James Goss shares a James Goss shares a homemade recipe homemade Food fit for a KING Celebrates 100 years Celebrates 100 years
Managing Director
Jack Bennett
Editor
Craig Hough
Editorial Assistant
Margaret O’Donnell
Contributers
James Fossdyke
Clare Stobart
Louisa Warde
Kathryn Otto
Design & Production
Kate Woods
After months of planning, we are so pleased to finally present to you The Rutland Magazine. Our pages are filled with fun features, news and top tips to help ease you into autumn.
We start by talking to Stephen and Lisa Smith (p.12), Directors of Smith Eliot Financial Management Limited about their life in Rutland. We then move on to our Notebook pages in which we look at upcoming events in the area (p.16) and highlight three of the best foodie adventures on the move (p.18).
Senior Advisor at The Ritz London, Andrew Love shares stories from his time at the exclusive 5-star hotel (p.21) and Mel and Sue discuss their hit Sky comedy drama, Hitmen Reloaded (p.26).
Our Style pages are bursting with colour as RIANNA + NINA release their new collection (p.32).
Within our Health, Beauty and Wellness pages we look back on 100 years of CHANEL’s signature fragrance (p.42) and Fitness Expert Clare Stobart shares her top tips to kick-start your day (p.47).
In Food and Drink we talk to Rasa Kadyte Vasauskiene from The Old Pheasant Hotel (p.57) and James Gross, Head Chef at The Kings Arms shares his recipe for rabbit and mushroom pasty (p.58).
Resident petrol head James Fossdyke trials the Porsche Cayenne S Coupe (p.80) in Drive and in Home we meet Denise Cable (p.88) to learn more about The Home Styling Company. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy the first issue of The Rutland Magazine.
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King
More
Paten
Savills
Stamford
The
The
The
The
The
OAKHAM
Cavells
Dovetail
Equilibrium
Gladwell Patterson
Grainstore Brewary Tap
Oakham School
Otter’s Fine Foods
Sarpech
Smith Elliot Financial Management
The Admiral Hornblower
The Lord Nelson
The Old Wisteria Hotel
UPPINGHAM
Crown Inn
Don Paddy’s
Scandimania Coffee
The
The
The
Uppingham School
Welland
REVIVE ∙ RAISE ∙ REDEFINE THE GAZE IS REAWAKENED
A NEW FOCUS ON EYES. THE FIRST EYE SERUM INFUSED WITH CAVIAR PREMIER – THE MOST POTENT CAVIAR INCARNATION YET –TO REVIVE, RAISE AND REDEFINE THE ENTIRE EYE AREA, INCLUDING BROWS. A CAVIAR FUSION FRESHLY BLENDED WITH EACH USE FOR A GAZE REAWAKENED.
INFUSED WITH CAVIAR PREMIER
A RITZ LOVE AFFAIR
Senior Advisor Andrew Love shares his story
HITMEN RELOADED
Mel & Sue, discuss the brand new series
CHANEL No.5
Looking back on 100 years of CHANEL’s signature fragrance
Foodie Adventures for you to enjoy 21 26 42 18 12 32
MY LIFE IN...
Stephen and Lisa Smith share their life with us
3 OF THE BEST…
PETALOUDA
The RIANNA + NINA A/W21 collection is full of firsts for the luxury label
LA PRAIRIE’S PURE GOLD COLLECTION
Inspired by the golden hour in the crown of the Swiss Alps
FIND YOUR FIT
Clare Stobart’s 10 morning habits to kick-start your day
PETS CORNER
Top pet purchases for your four legged friends
FOOD & DRINK
MEET THE CHEF
James Gross shares a homemade recipe
THE WINE CELLAR
Justerini & Brooks share their must-have wines for this autumn
PARADISE FOUND
We profile VARU by Atmosphere
DRIVE
COUPE DE GRACE
James Fossdyke trials the Porsche Cayenne S Coupe
Q&A WITH…
Denise Cable, Founder of The Home Styling Company
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AND LISA SMITH , DIRECTORS OF SMITH ELIOT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED
How would you describe yourself?
Stephen: Gregarious and an adrenaline junkie! I love life. What I do is the ideal job for me – meeting people and helping them to achieve their financial goals. Many of my clients have become great friends over the years.
Lisa: I am a very busy person, always putting others first and dealing with lots of things at once including the donkeys, chickens, dogs, and Stephen (the most time consuming of them all). It is never a dull moment in the life of Lisa Smith. As well as all the chaos there is always fun and laughter along the way.
Where is home? And work?
Stephen: I am originally from Devizes in Wiltshire but moved around for many years as my father was a newly qualified doctor. My formative years were in Hertfordshire and when I first married, I moved to Rutland where I have stayed ever since. Lisa and I now live in Exton with our menagerie of animals. I work mainly in Rutland, but also London and throughout the country. Lisa: Wollaton is where I was brought up, but home depends on where we are and where people come to visit. Every weekend Stephen informs me of the dinners and lunches we are putting on for the family and friends, it does feel like we run an open house. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have clients in various locations around the country. I am mainly based in our office in Oakham, but you can usually find me on the road on my way somewhere to a client meeting.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
Stephen: I am a fast car fanatic and I always wanted to be a racing driver.
“Being positive and optimistic allows you to see life in a completely different way. Don’t take life too seriously and have fun”
Lisa: From a young age I wanted to be an artist and pursued this passion for the first two years after college. After wanting a change of scenery, I started a marketing position in an estate agent which led to moving up the ladder and this is where my career in the industry started.
Name a few of your favourite places to be...
Stephen: Seychelles, Salcombe, Greek Islands, Croatia – I enjoy travel in general or wherever the warm weather takes me. I love walking around the peninsula of Rutland Water and around Exton where I live - I walk most days with the dogs. I love fine dining so Hambleton Hall, Sarpech, and Roka in London are just a handful of places that I like to visit.
Lisa: My favourite place on earth is Venice - I love the hustle and bustle lifestyle and the food of course. There are so many places I love to go to but for me it’s all about having fun with friends and family and so it’s all about the company rather than the destination.
What or who inspires you?
Stephen: Winston Churchill and his dogged determination not to give in during the darkest hours of World War II. Also, humorous people like David Jason, Les Dawson, Stephen Fry – comedy geniuses.
Lisa: I have had many role models in my life but unfortunately none of them are around today. I always
carry them around with me and constantly use the skills they taught me. These are people I have worked with and who have mentored me. There are people on this earth that can touch your soul and they changed the way I think and act despite them not being here anymore.
What was the last gift you gave someone?
Stephen: To my daughter, a Chanel handbag which I promised her when she received all clear from her cancer treatment.
Lisa: I organised a selection of cheesecakes for one of my new clients who has been diagnosed with dementia and Parkinson’s and has just turned 90. His wife called later to tell me it made his day and was greatly touched by the thought of organising something for his birthday. That is what gift giving is all about.
Tell us a secret/fun fact?
Stephen: In 1989 I was driving from Hemel Hempstead to Leicester in the Cosworth Mercedes I owned at that time. I was on the motorway and noticed someone in an AMG Mercedes. We passed each other from time to time and after a few minutes, the driver in the other Mercedes pulled up alongside me. We looked over at each other and I couldn’t believe that it was Phil Collins! It was surreal as my favourite band is Genesis and I was playing Genesis in the car at the time. He indicated to me to pull over, we stopped on the hard shoulder, and we spoke for 5 minutes about our cars and then went our separate ways. Amazing and something I will never forget.
Lisa: I have lots of secrets, but they are secrets for a reason, but nothing really beats meeting Phil Collins on the motorway!
Who or what would you place in Room 101?
Stephen: The misuse of the word ‘like’. It seems that people have managed to incorporate this word into every sentence. It drives me mad!
Lisa: Stephen, I didn’t even need to think twice about that.
Your mastermind subjects?
Stephen: Classic comedy series
Lisa: Shar Pei health issues, I think I could write a book on this especially with our lot.
What’s been your biggest life lesson?
Stephen: To listen to what people say. The more you listen to people the more you learn - I didn’t always listen as I thought I knew best and that taught me a lesson.
Lisa: To always be optimistic. People who see life in a glass half full rather than a glass half empty mentality seem to have life cracked. Being positive and optimistic allows you to see things in a completely different way. Don’t take life too seriously and have fun.
www.smitheliotfinancialmanagement.co.uk
“What I do is the best job for me – meeting people and helping them to achieve their financial goals. Many of my clients have become great friends over the years.”
Skies to the Eyes
As Rutland’s Ospreys As Rutland’s begin their migration back to their back to the west coast of Africa, The the west coast of Africa, The Rutland Magazine wanted to Rutland Magazine wanted to focus on a charity that supports focus on a that supports young conservation leaders young conservation leaders along its flight path The its path. The Osprey Leadership Foundation, Foundation, founded by Stamford’s Dr Tim founded Stamford’s Dr Tim Mackrill, works with young Mackrill, works with young people from different cultures from different cultures and contrasting backgrounds in and in the UK and The Gambia to to inspire them about the natural them about the natural world and help them to develop world and them to into conservation leaders who who can make an impact at an can make an at an international level level. www ospreylf org www.ospreylf.org
Rutland would not be known as the “County of Good Taste” without its week-long celebration of food and fare from local producers and eateries. Discover Rutland has worked with its members to create a varied events programme including product sampling, beer festivals, pumpkin picking, offers and special menus created especially for the event.
Rutland Food and Drink Week has become a staple in the county’s calendar over the last few years and ends with the Discover Rutland Ball on 31 October to celebrate the end of the high tourist season.
James Torbell, Event Coordinator for Discover Rutland and Director of Beaver Inns which runs The Vaults, Don Paddy’s and The Falcon Hotel in Uppingham has worked with Discover Rutland members on this year’s programme.
He said: “This year is especially
important for our local businesses because it has been such a turbulent one. Starting with a full lockdown and then one of the busiest summers on record, it has been all or nothing and we’re looking forward to having the chance to showcase the best of Rutland’s food and drink once again with producers, cafes and restaurants across the county.”
In previous years, special menus created by some of the best chefs in the county have celebrated local produce, game and Rutland’s agricultural heritage.
James added: “We’re busy creating some incredible exclusive menus, offers and events for this year’s Food and Drink Week and if locals and tourists would like to be the first to know what’s on the menu, we’d encourage them to sign up to our Discover Rutland newsletter as that will be the first place we release information.” www.discover-rutland.co.uk
Time to get active with the return of this two week festival that includes over 30 sessions, including countryside walks, casual bike rides, nordic walking and more. The Rutland Round kick starts the first week, covering 65 miles over 7 days. You will have the opportunity to walk the county boundary and occasionally delve in to see beautiful market towns and Rutland Water. The second week includes a variety of walking, cycling and outdoor based activities throughout the county for all ages and abilities. www.activerutland.org.uk
The Bardi Symphony Orchestra return to the De Montfort Hall stage with a blockbuster symphonic programme featuring not one but two soloists. The concert opens with Elgar’s sumptuous orchestration of Bach’s Fantasia and Fugue in C Minor. Former Bardi Young Musician Amalia Young joins the orchestra for a performance of Mendelssohn’s ever-popular violin concerto. In the second half the renowned De Montfort Hall Organ springs into life with a performance of Saint-Saëns “Organ Symphony” featuring local organist David Cowen. www.demontforthall.co.uk
20 - 31 OCT
Burghley House, Lincolnshire
Do you dare to brave the creepiest corners and darkest depths of the grounds at Burghley? Prepare yourself for an evening of terrifying tales and frights in the night with local ghostly expert Martin Tempest and his fiendish friends. The tours are designed to be scary but fun and are recommended for children 13 and over. www.burghley.co.uk
26 NOV - 1 JAN
Belvoir Castle
Light up your autumn and enjoy an enchanting 1.3km light trail which will take you on a magical journey through the immaculately manicured Rose Garden, Japanese Garden and Spiral Walk. As you travel the sparkling trail, illuminated by thousands of lights, you will pass talking trees, interactive stepping stones, illuminated fountains and interactive light up games. It’s a tour designed to delight your senses and makes for a perfect festive family outing. www.belvoirchristmas.com
Luxury Cruises & Tours
Delight the senses while sailing on a round-trip from Lyon, taking in Avignon, Viviers, Beaune, and Tarascon along the way. Taste the gourmet offerings in Lyon, the food capital of France, and visit the culinary school of highly renowned Chef, Paul Bocuse, before embarking on the gastronomic-themed river cruise. www.scenic.co.uk
London City Cruises
Unbeatable views, live entertainment, and great food: one way of fitting in all that London has to offer on the River Thames. The boats are ideal for watching the majesty of London and the tidal Thames pass by – as you enjoy a glass of bubbles and a delicious four-course meal. Big Ben, London Eye, Tower Bridge and the magical Thames feature on all of their cruises. The London Showboat, the premier dinner cruise, goes, if tide and time allow, all the way to the Thames Barrier. www.citycruises.com
Step onboard the traditional Pullman style carriages and be transported back in time to an age where to dine by train was the height of sophistication. Enjoy first-class service and fine-dining behind a historic steam engine whilst journeying through the charming Lancashire countryside soaking up the picturesque panoramas as you go. With a range of options from a silver service four-course gastronomic delight to a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea, there is something for every appetite and occasion. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Celebrating over two decades at the Ritz, London, Senior Advisor Andrew Love sits down with Craig Hough to discuss his daily dealing with the royals and further tales from his incredible career
Designed by French Architect CharlesFrederic Mewes and Englishman Arthur Davis in Louis XVl style, the Ritz Hotel was opened by Swiss Hotelier Cesar Ritz on 25th May 1906, but was not an immediate success, losing over £50,000 between May 1906 and July 1908, resulting in the appointment of a new manager, Theodore Kroell. At this time, room rates per night were 1 – 1½ guineas. The Ritz was made fashionable in 1911 with the patronage of the Prince of Wales, and the Hotel’s success followed. Film stars, including Douglas Fairbanks, actors and high society figures frequented the Hotel. In 1921, Earl Louis Mountbatten’s friend Charlie Chaplin had to be ushered inside the Regal Suite by 40 policemen to protect him from his fans. In the 1930’s the then Prince of Wales honed his dancing skills at The Ritz. During World War II, eminent royals enjoyed the social whirl at this hub for the aristocracy.
