EAUX DECEMBER 2014

EAUX LU X U R Y

L I F E S T Y L E

EAUX LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE - SUFFOLK EDITION

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PUBLISHER

Myles Davies

Welcome to

EAUX

There’s no doubt about it, putting a brand new shiny magazine together is hard work. Months of planning and preparation, hours pouring over layouts and designs and plenty of late nights close to deadline.

But it was it certainly worth it. Just look at how beautiful this looks!

EDITOR

Victoria Guthrie victoria@eaux.co.uk

DESIGN

Esther Ferro design@eaux.co.uk

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Jay Jerome jay@eaux.co.uk

PARTNERSHIP MANAGER

Poppy Davidson poppy@eaux.co.uk

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Matt Sokanovic matt@magicfountainmedia.co.uk

GENERAL

info@eaux.co.uk

ACCOUNTS

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nd it doesn’t stop there – covering the A to Z of all things luxury, we’ve worked hard to bring you an array of couture highlights, top speed motoring features and glamorous property inspiration to help fine tune your home fixtures.

Suffolk. Speaking of the festivities, we test the very best in Christmas puddings for you (very considerate, we know!) as well as the finest Champagne. We also speak to the Wild Meat company about the popularity of game this season.

We also tempt you with travel and Fred Olsen show us the best of Dubai, whilst we stay homeward bound, exploring Christmas in

In our delicious dining section we review The Cookhouse at Suffolk Food Hall, whilst Mike Keen from The Brewery Tap cooks up some fabulous recipes. We also speak to the masterminds at Paddy and Scott’s about Suffolk’s coffee revolution.

We hope you enjoy our very first issue of EAUX – raise a glass of bubbly with us and settle down for some me-time with your latest must-have read.

Victoria and the team PS – don’t forget to let us know what you think of our exclusive first edition.

All feedback is welcome!

Email us at info@eaux.co.uk

Emma Rayner emma@eaux.co.uk @_Eaux EauxMagazine IMAGERY: Some images in this magazine are provided by Shutterstock. www.shutterstock.com COUTURE PHOTOSHOOT CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHER: Poppy Davidson MODELS: Chloe Dyer, Jessica Rowbotham, Ben Clegg, Jordan Barrow LOCATION: Seckford Hall, Woodbridge www.seckford.co.uk Many thanks to Urban Vintage and Fanny & Frank for providing outfits.

PUBLISHERS: Magic Fountain Media Ltd, Office 10-18, Epsilon House, Masterlord Office Village, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 9FJ PRINTED BY: The Magazine Printing Company PLEASE NOTE: Points of view expressed in articles by contributing writers and in advertisements included in PT Magazine, do not necessarily represent those of the publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in PT Magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for incidents arising from use of information published. All rights, including moral rights, reserved.

COPYRIGHT: No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievable system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publishers. ©Magic Fountain Media Ltd T/A PT Magazine.

EAUX magazine in partnership with:

COLCHESTER

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CONTENTS

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100

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Inside...

LIFESTYLE

6 • THE SHOOT Nick Elsden from Anglia Sporting talks about the best hunts of 2014

22 • GIFT GUIDE: FOR HER Stuck for ideas? We’ve already found you the perfect gift

9 • LEARNING BEGINS HERE Oakland Hall Nursery welcome the addition of a new First Strokes swimming school

24 • WINTER SKIN Rhianna Prentice explains how to keep your skin in tip top condition this winter

11 • EVENTS What to see and where to go this month

26 • GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM Luxurious gift ideas for the men in your life

12 • SOCIAL SCENE The EAUX team gets out and about in Suffolk

28 • CAKE & CATWALK We speak to Lynn Turner, owner of accessory boutique Cake & Catwalk

COUTURE

14 • COUTURE Urban Vintage and Fanny & Frank show off the finest Autumn Winter trends 20 • ON TREND Lisa West, Topcoats Manager at Coes talks winter coat trends

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ESCAPE

36 • SCANDINAVIA Think Lapland during December is a bad idea?

Think again!

40 • WINTER SUN Escape the cold with some winter sun 44 • WEEKEND IN… LONDON Our editor, Victoria, enjoys all London had to offer this Christmas 48 • DUBAI Enjoy five star luxury in Dubai with Fred. Olsen 54 • WILD MEAT ON THE MENU The Wild Meat Company tell us about the popularity of game and the history of their business 57 • STRIKE WHILE THE COFFEE’S HOT Scott Russell, of Paddy & Scott’s talks coffee roasting and revolution

30 • WINTER IN SUFFOLK Enjoy your home county this Christmas

60 • LUXURY CHRISTMAS PUDDING We find (and taste test) some of the finest Christmas puds available this festive season

35 • TRAVEL ACCESSORIES Whether you’re heading to the snow or sun, make sure you’re prepared!

62 • CHAMPAGNE The perfect way to gift discerning relatives and Champagne connoisseurs

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64 • RECIPES Mike Keen serves up delightful dishes from The Brewery Tap 70 • EXPERIENCE Feel like you’re on top of the world in these beautiful bars and eateries in London, Paris and New York 75 • RESTAURANT REVIEW The EAUX team reviews The Cookhouse at Suffolk Food Hall

85 • BIGGER, BETTER We speak to Greg Rasbrook as Lindacre Land Rover Service Centre expands to new premises in Ipswich 88 • HOWARD WATTS Howard Watts of Riddelsdell Brothers Ltd talks personal service

PROPERTY

100 • ON TREND Anna Grace-Davidson of Anna Casa Interiors tells us how to achieve a cosy home this Christmas and we pick out some great products from Snape Maltings 102 • GET THE LOOK Julia Nelson-Elgar, owner of Nelson Design UK advises on how to combine ‘old and new’ and why it’s so popular

90 • BANG & OLUFSEN Everyone deserves the Bang & Olufsen experience

104 • FOCUS ON… OFFICE CHAIRS We’ve found some of the most stylish chairs for your office. Trust us, you’ll love them

76 • DEVIL IN THE DETAILS Damien Fletcher explores those personalised finishing touches that really make a car yours

92 • LIVING AT… Church Farm Barn with Craig Beech of Beech Architects

80 • LANDSPEED Prepare your car for the colder months with a winter service from Landspeed

95 • GERALD WEIR Handmade furniture from Woodbridge, Suffolk tailored for your home

106 • CENTURY 21 CENTURY 21 Sophia Elena specialise in high-end properties. Managing Director Elena Dimova advises on choosing the right agent to help sell or purchase your home

81 • ROAD TEST Our daring driver takes to the road with a test drive in the Aston Martin Vantage N430

96 • BUYING A KITCHEN THAT FITS Daniel Barr from Anglia Factors in Martlesham shares his tips with us as he explains the process of buying a bespoke kitchen

MOTORING

83 • KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY We speak to Stephen Kerridge, owner Kerridges, the family-run TVR, Noble and MG dealership for Suffolk

99 • AMAZING SPACES We investigate amazing architecture at the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing

113 • AUCTION HOUSE We speak to Mark Willet of Auction House, the specialist property auctioneers, to find out about the expansion of the business into East Anglia 114 • INTERFACE FINANCIAL David Banfield,President at The Interface Financial Group talks about launching new businesses in the New Year

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LIFESTYLE

THE SHOOT

…best of

2014

Nick Elsden, owner of Anglia Sporting, talks game shooting and deer stalking in Suffolk

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uffolk, Norfolk and the surrounding counties have always been some of England’s best farming areas and are also renowned for shooting sport.

Indeed there’s hardly a farm in these counties

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that doesn’t have some form of shooting going on. It might be pigeon shooting to keep them off valuable crops, perhaps an informal shoot for the farmer and friends or it may be a commercial enterprise as part of the diverse

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LIFESTYLE

interests of a farming estate. The east coast of Suffolk has a long tradition of wild fowling and has some of the finest deer herds in England.

Shooting folk and stalkers come from around the world to enjoy the experiences on offer.

Every year is different from a farming and shooting perspective and 2014 was, in the main, a good one for wildlife in general. The weather, certainly in East Anglia, was kind at just the right times and most wildlife flourished alongside the crops. Unfortunately for farmers a good harvest usually means poor prices but for game shooting operations with birds to feed that’s no bad thing as feed prices fall.

When fighting for their share of the hinds, stags with a traditional spread of antlers, which hunters call a rack, lock antlers and their battles become a trial of strength; a battle of noise, grunting, pushing and shoving to show their power to their opponent. Usually the weaker beast knows it and will turn tail and run leaving the master to his nuptials with his harem. This is nature’s way of ensuring a healthy, strong herd. Such battles rarely result

duck, punt gunning, is still practiced around our coastline to this day by traditionalists.

Traditional boat builders still make hunting punts for local wildfowlers in small villages along the coast.

For most shooting people the main draw is the driven partridge and pheasant shooting East Anglia has to offer. Days when groups of like-minded friends can get together and enjoy not just the hunt but the camaraderie, the craic of a day spent in the field. This season the best days are yet to come, cold, clear days with a heavy frost and a good wind that make for the best shooting weather.

But whether or not it’s a big driven game day or a smaller rough shoot day, a lone wild fowler on the marsh or a stalker silently passing through the wood will be enjoying the season.

When the master comes up against such a beast it’s often the master who loses as his magnificent spread of antlers designed to lock with his opponent’s is useless

Game shooting follows set formats, either formal days with birds driven over a team of guns or rough/walked up shooting with just a few friends over dogs, most usually Spaniels or Labradors but increasingly over HPR breeds as is the tradition in Europe.

HPR (Hunter, Pointer, Retriever) breeds are increasingly being seen in the field and make for a very different style of hunting.

The shooting year for those working at it is a full-time, year-round job that starts in February clearing up after the game season ends. There’s the need to complete any deer cull before April and as the crops begin to re-grow after the winter chill there’s plenty of pigeon shooting to be done. There is then a quiet period from a shooting point of view in midsummer but there is still plenty of work to be done before harvest again in July.

A well-planned deer cull is an essential piece of management to ensure a good healthy population that is strong and disease free. It should weed out the weak, inferior and old – that’s nature’s way only now – especially here in the UK, and man is the only predator capable of doing so.

On one memorable stalking expedition with a client helping us make our quota we were skirting along a hedgerow towards a large block of woodland when over the brow of the hill across an open field of winter wheat heading for the forest we spotted a stag – or more accuratley, a spiker, a most dangerous beast – which came trotting with a small group of hinds. A harem he had no business having to his name.

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in bad injuries to either party. A spiker – a beast with literally two spear-like antlers, as long as a man’s forearm and often as thick – now that’s a dangerous foe. When the master comes up against such a beast it’s often the master who loses as his magnificent spread of antlers, designed to lock with his opponent’s, is useless. Two brutal spears can run through the biggest set of regular antlers and badly wound, even kill, the better animal. Not what nature intended.

Unfortunately as they trotted into range they must have sensed us. It’s unlikely they caught our scent as we were down wind but wild creatures often have a sixth sense when danger threatens. Our spiker turned and herded his harem into the forest. Having a pretty good idea of the track he might take we ran across some open ground, jumped over a ditch and ran into the forest. Quietly we stalked through the bracken until we had intercepted his likely route. Sure enough, the hinds trotted through an opening in the trees ahead of the spiker and as he appeared I gave a low whistle stopping him in his tracks. He looked straight at us such is his sense of hearing. The shot rang through the trees and down went our quarry. A good clean hunt. The hinds would find a much more fitting suitor.

The east and north coast areas of Suffolk and Norfolk have long been famed for their wild fowling potential. Peter Scott, the famous naturalist, started his shooting career in Norfolk alongside many other famous names and that tradition still carries on today. One of the most difficult and dangerous ways of hunting

Keep up-to-date with the latest shoots from Anglia Sporting by visiting the website www.angliasporting.co.uk

DIARY DATES 13-15TH FEBRUARY 2015 The Great British Shooting Show, Stoneleigh Park International Centre nr Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LG

25-26TH APRIL 2015 East Anglian Game & Country Fair, Norfolk Showground, Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Costessey, Norwich NR5 0TT

11-12TH OCTOBER 2015 Robin Hood Country Show, Trinity Park Suffolk County Showground, Ipswich IP3 8UH

EAUX LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE - SUFFOLK EDITION

LIFESTYLE

Learning...

BEGINS HERE Oakland Hall Day Nursery is dedicated to the care and development of children from three months to five years and is adding to its roster with development of a new award-winning swimming pool

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ecent research and studies have proven that in the UK a quality nursery education plays a vital role in enhancing the standards of education.

Gilly Dovey, owner of Oakland Hall Day Nursery in Ipswich says: ‘To unlock a child’s full potential, we believe they should be given the very best opportunities to develop and grow so that they are supported in their journey of selfdiscovery. Excellent nursery care and education through play is an essential part of any and every child’s personal development.’

Oakland Hall Day Nursery is a private, independent nursery, located in Ipswich in a 15th century manor building with outstanding

specialist facilities, secure grounds and staff that are dedicated to providing expert care and learning for little ones in a safe and stimulating environment.

for both babies and toddlers to grow through different learning activities and making friends – all skills that are of great use to them in the future.

The nursery opened in 2013 and has seen an ever-growing demand for its incomparable learning environment and the creative additional services that they provide to fully support a parent as the first educator of a child.

In a study, compiled by the University of London, it showed that those who spent three years or more in nursery education were 10 to 12 months ahead on average, compared with youngsters kept at home by parents until they started compulsory schooling at five. It stated that children who start nursery by the age of two are up to a year ahead in maths and English when they begin full-time schooling.

Oakland Hall babies are nurtured and truly cherished, meaning in turn that when they are toddlers they’re enthused and always happy to try new things intellectually, physically and socially.

Nursery care provides a strong foundation

Gilly continues: ‘We strongly believe in an excellent working relationship between staff and parents and we offer unrivalled support

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and ongoing advice to our Oakland Hall families. It is with mutual pride that our children emerge ready for school as happy, healthy and confident individuals. We find it an honour to be entrusted with a little person’s early and most informative years and it is a responsibility we do not take lightly.’

Oakland Hall opening hours are from 7:3018:30 throughout the year. The nursery has a qualified chef on site to provide locally sourced organic meals. The newly offered and popular ‘to bed’ service means that a child can have a warm bath or shower whilst supervised by their key person and then be collected in their night clothes ready to spend some quality time with their parents. Activities such as baby yoga, sports coaching, languages, drama, music, Makaton and forest school are offered and, most importantly, each child is encouraged to have their own voice and opinion.

To ensure a child is water safe from an early age we offer swimming lessons from birth.

This is something we feel should be offered as standard to all our Oakland Hall babies and toddlers. We currently have six First Strokes pools and so it is simply a natural progression, after nearly 15 years of being UK leaders in teaching swimming and water survival, that we would open a site next door to the nursery. We are looking forward to offering this additional benefit to our Oakland families. The response from the local area has also been very positive.’

The new Ipswich pool is due to open its doors in June 2015 and will boast an 18x7m pool.

State of the art interactive iPad booking systems will be available for parent and child participation along with individual log-ins and the changing rooms are being built to the highest specification, with lowered facilities tailored towards babies and children’s needs.

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Hayley Thorpe, Nursery Manager for Oakland Hall says: ‘Becoming independent is the first stage of personal growth and besides learning to eat and sleep independently, a child must also learn to exist independently. As a child learns to adjust with his or her peers and interact with outsiders, you can see them develop outside the home. We’re set up to support that transition, as a home away from home, providing a safe, secure place for children to develop an independent personality outside of their own home.’

Gilly Dovey also owns First Strokes Swim Schools and is currently building a new £1.2m teaching pool next door to Oakland Hall. She says, ‘amongst the many new things that children should experience, a high priority placed on the necessary life skill of swimming.

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‘Our parents are extremely excited about the new swimming pool build,’ says Gilly.

‘We are already taking bookings for lessons and for our other specialised courses such as Rookie Lifeguards and Parent & Child.

First Strokes’ existing ‘open all year’ model allows for continuity for the children, which has been proven to deliver better results.

Our well-known bespoke and comprehensive awards system allows our parents to track their child’s progression and the new site will see us continue to build upon this system in real-time – no waiting to move up a class – if you’re ready you’re ready. We are proud that it sees children find their level, stay enthused and encouraged, whilst recognising any areas for improvement or additional support.’

To register for lessons at the new Ipswich pool please email ipswich@firststrokes.com To learn more about Oakland Hall Day Nursery please visit www.oaklandhall.co.uk

HOW HAS NURSERY CARE HELPED YOUR CHILD?

Finding day care for our daughter was one of the hardest tasks for us as parents.

From the first viewing of Oakland Hall, we knew it was the one. It has allowed us to work without ever worrying about our child. We know that she is receiving the right nutrition, her manners and social skills are being developed and her physical and intellectual needs are being catered for. As working parents we need to be confident that she is being taken care of in the way that we would if we were with her during the day. Oakland Hall does just that and they are happy to take on requests for particular activities or areas of development. The opening hours and all-inclusive pay structure mean that we can comfortably meet work requirements without concerns about timings. The communication is very strong and the staff are extremely approachable so there is a feeling of community. The staff really know her; they care about her and her progress. Besides the staff and resources, the one element that we value most is the personal nature of care. Isla is being educated at Oakland Hall, yes, but she is also being nurtured.

Frank and Scarlett Anstee-Parry and their daughter, Isla

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LIFESTYLE

EVENTS 8 Nov-23 Dec, Matinee and evening Thursford Xmas Spectacular The largest Christmas show in the country with a cast of 130 singers, dancers and musicians. Prepare to be wowed!

Thursford Collection, Thursford, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 0AS 01328 878477 www.thursford.com 27 Nov-31 Jan, Matinee and evening Beauty and the Beast Panto Written by artistic director Peter Rowe and directed this year by associate director Rob Salmon, this classic tale is retold in true rock n’ roll panto style.

New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Dr, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2AS 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk 28 Nov-11 Jan, Morning, matinee, evening Cinderella Directed by Karen Simpson, the Cinderella festive panto with songs, jokes and magic by Peter Duncan is great for all the family.

Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1QR 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org 29 Nov-22 Dec, 9:00-17:30 Country Christmas Shop at Blackthorpe Barn One of the biggest pop-up shops in Suffolk.

