West Magazine April 22 2017 by DCMedia

ON 22.04.17

Spring trends to try now

REAL LIFE

In praise of strong women

WIN!

Fun family days out

John Burton Race

UNSTOPPABLE The celebrity chef on divorce, fatherhood and making Torquay cool

- pg 16

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‘First of all, I didn’t realise there was a fashionable way to dance. If you know, please tell me what is in this season’ Fenella Tobey is in search of answers, p8

NEW ARRIVALS What’s hot on the social scene right now

BACK FOR MORE John Burton Race takes on Torquay

[contents[ Inside this week... 6

THE WISHLIST Our pick of the best treats this week

JUST BETWEEN US... Sh! We have all the latest gossip

MAKING PICTURES Anita Corbin’s amazing project

BACK FOR MORE

KEEN AS MUSTARD Meet fashion’s new favourite colour

SPRING FLINGS New ways to freshen up your decor

John Burton Race takes on Torquay

SPRING FLINGS Give your home a seasonal boost

JUST ASK GRACIE Our style guru solves your problems

KEEN AS MUSTARD Meet fashion’s new favourite colour

BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best right now

POWER SKINCARE Let science be your friend this summer

SMALL BITES What’s hot in the South West foodie world

TOBY’S GARDEN FESTIVAL What to expect from this fun event

HAPPY HIKING? Phil Goodwin struggles on Dartmoor

SECRET WESTCOUNTRY Where to go, what to do

PHOTOGRAPHY IN FOCUS

A new project celebrating women

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EATING OUT IN STYLE

Dinner for two on the Cornish coast

[ welcome [ Spring is in the air... don’t know about you but I love this time of year. The days are getting longer, the weather is warmer and there is a real sense of possibility. It feels like the right time to make new plans and explore exciting possibilities. To that end, it’s most intriguing to hear from celebrity chef John Burton Race, who is taking on an ambitious new culinary project in Torquay (p16). As you may know, John has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons over the years divorce, affairs, bankruptcy - but he is now setting up a new restaurant and is full of enthusiasm for his first love - cooking. One of my friends ate there

[

of the week

[

recently and said (and I quote) it was one of the best meals he’d ever eaten. Sounds good to me! Elsewhere in the magazine, we meet Anita Corbin, the Somerset photographer who has set about taking pictures of Britain’s most impressive women, from judges to naval commanders, dancers to politicians. Anita is pretty awesome herself, if you ask me. Do read Sharon Goble’s fascinating account of the whole First Women photography exhibition on page 12 today. Finally, the fabulous Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink is next weekend - win tickets on page 5 today! Good luck - and enjoy the magazine.

[

He said it was ‘one of the best meals he’d ever eaten’. Sounds good!

@Princesshay

Lovely pic of these blonde babes, @GracieAStewart & @KathrynCMcleod from @WMNWest during our VIP Spring Spree. TO ADVERTISE: Contact Cathy Long: 01752 293017 or 07557 576668, clong@dc-media.co.uk

Becky Sheaves, Editor

EDITORIAL: westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk Tel: 01392 442250 Twitter @wmnwest

COVER IMAGE: Matt Austin

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Phil Goodwin

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Gillian Molesworth

Cathy Long

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If you do one thing this week... Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to get your tickets and make plans to join in the fun at the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink, taking place over the Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday April 29 Monday May 1). We have five pairs of tickets for Monday at the festival to give away, worth ÂŁ12 a pair. To win, simply tell us in which city the festival takes place. Send your name, address, phone and email to: Food Festival competition, westmag@westernmorningnews. co.uk to arrive by Thursday April 27. Normal terms apply, West will not share your details.

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Wishlist

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Blue bottle vase £59 Furniture Village

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talking points Fenella Tobey

Story of my life... You’ve gotta dance like nobody’s watching don’t know if you are aware, or have been reading any of the more scurrilous newspapers of late; but “dad dancing” has been taking up a lot of space on the news platforms recently. Last month the future King of England (aka Prince William) was caught busting his moves although I am young, I’m most on the dance floor while on holidefinitely not hip. My dancing day in the Alps. Needless to say is dictated by the song and my pictures were taken and within mood, not what is in fashion. minutes the world was jumping Your dance style is incredibly at the chance to have their own personal - everyone is unique, little dig and join in the general therefore so, surely, are our criticism. dance moves. So what if we look I was none the wiser of the mad or awkward doing it? At Prince’s antics until I walked in least we are enjoying ourselves. to find Dad pacing up and down Why should these awkward the kitchen. “I just think it’s so middle-aged men be criticised mean. I don’t understand. People for having fun and letting loose? are so pathetic. The people that What’s wrong irritate me or with dads danckill the vibe on First of all, I ing? Everyone the dance floor should be allowed are not those didn’t realise to dance….” who dance badly there was a Until this point but those who I had never condon’t dance at fashionable way sidered the activall. Dancing is to dance. If you ity of “dad dancdancing whatever know, please ing” in any great your moves, there detail. Now I was is no right way to tell me what is being called, in do it. in this season all seriousness to As much as have an opinion we’d like to look on it. good while dancThe whole phenomenon, as ing, we inevitably have far more far as I can tell is supposed to be fun, when we let go of our inhibiawkward and embarrassing for tions, and (metaphorically) wave everyone, apart from the person our knickers in the air. doing it. When I googled it, I was I love it when my Dad joins confronted with this definition me on the dance floor, or when “unfashionable dancing to pop I see one of my handsome male music, as characteristically perfriends whisk a granny off her formed by middle-aged or older feet. men”. First of all, I didn’t realDancing is supposed to be fun. ise there was a fashionable way It gets us fit and it keeps us smilto dance. If you know, please ing. So: hands in the air, folks, tell me what is in this season, as like you just don’t care.

IN BLACK

and white Monochrome is always a winning combination and Doctor Who star Karen Gillan looks every inch the A-lister in this black mini dress with white ruffles. Black and white combinations are bold yet classical and can work for just about any formal event. We love this Bardot style dress from Wallis, as the soft ruffle gives an edge of playfulness.

Bardot-style dress £45 Wallis

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION A Svelte Sleeveless dress £45 Very

OPTION B Smart Bodycon dress £60 Lipsy

Next week: Fenella on life back at home with the parents. Gillian Molesworth is having a break but will return to West next month 8

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22.04.17

‘DO AS I SAY, KIDS!’ Peter Andre – whose wife Emily grew up in Somerset – is proving to be quite the old-fashioned father to his son Junior, it seems. He said recently that he is doing his best to limit the amount of TV his children are exposed to – and that

is despite the fact that the singer made his name as a reality TV star. “I limit it,” he explains. “Junior said to me the other day that he wanted Sky in his room. I opened the curtains and said, “There, that’s all the sky you want!” Good for you Peter!

Just

between us Gossip, news, trend setters and more – you heard all the latest juicy stuff here first!

LILY IS ON THE CASE

BUSTED... IN CORNWALL Whatever happened to James Bourne of Busted (remember Busted?) Well, the former boyband star now lives on the north coast of Cornwall near Polzeath. And the good news is that the band - which split 12 years ago – is reforming. Even better, James has written a new song with Ed Sheeran, which was composed in Cornwall. “I was at my house in Cornwall and

a friend said Ed would be down for a bit of writing. I bombed it over there as fast as I could,” said James. It must have gone well, because Busted have just played support act to Ed Sheeran at the Royal Albert Hall and will be playing a headline gig of their own in Los Angeles this June. Go James!

Lily Cole, the Torquay-born supermodel turned actress, is soon to be starring in a new play in London’s West End. She announced on Instagram that she was “Rehearsing this comedic beauty.. play on at Trafalgar Studios starting very soon!” with a picture of the poster for The Philanthropist. It’s a play by Christopher Hampton, with a new production directed by Simon Callow. It’s a truly apt title for Lily, 29, as she too is most definitely a philanthropist. She has recently come back from visiting a refugee camp in Greece, making a short film there to raise awareness. She also supports the Green Party and has refused to model for De Beers after discovering its diamond mines had been threatening the livelihoods of Kalahari bushmen. Smart lady.

