La Di Da - Issue 7 by La Di Da

SPRING 2015

FOR THE NORTH EAST AND N O RTH YO R K SHI R E K E E P LOV E IN YO U R HE A RT. A LIF E W ITHOUT IT IS LIKE A SUNLESS GARD EN WHEN THE F LOWE RS A RE DE AD. O S CA R WI L DE

New Year New You GET FIT AND FABULOUS

£2.50 WHERE SOLD

THE

Love

ISSUE

All Loved Up? THE LUXURY WEDDING GUIDE

Drinking, Dining & Romance THE TOP PLACES TO VISIT

THE ULTIMATE

Travel Guide

WHERE TO STAY, SHOP AND PLAY IN 2015

ISSU E 7

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SPRING 2015

LA DI DA MAGAZINE CLAVERING HOUSE CLAVERING PLACE NEWCASTLE NE1 3NG (0191) 466 1028 EDITOR LIZ LAMB (FASHION & BEAUTY) QUEENIE@LADIDA.CO.UK EDITOR LINDA JANE WESTPHAL YOURMAJ@LADIDA.CO.UK ADVERTISING DIRECTOR DONNA FEENEY LADYFEENEY@LADIDA.CO.UK 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

LaDiDaMagazine

LaDiDaMag

SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTIONS@LADIDA.CO.UK DESIGN CURIOUS 12 WWW.CURIOUS12.COM

©2015 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.

elcome to the LOVE issue. We’re sharing the love this issue at La Di Da Towers. From society fabulous weddings and dresses to die for, to dreamily romantic restaurants and travel breaks, we have them all covered. Gorgeous new looks for this season’s fashionistas in our Fashion Edit and top tips for the ultimate A List Body so you’ll look amazing in them. From fashion fabulous hair and make up to the ‘must have’ accessories and most heavenly interiors trends, we have trawled through our contacts

book to bring you the inside take from the finest movers and shakers in their fields. You deserve only the very best after all. And if you’re heading into party season in 2015 without that special someone, turn to our interview with matchmaking queen Sarah Beeny (page 94) for some inspiration. Her advice is to get out there and go for it, a sentiment that we love and intend to live by this year. Make it yours in 2015. It’s going to be your year, enjoy it!

A DAM N FINE REA D FOR NORTHERN HIGH SOCIETY

7-9 Mr Fashion

OUR COVER SHOT PHOTOGRAPHY JADE TURNBULL

La Di Da gets an exclusive peep into the world of iconic designer Jeff Banks.

MODEL BETH JONES CREATIVE DIRECTOR MICHELLE TAYLOR

24 YSL’s coming! YSL’s first ever UK exhibition and it’s in the North East! We have the inside scoop on THE fashion event of the year.

48-55 Hot to trot The insider’s guide to the hottest holiday spots this year.

SHOOT CO-ORDINATOR GAYNOR MILLICAN HAIR SAMINA SARMAD MUA KARA SCOTT STYLING KATHRYN LOWES LOCATION BOWES MUSEUM

74-77 Posh Treehouse The most romantic restaurant in the world is 10 years old. We find out how they’re going to party this year.

57 High Society Weddings 84-87 Fabulous Homes What every fashion forward bride needs to know in 2015.

Retailer to the stars, Barker and Stonehouse, talk us through this year’s top interior trends.

WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

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CELEBRATE YOUR VALENTINE’S MOMENTS

53 High Street, Yarm TS15 9BH, 01642 788088 Be inspired at pandora.net

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WHAT’ S N EW

Visit…

Organised by northern fashionistas, try and see the LFW pop up Miss Kiki Salon at The Beautiful Meme Studio, Whitechapel. It opens 23rd February for six weeks and features carefully selected groups of designers. www.misskikisalon.co.uk

Try...

St Mary’s Inn, near Stannington, Northumberland from the Jesmond Dene team. It’s divine with open fires, local real ales and fantastic food. Call 01670 293293 stmarysinn.co.uk

Love...

Interiors Aficionado Alert! The new Barker and Stonehouse store is opening shortly at Teesside Park. It’s set to be as design fabulous as their London Store.

Go!…

YSL Exhibition coming soon www.thebowesmuseum.org

Buy…

You've read the book, now you can wear the underwear as the official Fifty Shades of Grey lingerie collection is unveiled from BlueBella just in time for the new film. Available from fab lingerie specialist www.lingeriebyannette.com.

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News

Mrs Music WORDS: LIZ LAMB

CH AMPAG NE COR K S POP P E D AT L A D I DA TOW E RS W H EN WE HEA R D T HAT ONE OF O U R TA L EN TED CO LUMNIS TS H A D WON A MA J OR M U S I C AWA RD.

ngie Jenkison, who is the brains behind our fabulously funny Sunny rock’n’roll doggy column, has been crowned Campaigner of the Year at the Music Week awards thanks to her tireless work for the Teenage Cancer Trust. As Head of Music, Angie organises the charity’s annual music event at the Royal Albert Hall with her long-time friend and charity patron Roger Daltrey. In the past 15 years the music event has had a stellar line-up of some of the world’s biggest stars including Ed Sheeran, Noel Gallagher, Paul McCartney, Muse, Kasabian and The Cure and raised thousands of pounds for young cancer patients. With an unrivalled contacts book, a down-toearth Geordie attitude and a huge heart dedicated to making youngsters dreams come true, Angie is a hugely-deserving winner of the Campaigner award. The gong was presented to her by Roger Daltrey at a glittering awards ceremony. “Roger is like family to me,” says Angie, who

also counts Paul Weller as one of her best mates. Angie grew up in Shieldfield, Newcastle and attended Heaton School where she became firm friends with Simon Donald, co-creator of Viz, who draws pictures of Sunny for her La Di Da column. After seeing Tommy by The Who at the Odeon aged 12, Angie’s love affair with music began. “It changed my life. My school project was on The Who. I was mad for them, I loved their music”. At 16 she became a hairdresser’s apprentice and began to style band members’ hair including Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott, who became a good friend. “I was one of the last people he spoke to before he died,” recalls Angie. Aged 20, she got an interview at a London recording studio and didn’t look back. A year later she met Roger Daltrey and the pair hit it off immediately. “I was working at Swan Yard studios and a guy asked me what music I liked and I said The Who. He said Roger was one of his friends. Two days later he rang and asked me to lunch with him and Roger. I went and we hit it off. We have been friends ever since.” In later years the Who frontman was even a groomsman at her wedding.

Angie went on to become managing director of Trident recording studio, where Robbie Williams recorded his hit album Life Thru A Lens and Paul Weller, who Angie has known for 25 years, recorded Wild Wood. When the opportunity came to use her vast knowledge of the music industry and those all-important contacts, Angie jumped at the chance to work for the Teenage Cancer Trust. She recalls: “In March 2000 Roger walked into my office and said, I need you and that contact book of yours; I need Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher. We’re putting on a show at the Royal Albert Hall for Teenage Cancer Trust and you’re going to help me do it. I’d never heard of Teenage Cancer Trust, but it was Roger, so of course I was going to do it.” Now Head of Music Angie, who has fought her own battles with cancer, works mainly behind the scenes making sure young cancer patients are given the chance to realise dreams such as meeting their musical heroes. Fundraising, such as the Royal Albert Hall gigs, has helped to open 29 Teenage Cancer Trust units across the country including Newcastle. The secret of Angie’s success? “I was in the right place at the right time and I could talk to people, put them at ease and make a connection.” TO READ SUNNY'S LATEST ANTICS TURN TO PAGE 98

TO DO NAT E TO T H E T EENAGE C AN C E R T R U S T V I S I T WWW.T EENAG EC A NC E RT R U S T. O RG new year

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The original

BAN KSY

Exclusive

PHOTOS: JADE TURNBULL AT JADE PHOTOGRAPHY JADEPHOTOGRAPHY-ONLINE.COM

UITED, booted and with a huge smile on his face, Jeff Banks greets me with a warm, bear hug and a cheeky wink. The fashion designer is effortlessly charming and hugely charismatic. When he discovers the photographer and I have travelled from Newcastle to London to meet him, he welcomes us like we are old friends. “I love, love, love Newcastle,” he exclaims. “I opened my first-ever shop in Fenwick in Newcastle in 1965. “It was a shop within a shop and it was the first one I ever opened. I have spent a lot of time in the city. I was an external examiner at

ED ITOR LI Z L A M B M E E TS T H E I CON I C FA S HI O N DESI GN ER J E FF BA NK S TO G ET AL L TH E G O SS O N HI S LATES T PROJ E C TS . . . WORDS LIZ LAMB

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“I op e ne d my fi rs teve r s hop i n Fe nw ick i n Newcas t le i n 19 65.” Northumbria University for 10 years for the fashion design course, which my very old friend Douglas MacLennan, runs. “Newcastle is really fun, it’s like party central. I’ve enjoyed a few nights on the Quayside,” he laughs. Naturally, Jeff has bags of style. He is sporting one of his own suits and a pair of black rimmed glasses that he has designed for his eyewear collection at Specsavers. “These ones are based on Michael Caine’s character in Get Carter,” says Jeff. “I think some of that was filmed in Newcastle. “They look great. I think style is personal.You get guys who enjoy fashion, who understand it and wear it well and you have others that don’t. “The worst thing is when men are trying to be stylish but feels uncomfortable in an outfit, that’s almost embarrassing. The most important thing with style is to be

yourself. “I enjoy clothes, I enjoy wearing a new shirt and a new suit that I have made for myself. I enjoy experimenting with footwear “The two things for me that you have got to get right are shoes and finger nails. “When you are eyeing up a man you should always check his shoes and his hands more than his shirt or his tie,” he laughs. Jeff recalls giving a makeover to a woman in Marks & Spencer in Newcastle alongside hairdresser Trevor Sorbie and celebrity make-up artist Charlie Green. “They were pulling people out of the audience for us to makeover and there was a very attractive woman. She had her hair cut in a lovely bob and I put her in a Giorgio Armaniinspired suit from M&S and she looked fabulous and she went away pleased as punch. “About three years later I had been up to Newcastle to do an assessment at the university and I was on the train back to London and a lady came over and said ‘do you remember me?’ I said I didn’t. “It was the woman from M&S. She said she lived in London now. She said she had got home that night after the makeover and her husband said he didn’t like her hair or her make-up and said, what’s those clothes you’re wearing? That night she left him. She went to the station, got on a train and started a new life. “It felt good to hear that. To hear we’d helped her start a new life.”

JEF F BA NKS COLLE CTION IS AVAIL A BL E AT S P EC S AV ERS NAT I O NWI DE WWW.S PE C S AV E R S . CO. U K

Love the way you look Love the way you feel Here at Spire Washington Hospital we offer free mini appointments to talk about cosmetic surgery at: Spire Washington Hospital, Rickleton Spire Newcastle Clinic, Gosforth Spire Sunderland Clinic, East Herrington Come and meet one of our Consultant Cosmetic Surgeons for a free, no obligation 10 minute appointment and ask any questions you may have about cosmetic surgery. For more information or to book your free place now, please contact us on

0191 418 8687

info@spirewashington.com www.spirewashington.com

“I now feel I have the confidence I didn’t have before.”

Tummy tuck patient

Mini consultations are an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about cosmetic surgery and are not a formal out-patient consultation. If you wish to proceed to surgery, a full out-patient consultation will be required.

@spire_newcastle Picktree Lane, Rickleton, Tyne and Wear, NE38 9JZ

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WORDS: LIZ LAMB

UPDATE YOU R LO O K T HI S N EW Y EAR W I T H T WO NE W BE AUTY TRE ND S .

Opt for bright lips or a minimal yet elegant look. Make-up artist Jo Leversuch has created two fresh looks for Spring 2015.

Step Beauty She says: “The inspiration is natural with a bronzed radiant look but still with an edge of modern by using a graphic flick eyeliner as shown on the catwalks for Spring 2015. “I also wanted to create looks using no more than six make-up items.” Jo used products by leading cosmetic brand Illamasqua.

Get the Look: Foundation: Skin Base Foundation Eyes: Precision Gel Eyeliner in black and Mascara: Raven Blusher: Bronzing Duo in Glint/Ra Eyebrows: Eyebrow Cake in Dark Slate Grey Lip: Lipgloss in Sheer Electrify MUA: JO LEVERSUCH, MAKE UP BY JO, WWW.MAKEUPBYJO.CO.UK PHOTOGRAPHER: REBECCA ELIZABETH TATE, WWW.REBECCAELIZABETHTATE.COM MODEL: SARAHBELL WWW.TYNETEESMODELS.CO.UK HAIR: JAMES REID OF HAIR BY JAMES REID VEIL: WHAT KATY DID NEXT WWW.WHAT-KATY-DID-NEXT.CO.UK STYLIST JENNY BROWNLEES new year

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Add spice to your look with a red lip. Jo used Illamsqua Lipstick in Atomic.

Feature in association with

your body CRI N GI NG AT T HO S E FACEB OOK P IC S? LI NDA J A N E W E S T P H A L G ETS T H E IN SIDE S KI N N Y O N A L L T HE L AT ES T T REN DS F OR AN A L I S T BO DY. . .

Insider secrets… WE A S K ED TOP F IT N ESS COAC H , F RIEND TO THE STA RS A N D LA DI DA S OC IET Y EDITOR HELEN S TO R EY F OR H ER 2 0 1 5 TOP T IP S TO GET THE U LT IM AT E P H YS IQU E... 1. Want an A list booty and toned legs? Then add squats to your regular weekly fitness schedule. These use all your primary muscles, glutes, quads and hamstrings and give you definition. Plus more muscle means more calories burned so you can enjoy the occasional treat guilt free! 2. Regular exercise should be fun and fit into your daily life so join forces with a friend as a training buddy for additional motivation and keep it competitive.

PHOTOGRAPH FROM A SHOOT BY CHRIS DAVIS AT SPECULAR WWW.SPECULAR.VIEWBOOK.COM. ASSISTED BY RICHARD WYLIE.

3. Challenge your body. Keep changing the exercises you do to keep it varied and interesting. Changing the intensity of the exercise is a great way to avoid the dreaded plateau and keeps you motivated. Add in some power walking to your regular walk or high intensity jogging. new year

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4. Celebrities know that eating well consistently is the foundation of a fit and fabulous body. A good body needs a good diet, exercise can only do so much. Keep healthy snacks at home and in the car so you don’t succumb to grabbing sugary snacks for energy. Try cashew and almonds, quality chicken and cut down on fruit and dairy. 5. All A listers drink plenty of water. It has many benefits including maintaining the health of every cell in the body, aids digestion, moisturises the skin to maintain its texture and appearance and carries nutrients and oxygen to cells. HELEN STOREY IS A FITNESS TRAINER AT SPEEDFLEX NEWCASTLE WWW.SPEEDFLEX.COM

in association with

Case Studies...

THINKING OF GOING UNDER THE KNIFE? WE SPOKE TO TWO PEOPLE WHO HAVE TAKEN THE PLUNGE TO FIND OUT ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES

M ELISSA F ORE MAN I lost 12 stone following a weight loss surgery in March 2012. It left me with masses of loose skin and feeling very ashamed of my body so I looked at the surgical options. In all, I had a tummy tuck, thigh lift, arm reduction, breast uplift with implants and a face lift. It was significant surgery so I did a lot of research including looking at the potential complications and the best qualified surgeons with excellent track records. I chose to have a consultation with Mr Paul Baguley at the Define Cosmetic Surgery. I am also a nurse which gave me some medical insight so I felt quite confident in the choice of surgeon prior to the operations. The face lift was because my face looked quite saggy after weight loss and I had one that Paul had pioneered. It was truly amazing. I came up on the train from London, had the procedure under local and was back on the train within a couple of hours. My experience with Paul and Define has been amazing. Obviously being a nurse I have been around lots of consultants. Paul is just second to none. He makes you feel like the most important patient in the world. He really made me feel like a princess. Living in London I have access to lots of top surgeons, but I would happily make the journey to Yarm to see him. I feel like a new person! He truly recreated my entire body and gave me the greatest gift in the world which is self confidence. I think for anyone considering the procedures definitely research them. These are huge procedures and you really need to be committed to doing what you are told in the recovery period to ensure a good healing process. But, as far as surgeons go, you could not do any better than Define. The care from beginning to end was amazing and I felt 100% confident in Paul. Truly an amazing and talented surgeon. Melissa now writes a beauty and lifestyle blog with hints, tips and inspirational insight at sofatsothin.wordpress.com.

Feature Feature

F EEL I NG T HE E X E RC I S E BLU ES ? MAY B E I T ’ S T I M E F O R S OM ET H I N G N E W. W E P U T DOWN OU R M AG AZ I N E AN D L AT T E A ND TO O K A LO O K AT T H E L AT ES T F I T N E SS T R E N D S F OR S OM E I N S P I R AT I O N …

HIIT is hot These four letters need to be a part of your fitness vocabulary. The acronym stands for high intensity interval training. Do an intense burst on a particular exercise with a short recovery time and then repeat. The reason why HIIT is still HOT is because it’s hard to get bored, it’s easy to get hooked and it works for almost anyone’s fitness level.

Raising the Barre Ever dreamed of being a ballerina? Now is the time to dust off those tutus and get dancing. Barre is a new style of fitness reworking the traditional ballet-inspired workout by adding in a major cardio component, essentially a fusion of dance and Pilates. As well as getting you to enjoy exercise, it offers a full body workout to sculpt lean muscle.

Short can be sweet

WWW.PAULBAGULEY.COM TEL: 01642 794 150

A LICE STIR RAT I decided to have filler in my top lip because I had always noticed that there was a significant difference in size between my top and bottom lip. My friends always said to me that I didn’t need it but it was something that always bothered me slightly so I decided to take the plunge and go for it. Once I had decided I wanted to go ahead, I had my consultation appointment within a week of enquiring with Lisa Ali-Khan at the Spire Washington Hospital. My consultation lasted roughly 30 minutes and it involved a very indepth conversation about what kind of result I was looking for, as well any contra-indications. When I came back about 10 days after my initial consultation, it was safe to say I was very excited, if a bit nervous. I personally didn’t think the treatment was painful at all and Lisa Ali-Khan made me feel very calm and comfortable, which made the whole process more relaxing. I wanted a look that was very subtle and this is definitely what I’ve got - once I mentioned it to my friends they couldn’t believe I’d had a filler done as they think that my lips look very natural. Now they all want to have them! SPIREWASHINGTON.COM 0191 418 8687 new year

2015

Sometimes less is more. Finding it hard to fit in quality exercise time? Don’t feel guilty, just exercise smarter. Work harder but shorter and try 15-30 minute workouts. Why not set up a mini workout area at home or design a mini routine at the gym or get outside with just your body weight as resistance.

Technology Love your gadgets? Then try an app, it’s like a virtual fitness coach. Track your distance, average speed and energy burned. And a new range of wearable devices act as your own personal PT, nutritionist and inspiration station. There is yet to be a device that can make getting up early on dark winter mornings and hitting the gym better but gadgets and apps can certainly make the process more efficient and a bit more fun.

