The Cheshire Magazine - June/July 21

JUNE/JULY 2021 s ISSUE 086

CHESTER A little city with a big heart

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Podcaster Yvonne Campbell shares her Barbados journey

GET ON BOARD Ben Spier teams with DJ Sasha on a new Ibiza superyacht experience

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JUNE/JULY 2021 s ISSUE 086 s

Managing Director Kathryn Otto Editor Craig Hough Editorial Team Kevin Evans Toby Taylor Isla Wilson Contributers James Fossdyke Clare Stobart Yvonne Campbell Katie Bentley Design & Production Kate Woods Picture Editor Kat Hannon Business Development Scarlett Smith Charity and Event’s Coordinator Rachel O’Hare

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

s spring shuffles aside and the sun finally makes its overdue appearance, the hope for a 2021 holiday is still alive and well. Whilst there may still be some uncertainty of the location of this year’s getaway, travel ideas are flying through the pages of this issue.

We start by looking to The Queen’s Gambit and The Word’s Most Scenic Railways for TV-inspired trips (p.14). We then catch a flight to Ibiza, the party capital of the world, to talk to Ben Spier about his new partnership with international DJ Sasha, as they look to bring music to the waters of the White Isle (p.21). We then head to Italy to connect with Valentino Cassanelli (p.58) from Michelin starred restaurant Lux Lucis, as he shares a favourite recipe with us.

Next stop is our Travel section, where Sri Lanka Bespoke share their top 5 eco-resorts (p.62) and we highlight some travel accessory must-haves (p.64). Podcaster Yvonne Campbell shares her experience with the Barbados Welcome Stamp (p.72) and we take a look at a stunning escape in the Maldives (p.74). We finish off our travel coverage in our Home section as we look at some of the hottest holiday home properties on the market (p.103).

Elsewhere in the issue, we talk to the stars of Sky One’s Intelligence (p.16), continue to celebrate Mulberry’s 50 years (p.29) in our Style section and discover Dockett 33 (p.57) within our Food and Drink pages. In Drive, resident petrol-head, James Fossdyke looks at the Bye eFlyer 800, a new electric aircraft (p.87) and finds out if Honda’s hybrid supercar can dethrone the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini (p.88).

This month the team is also delighted to introduce Clare Stobart (p.42), from CPASE Health Club and Gym, who will be offering health and fitness advice in forthcoming issues.

There is so much to enjoy within this issue, so get your sunglasses on, your feet up, your glass poured and indulge.

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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

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Contents A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITES

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51

INTELLI-GENTS

We talk to Nick Mohammed and David Schwimmer, stars of Sky One’s hit comedy series

21

GET ON BOARD

72

STAMP OF APPROVAL

FAMILY

CURTAIN UP

The Director of Drama at Shrewsbury School discusses the new Barnes Theatre

FOOD & DRINK

62

Ben Spier teams up with DJ Sasha on a music-led Ibiza superyacht experience

SPOTLIGHT ON…

Kevin Evans samples the menu of Docket 33

TRAVEL

Podcaster Yvonne Campbell shares her Barbados journey

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FULL BLOOM

74

PARADISE FOUND

78

CHESTER

Introducing Orchard Moon’s debut collection of luxury pyjama sets

Nestled in the pristine Indian Oceans of the Maldives is VARU

by Atmosphere

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS

42 REGULARS

08

MY LIFE IN CHESHIRE Pamela Reckert from Mottram Hall shares her life in Cheshire with us

STYLE

26

FACES OF FASHION

Best friends Shola Asante and Agnès Cushnie discuss breaking the mould in women’s footwear

45

MEET OUR FITNESS EXPERT

Introducing Clare Stobart, Managing Direcotr of CPASE Health Club

LA PRAIRIE’S GOLD COLLECTION

Take a look at the new range inspired by the golden hour in the crown of the Swiss Alps

A little city with a big heart

DRIVE

88

THE CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

Can Honda’s hybrid supercar really dethrone the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini? James Fossdyke finds out

HOME

103 HOT PROPERTY

Highlighting some of the best holiday homes

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

My life ...

PAMELA RECKERT , DIRECTOR OF SALES AT CHAMPNEYS – MOTTRAM HALL

How would you describe yourself ?

Fun, outgoing, loves to talk, confident, cool Mum and passionate about all things food and spa related.

Where is home? And work?

I am from Glasgow originally, but I have previously lived in London, Seychelles and Abu Dhabi and I now live in West Didsbury with my husband Adam, my two children, Charlotte (3), Oliver (6) and a cat called Tigger. I work at the stunning Mottram Hall in Cheshire as Director of Sales and I am responsible for selling the many different areas of the hotel so every day is different and I meet some lovely people.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to be a TV presenter or news reader when I was younger, but I then started working in my parents’ hotel as a waitress and got the hospitality bug.

“treat others the way you would like to be treated yourself, in work and in your personal life” Name a few of your favourite places to be...

I love going to Edinburgh and New York with my husband, they are two amazing cities with so many different and exciting things to do. We go to Edinburgh every year for our anniversary and New York for special birthdays if we can. For a family holiday I really like to go to Spain, Portugal and Italy, we like to rent a villa with a pool and do lots of BBQs and take the children to the beach.

Also visiting my family and friends in Glasgow and my husband’s family in Cambridge for long weekends.

Who inspires you?

I worked at one of the Hiltons in Glasgow and my General Manager at the time Selim Gecit was so inspiring, he was approachable, supportive and made time to get to know every team member at all levels. He used to sit with a different guest for breakfast every morning and was not afraid to roll his sleeves up and help when he was needed.

He would reward the team regularly and recognise team members that had gone that extra mile. So, a lot of what he did I mirrored in my future roles as a Manager.

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Favourite Cheshire business you work with?

Forest Gin, they are based in Macclesfield and we stock their Gin in our Bar and it is lovely. Karl invited us up for a show round of the distillery and it was amazing.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

A couples cooking class to my husband for his birthday last month and we recently did the class and it was so much fun.

Tell us a secret/fun fact?

When I worked in the Shangri-la in Abu Dhabi as Food and Beverage Manager, during Formula one I had to look after Beyonce, Aerosmith, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Alonso Fernando and Bernie Ecclestone who were all having dinner in one of my restaurants one night and they were all so lovely and took the time to chat to me about my family and life in Abu Dhabi.

Who or what would you place in Room 101?

Snakes, they freak me out, especially the ones that can eat a human whole.

What would your mastermind subject be?

Pop Music, I love cheesy pop music, I could listen to it all day.

What’s been your biggest life lesson?

To treat others the way you would like to be treated yourself, in work and in your personal life. It costs nothing to be polite and respectful and I think it is really important. www.mottramhall.com

“ ... I started working in my parents’ hotel as a waitress and got the hospitality bug ”

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Book now

21–25 July 2021 RHS Members’ Day 21 July

Full of inspiration to get growing

Gardens, plants & flowers | Talks & demos Fabulous floristry | Top tips & advice | Unique shopping Family Fun | Food markets

Book now at rhs.org.uk Your visit supports our work as a charity RHS Registered Charity no. 222879 / SC038262

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

NOTEBOOK WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

The Sport of Kings Returns

A match day at Chester Polo Club has quickly become a highlight of the Cheshire social scene as enthusiastic crowds enjoy an afternoon of sport and vibrancy with great entertainment, food and drink. Guests are welcomed to the Roodee to mingle with the style set and enjoy an atmosphere like no other during the great British summer. Fierce competition is always anticipated from the worthiest contenders all fighting for the prestigious silverware and the title awarded in a Champagne-soaked presentation on finals day.

The White Oak Polo Series will take place 2nd- 3rd July, www.chester-races.com

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Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

BeWILDerwood Bickley Moss, Cheshire

What’s O n ?

A new multi-million pound adventure park, set in the heart of Cheshire, has opened its doors for families to get back to nature. The Boggles and Twiggles – the characters at BeWILDerwood – are now welcoming families to their wonderful wonky wooden world, the Curious Treehouse Adventure, where visitors can run wild and explore the enchanted woodland. BeWILDerwood, which is based on a book series, comes from the imagination of Tom Blofeld and is located next to the historic Cholmondeley Castle. www.cheshire.bewilderwood.co.uk

UNTIL 3 JAN

Use Hearing Protection: The Early Years of Factory Records Science and Industry Museum, Manchester

EVERY FRIDAY UNTIL 5 SEP

Free Play Fridays The Great Northern Warehouse, Manchester The Great Northern has relaunched its free Friday play sessions for families this month, with On the Beach Tots events running in its iconic outdoor amphitheatre throughout the summer. The weekly events will be overseen by a highly experienced and professional play-facilitator, and will aim to inspire parents, encouraging imaginative play, whilst children interact with the beach-inspired natural materials provided. www.thegreatnorthern.com 12

Celebrate Manchester’s place at the heart of Britain’s music and creative industries with this new exhibition dedicated to one of the city’s most influential record labels. This special exhibition tells the story of Factory Records’ formative years from 1978 to 1982, and how their innovative work in music, technology and design gave Manchester an authentic voice and distinctive identity. See the first 50 artefacts from the official Factory catalogue, previously unseen items from the Factory archives, and objects loaned from the estates of both Tony Wilson and Rob Gretton, the former manager of Joy Division and New Order. www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

15 - 20 NOV

Grease The Liverpool Empire 25 JUN - 29 AUG

Tatton Park Pop Up Tatton Park, Knutsford Tatton Park hosts a line-up of family days out, night time entertainment and live music, and Sunday Sessions with new and emerging acts including jazz and gospel performances. The new style of festival features pre-booked pitches accommodating up to six people. Each week, the festival features multiple performances, with kids highlights including shows Brainiac Live, Jurassic Earth and Milkshake Live!

There are also evening performances including Judge Jules Live, Ibiza Symphonic, and the Brand New Heavies. www.tattonparkpopupfestival.co.uk

After a whirlwind summer romance, leatherclad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love once more? With its phenomenal score, bursting with hits including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You and You’re the One That I Want, this thrilling new version is brought to life by a fresh young cast who bring energy, vitality and passion to this ultimate musical classic. www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

18 - 19 SEP

Irlam Live 2021 Prince’s Park, Manchester For those that love a pure pop party, acts for this year include Sophie Ellis Bextor and Scouting For Girls, D:Ream, 911 and Andy Bennett from Ocean Colour Scene.. The festival also boats Also a huge main bar, award-winning food vendors, a VIP area, pop-up silent disco parties, ‘The Beach’, a fun fair, ‘The Secret Disco’ and lots more. www.irlamlive.co.uk/tickets

2 - 6 NOV

26 NOV - 23 DEC

The Polar Express Train Ride Churnet Valley Railway, Staffordshire.

The 2004 award-winning film The Polar Express™ is one of the most iconic Christmas films ever made and a festive family favourite. The story of a young boy who embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole captures the imagination of children big and small. During his journey aboard The Polar Express, the boy learns about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas. Children mesmerised by the magic of this Christmas chronicle can have their very own train ride adventure aboard The Polar Express too as this magical Christmas experience will be running through Staffordshire later this year. www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk

9 To 5 The Musical The Liverpool Empire Fresh from dazzling in the West End run of the show, Louise Redknapp will reprise her role as ‘Violet Newstead’ in the forthcoming UK tour of Dolly Parton’s smash-hit 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL. Leading the way as one of the first full scale musicals to tour the UK in 2021. www.atgtickets.com/liverpool 13

Top 5

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

TV-Inspired Trips With over 95% of UK households owning a TV set it’s no exaggeration to say that the world of TV and film influences our lives and travel plans. Here’s our pick of the top five TV-inspired trips to Europe

THE GREAT POTTERY THROWDOWN Borgo Egnazia is built in the style of a traditional Apulian village. The property is the perfect destination for authentic, local experiences, just less than one hour from both Bari and Brindisi airports. Puglia is very well known around the world as an important pottery production hub, with the craft being one that has been handed down from one generation to another in the region. Borgo Egnazia offers an exclusive ceramic workshop to guests that is only available to their guests, in collaboration with a nearby lab. The experience first starts with a walk with a local guide through the picturesque streets of the historic centre of nearby Monopoli, where nature meets the Romanesque-Puglian architecture. At the end of the walk, guests arrive at a ceramic lab based in an ex-carpentry. Here, guests are greeted by two Puglian women with the same passion, the manufacture of clay. During the workshops, all of the various stages of processing are carried out and demonstrated to the guests. Apart from the post-firing laying / cooling phase (which can take days), the guests participate in the “firing” and “potter’s wheel” stages right up to the final phase of “decoration and cold glazing” a small prickly pear shovel, which the guests can take home as a souvenir of their experience. www.borgoegnazia.com

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THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT The Queen’s Gambit has been viewed by over 62 million people, making it Netflix’s biggest scripted limited series to date. Not an obvious hit, the series led to a flurry of chessboards being given for Christmas and has ignited a worldwide interest in the game of chess. This summer, perfect your skills at Forte Village’s Chess Academy, which is run by the Russian Chess Legend Anatoly Karpov. Perfect for adults and children alike to train, the 2021 edition of the academy will run from 1 July until 30 August. Karpov was World Champion at the early age of 23 for 10 years, from 1975 to 1985 and will teach participants moves that defeated his rivals and helped achieve his star status.

Forte Village is located in 120 acres of spectacular subtropical gardens. The resort, open exclusively for its residents, has 11 pools, its Acquaforte Spa that has long been renowned as a pioneer of thalassotherapy, more than 20 bars and restaurants and a plethora of legend-run academies from fencing to boxing to football. In addition to 13 very private villas and 377 bungalows each in its own garden or patio, there are three hotels; Pineta, Villa del Parco, which has rooms and bungalows and is a member of Leading Hotels of the World, and Il Castello. www.fortevillageresort.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

JAMES BOND’S SPECTRE If you’re a fan of the charismatic super spy James Bond, get yourself to Sölden in Austria which is home to 007 ELEMENTS, a mountaintop James Bond interactive installation in partnership with EON Productions and Miramax Films at over 3,000m! The last Bond film, Spectre was filmed in Sölden and Das Central’s mountaintop restaurant, ice Q, starred as the Hoffler Klinik in the film. James Bond fans can enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at the mountaintop ice Q (the highest gourmet restaurant in the Alps at 3,048m), and feel like 007 sipping martinis on their panoramic terrace with views across Germany, Italy and Austria. Whilst up there, also visit 007 ELEMENTS, the cinematic James Bond installation and only one of its kind.

Where to stay: Das Central Hotel a modern Alpine escape in the heart of Sölden, high in the Austrian Alps. The hotel has a stunning spa with over ten different saunas for relaxing in whilst others take to the slopes. Just one hour from Innsbruck airport, it is possible to get from the UK to the snow in 3 hours. www.central-soelden.com

THE WORLD’S MOST SCENIC RAILWAY JOURNEYS

CALLING ALL GLADIATORS With unparalleled views of the Colosseum, the Imperial Forum and the Ludus Magnus, the ruins of the most important school of gladiators in the Empire, guests fight their way to the best spot at The Court Cocktail Bar at Palazzo Manfredi, Rome to enjoy creations by renowned mixologist Matteo Zed whilst drinking in the sights. Matteo joined The Court with a wealth of experience from all over the world, including Japan and New York. His passion for amaro – bitter liquor – will be recognisable in his creations and the daring menu includes innovative drinks as well as a section dedicated to the Forgotten Classics & Unforgettable, including Old Cuban, Penicillin and Piña Colada. Among his signature cocktails, ‘The Rising Sun’ includes gin, yuzu juice, powdered matcha green tea and honey, served in a traditional matcha teacup and prepared using the traditional chashaku and chasen to blend.

