Ladida - Issue 12 by La Di Da

FOR THE NORTH EAST AND N O RTH YO R KSHI R E

NE V E R LOV E A NYONE WHO TREATS YOU LIKE YOU’RE ORD INARY OSC AR W I L DE

HOT ROCKS DAHLING DIAMONDS

SUMMER 2016 £2.50 WHERE SOLD

High society Fabulous frocks & afternoon tea

Super SPAS HEAVENLY HANGOUTS

The

ISSU E 12

INSIDE SKINNY

THE PLACES TO STAY & PLAY THIS SUMMER

AWARD WINNING HAIRDRESSING

Summer Loving Darlington 01325 468 994

Gosforth 0191 217 0217

Jesmond 0191 281 6714

Ponteland 01661 821 004

Wynyard 01740 644 690

www.hookerandyoung.co.uk Facebook/hooker&young Twitter @hookerandyoung spring

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SUMMER 2016

LA DI DA MAGAZINE CLAVERING HOUSE CLAVERING PLACE NEWCASTLE NE1 3NG 0191 466 1028 EDITOR LINDA JANE WESTPHAL YOURMAJ@LADIDA.CO.UK ADVERTISING ADVERTISING@LADIDA.CO.UK FASHION DIRECTOR LIZ LAMB TRAVEL EDITOR CATHERINE HEWITSON DRINKS EDITOR ANGELA METCALFE

LaDiDaMagazine

LaDiDaMag

LaDiDaMagazine WE ARE A FABULOUSLY FRIENDLY BUNCH HERE AT LA DI DA TOWERS AND WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU...TWEET US AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTIONS@LADIDA.CO.UK DESIGN CURIOUS 12 WWW.CURIOUS12.COM ©2016 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.

ummer is always one of my favourite issues and this one has been no exception. Our fashion shoot featured gorge high society looks, a whippet in a tiara and the magical grandeur of Newton Hall. We channelled a dark ‘Marie Antoinette’ for our bridal shoot at glorious Alnwick Garden and we managed to pull it off despite blazing sunshine and blue skies. And, of course, we have been wining and dining in very grand style so read our review of The Fat Duck at Bray, Rockliffe Hall and one of the UK’s coolest

restaurants – on our very own doorstep – to name just a few. Ready to wind down a little? We have the very best spa experiences for you so get ready to be pampered! Finally we’ve been followed by a TV crew for the last few months for a new six part fashion show to be aired on Made in Tyne and Wear. Don’t forget to tune in and see the behind the scenes action, it was great fun…have a fabulous summer all, chin chin x

Linda x

A DAMN FINE READ FOR NORTHERN HIGH SOCIETY

8-9 Fashion royalty

We play dress up with fashionistas Have to Love

10-11 A star is born… Behind the scenes with Kynren

26-27 La Di Da Spas Divine places to recharge

33-39 Swoon & Swagger

OUR COVER SHOT

High society summer looks

PHOTOGRAPHY JADE TURNBULL MODEL DEEANN SHOTTON TYNE TEES MODELS HAIR SAMI NASH MUA JO LEVERSUCH OF MAKE UP BY JO LOCATION NEWTON HALL, NORTHUMBERLAND

49-51 Vodka Dahlings Supped by the stars and now heading north..

WIT H T HA NK S TO O U R S P O N S O R S

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News & Goss

#Shoeporn Shoe heaven has arrived in the region courtesy of the fabulous Bowes Museum. Shoes: Pleasure and Pain features shoes worn by or associated with famous names such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Queen Victoria, The Honorable Daphne Guinness and Kylie Minogue. Think Louboutins, Jimmy Choo, Christian Dior, Prada and Manolo Blahnik! In another major coup for the museum, it is the only venue outside of London to show the exhibition.

Lobster & Fizz

www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Fancy a girlie lunch in style? Check out Hotel Du Vin Newcastle’s fabulous offer of a free bottle of champagne when four people dine (2 courses from the a la carte menu). Featuring such hedonistic delights as Lobster and Crab it is the perfect way to while away an afternoon in the sun.

Time for Tea

www.hotelduvin.com/Newcastle

Summer Gin

We’ve fallen in love with a new tea house Chaia which has just opened in Gosforth. Super stylish interiors, an incredible selection of teas with a lovely team on hand to advise and great food including some ridiculously moreish cakes. It’s #soladida. We love! 4 Hawthorn Road, Gosforth Chaiateabar

Sunderland gin distiller Poetic License has released a limited edition Strawberries and Cream Picnic Gin (37.5%) which is really rather yummy and is infused with strawberries and cream. We like it with a premium elderflower tonic water or for a garden soiree why not try it as a fruit cup with lemonade and mixed berries. poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk

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FASHION

Queens

Photography: Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com

ICONIC FASHION BOUTIQUE HAVE TO LOVE HAS CREATED AN OASIS OF FASHION FABULOUSNESS IN DOWNTOWN GOSFORTH. A VOGUE FAVOURITE, THEY HAVE NOW WON AN INDUSTRY AWARD FOR BEST BUYING TEAM IN THE UK. WE ROCKED UP TO PLAY DRESS UP WITH THE GORGEOUS GIRLS BEHIND IT... summer

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All of the girls are wearing the latest SS16 looks from Have to Love. For prices and information check website

www.havetolove.com 3 Hawthorn Road Gosforth, Newcastle NE3 4DE

ever has a fashion boutique been so aptly named. La Di Da headed into the chic Have to Love boutique in Gosforth, Newcastle with an entourage that even Mariah Carey would find daunting. As well as our fashion shoot team, we had a TV crew following us with their fashionista TV presenter. And every last one of us fell immediately and deeply in love with this uber stylish fashion haven and its fabulous team. Have to Love, on Hawthorn Road, Gosforth is seriously feminine with monochrome colour scheme chandeliers, baroque mirrors and hot pink accessories. Quirky and fabulous at the same time, there are rails of the most jawdroppingly gorgeous fashions sourced from the best designers in the UK and around the globe as well as Have to Love’s own range. This year sees Kate Walton, the beautiful fashionista behind the boutique, celebrate its 10th anniversary. She has had an incredible 10 years, winning fashion awards, being recognised by Vogue Best Boutiques as ‘50 Best Boutiques in Britain’ two years running, not to mention accolades from the likes of Grazia. She has also had her share of celebrity customers not just in the North East, but all over the UK. Such is their buying expertise that the team has recently won The Pure Award for Best Independent Buying Team, a huge accolade. “The award means a lot, it’s great to be recognised by the fashion industry,” says Kate. “We work really hard to get the very best fashion in store for our clients. “Pure London is one of the biggest events in the country but it feels more important that independent boutique owners voted for us – to be recognised by our competition is massive.”

While we are shooting, a steady stream of very stylish customers come in to the shop and greet the staff like old friends. “We love getting to know our customers,” says Kate. “It’s like our little family. We even serve cocktails here some evenings so they can have a drink while they try on the latest looks. It makes it feel like they’re at a friend’s house and we try to make it as fun as possible.” Knowing their customers inside out also helps when it comes to ensuring there is no risk of a fashion faux pas. “We know what people are wearing to attend all of the big events and we won’t let someone else buy the same outfit,” she says. “We would never have the situation of two of our customers turning up to the same event in Newcastle wearing the same dress. We’re really careful about that kind of thing.” Cars courtesy of Northumbria Classic Car Hire. www.northumbriaclassics.com Fashionista Kate Walton

We would never have two of our customers turning up to the same event in Newcastle wearing the same dress summer

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GASP Photography

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Friends with

Ben ef i t s PINK GINS, AFTERNOON TEA AND A LIST PAMPERING… MADELEINE COSTIGAN STEPS ABOARD LONDON’S VERY FABULOUS AND EXCLUSIVE BEAUTY AND PARTY BOAT THE GOOD SHIP BENEFIT…

’ve been in touch with an old school friend recently; it’s been about 20 years! I last remember terrorising and chasing the boys on the train that we used to get up to school with her… good times! Ruth is brilliant, a proper party girl like me and I was delighted to be invited to the VIP launch of the RS Hispanola on the embankment in London for the launch of Benefit cosmetics’ new residence. First things first and most importantly, what to wear to such an exciting event where I would be schmoozing with the Benefit glitterati. One must always make an impression in life, then we are not forgotten…something I always live by. So…why not wear a tutu dress! I mean how often can you wear a tutu right? Bag packed and off to London (with one other fashion option) in tow. Admittedly when I was getting dressed I caught sight of myself and wondered if it was too much, but it was that or a skin tight electric blue catsuit (which had already had two outings) so felt it was the dress’s turn to shine! Anyway, make up check, big bouncy blow dry check…gin with ridiculous garnish of pine tree branch for Dutch courage check. On arrival to the Embankment you can’t

really miss your destination as the boat is decked out in ‘pink’…brilliant! I was escorted down the gangway (is that the right word!?) onto the deck by two rather dashing young sailors dressed in floral garlands and was greeted by ‘Captain Mike’ who was of course wearing a pink bow tie. Pink gin cocktails awaited my arrival. Benefit is all about fun and not taking life too seriously. They believe in ‘whistling while you work it’, ‘faking it till you make it’ and ‘grabbing life by the giggles’. What a great company to work for when your mission statement sounds like this and their belief that a woman is at her most beautiful when she is confident, empowered and strong. High five bitches!! Launched in the US in 1976, two lovely people Ian and Gail went on a little trip to the US to find an inspiring brand to bring back to the UK and Benefit UK was born in 1997. Princess Diana even made a surprise appearance at the Harrods launch…that’s pretty damn cool. Back to the tutu…well it was a hit. One lady said her and her friends had been scoring the ladies outfits all night and that (in their opinion) I had won first prize…there was no award for this or gushing acceptance speech from me but summer

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it was still a lovely compliment. So back to this fab boat… so the purpose of the ship is to bring everything ‘Benefit’ to one place where you can enjoy cocktails, dinner, beauty treatments, a bit of shopping (with pop up shops also being on board) or even a sing song by the pink grand piano with Captain Mike perhaps and one of his sailor boys. I mean what more could a girl possibly want in life! Situated on Victoria Embankment, it has an awesome view of the London Eye and is the place to be this summer! From bottomless brunches and Afternoon Tea to riverside yoga, girls get yourselves booked up! • R.S Hispaniola is open till 31st August. For info and bookings www.goodshipbenefit.com www.maddieness.co.uk

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Hot rocks IT’S NOT EVERY DAY YOU GET A CHANCE TO PLAY WITH DIAMONDS SO WHEN RENOWNED JEWELLER GOLDSMITHS INVITED US TO SEE THEIR SECRET WORKSHOP HOW COULD WE RESIST? Words: Linda Jane Westphal Photography: Michael Carruthers www.carrostudio.com

an Vickers’ wife routinely introduces him at parties as an ‘adult entertainer’ because he makes women squeal with delight. And indeed he does because Ian makes exquisite jewellery, anything from £1million pound diamond rings to a little something special for your pampered pooch. Ian is Goldsmith’s bespoke craftsman and regularly travels up and down the country working between their Hatton Garden studio and their facility at the iconic and historic Northern Goldsmiths in Newcastle. Such is the pedigree of Goldsmiths, which started in Newcastle in 1778, and Ian’s expertise that clients regularly travel from all over the country to ask him to make them something special. He and his fellow craftsmen look after some very la di da jewels indeed - Goldsmiths is far too discreet to let us reveal too much but it demonstrates that they operate at the very top levels of high society. “We’ve never had a recession at this store,” he says. “You can have people come in and casually ask you to make a couple of £1 million pound rings. There is plenty of money in the North East but it is very understated.” But Ian and Goldsmiths aren’t just about the big summer

money jewels. He takes as much pleasure in creating small and bespoke jewellery for someone. He shows us the design of a beautiful platinum necklace with a small silver microphone – a gift from a proud father for his daughter who appeared in X factor. It is exquisite and totally unique. Designs are initially hand drawn and then refined on screen using a CAD system.The technology is such that Ian can text clients images of their designs but nothing replaces the real skill of the craftsman especially when it

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I have to listen to Pink Floyd when I work with diamonds… Jewellery images courtesy of Goldsmiths

comes to setting expensive diamonds. “I have to listen to Pink Floyd when I work with diamonds,” laughs Ian. “It is the only music that gets me in the zone.” Usually people commission jewellery when they encounter major emotional milestones, he reports. Inheritance pieces have become very popular and Ian will work with both the mum and daughter on these so when they are finally passed on, the style will suit the daughter as well as the mother. “Some people can feel intimidated or shy about commissioning jewellery but we have no minimum spend,” he says. “Once we get chatting customers start to really enjoy the process. It’s not all about the money, it’s about creating something really special summer

that they can treasure forever and will work for them in the years to come. ” “We make a lot of engagement rings and I always design these with a wedding and eternity ring in mind because when the couple are ready to come back for these it’s important that they all work together on the hand,” he explains. Divorce rings are starting to become very popular. “The ex wife will come in with her settlement and often commission the ‘wedding’ ring she had really wanted in the first place,” he says. “I have had a long and happy marriage and I generally say to men when they come in with their fiancees ‘to let her have what she wants’,” he laughs. “I have a saying, ‘happy wife, happy life’.”

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YNREN’S HERE...

ONE OF THE BIGGEST SHOWS ON EARTH HAS LAUNCHED ON OUR DOORSTEP SO OF COURSE WE MANAGED TO BE SMUGGLED IN FOR A SNEAK PEEK AT THE FABULOUS CLOTHES AND COSTUMIERS...#SHALLOW Photography: Michael Carruthers www.carrostudio.com

t’s not all glamour at La Di Da Towers we do occasionally have to step away from our realm of fabulous hotels, spas and cocktails bars in the pursuit of a good story. And so it was, dear reader, that we found ourselves knee deep in mud on a building site on a bleak day in Bishop Auckland ready to conduct a photoshoot in a portacabin. But what a story this is. Unless you have been on the moon, the chances are you have heard of Kynren. It has been reported everywhere over the last few months. Billed as a world class attraction, there is nothing else like it in the UK. The open-air historical theatre event is loosely based on the French theme park Puy du Fou. The £31m show takes up to 8,000 spectators on a journey through 2,000 years of British history from the Roman and Viking invasions through to the industrial revolution and Second World War and celebrates the North East’s enormous impact on history. La Di Da has been lucky enough to have a sneak peek of the production

The beautiful costumes made especially for Kynren

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and it is spell binding. “People are coming from all over the world to see it,” Chief Executive Anne Isabelle Daulon tells us. “It is hard to describe to people because they have never seen anything like it. I tell them you have to imagine an open air movie in 3D with a score created by a Hollywood based composer. It is a real rollercoaster, a fabulous theatrical performance. It celebrates the history of this area in a way that everyone can connect with. One minute you will be in tears, the next minute feeling complete joy. It’s reconnecting people to their roots.” La Di Da was lucky enough to be allowed an exclusive sneak peek at the costume department in the run up to the opening. Housed in a secret – and very unglam location – a group of costumiers and volunteers have been beavering away for months making thousands of costumes. The costumes are breathtaking. Every single one has been designed to fit different people of all shapes and sizes, making it an incredibly complex job. The team has made 2360 costumes and that’s without the other elements such as amour, helmets, shoes or hats. Heading up this enormous task is Alix Descieux-Read. She studied the design and

BELOW RIGHT: Anne Isabelle Daulon, CEO

making of historical costumes in Paris and has worked on period films and theatre and opera productions. She has also worked with the famous French designer of Puy du Fou, Olivier Beriot, who introduced her to Puy du Fou and Kynren. “We had to do a lot of research before we even began to make the costumes,” she explains. “So we started with historical research to understand the styles and fabrics used during each phase of the story. Fabric sampling and planning began in earnest in July 2015. Puy du Fou helped a lot in providing patterns that they have tested on their own night show and counsel on techniques and materials to answer the summer

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technical costume constraints of such a show.” All of the seamstresses working full time in the workshop and the breakdown and dying artist are employed by Kynren. Some are from Puy du Fou while the other costume seamstresses are local and have studied historical costume at Cleveland College of Arts and Design.Volunteers, however, are at the heart of Kynren. “We could never have created such a huge number of costumes without the help of the volunteers,” explains Alix. “Their commitment and professionalism has been a massive help.” • Tickets cost £25-£55 for adults and £19-£41 for children.Visit www.elevenarches.org

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ROCK ‘N’ RAISE THE GRAHAM WYLIE FOUNDATION IS LAUNCHING IN GRAND STYLE WITH THE HELP OF THE KAISER CHIEFS AND A HOST OF CELEB NAMES. LINDA JANE WESTPHAL MET THE TWO HIGH FLYERS BEHIND THE GROUNDBREAKING CHARITY TO FIND OUT MORE... Main Photograph: Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com

asier Chiefs frontman and Voice star Ricky Wilson is a brave man. Not only will he be involved in the Great North Run on September 11th but he and the band will also be headlining a fantastic night of music that evening at Rock ‘n’ Raise to raise funds for North East children. Rock ‘n’ Raise is the brainchild of the founder of the Graham Wylie Foundation, entrepreneur Graham

summer

Wylie, and Angie Jenkison, one of the most influential women in the fields of music and charity and the CEO of the foundation. We meet Graham and Angie at the beautiful Close House Golf Resort, owned by Graham, for the interview and shoot. They’ve just finished an exhausting marathon of press interviews and publicity surrounding the launch of the Graham Wylie Foundation and its inaugural event ‘Rock n Raise’, a fantastic concert running on the evening of the Great North Run on September 11th at the Metro Radio Arena. Featuring a host of big names, it will be headlined by the Kaiser Chiefs with Kodaline and local band Lisbon supporting and more names are to be announced shortly. With both Graham and Angie’s stellar speed dials, you can guarantee it will be celebrity central and on a scale the region has never seen before. The VIP After Party is set to be THE party of the year with A listers partying into the night. La Di Da has already bought its tickets. “I’ve wanted to set up this foundation for 13 years,” explains Graham. “But I needed the right person to come along to head it up. When I met Angie and saw what she had achieved for the Teenage Cancer Trust, I knew she was the one. Then it was just a case of

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ABOVE: Graham Wylie and Angie Jenkison at beautiful Close House LEFT: Kaiser Chief front man Ricky Wilson will be performing at Rock ‘n’ Raise

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BE A VIP

persuading her and extracting her from her fabulous London life,” he laughed. Graham is funding all of the running costs of the foundation out of his own pocket so 100% of all donations will go to good causes in the area. “Every aspect of the foundation and the type of projects we support will be sustainable,” he explains. “The aim of the Graham Wylie Foundation is to create a new way of giving, which will benefit children in our region for generation after generation after generation. “I’ve been very lucky, I ended up studying IT by accident and it changed my life,” he explains

Tickets are just £25 for the stadium and £35 for seating around the arena, but why not be a VIP for the night and party with the stars? There are a limited number of £50 VIP tickets available which means your seat is in a block nearer the stage and you get tickets to the After Party. Tickets from www.metroradiotickets.co.uk

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“The foundation will help children get the opportunity I had, to find something they didn’t know they could do and excel at it and change their lives forever.” Angie believes Rock ‘n’ Raise could be a regular event held every year after the Great North Run. “It’s going to be an amazing evening, we’ve got some big names involved and so many people are donating their services for free,” she said. “Metro Radio is a sponsor, the bands are playing for free, Virgin is sorting the travel, and we’re all pulling together to raise as much money for the region’s children as we can.”