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ANDY UGLOW

Happy days: Making the most of the weather at the Grinagog Festival, Torquay

in pictures The end of the day: Sunset over Brixham

BRIDGET BATCHLEOR

A quick break: At the Budleigh Salterton Food Festival

Something blue: The bluebells are out at Pinetum Park, St Austell 10

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talking points A HISTORY

of the

WEST in

100

objects 43: FOSSIL RHYNCHOSAUR

The best way to:

ENJOY A SUNDAY LUNCH Whether it’s pork, beef, lamb or chicken, there is nothing like the great British tradition of the Sunday roast... A new take on a classic: River Cottage Canteen and Deli in Plymouth offers a Sunday roast menu which showcases the finest seasonal ingredients from local suppliers. For those looking for something a little different, the slow-roasted duck leg with red cabbage marmalade is a surefire winner. www.rivercottage.net

Most delicious: The Star and Garter in Falmouth takes Sunday roast very seriously. Whether you’re after marbled sirloin, leg of lamb or some proper roast pork with crackling, all their meat is supplied by renowned Cornish butcher Phillip Warren and served with crispy duck fat potatoes and a selection of local veg. www.starandgarterfalmouth. co.uk The traditionalist : Situated on the beautiful Exeter Ship Canal, you cannot beat the Double Locks pub for

its location and its delicious Sunday roast. The good news is they do offer a vegetarian version too, to go with their honey-roasted parsnips, cabbage, roast potatoes and plenty of gravy. www. doublelocks.com

More than just a roast: The Old School Bar and Kitchen is an awardwinning gastro pub in the north Cornish village of Mount Hawke, near St Agnes. The Sunday menu includes roast beef and pork and is a world away from the school dinners they used to dish up here to primary school pupils back in the day! The menu also includes fish and chips, gourmet burgers for those not in the mood for a big roast. www.osbk.co.uk

From Ladram Bay, Devon, 220–240 million years old Julien Parsons is the Senior Collections Officer, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. He says: Days out at the seaside can lead to some unexpected discoveries but rarely, I suspect, anything to compare with the subject of this story. In April 1990, Plymouth University students on a fossil-hunting trip near Otterton in east Devon came across an exceptional find: the skeleton of a rhynchosaur. Named on account of their long snouts – the Greek word rhynchos means nose or snout – these sturdy, lizard-like creatures with stumpy tails grew up to a metre long. The students had uncovered the partial remains of a young specimen: back bones, ribs, shoulders and lower left leg with impressive claws (visible in the photograph). Missing was the head, which is known to be broad with sharp jaws. Despite their fearsome appearance,

rhynchosaurs were content to graze on vegetation. The claws and snout helped them dig out fleshy roots and tubers and the jaws sliced up leaves, stalks and fibrous plant material. They needed these adaptations to survive in the harsh conditions of Devon in the Triassic period. At this time, the county was covered with vast, sandy plains. However, geologists know the cliffs at Ladram Bay were formed from sediments laid down by great rivers, evidence that in the distant past water flowed in the area. It’s likely the rhynchosaurs eked out an existence feeding on the sparse vegetation that grew along the riverbanks.

#43

On display in Gallery 2, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter www.rammuseum.org.uk

Competition winners: Congratulations to Mrs Hart of Axminster, J Courtier of Okehampton and Mrs W Howes of Exeter who all win Easter Eggs from Chococo of Gandy Street Exeter www.chococo.co.uk

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Lt Col Lucy Giles

Swimmer Beth French

Campaigner Edith Kent

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People

WOMEN FIRST Dr Sarah Buck

Somerset photographer Anita Corbin is celebrating female achievement with a remarkable new portrait project. Sharon Goble finds out more have just returned from a 500-mile round trip with Anita Corbin, directing the launch video for her First Women UK project. It’s a fraction of the distance the Somersetbased photographer has covered since she came up with the idea of capturing 100 inspirational women who have achieved “firsts” in their field as part of a legacy portrait project. You wouldn’t think much would phase this photographer with 35 years’ experience of travelling the globe to capture human interest stories and photograph A-listers on movie sets. Anita has been taking pictures since she was eight years old. But embarking on First Women UK took her out of her comfort zone. “From the moment I conceived the idea, it was as if it took on a life of its own,” Anita tells me. “Almost as if it had a ‘will’ to be completed and I was just facilitating that. I was apprehensive at the beginning but the project gathered its own momentum over time. Everything I needed just started showing up. “The question in my head the whole time was, ‘How will I capture the unique essence of this woman and what drives her, but at the same time speak to the world about what she has achieved?’ My job was to nurture the shoot environment so that the ‘firsts’ could be themselves as women, as well as embody their achievements.” My three-day road trip with Anita has taken us from a snooker club to an archery range, via the Houses of Parliament, Sandhurst Military Acad-

Anita Corbin with Commander Karen Dalton-Fyfe

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People

Dame Hilary Mantel

emy, Old Kent Road Fire Station in London and a master silversmith’s studio. The cornucopia of locations Anita has visited since she started the project reflects the varied walks of life and careers of the fascinating women she’s chosen to feature, many of them from the South West. Among the Westcountry line up are some powerful achievers: Dame Hilary Mantel (First Woman to win the Man Booker prize twice), Bellatrix (First Woman world champion beatboxer), Edith Kent (First Woman to receive equal pay in 1943), Dr Sarah Buck OBE (First Woman President of the Institution of Structural Engineers). The South West also contributed Commander Karen Dalton-Fyfe (First Woman to command a naval base), Beth French (First Woman to swim from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly) and Baroness Elizabeth Butler-Sloss (First Woman to be Lord Justice of Appeal). Some of the women were easier to gain access to than others. “Some have been a labour of love since day one!” Anita recalls. “I remember talking back in 2009 about how much I wanted to include the Olympic boxer Nicola Adams. Six years

Commander Karen Dalton-Fyfe

later, I finally found myself standing in a Team GB boxing ring with Nicola in front of my lens.” The completion of the 100 portraits represents a feat of organisation and is the result of Anita’s own dogged perseverance. “This was a huge undertaking and I stuck with it! I never felt like giving up but sometimes I wondered, would it be intriguing enough?” In retrospect, she says that the photography was “the easy bit”. First Women is more than a collection of portraits and an exhibition.There are many strands to the project and the pressure is on now to pull them all together in readiness for the big reveal - a show and hopefully a book too, next year. There’s already an online First Women Archive, launched last March to coincide with International Women’s Day. You and I can get involved by uploading photos and documents of the women in our own families. “Anyone anywhere in the world can contribute,” says Anita. “Perhaps you have a picture of your grandmother working as a land girl or your mum campaigning for equal pay.” An educational specialist is also helping de-

‘This was all a huge

undertaking but I stuck

with it - I never gave up’

velop a learning package to encourage both boys and girls to explore what it takes to become a pioneer. One of those women is Lieutenant Colonel Lucy Giles, the first woman commander of New College, Sandhurst. Lucy has Westcountry roots - she went to school at Wincanton before attending Exeter University. Lucy wore formal dress uniform for Anita’s photographic portrait. When we meet, she looks very different in everyday combat kit. If you missed the markings of rank, you’d think she was just an ordinary woman soldier. Softly-spoken and approachable, she is an ordinary woman, but - like all Anita’s subjects - has achieved extraordinary things. “I’m incredibly proud to be an ambassador for this project”, Lucy tells me. “I hope to promote it in a positive way and to be associated with something that endures.” At this point, this no-nonsense military woman begins to well up. “Above all, I said yes to Anita because I want to leave a legacy to my daughter and son.” That’s exactly the kind of impact Anita Corbin set out to create. On the last leg of our road trip, Anita confides: “I like to imagine my great-great grandchildren googling First Women UK and being inspired. Most of all, though, I feel the deepest gratitude to these utterly incredible women who simply said yes, took the plunge and enabled me to turn my dream into a reality.” To watch the video and find out more, visit www.1stwomenuk.co.uk

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Beatbox rapper Bellatrix

Lt Commander Becky Frater 15

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PHOTOGRAPHY: MATT AUSTIN

Interview

John Burton Race is opening a new restaurant in Torquay

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BACK FOR MORE Chris McGuire meets the controversial chef John Burton Race to hear about his latest culinary venture “

y mother used to say to me: ‘You’re always getting in trouble. What are you doing on that diving board now? You can hardly swim!’” chuckles John Burton Race. “I’d jump anyway,” the chef continues. “Falling was amazing, so exciting, you’re scared to death. You hit the water and chip your front teeth. You think ‘Oh my God, I survived that’. “So you go back to see if you get the same experience of falling. But of course you can’t, the first time is always the best. Everything in my career has been like that.” Which perhaps explains why John, famous for appearances on reality TV shows like I’m a Celebrity, not to mention his off-camera antics (a secret lovechild, divorce, bankruptcy and more) is plunging in once again, at the age of 59. This time, he’s setting about transforming The Grosvenor Hotel, Torquay into a haven of fine dining. Really? Yes, that Grosvenor Hotel, the one made famous for its appearances in the Chan-

