Rutland Pride October 2024

Welcome

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Here’s some food for thought. The hospitality industry contributes £93bn to the economy each year, it employs 3.5m people and Rachel Reeves will definitely raise a glass to the fact that the sector generates over £54bn of annual tax revenues for the Treasury. Whilst it’s a really important part of the economy, however, it’s also a source of great pleasure for those of us who appreciate dining out and cooking at home.

In Rutland & Stamford especially there’s a huge appreciation for good food and drink, not least because of the dazzling restaurants, cafés and pubs in the area, who in turn rely on local suppliers of food and drink to produce their dishes.

Our appreciation for the food and drink profession is why we run our Good Food Awards each year and ask our readers to cast their votes to recognise the very best businesses in Rutland and Stamford – you’ll find our full feature later in this edition. Please do cast your vote, it’s really important to us!

In this edition, we’re meeting the absolutely brilliant Alicia Kearns, who now represents constituents in Stamford as well as Rutland. We’ll be discussing the future of politics, her aims for the area and we find out what life’s like working and living in the hallowed chambers, committee rooms and offices of the Westminster estate. Also this month we’ll revisit Rutland Hall where new Executive Head Chef Christian Koroma is doing very well... and then, we’ll enjoy an exciting change of pace thanks to Hambleton Hall’s PalmerSport motor racing event.

Best wishes for a wonderful month!

Julian Wilkinson CEO,

Pride Magazines

This month’s front covers photographed by Dean Fisher show the gates of Oakham Castle in autumn, and light trails adjacent to The George of Stamford.

We’re always looking for great images of the area, so please feel free to email us your best photos to us at robin@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Contents

9 LUXURY HOMES Enjoy the finest selection of quality homes on the market in Rutland & Stamford.

26 NEWS ‘Good news’ stories in Rutland and Stamford, including success for local businesses and a bid to create a music video for Rutland.

40 WHAT’S ON Live music and theatre.

Highlights

32 ALICIA KEARNS MP Next month marks five years since Alicia Kearns entered the Commons as an MP This month we reflect on her national and local political interests.

Food & Drink

46 DINING OUT New menus and a new Executive Head Chef at Rutland Hall.

Homes & Gardens

74 WELCOME HOME Brittany and Edward’s beautiful 17th century Barrowden farmhouse.

84 HOMES & INTERIORS Cosy homes for autumn with Stamford lifestyle brand Tom Lane and luxury sleep specialists Duxiana.

98 KITCHENS A roundup of the area’s best kitchen designers and retailers.

124 GARDENS Lifestyle garden concepts with David Greaves.

Lifestyle

55 THE GOOD FOOD AWARDS Launching our food awards including our flagship Restaurant of the Year title.

132 FULL SPEED AHEAD Experience a day of motorsport with Hambleton Hall.

137 MOTORS Aston Martin’s Vantage.

148 FASHION Silk accessories.

156 WEDDINGS Celebrating the wedding of Jas & Mitchell at Stapleford Park. OCTOBER 2024

Delivered free of charge to high value homes in the county

Pride Magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county. Our circulation is to homes in the top three council tax bands, which are predominantly worth over £500,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content.

The magazine is also sold in leading newsagents and supermarkets and we also deliver the magazine to local businesses including selected hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, doctors, dentists, executive motor dealerships and golf clubs. This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across our catchment area.

Our titles also have more social media fans than any other local magazine. In addition we have over 45,000 online visitors viewing our magazines free of charge, online, on their tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website, our app, and via the Readly and Issuu platforms.

If your business would benefit from being showcased to the wealthiest people in the area, please call our friendly sales team on 01529 469977.

Offers in Excess of £900,000

Cornerstalls, Exton

Cornerstalls is a detached, five-bedroom stone-built home sitting on an exclusive development offering spacious accommodation, a west-facing garden and beautiful countryside views, sitting in an incredible location at the edge of the sought-after village of Exton.

Guide Price £685,000

Burrough Cottage, Burrough On The Hill

Burrough Cottage is a delightful, four-bedroom extended cottage offering the perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comfort with spacious and light-filled accommodation, sitting on a generous plot of approximately a third of an acre with breathtaking viewings of the rolling countryside.

High Street West, Uppingham

Guide Price £800,000

Tudor House II is a charming, three-bedroom, Victorian town house in need of modernisation throughout with a large garden, off-road parking and a double garage, sitting in the heart of Uppingham town centre.

Main Street, Market Overton

Offers In Excess Of £400,000

Forge Cottage, built in the 18th century, is a Grade II listed, three-bedroom cottage with generous accommodation, outbuildings, and original character throughout, all located at the heart of Market Overton.

The finest selection of luxury homes on the market in Rutland, Stamford and the surrounding area

The Allexton Hall Estate near Uppingham is currently on the market with Savills of Stamford with guide pricing between £6,750,000 ­ £17,000,000, call 01780 484696 or see www.savills.com

Meadow Edge Langham

Glebe Farm is a substantial detached Grade II Listed character home, attractively set in the heart of the popular Rutland village of Market Overton. The property boasts over 6000sqft of immaculately presented accommodation, including a self-contained annexe and outbuildings with further development potential STPP. The property has recently undergone a tasteful contemporary refurbishment. The property is attractively offered to the market with NO CHAIN.

Farm Market Overton POA

Moores Estate Agents Goodwood House, Hackamore Way, Barleythorpe, Oakham, LE15 7FS Call 01780 484555 or see www.countryequestrianhomes.com

Glebe

Located in the heart of the picturesque village of Morcott, this historic stone-built property, dating from 1710-1830, offers a perfect balance of period charm and modern living. Unlisted and therefore free from the restrictions typically associated with listed buildings, this home retains many original features, including exposed wooden beams, stone mullion windows, and high ceilings, while offering the flexibility to adapt to modern living.

Offers In Excess Of: £1,000,000

Eastaway Property Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE. Call 01780 672030 or see www.eastaway.co.uk

Willoughby Road Morcott

Peters Church

Little Oakley

St. Peters is a fabulous conversion of a 13th Century Medieval Church with later additions, listed grade ll* as a property of architectural or historic interest. Converted to provide a substantial four bedroom three bathroom family home, the property retains an abundance of stunning architectural features including stained glass lancet windows, a now conserved Medieval wall painting dating from the 15th or early 16th century.

Offers Over: £1,800,000

St.

Allexton Hall Estate

The Allexton Hall Estate is only 4 miles from the market town of Uppingham and comprises an impressive Grade II listed Hall, a pair of gate lodges, three properties in the former Stable Yard, a farmhouse, renowned equestrian facilities, and extensive mature landscaped gardens and parkland.

Guide Price £6,750,000 - £17,000,000, 86.16 to 954.50 Ac (34.87 to 386.27 Ha).

Oakham, Rutland

An elegant four to six-bedroomed Georgian townhouse, with period features throughout. Grade II Listed property built of stone under slate roof. Two formal reception rooms with ornate cornicing detail. Country-style Kitchen with island and walk-in pantry. Principal bedroom and adjoining bathroom. Professionally-designed, south-facing, walled courtyard garden.

Stamford Guide Price £1,500,000

Walsoken House

Puddle View

Edith Weston Guide Price: £1,650,000

Puddle View is a delightful family home with outstanding views of Rutland Water. Grade ll listed, dated 1642, which has been sensitively refurbished and extended. A stunning four bedroom beautifully refurbished and modernised period, listed, family home with mature garden with large terrace, the width of the house. Amazing views of Rutland Water across to Hambleton peninsular.

Greatford

A beautifully presented, five-bedroom family home with double garage, large, landscaped garden with views of rolling countryside, nestled in the sought - after village of Greatford. A characterful property built of brick under tile roof. Featuring a heated indoor swimming pool with vaulted ceiling and gallery with views of the rolling countryside with access to footpaths.

Guide Price: £1,295,000

Maple Lodge

The Corner House

Ketton Guide Price: £1,150,000

Contemporary yet classic, private, peaceful and serenely spacious, The Corner House is quietly tucked away on a large, corner plot on Barrowden Road. This modern, detached home is approached through secure, electric gates and a block paved driveway which is replaced by a golden gravel parking area, ahead of a detached garage. Borders of mature shrubs frame the striking glass-fronted, gabled entrance to The Corner House. Full height glass floods light into the open and airy entrance hallway.

Pelham James 3 Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01572 497070 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk

Milburn is an impressive contemporary home built in 2007. Occupying an elevated position with delightful, landscaped gardens to the rear, plenty of driveway space for numerous vehicles plus a generous double garage with electrically operated doors. Tinwell is a charming village where a plethora of opportunities for calming walks, such as into the lovely market town of Stamford along a river and through meadows.

Guide Price: £1,150,000

Milburn Tinwell

This striking and contemporary property forms part of a small, boutique development of just seven holiday homes, situated around a private lake and surrounded by lovely countryside. It is wonderfully peaceful, with an idyllic setting yet just moments from the amenities of Doddington. Laurel Developments, have created the homes with the future in mind and they meet the latest standards for comfort and sustainability, making them efficient and cost-effective. Plot 3, The Laurels, Black Lane, Doddington

Guide Price: £350,000

Savills Olympic House, 995 Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3SE. Call 01522 508900 or see www.savills.co.uk

Local News

Steam railway is chuffed with lifeline

£65,000 fundraising for Nene Valley Railway will help secure the future of the heritage attraction near Stibbington, enjoyed by 30,000 passengers each year

Angela shortlisted for award

Rutland printmaker and illustrator Angela Harding has been shortlisted for a Wainright Prize for her work on Wilding, a guide to restoring ecology

Congratulations to Angela Harding as the artist, printmaker and illustrator from Rutland has been shortlisted for a Wainright Prize which celebrates excellence in writing for a junior audience on the trail-blazing and influential rewilding experiment at their Knepp estate, explaining what happens when you stop intensive farming and hand the land back to nature. It also features garden activities designed to help its readers rewild their own gardens, from growing pollinator-friendly flowers on your windowsill to creating an animal superhighway in the back garden.