Beauty

ORIGINS Plantscription sheet face mask £32 House of Fraser CHANEL Healthy Glow multi-colour LES BEIGES No.2 £48 Harrods.com

Holiday in a Bottle £28 TIME BOMB Fenwick

DR WEIL FOR ORIGINS SPF45 daily UV defender and Mega Defence defender oil both £30 John Lewis

THE BEAUTY EDIT

TOM FORD Orchid Soleil Eau de Parfum £54 Fenwick available August 1

STYLE DIRECTOR LIZ LAMB SELECTS HER TOP BEAUTY PICKS FOR SUMMER.

Awapuhi wild ginger high gloss hair primer £26.95 PAUL MITCHELL

LA DI DA Loves

Cocoa Brown by MARISSA CARTER one hour tan £7.99 Superdrug

LA MER has launched two new products for summer. The limited edition bronzing powder (£60) features four shades to complement skin tones while the After Sun enhancer (£85) soothes and enhances a natural tan. Available at John Lewis. summer

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Beauty

DARPHIN Soleil Plaisir SPF 30 sun protection cream £29 Darphin.co.uk

i-glow shimmer powder £22.50 and light up lip gloss with mirror £18.50, both NEW CID cosmetics newcidcosmetics.com

LA DI DA Loves MARULA OIL reduces split ends, improves condition and gives up to 80% more shine £33.95 for 50ml raremarula.co.uk

NEOM Great Day wild mint and mandarin body scrub neomorganics.com

DR ORGANIC Moroccan Glow tan extender body lotion £11.99 Holland & Barrett

CLINIQUE Sun-Kissed Face Gelee £23

LA DI DA Loves MICHAEL KORS Coral eau de parfum £39-78

Disney Alice in Wonderland make up palette URBAN DECAY £45

ST TROPEZ in shower tanning lotion £14.50 boots.com

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Beauty

Making

FACES… LAUREN HILLARY POPPED DOWN TO HOOKER & YOUNG PONTELAND FOR SOME FIZZ AND TO CHAT ALL THINGS BEAUTY WITH CELEBRITY MAKE UP ARTIST RUPERT KINGSTON … I love your new make up range Delilah, it’s beautiful! If you had to pick three products that a lady needs in her handbag what would they be? “Thank you, we based the designs on vintage compacts and make up because they were so glamorous and we wanted our make up to look really stylish. Lots of celebrities such as Emma Willis and Tess Daley love wearing it. “The first product I would recommend is the Under Wear Future Resist Foundation Primer. Its very light weight, feels nice on the skin and suits everyone. It will go with your cc cream, mineral powders, heavy coverage foundation and is great for all skin types. “Secondly try Farewell Concealer. It looks heavy coverage but actually its light; it’s creamy and has a luminous finish to it. So, if you have nothing else on in the morning, put this under the eye, blend it in and you have luminous coverage. It has Hyaluronic Filling Spheres to help fill fine lines and wrinkles making the skin look smoother, so it’s a great ‘must have’ product. We’ve won two awards with this product already and it has been featured in Glamour Magazine and the Daily Mail featured it in their

favourite make up from 2015. “The third product has been a real ‘hero product’ for us. Pure Light - a compact illuminating powder. India Knight wrote about it in The Sunday Times Style magazine and we sold out that day and had 1000 women on the waiting list. “Pure Light has that really light, luminous effect to it, so instead of looking really shimmery on the skin you just get a really gorgeous, soft radiance leaving the skin looking healthy, smooth and luminous. “Just take your blusher brush, brush once on the cheek bones, on the bridge of the nose, and tip of the chin.” What do you think the next beauty trend will be? “I do think there will be anti-contouring going on. All of the high precision eyebrows and contoured faces will go out of fashion (it has in the make up artist world a long time ago). I think the trend will be immaculate looking skin, low maintenance, luminosity and radiance, using highlighters to fill out the high points on the face, instead of dark contouring all over the face. summer

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Have you got a secret tip or a ‘must have product you never leave home without? “My absolute must have tip for good make up is the Foundation Kabuki Brush. This is easy, quick and makes the skin look flawless.You buff and polish the foundation onto the skin so you get an airbrushed look. And always brush down! “My favourite make up tip is to take a black or brown eye pencil. Pick the lid up and pencil under the lashes. Women struggle with eyeliner to get a straight line as they are going on the top and it ends up wobbly. Pick up the lid, pencil underneath all the way to the corner and you get a beautiful line that makes the eyes pop. I do this on young girls and mature women. They love it! If you want something fresh looking this really is a great trick!”

BEAUTY NOTES Delilah (www.delilahcosmetics.com) is paraben free. They do not undertake any animal testing. Neither do they sell the products or license them into any markets that do animal testing. The range is available from Hooker and Young Ponteland. www.hookerandyoung.co.uk.

Beauty

festival WORDS: JO LEVERSUCH

READY W

ith festival season under way now is the time to plan that killer look and make sure you stand out from the crowd. To create this look I used one of my make up staples, Steamcream and added Amazing Cosmetics in Amazing Concealer to give some coverage but a dewy, natural finish. To define the eyebrows I used Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows in Cara. The fabulous eyeshadow is Pat McGrath in Gold 001 and I added Eylure Pro Lash Individual Lashes for a pretty but natural finish. Finally add a sweep of lipstick in Rimmel in shade 128. Don’t despair if you’re travelling light, these products can be used in lots of clever ways to give you a myriad of low maintenance looks that deliver a polished finish. Steamcream can be used as a cleanser to remove the make-up. Use the gold eyeshadow as lipstick or even add some of the gold into the eyebrows. The burgundy lipstick is perfect to use as cheek colour or why not apply to the eyelids to create a dewy smoky eye.

MUA: Jo Leversuch www.makeupbyjo.co.uk HAIR: James Reid of Whiskered www.whiskered.co.uk Designer/coat: Ellie Gibson Model: Estelle Tyne Tees Models www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk Photographer: Rebecca Elizabeth Tate www.rebeccaelizabethtate.com

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Beauty

The devil is in the detail

LEVERSUCH

PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP ARTIST www.makeupbyjo.co.uk • summer jo@makeupbyjo.co.uk • 07815 835211 2016

Beauty

LEFT: Charlotte and her team

Rock ‘N’ Royal

Beauty CELEBRITY MAKE-UP ARTIST CHARLOTTE TILBURY HAS MADE UP EVERYONE FROM KATE MOSS TO THE KARDASHIANS AND HAS THE QUEEN IN HER SIGHTS. LIZ LAMB MEETS HER.

“T

he Queen of England, definitely,” says the world’s most famous make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury when asked whom she would most like to transform. “It’s going to happen,” she says with a steely determination and a grin on her face. This dream is not beyond the realms of possibility considering Charlotte, the powerhouse behind the beauty brand bearing her name, is THE make-up artist most major celebrities flock to. “I love Kate Moss, she is British and fabulous and the Kardashians are brilliant,” she says of her A-list clientele. Charlotte is speaking at an exclusive event at Fenwick, Newcastle, where her beauty counter launched late last year and has proved a huge

success with fans snapping up some her most iconic looks and products. “There’s no such thing as ugly women,” claims Charlotte, who is beautifully made-up and sporting a LBD with her trademark red locks cascading down her back. “We’re all beautiful and we’re all amazing. I’m always blown away by the power of beautiful women when they walk into a room.” The MUA’s dream of launching her own brand began when, working behind the scenes at fashion week and for the front covers of Vogue, she began concocting summer

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her own formulas mixing concealers with lipsticks and creams with other potions. “I was like an alchemist,” she smiles. “My magic cream has been around for nearly 20 years. It was known as Charlotte’s secret cream and people would ask me for it and I would say no-I was terrified someone would steal it. Celebrities, models, other make-up artists all wanted some.” The magic cream is now one of the brand’s biggest-selling products, has won a clutch of beauty awards and has catapulted the feisty redhead to celebrity status herself. “I get women running up to me in America screaming ‘you’re the one who invented the magic cream’,” she laughs. Her beauty brand features 10 iconic looks inspired by a diverse mix of celebrities from Kate Moss to Gwyneth Paltrow, Penelope Cruz, Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall, aimed at appealing to different parts of our personalities. “One day you might want to be a rebel, the next a glamour muse, the next a bombshell,” explains Charlotte, who says her job is ‘like being paid to play Barbie.’ “Make-up empowers us to be the most beautiful version of ourselves. It makes you look fab and feel fab. It’s magic in the way it can psychologically affect your state of mind. Make-up is hugely powerful.” So does Charlotte ever go without her war paint? “There is no way I’d go out without make-up. I’d lock myself in my room.,” she laughs, revealing she even wears eye make-up to bed. My husband has no idea what he really married.” • For more hints, tips, tricks and products head to charlottetilbury.com. The brand is available in Fenwick Newcastle.

Health Promotion DR UZMA OLBRICH AND DR REBECCA HIERONS HAVE STUDIED SKIN CARE PROCEDURES WITH TOP EXPERTS AROUND THE GLOBE SO WE PUT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THEM TO GET THE INSIDER KNOW HOW ON ALL THE LATEST TECHNIQUES AND PRODUCTS

Skincare Queens

I would love to have Botox® but I am scared my face will look frozen and I don’t want people at work to notice. Can this be prevented? It is important to us when treating with botulinum toxin (Botox®), that we aim not to paralyse your face by over treating. We want you to retain some attractive natural movement, this way you look fresh and rested as opposed to ‘frozen’. The key is to assess each person individually, understand what your muscles are doing and tailor the dose accordingly. Each treatment is bespoke to you as an individual, and neither Rebecca nor I, take the ‘paint by numbers’ approach to the serious business of injecting.

How young can you start using Botox® and is it the younger the better? What are the pros and cons... Rarely is there a clinical need to start Botox® when you are in your teens and early twenties. It is our responsibility as clinicians to distinguish between a genuine requirement for Botox® or a fashion/social media led or body dysmorphia led demand for treatment. We have treated people in their early 20s with Botox, but only if after consideration we think it is beneficial to the client. We would assess for fine line formation and we would treat as a preventative measure if we felt there was a genuine concern that in years to come these lines would become much deeper and ageing. More typically as you approach your late twenties to early thirties this is the age at which we would start treating most people to soften muscle movement and minimise the formation of deeper lines as you progress towards middle age.

I would like to have plumper lips but I am in my early fifties and worried I will end up with a trout pout - what do you recommend? Age isn’t always kind to women. Menopause brings with it many ageing changes, one of

Can Botox®, fillers and peels prevent you from needing a facelift or at some point will I need cosmetic surgery? Everyone ages differently but by introducing certain non-surgical interventions at key moments we can certainly help slow down the process in most, and in doing so push back the requirement for surgery to a later date or eliminate the need entirely. Cleverly combining a mix of treatments can help at different stages and ages of our life. For example... A gold standard medical skin care regime: In your teens and early twenties, protecting your skin against sun, pollution and smoking is vital and you should start young. These factors in combination with genetics are the biggest ageing factors out there. As we get older, consideration should be given to more therapeutic medicated skin care to optimise our skin cell turnover and collagen production. Collagen is ‘king’. It keeps our skin plump and elastic. It is possible with proper care and attention to keep our skin looking and feeling supple with minimal line formation well into our 40’s and 50’s if we start early enough. Softening muscle activity As you approach your late twenties and early thirties this is the point in time when we start showing age lines in our faces. If we use muscles repetitively through life, eventually lines will form even when we are not in motion. (Good skincare will help minimise

which is reduced lip volume.Volume loss is replaced with filler material. The ‘less is more’ term applies here. Temporary lip fillers are the best option and they are completely reversible if you don’t like them. It’s both a science and an art when it comes to lip injections, and understanding the balance and relationship of the lip to the nose, chin and the rest of the face is paramount. The best way to avoid the trout pout is to ease into summer

2016

this by promoting healthy collagen formation). As mentioned earlier, this is a good time to consider botulinum toxin, and there is growing evidence to suggest softening muscle activity early has an impact on reducing deeper line formation later in life. Restoring lost volume to the face: As we approach our mid thirties to early forties, most of us start to lose a little bit of our bone structure and volume in our face, resulting in the formation of deeper folds and jowls . Adding volume to the wrong areas of the face with the incorrect use of fillers can make the face look older and less attractive. This has unfortunately given fillers a bad reputation. The use of fillers to revolumise the face is a great way to treat volume loss. Using the rule of less is more, and having an understanding of why the face has lost volume and replacing it in a considered approach is essential. At Queensway we use temporary Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers, and there is growing evidence to suggest repeated use of HA filler is actually beneficial because it also helps to stimulate collagen formation in your skin, making it less thin and prone to sagging. Fillers used correctly can press the facial ageing pause button. Skin Resurfacing and rejuvenation Uneven skin tone, and dull skin can appear ageing. The use of a chemical peel, lasers and microneedling with PRP (platelet rich plasma or ‘vampire’ facial) may also help, in conjunction with an A-list skin care regime.

lip filling and always maintain proportion and harmony, with conservative doses in early visits. We advise clients to come back after a few weeks to confirm they like the look and to understand how much amplification they actually want. This little by little approach and not trying to fundamentally change the natural shape of the lips avoids the ‘trout pout’. Not everybody is meant to have Angelina Jolie or Scarlet Johansson lips.

Promotion Health

What do you recommend for redness and pigmentation in my skin? We would start with a thorough consultation to diagnose your specific problem – for example, redness can be caused by rosacea and pigmentation can be due to sun damage. A really good research based medical grade skin care program is usually a must to treat these sorts of problems. It is important not just to treat the signs and symptoms of a disease such as rosacea but also to restore the health of the skin. Often people with rosacea suffer skin sensitivity, which is due to reduced barrier function, and this needs to be addressed before the rosacea can be treated. The ZO medical and skin health systems treat skin at a cellular level to restore the health of the skin and also treat skin disease. We can also look at other treatment such as microneedling with or without PRP, which can also be good for some types of pigmentation.

My skin looks tired and washed out and its ageing me. It’s getting me down. I am considering a peel but I run my own business and I can’t afford to have time off whilst the redness subsides. Is there anything else I can do? A good medical skincare range will kick-start your skin cell turnover rate, producing more collagen and natural hydration which will immediately make your skin appear less dull and tired looking.Vitamin A and C (in the form of specialist skin creams) help strengthen your skin and increase collagen turnover. You could also consider other treatments such as micro needling with platelet rich plasma (PRP or the so-called ‘Vampire Facial’). PRP is a natural product created from your own body. A small amount of blood is drawn from you and placed in a sterile tube that is spun down in a centrifuge to separate the different components of the blood. Plasma, containing a higher than normal number of platelets is extracted and this clear liquid is then injected into the skin with a microneedling device. Platelets are the cells in the blood that help your tissues to heal and grow new cells. With the combined use of PRP and microneedling we are able to activate the circulation of blood, improve cell turnover and function, increase the amount of collagen

My hands really show my age and hand cream isn’t making a difference. I have heard about handlifts but it seems a bit drastic. Do you treat hands as well as the face?

produced, and eliminate the superficial dead cell layers of the skin. This in turn promotes skin rejuvenation by softening or eliminating small scars, fine wrinkles, closing pores, improving skin tone and giving your skin more luminosity. The procedure is painless and has minimal downtime.You will have a moderate degree of redness on the day of treatment, but this generally fades as the day progresses, and you may have a slight redness the following day. For the PRP facial to be fully effective 3-4 treatments are recommended 2-3 weeks apart.

Even though I am in my thirties I still have breakouts and have acne scars from my teenage years and have to wear heavy make up which is ageing. A lot of medicated products that I have tried seem too harsh for my skin, what other options are there? Adult acne is more common than you think. As we age, cell turnover slows down, we don’t naturally exfoliate as well as we did when we were younger, so in adults, the oil builds up under layers of dead skin cells and causes inflammation, pustules and pimples. Everyday products such as oily makeup, moisturizer and serums clog our pores

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2016

We certainly do! The right hand cream is very important and, as with the face, it is possible to treat the hands with the ZO medical range. We can also treat hands with skin boosters – liquid hyaluronic acid (HA) which plumps up the skin and improves its quality making them look younger and fresher. Microneedling is also effective for hand skin rejuvenation. A combined approach, specifically tailored for you, will have your hands looking younger in no time.

further perpetuating the problem. Having a daily home regime using an effective cleanser designed for oily skin, a gentle exfoliator, and controlling the oil in your skin is essential. We would use a tailored skincare approach to help reduce breakouts. The ZO skincare range offers different formulations suited to treat all types of acne, and therapy can be modified to be gentle and easier to tolerate. Microneedling can be effective in softening or eliminating acne scarring, and has minimal downtime associated. Chemical peels and lasers are very effective at reducing acne scarring. Both these procedures necessitate a longer downtime.

Feature

Give your skin back its luminosity spring

2016

Does your face look tired and your skin dull? The vampire facial, uses a combination approach of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and microneedling to rejuvenate skin by softening and even eliminating small scars, fine wrinkles, closing pores and improving skin tone using natural resource. Book a free personalised skin consultation with Dr Uzma Olbrich or Dr Rebecca Hierons. Call 01642 352 445 or visit www.queenswayskinclinic.co.uk to find out more.

170, Queensway, Billingham, Teesside TS23 2NT 01642 352445

in association with

Health

PAUL BAGULEY IS A RESPECTED CONSULTANT AESTHETIC/PLASTIC SURGEON WHO PRACTICES IN THE NORTH EAST. MB CHB BSC FRCSCPLAS FRCSED PLAS. WWW.PAULBAGULEY.COM

Surgeons notes

Get a beach body in

7 days H

ow often do we see this headline? And it’s always at this time of year. Media bombardment, usually with a photograph of Barbie and Ken frolicking in the waves at some luxurious resort. They are invariably throwing a Frisbee or playing tennis, their whiter than white teeth dazzling you with the reflection of the Mediterranean sun. Don’t you just hate their perfect life and perfect body? Grrrrr So how easy is it to get a beach body? (and it may surprise you to hear that I am not going to advocate running to see me for liposuction/ body lift). In reality it is really hard to get that toned and ripped. Certainly impossible in anything like the time they advertise. If you have a personal trainer and can work out three times a day for six hours a day and eat nothing but chicken and broccoli, then you might achieve something near your goal, but in reality the perfect beach body is hard to achieve. So what can you achieve in time for summer? Firstly, you have to be honest with yourself about the natural shape of your body. Forget about looking like that friend who is an effortless size 6 and 5ft 9. Don’t look at her. Look at yourself and be realistic about what you can achieve. Then look at the combination of diet and exercise. Without question HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) combined with a low (not absent) carbohydrate, high protein and moderate fat diet is best.

You wan t toned, not s c raggy. You wan t muscles not loose sk in You want toned, not scraggy. You want muscles not loose skin. Twenty minutes of HIIT three or four times a week is all you need, and cut back on alcohol and sugar. Easy? Not at all – and don’t I know it as I reach my late 50’s! It gets harder every year. But this should be a lifestyle, not a three week plan. summer

2016

Exercise every week and eat healthily every day. Then you won’t be panicking to get beach ready with just three weeks to go. And if that doesn’t work? Be happy with who you are and how you look, open up that bottle of rose (drink responsibly of course!) break open that baguette and fabulous cheese, put your feet up and smile!