Where to stay: Palazzo Manfredi This rare and timeless gem is a luxurious 17th century palazzo offering The Grand View Colosseum Suite from €1,500 per night. www.palazzomanfredi.com

A railway journey through the Swiss Alps has never been so luxurious. The world-famous Glacier Express is a panoramic train ride through the Alpine heartland of Switzerland with spectacular views travelling across 291 bridges and masterly built viaducts, through 91 tunnels and breath-taking gorges between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Often ranked among the greatest, and slowest, train journeys in the world, end to end, the route takes you through the three cantons of Valais, Uri and Graubünden and runs for eight hours, with gourmet meals served on board, and huge panoramic carriages offering endless views and outstanding comfort.

Where to stay: Carlton Hotel St. Moritz Surrounded by the peaks of the Upper Engadine and views overlooking the famous St Moritz lake, the Carlton St. Moritz is an exhilarating winter playground. The three level 1200 sqm spa includes six treatment rooms, a steam bath, caldarium, Finnish sauna, hydro-massage showers and ice-fountain is the perfect retreat from an active day learning the Nordic art of cross-country skiing, winter hiking, downhill skiing or attempting the Preda-Bergun toboggan run. www.carlton-stmoritz

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Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

I NT NTE ELLI - GENT ENTS S To celebrate the return of the Sky One hit comedy series Intelligence, The Cheshire Magazine talks to stars Nick Mohammed and David Schwimmer

What was the reaction like to the first series?

Nick: It was lovely; kind of joyful! I’m on Twitter, and one of the things about making a show these days is that people can quite easily let you know how they feel about a show almost instantly. There was this general consensus that, because it’s such a silly show, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s been a fashion of late for a lot of comedies to be quite dark or tipping over into drama. Whereas this is unashamedly fast-paced, gag-heavy, silly, farcical, character driven, out-and-out comedy.

You previously described series one as 90% script and 10% improvisation. Would you say that ratio is the same this time?

Nick: I think so. It jumped around because there were some scenes where we knew that we were allowed to have a little bit more fun so we’d add on a few extra lines or something. But because of Covid there was slightly less time to indulge improv.

The flip side of that was that we had a lot more time to work on the scripts. We were meant to be

filming in July, but because of Covid we didn’t film until September, so I’d been able to spend a bit more time on the script, and David collaborates loads on that as do the other execs in terms of chipping in with ideas. So we were pretty confident with the scripts going into filming. But when you read it out with the cast, and you’re on the set, there are always little things that creep in that you want to play around with or explore further, and we made sure we still made time for those opportunities, because often that can be really fun and rewarding.

David: I feel the same as Nick. It’s the most liberating experience. There’s a kind of natural thing where performance kind of falls away, and it’s just Nick and me, and we have a chemistry and ease with our characters. My favourite scenes are those where you just stay with those two characters for a 17

little while. At the best times, I found myself totally forgetting we were filming; we were just in a state of flow and those moments are an absolute dream as an actor.

Nick: There’s one scene where I do ‘torture practice’ on Jerry and there’s a car battery involved, and it’s quite physical so a lot of that ended up being improvised in the end. So that shorthand we have really helped there, because it was a more complicated scene than the two of us just chatting on either side of a desk. And that’s where it really comes into use. You don’t have to worry too much about the words because you can sort of feed off each other a lot more.

Can you in any way put your finger on what makes that great chemistry between you?

Nick: I know from my experience and going through the casting process that there is a particular quality that works when you’re trying to find a dynamic and you know when you’ve got it and you know when you’ve not got it. It’s almost an electricity, isn’t it? David and I first met through Julia Davis whilst on a pilot Julia and I had written and she’s another person I could definitely tune into. And once you’ve done that, and you can improvise around a subject matter, then it really starts to fire. And that’s a wonderful thing.

Nick, can you give me an outline of where we find a team when we start up again in series two?

Nick: So the general arc of series two is that there is a cyber weapon called Eternal Blue, which is based on a real weapon that was designed by the NSA but fell into the wrong hands. And it’s still used, I believe, to this day to wreak havoc across countries certainly in a cyber sense. So we’ve created the idea that Jerry had a hand in designing this cyber weapon that has gone awry and he 18

has to try and retrieve the weapon and regain full control of it because it’s in the hands of some rogue operatives. We first see it being used against a nuclear power plant in the UK, which is causing a nuclear meltdown, which is a very slight nod to the TV show Chernobyl in that it’s an episode with lots of long continuous sequences within it. Jerry is pretty victorious, then it goes pear-shaped, but I won’t give away too much more about that. But it gets everyone back up to speed with our characters doing their thing in a high pressure, tense environment. Then we’ve got some fun individual episodic stories. We’ve got a Valentine’s Day episode. It was fun to imagine what Valentine’s would be like at GCHQ given they’ve got all kinds of spyware and handwriting analysis to try and work out who their Valentine’s cards are from. And we’ve got an episode which deals with them all having to attend an anti-harassment and anti-bullying workshop. That features the brilliant Morgana Robinson who was just so fun, and a dream to work with. We’ve also got the amazing Diane Morgan joining us for a couple of episodes as Joseph’s date.

They start off having a digital-only relationship because she’s based in another office, but she finally comes over and they go on a dinner date.

And all our usual characters are back and as brilliant as ever. It’s such a nice ensemble.

David, where do we find Jerry?

David: He’s in further pursuit of power and trying to work his way up the ladder as much as he can.

Maybe he’s harbouring some secret fantasy of running for president, he certainly thinks very highly of himself and believes he should be in charge of pretty much everything. As Nick said, we

TheCHESHIRE CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| Regulars | Feature The

“This is unashamedly fast-paced, gag-heavy, silly, farcical, character driven, out-and-out comedy” racist, homophobic, sexist people in almost every workplace and these comments and jokes and behaviours persist and will probably persist for quite a while. So for us to shine a little light on it and acknowledge that, you know, this is real, it actually affects people. As a team, Nick, and me, and the many producers, and Matt, the director, we will all kind of weigh in and really discuss what we feel we can get away with and what’s maybe too much over the line. We want to go right up to the line, maybe sit on it, but never cross it.

find him pursuing anything that will elevate his status and give him more power. But at the same time there’s a real attachment, a bromance forming between Jerry and Joseph. Jerry’s feelings and real friendship for Joseph, are growing deeper, I think.

Some of the things he says to Joseph are still pretty terrible, though.

As real-life friends, is that fun to do?

Nick: Yeah, we just try and push all those sorts of boundaries. Now that the audience knows who Jerry is – we spent enough time with him in series one to know his take on the world – it would be completely out of character if he didn’t go for the worst possible thing to say in any given situation.

And I love writing all that stuff, especially when he’s doling it out to Joseph, because they’ve got that kind of brotherly quality. It has that quality to it where there’s a mutual love between them so they can get away with talking to each other like that.

And you know, as much as Jerry does that stuff to Joseph, Joseph will often pop Jerry’s balloon with an offhand comment. He will often put Jerry in his place and so do Tuva and Christine, so the joke is always on him. It never feels like we’re punching down on Joseph.

Nick: Yeah, yeah. And I think it’s important to know that I’ve written those lines. And I think that that’s an example of an episode where – especially the material that is dealing with racism – is that we actually get to walk a really fine line. Which I love.

To end: how intelligent do you think you are?

Nick: I’m just going to go for a very safe seven out of ten, I think.

David: Then I’m seven point one. (They laugh) Nick: We’re certainly not nearly as intelligent as the people who really work at GCHQ. I’ve got their puzzle book and I can’t do any of them.

They are hard.

Intelligence Series 2 is out now on Sky One, www.sky.com

David, do you ever feel bad about any of the things you have to say to Nick as Joseph?

David: Oh, no, I don’t feel bad. There’s a great amount of respect and trust among the whole cast and when we approach those jokes that are sexist, or racist or homophobic, or generally insensitive, we do make sure Jerry is always the fool. He’s the one whose ignorance is shining bright. I really like those moments because the reality is that there are 19

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

’ ’ In Spier ed,

An Exclusive, Experience Hale-born Ben Spier talks to Craig Hough about his new exclusive, music-led yacht parties on Ibiza’s crystal waters

D

uring Ibiza’s 2020 season, where its super clubs were forced to close due to the global pandemic, the island had to adapt and evolve in many ways. This adaptation led to the creation of something very special for British-born business owner and Ibizaresident, Ben Spier, who approached global DJ Sasha with an exciting concept to take his music to the crystal waters of the Island. From there, the two will join forces to create a series of high-end luxury yacht experiences for a select number of White Isle residents and tourists.

Having created the long-standing Goodgreef night, what was it that made you move over to the White Isle?

I first visited Ibiza when I was 17 as a clubber, and from that moment on, I just fell in love with the place. I continued to go as a tourist for the parties, but then I became Eddie Halliwell’s agent and he had a residency at Cream Amnesia at the time. Following that, I had to travel back and forth every couple of weeks during the summer season. I was constantly asked to arrange Ibiza experiences for friends, from sorting VIP guestlists to securing tables at

“these parties will be the most exclusive the island has to offer”

exclusive restaurants. It was at this point, my concierge service idea was born, and as all of my contacts were based in Ibiza, it made sense to make a permanent move there.

As you mentioned, moving over to Ibiza you became an agent for famed DJs such as Eddie Halliwell and Paul Oakenfold – how was the evolution from club promoter to agent?

I have been lucky enough to make them work hand in hand. I started organising GoodGreef parties at St Phillips Park Hall back in 2000 and Eddie was one of the residents. As Goodgreef became recognised throughout Manchester and beyond, I decided to set up a DJ agency to 21

promote the residents, and that is how it started. One day, I got a call to ask if I would be interested in becoming Paul Oakenfold’s agent, and it was a dream come true. I always used to go and see Paul play as a kid at Amnesia at Cream, and I would go every week as he was a musical icon to me. To this day, we have remained close friends.

Even after 20 years of working and travelling with Eddie Halliwell, we have become best friends, which means more to me than anything.

What was the inspiration around the creation of your new music-led yacht experiences?

When I came up with the concept for the yacht experience, it was off the back of the pandemic.

I had to rethink what I could do with all of the covid restrictions in place and wanted to use my contacts within the music industry to provide clients with an alternative to clubs. I do a lot of business in yacht charter, so it was an obvious choice for me to put the two together and see what happens. The experience I have created is very up close and personal; you are literally out in the middle of the ocean with your favourite DJ onboard. With social restrictions still in place across the globe, these parties will be the most exclusive the island has to offer. My guests will enjoy an intimate experience with some of the world’s biggest DJ’s onboard a gorgeous yacht in crystal clear waters. There aren’t many people with the connections to arrange this, so the whole experience is very exclusive. I had to find

ways to navigate around restrictions, and through creating parties on the water, I was provided with the perfect opportunity to do this.

How did you get Sasha on board with this project?

I’ve met Sasha a lot over the years just by working in the industry. I knew he would be a big pull for this type of experience as he is one of the world’s most famous DJs. As soon as I approached him with the idea, he loved the concept and agreed to do it. For that, I’m very grateful.

Tell us about your unique partnerships on this project with Smart Charter Yachts and Capote.

Well, I have worked with Smart charter for almost ten years, and so it was a no-brainer to approach them about this project as we work so well together. They have a stunning range of yachts that are known for being super luxurious.

Regarding Capote, I am a massive fan of their eyewear, and I send several clients to them already, so they agreed to be a brand partner for this project; if you don’t know the brand, you need to check them out.

You created and run Ben Spier VIP, a concierge service for the White Isle elite, used by affluent entrepreneurs, actors and actresses, sports stars and musicians. What bespoke services does your business offer?

I offer a personalised service with attention to detail for every client as every client is different.

No matter how big or small the client’s budget, I

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The CHESHIRE The CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| Regulars | Feature

“As they say, the party shall go on. It just might have to be on a yacht rather than in a club this summer!” the DJ box, and I usually take one of my clients as well for a super special experience. I’ve had the chance to meet some incredible sports stars like Michael Bisping, Connor Mcgregor, and John Stones, who are now clients and actresses such as Nicky Whelan from Neighbours who is now a good friend.

want to make sure their Ibiza experience is one to remember. To do this, I use a host of exclusive contacts to create memorable experiences.

Whether that’s securing tables at Heart Ibiza for their sell-out Cirque du Soleil nights or organising VIP limos and yachts, I make sure my client’s trips are exclusive. I also used to host the Masquerade party at Pacha every Monday where it was my job to look after the DJ’s and friends and family, and so this was always a hotspot for my clients. As a concierge, I’m very transparent, with no hidden fees or costs, so my clients trust me and always come back for high-end partying as they know they are guaranteed a good time!

Having been at the helm of so many events throughout the years you have worked with some huge names and experienced so much. Can you share any stories of particular events that really stick out to you?

There are so many, to be honest, as I have been very fortunate to travel for many years to so many unreal events, but there is one that comes to mind straight away. I was standing on Ipanema beach in Brazil in front of 1.5 million people watching Eddie Helliwell play. That was a real highlight! There was also another party in Brazil that Eddie played on a private island that you could only get to by speedboat. My favourite will always be Amnesia in Ibiza, I went there every two weeks! Other memorable events would be a rooftop party in Columbia, a rave in Tokyo and the EDC carnival in Las Vegas. I always get to go backstage and watch crowds from behind

How do you feel the after-effects of the pandemic will change Ibiza nightlife?

It will affect it temporarily, not long term. There will always be Ibiza nightlife, in my opinion. The island and the people on it are very innovative.

We have to adapt slightly, but it will be ok in the long run. As they say, the party shall go on. It just might have to be on a yacht rather than in a club this summer! I’m already working on how to legally get more people on a boat and think I may have a solution...watch this space!

Being born and raised in Hale - what are your favourite things about coming home?

Well, of course, my family and friends who I miss dearly. But you can keep the weather (laughs). I also enjoy seeing what has changed when I come back; although not quite Ibiza for nightlife, there is usually somewhere new to go in the area. I love popping to Hale Country Club and Spa for a swim, and there are usually old friends floating around there. Back when events were on, I’d usually be hosting DJ’s playing at Warehouse Project, but we’d go for meals first at San Carlo’s or Yu & Yu in Alderley Edge, or Chibo in Hale. I can always be found at Manchester City on match day, cheering on my clients from The Tunnel Club! www.benspier.com

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Complete Complete your your look look with with the the beautifully beautifully designed designed Horse & Jockey Jockey collection. collection.Developed Developedininconjunction conjunction with Chester Racecourse, the design is inspired with Chester Racecourse, the design is inspiredby by the mirrored emotions between horse and rider. the mirrored emotions between horse and rider.

Together, Together, they they form form an an unbreakable unbreakablebond bondtotoachieve achieve unimaginable victory.

Made in Sterling Silver unimaginable victory. Made in Sterling Silver and and 9ct Rose Gold the Horse and Jockey collection 9ct Rose Gold the Horse and Jockey collection is is the the perfect perfect gift gift for for any any horse horse racing racing fan fanand andwill will compliment any outfit. compliment any outfit.

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Style Spr priing/ S umme mmerr

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Collecti ollectio on

The Belize Spring/Summer 2021

collection pays homage to the brand’s long love affair with 1960’s cinema. The era’s sepia-washed cinematography sets the perfect background for Belize’s classic lines and timeless silhouettes, transporting its effortlessly chic muse back to summers past in the Riviera. Belize’s carefree philosophy is embraced by this red Louisa dress, which features large curved slip pockets highlighted by external stitching. It’s crafted from cotton poplin with braided straps and falls loosely from the gathered empire-line waist to a loose skirt with a deep slit at each side.

