Unique Magazine Issue 4 2016

UNIQU

ISSUE 4 Exclusively for

SLEEP IN STYLE

LUXURY AWAITS INSIDE ROWHILL’S MULBERRY SUITE

ALFRESCO ADVENTURES ENJOY A SUMPTUOUS SUMMER TREAT WITH ALEXANDER HOTELS

VINTAGE VALUES

OUR GUIDE TO INVESTING IN THOSE TOP BOTTLES OF WINE

MARVELLOUS MEDITERRANEAN

DISCOVER SOME CAPTIVATING CULTURE AND CUISINE IN SUNNY CROATIA

HELEN MIRREN

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INTRODUCTION

A VERY WARM

Welcome from Peter and Deborah

We’re delighted to welcome you to the highly-anticipated fourth edition of Unique magazine.

Our stylish publication has been designed and developed to not only give you a taster of what to expect from our three luxury hotels, but to offer a laidback read while you relax with us and enjoy it at home.

In this edition, you can expect a little more of what we love, including signature dishes by head chef Josh Mann, our recommended cocktail of the summer, and our much-loved Meet the Team segment; not forgetting our love for good food, cosy nights in and local life in Sussex, Kent and Surrey.

Whether you’ve joined us at Alexander House, Rowhill Grange or Langshott Manor for an overnight stay, spa experience or dining treat, we wish you a very warm welcome and hope you enjoy your visit.

PETER AND DEBORAH HINCHCLIFFE OWNERS

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Glorious gemstones Emerald, famous for its rich and luxuriously intense green colour is the birthstone of May. The word ‘emerald’ derives from the Greek word ‘smaragdus’, meaning green, and has been mined in Egypt as early as 330 B.C; it was one of Cleopatra’s favourite gemstones.

Emerald gets its famous intense green colour from the presence of chromium and vanadium, and it is in fact very rare that emeralds are completely flawless. However, they are often admired for their individuality,

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with each inclusion acting as ‘nature’s fingerprint’ on the gemstone. Emeralds are admired for their beauty in their own right, and are viewed in a very different way to many other gemstones.

One of the world’s largest emeralds to be discovered is the Mogul emerald. Weighing an impressive 217.80cts, it is approximately 10cm high. One side is engraved with Islamic prayers and the other is engraved with decorative flowers. The emerald is thought

to have come from the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, one of the last of the Mogul rulers, and it was sold at auction at Christie’s of London for $2.2million to an anonymous buyer in 2001.

A large majority of the world’s emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan and Zambia.

However, the most sought-after emeralds for both investment and beauty are from the mines of Colombia.

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Timeless timepieces Drive de Cartier

This very exciting new release from Cartier is here. With a waiting list already started, G Collins & Sons are set to receive their first Drive de Cartier watch in the second week of May. Unveiled at SIHH 2016 in Geneva, each design within the Drive de Cartier collection emphasises a different watchmaking mechanic.

With its guilloch dial and blue sapphire-set winding crown, this watch is undeniably Cartier.

However, once you take a closer look at elements such as the cushion-shaped case with a domed

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crystal and the textured-satin finish, the Drive de Cartier is a powerful watch, set to be another classic Cartier design.

Available in 18ct rose gold or steel, this watch has a black, grey or white guilloch dial with bold, legible Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands. A transparent case-back reveals the movement, allowing you to see the craftsmanship that has gone into the making of these impressive watches. Two versions of this watch are available, with the 1904 MC movement indicating

hours, minutes, small seconds and the date.

The 1904-FU MC movement also features a second time zone and a day/night indicator.

In keeping with the innovation of the Maison’s watch legacy, a fine watchmaking version of Drive de Cartier has also been designed. This movement boasts a flying tourbillon and ‘Poinçon de Genève’ certification. Drive de Cartier is sophisticated, refined and masculine; it’s a powerful design and the movement is made in-house.

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CONTENTS

Welcome to the fourth issue of Unique magazine – here’s what you’ll find inside...

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THE EVENTS

choice on your next visit to Croatia

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57

Alfresco adventures

Our predictions of the

latest hotel crazes to look out for

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61

THE ATTRACTIONS

Pull up a chair at Alexander

Things to do, places

House with AG’s restaurant

to go and sites to see near you

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66

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THE COCKTAIL Savour some fresh flavours

with a top summer shakeup

THE RECIPES Try your hand at a selection

THE LOCALS Chapel Down is forging

the future for English vineyards

THE WINE Handy hints for investing

of our most delicious dishes

money in bankable bottles

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77

THE TEAM Say hello to two members

THE ART Why Ashdown Gallery

of the hotel group’s family

has created such a big draw

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81

THE ROOM

THE HOMES

Take a tour of the

Feast your eyes on

modern Mulberry Master Suite

stunning properties to purchase now

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89

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44

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97

THE FASHION How to look fabulous

at the best racing days out in 2016

THE SPA

THE MOTOR Bentley’s Continental GT

Speed is a must for drivers

THE WEDDINGS

We dip our toes in a

pool of Utopia at Alexander House

THE BEAUTY

Introducing happy

couples who tied the knot with us

THE COMPETITION

Advice from ila Spa to

help you feel great this summer

THE EVENT

Your chance to win a

terrific shopping prize at Hoopers

THE VENUE

Jessica Fellowes chats

about all things Downton Abbey

THE CELEBRITY Helen Mirren on films

and coming to terms with fame

Langshott Manor has

it all for exclusive-use occasions

THE BUZZ Join us online for our

social media updates

EDITOR

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

HEAD OF DESIGN

PUBLISHING MANAGER

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Frederick Latty flatty@markerstudy.com COVER IMAGE: FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY

THE TRENDS

await in Kent, Sussex and Surrey

THE FOOD

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You’ll be spoiled for

for your Alexander Hotels diary

THE DINING

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THE DESTINATION

All the dates you’ll need

Natalia Bedwell nbedwell@markerstudy.com

Rowena Cremer-Price Anna Hawkins rcremer-price@markerstudy.com ahawkins@markerstudy.com PUBLISHING DESIGN MANAGER

Xela Ruy xruy@markerstudy.com

CONTENT CREATOR

Leanne Cleaver lcleaver@alexanderhotels.com

PUBLISHED BY

Richard Moore rmoore@markerstudy.com

Nick Moore nmoore@markerstudy.com CONTRIBUTORS Agatha O’Neill Denise Leicester Craig Matthews Keeley Bolger Sarah Gillmore Anna Vickers

16 Lonsdale Gardens Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1NU 01892 779 650 www.one-media.co

Unique Magazine is published by One Media and Creative UK Ltd and distributed under agreement by Alexander Hotels. All rights reserved.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. All prices are correct at the time of going to print. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited material or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

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DATES

FOR YOUR DIARY From June to November, Alexander Hotels will be hosting a number of events you won’t want to miss. Afternoon teas, drawing classes and more are all coming up, so what are you waiting for? Book your place now and pop along to one of our much-loved evenings and experiences ALEXANDER HOUSE

Saturday September 17 Rat Pack evening

Sunday June 5 Ridgeview afternoon tea

Let the good times roll as we take you

Immerse yourself in an afternoon of quintessentially

back to the halcyon days of classic hip,

British fare with Ridgeview Vineyard. Arrive at

cool and style. Shimmy to Sinatra, dance to

2pm for a reception and introduction, then enjoy

Davis or bop to Bublé, to name but a few,

a delicious afternoon tea with handpicked wines.

performed by solo artist Jason Lines.

We’ll even give you a slice of heavenly cake to

Arrive from 7pm for a glass of bubbly,

take away with you.

followed by a superb four-course meal.

£45 per person.

£55 per person.

Monday August 22 Bluebell Railway and afternoon tea Take a trip from Sheffield Park to Kingscote Station on the historic Bluebell Railway.

This captivating train ride includes a glass of Bluebell Vineyard sparkling wine, with transport to and from Alexander House and a tantalising afternoon tea. £49 per person.

Monday June 20 Ladies’ lunch, hosted by Hoopers and Sisley Paris

Friday October 28 Murder Mystery

A drinks reception will be held at 12 noon, followed

come Halloween, this fright night features

by a talk from Sisley Paris and a mouth-watering

delectable dining, spooky goings-on and classic

three-course lunch menu. £40 per person.

whodunit fun! You’ll be welcomed by a glass of

If you fancy some good old-fashioned mystery

bubbly at 7.30pm, accompanied by a decadent

Monday July 4 Lorna Holdcroft drawing class with afternoon tea

four-course gourmet extravaganza. £60 per person.

presented by Ashdown Gallery and renowned

Monday September 5 History of fragrance lunch, hosted by Hoopers

British contemporary artist Lorna Holdcroft. Lorna

Hoopers department store in Tunbridge Wells

has exhibited widely in Sussex, Kent and London,

invites you to our ‘history of fragrance’ talk,

and was featured three times in Vogue magazine.

which kicks off at 12 noon with a drinks

A drawing class in our Chalfont private function

reception. You’ll also be able to fill up on a

suite begins at 11am, leading into a classic

delightful three-course lunch menu.

Alexander House afternoon tea. £110 per person.

£40 per person.

Embrace your artistic side for an afternoon of creative drawing and sumptuous afternoon tea,

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EVENTS

ROWHILL GRANGE

Grace. A drinks reception is at 11.45am, and then

LANGSHOTT MANOR

a stylist talk and flavoursome two-course lunch, looks for the season, a Q&A session and coffee.

Monday September 26 Creative writing class hosted

by Neil Del Strother with afternoon tea

£35 per person.

From 11am to 1pm, author, healer, broadcaster

as well as interactive sessions with a selection of

and journalist Neil Del Strother will be holding a two-hour, ‘free up your creativity’ writing class, with a traditional afternoon tea. £80 per person.

Sunday June 19 Father’s Day gentlemen’s afternoon tea We think every day should be Father’s Day, so to celebrate, we’re launching our special gentlemen’s tea; perfect timing for a Father’s tradition, our gent’s tea is made with the best of

Friday November 11 Murder Mystery: Dead over Dinner

British produce. You can even combine it with our

In the mood for an eerie winter? Then head to

Champagne tea and children’s ‘Little Stars’ menu

Rowhill Grange for a murder mystery, lip-smacking

for the perfect family gathering.

dishes, creepy happenings and ‘whodunit’ antics!

£22.95 per person.

Your yummy three-course culinary experience and

Day celebration! As a manly take on the popular

coffee can then be taken while solving the head-scratching ‘Dead over Dinner’.

To find out more about booking your place at one of our upcoming events, visit www.alexanderhotels.co.uk

£40 per person

Sunday July 3 Chapel Down sparkling afternoon tea Tuck into an afternoon of this favourite British pastime with Chapel Down Vineyard. At 2pm, there will be a reception and introduction to the winery, succeeded by a luscious afternoon tea with specially-selected wines. You’ll also get a slice of heavenly cake to take home. £39 per person.

Friday September 23 Style & Grace lunch Strut your stuff at ‘Dressing for Christmas’, presented by Samantha Wilding from Style &

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DINING

Just say the word...

ALFRESCO DINING AT ALEXANDER HOTELS

Whether you’re enjoying afternoon tea on the terrace, or seasonal dinners and lunches among manicured gardens, now is the perfect time to sample our alfresco delights. We guide you through some delectable options to look forward to when you take a seat in the great outdoors this summer ALEXANDER HOUSE HOTEL

Overlooking 120 acres of grounds, our luxury manor house is complemented by scented blooms and fresh greenery, presenting superb dining with stunning views. Our two-Rosette Reflections restaurant sits within the heart of our lovingly maintained building, and boasts a seasonal menu that uses locally-sourced and sustainable produce, delivering outstanding flavour and experience. Within the restaurant

is a heavenly outdoor courtyard, which can only be described as a dreamy ‘suntrap’, with rays of sunshine adorning the already intimate and relaxing courtyard.

ROWHILL GRANGE HOTEL

Nestled within 15 acres of beautifully maintained grounds and gardens, our 19thcentury manor house is the perfect countryside retreat. Boasting the stunning two-Rosette

AFTERNOON TEA IN THE SUN

Can there be a more wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon than by relaxing on the terrace or grounds of an Alexander Hotel, with a cup of tea or glass of bubbly and a traditional afternoon tea? Along with great tradition, Alexander Hotels strives to bring you something different, which is why, if you choose to visit us, you’ll be spoiled for choice with our afternoon tea selections, which include traditional, Champagne, gin and tonic and even our premium seven-course tasting menu. We can’t think of a reason not to…

RG’s restaurant, with direct access to our lovingly cared-for front terrace and views to the grounds, it really is the perfect spot to enjoy your seasonal dinner, lunch or afternoon tea with friends and family.

LANGSHOTT MANOR HOTEL

Welcome to Langshott Manor, an exquisite four red-star hotel in Surrey. This remarkable venue blends classic character with contemporary and well-thought design.

Luxury is fragrant throughout the 16th-century hotel, with dining options designed to spoil you. Lovingly thought of by locals and foodie lovers alike is Mulberry restaurant, which sits in the heart of the hotel, with direct access to our stunning three acres of gardens. If you dream about whiling away those leisurely afternoons, there’s no better option than relaxing in our manicured gardens, watching the wildlife. You might even be treated to a visit from our two resident ducks!

For our current prices and to book a delicious dining experience, please visit www.alexanderhotels.com

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See, taste, love

At the three-Rosette AG’s restaurant, sumptuous dining is brought imaginatively to life through seasonal produce, creative presentation and culinary innovation. We take a sneak peek at what’s on the menu at Alexander House, and find out how it offers an exquisite gourmet experience to guests

O

ur philosophy at Alexander House is to use only the best of local, seasonal ingredients. With this in mind, we produce menus that enable us to utilise the finest produce as it comes into season. We strongly believe in supporting the Sussex economy, sourcing the majority of our produce from the county; mixing these ingredients with imagination and flair, we’ve created a selection of dishes that reflect seasonal Sussex dining at its best.

When it comes to pastries, bread and desserts, you can expect added YUM, as everything is made in-house by Alexander House Hotel’s very own pastry chefs. AG’s is a sophisticated three-Rosette restaurant, where the food is imaginative and our commitment to quality is unrivalled.