Angela is based in Wing, Rutland, and has previously produced A Year Unfolding, Wild Light, and her newest book, Still Waters and Wild, due for release on 26th September. We’ll meet Angela in our next edition, preview some over her 2024 Christmas ranges, and find out about her forthcoming book too.

For more information on the artist see www.angelaharding.co.uk.

Nene Valley Railway has secured the £65,000 it needs to remain on track to achieve its £300,000 target to continue operating comfortably.

Based at Stibbington, the heritage railway was not in danger of closure, but its ability to operate smoothly had been compromised not least by the price of coal, which recently reached £400/tonne.

The contribution and the achievement of its overall target will enable the group to keep on top of maintenance, repairs and upgrades to its locomotives and improve its visitor facilities.

The railway runs for 7.5km, it employs 11 staff and it benefits from over 350 volunteers, attracting 30,000 visitors a year. On 21st October, enthusiasts can see the ‘Tornado’ (left) and even take to the regulator as a train driver! See www.nvr.org.uk.

Simply perfect Norfolk stays

From the owners of Barefoot Retreats, Simply Norfolk Stays presents a portfolio of accommodation

A new collection of privatelyowned Norfolk holiday cottages and coastal retreats is now available to guests from the owners of Barefoot Retreats.

Simply Norfolk Stays is a portfolio of gorgeous properties from quant coastal cottages to beach abodes and rural family homes for really relaxing short breaks and holidays in the pretty county of Norfolk.

Meanwhile, homeowners with boltholes in the area can join the Simply Norfolk Stays portfolio and will benefit from 10 years knowledge and marketing expertise whilst having the flexibility to manage their property’s maintenance and housekeeping for only 15% + VAT commission.

For details call 01328 730555 or see simplynorfolkstays.co.uk

New store opens in Stamford

The Cotswold Company is home to beautiful furniture and has opened a new store in Stamford

As Rutland & Stamford Pride goes to press The Cotswold Company is due to open its 10th retail store on Stamford’s High Street in the former premises of M&Co. The retailer promises to bring to Stamford beautiful homewares and handcrafted furniture built to last a lifetime. The store will open on 14th Sept, for a preview of their ranges, see www.cotswoldco.com.

Send your press releases & business news to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Comedy nights to fund video

Rutland promotional music video to be funded by comedy shows in Uppingham this October

A project has begun to create a music video promoting Rutland and to finance its production, Uppingham actor and writer Henry Dawe will be staging comedy shows at Uppingham Theatre in October, by kind permission of Uppingham School.

The Cheer Upp!, evenings will offer a radio-style entertainment featuring solo patter and sketches, bringing together other local actors for the fundraising effort. Entry is free but all cash donations towards the project will be gratefully received at the shows.

Discover Rutland have agreed to be the online promotional partner for the music video, to be sung by the Rutland Youth Choirs. The project is intended to benefit Rutland’s tourism and profile by showcasing what the county has to offer.

The comedy nights will take place on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th October at 7.30pm at Uppingham Theatre, on Stockerston Road. The doors and bar will open at 7pm.

The free tickets are available now in Oakham Wines, High Street, Oakham; The Falcon Hotel, Market Place, Uppingham; and online at www.wegottickets.com – search ‘Cheer Upp.’

And Finally... We’re really looking forward to introducing DUXIANA to our readers in this edition. The Nordic-inspired range of products includes not only chairs, sofas and tables, but also its DUX range of beds and mattresses which can be customised to suit your preferences for maximum comfort using clever interchangeable ‘cassettes.’ See later in this edition!

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Interview

Five years in the life of an MP with

Alicia Kearns

Next month will mark five years since Alicia Kearns entered the Houses of Parliament for the first time as a sitting MP. This year Rutland voted to retain her as their representative, and now the constituency also includes Stamford... time for a catch up, we thought!

Words: Rob Davis.

They say a week is a long time in politics, let alone a month or two. It’s been slightly longer than that since I last spoke to Rutland & Stamford’s MP Alicia Kearns. At the 10th anniversary garden party of the For Rutland charity in June we were exactly a month away from the general election. Alicia will have represented Rutland for five years next month and thanks to a constituency border change she now represents Stamford too, looking after a diverse area in metaphorical or meteorological rain or shine…

“I was out in all weathers prior to the election, knocking on doors,” says Alicia. “And whilst I was hoping to have a few more months to introduce myself to the people of Stamford, thankfully some communities in the new area had been affected by some of my work already.”

“I was doing about 25,000 steps every day and knocked on 6,000 doors during the campaign. The overriding response was ‘oh yes, you’re the lady that gets things done!’ particularly with reference to my work campaigning against the Mallard Pass solar development and local issues.”

To the universal dismay of everyone in the constituency, Ed Miliband as the new Secretary of State for Energy Security & Net Zero has given the greenlight to the Mallard Pass solar farm, doubtless keen to be seen as making ‘big decisions.’ His approval of the 2,105-acre site, which Alicia has vigorously campaigned against for a number of reasons, means that the final say over the site is no longer one over which South Kesteven, Lincolnshire or Rutland district or county councils are able to overturn.

“Everyone’s a bit heartbroken by a railroading of these mega solar plants in his first week. He wanted to be able to deliver a big news

announcement even though civil servants actually told him not to approve at least one of them, and despite the decision being in complete contempt of community consent.”

“The development means we’re going to lose 6,200 acres of good quality agricultural land and that has implications for food security. The conflict in Ukraine should have taught us what happens in the event of reliance on international food supplies, when we produce just 60% of our own food.”

Alicia has also voiced concern over the use of Uyghur slave labour being used in the manufacturing supply chain of infrastructure for the development. Furthermore, there are concerns over the sheer scale of the development – equivalent to 1,300 football pitches and with a length of 4.2 miles, end to end – as well as the overall efficacy of solar power itself.

“I have a heavy preference for wind over solar power. What do we have an abundance of in this country? Wind. The same can’t be said of sunlight. We don’t yet have a grid system able to absorb a lot of solar and overall I think it’s one of the poorest forms of energy production.”

“We’ve masses of industrial sites, former RAF bases, and rooftops. Mallard Pass should not be this size, it should not be on agricultural land, it shouldn’t be this company and there are no meaningful plans for community compensation.”

As well as continuing to voice strong opposition to Mallard Pass, Alicia is also keen to improve the safety of the A1, named as one of the worst accident blackspots on the road with nearly 1,000 collisions recorded on the A1 between Peterborough and Blyth between 2015 to 2022.

Interview

“It’s one of my biggest priorities and last week I managed to secure a half-hour Adjournment Debate in the Chamber in which ministers had to come to the Commons to discuss safety on the stretch from Stamford to Little Ponton. Last year I secured five safety upgrades between Tinwell junction and Colsterworth, including the installation of lane markers and rumble strips.”

“In May I also secured a review by Highways England of all the central reservation crossings on that stretch of road. It’s going to take some time to complete, and I’ve urged them that if it’s possible to make the process faster I’d like them to do so, because those crossings and the short slip roads are responsible for a number of those accidents. I’ve even recommended the introduction of an entirely new road sign specifically indicating a short slip road as I think that would help to improve safety.”

“The main course of action, though, is driver education. If you look at data from the police, almost all accidents involve motorists on their phones, eating or otherwise distracted. My website is now hosting a petition calling on the Government and National Highways to continue to improve the safety of that stretch of road for all of its users.”

One of Labour’s other locally contentious election pledges was to end independent schools’ VAT exemption. The independent Schools’ Council is a membership organisation representing 1,400 independent schools and 500,000 children in the UK. In Rutland and Stamford, there are 11 independent schools with a total of 6,066 pupils enrolled, an eighth of the children in Rutland and Stamford,

The Palaces of Westminster...

n Built for King Cnut c.1016. Curia Regis was the precursor to modern parliament, based within Westminster Hall. Royal residence was destroyed by fire 1512, another fire in 1834 destroyed much of the building when the Chancellor’s pile of tally sticks was set alight by an overheated stove. Charles Barry rebuilt the current estate from 1840­1876 in gothic revivalist style. Designated Grade I status in 1970.

n 1,100 rooms; 100 staircases; 112,476m2 floor area; three miles of corridors; 3,000 employees. The estate covers eight acres inc four acres of gardens/lawns. Ground floor offices, chambers, dining room. Top two floors are committee rooms and offices. Elizabeth Tower 96m tall, seven metre diameter clock faces, great bell ‘Big Ben’ is 13.8 tonnes. Restoration completed November 2022.

n Lords Chamber: 80ft, red theme. Origins in C11th/C13th. Now limited to 92 hereditary peers, 786 sitting members, origins 1265. Commons: 75ft, green theme, established 1707 by the Act of Union. Comprises 650 members, Sir Lindsay Hoyle current speaker, Lucy Powell is Leader of the House. 20 select committees, plus 15 additional committees.