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Interview

nel 4 fly-on-the-wall series The Hotel as a real-life Fawlty Towers. This should be interesting. “Yes, the Grosvenor has been a laughing stock,” he admits. “Even now people stop the car and take a shot of the entrance,” he admits. But since The Hotel series aired, its eccentric owner Mark Jenkins sold up to The Richardson Hotel Group, who are keen to turn it around. Hence John’s presence. “Instead of having the reputation of the worst hotel in the world - I don’t mean Devon, I mean the world - it’s our mission to make it one of the best,” he says bullishly. It’s an ambitious aim but John is, he says, the man for the job. He wants to get back to cooking, pure and simple. And perhaps it’s as well to remember that, as well as a rackety private life, he is one of the country’s most acclaimed and decorated chefs. Born in Singapore, his childhood was spent following his diplomat father all around the world. A period cooking in Paris (“I got my backside kicked because I was British”) was followed by a stint at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in Oxfordshire. He won two Michelin stars at L’Ortolan in Berkshire, a feat he then repeated at The Landmark Hotel in London. Next, he moved to France (as depicted in the reality TV show French Leave) with his second wife, Kim, before moving to Dartmouth in south Devon to take on a renowned restaurant there, The Carved Angel, renaming it The New Angel. That restaurant achieved a Michelin star but was abruptly closed by Kim while John was in the jungle filming I’m a Celebrity. Alas, fathering a secret child

with Suzi, who was his agent’s former PA, had not gone down well. Kim and John later filed for bankruptcy in 2009 and he has claimed to have lost £3 million over the whole debacle. More recently, he has been running a private catering company back in Devon, called Two Grumpy Cooks, with fellow chef Chris Sherville. John lives in the beautiful countryside between Dartmouth and Kingsbridge, with Suzi, 50, and their son Pip, now 12. Let’s not forget he has four older children (two each from his previous marriages) plus four stepchildren from Kim’s first marriage, even though they don’t seem to figure greatly in his life these days. Be that as it may, the family life John describes sounds pretty idyllic – his eyes light up as he describes Pip’s abilities on the rugby field. He also goes on to praise Suzi’s culinary skills, labelling her as a “good plain cook” which, I’m to understand, is more of a compliment than it sounds. This country lifestyle, complete with ponies and fishing, seems a world away from the tabloid exploits of his past. Indeed, I see few traces of

‘Yes, the Grosvenor has been a laughing stock. Even now people stop the car and take a shot of the entrance’

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Interview

the “loud-mouthed, disagreeable, arrogant git” which is how he once was described - byhimself. I wonder aloud if he regrets his reality TV exploits. Not at all: “It was a great experience. I met some tossers and I met some really exciting people and met some likeable people.” He is equally pragmatic about his TV cooking appearances over the years: “some good, some bad”. “Food programmes are cheap to make. If a channel has a very successful programme, something like MasterChef, which has been going on for far too long in my opinion, other commissioning editors will say: ‘Oh I want one of them’.” Refreshingly, John has no selfpity about the negative side of fame: “I think [being famous] is sometimes terribly unpleasant and terribly one-sided. But I don’t cry about it because, actually, that sort of notoriety - you earn from it. I can’t really complain about it too much!” Even so, turning the Grosvenor around seems like a big task. Yet John is buoyantly optimistic – describing Keith Richardson, whose hotels include The Metropole in Padstow and The Fowey Hotel in south Cornwall, as his “Father Christmas”. So, will there be Michelin stars for John once more? “If any chef sits in front of you and

says: ‘I’m going out for stars,’ they’re plonkers. You don’t go out for stars. What you do is you try to do your job, to the best of your ability.” John does, however, expect some kind of guidebook recognition for the food coming out of his new “whizz-bang” kitchen. He is also keen to widen the culinary “gene pool” offered by restaurants in the South West. “We need a fresh approach. We do need to understand what’s happening with food in Paris. We do need to be in touch with what’s happening with food in London – our own capital city.” Yet he’s pragmatic: “I haven’t got carte blanche to spend inordinate amount of money on ingredients because then I’d have to charge, like I used to, £150 a head. I can’t charge £150 a head in Torquay, because I wouldn’t have any customers.” However, he is happy to admit that he’s learned some lessons in Torquay. He recently served dashi – Japanese kelp broth - which is “all the rage” in London. “The customers thought ‘Er, I don’t like this mucked-around foreign food’. And I’m thinking, in Notting Hill they’d call me a genius for serving this. Here they say: Get that crap out of here!

‘If any chef says: ‘I’m going out for stars,’ they’re plonkers. What you do is you try to do your job, to the best of your ability’

“I have to offer them what they want to eat but maybe in a different way. Maybe gently introduce things that are slightly more complex or complicated.” Customers at the restaurant can choose between a seven-course taster menu (featuring the likes of venison carpaccio, crab ravioli and corn-fed squab pigeon) at £50 a head or a cheaper “little a la carte” that changes on a regular basis. “I also want to try and build up Sunday lunch so it’s family affair,” John says of his traditional roast (three courses for £23). As we discuss food, the chef’s passion for local produce is evident. “Ingredients aren’t a problem, Devon’s got the lot,” he insists. It seems John’s enthusiasm for cooking, and the long hours that come with it, is undiminished even though he is set to turn 60 soon. He’s still hugely driven, admitting he does “very little” outside of his job. Watching movies with Suzi and a tipple - “I like a glass of burgundy” - or fishing with Pip (“It’s nice having a 12-year-old because it gets me out”) are his favoured methods of unwinding. Yet, John points out, even then he can’t really relax: “I can only turn my brain down, not off”. Our conversation ends and John hurries back to the kitchen. As I step out into a cloudy Wednesday in Torquay, I’m intrigued by John Burton Race’s latest high dive. I’ve a suspicion that an award-winning culinary splash might be on the cards. www.grosvenorhoteltorquay.co.uk

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Spring craft & design fair 29 april - 1 may

A three-day creative extravaganza held in the brand new Garden Room events building. Great Torrington, Devon, Ex38 8PH For tickets and promotions visit rhs.org.uk/rosemoor Reg. Charity No. 222879/SC038262

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Forest path wall mural, from ÂŁ26 per square metre Wallsauce.com

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Interiors

Signs of spring Breathe life into your home this season with fresh florals and leafy greens . Gabrielle Fagan discovers some easy interiors updates to try right now ake your home look beautiful this spring with some best buys, clever decor tricks, a mini project and even a bit of guidance from TV presenter and decor guru Lorraine Kelly. “I love this time of year and refreshing rooms with fresh touches, such as a throw, a cushion, scented candles and some fresh flowers. They can really change something without breaking the bank, and means you avoid all the upheaval of redecorating. I can’t remember when I last completely redecorated because I much prefer to make little changes over time,” says Lorraine, who has created a new collection of homeware, Lorraine At Home for JD Williams Home. “Comfort’s first and foremost for me in my rooms, and I hate unnecessary clutter. I have lots of storage to make sure there’s plenty of room on surfaces to display photographs I love. I’m always thinking up new ways to display them. In one corner of my living room, I have a group of black and white photos of my daughter, Rosie, 22, right through from when she was small to now. It triggers happy memories whenever I look at it and is particularly special now as she’s working abroad.” While she spends every week in a flat in London when she’s presenting ITV’s Lorraine, her real home, which she shares with her husband, Steve, is in Broughty Ferry, close to the mouth of the River Tay, Dundee. “Lighting’s a

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Interiors Strandkrypa bedlinen from £19 a set, Brimnes bed with storage and headboard £255 Ikea