Beauty

Beauty EDIT

THE

LIZ LAM B FALLS IN LOVE WIT H TH E LATEST COLLECTION FROM CH AN EL

@ L I Z L AMB W H ATS H OT

J’Adore……

PERFUME: CHANCE, CHANCE EAU DE TENDRE AND CHANCE EAU FRAICHE

F your make-up bag needs freshening up for Spring, then the new collection from Chanel will tempt you to part with your cash. Inspired by the beauty of Paris in Spring-with gardens filled with the heady scent and sights of fresh blooms-the new range sounds as gorgeous as it looks. Palettes of contrasting colours see brights collide with subtle pastel shades. Lips are centre of attention with lipsticks and glosses in orange and fuchsia while eyes are dressed up in pastel illuminated with ivory and sculpted in an elegant slate grey note. Jardin de Chanel, the key product of the collection, is a silky powder with rosy shimmer for the complexion while nails feature soft rosewood, fuchsia and a delicate green with a metallic shimmer. Chanel has also launched new limited editions of Chance fragrance in handy travel sizes alongside a Chance hair mist and moisturising body cream.

EYES: LES 4 OMBRES 236 TISSÉ FANTAISIE

www.chanel.com

RÊVERIE PARISIENNE, 2015 SPRING MAKEUP COLLECTION BY CHANEL

LIPS: ROUGE ALLURE VELVET 50 LA ROMANESQUE new year

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Feature Beauty

Spring Showcase

LIZ LAMB PICK S H ER TO P BEAUTY BUYS F O R S PR I N G

1. LA DI DA LOVES: Ultra luxe soothing serum The Concentrate (£240 John Lewis) features a high dose of the brand’s Miracle Broth which helps to improve the look, texture and tone of the skin.

Long Last Glosswear Shade Extensions (£16) by Clinique consists of 18 new glistening shades from sheer to full intensity. The colours are fun, flirty and shiny complimented by serious moisturisation. Thanks to powerful film-formers that create a “seal” holding the gloss to your lips for up to 8 hours.

ST TROPEZ SHOWCASED THE LUXE TAN ON THE SS15 CATWALK AT EMILIO PUCCI

LUXE TA N: Seen on the catwalks at the Pucci show at Milan Fashion week, self-tan brand St Tropez created an opulent golden tan for models which they crowned the SS15 Luxe tan. “Think of the beautiful tanned skin of a girl who has been on vacation all summer, staying on yachts and wearing flowing Emilio Pucci goddess dresses and kaftans. Her tan has slightly faded now that her vacation is over but she keeps it maintained and glowing by using body oil,” explained Nichola Joss, St.Tropez Global Tanning & Skin Finishing Ambassador. Nichola created the Luxe Tan by mixing St.Tropez Instant Tan (£10) with St.Tropez Tan Enhancing Body Moisturiser (£10) to give limbs a natural looking sunkissed glow and bouncy texture. As the finishing touch, St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil (£25) was gently pressed onto skin during line-up to give a healthy gleam. new year

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3. IT ’s won more awards than we have space to fill and this year sees Elemis celebrate 25 years of its hugelysuccessful Pro-Collagen marine creams. It’s celebrating with a special anniversary limited edition and free gift £99 Debenhams.

BRITISH HAIRDRESSING AWARD WINNER 2014

HAPPY NEW YOU! Darlington 01325 468 994

Gosforth 0191 217 0217

Jesmond 0191 281 6714

Ponteland 01661 821 004

Wynyard 01740 644 690

Like our Facebook page for latest trends and special offers www.hookerandyoung.co.uk Facebook/hooker&young Twitter @hookerandyoung

Fashion Feature

TH ESE STUN N IN G IMAGES SH OWCAS E TH E WOR K OF NORTH EAST HAIR D R E SSE R O F T HE YEAR.

with

WINNING LOCKS

Hooker & Young

It’s al l abou t the 90 s, bold v ibran t colou r, showi ng your pers on al ity th rough your hai r.

ur very own Toni Stephenson won the accolade at the British Hairdresser of the Year Awards 2014 and we couldn’t be prouder or happier! Toni works at the Hooker & Young salon in Darlington and regularly travels the world with us championing the latest hair trends. The award will help launch Toni onto the hairdressing artistic scene and will see her continuing to perform on stage throughout the UK, Europe and the USA. Toni says: “I was up against five other entrants, two of which were from the Hooker & Young group, so we knew we had a 50% chance of winning. “My collection entitled ‘Revolution’ is all about embracing strong empowered women, the strength of the collection is shown in bold

shapes and strong silhouettes that play with loose textures to add a sexy feminine feel. “My dream would be to win North East Hairdresser of the Year three times - which means I would enter the coveted Hairdressing Hall of Fame. My ultimate goal however, is to continue to work within the Hooker & Young ‘family’.” And what does the North East Hairdresser of the Year’s predict will be big in hair for 2015? “It’s all about the 90s, bold vibrant colour, showing your personality through your hair. Bespoke colour services like ombre will continue to be popular with strong freehand application thinking about how light affects your hair.”

TO BOOK IN WITH NORTH EAST HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR TONI, CALL HOOKER & YOUNG DARLINGTON ON 01325 468994. new year

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Fashion

THE

Fashion EDIT

WAN T TO KN OW WH AT TO WEAR TH I S SPRIN G? TAKE IN SPIRATION F RO M TH E CATWALKS AN D WEAVE IN FLU EN CES IN TO YOUR EXISTING WAR D RO B E.

@ L I Z L AMB W H ATS H OT

Chanel Valent ino

Chloe Vivienne West wood Miu M iu

Louis Vuitton

G ivenchy A lexander Mc Queen Saint Laurent

Catwalk Queen

O P T FO R BO L D AND FLO R AL AT CH AN E L, LADY I N RE D AT LO U IS VU IT TO N, GL AM O U R AT VAL ENTI NO OR MI X WI TH M O NO CH RO ME AT GIVENCH Y. O R BE A CATWALK Q UE E N AND WO R K AL L T H E T R ENDS T H IS S P RI NG.

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TRENDBIBLE

MONOCHROME

Feature

IT’S all about bold prints this season and monochrome is a key trend. Wear it well with a print jump suit and a leather jacket to keep chills at bay.

FLORAL, P RINT AND TIMELESS ELEGANCE ARE KEY TREND S FOR SP RING/SUMM ER 15. FASHION D IRECTOR LIZ LAM B HIGHLIGHTS SOME LUXURY LOOKS FOR THE NEW SEASON .

GET THE LOOK: BAMBOO PRINT JUMPSUIT £185 MICHEAL KORS AND FRINGED LEATHER JACKE T £269 BIBA, BOTH HOUSE OF FRASER HOUSEOFFRASER.CO.UK new year

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A L L OV E R P R I N T

Fashion

Wear three prints at once for a dramatic on-trend look. Not for the shy and retiring, this ink spot print is guaranteed to turn heads.

GET THE LOOK: INK SPOT COAT £169, LOTTIE TOP £89, INK SPOT TROUSER £99, BELLA SANDAL £129 HOBBS WWW.HOBBS.CO.UK

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Fashion Feature

Spring is all about stand-out dresses. From feather-trimmed to full-on-floral or see – through fabrics in bold colours, anything goes. Accessorise with shades and killer heels.

FA N C Y F R O C K S

GET THE LOOK: TEAL SILK DRESS WITH FEATHER TRIM £225 BIBA GOLD HOUSE OF FRASER HOUSEOFFRASER.CO.UK; GREEN STRIPE DRESS £210 FLORAL WAIST BELT £90 BOTH SPORTMAX AT HOUSE OF FRASER ROUND FRAME SUNGLASSES £219.99 PERSOL

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U N D E R S TAT E D E L EGA N C E

Fashion

Opt for a timeless, elegant look with a laidback feel for 2015. GET THE LOOK: AUTOGRAPH JACKET £75, TROUSERS £35 AND NECKLACE £18, ALL M&S

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THE ORIENT

Fashion Feature

GET THE LOOK: AUTOGRAPH TOP £35, AUTOGRAPH SKIRT £45, BELT £15

MODERN ROMANCE

Go for a girlie look with this fabulous pink frock, perfect to put a smile on your Valentine's face. GET THE LOOK: PER UNA SPEZIALE DRESS £159, SHOE £25 M&S

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Fashion News

LUXURY DE SI G N HO U S E Y VE S S AINT L A UR E N T I S H EADING NO RTH THIS S U M M E R I N A UK- FIR S T. L I Z LAMB DI S COV E R S W HY IT ’S S E N DING FA S HI O N I STA S IN TO A FR E N ZY.

Style Setter. Portrait of Yves Saint Laurent in 1964

Marina Schiano wearing short evening dress from Fall-Winter 197 0 collection

T’S the hottest ticket of the year-the VIP opening of fashion exhibition Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal Celebrities, supermodels, A-list actors and the fashion jet set are expected to descend on the sleepy market town of Barnard Castle for the glittering opening party at the Bowes Museum in July. James Bond star Daniel Craig and his wife Rachel Weisz, who have a home in North Yorkshire, have been invited, so has model Twiggy and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. There is speculation that supermodel Kate Moss will attend with her good friend fashion photographer Tim Walker, who has exhibited his work at the museum. American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, one of the most influential names in fashion, will also receive an invitation to the party. Last year, Wintour, rumoured to be the inspiration behind Meryl Streep’s character in

A Devil Wears Prada, was said to be none too pleased when she was stranded at Newcastle Airport after her flight was diverted due to strong winds. Her return to the region will be a much-more fashion fabulous affair. The exhibition, which runs from July 11 to October 25, pays homage to one of the world’s greatest fashion designers and is a massive coup for the Bowes Museum. Curators have been in talks with YSL for two years about hosting the exhibition, which has never been shown before in the UK. Joanna Hashagen, Fashion Curator at The Bowes Museum says: “We are honoured to host the first exhibition in the UK of Yves Saint Laurent, one of the most influential fashion designers of all time. “This certainly is a great moment in the history of The Bowes Museum, as well as for fashion display in the UK.” Working with Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent, which aims to promote the design house internationally, Style is Eternal will present a comprehensive display of the

French designer’s work and life. The show will highlight the designer’s vision, his influence on womenswear and the fashion world as a whole. He is credited with creating the pea jacket and trench coat in 1962, designing the first tuxedo for women in 1966 and the jumpsuit in 1968. Yves Saint Laurent was Creative Director at Christian Dior before launching his own fashion house with partner Pierre Bergé. For 40 years, Pierre Bergé managed the business while Yves Saint Laurent focused entirely on the creative side. Pierre Bergé, President of the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent, says: The Bowes Museum is a natural destination given its exceptional work with fashion and textiles; the museum and its location also clearly reflects Yves Saint Laurent’s and my own passion for inspiring, timeless places. It is the perfect setting for us – a museum built as a French Chateau, in the age of the Second Empire.”

Y V ES SA INT LAU REN T: STYLE IS ETERNA L RU NS F RO M J U LY 11 TO O C TOBER 25 AT T HE B OW E S M U SEUM . TO B OOK TICK E TS OR FOR M ORE I NF O RM AT I O N V I S I T WWW.T H EBOWE S M U S E U M . O RG

Feature

G an g s t er's Mo l l b ra a n d k n i c ke rs al l Tal l u l ah Love t a l l ul a h l ove. co m Avai l abl e a t B o ud o i r, G ra n ge Ro ad, D arl i ngt o n w w w. bo u do i rl i n ge r i e sw i mwe a r. co. uk Was pi e by Ta l l ul a h Love m a d e to o rder c al l 0 1 4 2 9 8 3 9 2 7 0 Tri l by h ead p i e ce by D i m e sso D es i g n s exc l usi ve l y fo r Tal l u l ah L ove m a d e t o o rd e r c al l 01429 8 3 9 2 7 0 Co l l ar an d Cuf fs by Me l a n i e Kyl es exc l u si ve l y fo r Ta l l ul a h L ove m ade t o o rd e r c a l l 01429 839 2 7 0

I ND U LG E YO U R I NNE R G O DDESS T HI S VA L E NT IN Eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY W I T H RET ROI NS P I R E D L IN G ERIE T HAT O OZ E S GLAMOUR.

Basque Back to

WORDS LIZ LAMB

Photographer: Jade Turnbull Model: Beth Jones

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Fashion

ALL CORSETS AND BASQUES BY SPARKLE WREN. FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT WWW.SPARKLEWREN.CO.UK PHOTOGRAPHY: SEAN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.SEANELLIOTTPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK new year

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Fashion Feature

27 new year

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Riding Column

CLAIRE T HORBURN IS D IRECTOR OF IM PACT PR & M AR K ETI N G WWW. IM PACTPR -M. CO. UK

riding.

Fashion Filly S H E M I G H T B E FIE LDS AWAY FRO M ANY CATWALK, BUT C L A I R E T H O R B U R N FINDS S HE ’ S AN ACC IDE N TA L F OLLOW E R O F FA S HION

UCH is the influence of horsey activities in the fashion world, I find myself feeling surprisingly chic about popping into the local shops in my breeches and tall boots. I’ve even packed my denim pair, complete with chestnut-stitching into my case to take on holiday to New York, complete with a pair of heart-stoppingly gorgeous conker-coloured Spanish riding boots. Now that you can even buy a perfume called ‘Stable’ which gives a whiff of your beloved steed from The Library of Fragrance, I’m no longer too concerned, as I queue at the checkout, that I’m giving off a fragrant whiff of eau de equine. I might be fields away from most fashionistas – but labels have longenjoyed a timeless love affair with the equestrian world. Brands like Hermes and Gucci pay homage to their equestrian legacy, while British brands including Hunter and Tanner Krolle with their horsey provenance are enjoying a sales boom. An accidental follower of fashion I may be, but there is a strict etiquette about what to wear on a horse – and it can be a thorny

issue. Take hunting for example, when you and your steed face the bracing British weather for hours upon end, are whipped by brambles and muddied by flying clods of earth kicked at you from the galloping hooves ahead. A ‘ratcatcher’ or tweed jacket is adored by riders for Autumn trail hunting, when the weather is (hopefully) warmer, teamed with a coloured stock or tie and secured with a plain pin. Bling on the hunting field is confined to the Hunt Ball only. Once the so-called ‘Proper Hunting’ begins in November and the weather is less inclement, the Ratcatcher is replaced by a robust, wool-lined black or navy hunt coat. So called ‘bum freezers’ – scant jackets that shy above the back of the saddle are a no-no. Heavy-duty breeches in fawn or beige are de rigeur, while underneath I have to confess to wearing knee length thermal pants! Not only to stay warm, but they avoid the eternal female rider issue of the VPL. Thongs and horse riding are to be avoided at all costs. The thrill of getting ready to hunt or compete is part of the excitement. new year

FAIRFAX AND FAVOR KNEE-LENGTH BOOTS

In dressage, a sport now recognised as mainstream thanks in part to double Olympic medalist and BBC Sportsperson of the Year runner up Charlotte Dujardin and her ‘dancing’ horse, Valegro, you can’t have too much bling. From crystal-encrusted whips to shimmering neck stocks and diamante pins, you can’t have too much of a good bling. In the showing world, dress codes vary from class to class and can be a minefield for newbies like myself. There are column inches dedicated to what to wear in the ring and online forums which run endless debates about the acceptable and deplorable. And to cap it all – what to wear upon one’s head? Controversy reigns in the showing world following a new safety ruling that has banned riders from competing without a safety harness, meaning many more conventional riding hat models have been banned, causing uproar among traditionalists. But on a lighter note, being a horse rider means you can legitimately lace up your knee length leather boots, fasten on your spurs and ponder over your whip collection in happy innocence.

2015

Where to buy... The Vintage Tackroom An online treasure-trove of natty, pre-loved horse attire. From hunting coats and breeches to boots, artwork and antiquities. www.vintagetackroom.com Patey Hats The Rolls Royce of equestrian headwear. This London based store has made hats for Royalty, the Tower of London, London’s finest hotels and many other luminaries including Stirling Moss and Juan Fangio. www.pateyhats.com Fairfax and Favor Beautiful knee-length suede and leather boots to take you from stable to stately. www.fairfaxandfavor.com Jobsons of Alnwick A family-run business specialising in riding and country clothing with a saddlery too. www.jobsonsofalnwick.co.uk The Library of Fragrance Equestrian scents are galloping off the shelf at this bespoke perfume makers. Try their Stable’, ‘Fresh Hay’, ‘Riding Crop’ and ‘Saddle’ scents to give your equine theme a whiff of authenticity.

Feature gent.

gent. ab fab

fashion

GE T THE PE RFECT S IX PACK

LOOK DAP P ER THIS SP RING

PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS DAVIS AT SPECULAR SPECULARWORLD.COM MODEL: ADAM COWIE AT STORM MODELS STORMMODELS.COM

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gent.

AMAZING ABS! L ET 2 0 1 5 B E T HE YE A R YOU DITC H T H E B EER B ELLY A N D BECOME A WA L K I NG WO R K O F ART. A TOP M ODEL A N D A LEA DIN G FITNESS E XP E RT R E VE A L H OW TO SC U LP T A M A Z IN G A B S .

Feature gent.

FITNESS EXPERT TIPS:

MI KE THU R STO N (P I C T U RED) I S A P ERS ONA L T RA I NER A ND F O R M E R R U G BY P L AY ER WH O CO- OWNS NO RT H E AS T F I T NESS F I RM A U RO RA AT H L E T I C . HE R E ’ S H I S T I P S F O R WORK I NG YOU R AB S .

1. Control your breathing. When it comes to training your abdominals it is crucial that you master your breathing. Failing to control your breathing will result in less than optimal contractions in the abdominal region.You need to inhale deeply before executing the movement, then as you begin to contract the abs, start to exhale. At the peak of the abdominal contraction your lungs should be completely empty of air.

4. Always keep your head in line with your torso. Many individuals perform a crunch movement jerking their head forward or swinging their arms in order to produce momentum, therefore making the exercise easier. This practice not only puts large amounts of strain on the neck muscles but also reduces the overall effectiveness of the exercise.

2. You will not see your abs unless your body fat level is low enough. I’ll say that again, you will not see your abs unless your body fat level is low enough. For a ripped stomach with virtually no visible fat whatsoever, you are talking around low to mid single digits 4-7% for males. 3. For optimal results the abs can and should be trained frequently. A frequency of twice a week is optimal in most cases. Both loaded and unloaded training should be part of your ab program. With loaded exercises you should train in the upper portion of the hypertrophy zone which is 8-12 reps. Lower resistance exercises should be performed in the 15+ rep range.

5. Don't train your abs to burn fat. Many people train abs frequently in the hope that it will burn calories and help reduce body fat. The overall calorie burn from ab specific exercises is minuscule compared to performing heavy compound exercises and interval training Exercises like deadlifts, squats and pull-ups will do wonders for your abdominal strength and size. In fact some of these exercises can stimulate the abdominal muscles more than a specific abdominal exercise. MIKE HAS AN ABS TRAINING EBOOK AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD AT HTTP://STORE.AURORAATHLETIC.COM/PRODUCT/AB-PROGRAMME WEBSITE: WWW.AURORAATHLETIC.COM

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRIS DAVIS AT SPECULAR SPECULARWORLD.COM EXCEPT THE PHOTO OF MIKE THURSTON new year

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gent.

WANT TO LOOK DA PP E R THI S S PRING? FA N C Y NE W TO GS G OOD E N OU GH F OR THE FUT URE K IN G OF ENGL AND?

east your eyes on the new collection from menswear designer and celeb favourite Jenny Schwarz. The designer has teamed up with legendary Yorkshire mill Hainsworth to produce a range inspired by the mill’s fabrics. The collection features beautifully tailored coats, jackets, sweatshirts and barrel bags all created using Hainsworth fabrics. Jenny says: “Hainsworth’s long heritage of tailored uniform used in both extreme conditions and on ceremonial occasions is a real point of connection for me. “Founded in 1783 in the early stages of the Industrial Revolution, the mill became a factor in Britain’s position as a leader in textiles manufacture. “One of their first important engagements was to provide the cloth for the scarlet uniform in which the soldiers fought at The Battle of Waterloo. In more recent times, Hainsworth was commissioned to supply the cloth for Prince William’s ceremonial uniform when he married Catherine Middleton. “So we can proudly proclaim that we use the same cloth as that worn by the future King of England.” The mill’s iconic Khaki Melton cloth, which it invented for the British military, has been given a modern twist as well as Hainsworth’s Navy Melton. Traditionally used for tailored garments and military uniforms she has turned it into a contemporary sweatshirt.