Louisa Dress priced at £295, www.matchesfashion.com

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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Faces of

Fashion Craig Hough talks to best friends Shola Asante and Agnès Cushnie about their brand Sante + Wade which is breaking the mould in women’s footwear

You’ve been friends for over 25 years – where did you meet and what brought you together?

Agnès: We met at a fashion modelling show where believe it or not we were both competing! We became friends instantly and I was drawn by her energy and ability to bring a smile to people around her.

Shola: A modelling competition seems an unlikely place for a friendship to form but that’s what happened. I think we are often attracted to people who have the qualities we lack and I was certainly drawn to Agnes’s calm, poise and killer sense of humour.

Shola, you have background as a financial news BBC TV presenter and Agnès as a creative director and marketing director of a fashion label. How was the concept for Sante + Wade created and put into action?

Agnès: Shola came to me with the brand concept. She had started transitioning to a new career in footwear design and was working on initial prototypes when I stepped in. I used my expertise in the fashion industry to help frame the idea into an actionable business model.

Shola: The concept was born out of my own frustration at being unable to find the styles that I wanted in the sizes I needed.

Back then the pickings were very slim indeed and I wanted to solve a problem for myself and the countless other women I knew who were struggling with the same issue.

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How would you describe your customer?

Agnès: Our typical customer is a woman who is confident and in control of her narrative. She may step outside the norm, but she wants the same opportunities as the girl’s next door. She wants to look her best without compromising on who she is. Our motto is to turn every customer into a modern Cinderella.

You are both breaking the mould as far as women’s footwear goes, promoting body positivity and inclusivity for stylish plus sized shoes. Why was this important for you?

Agnès: We believe in what we stand for and advocate first and foremost because we are our own customers and understand the frustration many women experience. I am a size 42 and has always struggled to find high quality and on trend shoes that fit. In today’s marketplace in which inclusivity

is at the forefront, Sante + Wade is one of the biggest disruptors.

Shola: Inclusivity and body positivity are not just buzz words for us. Agnes and I both have skin in this game. We have both struggled to find footwear that met our needs in the past. The idea that a sizable proportion of the population should just make do is no longer acceptable. Women who require non-standard sizing, be that for clothing or footwear, have been a silent majority for too long.

But they are silent no more and demanding to have their needs met. It’s wonderful to see the industry beginning to change as a result and we are proud to be part of this movement.

Where do you take your inspirations for your collections?

Shola: Inspiration can come from anywhere but for me it comes especially from interesting lines and textures. I love how lines cross over each other to form shapes and patterns– you see that obviously in architecture but also in jewellery too and it’s incredibly important for shoe design. I love leafing through catalogues of fabric and leather swatches.

It’s a wonderful sensation when your fingers graze against a beautiful piece of material. There is an emotional power that comes from touch and I can know in an instant, exactly what kind of shoe I would love to make with that material.

What designers and business owners have inspired you and your business model?

Agnès: I was lucky to have personally met my fashion hero, Jean Paul Gaultier when I was young.

I arrived late at one of his castings and he just offered me to sit and enjoy a meal with his friends.

It was a bit surreal and I’ll always remember his kindness. He championed diversity and inclusivity on the catwalk and his aesthetic blurred elements of men and women wardrobes. In many ways he was

such a precursor of things to come.

Shola: I have always had a passion for shoes and there are some incredible footwear brands that I admire, such Aquazzura, Roger Vivier and Pierre Hardy. On the clothing side I am inspired by independent labels. Louisa Parris is a great favourite of mine and I love the way she plays with prints and colour.

As this is our travel issue, what would you recommend to readers to pack from your current collection on their next break away?

Shola: On holiday I always want to be comfortable but at the same time I need at least one pair of shoes that I can dress up if required.

• Lara is one of my favourite styles. A block heel sandal with asymmetric straps that literally goes with any outfit and comes in wonderful summer colours – a neutral beige, pale pink or a more fiery coral.

• Adanna is a block heel sandal with double straps that comes in burnt orange and sky blue. Easy to slip on and off, it’s a perfect summer sandal.

• Dahlia is a flat gladiator sandal with asymmetric straps. It comes in a beautiful sage green and light pink, as well as a dark tan leather.

• Amma comes in white, black and burnt orange.

This comfortable slide is always in popular demand. I love the gold eyelet and raffia strap detail.

• Naima is part of our new collection. A square toe slide with folded toe strap and a gold chain detail. These shoes will make you feel like a million dollars.

What is next for Sante + Wade in 2021?

Agnès: After successfully launching online two years ago, we recently started to create a wholesale channel for the brand, enabling us to tap into additional geographic markets. 2021 will mark the start of our expansion in terms of distribution channel. But mostly I hope it will bring a sense of renewed optimism for everyone. www.santewade.com

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

Mulberr ulberryy ’s New Typo Typ ography Collect ollectiion Introducing the new Typography collection from Mulberry, launched as part of their 50th anniversary celebration

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he collection offers iconic silhouettes, with a contemporary graphic treatment, in Mulberry’s newly launched EcoScotchgrain. Their much-loved heritage material Scotchgrain has been reinterpreted to sustainable standards, with the introduction of Bio-Synthetic material - using inedible foodstock that would otherwise go to waste.

The typography design has been created, developed and coloured in-house by Mulberry’s design team. Digitally printed onto Eco-Scotchgrain, the print is textured with the material’s distinctive ‘pebble’ grain, creating an original abstract print. www.mulberry.com

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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Ful ulll B loo loom m Introducing Orchard Moon’s debut collection of luxury pyjama sets, featuring bold floral prints in sustainable plant-based fabrics

Calypso Print Pyjamas, £280

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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

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heir first collection is inspired by beautiful flower gardens, summer and daydreams. it comes in a colour palette of blues to echo water and sky, leafy greens, and gorgeous florals in pinks, oranges, yellows, peach and lilac, teasing between bright shades and pastels, offering a rainbow of hues in each set. All the prints feature detailed handpainted florals, to recall the exuberance of summer and encourage the wearer to embrace their own creativity and individuality.

‘Calypso’ dances joyfully across the fabric in bold bouquets of colourful flowers, intertwined with subtle waves and ombre shadows on a dark blue background. ‘Camille’ features expressive impressionist brushstroke painted blooms in pink, lilac and gold on a luxurious warm off-white ground. The ‘Ephemeral Bloom’ print evokes those warm summer days, relaxing under the dappled light of your favourite tree, looking up through the leaves at the glorious blue sky.

Whilst ‘Wild Rose’ is a super large scale hand-painted design featuring huge semiabstract wild roses in subtle pastel shades of pink, with touches of golden yellow and minty pastel greens.

The Selina pyjamas are fitted yet flexible. The sizing is inclusive and designed to flatter a wide range of body types. The pyjama blouse has wide sleeves and cuffs and a clever reverse pleat on the back which expands to allow for movement and other carefully considered design touches like a curved hem which is slightly lower at the

back, and the trousers feature a flattering straight leg cut with reverse pleats that expand over the hips and thighs.

The fabric for each set is a medium-weight silky cellulose-based material, using Tencel and lyocell filament, two of the most sustainable fabrics available, produced with the cellulose found in trees. Trees are an excellent resource to make fabric with because they already grow in suitable environments, they do not require intensive farming methods or any extra water, other than what nature can provide.

Lyocell filament is a ground-breaking material, unlike fibres, which are a staple length, lyocell filament is a continuous strand (as is silk and nylon), spun together to create the ultimate smoothest, silkiest fabric.

Tencel has a tendency to fibrillate, which gives it a cosy, fuzzy peach skin like texture. The two fibres combined create a truly unique and sensual soothing sensation on the body.

THIS PAGE FROM LEFT: Wild Rose Scrunchie, £22 Camille Scrunchie, £22 OPPOSITE PAGE: Wild Rose Print Pyjamas, £280

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

OPPOSITE PAGE: Camille Print Pyjamas, £280 THIS PAGE: Ephemeral Bloom Print Pyjamas, £280 Orchard Moon is exclusive to www.orchardmoon.com

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WHY DERMASSURE? Medical professionals developed DermAssure Aesthetics and our treatments are performed by very senior critical care nurses working within the NHS. They are specially trained in aesthetics with over 10 years’ experience.

We offer free consultations and specialise in non-surgical facial rejuvenation by way of dermal fillers and wrinkle smoothing injections, including medical grade facials and injectable moisturiser PROFHILO® (high concentrate hyaluronic acid). We also offer injectable vitamin B12, injections for unsightly underarm sweating and IV vitamin drips.

In addition to our aesthetics services, we also offer via our ‘HealthAssure’ diagnostic screening service, health screening including full blood biochemistry analysis and diagnostic imaging.

We offer a soft tissue ‘lumps and bumps’ clinic for same day results giving early diagnosis and peace of mind for dermal lumps, cysts or worrisome swellings.

Diet and healthy living Gurus who are fully qualified personal trainers.

Based in the 5-star luxury Lowry Hotel

50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf, Salford, Manchester, M3 5LH

info@dermassure.net 07919583342 www.dermassure.net

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

MAHABIS MULE For people who like to get up and go

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s life begins to finally pick up pace again, so too does our need for simple, fluid easy-to-wear wardrobe choices that support our busier lifestyles. Thankfully premium footwear brand mahabis has the new normal sorted for us, when it comes to footwear for people on the go. With sales of indoor shoes increasing, the successful mahabis curve style has evolved into the mule, a backless version of the well-loved slippers.

We are all living in our indoor shoes and 37% of returning mahabis customers have favoured the easy access, new slip on style. Over the past 12 months sales to 18-24 year olds have risen 320% and by 81% to 25-34 year olds proving that mahabis styles have strong appeal with the younger demographic. Made in Portugal by the finest artisans, the mule is machine washable at climate friendly 30°c and retains the key features of the curve, without the neoprene heel cradle.

Luxurious Felt Upper Made from ReWoolyTM, a carefully recycled wool that gently compresses tired feet. This sustainable felt textile has natural water-repelling qualities and the compacted fibres offer high resistance to abrasion and pilling.

100% Organic Wool Lining The super soft lining is EcoCert® organic wool from Italy. Wool is breathable and can absorb and evaporate moisture, creating a comfortable dry

environment for the skin and natural antimicrobial resistance for fresher feet. Warm in winter and cool in summer, wool is an active, thermo-regulating fibre that responds to changes in body temperature, providing insulation or diverting the heat away from the skin.

Cushioned Footbed The injected foot bed is made from recycled polyurethane with a soft touch microfibre finish printed with the words “welcome” and “home”.

Versatile Rubber Sole The sole is composed entirely of a single piece of responsibly sourced Pura Latex® natural rubber.

Just like the curve, the toe wraps over the front of the shoe to create a practical buffer against scuffs and bumps. The innovative tread imprint disperses water underfoot to maintain grip on wet surfaces.

Contemporary Colours Currently, the mule is available in three of the most popular colour combinations including; larvik dark grey & skien black, larvik light grey & palawan blue and of course, the instantly recognisable combination of larvik light grey & skane yellow.

Slide them on and go. mahabis mule, £99, mahabis.com 37

Health, Beauty

Wellness

Swit witcch to to S ummer Mod Mo de

CHANEL introduces a new, darker shade of the

iconic Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream, Soleil Tan Deep Bronze. A cream-gel bronzer with a velvety, delicate finish and adjustable coverage, LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream provides just the right amount of pigment where the sun naturally hits. Now available in a Soleil Tan Deep Bronze shade for darker complexions. Highly malleable and easy to blend, it can be used all over the face, with emphasis on the forehead, temples, nose and chin. The skin takes on a radiant, naturally sun-kissed glow. £43.00, www.chanel.com

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Wellness | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Mee t our

Fitnes s Expert Introducing Clare Stobart, Managing Director of CPASE Health Club and new contributor to The Cheshire Magazine

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lare’s background has always been health and fitness, and since the age of 16 has worked in the health & fitness industry. She started off as a fitness instructor and worked with professional tennis and football academies as well as PE in primary schools.

Using years of experience, Clare teaches a wide variety of classes including bodypump, kettlebell, bootcamp, pilates, freestyle fitness yoga, aqua, stability ball classes, indoor cycling and body conditioning. Clare is no stranger to running a health club, having managed an

exclusive health club (with 950 members and a waiting list) in Cumbria for 10 years. The club was customer focussed and had a friendly, family and social atmosphere with Clare hosting regular social events and sporting events for members.

Clare has always been enthusiastic regarding her own fitness level which has been proven by 42

her participation of competing to a very high standard in tennis, athletics, duathlons, marathons and natural body building. From being crowned champion of Miss Cumbria Toned Figure and Miss NABBA North West Figure contests twice, all the way to competing in WFF Miss Universe Fitness Figure contests.

She then moved to Cheshire with her husband where she set up a new personal training business as over the years, she gained an array of experience complimented with nutrition and fitness qualifications. She trained clients including professional sports people and celebrities at her personal 1 to 1

gym at Over Peover and at client’s home gyms.

She also trained clients at Knutsford Gym and Cheshire Health Club alongside teaching several classes.

Clare stopped personal training when she took on the project and role of Managing Director at Cheshire Health Club and Spa which closed at the end of April 2019 to renovate the building and start a brand new health club CPASE. It has always been Clare’s dream and goal in life to have her own successful health club.

Clare comments, “We have created a destination for like-minded people to escape from normality. Our clientele are all positive, genuine and friendly people. I feel honoured to be part of the Cheshire Magazine and I’m really excited. Readers can expect to hear about the most up to date fitness trends and all things new and innovative. I’ll share tips and knowledge that I am passionate about in the health and fitness world.” www.cpase.co.uk

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Health & Beauty | The CHESHIRE Magazine

GET WILD Wild Beauty, the award winning organic high performance skincare and bodycare collection, is now available at Epicurean, Chester. This Soil Association certified skincare collection made with organic and wild foraged ingredients from the Rhug Estate in North Wales. It is the Estate’s unspoilt landscape of mountains, clover-rich pastures, rivers and clear streams, where the air is fresh and the nurtured organic land supports an abundance of wildlife that provided the inspiration for this new Wild Beauty collection. The products contain actives with proven skincare benefits.

The collection features 8 skincare products, 5 bodycare product and a Wild Foraged Skincare Essentials set. RRPS start at £32, up to £120.

Instagram: @epicurean_follow @rhugwildbeauty

Health &

Beauty NEW COLLECTION

Mist and Glow Your skin's new multitasking must-have: a vitamin C facial mist for all-day, every day hydration. This lightweight mist hydrates on-demand, leaving skin with a velvety soft, dewy finish. With antioxidant vitamin C and luxe gold sub-microparticles, it helps to shield the skin against daily environmental stressors. The energising formula features a naturally invigorating citrus scent that wakes up the skin with every spritz. The essential add-on to every routine, it primes the skin before makeup, locks in hydration and gives tired skin an instant pick-me-up.

Vital C Hydrating Facial Mist 68ml, £38, www.imageskincare.co.uk

Inspired and created by the daughter of Green People founder Charlotte Vøhtz, Alexandra Kay is a capsule collection of delicately blended essential oils for wellbeing and self-care, offering a natural way to benefit from aromas that calm and comfort the mind and body.

Dermaworks Glycolic Acid Face Wash

Time to Sleep Featuring sleep-inducing Lavender, Bergamot and Frankincense, this blend will help calm the mind and help you to drift off naturally.

Dermaworks Glycolic Acid Face Wash isn’t the ordinary AHA exfoliator that you might expect.