Hammock £115 Cuckooland

great way to create atmosphere and bring a look together, but I think many people overlook it. I like a mix of hanging pendants, table lamps and lanterns filled with candles. My other indulgence is cushions because they instantly jazz up a chair or sofa and bring in colour. I sometimes have a hard time convincing Steve about them - he doesn’t understand the cushion thing!” To breathe new life into your home right now, think about colour, says Sarah Quilliam, head of product design at Hillarys. “Home is our sanctuary where we can relax and recover from the stresses of daily life, and a gentle colour palette will help to conjure a calming atmosphere. “Faded pinks, gentle greys, serene blues and muted corals are all on trend this year. Use one of those shades and complement with a roller blind in sheer or semi-transparent fabrics with a geometric pattern.” Another great way to add springtime freshness is to set up a mini-garden indoors with pot (from £8.22) and Ronseal One Coat Cupboard plants. Pick plants which share the same light paint (from £19.72) are both available at B&Q and watering needs to make care easy, and make the arrangement into an eye-catching feature by (www.diy.com). You can revamp a bedroom simply by lavishadding lanterns, tea-light holders, and picture ing some TLC on your bed. Turn and rotate the frames. mattress, launder pillows, switch to a lighter One room that can be a bit of a challenge to duvet and splash out on new bedlinen. Ikea freshen up on a budget is the kitchen - but it can be done. “Giving this room a has a Strandkrypa quilt cover spring update can be dauntand four pillowcases, from £19 ing if you’re on a tight budget with an appropriately springbut simply repainting kitchen like yellow and green floral ‘Home is our tiles and unit doors gives a design. Work wonders on a sanctuary where new lease of life to a tired inteboudoir with their Brimnes rior,” says Jenna Lowe, prodbed frame too, £255, which we can relax - a uct manager at Ronseal. has useful under drawers and gentle colour You can smarten up kitcha headboard with integral palette will help en tiles with Ronseal Grout storage to help you with that cleaner (£9.99, Homebase, uncluttered look (www.ikea. to conjure up a www.homebase.co.uk). After com). more calming 24 hours, redefine the grout Finally why not splash out atmosphere’ line with Ronseal’s One Coat on treats for your bathroom, Grout pen (£6.49, Homebase). from smart storage to luxury You can also repaint kitchtowels, and turn it into your en doors, says Jenna. “Thorvery own spa? The White oughly clean them, remove Company has large leather handles and sand surfaces. Wipe down with laundry bins and seagrass laundry baskets white spirit and allow to completely dry. Apply which would work well, and there are branches one coat of paint, finishing in a vertical direcin Truro and Exeter or you can buy online (www. tion. If you’re covering up a dark colour you may thewhitecompany.com). need a second, or even third, coat - leave 24 hours Made.com is renowned for bargain price debetween each coat.” Ronseal One Coat Tile paint signer style, and its Egyptian cotton Mercer

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Solar flower lantern £19.95 House of Bath

Collection towels are a snip, starting from £18 for two towels (www. made.com). So – what are your waiting for? Time to spring into action!

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GET THE

LOOK

Get a fresh new look for your home this springtime

Lorraine at Home Jasmin duvet set from £20 JD Williams Home

Tom Dixon stone candle Amara £125

Artificial cactus in glass £9.95 Dotcomgiftshop

Lorraine at Home Elgin fitted pendant £35 JD Williams

Heart of House Alice multi frame Argos £19.99

Cushion £25 Debenhams

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Tech sweat ride jacket £80 Tech sweat leggings £80 www.outdoorvoices.com

Ask Gracie...

Athena crop £45 Two-tone warm-up leggings £80 www.outdoorvoices.com

Want to look your best this week? Our styling expert Gracie Stewart of Exeter can help you fulfil your fashion potential in every possible way. All you have to do is ask...

A spot of bother Clinique Even Better dark spot corrector £42 Boots

I’ve noticed a few brown spots appearing on my face recently, I think they might be a mixture of age and sun spots. Are there any products you can recommend which might help get rid of them? IL, Isles of Scilly

Dark spots, age spots, sun spots, liver spots, the list goes on. These types of marks are what we call hyperpigmentation, which occurs due to the production of excess melanin. These days there is a range of overthe-counter treatments available but sadly not all of them deliver what they promise. The few I’ve tried and really loved are:

this serum will softly exfoliate and soothe the skin to diminish the appearance of blemishes. Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Clinique’s product helps to fade the appearance of dark spots and blemishes. It buffs away dead cells and evens out the skin tone thanks to its special formula which is enriched with glucosamine, salicylic acid, blackout yeast extract and Vitamin C.

Dermalogica PowerBright TRx PowerBright TRx is the result of several years of research on melanin biosynthesis and skin brightening by Dermalogica and The International Dermal Institute. The three products work together to banish brown spots, discolouration and uneven skin tone. Sisley intensive dark spot corrector £97 John Lewis

Sisley Intensive Dark Spot Corrector This uses a patented lightening complex to treat and correct dark spots caused by aging and environmental damage. Infused with barbary fig blossom and salicylic acid,

Dermalogica PowerBright TRx travel size treatment kit £33.70 www.dermalogica.co.uk

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Gracie’s shopping list

Fit for purpose I’ve recently got into CrossFit so I need some new workout gear and I’m happy to spend more so long as the products perform. Can you recommend any good brands I should try? DS, Tiverton

Whether you’re a yoga bunny or fitness fanatic, when it comes to activewear there’s definitely no shortage of products to choose from. There’s the feelgood factor of Lululemon, industry heavyweights like Nike or Adidas, and the purse-friendly offerings from high street brands such as Primark. However, without a doubt, my go-to choice is a brand called Outdoor Voices. Founded by Tyler Haney, the brand differs from its competitors with a tagline of “technical apparel for recreation” so it is approachable for people who may not necessarily be workout buffs or serious athletes. Basically, that means you’ll find a product line of stylish top and bottom basics, along with other sweat-wicking, mixand-match sweats, leggings and tops for both men and women.

Tri-tone slashback crop £50 3/4 warm-up leggings £70 www.outdoorvoices.com

The long and the short I’ve got a pair of bootleg jeans that I no longer wear but I really like the way they fit so I want to cut them into denim shorts for summer. Do you have any tips on how to do this without ruining them for good? EC, Padstow

I’ll be honest, craft isn’t exactly my strong point. But you’ll be pleased to know that turning jeans into denim cut-offs is the one DIY project I did actually manage to complete successfully. Here’s what you’ll need… • A pair of old jeans • A pair of shorts that ﬁt well so you can use them as a template • Ruler • Sewing pins • Scissors • Chalk

Step 1: Place your template shorts over the jeans, aligning them both perfectly together. Step 2: Pin the seams together carefully so they do not move. Step 3: Align the ruler with the hem of the shorts and, using your chalk, mark the jeans along the ruler with a dotted line. Step 4: Cut just below the line so your new denim shorts are at least half an inch longer than you would want, to allow for fraying. Step 5: Once you’ve snipped off the legs wash and dry your new cut-offs before wearing.

Sonya Dakar Nano Peel £116 www.cultbeauty.co.uk The ultimate at home chemical peel, Sonya Dakar’s Nano Peel reveals fresh, flawless skin – eliminating the accumulation of dulling dead cells without leaving your face feeling tight or uncomfortable.

Chaos Blah! leather iPhone case £160 www.chaos.club Protect your iPhone with Chaos’s ultracool Blah! case. It’s covered and lined in soft grain deerskin and wraps all corners of your iPhone for a slim, protective fit.

For those of you who would rather just buy your denim shorts this summer, you can’t beat high street brands like Topshop and H&M.

Denim mini shorts £16 TK Maxx

High side shorts £28 Topshop

High waist shorts £19.99 H&M

Striped packable weekender bag £25 Accessorize Ahoy there! Designed with two contrast top handles and a detachable shoulder strap, this nautical-style bag has a spacious zipped interior for all your weekend essentials.

Got a style or beauty question? Email Gracie Stewart at westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk with the subject Ask Gracie

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Crossbody bag £55 White Stuff

Keen as mustard ustard is having a fashion moment this summer and we approve: this sunshine shade is a surprisingly flattering summertime hue. Try teaming this pleated top from Bonmarché with jeans for a casual approach or got for broke with a block colour dress if you are feeling bold. Mustard accessories are a great way to ease yourself into the trend and look great teamed with sun kissed (or fake tanned) skin.