SUITED & BOOTED

WORDS: LIZ LAMB

THE COLLECTION INCLUDES KHAKI JACKET £690, PRALINE COAT £740, QUILTED JACKET £740, BARREL BAG £190 AND NAVY AVIATOR £790. WWW.JENNYSCHWARZ.COM new year

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Food & Feature Drink

ANGELA M ETCALFE IS TH E D RIN KS B UY ER FOR ICON IC D ELI LEWIS AND CO O PER AND EXPERT IN CH AM PAG N E, F I N E WIN ES AN D SPIRITS.

Drinks Ed

Water of Life…

ingle malts are the most natural of spirits, formed more than any other by their environment, and for the same reason, they are the most individualistic. Distilling may have come from the Orient, via the Moors, to Spain and Europe mainly through the production of perfumes, but it was left to the Scots to turn it into an art form. In the Middle Ages, distilling was carried out almost exclusively by monks, and believed to have medicinal properties hence the term “water of life” - or uisge beatha in Gaelic. By the 18th century, however, small-scale whisky making was commonplace, and there was a still in practically every clachan (hamlet) in every glen in the Highlands. It formed an essential part of the economy: landlords would readily accept whisky as payment for rent. The raw materials - barley, water, peat and yeast were basically free. All that the Highlanders needed to supply was the labour. Some distilleries have hardly changed since they were built, in either their techniques or equipment. And the whisky each distillery produces is unique to their particular location. When it comes to choosing a Whisky, one man’s peat can be another man’s poison. I love peat but I like mine chocolaty and velvety, so Ardbeg is a huge favourite, as is Bruichladdich, but I tend to give the more aggressive styles a bit of a wide birth. More interesting Whiskys can be produced by independent bottlers. They buy casks from source then age, finish and bottle them as they see fit, usually un-chillfiltered, un-caramelised and at around 46%ABV as standard. They do, however, tend to do this in small numbered batches so it’s often a case of ‘when it’s gone, it’s gone’. A big misapprehension when it comes to Whisky, is that to be good, it MUST be a single malt. Utter tosh! There are, of course, some sublime singles out there. Murray McDavid once did a limited bottling of a 13 year old Laphroig, ACE’d in Margaux casks

which will forever remain in my top three of all time, however, the Champagne template can also be used. To make Champagne in a vintage year, when it’s already been decided the grapes are good enough, you can only use grapes from that year’s harvest. The skill comes with the Non-Vintage, when you are blending this year’s wines with the reserve wines to get a balance that is similar to the previous year. Never underestimate the skill of a master blender! I’ve been playing with some really interesting whiskys lately and Amrut Fusion is a great one. It is the first single malt whisky to be made in India. Amrut, or amrita is a Sanskrit word which can be translated as “nectar of the gods”, and has been distilled from barley grown at the base of the Himalayas and peated barley from Scotland, hence the name Fusion. The delivery, though controlled at first, is massive! Then more like con-fusion as that smoke on the nose turns into warming, full blown peat, but it far from gets its own way as a vague sherry trifle note (curious, seeing how there are no sherry butts involved) - the custard presumably is oaky vanilla - hammers home that barley - fruitiness to make for a bit of a free-for-all; but for extra food measure the flavours develop into a really intense chocolate fudge middle which absolutely resonates through the palate. The English Whisky Co. Chapter 13 It was inevitable that, on turning 60, James Nelstrop did not wish to retire but to do something different, tied into farming. With his son Andrew they decided to investigate a subject close to James’s heart – whisky production which had stopped in England over 100 years ago. The best barley is grown in Norfolk and the Breckland water is superb. Creamy and slightly buttery with notes of vanilla and toffee. Sweet, spicy, malty and oaky. Tropical fruits but also a hint of that 70’s classic Black Forest Gateau! Toffee cream tart new year

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“A big mi sapprehension when it comes to Whisky, is that to be good, it MUST be a single malt. Utter tosh!”

with custard. Long malty finish which runs from sweet to spicy and then dry. Nikka, from the Barrel In 1918, Masataka Taketsuru embarked alone on a long voyage to Scotland. In this distant land the secrets of whisky-making would be imparted to this young Japanese man, and here he would meet the woman who would become his bride. Given the chance to go to Scotland, Masataka enrolled at the University of Glasgow and became the first Japanese ever to study the art of whisky making. He took chemistry courses at the university and apprenticed at distilleries, learning first-hand from craftsmen and receiving training as a blender. Masataka would later become known as a master blender. The unique bottling of ‘From the Barrel’ is a breathtaking blend of malt and grain whiskies that are hand selected, blended together and then reintroduced to cask upon their marriage. The result is a blend that possesses a distinctive personality characterised by solidity, depth of taste and a richly expanding aroma.

Food & Drink

WORDS LIZ LAMB

LOVE FOOD? T HEN YOU’L L A D OR E LE BISTROT P IERRE.

French Fancy

apturing French culture with a love of food, the restaurant specialises in great value provincial French cooking, made with authentic, fresh ingredients. If you love quality without a hefty price tag, then add Le Bistrot Pierre to your address book.You can have a two course lunch for just £10.95 or Dine with Wine three courses for only £27.95. A recent six course set dinner was a mere £22.95. Great value doesn’t mean quality is compromised. Dishes are made fresh on the premises and authenticity is guaranteed by regular tips to France for food and wine tasting. This ensures diners are treated to true French cuisine, with sometimes a tweak or two for the British palette. “It’s that authenticity which is so important to us,” explains Ajay, head chef for the nationwide brand. “All dishes on the menu are cooked from scratch too. We want to offer amazing food but at great value. It’s simple, honest French cooking.” La Di Da was invited to sample a number of dishes from the menus at Le Bistrot Pierre in Harrogate, a charming first floor restaurant, which has a stunning outdoor balcony for al fresco dining in warmer climes. To start we sampled Mini chorizo au miel (£3.50), a dish of chorizo roasted in honey. The sweetness of the honey married well with the savoury taste of the chorizo making this an extremely moreish dish. Freshly made artisan bread was presented on the table which we smothered with a delicious black olive and anchovy tapenade (£3) and whole roasted garlic bulb, which is covered in sea salt and roasted in the oven for 20 minutes. It was served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Both offerings were absolutely delicious.

An authentic French menu must always have mussels on the menu and Le Bistrot Pierre is no different. After a visit to Lyon where he sampled a number of mussel dishes, Ajay put Moules au Roquefort on the menu. The £6.95 dish consists of rope-grown mussels steamed in a mild Roquefort sauce and served with crispy bacon lardons. “It is better than any other mussel combination I’ve ever had,” says Ajay. Other delights included freshly-baked cheese sprinkled with rosemary and olive oil and ham and liver parfait accompanied with homemade chutney. The main meals were equally as delicious. The restaurant features protein-led mains so we feasted on slow cooked pork with puy lentils (£13.95) lamb shoulder (£15.50) and steak frite (£9.95). The steaks are 21 day aged beef straight from a Scottish slaughterhouse. The quality of the meat is exceptional. The lamb was my favourite. The meat was cooked for seven hours making it tender and flavoursome. It had a herby crust and was finished with zesty lemon and a few sprigs of rosemary and served with a cassoulet of smoked bacon, flageolet beans and plum tomatoes. Divine! Accompaniments to all the mains included red cabbage, broccoli, dauphinoise potatoes and Posh macaroni cheese. The restaurant recently introduced Tartes Flambees to the menu after discovering it on a trip to Alsace. It is a traditional French-style flatbread, cooked in a special oven, and offered with different toppings. We sampled the Traditionelle; crème fraiche, caramelised onions and smoked bacon lardons. The flatbread is light and crispy so it doesn’t sit heavy on the stomach and is a great sharing dish. For desserts we enjoyed a mouthful of two of new year

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warm Burgundian sticky honey cake (the French take on sticky toffee pudding) which was served with double ginger ice cream (£4.95) and a delicious chocolate crème brulee (£5.25). We stuck to water for drinks but the restaurant has a great wine selection with 35 wines on tap. Our visit to Le Bistrot Pierre was fantastic. The meal was a gastronomic feast and an utter delight to experience. Best of all it was exceptional value for money.You can’t ask for more than that!

TAST I N G N OTE S Le Bistrot Pierre 15 Cheltenham Parade Harrogate, HG1 1DQ Tel: 01423 533 070 www.lebistrotpierre.co.uk

Food & Feature Drink

Ladies Who Lunch

WORDS LIZ LAMB

LUNC H DAT E: MUSE CO N TI N E N TA L C A F É, H I GH S T R EET, YA R M W W W. M U S EYAR M . CO M

ITH a fabulous selection of designer boutiques and independent stores the market town of Yarm

is a great girls’ day out. I visited recently with friends and after flexing our credit cards in the shops we headed to Muse continental café on the High Street for lunch. The café interior is stylish and smart and there was a bustling atmosphere largely due to the mix of clientele-yummy mummies, families, business people and, of course, the Ladies who Lunch crowd. We found a table near the window, which overlooks the High Street-great for our favourite pastime of people watching. The café had a daily specials menu offering delights such as pork tenderloin wrapped in parma ham and grey mullet with clams and there was also a dedicated lunch menu alongside Prix Fixe offering two courses for £13.95 and three courses for £15.95. For starters I enjoyed grilled English asparagus with Parma ham, parmesan and wild garlic hollandaise (£6.95) while my friend chose Queen scallops in garlic and Provencal butter with a mixed herb crust (£8.95). Both starters were delicious but it was the mains that really impressed. I loved the poached salmon, new potato and soft boiled egg salad with mustard dressing (£7.95). The fish was fantastic quality and I loved that it was a low calorie option. My friend chose the King prawn caesar salad which came with anchovies, parmesan, pine nuts and croutons (£7.95). We all remarked how fantastic it was to go to a restaurant and find healthier food optionsgreat for those on New Year health kicks. Our other dining companion opted for the

Prix Fixe menu and enjoyed a starter of Mediterranean vegetable risotto with pesto followed by a main of Muse fish stew with tomatoes and potatoes (£13.95 for two courses), both of which were delicious. We resisted desserts but offerings included warm lemon drizzle cake with raspberry sorbet, Cox’s pippin apple tart and sticky toffee pudding. Muse ticks a lot of boxes-superb location, stylish surroundings and a great food selection that appeals to a wide range of clientele. We’ll definitely go back.

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how fant ast ic i t was to go to a rest aurant and fi nd healt hier food op t ions

Promotion

It's Tiki time....

COCKTAIL AFICIONAD OS WE HAVE IM P ORTANT NEWS. NEWCASTLE IS ABOUT TO WELCOME ITS VERY FIRS T T IK I BOUTIQUE BAR AND IT'S VERY LA DI DA . ED ITOR LINDA JANE WEST P HAL GETS TH E INSID E SCOOP ON ONE OF TH E M OS T EXCITING BAR LAUNCHES IN TH E C IT Y'S H ISTORY AND REVEALS NEARLY AL L......

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Promotion Feature

magine a small but perfectly formed bar in the heart of Newcastle. A bar which takes the concept of Tiki and adds its own dark take on it to create something extraordinary and unlike any other drinking experience you may have encountered. Add in cocktails so inventive that Heston Blumenthal himself could have created them and decor so out there that you’ll wonder if the drinks are affecting your senses, and you’ll see why La Di Da is super excited about this game changing new addition to the North East bar scene. The Old J Tiki Boutique will be the city’s only Tiki Boutique bar and it delivers an entirely unique twist on the concept. The location is being closely guarded and we are sworn to secrecy but it’s safe to say it combines a central location with being very discreet, a real insider’s place to go for those ‘in the know’. It will hold just 30 people, offering a special and intimate feel like the most fabulous private members club. Created by the Cairn Group, the team behind the fashionable Sohe in Jesmond, the cocktails will be a thing of beauty. Think Willy Wonka-esque drinks that could be simultaneously sweet and sour or hot and cold or even cocktails set alight with a flame that remains whilst you drink them. Unadulterated delicious drinks which take the layered complexity of Tiki, its rum, fruit

and spice flavours and ramps it up to the next level, offering a unique and sophisticated take on the concept. For serious cocktail cognescenti this place will be a little slice of heaven. Sneak peeks confirm that the master mixologists are delivering something truly special. Four separate and utterly gorgeous Zombies are included on the extensive cocktail menu along with the divine Rum and Raisin Mai Tai. And there will be a few other spirit based cocktails available for non rum lovers. The cocktails will be served in a very unique Tiki style, adding glamour and theatrics to the whole drink experience. The Old J Tiki Boutique will be opening from February so keep tabs on their facebook page for announcements including the location! It’s set to the be THE launch of the year and an instant ‘must go’ for the fine and fabulous. We can’t wait.

WW W.FAC EBO O K .CO M / OLDJ T I K I BOU T I Q U E

SOOO heavenly... J ES M O N D ' S S O HE I S S P REA D I N G T HE LOV E T HI S VA L ENT I N E ' S . G E N E R AL M A NAG E R S A R A H H A R K E R REV EA LS W HAT T HE FA BU LO U S R E S TAU R AN T H A S L I N E D U P. . .

o it’s the start of the year and there’s already some key dates coming up. Let’s tackle the elephant in the room; Valentine’s Day.You could say it’s the marmite event of the year – you either love it or you hate it. Well, we love it and we’re determined to spread the joy. Don’t just think of it as something couples celebrate, think of it as a day to spend with the people you love to be with. Be that your favourite gaggle of girlies, your family or a big group of couples that you love going out with. Whatever it is,Valentine’s Day shouldn’t just be about couples, so make it about spending time with people you love – go on spread the love! We’ve also got a tasty Valentine’s menu. From Salt and Pepper squid and Crispy Thai rice balls to Duck Massaman curry and Aubergine steak with masala sauce – you might love it too much to share!

WWW.SOHE.CO.UK. SOHE 97-103 OSBORNE ROAD, JESMOND. 0191 281 8161.

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Food & Drink

Coming up roses...

WORDS LINDA JANE WESTPHAL

TH E FA M O U S B OTA NI S T B RA N D H A S A R R IVE D IN N EWC A S TL E . B A S ED A B OVE JA M I E ’ S IN M O NUM E NT M A L L , I T ’ S A L L FA S H I O N FA B U LO U S INT E R IO R S A ND CO C K TA I L S TO D I E FO R.

tepping into The Botanist the interiors offer an instant wow factor, with the central bar adorned by a Treehouse. The bar offers 65 real ales with this selection due to be extended to over 100 in the next few months. However, it is the stunning cocktails which really make The Botanist stand out, inventive and delicious creations served in quirky vessels including kilner jars or plant pots or the famous watering cans. We loved the Raspberry and Thyme Martinis and the Red Pepper and Porcini Manhattans. Dining with our award winning interiors columnist and local celeb George Bond and his business partner Raymond Watkin, fellow Ed Liz and I caught up on all the news over glasses of good Prosecco (£24.95) whilst the waitress waited patiently before helping us choose from the menu. The Botanist is a pub with good food rather than a restaurant but the offer is varied and there is something for everyone. Liz and Ray started with the homemade houmous board which came with crudités and flatbreads whilst George and I opted for Calamari with a lemon mayonnaise. Both starters were full of flavour. Starters are well priced beginning from £3.50. The Botanist’s famous hanging kebabs are the star of the show and Liz and I both new year

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chose these for our mains with Liz choosing chicken whilst I chose the lamb. Sopped with sweet chilli, ginger and garlic sauce, these were tender and tasty. George and Ray opted for half a chicken and chips which came with a choice of sauces. Portions were generous and both reported that the meal was flavoursome. Mains start at £8.50 and there is a wide choice including deli boards, burgers and home comforts. Dessert was a struggle after so much food so whilst we opted for a coffee, Liz tried the Strawberry and Marshmallow Kebab which was light and came with indulgent Sailor Jerry chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. Liz reported that it was the perfect end to the meal. Desserts are priced at £4.95. All of the meals were delivered on mismatched vintage china and it’s this attention to detail which elevates The Botanist into a bar with serious style credentials. It’s already creating quite a buzz and with good reason. We like it a lot. Go try it.

TAST I N G N OTE S The Botanist, Monument Mall, Newcastle

www.thebotanist.uk.com

Advertorial Feature

C U STOME R S AT ON E O F T Y N E SID E ’S N E WE S T N IGHT SP OTS A R E R A ISIN G A GLA SS TO A T R A D IT ION DAT IN G B AC K TO T HE 1920S; T H E COC K TA IL HOU R …

If any decade could be said to sum up glamour it was the 1920s – when F Scott Fitzgerald’s Bright Young Things danced the Charleston until they dropped, Coco Chanel transformed women’s fashion …. and the cocktail hour heralded the start of every evening. Thanks in no small part to TV shows such as Downton Abbey and big screen hits like The Great Gatsby, the decade, which brough us ‘flappers,’ bobbed hair and short skirts is enjoying something of a renaissance. And now in homage to the jazz age, Tiger Hornsby, at the Quayside, Newcastle, has brought the cocktail hour back. Every week, until 7pm, from Wednesday to Friday, Tiger Hornsby’s mixologists are serving a selection of classic drinks, such as The Gin Daisy, a Tom Collins and The

Dubonnet Fizz after tracking down authentic recipes from the era. And, to celebrate the newly introduced cocktail hour, cocktails will be just £4 throughout January and there will also be a 25 per cent discount on selected drinks. “One of the most fashionable places for Bright Young Things at the time was the American bar at The Savoy Hotel and I managed to lay hands on a book of their recipes from the 1920s onwards,” said mixologist Sam Boulton. “Most are fairly simple and actually form the basis of a lot of the cocktails we drink today,” he added. “Unlike us, though, they use very little fruit or fruit juice - as this was shortly after the Great War perhaps it was less easy to come by then.” The Gin Daisy is a blend of Plymouth Gin, lemon juice,

grenadine and sugar topped up with soda water, while the Dubonnet Fizz mixes cherry brandy, with Dubonnet, soda water and lemon and orange juices.

“ The roaring twen ties were an age of elegance and th at’s wh at Tiger Horn s by i s al l abou t,”

said Tiger Hornsby’s owner Rachael Frame. “I designed it specifically to be opulent, sophisticated and glamorous – the perfect setting in which to sip a perfectly made cocktail. “In the 1920s the cocktail hour was an occasion and by re-introducing it, we are offering our guests a memorable and fun way to start their evening or even to unwind after a long day at the office.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT ENQUIRIES@TIGERHORNSBY.CO.UK OR FOLLOW TIGER HORNSBY ON TWITTER.

new year

2015

10 years of

outstanding childcare. When only the best is good enough for the little one in your life. At Kids 1st we look after your child as our own, delivering the highest quality of childcare in a safe and secure environment. Here are just some of the reasons why you will love Kids 1st: • Purpose-built nurseries • Outstanding Ofsted Reports • Nutritious, homemade meals • CCTV and Fingerprint Security • Large, exciting outdoor play areas • Coffee to Go Breakfast Service

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0191 461 8877 kids1st.net Kids_1st

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PAED I AT R I C O CC U PAT ION A L T H ERA P IS TS K AT H RYN C A RRUTHER S AN D HE AT HE R S CO R FIELD DISC U SS H OW T H IS S EA SON ’S MUST HAVE TOYS C A N H ELP C H ILDREN ’S DEV ELOP M EN T…

any New Year resolutions focus on choices to make ourselves better and brighter but what about our children? What are the ‘healthy choices’ when thinking of the toys our children play with? It’s a pressure all parents face but this is increased if your child has additional needs. A staggering 1 in 30 children, that is one child in every average classroom, has dyspraxia. The Dyspraxia foundation defines dyspraxia as a form of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) affecting fine and or gross motor coordination in children and adults. Children with DCD frequently have functional skill difficulties in areas such as dressing, handwriting and riding a bike. Paediatric occupational therapists analyse activities, exploring how children’s play enhances all facets of development. They use everyday toys and activities that children find fun in order to treat their condition and enhance their skills. Children with dyspraxia often struggle with handwriting and letter formation skills. Rather than just practicing using a pen and paper like detention lines, occupational therapists use all seven senses to help a child learn not only how it looks on paper but also how the motor movements feel in order to help them learn kinaesthetically.

