evenings. Some children find it hard to sleep because as soon as they close their eyes, they start to worry about school or other things that are on their minds. Other children find it hard to wind down after a playdate or activity they have been to, a movie

they have watched or game they have played. Their minds are racing, and it’s hard for them to relax, ready for sleep. Bedtime, then, is not always plain sailing. But is there anything we can do to make it a little easier? Professor Alice Gregory is a leading sleep expert and Professor of Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London. She tells me that there are a number of things we can do to help our children relax and become sleepy at bedtime.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

According to Professor Gregory, one key thing we can do is to keep our children’s bedtime – and wake time – consistent. Our physiological processes are controlled by ‘clocks’ inside our bodies, so the timing of bedtime is important. However, she adds, we should only go to bed when we are tired, so it’s important not to make our children’s bedtime too early. We should also adjust bedtime as our children grow older. In addition, Professor Gregory advises keeping bedrooms cool and dark. She encourages us to ensure that our children’s bedrooms are calm, tranquil places to be – and electronics in the bedroom should be avoided. Professor Gregory explains that electronic devices can emit ‘blue light’ which is particularly disruptive to our bodies’ ability to secrete the hormone melatonin. Even when that is not the case, devices can emit noise or lead to excitement which can disrupt sleep. Professor Gregory tells me that it is a good idea to think about our children’s diet too – and to avoid caffeine. Children are unlikely to be drinking coffee, but we should remember that caffeine can be found in other food and drink such as cola and chocolate. A bedtime routine is also important and bedtime stories can also play a part in helping children to relax at bedtime. It was for this reason that Professor Gregory, who is the author of Nodding Off: The Science of Sleep from Cradle to Grave (Bloomsbury, 2018), approached me with the idea of co-writing a book to help children relax at bedtime. I was on board straight away. I’m a children’s book writer with a background

in publishing and loved the idea of co-writing a book that would make bedtime a little smoother for many families, including my own. Professor Gregory explained that there had been emerging research to suggest that children could benefit from the same relaxation techniques as adults. Her idea was to embed some of those scientifically grounded techniques into a calming, beautifully illustrated book. She and I wrote a story called ‘The Sleepy Pebble’ and embedded three scientifically grounded sleep techniques in the story – imagery, muscle relaxation and mindfulness. We then trialled the story with one hundred families with children aged between three and eleven years old. The results and feedback from the families were encouraging, and we wrote four more stories, all featuring characters from the natural world and all embedding those same relaxation techniques. We then published the book as The Sleepy Pebble and Other Stories: Calming Tales to Read at Bedtime (Flying Eye Books, 2019). The stories in the book all feature characters from the natural world along with calming illustrations, advice about how to use the book, tips about how to make bedtime more relaxing, and a questionand-answer section. The Sleepy Pebble and Other Stories has become my go-to book when I feel that our family needs a bit of a helping hand at bedtime. I just have to remind myself that if I want to curl up on the sofa after my children have gone to sleep, I need to be careful not to drop off myself! The Sleepy Pebble and Other Stories: Calming Tales to Read at Bedtime (Flying Eye Books, 2019) can be bought from the publisher’s website and other retailers. To find out more, visit www.nobrow.net

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Pets’ Corner Ask the

VET

As this month’s theme focuses on a restart, I take a look at rescue centres and the animals seeking their very own fresh starts in new homes An estimated 250-300,000 animals go into rescue centres each year. Some are abandoned, some are lost, others are neglected, and more are born feral, but all of them seek new, forever homes. This includes not only dogs and cats but horses, reptiles, exotic pets, rabbits, guinea pigs and farm animals.

Some of the best-known rehoming centres in the UK are Cats Protection, Blue Cross, The RSPCA, The Dogs Home and Battersea Cats & Dogs Home. But there are many more local smaller rescue centres with an army of dedicated volunteers helping abandoned animals.

• Approximately 130,000 dogs enter UK welfare organisations each year • Approximately 129,000 cats enter rescue centres • Approximately 35,000 rabbits are abandoned every year

Often these centres are run entirely by charitable donations. But despite these sad figures, there are positive endings for the majority of animals entering rehoming centres. In 2019, Cats Protection rehome 41,000 cats! They reunited 2,500 cats with their owners and helped families on low incomes neuter 150,000 cats and kittens.

There are over 1000 organisations operating in England that rehome dogs, cats, and horses. The most common problem cited for the relinquishment of dogs were forms of destructive or aggressive behaviour. Behavioural problems accounted for 65% of dogs being euthanised in UK rehoming centres.

Some Interesting Facts About Rehoming Centres: • Grey and ginger cats are the most popular coloured cats to be rehomed. Black cats are unfortunately the least popular, perhaps even in this modern age, there is still the superstitions of owning a black cat? • Rabbits are sadly considered the most neglected pets, often being kept in small hutches their entire lives, being fed on inadequate diets, unable to vocalise their suffering. So, if you have a rabbit or are thinking of getting one, make sure you do your research, so they live their best lives. • Cats are prolific breeders! One

unneutered female cat can produce 18 kittens a year! So, neuter your cat people! • In 2020 the RSPCA investigated over 57,000 complaints of cruelty. • Her Majesty the Queen is patron of the RSPCA. And in 1840 Queen Victoria gave royal approval of the charity. • The Dogs Trust was founded in 1891, and each year they care for 16,000 dogs in their nationwide network of 20 rehoming centres. No healthy dog is ever put down. So, if you are thinking of offering a new start to a furry friend for the family, spare a thought for the thousands of pets desperately seeking new homes, they have a lot of love to give. James Dutfield BVSC MRCVS Resident Vet, www.goostreylanevets.co.uk

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

It’s a Dog’s Life in Chester W O R D S B Y R A C H E L Q U AY L E F O R C H E S T E R B I D

appled with green spaces, and more canine-friendly establishments than you can shake a stick at, Chester is the ideal location for a dog day out.

WALK THIS WAY Well-trodden dog walking spots in the city include The Roman Gardens, the Amphitheatre, Grosvenor Park, and The Groves also known as Chester’s riverside promenade. Just over the Old Dee Bridge lies neighbouring Handbridge. Home to The Meadows, this lush beauty spot is a vast space to explore on 4 legs or 2 and feels a world away from the bustling city that’s visible beyond the water. Handbridge is also where you’ll find Edgar’s Field, which plays host to Minerva’s Shrine. This stone carving has guarded Chester for over 1,800 years and is the only monument of its kind in Western Europe that remains in its original location, so best not to let your dog relieve themselves in its presence, or you might unleash the wrath of the Roman Goddess of War. For a more spacious adventure, Chester Racecourse or RooDee to use its Saxon name, is open to the public and their four-legged friends, for a stomp around the 1.1-mile track, or to take advantage of the 56 acres of open grass within. Although dogs aren’t permitted at race meets, they are more than welcome at The White Horse, the pub on the course, and also at the regular Polo matches over the summer months, because dogs deserve their ‘Pretty Woman’ moment too. 62

