The Cheshire Magazine - May/June 22

MAY/JUNE 2022 s ISSUE 095

A Luxury H ealth Club that dares to be di fferent!

BRAND NEW Signature swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool and wellness area allow you to relax, recover and rejuvenate in serene yet stylish surroundings – – – – – –

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

– APRIL’S Kitchen dedicated members private dining

CYCLO

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

INFERNO

Home to one of the toughest bootcamp sessions in Cheshire

OXYGEN

Find your sense of balance, peace and purpose

Access All Areas Inclusive Membership available at:

C PAS E . CO. U K 0156 533 2022

INFO@CPASE.CO.UK

@claresspacecheshire

CPASE

Find us at Mobberley / Knutsford / WA16 7RN

MAY/JUNE 2022 s ISSUE 095 s

Managing Director Kathryn Otto Editor Craig Hough Editorial Team Kevin Evans Toby Taylor Isla Wilson Contributers James Fossdyke Clare Stobart Martine Alexander Phil Aird-Mash James Dutfield Angela Seddon Design & Production Kate Woods Picture Editor Kat Hannon Brand Ambassadors Keely Barrett Sarah Irlam Charity and Event’s Coordinator Rachel O’Hare

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A Note From...

A

ssemble your friends, family and party partners and get ready to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of loyal service.

To commemorate this massive milestone, this issue is dedicated to the ‘Best of British’.

We start by speaking to national treasure, Alison Steadman, about her new role in BBC sitcom Here We Go (p.22). In Food and Drink we visit some of the top restaurants in the North West and sample The Beef Wellington Experience at Gordon Ramsey’s Bread Street Restaurant & Bar in Liverpool (p.60), enjoy the spring tasting menu at Northcote (p.62) and trial the newly refurbished Arkle restaurant at The Chester Grosvenor Hotel (p. 59).

Our British theme continues in Travel as we highlight some great British breaks and experiences (p.68), showcase some glorious garden by Pride of Britain Hotels (p.72) and spend a weekend away at The Stock Exchange Manchester (p.74). In Style, Martine showcases some of her favourite British Brands (p.33). Our resident petrolhead James Fossdyke finds out whether the enormous Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge can really put the ‘sport’ in a sport utility vehicle in Drive (p.80), and in Home we have a look at a right royal residence by the water with Havwoods (p.86).

Also in this issue, our friends at DMR offer their thoughts on this year’s Watches of Wonders 2022 (p.29 & p.31). Clare Stobart offers her top innovative tips on how to boost your immune system and build a resistance to illness (p.45) and we take a look at later life living at Chapelwood in Wilmslow (p.90).

So have a fabulous four-day June Bank Holiday celebration whatever your plans and please enjoy our ‘Best of British’ issue.

Happy reading,

PARTNER

CHESTER 1539 Restaurant DD Clinical Gieves & Hawkes Opera Bar & Grill Piccolino’s Oddfellows Pied Bull The White Horse Powells Jewellery

LIVERPOOL Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar David M Robinson

MANCHESTER David M Robinson Gotham Hotel Kimpton Clock Tower Harvey Nichols Hilton Manchester Deansgate King Street Townhouse Mappin & Webb Rosso Restaurant Bar & Grill Watches of Switzerland 20 Stories Oddfellows on the Park

CHESHIRE Carden Park Hotel Mottram Hall Spa Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet The Mere Cottons Hotel The Colony Wilmslow Luciano Alderley Edge Guncast Pools & Wellness Havwoods International Knutsford Sofas and Stuff Knutsford

Team Cheshire Magazine

PROUD TO

Where to find us...

Cpase Knutsford

cover On the

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

IMAGE: Royal Collection Trust - © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2022

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

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

LO H

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V

Y HAND GL M

A

IN

E I N R I TA B

IN

Contents

A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITES

51

FAMILY

EXAMS & EMPATHY

Ellesmere College on how to manage exam stress

22

COMEDY QUEEN

29

TIMELESS TRAVEL MASTERPIECES

59

SPOTLIGHT ON…

72

GLORIOUS GARDENS

64

3 COURSES WITH

Alison Steadman on her new BBC sitcom

FOOD & DRINK

Patek Philippe at Watches and Wonders 2022

By Pride of Britain Hotels

Arkle Restaurant at The Chester Grosvenor Hotel

Marika Healy from Embankment Kitchen

TRAVEL STYLE

34

CROSSROADS

74

WEEKEND AWAY

We visit Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester

The new Brunello Cucinelli Collection

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS

REGULARS

14

MY LIFE IN...

33

FASHION FORWARD

55

ASK THE VET

Julie Sutherland on her life in Cheshire

43

FEEL A MILLION DOLLARS

45

FIND YOUR FIT

An exclusive Spa Day at Champneys Mottram Hall for the Million Dollar Facial experience

Boost your immune system and build a resistance to illness

DRIVE

80

Martine shares some of her favourite British brands

An insight into ring-neck parakeets found in the Cheshire wild

THAT’S JUST HOW I ROLLS A look at the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge

HOME

86

HAVWOODS

A regal residence by the river

Luxury wood flooring and cladding

info@havwoods.com | +44 (0) 01524 737000 | www.havwoods.com/uk Havwoods Knutsford Showroom, 12-18 Regent Street, Knutsford, WA16 6GR Product: HW601 European Oak Character

Alderley Edge

INTRODUCING

Spring & Summer at Luciano Our new menu harnesses the finest seasonal ingredients, each hand-picked from some of the best producers in Italy and the UK. Simplicity is the key, with Gino and his talented team of chefs letting the simple yet beautiful flavours of each lead every dish.

Be amongst the first to experience it.

Luciano by Gino D’Acampo, London Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7QD T: 01625 599 995 E: alderley@lucianobyginodacampo.com

LUCIANOBYGINODACAMPO.COM

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

My life ...

JULIE SUTHERLAND, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR AT ESE GROUP LTD

How would you describe yourself ?

I have always had a good work ethic and I have worked hard to be where I am today. I am fiercely loyal and those closest to me say they would trust me with anything.

Where is home? And work?

I live in Cheshire but work about 30 minutes away in Liverpool in the renewable energy industry, which I am passionate about, so driving a fully electric vehicle makes the commute easier on the conscience.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I always wanted to be a nurse and did pursue this but started a family, so it never really happened. After 4 children I feel I did my fair share of nursing.

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

At home with my family & dogs but I love football and have a season ticket for Liverpool, so I spend a lot of time at Anfield Stadium. My idyll would be to retire to the Highlands of Scotland surrounded by lochs, mountains and of course my dogs.

“

To get the balance right, grab life with both hands and enjoy the ride.

”

What or who inspires you?

Working Mums. To go out to work whilst juggling a family and remaining sane is definitely the hardest job in the world.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

A birthday gift for my friend’s daughter on her first birthday. It was a plastic baking set - I am hoping to inspire her to become a future winner of the Great British Bake Off! Tell us a secret/fun fact?

I have 3 kidneys. Don’t Ask! Who or what would you place in room 101?

The M56 - junctions 10 to 12.

What would your Mastermind subject be?

Kenny Dalglish, 1977 to present day.

What’s been your biggest life lesson?

To get the balance right, grab life with both hands and enjoy the ride. www.esegroup.co.uk

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polo series At Chester Racecourse At Chester Racecourse

Friday 2nd July July Friday 1st 1st & & Saturday Saturday 2nd

Tickets from Tickets from £9 £9 Hospitality packages packages from from £89 Hospitality £89 www.chester-races.com/polo www.chester-races.com/polo

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

NOTEBOOK WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

Big Bi B irth rthd day Bash

Time flies when you’re having fun… & running WILD! Popular family adventure park, BeWILDerwood Cheshire are celebrating their 1st Birthday with a Big Birthday Bash event running until 5th June. The event will invite visitors to join the celebrations with a brand-new Big Birthday Bash storytelling show, Pecooliar Party Hat crafting and Birthday Balloon face painting. The woods will also see a new Puzzling Park Trail in which visitors have to help find 5 huge birthday cakes which have been hidden in the woods. www.cheshire.bewilderwood.co.uk

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Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

3 JUN

The Royal Charter - Luxury Steam Experience Crewe

What’s O n ?

Jump on board The Royal Charter to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of loyal service. Starting its journey from Crewe in the morning, the charter will then call at Stafford and Nuneaton, arriving in Windsor early afternoon. After a sightseeing break, the charter will return to Crewe late evening. www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk

2 - 5 JUN

Cheshire Fest 2022 Moseley Hall Farm, Knutsford Expect a programme of amazing live music from The Zutons and Angie Brown), DJ sets from Judge Jules and Clint Boon, entertainment from Bongo’s Bingo all mixed in with the best local food and drink over four fun-filled days. www.cheshirefest.co.uk

2 - 5 JUN

Irlam Live 2022 Prince’s Park, Manchester The popular festival returns for its sixth year with pop acts including Bananarama, The Feeling, Manchester’s Heather Small, Nadine Coyle, N-Trance and lots, lots more. www.irlamlive.co.uk

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

19 JUN

Sandi Toksvig Live! Next Slide Please...

The Lowry, Salford Quays Following her sell-out 2019 tour of National Trevor, the comedian, broadcaster, writer, campaigner and all-round good egg, returns. In an evening of warmth, love and laughter, Sandi will explore reasons to be cheerful after many long months of coronacoaster gloom. Expect fascinatingly funny facts, silly jokes, a quick-fire Q&A and possibly a game of Covid Lingo Bingo. www.thelowry.com

2 JUN

Ashanti’s Foolish Anniversary Tour A0 Arena, Manchester The Grammy Award-winning songwriter returns to the UK to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her smash hit single, Foolish. With support from R&B favourites Trey Songz and Mario, Ashanti is set to perform her back-catalogue of globally adored hit songs including, Rock Wit U, Only U and Foolish. www.ao-arena.com

26 JUN

K9 Training Fun Day Goostrey Home & Leisure, Crewe Grab your pooch and head to Goostrey for a day of dog shows, fun activities and displays. www.cheshirek9training.co.uk

26 JUN

Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice: Him & Me The Lowry, Salford Quays BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s best loved professional dancers reunite to continue their 5 star rated tour.

Him & Me showcases the duo’s unrivalled rapport, bringing audiences a collaboration of dance, song and light-hearted fun! www.thelowry.com 18 - 19 JUN

DogFest 2022 Tatton Park, Knutsford Treat your dog to a day dedicated to getting their tails wagging! Try your paw at a variety of have-a-go activities, from Dog Diving to Hay Bale Racing. Enter the Fun Dog Show for your chance to win Best in Show, and raise money for Dogs Trust as you admire 1,000 acres of Parkland on the Big Dog Walk. www.tattonpark.org.uk

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Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

A Milestone in History Commemorative products featuring the Platinum Jubilee official emblem go on sale direct from the Royal Collection Trust

T

he design is a continuous line drawing, symbolising Her Majesty’s long reign, while the shade of purple reflects that of Her Majesty’s Robe of Estate, worn at the Coronation in 1953. The font used for the lettering is ‘Perpetua’, which means ‘forever’ and imitates the font style that appeared on Her Majesty’s Coronation Order of Service in 1953.

A selection of items from the Platinum Jubilee official emblem range, including coffee mug (£15.00); keyring (£4.95); umbrella (£12.95); reusable water bottle (£9.95); lanyard (£4.95); tea towel (£8.95); children’s drawstring activity bag (£7.95); wooden spoon (£4.95); pin badge (£3.95); bookmark (£2.95); miniature shortbread tube (£2.95); tube of pencils (£8.95); hand sanitiser (£3.95) and reusable shopping bag (£8.95).

Edward Roberts, designer of the Platinum Jubilee official emblem, has also created a new design in the same style of the Platinum Jubilee official emblem. The continuous line drawing traces the outline of the national flowers of the United Kingdom, with a rose for England, a daffodil for Wales, a thistle for Scotland and a shamrock for Northern Ireland. Products featuring this design, include socks (£16.00) made in Wales and a fine bone china mug with matching presentation box (£25.00) made in Stoke-on-Trent. These products will be sold in a limited edition of 2,022.

Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2022

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Queen’s Jubilee Superbloom Collection...

Mark another remarkable milestone in a history-making reign as Her Majesty The Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee with 70 years on the throne. Inspired by the stunning Superbloom of wildflowers transforming the Tower of London’s moat into a colourful garden, these sterling silver and rose gold pieces containing rare Welsh gold are set with a stunning choice of London Blue Topaz, Amethyst, Aventurine and Garnet, and adorned with white topaz and pearl, providing a burst of vibrant gemstone colour. They perfectly capture the spectacular display of natural beauty planted in her honour.

www.clogau.co.uk

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Comed y Q U EE EEN N The exceptional comic actor and national treasure, Alison Steadman, discusses her role in the new BBC sitcom Here We Go

W

ritten by Tom Basden and made

by BBC Studios Comedy Productions, Here We Go follows the highs and lows of the Jessop family as they navigate a combination of life’s everyday challenges – changing careers, keeping the romance alive within a marriage, adopting a healthier lifestyle, kidnapping a dog, destroying a swimming pool and sabotaging a wedding.