“A common problem with the decisions is the apparent lack of concern for the preservation of rural communities...”

and a figure that includes over 1,000 pupils with special educational needs (SEN) plus the children of military families based in the area.

“It’s a policy that will impact us heavily,” says Alicia. “The sector also employs 2,100 people in the area, so jobs could be at risk as well as the education of the pupils in question. It will impact upon state schools too, because in the event that school fees rise and parents are unable to meet those increased costs, there’s no plan on how to deal with inflated class sizes and additional pressures which will fall on local state schools.”

“The striking thing about the policy is that it’s driven purely by dogma, and I made a point of order last week in the Commons on the subject because Labour is refusing to debate the issue, and have only made a written ministerial statement, essentially trying to silence us. I’ll keep using my voice in Parliament and continue trying to mitigate the worst excesses of what I think is a bad decision for the area.”

“If there’s a common concern among all of the decisions we’re seeing it’s the apparent lack of concern for the preservation of rural communities, from Mallard Pass to the need to protect agricultural land and protect areas from the risk of floods in the event that land is lost, to ending the exemption of VAT on independent schools and an announcement of a massive increase in housebuilding.”

“Rutland has now got to build 115% more houses on top of what the area was already constructing, South Kesteven has to build 33% more, so that’s a significant increase. I’ve always accepted that we need to have more houses, but we need to build them where jobs are and to ensure we create the right mix of housing. For example, more housing for younger people. That doesn’t seem to be what Labour is focusing on.”

“As an MP you’re always aware of how important it is to balance national interest with local impacts. I’m incredibly proud of the work I do locally and I try to only be in Parliament Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, returning home to visit local people, local businesses and local charities and ensure that the work we do is a reflection of their priorities.”

“As well as looking at issues like balancing infrastructure with community, there’s a chance to make a meaningful contribution to your community in the role. Earlier in 2024 I launched Rutland’s Great Dementia Conversation because there’s a degree of stigma and hesitancy around the condition. Around 944,000 people in the UK have been diagnosed with dementia and that figure is set to increase to beyond a million by 2030.”

“We want our communities to be as supportive as possible to those with the condition and their families, and to change how we see

Interview

dementia, so I’m pleased to be restarting the campaign after it was suspended during the election. Stephen Fry has already voiced his support for the campaign and we’re fortunate that Angela Rippon is to visit the county soon to offer her support to the campaign too.”

“It’s a diverse job, and a demanding one, but not always a happy one because in the case of constituency work you’re normally helping people when something has gone wrong in their lives. Being an MP is an enormous privilege though and I feel a great deal of responsibility towards the people I serve.”

“It’s not possible to get everything right all the time, and by the time this is published we’ll be down to the final four candidates from six, determining who will lead the party going forward. The final two candidates will be known on 10th October, with the successor to Rishi Sunak named on 2nd November.”

“We lost the trust of the people. We need to rebuild that and demonstrate confidence, earning the right to be heard again. We need to deliver a credible platform that can return us to power within five years. We did a lot of good when we were in government, and I’m looking for a leader that can unite our party.”

“Having been chosen by colleagues to sit on the Party Board – the party’s national governing body – and as a member of the 1922 committee, I’m choosing to remain neutral as to the party’s next leader, but I really am optimistic for the future.”

As well as local and national interests, Alicia’s pre-MP life saw her working for the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defence and at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, focused on countering terrorist groups and hostile states, attending peace talks on Syria, and working in Iraq, Kuwait, Ukraine, North Africa, Lebanon and beyond.

Later working as an independent consultant specialising in counterterrorism, Alicia left the role to become an MP five years ago and in October 2022 became the youngest woman ever to chair any committee, and the first woman to chair the Foreign Affairs Committee, stepping back from the role when the election was called.

With that experience and within her new role as Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, opposite David Lammy, Alicia will bring her experience to international concerns too.

“I’m keen to maintain my involvement in guiding foreign policy. It’s a challenging role as you can never choose what your priorities are, since everything is a priority simultaneously. You can play a role in limiting loss of life in conflicts and shape long-term strategy, but unfortunately you don’t get to pick and choose what to prioritise and when.”

“We need to rebuild trust and demonstrate confidence, earning the right to be heard again...”

“The reality is that the Middle East is a priority, but so is the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the long-term strategic threat that China represents, Lebanon’s part in the situation between Israel and Iran, as well as tensions in the Balkans, which I fear might see an outbreak of violence similar to that which happened in the 1990s.”

It has been five years since Alicia began work in the House of Commons as one of a cohort of 106 new MPs. Back in 2019 she told us that it was a bit like your first day in school, but with the whole world watching you and with the scent of beeswax polish on benches that could do with more padding, offices that could do with fewer mice and odd traditions like bobbing for the speaker’s attention.

In that time much has changed both in respect of the building itself – a newly refurbished Elizabeth Tower for instance – but in the country and around the world too. Covid, Brexit, a cost-of-living crisis, war in Ukraine and global tension between nations have all conspired to create challenging times for a hard-working MP.

What hasn’t changed though is the confidence that Rutland (and now Stamford too) places in Alicia to represent the area in Parliament. “It’s a unique job and an enormous privilege,” says Alicia. “Not always easy, but always very humbling and always very rewarding.”

See www.aliciakearns.com.

Above: Alicia speaks in the Commons during the Statement on Iran/Israel, 15th April. Jessica Taylor, House of Commons.

What’s On

Thursday 3rd October to Saturday 5th October

Burghley

by Twilight

Experience Burghley in a whole new light and enjoy enchanting musical performance and explore the illuminated rooms enjoy performances from a variety of classical musicians.

Elizabethan minstrel, Dante Ferrara entertains with his Lute and Hurdy Gurdy, harpist to the stars Soraya Vermeulen will fill the Great Hall with her beautiful and entrancing music whilst classical violinists and choirs perform their evocative repertoires. Prosecco will also be served in the Old Kitchen and the Great Hall.

From 6pm, tickets £30, see www.burghley.co.uk, or call 01780 752451.

Halloween at Boughton

Saturday 26th October to Thursday 31st October

Halloween at Boughton House

Family-friendly Halloween event. Pick the perfect pumpkin and enjoy some eerie activities with Boughton House as a backdrop. Participate in traditional games such as pumpkin bowling and apple dooking will bring nostalgic fun for the whole family. Crafting station, and indoor pumpkin carving station,

Find out more and book at www.boughtonhouse.co.uk.

Friday 4th October

Symphonix Soundtracks

A magnificent concert of sounds from the big screen. Symphonix Soundtracks features a huge 35-piece orchestra and two incredible vocalists, this performance features some of the greatest soundtracks from Star Wars to War of the Worlds, and from James Bond to ET.

Performances at 7pm and 9pm, from £26.16, Peterborough Cathedral, call 01733 355315, peterborough­cathedral.org.uk.

Friday 18th October

A Night at the Musicals

Uppingham Theatre presents a night of showstoppers from the most well-known musicals.

Uppingham Theatre, LE15 9QE. 7.30pm, tickets £15, call 01572 822216 or see www.uppingham.co.uk.

Thursday 10th October to Saturday 12th October

Stamford Gilbert & Sullivan Players present: Ruddigore

Belly laughs, ghostly goings on, and delightfully funny dialogue with Stamford’s G&S Players.

Stamford Corn Exchange, call 01780 766455 or see stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.

Send your press releases and events to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

Monday 30th September to Saturday 19th October

Welland Valley Arts Society

The second of this year’s shows, held by the Welland Valley Arts Society, at Stamford Arts Centre. The Autumn Exhibition of the Welland Valley Art Society features over 100 original works by professional

and talented amateur artists. The exhibition features a wonderful variety of paintings and sculptures from over 30 artists. The original artworks, both framed and mounted, are for sale. This exhibition also has the ‘Small’ wall offering paintings at £75 or less.

Stamford Arts Centre, call 01780 763 203 or see www.stamfordartscentre.com.

Murder on the Orient Express

Ken Ludwig adapts Agatha Christie’s most famous whodunnit for the stage, this month at Curve Theatre

Sunday

20th October

10cc Ultimate Greatest Hits

50 years on from their debut album, and with four further albums, 10cc embark on an extensive UK tour including Leicester’s DeMontfort Hall. Having sold over 15 million albums in the UK alone, 10cc have eleven Top 10 hits to their name, including three number one singles: Rubber Bullets, Dreadlock Holiday and the ubiquitous I’m Not In Love.

Led by Graham Gouldman, the live band comprises Rick Fenn, Paul Burgess, Keith Hayman and Iain Hornal

Tickets £26­ £42, 7.30pm. DeMontfort Hall, Leicester, LE1 7RU, call 0116 2333111 or see demontforthall.co.uk.

Tuesday 1st October

Sporting Dinner with Martin Johnson OBE

Kilworth House’s evenings with Martin Johnson CBE and his rugby friends are among the most sought after events in the country house hotel’s calendar.

Now in its 17th year, this evening with English rugby's most decorated player and other legends gives a privileged insight into the world of rugby. Ticket price includes arrival drink, and three course dinner in the hotel’s Orangery.

Ticket price £80, optional accommodation packages, Kilworth House, LE17 6JE. Call 01858 880058 or see www.kilworthhouse.co.uk.