After World War II The Ritz was owned for 30 years by the Bracewell-Smith family, who also owned the nearby Park Lane Hotel. In October 1995 the Hotel was purchased from Trafalgar House for £75 million by the Barclay twins Sir Frederick and Sir David, of the
Ellerman Group of Companies, owners of The Daily Telegraph. The Group spent £40 million and eight years in restoring The Ritz to its original grandeur, with sparkling chandeliers, and it was the first hotel to receive a Royal Warrant from Prince Charles.
“ Everyone is looking forward to getting back and serving our guests”
Mr Love, you have a long and successful career working at The Ritz London. Over the years The Ritz has hosted many famous guests from Charlie Chaplin and Roger Moore to Paul Getty and many more. What was the most unusual request you have had from a guest and how did you fulfil their wishes? There are guests that are demanding and guests that are less demanding. Most guest are less demanding, but sometimes they wish for eccentric things. Michael deCozar, who is our Head Concierge, was once asked to get some bath water from Brighton. Which in fact, he did do! What we do, we hope, is to make our guests stay private and comfortable, giving the service they expect from an iconic hotel, known as The Ritz.
Any personal favourite guests?
I suppose the most memorable guest was President Clinton. He was doing a book signing in Piccadilly and he was walking past an Afternoon Tea where someone was celebrating
a birthday. He later walked back and recognised the lady and said to her “I understand it’s your birthday – happy birthday!” The lady said, “I’m sure I know you” and he retorted “I’m President Clinton”.
The guest wrote a lovely letter back to the hotel to say “It’s amazing who you meet when you go to Afternoon Tea at The Ritz”. We’ve had lots of lovely guests, it’s a very privileged place to work for me.
Back in 2002, HM Queen Elizabeth II hosted a party on The Prince of Wales’s 54th birthday in The Ritz Restaurant and also held her 80th birthday celebrations in 2006. Do you have any memories you can share from royal events?
Her Majesty The Queen has held several, notable functions with us and The Prince of Wales has also held a mutton lunch for Welsh farmers (back in 2006) when he was encouraging the public to eat mutton so it should not go to waste. Each event was a joyous occasion for all staff, and everyone is delighted. I am a royalist and those who I have met (from the family) I’ve found charming, and I am privileged to have met most of them. I admire the tireless work that they do.
The Ritz in London is famous for its luxury and splendid catering services and in 2002 your hotel received a Royal Warrant for Banqueting and Catering Services. What special requirements need to be met to receive such an award?
The award is given if you provide catering facilities to St James’s Palace or to Clarence House. You have to prepare a cocktail party for the palace, providing both the staff service and the product. Speaking of His Royal Highness, you will remember that he and Camilla HRH The Duchess of Cornwall were first photographed together (in January 1999) as a couple on the Ritz steps as they left a party.
During the 23 years you have spent with the company, how do you feel the hotel has evolved to cater to the modern luxury market?
If you consider that, the hotel was originally known as the first place that single ladies could go unchaperoned. A gentleman could take the lady to tea at The Ritz without her chaperone. The world has changed. Whilst we have maintained, in many ways the tradition of the hotel, the hotel is evolving in the sense of the wonderful mix of clientele of people. From people that come for treats to young
people that come to experience something traditional - as we still maintain a dress code in the dining room and for afternoon tea. We offer an opportunity for younger people such as my children, who would normally dress down to go out, the option of dressing up and they find it quite refreshing. What is lovely about how it’s changed, is historically The Ritz might have been thought to be have been for the elder generation or middle-older generation, but now we have a wonderful eclectic mix of people from youth to aged. Its lovely to see the way they join together. Everything is more based on providing the service. Our staff still wear long tails to serve in the Tea Room. It’s a little bit of glamour for some people – that is different.
Since its launch in 1906, The Ritz Hotel has remained open through many times of difficulty, including the two world wars. Last year, when the pandemic hit the UK, the hotel closed its door for the first time. What was the effect on the staff and business?
If you have seen the ITV ‘Inside The Ritz Hotel’ documentary series, you will have seen
“We make our guests stay private and comfortable, giving them the service they expect from an iconic hotel, known as The Ritz”
“We’ve had lots of lovely guests, it’s a very privileged place to work for me”
one of special times of the year is Christmas. Unfortunately, because of the second lockdown, our guests were only able to enjoy the decorations for two weeks, which was very sad. We have been fortunate in that we have been able to keep all the staff and we look forward to reopening in May. The staff miss the people and the people miss the staff. What’s been apparent since the exit plan was announced is that bookings have been vibrant. Everyone is looking forward to getting back and serving our guests.
The Ritz has been used on several occasions for filming (including the aforementioned documentary) and back in 2015, key scenes for the final episode of the acclaimed television drama’ Downton Abbey’ were filmed in The Ritz Restaurant with Lady Edith and Lady Rosamund. How was that experience for the team?
The Ritz was also used for the film Notting Hill with Hugh Grant. Our concierge was involved in the filming and Julia Roberts was said to be staying. This was just before I started working there. A scene from the final episode of
Downton Abbey was filmed at The Ritz (in December 2015). After filming the cast stayed for their wrap party and obviously our team loved it. We know (Downtown Abbey Creator) Lord Fellowes quite well, and the restaurant was typical of what he wanted for the final episode.
With sustainability being a hot topic currently, what is The Ritz doing in terms of sustainability and your green footprint?
We are doing a lot. We provide our guests with toiletries such as soap, shampoo, body wash etc and when guests leave, we collect them all together and send them to a charity organisation called CleanConscience. The organisation collect together soap and toiletries are sorted, sanitised, repurposed and distributed to those in need of sanitation- there is no waste. We recycle all the food that we can and are very conscious of that. One of His Royal Highness Prince Charles’ main interests is sustainability and we are the only hotel that has his warrant so do our best to fulfil all of his commitments to sustainability.
With your work commitments to The Ritz and numerous charity commitments, how do you spend your leisure time? What would be your ideal weekend off?
Staying at home! I enjoy walking, I enjoy reading and I enjoy watching sport. I go to Lords (as and when you can go and watch cricket) but for my sins I am an Arsenal supporter. I find the opportunity to watch sport as a total relaxation from the concentration needed to keep everyone in the hotel happy. www.theritzlondon.com
Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, stars of the hit Sky action comedy, discuss the brand new series
How’s filming been going?
Sue: We’ve been in a coffin all afternoon Literally.
Mel: Five hours.
Sue: We’ve been doing some deep coffin acting.
Mel: The two of us, snuggled up, in a six-footlong, three foot wide underground cavity. We started to lose oxygen and hysteria was starting to kick in.
How does it feel to be back and working on Hitmen?
Mel: It’s weird because we haven’t actually filmed Hitmen for two years. The second series kept getting pushed back because of you know what. There was a lot of anticipation and excitement, but also we felt quite nervous as well. I think a lot of performers feel that way, because we’ve all had a year plus of not actually doing that much, and
now it’s all come back with a full crew of people and expectations.
So the safety restrictions haven’t gotten in the way of the fun?
Sue: Not at all. We had a lot of good weather which allowed us to film outside, which helps. And this may come as a surprise, but we didn’t have any intimate scenes so we didn’t have to resort to glass, Perspex or cling film to, you know, stop the exchange of bodily fluids.
Mel: I had to snog somebody – or I was supposed to in the script. We go to a school reunion in the first episode and there’s a bit of slow dancing. But we got round it quite cunningly... For that day we had this party all set up, and we had supporting artists who were actual couples in their own bubbles. Just so we could get shots of people slow dancing and smooching. Everyone was having a thoroughly good time.
Smooches aside, what other scrapes can we expect to see this series?
Sue: Lots of fighting. We started the first week doing some heavy stuntage, which at my age is a bit of an ask, I won’t lie. In my head I’m CarrieAnne Moss from The Matrix. In reality I’m Bella Emberg as Blunder Woman. The difference between me and a real assassin is that my hip flexors really twang the next day. We’ve done a bit of close combat, we’ve done a bit of heavy petting at a disco...
Mel: We had to bog wash one of our major guest artistes...
Sue: I’ve driven a Hearse at 80 miles per hour... and I have to say it’s a real goer.
Mel: It’s got a lot of poke, that has.
Sue: Good torque on that. And we’ve become part of a psychosexual love triangle.
Mel: That’s the overarching storyline for this series.
And the third party of that triangle is of course the amazing Katherine Parkinson.
Mel: Yes! She filmed with us for three full weeks which was an absolute treat and a joy. Mainly because she’s trained so she’s a really good, funny actress. We immediately felt like we had to raise our game.
Sue: She’s phenomenal. She’s so brilliant and the character is so repulsive. I think people are going to really love her. Last series structure was basically based around one featured guest artist
each episode, whereas this series we still have those, but they’re slightly overshadowed by the bigger narrative of their being this interloper trying to split us up.
Do you see anything of yourselves in your respective characters?
Sue: I think Mel is actually way more competent than I am. I talk quite a good game, but the reality is I have no transferrable skills in anything whatsoever. If chat is a thing, I’ve got that nailed.
Mel: That’s her superpower.
Sue: But you wouldn’t find me, for example, in any of the Marvel films, because the chat will only take you so far with Thanos before you’re completely obliterated. Mel’s superpower is list-making and farting.
Mel: I do make a bloody good list. I am actually very, very organised. So what we’re saying is we’re really acting. We’re playing characters.
Speaking of secret superpowers, Sue was unmasked as Dragon in The Masked Singer and surprised us all by having a lovely voice. Now that it’s out in the open and we all know, can we expect a few more van-based singalongs?
Mel: It’s in her contract now. She’s really changed.
Sue: Yes, I’m like Mariah Carey.
Mel: Since the Masked Singer she has to sing for four minutes in every episode.
Sue: No I changed that, The whole of episode five is now a musical featuring me.
Mel: We all go along with it but it’s getting a bit embarrassing.
Sue: She loves it. We don’t get to do much singing in this series sadly. But the singing we did back in episode one was so fun. We did it in a studio at the arse end of the day and we weren’t really sure at that point how it was going to work. It’s one of those things where you just have to go for it.
Can we expect any more fancy dress this series?
Mel: Yes. We spend the first episode harking back to our glory days as teenagers in the 1980s, and that was a ruddy joy. It just felt normal! Perks was donning a sort of ruffled, New Romantic
Adam Ant style fare...
Sue: Totally normal for me.
Mel: And I have these fishnets and tights and netting and belts... it just felt brilliant. I think that episode is going to look really lovely. And it’s
quite sweet as it’s basically a bunch of people in their early fifties dancing along...
Sue: Trying to tragically relive their glory days. Which is basically what our double act is based on. There’s a couple of other more sinister outfits that we’re sporting...
Mel: Yes! There’s a whole episode where we’re set in a hotel and we have a very fetching pair of outfits, including a Mulberry coloured waistcoat, some straight black trousers and a bow tie.
One of the running gags from series one was that Fran was crushing on rival assassin Liz, who was played by Tonya Cornelisse and accompanied by her partner Charles, played by Asim Chaudhry. Is Fran still thirsting?
Sue: No. Fran has gone back to her default setting of single and focussed on the job. She’s quite obsessive, and this series she’s got her sights set on getting to Japan. She wants to be big in Japan. Romance has taken a back seat.
Mel: Liz and Charles have sort of been put to bed. There was talk of them coming back for an appearance in one of the episodes, but unfortunately the logistics and conflicting schedules just made it impossible.
Can you give us a preview of any other guest stars?
Mel: We were delighted to have Sanjeev Bhaskar joining us for episode one. He plays a charismatic photocopy salesman who attends the reunion and there’s a “Is he a baddie? Is he a goodie?” thing going on. The guy is just superb.