Having filmed his family’s disastrous attempt to carve out a holiday in the midst of the pandemic in the 2020 pilot episode, the series sees youngest son Sam continue to document the Jessop family across the year. Moving back and forward in time, each episode offers an intimate, observed and absurd exposé of a

modern British family doing its best to support each other, if accidentally annoying everyone else in the process.

You’ve played so many brilliant characters throughout your career, what drew you to Sue? I just read the script and I loved it! I loved the whole family aspect of it and I thought Sue was such a different kind of character to one I’ve played before. She’s warm, she

22

loves her family but she’s also quite selfish in some ways. She thinks about herself, but underneath it all, she’s very loving. I love Tom’s writing and I just thought it was great and as soon as I knew that Katherine Parkinson and Jim Howick were going to be in it I thought “yeah I’ve got to do this!”. When I said I was interested I got asked if I would play it as a woman from Liverpool, and I am from there originally, and I love my home city but I’ve never played many Liverpool parts! I think Shirley Valentine is possibly the only one I’ve ever done so I thought, “Oh, that’d be nice, that’d be great to do that” So that was another reason that attracted me to play Sue.

ruining the shot by corpsing. Tom’s lovely too he is sensitive and considerate to his actors, so it was just a really good experience.

What do you like about working with the Tom, Katherine and Jim?

I think she loves him so much and he loves his mum, obviously they have moments when they have little arguments as such, but I remember in the pilot there was one moment when she’s talking about a friend that has died with covid and Jim just put his arm around my shoulder as we were walking along, and it was just so sweet, you just knew that he had a real love for his mum. She loves her grandkids too, she’s a family person. I think one of the most

They are fun and easy going, you know, they’re all onto it and we have a good laugh together. I don’t know how I kept a straight face work Jim Howick, because he is absolutely hilarious.

There were times when he only had to turn his head and that was all he had to do and I was almost on the floor laughing, it was quite tough getting through some days without

There are some real laugh-out-loud moment this series, what was your favourite scene to shoot?

I loved the scene when we were all in the tub in the garden, I just thought that was a hoot! How many times do you get to do that when you are shooting? I had this great bathing hat on, fully made up to go in the pool, so I loved all that.

It was great fun.

How would you describe Sue’s relationship with her son Paul?

23

moving moments for me was when she talks to her boyfriend Alf, and he gets really cross when they’re in the restaurant and he says “she doesn’t care about me, all she wants is my food” and Sue says to him “I’m sorry, but since my husband died, I haven’t been able to think about anyone else except my family” and that speech I found so moving that suddenly in the midst of all this comedy, there was a truly a very moving moment and it proved how much she loved her family and that she had really loved her husband, and really misses him since he’s been gone.

Tell us more about Sue’s boyfriend, what were your first thoughts when reading that script?

I thought this is great fun because some writers wouldn’t think of doing that, they would think “oh she’s too old” but the fact that is this very attractive Italian guy, and all the family are going “What, Grans got a boyfriend?!” it’s really fun.

Have you put any part of yourself into Sue? Can you relate to her in any way?

Not particularly, I don’t think Sue had got much of me in her except we’re both from Liverpool. So that’s it! But I love the family link, because I love my family and I love my two boys and I’m happiest when we’re all together And I think Sue’s like that she just loves being with her family and just popping round there and sitting on the couch.

What kind of Granny are you in real life?

I’ve just got one little grandson who’s four and a half, I just love him to bits and it’s just such a lovely thing to have in the family and he makes me laugh all the time because he is so funny, the things he comes out with, he sometimes talks like a teenager! They grow up so quickly now with all the iPads and television. We didn’t have a television in my house until I was seven and we didn’t have a phone till I was 15! You look back and you think “oh my God”, but of course it meant that we had other things to be

24

TheCHESHIRE CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| Regulars | Feature The

“I also absolutely adored working with Will our Director, he was such a lovely man and I think Producers and Directors very much set the tone of the shoot, plus having actors who were warm and friendly just made for a really good atmosphere on set every day” Does it feel strange to be able to interact with the camera?

Very strange! That took a bit of getting used to I have to say. You’re taught all your life never to look at the lens and never let your eye catch the lens and suddenly we were being told we should talk to the camera, talk to the lens! Oh my God it did take a little bit of time before I got comfortable with that.

Sue has seeing an owl and taking acid on her bucket list. Is there anything you’re keen to try?

interested in and sometimes I think kids miss out on wildlife and gardens and looking for insects and things, because they’ve got so much fun to have on iPads!

How does making Here We Go compare with other shows you’ve made?

It was shot in a completely different way, and I’ve never shot like that before, so it meant we did very long takes and a lot of them and that is quite tiring but it’s also really good because it means that the scene grows as you do each take but I’ve never worked like that before. I also absolutely adored working with Will our Director, he was such a lovely man and I think Producers and Directors very much set the tone of the shoot, plus having actors who were warm and friendly just made for a really good atmosphere on set every day. I would look forward to going in every single day and I was really quite sad when it finished. Although I was glad of the rest, I missed everybody.

Certainly not taking acid, that’s for sure!

Seeing an owl… I love wildlife and I’m always hoping that I’ll see this creature or that creature. There is a list of wildlife, a list of creatures that I would like to see. I’ve seen quite a few as I’ve been on safari and I’ve been to South Africa and I’ve seen elephants, tigers and giraffes and that was amazing! It’s sometimes quite difficult to see a certain type of bird, we very rarely see an owl where I live, yet we have the woods and lots of trees and things and it just makes me sad, that years ago there was much more wildlife around than there is now.

Here We Go is available as a box set on BBC iPlayer

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Style T I ME TO SH INE

Since 1985, Seiko has been the timekeeper of

choice for World Athletics. In 2022, for the 17th consecutive time, Seiko will deliver it state-of-the-art timing services to the World Athletics Championships which will take part in Eugene, Oregon. This new Prospex Speedtimer Limited Edition Chronograph celebrates the sporting heritage of both Seiko and this hallowed venue and honours the performances of the approximately 1,800 athletes who will take part in the championships.

Available as a limited edition of 400, £2,740, www.seikoboutique.co.uk

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Premium Handcrafted Footwear Made in England w w w . c h e a n e y. c o . u k

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

TIMELESS TRAVEL

M A S T E R P I EC E S

To their remarkable collection, Patek Philippe introduced twelve new references at Watches and Wonders 2022, all of which hold true to their reputation for watchmaking mastery. DMR Altrincham’s showroom manager, Lee Chadwick, got up close and personal with the new releases which included one piece boasting a major technical debut

PATEK PHILIPPE

Annual Calendar Travel Time, Ref. 5326G-001

World Time, Ref. 7130R-014

A new World Time watch combining Patek Philippe’s genius watchmaking skill with an elegant timepiece for ladies, released at Watches and Wonders with an elegant olive green dial. £44,630

This white gold piece released by Patek Philippe is the first time the brand has cleverly brought together these two genius complications in one piece. The Travel Time function allows the simultaneous display of the time in two locations, whilst the Annual Calendar function allows the wearer to read the date, day and month at their location, with a moon phase display and local and home day/night indication in apertures. £59,200

“As we travelled over to Geneva for this year’s Watches and Wonders fair, Patek Philippe introduced twelve new models to their collection, all of which hold true to their watchmaking mastery which has been on display throughout their history. Leading the pack this year, the brand introduces the Ref. 5326G-001 Annual Calendar Travel Time, a major technical debut!”

Lee Chadwick, Showroom Manager, DMR Altrincham

www.davidmrobinson.co.uk 29

The CHESHIRE CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| |Collection Regulars

THE DAWNING OF A

N EW ERA

At the recent Watches and Wonders event in Geneva, heralding a triumphant return to in-person watch exhibitions, Rolex introduced their latest creations which shine the light of optimism and innovation on the watchmaking world. Our friends at DMR introduce us to two of the latest releases that stood out at this year’s event.

ROLEX GMT Master II

The Rolex GMT Master II is designed with the frequent traveller in mind. Its key function is the ability to simultaneously display the time in two time zones. For 2022, Rolex introduced an unexpected addition, with the winding crown and crown guard on the left side of the case. The wearer will also note that the date aperture is moved to the left on this timepiece.

M126720VTNR-0001, £8,800

Day-Date 40

The epitome of prestige and innovation, exclusively made from precious metals (shown here in platinum) and released for 2022, for the first time, a fluted bezel in platinum. Also featuring an ice-blue dial reserved only for watches made in this material. It was the first calendar wristwatch to indicate, in addition to the date, the day of the week spelt out in full in a window on the dial.

M228236-0012, £50,850

“This year’s releases from our friends at Rolex are evidence of the brand’s constant quest for excellence, continuing to enhance the aesthetics and technologies of its iconic collections. At Watches and Wonders 2022, Rolex introduced a novel addition to the GMT-Master II collection, the watch of choice for travellers.”

Hannah Williams, Showroom Manager, DMR Manchester

www.davidmrobinson.co.uk 31

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Published by

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Fash ashiion Forw orwa a rd w ith M a r t i ne A lexa nder

With May’s issue covering everything British, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to create some spring outfits with some British brands you may, or may not, be familiar with

SUIT: TEMPERLEY LONDON JACKET & TROUSERS; JUMPER: IZAAK AZANEI; BAG: L’ALINGI LONDON; TRAINERS: AIR _ GRACE; TOP: ME & EM; SANDALS: JULIA MAYS AT KHOEO; EARRINGS: DAVID M ROBINSON

Alternatively, if you want to dress the suit up, inject a pop of colour with this green shirred top from Me & Em and/or these yellow Julia Mays strappy sandals.

Adding a wardrobe staple of these David M Robinson earrings will add an instant touch of glam to your look, plus the L’alingi crystal bag makes your overall outfit race day ready with a subtle nod to the colour clashing trend of spring 22.

I love discovering rising British brands that are about to explode, and I think the capsule collections from Cheshire based brand, Spirit & Grace, are dreamy.

This pink cotton wrap dress is a piece that will never date.

BLAZER: KELLY LOVE AT KHOEO; NECKLACE: SORU JEWELLERY; EARRINGS: SORU JEWELLERY; DRESS: SPIRIT & GRACE; SUNGLASSES CHAIN: TALIS CHAINS; BAG: NOIRGAZE; SANDALS: SOPHIA WEBSTER AT COGGLES

O

ne of my key values as a stylist is ‘cost per wear’ – getting the most value from whatever you buy. Being able to dress an item up and down will reduce your cost per wear, (price paid divided by number of times worn), making it a great investment and not just a frivolous buy.

I adore Temperley London and think they create the most sublime gowns and dresses, so when I saw this check trouser suit, I really wanted to feature it as you wouldn’t expect this from them.

Initially, I decided to dress the suit down with this stunning sequin jumper from Izaak Azanei (it has an oversize fit so if you want it neat, drop down a size – I style the lookbooks for this brand, so I know the fit well!). I added the Air & Grace pastel trainers to keep the outfit fresh and effortless, plus these trainers will go with so much as they have a nod to every pastel colour on the eyelets.

Create your pastel inspired look with either the earrings or necklace from Soru Jewellery to add some sparkle and femininity, drape this Kelly Love blazer on your shoulders to keep you warm when the evening chill hits, add the Sophia Webster multi-functional sandals and complete the pastel colour palette with this Noirgaze lemon clutch bag.

This dress is also a great day dress, teamed with the pastel Air & Grace trainers and the Talis Chain pastel and pearl sunglasses chain. Perfect to drop the kids off at the gates and head for coffee with the girls.

Email: martine@martinealexander.co.uk Instagram: @martinealexander Twitter: @yourstylist

What I’ve Been up to…

This month I’ve been styling for the Olivier Awards, editing clients’ wardrobes ready for summer and shopping a LOT for upcoming black and white tie events.

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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

C ross rossrr oa oad ds A

journey is not just a metaphor for progress, dynamism and exploration, but it also represents an opportunity for exchange, it lends a new worldview and creates new opportunities to learn. The Brunello Cucinelli Autumn Winter 2022 Collection is inspired by an ever-transforming urban world, a crossroads where different ideas of daily style intersect, where culture branches out from tradition according to modern-day needs, welcoming freedom and at the same time embracing the past.

Comfort, dynamism and softness are values that underpin all fabrics and volumes, striking the perfect balance between elegance and ease. Starting from the sartorial shapes of the blazer, all elements express an enveloping feel, with soft lines that combine a contemporary vision and refined style.

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New coats and peacoats merge the prestige of elegant sartorial lines with modern leisure taste.

