Unique magazine issue 5

ISSUE 5 Exclusively for

SIGNATURE DISHES

SEASONAL CULINARY DELIGHTS FROM HEAD CHEF EWAN SIMPSON

FABULOUS FJORDS

PACK YOUR BAGS FOR A FAIRY-TALE NORDIC ADVENTURE

SUPERIOR INTERIORS

TAKE A TOUR OF SOME STYLISH INSIDE SPACES AT ALEXANDER HOUSE

IN-VOGUE WARDROBES

WHERE TO GET YOUR HANDS ON THAT DREAM LOOK THIS WINTER

TOM HIDDLESTON WHY IT’S BEEN A DEFINING YEAR FOR THE PROLIFIC ACTOR

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INTRODUCTION

A VERY WARM

Welcome from Peter and Deborah

We are delighted to welcome you to the much anticipated fifth edition of Unique Magazine. Our stylish publication has been designed and developed to not only give you a taster of what to expect and what’s to come from our three luxury hotels, but to offer a laidback read while you relax with us, and to enjoy at home.

In this issue, you can expect a little more of what we love, including interior design with Deborah Hinchcliffe, the story behind our brand new spa, and our much-loved cocktail of the season – 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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CONTENTS

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

UNIQU 11

THE FOOD

Why your body should

be your very own Temple Spa

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Tom Hiddleston on

the months to taste and savour

his whirlwind year of 2016

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THE COCKTAIL Love is sour for the

creation of our latest winter mixture

THE EVENTS

THE TRENDS Get a sneak peek at

what the future holds for hotels

THE WALKS

Murder and mystery

from Moneypenny Productions

THE DESIGN Take a tour of Alexander

Top local treks and

trails from the National Trust

THE TRIP Embark on an unforgettable

Hotels’ stunning interior spaces

journey to the Nordic fjords this winter

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72

THE RECIPES Signature dishes with

THE WINE Join us on an in-depth

our head chef Ewan Simpson

guide through our list of vintages

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THE RESTAURANT Tuck into a seven-course

THE ART Discover what’s hanging

tasting menu at Langshott Manor

on our walls for your next visit

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THE CONFERENCES How to make the most

THE WEDDINGS Two couples share some

of your next business meeting

favourite memories of their big days

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THE TEAM

THE OFFERS

Live a day in the life

of a front of house manager

THE FITNESS

Eat, drink and be merry

in style over the festive period

THE HOMES

Experience the benefits

of hot yoga at Present Health

THE SPA

Beautiful properties to

buy in Kent, Sussex and Surrey

THE CAR

Visit Rowhill Grange to

relax with a well-earned pamper

THE FASHION

We hear Jaguar’s F-Type

SVR roar on a 200mph test-drive

THE DEBATE

Achieve that seasonal

look you’ve always dreamed of COVER: FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

THE PRODUCT

THE INTERVIEW

Seasonal flavours of

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52

Weighing up the pros

and cons of TripAdvisor reviews

EDITOR

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

HEAD OF DESIGN

PUBLISHING MANAGER

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

PUBLISHING DESIGN MANAGER

CONTENT CREATOR

CONTRIBUTORS Agatha O’Neill Becky Appleton Sarah Gillmore Iaysha Salih Natalia Bedwell

Frederick Latty flatty@markerstudy.com

Lauren Chalmers-Stevens lcs@markerstudy.com

Rowena Cremer-Price Anna Hawkins rcremer-price@markerstudy.com ahawkins@markerstudy.com Xela Ruy xruy@markerstudy.com

Leanne Cleaver lcleaver@alexanderhotels.com

PUBLISHED BY

Richard Moore rmoore@markerstudy.com Nick Moore nmoore@markerstudy.com Baldwins Travel National Trust/ John Miller Susan Griffin Matt Joy

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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Seasonal FOOD

Flavours of the months There’s plenty of fantastic food coming our way for winter and spring. From blood oranges and clementines to mussels and lamb, we look at some of the finest produce and freshest ingredients that will be readily available from October to April, and offer top cooking tips and advice along the way

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OCTOBER

Autumn squash – late summer to mid-winter is the best time for squash, and by October, it develops to its very best, which also coincides with primetime Halloween season.

TOP TIPS – squash is the perfect base for a deliciously tasty soup; the skins are thick and the inside flesh of the fruit is super sweet. However, to add an extra kick to your dish, we recommend adding a little Kirsch liquor (Kirsch is an eau de vie (liquor distilled from fruits) made with cherries).

NOVEMBER

Mussels – our native mussels are always best in the colder months, as they spawn through the summer.

TOP TIPS – you should always remember to run cold water on your mussels to remove any grit or impurities. The best practice is to leave them in water with sea salt for two hours; we recommend a ratio of 30g of sea salt to one litre of water. You must also take the beards off the mussels; you do this by using a small kitchen knife and pulling gently.

Always remember that you mustn’t use any mussels that stay open, or where the shell is damaged.

DECEMBER

Clementines – the smell of clementines always reminds us of Christmas, and it’s one of our firm favourite fruits here at Alexander Hotels.

Top tips – glazed in spiced stock syrup consisting of cinnamon, star anise, black pepper, cloves and the addition of pineapple makes a lovely alternative garnish to your Christmas pudding. It will leave all your relatives asking for more.

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Seasonal FOOD

JANUARY

Blood oranges – a great winter fruit with lots of character, and lots of uses to help you through the January blues.

TOP TIPS – great for bringing acidity to winter salads, such as avocado and blood orange/fennel, or blood orange and beetroot.

It also makes great smoothies, mixed with frozen strawberries, honey and yoghurt, for the many who are starting their healthy resolutions. Towards the end of the month, you can start to let your hair down with some cocktails, such as blood orange margaritas or bourbon and blood orange cocktails. Delicious!

FEBRUARY

Purple sprouting broccoli – a great vegetable that can be used on its own, or within salads.

TOP TIPS – simply cooked in boiled, salted water to help bring out the beautiful green stems and deep purple tips, and then tossed in butter with your choice of nuts. For added flavour, we recommend flaked almonds or roasted hazelnuts.

Also the perfect ingredient for making a deliciously fresh salad, mixed with blue cheese, charred oranges and hazelnuts, with a hazelnut and orange dressing.

MARCH

Rhubarb – a vegetable that thinks it’s a fruit, used in big, homely puddings such as crumbles and pies, but equally effective with meat, such as duck and oily fish, as its tart, sharp qualities cut through the fat and balance the palate.

TOP TIPS – when buying, always look for crisp, firm, plump stalks with good colour. At the beginning of March, you’ll still be buying forced rhubarb, which is grown in the dark. However, buy at the end of the month, when field rhubarb will start to be available, which is less tender, but more flavoursome. Rhubarb will store well in the fridge for up to two weeks, and to prep, you just need to trim both ends of the stalk.

APRIL

Spring lamb – said to be available from as early as late February and into March, but we advise that the best time to start using spring lamb is from April.

TOP TIPS – always choose the best, which should be light pink in colour, firm to the touch and a good velvety texture. Lamb at this time can be expensive, but always try to use as much of the animal as possible; this way, it becomes a lot more affordable and interesting to eat. Introduce sauté lamb kidneys as part of the garnish to the primer cuts of meat, or equally, eat them on their own with a good spicy devilled sauce.

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DRINK

COCKTAIL OF THE SEASON The cooler months may have arrived, but you can still enjoy a delicious winter cocktail during your next stay at Alexander Hotels – and there’s one in particular that comes to mind. Read on to find out why love is sour when you create a tantalising infusion at home The Amaretto Sour belongs to a family of mixed drinks known as ‘sours’. This category of cocktail recipes has at least one liquor, plus lemon or lime juice and a sweetener. They include classics like the Margarita, Sidecar and Whiskey Sour.

An amaretto flavour dominates this drink, so the Amaretto Sour clashes with some recipes. You can definitely enjoy it all by itself, or you can serve it with mildly sweet desserts like tiramisu, cheesecake or a chocolate croissant.

Featuring the sweet almond taste of amaretto, along with the sour of lime, the Amaretto Sour’s classic combination of sweet and sour has been enjoyed by drinkers for years. This is a light drink, great for occasional or new drinkers.

For the amaretto, we recommend the classic brand, Disaronno. We enjoy other varieties, but always come back to Disaronno, because there’s something a little more complex and fresh-tasting about it.

AMARETTO SOUR INGREDIENTS ● 1 pasteurised egg white ● 1½ oz amaretto ● ¾ oz fresh lime juice ● 1oz Passoã ● ½ oz simple syrup

DIRECTIONS Combine the egg white, amaretto, lime juice, Passoã and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with fresh lime.

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over dinner

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2016, Moneypenny Productions in Edenbridge puts on fun, interactive murder mystery events that are as entertaining as they are immersive. Lawrence Brown tells us more about what happens when a three-course meal is accompanied by murder most foul

So, Lawrence, how did Moneypenny get started?

and why the victim was killed. They have to witness these performed

We’ve been trading for 20 years, so this is an anniversary for us. The

scenes, which are very theatrically done. The more unusual element is

idea was to specifically concentrate on murder mystery events; as such,

that each one of the audience members is provided with an opportunity

we’ve become experts in our field. On average, the company runs about

to interrogate the characters, which makes for a really unusual evening.

250 events a year, roughly 150 of which I personally facilitate. In the last three years, we’ve run events in countries such as Holland, Belgium,

Do they always arrive at the same conclusion?

France and the Bahamas. We go all over, really! The tastes and trends

It’s interesting, because some people don’t necessarily see the

have changed over the years, as it’s become far more of an interactive

same situation as having the same outcome, and have different

performance and production.

knowledge about different subjects. One of the good things about murder mysteries is that, because you play as a team, as opposed to

Talk us through how a murder mystery works…

an individual, you have to pool your knowledge and resources. If you

Every event is split into five performed scenes, which include a costumed

don’t know something, someone else on the team probably does, so

cast of four actors, who set up the scene, characters and narrative to tell

it really encourages conversation, and the night takes on a different

the story for the audience to witness. The task of the audience is to solve

dynamic because of it. You find yourself talking to people you

the crime – who committed the murder, how the murder was committed,

wouldn’t normally talk to.

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EVENTS

Sounds like a pretty immersive experience…

At these events, because everyone starts from the same point of the story, they get involved to the degree they want to. The bit people love most isn’t the interrogation, but the jury service element at the end, when each team of diners has to come up with their own answer of who did it, how and why. Trying to get 10 people around a table to all agree on the three elements of the answer is a really interesting situation that most people don’t find themselves in.

Is dinner served throughout?

The whole thing is set over a three-course meal, and in particular with Alexander Hotels, the food is extraordinary. In fact, one of the things the chef at Rowhill Grange does is tailor the menu to reflect the theme of the murder mystery, and when you have that flow through an event, it just makes the overall experience for the diner so much better. Out of all the venues we go to, I’d definitely recommend Alexander Hotels, and Rowhill Grange in particular, because if you convince the venue to get involved on that level of interactivity, imagination and flair, it’s a completely different ball game.

It almost seems like something out of an Agatha Christie story…

It’s playing on the expectations of the audience. Because everyone has a different favourite detective, we’re trying to cater to a vast array of murder mystery genres. What we try and do with the events is have seasonal shows; there will always be a spring, summer, autumn and winter show. We have so many people who come back and see us that we have to change the scripts every three months and cover all sorts of genres.

What genre can guests look forward to at your upcoming ‘Final Feast’ evening at Rowhill Grange?

It’s medieval meets Tudor meets Game of Thrones. It’s knights in shining armour, princesses and rumours of dragons, so I think it will promise to be a really unusual event and something very different. We see a lot of themes pop up again and again, but at the moment, I think there’s definitely a taste for something you feel you recognise, but have never seen before.

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EVENTS

Would you say you deliver that?

By the time you’ve bought a ticket and a couple of drinks, you’ve really invested in the evening, so you want to see something you wouldn’t normally see elsewhere, which is definitely what you get with our murder mysteries. In fact, we go a step further, because you don’t just see something you wouldn’t see anywhere else; you’re also part of the production, which puts it onto a different level.

How about the less confident participants – are they put on the spot?

When people think of a murder mystery, they often think it’s not for them because they don’t like to be singled out. The good thing about our productions is that the audience plays the part of detectives; they’re the ones who receive, as opposed to provide, the information, so they interact with the characters, but don’t play the parts.

Why do you think the events are still so popular after all these years?

At the end of the day, one of the reasons murder mysteries are really successful is that, whether we acknowledge it or not, people like to know a secret that other people don’t. There’s this thrill of being privy to something, and being the only one in the room who knows this bit of information. People also love to be nosy and take an interest in other people’s lives. You start to really warm to, side with and prefer certain characters to others, so when you find out their flaws, history or darkest secrets, it really makes life a lot more interesting, even if it’s just for a few hours.

Where’s it all heading in the next 20 years?

I think it’s going to get busier, because people are looking for an alternative to the digital trend of entertainment, and want an opportunity to relax in company, so there’s a push away from technology and big, grand-scale area events. The thing about murder mystery events is that, because they have that interactive element, they become a lot more personal, which is the joy of what we do. It’s peeking behind the curtains of life and uncovering those little secrets, which I think people are really fascinated by.

The Final Feast Murder Mystery will be held at Rowhill Grange on Friday February 24 2017, from 7.30pm. Tickets are available now, priced £40 per person. To find out about future Murder Mystery Dinners, contact the Rowhill Grange Sales Team on 01322 612 778, email sales@rowhillgrange.com or visit www.moneypennyproductions.co.uk

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“A luxury hotel is all about the way it makes a guest feel…”

At Alexander Hotels, award-winning restaurants, tranquil spas and sumptuous suites are all brought to life through a unifying theme of interior design. Joint owner and CEO Deborah Hinchcliffe explains how her keen eye for detail has infused all three properties with calm, serenity and luxury ALEXANDER HOTELS, THE BEGINNING… Boutique hotel group Alexander Hotels has been awarded a number of achievements over the years. Joint CEO Deborah Hinchcliffe explains her interior decisions for the scheme at the prestigious five-star Alexander House in East Grinstead.

THE PROPERTY Deborah has a keen eye for interior design.

She designs each of the vibrant, prestigious schemes solely, without the assistance of an interior designer. She and husband Peter have been fortunate enough to travel worldwide over the years, where the couple

gained a vast experience of knowledge in the hotel and hospitality industry.

