La di da - Issue 2 by La Di Da

I SS U E 2 WINTER 2013

A DAMNED FI NE READ FOR NO RTHER N HI G H SO C I ETY

£3.95 WHERE SOLD

Northern

Lasses VS LOND ON LA DS

Frocks & Rocks

The Gentleman’s Guide

Buying for a billionaire

D I V I N E PA RTY DR E SS E S

COUNTRY GENTS TO URBAN DAND IES

ULTIMAT E LU X E GI F T GU IDE

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Plus, as we know you’re a well travelled bunch, we are showcasing some amazing places and experiences to visit. This issue it’s London with our Gentleman’s Guide but all of the places are equally female friendly so don’t let the men have all the fun. We have had a lot of requests about subscriptions for yourselves and as gifts for family members so we are launching a special Christmas offer as a thank you for your support. Our subscribers will automatically become members of our Privilege Club. This will allow you to access VIP treats so lots to enjoy in the New Year.

Oh My! Quite a reception for La Di Da. Thank you so much, your support and lovely comments and reaction have been simply overwhelming. The last few weeks have been amazing. We knew the North was full of fine and fabulous and, most importantly of all, interesting people whose stories deserved to be told, but even we have been shocked by the reaction the first issue caused.

We’re signing out now for some well earned drinkies but we will still be facebooking and tweeting as well as setting up our instagram so stay in touch.

And it’s not just the North either. London has been quite taken with La Di Da. Our magazines have been in Savile Row, Knightsbridge, Soho and even the offices of Vogue. And we have more than our fair share of celeb fans from Paul Weller to Alan Shearer, from Marco Pierre White to Alexandra Shulman. From diplomats to hedge fund managers, from top sports people to the cream of London’s fashion scene, the North and its amazing people and places have been showcased in all of its glory.

So from all the team at La Di Da Towers we wish you all a gin and champagne soaked Christmas and New Year, full of laughter and fine friends and sheer damned fabulousness. See you in the New Year!

Li nda and Liz

Such has been the reaction that next year will see bumper issues full of the latest uber luxe and fabulous people, places and goodies. And we’ve listened to your feedback so we have added in more for our country gents and urban dandies.

Facebook.com/LaDiDaMagazine Twitter @LaDiDaMag

A little taste of La Di Da KNOW SOM EONE FINE AND FA B U LOU S ? GIVE THEM TH E GIFT OF LA D I DA TH IS CHRISTMAS. A CHRIST MAS SP ECIAL SUBSCR I P T I O N OF FIVE ISSUES FOR JUST £ 25 WI T H ST YLISH GIFT CARD. SUBSCRIPTION INCLUDES UNIQUE MEMBERSHIP OF THE PRIVILEGE CLUB WHICH GIVES READERS EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO A HOST OF VIP TREATS AND EVENTS. EMAIL US AT SUBSCRIPTIONS @ LADIDA.CO.UK TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS EXCLUSIVE OFFER AND HAVE A FINE AND FABULOUS CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR!

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I SSUE 2

WINTER 2013

22 Frocks & Rocks

Just damned divine party dresses

Our Queen of champagne offers gentle guidance

Fabulous fizz

26 Made in Durham

Lingerie to make you go ooooh

Horse’s Mouth Claire Thorburn’s equine adventures

OUR COVER SHOT

Food glorious food Take that, Ludlow...

08 We’re the Kings

It’s Dahling

of the Castle

Tony Blair 0 South Durham Hunt 1

10 Pipes, vinyl,

moustache wax, check Visit Al’s Gentleman’s Emporium

13 Meet Dr Beautiful He’ll make you look fabulous for Chrimbo

14 Society Gal The fabulous life of Ms Helen Storey

16 Northern Style Northern lasses have it in spades

21 Making it up Be perfect looking this Xmas

MAKE UP: JULIE ANN PATTINSON

HAIR: ANGELA LOWERY & LUCI WILKINSON AT Y SALON, ELDON GARDENS, NEWCASTLE WWW.YSALON.CO.UK

Our Sarah parties with top glitterati

NECKLACE: DIAMOND PENDANT £3950 ROX

He’s so rock n roll Supercool Sunny hangs out with the modfather

billionaire?

We have it covered with our Luxe Gift Guide

PHOTOGRAPHY: GASP PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.GASPPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

Uber chic Grange Road unleashed

Princess of showbiz

30 Buying for a

MODEL: NATALIE MALHOTRA AT TYNE TEES MODELS WWW.TYNETEESMODELS.CO.UK

48 London Calling

RING: PLATINUM YELLOW PEAR CUT DIAMOND HALO RING £12,950 ROX, NORTHUMBERLAND STREET, NEWCASTLE WWW.ROX.CO.UK

A DAMNED FINE READ FOR NORTHERN HIGH SOCIETY

London lads style it out

54 Posh Nosh Where to enjoy that champagne dinner

56 Oh Sherry Baby

All contents copyright ©2013 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.

It’s not just the preserve of maiden aunts y’know winter

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Society

LA DI DA IS HERE IT WAS THE PARTY INVITE OF THE YEAR.. THE BIRTH OF OUR VERY FABULOUS BABY, LA DI DA MAGAZINE. The great, the good and the glorious all turned out to celebrate the launch of THE glossy magazine for the North at the magnificent St Mary’s Church & Heritage Centre in Gateshead. The theme was Tweeds & Tiaras and our well-heeled guests didn’t disappoint. Party-goers were treated to glasses of champagne, courtesy of The Sandman Hotel, our very own La Di Da themed cocktails and posh beer as well as fabulous food fit for high society, courtesy of Love Food. Guests were seen lusting over the £190,000 Aston Martin Vanquish supplied by Paul Thursby from Stratstone Aston Martin, Stoneygate, Houghton-le-Spring. In attendance was our party queen, Society Editor Helen Storey, who arrived in style with her sister Andrea Wylie and mum Pauline Sievewright in a chauffeur-driven Bentley. Editor Liz Lamb & Husband Dan Jackson

Our very-own rock ‘n’ roll doggy, Sunny, made the journey from his home in London. Sporting a tartan bespoke coat, made by designer Phil Woodhead of Buckley and decorated by Crystal Rocks, Sunny ensured he was the star of the show. Entertainment on the night was provided by amazing singer Rachel McKnight, a true starlet in the making and the ultra-stylish Lady Koo was our DJ of choice. A right royal thanks to Lauren Sutcliffe, Sarah Pittendrigh, MD of Simply Bows and Chair Covers and Amy Rebair, Laura Robson, Sarah Wilson and Rachael Moore.

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Editor Linda Jane Westphal

Society

We are SO La di Da! WE’VE HAD A FABULOUS RESPONSE TO OUR FIRST ISSUE AND PICKED UP A FEW CELEBRITY FANS ALONG THE WAY, PROOF IF ANY WERE NEEDED THAT LA DI DA IS TRULY THE HOME OF THE FINE AND FABULOUS…

SHOUT TO THE TOP Paul Weller tells Queenie Liz Lamb that he is a big fan of Sunny our rock n roll dog

THE QUEEN Iconic Vogue Editor Alexandra Shulman loved La Di Da and emailed us to say she was reading it at the weekend. Her fave item, our fab hunting fashion feature. It’s a royal blessing as far as we’re concerned from one of the most talented editors and fashionistas around

SCORING HIGH North East royalty Alan Shearer loved the Gents section and sports sections

KING OF BUSINESS Entrepreneur and all round legend, Graham Wylie, checking out his sister in law’s column, our fabulous Society Editor Helen Storey

KING OF MAGAZINES Creator of Viz, Simon Donald draws our fabulous illustrations of Sunny. Needless to say he is a bit of a fan of our fabulous doggie columnist winter

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FOOD ROYALTY Marco Pierre White loved reading about the food section and society pages and told us to keep on being fine and fabulous. Yes chef!

KING OF ROCK N ROLL Owner of the coolest club in London, the Sanctum Soho and Music and TV celeb Mark Fuller loved reading about one of his favourite cities, Newcastle!

Feature

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD WYLIE 07595 020701 RJWYLIE@ME.COM

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Feature

or just two hounds, whilst it is far from a sensible solution, hunting is still here. With this particular Prime Minister no longer in office and him now recognising that it was rather a big mistake to take on the countryside in this way, we now have to wait patiently until the equilibrium can be restored, but you can rest assured the South Durham are not sitting still. We are now able to witness their hounds meeting at Auckland Castle, for the first time in very many years. This has been a tremendous boost to the Hunt and maybe it is an omen to the future of hunting in County Durham. Joint Master of the South Durham Gary Watchman is delighted and explains: “This is a real old fashioned traditional establishment and it is a real honour for the South Durham Hounds to meet here. We are most grateful to everybody who has made it happen. It’s an incredible place and makes Downton Abbey look just like a garden shed.”

TON Y B L A I R MAY HAVE LONG G ON E B U T THE S O U TH DU R H A M H UNT CO NTIN U E S TO T H R I V E . T HIS N OVE MB E R S AW T H E I R R ETU R N TO A UC KL A N D C AS TLE . L A D I DA’ S CO U N TRY S PO RTS ED I TOR J A M E S B ARCLAY WAS T H E R E TO WI TN E SS HIS TO RY B EI NG M A DE …

EDGEFIELD and its surrounding area may forever be associated with ex PM Tony Blair, never a favourite son amongst the hunting community, but the historic South Durham Hunt is currently making the local headlines for all the right reasons as they return to Auckland Castle after 100 years on a crisp November morning. Their history is a long and noble one. It was formed by Mr Ralph John Lambton in 1804, long before Tony Blair was born. After forty years at the helm, Mr Billy Williamson took over and then there were a succession of Masters until 1872 when the County was split and the North and South Durham Hunts were formed. In later years the North Durham dissolved and the Hunt then just became known as the South Durham. In a part of the world which has not stood still, the South Durham Hunt has not only continued to survive but to flourish. However, when the former Prime Minister stressed on Question Time that there was to be a vote on the banning of hunting, the touch paper was lit. From then on buses and trains converged on the Capital bringing people in their masses from every corner of the Kingdom, and none more so than from County Durham itself. He was not going to be allowed to forget the error of his ways and I was fortunate to be one of the few to remind him of it. After over seven hundred hours of debate, the fate of hunting was sealed, or was it? The South Durham like every Hunt in the Country felt this was their darkest hour but had to look very carefully to see if there was a way to survive or not. Well survive it did, not only that, the South Durham has flourished ever since. The legislation passed has been examined in detail and hunting in one of the many different forms available, is still here today. So whether it is by using a bird of prey and a full pack, winter

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THIS IS A REAL OLD FASHIONED TRADITIONAL ESTABLISHMENT AND IT IS A REAL HONOUR FOR THE SOUTH DURHAM HOUNDS TO MEET HERE Lincolnshire’s famous poet Alfred Lord Tennyson once wrote the wonderful poem the Babbling Brook in which he says: “Men may come and men may go, but I go on forever”. It is with apologies to him that I believe the following is most appropriate, “Babbling Politicians may come and Babbling Politicians may go, but hunting will go on forever”.

FO R T HE LOV E O F H U NTI N G … La Di Da’s Country Sports Editor James Barclay was born and bred not only into a deeply rural family but also near enough into the saddle as well. He was the third generation of Barclays to be Master of Hounds and has his own website at www.fortheloveofhuntingengland.com

Fashion PHOTOGRAPHY GASP PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.GASPPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Just call me Al... FA N CY A VINTAG E S AVILE ROW S U IT, PE R IO D CU FFLINKS OR YO U R OW N B E S PO K E TH READ S MADE FRO M THE FINEST B R ITISH TWEED?

It’s a curious name for a curious shop. Al’s Musique Boutique and Gentlemen’s Emporium conjures up images of old gramophones, dusty vinyl records and a place where men meet to puff on their pipes and

YO U NE E D TO S EE AL. H E’S discuss the intricacies of the modern world. THE MA N FO R THE JOB, AS LIZ L AMB DISCOVERS The analogy is not far off.

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Fashion

t’s our very own Old Curiosity Shop, a place where banter is aplenty and odds and ends of yesteryear share shelf space with Italian grooming goods, moustache wax and black & white photographs of dapper-looking gentlemen The boutique, a hidden gem in the back streets of Heaton, is a fusion of the two passions in Alan Edge’s life; music and style. A musician with the band The Guestmen, Al always wanted to open up a ‘one-stop gentlemen’s shop’. “The shop is a physical version of the music we used to make,” reveals the 37-year-old. “I have always been into nice, vintage clothing. The shop was a natural progression for me. “I wanted to create the type of shop I’d like to go to.” The boutique is a haven for both the modern and old school gent, urban dandies, Teddy Boys, posh students, you name it. Dr Who fans often frequent eager to get their hands on bow ties or frock coats.

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INTO NICE, VINTAGE CLOTHING. THE SHOP WAS A NATURAL PROGRESSION FOR ME. I WANTED TO CREATE THE TYPE OF SHOP I’D LIKE TO GO TO.

The allure for these merry men is the shelves lined with bowler hats and trilbys, rows and rows of interesting looking cufflinks, silk cravats and bow ties in an assortment of fabrics and suits you will never see on the high street. Jake & Al’s Fantastic Wax can be bought to keep your ‘tache’ under control and there are traditional wet shave products imported from Italy. Hanging on a rack is a beautiful Tweed suit from 1950s Savile Row. “I’m very passionate about tailoring,” explains Al, who is always suited and booted. “The idea behind the shop is, if you can’t find it, we will make it for you.” A talented team of seamstresses are on hand to create a bespoke suit of your dreams or re-work an old classic in your wardrobe. ‘Pimp My Tweed’ allows customers to transform an old jacket, blazer or two-piece. Al says: “You can bring in an old blazer and we can transform it-make it a bit more rock ‘n’ roll or London gangster by simply adding trimmings.

“If you have an old suit that belonged to your grandfather and you love it but it is damaged, we can get the tweed recreated, put in new panels and repair it.” It’s not all vintage. There are swatches of top quality cloths from Bateman Ogden, a British cloth merchant and one of the most highly-regarded names in international tailoring. You can choose which tweed you want and Al will sort you a suit. If the tweed of your dreams doesn’t exist, Al can create it and have it made in a mill in Scotland. He can even arrange for you to visit the mill and weave your own cloth, offering a 100% bespoke service with a difference. That’s why you need Al. Al is most definitely the man for the job.

A L’S MUSIQUE B OUTIQUE, 3A C HELTEN HA M TER RAC E , NE WC A S T L E WED -SAT 12-6PM WWW. A LSMUSIQUEB OUTIQUE. CO. UK winter

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Beauty

EAGER to look as beautiful as the Darphin ladies, I booked into the Serenity Spa for the Essential Vitality Awakening Facial, which is perfect for tired, dull skin. I wanted to give my dehydrated skin a boost and prep it for the upcoming party season. My treatment began with a relaxing foot cleanse before Nicola, the beauty therapist, cleansed my skin with cleansing milk and applied an aromatic cleansing balm. A scrub was applied to exfoliate away dead skin cells and Nicola then indulged my face with a relaxing vitality massage.

AN AWARD-WINNING SPA IS NOW THE FIRST IN THE NORTH EAST TO OFFER A RANGE OF EXCLUSIVE FACIAL TREATMENTS FROM LUXURY BEAUTY BRAND DARPHIN. LIZ LAMB FINDS OUT WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT.

HE French are famed for their effortless style and beauty. Think Brigitte Bardot, Carla Bruni and Juliette Binoche. Fabulously beautiful women with enviable figures and faces to die for.

What’s their secret? A healthy diet, the odd glass of vino and, of course, great skincare. So it’s no wonder that it was a Frenchman who created Darphin, a beauty brand which offers a holistic approach to skin using the finest plant extracts, botanical aromas and pure essential oils.

“We are the first spa in the North East to offer these exclusive treatments and we know our guests will love Darphin as much as we do.” The Darphin ladies who travel the world shouting about its benefits are the best adverts of all. Their skin was luminous, radiant and, quite frankly, age-defying at the official launch of the range, leaving VIP customers eager to try out the products themselves. There are five treatments for anti-ageing results and four for essential needs such as hydration, purifying and soothing.

“You can’t look good, if you don’t feel good”, declared Pierre Darphin, back in 1950s Paris, when he embarked on a revolutionary programme to develop a whole new concept in beauty treatments.

There’s one for the boys too - the Made for Men facial - and if you’re a time-starved mummy or exec you can treat yourself to an instant skin or eye reviver in your lunch hour.

Over the past 60 years Darphin has become a cult-classic famed for creating bespoke treatments to suit your skin.

Janet Saunders,Vice President General Manager, of Darphin, is delighted that the brand now has a strong presence in the North thanks to its union with Seaham Hall.

The Parisian’s philosophy is still very much at the core. Luckily for us, these luxury facial treatments are now available in the North at Seaham Hall, which was recently crowned Small Hotel of the Year, in the North East England Tourism Awards “We are proud to host such an impressive brand in our award-winning Serenity Spa,” boasts the hotel’s General Manager Ross Grieve.

“Darphin has a long history in well being and beauty - combing advanced skincare innovation with highly personalised experiential treatments. “We look forward to serving our Darphin clients at Seaham Hall for years to come.”

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My thoughts drifted away and I felt in a lovely, warm cocoon until suddenly my face felt cold. This was Nicola applying Jade stones, which are used to wake up your complexion. They certainly did that. It wasn’t long till I was drifting off again. A mask was applied and as it set, Nicola gave me a wonderful hand and arm massage and I was lovely and warm again. My face was then smothered in anti-fatigue serum and a re-plumping emulsion and a hot towel applied to wake me up. The whole experience was fabulous. Not only did my skin look good but I felt great too. Serenity Spa, Seaham Hall Hotel, Lord Bryon’s Walk, Seaham, County Durham SR7 7AG www.seaham-hall.co.uk (0191) 516 1400

Beauty

WAN T T H E IN S IDE SKI N N Y ON H OW TO LOOK LIK E A SUPER MODEL THI S CH R IS TMA S ? OUR FA B U LOU S N EW COLU MN IS T D R E SHO AKA D R B E A UT I F UL H AS TH E A N S WER S Q.

Dear Dr Beautiful,

NEW FASHIONISTA CRAZE : RED SOLES, HIGH HEELS AND BOTOX!

It’s the work Christmas party in a few weeks and I want to look my best. What would you recommend as a quick fix to make me look fresh, glowing and ready to turn heads?

It’s not just your face that needs to be hot to trot for New Year. How about giving your feet a treat? After 12 months of squeezing them into the latest must-have designer heels they’ll need some TLC.

C Shaw, Durham

More and more people are turning to botox injections in their feet to numb the pain which is felt due to muscles on the bottom of the feet going into spasm after prolonged periods of time wearing heels. Botox is injected into these muscles on the bottom of the foot, stopping the muscle spasm, which subsequently numbs foot pain.

A. The work party is the one time of the year you get to let your hair down, and why not look great doing so? If a year’s hard graft has left your skin looking tired, dull and congested then here’s my solutions.

A number of celebrities are rumoured to already have had this treatment, however despite the pain being numbed, damage is still being done to the foot and the school is still out on the risks versus the benefits of this procedure.

My suggestion for a quick fix is the IS Clinical fire and ice facial. Used by the likes of both Halle Berry and Gwyneth Paltrow, this red carpet miracle was voted celebrity facial of the year by InStyle magazine. It is a medical grade treatment which lies between that of a facial and a peel leaving patients with no down time and dramatic results. The non-invasive procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes and can only be performed by a medical professional

H AVE A Q U EST I O N FO R DR B EAU T I FUL?

The ‘fire’ part of the facial is 18% glycolic, with vitamins mixed with a medley of botanical extracts, so it smells really nice.

EMA IL YOUR QUERY TO D RBEA UTIFUL @ L A D IDA .CO. U K A ND D R E S HO WILL D O HIS B EST TO R EPLY.