Occupational therapists will walk the shape of a letter, use a water gun to write words on the pavement or bake letter shaped cookies. By taking the play-doh doh-vinci to draw letters in a fun and appealing way you can integrate letters and shapes into the child’s life and work on finger strength, tactile sensitivity, hand eye coordination and motor control without a pen and paper in sight. ‘Frozen’ dolls like our old action figures aren’t just for aesthetic entertainment. Playing with a Frozen doll for the dyspraxic child promotes imaginative play, language development, body awareness and social interaction. Be creative. If your child struggles to dress themselves independently, locate body parts, lack body awareness and can’t seem to work out whether their t-shirt is inside out, then practice with Elsa. Lay out the doll’s clothes and take photographs. This will help your child to order the task and then you progress to a dressing chart of their own clothes. Give them clothes inside out, upside down and jumbled to make the task harder. By completing the task in its simplest form then increasing in difficulty, you are providing a graded approach to learning; thus reducing frustration and facilitating the opportunity for success at each stage. Many apps today also are designed to help

with letter formation, sequencing, rhythm and visual perceptual skills. Instead of feeling guilty about your child spending too much time playing indoors, consider the benefits of the prerequisite IT skills that the Kiddizoom Smart Watch can instil in your little future Bill Gates.Your child is simply working on their fine motor skill development through a different medium. Modern technological toys don’t have to be sedentary. Get your children moving with the 2014 Leapfrog Leap TV. The Leapfrog Leap TV, marketed at children aged 3-8, uses the principles of the Nintendo Wii in providing a stimulating and interactive environment for gross motor development, crucial for the dyspraxic child. For older children the Wii Fit or X-Box Kinnect offer an advanced stage in enhancement of physical and IT skills. Health professionals are using these consoles to treat a range of conditions from DCD to strokes in the elderly. But enhancing your child’s learning ability doesn’t have to be costly. Head outside, draw a hopscotch grid with some chalk and develop your child’s proprioceptive processing, kinaesthetic acuity (and much more jargon!) and make the, ‘new year, new you’ one that builds sandcastles instead of crushing candy.

KATHRYN CARRUTHERS, ROSS COMMON AND HEATHER SCORFIELD, DIRECTORS OF LITTLE HEROES THERAPY SERVICES LTD. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT INFO@LITTLE-HEROES.CO.UK new year

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Feature

The wonder of A VERY P REM AT U RE B ABY AN D WON DERF U L H O S P I TA L C A RE AT NO RTH TEES CHAN GE D PHOTOGRAPHERS K AT H RY N A ND M I C H A EL CA RRUTHER S LIVES FOREVE R. AN D N OW T H EY A RE DET ERM I NED TO MAKE SUR E OTHERS HAVE THE HEL P T H EY DI D BY L A U NC H I NG T H E A LICE IN WON DE RLAN D B ALL. K AT H RY N T EL L S H ER S TO RY...

y first pregnancy was a bit of a rough ride. Despite having worries about fertility we were lucky to conceive soon after we returned from honeymoon. A few days after being elated over this amazing news I was taken into surgery for a possible ectopic pregnancy after an ultrasound scan for other reasons only to find that everything was okay. The weeks following the surgery were very tough with a lot of tears as we were not sure if the pregnancy would continue. Around week 26 I started to experience back pains and heaviness but I shrugged it off as being normal. Overnight things became worse so I went back to hospital the next morning to find that I was 4cm dilated due to bulging membranes and had probably been in slow labour for a couple of weeks. We were in shock. Although the hospital managed to delay labour for two days to allow steroids to develop the baby’s lungs, our little girl was born on Good Friday, the 18th April 2014, weighing 2lbs 9oz and surprising everyone that she came so quickly. We named her Alice Beatrice and she was immediately ventilated and taken to the unit. I don’t remember much of the labour but afterwards I felt empty as we all sat in the room not knowing if she would survive and missing holding her, celebrating and telling the unexpected news to friends and family. Hours later when Alice was stable, we were taken to the unit and there she was in amongst machines tiny and fragile. I was overjoyed and heartbroken all at the same time. She was born 13 weeks early at 27 weeks 2 days. A baby at this age is called a micropreemie and can develop many issues. Weighing 2lbs 9oz at birth then dropping to 2lb 2oz shortly afterwards we were lucky. There have been babies on the unit born at

440g! However, Alice didn’t put on weight as quickly as many other preemies so she’s still quite small now. At 28 weeks she caught an infection and it was touch and go whether she would pull through. I remember asking Michael how we would cope and he said “she would always be our angel in the sky and we would be proud to have met her”. The hospital staff and our family got us through, along with our tough cookie Alice. I will always remember tears of happiness when I got to cuddle her for the first time. Throughout her stay we had scares. As Alice was so premature a section of her heart had not yet closed leading to a murmur but luckily this resolved without surgery. She had a grade 1-2 bilateral bleed on her brain which resolved but developed ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) resulting in surgery to save her sight. ROP is a worldwide leading cause of childhood blindness. She now has reduced peripheral vision but on the whole we have been incredibly lucky. She is still small for her age as she’s just over 9 months now and has outgrown 0-3 month clothes. At this stage we don’t know what her intellectual ability or vision quality will be like or if there has been any neurological damage. She has regular checks and physiotherapy. Alice is a bright little button though and a Nosey Parker! She is the most smiley little baby I have ever met who loves swimming, singing (in her own way), bouncing and cuddles. I think no matter what she will pull through! The treatment at North Tees was amazing. The neonatal unit isn’t just a job to the staff, they go above and beyond and fundraising to realise their ideas is the least we can do. A community group has been set up for families. We have also set up a Facebook support group

“I remember asking Michael how we would cope and he said “she would always be our angel in the sky and we would be proud to have met her”. for parents to ask each other questions and keep in touch. The unit themselves are developing a wish list. There is so much the money can do to support the babies and families both on the unit and in the community after discharge. Alice’s Wonderland Ball is just one way to raise funds and to say thank you to each and every person who looked after her. We also take photographs of the babies in our studio in exchange for a donation back to the unit.

FOR MORE IN FORMAT I O N V I S I T WWW.C A RRO P H OTOG RA P H Y.CO. U K new year

2015

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I F M ON E Y WE R E N O OB JE C T W H AT I N T E R N AT I ON AL LY ACC L AI M E D R ES TA UR A N TS WOU L D B E ON YOU R B U C KE T L I S T? W E A S K ED E N T R E P R E N E U R AN D WE L L T R AVEL L ED FO O D I E D U NC A N YO UNG F OR HI S TOP FI VE I N T E R N AT I ON AL DI N I N G E X P E R I EN C ES …

Gourmet gallivants Taverna Agni

La Maison de Marc Veyrat On the shores of Lake Annecy, this is a magnificent Michelin 3 star restaurant I visited with a fine dining club some years ago. Regrettably he has since closed the restaurant but his children run the hotel which is equally impressive. Marc is regarded as one of the best chefs in the world and has had two 3 star restaurants in his career. He is from the Haute-Savoie in France and specialises in molecular gastronomy and the use of herbs and plants from the mountain. We had the fortune to meet him and to be served by him. It will remain number one of all my experiences for many years to come I suspect.

Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley Marcus now has three restaurants around London, although his original was in the Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge and provided some of the best French styled food in London. They have recently refurbished the old restaurant and I am keen to visit since he has always produced the most amazing food.

Cap Horn / Soucoupe Courchevel 1850 These two ski restaurants are listed in my top five because of the memories, atmosphere and setting overlooking the stunning mountains of The Three Valleys in the French Alps. In late ski season, Cap Horn provides a party atmosphere on its terraces to skiers with a resident DJ sitting on a snow plough. The music slowly edges up until people start

waving their linen napkins to the beat and dancing on the tables after some fantastic rose wine and a wine list to make any Russian Oligarch weep. Soucoupe has amazing chargrilled meat over a log burning fire and has a warm and cosy atmosphere, a perfect place to be in a whiteout. I have great memories from both of these places.

Taverna Agni on Agni beach in Corfu It has to be on my list of the top five restaurants and it is my spiritual home in the summer. For many years the best and most popular way here was by boat. On a Sunday local Greeks from the island often book here to have a relaxing lunch set on its beautiful pebble beach overlooking the sea, which separates Corfu from Albania and the Greek Mainland. The excellent well prepared Greek food is outstanding and has become a long term favourite of all of my family. If you are ever in Corfu please make a special trip to this popular taverna www. Agni-taverna.com. At night they will collect you from your local bay and bring you by boat to the taverna with a stunning ride home in the boat taxi where you can admire the star filled sky.

“… a wi ne li st to m ake any R ussi an Oli g arch weep ” 2 Michelin star restaurant it occupies one of the most privileged and amazing locations on the side of this mountain village overlooking the fabulous Cote D'Azur beneath you. The restaurant has been featured in many films including The Bucket List and deserves its rating as one of the best in the south of France. We have enjoyed special celebratory meals here and have great memories of our time there.

Closer to home And here are some of Duncan’s local favourites… Locally in Newcastle it has to be Cafe 21 because it's consistently good and the best in town. I also love Francesca's because it's traditional and real and lastly Cafe 95 because I own it and it's become very popular recently since its refurbishment so harder to get a table!

La Colombe D'Or in St Paul de Vence in the South of France and La Chevre D'Or in Eze village Both are very memorable and popular places for my family in the South of France. La Colombe in St Paul is very special. Full of character and history, it opened in the 1920's but became very popular in the 1950's when artists used to visit including Cezar and Chagall and leave/trade their work for so many days in the Inn! It's not unusual to be sitting on its terrace in the summer next to Roger Moore or an A list celebrity from Hollywood. It is a serene place with great atmosphere. La Chevre D'Or is more formal and with a new year

2015

CAFE 95

Travel Feature

Rising Star HERALDED AS O NE O F TH E TOP T HR E E PLAC ES TO V I S I T I N T H E U K, TH E LO R D CREWE ARM S I N BLAN C H L AN D I S IMPR ESS I N G FOO DI ES E V ERY WH ERE . L I Z LA MB CH EC K S I N FO R A ROM AN TI C BR E A K .

HEN I needed to book a weekend away for my wedding anniversary, there was only one place I wanted to visit; The Lord Crewe Arms. A relative new kid on the block on the North hotel scene, the Lord Crewe has hit the ground running since it was taken over and given a £1.5 million refurbishment by the team behind famed Cotswold hotel Calcot Manor. Situated in the beautiful village of Blanchland, the Lord Crewe offers a relaxed country hotel ambience alongside good quality, unpretentious food and luxury accommodation. It’s proving to be a winning formula. The venue was listed in the Top 10 in The Times and the Top 3 in Telegraph as one of the best hotels to visit in the UK. It was also the winner in the pub category of the Sunday new year

2015

Times 100 Ultimate Hotels. Now you can see why I wanted to visit. Leaving the toddler at home for a night away to celebrate our third wedding anniversary, my husband and I arrived in Blanchland on a wet and bleak day. We’d planned to go walking but the lure of an open fire and the smell of stew cooking in the pot on the medieval fireplace won over a walk in the rain. Within minutes of arriving we were sipping wine and tucking into a delicious ham and cabbage stew while enjoying views over the gardens. Upstairs, there was a celebrity in our midst. Kate Adie, the famed war reporter, was playing court in the main dining area at a sell-out Ladies Lunch event but sadly we didn’t get to meet her. After a hearty lunch, we headed back to our room to relax before dinner. Our home for

Feature Travel

Fabulous Food

Fab food, beautiful surroundings and friendly banter

JAMES COOPER HEA D C HEF AT THE CLEVELAND TON TIN E

the evening was one of the miner’s cottages connected to the hotel. The cottage was simply stunning. Understated elegance mixed with country chic, we had a separate living area with a logburning fire and a large bathroom and bedroom. After a couple of hours downtime we headed to the hotel’s pub, The Crypt, which is housed in a medieval vaulted room with coats of arms on the walls and a sign declaring ‘No Riff Raff Allowed.’ The pub has a cosy feel and everyone is friendly; we chatted to guests and bar staff while enjoying a gin and rose lemonade and a Lord Crew Brew. Though we were tempted to prop the bar up for the evening, our stomachs got the better of us and we headed upstairs to the restaurant. The dining area is a stylish affair, understated but homely with an open fire, rustic chandelier and dark,

wood furniture. The menu has a great selection of good, honest British fare. For starters hubby dined on Roasted bbq Goosnargh duck salad with sweet radish and pea shoots (£7.95) while I tucked into broad bean hummus with feta cheese and grilled flat bread (£5.95). Never one to resist a steak, my husband tucked into a delicious rump steak with chips and fried onion rings (£14.55) while I enjoyed roast chicken breast with spring greens. The food was top notch- great British food without fancy pairings and ingredients you’ve never heard off. We rounded off the evening with a night cap in the bar. Fab food, beautiful surroundings and friendly banter, the Lord Crewe deserves all the plaudits. If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out.

ith Valentine’s Day just around the corner, lots of places start peddling ‘aphrodisiacs’ and putting things on the menu which have no right to be there. Restaurants serving up good, fresh food for the rest of the year suddenly start pushing asparagus from Peru and strawberries from Spain to capture the Valentine’s Day market. I don’t know about you but there is nothing less likely to put me in the mood for romance than poor quality, imported food grown in artificial environments. Anyway, enough of the social conscience. If I wanted to serve up something to seduce with, my priority would be to get as much of the prep done ahead of time so that the evening can be spent in conversation, not in the kitchen. I would serve a cold starter; perhaps a finger licking fish platter in the centre of the table to share over a glass of chilled champagne. Or, if that sounds too messy, some delicious smoked salmon with a simple beetroot remoulade. For your main course, you can’t beat a beef wellington. You can do all the work in advance and just put it in the oven when you need it. Don’t forget to line the pastry with pancakes to stop it going soggy and get the best quality beef you can find. Expensive but definitely worth it. Make one that’s big enough to share and carve it at the table to make it more of an event. For dessert, how about a soufflé? You can make these well in advance and freeze them so all you have to do on the night is cook them. A towering, bubbling soufflé is guaranteed to impress your Valentine. A few candles and the right music and who knows where the night could lead…….. You could leave the cooking and washing up to someone else. On Valentine’s Day Cleveland Tontine is offering a delicious 4 course menu in the bistro (£50 per person) or a fabulous 8 course taster menu accompanied by live music in the beautiful Cleveland Room (£75 per person). Make a night of it and check into a luxurious bedroom and enjoy complimentary chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of Prosecco before dinner. £320 per room including dinner for 2 in the bistro or £370 including dinner for 2 in the Cleveland Room. T HE CLEVELA ND TONTINE (0 1 6 0 9 ) 8 8 2 6 7 1

new year

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Travel

WA N T TO H O L I DAY L I K E T HE G LIT T ERAT I? EDITOR L I N DA JAN E WESTPHAL R EPORTS ON T HE HOT T E S T P L AC ES TO V ISIT T H IS YEA R…

2015’s

hottest destinations Love romance...

Kandolhu Maldives

Beautiful Kandolhu is an ideal honeymoon or romantic destination. This tiny island features glorious white sands and pristine coral reefs. Despite its small size, it boasts a good choice of four a la carte restaurants and luxurious rooms. Kandolhu offers one of the Maldives’ most generous All Inclusive packages, including access to all restaurants, plus a large variety of drinks, including in the minibar and in-villa wine chiller. The beautiful house reef can be reached from access points around the island, perfect for snorkelling whilst numerous dive sites can be reached by boat in minutes from the dive centre.

Love adventure... Northern Ethiopia If you like adventure and culture, then this fascinating tour delivers in spades. Ethiopia is set to become one of the hottest travel destinations in the next few years and this tour offers an ideal introduction. It delves into the history, culture and natural beauty of Northern Ethiopia, famed for its stunning natural scenery and cultural and historical attractions. The tour uses flights between key destinations to reduce travelling time. Highlights include a city tour of Addis Ababa, the scenic Blue Nile Falls, a boat trip on Lake Tana, the castles and churches of Gondar and the rock-hewn churches at the World Heritage Site of Lalibela.You will enjoy lunch at Ben Abeba with views over the Lasta Mountains and view wildlife in Bale Mountains National Park. A trip of a lifetime, this tour allows you to experience a little known part of Africa. new year

2015

Travel

Love culture...

Vietnam

With amazing scenery and a wealth of cultural attractions to explore,Vietnam’s cities and towns offer a range of contrasting delights from Frenchcolonial houses to Chinese temples; busy colourful markets to designer boutiques and tasty street food to elegant restaurants. The attractive coastal cities of Hué and Hoi An boast tranquil rivers and striking architecture whilst Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offer a more hectic pace, along with historic treasures and culture.Vietnam is becoming a vibrant beach destination and the choice of accommodation is varied and includes secluded luxury hotels with private beachfronts. Try combining a city break which will allow you to see the country’s rich heritage and natural wonders such as the breathtaking formations of Halong Bay in the north, with a beach break in the south for the ultimate holiday.Vietnam’s best beaches include Danang right in the centre, south through Hoi An, Nha Trang and Phan Thiet to the idyllic island of Con Dao out in the South China Sea.

Love beauty...

Philippines

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF KUONI. FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON HOLIDAYS CHECK OUT WWW.KUONI.CO.UK OR WWW.TRAVELBUREAUGOSFORTH.COM new year

2015

For the ultimate city break, try Manila. Sprawling, vibrant, dynamic and eclectic, the city enjoys a wonderfully preserved Spanish colonial city centre and the famous Manila Bay, art galleries and shopping. After hitting the city’s numerous sites, take a break at Raffles Makati and order a Makati Sling at the famous Long Bar. Manila offers the ideal gateway to the Philippines’ fabulous beach resorts, ideal for spending some downtime relaxing, snorkelling and simply exploring. Our favourites include Cebu, all platinum sands and palms trees but with a cosmopolitan vibe and Boracay, frequently voted amongst the world’s finest with dazzling sands and vivid turquoise waters and great for snorkling and divers. Coron is also ideal for diving. Casual divers should head to Alona Beach on the island of Panglao as the marine life is incredible. Or try Huma Island Resort & Spa, an island in Coron which offers an opulent escape with villas over clear waters and luxurious facilities. An ideal spot for serious divers, you can dive deep to explore over a dozen sunken Japanese warships and planes which have led the island to become one of the top 10 best diving sites in the world.

Travel

IN N EED OF A L I T T L E 'M E ' T I M E, T H EN LOOK N O F U RT H ER. H E RE A RE LA DI DA ' S FAVO U R IT E S PAS . . .