DOG’S DINNER To take advantage of Chester’s café society culture, the best stroll for stopping places would have to be the grade 1 listed City Walls. This 1.8-mile loop encircles the site of the Mediaeval City. They are considered to be the best-preserved city walls in Great Britain, with unparalleled views of Chester’s attractions such as the Cathedral, the Eastgate Clock and the Amphitheatre. Many locals and visitors alike take a walk-through time with their canine companion in tow, on this historical lap of Chester. There are a plethora of pit stops en route. If you follow the steps down the City Walls Bridge, you will find yourself on Northgate Street, a road currently staking its claim as the epicentre of Chester’s independent food scene. Not 1 but 3 restaurants in the vicinity have been awarded coveted spots in the Michelin Guide. Authentic Iberian tapas bar Porta accepts dogs on the covered terrace outside. For seasonal small plates and excellent wine, Covino invites you to bring your well-behaved dogs indoors. Around the

corner, on The Walls themselves lies Hypha who are dog friendly throughout. This trailblazing restaurant was one of the first in the world to be awarded a Michelin Green Star. Should you fancy something less fine dining, more stomach lining, award-winning café Marmalade serve the best in homemade fayre, from scones and cakes to butcher’s best sausage butties. All can be enjoyed with your pooch in the homely seating area, but in warmer times their takeaway picnic boxes crammed full of in-house baked goodies are portable perfection. In fact, there are over 60 restaurants and cafés in the city centre that allow dogs to join the dining action. With Chester’s al fresco renaissance, the tally is increased by a further 20 establishments that now have the outdoor terrace space to cater for canine customers. An itemised list of participating eateries can be found over on the Experience Chester website, where you will also find the dog-friendly shopping guide. Over 100 shops in the city centre allow you to browse with your hound. Chester’s independent emporiums are well represented, with the likes of Chester Boutique, City Gate Menswear, and new lifestyle boutique, Epicurean, who sell independent fashion and homeware brands. Whilst you might never have thought it, national stores such as Jigsaw, Loake Shoemakers, Boodles, Space NK, Hobbs, Reiss, Flannels and The White Company are all animal friendly too. The high street is more accommodating than ever to our puppy pals.

Inside Chester Market is a relatively new stall called The Pet Patch. Speak to owner Chris and it’s clear within seconds that his passion and knowledge of animals and their nutrition is astounding. He started his business having been disgruntled by the mainstream dog food offering and has worked with veterinary nurses, dog nutritionists, and even a canine masseuse, to source and provide only the best food and treats around. Lots of items in the shop are locally sourced, and only natural produce will ever make it to the shelves. As well as stocking handmade leather collars and leads that can be made to order, Chris also stocks fun dog toys which were all road-tested by his own pet for durability beforehand. You will also find everything from doggy tapas and sushi training treats to peanut butter filled antlers or a buffalo horn - the perfect distraction whilst you explore the rest of the award-winning indoor market. Why not sample the Menai oysters at The Sandbar Seafood Shack, the French patisseries from Pastry Pedaleur or pop a bottle of Perrier-Jouët at Paysan? Just be sure to raise a glass to your furry companion and toast to Chester, the city that loves them. www.experiencechester.co.uk

PUTTING THE TAIL IN RETAIL THERAPY Having spent a day or so exploring the city, it is only right to treat the good boy or girl in your life. 63

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Food Drink British Winter Warmer

The Lion is a beautiful British pub

located in the picturesque village of Malpas, it opened in summer 2020 and is newly designed with a modernistic and approachable style. The kitchen team offer a range of hearty winter dishes for you to enjoy. From freshly cooked fish dishes to locally reared meat and game, ingredients are often cooked using their state of the art Josper oven, using Cheshire coals to produce unique and beautiful smoky flavours. www.thelionatmalpas.co.uk

Food & Drink news

BAKING MADE EASY Pairs with both the 4.3L and 4.8L iconic KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, the new all-in-one Bread Baking Bowl and Bowl Lid brings simplicity to the process by allowing you to easily mix, knead, proof and bake. In the oven, the lid traps the steam, while the durable ceramic bowl retains and delivers even heat throughout the baking process, giving the bread a crispy crust and thorough bake. RRP £149, www.kitchenaid.co.uk

WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

A GRATE ADDITION TO THE KITCHEN The new Microplane Bowl Grater easily and efficiently grates vegetables, fruit and hard cheeses directly and neatly into a container or bowl. The grater can be placed horizontally across the surface or inside/at an angle in the food bowl, allowing for secure, comfortable and quick grating thanks to its two rounded and non-slip handles on both sides that are perfectly moulded to the contours of the container preventing slippage. RRP £19.95, www.johnlewis.com

KICK START YOUR DAY With its integrated (and detachable) grinder, the new Melitta AromaFresh Grind & Brew not only lets you freshly grind the beans for delicious filter coffee but also includes adjustable grind levels and coffee strength for individual coffee flavour. The timer/programme feature with LED display also gives you seductive coffee enjoyment at the time you set. Perfect for preparing barista standard coffee in the comfort of your own home. RRP £169.99, www.melitta.co.uk 66

Rosa’s Signature Sauces Rosa’s Thai - the popular Thai restaurant group founded by chef Saiphin Moore in 2011 – has launched its first retail range, delivering Rosa’s signature pastes, oils and sauces across the UK. Each product is made using the best in authentic Thai ingredients for a punchy, fragrant range allowing Rosa’s Thai fans to recreate their favourite dishes at home. www.rosas-thai.myshopify.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

MEET THE CHEF:

OJAS

NAWARE Group Snr. Head Chef at Mamasan Liverpool & Glasgow What’s your first food related memory? Cooking alongside my nan and mum even though I had no clue what was going on, I just loved being in the kitchen with them. Where were you trained? As a part of my 3-year Hotel School course, I trained at the Hilton in Bahrain. However, I would say my time at the Oxo Tower Brasserie was where I matured to become not only a better chef but also a better human being. What do you love most about your job? The opportunity to express myself on a plate for my guests. As every service is different; every guest is different. The adrenaline rush when you have a full docket rail is something I live for. Describe your style in three words. Creative, passionate, flavourful. What’s your favourite dish to create? The Coal Roasted Baby Chicken Satay as I love cooking anything on an open fire/BBQ. What four ingredients are necessary for your kitchen? Passion, hard work, pride in your work and most importantly, love.