The skin is neutralized and then the ‘ice’ substance is applied. It contains peppermint to cool the effects of the ‘fire’ and hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and green tea extract all of which act to add moisture and promote skin healing. The result? Skin looks brighter, feels tighter and fine lines are improved in several cases and, unlike some facials which may just improve the look of the skin, this system actually changes the skin at cellular level i.e. having long term anti-ageing effects.

D R ESHO R UN S L E BEA U IDE AL , WHI C H O F F E RS LUXURY A ESTHETIC S IN SAT E L L I T E C L I NI C S I N JESMON D A N D G OSFORTH IN NE WC A S T L E , L E E D S A N D HA R LEY S T RE E T.

It will make you look and feel like an A-Lister. Cost : £120 Yours,

FOR FULL LISTIN G S VISIT WWW. L E B E AU I D E AL . CO. U K

Dr Beautiful xxx winter

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Society

insider. The

PHOTOGRAPHY IDENE ROOZBAYANI WWW.IDENE.CO.UK MAKE UP MARIE AT ND MAKE UP ARTISTS TEL: 07766 014 823 WWW.NDMAKEUPARTISTS.CO.UK

V I VA L A S V E G A S IT ’S B E E N ANOTHER WH IRLWIND OF PARTIES, PAMPE R ING A N D SHOP P ING FOR OUR GIRL ON TH E INSID E. H E L E N S TO R EY ; S O C IALITE , FITNESS TRAINER AND MOD EL SHARES H ER S ECR ETS . winter

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Society

nd I in V a a e r d n A r e t is My s

egas

Back home, I went to the Cruise Autumn/ Winter fashion show in Newcastle where I bumped into my old friend Dan Devine. He told me all about a new and exciting menswear range he has been working on with rugby player Jonny Wilkinson. I can’t wait to see it. In between the glasses of fizz, I also watched my gorgeous co-worker Jak strut his stuff on stage which was good fun.

I can’t believe Christmas is nearly here. I’ve already stocked up on a few pressies though. I popped down to London with my sister to go to the Spirit of Christmas fair at Olympia. It was wonderful to shop and have all these amazing brands under one roof.

T was Viva Las Vegas this autumn when I headed to Sin City to celebrate my sister Andrea’s birthday. We had so much fun, partying, shopping and sightseeing. We went to a great burlesque show called Absinthe at Caesar’s Palace.

It was a sexy acrobatic show and absolutely amazing. If you’re off to Vegas for New Year you must go and see it! As you know, I love to shop and Vegas was a dream. I discovered my favourite underwear and gym store,Victoria’s Secret, and the girls and I had a ball stocking up on some new undies.

My dear friend Sam Morris and I braved the cold to attend a Newcastle United match which was great fun.

Shopping is hard work so we stopped off at a fab Asian restaurant called E&O in Notting Hill to recoup.

Sam recently got married to Michael Morris, a partner at UNW chartered accountants in Newcastle. The wedding was beautiful and we had a great time on Sam’s hen do.

It was also my birthday recently so I headed to Malmaison in Newcastle with my boss Cath from Speedflex Jesmond and television presenter Ben Shephard.

Till next time,

In fact, we bought so much stock that we had to sign a disclaimer as the shop girls thought we might be opening up a Victoria’s Secret store back in Newcastle. I also discovered my new favourite perfume, Creed Virgin Island Water, which has notes of lime, mandarin orange, bergamot and copra, it smells divine. A trip to Vegas is never complete without a trip around the Grand Canyon in a helicopter. Good job, I’ve got a head for heights.

sister f or y m h it w p u d G lamme at ion bal l d n u o f ’s r e r a e h Alan S at t he H ilt on

The champagne was flowing all night and I didn’t get home till 4.30am. It was a fantastic night - even if I did have to get on a train to London with a hangover.

Helen xx I loved seeing Marco Pierre White when he came up to visit his Newcastle restaurant. So many people turned up to meet him and have their photograph taken with the famously fiery chef. He’s a pussycat really! I attended a fabulous party for Founder’s Day at Close House Hotel where I danced the night away with old friends. I chatted with golfer Lee Westwood, who is always lovely and businessman Barry Moat. Comedian Alistair McGowan was hilarious. I always love trying out new restaurants and it was great to pop along to the launch of Peace & Loaf in Jesmond. Everyone loves Bob Sachin, who owns it, he’s such a nice guy.

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C hatt ing wit h Bar r y Moat

Me and Lee West w o od

Northern

Lasses

Lia wore Tartan Vivienne Westwood Jacket £495, Skirt £235 Fenwick, Bag Mulberry Lily Emerald £750 Fenwick April wore Joseph Leather Dress Taupe £385 Fenwick, Shoes LK Bennett £195 Fenwick Gaynor wore a DVF sweater dress Fenwick £350, with embossed Vivienne Westwood tartan clutch Fenwick £400 winter

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Fashion

Lia wears Tartan Vivienne Westwood Jacket £495, Skirt £235 Fenwick

Gaynor wore a DVF sweater dress £350 Fenwick

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Fashion

Lia wears Vivienne Westwood Three Quarter Shaman Glittery Dress Cruise £359.00

Gaynor wears DVF Diane Von Furstenberg Ivina Bugle Bead Border Dress £558.00 Cruise

Mens Styling April wore Paul Smith Black and Gold Dress Fenwick £299, Shoes LK Bennett Fenwick £195

Anthony wore Dolce and Gabbana Martini Peaked 3 Piece Grey Suit Cruise £1,563.00, Dolce and Gabbana Gold Fit Long Sleeved White Shirt Cruise £200, Dolce and Gabbana Jacquard Martini Black Silk Tie Cruise £117.00. Chris wore Dolce and Gabbana Sicilia Tuxedo Jacket Cruise £1,073.00, Dolce and Gabbana Bib Front Tuxedo Shirt Cruise £270.00, Dolce and Gabbana Pleated Formal Trousers Cruise £245.00. Fabian wore Dolce & Gabbana Evening Jacket Cruise £665.00, Boss Black Classic Bow Tie Cruise £45.00, Dolce and Gabbana Gold Fit Long Sleeved White Shirt £200.00, Dolce and Gabbana Pleated Formal Trousers Cruise £245.00.

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Fashion

Lia wears Alexander McQueen Glory and Pencil Dress Cruise £795.00 April wears Diane Von Furstenberg Dayton Leather Pannelled Vivid and Dress Cruise £472.00 Gaynor wears Diane Von Furstenberg Ivina Bugle Bead Border Dress Cruise £558.00 Shoes LK Bennett Fenwick £195

PHOTOGRAPHY JADE PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.JADEPHOTOGRAPHY-ONLINE.COM MODELS APRIL, GAYNOR, LIA MODELS SUPPLIED BY MODELS BY ANNETTE WWW.MODELSBYANNETTE.CO.UK TEL: 0191 370 9960 STOCKISTS CRUISE, 15-17 PRINCESS SQUARE, NEWCASTLE WWW.CRUISEFASHION.CO.UK. TEL: 0191 260 2601. FENWICK, 39 NORTHUMBERLAND STREET, NEWCASTLE. TEL: 0191 232 5100 MALE MODELS CHRIS, FABIAN, ANTHONY MALE MODELS SUPPLIED BY TYNE TEES MODELS. WWW.TYNETEESMODELS.CO.UK MAKE UP JO LEVERSUCH WWW.MAKEUPBYJO.CO.UK TEL: 07815 835 211

Gaynor wore Fred and Ginger Lingerie

HAIR JAMES REID WWW.BEPREMIEREHAIR.CO.UK TEL: 01325 483 333

Fred & Ginger’s Tropical Paradise, Bra £120, Suspenders £75, Silk & Chiffon bow back knickers £75, Lingerie by Annette

STYLING LINDA JANE WESTPHAL, RIO BEADIE, LIZ LAMB winter

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The scent of a man SMELLING GOOD IS ESSENTIAL TO THE MODERN GENT. GROOMING EDITOR ALOK LOOMBA REVIEWS THE BEST FRAGRANCES ON THE MARKET... Men’s Fragrance has become much more exciting in recent years. The market is booming. The basic brands and bog standard scents of the past have been replaced with much more appealing and exotic options for the modern Gent. The way men wear fragrance has changed drastically. Gone are the days of splashing on some Davidoff Cool Water before going out on the pull on a Saturday night… Men now wear different scents dependant on the time of day, the occasion or the event.

Need I say anymore other than those two words... The men’s fragrances that come from this fashion house are truly superb. From the exquisite and unusual scents to the strong packaging, a bottle of Tom Ford makes for a wonderful gift.

There are so many options for the Modern Man. Here are some of my top tips and favourites.

Two of my favourites are Grey Vetiver with its salty Vetiver notes and citrus accents as well as the delightful Noir with its deep spicy Arabic scent. If you are feeling truly flush you may want to hit the Tom Ford Private Blend Collection which adds that extra touch of luxury and bespoke quality to your scent.

HERMES - TERRE HERMES

ACQUA DI PARMA

This is absolutely one of my favourite fragrances for the office. Its woody and mineral tones are masculine yet it’s not too heavy for the office. It works beautifully in any season.

This fragrance house represents the very essence of Italian Style. There is something very elegant about their scents. Most of their fragrances are marketed as unisex.

COMME DES GARCONS WONDERWOOD

My favourites are Colonia which has very Citrus and Floral Top notes and is rounded off with woody base notes. It works beautifully for the office.

As the name suggests this is a woody delight.

ILLUSTRATION BY RACHEL SMITH

TOM FORD

Its base notes of sandalwood, bergamot, cedar wood and nutmeg make it a very appealing day time scent. I just love this.

When the office is done and you are ready to party, I would thoroughly recommend splashing on some Colonia Intensia which is actually one of the only fragrances from Acqua that is marketed only to men.

It’s also very rare to find someone that wears this, which I always think is a bonus when it comes to fragrance.

It’s a perfect balance of tradition and modernity and as the name suggests its quite intense but that is really the beauty of it.

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Beauty

WA N T TO DA ZZLE O N T H E DA N C E F LO O R THIS C H R I ST M A S? JO L E V E R S U C H S HOW S YOU H OW TO ACHIE VE T H E P E R F E C T CHR IS TMA S PA RT Y LO O K .

Eyes

Lips

Start off by applying the medium shade of the eyeshadow with a medium size brush. Starting from the outside, work towards the inner part of the eye. Just keep applying the same colour until you achieve the depth you require.

2. Then use black eyeliner on the top and bottom of

the eyes and smudge with the eyeshadow to create a beautiful smokey smudge effect on the eyes.

3. To create an uber glamorous look apply the gold

eyeshadow on the centre of the eyelid and in the inner part of the eye.

In a zig zag motion apply lashings of black mascara on the top and bottom lashes.

Start by prepping lips and make sure they are moisturised before applying lipstick.

2. Use a lip liner all over the lips to act as a base 3. Apply lipstick with a lip brush and start from the middle part of the lips and work outwards.

4. Blot the lips with a tissue by pressing the tissue

against the lips and apply a second coat of lipstick.

5. Finally add some gloss to the lips to add a final

touch of glamour. Ta dah! You look AMAZING!

Products: By Terry lipstick in Fanatic Red, Lucas Paw Paw Ointment – Lip Balm

Products: Full Fat mascara in black, Rock N Roll eyeliner in black, The Dolce Vita eyeshadow palette, all Charlotte Tilbury

Cheeks 1.

Now use a highlighter on the top of the cheekbones, bridge of nose and top of the cupid bow of your lips to enhance a subtle glow for the evening.

MOSCHINO CHEAP AND CHIC DRESS £395, VALERIE HALO HANDBAG BY ANYA HINDMARCH £350, INGENIOUS BRACELET £54, BOTH FROM ELAN, GRANGE ROAD, DARLINGTON,

2. In the hollow part of the cheeks apply blusher in a

PHOTOGRAPHER GASP PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.GASPPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

3. To create “killer cheekbones” apply bronzer to the

HAIR JAMES REID OF HAIR BY JAMES REID

Products: Filmstar Bronze and Glow by Charlotte Tilbury

MODEL KATHERINE LEES

circular motion to the cheeks.

hollow of the cheeks and make sure the bronzer is blended.

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MAKE-UP JO LEVERSUCH OF MAKE-UP BY JO MAKEUPBYJO.CO.UK

Fashion

ALESSIA (LEFT) WEARS BLACK PEPLUM SHEER SLEEVE DRESS £328.99 NATALIE (RIGHT) WEARS SASS EMBELLISHED ONE SHOULDER DRESS £273.99, BOTH PSYCHE winter

2013

Fashion CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: NATALIE WEARS PINK STRAPLESS DRESS BY BERNSHAW £328.99 AT PSYCHE AND BLACK LEATHER HEELS £279 DVF AT ELAN. PATENT COURTS £108.99 TED BAKER AND SUEDE SHOES WITH STUDDED DETAIL £168.99, BOTH PSYCHE ALESSIA (BELOW) WEARS BLUE LACE DRESS BY DVF £279 AND SILVER GLITTER CLUTCH, ANYA HINDMARCH £350, BOTH ELAN.

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Fashion NATALIE (OPPOSITE) WEARS LONG RED EVENING DRESS £248.99 PSYCHE ALESSIA (LEFT) WEARS LONG BLACK BACKLESS LACE DRESS £108.99 PSYCHE NATALIE (BELOW) WEARS LONG BLACK EVENING DRESS WITH EMBELLISHED MESH TOP £548.99 PSYCHE

FASHION EDITOR LIZ LAMB PHOTOGRAPHY GASP PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.GASPPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK MODELS NATALIE MALHOTRA AND ALESSIA HODGSON. BOTH AT TYNE TEES MODELS WWW.TYNETEESMODELS.CO.UK MAKE UP JULIE ANN PATTISON WWW.JA-MAKEUP.CO.UK HAIR ANGELA LOWERY & LUCI WILKINSON AT Y SALON, ELDON GARDENS, NEWCASTLE WWW.YSALON.CO.UK LOCATION THE THRILL ROOM, ROX, NORTHUMBERLAND STREET, NEWCASTLE WWW.ROX.CO.UK STOCKISTS PSYCHE, LINTHORPE ROAD, MIDDLESBROUGH WWW.PSYCHE.CO.UK AND ELAN, GRANGE ROAD, DARLINGTON. THANKS TO THE SANDMAN HOTEL IN NEWCASTLE WWW.SANDMANSIGNAGTURE.CO.UK winter

2013

Fashion

FORGET AGENT P ROVOCATEUR A N D COCO D E M ER THIS CH RISTM A S F OR LUXURIOUS LINGERIE. IT ’S ALL ABOUT FANTASTIC F R ILLIES MA DE IN TH E QUIET CATH ED RAL STREETS OF DU R H A M. LA D I DA HAS THE SCOOP ON TH E R EGION ’ S P OSH KNICKERS… WORDS LINDA JANE WESTPHAL PHOTOGRAPHS JADE PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.JADEPHOTOGRAPHY-ONLINE.COM

She’s been requested by Tom Ford and the fashion glitterati and now she’s dressing the most celebrated bottom in the world, Kim Kardashian for the Harper’s Bazaar cover. More than enough to keep the queen of uber feminine North East Lingerie company Tallulah Love busy one would think. But in between this frantic workload, Lingerie entrepreneur Michelle Taylor has somehow found the time to support the region she adores by teaming up with upmarket Durham stockist Lingerie By Annette to launch a new range, Northern Soul, which is deliberately made in Durham. “It’s a fun collaboration and embraces our love for beautiful fabrics, gorgeous bottoms and the North East. Annette and I are both very passionate about the area and wanted to work on something together,” says Michelle. The gorgeous range will be made up of predominantly cute and quirky knickers with ‘a whole lot of Northern soul thrown in’ and is designed to be a celebration of what’s fabulous about the North East. Michelle’s partner is Durham based Annette Keelty who stocks her own unique collection by the finest lingerie designers in the UK, including Tallulah Love. Designs range from vintage to

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high fashion. Annette does private fittings where you can try the complete range with a glass of fizz on hand either on your own or with a partner or girlfriend or you can buy online. She will stock Northern Soul along with fellow Durham retailer Sorella. “We have plans to produce much more in the future, but we so wanted to get something gorgeous to make everyone have a touch of Northern Soul this Christmas,” says Annette. “The knickers are a little touch of luxury but cute too. We have listened to our clients and designed what they have asked us for. Silk, lace, stunning details at an affordable price, made here in County Durham.

The range includes Cheeky Peach, Heart & Soul and the Firecracker which are all available in size S 8/10. M 12 & L 14/16. Northern Soul is currently in production as La Di Da goes to press and will be ready by Christmas. It comes in a silver heart gift tin so ideal for a fabulous luxe stocking filler. Tallulah Love will still remain very much Michelle’s main focus with plans for major investment on the horizon as she heads into 2014 but she and Annette still found the time to bring the streets of Durham to a halt with a lingerie flashmob to launch the range in their trademark tongue in cheek style.

The Northern Soul flashmob brought the streets of Durham to a halt

NORTHERN SOUL TOTALLY SUMS UP OUR LOVE, COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION TO THE NORTH AND THE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE HERE.

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intumetrocentre.co.uk

See it. Want it. Buy it. With 340 stores and hundreds of brands, you’ll find whatever you’re looking for at intu Metrocentre. That’s Christmas wrapped up. Dresses from left to right: Ted Baker @ Tucci, Dorothy Perkins, Forever Unique @ Van Mildert, Michael Kors @ Tessuti Woman, Coast winter

2013

Dresses clockwise from top right: New Look, Collection 8 @ Phase Eight, House of Fraser

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WIN a £100 Gift Card To help you look like the Belle of the Ball we’ve a fantastic competition for you. For your chance to win a £100 Gift Card and a 2hr session with a member of the intu Metrocentre Style Team simply tell us what intu Metrocentre’s weekday opening hours are on the run up to Christmas. To enter visit intumetrocentre.co.uk/ladida

WH AT D O YO U G IVE THE MAN O R WOM AN WH O H AS EVERY T H I N G? TA K E A LO O K AT LA DI DA’S PIC K O F UBER LUXE GIFTS, T H EY ’ R E SI M P LY DA HLING . . .

