La di da - Issue 3 by La Di Da

ISS UE 3 S PRING 2 0 1 4

A DAMNE D FINE RE AD FOR NORT H E RN HIGH S O CIE TY

£2.50 WHERE SOLD

IN O RD E R TO BE IRRE PLACE A BLE O NE MUST ALWAYS BE D IF F ERENT

SS14 Tre n ds FASHION FABULOUS LOOKS

Style Royalty THE INSIDER’S SECRET STYLISTS E XC L U S I V E :

It’s a Dog’s Life AT HOME WITH THE PERCY

LUXE HOTELS & FOODIE HAVENS

INDULGE YOUR INNER HEDONIST

Posh Weddings VENUES FIT FOR ROYALTY

T H E M O D E RN COU N T RY GE N T FOR FASHIONMISTERS

ISSU E 3

perfect imperfections

The Grand Corridor Entrance, photoshoot for Unveiled by Stan Seaton

The perfect wedding setting ~ uniquely yours, and yours alone, for the duration of your stay.

In the grounds at Lartington Hall â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be as individual as you like. Paul Joseph Photography

Ballroom with formal seating for 150 people, Paul Joseph Photography

The Hall is only available

Stilettos or Bare Feet; Tapas

for exclusive hire allowing

or Filet Steak; Full English

you to make your special

or Bloody Mary ~ whatever

day completely personal.

~ do it your way!

The Dining Room, photoshoot for Unveiled by Stan Seaton

Start your Lartington experience, by contacting us on 01833 651850 or contactus@lartingtonhall.co.uk Lartington Hall Lartington, near Barnard Castle Teesdale, DL12 9BW.

North East. The best spas, the best food, the finest golf courses…we have them all. As well as yet another exclusive, a sneak peek of celeb hangout Calcot Manor’s new fabulous hotel in County Durham. Trust us, it’s a bit special. And, if Valentine’s Day elicited a proposal from someone special, then you’ll love our guide on how to have the most stylish wedding day. And there’s more, lots more. Pages and pages of top experts giving you exclusive insights into everything you need or want to know about the fabulous things in life.

Hurrah Spring is here. Here at La Di Da Towers we have been putting the winter months to good use. We haven’t been sitting in on dark nights loading up on carbs and nursing our bottle of Hendrick’s (well, maybe just a bit). Instead we’ve prepared for Spring by opening up our stellar contact book and phoning our fine and fabulous celebrity and insider expert friends to give our readers the exclusive inside skinny on everything you need to know to celebrate the start of the light nights in style.

We do hope you enjoy it. We loved making it. Our next issue is underway but in the meantime do stay in touch with us via facebook and twitter. We have some amazing competitions and offers coming up, designed especially for you.

Want to know when Jamie Oliver’s new place is open? We’ve got it covered. Want to know what Kenny Atkinson has planned for the Newcastle food scene? Sorted. Need the expert take on LFW and the designers to name drop? Read on. Want to know the etiquette of simply everything? We asked a member of royalty for their top tips.

Toodle pip!

Li nda and Liz

Facebook.com/LaDiDaMagazine Twitter @LaDiDaMag

And, because we know you love to enjoy the good life, we’ve put to the test the most fabulous luxury hotels in the

The Great, The Good and The Glorious W E WANTED TO IN T ROD U CE T H E L A D I DA D RE A M TE A M . W E HAVE SOME OF T HE MOS T A U DACIOU SLY TA L E N TE D A N D W EL L CONNECT ED EX PERTS WR IT IN G F O R U S A N D GI V I N G U S THE I N SIDE INSIGHT IN TO EV E RYT HIN G F I N E A N D FA B U LO U S…

Beauty Queen

King of Interiors

Jo Leversuch is an award wining professional freelance make-up artist based in the North East of England. As well as working with top fashion brands, on TV and photoshoots, she is always one of the most in demand wedding make up artists. She works with La Di Da on all of our major shoots and is a serious talent. We love! www.makeupbyjo.co.uk

Interior Design columnist and TV star George Bond won the top prize at the uber prestigious International Property Awards in London recently. He is constantly in demand both here and overseas to design the homes of the rich and fabulous and, more often than not, famous.

Princess of photography Hannah Todd is a super talented Newcastle based photographer. Her work can be seen on our shoot with Kenny Atkinson and our Brotox feature. One to watch. www.hannahtoddphotography.co.uk

Queen of Fashion Josephine Collins is the fashionista’s fashionista. Ex editor of Fash bible Drapers Magazine, she heads up the BA Fashion Course at the London College of Fashion and is Senior Contributing Editor for Stylus.com.

Queen of Showbiz Our Showbiz columnist Sarah Louise Robertson is from Ponteland but is now based in London as Digital News Editor for OK! magazine. She was previously Features Editor at Star magazine and OK! Hot Stars. She has every celebrity known to humanity on speed dial and they all take her calls. spring

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King of Cars Our motoring correspondent, Graham Courtney, is Editor of AutOh! Magazine, the premium car magazine for the luxury car market and is an experienced and respected test driver. www.autoh.co.uk

Image Royalty We are lucky enough to have some of the North East’s best photographers working for us. GASP is our featured photographer of the issue, responsible for some of our most striking images, including our fashion shoot in this issue. They create unique and beautifully distinctive photography for weddings, portraits and amazing pet and children’s photography. Check out some of their work at www.gaspphotography.co.uk

I SSUE 3

SPRING 2014

A DA M N E D F IN E READ FOR N O RT H E R N H IG H S O C IE T Y

The Go To Etiquette Expert to the super rich

71 Four...

The fashionista’s guide to SS/14. A must read for looking fashion fabulous

...of the best luxury golfing venues

It’s Fashion Dahling...

74 They’re the Business

Oh, and she’s royalty. We mind our manners with Princess Katarina

We talk to the region’s entrepreneurs

Jamie Oliver’s huge crush on Newcastle

His hotly-anticipated restaurant is opening soon. We get all the exclusive goss from his friend and fellow chef icon Gennaro Contaldo

08 Kenny Kills It Kenny Atkinson, top chef, top man. We grill him on his amazing new restaurant

80 British Beef AutOh! Ed Graham Courtney takes a spin in the best of British

82 Celeb Getaways

Star spot this holiday...

PHOTOGRAPHY: SPECULAR MODEL: LAELA VASTRICK @ NEXT LONDON JEWELRY: SOPHIE THOMAS STYLIST: MADELEINE BOWDEN MUA: ABBI ROSE HAIR: CARMEN AMELIA

Fashionmisters

ASSISTANT: RIKKE HASS CHRISTENSEN

Modern Country Gent? We showcase the most stylish clothes around

Food Glorious Food Our round-up of the best grub and who’s cooking it

Furniture Fashion

96 Jet Set

We have all the latest fabulicious products and trends

Our Society Editor Helen Storey is living the high life

It’s Playtime! We check out the most fabulous hotels in the North East for luxury fun

It’s a Dog’s Life

All contents copyright ©2014 La Di Da. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, artwork, advertising or photographic material while in transmission or with the publisher or with their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print.

The Percy is one of the most prestigious hunts in the country with famed kennels. We asked nicely if we could come visit. They said yes

14 Beauty is in the Eye

OUR COVER SHOT

WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

of the Beholder

We give you the insider take on all the must have beauty products to make you blossom

Everything you need to know for the ultimate stylish wedding

Posh Wedding?

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Interview

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JED WEE. WWW.JEDWEE.COM

Princess Katarina is The President of The Guild of Travel and Tourism and travels the world on a regular basis representing the UK.

FEW H AV E L I V E D S U C H A FA SC I N AT I NG LIFE AS PRI N C E SS K ATAR I N A A N D N OW SH E H A S S TARTE D A N EW C H A P T E R , B E CO MIN G T H E D OY E N N E O F ET IQ U E T T E F OR THE S U PE R RI C H A N D FA B U LO U S .

Princess Katarina and I have been friends for many years and we also have an exciting new prime time TV project starting together which is causing great interest both here and in the States. We have also joined forces to form our own interior design consultancy called Opulence which will see us both offer style and interiors advice to clients with very large properties.

L A DI DA’ S G EO RG E B O N D M E T UP W ITH HE R ON A R E C E N T VIS IT TO N EWC A ST L E TO FIND OU T M O R E A N D WAS ON H I S V E RY B E S T B EH AV I O U R …

Princess of Etiquette

OOD manners and a beautiful speaking voice are two of the first things you notice about Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia which is naturally what one would expect from a ‘double princess’. A double princess is defined as combining royal blood from two houses (she’s the granddaughter of the Yugoslav king Alexander I, and the daughter of Prince Tomislav of Yugoslavia and Princess Margarita of Baden), and is related to Queen Victoria on both sides of the family. The Queen’s cousin recently decided to put all that blue blood to excellent use by launching a business offering etiquette classes. “It’s more of an introduction to etiquette,” she explains, over lunch at my house in Gosforth. “It’s all about good manners, how to behave if you go to someone’s house for dinner, or if you go out for a formal occasion, how to hold your knife and fork correctly and lots of do’s and

don’ts. We also do weekend courses for people who have inherited a large household and need to know all about the running of the house and how to look after staff.” Held in luxury hotels or private members’ clubs with a delicious afternoon tea, etiquette classes by HRH have proved very popular, both with the British and people from overseas, who just want to feel more confident in social situations. “It has often been suggested to me that because of my special background I should impart my knowledge of etiquette and good manners,” she explains. “Recent royal events and Downton Abbey have generated tremendous interest in the subject and I feel now is a perfect time to start. I believe that etiquette and good manners can mean the difference between success and failure in many aspects of life and are essential to any civilised society.” It is not the only project that is keeping Princess Katarina busy. As well as being actively involved in supporting many charitable causes, spring

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“It’s a very exciting time with both the TV show and the new interior design service,” says Princess Katarina. “Both our styles are very complementary and very classic. It’s very exciting that New York and America are so interested. New York obviously has a very different design style to us, far more contemporary but I think we can put a classical British twist on it.”

La Di Da Guide to Etiquette HOW POSH ARE YOU? • Do you say ‘Pleased to meet you’? You may think you’re being terribly nice saying this upon greeting a stranger, but those in the know will have mentally clocked you are not saying, ‘How do you do?’ If you don’t know who they are, can you be sure you really are pleased to meet them? • Revise your handshake. The last time someone told you how to shake hands you were probably very young. Get a loved one to review your handshake honestly. Try to avoid being a wet fish or a bone crusher. People judge others on the quality of their handshake. • Avoid attending Facebook parties. If you are invited anywhere by Facebook, don’t go. It won’t be worth it and you’ll probably be served beer in the bottle or wine that hasn’t been decanted. • Pudding v Dessert. The final course of a dinner (and arguably the best one) is the pudding. Note, it is called the pudding, NOT ‘dessert’. William Hanson, author of the Bluffers Guide to Etiquette

Feature

ABOUT TOWN THE CULINARY SCENE IN NEWCASTLE JUST G OT B ET TER W ITH THE ARRIVAL OF JAMIE’S ITALIAN AND KEN N Y AT K IN S ON ’ S H OUSE OF TID ES. LA D I DA GETS TH E INSID E SKINNY.

It Started With A Dream

he knew before setting him free to develop his own style of cooking.

T’S a story Italian super-chef Gennaro Contaldo has told many times.Yet tears still well up in his eyes when he recalls how a young Jamie Oliver told him about his dream.

Oliver travelled to Europe looking for work before returning to a job at the River Café where he was spotted by a television producer.

“He had a dream to open a restaurant, two restaurants, restaurants all over the country, the world,” remembers Gennaro, who is speaking at the new Jamie’s Italian restaurant in Newcastle.

The Naked Chef was born. Countless television programmes later, numerous cookery books and a headlinegrabbing campaign to make the nation healthy and Oliver is now a household name.

“He wanted to show people how to cook proper, healthy food, to employ fantastic people and get them excited about produce and fantastic dishes.

All with a little help from his mentor Gennaro, of course, who is a star in his own right, appearing in the BBC series The Two Greedy Italians with Carluccio, whipping up three egg omelettes on Saturday Kitchen and producing his own successful cookery books.

“I have known Jamie a long time. We are like father and son, I have tears in my eyes when I remember. This was his dream.”

Their close friendship remains strong and Gennaro and Oliver work closely developing Jamie’s Italian chain of restaurants.

Back then Oliver was an unknown rookie learning his trade in Antony Carluccio’s Neal Street restaurant under Gennaro’s watchful gaze.

The latest addition has just opened at Newcastle’s Monument Mall offering good quality, fresh dishes and an alfresco dining space.

The Italian, who later ran the famous Passione restaurant which attracted stars such as Madonna, taught the young chef everything spring

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“I love Newcastle,” enthuses Gennaro. “The buildings are so beautiful and I have never seen so much ambition and passion from the staff. “We’ve employed local people and we are using local suppliers. The fish here is amazing and the pasta is fresh and made here in the restaurant.” As well as the dining area, the restaurant has a large bar serving a wide range of cocktails (all the classics plus a few with a real Jamie twist), wine, spirits and beers including local ales. A focal point of the bar is the large traditional pizza oven, where delicious homemade pizzas will be on the menu every day, alongside other tasty bar nibbles “Jamie can’t wait to get up here and meet everyone,” says Gennaro. “He sent me a text this morning saying ‘Send my love to the Geordies.’ I didn’t know what Geordies was,” laughs the chef. “I do now.” *Turn over to read about another new restaurant on the block, House of Tides.

Jamie’s Italian Monument Mall, Newcastle (0191) 5000 858 www.jamieoliver.com

Feature

Shy Bairns Get Nowt

PHOTOS: HANNAH TODD PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.HANNAHTODDPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

OUBLE Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson admits he has taken a huge risk.

Every penny he owns has gone into opening House of Tides and his reputation as a culinary genius and celebrity chef rests on making it a success.

CHEF KENNY ATKINSON IS TH E TA LK OF TH E TOWN AFTER OP ENIN G H IS F IR S T RESTAURANT H OUSE O F T IDES IN A HISTORIC BUILD ING ON T H E B A N K S OF THE TYNE. LIZ LAM B M EETS TH E CELEB R IT Y CHEF TO FIND OUT MOR E.

“I’ve invested everything into here,” explains Kenny, as he gives La Di Da a tour of the building, a former Merchant’s House that dates back to the 16th Century.

“My training and concept has always been fine dining. Now I have got to the level where I have been on TV, the Michelin stars, there is an expectation there.”

“We have taken a big risk. People have responded really well to it so as long as I keep delivering, as long as we don’t get too expensive, too stuffy or snotty, it will work.

The ethos of the restaurant is casual fine dining. Good, quality food without the snobbery.

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Feature

“I fell in love with it,” he says. “We thought there was nothing like it, it was unique. I wanted to bring something unique to the Quayside. It has so much character. It was nice to breathe new life into an old building that had not been used for such a long time. “It just felt right and we knew we could turn it into something special.” He went on to work as a kitchen porter, moved to London and the Midlands, before gaining his first Michelin star on the Scilly Isles. The father-of two eventually returned to his native North East earning another Michelin star at The White Room at Seaham Hall before taking up the role of Director of Food at five star Rockliffe Hall Hotel. Heading up the award-winning The Orangery and having made a name for himself on television with appearances on Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen life seemed grand for Kenny.

There is no dress code, no sommelier and the kitchen staff don’t wear chef whites. When you arrive for pre-dinner drinks and canapés, it is Kenny who serves you. “I don’t like snobs,” says the born-and-bred Geordie. “We don’t have a dress code. Who are we to tell people what to wear? “We’re friendly people, we want people to come here and feel at home. I don’t have a sommelier. I don’t want someone to try and tell you what wine to drink. “I don’t want it to be stuffy. When guests come in I serve the canapés.” And if you think you’re going to get special treatment because you’re a multimillionaire or have an important job in the city, think again. “I don’t give a sh*t who you are or where you work, everyone is a VIP,” says the down-toearth restaurateur. His beloved home city of Newcastle was always going to be the place Kenny opened his first stand-alone restaurant. Born in Fenham, the 36-year-old’s first job was on a fruit and veg stall in Grainger Market.

But in April 2013 it was announced he was leaving Rockliffe and his shock departure sent the rumour mill into overdrive. Had he been poached by a rival, was he hanging up his apron for a TV career or off to London to work for another eatery?

The menu features fresh dishes using the finest local ingredients. The kippers are from Craster, the fish from Hodgson of Hartlepool and vegetables and herbs come straight from Ken Holland’s North Country Growers each morning. The tasting menu is designed to be eaten over eight courses priced £55-65 or diners can create their own three course menu for £40 (Tues-Thurs only), an option that is entitled Shy Bairns Get Nowt. “I always got told shy bairns get nowt. I say it to my kids too and I thought I would incorporate that into the menu,” he smiles. “Everything we do is fresh. It challenges you more. What dishes can we have today? It allows me to be creative.” And if you want a table at House of Tides you best hurry. It’s booked out every weekend till the end of April.

“I think it is hard in a five star hotel,” says the celebrity chef. “You can’t not be too serious, you have to offer a five star service. It can become robotic. One of the reasons I parted company with Rockliffe was I was bored. I was losing interest in cooking, it was not exciting me anymore.” Kenny, who lives in Darlington with wife Abbie and their two sons, aged four and seven, took some much-needed time out to figure his next move. That move was House of Tides and location was key. A friend told him about Buttress House, on the Quayside, owned by North East comic legend Bobby Pattinson. The historic building had lain dormant since the 70s and extensive refurbishment work was needed. Undeterred Kenny and Abbie took over the lease of two floors for the restaurant and have exciting plans for the third floor, which he is keeping firmly under wraps for now. spring

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House of Tides 28-30 The Close, Newcastle NE1 3RF (0191) 230 3720 www.houseoftides.co.uk

Feature

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM GIBSON WWW.GISPHOTOGRAPHIC.CO.UK

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Feature

T H E R E L AT I O N S HIP B E TW E E N T H E H UN TSM AN A N D HIS H OU N D S I S A U N IQ U E B O N D B UT H OW D O E S O N E MAN M A N AG E TO F O S TE R LOYA LTY FRO M 1 0 0 H O U N DS ? L A D I DA’ S CO U N TRY S PO RTS E D I TOR JAM ES BA RC L AY V I SITE D RO B E RT M CC A RT H Y, T H E HU NTS MA N TO T H E P E RC Y HO U NDS , TO I N V E ST I G AT E THE ‘GO LDE N T H R E A D’ H E HAS W ITH THEM…

ROBERT MCCARTHY HAS DEVOTED HIS LIFE TO HUNTING FROM A VERY EARLY AGE AND HIS KNOWLEDGE OF HIS HOUNDS IS VERY CLEAR TO SEE. THEY ARE HIS LIFE AND THE AFFECTION AND RESPECT IS CLEARLY MUTUAL. UNTING, despite its image, has always brought together a vast number of people from all corners of everyday life, with a common interest, the hounds.

La Di Da has been granted permission by the Duke of Northumberland, his sister Lady Victoria Percy and the Masters of the Percy Hunt to visit these historical kennels and Robert to see first hand the wonderful Pure English Foxhounds in his care and capture that unique relationship on camera. Robert McCarthy has devoted his life to hunting from a very early age and his knowledge of his hounds is very clear to see. They are his life and the affection and respect is clearly mutual. The Pure English Foxhound is one of the oldest breeds of hunting hounds in the world. Its distinctive colour of black, tan and white is what makes it stand out from its more modern brethren. After all, it is looked at as the aristocrat of the hunting world. They ooze charm and character from every angle, but don’t they know it? They can be wooden and stubborn, and that is why the link between Robert and his hounds is not only fascinating, it is of the greatest importance in the running of the Percy or any other hunt kennel. spring

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From the very moment you see them, you know you are in for a real treat. Robert’s assistant in the trade his ‘Whipper in,’ is sorting out the hounds that we are due to take out for exercise.

Feature

This is duly accomplished and anything that is not coming with us is put over on to another yard. The rest then wait patiently for the ‘Boss’ to appear. They can hear him not far away and every single one of them has their eyes transfixed in his general direction. As he appears at their kennel gate, you witness the huge respect they have for him and that he too has for them. They become alive and are all over him and ready to go! Bursting out of the ancient Percy kennels, like children leaving school for the day, they go so far and then back to him they come. There is no shouting, no cracking of whips, and this is something that has to be seen to be believed, as Robert says it all comes down to two words, ‘patience and understanding’. The River Aln is the first port of call into which they quickly dip then over the bridge to the site of the old Abbey. As well as enjoying our historical surroundings we can watch and observe the hounds and their huntsman working in total unison with each other. There is one cog in this particular wheel however that is missing today and that is the horse. Once the Huntsman is up aboard that golden thread of which we talk widens, taking on equine as well as canine thinking with decisions very often having to be made in a matter of a second or two. Quite something, when your conveyance is likely to be rather enjoying the occasion! However if the man or woman on top has the flare that it needs, it all comes totally naturally and is a joy to see. We return to the kennels with all hounds as they say in the trade, ‘on’ and the experience has been yet another one which demonstrates the fascination of that invisible link that exists between man and animal. Once one has got it, it is there for life, a very special link which cannot be torn asunder.

Cherish us for our courage Instead of for our looks; Look on us more as comrades, And less as picture books. Breed to the strains that serve you The best throughout the chase; Remember that your stewardship Spells trustee to our race. The duty now before you Is not to mess us up, And not go running riot To gain some silver cup. Condition us and feed us as care’ly as you know, So that no fox, however stout, Can ever make us blow. And don’t distract us Master, When treading out of line! Mistake no foxhound’s challenge For silly puppy’s whine! Your steaming horse keep from us, Or we can’t feel the scent; If to a holloa should you lift, Show us which way he went.

W I T H T H ANK S... To Duke of Northumberland, Lady Victoria Percy and the Masters of the Percy Hunt for allowing La Di Da access to their Kennels. www.percyhunt.com

James Barclay has his own website at www.fortheloveofhuntingengland.com

The Foxhounds Prayer

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H O R S E

riding

C H I C

WITH CLARE THORBURN

O I decided to get another horse. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? The hunt for a new steed to ease my faithful horse Mr Kai’s burden (as in me) kicked off 18 months ago. Horse hunting has made me realise just how fortunate I am to have my trusty boyfriend of 14 years. I’m certainly not comparing him to a horse but I can only liken my 18-month quest to find the perfect horse as being the equine equivalent of searching for Mr Right. Firstly, there was the rigorous browsing of horses-forsale websites. Then the actual dates… viewings to meet and greet prospective equine partners, accompanied mainly by a long suffering pal (LSP). Several trips to Ireland ensued. Said LSP’s patience waned considerably after one enormous horse she was perched upon somersaulted in the ménage, catapulting her into the ground. Two days later with only Guinness as a painkiller, we landed back home and went straight to A&E for LSP to be told she’d dislocated her collarbone.

Words: Gayna Millican

C RE D I TS :

Down at the farm it’s all about combination styling inspired by the beautiful women of Macedonia.

D I RE C TO R G AY N A M I LL I C AN

Traditional folk wear an incredible array of bright reds and intricate embroidery all tied together perfectly to create a flattering silhouette. The scarf is key. Whether it’s draped around your neck, knotted around your head or simply used to synch the whole outfit in at the waist to keep everything neat and feminine. Use more than one in clashing colours for a truly unique look. Macedonian women keep this style even for their wedding day but glam it up with gold jewellery around their waist and neck.

P HOTO G RA P HE R M AR I E H AR K N E SS MODEL L I A S U N DI N MUA LO DI AS HA I R S T Y L I S T K AR A S COT T

Traditionally the bride rides a horse to her wedding led by her family but leaves on her husband’s horse with him. Even this won’t deter Macedonian women from wearing beautiful long skirts or dresses.

T HA NKS TO S T E WART A ND S AR AH P I T T E N DR I G H AT BRA D L E Y HA L L FA RM P RU D HO E

Not an outfit most of us would choose when riding a horse but that doesn’t mean you can’t step out in style.

HO RS E I M P E R I AL P R I N C E

Invest in black, leather flat boots, throw on a clashing print or two and don’t forget that all important scarf. Remember it’s all in the drape!

The search went on but then I met the ultimate matchmaker. Simon Reynolds is a legend in the horsey world, clinching the much-coveted Supreme of Show title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), partnered by the magnificent five times HOYS winner, Hallmark. When he’s not winning the horse equivalent of Crufts, Simon, it seemed, could be a bit of a Cilla Black when it came to helping people find their perfect horse match. I summoned the courage to put in an SOS call to this equestrian superstar and so to early December and I’m in the 4x4 en route to Oxfordshire. Simon is propped alongside, nursing six fractured vertebrae and a broken rib following a bad fall. These horses… do I really want another? We stood huddled outside the stables in strong winds, while the big grey horse we’d come to see was led out. Unphased by the storms and taking us in with huge, kindly eyes was Comet. After passing the horse equivalent of a rigorous house survey by the vet, Comet has come home to Bamburgh. Claire Thorburn is Director of Impact PR & Marketing www.impactpr-m.co.uk

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Beauty

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MASCARA ADDICTS N EW FO R M A S C A RA A D D I C TS I S T HE L I M I T E D E DI T I O N O F P LU M RE S E RV E , BLU E C HA RG E , CO U NT E RFE I T BROW N, A RT I FI CI A L A U BE RG I NE AND FA L S E BL ACK I N M AC’ S FA L S E L A S HE S R A NG E £ 1 8 FE NW I CK. TOM F ORD’S SPRING COL L E C TION F E ATU R E S EIGHT NE W SHE E R LIP COLOU R S ( £36) A N D F O UR NAIL LACQUERS ( £26) S H A DE S IN H AR MONISING NUDES AN D W ITH ACC E N TS O F HOT, SUN-KISSED COLOU R . ON COU N TE R AT F EN WICK.

SPRING SCENT F L ASH LONDON CLUB BY JIMMY C H OO IS F OR THE GLAM PART Y GIR L IN A L L OF U S WI TH TOP NOT E S OF B E RGAMOT AN D L ITC H I £ 4 1 .40 T HE FRAG RAN C E S H OP, E L DON SQUARE, NE WCAST LE .