Outerwear and down jackets with enveloping and longer lines become more relevant in the creation of outfits. The soft and modern volumes of trousers play an increasingly important role in defining the style of an outfit, renewing classic sartorial models in the sporty manner of denim.

The detailed research that goes into choosing the highest-quality materials and fabrics aims to ensure the utmost comfort and lightness whilst at the same time maintaining each fabric’s identity, the traditional values of its texture and the unique character of its fibers. Cashmere and superfine wools meet exquisite baby camel fibers whilst precious suedes and nappa leathers join lightweight shearlings in a variety of appearances.

Patterns add a refined style to the fabrics in the collection: classic chalk stripes go hand in hand with new interpretations of tweed, houndstooth and Prince of Wales – introducing colours with refined effects to build subtle and chromatic harmonies.

Corduroy is also brought to the forefront, renewed with brand new délavé effects, which enrich the colours and enhance the textured appearance.

With its comfortable, relaxed and distinctive appearance, knitwear is the beating heart of the collection, filtering through its many categories including down jackets, travelwear and footwear.

Soft knitted surfaces revolutionise the style of down jackets and elevate travelwear. Knitwear introduces colour expressions, pure or combined with neutrals, together with special yarns that enrich textures with a tweed effect.

Wardrobe classics in all their forms offer something for every occasion whilst innovative garments are the result of new approaches to tradition: chiné and vanisé techniques, jacquard inlays, embroidery and combinations of stitches result in different textures that replace patterns, always in a refined, harmonious and contemporary manner.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

www.br unellocucinelli.com 35

Rebecca Jayne Make up, Beauty and Hair H Specialists

located on the historic Chester Rows Our salon houses highly qualified make up, beauty and hair specialists providing a full range of treatments to get you head to toe ready for all occasions

Services and Treatments we offer : * Beauty

Lab Glycopeels * Gellux gel polish manicures & pedicures * Wedding packages including hair & make up * Race day and occasion make up * Brow and lash treatments * Full range of waxing * elim mediheel pedicures Hair styling, cutting and colouring * Aesthetic treatments from botox to filler *H

26 Bridge Street Row West, Chester, CH1 1NN 07707 931 684

www.rebeccajayne.com

@rjspecialistsch1

Health, Beauty

Wellness

Les Bei Be iges S umme mmerr in Grand Style CHANEL is thinking BIG this season as the

new Les Beiges line embarks on an oversized summer. The extravagance of head-to-toe makeup. The radiance of a naturally luminous complexion.

Freer, lighter, more enjoyable, XXL product formats, multiple uses, and ultra-sensorial textures for the face, body, and hair. Simple, sweeping, generous makeup application for a fresh, luminous and effortlessly natural look. www.chanel.com

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Health & Beauty | The CHESHIRE Magazine

UPLIFT YOUR MOOD WITH ESPA Holistic wellbeing brand, ESPA, has reformulated its iconic Signature Blends collection to create elevated, aromatic moments throughout the day, to rebalance wellbeing, lift mood and inspire connection. The range, which used to be split into single bath and body oils, now contains bath and body hybrid oils that harnesses the power of aromatherapy with ESPAs seven signature blends - Fortifying, Energising, Soothing, Restorative, Positivity, Connection and Restful. £35, www.espaskincare.com

Health &

Beauty Restore Your Inner Calm

Unmask Radiant, Velvet Soft Skin Restore your skin’s natural glow with Green People’s NEW AHA Radiance Peel Mask. An infusion of Aloe Vera richly hydrates to protect new cells and prevent irritation while a blend of base oils from Cranberry, Rosehip and Pomegranate nourishes the skin and promotes cell rejuvenation. For added opulence, the soothing scents of Mandarin, Palmarosa, Geranium, Lavender and Neroli provide a luxury experience that relaxes the mind whilst you pamper the skin. £36.00 (30ml), www.greenpeople.co.uk

Experience a deeper sense of calm, fight inflammation, and enjoy the benefits of infrared heat with the PEMF Go Mat. The infrared mat combines two powerful healing technologies to create the ultimate recovery tool. PEMF grounds you in the Earth’s magnetic field for a full body reset, while Infrared’s deeply penetrating heat doubles your dose. PEMF therapy emits electromagnetic waves that mimic natural frequencies found in nature, stimulating and encouraging your body’s natural recovery process.

RRP £539.00, www.higherdose.com

NEW FROM OLVERUM Olverum’s long-awaited at-home spa Firming Body Moisturiser completes its unique trilogy of holistic body firming products.

The sophisticated, velvet-textured body creme was created to target those areas of the body most prone to loss of tone and elasticity. Its carefully chosen ingredients boost collagen production, slow down collagen degradation, and protect against dehydration, leaving skin feeling toned, softer and more supple.

RRP £40.00, (200ml), www.harveynichols.com 42

Feel A M illion Dollars

Kat Hannon enjoyed an exclusive Spa Day at Champneys Mottram Hall for the Million Dollar Facial experience

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pecial guests were invited to meet the Million Dollar team and offered a full consultation and Mini Million Dollar Facial which is a hands-on 30 minute treatment. This is the perfect introduction to the Million Dollar Facial system and to set a treatment plan for your skincare journey. The treatment targets all skin types and concerns and can be recommended as a booster facial.

Combining a deep cleanse, exfoliation, ice globe massage, mask and moisturise and guaranteed to make you feel like a Million Dollars. Below is a breakdown of products tested on the day and how best to use them.

Million Dollar Medi+ Glycowash, £30 A bestselling product, Glycowash contains a trio of acids to work together to smooth and brighten for more of an even complexion.

Suitable for skin types to target cell renewal, open pores and texture of the skin. The

product contains glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids as well as the beautiful aroma of lime, basil and mandarin. Apply to the skin and massage into the face and neck then rinse with water, recommended usage depending on the clients’ skin type and concerns, introducing a few times a week and build up if required.

Million Dollar Medi+ I-Tx, £45 This ultra-nourishing eye treatment contains peptides, humectants and multi-vitamins to help relax wrinkles, stimulate, hydrate and brighten the delicate skin around the eyes for a brighter fresher more rejuvenated appearance. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It soothes and hydrates skin and helps improve the appearance of dark circles and eye bags. To be used on all skin types both morning and night apply a small amount around the eye contour.

Million Dollar Medi+ Lip Plumper, £20 An organic natural lip plumper for those who would like a subtle enhancement designed to work with or without lip fillers.

The product is Paraben free and made entirely from natural and organic ingredients including Capsicum a powerful

vasodilator to enhance the cupid’s bow and add extra volume to the lips. Also contains Vitamin A to increase cell turnover, Vitamin C a powerful antioxidant and Vitamin B to protect from sun damage.

Million Dollar Medi+ Brow Soap, £8 Behind the scenes and inspired by all things Hollywood, Million Dollar has developed a brand new product to keep brows looking fluffy and full. Using Big Sexy Brow Soap you are able to set your revamped, feathered brows in place, as the potion grips every single hair to set. This brand new formulation contains the key ingredient Myristoyl Pentapeptide 17 needed for cell communication delivering key ingredients to enhance hair growth from the follicle.

Million Dollar Medi+ Hydrate skin cocktail, £30 Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in the body mainly occurring in the skin and connective tissues. It has a unique capability to hold on to weight in moisture. Plus L-ascorbic acid works in tandem to moisturise and boost your vitamin C levels from the inside. Sicilian lemon taste with a 33 day supply of 15ml per day. www.shop.milliondollarfacial.com 43

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Wellness

F I N D YO U R F I T w ith C la r e S tob toba ar t

My top innovative tips on how to boost your immune system and build a resistance to illness #1 - Cryotherapy Cryotherapy increases your white blood cells which are our body’s main defence against infection. Increased blood circulation also boosts organ function by encouraging efficient cell growth to fight away any potential infections. Not only this, you will find that cryotherapy also helps to reduce stress levels by releasing lots of endorphins. It really is amazing and definitely one to try. I use the Cryochamber at CPASE health club 2-3 times a week. The 3-minute session goes down to minus 140 degrees Celsius (the coldest temperature the summit of Mount Everest reaches is minus 60 degrees Celsius!)

And YES... it really does feel freezing cold.

But, the feeling straight afterwards and the numerous benefits gained from just 3 minutes make it so worth braving the chill. You immediately feel revitalised, more energised, sharper, and lighter. It can continue to burn up to 800 calories for 24 hours after the session, just by forcing the body to work harder to stay warm.

#2 - Infrared Saunas I have an infrared sauna at home which I use 2-3 times a week for 15-30 minutes at a time. I particularly enjoy the feeling of warmth

over my legs. Not only does it feel

achieved by infrared heaters and the red light it emits. The heat is soaked up by your skin, which raises your body temperature deep inside and promotes a deeper level of detox.

Feeling my body temperature gradually increase while I put my feet up and watch Netflix in the evening helps me to reduce my blood pressure and enhance my relaxation.

The detoxification helps rid the body of toxins and aids the body’s biochemical processes, such as your metabolism, to function more efficiently. It is also amazing at improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and helping the body to recover more quickly, in turn, boosting the immune system. #3 - Compression Boots Did you know that your lymphatic drainage system plays a vital role in immune function?

It is the body’s first line of defence against infection. This month I went to FIBO in Cologne, Germany which is the largest fitness convention in the world. The Hyperice Stand was by far one of the most popular, with so many fitness professionals trying out the Hyperice Norma-tec compression boots. I enjoyed a 20- minute session and the sensation of boots inflating and deflating feels like a deep pressure massage all

relaxing and comforting, but the boots also stimulate your immune system, increasing the lymphatic flow of your body, aid in flushing out toxins and clearing any underlying pathogens.

#4 - Drink Kangen Water Kangen water is alkaline, rich in minerals and purged of impurities. It is hydrogen enriched so it tastes pure and it is so much healthier than regular tap and bottled water. The plastic used for bottled water often contains the chemicals BPA and phthalates which are proven to be hazardous to our health. Water is the most important substance in the world, and it is vital to our health. Water carries nutrients to cells, helps digestion and flushes out toxins. Staying well-hydrated is critical to optimal health and a strong immune system. I purchased my Kangen-8 water machine from Damian and Kate from Fitness Water 6 years ago and I swear by it. The machine is fitted to my kitchen sink with a separate tap so it’s easy to access whenever I need it.

www.cpase.co.uk 45

Supporting over 8,000 families

We champion training and innovation to support our care home teams to deliver outstanding care. Residents’ quality of life is at the heart of everything we do, helping individuals to stay active and independent so they can live each day to the full.

If you’re considering care, call 0330 311 4061 or or visit careuk.com

Trusted to care.

Abney Court, Cheadle Deewater Grange, Chester Oakfield Croft, Sale Ladybrook Manor, Bramhall Formerly known as Sunrise of Bramhall

Family Oh Hel Help!

Oh No! It’s a Gruff ruffa alo!

Families are invited to spend a day

at Twycross Zoo and experience The Gruffalo Discovery Land.

The brand-new four-acre land is inspired by the best-selling picture book The Gruffalo written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. With real-life animals, animatronics, film clips and much more, visitors will encounter Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake and the Gruffalo along their interactive journey through the deep dark wood. www.twycrosszoo.org

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Iconic Organic Cotton Stripes for Newborns

Family news WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

THE DRAMA LLAMA From local author Rachel Morrisroe (How to Grow a Unicorn) comes an accessible, and hilarious, new picture book for young readers focussing on soothing worries, and how to talk about them.

The Drama Llama focuses on a young boy called Alex, and like lots of children, Alex sometimes gets worried. However, when Alex worries his brain produces a living breathing llama and Alex has to find a way to learn to keep his mischievous llama under control.

Alex soon realises, that when he talks about his worries to his teacher, his llama becomes much more manageable.

3+, £6.99, www.puffin.co.uk

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Buying for a brand-new bundle of joy can be a minefield, but the Original Stripes collection from childrenswear brand Polarn O. Pyret, is the perfect place to start.

Made from the softest GOTS organic cotton, the classic range starts from pre-term sizing and has multiple items to mix and match, including extendable babygrows, leggings, hats, bibs and socks, as well as matching blankets and soft toys for adding that extra special touch.

The signature stripes are available in three core unisex colours – navy, red and grey, with seasonal tones landing throughout the year.

For SS22, we see the arrival of a range of pastel colours including purples, blues and greens, alongside unisex shades of brown and yellow; the perfect colour palette to add a touch of spring to the wardrobe. www.polarnopyret.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

A World Full of Wonders Charming toy brand, Lilliputiens, is thrilled to bring a whole new world of wonders to the UK. Set to become best sellers from the collection, the engaging My First Farm, will teach little one all about important farm life in a truly charming way, as well as Noah’s Ark, a delightful collection of soft toys that tell the story of Noah and his Ark full of animals.