Health

Winning smiles WILL CARTER HAS JUST BEEN VOTED THE UK’S YOUNG DENTIST 2016 BUT FORGET HARLEY STREET, THIS STELLAR PROFESSIONAL PREFERS TO PRACTISE IN TEESSIDE. LA DI DA MEETS HIM…

alling Will Carter a high achiever barely does him justice. He has a host of qualifications in various branches of dentistry, including two master’s degrees. Having studied in the USA, Portugal, Finland, Switzerland and the UK his focus is implant and aesthetic dentistry. And, in his spare time, he jets off to places like Uganda to work with local children and prisoners to give them access to world class dentistry. He has just won regional and national Young Dentist of the Year 2016, judged by a panel of key figures within the dental community, but London isn’t beckoning, he works in Teesside and is proud of the fact. Based at Queensway Dental Clinic in Billingham, he believes the region has some of the highest standards in dentistry and cosmetic dentistry in the country. “What we’re doing here is at the forefront of modern dentistry,” he explains. “I don’t need to go down to London to practice. At Queensway we fly all over the world to learn from the top experts on all of the latest techniques in dentistry and then bring back what we have learned to the region. We’re very proud of that. We are one of the largest dental clinics in the UK and our multi-disciplinary team are at the cutting edge of the latest techniques and procedures globally.” Talented at art and sculpture at school, it was a trip to his own dentist, David Robinson in Wallsend, which led him to fall in love with dentistry and visits to the dentist as a child were something he started to actively relish. He ended up doing work experience with David who he credits for his love of learning and passion for what he does. “Dentistry is so rewarding,” he explains. “You get patients whose teeth are so bad they can’t even eat with them and you see the difference it makes to their lives when they end up with a solid and robust set of teeth. Their confidence goes through the roof; it’s such a lovely process to see the change in them. Often it is life changing for people. ” Amongst Will’s many qualifications is a two year diploma in sedation which allows him to treat even the most nervous patients. “Many people are scared of the dentist and they put it off for years and then summer

BELOW: Will Carter winning Young Dentist of the Year 2016

they think we won’t be able to treat them. But whatever their dental or oral issues, we have highly qualiﬁed clinicians here who can help,” he explains. “The feedback we always get is how caring our team has been with people, we do understand how anxious people can get.” “In Britain it is common for people to be scared of the dentist, perhaps people had a bad experience as a child, but it’s changed so dramatically now, the key message is come and see us, we can help. Interestingly when I went to Uganda the children weren’t scared of us at all, they were just over the moon to get dental treatment, it was such a different attitude to the UK.” Cosmetic dentistry is one of the most popular ﬁelds and the current trend, reports Will, is record levels of people in their thirties and forties using orthodontics to dramatically change the appearance of their teeth. “You can achieve a lot with braces these days,” he explains. “It doesn’t have to be really invasive and we have a lot of adults who are now using braces to alter their smiles.” Another popular treatment at the Billingham based clinic is teeth whitening. Queensway also has its own dental lab on the premises so patients are able to experience a much more tailored treatment, and can even visit the lab to see how their new smile is being created. “It’s unusual for dentists to have their own dental lab onsite but it works really well,” he says. “Working closely with our patients and the dental lab gives a much more bespoke experience and you end up with a much better result.” • Find out more about Queensway Dental Clinic www.queensway.co.uk

2016

Feature

Time out... AFTER A BUSY SCHEDULE AT LONDON, PARIS AND MILAN FASHION WEEKS, LA DI DA’S TOP MAKE UP ARTIST JO LEVERSUCH HEADED OFF TO THE DESERT FOR A RETREAT TO FIND HERSELF AGAIN. SHE TELLS US ALL ABOUT IT…

fter an exhausting but exciting time working in London, Paris and Milan for fashion week I was desperate for some downtime but where? I needed to go back to basics and find myself again. A total recharge with some sunshine as an added bonus. ‘Meditation and Tibetan Yoga by Retreats’ in the Marrakech Desert appealed immediately. Morocco has been on my wish list for ages and I had heard good things about the stylish Retreats which have been set up by Brian Hilliard and Shannon van Staden. Their passion and expertise in the field of meditation is stellar. While I was there a fellow traveler was writing an article and shooting it for the Sunday Times, and the couple’s Retreats have become popular with movers and shakers

needing to reboot themselves before returning to the fray of hectic working schedules. The La Pause Hotel in Morocco, where the retreat was being held, is a magical place in the middle of the desert looking over the Atlas Mountains. The retreat was the perfect combination, discovery with mindfulness meditation plus some Tibetan Yoga as an added bonus to relax. There was no Wi-Fi and no electricity around the hotel. I lived the whole week by candlelight, with no make-up and no hair dryer and no access to emails. I can honestly say I enjoyed every moment of not wearing make-up or having to think about my hair, it was so liberating. In the past I have been on Tai Chi retreats for

spring summer

2016

a week but I have never experienced the full concept of switch off, slow down and recharge from mind body and spirit. Brian Hillard, our Meditation Teacher, with his calm presence and gentle manner was just what was needed. The hardest aspect of the retreat was understanding the concept of meditation practice at all of the different levels you can experience it. I am not embarrassed to say I spent many days feeling tearful and emotional about my life and my past experiences but after the fourth day I started to feel happier and my mind so much calmer. I came back feeling totally re-energised and feeling a lot happier and calmer about life with some valuable new meditation tools to help me cope with the long days and high pressure deadlines. Would I go on another retreat with Retreat organized by Brian and Shannon? Yes most certainly. In fact I am now trying to arrange my work load so I can go away again and visit one of their other Retreats in Greece or Lapland. • www.retreats.pro

Health

spas...

SUPERSTYLISH

LA DI DA PICKS SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE FABULOUS SPAS FOR SOME DECADENT SUMMER PAMPERING...

Kata Rocks,

PHUKET

illing itself as an elite ‘Instagram fabulous’ hotspot for those in the know, Kata Rocks is a five star hotel and spa in Phuket. An exclusive hotel and spa that boasts the best beaches, beautiful blue seas and a level of luxury that guarantees hash tags. No expense has been spared on this ambitious and photogenic, multi-million pound project by British owner Richard Pope. With rooms designed to mimic the trimmings and views on a super yacht, this is world class extravagance that even Roman Abramovich would be impressed by. Sleek and chic, offering a minimalist vibe with contemporary apartment sized suites, Kata Rocks is right on the oceanfront on the headland between Kata and Kata Noi Beaches and every Sky Villa has an uninterrupted sea view and all have their own private pools. Kata Rocks’ spa has eight treatment rooms housing everything from metro nap energy pods to light-emitting treatment beds and chromotherapy and traditional Thai wellness philosophies, bringing the best of West and East together seamlessly. There are 43 one, two, three and four-bedroom sky villas across the hillside with fully-fitted kitchens, living and dining areas, and floor-toceiling sliding glass doors opening onto private infinity pools. They have private chefs who will prepare fine dining for you in the privacy of your villa, celebrity DJ’s playing over brunch and TV’s that come down from the ceiling over the bed. Not to mention a killer view from the bathtub. Their ‘Rock Stars’ are concierges whose job it is to make sure that each and every need is met at all times. Ocean Front Sky Villas start from £380 per night, including B&B. • www.katarocks.com

summer

2016

Health

Hurawalhi, THE MALDIVES

pening in November is the utterly luxurious Hurawalhi five star resort featuring an underwater restaurant, Champagne Pavilion, first class diving and fabulous spa. Nestled amongst the spectacular coral reefs of Lhaviyani Atoll, it has a strict over 18 policy making it the perfect place to experience an island paradise. Just a 40-minute seaplane flight from Male, the resort has a distinctive collection of superbly designed, spacious villas strung across the lagoon offering gorgeous panoramas. And with dining options that include on the beach, over the water, and even under the water, the philosophy here is that nothing is impossible. The scene-stealer is the underwater restaurant, named ‘5.8 Undersea’ and is located 5.8 meters beneath the sea. Each dish blends the best ingredients with innovation and style, resulting in a showcase of imaginative modern cuisine, combined with an incredible location, wine and service. Private beach dining al fresco under the stars is also available to create once-in-a-lifetime memories in a romantic setting second to none, enjoying signature lobster and wagyu beef created by a personal chef. Hurawalhi’s blissful Duniye Spa offers a universal approach to wellness, with treatments inspired by ancient and modern expertise from around the globe. A strong influence from the healing traditions of Asia and Africa can be seen in the spa’s repertoire, including the use of local ingredients and treatments inspired from traditional cultures. The resort also has a lot of activities on offer including guided diving and snorkelling boat trips and a complete PADI 5* training centre. • www.hurawalhi.com

Wynyard Hall,

WYNYARD

ynyard Hall is a stunning four star hotel with luxury accommodation, the exquisite two AA-rosette Wellington Restaurant and an exclusive lakeside Spa, surrounded by 150 acres of beautiful landscape. They have a number of fab offers including the Spa Girlie Getaway which is £145pp based on six people sharing. It includes a luxurious spa stayover in your very own cottage, complete with private hot tub.You and the girls will enjoy a luxurious Rasul Mud Experience, time to unwind in the Spa and have a leisurely lunch in the Spa Conservatory before checking into your cottage and hitting the hot tub with a glass of fizz. • Contact 01740 644811 (option 2) or email: reservations@wynyardhall.co.uk

summer

2016

Health

F r ee c ha m pe r s d a hl in g s

Spa at Ramside The lovely peeps at the readers a free glass have offered La Di Da you book one of of fabulous fizz when in July and August. their divine day spas when booking. Just mention La Di Da Chin Chin x 91 375 3088 01 : Tel

The Spa at Ramside, RAMSIDE HALL, DURHAM

f your facebook newsfeed is plastered with pictures of your friends enjoying fabulous Asian food and drinkies at the Spa at Ramside, you’re not alone. There’s been a real buzz about the Spa since it opened. The scale of the spa and the treatments and state of the art facilities it offers are second to none but it is its totally different take on luxury socialising that has sealed the deal for many. Walk through the doors and you instantly feel like you’re in your own private members club – albeit a very glam, cool and unstuffy version. The spa combines high end and totally decadent bespoke treatments – including your very own blended tea – how la di da! - with a fabulous relaxed social space, a really cool place to hang out whether you’re a member or not. Spa users and non-spa users pop in for coffee and cocktails, a romantic meal or girlie lunch at the fabulous Asian restaurant Fusion. The Asian Afternoon Tea is spectacular and includes steamed dim sum, bang bang chicken and vegetable wraps and ginger and green tea cheesecake.Vegetarian and gluten free options are also available at Fusion, with dishes including artichoke and pepper tartlets and mango and coconut crème brûlée. The Spa also takes its inspiration from the best spas around the world, not just in terms of its stellar facilities – but also its approach. As well as being one of the few Wellness Cancer centres in the country, the Spa has a holistic approach to wellbeing, offering its clients in the North East the very latest treatments that you would normally only find in London. They’ve recently flown in a top meditation expert for a retreat with more sessions planned and in September will be offering a Silent Night Workshop based on Yoga Nidra.Yoga Nidra translates as “yogic sleep” and combines deep relaxation with acute awareness. Very popular with celebs and high fliers, one hour of Yoga Nidra practice is said to refresh your body as deeply as three hours of regular sleep. • www.ramsidespa.co.uk

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2016

Health

GETTING BEACH READY? WE TEST OUT THE LATEST TREATMENTS...

TRIED& TESTED Rockliffe Hall Spa, COMFORT ZONE FACIAL REVIEW: LINDA JANE WESTPHAL

fter too little sleep and too much stress, my skin badly needed some TLC. The therapist Amy Jessica recommended the comfort zone facial which would restore much needed luminence to my stressed skin. The spa at Rockliffe is gorgeous, tranquil and stylish and the treatment was so relaxing I nearly fell asleep. It starts with your feet being washed very gently and this sets the tone perfectly for an experience that feels like total pampering. Amy Jessica removed my make up before applying Active Pureness scrub and then massaged my face with Recover Touch Massage Cream. Sublime Skin Eye Patches and Skin Serum - apparently like Botox in a bottle - were applied followed by Sublime Skin Eye Cream and Hydramemory Cream Gel. Throughout the treatment Amy Jessica explained the products and what she was doing and while the products were working their magic, I was treated to a lovely hand massage. Once the treatment was over I was led to their relaxation room with gentle massage beds and given a herbal tea where I met my friend who had been having a Neom full body massage which, she said, was the best she had ever had. This is a bespoke treatment that is customised for each person. We then adjourned to the spa garden for the morning which is so gorgeous we didn’t want to leave. A totally blissful experience all round.

Headlam Hall, ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY MASSAGE REVIEW: JO LEVERSUCH

a Di Da got an exclusive sneak peek at a fabulous new range at glorious Headlam Hall Spa which is launching on 13th July. Elemental Herbology is a British beauty brand founded in 2008 with the ethos taken from Traditional Chinese medicine to help reduce stress caused by the exceptionally busy lives. I was greeted with a wonderful smile by therapist Joanne Marksby and was asked to answer 12 questions on how I felt at this present moment from my favourite time of day, which colour makes me feel good, when do I get fatigued? The element I was today was “wood” . This concept has been taken from the Traditional Chinese Medicine of Five Element theory creating a treatment based Earth, Water, Metal, Wood and Fire. The oil was chosen for me to represent ‘Wood’ to help rejuvenate and invigorate the body and mind. I lay down on the heated bed ready for my full 90 minutes of massage. The massage began on the back with the chosen essential oil which was warm to help release knotted muscles, stress and congestions to the body. Each part of the body was massaged with deep therapeutic pressure points with heated steam towels and heated stones to soothe the muscles. Finally a quick facial and Indian head massage to ease those tensions away from the mind. Heavenly!!! I loved it! • Five Element Aroma Massage 90 minutes £58. Elemental Herbology arrives at Headlam Hall Spa on Wednesday 13th July. W W W.H EA DLAM HALL. CO. UK/SPA

W W W. RO C K L I F F E H A L L . CO M / S PA

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Feature

COME AND SEE

WHAT ALL THE

FUSS IS ABOUT... summer

2016

Feature

THE SPA AT RAMSIDE

DISCOVER YOUR PERSONALISED SENSORY SPA EXPERIENCE Tel: 0191 375 3088 | www.ramsidespa.co.uk | enquiries@ramsidespa.co.uk

The Spa At Ramside Hall Hotel Carrville Durham DH1 1TD summer

2016

Fashion LEFT: The ISABAEL ZAPARDIEZ collection wowed at Barcelona Bridal FashionWeek CENTRE: Kylie Minogue looked stunning at the One for the Boys Fashion Ball at LCM RIGHT: Topman based their LCM SS17 inspiration on the British seaside

MODEL

behaviour

he fashion clock never stops ticking. The spring/summer months saw the launch of the mid-season cruise collections, London Collections Men (LCM) and Bridal Fashion Weeks. This season has taken us overseas to shoot Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week and editorial with highlights including the Isabel Zapardiez and Galia Lahav collections. On both occasions in Barcelona and London, I had the pleasure of meeting designer Ian Stuart and shooting his stunning presentation at the prestigious Blewcoat. Sassi Holford’s collection wowed at the London White Galleries and was the designer of choice for my own wedding in her gown ‘Beatrice’. Then it was onto London for menswear and London Collection: Menswear (LCM), soon to be rebranded as ‘London Fashion Week Men’s’. This season saw the fashion council headquarters take the helm at 180 Strand with a series of show spaces for runway, presentation spaces and designer showrooms. As LCM has grown in strength we have seen more names added to the schedule. An expanded LCM committee has

seen Dylan Jones, Dermot O’Leary, Oliver Cheshire, Nick Grimshaw, Douglas Booth, Dylan Jones (OBE), Robert Konjic and Tinie Tempah join menswear regular (and La Di Da fave) David Gandy on the famed front row. Dougie Poynter, Niall Horan and Oliver Proudlock also held prime FROW seats. Collection highlights included Topman, Christopher Raeburn, Nigel Cabourn and Belstaff. The Topman collection paid fashion homage to British resort towns including Torquay, Margate and Blackpool, adding red make-up to the models faces to resemble sunburn whilst Barbour proudly showcased their northern roots against a Lindisfarne visual backdrop. LCM Events included the star studded One for the Boys fashion ball attended by Kylie Minogue, Nicole Scherzinger and Tinie Tempah along with the One for The Boys and GQ Karaoke Night, both hosted by Samuel L Jackson. Regionally our Miss Great Britain finalists have been crowned - Coral Patrick (Miss Newcastle), Lucy Hough (Miss Sunderland), Sarah Gething (Miss Teesside) and Taylor

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Hamilton (Miss Durham). The judging panel names included X Factor’s Chico and Capital Radio’s Bodg and Matt. The CARRO team loved photographing the contestants in a fashion forward way for their portfolios as future models. The spirit of the girls was incredible. Robyn Lucas raised a staggering £4,800 for Butterwick Hospice and Global’s Make Some Noise during the competition, earning her place in the national finals as the Miss Charity wildcard. Sarah Gething, a PE teacher entered (and won Miss Teesside) to try and inspire body confidence in her pupils after overhearing girls discussing their bodies negatively in the changing room. I couldn’t be more proud of what these women have achieved for themselves and the region. We are now looking ahead to September for London Fashion Week and also the London Design Festival displaying enviable interiors and accessories. September also brings the national final of Miss GB so let’s raise a glass of fizz to the girls representing our fine North East and enjoy the fabulous British summertime. Chin Chin!

All images by Carro Studio www.carrostudio.com

FASHION PAP KAT CARRUTHERS FROM CARRO STUDIO HAS BEEN JUGGLING STINTS PHOTOGRAPHING CATWALKS IN BARCELONA AND LONDON AND SHOOTING MODELS CLOSER TO HOME. SHE GIVES US ALL OF THE GOSS…

Fashion Feature DEEANN wears Dress Farrah by Ghost Â£395, John Lewis Eldon Square www.johnlewis.com Hairpiece, www.dimessodesigns.co.uk

BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS summer

2016

Fashion

REBEKAH wears Karen Millen Lace Crepe ivory and black dress £199, John Lewis Eldon Square, www.johnlewis.com Hat www.alexanderoccasional.com DEEANN wears Whistles Watercolour dress £175, John Lewis Eldon Square, www.johnlewis.com Hat www.alexanderoccasional.com FERGUS and ALISTAIR wear Woven Durham, www.wovendurham.co.uk

summer

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Fashion

DEEANN wears Just Cavalli Butterfly dress Â£193 Cruise Premium (Newcastle) www.cruisefashion.com

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Fashion

LEFT: REBEKAH wears Palermo Trousers £89 and Coast Tabitha Sequin Top £89 John Lewis Eldon Square www.johnlewis.com Hat www.alexanderoccasional.com BELOW: DEEANN wears Pink Camilla dress £399 Cruise Premium (Newcastle) www.cruisefashion.com

RIGHT: REBEKAH wears Ghost Tory dress £345 John Lewis Eldon Square www.johnlewis.com summer

2016

Fashion Feature

DEANN wears Ghost Farrah £345, John Lewis Eldon Square, www.johnlewis.com Wilmia Shoes £39.95 Moda in Pelle, Newcastle www.modainpelle.com Headpiece www.dimessodesigns.co.uk

summer

2016

Feature Fashion DEEANN wears Just Cavilli Butterfly dress, details as before Hat www.dimessodesigns.co.uk REBEKAH wears Moschino Tweed Dress, Â£287, Cruise Premium (Newcastle), www.cruisefashion.com Hat www.dimessodesigns.co.uk Jacket Woven Durham www.wovendurham.co.uk FERGUS wears Woven Durham www.wovendurham.co.uk LILY the dog wears tiara www.dimessodesigns.co.uk Cuffs www.melaniekyles.co.uk RIGHT: ALISTAIR wears Woven Durham www.wovendurham.co.uk

spring

2016

Fashion

Social Media: Dan Gurney Models: Deeann Shotton - Tyne Tees Models Rebekah Jeffreys - Tyne Tees Models Fergus Bell Tyne Tees Models Alistair Burn

Shoot Director: Linda Jane Westphal Photography: Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com MUA: Jo Leversuch www.makeupbyjo.co.uk Hair: Sami Nash A Vintage Twist A Vintage Twist Wedding & Vintage Hair Gents Hair: Sam Wall Harry Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s samwallhairdesign@gmail.com Styling: Elaine Monica Humble, Melanie Kyles, Jayne Charles Gents Styling: Emma Turnbull Woven Durham Shoot assistant: Lindsay Gill summer

Horse and rider: Rachael Mellor on Tyneside Blonde Dog Model: Lily Parker We shot at the magical Newton Hall, Newton by the Sea, Nr Alnwick, Northumberland. www.newton-hall.com

2016

Fashion

WILD CHILD SEASO MAKE A KILLER ENTRANCE THIS

N WITH SS16’S MONOCHROME...