STYLE LEADER C HA NE L HA S L A U NC HE D I TS RE I NV E N TED LES O M BRES EY E CO L L E CT I O N W I T H E I G HT D I FFE RE NT EY E Q UAD S ETS (£ 4 0 ), FO U R NE W E Y E L I NE R S HA D E S ( £ 1 9 ) A ND A NEW WATERPRO O F V E RS I O N O F L E VO LU M E D E C HA NE L M AS C ARA (£ 2 4 ) spring

2014

Beauty Blush by Orly

pale W HI T E R S H A D E O F

ITCH your bottles of brightly-coloured nail lacquer, this season it’s all about beige. Trend Neutral is huge for spring/ summer with beauty brands launching palettes in the palest of

shades. Think delicate pastel pinks and peaches amongst hues of nudes and neutrals to complement your skin tone and add a touch of sophistication. Clinique has launched its 16 Shades of Beige collection featuring eight limited edition nail enamels

FORGET BRIGHTS, THIS SEAS ON N A ILS ARE GOING SUBTLE WITH SH A DES OF NUD E, PALE P INK AND BEIGE. WORDS: LIZ LAMB

(£12) in perfectly paired neutral tones for instant wear-ability and a naturally pretty look. Beauty lovers are able to select a shade from the collection that most suits their skin tone for a truly, timeless look. Subtle shades complemented with splashes of colour in soft orange and pinks all feature in the latest collection called Blush by Orly. The leading US beauty brand, which recently launched at a Ladies Too Busy to Lunch event at the Spa at Rockliffe Hall Hotel, has released a palette of six shades with names such as Dare to Bare, Flawless Flush and Naked Canvas. If anyone knows about going nude it is Orly. Back in 1973 founder Jeff Pink created neutral nails for Hollywood actresses. When the trend hit the Paris runways, Pink dubbed his creation the French Manicure and the craze for

T H E N E X T L A D I ES TOO BU SY TO LU NCH EVEN T AT ROC KLIFFE HA LL H OT E L & S PA I S ON FRI DAY MARCH 2 8 WITH LEA D IN G MA KE-UP A RT I S T DA N IE L S A NDL ER. T I CK ETS £ 2 4 .5 0 IN C LUD IN G A TWO-COUR SE M E A L AND A SPARK L I NG DRI N KS R EC EPTION . spring

2014

sophisticated, subtle nails was born. The brand now offers varnish in a rainbow of colours, treatments, nail artwork and the very first better-for-your-nails gel. Celebrity fans include Kim Kardashian, Joely Richardson and Julia Roberts, who wore Orly in the film Pretty Woman. Laura Maddox, Orly ambassador, says: “It’s all about nudes this season. At London Fashion Week we used our Blush collection. It was all about nude and blush tones and natural looking nails. If you prefer a subtle pale pink opt for Les Vernis in Ballerina by Chanel (£18). Mac now boasts its first permanent nail lacquer collection with 31 colours in three finishes. Neutral offerings include Faint of Heart; a pale, milky nude, Delicate; a sheer pale ballet pink and Skin; a light peach beige (all £10).

Beauty

I T ’ S N OT J U ST F O R THE GI RL S, M E N A R E IN DU LGIN G I N B OTOX TO O, AS L I Z LAMB D I S COV E R S.

TARS such as Simon Cowell, Gordon Ramsay and David Hasselhoff have all confessed to have had a helping hand in the wrinkle-zapping department.

But it seems the public are catching on to the craze for ‘Brotox’ too. Clinics in Harley Street and Newcastle have seen the number of male visitors increase by up to 125% with demand for the trend expected to grow further in 2014. Men who want to aid their chances of finding a partner, improve their confidence and enhance their career prospects are opting for Brotox to appear younger and more attractive. Dr Esho of Le Beau Ideal, who runs satellite clinics in Harley Street and Newcastle, has seen a significant increase in the number of men he treats. He has even given ‘Brotox’ to groups of men who get together for a treatment before a big event. Dr Esho says: “I’ve treated groups of men who want a treatment for a special occasion. I’ve treated men who wanted to look good before a day at Newcastle races. “More and more men are having botox. A lot of professional men are more aware of how they look. They are in the public eye and they are image conscious. “Botox has become more socially acceptable too.” Jack Byron, an operations director, from Gosforth, Newcastle, started having botox in June 2013. The 27-year-old now has twice a year top-ups at Le Beau Ideal. He says: “The Botox gave me an amazing fresh look, working long hours and seven day weeks it totally changed me. “A few years ago I would never have considered it and initially some family and friends weren’t sure about it.

PHOTO BY HANNAH TODD PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.HANNAHTODDPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

“However now I think it’s totally acceptable for men to have cosmetic procedures. Since mine, more friends and family have also started getting botox and other treatments. I know at least eight other men who have treatments now.”

DISCLAIMER: PICTURES ARE FOR EDITORIAL DEMONSTRATION AND NOT THE ACTUAL PROCEDURE. BEFORE HAVING BOTOX ENSURE TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR A QUALIFIED AESTHETIC PROFESSIONAL. MEDICAL VIEWPOINTS BY LE BEAU IDEAL.

AB OV E : BE FO RE T RE AT M ENT R IGH T: A FT E R T RE AT M E NT

spring

2014

WORDS: LINDA JANE WESTPHAL

Y UM M Y LASHES A self-confessed mascara addict since the age of 14 I have never left the house without it. And then I found semi-permanent false lashes and I was hooked.

WANT TO LOOK STUNNING FOR SPRING? DR BEAUTIFUL OF LE BEAU IDEAL RECOMMENDS SOME KEY TREATMENTS

Three months later, the beauty therapists at my local salon practically had to stage an intervention to get me to part with my camelicious, fluttery eyelashes. I was left with stumpy, weakened lashes and I could have cried.

I’ve just started offering skin boosters by Restylane - I guarantee you everyone will be doing this by summer

So when the nice people at Regis, on the top floor of Fenwick in Newcastle, asked me to try a revolutionary new lash treatment I jumped at the chance. YUMILash Lift is a new treatment that has built up a fan base at top salons around the country including celeb central, the Urban Retreat at Harrods. My therapist, Cheryl Gibson, explained the treatment to me. My eyes were cleansed of make up before a special shield was put over my lashes and the perming lotion,YUMILift, was applied. This lifts and curls the lashes. YUMIFix sealed the shape and then I was given the choice of a tint to help them stand out even more before conditioner was applied. During the treatment Cheryl gave me a scalp, shoulder and hand massage, making the experience a thoroughly relaxing one. It seemed no time at all before I was introduced to my new lashes. A definite improvement. I looked wide awake and my lashes looked longer, healthier and definitely curlier. You need to keep them dry for 24 hours after the treatment and then you have 8-12 weeks of flutterlicious eyes. A Y UM IL AS H L I FT SESSI ON CO S TS £ 6 0 . TO BOOK CAL L R E G IS O N 0 19 1 2 3 2 0 8 0 2 O R V IS IT T H E SALON.

Skin Boosters

Do you have the kind of skin that, no matter how much moisturiser you use, crow’s feet form and wrinkles appear where you really don’t want them? A course of Skin Boosters treatments involves injecting very fine droplets under the skin. This attracts moisture and gives your skin a glow of health. New collagen forms giving you naturally-looking long-lasting results. In most cases three treatments over three or four months and a top up after about eight months will make a dramatic difference to the way you look, leaving your skin looking completely refreshed and energised. It can be combined with Botox for amazing results COST: £300 PER SESSION

The Angelina “Juvederm Vobella”

The New Lunchtime lipo - Aqualyx ( fat busting injections)

Angelina Jolie’s lips have always been the envy of all women and after this year’s BAFTA awards their appeal soared to new heights.

The fat-busting injection contains a formula which liquefies fat cells which are then excreted naturally in our urine, getting rid of stubborn areas of fat within a matter of weeks.

One way to achieve these lips has been with the use of lip fillers, injected into the lip to give them a fuller appearance. Vobella is the new revolutionary filler released by Juvederm. The ultra-smooth substance injects perfectly to achieve soft pout perfect natural lips and absorbs water to give them a textured wet look finish COST : FROM £350

The injections can be used to dissolve fat on thighs, stomach, knees, chin and neck, buttocks, stomach and back. With no down time and minimal swelling and bruising you can nip out for this procedure on your lunch break and be back in time to deliver that afternoon meeting COST : £250 PER INJECTION

PLEASE NOTE: The information provided on this page is by Le Beau Ideal. This is suggested advice. For serious medical problems or further advice consult your GP or aesthetic physician.

spring

2014

Now I have my very own Wow-Factor

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Lesley Smile by Dr Simon Andrews LDS FFGDP RCS GDC No.55400

Experience first class patient care tailored to meet your individual needs, whilst receiving treatment from Clinicians you can trust. The Smile Spa sets the benchmark in UK dentistry which is why we are proud winners of the prestigious Private Dentistry Awards, Practice of the Year 2012.

Experience The Smile Spa for yourself, book a complimentary consultation to discover how we can improve your smile.

Book your Complimentary Consultation, call 01642 674888

www.TheSmileSpa.co.uk

spring

2014

Beauty

WA N T TO LO O K 1 0 Y E A R S YO UNGER WITHOUT MAJOR S U RG E RY ? THE N YO U NE E D A NEW SM ILE. WE ASKED ONE OF T H E L E A D IN G E X PE RTS IN THE FIELD, AWARD -WINNING DR S I M ON AN DR E W S , FO R THE COMP LETE INSID ER GUID E I N T H E LATE S T TR E NDS AND TREATMENTS...

NYONE who is anyone from the world of business to the world of showbiz has made the pilgrimage to see Dr Simon Andrews and his team at the Smile Spa in Stockton-

on-Tees.

However, he may be one of the country’s top experts in aesthetic dentistry but elitist he is not. Anyone is welcome at the clinic and everyone gets a friendly reception from the approachable and reassuring team. He and his team are passionate about both the short and long term effects their treatments can provide and they won Private Dentistry’s Best Practice of the Year 2012, plus many other awards, whilst both Dr Andrews and his wife Dr Susan Andrews are judges (after being previous winners) for The Aesthetic Dentistry Awards, the equivalent of the dental Oscars. “Quite simply the treatment we offer can be life changing, “ he says. “We treat people from all walks of life, we treat CEOs and well-known celebrities to very down to earth people from all over the North East and beyond.” “We are proud that everyone is treated the same way and it is humbling when you listen to people who say that previously they would avoid smiling and mixing socially and now they have grown in confidence and are happy to be in front of the group having their photo taken on a night out. It can literally change people’s lives and that gives us enormous satisfaction.” The approach at Smile Spa is pro-active and designed to prevent problems rather than reactive. However, if your teeth have suffered years of neglect don’t be put off. There is nothing Smile hasn’t seen before and can’t deal with. They are also used to people with a real phobia of dentists and have a range of relaxation techniques to deploy. The first consultation, which is free, doesn’t even take place in a dentist’s room rather a comfortable lounge over a coffee. spring

2014

“One of the biggest advances in dentistry is dental implants. These are titanium screws that are placed into the jaw bone that can then support dental crowns, bridges or dentures to replace missing teeth,” says Dr Andrews. “You no longer have to live with gaps or a denture, nor do you have to drill teeth to make bridges to fill a gap. This procedure can totally transform the quality of life for patients. The days of loose dentures or embarrassed, gappy or unhappy smiles aren’t necessary anymore.” Of course, teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures. There has been a move away from the glowing, unnatural white smile much favoured by US celebrities, says Dr Andrews. “The effect we try and achieve is an understated one. Generally people will get compliments on how well they are looking, how much younger and fresh faced they are. People can detect a vast improvement in our patients appearance and demeanour but can’t quite identify why that is,” he explains.

“Naturally when people are confident of their smile, they tend to smile a lot more and this has a real impact on how they relate to people around them, from friends, to family or in business situations.”

But whitening is a specialist business. “We know, sadly from picking up the damaged pieces, how important it is to have properly trained experts to carry out the whitening. In fact, it is now illegal to have anyone who is not a dentist or trained and working at a dental practice, to carry out whitening procedure, he warns. “This is a tremendous advance in patient safety. Don’t get your teeth whitened at a beautician, or anywhere that is not a dental practice, the prices aren’t much different and it is not safe.”. As far as cosmetic advances are concerned, there is much more emphasis on Minimal Intervention Dentistry. This means a move away from more aggressive tooth preparations such as crowns or even porcelain veneers which can give an instant result but at the expense of more extensive loss of tooth substance, to a more conservative approach. Smile often carries out simple tooth movements with an almost invisible brace, often for just a few weeks, followed up by tooth whitening and finished off with some cosmetic bonding of tooth coloured filling material. “This can achieve fantastic aesthetic results with absolutely minimal tooth loss. Dentists call it alignment, bleaching and bonding and it is something we see is growing tremendously at The Smile Spa, it is also a lot cheaper than traditional crowns or veneers,” he says. As well as a range of different dental techniques with different specialists, Smile Spa also offers relaxation and facial rejuvenation techniques to complement your new smile. These are carried out by fullyqualified practitioner Dr Susan Andrews.

Strut your stuﬀ and get down to intu Metrocentre. FashionLIVE! is back again showcasing the latest Spring/Summer ‘14 looks and trends from all of our favourite fashion retailers. If you think you have what it takes to be a Style Hero just visit intumetrocentre.co.uk/fashion. We’ve seen all the latest gear and believe us, you’re going to look sooooooo fab this summer!!

3 - 4 - 5 and 6 April. Town Square. intumetrocentre.co.uk Fashion LIVE ‘14, in association with HELLo! Magazine.

FA SH ION

IT’S A CO N CO C T I ON O F T R E N DS F OR S P R I N G SU M ME R . MI X I T UP W I TH FLO R A L S, PA S TE LS A ND P R I N TS. ADD A D OS E O F SPA RK LE A ND A LOO K-AT- ME D RE SS A N D YO U ’R E GO O D TO G O.

Fashion

HANNAH WEARS VIVIENNE WESTWOOD APACHE DRESS £529 AND VIVIENNE WESTWOOD MELISSA SHOES £120, BOTH JOSEPH M

HANNAH WEARS GREEN PRINT SHIRT £183.99 AND GREEN BAG, £313.99 BOTH MICHAEL KORS AT PSYCHE

ALESSIA WEARS: CHINA BLUE FLORAL MAXI DRESS £348.99 TED BAKER AT PSYCHE

spring

2014

Fashion

CREDITS

MODELS: ALESSIA HODGSON AT TYNE TEES MODELS WWW.

CLOTHES: PSYCHE, LINTHORPE ROAD, MIDDLESBROUGH

FASHION EDITOR: LIZ LAMB

TYNETEESMODELS.CO.UK, AND HANNAH DOWLING

WWW.PSYCHE.CO.UK, AND JOSEPH M, GRANGE ROAD,

PHOTOGRAPHER: GASP PHOTOGRAPHY

HAIR: HAIR BY JAMES REID

DARLINGTON WWW.JOSEPHM.COM

WWW.GASPPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

MAKE-UP: MAKE UP BY JO WWW.MAKEUPBYJO.CO.UK spring

2014

Fashion

HANNAH WEARS: EMBELLISHED SEQUIN TOP £193.99 AND BLACK LEGGINGS £238.99, BOTH MICHAEL KORS AT PSYCHE ALESSIA WEARS: SHEER TOP SILVIAN HEACH £58.99 AND JEGGINGS MICHAEL KORS £138.99, BOTH PSYCHE

ALESSIA WEARS: FINDERS KEEPERS PLAYSUIT £113.99, MICHAEL KORS BAG £108.99 AND DAISY LONDON HALO HOLDER NECKLACES FROM £75, ALL PSYCHE.

spring

2014

Fashion

London Loves ARE YOU SET FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2014? BREATHE IN FOR FRESH PASTEL SHADES, LOVELY OP EN WORK AND SOME ORIGAMI PLEATS. JOSEPHINE COLLINS PICKS THE WINNERS. ILLUSTRATED BY LAUREN ELISE SUTCLIFFE

Top 5 Designers

2 ANTONIO BERARDI The ultimate dressing up designer, summer 14 is sexy, sassy and right on trend at Antonio Berardi with peek-a-boo panels of chiffon set alongside subtle leopard patterning. Splicing pretty pastels with sharp sorbets, Berardi works asymmetrical hemlines – short at the front and long at the back – into elegant looks.

1 ROKSANDA ILINCIC The best collection from Roksanda Ilincic for some seasons, the colour blocking looks new and the easy soft-shouldered shapes make this collection a winner. The combination of zesty lemon, startling orange and soft grey is delightful, while knot details on waists and necklines tap into the zeitgeist of the season. Full panel skirts at mid-calf can be a difficult length – but worn with flats it works for a carefree 1950s feel from a very modern collection.

3 CHRISTOPHER KANE It was back to the biology lab for Christopher Kane, who came out inspired by the technical drawings of flowers and petals, which he used to great effect as print and devoré pattern, as appliqué and for clasp and accessory details. A recurring cut out teardrop motif, plus pleat insets keep it feminine. Kane’s use of sweatshirts and skirts trail-blazed one of summer’s key looks.

4 JW ANDERSON Jonathan Anderson is the darling of the moment – and rightly so. He pushes the boundaries of wearability, yet manages to produce some covetable pieces. As luxury brand house LVMH invests in this bright young designer, Anderson has created his best-ever womenswear collection for summer 14 using plenty of 3D effects on leather, clever knotting, pleating and odd geometric shapes that somehow work.

SPRING 14 MUST HAVES 1. Burberry daisy bags – hold on tight to squashy leather clutches 2. Flats – JW Anderson slides give a whole new take on poolside party shoes 3. Jonathan Saunders’ satin bomber for the Pink Lady in you

SPRING 14 MUST HAVES 1. Sweats and skirts – the new everyday combo

4. Mulberry’s pyjama trousers – luxe comfort from designer Emma Hill’s farewell show

2. Origami white – keep white smart through sharp pleats and folds

5. Giles’ bird print full skirted Hitchcock heroine dress.

3. Pastels – a summer staple re-enters the fashion lexicon

5 BURBERRY PRORSUM Perhaps the most obvious choice for spring 14, but Christopher Bailey, who is about to add chief executive to his creative role at Burberry, came up with a show-stopping collection this season. Delicately toned fresh pastels on open work lace are both ladylike and – taken to the extreme as here – a bit edgy. There’s a play on volume as slim dresses and separates are flattered by soft duster coats. Watch out for the daisy motif on Burberry accessories.

4. Florals – placed and appliqued florals give this perennial patterning a twist 5. Peek-a-boo – see through fabrics, lace and cut out detailing adds eye candy spring

2014

Fashion

WA N T TO KNOW W HO THE B E ST D RESSED NORTH E A ST G L I T TE R ATI CALL W HE N TH EY HAVE A BIG OCC A SI ON TO DR E SS FO R ? L I NDA JANE WEST P HAL M E E TS T H E TE AM W HO HAVE BECOME THE A LIST â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FA SH I ON A B LE B E S T FR IE NDS . . ..

Style Queens

VER wondered where the super stylish fashionistas of the North manage to find that amazing dress or bespoke suit for a special occasion? Or how they manage to source the hardest to find designer must haves and combine them with a high street buy with insouciant flair to create an outfit that could easily have graced the red carpet at the BAFTAs or Oscars?

So did we and our investigations revealed the best connected stylists in London whose circle of friends just happens to include some of the most iconic and desirable designers in the world. Dream of Vivienne Westwood or McQueen creating something especially for you? Then these are the team for you. With one phone call to their inner circle, they give you the kind of access that Kate Moss or Alexa Chung enjoy on a regular basis. Meet Visionaries of Style, a style consultancy for women and men looking for a spring

2014

contemporary cool or luxury edge. The co-founders, Nazia Williamson and Kristine Kilty, met when they worked for Vivienne Westwood and a shared creative vision and passion for making people enjoy and revel in fashion and looking good brought them together.

“We decided to launch VoS as we both have a passion for style, fashion and beauty and having worked at Vivienne Westwood Gold Label and Couture together, we’re well versed in dealing with all sorts of clients,” says Nazia. “While we are London based we do travel to meet clients. We also have a lot of clients from the North East who shop with us when they are in London and when they return home they use our global fashion concierge service.” They have worked with every top designer

They will concentrate on clothing that suits your individuality and will advise on the most flattering fit and suitable colours for you. They offer guidance on how to successfully maximise each outfit with key accessories, ensuring that you can easily put outfits together once you are at home. A half day appointment lasts three hours while a full day consists of 6 hours with a lunch break where style tips and fashion advice is informally discussed. “Whatever a client’s lifestyle demands and needs may be, we work on a personal and professional level to achieve each and every client’s ideal ‘style vision’,” explains Kristine. They also offer the Style & Speed service, which has been created for busy professionals who don’t have the time to shop due to a hectic lifestyle. Having VoS consultants shop for you not only saves valuable time but also helps you source key pieces of clothing which can easily be worked into your current wardrobe. And, if you feel daunted at having such super cool, fashion fabulous individuals assessing your personal style, then don’t be. Nazia and Kristine will soon seem like the fashionable best friends you have always dreamed of having. Fun, engaging and down to earth, their knowledge and passion and enthusiasm for making you look and feel amazing will ensure you have the best time, whether its creating a brand new you or just tweaking your current style.

brand around including McQueen, Moschino, Agent Provocateur and McQ and, of course, Westwood, not to mention tailors that can deliver impeccable looks at a fraction of the price of Savile Row. The celebrity clients they advise includes every major A List name in the world of film and music. When stars of the stage and screen want to put together the ultimate red carpet look for the BAFTAs, these are the people they call.

“Style does not necessarily mean buying into the latest fashion trends,” says Nazia. “Style should be a vision, an extension of you and your personality. We understand the importance of your personal appearance and how it may be perceived by others. A great appearance can be a powerful tool, giving you greater confidence and a certain edge.” Kristine agrees, saying: “Whether it’s in your business or social life, having the right style can really boost your confidence and change the way people relate to you. It’s like the famous Coco Chanel quote, ‘Dress shabbily and they remember the dress, dress impeccably and they remember the woman’, or in our case, the man and woman.”

Be fashion fabulous LA D I DA HA S TEA MED UP WITH VISIO NA RI E S OF STYLE TO OFFER OUR R EA D ERS A 20% D ISCOUNT ON VOS SERVIC E S (EXCL. GIFT VOUCHERS AND CONCIERGE SERVICE).

FOR MOR E IN FOR MATION A N D TO R ED EEM THE OFFER , PLEA S E VI S I T WWW.VISIONA RIESOFSTY L E.COM OR EMA IL @ ENQUIRIES VISIONA RIESOFSTY L E. COM

VoS offers an initial consultation to identify your lifestyle requirements, occupation and style aspirations. With a focused approach and an objective eye that has previously been reserved for a celebrity clientele, these fashion savvy stylists will select pieces for you so that you can relax and enjoy a stress-free shopping experience. spring

2014

Fashion

perfect imperfections

MIX MONOCHROME WITH SPLASHES OF ZESTY ORANGE FOR AN ON-TREND LOOK FRESH FROM THE CATWALK.

PREVIOUS PAGE DRESS: MELISSA ODABASH JEWELLERY: SOPHIE THOMAS

Fashion

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT DRESS: ZARA JEWELLERY: SOPHIE THOMAS

DRESS: AQ/AQ JEWELLERY: SOPHIE THOMAS

DRESS: MISGUIDED JEWELLERY: SOPHIE THOMAS spring

2014

DRESS: URBAN OUTFITTERS JEWELLERY: SOPHIE THOMAS

Fashion TOP: AQ/AQ SKIRT: BEYOND RETRO JEWELLERY: SOPHIE THOMAS

STYLED BY NORTH EAST CELEBRITY STYLIST MADELEINE BOWDEN AND SHOT BY DURHAM PHOTOGRAPHER SPECULAR, THESE STUNNING IMAGES SHOWCASE THE WORK OF UP-AND-COMING JEWELLERY DESIGNER SOPHIE THOMAS. THOMAS, WHO HAS BEEN TOUTED AS ‘ONE TO WATCH’ BY VOGUE, DESIGNS SCULPTURED ACCESSORIES FROM UNUSUAL SUBSTANCES SUCH AS CORIAN, A MATERIAL MOSTLY USED IN ARCHITECTURE. TO SEE MORE OF SOPHIE’S STUNNING DESIGNS VISIT SOPHIE-THOMAS.CO.UK PHOTOGRAPHY: SPECULAR MODEL: LAELA VASTRICK @ NEXT LONDON JEWELLERY: SOPHIE THOMAS STYLIST: MADELEINE BOWDEN MUA: ABBI ROSE HAIR: CARMEN AMELIA ASSISTANT: RIKKE HASS CHRISTENSEN

Fashion

My style. WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS GAYNA MILLICAN

N AME :

Lyndsey Bell

AGE:

27 FROM : Gateshead When it comes to bags I’m all about Mulberry or Chloe... much to the dismay of my diminishing bank account!! Hoping my next purchase will be a Barbour jacket.

Occupation: I’m a children’s confidence coach at Create, a business I set up with my friend Nicola, a dancer. Create is an innovative and exciting club for kids aged three to 14. We focus on confidence building through drama, dance and singing.

Your fail-safe outfit: LBD... has to be!

Describe your 9-5 style: My style is quite a relaxed street style. I LOVE clothes but the nature of my job means I have to live a style double life. I need to keep it pretty practical during the day although I still add elements of my personality through styling up simple sportswear and adding in cool prints and colours. When I go out I love to go glam and I always aim for fashion over function. I love to accessorise my outfits and sometimes wear the same garment but it looks completely different because of an added belt or statement necklace. One day I might be rocking biker boots and denim and the next I will be channelling my inner Victoria Beckham with sky scraper heels and a super fitted dress.

9-5 Fave labels: I love Wildfox mainly for their jumpers and I always feel cool and super relaxed in them.

Fave designers: I like Vivienne Westwood and think Henry Holland is cool. I like that their clothes aren’t so serious and have a huge injection of personality. Fave high street stores: I am a bit of a high street queen, Zara is probably my favourite and their sale is amazing.You can find some amazing stuff in Topshop and River Island goes through phases where I love it! My secret weapon for shoe shopping is good old Dorothy Perkins. spring

2014

Fave accessories: I love chunky necklaces as they can dress up a plain outfit. I’m sentimental about my red Chloe handbag .Although it’s cheesy my wedding and engagement ring are probably my fave as they never let me down when I need to class up any outfit and even when I forget to accessorise, there they are, sparkling away!

Grooming

Speed dial… One for Your

Words: Liz Lamb

Need a new hairdresser? Give James Reid a call. He’s returned to his native North Yorkshire after a long spell in London-where he owns a Notting Hill pad a few doors down from Jude Law. James has worked with hairdressing greats such as Guido (the man described by Vogue as the world’s most in-demand hairdresser) and celebrity stylist Andrew Barton. He’s a man in demand himself. For the last ten years he’s been styling hair at London and Paris Fashion Weeks for luxury brands such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and our very own Giles Deacon. The 35-year-old, from Richmond, started his training at Saks Darlington in 1998 before joining Toni & Guy and later working alongside Andrew Barton at Saks Covent Garden. The pair also worked together on the hit TV series 10 Years Younger and GMTV. A dapper dresser, James’s favourite designer is John Galliano and the clothes he can’t live without? Handmade leather shoes and any items of tweed. His career highlights are ‘making someone smile’ and ‘tomorrow as we never know what’s going to happen.” James can be booked for a full range of hairdressing services-just don’t as him for a perm as he hates the smell!

H A IR BY JAMES REI D 0 7 75 6 9 4 5 7 6 0 J A M E S @ H A I RBY JAMESREI D.COM PHOTOGRAPHY GASP PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.GASPPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK spring

2014

PHOTOGRAPHY: SPECULAR

gent.

grooming

fashion

my style

L E S L A N GLE Y VIS ITS RO C KL I F F E HALL HOTE L

ALL HAIL TH E MOD ERN COUNTRY GENT

ROBIN OWER S OPEN S H IS WA R DROB E

spring

2014

Fashion

C LASSIC CAR, C OU NTRY PILE, A ND A N IM PECCABLE TA STE IN SUIT S. . .