You’ll find decorations, nibbles and loads of gift ideas.

Blackthorpe Barn Ipswich Rd, Rougham, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9LZ www.blackthorpebarn.com 3 Dec-10 Jan, 19:45 The Mystery of St Finnigan’s Elbow Songs, silliness and suitably silly storylines.

Eastern Angles, Sir John Mills Theatre, Gatacre Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2LQ 01473 211498 www.easternangles.co.uk

3-10 Dec Christmas Tree Festival The 5th annual tree festival run by St Maryle-Tower church supports The Alzheimer’s Society, the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter and church fund.

St Mary-le-Tower, Tower St, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3BE 01473 289001 www.stmaryletower.org.uk 5 Dec, 18:30 Southwold Christmas Lights Switch On Enjoy a drinks reception in the Reading Room where you’ll have a great view of the switchon. Once the square is lit up, dig into a buffet in the Drawing Room followed by some live entertainment.

The Swan Hotel, Market Place, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6EJ 01502 722186 www.adnams.co.uk/hotels/the-swan 5-7 Dec, 16:30 Lavenham Christmas Fair Food, drink, gifts and craft stalls will be open all weekend on the Market Place, Guildhall and throughout the village.

6 Dec, 16:30 Lavenham Christmas Lantern Walk Follow your guide in costume and carry lanterns through the streets of Lavenham to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Booking required.

Lavenham TIC, Lady Street, Lavenham, Suffolk 01787 248207 www.heartofsuffolk.co.uk 6 Dec, 12:00-16:00 Leiston Christmas Fair Pick up any last minute presents at the Leiston Christmas Fair in town and in The Long Shop Museum.

The Long Shop Museum, Main Street, Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4ES 01728 832 189 www.longshopmuseum.co.uk/leistonchristmas-fair

6-11 Dec Jason Avery Photography Exhibition Although known for his Suffolk landscapes, Jason Avery’s recent work focuses on livestock.

Snape Maltings, Near Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP17 1SR 01728 688303 www.snapemaltings.co.uk 11 Dec, 19:00 Carol Concert Enjoy readings, carols and songs, both traditional and modern. All donations go to East Anglian Children’s Hospice.

St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Church Street, Lavenham, Suffolk CO10 9QT 01473 276195 www.discoverlavenham.co.uk 13 Dec, 14:30-16:30 Christmas Cake Pops Spend the afternoon making a selection of cake pops with a festive theme.

Suffolk Food Hall, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2AB 01473 786610 www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk 20 Dec, 10:00-14:30 Christmas Festival Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival launches its first ever Christmas market with over 50 artisan producers and stalls.

Snape Maltings, Near Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP17 1SR 01728 688303 www.snapemaltings.co.uk 21 Dec, 14:00-21:00 Ice Skating and Christmas Market Enjoy a wide array of festive stalls and soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Booking required for ice skating.

Ufford Park Woodbruge, Yarmouth Rd, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1QW 01394 383555 www.uffordpark.co.uk

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LIFESTYLE Sarah and Rosie Eley

SOCIAL SCENE

Rupert Eley

The EAUX team out and about Spot yourself on these pages and want a copy?

Email us at info@eaux.co.uk

Huntsman Joe Tesseyman and girlfriend Daisy Huxtable Followers on foot

wn Swain, Kate Warburton, Liz Bro s Abbi Warburton, Izzy Will

THE ESSEX AND SUFFOLK HUNT Photography by Hannah Walmsley, White Feather Photography, 07957 300033, info@whitefeatherphotography.co.uk Husband and wife Rupert and Sarah Eley, with children Cuthbert and Rosie

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EAUX LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE - SUFFOLK EDITION

Judy Barfoot, Geoff Barfoot, Eunice Binder, Wallice Binder

Michael and Nicole Stout

ons, Sophie Simm Leigh Evans, us Ro

ktor Sarah Rous, He

Sophie Jewson, Lucy Taylor, Sophie Von Maltzahn

BRUISYARD HALL ANNUAL BALL

to right: Graham technical team from left Lee Cuthbert, The Lindacre workshop s ian hnic Tec and Manager, Lewis Brown Milbourne – Workshop and od kwo Loc m inney, Ada Trevor Steed, Tyree McK

SP O

Photography by Paul Edwards Bruisyard Hall held their Annual Winter Ball. The 8th November saw canapés, three course dinner followed by silent and live auction for SSAFA Armed Forces charity and music and dancing at this black tie event. £4915 was raised for the charity.

ED T T

Alex Rashbrook and Greg Rashbrook

LINDACRE SHOWROOM OPENING

Victoria Guthrie, Greg Rashbrook, Jay Jerome

Our editor Victoria and Advertising Sales Manager Jay attended the Lindacre celebratory champagne and canapé reception at their new premises at Olympus Close in Ipswich.

Ben Elton signing books at the Ways With Words Festival in Southwold

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COUTURE

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EAUX LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE - SUFFOLK EDITION

Party wear for the discerning

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COUTURE

Barbour Beacon Sport Jacket £384.99, Scotch & Soda White Shirt £78.99, Edwin Rainbow Selvage jeans £129.99, H by Hudson Harland Brogue Boots £94.99

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Universal Works Shawl Collar Jacket £119.99, Lyle & Scott Tartan Shirt £74.99, Nudie Jeans Grim Tim Dry Jeans £88.99, Selected Homme Sel Leon Boots £54.99

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Urban Vintage has replaced the womenswear side of the business to focus on a new premium menswear section. The new premium range is smarter and complements the current store which is younger with a mix of street wear brands. Urban Vintage prides itself on its great customer service. Brands stocked include Farah Vintage, Barbour, Edwin, Nudie Jeans, Scotch & Soda and Universal Works.

Urban Vintage also stock a wide range of footwear and are denim specialists. www.urban-vintage.com

Scotch & Soda Blazer £189.99, Scotch & Soda Pin stripe shirt with bow tie £83.99, Carhartt Chinos £94.99, Justin Reece Loafers £74.99, Farah Vintage Tweed blazer £119.99, Farah Vintage Tweed Trousers £74.99, Farah Vintage Hartwell Roll Neck £64.99, H by Hudson Pierre Loafers £99.99. All available from Urban Vintage, 20 – 24 Queen Street, Ipswich ,Suffolk IP1 1SS, 01473 210884, www.urban-vintage.com

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COUTURE

Vivienne Westwood dress £910, Kennel & Schmenger animal ankle boots £249, Bibi necklace £81, Vivienne Westwood wallet handbag £135

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By Malene Birger sequinned skirt £295, By Malene Birger silver grey blouse £155, Rino & Pelle faux leather biker jacket £120, Day Birger et Mikkelsen ‘Fete’ necklace £78, Abro large silver leather clutch bag £120, Kennel & Schmenger black leather high heeled riding boots £279

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Glamorous, opulent with a dash of pizazz, clothing boutique Fanny & Frank, based in Woodbridge, Suffolk, provide a stunning array of both menswear, ladieswear and accessories. Specialising in fresh and exciting fashion, Fanny & Frank showcase a decadent evening wear section, ideal for the Christmas festivities, while their shoe and boot department will have your footwear wrapped up snugly for winter.

By Malene Birger sparkly black dress £175, By Malene Birger green leather coat £779, Kennel & Schmenger white antique crackle shoes £169, Abro forest green handbag £179, Faux fur collar £45, Rams head necklace £79, Day Birger et Mikkelsen coral shirt £200, Day Birger et Mikkelsen skirt £180, 2nd Day leather sleeved jacket £400, Day Birger et Mikkelsen jewelled necklace £95, Kennel & Schmenger silver shoes £169, Vivienne Westwood coral handbag £339. All available from Fanny and Frank, 6-8 Market Hill, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4LU, 01394 384723, www.fannyandfrank.com

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COUTURE

On Trend

Eaux spoke to Lisa West, Topcoats Manager at Coes about coat trends for the winter season.

You may have noticed heavily textured fabrics, tweeds, and course woven textures combined with in-your-face prints gracing the rac ks both in your local boutiques and on the high street. Patterns – particularly houndstooth, tartan and monochrome – feature heavily in many coats this winter. Although the weather may be dreary, colours are anything but; Lisa explains that: ‘we seeing splashes of wonderfully rich colours this season like pinks, reds and beautiful rustic shades.

As always, deep, natural and earthy shades such as aubergine and olive green dominate this season’s selection of outerwear.’

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Lisa tells us that parka style coats are very popular this season – among women, especially – as they are easy to wear and ideal for a casual look. ‘Belted jackets, such as those from the Barbour Lifestyle collection, are also very on trend right now.

For men, slim fit wax jackets and military inspired coats continue to be a great choice for autumn and are as popular as ever.’

We asked Lisa which coats are most popular so far this season: ‘Although we’ve been lucky enough to have a lovely warm start to autumn, it has meant a slow start for heavier coats.’ Lisa says that although heavier outerwear has been slow to take off this year she has seen a rise in the popularity of men’s wax jackets and ladies quilted coats. ‘These provide a great way to throw on an extra layer without adding too much bulk. Commuters also seem to favour traditional raincoats with removable liners as they are easily adaptable to both mild and cold weather as well as providing protection from sudden downpours.’

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Personally, Lisa favours the women’s Barbour Lifestyle Collection and her personal favourite is Kelsall in Olive. ‘It features a nipped-in waist, tartan lining and a big fluffy fur hood, meaning it’s not only practical but it is also has a very fashionable, too.’

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1. Gelco Grey Padded Coat, £149, available from Bijou Boutique, 13 Tower St, Ipswich, Suffolk County IP1 3BE, www.bijouboutique.co.uk | 2. Aigle Cuck Merry Coat, £300, available from Collen & Clare, 25 Market Place, Southwold, Suffolk, IP186ED, www.collenandclare.com | 3. Unreal Fur Fire & Ice Jacket, £189, available from Jarrold, 1-11 London St, Norwich NR2 1JF, www.jarrold.co.uk | 4. Vero Moda Grey Double-breasted Jacket, £50, available from Ninni Noo Boutique, 12 Quay St, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1BX, 01394 388655 | 5. Joules Moredale Jacket, £89, available from Coes, 20 Norwich Rd, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2NH, www.coes.co.uk

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2NDDAY Cobain Fur coat, ÂŁ1450, Fanny & Frank, 6 Market Hill, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4LU, www.fannyandfrank.com

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Indulge Decadent gifts for her…

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1. Cartier Agrafe Himalia earrings, £16,100, www.cartier.co.uk, 020 3147 48502 | Eva Silver Scarf, £135, www.lilyandlionel.com, 020 8371 95743 | 3. Orla Kiely Tulip Stem Wallet, £59, Coes, 20 Norwich Rd, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2NH, www.coes.co.uk | 4. Otis Batterbee Classic Envelope Wash Bag, £58, www.otisbattersbee.com, 020 7431 85635 | 5. Empressa Penhaligon’s, £120, www.penhaligons.com, 0800 716 108 | 6. Stark Handbags Seductress Clutch, £1220, www.starkltd.co | 7. Ugg Classic Bow Gloves, £125, Williams & Griffin, 152 High St, Colchester, Essex CO1 1PN, 01206 5712128 | 8. Gold Bangle, £695, Chenevix Jewellery, 40 Market Hill, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4LU, www.chenevixjewellery.co.uk | 9. Krug by Krug Lovers, £40, www.harrods.com, www.selfridges.com, www.assouline.com | 10. Carola Van Dyke Espresso Set, £21.50, Suffolk Food Hall, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2AB

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BEAUTY

Dr Sebagh Luminous Glow Completion Protector Part of the new generation of hybrid skincare, Dr Sebagh Luminous Glow Completion Protector combines effective anti-ageing benefits with ‘quick fix’ cosmetic properties. It smooths fine lines and wrinkles while hydrating and nourishing the skin with anti-ageing moisturisers – a true multitasker. £72, available from SpaceNK stores or from www.drsebagh.com

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Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil–free Lotion

Dermalogica Redness Relief

This oil-free, lightweight lotion helps visibly reduce oil on the skin’s surface, leaving a shine-free and balanced appearance. It traps moisture to deeply condition skin and restore its moisture barrier. A combination of imperata cylindrica root extract, antarcticine and vitamin E helps keep skin fresh and healthy.

Neutralise, relieve and defend skin against inflammation and redness induced by skin sensitivity and rosacea with this three-in-one SPF moisturiser.

Sunscreens, vitamin E and phytoactive anti-irritant agents provide defense against UV rays and help to control severity of daily flareups and long-term damage caused by the elements.

£24.00, available from Kiehl’s stores or from www.kiehls.co.uk

£35, to find your local stockist visit the store finder at www.dermalogica.co.uk

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Winter Skin Rhianna Prentice, co-owner of The Beauty Room in Marks Tey, explains the problems many people face with their skin during the winter and how to banish them With the temperature outside dropping and darker nights drawing in, skin also changes, becoming duller, dryer and flakier, resulting in tight, red and sometimes sore skin. In order to keep skin healthy, glowing and hydrated it is important to stick to a regime.

During the winter you may find you need to change the products you are using to incorporate a more gentle cleanser and a thicker moisturiser in order to compensate for the change in weather. It can be really beneficial to also introduce a ‘booster’ product, filled with vitamins and added goodness, to give skin the extra boost it needs to keep that healthy glow.

Despite popular belief all skin types and conditions need hydrating – it’s not just what it looks like on the outside that counts but what’s going on underneath too. Some of my clients think that as they have oily skin they don’t need a moisturiser. They apply drying products to their skin that then leads to more oil being produced. For oily or acne-prone skin I would always recommend using a light,

oil-control moisturiser to keep oil at bay yet still hydrate the skin.

For sensitive skin types there are lots of products on the market that are great for calming, reducing redness and keeping hydrated without the fragrances and chemicals that can react and aggravate sensitive skin. In the salon we use Dermalogica products and I highly recommend their Ultra-calming Concentrate Serum which is great at helping sensitive and sore skin. Oats and botanicals help to calm, restore and rebalance, creating happy skin.

Dry skin can be really uncomfortable and often feels really tight. Using lotions and creams that contain lanolin and mineral oil can help to soften the uppermost layer of skin and in turn help moisture to be absorbed. Dry skin is a layer of dead skin that builds up; removing this by using a gentle exfoliator twice a week will help improve dry skin but it’s important to avoid using rough scrubs and exfoliating pads which can damage and weaken the skin. Using a gentle cleanser will help, too.

Best body moisturiser Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Elixir

Dermalogica Body Hydrating Cream

Luxurious Wild Rose Beauty Elixir is formulated with wild rosehip oil, ultra-moisturising hyaluronic acid, brightening turmeric, a smoothing peptide and the pure essential oils of frankincense and geranium for radiantly glowing skin.

This advanced body cream helps tone and smooth all skin conditions and to help hydrate skin and lock in moisture. Smooth and relieve skin dryness with lactic acids and natural hydroxy acid extracts from sugar cane and apple, as lavender, patchouli and orange essential oils combine with green tea to help soothe and soften.

£45.50, to find your nearest stockist visit www.nealsyardremedies. com/england-stockists

£38.90, to find your local stockist visit the store finder at www.dermalogica.co.uk

Try one that contains jojoba or almond oil as these are really effective ingredients.

Follow with moisturiser in the morning before you start the day.

There are many things you can do to improve the condition of your skin in addition to using products. Wool clothing can aggravate eczema so if you’re a sufferer I would suggest steering clear.

Nutrition plays an important part in the health of your skin so making sure you drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in omega 3 will help to maintain moisture levels. You can avoid drying your skin out by showering with lukewarm water and gently buffing the skin instead of scrubbing which can contribute to dry skin. Finally, always wear SPF 15 or greater, no matter how dull and dreary the weather looks outside. You may not see the rays from the sun but they are still there. There are a great range of products like BB creams, CC creams and tinted moisturisers available that include SPF already.

To book in for an appointment with Rhianna call 01206 211831.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream A luxurious cream, enriched with honey, almond and coconut oils. This supercreamy formula performs wonders on dry and fragile hands throughout the year. Lightly scented with jasmine and ylang ylang essential oil this balm leaves hands supple, soft and protected. £19.00, available from www.loccitane.co.uk or call 0800 368 9000 to find your local stockist

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Best hand moisturiser

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Luxurious Christmas gifts for the discerning gentleman

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1. Lyle and Scott Lambswool Crew Neck Pullover, £110, available from Coes, 20-28 Norwich Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2NH, www.coes.co.uk | 2. Edwin Jagger Traditional Shaving Set, £89.95, available from Coes, 20-28 Norwich Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2NH, www.coes.co.uk | 3. Adnams Cooper House Distillery Longshore Vodka, £31.99, available from Adnams Cellar & Kitchen stores throughout Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex | 4. Denison Boston Mindy Floral Cufflinks, £49.95, available from Coes, 20-28 Norwich Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2NH, www.coes.co.uk | 5. Thomas Lyte Bridle Leather Washbag, £145, www.fortnumandmason.com | 6. Naim mu-so Digital Wireless Bluetooth Music System, £895, available from John Lewis, Futura Park, Ransomes Way, Crane Boulevard, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9SQ, www.johnlewis.com | 7. Holland and Coper Tweed and Silk Donegal Scarf, £59, www.hollandcooper.com | 8. Apple Watch, £216, available from Apple Store www.gievesandhawkes.com 9-11 Tavern St, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3AA, www. store.apple.com/uk | 9. Luxury Poker Set with Walnut Trim and Gloss Finish, £104, available from www.artisanti.com or call 0345 259 1410 | 10. 6oz Barbour Hip Flask, £32.95, available from Jarrold 1-11 London Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1JF, www.jarrold.co.uk

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Look fabulous for less

Cake and Catwalk is an independent store on Ipswich waterfront known particularly for its eclectic statement jewellery. It also features a fantastic range of other accessories from bags to scarves and gloves. Run by fashion forward businesswoman Lynn Turner, the shop is quickly approaching its fifth anniversary and will celebrate five years in business on 1st February 2015.

Lynn started the business after she was made redundant and what started as a plan for a party planning business developed into the thriving shop she has today. Lynn has always been a very style conscious person, having worked as a window dresser for Debenhams in her early years. She recommends scarves, bracelets and earrings as great gifts for friends this Christmas. ‘The snoods we have in the store at the moment are lovely but I daren’t take one home as I want my customers to be able to enjoy them.