The third hotel to be purchased by the couple was Alexander House, located in the heart of Sussex among 120 acres of gardens and grounds. It’s Alexander Hotels’ largest property, with 58 bedrooms, including 19 Cedar Lodge Suites and a two-bedroom luxury Gatehouse.

HOTEL When the couple purchased Alexander House, it was vitally important that they maintained the original character and charm of the building. Antiques adorned the property, and they wanted to capture

the essence of the historic items within their design concept.

“I believe that interior design, when in a hotel, should appeal to your market,” explains Deborah. “It should appeal to all, but with individual character; it should not look out of place with the age of the building.”

Any visitor to an Alexander Hotel will see that there are similarities in design across all three properties. However, each one has a unique history and an individual personality, which Peter and Deborah have enhanced through their design schemes. With Deborah’s enjoyment of uncluttered open spaces, her personal style is exemplified in her interior scheme at Alexander House.

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Interior DESIGN

“I feel strongly that my personal style and experiences from travel have reflected on my design schemes for Alexander House,” she continues. “I very much enjoy using luxury fabrics to enhance texture, and I’ve also been known to enjoy flashes of bright colours.”

The colour palette for Alexander House is very much natural, with flashes of bright colours, enhanced with soft furnishings, which makes it a place where guests can feel truly at home and comfortable within their surroundings. The soft, natural colours bring a sense of calmness and relaxation, whereby the flashes of colour add a segment of excitement to a guest’s experience.

Visitors to Alexander House will see that the external fabric of Cedar Lodge is cedar cladding. This was a specific requirement to help the lodge blend with its natural environment. Although a vast building in structure, it has a very subtle impact on the original house and landscape.

The Cedar Suites are larger than industry standards, with a strong element of space and light. Each bathroom suite houses a two-person bathtub. The couple were keen to

use different shapes and textured wallpapers to help the sensual aspects of the suites.

FABULOUS FABRICS Deborah makes regular visits to the Design Centre in Chelsea Harbour, which she found to be ‘a great platform, both creatively and commercially’ for textile options. Many fabrics found within the scheme at Alexander House are from textile suppliers Zoffany, Today Interiors, Manuel Canovas and Brian Yates.

“Alexander House is a showcase of fabrics, and I love seeing these being enjoyed by our guests,” says Deborah.

“When guests choose to stay at Alexander House, they want to experience something that they won’t necessarily receive anywhere else, and our choice of textiles only means to enhance this experience.”

When designing the spa concept for Alexander House, it was important that the couple introduced a wide variety of water features.

“The definition of spa is a mineral spring considered to have health-giving properties, and I feel strongly that this is a key ingredient to a luxury spa,” Deborah adds.

UTOPIA SPA The Utopia Spa at Alexander House was launched in 2006. The original concept was a Mediterranean basement swimming area with key architectural features. It was important to seamlessly blend the hotel to the spa, the couple were keen to have a pool with no windows. Peter and Deborah worked with

a very natural colour palette to enhance the Grecian-themed pillars and marble floors.

SLEEP Functional seasonal changes are undertaken to enhance guests’ experiences at Alexander House. Quilts are changed seasonally, with a higher-tog in the winter and lower-tog in the summer. The bedding in all Alexander Hotels is Egyptian cotton, which gives a year-round usability.

WHERE IT BEGINS… When designing an interior, Deborah starts with a scheme, and inspiration shortly follows.

“Inspiration usually comes from a painting, photograph or the landscape, and from there the concept grows,” she says.

“My husband – like many out there, I’m sure – very often comments that I always find a taste for expensive items!”

RECOMMENDATIONS When designing an interior scheme for a luxury hotel, Deborah advises: “Firstly, understand the market you are targeting – what are their requirements? What do they enjoy? Take time to understand the uses of fabrics for the environment they are intended for, and be aware of the orientation of the sun on your property.

“A luxury hotel is all about the way it makes a guest feel – on arrival, during their stay and when they depart. Interior design offers a strong base to assist with this; we focus hard on providing some home comforts to make an experience luxurious, from roaring log fires in the winter, to alfresco dining in the summer.”

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RECIPES

RECIPES FOR SUCCESS The next time you’re entertaining friends and family at home, why not flex your culinary muscles and wow your nearest and dearest with these show-stopping dishes? Ewan Simpson, head chef at Rowhill Grange Hotel and Utopia Spa, reveals how to make his signature starter, main and dessert

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CORNISH LOBSTER SALAD, HERITAGE CARROT TARTAR, APPLE AND NASTURTIUM [ SERVES 4 ]

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS POACHED LOBSTER ➥Buy a lobster about 500g in size ➥Bring a large pan of water to the boil, then add a good handful of salt and a splash of white wine vinegar ➥Add the lobster to the water and cover with a lid for six minutes, then place in iced water.

Prepare the lobster and half the tail ➥Lightly season with salt and pepper, then slice the tail at an angle to fan it out slightly.

Place the claw on the sliced tail

FRIED NORI ➥Seaweed shard: One sheet of nori seaweed equals four portions ➥Lightly moisten a sheet of nori ➥Fry in hot oil at 190˚C until crisp, holding submerged under the oil to cook evenly ➥Drain and season lightly, then break so that each has a sharp point

DICED APPLE ➥Cut to the same size as the carrot tartar mix, then store in apple juice and put on ice

RECIPES CARROT TARTAR MIX INGREDIENTS ● 300g heritage carrots: ● White 150g ● Yellow 100g ● Orange 50g ● Drizzle of rapeseed oil ● Pinch of salt and pepper ● 30g carrot jam ● 5g crème fraîche ● 15g diced apple and fennel ● 5g coriander pickled mustard seed ● 5g finely diced shallot ● 45g lobster knuckle trimming ● 3g seaweed salt ● 1 egg yolk ● Handful of chopped carrot top and chervil

DIRECTIONS ➥Peel the carrots, lightly drizzle with the

rapeseed oil and season with the salt and pepper. Wrap in tinfoil and roast at 180˚C until cooked. Dice into 4mm squares ➥Fold together with the carrot jam, crème fraîche, diced apple and fennel, coriander pickled mustard seed, shallot, lobster knuckle trimming, seaweed salt, egg yolk, and carrot top and chervil, then fold together.

Drain if needed and check seasoning

CARROT LOBSTER MISO DRESSING (12G PER PORTION) INGREDIENTS ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

3.5kg lobster langoustine bones Drizzle of olive oil 3.5g cardamom pod 1 whole star anise Handful of chopped lemongrass 70ml Pernod Ricard 70-100g miso paste (yellow) 7 litres carrot juice Dash of watercress oil

DIRECTIONS ➥Roast the lobster langoustine bones in the olive oil

➥Add the cardamom, star anise and lemongrass

➥Add the Pernod Ricard and flambé ➥Add the miso paste ➥Add the carrot juice and reduce ➥Pass through a muslin cloth, chill, remove the fat and split with the watercress oil

➥Steam the carrots with the oil and seasoning in a vac-pack bag until cooked. Remove from the bag, drain and reserve the liquor ➥Caramelise in a pan, glazing with the carrot juice and carrot cooking liquor. Glaze and caramelise several times until the carrots are nice and jammy. Purée and chill

PICKLED CORIANDER SCENTED MUSTARD SEED ● ● ● ● ● ●

1½ tsp salt ½ tsp sugar 200g white balsamic vinegar 20g coriander seeds ¼ bunch washed coriander 100g white mustard seeds

DIRECTIONS ➥Add the salt and sugar to the white balsamic and heat to dissolve ➥Toast the coriander seeds and add to the balsamic; add the coriander ➥Pass the balsamic though a fine sieve ➥Blanch the mustard seeds in boiling water for 30 seconds and drain ➥Bring the coriander balsamic to 80˚C and add the mustard seeds; remove from the heat immediately and allow to cool

SEAWEED SALT ● 10 sheets fried nori ● 1 pack Maldon salt

DIRECTIONS ➥Chop or blend together

CARROT JAM ● ● ● ●

DIRECTIONS

1kg carrots Dash of rapeseed oil Salt and pepper seasoning 1kg fresh carrot juice

NASTURTIUM SNOW (14G PER PORTION ONE BIG SPOON) ● 50g nasturtium ● 50g sorrel

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RECIPES

● ● ● ●

50g apples (Granny Smith) 75g picked watercress leaves (no thick stalk) 50g spinach leaves 100g water

➥Vac-pack on ice for six hours, then drain

➥Spoon some freshly diced, chilled

through a muslin cloth. Temperature must remain as close as possible to zero at all times, and must be quickly processed and frozen

green apple, such as Granny Smith, on top of the lobster ➥Place the seaweed crisp at the back, standing up in the carrot tartar ➥Create a ‘bouquet’ with some herbs – chervil, carrot top, nasturtium leaves and flowers, borage, coriander cress and dill – and place into the lobster, using a few smaller leaves to garnish ➥Dress the carrot and miso around the plate with the watercress oil ➥Just before serving, dress a good spoonful of the granita on the side of the dish – this will balance the dish and make it super refreshing – and then enjoy!

DIRECTIONS

HOW TO PLATE

➥Juice separately, combine to taste and

➥Prepare all of your ingredients and

freeze. When frozen, scrape lightly with a fork to create a granite

➥For the carrot tartar, make sure it’s not too

WATERCRESS OIL ● 10g rapeseed oil ● 100g watercress leaves

DIRECTIONS ➥Freeze the oil, pick the watercress and blitz with the frozen oil in a blender

components in advance cold, so remove from the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before serving ➥Using a ring approximately 90mm in diameter, spoon the carrot tartar mixture in the centre of a plate or bowl. Use the ring to create a nice level platform for the lobster to settle on ➥Place the lobster on top of the mixture

HAY-SMOKED BEEF WITH WILD GARLIC AND HERITAGE TOMATOES [ SERVES 4 ]

INGREDIENTS ● 1 x 650g centre-cut beef fillet ● 3 handfuls hay, lightly dampened ● 3 sprigs thyme ● Dash of mustard oil or dill oil ● Salt and pepper ● 1kg mixed coloured heritage tomatoes ● 2 spring onions ● 3 egg yolks ● 50g herb purée (parsley, tarragon, chervil, watercress, capers) ● 4 large Maris Piper potatoes ● 25ml warm single cream ● Knob of warm unsalted butter ● 15g wild garlic capers ● 1 x 250g Parmesan cheese ● Handful of nasturtium leaves

DIRECTIONS ➥Using a beef centre cut, place the fillet

on a perforated tray, then place the hay on a tray underneath. Add the thyme, set fire to the hay and place the perforated tray on top, then cover tightly with tinfoil. Allow the beef to smoke for a minimum of two hours ➥Once the fillet has been smoked, marinate it with the mustard oil or dill oil, salt and pepper. Wrap into a tight ballotine with Clingfilm and chill in the fridge overnight ➥Slice the tomatoes to about 0.5cm thick and arrange neatly on a small sheet of greaseproof paper. Clean and trim the spring onions and steam until soft when squeezed, then chill in ice water ➥For the herb purée, make a simple three-egg hollandaise and mix with an emulsion of the parsley, chervil, watercress, tarragon and capers ➥To make the wild garlic and Parmesan mash, boil the potatoes and pass through a potato ricer, then season with the cream

and unsalted butter. Finely cut through the pickled wild garlic and add to the mash, with a little of the wild garlic liquor. Finish with the Parmesan cheese when about to serve

TO SERVE ➥Grill the beef over very hot coals, then place in the oven until rare. Take out to rest

➥Place the heritage tomatoes on a tray under the grill to warm through – too hot and they will dry out ➥Grill the spring onions and place in a little double cream, garlic liquor and dill oil or mustard oil, then leave somewhere warm ➥Place the tomatoes on the plate, then the wild garlic mash on the side of the tomatoes ➥Place the spring onions on top of the mash to give the dish height. Cut the beef through the middle and season with salt, then place slightly on top of the mash. Garnish with the herb purée and nasturtium leaves

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RECIPES

ROAST FIG, HONEY, GOAT’S CHEESE AND RASPBERRY [ SERVES 4 ]

FOR THE FIGS ● 3 figs ● 200g caster sugar

DIRECTIONS ➥Slice two figs in half and one fig into quarters. Using a dry, grease-free saucepan, put a quarter of the sugar in on a low heat; when the sugar has melted, add another quarter of the sugar. When the sugar has gone clear again, add another quarter (the sugar will go an amber colour), add the last of the sugar, and wait until all of the sugar is amber and dissolved ➥Take the caramel off the heat, place the figs in the caramel (cut-side down) and allow them to sit in the caramel for one minute.

Using a metal spoon, roll the figs in the caramel, then take out of the pan and place on a metal tray. Don’t touch the caramel, as it will be extremely hot

FOR THE WHIPPED GOAT’S CHEESE ● 100g goat’s cheese ● 50ml double cream ● 25ml honey

DIRECTIONS ➥In a blitzing machine, blitz the goat’s cheese until the cheese comes

together, slowly add the double cream until a smooth paste forms (be careful not to add too much, as the double cream will whip up after a while) ➥Add the honey until it suits your taste buds. Refrigerate the mixture once finished

MASCARPONE ICE CREAM

GRANOLA

➥Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until a pale

100g porridge oats 100g pouring honey 5g poppy seeds 5g crushed, freeze-dried raspberries

● ● ● ● ●

10 egg yolks 150g sugar 400ml milk 600ml cream 300g mascarpone

DIRECTIONS

together and cook on 165˚C until golden-brown (10 to 15 minutes). Once cooked, mix in the poppy seeds and raspberries. Keep in a cool, dry place

colour, then boil the milk and cream and slowly pour the heated mixture onto the egg yolks and sugar while whisking. Return to a low heat when the mixture thickens and just starts to boil, then pour into a different container, constantly whisking the mixture, otherwise the egg will scramble ➥Once the mixture is cool, blitz in the mascarpone and put into an ice cream machine. When an ice cream is formed, put into a container and freeze

RASPBERRY GEL

TO FINISH

● 100g raspberry purée ● 1g agar-agar

● Fresh raspberries and viola flowers ● 25ml honey

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

➥Heat the raspberry gel and agar-agar

➥Once everything is made and plated,

together over 100˚C for one minute, then refrigerate until completely still. Blitz until smooth and refrigerate

finish the dish by garnishing with viola flowers, fresh raspberries and honey drizzled on top

● ● ● ●

DIRECTIONS ➥In an oven tray, mix the oats and honey

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Flight of

FANCIES

It’s not often you’re given the chance to indulge in not three, but seven courses with vinos to match at an award-winning hotel restaurant. But that’s exactly what Frederick Latty did when he journeyed to our Mulberry dining space in Langshott Manor to embark on a delectable ‘wine flight’

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REVIEW

A

s career choices go, journalism might not be the most

comparatively heartier, more masculine red counterparts. I love

lucrative, but it sure has its perks from time to time. In

both, in fact, so the joke’s on them when my companion and

my years as a professional hack, I’ve had the pleasure

I sample the first of tonight’s wines, the MAN Family Padstal Chardonnay from South Africa (note the macho capitalisation).

of reviewing some top eateries; a seven-course tasting menu at

The lightly oaked, modern take on this classic favourite is

a three-AA Rosette restaurant, however, is most definitely a first.