...ALL HAIL THE

u n t rY M o d e rgne nc o t spring

2014

Fashion

BLAZER BY ANTONY MORATO SHIRT BY H HUNTSMAN & SONS WAISTCOAT AND TROUSERS BY HOLLAND ESQUIRE SCARF BY UNIVERSAL WORKS WATCH BY STORM POCKET SQUARE BY ETRO

SUIT BY H HUNTSMAN & SONS SHIRT BY JIL SANDER ASCOT SCARF BY STEFANO RICCI

“You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” ~ Oscar Wilde ~ PREVIOUS PAGE SHIRT AND BLAZER BY H HUNTSMAN & SONS POCKET SQUARE BY LANVIN LEFT SHIRT BY H HUNTSMAN & SONS WAISTCOAT AND TROUSERS BY HOLLAND ESQUIRE SCARF BY UNIVERSAL WORKS SHOES BY OLIVER SWEENEY WATCH BY STORM

PHOTOGRAPHY: SPECULAR STYLIST: ALICIJA APUTYTE MODEL: ALEX BEER @SUPA GROOMING: VICTORIA HOLDSTOCK ASSISTANT & LOCATION SCOUT: RICHARD WYLIE LOCATION: CLOSE HOUSE HOTEL & GOLF, HEDDON-ON-THE WALL spring

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BLAZER BY H HUNTSMAN & SONS T-SHIRT BY CHESS LONDON TROUSERS BY BOTTEGA VENETA POCKET SQUARE BY ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

BLAZER AND WAISTCOAT BY H HUNTSMAN & SONS, SHIRT BY VALENTINO TIE BY RAKE, TROUSERS AND POCKET SQUARE BY PAUL COSTELLOE SHOES BY OLIVER SWEENEY

“A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them.” ~ Hardy Amies ~

SUIT BY HOLLAND ESQUIRE SHIRT BY SAINT LAURENT TIE BY DOLCE & GABBANA POCKET SQUARE BY PAUL SMITH SHOES BY OLIVER SWEENEY WATCH BY TAG HEUER

BLAZER AND SWEATER BY ANTONY MORATO SHIRT BY Z ZEGNA TROUSERS BY BURBERRY LONDON ASCOT SCARF BY UNIVERSAL WORKS WATCH BY STORM SHOES BY OLIVER SWEENEY

Fashion

My style. PHOTOGRAPHY HANNAH TODD PHOTOGRAPHY HANNAHTODDPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK LOCATION HOTEL DU VIN NEWCASTLE WWWHOTELDUVIN.COM

NAME:

Robin Owers AG E: 39 JOB TITLE: Director at O PR www.o pr.c o.uk Describe your 9-5 style: Quite relaxed, I can wear jeans and trainers if I like but I like to look smart so I usually wear a jacket from Paul Smith or Boss with chinos or jeans and a pair of brogues. Describe your weekend wear? Much the same really, unless I’m at the gym then I’ll be in sportswear a lot of Saturday and on Sundays I’m usually wrapped up in a Barbour and Timberland boots on the side of a rugby pitch watching my son.

shirt from the menswear clothing range and a man’s leather rucksack at the opening night! Fave designer store: Paul Smith – I love his eccentric English tailoring that has touches of wit under a lapel or on a T-shirt design. The cut is perfect for my shape and his tailored jackets are just the right side of formal for me. Fave labels: Paul Smith,YMC, Barbour, McNairy.

9-5 Fave high street store: Dr Martens – we handled their launch in Newcastle and I was really surprised how much the range had changed since I was a kid. I wasn’t sure if I’d wear DMs now but I bought a pair of smart oxblood brogues, a dark denim spring

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What’s your fail-safe outfit? Navy chinos, navy Boss T-shirt, Paul Smith jacket and a pair of smart trainers and my Tom Ford glasses.

Grooming

THINK SPAS ARE JUST FOR THE LADIES? THINK AGAIN. THERE ARE HOST OF ESTABLISHMENTS THAT NOW OFFER TREATMENTS EXCLUSIVE LY FOR GENTS. WE SENT BRITAIN’S BEST GROOMED MAN LES LANGLEY ALONG TO ROAD-TEST AN EVENING TREAT.

B EAU T Y NEW LAUNCH:

A U S T I N RE E D S I G NATURE F RAG RANC E £45 100ML

Spas for Guys!

RINK in hand and a comfy sofa, this was my first time at the spa at the luxurious Rockliffe Hall Hotel, near Darlington.

In my line of work, as an actor and Britain’s Best Groomed Man, it’s a full-time job having to look good so I’m always keen to try out treatments for gents. My wife Charlotte had come along too and we were immediately made to feel welcome, with a spa staff member explaining in detail what the evening would entail. From there it was straight to the changing room for my slippers and gown, a strange feeling, which quickly dispersed when walking into the spa area and realising everyone is in the same garb. I need not have worried about leaving Charlotte while I went for my treatments as she had already located the poolside bar and was enjoying a glass of chilled Prosecco. Wife sorted, off I went for my treatment. Beauty Therapist Stacey explained the pamper session would last 90 mins, which I’d initially thought was a long time but how wrong I was. It was the most relaxing hour and a half I have ever known and it went by fast. I’d opted for the Man space Total Body Performance, specifically designed to soothe aching muscles and clear the mind. The latter certainly worked as I drifted in and out of consciousness on more than one occasion. These treatments are client specific and being the tough guy I am (or so I thought) I agreed to go for a ‘deep massage’. Which was no problem at all on my legs and lower back, however, I was having second thoughts when Stacey came across a few knots and areas of tension in my shoulders, it certainly woke me up. I was then treated to a facial using Comfort Zone’s Active Pureness Gel Cleanser, a mind melting facial massage using the Recover Touch Massage Cream, finishing with Man space Age Performer to protect the skin.

WASH BAG ESSENTIAL:

The smell of the oils, the massage of the skin and the music in the background, it was heaven. I fell asleep again! After a refreshing cup of green tea my time was up and I went to join Charlotte in the spa. I had a quick dip in the hydro pool followed by the Roman and heat saunas. My favourite was the sound wave therapy beds (a mosaic tiled heated bed). To finish I visited the ice fountain room but I only lasted 30 seconds in there. This one certainly wakes you up. We were both peckish by this point so headed to the spa’s Brasserie for dinner. There was a choice of a two-course £20 specials menu and an À la Carte menu, which we chose.

E L E M I S I C E CO OL F OAM S HAVING G EL £ 2 1 J O HN L E W I S , NEWC AS TLE

MUST BUY:

Drinks arrived soon after as well as our chosen starters, chicken livers in the most beautiful sweet sauce for me and frog’s legs for my brave wife. Both thoroughly impressed, (I even tried a frog’s leg and enjoyed it) we eagerly awaited our mains. I had chosen chicken wellington and Charlotte had lamb, both were delicious. We declined desserts as the mains were so filling. The spa, the setting, the service, as well as the food, was fantastic and could not have been faulted. Overall, it was an experience to remember and we will most certainly be paying another visit soon. If you fancy giving it a try, one thing to remember Gents - don’t shave an hour before you have a facial, it is another way to guarantee you lose your tough guy image!

TO M FO RD G RO O M ING RANG E

GYM BAG BUY:

Rockliffe Hall Hotel & Spa, Hurworth Road, Hurworth, Darlington DL2 2DU. To book a spa appointment call 01325 729988 or visit www.rockliffehall.com for more details. Q BO DY S P RAY £ 2 . 9 9 S A I NS BU RY ’S spring

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Queen of Fizz

drink VA L E N T I N E , SC H MA LE NTINE DID N ’ T H AVE A DATE ? FE E L LE T D OWN BY TH AT ONE DAY? NO P ROBLEM . T H E OT H E R 3 6 4 DAYS A R E THE ONES WHICH CAN M AKE TH E D IFFERENCE. the belief that being touched would improve their chances of conceiving and bring forth easy childbirth. Whilst running through the streets with a dead goat, thoroughly ‘bevvied’ and touching young ladies is a rite of passage in many a student town, it is not a preferred method of showing amorous intent to your beloved.Vegetarians may be particularly appalled and an evening of ‘amour’ would rarely be forthcoming. Pre-meditated spontaneity is the way forward. It may sound like a contradiction, but surprising that special someone with a lovingly made picnic on arrival somewhere outdoorsy and gorgeous is just about as romantic as it gets. Weather turns unfriendly? Well, snuggling up under plaid and laughing about the best laid plans of mice and men is even better, laughter being the greatest of aphrodisiacs. Brandishing a lightly chilled bottle of something pink and fizzy to have with fish ‘n’ chips (trust me, it works and transforms the everyday into unadulterated decadence) shows you are no ordinary suitor.You are an innovator, a maverick, you break the barriers of mundane for that special someone! So let’s put ‘V’ Day behind us. Move forward. Breaking the bank, however, isn’t essential as there are some fabulous examples of pink fizz out there. Modestly blushing, Santa Digna Estelado Rosé from Chile.

UYING an expensive (last minute because it may have slipped your mind) gift, made more out of desperation than premeditated romance is not the way into somebody’s heart (and La Perla’s). What you need is something thoughtful, spontaneous and guaranteed to leave the object of your affections bathed in a warm glow of lurve. Firstly, let’s dispel a few myths. The celebrations of St. Valentine’s Day are steeped in legend and mystery, indeed the motives behind the day’s creation and even St.Valentine himself, have been shrouded in controversy and doubt. Encompassing the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera in Ancient Athens and the Ancient Roman festival of Lupercus, the god of fertility, the priests of Lupercus would perform a traditional purification ritual, slaughtering goats to the god, and after consuming wine, they would run through the streets of Rome holding aloft the skins of the goats touching anyone they met. The occasion compelled floods of young women to the streets in

Made using the traditional method with the second fermentation in the bottle. This is the first sparkling rosé made with the “País”grape. País is the most widely grown - and oldest - grape variety in southern Chile (dating from the 1600’s), and one that is usually scorned as barely worthy of making civilised wine. Coming from a red grape varietal, delicate notes of fruit predominate in the aroma. This is fresh, light, young, bright, balanced and tremendous value for money. Immodestly voluptuous, would be Ruinart Rosé Champagne. From one of the oldest houses, this Champagne is crafted by a dynamo of a cellarmaster, Frédéric Panaïotis. Intense, fruity and aromatic, Ruinart Rosé owes its sensual elegance to the marriage of Chardonnay (45%), mainly from the Premiers Crus of the Côte des Blancs, and Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne, made into red wine. The nose is fresh and subtle, ripe with cherry and freshly picked red berries, followed by a splash of flowers and spicy notes on the palate, the

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wine is silky and delicately fleshy. This is a versatile champagne for daring gastronomic accompaniments. It pairs well with a host of appetizers such as gazpacho, salmon or tuna, sashimi, or beef carpaccio. For the main course, serve with sweet and sour pink duck breast with cranberries and follow with a dessert of red fruits, balsamic vinegar soup, or raspberry and gooseberry macaroons. Positively Gypsy Rose Lee, and oozing with unashamed sensuality, would be that most ethereal of all Champagnes, Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé . Whilst the famous anemone-flowered bottle of Belle Epoque, designed by Émile Gallé, is most seen as a Blanc Champagne, Perrier Jouet also make a teeny amount of exquisite rosé, too. A little like its white partner, Belle Epoque Rosé is a wildly romantic gesture by anyone who pops the cork, but also features a superb fizz inside this iconic bottle. A meticulous blend of the best crus in the Champagne wine-making region - which is the mark of a great champagne - it is dominated by Chardonnay grapes from the Côte des Blancs district, giving outstanding finesse and lightness. Pale salmon pink, light and floral on the nose, with hints of wild strawberry, raspberry and forest fruits. Fresh, yet silky and balanced. For those who like to try something a bit... different, why not have a dabble with one of my favourite dessert wines, Quady’s Deviation. Orange Muscat from California. Incorporating ingredients from the plant kingdom - geranium and damiana (damiana has long been considered an aphrodisiac), it delivers higher levels of sensory pleasure than can be done with grapes alone. Mysteriously attractive aromatics, sweet but with a surprisingly dry finish, make Deviation a wine for romance. Living up to its name, it is different in composition, sensory impact, and in its power to induce emotion and feeling. At first I wanted to partner this with rosewater influenced desserts and Turkish delight. Accidentally, however, I once tried this with a goat’s cheese and had a winegasm. It was emotional……..

Food & Drink

HEFS and restaurateurs have long since become the new Rock ‘N’ Roll figures in British cultural life, creating brands based on celebrity as well as their quality food offer. So it’s fitting that as I sit and interview Bill Oldfield, one of the most charismatic figures of the County Durham food scene, that a call comes in from the Jeremy Vine show wanting to interview him live on air.

PHOTOGRAPH: JADE PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.JADEPHOTOGRAPHY-ONLINE.COM

BILL OLD FIELD IS COOKING UP A STOR M WITH H IS OWN LINE OF OLD FIELD S BRAND ED F OOD WH ICH OFFERS HIS RESTAURANT EXP ERIENCE AT H OME F OR SUP P ER FABULOUS MEALS. LINDA JANE WE ST P HA L WENT TO H IS D URHAM RESTAURANT TO MEET T H E NORTH ’S VERY OWN JAM IE OLIV ER .

Engaging and frank as well as funny, it’s easy to see why he is the perfect guest for a radio show aimed at the thinking classes. He has been a fixture on the Northern food scene since 2002 when he opened his first restaurant in Barnard Castle before deciding it was too small a market and decamping to Durham, where the cultural diversity and intellectual elite embraced his hearty, British gastronomy which showcases and reveres local food producers. Originally an engineer who travelled the world indulging his love of fine dining, his passion for food eventually caught up with him at the age of 40 when he decided it was now or never to make his dream a reality and open a restaurant of his own. “I fell in love with food at university in the 1970s,” he explains. “My mother packed me off with some index cards with recipes on them, baked mackerel, cheesy baked potato and beef stew type of dishes, which seemed very exotic in those days. I quickly realised they were easy to make and had the added bonus of providing me with kudos with female students,” he laughs. “I was converted to the power of good cooking and I still have the index cards.” Oldfields has become renowned for slow-cooked, flavoursome and hearty British food which celebrates quality local suppliers. This is paired with craft beers, a good wine selection and an attention on customer service for the ultimate dining experience. Currently all the rage now, the focus on locally sourced, quality ingredients was groundbreaking at the time and it hasn’t lost its charm with Oldfields still a firm favourite dining destination with the great and good of Durham, as well as many regulars travelling from further afield. Ever the entrepreneur, Bill has his sights fixed firmly on expanding his empire, by offering the Oldfields experience at home. His frozen range of British and local classic dishes are now available via Oldfields Pantry and include dishes such as Smoked Haddock Pan Haggerty. As well as being sold online they are stocked in quality retail outlets such as Fenwick’s food hall. “Our type of food, slow cooked dishes, are dishes such as stews which often taste even better the day after when the flavours really start to come through so it totally suits frozen meals which deliver a restaurant quality meal in the comfort of your own home.” As lunchtime approaches, the restaurant starts filling up with locals, professors and students from the nearby university. “My favourite customers are the Chinese,” he says. “They find my food really weird and I love that.”

TAST I NG N OTE S “MY FAVOURITE CUSTOMERS ARE THE CHINESE, THEY FIND MY FOOD REALLY WEIRD AND I LOVE THAT.”

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Oldfields Eating House, 18, Claypath, Durham, DH1 1RH, 0191 370 9595 www.oldfieldspantry.co.uk

Food & Drink

Ahead of the competition... PL E A S E D TO ME E T YO U E H ? W E L L BE E R N AZI AN DR EW S MI T H CERTAINLY WAS AF T E R S AMPL I N G TH E I MPR ESS IVE BEER OFFER…

LEASED to Meet You or PTMY, the rather easier to reference acronym, has already cut a stylish dash on Newcastle’s beer and food scene. The bar boasts more gin than a Hogarth and an impressive array of beer engines and fonts. After dipping into the well thought out tasting platters, it was time to wet our palate. We had enjoyed a glass of Bernard with our food before the tasting commenced. It may sound like a chunky cardigan of a pint but it’s a glass of Pivo perfection. Lager gets a bad press in this country, but this has been treated like a fine wine and it shows. Bernard is a super hero. This is before we even start on the beer sampling, things are looking good. Charlie, the buyer, is clearly proud of his selection, the beer menu is extensive and features some well known ‘standards’ in there, some unknowns and some I have been seeking out.

JAIPUR (5.9%) THORNBRIDGE OK I asked for this, it’s on tap and I wanted my friends to try it. Anyone who likes a beer will have heard someone raving about Jaipur, and there is a reason for it. If you get it in a bottle it’s good, on tap it’s God. Slightly cloudy, feculent yellow with a nice white head.You get masses of hops, a sweet gooseberry, tropical fruit, grape, mango, it’s all going on. Then the hop flavours pair back and so you get a residual pine and honey with what my esteemed colleague described as umami. BEER NAZI VERDICT If you haven’t tried it, do so, it’s won more badges than I did when I was in scouts and I was an overachiever.

BLACK CHOCOLATE STOUT (10%) BROOKLYN BREWERY Another eyebrow raiser- I shy away from high abv stouts as I generally find them to be grainy and dominated by the alcohol taste. This bad boy, however, is renowned as the bench mark and I can see why Charlie has selected it. Try it and it tastes thick, not unpleasantly so, no graininess and super smooth. Bags of vanilla and a little coffee from the chocolate malt, some caramel and blackcurrant sweetness with a nice bitterness to balance. BEER NAZI VERDICT It’s dark, complex, it’s a dessert in itself or something to nurse with a book.

SIMCOE PALE ALE (3.8%) SHEFFIELD A simple session beer, if you are a ‘Hop head’ then you can’t go far wrong. It’s not sophisticated, but it does showcase the Simcoe hop well. Massive grapefruit hit with piney resin coming through afterwards, both delivered with the punch you expect from Simcoe hops. BEER NAZI VERDICT If you have tried Sierra Nevada and want that flavour in an English style, saddle up and sup.

TAST I N G N OT ES Pleased to Meet You Newcastle, 41-45 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EW, 0191 340 5137. www.ptmy-newcastle.co.uk.

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P T M Y ’ S B U Y E R , C H A RL IE M A IR

SHNOODLEPIP (6.5%) WILD BEER COMPANY Funny beer names can put me off, as I associate it with marketing over substance, however in this instance I am so far off the mark it’s untrue. It’s a lambic, from England. Stick your nose in the glass and you get a massive hit of passion fruit and strawberry. It’s lively in the glass with a good head. It’s not as thick in the mouth as most lambics and the fruit flavour isn’t dominant. It’s lambic sour but well balanced. It’s a revelation. BEER NAZI VERDICT You could sip this all night and not tire of it.

RED ROSE RYE (5.7%) QUANTUM BEER COMPANY Nice to see a Rye beer on tap, and I have heard good things of the Quantum beer company. It’s a beautiful colour, reminiscent of whisky. It’s fruity and sweet with a mild peppery bitterness. It’s not as thick and chewy as I had hoped, a little too thin and could do with more acidity. BEER NAZI VERDICT It’s not bad, it’s good, just not for my personal taste. I suspect it’s great with food, particularly lamb.

SAISON GRISSET (4.6%) PARTIZAN BREWERY Yellow and hazy, effervescent with a bright, white, tight head and medium body. It’s dry with an immediate hop bite. It tastes of Lemon Curd and honeysuckle, reminiscent of a Vouvray wine. It’s very, very drinkable and a welcome surprise. BEER NAZI VERDICT If you are a wine drinker and want an alternative, try this and you will not be disappointed. An excellent choice and one I will be revisiting.

Foodie Travel

FO O DI E S R E G U LAR LY MAK E THE P ILGRIM AGE DOW N TO LONDO N TO S AMPLE LEGENDARY C H E F H E STON B LU ME NTHA L’S FO OD EX P E R I E N C E S . B U T DO E S HE LIVE UP TO T H E H Y P E ? L A DI DA S E NT HE ADLAM H ALL’S AWAR D WI N N IN G HE AD CHE F DAVE HUNT ER DOW N TO LONDO N TO FIN D O U T

Right, lets talk about the food! The main event, the reason for being here, although it was easy to forget because of how impressed we had been already. We ordered all the starters as we were struggling to choose. I had no problem with any of the starters, in fact I didn’t have a problem with any dish the entire day but I will pick out the star performers.

Well I will begin with the most iconic dish simply titled ‘Meat Fruit’. It was incredible! With the appearance of a small tangerine, it held inside a beautiful velvety chicken liver and foie gras parfait encased in a mandarin jelly with sourdough toast.

When it comes to high end restaurant desserts most of the time I’m left disappointed, but not this time, some of the nicest puds I’ve eaten anywhere. Firstly we had brown bread ice cream with salted butter caramel and pear. A serious ice cream dessert with lovely salty caramel to keep it from being too sweet and a refreshing pear to cleanse the palette while you eat. But after all my talk so far we have reached the star of the whole day, a dessert that had to be pre ordered at the start of the meal. Tipsy cake with spit roast pineapple.

N a brisk January morning I took my first steps to the capital in 2014 for a meal at the San Pellegrino top 50 restaurants number 7.

This is the highest placed in the UK producing historical British food, revived and reworked, situated in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Knightsbridge. Being neighbours with Harvey Nicks and Harrods, this impressive hotel more than held its own in terms of architecture. Upon entering the hotel the concierge led us to the restaurant where we were invited into the bar for a pre lunch glass of champagne, and why not it’s the sort of place a glass of fizz looks appropriate. On entering the light and spacious restaurant, you are first drawn to the amazing views of Hyde Park, and then to the size of the restaurant, at 120 covers it’s one of the biggest Michelin starred eateries in Europe. It actually amazed me the enormity of it and the sheer work that must go into every service. Just a point on service, the staff moved around with great purpose and fluidity stopping to help guests with anything required while still managing to look like they were enjoying themselves as much as we were. Again with the kitchen surrounded by glass, you could see everything going on but it was so calm, no noise, no talking apart from the head chef, (120 covers of 2 starred food and not a single chef under pressure.) After we arrive at our table (smart, tidy, no table cloth) a young Irish chap came over and introduced himself as the duty manager and conversed with us a little about the menu. Historical British and revived sounded good to me. The menu was smartly presented and each dish had a historical connection on the back informing us of where it originated.

It was as far away from Pâté on toast as you could get, rich meaty parfait with the tangy tangerine gel. I will order this dish every time I return. Another star was Earl Grey tea salmon. Lightly cured in tea with a smooth, rich, anchovy relish. Acidic lemon salad, so light and the flavour of the salmon balanced perfect with the anchovy. After devouring all of our starters we had a brief wait until our main courses arrived which by the time wine had been poured and the table crumbs swept away seemed like no time at all. The stand out main course was powdered duck, which gets its name from the technique of brining or lightly curing in salt. This was served with some braised fennel, which brought a little texture and anise flavour to the dish and a rich jus to bring it all together. Another great main course was slow cooked belly pork, dark caramelisation on the outside, rich unctuous meat layered with fat on the inside, served with a spelt and black truffle risotto with speck ham through it lifting it to porky heights and fresh black truffle for a bit of luxury. spring

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A miniature cast iron pot arrives with rum and vanilla soaked brioche, creamy, sweet, warm and alcoholic, it was a delight to eat and a true triumph of a dish. To end the meal we treated ourselves to the ice cream trolley, pure theatre that you don’t get outside Heston’s establishments. Ice cream made tableside with liquid nitrogen, silky smooth and luxurious. Three questions that needed answering: 1. Was it expensive? - I would say not we had 8 starters, 4 mains and 8 desserts with all the extra bits and wine for less than £180 per head. 2. Were we looked after? – Absolutely certainly near the best service anywhere I’ve been and 3. Would I go back? – yes in a heartbeat.

TAST I N G N OTE S Dinner by Heston Blumenthal Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7LA 020 7201 3833 dinnerbyheston.com

Food

F O OD IES TR AVEL FROM ALL OVER T H E NORT H TO V I S I T L’ENC LU M E, NES T L I NG IN T HE HI S TO R I C VIL LAG E OF C ARTMEL. LA DI DA SE NT G ENT L EM A N’S EDI TOR A ND R EW SMI TH TO S E E W HY T HE MICHELIN STARRED RESTAU RA NT I S T H E C U RRENT DA RL I NG OF T H E F O O D S C E N E …

nosh. Posh

L’ENCLUME

C A RTME L, CU MBRIA

’ENCLUME needs little by way of introduction, with two Michelin stars, top 10 in the Sunday Times Food List 100 restaurants and first place in the Good Food Guide, so we have high expectations of Messrs’ Rogan & Co. What is interesting is that they don’t offer a menu per se – rather we had two choices, a six course dinner or a 21 course tasting menu, with no indication of what’s on either. L’enclume (the anvil) is a former smithy, built in the 12th century; it’s tucked away in Cartmel overlooking a stream with a view of the impressive Priory. The restaurant is not huge, but light airy and spacious, staff are a plentiful, discreet but ready to attend.

It’s accompanied by a fresh, salty Manzanilla Sherry, which complements the entrée splendidly. No sooner had I finished smacking my lips when a little bowl of white cheese dumplings is placed before us – it has an array of small shoots and delicate slices of beetroot arranged in the bowl. A bright beetroot broth is then deftly poured over, the heat of which brings the scents of the foliage alive. Now I have to be honest I am not one of nature’s beetroot lovers, but the broth is divine – it’s clear with a hint of strawberry – and the whole dish is light, the cheese dumplings are akin to little soufflés and the ‘foliage’ works really well, adding depth of flavour.

Within seconds of being seated, we are presented with a glass of the splendid Henners Vintage Sparkling Wine (an English ‘champagne’ - its light, citrusy and complex) whilst the maître d’ introduces himself. The sommelier approaches with the wine list, it’s comprehensive and predominantly either organic or biodynamic, and suggests we could opt for a range of wines he has selected to accompany each dish or, of course, pick what we want.

The wine was Gut Oggau Antanasius – medium bodied, spicy with a peaty flavour and a velvety texture. Mutton, celeriac, cabbage and mushrooms are served next. The Lindal mutton is fit for a prince, tender and flavoursome, the cabbage was seared to give it slightly charred flavour that worked well. Dessert commenced – ‘Butter milk custard, caramelised quince, rosehip, muscovado, honey oats’, accompanied by a tasty little Muscat. It sounded slightly school dinner desserts gone posh – but yet again was a pleasing surprise, the buttermilk custard was very light, the strong bittersweet of molasses, the rosehip granita tastes tart, with plums and roses, the oats and the quince provide a lovely balancing sweetness – it was all complemented by the sweet Muscat with its slightly savoury edge. After a brief respite, the second round begins. To my expanding stomach’s relief, the meadow sweet, Granny Smith, sorrel and walnuts is thankfully small and light. The meadow sweet is fresh, with a unique taste, subtly reminiscent of watermelon and vanilla and this works well with the lemony sorrel and the tart sweetness of the Granny Smith.