I do have a great line of clothing from Joss & Florence and have treated myself to a few choice pieces to show customers they look great on, of course!’

how she might help a gentleman choose a gift for his partner this Christmas. ‘I’d find out as much about their partner as I can,’ she explains. ‘This allows me to find out about her favourite colour, what kind of winter coat she wears and what kind of jewellery she prefers on an everyday basis in order to make informed suggestions.’ Lynn has already had to re-order in some gloves from the Powder range to prepare for the Christmas rush.

Lynn loves to keep Cake and Catwalk different from the usual high street shops and she takes care to search out and supply items that cannot be found anywhere else locally. ‘Even if I know I can make good profits from selling what’s popular I do not buy it because I do not want my customers looking like everyone else. My customers come to me because they want something a bit different and they know that Cake and Catwalk is where they can find that. I also pride myself on giving excellent customer service as it’s about more than the item itself; it’s the whole experience so each item purchased is carefully giftwrapped before it leaves the store.’

Cake and Catwalk is situated in the Dance East building right on the waterfront, an area of Ipswich has a great community spirit.

Lynn explains, ‘I was one of the many people who helped to raise money for DanceEast to be built and have been here since it first opened. I am part of the DanceEast family and really love being here.’ But it’s not just the great location that tempted Lynn to open her shop here; Lynn was a dance teacher and is very involved in all that goes on and the community that surrounds it. ‘I attend every event here, go to classes and host the open mic nights in the DanceEats cafe on the 1st Friday of each month.

‘I spend a lot of my time and effort looking for new products, networking, marketing the business and developing my skills in social networking,’ explains Lynn. ‘You cannot afford to let anything slip and I’m always on the look out for anything new.’ Lynn believes that the business and the products stocked should still feel exciting despite the economic market. ‘I started a monthly newsletter when I opened the shop and I still produce it religiously every month. It keeps me connected with customers who don’t come into the shop regularly.’ You can read the Cake and Catwalk newsletter on the facebook page www.facebook.com/cakeandcatwalk1

At this time of year Lynn sees quite a few partners who are looking for the perfect gift for their wives or girlfriends. We asked Lynn

Visit Cake & Catwalk at Jerwood Dance House, The Waterfront, Foundry Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1DJ. 01473 235573

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Escape

Winter in Suffolk Enjoy winter with your family and friends in our pick of luxurious winter hideaways

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Nothing beats spending Christmas and New Year surrounded by your nearest and dearest.

Why not enjoy your Christmas break with your family and friends sitting with you, feet up in front of a toasty fireplace, champagne in hand in the splendor of our top winter hideaways?

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life it is sometimes difficult to explore the beauty of our wonderful county but Christmas is the ideal time. Suffolk is an amazing place to live so explore it like a holidaymaker and follow your festive feast with a stomp through local woodland or along the stony seafront followed by a cheeky glass of champagne at the local country pub.

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Sibton Park

A luxury manor house set in a 4,5000 acre private country estate is Wilderness Reserve.

A luxury collection of serviced family farmhouses, cottages and manor houses available to rent for weekends or longer stays. Only a short drive from our celebrated Heritage Coast and a two hour train journey from London, it is easily accessible and the ultimate bolt hole.

Sibton Park, the largest property in the collection, was built in 1827 and is a Grade II Listed Georgian country house offering accommodation for up to 24 people in spacious bedrooms complete with luxurious en-suite bathrooms – perfect for all the

family over the winter period. The triple height grand entrance hall leads into beautifully proportioned formal reception rooms such as the drawing room which is adorned with the original Chinoiserie wallpaper and a huge dining room with seating for 24.

The land surrounding Sibton Park has been returned from arable use to the parkland it is today under the watchful eye of the celebrated landscape designer, Kim Wilkie.

This has been a near 20 year project in order to create long serpentine drives, parkland trees and follies as imagined by Lancelot (Capability) Brown with astonishing uninterrupted views of the beautiful surrounding landscape.

More accommodation is available on the rest of the estate and includes a wide range of smaller properties including The Clockhouse, The Barn, The Gate Lodges and Hex Cottage.

Wilderness Reserve offers all the country pursuits you’d expect from a traditional English Estate, including: clay-pigeon shoots, fishing, bird-watching, buggy tours, cycling and boating.

Sound great? You can book Sibton Park for £4,000 per night including daily housekeeping.

The smaller properties are also available.

T: 020 7484 5700 W: www.wildernessreserve.com E: book@wildernessreserve.com

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Martello Tower Y

Fancy a cosy Christmas with your nearest and dearest? Sleeping five, Martello Tower Y is situated close to the shingle beach near Alderton just south of the mouth of the river Ore. The building itself is a spectacular Napoleonic fort. Both double bedrooms have a camera obscura, set into the three metre masonry walls, projecting the outside views back on to the bedroom wall.

On the first level is the sitting room with two wood burning stoves, a magnificent almost cathedral-like space, great for relaxing in.

The stairs ascend to a cleverly designed living space with sliding doors on the seaward side, which give access to the outside balcony, seating area and kitchen. The most stunning design feature is the 360 degree window allowing breathtaking views.

Sound great? You can book Martello Tower Y over the festive period for ÂŁ3,320 for a week.

The owners provide an 8ft Christmas tree and all the logs you could possibly want. T: 01394 389189 W: www.suffolkcottageholidays.com E: info@suffolkcottageholidays.com

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Belle Grove

Situated close to Southwold, Walberswick and Aldeburgh, Belle Grove is a collection of five luxury barn conversions. Although it may sit in a tranquil corner of rural England, it’s conveniently placed for shopping in nearby market towns and our beautiful Suffolk coastline where that special combination of sky, sun, sea, dunes, marshes and calm continues to attract walkers as well as artists, musicians and writers.

The biggest property, Upper Barn, sleeps 6 +2 and has under floor heating throughout. It has a vaulted ceiling and wood burning stove to keep you and your family warm.

Sound great? You can book Belle Grove Upper Barn over the winter period for £1600.

Alternatively, take a look online to find out about other barns available.

T: 01986 873124 W: www.bellegrovebarns.com E: enquiries@belle-grove.com

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Danon • Vera Pelle • Anai • Long & Son • Tilly & Grace • David Jones • Treaty and Tempest • Miss Short Hair • Weiss Clothing Cape Town • Joss and Florence • Suzi Blue • Eastar • Powder Design • Shruti Scarves

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Travel Accessories Our selection of the finest luxury accessories

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1. Sony ILCE-QX1 Lense, £249, available from www.sony.co.uk 2. Montblanc Meisterstück Passport Holder, £135.00, available from www.montblanc.com/en-gb 3. Thomas Lyte Kenley Day Bag, £495, available from www.thomaslyte.com 4. Aspinal of London Men’s Manicure Set, £75, available from www.aspinaloflondon.com 5. Kindle Fire HDX, £199, available from John Lewis and Waterstones nationwide 6. Eastpak Roister bag , £140, available from Jarrold, 1-11 London Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 1JF, www.jarrold.co.uk

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Snowy

Escapes Escape from the hustle and bustle of the festive season and discover the delights of Scandinavia

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s Christmas Day approaches, it’s likely you’ve already had enough of present lists, food lists, frozen turkeys, trees and tinsel and you have the overwhelming urge to get away from it all.

to be simply an area of Finland, the Arctic Circle actually stretches across Norway, Sweden and Russia as well.

A trip to Lapland well may be the last place you would think to go: full of kids, gimmicks, Father Christmas and commercialism, right? Wrong.

The heavily publicised Finnish parts of Kakslauttanen and Rovaniemi are well known, but there are also vast unspoilt areas of the Swedish and Norwegian territories consisting of beautiful snowy scenes and unspoilt landscapes. An ideal adult winter playground.

Lapland is a region largely contained within the Arctic Circle. Whilst often taken

Try husky sledding and snowmobiling through a magical Narnia-like wilderness.

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What about ice fishing? Adrenalin junkies can try ice driving on one of the numerous frozen lakes, a reindeer safari or horse riding through snowy forests; even a hovercraft trip through the frozen archipelago.

Soak up the culture with an ice concert, spend the morning in Gammelstad – the UNESCO world heritage church town or perhaps a visit to a Reindeer herder to learn about the fascinating world of the Samis.

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When to go With regards to snow, the time to visit is from early December until mid-April. Excursions like dog sledding, snowmobile and Northern Lights trips will be available throughout the season.

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Andrea Powell, managing director at Idelo Travel has experienced the delights of Lapland first hand Our host for the trip had an amazing itinerary in store but it relied on one thing he could not control – snow. Looking on at the grey sludge by the sides of the roads, this was about as far away from a winter snow playground as could be imagined. ‘Panic not,’ he tried to be reassuring.

‘I have it on good authority that the snow is coming at five this evening.’

Sure enough, as we sat down to tea at five there was wild excitement at the first flakes of snow and it continued into the night.

Throwing back the curtains in the morning it was just like a Christmas fantasy – without any commercialism. Perfect. It was a scene of natural unspoilt beauty; a light blanket of white transformed the grubby grey. The green pine tree branches hung heavy with powder-puff snow. We were back in business!

Riding the snowmobile through the newly laid white carpet, you half expected the elves and goblins to appear to show you the way.

We tried ice fishing – something that hadn’t really appealed until I was standing surrounded by the snow and scenery, tucked up in my layers, the bright sun warming my face. We also enjoyed an exhilarating hovercraft trip followed by an open air barbeque and as the sun beat down, I snuggled into the reindeer skin which was surprisingly quite toasty. The sky was a clear blue, the glistening lake and snow covered trees coupled with an aura of serene tranquillity providing a picture perfect view.

For me the highlight was our short but private ice music concert inside an igloo. Before us were carved ice benches – our seats – and the instruments, also all made out of ice. Guitars, cello, violin, drums – even a xylophone – were carefully carved from ice. The temperature inside was kept at a constant –5 irrespective of outside conditions to protect the longevity of the instruments. We discovered the igloo has to be rebuilt every year and the instruments also take a good while to be carved to perfection. It really is a labour of love. It was a totally enthralling evening and a spectacular end to an amazing short break.

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Scientists are predicting 2014/15 to be the best year for Northern Lights viewing for a decade

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Temples, Beaches & City Tour … in Cambodia and Thailand

Situated on a steep hillside with dramatic views of the Gulf of Thailand and the beautiful Ko Pha Nga Island, the 62 spacious villas are scattered through tropical jungle and offer secluded, elegant living areas.

Brand new for winter, Ampersand Travel has created the ultimate tour of Cambodia and Thailand. The journey begins in Siem Reap, at the incredible Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor – a super, tastefully appointed hotel with art-deco, country–style furnishings and Cambodian objects d’art, reflecting the period when the hotel was originally built. Private villa dinner in the Cambodian countryside and sightseeing of the temples without the crowds is included in the four night stay.

The final night will be spent in the heart of Bangkok, staying at The Oriental where the rooms are stylish, well equipped and perfectly complemented by numerous excellent restaurants and bars, two swimming pools, a sumptuous spa, cookery school and world class service.

Continue onwards to Koh Samui and arrive at the Four Seasons, where this luxurious resort has some of the most comfortable and beautiful rooms of any hotel in Thailand.

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Looks great!

How do I book?

Ampersand Travel offer nine nights from £3,585 per person based on two people sharing, on a B&B basis at all accommodation. Return private transfers and all flights are included. www.ampersandtravel.com / 020 7819 9770

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Winter Sun…

Stop, take a breath and relax. Escape the chilly British weather with our pick of uber-luxurious sundrenched holidays

catch the wint er october – may

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Sublime Aman Experience … in Sri Lanka Positioned on Sri Lanka’s colourful south coast, Amangalla is the most stylish colonial hotel in Asia. The property oozes sophisticated luxury and old-world charm with its antique furniture, polished teak floors and high ceilings. The suites are simply perfect, with soothing muted colours, colonial furniture and freestanding bathtubs.

Set in a mature coconut grove fronting a crescent-shaped beach, Amanwella is one of Sri Lanka’s leading understated beachfront luxury resorts, located just two hours drive east of Galle.

Looks great!

How do I book?

Ampersand Travel’s nine day Sublime Sri Lanka Aman Experience itinerary is available from £2,930 per person based on seven nights half board accommodation, flights, transfers, complimentary fort tour and spa treatments at Amangalla and Amanwella. www.ampersandtravel.com / 020 7819 9770

Home to 30 contemporary suites, each boasts a pool or ocean view and comes complete with private plunge pool and terrace. Linked by pathways along a landscaped rise, each suite showcases chic oriental design and the resort facilities include a 47m infinity pool and beach club making the perfect spot for a private lunch or dinner surrounded by coconut palms.

The seaside town of Tangalle is situated nearby and the superb location of the resort further allows guests to take a leisurely stroll to discover local village life and the country’s beautiful yet diverse flora and fauna.

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Unspoilt Beauty … in Southern Vietnam Nestled on a curve of white sand on the island of Con Son, looking out over the glistening South China Sea is Six Senses Con Dao, the newest addition to the Six Senses family. This beautiful area has been a designated nature and marine reserve for decades and its unspoilt beauty is home to many endangered and indigenous species.

Each villa is carefully designed using timber frames and natural materials with fantastic views out to sea. The contemporary design has left the bathrooms and living areas openair to enjoy the balmy sea breeze, whilst the bedrooms are all air-conditioned for comfort.

The property has a wide range of activities on offer. Take an early morning visit to a traditional Vietnamese market before trying your hand at a cooking class, visit a nearby turtle hatchery and take advantage of the range of watersports on offer, from sunset cruises to fantastic scuba diving.

Looks great!

How do I book?

Scott Dunn offer seven nights from £1,865 per person based on two people sharing an ocean view deluxe villa on a B&B basis, including shared road transfers and flights from the UK. www.scottdunn.com / 020 8682 5060

catch the wint er october – may

catch the wint er october – may

catch the wint er december – ap

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Escape

Stay

Weekend in‌

London

When you need a quick break from day to day life, nothing says relax and enjoy yourself like a weekend in London. Our editor, Victoria, investigates

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Harrods

With more than 330 departments, Harrods is the biggest department store in Europe. Stuck for gift ideas? A visit here will sort you out.

87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL

The Marylebone Hotel

A short stroll from the key shopping areas in London and all the hustle and bustle, The Marylebone is the ideal base from which to explore the delights of London. The luxurious boutique style hotel is just a quick stroll from the buzz of Oxford Street, the glamour of Bond Street and the greenery of Regents Park. Located centrally, and just a short walk from the nearest tube station, The Marylebone is set in a modernist building and contemporary chic defines the mood from the moment you walk through the entrance.

Photography: David Iliff. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0

shop

From the grand mosaic lobby to the food and rooms, everything has a first class feel. The height of urban, sophisticated style, the room was clean, plush and modern; the bed was akin to what I imagine sleeping on a cloud would be like! The ultimate in comfort and style, each room boasts an Italian marble bathroom, contemporary furnishings and turndown service as standard.

We had pre-booked for afternoon tea so on arrival we enjoyed our Indulgent Afternoon Tea in The Pantry which included finger sandwiches, scones, French pastries, tea, fresh strawberries and even a glass of Rose Champagne. Talk about a decadent start to a weekend away!

When it comes to breakfast you can choose from a the continental buffet or the a la carte menu plus a classic choice of beverages, all presented with very efficient service.

We didn’t have chance to sample The Brasserie for dinner, but it has recently been refurbished and centres around the restaurant’s Josper grill with a menu inspired by food that’s foraged, farmed and fished in the UK with great emphasis on seasonal fare.

If you book into The Marylebone you’ll receive complimentary access to the in-house health club with fully equipped gym, pool and spa with daily complimentary exercise classes – the perfect place to unwind after a long day enjoying what London has to offer.

Hamleys

Hamleys is one of the oldest and best known toy stores in the world, and a treasure trove of gifts and toys for kids, big and small.

188-196 Regent Street, London W1B 5BT

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Selfridges

Since 1906 Selfridges has been a shopping institution. A must-visit if you like to shop until you drop.

400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB

Photography: James Bryant

what to do

Somerset House Fortnum & Mason

This iconic British department store is known for its luxury hampers and speciality items.

181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER

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Squeeze in some outdoor ice-skating in the beautiful splendor of the Somerset House neoclassical courtyard. Enjoy a cocktail, indulgent fondue or tasty treat from Fortnum’s Lodge or Skate Lounge. www.somersethouse.org.uk

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Want to treat yourself to a little gift whilst in the city? Book in for a 90 minute bespoke perfume-making experience with Floris. www.florislondon.com

Photography: AKA, ROH© 2014

Floris

Royal Opera House

Soak up some culture at the Royal Opera house with a viewing of Un Ballo in Maschera, a new production of Verdi’s tragedy of illicit love, loyalty and betrayal directed by Katharina Thoma. www.roh.org.uk

Covent Garden

must see!

Photography: Jeff Moore

It’s worth visiting this beautiful pocket of London just for the atmosphere, especially around Christmas time with the lights, shops and street performers. You’ll be in a festive mood in no time. www.coventgardenlondonuk.com

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Dubai

Looking for a must-see destination with the very biggest, best and most luxurious of everything? Sounds like a trip to Dubai with Fred. Olsen Travel is on the cards

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his incredible city of the super-rich has some of the world’s most incredible modern architecture and is truly a sight to behold.

Palm Dubai Hotel & Resort has to offer, including The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Aquaventure Waterpark and the Atlantis Dive Centre.

shopping? If you fancy a ski you can pop into Ski Dubai or stop for a few hours to watch the latest films on the big screen in the cinema.

Situated in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai sits between coast and desert. It is home to some of the world’s largest, tallest and most iconic structures.

Synonymous with over-the-top, Dubai offers a huge range of activities so whether you’re in the mood for the city, the beach or an activity break you’ll find plenty to see and do.

Sail shaped hotel Burj Al Arab hotel is thought to be the most luxurious – and tallest – hotel in the world. Fancy a peek at the view from the top? Hop on the elevator and ride up to the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor to enjoy incredible panoramic scenes and afternoon tea. If the open air is more your thing you could book a hot air balloon ride and enjoy the city from above.