Like all Lilliputiens toys, what you see isn’t just what you get as these timeless and thoughtful toys offer a wonderful world of discovery, sparking little imaginations and bringing so much more to playtime.

My First Farm, RRP £45.50,

ADD A SPLASH OF GOLD TO CAR JOURNEY JOURNEYS S

Doona, the innovative brand behind the world’s first car seat with wheels, is thrilled to be introducing the Gold Limited Edition, ensuring a dazzling start to parenthood.

The team behind the celebrity must-have car seat have proven yet again they’ve got their finger truly on the pulse with this striking new design. With all the same iconic features, the Doona Gold Limited Edition has a gold splash canopy, black faux-leather handlebar cover, gold aluminium profile and a complimentary gold essentials bag.

Not only does it look great, but the multi awardwinning car seat promises the utmost safety and convenience for new families. With integrated wheels that can be used at a touch of a button, it transforms from a car seat to a stroller in seconds.

RRP £399, www.doona.shop

FIX PLAYTIME BOREDOM French toy brand Janod is thrilled to offer the helping hand that all budding DIY experts will need in its adorable Brico range. From the dynamic drill and crafty chainsaw, to the ingenious build-yourown-robots and tremendous tool belt there is truly something for every little constructer with Janod’s imagination-building toys. www.kidly.co.uk

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Booknow now for for aa Summer Summer 2022 2022 Individual Book Individual Tour Tour

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Exams & Empathy As we enter exam season, Ellesmere College’s Rachel Redshaw advises on how to manage exam stress

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his year, the exam season will be a test of nerves for many pupils - and their parents – particularly those who haven’t had the experience of formal external exams for the past two years, and undoubtedly this comes with many challenges and questions. It can be a time of worry, anxiety, stress and the ongoing feeling of playing catch up due to school closures and the wide variety of educational experiences that pupils have had over this time – which have varied enormously from school to school.

But the first thing to remember is that you are not alone! Many families are facing the same issues but there are plenty of resources available to help both at school and online. At Ellesmere, we enable students to take exams in their stride by not only having termly assessment weeks that allow us to track and support students’ progress regularly but also helping them address issues such as time management, revision and exam technique. In our personal and social education programme,

we encourage dialogue about the concerns that pupils have to alleviate their fears and to clarify those questions – particularly around emotional intelligence.

The keyword for both parents and school at this time is empathy – exams are a piece of the overall puzzle but not the end goal.

Above all, it is wise to add some perspective to the exam process, which is that the outlook and value of education should always and fundamentally be about shaping and preparing the whole pupil to be ‘Life Ready’ for the world beyond those school gates. This means encouraging them and supporting them to be the best they can be in not just their academic results, but in the development of all of their needs, physical, mental and emotional – and never have these things been more important for a generation of pupils than now.

For more information please visit www.ellesmere.com

Top Ten Tips for

Exam Success #1 - Plan your revision – give yourself enough time to study #2 - Use flashcards and explore subject resources on the internet #3 - Ask Ask Ask – your teachers are there to support you #4 - Have a tidy study space – hide distractions #5 - Practice exam papers #6 - Take regular breaks – use a clock to time yourself #7 - Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated #8 - Plan your exam day – arrive early, have the right kit #9 - Ask friends to help too – teach each other #10 - Don’t be hard on yourself – just try and be consistent.

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Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

5 Minutes with JOSH CHINN, DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER OF WEALTH RECOVERY SOLICITORS

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ere at Wealth Recovery Solicitors, we’re often asked what kind of services we provide and how we’re able to obtain so many positive outcomes for our clients. So, with that in mind, here’s a little insight into what we offer.

Who are WRS? Wealth Recovery Solicitors (WRS) is a fully regulated boutique law firm based in Manchester.

We are specialists in recovering investments lost through negligence and scams.

WRS was set up in February 2021 and has already been successful in recovering £2,500,000 in lost monies. WRS offer a no win no fee and pride themselves on settling cases without litigation.

How do you know if I’m entitled to compensation?

There are a number of things that the team of experts at WRS will consider when determining whether you are entitled to compensation such as; being coerced into certain investments, unable to withdraw the monies when you wanted, pressure to deposit more money than you initially wanted to or even upgraded to a certain account that might not reflect your investing experience.

What if the broker is located abroad?

This is something that we have a lot of experience in dealing with. For example, we have worked with many clients that have lost money to regulated brokers in Cyprus, and because these companies are regulated we are normally extremely successful when trying to recover compensation.

I have lost my money through cryptocurrency, has my money gone forever?

Just because you have been scammed and transferred with cryptocurrency rather than through straightforward bank transfers, it is not necessarily doom and gloom. We have invested in the latest software and technology that often enables us to trace where your money has potentially gone. We are one of the only Law firms in the world with this software.

I have already approached my bank and they said my money has gone, there is no point is there?

Again, we can’t guarantee that we can help, but we would look at your case on an individual basis and there may be other routes to try and recover your money. All our initial consultations are free and there is zero risk or payment involved by speaking to our staff so it’s always worth seeking a second opinion.

My partner does not know about my loss and I really do not want any of my family/friends to ever know about this- do you offer 100% confidentiality?

We pride ourselves on obtaining our client’s complete confidence, and we will

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make absolutely sure that no one will ever know about your case. We will only ever deal with your case on your terms, and we can arrange to speak to you via telephone, email, or any other form of communication on your terms, to suit you.

Why instruct WRS over other recovery companies?

We specialise in this kind of work and have invested in technology and training, which means that we really are experts.

Unfortunately, there are other companies out there who masquerade as recovery companies but when you delve deeper, you may find that this is actually a scam.

So even if you do not use our services, please be very careful of firms who;

• State that they are a UK based firm but do not offer the opportunity to meet you in person and only offer you telephone or zoom call meetings.

• Claim to be regulated bodies but struggle to show or explain any of their credentials through independent third party sources.

• Are based in countries abroad which aren’t subject to the same level of regulations as the UK and therefore offer more risk.

If I have been the victim of an investment scam, who should I contact?

It is always best to contact either the police (who from our clients’ experience may well say it’s a civil matter) or a specialist law firm such as WRS as soon as you have discovered you have been a victim of an investment scam. Our team of experts will be able to advise you.

Recovering monies lost through scams isn’t the only services WRS offer, we can also help with Debt Recovery, Landlord Services, Rent Arrears, and Evictions.

If you’d like to discuss your situation and how we can help you, simply call 0203 695 9239 or email info@wealthrecovery.co.uk for a free consultation. www.wealthrecovery.co.uk 53

Pets’ Corner Our guide to the top positive pet purchases for your four-legged friends this spring

SMELL GOOD Get your dog turning heads with the new ll over fragranced doggy body spray from Lauren Stone. Number One Pooch Pawfume has is a rich oriental spicy fragrance, perfect for refreshing and deodorising dog coats, leaving both the male and female pooches smelling amazing long after application. There is also a shampoo and conditioner available in this luxury doggy collection, the perfect pooch pampering treat. £16, www.laurenstonecollections.com

EAT WELL Manchester-based luxury pet lifestyle brand Scruffs have launched a new range of pet feeding and drinking solutions this season. The Flat Faced Pet Bowl has been launched to help brachycephalic breeds of dog (dogs with flat faces), such as pugs, French and English bulldogs as these breeds generally have reduced airways which can lead to problems breathing, especially when eating. The collection also includes The Long-Eared Dog Bowl, that tapers in at the top, preventing long ears from drooping into the bowl, keeping them dry of water and clean of food. www.petslovescruffs.com

SLEEP WELL British luxury dog bedding company Charley Chau has launched a selection of cosy and comfy products that will also add a splash of style to the home this spring. Charley Chau’s Signature Snuggle Bed – the style of choice for dogs who love to burrow under blankets - has been given a new look for the season in Faroe, in a choice of three sizes and three gorgeous colourways, Jade, Pebble and Nimbus Grey. With its heavyweight feel and woven, wool-like texture, the beautiful upholstery Faroe fabric has a deep-filled luxury mattress in the base, constructed like a sofa seat cushion with wall panels inside to prevent the fibre from moving around.

From £100, www.charleychau.com

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loves

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Ask the

VET

This month I look into the origins of the colourful ring-neck parakeets now found in the Cheshire wild

I was down in London visiting a friend, we were walking through Kew Gardens on a hot summer’s day. This must have been about 10 years ago now. As we walked through the gardens, I heard this shrill sharp loud squawk overhead, I looked up and saw two birds flying together, they cast long, slim silhouettes, with long delicate tails, and wings that were flapping much faster than an ordinary bird. They were flying at pace and were clearly communicating with each other, presumably a mated pair. As I stared at them for a while longer, I struggled to recognise the species. They were a beautiful, bright emerald green colour, with amazing blood-red beaks. They were like nothing I had ever seen in the British countryside, let alone an urban city landscape. They looked like they belonged in a zoo. Transfixed, and not taking my eyes off the birds I asked my friend what they were, she casually replied, “green parrots- you know- posh pigeons!”. This was my first encounter with a ring neck parakeet.

A medium-sized, gregarious green parakeet, with purple or red beaks and a black neck strap. Originally from Africa and Southern Asia, they are the UK’s only naturalised parrot and the most northerly breeding parrot in the world. Wild parakeets were first spotted in Norfolk in 1855. But it wasn’t until the 1970s, that breeding colonies were documented in London parks. Since then, their population has steadily grown from a few hundred birds in the 1980s, to over 30, 000 birds in the latest count.

With well-stocked urban gardens, rising temperatures and being generalist feeders, they are well adapted to urban living and have become firmly established in the UK. Initially, they were only located in the Southeast, but they have since been seen as far north as Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The legend of their origins is as equally exotic.

Some people say they were escapees from the set of the 1951 Katherine Hepburn movie African Queen, shot in Isleworth Studios. Other people say they originated from a breeding pair of parakeets called Adam and Eve, released by Jimi Hendrix in 1968 on Carnaby Street. Or did they escape from Henry VIII’s menagerie at Hampton Court Palace?

The truth is probably far more mundane.

These birds have been kept in large numbers in private collections since Victorian times. Multiple releases and escapees over the years have probably added to a wild feral population, as the

birds learnt to adapt and thrive in our mild climate.

There are concerns about what could happen to native bird species after these birds have been introduced. They compete for space on the bird tables, food sources and nesting sites in tree holes, but information as to how damaging they are to wildlife remains limited. At present, like all birds, they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, unless they are proven to be a threat to native species. Whether you see them as foreign invaders or a beautiful exotic addition to our garden bird tables, these birds are here to stay.

And I was reminded of this when only last week I was walking my dogs through the Cheshire countryside around Mobberley when I heard this familiar shrill cry - two parakeets flying overhead, the parrots have made it to Cheshire!

James Dutfield BVSC MRCVS Resident Vet, If you have a question for James you can email him at, james-the-vet@thecheshiremag.co.uk www.goostreylanevets.co.uk

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Food Drink Fine Dining at Carden Park

Created by The Vines Head Chef Graham Tinsley in partnership with Chef Harri Williams, the new Spring Taster Menu will be 8 courses, with stunning fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers for a delicious and seasonal experience. The menu can be adapted for vegetarian diners, with no compromise on taste. The 8-course tasting menu is £95pp and runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 6pm. www.cardenpark.co.uk

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#1

CELEBRATE WITH JOHN LEWIS

Food & Drink news WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

Discover John Lewis’ mix of patriotic decorations, indulgent hampers and picnic baskets to help you celebrate the Queen’s incredible milestone. #1 - Partners Tourism Union Jack Bauble, £5 #2 - Emma Bridgewater Queen Elizabeth II 70 Years Platinum Jubilee Half Pint Mug, 300ml, Multi, £22 #3 - Emma Bridgewater Queen Elizabeth II 70 Years Platinum Jubilee Round Tray, Red, £10 #4 - Spode Blue Italian 2-Tier Cake Stand, 27cm, Blue_White, £49 #5 - Partners Empty Wicker Picnic Basket, 15L, Natural, £30 #6 -Partners The Salcombe Basket, £60 www.johnlewis.com

#3 #4

#2

LIMITED EDITION WHISKY Also joining in the celebrations are VCL Vintners with a limited edition run of a new single malt Scotch whisky, distilled with the sole purpose of the Jubilee at the Bruichladdich Distillery. Discussing the special bottling launch, Director and Co-Founder of VCL Vintners, Stuart Thom said: “Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that we wanted to celebrate and mark at VCL Vintners. The whisky bottled is a unique line, perfect for a hugely significant occasion for any collector of fine whisky. In the 70th year of her reign, it feels only right to show our appreciation for her many years of service to the country.”

ABV: 44.1%, AYS: 18 June 1991, Cask number: 2504, £495 (excluding VAT), www.vclvintners.london

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#6

#5

A Right Royal Pickle In celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, Tracklements - purveyors of perfect planet-friendly pickles - have created a limited edition Right Royal Pickle. Made with a selection of vegetables including tasty Lincolnshire onions and a careful combo of sweet (Muscovado sugar) and sour (malt vinegar) along with tamarind paste, chilli, all spice and lemon juice.