Sue: The range! Obviously, he’s come hot off
“In my head i’m carrie-anne moss from the matrix. In reality i’m bella emberg as blunder woman.” - Sue
Unforgotten, which is one of the hottest police procedurals around now, and then he effortlessly goes into super funny comedy.
Mel: And such a nice guy. He was with us for a week and we were just howling with laughter the whole time. I’ve got to say we get some brilliant guest artists booked for this show.
Did you have a favourite of all the guests that you generally end up murdering?
Mel: Oh that’s so difficult because they were all so amazing. Nick Mohammed, Jason Watkins, Sian Clifford...
Sue: And Andy Brooke who played Nikhil was fab. They’re all such different characters and bring such a different energy. We’ve got Mat Baynton coming on, he has his Horrible Histories fan club here. What’s nice about this series is we can be much more ambivalent with the characters – it’s up in the air as to why they end up on Fran and Jamie’s list, whereas it was a bit more flagged in series one.
Mel: It’s lovely when they come on and say that they really wanted to do this just because they’d read the script and laughed out loud. Full props to our writers – “The Joes”, as they’re known.
How do you feel about having such career longevity? Is there a secret to working together and also staying friends? Not everyone can manage it.
Mel: Just keep hanging on,
Sue: Stay on the bus. Stay on there until somebody forces you off it.
Mel: Refuse to go. You are the person on the tube who is sleeping at the terminus.
Sue: Or on the Circle Line, just going round and round and round. Sometimes you get to the right stop, and people really enjoy it. Sometimes you miss all the stops. It’s been chequered, really. Some things have worked brilliantly beyond our wildest dreams. Some things have failed worse than we can ever imagine. But the thing that keeps it going in continuum, is that...
Mel: We’re friends.
Sue: We love each other. We have a laugh. Sometimes people buy into that and sometimes they don’t.
Mel: It’s so much fun, honestly. You wear fun costumes and get given funny things to say. It’s the friendship that keeps it going. If we stop having a laugh it’s time to very graciously put the bag of props and costumes away, but while it’s still good fun and we’re laughing we’ll keep going for as long as we’re upright.
Hitmen: Reloaded starts Wednesday 29 September at 9pm on Sky Comedy, www.sky.com
Atmosphere Kanifushi – an idyllic tropical island with swaying palm trees, vivid green cover, and beach villas spread along an endless turquoise lagoon. Platinum Plus™, the comprehensive holiday plan offers luxurious beach villa stay coupled with premium beverages, exclusive dining options, impeccable service, excursions, sunset fishing, snorkelling and much more. The popular island resort has now introduced BRAND NEW Water Villas stretching out into the turquoise lagoon, these luxurious villas come with an option of private pool and spectacular Indian Ocean sunset views!
Beyond Brillance
Representing eternal love and romance, this Beyond Brilliance 18ct White Gold and Rose Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring has been exclusively designed for Beaverbrooks and is the only cut of this kind in the UK. 100 facets radiate from the centre of the diamond, for the most exceptional sparkle. 18ct White Gold and Rose Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring - £8,950, www.beaverbrooks.co.uk
PETALOUDA Volant Dress Anna
€2,500 00 / £2135
€2,500.00 £2135
PETALOUDA Bela Silva Ceramic
Pendant Hello
€700 / £598 €700 £598
RIANNA + NINA have announced PETALOUDA: an A/W21 collection full of firsts for the luxury label — the introduction of knits and a committed menswear collection.
Drawing inspiration from the butterflies of the collection’s namesake, RIANNA + NINA looked to the love and whimsy of the 1970s to craft Petalouda. Vibrant prints of butterflies and florals are paired with other rich, colourful motifs, with each design made using luxurious silks sourced from Como, Italy alongside specially made embroidered wool cashmere. As with all RIANNA + NINA pieces, every item from the collection has been handcrafted by the master artisans of the
label’s Berlin atelier and can be tailored to a client’s exact desires.
This collection also welcomes knits to the RIANNA + NINA family. The extra time the brand has spent at home in the past year has made them long for cosiness, and today, RIANNA + NINA is introducing the love for colour and vibrance to a beautiful range of warm knit pieces. While these may have been inspired by the Winter months, their special hues and high-end craftsmanship truly feel at home in any season.
€1500 / £1280 €1500 £1280
€1850 / £1580 €1850 £1580
€700 / £598 €700 / £598
PETALOUDA Volant Skirt
Rosalie Taffeta Taffeta
€1770 / £1510 €1770 / £1510
PETALOUDA Car Coat Olga
PETALOUDA Car Coat
Exclusive embellished with Swarovski Crystals Swarovski
€6500 / £5545 €6500 £5545
tyle
In just ten years, BLEU DE CHANEL established itself as a
In ten years, BLEU DE CHANEL established itself as a masculine fragrance icon Now, it is putting its unique signature on a travel-friendly body spray and a masculine icon. Now, it is its on a spray and a limited-edition shaving set. Misted onto the body or clothing, this fragrance body spray reveals the limited-edition set. Misted onto the or this spray reveals the ultra-fresh side of the BLEU DE CHANEL line Alongside it, CHANEL offers a grooming companion ultra-fresh side of the BLEU DE CHANEL line. it, CHANEL offers a in the BLEU DE CHANEL shaving set, comprising a shaving cream, a shaving brush, and a travel in the BLEU DE CHANEL set, a cream, a brush, and a travel pouch. The kit includes a felt toiletry bag in navy blue - the “other” colour of chic, according to The kit includes a felt in navy blue - the “other” colour of chic, to Gabrielle Chanel - so you can take the limited-edition set everywhere you go Gabrielle Chanel - so you can take the limited-edition set you go. www chanel com www.chanel.com
Discover Wild Beauty, the award winning organic high performance skincare and bodycare collection. This Soil Association certified skincare collection made with organic and wild foraged ingredients from the Rhug Estate in North Wales. It is the Estate’s unspoilt landscape of mountains, clover-rich pastures, rivers and clear streams, where the air is fresh and the nurtured organic land supports an abundance of wildlife that provided the inspiration for this new Wild Beauty collection. The products contain actives with proven skincare benefits.
The collection features 8 skincare products, 5 bodycare product and a Wild Foraged Skincare Essentials set. RRPS start at £32, up to £120, www.rhugwildbeauty.com
Inspired and created by the daughter of Green People founder Charlotte Vøhtz, Alexandra Kay is a capsule collection of delicately blended essential oils for wellbeing and self-care, offering a natural way to benefit from aromas that calm and comfort the mind and body.
Featuring sleep-inducing Lavender, Bergamot and Frankincense, this blend will help calm the mind and help you to drift off naturally.
Crafted with 10 natural essential oils including Patchouli, Vetivert and Lavender, this serene blend of tranquillityinducing oils has a calming, sweet floral aroma helping you to relax and unwind.
This uplifting essential oil blend will revitalise the mind and boost happiness, it features mood-boosting Lemon, Cedarwood and Sweet Orange. www.greenpeople.co.uk
Your skin's new multitasking must-have: a vitamin C facial mist for all-day, every day hydration. This lightweight mist hydrates on-demand, leaving skin with a velvety soft, dewy finish. With antioxidant vitamin C and luxe gold sub-microparticles, it helps to shield the skin against daily environmental stressors. The energising formula features a naturally invigorating citrus scent that wakes up the skin with every spritz. The essential add-on to every routine, it primes the skin before makeup, locks in hydration and gives tired skin an instant pick-me-up.
Vital C Hydrating Facial Mist 68ml, £38, www.imageskincare.co.uk
Dermaworks Glycolic Acid Face
Wash isn’t the ordinary AHA exfoliator that you might expect. The specially formulated cleanser has been developed to deliver multiple benefits to your skin.
•Removes dead skin cells, eliminates excess oil, dirt and other impurities
•Reveals fresh, new skin, giving your complexion a bright and revitalised appearance
•Boosts hydration & skin cell renewal, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
•Keeps pores clean & clear, significantly reducing breakouts
•Helps improve absorption & effectiveness of your other skincare products
Glow Glycolic Acid Foaming Face Wash 150ml, £26.50, www.dermaworks.co.uk
Inspired by the golden hour in the crown of the Swiss Alps, the range imbues the skin with radiance to appear as though lit from within
The new Collection consists of Pure Gold Radiance Cream, Pure Gold Radiance Eye Cream and Pure Gold Radiance
Concentrate and includes a new and exclusive Pure Gold Diffusion System, designed to provide immediate radiance and sustained delivery of two key replenishing ingredients to help compensate for the age induced degradation of the skin.
With the launch of the new Pure Gold Collection, La Prairie also enters a new era in its quest for sustainability, to give purpose and create positive change within the world of luxury. They have taken many steps over recent years to help preserve the beauty of Switzerland and the incredible landscapes that inspire the brand. At the the Pure Gold launch, La Prairie unveiled its first refillable packaging initiative and announce that we will be an ongoing patron of the Glaciology Section at ETH Zurich to support their pioneering work to preserve the Swiss glaciers. www.laprairie.com
•Enhances the appearance of radiance in the skin instantly and over the long-term.
•Helps revitalise the appearance of the skin while promoting the feeling of increased volume from intense hydration.
•Skin is revitalised, replenished, enriched, diffusing the grace of the golden hour.
Stockist: Selfridge’s Exchange and Trafford, Harvey Nichols and Hoopers Wilmslow
The Rutland Magazine talks to Olivier Polge, In-House Perfumer-Creator at CHANEL to look back on 100 years of the brand and its relationship with celebrity
In 1921, N°5 came into the world. It was the first fragrance created by visionary fashion designer Gabrielle Chanel, who was also the first designer to launch a fragrance under her own name. Her intention was to liberate femininity from its olfactory constraints in the same way that she used her creations to free minds and assert a new style. During this era, the fragrances on the market generally limited women to the scent of a single flower, such as lily of the valley, violet, or jasmine. Breaking with the traditions of its time, the abstract scent trail of N°5 is a reflection of Gabrielle Chanel’s personality. Her mirror image, in fragrance form.
With N°5, Ernest Beaux designed an avant-garde composition, combining the finest natural ingredients with synthetic molecules called aldehydes, which were still new at the time, in unprecedented proportions to exalt the notes of the fragrance. N°5 eludes
comparison to other fragrances and does not conform to any rules. Thanks to its radical character, it became the tipping point that ushered in the modern era of perfume and changed its history. N°5 is a pioneering fragrance, a revolution.
The three perfumers who succeeded Ernest Beaux all inherited a common duty: to protect the House’s iconic fragrance. Like a torch, the secret formula of N°5 has been passed down to Henri Robert, Jacques Polge and now Olivier Polge. “Preserving N°5 requires my constant attention,” attests Olivier Polge, In-House Perfumer-Creator since 2015. It is his responsibility to oversee the sourcing of the raw materials that go into the iconic fragrance and ensure that their quality is maintained. His year is thus organized around the harvest calendar of the ingredients used to compose N°5, among which include jasmine and May rose from Grasse. From the harvest to the extraction methods, Olivier Polge carries out each step of this painstaking process, which forms an integral part of his daily work, in partnership with CHANEL’s Laboratory of
Fragrance Creation and Development. This ensures that the production of N°5 remains exceptional year after year.
... AND REINVENTING IT
Since its creation in 1921, N°5 has been to CHANEL what grammar is to language, determining the style of all other CHANEL fragrances. A manifesto that declares the absolute freedom of both creator and creation, which remains the driving force and the soul of the House.
N°5 is thus an endless source of inspiration. With the exception of Henri Robert, the House’s successive perfumers have each brought one of the numerous facets of N°5 to light through various reinterpretations, an exercise in style. Today, there exist five different interpretations, including the original Parfum.
N°5 PARFUM (1921)
Composed in 1921, the Parfum is the most precious of the interpretations. “The starting point was a very rich floral fragrance, which was completely novel at the time,” Olivier Polge shares. Knowing that Gabrielle Chanel wanted her fragrance to be “inimitable”, perfumer Ernest Beaux incorporated the most luxurious ingredients at his disposal into the formula: flowers grown in Grasse. Its composition, of the utmost opulence, contrasts radically with the minimalist design of the bottle.
“N°5 eludes comparison to other fragrances and does not conform to any rules”
The powerful scent trail of N°5 Parfum represented a clean break from the single-note fragrances that were prevalent during this era: its intense floral bouquet contains a particular blend of May rose and jasmine from Grasse. Its formula, which is also characterised by the unprecedented use of aldehydes, propelled perfumery into the modern era. As CHANEL’s début fragrance, N°5 Parfum defined the House’s olfactive style and set the standard for its tradition of excellence and expertise in perfumery, from flower to bottle.
N°5 EAU DE TOILETTE (1924)
Three years after composing the Parfum, Ernest Beaux created the first variation of N°5. “The highly precious nature of the Parfum quickly justified the need for a lighter eau de toilette version that stayed true to the spirit of the original,” explains Olivier Polge. Woodier than the original fragrance, the eau de toilette is distinguished by its dry, lively nuances of vetiver, which are offset by the deep scent of sandalwood. These two woody notes support the floral bouquet of jasmine, rose and ylang-ylang and are enhanced by the notorious aldehydes that are unique to N°5. The Eau de Toilette also leaves behind a scent trail that is less heady than that of the Parfum. As the first reinterpretation of the original fragrance composition, it introduced a new way to experience fragrance, in a spray that allowed for a generous, wide-sweeping application.