ROX Entwine Diamond Earrings £3495

M O E T A ND C H A NDON £ 3 7 H O U S E OF FR ASER

M I C H AEL KORS NAIL LAQ UER £ 1 5 E AC H

R ADLE Y LARG E M AT INE E P U R SE £69

ROX S AP P H IR E DI A M O ND RI NG £9950

C L E M E N TS R I B E I RO CO L L A R £230

TO M F ORD 4 LIP CO LO UR S ET £144

E S TE E LA U D ER M ODE R N MU S E £115

D RE Y FU SS & CO LA D I E S WATCH £1250

N I CO LE FAR H I P I NK S I L K TO P £175

B ALE N C IAGA PARIS £ 4 6 S E L FRI D G ES

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The Luxe Gift Guide

ge va lk a S si na oy i b u Sa h B f O ar sc 50 £2

TALLULU A H LOVE LA B E L L E VE RT SI LK BRA £90.00 WWW.TALLULAHLOVE. COM

G O L D C UF F £ 2 1 0 BOTTIC A. CO M

TALLULU A H LOVE LA B E L L E VE RT SI LK SUSPE NDE R £50.00 WWW.TALLULAHLOVE. COM M I C H A EL KORS G LAM CO L LEC TIO N FROM £ 1 5

AVAI LAB LE AT BOTTI C A . CO M

TALLULU A H LOVE LA B E L L E VE RT KN I CKE R £45.00 WWW.TALLULAHLOVE. COM

H U N TER WELLIES £ 8 5 HO US E O F FRA SER

LULU G U IN N ESS BLAC K & W H ITE PUR SE £170

HO BBS TAL IA JU M P E R £ 8 9

DU B AR RY G A LWAY I N WA L NU T £ 2 9 9 AVA I L A BL E AT WWW.ANDERSONSOFDURHAM.COM

M O LTON BROWN F RANKINC ENS E & A LLS PIC E TRIO £ 7 2

MARC JACO BS DOT £ 39 JOH N LEWI S

CHANEL LA VERNIS ROUGE RUBIS NAIL POLISH £18 FENWICK winter

L K B E N N E T T RO S A M U ND BAG I N S NO RK E L BLU E £ 4 5 0 FENWICK

2013

B ABYL ISS C URL S EC RET £ 1 2 0

The Luxe Gift Guide

Charles Heidsieck Champagne Trunk £11,995

V IV IE NNE W ESTWO O D TARTAN B ACKPACK £285

N I CO L E FA RHI JE R S E Y COAT £850

TOM F ORD AT FEN W ICK MIN I P R IVATE B L E N D COL L E CT I O N £ 2 2 0

J O S E P H C H E AN E Y W & S O N S S COT T FU R L I NE D BO OTS £ 3 5 0

CO LDL IL L IES G ILD ED C UF F LINKS £105

GA DG E TS COU RTE S Y O F M A X WE L L’ S O F NO RT H A L L E RTO N 130-131 High Street, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8PQ www.maxwellselectrical.co.uk shop@maxwellselectrical.co.uk 01609 773 535

BO SE S O U ND L I NK M I NI £ 1 6 9 . 9 5

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B O S E Q C2 0 I NO I S E C ANC ELLING HE A D P HO NE S £ 2 5 9 .9 5

The Luxe Gift Guide

PAU L CO S T E L LO E C A S HM E RE JUMPER £100

B AR BOUR D UNKELD FAIRIS LE G LOVES £ 1 9 .9 9 PS YC HE M I D D LES BRO UG H

ALICE TEMPERLEY LEA F B AC KGAMMON B OAR D £21 0 0 WWW.ALE X ANDRALLDE S IGN . COM

PAUL SMITH BLACK I N TE R IOR EMB OSSED MULT I STR IP E WAL LE T £118.99 PSYC H E MID DLESBROUGH DE N I S O N B O S TO N S P Y D E R C U FFL I NK S £5 9 .0 0 AVAILABLE AT WOVEN W W W. V M C LOT HI NG . CO. U K

M E RC E DGE WO O D C RAVAT £35.00 AVAIL A BL E AT WOV E N W W W. VMC LOTHI NG . CO. U K DE N I S O N B O S TO N S P Y D E R T I E P I N £ 3 9 . 00 AVAILABLE AT WOVEN W W W. V M CLOT HI NG . CO. U K DE NI SON BO STO N ENA ME L CO L LAR STAYS £25.00 AVAILABLE AT WOVEN WWW.V MCLOT HING.CO. U K

CH WA RD WORLDT IME R MU LTIZON E WATCH £1575

W I L D SM I T H TR A FA LG A R OX FO RD £ 3 9 5 W W W. W I L D S M I T HS . CO M

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DR E Y FUSS & CO G ENTS PO C KET WATCH £ 7 9 5

The Luxe Gift Guide

Luxe Little Ones

R ALPH LA U REN BEAG L E K N IT £85

M&S t Santa ndar Gianent Cale Adv £95

M AK I E L A B 3 D D OLL £ P OA S E L F R ID G ES

H O U S E OF FRA S ER PAPER A E RO P LANE KIT £ 8

WA L K E RS S H ORTBRE A D £ 8

DE B E N H AM S M I NI G U I TA R A M P £16

J AS PE R CO N RA N FUR T R IMME D PAR KA £50

DE B E NH A M S M INI D RUM KIT £ 1 8

H UNTE R W E LLIES £25

D E BE N HA M S AN IM A L P RI NT ON E SIE £33 winter

DE B E N H AM S WO O D E N A NI M A L M U S I C A L I NS T RU M E NTS £ 1 7 . 5 0

2013

DE B E NH A M S S AFARI S O F T TOYS F RO M £1 0

The Luxe Gift Guide

Posh Pooches er er ak eath B L d r Te tent rrie a a P gC Do 9 8.9 8 1 £

LOVE MY D OG M ITSY COL L E C TION £85

LOVE MY D OG T HORNBY TW E E D COAT A N D H AT £85 W W W.LOV E MYDOG. CO. U K

H OUSE OF FRA SER D OG C H R ISTMAS TR E E O R N AM E NT £38.99

AVA I L A B L E AT P S YC HE , M I D D L E S BRO U G H

FU R RY N E C K S CO L L A RS £ 3 2 . 9 9

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B AR B O U R U NI S EX O LIVE WAX D O G COAT £ 3 8 . 9 9 P S YC HE , M ID D LES BRO UG H

The devil is in the detail

LEVERSUCH

PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP ARTIST www.makeupbyjo.co.uk • winter jo@makeupbyjo.co.uk • 07815 835211 2013

the gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to luxe london

is proud to present

G E N T L E M A N â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S G U I D E TO

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the gentleman’s guide to luxe london

P H OTO G R A P H Y

B Y

DAV I D

R E Y N O L D S

F E E L I N G M O R E U R B A N DA N D Y T H A N C O U N T RY G E N T ? T RY G E N T L E M A N ’ S E D I T O R A N D R E W S M I T H ’ S I N S I D E R G U I D E T O L A D I DA L O N D O N . . . London is a city built on trade, its growth and status are perpetuated by its ability to pull people from all over the world, creating a sprawling metropolis where history sits cheek by jowl with the brash, the modern and the rather beautiful. Undoubtedly La Di Da, the real London is about quality rather than ostentation. In the Gentleman’s guide we showcase people, products and places that are the progeny or property of people who love what they do and want you to share in their passion. It’s a common theme in everyone we met, and it only adds to the joy and gentility of the experience. Stay We chose Hotel Indigo Kensington. Think quirky opulence and fantastic people. The former is evident from the bold colours, regency and Victorian references scattered throughout the hotel, its plush fittings and furnishings as well as the quirky attention to detail. The latter is its key asset, everyone is friendly and inviting, from the moment you cross the threshold to when you leave, the staff are unobtrusive but at hand to address any whim. The hotel is managed by Lord Vincent and his team of lords and ladies. It is tongue in cheek but the service is exemplary. Rooms are luxurious and shielded from the usual hub of London traffic. David, our photographer or my batman as I like to think of him, is delighted to be given the 007 room. The beds have mattresses so thick that we’re tempted to order peas from the kitchen to test it, the room contains all the latest boys toys and the bathroom is opulent with thick sumptuous cotton towels and must steal toiletries.

Drink Shortly after our arrival, we find ourselves in the Hotel Indigo bar which is the domain of molecular cocktail impresario Mr Magic (that’s Maciej to his mum). It’s a well stocked affair with an array of speak easy tables, bowler hat lights and a view over the park. There is a good selection of beers (Curiosity, Kernel varieties in the fridge) but the focus is on cocktails

W W II N N TT EE R R

with an impressive array of alcohol and accoutrements. We drank Sazerac - simple in the making but complex on the palate - there’s nowhere to hide here. Absinthe is poured over ice in a glass and topped up with a little water until the glass is cool. It’s then promptly cast aside and a freshly muddled blend of cognac is decanted into the absinthe coated tumbler before some lemon peel is cut and rubbed around the edge. It’s pure spirit, but smooth subtle and light in flavour, changing as the glass warms. It gives little of the warmth or burn you anticipate from brandy and bourbon yet is satisfying, the absinthe rounds it off providing a melon aroma as you sip it. Try it, you will order a second.

Eat Our favourite must try places include The Riding House Café in Great Titchfield Street for a place that oozes style and super flavoursome food, try the legendary Belly Pork. The Gents Afternoon Tea at the Sanctum Soho, Warwick Street offers a rock ‘n’ roll take on sophisticated dining for the modern gent with roof terrace and hot tub for the post prandial Jack Daniels and Cigar. Wall to wall celebs and rock legends abound. And do try the Maroush Bakehouse which is renowned for its amazing Lebanese cuisine. The food is fantastic and something you don’t get in the north.

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the gentleman’s guide to luxe london

Grooming If you’re feeling jaded after a heavy night of fine dining and drinking, head over to the eponymous Bourdon House, Home of British luxury brand Alfred Dunhill. Bourdon was formerly the London residence of the Duke of Westminster and is suitably majestic. With a luxury spa among the services it offers, it’s a great place to revive yourself and relax for a few hours. We enjoyed Bloody Marys and the deluxe shave before heading out suitably refreshed for a morning’s shopping at Savile Row.

Style Savile Row abounds with some of the world’s finest tailors. My favourite is Cad and The Dandy.

shows. With over 4000 wines and spirits, including their own ranges, I could not do them justice other than to say that if it is of merit and contains alcohol, it’s likely they will stock it. The staff will provide erudite offerings matched to what suits your tastes and the occasion. I can recommend a cellar plan, perfect for building a wine collection either for an investment or for future drinking. A personal cellar manager will be assigned to you, to help you manage your selection. They can be laid, in bond, for you in their extensive cellars which means you always have a selection ready for delivery when you desire. Also try the Yamazaki whiskey, it’s 18 years old and smooth and easy to drink. Slight butterscotch and a hint of rum come through with a zesty fruity finish, perfect for winter, ideal to have with a nice cigar.

Cigars Jermyn Street should be on every Gentleman’s itinerary and while you’re here pop into Davidoff. Owned by the famous Edward and Eddie Shahakian, stock up on all your favourites and try something new under their expert guidance. We also enjoyed an educational and highly enjoyable evening at No 10 Manchester Place’s cigar terrace with walk in humidor. This stylish boutique hotel just around the corner from Bond Street does great food and drink but is renowned for its cigar terrace and cigar masterclasses.

Take

home

Before heading for the train, take some time out to pick up some treats from the city’s famous Borough market in south London, leave richer of mind and soul carrying a myriad of goodies. Particular highlights include Taste Croatia, a small shop dedicated to everything Croatian – run by the brilliant Chris and his wife – keen exponents of the excellent produce of the Istria region. Buy pumpkin seed oil – beautiful by itself and great on Vanilla Ice cream. Then head over to Neil’s Yard in Park Street and pick up some Quince Cheese, an underrated addition to any cheeseboard, rightly making a comeback, or try Coolea, rich sweet butterscotch, slightly nutty or Colton Basset Stilton, simply the best around.

Buy

Approachable and friendly, a fitting here is very far from the stuffy experience some tailors offer. Their suits ooze quality with a fantastic array of cloths to choose from. They specialise in a modern British cut using age old hand tailoring techniques. They combine quality, flair and excellent service with real value for money. Go see James Sleater, he has charisma and expertise in equal abundance. C&TD has just bought Wildsmith, the second oldest shoemaker in London, so can offer a complete wardrobe including shirts and shoes.

Stop off at Floris, opened in 1720 and the UK’s oldest retailer of toiletries. Try No.89, the parfum of choice for Mr Fleming’s James Bond, a complicated scent of sandalwood, neroli, lavender, bergamot, vetiver and much more – an archetypal gents scent. Then stop off at Aesop in Borough Market or Liberty’s and try the Moroccan Shaving Serum. A low foaming shaving serum, laced with Neroli, clove, aloe and orange blossom. It comes in a perfect sized bottle for travelling - woody, warm and sophisticated - it smells great.

Buy Tortuga Rum cake and Chateau du Breuil 15 Year Old Calvados, Apple Brandy from the masters, an excellent choice for a winter warmer.

Go To Berry Brothers & Rudd, Wine Merchants of St James. Shopping here is a delight. Step over the threshold of the simple, ancient wood and glass frontage and the feel is akin to stepping into a living museum, with original wooden panelling and ledger tables. The 300 year old floor is delightfully uneven with age giving you a tipsy feel before you have begun which seems fitting. Berry Brothers has two royal warrants and a reputation for excellence which is rightly deserved. They have been serving consistently since 1698 and it

Visit Wright brothers in Stoney Street, suppliers of the finest oysters in London it is rumoured before heading to Vinopolis, which is built on a roman wine store.

Add sausages from Cannon and Cannon Charcuterie and a green and cheesy stick from Baked in Bermondsey and you have a luxurious picnic for the train journey home. Housed in the beautiful Burlington Arcade, is Laduree, a temple to the most beautiful macaroons, the epitome of a genteel sweet. Bright and distinctive, with an array of flavours to suit all tastes – buy a box to share with someone special and a secret one for yourself.

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H E PA RT I E S W I T H PA U L W E L L E R A N D L I A M G A L L A G H E R A N D OW N S T H E C O O L E S T P R I VAT E M E M B E R S C L U B I N L O N D O N . H E TA L K S T O E D I T O R L I N D A J A N E W E S T P H A L A B O U T H I S P L A N S T O T A K E T H E WO R L D B Y S T O R M A N D H I S N O RT H E R N RO O T S …

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Aston Martin check. Harley Davidson check. Friends with some of the biggest names in music check. TV career check. But no one on meeting Mark Fuller would write him off as just another rock ‘n’ roll music mogul.

“ T O DAY

ABOUT

S O C I E T Y. YO U

GO TO A

HOUR

CLUB

B A R A N D T H E N AT 1 2 O C L O C K YO U H AV E T O S T O P T H E F U N A N D S P E N D

One of the shrewdest businessmen in the entertainment world, Mark has been the creator of some of the most iconic venues in the last few decades. Titanic, Sugar Reef, Red Cube, The Embassy at Mayfair, Marquee, Sanctum on the Green, Geales… the list goes on. Each and every one a favoured haunt of top name musicians, stars of stage and screen and A list partying royals.

£ 5 0 G E T T I N G A TA X I H O M E . I F YO U

And he also has roots in both music management and TV. Star of Rock N Roll Hotel, he has just signed singer Katy Waissel’s band Red Velvet with Universal and turns down regular requests to do high profile reality TV shows such as Celebrity Big Brother and I’m a Celebrity.

Today is about a 24 hour society yet no one was really catering for it.You go to a club or bar and then at 12 o’clock you have to stop the fun and spend £50 getting a taxi home. If you want to carry on drinking, shagging, having a cigarette, as the owner of a club, I have to chuck you out. And woe betide anyone doing anything illegal.

We meet at his latest success Sanctum Soho, seen by many as one of the coolest private members clubs in the capital. Paul Weller and Liam Gallagher hang out here and Iron Maiden even have their own beer behind the bar, Trooper. The day we meet there are more than a few familiar faces in the bar who are keen to catch his eye. Of course he would shudder at the term businessman. Entrepreneur would be more fitting for his style of business. The idea of being a suit would be an anathema to a man who is as rock ‘n’ roll as they come. “People dub Sanctum Soho as a rock ‘n’ roll hotel but it’s not.Yes we have big names in the rock industry involved in the business as investors but it’s more of a club for people who want to live their lives like a rock star, who don’t do 9-5, it has a rock ‘n’ roll ethos. Our members and guests are 24 hour people and need a venue that can support that. It’s not a place for suits.” Sanctum Soho is a concept venue and typical of Mark’s ability to channel the zeitgeist. He spotted a gap in the market for a new type of hotel and club and then saw the ideal property in super cool Soho.

WA N T

C A R RY

D R I N K I N G,

S H A G G I N G , H AV I N G A C I G A R E T T E , A S T H E OW N E R O F A C L U B , I H AV E T O C H U C K YO U O U T. A N D WO E B E T I D E A N YO N E D O I N G A N Y T H I N G I L L E G A L .”

“Yet if you book a hotel room, you can do anything you like in the privacy of your room. But go to most hotels and they just don’t cater for 24 hour living. You get back and you can’t get anything to eat, the kitchen’s closed, the party’s over. Someone’s hoovering and service is begrudging.” He was determined to create something unique and different, something that supported the lifestyle he and his friends in the music industry were living. “With Sanctum Soho I wanted to create a fantastic experience. When guests are with us they can get anything they want at any time of the night. They can eat pizza, burgers or cook breakfast, hang out on the roof top bar and smoke, enjoy a party in the Jacuzzi, watch a film in the private cinema and take someone back to the room they may want to share their night or life with.” And few would doubt he’s achieved that. Housed behind a discreet townhouse in uber fashionable Warwick Street, The Sanctum has achingly cool interiors, shades of opulent plum and gold mixed with edgy and beautiful Skull and Crossbones artwork by Dan Gold. Bedrooms are luxurious, meeting every conceivable need, bar that of a trouser press natch. The food is amazing, top quality, freshly sourced ingredients, star chef in the kitchen but still rock ‘n’ roll. The Gents Afternoon Tea is typically Sanctum Soho and includes Poached Oyster and Bloody Mary Relish, Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding and is finished with the choice of three Jack Daniels varieties and cigars on the roof terrace.

“I foresaw a demand for what people wanted and how they wanted to spend their money. There has been a real breakdown in social etiquette.

But the real beauty of Sanctum Soho is the mix of people it attracts. Every night is like the best party you’ll ever go to. Rock stars, musicians, actors and TV stars mixed with entrepreneurs, artists and international glitterati. And this is the key to Mark Fuller’s success, his knack of being a social alchemist.

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“I have always had the ability to throw amazing parties. In the original Embassy club I partied for three days without realising I had a broken leg. We were still partying when the builders came in. Now I rarely drink because I’m host. I watch what I eat, I train every day to give me more energy and I love what I do.” However, demands of his business empire aside, Mark is still far from your typical CEO. The day we meet he is still tender from having new tattoos. On one arm is a fantastic and very rock ‘n’ roll skull with top hat, and on both wrists he has had the names of his children tattooed, Eloise and Max. Of course the irony is that all of his success means he can’t spend as much time at the Sanctum Soho as he likes. Just in the last few weeks he has been to Miami, Dubai, Portugal, New Orleans, Cyprus, Edinburgh and L.A and of course stayed in hotels that are probably inferior to his own. But his travels are all connected to expansion plans for his hotel and restaurant empire as well as his music management career. Expect to see Sanctum global soon. “There is a real international market for the Sanctum Soho concept, hedonistic and quintessentially British,” he says. Closer to home Manchester and Edinburgh and Chester are all cited as possible new Sanctum homes. And Newcastle? No plans as yet but he is keeping an eye on the hotel scene. PA RT S

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“I travel to Newcastle a lot, I have a lot of northern roots, and I think it’s a really fantastic city. Parts of Newcastle are becoming like the West End. And of course, Brian Johnson is from Newcastle (AC/DC) and Andy Taylor (Duran Duran) so we have a lot of links with the place.” And then he is due elsewhere on his dizzying schedule, but not before offering to show us his Aston Martin and Harley Davidson at his London home. He politely runs the gauntlet of people trying to chat and get his attention as we do the photo shoot. With a big TV project on the cards and global domination planned, there’s no chance of the interest in him going away but his feet remain firmly on the ground about his chosen profession. “Essentially I put people to bed and give them food and drink. I’m an overgrown waiter.”

20 W a rw i c k S t L o n d o n W1B 5NF 020 7292 6100 sanctumsoho.com

the gentleman’s guide to luxe london

Choices include dandelion salad, Moorish lamb through to tuna tartare. I spotted some beautiful looking belly pork at another table so that was a done deal – David my vegetarian compatriot opted for spinach and ricotta Gnudi. The belly pork lives up to expectations, the cumin salt comes through balancing the unctuous meat and the crisp crackling – spot on. The Gnudi comes in a little terracotta dish, little crispy balls of herby salty cheesy goodness with Italian breadcrumbs, served in a very light cream. It’s not too rich, nor too sweet with the olive powder balancing it nicely.

WA N T T O K N OW W H E R E T H E G R E AT A N D G O O D H A N G OUT? ANDREW SMITH G I V E S YO U T H E I N S I D E S K I N N Y O N H I S F AV E F O O D A N D D R I N K H AU N T S …

Shortly after we finish our second course arrives, David opted for Spiced Squash Kofte with alloumi and aubergine, I following a mild dilemma discounted both the Duck Confit and Beef Wellington with truffles and opted for the Lobster Lasagne.