Top handle bag £335 Furla

Yellow maxi dress £16 George at ASDA

Yellow heeled pumps £59 Topshop

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Fashion

Mustard plaid midi dress £14.99 TK Maxx High neck top £34 Topshop

fave! Carmen frill dress £159 Hobbs Animal print culottes £32 Very

Button up maxi dress £45 Very

Frill detail sweater £28 Next

Jersey tee £29.95 White Stuff

fave!

Pleat detail top £16 Bonmarché

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13/04/2017 08:19:06

Wellbeing

the boost

Life just got better. Our wellness guru Charlotte Dear has handpicked the latest health secrets and expert advice to help you be your best self, every day

Time to dive right in Scuba diving can be an exhilarating way to gain strength and flexibility and be at one with nature. To give it a try, head to Pentewan Sands Holiday Park in south Cornwall from Saturday April 29 to Monday May 1 for The Cornwall ScubaFest. Whether you’re PADI-qualified or a complete beginner, this event promises a great line up of workshops, competitions, entertainment, plus unlimited shore diving around the Cornish coastline. www. cornwallscubafest.co.uk

Walk this way Don your boots for Dawlish Walking Festival 2017! Running from now until Monday May 1, this year’s event includes more than 40 routes to try, from short explorations to long rambles through villages, countryside and coastline. Each walk is themed, with a chance to discover and learn along the way. Look out for Thursday’s Introduction to Nordic Walking at Dawlish Warren for £5 and Friday’s free Tree Walkabout with local arboriculturalist Dominic Scanion. Find the full itinerary of walks at www.lovedawlish.co.uk

FITNESS 24/7 If your busy lifestyle is keeping you from squeezing in those gym sessions, Snap Fitness in St Austell offers a 24-hour no-excuses membership. Boasting world-class cardio equipment, a large free weights area with Olympic lifting racks, dedicated functional training areas and even virtual instructor-led fitness classes are available 24 hours a day. The new centre at White River Place welcomes gym bunnies with open arms anytime, day or night. If you enjoy your free three-day trial pass, adult membership costs £32.95 a month. www.snapfitness.co.uk 30

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Love coconut? Try coco sugar In recent years, the humble coconut has seen a steep rise to fame and it is now one of our go-to staples for healthy cooking, skin and hair. It could be time to swap white refined sugar for coconut sugar, a natural sweetener extracted from the sap of the plant. Unlike the empty calories found in regular refined sugar, this alternative contains minerals such as potassium, zinc, iron and calcium, has a lower glycaemic index and is free from unwanted chemicals and bleaches.

Run free Tomorrow will see around 50,000 lycra-clad runners take to the capital for the annual London Marathon. If watching this event inspires you to dig out those dusty trainers - without neessarily going the full 26 miles - why not try the NHS Couch to 5K challenge? With expert advice to get you started and a weekly workout plan to gradually build up your fitness levels, this is a fun and achievable programme to see you on your way to better health - and maybe even a future marathon.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming up? Tweet us your wellbeing diary dates

@WMNWest or email westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 31

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Wellbeing

Holding back the years

Our skincare guru’s expert advice on anti-ageing treatments not protected from the sun. Use it once or twice a week and at night time only. I tell my clients to start using it at night and especially during the autumn/winter months. Too much regular Medical aesthetician Dr Pradnya Apte says: When use of retinol can cause skin to become thinner, it comes to looking your best drier and flakier. Should this be the case, then for longer, there are several key use of the product should be limited to once a weapons in your arsenal. There week only. are some great anti-ageing inPeptides: These magic ingredients are becoming gredients that can help keep our more and more popular in anti-ageing products. precious skin looking youthful. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which Here are my top choices: are the building blocks of proteins. They act Retinol: Retinol is a wrinkle like communicators between fighter. It stimulates the profibroblasts (the cells that make duction of collagen in your skin collagen) and tell them to create ‘The more and also decreases its breakcollagen, which is essential for peptides that down to minimise fine lines. firmer, youthful skin. The more Retinol also increases cellular peptides that there are, more there are, more turnover, so it can help with collagen will be made. Try the collagen will pigmentation,too, as it allows The Max Range from Image the skin to shed the top layer Skincare. It contains more be made. They of excess pigment. Retinol than ten peptides to stimulate are becoming is best used at night as it can collagen synthesis. It smells more and more make your skin quite sensitive great too! to the sun. Applying an excelCopper: Copper is crucial within popular’ lent moisturiser with a built-in skin cells, where it helps to bind physical sunscreen is a must proteins together, essential for when using retinol as it makes collagen formation. It has been cellular turnover increase, shown in clinical studies that pushing delicate new skin to the surface. Retinol copper contributes to the clearing and renewal can also cause hyperpigmentation if the skin is of damaged collagen, so it is a great choice for

I’m not getting any younger, but I’d like to keep that fact to myself! How can I avoid looking my age? SR, Newton Abbot

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sun-damaged skin and scars. Copper is nonirritating, too, so it is an excellent alternative for those with sensitive skins who may not be able to tolerate retinol. It is also been found that copper can help heal broken capillaries so it’s an ideal ingredient for tackling thread veins. Vitamin C: This essential nutrient is vital for anti-ageing. It helps form collagen and elastin as well as acting as an antioxidant to protect from the harsh effects of the environment such as UV rays, pollution and a bad diet. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin so it has to be taken daily to keep optimal levels. It is also a key ingredient for skins that are sensitive, dry, dehydrated and rosacea-prone and helps repair broken capillaries. It is also excellent for tackling dark spots. It not only brightens the skin but inhibits the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme that creates pigmentation. Gycolic acid: This wonder ingredient helps to dissolve oil and sebum on the top layer of the skin and exfoliates any dead skin cells. It is useful for acne too but its anti-ageing benefits include increasing cellular turnover. It helps smooth out lines and wrinkles and is an excellent complexion enhancer! It unclogs blocked pores and can cause open pores to tighten. Dr Pradnya Apte runs Skin Southwest, a dentistled aesthetic clinic in Exeter. She recommends and stocks Image Skincare, a cosmeceutical range of top-quality products www.skinsouthwest.co.uk

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Food

SMALL BITES

Our pick of what’s on in the Westcountry food world right now New eatery for Exeter Loungers, the Westcountry based restaurant/ café/bar group has opened a new site in Exeter called Puerto Lounge, situated down on the citt’s bustling Quay. The all-day menu features everything from authentic tapas, burgers and packed flatbreads and a seriously delicious mac and cheese. So whether you’re looking for a quick coffee, a business lunch with colleagues or a lazy all-day brunch, this looks set to be a fun new place to relax and unwind. www. thelounges.co.uk

A family affair The family-run butchers, Andrew James, have opened a new butchery and bakehouse at the Mid Devon Business Park in Willand, Cullompton. This new development will allow customers the chance to choose high quality meats, pies and sausages with a focus on service and experience. Customers will also be able to see meat being dry-aged in the maturation room behind the counter. The shop also includes The Bakehouse, a takeaway service where you can buy hot and cold sandwiches, pasties, burgers and hot dogs all produced from meats prepared in-house. Yum! www.ajbutchery.co.uk

Fresh coffee guaranteed Devon based coffee roaster, Spiller & Tait, have recently launched an online store where all bags of coffee ordered via their website will be received by customers within only seven days of roasting to ensure maximum freshness and flavour. And it’s not just coffee you can now buy online, they also sell Matcha tea and a range of coffee brewing equipment. Plus, if you sign up to their online mailing list you’ll receive 20% off your first order. www.spillerandtait.co.uk

Red, white and rose It’s not just about beer, you know: St Austell Brewery also stocks 750 wines, including fine Burgundies and Bordeaux, plus 200 of their own-brand wines. Head wine buyer Louisa Fitzpatrick - who joined the company in 2015 - is holding a special wine tasting evening during the Roseland Festival at The Kings Arms, Tregony on Tuesday May 2, £8 www. roselandfestival.co.uk.

Got some foodie news? Let us know on westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 33

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Meet the highly experienced experts, Martin Docking and Simon Martin

Fear of the dentist? Worried about your smile? Revitalise Dental Centre and Same Day Teeth have been developed for people who have a genuine fear or anxiety that prevents them from going to the dentist. Get the same day smile you want with his revolutionary technique that means we can provide a new arch of comfortable, natural-looking teeth – fixed in place using dental implants – in just one day, without your anxiety getting in the way. Sedation is delivered by our Consultant Anaesthetists and experienced Dentists, with patient safety and comfort our top priority. Relax and let the team take care of everything.