N°5 EAU DE PARFUM (1986)
Observing how fragrance trends were evolving, Jacques Polge created a third interpretation of N°5 in 1986. The Eau de Parfum offered a new
concentration that revived the sensuality of Ernest Beaux’s original fragrance while also keeping up with the times. “His intention was to preserve as much of the Parfum’s richness as possible, both from an olfactory perspective and in terms of the fragrance’s amber colour,” explains Olivier Polge. In this composition, the floral-aldehydic bouquet is lavish and opulent, with a rich quality that extends to its dense, enveloping and long-lasting scent trail. A note of vanilla lends the fragrance its distinct oriental signature.
In 2008, Jacques Polge released a fourth version of N°5, one that was airy and luminous. The perfumer tried to imagine how N°5 would have smelled if Ernest Beaux had had access to a range of contemporary raw materials at the time of its creation. To reinterpret the signature of the original fragrance, he used white musks, which were
omnipresent in the fragrances of the 2000s, as well as aldehydes developed by CHANEL from citrus essences. Products of modern technology, these aldehydes envelop the iconic floral bouquet of rose, jasmine and ylang-ylang. Enlivened with a touch of vanilla, “the scent trail of the Eau Première reveals another texture, closer to the skin, that remains very similar to N°5,” Olivier Polge reflects.
In 2016, Olivier Polge created a new variation, guided by a desire for freshness. “I wanted to play with the limits of its identity,” the perfumer reveals. “Take the image that N°5 conveys and turn it on its head, make it more fluid. More transparent, in the best sense of the word.” To this end, he based his composition around cedarwood, which underscores a textured scent trail that is less enveloping than the other interpretations. A fresh, floral eau de toilette, N°5 L’EAU opens with a citrus accord — lemon, mandarin and orange — that the aldehydes elevate to its highest potential. Rose and jasmine meld with a new, fractionated note of ylang-ylang. N°5 L’EAU is perhaps the variation that differs most from the others. However, the notes used by Olivier Polge are the same. This illustrates the idea that in perfumery, everything is a matter of proportion, just as every melody ever created was formed from a mere 12 musical notes.
In 1937, at the height of her notoriety, Gabrielle Chanel became the first woman to be the face of her own fragrance, N°5. Leaning up against a fireplace in a suite at the Ritz, she posed in front of François Kollar’s camera for an advertisement that appeared in Harper’s Bazaar.
In 1952, Marilyn Monroe revealed that she wore nothing but “a few drops of N°5” to bed. This confession, which she later discussed in a 1960 interview for Marie Claire, consecrated the legend. N°5 has since established itself as an absolute icon.
“Throughout the decades, N°5 has been represented by some of the greatest actresses of their time”
In the 1960s, Jacques Helleu, Artistic Director for CHANEL Fragrances up until 2007, initiated the era of brand ambassadors. He chose some of the most gorgeous women in the world and called upon the biggest names in photography and film to capture their beauty for advertising campaigns that would go down in history.
Throughout the decades, N°5 has been represented by some of the greatest actresses of their time, including Ali MacGraw, Lauren Hutton, Catherine Deneuve, Carole Bouquet and Nicole Kidman. One by one, they posed for famous photographers such as Richard Avedon, Patrick Demarchelier, and Dominique Issermann, and filmed under the guidance of renowned directors like Helmut Newton, Ridley Scott and Baz Luhrmann.
Thomas du Pré de Saint Maur, Head of Global Creative Resources Fragrance and Beauty Division for CHANEL, and Fine Jewelry and Watches Division since 2013, continues to carry on the legend of N°5. By choosing actress Marion Cotillard and director Johan Renck in 2020, he asserts its absolute modernity once more and further perpetuates the fantasy of this legendary fragrance.
With N°5, Gabrielle Chanel created an abstract fragrance that changed the history of perfumery, a welcome shock to the senses that was impossible to associate with any particular flower.
As for its presentation, Chanel designed a minimalist bottle that allowed the amber colour of the fragrance to take centre stage. The flat shape, similar to that of a hip flask, was designed for movement and speed, for a pocket or travel kit. For
the first time, the stopper featured the interlocking double C logo. The label’s radical simplicity was consistent with the spirit of the times.
Gabrielle Chanel said, “Always remove, never add.” Throughout the decades, the understated, elegant design of N°5 has remained mostly unchanged.
In 1921, the choice was made to construct the bottle from thin glass. In 1924, the bottle was redesigned with bevelled edges in order to reinforce its angles. The changes that followed were mostly of an aesthetic nature and reflected the desire to maintain the modern, yet timeless look of the iconic fragrance. In 1970, the year that the CHANEL typeface was created and formalized, the label design and logo that we know today appeared on the bottle for the first time, still featuring the House’s signature black and white colours. During this same year, the bottle was crowned with a thicker, more imposing stopper in order to stay current with the trends of the time. In 2012, the Packaging Creation Studio chose to refine the label and update its design. It is now smaller and gives greater visual prominence to the N°5 trademark associated with CHANEL.
N°5 is also highly regarded in the art world. In 1959, the N°5 box was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Then, in the 1980s, painter Andy Warhol dedicated a series of nine screen prints to the fragrance, cementing its status as a pop culture icon.
The three fundamentals of N°5 — its revolutionary scent, the excellence of its raw materials, and its radical packaging — are to CHANEL what grammar is to language, determining the style of all other CHANEL fragrances. www.chanel.com
Health and fitness expert Clare Stobart looks at the 21/90 rule to make a permanent change in habit, which will improve your overall wellbeing and ensure you stay healthy this summer and beyond
We all have such busy lifestyles but implementing the following 10 habits into your morning routine for the next 21 days, will have such a positive impact on your wellness and fitness journey. After 90 days, these will become habit, just try it.
You will find that most successful people wake up early, allowing time to heighten their focus on the things that really matter to them. Robin Sharma author of the 5am Club, states “own your morning, elevate your life”. By waking up early, you’ll have lots of time to spend purely focussed on yourself and your wellbeing, rather than feeling like you are rushing out of the door.
Drink a full glass of lukewarm water with a slice of lemon. Followed by a shot of apple cider vinegar to really support weight loss, stimulate metabolism and aid digestion by removing toxins from your system. Not to mention improving the appearance of your skin. I recommend Natural Umber Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother (which can be purchased via thier website www.naturalumber.com).
Morning meditation lowers stress levels, allows you to connect better and improves your focus. Meditating is so powerful as it also releases endorphins. Endorphins are great for improving your emotional wellbeing and are
natural energy boosters. I recommend downloading the Headspace app.
Write down 3 things that you feel grateful for and say them out loud. Remind yourself throughout your day of your intentions to help to put small setbacks into perspective. Doing this will help you to prioritise what is most important in your life and to learn to easily let go of negative emotions.
Positive affirmations are statements which can help you to overcome self-doubt and self-sabotage. Affirmations can even allow you to intentionally direct how your day will unfold. Optimism is a very powerful thing.
Do 50 squats every morning for the month. Why? You are most efficient first thing in the morning, and it will shock your body into a fat burning state before you even leave the house.
A cold shower will aid blood circulation, alertness, boost your mood and even stimulate weight loss. And it is another source of endorphins to set you up for your day.
We all know that a healthy breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eating something wholesome and full of protein
helps you to be mindful of your diet. You will experience fewer hunger pangs and less of a desire to snack between meals.
Take a vitamin D and fish oil supplement. They boost weight loss and help regulate your mood by supporting normal brain and heart function, your immune system and help to burn fat. Zinzino Balance oil every morning will give you the support you need. Go to www.zinzino.com and use Clare Stobart as a partner reference to order products.
Read a couple of pages from an inspiring book. One of my favourites is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. By reading in the morning, you will gain valuable new insights and ideas that you can put to use straight away to accelerate your personal growth, well being and most importantly, happiness
Birkdale House is a stunning Victorian residence set in over 1000 acres of private
Birkdale House is a Victorian residence set in over 1000 acres of land with unparalleled views of Lake Windermere and the Lake District fells land with views of Lake Windermere and the Lake District fells.
Available to rent exclusively from three nights, Birkdale House is the ideal
Available to rent from three Birkdale House is the ideal private retreat - perfect for unwinding and spending time with family and friends retreat - for and time with and friends.
e-mail: info@birkdalewindermere.co.uk
tel: 015394 45756
@housebirkdale
www.birkdalewindermere.co.uk
Looking
Roarsome
Perfecting kids’ occasion wear kids’ occasion wear can be tricky to achieve. JoJo Maman Bebe’s can be to achieve. JoJo Maman Bebe’s
2-Piece Boys’ Embroidered Shirt and Shorts Set
2-Piece Embroidered Shirt and Shorts Set is a great solution - the smart collared shirt is is a great solution - the smart collared shirt is formal enough for special occasions but the formal for occasions but the dinosaur embroidery and complementary dinosaur and shorts keep the look fresh and fun. shorts keep the look fresh and fun. www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH
Iconic French toy brand, Janod, have released a brand new Reverso Big Cooker Play Kitchen, a majestic wooden kitchen in charming pastel tones that uniquely offers little ones double the fun! With a realistic kitchen at the front, the innovative toy turns around to reveal an entire laundry facility, complete with a washing machine Little chefs are free to open a laundrette when they’re not cooking up a feast. Fabulous for autumn birthdays and even better for the festive season, this adorable little kitchen is sure to be a memorable gift that will last for years to come.
Big Cooker Play Kitchen, RRP £152 Little Pastry Set, RRP: £26.95 Green Market Chunky Fruits and Vegetable Set, RRP: £14.39
The highly anticipated arrival from SweetDreamers promises to be both super soft and super snug, and with an all-over print featuring ewan’s friendly face, this is undoubtedly one of the cutest sleeping bags ever. The 100% cotton sleeping bag features a thoughtfully designed zip opening at the bottom, ensuring night-time changes are less disruptive. The brilliant bag is sure to become the ultimate sleepy accessory alongside the famous sleep aid to ensure little ones (as well as Mum and Dad) get their all-important ZZZ’s!
RRP: 0-6 months £21, 6-18 months £25, www.sweetdreamers.co.uk
The NapNap lullaby sleep mat is set to revolutionise babies sleeping routines from day one. The completely unique sleep aid features a soft surface, soothing vibrations and calming white noise - all in one compact design.
NapNap truly is a sleep aid like no other thanks to its entirely unique vibration technology. The gentle vibrations run through the mat mimicking the safety of the womb, providing comfort when little ones need it most. The cleverly developed design offers 6 modes of vibration to ease troubled sleep routines, it also helps to settle little ones with colic and during tummy time.
NapNap is compact and lightweight, perfect for safe sleep at home or on the go. It can be placed in a crib, pushchair or simply anywhere little dreamers need to catch 40 winks. What’s more, it is so soft and flexible, little ones can even be wrapped within it for a cosy cuddle, ideal for snuggling into a carrier too.
RRP £120, www.napnapuk.co
A sheepskin liner is undoubtedly a pushchair accessory guaranteed to make little ones feel super cosy wherever they are going, and The Little Green Sheep’s luxury 100% sheepskin pram and buggy liner is no exception. The brand’s beautiful sheepskin liners are sustainably sourced from flocks that live with their shepherds on rural pastures across Europe. Naturally versatile, the anti-allergenic sheepskin liner is ideal for use all-yearround. Thanks to its sweat-wicking and temperatureregulating properties, the liners will keep your offspring cosy and warm in winter, and comfy and cool in the summer.
RP £84.95, www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk
The second book in Gareth P. Jones’ Fairy Tales for the Fearless series, Cindergorilla, is a fun-filled twist on the classic children’s fairy tale, Cinderella. Published on the 16th September, the story celebrates resilience and is a fun disco-dancing adventure, combined with stunning illustrations by Loretta Schaeur.