We opt for that former - its going to be a drunken charge into the unknown. We kicked off with Cod Yolk - a creamy ‘yolk’ made from cod, served with sage cream, pea shoots and some salt and vinegar puffed rice. It’s creamy, subtle and intense at the same time.

L’enclume is a restaurant run by a chap who has a vision and knows how to execute it, with attentive, friendly staff who clearly are passionate about their products. The place is easy going, relaxing and frankly quite lovely – a place to recommend to all, with no exceptions. The final entrée is a venison tartare, served with caper jam, cornichons, fennel cress, shallots, mustard and charcoal oil.Visually stunning, the dish is an array of bright colours, in the eating it’s quite possibly the star of the show. The venison is plump and sweet, the jam complements it excellently. The mustard doesn’t dominate and the charcoal oil adds to the dish giving it a light smokey flavour. The dish is served with an Austrian wine which was such a delight I promptly went and bought two cases. spring

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TAST I N G N OTE S L’enclume Cavendish St, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6PZ Tel: 01539 536 362 www.lenclume.co.uk

Food

FO R T R A DI T I O N AL B R ITIS H FAR E , OP EN FI RE S A N D A CO S Y CO U NTRY INN FEEL, L IZ L AM B H E A DS TO THE RO S E & CROWN I N RO M A L D K I R K , TE E S DALE .

THE ROSE & CROWN RO MALDK IRK, CO UNTY DU RH AM

T was a wet, cold and blustery evening when we found ourselves winding through the dark, country roads in Teesdale.

Any other night and we may not have ventured out but we’d booked dinner and an overnight stay at the Rose & Crown and not even the sleeting rain and strong wind was going to deter us. Thankfully, when we arrived we were welcomed into the warm, cocoon of the 18th century coaching inn with open fires and friendly faces-a perfect antidote to the stormy weather outside. After a hot shower in our room, we headed downstairs to the bar where we were lucky enough to find a spot next to the fire and ordered pre-dinner drinks of Talisker whiskey and Hendrick’s gin. The bar has a traditional feel with tartan carpets, stone fireplace, antique Windsor chairs and oak settles and old black and white photographs on the wall. The Rose & Crown has recently undergone refurbishment making the bar area larger and giving diners the choice of eating in the more relaxed setting of the bar or more formally in the restaurant. As we enjoyed our drinks a waitress brought over the menu and we made our choices before taking our seats in the oak panelled restaurant.

Game, Joan Cross’s Cotherstone cheese and Cumbrian air dried ham from Richard Woodall. My husband was swayed by the roast loin of venison which was served with a mini wild mushroom and venison pie, parsnip puree and garlic kale. Again, the quality of meat was second to none and went well with bursts of flavour from the parsnip and kale. Whenever we go out for dinner we are never too sure if we’ll ever have room for desserts but I was determined not to pass up the opportunity to sample pineapple upside down cake. It’s a childhood favourite of mine and it’s not often I see it on a menu. Served with pineapple carpaccio, spiced rum caramel and clotted cream, it was a taste-bud bursting extravaganza. In fact, writing this review makes me want to eat it right now! Other dessert options included warm treacle tart, apple crumble and trio of lemon. For those who prefer savoury rather than sweet to round off their meal, you can enjoy a trio of cheeses; Cotherstone, White Hilton and Teesdale Blue.

Husband and I retired to our room agreeing that it had been an extremely enjoyable eating experience, highlights being the beef, the goat’s cheese and that nostalgic trip down memory lane with the pineapple upside down cake. Superb!

TAST I NG N OTE S Liz Lamb was a guest of: The Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk Barnard Castle DL12 9EB Tel: 01833 650 213

THE HOTEL HA S L A UNC HE D I TS N EW SPR ING M E NU W HI C H A L S O IN C LUD ES OL D FAVOURI T E S . FOR MOR E IN FORM AT I O N V I S I T WWW. ROSE -A ND - C ROWN. CO. UK

The waitress brought out an amuse bouche of tomato and basil soup which was delicious. For starters I chose the smoked salmon with crispy quails egg, chive blinis and lemon butter while my husband Daniel opted for the goat’s cheese crotin which was served with grilled vegetables and caramelised walnuts.

The Rose & Crown has 14 individually-designed rooms in the main house, courtyard and the recently-refurbished Monk’s Cottage. We stayed in the Laithkirk room in the main house, which is full of period features such as beamed ceilings, exposed stone and antique furniture.

Hubby remarked that the melting cheese and warm bread was just what he needed on a cold, dark evening - perfect, comfort food. The wine list had a few tempting options and we finally settled on a bottle of Soave Classico. It was crisp, dry and went down far too easily. Our mains were also comfort food choices. I enjoyed Sirloin of beef with braised oxtail, mushroom puree, creamed potatoes, kale and brandy caramelised endive. The beef was superbly tender and testament to the quality of the inn’s local produce. Their meat comes from Joe Simpson’s butchers in Cockfield, County Durham while the fish is from Hodgson’s of Hartlepool. Other local suppliers include Teesdale

Our room offered pleasant views over the village green and had a wonderful homely ambience with pale pink and green tartan curtains, headboard and throw, alongside walls lined with old books and a couple of comfy armchairs. There was also a useful lobby room and a large en-suite bathroom. Our bed was so comfortable we had one of the best night’s sleep we’d had in a long time. As parents of an 18-month-child this was pure heaven.

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A perfect setting for a secret escape with a range of relaxing ESPA treatments available. Ideal for a day Spa treat or why not combine with a luxurious stay at The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, Bolton Abbey. Call 01756 718142 to book your little taste of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heavenshireâ&#x20AC;?.

The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa

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Food

FTERNOON tea is such an indulgence isn’t it? Scones with lashings of cream and jam, cakes with a zillion calories and mini sandwiches with tasty fillings, all washed down with the finest fizz. It really is a treat to be enjoyed. Ever since Queen Victoria adopted high tea parties for her and her friends we’ve taken the ritual into our hearts or rather our stomachs. It does feel slightly naughty to feast on cakes and champagne in the middle of the day but then that is half the appeal, especially when it involves a gossip with the girls. I was invited to try out the Devonshire Fizz Afternoon Tea at the Devonshire Arms Country Hotel & Spa on the beautiful Bolton Abbey estate in North Yorkshire. My husband and toddler (brave I know!) wanted to come too so we decided to make a day of it and meet up with the in-laws who live in Lancashire. The hotel was a great half-way point. There is plenty to do on the estate, owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, with woodland walks, a 12th Century priory, medieval ruin, shooting, fishing and plenty of family activities. There is even a steam railway close by. After a walk around part of the estate to tire out the toddler we headed to the Devonshire where we were greeted by roaring fires and comfy sofas. We opted to have our feast in the cocktail lounge but you can also enjoy it in the more formal setting of the conservatory or even in the Dog Lounge if you have furry friend in tow. After finding a comfortable spot in the corner, the waitress came over with a box of toys to keep the little one amused. We all remarked what a nice touch it was as there are not many hotels that cater so well for families. We ordered three afternoon teas while I opted for the Fizz option, which comes with a glass of Laurent Perrier champagne. All in the name of research of course. We knew we were in for a treat. The tea has been created by Head Chef, Adam Smith, previously of The Ritz, who are famous for their fabulous afternoon teas. We were not disappointed. Two huge tiered cake stands were brought to the table laden with sandwiches, cakes, crumbles and those all-important scones. The waiter talked us through the offering. The finger sandwiches were made from different bread including rye and tomato with fillings including salmon, chicken, cucumber and egg. Desserts, served on the top tier, were Paris-Brest with raspberry, rhubarb crumble, chocolate brownie and orange and cardamom macaroon. The scones were plain and raisin and included clotted cream and preserve. Pots of steaming hot tea were also served.

Afternoon Tea CHAMP ERS AND AFTERNOON T EA? D ON’T M IND IF I D O! LIZ L A M B SAM P LES A LUXURY FEAST FIT FOR A Q U EEN . favourites, we moved onto the scones which sparked intense debate. Does the cream go before the jam or vice versa? It’s jam then cream for me, much to the disgust of the rest of the table who eyed me strangely. In Lancashire, it seems, cream always comes before jam. One thing we could decide on was how delicious the desserts were. My favourite was the chocolate brownie, which was wonderfully soft and moist, and decorated with a chocolate sphere wrapped in gold leaf. A close second was the Paris-Brest, a choux pastry filled with cream and topped off with a raspberry. Terribly naughty but it tasted divine. Needless to say we left only crumbs. Next time I visit I plan to go with the girls and book into the hotel’s spa for an ESPA treatment or two before enjoying afternoon tea and fizz. We may even make use of the hotel’s helipad and arrive in style. Truly indulgent but everyone deserves a treat now and again don’t they?

TAST I N G N OT ES The Devonshire Arms Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire (01756) 710 441 www.devonshirearms.co.uk

After enjoying the array of sandwiches (the salmon on brown bread and the tomato bread were particular spring

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R EAD E R O FFE R LA DI DA READERS WHO BOOK A DEVONSHIRE AFTERNOON TEA (PRICED £28) WILL RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY GLASS OF LAURENT-PERRIER CHAMPAGNE ON PRODUCTION OF THIS PAGE (PRINT ONLY). THE OFFER RUNS UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER 2014 AND MUST BE PREBOOKED. PLEASE CALL (01756) 7104 41 AND QUOTE LA DI DA MAGAZINE WHEN BOOKING.

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LA DI DA’S LUXE HOTEL GUIDE

La Di Da’s

LUXE HOTEL Guide

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LA DI DA’S LUXE HOTEL GUIDE Slaley Hall

Is there another part of Britain that can offer the nation’s fine and fabulous folk as many wondrously luxurious hotels as the North East? We think not! And to prove it we humbly present La Di Da’s Guide to the luxury ‘must visit’ hotels in the region... Words: Linda Jane Westphal

Magical Northumberland Slaley Hall, Hexham More country estate than your average hotel, Slaley Hall boasts 1000 acres of Northumberland moorland and forest which serves as a stunning backdrop for this elegant Edwardian mansion with its opulent interiors. Bedrooms are luxe with some nice touches. Enjoy some of the finest golf courses and facilities in the region; indulge yourself with a super relaxing Espa spa treatment or chill out in the relaxation room and heated pool. And if you’re feeling adventurous you can try quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, paintballing or even falconry followed by dinner in a choice of three fabulous restaurants including the luxuriously appointed Duke’s Grill. www.devere-hotels.co.uk. Tel: 0871 222 4688.

Matfen Hall Hotel, Matfen Matfen Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa is located just in the charming village of Matfen and is the ancestral home of Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett. Set in 300 acres of parkland, it combines historic features and old style luxury with its breathtaking Hall and uber elegant two AA rosettes Library Restaurant. It features 53 luxurious bedrooms, individually decorated in traditional and contemporary styles and combines the feel of staying at the country home of rather fabulous aristos with all the ‘must have’ luxury of a modern boutique hotel. Facilities include a golf estate with a 27-hole course, par 3 course and driving range, spa and state of the art gym and swimming pool. The hotel has a choice of dining areas where a combination of classic and contemporary dining is served in truly stately surroundings. www.matfenhall.com. Tel 01661 886 500.

Horton Grange, Ponteland Horton Grange is a fabulous Grade II listed Country House Hotel situated near Ponteland. Just five minutes away from Newcastle, the beautiful grounds and luxurious rooms make you feel like you’re in the middle of the country on a grand estate.

First Class... The restaurant offers quality fine dining British Classics using local ingredients, including the Grange’s classic 21 Day Dry Aged Rump Steak with gloriously fat chips, and yummy home made Lemon Curd ice cream. It’s an ideal place to while away a Spring day and indulge yourself with Senior Pastry Chef Gary Main’s Classic Afternoon Tea or Confectioner’s Afternoon Tea. Delishly moreish, both come with the option of a glass of champagne for a very decadent afternoon dining experience. www.horton-grange.co.uk. Tel 01661 860 686.

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Bannatyne Hotel, Darlington Duncan Bannatyne’s signature Darlington hotel is a stylish Grade II listed Georgian Townhouse where the grandeur and warmth of an historic past meets contemporary convenience and style. For a romantic getaway, book either a four poster room or a newly refurbished Junior Suite, which has a plasma screen TV, DVD player, and all sorts of extra goodies for total pampering.

Cotswold luxury comes north La Di Da was given an exclusive sneak preview of what we can confidently predict will become a must visit new hotel and restaurant for Northern High Society, The Lord Crewe Arms in the stunning village of Blanchland. Situated on the Northumberland and County Durham border, the Lord Crewe Arms dates back to the 1700s and is a stunningly historic building which is being converted to a 21 bedroom hotel by the owners of Cotswold’s finest celeb retreats, Calcot Manor and Barnsley House and will be opening in April. Given the pedigree of both establishments, it’s no surprise that the interiors are breathtaking. The main restaurant is fabulously rustic and makes the most of the building’s ancient and glorious architectural features with huge stone fireplaces which will feature roasting chickens and baking bread. The chef heading up the kitchens is the awesomely talented Simon Hicks, who was formerly head chef at Soho Hix, one of London’s most celebrated restaurants. He promises to bring theatre and excitement to

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the dining experience as he recreates British classics as well as the ultimate Sunday lunch.

The team is headed up by Tommy Mark, who provides a level of can do service that is second to none. Previously the Deputy Manager of Barnsley House, his expertise is only matched by his commitment to making sure your stay and visit is truly special. One to have on speed dial as soon as it opens. www.lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk. Tel 01434 675 469

LA DI DA’S LUXE HOTEL GUIDE The Hotel also has a state of the art gym and spa facilities nearby which guests can use free of charge. Bannatyne’s elegant restaurant, Maxine’s, specialises in the best in season, locally sourced ingredients with a classic twist. www.bannatyne.co.uk. Tel: 0844 248 3832.

Rose

and

Crown, Romaldkirk, Teesdale

The Rose and Crown is a delightful 18th century inn which stands in the picture-postcard dales village of Romaldkirk, next to the Saxon church and overlooking the village green complete with stocks and water-pump. It has all of the charm and character that you would hope to find in a traditional rural inn with a cosy bar, open fires, beamed ceilings, wobbly walls and stylish bedrooms that blend contemporary touches with period.

luxury and great attention to detail.

Croft Hotel, Croft

It has quickly become a favourite for fashionable foodies with its glorious Saturday Brunches and to die for Sunday lunches and an evening menu which features such delights as the glorious dessert Coffee Parfait with Mascarpone, Coffee Jelly, Chocolate Popping Candy and Chocolate Sorbet. Houndgate also does fantastic Afternoon Teas with champagne for the ultimate boutique experience. www.houndgatetownhouse.co.uk. Tel 01325 486 011. Rockliffe Hall Suite

Tees

Situated in the quaint village of Croft-on-Tees, this 18th century property combines riverside views and quiet surroundings. Originally built in 1835, this historic coaching inn has been faithfully renovated into a traditional yet modern country hotel. A new Gastro pub has an innovative menu showcasing signature modern and traditional dishes which feature seasonal British produce sourced from select artisan producers and local farmers. Croft also has a tea room set in the original Coach House, offering beautiful views of the River Tees and St Peter’s Church, the latter rumoured to be the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. www.crofthotel.net. Tel 01325 720 319.

Headlam Hall Hotel, Gainford Situated near the North Yorks border, this stunning Jacobean 17th century country mansion stands in beautiful walled gardens and offers luxurious accommodation, a stunning spa and enjoyable golf course.

www.rose-and-crown.co.uk. Tel 01833 650 213.

Houndgate Townhouse, Darlington This recently opened hotel is an eight bedroom design hotel located in the historic heart of Darlington. Beautifully designed, this hotel features Soho chic interiors with quirky fabulous bespoke interior design touches based on Darlington’s heritage. Individually designed rooms ooze taste and

It is an idyllic rural retreat in picturesque Teesdale and is Winner of North East England Small Hotel of the Year 2009/10. Headlam Hall is an independent family run hotel with a very well regarded 2 AA Rosette

www.headlamhall.co.uk

This charming Jacobean country house stands in beautiful walled gardens and is surrounded by its own rolling farmland. This award winning hotel has a first class restaurant serving modern British cuisine using local produce, delightful lounges and 39 individually designed rooms that combine period features and contemporary touches. The award winning spa has a 15 m pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor hydrotherapy pool, fully equipped gym and five luxurious treatment rooms where a range of spa therapies can be enjoyed. There is also a challenging 9 hole golf course with excellent practice facilities and a resident PGA professional for tuition.

Spring Revival Break £65 pppn DBB For 2 night stays in March & April

Headlam Hall, Headlam, Teesdale, DL2 3HA. Tel. (01325) 730238 www.headlamhall.co.uk

LA DI DA’S LUXE HOTEL GUIDE Judges Country House

restaurant set over three rooms, each offering its own style and character. www.headlamhall.co.uk. Tel 01325 730 238.

Yorkshire, God’s Country

In 2013, The Cleveland Tontine undertook a major refurbishment programme to include a new kitchen, new entrance, fantastic cocktail and champagne bar, and major renovation of their lounge and bistro. www.theclevelandtontine.co.uk. Tel 01609 882 671

Judges Country House Cleveland Tontine

The luxurious Judges at Kirklevington has been an AA’s Inspector’s Choice Hotel since 2003, an AA 3 Red Star Country House Hotel as well as boasting 3 AA Rosettes, first awarded in 2003, and being particularly recommended by the Michelin Guide. It features 21 guestrooms, gourmet restaurant, private dining rooms, gym and a beauty clinic all set in its own 22 acres of immaculate gardens. www.judgeshotel.co.uk. 01642 789 000.

Cleveland Tontine, near Northallerton The historic Cleveland Tontine is something of an institution in beautiful North Yorkshire and is well worth a visit. Eclectic, with a hint of English eccentricity and a dose of fabulousness. It boasts a charming award-winning bistro and restaurant and boutique hotel offering stylish decorated unique rooms.

This 18th century coaching inn combines luxurious accommodation and great food in a relaxed rural environment. It stands on the green of the picturesque village of Romaldkirk in the beautiful upper Teesdale countryside.... riverside walks, rugged fells and dramatic landscapes. After a day out in the fresh air come back to a roaring fire, tasty food made with fresh local ingredients and an excellent selection of real ales, fine wines and malt whiskies.

Spring Awakening Break Available from £89 pppn DBB for 2 night stays Mar, Apr & May

The Rose & Crown, Romaldkirk, Teesdale, DL12 9EB Tel. (01833) 650213 www.rose-and-crown.co.uk

LA DI DA’S LUXE HOTEL GUIDE

Heavenly Hideaways Whether it’s me time, couples time or a girlie weekend, we have the ultimate guide to the Luxury Hotel spas guaranteed to soothe and rejuvenate your inner hedonist... Words: Linda Jane Westphal

ARTYING too hard? Working and travelling 24/7? Children causing you to question your own sanity? Then it’s time to take your jaded inner child by the hand and head to one of our heavenly hideaways for some sublime pampering before heading out rejuvenated with mojo restored. One of La Di Da’s fave retreats is the stunning Rockliffe Hall, located in the village of Hurworth, just outside Darlington. It has quickly become the fashionista and fashionmister’s spa of choice and it’s easy to see why. With achingly gorgeous interiors, creating a relaxing, Zen like atmosphere, the only noise to disturb you is the chink of champagne glasses as one of Rockliffe’s spa butlers attend to your every need. Rockliffe boasts 50,000 square feet of luxury spa and treatment facilities and a huge range of top treatments for him and her, including luxury brand Dr Murad. For those looking for something a little more energetic, they can try the 20 metre pool, state-of-the-art Technogym or attend a daily work-out class or Nordic walk, smug in the knowledge that they can then enjoy a fabulous dinner guilt free. Fave treatments? Try Rockliffe’s signature Tibetan Sound Massage. “There is nothing like this anywhere and it is the most deeply relaxing, meditative massage, facilitating the

release of stress and encouraging the best night’s sleep,” explains Liz Holmes, Rockliffe Spa Director. As you sweep up the drive to Slaley Hall, you can already feel the stress melt away. The spa area at Slaley has recently been revamped. It’s a vision of serenity with hallways lined with lit Espa candles, giving out a heavenly scent which screams, or rather whispers, tranquillity. From the super luxurious spa lounge where you can enjoy a fruit smoothie or peppermint tea whilst discussing your treatment, to the very glam tropical pool with jacuzzi, Slaley has everything you could wish for including gym and classes, bespoke make up area with Jessica sister brand Mii and a beautiful dual treatment room where you and a friend can enjoy pampering with drinks and two therapists to attend to your every need. Star brand here is the divine Espa and treatments include the age defying Enzyme facial. And there’s plenty for the gentlemen as well including an Age Rebel facial and a variety of massages including Swedish. Local sports celeb Paul Collingwood is a big fan. Once you have been treated like a King or Queen, and customer service really is top notch, then you can pad into the uber opulent Dukes Restaurant, still in your robe, for a divine afternoon tea. A little piece of Heaven in glorious Northumberland. An ivy clad Jacobean manor to

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die for, the spa at Headlam Hall Hotel on the North Yorks/County Durham border is a contemporary addition which blends in seamlessly and creates a beautiful, glass fronted hideaway. With uber luxurious fixtures and fittings, the quality is apparent as soon as you enter the aromatherapy scented reception area. Designed by the same architect who did Calcot Manor, the rooms are luxuriously appointed and the pool is a beautiful focal point with sauna and steam rooms and a glorious outdoor jacuzzi where you can enjoy a glass of champagne and gaze at the stars. As well as historic traditional rooms in the main building, the spa addition boasts contemporary rooms for the ultimate luxe stay. Star treatments include the hot stone massage, aromatherapy associates treatments and make up by iconic make up artist Ariane Poole who is often found giving master classes over a fabulous lunch. Matfen Hall is a gloriously historic Manor house in the Northumbrian village of Matfen, which allows you to live like a Lord or Lady for the weekend. Roaring fires and magnificent grounds abound as well as stunning architecture and a selection of dining areas with a definite wow factor. Matfen’s spacious and candlelit treatment rooms make their spa a real treat and combined with lots of very indulgent Elemis treatments, they have everything you could want to soothe both body and soul. Matfen also has a Dual Treatment Couch which can accommodate couples or friends. Star treatments to indulge in are the Elemis Exotic Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Rub and Matfen also offers the Men’s Collection which includes an Elemis IQ Facial and Aroma

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Stone Therapy. The spa area adjoins a large swimming pool complete with poolside coffee and juice bar. Matfen has also just invested in an upgrade for its gym featuring a range of machines, the TechnoGym, fitted with state of the art technology, which enables users to surf the net while pounding the treadmill. It allows users to be able to monitor their work-outs on the integrated computer screens as well as catch up on emails and even indulge in some retail therapy. The Morritt Country House Hotel is hidden away on the North Yorks border but with easy access via the A66. It has recently added an uber luxurious spa, The Garage, to its offer. Taking a very holistic, natural approach, treatments incorporate local produce such as honey and the Garage offers a phenomenal range of different spa experiences. The Ambient Salt Room is a controlled Halotherapy environment, built with ancient salt blocks where you can enjoy a natural salt therapy, fabulous for improving the skin. The Secret Garden outdoor hot tub is a delight for the senses and ideal after a session in the cocooning shepherd’s hut. Other features include the Hammam where you can relax with an ultra pampering multi step cleansing technique dating back to Roman times and come out glowing or try the mud pit for the ultimate skin detox and pampering. While away an hour in the dry floatation room before indulging in a blow dry at the blow dry bar and a fabulous hot chocolate in the super comfortable hammock chairs. Star treatments include the Yoga and meditation weekend, the microdermabrasion or the rather fabulous File, Fizz and Polish Fridays.

LA DI DA’S LUXE HOTEL GUIDE

Lord Crewe

5 Gourmet getaways The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire

Rockliffe Hall Hotel & Spa, near Darlington, County Durham

The Burlington restaurant has just been awarded 3 AA Rosettes. Head Chef Adam Smith left his job as Executive Sous Chef at The Ritz to head up the kitchen. Book a two-night gourmet break and enjoy a bottle of Laurent Perrier in your room on arrival. Experience the À la Carte menu on the first night and enjoy Adam’s Tasting Menu the next night. Includes a full Yorkshire breakfast both mornings and free use of the Spa.

Do Easter differently with a 5* Wine and Chocolate break on Thursday April 17th. Arrival drink, five tasting glasses of wine and a range of chocolate to try guided by the Hotel’s Sommelier. Includes stay in the Old Hall, English breakfast in The Orangery and use of the spa.

www.thedevonshirearms.co.uk

Cleveland Tontine, Staddlebridge, North Yorkshire Enjoy a drink at the Champagne bar before feasting on a meal made from locally sourced ingredients in the Bistro or Conservatory. Head Chef James Cooper’s Spring menu features Lindisfarne oysters, locally reared pork and East Coast Dover sole. Make a night of it and book a room in one of the individually-designed boutique rooms.

www.theclevelandtontine.co.uk

www.rockliffehall.com

Jesmond Dene House Hotel, Newcastle Foodie break includes a three course house menu in the award-winning 3*AA Rosette restaurant, overnight stay and breakfast.

Prices from £250.

Prices from £150 per night. The Start of the Week Menu on Sundays and Mondays from 6.30pm features two course for £18 and three courses for £22.

£115 per person

Prices from £100 per person per night depending on choice of bedroom. www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk

Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa, Chathill, Northumberland Winter Brolly Break (until March 31) includes cream tea on arrival, complimentary bottle of Prosecco, one half-hour spa treatment per person, one complimentary umbrella and dinner, bed and breakfast for two nights with 3rd night bed and breakfast free. Costs £465 based on two people sharing a classic room. www.doxfordhall.com

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Create Timeless Country Memories Originally part of Blanchland Abbey, the Lord Crewe Arms has been a meeting place for centuries and is soon to re-open and welcome guests once more. A 21 bedroom hotel, offering understated luxury and genuine warm hospitality, in one of only six listed villages in the country - a place to create unique memories. Lord Crewe Arms The Square Blanchland Consett County Durham DH8 9SP

For more information or to arrange a viewing please call 01434 675 469 or visit www.lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk

Weddings

L A D I DA

When I saw you I fell in love and you smiled because you knew WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

PHOTO FOR ELIZA BLOOMS WWW.ELIZABLOOMS.CO.UK BY GASP PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.GASPPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK spring

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L u x u r i o u s We d d i n g D r e s s B o u t i q u e 18 Blandford Square NE1 4HZ Tel: 0191 2211 688 www.weddingdressesnewcastle.co.uk

Weddings

I D O, I D O,

YO U A R E C O R D I A L LY I N V I T E D T O D E LV E I N T O T H E WO R L D O F T H E M O S T F I N E A N D FA BU L O U S WEDDING VENUES IN THE N O RT H E A S T. . . Let us take you by the hand and lead you into the world of La Di Da weddings. We have selected the ultimate venues to deliver weddings with a wow factor. From fairytale Northumberland castles to chic retreats with food to die for, from uber smart urban venues to country houses, we have the locations, the people and the inside skinny on who you need to have on speed dial to deliver the wedding of your dreams.