If you could prepare a meal for anyone, who would it be and what would you make? Deon Jansen, my executive chef at Oxo Tower Brasserie. Fifteen years ago, during service, I almost made the biggest blunder of serving burnt meatballs and spaghetti to a child. Luckily that plate never left the kitchen. As a result, even today I get stick about it from all my ex-colleagues, so I’ll cook him spaghetti and meatballs. What are you most proud of in your career? To have learned, evolved and then lead some of the busiest restaurant kitchens in UK. Who is your biggest supporter? My parents. They have always stood by me, and it means the world to me. What would you want to have as your last meal? My mum’s Chicken Makhanwala - her interpretation of the famous Butter Chicken. Are there any foods you just don’t like? Offal...I just can't… Do you do the cooking at home? Only if I’m entertaining friends or family at home. What advice would you offer to an aspiring chef? Keep pushing yourself and your boundaries. Read, research and practice as much as you can. Rome wasn’t built in a day. But be ready to graft if you really want to achieve something in this competitive industry. www.mamasan.uk 67

Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Courses with… J A S O N A N N E T T E , S E N I O R H E A D C H E F AT T H E I V Y SPINNINGFIELDS, MANCHESTER STARTER: A STORY FROM YOUR EARLY YEARS THAT HELPED SHAPE YOU

As a child at school my favourite lesson was home economics with Mrs Higgins. My first memory was making Victorian Sponge Cake with strawberry filling. I was about 12 years old and I was hooked. I would then mither my mum continuously when she went shopping for ingredients so I made Apple Tart from scratch. However, a precious shared moment was my mum showing me how to make her famous Hot Pot. As the years passed, I continued to love cooking which led me into a YTS apprenticeship on £26 per week. Money didn’t matter, the driving force was my enthusiasm to make food that people reacted to. Family and friends would always tell me the honest truth. This then led in 1985 to my first paid job as a Commis Chef at a small Italian restaurant in the centre of Manchester. My father insisted on taking me to work and that I got there one hour early; that ethos has stayed with me to this day. Being early sets a benchmark for the day and prepares you for the day ahead.

MAIN COURSE: SHARE A MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF

Over the years I have grown and developed myself as a chef and learned from some of the best in the industry. I have looked up to many over the years. However, none compare to Mark Askew, Chef Director at my current position as Senior Head Chef at The Ivy Spinningfields in Manchester.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

Mark has helped me hone my skills for attention to detail and the final finish, all whilst running a very busy city centre restaurant serving on average 1,000 guests per day. But what humbles me is the years I have had the chance to nurture and grow so many like-minded individuals and chefs wanting to prove themselves in an industry of which the prime objective is to please others. We have a team of 80 in the kitchen in Manchester. I’m incredibly proud to have contributed to its success, having been there since day one.

DESSERT: WHAT IS THE SWEETEST STORY YOU CAN TELL?

The birth of my four wonderful children; Katie, Sophie, George and Emily, who bring me back to earth after a busy day! Nothing brings you back to reality like a nappy change, a parent’s evening report, playing pool kirby on holiday, learning to ride their bikes or even teaching them to make homemade sushi. This is the one lesson where you never quite know what you’re doing but makes me proud every day. www.theivymanchester.com

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Luxury Scottish five-star resort, Cameron House,

has re-opened to visitors following the completion of a £4 million refurbishment with newly-decorated rooms said to be inspired by the hotel’s “stunning surroundings”. New features include the splendidly intimate lobby bar, serving cocktails, champagne and Cameron House’s Signature Afternoon Tea. The wider Cameron House Resort is also home to an award-winning spa complete with a rooftop infinity pool, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a 234-berth marina. www.cameronhouse.co.uk

Travel news

WORDS:CRAIG HOUGH

WINTER GETAWAYS

Seychelles’ charm lies in its isolation. The islands offer the perfect escape from the bitter British winter, with average temperatures of 30 degrees, with tropical sunshine and cooling breezes. Mango House Seychelles is ideally situated on the beachfront in the southern part of Mahé and was originally built as a family dwelling by worldrenowned and celebrated Italian photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri. The hotel promises a sense of home in a private and remote location with 41 spacious rooms and suites with treatment rooms overlooking the glittering Indian Ocean. Together with a well-appointed fitness centre, the property promises the ultimate sensory experience, allowing guests to conveniently relax and rejuvenate. www.hilton.com

HIDDEN GEM For dreamy destinations to look to for 2022, look no further than Consorzio Costa Smeralda in northeastern Sardinia. An enchanted oasis of nature, white sandy coves, rocks sculpted by the wind and romantic hidden coves, it is a natural beauty to behold and experience. Stay at Hotel Cala di Volpe, which is stretched out over the bay and has access to crystal-clear waters, untouched nature and pristine beaches such as Spiaggia del principe, Spiaggia Capriccioli, and Spiaggia del Pevero. www.consorziocostasmeralda.com 72

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

LUX* GRAND BAIE RESORT

The Amanti Hotel The latest addition to the MadeForTwo Hotel brand, The Amanti Hotel elevates holidays in the beach resort of Ayia Napa to a higher level. A sister hotel of the popular Amavi Hotel in Paphos, this adult only hotel strikes a balance between sophisticated luxury and casual seaside fun whilst providing the very best custom designed services and experiences for couples so that they can enjoy the precious luxury of their time together. www.olympicholidays.com

Introducing LUX* Grand Baie Resort, a brand new luxury resort in Mauritius for 2022, set alongside the beautiful beachfront of Grand Baie, with a sheltered lagoon. Offering sophisticated beachside living with interiors designed by Kelly Hoppen, guests can choose from exciting dining options including a beautiful rooftop restaurant with stunning views. With a sustainable focus, lively culinary scene, a cutting-edge wellness offering and 116 stylish suites, villas and residences, this contemporary resort is a fabulous new addition to Mauritius for families and couples alike. www.inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk

West Indies vs England

International cricket is (hopefully) back on the calendar and Inspiring Travel Co. is the official tour operator partner for the West Indies vs England tour, with exciting packages hosted by cricket legend, Mike Gatting. T20 matches are set to take place in Barbados, 22-30 January 2022, followed by three Test matches taking place in Antigua, Barbados and Grenada, 8-29 March 2022. Hosted packages each include international flights, luxury hotel stays, airport transfers, official match day tickets and travel, as well as events such as celebrity hosted ‘State of Play’ drinks evenings with Mike. www.spectatetravel.co.uk

pening its doors for the first time in early November 2021, The Gantry is a design-led urban resort complete with upscale modern suites, a dedicated sparkling bar Coupe, Union Social for all day dining, and an artisanal food market from The Stratford Grocer with an integrated café on the ground floor.

Location Situated 6 minutes from Kings Cross and a stone's throw from Stratford International station, The Gantry is ideally located for visitors wanting to explore the local area, from Westfield to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and is the perfect base for those wanting to go further afield into the capital.

Restaurant & Bar The food offering at Union Social is a relaxed all-day menu with a global edge, reflective of London’s dynamic food scene and international population. Hailing from Sicily, Executive Chef Salvatore Coco, has travelled extensively and his menus reflect this, featuring flavours from all around the world, while elevating local produce from the Southeast of England. Small plates include Genovese Focaccia, Bottega’s cured cuts with fresh cheese and prawn croquettes with aioli while larger plates range from tarragon risotto with roasted autumnal vegetables, sesame glazed sea trout with white miso tamari-mirin infused ginger broth and Greek lamb meatballs, tzatziki, pickled red onion with pine nuts. A menu of healthy salads packed full of grains are light enough for guests looking for a quick lunch or mid-afternoon snack, and ideal for laptoptoting professionals working from the venue. The drinks offering at Union

weekend away

The Gantry London Craig Hough enjoyed a stay at The Gantry Hotel, Stratford, a design-led hotel in East London Social has been created by Walter Pintus, an award-winning mixologist who has been involved in some of London’s finest institutions from The Ritz and The Connaught to The Mandrake and most recently The Conduit. Union Social’s ‘Travelling Urban Flavours’ cocktail menu will feature classics with a twist; where a Paloma is infused with British beetroot and thyme and a Piña Colada is finished with a touch of salted caramel. There is also an extensive wine and spirits list to delight all tastes and occasions. Coupe at Union Social is The Gantry’s very own Sparkling Bar. Occupying an eye-catching illuminated counter bar, with its own banquette seating and outdoor terrace, Coupe at Union Social will offer an ever-changing menu of effervescent specialities, from championing English sparkling wine to introducing the newest Hard Seltzers. Guests will be able to choose from some of the UK’s finest fizz from revered estates such as Gusbourne and Rathfinny, as well as enjoying Champagne,

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

its 18th floor in Spring next year. With floor to ceiling windows, the sky bar will form the cocktail epicentre of The Gantry and the much-anticipated venue will offer a truly iconic sunset across the capital when the bar and outdoor terraces come alive with live music and DJs.