Cinder-Gorilla loves to dance. She longs to go to the Saturday Night Disco Ball, where the other gorillas strut their stuff, but her horrid aunt and cousins, Gertrude and Grace always say no. But all that changes when Cinder gets a visit from her Hairy Godmother... £6.99, www.waterstones.com
For friends, family, or just you
Our guide to the top positive pet purchases for your four legged friends
Beautiful Joe’s was founded in 2012, taking inspiration from the American ‘one for one’ movement. For every packet of treats sold, Beautiful Joe’s donates the same volume to a rescue centre. To date Beautiful Joe’s given away over £400,000 of treats to over 300 rescue centres. The Beautiful Joe’s treats are made from 100% British air dried, pasture fed, ox liver. They are completely natural and are free from preservatives. www.beautifuljoes.com
Scruffs® new Knightsbridge Collection provides an opulent environment for your pet to relax. Featuring an antique effect, eco-leather fabric with a deep-filled 100% polyester centre to ensure your pet remains as comfortable as can be. The matching outer stitching achieves a coherent finish and detailing across each bed. This collection is available in three styles; Mattresses, Cat Igloos & Blankets. www.petslovescruffs.com
Playful Pup Balm protects, soothes and moisturises. It is 100% vegan, unscented, fast-absorbing, natural and will be your puppy’s perfect companion to combat the dangers of summer heat and winter chills. Botanical ingredients work together to effectively moisturise and heal soft pads, noses and skin, as well as offer sun protection. www.dogslovehownd.com
Due to a high pollen count and more insects, summertime can mean ‘itching’ for many dogs, is fast-acting to help soothe and hydrate itchy skin and coats, thanks to gentle ingredients such as lavender and patchouli. www.charleychau.com
Steeped in history, The Dixon is a fine example of 19th Century architecture. A former magistrates court and police station, fusing subtle references to our heritage with beautiful modern décor. The Grade II listed building is a truly stunning venue with a plethora of original details and features located within the heart of SE1, just a few minutes’ walk away from London’s iconic Tower Bridge.
Named after John Dixon Butler, the Grade II-listed building’s original Edwardian architect, the hotel holds 193 stylish rooms, with tactile materials, surprising bursts of colour and finely-crafted details, effortlessly complementing the authentic original features.
Situated in the centre of the hotel is our Courtroom Bar and Provisioners restaurant serving cocktails and dishes taking influence from the very best that Europe has to offer. Decadent breakfasts, lunches to savour and comforting dinners, alongside moreish snacks and our very own Shakedown coffee roasted in a converted prison cell awaits you.
Visit our website www.thedixon.co.uk for exclusive rates for 2021.
Located on Oakham on High Street, The Dovetail specialises in High Street, The Dovetail in contemporary fine dining with a big, contemporary fine with a big, rural heart. From bottomless brunch From through to exquisitely prepared a la carte to a la carte options, the family friendly venue offers the venue offers the perfect setting to make any time of the to make any time of day special. Using the finest suppliers Using the finest across the Midlands, The Dovetail offers a across the The Dovetail offers a stand-out menu with the stunning interior stand-out menu with the interior and service to match The drinks menu to match. menu features a masterfully-curated wine and features a wine and Champagne list alongside beautiful list beautiful cocktail classics classics. www thedovetailoakham com www.thedovetailoakham.com
WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH
The Jewel in Rutland’s Crown Sarpech meaning “a jewel adorning the crown” is a family venue run by Soma, Adi and the team. The restaurant is set on the first floor in a plush and comfortable location in central Oakham with an inviting bar and lounge. Sarpech’s cuisine is primarily from the north-west frontier - Punjab and Pakistan - mixed together with selected dishes from other regions within the Indian sub-continent. With an extensive drinks menu to help keep the fun flowing, this will be one reservation you will not regret. www.sarpech.co.uk
Having opened in January 2020, Orbis Oakham were quick to adapt and pivoted their way into the takeaway market. During this time the team managed to build up a loyal customer base and once they were able to reopen their doors again, they were well established as the go-to restaurant in Rutland. The international small plates and cocktail venue is currently the number one restaurant in Rutland on Trip Advisor and have recently made the finals of countless local food and drink awards. The venue has recenlt completed a deal to move Orbis to nearby Mill Street Pub and Kitchen. Not only will this move offer additional covers in the restaurant but also an entrance bar area and a unique downstairs cellar bar. www.orbisoakham.co.uk
Stamford are welcoming a new brunch café to the area, ran by brother and sister duo Ivo and Tia. Tia comments “This is something we’ve been thinking about and working on for almost a year now and the response we’ve had from all our customers and people of Stamford has been amazing and so humbling for us. We’re hoping to bring a little bit of brunch heaven to Stamford High Street, working with our awesome chef to bring you fun and delicious brunch dishes, as well as smoothies, juices, excellent coffee and of course those famous cinnamon buns, one of the main forces behind Fika. We’re so excited to be bringing Fika in to Stamford!” www.fikacafe.co.uk
with... RASA KADYTE VASAUSKIENE, Head Chef at The Old Pheasant Hotel
What was your first memory of your love for cooking?
I remember when I was 8 years old, I cooked some fish with béchamel sauce for my mum and cremated it. I served it to my mum and she said it was the best fish she had ever had. The positive feedback always inspired me to cook more and more.
What do you love most about your job?
Obviously whilst working in the kitchen, I don’t see the reactions of the customers to my food. The staff come into the back and tell me the customer's positive reviews and opinions on the dishes I have created. The compliments really inspire me.
Describe your style in 3 words? Modern, creative, passionate.
What’s your favourite dish to create and why?
Desserts - coming from a patisserie background I love spending time creating or adapting new dessert dishes. I constantly try and improve upon the way they look and spend lots of time developing the presentation of my dessert dishes.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I would say mainly from other chefs, I love watching cooking programmes, learning from other chefs and changing or adapting their dishes and putting my own spin on it or using their ideas to create my own.
in 2008 and started working as a chef. I attended cookery school a few years later and I remember the instructor asking me why I was there and what I wanted to achieve. I nervously suggested I would like to be a head chef in 5 years time. I am proud that 5 years later I am here doing exactly that. creating a menu I am incredibly proud of and one that is receiving such positive reviews.
What do you think is the most challenging ingredient to work with?
I think high quality fish such as scallops - we currently have a beautiful cod loin on our menu and I have to ensure it is cooked to perfection because if it’s not perfect you can instantly tell.
Do you do the cooking at home?
If you could prepare a meal for anyone who would it be and what would you make?
James Martin - he makes simple dishes in a more creative way and I think we have a similar style that he would like.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I came to England from Lithuania
I would love to say that after a long day of cooking at work I can have the day off at home but that is absolutely not the case. I have two kids who love my cooking and if they don’t get at least one nice homemade meal a day they’re not happy. They even expect crepes for breakfast nowadays!
What advice would you give to an aspiring chef?
Work hard but try and find a true passion and love for an area of cooking and you will enjoy the process far more. www.oldpheasantglaston.com
Istarted simply. At 14 I was peeling carrots and onions, washing pots and making the sandwiches and pies at a local pub - The Fox and Hounds in Old Somerby. This job took me throughout my school years through to university. During those years I would also travel out to my uncle’s restaurant in Heidelberg, Germany and help him, where the cooking began to take on a much higher degree of skill.
After some years travelling and in my third year in Zermatt, Switzerland I returned to the kitchen as Head Chef at a hotel before moving on to a Michelin starred kitchen in Zermatt (Chez Gaby). Having taken on several other projects, I left the Alps after a total of 7 years for a new challenge in Denmark. Whilst running the kitchens of a 40 room hotel in Silkeborg I was also tasked with implementing four new high end steak houses in various larger towns in the Danish mainland. In 2004 I took the decision to head home to England to set up The Kings Arms in Wing with my mother and father.
Our restaurant is nestled in the charming village of Wing between Oakham and Uppingham slap bang
in the middle of the Rutland countryside. The on-site smokehouse offers many treats for the menu and to take home, from classic dry aged charcuterie, to smoked Rutland trout or staples such as bacon and black pudding.
Our menus are created by what the seasons have to offer. A starting point will always be the local game, be it vermin species all year round like, pigeon, muntjac, squirrel, rabbit or crayfish. Or in season, pheasant, partridge, woodcock all manner of duck and geese, hare, fallow deer, roe deer, sika deer and of course the ubiquitous Rutland fly caught trout. Around these treasures after dressing in our kitchen we then pair them with what the time of year allows, foraged treats are often on the menu and so are home grown allotment items from staff members ourselves and villagers alike.
We make as much as possible on-site so that we can truly offer a unique dining experience and are always able to let you know what is in your food because we literally take each dish from field to fork. It’s a very nose to tail approach and we do make a lot of pies, sausages, pates, terrines, faggots and more traditional items to ensure that we never waste a morsel.
The one thing we can say for certain is that the menu never stays the same for long and there will always be something new when you visit even if that is more than twice a week. The menu never rests and like the countryside is always changing.
www.thekingsarms-wing.co.uk
“we literally take each dish from field to fork”
A take on my grandmothers’ rabbit and mushroom pie, a taste of childhood now reinvented for elevenses on a nippy shoot day.
SERVES 6 PEOPLE:
Shortcrust Pastry
250g Plain flour
125g Cold butter
125g Beef suet Salt
250g Self Raising Flour
Filling
The picked cooked meat of one large wild rabbit (about 400g)
50g Flour
25g Flour
350g Rabbit stock (or chicken as a replacement)
100g of sliced button mushrooms or girolles/ceps if available
Shortcrust Pastry
Put the flour and salt in a large bowl and add the cubes of butter and shredded suet. Use your fingertips to rub the butter and suet into the flour until you have a mixture that resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Using a table knife, stir in just enough of the cold water to bind the dough together. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and add more if absolutely needed (shorter pastry will have a better texture, though can be a bit crumbly to work with). Gently knead the pastry on a clean work surface until it just comes together. Cover in cling film and chill for 30 minutes whilst making the filling
Filling
Put the butter into a medium hot pan and gently sauté of the mushrooms. Add the flour and absorb all of the moisture in the pan, moving it all the time until everything is coated in flour. Now add the stock bit by bit until you have a very thick mushroom paste.
Set aside to cool. Then gently fold in the picked rabbit meat so its evenly incorporated. Check the seasoning and add any salt or pepper as required.
Building the Pasties
Egg wash of one egg, a splash of water and pinch of salt whisked together. To build the pasties roll out the dough ball into a sausage and cut into 6 even discs. Roll each of these into a ball on a floured surface. Now roll them flat into a circular shape about 3mm thick.
Brush the edge of the circular pastry with egg wash and place one tablespoon of the chilled filling into the centre of the disc. Fold the pastry over so you have a semicircle. Now whilst crimping the edges force any air out of the pasty and seal shut.
Repeat and place on a non-stick baking sheet and egg wash the pasties before placing in a preheated oven (180c or gas mark 4) for 20 –25 mins until golden brown.
WORDS: ELLA SMITH, CAFÉ MANAGER
The Nevill Arms pub is one of the oldest pubs in Leicestershire so is held dearly to lots of locals hearts. The café is a more recent addition at the back of the pub to give an alternative option for lighter lunches and breakfast.
Owned by The Three Goats Group, this newly formed pub group now owns 3 popular destination pubs in Leicestershire including The Sun in Great Easton and The Red Lion in Great Bowden. All three hold their individual identities but all have the same intention to bring people together over good food and good service.
Best for...
Cosy mornings of coffee and breakfast
The café interior is a light conservatory with a simple décor, keeping a light fresh feel. This matches the stunning courtyard which is again kept simple, with white washed walls, lots of green plants and a big olive tree as the focal point.
The venue has a very relaxed atmosphere with a vibrant buzz of energy thanks to our young and enthusiastic team. Especially on weekends!
A warm welcome is always awaiting you at Café Nevill and we will always do our best to accommodate you and your guests. We have a passionate
team that will make suggestions for you if required. After all, they are well practiced at sampling our menu! I think we could all add professional cake tasters to our CV.
Jamie Allsopp is our Head Chef and is a keen hand in the kitchen having started chef life at Scott’s in Mayfair and then moving back home to work with some friendly faces at the Red Lion and Bowden Stores. He loves cooking up new ideas and is keen to share his knowledge, especially with his 4 year old daughter Primrose, whom he shares an Instagram cooking account.
Our menu has remained the same since opening in August but as winter approaches we will transition to a winter warming menu to enjoy in our cosy corner.
One of our signature breakfast dishes is the Loaded Crumpet. A fried egg, avocado, halloumi and roasted tomato sits on top of a toasted crumpet, finished with a kick of siracha.
All our tea, coffee and hot chocolate are supplied from our local supplier St Martins Coffee Roastery and is a highly complemented feature of Café Nevill. If a cold drink is what you fancy, we also make delicious thick milkshakes, with flavours such as Biscoff or Oreo. A unique feature of our café is also being able to order alcohol from the bar at lunchtimes, making early dinners with the children that bit more bearable!
A hotspot for cyclists, our café is always open to everyone. We cater for children and have a wide menu that is vegetarian, vegan and gluten free friendly. It is the ideal meeting spot for any group to gossips over wine or business coffee meetings.
12 Waterfall Way, Market Harborough, Medbourne, LE16 8EE www.nevillarms.co.uk
The team at Justerini & Brooks share their must-have wines for your wine cellar this autumn
German Riesling is one of life’s great pleasures. Unrivalled in the world of white wine, its famous aging capacity stems from the combination of electrifying cool-climate acidities and balancing residual sweetness. Indeed, the finest off-dry and medium-sweet Rieslings that charm with their plucky, fruity personalities in youth, often prove themselves models of cool, latent potential over time. Given the right conditions, these stunning traditional Rieslings offer deeply complex, yet utterly joyful, drinking experiences. With the Germany En Primeur campaign just around the corner, our buyers have recommended a dry (Trocken) and off-dry (Kabinett) Riesling that are guaranteed to yield a few epiphanies – a flash of inspiration.