DAPHN E BY JENNY PAC K H A M W W W.P O P P Y BRI DA L . CO. U K

NORTHUMBERLAND Want dreamy landscapes and historic backdrops? Then Northumberland offers some of the best venues around. Our favourite locations include a number of fairytale castles and unique venues designed to deliver jaw dropping locations for your special day.

evening function. The Grand Cascade will be lit up at night for you adding to the wow factor.

Room or Library or why not try the Boathouse by the River Tweed or the Regency lawn for larger parties and enjoy the stunning locations.

La Di Da Verdict Impossibly romantic. Just add champagne and happiness.

La Di Da Verdict Super stylish and very elegant.

Slaley Hall Slaley has every facility you could want for your big day including luxurious accommodation. Full of traditional charm, this Northumberland mansion has acres of moorland and forest for a spectacular country manor feel. Choose from the Kielder Suite and Hunting Room for larger gatherings or Baybridge or Priestman for more intimate events.

Bamburgh Castle Try this fairytale location with a breathtaking coastline, a truly spectacular backdrop for weddings. Choose from the grand King’s Hall, the castle’s centrepiece, or the atmospheric Keep Hall with vaulted ceilings and flagged stone floors. La Di Da Verdict It will make you feel like royalty on your big day

Paxton House Fancy a fashionable and elegant wedding? Take a look at Paxton. Overlooking the majestic River Tweed, Paxton House is joyously beautiful. Choose from the magnificent Regency Picture Gallery, the intimate Drawing

Alnwick Gardens Want a day your guests will remember forever? Get married in the Pavilion room with its panoramic views of the garden and then have an evening reception overlooking the Grand Cascade, followed by dancing under the stars in the Pavilion Atrium. Up to 200 can be accommodated for the marriage or civil partnership and 500 for the spring

La Di Da Verdict Beautiful and opulent with everything you could want under one roof.

Matfen Hall Hotel, Matfen Beautiful country house blessed with the truly stunning Great Hall with its stained glass window and private entrance. The historic Terrace Rooms provides a very grand setting for your

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wedding breakfast and you can add in bespoke elements such as Afternoon Pimms on the lawn followed by BBQ and fireworks. La Di Da Verdict Grand theatrical interiors and country house chic. Stunning venue.

Chipchase Castle A new wedding venue, this hidden gem includes drop dead gorgeous castle, private chapel in the grounds and views that stretch for miles and miles. Great décor and they have super delish food to make the event very special. La Di Da Verdict Fabulous venue and something a little bit different.

Weddings

NEWCASTLE If you want an uber smart wedding with the amenities of the city centre, Newcastle has a range of very special places to tie the knot which are designed to deliver the ultimate sophisticated wedding. Here are our favourites for a really unique and fabulous day.

Blackfriars Established in 1239 as a Dominican friary, Blackfriars is steeped in heritage with a fab restaurant. Approved for marriages and civil partnerships, enjoy a relaxed champagne reception in the courtyard followed by a delicious meal inside the ornate medieval Banquet Hall. La Di Da Verdict Perfect for city centre weddings

The Assembly Rooms Another central location with romantic grand interiors. This venue is undergoing some major renovation this year to turn it into a very high end experience. Lovely reception rooms and good location.

lounge. Beautiful food and stunning location seal the deal.

La Di Da Verdict Great location and ideal for larger wedding parties.

Jesmond Dene House Just outside the city centre, this upmarket boutique hotel offers grand or intimate rooms in which to marry and celebrate your special day including the hideaway Apartment Suite with roof terrace and the Great Hall with its magnificent panelling. They’re licensed for civil ceremonies. La Di Da Verdict Lots of cachet and style and convenient location.

Horton Grange Horton Grange Country House Hotel is an elegant and privately owned Grade II listed Country House. It’s set in four acres of beautiful landscaped grounds on the exclusive Bladgon Estate, near Ponteland. Horton Grange specialises in exclusive private wedding receptions, civil marriage ceremonies and civil partnerships and it’s an ideal venue for a very romantic wedding. Horton offers a choice of a beautiful garden gazebo for an outside marriage ceremony or a smaller ceremony space in their opulent

La Di Da Verdict A little slice of country manor heaven with great access and location.

COUNTY DURHAM Lord Crewe, Blanchland Another new one and very special. Stunning medieval priory building renovated by the team behind celeb fave Calcot Manor and Barnsley House in the Cotswolds. Awesome and super fabulous interiors plus they have poached one of London’s top talents to head up the kitchen. It has lots of style and personality and an amazing bridal suite. Add in the chocolate box pretty backdrop of Blanchland and experienced team and it’s likely to be one of the most fashionable new venues. La Di Da Verdict Divine building and great food and personality.Very stylish but not stuffy.

Rockliffe Hall Rockliffe Hall’s 5* resort offers luxury surroundings, secluded grounds, award-winning food and outstanding

Br id es ma id at Th e Mo rri tt

range of facilities. It’s set within 375 acres, with a choice of private rooms for wedding breakfasts, fully-licensed civil ceremonies and evening receptions. La Di Da Verdict Luxury with a capital L.

Lartington Lartington Hall is a grade 2* listed country house, in the beautiful Teesdale countryside, complete with ballroom and private chapel, set amongst 75 acres of romantic parkland. There are 12 double en-suite bedrooms, each individually designed with amazing views of the gardens, stunning parkland and architectural features and lots of heritage. Rooms include the grand ballroom, with space for 140 for formal

BANNATYNE HOTEL

AND

BAR & RESTAURANT DA R L I N G TO N

A Recent Proposal or a Long Engagement... Make 2014 the year that you say “I do” Our dedicated wedding team is on hand to ensure every part of the planning process is taken care of. From catering, to accommodation, to table decorations, every last detail will be planned to perfection. This stunning Grade II listed town house with character, style and warmth from the moment you step through the front door, can be yours exclusively for your special day. From ceremony, to reception, to evening festivities, Bannatyne Hotel, Darlington is the perfect backdrop for anything from intimate gatherings to large celebrations.

For more information please contact:

0844 248 3832

2014

The Crab and Lobster

Weddings

of live music, or for a more intimate affair, say your vows surrounded by the beautiful original features of Maxine’s Restaurant. Menus are designed and wines sourced to your exact specification. And with 60 bedrooms available, ranging from the traditional to the contemporary, there is something for every taste.” . dining, Grand Corridor, 17th century snooker room, and dining room with space for 100 to dine formally but smaller rooms are available. Menus are bespoke to ensure a truly original wedding experience. La Di Da Verdict Very unique and totally special.

Headlam Hall Hotel Everything you could want in a country manor from the sweep of the gravel drive, the beautiful ivy clad Jacobean country mansion and four acres of stunning walled gardens. Super luxurious spa and both traditional and contemporary bedrooms so you have something to suit all your guests. It also has a picturesque 9 hole golf course and 2 AA Rosette starred restaurant. Choose the beautiful Edwardian Suite or for more intimate events, you can use the elegant drawing room. La Di Da Verdict Stunning venue and really great facilities.

Croft Hotel Expensively renovated and now boasting contemporary features in a historic setting, the Croft Hotel is situated in the beautiful, ancient village of Croft on Tees, just outside Darlington. This 18th century property combines riverside views and quiet surroundings. Its beautiful location makes it ideal for weddings, situated on the Croft Bridge with breathtaking views of the River Tees and St. Peter’s Church, supposedly where Lewis Carroll drew inspiration to write Alice in Wonderland. Each of The Croft’s 20 hotel bedrooms has been furnished to high standards and the wedding team are on hand to help plan every aspect of your day. La Di Da Verdict Good facilities, location and romantic setting.

Bannatyne Hotel, Darlington Beautiful and very stylish Townhouse on the edge of Darlington’s luxe West End with easy access and great travel links. The wedding team are experienced and passionate about creating something bespoke and special. As well as the refurbished, opulent Wilbur Suite, with fabulous floor length windows looking out over the gardens, they also have a very romantic new pavilion in the garden where you can be married to the sound

La Di Da Verdict Very popular for weddings and with good reason exclusive use is available all year round.

Houndgate Townhouse An 8 bedroom design hotel, Houndgate is a wonderful mix of a historic building – ironically it used to be the old registry office as well as a school - with achingly fabulous interiors and fantastic food. Opposite the new registry office in Darlington, this is ideal for smaller, intimate gatherings. Rooms are bespoke and very stylish and this hotel is a little touch of fashion fabulousness in the cobbled streets of Darlington. La Di Da Verdict Great, quirky venue with all the little touches you’d expect in London or New York.

NORTH YORKSHIRE Yorebridge House Yorebridge House is situated by the river on the edge of the unspoilt village of Bainbridge, Wensleydale in the North Yorkshire Dales. One of Britain’s most romantic boutique hotels, with a great food offer, choose from the Orangery or the Master’s room for an intimate and special day. La Di Da Verdict Great reputation, very romantic.

Judges Country House Hotel Kirklevington A lovely building with good facilities and a picturesque setting for an elegant wedding backed up with good service and experienced staff on hand to offer advice and help you plan your event. Good food offer and nice location. La Di Da Verdict Good location and facilities for all your guests and ideal for an elegant wedding.

The Morritt Lovely country house hotel on the County Durham, North Yorks border within easy access of the A66. The Morritt is stylish with great facilities including a beautiful luxurious spa and a great reputation for fine dining. The experienced wedding team can help you create a stress free and very special day. La Di Da Verdict Upmarket with real country house chic. spring

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Crab and Lobster Crab Manor, near Thirsk, offers beautifully landscaped gardens which include romantic fountains and terraces. Each of its 17 rooms is uniquely decorated. The famous Crab and Lobster restaurant provides a beautiful backdrop as well as gourmet standard wedding breakfasts and receptions. La Di Da Verdict Very different venue with bags of personality and fabulous food.

Carlton Towers Carlton Towers is home to Lord and Lady Gerald Fitzalan Howard and has over 30 years experience in hosting weddings in its fairytale staterooms. The stately home features three grand state rooms, 16 bedrooms located within separate wings throughout the building, a Minstrel’s Gallery, Bar, Entrance Halls and grounds. La Di Da Verdict Very unique venue with bags of style.

Wedding Trends Bride: Paula Whittaker Poppy Bridal Lace is still the key fabric for 2014/15 . There has been a move towards higher necklines, full length or three quarter sleeves and illusion back detailing. Ivory still prevails however designers are introducing soft blush tones to their fabrics and detailing. With bridesmaids, ombre is the crucial word here with varying shades that co-ordinate and complement. Groom: Emma Crosland, Affleck & Moffat Mohair lightweight 3 piece suits in charcoals and Greys are very current and sharp. Classic shirts and ties are proving the most popular paired with stylish waistcoats. Double breasted waistcoats are a huge hit and look wonderful with the classic black morning coat and striped trousers. Inspiration from the Great Gatsby is bringing back the full evening tails to weddings, incredibly Downton! Flowers: Eliza Blooms 2014 has started with a sense of ‘British are best’. While there is a trend for hand-picked/ meadow style flowers, there seems to be an increase once again for more floral bouquets containing one or two types of flowers. In terms of colours either subtle peaches, pinks and creams or brighter colours and including feathers and unusual greenery to add a unique twist. Wedding Breakfast/Receptions: Lindsey Hunter, Get Knotted Vintage has died down but elements remain but reworked into a laid back festival vibe with chill out areas in marquees, tipis and silent ipod dances. Couples are showcasing their personality more with quirky touches such as brooch bouquets, driftwood accessories and table garlands which are a big trend for 2014.

A STUNNING GRADE II LISTED COUNTRY HOUSE, PRIVATELY OWNED, EXCLUSIVELY YOURS

PRIVATE AND E XCLUS IV E Horton Grange is a privately owned, intimate Grade II listed Country House with an elegant and distinctive mix of contemporary and traditional decor. Set in 4 acres of beautiful, landscaped grounds, the House and gardens are exclusively yours for your wedding day - no golfers, no public bar or restaurant - just you and your wedding guests. Offering a beautiful outside Marriage Ceremony in our Garden Gazebo or an intimate Ceremony in our plush Lounge, you will be guided through every part of your day by our expert wedding team. Our reputation for excellent cuisine using only the finest, locally sourced produce offers you delicious 4 course dining and quirky evening food our bacon stotties are always a well-received delight!

HORTON GRANGE, PRIVATE AND EXCLUSIVE. CONTACT US FOR A WEDDING TOUR Horton Grange Hotel, Berwick Hill, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 6BU T: (01661) 860686 E: info@hortongrange.co.uk W: www.hortongrange.co.uk Facebook: Horton Grange Country House Hotel Twitter: @HortonGrange Join us at our ELITE WEDDING OPEN EVENTS, Monday 9th June 2014 5:30 to 7:30pm and Sunday 14th September 2014 from 1pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm Free admission to both events spring

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Promotion Weddings

TO T H E M A N O R B O R N. WA N T T O G E T M A R R I E D I N A B I G , B I G H O U S E I N T H E C O U N T RY ? W E H AV E J U S T T H E P L A C E F O R YO U T O C R E AT E T H E RO M A N T I C W E D D I N G O F YO U R D R E A M S â&#x20AC;Ś . .

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gardens for your wedding day, making it your very own country Manor.

ANCY playing lord and lady of the manor for your wedding day? Then put Horton Grange Country House Hotel on speed dial. Horton is an elegant and privately owned, gorgeous Grade II listed Country House with a stylish mix of contemporary and traditional decor. Horton Grange specialises in exclusive private wedding receptions, civil marriage ceremonies and civil partnerships. This glorious country manor is set in four acres of beautiful landscaped grounds on the exclusive Bladgon Estate, giving a country feel despite being centrally located just three miles away from upmarket Ponteland and the airport and just seven miles from Newcastle. And if you book the venue for your ceremony, you are guaranteed exclusivity of the stunning house and

It's an ideal venue for a very romantic wedding. Horton offers a choice of a beautiful garden gazebo for an outside marriage ceremony or a beautiful and intimate ceremony space in their opulent lounge. The grange's recently refurbished, elegant Dining Room has beautiful garden views and in the summer can be opened up onto a terraced area which can be dressed with twinkly fairy lights and hurricane lamps - perfect for your wedding photography. The Grange offers dining for up to 96 day guests, a private bar, quiet lounge for evening guests to relax and space for up to 150 evening guests, ensuring all your guests can be catered for throughout the day and evening. Horton has an enviable reputation for excellent cuisine using only the finest, locally sourced produce offering you delicious, individually created dining and quirky evening food, a particular favourite for wedding parties are the legendary bacon stotties. spring

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But the beautiful and elegant location doesn't mean it can't accommodate the personal, fun and quirky touches which deliver the ultimate wow factor. The wedding team at Horton are expert at helping you plan your day and can offer advice on every element of the day from traditional through to marquees with barbecues, casinos and even fairground rides. And luxurious accommodation is available as well. Horton Grange offers nine spacious en suite bedrooms, each individually styled. It has five traditionally decorated Executive Rooms in the main house and four Garden Rooms in the private grounds. Uniquely, if you and your guests do not fill all nine rooms, Horton Grange does not allow other residents to book in, making the whole venue exclusively yours until you finish breakfast the next day, ensuring the venue really is your own private country house for the entire duration of your wedding.

A GRADE II LISTED HOTEL UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP AND BEAUTIFULLY REFURBISHED THROUGHOUT

V YOUR WEDDING AT THE CROFT Just outside of Darlington, in the picturesque village of Croft-on-Tees, lies the beautifully refurbished Croft Hotel. Stunningly re-designed, the impressive banqueting suite offers a stylish mix of traditional and contemporary decor perfect for your private marriage ceremony, reception and evening party. Our experienced wedding team will deliver your perfect day whether looking after 50 or 250 of your guests.

Elite Wedding Open Day Visit our Elite Wedding Open Day on Monday 16th June 5:30-7:30pm Free admission

VISIT OUR WEB SITE TO TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

The Croft Hotel, Croft-on-Tees, Darlington DL2 2ST. T: 01325 720319 E: info@crofthotel.net W: www.crofthotel.net Facebook: The Croft Hotel Twitter: @CroftHotel

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Venture

T H RO U G H T H E L O O K I N G G L A S S

A LITTLE PIECE OF LUXE IN H I S T O R I C V I L L A G E C RO F T O N T E E S , T H E N E W LY R E N OVAT E D C RO F T H O T E L C O M B I N E S E V E RY M O D E R N M U S T H AV E W I T H H I S T O R I C S PA C E S F O R T H E U LT I M AT E RO M A N T I C W E D D I N G O R WEEKEND BREAK...

XPENSIVELY renovated and now boasting contemporary features in a historic setting, the Croft Hotel is an ideal place for a romantic wedding in the beautiful, ancient village of Croft on Tees, just outside Darlington. Situated in the centre of the historic village, less than 10 minutes from Darlington via the A66, this 18th century property combines riverside views and quiet surroundings. It's location on the Croft Bridge offers breathtaking views of the River Tees and St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, supposedly where Lewis Carroll drew inspiration to write Alice in Wonderland. Each of The Croft's 20 hotel bedrooms has been furnished to the highest of standards, ensuring an elegant and relaxing stay for the duration of your visit. The hotel boasts a variety of traditionally decorated Executive bedrooms, whilst also offering a choice of contemporary rooms, stylishly decorated with all modern must haves including flat-screen LCD TV's, broadband access and desk space.

New features include a Gastropub which offers an innovative menu, elegantly showcasing signature modern and traditional dishes. These celebrate a wealth of fresh, seasonal British produce sourced from select artisan producers and local farmers. The talented team of chefs will work with you to create a fabulous wedding breakfast that provides a wow factor and is uniquely yours.

on-site parking and free wifi, making it ideal for parties both large and small. The Croft has successfully combined the history and beauty of its buildings and location with the luxuries and mod cons of a modern boutique hotel. And a warm welcome awaits you from the team who offer attentive, friendly service guaranteed to deliver a memorable stay or occasion.

The weddings team pride themselves on running a seamless operation designed to deliver a wedding personal to you and ensuring you have a truly special day with the stress taken out of wedding preparation so you can relax and enjoy the surroundings with the people that matter most to you. You and your guests can take it easy and enjoy the beautiful location. Why not treat yourselves to a luxury Afternoon Tea in the tea rooms, housed in the north wing of The Croft Hotel in what once was the original Coach House. Beautifully presented, they include a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, exquisite cakes on an elegant three-tier stand and a fine selection of teas and coffees from Ringtons. You can enjoy a pre wedding celebration with a glass of bubbly and some freshly baked Scones served with homemade preserves and clotted cream, Mini soft Brown Sugar Meringues, Strawberry and Raspberry Tartlet, Red Berry Fool and fabulous Homemade Chocolate Choux Bun. Gluten free options for Afternoon Tea can also be ordered. Despite the age of the building, the Croft offers every available comfort your guests could require including spring

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Kirklevington Hall, Kirklevington, Yarm, North Yorkshire, TS15 9LW 01642 789000 Hall, Kirklevington, Kirklevington enquiries@judgeshotel.co.uk Yarm, North Yorkshire, TS15 9LW www.judgeshotel.co.uk 01642 789000 enquiries@judgeshotel.co.uk www.judgeshotel.co.uk

Flowers by Nattrass is a family-run, established and local business. Our floral designs for weddings and civil partnerships are bespoke and individual, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re committed to getting everything, especially those tiny details, perfect for you.

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Weddings

ET in the beautiful Teesdale countryside, Lartington Hall is available for exclusive use only so the whole estate becomes the setting for your wedding. Lartington Hall is a grade 2* listed country house, complete with ballroom and private chapel, set amongst 75 acres of romantic parkland. In addition to its beautiful landscape, famous statues and setting, Lartington Hall has an important heritage and association with famous architects and historical figures such as Ignatius Bonomi and Joseph Hansom, who was also said to have invented the Hansom Cab for which he is famous, whilst working at Lartington Hall, and hence his design for the Greek Temple Porte CochĂ¨re & carriage platform on arrival at the Hall. With all this grandeur youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be forgiven for thinking Lartington Hall is steeped in formality and tradition. That is until you visit. From the moment you meet owners Shona and John HarperWilkes and start planning your special event, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find that everything is

personal and designed to make you feel completely at home so that you can be yourself on your big day. There are 12 double en-suite bedrooms, each individually designed with amazing views of the gardens, stunning parkland and architectural features. Rooms include the grand ballroom, with space for 140 for formal dining, Grand Corridor, 17th century snooker room, and dining room with space for 100 to dine formally. There is also a drawing room, Snug lounge, Georgian Hall and Music Room with an overall capacity of 220 guests for a wedding. Menus are bespoke to ensure a truly original wedding experience. Wedding breakfasts range from fine dining to champagne afternoon teas to Thai banquets, lavish picnics and food theatre. After couples have chosen their menu, they receive a complimentary tasting to ensure they are happy and refine their menu further if needed. spring

There are six different areas in the Hall licensed for wedding ceremonies making it ideal for any size party and allowing guests to flow from one part of their day to another, without the need to reset rooms for dancing or dining. These are the large dining room (110 guests), grand ballroom (150), drawing room (50), Georgian Hall (40), Cantilever Staircase (30) and Grand Corridor (40). There are plenty of experts on hand at Lartington to help couples plan their perfect day. The dedicated Events Planner, owners and chefs, work with the bride and groom to ensure their day is unique, personal and memorable. They also have trusted partners who they recommend to couples for makeup, hair, flowers and photography according to their style and ideas for the wedding.

L ART I N GTON HAL L L A RT I NGTO N L A NE , L A RT I NGTO N, N R. BA RNA RD C A S T L E , D L 12 9BW WWW.LARTINGTONHALL.CO.UK

( 01833) 651 850

*Lartington currently has limited availability for weekends in 2014 but they are also available for exclusive hire on Sundays and mid-week. Couples wanting to book for 2015 are advised to contact the Hall early to secure their preferred date. *Lartington Hall is holding a Luxury Wedding Showcase on March 16th 11am-3pm

2014

Weddings

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Real Life Weddings

A I M E E & M I C H A E L AT L A RT I N G TO N H A L L Lovebirds Aimee and Michael Chou chose Lartington Hall for their elegant wedding. Aimee, 31, a training consultant and Michael, 28, an architect are both from Darlington but now live in London. The theme of the wedding was ‘Turn of the century elegance.’ “We knew Lartington Hall was going to be the most amazing venue,” says Aimee. “What could be better than hiring a country manor for the weekend and having it all to ourselves? “Beautiful surroundings and beautiful interiors made us feel like royalty, we would love to live the day over and over again.” PHOTOS BY PAUL JOSEPH PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.PAULJOSEPHPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

L O V E S T O RY The Couple: Mark Dickinson and Derek Lawrence The proposal: Mark proposed to Derek on the Beach at Lake Garda with the mountains in the background and the sound of the water lapping against the shore. The Wedding Venue: Banquet Hall at Blackfriars. We were only intending to get married once and wanted somewhere romantic and with a medieval history but also it had to be a great central location. We chose the 7th May 2013 because it was a year to the day we had actually met face to face after an online relationship. Grooms’ attire: We used Slaters and chose medieval colours that matched the venue.

Luxury Golf Hotels

Golf Gold for Cram Steve Cram has the same name as one of the North’s great champions and he is no slouch in his own field, or should we say course. Steve has won the Pro Shop European Greenkeeper of the year, no mean achievement but his feet are firmly on the ground. “I play golf all around the UK and I am always looking out for what the greenkeepers are doing, what they do differently. There is always something new to learn. “ He started as a greenkeeper at the age of 16 when he came to Slaley for a holiday job and despite the long hours, when the European Tour is on, he can max 100 hours a week, he clearly relishes the challenge. “A lot has changed in greenkeeping since I started. Education in green keeping is now really important because there have been massive advances in machinery, chemicals and fertilisers. It’s a very customer focused role, if something isn’t right, we will work and work at it until it’s perfect.” One of the key challenges is the weather and Slaley has its own micro climate. “After many years you learn how to deal with it, that’s where your experience comes in - we will do everything we can to keep the courses open including using drainage spikes and we have just invested £150,000 in putting fairway drainage in. It’s high pressure but I try and keep it relaxed for the team. At the end of the day we are very lucky to do what we do and we never forget that.”

LUXURY GOLF H OTELS IN THE NORTH EAS T A R E S TA RT IN G TO D RAW GOLF TOURISTS FROM ALL OVER T H E COU N TRY. LA D I DA TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT THEY H AV E TO OF F ER …

F you like your golf clubs to be a bastion of traditional gentleman’s club attitudes and inverted snobbery, then, dear reader, avert your eyes now.

facilities the hotel offers golfers. They also offer junior clinics for children and women only clinics to encourage families.

These golf hotels may be luxury with a capital L but stuffy they definitely aren’t. Think ‘relaxed luxury’ with amazing fresh food, sourced locally and prepared by top chefs, well appointed changing rooms, championship courses and state of the art tuition and facilities. Oh, and children and women? They’re definitely welcome.

This move to encouraging children to take up golf at an early age is echoed by all the main four luxury golf hotels. Close House Hotel & Golf Club now has four golf pros, including a woman pro, and has just recruited a golf pro with the specific remit of working in the local community, working with schools and local youth clubs and encouraging children to take up golf at an early age.

Rockliffe Hall may have become known as one of the most upmarket luxury golf and spa destinations in the region, but its approach is more laid back luxury than stuffy elitism.

“We want everyone to be able to feel that they can come and play golf here,” explains General Manager of Golf John Glendinning. “Some people can sometimes feel daunted so we have looked at ways we can encourage them to try golf and foster a real enjoyment for the game.”

Boasting 375 acres of stunning landscape, Rockliffe has one of Europe’s best golf courses and it has now become the home of the European Senior Tour. “We strive to offer a complete golf experience,” explains Managing Director Nick Holmes: “From our guest’s arrival at the estate, we meet and greet them, take care of the bag drop, clean their clubs and shoes, and make sure they have everything they need. Our changing rooms are of a really high quality and we have three fantastic restaurants to choose from so we offer the same standard of experience that we would do at our spa, for our golfers.” The bar, restaurant and level of hospitality is consistent with that experience - there is an extensive all day menu available and a juice buggy which can serve golfers as they play, as well as state of the art training facilities including the Cleveland Golf Srixon Centre for Excellence, the newest addition to the extensive spring

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Slaley boasts two fabulous courses, the most famous of which is the Hunting, the Dave Thomas designed par 72 course with lush sweeping fairways which holds several flagship events including the PGA Seniors. The Priestman, designed by PGA Chairman Neil Coles, has matured magnificently and already hosts European Tour Events. Slaley also has a golfing academy with video analysis or Explanar to accelerate your progress towards champion standard. Matfen Hall also offers great facilities and can cater for corporate days with shotgun and two tee starts all the way through to just a couple of tee times. It offers a superb 27 hole golf course set out in beautiful parkland landscape with challenging water features and unique obstacles. Again facilities are good with a pro shop, custom fit and tuition available.