SANCTUM SOHO

Sanctum Soho, Warwick Street, Soho The Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea

PULENT, quirky and very rock ‘n’ roll, Sanctum is one of the main hangouts of choice for London’s celebrity glitterati and with good reason. The food is great, the staff attentive and the experience is very luxe. Tea is served in the hotel’s restaurant (No.20). Within a few minutes, a slate tablet arrives with eight elegantly arranged tidbits – the waiter politely pointing out Dave’s vegetarian courses. Where to start? With the oyster of course! Lightly poached and with spicy sweet bloody Mary sauce hits the spot and perks me up (it’s been a long day), before I tuck into a delicate little bagel of smoked salmon, caviar and watercress - tasty, salty and fresh. Last on the platter is a little toasted sour dough affair with a peppery sliver of steak and some earthy tasting mushrooms – crispy, crunchy, meaty – its all good – my companion David is making appreciative herbivore noises as he polishes off his treats, it would appear we are hungry. It’s a good job really, as the attentive staff quickly swap our slates for one containing hot treats. A ‘proper’ selection of finger food - Yorkshire pudding with rare beef & horseradish, a mini burger and a tiny little hot pot and a crispy looking pastry. The lamb hot pot is superb with rich sweet carrot and rosemary coming through – I could consume a bucket of it. The pastry dish turns out to be filled with tasty rabbit, some salty pancetta and a little leek – its light, crispy and moreish. The tasty burger is rare, served in a little brioche bun, with lettuce and wee bit of mustard. It’s worth commenting on the vegetarian food – its something often overlooked, a bit of a second thought – not here, the chef has taken care to match the dishes as closely as possible. It all looks great and David is waxing lyrical about the Rarebit.

We find our appetites sated – not stuffed, but our hunger has been pleasantly addressed, which is good as some fudge appears on the table – it’s light, sweet but not sickly, but it’s the Jack Daniels ice cream that nails it. We retire to the roof top terrace for cigars and more Jack Daniels, from the JD selection. The roof top terrace is an oasis of calm – even if it has a rack of Peavey amps next to the hot tub. We find ourselves sipping Jack Daniels, puffing away on a cigar and discussing the merits of the Warp and FCom record labels with a member of the Sanctum team, which sums up perfectly the hotel experience, luxe, rock ‘n’ roll and expertly delivered.

The Riding House Café, Great Titchfield street, W1W 7PQ

ESTLED away in Fitzrovia lies a secret, well many actually, but this one is a little special. Described as a modern all day brassiere – we arrive after dark to a vibrant bar and canteen. This is the third restaurant within the Village London group, owned and founded by Adam White and Clive Watson. It offers an extensive menu for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner as well as an impressive and inspired wine list and cocktail menu.

The lasagne is fresh tasting, the sauce is light, the tomato balancing the sweet lobster meat, served with a lobster claw on top. It’s sizeable and goes very well with a salad of mixed leaves and radish. Dave’s kofte is spicy, crisp but moist on the inside – the aubergine is smooth and smokey, he informs me,and the halloumi is first class. I find I am enjoying my third ‘aged Negroni’ and we are both rather sated – much to the horror of our host – who failing to accept of polite declination of a dessert, cunningly deploys a small sharing plate of sugar coated spheres and a glass of chocolate. Please, enjoy, he insists. Frankly – it wasn’t difficult, they are super fresh doughnuts with a rich vanilla custard, the chocolate sauce is frankly divine, greed overtakes and we are soon clashing spoons to get the last morsels before sitting back to relish a moment of bliss (and slight self loathing). Riding House – it’s perfect to relax and enjoy great food, it’s unpretentious and lots of fun, upbeat but intimate. The staff are great, engaged, fun and attentive – we were tempted to go back for brunch.

Bare brick walls, cast iron and concrete pillars support the ceiling in the main room which contains a huge communal dining table, comfy sofas and a huge glorious bar made of creamy white brick tiles. Every aspect appears to be constructed of carefully selected salvage – of the expensive variety. We peruse the menu whilst enjoying a beautiful ‘aged Negroni’, David opts for a draught Samuel Adams along with some beautifully light ciabatta which is served with jalapeno oil and dips. The menu is diverse, with ‘small plates’ for sharing (or not, in my case) that will appeal to all.

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THE RIDING HOUSE CAFE

the gentleman’s guide to luxe london

The process starts with some cleansing creams, followed by a series of hot towels each slightly hotter than the last, so that my skin is not too shocked by the resultant rise in its temperature. Time becomes a little bit of a blur as I am enveloped in scents of sandalwood, hot towels and am massaged to near sleep. Jay proceeds to layer a series of oils, serums and soaps onto my face before beginning to shave. Throughout the experience he keeps me informed of what he is doing, and why. It’s an education. He completes three phases of shaves, one with the grain, one against and one perpendicular each time repeating the hot towels, oils, soaps etc, before we commence cool down again towels graduated by temperature. He finishes the shave with the application of Alum to the face which stings in an invigorating way, waking me up and closing the pores (to keep the London pollution out!) and then applies soothing balms and moisturiser. I turn to my compatriot, David, who, grinning informs me he may just have rediscovered the joy of shaving. Highly recommended! Bourdon House also does dual treatments for couples, women and wedding packages.

G O O D G RO O M I N G I S ESSENTIAL TO ANY U R B A N G E N T. ANDREW SMITH CHECKS INTO LONDON’S F I N E S T E S TA B L I S H M E N T

FTER awaking slightly the worse for wear after too much fine dining remedial action was needed - something to put the polish back into my day, and make me feel top drawer. Luckily for me I knew just the thing... We arrived at Alfred Dunhill’s Mayfair home, Bourdon House, anticipating a Pygmalion transformation. Dunhill have a peerless reputation for delivering understated quality and luxury in everything they do something that is reinforced immediately upon arrival. Bourdon House is a beautifully proportioned Georgian mansion just off Berkeley Square, formerly the residence of the Duke of Westminster, before Dunhill acquired it and converted it into one of their ‘homes’. Through the gated entrance, a pleasing secluded courtyard with a magnificent plane welcomes you,

accompanied by the rich aroma of fresh coffee from the baristas quietly waiting ready to serve you. The house is split over three levels, offering a 12 seater private cinema, a bar, and custom tailors. The building manages to exude the feel of a private club, with exquisitely attired staff to attend your every need yet it is delivered in such a calm and unpretentious way you find yourself listening out for the dulcet tones of Jeeves. The barber shop is the domain of Mr Jay Anaya, an engaging and clearly knowledgeable barber. He greets me warmly, takes a second look and enquires if I would care for a Bloody Mary as a restorative, whilst I have my shave. He explains to me that the actual shave itself is but one small part of the process and the key is the build up, a process which will involve hot towels; cleansing and a facial massage (bring it on!) He starts by considering my skin, enquiring how I normally shave, which products I use before recommending a series of products to use in today’s session, the fragrance is a divine assault of neroli and spice.

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The Home

A lf r e d D u n h i ll

B o u r d o n H o u s e , 2 D av i e s S t r e e t , L o n d o n , W1K 3DJ. E m a i l s pa . b o u r d o n @ d u n h i ll . c o m T e l e p h o n e 0207 853 4440

the gentleman’s guide to luxe london

THEY’RE POSH, THEY’RE CLASSY AND THEY DO A MEAN LINE IN HANDMADE S U I T S W I T H A V E RY B R I T I S H S E N S I B I L I T Y. B U T O N E T H I N G C A D & T H E D A N DY AREN’T ABOUT IS AIRS AND GRACES. GENTLEMAN’S EDITOR AND SELF CONFESSED BESPOKE ADDICT ANDREW S M I T H M E E T S T H E TA I L O R S D E T E R M I N E D TO MAKE HANDMADE ACCESSIBLE

UMBER thirteen may indeed be unlucky for some but it is serving Cad & The Dandy extremely well. The fashionable tailor’s new Savile Row shop is now on the first floor of No.13, above fellow tailor Richard Anderson. But then the latest resident of Savile Row has never been afraid to break with tradition. Even its name, Cad & The Dandy, hints at its tongue in cheek, slightly maverick aesthetic, designed for a client with more than a touch of savoir faire who knows their own style and who isn’t afraid to cut a dash in the finest cloths known to humanity.

The new store feels spacious and airy, with light pouring in from the tall balcony windows, making the most of the many original architectural features. Forget images of stuffy traditional tailors, C&TD cleverly offers the visual theatre of reams of cloth swatches with the ambiance of a fashionable gentleman’s club. Inviting velvet sofas sit in front of the marble fire place, and it’s here that clients can watch the teams of expert tailors at their work, highly skilled craftsmen treating the fine cloths with the reverence that such carefully sourced fabric deserves.

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We meet James Sleater, immaculately attired in a suit of his own creation naturally, urbane and engaging and totally at ease in his new emporium. James is one half of Cad & The Dandy, set up by himself and Ian Meirs in 2008. Their mission, to offer a fresh alternative to the hushed tones bastion of traditionalism that Savile Row can sometimes be known for. Five years on, and with shops in Canary Wharf, The City, and Savile Row, C&TD has numerous illustrious clients including royalty, celebrities and, obviously, given their locations, bankers.

the gentleman’s guide to luxe london

But their ethos remains. One of their best customers is a baggage handler at Heathrow, a fact that causes them immense satisfaction, for while C&TD does a fine line in sober, immaculately cut business wear, it is clearly their love of cloth, style and a refined swagger that provides the raison d’etre for its business model. C&TD celebrates all that is fine in terms of British design and that includes individualism and more than a soupçon of personality.

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B U S I N E S S I S T H E B E L I E F T H AT H I G H E N D B E S P O K E TA I L O R I N G S H O U L D B E A C C E S S I B L E T O A L L”

And now C&TD hope to revolutionise the traditional shoemaking market with the purchase of Wildsmith, the second oldest shoemaker in the country, inventor of the loafer and shoemaker of choice to a litany of royalty and luminaries.

The Cad & The Dandy are one of the newest ‘upstarts’ to open on Savile Row, a street that is steeped in tradition and association with English style. It should, however be noted, that the row, for all its genteel history, has long been associated with ‘upstarts’ from the great William Pitt (younger) who resided here, the (delightfully named) Tommy Nutter who dressed the great 60’s musicians, the Beatles who played their last ever concert on the roof of No. 3, through to the 90’s newbies Boateng and Richard James - the only constant is change as one Heraclitus would say.

The company designed and made the world’s first ever slip-on loafer for King George VI, while its shoes have also been worn by the likes of Winston Churchill, John F Kennedy, Cary Grant and archetypal modern gent David Niven. In a neat twist, Niven was known for his role as Phileas Fogg who resided in No.13 Savile Row so somewhere in the Cad & The Dandy’s quest to reinvigorate a passion for the 3 S’s, there is some rather splendid kismet that ties old and new, heritage and future into a wonderfully stylish package which has the customer firmly at the centre of everything C&TD delivers.

So in a street of constants what does C&TD have to offer that’s different? Well I’d say that it’s the cloth, not just the cut of it but the warp and weft of it that clearly runs through the business. This passion for provenance and quality comes across in the way James’ eyes light up at the mention of Huddersfield – an excitement rarely mustered in a non Yorkshire-man. “You can’t make a good suit without the best cloth, and we make the best in the world”, says James and he is keen to support the British cloth manufacturers, pointing out that “if we lose them they are gone forever.” There are bolts of fine worsted resting on the end of the sofa, and reams of swatch books piled neatly on the shelves – which James expertly delves into like a knowing librarian as he waxes lyrical about the qualities of different clothes and the heritage of British cloth makers, such as Fox of Somerset (est. 1772) makers of fine flannel and inventors of ‘khaki’ and the legendary Dudgale of Huddersfield (the only town in the world whose name adds value to cloth). James is keen to explain his business approach – which is delightfully straightforward and very C&TD. “We aim to be approachable, the price differs on the cloth and we charge up front so we can pay our suppliers straight away – it’s simple, it’s fair and means the customer benefits from the same quality suit for less. It’s high end tailoring without the high end price.

But competitive prices certainly don’t equate to lack of quality. Indeed, The Cad & The Dandy were the first Savile Row tailors to hand weave the cloth and make suits on site, part of the plan to demystify the suit making process and reignite a passion for tailoring.

This customer centric approach, is elegantly epitomised by James’ gentle insistence that we venture forth to a Public House (The Running Horse) that an associate has opened as it does the best pork pie in Mayfair – I concede, then concur as it is clear he can read his customer and knows how to exceed their expectations. “At the heart of our business is the belief that high end bespoke tailoring should be accessible to all,” says James. “Our suits offer a modern British cut, but are made using age old hand tailoring techniques and are delivered with a personal touch. Approachability and accessibility is key to our business.” C&TD offers three grades of tailored suit: machine stitched, half hand-stitched and fully hand-stitched. All of their suits start with pattern creation, done by hand and retained for all future orders. They offer appointments across London and New York from their Savile Row, City and Canary Wharf shops or you can simply reorder online using a state of the art interactive design tool. Hundreds of design permutations and a vast library of fabrics are on offer which can be co-ordinated with stylish linings to create your very own tailored suit. Pricing is very simple – you pay for a suit, and the cost simply varies by the cloth, everything else is included.

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www . c a da n d t h e da n dy . c o . u k

the gentleman’s guide to luxe london

The Big

N O J AU N T T O L O N D O N WO U L D B E C O M P L E T E WITHOUT A VISIT TO O N E O F T H E C A P I TA L’ S FINEST CIGAR TERRACES. A N D R E W S M I T H PAY S HOMAGE TO NO 10

really fine cigar is an experience, and one that should be savoured. Forget huddling in the chill London air with the waifs and strays of the cigarette crowd, a cigar should only be enjoyed in opulent surroundings with a decent drink on the side. Many luxe London hotels have invested in cigar terraces in recent years but for real cigar aficionados though, only one name lingers on the lips. Located in Marylebone, a short stroll from the busy thoroughfares of Bond and Oxford Street, No.Ten Manchester Street offers an oasis of calm and refinement amidst the hubbub of commuter London. An elegant, Edwardian building, No. Ten’s discreet black doors usher you into a world dedicated to the

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reverent worship of only the very finest cigars. The well appointed cigar terrace is understated but very stylish. Indeed, only the London brick walls flag up the fact that you are outside. Paolo, the cigar Semillon, arranges for a waiter to bring us a drink before offering to give us a quick tour as it is our first visit since the Cigar Sampling room was opened in September. The humidor reveals an impressive bank of cigars, housed in the bespoke floor to ceiling Hunters and Frankau humidor, all made of cedar of course. Next to this is the sampling room which has been specifically designed to allow you to sample the cigars before purchasing. It’s a beautiful space, with deep walnut wood and rich

the gentleman’s guide to luxe london

leather, balanced with soft lighting, antique mirrored wall and a fine array of canvasses covering the walls showcasing well known cigar aficionados from Mark Twain to Hitchcock.

GENTLEMAN’S R E C O M M E N DA T I O N S

Paolo asks what cigar I would like to try and on seeing I am undecided, makes a recommendation based upon on my likes, dislikes and my drink.

Davidoff Nicaragua

It’s a H.Upmann – Edicion Limitada 2012. It’s a 50 ring Gauge, grand epicure made from two year old tobacco. The cigar is brought to my table, cut and lit by Paolo before being presented to me to sample. The flavour is beautifully mellow and creamy – it’s full, not full on. Soft creamy, hints of cocoa. No harshness, with hints of leather and smooth, complementing my Negroni nicely.

The first Nicaraguan cigar line by Davidoff only launched this year. The 100% Puro Nicaraguan blend combines a 10-year-old Habano Seed Nicaragua Rosado wrapper in a beautiful colour, with a binder from Jalapa and a filler blend of tobaccos from Esteli, Condega and Ometepe. Very highly regarded in blind taste tests, it’s available in three sizes: Toro (5 1⁄2 inches; 54 RG); Robusto Tubo (5 inches; 50 RG) and Short Corona (3 3⁄4 inches; 46 RG).

Paolo is engaging, knowledgeable and passionate, at one point cutting open a Partagas so we can assess the quality of the Wrapper, the Binder and the Filler – it’s an education and before we know two hours have passed, many whiskey and Negronis have been imbibed and a cigar enjoyed.

H.Upmann Robusto Limited Edition 2012

THE CIGAR KINGS No walk down Jermyn Street is complete without popping into Davidoff. No. Ten is solely focused around the cigar experience – the food, drinks, the downstairs spaces are all designed to enhance the enjoyment of the cigars. It’s refined and relaxing, but also good fun with the terrace full of people enjoying the whole experience. Highly recommended.

No Ten

r e g u l a r ly h o l d s c i g a r

a n d d r i n k pa i r i n g e v e n t s a s w e ll a s l a d i e s o n ly n i g h t s .

N o T e n M a n c h e s t e r P l ac e , London.

A stalwart of St James's for 33 years, it is run by father and son team Edward and Eddie Shahakian, the kings of London's cigar scene. The shop is a cornucopia of cigars and smoking accoutrements ranging from merrshaum pipes, white spot cigar/cigarette cases and dupont lighters.

The Ediciones Limitadas are released every year and are manufactured with carefully selected wrapper, filler and binder tobaccos which have been aged for a period of at least two years. The wrapper for these cigars comes from the top leaves of the Tapado, shade-grown black Cuban tobacco plant, it’s darker than usual. Flavours are sweet oak with some caramel and leather with a little kick of cracked black pepper spice at the back end, creamy and velvety as you get to the end of the first third, becoming bolder as you progress. (5 inches; 50 RG) Available at No. Ten Manchester Street

Hoyo De Monterrey Grand Epicure L.E 2013

What caught our eye on this occasion was the Cigar box slide guitars which are on sale. They are crafted by 'Jeff the Geeman' who makes them from the empty cigar boxes he sources from the store.

2013 Ediciones Limitadas now available, the Hoyo De Monterrey offers flavours of vanilla, wet earth, grass and cocoa bean, moving into creamier, bolder flavours as you move into the second and thirds.

Each one is unique and hand made as a fretless 3 string slide guitar and they sound great, a fact we can personally endorse after an impromptu jam with the charming Eddie (who is really rather good).

Definitely worth a sample.

For a choice of cigars they are second to none, selling the full range of Davidoff, as well as Cohiba, Partagas, Montecristos, Hoyo De Montereys and Bolivas in the 'walk in' Humidor, as well as rare and vintage cigars sourced from Edward's private collection. If you wish to try before you buy, there is of course the Eddie Shahakian cigar lounge in the Bulgari hotel in Knightsbridge.