The specially formulated cleanser has been developed to deliver multiple benefits to your skin.

Time to Relax Crafted with 10 natural essential oils including Patchouli, Vetivert and Lavender, this serene blend of tranquillityinducing oils has a calming, sweet floral aroma helping you to relax and unwind.

Time to Smile This uplifting essential oil blend will revitalise the mind and boost happiness, it features mood-boosting Lemon, Cedarwood and Sweet Orange. www.greenpeople.co.uk 44

loves

• Removes dead skin cells, eliminates excess oil, dirt and other impurities • Reveals fresh, new skin, giving your complexion a bright and revitalised appearance • Boosts hydration & skin cell renewal, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles • Keeps pores clean & clear, significantly reducing breakouts • Helps improve absorption & effectiveness of your other skincare products Glow Glycolic Acid Foaming Face Wash 150ml, £26.50, www.dermaworks.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Health & Beauty

Introducing La Prairie’s

Pure Gold Collection Inspired by the golden hour in the crown of the Swiss Alps, the range imbues the skin with radiance to appear as though lit from within

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he new Collection consists of Pure Gold Radiance Cream, Pure Gold Radiance Eye Cream and Pure Gold Radiance Concentrate and includes a new and exclusive Pure Gold Diffusion System, designed to provide immediate radiance and sustained delivery of two key replenishing ingredients to help compensate for the age induced degradation of the skin.

With the launch of the new Pure Gold Collection, La Prairie also enters a new era in its quest for sustainability, to give purpose and create positive change within the world of luxury.

They have taken many steps over recent years to help preserve the beauty of Switzerland and the incredible landscapes that inspire the brand. At the the Pure Gold launch, La Prairie unveiled its first refillable packaging initiative and announce that we will be an ongoing patron of the Glaciology Section at ETH Zurich to support their pioneering work to preserve the Swiss glaciers. www.laprairie.com

Pure Gold Collection Benefits • Enhances the appearance of radiance in the skin instantly and over the long-term.

• Helps revitalise the appearance of the skin while promoting the feeling of increased volume from intense hydration.

• Skin is revitalised, replenished, enriched, diffusing the grace of the golden hour.

Stockist: Selfridge’s Exchange and Trafford, Harvey Nichols and Hoopers Wilmslow

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10/06/2021 09:30

Family

S et Sa S a il

Nautical-inspired stripes and under-the-sea friends cover The White Company’s new selection of super-soft cotton pyjamas – ideal for mixing and matching all summer long. www.thewhitecompany.com

JERSEY ROBE from £32, STAR-PRINT SHORTIE PYJAMAS from £20; BOAT-PRINT SHORTIE PYJAMAS from £20; WIDE-STRIPE PYJAMAS from £28.

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Family news WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

That’s The Way To Do It

Splish, Splash

Thanks to Punch & Judy’s great taste (Natural Strawberry and Natural Wild Mint) and the fun characters, the brand has successfully created tasty sugar free, super safe toothpaste that kids want to use and have the benefit of fluoride to help strengthen both milk and permanent teeth.

Keeping little teeth and gums healthy from 0-6 years, the all-new toothpastes are sure to make your life easier with no more tears when brushing little one’s teeth; a win win for mums and dads!

What’s more, they have just launched environmentally friendly Kids Bamboo Toothbrushes.

Presented in packs of four fun coloured brushes, they are designed with little ones in mind; the small handle, soft bristles and small head are perfect for small hands and mouths.

RRP: Pack of two (both flavours) £5.99, Pack of 4 Bamboo toothbrushes £5.99 www.amazon.co.uk

Much loved childrenswear brand, Polarn O. Pyret is certainly giving families something to splash about with the launch of its latest swimwear collection.

Little swimmers will no doubt be super excited to get back in the pool and on the beach this season, but even more so thanks to the environmentally conscious offering from the iconic Swedish brand.

Jam packed full of sun safe swimsuits, shorts and rash vests in fun designs, tots aged 0-12 years are sure to be paddling in style by any shoreline or poolside.

Adding to its brilliance, much of the range also offers UPF50 protection, which is the best UV protection available in a fabric, so parents can be rest assured they are dressing their little ones in high quality, super safe and ethical swimwear. www.polarnopyret.co.uk

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

PLAYTIME Entertain your little ones this summer with one of these fun-filled games

Pirates Crossfire Get battle ready in Pirates Crossfire, a brand-new game that will challenge you to navigate your ships like Captain Jack Sparrow!

Can you bring the enemy into the line of fire and sink their ships?

Or will you keep the peace and avoid total war? Fire up your cannons - and your brains - to find out!

RRP £14.99

Apple Twist For something just as exciting but a little cuter, you can feed the three hungry caterpillars in Apple Twist, a game that will keep players entertained for hours! With each caterpillar wanting a piece of the same apple, players will need to bend them into the right shape; this game certainly requires flexible thinking!

Not only are the caterpillars adjustable, but the fruity game board can also be twisted! With 60 challenges from easy to expert to complete, Apple Twist offers plenty of food for thought! Suitable for ages 5+, Apple Twist will give the younger mind bogglers a good game to snack on!

RRP £19.99 www.smarttoysandgames.co.uk

CHESHIRE LOVES Kaloo Lapinoo Rabbit

Experts in the most charming soft toys and comforters, Kaloo is delighted to offer the ideal keepsake gift for any new arrival, birthday or special occasion; the iconic and truly adorable Lapinoo rabbits. Available in a range of 6 muted colours and 2 sizes, the precious bunnies with their super soft, extra-long ears are sure to become little one’s favourite companion, whilst also fitting perfectly within the pastel décor of any stylish nursery. Ideal from birth, Lapinoo is the ideal gift for a baby shower, newborn or first birthday.

Presented in thoughtful giftbox with a space for a personalised message, Lapinoo helps to celebrate the special milestone moments from day one.

RRP: £17.99, www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

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Shrewsbury School

Visit Shrewsbury The Independent School of the Year

Boarding and Day School for Girls and Boys aged 13-18

admissions@shrewsbury.org.uk 01743 280 552 | shrewsbury.org.uk

Start your journey now at:

shrewsbury.org.uk/open-days SHORTLISTED Boarding School of the Year

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WINNER Independent School of the Year WINNER Community Outreach Award

10/05/2021 11:21

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Curtain Up Helen Brown, Director of Drama at Shrewsbury School discusses the brand-new Performing Arts facility, the Barnes Theatre

U

ntil this year, I loved silence in the theatre. I loved the anticipatory hush before the curtain comes up and before the actors have stepped on stage. I loved the breathless pause at the end of the show, before the applause.

In 2021, a silent theatre has meant something very different. It has been an empty stage, locked workshops, cancelled shows. It has been frozen zoom calls and abortive rehearsals with actors on mute.

For me, the greatest thrill of the coming months won’t be my first trip to the pub or my first foreign holiday; it will be the moment that I can sit in the dark alongside a stranger and be transported to another world by the generosity and commitment of the actors in front of me.

Luckily for me, I won’t have far to travel: as Director of Drama at Shrewsbury School, I have both a world-class theatre and a hugely talented group of performers on my doorstep. In September 2020, Shrewsbury opened a brand-new Performing Arts facility, the Barnes Theatre, thanks to the generosity of

Sir David Barnes and his family.

The building houses an intimate 250-seat auditorium served by generous front-ofhouse facilities, studios for drama and dance, state-of-theart technical equipment, backstage workshops and dressing rooms. Our students have the opportunity to experience all aspects of performance and theatre design, and many have gone on to careers in the performing arts, with Old Salopians studying drama, dance and technical theatre at many of the country’s top universities and conservatoires.

Now more than ever, I believe in the immense value of such opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Negotiating the modern world is a challenge for all of us; for teenagers it is tricky, and for teenagers in a pandemic trickier yet. The past year has reminded us how central the arts are to our own humanity: as Michelle Obama brilliantly put it, ‘the arts are not just a nice thing to have or to do if there is free time, rather paintings and poetry, music and fashion, design and dialogue all define who we are as a people and provide an account of our history for the next generation.’

As we start to rebuild communities, the arts will provide us with both a space and a vocabulary to articulate the kind of people we want to be and the kind of society we want to create. At Shrewsbury, we will sing and dance and tell stories: stories that will define our future. www.shrewsbury.org.uk

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Classical and contemporary grooming for today’s modern gentlemen Private home visits also available on request 18 Charles Street, Hoole, Chester, CH2 3AZ 01244 314156 www.barberzaar.com

Food Drink Back to Business As the reopening of indoor hospitality has been welcomed across the country, Dakota, the chic Manchester city centre hotel has plenty to offer those celebrating a big occasion. Relax and unwind, al-fresco, on the heated Terrace; enjoy a culinary journey of fabulous fare in the Grill; whatever your tipple, find it mixed to perfection in Dakota Bar; and rest your head in one of Manchester’s most luxurious bedrooms. Whatever the occasion, a visit to Dakota is one like no other. www.dakotahotels.co.uk

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First Street Bar & Kitchen, Manchester

Food &

INNSiDE Manchester and Gino D’Acampo Hotels & Leisure have collaborated to bring a new all-day-dining experience to Manchester. The eclectic menu features an extensive range of internationally inspired dishes, carefully selected by Gino’s team of talented executive development chefs. Signature dishes include whole boneless sea bass with Tikka spices, mint yoghurt & lemon meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce with chilli and basil and served with toasted ciabatta and cod a la plancha with chorizo, new potatoes, cherry tomatoes and rosemary. www.firststreetbarandkitchen.com

Drink news WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

The north west food and drink scene is back and thriving, with new venues popping up across the region The Edge of Bloom, Alderley Edge This new secret gem can be found on London Road in Alderley Edge. The venue serves everything from superfood lattes, flower petal and leaf teas, plant based desserts and vegan smoothies as well as vegan peanut butter protein truffles to cacao coconut orange ganache beautifully plated and presented. www.yogaontheedge.co.uk

Brasserie Loup, Liverpool Located above Wolf & Waffle on Berry Street, the recently opened restaurant offers traditional French dishes exquisitely cooked using simple flavours and the finest season ingredients. Highlights include their indulgent cheesy onion soup, beef tartare and Moules frites with garlic and white wine sauce. The space itself provides a relaxed dining area with luxurious green velvet furnishings, chic French artwork and hanging plants throughout. Their extensive drinks menu perfectly compliments the dishes with its variety of smooth French wines, craft beers and strong yet easy to drink fruity cocktails.

Instagram @brasserie.loup 54

Cheshire House Bar and Grill, Knutsford

Situated in the former Raymond Blanc site, Cheshire House Bar and Grill offers a varied brunch menu that includes croissants and homemade pancakes or more traditional options such as a hearty full English breakfast. For those wanting a quick bite, the lunchtime menu offers a selection of classic sandwiches, tasty salads and tantalising homemade soups. Evening diners can look forward to upmarket bar bites, premium steaks from the grill and a selection of elevated gastro options such as the Cheshire House Pie of the Week, while Sundays will offer a traditional succulent Sunday roast with all the trimmings. www.CheshireHouseBarandGrill.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

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Wines with the

Flavours of Summer

Garden parties, picnics and beach days. Whatever your plans over the next few months, there are few better ways to enjoy the sun than with a glass of wine.

Now is the time to fine tune your drinking to the flavours of summer.

Hill-Smith Estate Eden Valley Chardonnay 2019 The rugged, undulating high country of Eden Valley home to some of the Hill-Smith family’s favourite vineyards where plantings of special Burgundian clones have now come of age for this blend. Pair it with crispy skinned salmon straight from the barbecue, delicious with Asian greens or chickpea falafel. £11.99, www.waitrose.com

Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Fresh, crisp and bursting with an aromatic explosion of fruit.

From sun-soaked South Australia’s Riverland where the beautiful River Murray runs through the imposing red landscape, the flavours and freshness of this begs to be enjoyed beneath the summer sun. Utterly delicious paired with seafood, chicken and dishes with a little spice. £6.69, www.waitrose.com

Jansz Tasmania Premium Rosé Dalrymple Pinot Noir 2019 This Pinot Noir is a blend of different parcels of fruit, from vineyards across the Pipers River region in the northern part of Tasmania.

An easterly aspect, red basalt soils, natural flora and cool sea breezes combine to encourage slow and even ripening of the grapes allowing their natural flavours to shine through. It’s a great wine for any occasion, and goes well with most food styles particularly game, spicy foods and cured meats. £32.99, www.flagshipwines.co.uk

A vibrant sparkling Rosé from the very best Tasmanian vineyards, Australia’s home of premium sparkling wine. The fruit is grown on specially selected sites, handpicked and crafted as individual batches resulting in a stylish and complex wine. This is a wine full of ‘joie de vivre’ that brings the delights of summer into a glass at any time. £18.99, www.winedirect.co.uk

Running with Bulls Tempranillo 2019 Running with Bulls showcases Tempranillo, one of Spain’s traditional grape varieties, and thrives in the warm Barossa Valley which mirrors the climatic conditions of the Mediterranean. Fermented with ‘wild yeast’ indigenous to the vineyards and matured in oak, this light, juicy and lively wine showcases the stylish fruit flavours and lovely Tempranillo tannins.

Try it with a smoky Paella, a chorizo and roasted red pepper pizza or garlic and chilli mushrooms on puff pastry. £9, www.coop.co.uk 55

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Celebrating Celebrating Celebrating the the the Celebrating the region’s region’s region’s brightest brightest brightest region’s brightest and and and best best best in inthe inthe the and best in the game game game game

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

SPOTLIGHT ON... DOCKET No. 33 Best for...

W O R D S : K E V I N E VA N S

Tasting Menu using best local produce from Shropshire, Cheshire & the Welsh Borders

S

tuart and Frances Collins opened the doors of Docket No.33 in 2017 in the market town of Whitchurch in Shropshire and close to the Cheshire border. Both having amazing and varied careers in some of the world’s most famous restaurants inclusive of Gordon Ramsey’s 3 Michelin star Hospital Road, Maze and working with Michael Caines.

Stuart and Frances worked incredibly hard and for the first two years of opening with their concept of local sourced produced and seasonality and had consecutive mentions in the Michelin guide. The menu initially focused on an à la carte menu to tempt customers through the doors and then they eventually phased in the 7-course tasting menu that is now the format they follow. In 2020 they were awarded their first Michelin plate, a fantastic accolade to achieve in 3 years and really landing them on the map as a destination for fine dining. Recently Stuart took part on the latest series of The Great British Menu on BBC2 which has given them some great advertising, especially off the back of lockdown.

During lockdown the team obviously had to find ways of diversifying to ensure the business was sustained. Stuart and Frances developed take at home boxes

for that restaurant experience at home, which have been a great success – both Stuart and Frances were blown away by the support of the local community and they are continuing the boxes as a regular feature. Each box is priced at £48 and has three courses and serves 2 people, they change every week and go online every Tuesday for pick up Friday – be quick though they normally sell out in 10 minutes!

On arriving we were welcomed by Frances who is the front of house face of Docket No.33. Frances and the team have done a great job in keeping the experience relaxed, warm and friendly – no starched white tablecloths in sight which for me is a great thing. Customers can relax and enjoy the experience

without feeling anxious about where they are and focus on the evening and the food.

Each course was beautifully presented and explained by the team, we opted for the wine flight which was perfectly matched and so reasonably priced at £35 per person - we could not resist.

The real standouts of the tasting menu were the Chalk Stream Trout with white asparagus, Exmoor caviar and lovage – this was so delicate and flavourful and a real talking point. We also loved the dessert – who doesn’t? It was a raspberry cremaux which was sprayed with vanilla and had a yuzu gel and wood sorrel on a sable biscuit. The whole experience was so amazing I have booked to go with friends in November.