Feeling like an explorer? If you prefer relaxing on the beach you can soak up the rays on the golden sand or even visit the nature reserve. Discover the desert in a 4x4 or play a few rounds of golf at one of the city’s many greens.

Off the coast of Dubai you can visit the world renowned Palm Jumeira Islands, and whilst you’re there enjoy all Atlantis the

Love shopping? The Mall of Emirates has over 560 outlets so there’s no way you will leave without what you came for. Bored of

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If you time your trip right you’ll also be able to take part in some of the breathtaking cultural festivals and exciting international events like the Dubai World Cup and Dubai Summer Surprises, the region’s entertainment and shopping fiesta.

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Mark Scrivener, Fred. Olsen Travel Bury St Edmunds Branch Manager, recommends five nights in a Deluxe Suite at Burj Al Arab, one of the most iconic buildings in Dubai.

Breakfast is included which leaves you free to enjoy fabulous food wherever you like in the city during the day and in the evening.

Travel in style with Emirates Business Class and private return transfers from the airport, all included.

Price per person ÂŁ5734.00 based on flights from 03/03/15 London Heathrow / Dubai 2200/0845 returning 09/03/15 Dubai / London Heathrow 1430/1815

Clare Aitchison, TravelQuest Woodbridge and Aldeburgh Branch Manager, suggests five nights in a Gulf Ocean Summer House Deluxe room at Dar Al Masyaf with complimentary upgrade to half board. This luxurious break includes a desert safari and barbeque experience for those who love exploring.

Private transfers, Emirates Business Class flights and use of business lounge is included as well as private chauffer transfers (complimentary up to 70 mile radius, extra payable per 10 miles).

Price per person ÂŁ3378 based on flights from 14/05/15 London Gatwick / Dubai 2115/0720+1 returning 20/05/15 Dubai / London Gatwick 1500/1930

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Get away from the dreary February weather with of five nights in a Palm Manor House Premium room at One & Only The Palm, also recommended by Clare. See the sights of the city from this luxury base. Includes complimentary upgrade to half board, access to business class lounge, Business Class flights plus optional chauffeur transfers (complimentary up to 70 mile radius, extra payable per 10 miles).

Price per person £3721 based on flights from 03/02/15 London Gatwick / Dubai 0940/2030 returning 08/02/15 Dubai / London Gatwick 1445/1825

Fred. Olsen Travel are your local independent travel agents offering worldwide holidays, cruises, city breaks, weddings and honeymoons, worldwide adventures and much more. We have over 25 years of selling dream holidays to the people of East Anglia.

Come and meet the team, tell us what your travel plans are and we will work with you to help you plan your dream holiday.

We have travel shops in Ipswich (in-store at COES), Colchester, Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Aldeburgh (White Lion) Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge Airport, Norfolk (in store at Jarrold) and Thorpe.

Our strength is independence – this ensures that we can offer a bespoke holiday offering by researching the best options from the whole travel market.

If you are planning a journey for business don’t hesitate to let us take care of that too! From private jets to Easyjet, Eurostar to chauffeured cars, parking to hotels we will always source the most competitive price. Fred Olsen Travel has a team of highly qualified business travel specialists who deliver a comprehensive, personal and impartial service which is on hand 24 hours a day.

All holidays can be booked through your local Fred. Olsen Travel branch.

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GOURMET

wild meat on the Menu

We talk to the Wild Meat Company about the popularity of game and the history of their business

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ame is traditionally low in fat and cholesterol and has a distinctive flavour. It is loved by many, yet is not universally accessible in supermarkets. Robert Gooch, founder of The Wild Meat Company in Woodbridge, Suffolk, explains that this really makes availability an issue, particularly as the number of butchers’ shops in the region – and across the rest of the UK, too – continues to decline.

‘Consumers do sometimes fear anything new or unusual’, explains Robert. ‘We also have the issue that game will be an unusual meal for the majority of urban dwellers and there is so much choice of meat readily available, there is little need for anyone to stretch further to game.’

The Wild Meat Company place a great importance on localism, which is an emerging trend in consumer behavior. They stock their produce in butchers and farm shops across the region. ‘Horsegate showed that the international meat trade is rife with fraud and abuse. Consumers now want to know where their food has come from and only local food sold in local shops can

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provide the reassurance of knowing where the meat has originated from,’ says Robert.

However, The Wild Meat Company do also place a lot of focus on their website, www.wildmeat.co.uk, so that game is easily available to anyone with access to the internet.

Game-to-Eat tries to raise awareness through their Game-to-Eat campaign and there has been a definite increase in the amount of game seen on television with celebrity chefs.

We are also seeing more game dishes on restaurant menus – just take a look at The Brewery Tap, The Cookhouse and Le Talbooth, to name a few.

Since the age of eight, Robert Gooch has shot, processed and eaten game. But it wasn’t until he met Paul Denny, master butcher, that he realised he could build a business based on their joint experience and love of eating game. The business has been running since 1999 and was initially developed to take the muck and mystery

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‘Horsegate showed that the international meat trade is rife with fraud and abuse.

Consumers now want to know where their food has come’

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gourmet out of buying, preparing and eating game.

Every single item that comes out of The Wild Meat Company is carefully hand processed, prepared and arrives in a very neat and tidy parcel, ready to use.

Paul is a co-founder of the business and runs the day-to-day operations, overseeing a team of butchers, handling sales enquiries and managing suppliers. He also spends his share of time on the ‘block’ cutting meat when he can get out of the office. Robert is responsible for the administration, finance and marketing of the business and is not often seen in the butchery.

Robert says that venison is their most popular meat because, like all game, it is low in fat but venison in supermarkets is often farmed venison from New Zealand. ‘Many of our customers want wild venison, because they prefer to eat meat that has not been killed in a slaughterhouse.’ Paul and Robert are both directly involved with the whole process, except for the transport which is done by a courier overnight delivery service.

Robert’s personal favourite? ‘My favourite everyday game is venison steak because it is available all year round,’ explains Robert.

‘Loin steak is more tender but haunch steak offers more taste and texture. Woodcock is my favourite dish but it is only available between November and January. Due to its limited seasonality, and relative expense, it is a treat to look forward to and savour.’

Suffolk is known for being a paradise for game due to the wide variety of habitats including marshland, forestry, heaths, river valleys and arable land. ‘Paul and myself both love living here in Suffolk which is very fortunate,’ says Robert, going on to explain how all game benefits from a mixture of habitats for shelter and food throughout the seasons. Fortunatley for Robert and Paul, being close to the coast means that Suffolk is one of the first ports of call for migratory game like wild duck from the continent.

This small business has received acclaim from the likes of Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, the Hairy Bikers and Rick Stein, for the quality and taste of the meat. Robert says: ‘It is great to be recognised by these chefs because running a small food processing business is hard work and not always mindblowingly lucrative so it is nice to hear that someone thinks we are doing a good job.’

The Wild Meat Company have just finished building a new tablet friendly website and are about to invest in a new labelling and traceability system in order to provide even more accurate information for customers on the origins of their meat.

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GOURMET

Strike

While the Coffee’s Hot Victoria Guthrie spoke to Scott Russell, one half of the brains behind independent coffee brand Paddy & Scott’s to talk roasting and revolution

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ith two billion cups consumed worldwide every day, coffee is the most popular drink in the world. More than 70 million of those are consumed here in the UK. Be under no illusion, with two stores having already opened since October in Framlingham and Bury St Edmunds – another three confirmed in Suffolk – Paddy & Scott plan to revolutionise the independent coffee industry in East Anglia.

I met Scott at the Framingham store, stopped to enjoy a delicious caramel latte and panini from local food heroes before being whisked off to their office, a converted barn two miles away in Earl Soham.

The Beginning One thing plain to see is Scott’s love and enthusiasm for what he does and his passion for educating people about the delights of coffee. Back in 2006 at the age of 36 Scott sold his telecommunications business. The new owners placed him on gardening leave for a year. ‘I got very bored during that year and became a little depressed,’ explained Scott, who has worked since he was 16.

‘I was relatively young and suddenly I was faced with the question; what am I going to do now? I couldn’t play golf for the rest of my life!’

Scott has always had a passion for coffee and during his gardening leave he would go and sit and drink coffee in Eat Anglia,

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gourmet the local deli in Earl Soham run by Paddy Bishopp. ‘It was a really lovely environment to be in so I sat there every day and low and behold a few weeks later Paddy told me that Trevor, the coffee roaster who he bought his coffee from – which helped him win deli of the year – was moving to Australia with his wife and was looking to sell his small coffee roasting business.’ So, between them, Paddy and Scott decided to buy Trevor’s business.

They took 30 kilos of coffee, ten clients and a two kilo Probat roaster called Old Smokey, put it all in Scott’s garage and just started roasting.

Trevor spent six weeks training the duo how to roast, grade and blend. Inspired by micro roasters and the coffee culture in New Zealand and Australia they decided to adopt the policy of slow roasting the coffee, which has been the core DNA of Paddy & Scott’s to this very day. ‘Most commercial coffee roasters flash roast for just three to four minutes but we roast for up to 17, over a less intense flame which is akin to slow roasting pork. The longer you roast, the more flavours you pull out. To keep up with demand, commercial roasters will usually flash roast coffee by the ton using huge, modern roasters. Our coffee is still done using a drum roaster that was built in 1970s! The coffee is roasted using a real flame underneath and smells wonderful. The only element that is computer controlled is the amount of coffee put into the roaster – our master roaster does the rest of the magic. He will look at the beans as they are roasting, open Old Smokey’s eyeglass, put in a tube that allows him to look at and smell the coffee.’

Making it big Paddy and Scott went on to start to sell to farm shops and delis in Suffolk and then all of a sudden they did a show which was attended by a Sunday Times journalist: ‘there’s me and Paddy laughing and joking – and she said it was best coffee she’d ever tasted!’ The journalist then went on to write an article saying that one of the top 100 things in your larder has to be a bag of Paddy & Scott’s coffee. That then put them on the radar of bigger stores.

‘When we first started we had a whole range of coffees that were branded with our faces on so we were literally the faces of Paddy & Scott’s. We spoke to Waitrose who gave us a regional listing who then, within four months said it was selling so well they took it national. Tesco then picked up the product too. Unfortunately we were probably a year too early to support national supermarkets as the level of in-store support was more than just the two of us could provide. As our

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faces were on the packets, we were travelling all over the country to promote the coffee while we were still roasting in the garage ourselves. It was a big learning curve.’

taste. They realised that they could build on the loyalty that they had established in the corporate world and release it onto the high street.

Paddy and Scott decided to go into food service direct; supplying coffee to restaurants and corporate headquarters, growing to become one of the UK’s fastest developing independent coffee brands.

You can’t fault Scott’s drive and ambition: ‘I don’t just want one coffee shop, I want 20 and then I want to build that to 30,’ explained Scott. ‘I don’t think there is a really cool, artisan, independent coffee brand in East Anglia; we want to be the number one East Anglian independent coffee brand underpinned by great tasting coffee.’

What made this dynamic duo decide to open their own cafe? Already operating over 60 concessions up and down the country in business and industry, Paddy and Scott saw that people were queuing up to buy their coffee, quite literally, and loved the

The coffee Last year Paddy & Scott’s sold 36 million cups of coffee – that’s about one metric ton

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of slow roasted coffee every working day.

‘Predominantly our coffee is South American and African but we also mix in Indian and Vietnamese so we tend to blend coffees from all around the world. Our South American coffee is lovely and sweet but on its own it won’t be punchy enough so we need to mix different continents. We like to mix the South American with African coffee which is very smokey – it’s sundried and earthy – and you get a lovely balanced coffee.’

Great Coffee

Scott’s top places to grab great coffee in Suffolk Dance East Jerwood Dance House, Foundry Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP4 1DW

Honey & Harvey 56 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, Suffolk.

IP12 1AL

Pump Street Bakery 1 Pump St, Woodbridge, Suffolk.

IP12 2LZ

The Westleton Crown The Street, Westleton, Suffolk.

IP17 3AD

Aurora The Tented Building, Helena Road, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP3 0BT

The Crown Market Hill, Framlingham, Woodbridge, Suffolk. IP13 9AN

When it comes to sourcing the beans, this is largely down to head barista, Gareth Davis, explained Scott. ‘We sent Gareth to India, gave him five grid references, $500, a backpack and a new pair of trainers and gave him the task of visiting five different plantations. We wanted Gareth to experience the people and culture of these coffee growing regions and travel as a native, not in the air conditioned luxury of a plush 4x4 or staying in a swanky hotel.’

Experimenting Paddy and Scott are currently trialing a Rwandan coffee – a really lovely African coffee that they are planning to use in a fine filter program. ‘You can come into the store, you can buy 20g of freshly roasted coffee.

We will grind it in front of you, put it into a fine filter and present with a timer and there are instructions on how to serve and drink the coffee.’ More than just an espressobased drink, this is a really clever way of experiencing coffee.

It’s not all nose to the grindstone – Paddy & Scott’s ChitChat coffee was created over half a bottle of Grappa in the garage. ‘We were trying to create a really nice dark Italian coffee that went with Grappa. We tasted the Grappa, tasted the coffee, tested the Grappa then the coffee again, cheering ourselves on.

We were in fits of laughter, drunk on Grappa

but we created a really good dark roasted coffee out of it!’

The future of coffee in Suffolk There has been a whole new wave of lightly roasted, single origin coffees filtering their way out from London. ‘These are really light, bright coffees with fruity overtones, normally served black or with just a touch of milk – perhaps not naturally a taste profile that you would associate with espresso-based drinks but because it’s radiating out from the city of London it is creating a mini-revolution,’ explained Scott. But it’s a bit like Marmite – you either love it or you hate it. ‘For companies like the Pump Street Bakery in Orford and Honey & Harvey in Woodbridge to adopt these trends is very brave but it seems to be taking off.’

It seems Suffolk is having somewhat of a coffee revolution, with great restaurants like Milsom, Kesgrave Hall and The Crown in Woodbridge serving coffee and taking it seriously. ‘The exciting thing is that their coffee is equally as good as the food,’ explained Scott.

Paddy and Scott are trying to make the coffee buying experience more interactive.

They have developed a smartphone app that allows you to preorder, pay for coffee and select a collection time. It also pairs your coffee with food and tells you the origins and flavours in your coffee.

Is Suffolk ready for the coffee revolution?

For flat whites and infusion brewed fine filter coffees? ‘It’s working in the city, New Zealand, Australia – so why can’t we adopt this really cool approach to coffee? Coffee shops are becoming amazing places to be where baristas are in demand. I think it’s important that companies adapt to changes in taste. You can’t just sit back.’

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GOURMET

The verdict: The Luxury Christmas Pudding in Ceramic Bowl, 600g, £16.99, from Abel & Cole is a delight for the taste buds. This pud has a great mixture of sticky fruit (currants, raisins, sultanas, lemon, orange peel and cherries) and crunchy almonds. The fruit is soaked in cider, stout and cognac for an explosion of fruity boozy goodness. www.abelandcole.co.uk

ing, ose Hidden Orange Christmas Pudd The verdict: The Heston from Waitr y, ing made with cider and Spanish sherr 1.2kg, £15.00, is a succulent pudd entire the ng infusi e centr the in n hidde containing a whole candied orange pudding with strong citrus notes.

Boulevard, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 9SQ www.waitrose.com, Futura Park, Crane

Luxury

Christmas Puddings The yearly struggle to find a fab Christmas pudding is now over

Almost everybody has experienced the challenge of finding the ultimate Christmas pudding each year. The ones with just the right amount of nuts, fruit, not too boozy (or not boozy enough!). We have rounded up our pick of the very best luxury Christmas puddings for you (and very considerately taste tested them, too).

Take your pick from some of the finest festive puds the UK has to offer.

The verdict: Super moist, light and zesty, the Wilkin & Sons Christmas Pudding, 454g, £9.99, comes traditionally wrapped in an earthenware pot. The pudding is laden with fruit, has a wonderful spiced aroma and subtle hint of brandy. www.tiptree.com, Wilkin & Sons Ltd, Tiptree, Essex CO5 0RF

The verdict: The Magnificent Christmas Pudding from Fortnum & Mason, 907g, £40, is a spectacularly fruity treat for the tastebuds. With a well of brandy butter at its centre, encased in marzipan, this is truly a divine dish.

Packed with British fruit and topped with cobnuts, homegrown walnuts and gold leaf, this is fruity, nutty and boozy. The ultimate in luxury. www.fortnumandmason.com

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The verdict: There is a reason Betty’s Vintage Christmas Pudding, 800g, £18.95, is so popular. The fruit is soaked in vintage port and Yorkshire ale and then given a year to mature and for the flavour to intensify. A wonderfully moist pudding with rich flavour. www.bettys.co.uk

The verdict: Dark, indulgent and a bit different.

Selfridges Selection Vintage Christmas Pudding 800g, £22.99, is infused with lashings of boozy dark rum and stout. It has a wonderful rich spiced scent and is made with ground almonds and apples to give a beautifully rich and moist mouthful. www.selfridges.com

The verdict: Cole’s Brandy Port and Walnut Christmas Pudding, 906g, £11.99, is a traditional round pudding in a muslin cloth. Great for those who love a bit of bite and a kick to their Christmas puddings as it has a healthy dose of walnuts and is doused in port and brandy with prunes, apricots and brandy to keep it moist. www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk, Suffolk Food Hall Ltd, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2AB

The verdict: The Apple Strudel Christmas Pudding from Carved Angel, 680g, £16.95, is deliciously different. This classic Christmas pudding mix is subtly spiced and filled with juicy apple pieces with a delicate cinnamon flavour. This is a decadent treat with an Austrian twist. www.thecarvedangel.com

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GOURMET

Champagne The perfect way to gift discerning relatives and Champagne connoisseurs during the festive period (or keep for yourself) The 15th century Swan Hotel at Lavenham is known for its history, great food and extensive wine and champagne menu with bottles from around the world. The man in charge of keeping that menu up-to-date is François Belin, Head Sommelier. We spoke to François to find out, in his eyes, what makes good Champagne. ‘It all starts with the terroir; this is the set of special characteristics which include the geography, geology and climate of an area that will interact with the vines. This must be followed by faultless and passionate winemaking and rigorous attention to detail to produce elegance and complexity as well as an independent style. Time is a also an essential key factor for the production of a great Champagne.’