So, it’s with palpable glee and giddy excitement that I arrive at

refreshing, delicious and well-balanced, with typical Chardonnay

Langshott Manor’s Mulberry Restaurant.

marmalade and citrus flavours, backed by a light oak and

Elegant, fashionable and flooded in natural light, the hotel’s

refreshing melon and tropical fruit bouquet. It goes down a treat

flagship dining space takes gastronomic greatness to new levels

with the chilled soup, which is, ironically, just the thing to warm

in Surrey. Executive chef Phil Dixon oversees menus that are

us up for the rest of the feast ahead.

Next is quail and foie with blackcurrant and dandelion,

based on wholesome, home-grown ingredients and a genuine love of food, which is exactly what my guest and I are expecting

followed by pan-seared sea scallops with coconut and pea.

and hoping for when we pull up at the historic Elizabethan

Paired respectively with a Sauvignon Blanc Black Label from

property in Horley.

Yealands Estate in Marlborough, New Zealand, and a Stormy Cape Chenin Blanc from Breedekloof, South Africa, every bite

Upon entering, we’re ushered outside to a beautiful terrace overlooking blossom-blushed gardens. Here, we’re treated to

of the quail is as delicate as the last, and the scallops are sheer

an aperitif and canapés, soaking up the last of the late-summer

melt-in-the-mouth perfection.

My friend and I take a tactical break from gorging to survey our

sun, while taking in the magnificent, meticulously manicured lawns that surround us. We’ve already been warned not to eat

surroundings. We’ve been supping at a wonderful window seat,

lunch, and are commended on our bravery for taking on such a

so can take in the views of the garden and terrace, still visible in

Herculean task.

the dwindling twilight. Our cutlery selection (the biggest I’ve ever seen), meanwhile, is slowly but surely getting smaller, as the

It isn’t long before we’re escorted to our table in Mulberry,

wine glass collection in front of me gets concurrently larger.

which is as intimate as it is luxurious, without being intimidating

As I look around, I spot other diners tucking into their dishes

or overly extravagant; on the contrary, it retains a reassuring sense of rustic charm. We’re here to take on the ‘accompanying

with just as much fervour as my partner in culinary crime and

wine flight’, which begins with our first course of chilled hass

I. I’m not a chronic eavesdropper or anything, but I do love

avocado soup with sesame, rye and blossoms – a delightfully

listening to conversations in restaurants; at the next table,

refreshing start.

a party of film buffs has been chatting movie buzz since we arrived, a topic close to my heart that I’m more than happy to sit

Now, I’m often made fun of by friends for my somewhat

back and overhear.

girly penchant for ‘small white wines’, as opposed to their

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REVIEW

Which leads us to our final two sweet courses – poached nectarine

But forgive me, I digress – back to the task at hand. With the seafood starters and pinot pleasantries concluded, we’re getting

with Madagascan vanilla crème fraîche, honeycomb and thyme,

on to the hard stuff, beginning with a poached loin and hay-baked

and Trinea chocolate and cherry torte, parfait and mousse.

neck of lamb with fennel and sea herbs. The meat is so soft and

Ordinarily, I’m not a huge fan of dessert wines, but I have to

tender, I can barely get it on my fork before it practically dissolves

say, our last glass of Taylor’s 10-year-old Tawny port goes down

in front of my eyes. Now we’re talking; needless to say, I’m in

surprisingly easily. It’s just the kind of sweet, indulgent finale to

carnivorous bliss.

polish off all the fabulous food we’ve consumed this evening, and exactly what the doctor ordered as a partner to the decadent

I can tell the waiter is relishing watching us attempt to keep up with him on the wine; he’s been delivering the bottles like

chocolate (I’m a sucker for anything sweet, particularly when it’s

clockwork, his service impeccable and expert descriptions genuinely

dairy-based).

As we move from Mulberry to a quiet pocket lounge for coffee and

enlightening and educational. Occasionally, he’ll catch us off-guard as we try in vain to catch up to our next serve, but we’re far from

petit fours, we’re greeted by a roaring fire that couldn’t make us less

phased by the prospect of juggling two glasses instead of one.

inclined to leave. But depart we must, and as we bid our farewells – full, content and, dare I say it, a touch on the tipsy side – we’re

The complex, structured nose of the Spanish Reserve Cop de Ma from Catalonia is the perfect run-up to dessert, its layers of dried

both firmly on board with the notion of jet-setting back to Langshott

red berry fruit coupled with a soft vanilla spice and toasty oak.

soon. After all, this really is manor from heaven.

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OAK FRAMES SIMPLIFIED A GUIDE FROM ROUND WOOD OF MAYFIELD

T

• Dimensions – you’ll need to give relatively accurate details of desired footprint and height • Roofline – typically, you’ll need to choose from a selection of profiles: Gable – front and rear rooflines tiled to apex. No tiling to sides Hip – all four sides of roofline tiled to apex Barn hip – front and rear rooflines tiled to apex. Side rooflines tiled from halfway • Bricks/tiles – do these need to keep in style with surrounding buildings?

• Joinery – do you require doors, windows or a staircase?

Many frame suppliers also have joinery workshops • Space – do you require partitions or living areas that may have planning implications?

• Construction – who do you want to carry out the build?

he prospect of purchasing an oak-framed building can be daunting, particularly if you have limited experience of construction projects. If you’re a first-timer, it may help to

view the process as a series of stages, which can be managed to a level you feel comfortable with. A good supplier will value any input you wish to give, but should be equally happy to oversee the entire process.

OBTAINING A QUOTE The enquiry process will be far easier if you have a good idea of the type and style of building you require. Your first point of contact with a supplier should be to request any brochures they have. Along with their website and magazines, these are a rich source of inspiration.

During your research, it’s also well worth ascertaining if a ‘kit’ building can meet your requirements, as they can represent great value. Round Wood of Mayfield supplies 47 variations of standard garages, covering one to four bays.

The build process can be broken down into three stages:

You may, however, have specific needs and therefore require a

groundworks, frame assembly and roofing. The supplier of your

bespoke design. Whichever path you take, several decisions will

oak frame will have in-house teams for each. While it’s possible

need to be made. You can save time by considering these before

for you to source your own contractors – which can prove more

contacting a supplier to obtain a quote. You’ll need to provide

cost-effective if they’re nearby – this is only recommended if you’re

information on the following:

prepared to manage the project to a high degree.

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Advertorial ROUNDWOOD

PLANNING

the fine details,” explains Anna Baldwin, CAD operator for Round

Before proceeding with any quote, you’ll obviously need to meet

Wood of Mayfield. “Plans will then be drawn up and sent to them for

all planning and building regulations in your area. If your local

signoff. If they have any revisions, the plans are amended.”

authority is considered to be strict, it may save time to enquire about any conditions you may have to meet before even contacting

CONSTRUCTION

an oak frame supplier for a quote.

Watching your building go up is the fun part, especially if you’ve

There are several useful planning resources at your disposal.

decided that your framer will manage all of the necessary teams! The

Most councils offer a pre-application advice service and a wealth of

first phase involves the ground workers digging out the foundations,

information can be found on the ‘Planning Portal’ website, where

pouring the concrete slab, and then laying the necessary brickwork.

applications can be made online.

Then, the assemblers move in. First, they’ll fit a soleplate to the

Most established frame suppliers will be happy to guide you

brickwork. Some of the upright green oak posts are secured to this

through the regulatory process and often employ dedicated

using steel pins, while those that stand independently rest on staddle

staff members. This tends to be the simplest option, given their

stones. The eaves beam, tie beam, rafters and ridge complete the

experience and contacts in the field, and knowledge of the

frame assembly.

buildings their company supplies.

Studwork and bracing is then fitted, onto which the external weatherboard is fastened. This can be supplied in either oak or

GOING AHEAD

softwood, depending on budget. Next, the rafters are put in place,

If you decide to take the plunge after obtaining your quote and

ready for the tiles to be fitted by your final team – the roofers.

planning permission, the next stage involves signing off on plans. Unless you’ve supplied these via an architect, your oak

For more information on oak-framed buildings, visit

framer should draw these up for your approval. A site visit may

www.roundwood.com or call Round Wood of Mayfield on

be required, depending on the nature of the project, from which

0800 328 3847. Round Wood also supplies hardwood decking,

working sketches may also be drawn.

high-quality flooring, joinery products and home and garden features from their base near Mayfield, East Sussex.

“After a quote is approved, we’ll contact the customer to discuss

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Business done beautifully

With its discreet, stylish Pavilion and a choice of boardrooms and suites to choose from, Rowhill Grange Hotel and Utopia Spa is the ideal event and conference venue in Kent. Get inspired for your next meeting by taking a look at some of the luxury spaces, services and facilities that are available

I

mpress your guests with your next meeting or conference at the award-winning Rowhill Grange Hotel and Utopia Spa in Kent, a leading event space right in the heart of the South of England. This luxury four-star conference

venue is close to all major transport links, and only 45 minutes from London, making it easily accessible for your delegates.

With a sleek, modern interior and outstanding customer service, it’s no surprise that guests repeatedly choose to hold

their events at Rowhill. Our purpose-built ‘Pavilion’ conference suite showcases three impeccable meeting spaces, accompanied by a private outdoor dining terrace for summer conference breaks, and 15 acres of grounds for outside activities.

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CONFERENCES

CONFERENCE PLANNING WITH OUR TEAM Planning an event of any sort means juggling many details – from catering, to invites, and more. To help ensure your next event in Kent is a great success, Rowhill Grange is pleased to provide you with a dedicated conference and event team, ready to manage as many, or as few, of the details as you’d like.

After years of event planning and hosting, we know what it takes for yours to go off without a hitch. Our in-house team will determine the types of equipment you need, provide you with state-of-the-art technology, and take care of setup/breakdown.

Our talented chefs will work with you to determine the best lunch menus, including, but not limited to, working day deli lunches, terrace barbecues and afternoon tea.

Freshly brewed hot drinks will be waiting for you on arrival and during your visit, accompanied by delicious homemade snacks throughout the day.

GREAT VENUE, GREAT TEAM, GREAT SERVICE To enquire about holding your upcoming event at Rowhill Grange, please contact our events team on 01322 615 136 or email rgsales@rowhillgrange.com

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TEAM

“This role is developing me all the time…”

To succeed in the hotel industry, you need to be quick on your feet and have a meticulous eye for detail. To find out what it takes to make it in the business, Frederick Latty follows a day in the life of Katie Norman, front of house manager at Rowhill Grange, who provides an eye-opening insight

W

orking in the hospitality trade

space of time, which she credits as much to a

requires no shortage of flexibility,

supportive environment as she does to her own

particularly when it comes to holding

work ethic.

down a senior position. Just ask Katie Norman,

“When I finished university, a lot of people

front of house manager at Rowhill Grange Hotel

just went straight into a job, or did a graduate

and Utopia Spa, who goes above and beyond

scheme, which big companies run all the

each and every day to ensure her guests are

time,” she says. “When I approached Rowhill,

happy, her staff is well-trained, and the whole

I asked if they had anything similar, which they

operation runs like clockwork.

didn’t, so they tailored it to me. I felt valued

Joining the Alexander Hotels group in October

and it really appealed to me that they were

2014, Katie started life here as a management

happy to take me on as a trainee when they

trainee, before quickly progressing to reception

didn’t need to.

manager a year later, and then to her current

“I didn’t know where my progression would

role within a further six months. Now aged 22,

take me after that, but ever since, my ambition

she’s certainly climbed the ladder in a short

has been to work up the ladder as much as

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possible, and they’ve invested in me to

place. And it so happens that I’ve arrived

As she gives me the guided tour, she’s

help me do that. The opportunities I’ve

just in time for the lunch rush.

stopped by numerous guests and

already had have shown me how much

From the get-go, Katie’s a bundle of

colleagues, assisting in any way she can,

they value their staff as a company.

energy as she darts in and out of the

be it checking a restaurant reservation,

They’re very much about looking after

kitchen, balancing plates of food for the

or giving directions. Rather than

who’s here and seeing what they want.”

afternoon’s hungry delegates. We make

occupying office space, she glides from

Prior to coming aboard at Rowhill, a

the trip outside to ‘The Clockhouse’ and

one location to the next, and is never

lifelong passion for service led Katie

back more times than I can count, and

without her trusty phone, in case she

to the Edge Hotel School, part of the

before she’s so much as broken a sweat,

needs to be reached.

University of Essex, where she graduated

I’m already a hot, sweltering mess. But

with a degree in hotel management in

Katie (wearing killer heels, no less) makes

priority, so if I’m in the middle of doing

September 2014. When I meet her at

it all look easy and utterly effortless.

something, that initially takes hold until

“Anyone who grabs me is my first

I can figure out what they need,” she

reception one particularly hot summer’s

“The whole day just depends on who’s

day, she’s every bit as lively, bubbly and

coming and going, hour by hour, to make

continues. “Any guest who’s here right

energetic as you would expect someone

sure everyone’s happy,” she explains.

now is my top priority. I’m not based in

in her shoes to be.

“I support both the hotel and spa when

an office on a phone, but occasionally,

I’m here to get a feel for what Katie

they’re busy, fixing any problems they

if I find time in my day, I’ll take myself

gets up to on an average day, but have

might have. I’m their point of call if a

upstairs, shut the door and get on with

far from prepared myself for the amount

guest has a problem and needs to speak

some paperwork – but it will only be five

of physical exertion involved. In addition

to a manager. We normally work on

or 10 minutes before the phone rings and

to managing both the hotel and spa

who’s the most capable of dealing with a

I’m needed back on the floor again.

receptions, she’s also filling in as duty

situation, depending on what it is.”

manager today, when there are no less than three corporate conferences taking

I can tell immediately that Katie’s something of a jack of all trades.