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Fashion

ON TOUR: CURT (LEFT) COAT BY ALEX, JEANS BY AMERICAN APPAREL, SHOES BY DOC MARTINS KIERAN (CENTRE) WEARS T-SHIRT BY AMERICAN APPAREL, TROUSERS BY ALEX, SHOES BY CREEPERS DANIEL (RIGHT) WEARS COAT BY AMERICAN APPAREL, SHIRT BY TOPMAN, TROUSERS BY PRETTY GREEN, SHOES BY CREEPERS winter

2013

Fashion

BOOKWORM: DANIEL WEARS SUIT BY PRETTY GREEN AND SHIRT BY TOPMAN winter

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the gentleman’s guide to luxe london

SUITS YOU SIR: KIERAN AND DANIEL BOTH WEAR SUITS BY PRETTY GREEN AND SHIRTS BY TOPMAN

LONESTAR: DANIEL WEARS BLAZER BY PRETTY GREEN AND SHIRT BY TOPMAN

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DOWN DAY: DANIEL (LEFT) WEARS COAT BY CHARLOTTE SOWERBY, JEANS BY AMERICAN APPAREL, SHOES BY DR MARTENS, AND KIERAN (RIGHT) WEARS COAT BY AMERICAN APPAREL, SHIRT BY TOPMAN, JEANS BY AMERICAN APPAREL, 2 SHOES 0 1BY DR 3 MARTENS

the gentleman’s guide to luxe london

PHOTOGRAPHY X

BAR CRAWL: DANIEL WEARS JEANS AND SHIRT BY AMERICAN APPAREL, BRACES BY TOPMAN, KEIRAN WEARS FLANNEL SHIRT BY AMERICAN APPAREL, CURT WEARS JUMPER BY AMERICAN APPAREL

PHOTOGRAPHY: MONTANA LOWERY ASSISTANT : JAMES CALLAGHAN STYLING : JUSTIN CUTHBERTSON OF A+C STUDIO ASSISTANT : ERIKA JANAVICUT HAIR : JAMES REED HAIR BY JAMES MAKE-UP: JO LEVERSUCH MAKEUPBYJO.CO.UK MODELS: DANIEL JONES, KIERAN AND CURT @NEVS

PINT SIZE: DANIEL WEARS COAT BY AMERICAN APPAREL AND SHIRT BY TOPMAN

W I N T E R

LOCATIONS: THANKS TO HOXLEY & PORTER, UPPER STREET, ISLINGTON WWW.HOXLEYANDPORTER.CO.UK MAGGS BOS LTD, BERKLEY SQUARE, LONDON W1 WWW.MAGGS.COM SANCTUM SOHO HOTEL, WARWICK STREET, LONDON W1 WWW.SANCTUMSOHO.COM

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Food

C H RI ST M A S SH O U LD B E A B O U T C HAM PAGNE D INNERS, H AUTE CUISINE D INN ER PA RT IES A N D FOO D I E FA B ULO U S NE SS . LA DI DA RECOMM END S…

nosh. Posh

MORE MORE MORE

A SS E M B LY RO O MS, NEWCA ST LE REVIEW: CATHARINE HEWITSON

HEN I flew the nest and moved into my own house, I had grand ideas of hosting fabulous dinner parties every other weekend.You know, like the ones in the movies where the hostess slinks around in a cocktail dress, looking fabulous and mingling with her guests in a completely unflappable, stress-free manner? But every time I have people over to eat chez moi, I completely lose my cool. I burn things that shouldn’t be able to burn and I’ve had more jus-based nightmares than I care to mention.

couriered to your home using a UK-wide delivery service. Everything comes vacuum-sealed and chilled with ice packs, and with ridiculously simple cooking instructions. By the time my guests arrived on the Friday evening I was serene, casually buffing my silverware and deciding which playlist to put on. And my table decor was looking gorgeous.

After just 30 minutes - voilà! - a dish which had my guests oooing and ahhhing. For dessert we had individual apple tarts with lovely flaky pastry then over a selection of Tea Forte brews we played guess the mystery ingredient in the moist and delicately spiced white chocolate blondies (answer: butternut squash). Made completely from scratch and with natural ingredients, the food was free from that synthetic taste you get with pre-prepared ready meals from the supermarket. I also loved the fact that I had minimal washing up afterwards and that I had so much more time to talk with my guests. It’s a great service for those who don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, or who aren’t quite confident enough to deal with the pressure of preparing a meal for guests. It also gives you the option to pass the food off as your own (my poker face leaves a lot to be desired and I blurted out my no-cooking confession during the soup course).

So the idea of restaurant-standard food delivered to my doorstep, courtesy of More More More, really appealed. “It would leave so much more time for applying my lippie and making my table centrepiece look amazing...” I thought. I ordered the meal using More More More’s simple online system on the Monday evening and I chose for my goodies to be delivered four days later (allow at least 48 hours). The food is prepared in the kitchens at the Assembly Rooms in Newcastle, then packaged and

We started with a yummy pea and mint soup which had great depth of flavour. For mains I served up the beef wellington with a flavoursome red wine jus and the recommended pairing of creamy dauphinoise potatoes. Wrapped with Parma ham and mushroom and encased in puff pastry, the Northumberland fillet was outstanding. All I had to do was brush the pastry with egg and stick it in the oven. winter

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My menu combination worked out at just under £20 per head for a 3-course meal plus tea and cakes for four guests, so it’s great value for money especially considering the restaurant quality. I’m definitely up for trying more... more... more....

TAST I N G N OTE S For haute cuisine at home contact www.more-more-more.co.uk

Food

HEADLAM HALL HOTEL

H EAD LAM , CO U NTY DURH AM REVIEW: CATHARINE HEWITSON

UST a short drive away from Darlington and Barnard Castle, Headlam Hall’s 2 AA Rosette-awarded restaurant offers a superb menu featuring top quality locally-sourced produce to be relished in the charming rural setting of lower Teesdale. Before even listing his dishes, Head Chef David Hunter proudly presents the Northern suppliers that provide the ingredients behind his creations, with some of the produce home-grown or raised on the Headlam estate.

For more information on Headlam contact Headlam Hall, Headlam, County Durham DL2 3HA (01325) 730 238 www.headlamhall.co.uk

There is an indoor restaurant room which is more in keeping with the Jacobean manor house, but we dined in The Orangery, whose elegant, tranquil shades of taupe and cream allow its verdant surroundings to take centre stage. We started with a glass of chilled Prosecco and a non-alcoholic cocktail which our waiter concocted especially for my expecting sister, Fiona. The meal kicked off with nibbles of olives, nuts and bread, then a pre-starter of an expertly-seasoned and velvety mushroom soup. Fiona started with pan-fried woodpigeon breast with black pudding, bacon, red cabbage and a honey mustard dressing, and I had the pressed ham and hazelnut terrine with pease pudding and pea-shoots from the specials menu. Next came a refreshing orange sorbet to cleanse our palates, before our mains were presented: Fiona chose the twelve-hour cooked lamb with potatoes, peas, capers, a particularly juicy glazed carrot and braising jus, and reported that she had ‘died and gone to heaven’ as the lamb melted in her mouth. I chose the baked plaice fillets - succulent and meaty -with king oyster mushroom, brown shrimps, sun-blushed tomato crushed new potatoes and a chervil cream, which I would have liked to have seen more of. Sprigs of coriander and translucent discs of tart pickled radish gave the dish a tasty tang. For dessert Fiona chose the dense sticky toffee pudding with roasted hazelnuts, toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream. I chose from the specials menu again: a super-summery strawberry and elderflower soup with vanilla panacotta and shortbread, coupled with a glass of the recommended Sauternes. My bowl was decorated with elderflower sprigs plucked freshly from Headlam’s gardens, giving the dish an additional olfactory loveliness. We loved the attentive, friendly service and the fact that Headlam is so passionate about local produce. To top off the magnificent meal we took a lovely stroll around the pitcturesque country estate, the air heady with the scent of rose and jasmine from the sprawling gardens.

TH E P EACH ROOM REVIEW: CATHARINE HEWITSON

Headlam Hall, a 17th century manor house in the heart of the County Durham countryside, has forty luxe guest bedrooms on its estate, which is surrounded by frolic-friendly meadows and four acres of stunning gardens. La Di Da stayed in the ivy-clad Main Hall; the epitome of a romantic rural retreat, with flagstone floors, taxidermy, antique pieces and cabinets of knick knacks dotted around. When we arrived on a hazy warm evening it was rather like stepping into a romantic period drama, with swallows majestically swooping around the gardens and the scent of roses in the air, but it would be equally as dreamy a spot in the winter - we could so imagine ourselves nursing a Dark& Stormy by a roaring open fire in the cosy piano lounge. We stayed in the Peach Room on the second floor, with picturesque views of both the gravelled courtyard with elegant fountain and the stunning sprawling main lawn edged with the prettiest of blooms: sweet peas, lavender and roses. Rooms have flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities and snuggly robes, and our en-suite

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Headlam has a range of gloriously indulgent rooms

bathroom, looking down onto the main lawn, came with bath goodies from the Thalgo marine skincare range. The Headlam estate boasts an award-winning luxury spa, a nine-hole golf course and a 2 AA Rosette restaurant where we dined on the evening and tucked into a tasty English breakfast the next morning. There are also rooms in the restored coaching houses and mews buildings, and there’s the elegant Lord Gainford premier suite with four-poster bed and cast iron bath tub for the full on manor house experience. Headlam Hall, Headlam, County Durham DL2 3HA (01325) 730 238 www.headlamhall.co.uk

Food

Luxe Hideaway S UM P TO U S SU RRO U NDING S , FIN E WINE A ND F O O D TO D IE FO R , E DITO R LI Z LAM B C H EC K S I N F OR A NIG HT O F LU X U RY AT JE SM ON D DE N E H O U S E H OTE L . Everyone needs a weekend of solace every now and again. A place to unwind after a frantic working week, where you can kick off your shoes, indulge in good food and wash it all down with a crisp, cold glass of white or a whiskey or two. Jesmond Dene House Hotel is just the place to hibernate and feels like a real home from home. Though it resides in the busy suburb of Jesmond, the hotel itself is hidden away in a peaceful, leafy spot in the dene. Tranquil as it is, the designer shops and bars are a mere five minute walk away if you fancy stocking up on a Lulu Guinness handbag or two. Sadly, as I was on a night away with the hubby, I had to forget about the temptations of the shops and settle for a night of romance instead. We arrived on a Friday night and though the hotel was busy thanks to its sell-out jazz night held in the Great Hall, it really felt like we were a world away from anywhere.

After we were shown to a window table we perused the offerings while feasting on tomato and mozzarella bread. The waitress brought over complimentary gazpacho served in tiny tea cups which tasted delicious and was a great way to kick off our meal.

The bathroom was to die for and I would have quite happily banned my man from being allowed in therethough that seemed a tad cruel. After dressing for dinner, we headed to the terrace in the main part of the hotel, which has a fantastic view of the gardens and dene and is a great spot to peoplewatch and sip a drink or two. There are also a couple of lounge areas with extremely comfy sofas where you can reside too if the weather isn’t so grand. Out on the terrace I enjoyed a glass of Kir Imperial-a beautiful blend of Chambord raspberry liqueur and brut champagne (£13.50 per glass) while my husband supped on a glass of Glemorangie nectar d’or (£8), a drink that had been recommended by our waiter, who was extremely knowledgeable about whiskey. Jesmond Dene House boasts an award-winning restaurant so we were eager to try out the menu.

For starters, hubby feasted on squid while I opted for chicken liver parfait, both were perfectly presented and tasted divine. We washed them down with glasses of Stoneburn New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

You can even enjoy a glass of champers, if that’s how you like to start your day and here at La Di Da we never say no to a glass of fizz. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and my husband certainly agrees after a stay at Jesmond Dene House. If you haven’t been yet-put it on your to-do list immediately, you won’t be disappointed.

It was our mains that really impressed. The beef fillet was succulent and tender and tasted divine. The same could be said of the steak, served with heritage potato chips and bearnaise sauce, which my husband proclaimed was probably the best steak he had ever tasted. We declined dessert, though the hotel has plenty on the menu to tempt you. Food is obviously of paramount importance to Jesmond Dene House and the breakfast is just as good. There is everything your heart desires from cooked meals to an array of cheeses, pastries, cereals, fruits and meats.

Our suite was in the new-build part of the hotel, where a certain Ms Cole has stayed I am reliably informed, and was the perfect getaway spot.

TA S TI N G N OTE S Jesmond Dene House Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle, NE2 2EY

A large, comfy bed dominated the bedroom, which was fabulously furnished in hues of browns, greens and purples, which matched the woodland setting.

(0191) 212 3000 jesmonddenehouse.co.uk

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Food

ENJOY THE FINEST FOOD AND DRINK KNOWN TO HUMANITY OR TO LA DI DA ANYWAY. HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS...

MASONS GIN £15.99/£40 WWW.MASONSYORKSHIREGIN.COM

LEWIS & COOPER MR LEWIS LARDER HAMPER £168.95 WWW.LEWISANDCOOPER.CO.UK

LEWIS & COOPER CONNOISSEURS HAMPER £542.95 WWW.LEWISANDCOOPER.CO.UK

CASPIAN CAVIAR PRICES VARY WWW.CASPIANCAVIAR.CO.UK

TOTES ADORE GIN DUO £45 + P&P WWW.TOTESADORE.COM

WHERE Louis Restaurant, 71-73 Osborne Road, Newcastle NE2 2AN (0191) 281 4545 www.louisjesmond.co.uk

DÉCOR Stylish, modern décor

WHAT WE ATE

COST

We sampled the new Christmas menu. We dined on starters of pea & ham broth, peppered salmon and pan fried mackerel.

£20 per person for lunch and £25 for dinner

For main we enjoyed pheasant breast, sweet potato fondant, peas and Choucroute, beef featherblade with parsley mash and carrots and sea bream with root vegetable and mussel sauce. Desserts included homemade Christmas pudding, cherry mousse and a selection of cheeses

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VERDICT Fantastic service from front-of-house staff who greeted us warmly and advised on the menu. Great food in stylish surroundings without breaking the bank.

Drink

CREAM SHERRY Sweet Oloroso is the backbone for ‘serious’ cream sherry. Dark mahogany colour, with a delicious mix of caramel and nut flavours. Probably best chilled, and fun with crème brulée, or walk on the wild side and try it with Bell’s Blue Monday cheese for a taste sensation.

FI RS T A N D F O R E MO S T I S H A L L A DM I NIS TE R A T H OROU G H SPAN K ING TO A N Y B ODY W HO THIN K S T H E A M B E R N E CTAR O F XERE S I S TO B E CO NS IG N E D TO M A I D E N A UN TS AT C H RIST M A S. B AD B OYS A N D G I R L S!

HE country with more acres (sorry, hectares) under vine than any other is awakening. The vast tracts of La Mancha under vine (and we mean vast - think twice the size of all Australia’s vineyards) might be where the bigger retailers choose to go shopping, but Spain’s joy is in its diversity, not anonymity. So, whilst Rioja might be easily the best known (and in some cases, with good reason), the gorgeous whites of Galicia in the North West, or the almost shockingly expressive reds of Priorat in Catalonia deserve every wine enthusiasts attention, but let’s not forget that wonder of wines, which is Sherry. Real sherry comes from Spain - Andalucia to be precise. It’s not all brown and sticky - though some of those which are can be delicious. Fino and Manzanilla might just be the most undervalued white wines in the world - but not from bottles which have been open for a month, and whose contents get served in miserly little schooners, every one of which should be deposited in your nearest bottle bank. Serve Fino well chilled, in wine glasses, and see it off in a day or two (or use a wine preserver). Maybe with a Spanish Omelette, or olives and salted almonds, and all will be right with the world.

ENLIGHTENING DRY SHERRIES For sheer volume of character, La Ina is tough to beat. The well-aged soleras which make this iconic Fino provide body and finesse in an almost impossible harmony. Alternatively, if you prefer the tang of Manzanilla, Barbadillo’s Solear comes in handy half bottles and lifts a proper Caesar Salad to Imperial heights. Once a year, we also get to try ‘en rama’ Manzanilla or Fino - one of the most legendary sherries of them all. Eggs Benedict with asparagus, possibly the one meal where all elements conspire against wine. Chilled Fino Sherry is just perfect.

A COMPLEX ACCIDENT.. Palo Cortado is a very rare variety of Sherry. Iinitially put to age under Flor yeast to become a Fino or Amontillado, but after the inexplicable demise of flor, oxidative development takes over in the lines of Oloroso ageing, and this is where the magic happens. Bright mahogany-coloured, it combines the delicate savory character of Amontillado with the rich vinous qualities of Oloroso. Its alcohol content varies between 17ºand 22º. Palo Cortado is a great apéritif served with olives, nuts, cheese, or foie gras. It can also accompany fowl, red meats, or game.

AMONTILLADO (Amontee-ado) A full and generous wine, this can come as bone-dry or a medium-dry blend of amontillado and P.X. Definitely not just for drinking when nights draw in, its mellow complexity is impressive at any time. Dried fruit and nuts are a civillised combination with a lightly chilled glass. winter

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POSSIBLY THE MOST INTENSE THING YOU WILL EVER PUT IN YOUR MOUTH? Hedonistic, super-rich stickie, the Pedro Ximenez grapes for this unusual Sherry have been dried in the sun to intensify all of those sugars and flavours, then aged to produce what some describe as ‘liquid Christmas Pudding. Rich and full-bodied, this golden brown, viscous Sherry offers abundant aromas and flavors of prunes, raisins, figs, roasted nuts, and exotic spices. Sweet, smooth and luscious on the palate, it’s delicious when sipped or poured over vanilla ice cream.

Drink

OW do you do yours? Do you give it a bit of a shake then go off with a bang and a gush of foam? Take off the foil whilst timidly working the top and hoping for the best? Masterfully and firmly take hold of the cork, easing gently in an anti-clockwise direction, keeping the angle precise and releasing with a sigh? Flamboyantly employ sabrage….. It’s all about the vibration? Whether yours pops spectacularly or makes the discreet sound of a princess breaking wind, Champagne needs to be perfect. As an aperitif it can be delightful, but it is also a fabulous food wine if you get the pairings right. A sparkling wine produced by inducing the in-bottle secondary fermentation of the wine to effect carbonation. Produced exclusively within the Champagne region of France, from which it takes its name, Champagne first gained world recognition because of its association with the anointment of French kings. Royalty from throughout Europe spread the message and so began the association with luxury and power. Contrary to legend and popular belief, Dom Perignon did not invent sparkling wine. The oldest recorded sparkling wine is Blanquette de Limoux. Dom Pérignon was originally charged by his superiors at the Abbey of Hautvillers to get rid of the bubbles since the pressure in the bottles caused many of them to burst in the cellar. As sparkling wine production increased in the early 1700s, cellar workers would have to wear heavy iron mask that resembled a baseball catcher’s mask to prevent injury from spontaneously bursting bottles. Luckily we’ve come on a way since then. Everybody knows the big names, and certainly, they can be utterly beautiful with styles ranging from ‘aperitif ’ to prestige cuvee, but what about some of the less well known? As a consummate professional I have tried as many as is humanly possible, some, old friends, new vintages and the little gems which throw themselves across my path. One such gem of a Champagne house is Joseph Perrier, Grande Marque and still family owned and run, going back five generations and situated in Chalons en Champagne. As an aperitif Champagne, Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royal Non-Vintage certainly takes some beating. Given the pressure on Champagne stocks, it’s nice to find one which has clearly been well aged pre-release, and this one has had three years in oak before being bottled. A small house but one whose quality shines out. Biscuitty and satisfying. Even Her Maj (Buck House) has been known to enjoy this Champagne during the Trooping of the Colour. One of the best ways to enjoy Champers is with food, but you do have to go that little but further. A Blanc de Blancs is pure Chardonnay, and a creamy rich style which would partner a fish, shellfish or poultry course. Rosé, of course, is an exercise in shellfish, particularly langoustines and lobster, but most magnificent has to be the richness of a vintage.You don’t even have to go Prestige Cuvée, done well a vintage Champagne works with just about everything. I prefer Joseph Perrier

Vintage with nobody talking to me for just a few minutes, giving me chance to savour the rich, caramel complexity and ‘brioche and butter pudding’ flavours. Should wine drinking be an exercise in patriotism? Well, the French seem to think so, even when its ‘orrible (try to do that with the accent). Of course, every country which makes wine, makes both good and bad (plain boring fits into this second category too), and there is normally more of the latter than there is of the former. The job of the wine merchant is to find only the former, and then match each one to the individual taste of each client (not something supermarkets really understand). Anyway, we’re straying from the point. There are a clutch of wines emerging from our motherland now which really can take on the world. But we are a land of smallholdings, in vineyard terms, compared to elsewhere, so don’t look to England as a cheap drinking option. Fizz is the current buzzword (as we’re not allowed to use the “Cham...” word), and within 3 years, there will be eight to ten high-end estates with brilliant bubbly on the market to easily match all but the best Champagnes. Gusbourne is one such estate in Kent and currently making some world class sparkling wines, their Blanc de Blancs being one of my favourites, combining perfectly balanced acidity, light mousse and just a hint of creaminess, with brioche yumminess. The best bit is, it’s local. Ok, Kent isn’t strictly in Yorkshire, but Andrew Weeber, who makes Gusbourne, used to be head of orthopaedics at Northallerton’s Friarage Hospital, which makes him one of our own. winter

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B OY Z BO OZE Hip flasks need filling, especially now the temperatures are becoming brisker and shooting season is already well into its swing. Rusty Nails (Whisky and Drambuie, equal parts) are all well and good, if a touch medicinal, but there are some cracking alternatives to warm your cockles...