Moschino Dress Cruise Premium Newcastle £368 Deeann’s Luxury EyeMask £60 by melaniekyles.co.uk Photography by Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com MUA Jo Leversuch www.makeupbyjo.co.uk summer

2016

Fashion

BEHIND TH E SCENES

t e s o l c n o i h s a In the f White Dress Karen Millen £199 Bag and Necklace John Lewis Eldon Square (www.johnlewis.com) Hat www.alexanderoccasional.com

Wh ist le s Pe plu m La Ba g Joh n Le wi s El do n Sq ua ce Dr es s £1 95 re (w ww Ha t ww w. al ex an de ro cc as ion.jo hn le wi s.c om ) al .c om Sh oe s Wi lm ia We dg es £2 9. 95 mo da in pe lle , Ne wc as tl e (w ww .m od ai np el le .c om )

9.95 Rainey £6 ewcastle lle, N moda in pe inpelle.com) (w w w . m o d a

Ghost dress £195 Bag, John Lewis Eldon Square (www.johnlewis.com) Hat www.alexanderoccasional.com Shoes Clementia Nude £69.95

Ghost Amelia Dress £195 Fur Stole Chesca £55 Shoes Stefiana Gold £69.95 (www.modainpelle.com) moda in pelle, Newcastle

summer

2016

Fashion

Fashion e d i t

SUMMER STYLE. STYLE DIRECTOR LIZ LAMB SELECTS HER FAVOURITE BUYS FOR THIS SEASON.

@ L I Z L A M B W H ATS H OT

Return OF THE check STYLE DIRECTOR LIZ LAMB HEADS TO LONDON TO PREVIEW THE AUTUMN 16 COLLECTION FROM NEXT.

exture, colour and sophistication, mixed with nostalgia and gothic glamour, are keys looks for Autumn from our fave high street store Next. At their AW16 show, held at a warehouse just off Carnaby Street, the fashion giant unveiled what we’ll be wearing when winter draws closer. The season sees a return of the check with tailoring featuring everything from Prince of Wales to houndstooth, plaid, tartan and gingham. Stand out pieces include a check boxy jacket, tartan wrap skirt and a head-totoe look of check tapered trousers and matching top. The Seventies trend will stay strong with the Bloomsbury story showcasing fluted sleeves dresses, bold floral wide leg trousers and skinny ribbed sweaters. A darker side of romanticism reigns in The Collection with frilled bibbed dresses, lurex blouses, lace tops and glossy leather skirts, perfect for taking you from desk to dinner. The floral jacquard blazer is the ideal statement piece and will brighten up a daytime piece. Bomber jackets will continue to be THE coat to be seen in and Next will be offering up silk, velvet and quilted versions for the ultimate sports luxe vibe. In menswear, traditional hand crafted looks meet modern styles for an Autumn collection that offers a palette of earthy neutrals, greys and utility greens and paired with

red and toffee tones. Key pieces include wool Donegal suits in a premium Italian fabric and worn with a fine merino turtle neck and classic brogues. Childrenswear is super cute with gorgeous moody florals and 70s inspired pieces for older girls while younger girls can be see in abstract florals and boho-inspired playsuits. Copper, oatmeal and ochre will be key colours. If you love to plan ahead then start your Autumn shopping wish list soonthese stories will be hitting stores in late summer. • Next has branches throughout the North East. Visit www.next.co.uk for more info. summer

2016

LA DI DA Loves

DR MARTENS has created a super-cute collection based on the TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES. Infant boots (size 6-9) are £60 and junior boots (size 10 to 3) are £70. Available at Dr Martens Newcastle, 153 Grainger Street.

Fashion Feature

ild wedd ings

ISHA wears Martina Liana Cayla Corset and Stevie Skirt with Eden Gold beading belt all by Mia Sposa Newcastle www.weddingdressesnewcastle.co.uk

summer

2016

Feature

summer spring

2016

Weddings Feature

DEEANN wears structured Pronoviaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barcelona Blanco by Mia Sposa Newcastle www.weddingdressesnewcastle.co.uk Hair roses made by www.dimessodesigns.co.uk

ROHAN and JOHN wear suits and accessories from Woven Durham www.wovendurham.co.uk

summer

2016

Fashion RIGHT: DEEANN wears black dress from osseus design@ The Fashion Lab @osseusdesign Facebook: The Fashion Lab.T @ thefashionlabNE

GROUP SHOT: DEEANN and ISHA wear gowns from Mia Sposa Newcastle www.weddingdressesnewcastle.co.uk ISHA’s Lobster hat and DEEANN’s bridal hairpiece by www.dimessodesigns.co.uk DEEANN’s collar designed by melaniekyles.co.uk ARTHUR, ROHAN and JOHN wear Woven Durham www.wovendurham.co.uk summer spring

2016

Weddings Feature

Shoot Director: Linda Jane Westphal Art Director: Kathryn Carruthers www.carrostudio.com Photography Shooting Team Carro Studio: Michael Carruthers, Michael Gatenby, Victoria Whyman at www.carrostudio.com MUA Jo Leversuch www.makeupbyjo.co.uk Hair: Sami Nash A Vintage Twist A Vintage Twist Wedding & Vintage Hair Gents Hair: Sam Wall at Harry Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s samwallhairdesign@gmail.com Stylist: Rio Beadie Gents stylist: Emma Turnbull at Woven Durham

summer

2016

Props and styling: Angela Metcalfe Shoot assistant: Lindsay Gill Models: Deeann Shotton - Tyne Tees Models Isha Bhalla - Tyne Tees Models John McLennon -Tyne Tees Models Rohan Parker â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tyne Tees Models www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk Arthur Piszcz We shot at the very fabulous Pavilion and grounds at The Alnwick Garden, Alnwick, Northumberland. www.alnwickgarden.com

Feature

The Alnwick Garden

...where true love blossoms

W: www.alnwickgarden.com | T: 01665 511081 | E: weddings@alnwickgarden.com Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/weddingsatthealnwickgarden The Alnwick Garden is a registered charity (1095435); the money you spend insummer The Garden funds our charitable projects. 2016

Weddings The stylish Arthur Piszcz

lnwick Garden Shoot BEHIND THE SCENES

Photography: www.carrostudio.com

LA DI DA HEADED OFF TO THE BEAUTIFUL AND ULTRA STYLISH ALNWICK GARDEN FOR OUR WEDDING SHOOT WHICH WAS THEMED ON A DECADENT TAKE ON MARIE ANTOINETTE.

ot many venues would be open to having such a fashion forward take on bridal editorial so when the team came up with the concept we knew there was only one man to call, Arthur Piszcz. The fabulous Arthur heads up weddings at the Pavilion at the garden. An ex model and fashionmister, he is perfectly placed to execute weddings to the extremely high standards demanded by his fashion forward glitterati couples who wed at the extremely exclusive venue. “Alnwick Garden offers a fantastic venue for weddings,” he explains. “Not only is it stunningly beautiful with the iconic cascade fountain and gardens, but the Pavilion itself is the perfect blank canvas for our clients to make it their own. “Our clients are very stylish and like a bespoke wedding that reflects their relationship

and is personal to them. The venue really delivers a wedding with the wow factor and it is such a unique and prestigious venue that we get enquiries from all over the country.” With floor to ceiling glass walls, the Pavilion has gorgeous views over the fountain and grounds and can be dressed to the hilt with over the top opulence (the route La Di Da took for this shoot) or can be pared back to create a tasteful, contemporary backdrop which perfectly showcases the wedding couple. Arthur has an extensive team of super creative suppliers who helped us give the shoot the required Marie Antoinette flourishes. Morpeth based Lavenders Blue created a stunning dark bouquet and buttonholes and used urns of peonies and vintage flowers and succulents to help us dress the table. Alnwick based summer

2016

The Mastercakesmith created an exquisite and decadent cake which reflected the dark twist on the concept we required and the most gorgeous and regal cupcakes we have ever seen. The Event Dressers, based in Cramlington, used fabulous props to help us dress the event alongside our stylist Angela Metcalfe. We used baroque candelabras, pearls and antique silver and cake stands to provide the perfect finish. With a 15 strong team from La Di Da, plus a TV crew who were following us, the team from Alnwick Garden remained resolutely unphased and served up an absolutely delicious lunch not to mention endless coffees to keep us from flagging. • See more from behind the scenes at www.ladida.co.uk www.alnwickgarden.com

T he team

www.themastercakesmith.co.uk lavenders blue florist

@LavendersBlue www.theventdressers.co.uk

Feature

summer

2016

summer

2016

The Alnwick Garden Treehouse

For a real life fairytale

Stowed beneath our enchanting woodland canopy, The Alnwick Garden Treehouse offers intimate ceremonies and elegant dining for your storybook wedding.

alnwickgarden.com/treehouse

Gents

DROP FADE Here we have a style that is very much on trend at the moment advancing on from the skin fade. The style is called a ‘Drop Fade’ which leaves the hair slightly longer around the temple, creating a heavy shadow. The top is disconnected from both sides yet blended at the back. Working with the length on top, blow dry against its natural fall. This adds volume and will last for the duration of the day. To highlight texture and give a light hold, use a paste. This will enhance a loose manner whilst creating movement to the finished look.

< LONG TEXTURE This style is working with longer hair giving it a more natural look. The style varies away from the skin fade and a more groomed image. It has heavy texture on top and is longer at the front. The back and sides are long enough to be styled backwards adding a fuller look. By blow drying, this enhances the natural wave of the hair. This creates a more masculine yet relaxed style. The beard is kept short which produces the best natural finish.

Cutting

EDGE

MEN’S HAIR IS LOOKING HOT TO TROT THIS SEASON. OUR MAN ‘IN THE KNOW’ TOP MEN’S STYLIST SAM WALL TALKS US THROUGH THE KILLER LOOKS THIS SUMMER…

SPEEDIAL

THE CROP The Crop is making a come back. The back and sides are kept short but can be reduced to a skin fade. The sides are disconnected towards the front. This look is strong and heavy on top with a broken fringe. To achieve this dry look, use a clay that works with the hair’s natural movement whilst adding definition and separation to the texture. summer

2016

Sam Wall Harry B’s - The art of hair and beauty Samwallhairdesign@gmail.com @mrsamwall

Gents

Grooming

WITH MARK BURNS CASSELL

SPA REVIEW

Seaham Hall Serenity Spa

riendly reader – as you may already know, I am bound by sacred LaDiDa oath to respond to duty’s call and undertake even the most involved of male grooming and treatment reviews. I do so selflessly and without complaint, bringing you, the discerning gent, the finest the North East has to offer in male spa treatments from all corners of our glorious region.This time I humbly offer to you my words on Seaham Hall’s Serenity Spa. Serenity Spa is a tranquil oasis and leaves one wanting nothing in the pursuit of luxuriant decadence. Interestingly, I was also struck by how friendly everyone was; staff, members and day-visitors alike all seemed to catch my eye and smile. As I hadn’t done my hair this morning this was doubly strange, but very welcome indeed. The theme is pan-Asian, and this is carried beautifully throughout the whole spa; from the peaceful entrance where mango infused tea is served in welcome, to the changing rooms, Ozone restaurant, and spa beyond.Why, I could sense the very chakras in the place. Amanda welcomed me warmly, showing me round the spa’s many delights; my eyes were in ecstasies – met by a large relaxation pool, sauna, a milder-temperature sanarium for the meek, plunge pools and a hydrotherapy pool so invigorating that Caliban himself would have looked upon it and trembled, recalling the tempest that brought poor Antonio and King Alonso to his isle. Reader, this place has its own Hammam! Wandering inside, nostalgic memories of happy, endless warm days in Turkey came flooding back – and with them young Berat, my dear friend who knew like no other how to wield an exfoliating sponge. Enough of this – I digress. The restaurant is excellent, classic pan-Asian favourites and catering to a variety of tastes. I opted for the cod tempura with peanut and apple

salad to start, followed by beef panaeng curry with steamed rice.The food was hearty, tasty, and good. Cod: the oil was hot, the batter was light. Fresh mint made a wonderful accompaniment. Beef: tender, fragrant, rich – spot on.The Asahi beer speaks for itself. I sat in the sunlight on the terrace feeling pleased as punch. Then came the real pampering. Carina was the masseuse appointed to introduce me to the delights of a 60 minute Ytsara Mohom deep pressure massage with hot poultices. Then, a 45 minute facial using the spa’s newest product range, Ishga. The treatment room was spacious, and with its own bathroom and shower. My consultation ran simultaneously alongside a wonderful foot ritual – warm waters in a basin filled with lemon grass and indigo flowers, releasing negative energies through the soles of my feet. Three types of massage were used in the Ytsara treatment – Royal Thai, focusing on pressure points and energy lines within the mortal frame of yours truly. Poultice pressures offered heat to my tired muscles, opening my pores and easing tension.Then hands, fingers, arms and shoulders were applied in creative ways, prising apart unruly knots and persistent tension spots. The Ishga facial was just the ticket after the summer

2016

rigours of the Mohom treatment. Seaweed is the order of the day for all things Ishga, a Hebridean product that conjured images of wild coastlines and bristly, rugged men with skin crying out for a nourishing facial, out in their little boats landing great catches whilst sporting maroon Fair isle jumpers.These are comforting thoughts when one is warmly ensconced in a heated blanket, let me tell you. Cleansers and toners were applied, followed by an exfoliating mask. Carina adeptly massaged my scalp whilst the jojoba and vitamin E worked its magic beneath her fingertips. A face, neck and shoulder massage followed, using Ishga’s beard and face oil – rich with natural salt water, brown algae and anti-oxidising to boot.Then, a delightful peel-off mask was applied, firming the skin, absorbing excess oils, and highlighting dehydration and oil-intense spots across my face. I was delighted to be complimented once again on the quality of my skin; a particular form of praise that never gets old, especially now I am pushing 30. Finally, a men’s marine cream brought my skin to life. Reader, I felt radiant, my skin glowing like Souter lighthouse on a hazy summer’s eve; the product has been likened to Botox in a bottle. Afterward I was led to a quiet room with heated beds to complete my treatment ritual. Carina recommended I partake of the Ishga Men’s Marine Moisturiser Cream, £55 for 50ml, Ishga’s Beard and Shave Oil, £45 for 50ml, and their Exfoliating Face Wash, £25 for 100ml. I noted also that this month’s spa deal allowed for a half-day’s spa use, a two course lunch, and a 60 minute treatment for £110 - brilliant value, I must say. For now though, I bid you adieu from the comfort of a fluffy cushion in a tranquil garden beside the sea. • www.seaham-hall.co.uk.

Food & Drink

SHAKEN STIRRED

IF YOU HAVE A SERIOUS MARTINI HABIT READ ON. A UNIQUE AND SUPER FABULOUS NEW VODKA, GHOST, HAS BECOME THE PARTY DRINK OF THE LONDON GLITTERATI AND NOW ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEADING UP NORTH. LINDA JANE WESTPHAL TALKS EXCLUSIVELY TO CO FOUNDER DAVID STOKES ABOUT PARTYING IN MONTE CARLO, ROLLS ROYCE MARTINIS AND WHY VODKA IS THE BLACK.... Photography: Chris Davis at Specular www.specular.viewbook.com

summer

2016

Feature

spring

2016

Food & Drink

Ghost’s David Stokes with their signature Rolls Royce Martini

in may be having a moment but vodka continues to be the tipple of choice of the fashion crowd and none more so than the super stylish Ghost Vodka whose bottles have quickly become collectors’ items in their own right. Such is the impact Ghost has made on the London drinks scene that super chic private members club Annabel’s Head Barman Helder Pinheiro has even created a cocktail especially for it, the Rolls Royce Martini...very La Di Da. Ghost Vodka is an ultra premium British Vodka that is distilled in the British countryside on an old haunted Victorian site, hence the name. The drink is made with the finest ingredients and is full of flavour which makes it great for cocktails but it’s smooth and complex enough to satisfy serious vodka aficionados who like their tipple straight. The last few months have seen Ghost as the vodka of choice for the glitterati at a host of stellar events including Harvey Weinstein’s charity event at the Cannes Film Festival where Orlando Bloom, Uma Thurman, Selena Gomez and Katy Perry went on to Leonardo Di Caprio’s after party in the hills of Cannes and drank Ghost Vodka from magnum sized bottles until the early hours. Then it was quickly onto Monaco for more partying. “We hosted the opening of the Grand Prix which was incredible,” David Stokes, Co Founder of Ghost Vodka told us. “There was an amazing performance by Akon and then dozens of Ghost Vodka magnums and Dom Perignon Champagne were ushered through the crowds before 50 Cent performed. He was joined on the stage by Justin Bieber which sent the crowd crazy, it was a fantastic night.” “We’ve had an amazing few months,” he reflects. “It usually takes time to establish an ultra premium table vodka brand but people have taken to it instantly and we’re in all of the best places in London such as Tramp and Annabel’s and at the most exclusive clubs in the Cote D Azure, Jimmy’z and the Sass Café in Monaco and The Byblos in St Tropez. People like its unique

flavour and everyone comments on how stylish the bottles are, especially the Union Jack version which the Americans love.” Now the ultra fashionable brand is looking to launch into the North East and will be soon be available at prestigious establishments. “We know the North East love fashion forward brands and we’re really excited to be rolling it out at some of the region’s coolest venues,” explains David. The brand will also be hosting one of their fabulous pop up bars in the celeb filled VIP area of Rock ‘n’ Raise on the 11th of September in Newcastle and introducing northerners to the delights of their now famous Martinis. Rolls Royce martinis? La Di Da is both shaken and stirred by the very notion... • www.ghost-vodka.com Available from www.31Dover.com

We know the North East love fashion forward brands...

summer

ROLLS-ROYCE MARTINI 50ml Ghost Vodka 20ml Caperitif (wine based quinquina from South Africa) 2 dashes of orange bit ter Stirred over ice cubes for 20 seconds and poured in a martini glass with pic kled cocktail gherkins as ga rnish. Recipe from Helder Pin heiro Bar Manager at Annabe l’s Club, Mayfair

2016

Food & Drink

All nice and new

All lovely and old ww w.he a d l a mh a l l . c o. u k

H e a d l a m H a l l H e a d l a m N ea r G a in fo r d Tees d a l e D L 2 3 HA Te l : 0 1 3 2 5 7 3 0 2 3 8 r ec ep tio n @ h ea d l a m h a l l . c o . u k summer

2016

a n d s l b a c l i o n o a m t o HOSTING A SOCIETY SOIREE AND NEED SOME MOUTHWATERING DRINKIES WITH SERIOUS STYLE CREDENTIALS? WE ASKED THE TERRIBLY NICE CHAPS AT ONE OF OUR FAVE WATERING HOLES, THE BOTANIST, FOR THEIR SUGGESTIONS...