Louise’s Story

Susan’s Story

I love my teeth, I cannot stop smiling and my confidence has now been restored in full.

I now enjoy going out with my family and friends and better still, I laugh!

I’ve had a fear of dentists since my teens. However, I knew I had a problem and I had to find a sympathetic dentist.

I was the woman who kept in the background, hiding myself away from people. I was the one who talked to others with one hand across my lower face, I always felt embarrassed eating out so would make excuses and not go. I became introverted with very little confidence in myself.

I went for my first consultation with the Same Day Teeth team. I was very nervous but they put me completely at ease. They understood my major fears, and I had all the information for the solutions they could offer me. And to know that I was talking to the people that would make my teeth, as well as fit them, made it very easy to communicate my wishes. I have gone through all the stages and have ended up with my fabulous implants and teeth fixed in place on the same day!

The Same Day Teeth team have put sunshine into my everyday life. I was always afraid of the dentist because of a few horrendous treatments in my earlier days. This was so different. They are not only completely professional, but gentle, kind and most importantly honest, explaining each treatment before the event. I cannot thank them enough, they have changed my life.

Tel: 01872 555915 555915 Tel: 01872 Join us on our Discovery Days! Wednesday 8th & Tuesday 21st February

www.revitalisedentalcentre.co.uk

Revitalise Dental Centre, Hurlingburrow Farm, St.Agnes, Cornwall TR5 0PG Martin Docking, GDC No: 115044. Simon Martin, GDC No: 67146

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Cook

Pasta with Yogurt Pesto, Lemon and Asparagus By the chefs at Yeo Valley, Somerset: This fresh and summery pasta dish is extra healthy, thanks to its low fat yogurt -based sauce Serves 4

Ingredients:

Method:

40g walnut pieces 2 garlic cloves, crushed Zest of 1 lemon 25g fresh parsley Small handful of fresh mint leaves 125g Yeo Valley 0% Fat Natural Yeogurt Salt and freshly-ground black pepper 200g asparagus tips 350g spaghetti or other pasta 1 tsp bouillon vegetable stock powder Pinch of chilli flakes 3 tbsp water 1 tbsp lemon juice

First make the pesto. Place the walnut pieces, garlic, lemon zest and herbs in a food processor and blitz. Gradually add the yogurt to form a smooth sauce. Season and chill in the fridge until required. It will keep, covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Trim the asparagus tips. Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the packet instructions.

Then 5 minutes before the end, heat a large frying pan and add the chilli flakes, bouillon powder and water. Stir to dissolve the

powder then toss in the asparagus tips and sautĂŠ for 3-4 minutes. 4.

Drain the spaghetti and tip into the frying pan with the lemon juice. Pour over the pesto sauce and toss thoroughly. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and salad. For additional flavour you could sprinkle over a little freshly-grated parmesan cheese.

Yeo Valley make delicious organic dairy products in Blagdon, Somerset. For more recipes see www.yeovalley.co.uk 36

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Drink

Happy h ur with drinks expert April Marks

April says: I am in love with my cocktail shaker! In fact it has recently become my number two piece of kitchen equipment (after my corkscrew, of course) as some great evenings have been born out of its use. Granted, it’s easier to pour a cocktail but there are some cocktails that you just can’t create without a shaker, the martini being one. I recently stayed at the very lovely Kentisbury Grange in Exmoor where I became slightly addicted to their elderflower and cucumber martinis, which inspired me to create my own recipe. After many attempts (that was a good night) I

have perfected my recipe (see below). Other kitchen essentials are a stock of wine glasses, martini glasses and champagne flutes (Riedel or Dartington are my favourite makes). My top tip for your champagne flutes is to select those that have a deliberate imperfection inside, this will be in the form of a tiny scratch or bump on the glass. If the flute is too smooth the bubbles go flat very quickly, a tiny bump on the bottom of the glass gives the bubbles something to cling to creating a permanent stream of bubbles. Then, of course, you need something suitable for gin! I suggest the Copa glass (full name Copa

Afer many attempts

I have perfected my martini recipe

Elderflower and Cucumber Martini 20ml cucumber vodka 20ml Good quality gin (I use Sir Robin of Locksley gin for this) 25ml elderflower liqueur 5 thick slices of cucumber (I cut at an angle) Ice Mash four slices of the cucumber (pestle and mortar works well) and place in a cocktail shaker with the rest of the ingredients. Shake until condensation appears then strain into a chilled martini glass, garnish with the remaining slice of cucumber.

de Balon). This balloon shaped glass has been used by the Spanish since the 1700s, and is large enough to hold plenty of ice, which melts slowly due to the bulbous shape. See my product of the week for a beautiful - and local - version of this glass. April Marks is co-founder of Regency Wines Ltd Exeter @regencywinesuk

Cider excitement Yesterday saw the opening of Apple Bay Restaurant at Sheppy’s Cider farm in Somerset, on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington. Apple Bay is set within a new state of the art farm shop built by the Sheppy family, who have been crafting cider for over 200 years. Diners at the restaurant will be served by waiters trained to treat cider like wine with the ability to match the perfect pint to their meal.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK Glitz Gin Copa – made by Dartington Crystal Add some glamour to your life (or someone else’s) with these glasses made in Torrington, north Devon. The perfect glass for your gin and tonic in the balloon shaped Copa style, finished with Swarovski crystals. I love the thin rim at the top which makes for a better drinking experience too. They come as a pair in a gift box for £45 from Dartington Crystal outlets or online. 37

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Drink

Darren Norbury

talks beer Beer of the week Apparently, Celtic Red was one of Stuart Thomson’s first beers when he started Atlantic Brewery, near Newquay, in 2005. Well, I’d never had it before, but wow, what have I been missing? Somewhere between an 80 shilling and an ESB, according to Stuart, it’s mostly about the malt, with caramel, dates, plus dried fruit and continental milk chocolate on the tongue. Really, get a bottle.

BEST FOOT FORWARD As promised at its AGM, Cornwall CAMRA is starting a series of Wednesday Walkabouts to get members out and about midweek. The first will be a mild-themed walk in Falmouth, starting at The Front, at 6pm on May 10. All are welcome.

Choo-choo brews

Three stations on the West Somerset Railway will host a beer festival from June 9 to 11. Beers from Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset will be available at the Minehead, Bishops Lydeard and Stogumber stations. More details at www.wsra.org.uk

’ve been doing this column for a in Hayle in 1974 and finding Chrissie’s office was couple of years now, but fair to say still there, pretty much as he had left it so many it’s only within the past few months years previously. that the feedback has built. Christopher (the younger) created the new It’s pretty nice travelling round brew of Ellis Original Ale with St Austell brewpubs, breweries and beer festivals in the Westing team member Rob Orton. It featured Chevacountry, but it’s heartwarming when someone lier, an historic malt variety which has recently quotes something from the column, or thanks been re-established in Norfolk after many years me for a mention. of non-production. This was possible because the It was great, then, when, after a recent variety had been time-capsuled in a seed bank. column of mine on the former Paul felt this would add some Ellis Brewery, of Hayle, Paul historical notes to the recipe, Stephens, of Carnon Downs, although modern Maris Otter got in touch to say he was the was also in the mix. Paul finds Paul Stephens, of great-grandson of the last of this easy to justify. “What would Carnon Downs, the family to run the brewery Chrissie have done?” he asked. got in touch to Christopher, or ‘Chrissie’, Ellis. “If something new had come And brewing, it seems, is still along he would have given it a say he was the in the family’s blood. Paul’s son, try.” great-grandson who is also called Christopher, As well as running the brewery has been following the family in Hayle, the Ellis family had a of the last of the tradition by helping to create a second brewery in Helston. They family to run the new version of Ellis’s Original also, for some years, held the brewery Ale. lease of the famous Blue Anchor The ale was made at St Austell pub in that town. With all that Brewery, with whom Ellis Brewbrewing history in the family, it’s ery merged, to celebrate Chrisno wonder that the great-greattopher’s marriage earlier this year. grandson of the last owner, Christopher, now a A couple of casks had already been through lawyer living in South Devon, is giving considthe original Ellis brewery tap, which is now The eration to starting a new brewery himself. Cornish Arms in Hayle. At the start of the pub’s If you want a bottle of the new Ellis Original inaugural beer festival, which went very well, Ale, well, the bad news is that they have been Paul and Chris came along with some Ellis Brewselling fast at St Austell’s brewery shop, and may ery memorabilia, which was fascinating to look even be gone by the time this goes to press. There through. is a possibility of another brew, though. And I The “black book” had a record of brews from think it would be great to see it regularly on tap 1873 to 1878, and there was a large brass brewery in its historic home at the Cornish Arms, Hayle. nameplate which the family had managed to acDarren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk quire. Paul told of going into the brewery office @beertoday