Our Visit

Prosecco, and a concise list of sparkling cocktails and spritzes.

Guest Rooms and Suites The hotel has an incredible 290-rooms and we enjoyed a stay in a King Deluxe Room with Olympic Park panoramic view, with a complimentary set of binoculars included within the room to see every detail. The room also boasted a 49” screen HD TV, toiletries by Grown Alchemist and a gorgeous Chaise longue to kick back and relax on.

Coming Soon Literally setting the bar high for al fresco partying in 2022, The Gantry will welcome the highest rooftop bar in East London when it opens

The Gantry is the fourth property within the Curio Collection in the capital and offers guests the perfect East London location. Russell and the front of house team could not have been more welcoming on arrival and were quick to check us in and deal with our enquiries. The level of service flowed throughout the hotel as we enjoyed dinner with Executive Chef Salvatore Coco, who prepared the meal in the open plan kitchen as we took in the atmosphere. The serving team were incredibly enthusiastic about working at the new venue and had a great knowledge of the menus. Their excitement for the upcoming opening of the sky bar really shone through, and you can see this will be one East London hotspot to watch leading into the warmer months.

Personal Note With shopping on your doorstep and travel links a stone’s throw away, The Gantry is the ideal East London location for a chic stay in the capital. With a rooftop bar on the horizon, book in for their summer parties now before it’s too late. www.thegantrylondon.com 75

Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

G ran M eliá P a lac lacii o d e I sor sora a Kathryn Otto and partner John Coyne travelled to Guia de Isora in Tenerife for some winter sun Location Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora is a tranquil hotel located on the beachfront between the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Teide offering memorable experiences to its guests. Featuring the longest saltwater hotel infinity pool in Europe, Spanish and international cuisines and exceptional spa treatments, this hotel is the ideal location for those looking to relax and spend time with their loved ones whilst enjoying a stylish hotel surrounded by nature. Located in Guia de Isora, Gran Melia Palacio de Isora is on the boardwalk, a 1-minute drive from Alcala Beach and 8 minutes from Los Gigantes Marina. This 5-star resort is only 4.3 mi from Los Gigantes Beach.

Guest Rooms and Suites With 509 rooms to choose from there is a room to suit every style of holiday, about 85-percent of units are the entry-level Deluxe category, all with either garden, partial, or frontal ocean views. There are 71 Master Suites, which add king beds, dining area and have larger bathrooms with jetted tubs and double-headed showers. Two-bedroom Master Suites are available (connecting a Deluxe Room). Family Suites are in a separate section overlooking

the family pool and have a similar design. There are also five villas with their own pools between the main part of the hotel and the Red Level section. We had the pleasure of staying in a Red Level Deluxe ocean view room with a whirlpool bath on our balcony, which overlooked the large infinity pool, the ocean and La Gomera.

Red Level Gran Melia offers the opportunity to upgrade to Red Level - creating an adults only boutique hotel within a hotel resort, with adults-only restaurant, lounge and pool. 24/7 butler service available along with a dedicated Red Level concierge ambassador. As a Red Level guest, you can expect priority check in, as well as priority bookings at the on-site restaurants and Clarins Spa.

Restaurants and Bars The resort boasts five international gourmet restaurant options and six bars and lounges to satisfy even the most discerning tastes. From Nami a Japanese Restaurant, which has its own sushi bar and teppanyaki tables, to the delicious Mediterranean cuisine serving paellas and seafood dishes at the Oasis Pool Grille by

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

the pool, as well as their own versions of traditional Iberian fare at the DÚO Restaurant.

Spa To truly unwind on your trip, head to the onsite Spa by Clarins, where you can indulge in some well-deserved pampering. Treatments available include massages, body treatments, facials, and treatments specifically designed for men. Guests can also take advantage of the full range of wellness facilities such as the hydrotherapy pool, hydromassage, sauna, herbal steam room with chromotherapy, bi-thermal foot bath, essence showers, and the Zen meditation area. Red Level guests can enjoy one free Water Ritual per person per stay.

Our Visit This was always going to be a memorable trip for us as we celebrated my birthday along with our first holiday together overseas - Gran Melia Palacio De Isora was the perfect choice. Our flight from Manchester took less than five hours making it a perfect destination to enjoy a long weekend away in the sun. We were greeted by the lovely Alex who drove us to the Red Level Concierge lounge on his buggy, where we were greeted with a glass of champagne to enjoy as we were swiftly checked in and were shown to our room. The first thing we noticed was the views, they were spectacular, seeing the ocean sparkle in the sunshine was a sight to behold and one we haven’t seen for a very long time. Our room also included a jacuzzi on the balcony. Alex, our butler, offered to set up the jacuzzi at any time for us. This includes scented oils in the water, rose petals and champagne. We decided to dine Nami, the Asian restaurant during our stay which we would highly recommend and spent our days by the Red Level pool. You don’t need to lift a finger, as the pool concierge will take care of everything for you – from offering an array of drinks and snacks, to sun creams and chilled towels. In the evenings, everyone gathers

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

round the same spot each night to enjoy a variety of entertainment including flamenco dancing and an incredibly talented singer. This resort has everything for everyone, if you want to enjoy some peace and quiet you have the option of Red Level which will give you the feeling of being in an adult only hotel. If you have children there are a variety of villas to choose from along with the longest infinity pool I have ever seen, selection of play areas, kids’ clubs and family friendly restaurants. On our last day we booked to visit the Clarins Spa. The hydrotherapy pool, hydromassage and bi thermal foot bath were a perfect way to end our trip before heading

to the airport for our flight home. We couldn’t have asked for anything more from our trip, this was just what we needed, a weekend of relaxation, good food and drink enjoyed together in luxurious surroundings. The staff go above and beyond to make your stay the best possible.