Schloss Lieser
This is the second year that Schloss Liser has made fruit from this exceptional site and the results are stunning. Bright complex and very precise fruit notes flood the nose, before a burst of ripe pineapple and mango washes across the palate. There's so much fruit here but also control, as great acidity and fabulous nervous energy provide the structure to control the vibrant fruit core.
Piesporter Goldtropfchen, Riesling, Kabinett, Schloss Lieser, 2017, £15.70 per bottle
Emrich Schönleber
Beautiful fine bitter grapefruit flesh, clear shards of citrus fruit and zest, but no sourness such is the ripeness of the acidity. Superb balance, there's plenty of inviting fruit, but also restraint and tension. Great stuff. Just outside the boundaries of officially trocken, and yet seemingly almost dry. Lots going on for wine of just 11.5% abv.
Lenz, Riesling, Trocken, Emrich Schönleber, 2015, £17.30 per bottle
There’s something about a glass of pink that immediately speaks of sun kissed lunches, carefree afternoons and rosy cheeked evenings. Philipponnat’s rosé is both delicious and characterful. Unlike some pink fizz there’s no questioning if they are rosé or not; they brim with wild red fruit and spice notes. They’re just as good as you’d expect from a house so famous for Pinot Noir and often best enjoyed in a larger glass, with anything from lobster or duck to a simple plate of ripe strawberries. The southern pink of Chêne Bleu is measured, understated and refreshing.
Chêne Bleu’s widely-acclaimed rosé is a high altitude blend centred on old vines Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino) making up the balance. This is aromatic, full but very bright and bursting with red berry fruit. Offering great intensity of flavour and complexity. There is a distinct silkiness enticing you in and softening the summer fruit, peppered strawberries and cream, but before it all gets too much a snappy freshness returns on the finish bringing the wine back into focus, to leave you wanting another sip. A Rosé seductive enough to drink now, but sufficiently serious to age steadily and slowly over the next year. Le Rosé, IGP Vaucluse, Chêne Bleu, 2020, £19.70
Royale Réserve Rosé is a complex, subtle bottle of rosé where the red wine component, generally 7-8% of the blend, comes from the upper sections of the Clos des Goisses vineyard. With up to 30% reserve wines, again from the new two stage perpetual reserve system and a dosage of 9 grams per litre, this is a rosé that is onion peel in colour, complex in flavour with a fine bead and lovely transparency of flavours This has all the interest and complexity to work really well with food, but also the balance to make a very fine aperitif
Royale Réserve, Brut, Rosé, Philipponnat, NV, £43.50 per bottle
Our selection is eclectic and caters for all tastes and budgets; we offer big names such as Egly Ouriet, and Pascal Doquet, as well as a host of lesser known producers and under the radar gems. These are our essential sparklers for an early British autumn! Embrace the weekends and rest easy… Here’s to fine and delicious autumn drinking.
A Champagne cuvee created in celebration of our 250th anniversary in 1999. Made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes by Paul Dangin in the Côtes de Bar, the wine is left on its lees for three years. This, together with excellent quality Pinot Noir fruit and the warmer climate of the Bar region, lends it great richness, generosity and opulent red fruit characteristics. A perennial Justerini & Brooks favourite. Justerini & Brooks, 250th Anniversary Cuvée, Champagne, Extra Dry, NV, £23.20 per bottle
A Champagne cuvee created in celebration of our 250th anniversary in 1999. Made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes by Paul Dangin in the Côtes de Bar, the wine is left on its lees for three years. This, together with excellent quality Pinot Noir fruit and the warmer climate of the Bar region, lends it great richness, generosity and opulent red fruit characteristics. A perennial Justerini & Brooks favourite. Arpege, 1er Cru, Extra Brut, Pascal Doquet, NV, £34.33 per bottle
Start building your collection today at www.justerinis.com where you can subscribe to their newsletter to receive offers of new vintages, En Primeur reports, producers joining our portfolio and invitations to tastings. www.justerinis.com
One of the few luxury
One of the few
hotels in the city with the Palace distinction, hotels in the with the Palace distinction, Mandarin Oriental, Paris is superbly located Mandarin Oriental, Paris is located on rue Saint Honoré close to the chic on rue to the chic boutiques and moments from the Tuileries and moments from the Tuileries Garden and Louvre – perfect to create those Garden and Louvre – to create those celebratory Insta posts Inspired by fashion Insta posts. Inspired by fashion and artistic creativity and underpinned by and artistic and underpinned the brand’s legendary service, this the brand’s service, this Art-Deco-inspired luxury hotel celebrates Art-Deco-inspired hotel celebrates the Paris of today – and tomorrow. the Paris of – and tomorrow. www mandarinoriental com/paris www.mandarinoriental.com/paris
Now that the world is set to open up again, who wants to spend hours finding hotel deals or searching for the best flights? New travel app, Flytinary aims to provide a one-stop travel experience which takes the legwork out of arranging trips to celebrate with your loved ones. The all-encompassing app available on iOS and Android devices uses sophisticated algorithms to find the best flights and features a choice of curated accommodation, as well as memorable experiences and an innovative, in-destination, co-working space finder. With information on everything from the type of plug you’ll need for your destination to the best places to change money. Offline maps are available as well as local taxi apps improving in-destination experiences. Available now from the app store
WORDS:CRAIG HOUGH
With everyone itching to get back out to explore the world, Sri Lanka Bespoke are hard at work creating authentic, handcrafted insider experiences for those looking to visit the country. Families, thrill-seekers, explorers and romantics alike will love the waterfall walks, safaris and white-water rafting, private jet flights over mountains and jungles, train trips across the country through the most beautiful scenery, the golden beaches, unique spas and the world’s best snorkelling experiences.
Tailor made holidays to Sri Lanka with Sri Lanka Bespoke start from £6,995pp for 14 nights. Price based on 2 adults sharing and includes accommodation on mix of half and full board basis, experiences and personal chauffeur. Excludes flights. www.srilanka-bespoke.com
While travel has been on pause, people have sought meaningful escapades and experiences without having to leave the country. Set in 500 acres (200 hectares) of lush countryside, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire offers the comforts to undertake a journey of discovery, exploration, wellness and nutrition, with a package that caters to different dynamics, be it couple time, reconnecting with relatives, or simply time with one’s closest friends.
Prices start from GBP 720 for two adults, available Monday–Thursday, www.fourseasons.com/hampshire
Legend has it that Rhodes was blessed by the sun god Helios, which is why it enjoys 300 days of glorious sunshine a year – some of which we hope we’ll get to enjoy this year!
As well as sunshine, Rhodes is blessed with a rich classical heritage and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Medieval City – perfect for an extra special celebration.
Royal Caribbean International have announced that Wonder of the Seas, the latest evolution of the revolutionary Oasis Class, will set sail from Shanghai and Hong Kong, China in 2022 on thrilling 4- to 9-night adventures through the Far East to the best of Japan and more. Currently under construction in Saint-Nazaire, France, Wonder will be the world’s largest cruise ship and the first of its kind to call China home when it arrives in March 2022. The ship’s inaugural season cruises are now open for bookings. www.royalcaribbean.com
The impressive Rodos Palace Hotel is ideally situated in the heart of Ialyssos Bay, just 4 kms from Rhodes Town and medieval city and within easy reach of all the major attractions on this exciting island. The hotel occupies 30 acres of lush gardens descending to an idyllic beach and boasts an unparalleled view of the island and the sparkling blue Aegean Sea.
Esperides Beach Family Resort is a paradise by the sea, especially designed with children in mind. A world full of energy and vitality - perfect for families seeking a relaxing holiday for the parents and fun for the kids. The delicious cuisine offered in the restaurant coupled with the wide range of activities on offer - particularly for children, ensure all the perfect ingredients are in place for a truly memorable family holiday. www.olympicholidays.com
Louisa Warde visits the Chatsworth Estate with a stay at The Cavendish Hotel in Baslow, al-fresco fine-dining and the quintessential English countryside
As our first trip away from in nearly two years, it was fair to say that we were looking forward to our visit to The Cavendish Hotel, possibly even an understatement. We had planned our route of just under two hours, taking us across country through the picturesque villages of Monyash and Longnor, with ice-cream and farm shop stops along the way. Arriving at the Chatsworth Estate for lunch time we chose a shady old oak to picnic under, carefully studied by the roaming sheep.
If you don’t plan for your picnic or are looking for an easy option, the Estate Farm Shop is brimming with goodies produced on the estate for eating now or taking back home with you. Re-energised it was time to visit Chatsworth Gardens, with its rock garden and stunning water features, not to mention its rolling parkland
and monumental sculptures. Back in the car for the short journey to Baslow and The Cavendish Hotel we were looking forward to settling in to our stay. On the edge of the village, the former coaching inn sits as if it was built to take in the views back across towards the Estate (a 20-minute walk direct from the hotel for anyone interested).
A warm welcome awaited us and we were shown to our room for the night, passing comfortable bar and lounge areas full of warmth and fabulous décor. Our room, number 16 is one of just 28 individual styled bedrooms on offer. Situated in the Old Wing, the oldest part of the hotel, it is classed as a Superior Room, meaning it is just a little bigger than the Classic option. Featuring a large four poster bed, with steps to climb up into it, the room was
traditional yet complete with everything you need, including WiFi and proper coffee. And that is without mentioning the double aspect windows to gaze from.
As a treat our evening meal was in the Laurent-Perrier Champagne & Seafood Terrace, the latest addition to the foodie offering at the hotel and here for the summer. Situated on the lawn in front of the hotel and benefiting from the best of the views, it offers a substantial seafood menu from prawn and chilli linguine to Chatsworth Gin cured salmon and specials of the day.
Our choice was the large sharing platter for two which included tiger prawns, the aforementioned gin-cured salmon, dressed crab, prawn and crayfish in a Marie Rose sauce, curried pot shrimp, house salad, homemade bread and herbed new potatoes. All freshly delivered each day and prepared at the station in front of you. If we had to choose a favourite it would have to be the curried pot shrimp for its buttery loveliness.
Accompanied by a crisp, cool Yealands
Sauvignon Blanc, had it not been for the rolling view, we could have been at the harbour in the South of France. It felt like a proper holiday, not simply a one-night break away. Desserts did not disappoint either, one chocolate and hazelnut cheesecake that was gone before I was
offered a chance to sample and a tantalizing lemon posset with blueberry meringue sorbet. If you want to try for yourself the Seafood Terrace will be open from 12 to 8pm throughout summer but booking is essential.
And for those who aren’t fishy, The Gallery Restaurant offers great local produce and original cooking from head chef Adam Harper, who trained under Simon Rogan. Using the best, freshest local produce, the Tasting Menu is a great idea and whilst it changes regularly, includes Chatsworth Beef Tartare and Derbyshire Lamb on its five-courses.
It was time for a restful soak in the bath, using most of the Noble Isle Yorkshire Rhubarb bath gel and a climb into that beckoning four-poster. When morning came, we were refreshed and ready for our day ahead.
Breakfast is served in The Gallery Restaurant and is full table service from the friendly waiting team. For us it had to be the full English and Eggs Royale, accompanied by an assortment of freshly baked pastries.
There’s an awful lot to do in the Peak District, from walking to cycling, fishing so you won’t be wondering what to do with yourself. We headed to Bakewell for some of the famous pudding and a little shop before heading back in the car and home, thoroughly recharged. www.devonshirehotels.co.uk
Kathryn Otto and John Coyne fancied a break away with a difference and decided to stay on-board the Sunborn, docked in Royal Victoria Docks, London
This deluxe yacht hotel is located in the prestigious Royal Victoria Docks. She maintains the charm and sophistication of a classic sailing yacht with teak wood panelling, a sweeping glass staircase and vast decked areas, ideal for sundowners looking out across the skyline of the city of London.
At a 120 metre length, the Sunborn London yacht offers 138 spacious yacht bedrooms and suites over 5 floors with entertaining space, including the ‘Lands End’ restaurant - named after what the area was called in the 1800’s when it was the end of London. the ‘Sundowner’ bar, auditorium and conference rooms, as well as vast outside decks and private terraces.
The recent regeneration of East London and the Newham Borough makes this a prime mooring spot for the Sunborn London. With its close proximity to London City Airport, Canary Wharf, The O2 and Greenwich, the hotel attracts city lovers from far and wide, be it in celebration of a special occasion, or simply in search of an exciting getaway combining relaxation with exploration. Sunborn London’s luxuriating accommodation and facilities provide the ideal base from which to enjoy these local attractions.
From sleeping in a cabin, to travelling into central London via a cable cart, this was definitely the break away with a difference we desired. The team looked after us so well and the quality of the food and selection of drinks on offer was impressive, we will certainly be back. www.sunbornhotels.com
Nestled in the pristine Indian Oceans of the Maldives, Atmosphere
Hotels & Resorts presents its newest resort, VARU by Atmosphere, a Maldives all-inclusive resort
Enjoy your first moments in Paradise, travelling by speedboat for 40mins once you arrive at Malé International Airport and head to the North-west of the Maldives.