Tuesday 15th October to Saturday 19th October

Agatha Christie at Curve Theatre

Winter 1934 and an avalanche stops The Orient Express dead in its tracks. A murder. A train full of suspects. An impossible case. Trapped in the snow with a killer still on-board, can the world’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot, crack the case before the train reaches its final destination?

Starring Michael Maloney as the celebrated Belgian sleuth, Murder on the Orient Express is one of Agatha Christie’s greatest literary achievements,

with a final twist that is amongst her very best. Gripping, tense and masterfully cryptic, Ken Ludwig’s brandnew production is a deliciously thrilling ride and an ingenious murder mystery, guaranteed to keep you guessing until the end of the line.

From 7.30pm plus 2.15pm matinée on selected dates.

Standard tickets £10­£39.50, Curve Theatre, Leicester LE1 1UT, call 0116 242 3595 or see www.curveonline.co.uk.

BOWTHORPE PARK FARM

is a farmily farm in south lincolnshire, home to the UKs largest Girthed Oak Tree and farm shop selling Red Tractor farm assured beef pork & lamb all born & raised on our farm and hosts family friendly events throughout the year

OPENING HOURS: Thurs, Fri & Sat 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 2pm

Traditional slow maturing breeds, grass fed Lincoln Red Beef, Berkshire Pork, Jacob Lamb

Homemade ready meals, dry aged beef, deli counter, Local milk, fruit & veg, cake, ice cream and so much more

Cream teas being served in the Tipi and FREE park entry, 25th July -1st September.

Dining Out

Blossoms at Rutland Hall Hotel

Since a comprehensive refurbishment in 2020, Rutland Hall Hotel has really blossomed, and nowhere is that more evident than with its provision of excellent dining, further improved with the appointment of new Executive Head Chef Christian Koroma

Words: Rob Davis.

Rarely has a name proven itself to be so apt... since its reinvention under current owners Priyesh and Minesh Patel, Rutland Hall Hotel has blossomed, with a comprehensive refurbishment that has included its bedrooms and its lakeside restaurant.

Prior to the family taking on the estate, it was looking rather tired. We can’t overstate the time, effort and capital that the family has put into the place, and nowhere is this care and attention more evident than in Blossoms.

The improvements continue with the recent appointment of new Executive Head Chef Christian Koroma alongside Sous Chef Nathan Hayes, and Restaurant & Bar Manager Michael Crompton (a former colleague of Christian) who joined the team to match the chefs’ talent with an assiduous approach to front-of-house.

Elsewhere, the estate has recently launched Four Roots, its provision of wellbeing, designed as a holistic experience by spa and salon expert, Kerry Summers.

Four Roots pre-empts the hotel’s plans to expand its provision of facilities and treatments with the launch of a new spa next year. A planning application is currently being ratified with a view to the new spa’s construction beginning, hopefully, in winter 2024.

Constructed in 1890 as a hunting lodge for the 6th Earl Fitzwilliam and his eponymous pack, Rutland Hall (née Barnsdale Hall) was visited by many an aristocrat down the years including Edward, Duke of Windsor and Mrs Wallis Simpson prior to Edward’s abdication in the 1930s.

Following the creation of Rutland Water in the 1970s the place fell into disrepair under successive owners until its purchase and conversion into a country house hotel in 1989. Just after the family’s purchase in June 2020, Covid struck and the hospitality industry was unable to operate... although a hotel temporarily bereft of guests did afford the opportunity to expedite the refurbishment of the estate whilst avoiding disruption to guests.

Opposite: Herb crusted lamb rump with dauphinoise potato, heritage rainbow carrot, and lamb jus, £28.

Above: Atlantic cod loin with ratte potatoes mussels and saffron cream, £26. Beetroot cured salmon starter, £14.

Blossoms Bar & Restaurant

at Rutland Hall Hotel

FOR THE TABLE

Freshly baked mini-loaf with olive oil herb butter, £5.

Crispy whitebait, lemon aioli, £7.

Mac & cheese croquettes, black garlic & truffle mayo, £7.

STARTERS

Pea and mint soup with cheese straw and crème fraîche, £9.

British heritage tomato & burrata salad with pesto pine nuts and smoked Maldon sea salt, £13 .

Pressing of ham hock & leek with celeriac and piccalilli pure´e, £14.

Beetroot cured salmon with wasabi mayonnaise, £14 .

Compressed watermelon with goat’s cheese, candied walnuts, nasturtium flower, £11.

MAIN COURSES

Herb crusted lamb rump with dauphinoise potato, heritage rainbow carrot, vine tomatoes, pea purée and lamb jus, £28.

Atlantic cod loin with ratte potatoes, mussels, creamed leeks, and saffron cream, £26.

Duck breast with fondant potato, slow-cooked duck bon-bon, celeriac & cherry, £28.

8oz Himalayan salt dry-aged rib-eye steak, £38.

The Rutland Burger, £18.

Heritage wild mushroom risotto with fresh parmesan, poached egg, truffle oil, £18.

DESSERTS

Queen of puddings with textures of raspberries, £12.

Chocolate brownie with chocolate soil, burnt white chocolate, salted caramel ice cream, £11.

Glazed lemon tart with raspberry sorbet, tuille and mango gel, £12.

NB: Sample menu and featured dishes, subject to availability and change.

Our photographs reflect a range of autumn dishes with local suppliers favoured where quality permits

Today, Blossoms is very much open to local non-residents, as well as guests enjoying its 66-bedrooms and 31 timber lodges. Christian and his brigade of 13 chefs have worked hard to consolidate the hotel’s dining with a menu that reflects classic British dining.

A daytime menu is served from 11am-5pm, with brunch and lunch options including a range of stone-baked pizzas as well as lighter dishes and classic main courses. From eggs Benedict in the morning to fish ‘n’ chips, a premium burger or homemade steak and ale pie for lunch, Blossoms is a destination to bear in mind when meeting friends for a catch up.

Two additional dining options include the Rutland Terrace menu (with a series of platters, plus wood-fired pizzas and open kebabs from noon until 5pm), and Christian’s rebooted provision of a classic afternoon tea.

The Great British Afternoon Tea, available following pre-booking from noon until 4pm, comprises homemade savouries, loose-leaf

Above: Pea and mint soup, £9. Opposite: Duck breast, £28.

teas and optional Prosecco and Champagne from £30/person. There’s even a special version for children with a Jurassic theme to reference Rutland’s ichthyosaur. Roaaar!

Meanwhile, in the evening, Christian and the team have created a new autumn menu comprising five appetisers or grazing dishes, seven starters, five à la carte main courses plus seven grill options including a premium Himalayan salt dry-aged rib-eye steak which is served with Provençal tomatoes, Portobello mushrooms, beer-battered onion rings and triple-cooked chips seasoned with smoked Maldon sea salt.

Our photographs reflect a range of autumn dishes, with local suppliers favoured where quality permits and other suppliers including Owen Taylor, the Derbyshire butcher who sources beef, lamb and pork from counties including Rutland and Leicestershire. The latter celebrated its centenary in 2022.

Fresh fish is delivered daily by Direct Seafood whilst Priory Farm and Noels are artisan suppliers of free-range eggs and ice creams respectively.

Dining Out

A word, too, for Blossoms’ provision of a really good Sunday lunch, with one, two or three courses available for £18, £26 and £35 respectively. Star of the show is roast sirloin of Lincolnshire beef with all the trimmings.

And speaking of trimmings... Christmas will be here sooner than we realise, so we’d be remiss not to suggest making this year easier – or avoiding relatives – with Rutland Hall’s two-night Christmas package.

A Christmas Eve dinner with mulled wine and mince pies, plus Christmas Day breakfast and Christmas lunch including a glass of Champagne to get festivities started is followed by the King’s speech, a light buffet supper, quiz and Boxing Day breakfast, two nights of accommodation is included, all for £329/person. We’re assured that guests don’t even need to lend a hand with the washing up... which sounds rather good to us.

Alternatively, if you’re charged with the responsibility of organising the office bash, or you’re hoping to meet up with friends in the

run up to the festive season, Rutland Hall offers its Christmas Party Nights from £49.95/person, and festive afternoon teas from £30/person.

Finally, the hotel is offering a Boxing Day carvery for £49/person, and the team invite you to join their New Year’s Eve party for £129/person including a Champagne and canapé reception, five course supper, with disco and midnight bacon baps.

A little sooner than that, Rutland Food & Drink Week (21st-29th September) will see Blossoms celebrating with live music and cooking on the terrace on Saturday 28th, 12 noon-5pm, featuring a new outdoor menu and views of Rutland Water.

We’ve always been happy to recommend a visit to Rutland Hall, and to Blossoms in particular. The 70-cover dining room is stylish, it enjoys a super setting, and with Christian and the team unveiling their new autumn menus, its place in the shortlist of Rutland’s best restaurants has never been more credible.

Blossoms Bar & Restaurant at Rutland Hall Hotel

The Pitch: “Set in over 70 acres, Rutland Hall boasts the finest restaurant, Blossoms Restaurant, offering an exquisite lunch, breakfast, and dinner menu set against breathtaking views across Rutland Water.”

Opening Hours:

Brunch/lunch served 11am­5pm. Evening dining from 6pm to 9pm. Terrace menu served 12 noon to 5pm. Sunday lunch 12 noon to 4pm.

Blossoms at Rutland Hall Hotel, Exton, Oakham LE15 8AB. Call 01572 757901, or see www.rutlandhall.co.uk.