33 High St, Whitchurch SY13 1AZ www.docketrestaurant.com 57

MEET THE CHEF:

Valentino Cassanelli Introducing one of the most exciting culinary talents in Italy, at the helm of Michelin starred restaurant Lux Lucis, located on the panoramic rooftop of boutique hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi

H

is dishes are a free expression of Italian cuisine, with an unrestrained creativity, inspired from his own life experiences as well as the rich biodiversity surrounding the coastal town of Forte dei Marmi, a gem of Versilia.

The result are menus that are delicately balanced and elegant, happily journeying from land to sea and delivering the very best in seasonal ingredients.

Brought up in a small countryside town outside Modena, Valentino Cassanelli has always been passionate about food and greatly inspired by his grandmother who was an excellent cook.

He used to help her prepare tortellini and lasagne, stealing from time to time the filling for the tortellini, such was his curiosity about taste and flavours. From a young age, he took joy in preparing meals for his family and that’s where he started appreciating the happiness you get from cooking for others, prompting him on the path of becoming a chef.

While attending the catering college in Serramazzoni, at the age of 16, he was sent for initial work experience in the kitchens of the famous London restaurant, Floriana in Beauchamp Place in Knightsbridge. He then returned home to complete his course, working to gain professional experience in a more traditional restaurant in Modena. After graduation, the lure of London’s dynamic restaurant scene saw him back in England, gaining experience in Mosaic in Mayfair, Locanda Locatelli in Marylebone and Nobu on Berkeley Street.

In 2007, Valentino returned to Italy to work under two Michelin starred Carlo Cracco in Milan, where he was to remain for three years. Motivated by the strong team, he built a lasting relationship with Carlo, joining him at events internationally and climbing the culinary ladder ultimately gaining the position of Junior Sous Chef.

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Three years later, he was asked to join two chef friends at their popular restaurant Sangal in Venice. The synergy between the three young, talented chefs was immediate and with a shared philosophy in pushing boundaries with techniques and ingredient combinations, Valentino was able to grow, not just in confidence but also creatively.

Whilst still at Sangal, he received an invite from Carlo Cracco to invite him to join the team he was putting together for a pop-up at Principe Forte dei Marmi during August 2011. Around this time the hotel team were also looking to change their internal food and beverage offering and a few months later, with Carlo’s recommendation, the position to lead the project was offered to Valentino.

The chef arrived at Principe Forte dei Marmi in February 2012 and a month later, restaurant Lux Lucis opened to huge critical acclaim. It gained its first Michelin star in 2017 and the following year it was awarded Best Dining Experience by Condé Nast Johanssens. The restaurant won Pasta of the Year and four hats by Le Guide de L’Espresso 2020, and it has been declared the 2020 Luxury Rooftop Restaurant winner for the European continent by World Luxury Restaurant Awards.

Valentino Cassanelli is also at the head of the beach restaurant Dalmazia, located minutes from the main hotel and with breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Apuan Alps. After undergoing a significant refurbishment, the restaurant has reopened its doors during the summer of last year, offering three spacious verandas, each of them with its unique design and individual facilities. From serving Tuscan breakfasts to serene lunches on the patio, sunset dining on to after-dinner drinks under the stars. www.principefortedeimarmi.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

INGREDIENTS SERVES 4 PEOPLE: Carbonara Sauce 25g guanciale (seasoned pork cheek) 20g butter 1 clove of garlic 80g scallop coral 0.3g saffron 30g white wine 12g basmati rice 200g fish stock 6g Roman Pecorino 0.1g ground pepper 5g yuzu Sea Urchin Emulsion 150g sunflower oil 60g urchin pulp 5g yuzu 3g salt 45g fish stock Black Garlic Cream 40g black garlic 30g water 10g EVO oil 3g lemon juice Bitter Herbs 200g wild herbs 1litre water 15g salt 10g lemon juice Maldon sea salt Extra virgin olive oil

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METHOD For the carbonara sauce - Brown the garlic clove, the guanciale and the coral in the butter, then add the white wine, rice, saffron and fish stock. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Remove the guanciale and the garlic and then emulsify with the help of the blender gradually adding the pepper, pecorino and yuzu.

Once obtained the sauce, sift it.

For the sea urchin emulsion - Emulsify all the ingredients by gradually adding the oil.Serve at 45 °C For the black garlic cream - Blend and emulsify all the ingredients.

co ba fla on In D

Seared scallop with coral carbonara, bitter herbs and sea urchin

For the bitter herbs - Clean the herbs and wash them thoroughly. Blanch them in salted and acidulous water for 1.5 minutes and cool them. Serve warm and lightly seasoned with EVO oil and salt.

co an ba wa re k b sw

For the scallops - Clean the scallops, blanch them in a greased pan until nicely golden on the outside and add salt.

For the plating - With the carbonara as a base at the bottom, then the seared scallops, the slightly warm herbs, garlic cream and finish with pouring the sea urchin emulsion on top.

Scallops 12 scallops 20g delicate EVO oil Maldon sea salt

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ORIGINAL SKIING SINCE 1985

Everything’s Possible

Reunite with your family for a classic Swiss ski adventure this season where all the details are anticipated for your peace of mind.

Enjoy private travel solutions, award-winning children’s programmes, complimentary adult ski guiding and dedicated personal service.

Visit powderbyrne.com or call +44(0)20 8246 5300

Travel Luxury

by th the La Lake

For those planning a special event or private celebration, Hilton Lake Como has a selection of spacious suites to choose from.

The presidential rooftop suite offers guests stunning 180-degree panoramic views of the lake from the private terrace featuring a whirlpool tub, sunbeds and outdoor lounge and dining area. The hotel even offers a unique loft suite experience where guests can literally sleep under the twinkling stars of Lake Como. www.hilton.com

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Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Top 5 Eco Resorts from Sri Lanka Bespoke Sri Lanka as a whole has shied away from large hotel chains and what has emerged is a beautiful selection of unique and luxurious boutique hotels that boast a stunning location, striking design and/or a sense of history

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ri Lanka Bespoke carefully handpick hotels and only recommend those that they love – they have no commitment to any one hotel which allows them to truly tailor stays according to taste and needs. Here we showcase a handful of hotels, resorts and lodges across Sri Lanka that are working hard to limit their physical and environmental impact, support local communities, safeguard animal welfare and protect nature, all whilst offering a truly memorable and luxurious stay.

For further information or to book your tailor-made holiday to Sri Lanka with Sri Lanka Bespoke please visit www.srilanka-bespoke.com

Ulagalla This hotel features a 150-year-old mansion at its centre with 20 private ecologically built villas spread across 58 acres of lush greenery. A lush environment, stunning landscapes with two sparkling reservoirs, paddy fields and lily ponds surround the ancestral estate that was once of Anuradhapura nobility.

Ulagalla is part of Uga Escapes which have been awarded with the highly sought after Travelife Gold certification for its pioneering efforts to promote sustainability in tourism. Long known for its commitment to sustainability, Uga Escapes has been pioneering several initiatives to minimise environmental impact, improve economic conditions of people living in and around the boutiques, protect human rights and fair labour practices and safeguard animal welfare and bio-diversity for future generations.

Eco & Sustainability Credentials:

ENERGY EFFICIENT - Sri Lanka receives significant amount of solar radiation across all geographical regions with the intensity of solar radiation in lowland areas being high compared to mountainous regions. Located in lowlands, Ulagalla Solar Energy Grid produces 20% of the total needs of the hotel.

Santani Resort & Spa Few resorts in the world can match Santani’s serene view – blessed setting, on an undulating hillside to the north east of Kandy. Channelling the concept of intelligent luxury where nature is king and service is everything, you can truly escape the world here.

Eco & Sustainability Credentials:

Santani has been designed in such a way so that neither air condition nor heating is required reducing energy consumption by about 70% compared to standard hotels. Most of the buildings are constructed on stilts that allows for natural thermal flows to cool the rooms and this structure also ensures there is minimal contact with the earth below. The whole Spa is built underground which provides natural cooling too – almost 80% for the wood used for both structural elements and furniture is recycled.

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HOME GROWN - Local fruits and vegetables come fresh from Ulagalla’s own fields and all their dishes are made using locally grown produce ensuring food is nutritious, tastes great and it also helps to protect the local small-scale farmers.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

Leopard Trails Gal Oya Lodge A unique eco lodge nestled in 20acres of private jungle located adjacent to Gal Oya National Park. An immersive wilderness experience in one of Sri Lanka’s most remote areas, the design concept follows nature and has been created in harmony with its surroundings and natural features. From conception to completion, the owners are hugely passionate and concerned for the wildlife of the remote part of Sri Lanka in which it sits.

There is an integrated effort to minimise impact on the natural environment, support the local community and to pro-actively engage in wildlife research and protection.

Eco & Sustainability Credentials:

WATER & WASTE - All sourced from a deep bore well on the lodge’s land so minimising impact on the island’s strained water resource. Gal Oya have a zero plastic policy, meaning everything recycled that can be and organic waste used for compost of distributed to local pig and fish farms.

ARCHITECTURE - Gal Oya Lodge was built using iluk (thatch), teak and granite – all local materials. Only one tree was cut down in construction – remaining supply came from naturally fallen teak sourced from around the island.

This bespoke luxury tented safari operates within the buffer zones of both Wilpattu and Yala national parks with the aim of minimising their impact on the environment. Their existence is to show-case a true wilderness experience but prioritise above all else, the protection of nature.

Eco & Sustainability Credentials: COMMUNITY Leopard Trails work hand in hand with the local community with campsite staff and drivers having been handpicked from the local community, fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood and other provisions are sourced from local suppliers.

RANGERS & GUESTS Rangers are highly knowledgeable in all things related to jungles, wildlife, flora and fauna and by their very nature and passion, their natural drive is to protect the environment and this goal is shared with guests. Many rangers are either qualified in Eco matters or having been responsible for implementing award-winning Ecotourism and Sustainability initiatives. Their wish is for each guest to leave with a newfound or rekindled appreciation to conserve the remaining wilderness regions on our planet for future generations to come.

FOREST REGENERATION - Guests are invited to sponsor and take part in re-planting of native species on land previously cleared for farming.

WILDLIFE- The Jim Edwards Wildlife Research Centre is at the core of research efforts for both in-house naturalists as well as guest scientists. There is an ongoing programme of wildlife monitoring with populations and behaviour of various species monitored. They also work alongside The Wilderness & Wildlife Conservation Trust and Fishing Cat Conservancy and Gal Oya has also developed an apiary to support a healthy wild bee population which allows them to harvest a sustainable amount of natural honey.

Kalundewa Retreat An eco-retreat tucked away in a lush 100 acres in Dambulla drawing its beauty from the mystic Kalundewa Mountain range. The isolated farming community contribute to the hotel resulting in a handful of dwellings cradled in the arms of lush vegetation. Large selection of organic fruits and vegetables and bees honey featured on the menus.

Eco & Sustainability Credentials:

Only home to eco-friendly dwellings to minimise human impact on the intricate ecosystems that flourish in the forest, lakes and waterways. The retreat blends both agriculture and tourism and is an active contributor to the welfare of its neighbouring rural farming community. Kalundewa is committed to environmental welfare and harnessing renewable energy sources. Currently 100% of the electricity consumed is generated by solar panals.

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Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

DON’T FORGET

your Toothbrush Enjoy our useful travel accessories to pack on your next trip

Privé Revaux Bring on the sun, and Privé Revaux can provide the shades.

The brand was built on a shared passion for style and quality from serial entrepreneur David Schottenstein along with an elite team including celebrity visionaries Jamie Foxx, Hailee Steinfeld and Ashley Benson as well as Creative Directors Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn. With more than 100 hand-crafted and polarized designer frames available, join high profile customers include Mila Kunis, J-lo and Cara Delevingne and purchase your pair today. www.priverevaux.com

Twelve South AirFly Pro With AirFly Pro, users can now connect two pairs of wireless headphones to any wired audio jack making your favourite pair of wireless headphones compatible with in-flight entertainment. AirFly Pro also allows two people to listen to the same soundtrack, podcast or music with their favourite noise-cancelling headphones or AirPods, making the wireless experience shareable no matter what brand of wireless headphones they may have. £54.99, www.currys.co.uk

Twelve South AirSnap Pro A premium leather case accessory designed to protect Apple’s AirPods Pro noise-cancelling earbuds while offering convenient carrying and charging options. The stylish AirSnap Pro is an essential accessory for Apple fans wanting to protect their shiny white AirPods Pro wireless charging case from scratches and scuffs while travelling. Offering more than just protection, it also allows users to charge the earbuds and case wirelessly using their favourite Qi-certified wireless charger or via a Lightning cable, perfect for long haul trips.

Available in three stylish colours: blue, black and cognac. £34.99, www.amazon.co.uk 64

Hex MCR Obsidian + Gold Trucker Hat The iconic unisex hat from new streetwear brand Hex MCR. In addition to being stylish, it will keep your head and face protected from the sun. It is made from premium Manchester cotton as delivered in the signature Hex MCR packaging It also features a worker bee on the side so you can take a little Mancunian culture along on your adventures. £35, www.hexmcr.com

Hex MCR ORGANICS Barrel Bag Perfect for travel as hand luggage or for fitness attire, the Hex MCR ORGANICS barrel bag is part of the first official drop from the Manchester urban streetwear brand. Ideal for the eco-conscious, it is made from 100% Organic cotton canvas which has OCS 100 certification. The minimalist design is available in three different colours and features the ‘ORGANICS’ slogan. The 20-litre capacity provides ample space for short breaks or in addition to a suitcase for longer trips. £55.00, Colours: midnight, earth, stone, www.hexmcr.com

Groov-e Portable Wireless Charger Keep your gadgets charged wherever your travels take you with this wireless charging power bank from Groov-e. You have the option of wireless charging or USB and USB Type-C output so most phones, tablets, e-readers and cameras are covered. The 8000 mAH capacity offers multiple device charges. £24.99, www.amazon.co.uk

Pocketalk Pocketalk S is a multi-sensory, two-way translation device designed for easy naturally flowing conversations, even in noisy environments. With a sleek design encompassing a large touchscreen, two high-quality speakers, noise-cancelling microphones and a text-to-translate camera, Pocketalk S is able to create connections across 75 different languages in over 130 countries and regions. It also comes with a complementary 2-year mobile data plan that provides coverage in over 130 countries/regions.

By utilising the best translation engines from around the world, Pocketalk S provides a consistently accurate translation for deciphering public transportation signs, menus, and creates the best experience by picking up localised dialects and slang. Pocketalk can also help you to learn a new language with its new Pronunciation Practice Mode; you can also test your lingo with its reverse translation functionality. £259, www.amazon.co.uk 65

Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Meet the

Hotelier Simon Mahon, General Manager of The Grand, York

What is the most luxurious suite in the hotel?

Our Penthouse Suite offers the ultimate in luxury; beautifully designed with modern and convenient furnishings and an abundance of space (approx. 668 sq ft) perfect for a longer stay. A large bedroom area with super-king-sized bed leads onto a separate dressing area and lounge with comfortable sofas and a fully equipped work desk. The bathroom features ‘his and hers’ walk-in showers and a luxurious freestanding bath where guests can relax and enjoy views across York. Guests staying in the penthouse can also make the most of our indulgent spa facilities during their stay as well as late check-out and complimentary parking.

We will also make sure their complimentary mini bar is fully stocked!

What can you tell us about the history of the hotel?