“Time management is the main challenge, as everything needs to fit in with the day itself. If you just immerse

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TEAM

yourself in working on the floor and don’t look ahead, you’ll be running around even more the next day. It’s about juggling both, being everywhere at once, and making sure everything for the next month onwards is working well.”

Not a big ask at all,

“Time management is the main challenge, as everything needs to fit in with the day itself. It’s about juggling both, being everywhere at once, and making sure everything for the next month onwards is working well”

and gauging the bigger picture – which is just the way she likes it and will continue to operate.

“There’s a lot I want to do and complete here, and this role is developing me all the time,” she concludes.

“The first interview I did was probably more nerve-wracking for

then. Indeed, Katie’s job requires its fair share of omniscience and

much smoother, as everyone can

me than it was for the candidate, but

omnipresence, as she seems to be in the

help each other out. At the moment,

it was great, because I was learning,

know at all times as to what’s going on

they’re very much two completely

and am now comfortable with another

in the spa and hotel. She’s also taken on

different teams, so it works having a

thing under my belt that I’ve done as a

even more responsibility in recruitment,

person who knows both areas.”

manager here.

interviewing prospective candidates,

There isn’t an area Katie doesn’t know,

“Every time I do an interview or

as well as cross-training hotel and spa

it seems, as she likewise assists with

appraisal, I’m working out how I would do

personnel to create a seamless synergy

overseeing the day-to-day diary planning,

it as a person. Everyone’s got their own

between the two.

seeing to the little things that visitors

different management style; I’m probably

might take for granted, and smoothing

still finding mine, but I think the route

departments, which is quite tricky and a

out any potential problems before they

I’ve gone down here has helped me to be

big vision, but we’ll get there,” she tells

occur. In a place like this, she’s forever

comfortable, and have a style that I feel

me. “In six months’ time, they should be

living a week in advance, planning ahead

works well.”

“Our main aim is to unite the two

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HOT YOGA

NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT At Present Health Studios in Tunbridge Wells, you can leave the stresses of everyday life at the door and get back to focusing on what really matters – you. Owner and founder Jemma Shireby talks about the benefits of practising hot yoga, and explains how it can help replenish mind, body and soul

Tell us the background of Present Health Studios

bring your focus inward, giving yourself time to take notice of how you really feel, notice who you really are, and connect with and nurture yourself.

I started teaching small hot yoga classes in my living room, but student numbers and popularity quickly began to grow, so the search for a proper studio space began almost immediately.

Perseverance paid off, and today I have a lovely yoga and wellbeing studio in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.

Talk us through some of your classes and workshops Suitable for both beginners and advanced students, every class follows a sequence of poses and breathing techniques, allowing you to continually improve your practice and work to your own ability. Our workshops offer an opportunity for self-exploration, and a chance to learn and deepen your knowledge of yoga, health and wellbeing.

What are the benefits of hot yoga?

At Present Health, we practise yoga in a studio heated to approximately 38˚C. The heat instantly induces a state of relaxation, allowing you to become more physically and mentally open, and is an effective and simple way of maintaining a healthy body and mind.

Where’s it all headed going forward?

My husband James, a Tunbridge Wells health and fitness coach, and I have combined forces, allowing us to expand greatly on our service offering at the studio. The studio will be offering health coaching services, including nutritional guidance, sports massage and physiotherapy.

Our goal is to improve the lives of our clients through healthy living, and we believe that, by creating a team of likeminded, passionate people, we’ll be able to take our clients beyond the yoga class, and help them on their journeys to a fitter, healthier and happier life.

How did you land on the name?

We live in a world that constantly demands more from us; no matter what we do or achieve, it never seems to be enough. We fixate our thoughts on the future – how we do/get/be more – and we criticise our pasts, regretting our words, actions and inactions. Rarely do we stop and notice the present moment and see it for what it really is.

If we choose, we can take what we learn on our mats – strength, flexibility, patience, focus, compassion and kindness – into our everyday lives. To be present is to be open to whatever presents itself, and to have the ability to respond to what’s actually happening, and not to what you think should be happening. This ability allows us to observe and fully participate in the moment.

At Present Health, you’ll find a calm and intimate environment; a place where you can unwind from the stresses of the day and

Present Health Studios 103 Goods Station Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2DP 01892 459 359 www.wearepresent.today hello@wearepresent.today

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COCOONED IN

Comfort FOLLOWING AN EXTENSIVE MAKEOVER, ROWHILL GRANGE’S ALREADY EXCEPTIONAL SPA FACILITIES HAVE BEEN GIVEN A FRESH NEW LOOK, AND ARE NOW EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE THAN EVER. HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR NEXT UTOPIAN PAMPER, WHEN YOU PAY A WELL-EARNED VISIT TO OUR AWARD-WINNING KENT HOTEL

G

uests at Rowhill Grange, a member of

traditional beauty of the house and surroundings,

Condé Nast Johansens, are in for an extra

while also adding the award-winning Utopia Spa,

special treat, as the hotel’s Utopia Spa

creating the haven you know today.

reveals a fresh-faced new look. Originally built in

With gorgeous grounds, stylish interiors,

1868 as the summer house for 18-year-old Alice

exquisite dining and an award-winning spa,

Alexander, Rowhill became the first property in

Rowhill affords everything you could want from a

the Alexander Hotels Group.

four-star luxury stay. Utopia Spa has undergone

After extensive refurbishment and meticulous care, the owners have managed to retain the

a £250,000 investment programme, and its exceptional new look is now complete.

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SPAS

NEW TREATMENTS Along with a newly refurbished Utopia Spa, Rowhill Grange is delighted to welcome its new spa partner, ila. Meaning ‘Earth’ in Sanskrit, ila reflects faith in the power of nature as the source of real wellness; it uses the finest natural plant and mineral ingredients, wild-harvested in remote, untainted regions by artisan producers who value traditional, sustainable practices.

The treatment menu at Utopia Spa now features a variety of ila treatments, covering ayuvedic-inspired facials, body treatments and massage. Read on for some examples of the newly introduced treatment range…

Ku Nye massage Rejuvenating, therapeutic medicine, time-honoured techniques, dry skin, deep fatigue and recovery This Tibetan body treatment balances the five elements to restore a harmonious flow of energy and vitality. A blend of five essential oils work together to stabilise the five sensory organs.

Tibetan cupping, kneading and acupressure techniques help release physical and mental tension. Warm crystals and poultices bring harmony from the tips of the toes, to the crown of the head.

Crystal healing facial Calming, anti-bacterial – for young and hormonal skin This treatment harnesses the healing vibrations of crystals to release tension and revitalise the skin. Meridian tapping and Tibetan crystal techniques balance and strengthen. A garnet face scrub protects and energises. Acupressure with hot poultices and rose quartz restores radiance, while a cooling and nourishing jade mask helps reduce the appearance of fine lines.

UTOPIA SPA

Spread across two floors of pools, bubble

Ku Nye five-element body experience

The Roman-inspired, award-winning Utopia

tubs and a sauna and steam room, Utopia

Rejuvenating, therapeutic medicine,

Spa now boasts two new treatment rooms,

Spa has been designed to take guests on

time-honoured techniques for dry skin,

including a luxury double treatment room,

an intimate journey. Whether you’re wishing

deep fatigue and recovery

new bespoke hair spa, and opulent nail spa

to relax by the pool, take a dip in the

This Tibetan ritual balances the five elements to

with fully appointed manicure and pedicure

hydrotherapy pool, or allow the monsoon

restore a harmonious flow of energy and vitality.

stations. A luxurious new relaxation lounge

showers to wash away everyday stresses

A blend of five essential oils work together

has been added to cocoon you in comfort,

and strains, you’ll experience true Utopia.

to stabilise the five sensory organs. Tibetan

with luxury loungers, cosy pod chairs and

When dining, guests can expect a truly

cupping, kneading and acupressure techniques

delicious treat; a delicious two-course lunch

help release physical and mental tension, while

bursting with the latest seasonal produce,

warm crystals and poultices bring harmony.

waiting areas have both been given a fresh,

or the ultimate in traditional British

A strengthening Ku Nye face therapy and an

natural look with feature spa reception; and

afternoon tea, with added ‘yum’ factor.

invigorating head massage bring nourishment

Tweedmill blankets to snuggle up in.

The spa changing facilities and treatment

for a final touch, the spa retail boutique

and regeneration from the tips of the toes, to the

has been expanded to showcase our spa

Spa experiences

partners’ luxurious products, including

Visit us at www.rowhillgrange.co.uk to

luxury British brand ila.

view all of our spa experiences and book.

crown of the head.

A full list of treatments can be viewed and booked online at www.rowhillgrange.co.uk

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FASHION

BABY, it’s cold outside

It’s that time of year when the latest fashion ranges come into play for the colder months ahead. As leading designers roll out their new autumn and winter collections, our personal stylist and colour consultant, Sarah Gillmore, takes a look at some of the show-stopping trends to consider this winter

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Topshop

VELVET

Marks & Spencer

Monsoon

Renee velvet two-part sandals £46

Marks & Spencer

Autograph deep red velvet blazer coat £119

Long Tall Sally

Littlewoods

Little white lies velvet dress £85

New Look

Pink velvet long-sleeve dress £29.99

now, and making ripples into the Christmas

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ups in various guises: puffa jackets, leather coats,

reassuringly easy to wear, with little thought

party season. The overriding feel is

capes and military coats, with duffle coats for men.

involved. It’s a ‘throw-on’ piece that effortlessly and

decadence, with sumptuous embellishments and

The military look is very eye-catching in its double-

comfortingly covers any ‘concerns’ or insecurities

embroidery. I’ve picked out a selection of the top

breasted way, with metal buttons, epaulettes and

underneath, and can be found in the trending

trends that are workable into your wardrobe, and

braiding, and is appearing in more affordable

fabrics and styles (military and embellished).

could even survive past the season into ‘staples’, if

versions everywhere (Tommy Hilfiger and Zara), as

you adapt the theme each time.

well as more high-end. It’s both smart and practical.

he autumn/winter looks for 2016 are out

Capes are an elegant way to keep warm and

We have the very practical trend of winter cover-

Fabrics of choice include tweed, tartan and velvet, but they’re not all as they seem; these

GOTHIC

Marks & Spencer

Monsoon

Velvet applique top £69

Monsoon

Roxana top £49

Phase Eight Marks & Spencer

Jigsaw

Esme v-front shoe boot £159

Marks & Spencer

Long sleeve embroided bodycon dress £59

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FASHION

ANIMAL INSTINCT

Pure Collection

Marks & Spencer Monsoon

New Look

Naomi feather jacket £149

Leopard print long-sleeve dress £29.99

Jigsaw

Marks & Spencer

Topshop

Multi-stripe faux fur scarf £39.50

Jemma point mid shoes £59

Serene faux fur scarf £69

traditional, classic fabrics are turned on their

outerwear, such as bomber jackets. Translate

moons and planets, adds sparkle to eveningwear.

heads and made ‘sporty’ or ‘street’ for daytime.

those into the colour of the season, copper, and

This was the outstanding look for Alexander

That doesn’t preclude the use of velvet in a

an extra light-catching dimension is added.

McQueen’s A/W 2016 collection.

Christmas party glamour will make use of the

For menswear, silk shirts and sleek, slouchy

softly gleams in the light, and lends a richness to

trending embellishments, brocades and ruffles in

trousers, or a louche pyjama suit (Cavalli, Gucci

jackets, suits and dresses.

shimmering textures, as seen in Burberry, Michael

and Valentino) could light up a Christmas party,

Kors and Mary Katranzou. Dressing like the night

even though the latter is probably never going to

sky, with motifs of glittering galaxies of stars,

morph into a staple wardrobe piece! Knitted polo

glamorous evening look, as its plush texture

In men’s fashion, the gleam comes from silk shirts, leather trousers, or silken and nylon

Phase Eight New Look

Anita and Green gold metallic leather-look skirt £19.99

Oliver Bonas

Zara

Nikina sparkle dress £55

Metallic fabric blazer £69.99

METALLICS Monsoon Topshop

Mustard western boots £75

Topshop

Glitter pleat midi skirt £55

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Long Tall Sally

Jigsaw

TIMELESS CLASSICS

Long Tall Sally

Phase Eight

Iniga waterfall knitted cardigan £85

New Look

Black contrast midi dress £29.99

Marks & Spencer necks and funnel/roll/mock turtle-neck tops

Sarah Gillmore is a personal stylist

probably will.

and colour consultant who takes a

Monsoon

Kiana sock boots £69

‘therapeutic’ approach to styling.

Bringing all of this into the dominant shades for the season, which include an unexpected lilac, red, dusty pink, blues, greens and mustard, and copper tones for men, creates

To find out more, call 07801 749 260,

an opulent palette that will bring a welcome

email sarah@sarahgillmorestyling.com

splash of colour into the dullest of winter days.

or visit www.sarahgillmorestylist.com

Next

Burton River Island Topman

Camel 100% wool skinny smart frock coat £150

Office

Newgate

The Blip £160

Cage Chelsea chestnut leather £74.99

Marks & Spencer

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Pure wool grey checked jacket with buttonsafe £149

New Look

Yellow rollneck jumper £24.99

07/10/2016 12:03

alexanderhotels.co.uk

Your body is your temple Founded by Liz and Mark Warom (pictured right), Temple Spa is a total lifestyle brand that seeks to beautifully fuse product, philosophy and spa.

Liz explains how they help to replenish, revive and renew, and why their passion for professional-standard treatments is far more than skin-deep

range was first developed in laboratories near Lake Geneva, by a leading professor of biochemistry, who is also a native of Tuscany.

How did things develop from there?

At the turn of the millennium and following our return to the UK, Mark and I moved into a cottage in our garden and began to build our brand. The company was built around the spa concept, but soon branched out into retail, jumping the three-year waiting list to be stocked in Harrods.