BERRY BRO’S KINGS GINGER LIQUEUR Liqueur it may say on the label, but the strength is spirit at 40% ABV. Instantly warming this makes me feel like grabbing my hip-flask and running up onto the moors sporting a Ready Brek style glow. Ginger with a capital G!

SLOE GIN If you haven’t made your own (an exercise in dodging huge spikes), there are some great local ones on the market, Sloe Motion make a cracking one, and Raisthorpe do a fab sloe port.

BENNETS CHERRY WHISKY Oh lord, this is fab stuff. I tasted it expecting cough syrup with the whisky sadly pushed into the background. How wrong was I? Warming, Whisky fruity cherry gorgeousness. WORDS: ANGIE METCALFE

Riding

W I N STON C H U RCHILL FA MOU SLY SA I D: ‘ THE R E I S S O M E T H I N G AB O U T THE O UTS I DE OF A HO R S E THAT I S G OO D F O R THE IN S IDE O F A M A N ’ – A ND A GIR L, S AYS P R CON SU LTAN T C L A IR E T H OR BU R N ‘It can sometimes feel a bit tricky getting your leg over at first.” Wobbling uncertainly while bringing my right leg precariously across the neck of my ‘horse’, my toe skimming his ears, I couldn’t agree more with side-saddle doyenne Janet Senior’s words. I’ve travelled down to Manor Grange Stud in West Yorkshire for my lesson with Janet, who is vice chair of the Side-Saddle Association and a side-saddle star in her own right. Not only has she taught and competed in side-saddle classes for over 30 years, Janet has ridden before Her Majesty the Queen, possibly the most famous side-saddle rider of all time. She’s starred aside in films including Brideshead Revisited, while her protégées include the American actress Cheryl Ladd, who replaced Farrah Fawcette in the television series, Charlie’s Angels.

Rewardingly, Janet has also helped a large number of disabled riders learn to ride side-saddle when riding astride would have been impossible for them to do. In fact riding side-saddle can be much easier for people suffering from knee, back or hip problems. After World War I, injured soldiers who had lost part of their leg were able to get back into the saddle by riding aside. This is my first attempt at riding side-saddle other than clambering sideways onto a fairground carousel ride as a child. And my chosen mount is a rather splendid, glossy black beast, who never bucks, kicks, rears or bites. He’s also mechanical, an equine simulator which, explains Janet, is safer for me to learn side-saddle upon and it’s infinitely kinder on the horse’s back, while I get to grips with the basics. If you’ve ever tried trotting on a horse, you’ll appreciate it is a bouncy experience, even with both feet tucked safely in stirrups. And I’m about to try it sitting sideways. The Ferrari equivalent of a rocking horse, Harry Jnr waits patiently, bridling with latent power, as Janet gently places my legs into the right position on either side of a bewildering brace of pommels. And ta dah! I’m sitting aside for the first time. Once ‘pegged on’, it feels incredibly secure. With a touch of my left heel and a light tap with a special, long-length cane on Harry’s side in place of my missing right heel and we’re off. Truthfully, we’re moving thanks to a press of Harry’s remote control by Janet, but I’m blissfully happy, concentrating hard on maintaining an elegant poise and trying to keep my ‘triangle’ lifted (that’s Janet’s polite way of telling me to stick my bosom out so I sit up straight and tall). winter

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It’s a slightly surreal sensation, as Harry ‘walks’ with a jaunty bounce, closely mimicking the motion of a walking horse. Mentally giving thanks that I’m wearing my bullet-proof, ultra shock sports bra, it’s not long before Janet is putting us through our paces in trot and canter, then faster trot and even faster canter. Po-go-ing along on the simulator means I can concentrate fully on what Janet is instructing me to do: Right toe pointed down like a ballerina’s to keep me in place and belly dancer like gyrations to help me sit and absorb the energy of the trot. There’s even an emergency brace position (for jumping or sitting a bucking bronco). In just an hour, I’m smitten and already picturing myself flying nonchalantly over vast fences aside, following the Percy hounds across open country. And when Janet kits me out in a traditional sidesaddle apron – it’s never called a skirt – so I can get better picture of myself as a side-saddle rider, I’m having my Lady Mary moment. Now I just need the horse.

W W W. S I D E S A D DLEASSOC IAT ION.CO.UK J A N E T S E N I O R OFFER S MEC HANIC AL H O R S E S I D E S AD D LE INT ROD UC TORY L E SS O NS, PR IC ED £ 5 0 . 0 1 97 7 6 7 6 4 1 1 W W W. MA N O RG R ANG EST UD SC .COM

CLAIRE THORBURN IS DIRECTOR OF IMPACT PR & MARKETING WWW.IMPACTPR-M.CO.UK

Travel

IT’S BEEN DUBBED THE ‘WINDSOR OF THE NORTH’ THANKS TO A DUCHESS, A CASTLE AND A ROYAL VISITOR OR TWO BUT THERE IS LOTS MORE ON OFFER IN HISTORIC ALNWICK. LIZ LAMB HANDPICKS SOME LESS WELL-KNOWN PLACES TO VISIT. PERCY TERRACE & PRIMA DELI PHOTOGRAPHED BY PAUL PENMAN, BARI TEAHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHED BY APRIL BOWDEN

Where to stay Percy Terrace B&B is more like a boutique hotel than a B&B. Run by keen photographer Paul Penman and his partner, Helen, an artist, Percy Terrace has bags of character and is just a short stroll from the centre of Alnwick. It’s stylishly decorated with statement wallpapers, period furniture and pieces of Helen’s eye-catching artwork. Paul cooks a mean breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs too. I loved the strong cup of piping hot tea served in a vintage tea cup.

Where to eat Prima Deli is an authentic Italian deli in the marketplace run by Lorraine Paruzzo and her husband Roberto. All their produce is imported from Italy. Choose from a wide variety of meats, pastries, pasticcini and other fabulous Italian delicacies. Their cocktails are to die-for and can be enjoyed in the summer on the pavement café. I feasted on antipasti Montagna-a selection of Italian cured cold meats including salami and prosciutto, and served with sundried tomatoes, cheese, olives and bread (£12 for two to share). My favourite cocktail was Angelo Azurro, a blend of gin, Cointreau and blue curacao but Sgroppino is also a must-try with a refreshing mix of vodka, lemon sorbet and prosecco. If you love coffee, you’ll love what’s on offer at Prima Deli. It comes from Roberto’s hometown of Latina and he regularly stocks up his suitcase whenever he goes home. Great service, friendly chatter and fabulous cocktails - what’s not to love? Prima Deli, Market Place, Alnwick. Call (01665) 605 610

Where to go for a cuppa

Friendly and fashionable, Percy Terrace is a real find.

I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone as knowledgeable or enthusiastic about tea than Caroline Stewart, proprietor of Bari tea brewery, a delightful place full of interesting blends of tea, Northumbrian products and homemade scones.

To book visit www.alnwick-bedandbreakfast.co.uk

“The tea brewery was a way of getting people to try teas,” says Caroline, who has travelled the world sampling all sorts of fantastic blends and has curated an impressive menu of teas. “We say to people taste a different tea, if you don’t like it we will swap it for another one.” Naturally, there is every type of tea imaginable and Caroline is certainly a connoisseur, giving advice on exactly how to brew the perfect pot. At Bari Tea you can complement your cuppa with good quality Northumbrian food such as cheese platters served with red onion marmalade, meats, and free-range eggs. Opened two years ago Bari Tea (baa-ree is Northumbrian for lovely) has proved a huge hit. “People are far more adventurous than I thought they’d be,” says Caroline. Bari Tea, 28 Narrowgate, Alnwick (01665) 510 508 www.baritea.co.uk

Where to shop If you love home interiors then you must head to Marilyn & Melrose, an Aladdin’s cave of paints, fabrics, wallpapers, up-cycled furniture, soft furnishings and gifts. Not only is it a one-stop shop for reinventing your home but they also run workshops on furniture painting techniques so you can learn how to do it yourself. There is a wealth of friendly advice too on matching paints and fabrics for your home. Marilyn & Melrose, 4 Bow Alley, Castle Quarter, Alnwick (01665) 798 946 winter

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Travel

C L A IR E T H OR BU R N VEN T UR E S O N A G A S T RON OM I C CR U S A DE I N N ORT H UM B ER LA N D – T H E CO U N T Y T H AT ’S TA K I N G O N LU D LOW AS T H E M UST-V I SI T FO O DIE D ES T I N AT I O N . With his bespoke estate tweed in colours evoking the wild Northumberland countryside about him, Garry Whitfield cuts a fine figure on the Duke of Northumberland’s grouse moor atop Hulne Park in Alnwick. He might be the Duke’s head gamekeeper and responsible for thousands of acres of prime sporting estate, but Whitfield could have stepped straight from the pages of a Sir Walter Scott novel.

The suits are made by local tailor John Blades at Berwick Hill, Blagdon, who has an unstinting reputation for quality.

Perched in a workhorse land rover, we bounce through the dense, private woodlands of Hulne Park on a game safari with destination agency Visit Northumberland.

The muted colours of the Estate tweed cloaks the gamekeepers in the perfect camouflage for their role: Conserving and enhancing a habitat of over 100,000 acres of The Northumberland Estates’ land which provides a damn-near perfect habitat for the Estates’ Big Six game of pheasant, red leg partridge, wild grey partridge, grouse, wildfowl and deer.

We’re paying homage to Northumberland’s diverse culinary offer and growing emergence as a foodie destination with the launch of a new food and drink campaign, ‘Taste of Northumberland’.

But it’s not just the cut of Northumberland Estates’ cloth I’m here to admire, but also the bounty of Northumberland’s larder.

Pheasants dart into the dense bracken alongside the track. Every now and then we pass man made shelters for birds to feed beneath. In extreme dry weather, water is as important - if not more - than food. During the hot summer, Whitfield and his team rigged up watering stations for the game birds, which or course other wildlife benefit from, too. The park throngs with bird species including the elusive corn bunting, tree sparrow and nightjars while the estate is a haven for red squirrel. Independent bird surveys have shown that the numbers of species identified in a Biodiversity Action Plan like the endangered grey partridge have risen ten-fold in the last seven years.

“This is our Northumberland Estates tweed,” he explains, doffing a matching tweed cap part of his exclusive estate uniform, akin to a regimental tie or school crest.

Hand reared pheasants are brought into the estate at six weeks old and are released into a holding pen for a short spell getting used to their new surroundings before being released to live a free range existence within the park.

“Game shooting has many great traditions and dress is a part of this. We have our own Northumberland Estate tweed which is very traditional, but it’s also very practical. Everything is there for a reason. “We’re out here on the hill or moor walking all day, often in the worst weather Northumberland can throw at you, yet it’s not often you get cold or wet in our tweed.”

“We conserve a habitat for game to live a life as Mother Nature intended it,” says Whitfield. winter

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Travel

Owing to a combination of recent food scares, such as the horse meat scandal; growing consumer demand for sustainable, fully traceable food sources and celebrity chef endorsement, it is game on for game. Between 2010 and 2011 Marks & Spencer increased their sales of venison by 340% and in August 2013 became the first retailer to stock whole wild red grouse in an oven ready dish for £10. The grouse are being sold as part of a new M&S ‘game’ range to include rabbit, venison, partridge, pheasant and wood pigeon on sale from October. We’re joined on the safari by game lover and food writer Emma Whittingham, whose cookery book Game On Northumberland was born out of her passion for game from the county’s larder. It’s a collection of easy-to-follow recipes featuring the very best of Northumberland game, including pheasant, venison, rabbit, grouse, mallard and partridge.

I’M A CHEF, I GET EXCITED BY LOCAL PRODUCE ... AS A PROFESSIONAL I HAVE TO BE AWARE OF THE REGIONAL DIFFERENCES

Whittingham said: “Game is wild, natural and free range and the fact that it is low in cholesterol and high in protein makes it one of the healthiest meats available. It is chemical and drug free, cleanly shot and provides a much tastier, economic alternative to some supermarket meats. Northumberland Game is also 100% traceable so people know exactly what they’re getting and where it’s come from”. It is this message she hopes to inspire with her book, which is based on a collection of recipes from friends, family and game enthusiasts, encouraging readers to make use of the abundance of richly flavoured, high quality game available on their doorstep. “A lot of people are put off using game because they think it has an overly strong flavour, or they will be faced with the prospect of having to prepare an intact bird,” said Whittingham. “Gone are the days when game was hung for days on end. And it is easily available to buy fully prepared from butchers, farmers’ markets and increasingly from supermarkets.” Game from The Northumberland Estates is collected several times a week by specialist food company Yorkshire Game who prepare and supply fresh, oven ready produce.You can also buy the Estates’ pheasant, partridge and venison directly from award-winning butchers Turnbull’s of Alnwick. Northumberland game is trailblazing a route to the kitchens of domestic and professional chefs like Chris Taylor, head chef at The Hog’s Head Inn in Alnwick where we are staying, where game is a regular staple on the specials board there. “Game is my absolute favourite ingredient to cook with,” says Taylor, deftly preparing a Morpeth sourced venison fillet. “It’s lean, healthy and in season right now so what better time to sample it? It’s a versatile product growing in popularity. We do a number of bespoke game suppers for shooting parties as well as serving it up in curries and risottos and traditional roast dishes to tempt more people to give game a go. As a meat, game has so much going for it, from its rich flavour to the huge range of dishes that can be produced from it. Plus, it’s incredibly healthy.”

Game aside, the Taste of Northumberland campaign celebrates the smorgasbord of food and drink Northumberland brims with - and where you can scoff it. Coastward ho and there’s something intrinsically British about fish and chips by the seaside. Tucking into crisply battered fish at jolly coastal pub The Bamburgh Castle Inn - slap on the harbour side in Seahouses - the salty air proves just the condiment. While there, we swooped down on the catch of the day at the village’s famous Swallow Fish shop, housed in the UK’s oldest working smokehouse for creelcaught lobsters, crabs and langoustines as well as their famous oak-smoked kippers. But for the freshest, just-landed white fish you’re likely to taste, why not catch your own supper? Watched by curious seals near the Farne Islands, we’re fishing for mackerel on what could not be a more perfect day. The sky is a clear blue and the sea calm. Perfect conditions, it seems, as the fish start biting. The waters here are positively teeming with sustainable fish, like the mackerel, which is hell bent on throwing itself onto the line, in shimmering, silvery sets of four and five at a time. Fishing boat operators run from Seahouses harbour throughout the year, weather permitting. Smouldering Gallic celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli is a passionate advocate of our Northumberland fare. Headlining at the recent Alnwick Food Festival, Northumberland’s Ludlow alternative, the flamboyant 5AA and Michelin award winning Novelli said: “I’m a chef, I get excited by local produce. winter

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“For me as a professional I have to be aware of the regional differences in produce, but more and more people are buying from local producers, from farmers markets and thinking about where their food comes from.“ Heading back to his Hertfordshire home and cookery school base, The Novelli Academy, the former Hell’s Kitchen star left with a cache of Northumberland produce including game, shellfish, cheese and meat to enjoy. Loading up my bag as I browse the Alnwick Food Festival stalls, I’m laden with artisan handmade North Chocolates, Longhorsley lamb, a neat brace of prepared The Northumberland Estates partridge and a wheel of local cheeses. Novelli would be proud.

FAC T FI L E Find out more about Taste of Northumberland at www.visitnorthumberland.com Game On Northumberland is available from Abe Books UK and from Barter Books priced at £6.99. Turnbull’s of Alnwick 01665 602186 www.turnbullsofalnwick.co.uk Yorkshire Game 01748 810212 www.yorkshiregame.co.uk The Hog’s Head Inn 01665 606 576 www.hogsheadinnalnwick.co.uk The Bamburgh Castle Inn 01665 720 283 www.bamburghcastleinn.co.uk

LA DI DA WILL BE BACK IN JANUARY... KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK:

joseph M brings top designer names to your doorstep

@LAD IDAMAG FACEBOOK.COM /LAD IDAMAGA ZIN E

Vivienne Westwood • Barbour • Armani • Chloe With a wide selection of designer ladies and childrenswear.

H AVE A FABULOUS CH RI S T MA S AND NEW YEAR, DARLINGS ...

www.josephm.co.uk

Tel: 01325 483331 enquiries@josephm.com 12 Grange Road, Darlington

WWW.LAD IDA.CO.UK

GORGEOUS GIFTS

AUTUMNWINTER COLLECTION 2013/14

this Christmas at Geoffrey Gillow

Diane von Furstenberg Moschino Cheap & Chic Theory Helmut Lang Duffy Creenstone Joseph J Brand Milly 2nd Day Rebecca Taylor DVF & Moschino Footwear and more... Accessories Anya Hindmarch Handbags Dom Goor Feather & Stone Orit & Ingenious Jewellery Neom Organic Candles

Featuring: Dansk Smykkekunst Jewellery, Gant Underwear, Cheaney Footwear, Helen Moore Fur Accessories, Tumble & Hide Bags & much more in store...

45 - 49 Grange Road, Darlington, Co Durham DL1 5NB T: 01325 469369 www.geoffreygillow.com

4 Grange Road Darlington DL1 5NG Tel/Fax 01325 281816

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Feature

DESIGNER NAMES, FABULOUS FLOWERS, BREATHTAKING LINGERIE, GORGE INTERIORS, DELICIOUS DELIS AND CHI CHI RESTAURANTS. LINDA JANE WESTPHAL PAYS GRANGE ROAD A VISIT....

Dahlington PHOTO COURTESY OF DISTINCT DARLINGTON WWW.DISTINCTDARLINGTON.CO.UK

ARBOUR, Westwood, Mulberry, Armani, Matthew Williamson, Chloe, Anya Hindmarch and Michael Kors. Thinking Bond Street? Think again. This is downtown Darlington or Monte Darlo to the natives. Darlington, or Dahlington as we think it should be known, may be associated with Quakerism but there’s nothing austere or modest about the town’s great and good spending habits.

Helen Moore Faux Fur Hat

And no where does it better than Grange Road.Wall to wall boutiques bursting with high end designer names mixed with enough restaurants and cocktail establishments to give those Jimmy Choos a well earned rest. One of our favourite haunts is the sublime Geoffrey Gillow. Owned by the second generation of Gillows, it has the refined air of a traditional men’s tailors but enter its portals and an array of top end names for country and urban gents and fabulous fashionistas await you. Combine this with the discreet service of the urbane Bill Gillow and his team and you can see why people travel from far and wide to visit the store.

Anya Hindmarch Bespoke Loose Pocket

Joseph Cheaney & Sons Archie Wingcap Oxford

Brands include all the top names in men’s tailoring, swoonsome Magee Tweeds, soft cashmere from John Smedley and handmade shoes from Cheaney to name but a few. Head upstairs and it’s every fashionista’s dream with candy coloured suede knee high boots for Geox, fabulous fur hats from Helen Moore and heartstoppingly gorgeous ranges from Saint James with buttery classic Italian leather handbags from Tumble and Hide. All shopped out? Take a fashion break and enjoy an espresso and some lunch in the beautiful retro Italian

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brasserie, The Imperial, and then head out refreshed once more into designer land. Visit Joseph M, for the chicest London fabulous brands and uber designer names. The friendly and fashion forward staff are discreet but on hand to help. Joseph M’s list of brands is stellar and can compete with any other boutique or top department store in the region, a real hidden treasure of fabulousness. The boutique boasts one of the biggest ranges of Barbour in the region, not to mention Vivienne Westwood, Chloe, Tom Ford, Armani, Boss, and Ugg. It also has a fab collection of gorgeous top designer ranges for children, one of the largest collections of designer childrenswear around. Adjourn for a cocktail at Prego before heading to Elan where you can shop the latest DVF looks hot off the catwalk, try on Helmut Lang, select the finest cashmere from a range which includes Duffy and waltz off with a stylish Anya Hindmarch bag. Theory, Rebecca Taylor, 360, the fabulous label Vince and Joseph, this boutique is awash with designer names and oozes good taste. Gorgeous looks from a superfabulous boutique. Another must have on every Dahlington fashionista’s speedial. Just time to pick up some fabulous lingerie from Boudoir, gorge hair pampering products from Hooker & Young, a divine scented candle from Origins interiors and some vintage blooms from Carl Banks to turn your home into fashion fabulous and then head over to Truffle for an amazing dinner. Try the Cherry Bakewell cocktail, it will make you happy. Who needs Bond Street Dahling?