As the former ‘Palace for Business’ and Headquarters for the North Eastern Railway Company, the building is steeped in history. Work

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began in 1900 and was completed in 1906.

Great pains were taken to maintain and restore the hotel’s original features and details; as a result, the building retains much of its period charm with modern touches for ultimate comfort. Our guests love to chat to our concierge about some of the wonderful stories of the past. Our swimming pool is actually in the old bank vaults.

One of my favourite stories is that of the now Penthouse Suite. When the building was in its former glory as the NER Headquarters, the “Penthouse Suite” was in fact the caretaker’s quarters and at the time, it was seen as the least important room in the building. Upon the hotel’s opening in 2010, the ‘least’ important room once upon a time became one of the most sought after and is now a place where celebrations happen, and memories are made.

food and drink. This space will be dressed for the seasons so throughout winter it will make for a cosy alfresco area serving mulled wine & hot beverages.

How would you describe the hotel’s dining experience?

We have invested significantly in recent years to elevate our dining choices, offering classic dishes with a modern, local twist and catering for special occasions from intimate gatherings to up to 120 guests.

We’re very excited to have recently appointed Nicolas De Visch as Executive Chef; a Michelin-trained chef who brings over 30 years of culinary excellence to the hotel.

What makes a stay at your venue stand out from your competitors?

I believe we stand out from our competitors due to our iconic status as one of York’s most historic buildings, the fact we offer cookery school and spa experiences whilst being a city-centre property, our dedicated Concierge team who can arrange anything from private tours around the city though to supporting you create the perfect itinerary, and that we are the only five-star hotel in the city. www.thegrandyork.co.uk

Of all the facilities the hotel offers, which is your favourite and why?

A personal favourite of mine is our newly renovated Courtyard and Terrace area. It is the perfect space to sit back and enjoy views of York Walls while indulging in some of the city’s finest 67

Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

D ES EST T IN INA A TI TIO ON

Liverpool As businesses reopen and customers are welcomed back with open arms, we talk to some of our favourite venues to see what exciting new offerings they have and what they love about their great city

B E AU T Y BA Z A A R , H A RV E Y N IC HOL S Ellie Davies, Personal Shopper & Resident Beauty Expert How does the team feel to have customers back?

The store feels alive again, and the team have such a positive mindset that in true Liverpudlian style we welcomed our customers back with open arms. Beauty Bazaar is known for having an amazing atmosphere instore, so it is so rewarding seeing our loyal customers shopping with us again.

What new products should readers scramble to come and try?

Fragrance is a beauty must have! We have an eclectic range of new niche fragrances ready to be discovered instore. From Tiziana Terenzi’s Kirkè Extrait - a sensual and warm fragrance that transports the soul, to Parfums De Marley’s Delina Eau de Parfum, a multi-faceted, floral fragrance overflowing with nuances.

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How would you describe the experience of Beauty Bazaar to people who may not have visited?

Guaranteed to inspire, Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols represents Liverpool’s only all encompassing, glossy beauty destination that welcomes all customers to purchase their own piece of luxury.

Whether you would like to sip Champagne all day in the WOW Bar, receive the full beauty works in The Studio or relax in the Spa, Beauty Bazaar is the destination for everyone.

What does Liverpool mean to you?

Liverpool is home. We are loyal to each other and live and breathe our city. You are guaranteed a friendly, passionate, and enthusiastic welcome when you arrive in our city and of course into Beauty Bazaar.

ONE, 16 Manesty’s Ln, Liverpool L1 3DL www.harveynichols.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

ANDREW COLLINGE HAIR & BEAUTY SALON Andrew Collinge, Founder How does the team feel to have customers back in the salon?

The team are back doing what they love to do, and that is looking after their clients and getting back to a creative environment. The Castle Street team have worked together for many years so have missed each other. All in all - it’s great to be back.

What new products are available?

Although the salon has been closed on and off over the past year or so, it hasn’t stopped us from working on other projects. During the lockdown we launched a fabulous new range of Collinge and Co Vegan Shampoos and Conditioners. The different formulations ensure there is a product for all hair types and requirements, from a gentle shampoo and conditioner to a purple brightening shampoo

as well as a deep moisture hair treatment. The products are priced from £14.50 - £20.00 and are available online or from the salons.

How would they describe the salon experience to people who may not have visited?

I would describe the experience of visiting the Castle Street salon as one of calm creative professionalism in a spacious relaxed setting.

What does Liverpool mean to you?

Liverpool is a great destination for a variety of reasons and is becoming more so each year. Whether it be culture, retail, hospitality or entertainment there is something for everyone. I think one of the significant improvements over recent years has been the number of quality restaurants that have opened, particularly on Castle Street where our flagship salon is situated. So, a relaxing visit to the salon followed by an enjoyable meal sounds like a perfect day out.

45 Castle Street, Liverpool L2 9SH www.andrewcollinge.com

TATE LIVERPOOL Dominic Beaumont, Communications Manager How does the team feel to have visitors back in the venue?

We know there is a palpable appetite out there for people to safely share cultural experiences, to feel connected to each other again, and to support the recovery of the museums they love. After a long and difficult winter, the arts and culture sector has never had a more important role to play at the heart of our communities.

What new exhibitions can be found?

Tate Liverpool has reopened with Aliza Nisenbaum’s poignant commission focusing on the experience of Liverpool’s NHS workers during the pandemic, alongside photographer Don McCullin’s epic and affecting

retrospective. Looking ahead to the summer, our programme includes Lucian Freud: Real Lives, the largest collection of the artist’s work to be seen in the North West for 30 years.

What does Liverpool mean to them?

Liverpool is renowned for its arts and culture and when the venues across the city begin to reopen it feels like the whole city is becoming alive again.

Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Liverpool L3 4BB www.tate.org.uk 69

Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

DAVID M ROBINSON Alisha Duffy, Showroom Manager How does the team feel to have customers back in store?

Obviously for everybody, the last year has been a turbulent one but lifting our shutters on 12th April allowed us to feel a real sense of relief. It really feels that brighter days are ahead, doesn’t it? We are thrilled to be back to doing what we do best – helping our friends find precious pieces to mark special milestones in their lives. We’ve all missed the sociable aspect of what we do, and though we have still been trading remotely, there really is no substitute to being sat opposite clients who we have known for many years, selecting beautiful jewellery and timepieces.

What new product do readers need to visit the store to see?

Well we have a lot of amazing new pieces in the pipeline that we can’t reveal just yet… but we’re very excited to be able to! However, during lockdown, our workshops have been very busy working on some new handmade diamond engagement rings.

Appreciating that many of our clients have been opting to propose over the dining table or on the sofa while stuck at home, we knew that we needed to reopen with a selection of stunning engagement rings ready for their return. One of my personal favourites is this beautiful single stone emerald cut, set in a very delicate 18ct yellow gold

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band but with a hidden halo of diamonds set below the stone. We think that these new pieces with some hidden sparkle will prove very popular with the client looking for something quite subtle, yet maintaining an impressive appearance.

How would you describe the Liverpool shopping experience?

Liverpool is one of the most vibrant, fun cities in the world – that’s something I think most people would agree on. As well as having a thriving hospitality scene and fantastic tourist attractions, our retail spaces are just as important a part of the Liverpool experience. Our showroom is located in the heart of Liverpool ONE which transformed the city when it was opened in 2008.

It saw so many big brands finally come to the city and made our home a real destination! The city has everything you could need from practical, everyday brands to high end luxury. We may be biased, but it really is a very special place.

What does Liverpool mean to you?

What can I say, Liverpool is home. It’s the city I came to study in, fell in love with and never looked back. From beautiful restaurants to have dinner with my husband to fabulous parks for my son to play in. If you’ve never made the most of a visit to Liverpool, I can’t recommend it enough.

4-6 South John Street, Liverpool, L1 8BJ www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

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Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Stamp of Approval Last December Travel Agent and Podcaster Yvonne Campbell applied for the Barbados Welcome Stamp and arrived on the island just before Christmas. Here she shares her experience with Craig Hough What led you to your decision to pack your UK life up and move to Barbados?

I’ve always been a big traveller and always looked to move to a different country and how to make that possible. There’s always been several challenges and barriers that have stopped me. The first being visa issues - being legally in a country for a year or more.

The second issue is language, as I only speak English fluently. Thirdly, the ability to have an income in another country, especially when you don’t speak the language. Last year really provided a great opportunity to have a rethink. The pandemic has shaken things up a lot in regard to expectations of people needing to work from an office. In November, knowing I could now work remotely, I looked into what my options could be. I went onto the FCDO website (www.gov.uk) and worked out which countries I could travel to. Last summer I had started ‘The Bucket List Podcast’ where I would document some of my travel experiences as well as

highlight travel destinations I’d like to go to. My second guest on the podcast was from Visit Barbados (a representative from the tourist board).

During the interview my guest (Marc) mentioned the welcome stamp. I started looking at the list of places I could travel to at 9pm on a Saturday night. Marc’s advice on the welcome stamp stayed with me and I noticed Barbados was on the list of places we could travel to. By 10pm, I had looked at all the requirements needed for the stamp and my decision was made. By Monday morning my flight was booked.

What did friends and family say about your decision?

They were all extremely supportive. My family and friends were so excited for me to go and I had 25 of them booked to come and visit. Up until now they haven’t had chance to come (due to restrictions) but they have rebooked to come later in the year when (fingers crossed) that can still happen. They often say “I hate you right now but please send photographs”.

How did you find the process of applying for the welcome stamp?

Really easy, extremely straight forward. There was lots of information on the website, and the form was very simple, listing the documents that you need to supply alongside the application. You don’t actually pay for the stamp until your application has been accepted, my application was accepted within two days.

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What is a piece of advice you wish you could have given yourself now you’ve been through the process to make it easier?

I wish I’d spoken to someone who had come to Barbados on the welcome stamp before I came over as I would have had a better understanding. For example, I would have known I could have had some items shipped over without VAT being paid.

How did you find accommodation?

It was pretty straight forward, there is a range of different options on the island. I’d recommend to people to book into a hotel for 2-3 weeks once you arrive in Barbados to give you enough time to work out where on the island you’d like to stay long term.

What are your thoughts on the food and drink options on the island?

It’s fantastic. You can have everything from trucks on the side of the road that do authentic Bajan food, from chicken and rice to macaroni pie etc to cafes through to high end restaurants. One of the main supermarkets even sell Waitrose products, and a couple of the boutique shops/delis sell Co-op products, so there is nothing at home that you can’t get here, but lots of items that are unique to Barbados. In terms of drink options, I have been amazed by the quality of the wine. When you go to islands you don’t normally find high quality wine unless they are a wine producer, however the French wine here is fantastic.

How do you spend your leisure time?

The diving here is great for first timers. I am more experienced and there are a number of shipwrecks and corals to explore. In terms of trips I would say the

Catamaran Cruises are outstanding.

You get to snorkel with turtles, and they come up really, really close to you.

That is literally on your doorstep – you can also go to certain beaches and go out and snorkel and come across the turtles. I also spend my time doing a podcast called ‘Life in Barbados’ which gets me out experiencing different things on the island.

These have included a food tour in Bridgetown, taxi tours, discovering how people learn to surf here and learning about sustainability on the island. I’ve also been on beach walks with a guy that calls himself ‘The Barbados Bajan Warrior’ who walks every single beach on the island live on Facebook every single day.

For people who are indecisive about signing up to the welcome stamp what would you say to them?

Just do it. This has been an outstanding experience for me. I came to the island on my own and I’ve not had a single issue meeting anyone at all. If anything, I feel my social life is a little too busy and I need to spend some more alone time so I’m a tad more productive! Language is no issue and it’s a really easy, welcoming culture to experience. I usually finish my day with a rum and coke on the beach watching the sunset. I’ve not met a single person yet who has not liked the lifestyle. I have met a few people who have come out for two weeks holiday and stayed for 5-6 months (and still counting). Don’t hesitate, get yourself out here.

To listen to Yvonne’s ‘Life in Barbados: A Year on a Paradise’ podcast please go to msha.ke/lifeinbarbados.podcast

W EL ELC C OME S TAM TAMP P Barbados is now accepting applications for its recently launched 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp visa.

Those interested in living like a ‘Bajan’ for a year can visit www.barbadoswelcomestamp.bb to apply for the opportunity to live and work remotely in paradise

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Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Paradise FOUND Nestled in the pristine Indian Oceans of the Maldives, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts presents its newest resort, VARU by Atmosphere, a Maldives all-inclusive resort

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njoy your first moments in Paradise, travelling by speedboat for 40mins once you arrive at Malé International Airport and head to the North-west of the Maldives.

Experience the local culture and its warm hospitality while you submerse yourself in a 5 star service throughout your stay. ‘Varu’ in Dhivehi, the local dialect refers to strength, resilience and life in abundance which comes to life at the resort, with its perfect blend between the contemporary architecture and tropical vibes of the island paradise.

Naturally Maldivian All guests at VARU by Atmosphere stay on the unique premium all-inclusive VARU PLAN™, which includes villa accommodation, all food and beverages, amenities, activities, and excursions. This offers visitors a completely hassle-free holiday in the Maldives with no hidden costs.

Dining Experience Indulge in a gastronomical experience at VARU

by Atmosphere, with the best restaurants that

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Enjoy an à la carte beach grill at Charcoal and dine outside as you watch moonlight dance on the lagoon with refreshing sea breeze and cool sand under your feet.

Water Villa & Water Villa with Pool

bring the world to you on a plate through choicest gourmet experiences.

Choose from the finest of culinary creations that span from Europe to Asia with a touch of Maldives. Enjoy sumptuous lunch and dinner spreads with enchanting presentations complemented by pristine views to create that special memory for the ages.

Indulge in premium all-day dining at main restaurant Lime & Chili and savour quintessential Mediterranean Seafood at Nü, a classy over-water setting with magical sunsets.

Authentic Maldivian dishes are on offer at Kaagé in a traditional setting, where guests can sample delicious local delicacies – we recommend trying mas huni (tuna and coconut roti) and kandukukulhu (tuna curry) – staples of Maldivian cuisine.

Raise a toast to some of the best lagoon views of the island with a vintage cocktail at Bay Rouge, where you can take a dip in the pool bar and pamper yourself with a drink to remember.

Wake up to gorgeous ocean views by staying in an Overwater villa with your own private pool.

You can step into the crystal-clear turquoise lagoon below from your villa for swimming and snorkelling and slip into a restful sleep as your senses are soothed by the sound of gentle waves lapping the stilts of your aquatic home.

You can enjoy being close to nature in these tranquil villas, and the vaulted ceiling and large glass sliding door brings in natural light. Step out onto the spacious veranda and relax on the inviting rattan sun loungers to soak up the sunshine and ocean views.

An elegant palette of cream, brown and cerulean highlights

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the atmosphere of airy, understated luxury and is in-keeping with traditional Maldivian interior design. The water villas come with the option of a 10-square-meter pool to enjoy a cool dip in your private pool.

Amenities Each one-bedroom water villa features a plush king-size bed, an ergonomic workspace, a cream sofa with bright cushions, and a matching table and armchair to complete the cosy seating space. The spacious integrated cupboard is stocked with beach essentials including umbrellas, bathrobes, outdoor and indoor slippers, and a beach bag.

A coffee machine with complimentary coffee capsules and a Basilur tea service is close at hand for the much-needed morning pick-me-up.

The in-villa minibar and wine refrigerator are replenished twice daily with alcohol, beverages, water, chocolates, and snacks.

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Signature Bathroom Overlooking the mesmerising turquoise lagoon, the spacious bathroom features a huge sliding glass door, opening onto the sundeck. Warm wooden interiors and pale blue design elements complement the stunning ocean views.