So, Liz, how did Temple Spa get started?

healthy cuisine and stunning scenery. Inspired by

Following our departure from Virgin Vie, Mark

‘spa’ – a space for relaxation and beauty – the

What appealed to you about working with Alexander Hotels?

and I took a year’s sabbatical and travelled

name was chosen in the hope that it would

The owners had decided to look for a

around the Mediterranean. Feeling relaxed and

become a metaphor for looking after skin, body

new brand to bring into their spas, and as

full of love for the region, after six months, the

and soul.

part of their extensive research, they found

the ancient word ‘temple’ – a sacred place – and

idea for Temple Spa was born.

Did your journey have a big impact on the name?

Temple Spa and did a user trial of the product.

Where was it originally produced?

They were really impressed, so called us in

The product development team included

for a meeting.

doctors, herbalists and professors of

Mark and I met owners Peter and Deborah,

Travel inspired the brand, as did the

biochemistry and dermatology from

and honestly, we just loved each other and hit it

Mediterranean way of life, including the culture,

Switzerland, Italy and the UK. The skincare

off straightaway. We’re all very relationship-driven

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

endorphins, meaning your skin looks happy and

Drenched facial, or if you’re not sure how you’re

beautifully radiant.

skin is feeling, try My Kinda Skin, our bespoke prescription facial.

Any tips for winter skin treatments over the coming months?

The same diet every day wouldn’t only be a bit boring, but it wouldn’t be nutritionally sound. Similarly, giving the skin a boost by

In what ways has the brand developed since it was launched?

Temple Spa is now stocked in Harrods, premium spas, first-class airlines, and luxury hotels and resorts worldwide. It has more than

introducing a course of

1,700 consultants across the country, selling

treatment serum to treat

the products one-to-one, and through skincare

a specific condition, such

classes under the ‘spa-to-go’ umbrella. Mark

as sensitivity, dullness,

and I have 37 years in the beauty industry and

slackness and so on, is

are looking towards the future of Temple Spa.

surprisingly effective.

‘Listening’ as well as looking into the skin is often a key to what it lacks,

And what does that future look like?

The vision is for Temple Spa to be the very best

needs and craves. Change is as good as a

spa boutique brand of results-driven products

passion for excellence, uniqueness and drive

rest, and having different textured cleansers,

and treatments, and to deliver an exceptional

for a luxury product and service.

masks and moisturisers to introduce will all help

spa experience. We’re seekers of excellence, and

to kick skin into good condition, before reverting

therefore never stand still or settle for mediocrity.

Which of your current bestsellers should people look out for?

to your favoured regime.

Our aim is to continue to research and develop

Skin Truffle continues to be one of our

winter months, book our Totally Quenched and

and drew energy from each other’s

If your skin gets particularly dry during the

our formulas and deliver greater results, alongside an outstanding service to our customers.

bestselling products, and with good reason.

It has scored the highest rating in the Beauty Bible, not only once, but three times consecutively, and has been awarded a place in the hall of fame.

It sounds like a must-buy – what’s in it that makes it so special?

This luxury rejuvenation moisturiser was five years in the making; it’s a fusion of black summer truffles, Champagne, diamonds, strawberries, chocolate, gold and silk, with the very latest in nano and peptide technology.

Is there a secret ingredient?

Think of the ingredients for a celebration, and it’s got it! We call it ‘happiness in a jar’ because it’s got a magic ingredient, HappyBelle-PE.

Why not take time out to indulge in a luxurious Temple Spa treatment at Alexander House or Rowhill Grange? Please visit www.alexanderhotels.co.uk for our treatment menus and to book.

This clever ingredient mimics the release of

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Untitled-12 1

07/10/2016 12:23

CELEBRITY

“I PUT HUGE

PRESSURE ON MYSELF...”

From his Emmy-nominated turn in The Night Manager, to a whirlwind tabloid relationship with Taylor Swift, 2016 has been quite a year for Tom Hiddleston.

Susan Griffin catches up with the actor to chat about Bond rumours, on-camera nudity and perfecting an American accent for his latest film

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loose on the dance floor. He’s proven this on various chat

IMAGES: EVAN AGOSTINI/INVISION/AP/PA PHOTOS AND PA PHOTO/SONY PICTURES

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om Hiddleston loves to let

shows, where he’s happily demonstrated some of his favourite moves, while a video of him dancing with Taylor Swift at New York’s glamorous Met Gala went viral back in May. “I love dancing – who

doesn’t?” says the 35-year-old, laughing when I mention it. “It’s a weird one. I haven’t actually danced for a long time, but I happened to be dancing at the Met Gala because it was a party.

“I was on a table with Taylor Swift and The Weeknd was playing, and she said, ‘The thing about these parties is nobody gets up to dance’. And she, as a musician, was like, ‘We’ve got to dance for The Weeknd’, so we got up and danced.” With a grin, he adds: “I didn’t know it was going to ping around the world, but it’s all good.” sensation. It must be strange to wake up and

filming Kong: Skull Island, which is due for

viral. His performance as undercover agent

discover newspaper columns and online forums

release in 2017. “I had an immediate job to get

Jonathan Pine, in the TV adaptation of John Le

dedicated to the sight of your bare buttocks.

on with, so that’s where my focus was.”

Carré’s espionage drama The Night Manager,

Hiddleston shakes his head and laughs.

It’s not the first time footage of him has gone

drew huge acclaim – along with calls for him to play the next Bond.

But it was the intense sex scene, with actress Elizabeth Debicki, that caused a real

Hiddleston, today dressed in dark trousers and a long-sleeved grey sports top, listens intently to

“I have no control over anyone else’s opinion of my work, or who I am or what I do, so you

questions, offers considered, articulate answers

just have to keep doing what you do,” he teases.

in a smooth, soothing voice, and generally

At the time of the reaction, he was in Vietnam

exudes an air of calm.

“I KNOW WHO I AM AND KNOW WHAT MY LIFE IS, AND EVERYONE ELSE’S OPINION IS THEIR OWN OPINION”

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CELEBRITY

It’s difficult to imagine the actor, who was born and raised in London and Oxford, boarded at Eton College and earned a double first in classics from Cambridge University, ever feeling ruffled – but he can where work’s involved, he admits. Marc Abraham, the writer and director of his latest movie, I Saw the Light, has described him as a perfectionist – which Hiddleston doesn’t deny.

“Marc’s right about that,” confesses the actor, who was spotted by a talent agent during a university production of A Streetcar Named Desire, and appeared in numerous TV and stage projects before graduating from Rada in 2005. “I put a huge amount of pressure on myself as an actor, with everything I do.”

I Saw the Light explores the life of Hank Williams, who emerged from the local Alabama music scene after World War Two and revolutionised country music. It charts the music legend’s rise, his volatile relationship with his wife Audrey (played by Elizabeth Olsen), and his struggles with substance abuse and spina bifida occulta, before his death on New Year’s Day 1953, aged just 29.

“I felt a huge responsibility to Hank Williams and his legacy, and I felt it even more keenly when I arrived in Nashville,” reveals Hiddleston.

“I kept saying to Marc and Rodney Crowell [a country star and the film’s executive music director], ‘It’s like I’ve turned up in Liverpool and I’m going to play John Lennon’.

“In Nashville, people have a very strong opinion about Hank Williams. He’s revered as one of the godfathers of American music. So, the responsibility to play him honestly, and to satisfy people who care very much about him, was massive.” But accepting the challenge felt ‘right’.

“It’s hard to say why I choose to do the films that I do,” he explains. “It’s hard to say why I play the characters I choose to play. But it’s always something instinctive. It’s a pure gut feeling. There was something in Marc’s script, which I read for the first time four years ago, that seemed incredibly authentic and which I really connected to. Marc had written Hank Williams with such compassion and lack of judgement.”

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CELEBRITY

“IT’S HARD TO SAY WHY I CHOOSE TO DO THE FILMS THAT I DO. IT’S HARD TO SAY WHY I PLAY THE CHARACTERS I CHOOSE TO PLAY. BUT IT’S ALWAYS SOMETHING INSTINCTIVE. IT’S A PURE GUT FEELING”

Before filming commenced in 2014, Hiddleston

“I didn’t physically punch any walls, but I

‘filled myself up’ with everything he could find

would have put my own head through one at

about the late singer-songwriter. Determined to

certain points, I was so frustrated,” the actor

sing all the songs himself, he also stayed with

confides. “I had to change the way I naturally

Crowell for five weeks before the cameras rolled.

sound to sound like someone else, and also to

“It was practise, practise, practise,” says Hiddleston. “Hank’s tone is not an easy one

try and express the sincerity and authenticity of his songs.

to emulate, and I had to refine my yodel and

“In some instances, that came very naturally

inflect my vowel sounds. Rodney was sweet

– I recorded Why Don’t You Love Me in an hour.

about it, but he wasn’t going to let anything past

I have no idea why I found it so easy. [But then]

him. He’d say, ‘Tommy boy, I can hear your

It took me two weeks to record Lovesick Blues,

English choirboy comin’ out now’.” Some days,

because the way he sings it is so strange. That’s

they’d sing for eight hours straight.

where I’m a perfectionist.”

Hiddleston might be playing those Bond rumours down, insisting no one’s talked to him about it, but his career looks set to continue on a stellar trajectory.

So, how is he finding the whole fame game?

“The way I find peace with it, or the way I feel easy with it, is just going, ‘Well, I know who I am and know what my life is, and everyone else’s opinion is their own opinion’,” says the actor, who’s currently filming Thor: Ragnarok, his fourth outing as the villainous Loki, following his introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2011.

“You just have to allow it. A very great musician, who was at least as great as Hank Williams, called John Lennon, wrote a song called Let It Be, which is very wise.”

I Saw the Light and The Night Manager are available now on DVD and Blu-ray.

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A Taste of Things to Come

Just because sunbathing on the beach and lounging by the pool have come and gone with the warmer months, doesn’t mean you can’t look forward to a relaxing, rejuvenating and invigorating time away this winter. For a bit of inspiration, here are some key hotel trends to look forward to

T

Whatever your interests, we’ve gazed into our crystal ball and

hinking of booking the perfect winter break? Whether you’re a growing family, group of friends or couple of

come up with a selection of top predictions of what the future

lovebirds, there’s sure to be something that will catch

might hold for spa visitors and hotel guests. So, before you decide

your eye in the months ahead. You might have your sights set on

what to do and where to stay for that excursion you’ve been

an indulgent spa and pamper day, or be filled with excitement

planning, why not take a look through some of our predictions for

by the thought of a more technologically driven stay that’s as

what lies ahead? To give you some inspiration, here’s a selection

seamless as it is efficient.

of what we think will be big going forward…

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Hotel TRENDS

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

OUTSIDE COMES IN

From invigorating spas to revitalising massages, no visit is complete without a truly indulgent pamper. You can anticipate 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.

Taking this concept even further, hotel groups will be looking to launch brand new properties that are tailored exclusively to the more health-conscious clientele, where menus, beds, natural settings and cutting-edge spa facilities are all ergonomically designed to enhance your fitness and wellbeing.

The division between outdoor and indoor spaces is beginning to blur, as more and more hotels start to bring a bit of Mother Nature to their overall offering.

Interior design will reflect natural serenity in every aspect, while open-air spas will move out to their venues’ nearby grounds, making a merge of the two just the thing to make you feel at one with your surroundings throughout the duration of your stay.

This emphasis will even go as far as the food and drink on offer, with a greater focus on kitchen gardens, locally-sourced ingredients and fresh seasonality.

HOTELS GO SMART

GROUP EXCLUSIVITY

In our ever-changing culture of smartphones, tablets and self-service, guests will be anticipating a more digital approach to their stays going forward. Indeed, the hotel of the future is one that seamlessly unites its customers with the fabric and infrastructure of its surroundings, allowing easier mobility, efficiency and connectivity. To make the most of your time at any location, expect a far techier approach, including personalised iPads that allow you to manage your booking and requirements with ease, stronger Wi-Fi, in-room online streaming entertainment services, and communication not through landlines, but a variety of social media channels.

Hiring hotels for weekends away is becoming an increasingly popular option for larger groups, and one that’s showing no signs of slowing. Members’ clubs are still the top of the range for many, and selectivity is crucial to making more high-end stays truly unforgettable.

While a more inclusive approach might draw a larger footfall and drive further revenue, many clients are opting for their own private bars and dining spaces, away from the hustle and bustle of locals and other visitors. For those paying premium rates, parking, room service, dining and more will be personalised just for them.

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WALKS

Walking in a winter

WONDERLAND

During your stay, why not make the most of the gorgeous greenery around you by heading out and about on a National Trust walking trail? With loads of options to choose from, you’ll be utterly spoiled when deciding where to go.

Here are some of our favourite ambles across Kent and Sussex Photography by National Trust/John Miller

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4

1

2

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but there’s still no better way to enjoy

IGHTHAM MOTE’S CIRCULAR WALK TO KNOLE

the natural splendour on offer in

What could be better than a day out in the

he colder months may have arrived,

Kent and Sussex than by embarking on an

Kentish countryside, incorporating two National

invigorating ramble through the countryside.

Trust properties? Follow this circular walk from

Indeed, both counties boast a wide variety

Ightham Mote, along the Greensand Way,

of National Trust walking trails that are just

passing through Areas of Outstanding Natural

waiting to be explored. Spanning different

Beauty to Knole Park, before returning to

lengths and difficulty levels, there’s truly

Ightham Mote via the Duchess Walk, Godden

something for everyone.

Green and Broadhoath Wood. Includes a

Whether you’re traversing the beautiful

30-minute stopover at Knole.

terrain of Sevenoaks and Westerham, or taking

ROUTE DETAILS

in the captivating views in and around East

Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch,

Grinstead, there are treks to suit all tastes.

Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT

Along the way, you’ll also be able to take a

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

peek at some the most historic houses in the

TIME: 5 hours

region; from Ightham Mote and Chartwell,

DISTANCE: 8.5 miles (13.6km)

to Standen and Knole, you’ll find plenty of

MAP: Explorer 147

breath-taking sites to see.