Interiors

AWARD WINNING INTERIOR DES IGN ER GEORGE BOND ALWAYS RISE S TO A CH ALLENGE. SO WHEN A FIL MMA K ER AND FASHIONISTA NEED ED T H EIR BUNGALOW TURNED INTO A FA B U LOU S SOCIALISING SPACE, H E WAS TH E F IR S T P ERSON TH EY CALLED… When it comes to interiors, I’m a firm believer that a house shouldn’t be a house but a home. I hate the one size fits all approach to interior design which creates beautiful showhomes but says very little about the people living in them. Interiors should tell stories about their owners and their lives. It should reflect what they’re about and make them feel fabulous as soon as they walk through the door. My life is spent travelling all over the world designing fabulous houses, often where huge budgets are involved but one of my favourite projects was the house I designed for Tom and Jacqueline Wilson. The budgets weren’t huge – Tom and Jacqueline are astute business people – and the initial building, a 1950s bungalow – not my usual project but I love a challenge and I loved Tom and Jacqueline. Tom was very senior on iconic TV show Byker Grove and Jacqueline a fashionista who loves to party. Now they run their chain of hair salons, Jax, so they’re busy people but they have a wide social circle and love to entertain. Both have a strong creative vision which helped to make the project more enjoyable. Architects aren’t always creative, they have technical excellence, but they can’t always think out of the box. When we come into a project, we think big. We will do what it takes to achieve the vision our clients need and we don’t have any sacred cows and that’s exactly what this project needed.

We weren’t going to be hampered by the orthodox way of treating a 1950’s bungalow. We wanted to be audacious and bring the property to life and reflect Tom and Jacqueline’s personality and lifestyle. The results speak for themselves and Tom and Jacqueline love it. That’s not to say we didn’t have our battles along the way, at one stage they couldn’t make up their mind between the three choices of colour for kitchen unit. In the end I said “Right, well you’re having them all then” and it works beautifully and they love it. Now their home is party central, a really fabulous place to entertain. We even created a special light system for them which adds something really special to their outdoor parties and is totally unique. I worked on the property for over a year and during that time I never saw Jacqueline in the same outfit twice, she absolutely loves her fashion. I knew we had to create something a little special for her and it gives me enormous pleasure every time I see them to see how much they love their home.

GEORGE WINS PROPERTY OSCAR

If you want to create something truly bespoke it’s always worth questioning the orthodox architectural approach. Interior designers aren’t just about being cushion fluffers, a good interior designer can show you what’s possible in terms of structure as well as design and work with your architect to achieve that.

La Di Da only has the best experts on speed dial so we were thrilled but not at all surprised that our Interior Design columnist George Bond won the top prize at the uber prestigious International Property Awards in London. Judges said he had given excellent thought and attention to the choice of material and fulfilling the clients’ brief and he won against stiff competition from the country’s leading designers. We’re very proud!

CO N TAC T G E ORGE AT GEO RGE BO ND I NTERIORS 0191 281 7799 O R E M A IL ENQ UI R I ES @ GEO RGEBO ND.TV

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Nina & Yousaf Khalid Society

OVER 250 OF THE GREAT AND GOOD WERE WELCOMED INTO THE VIP LAUNCH PARTY OF THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE NORTH EAST’S FINE DINING SCENE, PEACE & LOAF The Jesmond based restaurant is headed up by runner up of 2010’s series of MasterChef: The Professionals, Dave Coulson. Specially selected guests were invited into the restaurant where former IBF World Heavyweight Champion boxer Glen McCrory, NUFC stars Ryan Taylor and Shola Ameobi were in attendance. Nicola & Glen McCrory

They were greeted with a drinks reception and a selection of fabulous signature canapés and dishes from chef Dave’s meticulously crafted menu.

Dave Coulson

PEACE & LOAF, 217 JESMOND ROAD, JESMOND, NE2 1LA 0191 281 52 22 WWW.PEACEANDLOAF.CO.UK

L-R: Priya Ral, Geeta Ral, Bob Arora, Neeta Arora, Esha Pan

Allan & Liz Reid

Society

BUSINESSMAN STEVE HOWE OF PHOENIX SECURITY HOSTED A HAIR-RAISING HALLOWEEN PARTY AT THE DIAMOND IN PONTELAND TO RAISE MUCH-NEEDED FUNDS TO SEND A VERY SPECIAL BOY TO DISNEYLAND PARIS. Four-year-old Benjamin from Newcastle suffers from a challenging condition called Spastic Cerebral Palsy in all four limbs, so life is very challenging for him and his mum. Ben loves watching Mickey Mouse on the Disney Channel so this will be a trip of a lifetime and a wonderful surprise too. THE DIAMOND, MAIN STREET, PONTELAND, NEWCASTLE NE20 9BB (01661) 872898

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Michael Baxter, Ang Atkin

Geoffery and Carol Robinson

Rachel Mcculloch, Liza Parke, Carly Dove

Susan Thornton and Dani

Lee Hughf, Brian Echlin

Stuart Moore, Lyndsey Bellerby, Daniel Adam

Steve Cochrane Society

A WHO’S WHO OF NORTH EAST BUSINESS TURNED OUT FOR AN EVENING OF FASHION AND STYLISH NETWORKING AT ONE OF THE REGION’S BEST-LOVED DESIGNER STORES.

Rachel Galloway, Emma Angel-Jones

The Psyche Business Event began with a champagne reception and buffet followed by a fashion show. Guests were able to browse this season’s hottest styles and take advantage of exclusive offers on the night as well as enjoying music from the Noel Dennis Jazz band. There was also an opportunity to network with other businesses in a relax setting and chat to Psyche owner Steve Cochrane.

Rachel Anderson, Harriet Anderson, Joanne Fryet

One lucky winner on the night, which was co-hosted by Clive Owen & Co chartered accountants, won a bottle of champagne and a made to measure suit worth £700. PSYCHE, 175 LINTHORPE RD, MIDDLESBROUGH TS1 4AG 01642 888 333 WWW.PSYCHE.CO.UK Steve Cochrane, Richard Bland

The Noel Dennis Jazz Band

Paul McClure, Sean Coppinger, Brian Echlin

Tracy and Ellissa Hodgson

Sally Motomney, Lauren Tenant

Michael Baxter winter

Paolo Capaldi, Ang Atkin, Christopher Percival, Michael Baxter, James Archer

2013

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Louise Hardy and Caroline 2013

Society

STARS OF THE SPORTING AND BUSINESS WORLD CAME TOGETHER TO RAISE THOUSANDS OF POUNDS FOR ALAN SHEARER’S CHARITY. The Alan Shearer Foundation Golf Day at Close House Hotel & Golf has become an annual fundraising event to help disabled children and adults in the region. The sportsman was joined by former NUFC teammate Rob Lee and ex-England cricketer John Morris at the event. A total of 22 teams took part in the day and each received a bag containing an England ’96 football shirt commemorating England’s 4-1 win over the Netherlands-each signed by Alan. CLOSE HOUSE HOTEL & GOLF, HEDDON-ON-THE WALL, NE15 0HT (01661) 852 255 WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.CO.UK

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COME AND EXPERIENCE THE WORLD’S ONLY LEE WESTWOOD GOLF COURSES ONLY AT CLOSE HOUSE

Close House is an 18th century mansion house set in stunning Northumberland countryside, less than 8 miles from Newcastle. With the recent opening of the world’s only Lee Westwood golf courses, The Lee Westwood Colt and The Lee Westwood Filly course, now is the perfect time to visit us. Lee Westwood has been involved in the design and renovation of the two stunning 18 hole golf courses to further enhance their already enviable reputation and less than a year after opening, the Lee Westwood Colt Course has already been awarded a top 100 golf course status in England. Our golfers can enjoy the state-of-the-art floodlit driving range and tuition from PGA Professionals, as well as the No.19 clubhouse and golf shop. Find out for yourself why Lee Westwood chooses to play golf at Close House.

Stay and Play packages are available. For further information contact the golf team on: 01661 85 22 55 or email golf@closehouse.co.uk

www.closehouse.co.uk When I visit the club, it’s like a home from home. I have been asked to be attached to a number of clubs but Close House has something different, something special. Lee Westwood

CLOSE HOUSE HOTEL & GOLF, HEDDON ON THE WALL, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE15 0HT TELEPHONE 01661 85 22 55 ENQUIRIES@CLOSEHOUSE.CO.UK WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.CO.UK When travelling to Close House using a SAT NAV please use NE41 8BL winter

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Golf

G O L F. . . IN ASS O C IATIO N WITH

ere at La Di Da Magazine we are loving that world class golfer Lee Westwood has chosen a golf club in the North of England to attach his name ...and reputation to.

You simply have to check out Close House which is nestled beautifully in 400 rolling acres of the glorious Tyne Valley. We are talking two internationally recognised 18 hole golf courses; one of which was voted one of the top 100 courses in England and Lee is also the clubs Official Attached Tour pro, which makes this a golf lovers dream.

They are joining an impressive corporate business list including UBS, St James Place, Barclays, Egger, Meldrum Construction, TSG, Mill Volvo, Lloyds BMW, Sintons, KPMG, Collingwood Insurance, PwC, GE Wellstream, UPS, Pyeroy and Speedflex. This is business to business on a whole new and very bouyant level.

BESPOKE SUIT? NOW TRY BESPOKE CLUBS…

Following is a summary copy of the ‘Corporate’ membership details.

Using the latest technology of the Flight Scope launch monitor, SAM Putt lab and the specialist fitting equipment provided by each manufacturer, the Close House Professionals can fit all golfers to the same level as a tour professional.

2013 has been another exciting year for Close House with… • Suite-style Terrace rooms including a duplex.

Checking out their facilities we can confirm that privately owned Close House offers an impressive range of benefits including state of the art golfing facilities and suite-style rooms for business or stay and play visitors.

• The world’s only Lee Westwood golf courses

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP

• Close House Ambleside has just opened an sleeps up to 8 people

The crew at CH launched their Corporate Membership after considerable investment in 2011, and have just announced their latest corporate member, United Carlton who are based in Gateshead - taking the corporate tally to 18, 1 for each hole on the Championship Lee Westwood course.

• Lee Westwood has just announced that he will continue his attachment for a further 3 years • The gorgeous Close House Mallorca Villa has opened for their members and partners

• An impressive list of golfing and social events that Close House a ‘must visit’ • And finally ... Close House has just won the NECC award for service delivery and best destination marketing for the UK. So we think (if you haven’t already), that you should come along and see for yourself why Close House is a great place to do business, wind down, play golf and eat some rather divine and relaxed food in No 19.

01661 852255 G OLF@ C LOSEHOUSE. CO. UK TWITTER @ C LOSEHOUSEHOTEL

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The Custom Fit Suite at Close house is unique to the North of England and is a state of the art facility where specialised custom-fitting of clubs is done on one-toone basis.

Each of the Close House PGA Professionals who carry out custom fit sessions have received specialist training from each manufacturer enabling them to fit clubs to the highest standard. The staff are all certified by Callaway, Ping, Taylormade and Vega with achievement in knowledge and fitting of all the different branded products, and are also qualified in the Titleist fittingworks course. The Custom Fit Suite allows Close to provide the latest clubs from Callaway, Ping, Taylormade,VEGA and Titleist

PRICES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Custom Fit Session – £25 per 45 minutes Driver Custom Fit – 45 minutes Iron Custom Fit – 45 minutes Putter Custom Fit – 45 minutes Ball Custom Fit – 45 minutes Full Set Custom Fit – 90 minutes In addition, Custom Fit Session costs go towards payment of any clubs ordered through Close House after completion of your session(s) To book your custom fit session please contact the golf sales team on 01661 85 22 55.

Health

PHOTOGRAPHY JADE PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.JADEPHOTOGRAPHY-ONLINE.COM

WA NT TO LOSE W E IGHT? D ROP SE V E R A L DR E SS S IZE S A ND N OT SP E ND YO U R LIFE AC H IN G A F T E R VIS ITIN G A S W E AT Y GY M? THE N S P EED F L E X I S THE A N S W E R . T H E L AT E ST, A ND HOTTE S T, FI T N E SS T R E N D – W HIC H PROMI SE S TO IMPR E SS THE NAT I O N – C A N B E FO U N D IN NEWC A ST L E . W E ME E T THE PEO P L E W H OSE LIVE S IT ’S C H A N G E D…

on hand and a specially-tailored workout programme, the usual gym-related niggles are avoided and, vitally, Speedflex gets results fast.

Train like Shearer …

He went on, ‘If you’d have told me I’d have been in a session like this when I was still playing football then I’d have said you were mad. I never enjoyed exercise sessions then, let alone after I’d finished. But I love Speedflex, I enjoy it and it’s a good atmosphere.’ Speedflex regulars will no doubt have seen Alan for his thrice weekly workout because, with a busy broadcasting career, the short, sharp training sessions are ideal: ‘I drop my son off at school in the morning and I’m ready for a 9 o’clock class and away by 10. It’s great how fast it is.’

BY JO DUNBAR

Hardcore fitness fans won’t have failed to spot and sign up for Speedflex at the UK’s first designated site, based in Jesmond. Super-successful businessman Graham Wylie brought the exercise venture to the UK and there are plans for more sites in the region, where in one session, clients can burn up to 1000 calories. Following an induction, users start a training programme using the expertly designed machines to build muscle and improve cardio health. The hydraulics in the Speedflex machines provide a low impact workout and keep injury risks low. Speedflex is unique as it allows training to an individual’s maximum capacity with very low risk of injury, and a heart monitor is worn throughout to monitor progress. But, despite boasting premiership footballers among its growing clientele, the beauty of Speedflex is its suitability for everyone. With supportive trainers always

I started using Speedflex because I simply don’t get any pain after a session. Because of the footballing injuries I’ve had I couldn’t really get on the treadmill or go out for a run – it would hurt my knees and my ankles. Speedflex allows me to keep fit without any pain or stiffness whatsoever.’

When former premiership footballer and one of the region’s best-loved sons puts his name to something, it’s fair to say that we all pay attention. So with the news that Alan Shearer not only chooses to exercise at Speedflex but also is an ambassador – and shareholder – for the company, La Di Da had to get in on the action. Staying in shape is obviously important to Alan, who made his name at Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, as England captain and – who can forget – as Newcastle United’s captain and record goal scorer. Despite having a taste for the odd curry and glass of red, he told us, ‘I trained every day for twenty odd years so to suddenly stop felt strange. winter

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‘SPEEDFLEX IS GOING TO BE HUGE. PEOPLE CAN BURN UP TO 1000 CALORIES IN ONE SESSION, IT’S SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE JUST HAVEN’T SEEN BEFORE.’ ALAN SHEARER

Health

I T I SN ’ T J UST FO R ME R FO OTB A LLERS AND THE SUP ER FI T W H O A R E TAK ING THE 4 5 MINUTE CLASSES. L A D I DA M E T THE A FICIO NADO S WHO SWEAR SP EED FLEX H A S C H A N G E D THE IR LIVE S . I dropped two dress sizes Cath Jenkins can’t sing Speedflex’s praises enough – so much so that she now owns the Newcastle franchise. Cath has firsthand experience of Speedflex and explains, ‘I tried Speedflex and was instantly hooked – I lost three stone and dropped three dress sizes in three months.’

Cath loved the high intensity, short workouts: ‘I was in and out in 45 minutes. The sessions are such a buzz. It’s not like a gym where people are plodding on a treadmill: there is nowhere to hide with Speedflex so it very much is a case of go hard or go home.’ Another Jesmond studio is due to open in December and Cath has seen the numbers grow and grow: ‘We have a real mixture of clients, from age 16 to 70. We see men and women, big and small. It’s a completely new concept, something people haven’t seen before. Speedflex is going to be huge.

It’s the business Chairman of Sintons solicitors Alan Dawson is physical proof of Speedflex’s power and he credits the fitness method with shedding almost three stone. ‘It’s enjoyable because it gets the endorphins going and I feel better physically and mentally. I used to be middle age-shaped and very round. Now, I have a reasonably athletic physique and I don’t get tired at work anymore.’ For a busy man like Alan, the short sessions are ideal: ‘I can be at my desk from 6am til 6.30 at night and the last thing you want to do after that is exercise. Speedflex’s speed means I can do it in a lunchtime if I want to. It’s part of my work routine now. My secretary knows that my Speedflex sessions are sacred!’

LEAN , M E A N , FI GH T I NG M AC H I N E S … Eager to get more of us away from our desks and our smart phones, Speedflex launched its Corporate Challenge. Designed to get pulses racing, the challenge sees groups of colleagues working out with the team that burns the most calories winning Speedflex membership. The biggest and best names on the North East business scene have got involved with Sintons, Barclays, Addison Group, Jules B, Sanderson Young and Cruise Fashion all thrashing it out. North East businesses have never been in better shape.

HE LP F OR HERO ES Despite devastating injuries while on patrol in Iraq, Ibrar Ali from York has been in the North East training with Speedflex for the gruelling 208 mile Walking with the Wounded charity trek to the South Pole with Prince Harry. He aims to raise £2 million for injured servicemen.

ON E FOR YOUR S P E E D I A L

Ibrar who serves in the Yorkshire regiment, suffered multiple injuries when a roadside bomb detonated while he was driving in convoy in Iraq in 2007, losing his right arm as well as sustaining other injuries.

0191 281 6399 SPEED FLEX . CO M

It was a truly daunting challenge for Ibrar and the team’s UK Guide Conrad Dickinson with temperatures plummeting to minus 45 degrees in 50mph winds, and pulling custom built sledges weighing in excess of 70kgs. Speedflex sponsored Ibrar and carefully incorporated a plan to help build his endurance, strength, aerobic capacity and overall power. Managing Director Paul Ferris said: “It is absolutely essential that Ibrar was at peak fitness to undertake this challenge, particularly with the additional duress that was placed on his body due to his original injuries. Building up his endurance, particularly at these icy temperatures was vital and we feel honoured to have been a part of that”.

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@SPEED F L E X NC L @SPEED FLEX E UROP E

Business

* The Bose® Solo TV sound system is designed for TVs with bases that are no wider than 51 cm and no deeper than 26 cm. Most TVs up to 32” (81 cm) and many 42” (101 - 106 cm) TVs meet these requirements.

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Business

Top Ten ways to

legally protect yourself and your family

affairs are in order, you can help to reduce Inheritance Tax on your estate. By including your estate in its entirety – which comprises goods and possessions, plus cash, life insurance and pensions – the value is often more than initially estimated.

Reduce Capital Gains taxes by planning well ahead

Julie Garbutt and Rachel Gregory are part the highly-regarded Personal and Family team at Sintons. The team enjoys a reputation across the region and beyond and offers a full range of services for private clients.

FA M I LY CO M ES FIR S T. T H RO U G H G OO D TIME S A N D B A D, H A P P Y TIME S A N D S AD, YOU R FA M I LY W ILL ALWAYS REM A I N YO U R TO P PR IO R ITY.

At Sintons, we work hard to protect you and your loved ones, and have a team of dedicated specialists to deal with whatever issue you are facing. Coupled with a deeply personal and client-focused approach, alongside unrivalled legal capability and experience, we will support you through every eventuality.

Make a will

to date as possible. We can offer free registration on the Certainty Wills Database, even for existing wills.