Fizz gets fabulous this summer with the addition of botanical loveliness

Words: Linda Jane Westphal

s you know, dear reader, we’re not the gardening types at La Di Da Towers. Apart from snipping the odd bloom or enjoying a glass of fizz whilst watching the gardener work his magic, we don’t tend to veer towards manual outdoor labour. However, given the incentive of creating a fabulous fizz, even we became excited about the possibilities of creating some cocktail alchemy with a few home foraged garden staples. The botanists have developed yummy and unusual Bellini and Fizz concoctions that highlight the delicate, subtle and sometimes very strong flavours that greenhouse herbs add to our fave tipples. Normally we love our botanicals coming from a fabulous gin but with these delish cocktails, we’re prepared to make the exception.... Serve with edible flowers and fruit flourishes for maximum wow factor. And if it all seems a little too much hard work, you can always head to The Botanist and let them do the manual work whilst you sup in style... Experiment with garden fruits such as blackberries

ENGLISH 75 A twist on the classic French 75. A slice of cucumber with elderflower liqueur and apple juice topped with Prosecco. Lots of vitamins for a guilt free tipple...

APRICOT AND ROSEMARY BELLINI A beautiful brandy based bellini with apricot purée, lemon juice, a touch of sugar syrup topped with Prosecco and stirred with rosemary leaves. What’s not to love...

STRAWBERRY BELLINI Just divine, serve at your summer society parties. A jawdroppingly gorge bellini, simple but very stylish... Strawberry topped with Prosecco.

PEACH AND KIWI FIZZ Kiwi, peach and passion fruit with a splash of lemon juice shaken and topped with Prosecco.

www.thebotanist.uk.com The Botanist, Monument Mall, Newcastle, NE1 7AL

Herbs such as oregano and spices can add depth and sophistication to fizz

Feature

GRAZE

expectations... HIP FOODIE BOLTHOLE COOK HOUSE IS THE BRAINCHILD OF SUPERSTAR FOOD BLOGGER AND POP UP DINING QUEEN ANNA HEDWORTH AND HAS BEEN CITED AS ONE OF THE 25 COOLEST RESTAURANTS IN THE UK. EDITOR LINDA JANE WESTPHAL FINDS OUT MOREâ&#x20AC;¦

Photography: www.carrostudio.com

summer

2016

Food & Drink

oused in shipping containers and tucked behind Hotel du Vin in the creative Ouseburn sector of Newcastle, this laid back oasis of foodie fabulousness regularly has the nationals cooing in appreciation. In fact The Sunday Times has recently named Cook House as one of the 25 coolest restaurants in the UK. And it certainly is but in an authentic ‘doesn’t try too hard’ kind of way. It is as warm, homely and unpretentious as its owner but it’s certainly not humble – it’s very stylish as befits the hangout of someone who used to work as a designer and architect by day before she launched Cook House. There’s a small kitchen, a cosy wood burning stove, seating for up to 30 during the day, a terrace that catches the sun and a market garden where Anna grows vegetables and salad ingredients for her changing menu. She serves a daily changing small menu full of things like big salads with herbs, toasted nuts,

crumbled cheeses and tasty dressings, sandwiches, ham hocks with pease pudding, roast lemon chicken with homemade mayo and salt beef with sweet cucumber pickle. Influences are British, Seasonal, Nordic, Scottish and French, depending on her produce that day. The day of the shoot, she cooked Beer Cheese on Toast and Salted Brisket with Dill and Pesto Salad – both were just heavenly. The food is lipsmackingly gorgeous with flavours that dance across your palate. The Cook House – which she describes as a ‘kitchen hangout with lots going on’ - came as a natural progression for Anna who set up her own food blog a few years ago called ‘The Grazer’. She wrote about growing her own food and rustling up culinary treats in the kitchen of her Jesmond home. This developed into her own dining events and pop ups – including one held on a remote Farne Island - and she starting developing a real cult following. “I suppose I was gradually building up to having something like Cook House,” she reflects. “But then when I decided to take the plunge things moved quite quickly. I always fancied having my own restaurant, but not a conventional restaurant as what I do is all about convivial informality. “I didn’t want to be a ‘head down in a kitchen’

LEFT: The Guardian has described Cook House as a hidden gem

I know when I’m eating good food because I start laughing... summer

2016

Feature

ABOVE: Beer Cheese on Toast LEFT: Cook House is housed in shipping containers

TA S T I N G N OT E S Cook House can be found at 20 Ouse Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle. Opening hours are weekdays 8.30am-3.30pm or by appointment. www.cookhouse.org

summer

2016

chef. I used to hold supper clubs in old shipping containers so having Cook House in shipping containers made sense. Essentially it’s a kitchen in a shipping container.” As a home cook – albeit a fabulous one – she did her homework on the restaurant side of the business. She took herself off to London for a month and worked in the kitchens of the day-time only spot, Rochelle Canteen, converted from an old school bike shed in Shoreditch, and the Quo Vadis restaurant and private club in Soho. “I wanted to check that I wasn’t totally clueless about what I was doing. But it was reassuring actually. It was very good to learn how to organise myself though and keep everything in check.” Even with the month in London, giving up her day job and starting her own restaurant was a big move, she admits. “I started grinding my teeth in the night I was so scared.” However, she needn’t have worried. From day one Cook House took off and now she is looking to expand further, build a smoker and have some bees. She also hosts supper clubs, food events and has just done her first wedding. The fact she does this all single handedly is testimony to the hard work and love she has for her business. She loves eating out though when she gets a chance. The Broad Chare and Dat Bar are two particular favourites. Despite living and breathing food seven days a week, her passion remains undiminished. “I know when I’m eating good food” she says, as we’re chatting away, “Because I start laughing because it tastes so good.” And with that she passes me a piece of candied lovage she has made that morning, ‘try this’, she says, and so I do and it is wonderful. Go hang out in Anna’s kitchen, her food will make you happy… • Check out our behind the scenes video of Cook House shoot at www.ladida.co.uk

Food & Drink

THE FAT DUCK, Bray Words Uzma Olbrich

‘I

would love to go to the Fat Duck,’ said my husband Tom, after watching Heston Blumenthal working his culinary magic on the box. A German scientist and sporty alpha male, he rarely speaks with such passion about frivolous cultural society ‘things’.

“ I ’ ve brought you r c u p of tea. I d idn’ t know i f you’ d like m i l k o r s ugar s o I brought rabbi t , ” s aid the wai tres s ...” So, on a cold winter’s morning in February, I sat hunched over my computer waiting for the Duck’s April book to quack. A tense hour later, I had secured a booking for four. The perfect birthday treat for Tom and my best friend Franziska and hubby Justin. We arrive excited and giddy into Bray.The Fat Duck looks like someone’s house; inside it is cosy but plain. Staff are dressed austerely but they’re brilliant, bringing bags of charm to the task of describing what we were about to experience. A single globe light sits directly above each table and the significance of this light, the simple dining room setting and the austere clothing becomes apparent as the evening progresses. The lighting above each table is controlled to stimulate the passage from day to

night. The restaurant is a theatre, and the stage has been set. “You are on a journey,” explains the maître d’ brandishing a map. “The map is also your menu. The experience is inspired by favourite childhood memories.” There are 16 courses in total, divided into seven different times of day. Our trip starts in the ‘evening’. The light And so the journey progresses…. four hours of darkens and our waiter wheels a trolley full of adventure, discovery and taste sensation.The canisters to our table and asks each of us in turn experience is a complete emotional rollercoaster. our choice of welcome drink. I choose a Vodka One of my favourite dishes was the visually Lime Sour. He squirts a ball of mousse into a spectacular ‘Damping through the bubbling vessel of liquid nitrogen, and hands me boroughgroves’. The dish recreates my a frozen meringue ball. It melts away in the childhood experience of mushroom hunting. mouth, while puffs of gentle lime scented Our waitress pours liquid nitrogen over moss smoke curl out of my nostrils. An excellent and wood to create a blanket of mist over the vodka lime sour. My dinner companions in turn whole table. The visual theatre, the taste and sample their choices with equal pleasure, and even the smell transports you to a misty foggy dragon puffs. What a great start! wet afternoon in the woods. The light changes, its breakfast time. “I’ve Our final course is called ‘Like a kid in a brought your cup of tea. I didn’t know if you’d sweetshop’. A traditional doll’s sweet shop is like milk or sugar so I brought rabbit,” said the wheeled before us. Activated by a coin we waitress and served us all a cup of ‘breakfast tea’. acquired over ‘breakfast’, the automaton The left side of the teacup is hot and the right dispenses petit fours into little candy stripe side is cold. As you take sips of the delicious sweet bags. rabbit veloute, one side of your mouth is left Would I recommend the Fat Duck? hot and the other side cold, in a clever play on Absolutely. A ‘must do’. The Fat Duck isn’t just your senses. about the theatre. The food is pretty special too. Mid morning brings the It challenges you, takes sound of the waves over all of your senses, crashing in our ears while makes you think, it’s TA S T I N G N OT E S we’re served nostalgic sensory overload, it makes lollies, a salmon and you wonder did I love A meal at the Fat Duck costs avocado ‘Twister’, and a that? or maybe not… £255 per person excluding Waldorf salad ‘Rocket’….. In the words of my service and drinks. With matching wine you pay an if this is what a Waldorf husband Tom, it was ‘the extra £155 per person. salad tastes like, I could most exciting meal I’ve www.thefatduck.co.uk happily eat bowls and ever eaten’. Glad you bowls of it. enjoyed it Darling! summer

2016

Food & Drink

JESMOND DENE HOUSE, Jesmo n d

THE BOT T L E SHO P , N ewc a s t l e

WORDS: LINDA JANE WESTPHAL WORDS LINDSAY GILL

The high standard of cooking continued with the arrival of the mains. My Beer Battered Cod and Chips was wonderful, the fish was cooked to perfection, the batter light, flavoursome and crispy. My friend opted for the Flat Iron Steak with Béarnaise, fat chips and watercress. The steak was full of flavour and melted in the mouth. Desserts were a struggle but who could resist Crème Brulee and Vanilla Shortbread and Sticky Toffee Pudding and Vanilla icecream? These were perfection on a plate and left us sated and very, very happy. The prices are great value for money and the hotel regularly offers special deals. Check the hotel’s website for details. As we left we stopped to say hello to the hotel’s resident cat, Riley, ensconced in his cat palace. He is very fabulous and la di da - he has even been photographed wearing a bowtie - much like Jesmond Dene itself.

e’re often at des res Jesmond Dene House for fashion shoots but its ages since we’ve stopped by for some of their fabulous food. The iconic hotel is a beautiful, historic old house situated in leafy Jesmond. When you step through its elegant doors, you feel like you’re staying with well to do friends in a glorious country estate in the Cotswolds. It was a perfect day and we were led into the lounge for pre lunch drinks. We settled for mocktails which were seriously good and only added fuel to our fantasy about sitting in the beautiful, sunny garden all afternoon drinking martinis. The menu is British and full of seasonal classics which showcase fine produce. We headed into the sunny conservatory for lunch. My friend chose the Beetroot and Goats Curd Salad to start TA S T I N G N OT E S while I opted for Wild Mushrooms on Toast with Poached Egg and Nasturtium. www.jesmonedenehouse.co.uk My starter was gorgeous; the mushrooms were moist and full of woodland flavour and set off perfectly with the unctuous, oozing yolk and delicious artisan toast. However, it was the Beetroot and Goats Curd Salad which was the star of the show. Possibly the most beautiful dish we have ever seen, it arrived arranged as a colourful butterfly resting on the plate. The Beetroot and Goats Curd were cut through with candied and pickled walnuts, watercress and olive oil. It was divine with perfectly balanced flavours, fresh and very moreish.

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he Bottle Shop is looking to make its mark in the ever growing foodie and craft beer offer. Flanked in coarse wood and brandishing an ever welcome quote from J.R.R Tolkien, it provides a den of live music, gaming nights and explosion of malty flavours. An evening hangout for boisterous discussion or a Sunday corner for slacks, shades and slap up Sunday lunch. Head Chef Matthew Stephenson, of Slaley Hall, Pan Haggerty and Lola Jean, prepares the ultimate in Sunday satisfaction. We started with hearty ham hock and Spanish inspired salsa trout starters, which was well seasoned and presented and very moreish. A great start to the meal. As it was Sunday we couldn’t resist the tender and flavoursome beef dinner with lashings of gravy. It was seriously good, good portion size and a great Sunday roast, we will definitely be returning for this. The perfect pick me up after Saturday night shenanigans. The food here is frankly delicious and would easily be the jewel in the crown if it weren’t for the global selection of beer. These included choices from San Francisco’s Almanac Brewery and Sweden’s Ompnipollo, as well as a number of popular American crowlers, the bar features 10 keg lines, 2 cask lines and more than 40 bottle beers.

TA S T I N G N OT E S www.bottleshopbar.co.uk

2016

Food & Drink

TA S T I N G N OT E S

HINNIES,

www.hinnies.co.uk

Wh i t l ey B ay WORDS LINDSAY GILL

t’s about time. The North East has excelled in coffee houses and breakfast bars but since my move here from Guernsey many years ago, I have felt a void for the casually chic, chatter-filled bistros I left behind. Hinnies is a coup de foudre, albeit with a retro country polish, that, whilst only launched in February, is already causing noise across the Tyne. Designed by Newcastle-based designer Neil Wilson, the recycled vintage interior provides a cosy nostalgia and I found myself mentally thieving their furniture for my own dining

B L AC K F RI ARS R E S TA U RAN T, Newcast le

WORDS LINDSAY GILL

oth frequented and destroyed by royalty, in its 800 years Newcastle’s Blackfriars has swapped virtue for viand, serving meals fit for a king since 2001. The second restaurant of husband and wife team Andy and Sam Hook, Blackfriars has become every bit the mainstay for Newcastle

area. Even their powder rooms are gorgeous. The latest eatery from Newcastle’s Blackfriars Restaurant owners, Hinnies delivers locally sourced, Northern comfort food with elegant panache. The modest menu remains the same for lunch or dinner with a flat pricing structure for dishes and multiple courses. Featuring Geordie favourites Pan Haggerty, mackerel pate, suet pudding and apple crumble, choosing final dishes was a challenge. We began with a delicate beetroot, walnut and goat’s cheese curd salad with honey

dressing, which proved a light appetite inducer, and a hearty Black Pudding, with delicious homemade brown sauce, crispy bacon and a perfect poached egg. Inspired by Hinnies subtle Parisian influence, we settled on 8oz flat iron steaks with peppercorn sauce for main. It made for a delicious Northern alternative to a standard French minute steak, with robust mouthfuls of tender and smoky beef. Pièce de résistance was dessert with a pairing of crème brûlée and a spiced apple crumble with custard. Hinnies produced a perfectly refined vanilla crème, accentuated by a fragile sugar brûlée and their crumble is the best in the North East. Their drinks menu is well thought out and offers regional beers, artisan cordials, and even dessert wines.The staff are friendly and welcoming which adds to the whole experience. We will definitely return – and soon because it will only be a matter of time before it becomes hard to get a table.

dining, as the Priory was for the Friars that Main courses were ordered with a mind to established it in 1239. test the chef, who excelled in his execution of The main restaurant is situated in what was the Northumbrian rump steak, thick, juicy the old refectory, potentially the oldest and most importantly, an impeccable medium dining room in the UK and next door, the rare. The roast belly pork was ripe with crispy banqueting hall, which hosted its donor crackling and complemented by curried King Henry III, lays hosts to medieval feasts cauliflower puree, spring cabbage and cidre and merry weddings. jus. The only disappointment was that Aside from the ancient interior, Blackfriars’ Blackfriars’ generosity left us struggling for a longevity is attributable to its longstanding dessert hole. commitment to sustainable, locally sourced We would ordinarily have opted for their produce and quintessentially English menu, Yorkshire rhubarb crumble with vanilla not to mention a bountiful drinks selection. custard, yet although defeated, we were eager The menu speaks to seasonal eating to sample their list of homemade sorbets. without any titty fa laa. We began with a A medley of rhubarb, raspberry and deliciously fresh, smooth, blood orange sorbet Spring Pea and Watercress cut through the TA S T I N G N OT E S soup and a rugged lingering noise of the pressed Northumbrian previous meal to Ham and Piccalilli deliver the perfect www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk terrine, accompanied by conclusion to the a delicate pease pudding. evening’s indulgence.