We take influences from classic dishes, work with innovative cooking techniques and use our South East environment as a basis for our food philosophies. Our menus

are inspired by the countryside, woodland and field, and we bring dishes to life through clever use of colours, textures and theatrical presentation.

Having recently undergone a full refurbishment, AG’s now showcases natural, earthy tones, blending seamlessly with modern flashes of colour through the use of furniture and decoration. In this delightfully welcoming environment, your senses can truly explore an exquisite culinary journey.

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FOOD

A modern take on tradition Alexander House and afternoon tea are very much entwined with each other. Many guests who visit for the meal have come before, and it’s a pleasure for us to serve our delights. Over time, it has become apparent that afternoon tea is growing in popularity; it’s enjoyed by the older and younger generations and, let’s be honest, who can say no to delicious cakes and fancies as an afternoon treat?

Wishing to take the quintessentially British tradition one step further, Alexander House has created an exquisite premium afternoon tea menu, showcasing seven delicious courses with your choice of tea, plus espresso to finish. Our premium tea will demonstrate innovative flavoured macaroons, sandwiches bursting with flavour, green tea-infused ice cream and many more delicious delights!

We don’t want to ruin the surprise, but if you would like to indulge in our new premium afternoon tea, then please visit www.alexanderhouse.co.uk for our full menu and to book.

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DRINK

COCKTAIL OF THE SEASON For a taste of the warmer months, you can’t beat a refreshing, thirst-quenching cocktail. Here at Alexander Hotels, we’re all about putting our own unique twists on classic recipes, so we’ve come up with a gin and tonic that’s a little different.

Read on to create this individual seasonal tipple at home When it comes to gin and tonics, we love the assertive taste of Hendrick’s. Adding a slice of cucumber is classic, but throw in a sprig of rosemary and this brings the gin’s herbal flavours to a whole new level.

First step, change up the tonic; most of the sweet, standard tonics trample all over the gin’s floral flair. Subtler tonic waters keep the quinine bite without the cloying sweetness, letting the gin truly shine through.

Next, add some herbs. We were afraid rosemary would overpower the drink, but it’s barely there, playing off the Hendrick’s botanicals. This cocktail isn’t for everyone, but fans of bold gin should enjoy the twist on a summer cocktail staple.

CUCUMBER & ROSEMARY GIN AND TONIC INGREDIENTS ● Cucumber slices ● Juice of 1 lime ● 1 sprig rosemary ● Crushed ice ● 50ml Hendrick’s gin ● Tonic water ● Juniper berries to garnish

DIRECTIONS Place the cucumber slices at the bottom of the glass. Squeeze the lime juice into the glass and slightly muddle the cucumber.

Add the rosemary, fill the glass with the crushed ice, add the gin and top with the tonic to finish. Garnish with the Juniper berries and a thin slice of cucumber.

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RECIPES

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SIGNATURE DISHES WITH JOSH MANN Once you’ve dined with us, why not try your hand at one – or three – of our tantalising recipes at home?

To help you on your way to mastering those meals, Josh Mann, head chef at AG’s restaurant in Alexander House, shares a starter, main and dessert to create from the comfort of your own stove “The inspiration behind my food comes from my passions and what I love to eat. I love the complexity of flavours in the scallop and pastrami dish, and cod is one of my favourite fishes to cook. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients comes as standard to me, and rhubarb, being a great early spring fruit, means it’s the perfect flavour for my soufflé.”

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COD, LEEK, ASH AND BLACK TRUFFLE [ SERVES 4 ] COD

LEEK PURÉE

1 large cod fillet Sea salt Drizzle of truffle oil Squid ink 500ml fish stock ➥Wash and skin the cod fillet and portion into 100g pieces, then heavily salt the cod with the sea salt and leave for 20 minutes ➥Drizzle the skin with the truffle oil and season with salt, then place in between two baking trays lined with parchment. Place in an oven at 160°C for about 30 minutes or until crisp ➥Wash off the salt from the cod and pat dry. Paint the cod with the squid ink. Thin out the squid ink with the fish stock and bring to a simmer. Place the cod into the stock and poach on a low heat for about five minutes

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4 leeks (just the white parts) 100g unsalted butter 100ml milk 100ml double cream Drizzle of truffle oil ➥Wash and very finely slice the leeks, melt half of the butter in a pan to sweat off the leeks, then add the milk and cook covered for 20 minutes on a low heat ➥Add the cream and reduce until thick.

Blitz in a food processor until smooth, adding the rest of the butter and the truffle oil to taste. Season and pass through a sieve

BRAISED LEEKS 4 leeks 500ml vegetable stock 100g butter Drizzle of truffle oil ➥Trim the leeks, keeping the green parts for

● ● ● ●

the ash. Bring the vegetable stock and butter to a simmer, add the leeks and cook until the leeks are tender. Chill and cut into 8cm lengths, then in half, and char in a hot pan with the truffle oil

LEEK ASH ● Retained leek greens ● 10g black onion seeds ● Dash of salt ➥Wash and blanch the leek greens in salted boiling water, then refresh in iced water. Dry and place under the grill until just burned. Toast the onion seeds, then blitz both into a fine powder in a food processor and add the salt to season

TO FINISH ● Fresh black truffle ➥Shave the black truffle, sprinkle over the dish as a finishing touch and serve

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RECIPES

SMOKED HAND-DIVED SCALLOPS, PICKLED KOHLRABI, PASTRAMI AND BEEF TEA [ SERVES 4 ] SCALLOPS 8 hand-dived scallops 1 knob butter Dash of salt Oak chips ➥Clean the scallops, discarding the roe, black sack and skirt. Keep the shell and place the scallop back into the bottom half with the butter, then season well with the salt ➥Place enough oak chips to cover a light bottom layer into a pan and place on a high heat. Light the chips to begin smoking, then place the scallop in its shell onto the chips, cover and smoke for three minutes ● ● ● ●

PICKLED KOHLRABI ● 6 large kohlrabi ● 300g caster sugar ● 300g white wine vinegar ➥Peel and slice the kohlrabi into a fine julienne. Bring the sugar and white wine vinegar to the boil, then pour over the sliced kohlrabi. Refrigerate for a minimum of four hours to allow the kohlrabi to pickle

BEEF TEA ● ● ● ● ● ●

2kg beef shin ½ a chicken 200ml light soy sauce 200ml fish sauce 1 star anise 5 black peppercorns

1 clove 1 stick cinnamon 3 carrots 1 inch fresh ginger ½ red chilli 1 stick lemongrass 2 large brown onions 1 bulb garlic 1 leek 4 litres water ➥Peel and roughly chop the vegetables, then place all ingredients into a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to just below a simmer and skim any fat that has risen with a ladle. Allow to cook for six hours ➥Pass and reduce until the required strength is achieved. You shouldn’t need to add any additional seasoning, as the soy and fish sauce are high in salt and umami. If the tea needs further clarifying, pass through a fine muslin or cheese cloth ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

PASTRAMI ● 1 Jacob’s Ladder/short rib (trim off all fat and score along the bones) FOR THE BRINE ● 3 litres water ● 194g light brown sugar ● 100g salt ● 20g pink salt ● 5g coriander seeds

4g yellow mustard seeds 4g black peppercorns 1.5g fennel seeds ½ stick cinnamon 1 pinch chilli flakes 1 clove 1 bay leaf ➥Bring all the brine ingredients to the boil and allow cooling. Place the short rib into the brine and leave in the fridge for seven days, turning once a day to ensure a consistent brine ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

DRY RUB ● 25g light brown sugar ● 25g salt ● 24g black peppercorns ● 20g coriander seeds ● 4g garlic powder ● 4g juniper berries ● 2.5g chilli flakes ➥In a pestle and mortar, grind all the ingredients into a rough powder. Take the pastrami out of the brine and pat dry, then cover the rib in the dry rub. Place onto a rack in a roasting tray and cook, covered with foil, at 130°C for four hours or until tender. Chill and dice into ½cm cubes

TO FINISH ● Raw sea vegetables e.g. purslane/samphire/aster/rosemary ➥Place the sea vegetables on the dish as a finishing touch and serve

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RECIPES

RHUBARB SOUFFLÉ, PAIN D’ÉPICES, POMEGRANATE SORBET [ SERVES 4 ]

FOR THE BASE ● 500g forced rhubarb ● 250g caster sugar ● 50ml grenadine ● 30g corn flour ➥Make a simple purée with all the rhubarb and a splash of water. Once blended, return to a pan, add the sugar and grenadine and cook until reduced by half, then add the corn flour to thicken. Put in the fridge to set

RHUBARB COMPOTE 500g rhubarb 250g sugar Butter Caster sugar ➥Cook the rhubarb and sugar together until the rhubarb has stewed to a pulp, then set aside and chill. Butter four ramekins with the softened butter, using an upward motion to create straight lines. Put in the fridge to set, then repeat with the butter again and coat the inside with a small handful of caster sugar ● ● ● ●

POMEGRANATE SORBET

➥Start by whisking the egg whites

5-6 pomegranates 150g caster sugar 3tbsp lemon juice 1tbsp grenadine 1 loaf pain d’épices (French spiced bread) ➥Cut the pomegranates in half. Squeeze as you would a lemon or an orange to produce about 500ml of juice. Sieve to remove any pips or pith.

Stir the sugar, lemon juice and grenadine into the pomegranate juice and heat until the sugar has dissolved. Chill and churn in an ice cream mixer until ready ➥From one loaf of pain d’épices, take a few thin slices and dehydrate, then break up the rest and dehydrate. When dry, blitz in a food processor to form a rough crumb to sit the sorbet on

to a soft peak, then begin slowly adding the sugar and whisk until the whites are stiff and shiny ➥In another bowl, beat the soufflé base until smooth, then add a third of the whites and beat together until incorporated. Add the rest of the whites and fold into the mix ➥Fill the ramekins half full and bang them hard a few times on the side – this is to get rid of any air pockets. Fill them to the top and repeat the banging. Add one heaped teaspoon of the compote to the centre, covering with the white mix, then scrape the top to flatten with a pallet knife. Run your finger around the edge to form a small lip inside ➥Bake at 190°C for approximately 10 minutes, or until risen and golden-brown on top. Take out and dust with icing sugar

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SOUFFLÉ ● ● ● ●

150g egg whites 70g caster sugar 150g soufflé base 100g rhubarb compote

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MEET THE TEAM HELEN TURNER

Sales manager at Alexander House and Langshott Manor YEARS OF SERVICE: FIVE

WHAT ABOUT YOUR ROLE GETS YOU UP

WHOSE JOB AT ALEXANDER HOTELS WOULD

IN THE MORNING?

YOU DO IF IT WASN’T YOUR OWN?

What’s not to love about meeting new people day

I wouldn’t want to swap my job. I love the variety

in, day out in such beautiful surroundings? My job

it brings and feel I have a good interaction and

is really varied – one day I can be office-based,

relationship in all aspects of both hotels.

catching up on emails and phone calls; another day I can be out and about, meeting clients at their

HOW ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE BEDROOM?

offices across Sussex and Surrey, or showing

Treetops at Alexander House – it’s such a modern,

them around the hotels.

vibrant room with gorgeous pink colours and a nice big bathtub. At Langshott Manor, Anne Boleyn

“What’s not to love about meeting new people day in, day out in such beautiful surroundings?

My job is really varied”

HAVE YOU HAD MANY PROUD MOMENTS

has a real working fire, a beautiful high

OVER THE YEARS?

ceiling and views over the moat.

Working for Alexander House when we went from four-star to five-star. I’m so proud to work for not one,

IS THERE ANYTHING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

but two amazing hotels with such great team members.

A road trip in the USA, which I’m hoping to do next year for our honeymoon.

DO YOU HAVE SOME EXCITING PLANS LINED UP FOR 2016?

CROQUET OR HORSE-RIDING?

I’m getting married and buying a house. I’ve

Horse-riding – just because I have no

been told they’re two of the most stressful things

idea how to play croquet!

to do, but we’re ready to take on the challenge.

After seeing so many beautiful winter weddings

SAUNA OR STEAM?

take place at Alexander House and Langshott

Steam room – good for clearing the cobwebs away.

Manor, we’ve decided to get married on Saturday December 3 2016, and are hoping for a

MONSOON SHOWER OR TWO-PERSON BATHTUB?

crisp winter’s day.

Can I choose both? Bathtub followed by a monsoon shower!

AND YOUR TOP TREAT FROM THE MENU? Afternoon tea with a glass of fizz! Who can

MOJITO OR MARTINI?

say no to cake?

Martini because it’s super tasty, and preferably more than one!

WHICH UTOPIA SPA TREATMENT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?

CHEESE OR CHOCOLATE?

Rocks of the Mediterranean.

Chocolate because it’s a girl’s best friend.

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TEAM

The success of any stay at Alexander Hotels comes down to the staff, who work tirelessly in front of house and behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly. We hear from not one, but two members of our family, who share their insights, experiences and memories of working with us

PENNY CLEMENTS

Senior sales and events co-ordinator at Rowhill Grange YEARS OF SERVICE: ONE

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

IF YOU COULD CHANGE YOUR ROLE

No two events are ever the same, so it’s

FOR ONE DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

great having so much variety in my

I’d swap with our marketing team,

day-to-day job. But the thing I love most

as I’d love to gain more experience

is being able to inspire and help couples

in this area of hospitality.

create their perfect wedding day; it’s like bringing all their dreams to life, and that’s

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE

very exciting to see.

BEDROOM AT THE HOTEL? The Mulberry Master Suite, due to the beautiful

AND YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS TO DATE?

views of the grounds and the huge bathtub!

When I receive feedback from events and we’ve exceeded expectations. It makes

IS THERE ANYTHING ON

me feel proud that I’ve made a difference

YOUR BUCKET LIST?

to that special occasion.

Many things! But my ultimate goal is to visit New York; hopefully I’ll get the opportunity soon.

ANY EXCITING PLANS COMING UP IN 2016?

I’m returning to Italy for my summer

CROQUET OR HORSE-RIDING?

holiday this year, which I’m super

Croquet – I love anything quintessentially British.

excited for. It’s a delightful destination to holiday in and I’m counting down

SAUNA OR STEAM?

to departure day.