Enjoy a glass-enclosed rain shower and a large wooden vanity featuring two white ceramic washbasins with lip balm, lotion, sunscreen, loofah, and other bath essentials. A lavish white bathtub with endless lagoon views and Amouge bath amenities offer you unrivalled pampering.

Varu Experiences The Maldives evokes a picture of pristine beaches, clear turquoise lagoons, and reef ringed atolls with colourful marine life – the ideal setting for adventure, exploration, and indulgent experiences. Swim in the lagoon with turtles and colourful reef fish, be inspired by the hues of a Maldivian sunset out in the sea and enjoy the sheer joy of being with your family in paradise.

A myriad of such memorable experiences and exciting things to do in Maldives awaits you at VARU by Atmosphere. www.varu-atmosphere.com

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03/06/2021 10:14

Chester,

A Little City with a Big Heart It is no wonder that sightseers from around the globe put Chester on their itinerary. It’s truly unique. The only city in the UK with Medieval rows, a Roman amphitheatre and original city walls – and that’s before the architecture. Tudor, Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian and modern mingle throughout the city centre and create a joyous backdrop for a city with an inimitable welcoming charm and a gentle pace. Stylish independent boutiques abound throughout the cobbled streets and rows - alongside charming cocktail bars, wondrous art galleries and whimsical hotels – all making it a true experience to behold and enjoy.

W O R D S : K AT I E B E N T L E Y F O R C H E S T E R B I D • W W W. E X P E R I E N C E C H E S T E R . C O . U K 78

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

PA M P E R YO U R S E L F Chester’s beauty scene is much like Chester itself – expect bijous boutique practices and luxurious salons. Perfectly pamper yourself before enjoying the rest the city has to offer.

DD Cli nical For those looking for a cosmetic boost whilst in the city, DD Clinical offers a range of treatments to help you look your best.

The state of the art, non-surgical clinic is in the heart of Chester city centre with easy access and free parking. www.ddclinical.com Frodsham Court, Frodsham St CH1 3JT

The Scented Garden Retreat A true haven of tranquillity, The Scented Garden Holistic Retreat specialises in treating the body and mind naturally by restoring and rebalancing the body’s energies. The salon and shop are based in the historical City Rows and provides a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of life. www.scented-garden.co.uk Northgate Street Row, CH1 2SA

Francesco The award-winning salon on Bridge Street, holds the perfect pair of hands and scissors to place lockdown hair into. Multi-awardwinning, luxurious, and friendly, with a range of services from cutting and colouring to kerastraight treatments, men’s haircuts, and luxury hair treatments.

Pamper your skin with bespoke treatments and facials from Smooth Faces aesthetic nurse practitioner Jody Morrall. www.francescogroup.co.uk Bridge Street, CH1 1NQ 79

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OV E R N I G H T S TAYS There’s too much to fit into a day in Chester. After you’ve shopped, pampered, dined, and mooched, there’s still so much more to do and see. The clever people make a stay-cay out of it and stay in one of the city’s exclusive hotels.

The Hotel Chester

The Tow nhouse Situated on Lower Bridge Street, The Townhouse offers a perfect link between the city and the River Dee with its beautiful Groves. In a beautiful Georgian building, it houses bedrooms, family rooms, apartments, and Chester’s very first ‘group pad’, The Roman Vault which sleeps 10 people. Dine, take afternoon tea, or enjoy cocktails in the secret garden. www.chestertownhouse.com 49-51 Lower Bridge Street CH1 1RS

The Hotel is Chester’s newest hotel – although in essence these are more like luxury apartments or penthouses. Choose from 12 different uniquely styled and themed apartments with favourites including The Treehouse, which sleeps six for families, or Ralph, a twist on old money American style, Flamingo with feminine vibes or for absolute luxury, try the Knightsbridge. Add the ultimate romance package and find 300 red roses and 50 candles awaiting you! www.thehotelchester.co.uk Newgate Street, Chester CH1 1DE

NIGHT OUT

Liquor & Co An upbeat bar where good liquor and good company are the bare minimum. A neighbourhood style bar that opens from 3pm daily, with a winning selection of cocktails and some delicious craft beers. A tip for the wise – make sure you ask for ‘the caretaker’ and see what happens... you will be in for a treat! www.liquorand.co Watergate Row South, CH1 2LE 80

CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel TheThe CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

FO R FO O D I E S Chester has been called the independent foodie capital of the North for good reason. It held court in the Michelin guide in 2021 and it offers exactly what visitors might expect – independently owned and passionately run restaurants with fiercely exciting menus.

Stile Napoletano The owner of Stile, Giacomo Guido, brings the South of Italy directly to Chester. He came to Chester from the island of Ischia via London where he won awards for his pizza and now his casual pizzeria is somewhat of an institution in the city. Ingredients are carefully sourced, either locally or from Italy, and the flavours speak for themselves. www.stilenapoletanopizzeria.co.uk Watergate Street, CH1 2LB

Si mon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor Situated in the Grande Dame of Chester hotels, the five-star Chester Grosvenor, sits Simon Radley’s exclusive dining experience. This restaurant has held a Michelin star for over 30 years, something that only five other English restaurants can hold a claim to. Exquisite, elegant, and incomparable. Take drinks before and after in the Arkle bar, named after Anne Grosvenor, Duchess of Westminster’s racehorse. www.chestergrosvenor.com Eastgate, CH1 1LT

Izakaya Chester’s newest restaurant brings a cool, casual Pan-Asian experience to the city. Expect resident DJs to accompany your brunch, lunch, and dinner, with excellent gyoza, small plates, ‘big’ plates, and grills too. Cocktails like a Cherry Blossom Martini or Hibiscus and Rose Margaritas are the perfect accompaniment. www.izakayalounge.co.uk Pepper Street, CH1 1EA

DaNoi An authentic Italian like no other. Run by the charismatic husband and wife team from the foodie haven of Turin, Chef Valentina creates food with masterful flavours while Fabrizio who looks after the service team, has an extraordinarily good Italian wine knowledge. Expect a typical Italian menu starting with Antipasti, Pasta or Risotto, followed by Secondi, and finally Dolce using wonderful Italian ingredients. www.danoichester.co.uk Bridge Street, CH1 1NG 81

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SHOPPING If you haven’t spent a day strolling in between Chester’s many boutiques, you’ve missed out on a treasure trove of delights. Stumble down little alleyways and you’ll be delighted by the independent fashion, homeware and jewellery boutiques just waiting to be explored.

Chester Boutique One of Chester’s most popular boutiques, largely down to a wonderful selection of women’s clothing and the effervescent owner, Dawn, who seems to have a sixth sense on what will suit every shopper of every shape. A large selection, with everything from casual tops to jeans, dresses and shoes and accessories. www.chesterboutique.com Bridge Street, CH1 1NQ

Nichols & Co An independent lifestyle boutique tucked away in the Rows above Bridge Street. The chicest women’s fashions mixed with quirky interior pieces, interesting jewellery, vintage glass apothecary bottles, ceramics and bath and body products. www.nicholstyle.co.uk Bridge Street, CH1 1NG

Barbour A Cheshire brand that has taken the world by storm. Buy a classic Barbour wax jacket, an item that never ages and will look perfect whether you’re stepping out for the school run, a dog walk or a day out shopping in town. Or delve into their further collection of country apparel with footwear, clothing, and accessories. The place to go for classic designs and quality investment pieces. www.mycountrycitystyle.co.uk St Werburgh Street, CH1 2DY

Loake The Loake family has been shoemakers since 1880, and the practice is certainly obvious in the quality and craftmanship of these men’s shoes. If you’re feeling inspired by a visit to Chester, try the Loake Men’s Chester Brogue – a country brogue with a rubber studded sole for greater grip. www.thebroguetrader.com Eastgate Street, CH1 1LF 82

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Q U I R KY C H E S T E R

Chester Boats Relaxing in boats – there’s nothing better! Only 5 minutes walk from the heart of the city centre, is the banks of the beautiful River Dee. And on the banks of the River Dee sits Chester Boats – with themed cruises, sightseeing tours, and private charters for picturesque picnics, parties and even weddings.

There’s no better way to entertain friends and family than a jaunt down the river, taking in some of Chester’s magnificent riverside homes from the water and enjoying the wildlife. www.chesterboat.co.uk Souters Lane, The Groves, CH1 1SZ

Storyhouse The nationally acclaimed arts centre that is Storyhouse comprises library, children’s library, theatres, cinemas, café, and restaurant. It currently holds the title of the UK’s most welcoming theatre. In summer months, Storyhouse runs the much-celebrated Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre – Pride and Prejudice headlines this summer and Moonlight Flicks, set in the Cathedral grounds, where you can watch a mixture of new releases and old classics like Grease and Mamma Mia. www.storyhouse.com Hunter Street, CH1 2AR

A RT GA L L E R I E S Chester galleries can fill a day themselves – from local undiscovered artists to international names, these wonderful spaces offer a range of art, from ultra-modern and avant-garde to the traditional hunting scene you might expect to find above a typical Cheshire farmhouse fireplace. An artist’s city by design, also look out for art supply shops and local artists pieces featured in many of the city boutiques and restaurants.

Watergate Street Gallery An independent art gallery that seeks to find you the perfect piece – from local artists to investment pieces, etchings to landscapes and figuratives to florals. The team will find you exactly what you need for that corner of your home that needs some new life and in the meantime, you can explore their exhibitions and attend painting workshops and meet the artist exhibitions. www.watergatestreetgallery.co.uk Watergate Street, CH1 2LA

Castle Fi ne Art Home of the UK’s leading limited edition print and original art retailer, the gallery in Chester has been known to host some world-class exhibitions. Over two light and airy floors, you’ll see an eclectic mix of original and limited edition art, and a friendly knowledgeable team that can find the right pieces for your home. www.castlefineart.com St Michael’s Row, The Grosvenor Shopping Centre, CH1 1EF 83

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CARBRAND BRANDOF OF CAR THE YEAR 2020 THE YEAR 2020

CAR BRAND OF THE YEAR 2020

Lindop Toyota Lindop Toyota Station Road Station Road Queensferry, CH52TE 2TE Queensferry, CH5 01244 821031 01244 821031 Lindop Toyota lindopqueensferry.toyota.co.uk lindopqueensferry.toyota.co.uk Station Road Queensferry, CH5 2TE 01244 821031 Model shown is MY21 C-HR Hybrid Design 1.8 VVT-i Auto £30,190 including optional Pearlescent paint at £900. Prices correct at time of being published. Terms and conditions apply. Official fuel Model shown is MY21 C-HR Hybrid Designcombined 1.8 VVT-i 53.3 Auto(5.3)£30,190 including optionalCO Pearlescent £900. electric Prices correct time ofobtained being published.

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Drive Silent Star

It seemed inevitable that someone would build an electric luxury saloon eventually. Near-silent motors take up less room than a conventional engine; it’s a recipe for relaxation, space and calm. And Mercedes-Benz is the first to harness the potential of electric power, creating the new EQS luxury saloon car. A 108kWh battery gives the EQS a range of up to 478 miles between trips to the plug, while the range-topping EQS 580 4Matic has an electric motor on each axle to give it 516bhp and four-wheel drive.

Mercedes-Benz EQS, www.mercedes-benz.com

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DRIVE SIZE UP THE COMPETIZIONE Keeping you up to date with all the latest motoring and technology news WORDS: JAMES FOSSDYKE

F

errari probably made a rod for its own back when it called its rip-roaring V12 supercar the 812 Superfast.

Admittedly, the car was super-fast, but it left Ferrari with a problem. When they inevitably built an even faster version of the car, what the hell could they call it? Well, the wait is over and it’s called… drumroll please... the 812 Competizione.

As is so often the way with Ferrari, the name might be underwhelming but the vital statistics most certainly aren’t. This limited-edition car, available as a convertible and a coupe, comes with an incredible 6.5-litre, 818bhp V12 petrol engine. No hybrid systems, no hydrogen fuel cells. Just a socking great petrol engine. Global warming evidently isn’t a ‘thing’ in Italy.

But whatever you think of the gases coming from the massive exhausts, it’s hard to argue with the performance. Ferrari reckons this car can get from 0-62mph in 2.85 seconds and it’ll keep on accelerating all the way past 211mph. Even

astronauts would think that was pretty quick.

Everything about this car is designed to make it faster. Physics had as much say in the bodywork as the designers, and there’s a clever system to steer the rear wheels slightly for added stability and agility. Ferrari is even offering the car with carbon-fibre wheels that save a combined total of 3.7kg compared with the standard forged aluminium rims.

Ferrari 812 Competizione, £TBC, www.ferrari.com 86

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

HARD CHARGER Porsche’s all-electric Taycan sports car has already become a big hit, so the German company decided to make a more practical estate version. You know, so your dog can come along too. Like the Taycan, it’s an outrageously powerful car, with up to 617bhp from the most potent models. Unlike the Taycan, it sits on slightly raised suspension, giving you the extra ground clearance needed for some light off-roading. The Cross Turismo is no Land Rover, but it’s nice to know it won’t struggle with a flurry of snow or a particularly uneven car park.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, from £79,340, www.porsche.com

loves

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE If you thought batteries would be the future of motoring, then you might well be in for a rude awakening. At the moment, Teslas can do 300 miles on a single charge and they can top up their batteries in the time it takes you to have a leisurely cup of coffee, but what if you could do better. What if you could drive 400 miles between top-ups, fill the car in five minutes and emit nothing but water vapour? Well that’s what the new Toyota Mirai can do. This unassuming four-door saloon is a hydrogen fuel cell car, which uses hydrogen to run an electric motor, giving you all the benefits of an electric power and all the flexibility of petrol. If you can find a hydrogen filling station, that is.

Toyota Mirai, from £49,995, www.toyota.co.uk

SAY BYE TO FOSSIL FUELS Commercial aviation is one of the world’s biggest sources of pollution, and countless companies are trying to find cleaner ways of flying. The world’s first electric light aircraft – the two-seat Pipistrel Velis Electro – is already on sale, but now electric aviation specialist Bye Aerospace has announced a new eight-seat, twin-engined electric “regional” aircraft with eight seats. The eFlyer 800 has a range of 500 nautical miles plus 45 minutes reserve flying time, it can fly at up to 320 knots and altitudes of up to 35,000 feet. The aircraft is aimed at air taxi, cargo and charter services, with several deposits already taken.

Bye eFlyer 800, £TBC, www.byeaerospace.com

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

THE

CHILDREN OF THE

Revolution

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

Can Honda’s hybrid supercar really dethrone the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini? James Fossdyke finds out

D

eposing world leaders is a dangerous game. Guy Fawkes’ efforts didn’t do him much good, and the Peasants’ Revolt didn’t do anything for Wat Tyler’s health either. More recently, we’ve seen football clubs attempt to stab UEFA in the back, and that really went down badly. Even voting in a new American president caused violent protests.

Despite the lessons of history, Honda has always liked taking on the elite. This Japanese company, known for motorbikes, ride-on lawnmowers and hatchbacks for octogenarians, is surprisingly successful when it comes to beating automotive royalty.

Take the original NSX. It didn’t look all that amazing, but it squared up to the Ferraris and Porsches of this world and gave them a good thrashing. It was as though the little old lady in the corner of the pub suddenly stood up, took all the drunk Jack-the-lads outside and beat them over the head with her handbag. It was a wonderful thing.