Spa & Champagne Afternoon Tea

Spas

eadlam Hall Hotel in County Durham is offering a Spa Afternoon Tea Package for just £55 per person Monday to Friday. It’s available for up to six people and includes tea and coffee on arrival at 11.30 am and luxury robes and slippers, use of the spa facilities from 12 to four and the choice of one of the following 30 minute treatments, Purity Ritual Facial, Gel Nail Shape & Varnish, Intense Rose Eye Repair. Once you’ve been completely pampered at the gorgeous spa you can enjoy a full champagne afternoon tea in the lounge at 4.30pm. Or as an optional extra, you can start your day with Brunch in the Brasserie between 10.30 am and 11.30am for an additional £6.50 per person. Tel: 01325 730238 to make your reservation. www.headlamhall.co.uk

Matfen’s new Aqua Vitae Spa

he gorgeous and historic Matfen Hall Hotel has opened a fabulous new, £300,000 spa, the Aqua Vitae Spa. At the heart of the new spa is a thermal suite designed to improve circulation and soothe both body and soul, with an aromatherapy room - with mood lighting and aromatherapy essences - a steam room and a sauna. There is also an ice bucket shower and ice fountains, to cool the body temperature and wash away toxins and a multi-headed monsoon shower, offering a choice of temperatures and water patterns. In addition, spa visitors and residents can enjoy the 16m UV-filtrated swimming pool and spa pool along with a range of treatments, facials and massages, carried out in candlelit treatment rooms.

www.matfenhall.com

Holistic luxury

f you’re bored of the normal spa treatments then try The Morritt Country House Hotel on the North Yorkshire border. It’s luxurious spa, The Garage, has a natural holistic approach. With a huge range of treatments and treatment rooms, it’s worth going for the whole day. It’s fabulous treatments include the Hammam, an ultra pampering cleansing technique dating back to roman times, a dry floatation room and Ambient Salt Room. There is even a blow dry bar so you can leave looking and feeling your best after chilling with a post spa drink in one of their super comfy hammock chairs. www.themorritt.co.uk

Spa on the lake

verlooking the beautiful lake, the Spa at Wynyard Hall is a divine haven for ultimate relaxation. It’s the perfect hideaway for those seeking an expert approach from their therapist in exclusive surroundings with idyllic views thrown in. Choose from the treatment list or opt for the bespoke service where a treatment is prepared just for you. We love the Salt Inhalation room which purifies and detoxifies the skin followed by a blissful soak in the outdoor Vitality Spa where you can watch the swans glide past. www.wynyardhall.co.uk new year

2015

Feature Travel

Luxury spa launch

fabulous new spa is being developed at Ramside Hall Hotel in County Durham. It will be opening in spring 2015 and is partnering with top luxury brand ESPA for all of its facial and body treatments. The spa is part of a £16m investment at the hotel which has included the upgrading of its golf course and the creation of an additional 47 deluxe rooms. It includes 12 luxurious therapy rooms where ESPA treatments will be carried out, a 25m long pool, a hydrotherapy pool and a range of saunas and steam rooms and a Rasul mud chamber. The new spa will include a host of other new leisure facilities including a gym, group fitness studio and a hair salon along with a stylish Asian restaurant. www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

Garden spa

he stunning Rockliffe Hall spa has become one of the most successful in the UK and was recently awarded a Good Spa Guide award- the ‘Best Spa for Sheer Luxury’, competing against high profile spas including Dormy House, Chewton Glen and Pennyhill Park. This latest award for Rockliffe Hall’s spa comes after a successful 2014 when it received the Good Spa Guide’s new accolade of ‘5 Bubble Luxury’ alongside just five other UK spas. Now further plans are in place to make it even more luxurious, the 5 star resort is opening a new ‘Spa Garden’, the only one of its kind in the North East, within its grounds to further enhance its award-winning spa facilities. Set to open in the Autumn, it will feature two outdoor hot pools, including an infinity edge hydrotherapy pool with massage features and a warm Jacuzzi, under-floor heated decking and lounging areas, a garden room with a traditional glassfronted sauna cabin, fire pit, water feature, landscaped gardens with views across Rockliffe Hall’s grounds and heated relaxation loungers.

www.rockliffehall.com

Asian inspiration

he multi award-winning Serenity Spa, at five star Seaham Hall, County Durham, has become the first venue in the region to offer a bamboo massage based on the ancient techniques. For centuries, Asian masseurs have recognised the benefits of their native bamboo plants in softening and strengthening the skin. The 60 minute treatment begins with the application of warmed essential oils to the skin before therapists use natural, soft bamboo canes to massage the body, activating specific reflexology points. The massage works to balance, calm and energise and leave skin silky and its rejuvenating effects are long lasting. The bamboo massage is being offered as the highlight of a day long package, which also includes full use of the spa and thermal facilities, such as a crystal light sanarium, a black granite steam room and a 20 metre massage pool. Visitors will also be served a two course lunch in the Serenity Spa’s pan-Asian Ozone restaurant. www.seaham-hall.co.uk

Divine relaxation

elaxation is the order of the day at the spa at opulent Slaley Hall which was refurbished last year. Relax in the luxurious lounge spa with a fruit smoothie and then indulge in a fabulous ESPA treatment before taking a dip in the glam pool with jacuzzi or enjoy a dual treatment with a friend or partner. Then be truly indulgent and head for the stylish Dukes restaurant in your gown and enjoy Afternoon Tea with a glass of fizz. www.qhotels.co.uk new year

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Travel

W H ETH ER YO U FA NC Y A G R A ND A DV EN T U RE T H IS YEA R, IN DU LG ING YOU RS ELF I N YO U R FAVE HO B BY SOM EWH ERE FA B U LOU S OR YOU JUST FEEL LIKE S OME S HE E R U NA D U LT E R AT ED LU XU RY, WE H AV E J U S T T H E TR IP FOR YOU. LI NDA J A N E W E S T P H A L PRESEN TS T H E U LT IM AT E H OLIDAYS…

The Travel Edit Island Luxury Life Want to stay on your own island for the ultimate luxury break? Eriska is located on the West Coast of Scotland, with gorgeous views overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Morvern Mountains. Highland cattle graze, badgers visit, grey seals and otters swim in the surrounding waters. Distant islands form a stunning backdrop to Eriska’s golf course and guests can enjoy a spot of sailing, shooting and many other activities during their stay as well as the outstanding ESPA spa followed by a meal at the exceptional Michelin starred restaurant. There will be a brand new state of the art thermal suite with sauna, steam room and Rasul room opening shortly and in March, there are two new luxurious treatment rooms opening, with baths, showers and stunning sea views as well as a new Life Fitness Gymnasium. Eriska has recently launched its two brand new Hilltop Reserves which come complete with their own hot tubs. The hotel offers a variety of special packages including the three day Romance Package and three day Hilltop Reserve Package. For more information take a look at www.eriska-hotel.co.uk. Tel 01631 720 371.

Yoga, Spa, Glamour… The beautiful Le Mas Candille, a boutique hotel in Mougins with a multi award winning Shiseido Spa and Michelin starred restaurant, is just 5 miles from super glam Cannes and offers a heavenly luxury break experience. They are currently offering some amazing deals which can include dining at their Michelin starred restaurant and yoga and spa treatments so check them out quickly and take advantage of ultimate luxury for great prices. www.lemascandille.co.uk

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Feature Travel

Golf cruise

Eat, Drink, Relax....

Fancy the ultimate romantic trip oyster tasting and picnicing on the Arguin sandbanks in La Belle France? Le Saint James, a luxury Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel has 15 bedrooms and three suites, one of the best restaurants in the region, its own state of the art cookery school, an outdoor heated pool, a sauna and even its own vineyard for the ultimate indulgence. The Discover Aquitaine package includes a dinner for two in the French bistro, ‘Le Café de l’Espérance’, a day out on a typical ‘pinasse’ boat in the bay of Arcachon with oyster tasting and a picnic on the Arguin sandbanks, a gastronomic dinner for two in the Michelin starred restaurant, ‘Le Saint James’ and a cookery class in the hotel’s state of the art cookery school ‘Côté Cours’. The total price of the package is £1,404 based on two people sharing and is available from April to October 2015 subject to availability. www.saintjames-bouliac.com

Sensory experience

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas are exceptional experiences in places of incredible natural beauty. Bespoke experiences are delivered by a wealth of experts Six Senses call upon from visiting spa practitioners and celebrity chefs, to star gazers, marine biologists and even their own paragliding professional. The beauty of the resort and the unique nature of the experience creates something very special. Ideal for a honeymoon, romantic break or just a luxurious adventure. www.sixsenses.com

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Links, Lochs and Sounds is a unique new cruise from Hebridean Island Cruises and offers both experienced golfing pros and nervous putters alike a special golfing experience on some of the finest and most remote golf courses in the UK. Courses include the ‘Old Tom Morris’ designed course in Askernish, Isle of Skye Golf Club and Stornoway Golf Club. Picturesque and remote, these courses offer the perfect accompaniment to Hebridean Princess’s regular programme of excursions and feature some exciting hidden gems. Departing 8 September 2015 from Oban, prices for this 7 night cruise start from £3,910 per person. www.hebridean.co.uk

Jetsetter spa

A tropical hideout amidst the sizzling South Beach scene, The Setai, Miami Beach has become a favourite respite for high profile jetsetters. The luxury hotel’s new spa experience offers specially formulated THÉMAÉ treatments and products and curated from four types of teas: red (rooibos), white, green and black teas. The Spa features four private spa suites, ocean and pool views, a private bath and steam room. A Golden Spa retreat Experience costs approx £531 and includes a four hour pampering session. www.thesetaihotel.com/spa

Travel

SO PH I S TI C AT E D, CO S M O P O L I TA N A N D ST YLISH , EDIN B U RG H IS A GEM OF A P L AC E TO VI S I T. L A DI DA H EA DED N ORT H A N D E MB ARKED O N A VE RY S P E C I A L SCOT T ISH LOV E A F FA IR... WORDS LINDA JANE WESTPHAL

Scottish Jewel

o misquote Samuel Johnson, when you’re tired of Edinburgh, you’re tired of life. This dazzlingly beautiful city never fails to take your breath away. Arriving by train after a very civilised journey, enlivened by a reviving glass of wine, we hit the station at rush hour. Laden down with a ridiculous amount of luggage for a short stay, it was with joy that we realised our hotel was literally just 100 yards up across the road. The Royal British Hotel is a grand Victorian building currently under renovation to transform it into Edinburgh’s Hotel Indigo premier boutique hotel and by Autumn 2015 it will be complete. The transformation could already be seen when we arrived. The reception, bar and restaurant areas are all fabulously contemporary, with strikingly stylish decor that works well with the building’s regal Victorian features. The welcome was warm, making you feel instantly relaxed. Our rooms were contemporary and stylish with individual design touches. A huge, squishy bed with lots of pillows, a generous sized bathroom with a rainfall walk in shower, oodles of posh bathroom products and a good supply of soft towels, it was perfect. We headed to the hotel’s award winning Juniper bar. With velvet banquettes looking directly out onto the stunning Edinburgh skyline, it was an ideal location to sample the bar’s legendary cocktails. And they didn’t disappoint. Our favourite was a Popcorn Cocktail, which not only tasted delicious but came with a retro cinema ticket and a generous pot of home made popcorn,

heavenly and very cute. After cocktails and nibbles, we wandered into the hotel’s award winning Twenty Princes Street Grill & Smokehouse restaurant for dinner. Opened last year, it has created a great buzz on an Edinburgh scene generously blessed with Michelin starred restaurants and top chefs. It has just been awarded Best New Restaurant in Scotland 2014 from the Scottish Variety Awards and a special commendation for Food and Drink at the Scottish Hotel Awards. The restaurant is housed in an elegant ballroom with grand Victorian proportions, triple height windows offering incredible views and a beautifully ornate original ceiling and cornicing. The restaurant’s menu is extensive and is eclectic and inventive, making the most of Scotland’s finest seasonal produce including Castle Mey Select Beef, west coast mussels and hand dived scallops fresh from the coast. 20 Princes Street has a state of the art Josper Grill, a favourite of top chefs such as Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsey, and it delivers seriously good steaks, seafood and vegetables, perfectly cooked and with a depth of flavour enhanced by the grill’s hardwood oak charcoal. Fellow Ed Liz started with a Perthshire venison ravioli with picked walnut beurre noisette whilst I opted for the Home smoked mackeral pate, which came with pickled cucumber salad and horseradish crème fraiche. Liz reported that her venison ravioli was perfectly cooked, with the pickled walnut cutting through the dense meaty flavours of the game to provide just the right level of new year

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sharpness. My pate arrived housed in a cloche which produced a cloud of smoke filling the air with a mouth-watering smell of mackerel. The tableside theatrics added a real wow factor and both dishes were beautifully presented. The mackerel pate was very good, flavoursome with just the right texture and the fish worked well with the tangy pickled cucumber and hit of heat from the horseradish. For our main course I couldn’t resist Half a Scottish Lobster which was served with triple cooked chips and smoked garlic and lemon butter, which was as divine as it sounded. Moist, fresh, succulent lobster and moreish triple cooked chips made this an absolute feast. Liz opted for one of the restaurant’s signature steaks and plumped for the fillet steak, choosing a peppercorn sauce to accompany it. It came served with triple cooked chips also and had been cooked on the Josper Grill. Liz reported that it was beautifully cooked and flavoursome and a taste test on my behalf confirmed this. Despite a thoroughly indulgent dessert menu, we were struggling to fit any more food in. Instead we opted to share a plate of delicious Scottish cheeses. Served with fig and raisin chutney and Arran Oatcakes, it was the perfect end to a lovely meal. The prices are very good value for such amazing food and location. Entrees start from just five pounds with mains at £12 and desserts around the £5 mark also. In the morning, after an amazing breakfast in the breathtaking ballroom, it was time to head for nearby Harvey Nicks, Louis Vuitton and Michael Cors before we returned home. We absolutely loved our stay and will be returning. Fabulous decor, fabulous food and drink and very fabulous people!

TAST I N G N OTE S Royal British Hotel 20 Princes Street, Edinburgh, 0131 652 7370 www.twentyprincesstreet.co.uk

Feature Travel

Style

OVE cocktails? Love fashion? Then you’ll love the super stylish five star G&V Royal Mile hotel. Situated in the city centre, just a ten minute stroll to the designer shops in Multrees Walk, it was formerly Hotel Missoni but rebranded last year. The new name is an abbreviation of George & Victoria and gives a proud nod to the area’s royal heritage and the hotel’s enviable location in the heart of Edinburgh on the corner of George IV Bridge,Victoria Street and The Royal Mile. The hotel is still extremely design led with Scottish fashion designers and local kilt king Howie Nicholsby helping to create new, modern Scottish inspired uniforms, crockery and linens. Though Missoni may have gone, detail and high fashion is still evident. My suite was amazing with a circular sofa bed adorned with bright pink cushions and a monochrome patterned fabric to match the curtains. There was a shocking pink chair in the living area where I relaxed with a wine and the latest Tatler. The suite was huge. As well as fantastic views over the city, there was stylish red and black dining area, complete with a chilled bottle of

LIZ LA M B EN J OYS A ST YLISH S TAY IN T H E C ITY.

The City

champers and strawberries, and a pink and grey bathroom with a luxury bath. Cocktails are still king in the hotel bar so, of course, the girls and I enjoyed a couple of gorgeous concoctions before we went out to join friends for a meal. The hotel does have a fabulous restaurant (I’ve eaten there before) so this is worth trying too. Next day we headed out for lunch to The Magnum, in Edinburgh’s New Town, which was a short stroll from Harvey Nichols. There was a real buzz about the place with friends enjoying lunch and a bottle of wine and business people from nearby offices debating finance while they dined. The bar and restaurant offers the best in Scottish produce alongside fresh seasonal game and seafood dishes. There is a comprehensive lunch menu offering two courses for £13.95 and three

WWW.TH EMAGN U M .WEBEDEN.CO.U K new year

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courses for £15.95 as well as a bar menu serving up delights such as sausage of the day, creamy Cullen skink and Scottish beef and rosemary burger. For starters we opted for king scallops with black pudding, pea puree and micro herb salad (£8.50) and Buccleuch haggis spring roll with hickory relish and dressed leaves and carrot and cumin humus with oatcakes. Both dishes were well presented and tasted delicious. It was great to see a different variety of humus on the menu. Mains were smoked bacon hash cake with fried duck egg and gooseberry ketchup from the set menu and sausage with parsnip Dauphinoise, green beans wrapped in Proscioutto and red onion gravy (£11.50). Again, they were great quality dishes and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients in particularly the meat. We declined desserts, opting for coffee instead, but offerings include warm treacle tart, coffee and chestnut parfait and white chocolate and bramble crème brulee. The Magnum is a real find-great city centre location with fantastic dishes offering Scottish produce. Add it to your little black book along with G&V Royal Mile Hotel-Scottish flavours with style.

WWW.G A NDV H OT EL .CO M

e m i l b u S One word to express your wedding, the greatest of all days

HOTEL DU VIN NEWCASTLE

THE STAGE IS SET FOR YOUR PERFECT WEDDING

With exquisite private rooms, gorgeous suites, a tranquil outdoor courtyard, heavenly dining and your own dedicated events organiser, there can be no more fitting a stage as you glide elegantly from ceremony to wedding breakfast and beyond. Hotel du Vin is the perfect venue for weddings and civil partnerships.

0844 736 4259 events.newcastle@hotelduvin.com w w w. H O T E L D U V I N . c o m

ALLAN HOUSE, CITY ROAD, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE1 2BE

L A D I DA W E D D I NG S

PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.SEANELLIOTTPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

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SHOOT COURTESY OF THE BISCUIT FACTORY. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN ELLIOTT. WWW.THEBISCUITFACTORY.COM WWW.SEANELLIOTTPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

Weddings

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Weddings

Divine dresses

Sas si Ho lfo rd, Mia Spo sa

A LL TH E L ATE S T T R E ND S FO R T H E ULT I MATE S WO O NS WO RT HY G OWN

Mia Sposa

Understated elegance Rachel Simpson, Saffron, Poppy Bridal

Pretty as a princess

It’s all about the back story It’s all about the back. Try gorgeous sheer backless styles with crystals or embellished lace appliqués

Tzarina Necklace, Poppy Bridal

Mia Sposa new year

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Weddings Feature

Mildred, Mia Sposa

Strapless chic Rachel Simpson, Mimosa Pale Mint, Poppy Bridal

Luxe lace

Je nn y Pa ck ha m Ba rd ot , Po pp y Br id al

Lace features luxurious detailing and beautiful variations reflecting the trend for different fabrics providing a much softer look to certain styles.

Mia Sposa

Maggie Sottero Serencia, Poppy Bridal

Rachel Simpson, Victoria Blush, Poppy Bridal

ALL DRESSES AVAILABLE FROM MIA SPOSA | TEL: 0191 2211 688 | WWW.WEDDINGDRESSESNEWCASTLE.CO.UK AND POPPY BRIDAL | TEL: 01325 487 372 | WWW.POPPYBRIDAL.CO.UK new year

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Love is in the air and we're celebrating in style...