Business News

BU SIN ESS LUNCH: C L EVE LAND TO N TIN E WHERE: The Bistro, Cleveland Tontine, Staddlebridge, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 3JB Contact: (01609) 882 671 www.clevelandtontine.co.uk Décor: Dine in style in the Bistro. It has a traditional décor with antique furniture, Grade 1 listed ceiling, candlelit tables with white linen and a large, open stone fire place. You can also eat in the conservatory adjoining the bistro which leads on to the garden. It has a light airy feel with white parasols, bamboo blinds and plenty of greenery. If you want a private setting for a business lunch the Tontine can cater for 14 people in The Snug which has a large, square table in the centre of the room making it an ideal venue for a business meeting and lunch.

WHAT WE ATE: Starters: Local game pate, truffle cream dressing and black truffle brioche (£7.95) and heritage tomato salad, smoked avocado puree, crispy Yellisons Farm goat’s cheese and aged balsamic (£8.95). Mains: Yorkshire 35 day matured Hanger steak with béarnaise sauce, chips and salad (£15.95) and Navarin of Lamb, brown breadcrumbs, honey roasted vegetables and creamed potatoes (£15.95).

WHAT WE DRANK: Kuraka Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) wine £7.80 per glass.

SERVICE: Waitress Katie was friendly and chatty and knew all about the wines on the wine list, even telling use anecdotes about a local supplier. She was able to give advice on dishes and local produce.

VERDICT: Cleveland Tontine is a real destination restaurant. We visited on a mid-week lunchtime and there were plenty of people dining and a real buzz about the place. Compliments to the chef as the food was superb-we couldn’t fault it all. Match that with friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere and this is a real winner. We enjoyed coffees upstairs in the stylish, lounge area sat next to a roaring fire. It’s great for a business lunch as the Tontine is next to the A19. There is plenty of space in the car park and if you fancy a drink or two you can always book into one of the seven bedrooms and stay the night. *THE CLEVELAND TONTINE HAS JUST LAUNCHED ITS SPRING LUNCH MENU. OFFERINGS INCLUDE STARTERS OF SPINACH AND WHITE ONION SOUP, WARM SALAD OF BEETROOT & GOATS CHEESE, MAINS INCLUDE POSH CHICKEN PARMO, WHITBY FISH PIE AND TONTINE BEEF BURGER.

£12.5 MILLION CATERING DEAL

Plush Pads PROPERTY firm the Malhotra Group plans to build a £5m housing development including high-end apartments and luxury penthouse suites. The Group, which specialises in care, leisure, finance, property and investment, has submitted plans to Newcastle City Council to redevelop The Grove in Gosforth. The proposed residential scheme includes building 16 high-end apartments and two luxury penthouse suites with underground car parking, leisure facilities and concierge services. Working closely with _Space Architects in Newcastle the development will see a multi-million pound regeneration of a property that has stood derelict for six years. Meenu Malhotra, chairman at the Malhotra Group, said: “We are aiming to further enhance the vitality of this historic and landmark street by adding 18 of the finest apartments that our region has ever seen. The Grove is the first of several investment projects we are expecting to announce this year. “We have always wanted to bring this type of accommodation associated with the iconic cities of this world to Newcastle and it will be of a standard unparalleled in the area. This prestigious location has given us the opportunity to actually build on our vision but at a level that will allow us to learn and then go on to create more substantial developments in the future. “This is a very exciting time for our business following our restructure as we are bringing the running all of our businesses and investments under the umbrella of Malhotra Group PLC over the next few months. Although we are an international company, we are very much committed to the local economy here in our home in North East England,” added Mr Malhotra. The Grove Gosforth development will consist of two accommodation ‘wings’ on either side of a central atrium. David Coundon, architectural director at _Space commented: “This has been a great opportunity for us to respond to a visionary brief with a view to creating a truly magnificent contemporary development.” spring

SAGE GATESHEAD has appointed Lindley Heritage to manage and develop catering and hospitality services at the prestigious home of music located on the south bank of the River Tyne. Lindley Heritage clinched the five-year, £12.5 million catering contract after joining forces with award-winning North-East based chef and restaurateur, Terry Laybourne MBE, who will preside as consultant chef at the landmark venue. As well as providing catering and hospitality for all public events and private functions at the stunning riverside venue they will also work closely with Sage Gateshead’s in-house events management team to develop conference and banqueting opportunities. The Sage houses a café/restaurant and a new bar on the Concourse; four mezzanine bars along with two performance halls; a rehearsal space which can accommodate up to 250 guests or delegates; a further choice of function rooms accommodating between 50 and 400 guests; and 30 break out rooms. Lindley Heritage is the heritage, arts and leisure venue division of The Lindley Group. As consultant chef Terry Laybourne - whose 21 Hospitality Group operates a collection of some of the North East’s most popular award-winning restaurants, including the highly renowned Café 21, The Broad Chare and Caffé Vivo in Newcastle - is closely involved in creating Sage Gateshead menus and in training and development of the on-site chefs who are honing their skills in the 21 Hospitality Group’s restaurant kitchens. As part of the agreement Laybourne will attend a number of Sage Gateshead’s key catering events. Jonathan Davies, The Lindley Group’s Sales and Marketing Director, adds: “This contract has all of the ingredients of a perfect partnership – a unique landmark building in a vibrant city offering a wide range of multi-function rooms and state-of-the art technical facilities which provide the ideal setting for any event from concerts to conferences, exhibitions and weddings. There is also the skill and expertise of an extremely talented, locally-renowned chef; and an independent national catering company which understands how to drive sales and increase customer satisfaction. “Our aim is to make Sage Gateshead a ‘must visit’ venue renowned for serving high quality food.”

2014

Business News

I F E V E R T HE R E WA S A R E CE SS ION P ROOF SECTOR, ONE WOU L D SU S PE CT, IT IS A MARKET THAT TARGETS THE B R ITIS H LOVE A FFA IR WITH THEIR D OGS.

GEORGE AND ANDR E W AN D TH E ACC A P I GROU P W I T H S O M E O F T HE I R S P O RT I NG PERFORMANCE DOG P RODU C TS

ECENT years have seen a rise in the number of premium dog foods on the market plus a dizzying array of very expensive designer dog coats and outfits which include bespoke options for the ultimate well dressed pooch. There seems to be no limit to how much the British consumer will lavish on their canine companions. And so it has proved for the North East firm Accapi Group UK. They’ve just secured an extended contract to supply 21 countries in mainland Europe with Ruffwear, an American brand, worth £5m to the Durham based company. It is quite an achievement for a company that has just four employees but it is not the only one for Accapi, which has spotted a real gap in the market for innovative products which provide a range of solutions for dog owners, including the growing sporting dog market. The success of the company is less of a surprise when the combined expertise of both owners is taken into account. George Heywood is a serial entrepreneur, business mentor and rock-climbing fanatic with a great love of the outdoors. Andrew Geere has been a very senior marketer with Berghaus and Barbour, and has a great understanding of building designer brands aiming at the sporting and leisure markets. They’re based in Tanfield and employ a small team of just four staff despite the far-reach of their business

with Ruffwear and have already achieved great things, building several dog brands in the pet sector, which is more traditionally product led. Originally in 2009, the business was set up to launch a revolutionary and innovative product that benefited human performance and recovery in every sport. Accapi UK was formed to make this a reality. They soon attracted a variety of innovative and interesting brands in the Outdoor and Country sectors and this led to the development of The Accapi Group. They capitalised on the latest trend for new dog-led sports which included running with your dog, cycling with your dog and even rock climbing with your canine companion. Sports such as cani-cross, which is long distance running with you dog, have become key trends in the market. “We came across Ruffwear completely by chance and they happened to be looking for a UK partner. Ruffwear is an outdoor brand every bit as technical and innovative as leading brands for humans, but for dogs, ” explains Andrew. “Ruffwear’s mission is to inspire outdoor adventures for dogs and their human companions. We liked the brand and the people and shared their values. We established UK distribution of Ruffwear in August 2010. With the introduction of Ruffwear, retail distribution developed to include the pet sector. Ruffwear is without doubt the leader in their category, spring

2014

Pet project takes off for Accapi Group “THEY CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED WITH THEIR PRODUCT BUT THEIR PRODUCT IS REALLY STRONG, THEY’RE THE ASTON MARTINS OF THE WORLD, NOT FORD…” and our success with it in the UK has attracted other category leaders to the Group.” Products use innovative materials and technologies that were being used in the sporting and outdoor market but applies them for dogs. Products are designed to enhance the well being of the dog and protect it from injury. These include one of the biggest sellers, dog boots, which are sold in climbing and trekking areas to protect dogs’ paws, which are their biggest source of injury. Other products include swamp jackets which cool the dog down when it is being active, back packs for dogs and harnesses, to help your dog in the mountains when it needs additional support in difficult terrain. “The deal with Ruffwear is unparalleled in their history, ” says George. “They cannot believe what we have achieved with their product but their product is really strong, they’re the Aston Martins of the world, not Ford, and with our entrepreneurial approach, we have managed to deliver incredible growth. In one month alone in November we doubled the size of their business.” Accapi Group now distributes a number of leading pet brands include Kurgo in dog travel, whose products include an innovative dog safety belt, Planet Dog in dog toys and latterly DOOG in Walkie belts.

WWW. ACC A P I GROUP. COM

Business News

Status Update FA S H I ON R E TA ILE R PS YC HE H A S I N V E ST E D OVE R £ 6 0 ,0 0 0 I N T H E L A U N C H O F A NE W C U T T I N G - E D G E W E B S ITE FOL LOWI N G A SU RG E IN O N L I N E SA L E S.

The fully responsive site includes a multi-currency platform to boost overseas transactions with the store already selling to almost every country in the world.

The fashion retailer has fought back against the recession by continuing to invest in staff, stock and marketing initiatives.

Key investments, including the Middlesbrough store’s redesign, has contributed to Psyche’s most successful year in 32 years of trading with a sales increase of 16% on 2012 and a huge 40.6% rise on 2011.

“We believe the key to succeeding in times of recession is to continue investing and expand out of economic adversity by ensuring we continue to evolve and provide the ultimate retail experience at a time when our competitors are cutting back-a high-risk strategy, but one that is achieving significant returns,” says Steve.

Psyche founder Steve Cochrane explains: “We are embracing new technology. If you look at companies that do well, they are all multi-channel. “Customers visit the website before they come in-store and click-and-collects are through the roof. “There isn’t a country in the world we haven’t sold to apart from North Korea, which is pretty-mind blowing. “It is exciting stuff when you start listing all these amazing countries-Chile, Moldova, Azerbaijan, French Polynesia-and it’s all from Middlesbrough.” The revamped online store showcases a sleek homepage which allows users to customise their shopping experience via a series of navigational links to a number of well-defined categories that distinguish their shopping requirements. PSYCHE’S FASHIONABL E TE AM GATH E R TO CELEB RAT E T HE LAUNC H OF TH E IR N E W WEB SI T E

The store’s mobile and tablet design also offers customers the same experience regardless of device or screen size.

Charity Champion

HARITY champion Chris Gray has taken up a new role with the Children’s Hear Unit Fund (CHUF) which counts Ant and Dec and Alan Shearer as patrons.

After 12 years at The Prince’s Trust Chris has left to become Head of Fundraising and raise much-needed funds for the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

“In recession many managements batten down the hatches, slash costs, advertising and inventory carried, as well as a number of brands and labels, stop taking chances with fashion and new products, cut staffing levels until customer service suffers. They even cut back on maintenance. “We’ve done the opposite. In the past 12 months alone, we have invested more than £428,000 into interior transformations with 22 exclusive new in-store boutiques.”

PSYC HE, L I NT HORP E ROA D, MID D LESB RO UGH, TS 1 4AG WWW. P S YC HE . CO. UK

“I will be concentrating on taking the fundraising to a new level, particularly in the business arena and of course the Home from Home project, without forgetting the individual requests from families on the ward. “I will have two key roles, maximising the income by inspiring our current supporters and generating new income. It’s important to remember that this is a leading unit in children’s heart surgery in the world.” Chair of Fundraising and trustee Ivan Hollingsworth said: “Despite a higher awareness of CHUF than ever before, the charity continues to require funding on a constant basis. Keeping the Children’s Heart Unit at

She said: “I am a local girl and the North East has

the Freeman at the forefront is a critical role for the

taken the charity to their hearts. I have close friends

Head of Fundraising, and we are delighted to have

who have been touched by the unit and I know that I

appointed someone like Chris with such a strong

can add valuable commitment to their long term goals.

history of fundraising success.”

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2014

Business News

S TAT I O N M A STE R ALE X N E LS O N TELLS LIZ LAMB H OW HE B UI LT U P A B US IN E SS FRO M THE SID E OF TRACKS AND T UR N E D I T I N TO A MU LTI- MILLIO N P OUND ENTERP RISE.

The refurbished station opened in 1999 with Alex as Station Master and in 2012 his company, Chester-leTrack, also took over the ticket office at Eaglescliffe station, near Yarm. The company began to sell train tickets for journeys all over the country and a savvy Alex also began to purchase domain names at a time when many businesses didn’t realise the huge potential of the internet. “I had 700 domain names at one stage,” smiles Alex. “I owned the domain for Midland Mainline at one stage and we were selling many train tickets from East Midlands to London all from our base in Chester-leStreet.” One of the domain names that has proved to be a huge financial winner for the business is nationalrail. com which Alex still owns.

F ROM M IG HT Y MAIN L IN E S TO L I TTLE BRANCHES, C H E S TE R -L E TR ACK STAFF GE T E VE RYW H E R E . PAU L DUCK IS AT GL AIS DAL E , N ORT H YORKSHIRE

On the right track It was back in November 1998 while travelling from Darlington to Newcastle by train that Alex Nelson had a ‘light bulb’ moment.

major rail companies that operated in the North East but we couldn’t get them to sell tickets for any less than the customer could buy for themselves.

As his carriage pulled into the platform at Chester-leStreet station he looked around the boarded-up building, unloved and unmanned, and saw an opportunity.

“When my train pulled into Chester-le-Street station and I saw the boarded up building I thought, this is a station on the East Coast mainline, a major transport route, and there was nothing there.

“At the time I was running a group travel business providing travel by coach,” explains Alex. “A lot of our customers wanted to know if it was possible to travel to London and the major market for that was by train.

“I thought if we had our own station, where we could sell our own train tickets and earn commission, we could sell tickets to anybody.”

“They wanted to get there in three hours by train instead of six hours by coach so we’d approached the

Alex contacted Northern Spirit who owned the station and they loved his idea to bring new life back to the area.

TO CO N TAC T CH ESTER- L E-TRACK OR TO B OOK TR AIN S FOR TR AVEL T H RO UG H O UT TH E U K CAL L ( 0 1 9 1 ) 3 871387 OR (01642) 200 140 OR VI SI T NAT I ONA LR A IL. COM

HREE time gold medal-winning Paralympian Stephen Miller has started a new disability sports organisation to give back to the North East.

Not satisfied with a busy 2013 involving a new hip, a World Championships and a wedding or with continuing to train for the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Stephen and wife Rachel have founded SMILE Through Sport.

The Community Interest company will be working to both inspire and educate the North East through disability sport while providing enjoyable opportunities for those with a disability to take part in sporting activity. SMILE Through Sport, is able to offer a range of services to the corporate, education and community settings throughout the region including disability awareness courses, sporting activity and inspirational speakers for events of all sizes. spring

2014

“I’ve not been tempted to sell despite several offers,” says Alex. “I earn a lot of sales from that domain.” Chester-le-Track also became the first company outside London to start selling Oyster cards. With five Grand Central trains a day travelling through Eaglescliffe Station and numerous journeys to the capital on the East Coast mainline, travelling to London from the North East has never been easier. Alex says: “The business takes over £3.5 million a year. We are able to get great deals for our customers and show them how to save money on train travel. “The other day I travelled from London to Newcastle and paid £25 for a first class ticket. The man opposite me had paid £203 for exactly the same journey. During the trip I asked my friends on Facebook whether I should tell him and they thought best not to,” says Alex.

SMILE Through Sport will be housed within the Gateshead College Academy for Sport. This will allow them to work alongside Gateshead College to create and sustain a sportability club and other disability sports opportunities. Exciting projects include Gateshead College Sportability club, Northumberland Sport Family forum day, Boccia Northumberland and North Tyneside Disability Forum Boccia Club.

U Business

RBANE, genial and very astute, James Allison manages his family business at the gorgeous Middleton Lodge country mansion in Middleton Tyas, on the North Yorks border. A new father to the beautiful Daisy Allison, with partner Rebecca Tappin, he and his family are about to embark on a massive expansion to Middleton Lodge but when La Di Da meets him, he seems to be taking both new babies in his stride without visibly showing stress. Middleton Lodge is a 17 bedroom private country house set in 200 acres of registered parkland in North Yorkshire. It was built for Leonard Hartley, a local mining family, in 1780 and designed by renowned architect John Carr of York. It has remained as a family home and the estate is a fine example of a typical and unusually complete Georgian estate. This includes the main house, coach house and stables, kitchen garden, glasshouses, estate cottages and parkland.

TH E COUNTY D URH AM AND NORT H YOR K S BORD ER IS BECOMING HOM E TO S OME OF T H E BEST HOTELS AND RETREATS IN T H E R EGION . LA D I DA TALKED TO TH E HEIRS OF TH IS H OTEL RENAISSANCE TO FIND OUT M OR E....

The Allison family bought it in 1980 and since then it has become one of the most sought after wedding venues in the area as well as hosting the rather fabulous candlelight Cellar Club dinners. These feature occasional music, amazing food from their award winning Head Chef Robert Taylor and sumptuous wines. The Cellar Club works hard to get the right mix of people and the ambiance adds to the atmosphere, as does the fact they are held in the house’s beautiful cellars. It also regularly plays host to shooting parties as well as becoming a favoured location for media darlings to hold fashion shoots and filming due to its elegant architecture. “One of my favourite places to stay is Babington House in Somerset so that informs a lot of my thinking on how a country house experience ought to be,” says James. “It should be relaxed with excellent and discreet service and a focus on quality throughout, whether that’s the food, the toiletries in the bedrooms or the beds and linen. It should have a certain style without being too formal.” Now doubt these aspirations are informing the next chapter in Middleton Lodge’s history spring

2014

JAMES ALLISON WITH PARTNER REBECCA AND DAUGHTER DAISY, AT MIDDLETON LODGE

WORDS: LINDA JANE WESTPHAL PHOTOGRAPHY: STAN SEATON PHOTOGRAPHY. WWW.STANSEATONPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

Business

as plans are well underway to add significantly to the estate with the establishment of the Coach House at Middleton Lodge, a new boutique hotel being built in a converted Georgian coach house which nestles into rolling parkland in North Yorkshire. The honey coloured sandstone buildings have been sensitively restored, retaining many of the original features, with high ceilings, exposed beams and original timber panelling in many of the rooms. Guests will be provided with all the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel, with croquet on the lawn, well stocked bar and plush linen sofas to curl up in. The reception has high arched glass doors making the space light and airy and each bedroom has its own character, with roll top baths to relax into with a glass of fizz after long walks around the estate, before relocating for a drink in the brick bar. “The key thing for us is that we want people to feel at home here and relaxed but at the same time deliver a really high standard of experience. Middleton is centred on the guests and their needs. Everything is bespoke and tailored to them. I think this approach has really contributed to our success as a wedding venue,” James explains.

Headlam Hall Hotel, near Gainford in beautiful Teesdale, is a stunning Jacobean 17th century country mansion with sweeping gravelled drive, classic cars in the car park and beautifully tended walled gardens. Owned by the Robinson family, Headlam has already undergone significant changes with the addition of a very luxurious spa to its hotel offer and new contemporary accommodation to sit alongside its traditional rooms. These new additions were recognised when Headlam became Winner of North East England Small Hotel of the Year 2009/10. Now the family has purchased the Rose and Crown Inn in Romaldkirk, near Barnard Castle, and has just completely renovated the ground floor with the new look successfully unveiled last month . “The Rose and Crown had an excellent reputation but needed significant work to bring it up to the same standards that Headlam offers,” Thomas Robinson, Headlam Marketing Director explains. Thomas Robinson, Headlam Hall Hotel

“Everything is designed to make our guests feel that they are in their own home, celebrating with their friends and family. They can even get up in the morning and wander out into the gardens and pick their own bridal bouquet. It’s about providing a completely different experience.” The new boutique hotel will also see an extension of their food offer with the Stables Restaurant. As an extension of the Supper club, the food will be contemporary British fare, using local ingredients wherever possible. Dress code is country gent, silk and cashmere and no suits, which neatly sums up Middleton’s ethos of relaxed class. Further plans are in place to add a spa in 2016, which no doubt, will be as fabulous as the rest of Middleton’s offer. Another family run country mansion, just the other side of the County Durham border and a few miles up the road, is also investing heavily in upgrading facilities.

with colourful wool fabrics, antique Windsor chairs and oak settles. It now has a bigger bar area and guests have the choice of two dining areas, the bar or the restaurant. Guests can also now avail themselves of a delicious a la carte menu with seasonal dishes that make the most of the fabulous local produce Teesdale is renowned for. Key characteristics of the food offer will be flair and originality combined with really flavoursome food. Headlam is a 2 AA Rosette Restaurant and the Rose & Crown already has 2 AA rosettes and AA red star status (AA top 200 in England). The Monks Cottage has been converted to provide a luxe hideaway including the addition of a superior double room, double suite and guest lounge. And to make the most of the heavenly countryside and lighter nights, guests can soak up the scenery with an outdoor seating area.

His wife Cheryl heads up the Rose and Crown and is likely to be busy this summer. The Rose and Crown’s makeover includes an extension to the main kitchen and also to some of the bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. The bar and brasserie have been redecorated in the tradition of a coaching inn

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2014

“We already get a lot of visitors who love what we have to offer and we are particularly popular with shooting parties due to our location,” says Thomas, “but the revamp, especially the renovation of Monk’s Cottage, will allow us to really make the most of our spectacular location. Teesdale attracts many artists and there is a very good reason for that because of the quality of the light. The light and the views at the Rose and Crown are outstanding and it adds up to a really romantic getaway.”

Promotion

T H R E E L AWY E R S FRO M L E A DI N G LAW FIR M S I N TO N S D I S CU SS S O ME OF T H E WAYS YO U A N D YOU R FA M I LY CAN PLAN F OR T H E FU TU R E .

MAKE A WILL ‘By making a will, you are not only ensuring that your wishes will be carried out as you would like, but you are also protecting the interests of your family, particularly your children or grandchildren. With increasingly diverse and changing family situations, wills must be tailored to suit the circumstances. With marriage, and sometimes divorce and re-marriage, those people who you want to inherit part of your estate – and others who may no longer be part of your plans – must be specified as recipients. When children or grandchildren come along, as well as provision of assets, your will enables you to specify who will act as guardians, manage their inheritance and guide them through their lives. For many people, a barrier to making or updating their will is not having the time or availability to attend an appointment. We offer home visits if required, and for employers, we operate our successful Wills in the Workplace scheme, where we come into your workplace and discuss requirements with your staff on-site on a no obligation basis. As a consequence, we have given the opportunity to many company owners and employees to make their will in an accessible way.’ It is possible to specify your preferences for medical care and treatment through a Living Will, which would be used if you are unable to communicate your wishes to those providing your medical care. You can specify what treatment you do and do not want, as well as who you would like to be consulted about your care at a time a decision needs to be made.

R ACH E L G R E G O RY RACHEL.GREGORY@SINTONS.CO.UK 0191 226 7902

PRESERVING YOUR HARDEARNED WEALTH

INVESTING IN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

‘Through careful financial planning, you can preserve your wealth for your children, grandchildren and subsequent generations. Trusts are an effective way to control your assets, both in life and after death. For parents and grandparents alike, trusts are way of assigning your wealth, while still having some control over it. They can be very simple, for example where money is held for your children until they reach the age of 18, 21 or 25, or can be more flexible to allow trustees to make decisions and take the beneficiary’s circumstances into account before releasing assets. Often, shareholdings in a family business are the biggest proportion of wealth. Through relatively minor adjustments to the legal framework of a family business, major long term benefits can usually be achieved, to ensure your years of hard work and investment are protected for future generations.’

‘Buying property is a common way to provide for your child’s future, as an investment on their behalf or as a ‘starter home’ for them to live. Often parents assist with providing the deposit, or contribute towards the purchase price of the property. If your child is purchasing jointly with their partner it is likely you will want to protect your investment in the event of their relationship breaking down further down the line. A Declaration of Trust is a legally binding record of the financial arrangement between the property owners, and can provide certainty and clarification. There is also the issue of whether to purchase the property as ‘Joint Tenants’ or ‘Tenants in Common.’ Property may also be purchased as an investment so that it can be leased to tenants. Sintons deals extensively with investors who buy single or multiple properties, as well as being experienced in purchasing HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) primarily for student lettings.’

AN N A BARTON

JU LIE GA RB U TT J U L IE. GAR BU T T@S INTO NS . CO. U K 0191 226 3131

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spring

2014

on ti e e ra am Thne G e G Motors

T’S hard to believe that both of the vehicles pictured here are cast from the same (well, similar) mould. One of them is the first Land Rover to roll off the assembly line on 1948. The other is the latest offering from Land Rover. Now, if we’re going to get picky, the old one grew up to become the Defender while the other is the brand new Range Rover, but they both are true to the original Land Rover ethos of being capable of travelling on road, across muddy fields and scrambling along rocky terrain. They are accepted everywhere. It doesn’t matter whether they are on the farm, on Park Lane, on the school run or sat outside the pub.

You can be smart or scruffy; male or female; young or old. They cross the generations and are accepted everywhere, like cash. Did you know that around 75 per cent of all Land Rovers ever built, are still on the road. Having said all of that, the new Range Rover is highly unlikely to be seen with straw sticking out from the door hinges or trundling along a narrow, bramble lined lane, bearing in mind that the latest Rangy starts off at £71,310. There’s even a long wheelbase option which kicks off at an eye watering £102,120. Wow. This 4th generation Range Rover has achieved something that the previous models aspired to: it is now, unashamedly a luxury car. Previous versions were 4x4 vehicles which scrubbed-up very nicely, but the latest has to join the ranks of cars like the Mercedes S Class, Bentley Flying Spur, Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide. Seriously, if you were interested in those cars you would have to consider a top-spec Range Rover. Here’s a quick rundown of the various Range Rover options. In terms of engines, three are on offer. There are two diesels (3.0 V6 and 4.4 V8) and a single petrol engine (5.0 Supercharged V8). All are 25 per cent more efficient than the equivalent power units in the outgoing Range Rover. The 3.0 litre model will manage mid 30s mpg while the stonking V8 petrol will manage low 20s mpg, downhill with the wind behind you and no passengers.

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2014

Performance is indecently quick for this size of vehicle. The entry level 3.0 model hits 60mph in 7.4 seconds and goes up to 130mph. The 5.0 litre model is nuts, 0 - 60 takes 5.1 seconds and will hit 155mph. Believe me, in these cars which weigh over two tonnes, the pace feels much quicker. Don’t be worried by the dimensions either. The Range Rover doesn’t feel cumbersome and is remarkably easy to punt through town.