Enjoy with a traditional British Ploughman’s.

RRP £5.80 for a 200g kilner jar, www.tracklements.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

ARKLE RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT ON... AT THE CHESTER GROSVENOR HOTEL W O R D S : K E V I N E VA N S

Best for...

Refined dining in a cosy environment

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he Chester Grosvenor Hotel has been a shining light on the restaurant scene in Cheshire with Simon Radley at the helm previously. Arkle is the newly refurbished restaurant that has opened led by Executive Chef Elliot Hill, who is a local guy and has worked in some of the best restaurants in the North West. Arkle has a much warmer feel to it akin to a gentleman’s club with plush furnishings and warm dark décor, setting a cosy environment to dine.

Alongside Elliot in the kitchen is a hub of Michelin experienced talent with Head chef Raymond Booker his right-hand man, who’s been at The Chester Grosvenor for more than 17 years.

Elliot brings an eight-course taster menu that is grounded in seasonal ingredients and influences from Elliot’s career and family life. There are vegetarian and plant-based options available alongside the traditional meat and fish taster menu. We opted for the meat and fish-based taster menu and the dishes included were chicken en gelee, blanc of wild turbot, fillet of beef and Tatws Pum Munud – a dish his father used

to make for him that Elliot has elevated with smoked eel. The beef was truly amazing and melted in the mouth and it was great to see a dish from Elliot’s past take part of the menu – you could really see and taste the passion in the dish.

We then moved on to the cheese course where there was a choice of two blues – Roquefort and Barkham Blue which were layered up with cheese, figs, honeycomb and local honey, presented like a terrine. I chose to make a selection from the extensive cheese trolley – this is a sight to be seen! A trolley full of Artisan cheeses from the continent and British Isles which change with the seasons to ensure you are eating the cheese at its peak. An absolute for a cheese lover.

It was time for a pre-dessert, this was a light refreshing lift to cleanse the palate with frangipane, cucumber and fennel giving sweet and savoury notes. Then onto dessert, and definitely finished on a high with the Valrhona chocolate, Glenmorangie, orange and praline – a rich decadent dessert with bitter citrus overtones. I also tried the

Yorkshire forced rhubarb and set cream – this was an absolute delight, the rich set cream (similar in texture and flavour to panna cotta) was circled with strikingly bright pink acidic rhubarb with rhubarb syrup and crisp that balanced the dish beautifully.

As well as the first-class team in the kitchen, the front of house also stood out – Sarah and Restaurant Manager Aga Szopa were both friendly, unintrusive and passionate about the dishes being presented. Boris Filip (Head Sommelier) was so knowledgeable and interesting when discussing the wines with us and a special mention to Peter who knew so much about the cheeses, how they were made and where on the vast cheese trolley – it was a true education and experience.

Elliot and the team should be proud of the new launch and I really looked forward to seeing the future success they will achieve. www.chestergrosvenor.com 59

Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

INSIDE

GORDON RAMSAY’S

BREA D STREET KITCHEN & BAR Craig Hough enjoyed the spectacular surroundings of the all-new, all-day dining and drinking venue in the heart of Liverpool

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ordon Ramsay’s popular premium casual dining concept, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar has finally arrived in Liverpool. It’s his first Bread Street in England outside of London, based on Paradise Street across from John Lewis and Liverpool ONE, taking up the unit once housed by Jamie Oliver’s Italian eatery.

With the talented Gareth Jones as Executive Head Chef, the new restaurant and bar offer an all-day dining menu and late-night drinks seven days a week. Classic Gordon Ramsay dishes, from prawn cocktails and traditional fish and chips to dry-aged rare-breed Cumbrian steaks with fabulous sauces and sticky toffee pudding are on the menu.

Arriving slightly early for our Friday evening reservation, my guest and I were invited for a drink at the bar and enjoyed the sounds of the DJ

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who really brought a weekend feel to the venue.

We ordered an old-fashioned as we waited for our table, giving ourselves the opportunity to take in the sleek, contemporary interior with white Metro tiles and soft leather seating.

Whilst being walked to our table by the window, we had the opportunity to take in the sights of other diner’s meals and enjoy the smells emitting from the open kitchen. Our server for the evening was quick to suggest we try Gordon Ramsay’s signature Beef Wellington Experience – and by the end of the evening, we were more than happy with this recommendation.

Cris Slocombe, Restaurant Manager & Sommelier, was one of our servers for the evening, and explained, "The experience menu is designed for two to share. It showcases the three most

popular starters from the original Bread Street Kitchen before moving on to Gordon's signature Beef Wellington and then finishes with a final trio of favourite desserts and is served with an optional wine flight."

Our starter arrived after a short wait and was a spicy tuna tartare with wonton crisps, creme fraiche and avocado alongside a potted Cumbrian beef brisket served with grain mustard, piccalilli and seeded cracker and, lastly, tamarind spiced chicken wings with spring onions and coriander.

The wine for this course was a Mohua Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand 2021. Cris knowingly told us, "this is a classic example of a Kiwi Sauvignon with notes of passion fruit, green mango and lime. The more tropical elements work perfectly with the spicy tuna tartare and the tamarind spiced chicken wings. Meanwhile the citrus brings a crisp freshness to cut through the richness of the potted beef brisket."

Our main event was the classic Beef Wellington accompanied by creamy mashed potato, honey roast carrots and a red wine jus. The medium-rare beef, melted in the mouth, with the truffle and pastry that encased it offering a further taste sensation. For this course, we moved on to a Cannonball Merlot from California, USA 2019.

Cris explained; “The beef fillet at the centre of the Wellington is the leanest most delicate cut of beef.

Something as tannic as a Malbec or Bordeaux would be too bold and risk overpowering the dish. This Californian Merlot finished in

American oak has flavours of morello cherry, pepper and hints of dark chocolate." The wine has the perfect amount of weight and body to compliment the beef with a velvety finish.

For our grand finale, we enjoyed a sweet treat selection of ‘Monkey Shoulder’ cranachan cheesecake with raspberry sorbet alongside pineapple and kiwi carpaccio served with passion fruit and coconut sorbet and our favourite chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream.

The final wine was a Château Delmond Sauternes, Bordeaux, France 2016 was rich, indulgent and complex with candied orange peel, honey and some more delicate floral notes on the finish. Cris explained, "The pineapple carpaccio at the centre of the final dessert platter acts as a sort of palate cleanser after the main course and is amazing with the lighter notes of this Sauternes. The honey brings out the whiskey and toasted oats of the cheesecake. The melt in the middle chocolate fondant and candied orange remind you of a Terry’s Chocolate Orange you get at Christmas”.

With spectacular surroundings, swift, friendly service and a varied menu that you can enjoy all day and night, Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen & Bar is more than worth a visit to Liverpool for - make your reservation today. www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com 61

Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Dinin ning g wit with h Dist istii ncti nctio on Angela Seddon took a short trip up the Ribble Valley hills to sample the new Northcote spring tasting menu

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s we all finally emerge from the slumber of a wet and miserable start to the year, it was a welcome relief to be driving through the sunny countryside on the way to Northcote, the luxury Lancashire hotel with its Michelin starred restaurant. Arguably one of the North’s finest gems. It has been a few years since I last visited Northcote and I was looking forward to enjoying their true northern hospitality once again. Hidden away in the beautiful Lancashire Ribble Valley, this once old Manor House now boasts elegant rooms and suites.

We were greeted on the sunny terrace by our host for the day, Craig Bancroft, the steady hand that has steered them through the many choppy waters of late.

Having been the managing director for more years than he cared to number, he confessed that the whole hospitality industry has had an incredibly difficult few years due to the pandemic and Brexit. Yet during this time, they have adapted and created their hugely successful gourmet home delivery boxes (Northcote at Home) and showed a resilience that has come from experience and hard graft. It was fascinating listening to a man whose heart and passion has helped drive them to stay at the top of their game, and whose vision will hopefully take them further.

After we had been shown around the dining room, we were led to the Louis Roederer Room with its private terrace.

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A perfect place for a special occasion such as a wedding or a milestone birthday. We were served a delightful glass of English sparkling wine from Nyetimber in Sussex. I’m no wine expert, (I defer to those far better educated than me on such matters!), but it tasted of true quality, rivalling any Champagne I have ever enjoyed.

We were offered two canapés, a butter pie with caramelised onion, potato and homemade brown sauce, an absolutely delicious mouthful. I have to be honest though, my heart was totally lost to the artichoke tartlet.

I could have dined on them all day. They comprised of an artichoke ‘leather’ tart case filled with artichoke jelly, truffle, artichoke mousse, Inglewhite cheese and topped with black truffle. Almost cloud-like in its lightness, but packed full of such a depth of flavour. If this amount of thought and detail goes into a bite-sized canapé I knew the upcoming lunch was going to transport me to a very happy place.

We then went to the heart of the action, the Chef’s table, for our lunch. When Northcote launched its cookery school (which is an incredible experience that I would highly recommend, having been on one of their courses) they placed it with a commanding view of the kitchen through sliding glass doors. When not used for teaching it converts to a beautiful dining table that seats up to 16. From this vantage point, you can watch the chefs at work creating the culinary masterpieces heading your way. What impressed me was the calmness

that permeated the whole kitchen. I can only imagine that this came from a meticulously organised and orchestrated service. It was a beautiful sight.

Executive head chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen took us through each dish, talking about its inspiration. It’s clear she’s a perfectionist and hugely passionate about showcasing the wide range of incredible produce the region has to offer. “It's about taking that local produce and putting my twist on it working with the seasons, to bring out the best of every product to create new, exciting dishes.” Her food lives up to that in every way, I can promise you that.

We started with Orkney scallop, green curry, cultured yoghurt and lemon. Perfectly cooked scallop, but the frozen lemony pearls which added an unexpected vibrant freshness and acidity to the dish, were delightful.

The tempura scallop with the lightest, yet crispest of batter, did an excellent job of mopping up the last of the curry sauce on my plate.

Next came quail, frozen liver parfait, apple verjus, bacon and sweet turnip. Sounds simple enough. But that’s the beauty of excellent food. The simplicity of the description belies the complexity of such a fabulous dish. Nothing is wasted. The whole of the bird is used in each aspect, from the jus to the frozen liver parfait.

The contrast between the warm, gamey bird and the frozen liver, (a meltingly beautiful addition), was a delight I’d not experienced before, but would most definitely have again, and again!

Our next course was aged Lake District beef, allium, hen of the woods and black garlic puree. Melt in the mouth beef with perfect accompaniments, topped with what could be best described as the most flavourful beef quaver. These are made from beef tendons slowly cooked, dried, then deep fried, adding the perfect crunch to an expertly balanced dish.

Finally, we were presented with a beautiful warm Bramley ‘apple pie’. This dish has certainly had a glow-up in the hands of chef Lisa. A picture-perfect

sphere of white chocolate coated in a caramelised pastry crumb held all the tastes of the best apple pie. Then a warm apple pie custard was poured over it, making the sphere melt. It was a feast for the senses as it transported me to childhood memories of holidays with homemade apple pie. This was definitely the sophisticated version though, worthy of a Michelin star itself.

Each of our courses were paired with wines from their award-winning selection. Our sommelier, Liam, talked to us knowledgeably about each flavour profile and why it was chosen to complement each dish. My favourite had to be the dessert wine from Hungary. Liam explained it best by saying we had apple pie in a bowl and apple pie in a glass. A little sceptical I took a sip, I think I said ‘wow!’ a little too loudly, but he was spot on with his description.

From the gorgeous, cloud-like canape at the beginning, to the ‘apple pie’ at the end, I felt like I had been on a journey of culinary excellence. Nearby Pendle Hill is famed for its ancient witches, but I’m guessing even with their powers they’d struggle to compete with the magic that was created in the Northcote kitchen. The service was exemplary, yet unobtrusive. The welcome was warm and the surroundings beautiful. In my humble opinion, this haven deserves a second star, but not having the ear of the Michelin inspectors, I’ll have to settle for declaring it here. www.northcote.com

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3

Courses with…

M A R I K A H E A L E Y, H E A D C H E F AT E M B A N K M E N T K I T C H E N , L O C AT E D AT C I T Y S U I T E S A PA R T H O T E L STARTER: A STORY FROM YOUR EARLY YEARS THAT HELPED SHAPE YOU

Growing up, I lived with my nanna, who was Irish from Liverpool, and my grandad, who was from Jamaica. Most of my nanna’s dishes were her take on classic Caribbean cuisine, like curried chicken Sunday roast dinners with rice and peas. She inspired me to create fusion-style dishes. The only dish she didn’t tend to make was the ackee and saltfish – this was my grandad’s speciality, and I still remember him sat in his chair prepping the ingredients. This experience growing up led to my first job when I was 16 in the kitchen of a Caribbean restaurant. Ackee and saltfish was on the menu and was very popular. I decided to revamp the dish and create this starter.