These days, however, the NSX is a different kettle of fish. Far from being a supercar-slayer, it exists to defend the honour of the supercar, returning the upstarts in modified Mitsubishis to the boxes from whence they came. The poacher has turned gamekeeper. To help it in this new role, the latest-generation NSX has plenty of firepower. A 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine is teamed with three electric motors to produce a not-inconsiderable 572bhp, and the combination also allows this car to drive in planet-saving silent electric mode. Not that Greenpeace will dish out medals to anyone who buys a bright orange supercar.

Which is why you might expect this car to have some kind of identity crisis. You might imagine it as some sort of Greta Thunberg/Jeremy Clarkson mashup that morphs like Gollum whenever you press the ‘sport’ button. And there is an aspect of that.

From the outside, the NSX is every inch the supercar, with huge vents behind the doors and a glass panel above the engine, which is found

behind the driver’s left shoulder. The boot is comically small and it gets incredibly hot because it’s positioned right above the gearbox.

These things are straight from the Lamborghini recipe book, but they’ve been cooked by Honda.

Which is why the interior feels a little too cheap and familiar, with the navigation system and the indicators nicked straight from a Civic hatchback. A dash of carbon fibre and leather won’t fool anyone.

But that doesn’t really matter, because the NSX is simply designed to do one thing: go fast.

Put your foot down at the lights and you’ll pass 60mph in less than three seconds. Flat out, you’ll be doing 191mph. Those numbers sound impressive enough on paper, but they’re mere shapes on a page. From the driving seat, they feel raw and animalistic. The four motors shove you in the kidneys and the speedometer becomes a blur. The engine howls, the electric motors whistle and suddenly you’re doing outrageous speeds. Your internal organs won’t catch up for a little while yet.

But there’s more to the NSX than straight-line performance. Honda is still involved in Formula 1, and its hybrid supercar was developed using some serious engineering know-how. With carbon-fibre this and composite that, it feels incredibly agile. The super-light steering elicits an instant response from the front wheels and then the nose of the car.

And the grip on offer is staggering. You can get the back end to misbehave if you’re feeling

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Honda NSX Price from: £189,950 Top speed: 191mph Gearbox: Nine-speed automatic 0-62mph: under three seconds Engine: 3.5-litre V6 with three electric motors Power: 572bhp

very brave (or stupid), but the front will go exactly where you put it without one iota of disobedience. It’s one of those cars that’s frisky enough to demand your attention – it doesn’t suffer fools gladly – but you really have to push hard before it bites back. Keen drivers will find it immensely rewarding.

But for all that, the NSX is still a very easy car to drive at normal speeds. Visibility is so-so, partly because the sunlight catches the shiny engine cover under the rear window and blinds you, and partly because all you can see in the door mirrors are the car’s own air intakes, but the gearbox is good and the power delivery is smooth. Driving a Ferrari in traffic can be a miserable, clunky experience, but the NSX is fine. As long as you don’t encounter any savage speed bumps, it’s as relaxing as driving any other Honda.

And it’s just as economical. I managed about 30mpg in my time

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with the NSX and achieving such figures in a bona fide supercar is unheard of. It’s like bridging political divides using that horrendous Baby Shark song. It just shouldn’t be possible.

So, forget the badge on the front; this is the complete supercar. It has unquestionably earned its place among the best in the world. It’s fast enough and frisky enough to demand every last ounce of your attention, and that’s just how it should be. Yet it’s still easy to drive and easy to live with. At least by supercar standards.

The idea of spending almost £200,000 on a Honda would have been laughable just a few years ago. But the new NSX suddenly changed the rules. This is worth every single penny.

But unless you love cars to distraction, that paragraph won’t make a jot of difference. You’ll still buy a Ferrari or a Lamborghini or an Aston Martin, and you’ll be very happy with it. That’s fair enough, because those companies make some great supercars. But for my money, they don’t make the best supercars. That accolade goes to Honda.

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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 Inspired by

Nature

Breathtaking like nature

itself, its little miracles are: golden yellow nectar, deep blue cornflower blossoms, ripe figs or plump artichoke leaves reflect naturalness in its most beautiful form. Le Creuset takes up these impressions in the limited Botanique Collection and captures this magic for the set table.

Botanique Collection by Le Creuset, www.lecreuset.com

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Quality dementia care in Cheshire you can trust When a family is thinking about care for an older loved one, they want the best. They want to know that the home they choose will put their loved one’s safety and wellbeing first.

Care UK’s care homes in Cheshire are luxury, purpose-built homes where compassionate and expert teams deliver quality care you can trust, in a warm, safe and welcoming environment.

Abney Court in Cheadle, Deewater Grange in Chester and Oakfield Croft in Sale provide long and short term residential, dementia and nursing care, giving families peace of mind that their loved ones can stay living at the home should their needs change.

Leading the way in care Each home is part of award-winning provider, Care UK – one of the UK’s most successful care home

operators. Care UK has over 35 years’ experience of delivering high quality care to older people, with more outstanding rated homes than any other provider*.

Care UK leads the way in safety, with enhanced infection control measures and purpose-built visiting suites. They are championing the Covid-19 vaccination programme to protect those living, visiting and working in their care homes.

Fulfilling lives Living at a Care UK home is all about quality of life. Every colleague in the home is passionate about enabling residents to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, tailoring their

* As rated by the Care Quality Commission in England and the Care Inspectorate in Scotland. † Seven days’ written notice required

day around their interests and preferences. If your loved one enjoys a quiet cuppa in bed with Woman’s Hour, wishes to attend a virtual church service, or loves a beer every evening, the team will make it happen.

Peace of mind guaranteed Care UK’s 28 day guarantee gives you complete confidence and flexibility if you are not absolutely happy, or simply change your mind about the need for a care home†.

To find out more, visit careuk.com/28-day-guarantee To find out more about Care UK’s Cheshire care homes, visit careuk.com Abney Court care home Cheadle 0161 8207879 Deewater Grange care home Chester 01244 455981 Oakfield Croft care home Sale 01615 327912

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The Best...

New Home Gadgets Update your smart home with our choice of new technology

Swann’s Wire-Free Security Camera Looking for something practical? Why not opt for this discreet, stylish option from global leader in do-it-yourself security, Swann.

The innovative and completely wireless camera can be set-up in seconds and mounted indoors or outdoors; its state-of-the-art smart security features such as free face recognition, an ultrawide 180-degree viewing angle, and two-factor authentication allow for total peace of mind. The camera also delivers crystal clear 1080p images and its weatherproof design makes it able to withstand rain, snow and heat, all year round. £149.99, www.swann.com/uk

Kit’s Wireless Kitchen Wall Charger Smart accessories brand, Kit, launches the innovative Wireless Kitchen Wall Charger – a mounted Qi-compatible stand designed to keep your devices charged, visible, and away from spills or drops. Avoiding any nuisance from messy wires, the Wireless Kitchen Wall Charger is the perfect accessory to help save space on worktops, keep your device in view for reading recipes and watching videos, and all the while topping up your battery. With two spots available, the charger offers 10W of wireless fast charging for two phones or a tablet, and is available in a clean, stylish white colourway to suit any kitchen wall. £59.99 www.amazon.co.uk

VAX ONEPWR Blade Pet Cordless Vacuums One for pet owners, these high performance, cordless Pet vacuums have the addition of a mini motorised pet tool designed to be compact yet tough enough to agitate and lift stubborn dirt and pet hair from compact spaces such as pet beds, upholstery, and your car boot and seats. VAX has also protected the removable brush bar of its cordless Pet vacuums by applying an antimicrobial treatment, which helps protect the bristles from bacteria and fungi by preventing their growth. Giving the added assurance that when cleaning and maintaining the VAX ONEPWR Blade Pet, these nasties won’t have built up on the brush bars. Designed for busy homes with pets and children, owners of larger homes and multiple pets will also benefit from the option to buy VAX ONEPWR Blade 3 and Blade 4 Pet cordless vacuums with dual batteries, doubling the runtime and providing up to 90 minutes of cleaning; that’s plenty of scope to cope with muckiest of homes.

• VAX ONEPWR Blade 3 Pet with up to 40 minutes runtime and 3.0 Ah removable battery, £219.99 ; or with up to 80 minutes runtime and dual 3.0 Ah batteries, £279.99 • VAX ONEPWR Blade 4 Pet with 45 minutes runtime and 4.0 Ah removable battery, £259.99 ; or with up to 90 minutes runtime and dual 4.0 Ah batteries, £329.99 www.vax.co.uk 95

Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

NEW BISSELL® POWERCLEAN Cleaning carpets and rugs has never been easier

D

on’t let the sleek, lightweight design of the NEW BISSELL® PowerClean fool you. Weighing in at just 5.6kg, you don’t need a bulky carpet cleaner as this compact upright packs a powerful cleaning punch and will make light work of a deep carpet clean. It’s particularly handy for smaller living spaces due to a reduced footprint for improved storage.

When the job’s done, features like the easy-to-remove tanks and the removable nozzle make maintenance simple.

The 4-row motorised Deep Reach PowerBrush roll works hard with the BISSELL® cleaning solution to thoroughly remove unexpected everyday messes or stains on carpet or area rugs on every floor of the house. Easy to grab and use, this powerful machine uses two-tank technology, meaning clean water and dirty water remain separate, so you never put dirty water back onto your carpets.

This Summer get down, and not dirty, with your carpets and rugs. Deep cleaning carpets is hygienic not just on the surface but also into the depths of the carpet fibres removing the tiniest particles, bacteria and mites leaving carpets clean and smelling fresh.

The BISSELL® PowerClean, RRP £149.99, is available from major electrical retailers and bisselldirect.co.uk

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Functions at a Glance • 4-row motorized Deep Reach PowerBrush gives your carpets a deep clean, washing away the dirt and grime that a vacuum can’t • Clean Tank Capacity: 2.36L • Dirty Tank Capacity: 1.72L • 2x more powerful than the lightest BISSELL Carpet Cleaner • Compact and lightweight upright design: 5.6kg is perfect for smaller households who want a more regular deep clean.

• The compact design means limited storage is no longer a problem • Easy maintenance simply remove the carpet brush roll and nozzle, empty the dirty water tank and rinse both thoroughly • Includes trial size formula • 2 year guarantee

Q&A

with

GAIL MYERSCOUGH, FOUNDER OF SURFACE PATTERN DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION Having held down a full time job whilst also running your own design studio for six years, you decided to take the plunge during lockdown to work full time on her own business. How have you found the experience?

It was always my dream to work full time on my design business. I was put on furlough from my job at the Royal Exchange Theatre and, during this time, I did everything I could to scale up my business so if I was made redundant, I had a Plan B. It was also a chance to see if my design business could be financially viable as a full-time job.

I haven’t looked back! I’ve never been busier, and I love what I do.

What does a typical day look like?

I work from my home studio with my assistant, Pete the cat, who loves to oversee the printer and steal paper from the bin. Mornings are my admin time – processing orders, dealing with enquiries, planning new designs and marketing. Then there’s the daily trip to the post office to post orders and for some fresh air and exercise. Afternoons are my design time when I work on commissions and design new prints. It’s my favourite time of the day.

Can you talk us through your creative process- from concept to design?

I take my inspiration from all around me and from my passion for mid-century design, the colours and patterns of the 1960s and post-war modernist architecture. My designs are bright, colourful and bold and have a vintage but

#1

“Seeing your work in print or on products is the best feeling.

It’s incredibly exciting”

#4

contemporary feel.

I start with idea development and sketches, I use my iPad to create the initial design then go on to create the final designs on my computer using Adobe Illustrator, a digital design program.

#5

You commission and licenses your art to creative companies, having created designs for Tom & Teddy, Billable Hour and DefendDigitalMe as well as creating bespoke designs for the Royal Exchange Theatre. Talk us through the experience of working with such great brands.

I’ve been incredibly lucky in that most clients have approached me to commission designs. I market myself through social media and this has helped increase my visibility. I was recently commissioned to design a new exclusive range of Thunderbirds merchandise for Anderson Entertainment. My husband, Matt, was doing some writing work for Anderson Entertainment and mentioned my designs. They contacted me, liked my work and suggested I come up with some design ideas based on Thunderbirds. I grew up watching Gerry Anderson shows so this was a dream commission. Seeing your work in print or on products is the best feeling. It’s incredibly exciting. www.gailmyerscough.co.uk

What are your Top 5 Selling Products? #1 Yellow Typewriter Personalised Print – from £16

#3

#2 Copenhagen Print – from £12 #3 45 Pale Print – from £12 #4 Cats On Chairs Cushion – from £38 #5 Berger Red Cushion – from £38

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Cases de Son Barbassa Hotel & Res taurant This month we travel overseas to showcase a venue set in a 16th-century defence tower located in the surroundings of the Llevant Natural Park, northeast of the island of Mallorca

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orbert Viñas was at the helm of the architectural project, and Nofre Munar (Mobles Riera) was in charge of the interior design. The aim at all times was to find solutions respectful with the traditional architecture and its surroundings, which at the same time, guarantee maximum comfort. A mixture of rural and modern.

The main building houses 16 rooms, 12 of them restored in 2003 and the rest, built in 2014 as an annexed space. 400 metres away from the main building you can find Son Barbassa de Dalt, a villa constructed in 2008 that offers even more exclusivity and privacy. Its more recent construction is reflected in a modern architectural style, although always in harmony with the rest of the buildings of Cases de Son Barbassa.

The original architectural

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structure is respected, harmoniously combined with a modern, contemporary and comfortable interior design, in which natural and neutral colours prevail. The walls alternate stone, and some are plastered with marble dust, in a recreation of the classic whitewashing that respects the roughness of the walls. Cases de Son Barbassa has a chic, Mediterranean, traditional and rural style.

When the hotel was constructed, 80% of its original structure was preserved, and now it hosts interiors dressed in an almost minimalist sensibility. Simple spaces, which include only the

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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

necessary, stand out. Elegance and sobriety thus become the protagonists.

Special mention should be made of the glass-enclosed restaurant, where the natural surroundings and the landscape become the main decoration. Above, you can find the swimming pool, with a solarium lined with local stone and several Balinese beds.

This year, a new pool bar space will be inaugurated in keeping with the relaxed, Mediterranean and rural aesthetic that characterises the rest of the complex. “La Pèrgola” is the name chosen for this new 90m2 space, located between the pool and the spa. Neutral colours, reed ceilings and details, and macramé are the protagonists. “La Pèrgola” has a boho chic and Mediterranean aesthetic and includes comfortable sofas and several tables for two. Everything contributes to create a relaxed atmosphere in which peace and tranquillity prevail. The new space is located just behind the mountain of Son Barbassa, planted with garballons. Without a doubt, the spectacular views of the rural environment will be one of its biggest attractions.

The menu of “La Pèrgola” will have a careful selection of snacks including salads and sandwiches. As for drinks, classic cocktails, Mallorcan wines and a wide variety of liquors will be available. The pool bar is the perfect place to take a break from the pool or to enjoy a drink with friends at sunset. All this, while enjoying the Mallorcan climate and the sounds and scents of nature. www.sonbarbassa.com/en

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About Cases de Son Barbassa Cases de Son Barbassa is a rural hotel located in the coastal village of Capdepera, in the Levante of the island of Mallorca. The natural environment surrounding the hotel complex is an essential part of the identity of Cases de Son Barbassa. Almond, carob and olive trees are the protagonists of the landscape, and the exclusive, intimate and peaceful atmosphere make it a captivating place. The main building was erected on top of a 16th century defence tower, and the various old houses surrounding it have become 20 charming rooms. The facilities share the wonderful bucolic views and an austere decoration that combines modern and rural details.

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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

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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

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Home Homes and Interiors The CHESHIRE Magazine |

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

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And Finally ...

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