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Food & Drink

lassy rewe C

THERE AREN’T MANY HOTELS WHOSE CUSTOMERS RANGE FROM MIDDLE EAST PRINCES WHO BRING THEIR OWN BUTLERS AND CAVIAR TO LOCALS ENJOYING SOME DELICIOUS ‘BAR BAIT’ AND A PINT, BUT THEN THE LORD CREWE ARMS IN BLANCHLAND, ISN’T YOUR ‘AVERAGE’ HOTEL. LINDA JANE WESTPHAL FINDS OUT MORE ABOUT ITS CHARMS... Photography: Kathryn Carruthers www.carrostudio.com

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Feature

he Guardian hailed the very fabulous Lord Crewe, as a ‘rare place that gets everything right’ and we couldn’t agree more. Housed in a 12th century Abbots Priory, The Lord Crewe Arms is a little

bit special. The hotel is located in Blanchland, a stunningly beautiful picture postcard village in Northumberland, not far from Hexham, which is often used as a film location due to its historic vistas. It’s surrounded by stunning scenery full of expansive lakes, undulating hills and breathtaking panoramic views. The hotel and location are ideal for walkers, classic car enthusiasts, cyclists and those of us who love a good Sunday lunch and somewhere picturesque for an idle stroll. The Lord Crewe Arms building itself is glorious. Exposed brickwork and huge dramatic stone fireplaces make for a theatrical background for dining, with goosnargh ducks and chickens roasting fireside while the ultra stylish bedrooms and miners cottages, dotted with finds from French antique markets, are just gorgeous, super classy but really cosy and personal. The Lord Crewe may be owned by the same people who own the rather fabulous Calcot Manor and Barnsley House in the Cotswolds but the warmth and humour of the Lord Crewe are all northern. As well as referring to bar food as ‘bar bait’ and offering Chips with ‘Naughty Sauce’, there are plenty of cheeky touches and signs around the place to anchor the experience firmly in the North East. With both a pub and two restaurants, the Lord Crewe Arms can easily and adeptly switch from hosting the super rich to locals after a decent pint and some craic. With excellent shooting nearby, it’s a favourite for shooting parties both hosting city bankers from London and royals from the Middle East, who fly in by helicopter with their butlers, household staff and caviar. General Manager Tommy Mark is local and has built up a strong team to deliver the type of service that goes the extra mile. He is busy planning lots of events from wine tastings to stargazing and is hoping to attract more visitors from the region. “We still get a lot of people who haven’t heard of us or even Blanchland and yet they don’t live that far away,” he says. “A lot of our visitors are from down south, or Harrogate and York, which is great but we’d love to see more people from the North East. People don’t realise how beautiful it is here, the scenery is

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just stunning and it’s a lovely day out, perfect for a nice drive and a spot of lunch.” The food at the Lord Crewe is a major draw. Headed up by Simon Hicks, ex Soho Hicks, the menu can be changed three or four times a day depending on the produce. The Lord Crewe is equally adept at Afternoon Teas, Sunday Roasts and fabulous dinners with the onus on classic cooking with the very best of ingredients. The cooking style is all about honest, robust flavours, theatre and sharing experiences and a hint of the nostalgic. “I am not a foam and swipe guy,” says Simon, “if you have fantastic ingredients, and we have the very best delivered here, you want to keep it simple and let those flavours shine through. Sometimes your classic combinations are the best, for example you can’t beat a fried egg and pineapple on a pork chop.” As our shoot gets underway, dishes arrive in quick succession. Starters include A Plate of ‘Crewe Cured’ salmon with wheaten bread, a fried duck egg with Greedy Pig Chorizo and Isle of White Tomatoes on

LEFT: General Manager Tommy Mark

I am not a foam and swipe guy... you want to keep it s imple

2016

Food & Drink

FABULOUS FUEGO WORDS LIZ LAMB

toast with Caerphilly and pickled walnuts. Mains include Grilled hanger steak with Scottish girolles and asparagus, Pan fried Turbot with whipped tatties, wild garlic and Norfolk brown shrimps and Sweet cured bacon chop with a broadbean relish. The meat comes from the famous Hannan Meats and is divine. After the food shoot we all tuck in. The food is incredible. I had been accompanied by my God daughter Eliza Rose, off for the school holidays and full of a cold. Although she had brought her favourite book, the fabulous food and setting soon meant the book was abandoned and she started tucking in with gusto. Her favourite dish was the Turbot with brown shrimps, a real triumph but she couldn’t resist the odd fat chip with naughty sauce. But it was the desserts that really stole the show. The Strawberry and Sparkling Wine Jelly with ice cream was supposed to be a shared dish but after we all had an initial taste - it was incredible and very alcoholic in a good way - the dish magically remained at Eliza’s end of the table, resulting in a very chatty, animated little girl on the way home. The Bakewell Tart was just the best thing we had ever tasted, creamy, custardy, gorgeously indulgent, it felt totally sinful in a good way. As we headed home, around the hairpin bends and through the glorious, stunning landscapes, Eliza piped up, ‘I love that place, when can we go back?’. It’s a sentiment that is echoed by everyone I know who has ever been to the Lord Crewe Arms. As the Guardian so rightly says, it’s a rare place. And for all the right reasons.

ABOVE: Eliza Rose enjoying Strawberry and Sparkling Wine Jelly with ice cream LEFT: Gorgeous Bakewell Pudding with vanilla ice cream

• www.lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk

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WHERE: Fuego, Food Hall, Fenwick, Northumberland Street, Newcastle CONCEPT: Only a few months old Fuego is a new Mediterranean wine bar and restaurant. The concept and menu has been created by Fenwick executive chef Kelly Richardson who has worked at a Michelin star restaurant in Spain and at a tapas restaurant in London. Legendary North East chef Terry Laybourne acted as a conultant. MENU: Centred on ‘small plates’ or Mediterranean tapas, allowing customers the opportunity to enjoy a light snack or create a full meal alongside hand-stretched pizzas, which is Fuego’s signature offering. Dishes are influenced by the food hall’s cheese, delicatessen and wine sections. DECOR: The 70 cover restaurant features an eye-catching wood stone oven which has become a talking point with diners. There is a bustling U-shaped bar area where people can sit on bar stools and enjoy a relaxed meal or drink. There is also a designated seating area with marble-topped tall tables and stools alongside dark wood furniture. The open kitchen and oven allows diners to see the chefs hard at work. OVERALL LOOK: A palette of dark wood, cream and marble gives the eatery a stylish, laid-back feel. WHAT WE ATE: basque chicken and chorizo pinxos (£5.50), Nocellara olives (£2), patatas brava (£4.50), pork belly pinxos (£5.50), sautéed king prawns with garlic and chilli (£7) WHAT WE DRANK: Prosecco by the glass. SERVICE: Friendly, attentive staff who were helpful but not over-powering. AMBIENCE: We dined on a Thursday earlyevening and there was a relaxed yet buzzy atmosphere. The bar area was busy with people enjoying an after-work drink while the restaurant was a mix of professionals and families. FAVOURITE FOOD: The pork belly was a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dish and not at all fatty. VERDICT: laid-back, relaxing dining offering flavoursome dishes that won’t break the bank.

Food & Drink

KING OF THE INNS LIZ LAMB HEADS TO DURHAM TO CHECK OUT THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE CITY’S FOODIE SCENE.

f you like pub grub in stylish surroundings then you will love Durham’s new kid on the block. The Kingslodge Inn offers a homely atmosphere alongside traditional pub dishes and has a stylish décor of tartan armchairs and wallpaper, exposed beams and cosy booths. The pub is formerly the Kingslodge Hotel and Finbarrs restaurant and since being taken over by the Inn Collection Group the venue has been remodelled as a pub with rooms. Nestled at the end of a quiet street, it’s just five minutes walk from the city centre and a short stroll from the railway centre. The menu features classics such as steak and ale pie, oven roasted chicken, gammon and chips and sirloin grill with mains ranging from £9.95 to £25. For starters we enjoyed marinated olives with chilli and feta (£3.95) and potato skins with sweet chilli sauce and garlic mayo (£4.95). The olives were delicious-not too hot and it made a welcome change to have the feta grated over the top.

Mains were slow cooked shoulder of lamb (£15.95) and the Kingslodge curry, which on the night we visited, was korma (£11.95). The lamb dish was served with crushed baby potatoes, carrots and broccoli, with lashings of gravy while the curry came with chips and rice. Unfortunately the pub had run out of naan breads so the chef gave us TA S T I N G N OT E S extra chips and rice to compensate. The Kingslodge Inn, The curry was a Waddington Street, Flass Vale, particular hit with my Durham City, DH1 4BG hubby-not too creamy and Knickerbocker Glory enquiries@kingslodgeinn.co.uk Tel: 0191 370 9977 had a real zing to it while but we decided to share my lamb fell off the bone. a slice of caramel and We washed down our apple pie (£5.95) that meal with a bottle of house white (£15.95) was served with gorgeous creamy custard. which was very enjoyable for a house wine. We had a lovely evening. The food was great On the evening we visited, we chose a booth and typical of a pub grub menu and we found seat that overlooked the main eating area and the staff particularly friendly and helpful. They close to the front entrance which made the couldn’t do enough to make us feel welcome perfect viewpoint for people watching. and are a real credit to the venue. Next time we’ll be back with the whole family. Desserts include sticky toffee pudding and summer

2016

Food & Drink

Manor Born TO THE

ROCKLIFFE HAS A HOST OF NEW CONTENDERS FOR ITS CROWN OF LUXURY HOTEL IN THE REGION BUT LIKE A FINE WINE ITS IMPROVING WITH AGE. LA DI DA CHECKS IT OUT.... Words: Linda Jane Westphal

he beautiful Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth, near Darlington, has always been synonymous with five star luxury but now in the expert hands of Chief Executive Eamon Elliott, the hotel has raised its standards even higher. I arrive late, stressed after a long fashion shoot in Northumberland, to find my friend chilled and relaxed after a fabulous facial at the hotel’s famous spa. After a warm welcome from the concierge, we were shown to our stunning suite which overlooked the gorgeous gardens. Contemporary and stylish, the suite was well appointed and its spacious bathroom even had a TV on the bathroom wall, perfect for a long soak with a glass of cold fizz. We headed down to the Cocktail Bar for pre dinner cocktails. While we perused the menu, we were mixed excellent cocktails and served saffron crackers, mushroom and stilton macaroons and lemon sole goujons with anchovy mayo as pre dinner nibbles. They were mind blowingly good so we opted for the ‘surprise menu’ with accompanying wine flight knowing we were in the capable hands of chef Richard Allen and his team. Richard held a Michelin star in Jersey and is predicted to bring one to Rockliffe soon. His style of cuisine takes you on a culinary journey, full of surprising textures and tastes. The food is healthy and prepared without reliance on butter and cream but absolutely delicious, showcasing the best ingredients from around the country. We were shown into the beautiful 3AA Rosette Orangery Restaurant to dine, which is housed in the stunning 18th century Old Hall. We started with a delicious and carefully

balanced amuse bouche of Pea Veloute with coconut and ham. Then it was onto Sea Trout - a smoked fillet, parfait and tartar with compressed cucumber and oyster and dill. This was served with a Susana Balbo, Crois Torrontes, Lujan de Cuyo 2014. The combination worked perfectly, the Sea Trout was full of flavour and the texture of the different elements delighted the senses. Variations of Beetroot with smoked eel emulsion was served next, paired with a Jean Fouillard, Morgan Cote du Puy Beaujolais 2013. One of our favourite dishes of the night, we even fell silent while eating to fully savour the exquisite balance of flavours. Another five courses arrived, each a triumph and completed by a thoughtful but always interesting wine selection. We journeyed through Quail, Pork - Crispy Belly with braised cheek and poached langoustine and squash- , a pre dessert of Lime Panna Cotta and Chocolate Sorbet which was ecstasy on a plate and a Cheese Sandwich - a triumph of Tunworth with Truffle and a Waldorf salad served with Graham’s 30 year Tawny Port. summer

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We finished the evening with Cherry - a Cuban Chocolate Cigar with Kirsch and Cocoa paired with a Heidi Schrock, Ruster Ausbruch, Burgenland 2005. It was a heavenly combination. We had feasted like queens but the beauty of Richard’s cooking is that we felt sated but not uncomfortably stuffed, just grateful that we had experienced cooking of such finesse and beauty. The service was impeccable and the ambience just right, with the backdrop of a talented pianist adding to the magic of the evening. The following morning, after a fantastic night’s sleep followed by an indulgent breakfast of Eggs Benedict, we reluctantly checked out. We had stayed in a gorgeous suite the weekend before in a 5 star hotel in central London and the staff barely raised a smile. In contrast the staff at Rockliffe are amazing. Charming, attentive, warm, they make the whole experience a joy and elevated a wonderful stay into a true memory box moment. It was easily one of the best, if not the best, hotel experiences I have ever enjoyed. “What did you think?” I asked my friend as we left. “It was absolutely flawless,” she replied. And it was.

TA S T I N G N OT E S Hurworth Place, DL2 2DU The Seven Course Surprise menu costs £110 per person. If you choose a seven wine flight it is an additional £75 per person. www.rockliffehall.com

Food & Drink

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Feature

Crown jewels WITH ITS OWN GIN BAR, SPA AND EVEN A ROYAL TITLE, LA DI DA COULDN’T RESIST CHECKING OUT THE RATHER FABULOUS CROWNE PLAZA IN NEWCASTLE. MADELEINE COSTIGAN CHECKED IN…

have been desperate to test out the new Crowne Plaza in Newcastle since it opened. Situated in the Stephenson Quarter just behind the Central Station the hotel is in a great prime location for accessing the city and it’s nice to have a new hotel on the block in town! More importantly for me its locations meant only a short walk in heels to access the cocktail bars in town. The Stephenson Quarter (where the revolutionary Rocket was built in 1820) is a major new development in the city and plans are it will become one of the ‘most desirable urban locations in the UK’ so the hotel is in the perfect spot. The hotel is a great new addition to the Newcastle hotel scene. The ‘Mineral House spa, pool and gym’ also adds a little something extra to its competitors as well as its destination ‘Gin Bar’ and brasserie ‘Hawthorns’. On arrival, the hotel staff were very welcoming and surprisingly knowledgeable on the history of the Stephenson Quarter. We were showed to our room which was a spacious and welcoming fresh room with two double beds, perfect for a girlie sleep over night with your best friend! As you know I rarely leave the house without a bottle of Prosecco and Chambord in tow so my old friends made themselves at home whilst we robed up ready for the spa. As it was a week day it was lovely and quiet so basically we had the place to ourselves...I sunk down into my sun lounger enjoying my most recent copy of ‘La Di Da’ and enjoyed the

don’t often find things like that in chain hotels, but each restaurant within the Crowne Plaza group is ran as a business in its own right so therefore the executive chef has the authority to choose his suppliers. Hawthorns use suppliers such as Robson’s of Craster and Geordie Bakers. Nice touch! I chose the signature menu which was a starter of seared Scottish scallops, English asparagus, crispy hen’s egg and citrus butter, followed by a main of locally sourced Ingram Valley lamb loin, belly croquette, potato, roots and minted peas. As it happened the lamb had in fact come from a friend of my friend’s farm! The meal was washed down by some of the signature engineered gin cocktails from the ‘Gin Bar’ which were a real delight… although slightly disappointing they ran out of cucumber in the end. Overall the meal was very tasty, temperature wise it could have been a little hotter for my liking and admittedly the service has room for improvement as the staff were not hugely attentive on the drinks front, however as the hotel/restaurant is still very much in its infancy I think generally it has huge potential once a few of the small creases are ironed out. After a few cocktails on the ‘toon’ and a few ‘Gin Bar’ night caps, we both melted into our individual double beds and slept like logs!

peace and quiet. A few dips in the hot tub and a good old girlie catch up were perfect… although the only slight disappointment was the ‘no booze’ rules round the pool, I believe a glass of fizz (even in a plastic flute) is an essential pool side item on a spa day but rules are rules!! We were politely led to the treatment area by a lovely gent called Tom who announced I was to be having my treatment by a ‘red hot Brazilian called Robbie’. Well as you can imagine this was an exciting prospect, however Robbie was in fact Roberta, a lovely sweet girl who was in fact an amazing therapist. • Read more of Madeleine’s adventures at I opted for the ‘Mediterranean Light’ www.maddieness.co.uk treatment which began with a relaxing warm ‘pinda’ pressure massage (healing pillows) then the warm butter from your choice of Mediterranean candle (I choose citrus enriched for mandarin butter to stimulate the sense and Vitamin A to hydrate the skin) is poured all over your body. It’s a strange sensation at first when you have hot wax poured all over you but once you get used to this and the expertise of a very experienced masseuse the whole experience was pretty unreal. Top marks Robbie. After a few glasses of fizz and a good makeover, my friend and I ventured to the hotel brasserie ‘Hawthorns’ for dinner. The restaurant does still TA S T I N G N OT E S have that feel of a ‘hotel restaurant’ however the real Crowne Plaza, Stephenson attraction for me was the Quarter, Newcastle choice of ingredients and that 0800 130 0131 fact most of the menu is locally sourced produce.You summer

2016

Food & Drink

Drinks e d

ANGELA METCALFE IS THE DRINKS BUYER FOR ICONIC DELI LEWIS AND COOPER AND EXPERT IN CHAMPAGNE, FINE WINES AND SPIRITS

@WINEBITCH

Posh picnics Photography: Jade Turnball www.jadephotography-online.com

FROM TAILGATE BUFFET TO GARDEN PICNIC, THINK SIMPLE EATS AND APPROPRIATE DRINK PAIRINGS FOR THE ULTIMATE WOW FACTOR

s soon as the sun is shining we Brits will embark upon some impromptu socialising. ‘Al fresco’ dining will be launched into with all the enthusiasm we can muster, due to the past couple of summers being cancelled because of a no show from the golden orb. Get your fridge filled with some easy, no cook, essentials like chorizo, olives, cheeses and cured meats, make space for a couple of Sherries, and Tapas may save your reputation for spontaneous fabulousness. Go for a Fino or Manzanilla. Both are bone dry and the perfect partner for a lazy day when the urge to become more ‘Mediterranean’ is only to be

encouraged. Even foods which swiftly manage to kill most wines, like eggs and smoked mackerel, become harmonious when served up with a chilled Fino. The best picnics are often the simplest, crusty bread, lashings of butter and cheese, cheese and a bit more cheese, sling in a few staples from your al fresco stores, a punnet of strawberries and you’re almost ready to go. Almost, because you’ve forgotten the fizz!!!! Prosecco is probably the easiest of crowd pleasers, and shouldn’t cost you a fortune, either. There are some pretty pants ones out there but the ones to look out for are CLEAN. Fresh, green apples and pears, no bitter acrid taste, a summer

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soft hint of sweetness (but not cloying), and a gentle sparkle, not an aggressive fizz. Pop a strawberry in the bottom and you’re in heaven. Cava is also a good picnic pal, but you do get what you pay for. Try to find some with Pinot Noir or Chardonnay in the blend, it just nudges it up a level and takes away the bitter edge Xarel-lo can impart. If you plan a Spanish Paella party, add a sprig of saffron to each glass, it imparts a subtle savoury warmth and makes it perfect for this dish. Remember not to discard the cooked on Paella from the bottom of the pan. That’s the best bit! Cider can be a great alternative to wine, if you get a decent one, and there are many on the market now, so no excuses. Shoot that Woodpecker with a Strongbow and pop out for one of the many craft Ciders and Perry’s we can now find on the shelves. Normandy Cider is probably the most elegant style. Light and pretty and sporting a Champagne type cork, this works so well with shellfish, particularly mussels – use a splash in your marinière instead of wine to transform this simple dish.

“Go for a Fino or Manzanilla. Both are bone dry and the perfect partner for a lazy day when the urge to become more ‘Mediterranean’ is only to be encouraged” Do beware, however, those crafty monks at Ampleforth Abbey, make a stunningly good cider. It tastes like the best apple juice ever, with just a touch of petillance, but contains an obscene amount of alcohol! I tend to drink this as I would wine, and if I’m not having it with a pork dish, it makes a feast of a Yorkshire cheese board.

Food & Drink

High spirits... Words: Linda Jane Westphal

LANCHESTER WINE ROYALTY BEN CLEARY’S QUIRKY WINE AND DRINKS EMPORIUM THE PIP STOP, IS HOUSED IN A CONVERTED MORGAN GARAGE, FEATURES SOME OF THE MOST FABULOUS DRINKIES AROUND AND EVEN OFFERS TASTINGS...WE COULDN’T RESIST FINDING OUT MORE...

ne has learned that when heading out on a roadtrip with our rather fabulous Drinks Ed, first lady of fizz and gin cognoscenti Angela Metcalfe, that correct etiquette dictates that there should always be the opportunity for an afternoon snifter. And so it was we find ourselves whiling away the afternoon in the very stylish The Pip Stop, a drinks emporium near la di da Lanchester owned by Ben Cleary. It was well past the yardarm - which to be honest is never much of a concern for our Drinks Ed - so we very graciously accepted Ben’s offer of

sampling a few local gins. Ben is an engaging and knowledgeable host and his choice of gins was spot on, even the very particular Lady M was impressed. As well as The Pip Stop’s extensive spirit collection, they also have 300 varieties of wine and 120 different beers including some fabulous crowlers - craft beers in cans - which are proving really popular, says Ben. It is wine Ben is really enthusiastic about, as befits someone raised by parents who set up the very successful Lanchester Wines. Such is his passion, he is happiest when helping customers find the perfect tipple. summer

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Food & Drink

I t’ s not abou t s elling t he mos t expens ive bo t t le, it ’s ab ou t finding s omet hing pe ople are going to re ally enjoy

BELOW: Hugo, Ben’s daschund, always sniffs out the best deals...