MAIN COURSE:

A MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF

My proudest moment is when I made it through to the shortlist of Masterchef in 2018 – it was such a great experience. After the first round, you have to create your signature dish, so I put together this dish based around coffee and chocolate.

It was a coffee-seared loin of venison, carrot and orange puree, kale crumb, carrot crisp, rosemary-infused pome Anna, chocolate and stout jus.

Gregg Wallace enjoyed this dish as we all know he has a sweet tooth.

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IMAGES FROM THE NEW SPRING MENU NOW AVAILABLE AT CITYSUITES

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

DESSERT: WHAT IS THE SWEETEST STORY YOU CAN SHARE?

My nanna had the biggest impact on my career and my life. I was one of 20 grandkids, but she wouldn’t let anyone else in the kitchen except me. Most Sundays I would be stuck to my nanna in the kitchen, keen to see what she would make. We had an apple tree and berries growing in our back garden which we would use to make my nanna’s apple pies. They were amazing. The smell would run through the house. I decided to create this dish called ‘My memories from the garden’ which is a deconstructed apple crumble to celebrate my nanna. www.embankmentkitchen.com

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STAY LONGER OFFER F or s t a y s f ro m 01F ebr uar y t o 2 1 D e c e m ber 2022

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C E N I Z A RO.C O M/T H E R E SIDE N C E

Travel Roya oyall Se al of App pprrova ovall To celebrate Her Majesty

The Queen’s seventy years of service, Cliveden House in in Berkshire is serving Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea throughout the year in The Cliveden Dining Room overlooking the six-acre Parterre. Indulge in a selection of traditional British savoury treats including delicious finger sandwiches alongside freshly baked scones, and delectable bite-size pastries and delicacies, including Queen Elizabeth’s favourite chocolate biscuit cake. www.clivedenhouse.co.uk

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Travel news

WORDS:CRAIG HOUGH

PLATINUM TREEBILEE Callow Hall, a new boutique hotel deeply rooted in nature located in the Peak District, is joining in with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations with its very own ‘Treebiliee’ package. Inspired by the Queen’s own Green Canopy tree planting initiative, Callow Hall invites guests to leave their own positive mark on the environment when they come to stay by planting a sapling tree. Guests who book the package will be able to return 5, 10, 15 and 20 years to check in on the progress of their tree and stay at Callow Hall at a discounted rate of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively. www.wildhive.uk

Celebrate Like A Queen Get ready to celebrate like a queen this June with the Oliver’s Travels Platinum Jubilee Package. Available at a variety of castles and country homes that all boast royal links, this exclusive experience lets you and your party indulge in the most quintessentially British experience of all: afternoon tea, but with a twist! Everything will be served by your very own butler, with a little Corgi running around while you savour each mouthful. And, to make the experience extra special, Oliver’s Travels will also provide you with regal outfits, so you’ll really look the part. With a glass of English sparkling wine providing the finest finishing touch, there’s simply no better way to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s sensational reign. www.oliverstravels.com

‘HOT TENT’ IN THE HIGHLANDS Galactic Glamping Perfectly placed between the Solway Coast and the Lake District, Blaithwaite Estate has added two stargazer lodges to its accommodation offering. Each British built lodge has a mezzanine level with a panorama stargazing roof window, giving guests an uninterrupted view of the spectacular starscape above.

The beautifully designed lodges sleep 4-6 people and come complete with modern amenities, an outdoor living area and access to the grounds of the 250-acre estate. The brand new stargazer lodges have been built using a bespoke design template, making them the only lodges like it in England and are perfect for families and adults alike. www.blaithwate.co.uk 68

For a very special British break, mountain experts, Scot Mountain Holidays are introducing a new ‘hot tent’ experience with Highland ponies in Scotland’s Cairngorms.

The 4-night, 4-day wild camping trip brings a hike through remote landscapes together with the comfort of a ‘hot’ Nordic tipi warmed by a wood burner at night. Led by owner and mountain leader, Andrew Bateman, and his partner Rebecca who creates homemade feasts with homegrown and locally sourced ingredients, this is a truly immersive and engaging off-grid experience within a conservation area abundant with plants and wildlife. www.scotmountainholidays.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

T he Tra Tr a vel Insid Insi d er This month Phil Aird-Mash, Aird-Mash, CEO of ITC Travel Group asks you to consider incorporating a sense of artistry into your next holiday

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s experts in luxury travel, craftsmanship is something that means a lot to us. If you’ve ever experienced service that went above and beyond, you’ll know how far the finer elements go in crafting something really special.

Likewise, when planning a luxury holiday, we take the time to ensure every aspect is personally tailored to exceed each client’s expectation.

So, in the spirit of appreciating fine craftsmanship, why not consider incorporating a sense of artistry into your next holiday? For those with a creative flair, or who want to get a better understanding of a country’s culture, a resort that offers authentic experiences can take your getaway to a deeper level.

One such example is Kasbah Tamadot, part of Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition collection. At this stunning retreat in the Atlas Mountains, you can hide away in an

KASBAH TAMADOT, MOROCCO

timeless, while the silver service at the on-board restaurants is exemplary. With expertly curated routes, grand art deco décor and thoughtful touches throughout the journey, Venice Simplon Orient Express shows that luxury travel really is a fine craft. www.inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk

WICKANINNISH INN, CANADA

exquisitely designed Berber tent, featuring fine Moroccan furnishings.

With food being such a huge part of Moroccan culture, the cooking classes are a must-do, where you’ll be guided through cooking an authentic tagine. If you’d rather explore the wilderness of western Canada, the Wickaninnish Inn is highly recommended. Not only can you explore the beauty of Vancouver Island; you’ll also be immersed in the artistry of the native Nuu-chahnulth people. Their hand carvings are beautiful and can be admired in every room of the hotel.

Finally, nothing says craftsmanship quite like the renowned Venice Simplon Orient Express. The restored 1920s train cabins prove that true luxury really is

VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS

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Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Meet the

Hotelier NICHOLAS HARFIELD, GENERAL MANAGER AT YOTEL MANCHESTER DEANSGATE

What are the benefits of your location?

YOTEL Manchester is on the corner of the iconic Deansgate and John Dalton Street, in a perfect spot for exploring the very best of Manchester’s bars, restaurants, shopping or live music venues. We’re within walking distance of the city’s major sites, including the John Rylands Library, the Manchester Opera House and Spinningfields financial centre. To top it off, we’re just 100 metres away from King Street, a premium shopping destination in Manchester, and of course, home to the incredible King Street Festival. Manchester Piccadilly station is just a 20 min stroll away, and we’re a 25 minute drive to the airport so it doesn’t get much more central than us.

What is the most luxurious room in the hotel?

We have a variety of options if you’re looking for a little something extra on your trip -

our First Class King room sleeps 3 people, with one luxe Super King bed and a sofa bed or our VIP cabin sleeps 2. At 25sqm, each room includes a 32 inch TV and a desk that’s perfect for any work trip. Whether you’re in our VIP cabin or King Rooms, you can enjoy our amazing rain showers, superfast free WiFi, organic handmade Naturalmat mattresses and mood lighting - YOTEL is inspired by the luxury of first-class travel so we pride ourselves on all of our rooms’ facilities.

Most often, we see bookings from people celebrating special occasions, whether it’s a birthday or anniversary. We have 9 VIP rooms that book up quickly on weekends with people taking in views of Manchester’s skyline.

Could you tell us about the best event the hotel has hosted during your time there?

We hosted Boohoo’s summer party which was the brand’s first event following the pandemic with staff and key influencers. We also featured on ITV’s Dinner Date and we’ve hosted contestants from Rock of All Ages in both the hotel and MOTLEY. 70

How would you describe the hotel’s dining experience?

YOTEL Manchester is home to MOTLEY, a real melting pot of locals and explorers which is something I love. Located on our ground floor, the bar and restaurant have an outdoor terrace which is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of cocktails after work in Manchester’s spring sunshine!

The dialled back friendly service paired with its exceptional low mileage, the seasonal menu makes MOTLEY a really warm, welcoming environment so guests feel right at home. Bar staff are always happy to create an original cocktail for you or recommend draft beer from local breweries. Whether you’re looking to get a couple of hours of work done with our signature coffee blend or meeting up with friends to enjoy some of MOTLEY’s good for the soul dishes, it’s a dining experience you’ll remember.

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

There are so many! We’re proud to boast top-notch green credentials, with solar panels generating electricity, eco-friendly showers and energy-efficient lighting - it’s something that’s really important to YOTEL and all our staff. We’re lucky to have unique food and drink offering for guests with MOTLEY’s stylish setting but I also love that we are home to TRIB3, a global boutique fitness studio for a

next level HIIT workout fused with an epic sensory experience, led by expert coaches.

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

I think MOTLEY and TRIB3 really make us stand out from your usual city-centre hotel offering - we have everything you need in one setting, in true Mancunian style so you can get a real taste of the city when you stay with us. We’re also dog friendly, so the staff have a lot of fun making new four-legged friends.

What do you love about Manchester?

Everything! You can never be bored in this city and with live events getting back to normal, there’s a real buzz about the city. Our staff always go the extra mile for our guests and welcome everyone with the northern hospitality that our city is so famous for which is something I’m very proud of.

What packages are you offering for 2022?

You can sign up for Club@YOTEL for 10% off bookings. We also offer unique meeting rooms with four different spaces hosting between 8-50 guests, filled with character and doors with direct access to our terrace. www.yotel.com/Manchester, www.motleymanchester.co.uk 71

GLENAPP CASTLE WOODLAND ESTATE

Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

GLORIOUS GARDENS

by Pride of Britain Hotels Spring is here – and gardens up and down the country, from Sussex to Scotland, are bursting into bloom

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TULIPS AT GRAVETYE MANOR

West Sussex The landscaped gardens at Gravetye Manor were created by pioneering gardener William Robinson and are considered one of the most important historic gardens in England. Look out for jewel-like tulips in the flower garden. You can also explore wild meadows, orchards and a flourishing walled kitchen garden that provides produce for the hotel’s restaurant.

SPRING BULBS AT HARTWELL HOUSE

Wales Situated on a peninsular with terraces tumbling down the hillside and views of Snowdonia, the gardens at Bodysgallen Hall are a spectacular sight. It is well known for its colourful

THE FORMAL GARDENS AT BODYSGALLEN HALL

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lose your eyes and take a deep breath.

Imagine a riot of colour in a flower-filled garden with a blanket of purple bluebells, crimson-pink cherry blossom and sapphire-blue delphiniums. A sweet fragrance fills the air and the sunshine gently warms your skin.

This is a quintessential country garden.

Pride of Britain Hotels suggests that there is no substitute for spending quality time with nature and surrounding yourself with our glorious gardens. Take a stroll through the foliage to nourish your soul, providing an instant mood boost. Our chefs gather fruit, vegetables and edible flowers from the kitchen gardens for delicious dishes and healthy spring salads allowing guests to enjoy produce from earth to plate within hours, sometimes minutes.

17th century box hedged parterre, though you can also meander through medlar and mulberry, enchanting follies and a rose garden.

Buckinghamshire The revered English landscape architect Capability Brown transformed 90 acres of countryside surrounding Hartwell House in the Vale of Aylesbury back in the 18th century. Vibrant spring blooms to discover here include daffodils, primroses and anemones. A roam through the parkland reveals grand statues, canals and an ornamental bridge.

Scotland The gardens surrounding Glenapp Castle are perched above the Ayrshire coast and boast many extraordinary plants from around the world.

You’ll have a spring in your step while wandering through the Gertrude Jekyll-designed Italian garden, but don’t miss the grapevines, peach and fig trees in the Victorian glasshouse.

With so many horticultural hotels to choose from, your next Glorious Garden escape with Pride of Britain Hotels awaits. www.prideofbritainhotels.com

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tock Exchange Hotel is a Grade II listed building in the heart of Manchester city centre and was purchased by Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs back in 2014. The building has been meticulously restored and transformed into a hotel offering a collection of 40 rooms and suites, including two signature suites and a stunning 3,500 square foot penthouse residence.

Stock Exchange is an exquisite example of Edwardian Baroque architecture steeped in history centrally located in the heart of Manchester, the hotel is an ideal base from which to experience all the city has to offer. Stock Exchange Hotel is part of 520 hotels that make up the Small Luxury Hotel Group.

Design The hotel’s interiors have been designed by internationally renowned design studio Autoban.

Their bespoke design – a subtle arrangement of a light palette of colours, combined with luxurious materials, original marble, brass, glass and woodwork - ensures guests will experience spaces deeply rooted in the history and heart of the city, crafted around the remarkable stories of the building.