Experience the local culture and its warm hospitality while you submerse yourself in a 5 star service throughout your stay. ‘Varu’ in Dhivehi, the local dialect refers to strength, resilience and life in abundance which comes to life at the resort, with its perfect blend between the contemporary architecture and tropical vibes of the island paradise.
All guests at VARU by Atmosphere stay on the unique premium all-inclusive VARU PLAN™, which includes villa accommodation, all food and beverages, amenities, activities, and excursions. This offers visitors a completely hassle-free holiday in the Maldives with no hidden costs.
Indulge in a gastronomical experience at VARU by Atmosphere, with the best restaurants that
bring the world to you on a plate through choicest gourmet experiences.
Choose from the finest of culinary creations that span from Europe to Asia with a touch of Maldives. Enjoy sumptuous lunch and dinner spreads with enchanting presentations complemented by pristine views to create that special memory for the ages.
Indulge in premium all-day dining at main restaurant Lime & Chili and savour quintessential Mediterranean Seafood at Nü, a classy over-water setting with magical sunsets. Authentic Maldivian dishes are on offer at Kaagé in a traditional setting, where guests can sample delicious local delicacies – we recommend trying mas huni (tuna and coconut roti) and kandukukulhu (tuna curry) – staples of Maldivian cuisine.
Raise a toast to some of the best lagoon views of the island with a vintage cocktail at Bay Rouge, where you can take a dip in the pool bar and pamper yourself with a drink to remember.
Enjoy an à la carte beach grill at Charcoal and dine outside as you watch moonlight dance on the lagoon with refreshing sea breeze and cool sand under your feet.
Water Villa & Water Villa with Pool
Wake up to gorgeous ocean views by staying in an Overwater villa with your own private pool. You can step into the crystal-clear turquoise lagoon below from your villa for swimming and snorkelling and slip into a restful sleep as your senses are soothed by the sound of gentle waves lapping the stilts of your aquatic home.
You can enjoy being close to nature in these tranquil villas, and the vaulted ceiling and large glass sliding door brings in natural light. Step out onto the spacious veranda and relax on the inviting rattan sun loungers to soak up the sunshine and ocean views.
An elegant palette of cream, brown and cerulean highlights
the atmosphere of airy, understated luxury and is in-keeping with traditional Maldivian interior design. The water villas come with the option of a 10-square-meter pool to enjoy a cool dip in your private pool.
Each one-bedroom water villa features a plush king-size bed, an ergonomic workspace, a cream sofa with bright cushions, and a matching table and armchair to complete the cosy seating space. The spacious integrated cupboard is stocked with beach essentials including umbrellas, bathrobes, outdoor and indoor slippers, and a beach bag.
A coffee machine with complimentary coffee capsules and a Basilur tea service is close at hand for the much-needed morning pick-me-up.
Overlooking the mesmerising turquoise lagoon, the spacious bathroom features a huge sliding glass door, opening onto the sundeck. Warm wooden interiors and pale blue design elements complement the stunning ocean views.
The in-villa minibar and wine refrigerator are replenished twice daily with alcohol, beverages, water, chocolates, and snacks.
Enjoy a glass-enclosed rain shower and a large wooden vanity featuring two white ceramic washbasins with lip balm, lotion, sunscreen, loofah, and other bath essentials. A lavish white bathtub with endless lagoon views and Amouge bath amenities offer you unrivalled pampering.
The Maldives evokes a picture of pristine beaches, clear turquoise lagoons, and reef ringed atolls with colourful marine life – the ideal setting for adventure, exploration, and indulgent experiences. Swim in the lagoon with turtles and colourful reef fish, be inspired by the hues of a Maldivian sunset out in the sea and enjoy the sheer joy of being with your family in paradise.
A myriad of such memorable experiences and exciting things to do in Maldives awaits you at VARU by Atmosphere. www.varu-atmosphere.com
As an independent gallery, we pride ourselves on our extensive selection of art including glass and ceramic sculptures with something to suit all tastes and budgets. Our guarantee of great service makes purchasing art a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
We have a fantastic choice of high quality frames to make the best of your favourite art, sporting memorabilia and photography. Our friendly team are all highly qualified experts using the latest techniques and provide a wonderful attention to detail making every frame a work of art.
No two private flights are the same. For every charter request we always look for the best solution, meeting your requirements on capacity, service and range. Falcona offers a well-balanced charter fleet of private jets and has carefully selected partner operators to provide you a wide range of possibilities.
The BMW 3 Series is one of the best cars BMW 3 Series is one of cars you can buy, which is probably why so many people do just that It’s you can which is so many do that. It’s one of the UK’s most popular models But in the age of electrification, one of the UK’s most models. But in the age of electrification, BMW has created a zero-emission alternative to its favourite four-door a to saloon. It’s called the i4, and it’s a sleek fastback with a big battery and saloon. It’s called the i4, and it’s a sleek fastback with a and bags of power The basic eDrive40 has 335bhp and a 367-mile range, bags of power. The basic eDrive40 has 335bhp and a 367-mile range, while the top-end M50 gets 536bhp, four-wheel drive and a 316-mile while the M50 gets four-wheel drive and a 316-mile range Both will get from 0-62mph in under six seconds, but they do range. Both will get from in under six seconds, but do so in a silent, guilt-free way Meet the new boss so in a silent, way. Meet the new boss. BMW i4, from £51,905, www bmw co uk BMW i4, from £51,905, www.bmw.co.uk
Keeping you up to date with all the latest motoring and technology news
WORDS: JAMES FOSSDYKE
Hyundai-owned luxury brand Genesis has arrived in the UK, and it means business. Creating a new luxury car brand is tough. Nissan-backed Infiniti failed despite a portfolio of decent products, while Citroen spin-off DS is still finding its feet. Only Lexus has truly succeeded. But after dipping its toe in UK waters a few years ago, Hyundai’s Genesis marque is hoping to make waves in Europe. And it isn’t messing about.
For now, the range comprises two SUVs –the GV70 and the GV80 – and two saloons named G70 and G80. There’s also a gorgeous estate version of the G70 called the G70 Shooting Brake. We’ve driven the GV80 (pictured), an Audi Q7-rivalling 4x4 blessed with imposing looks and an absolutely glorious interior. The design is straight from the Bentley playbook, with swathes of wood and quilted leather, and the quality is up
there with Mercedes and BMW.
The plush cabin hints at a comfort-orientated drive, and the GV80 definitely feels a bit soft and wallowy. This isn’t a sporty vehicle. Still, a creamy 3.0-litre diesel engine provides plenty of punch and goes about its business in near-silence, while the high-speed ride is great. In all, the GV80 makes a convincing luxury car, and it’s a genuine alternative to the SUV establishment.
But Genesis wants to shake up the market with service, as well as products. Owners get a personal assistant to act as a point of contact, and dealers are more or less eschewed in favour of a click-and-collectstyle service. Could this be the new way of owning a premium car?
Genesis GV80, from £56,715, www.genesis.com
When you think of eco-friendly cars, the Jeep Wrangler isn’t normally the car that comes to mind. Unashamedly militaristic in style, the all-conquering 4x4 is usually a gas-guzzling 4x4 with the aerodynamic properties of a breeze block. And although the looks aren’t going to change any time soon, the powertrain under the skin is due a makeover. Jeep has given its legendary machine a plug-in hybrid system, with an all-electric range of up to 30 miles in urban traffic. Once that’s exhausted, the 2.0-litre petrol engine takes over. Despite cutting CO2 emissions dramatically, Jeep claims the Wrangler 4xe still offers “unprecedented off-road performance”. Jeep Wrangler 4xe, £TBC, www.jeep.co.uk
Along with sister brand Toyota, Lexus has become a hybrid specialist. But despite a range full of controversially named “self-charging” hybrids, it has only just released its first plug-in hybrid. It’s an option on the new-look NX SUV, which has been revealed with an all-new interior and evolved exterior design. The revamped cabin is a treat with a massive infotainment screen that might just signal the end for the dodgy setup Lexus has been using. Finally. Just as important, however, is the optional 2.5-litre, 302bhp, all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid system. With an all-electric range of around 40 miles, it’s designed to offer “class-leading” efficiency. If you’d rather run the conventional hybrid, though, you still can. And Lexus has promised improvements in both power and economy.
Lexus NX, £TBC, www.lexus.co.uk
In a world where electricity is taking over, there’s something slightly naughty about a big V8 petrol engine. And there’s something very naughty about this particular one. It’s a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged engine and you can find it under the bonnet of Bentley’s latest Bentayga SUV. Dubbed the Bentayga S, the powerful model is designed to offer “heightened agility” that makes the big 4x4 better through the corners. Stiffer, high-tech suspension and a clever system to make turns tighter have seen to that. The 542bhp V8 makes it quick in a straight line, too, getting from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds and topping out at 180mph.
Bentley Bentayga S, £POA, www.bentleymotors.com
It was Oscar Wilde who said an idea that wasn’t dangerous was unworthy of being called an idea at all. Although he died more than 120 years ago, it’s almost as if he foresaw the advent of the coupe-SUV – a niche corner of the car market that should never have been uncovered.
For one, the idea of taking a super-useful family SUV and then making it less practical feels like amputating your nose, mouth and eyes to spite your face. It’s a stupid idea. But sometimes it works, and when it works, it really, really works. So much so, in fact, that I now believe one particular coupe-SUV is up there with the best cars money can buy. That’s partly because I think it’s so brutally good looking, and partly because it’s based on the Porsche Cayenne, which was already one of the best cars money could buy.
Those imaginative Germans have called it the Cayenne Coupe, and it’s basically a Cayenne with half the boot missing. That means you get the same sports-car-on-stilts front end, but you get a rakish rear window that makes the whole thing look more purposeful and aggressive. The whole car feels as though it has more menace about it. The catch is, of course, that you get less space inside. You can’t carry quite so much in the boot and you can’t fit quite such tall passengers in the rear seats, although that isn’t as big an issue as you might think.
That’s mainly because the Cayenne Coupe is still massive. It’s almost 5m long and 2.2m wide, so there’s plenty of interior space. The rear seats can still take 6ft adults and the boot is still enormous. In fact, at 625 litres, the boot is only around 20% smaller than in the proper SUV, and that was enormous to start with. So it’s all good on the practicality front.
More importantly, the quality on display is absolutely staggering. As always with Porsche, the car feels as though it was carved from a single lump of diamond. The switches feel like they could survive a nuclear war and the panels all fit together with the precision of a Swiss watch. But despite all that ruggedness and quality, everything is wrapped in soft leather, making it more tactile than a Louis Vuitton handbag. You won’t find anything more luxurious or better constructed this side of a Bentley.
You won’t find many cars with more potency, either. You can have the Cayenne Coupe with a choice of engines, all of which have more power than most third-world dictators. The ‘basic’ option is a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that produces 335bhp, but you can have a 4.0-litre V8 with 542bhp. Or, if you’re feeling brave, that engine can be paired with electric motors to create a 671bhp plug-in hybrid. That means you’ll get from a standstill to 62mph in an absurd, supercar-worrying 3.8 seconds.
I wouldn’t bother with any of those engines, though. Unless you’re worried about company car tax (in which case you need the 3.0-litre, 456bhp E-Hybrid), go for the 434bhp S or the 454bhp GTS. Both will do 0-62mph in about five seconds, though the former uses a 2.9-litre V6 while the latter has a 4.0-litre V8. Try both and pick whichever you prefer. Either way, you’ll be getting a fabulous car. Not only will it be spacious, fast and well built, but it’ll drive astonishingly well. Because although the Cayenne Coupe shines in so many areas, you’ll only find its forte when you hit a good back road. Of course, that’s only to be expected. Chopping away the Cayenne’s rear end should, in theory, make it more
Porsche’s less practical flagship SUV shouldn’t work, but as
Porsche’s less practical SUV shouldn’t work, but as James Fossdyke James has discovered, somehow it just does has discovered, somehow it just does
Price from: £77,490
Gearbox: 8-speed automatic
Engine: 2.9-litre V6 petrol
0-62mph: 5.0 seconds
Top speed: 163mph
agile and more stable. With less weight sitting high above the road, it should roll and wallow less when you corner at speed – not that the Cayenne did much of that anyway.
The newbie might be a bit more surefooted, but we’re talking marginal gains because the Cayenne was so well engineered in the first place. Suffice to say whatever its more practical sibling may be capable of, the Coupe is a match for it. In every department, this is a magical car to drive. The steering is precise without being too heavy, the brakes are powerful without being too snappy and the throttle response is sharp without being too spiky. I’m convinced this thing could match or even beat the likes of the VW Golf GTI or Ford Focus ST on a race track, and that’s high praise for a two-tonne SUV. And it does that while still feeling smooth and comfortable. Get on the motorway and the Cayenne Coupe wafts along like a taller, fatter limousine, gliding over the road surface And it works around town, despite being absolutely massive. Even the driving position is brilliant, and there’s plenty to like about the seats, too. This really is all things to all people.