The truly outstanding thing about the new Range Rover is the quality of the ride. It really is limousine smooth yet remains incredibly agile. This is largely thanks to the air suspension system. There’s very little wind or road noise. Thankfully, a gruff note from the exhaust is audible. The interior is scrumptious and fully equipped. Getting in can be tricky because you need to make a sizable step-up. Ladies, a short-ish skirt will be a problem if modesty is to be retained. I’d recommend the side step option. It helps with access. And yes, the Range Rover still has terrific off-road ability. The new model is actually better than the outgoing model. Conclusion? One of the best cars in the World.

Motors

HERE AT LA D I DA, WHEN IT COM ES TO CA R S, WE RECKON YOU CAN’T BEAT A BIT OF B R I T I SH B E E F.

Next, at £60,236 is the S Coupé using the same engine but boosted to 380bhp. This quickens up the performance. 0-60 takes 4.6 seconds. Top speed rises to 171mph.

The range is completed by the F-TYPE R Coupé which weighs in at a whopping £85,000. Power comes from a 5.0-litre 542bhp V8 supercharged engine enabling acceleration from 0-60mph in 4.0-seconds, and a top speed of 186mph.

STON Martin, Jenson, Bristol, Triumph TR, Bentley,V8 Morgan, TVR and of course Jaguar. Sadly the recession, lousy engineering and rust killed off several of that list. Thankfully, Jaguar survived and is now a huge success story.

All engines drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed transmission with full manual sequential control via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the central gearlever. It feels incredibly slick and smooth. What’s it like inside? Needless to say that the occupants are cosseted in tasteful, beautifully designed leather and hi-tech gadgetry. Unlike the F-Type roadster, the Coupé has a decent sized boot which, accordingly to Jaguar, will accommodate two sets of golf clubs. The soft top model struggles to cope with a paper tissue in the boot. I love the full length glass roof. You can have a solid roof if you wish, but I reckon the panoramic roof gives the Coupé the wow factor.

They can do no wrong. The XF has been an almighty success in both saloon and estate (Sportbrake) forms. The XJ is one of the best limos around; the XK is a true thoroughbred sports car, and the F-Type Convertible is one of the most stunningly attractive drop tops currently available.

And what’s it like to drive? The first thing you notice is that it feels incredibly stable when cornering hard. Even though this is a big car, it is constructed from aluminium which, compared to other sizable cars, makes it reasonably light on its feet. Jaguar reckons it is 80 per cent stiffer than the F-Type. It sounds wonderful too.

But there’s a new F-Type... the Jaguar F-Type Coupé... and it brings back true muscle car memories. Just look at these photos. A lot of you will probably not have read this far.You will have seen the photos and reached for the laptop to find out where to find your nearest Jaguar dealer. Minor details like price, availability, specification etc, will not interest you.You want it.... now.

So, there you have it; brief details about the new Jaguar F-Type Coupé. When is it available? Well, models are starting to be delivered around now (early March). The first car has already found its first owner; Chelsea boss, José Mourinho. Come on, the Coupé is a stunning design, magnificent to drive and a fabulous piece of British engineering... they had to get something wrong.

For those of you who are still with us, here are the nuts and bolts about the swoopy Jag. Prices start at £51,235 for the entry level F-Type Coupé which is powered by a V6, 3.0 litre supercharged 340bhp engine. This is around seven grand less than the soft top F-Type. 0-60 is 5.1 seconds. Top speed 161mph

The best of British beef is back on the menu. You can’t beat a bit of bully. spring

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Motors

N entrepreneur who featured on the television programme Britain’s Richest Kids has a new venture.

Kasim Malik appeared in the series for heading up Computer Orbit, the £2 million computer retail store business. Though he still owns the firm he has a new baby - Carflash.com, a high-tech digital platform for car lovers. Dubbed ‘the new driving force of social media’ it was created following a £200,000 investment and is poised to hit the international market. The innovative new site has many special features including Facebook and Twitter integration, personal profiles, a garage section where members can store images and videos of their own cars past and present, a real-time messaging function, a news feed from fellow users and the latest auto news flash. The 32-year-old of Gosforth, Newcastle is a huge car enthusiast. He owns a limited edition BMW 1M worth £45,000, a 3T5 worth £50,000 and a Mercedes worth £30,000.

Kasim wants to share his passion and enthusiasm for cars with anyone and everyone. His CarFlash.com website is all about either showing off your own pride and joy or letting fellow petrolheads know what you reckon is the coolest thing around on four wheels (or 2 for bike fans or 3 if you like Morgans). “Some website are tedious”, adds Kasim.”I wanted something where people could appreciate not only their own cars, but other people’s cars too. Cars are a matter of opinion; something you love is probably something other folk wouldn’t dream of owning… so…let’s have a discussion. “We’re aiming high. I want to roll out CarFlash.com to a worldwide audience. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far and it’s great that something like this can start in the North East of England. I want CarFlash.com to be the central place for enthusiasts; there’ll be forums, carefully selected advertising and the pick of the best cars currently available to buy.”

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2014

Travel

S COT L A N D OF F E R S A VAR IE D MIX OF CITY AND COU N T RY C ULTU R E MA K ING IT AN ID EAL P LACE TO S P E N D T H E W E E K E N D AS L I Z LAMB D ISCOVERS.

E D I NBURG H C ALL ING DEAR SCOTLAND, IF YOU DECIDE TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE UK, IS THERE ANY CHANCE WE COULD KEEP EDINBURGH? YOURS SINCERELY, LA DI DA.

E love this fabulous Scottish capital full of history, culture, luxury boutique hotels and achingly fashionable cocktail bars, delis and designer boutiques.

Add to the mix mighty fine cocktails, gorgeous grub, award-winning spas…Edinburgh is must-place to hang out. SHOPPING THE luxury shopping destination to go to is Multrees Walk where Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Harvey Nichols, Michael Kors and Mulberry are all in close proximity. It’s a fashion addicts dream. www.the-walk.co.uk SPA The award-winning Zen Lifestyle is where the glitterati head to when they want to look glamorous for the party circuit. They offer everything a fashionista needs from a Champagne nail bar to tanning booths, make-up studios, waxing, laser hair removal, advanced skin treatments, botox and fillers and much more. I headed to the Teviot Place branch (there are three branches in Edinburgh) where I was treated to a Dr Murad resurgence renewal facialotherwise known in Hollywood as the Red Carpet facial. The hour long treatment (priced £85) is perfect for dull, tired-looking skin. During the treatment I was given an AHA peel to exfoliate my skin, zap wrinkles and give it a nice glow. A face massage followed while a firming mask was applied. As I laid on the bed relaxing my therapist massaged my scalp, arms and hands to make me feel ‘totally Zen’. Avocado oils and shea butter were used alongside radiance serums and creams to pack in moisture. It was pure bliss and yes, my skin did glow. www.zen-lifestyle.com

HAIR I popped along to the Neil Barton hair salon on Elm Row for a wash and blow dry. Neil is a Scottish Hairdresser of the Year finalist so it was no surprise that the salon was packed out with both men and women getting their tresses tended to before hitting the bars. My stylist was chatty and gave a few insider tips on the best places to hang out. My hair looked amazing when I left - super sleek with a little bit of lift. www.neilbartonhairdressing.co.uk DRINKS, DANCING AND DINNER There was only one place to head for cocktails and that was the super-hip fashion haunt, Hotel Missoni. This five star marvel is the fashionista’s adventure playground. Bold, vivid prints for which the brand are famous are everywhere and the guests are just as stylish as the interiors. There is a real buzz about the place - even early on a Friday afternoon. We indulged in possibly the best cocktails we’d ever tasted. A personal favourite of mine was the Essenza Italiana which came with a big scoop of homemade orange sorbet in the middle of the drink and a silver spoon so you can savour every mouthful. Upstairs from Bar Missioni is the hotel’s restaurant, Cucina, offering the best in Italian cuisine. For starters we dined on pear and walnut salad and prosciutto with buffalo mozzarella from Campania. For mains we opted for slow roasted pork with mash potato and caramelised apple and pan friend mackerel with rocket salad and fresh tomatoes. Desserts were tiramisu and a selection of homemade ice cream. Cucina was just as buzzing as the bar which made for a great atmosphere. Add in fantastic service and great food and Cucina is definitely a place to be seen. www.hotelmissoni.com spring

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HOTEL I was a guest of Hotel Indigo on York Place, a short walk from Waverley railway station, Princes Street and St Andrew’s Square. Originally five Georgian townhouses, the hotel has bags of character and a contemporary interior with vibrant shades of turquoise and orange. There are 60 rooms including three suites and 15 executive rooms and a gym. The Turquoise Thistle bar and restaurant is a fantastic addition to the hotel attracting both tourists and locals alike. The menu is fun with the starters labelled as The Support Act. We enjoyed Scottish scallops with chorizo, apple and peas (£8.95) and chicken liver pate, served with shallot and whiskey chutney with homemade thyme soda bread (£5.50). For The Main Event my friend feasted on a dish of parsley and garlic crusted medallions of beef (£17.75) with horseradish dauphinoise potatoes and Scottish baby veg and a red wine jus. I enjoyed a 35 day aged Aberdeen Angus sirloin steak (£17) with triple cooked chips (£3.25). Quality of the produce in the restaurant is key. The meat comes from the Buccleuch estate in Scotland, which is one of many local suppliers the hotel uses. Our meal was washed down with a bottle of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. Breakfast was Scottish, naturally, with rashers from an award-winning butcher and eggs from a local farm. Though I didn’t sample the afternoon tea it is served with a twist with Aberdeen Angus beef on blinis, Scottish salmon and Ayrshire ham and Scottish brie croissants alongside homemade macaroons. www.hotelindigoedinburgh.co.uk

Travel

P ERFEC T ION IN P EEBLES

EAUTIFUL scenery, there’s bundles of it as we make our way through the jaw-droppingly stunning Northumberland National Park on our way to Scotland, I could think of worst journeys. Open road, clear skies and not a care in the world. It’s a great start to the weekend after a manic working week. Our destination is The Horseshoe Inn, a fantastic restaurant with rooms rated 4 Gold Stars by the AA and situated just outside the market town of Peebles in the Borders. The inn is 18 miles south of Edinburgh city centre so it’s proved a popular place for city dwellers to escape for a weekend as well as families keen to enjoy a slice of the stunning countryside and the array of outdoor pursuits. With just eight en-suite bedrooms and only ten tables in the restaurant, the Inn’s philosophy is to ‘keep it small and do it well’. After a scenic drive, we arrive in Eddlestone to a warm welcome from manager Mark Slaney who shows us to our beautifully furnished bedroom in a restored Victorian school house. We are thankful for the pot of tea and homemade cake that’s on offer after a long drive. After a quick freshen up we decide to explore the surrounding countryside. The Tweed Valley and the Scottish borders once famous for its woollen mills is a popular visitor destination and with Edinburgh airport just a 30 minute drive away, tourists come from far and wide. There is plenty to do here. Scotland’s premier mountain biking destination 7Stanes Glentress is only 15 minutes from the Horseshoe, the Tweed River offers salmon fishing and there are numerous Stately Homes and valleys studded with castles and ruined towers to explore.

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It is also fantastic walking country with 30 miles of empty upland between Peebles and Moffat for the serious walker to explore. If you prefer enjoying the countryside from the comfort of your car then there are plenty of lochs, waterfalls and rolling hills to investigate along the miles of country roads. A huge draw for the area is Roslin Chapel, made famous in Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code, 12 miles away. My husband and I decide on the ‘explore by car’ option and head out on a drive recommended by Mark. We follow the Tweed along the Traquair House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland with a 1,000 year history, before heading along to the Yarrow Valley on a road built by French prisoners of war. The car journey then takes us on one of the quietest ‘A’ roads you will ever find yourself on - we don’t see a single car on the journey. The scenery is stunning. We stop the car by a loch and head up the hill to St Mary’s Kirkland, an isolated churchyard that has no church. The views are tremendous and it is incredibly peaceful. Next stop is Loch of the Lowes where we stop for a drink at the old coaching inn Tibbieshiels, which was frequented by Walter Scott and poet James Hogg, back in the day. Sightseeing over we head back to the Horseshoe Inn where we are looking forward to sampling the dinner menu. The Head Chef is Alistair Craig who was previously Senior Sous Chef at the Michelin-starred Montagu Arms at Beaulieu so we are expecting a fine feast made from the best Scottish produce. After pre-dinner drinks of Scottish whiskey and Edinburgh gin, we are shown to our table to peruse the menu. À la Carte is three courses for a very reasonable £30 or there is a tasting menu priced £50 or £80 with wines. The restaurant is luxuriously furnished with candle-lit antique tables and works of modern art. It is busy with

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holidaymakers and a group of six who have driven down from Edinburgh for a meal and who rave about the food while sipping on champagne and talking about their multi-million pound business deals. The Horseshoe is obviously the place to be! For starters I opt for Ettrick Valley smoked salmon, grilled hand dived scallop with citrus vinaigrette while my husband enjoys Pig’s trotter and smoked ham hock croquette, pickled pear and celery salad. Both are delicious. There is a fantastic choice of mouth-watering mains but it is the Roast Rack of Borders Lamb that wins the day for me while hubby has the Grilled sixty day aged sirloin from Wester Ulston Farm, served with smoked mashed potato, cavolo nero, shallot and black pepper sauce. The meat is beautifully tender, cooked to perfection, and you can tell

The Horseshoe Inn Restaurant with Rooms, Eddlestone near Peebles, EH45 8QP

the quality with every mouthful. Absolutely divine! The restaurant prides itself on using local suppliers and it has its own kitchen garden and whether its honey for your breakfast or a glass of champagne with your aperitif, taste is of paramount importance over price. Dining at The Horseshoe was a real treat. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal which we washed down with a bottle of Quincy 2011 Domaine des Ballandors (£36), a superb recommendation from the sommelier. Unfortunately there was no room for desserts but choices include frangipane tart, apple crumble and dark chocolate delice. We enjoy a nightcap (whiskey and gin again, of course) before retiring to bed well-fed and ultra-relaxed. Next morning, after a hearty Scottish breakfast, we head into Peebles for a stroll around the shops before taking the scenic journey home raving about what a wonderful weekend we’d had along the way.

For those who want to sample the Scottish Borders The Horseshoe Inn has a fantastic Summer Indulgence offer from May to September. Be picked up from Edinburgh airport or railway station in a chauffeur driven car and taken to The Horseshoe for a two night stay with dinner, bed and breakfast,You will be treated to Champagne before dinner on arrival and a personalised tasting menu on your second night following a meeting with the Head Chef. General Manager Mark will also give guests a personalised tour of the Scottish borders with a complimentary private BBQ lunch in the countryside just for two with your own waiter and chef. After your stay, a chauffeur will escort you back to Edinburgh. The package is priced £450 per person. *Families are encouraged to head to the Borders for Tweed Love, a festival celebrating the region from May 24-June 8. Families can take part in the Tweed Ride on 8 June where they can dress in Tweed and enjoy a scenic bike route through the valley to Traquair House where there will be a full day of entertainment for all. www.tweedlove.com

Travel

Five Stars

WANT TO KNOW WHERE ALL THE GREAT AND GOOD HANG OUT? TRAVEL EDITOR CATHARINE HEWITSON DISHES THE INSIDE SKINNY ON WHERE THE A LIST RESTORE THEIR MOJOS…

A-Listers like Madonna, Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence and power-couple Jay Z and Beyonce check into The Standard Highline NYC when they’re visiting the Big Apple. Housed in the hip Meatpacking District, this super slick hotel with grill bar and crêperie is the place for celeb parties and events. Fly to New York Airports with most major airlines including KLM, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. The stunning Empire Suite costs from $1,315 per night, based on 2 sharing (plus taxes and service charges). standardhotels.com Actress and lifestyle guru, Gwyneth Paltrow, loves the clean, sleek lines of Hong Kong’s Upper House, a seriously stylish hotel that has collaborated with luxe brands such as Net-A-Porter and Jo Malone. With serene shades of grey and taupe, its spa-inspired bedrooms are a relaxing haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city below. Fly to Hong Kong Airport with most major airlines including KLM, British Airways and Emirates.The fabulous Upper Suite costs from HK$15,000 (around £1,180) per night (plus service charges and taxes) upperhouse.com American fashionista and socialite, Olivia Palermo, loves the romantic French island of St. Barths in the Caribbean - it’s where her super-handsome model boyfriend, Johannes Huebl, proposed to her on New Year’s Eve (she said yes). The loved-up couple recently checked into Wimco Villas’ luxurious 5-bedroom Villa WV LPS at Pointe Milou, taking advantage of gorgeous sunset views and a private chef to cook them breakfast each morning. Fly to St Barthélemy via St Martin with Air France. The Villa WV LPS costs $50,000 per week (plus taxes and service charges) wimco.com spring

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Model of the moment, Cara Delevingne, took a break from the runway this Christmas and escaped to the gorgeous white sandy beaches of Barbados’ The Colony Club, on the island’s Platinum West Coast. Guests can try their hand at a whole host of water-sports, like Cara, or can just lie there looking pretty. Either way, the resort’s beach and pool ‘ambassadors’ will be on hand to make sure your Mojito never runs dry. Fly to Bridgetown Airport, Barbados with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. A pool/garden view room costs from $692 per night (high season) colonyclubhotel.com The tropical forests and crystal seawater lagoons of Oracabessa Bay in Jamaica served as a creative bolthole to Ian Fleming. The Goldeneye Resort, as it’s now known, is where he penned the complete Bond series and his favourite villa is a guestroom complete with original writing desk. Back in the day, Truman Capote and Katharine Hepburn hung out at the resort, and these days, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Bono are amongst its celeb fans. Fly to Montego Bay Airport with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic or, for the ultimate entrance, touch down by private aircraft at Ian Fleming International Airport. The Fleming Villa starts at $5,500 per night (plus taxes and service charges). goldeneye.com

Property

Pr o pert y of t he Season

HESE beautiful images showcase an amazing property now for sale in one of the most prestigious locations. Possibly one of the most beautifully fitted properties of such substantial proportions, this was originally a double plot when the Estate was laid out which offers a high degree of privacy. The house has a fantastic location, within walking distance of Ponteland Village with all of its amenities. This five bedroom family home has some truly lovely features such as high decorative corniced ceilings, panelled doors, beautiful architraves, fireplaces, magnificent kitchen fittings and fabulous hand crafted fittings throughout. Rooms include a very grand central hallway, music lounge, drawing room, double sized Amdega style conservatory, formal dining room, a luxury ground floor bedroom suite with en suite bathroom and a very spacious kitchen with French doors to the patio. Oh, and did we mention thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also another four beautiful bedrooms AND a family lounge, utility room, garaging and store.Viewing is highly recommended.

DA R RAS ROAD, DARRAS H AL L. PR IC E - ÂŁ1,200,000. CO N TACT ROOK MATTH EWS SAYER PON TELA N D OFFIC E: 0 1 6 61 8 6 0 2 2 8 . WWW.ROOK M ATTHEWSSAYER . CO. UK spring

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Interiors

THE COLOGNE IMM FURNISHING SHOW IS FASHION WEEK FOR INTERIORS, SHAPING INTERIORS AND DESIGN TRENDS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD. LA DI DA ASKED FURNITURE INSIDER INTERIORS MAGAZINE EDITOR ANDREW KIDD FOR HIS PICK OF THE BEST NEW LOOKS…

S O FT L I NE ’ S E D E N FE AT U RE S S T I TCHI NG I NS P I RE D BY S P O RTS CA RS , A WO O D E N FRA M E A ND A N A DJ U S TA BL E BAC K.

Furniture Fashion

OR IGIN ALLY ROUND, B &B ITAL IA’ S TOB I-ISH I TA B L E WA S R EIN VENT E D W IT H A R E C TAN GU L AR TAP E R IN G TOP A ND 1 6 NE W L ACQ UERE D FINISHE S.

KO I NO R’ S RO S A HA S A N OV E RS I Z E D A RM CHAIR, F O OTS TO O L A ND T HRE E S O FA S W I T H A DJ U S TA BL E A RMRES T. ‘ L E T I T S W I NG – RE L A X E D, U NCO M P L I CAT ED, S IM PLY LIVING . ’

R IVA 1 9 2 0 ’ S S W TA BL E I S AVA I L A BL E IN S E V E RA L S O L I D WO O D S , W I T H I TS C ROSS I NG L E G S M A I N FE AT U RE .

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L I V I NG D I VA NI ’ S F ILO O UTD O O R IS AN U P DAT E O F T HE 2 0 0 2 IND O O R RANG E, W I T H A N A RM C HAIR, TWO - S EATER AND T HRE E - S E AT E R S O FAS WITH TUBULAR S T E E L FRA M E A ND IRO KO BAS E.

Interiors

Trend Talk WANT A FASHION FABULOUS HOME THIS SPRING? LINDA JANE WESTPHAL TALKS YOU THROUGH THE KEY INTERIORS TRENDS FOR 2014…

WITTM AN’S ALT RA HE ADB OAR D COME S IN SEVERAL W IDT HS AN D TH R E E H E IGH TS : 1M, 1 .2 M AND 1.4M .

B R E T Z A D D E D A S W I V E L A ND A DJ U S TA BL E TILT CHA I R TO T HE HA NG O U T S O FA .

B ORDBAR UPDAT E D ITS AIR L IN E TROL L E Y F U R N IT U RE W I T H CU BE , W HI C H CAN BE WALL-M OU N TE D OR GROU P E D TO F OR M A S I D E BOA RD.

DON’T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY Even the most serious decorators are adding quirky touches. Check out designers Abigail Ahern’s recent range for Debenhams with hare and dog lamps and Nathalie Lété’s children’s toys inspired work, a key emerging trend.

LET’S BE GRAPHIC Graphic and geometric patterns and a more energetic colour palette is bursting forth and will be big on everything from accessories through to wall coverings.

GOING GLOBAL A fresh, urban eclectic style is going to be big. Big patterns mixed with handmade items and crafted items with global influences from Africa to the Outback, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean. Lots of bold colour and patterns and handmade items such as ceramics.

COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL We’ll be seeing defined blocks of colour with sharper lines to replace the ombre affect. Ideal for a dramatic effect with stair treads, furniture that adds a colour pop or a feature wall if you’re feeling audacious.

TEAM 7’S CUBUS MODU L A R S YS TE M IS SUI TABLE FOR ANY ROOM A N D IS AVAIL A B L E I N SEV E N WOODS AN D TE N GL A SS COLOU R S.

HOTEL STYLE CO N DE HOUSE ADDED S E VE R A L ITE MS TO I TS CHALLENG E COLL E C TION , IN C LU DIN G THE WALNUT OR OAK DIN IN G TA B L E

Homes are becoming more like hotels. And very nice hotels at that. With space and time at a premium we’ll see clever utilitarian design with compact bathrooms integrated with the bedroom; furniture that’s easy to vacuum under and space-saving closets. Form and function.

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

DA U P HI N HO M E ’ S PA L LO NE S TO O L I S AVA I L A BL E I N L E AT HE R O R S O FT COV E RS WI T H CO NT RA S T I NG S E A M S A ND T HRE E SIZES. spring

2014

We’re getting in touch with our inner hippies and channelling a festival vibe with layered rugs, giant potted plants, and even macramé wall hangings and floor pillows in African and American Native prints. Sharpen up the look with some modern furniture to avoid looking too retro and dated.

Property RE T RO P HO NE S A RE J U S T O NE O F T HE M A NY Q U I RK Y TO U CHE S U S E D TO M A KE T HE BE D RO O M S U NI Q U E D ESIGN ICON TOM DIXO N ’ S COPPER LIGHT REFLE CTS TH E R ESTAURANT AND B AR AR EA, P ROVIDING A 36 0 D EGR EE VIE W FOR PEO P L E WATCH I NG AND ECHOES TH E B AR ’ S DE SIGN

A S T U NNI NG FU L L LENGTH CO PPER BAR WAS CO M M I SS I O NE D TO REF LEC T DARLINGTO N’S I ND U S T RI A L PA S T A ND WAS HAND M AD E BY C RA FTS M A N D E RE K NIXO N

T HE ‘ S CHO O L RO O M ’ REC EPTIO N F EATURES A S U P E R CO O L FE LT M O O S E TO WELCO M E YO U TO HO U ND G AT E TOWNHO US E’S UNIQ UE A E S T HE T I C E X P E RI ENC E

H OUND GATE TOWNH OUSE IS T H E LATEST AD D ITION TO DARL IN GTON ’ S H OTEL AND RESTAURANT S CEN E A N D H AS QUICKLY ESTABLISHED A B U ZZ AM ONGST THE GREAT AND GOOD. D ESCRIBED AS A D ESIGN HOT EL, ITS ACH INGLY FABULOUS INTER IOR S ECH O DARLINGTON’S PAST AND CELEB R AT E LOCAL CRAFTSM EN.

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LINDA JANE WEST P HAL TAK ES A LOOK .... TEP into no 11 Houndgate Townhouse, in the historic Houndgate, once home of Joseph Pease and a stone’s throw from the ancient market square in Darlington, and you could be in a chi chi New York Hotel or even fave celeb hangout Babington House.

The hotel is an oasis of luxurious good taste, farrow and ball colours and uber fabulous high end fittings and fixtures. No design detail has been overlooked as you would expect from owner Natalie Cooper, a graduate of fashion journalism from London’s prestigious St Martin’s and an ex writer for Elle Magazine. Natalie may be a fashionista who has travelled the world but at heart she is a local girl who loves her hometown and has paid stylish homage to its culture, creating a truly special interiors experience. So this is no design by numbers interiors concept. Tasteful it may be but characterless it’s not.

PHOTOGRAPHY: GASP spring

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Property O N E OF T HE MAN Y ST UNNING, I N D IVIDUAL AND SUPE R LUX URIOUS B ED ROOM S W IT H ROL L TOP BAT H AND V IEW O F DARLINGTON’S B EAUT IFUL CLOCK TOWE R. E NJOY A GLA SS O F F IZZ IN T HE BAT H AN D S OAK UP T HE TOWN’S RICH HERITAGE

SP EC I AL EFFEC TS. . . WANT A HOUSE WITH THE ULTIMATE WOW FACTOR? WE ASKED OUR AWARD WINNING INTERIOR DESIGN EDITOR GEORGE BOND TO GIVE US THE INSIDE SKINNY ON ALL OF THE LATEST UBER LUXE TECHNIQUES HE IS CURRENTLY USING IN THE HOMES OF THE SUPER RICH AND FABULOUS...

TH E SU MP TU O U S S TA I RCA S E F E ATU R E S A BE S P O K E TASS E L C H AND E L I E R W HI CH E C H OE S DAR LI NGTO N’ S S TE AM R A ILWAY HE RI TAG E A N D P ROVIDE S A S T U NNI NG B AC K DROP TO T HE E I G HT B E DROOMS

VENETIAN PLASTER - WITH THE USE OF STENCILS.