Dining – The Bull & Bear The heart and soul of the hotel is The Bull & Bear by Chef Tom Kerridge, housed under the magnificent dome which for decades was the trading floor of the Stock Exchange. The space has been designed to be a social space where people can enjoy quality food in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.

Tom’s first Manchester concept is an approachable and social space, blurring the lines between elegance and informality, with a menu reflecting Tom’s signature style of refined British classics. Heading up The Bull & Bear is Head Chef Connor Black.

Our Visit Stained glass windows, marble pillars and original black and white flooring greet you as you enter the

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weekend away

Stock Exchange Hotel Manchester W O R D S : K AT H R Y N O T T O

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

reception area. You instantly feel the heritage of the building all around you. Stock Exchange Hotel opened its doors for the first time in 1906 and the Bull & Bear restaurant is the original trading floor, which is evident in the pictures on the wall and clever use of original features.

We had previously visited for a meal at the Bull & Bear so already had a taste of how special this visit was going to be and our expectations were not disappointed. After being swiftly checked in and offered a glass of champagne to enjoy in the Residents Lounge, we were shown up to our suite. It was a lovely large corner room decorated in a luxurious colour palette of greys, browns, greens and creams, complete with a roll-top bath at the end of the bed and an electric television at the foot of the superking bed. We

loved the little touches such as the archived pictures of the traders at work on the walls and the delicious flapjack and card from Tom Kerridge.

The hotel is ideally situated right in the heart of the city on a quiet street behind Market Street, a great location for exploring, with an array of shops on your doorstep. With great travel links (train stations and tram stops are within ten minutes walking distance), the hotel is so well placed to allow you to enjoy all the delights Manchester has to offer, from bars and restaurants to theatres, art galleries and sporting venues, everything is easily accessible.

Stock Exchange Hotel just ticks all the boxes, with a quality restaurant, luxurious rooms, a great central location and friendly smiley staff that are on hand to help enhance your stay in any way they can.

With the recent announcement of the launch of ‘Sterling’, set to open this summer, there is yet another great reason to return. Joe and Daniel Schofield, alongside leading wine expert James Brandwood, will take over the lower ground floor previously known as ‘The Vault’. It will become home to an exciting new cocktail bar, with a fantastic wine programme that fittingly reflects the history and glamour of this stunning building. We can't wait to come back and enjoy a cocktail or two! See you soon Stock Exchange.

Personal Note It's obvious why Stock Exchange is ranked the number one hotel in Manchester on Tripadvisor, it really is a special hidden gem. www.stockexchangehotel.co.uk 75

Drive O PE PEN N A AII R

Concept cars can be frustrating. Not

because the indicator stalks are in ridiculous places or because the glovebox doesn’t shut properly, but because you know they’ll never go into production. This is one such vehicle. It’s called the Polestar O2, and it’s highly unlikely to go on sale – at least not in this form. Which is a pity, because it’s an absolutely stunning piece of design. Powered by batteries, this all-electric roadster is made with recycled materials and even comes with its own drone.

Or it would, if you could buy it. Mad? Perhaps. Cool? Definitely. www.polestar.com

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DRIVE BRITISH RACING GREEN

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

Lotus goes off-piste with the new, all-electric Eletre super-SUV

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otus is known for its racing cars and the odd road-going two-seaters, but this is something completely new for the Norfolk-based brand. It’s called the Eletre, and it isn’t just an SUV, but it’s an electric SUV. Here to knock the socks off the Jaguar I-Pace and the Audi e-tron, the Eletre is intended to show what a sports car company can do with electric power – even with a practical SUV body.

What it can do is pretty amazing, really. The Eletre will be offered with a choice of power outputs, starting at around 600bhp, and the fastest models will manage 0-62mph in less than three seconds. At the same time, Lotus says it’s targeting a range of around 370 miles on a single charge, with 350kW charging points able to provide 250 miles of range in around 20 minutes.

“The Eletre is a bold and revolutionary new car, delivering on our commitment to move Lotus into completely new automotive segments as we widen our global appeal and accessibility,” said

Matt Windle, the company’s managing director.

“This is a momentous point in our history and a clear signal of our ongoing desire to transform our business. It is a true Lotus, and we’re confident it will delight performance car customers and offer a distinct alternative to the segment’s established players. The Eletre has the soul of a Lotus and the usability of an SUV. Alongside the Emira sports car, this is the perfect two-car garage from Lotus.”

Lotus Eletre, £TBC, www.lotuscars.com 78

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ To many, the Ford Mustang GT was already American enough. A big V8 at the front, a deep rumble at the back and an aversion to the word ‘handling’ makes it an ode to everything that’s wrong, but also so very right, with motoring in the USA. And just to make sure you get the Stateside message, Ford has introduced a new California Special model. Available solely as a convertible, the newcomer gets a black grille and black side stripes, plus 19-inch black alloy wheels and even a “faux filler cap”. There’s some extra equipment, too, and there’s the quintessential V8 engine under the bonnet, producing 444bhp.

Ford Mustang California, from £52,105, www.ford.co.uk

loves

AN ALL-TIME GR8?

The Toyota GT86 rewrote the rulebook when it arrived a decade ago.

Designed solely for driving pleasure, it was underpowered and tail happy, which made it the darling of petrol-heads everywhere, but it never sold in especially large numbers. Now, there’s a new model that aims to correct some of the GT86’s vices while staying true to the original brief. It’s called the GR86, and it’s another two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe that’s designed to be a driver’s dream. But Toyota has added more power and more equipment in a bid to broaden its appeal. Is this set to be the greatest driver’s coupe ever?

Toyota GR86, From £29,995, www.toyota.co.uk

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

T hat’s J ust H o w I Roll Rollss James Fossdyke finds out whether the enormous Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge can really put the ‘sport’ in a sport utility vehicle

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he word ‘sport’ is one that simultaneously means everything and nothing. For some, sport is a way of life, a religion to be followed or practised. For others, it’s simply an excuse for middle-aged men with respectable jobs to become total hooligans. But for the car industry, it doesn’t really mean very much at all.

Massive 4x4s are ‘sport’ utility vehicles, or SUVs, 1.0-litre hatchbacks get ‘sport’ styling and even big people-carriers come in sporty trim levels.

Better still, Rolls-Royce – that well-known purveyor of not-at-all-sporty luxury saloons – has not only built an SUV, but it’s built a sporty SUV. It’s called the Cullinan Black Badge, and it’s essentially a slightly less lumpen version of the enormous Cullinan SUV. Except when we say “less lumpen”, we don’t mean smaller, lighter or less imposing.

In fact, the Black Badge is designed to look even more imposing than the standard Cullinan, with its dark grille and the black Spirit of Ecstasy on the nose. To be honest, it doesn’t make much difference. If you see a

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Cullinan of any description coming the other way, you’re going to know about it. This car is utterly enormous; it’s six feet tall and well over 17 feet long, which means parking can be tricky, but dominating the road is not.

It’s difficult to approach one of these cars without being impressed. Aside from the sheer bulk, details such as the retractable Spirit of Ecstasy and the wheel centres that always remain upright give it an air of quality. The ‘suicide’ rear-hinged rear doors are a neat touch, too, and instead of closing the doors yourself, you can always just press a button to close them electrically.

Once inside, you’re ensconced in a world of beautiful craftsmanship, from the deep-pile carpets to the intricate detail of the starry roof lining. Hidden in the trim are hundreds of LEDs that create a starry night’s sky, complete with shooting stars that zip across the car’s roof.

And because Rolls-Royce wasn’t too happy with the existing carbon-fibre weaves currently in existence, it developed its own X-shaped weave design specifically for its Black Badge vehicles.

Other neat features include the tray tables and TV screens, which make the Cullinan sound like more of a budget airline than it really is. They’re beautifully made and engineered, with buttons to fold them out or to tuck them away. It feels as though there’s a button for everything, lest a passenger actually need to pull a door closed or operate any kind of mechanical device.

Even in the boot, which is accessed via a Range Rover-style split tailgate, there’s little need to get your hands dirty. Obviously,

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

opening the tailgate can be achieved using a button on the leather-backed key fob, providing access to a capacious, carpeted luggage bay. But the floor is raised, and a button at the side reveals why. Press and hold the button, and a pair of seats slide from the boot floor, out across the lower tailgate and into position over the rear bumper. The folding chairs match the interior leather and are described by RollsRoyce as a “Viewing Suite” for watching polo matches or three-day eventing. I’m not sure a Costa Coffee in a northern service station was quite what Rolls-Royce had in mind when it developed the Viewing Suite, but I tried it and it worked a treat. It even has a little table on which to perch your mocha.

But for all the luxury touches, the Cullinan is still a car, and it’s unquestionably a fantastic limousine, capable of chauffeuring passengers long distances or over rough terrain in immense comfort. But this Black Badge version is supposedly built for the drivers. You still get the massive steering wheel and the not-at-all-

sporty column-mounted gear shift – no F1-derived flappy paddles or H-pattern manual gearboxes here – but Rolls-Royce claims it has increased the driver engagement with a new exhaust system that gives the V12 engine more of a growl, while the brakes have been recalibrated and the suspension fettled for extra control.

Power has also been added, with the 6.75-litre V12 churning out 591bhp – up from 653bhp

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge

that’s a product of the ride height and the more handlingorientated suspension set-up. And anyway, it hasn’t exactly turned into a Porsche 911 GT3; it just isn’t quite as smooth as you might like.

In truth, those who want a sporty car will not go for a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Even those with their hearts set on an SUV will find more enjoyment and better value from a Bentley Bentayga, an Aston Martin DBX or a high-end Porsche Cayenne. And if you’re worried about luxury, remember that’s a Bentley, an Aston Martin and a Porsche. There’s nothing bargainbasement about those brands.

But the Cullinan is about space and comfort and serenity. In any form, the big Rolls has those criteria licked, although the Black Badge sacrifices a fraction of that comfort in a doomed bid to enter the broad church of sportiness. But most customers will overlook those shortcomings for one reason and one reason alone: style. If you dig the Black Badge image, nothing else will do.

Engine: 6.75-litre V12 petrol Economy: 17.3mpg 0-60mph: 4.9 seconds Top speed: 155mph Power: 591bhp

in the ‘standard’ Cullinan. That sort of power is what Messrs Rolls and Royce would have called “sufficient”. It’s so sufficient, in fact, that it’ll get this huge, 2.7-tonne 4x4 from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph. In something this big and bulky, that’s quite an alarming turn of pace.

But for all that, the Cullinan still feels like a wafty, serene luxury car, rather than a sporty SUV. The suspension may be recalibrated, but the car still leans from side to side like the crowd at a Take That concert, and the sheer size of the car makes fast country roads less than relaxing – especially if you’re trying to take them at speed.

Where the Cullinan really comes into its own is on the motorway or around town, where the smooth engine and supple suspension make it incredibly relaxing.

Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the comfort you’d hope for, but

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HB 01-22 - 0072 - THE CHESHIRE MAGAZINE (2).indd 1

02/03/2022 10:03:57

Home Arteriors Celebrate 35 Years This year Arteriors are celebrating 35 years of

imagination, creativity and meticulous craftsmanship. Their SS22 collection is all about grounded interiors in an ode to mother nature. Strong links to the natural world occur throughout materials and tones used as well as choices of motifs – incorporating mushrooms, meandering garden vines, and abstract botanicals into designs across items from furniture to lighting and accessories.

Meadow cocktail table, £1888; Juneau bowl £411; Lanny bench, £1888; Jana pendant, £3591; Kalona wall plaques set of 3, £682 www.arteriorshome.com

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Home | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Case Study

A Regal Residence by the River w it h

Hav woods W

ith outstanding views overlooking the River Dee and stunning Welsh coastline, Abbotsford is the epitome of residential luxury. This impressive detached period property recently underwent a substantial renovation and extension to reconfigure its internal layout undertaken

by Mark Watson Architects.

The design brief was to maintain character whilst delicately introducing modern touches through minimalist décor and the exposed wooden window frames. To complete the space and provide the perfect finishing touch, Havwoods

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Homes and Interiors

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Home | 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

was specified to provide herringbone flooring that would contribute to the overall flow of the property.

The Cocoa Herringbone from the V Collection was chosen for its traditional yet contemporary appeal, perfectly complementing the features of the house. Its popular and on-trend design, rich wooden hues and intricate pattern beautifully reflect the natural light from the hallway of the property.

Combined with the stunning views of the countryside from the floor-toceiling windows, the natural flooring truly helps bring the outdoors inside.

Complemented by soft, grey walls and matt black accents on the doors and furniture, the planks help to tie the entire scheme together resulting in a warm and welcoming home.

Renowned as an industry leader, innovation and aesthetics are pivotal when it comes to designing an interior scheme. Havwoods has continued to stay ahead of the trends by providing consumers with cutting-edge wood floor solutions that deliver on both functionality and style. www.havwoods.com/uk

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Home | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Are You Looking To Downsize As You Start Your Next Chapter?