By making a will, you are not only ensuring that your wishes will be carried out as you would like, but, most importantly, you are protecting the interests of your family – and particularly your children or grandchildren. Having a will in place is the only way of offering certainty to those you love as to what will happen in the future. As well as offering personal consultations at a time to suit you, we also run our successful ‘Wills in The Workplace’ scheme, where, for employers, we can come into your premises and discuss requirements with staff on-site.

Take advice before you live with a partner Ensure you know all of your options and legal rights before co-habiting. We understand this may be an uncomfortable topic to raise, and so advise clients of their options sensitively. It is an important issue which requires clarity from the outset, so taking advice is essential.

Keep it up to date - review your Will at least every 5 years

Protect your interests if you buy property with a partner

With marriage, and sometimes divorce and remarriage, it is important that those people who you want to inherit part of your estate – and others who may no longer be part of your plans – are specified as recipients.

When purchasing a property jointly, there are two joint ownership alternatives to consider, and are of particular significance for unmarried couples.

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. Further, with the change to the inheritance tax threshold to £325,000 in 2007, your will should be revisited in light of that, even if there have been no major changes in your personal circumstances.

Keep it secure and tell others how to find it It is essential your loved ones know your will exists in order for them to ensure your wishes are carried out. Make sure they know where it is and help alleviate any potential future uncertainties by keeping it as up

‘Joint tenants’ own the whole of the property jointly, so if one half of the couple should pass away, the property would automatically pass to the survivor. ‘Tenants in Common’ will both own a notional share in the property, which can be equal or unequal. On the death of one party, their share will pass in accordance with what is specified in their will, and does not automatically become the property of the survivor. The latter method of ownership may also suit married couples if it is in their best interest in terms of long term tax planning.

By structuring your finances properly and putting plans in place at the earliest opportunity, you can help reduce Capital Gains tax. For successful families and entrepreneurs, who may have the majority of their wealth in their family business, having effective financial arrangements in place can help preserve wealth for future generations.

Set up Powers of Attorney for you and other family members If you have not appointed Lasting Powers of Attorney (“LPA”) or the older Enduring Power of Attorney (“EPA”) – whereby you nominate people you trust to make decisions on your behalf - your loved ones may experience great difficulty, expense and delay in applying to the Court of Protection to get authority to take control of your assets and finances. This is not only a concern for older or elderly people – the younger generation too should consider this, as they too can become incapacitated through accident or illness.

Make gifts to children or grandchildren tax effectively Careful consideration and planning in assigning wealth to future generations can play a central role in your tax planning strategy. Trusts are an effective way to control and gift your assets, both during your lifetime and after death. They can be very simple, for example, money can be held for someone until they reach the age of 18, 21 or 25, or they can be more flexible to allow the trustees to allow them to take a beneficiary’s circumstances into account before releasing assets to them.

Plan well ahead for your care needs 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.

Sintons LLP

Minimise Inheritance Tax through careful planning Making a will enables beneficiaries to escape any potential financial wrangles, and by ensuring your winter

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The Cube, Barrack Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6DB Tel: 0191 226 7878 www.sintons.co.uk @SintonsLaw

Business

Paul trained alongside many chefs who are now regulars on TV screens around the world, and is on first-name terms with most of the big players in the industry. Now, the couple work directly with every client to produce products or ranges that meet their exact specifications. The creation of a range of tableware for a luxury London venue, or the development of a specific product for one of the many celebrity chefs Goodfellows works with - although they prefer not to name any - may take many months to design, develop and finalise. But the huge levels of care and attention the business pays to every aspect of each commission is, they believe, what really makes them stand out. “What we do is very niche and is very hard work, “ says Valda. “Myself and Paul are involved in every single aspect of what the business does. Although we have a very capable team, it’s not uncommon for Paul and I to spend all the hours working on projects for our clients. One Saturday night recently, I spent all evening dipping bits of paper into tea for one project we were involved with.

BES P OK E TA B L EWA R E BUS I NE SS G OO DFE LLOW S I S T H E SUP P L I ER O F C HO ICE FOR SOM E O F THE WO R LD' S MOS T FA M O U S VE NU E S A ND C H E FS. B US IN E SS EDI TO R DE BOR AH J O H N S O N S PEAK S TO I TS OW NE R VA L DA G O O DF ELLOW. Counting world-renowned venues like the Ritz, Dorchester, Gleneagles and The Fat Duck as clients - as well as working with an array of celebrity chefs - is hugely impressive for any company. But for a new small business, and especially one which operates in an industry dominated by international mass-suppliers, that feat is particularly remarkable.

While a good proportion of the products made by Goodfellows are for London or South East clients, the heart of the business is firmly in North East England. Little more than a year after being established, that is exactly what Goodfellows has done. A tableware and kitchen utensils company, which prides itself on offering the highest quality coupled with a personalised service, Goodfellows is now seeing huge demand for its bespoke products from luxury venues and A-list individuals. It has a luxury showroom in London’s Baker Street, and its HQ and distribution centre in Peterlee, County Durham and is the go-to supplier for the cream of the UK hospitality sector. The company is the brainchild of Valda and Paul Goodfellow, who have combined their expertise to make the business the success it has become. Both proud to hail from the North East,Valda’s background is in manufacturing and Paul is a chef by trade.Valda made her name as managing director of gourmet food company Mr Lazenby’s, which became a £10m business under her leadership.

Valda, a champion of North East manufacturing and a former chair of the Teesside Manufacturing Challenge, said: “There was nowhere else we would have chosen to base our HQ. Paul and I are both very proud to be from the North East and we know the work ethic there is in this region. “There may not be the widespread manufacturing businesses here that there were in years gone by, but the North East’s ability to produce the highest quality has never changed. Our business is known for the quality of what we supply, and we are very proud to say that not only does everything come from the UK, it comes from our home region.”

CONGRATULATION S TO THE TEAM AT M I D D LE TO N LOD GE WH O R ECEN T LY WON NOT ONLY BE S T WEDDIN G VENUE IN THE N ORTH EA S T AND YORKSH IR E AT T H E P RESTIGIOUS WEDDIN G IND USTRY AWA R DS A N D THEIR WED D IN G PLA N N ER ANNA RUSSELL WON B ES T WED D ING EV EN TS TEAM MANAGER . winter

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Business

HIGH-FLYING LAWYER CHRISTOPHER WELCH ACTS FOR SOME OF THE MOST TALKEDABOUT BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE NORTH. DEBORAH JOHNSON FINDS OUT MORE ABOUT THE MAN BEHIND SOME OF THE BIGGEST RECENT DEALS IN THE REGION. After becoming one of the youngest partners in a regional law firm in the UK, Christopher Welch has gone on to establish himself as one of the most highly regarded corporate lawyers in the North. As well as his reputation in commercial and leisure work, Welch is one of only a handful of specialists in pharmacy and care home work. As a Partner in Newcastle-based law firm Sintons, he attracts clients from across the North of England. Renowned as a hugely capable and talented lawyer – as well as, by all accounts, being rather formidable and hailed by Legal 500 as one of the leading lawyers in the North of England, Welch acts for wealthy private individuals and many of the region’s fastestgrowing businesses. Pharmaceutical wholesaler DE Group and leisure and care operator Malhotra Group are just two of his many clients, both of whom have gained national publicity in recent weeks through their involvement in multi-million pound deals overseen by Welch. Welch, who hails from the North West, has been an outstanding legal talent since the very start of his career. Becoming a partner in Newcastle-based Watson Burton aged only 26 - something he hails as a career highlight - Welch made his name by acting for one of the UK’s biggest retail names, overseeing their transactions regionally, and often nationally too. He also gained recognition by taking a case over the transfers of businesses to the European Court of Justice. Moving to Sintons in 2003, he quickly became a key part of the firm’s fast-growing corporate department, which, in the ten years since, has increased almost ten-fold in terms of revenues and five-fold in headcount, and now boasts some of the region’s most highly-regarded lawyers. So what does it take to be such a legal high-flyer, acting for some of the most talked-about people and businesses in the North? Welch answers in the thorough and considered manner you would expect from such a methodical lawyer. “An ability to do the work is a given, and you also need an understanding of your clients and how they work and be able to communicate to them what is important.You need to distil a lot of information so the client knows what is important. They don’t want or need to get bogged down with too much detail and rely on you to deal with that,” he says. “You also need a genuine interest in your clients and their work and area of expertise. I work with many

PHOTOGRAPHY HOUSE OF HUES LOCATION ASSEMBLY ROOMS NEWCASTLE WWW.ASSEMBLYROOMS.CO.UK

clients in the leisure, care and pharmacy sectors – not a lot of lawyers are specialists there, as a specialist has to have a deep knowledge and understand the nuances of it. “I would say you either have or don’t have that innate sense of what it takes to make commercial judgement. The rest comes with time and experience. I have worked with some of my clients for 25 years. Working with people over time builds up the trust that is essential in a relationship between a lawyer and client, to the point whereby you can be left to get on with things on their behalf.” Acting for the kinds of clients he does, it comes as no surprise that Welch is determined his work – as well as that of the firm – should always be of the highest standard. His uncompromising views on this have earned him a reputation as something of a hard taskmaster. Welch says: “I am quite exacting and do have high standards. It is our job to do the best we possibly can for our clients, this is the professional services sector after all, and we are providing a service to them. winter

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Working hard for a client shouldn’t be anything other than a given.” While he is clearly dedicated to his job and clients, Welch does afford himself some downtime. Impeccably dressed, Welch is clearly a big fan of fashion. Preferred brands include Alexander McQueen, Dolce and Gabbana, Prada and Hugo Boss, usually teamed with shoes by Jeffrey West and Oliver Sweeney. Shopping is usually done in London and Newcastle. Other passions include travel – recent trips include South Africa, Canada, Japan and the US – and his love of cars has seen him indulge in a Range Rover and a Porsche. He is also a fan of more extreme pastimes – a recent holiday was horse trekking on a ranch in Argentina, he has been water skiing, hot air ballooning, and a sky dive is planned for the coming months. Welch says: “I work hard and play hard. I like to push and challenge myself, but I also like to afford myself luxuries like nice clothes and holidays, and to be able to spoil my family and friends. As long as you put the hard work in, then the rewards are there to be enjoyed.”

Society

Hollywood legend Michael Douglas told me he was “really touched” to win his Legend Of The Year award while rapper Pharell was also very excited to be given an award and he even gave away his complimentary bottle of champers to a lucky guest!

This party princess hasn’t had time to stop darlings! In between trips to big awards do’s and trying my hand at festival going – glamping only of course – it’s been a busy autumn.

Sarah wit h Jourdan

I waved goodbye to summer by partying backstage at the legendary Virgin Media V Festival Louder Lounge. It was a starstudded line up with the likes of Beyonce and Kings of Leon performing.

Dunn

But sadly while I didn’t get to meet Queen Bey, I did rub shoulders with a lot of other celebs that were all enjoying the famed Louder Lounge hospitality. In between makeovers with experts MAC and pampering from luxury tanning brand Vita Liberata, I caught up in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse with supermodel du jour Jourdan Dunn who sparked serious body envy when she revealed to me she loves eating pizza and pasta. Sadly it’s all in the genes!

Rugby star Thom

Sarah & T

he Sat urd ays’ Mo l li

Meanwhile The Saturdays beauty Mollie King showed everyone how to do effortless festival chic looking gorgeous in a black leather jacket with red lipstick. Once I got over my hangover it was on next to the GQ Men Of The Year Awards. After a pampering session having eyelash extensions with The Lash Clinic, I was ready to flutter my peepers at all the A-Listers at The Royal Opera House in London.

e King

There were more goodies from the lovely people at Samsung who invited me to a fabulous bash at the Radio Rooftop Bar in central London to celebrate the launch of their new Galaxy Note 3 phone and Galaxy Gear smartwatch.

The presenter also told us he is a fan of the North. “Oh I love Newcastle. I’ve been there a few times and everyone is so friendly. Jane and I like to visit Blackpool as well for weekends.”

wit h Hol lyw ood

legend Michae l D

Olympian Victoria Pendleton revealed she is still on a high from her summer wedding but isn’t missing competing in Strictly Come Dancing. “I love the show and have been watching it every week but it so nice being able to sit on the sofa and enjoy it instead of having to perform!” Personally I’d love to be twirled around a dance floor by Brendan Cole. Some girls have all the luck!

SARAH ROBERTSON IS FEATURES EDITOR OF STAR MAGAZINE. A GEORDIE LOUDMOUTH LIVING THE DREAM IN LONDON, FOLLOW HER ON TWITTER @SARAHROBERTSON5

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ards At the G Q Men of the Year Aw

Presenter Jonathan Ross was as lovely off screen as he is on telling us all about his wife’s 25th anniversary present to him – a new ring. He said: “It’s inscribed with something very personal to us.”

Rugby hunk Thom Evans attracted many admiring glances when he turned up alone; but the sportsman refused to elaborate on his relationship with Hollywood star Jessica Lowndes, and only seemed interested in hanging out with his rugby mates.

Evans

At the end of the night there’s always a mad scrum to collect the amazing goody bags and this year’s didn’t disappoint with a beautiful silver bangle from Hugo Boss.

2013

P harre l & Sarah

ouglas

Society

T H E R E H A S B E E N A HO S T OF C AT WA L K SHOW S IN T H E R E G I ON TO S HOWC AS E T H E L AT E ST T R E NDS FO R T H E SE A SON .

The Ladies Who Rock event, in aid of the Prince’s Trust staged a fabulous Ladies Day at the Baltic featuring appearances by comedian Alistair McGowan and catwalk shows by Barbour, Fenwick and Love Niche, who also staged their own show at Jesmond Dene House.

Up and coming designers were on display at the Elevon event at The Vermont in Newcastle while Fenwick showed off the latest range from leading brand Maxmara.

MAXMARA AT FENWICK, NEWCASTLE & LOVE NICHE AT JESMOND DENE HOUSE SHOT BY AMY REBAIR. ELEVON AT THE VERMONT HOTEL SHOT BY IDENE ROOZBAYANI. ELEVON SHOWCASE: Natalie Dufferwiel

LOVE NICHE FASHION SHOW AT JESMOND DENE HOUSE HOTEL

MAXMARA AT FENWICK NEWCASTLE

ELEVON SHOWCASE: Jessica Lucielle Tait

LOVE NICHE FASHION SHOW AT JESMOND DENE HOUSE HOTEL

MAXMARA AT FENWICK NEWCASTLE

ELEVON SHOWCASE: Fitri Alamsjah

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T H IS MO NTH S E E S RO CK N ROLL SUN N Y, G ET ENGAG ED, AD MITT ED TO H O S P I TA L, GO TO RE HA B, ATTEND TH E GREAT N ORTH RUN , H AN G OU T WI TH T HE MO D FATHE R PA UL WELLER, ALL TH IS FOR A D OG SO SMA LL… ITS O NLY ROCK N ROLL SUN N Y, B UT I LIKE IT!

SUNSHINE T HE ROC K N ROL L DOGGIE

ILLUSTRATION: SIMON DONALD

“We can confirm a young black Scottie was admitted in the early hours of Sunday morning, he is being treated for an overdose… of bones”

La Di Da’s launch party was a very glamorous affair, I couldn’t keep the ladies off me, they were all gorgeous and I had enough licks to go around so everyone was happy.

They tried to make me go to Rehab but I barked, Woof Woof Woof…so I was sent to ‘rest’ with my Grandma and Grandad in Newcastle

The night before Great North Run, we went to Teenage Cancer Trust Pasta Party at Mr Lynch in Jesmond, hosted by Newcastle Radio’s Alfie Joey.

Thank you Goddard’s Vets for leaking that to the press, yes I was slightly over zealous on the bones, and I am sure if the dear old Queen Mother was still around she would agree with me when I say those bones can be very troublesome.

I met some patients and tried to make them laugh with my tail wagging trick, more of that later.

Truth is I had my official engagement party to my lovely little Elsa and Mummy invited all her naughty Music Industry friends, there were whole racks of ribs on the BBQ and they kept giving them to me and just for safe keeping I buried a few for later. When everyone eventually went home I dug them all up and gorged myself. Next thing I remember I had a pipe up my bottom being flushed out, I haven’t walked straight since. I would like to forget that episode if you don’t mind. So I was packed off to rehab, oops holiday, to stay with Nanny and Grandad in Newcastle. Lots of exciting things happen in the North East, here are a few things I got up to. winter

On the way home we bumped into none other than Olympic Champion Mo Farah, we had a little chat, and I gave him some running tips however I think him only having two legs puts him at a disadvantage. Then the unthinkable happened, he said he preferred cats!! Can you imagine my outrage? Let’s just say he didn’t taste as good as those bones!!

2013

Me wit h Mo Farah

Talk about style icons, I ran into my old mate Paul Weller whilst he was in Newcastle, I could tell he was in the area as my Grandma was furiously making a batch of pasties, which is always a sign, they are his favourite for the tour bus after the show. We hung out back stage at Newcastle City Hall and Paul admired my new leopard print bandana. I was rocking my 80s Rod Stewart, ‘If You Think I’m Sexy’ look, although Paul said I looked like someone called Bet Lynch, don’t know who that is but she must be pretty cool. He asked for a copy of La Di Da too. Mummy requested he sing her favourite song Friday Street, he did, and she hasn’t stopped going on about it since, honestly she is so embarrassing sometimes.

Me & Al fie Joey

I’ll tell you what is embarrassing, Mummy’s three-year-old goddaughter Lola, daughter of Page 3 stunner Kathy Lloyd, making me sit in her doll’s pushchair and taking me up and down the Kings Road. We went to Pet Pavillion to buy me some perfume, Kennel no 5, no really, and in there was Felicity Kendall and her dog George doing the same thing. I’m still traumatised now.

Paul We ller

The Ladida gang come to London, what a laugh that was, we all went to Sanctum Soho Hotel, anyone who follows me on Twitter will know that’s my spot. We chilled out on the roof terrace, had a bottle of Iron Maiden’s Trooper Beer by the hot tub, we had to leave before it all kicked off as Men’s Health Mag were having a party and lots of muscular guys started to arrive and I didn’t want to steal their thunder.

I’m a London Lad!

That reminds me! I’m going to see Thunder, one of my fave bands, next week supporting Mott the Hoople, altogether now…

T EEN AGE C AN C ER TR U S T

All The Young Dudes…

Be Sunny People x

MUMMY is big in the music business and works with rock stars to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Read more exploits from me on Twitter @rocknrollsunny

Tank Girl and Gorillaz artist Jamie Hewlett’s designs are inspired by my friend Paul Weller, Pete Townshend of The Who and Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy.

Show your support for the charity by snapping up one of these T-shirts from Pretty Green.

A bargain at £55 with all proceeds donated to the charity. You can also pick them up at Pretty Green shops in Newcastle and Leeds.

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You’ve always wanted It’s all to visit in the but detail never had the chance... you really should experience it for yourself. Set in 37 acres of grounds with a fabulous cliff top location, Seaham Hall is a 5 star hotel with a fascinating past and is also home to the extensive award winning Serenity Spa.

Seaham Hall is a 5 star boutique hotel situated on the County Durham Heritage coastline. Experience 20 of the most luxurious individually designed suites, take time to relax and unwind

Enjoy one spa your days,tastebuds treat yourself to aour treatment two or your tastebuds in in of theour spa amazing and tantalise in either Ozone ororBlunos Seatantalise Grill restaurant. either our Ozone or Blunos Sea Grill restaurant - you might even get to see celebrity chef Martin Blunos! Seaham Hall is the perfect venue for private dining, events and of course weddings. Seaham is the perfect tailored backdrop dining,and events of course your day. wedding. Each Hall can be individually to for yourprivate exact needs helpand create your perfect

Each can be individually tailored to your exact needs to help create your perfect day. So treat yourself to the perfect getaway and remember, it really is all in the detail.

So come and visit, you might just fall in love.

Seaham Hall, Lord Byron’s Walk, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7AG T: 0191 516 1400 W: www.seaham-hall.com E: hotel@seaham-hall.com