Sauna – I find it more relaxing.

HOW ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE

MONSOON SHOWER OR TWO-PERSON BATHTUB?

TREAT ON THE MENU?

Two-person bathtub – you can’t

I’d have to choose our warm

beat a good, long soak.

“No two events are ever the same, so it’s great having so much variety in my day-to-day job”

brownie, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream – delicious!

MOJITO OR MARTINI? Has to be a Martini! No Martini, no smile!

CAN YOU SUGGEST ANY TREATMENTS

Strawberry Martinis are my favourite;

AT UTOPIA SPA?

so deliciously refreshing.

I’d recommend the hot stone massage, as it’s wonderfully calming

CHEESE OR CHOCOLATE?

and relaxing – perfect after a busy

Impossible to choose,

day in the events office.

I’m afraid – I love them both!

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alexanderhotels.co.uk

SLEEP IN STYLE From the moment you arrive at Rowhill Grange, you can expect a luxury stay in the heart of Kent – and the master suites are no exception. Complete with temporary membership to the Utopia Spa, the Mulberry offers glamorous accommodation and furnishings for that perfect night of tranquil rest

THE MULBERRY MASTER SUITE AT ROWHILL GRANGE Our modern Mulberry Suite, located in the main house, is 460 sq ft of pure indulgence, featuring a 6ft super-king Vispring bed, comfy sofa seating and dining area. The room has a unique open-plan bathroom that includes an oversized bathtub, walk-in power shower and his and her sinks. While staying in Mulberry, guests can also take full advantage of our complimentary hospitality area, including a Nespresso coffee machine (who doesn’t crave that caffeine boost in the morning?), iPod docking station and newly-added luxury L’Occitane bathroom products.

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SUITES

Curtains:

Wallpaper:

Today Interiors

Supplied by Today Interiors, designed by Harald Glooker

Throw & soft cushions:

Desk chair: Clayton Upholstery

Kai Cosada

Sofa: Abbey Furnishing, using Cashmere Charcoal

Handcrafted stone twin vanity units

Freestanding, two-person bathtub

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FASHION

TOM SHAXSON

BEST in SHOW

Whether you’re donning your Sunday best at Royal Ascot, or strutting your stuff at the Investec Derby Festival, what you wear is an integral part of any day at the races.

Personal stylist and colour consultant Sarah Gillmore looks at some fashion guidelines to follow when dressing for the occasion

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I

GETTY

CHRIS ISON

CHRIS ISON

DREW GIBSON

alexanderhotels.co.uk

f you want to sample a quintessential piece of

past the ticket barrier if your hemline isn’t the right

than four inches in diameter, and absolutely no

England and its heritage, you might

length, or you have a little too much on show! For

fascinators are allowed!

care to take an interest in horseracing. This

these sporting events, there are very strict dress

If you’re in the Grandstand, however, you can

equestrian flavour of the English social scene

codes in place, particularly if you’re being allowed

wear your fascinator, but at all times; the same

kicks off in June with Ascot and the Epsom Derby,

privileged access to the Royal Enclosures.

dress code here as in the Royal Enclosure applies

and concludes in July with Glorious Goodwood.

Ascot is one of the most rigorous when it

for women. Gentlemen may wear a smart suit,

comes to what is and isn’t allowed. If you have

shirt and tie, but while in the Royal Enclosure, they

around horses and seeing them race; that should

the honour of access to the Royal Enclosure,

must don morning dress, complete with waistcoat,

be the main point at these events, but there is,

you should pay strict attention to the etiquette of

black or grey silk top hat and black shoes. It’s

for some people, an even greater draw. It’s the

dress. Ladies’ dresses and skirts should fall just

such a smart look for the gentlemen – dashing,

fashion scene at these occasions that’s almost as

above the knee or longer – and that doesn’t mean

debonair and perfectly befitting of the effort the

big an attraction as the horses, if not even bigger.

by a few inches! Straps on dresses or tops need

ladies will have gone to (as they usually do!).

For many women, and even for some men, how

to have a width of at least one inch, and there can

one looks, what one wears and what everyone

be no bare shoulders, halter necks or spaghetti

the same rule applies for the gentlemen, except

else is wearing is a big part of the appeal.

straps, and definitely no bare midriffs

on Ladies’ Day, when they’re only expected to

or sheer material.

wear a suit, shirt and tie! Don’t be confused

Part of the summer social season revolves

Along with the flowing Champagne, conviviality and general feeling of celebration, the satisfaction

Gratifyingly, women are also allowed to wear

In the Queen’s Stand on Epsom’s Derby Day,

when men are in morning dress; as this is the

of being noticed and even admired is very

trouser suits, and there are some beautifully tailored

traditional attire for weddings, ladies may veer

seductive. It’s the common human desire to see

ones about. Whether you’re going for the palazzo

onto the wrong track and turn up wearing an

and be seen, which is all part of the fun.

pant style or a slim-line version, you can achieve a

outfit that could run from daytime to evening at a

very sophisticated look that’s feminine and elegant.

typical lunchtime wedding. If your outfit can turn

you rush out and buy the most flamboyant hat

The essential finishing touch is a fabulous hat; even

into a look that’s ‘dance floor-ready’, then you’ve

or fascinator you can find. You may not even get

the width of the brim is specified to be no smaller

probably read the wrong brief!

However, a little caution might be advised before

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FASHION Although one can say ‘to be beautiful is to suffer’, when it comes to shoes, in all areas, at all events, ‘elegant but comfortable’ are the key words. With eight hours on your feet and probably negotiating muddy puddles, towering stilettos are best avoided.

If you want to take a sigh of relief, then head for Goodwood! This is more relaxed and the look can be more ‘low-key garden party’, with sensible shoes. Hats are merely ‘encouraged’, especially in the Richmond Enclosure, but tone it down a bit. Gentlemen can channel their old colonial ‘Englishman abroad’ in their panamas and linen suits, while in the Richmond Enclosure, a jacket, tie, cravat or polo neck is required.

All in all, quite a potential ‘minefield’ on the etiquette front; but if you embrace it all, it can be great fun, so enjoy the excuse to dress up!

Sarah Gillmore is a personal stylist and colour consultant who takes a ‘therapeutic’ approach to styling. She’s available for shopping excursions to source outfits for occasions such as Ascot, Henley, Goodwood, weddings and much more.

To find out more, call 07801 749 260, email sarah@sarahgillmorestyling.com or visit www.sarahgillmorestylist.com

INSIDE TRACK Sarah offers her top five tips for making an entrance at this year’s events 1. Leave the high stilettos at home Elegant, medium-heeled court shoes are better.

2. Formal daywear is the guide Don’t be tempted to add a feather boa!

3. Keep your look demure and elegant – short skirts, off-the-shoulder and sheer outfits are not accepted.

4. A fabulous hat is better than a fascinator – make sure your brim is at least four inches wide all around.

5. Gentlemen should... ... be in morning dress in Ascot’s Royal Enclosure, and in a jacket with tie/cravat or polo neck at Goodwood’s Richmond Enclosure.

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alexanderhotels.co.uk

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD SURGERY AND GREAT SURGERY As a popular lifestyle choice for many, cosmetic surgery can help improve self-esteem and leave you happier and more content with your overall appearance. We hear from surgeon Baljit Dheansa, at The McIndoe Centre in East Grinstead, about why these procedures can be more than skin-deep Which treatments are most popular

What are the benefits of having a cosmetic

expertise, which has developed into many

at this time of year?

procedure at The McIndoe Centre?

having sub-speciality skills in cosmetic surgery.

A number of treatments are popular

It’s a real benefit and rare for a hospital to

all year round, namely breast

have such a dedicated focus for this type of

How has the industry and the procedures you offer

augmentation (enlargement), breast

surgery. As a specialist plastic surgeon who

changed in the last year, and how do you think

reduction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

has skilled theatre and ward staff tuned in to

they’ll progress over the coming year?

and facial surgery. In spring, people’s

specialist patient care, I have every confidence

I’ve noticed that people are attending clinics with

minds turn towards looking good for their

my patients will make an excellent recovery.

more confidence after the financial downturn.

summer holiday or wedding day, so it

The specialist skills here make the difference

Patients are leaning towards wanting a more

would make sense to have had a

between good surgery and great surgery, and

natural look, rather than requesting an overly

consultation planned by early spring to

that’s what McIndoe provides. With more than

refined and enhanced look; a look that people

enable surgery to settle down before the big

20 plastic surgeons who work together, there’s

stare at and say, ‘You look amazing’ rather than,

day or special trip.

wonderful depth of knowledge and surgical

‘Oh my goodness, what have you done!’

MEET THE SURGEON: MR BALJIT DHEANSA NUMBER OF YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY: 21 years performing surgery; 12 of those as a consultant plastic surgeon SPECIALISM: Plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery HOSPITALS I CONSULT FOR: The McIndoe Centre, part of Horder Healthcare, in East Grinstead, West Sussex NUMBER OF OPERATIONS COMPLETED: A high number of plastic surgery procedures completed privately and within a busy NHS practice, which also covers burns, scars and skin cancers

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I CAN GIVE TO ANYONE CONSIDERING A PROCEDURE: Have clear expectations, be as healthy as possible and stop smoking

The McIndoe Centre part of Horder Healthcare Holtye Road, East Grinstead West Sussex RH19 3EB 0800 917 4922 www.themcindoecentre.co.uk info.mcindoe@horder.co.uk

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TIME TO TONE

Hands up who wants firmer arms for the summer? With the warmer months just around the corner, are you ready to wear those sleeveless outfits you love, or are you dreading the thought of exposing your upper arms? Do you find yourself keeping your arms close to your side because you’re ashamed of the wobbly bits? Then it’s time to do something about it

A

geing, obesity and lack of fitness

and tricep muscles with curls and overhead

effective cosmetic procedure that removes

are the main causes of bingo wings.

arm extensions. This can be done at home

excess loose skin and fat from the upper arm.

A loss of skin tone can be caused

with small dumbbells, or you can seek advice

It is one of the most effective procedures to

from a personal trainer at your local gym.

improve, reshape and tone the upper arm,

by ageing, but dieters who lose a substantial amount of weight are more likely to suffer

Tired of battling the gym? Many people use

leaving the arm looking slimmer and more

from ‘arm charms’. It takes a lot of time and

body firming products as part of their daily

youthful. Arm lift surgery provides a simple,

effort to maintain firm upper arms, and with

routine. Products like Rodial Arm Sculpt

affordable way to transform your upper arms

busy lifestyles nowadays, we don’t always

and Dr Ceuticals’ Firm & Sculpt Arm Gel are

from flabby to toned in one simple procedure.

have time to work out. Would you choose a

popular in the beauty world. They can give you

It is fast becoming one of the most popular

surgical or non-surgical method to reshape

toned, younger looking skin with formulas that

cosmetic procedures being performed today.

your bingo wings? Here are a few ideas to

retexture and smooth the skin, while sculpting

For those who have lost a considerable amount

help you get the look you desire.

the upper arms.

of weight, this could be the best treatment to

Some celebrity trainers recommend a spoonful

remove that loose, hanging skin. The incision can

NON-SURGICAL

of grapeseed oil every day to help prevent the

be discreet, leaving a scar that runs along the

Keeping your body in shape requires plenty of

build-up of the fat toxins in the body.

inner arm, from the elbow to the armpit. Many

exercise and a healthy, balanced diet. Cutting

What about the fat that is resistant to

people say that the scar is a good trade-off and better than carrying around bingo wings!

out fatty foods and eating plenty of fruits and

diet and exercise, despite all your efforts? Try

vegetables will help prevent fatty tissue build-up.

CoolSculpting, the new non-invasive, pain-free

Although it has been said many times before,

treatment that freezes and eliminates unwanted

wings today and give your body the summer

it is important to drink plenty of water to

fat cells. It is proven to be a safe and effective

look you deserve!

minimise cellulite by flushing out the toxins

non-surgical treatment.

Don’t delay – shape and tone those bingo

in the body. This, combined with a regular exercise regime, will have you ready for those

SURGICAL

ADVICE PROVIDED BY AMIR NAKHDJEVANI MBBS,

summer outfits in no time. To tone and sculpt

Would you prefer cosmetic surgery? Arm lift

MRCS, FRCS (PLAST.) CONSULTANT COSMETIC

the upper arms, you need to work on the bicep

surgery, also known as Brachioplasty, is an

SURGEON AT BELLA VOU WWW.BELLAVOU.CO.UK

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alexanderhotels.co.uk

COUPLE’S

RETREAT

If you and that special someone are planning a weekend getaway for two, a leisurely spa day will no doubt be an integral part of the occasion. Frederick Latty and his better half treat themselves to an unforgettable afternoon of Utopian tranquility at Alexander House

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Luxury SPAS

the spa itself. I enjoy a much-needed coffee

here, so she’s like a kid in a sweetshop, every bit

and biscuit, taking in the already tranquil

as captivated as you’d expect a girl who loves a

I’ll be honest – this isn’t my first time enjoying

surroundings; the soft sounds of rushing water

good manicure every now and then to be.

a revitalising spa day; in fact, it’s my third,

are accompanied by soothing music, instantly

having visited Alexander House on two

helping me leave all my worries at the door. I’m

on an intimate journey to relieve everyday

previous occasions. The only difference is,

generally not a fan of Sundays, but can already

stresses, I do exactly that. As I lounge by the

whereas I was formerly single, I’m now in the

tell this one will be different.

pool, melt away under the monsoon showers

HE SAID…

midst of a blissful relationship, so it’s with

We’re soon led to the Grecian-inspired

Since the facilities are designed to take guests

and plunge into the hydrotherapy bath, I feel as

giddy excitement that I invite my significant

interiors of the water wonderland downstairs.

though I’ve escaped to another world – and from

other along for my latest foray into relaxation.

A serene swimming pool awaits, alongside

a man who finds relaxing about as easy as riding

monsoon showers and a hydrotherapy pool.

a bike with no saddle, that’s saying something.