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culture vulture Our pick of the most interesting and exciting things to see and do right now in the South West Going for a song The Cornwall International Male Choral Festival is your chance to hear the incredible talent of groups from around the world sing live in the stunning setting of the Eden Project, near St Austell. Choirs from as far a eld as St Petersburg and Norway will join those from across the UK for this two-day choral extravaganza. Sunday April 30 – Monday May 1. www.cimcf.uk

A great day of shopping

Pretty as a picture If you’d like to truly get to grips with your digital camera, then expert photographer Nigel Hicks runs a range of day courses throughout the South West. Nigel is a photographer for Dorling Kindersley and National Geographic, as well as author of the photography book Wild South West. Coming up is day taking pictures in and around Brixham in south Devon on Saturday June 17, aimed at those struggling to get to grips with their digital cameras (DSLR or compact). It’s a fun - and instructive - day out. £90, book on www.nigelhicks.com

We are so lucky to have so many talented artisans and designers in the South West. Ugbrooke House in Chudleigh, south Devon is bringing some of the best together for a charity craft event in support of Farms for City Children. Stalls will include fashion, jewellery, textiles and publishing. There will also be goodie bags and The Orangery tearooms will be open serving delicious treats, refreshments and light lunches. Wednesday April 26, 10am – 2pm, £4.50 entry. www.ugbrooke.co.uk 39

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Food for thought Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod tries out the restaurant at the Gwel an Mor resort, Portreath - with happy results... “

his fishcake has ruined me for all other fishcakes.” It’s a bold statement from my dinner date Zane, so I decide to investigate. Light, crisp and golden batter parts like the red sea at the gentlest prod of my fork. A few soft, smoky and slightly briny mouthfuls later and I am in full agreement. We are having dinner at The Terrace Restaurant, situated inside Gwel an Mor Resort in Portreath, north Cornwall. We’re surrounded by the very definition of coastal chic. Wood floors, fresh white panelled walls and twinkling lights are offset by charming touches such as decorative

framed vintage travel posters. We had spent the day walking the cliff path and have arrived freshly showered, sunkissed and starving. This meant that when the time came to choose starters, we ordered generously. As well as the fishcakes, we opted for the tapas taster board for 2 (£9.95 per person). This proved to be the perfect introduction to chef Joe Lado Devesa’s talents. Born in Spain and classically trained in French cooking, Joe is now inspired by Cornwall’s bountiful fresh produce. The menu reflects his varied background and includes temptations such as Cornish crab linguine, slow-cooked duck leg and authentic

crema catalena. Our tapas prove to be every bit as moreish as the fishcake. Presented on a rustic wooden board, the selection looks almost too good to eat. Almost. We work our way through delicately crunchy calamares with garlic mayonnaise, little flavour explosions in the form of mini chorizos, a firm and tangy manchengo cheese, comforting serrano croquettes, and smoky pinchos morunos (tiny pork kebabs). It’s a great mix of robust and full flavours and it works well alongside our bottle of South African house red. For mains I opt for the catch of the day, monk-

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Enjoy

fish tails (£18.95), while Zane decides to try the 8oz sirloin steak (£24.95). Manager Terry delivers them to our table, refils our wine glasses and slips of with a cheery “Enjoy!” A few mouthfuls later and I can see why he is such a cheerful chap. Eating food like this is bound to have a positive impact on one’s disposition. My monkfish tails are tasty with a lemony kick. My accompanying skinny fries are slimmer than Kate Moss and, just like her fans, I can’t get enough. I look up, suddenly conscious that I have neglected all conversation and find Zane in a similar state of absorption. His plate had arrived looking like food paradise for a hungry man. A beautiful slab of sirloin, glistening Portobello mushroom,

slow-cooker cherry tomatoes, rather magnificent onion rings and - of course - fries all vied for his attention. I didn’t stand a chance. He declares the sirloin excellent, and is full of praise for my fish too when I offer him a forkful. When the time comes to order dessert we almost decide against it but neither of us can resist seeing what this chef can do when he turns his hand to puddings. We order a crema catalana (£6) to share. Rich Spanish custard with a hard caramel topping is the perfect finisher to an excellent meal. It’s a dining experience that seamlessly blends the upmarket with the relaxed, the Mediterranean with Cornwall and the seaside with a standard of food that could match any city. Hats off to the

‘A few mouthfuls later

and I can see why he

is such a cheerful chap’

team and the chef. End note: We were so impressed with the food that on our second night at Gwel an Mor we decided to use their takeaway service. Our burgers (delivered to our door) were some of the best I have ever had. Perfect weekend fare. The Terrace Restaurant, Gwel an Mor Resort, 01209 842 354.

How they scored... Food



Atmosphere



Service



Price

Dinner for two including wine £95

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Garden festival Fenella Tobey meets two of the exhibitors planning to show off their wares at Toby's Garden Festival next weekend f you want to fall in love with gardening this summer - or just indulge a passion for plants that you've nurtured over many years - then Powderham Castle is the place to be next weekend. The glorious setting on the River Exe near Exeter plays host to Toby's Garden Festival, a fantastic weekend of horticultural fun for all the family. Run by TV gardener Toby Buckland and his wife Lisa, the festival will showcase exhibits from more than 100 plant nurseries from all over the Westcountry, selling rare and beautiful plants for you to take home. There will also be expert speakers, many of whom are familiar names from TV and radio. Stars this year include designer Adam Frost of BBC TV's Gardeners' World and Pippa Greenwood from Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time. Pippa is also the horticultural advisor on TV's Rosemary and Thyme detective series, starring Felicity Kendal! Book your tickets at www.tobygardenfest.co.uk

Tartendown Nurseries Dawn Morris and her husband Simon Morris are the owners of Tartendown Nurseries. Set in seven acres, the traditional Cornish nursery is near Landrake, just off the A38.

When people come to our nursery they are often bearing photographs of what they want, not necessarily knowing what the plant is or what its requirements are. So it is always fun to wander with them around the nursery and help them in their choices. Sometimes I take a selection to people’s gardens so Dawn says: I've been that the customers can see the mad on plants all my plants in situ. It gives them the 'I've been mad life. I started workchance to choose what they like on plants all my ing at this same out of my suggestions. life. I started nursery back when I am very excited to be attendworking at this I was just 13 years ing Toby’s Garden Festival again, old. When the previour fourth time taking part. Last very same ous owners decided year a couple came rushing up to nursery back to retire, I took over our tent saying they had rememwhen I was just and together my bered us from the previous year. 13 years old' husband Simon and The next thing I knew, they were I built up the busibuying up masses of our larger ness. Here at Tartendown shrubs. That’s great for busiwe grow everything - from herbs to flowers, ness and a real compliment. It is always such shrubs to four metre high trees, plus more a lovely atmosphere at the festival, I can’t wait. than 300 different types of perennials. www.tartendown.co.uk

[[

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Family

Twool Kim Stead lives near Ashburton and makes Twool, a special extra-strong garden twine created from the wool of Dartmoor sheep. Kim says: I love gardening but a while back I found myself getting increasingly annoyed that I had to spend so much of my time rescuing collapsed bean poles from the soil. Traditional twine just rots so quickly. So I did some research and found that most of Britain’s twine is imported from Asia. I couldn’t help but think there must be a better, more sustainable, British alternative. I also knew that there is not much of a market for sheep's wool these days. Could it be used to make twine, I wondered? I took myself off to find out more about wool, getting help from the historic Coldharbour Mill in Uffculme, mid Devon. It was there that I met the yarn expert John Arbon and quiz him about my idea of making garden twine out of wool. Turns out, to do this I would need long-haired fleeces. John suggested the Whiteface breed, which just happened to be indigenous to Devon. Hooray! Within six months I had a sample made up, with which I apprehensively approached the Royal Horticultural Society. They absolutely loved it and now stock Twool in their garden shops. Since then the brand has grown and I