Set in the heart of Wilmslow, Chapelwood offers stylish and modern, later living apartments created with downsizing in mind

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hapelwood is home to a stunning collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, and has been designed to reflect the country manors of the surrounding landscape. Inspired by Cheshire’s Victorian vernacular, Glenn Howells Architects have created this charming four-storey redbrick building to stand in harmony with the mature poplars, planes, yew and chestnut trees that line the grounds.

With over 85% of apartments sold, there is just a handful of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments remaining within this thriving community.

Chapelwood is perfectly located just a short walk from Wilmslow, with shops to suit all styles and tastes from designer boutiques to charity shops and department stores. En route back home you will find some of the best restaurants, patisseries and cafes. If you enjoy the great outdoors, Wilmslow’s nearby countryside provides plenty of beautiful places to explore. Chapelwood is set within walking distance of all the delights this leafy suburb has to offer which are waiting to be enjoyed by you.

Chapelwood created by Pegasus is the perfect place to call home if you’re seeking a stylish, low maintenance home as you begin the next chapter of your life, freeing up more of your time to do what matters most - whether time with family, pursuing hobbies or taking advantage of beautiful locations close by.

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Homes and Interiors

Designed for you. Built for you.

Waiting for you.

With quality being central to everything Pegasus creates, the property has been thoughtfully designed to the highest specification as the apartments offer beautiful open-plan layouts, creating light and airy apartments. The kitchens present high-quality surfaces and finishes, and lots of workspace. The elegant bedrooms are lovely tranquil havens where you can unwind at the end of a busy day and the tiled bathrooms are sleek and modern with either a spacious shower or bath.

Numerous apartments at Chapelwood also have private balconies or terraces with views across the beautiful Chapelwood grounds.

This is a place where you will find first-class facilities that support your health and wellbeing,

including a Wellness spa which features a pool, herbal sauna, sun terrace and treatment rooms, and a gym with state-of-the-art Keiser equipment; the Chapelwood Kitchen where you will receive delicious locally sourced produce, and seasonal recipes meaning there will always be something new for you to try; and lastly a communal lounge with its comfortable furniture and honesty bar - the perfect place if you’re looking to catch up with family and friends or even settle down to enjoy a good book with a glass of wine at the end of the day.

If you are looking to downsize to a luxurious and beautifully presented apartment and Chapelwood is of interest to you, contact us on 01625 569492 or email: chapelwood@lifestory.group.

Sale prices start from £499,000 - £575,000 or £3,201 pcm at Chapelwood.

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Hot Property

ASPIRE NORDICA SUPER LODGE PLAS COCH COASTAL & COUNTRY RETREAT, LLANEDWEN, LLANFAIRPWLL, ANGLESEY, LL61 6EJ

Home

from

Home

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE A BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY LODGE IN ONE OF THE PREMIER PLOT LOCATIONS AT THE STUNNING ‘PLAS COCH COASTAL & COUNTRY RETREAT’

£450,000

F

or the perfect place to relax and unwind, look no further than Plas Coch. Whether you’re seeking to make the most of some down time in the relaxing spa and wellbeing rooms, or sampling exquisite cuisine in one of the on-site restaurants, you’ll feel perfectly pampered and well-rested with help from our fantastic facilities.

If you’re looking to be a little more active, there’s a modern gym and award-winning swimming pool and what’s more, all of this is set within a beautiful, 450-year-old Elizabethan manor house. For those seeking a little more adventure, you can take to the water at The Marine Club*, situated along the stunning Menai Strait,

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before enjoying a nightcap in the inviting Country Club and Bar. Our holiday park exceeds your expectations of a standard caravan park, think luxury lodges and super lodges with hot tubs and modern interiors. Caravan park living like no other.

Introducing the Nordica - the very first of its kind and in one of the most coveted positions on the entire park.

Taking lodge living skyward!

Featuring a unique roof terrace, with teak deck boards, glass balustrading,

integrated planter boxes and low level lighting. Unlike any other rooftop lodge, this terrace is accessed by a conventional staircase from within the home.

Inspired by the elegant simplicity, minimalism and functionality of Scandinavian interior design - this home is truly like no other. A sensibly arranged vestibule opens into the most striking kitchen ever seen in a holiday lodge - with floating effect appliances seen through a tile framed island. An

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Home

elegantly arranged and cosy lounge with feature log burner, high vaulted ceilings and large bi-folding doors further epitomises the understated grandeur of this crafted work of art.

The Nordica sets a new benchmark as the pinnacle of luxury lodge living.

In the lounge the luxury features are everywhere you look. A cylindrical ‘log burning’ stove stands in the corner of the lounge leading to the well designed kitchen where Spanish tiles line the walls and the roof above the solid bamboo breakfast bar.

A Scandinavian inspired dining and lounge area adjoin with a solid oak six-seater dining table to create the perfect space for entertaining friends and family.

The Nordica has three bedrooms – two have double beds and one has 2

x sets of bunk beds ‘Dorm’ style to comfortably house 10 people.

The master bedroom is truly stunning with floor to ceiling windows and two hanging areas in the dressing room that leads to the en suite shower room.

In the main bathroom theirs a bath, a drench and directional shower, wood-effect floor tiles create a truly magnificent space.

The truly unique feature of this lodge is its outside space combining its large front decking area with access through its front facing bifold doors to its roof terrace accessed via a staircase in an internal courtyard area within the lodge. Once there you’ll find ample seating, sun loungers and a coffee table all bordered by slate-effect walls into which planters are arranged. The perfect place for good-weather relaxing and taking in views of the Snowdonia range and surrounding countryside.

The lodge comes fully furnished with everything required to simply turn up and relax and is available immediately.

For further information, please contact Craig Reardon at Plas Coch Coastal & Country Retreat www.parkleisure.co.uk Tel: 01248 711924 or 07590 649602 E-mail: craig.reardon@parkleisure.co.uk

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Hot Property

ADVERT NEW STICKLE COTTAGE GREAT LANGDALE, AMBLESIDE, LA22 9JU DISCOVER A STONE-BUILT CHARACTER COTTAGE IN GREAT LANGDALE, FRAMED BY THE FELLS, WITH A RANGE OF MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS, ROAD CYCLING, HILL WALKING, FELL RUNNING, TRAIL RUNNING AND WILD SWIMMING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE ON THE DOORSTEP

£1,100,000

S

tep out of your back door and head directly up the fells from New Stickle Cottage, a renovated stone cottage with all the quintessential character of a Beatrix Potter illustration, yet all the practical perks needed for modern lifestyles.

Head for the sage front door and into the porch, where contemporary neutral décor enhances the entrance hall beyond the glazed internal door.

Exposed stone and tiled flooring in the porch are replaced by herringbone wooden flooring in the entrance hall, where the warmth of the cottage is instantly apparent. Stash your coat and hat in the deep storage cupboard.

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A home brimming with quirks and character, rooms have been rearranged to maximise light, space and views.

Sleeping quarters are now found on the ground floor, preserving the picturesque views of the fells for the daytime.

Turn left to discover a warm and welcoming bedroom, where herringbone flooring continues underfoot and a crimson feature wall harmonises with decorative touches and soft furnishings for an intimate feel. A deep window seat offers storage alongside built-in shelving beside the double bed.

Next door, the former kitchen – now relocated upstairs – makes way for the family bathroom, where a large spa bath

and separate walk-in shower feature.

Returning to the entrance hall, sneak a peek to the right of the front door, where a fully-tiled shower room makes great use of space, featuring a shower, wash basin and WC. A quirky, tall rectangular window invites light whilst retaining privacy.

Make your way now through to the carpeted wing of the bedroom level, where a large space to the left is currently used as a dressing area. Ahead, arrive at the first of two further bedrooms, the guest room. A high window captures leafy garden views, embracing the cosy cottage feel of this home. Dressed in neutral, warm tones, there is plenty

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

of space for a double bed and bedside tables.

Next door, the master bedroom is spacious and light, decorated in soft grey-green tones and cosily carpeted underfoot. Two broad windows frame views out over the fields and fells.

Ample space in here for a desk, bookshelves, wardrobe and chest of drawers in addition to your double bed.

Make your way up the solid wood staircase to the half landing, where glazed French doors draw in light from the garden and offer instant access to the serenity of the outdoors. Dine on the patio and drink in the peace and tranquillity of your surroundings beneath the instantly recognisable outline of the Langdale peaks.

Inside, continue up the second flight of stairs, arriving on the landing of the first floor, where a shower room ahead is warmed by underfloor heating.

Flow through to the left, into the carpeted lounge, a large, light and inviting room with spectacular views through a large window. A peaceful backdrop for morning yoga or simply accompanying the first cuppa of the day.

Warmth emanates from the stove, converted from open fireplace to a high-quality Clearview wood burner with direct air flow. Easy to light and smokeless, this contemporary addition - alongside Nest thermostatic controls and Broadband internet – is one of many upgrades elevating New Stickle

Cottage to a convenient contemporary home wrapped up in characterful Lakeland stone.

Across from the lounge is the large and light kitchen. Moved upstairs from its original setting on the ground floor, this room is awash with light from the large windows which frame striking views out over the fells. The hub of the home, this room’s magnetism is a draw for friends and family, who can sit at the central island with a drink and chat as dinner is prepared, before moving to the dining table by the window.

Outside, the gently sloping rear lawn guides the eyeline towards the everpresent fells. A large patio is ideal for drinks, alfresco dining and entertaining.

Savour the garden views of the surrounding fells. Springtime is especially picturesque, with local fields populated by new born lambs. All quiet and peaceful in the afternoon sun, enjoy a snooze on your sun lounger to the gentle soundtrack of bleating lambs. www.ashdownjones.co.uk

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Hot Property

ADVERT THE BROOMLANDS HATHERTON, NANTWICH, CW5 7PH AN EXCEPTIONAL AND MOST SUBSTANTIAL GRADE II LISTED GEORGIAN PERIOD RESIDENCE AFFORDING STUNNING ACCOMMODATION CHARACTER AND FEATURES STANDING IN DELIGHTFUL SURROUNDINGS UPON AN ELEVATED POSITION WITHIN ESTABLISHED GROUNDS AND WOODLAND GARDENS TO 2.4 ACRES NEARBY TO NANTWICH AND AUDLEM WITH HEATED SWIMMING POOL AND EXTENSIVE GARAGING.

GUIDE PRICE £1,245,000

T

he Broomlands is a most impressive residence that forms a large portion of a former Stately Home of significant stature and immense Georgian character. The house was historically divided into two parts and great care was taken to retain much of the original appeal and a large range of original Period

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features. The house affords a considerable sense of grace and elegance throughout.

The rural hamlet of Hatherton offers super local walks, bridle & cycle paths and the desirable picturesque village of Audlem is just 2.5 miles offering a good selection of independent shops including an antiques shop, local butchers and

delicatessen. There is a public house, restaurant, mini supermarket, St James church and a medical practice. The towns of Market Drayton, Whitchurch and Newcastle under Lyme are also within easy reach. For a further range of facilities, Hatherton is located just a short drive from the popular historic market town of Nantwich. www.cheshirelamont.co.uk

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

Key Features • An outstanding and substantial Grade II listed late Georgian residence • Affording elegantly appointed accommodation of immense character and appeal • Enjoying an elevated position overlooking established grounds and woodland gardens to 2.35 acres • With gated sweeping driveway, heated swimming pool, double garaging and triple bay garaging • Retaining many original period details and features • Gracious entrance and reception hall, superb dual aspect drawing room, bay fronted dining room • Large fully appointed dining kitchen, conservatory porch, cloakroom, extensive cellars, separate laundry room • Large first floor landings, master bedroom with en suite, three further double bedrooms, bathroom, WC

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Home | Homes and Interiors The CHESHIRE Magazine

And Finally ...

To mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II, Gabriella James, Chairmakers has designed a Special Edition Jubilee Turner Counter Stool upholstered in a traditionally woven Union Flag. For every stool sold during 2022, Gabriella James will ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ in association with The Queen’s Green Canopy, a charity that has been established for this special occasion.

The Turner Counter Stool is the perfect kitchen companion. Slim enough to tuck under any counter or in any kitchen corner, the Turner Counter Stool is a winning combination of practical comfort and style. The traditional button-shaped seat is handmade from 100% natural stuffing materials including natural latex, coconut coir and pure merino wool, making it uncompromisingly comfortable to sit on. The stylish solid-wood frame is hand carved with traditionally turned legs in sustainably sourced English Ash and finished with a natural wax oil, enhancing the beautifully warm grain. For every stool sold during 2022, Gabriella James will ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ in association with The Queen’s Green Canopy, a charity that has been established for this special occasion.

Turner Jubilee Counter Stool, www.gabriellajames.co.uk, £495

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