DOGS ALLOWED: Dog friendly

So, what are you waiting for? Put your

3

wellies, gloves and hats on, and get out on

WESTERHAM TO CHARTWELL TRAIL

one of these serene saunters, before joining us

Why not start your day off by visiting the

at Alexander Hotels for a well-earned spot of

neighbouring National Trust property of

afternoon tea – the only way to end a pleasant

Quebec House in Westerham, before following

stroll through the rolling hills, expansive

a step-by-step guide to get to Chartwell, family

fields and luscious woodlands available on

home of Sir Winston Churchill?

our doorsteps. Read on for some inspirational

ROUTE DETAILS

days out from the National Trust…

The Green, Westerham, Kent TN16 1AS

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WALKS

4

8

1. River Wey Towpath 2. Box Hill 3. Standen 4. Box Hill 5. Box Hill

5 DIFFICULTY: Moderate

TIME: 2 hours

ROUTE DETAILS

TIME: 1 hour

DISTANCE: 3 miles (4.8km)

Standen, West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead,

DISTANCE: 2 miles (3.2km)

MAP: OS Landranger 188

West Sussex RH19 4NE

MAP: TQ447540

DOGS ALLOWED: Dog friendly

DIFFICULTY: Moderate TIME: 3 hours

DOGS ALLOWED: Dog friendly

DISTANCE: 6 miles (9.6km)

WEARDALE WALK

STANDEN CIRCULAR WALK TO ROCKINGHILL AND HOLLYBUSH WOODS

This beautiful circular walk links Emmetts

A three-mile (4km) walk that encompasses the

DOGS ALLOWED: Dog friendly

Garden and Chartwell. The walk is fully marked

Standen estate, taking in both Rockinghill and

and passes through the woodland areas of Toys

Hollybush woods, with spectacular views across

Hill and Hosey Common, as well as the pretty

Weirwood reservoir and the Ashdown Forest.

STANDEN TO EAST GRINSTEAD AND STEAM RAILWAY

hamlet of French Street.

ROUTE DETAILS

A walk using old footpaths, providing a rural

ROUTE DETAILS

Standen, West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead,

route to the centre of East Grinstead, which now

Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6BA

West Sussex RH19 4NE

links to the Bluebell Steam Railway.

DIFFICULTY: Easy

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

ROUTE DETAILS

TIME: 3 hours

TIME: 1-2 hours

Standen, West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead,

DISTANCE: 5 miles (8km)

DISTANCE: 3 miles (4.8km)

West Sussex RH19 4NE

MAP: Explorer 147; Landranger 188

MAP: Explorer 135

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

KNOLE THREE-MILE WOODLAND WALK

DISTANCE: 5 miles (8km)

Experience the contrasts of Knole’s deer park on

WALK FROM STANDEN TO KINGSCOTE BLUEBELL RAILWAY

a gentle walk that leads you through woodland

A country walk for more experienced walkers to

DOGS ALLOWED: Dog friendly

and across open grassland. This walk has been

and from Kingscote Station and the celebrated

produced with the permission of Lord Sackville.

Bluebell Steam Railway, which has recently

All content supplied by the National Trust.

ROUTE DETAILS

been reconnected to the mainline station at East

To discover and find out more about some

Knole house entrance gate

Grinstead. Connecting trains can be taken to

inspiring walks and trails, visit

DIFFICULTY: Easy

Sheffield Park, or into the historic town.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

MAP: Explorer 135

TIME: 2 hours MAP: Explorer 135

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FAIRY-TALE on the FJORDS Thinking of embarking on a captivating escape with a difference this winter?

Then you won’t want to miss a trip to the Norwegian fjords. The award-winning Baldwins Travel Group takes us on a tour of some of the must-see destinations to visit and explore while away on your Nordic adventure

C

ruising is the ultimate way to appreciate the incredible scenery of this spectacular region. Fred.

Olsen’s smaller ships and long Norwegian heritage create a more authentic experience, as you sail deep into the intricately carved landscapes.

Entering the heart of the fjordland as it weaves through the picturesque countryside, diverting down waterways, perfectly sized for our smaller ships to explore a fairy-tale picture book of dominating mountains, thundering waterfalls, gleaming

glaciers, rolling green hills and rich orchards, presents itself as you relax comfortably on deck.

You don’t have to move, as we bring it all to you. When you’re ashore, the list of ‘must-do’ experiences is almost endless: enjoy a spot of fishing or go kayaking across the glassy waters; venture further into the mountainous landscapes on foot, by bike, or even on a unique railway journey; stroll around Hanseatic cities and quaint villages; and much more.

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Flåm, Aurlandsfjord, Norway Flåm is a delightful, unspoiled treasure, with

Cruising Hidrasund and Strandsfjord

quaint orchards, cottages and farmland

Sail along Strandsfjord and the Hidrasund, a

surrounding the spellbinding waterfront. The

passage between the island of Hidra and the

views are nothing short of magical, whether

mainland that’s less than 300 metres wide at

you’re standing at the Stegastein Lookout, or

its narrowest point. This is cruising at its best:

admiring the mighty waterfalls, Tvinde and

fantastic views enjoyed from the comfort of

Kjosfossen. And don’t miss the magnificent

your ship.

Flåm Railway, a 20km-long, spiralling sensation with an abundance of photo opportunities along the way.

Cruising Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen The Nærøyfjord has been rated joint top in

Bergen, Norway

National Geographic’s list of natural heritage

The beautiful UNESCO-listed Bryggen

sites worldwide – evidence enough that you’re

Wharf, with its colourful timbered houses

in for something special. At just 250 metres

and cobbled walkways, is the historic and

wide at its narrowest point, it’s only accessible

cultural centrepiece of Hanseatic Bergen,

to smaller ships like Fred. Olsen’s. The

though the famous fish market, Troldhaugen

passage through is one of the most dramatic

Museum and fascinating art galleries are

in Europe; every twist and turn gives the

worth exploring too. Head to the top of

impression of heading towards a dead end,

Mount Fløyen via the funicular railway for an

which opens up as you turn each corner.

unrivalled perspective of the city.

Majestic fjordland is wonderfully revealed within this medley of destinations. From the

Cruising Fedafjord and Listafjord

quaint villages of Flåm and Olden, you’ll

The 10km-long Listafjord flows through Vest-

discover dramatic valleys, glaciers and

Agder County at the southern tip of Norway,

waterfalls, while enchanting scenic cruising

meandering between rugged surroundings

unveils the towering cliff of Hornelen and

and hills, before eventually splitting into two.

the striking Nærøyfjord – only accessible to

Fedafjord is the southern of the two branches;

smaller ships like Boudicca. A visit to the

an aesthetic delight with beautiful beaches

gloriously remote Orkney Isles concludes this

dotted along the way.

superb holiday.

Cruising Stolsfjord Cruise the southern Stolsfjord and lose

Cruising Nordfjord and by Hornelen

yourself in peaceful contemplation as the

Deeply tranquil, the Nordfjord is utterly

rolling green landscapes, craggy islands and

enchanting and flanked by stunning scenery

deep blue waters surround you.

in every direction. Cruising along this

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magnificent waterway, you’ll pass Hornelen, Europe’s highest sea cliff.

Olden, Nordfjord, Norway Both charming and incredibly beautiful, the village of Olden is a springboard for discovery. It’s the gateway to the astonishing Jostedalen Glacier and its famous branch, Briksdal, as well as the stunning Lovatnet Lake and Olden Church, built in 1759.

All this means you’ll never be far from a fantastic photo opportunity.

Cruising Lysefjord (Pulpit Rock and Kjerag Boulder) As you make the unforgettable journey along the Lysefjord, only accessible to smaller ships like those in the Fred. Olsen fleet, you’ll be running out of superlatives to describe the incredible scenery that presents itself before you. Look out for the unmistakable Pulpit Rock, a flat-topped cliff with a 604-metre plummet into the fjord below – that’s twice as high as the Shard in London – and the fascinating Kjerag Boulder. Intriguingly wedged in a mountain crevice, this rock has become a popular spot for brave (or foolhardy) tourists to have their photo taken.

Stavanger, Norway A former European Capital of Culture, Stavanger proudly flaunts its rich history.

Wander around the old town, Gamle Stavanger, taking in the impressive cathedral; visit the Three Swords monument; explore the Maritime Museum; discover the tropical Flor & Fjære gardens on Sør-Hidle Island; and be sure to immerse yourself in the annual Norway National Day celebrations – an event this call has been specially timed to witness.

Cruising Hardangerfjord Sail along the breath-taking Hardangerfjord.

Known as ‘Queen of the Fjords’, it was voted

by Norwegians as a top 10 fjord experience.

There’s inspirational scenery wherever you look, from towering mountains to shimmering waterfalls, and magical glaciers to idyllic orchards.

Ulvik, Hardangerfjord, Norway Delicately positioned among blossoming flowers, dominant mountains and glorious orchards, and affording spectacular views of the Ulvikafjord, Ulvik makes for a good photo without even trying. The stunning surroundings lend themselves perfectly to cycling or hiking.

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Geiranger, Geirangerfjord, Norway

Europe’s most breath-taking scenery. Look

The pretty town of Geiranger is delightfully

clinging to towering cliffs, and tumbling

positioned at the end of the UNESCO-listed

waterfalls such as the Suitor, the Bridal Veil

Geirangerfjord, and sheltered by mighty

and the Seven Sisters, which splits into

mountains – ideal conditions for kayaking.

seven streams.

out for the abandoned farms and tiny towns

Take to the labyrinthine Eagle’s Road, of the stunning surroundings with every

Cruising by Fureberg Waterfall, Maurangerfjord

hairpin bend; sample sweet treats at the

Experience unforgettable views as you cruise

Geiranger Chocolate Shop and Factory;

along the Maurangerfjord, past the imposing

or enjoy spine-tingling scenery from the

Fureberg Waterfall – be sure to keep your

Flydalsjuvet viewpoint.

camera to hand.

Cruising Geirangerfjord and by the Seven Sisters Waterfall

Cruising Sognefjord

ships as you glide through Karmsund, a

At an impressive 127 nautical miles long, the

strait between Karmøy Island and the town of

Ranked joint top as the best-preserved

Sognefjord is the longest fjord in Norway, and

Haugesund that’s just 175 metres wide at its

natural UNESCO site in the world by National

the third longest in the world. With a steep

narrowest point. Larger vessels would have to

Geographic, and known as the ‘Jewel of the

and rocky appearance, in places it can feel

sail a longer distance out into the open sea –

Fjords’, Geirangerfjord is home to some of

almost eerie.

a much less rewarding experience.

which gives a more impressive glimpse

Cruising Karmsund Take full advantage of Fred. Olsen’s smaller

Skjolden, Lustrafjord, Norway Skjolden’s surroundings are virtually unparalleled. The idyllic village is perched at the end of Norway’s longest fjord, and is overlooked by the Jotunheimen Mountains and Jostedalsbreen, the biggest glacier on mainland Europe. There’s plenty to tick off your ‘must-visit’ list here: the breath-taking Nigardsbreen Glacier, an arm of Jostedalsbreen; the spellbinding Jostedalen Valley; the fascinating local llama farm; and more.

Baldwins Travel Group For more #HolidayInspirations, visit www.baldwinstravel.co.uk

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GRAPE EXPECTATIONS In addition to the delectable dishes on our menus, we’re also proud of our eclectic wine lists, which span multiple regions, countries and continents. Join us on a grand tour of some of the most popular and drinkable bottles, and find out how we go about selecting our hotels’ finest vintages for drinkers to enjoy

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A

t Alexander House, we carefully

However, as tastes and methods change,

choose the wines that are featured

many people are starting to experiment

on our wine lists. We have an

with their own matches, and are finding

extensive range, from fine wines to casual

exciting new flavours in the process. We

drinking wines, available in both of our

have over 30 bottles under £40, with no

onsite, award-winning restaurants.

less than 26 wines by the glass.

To help in our selection, we work closely

The list demonstrates a true feeling

with our wine consultant and supplier,

of terroir; a sense of place and craft,

Enotria&Coe, which has over 125 years

whether it be from the Old or New World.

of industry knowledge.

This encompasses the Loire, the Rhône,

Enotria was born in 1972 by wine

Bordeaux, Burgundy and Alsace, but

importer Remo Nardone, and Coe Vintners

equally Australia, New Zealand, Spain,

in 1930 by wine merchant Eric Coe. They

Portugal, Italy, Germany, and North

both share humble beginnings, and owe

and South America. Our repertoire also

much of their respective successes to their

includes a half-bottle list of 15 selections.

entrepreneurial spirit, through choosing the right products, for the right markets, at the right times.

Many of our wines derive from boutique

How do we select the wines for our list?

Individual preferences and suggestions

productions made by true artisans, whose

matter in designing our wine list. We

intentions are to make balanced, food-worthy

welcome the chance to regularly sample

wines that speak of their origins and

new wines from different wineries, and

represent great value, relative to their price.

have tasting sessions with our teams at

The team have undertaken intensive training courses to develop their knowledge, and we hope to convey and share this love

Alexander House, where, alongside our supplier, we choose the wines in our list.

Our cellar also represents a partnership

of food and wine. Correctly matching wine

of passions. The private collection that

and food can help bring out the distinct

lends the backbone and depth to our

flavours within both. A good match will

list is influenced by the interests and

enhance the textures and complement the

personalities of our team. We can’t help

taste sensations of each dish.

but be swayed by the dedication and talent

Tradition dictates that white wines should

of the many winemakers we meet. Here

be enjoyed with poultry and fish, while red

are some of our wines and

wines should be savoured with red meat.

guests’ favourites…

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NV Rivarose Prestige Brut 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah A classic party sparkling wine from the Provence region, to be drunk as an aperitif, but also very good with tapas-style food, light salads and delicate risottos. This gorgeous bottle of Provence rosé has a fine and elegant sparkle. The nose offers up a fresh, soft scent of strawberry, raspberry and a little cherry. The mousse is mouth-filling and fine. Flavours of red berries and a little spice. Delicious and refreshing.

2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Yealands Estate 100% Sauvignon grape This Marlborough region, dry-style wine is an amazing match with goat’s cheese salad, poultry dishes and seafood dishes, such as freshly shucked oysters, prawns, green lip mussels and creamy scallops. This wine shows flavours of passion fruit and blackcurrant leaf, with underlying notes of wet stone and thyme. The palate displays good weight and texture, with a focused mineral acidity, which delivers fantastic length to the wine.

2011 Rioja Reserva, Marqués de Riscal 10% Graciano, 90% Tempranillo A medium-style wine from one of the true pioneers of the Rioja region, this wine pairs well with ham, mild cheeses, casseroles, pulse dishes, poultry, red meat, grilled meat and roast meat. Dark cherry colour with good depth. Balsamic aromas with hints of ripe fruit. The attack is fresh and light, with soft, rounded tannins. Spicy and complex, the finish is persistent, with a subtle, toasted oak character. Elegant, fresh and easy to drink.