Personal Note With the views of the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Teide as a backdrop, this resort provides endless magical moments. Thank you Gran Melia Palacio De Isora for a weekend of overindulgence and luxury, we will be back. www.melia.com

TOYOTA C-HR DESIGN TOYOTA C-HR DESIGN TOYOTA TOYOTA C-HR DESIGN DESIGN SELF-CHARGING HYBRID SELF-CHARGING SELF-CHARGING SELF-CHARGINGHYBRID HYBRID

£239 £1,000 0% APR £239 £239 £1,000 0% 0% APR APR 0% APR £239 £1,000 ^^ ^ TOWARDS YOUR REPRESENTATIVE OVER MONTH TOWARDS TOWARDSYOUR YOUR REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATIVE OVER OVER PER PER PER MONTH MONTH DEPOSIT* 36 MONTHS* ^ DEPOSIT* DEPOSIT* YOUR 3636MONTHS* MONTHS* OVER TOWARDS REPRESENTATIVE PER MONTH DEPOSIT* 36 MONTHS* 3-month payment break option included* 3-month 3-month payment payment break break option option included* included* 3-month payment break option included*

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lindopqueensferry.toyota.co.uk

Model Model shown shown is MY22 is MY22 C-HR C-HR Hybrid Hybrid Design Design 1.8 1.8 VVT-i VVT-i Auto Auto £31,280 £31,280 including including optional optional Metallic Metallic paint paint at £600. at £600. Prices Prices correct correct at time at time of being of being published. published. Terms Terms andand conditions conditions apply. apply. Official Official fuelfuel Model shown is MY22 C-HR Designcombined 1.8 VVT-i 53.3 Auto £31,280 including optionalCO Metallic paint at £600. Prices correct at time of being published. Terms and conditions apply. Official fuel consumption consumption figures figures in mpg inHybrid mpg (l/100km): (l/100km): combined 53.3 (5.3)(5.3)57.6 57.6 (4.9). (4.9). Combined Combined CO 2 120 2 120 - 111 - 111 g/km. g/km. Hybrid Hybrid electric electric vehicle. vehicle. Figures Figures obtained obtained using using a combination a combination of battery of battery power power andand fuel. fuel. consumption in mpg (l/100km): combined 53.3 (5.3)57.6fuel (4.9). Combined CO COCO 120 - 111 g/km. Hybrid electric vehicle. Figures obtained using a of battery power and fuel. Figures Figures arefigures are provided provided for for comparability comparability purposes; purposes; only only compare compare fuel consumption, consumption, 22 and/or 2 and/or equivalent equivalent all-electric all-electric range range figures figures with with other other carscars tested tested tocombination the to the same same technical technical procedures. procedures. These These 2 and/or equivalent all-electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption, CO figures figures may may not reflect reflect realreal lifelife driving driving results. results. Fuel Fuel consumption, consumption, CO CO 2 produced 2 produced andand equivalent equivalent all-electric all-electric range range cancan vary vary significantly significantly depending on a onnumber a number of factors, of factors, including including thethe accessories accessories Model shown isnot MY22 C-HR Hybrid Design 1.8 VVT-i Auto £31,280 optional Metallic paint at £600. Prices correct at time depending of being published. Terms and conditions apply. Official fuel figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption, CO 2including produced and equivalent all-electric range can vary significantly depending onLight a number ofTest factors, including the fitted fitted (post-registration), (post-registration), driving driving style, style, conditions, conditions, speed speed andand vehicle vehicle load. load. All models All models and and grades grades are are certified certified according according the to the World World Harmonised Harmonised Light Vehicle Vehicle Test Procedure Procedure (WLTP). (WLTP). All accessories mpg All mpg andand consumption figures in mpg (l/100km): combined 53.3 (5.3)57.6 (4.9). Combined CO 2 grades 120 - 111 g/km. Hybrid electricto vehicle. Figures obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle Allbymodels and are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). AllDeposit mpg and CO CO 2 figures 2 figures quoted quoted are are fullfull WLTP WLTP figures. figures. 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AccessFlex istime. not available for may may be required. beof required. Finance Finance subject subject to status to (UK) status toPLC; over to over 18s. 18s. Other finance finance offers offers areare available available butbut cannot cannot be used be conjunction in sums conjunction with with thisthis offer. offer. Offer Offer may may be be or Toyota withdrawn or withdrawn at any at any time. 8,000 8,000 miles miles trading name Toyota Financial Services registered office Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UZ.due Authorised and regulated by varied thevaried Financial Conduct Authority. Indemnities used vehicles orexcess for anymiles finance offers other 0% vehicle may be used during any deferred monthly break period. No associated fees charged and monthly payment remains theToyota same. per per annum, annum, excess miles over over contracted contracted charged charged at 10p atThe 10p per per mile. mile. 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Toyota Financial Services may also make other types of payment to the Toyota Centres for introducing you to them. Any such amounts will not affect the amounts you pay to Toyota Financial Services under your finance agreement. Steve Hopewell Holdings Ltd trading as Lindop Toyota is acting as a credit broker and not a lender.

Drive Old School Defende efenderr It looks like a Land Rover and it sounds

like a Land Rover, but it is not a Land Rover. This is the Ineos Grenadier, a car that takes most of the old Land Rover Defender ideals and repackages them for the 21st Century. Set to launch in the summer of 2022, the rugged, all-terrain car will be powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine sourced from BMW, while the smartly styled but somewhat utilitarian cabin will feel familiar to anyone who drove a Defender. That said, it still comes with modern technology, including a massive infotainment screen. www.ineosgrenadier.com

DRIVE

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

STAR QUALITY Mercedes-AMG’s gorgeous new SL convertible is back with a bang

he Mercedes-Benz SL has long been among the German brand’s flagship grand tourers – a car that can fly across continents in sumptuous comfort and turn heads at the same time. But after taking a little sabbatical over the past few years, the SL is back, and Mercedes claims it’s sportier and more luxurious than ever before. Achieving that has meant changing the SL recipe slightly, with a folding fabric hood replacing the old folding metal roof, although the ‘2+2’ seating arrangement has remained. The new body has been styled with aerodynamics in mind, and you can even have a retractable underbody wing that extends from under the floor to improve the car’s aerodynamic performance. Mercedes-AMG has also fitted plenty of luxury technology, including Mercedes’ latest driver assistance technology and infotainment systems. It also has sculpted sports seats that blow hot air around your neck to keep you warm when the roof is folded away. The beating heart of the new SL is an engine range created by Mercedes’ in-house nutcases AMG. At launch, customers will be able to choose between two hand-built 4.0-litre V8 engines, both of which drive all four wheels. The ‘basic’ 55 version will come with 469bhp, while the more powerful ‘63’ model will claim 577bhp. A hybrid model will follow the two V8s at a later date. Mercedes-AMG SL, £TBC, www.mercedes-benz.co.uk 82

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SUV’S ELECTRIC South Korean premium car maker Genesis has been busy over the past 12 months. So far it has launched no fewer than 5 models in the UK, with more on the way. Among those is this, the electric GV70. Based on the existing GV70 SUV, which is a rival to the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5, the new zero-emission car comes with more than 200bhp and will get from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds. Genesis is also promising around 250 miles of range, although that is based on the South Korean economy test, rather than the European standard. Genesis GV70 EV, £TBC, www.genesis.com

loves

GOING PLATINUM The Porsche Panamera is one of the greatest high-performance fourdoor cars money can buy, but Porsche keeps exploring ways to improve its appeal. The latest attempt is the new Platinum Edition, which is designed to feel “particularly elegant and exclusive”. There’s a subtle, refined standard specification, with air suspension, a panoramic glass roof and platinum-coloured exterior trim, as well as 21-inch alloy wheels and sports exhaust pipes. Customers get a choice of three engines, including the 4 E-Hybrid, which combines a V6 petrol engine with electric power to offer a short electric range and a plentiful 462bhp. Porsche Panamera Platinum Edition, from £83,510, www.porsche.com

Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

T H E BIGGER TH EY A RE

THE H ARDER YOU FA LL

James Fossdyke has never been a fan of the big Bentley SUV, but the brilliance of the latest model has made him a Bentayga convert

ather ironically, talking about unpopular opinions has become a very popular pastime, so I’ve chosen this month to mention one of my own. And it’s a whopper; a blue-on-blue assault aimed directly at one of our own. So here goes... Despite its undeniable luxury and capability, I have always been ambivalent towards the Bentley Bentayga. It’s not that I’ve harboured some kind of loathing towards the big 4x4, but I’ve always thought it struggled to live up to the Bentley name and the Bentley price tag. Yes, the enormous SUV was beautifully built, imposing to look at and impressively quick. It even came with some lovely hand-finished details. But the car was based on an Audi Q7, and that showed

in some of the switchgear and the interior features. It was basically a big, heavy, German SUV with quilted leather seats, some new heater controls and an outrageous asking price. So no, I’ve never really warmed to the Bentayga, but now there’s a new model, and I considered it my solemn duty to give it a second chance. From the outside, it looks much the same as before, with a massive grille, round headlights and some enormous dimensions. This car is well over 5m long and 2.2m wide, and it weighs a faintly ridiculous 2.4 tonnes. It’s massive. But it’s more elegant than before, with some oval tail lights and more delicacy to the details in the bodywork. So while the recipe is similar, it’s a vast improvement on what went before. That’s a synonym for the cabin, which still has plenty of German DNA, but it’s hidden away beneath a layer of hand-built loveliness. The whole thing is an absolutely stunning environment packed with hand-finished leather upholstery – more than a dozen bulls laid down their lives for that interior – and high-quality woodwork. The veneer on the dashboard, door cards and even the tray tables behind the front seats is a work of art. It’s sublime. All of which means the Bentayga no longer feels like a German family bus in drag. There’s some

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natty in-car entertainment tech that’s shared with sister company Porsche, but that’s no bad thing. It just means it works properly, and that can’t always be said about British brands’ tech. Less easy to forgive are the indicator stalks, which are essentially the same as those you’ll find in an Audi A3 hatchback, albeit with some extra chrome. The same could be said of the steering wheel buttons, too. There’s nothing wrong with that per se – they all work well and feel relatively premium – but borrowing bits from a £30,000 hatchback isn’t a good look for a car that costs the best part of £200,000 once the options have been considered. But those are small issues in a quiet, comfortable space that’s packed with fabulous features. Our test car, for example, came with one of the best optional extras fitted to any 4x4 currently available. Between the two rear seats, there was an overgrown armrest with two small slots and what looked like an

enormous cupholder. Opening the armrest section, however, revealed two champagne flutes and space for a bottle of Bolly. The flutes fitted into the slots in the armrest, while the fizz could be chilled in the cupholder arrangement, effectively turning the Bentayga’s back seats into a mobile champagne bar. It’s features like this that prove the Bentayga is still a car to be driven in, rather than a car to drive. Sitting behind the wheel gives you access to plenty of power and performance, but the rear seats are the best in the house. Not only are they electrically

Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Bentley Bentayga V8 Price: £193,245 as tested Gearbox: 8-speed automatic Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol 0-62mph: 4.5 seconds Top speed: 180mph Power: 542bhp

adjustable, but they come with plenty of room to stretch out and bags of headroom. Oh, and the ride is better in the back. Not that it’s lumpy up front. The driver’s seat is plush and supportive in all the right ways, while the huge range of electrical adjustment means it’s comfier than a hot bubble bath. The driving position is pretty much perfect, too. Then you get oodles of power to play with. Bentayga customers get a choice of three different engines, but all of them have more horses than the Household Cavalry. For eco-conscious buyers (stop laughing at the back), there’s a 443bhp V6 plug-in hybrid, which will do around 30 miles on electric power before the petrol engine is required. If you want more performance, you can have the silky W12 petrol engine that pumps out 626bhp, or the engine we sampled: the 4.0-litre V8 with 542bhp. Although it isn’t the fastest version of the Bentayga, it is supposed to be the sportiest. Everything is relative, but it does weigh slightly less than any other Bentayga, and it’s designed to handle better too. For the most part, however, the Bentley feels like a big, wafty cruiser. The suspension is soft, the steering is surprisingly light, and the engine is quiet unless you really push it. At which juncture it emits a subtle, menacing growl. But if you go for the sportiest driving mode, everything changes. The suspension tightens up,

disguising the car’s immense weight more effectively than you might imagine. It’s like the whole car breathes in. And then it unleashes the dogs of war. The V8 sounds like distilled gunfire, and the car accelerates like a two-and-a-half tonne gazelle with a lion in tow. Getting from 0-62mph takes just 4.5 seconds. And that’s quite something when you’re driving a sort of four-wheeled Blenheim Palace. At full chat, this thing covers ground at 180mph. But as impressive as the speed may be, it’s the handling that steals the show. Where it feels relaxed and almost sloppy in comfort mode, winding the selector round to its sportier positions suddenly gives the car immediate control of its bulk. Rather than wallowing through corners, it dances through. It’s light on its feet. And the roll you expect from that massive body is kept in check surprisingly well. Yet the way this car works off-road is even more surprising. It might be a luxury SUV, but it can tackle surprisingly difficult terrain, clambering over boulders and wading through deep water with minimum fuss and the usual refinement. It’s like a luxury tank. Combine that with the opulent interior, powerful engines and startling handling, and the engineers in Crewe have finally made the Bentayga feel like a proper Bentley. It’s brilliant.

FA L C O N A P R I VAT E J E T S No two private flights are the same. For every charter request we always look for the best solution, meeting your requirements on capacity, service and range. Falcona offers a well-balanced charter fleet of private jets and has carefully selected partner operators to provide you a wide range of possibilities.

+44 (0) 161 436 0124 | info@falconaprivatejets.com

Jack Few Fine Art

Contemporary Original Abstract Paintings Creating Raw and Vibrant Statement Pieces for your Home Commissions Available

“Painting is wild inquiry, abstraction is the revealing and teasing out of those underworlds”

www.jackfewfineart.com @jack_few_fine_art

Home The Other House

A new hospitality concept

- a ‘Residents’ Club’ – is launching in South Kensington in Spring 2022. A UK first, The Other House disrupts the traditional sectors of hotels, serviced apartments and private rentals neatly combining the placemaking and flexibility of apartment-style living with hotel facilities. Positioning itself as a second home, guests can stay for as long as they please and select the services they want at the touch of an app. www.otherhouse.com

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Buying Art at Auctions Martin Heaps, Founder and Owner of Collect Art shares his top tips for those interested in taking their first steps into an auction room to secure a piece of fine art, a limited edition print or even a beautiful sculpture

uying at auction is a great experience and can be good fun. Getting to know how to bid is the first step.