DBB from ÂŁ129 Deluxe Dinner, Bed & Breakfast including bottle of Prosecco in room shown ÂŁ180

www.houndgatetownhouse.co.uk 01325 486011 info@houndgatetownhouse.co.uk

/HGTownhouse

Weddings Feature

Let's make up TH I S Y EAR ’ S B R I D E S A R E N’ T J U ST F RES H OF FAC E , T HE Y HAVE A LI TTL E B I T O F G L A M O U R G OIN G ON . WE ASK E D O NE O F T HE U K ’S TOP B RI DA L M A K E U P A RT I STS JO LE V E RSUC H HOW TO AC HIEV E IT

Fizz Factor TH E DATE’S SET IN STON E, YOU ’ V E VISITED EVERY BRIDAL SH OP WIT H IN A 200 M ILE RAD IUS AND F OU N D TH E D RESS, THE RECEP TI ON IS B OOK ED AND YOU CAN FINALLY PU T YOU R F EET UP AND H AVE A WELL-D E S ERV ED GLA SS OF………. AND TH AT ’S WH EN YOU R EA LIS E TH AT FIZ Z IS AN ABSOLUT E ESS EN TIA L. From getting ready and greeting guests, to toasts, it’s just bubbles all the way, and, of course, we would all like to serve the finest Champagne and be thankful that money is no object but this is the real world and sometimes cost is an issue. Fear not, there are some great wines out there that will do you proud without breaking the bank. Try Blanquette de Limoux or a Crammant from the Loire, better still – if you can get it – Sparkling Dry Vouvray. Half the price of a good N/V Champagne but made with Chenin Blanc grapes and absolutely sublime. Of course, you can very easily spend your money this side of The Channel, Les Anglaises are now making some super sparklings which are giving ‘abroad’ a run for its money. Gusbourne Estate Blanc de Blancs, Kent. Pure Chardonnay and impressively sleek, with satisfyingly bright fruit and a touch of toastiness. Creamy and rich with an acidity that wraps things up nicely, but not too obviously. The finish is long and persistent, making this a top notch example of English sparkling wine and one of my favourites. This would work well with an oyster or shellfish starter, perfect with Chaud Froid Chicken. Nyetimber Classic Cuvée, Sussex. A blend from the three classic Champagne grapes, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Attractive red fruit aromas, courtesy of the Pinots give way to a rounded palate where notes of brioche and yellow fruit sit elegantly with toasted almonds. A more than worthy match for salmon starters. Camel Valley Pinot Noir, Cornwall. Beyond the delicate salmon-peach colour, one detects Pinot’s hallmark biscuity power. Plenty of red fruit personality ensures balance and pleasure in equal measure. A treat to toast the newly weds with.

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Weddings

The

Report

LA DI DA ASKED TWO TOP WEDDING EXPERTS FOR THEIR TAKE ON THIS SEASON’S HOTTEST TRENDS….

Let it bloom… F LOR I S T KATIE BE NNE T T O FFE R S H ER TOP TI PS F OR F LO R A L FA B U LO U S NESS …. It’s all about the flowers for the 2015 wedding season. Marvellous blooms not only transform wedding venues into stunning backdrops for your big day but they can add the final wow factor to your dress. Flowers were much in evidence on the wedding catwalks for this season and anything goes in terms of styling. Before you go and see your florist, make sure you have the basics of your wedding covered – it’s no good asking for advice on what flowers and types of arrangements to choose if you haven’t got your venue or your colour scheme sorted. It’s also a really good idea to have found that perfect dress; you want your bouquet to compliment your gown. Your wedding is probably the only day you get to walk around clutching a gorgeous bunch of your favourite blooms, so (no

pressure), make sure you choose well! It’s also one of the only days you’ll actually wear flowers and get away with it, unless you’re Carrie Bradshaw, that is. And as we all know, ‘next to the importance of wearing jewels and lace, comes the importance of wearing flowers’. Over-sized floral crowns are really fashionable at the moment and make a gorgeous statement – go for big blousy garden roses. Flowers suspended from lights and beams using fishing wire give an ethereal, magical atmosphere. Imagine walking under a sky of beautiful blooms? (Think along the lines of the Great Hall in Harry Potter, with candles magically floating in mid-air…). Garlanding poles with greenery and fairy-lights, interjected with fluffy clouds of gypsophilia is

mystical and mood enhancing. Pop a flower in the back of every chair, or why not even give each guest a rustic miniature succulent plant as a favour? Not only will they add to your table decorations, your guests will get to take them home and watch them grow. Basically, the rule to follow is the more the better! Remember that you’re not wasting money on fresh flowers that are only going to last a few days. The impact they will have on you and your guests will be enough to last a lifetime.

KATIE BENNETT IS ONE OF THE TOP FLORISTS AT LEADING WEDDING FLORIST FLOWERS BY NATTRASS WWW.FLOWERSBYNATTRASS.COM. new year

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Weddings Feature

Style Bible HIG H - EN D FA SH ION , IN T ERIOR DES IGN AND COLOU R A U T H ORIT IES S ET T H E AG ENDA FOR T HIS S EA SON ’S H OT T EST WEDDIN G LOOKS. L A D I DA A SK ED WEDDIN G EV EN T S T YLIST SOPHIE C LA RK E F ROM SC EV EN T S T YLIN G F O R HER TAKE O N T H E K EY T H EM ES T H IS YEA R…… Anything goes this season with a truly diverse range of themes and colours which can offer fashion forward couples the chance to create a really bespoke but on trend feel for their big day. Neon colours such as lemon yellow are going to be teamed with crisp whites and greys to create an ultra modern look that will look amazing in an industrial setting. On the opposite end of the scale, organic colours such as sage green and greys, will be used a lot by the couples that prefer a more homely feel, with lots of natural touches such as; willow frames ceremonies, moss and leafy décor, along with fresh, aromatic floral arrangements. Mixed metallic colours are an on-going trend and will be very prominent in accessories, linen and décor throughout 2015. These colours mentioned will be used within wedding décor with couples opting for statement designs, hanging décor (think chandeliers in trees!) and flower walls (thank you Dior!). Venue locations are moving away

SC EVENT STYLING LTD. 01642 279 750 HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SOPHIECLARKEWEDDINGDESIGNS new year

from the recently seen barns and gardens, and will feature more industrial spaces and stunning architecture. People are seeking out that space that hasn’t been used as a wedding venue and are using their own ideas to create a perfectly styled event, in what was essentially just a brick room… Amazing. High-end wedding gown designers have made a change in design direction this year. Out go the typical A-line, sweet heart necklines to make room for 1930’s glamour with covered shoulders and extraordinary hand sewn beading. We will also see an abundance of beautiful off-shoulder looks, teamed with textured, big, tulle skirts, with applique florals even. Florists are getting in on the act with creating floral accessories for the bridal party, such as floral crowns, which are still on the scene this year, as well as floral necklaces, which are stunning to see, touch and smell! A perfect match for gowns featuring this season’s colours of delicate greys, ethereal blues and barely-there mint green gowns.

PHOTOS BY WWW.CHRIS-PARKINSON.CO.UK

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Weddings Feature

La Di Da

Venues…

WA N T SOME W HE R E FINE A N D FABULOUS AND TOTA L LY U NIQ U E FO R YO U R WED D ING VENUE? WE P I C K S O ME O F O U R FAVO URITES...

WY NYARD HALL

COUNTRY CHIC The Alnwick Garden

night adding to the wow factor. Or opt for the simply glorious Treehouse, which is impossibly romantic and has hosted some of the finest society weddings. www.alnwickgarden.com Slaley Hall

the Kielder Suite and Hunting Room for larger gatherings or Baybridge or Priestman for more intimate events. Great spa and golf course as well for those pre – wedding bride and groom get togethers and a beautiful restaurant. www.qhotels.co.uk/slaley Matfen Hall Hotel, Matfen

A magical venue. Want a day your guests will remember forever? Why not get married in the Pavilion room with its views of the garden and then have an evening reception overlooking the Grand Cascade, followed by dancing under the stars in the Pavilion Atrium. Up to 200 can be accommodated for the marriage or civil partnership and 500 for the evening function. The Grand Cascade will be lit up at

Stylishly opulent, Slaley Hall is full of traditional charm with a laid back glamour. This Northumberland mansion is surrounded by acres of moorland and forest for a spectacular country manor feel. Choose from new year

Wow, if you want a real statement wedding this is your place. It’s a beautiful country house, still

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owned by aristocracy, and has a real sense of its own style, like the most fabulous country home. As well as lots of very charming reception rooms, it has the truly beautiful Great Hall with stained glass window for the ceremony or party and private entrance for the wedding party. The elegant Terrace Rooms provide a very grand setting for your wedding breakfast and you can add in bespoke elements. We love the idea of Afternoon Pimms on the lawn followed by BBQ and fireworks. www.matfenhall.com Headlam Hall Hotel A stunning venue on the North Yorks, County Durham border. Your guests will love sweeping up the gravel drive to be greeted by the sight of the beautiful ivy clad

Weddings

Jacobean country mansion amidst four acres of stunning walled gardens. There is also a luxurious spa and both traditional and contemporary bedrooms so you have something to suit all your guests. It also has a picturesque 9 hole golf course and 2 AA Rosette starred restaurant. Choose the beautiful Edwardian Suite or for more intimate events, you can use the elegant drawing room. www.headlamhall.co.uk

staterooms. This stately home features three grand state rooms, 16 bedrooms located within separate wings throughout the building, a Minstrel’s Gallery, Bar, Entrance Halls and grounds. Grand and fabulous with lots of style. www.carltontowers.co.uk

bespoke and very stylish and with lots of fabulous little touches. In the summer you can enjoy a reception on the terrace with a bespoke cocktail made by the team’s amazing mixologists. Very classy. Think New York or London style in County Durham. www.houndgatetownhouse.co.uk

URBAN ELEGANCE

Crab and Lobster

Bannatyne Hotel, Darlington

Wynyard Hall The elegant and romantic Wynyard Hall offers a very stylish and luxurious venue. Wynyard Hall Country House Hotel is set in 150 acres of private parkland and features an impressive, colonnaded mansion, once described as the finest in the county. Quality and elegance describe the venue best with opulent State Rooms providing the perfect setting for arrival drinks, canapés and Champagne receptions. Couples who choose a religious service can exchange their vows in the Hall’s historic and charming private Brooks Chapel. www.wynyardhall.co.uk Carlton Towers Home to Lord and Lady Gerald Fitzalan Howard, it has fairytale

A beautiful townhouse on the edge of Darlington’s West End, it features the elegant Wilbur Suite, with floor length windows and a romantic pavilion in the garden. The experienced weddings team revel in creating something bespoke for your big day. With 60 bedrooms available, ranging from the traditional to the contemporary, there is something for every taste. www.bannatyne.co.uk

Crab Manor, near Thirsk, is just a little piece of heaven in the Yorkshire countryside. Fabulously quirky in the best possible way, it’s 17 rooms are incredible including many private suites in the garden with their own hot tubs. It has beautifully landscaped gardens which include romantic fountains and terraces. The famous Crab and Lobster restaurant provides a beautiful backdrop as well as gourmet standard wedding breakfasts and receptions. Lots of personality, amazing rooms and delish food. www.crabandlobster.co.uk

Houndgate Townhouse

URBAN AND QUIRKY The Biscuit Factory

All fashion forward luxury, this 8 bedroom design hotel has amazing interiors and its own sense of style. A historic building on one of Darlington’s oldest streets, this is ideal for smaller, intimate gatherings. Rooms are new year

For an unforgettable venue, try the Biscuit Factory. This amazing art gallery now has its own special

2015

event space, The Biscuit Room, which will be connected to the main building by a lift. The space is beautiful. It features fabulous contemporary chandeliers and a bar that can be lit up in lots of funky colours. It is stylish but neutral enough to put your own stamp on it. With a private suite for the bridal party and the chance to use the gallery itself for a drinks reception, this venue is truly special. Add in bespoke menus from award winning chefs, and you can see why it’s creating such a buzz. www.biscuitfactoryevents.com The Laing Fancy somewhere a little different? The Laing Art Gallery, at New Bridge Street, Newcastle, has joined the city’s Discovery Museum and Great North Museum:Hancock in offering its unique galleries for weddings and civil partnerships, enabling couples to tie the knot surrounded by world famous works of art. The elegant Gallery can also host wedding and civil partnership ceremonies in a variety of its rooms, including its dramatic 18th and 19th Century Gallery. It can host up to 80 guests and houses works by world renowned artists including William Holman Hunt, Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough and Gauguin. www.twmuseums.org.uk Discovery Museum For a wedding with wow factor take a look at the Discovery Museum, home to the famous Turbinia steam ship. The

Weddings Feature

magnificent Great Hall provides a stunning location for wedding ceremonies, wedding breakfasts and evening receptions and can cater for up to 350 guests, while the Turbinia Gallery, Science Maze and Cafe are also licensed for civil ceremonies. www.twmuseums.org.uk Hancock Museum

secret bathroom, which you have to walk through the back of a wardrobe door to access and fabulous four poster beds so high you feel like the Princess and the Pea. They have hosted all kinds of different weddings at the venue including medieval which suited the building and grounds perfectly. www.lumleycastle.com Chillingham Castle

Imagine making your vows in the shadow of a life-size replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex! Well, if you choose the Great North Museum: Hancock you can guarantee a memorable event with possibly the best photo opps ever. Full of fascinating relics and historic artefacts, it offers a venue with a difference www.twmuseums.org.uk

GORGEOUS CASTLES Lumley Castle

For a fairytale setting, try the majestic 600-year-old Lumley Castle in Chester-le-Street. With some amazing receptions rooms, you can wed like royalty. Lumley even has its own sewing room complete with seamstress for last minute repairs! The rooms are incredibly romantic, all different and unique with features like the

Awarded the accolade as one of the Top 50 castles in Europe by the Independent on Sunday, this amazing place offers a dramatic and very grand backdrop to your wedding celebrations. This 12th century Castle is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in the country but there have been no reports so far to suggest they are unwelcome guests at the rather fabulous weddings held here. The Elizabethans added ‘Long Galleries’ and Capability Brown designed the park in 1752 which serves as a perfect backdrop for the photos. The glorious Italian garden was laid out in the 19th century by Sir Jeffrey Wyatville, fresh from his royal triumphs at Windsor Castle. It has been the venue of many Royal visits from 1200s onwards and offers a very regal venue for couples who want a Castle with a difference. www.chillinghamcastle.co.uk

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URBAN GLAMOUR Hotel Du Vin There's only one hotel the A listers always check into when they head into Newcastle and that's the ultra stylish Hotel Du Vin. This is a hugely flexible wedding venue and you can guarantee whatever size your party or dinner or ceremony, it will be fashion fabulous with the finest food and drink around. Did you know you can even hire it exclusively? You can choose to book the hotel for exclusive use and then the possibilities are endless.Your very own Hotel du Vin! Think of it as a blank canvas, what it becomes is entirely up to you, just tell the ‘can do’ team at the hotel what you want and they will help you create the ceremony or reception of your dreams. The beautiful and very cool Edwardian building is on the banks of the River Tyne with many of their amazing suites overlooking the river with views to die for. These penthouse suites are very sexy and all of the rooms are fabulous. The bistro is renowned for its food and wines and the expert team will work with you to come up with something very special whether it's a wedding party for just close friends and family or something larger. It goes without saying that there is a huge list of fantastic wines and champagnes to choose from. And for the smokers amongst your party, there is even a Cigar Shack in the grounds with super comfy leather armchairs for your own private Gentleman's Club. Both of HdV's private rooms, The Shipyard and The Bridge, as well as the bistro are licensed for civil ceremonies. www.hotelduvin.com/newcastle 2015

Weddings

H U W L LOY D & TA N YA B UC K I NG H A M Midd leton Lodge

uw, a vet and Tanya, an event rider and instructor, met four years ago at a clay pigeon shoot. They got married on New Year’s Eve at Middleton Lodge, North Yorkshire with nearly 300 friends and family in attendance for a perfectly elegant and romantic winter wedding. After a beautiful ceremony at St. Michael & All Angels church at Middleton Tyas, they left under an arch of horse whips held by the Zetland Hunt Pony Club, who are taught by Tanya, before being whisked away to Middleton Lodge in a 1930s vintage navy blue Rolls Royce. The bride wore a beautiful Jenny Packham dress and the bridesmaid Beth Hutchinson wore a metallic silver dress by Dessy accessorised with a Jenny Packham belt and head dress, both dresses from Poppy Bridal in Darlington. Beth wore a sparkly pair of Jimmy Choos, a present from Tanya, whilst Tanya wore Manolo Blahniks. Bridal make up was by Jo Leversuch from Make up by Jo and hair by Sarah Richardson of Kendal’s Hair Salon in Barnard Castle. Tanya’s mother,Yvonne Buckingham, paired a vintage fur stole with a breathtaking pheasant feather trimmed hat from Darlington Milliner Joel Alexander for a super stylish mother of the bride outfit. The wedding party enjoyed a sumptuous wedding breakfast. In the evening guests were treated to a delicious hog roast and champagne whilst watching a spectacular firework display, set to music, to welcome in 2015, which is guaranteed to be a very special year for Tanya and Huw. PHOTOS BY CRISMATTHEWS.COM FIREWORKS BY MATTHEWSBROSPYRO.COM

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Weddings Feature

M A R K & CA R O L I N E DAV I E S Wolvis ton C hurch, nr Wynyard

ark and Caroline have known each other since they were very young, with their families growing up close to each in the small village of Wolviston, outside Wynyard. Caroline now works as a wellness coach and Mark, who was a professional cricketer who played for Durham, Kent and England, asked her to help him get back in shape for the start of the cricket season and the rest is history. The couple opted for a stylish village wedding in their home village of Wolviston. They married at St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, where both sets of their parents were originally married, and then strolled home for a marquee reception in the garden of their home. Caroline wore a beautiful dress from Essense of Australia from Dobinsons of Darlington, with bridesmaids in summer white. Her make up was by brother in law Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife Lucy Davies at La Belle Vous. The groom and best man wore royal blue. The best man was professional footballer Andrew Davies, brother of Mark and bridesmaid A List Actress Charlotte Riley. Their beautiful garden had been transformed into a fairytale setting for their wedding breakfast with fairy lights, lanterns and hearts hanging from the trees. The theme was a fashion forward take on an elegant English garden party with vintage china, cake stands and kilner jars of retro sweeties and ice buckets of champagne dotting the tables. The incredible band Cattle & Cane provided entertainment. Surrounded by all the people they loved, in the heart of their local village, it was the perfect summer wedding. PHOTOS BY WWW.CARROPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

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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 new year

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Weddings Feature

S E A N & E R I N F L ETC H E R T he Treehous e, The Alnwick Garden

ean and Erin Fletcher were originally high school sweethearts who then met again a few years later in their home town of Alnwick. They started dating at Christmas and Sean proposed on Christmas Eve four years later. A Christmas wedding seemed the perfect way to celebrate. The Treehouse, Erinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream venue, added a magical setting for a winter wedding with its huge Christmas tree and fairytale interior. They chose to have the wedding at 5pm as the Treehouse was lit at night with hundreds of twinkling fairy lights and the wedding theme was snowflakes. Their wedding favours were silver snowflake tree decorations, snowflakes were hidden in the bouquets and added to the floral arrangements, and they even had a snowflake themed cocktail. Erin wore a stunning dress from New Beginnings bridal in Whitley Bay. She knew it was the one, she said, when her mum started crying when she tried it on. The bridesmaids looked beautiful in aubergine. The couple enjoyed a truly magical wedding at the Treehouse. A unique and beautiful venue for a unique and beautiful ceremony. PHOTOS BY KAREN MCGOWRAN PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.KARENMCGOWRANPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