THE GLORIOUS COW C A B IN E T WHI CH RE FLECTS DA R L IN GTON ’ S FAR M ING CONNECT IO N S AN D WAS HANDM ADE BY MA STE R CR AFTSM AN DE REK NIXON F ROM BARNARD CAS TL E F IR M AN THONY NIXON BE S P OK E F UR NIT URE M AKE RS UBER EXPENSIVE AND RATHER FABULOUS DOGGIE WALLPAPER GIVES THE BAR AND RESTAURANT A KNOWING NOD TO HOUNDGATE’S HISTORY AS THE PLACE WHERE HOUNDS WERE KEPT, POSSIBLY TO KEEP THE MARAUDING SCOTS AT BAY, LATTERLY FOR HUNTING UNTIL AS LATE AS 1930

Tongue in cheek touches and bespoke furniture based on Darlington’s rich heritage transforms this hotel and restaurant into a place of discovery where it’s connections to the Quaker industrialist and railway pioneers, the Pease family, and its past as a school and even Registry Office are amply celebrated with specially commissioned design pieces by local craftsmen. Oozing personality, school cards dot the hotel with local phrases and even include a knowing reference to a Fawlty Towers quote, while a felt moose oversees the main reception area. Every single detail has been carefully thought through - the room keys are antique library fines as at one point the building included a private library containing 1,000 volumes. With eight bedrooms to choose from and a fabulous restaurant and bar offer, No 11 has quickly become THE place to laze away a Saturday morning for a restorative eggs benedict and Bloody Mary brunch with friends, enjoy an amazing cocktail and some deep fried oysters for a romantic supper or an overnight stay in one of the super gorgeous and highly individual bedrooms. And, if you want somewhere to entertain or host a prestigious business client, this is the place to come, because you can guarantee they will want to return. spring

We have a number of very prestigious projects we are currently working on, both at home and internationally, where budgets are generous and the clients want something a little bit special, unique and show-stopping. As we are always involved in a project at a very early stage, because we often redesign houses structurally as well as aesthetically, that architectural and building expertise allows us to access the cutting edge trends and new products and processes in interior design. Many of these techniques remain insider secrets of the very rich and when we get the opportunity to use them, we're like children in a candy store.You often need the very best expert craftsmen to achieve the desired effect but the end result guarantees that you will have something completely unique and will add to your property's value and wow factor, essentially it's a work of art designed especially for you.

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The great thing about Venetian plaster is that it gives a natural, smooth or textured finish but has lots of movement, it's almost marble like at times. Colour can be added to it to create different effects but we used the natural tone.Venetian plaster is applied in different layers, each layer is applied by using the trowel in different angles and direction per layer. It is a lengthy process but looks amazing when complete. To create the stencil (3D) effect in the plaster, Venetian plaster was applied as normal, but whilst drying the stencil was pushed into the plaster creating an imprint. The stencil is then removed and the raised areas are smoothed and buffed in order to stand out. Once the plaster is dry, holes are drilled into certain areas, such as the centre of a flower or a bird's eye to create stand-out and impact and then crystals are glued into the holes.

DÉCOUPAGE Decoupage is a technique where the wallpaper is ripped up into sections and then applied to the wall piece by piece, like a jigsaw. It's a different and really effective way to apply wallpaper. It's usually used with plain wallpaper, as when it is complete it gives so much movement to the wall for a truly stunning effect.

OUR FAVOURITE NEW WALLPAPER This wallpaper is brand new and is at the top of our wish list to use on our next project. Sold by the linear meter, it's a subtle cream/white based wall covering with an elegant light grey flower pattern featuring crystals that highlight certain areas. This wallpaper would look fabulous, for example, in an airy hallway with tall ceilings and wall panelling painted in the same cream/white. We might then add a light grey paint which would highlight intricate areas of the panelling and put in directional spot lights angled in such a way that when the light shines on to the wallpaper, the crystals give off a subtle sparkle, which would look amazing. It's new on the market and we think its fantastic and completely fell in love with it when it was shown to us. G E O RG E B O N D I N T E R I O R S 0 1 9 1 2 8 1 7 7 9 9 E N Q U I R I E S @ G E O RG E B O N D. T V

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Interiors

“THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE NOW. EVERY HOME CAN NOW HAVE AN AGA FITTED FROM A CASTLE TO A COUNCIL FLAT” place in the showroom.You can even turn on your Aga at home using your iphone with a handy app. “There’s something for everyone now. Every home can now have an Aga fitted from a castle to a council flat,” says Charles. “Physically we can get them into most places; with the new electric ones you don’t even need a chimney.” But Walter Dix doesn’t just sell Agas. It has a complete portfolio of top name range cookers with prices starting from £1200.

WA LT E R DI X & CO H AS O N E O F T HE M OST FASCINAT ING H I S TO R IES I N TH E N O RTH EAST BUSINESS WORLD. L I N DA J AN E W ES TPH AL FI ND S OUT MORE FROM MAN AG I N G DI R E C TO R CHARLES D IX...

OU don’t get to celebrate being in business for 125 years as a family firm unless you’re pretty damn good at what you do.

From working on the Tsar of Russia’s ships in the Caspian Sea to being leading players in the Newcastle steam and shipbuilding boom in Victorian times, the Dix family, four generations of engineers, have been at the forefront of innovation. They were one of the first to see the potential of central heating and in 1931, become one of the first Aga distributors in the country. The business is still very much a family concern, with Charles’ daughter,Victoria and his niece Sue working in the company. In the 1980s the company relocated to Team Valley to benefit from more space and is about to open a newly extended showroom which will

showcase a huge range of top of the range cookers, including Agas. Agas are currently enjoying a renaissance and Charles thinks their appeal is totally justified. “The key thing with Agas is that they last a lifetime. They are expensive but when you consider they weigh half a ton, are made in the UK and may outlive you, then they are real value for money,” he says. “A lot of the ones we sold in the very early days are still in existence and working. We have just seen one supplied to Beamish Museum for their working cottages.” One of the reasons for their popularity is the constant innovation that Aga has undergone in recent years. While Agas used to run on solid fuel, now you can buy versions that use all different fuels and there is a choice of different sizes as well as 13 colours. Currently pastel colours have become en vogue again, reflecting the colour palettes of the 1950s with a new Pistachio colour taking pride of spring

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That’s not to say Walter Dix isn’t competitive. You don’t survive and thrive for 125 years without being keenly aware of trends in the market. “It’s a fact of life that many people are buying on the internet now so we have to be competitive and so we sell at internet prices but offer the added bonus of a showroom and expertise where people can feel the quality of the product and get expert advice,” explains Charles. It’s an approach that will serve Walter Dix well as it embarks upon its next decades of business. And with more Dix generations waiting in the wings, it’s likely that Walter Dix will remain kitchen royalty for many years to come.

DESIGNED FOR LIVING A fabulous kitchen can transform your house into the home of your dreams and provide a real focal point for friends and family and social gatherings.

At Mor pe t h K it c he ns our skille d c r afts m en have be e n de signing a nd c re a t ing be spoke ki tchens a nd ba t hrooms for ma ny y e a r s in Northum berl and, Je smond, G osfor t h a nd t he sur roundi ng Newcas tl e a re a s, w hile re gula r ly t r a v e lling fur ther afi el d. From pe r iod prope r t ie s t o mode r n hom es , we work w it h our c lie nt s t o a dv ise , c re a t e a nd fi t des i gn int e r ior s solut ions t ha t suit t he ir lifes tyl es . We take gre a t pr ide in t he fa c t t ha t w e c re a te beauti ful room s t ha t a re a de light t o use , a s w e ll a s addi ng real val ue t o y our prope r t y a nd de liv e r ing t he wow factor. We know y ou e xpe c t a nd de se r v e onl y the bes t s o w e ne v e r skimp on qua lit y, a nd e xcl us i vel y us e le a ding ma nufa c t ure r s suc h a s Fisher & P aykl e, Fa be r hoods, a nd Q uooke r.

Kitchens | Bathrooms | Orangeries Log onto our website to see some of the beautiful rooms we have created www.morpethkitchens.net

Morpeth Kitchen Company B1 Whitehouse Farm Centre | Stannington Morpeth | Northumberland | NE61 6AW Tel: 01670 789 599

KITCHEN is the heart and soul of any fabulous home, a place for family and friends to gather and socialise. So who better to advise us on the latest trends for creating the ultimate dream kitchen than the leading experts and all round lovely people at Morpeth Kitchens.

Interiors

Dreamy Kitchens

The company has been providing exquisite handmade and bespoke kitchens to the great and the good of Northumberland, Jesmond, Gosforth and the surrounding Newcastle area for many years but regularly travels further afield. In fact, when we speak, they have just been asked to go down to London to work on a luxury property for a client who they recently worked with in the North, a measure of the service and skill they provide. Morpeth Kitchens was established by Steve Jemmett and James Milligan with Roy Forsyth joining as the business grew and the men had previously worked together. The original dream team was reformed and the company benefited from the combined experience and expertise. But the company does more than just kitchens. It also provides bathrooms, house renovations, staircases, orangeries and more. If it’s bespoke then they can provide you with expertise and design solutions. “We don’t do standard. Standard isn’t in our repertoire” explains Office Manager Crissy Irvine. “ We work with the customer to design a kitchen which suits their needs and lifestyles, make kitchen cabinets to order and then we take the kitchen to each client and install it. “ They offer three distinct styles of kitchen, classic, contemporary and traditional, and whether it’s a specific design idea or just a style in mind, they can create a bespoke design to match your preferences down to the smallest detail. And business is booming. “A lot of people are investing in the key rooms in their house with the investment market being so dire at the moment, “ says Crissy. “Increased property prices offer a better return on their investment. “ In terms of key trends, the company says the

WANT TH E ULTIM ATE STATEMENT KITCHE N ? LINDA JANE WEST P HAL M EETS TH E KITCH EN COMPA N Y THE GREAT AND GOOD H AVE ON SP EED D IA L TO F IN D OUT ABOUT THE LATEST TREND S AND GA DGETS ... kitchen island is the new kitchen table with a lot of dining rooms being converted into a larger kitchen. The latest must have gadgets are time saving devices from taps that deliver boiling water, electric opening drawers and doors and sockets on tracks. And the ultimate gadget for the busy executive? Pyrolytic ovens that clean themselves. Colours remain neutral and design classic such as shaker style. These looks don’t date and can be used alongside colour on the walls and key accessories to channel current interiors trends. In terms of key colours, the company advises neutral looks for main cabinetry as fashions change and a kitchen can quickly look dated. “Customers have to live with their kitchens and bathrooms for a long time, “ notes Crissy, “ so we advise them to add fashionable touches in ways that can be easily and cost effectively changed and updated. “In the case of bathrooms, people are moving away from the full tiled look which is less likely to date and using colour on walls and likewise you can add colour into the kitchen using feature walls which can be changed and spring

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updated.You can add this season’s key shades such as bright orange, aubergine and green on the walls or introduce the colours through small appliances and accessories for an instant update.” Design is a very personal choice so Morpeth Kitchens use their three main styles of cabinets to act as a starting point and can advise and supply some of the top designer electrical brands and equipment. Kitchens are always crafted from the highest quality materials such as solid wood, granite and slate. “Some customers have a very clear vision of what they want and some are less sure,” says Crissy. “So we use moodboards and pinterest as a starting point and then look at their home and their lifestyle before creating a design.”

Arts & Culture

YO U N G M U SI C A RTI S T M AK ES H ER M A R K

LO CAL CE LEB STEPS IN TO HE LP CHARITY A North East charity fundraiser got more than he bargained for when he tweeted a top athlete asking for donations for an ipad auction at a charity event to raise money for Children with Cancer UK.

“I couldn’t believe her generosity, I was really blown away,” said Spring Ball charity event organiser Paul Cook.”It got even more surreal when she said the painting was down in London in Elton John’ s storage facility.”

Not only did Hexham born Vanessa Raw, a professional English triathlete and member of the British Olympic Triathlon Academy Squad, answer but she donated one of her own paintings worth well in excess of £6,000 for auction. As well as being a top athlete,Vanessa is an accomplished artist in her own right.

Vanessa is managed by Rocket Sports Management, owned by Elton John, who has been helping Paul to arrange for the painting to be sent up north for the Children’s Cancer Charity event.You can bid on the painting, which has a £6,000 reserve price, by emailing or calling Paul. Contact him on 07967 262095 or email paul.cook@ee.co.uk. And the man himself will soon be heading up north. Elton John has announced his return to the North East, playing the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on Wednesday 2nd July. He said; “Newcastle has always been a special place for me, as I first played there all the way back in 1971 at the City Hall with the original three piece Elton John Band.”

IF YO U WA N T TO FI ND OU T MORE I NFO R MATION A B OUT T H E C H IL DREN WI T H CANCER CH ARITY LOG ON TO W W W. CH I LDR ENWI TH CANCER.ORG.UK.

When you’re just 16 and your idol Sandi Thom asks you to sing to her because she likes your voice so much, then you know music is going to be your life. For Teesdale teenager Anna Leigh Stanton this summer is set to be a very special one. She is playing at Willow man, Kendal Calling and has been shortlisted for Glastonbury. Oh, and did we mention she was supporting the likes of Sandi Thom, Eddi Reader and Newton Faulkner. Currently she is in the process of writing and recording her first album which is planned to be released at the beginning of April, ready for the Sandi Thom concert at The Sage Gateshead. “I’ve always loved Sandi Thom so when my Dad saw her on morning TV doing an interview about her tour, he emailed her some of my songs,” explains Anna. “She really liked them and asked me to come backstage to see her and to sing to her. It was really nerve racking but she was lovely and it gave me so much confidence knowing that she liked my voice and songs.” Now Anna is also helping local youngsters find their voice, training them at the Hub in Barnard Castle. “It’s really rewarding seeing them gain in confidence as they learn all the various voice techniques,” she says. “I was very lucky to have some excellent vocal coaches when I was younger and now I can pass the lessons that I have learned onto other young people.” The future certainly looks very bright for such a bright, young talent. Anna’s debut release ‘catch me’ is already receiving regular airplay on BBC radio.You can listen to Anna’s music and find out about events she is performing at www.annastaintonmusic.com

ENJOY A PRE-SHOW DINNER AT SAGE GATESHEAD’S BRASSERIE Terry Laybourne inspired menu Home cooking just for you Coffee and Cake only £3.95 2:30-4:30pm daily BOOK ONLINE AT

www.eatatsage.com or call 0191 443 4654

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Arts & Culture

FRE SH F RO M TWO AC T I ON - PAC K E D S HOW S AT T H E SAG E GATE S HE A D, S T R I C T LY ’ S A N TO N DU B EKE C H ATS B AC KS TAG E TO L IZ L AM B TELL US ABOUT BALLROOM TO BROADWAY... IT SOUNDS TERRIFIC FUN

It is just great fun. The songs and music are fabulous and appeal to such a variety of audiences. The show has great energy, there is singing, ballroom dancing, Broadway songs and dances and we have a great connection with the audience too. We do a question and answer section interacting with the audience which is very amusing and great fun.

n o t n

HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANY MISHAPS OR EMBARRASSING MOMENTS WHEN YOU’VE BEEN DANCING?

e k e

Not so much with the dancing but I sing in my shows too and occasionally I’ll forget the words to a song which can be very embarrassing! The audiences never realise though! HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN YOU ARE DANCING?

It’s just a joy! It doesn’t matter how I feel on the day, as soon as I’m out on the stage and the music starts, everything is great, I just take off. YOU’VE BECOME A HOUSEHOLD NAME THANKS TO STRICTLY-DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE FAMOUS?

Being a ballroom dancer, being famous is not something you think will happen in the ballroom world. My ambition was always to be world champion rather than be famous. DO YOU GET RECOGNISED IN THE STREET? DO FANS DEMAND YOU DANCE WITH THEM?

Yes I do get recognised which is lovely although people always want a photo now rather than an autograph with all this phone technology. They don’t demand a dance with me, they normally say my mum would love to dance with you! WHO WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO DANCE WITH (LIVING OR DEAD) AND WHY?

I’d have to say Fred Astaire. FINISH THE SENTENCE…DANCING WITH ANN WIDDECOMBE WAS…………

A unique experience never to be missed. HAVE YOU EVER HAD A BEHIND THE SCENES SPAT WITH CRAIG REVEL HORWORD? SPILL THE BEANS….

I haven’t but Jan Ravens and her husband did in the bar after the show one Saturday night! YOU WERE VOTED REAR OF THE YEAR? IS THIS THE PINNACLE OF YOUR CAREER ;)?

Well my friends started calling me ‘ar*e of the decade’ so I wasn’t sure how to take that! ANY TIPS ON KEEPING IT PERT?

Squats! Never underestimate the value of a squat.

YOU APPEARED WITH JULIE WALTERS IN A VICTORIA WOOD SKETCH - WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING WITH SUCH AN ICON? ANY BACKSTAGE ANTICS YOU CAN SHARE?

Julie and Victoria are so lovely and are massive fans of Strictly. We had a little dance back stage, legendary stuff! WHO INSPIRED YOU WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP AND WHY?

Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Ginger Rogers and Cyd Charisse, I love them all now just as much as I did when I started dancing. ARE YOU FROM A FAMILY OF DANCERS? COULD YOUR PARENTS DANCE?

No and no! I’ve seen them all try and I think the best way to describe them is enthusiastic or maybe individual! FAVE CHAT UP LINE?

I’ve not used a chat up line since I was about 17 and they were rubbish then! Would you like to see my slow foxtrot? spring

2014

YOU WERE IN THE NORTH EAST LAST YEAR AT THE CHUF GOLF DAY AT CLOSE HOUSE? HOW WAS IT?

I certainly was and it was great fun. The people there were lovely and place was stunning, all in all a great day. DID YOU HAVE A BOOGIE WITH ANT AND DEC?

Naturally, they are real tryers! I’ll tell you what, they dance better than they play golf! WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE NORTH EAST?

I love the North East. The audiences at our shows are always so generous, friendly and welcoming. The Sage is such a lovely venue, new and a wonderful space to dance in.

A N TON D U BE KE W I L L BE ONE OF A N UMB ER O F C E L E BRI T I E S TA KI NG PA RT IN THE C HUF GO L F DAY AT C LOSE HOUS E HOT E L O N M AY 19.

the

Society

insider

O UR SO C I E T Y E DITO R H ELEN S TOR E Y T E L L S U S A LL A B O U T HE R FA BU LO U S L I F E. THIS ISS U E IT ’S A L L A B OU T P R IVATE JE TS , B E A U TY T REATS A N D A LITTLE HE LP FRO M H ER C E L E B R I T Y FR IE NDS …

’M loving that Spring is almost here and invitations for spring/ summer soirées will soon start flooding in. Recently, I had a little help from a celebrity friend when it came to picking a present for my sister Andrea. She’s the woman who has everything so is really hard to buy for. I was watching Alan Carr’s chat show one night when I spied a fantastic Bull Terrier lamp and I knew she would love it but I had no idea where it was from. So I enlisted television presenter Ben Shephard to help me hunt it down. I text Ben to see if he could work his magic and he called his celeb friends and eventually we got the lamp info via John Bishops’ wife. How showbiz is that?! I was also whisked off in the family private jet to Chepstow and Leopardstown where we watched Tidal Bay run his heart out. My sister Andrea and hubby Graham Wylie own Tidal Bay so were really rooting for him to do well and he did. A great 3rd at Chepstow and an amazing 2nd in the Golf Cup in Ireland. Not bad for an old boy at 13. He's a super star. Recently I visited a close friend in London and we had drinks at The Savoy. In the bar I met a very interesting man called Chris Pickings, a Brit who was visiting from his new home in Australia. He runs a successful clothes store. We attended a magazine launch where the free drinks were flowing. A great night - I think! I never quite know from week to week where I am going to be whisked off to or if there is a party to attend. I've been asked to represent SpeedFlex at the Bentley Speed night and if a night out crops up it's usually a last minute decision. I always have to make sure I have a tip top beauty regime to ensure I am looking good at all times. In my head I like to be ready for action. I always make a hair and beauty appointment as I leave the salon. I go to Transcend hair & beauty in Hexham and my nails are done by a lovely lady called Gemma. She comes to the house to do them. We had a great event at Speedflex Jesmond recently when Ben Shephard, rugby player Tom May and Ivan Hollingsworth, aimed to burn 10,000 calories in one day in aid of CHUF, the Children’s Heart Unit Fund. They did it of course and it was fantastic fun. I went to former footballer Alan Thompson's 40th birthday party with my colleagues Tom and Jak. I was driving so no drinking for me that night. It was a really great night and everyone was merry. I've also bought my daughter Edie her first set of golf clubs. She's just like her mum with a sporty streak. Not keen on the ballet lessons I paid for but loves her golf - I'm chuffed to bits. It's her 4th birthday in April so she'll be getting lessons from Sally Hinton at the Close House Academy. Good luck Sal! Till next time……….

Helen x

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Society

Sarah wit h Ho llywo od hu nk skincare and makeup. Top make up artist Marc Sinclair gave me a bronzed look to complement my Badgley Mischka gown. The team even kindly gave me a lipstick so I could touch up during the ceremony.

The 2014 party season kicked off with a walk along the red carpet at the Wolf Of Wall Street première. I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here star Amy Willerton looked hot in a sparkly dress, while I spied Peaches Geldof darting in and out of the ladies loo – maybe the excitement of seeing Leonardo DiCaprio in the flesh was getting to her as well.

Once inside and with a Stoli Elit Martini in hand, I mingled with the likes of Oprah Winfrey who told me how much she loved spending time in the UK, while Tinie Tempah said he was thrilled that Oprah had complimented him on his performance.

Sadly I did not get to speak to the hunky film star himself but he did rub past my chair on his way out of the movie screening [the actors never stay to watch the whole film] and looked just as handsome in the flesh as he does on celluloid.

Sarah & Chr is Not h

After the Wolf Of Wall Street I was a guest of Budweiser at the National Television Awards held at the O2. At the afterparty I bumped into none other than Mr Big himself aka Chris Noth. Sadly Chris was slightly grumpy and not as charming as his SATC alter ego – they say never meet your heroes! Far more charming was actor David Neilson who plays Roy Cropper in Coronation Street. David told me how he normally never attends showbiz parties but was having a great time at this one and joked he might “start going out more!” Next up was the BAFTAs themselves, held at The Royal Opera House in London.

Sarah & Oprah

I was lucky enough to be invited to have my hair styled by Charles Worthington’s team at the beautiful Savoy Hotel styling suites.

Later on I grabbed a quick chat with Richard E Grant who said how much he loved filming Downton Abbey but was sworn to secrecy over story lines – boo! After the dinner, guests headed to the Rosewood Hotel to Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s private party. A saxophonist serenaded guests and the champagne flowed all night. Laura Whitmore was having fun tearing up the dancefloor, while Cate Blanchett spent the evening deep in conversation with Harvey himself. I enjoyed a boogie with director Baz Lurhman’s wife and Great Gatsby costume designer Catherine Martin, before taking my tired party feet off to bed!

Sarah & Tinie

Katy Perry, Disclosure and Lady Gaga were just some of the huge acts performing. As special guests we were treated to full hospitality in a VIP suite during the show with champers, and yummy food. Waiting to have my picture taken at the famous Coca Cola truck, presenter Myleene Klass’ adorable young daughter Ava was keen to demonstrate her dancing skills to me – the showbiz gene clearly runs in the family! I also spotted Louise Redknapp tucking into some of the delicious food with her family.

Once my hair was red carpet ready I was then whisked into the Lancome suite for

SARAH ROBERTSON IS DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR AT OK! MAGAZINE. A GEORDIE LOUDMOUTH LIVING THE DREAM IN LONDON, FOLLOW HER ON TWITTER @SARAHROBERTSON5 spring

Sarah & Roy from C orr ie

I also found time to attend Capital FM’s Jingle Bell Ball at London’s O2 Arena just before Christmas.

Sitting in the chair sipping champagne, while Charles’ team worked their magic on my tresses, I spotted Les Miserables actress Samantha Barks with her hair in rollers flitting around the room and Shakespearean actress Juliet Stevenson and her daughter Rosalind both being pampered.

Sarah & Richard E Grant

Michae l Fassbender

2014

T H IS MO NTH S E E S RO CK ‘N’ ROLL SUNNY SO IN SPIRED BY ‘SPL AS H ’ DI V ER TO M DA LE Y, HE HAS D ECID ED TO COM E OUT. FEELIN G CON F U S ED O F F HE W E NT TO S E E HI S AUNTIE, LOOSE WOMEN STAR D ENISE W E LSH FOR SOM E ADVICE.

SUNSHINE T HE ROC K N ROL L DOGGIE

ILLUSTRATION: SIMON DONALD

The excitement, the lights, the smell of the greasepaint made me all giddy, I could not contain myself and I made a dash for the stage to tread the boards, I need the limelight darlings. The Director, Grammy Award-Winning, Geoff Wonfor, even said I had a look of Toto from ‘Wizard of Oz’ about me, a friend of Dorothy I most definitely am.

Hello Honky Tonks! How are you? Rock ‘n’ Roll Sunny here.Yes that is right dear readers, I have an announcement to make. I want to stand up and be counted as a gay dog. If Tom Daley can come out than so can I. I love his programme Splash, I would like to don my ‘bone smugglers’ and jump off the diving board and doggie paddle over to Tom and give him a big lick. So how did I come to this decision, well, it is true that I like to spend more time with my fiancé Elsa’s brother Angus then her. It is also true I love 70s glam rock, especially Marc Bolan, Queen and David Bowie. It is also true I attended Gay Pride in Brighton this year, in my ‘Hello Sailor’ outfit which was a big hit I must admit. I have also looked back and found out my ancestors were companions to some of the Hollywood Stars of the Golden Age, like Bette Davis, who loved my Great, Great Uncle Jock. I am a theatrical my dears it’s in the blood.

Life is a Cabaret old chum, come to the Cabaret, toodeloo!

Hel lo Sai lors!

Before I ‘came out’, I decided to go and see my Auntie, Loose Women and Gay Icon, Denise Welsh for some advice. Luckily for me she was in Newcastle performing at the City Hall at the brilliant Sunday for Sammy charity concert, I popped backstage to see her. spring

I told Denise of my feelings for Tom and Angus, she was very understanding and said it sounded like a case of ‘Bi now Gay later’ and that until Elsa comes into season I should not make any decisions and that a lot of young dogs go through this. So I have been hanging out at a Proud Burlesque Bar like Liza Minelli as Sally Bowles in the movie Cabaret, see me with my feathers, having a lovely time, after all darlings...

Me wit h Aunt ie De

Be Sunny People x Read more exploits from me on Twitter @rocknrollsunny

2014

nise

ISS UE 3 S PRING 2 0 1 4

A DAMNE D FINE RE AD FOR NORT H E RN HIGH S O CIE TY

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IN O RD E R TO BE IRRE PLACE A BLE O NE MUST ALWAYS BE D IF F ERENT

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ISSU E 3

perfect imperfections