When my girlfriend and I arrive at the boutique

Once we’re dried off, it’s time for our treatments.

hotel and spa, I’m reminded of why I fell in love

I’m spoiled for choice, so make the most of all

with the place to begin with. Set within 120

three, starting with a dip in the shallows; ‘dip’

I’m booked in for a facial, which is a ritual that’s

acres of glorious Sussex countryside, the luxury

being the operative word, as I bob along rather

entirely new to me. My therapist puts me at ease

manor house boasts beautiful vistas, a choice of

than strain myself with any actual exercise – I

straightaway, however, assuring me there’s no

restaurants, an award-winning Utopia Spa and

have just eaten a biscuit, don’t forget.

detrimental risk to my masculinity. I can see what

rooms designed for absolute comfort, fusing

Next, it’s into the hydrotherapy pool for some

all the fuss is about – I’m no expert, but my skin

fascinating history with stylish design and a

invigorating bubble treatment. Since my other

soon feels completely cleansed and given a new

warm, personable service.

half isn’t big on swimming, this is much more

lease of life. It’s just the thing to get me in the

As we enter, we’re immediately seated and

her style, and I can tell she’s in her element as

mood for a spot of lunch – but I’ll let my partner in

attended to, while we wait to be taken down to

she unwinds in the water. This is her first time

crime explain more about that…

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Luxury SPAS

SHE SAID…

feeling refreshed and absorbed into a world of

All this pampering has worked up an appetite,

When my boyfriend asks me if I’d like to join

wellbeing from the moment I dip my toe in the

so we head off to enjoy a decadent afternoon tea,

him for a rejuvenating day out, I immediately

water. My partner is content to submerge himself

undoubtedly one of the day’s highlights. A glass

conjure images of brisk, windy walks, coupled

in the pools forever, it seems, while I pass the

of bubbly sets us up nicely, and it isn’t long before

with cagoules, wellies and all things wet,

time with a few casual laps of breaststroke.

we’re presented with endless tea and coffee, plus

muddy and rainy. Luckily, I’m in for a surprise

For my treatment, I’m ushered into a warm,

a classic three-tiered tower of finger sandwiches,

– an indulgent spa day at Alexander House!

candlelit room, where my therapist greets me

scones and a colourful cake assortment, including

He hates Sundays and everything about them,

for my massage. She makes me feel at home

blueberry macaroon lollypops!

so I’m keen for us to both get stuck in to the

at once, speaking quietly as I lie down on the

therapeutic delights of the day.

luxuriously comfortable massage bed. The

us, but I simply cannot resist afternoon tea

My beau is the bigger foodie of the two of

fragrance of the oils she uses, combined with

and never, ever get bored of it. We’re positively

am happy to discover that the entire pool is one

the soft music and dim lighting, is enough to

stuffed by the time we’re finished, and feeling

depth; perfect for someone who likes nothing

almost send me to sleep on its own, but there’s

dozy enough to think about heading home for

more than to bathe in shallow water, rather than

plenty more still to come.

a well-earned Sunday nap.

I must admit, I’m not wild about swimming, but

commit to multiple lengths of backstroke. The

There really is nothing like a massage to

As we drive away, I feel like a whole new

pool’s reflective surface is perfectly still and clear,

relieve the strain of day-to-day life, particularly

woman and, I’ll confess, pretty smug too,

the light bouncing and shimmering in the soft

when you’re commuting from East Grinstead to

as I’m quick to spot a beaming smile on my

glow of this luscious lagoon.

London and back every day. I suffer with back

man’s face. It’s like I keep telling him: that’s

problems, so this is just what the doctor ordered

how you spend a Sunday – he’s just clearly not

despite living minutes away – I’m unsure of

and a wonderful way to help me feel myself again,

been doing it right. After all, it’s not called the

exactly what to expect. I’m far from disappointed,

leaving every fibre of my being utterly replenished.

day of rest for nothing.

Having never been to Alexander House –

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SPA DAYS AND FACILITIES AT ALEXANDER HOUSE, VISIT WWW.ALEXANDERHOUSE.CO.UK, OR HEAD TO WWW.ALEXANDERHOTELS.CO.UK AND CLICK ON THE UTOPIA SPA TAB TO BOOK A SPACE AT OUR SISTER SPA AT ROWHILL GRANGE. 41 37

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BEAUTY

SUMMER SERENITY

With the arrival of the warmer months, many of us will be looking to cleanse our minds, bodies and souls in preparation for summer solstice. Denise Leicester, founder of ila Spa, offers some words of wisdom to help you project your inner calm, peace and joy

I

love everything the sun represents: light, life, warmth, power, growth, clarity, energy and enlightenment, to name a few. As the summer solstice approaches in the northern hemisphere, it’s a great time to celebrate love, abundance and joy; to rejoice being on our amazing Earth; and to reflect on the peak of power and potential the summer sun brings.

Solstice is from the Latin ‘sol’ (sun) and ‘sistere’ (to stand still) – a term coined long ago when astronomers believed it was the sun that moved around the Earth. This solstice, I invite you to take the meaning quite literally; to take a moment and stand still in the sun, when it’s highest in the sky and bestows upon us the most daylight hours. Feel its life-giving warmth and experience the culmination of its – and your – journey to the brightest light. Harness this energy in your own life, whether it’s to achieve greater health, spirituality or clarity on an issue.

It’s also the perfect time to focus on the manipura (or solar plexus) chakra, located just above the navel. Meaning ‘beautiful, shining

jewel’ in Sanskrit, Manipura is our power centre and core self: the meeting and balancing point of our inner and outer energies, linked to achievement and the power of transformation. Nurture and harmonise your chakra during this period – through kundalini yoga, eating certain nutritious foods, targeted treatments, breathing and meditation – and flood your entire being with a renewed energy that radiates warmth, joy and vitality.

Summer represents the peak of the year’s light energy, generating a feeling of contentment and security. It’s the ideal time to rediscover and restore the joy of the eternal child, ease our emotional burdens, nurture self-awareness and align with the heightened vibrations of the natural world around us.

Denise is a qualified nurse, aromatherapist, yoga teacher and yogic healer. To find out more about ila Spa and the treatments it offers, visit www.ila-spa.com

TOP TREATMENTS

DENISE SHARES SOME HANDY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS •Body cream for vital energy •Face oil for glowing radiance •Body scrub for energising and detoxifying •Ananda face therapy – a healing and reviving treatment that works with the body’s blissful higher energies

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alexanderhotels.co.uk

DOWNTON DINING

Guests at Alexander House were recently treated to an enlightening Q&A from author and speaker Jessica Fellowes. As the niece of Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes – and author of five official companion books to the series – Jessica regaled visitors with fascinating stories and fun facts about the acclaimed programme; but not before tucking into a delicious three-course lunch, which followed a Champagne reception to kick off proceedings...

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG MATTHEWS

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SOCIAL

J

essica has made a successful career out of public speaking, both in the UK and the US, and is well-known for her bestsellers The Wit and Wisdom of Downton Abbey, A Year in the Life of Downton Abbey, The Chronicles of Downton Abbey and The World of Downton Abbey. Her illuminating and insightful talks explore Downton’s real-life inspirations, both historical and characters from her own family.

Beginning her career at the Mail on Sunday as a celebrity interviewer, gossip columnist and lifestyle editor, Jessica went on to be deputy editor of Country Life magazine. Since then, she’s freelanced for a number of publications, including The Daily Telegraph, Sunday Times Style, The Lady and Psychologies magazine.

As well as appearing at literary festivals from Cheltenham to Scarborough, she’s also toured with her lectures from Atlanta to Denver in the

United States. In addition, numerous appearances on radio and television have included BBC Breakfast, ITV’s Lorraine and BBC Four panel quiz Never Mind the Full Stops.

The event was a fantastic success, providing fans of the show with a unique glimpse into the world of one of TV’s most popular costume dramas. Upon departure, diners even received a signed, complimentary copy of Jessica’s latest book, Downton Abbey: A Celebration.

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CELEBRITY

“MY JOB AS AN ACTOR IS TO SHOW HUMAN VULNERABILITIES”

In her latest film, Eye in the Sky, Dame Helen Mirren ditches monarchy for

military to portray an intelligence officer overseeing a rapidly escalating terrorist surveillance. But being under scrutiny in the spotlight is something she’s learned to embrace over the years, as Keeley Bolger finds out

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T

he wider debate over the value of awards in

another, but now I feel slightly differently.”

Since starting her career as a teenager at the

Hollywood shows no sign

National Youth Theatre, Mirren has become

of abating, with an ongoing

one of the most recognisable faces on British

discussion over the lack of

screens, tackling TV with her standout role in

diversity. But on a personal

long-running series Prime Suspect, action movies

level, Dame Helen Mirren

in Red and comedy in Calendar Girls – and

can see the merit in gaining

picking up a hefty swag of awards along the way.

industry recognition through the plaudits, though she

didn’t always feel this way.

“When I first came into my profession, I was

Having played the monarch with her acclaimed title role in The Queen – winning an Oscar for her performance in the process – she’s not afraid to poke fun at her regal image (and much

very, very against the idea of recognition, in

celebrated sense of humour), recently filming an

the sense of the star system and all the rest

anti-drink-driving advert for Budweiser, calling

of it,” explains the 70-year-old with a smile.

anyone who does so a ‘pillock’.

In person, Mirren doesn’t disappoint. Elegant

of anonymity – not personal anonymity, but

in a purple dress, teapot to her side (though her

the sense that it was a collaborative [effort],

brew is the resolutely un-starry PG Tips), she’s

and no one person was more important than

warm, funny and personable from the off.

IMAGES: PA PHOTO/ENTERTAINMENT ONE

“I liked the feeling of ensemble and a sense

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CELEBRITY

She’s even complimentary about my blouse,

to it herself. But, Mirren points out, she can

asking: “Is that vintage? That’s my style!” After

turn a blind eye to babble. For screenwriter

five decades at the top of her game, Mirren

Dalton Trumbo, the subject of the movie,

knows her own worth, which, if Madame

vicious gossip led to him being blacklisted.

Tussauds’ three commemorative wax figures to

“There are Heddas out there and, ironically, they’re so often women.

celebrate her 70th birthday are anything to go by, is vast.

“I got to a point where I realised the way in which my profession was structured, and recognition was a very important part of it,” she says.

“And if I really wanted to continue working throughout my whole life, and be financially secure, I had to make myself a recognisable thing, if you know what I mean.”

Success, however, can mean falling prey to tittle-tattle. It’s a topic

“WHAT I ALWAYS TRY TO DO WITH THE ROLES THAT I PLAY IS TO HUMANISE THEM. TO BE HUMAN IS TO BE FULL OF CONFLICT ABOUT THINGS; IT’S NOT TO BE SURE. INSECURITY AND VULNERABILITY ARE MUCH MORE INTERESTING”

Mirren is familiar with,

They’re occasionally men, but there’s a particular kind of woman in journalism who takes delight in being more brutal, cruel and attacking than anyone,” says the actress. “I haven’t personally had to deal with that, or if I have, I’ve ignored it. But I don’t live in the world or the era of Hedda Hopper or Dalton Trumbo, and you see very clearly the price that Dalton had to pay.”

Since then, Mirren has side-stepped the drama

having recently played vicious,

of Trumbo to star as military intelligence

career-destroying gossip columnist Hedda

officer Colonel Katherine Powell in thriller

Hopper in Trumbo (and scoring a Golden

Eye in the Sky, a role that producer Ged

Globe nomination for her performance). As

Doherty had no doubt she would excel at,

a prominent star, she’s presumably exposed

given she ‘can play a badass’.

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“WHEN I FIRST CAME INTO MY PROFESSION, I WAS VERY, VERY AGAINST THE IDEA OF RECOGNITION, IN THE SENSE OF THE STAR SYSTEM AND ALL THE REST OF IT”

In the film, which also stars the late Alan

silent was the terrifying moment. That was the

Rickman and Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul,

moment they were dropping, so you’d be there

Katherine is remotely commanding a

listening, going, ‘Please don’t stop, please don’t

top-secret drone operation to capture a group

stop’, and when it went silent, then you knew.”

of dangerous terrorists from their safe-house in Nairobi, Kenya. The situation escalates when

Asked whether playing strong, single-minded women comes naturally to her, she hesitates.

a nine-year-old girl enters the ‘kill zone’, just

“I don’t know that it necessarily comes

as American drone pilot Steve Watts (Paul)

easy to me. What I always try to do with the

is poised to destroy the house. The idea of a

roles that I play is to humanise them. To be

woman being in control of such an operation

human is to be full of conflict about things; it’s

intrigued Mirren.

not to be sure. Even the people who appear

“To be a successful woman in the military

to be absolutely confident go home at night

means you’ve got to be very focused,” explains the

and go, ‘Am I right?’ My job as an actor is to

actress, who shot the film in South Africa. “Not for

show human vulnerabilities. Insecurity and

one nanosecond are you allowed to mess up, and

vulnerability are much more interesting.”

she has been like that her whole life; the type of girl who wants to join the military.

“What you wear is very much a part of that.

You’re eschewing a certain feminine world,” she adds. “You’re going to be in uniform, and it’s not a uniform that’s particularly flattering to the female shape, so you let go of all of that.”

Although Mirren didn’t know much about drone warfare before shooting, and quips that she’d be a ‘disaster in the military’, she had an

JIMI CELESTE/PMC/AP/PA PHOTOS

entry point into the fear they invoke, through her parents’ stories of ‘doodlebugs’ flying overhead during the Blitz.

“They were these unmanned bombs that would come over, which the Germans had

Eye in the Sky was released in cinemas

developed. They made a certain noise in the

on Friday April 15, and will be available

sky, and when they stopped and became

on DVD and Blu-ray later this year.