Opposite: Chocolate brownie with chocolate soil, burnt white chocolate, salted caramel ice cream, £11. Above: Queen of puddings with textures of raspberries, £12.

The 2024 Pride Magazines Good Food Awards

This month we’re cooking up something rather special as we launch our Good Food Awards for 2024. Vote for your favourite restaurants and food & drink producers from across Rutland & Stamford and we’ll ensure they get the recognition they deserve...

Words: Rob Davis.

Good Food Awards 2024 Pride Magazines

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2024

Our first category aims to find our readers’ favourite restaurant

The flagship category of our Good Food Awards is our Restaurant of the Year title. We’re looking for a place which makes the most of local ingredients and prepares their dishes with creative flair and solid technical skills, providing somewhere comfortable for diners to enjoy, with great service too.

However we’re always keen to point out that a consideration of your favourite restaurant in the county doesn’t necessarily mean the most exceptional standards of fine dining. We’re just as keen to celebrate the county’s quality pub restaurant providing a relaxing environment that welcomes families.

Over the following pages we’ve provided a reminder of some of the great dishes that we’ve enjoyed over the past year or so, but as always you’re welcome to vote for whichever restaurant deserves to be celebrated as your favourite place to dine... your nominations do not necessarily have to be a Pride Magazines advertiser and they don’t have to be among the restaurants we feature in this edition.

HOW TO VOTE IN OUR AWARDS

The idea of our awards is to seek our readers’ opinions as to the county’s best restaurants, coffee shops and food & drink producers, with no commercial bias on our part and ensuring the whole county is evenly represented.

n Our awards are designed to provide really good publicity for those working hard in Rutland & Stamford’s hospitality sector who deserve recognition for providing great dining and front of house service.

n You can vote for whichever businesses you believe are the best in their respective categories. They don’t have to be one of our advertisers although they do have to be local to Rutland & Stamford.

n In keeping with the spirit of the awards, you should not be commercially affiliated with the businesses and should only nominate those business you think truly deserve recognition.

You can vote online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk or by filling in the form at the end of this feature. Please vote in all six categories!

Knead Pubs’ Crown and Paten & Co

The company’s own farm provides its lamb and Lincoln Red beef.

Vanilla pannacotta, hedgerow fruits and sorbet, honeycomb at the area’s exceptional quality pub restaurant, Clipsham’s Olive Branch.

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS

Hambleton Hall, Rutland

Taking our Restaurant of the Year title last year was luxury country house hotel Hambleton Hall, which was founded by Tim & Stefa Hart in 1980 in a former hunting lodge on the edge of the shores of the Hambleton peninsular.

Hambleton Hall’s success is assured by a terrifically lovely team including Chef Director Aaron Patterson, who has helped to ensure the dining room has retained its Michelin Star since 1982, longer than any other restaurant in Britain in fact.

Aaron works alongside Restaurant Director Graeme Matheson, Sommelier Dominique Baduel and General Manager Chris Hurst. Together the team ensures that as well as offering one of the finest experiences in British hospitality, there’s a relaxed, happy feel to the place with its classically­styled interiors and beautiful grounds.

Hambleton Hall, Ketton Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8TH.

Celebrating Our Local Restaurants

A reminder of the restaurants across Rutland & Stamford we’ve featured over the past year or so. You can vote for these, or any other restaurant you wish as you nominate your Restaurant of the Year winner...

1. Rutland Hall presented this slow-cooked duck breast dish with celeriac and cherry for this month’s magazine... see page 46! Call 01572 757901 or see www.rutlandhall.co.uk.

2. Oakham’s Wisteria Hotel recognises that every menu needs a really good steak option. We enjoyed very much this côte de boeuf when we dined at this smashing hotel back in August last year. Call 01572 722844 or see www.wisteriahotel.co.uk.

3. Stamford’s Slanted Door presented this pan-fried venison, dish with fermented blackberries, for our Dining Out feature back in May. The 16th century building is a swish restaurant and cocktail bar with Dameon Clarke as Head Chef. Call 01780 757773 or see www.theslanteddoor.co.uk.

4. The White Horse in Baston prepared this pan-fried pigeon dish with blackberry jus starter for our February edition. The place is owned by the Thetford Farm Estate, and prides itself on providing a quality dining experience in a comfortable country pub. Call 01778 560923 or see www.thewhitehorsebaston.co.uk.

5. The Barnsdale reopened in February 2023 following a name change, a full refurbishment, new owners plus brand new provision of dining in the form of the 1760 Brasserie and Orangery. Shown here are seared scallops with blood orange. Call 01572 724678 or see www.barnsdalerutland.com. >>

6. A picture is worth a thousand words when it comes to the Michelin­starred dining of Aaron Patterson and the brigade at Hambleton Hall. An exceptional country house hotel in a beautiful setting with stunning gardens and lovely rooms. Shown here is loin of fallow venison with braised red cabbage ragout tartlet and parsnip, Image: Dorte Kjaerulff, dorte.co.uk. Call 01572 756991 or see www.hambletonhall.com.

7. The Olive Branch Pub at Clipsham is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024. It remains not just one of the area’s, but one of the country’s, best quality pub restaurants, presenting incredible food in a beautiful informal setting. Shown here is Launde Farm lamb (rump and belly), with Olive Branch dauphinoise potatoes. Call 01780 410 355 or see www.theolivebranchpub.com.

8. The Chubby Castor, on the outskirts of Peterborough, is an outstanding à la carte and tasting menu-based restaurant headed up by Adebola Adeshina, whose previous endeavours have seen him working in Michelin star restaurants like Maze, Aubergine and Claridge’s. Shown here is Carabinero (scarlet prawn) with soy mayo. Call 01733 380 801 or see www.thechubbycastor.com.

9. Medbourne’s Nevill Arms featured in our August magazine, presenting this red mullet dish with fennel and tomato butter sauce. A superb quality pub restaurant in a beautiful setting! Call 01858 565288 or see www.nevillarms.co.uk.

10. The King’s Arms at Wing has provided delicious dining with a fantastic provision of game-based dishes for over two decades. Shown here is fallow deer saddle, sweet medlar red cabbage, balsamic beets, sprouting broccoli, and port glace Call 01572 737 634 or see www.thekingsarms-wing.co.uk.

11. The Red Lion at West Deeping was founded by Frazer & Emma King three years ago, and now has a great reputation as a comfortable, cosy pub restaurant setting in which to enjoy brilliant dishes such as this roast chicken breast with grilled baby gem. Call 07421 977661 or see www.theredlionwestdeeping.co.uk.

12. Stamford’s Crown Hotel impressed in January as we enjoyed this dish of hake kiev with garlic & parsley butter with lemon hollandaise. It’s one of three Knead Pubs venues in the town, all equally wonderful! Call 01780 763136 or see www.kneadpubs.co.uk.

NB: You can vote for these, or any other restaurant you wish as you nominate your preferred Restaurant of the Year winner. Featured dishes are subject to availability and change.

CAFÉ, COFFEE SHOP OR BISTRO OF THE YEAR 2024

Celebrating great daytime dining

Our second category is tailored towards celebrating local businesses providing great food and drink during the daytime.

Nominations can include your favourite cafés such as the 18th century Central Tea Room in Stamford, Castle Cottage Café in Oakham or Uppingham’s Scandimania Coffee House. Alternatively the area is home to some great bistros such as the newly-refurbished Don Paddy’s in Uppingham, Oakham’s Otters Fine Foods or Stamford’s Lamberts.

Another suggestion is one of the garden centres or farm shops in the area, including The Garden Restaurant at Cold Overton’s Gates, Stamford Garden Centre’s Bistro Café, Welland Vale Garden Centre’s Orchard Café near Uppingham or Deeping St Nicholas’s Vine House Farm. The only criteria is the provision of really good daytime service!

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS The Hayloft at Hunters Interiors

Hunters Interiors was established in 2001 at Copthill Farm near Uffington, and has been owned by Candida Smith & Georgina Teesdale for ten years in 2014. Synonymous with talent and the best brands in homes interiors, it understandably became popular with visitors who enjoyed having a look around and gaining inspiration for their home. The addition of The Hayloft at Hunters in 2020 has allowed visitors to enjoy excellent coffee and tea, delicious homemade cakes, Hambleton bakery bread and tea cakes, light lunches and traditional afternoon tea (booking essential). A great setting, a lovely team, and a thoroughly decent daytime dining offering.

or see

Good Food Awards 2024 Pride Magazines

BEST INTERNATIONAL DINING RESTAURANT

Around the world in eighty dishes... but there’s only one restaurant that counts

Next up is our international dining category. From Mediterranean meals to Indian cuisine or Japanese dishes, this category is designed to recognise the impressive choice of restaurants in Rutland & Stamford with worldwide influences.

As ever you can vote for whichever restaurant you believe provides great international cuisine from Lyddington’s Marquess of Exeter or Oakham’s Sarpech with their fusion Asian-Indian cuisine.

Alternatively, consider Stamford’s Mad Turk or the Swedish brunch and lunch options at Fika in Stamford, Oakham or at Woolfox

LAST YEAR’S WINNER

Orbis of Stamford

Smart in its appearance and in its approach to modern dining, Orbis of Stamford is a 100% gluten­free restaurant serving world plates to share. Its menu is influenced by pan­Asian cuisine, with Indian and Japanese influences and innovative interpretations of Western cuisine too.