FAST WINES Ben picks three wines you must try...

“It’s not about selling the most expensive bottle, it’s about finding something people are really going to enjoy,” he says. “We have a lot of regulars who love to come in and try something different. We offer great value for money and it allows people to be a bit more experimental.” Tastings are a big part of the ethos of The Pip Stop and it has the convivial feel of a stylish quayside bar rather than your average wine shop. It used to be an old Morgan garage and it has made the most of this heritage to create a funky interior. The ‘bar’ atmosphere was a deliberate decision by Ben, who has big plans for brand The Pip Stop. “We’re currently looking at premises in either Durham or Newcastle for a new opening,” he says. “We want it to be a more interactive experience; we may offer food and drink, more tastings. We would love to set up our own rum distillery, but it takes time to do properly. Rum is the next big trend and we’re looking forward to doing lots around it.” • www.thepipstop.co.uk

RIGHT: Ben and his team are passionate about their wines and beers...

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1. Garden Party/Picnic wine La Vue Grenache Rose (£8.49) A stunning wine. Very similar to that of a Provence style rose but with a little more weight. A must try for summer BBQ season 2. Friday Fizz Nyetimber Blanc de Blanc (£35.99) This Vintage sparkling from the heart of Sussex is one of my favourite sparkling wines. This wine shows how serious the English wine producers really are on the world stage. Champagne houses, beware... 3. The Showstopper Don’t Tell Gary - (£9.49) With a number of golds under its belt this not only looks intriguing, but it also tastes great. This wine was tucked away in some ridiculously expensive French oak barrels for 12 months and hidden from the winery’s general manager (Gary) by the wine maker Jo Nash, which explains the name. Good job it’s been a success!

Travel

Room with a VIEW STYLE DIRECTOR LIZ LAMB HEADS TO THE LAKES FOR A WEEKEND OF RELAXATION AND LUXURY.

s views go, the one from our bedroom at the Beech Hill Hotel, is nothing short of spectacular. Boasting uninterrupted views across stunning Lake Windermere and with famed Lake District peaks in the background, it definitely has the ‘wow’ factor. Location, location, location is everything in the hotel business, and with stiff competition from luxury hotels across the Lake District, Beech Hill’s prime spot on the lakeside is definitely the jewel in it’s rather sparkly crown. So much so, that we spend most of our weekend taking in the scenery by sitting enjoying coffee in our room to drinks on the terrace to bubbles in the hot tub and dinner in the restaurant with a

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Travel

down to the lakeside so we enjoyed a pre-dinner stroll and watched people set sail across the lake. The weather was glorious so we headed to the outdoor sun terrace for drinks- a Bramble cocktail for me and a pint of San Miguel for the hubby. The hotel restaurant, Burlington’s, has an air of old-fashioned elegance with crisp white tablecloths and traditional British cuisine. While perusing the menu we snacked on canapés of bruschetta, tortilla and bread twists before enjoying starters of crispy lamb breast confit that were served on a bed of tomato and topped with tzasiki and slices of cucumber. It tasted delicious and was just the right size portion. For main I enjoyed roasted salmon pave served on a bed of fresh dill and petit pois risotto with Wye Valley asparagus and rocket pesto and finished with shavings of parmesan. The dish was delicious-a really marriage of flavours and wonderfully presented. My husband is a real steak lover so an obvious choice for him was the fell-bred fillet steak with triple cooked chips, green peppercorn and blue cheese sauce and a grill garnish of mushroom, tomato and red lakeside viewpoint. onion. Having spent the last ten years sampling steaks The hotel is a stone built property dating back to in hotels across the UK, this was up there with one of the early 1900s with a traditional interior featuring his favourites. The quality of the meat was evident and antique furniture and an olde-worlde feel. A stark it was cooked just how he likes it. contrast to this is the modern spa area that boasts a We decided to share a dessert and opted for sweet sleek indoor pool alongside an outdoor hot tub-the shots-a trio of desserts featuring mini pots of crème perfect spot for soaking up the rays. brulee, chocolate mousse and raspberry posset This really is a hotel of two wonderfully presented on a slate halves-some of the interior is a little tray. All were absolutely divine. T A S T I N G N O T E S dated and tired but the spa is bright To be truthful I never expected and contemporary. It was here we the food at Burlington’s to be quite Beech Hill Hotel, Newby Bridge enjoyed a few hours relaxing in the as good as it was. We were suitably Road, Windermere LA23 3LR sauna and steam room before impressed. Add to the mix those Phone:0844 502 7587 jumping in the outdoor hot tub and wonderful views, and the four-star beechhillhotel.co.uk taking in those enviable views. Beech Hill Hotel is a great The hotel gardens lead right weekend escape. summer

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LEFT: Beautiful views abound at Beech Hill

Travel

Hotels

THERE’S NOTHING QUITE SO FABULOUS AS STAYING IN AN ENGLISH COUNTRY HOUSE IN THE SUMMER. OUR MAJ AT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED HOTELS AND VENUES, JONTJË CUNLIFFE LISTER, RECOMMENDS SOME OF HER FAVOURITES...

Armathwaite Hall Hotel, Spa & Wildlife Park

hat do most daughter’s request when considering what they would like to do for their 10th birthday? Well mine had plans … a Spa weekend! And who was I to argue? So off we headed to Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa – a stately former hunting lodge set on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake – interestingly the only lake in the lake district (all the others are Meres, Tarns and Waters – remember that for your next pub quiz!) The winning factor for Armathwaite Hall was that not only did it have an award winning spa but also the pre-requisite ‘Infinity Pool’ which was on Hettie’s tick list. Where Armathwaite Hall excelled was with the added bonus of The Lake District Wildlife Park, owned by the same family, situated a short walk through a field of Alpacas! Armathwaite Hall is owned by brother and sister team, Carolyn & Charles Graves and is

managed by the formidable Simon Steele. Our two-night stay could not have been better. Our room had a twin room within it for the children – some privacy for us – hoorah! It was situated in the new wing and had access to a delightful decked area overlooking the courtyard. The hotel had arranged a baby-sitter for us for the first night, a young lady called Sara who came armed with games, paper and paints. Some hotel babysitting services charge extortionate rates but not here, we felt £10

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an hour was very reasonable. We dined a deux in the Lake View restaurant on the first evening, complete with crisp, white table linen, silver cutlery and impeccable, efficient and polite service. Breakfast was similarly taken in the Lake View Restaurant and was again a pleasing selection of hot local produce. But the best thing about Hettie’s Birthday breakfast was the chocolate birthday cake – a necessity for any girl on her birthday …. whatever her age!! The Brasserie provided the perfect setting for a family dinner – my Lemon Sole en papilotte, steamed vegetables, Lyonnaise potatoes and saffron velouté was exquisite and the children wolfed down their fish & twice cooked chips (which are cooked in beef dripping – heaven!!) So good was the cheese soufflé that my husband & I shared for starter, that he had it again for his pud! The spa had a 16m (52ft) infinity pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, aroma room, steam room and tropical shower as well as an outdoor hot tub (where you can drink champagne under the trees) and a well-equipped fitness gym (I was delighted to find a spinning bike in there). All in all, the perfect place to enjoy family times – you could easily stay for a week in this idyllic setting and never get bored. Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RE T: 017687 76551 W: www.armathwaite-hall.com

Feature Travel

Bowcliffe Hall

orkshire’s Best Kept Secret – until now - it is time to let this exquisite feline out of the bag! I have been hearing snippets about Bowcliffe Hall of late – mostly due to my good friend Helen who is Manager of the Driver’s Club there. Another name that was making me sit up and listen was that John Topham, the lifelong foodie is Signature Chef there and I have long admired the culinary delights that John has produced over the years, most recently with his much acclaimed food offerings at The General Tarleton in Ferrensby betwixt Boroughbridge and Knaresborough. I arrived on a gloriously sunny day to be greeted by owner, Jonathan Turner. It is hard not to be captivated by Jonathan’s energy and enthusiasm as he excitedly talked me through the plans for the Ballroom. The hall is festooned throughout with exquisite motoring art and memorabilia. The attention to detail within Bowcliffe Hall, the Drivers Club and The Blackburn Wing beggars belief. Every last detail has been carefully thought through – from the tables, to the door handles, to the lighting. As we stride across the perfectly manicured grounds, Jonathan stops to thank one of the gardeners who is on his hands and knees picking up stray gravel and leaves from the grass. Nothing escapes his notice. Jonathan tells me of his vision for having a tree house ….. only the vision grew from your regular garden tree house to one of the most inventive designs worthy of an hour long slot on Grand Designs. The Blackburn Wing is a stunning piece of architectural brilliance. It is iconic and a fitting tribute to

the former owner of the hall and aviation pioneer, Robert Blackburn. The Blackburn Wing, an innovative copper & glass structure, is an unusual and visually stunning venue. Its construction makes it appear as if its floating in the trees, providing an ever changing and unique view of the landscape. Accommodating 70 for a dinner or 90 for a drinks reception The Blackburn Wing can be used on its own or in conjunction with The Bowcliffe Room or Bowcliffe Drivers’ Club. The highly polished, silver, glass-topped semi-circular bar is actually one half of a jet engine. A burnished aircraft wing tip is horizontally placed upon legs and layered beneath glass to make a startling conference table. The leather chairs are clad in studded aluminium. All the rounded door handles are custom-built copies of propeller nose cones. From the taps and lighting in the loos to the “runway” lights lining the walkway outside, Jonathan and his imaginative team have found a way of echoing many aspects of early aircraft design and technology and complementing it with contemporary chic. The Art Deco inspired Drivers’

Club accommodates 60 for dinners and 70 for drinks receptions. Exuding the glamour of the post war motoring era, The Drivers’ Club has double doors leading to the terrace, which could be used for drinks receptions or as an area for dancing. It also features The Briefing Room, an elegant lounge with log burning stove, perfect for catching up with family, friends or colleagues. Bowcliffe’s extensive landscaped grounds provide a wealth of opportunities for larger marquee events, either as stand alone or in conjunction with The Bowcliffe Room or Bowcliffe Drivers’ Club. It also boasts a beautiful, but tiny Chapel which can be used for renewal of vows. So if you are looking for an intimate gathering, an extravagant party in a marquee on the lawns of the Estate or a Board meeting in The Blackburn Wing – the exquisite Bowcliffe Hall appears to offer it all. Just remember to drive slowly on the drive up! Bowcliffe Hall T: 01937 541111 W: www.bowcliffehall.co.uk

J O N T J Ë C U N L I F F E - L I S T E R I S M D O F H I G H LY R E C O M M E N D E D H O T E L S A N D V E N U E S W W W . H R H . C O . U K

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Travel

k r o Y New BABY

SELF-CONFESSED NEW YORK ADDICT AND FASHIONISTA LAUREN HEDLEY GIVES US THE LOWDOWN ON WHERE TO BE SEEN IN THE BIG APPLE…

STAY

SPLURGE

The dream is to go all out at The Plaza like Kevin McCallister or the ultimate: a Presidential Suite at the Mandarin Oriental overlooking Central Park. Instead save on the dollars to free up spending elsewhere at the Courtyard Marriott Midtown East. If you’re planning an extended visit rather than a mid-week or weekend break, consider staying on Long Island which is just a short train ride into Manhattan.

If you’re wanting a true New York shopping experience, your first stop has to be Fifth Avenue for high-end heaven. Glide into Tiffany & Co – which you can seek out by the iconic blue flags paired with America’s stars and stripes – and select your designated floor from platinum, diamond and engagement, watches and sterling silver. Then fall into Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Armani Exchange only a few steps from each other.

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Travel

Christmas time is even more magical as every designer store will have its own elaborate lighting decorations – picture Cartier wrapped up in a glowing bow from one end to the other. Choose from Saks, Bergdorf Goodman or head over to 34th Street to explore another cult department store, Macy’s. Downtown on Broadway is home to the coolest hang-outs including my favourite homeware store Crate & Barrel and its edgier sister CB2 – think Bo Concept meets Habitat. Take a pitstop at Dean & Deluca’s deli for bakery delights, fresh international cuisine and an amazing coffee. Flight Club is the place to go for sneaker lovers and tech geeks will be drawn into the Apple Store which is hidden below road level but signposted by a huge glass box entrance emblazoned with the logo. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on 53rd Street is ideal for finding unusual gifts and souvenirs.

DRINK & DINE For breakfast, jump on the underground to Penn Station which will bring you out at Tick Tock Diner at the bottom of the famous jazz age New Yorker hotel. Order the bacon and maple syrup pancake stack to fuel up for the day. In between sight-seeing, pop into a pizza house for a slice of NYC’s finest on the go – try Joe’s in Greenwich Village where Leonardo DiCaprio, Bradley Cooper and Lenny Kravitz once posed up a storm. Come night, The Standard serves up an impressive steak set against floor-to-ceiling windows filled with a sweeping vista of the Hudson River. Remember Buddakan from Sex and the City? The bustling side streets of SoHo and the Meatpacking District are brimming with food and drink hotspots. Sip on cocktails at the city’s best-kept secret, SixtyFive in the Rockefeller Center, which offers the same panoramic view of NY without the queues and price tag of a ticket to the Top of the Rock. A plush affair where you’ll not be able to resist Instagramming the room. Arrive before sunset and wait until the skyline sparkles against black.

CULTURE I’ve been to New York five times’ now and there are still so many things I haven’t managed to tick off. But first things first – your must-do activities include the trip to the top of the Empire State to be carried away by the romantic idea of a Sleepless in Seattle-style proposal and jumping on the Staten Island Ferry for perfect views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Lower Manhattan. The Freedom Tower memorial is also a beautiful and touching sight. summer

Make sure you check out Trump Tower (note to self: refrain from joining the daily protests outside) and the Flatiron Building – a triangular 22-story, steel-framed landmark structure a good few blocks away on the same street. For something different, follow the High Line public walkway built on a historic freight railroad elevated above the streets on the West Side, gaze along the Brooklyn Bridge from Pier 17 or enjoy a performance in one of the many theatres. But for me, Central Park is unrivalled. A true haven in the heart of Manhattan where everything switches off... apart from the selfie-snapping tourists (though I can’t complain because I was one of them)! The scenery is simply stunning – the lake and its charming stone arch footbridge, the frames of foliage, the skyscraper backdrop. Sure, you can’t beat the sprawling countryside in our region and the UK but it’s quite special to see the city that never sleeps, at least slow down a little. Scale the rocks one afternoon and find yourself a perch to watch the world go by. You’ll come across workers grabbing five on their lunch, life-juggling 40-somethings jogging their daily workout route and grey-haired couples holding hands on a park bench; while a group of teenagers flock to the grass to soak up some sun and street dancers capture the terrace’s attention. Horse and cart tours are available but I think it’s better to stroll, sit and take it all in. • Lauren Hedley is Senior Account Manager at OPR Communications.

2016

Arts

♣ ♦

LA DI DA Loves ♥ ♠ We love the ALICE IN WONDERLAND EXHIBITION at THE LAING ART GALLERY in Newcastle (on until 2nd October) and they have some great themed children’s workshops on this summer. Summer Big Wednesdays are just £3 per child and include Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Anyone for Croquet?, Supersize This and A Very Merry Unbirthday to You! They also have a range of fab adult classes and children’s art classes (11-16 year olds). • www.laingartgallery.org.uk

♣

♥

♦

♠

WEST SIDE HITS NEWCASTLE

he glad rags are primed, as Newcastle Musical Theatre Company (NMTC) brings 1950’s swing and swag to Newcastle Theatre Royal this July in what will be a breathtaking performance of Broadway’s heart wrenching classic, West Side Story. Previews of the show already have us feeling ‘totes emosh’ as star crossed lovers Toni and Maria are caught in the cross fire of gang warfare between the Sharks and Jets and have left us twirling away to our own, not quite so well executed renditions of ‘I feel pretty’. It’s hard to comprehend that this 30 strong cast are technically amateur performers, as the tight choreography of electric leaps and lunges are seamless but the company has performed at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal for over 60 years, staging exceptional productions that have, on occasion, even beaten London’s own West End ticket sales. Directed and choreographed by nurse and dancer Sandra Laidler, with musical direction provided by Cambridge music scholar, doctor and conductor Malcolm Moffat, this is by far the company’s most demanding production to date. Laidler, whose extensive performance career includes NMTC’s previous productions of

Grease and Sister Act as well as numerous lead roles in North East productions, is a talented dancer in her own right. She remained as authentic to the original production as possible. “Initially I had reservations, worrying that my artist wings would feel clipped but in hindsight I am delighted to have accomplished this and learned a new creative approach to choreography. It was very challenging deciphering another choreographer’s notes and translating them, learning the movement and demonstrating it to the cast, but they have been exceptional and I have enjoyed grilling them relentlessly throughout rehearsals.” Jamie Douglass and Nikki Cunningham lead as Toni and Maria, with Dan Dickinson as Riff and Ty Roach-Thompson as Bernardo. The jelly rolls, pompadours, poodles and ponytails have been perfected, the set is straight out of downtown New York and the sweetheart’s rendition of ‘Tonight’ is spine tingling. NMTC’s Newcastle Theatre Royal production of West Side Story takes place from 19-23rd July at 7pm with additional matinee performances on 21-23 July at 2pm, with tickets available at www.theatreroyal.co.uk from £16. summer

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RENOIR ARRIVES… A stunning seascape by world-famous artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir will be on display from 18 June - 29 August at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery. The arrival of Renoir’s St Tropez is the first in a series of high-profile spotlight loans to the museum. “As St Tropez shows, Renoir drew inspiration from the coastal landscape in the South of France, in much the same way as artists have been inspired by the South Tyneside coast,” said Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery. “We are showing many of the coastal and seascape paintings from the South Tyneside collection alongside the Renoir. I’m sure visitors will be delighted to see this prestigious, internationally-significant artwork in South Shields this summer.” • www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk

Arts

Family jewels LULU & CHARLES HAVE BECOME RENOWNED FOR THEIR EXQUISITE SYMBOLIC JEWELLERY. WITH A BACKGROUND IN FASHION, JAYNE CHARLES’S TAKE ON JEWELLERY IS ORIGINAL AND REDOLENT WITH MEANING. SHE TELLS US MORE…

Photography: Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com

“I

started in jewellery through my dad, Stephen Bone, who has worked in the jewellery trade his whole adult life as a goldsmith. His shop Christopher James Jewellers opened its doors in 1989 at the Metro Centre, so my life has become shaped by it and I met my husband Ashley there. Having grown up around my dad’s workbench, I steered towards a creative vocation of my own and studied at the prestigious Fashion & Textiles Programme at Northumbria University. After I graduated I focused on embellishment, embroidery and print and went onto work in the fashion industry as a textiles designer, selling surface pattern designs to the likes of Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Topshop. When the shop closed in the summer of 2014 it came as a real shock. I was expecting my third son and Ashley was facing redundancy. After much panic Ashley and I decided to start our own business, which seemed like a way to keep the legacy of the family business alive. Soon after my Dad started to teach me some basic silversmithing and gold smithing techniques so now I work alongside my husband, bench by bench, with help from my Dad. Our eclectic mix of skills combined have magically fused together to make LuLu & Charles Jewellery a pretty special place to work. Alongside our bespoke service we also offer a small scale production of our own in-house

jewellery collection, designed and handmade from our County Durham workshop. My favourite commission so far has been two 9ct gold halos, engraved with a personal inscription ‘shine bright you crazy diamond’ and family initials, commissioned by lovely lady in Scotland in memory of her late husband. The thought of creating a unique cherished keepsake for a customer to wear in celebration of life, love and happy memories makes me feel very proud; knowing the happiness it has brought to its wearer. We are heavily inspired by the past, all things British and symbolism. Our aim is to create modern day mementos and family keepsakes representing personal symbolic meaning to the wearer. We are influenced by Victorian jewellery especially and the emotional, sentimental meaning attached to it. The Victorians perfected this art form and took symbolism in jewellery design to a whole other level. Their hidden language is so beautifully conveyed in summer

2016

Lulu & Charles’s handmade jewellery is heavily inspired by nature and spirituality

their timeless pieces. At LuLu & Charles Jewellery we love the idea of creating a collection of contemporary handmade jewellery which shares the same magical attachment, creating jewellery with hidden symbolic meaning and contemporary memorial jewellery. At the moment we are heavily inspired by nature and spirituality, our current collection includes sweet forget-me-not, butterflies, moons, stars, swallows and angel wing jewellery. Each design tells a story and connects to a sentimental memory, a loved one, a personal emotion or signifies the start of a new adventure.” • www.lulucharlesjewellery.com

Interiors

Design

INTERIOR DESIGNERS GEORGE BOND AND RAY WATKIN OFFER SOME EXPERT ADVICE ON OPEN PLAN LIVING...