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TRAVEL

CALLING

NATIONAL PARKS, HISTORIC CITIES AND EXCITING WINE REGIONS – COULD CROATIA’S ISTRIAN RIVIERA BE POISED TO TAKE DUBROVNIK’S HOLIDAY HOTSPOT CROWN? TO HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF A MEDITERRANEAN ESCAPE, SOVEREIGN HOLIDAYS CONTENT EDITOR ANNA VICKERS TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT BOTH DESTINATIONS TO SEE WHAT’S ON OFFER

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alexanderhotels.co.uk

et on the dazzling Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik is Croatia’s superstar. Popular for its beaches and picture-perfect old town, this vibrant city put Croatia on the map – but that could be about to change. More and more holidaymakers are falling for northern Croatia, with its charming blend of culture and countryside. Istria is the name on everyone’s lips up here; it’s a legendary winemaking region with an Italian flair, home to pretty Venetian towns and rolling vineyards. Not sure which side to go for? Here’s what to expect in Croatia’s north and south…

THE NORTH Culture and cuisine Northern Croatia has a real Italian feel, with beautiful Venetian towns and rolling hills giving way to pretty vineyards. The town of Rovinj is a

Istria is Croatia’s best wine region, producing the famous Istrian Malvasia, a grape variety known for sweet whites, dessert wine and sparkling wine.

The picturesque rural estates are the perfect place for a wine tour. Take professionally guided tasting sessions and stroll through the vineyards and olive groves, then soak up the wine with local bread and olives.

“I’d really recommend a trip to the

great place to soak up this unique

vineyards of Konvale,” says Georgina

culture, lining up picturesque

Bunn, personal assistant at Sovereign.

buildings, cobbled streets and a

“On our tour, we sipped locally-

Venetian old town.

produced reds, whites and fortified

Istria is a must-visit for foodies, with

wine, and tucked into a traditional

Italian-influenced cuisine served in all

lunch of boiled eggs, smoked bacon,

the konobas (local restaurants). The

salad and homemade corn bread. We

fishing harbour in Rovinj has one of the

also got to try an award-winning dessert

best reputations in the Mediterranean,

wine that sells for around £80 a bottle!”

with local fishermen hauling in quality seafood. The day’s catch is available all along the waterfront – look out for the unbelievably fresh sardines.

Natural beauty

Day trips Northern Croatia is around three hours from Venice by ferry, so it’s easy to fit in a day trip. Glide down the Grand Canal, stroll through St Mark’s Square and

The Dubrovnik Riviera may have

spend the day discovering the famous

its famous capital city, but the

city, before hopping on a ferry back in

north of Croatia is home to natural

the evening.

beauty that wouldn’t look out of

Pula, Istria’s largest city, is a

place in Tuscany. The region is at

treasure-trove of historic sites and

its most breath-taking at the Plitvice

Roman architecture, made for a day

Lakes National Park, a UNESCO-

of sightseeing. The star of the show

listed collection of glittering lakes,

is an incredible first-century Roman

waterfalls and forest that you’ll need

amphitheatre with a 20,000 capacity,

a day to explore in full.

making it one of the largest in the world.

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TRAVEL

THE SOUTH Tales from the city Dubrovnik is undeniably the jewel in southern Croatia’s crown. You can spend hours exploring the city’s baroque architecture, museums and UNESCO-listed old town.

Take a guided tour of the city, or just wander – the atmospheric streets and squares are particularly exciting in summer, when the Dubrovnik Summer Festival fills every stage and street corner.

The city’s vibrant bars, restaurants and nightlife are another big draw to the region.

turquoise Adriatic Sea. The old town is

The buzzing, bar-lined streets are great for

encircled in walls so thick you can walk

a cocktail, dancing or catching some live

along them; they provide the best views

music, with local eateries often serving up

of the Dubrovnik Riviera’s biggest attractions is its

of the city and coast, not to mention

the catch of the day. The waterfront area is a

beautiful coast, with the sparkling, clear waters of

front-row seats to the spectacular

the Adriatic Sea inviting swimming, scuba diving

Mediterranean sunsets.

and sailing. The coastline is scattered with little

great place to grab lunch or relax with drinks in the evening.

Something for sightseers

This fascinating town is bursting with baroque churches, old monasteries and museums, with quaint cobbled streets

Beaches South Croatia isn’t all about the city, though. One

sandy beaches and pebbly bays, with plenty of hotels offering their own piece of coast.

A cluster of idyllic islands nearby makes

opening out into squares and fountains.

Dubrovnik the perfect jump-off point for island

Dubrovnik’s World Heritage-listed old town

The old town is a favourite with visitors,

hopping. Peaceful Lokrum is a 10-minute ferry

is considered one of the best-preserved

but hasn’t lost its authenticity – the locals

ride from the harbour, and is open to the public

medieval cities in the world. It’s definitely

still pack out the eateries and the bustling

from April to November. The island is known for

one of the prettiest, with terracotta-topped

markets, which sell embroidery and

its lush forest, olive groves and the ‘Dead Sea’, a

buildings set against the backdrop of the

regional produce like olive oil and wine.

small salt lake that’s a popular spot for swimming.

If Croatia’s got you convinced, we can help you plan your holiday to perfection. Sovereign has 40 years’ experience creating luxury holidays, so we know the little touches that make all the difference. Start relaxing straight away with access to airport lounges, hassle-free private transfers and a concierge on hand 24/7.

Call Sovereign’s travel experts now on 01293 765 029, or visit www.sovereign.com

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TRENDS

A TASTE OF THINGS

to come

The times they are a-changin’ for hoteliers and restaurateurs alike – which is hardly surprising, as a host of new fads and crazes is set to take the hospitality business by storm. To get an idea of what’s next, we’ve rounded up 10 key trends that are set to make waves sooner rather than later

I

t seems like tastes come and go before you’ve even spotted them these days, as our ever-changing culture moves from one thing to the next, always on the lookout for what’s waiting just around the corner. This can most definitely be said of hotels, which, like fashion, food and music, are always advancing with the times, adapting to stay up to date with what’s hot and in vogue.

Similarly to restaurants, luxury hotels are all about delivering unforgettable experiences to patrons, who, if their stay has been

successful, will depart with a smile on their faces and a lifetime of memories to cherish, all captured on social media, smartphones and tablets. That said, it’s essential for any hotel to remain current and in tune with what their guests expect.

For a glimpse of what’s to come, we’ve consulted our crystal ball to find out what awaits hotel visitors at home and abroad. Covering exciting new concepts, digitalisation and health and wellbeing, join us as we explore the realms of possibility to discover what the future might hold by the time you book your next room…

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BOUTIQUE IS BETTER Smaller boutique stays will take priority over grander affairs this year, without compromising on quality or standards. On the contrary, a luxury stay in a more sophisticated, specialised setting will be just what the doctor ordered, meaning guests can relax and unwind in their own personalised space.

DOWNTON DAYDREAMS In the UK, we’re famous for our idyllic stately homes and manor houses – so isn’t it time we got to see what they’re like? These magnificent residences will soon operate like exclusive hotels, accessible to high-end tourists with money to burn and a taste for bygone British glamour.

POP-UPS PREVAIL A revolving door policy could help keep things interesting in the trade, offering additional vibrancy and diversity for both tourists and visitors. Of course, there will always be a place for more conventional accommodation options, but no two stays will ever be the same at these transient retreats.

BESIDE THE SEASIDE Historically, the English coast has been associated more with arcades, fast food and theme park rides than with the finer things money can buy. All that is about to change, however, as five-star hotel proprietors will be migrating towards staycation destinations, injecting a much-needed touch of class.

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL From invigorating spas to revitalising massages, no visit is complete without a truly indulgent pamper. Expect more of this going forward, as it won’t be long before suites come with their own personal masseuses and masseurs, for serene bliss at the touch of a button.

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TRENDS

NEW HORIZONS Everyone wants to experience different cultures while away on holiday, which is why themed hotels will be making an impact in the near future. Asian-inspired resorts and Continental havens will mark the UK opening its doors to the world, giving Brits a taste of international travel at home.

EMBRACING CHANGE Like the retail and banking sectors, customers in hotels are ready to take more of a DIY approach when checking in and out. Hospitality is all about people and relationships, but clients will be given freer rein, so they can focus on making the most of their downtime.

HOTELS ON THE MOVE Travelling hotels are nothing new, but it’s a market that could certainly be explored further. Accordingly, planes, trains and automobiles will be converted into world-class lodging (think the Knight Bus from Harry Potter), allowing keen ramblers to see the country and the world from supreme comfort.

CONCEPTUALLY SPEAKING Whether it’s treehouse getaways or underwater escapes, gimmicks have always been an effective way of getting bums on seats. Just as London’s Dans le noir and ICEBAR introduced us to supercool drinking and pitch-black dining, it’s now up to hotels to shake things up with some innovative ideas.

THE YEAR OF CELEBRITY CHEFS Now that P&O Cruises have convinced Marco Pierre White, James Martin and Mary Berry to come aboard their Food Heroes voyages, other high-profile names will be keen to set up shop in land-based hotels too. Cue more TV personalities moving into pop-up or permanent residencies.

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ATTRACTIONS

1. Squirrels playing at the British Wildlife Centre 2. Bluebell Vineyard Estates 3. Kingscote Estate

Days to

REMEMBER With so much to see and do in our hotels’ surrounding areas, you’ll be spoiled for choice when deciding how to spend your time. To give you an idea of the activities and events on offer nearby, here are 10 top suggestions that will help you make the most of your stay over the coming months

N

1

o visit to one of our luxury boutique

KINGSCOTE ESTATE

hotels would be complete without

East Grinstead, West Sussex

some truly breath-taking days out.

Head to the 150-acre Kingscote Estate for an

Whether you’re staying with us at Alexander

unforgettable vineyard tour and tasting. From

House, Rowhill Grange or Langshott Manor,

£15 per person, you’ll be taken around the

you’ll never be far from some delightful sights

vines and winery, and head over to the cookery

to see, things to do and places to go; whatever

school, which is housed in the stunning

your interests, it’s all happening right on our

15th-century Tithe Barn. During your stay, make

doorsteps in Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

sure you sample award-winning wines and a

Award-winning vineyards, educational wildlife

three-course lunch, all set against the scenic

centres and idyllic country houses all present

backdrop of quintessential Sussex countryside

equally wonderful slices of life in the South

in the Kingscote Valley, near East Grinstead.

East, showing off all the natural beauty this

Tours are available until Friday September 30,

part of the world has to offer. If you’re an

and further activities to try out include fishing,

animal lover, you won’t want to miss out on

shooting, walking and foraging.

a trip to The Llama Park or British Wildlife

www.kingscoteestate.com

Centre, getting up close and personal with BLUEBELL VINEYARD ESTATES

some furry friends.

Elsewhere, a host of horseraces and other

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Furner’s Green, East Sussex

fabulous occasions happen at Fontwell

At Bluebell Vineyard Estates, have a wander

Park Racecourse, while kids and families

around the grounds and extensive woodland,

can get back to nature with some fun

bring a picnic and take in spectacular views

and muddy adventures in the heart of the

of the vineyard from a terraced seating area.

Sussex landscape. No matter where you

Embark on a guided wine tour for £16 per

are, there’s plenty to unearth and explore -

person, and you’ll be treated to a glass of wine

read on for a taste of what to expect when

upon arrival, before exploring the fantastic

you’re out and about…

vineyard and specialist winery, for a real insight

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4

into the sparkling winemaking process of its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier varieties. Plus, for £5 per head, you’ll get to sample the current releases in the tasting room. www.bluebellvineyard.co.uk BRITISH WILDLIFE CENTRE Lingfield, Surrey Britain’s finest collection of native wildlife awaits at the British Wildlife Centre, where you’ll discover more than 40 different native species,

11

from tiny harvest mice to magnificent red deer.

13

Don’t miss out on a fascinating keeper talk for a great opportunity to learn more about the animals, or groups can book a private visit and benefit from a personalised guided tour. If you’re looking for an unusual gift, why not ‘adopt’ an animal and help raise funds to feed and care for them? Admission prices start at £8.50 and children under three go free. www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk

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ATTRACTIONS

4. Family fun at Fontwell Park Racecourse 5. Wakehurst Place Bluebells 6. Nature Nurture Sussex 7. Ladies’ Day at Fontwell Park Racecourse 8. Kingscote Estate vineyard & Bluebell Railway 9. Hammerwood Park 10. Standen House and Garden 11. Bluebell Vineyard Estates 12. Hindleap bottles at Bluebell Vineyard Estates 13. A fox at the British Wildlife Centre

5

6

7

10

9 HAMMERWOOD PARK

is a new community forest school that gives kids the

Bank. With pastoral play areas for the children

East Grinstead, West Sussex

chance to experience the great outdoors

and wildlife all around, there’s something to

As the first example of Greek revival architecture

first-hand. Children can play in the woods, see

keep everyone entertained; upcoming highlights

in the UK, Hammerwood Park is a hidden gem,

and feel the changes in the seasons, learn about

include Super Sticky Summer from July 25 to

family home and one of the South East’s best-kept

plants and wildlife and have the freedom to explore.

September 4, and the Wakehurst Wedding Fair

secrets. Musical recitals and concerts take place

Whether they’re playing with sticks in the mud,

on September 8, both £3 per head.

throughout the year, including the Reed Organ

jumping in puddles, climbing trees or developing

www.kew.org/visit-wakehurst

Society’s Harmonium UK 2016 Conference on

their skills and confidence further, they’ll be able to

Saturday September 10 and Sunday September

have fun and immerse themselves in imagination.

FONTWELL PARK RACECOURSE

11 (tickets £15 for non-members, £12 for

Prices start at £7.50 per child.

Fontwell, West Sussex

members and free for children). Visitors are

www.naturenurturesussex.com

Head to Fontwell Park for a vibrant mix of

NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/JOHN MILLAR

8

terrific and exhilarating days out. The End

also invited on guided tours every Wednesday, Saturday and bank holiday Monday, from

WAKEHURST PLACE

of Summer Family Fun Day on Sunday

Wednesday June 1 to Wednesday September 28,

Haywards Heath, West Sussex

September 4 is one of the highlights of the

priced at £8.50 and free for under-16s.