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Top Treehouse new year

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T H E T REEH OU S E H A S B ECOM E AN ICONIC V ISITOR AT T RAC T ION . IT H A S HOSTED ROYA LT Y, A LIST C ELEB RIT IES AND THE WR AP PA RT Y F OR DOWN TON A B B EY. AS IT C ELEB RAT ES ITS 1 0 T H A N N IV E R SARY YEAR , EDITOR L I N DA JAN E WES T P H AL MEETS G EN ERA L M A N AG ER DAV ID S COTT TO FIND OU T WH AT H E H A S P LA N N ED…. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARRO OF WYNYARD WWW.CARROPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

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ou can’t help but fall utterly in love with The Treehouse at The Alnwick Garden. Even on a bleak winter’s day, it is still enchanting. Beautifully crafted from sustainably sourced woods, it perches high in the treetops like a fairytale film set. All sky high walkways and wobbly rope bridges, it’s impossible not to revel in the sheer crazy fabulousness of it all. At the heart is one of the most beautiful restaurants to be found anywhere. With a roaring log fire, trees growing through the floor, handcrafted furniture and screens created from fallen branches, it is a completely magical dining destination. It’s impossibly romantic but never twee. And to celebrate its 10th anniversary year, it is about to unveil a series of amazing parties, events that will be the ultimate ‘must attends’. Exciting times indeed for the team behind it. The success of the Treehouse is down to the vision of the Duchess of Northumberland and her creative team who genuinely love what they do. And none are more passionate about it than General Manager, David Scott. “I count myself as hugely privileged to work at such a truly unique and special place,” he says. “The Treehouse just gets better each year. We have some really exciting plans for the next 12 months and I can’t wait to see them come to fruition.” And it’s not just the team who are in love with the Treehouse. They have a stellar list of high profile fans. Recent visitors Ant and Dec The Duchess works closely with the Treehouse team on creative ideas

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loved it. “They were brilliant and so much fun.” says David. “They loved the Treehouse and especially the rope bridge, they were bouncing up and down on it and said ‘eeh it’s just like being back in the jungle’,” he laughs. The Treehouse has also played host to the Downton Abbey wrap party and Corrie legend Julie Hesmondhalgh is a regular, as is Prince Charles is a big fan of the beautiful locally sourced seasonal food and has been for dinner several times. “He is such a nice man,” says David. “He asked lots of questions and was really interested in where the food was sourced from and the Treehouse itself. Afterwards I was told that he thought I was brilliant and really loved my enthusiasm, I was so honoured.” It also hosted a very special private party the night before wedding of the Duchess’s daughter, Lady Melissa Percy, known as Missy, to Thomas van Straubenzee. The couple and Princes William, Harry and Charles enjoyed drinks in the Treehouse with a few friends in

“ A n t and D e c we re b ou nc ing u p and dow n o n t he rope br idge and s aid 'e eh it 's j u s t like b eing back in t he j u ngle '… .” the Roost, a mini treehouse on the roof which gave them added privacy. The Princes were charming, he says. “Prince Harry is the cheeky chappie and is the life and soul of the party whilst Prince William was the perfect gentleman. He came over to me and chatted and asked all about me and the Treehouse and seemed really genuine. ” The party particularly enjoyed the Treehouse’s amazing cocktails. Guests at the restaurant can enjoy a pre dinner cocktail in the potting shed and it has become a fabulous part of their offer. “I had remarked to Her Grace one day that I would love to name a cocktail after her and serve it at the Treehouse,” explains David. “She loved it and said ‘let’s go on a pub crawl in London, stay over and go to the best cocktail bars.’ We went all over London ticking off on menus what we liked. We realised that freshly squeezed ingredients were vital for delivering the best taste experience so that is an important part of our cocktails.” Inspired by the fabled tales from The Alnwick Garden’s Poison Garden, these frankly new year

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delicious cocktails have been created by The Duchess and are served in old apothecary bottles. The pair has since embarked upon another ‘pub crawl’ to London to research a range of new cocktails which are due to be added to the extensive menu. “We were joined by Missy, her friend Chelsey Davey and Lord David Linley,” recounts David. “I was sitting there and Hugh Grant was on the next table. I just kept saying to myself ‘how does a boy from a farming family in Alnwick end up sitting here with all these amazing people trying cocktails for a living? It was surreal’.” It’s not just the cocktail offer which will be developed further this year. The Treehouse has earned a reputation for classic, seasonally sourced but very stylish food and its offer is about to get even better with a new kitchen team and newly refurbished kitchen and bar. Head Chef Mark Nicholson had worked for the Treehouse for seven years as sous chef and has recently been promoted. Mark is joined by talented new sous chef Adam Robson, who came from Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food. David acknowledges that the remit isn’t an easy one for their chefs. “They make a great team. Mark has the knowledge and experience whilst Adam has fantastic ideas. He is really into concepts such as dehydration and at the moment the chefs are experimenting with all sorts of new ideas such as ‘edible wood’. It’s a very exciting time for the Treehouse. “ It is also set to be an incredibly busy year as well. The team is hard at work planning some incredible events to celebrate the 10th birthday. Details are a closely guarded secret but expect them to delight and amaze. If their legendary Halloween party is anything to go by, they are going to be the invite of the season. La Di Da was lucky enough to attend their latest Halloween party and it was frankly terrifying in the best possible way. Guests even have to sign a disclaimer. “I’ve been asked ‘is this legal’?” laughs David. “It has become a really cult party to attend and we all have such a fun night.” This year’s Halloween theme has yet to be announced but David has given La Di Da an exclusive. It will be based around clowns and you can guarantee that they won’t be happy ones. We have no doubt that it will be just one of the highlights from a series of incredible events this year which will celebrate this truly special place. We can’t wait.

Beautifully Placed Aston Workshop Authorised 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, and now we have been awarded Authorised Service Centre status by Aston Martin 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.

Feature

North East

Excellence could be more affordable than you think. Enjoy new Audi A4 S Line from only £295 per month with £6,150 deposit contribution.

Audi A4 2.0 TDI 177 S Line 4dr. From only £295 per month with £6,150 deposit contribution 7.3% APR representative.

18” alloy wheels, Automatic start-stop functionality for greater CO2 efficiency, Sports suspension, S Line sports seats and multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth, Audi sound system

Audi Finance Solutions personal contract plan based on 10,000 miles per annum.

Cash Price Customer Deposit Benfield Deposit Contribution Total Amount of Credit 48 Monthly Payments Acceptance Fee*

£31,175.00 £4,000.00 £6,150.00 £21,025.00 £295.69 £125.00

Final Payment

£11,495.00

Total Amount Payable

£35,898.12

Duration of Agreement

49 months

Representative APR

7.3%

Interest Rate (fixed)

7.0%

To arrange a test drive contact your nearest North East Audi Centre or visit www.northeastaudi.co.uk

North East Audi. Part of Benfield Motor Group. Newcastle Audi Scotswood Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7YW. Tel: 0191 226 1144 www.northeastaudi.co.uk/newcastle Tyneside Audi Silverlink Park, Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne NE28 9NT. Tel: 0191 289 6200 www.northeastaudi.co.uk/tyneside Wearside Audi Stadium Way (Opposite Stadium of Light), Sunderland SR5 1AT. Tel: 0191 564 5600 www.northeastaudi.co.uk/wearside Teesside Audi Brooklime Avenue, Preston Farm, Stockton on Tees TS18 3UR. Tel: 01642 603 444 www.northeastaudi.co.uk/teesside

Image for illustration purposes only. Offer available on vehicles registered by 31st March 2015. Finance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. *Payable with first payment. £60 option to purchase fee payable with final payment. Based on 10,000 miles per annum, 7.2p per mile excess mileage charges apply. Official fuel consumption figures for Audi A4 2.0 TDi 177 S Line in mpg (l/100km) Urban 51.4 (5.5) Extra-urban 68.9 (4.1) Combined 61.4 (4.6) CO2 emissions 120 g/km.

Promotion

Future Forward T H E L ATES T N E W LA UN CH ES F RO M BM W O F F ER S TATE O F T HE A RT T ECHN OLOGY A ND S U P E R LUX E LOOKS …

he iconic BMW M range became even more formidable with the recent launch of the new BMW M3 Saloon and M4 Coupé. Powerful and muscular with classic M prowess on the road, the cars are capable of achieving 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds (with the seven-speed DCT Automatic gearbox) thanks to a new high-revving six-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo engine. Lightweight engineering, featuring carbon-fibre and aluminium throughout, has significantly reduced the total weight, giving the cars a class-leading power-toweight ratio and producing an impressive sub eight minute lap time on the Nurburgring. Despite such power, clever BMW EfficientDynamics technologies have reduced CO2 output to an impressive 194g/km. The latest addition to BMW’s M car range is the new M4 Convertible. This new model features a 3 litre M TwinPower Turbo straight six cylinder engine and can reach 0-62mph in an impressive 4.6 seconds. With an unrivalled combination of performance and all-out driving pleasure, the BMW M4 Convertible makes open-top driving even more exhilarating. The Retractable Hard-Top opens in 20 seconds and can be conveniently opened or closed at speeds of up to 8mph – perfect for when you’re stuck in traffic and it starts to rain. The full force of this alluring sports car is reflected in the sporty and dynamic design. Motorsport innovations have enhanced the adrenaline-filled

performance of the BMW M4 Convertible, with the optional sevenspeed M Double Clutch Transmission and the Adaptive M suspension providing power and precision Set to launch April 2015, the second generation BMW X5 M and X6 M are on their way. Renowned for their effortless performance on the road, the new BMW X5 M and X6 M build on the powerful combination of BMW xDrive and M technologies. The new BMW X5 M offers space and comfort with M dynamics, while the new BMW X6 M’s distinctive coupé roofline creates an imposing presence. Both new models command the road and attention in equal measure. The highly responsive 4.4 litre V8 engine achieves 0-62mph in an extraordinary 4.2 seconds, yet still manages to deliver best in class efficiency. On the road, a raft of technologies such as M specific xDrive, Dynamic Performance Control, M Dynamic Mode and anti-roll stabilisation, all help to deliver precise dynamics. Meanwhile, the M Drive Manager also allows the driver to fully customise the unparalleled M driving dynamics to their preferred settings. Adding a touch of luxury, the standard specification is extensive, including Merino leather, LED headlights, 20” alloy wheels, M Head-up Display, iDrive Touch, and not forgetting the latest BMW ConnectedDrive technologies. What’s more, BMW Individual finishing options allow you to add your own personal flair.

FO R MOR E INF ORMATION ON AN Y OF T H ES E EXC I T I NG M M ODEL S , CONTAC T YOU R N E AR E S T CO O P E R R ETA IL CE N TRE – COOPER DU RH A M , COO P ER S U NDERL A ND O R COO P ER T E E SS I D E . new year

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Feature

Cooper Group

The Ultimate Driving Machine

X MARKS THE SPOT. With everything you could possibly want from a BMW, the BMW X Series offers the ultimate in elegance, high performance and functionality, whichever model you choose. Whether you choose the BMW X1, X3, X4, X5 or X6, this is a BMW that is undeniably sophisticated: with power, panache, functionality and performance in spades. On the outside, the distinctive BMW kidney grille is matched with sweeping headlights and long, subtle contours to give an undeniable impression of power and speed. On the inside, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like Christmas has come early every time you get in, with the very latest in technology making every drive a pleasure, while the glorious craftsmanship and luxury materials ensure everyone travels in comfort.

To arrange your test drive^ and experience the beauty of the BMW X Series for yourself, contact your nearest Cooper dealership today.

Cooper Teesside 01642 693537

Cooper Durham 0191 448 7968

Cooper Sunderland 0191 448 7969

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW Range: Urban 12.8-56.5mpg (22.0-5.3l/100km). Extra Urban 26.2-78.5mpg (10.8-3.9l/100km). Combined 19.2-68.9mpg (14.7-4.4l/100km). CO2 emissions 352-109g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. ^Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

Property

La Di Da Homes HE R E â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S O UR PIC K O F THE MO S T FAB ULOUS AN D JAWD ROPPINGLY G ORG E O U S H O U S E S O N THE MA RKET.

SH I RLEY LO D G E , JESM O N D

hirley Lodge dates from around 1900 and is one of few very substantial detached houses within the very desirable Adderstone Crescent in Jesmond. Refurbished to a very high standard, it has a spacious approach with two access gates and a double plus garage with planning permission to be converted to a studio if required. The house has great style and character. The substantial reception hall is a magnificent focal point, enjoying great natural light and its own fireplace with access to a garden porch and laundry room at the rear. There are four principal reception rooms including a large drawing room with inglenook fireplace and double doors onto west facing gardens. The principal sitting room is at the front of the property and is very elegant with magnificent fireplace and a lovely aspect. The kitchen/breakfasting room stretches the length of the property and is fitted with a range of cream cabinets, an Aga and built-in appliances. The garden room has double doors onto the gardens. The first floor features five bedrooms and the master bedroom has its own luxury en-suite bathroom. There are three further substantial bedrooms, as well as a fifth bedroom which is currently used as a dressing room with fitted wardrobes. The family bathroom has been refitted recently and there is also a separate wc and a shower room which has been refitted as a wet room. The second floor of the house has its own self contained apartment with its own private landing, a large lounge, and a kitchen. The second floor apartment has two large double bedrooms and a bathroom. The gardens are a lovely feature of this period home. At the rear they are west facing with large lawns, mature trees and excellent terraces and patios with lighting. The front of the property is also very well laid out and landscaped, with rockery beds, mature trees and two driveways.

GUID E P RICE ÂŁ 2.5M new year

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Property Feature

37 GRAH A M PA R K ROAD, GOS FO RT H

elieved to have been originally constructed in the 1920s, this is one of only two very substantial double fronted semi detached villas, set on the southern side of Graham Park Road, a very desirable location. Number 37 Graham Park Road has a great deal of character and charm. The property has a magnificent entrance reception hall

with superb staircase and leads on to three very well proportioned reception rooms including a third family room overlooking the south facing gardens. All of the reception rooms feature cornicing, tall ceilings and beautiful fireplaces. To the front of the property is a kitchen/ breakfasting room and the house also has a large utility and laundry room, as well as a ground floor bathroom/wc, a cloakroom/wc and a garden room. On the first floor the principal staircase and

landing connects to four double bedrooms, the master with an en-suite shower room/ wc, as well as its own walk-in dressing room. There is a fifth double bedroom adjacent to the family bathroom/wc and a staircase leading to the second floor, with two further bedrooms. The gardens at the rear are delightful with large family lawned areas, well stocked flower borders and evergreen trees.

GUID E P RICE £1.275M

W EST B U RN H O U SE

estburn House is located in the village of Stamfordham. This lovely detached country home is situated in stunning mature gardens and grounds which extend to 1.858 acres. The grounds are a major selling feature of this beautiful home which lies in the backdrop of the highly impressive St. Mary’s Church, the focal point of the village. There are also excellent outbuildings with a detached stone double garage, timber log stores, a potting shed and a greenhouse. The opportunity exists to extend this property and add another wing if required, subject to suitable planning and building consent. The house features a beautiful drawing room with south westerly aspect and great views. The dining room is also to the south and is an elegant room with double doors through to the family sitting room, which also acts as a study. The kitchen is at the front of the house and leads on to the family/garden room. On the first floor the property benefits from four good bedrooms. The master bedroom has its own walk-in wardrobe as well as bathroom/wc and great views overlooking the gardens. Adjacent to the private lobby is a dressing room which could easily be a fifth bedroom if required.

GUID E P RICE £875, 000 AL L PROPERTIES AVA ILA B LE FROM SA N D ER SON YOUN G SA N D ER SON YOUN G R A R E! 0 1 9 1 2 23 3500 WWW. SA N D ER SON YOUN G . CO. UK

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Interiors Feature

looks

I N TE RI O RS TRE ND S G E T S ERI O U S LY E C LE CT IC T HIS S EA S O N . L I NDA J AN E W ES T P H A L G E TS T HE E XP E RT ’S TA K E FRO M B A RK E R A ND S TO N EH O U S E O N HOW T HE Y C A N B E U S E D TO CR E AT E FA S H I O N FO RWA R D LO O KS.......

Tweed

H ARRIS T W EED M ACK ENZI E ARMCHAI R, £ 1 ,5 9 9 ; M O H AIR VINTAGE CU SHI ON, £49; S TAG P ICT URE, £ 1 9 9 ; L AMP, £135; L I VI NG T REAS URES RUG G REE N, £645

with a twist

HARRIS T W E E D BOW MO R E GRAND S OFA, £1, 86 9 ; HARRIS T W E E D BOW MO R E ARMC H AIR , £935; S T LU CI A SID EBOAR D, £715; G LA Z ED TOP C UPB OAR D £68 5

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Interiors Feature

Trend Talk BARKER AND S TON EH OU S E H AS ID ENTIF IED TH ES E K EY TREND S.

Pastels ANIS H A LARG E SO FA, £ 1 ,4 2 9 ; ANISH A STANDARD CH AIR, £ 8 5 9 ; BO LS H O I M ULT I RUG 1 7 0 X2 4 0 CM , £ 5 9 5 ; CRISS CRO SS SH ELVING UNIT, £ 5 3 5

TIME FOR TW EED Tweed with a Twist sees the emergence of a modern interpretation of traditional tweed. Sophisticated furniture is paired with quirky accessories that adds real personality to this quintessentially British style.

P ERFECT PA S T ELS Utterly feminine, channel fondant fancy hues with soft pastels cut through with white as an accent colour and classic furniture lines to keep the look stylish.

FEELING BLUE

JAVIE R E XT E N D I NG RO U N D TA B L E A N D 4 CHAIRS , £1,5 59;

Shades of blue are mixed with whites and tans for a truly beautiful look. Accessorise with porthole mirrors, model boats and blue glass bottles for a nod to nautical style. Combine warm-toned woods, striking stripes and plush fabrics for a look that’s more urban elegance than shabby chic.

Blue

AZURE S TANDARD CH AIR, £ 8 3 9 ; NAUT ICAL S M ALL P O RT LIG H T M IRRO R, £ 1 2 0 EACH ; AT LAS F LO O R LAM P, £ 1 7 5 ; F RANK IE RUG , £ 2 4 5

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RUSTIC GETS TOU GH Rustic Monochrome delivers contemporary cool, combining brown and chrome with lots of grey for a stylish, minimalist look. Think slouchy sofas, subtle accessories and eyecatching, statement storage.

IT ’S ECLECT IC Beat Nik channels texture and colour, major themes running through this season. Distressed woods add character and are mixed with rich, textured leather and colourful patterns, for a rustic-meets-industrial style.

Top Designer Names backed by excellent service...

For an unrivalled choice of the top luxury ranges call into our beautiful showroom or shop online. Our designer brands include: Burgbad Bauhaus Vitra Hansgrohe Victoria and Albert

Matki Bisque Crosswater Kohler Samuel Heath

Free national delivery if you buy online 6-8-10 Baltic Road, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE10 469

Call 0191 469 6999

www.ptranson.com

Interiors Feature

G REENW ICH 6 0 CM DIAM ET ER TABLE, £ 1 5 9 ; 5 0 CM DI AMETER TABL E, £ 1 0 9 ; BAK ER TAP ERED RACK , £ 8 5 9 ; ERCO L BUT TERFLY CHAI R, £505; LO CK ER RO O M S TO RAG E S H ELF, £ 5 5

L EATHER HOU STON CORNER SOFA, £2,569; MONTI COFFEE TABL E, £659. HOBOKEN METAL RACK WI TH 4 WOOD BOX , £1135

Rustic ASTORI A M E TAL D ESK W IT H 2 SWING S E ATS , £2475; E G ON C HAIR ON WHEE L S , £359 EAC H ; D IM E SQ UA R E BARS TOOL , £125

Beat Nik

A LL F U R N I TU R E AVAILABLE F RO M W W W.BARK ERANDSTO NEH O USE.CO.UK new year

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Suppliers and Installers of Luxury Bathrooms and Hot Tubs Est: 1969

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Interiors Feature

Designer

AS H E RECEIVES YET ANOTHER TOP ACCOLA DE, WE M EET LA D I DA COLUMNIST GEO RG E B O N D TO D ISCUSS HIS AWARD WINNING S T YLE…..