Kings

Design for living

hen designing open plan space, first and foremost ask yourself what do you want to achieve in this space? Open plan spaces are areas which everybody congregates to; it’s a very social space. It’s important to decide whether you want a fun, party space, a practical spacious area which you can move freely in without feeling claustrophobic or a family area where you can be in the kitchen while the family can be watching TV in the open lounge. Open plan spaces work best when they have as much natural light as possible. Whether you incorporate bi-fold doors or a roof lantern, natural light is always a big yes. Most open plan spaces consist of kitchen to dining room to lounge but not all open plan spaces have a dining room, as breakfast bars can be used instead.We love the open plan feel, especially the kitchen area, as you can really express yourself as designer, trying new materials and shapes but being very practical at the same time. A must is to invest in a good extraction fan/system as open plan does have a negative in food smells lingering into the lounge area. Play around with the flooring by using different flooring materials for each area to provide identities to the different living space. However, this must be done with care as the last thing you want is for the floor to drop or rise and the need to use a trim to hide this. There are so many fantastic wall coverings and paint colours so don’t be scared to be daring and mix it up. Don’t just paint all the walls because your kitchen is meters away from your lounge. We would always recommend you

“Don ’t be s c ared to be daring and mix it up ” apply wallpaper in the lounge area up to a certain point, preferably into a corner or edge just before the kitchen. Then using a tone/ colour in the wallpaper background, paint the kitchen area in that colour. This works so well, and blends beautifully. Lighting is key for any space but for a kitchen even more so. It’s imperative that your kitchen is well lit for obvious reasons, but what about the lounge area? Create ambiance in the lounge with the use of lamps, just like you would in a non-open plan space as well as mixing spot lights with low level 5 amp lighting. Bear in mind that if one person is in the kitchen and others are watching a film, the strong light from the kitchen kills the lounge’s evening ambiance. summer

2016

The way to get around this is to install no more than 3 lighting circuits which allows you to highlight certain areas in the kitchen like the island or cooker area. Also, ensure you put them on a dimmer switch so you can control the light strength and to give the kitchen atmosphere. Under unit lighting always works well and there is an array of choice on the market. We aren’t fans of ‘L’ shaped sofas as they can sometimes take up too much space and look very boxy and chunky, restricting the use of fabrics, with too many cushions which can look very messy and cluttered. It’s always fun to play around with seating. There are some amazing chair and sofa choices on the market, so never be afraid to mix and match the styles. Remember, it’s fashionable to have non-matching sofas and chairs. A 2500mm long sofa is a good size and should seat around 3-4 people. Introduce chairs either side, in different styles or fabrics, making the space more interesting yet not making the space seem smaller. Think about your fabrics. Why not upholster the backs of chairs in one fabric and the seat in another, or from fabric used on cushions on the sofa, apply that to an arm chair. Introduce a new colour, but make sure it works with the predominant fabric. • George Bond Interior Design www.georgebond.tv

Interiors

Summer

STYLE

SWOONWORTHY LOOKS FROM

BARKER & STONEHOUSE...

ALL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE BARKER & STONEHOUSE WWW.BARKERANDSTONEHOUSE.CO.UK

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2016

Interiors

THE

A TEAM

THEY GOT MARY BERRY’S SEAL OF APPROVAL IN TEESSIDE, ATTRACTED GLOBAL A LISTERS IN BATTERSEA AND NOW BARKER AND STONEHOUSE’S CREATIVE TEAM HAVE TRANSFORMED ONE OF THE ICONIC RETAILER’S OLDEST STORES IN MONTE DARLO. LA DI DA GOT AN EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES TO SEE THE TRANSFORMATION TAKING SHAPE...

ven on a building site, the Barker and Stonehouse team still do things in considerable style. When we try and set up a shot with the craftsmen on site and need elegant tea cups, they pull out an exquisite tea set complete with gold crown motif that they have as part of their props wardrobe. It’s these little beautiful touches which have helped to make Barker and Stonehouse not just the leading furniture store in the North but also one which has summer

won acclaim and accolades, not to mention an A list celebrity audience, in London. “So many people are buying furniture and furnishings online now you have to give people a reason to visit the store. Quirky touches and theatrical displays give our customers inspiration and add to the experience,” explains Creative and Display Director Claire Hornby. “The customers might not want to replicate it in their own homes but it’s a talking point.”

2016

ABOVE: Claire Hornby and her creative team have worked on all of the store’s refits and designs

Interiors

RIGHT: Teesside Store, Union Jack morris minor, London Battersea Store BELOW: The Barker and Stonehouse team of master craftsmen work on every store

After her and her team’s success at their Battersea Store, where she created a stunning display using a union jack emblazoned Morris Minor and Teesside where she hung a table and chairs from the ceiling, what has she got in store for Darlington? “We have totally reworked the space, moved the staircase and it looks so much bigger and more spacious now,” says Claire. “It is one of our oldest stores and it needed some TLC. In terms of look it will be similar to the Stockton store in Teesside but with a few of its own touches. “This project is particularly important to me because I’m from Darlington, this is my home town and I’m very proud of it so it needs to be special.” She works alongside an amazing creative team which includes people with a design background and master craftsmen. Her ‘A’ Team have worked on every one of her store makeovers and designs and despite punishing deadlines they always manage to hit deadline and create something magical. “It really is to the wire,” says Visual Display Merchandiser Susan Jarvis. “With Teesside we were still titivating seconds before the VIPs came through the door.” Not that it showed. Guest VIP Mary Berry took Claire aside to congratulate her and her team on creating such as stunning store. “It was such a huge compliment from such a great lady,” says Claire. “When you see people’s reactions it does make all the long hours and stress worthwhile.” Mary isn’t the only high profile fan. Fellow chef Gordon Ramsey is a regular at the Battersea Store and Claire’s displays have had the Editor of Elle Décor in raptures. The team’s Willy Wonka type displays have sprinkled fairy dust over the stores and more expansion is planned down south. “Claire has made such a difference,” says Alan Smith, who has been a display assistant at the company for 31 years. “She has created the seasonal looks, given us trend insight and created different zones and room sets. “She has crazy ideas but they always work. She says we’re going to mix this with that and we all look at each other and think ‘she’s lost the plot’ but she makes it work. She just keeps reinventing things all of the time.” • Barker and Stonehouse, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5RD, is now completely refurbished and open for business. www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk summer

2016

We all look at each other and think ‘she’s lost the plot’ but she always makes it work….

Beautifully Placed Aston Workshop Servicing, parts, accessories and category A approved crash repair.

Aston Workshop Red Row, Beamish County Durham DH9 0RW Tel: 01207 233525 Fax: 01207 232202 astonworkshop@aston.co.uk www.aston.co.uk

Here at Aston Workshop we pride ourselves on our service and extensive knowledge of Aston Martin cars, which means your car will be in experienced hands. Book your Aston in now as for a limited time we are offering a complimentary lunch to you and a friend at the famous Black Horse Gastro Pub so come and visit us in the beautiful Beamish conservation valley.

Motors

RA LLY CR OSS

Renaissance

CLEASBY’S WILLIAM HOLSTEIN TAKES A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE AFTER A WEEKEND AT THE HOME OF BRITISH RALLYCROSS, LYDDEN HILL, AS HE RECOUNTS HIS FAMILY’S INVOLVEMENT WITH THE SPORT FROM ITS CROFT HEYDAY TO ITS RECENT REVIVAL.

LEFT Parade lap at Lydden Hill late 80s in MG Metro 6R4 RIGHT Wiiliam Holstein

hen I was around four years old, on a day at Croft Circuit, I was lifted up to peer into the Metro 6R4 that was Will Gollop’s championship car. A few weeks ago, I found myself peering into that very same, unchanged car on display at the FIA World Rally Cross Championship at Lydden Hill. Motorsport is a family legacy that has seen three generations of Cleasby men race at Croft and my aunt even met her husband, rallycross promotor Tim Whittington, there.

The former WWII airfield turned race track was due to be converted back to farming land in the early eighties until a proposal from my grandpa, George Shield, a farmer who raced Croft with a Triumph TR2 and dabbled in karting and rallying, provided a final ‘Hail Mary’ for the site. Less expensive and requiring a much smaller circuit, Grandpa developed the track and launched it as Croft Circuit in 1982. Rallycross’s fast pace and simple structure, which crescendos through the classes of cars to the main race, makes it far more exciting and summer

2016

accessible to the general public than other motorsports. The acceleration of the cars is also faster than F1, achieving nought to sixty is less than two second. Inheriting Grandpa’s enthusiasm, my uncle, Michael Shield, started racing as soon as he learned to drive. Six years later he won the British Championship at Lydden Hill in an MG Metro 6R4, when the sport was at its peak. What made Croft so great he said, was that

Feature

PHOTO CREDIT: Alex Cleland , Tim Whittington rallycrossworld.com

LEFT: Racers at Lydden Hill for the FIA World Rallycross Championship BELOW Mattias Ekstrom claims victory at Lydden Hill FIA World Rallycross Campionship May 2016

whilst Lydden Hill, Brands Hatch and Snetterton all had rallycross, it was always a winter event, but Croft Circuit was a pure rallycross track, purpose built to run all year round. His son and my cousin, Rob Shield, even made his rallycross debut there in 2012. Croft hosted British and FIA European Championships and FIA Inter-Nations Cup, with drivers such as Martin Schanche, John Welch and Mark Rennison competing. As a child, the huge crowds and roaring engines on show were exhilarating, but Grandpa always refused my request to meet drivers ahead of the race, as they were too pumped and focused to talk. Describing his experience of racing, Michael said, “It’s very strange because although it’s extremely intense, it is the most relaxed I am. The main thing you are focused on is beating everyone. As soon as you have your first win, it’s such a powerful drug you need to keep winning. I still believe I could beat all of them but I don’t think my body would take it!” He won a number of races

at Croft, but his most notable moments are his blazing crashes. “I rolled my Mark 1 Fiesta in ‘86 and was so upset I chucked the helmet into the car,” he said. “Someone had taken a video and when I saw it, I thought what a prat I looked. A year or so later at Lydden, my tyre went, rolling the car. My first thought was don’t make a fool of yourself, so I got out, got onto the roof and bowed.” He also rolled a car at Croft after he’d already beaten Will Gollop to win the race. He chalks it up to “a bit of a tummy bug” but admits it was likely foolishness on his part after sending the car into a victory spin. A few years after Michael’s championship win, rallycross declined. The group B cars, built by manufacturers purely for motorsport, were fast and affordable but regulation changes saw them phased out and more modern, bespoke cars were not only far more expensive but require specialist teams to manage them. The early 90’s recession compounded the problem, with sponsors withdrawing

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from the sport and less participants able to afford to take part in the higher classes. More recently, rallycross has experienced a renaissance with changes to rules and regulations enhancing its raison d’etre of entertainment and the addition of a joker lap has opened up the race to intensify the competition. But better television coverage and the introduction of the FIA World Rallycross Championship in 2014 has attracted bigger sponsors, such as Red Bull and Monster Energy, and a renewed interest from manufacturers like Audi and VW. This has assisted its affordability for participants, as the cost of a rallycross supercar will set you back around £700k, and made rallycross the sport of choice for superstars like Sebastien Loeb, Ken Block and Petter Solberg. It’s only a shame that Colin Mcrae, Britain’s first FIA World Rallycross Champion is no longer with us (he was sadly killed in a helicopter accident) as his extreme driving style and competitive nature exemplified the thrill of the sport. My visit to Lydden Hill reminded me how great a sport it is. Not only is it an impeccable venue with a natural bowl that allows a view of all the action but the ability for fans to interact with the cars and drivers enhances the spectator experience. I’d like to see it become bigger than F1. It looks rough and ready but the cars are more equally matched, making races closer than other motorsport. Whilst Grandpa relinquished control of Croft Circuit in 1995, the family still attends its races and over twenty years later, although he is no longer with us, spectators still discuss him in the stands.

Society

Maddie’s

MADELEINE COSTIGAN IS A FREELANCE TV STYLIST AND GIRL ABOUT TOWN. SHE GIVES US THE INSIDE GOSS ON HER GLAM LIFE...

world

s it summertime already…Where has this year gone?? I’ve had another busy few months working hard, attending lots of fun events, raising money for various charities and meeting more interesting people! I was involved in a fantastic fundraiser the ‘Red Sky Ball’ at SAFC for some of my lovely friends to raise money for CHUF. They were raising money for the unit after their daughter Luna was treated there for serious heart problems. Luckily she had a very successful operation and she is fighting fit now so it was a very special night supporting them to raise money for the charity. The event raised £48k which was superb and it was a fantastic night. Great entertainment from Lisa Maffia and Romeo of ‘So Solid Crew’. I wore a beautiful royal blue Nicola Bakti belted fishtail dress. The theme was a ‘little bit of red’, so red patent leather clutch bag, red lips and nails and of course red hair meant I was on point. I celebrated my birthday in style attending the annual ‘Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Awards’ at the Palladium in London. The trust are celebrating their 40th anniversary, and having fundraised for such an amazing charity for the last four years it was a great honour to celebrate in the company of the award winners. The usual obligatory blow dry, MAC make over and dressed in my Goat Ava dress (in red this time) and Kurt Geiger electric blue heels (going all patriotic) I was ready to go. It was a full on red carpet welcome which I was lucky enough to walk along with my friend, the brilliant comedian John Culshaw, who is an ambassador for the Trust.

Starting with champagne pre ceremony drinks in the press pit I managed to get some great selfies with the likes of Rita Ora,Vera star Blenda Blethyn, The Vamps boys and who could forget Darius from ‘Popstars’ all those years ago…”hit me baby one more time”. I brushed passed Geri Halliwell and Bear Grylls too but didn’t manage a cheeky picture with them. The event was presented by Ant & Dec and Prince Charles was in attendance to congratulate all the well deserving winners. There was an acoustic set by Rita Ora and a great performance by the magician Dynamo. As it was my birthday it had to involve some pampering so I was treated to a makeover and a blow dry at Benefit UK’s flagship store on Carnaby Street by my lovely PR contacts there. I am loving all the new products they have just launched so I departed laden with goodies to try. Afterwards I went to The Ritz for champagne afternoon tea which was delightful…fizz and cake on your birthday is summer

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what it’s all about! I managed to stretch out the celebrations for another month after this!! I had a lovely family week away at the Sensatori Gran Melia in Tenerife which was superb…great food, sunshine, cocktails and some fab quality time with my little boy Louis. Louis is a little star in the making and has been in a few national TV adverts I have worked on, he loves it! He is also a little stylish dude too and super confident. One of the highlights of May was being invited to the VIP launch of Benefits ‘Good Ship Ahoy’ on the Embankment in London. Basically it’s a static boat moored for 5 months which is decked out all girlie and pink and hosts a restaurant, cocktail bar, beauty salon and is just a fabulous fun place to hang out with your girlfriends. Greeted by Captain Mike in a pink bow tie, this was a hot ticket in town and was a great excuse to showcase my new JJ Studio tutu dress and Valentino Rockstud heels, totally over the top for a Wednesday night but I thought why the hell not!! When in London… • Check out my new blog www.maddieness.co.uk

Society

Society FAS HI ON DA H LINGS... Darlington held its first fashion week in la di da Grange Road. Hosted by Distinct Darlington, activity included a stylish day of catwalk shows featuring SS16 trends from high end fashion brands, street style from leading high street names and bridal and prom wear.VIP goody bags were on hand for the FROW fashionistas and the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fabulous bars and restaurants joined in the theme with fashion forward cocktails and foodie offerings.

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Society

Society ROX & RO L EX We loved the VIP launch of the new baby Rolex at Rox Jewellery. With a distinctly prohibition roaring 20s theme, the stylish event included music, men’s tailoring, a barber on site, and a rather fabulous vodka bar, gin and whisky bar. La Di Da ate delicious canapes, enjoyed rather too much champers and managed to avoid splurging on the dazzling diamonds and jewellery on display.

Society S W I N TON S OI REE North Yorkshire high society celebrated Swinton Park Hotel’s 15th birthday as guests of Lord and Lady Masham who hosted a lavish five-course lunch. The fabulous event was held in Samuel’s restaurant and attended by members of the Cunliffe-Lister family, local guests and long-serving members of staff. As part of the celebrations, Lord and Lady Masham opened the recently restored gates to the walled garden. The gates were originally given to the 1st Earl of Swinton by his constituents on his retirement as an MP in 1935.

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Posh Pooch

Posh POOCH Photography: Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com

Lily Parker is a rather fabulous whippet who carried off her dog tiara with natural grace on our recent fashion shoot. Her Daddy is Newton Hall General Manager John Parker. Her tiara was made especially for her by the very talented www.dimessodesigns.co.uk. summer

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+ FURTHER ACTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

Sunday 11 September

Newcastle Metro Radio Arena Graham Wylie Foundation PRESENTS

Gigsandtours.com / Ticketmaster.co.uk Eventim.co.uk Supported by

IN AID OF TEENAGE CANCER TRUST NORDOFF ROBBINS

Graham Wylie Foundation

G R A H A M W Y L I E F O U N DAT I O N

MAKING EVERY NOTE COUNT

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