Lose yourself in the magnificent 465 acres of

racing calendar and a must for families,

www.hammerwoodpark.co.uk

Wakehurst Place, which features ornamental

which comes complete with a fairground and

gardens, temperate woodlands, a nature

bouncy castles. In August, there’s Summer

NATURE NURTURE SUSSEX

reserve and an Elizabethan mansion. When

Afternoon Racing on Thursday 25, as well as

East Grinstead, West Sussex

visiting, be sure to make the most of the area’s

a stylish Ladies’ Evening on Thursday 18 – the

Running sessions for pre-school and primary-aged

rustic splendour, or learn about the essential

perfect excuse to get the girls together for

children and their families, Nature Nurture Sussex

conservation work of Kew’s Millennium Seed

the ‘best-dressed’ competition. Whatever the

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ATTRACTIONS

occasion, you’ll be guaranteed an unforgettable

throughout the year. Take a peek at the

experience at this versatile racing venue.

state-of-the-art specialist winery and equipment,

www.fontwellpark.co.uk

find out about secondary bottle fermentation in the tasting room, overlooking the South Downs.

East Grinstead, West Sussex

General tours cost £15 per person, whereas

Set in a beautiful hillside garden, the Arts and

feature tours are held monthly, giving you the

Crafts family home of Standen showcases

opportunity to try out special food pairings, or delve

a wealth of exciting events and captivating

into the Ridgeview archives to taste rare vintages.

surroundings to enjoy. You might want to take

www.ridgeview.co.uk

a stroll around the inspiring gardens and find a rare collection of plants; alternatively, self-

THE LLAMA PARK

guided woodland walking trails boast remarkable

Forest Row, East Sussex

vistas across Weirwood reservoir, taking in both

Situated in 33 acres of land adjacent to the

Rockinghill and Hollybush woods. Families will

Ashdown Forest, The Llama Park is home to

love getting outdoors in the rural play area, and

a variety of animals, such as llamas, alpacas,

kids can have a go at ticking off some of the ‘50

reindeer and horses. Llama walks and donkey

9 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenges. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/RUPERT TRUMAN

the cellars, or savour a taste of current releases in STANDEN HOUSE AND GARDEN

rides are ideal for family days out, and you can even ‘adopt’ an animal as a present for a friend, relative or loved one. As part of your

RIDGEVIEW WINE ESTATE

fun-filled day, why not treat yourself to a

Ditchling Common, West Sussex

delicious breakfast or lunch in the park’s café?

Nestled at the foot of the picturesque South Downs

Admission prices start at £7 in high season,

National Park, Ridgeview provides a unique insight

which runs until Monday October 31.

into the various vineyard activities that occur

www.llamapark.co.uk

15

14. Standen House and Garden 15. Ridgeview Wine Estate 16. The Llama Park 17. Standen House

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NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/RUPERT TRUMAN

16

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“WE’RE CONTINUALLY PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES” English wines don’t come much more acclaimed than those of Chapel Down. As industry leaders in the UK, the Kent-based winemakers are at the heart of the country’s viticulture movement. Read on to find out more about how their prestigious vinos are being quaffed and celebrated nationwide, forging a bright future for the industry

IMAGES: CHAPEL DOWN

A

long with hotspots like Bordeaux and Beijing, England has made a name for itself as a major player on the world wine stage in recent years. At the forefront of the revolution is Chapel Down; based in Tenterden, Kent, the award-winning estate creates world-class sparkling and still wines, as well as Curious beers and ciders, supplying such prominent British icons as Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver and the Royal Opera House.

Applying the intricate Traditional Method of vinification (the same as Champagne, where fermentation occurs naturally in the bottle), the winery sources fruit from its own vineyard, and from partners across the South East. This ensures they can use the best fruit from each harvest in order to cultivate an extensive range of wines.

“At Chapel Down, we’re continually pushing the boundaries of English wine production, both in the vineyard and the winery,” says managing director Mark Harvey. “In the past year alone, we’ve released England’s first orange wine (a white wine that’s left to ferment in contact with its skins), and England’s first Albariño (a grape traditionally grown in Galicia, Spain).”

Today, the company boasts some of the finest facilities in England, which can generate over a million bottles of still and sparkling wines.

Expanding capacity all the time, the business continually strives to push the envelope through innovative ways of thinking, from blending new and traditional techniques, to crafting different styles.

This pioneering spirit has helped earn Mark and his team a plethora of awards over the years. Alongside being recognised as one

of the Government’s top 50 British food and drink producers, they’ve also scooped major accolades at the International Wine Challenge, Sommelier Wine Awards and Wine Marketing Awards. But in spite of their success, they never

rest on their laurels for too long.

“Freshness and vibrancy are key features of our wines, whether it be unique, aromatic white wines, classic sparkling wines, or a twist on a rich Chablis-esque Chardonnay,” Mark continues.

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WINE

Mark Harvey

“Balance is at the heart of every good wine, and we strive for the perfect balance.”

Among the most popular tipples is the classic Chapel Down Vintage Reserve Brut, a lively sparkling wine and the country’s bestseller, with citrus aromas, hints of brioche and fine, persistent bubbles. Elsewhere, the Bacchus wines are equally enjoyable; similar to Sauvignon Blanc, the aromatic grape variety is now produced in five different ways, thanks in no small part to the cool climate and ideal growing conditions of the surrounding Kent countryside.

“Kent is the Garden of England and produces some of the country’s finest fruit,” explains Mark. “Our largest vineyard, Kit’s Coty, is situated in the North Downs of Kent, and is one of the best sites for growing Chardonnay.

Planted on a lime-rich chalk soil, similar to that of the Champagne region in France, we’re able to produce wines with high acidity and rich

mineral content, which are ideal for high-quality sparkling wines.”

With more than 100 acres to play with, the outfit works with a total of 13 growers, which provide fruit from 130 acres under vine. Two extra sites in the North Downs and Sandhurst, secured in 2014, will be planted over the coming years, offering prime land in order to satisfy an increasing demand.

“Over the past decade, we’ve sought to educate the wine trade and consumers alike on the quality of English wines and, in particular, Chapel Down,” Mark says. “In 2014, we launched an equity crowdfund campaign, where we invited our customers to become shareholders, and broke a world record in the process for the largest and fastest crowdfund. In addition to raising £3.65million, we also gained 1,500 new shareholders, who’ve become an army of brand advocates, spreading the word about Chapel Down.”

Since then, other crowdfunding initiatives have been developed to raise money for a state-of-the-art brewery and visitor attraction for Curious Drinks, Chapel Down’s beer and cider arm. Using winemaking experience, the brewery makes an assortment of lagers, ales and more, comprising Curious Brew, Curious IPA, Curious Porter and Curious Apple, all of which have helped further diversify the portfolio.

“At Chapel Down, we have a belief that there’s no point in just trying to be the best; we have to be the only people who can do what we do,” insists Mark. “Our range of Curious beers and ciders is testament to this, as we apply our winemaking expertise to create better-quality beer and cider.”

Examples include the Curious Brew lager, which is re-fermented using Champagne yeast, before adding a ‘dosage’ of the rare and fragrant Nelson Sauvin hop, to fashion a well-

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WINE

balanced, aromatic beer with a crisp, refreshing finish. Similarly, the Curious Apple cider is created from 100% Kent apples and fermented in stainless-steel wine tanks, using Bacchus wine yeast for a uniquely vinous quality.

There’s plenty of room for beer and wine, it seems, as this year has already brought a string of successes for both. Indeed, the brand has been featured in the London Stock Exchange’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2016; now in its third year, the report seeks to recognise the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized businesses. As far as

Mark’s concerned, that can only mean good things for his customers, and for the future of the industry as a whole.

“The English wine market has enormous further potential,” he concludes. “The wines are of world-class quality and are picking up record hauls of gold medals in international competitions.

Consumer demand is sky-high, and sales of English sparkling continue to outpace other sparkling wine categories, which are themselves buoyant!

“More and more vines are being planted, and as volumes grow, the major producers are beginning to look beyond the UK to export as a major next step. As

market leader, Chapel Down continues to lead on all fronts – we have the investment, team and world-class trade partners to consolidate our position, so we’re particularly excited about the future!”

Chapel Down Winery Small Hythe, Tenterden, Kent TN30 7NG 01580 763 033 www.chapeldown.com sales@chapeldown.com @ChapelDownWines

TRADITION OF INNOVATION We learn more about Chapel Down’s Traditional Method of winemaking

IMAGES: CHAPEL DOWN

Otherwise known as ‘méthode traditionelle’ or ‘méthode champenoise’, the Traditional Method involves bubbles that are created naturally within the same bottle that you take home. After primary fermentation, the blended wine is bottled, a ‘liqueur de tirage’ (a mixture of sugar and yeast) is added, and the bottle is sealed during the secondary fermentation process, which produces carbon dioxide and alcohol within the bottle. After fermentation is complete, the wine is then left on its lees (the remaining yeast cells) for between 12 and 60 months, to enhance the complex aromas and creamy mouth feel.

The wine is riddled and disgorged to remove the dead yeast cells, and a ‘dosage’ is added in order to adjust the sweetness of the finished wine.

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INVESTMENT

VALUING VINTAGES From buying ‘en primeur’ to capitalising on those bankable bottles, wine investment is an ever-growing industry that can be fun and enjoyable, as well as lucrative and rewarding. Read on for some handy advice and helpful guidance on what to look out for Along with art, classic cars and precious metals, wine has become one of the most versatile and collectible assets for investors. Among the main reasons for its popularity is that, as a depreciating commodity, it can just as easily be consumed as traded, making it appealing for drinkers and money-makers alike.

Whether you’re buying older, classic vintages from the Bordeaux or Burgundy regions, or looking at some of the up-and-coming global players, don’t let the old idiom fool you; not all wines get better with age, and every bottle produced has an expiry date sooner or later, so go with your gut and choose the tipples you enjoy first and foremost.

Expert advice can certainly be a big help, and taking a long-term approach is more likely to pay dividends in the end. What’s more, provenance and storage are vital to getting it right, along with having a trusted and reputable merchant on board.

Needless to say, the world of wine investment can be treacherous and confusing, so knowing your stuff will go a long way towards making life easier. To help you on your journey to becoming a pro, we hear from James Fletcher, director at Amphora Portfolio Management, who offers some top tips and valuable insight on how best to put your money where your mouth is…

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What should people look for when investing in wine?

James Fletcher

Investors need to know exactly how to buy and sell, and familiarise themselves with pricing in the market; this is vital. Most investors make the mistake of buying and selling through merchants who principally supply the consumption market. A merchant buys as cheaply as they can and sells as expensively as they can, because the resulting margin is the profit they live off.

The problem for an investor is that the spread between a merchant’s buying (bid) and selling (offer) prices can be as wide as 30%, and is seldom less than around 12%, even for the most heavily traded wines. Investors’ returns are dramatically compromised if they’re exposed to this spread.

In addition, traditional ‘lazy’ advice would be to buy wines that enjoy the best critics’ scores. This is akin to buying the best companies in the stock market – the trouble is that the quality is already in the price. An investor should be looking for wines where the quality isn’t already priced in. For example, if the characteristics of two wines are demonstrably similar, their prices should be approximately the same; if they’re not, you’re usually on to something.

In order to verify this, you need to know all the variables against which fine wines are priced. These number seven in our view, in unequal measure. At Amphora, we’ve created a proprietary algorithm that analyses all these variables on a weighted basis to help us highlight investment opportunities.

Finally, an investor needs to know how and where his/her portfolio of wines is being stored, and have access to regular valuations of it. The portfolio shouldn’t be allowed to vegetate, and needs reasonably regular monitoring. An investor needs to take a reasonably long-term view – ideally five years or more. However, there can be quite dramatic moves within the market, which need to be taken advantage of, so the constituent parts of any portfolio are likely to change quite a bit over the life of the investment.

Why is it considered such a worthwhile pursuit?

The investment dynamic is underpinned by a unique combination of circumstances.

Fine wine is defined as wine that improves over time, as it ages in the bottle. Most wines don’t do this; they have a life expectancy of around five or six years. Fine wines are barely drinkable at that age, and can comfortably last, improving as they age, for in excess of 50 years.

Fine wines are made in very limited

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INVESTMENT Lafite Rothschild

quantities (these limits are imposed by statute), and once production is met for any given vintage, supply to the market can only shrink, as the wines are drunk and disappear from view. In any marketplace, for any goods, anywhere in the world, where you have increasing desirability (as the wines improve as they age) and decreasing supply, you get upward pressure on the underlying price – the cast-iron law of supply and demand. In addition, because HMRC decrees that wine is a wasting asset (in other words, it has a finite life expectancy), profits on investments are free of Capital Gains Tax.

Is it always a case of the older, the better?

From an investment perspective, not at all. Wines that are very old can be very valuable, but can have a limited secondary market; in other words, they can be difficult to sell. They’ll also be more expensive to buy, thereby limiting the degree to which a buyer can diversify within a limited budget. As with any investment, you should be looking for things that are overlooked by the market.

Happily, the market is sufficiently complex (lots of producers from various parts of the world producing a slightly different wine with each succeeding vintage, due to changes in annual climatic conditions), that if you know what you’re looking for, you can find pricing anomalies, which lead directly to investment opportunities.

Which regions are the most investable at the moment?

Over the course of the last five years or so, the marketplace has broadened out considerably. The majority of producers come from Bordeaux, within which there are several distinct sectors: Left Bank,

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Right Bank, First Growths, Super Seconds and ‘Second wines’. Elsewhere in France, there are investable wines in Burgundy, Champagne and the Côtes du Rhône. Globally, you can invest in wines from the USA, Italy, Spain and (with care) Australia.

Can English wines be as lucrative too?

Not yet. The important thing is to create a track record over time of wines that can be deemed ‘fine’. By definition, wines need to show evidence of having improved over at least 30 years before they can be considered investable. Even wines from elsewhere in the world (Australia being a good example) that pass that test can’t automatically be considered investable, because there has to be a satisfactory secondary market. Unless there’s a ready market to sell into, a wine can’t be considered investable, because unless you can sell something, it can’t be classed as an investment.

Have you noticed many trends in the market recently?

Having dominated proceedings for so long, culminating in stratospheric rises up to mid-2011, wines from Bordeaux, particularly First Growths from the Left Bank, have corrected and consolidated in recent years. During that time, the baton has been taken up, particularly

by Burgundy, Italy and the USA. Since the end of last year, the spotlight has returned to Bordeaux, and we’ve been increasing allocations to client portfolios of First Growths in recent months, like Lafite, Latour, Margaux, Mouton Rothschild and Haut Brion. Depending on the pricing evidenced over the current ‘en primeur’ campaign [when wine is purchased while still in the barrel], we believe this resurgence of interest in Bordeaux is likely to continue.