Interiors M

ulti award winning designer George Bond has just returned from London where his peers awarded him the prestigious Property Interior Designer Award for a second year running, an unheard of feat which has placed North East Design firmly on the map. Working around the world as well as the North East, George has a portfolio of acclaimed luxurious renovations to his name so it’s no surprise that his own home decor has also been acclaimed by industry judges. The property in Gosforth reflects his stylish personality. He’s designed interiors for Bianca Jagger, Michael Owen and many others he won’t name and his taste is luxurious but he cleverly mixes high end names with high street for a look that is uniquely his own. “This place is all about travel,” he says. “Everything has a story which is what every home should have.” At the heart of the home is the open-plan lounge/dining room on two levels. The lounge features traditional sofas covered in silk velvet which give a modern twist and a rich and vivid 70-year-old antique Persian carpet.

GEORGE BOND I NT ERI O R S

(0191) 281 7799 new year

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His light and spacious three-bedroom apartment in one of Newcastle’s most sought after suburbs boasts gold woven silk and seagrass wallpaper by Jab. The clever mirrored wall makes the room appear much larger and reflects the beautiful views of the Town Moor. “It’s a different scene each season,” says George. George’s bedroom features oriental pictures and has been adorned with twisted roping to emphasise the cornicing and archways. He’s also created a large walk-in wardrobe from a wasted recess. His en suite boasts tiles specially made for him by Porcelanosa in Valencia. Handmade solid wood units with granite worktops by DM Design have transformed the bijoux kitchen. Rather than full height cabinetry, he has chosen European threequarter heights which create a sense of space. It’s filled with all the ‘must have’ gadgets as well as bespoke drawers designed for both ‘everyday’ and ‘best’ cutlery. With a terrace that overlooks the Town Moor, George’s home is stunning and comes alive at night. “The lighting changes in the evening and the whole place just glows,” he says.

EN QUIR IES @G EORG EB ON D. T V

Arts & Culture

ROCK’N’

ROLLER G E O R D I E P HOTO G RA P H ER M IC K HU TS O N HA S S P E N T H IS LIF E ON T HE ROA D S NA P PIN G A LM OST E VE RY FA M O U S FAC E ON T H E P L A NE T. L I Z L A M B M EETS H IM .

90 H

E’S met Michael Jackson, shared breakfast with Cameron Diaz, enjoyed dinner with The Who and gone on the road with U2. Mick Hutson’s life is pure rock ‘n’ roll and needless to say he tells the best stories. Naturally, not all of them can be printed! “I had breakfast with Cameron Diaz once,” he reveals. After a hard night’s partying with a group of friends which included Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz, Mick found himself joining her for breakfast at the hotel the group

were staying in. “I’d gone down for breakfast and was feeling rough and there was Cameron in the dining room. She invited me to join her. I don’t think she was feeling too good either,” he laughs. Then there was the time he went swimming with Mike Oldfield in the Bahamas, stopped traffic with Metallica in New York and was backstage with Oasis just before they announced their split. Newcastle-born Mick even scrawled pink lipstick across Marilyn Manson’s chest for a photo shoot.

Feature

MAIN IMAGES: SEAN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

Everyone from Paul McCartney to Prince has been snapped by the photographer, who plans to return to his native North East in 2015 after years living in London. His career in photography began after a brief stint working on the North Sea oil rigs led him to an apprenticeship with David Redfern, a jazz photographer, who worked with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and The Beatles. “After about two or three years with him I found myself touring around Arizona with U2 and the rest is history, I’ve not stopped working since,” laughs Mick.

Mick recently showcased his work of rock superstars at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle, the first time he has displayed his work in his hometown. Sales of his photographs at the event helped raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity close to Mick’s heart. The 48-year-old has photographed the charity’s music gigs at the Royal Albert Hall and has pictured the charity’s patron Roger Daltrey. While in Newcastle, Mick invited young cancer patients from the local Teenage Cancer unit along to photography workshops and two patients were lucky enough to join Mick in the press pit at The Who’s show at Metro Radio Arena. “I am a long term supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust and wanted to do to my bit to fundraise for such an incredible cause and help the young people the charity supports,” he says. Mick now plans to hold another exhibition in London to raise funds for the charity before moving back to the North. “I can’t wait to be back here and spend more time with my family after a life on the road,” he says. new year

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Arts & Culture

Society

BIRDS OF PARADISE LAUNCH, BOWES MUSEUM The Bowes Museum hosted a fabulous launch for the Birds of Paradise: Plumes & Feathers in Fashion exhibition. The exhibition is the latest in a long line of fantastic fashion exhibitions held by the Museum and it featured some of the biggest fashion designers in the world. Guests enjoyed canapes and drinks and a sneak peek at the amazing dresses on show.

www.headlamhall.co.uk

THE ANTIQUE LOVER’S BREAK 18TH – 20TH MARCH 2015 WITH BBC ANTIQUE EXPERT DAVID HARPER A short break with a difference that promises to be great fun…. Enjoy a two night package in this beautiful 17th century hotel to include: • Two nights accommodation in a Main Hall room • Three-course a la carte dinner each evening • English breakfast daily • Afternoon tea & scones each day combined with a light-hearted talk by David Harper • A fun ‘bargain hunt’ challenge around the antique shops of Barnard Castle! £279 per person for the two night package based on two sharing. This also includes use of the spa facilities during your stay. Full details of the programme can be found at www.headlamhall.co.uk/room-offers

SPRING REVIVAL BREAK

Available for a minimum 2 night stay, Sunday to Thursday night throughout March, April & May

• • • • •

Accommodation in a double/twin room English breakfast daily Three course a la carte dinner each evening Full use of the spa facilities 15% off spa treatments booked

From just £79 per person per night based on two sharing.

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

Arts & Feature Culture

Alter H I DD E N T R EAS URE…

Ego

DAVID HARP E R IS KNOWN FOR ANT IQUES BU T IT ’S H I S PASS ION F OR PAI NT ING WH IC H I S CAUS ING A LL T HE LATES T H EAD L INE S. L INDA JANE W EST P HAL TA K E S A LOOK …

e is best known as BBC TV’s favourite antiques expert but David Harper’s secret passion is his painting. His big, bold and ‘Picasso-esque’ paintings line the walls of his Barnard Castle HQ and are so accomplished that it’s hard to believe he has been painting for just six months. “They’re not for everyone,” he acknowledges, “but the people that like them, like them very much, which is really gratifying. I wasn’t painting for anyone else, it was just something I had always wanted to try and once I started I couldn’t stop.” And this could be an entirely new string to his already busy bow, as a local arts aficionado, Shelley Cohen, liked them so much they are now being exhibited and sold at her gallery, The Smart Gallery in Harrogate and Redbrick Mill, Batley. Shelley has a reputation for launching new talent in to the art world. “With David we have discovered a painter with true passion with a bold and painterly style, quite rare

to find in today’s rather commercial led art world,” she explains. “His style draws on his early years raised in Zimbabwe. The colours clearly depict the tropical climate, bright light and celebratory social gatherings,” she explains. “One has to acknowledge a clear leaning to Picasso’s style. Finding a modern day painter that has that natural interpretation is just a joy to discover. Having such a bold canvas on your walls certainly creates conversation and pushes our boundaries.” Shelley convinced David to show his work at his first ever retrospective and he worked tirelessly to complete all the canvasses in time.

“It was a body of work that truly exhausted me to produce as I painted night and day,” he said. “When I have a canvas on the go it’s difficult to break away from as I’m captured in the moment and my canvases are by no means small”. “I’ve always been drawn to wild vivid and vibrant colours. I engulf myself in each painting’s idea or image and I can spend hours, sometimes days, plotting and imagining its’ story and how it interacts on the page. I think this gives it its fluid movement and sense of fun. ” Smart Gallery is the second Gallery opened last year at Crimple Hall, just five minutes out of Harrogate town Centre,

WWW.S M A RTG A L L ERY.CO.U K

with the other being based at Batley’s Redbrick Mill. It offers an environment that showcases accredited artists and sculptures from the north and globally, with a team that is passionate and informed about each artist they feature. There is a diverse collection to choose from and monthly events are held to meet artists in person. You can pop along and see David’s entire collection, which is already attracting great interest, amongst the arts community. The Harrogate Exhibition runs from January 16th to February 15th 2015. The Redbrick Mill Exhibition Sunday 29th March at 3.00pm and David will be in attendance.

WWW.DAV I DH A RP E R ART I S T. CO. U K

Dating Queen... WAN T TO FI ND 'T HE O NE ' T H IS YEA R? LINDA JA N E W E S T P H A L C HATS TO MATCH M AK I NG E XP E RT S A RAH BEEN Y AN D Q U I ZZ E S HE R FO R HE R TOP T IP S ON H OW TO FI ND LOVE I N 20 1 5 ...

s an object of lust for millions of male viewers over the years on her own property TV programmes, it comes as no surprise that the gorgeous Ms Beeny is very much taken and has been for many years. Asked for the secret of a long lasting relationship, she replies: “A sense of humour and a shared love of wine.” She’s definitely our kind of girl. And she’s not just beautiful and bright, she’s practical too. Hence when she found she had a flair for match making amongst her friends, she decided to put her new found talent to good use, and founded the revolutionary online dating website My Single Friend.com which is now 10 years old.

You have a new app that allows friends to veto possible dates. What inspired you to develop this? “When it comes to dating, we always seek the advice and opinion of our friends, whether you meet someone in a bar or through a dating app. Our new app allows you to share the profile of potential matches with friends, to get that all important second opinion.Your friend can then recommend matches they think would be perfect for you, or even push veto for anyone they think you should stay clear of. It's all about getting friends involved in the fun of dating. After all, everything is more fun with a friend in tow.” What have you learned in the last 10 years about the way people date that has surprised you? “The dating landscape has changed so much in the past ten years, it is basically unrecognisable. That whole awkwardness about internet dating has all but gone, and people are much more comfortable getting stuck in. However, I think there is still a reticence in some people to really commit to the dating game. They sit passively waiting for people to message them, when

really if you want something, you should go for it.” Have you had any marriages of couples who have met on the site? “Too many to count! In a decade we have been responsible for more marriages and children than I ever imagined. It is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done, knowing that I've had a small part to play in so many people's happiness.” What advice would you offer people who are going to put their friends on the site? “Be honest. Anyone who tries to fake it will be swiftly caught out, and why would your fabulous friend want to date someone who isn't interested in the real them? Highlight their passions and interests. There is nothing more attractive than someone who has interesting hobbies. Lastly, make them stand out by saying what makes them unique.” What are the qualities that make someone attractive on a dating site? “There are so many different qualities that can make someone 'attractive'. For some people it is ambition, for some it would be

WWW.M YS I NG L EF RI END.COM new year

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a sense of humour, or being well-travelled or cultured. We naturally gravitate towards people who share our outlook on life and interests - not necessarily who looks best in a vest!” Have you any advice for people when they make the transition from online to meeting face to face? “I don't think you should consider the first meeting a date. Have a quick coffee with someone to see if you would be interested in going on a proper date. I see people getting so excited about the idea of a first date, and then find themselves disappointed. And meet as many people as possible!” At this time of the year a lot of couples break up and people are newly single. Any tips for finding love? “You need to jump in with both feet and just do it. MySingleFriend is perfect for anyone slightly nervous about getting back into the dating game, as you have that support network of your friends with you every step of the way. It can be a bit nerve wracking, but once you start connecting with new people you will wonder what you were ever worried about.”

Feature Society

IT ’S ANOTH ER WH IR LWIN D O F PARTIES, SH OPPIN G , ROCK’N ’RO LL AN D A JET-SET LIFE FOR OU R SOCIETY ED ITOR HELEN STO R E Y.

CHARITY CHALLENGE

With Team Melon! I love supporting good causes so I got together Team Melon to take part in the Alan Shearer charity challenge at Speedflex Jesmond. The team had to burn as many calories as they could in 45 minutes. We didn't win but taking part was real fun and there was a real buzz about the day. Even better, more than £25,000 was raised in 12 hours.

MODELLING ON TV

DINNER WITH THE WHO

Granny P with Roger Daltrey So one night I received a phone call, "Hells, what are you up to on Monday night? Fancy dinner with The Who?” Obviously I jumped at the chance. What an interesting night. They are a brilliant bunch of people with amazing stories. We had dinner and drinks at As You Like It in Jesmond. It was great food and fantastic company. The next night I saw them live at Metro Radio Arena and we went backstage. Such great guys and my mum had a good chat with Roger Daltrey.

CHANEL AT CHRISTMAS

My five minutes of fame I had a great opportunity to be on the local Sky channel Tyne & Wear to model some stunning outfits for Love Niche. It’s a fantastic clothes shop where I buy a lot of my outfits. I spent a few hours being squeezed in and out of fabulous dress. I bought most of them after the show and bought presents for my mum Granny P and sister Andrea Wylie.

meeting. We spent two excellent days at the racecourse. We had three runners who all did extremely well. The last race we ended up with a winner. Happy days!

It's always a quiet Christmas, well as quiet as it can be with three excited 5-year-olds running around. Granny P pulled out all the stops and created the dinner from heaven. I had a day off from the diet and ate like a pig. It's always a delight to unwrap a gift with a box containing Chanel on the top. Inside was the prettiest white Chanel watch with a diamond face. I'm such a lucky girl.

THE RACES We jumped on a jet and headed to Leapardstown after Christmas for a race new year

2015

Famil y jet-setters!

SHOPPING My friend has opened a beautiful boutique in Cramlington. I've been shopping a lot there. Every time I go in I'll make a purchase! I bought some awesome comfy jeans. It's a must see shop - a great vibe with great customer service.

My Spring Beauty picks: Tom Ford Manderino Di Almalfi, a great unisex fragrance Blinc Mousse for eyebrows - it styles and darkens eyebrows Tassels - I love tassels!!! A go to accessory to put on any hand bag or coat zip

Helen x

Society

PSYCHE AWARD CEREMONY LA DI DA was invited to a very special award ceremony to honour designer retailer Psyche’s founder, Steve Cochrane, at the Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough store. Steve was presented with a Borough Award to recognise his services to the economic, social and physical regeneration of the town centre by Middlesbrough mayor Ray Mallon. Guests enjoyed bucks fizz and canapes and a fabulous catwalk show. Star of the catwalk was Steve’s posh pooch, Monty the Labradoodle, who made it all his own. The glitterati were out in force to honour Steve with many of the region’s footballers present to show their support at the very glamorous evening.

Society

NEXT LINGERIE SHOW, THE SAVOY HOTEL, LONDON LA DI DA was invited to an exclusive lingerie showcase at the Savoy Hotel in London. The event, organised by leading high street retailer Next, saw models sashay down the catwalk in their latest lingerie looks. Guests dined on canapes and champagne while models showcased designs including a stunning black and white basque, chiffon floral separates with matching wrap and an alluring black lace body, a perfect Valentine’s Day treat. www.next.co.uk

Society

FASHION SHOW, CRUISE NE1 DESIGNER store Cruise held a catwalk event to showcase the season collections. Designer brands on display included Victoria Beckham, Barbour and Alexander McQueen. The show was compered by La Di Da’s My Style Editor Gaynor Millican and catwalk hair was created by Hooker & Young. www.cruisefashion.com

Society

WIN AWARDS, HILTON NEWCASTLE GATESHEAD The achievements of the region’s top female business leaders were celebrated at the 15th annual North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Training and skills specialist Judith Moran, of Learning Curve Group, received the prestigious Susan Dobson Award for Entrepreneurship at the awards night held at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. Other winners included Kristy Giblin of The Pudding Parlour for Best Retail Business, Alice Blackie of Pink Boutique Ltd was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Kay Gould of Curtains Made For Free Ltd won Best Small Business. The event was organised by She’s Gott it! Event organiser Nickie Gott, who chairs the North East Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Advisory Board, WIN Ltd.

TH E PA ST FE W M O N T H S H AV E S E E N OU R ROV ING R E P ORT E R RO C K ‘ N ’ RO LL S U N N Y H ELP TO ORG A N I S E TH E WH O 5 0 T H ANN IV E R S ARY T R IB U T E S H OW, CE LE B R AT E HIS M UMMY WIN N I N G A M US I C I N DU S T RY WOME N OF T H E Y E AR AWAR D AN D PUT T IN G THE FINI SHI N G TO UC H ES TO T H E M OD FAT H E R , PAU L W E L L E R ’ S NE W ALB UM. ALL THAT FOR A D O G S O S M A LL , IT ’ S ON LY ROC K ‘ N’ ROL L S U NN Y B U T I LIK E IT !

SUNSHINE

T HE ROC K N ROL L DOGGIE

Mummy with Roger Daltrey

Mummy’s award. What a clever girl!

ILLUSTRATION: SIMON DONALD

ello Honky Tonks, how are you? Bit of the legend that was Dick Emery for you I sneaked int o rehearsa there. ls wit h the Rizzle Ki cks Apologies for my absence but I’ve been so busy my little paws haven’t stood still for a moment. It has been a very exciting time in the life of this Scottie of late. I was tasked with organising the 50th Anniversary of The Who tribute show in London (well my Mummy was but I’m definitely the one with all the contacts). The backing band was The Who’s touring band including Hangi ng out with my mate Paul Weller Zak Starkey on drums. Son of Ringo Starr and fan of mine. The line-up was amazing with guest artists singing their favourite Who song. We had Liam Gallagher doing My Generation, Ricky Wilson from Kaiser Chiefs and The Voice singing songs from Quadrophenia with Phil Daniels, the original Jimmy from the movie, Rizzle Kicks, Tom Odell, Wilko Johnson, Eddie Vedder, Johnny Vegas, the wonderful Sheila Ferguson and, of course, the man himself Roger Daltrey, who ended up being a substitute for James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers, singing Substitute, you do the maths! All hosted by the brilliant Chris Evans. The following Friday the old boot managed to get herself presented new year

with Music Week, Women of the Year Award, in front of the whole of the music industry. Goodness me the fuss she made about this, new dress, new hair do and even I Backstage with Chris Evans had to have a bath. Grandma and Grandad came all the way from Newcastle to the Kensington Roof Gardens for the ceremony. Music Week made a film of Mummy’s life (which lasted all of 10 minutes tee hee). It was very moving and brought a tear to my little eye. The amount of champagne consumed that night, no wonder I had to take myself to the park the next day. So I get a surprise call from my mate Paul Weller. Alright me old mate Sunny he said, can you get yourself in your jam jar, come down the Frog and Toad and get to the studio to help me with me new record. Alright me old mucker, I said, as I ran down the apples and pears thinking I could do a version of Wild Woof or Going under Growl. He was stuck on a remix so I twiddled a few knobs (ooh missus) and Hey Presto! The new record is born, you lot will have to wait till May to hear it. It’s mint! He gave me a little treat and a kiss, I hope I get a credit too. So here we are right now, broken down in the snow at Scotch Corner! She isn’t happy in the words of The Style Council, Ever Changing Moods comes to mind, must be her age. Ouch Mummy I was only joking!

Be Sunny People x

Read more exploits from me on Twitter @rocknrollsunny

2015

NEW SPRING / SUMMER COLLECTIONS 2015

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