Orbis, All Saints' Place, Stamford PE9 2AR. 01780 669950 or see orbisstamford.co.uk.

Avocado with smoked salmon & poached eggs, the dish itself is chilli & lemon smashed avocado, spiced seeds, red pepper & tomato salsa, feta, Fika hot sauce and chilli oil, at Swedish­influenced café Fika of Oakham & Stamford, see www fikacafe.co.uk.

Hall.

YOUR FAVOURITE ‘RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS’

A recommendation for comfortable, luxurious accommodation

Our next category invites readers to recommend their favourite ‘restaurant with rooms:’ somewhere for quality dining and comfortable, luxurious accommodation too. Among the frequently recommended Rutland and Stamford businesses in this category are Hambleton Hall with its classic country house interiors designed by Stefa Hart and also Beech House, the six rooms and suites adjacent to Clipsham’s sublime quality pub restaurant The Olive Branch.

Elsewhere, Uppingham’s Lake Isle offers 10 individually-designed rooms and classic dishes featuring the best English produce, whilst The Falcon, also in Uppingham, offers quality accommodation in the 16th century coaching overlooking the Market Place.

Elsewhere, country pub restaurant The Nevill Arms in Medbourne provides stunning accommodation courtesy of its 10 bedrooms. Meanwhile, in Stamford, The Crown Hotel and venerable coaching inn The George of Stamford both offer accommodation par excellence and lovely dining in the heart of Georgian Stamford.

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS

The William Cecil, Stamford

Beautiful accommodation on Stamford’s St Martins, with 26 luxury bedrooms, and the new menus of Milly’s Bistro as featured in our last edition. Highly recommendable hotel within easy walking distance of Stamford’s Georgian town centre.

The William Cecil, St Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LJ. Call 01780 750070 or see www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk.

Hambleton

Good Food Awards 2024 Pride Magazines

LOCAL FOOD PRODUCER/RETAILER 2024

In this category we’re looking to celebrate a local producer or retailer of artisan food e.g.: a butcher, baker or cheesemaker.

Rutland & Stamford are home to a number of rather wonderful food ambassadors, not least among which is Hambleton Bakery, home to Julian Carter who co-founded the bakery with Tim Hart in 2008.

The bakery’s confectionery is still produced in Exton, where you’ll also find a lovely new café, but 2022 saw the business establish a new, purpose-built bakery in which to bake its bread, satisfying increased demand not only from the local restaurants and hotels who favour Hambleton Bakery as a supplier, but its own (seven!) shops including premises in Oakham and Stamford.

We’re looking for the area’s best supplier or retailer of local food, which may include one of the area’s bakers, butchers – Launde Farm Foods, Farmer Lou, or Grasmere Farm, for example – or even one of the area’s farm shops, from Gates Garden Centre to Northfield Farm or Deeping St Nicholas’s Vine House Farm.

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS

Gates Garden Centre, Cold Overton

In September 2019, Gates Garden Centre opened its 12,000sq ft farm shop with self­serve milk, orange juice, cereals and nuts as well as Hambleton Bakery bread and Hambleton Farm Butchery, plus local fruit and veg, good wines and local spirits. You’ll struggle to find a farm shop this good, especially as you look for quality food and drink in the run­up to Christmas!

Gates Farm Shop Cold Overton, LE15 7QB. Call 01664 454309 or see www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.

RUTLAND & STAMFORD’S BEST LOCAL DRINK PRODUCER 2024

Your favourite locally­produce drink

When it comes to quenching your thirst or enjoying a relaxing autumn tipple, Rutland & Stamford is definitely the place to be, thanks to a range of local drinks producers two local vineyards – Mallard Point Distillery & Vineyard at Essendine near Stamford, and The Rutland Vineyard at Ketton.

In our final category you might want to award the accolade of best local drinks producer to one of the area’s artisan gin producers, from Rutland’s Multum Gin Parvo to Warner’s Distillery, Braunston’s Rutland Gin, or a brewery such as Oakham’s Grainstore.

Alternatively, you might want to vote for one of the area’s superb coffee roasteries from Stamford’s Derwent & Dunne or Two Chimps, or green tea specialists Rutland Tea, based at Stapleford.

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS

Mallard Point, Essendine

Essendine­based distillery, vineyard and local drinks producer Church Farm was purchased by Andy & Fi Beamish and immediately rechristened Mallard Point, with its first vines established in April 2019. Today, the farm is home to 15,000 cool climate vines and to gins such as their London Dry, Pinot Noir and English Rosé, as well as their Chardonnay 22, Pink Pet Nat and English Rosé wines.

For more information see www.mallardpoint.co.uk.

The Pride Magazines Good Food Awards

Voting Form 2024

You’re free to vote for whichever local businesses you choose; they don’t have to be mentioned in this edition. You can also vote online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Restaurant of the Year 2024: Your favourite place to dine in Rutland, Stamford or the surrounding area

Café, Bar or Bistro of the Year 2024: Your preferred place to enjoy a lighter meal or coffee.

International Cuisine 2024: A local restaurant providing great international dishes.

‘Restaurant with Rooms’ 2024: A restaurant that also has really special accommodation.

Local Food Producer 2024: A producer/retailer of local food e.g.: a butcher, baker or farm shop.

Local Drink Producer 2024: This could be a wine or spirit, locally roasted coffee, local tea or soft drink.

Name:

Address:

Postcode: Telephone:

Cut out this page and send your nominations to Pride Magazines Good Food Awards, Pride Magazines, Boston Enterprise Centre, Enterprise Way, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 7TW. Closing Date 1st November 2024.

Pear & Blackberry Cake with Flaked Almonds

Preparation Time: 25 minutes. Baking Time: 50 minutes.

200g self­raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder

150g caster sugar • 150g unsalted butter, softened

3 large eggs • 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced

150g blackberries • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 50g ground almonds • 50g flaked almonds • 2 tbsp milk • Cream, ice cream or custard plus almonds to serve (optional)

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) round cake tin with baking parchment.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.

Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and baking powder. Fold this into the butter mixture, followed by the ground almonds.

Mix until just combined. Stir in the milk to create a smooth batter, then gently fold in the diced pears and

blackberries, being careful not to crush the blackberries too much.

Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the flaked almonds evenly over the top of the batter.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. If the cake is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with a piece of foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, slice and serve. Delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream and flaked almonds to garnish.

Mallard Point’s traditional gin is a winner for winter

A premium London Dry gin from Stamford

Established by Andy and Fi Beamish in 2019, the signature gin of Essendinebased Mallard Point features a strong juniper base with citrus notes. The floral elegance of jasmine and honeysuckle blended with apple and peach, finished with a hint of spice. Its juniper base is steeped in alcohol for over 12 hours.

£42, 40% ABV, 70cl, from www.mallardpoint.co.uk.

The Wine Cellar

The best of British this month as we launch our Good Food Awards and help to celebrate a few of the local wines and spirits. Also this month, British fizz to help you celebrate the success of our national viticulture

A trio of English sparkling wines...

A flagship English sparkling wine from Sussex, made using méthode champenoise with toasted brioche and almonds on the palate, £29, 12% ABV, 70cl.

An award­winning sparkling English rosé wine driven by ripe red fruit, strawberries, fresh cherries and redcurrants, made in Ashford, Kent, £55, 12% ABV, 70cl.

An unusual sparkling red wine from the West Midlands, with cherry, blackberry and a smokey seductive finish, £24.99, 11.5% ABV, 75cl.

Wine of the Month

Celebrating a new release of their Rutland Red, Tim and Zoe Beaver of The Rutland Vineyard are celebrating a successful year, having already taken silver in the 2024 Wine GB awards for its First Crush still white wine, now completely sold out! Newly released, the vineyard’s First Crush Red is now available to try and buy at the Ketton vineyard with tours and tastings also available. See therutland vineyard.com.

A feather in the cap for Rutland’s real ale Connoisseurs

Oakham­based Grainstore Rutland Osprey is a refreshing light golden brew, whose flavour is complex and mellow with a finely­balanced floral aroma and smooth citrus bitterness.

The brewery was established in 1994 and is now run by Will Davis and Peter Atkinson.

£2.99, 50cl, 4% ABV, from Gates Farm Shop, gatesfarmshop.co.uk.

Our featured wines are available from local independent wine merchants, supermarkets and online, prices are RRP and may vary.

Welcome Home Families A Farmhouse for

The beautiful 17th century former farmhouse of Brittany Stewart and Edward Sharpley has been the perfect place for the couple to enjoy family life

Words: Rob Davis.

From a Rayburn to renewables, the 17th century former farmhouse of Brittany Stewart and Edward Sharpley is set to be very cosy this winter, and it has been a great place for the couple to raise their young – and growing – family.

The property dates back to the 17th century but has escaped a Grade II listing, ensuring the couple enjoyed more flexibility as they were putting their own mark on the property when they moved in back in 2021. This enabled the installation of solar panels, battery storage for the electricity they generate and an air source heat pump, all of which helps to ensure the property is warm and efficient to run, despite its age.

Brittany is originally from Pennsylvania in the US and moved to the UK back in 2009 to study towards an MA and work in London. Brittany met Ed, a native Rutlander, and the two fell in love, reasoning that as they would soon want to start a family and move out of the city at some point, it was wise to skip the city-living stage of their lives and escape to the country sooner, rather than later.