It’s possible to make a case for the recent rally as coinciding with the weakness in Sterling, because the secondary market for fine wine is denominated in Sterling.

A weaker currency, therefore, makes the market more attractive to investors from overseas. Interestingly enough, if you follow this argument to its logical conclusion, investing in fine wine currently offers a useful hedge against a vote for Brexit.

James Fletcher is a director and founding member of the APM team. He advises several HNW clients on their wine investments, and also specialises in creating proprietary in-house account and stock management systems.

To find out more about APM, call +44 (0)20 7148 0411, visit www.apmwineinvestment.co.uk or email finewine@apmwineinvestment.co.uk

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ART

Feast for the soul SITUATED LESS THAN 10 MILES FROM ALEXANDER HOUSE, ASHDOWN GALLERY TAKES INSPIRATION FROM THE NATURAL BEAUTY AND SURROUNDING WILDLIFE OF ASHDOWN FOREST. OWNER AND ARTIST CATHIE HUBERT TELLS US HOW THE SPACE DISPLAYS ‘QUALITY ART IN A NICE, RELAXING ATMOSPHERE’ FROM A VARIETY OF PRACTITIONERS

F

or art lovers staying at Alexander House, Ashdown Gallery in Forest Row provides an ideal space to view works from both established and emerging artists.

Launched in 2010 in response to the wealth of talent in the area, the independent, contemporary gallery is located in the heart of Ashdown Forest, specialising in paintings, ceramics and sculptures.

Today, it’s run and managed by French artist Cathie Hubert and dedicated to good-quality art. A published illustrator of art books inspired by opera and music, Cathie has been instrumental in building a reputation for the vibrant and eclectic array of original pieces, showcasing artists from the UK and abroad.

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Moira McTague

Cathie Hubert

“We like contemporary, exciting and innovative artwork with a modern twist,” she says. “We don’t exhibit abstract art or traditional. Because of our location, our subject matters are nature, the forest, the Downs, birds, flowers, bees etc., but all done in a creative, modern way. What matters for us is to offer beautiful, original artwork not available anywhere else.”

Indeed, the selection of artwork on the walls is of a standard rarely seen outside London, showing the work of artists who are carefully chosen for their outstanding skills. From ceramicists like Tania Babb and Hilke MacIntyre, to fine artists such as Lorna Holdcroft and Nikki Monaghan, the exhibitors bring their work to life through an insightful mix of exhibitions, shows and master classes.

“We alternate solo exhibitions with mixed shows, and the gallery is open all year, except in August,” continues Cathie. “Nowadays, we focus on master classes for artists, as well as ‘discovery’ art classes for beginners. We also

John Button

host ‘surgery’ sessions, which are held by some of our artists to help other artists improve.”

As part of the gallery’s ongoing efforts to take its flair further afield, Ashdown has partnered with Alexander House for regular workshops.

Artists exhibit in the entrance, and upcoming events this summer include a drawing class hosted by Lorna Holdcroft on Monday July 4, whose work can also be seen throughout the hotel itself.

“Our workshops have limited numbers (six to 10 maximum), and we like it to be a very unique experience,” Cathie explains. “We’re delighted to organise some special art sessions at Alexander House this summer. It’s a beautiful, inspirational venue with amazing grounds, bringing together the wonderful excitement of a new art experience and a delightful afternoon of tea and cake.”

With prices ranging from £50 to £5,000, the gallery also makes beautiful art accessible for an assortment of budgets. Exhibitions are

changed every three weeks, ensuring clients are presented with something new from a core group of artists, while up-and-coming talents are presented once they’ve been discovered, meaning there’s always something fresh and exciting to take in.

“Our gallery is special in the sense that we exhibit work of a quality not often seen outside London, but in the price range of the Affordable Art Fair category,” says Cathie. “We also like to have a welcoming, friendly venue where people are happy to come and not feel intimidated. We love to display quality art in a nice, relaxing atmosphere!”

Based just an hour from London Victoria, it might be easy to imagine Ashdown facing some pretty fierce competition from the capital’s top galleries. But rather than try and compete with the city, Cathie is content with the niche she’s carved for her customers, encouraging visitors to experience a more rural countryside setting.

“Being where we are, we don’t follow the London trends,” she insists. “We just make sure

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ART

we have very good-quality, contemporary art all the time, appealing to our clientele, who love nature and the local surroundings like we do!”

Boasting a portfolio of around 50 artists, not to mention a collection of handmade art books and unique items, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. In addition, the gallery opens its doors for private hires, promoting book and music launches, meetings, chamber music, private events and receptions. Elsewhere, an ‘art in your home’ service brings a selection of work, chosen by customers, into their houses, allowing them to choose what suits their own spaces best.

“When we opened with my two other partners, we were offering crafts, coffee and many workshops, but I quickly realised that the space wasn’t big enough for this project,” Cathie concludes. “When I started managing the gallery on my own three years ago, I decided to

focus on art and ceramics only; thanks to this, we now have a regular following of people who are looking to purchase good, affordable art.”

Quality and affordability are certainly the cornerstones of Ashdown Gallery, which continues to promote itself as ‘a feast for the eye and soul’. If the past six years are anything to go by, it would seem that appetites are far from satisfied; rather than having their fill, Cathie’s clients and visitors return again and again, hungry for more.

Ashdown Gallery 8 Newlands Place, Hartfield Road, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5DQ 01342 823 761 www.ashdowngallery.co.uk enquiries@ashdowngallery.co.uk www.facebook.com/AshdownGallery @AshdownGallery

HOLDCROFT HOTEL Head to Alexander House for a drawing master class and an indulgent afternoon tea!

Arrive at 11am on Monday July 4 for a two-hour drawing class, hosted by Lorna Holdcroft and followed by a delicious afternoon tea.

All drawing equipment will be provided.

Tickets cost £110 per person.

Full payment is required on booking.

To book, please call the Alexander House Sales Team on 01342 859 753, or email sales@alexanderhouse.com

“We like contemporary, exciting and innovative artwork with a modern twist. What matters for us is to offer beautiful, original artwork not available anywhere else”

Teresa Winchester

Born in Surrey in 1967, Lorna Holdcroft trained at Wimbledon School of Art, where she was awarded the prize for drawing, and then went on to study for a BA Hons in Fine Art at North East Polytechnic (now University of East London) in the late 1980s.

Based in the heart of the East End of London, she drew inspiration from disused dockland areas and industrial landscapes. Here, she explored her love of colour and texture, which has been a passion that has informed her painting ever since. Lorna takes her greatest inspiration from the very different landscape she now resides in, here in Sussex, as well as painting wildlife, flowers, trees and still life.

Lorna has exhibited widely in London, Surrey and Sussex and is leading this year’s Uckfield Art Trail. She is also selector for the Weald of Sussex Art Group Annual Show and gives private art tuition.

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PROPERTY

HEIGHT OF LUXURY For house buyers in the South East, Kent, Sussex and Surrey provide ideal locations in which to settle down and call home. From former hunting lodges to other quirky conversions, we guide you through a selection of properties currently on the market The surrounding areas of our hotels offer the perfect combination of scenic beauty, handy transport links and fantastic local amenities, making them terrific settings for securing that dream property. Whether you’re keen on Kent or fancy investing in a slice of Sussex life, there are plenty of stunning homes to snap up near our luxury boutique hotels.

You might be interested in purchasing a converted hospital, gorgeously transformed and boasting breath-taking, Grade II-listed splendour. Alternatively, you may be more partial to a captivating country retreat – previously a hunting lodge dating back to the 14th century – which backs onto Lingfield Racecourse and provides residents with luxurious space over four floors.

Whatever you’re after, you won’t want to miss some of the truly magnificent houses that are just waiting to be given a new lease of life by happy owners.

You couldn’t ask for a prettier part of the world to live in, as you start creating memories in these lavish, picturesque pastures new. Read on to see what’s available and how you can make your dreams a reality...

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Blackberry Lane, Lingfield, Surrey Guide Price: £2.4million

This magnificent wing has historical importance and a wealth of spacious, superbly presented accommodation, including five bedroom suites, two further bedrooms, seven reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room and a utility room.

There’s also a triple barn garage, glorious Victorian gardens and surroundings.

IDYLLIC SETTING

The superb country residence is situated on the outskirts of Lingfield, backing onto the racecourse and surrounding countryside. The property is believed to originate circa 1300

as a hunting lodge, with additions in the 1500s and 1800s. A family home, it’s been completely renovated by the current vendors to provide spacious, versatile and beautifully presented accommodation over four floors.

On the lower ground floor, you’ll find a utility/store, wine store, large family room, cinema room, study and plant room. Elsewhere, the ground floor consists of an original reception hall with exposed beams and an open fireplace, a dining room with an inglenook fireplace and a beautiful drawing room with curved walls, as well as a study, cloakroom and stunning kitchen/breakfast/family room.

There are five bedroom suites on the first floor, all with en-suite bathrooms and three with dressing rooms. In addition, the second floor has two further bedrooms and a bathroom. Outside, the property will benefit from electric gates, a circular driveway with restored Victorian gardens, a detached triple barn-style garage and large formal gardens to the rear. Viewings are essential to appreciate the accommodation on offer.

LOCATION

Based in a sought-after location on the southern outskirts of Lingfield, the

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property backs onto Lingfield Park Race Course. Local primary and secondary schools are within easy reach, and private and specialist schools can be found in Lingfield, East Grinstead, Forest Row, Ardingly and Worth, which are all within 10 miles.

The village centre is within 0.5 miles and offers a range of specialist shops, mini supermarkets, restaurants and public houses.

Plus, the mainline railway stations of Dormans (1.0 miles) and Lingfield (1.6 miles) are both within easy reach and

offer frequent services to East Croydon, Clapham Junction, London Bridge and London Victoria. London Gatwick is only 10.2 miles away and the M25 is within eight miles.

RESTORED TO ITS FORMER GLORY

Weir Courtenay had been left to deteriorate over the past 30 years,

to such an extent that the grounds had completely overgrown, so much so that the property was barely visible from the approaching driveway and gardens. The entire property has since been fully restored by the current owners, who have been meticulous in retaining and replacing as many of the original features as possible.

To arrange a viewing or for more information, contact Cole’s Estate Agents by calling 01342 324 616, visiting www.colesestateagents.com or emailing sales@colesestateagents.com 03

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PROPERTY

Murray Drive, Dartford, Kent

Offers in excess of: £550,000 Located within the grounds of the former Stone House Hospital is The Cedars. This five-bedroom family home is a fine example of the new-build properties on the site, built by PJ Livesey.

Dartford is the principal town in the Kent borough of Dartford. A bustling residential area, it’s popular with commuters into London, while the surrounding neighbourhoods – Wilmington, Joydens Wood, Hawley, Sutton at Hone, South Darenth, Greenhithe and Horton Kirby – are all looked after by the Robinson Jackson Dartford office.

These areas have village-like atmospheres, offering more semi-rural living.

Chapel Drive, Dartford, Kent

Guide Price: £425,000 PJ Livesey renovated this fine Grade II-listed property into 93 luxury properties called The Residence. Formerly Stone House Hospital, the three/four-bedroom duplex apartment must be viewed.

To arrange a viewing or for more information, contact Robinson-Jackson by calling 01322 281 281 or visiting www.robinson-jackson.com 85

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NEED FOR WITH ITS NEW CONTINENTAL GT SPEED AND STRIKING BLACK EDITION, BENTLEY HAS INCREASED POWER AND TORQUE, BRINGING UNIQUE STYLING CUES – HANDCRAFTED TO PERFECTION – TO THE GT FAMILY. WE TAKE THE CAR FOR A SPIN TO DISCOVER HOW IT DELIVERS ‘EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE’ WITH INCREASED SPORTING CAPABILITIES

B

entley has unveiled the revised Continental

is applied through the entire rev range via

of body colour is complemented by a high gloss

GT Speed, raising the bar even further

careful re-optimisation of boost control, raising

black finish to the exterior brightware, including

in terms of exclusivity and performance.

the Grand Tourer’s renowned ‘torque plateau’

the window openings and lamp bezels.

The fastest production Bentley ever, with a top

of continuous maximum torque delivery from

All-black 21” five-spoke directional wheels

speed of 206mph (331km/h), now delivers even

2,000 to 5,000rpm, and bringing even greater

cover distinctive brake calipers, which can be

more power and torque, and a striking new

acceleration performance. As a result, the

specified in red or black finishes.

Black Edition model joins the Speed family.

0-60mph sprint time has dropped to just 3.9

Engineers at Bentley in Crewe have developed

seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds).

To add a further unique and striking twist, the Black Edition also features contrast colours to

Bentley is also introducing the Continental

the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser

6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine. The

GT Speed Black Edition, which celebrates the

in four different shades: Hallmark, Beluga, St

GT Speed now produces 642PS – up from

rich and striking depth of the GT’s sporting

James’ Red and a new shade, Cyber Yellow.