Although time may play a large part in its making, any time is good to enjoy a glass of bubbly, whether it’s with fine food, great friends or at a celebratory affair. François recommends that Champagne is best served chilled, between eight and 12°C in large flutes or white wine glasses. François has a personal preference for Champagne with a dominant percentage of pinot noir or more body in it, like Bollinger, Henri Giraud and Krug, which are all available to enjoy at The Swan.

If you want to purchase a bottle to enjoy at home, François suggests Majestic Wines and Corney & Barrow in Newmarket, or Wines of Interest in Ipswich.

If you would like to book in for one of The Swan’s wine tasting dinners the next one is a Champagne Bollinger wine dinner, which will be held on 23rd January 2015, £85pp.

To book please contact The Swan at Lavenham, High St, Lavenham, Suffolk CO10 9QA, 01787 247477, functions@ theswanatlavenham.co.uk, www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk

Photography: Pierre Monetta

Dom Perignon Iris Van Herpen Gift Set

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For the height of luxury this Christmas, indulge with the limited edition Dom Perignon, who this year are working in collaboration with Dutch couturier Iris Van Herpen to create plush giftboxes, decorated using unique 3D printing in a dark, rich green.

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Available to purchase from Selfridges or online, this champagne boasts a sophisticated aroma of almonds paired with powdered cocoa, as well as the delicate hint of dried flowers. Toasted notes add a maturity to the flavour and helps the full taste linger on the palette. Treat yourself to the Vintage 2004 for £135, or instead opt for the Rose Vintage 2003, worth £330. Both are available to buy from www.domperignon.com

Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Pale gold with fine bubbles, the Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve is an elegant option for your Christmas Day dinner, showcasing an array of ripe apricots, fresh melon as well as tart plum pastry tones, paired with delicate spiced notes.

Smooth with a hint of vanilla and cherries, this Champagne won Best in Show at the Sommelier Wine Awards 2013 and it’s easy to see why; when presented in it’s glamorous gift set for the festive season – two exquisite Coupe Grande Champagne glasses created

by Master Sommelier Philippe Jamesse of Domaine les Crayeres in Reims add an abundance of class for the perfect present.

Available from both Fortum and Mason and Selfridges, treat yourself to a bottle for £75 to enjoy this inticingly fresh champagne.

The fruit flavours hit the palette full force, matched with sticky honey to produce a brilliantly golden liquid, with fine bubbles.

This light and elegant festive option spends an impressive three to four years aging in cellars releasing its aromatic potential.

Produced using 95% first pressings of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, this signature beverage uses grapes from prime vineyards throughout Champagne, with approximately half coming from the Taittinger Estate. Winning the silver medal from the Drinks Business Champagne Masters 2013, sample this opulence for yourself for £38.99, available to buy in all major supermarkets.

Bollinger Special Cuvée Bollinger Special Cuvée is the result of delicate blending between harvest grapes and majority of reserve wines, including magnums aged for more than 15 years in Bollinger cellars. Golden with vine bubbles, Special Cuvée has aromatic complexity, ripe fruity aromas, hints of roasted apples, apple compote and peaches, and bubbles like velvet. It works really well with seafood, poultry and white meat as well as parmesan.

Bollinger Special Cuvée retails for £45 and is widely available from Waitrose, Majestic, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.

‘I drink it when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone.

When I have company I consider it obligatory.

I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it – unless I’m thirsty.’

Lilly Bollinger

Krug Grande Cuvée Krug is pne for those with a sweet tooth.

Your tastebuds are in for a treat with this dessert-like mixture of hazelnut, nougat, barley sugar and jellied fruits, also with hints of toasted bread for depth of flavour. With highlights of apples, dried fruits and flowers, you may also notice the Christmas inspired notes of gingerbread, marzipan and honey, livened with exotic undercurrents of lemon and grapefruit. Able to stand up to any meal, the Krug Grande Cuvée works well with an abundance of food.

Undeniably fresh Krug Grande Cuvée is a blend of around 120 wines from ten or more different vintages, some of which may reach 15 years of age. Blending so many vintages gives Krug Grande Cuvée its unique fullness of flavours and scents, with the Champagne spending a further six years in cellars. Each bottle takes a painstaking 20 years to craft, making every sip a delicious occasion.

Champagne Tattinger Brut Réserve NV Ideal with white meat or shellfish, the Tattinger Brut Réserve offers an alluringly sweet concoction, with the blooming scents of peach, white flowers and vanilla pods, the fruity scents holding a back note of brioche.

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G ourmet

Seasonal

Flavours Sensational recipes to delight the tastebuds

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ike Keen, owner of food led pub The Brewery Tap in Ipswich says that supporting the local economy is the right thing to do.

‘I think it’s important to use the food that’s on your doorstep – especially as we have such great food producers and farmers in Suffolk. We’ve got such amazing variety of local poultry, grains, vegetables, native cattle and so on. The list is huge!’

Mike has a fascinating past, and has sampled some amazing flavours from across the globe – Caribbean, USA and New Zealand – which have influenced him greatly in terms of food – especially the street food in Korea – ‘it’s exciting when you come across a back street full of vendors cooking food that is sometimes hard to identify but smells and tastes incredible’.

Game season runs from October to February and Mike often gets partridges, pheasant, guinea fowl and rabbits from local suppliers.

The guinea fowl used in this recipe and at The Brewery Tap is from Cratfield about 35 minutes away from the pub. ‘Guinea fowl have been used for centuries but have a reputation for being a predominantly French, high-end product,’ explains Mike. ‘They’re a very underused bird but have been gaining popularity and we are seeing suppliers again in Suffolk and Norfolk.

‘I like to try use the whole animal so as well as using the always popular breast (we often stuff it), we confit the legs and use the melt-in-your-mouth meat in a terrine or serve it on the bone with black pudding jam as a starter. We trim the wings and serve them as a traditional Buffalo wings dish, crackle the skin and then use the bones for stock.’

It’s not just the meat that is sourced locally: ‘All the tomatoes, onion and garlic we use come from Newbourne Farm in Woodbridge.

Mushrooms and spinach all come from Ardleigh, and even the quinoa is from our neighbouring county of Essex.’

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Stuffed guinea fowl breast with salsa, quinoa and smoked cheddar fritter and guinea crackling This recipe involves preparing in advance then you can cook it all at the last minute Serves 4 Ingredients For guinea fowl: 4 Guinea fowl breasts 200g Wild mushroom mix 1 Onion, medium, finely chopped 2 Cloves garlic, mashed 75g Butter 60g Spinach 50g Smoked cheddar, grated 40ml Hillfarm rapeseed oil For salsa: 4 Tomatoes, core removed and finely chopped 2 Spring onions, finely chopped 30g Coriander, chopped 2 Cloves garlic, mashed 75ml Hillfarm rapeseed oil For fritters: 100g Quinoa 250ml Water 1 Onion, finely chopped 1 Mild chilli, finely chopped 50g Butter 50g Fresh breadcrumbs 20g Fresh parsley, chopped 1 Small egg, beaten 75g Smoked cheddar 50g Panko breadcrumbs 1. To make stuffed guinea fowl place butter in a shallow, heavy bottomed pan on a medium heat. Once melted add the onion and garlic. Stir until soft, add the mushrooms and cook until they’re soft, too. Throw in the spinach and toss a couple of times. Take off the heat and add the cheese. Stir until melted then season.

2. Remove the skin from the guinea fowl.

Place the breasts between two sheets of cling film and gently flatten the fillet with the side of a knife.

3. Cut a pocket into the underside of the

breast, making sure you don’t cut right through. Cut out towards the side of the breasts so the pocket opens inside.

4. Divide the mushroom mix between the guinea fowl breasts, pushing it into the pockets you’ve cut. Lay the flattened fillet over the top and tuck it in so you have a good seal.

5. Salt the skin well for 20 mins, rinse off with cold water and pat dry. Place in fridge until ready to cook.

6. Put the skin onto a baking tray, sprinkle with sea salt and bake in a 200°C oven until nicely browned. Remove and chill.

7. To make the salsa put all the above into a bowl and mix well. Season.

8. To make the fritters bring the quinoa and water to a boil and keep simmering until the quinoa has softened and the water has evaporated – about 20 mins.

9. Melt the butter, add the onions, garlic and chilli, and sweat off. Take off the heat and mix into the quinoa. Add the cheddar, fresh breadcrumbs, egg and parsley then season.

10. Mix well and form into small balls. Coat well with panko breadcrumbs, patting the crumbs into the exterior.

To serve 1. Shallow fry the guinea fowl breast in rapeseed oil, topside down, until nicely browned. Pour water into the pan (about 2cm deep), stick a lid on and continue cooking for about 10 minutes until cooked through.

2. Deep fry the quinoa balls until golden brown (if shallow frying make sure you turn them over to get an even cook). Alternatively you can dry bake but they won’t have such a sexy colour to them.

3. Slice the breast into three sections and arrange over buttered kale and broccoli.

Spoon the salsa around the outside and place three fritters around the edge. The crackling should be cool and crispy – place it in the centre.

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G ourmet

Vanilla Panna Cotta with Blackberry Compote and Lemon Madeleines This delicious recipe looks and tastes impressive but is deceptively simple to make Serves 6 Ingredients For panna cotta: 300ml Milk 475ml Double cream 50g Caster sugar 15g Gelatine 2 Vanilla pods 15ml Brandy For compote: 200g Blackberries 100g Caster sugar For madeleines: 2 Eggs 100g Plain flour 100g Caster sugar 1 Lemon, juice & zest 0.75tsp Baking powder

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1. To make the panna cotta soften the gelatine in cold water for five minutes.

2. Put the milk, double cream, 50g caster sugar and vanilla in a pan and bring just short of a boil, then take off the heat.

3. When gelatine is softened, squeeze as much water from it as possible and pop it into the cream mix with the brandy. Whisk until dissolved.

4. Leave to chill in the fridge – keep an eye on it as you don’t want it to set yet, just chill enough that the vanilla bits are suspended in the mix, not sunk to the bottom. When you’re happy with the consistency pour it into some nice glassware and leave space to put the compote on top.

5. Chill in the fridge overnight.

6. To make the blackberry compote place 100g caster sugar and the blackberries in a pan, turn up the heat up and stir until the sugar has dissolved and the blackberries

have softened.

7. Remove from heat and chill.

8. To make the madeleines whisk the eggs with 100g caster sugar until light and fluffy.

9. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk until it’s all mixed together well. It should be a thick batter consistency.

10. Butter and flour the madeleine mold – you can use whatever shape you want – use a small cupcake mould or spread the mixture on a greaseproof sheet.

11. Pop into preheated oven at 180c for about 10 minutes until it just starts to colour slightly.

12. Remove, pop out of the moulds and leave to cool.

13. To serve, spoon the compote onto the set panna cotta, place it on a plate with a serviette liner. Dust the madeleines with icing sugar and artfully place three of them on each plate.

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Roasted Cod Topped with Celery, Walnut and Black Olive Stuffing with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Quick and easy to make whilst being very light and healthy, this is good food at its best. The crunchy mixture of the nuts, breadcrumbs and crunchy, sweet celery make a lovely contrast to the soft, creamy cod Serves 4 Ingredients 4 Cod loin fillets, 150g each 40g Panko breadcrumbs 2 Fenland celery sticks, finely sliced 1 Lemon, zest and juice 4tbsp Crème fraiche 40g Walnuts, finely chopped 40g Black olives, sliced 2tbsp Parsley, finely chopped 2tbsp Olive oil 250g Cherry tomatoes on the vine, separated into bunches

1. Preheat oven 200°C. Grease a shallow roasting tray or heatproof baking dish large enough to hold the fish fillets and tomatoes on the vine.

2. Mix together the breadcrumbs, Fenland celery, zest of the lemon, parsley, chopped walnuts and olives. Stir in 1tbsp of the olive oil and a good squeeze of lemon juice, season to taste.

3. Pat the cod fillets dry with kitchen paper, place on the baking tray and spread evenly with the crème fraiche then top generously with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down

lightly to ensure a good coating. Add the cherry tomatoes to the tray and sprinkle with the remaining olive oil.

4. Cook in the oven for approx. 15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the topping is golden.

5. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and some new potatoes.

Recipe courtesy of www.fenlandcelery.com

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G ourmet

Cheese, Fenland Celery and Walnut Scones with Parsley Butter Tasty and very ‘moreish’ these savoury scones should be served warm with the butter gently melting so you can swirl in a nutty-sweet stick of Fenland celery Serves 15 Ingredients 225g Self-raising flour 2tsp Baking powder 50g Butter 125g Mature cheddar cheese, grated 1 Fenland celery head, finely chop two of the stalks 50g Walnuts, roughly chopped 1 Free range egg, large 6tbsp Milk For the parsley butter: 50g Butter, softened 2 tbsp Parsley, finely chopped

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1. Pre heat oven 220°C and grease a baking tray.

2. Place the flour and baking powder into a large bowl, rub in the butter until it resembles fine breadcrumbs and then stir in the finely chopped Fenland celery, 100g of the grated cheese and the chopped walnuts.

3. Break the egg into a measuring jug, lightly beat and make up to 150ml with the milk.

Add all but a small amount and reserve to brush the tops with. Mix gently until you have a soft dough.

4. Knead lightly on a floured surface and roll out to approx. 2cm thick, cut into 6cm

Fenland celery is available from October to December and can be found in Waitrose, Ocado, Wholefoods and Marks & Spencer

rounds and place on the baking tray and reroll any trimmings.

5. Brush the tops with a little of the reserved egg mix and sprinkle with the remaining cheese, then bake for 12-15 mins until well risen and golden. Cool on a wire rack.

6. Mix together the softened butter and parsley. Serve the scones warm, split in half and topped with the butter with the remaining Fenland celery to crunch along with it.

Recipe courtesy of www.fenlandcelery.com

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West Park Smoky Gingerbread Manhattan A festive smoky treat that will create a talking point this Christmas; offer guests this wonderfully smoky festive drink, complimented perfectly with the traditional taste of Christmas gingerbread men. Created by Mark Young, Bar Manager at West Park Hotel Serves 1 Ingredients 30ml Whisky 30ml Pain d’Epices Gingerbread Liqueur 15ml Vermouth 15ml Apple Juice Gingerbread men to garnish

1. Place all ingredients into a mixing glass.

2. Shake with ice then stir until combined and strain into a carafe. 3. Add a 1 inch cube of food grade dry ice* to the carafe, leave to smoke for one minute then strain into a chilled martini glass (with ice ball).

4. Serve with freshly baked gingerbread men *NB Follow safety precautions when handling dry ice. Do not add directly to the drink and do not consume. www.thewestparkhotel.com

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GOURMET

Foodwith a View

Feel like you’re on top of the world in these beautiful bars and eateries

Le Jules Verne

Tour Eiffel, Avenue Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris, France Located in the centre of the Eiffel tower, Le Jules Verne boasts breathtaking views over Paris. Enjoy contemporary French cuisine cooked by the very best chefs in this amazing eaterie.

Photography: Pierre Monetta

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NEW YORK

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PARIS

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Duck & Waffle

110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY Perched atop a 40-storey skyscraper in the city of London, Duck & Waffle serves food inspired by European and British influences. Enjoy a delicious meal whilst taking in spectacular views over the rooftops of London.

The Press Lounge

653 11th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States Boasting dramatic panoramic views of Manhattan, The Press Lounge is the ideal spot to relax in with a cocktail and some light nibbles. The Press Lounge and sister restaurant PRINT both offer amazing views of the city.

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Danon • Vera Pelle • Anai • Long & Son • Tilly & Grace • David Jones • Treaty and Tempest • Miss Short Hair • Weiss Clothing Cape Town • Joss and Florence • Suzi Blue • Eastar • Powder Design • Shruti Scarves

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21/11/2014 16:04

Venison and Views

Fine dining at The Cookhouse, Suffolk Food Hall

GOURMET Situated at the foot of the Orwell Bridge, Suffolk Food Hall is a bit of an institution.

There are plenty of exciting things happening here at the moment: the winter menu is out on 1st December, a new set menu is being introduced in January, a quiz night and lots of other events have been planned, too (see www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk for more details).

I was greeted into the hustle and bustle of The Cookhouse and shown to my table. It was busy and surprisingly cosy considering the size. The view is quite something to behold, with scenic views of the entire Orwell bridge and a wide stretch of the river.

The kitchen is open to the restaurant and it was great being able to see the chefs cooking and serving food. The menu had a great range of dishes but I was feeling decidedly autumnal and opted for Toad in the Hole, real comfort food with a luxurious twist – venison sausages. The sausages were from the butchery with venison killed on the Broxtead estate (Sutton, Woodbridge) by the game keeper there and they are available from the Suffolk Food Hall Butchers to buy afterwards if you want to recreate the meal!

The Toad in the Hole was presented cleanly on a large white plate and there was plenty for those who love decent sized portions.

Instead of being cooked all in one dish, the Toad in the Hole was assembled from a large, crunchy Yorkshire pudding which was filled with caramelised onion jus, then topped with three chunky sausages which had a rich, hearty flavour. When I cut into it, my plate filled with the rich jus. Creamy mash potato and buttered cabbage accompanied the dish and worked really well with the venison.

I finished my lunch with pear and almond tart – a new combination for me – it was delicious, especially the melt-in-your-mouth butter pastry. The tart tasted like it had just come right out the oven and the sponge was soft and moist. Topped with soft and creamy vanilla ice cream, the dish was finished off with delicious handmade almond brittle and raspberry coulis.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable meal with great seasonal ingredients, locally sourced produce and wonderful flavours.

Pie, Mash & Peas!

Fancy joining the charity quiz night at The Cookhouse in January 2015? Book your table now for your team online (donation included) www. suffolkfoodhall.com/events

You can also enjoy lunch or dinner at The Cookhouse, which is open Monday – Thursday 8-3pm, Friday – Saturday 8-11pm, Sunday 8:30-5pm, Closed Christmas and Boxing day, Special New Year’s Day menu.