“Ed has a lovely close-knit family and Rutland is a lovely place to live, so when we were looking to get onto the property ladder during lockdown, the idea of living in the countryside, in a property with lots of character and good schools nearby really did make sense.”

“When we saw Manor Farmhouse, we immediately fell in love and though lockdown at the time made viewing a little difficult, it also highlighted how lovely it would be to live in a lovely rural location.”

The kitchen is nicely appointed with a pitch pine farmhouse table and cream Rayburn Aga...

The property looks like it should be a cosy country cottage, but it is, in fact, deceptively spacious, arranged over two floors with three or four reception rooms and four bedrooms.

We say three or four because the dining kitchen is ideal for enjoying meals together as a family, whilst a sitting room with its log burner is ideal for reading stories to the couple’s young children with a hot chocolate before bed. The room at the rear of the house though is sufficiently adaptable to become a snug, dining room or to serve in its current role as a study for Brittany, who works as a freelance creative producer in the arts sector.

There’s also a garden room which is an ideal space to sit and supervise the children as they play in the property’s safe enclosed garden.

The kitchen is nicely appointed with just the kind of farmhouse kitchen one would expect, with a pitch pine farmhouse table and a cream Rayburn Aga under a chunky timber beam.

The solid hardwood cabinetry has been repainted by the couple in Farrow & Ball’s restful Purbeck Stone and there’s a lovely flagstone floor, Belfast sink and a separate utility room so family clutter and white goods don’t spoil the homely country kitchen aesthetic.

All sounds very traditional, doesn’t it? However, Manor Farmhouse still has a few modern touches thanks in no small part to the fact that Edward works in the renewables sector, hence the sustainable energy solutions that make the farmhouse efficient to run and clean.

Elsewhere the property’s reception rooms have lovely traditional beams, and on the first floor, the good-sized master bedroom incorporates an en suite bathroom. There are three further bedrooms, too, as well as a family bathroom and a cloakroom downstairs.

“The couple we purchased the property from were really lovely and they’d kept the place in really good condition,” says Brittany. “All we needed to do was to put our own mark on the house in terms of colours and decoration.”

“They were also keen gardeners so we inherited a really lovely garden that looks green and lush all year round, and provides a safe, enclosed space. There’s a terrace for entertaining and a formal area of lawn which is surrounded by herbaceous borders,

Welcome Home

filled with aquilegia, hydrangeas and rose bushes as well as box hedging. It’s really lovely, but also manages to be low-maintenance as well, not a space that requires constant work.”

There’s a garage too for bikes and garden tools, and Edward has ensured the couple have a charge point for electric vehicles, consistent with his belief in making the place as energy efficient with as least impactful on the planet as possible.

“We weren’t anticipating moving for years but we accidentally happened across another property in the village. We love living in Barrowden so we didn’t want to move from here, but it’ll be a slightly larger home, ideal for a growing family. We’ll definitely miss Manor Farmhouse though, it really been a wonderful family home.”

Manor Farmhouse, Barrowden

Location: Barrowden Stamford (8 miles), Uppingham (6 miles), Oakham (11 miles).

Provenance: Four­bedroomed family home dating back to the 17th century with modern renewable energy features.

Rooms: Dining kitchen, three or four receptions depending on configuration. Four bedrooms, one en suite.

Guide Price: £775,000.

Find Out More: King West, Stamford. Call 01780 484520 or see www.kingwest.co.uk.

Planning an extension, refurbishment or new build?

• Drawings prepared for planning per mission and building regulation approval

• CGI Visualisations

• Tender Management

• Building and Project Management

• Interior Design, Fit Out and Decor ation

• Turnkey Services or ad-hoc from any stage..

• We work with you!

• Extensions, Renovations, New Build, Conversions, Listed Buildings…

• Domestic & Commercial projects Under taken.

We offer a full suite of Architectural Design and Planning ServicesHave a free initial consultation with our friendly, professional team! Call 01775760246 | WhatsApp 07939000388 | info@austinjohnltd.co.uk austinjohnltd.co.uk | info@austinjohnltd.co.uk | 01775 760246

experienced interior designers create timeless spaces tailored just for you

experienced interior create timeless spaces tailored just for you

Hidden properties

Kate Vincent property finder for Garrington discusses buying and selling off-market properties and explains how homebuyers can obtain access to this secretive market.

Whilst it appears that there are plenty of people who would like to move home, the number of prime properties coming onto the market continues to be somewhat disappointing. The effect of this is that many homeowners, having checked whether there is somewhere exciting for them to buy, then decide to do nothing – or do they?

At Garrington, we have recently seen a marked increase in the number of homeowners expressing an interest in selling off-market, away from property portals and public scrutiny.

Why do Homeowners sell off-market?

There are a number of reasons why homeowners choose to sell their property discretely. Most like the sense of privacy; that photos of their home are not being circulated on the internet, the neighbours are not aware, and they can test an asking price amongst a few select individuals. The other advantage of selling off-market is that the pace of the transaction can be more measured if part of the negotiations gain agreement that completion won’t take place until the homeowner has secured their next property.

It is true that this method of selling invariably restricts the number of buyers who will

consider a property, but the benefits described above plus the potential to sell at the higher end of the value range (often there is a premium to be paid for securing a property discreetly) is currently proving attractive to many households.

How to find off-market properties

Most estate agents have one or two off-market properties on their roster at any one time. Most prefer to openly market properties because it increases their chance of selling quickly and demonstrates to the open market the quality and depth of their ‘ware’. This said, most would prefer to sign up an offmarket property rather than it being taken on by a competitor.

Some intrepid homebuyers take it upon themselves to drop letters through mailboxes and this can bear fruit, but it is time consuming, very hit ‘n’ miss and tricky to broker a deal if they are lucky enough to find an interested homeowner. Many also feel a bit shy about making such a direct approach.

How a property finder can help

As already mentioned, Garrington frequently engages in conversations with selling agents and homeowners directly about off-market properties. Known for our absolute

discretion, we are always interested to hear about these secret gems and are willing to view a property on a tentative basis and share our opinion of its market appeal and possible asking price.

The advantage of this for homebuyers interested in buying off-market is that they gain access to properties not widely known, have a property expert on their side to assess the home and price as well as a seasoned negotiator and property professional to support the process through to a successful completion for both parties.

If you are interested in buying or selling off­market and would like to discuss this matter in more detail, Garrington offer a commitment free meeting. Please get in touch: Tel. 01780 408377. Email info@garrington.co.uk www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk

Kate Vincent Garrington

PETERBOROUGH’S PREMIER CARPET RETAILER

DEKTON® FRONT IN KIRA FINISH WITH TOBACCO WALNUT

DEKTON® TOP IN LAURENT FINISH WITH KAMARI BASE

Getting Cosy

Earlier this year, local designer Jayne Ireland opened her first store in Stamford, the perfect town in which to present her range of luxury accessories, clothing and home fragrances, all sustainably made in Britain. Visit Tom Lane to ensure you’re all ready for autumn!

Images: Dorte Kjaerulff, Lisa Northam.

John K eats’ season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is almost upon us. With it comes the opportunity to take to the sofa, snuggle under a soft thick throw and curl up with a good book, or perhaps your favourite county magazine.

Happily, Stamford is now home to Jayne Ireland’s first retail studio from which the Lincolnshire-born designer is offering everything you need to remain cosy for autumn.

Jayne founded her business in 2015, designing her own range of ladieswear and menswear, eventually growing her portfolio of products to include a range of throws and cushions as well as diffusers and candles with her own carefully-curated range of home fragrances.

Whilst the business has grown, though, what has remained consistent is Jayne’s desire to remain faithful to her original ethos of producing all of her products right here in Britain with sustainable materials like lambswool, alpaca and Merino fibres.

“Autumn has always been my favourite season,” says Jayne. “You can’t beat a cosy throw, alpaca bed socks and a wild fig scented candle on an autumn evening.”

“I’ve always felt that it’s a shame we’ve come to depend on synthetic fabrics when materials like wool are so sustainable and can bring so much comfort.”

“British sheep farmers are understandably dismayed that wool is often a loss-making product when it can take on a new life in a product like my 100% British wool Coverdale collection of throws which go from fleece to finished throw in less than 50 miles.”

“Each one is 220cm x 140cm and we’ve a range of colours as well as patterns like our herringbone design.”

“I’ve used the same approach to design a range of bed socks and lounge socks, as well as natural fibres like cotton to create everyday socks, boot socks and shooting socks.”

“Also in the range are gloves, beanie hats, scarves and a range of jumpers, coats and tops for both women and men.”

“It’s easy to see October as signalling the end of summer, but I prefer to look at it as the beginning of autumn; a time to look forward to cosy nights in, snuggled up with a throw, a candle and a good book… perfection!”

Opposite: Coverdale throws, light pink also shown 220cm x 140cm, £135. This page: Skye cushion in French blue £85; Islay checked cushion in French blue £65. Lemongrass diffuser, £28. Sage gift box with wool throw, alpaca bed socks and hand­poured candle £140. See over for more details. >>

Autumn Homes

Opposite: Skye cushion in Inky blue, cotton/linen mix, incl duck feather cushion pad, 58cm, £85. Islay checked cushion in Inky blue, incl duck feather cushion pad, 45cm, £65. Above: Wool throws in raspberry, dark grey, petrol and sage, £75/ea. All products available from Tom Lane, 42 St Marys Street, Stamford, or via www.tomlane.co.