635PS – and 20Nm of extra torque, bringing its

character. Available as both coupe and

Customers can choose to colour-match the door

total to a forceful 840Nm. This additional torque

convertible body styles, the customers’ choice

mirrors as a final exterior accent.

even more muscle from the Continental’s iconic

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MOTORS

“We have developed the GT Speed Black Edition to meet demand from customers for a model in the Continental line that offers both increased sporting capabilities and instantly recognisable styling cues”

Inside, the mix of dark tones and vivid

for a model in the Continental line that

Meanwhile, the sumptuous and technically

highlights continues. Carbon fibre adorns the

offers both increased sporting capabilities

complex, unique interiors are handcrafted by the

fascia, centre and roof consoles to create a

and instantly recognisable styling cues,”

experts in Bentley’s Leather and Trim workshop.

dark, opulent ambiance, while a dedicated

says Paul Jones, product line director for

Each hide is carefully checked by hand and

Black Edition colour split sees the seats and

Continental GT. “The Black Edition has a

eye before being stitched, shaped and finished

centre console bordered by contrasting leather,

subtle but purposeful look that is backed up

entirely by hand, rivalling the quality of the finest

available in Porpoise, Beluga, Pillar Box Red or

by exceptional performance.”

furniture and precise tolerances of jewellery and

new Cyber Yellow, to match the exterior styling

It takes 110 hours to handcraft each and

watch craftsmanship.

accents. Corresponding contrast stitching

every Continental GT at the Bentley factory in

accentuates the diamond quilting of the doors

Crewe, Cheshire. The upgraded W12 engine

The new GT Speed and GT Speed Black Edition

and Mulliner GT Design seats.

applied to all Continental GT Speed models is

models are available to order now,

entirely assembled by 30 dedicated Bentley

with customer deliveries this summer. For more

colleagues over 12½ hours.

information, visit www.bentleymotors.com

“We have developed the GT Speed Black Edition to meet demand from customers

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WEDDINGS

To have & to hold

For couples who are thinking of tying the knot against a stunning backdrop in Kent, Sussex or Surrey, our hotels provide unique spaces for the perfect wedding. To find out what makes the experience so special, we hear from two couples who have said ‘I do’ at Langshott Manor and Rowhill Grange

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Jessica & Chris Howells Langshott Manor Tell us the vision

This worked really well, as everyone was

for your wedding

able to relax and avoid any rush on the

Jessica: When we started out, we weren’t

morning of the wedding. We were both quite

fixed on a specific venue or theme, but we

nervous on the day, and when Jess walked

felt strongly that we wanted the occasion

down the aisle, having a very intimate venue

to be small and intimate. Our aim was to

where it felt like our family and friends were

create a cosy and very personal wedding

by our side was a great help.

for our family and closest friends.

Jess: We dressed the wedding breakfast How did you decide

tables with Calla lilies, sparkle and gave

on the dress?

everyone blowing bubbles. We opted to

Chris: Jess found three dress shops,

not have a cake; instead, we had a six-tier

all recommendations from friends.

cheesecake, which doubled as food for

She chose a dress from a shop called

the evening. To say it was enjoyed would

Angelica Brides on Camden Passage in

be an understatement – it was devoured

Islington. Jess had a clear idea of what

very quickly!

she wanted, but tried on about 30 styles – around 10 at each shop.

Chris: Other than that, we kept stationery fairly minimal, as Langshott Manor did

What made you go for

a great job supplying most of what we

Langshott Manor as a venue?

needed. Our first dance was At Last by

Jessica: We chose Langshott because it

Etta James.

was the perfect size for our group (around 50) and full of character to complement a

Do you have any advice for

winter wedding (log fires, fairy lights). Plus,

other couples who are

having exclusivity on the venue meant we

getting married?

could host the ceremony, reception and

Jess: Relax – whatever happens on the

overnight stay all in one place, which was

day happens, and everyone is just there

something we were keen to do.

to help you celebrate and enjoy the moment. I wish I’d known that it’d go

Any favourite memories?

so quickly, as time flew by during the

Chris: We held a small dinner for immediate

whole day. Remember to savour every

family at Langshott Manor the night before.

single moment.

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WEDDINGS

Carly & David Gain Rowhill Grange Tell us about the proposal and

What was your first dance?

how long you’ve been an item

Carly: Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran.

Carly: David and I have been together

After a long list of possible songs,

for 13 years and engaged for 10 years.

it was one that David, the kids and I

He popped the question when I least

picked together.

expected it, one random Saturday morning while I was cleaning the house.

Can you offer some advice for

It was totally out of the blue and a

future brides?

complete surprise, but it was David’s

Carly: My top tip for any bride would be

style all over.

to research and make lists for everything (there’s nothing better than crossing

Why did you choose Rowhill

things off a list when complete). Also,

Grange as your venue?

delegate things – people love to

Carly: We both wanted somewhere that

feel part of the big day, and anything

meant something to us. We’d previously

that makes your life less stressful

spent David’s 30th birthday at Rowhill

is worth it!

10 years ago, and had a fabulous time back then. Driving back to view it for a

How about the grooms-to-be?

wedding venue just seemed to click and

David: My top tip is to just agree

brought back wonderful memories, so it

with everything the bride says,

couldn’t have been anywhere else.

as it will always turn out her way in the end! I must admit, Carly did a

Did the wedding have a

fantastic job and all credit goes to her – I

particular style?

really couldn’t have done it myself.

David: Our theme was navy blue and silver – elegant, yet simple and relaxed.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

To find out how we can help bring the big day of your dreams to life at one of our three hotels, visit www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/luxury-venues-near-london

Do any favourite memories

Carly: We spent four nights in Venice

stand out?

and stayed at the St Regis. It was the

Carly: Apart from saying ‘I do’, my favourite

most romantic, magical and relaxing

part was seeing David’s face as I walked

time we’ve ever had, and our first

down the aisle. Having our three boys there

holiday away from our three children,

was so special too; seeing their faces when

so very much needed! We can’t wait to

I came in the ceremony room was so lovely.

go back.

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alexanderhotels.co.uk

WHAT SHE REALLY WANTS FOUNDED IN 2010, RTFJ HANDMADE BESPOKE JEWELLERY IN WIVELSFIELD PROVIDES CUSTOMERS WITH THE FINEST QUALITY JEWELLERY, COUPLED WITH THE UTMOST CUSTOMER SERVICE, ATTENTION AND SATISFACTION. HERE’S WHY GOLDSMITH RICHARD TALMAN HAS THAT PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING FOR YOUR DEARLY BELOVED

B

uying an engagement ring for your

studio nestled out in the Sussex countryside

fiancé-to-be can be an incredibly

and by private appointment only, you can

daunting task. So many factors can

discuss the process in confidence at a time

get in the way of you making the perfect

to suit you; a stark contrast to visiting a high

purchase; a purchase that’s certainly an

street jeweller on a Saturday, where the shop

important one, as it’s most likely to be the third

is packed and others see you! Why would you

most significant you will make in your life, after

want to speak to sales staff, when you can

a house and a car! There are many things

speak directly to the maker of your ring?

that need to be considered to make sure you

Richard can advise you on ways of ensuring

get it right. Remember – unlike a birthday or

you get what she really wants, and gives

Christmas present, this ring will be worn every

customers the chance to handle all loose

day, so it’s essential to get it right.

diamonds prior to making a selection, enabling

Goldsmith Richard Talman, of RTFJ

any stone, metal or style combination. There

Handmade Bespoke Jewellery, has been

are even ways of proposing as a surprise,

helping bewildered men get this task correct

while still having creative input from your

for many years. With over 20 years’ experience

fiancé. Whatever situation you may be in,

in producing unique, handmade pieces, it’s

having a handcrafted engagement ring is more

guaranteed to be an informative process that

affordable than you may think. Why not give

will be enjoyable and value for money. With the

them a call to help you?

RTFJ HANDMADE BESPOKE JEWELLERY 2 MOREHOUSE BUSINESS CENTRE WIVELSFIELD, NR HAYWARDS HEATH EAST SUSSEX RH17 7RE 01444 471 380 WWW.RTFJ.CO.UK INFO@RTFJ.CO.UK

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WIN

COMPETITION

A PERSONAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AND OVERNIGHT HOTEL STAY! Do you dream of being given free-rein in a luxury department store, relaxing with a beauty pamper and being spoiled by a sumptuous lunch, lavish dinner and glamorous stay in one of our boutique hotels?

Then you could be in for a real treat!

We’re offering one lucky reader the chance to win a personal

shopping experience with Hoopers of Tunbridge Wells. For up to five hours, you’ll have exclusive access to your very own private shopping suite, complete with Champagne on arrival, a delicious lunch and a beauty consultation from Clarins, Clinique or Sisley, which will leave you feeling utterly fabulous.

And as if that wasn’t enough, your terrific day out will be followed by an indulgent overnight dinner, bed and breakfast stay at Alexander House, where you’ll enjoy a wonderful night’s sleep in one of our five-star Luxury Rooms, with £35pp to spend on dinner, plus a complimentary breakfast!

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, all you need to do is email your name, address and phone number to social@alexanderhotels.com and you’ll be automatically entered into the draw!

Alternatively, you can post your details to: Marketing Team, Alexander House Hotel, East Street, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4QD. The closing date for the competition is Friday September 30 2016.

Good luck and we look forward to receiving your entries!

Terms and conditions: Competition prize is for one adult plus one guest, over 18 years of age. Hoopers shopping experience will last up to five hours and includes a private shopping suite, glass of Champagne, coffee/tea and Danish on arrival, lunch and beauty consultation from Clarins, Clinique or Sisley. Any items purchased will be at the winner’s expense. Prize also includes an overnight stay at Alexander House in a five-star Luxury Room, with £35pp to spend on dinner (food only), plus a complimentary Continental or full English breakfast.

Prize subject to availability, excludes Saturday nights and valid for 10 months.

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alexanderhotels.co.uk

THE PERFECT SETTING Providing a beautiful backdrop of a 16th-century manor house, Langshott Manor is ideal for your next big event. Be it a wedding, birthday or anniversary, you couldn’t ask for a better place to mark those extra special occasions. We find out how the venue can make your dreams come vividly to life

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VENUE

David and Nicki’s wedding photography was taken by Chris Blackledge

EXCLUSIVE-USE EVENTS AT LANGSHOTT MANOR

EXCLUSIVE-USE WEDDINGS AT LANGSHOTT MANOR

Langshott Manor offers an environment that’s perfectly designed to host personal celebrations, whether it’s an upcoming birthday, anniversary, baby shower, retirement party, or even a well-deserved job promotion. The hotel isn’t just a beautifully maintained, 16th-century manor house; it’s also an experience that brings together history, charm, British heritage, great food and warm service, delivering on giving the best celebrations.

At Langshott Manor, perfection is achieved through the harmony of unparalleled location, exemplary service and efficiency; a philosophy that stems from an attentive understanding of guests’ needs. Highly knowledgeable sales executives will understand your requirements and plan your event to the smallest detail. On the day itself, the warm and friendly staff will make every effort to ensure everything is memorable and gives you everlasting memories to take home.

For guests who choose to book at Langshott, they’re not just receiving a space for a party; they’re getting the full attention of the team, whose main wish on the day is for guests to leave feeling excited, beaming with smiles and uttering those all-important words, ‘We had such an amazing time’.

With so many venues within the Surrey and Sussex counties, it’s a real pleasure when guests choose to hold their special occasion with us. Ultimately, they’re entrusting their wants and wishes to a passionate team member, who will guarantee a fantastic time that ends with guests parting not only as attendees, but as friends.

Imagine a 16th-century manor house, secluded among three acres of gardens, lived in by a lord and home to evacuees during World War Two. Imagine joining this historic timeline by taking your first steps forward into marriage and history. For a grand romantic gesture that you, your partner and, indeed, all the guests will talk about forever, why not opt for your very own wedding at Langshott on your special day?

Langshott Manor is perfect for exclusive-use weddings; the manor house is yours, and you and your guests will have the luxury of 22 sumptuously decorated rooms to relax in, beautifully manicured gardens to explore, a croquet lawn to enjoy, and the most impeccable service our team can offer. The hotel is quite simply unique – the perfect setting for your fairy-tale wedding.

To enquire about holding your special event or exclusive-use wedding at Langshott Manor, please contact our team on +44 (0)1293 786 680, or email sales@langshottmanor.com

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ONLINE

#EatSpaSleep TO HELP GUESTS GET EVEN CLOSER TO OUR HOTELS, WE’VE WELCOMED THE SOCIAL MEDIA REVOLUTION WITH OPEN ARMS, BE IT THROUGH FACEBOOK, TWITTER OR INSTAGRAM. HERE ARE SOME FUN FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT SOCIAL NETWORKING, AND HOW VISITORS USE IT TO CHERISH LASTING MEMORIES FROM THEIR STAY

E

njoy it or dislike it, social media is a rapidly expanding social networking tool, and one that Alexander Hotels has chosen to embrace. We wanted to share some extraordinary figures with you, and tell you all about social media for Alexander Hotels and how you can get involved!

Alexander Hotels currently has over 33,000 Facebook Likes and over 8,000 Twitter followers! We choose to interact with our users daily, and by connecting with us, you’ll find daily content that’s both entertaining and rewarding. Here’s what you’ve been saying about our hotels and spas online…

FACEBOOK IN NUMBERS

Alexander House ***** I thought Bovey Castle was good, but the service at Alexander House was immaculate in every way. Thoroughly impressed and will be coming back.

Langshott Manor *****

1.5billion active monthly users 38million in the UK Did you know there are currently 64million people living in the UK, over half of which use Facebook to connect?

Rowhill Grange *****

Got married here in November 2015 and had the most amazing day ever. Staff were brilliant and made the day so stress-free, from the Facebook checked on average planning until the actual day. The food 15 times per day was delicious and enjoyed by all, and the manor was so beautiful inside INSTAGRAM and out. I can’t wait to return.

IN NUMBERS Amazing place, amazing food 400million active users and amazing staff.

Here for my third time and my mother’s second time. As usual, we spent a lot of time in our immaculate room, wallowing in the beautiful pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Our treatments were fab, the food was awesome (loads of vegetarian options for my mum), and breakfast was my favourite. Staff was, as usual, lovely. Very sad to leave tomorrow! We will definitely be back.

80million photos shared daily Every month, we’ll share with you our cocktail of the month, 3.5billion photo likes per day latest or upcoming offers, exercise of the month, photos from our team and much more! So, if you’ve enjoyed your time here and want your experience to continue online, why not connect with us?

ALEXANDER HOTELS www.facebook.com/AlexanderHotels @EatSpaSleep @eatspasleep

ALEXANDER HOUSE www.facebook.com/AHSpa @AH_Hotel @eatspasleep

ROWHILL GRANGE www.facebook.com/rowhillgrange @Rowhill_Grange @eatspasleep

TWITTER IN NUMBERS

320million active monthly users Over 3.5million in the UK

LANGSHOTT MANOR www.facebook.com/LangshottManor @Langshottmanor @eatspasleep

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