In the interest of balance, I’m told I have to find something to
Power: 434bhp
criticise, so… Um… Nope, I’ve got nothing. There’s one fiddly sub-menu in the touchscreen that I don’t like and there are some suspect colour options, but that’s about it. I could go down the obvious route of complaining about a lack of practicality, but that’s a bit like criticising Tom Cruise because Peter Crouch is better at reaching the top shelf in Waitrose. It kind of misses the point.
As a result, the Cayenne Coupe has left me with a conundrum. For years, I’ve been saying the Porsche Panamera Sports Turismo – the estate version of Porsche’s big Panamera sports saloon – is the best car in the world. But now it has competition from within its own family. The Cayenne Coupe is cheaper and, I think, better looking. It doesn’t drive quite as well, but it comes close. It’s tit for tat, and both are great cars. No matter which I chose, I’d spend the rest of time questioning my decision, but on balance, I’d drive away from the Porsche dealer in the Cayenne.
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Introducing the Oxford Double, Original BTC’s the Oxford Double, BTC’s first multi arm lampshade chandelier Suspended from an expertly machined first multi arm lampshade chandelier. Suspended from an machined satin lacquered brass six-arm frame are duos of beautifully translucent quilted satin brass six-arm frame are duos of translucent bone china shades, hand-cast at Original BTC’s factory Featuring large quilting bone china shades, hand-cast at Original BTC’s factory. Featuring large on the upper conical shade and a smaller diamond effect on the inner shade, on the upper conical shade and a smaller diamond effect on the inner shade, the Oxford comes to life when switched on, as the light interacts with the crisp the Oxford comes to life when switched on, as the interacts with the crisp lines running across the textured surface lines across the textured surface Oxford Double chandelier £1499, www originalbtc com Double chandelier £1499, www.originalbtc.com
The process behind creating Venice’s largest and highest new suite: The Presidential Suite at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, designed by Biagio Forino of Studio Forino
Formerly a flour mill factory on the peaceful island of Giudecca, Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is a modern Venetian masterpiece steeped in history. The historically listed building has been exquisitely restored with a series of recent refurbishments, including new sophisticated deluxe rooms by Studio CaberlonCaroppi and new spacious, elegant suites, including the new Presidential Suite by Studio Forino.
The new Presidential Suite at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice opened its luxurious doors to guests in May of this year. Designed by Studio Forino, the suite is now the highest and largest suite in town, with private access to the hotel’s incredible rooftop pool and bar. Fondly referred to as the First Lady Suite following a visit by Michelle Obama, the spacious new Presidential Suite has been exquisitely designed with the utmost care to detail, ensuring the latest in sustainable design.
As part of the Hilton Hotels’ Travel with Purpose commitment of doubling the investment in social impact and cutting the brand’s environmental footprint in half through responsible hospitality, Biagio Forino of Studio Forino ensured the new suite
was created using environmentally friendly materials, avoiding using non-recyclables. Creating the new Presidential Suite at Hilton’s iconic Venice property was quite the challenge and process.
“My first impression when I started this project was being in an environment with enormous potential. The existing suites were very dark and dusty, and the furniture was dark wood with black leather headboards and carpeted floors. My biggest challenge was to transform the suites into a light and bright environment using soft colours enriched with touches of brilliant colours. I immediately felt that it was necessary to bring the colours, the lights and the atmosphere of the Venetian Lagoon to this wonderful suite. On the walls of the master bedroom of the suite, I transported the skies of Venice with their silver gleams and golden streaks,” says Biagio Forino.
Studio Forino’s style is known as being elegant, sophisticated, and welcoming. The Italian design studio typically works on private homes and villas, including luxury bed and breakfasts equipped with
every comfort, so transforming all the suites, including the Presidential Suite at the five-star Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, was a significant undertaking.
Biagio Forino commented, “The main challenge we discovered was being able to give guests the impression of being in a refined and exclusive private home, respecting all the constraints due to the safety rules of a grand hotel whilst ensuring sustainable, environmental and ecological impact was integrated throughout the design process. I wanted to make the new suites as comfortable as possible with technology present and integrated yet harmonised with a warm and welcoming contemporary style. Among the various materials used, I focused on one in particular for the bedside tables and desks - using carbon fibre- because I wanted to bring the technology of boats into the furniture since we are in a city of the sea also famous for its Moro Di Venezia.”
The new spacious new Presidential Suite has been beautifully designed with tranquil blue and silver interiors, large floor-to-ceiling windows allowing natural light to illuminate the delicate Murano glass vases. Determined only to use the finest ecoconscious materials throughout the project, Studio Forino ensured that all materials were used with the certifications that guaranteed compliance with the regulations to safeguard ecology. From the use of glues, woods, to the materials used for the upholstery of the sofas, the beds’ mattresses, the lighting with low energy consumption, the air control systems, etc.
“Throughout the project, my goal was to ensure that after a day of cultural visits in the most beautiful and unique city in the world, guests of the hotel would feel the desire to return to Hilton Molino
Stucky Venice to relax and rethink the wonders they enjoyed and experienced. I am proud to have translated my initial vision into reality and introduced contemporary design elements into a classic environment. Using carbon fibre material to create signature pieces such as a fantastic desk in the new Presidential Suite- it is illuminated by beautiful Murano glass and is truly exceptional,” says Biagio Forino.
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice’s rooftop city views are otherworldly, which is one of the many reasons the hotel’s pool and Skyline Bar are so popular. The recently opened Presidential Suite is now the highest and newest suite in Venice. Biagio Forino reveals his favourite view from the hotel “is from the top of the tower, which is accessed from the top floor of the Presidential Suite and allows you to see Venice at 360 degrees. It is truly a breath-taking view, a privilege that I wish everyone to be able to give themselves at least once in their life.”
Nightly rates at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice begin at 180 Euro per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included. The Tower Molino Suite starts from 1,200 Euro per night and the Presidential Suite starts from 6,500 Euro per night. www.hilton.com, www.biagioforino.it
How would you describe yourself?
I’m a business owner, a passionate advocate of home staging and lover of all things property. I work with property developers, estate agents and private vendors to help prepare all kinds of homes for sale. My job is to use my staging skills and experience to ensure properties appeal to as many buyers as possible, sell quickly and for their optimum price.
I’ve been happily married to Stephen for almost thirty years and our son, Michael, is now 21 and has just completed a degree in Computer Science. Stephen and Michael both work with me in the business so it’s a real family affair which I love.
My parents were born in the West of Ireland where we still have a large family, but I was born and brought up by my late mum, Mary, and my dad, Jim in Coventry. When I was younger, music was my great love. I played the piano accordion and the cello and after leaving school I studied education at Nottingham Trent University to train for a career in teaching. I specialised in music and subsequently in early years education. I spent 26 years in primary school settings before taking a bold decision to retrain and follow my dream.
I had always harboured a secret wish to create a career based around my love of property and interior design and had a bit of a ‘now or never’ epiphany. I made the rather scary decision to leave the security of teaching and take the leap into a completely new industry. I
retrained to become a certified home staging and styling professional before launching The Home Styling Company in 2016. Fast forwarding to today, we continue to grow as more and more developers and estate agents are realising the power of staging as a sales tool.
Staging homes to sell is absolutely standard in many parts of the world but less well known in the UK so it was undoubtedly a risk to launch a home staging business but one which I have never regretted for a moment. Things are changing fast as staging becomes more widely used and it’s exciting to be part of that journey of discovery in such a creative industry.
Who are your greatest influences?
I would say definitely my parents. My mum had impeccable taste. She was a bit of a trail blazer too – always choosing the latest innovations and home trends for our house. My dad is a skilled joiner and carpenter and had his own business designing and creating bespoke fitted furniture so as a couple they were a formidable team when it came to improving homes.
While I was growing up, they bought a rundown bungalow in Warwickshire and worked tirelessly to restore it so I’m sure that’s where the seeds of my love of renovation, styling and design were sown.
Designer wise, I love the effortlessly understated style of Nina Campbell and William Yeoward as well as the chic, modern furnishings and accessories by Harlequin. I don’t
really follow trends though – if something catches my eye and I like it I’ll try and buy it either for my staging work or for my own home.
What have been some of your best jobs/ experiences at work?
The best moment for my team is always the ‘reveal’ when the client sees the finished project for the first time. There’s always such joy and excitement when a property has been transformed and we are lucky enough to receive fantastic feedback for our work. When a home that has been ‘stuck’ on the market sells soon after we have staged it, that’s always a magical moment and one I never tire of.
Since we have made our home in this region, our family has lived in two different properties, both of which have been featured in national interior magazines which is also something I’m proud of and which was partly responsible for giving me the confidence to move into a design led industry.
Traditional vs contemporary style?
My work means I’m a style chameleon – always tailoring my approach to the décor with the age and atmosphere of the property. In my own home I mix the two which I think gives the perfect balance between style and character.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
Having the courage to follow my heart and change direction when it would have been much more comfortable to stay in teaching. I’d recommend anyone to do the same if they can.
When the business was quite new, in 2019 we entered the Home Staging Awards UK and Ireland and to our great delight won the ‘Best Transformation of an Occupied Property’ category. We attended a presentation ceremony at the Waldorf Hotel in London to collect our award and had a fabulous evening. That success meant a great deal as not only were we pitted against much more established staging companies throughout the UK, but the category was judged
by the most respected professionals in the industry. Having our work formally endorsed in such a public arena was a huge confidence boost and absolutely rubber stamped my credentials as a professional stager.
Outside of work, I learned to play the saxophone a little later in life and now enjoy playing in the Uppingham Jazz and Soul Band. Music helps me switch off from work and relax.
What would your super-power be?
People often say they feel as though I have waved a magic wand when they see their transformed properties…. I’d love to have a real one.
www.thehomestylingcompany.co.uk
Last book you read?
I read lots of interiors magazines for inspiration and the last book I have bought is Eat Drink Nap by Soho House. Once read, they become great staging props!
I love listening to audio books as a switch off and enjoy a good romantic story with a happy ending for real escapism.
Dream buy?
A private chef. I love good food, but I don’t particularly enjoy cooking. Staging can involve long, tiring days and to come home to a beautifully crafted, delicious meal each evening would be a dream come true.
EXETER HOUSE, EXETER HOUSE, WAKERLEY
RAISING THE BAR FOR CONTEMPORARY LIVING WITH CLASSICAL TWISTS, EXETER HOUSE IS SET WITHIN AN EXTENSIVE PLOT SURROUNDED BY OPEN COUNTRYSIDE.
£1,300,000
Dating back to the early 1900s, this former public house has been converted to create a versatile home with annexe and Airbnb potential. Peacefully set within the parish of Wakerley and Barrowden, step out of the front door from Exeter House and onto the Jurassic Way.
Nestled in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nature is in abundance. Enjoy walks to nearby Wakerley Woods and
or along the
Only a mile from Barrowden, here discover a church, village hall, doctor’s surgery and pharmacy, community shop, cricket club and pub, the aptly named Exeter Arms. Dine out on locally sourced produce, including
lamb, pheasant and venison from the Burghley Estate alongside foraged fruits and herbs.
A rural parish with a real community-feel, enjoy local events including open garden days, lunch clubs and fetes. www.pelhamjames.co.uk
•Renovated and extended from a former public house
•Versatile living with ground floor accommodation
•Original features including beams and stone fireplace
•Extensive grounds with south-facing garden
•Countryside views to front and rear
•Quiet hamlet forming part of Wakerley and Barrowden Parish
•Summer house with bar and woodburner
•Double garage and extensive parking
•Annexe offering B&B or offices potential
•Impressive, light filled garden room
THE LONG BARN, THE LONG WHITWELL, RUTLAND RUTLAND
A STUNNING GRADE II LISTED STONE BARN CONVERSION FINISHED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD THROUGHOUT. GUIDE PRICE £2,500,000
The current owners have reconstructed and sympathetically restored the property, whilst working closely with an award-winning architect to ensure the highest energy efficiency rating was achieved combined with a wealth of period features and traditional detailing with modern fittings.
A particular highlight is the exceptional kitchen/diner/ family room with double height glazed
Twindow with bi fold doors which open out onto the south facing terrace. The property also benefits from a selfcontained 2 bedroom annexe and is accessed via a sweeping gravelled driveway which leads to a large parking area with a triple garage. The grounds include a lawn garden, a wild flower
garden with stream flowing through it and a sheltered courtyard which adjoins the kitchen.
With all the benefits of an enviably Rutland location and excellent facilities, it is a unique, impressive barn conversion. www.fineandcountry.com
•Detached grade II listed barn conversion
•Exceptional kitchen, dining, family room
•Formal sitting room, games room, garden room, study, office, bootroom
•Five double bedrooms, three en suite and a family bathroom
•Two bedroom self-contained annexe
•Oversized triple garage with ample parking
•Lawn rear garden and sheltered courtyard
•Total accommodation of main house extends to 5327 sq.ft
•Total accommodation of annexe extends to 750 sq.ft
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