Bidding & Avoiding ‘Auction Fever’ You will need to register with the auction house a few days before the sale. They will then give you a bidder number and if you plan to turn up in person, they will also give you a card with your bidder number on. If you’re going to bid via the telephone, however, they will already have your bidding number to hand. The other method these days is to register

for online bidding. If online bidding, be very aware that some auction houses use www.thesaleroom. com, if you bid through them, you will be charged a further 4% on of the final price. The auction house will also charge their fees which can be anything from 20% - 35% plus online fees, if they don’t have their own platform. Other charges on art are artist resale (royalty) rights, which starts from 4% to 0.25% on a sliding scale. How are resale royalties calculated? The artist’s royalty depends on the hammer price (sale price without any VAT or Buyer’s Premium). The higher the sale price of the artwork, the lower the overall royalty rate. The royalty is worked out according to a sliding scale from 4% to 0.25%. Once you have decided how to bid you will need to register with the auction house. You will need Photo ID and proof of address. New regulations mean it’s pretty much the same ID as when buying a property that your solicitor will ask for. When bidding, I always suggest doing your research beforehand, finding out what the average retail price is for the item you’re bidding on. I see it all the time

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over the phone or online you will need to collect the item normally within 3-5 days before you will incur storage charges. Shipping costs can mount up - I use a company collection Aardvark Art Services, a collection in the UK is normally around £110.00 which is really reasonable.

Determining the Condition when two bidders get carried away for the same painting, and ‘auction fever’ sets in. This is all well and good but sometimes you can pay way too much at auction and also remember the extra fees onto of what you pay. For example, if an auction house changes 30% (which is the average fee) and the painting you have secured is £5,000, and you bid online, you will pay £1,500 in auctions charges, £200 in ARR and another £200 in online fees, so the numbers soon grow, with a total of around £7,000 from your original £5,000 bid. So you really do need to have a maximum bid. I normally do this and say plus one, which means I only go one more bid over my maximum. That said, my gallery has a strong specialism in retailing and exhibiting Geoffrey Key works, for which we retail more pieces than any other gallery. As such, we have been known to pay more at auction than what would be the retail price for his paintings if we are keen to acquire a certain piece to either display at the gallery or on behalf of a client. Also consider collection of your art, as when you bid

Try to either visit the auction house to see the item or ask for the ‘condition report’, either or both is a must do. As with buying a car at auction, sometimes people place things in auction to move on, which could mean that the item has been damaged. Condition reports should cover key considerations such as any damage or restoration that has occurred, as well as the provenance and age. I wouldn’t recommend any purchase without doing the due diligence and ensuring you seek expert knowledge. This can be easily demonstrated by looking at LS Lowry prints which are surging in popularity. To illustrate, the highly esteemed Britain at Play is a multi-coloured print that takes on a blue tint, (rather than turn a deeper yellow hue, therefore could easily deceive an inexperienced collector who may be looking out for yellowing as a sign of ageing). This print in perfect condition would retail around £8,000 - £10,000, however, a version left to fade in bright light, and therefore turning blue could render the print virtually worthless or at best, possibly a tenth of its value. For more information about Collect Art, or for more advice from Martin on buying at an auction, please visit www.collectart.co.uk

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Case Study

The Ophelia House Manuela Hamilford, owner of luxury interior design studio, Hamilford Design, describes the process behind creating a Cotswold Chalet-style family home

he Ophelia House at The Lakes by Yoo, which spans an impressive 4,000 sq. ft. in the Cotswold, is lovingly named after their daughter, which gives an indication of just how personal this second home is to the owners. The project was commissioned by a family of four from Chislehurst, Kent who wanted somewhere special to spend quality time together, particularly over the holiday and Christmas periods. The brief was to create a relaxed Chalet-style home that felt at one with its natural surroundings. We used reclaimed wood, sourced from farms in France on the kitchen cupboard fronts, along with traditional looking finger pull drawers for storing vegetables and potatoes on the side of the island. These were subtle nods to the rural life the family enjoy when they stay here. We wanted to avoid making the kitchen look too heavy and dark, so we added ribbed glass cupboards and a lighter coloured concrete island top, with industrial-style kitchen pendants to complete the modern look. The fireplace is made from reclaimed brick stone and has this stunning black stone detailing which you see when the light hits the surface. The floors are wide plank dark farm wood, which are full of knots and nail heads to give that relaxed lived

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

in feel. We used organic wood and fabric materials throughout the property to accessorise, making the home feel cosy and consistent with a typical Chalet One of the challenges was to design around and maximise the natural light to ensure that the tone of the woodwork and tiles we selected worked well no matter the time of the day or the season. In winter we wanted them to create a sense of comfort and warmth and in summer absorb all the sunshine

through the glass doors. The master bedroom was also this large blank canvas that lacked personality, so the challenge here was to find ways to make the space feel more homely but without compromising the view – the large statement headboard and oversized pendent are dramatic but stay on the right side of bold. One of the most practical challenges was how to create a dressing room that offered privacy and ample storage – by building this behind the wall of the headboard it was a great space-saver and it gave the room a sense of opulence that you want from a second home. This home is all about blending modern tastes and finishes with exquisite detailing. We sourced the kitchen table from Cattalen Italia, the sofa from Camerich, the headboard was made bespoke by Hamilford Design and the lights in the kitchen are from Holloways of London. Led by Manuela Hamilford, with experience spanning 21 years, Hamilford Design has a wealth of ambitious international and domestic projects under its belt. From grand residences in London and smart townhouses in New York, to large country estates and hotels in Europe – the team delivers beautiful retreats to call home. www.hamilforddesign.com

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LOUISE STOCKTON, OWNER OF AROUND THE HOUSE FURNITURE How would you describe yourself ? I’m Louise, the owner of Around The House Furniture, mum to Harper (aged 2) and wife to Chris. I’m a big personality who loves holidays and cleaning (but not cleaning on holiday!). These days I can usually be found rolling around in soft play areas, reliving my own childhood and generally enjoying life with my family. Tell us a bit more about you… I completed a degree in Interior Design from Huddersfield University back in 2011 and went straight to the USA to do some major travelling from LA to New York. After returning to reality, I went on to design show homes in Newcastle for a small company. I enjoyed my time working there but I was always meant to be my own boss and so Around The House Furniture was born. Who are your greatest influences? I follow lots of designers on Instagram, the newest I’m swooning over is Sophie Paterson, but the original and main lady for me is Kelly Hoppen. I bought all her books while I was at university and looking through them now over 10 years later, her designs haven’t dated. They’re just classic and timeless which is one of the things I most admire. Producing products that are sustainable and high quality means the end user can keep them for years to come and they don’t end up as disposable fashion pieces that are to be discarded as soon as another style comes out. What have been some of your best jobs/experiences at work? I love seeing the recognition for all the hard work that’s gone into building the business up, especially in print. The first time we were featured in a glossy magazine I just lost my mind. We’ve been featured in magazines that I have subscriptions to and never dreamed that one day our products would be featured on their very pages. It’s a very special feeling because being the boss of your own business can be very lonely, especially because friends and family don’t always see all the work going on behind the scenes, so being recognised is that little pat on the back you sometimes need to keep you going.