2013 The FMC, Chenin, Ken Forrester Wines 100% Chenin Blanc Ken Forrester has been called many things, but this wine surely makes him the king of Chenin! The off-dry-style wine from South Africa is enjoyed as an exciting aperitif, or great with spiced dishes and exotic Eastern foods. The pinnacle of what we consider to be the finest expression of the grapes of this varietal, the iconic Chenin is a challenge to the world!

Rich and layered with dried apricot, vanilla and honey. Will gain additional complexity with cellaring.

2013 Papale Oro Primitivo di Manduria, Varvaglione 100% Primitivo One of the F&B team’s gem wines, from the Puglia region, which matches very well with red meat, game and heavy sauces, but is also nice with spicy food and hard cheese. In the heart of DOP areas – or ‘Di Origine Protetta’, referring to a Protected Designation of Origin for quality wines produced in a specified region – the Golden Line of Papale originates from Primitivo grapes, carefully selected and manually packed into cases. It’s ruby-red in colour and its taste is round and soft, with scents of mixed berry jam.

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Art’s in the right place UPON YOUR ARRIVAL AND THROUGHOUT YOUR STAY AT ALEXANDER HOTELS, YOU’LL BE STRUCK BY THE WEALTH OF MAGNIFICENT ARTWORK THAT ADORNS OUR WALLS. INTERNATIONAL ART DEALER, CURATOR AND ARTIST IAYSHA SALIH PROVIDES AN EXPERT VIEW ON SOME SELECTED PIECES, AND HOW THEIR PLACEMENTS COMPLEMENT THE SPACES

Cedar Lodge Master Suite Alexander House This dynamic room is fun and vibrant, while at the same time providing a relaxing environment. The luxurious interiors and unique textures create a warm and inviting atmosphere, which is mirrored by the subject in the painting. The artwork proportionally sits well in the space, being offset with the sofa, creating balance and flow. The artwork chosen is expansive, with enough movement to create an impact on the room, without competing with the patterned interior.

The earthy tone palette brings together all the components in the room, with the bold, dark, vertical strokes complementing the earthier, soft, circular marks in the painting. This is a confident, bold and considered abstract painting. The intuitive marks come from a deeper emotional place within the artist, rather than a more intellectual perspective.

Nail Spa Rowhill Grange Looking at the artwork, there’s enough detail to catch the eye. It’s framed in silver, which lifts the piece sufficiently so it doesn’t fade into the background. The colours chosen are synonymous with the patterns of relaxation and healing.

This beautifully artistic shot shows the feathers on a bird, which is a recognised image used in most healing practices and ancient civilisation as ‘spirit’. Working on the subconscious, this will evoke the feeling of calm, connectedness and the sense of self. The size of this artwork fits well within the chosen space.

Luxury Bedroom Rowhill Grange How could you not feel ready to start the day with a new lease of life when you wake up to this artwork, which exudes happiness and a feeling of excitement? The space and lightness of the room is reflected well in this painting. The colours work well, with the greens creating harmony and balance, while the purple and blues are more meditative and calming.

There’s movement in this artwork, which gives a sense of joy and restfulness – ideal for the bedroom. The colours are well-suited to the room, with the turquoise accent colours working well, creating a relaxing ambience.

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St Lucia TRAVEL

“Art is one of those few wonders in life that speaks to you without ever uttering a word” – Iaysha Salih

Treetops Spa Suite Alexander House Peering into a landscape of trees offers a feeling of peace and tranquillity. This is an awkward space to fill, but the canvas fits well and the perspective in the image gives a sense of continuity. The colours match the room, which can be considered a little safe, but works well in this case, as the ambience of calm has been created.

HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS

Here’s a guide to selecting the right art for your home or business ® Choose something you love and that makes your heart sing ® Don’t purchase something that complements the current furnishing – art has a longevity ® Consider the colour palette, size, style, framing, hanging and placement ® Decide what ambience you intend to create and if it’s going to be the main focal point

1608 Champagne Bar Alexander House This is a relaxing area with an impressive fireplace and a gentle ambience. The earthy tones on the canvas work well here. From the picture, it appears that there are accents of yellow, which pick up the lime green in the furnishings. The works selected here are an example of where a piece of art doesn’t blend into the background.

The reds give the room a lift and distinguish the art from the greens and browns of the soft furnishing, adding a degree of subtle warmth. The interpretation of the landscape image offers a calming effect in this instance. Images with vertical lines can provide more of a dynamic feel in the room.

For more information and advice regarding all aspects of curating and selecting artworks for your home or business, contact Iaysha for your free consultation by calling 07876 253 324 or emailing iaysha@iaysha.com www.iaysha.com www.mindfulartretreats.com www.iaysha-art.com

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WEDDINGS

Perfect settings, perfect days

Nothing pleases us more than seeing a happy couple tie the knot at one of our hotels. To give you some inspiration for your own wedding, we hear from two pairs of newlyweds, who regale us with some of their favourite memories from their big days at Rowhill Grange and Alexander House

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Jodie Wingrove and Robert Askew Married July 16 2016 at Rowhill Grange Tell us about your proposal

Any favourite memories

Jodie: We were on a lovely family holiday to

from the day?

Cornwall. Rob had booked the Jamie Oliver

Jodie: It was all amazing, but if I had to pick a

restaurant Fifteen one evening, just for us

favourite part, it was when we were welcomed

two. We were lucky enough to have the best

into the wedding breakfast as ‘Mr and Mrs’. I

seats in the restaurant, and got to watch the

felt so proud, and it was lovely to sit and look

sun set over the beach (after having to borrow

around the room, appreciating everyone we

sunglasses from the staff!), which was amazing.

have in our lives, and, most of all, my new

We had a lovely meal, which was followed by

husband sitting by my side.

dessert. When the waiter came over, I noticed he was holding my dessert extremely high,

Robert: The whole day was perfect. I loved

which made me worry he was going to drop it

every moment.

on me! Then, when he placed it in front of me, it had ‘Will you marry me?’ written in chocolate

Which song did you choose

on the top of the plate. Rob got down on one

for your first dance?

knee and popped the big question! It was so

Jodie: Our first song was probably a very

romantic and in the perfect setting. We then

popular one – All of Me by John Legend. Rob

went back to our cottage, which had been

actually picked this one, and I loved it anyway,

decorated, and celebrated with my family. It

so was very happy. The words are very relevant

was perfect!

and it made a perfect first dance.

What made you choose Rowhill

Do you have any tips for

Grange as your venue?

planning a wedding?

Jodie: Rowhill was the first venue we visited,

Jodie: Try not to stress, do a little each week

and straightaway it felt right. We really wanted

or month, and accept all the help offered.

the ease of having the ceremony and reception

Everything really does just work out on the day,

in one place, and it was important for people

especially if you have the amazing staff we

to be able to stay. When we visited the gazebo

were lucky enough to have helping us. They

for the first time, we loved it. It was such a

were there to help with anything, and were

romantic setting for us to exchange our vows,

always checking we were happy. Everyone says

and with all the greenery and trees in the

this, but it really does go so quickly, so make

surrounding areas, it was just beautiful (we just

sure you have a few moments through the day

had to pray for the sun!).

to look around and take everything in.

The reception area was the perfect size for guests – not too big, nor too small – and the

Robert: Don’t worry about everyone else having

green area was ideal for children to play; we

a good time; it’s your wedding, so make sure you

couldn’t find fault with it. We then met the staff,

and your new wife have the perfect day. Don’t

who were so helpful and had all the time in the

drink too much, as you want to remember it! Pick

world to help and explain everything.

your best man wisely – luckily, I had the best ‘best man’, who kept me calm when needed,

Did the wedding day have a

made me laugh and gave the perfect speech.

particular style?

Jodie: The style we were aiming for was rustic

Where did you go on

woodland with a touch of romantic vintage. We

your honeymoon?

had wooden slices in the centre, with a glass

Robert: We travelled to Mauritius the Monday

decorated with hessian and hearts. This was

after our wedding on Saturday, and had the

then filled with roses, white wax flowers, white

most perfect 12-day, all-inclusive holiday, with

astilbe, lilac astrantia, rosemary and more.

amazing food and drink, hotel and staff!

Then, around the base was moss with

I went on a day’s fishing trip and caught an

wooden engraved hearts to give the woodland

enormous Dorado, which put up a good fight.

feel. The roses were the most amazing vintage

On the last day, Jodie decided to brave it and

lilac colour, and the peonies in my bouquet

go on a seaplane trip around the north of

were so pretty, thanks to Chic Wedding. We

Mauritius, where she got some great views and

also hired chivari chairs, which set off the

took some amazing photos. We would definitely

vintage look perfectly.

recommend this as a honeymoon destination.

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WEDDINGS

Steve Mortimer and Kay Gardner Married March 11 2016 at Alexander House What was your proposal like?

Which song was your

Kay: It was in Venice, on a romantic island hotel

first dance to?

in the lagoon called the San Clemente Palace;

Kay: It was to Aretha Franklin’s Oh Me Oh My.

it’s a walled island, as it used to be a monastery

She’s Steve’s favourite female soul singer, and

and still has a sanctified church. The hotel has

he says the song reminded him of me at a

a small raised area, with seating where guests

certain time in the early days of our relationship.

can see over the surrounding walls to Venice, and where Steve arranged with the hotel to have

Any tips for other

some private time and serve Champagne and

couples getting married?

strawberries, before he got down on one knee.

Kay: Firstly, try and delegate what you can to others to take out some of the stress of the

How did you land on Alexander

day. The hotel’s very good at helping with that,

House as a venue?

and has some great suppliers to recommend.

Kay: From the moment we went there, just on

Secondly, have a firm set of ideas, and don’t be

the off chance and without an appointment,

too swayed by others’ opinions if it’s what you

we were made to feel so welcome by the staff.

want. And lastly, enjoy everything – it’s your big

From then on, the level of professionalism and

day and it goes so quickly!

the facilities available made it an easy choice for us, which we’ve never regretted. The wedding

Steve: Firstly, make sure you have a great

had a Venice theme, as we had such a great

wedding planner. We had Rebecca Francis

and romantic time there, and wanted to carry

from the hotel, who was so helpful and

that over.

accommodating. Secondly, be proactive, make a list of things to do and stay on top of it; that

Do any favourite memories

way, there shouldn’t be any last-minute panics.

come to mind?

And lastly, personalise it with all the things that

Kay: Mine were getting presented with my

are special to you, so that when you look back,

personalised box of Milk Tray chocolates as

you’ll have some wonderful memories.

Steve arrived by helicopter, and then seeing

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

everyone’s smiling faces when I entered the

Where did you decide to

room for the ceremony.

go on your honeymoon?

Kay: We went to the USA and did a fly-drive

Steve: Mine were seeing all the grandchildren

from San Francisco, down the coast to Palm

taking such an active part in the wedding

Springs, and then Las Vegas. Finally, we flew up

proceedings, and walking into the Shelley Suite for

to Aspen for some end-of-season skiing – it was

the wedding breakfast, which looked stunning.

a great trip.

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Christmas OFFERS

EAT, DRINK

BE MERRY

If you’re staying with us over the Christmas period, you’re in for a festive treat like no other.

From delicious dining and traditional celebrations, to unwrapping your very own presents and enjoying some quality time with the whole family, we reveal what’s in store this Yuletide season FESTIVE FOOD

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

Throughout December, our hotel restaurants will be presenting a selection of inspiring menus. Let our professional chefs take the reins to bring you a delicious choice of fabulously festive food, as well as a truly outstanding Christmas dining experience. If you fancy something a little different, then why not cosy up in one of our glittering lounges and enjoy a magical afternoon tea party?

Alexander Hotels throw the best parties, so make sure you join us this year for a jolly good knees-up! Our beautiful locations, married with festive food, seamless service and merry music, make for an unforgettable celebration.

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CHRISTMAS EVE Celebrations start as soon as you check in on Christmas Eve, when you’re met with a very warm welcome, traditional festive food treats and a tasty Christmas tipple.

After a delicious showcase in the form of a fabulous feast, carriages will be arranged for those who want to attend midnight mass. Mulled wine and mince pies will make their magical appearance for those returning from the evening service.

The comfort of your luxury bedroom then awaits, where you can sleep silently before the next day of celebrations begins.

A HOME-FROM-HOME CHRISTMAS Want to take the Christmas season that little bit further, without the stress of spending a week behind the stove? From December 24 to 27, join us at Alexander Hotels and enjoy an exciting Christmas break with plenty of festive trimmings.

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CHRISTMAS DAY Wake up on Christmas Day feeling cosy and relaxed, and head to the restaurant for a full English breakfast. Then, pick a spot in one of our glittering lounges and unwrap your Christmas gifts. Embrace the Christmas spirit all the more and sit down for another sumptuous meal; a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings you could possibly imagine! Take the afternoon as you please – retire for a nap, enjoy a winter stroll, or play traditional board games with the family. Before you retire after a day full of festivities, enjoy a few helpings from a delicious buffet supper.

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BOXING DAY

Christmas isn’t over yet!

Wake up on Boxing Day and enjoy a full English breakfast, then spend the morning making full use of the hotel’s luxurious facilities. Relax in the comfort of your own bedroom, or cosy up next to a roaring fire. If you’re staying for a little longer, join us for more fabulous food at lunch. Celebrations continue in the evening with a spectacular Boxing Day dinner.

DECEMBER Wake on December 27 feeling fresh, festive and full! Enjoy your final breakfast before gathering your gifts and bidding a fond farewell to our team. Until next year!

TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AT ALEXANDER HOTELS, HEAD TO WWW.ALEXANDERHOTELS.CO.UK OR CALL 01342 859 702 83

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HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS There are plenty of options available if you’re hoping to snap up that dream property in Kent, Sussex or Surrey. To give you an idea of what’s on the market, here are two stunning homes that will provide the perfect setting for making new memories with the family. Read on to find out more...

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PROPERTY

Park Farm Woodcock Hill, East Grinstead, West Sussex Guide price: £1.65million

This delightful Grade II-listed, five-bedroom family house was designed by the eminent architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Occupying a private position at the head of a long drive, it sits well back from the main road, in land extending to approximately 17 acres. The property offers well-balanced accommodation over two floors, and enjoys a rural outlook over adjoining farmland and surrounding countryside.