[[ 'When BBC’s Countryfile did some filming with me last November, my Twool dog leads sold like hotcakes'

now make a variety of sustainable products with Twool yarn. When BBC’s Countryfile did some filming with me last November, my Twool dog leads sold like hotcakes. It is really important to me that everything Twool is made in Britain. I just found it so silly that this country was relying on the importation of jute when we had the perfect raw material - wool - right here in our own fields. Every stage of the production happens on British soil. So our customers can feel proud and reassured that they are supporting British heritage. Twool has a whole host of loyal supporters, many of whom make an effort to visit it us at our

stalls across the country. Between you and me, though, Toby’s Garden Festival has to be my favourite event. Of course the Chelsea Flower Show is incredible but it’s a little too serious for my liking. People are walking around with suits on and their cameras out, rather than in their overalls with mud on their hands. The atmosphere is just fantastic at Toby’s Garden Festival - everyone is so welcoming and obviously there to enjoy themselves. The celebrities there are happy to get involved, wander round and share their knowledge. It's fabulous! www.twool.co.uk 43

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Bristol Balloon Festival

Surfing in Newquay

My favourite:

My Secret Westcountry Miles Goodfield Miles Goodfield, head chef at The White Hart, Weston in Gordano, Somerset, has worked for the wellknown gastropub for the past two years. Prior to this he worked for Michael Riordan at the Aztec Hotel and Spa in Bristol and he trained at the City of Bristol and Kendal Colleges.

Walk: I love to take my dog Lilly, who is a oneyear-old Rhodesian ridgeback/cocker spaniel cross, on long coastal walks. Brean beach, which is on the coast in Somerset, is always fun. Miles of sand to walk up and down, which keeps the dog running for hours and wears us both out. Beach: The favourite beach of all time for me is Woolacombe in north Devon – a three-mile stretch of glorious golden sand and great surf. I’ve always had holidays here ever since I can remember. We would rent a beach hut for the week, then come rain, wind, snow or blistering sunshine, we were on the beach from dawn till dusk. There’s always something to do there as a child explore the rock pools, learn to surf or just dig a big hole. Hours of fun to be had by all. Pub: Well for me it would be silly not to mention the pub I spend the most time in, The White Hart in Weston in Gordano. The pub boasts an amazing all-weather garden. With literally thousands of fairy lights, heaters for the colder nights, fire pits, an outside pizzeria, plenty of seating and the feather in its cap is a giant tepee, which is big

enough to host most parties. The inside of the pub is modern and there’s always a great choice of regional beers to quaff. But if you fancy something sweet there’s an on-site artisan patisserie. Where you can pick up anything from bread to brownies.

Festival: Bristol Balloon Festival in Ashton Court takes place in August every year. It kicks off with a night glow, lots of balloons all lighting up at the same time with dramatic music. Then it all ends with a mass ballon take-off. Bristol’s best spectacle and part of the city’s ballooning pedigree. Activity: One thing that I love to do is to collect and listen to vinyl records. I’m quite new to the vinyl revolution but I am enjoying it. I was lucky enough to get a new turntable for Christmas this year, so now my collection sounds even better than it did before.

Food: At our pub, we champion all local ingredients as much as possible. But there’s one thing that stands out for us and it goes into all the recipes it can. It’s Fussels extra virgin Somerset rapeseed oil. It has a real earthy

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Woolacombe

People

Fred pla

No 5 The Beach taste that works brilliantly in dressings, mayonnaise or just to dip warm bread in.

Drink: Cider for me please. Being a Westcountry boy it couldn’t be anything else. Recently there seems to have been a real cider revolution, which means plenty of choice behind the bar. But I prefer the traditional ciders like Millwhites. Its a great local cider house and they do an excellent range of traditional ciders www.millwhites. co.uk. No bubbles for me, thank you! Restaurant: I had pick, a good all-rounder that everyone would enjoy would be the River Cottage Canteen. Good food, good ethos, with branches in Plymouth, Axminster and Bristol. It fits the Westcountry like a glove. Our sister restaurant Venga in Portishead, which is a Mediterraneantheme restaurant and tapas bar is also worth checking out if you’re up this way.

Way to relax: The thing I love most of all is to unwind would be a bottle of red and a box set of some sort. Favourites would be Game Of Thrones, Orange is the New Black or Chef’s Table.

Weekend away:

Weekends off are a real treat in this industry. So, if one pops up that’s not been pre-booked for family events or stuff like that, then my girlfriend, Melissa, the pooch and I love to just get away, anywhere down in south Devon or Cornwall. Our favourites are Croyde or Newquay anywhere where there are good beaches and great surf.

Shop : Rise Records on the Clifton Triangle is the best place to buy new vinyl records in Bristol. They have something there to please everyone. It’s a combination of a bookshop, a vintage clothes shop and a vinyl records store. I can spend hours there flicking through records. There’s also a café underneath to keep the caffeine levels maintained. Treat: If I’m fancying a sweet treat I like to go to 5 The Beach in Clevedon. They have a really good range of cakes and bakes, and the coffee is excellent. But my order is usually a nice cup of loose leaf tea and a scone. All homemade and fresh. Delicious.

Brean beach 45

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My life

[

MAN AND BOY

Making a splash

Phil Goodwin and James, seven, attempt a hiking trip

efore our son was born, my wife and I often spent weekends hiking around the rugged cliff tops and windswept moors of west Cornwall. Penwith is a wonderful landscape, especially outside the tourist season when you can almost have the place all to yourself. This all stopped abruptly when parenthood came knocking seven years ago but just recently we decided to try again, this time around the wonder of the Westcountry that is Dartmoor. We kicked off with a magical trek from Fingle Bridge, high up through the woods past Castle Drogo and back down the banks of the Teign. The boy nailed a four-mile hike, was enchanted by the river and left us wondering if we might break out the boots proper. The second trip brought us down to earth with a bump, or should I say a splash. A work colleague had told me about Wistman’s Wood, a dwarf oak forest near Two Bridges, and I fancied I could convince the lad that the ancient, moss-covered woodland was none other than Tolkien’s Mirkwood, where Bilbo encounters and slays giant spiders. Perhaps foolishly, I drove south from Exeter along the winding road through Moretonhampstead, a picturesque journey if a little long for impatient youngsters and nauseating for sensitive souls like my travel-sick wife. Then, having ventured out without a map – opting instead to use the ever-reliable combination of bloke know-how and the Force – I got lost. Well, not so much lost. Let’s say we overshot the runway. It didn’t seem to matter though because the high moor was a staggeringly beautiful carpet of golden grass. We decided to pull in and climb up to what

[

I know to be Sharpitor. The first sign of trouble came when James slipped on a boulder and scraped his knee. It was nothing more than a grazed red patch but his frustration boiled over a bit. He lost it when I (correctly) reminded him to take it easy and not to jump. My only other advice had been to keep out of the marshy ground, which might be deeper than it looked. “You don’t want to walk back with wet feet,” I warned. Talk about famous last words. From the tor we spied a lake, which I figured must be Burrator reservoir, the source of drinking water for the good folk of Plymouth. Just a gentle stroll down through the woods and we could sit at the water’s edge and eat our lunch. All went as planned until we decided to leave. The lad is perched on the lakeside, holding a stick, telling me how to attract alligators when he loses his balance and topples into the water. It is barely a foot deep there but he was soaked neck to foot. Then all hell broke loose. It was a warm day, but the water was icy and he had a cold. It is hard to remove wet clothes, especially when the subject is crying, resisting and even hitting you. He was more concerned about how he looked (we had no spares so a top was wrapped around the waist). Amazingly, he was also worried people might think he had broken the rules and gone swimming. To make things worse, opinion as to how to proceed was divided. My wife wanted to flag down a car. I didn’t think anyone would want a soaking boy on plush leather seats. I just wanted to get him back up the hill into the van and home. Harsh words were exchanged, even screams. In the end

we trudged and squelched back in less than forty minutes. “I am NEVER going to Dartmoor again,” he told me. Okay, so that’s that then.

[[ The water is barely a foot deep there but he was soaked neck to foot. Then all hell broke loose

NEXT WEEK: Chris McGuire on life as a new dad in the Westcountry 46

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