The Cookhouse, Suffolk Food Hall, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2AB 01473 786616

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LIFESTYLE

MOTORING LOCAL LIFE | FASHION | PROPER TY | DINING | TR AVEL

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The in the

Devil Details Damien Fletcher looks at those finishing touches that really make a car yours

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century has passed since Henry Ford’s now infamous comment that ‘You can have any colour as long as it’s black.’ It was an analogy, admittedly, but it still invokes images of stoical figures having their individuality suppressed in favour of mass-market production. Luckily for you, the luxury car market polarises his comment to the extreme.

As you unleash your engine’s torque through the vivid summer landscapes of Constable Country, those bleak figures dissolve into dust in your rear-view mirror.

The luxury isn’t limited to performance – exclusivity and personalisation are in abundance as you entertain yourself in the playground of customisation. The result is an aesthetic that’s unique to you; turning heads that watch you drive by and see your personality smiling at them through the paintwork.

Wherever you sit on the spectrum of the luxury market’s price point – you’re in the company of the few who can afford the highest standards

of engineering and design. The Porsche Cayman GTS or Ferrari 458 Italia will add adrenaline to your weekend and Bentley’s executive Mulsanne Speed will provide grace and luxury, but it’s your specification that will make you stand out amongst the few.

Any design begins with the exterior colour, and colours are personal. But that’s the point – it’s what resonates to the individual.

The manufacturer’s digital configurators help to remove the guess work, and allow you to visualise how a Ferrari will look when it’s not painted iconic red. The Giallo Modena – or yellow to the layman – exudes confidence, and when contrasted with the sophistication of black wheel rims, and grey brake callipers to add a subtle touch of calm, you just have to say ‘Giallo Modena,’ out loud. There’s poetry in the language and the Ferrari deserves it. Read about the psychology of colour and unleash the Constable or Picasso that lives within.

The 458 Italia has a choice of solid, metallic or historical colours and is a palette of distinctive

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colours from the past, including Verde British.

Whilst this hue of green may be naturally associated with an Aston Martin, be bold and confident, and be yourself. But if Verde British or Giallo Modena aren’t for you, then another twenty plus colours are available. A two-tone exterior results in the roof being painted in the second tone and provides a unique but subtle contrast to the exterior’s finish.

Bentley offers a rich palette of over 100 shades, with a small set of duo-tone options – Apline Green over Light Emerald – with the side panelling painted in the first tone. Its effect is more dramatic than on the Ferrari as the bonnet is also painted in the harmonious,

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secondary tone. If you can’t find the right combination you can even specify your own.

Porsche offers four standard, eight metallic and three special colours. However, complete colour customisation is available. Whatever your budget – exclusivity is just a signature away.

The perfect complement to the paintwork is the choice of wheel rim. On the Cayman you can add a five spoke SportTechno, partially painted in the exterior colour. Five spoke alloys are standard on both the Ferrari and the Bentley but customisation is, as always, available.

For a little extra cost you add a forged, black painted rim to the 458. Forging the wheel,

rather than casting, adds strength and ductility (the ability to deform under stress). Just don’t let your local constabulary know of your driving intentions! The brake callipers have six colours available on the Ferrari. Depending on the chassis’ colour, they can add a subtle complement, or a dramatic contrast.

Bentley is a brand that exudes class and style in its most traditional sense. Adding the Flying ‘B’ radiator mascot, a stainless steel finish to the door pillar, and a ‘Jewel’ fuel filler will embrace the brand’s history. Whilst the filler cap isn’t visible to anyone admiring your car, you will be reminded of the luxury that hard work has afforded as you prepare to re-fuel the

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there’ll be no more need to manually re-adjust your seat.

On the Porsche the Alcantara and leather trim comes as standard, but is only available in black with two variants of coloured stitching. The leather only interior has more variations.

The Bentley, and its spacious interior, feels more like a favourite leather armchair. The material is dual tone with five colour splits to choose from.

The Bentley’s customisation only really feels complete with a veneer finish to the trim.

If you’re fortunate enough to be driving the 458’s 4.5L V8 around country rounds, then the music comes from your engine. If you’re about to start driving a Bentley then you might want something different, and the Naim (British audio engineering at its best) Bentley Audio system can be added to your drive. If your rear passengers are likely to groan at your musical tastes, then you also have the choice of adding in a rear seat entertainment system to keep them entertained. DVDs can be watched through eight inch high resolution screens inserted into the passenger seat headrests, with the audio transmitted to wireless headphones.

And the Porsche driver shouldn’t feel left out either; its 3.4L V6 can be accompanied by a Burmester surround sound system.

The options that have been mentioned here are just the beginning of what could be a long, but satisfying road trip. Other luxury car manufacturers such as Jaguar, Maserati, Lamborghini and Land Rover offer your desires the same level of luxury. There is no reason why anyone else should be driving a car with the same specification – exclusivity is yours.

In addition, these are just the standard options the manufacturer’s offer; it doesn’t have to end here. Specialist centres exist solely to take personalisation to a level where only a restrictive imagination imposes the limits.

21 gallon tank – the Bentley ‘B’ sparkling with its mirror finish.

keys and your individual sense of luxury over to the new owners.

Ferrari also allows you to start thinking like an F1 racing engineer, and further optimise your power to weight ratio. A front wing, rear mould, and diffuser, all made from carbon fibre but the options don’t end here.

Whilst the outside world can admire your car’s exterior – the interior is your domain, and this is where your personal additions gracefully glide you over every bump in the road.

Optional extras don’t just heighten the feel of luxury, or tune the car’s performance, they help to maintain re-sale value. And what better way to protect your customised trim or satin paintwork by adding a reversing camera with front and rear sensors. You can hand both the

When choosing the internal colours and trim it’s like being an open jawed child standing in a sweet shop. Ferrari offers 15 colours of leather and Alcantara (a highly durable synthetic with a suede effect) with Daytona style seats. Coloured stitching can be added and the prancing horse icon can be embroidered into your seat’s headrest, too. And if you have a spare £4,031

A trip to Ferrari’s head office in Maranello will have you accompanied by a personal designer who will assist you in building your bespoke Ferrari – often using materials that have not been used on any other car before. Bentley’s Mulliner design team offers the same service; they built the Queen’s custom Arnage to mark the Jubilee, and its many features included bullet proofing and a three foot extended wheelbase. I wonder what Henry Ford would think.

As you can see, the devil is definitely in the details, and the only desire that might keep the devil suppressed would be asking Aston Martin to supply a Walter PPK and a licence to kill.

Anything else, you can probably buy.

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LANDSPEED Prepare your car for the winter with Landspeed

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ith the weather seemingly becoming more and more unpredictable, it makes sense to ensure your car is prepared, whatever the weather throws at it, be it sun, rain, hail, snow or ice. What’s the fun in breaking down in the snow?

Cars can build up a surprising amount of wear and tear through everyday use, especially whilst travelling to and from work. A winter service will look at the elements of your car that get put under the most strain during the coldest months of the year. The most common problems drivers face are worn tyres, failing brakes, wiper blades and engine coolant hose fatigue.

The staff at Landspeed advise that although tyres can be checked at home for correct inflation, they cannot be given a close-up inspection for cracks, cuts and wear without the use of a vehicle inspection hoist.

The braking system is the most important device on any car, with modern motor vehicles having many additional systems such as drive traction, ABS and brake assist, it is not always possible to notice progressive deterioration and without specialist knowledge and equipment

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it is impossible to gauge how good or bad the braking efficiency of a vehicle really is.

properly from underneath the vehicle or with the use of the correct diagnostic equipment.

Worn brake pads and discs along with worn or damaged tyres can result in increased stopping distance, which could result in a serious accident. Similarly, other elements of vehicle maintenance cannot be checked without the use of proper tools and equipment like, for instance, the antifreeze content of the engine cooling system.

So, why have a winter service? Tyres are checked for adverse wear and tear. The braking system is checked to ensure it’s working to its full potential. The engine is checked for correct levels. Water hoses are analysed and antifreeze is checked in the cooling system. Wiper and washer system operation and condition are checked as is the exhaust system for safety and efficiency, as all these things could leave you in a tight spot should they fail on a dark, icy journey.

Did you know that the antifreeze solution in the cooling system not only lowers the freezing point but raises the boiling point too? That means whether you are stuck in traffic or motoring in freezing conditions the engine needs to be protected correctly. It also has anti-corrosive agents within the solution to protect both the engine and the hoses against fatigue. A frozen pipe in the home is an inconvenience, on a vehicle the result can be the end of its life.

On many modern vehicles the windscreen wipers and washers work simultaneously. If the wipers freeze to the screen or the water in the washers is frozen, neither will work, this helps to protect the motors and pumps, which make the system operate. Screen wash and water mix within the system has a limited shelf life and if left too long it will emulsify and block washer jets so it is essential the correct level of fresh screen wash and water is in the reservoir to combat these scenarios.

Exhaust systems are no longer just a means of carrying the exhaust gasses from the engine to the back of the vehicle; there are now numerous sensors and filters built in. They measure the amount of fumes that are created then send signals to the engine to adjust the amount of fuel burnt therefore adjusting the fumes. The filters also work to catch any particles created as part of the burning process. Exhaust systems can only be checked

Landspeed doesn’t just specialise in winter servicing, they offer many other services such as repairs, M.O.Ts, air conditioning services, welding, tyres, batteries, cam belts and diagnostic checks for all makes and models.

Ensure your vehicle can cope with the stresses that winter can bring, and save yourself the hassle of being caught out. Ensure your car lives up to your requirements with the team of engineers at Landspeed.

Landspeed is easily accessible from the A12 and A14.

A: 519 LONDON ROAD, IPSWICH, SUFFOLK IP2 0ST T: 01473 60 40 20 E: SERVICE@LANDSPEED.CO.UK OPENING HOURS: 8:00-17:00 MON-FRI 8:00-12:00 SAT

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ROAD TEST

EAUX’s daring driver gets behind the wheel of Aston Martin’s Vantage N430

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sually on a Saturday morning I’d be having a lie-in, but when it comes to test-driving Aston Martin’s latest Vantage, the N430, sleep can wait.

I was at Grange’s Brentwood dealership as they hosted the Ultimate Evolution Tour. By the entrance was an N430 finished in Allora Green with yellow accents; the ‘race’ finish

and it definitely looked ready for the track. The new Vantage takes the core mechanics from the Vantage S – such as its 430bhp engine and suspension – but adds some unique

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styling features across five different liveries, all inspired by Aston Martin’s racers.

The foyer was like a scene from Blade Runner with the white, lozenge shaped DP-100 GT racer and a Sony racing simulator fixed inside a tall, cylindrical mount. The virtual only, 800bhp twin-turbo car has been custom designed for Grand Turismo 6. Guests were invited to compete for the fastest lap time on the simulator, with their times added to a Top-Gear inspired leader board.

As I walked around the display cars, including a Vantage GT racer and the new Vanquish V12, I was teased by the exhaust rasps produced by the engines revving outside. The finer touches of Aston Martin hospitality were as you’d expect, but I wanted to drive.

Once the cars were prepped, I was met by a pro-driver who took me to the waiting ‘heritage’ N430, Marina Blue with red accents, forged alloy wheels and red brake callipers. There was nothing to dislike.

At 6’3 I climbed easily into the seat with the red N430 embroidered into the headrest, and moved the electrical seat to embrace the low, GT driving position that the cabin’s designed for. The Alcantara steering wheel had a feel you wanted to grip and the trim’s red stitching was like veins pumping Aston Martin’s racing ‘heritage’ through the car.

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I was quickly briefed on how to operate the ‘Sportshift II’ – a seven speed, automatic gearbox with paddle shifts on the steering column. There wasn’t a ‘park’ setting and the handbrake was to the right of the seat.

The crystal key was inserted into the central console slot and the V8 growled into life.

In ‘D’ mode (fully automatic) and with the sports (‘S’) setting off, the throttle required a lot of pressure to respond. Pulling away the car felt heavy, the gear changes were rapid and kept the engine revs low.

Once out on the quieter back roads, one press on the paddle shift and the car was under my control with the selected gear displayed in the centre of the driver’s console. No-one was behind us so we held back, selected sports mode and I accelerated as the road ahead cleared. The throttle’s response was immediate and aggressive and with the exhaust bypass valves now open any initial passivity quickly evolved into power and noise. Imagine that the Serengeti’s cheetahs have mastered mimicry.

A graceful, slick exterior designed for speed was suddenly accompanied by the guttural roar from the king of a pride as we chased our prey – in our case the Vanquish V12 on the road ahead.

The car’s now hard suspension and hydraulic steering provided a responsive racing feel as I moved through an s-bend, both hands on the

wheel as I easily changed gear without taking my foot off the throttle. Whilst I had to stay within the speed limits, I knew this was a car designed to be driven hard and fast.

The added advantage of being with a pro-driver is their racing brain. Conversation was gently interrupted to prevent wasting any opportunity to test the torque. They’re also like a conductor tuned into every note coming from the engine.

But it’s a gentle background narrative rather than information overload. I certainly had a deeper connection with the car.

We arrived back at the dealership and the camera rose as I selected reverse on the console. I was smiling, though. I revved the engine one final time. My evolution into an Aston Martin driver had, unfortunately, come to an end. I was smiling, though. I knew that a little bit of the N430s personality had been added to my DNA.

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MOTORING

Keeping it in the

FAMILY

K

erridges is a family-run business, which has remained local and true to its roots and heritage for more than 100 years. It was established back in 1906 by Dan Kerridge, and today Stephen Kerridge, Dan’s great-grandson, runs the business with his father John.

The business grew to become a Ford dealership in 1911 and in 1920 was relocated to new premises to offer a garage and filling station. In 1956 Kerridges acquired the Austin franchise and in the 60s and 70s added Morris, MG, Rover and Triumph to that list, offering an array of British-built saloons and sports cars.

Although Kerridges are known far and wide for their performance cars, the largest part of their business comes from selling family cars.

Stephen says: ‘The brand new MG3 is proving really popular and is a great small family car.’

TVR was the catalyst that really put Kerridges on the map in the performance car market and in 2003 Stephen took on Noble, a more exclusive performance brand to complement TVR and are one of only five Noble Service Centres in the UK.

We speak to Stephen Kerridge, owner of the family-run TVR, Noble and MG dealership for Suffolk

Stephen started in the business as an apprentice mechanic and after four years in the workshop moved into sales and today manages the dealership with 16 full time staff.

In recent years Stephen has been successfully involved in racing MGs and TVRs. Both he and technician Jamie Perry had victories around the UK’s circuits with Jamie taking an MG Owners Championship title. ‘There’s no doubt that knowledge gained from racing has been invaluable when dealing with the performance cars we service and repair.’

cars in the showroom at any one time, if we don’t have the car clients are looking for they can give us a specification and with our wide range of contacts we can normally source their ideal car for them. This requires a great deal of trust and I think being a long established family business helps with the process.’

When visiting Kerridges you’ll see TVRs, Nobles, Porsches, Lotus’, a few classic cars as well as BMW Z4s and Audi TTs. Oliver Sisson (sales) says: ‘We like to be thought of as a “one stop shop” for sports cars and of course family cars.’ People have busy lives and don’t have the time to visit numerous dealerships in order to see what’s available. ‘We’ve always got something interesting coming in. This week we have a rare TVR Tamora and an Aston Martin Vantage roadster arriving.’ Stephen explains that one thing that works well for customers is vehicle sourcing. ‘Although we have around 40

With so many great cars at his fingertips, we were curious about Stephen’s favourite: ‘Noble M12 GTO3R’, he says. ‘At £36,000 it has outstanding performance and handling. The great thing is it will outperform just about every car two or three times the price.’

‘A side of the business which has expanded this year is our sales of classic cars.’ These currently represent a good investment whilst giving the fun element that comes with it.

You can visit Kerridges at Hall Grange, Needham Market, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 8EJ, www.kerridges.co.uk or call on 01449 720222. Opening hours are MonFri 8:30-18:00 Sat 8:30-17:00 Sunday appointment only

As well as offering both new and used cars, Kerridges also have an extremely experienced workshop and full parts department headed by Chris Taylor (over 30 years with the company), with four M.O.T testers on site who service, maintain and repair all ages and makes of car.

They also have a very good professional valeting department, led by Jamie Slee who has 25 years’ experience at the company, and can arrange for your car to look as good as new, from a simple wash and hoover to refurbishment of your alloy wheels.

In 2006 Stephen and his team celebrated 100 years in business. ‘It’s nice to have that heritage behind us but at same time you can’t rely on history; you still have to deliver.’

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Bigger, Better L

indacre Ipswich Ltd, operators of the Lindacre Land Rover Service Centre, has made an exciting move to larger business premises on Olympus Close, Whitehouse Road in Ipswich.

The Lindacre name has been synonymous with Land Rover, having been established in Ipswich for over 20 years. The move is a result of their previous premises becoming too small to cope with the expanding business.

The fantastic newly refurbished facility will mean Lindacre can grow their Land Rover Service Centre operation as well as develop a new 4x4 and SUV Sales Centre, all under their new trading title, Lindacre Automotive.

In order to widen the profile of the expanded operation they have added the SsangYong range of vehicles to their portfolio since acquiring the franchise in July this year. In addition to the range of used Land Rovers on offer there is now a full range of new and used SsangYongs including new demonstration vehicles available for test drive.

SsangYong have been building vehicles in South Korea since 1954 and currently have a four-model line-up in the UK, with an exciting new release planned for 2015. All new

Lindacre Land Rover Service Centre Expand To New Premises

SsangYongs come with a complimentary five year limitless mileage warranty.

Managing Director Greg Rashbrook says: ‘We are extremely proud of our new facility. Our site at Farthing Road served us well for five years but it soon became clear that we would outgrow it. We started the process of looking for a new site three to four years ago and following the successful acquisition of Olympus

Close, we spent four months working hard to prepare the building. We have invested very heavily in brand new equipment and can now boast one of the most advanced technical workshop facilities in East Anglia. We have also increased our staff levels including an additional apprentice who is enrolled at the Jaguar Land Rover Academy. I am confident that with our continuous staff training and investment in quality equipment, our valued customers will enjoy high levels of service at sensible prices.’ Included in the expansion programme is the development of a new 4x4 and SUV Specialist Centre to supply all makes of on and off-road tyres. Wheel balancing equipment and the very latest 3D wheel alignment technology is also installed to further reduce tyre wear.