Traditional vs contemporary style? This is a tough one, and I kind of prefer a blend of the two. I like traditional style because as I said earlier, classic design doesn’t go out of fashion, but I do like to put a contemporary twist on things. So, I love a shaker style kitchen with natural stone flooring, but I might mix that with a more modern light fitting or a nice contemporary print on my curtain fabric and upholstery. When you look at the designers I take inspiration from, you’ll notice a pattern. I’m very much a neutral palette kind of gal. What would you consider your greatest achievement? It sounds cheesy to say (but I’m going to say it anyway) but being a mum and wife is the best feeling in the world. I’ve always been a huge workaholic and career person until I had Harper at the end of 2019. That, along with the global pandemic really stopped me in my tracks and forced me to take a step back and work out how I really wanted my life to look. It was in lockdown 3.0 that Around The House Furniture was born and I decided to leave my old job to focus solely on creating that to be a successful business. I have so many exciting plans for it in 2022, I think the best is still yet to come. What would your superpower be? I’d be able to teleport myself! I sometimes have a real urge to move somewhere new but being such a home bird I worry about being too far away from friends and family. Being able to teleport from one place to another in an instant would be a dream. www.aroundthehousefurniture.co.uk

P.S. Last book you read? I used to read loads of books but alas with a busy life, I prefer audiobooks now which I listen to every morning while I get ready. I’m a big personal development and mindset junkie and have just finished Mel Robbins’ ‘High 5 Habit’ which I loved. Dream buy? I am addicted to Right Move, I just love property, especially really run-down grotty houses most people wouldn’t touch with a bargepole. I see the beauty and potential where most wouldn’t. My dad was a property developer so I was exposed to it from a young age and would see the transformations that could be made with a bit of hard work. So, a country style house with a big back garden and balcony would be my dream… an endless supply of money to design it exactly how I wanted it wouldn’t go amiss either!

Is it Time to Start

Planning your Next Chapter? Situated in the leafy suburb Wilmslow in Cheshire, Chapelwood offers a stylish collection of 57 contemporary one, two and three-bedroom later living apartments ideal for people over 60 who are looking to downsize and maintain their independent lifestyle

esigned by award-winning architect, Glenn Howells Associates, Chapelwood was inspired by the country manor houses that dot the surrounding landscape and stands in harmony with the gardens’ mature poplars, planes and chestnut trees. The community is ideally located within easy reach of Wilmslow where some of the best restaurants, boutique shops, cafes, and attractions are waiting to be enjoyed. Each of the apartments benefits from an open plan design to create spacious and light-filled abodes. Generous kitchens include fullyintegrated appliances and large worktops to provide an enjoyable cooking experience. Cosy yet spacious bedrooms include built-in wardrobes to maximise storage with additional ensuites in a selection of apartments.

Chapelwood has the added benefit of its own on-site team who are on hand to handle day-to-day tasks and ensure the smooth running of the building, leaving residents free to live life and enjoy all that Wilmslow and the wider Cheshire region has to offer. Community and wellness are at the heart of Chapelwood. The ground floor is designed to be the social hub where homeowners can enjoy all that is on offer and there is something to suit all tastes. With its comfortable furniture and honesty bar, the lounge is the place for catching up with neighbours or to settle down with a good book and glass of wine at the end of the day. With doors opening out onto the patio area, you can also enjoy long afternoons outdoors in the warmer months. For those feeling more active, enjoy a session in the gym which has state-ofthe-art Keiser equipment. Alternatively, for those looking to relax and revitalise, the wellness spa offers a pool, herbal sauna, sun terrace and treatment rooms. When homeowners wish to

entertain friends and family at Chapelwood, nothing could be simpler. There is a guest suite available to accommodate your visitors and the exclusive, on-site Olive restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious, locally sourced meal. Finding your next home and moving into a later living apartment is a big decision, but with Pegasus big decisions don’t have to be set in stone. The exceptional homes are available to buy or rent with Lifestory Choices. Assured tenancies provide Lifestory Members with peace of mind and flexibility, which ensure you can stay as long as you wish. Those who decide to buy their apartment enjoy no exit fees. Prices start from £395,000 to buy or £2,429 pcm to rent. 80% of the homes are now sold at Chapelwood. Contact our team to book a private appointment by calling 01625 569 492 or visit www.lifestory.group/Chapelwood.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Home

Hot Property

BRIDGE POOL MACCLESFIELD ROAD, ALDERLEY EDGE, SK9 7BW AN INDIVIDUAL AND IMPRESSIVE CONTEMPORARY STYLE DETACHED RESIDENCE OF JUST OVER 6,000 SQ FT INCLUDING FULL LEISURE WITH POOL AND ENJOYING TRANQUIL QUIET SETTING WITH SECLUDED SOUTHERLY FACING GARDENS.

GUIDE PRICE £2,950,000

ridge Pool, is an individual and exclusive contemporary style detached family house, designed by Cave Architects and constructed by the renowned Alderley Edge Building Company, set in a charming quiet and secluded setting within walking distance of the village centre and the National Trust Conservation Area and The Edge. Alderley Village offers a good range of shopping including the Waitrose supermarket, stylish boutiques and fine restaurants. The area is renowned for its excellent schooling and The Edge is a well-known beauty spot of historical importance with excellent walks. The motorway network system is within easy access, as is Manchester International Airport, local and commuter rail links to Manchester and London. www.andrewjnowell.co.uk

Key Features ∙ Entrance hall ∙ Games room ∙ Cloakroom / WC ∙ Family room ∙ Living, dining, kitchen ∙ Lower hallway ∙ Utility room ∙ Office ∙ Gym ∙ Cinema room ∙ Internal swimming pool ∙ Shower Room ∙ 5 bedrooms ∙ 5 bathrooms (all en-suite) ∙ Master with walk in dressing room ∙ 2 separate garages ∙ Good size secluded southerly facing garden, large sun terrace, flagged patio areas, mature hedging ∙ Separate play room / outside office with balcony above ∙ 2 sets of sliding electrically operated gates

Hot Property

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MAHOGANY HEIGHTS ROYAL WESTMORELAND ESTATE, BARBADOS MAHOGANY HEIGHTS IS A TRULY BEAUTIFUL TOWNHOUSE PROPERTY ON THE PRESTIGIOUS ROYAL WESTMORELAND ESTATE, WESTERN BARBADOS.

£1,250,000

long a palm-fringed, sun-drenched driveway is a collection of just 16 architecturally designed townhouses; Mahogany Heights. Step inside and downstairs you will find 3 spacious double bedrooms, including the generous master suite, which opens out onto the private patio, pool, and manicured garden. A fourth master guest room is also located on the mezzanine level. On the first floor is the bright and open living space, including a designer kitchen, with full height

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windows and a wide covered terrace perfect for relaxing or enjoying al fresco dining in the warm Caribbean evenings. As part of a luxury resort, the property is finished to the highest specification throughout, with every fixture, fitting and design detail of the utmost quality. Owning this property also welcomes you to the Royal Westmoreland community, with a wealth of world-class amenities at your disposal, not least the championship standard golf course,

private Beach Club at Mullins Beach, and 24/7 concierge assistance to name just a few. Discover the ultimate in resort living today. www.royalwestmoreland.com

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