Inside, this home features an attractive galleried reception hall and light, well-proportioned reception rooms, all of which have windows to two aspects. A particular highlight is the kitchen/breakfast

room, which boasts extensive working surfaces with cupboards, drawers, highlevel wall cupboards, and a central island with a cooker unit.

Upstairs, a master bedroom comes with an en-suite shower and concealed dressing area, which can also be seen in two further bedrooms, one of which likewise includes its own en-suite shower room. Plus, a further two bedrooms and attractive family bathroom make for plenty of space.

Outside, the adjacent L-shaped outbuilding forms almost a quadrangle, sheltered on three sides as a useful part of the garden; divided into office/living space, it has enormous potential, as does an additional detached ‘cow shed’ and mostly dilapidated Atcost building to the northeast.

The homestead is approached through a heavy wrought-iron gate over a gravelled driveway, which culminates in a parking and turning sweep in front of the house.

Formal gardens are on three sides, while the northeast of the house is a gravelled Japanese-style garden. On the northern side

lies an attractive arbour with heavily tiled pillars, leading to a tennis court and further areas of lawn.

East Grinstead is about two miles away to the east, and provides a wide range of shopping and general amenities. Transport links are impressive, with Gatwick Airport only nine miles away, and Junction 10 of the M23 motorway approximately five miles away, linking with the M25 national motorway network and international airports, as well as the Channel Tunnel ferry link and International Eurostar Terminal by the M20. For the commuter, there’s also a mainline station.

A good selection of private and state schools in the area include Notre Dame School at Lingfield, Brambletye at East Grinstead, Ashdown House at Forest Row, and Cumnor House at Danehill. In addition, sporting and local amenities in the area cover sailing at Weirwood Reservoir and Hedgecourt Lake, golf at Chartham Park, Lingfield Park and Royal Ashdown at Forest Row, and racing at Lingfield, Plumpton and Brighton.

For viewings, contact Rupert Connell at Knight Frank on +44 (0)1892 515 035 | www.knightfrank.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Hotham Close Swanley Village, Kent BR8 7UX Guide price: £925,000

Located in the sought-after Swanley Village, on a desirable private development, is this attractive detached family home, which includes five bedrooms, two bathrooms and three receptions. Swanley is an area that combines the best of urban facilities with the Kent countryside; there’s a bustling shopping district with all the big store names, just minutes from a pick-your-own fruit farm.

The entrance hall of the property is entered via a double-glazed door, with a matching double-glazed window to the side and laminate flooring. From here, access is provided to the sitting room, dining room, drawing room, kitchen/ breakfast room, ground floor cloakroom and stairs to the first floor. There are

double-glazed French doors to both the front and rear of the sitting room, with dual double-glazed windows to the side.

An attractive feature fireplace is the focal point between the windows, with double doors leading to the hallway.

You’ll find further double-glazed French doors to the rear of the dining room, as well as double doors into the hallway, while a double-glazed window to the front of the drawing room overlooks the ‘meadow’. The kitchen/breakfast room showcases a range of wooden-fronted wall and base cabinets with trimmed countertop, in addition to an integrated gas hob with matching extractor, oven and dishwasher.

Upstairs, the master bedroom offers integrated wardrobes and a fitted bedroom suite with over-bed storage. A four-piece en-suite bathroom encompasses an integral cubicle shower, enclosed panelled bath and dark wood vanity wash basin. Three of the further four bedrooms all have integrated double wardrobes and radiators, and all feature double-glazed windows.

In the family bathroom, meanwhile, there’s a cubicle shower, enclosed panelled bath and vanity wash basin.

The centre of Swanley is where all the shops are concentrated. Banks, pharmacies, beauty boutiques, hairdressers, barbers and cafés are all here, along with a large Asda, Aldi, Iceland, Wilko, a Post Office and the central library. Shoppers similarly flock to the weekly market, which is held on a Wednesday in the Asda car park. Hextable Bakery has a great reputation for freshly baked goods, and Bluewater Shopping Centre is just eight miles away for a more extensive array of shops.

Swanley has always been envied for its rail links and location in semi-rural Kent. Despite its countryside setting, the rail journey to London Victoria is just 37 minutes. The A20 runs directly through the town, giving excellent access to the A2, M20 and M25. The town is well served by buses that take you deeper into Kent, or inwards towards South East London.

For viewings, contact Robinson-Jackson on +44 (0)1322 666 444 | www.robinson-jackson.com

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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WITH ITS CHOICE OF LIGHTWEIGHT, INNOVATIVE MATERIALS AND ADVANCED AERODYNAMIC DESIGN, SVR IS JAGUAR’S MOST POWERFUL F-TYPE YET. MATT JOY TAKES THE NEW COUPÉ AND ROADSTER FOR A SPIN, TO FIND OUT HOW IT’S BEEN UPDATED AND ENGINEERED FOR SHEER POWER, EXHILARATION AND A TOP SPEED OF 200MPH

WHAT’S NEW?

that the SVR means business. Pick of the colour

spare, and putting the roof down doesn’t

The F-Type should definitely be on your radar

chart is the sharp blue shade that shows off the

impact on boot space.

by now. First launched in 2014 and revised just

strong lines to best effect.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

last year, it’s the Porsche-worrying coupé and

The F-Type – and Jaguars in general – have

roadster that gave Jaguar a true successor to

come a long way in the image stakes in just a

The tweaks beneath the skin are significant to

the E-Type, as well as a halo effect on the rest of

few years, thanks to an expanded range and

the point where Jaguar developed a new read

the range. Now, the SVO department has turned

exciting designs, and SVR as a sub-brand now

suspension knuckle to improve the suspension

its attention to it to create the F-Type SVR.

has a second model to boost its recognition.

response, and developed bespoke tyres with

The F-Type SVR is the fastest series production

Pirelli, just for this car. In normal driving, the

with more power and torque from the 5.0-litre

Jaguar ever, and can crack 200mph; that’s a

first thing you notice is that it rides surprisingly

V8 engine, reduced drag and increased

potent image to project.

well; even this most extreme car in the whole

The changes are detailed and wide-ranging,

downforce, thanks to the new rear wing,

range retains this familiar Jaguar quality, and it’s

diffuser and front valance. There’s also retuned

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY

clearly designed to be used every day. It’s even

suspension, less weight and, unlikely as it may

There’s no loss of cabin space in the SVR

relatively quiet in the standard driving mode too.

seem, an even louder exhaust system made

transformation, but it remains a strict

from titanium and aircraft-spec alloy.

two-seater with an intimate, rather than

a little more aggression. Switch into Dynamic

But the SVR is best enjoyed when driven with

spacious, cabin. Even so, six-footers can be

mode, and the most notable difference is the

LOOKS AND IMAGE

comfortably accommodated in the supportive

firmed up suspension, although the driver can

You can have an F-Type SVR in Roadster or

sports seats, the glovebox and storage bins

tweak the individual settings for the steering,

Coupé form, just like the R version it’s based

will swallow plenty of oddments, and the boot

engine and gearbox. It feels extra sharp,

on, and arguably it’s the latter that’s the

on the Coupé is big enough for a medium

responding with even more immediacy to

better-looking of the two. The exterior changes

suitcase, as well as some smaller bags too. The

inputs, and stays flat, true and firm.

certainly add aggression to what was an elegant

Roadster’s boot is inevitably smaller, but space

and pretty shape, and you’re left in no doubt

is freed up by opting for the tyre repair kit over a

The engine dominates the experience, crackling and rasping with even more volume

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MOTORS

than the already-loud R Coupé, and pushing

wheels – the bespoke suspension upgrades,

the SVR hard above 100mph. With the

the 25kg weight loss (including the lightweight

FACTS AT A GLANCE

freedom of the track to explore its full potential,

exhaust), and some interior fillips. That seems

Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupé, £110,000

the SVR remains pleasingly rear-drive in its

like good value to us.

Engine: 5.0-litre petrol unit, producing 567bhp and 516lb.ft of torque

out occasionally, but this is a car that can be

WHO WOULD BUY ONE?

sideways into, through and on the exit of a

Jaguar is billing the F-Type SVR as an

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic gearbox driving all four wheels

bend if you so wish. To call it fun would be a

all-weather supercar rather than a track

gross understatement.

warrior, but the fact it dealt so well with all

balance; you can feel the front wheels helping

these scenarios means there’s a lot to be said

VALUE FOR MONEY

for its capability to deal with daily use. 911

In Coupé form, the SVR checks in at exactly

Turbo owners might see it as something of an

£110,000, with another £5k required for the

upstart, but it has presence, and is sufficiently

Roadster. That makes it almost £20,000 more

comfortable and acceptably practical, while

than the R model, but for that you get the

crucially being a complete blast to drive when

extra power and torque, the exterior changes –

the circumstances permit. It’s also relatively

including the aero upgrades and unique alloy

inexpensive for a car that can top 200mph...

Performance: Top speed 200mph, 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds Economy: 25mpg combined Emissions: 269g/km of CO2 This car summed up in a single word: Snarly If this car was a: cat, it would purr happily, before tearing a B-road to shreds

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TRIPADVISOR

‘Know better, book better, go better’ is the slogan we’ve all come to recognise, potentially fear and depend on as guests. We speak to the general managers and marketing manager of Alexander Hotels, to discover their personal and professional thoughts on the ever-expanding review website

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JAMES PERRY

General manager at Rowhill Grange

THE KEY FACTS • 385MILLION REVIEWS • 700MILLION IMAGES • 255 CONTRIBUTIONS MADE EVERY MINUTE From a professional perspective, and having witnessed the growth of TripAdvisor over the last 15 years into its current guise as ‘the world’s largest travel site’, you can’t underestimate its influence on both existing and prospective customers.

I fully recognise that most of our guests, whether they’re visiting for an overnight break, spa day, afternoon tea, or even planning to view us as a potential location for their dream wedding, will check out a number of our reviews before reaching a decision on whether to visit us or not.

On rare occasions, we don’t get everything right, and for me personally, the saddest thing TripAdvisor has bestowed upon us in recent years is an increase in customers who feel the need to threaten a negative

TripAdvisor has always prided itself on ‘unbiased’ reviews, but to

review, should they not get what they want in terms of a discount, or

my mind, the assertion is questionable. Although not confirmed by

even a complimentary stay.

TripAdvisor itself, I believe businesses paying for a listing receive better

In many cases, these threats will be made over a trivial matter, and in

treatment on the site, regardless of the number of poor reviews received.

Regardless of my personal thoughts, TripAdvisor is a growing site, so

some cases, even after expressing how happy they’ve been with their experience. Having handled this type of situation on several occasions, I’ve

we’ll continue to actively talk to our customers through this medium. If

been left frustrated at a perceived lack of interest from TripAdvisor.

I could pass one message to all our future guests, it would be to talk to

While businesses are able to report blackmail threats, in many instances,

us if you ever feel dissatisfied with your experience at the time. We pride

a review may already have been published, and even if you’re able to have

ourselves on being approachable, and are always happy to speak with

this removed, the damage to your reputation has already been done.

you to discuss any concerns or constructive criticism you may have.

LEANNE CLEAVER

Group marketing manager at Alexander Hotels

I feel that our growing dependence on TripAdvisor is potentially

destination, and perhaps our freedom to decide and judge is

making us less adventurous as travellers. We’re more risk-averse,

being evermore driven through TripAdvisor.

Do I use the site? Yes, absolutely, but I’ve been more inclined to

and if a place isn’t listed on TripAdvisor or doesn’t have good reviews, people don’t want to try it.

Where people used to set out on their travels with an open

use it for European and international destinations rather than the UK over the years. Working in the industry, I’ve always chosen to

mind, ready to be surprised by their upcoming experiences,

voice my issues during a stay rather than when I’m home, because

many of us now set off with hundreds of opinions churning

I feel everyone deserves the chance to solve complaints, so that you

through our heads, before we even arrive at our chosen

can truly enjoy the experience that you’ve worked and waited for.

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TRIPADVISOR

IAN HEATH

General manager at Alexander House

Love it or loath it, it’s a household name! TripAdvisor is fantastic

hotels see a bad review as a threat to get what they want.

Personally, it makes me more reluctant when customers use

for consumers to pick up top tips from fellow travellers. We all work hard, and we want to be sure that we’re going to get value

the site as a threat, and you can usually tell those who have

for money, which is different for everyone.

acted in such a way, from it being their first review to their

It’s also great for us hoteliers to pick up things we could

10th, with nothing good to say about where they’ve been.

improve on, build on products and facilities that guests love,

Do I use it personally? Most definitely, and if I read something

and praise the staff who excel and are named in person – all

that I think would disappoint me, I research a little further, even

things that customers may not tell us while they’re with us.

if that means calling the hotel. I’ve never written a bad review;

The reality is that we’re not always going to please everyone,

that’s not to say I haven’t been disappointed before, but in that

as customers look for different things in a hotel, and this is

circumstance, I would always tell the hotel there and then, so

where you have to read between the lines. As TripAdvisor

that they can try and put things right and, more importantly,

grows, sadly there are some customers who also believe that

that I enjoy the break!

KATIE SAVAGE

General manager at Langshott Manor

When looking at holidays personally, I’ve always found TripAdvisor to be a very useful tool, especially for top tips for the local areas and places to visit; however, I’ve always found myself to be sceptical regarding hotel reviews.

Working within the industry does give you the opportunity to see things from what you might call an ‘operational’ point of view, and I find it easier to read from not only a guest’s perspective, but also a management perspective. I’ve always believed that there are two sides to every review, and perhaps potential visitors can be swayed negatively from a review that’s beyond the hotel’s control.

TripAdvisor doesn’t take into account personal preferences and tastes; the environment one guest might perceive as a great experience could be completely out of another guest’s comfort zone. Therefore, I choose to browse reviews, and if anything comes up that potentially could bother me, I’ll attempt to call the hotel to discuss this before booking.

From a general manager’s viewpoint, TripAdvisor offers a strong portal for great feedback. Reviewers often list members of staff who have given exceptional levels of service, and this in turn offers me the chance to congratulate and personally thank these staff members.

On the flipside, it can also help to point out elements that need improvement, which, as a working hotel, is always a helpful asset.

All in all, I believe that TripAdvisor is a valuable tool for both guests and hoteliers, and I’ll continue to embrace and use the site to measure our levels of success.

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