For a first class customer experience at our fantastic new facility, visit Lindacre Automotive at 1A Olympus Close, White House Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5LJ. For more details on Lindacre and the new SsangYong side of the business visit www.lindacre.co.uk, email service@lindacre.co.uk or phone on 01473 461751.

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Howard Watts and his professional team at Riddelsdell Brothers Ltd provide local, personal, traditional and customer-focused service

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iddelsdell are proud to be able to offer their customers an attended petrol and diesel service and at the same time are always happy to check for tyre pressures, oil and fluids levels free of charge in-case they need topping-up.

Howard follows in the footsteps of his late father, Fred Watts who, in 1950, owned a large successful motor business, Car Sprayers Colchester, which later became M&F Watts of Colchester when his brother, Maurice, joined the business. Fast-forward 52 years to 2001 and Howard bought the freehold site of the Riddelsdell Brothers garage in Boxford, Suffolk.

and kept their name. ‘I loved the history of the garage and its location and centralised my business interests here in Boxford.’

Howard is passionate about his specialist car and tractor business and with his experienced team they ensure a customer focused bespoke service, offering a range of quality vehicles including new, used, classic, sport, competition and racing cars with 275 years combined experience. ‘I have always specialised in the cars that I have adored and respected since my late teens and my owncollection includes Jaguar E Types, Porsche

Due to customer demand Howard and his team have started to offer personalised super car storage with a collection service (to one of three local train stations but helicopter landing co-ordination can be supplied on request) in a privately owned residential estate in Suffolk.

The storage facility is dry, fully secure and in a confidential location.

Howard and his team’s passion for classic and super cars means they are well suited to maintaining these types of vehicles. It is imperative to look after the vehicle while in storage to stop its condition deteriorating.

This is achieved through regularly charging the battery, keeping the vehicle in a cool, dry, dark environment and regularly running the vehicle.

This prevents flat spots on tyres, lubricates the engine, clutch and brakes.

Howard welcomes anyone potentially interested in storage to come to the garage to have a coffee and talk about the various options available.

‘My mother, Gloria, worked at my father’s car business on the payroll recording staff wages in the 1950s and since I bought Riddelsdell Brothers in 2001, she has driven in accompanied by Ollie, her black Labrador, every week, now 85 years old, bless, to pay our wages’

At the tender age of 15, Howard was fully expecting to start work at his father’s car garage only to return home from school one day to be told he would not be doing any such thing. ‘He wanted me to gain valuable experience, life skills and a profession I was passionate about for myself.

At sixteen I joined British Oxygen as a graduate apprentice in London and continued to buy and sell cars as a hobby.’ It was at the age of 10 when Howard decided he wanted to make cars his business.

Riddelsdell Brothers was established in 1900 and is now Europe’s oldest recorded working garage. It started by repairing traction engines as well as cars and making motorcycles.

Howard purchased Riddelsdell in June 2001

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911s and Ferraris,’ says Howard. The team has a wealth of experience in sourcing and supplying all makes and models to customer requirements, having built longstanding relationships and partnerships with a selection of trade contacts from the main dealer and a classic network of suppliers. Their combined team experience equates to 275 years! ‘We specialise in being able to work on any vehicle from a 1900s steam car to the latest super car. Our garage, showroom, body shop, workshop, offices and dedicated team are all under one roof and we pride ourselves on reputation, trust and discretion. We welcome all visitors on-site.’

Fourteen years ago Riddelsdell celebrated 100 continuous years in the car trade.

Howard says: ‘I love and cherish Riddelsdell. I value our supportive, loyal customers who allow us to look after their precious cars, be it a super car, classic car, tractor, agricultural machinery, bicycle or lawn mower.’ Howard never wants to retire and will ensure Riddelsdell continues to thrive.

For more information please search online for ‘Howard Watts Group’.

A: ELLIS ST, BOXFORD, SUFFOLK CO10 5HH T: 01787 210318 W: WWW.HOWARDWATTS.CO.UK

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Everyone Deserves The Bang & Olufsen You are invited to visit Bang & Olufsen of Colchester

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magine this – you come home from work and as you open the front door, the lights turn on and the television in your living room switches on to your desired channel. In the kitchen, the air conditioning switches on and the radio comes to life with the news. After dinner, relax into your favourite

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armchair and press the cinema button on your remote control or smart phone, the lights dim, the curtains close and you are ready to enjoy your evening.

For over 14 years Bang & Olufsen of Colchester ha been making this dream a

EAUX LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE - SUFFOLK EDITION

reality for their customers. Bang & Olufsen have a reputation for developing premium audio and video products, making the experience of listening to the finest quality sound and watching the most beautiful pictures not only extremely pleasurable but also simple and elegant in operation.

Bang & Olufsen create stylish and beautiful products to enhance any room in your home or garden. Premium audio and video systems make the experience of listening to the finest quality sound and viewing crystal clear pictures not only extremely pleasurable, but also simple and elegant in operation.

This year has proven to be one of the most exciting years ever for Bang & Olufsen of Colchester, with some exciting events and the arrival of new products such as the award-winning BeoVision Avant 4k Ultra High Definition LED lit television, available in either 55 inch or an amazing 85 inch version.

Located at 61 High Street, Bang & Olufsen of Colchester has built up over 14 years of experience in specifying bespoke home entertainment systems. They are regarded as one of the UK’s flagship dealerships and are very proud to have been awarded the coveted Bang & Olufsen Dealer of the Year title on three separate occasions.

When you drop in to their Colchester showroom you will be welcomed by Robert, Michael, Leigh and Jonathan, who between them have over 30 years of experience, offering the sort of attention to detail you’d expect from such a prestigious brand. Their services include free home delivery with experienced installation specialists, and home tuition in easy to understand language on how to get the best from your new system.

Robert Smith, the new Store Owner says: ‘We cannot wait to see you in the store, where over a cup of freshly ground coffee or glass of wine, you can experience the full range of Bang & Olufsen products in a relaxed and friendly environment.’

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Living at‌

CHURCH FARM BARN

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hurch Farm Barn is a Grade 2 listed structure from the 17th century (main barn) and Victorian (clay lump barn) to the north on a site of archaeology. Transformed by Beech Architects, the building is a cohesive mixture of old and new. Beech Architects are based in Thorndon in the heart of Suffolk. Their projects combine a conservation approach to listed buildings, heritage properties and historic buildings but often with a very contemporary twist.

It has plenty of eco credentials: it is highly insulated, has low water usage through aerating showers and taps and low flush WCs. The building has LED lighting throughout and under floor heating powered by an air source heat pump, which also heats the water.

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The interior has a sense of consistency throughout from using the same skirting, architrave and wall colours in all areas, as well as doors, ironmongery and light fittings so as not to detract from the structure of the barn itself, which is the main feature.

The furnishings are kept sleek and simple; a balanced mix of high street items and bespoke creations. The wooden worktops are from SMI Hardwoods in Manningtree and individual units and the wardrobes and American White Oak stairs were both made by a joiner on site.

Some of the decorative pieces are handmade; the metal fruit bowls from Nilma in Barcelona, the wooden bowl and chopping board from Tim Plunkett in Norfolk. Some of the textiles are sourced locally from the National Trust shop in Flatford, which features British designers.

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Combining old with new Are you considering renovating a beautiful old building and giving it a new lease of life?

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raig Beech, director at Beech Architects tells us how renovating an old property can be both personally and financially rewarding.

Suffolk has an abundance of large old properties crying out for a new lease of life, preservation and refurbishment and the county has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the tradesman and specialists capable of carrying out these works. Suffolk is home to one of the largest collections of listed buildings in the country. It is important that people remain willing to take on the challenges these properties create and once a project is complete the rewards can make it all worthwhile.

When buying an old property be sure to check its conservation status. Is it listed? If so what grade? Is it a heritage asset as defined by the local authority planning policy? What

are its deficiencies? What would you like to change and are these changes both financially viable and permissible in planning terms? The purchasing process should not only involve banks and solicitors but should also include discussions with the local authority, architects, engineers and tradesman to ensure the reality is viable before making a commitment. Once you start then you really have to see the project through to completion.

Be precious and protective

If you can answer the above to your satisfaction or already own an old property and wish to carry out changes then you need to be precious about what you have. Once you have removed or damaged old elements of the building you cannot get these back. These are the parts that attracted you to buy the building in the first place so be careful not to lose them. Sometimes timbers may look like they need replacing but can quite often be saved with some tlc. Take time when considering what you want to keep and what you want to change and make lists of both. When adding

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new works consider if it can be easily removed later and ensure it does not damage the old – old and new can happily co-exist together as long as you get the connections right!

When inserting new elements like walls, floors and stairs leave a gap between these and the old parts. Some breathing space can reinforce the design and detailing of both and strengthen the readable time gap between old and new. It also ensures that the old is not damaged by the new.

When adding contemporary elements to old buildings it is important to get a clear distinction and ensure contemporary elements are easily identifiable as new. Trying to make new items look old to match original items

invariably creates a mismatch of elements and an unsuccessful finished result. An attempt at pastiche is also at odds with English Heritage guidance that proposes that buildings should be of their time, yet respectful of what exists.

Reading the detail

If you live in an old timber framed building full of detail then think about inserting new walls and design elements that are very plain. This will frame the detail and form a background to it, thus adding to its importance. Adding yet more detail to an already detailed building can make the whole overwhelming and confusing to read.

Repetitive and unique

Be consistent with fixtures and fittings; use the same coloured architrave, skirting, lights and switches throughout. When you have, for example, a feature light or piece of furniture you want to emphasise, this will then shine through in the room. Too many individual elements coming together can create a design fog and the overall concept or importance of a piece can be lost.

Sustainability

Not only does this mean reducing your energy use but it also means building for the long term, reducing maintenance requirements over future years. Use good quality materials and sympathetic techniques such as lime mortar or breathable materials that suit older

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properties and consider insulation, too. A little bit of breathable insulation in old properties can dramatically reduce fuel costs and make large houses more comfortable to live in during those colder months.

The importance of place in design

Can you create a view through the building to astonish and enhance day-to-day living? Could you add a window or enlarge an opening to make the most of the scenic view? Can you create drama in a home with stairs, voids, bridges and double height spaces? Views of sky, treetops and sunlight are as important as views of the garden. Make the home fun, dramatic and link it with its location.

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BESPOKE FURNITURE Handmade furniture from Woodbridge tailored for your home

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ot only does Gerald Weir Furniture offer a huge array of free standing pieces for your home – anything from tables, chairs, bookcases, sideboards, beds, coffee tables and many more – you can also have fitted furniture built and installed, too.

Their showroom in Woodbridge displays many inspirational designs that you can touch and really feel the quality of the workmanship. You can also have a tour around the workshop to see the furniture being crafted and finished, which is a unique experience that you can’t achieve when buying from the high street.

Everything made at Gerald Weir is tailor made for you so whilst you can choose designs from the extensive Gerald Weir Furniture brochure and archived image library, these pieces will be made to your specifications. That means they will use the timber you like, create the piece to the size and finish you desire.

Gerald Weir guarantee the best service and a level of flexibility which is rarely found. Having been established for over 60 years, their experience and knowledge is vast and if you too have any furniture requirements, fitted or free-standing, you can go and visit them to see for yourself.

GERALD WEIR Quality British Made Furniture

Tucked away, down by the River Deben in Woodbridge, you will find the workshops and showroom of the family-run company Gerald Weir Furniture who, for more than 60 years, have been making exceptional solid wood furniture. Brother and sister, Mark and Louise Weir and their team of cabinet-makers would welcome you to visit and see the quality for yourself.

www.geraldweir.com

UNIT 1 SUN WHARF DEBEN ROAD WOODBRIDGE SUFFOLK IP12 1AZ

For a brochure call 01394 610900 or email info@geraldweir.com

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Buying a

kitchen

that fits Daniel Barr from Anglia Factors in Martlesham shares his tips with us as he explains the process of buying a bespoke kitchen

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eplacing your kitchen is a big decision and a costly process so it’s good to go into it knowing all the facts.

In our experience people tend to make the decision to take the plunge and buy a new kitchen at three key stages: when they’ve bought a new house and want to update the kitchen, when they’ve just had a large gathering and it was unnecessarily stressful due to an inadequate kitchen and when they are either considering selling the house or have considered it and decided to stay but modernise with a new kitchen. Changing your kitchen is a big decision. It’s a high value purchase and it inevitably causes some upheaval during the installation phase.

a design that you’re confident is right for both you and your home.

It’s also worth checking they are accredited for the KBSA Consumer Care Plus scheme and have the Government endorsed TrustMark.

This gives you peace of mind that they will produce work of a high standard and that you are covered should the company go into administration.

service you can expect and to take a close look at the designs, appliances and finish of the kitchens for yourself.

Consultation, design & quote

Once you’ve chosen whom to work with you should be allocated a designer who will talk through your requirements, your ‘likes’ and ‘dislikes’ and your reasons for upgrading your kitchen. This enables them to make sure the design fits your lifestyle and your taste.

Changing your kitchen is a big decision.

It’s a high value purchase and it inevitably causes some upheaval during the installation phase

Who to work with

As with all high value purchases, choosing the right partner is a big deal. You want to work with someone who will do a good job, with minimal fuss and at the best possible price.

You want someone who understands what you want, can interpret your vision, help to iron out any concerns or niggling areas and create

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Most people choose a supplier based on word-of-mouth recommendations and their own research. Many find it helpful to visit the showrooms to get a feel for the quality and service, as well as taking a look at their portfolio of work.

We believe it’s always worth visiting a showroom and speaking to a member of the team to get a feel for the level of customer

Once the basic design is agreed, you can style up your kitchen by selecting the type of units you would like whether that is walnut, high gloss, solid oak or painted wood. You can also choose the type of worktops you would likeat this stage.

Then it’s on to appliances. Put these kitchen activities in order to give your designer a clear idea of what appliances you need in your kitchen from fridges, to coffee machines, dishwashers, ovens, mixers and more: general cooking, quick and easy food, entertaining, baking and complex cooking, coffee and

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toast, eating, working/homework/activities, TV watching, relaxing.

Finally, you can choose the finishing touches: taps, paint, tiles, draining board, butchers blocks and more. Your designer will walk you through it so you don’t overlook anything.

Potential traps

There are a few areas that can cause problems later on if they are not considered early enough in the process.

LIGHTING: You don’t want your beautiful kitchen to be lost under poor lighting. You need to be able to see the recipe book, and what exactly you’re chopping.

can plan speakers, screens and aerials.

HEATING: You don’t want to lose out on heating in a bid to make space for more storage in your kitchen. There are lots of stylish heating ideas so don’t forget to build this in to your design – especially if you’re planning in the summer. Winter will come and it will be chilly!

Creation and Installation We build all our cabinetry on site in our workshop in Martlesham. Some providers outsource the cabinetry and joinery. We prefer to be in control of the timescales and quality.

FLOORING: Cooking, children and animals are messy. You almost certainly want a stylish, easy-to-clean floor that completes your kitchen and makes it sing.

A team of craftsmen lovingly sculpt the framework of the kitchen out of your chosen materials and check, check and triple check that it’s right. Once we have all the component parts, the team will arrange to come in and fit your kitchen.

AUDIO VISUAL: Will you want to watch television and/or listen to music in the kitchen? Tell your designer early on so they

Our team is always conscious of your home and want to minimise the disruption and keep the area as tidy as possible throughout.

After care

A quality kitchen provider will be keen to make sure that you’re happy with your kitchen. We want it to be a pleasure to use and the heart of your home. We encourage our customers to let us know if they have any problems with their kitchen so we can help to get them sorted as quickly as possible.

We offer all our customers a lifetime guarantee on our cabinetry. We’re confident that it’s top quality and we build it to last.

Once you’re an Anglia Factors customer, we always view you as a customer. We hope you’ll come back to us when you next need a kitchen, bathroom, home office, built-in cupboards or a small building project.

To find out more visit Anglia Factors, 34 Gloster Road, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3RD W: www.angliafactors.co.uk T: 01473 610192

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Amazing Spaces

Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing

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here comes a time when architecture and interior design are combined so seamlessly integrated together. One of Beijing’s most iconic buildings, designed by Zhang Hai Ao and his team from Shanghai Huadu Architect Design Company, Sunrise Kempinski Hotel embodies the shape of the rising sun and symbolises harmony and unity.

Located 60km north of Beijing’s city centre, on the picturesque Yanqi Lake, Sunrise Lempinski Hotel boasts panoramic views of Yan Mountain and the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

This incredible structure is set on a private island on 47,678sqm grounds and the building is 97m high with 21 floors. The top of the building reflects the colour of the sky, the middle reflects the Yan Mountain, and the

bottom reflects the lake. The exterior glass surface is covered by more than 10,000 pieces of four-layered glass panels and spans 18,075sqm.

Featuring meeting space, luxury spa fitness centre, spoilt for choice in restaurants and bars and rooms Architect Zhang worked with his team of 60 designers from across the globe, including the UK, Italy, Spain, the USA, Holland and the Philippines, who spent 60 days developing the building design. ‘We had an international team because we needed a critical view from people outside of China to give their opinion on modern contemporary Chinese architectural design and to enable us to broaden our ideas on how we could use our design to showcase the Chinese culture to the world,’ explains Zhang.

Environmental protection and sustainable development were main considerations, and all types of advanced environmental protection technology were used in the construction of the hotel. The round shape of the building was designed not to change the wind environment and to help maintain this as it plays a key role in the healthy growth of plants.

Sunrise Kempinski scores big sustainable energy points and is thought to be the first hotel in China that owns the CCHP Systems Applications, which uses natural gas as the main fuel to supply heating and cooling to the hotel as well as the Gas Power Generation System to reduce energy consumption.

The hotel opened its doors on 17th November 2014 and is now taking bookings through the website www.kempinski.com

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Cosyat Christmas Anna Grace-Davidson of Anna Casa Interiors tells how to transform your home for winter with a few simple design changes

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nterior designer Anna GraceDavidson is the founder of the renowned Anna Casa Interiors, www. annacasainteriors. net, which specialises in luxury spaces for both highend residential and commercial sectors, successfully combining luxury and comfort with the ultimate bespoke concepts. Take a look below at Anna’s tips of making your home stylish and luxurious this winter.

Winter is such a wonderful time of year, we get to look forward to the magic of the festive season and put those comforting special touches in place in our homes.

When it is cold outside, our interiors should be a warm, homely and inviting haven to relax and unwind in with loved ones. To create this atmosphere it is essential to employ a few simple yet effective design tips.

Colour

Colour has such an impact when it comes decorating and is even said to affect our mood.

Luckily this season has a gorgeous palette, from harmonious forest greens to calming royal blues and warming reds. Make the most of these shades in the living room where to make it cosy yet visually stunning. Update a neutral scheme with splashes of these colours by

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adding artwork, curtains and accessories in the season’s winter shades.

Texture

A mixture of textures and warm, soft materials is sure to add depth and bring a restful, relaxing dimension to any room if done correctly this winter. I personally love using natural elements like wood and offsetting with metallics like bronze, which are also on trend for the season and accessories come in an array of different finishes. Cashmere leather is wonderful in winter because it feels like velvet! Complement a cashmere leather sofa with textured throws, detailed pillows and a gorgeous rug to build up layers of luxurious comfort this winter, giving your home a cosy cocoon-like feel.

Accessories

Accessories are a big part of home decoration because they are one of the many ways you can show character and personality, displaying items that mean something to you or reflect your style. A chic and easy way of accessorising is to use vases and pots of different sizes and fill them with seasonal plants, polished stones or even small baubles when it comes to decorating. These look amazing when grouped together and can be used all throughout the house so get creative!

At Christmas time it is ok to get carried away with festive spirit and decorate your home to your heart’s content. Make use of lighting to add that extra sparkle and set the atmosphere with beautifully scented candles to really radiate extra warmth and a homely ambience.

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Blankets and throws from £75 | Stag Cushion Cover, £22.50 | Arran Hawthorn Cushion, £37.50 | Glass Lampshade, £250 | Hawthorne Chair, £1,275 all available from House & Garden at Snape Maltings, Bridge Rd, Snape, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 1SR, 01728 688303, www.snapemaltings.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Look Get the

Wall colour Little Greene Intelligent Matt Emulsion Clay Mid from £20.50 per litre available through NDUK Bespoke oversized Wing-Chair commissioned through NDUK price on application Fabric on chair Zoffany Tadema Cocoa £99.00 per metre available through NDUK Officer’s Boot Lamp £280.00 Bulldog Vintage

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Julia Nelson-Elgar, owner of Nelson Design UK advises on how to combine old and new, the interior trend that is so popular at the moment

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ombining modern trends with vintage or antique pieces of furniture is perhaps one of the hardest looks to achieve – it’s all about the balance.

It is a fine line between achieving perfectly period and full-blown kitsch. Whether you like the mid-century modern or the Victorian gentleman’s club look, it is important to develop a theme and commit to it through all elements of the room.

The first place to start is with your colour palette. It is important to choose a wall colour or wallpaper that reflects your chosen theme or period. The Little Greene Paint Company specialise in paint that has profound depth of colour. They have over 240 historical colours to choose from, all of which can be mixed in the NDUK showroom to take away. Wallpaper can also transform a room from a dowdy aunt to a true period drama diva. At NDUK we have over 80 wallpaper books from big brands and a wealth of historical and period knowledge to help you achieve your dream room.

Vintage market furniture finds can also help to complete the look. Upcycling furniture is an effective and personal way of making the look truly your own. NDUK is the local stockist for Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint which is ideal for this. If trawling markets isn’t your style then

Hatfield House, www.hatfield-house.co.uk, can help with sourcing that perfect vintage piece. You should also introduce an item that bridges the gap from retro to real time.

Try adding a quirky touch to the room with a fabulous light from Bulldog Vintage, www.bulldogvintage.co.uk.

Strike out with eye-catching cushions from Jessica Zoob by Romo Black available through NDUK, or a fantastic oversized mirror or Bronze Stag Head from House in Town, www. houseintown.co.uk. If a room has a small but unexpected punch of colour this will help lift it into modern day. It is important to keep essential modern items like TVs very simple and games consoles in a simple cabinet with no cables on show!

Wall colour Little Greene Paint Intelligent Matt Emulsion Attic II from £20.50 per litre available through NDUK. Clarinet Lamp with shade Bulldog Vintage. Artichoke, gilt letter and table all sourced for the client through Hatfield House.

We all have a need for the comfort of the past but we need to face the future with confidence.

It’s all about balance. NDUK can help you balance the old with new. Book a two-hour inspirational visit before the end of December and receive 20% off (normally £180 now £150 all prices include VAT at the standard rate.).

To chat to Julia about how she can help you, visit the showroom at Nelson Design UK, 15 St Peters Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1XF, or call on 01473 857852. www.nelsondesignuk.com

W: www.nelsondesignuk.com T: 01473 857852 A: 15 St Peters Street, Ipswich IP1 1XF

Little Green Paint Company paint, www.nelsondesignuk.com | Bronze Stag Head, £85, www.houseintown.co.uk | Jessica Zoob cushion by Romo Black, £80, www.nelsondesignuk.

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PROPERTY

FOCUS ON

… Office Chairs T

he office is the place where you spend much of your day so it only makes sense that the chair you sit in is not only comfortable but equally stylish. With the

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We’ve found some of the most stylish chairs for your office. Trust us, you’ll love them. In fact, you may not want to let anyone else sit in them biggest piece of furniture in an office usually the desk, the chair can often be forgotten about but can really be the finishing touch that ties all the elements of the room together.

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Main image: Herman Miller Aeron, £899, available from John Lewis, Futura Park, Ransomes Way, Crane Boulevard, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9SQ | 2. Felix Office Chair, £269.99, available from Glasswells in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, www.glasswells.co.uk | 3. Northland High Back Chair £199.99, available from Glasswells in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, www.glasswells.co.uk | 4. Stressless Jazz Office Chair, £1,699, available from Hatfields of Colchester, Peartree Rd, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 0LA | 5. Vitra Eames Lounge Armchair, £4,440, available from John Lewis, Futura Park, Ransomes Way, Crane Boulevard, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9SQ

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PROPERTY

21 Century Life st

CENTURY 21 UK are the fastest growing residential estate agency franchise in the UK. Here is their advice on how to choose the right agent to help you in the sale or purchase your home

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hoosing an estate agent to sell your home is a major decision and one that can be determined by many factors. For many people, it’s not

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just a decision based around the fees involved (although this is important) but it is far more about the agent’s ability to deliver and the quality of service you will receive.

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There’s no point choosing an agent because their fees are rock bottom if that agent isn’t able to fulfil even the most basic of service.

Our years of experience have told us that clients want agents who can walk the walk, as well as talk the talk.

We recently conducted a survey amongst property sellers to get a feel for the areas that can cause the most problems when selling a property. The results were somewhat surprising and showed there are a number of basic errors being made on a national scale. We found that four in ten felt the agent had overvalued their property at the start of proceedings in order to secure their business, whilst eight in ten felt they were never sure which individual they were going to be dealing with at the office and were often passed around over the telephone.

Six in ten were disappointed with the level of communication they received from their agent with seven out of ten feeling like they missed out on any feedback following viewings that may have helped them go on to sell their

property. Finally, four out of ten were left to conduct the viewings themselves without any agent presence or support.

From the results of our survey we are able to surmise that what most people are looking for in an estate agency is honesty, integrity, advice, feedback and communication.

At CENTURY 21 UK, we’ve designed our whole process around those core values. We may be the largest residential estate agency organisation in the world, but our focus is all around personalised service. Each office is independently owned and operated. We focus on your individual needs by ensuring you’re assigned one contact that will guide you through the whole process. In this way you are not passed from pillar to post, having to explain the latest steps in your home-selling or purchasing journey to different members of the same team.

it will be one person that you will speak to; they will know your property, conduct 100% of your viewings and provide honest and regular feedback. They are your touchstone and will take you all the way through from initial meeting to completion.

We’re great believers in ‘honesty is the best policy’ – there can be no worse situation for someone selling their home than to be given false hope, whether it’s about the value of your home, the interest level of potential purchasers or the desirability of the property. It’s about understanding what you have to offer, what you want and working together to achieve your goals.

We’re focused on being realistic, keeping you fully informed and communicating at all stages of the process. By delivering on these promises we’re confident you’ll be recommending CENTURY 21 UK to all those seeking a quality estate agent service.

When you ring your local CENTURY 21 UK office Franchise opportunities are available throughout the UK.

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PROPERTY

DE VERE GARDENS KENSINGTON W8 £3,750,000 Freehold

PROPERTIES PRESENTED BY CENTURY 21 SOPHIA ELENA, 020 7229 1414, nottinghill@century21uk.com

n 3 Bedrooms n Double reception n Poggenpohl kitchen n 2 Bathrooms

n Balconies n Views n High ceilings n EPC C

A three-bedroom, two-bathroom, second floor apartment, featuring an impressive reception with high ceilings and fireplace, well designed Poggenpohl kitchen and two balconies with views towards Kensington Gardens in an ornate period building in Kensington.

This property benefits from a generous master bedroom with en-suite, two further double bedrooms, family bathroom and excellent storage throughout.

De Vere Gardens is moments from Kensington High Street and Kensington Palace, and a short stroll to Gloucester Road and its array of restaurants, cafes and shopping. The world famous Royal Albert Hall, many of London’s most important museums and Knightsbridge, with all its amenities, are within easy reach.

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HYDE PARK SQUARE HYDE PARK W2 £3,750,000 Share of Freehold n 3 Bedrooms nD ouble-aspect reception and kitchen n 3 Bathrooms

n Communal gardens n Porter n Lift n EPC C

An exquisite three-bedroom, three-bathroom, third floor lateral apartment with lift and resident porter.

This property effortlessly fuses modern design with traditional elements resulting in a superior finish using the finest materials and boasts a double-aspect reception and kitchen. The master bedroom is bright and spacious. The master en-suite is opulently finished with book-matched marble and has a standalone bath tub and walk-in shower.

A second bedroom with a stylish en-suite, a third bedroom, a guest bathroom and a utility area complete the accommodation, providing 1,612 sq ft of elegant living and entertaining space on one of London’s famous garden squares.

Hyde Park Square is moments from Hyde Park, trendy Connaught Village and is within easy reach of Mayfair in one direction, Notting Hill in the other, and Knightsbridge across the park. The apartment offers access to two garden squares by arrangement.

The apartment measures 968 sq ft and features a contemporary open-plan reception and kitchen, master bedroom with generous en-suite, second double bedroom and second bathroom. The property comes with a goodsized storage room, 161 sq ft.

MERCHANT SQUARE PADDINGTON W2 £1,300,000 Leasehold n 2 Bedrooms pen-plan reception and nO kitchen n 2 Bathrooms

n Storage n 24-hour concierge n Parking n EPC B

A two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with south-facing views over the Grand Union Canal, and underground parking, in a modern

waterside setting in the heart of London.

Merchant Square benefits from 24-hour concierge.

UNITED KINGDOM

Paddington Basin is conveniently located for Hyde Park, Oxford Street, local shops and restaurants, and offers easy access to the West End, Mayfair and Knightsbridge across the park. It is positioned tremendously well for a vast array of transport links from the Heathrow Express to Crossrail, London Underground and many local buses.

To find your nearest office, please visit www.century21uk.com/find-an-office W: www.century21uk.com | T: 0870 21 11 399 | E: info@century21uk.com

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jackson-stops.co.uk SO

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East Bergholt Private Treaty Sale

Nr Aldeburgh Guide price £2,500,000 SO

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Woodbridge Guide price £1,750,000

Campsea Ash Guide price £1,750,000 LD

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Woodbridge Guide price Excess £1,500,000

Nr Ipswich Guide price £1,800,000

Thinking of selling in 2015?

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Barham Green Guide price £635,000

Kettleburgh Guide price £865,000

Contact Jonathan Penn, Tim Dansie or James Squirrell Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

Successfully selling in 2014 SO

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Ridgnalls Guide Price £2,250,000

Rockalls Guide Price £2,600,000

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Deer Park Guide Price £2,950,000

Brook House Guide Price £1,350,000 LD

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Lavenham Guide Price £1,350,000

Dunningworth Guide Price £850,000

Ipswich 01473 218218 ipswich@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

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Melton House Guide Price £1,250,000

Nightingale Guide Price £1,350,000

PROPERTY

Auction House

Auction House, the specialist property auctioneers, was founded less than a decade ago and has since flourished beyond all expectations, now boasting 40 auction rooms throughout the UK and established as market leaders in their field

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ust over a year ago, Auction House expanded their operation in East Anglia with an Ipswich office to cover Suffolk and North Essex. This is headed up by Regional Manager, Mark Willett, an Ipswich born property expert with over 30 years experience in property sales, the last five in auctioneering.

Selling by auction has become more and more the method of choice in recent years, the transparent and definitive process being of considerable appeal to corporate clients, housing associations, councils, trusts, charities, solicitors and many private individuals wanting a hassle-free, virtually guaranteed sale within a short time frame.

The Suffolk and North Essex Auction House operation is based in a prestigious office

location on bustling Neptune Quay in Ipswich and forms an important part of the network linking their auction rooms in Norfolk, Essex and London.

investments and also properties with structural problems. Whatever you have to sell, it’s always worth talking to us – our advice is free!’

Commenting on the benefits of auction as opposed to the more common Private Treaty method, Mark said: ‘during my many years as an agent, the most frustrating aspect of the process was progressing a sale to the point of exchange of contracts knowing that at any stage the sale could fall through, often for no better reason than someone simply changing their mind. The auction process does away with this as the fall of the hammer signifies unconditional exchange of contracts with completion normally just one month later, a breath of fresh air for all concerned!’

Buying at auction may be a little daunting for some and it is recommended that not only do you inspect the property and commission any surveys you require, but also download the legal pack that’s made available free of charge and take legal advice on its content just to be sure everything’s in order. If you’re diligent, you’re far less likely to make a costly mistake. Mark Willett added: ‘we are always on hand to provide support and you couldn’t deal with more experienced and knowledgeable property people.’

Mark continued: ‘auction provides an effective sale solution for all types of property but more typical ‘lots’ include those requiring modernisation, non-traditional construction, tenanted properties, single and multiple building plots, retail premises, development or conversion opportunities, commercial

2015 promises to be an exciting year for Auction House with many new initiatives in the pipeline as you’d expect from such a progressive company. Locally, Auction House East Anglia will be holding 21 auctions, including seven in Ipswich and will no doubt further strengthen their position at the top of the tree in the property auction world.

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FINAL

THOUGHTS

NEW YEAR NEW BUSINESS

David Banfield, President at The Interface Financial Group, talks about launching new businesses in the New Year

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their own business. What if you could acquire a business that had all of these areas already covered? If you could, it is probable that you would be prepared to pay for that particular business or model.

Many people associate a new business with the New Year, so we see many more entrepreneurs entering the marketplace in January and February than in November.

Franchising goes a long way to providing all of the nuts and bolts of a business duly connected. A franchise is a system built around a proven and established business model, with its own individual business plan. But even with franchises, which come with little assembly required, there is always the element of timing to think about.

ave you been thinking about launching your own business? This is the time of year when many would-be entrepreneurs start to get serious with their plans to launch the next world-class business. What’s so special about this time of year? In reality, not too much other than it is just a few weeks away from the start of a new year and, for many, a new start.

While you may be gearing up for that new business, some of the questions that need to be answered in quick succession are: Are you ready? Is the time right? Is the economy right?

Is it possible that you could answer yes to all three questions? For you to be ready it means that you will have very clearly identified the business model you wish to adopt, you will have completed the appropriate market and geographical research, and you will have looked at all of the financial logistics. In other words, your business and marketing plan are completed and ready for action. What about timing? Is this really the right time for your business? Have you looked at any seasonal aspects that might have an influence over your startup time? What about the economy? Is that in sync with your proposal and ideas?

There may be too much to digest in just this short check-list. In fact, it might lead many less dedicated individuals to defer their startup – in which case they will probably never start

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Many franchises will require staff to run the business, so you will need to look at the labour market and ascertain if the timing is right to find the right people for your franchise team.

Likewise with premises – are the ideal premises available at a realistic cost? It is not unusual for some franchise brands to take months or even longer to locate an ideal site for a new franchisee. In the franchise world, settling for anything but the best location is rarely an option.

Financing will also be an item on the agenda, whether you start your own business or go the established franchise route. The difference, however, is that in many models the franchisor often assumes part of the financing burden or provides terms that enable a franchisee to get started.

Also, in the franchise world there are several specialised franchise finance companies and departments within major banks that create financing packages just for franchisees.

Clearly there is much to consider before you make that leap into entrepreneurship. Is there one vehicle that could solve all of these startup concerns? Probably not, however some franchise models are now created around a home-based environment, thus doing away with the costly need for rented accommodation. Some models also provide many day-to-day services for the franchisee at the franchisor Head Office level, thus enabling the them to work with no or minimum staff.

A potential entrepreneur has control over many of these areas. What sometimes may be out of reach are the economic conditions that determine success or otherwise for the business owner. Therefore, the question is raised, is there a franchise business model that is recession-proof? While many may have claims that tend to indicate they are immune to the ups and downs of the economy, in reality, it is the case that few are protected from the vagaries of the economy.

Whichever route you take or model you employ, the success or otherwise of your business will not only be in the execution of the day-to-day operations, but in the planning before you even open your doors. Do the planning well in advance in order to create a lasting business opportunity.

If you see yourself as an entrepreneur with a desire to help small businesses grow and prosper, while your own does the same, Interface Financial may be the right vehicle for you. To find out more visit www.interfacefinancial.co.uk or email on ifg@interfacefinancial.com

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While earning a well above-average ROI! IFG 50/50 FRANCHISEES PROVIDE SHORT TERM WORKING CAPITAL FOR SMALL BUSINESSES BY PURCHASING CURRENT, QUALITY

TEL: +905-475-5701, EXT. 2 IFG@INTERFACEFINANCIAL.COM WWW.INTERFACEFINANCIAL.CO.UK

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