Professional Interior Design Service Re-Upholstery and Soft Furnishings

6 MARKET PLACE · UPPINGHAM · RUTLAND · LE15 9QH 01572 823389

www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk • info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk www.facebook.com/sarahhardinginteriorsltd Sarah Harding Interiors (@sarahhardinginteriorsltd)

Image courtesy of William Yeoward

Better Sleep with DUXIANA

A Good Night’s Sleep

The story of DUXIANA is a hundred years in the making, but brand new to Stamford this year. This month we’ll discover why ingenious design, assiduous manufacturing, plus values like quality and sustainability all combine in the company’s range of mattresses and bedding to give you the best night’s sleep you’ve ever enjoyed, tailored to your exact preferences

One hundred years ago, Nordic chocolate maker Efraim Ljung was staying in a hotel on a business trip. He enjoyed the best night sleep he’d ever had, and so well-rested was he that Efraim took a small pocket knife to the bed and cut it open to investigate what made his mattress so comfortable (he did sew the mattress back up before leaving the hotel, incidentally)

Within two years Efraim left confectionery for a career in comfort and set about creating a mattress to provide the best night’s sleep possible.

Fast-forward to 2024 and DUXIANA is a global brand available in 300 locations, including its own 88 sleep boutiques. In the UK its sole retail studio was on London’s George Street until April 2024 when Stamford gained a dedicated DUXIANA sleep boutique led by Paul Allchin and Amanda Wickes which will pioneer a wider UK rollout of stores.

Great Idea #1: A Continuous Coil

The first reason that DUXIANA’s DUX mattress is such an improvement on other sleep systems is its unique continuous coil system, an innovation finessed by the company now for nearly a century.

A single continuous coil at the heart of a DUX mattress design provides greater resilience, ensuring the support it provides doesn’t degrade over time. As the spring system isn’t encased in individual pockets, the design affords greater airflow throughout the bed, managing body heat better, thus providing superior mattress hygiene by preventing moisture, bacteria, fungus and odours from proliferating.

Because the springs of a DUX mattress don’t lose their springiness (or ‘retention’ to use a slightly more technical term), there’s no need to flip or rotate the mattress, and its anticipated lifespan is much greater than other mattress systems.

Great Idea #2: The Pascal System

And if you thought that was innovative, a DUX mattress also incorporates the Pascal system which provides customisable support not just at the time of purchase but whenever you wish, and wherever you wish around your body, independent of your sleeping partner.

The Pascal System uses six individually interchangeable cassettes of springs across the surface with different levels of support that can be changed whenever you wish, allowing you to create ‘zones’ with greater or softer support according to your preference. More support around your hips? Greater elevation for your legs? Sufficient support to align your spine? No problem. >>

Words: Rob Davis.

Better Sleep with DUXIANA

Great Idea #3: A Mattress Tailored To Suit You

In the same way that you can be measured for a bespoke suit or a wedding dress, your first step to better sleep is a visit to DUXIANA’s Stamford sleep boutique for a consultation with Paul or Amanda.

“It’s one of the things I really like a lot about DUXIANA,” says Paul. “Undoubtedly the idea isn’t to sell a product, but to prove that it’s demonstrably better. From the moment you walk in, everything is designed to ensure it’s a really good customer experience.”

“From little points of detail like branded mugs, homewares and slippers on display or the spacious layout and the way the core displays are dressed, it’s an experience designed to really look after our customers.”

“And then there’s the consultation itself. It often takes about two hours, not because we’re drawing out the process but because people really engage with it. We swap out the Pascal cassettes there and then to gradually create a bespoke zoned mattress for each occupant, proving the difference of each level of support anywhere across the body.”

“You own a car for a much shorter period of time than you own a mattress, but you never ‘test drive’ a sleep surface beyond just sitting on it and having a bit of a bounce in the shop... and after choosing a DUX mattress or bed, if you later decide you’d prefer more support, or a softer surface, it’s still possible to customise it to suit.”

“DUXIANA is already proving really popular in Stamford as our customers appreciate the innovation and the fact that it’s definitely a luxury brand.”

The Importance of Sleep...

n A recent study of 7,000 adults, aged over 50, lasting eight years, confirmed that those who sleep well were 75% less likely to develop heart disease.

n A lack of sleep also contributes to higher blood pressure, and greater concentrations of stress hormones in the body. Good sleep hygiene is proven to reduce stress levels.

n Sleep improves your immune system, and promotes greater attention and concentration. Worryingly, the average length of time that people experience sleep issues for, prior to seeking help, is six years. 40% of the population suffer from long­term sleep deprivation.

n To achieve better sleep your bedroom should be cool, quiet and dark with good ventilation. About 16°c­18°c is thought to be the ideal temperature for your bedroom.

n A healthy diet and avoiding stimulants like caffeine at least an hour before bedtime will help to improve sleep hygiene, as will avoiding mobile phones or tablets prior to sleep.

Luxury & Sustainability

“The beds themselves are guaranteed against breakage for 20 years but often last beyond 30 years so it’s a multi-generational product.

DUXIANA’s DUX bedding and pillows are of comparable quality too; I’ve never known a pillow like it, they’re quite fantastic!”

“What’s more, everything is sustainably made with Swedish craftsmanship and with independent certification (Oeko-Tex 100) for meeting human-ecological standards. The very fact that all of DUXIANA’s products are designed to last decades also underwrites that commitment to sustainability.”

A Range of Products

The DUXIANA range includes DUX mattresses and beds including adjustable beds and ones with built-in lumbar adjustment, as well as a range of headboards, top pads and bedding including luxurious down duvets, pillows and sheets.

The company also has a range of Nordic easy chairs, tables and sofas, all offering the same premium feel and all ensuring that you can create an environment that’s comfortable and luxurious for autumn and winter, and for many years down the line too.

“We were so thrilled to be able to bring the brand to Stamford,” says Paul. “To me, all of our products and our complete customer experience really are on another level to anything you’ve experienced before.”

Wall & Floor Tiling

Suppliers of

Adhesives, Grouts and Accessories

Underfloor Heating Free Estimates

The Largest Selection of Wall & Floor Tiles in Rutland

Established since 1984, We celebrate our 40th year this year. Visit our showroom for ideas and experienced advice. Suppliers of tiles, adhesive, grout, tools and accessories, plus fitting service with free estimates. We also serve the construction industry with competitive trade prices.

01572 821119

OPEN MON-FRI 9am-4:30pm www.superceramicservices.com superceramicservices@live.co.uk

Porcelanosa, Verona, Ca’Pietra, Johnsons, RAK etc

Everything, plus the Kitchen Sink

Stylish kitchens from the area’s most trustworthy professional cabinet makers, all offering a full design and project management service

Below: Beaded ash in­frame shaker kitchen painted in Malbec, by Nathaniel Oliver.

Braunston Road, Oakham, 01572 722636, www.kitchensbynathanieloliver.co.uk

Established for over 50 years, Kitchens by Nathaniel Oliver designs and creates its own kitchens in their Oakham-based workshops, from classic painted styles to high-gloss kitchens for modern properties. The company also produces furniture for bedrooms and reception rooms.

Shown here, bespoke pantry with bi-fold doors and internal charcoal-grained quartz. Cabinets in Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue with brushed metal black handles.

NATHANIEL OLIVER

MOIR WADE DESIGN LTD

0116 269 5915, www.moirwade.co.uk

Established in 2002, Moir Wade is based in Leicester and specialises in creating bespoke kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, libraries and bars. The company’s Jonathan Wade specialises in their design whilst Will Moir leads a team of talented cabinet makers in a workshop that combines traditional skills with the latest technology to create handmade furniture of unsurpassed quality. Project management is offered too, ensuring a well-organised and stress-free customer experience.

Shown here, in-frame shaker-style kitchen in Farrow & Ball Blackened with white engineered stone surfaces.

FITTED FURNITURE COMPANY

Easton­on­the­Hill, 01780 480080, www.thefittedfurniturecompany.com

Easton-on-the-Hill based Fitted Furniture Company was established in 1991, by Jason Nicholls and Graham Fowkes. The two have over 30 years worth of experience in the creation of kitchens, utility rooms, pantries, bedrooms, studies and bespoke freestanding furniture using traditional cabinetmaking skills in a dedicated workshop. Full design and project management is included.

Shown here, tulip wood cabinetry finished in Little Green’s French Grey with Dekton engineered stone surfaces.

LEWIS AND HILL

01664 424200, www.lewisandhill.co.uk

Founded in 2011 by Simon Lewis & Gordon Hill, Lewis & Hill create handmade furniture and cabinetry from timber such as accoya and tulip. These are combined with a range of solid surfaces, ironmongery from brands like Henkel & Henkel, and with full project management and appliances from premium brands sourced and installed.

Shown here is an in-frame shaker-style kitchen in Little Greene Chocolate 124 and Farrow &Ball Setting Plaster 23. Perrin & Rowe Armstrong tap, ILVE range cooker and Konigstone Statuario Quartz worktop.

At Stamford Domes we believe that function should always be combined with beauty. Our domes allow you to make the most of your existing garden and create a space which is uniquely you. They offer the perfect setting for a meal and drinks in the garden with friends, for a romantic glass of wine with a loved one or even some time alone simply reading a book.

Fully customisable in size, appearance and function. The nature of the domes construction means that each individual panel can be selected by the client to be solid or clear, and can be constructed from a variety of materials. This allows the design to be tailored to suit a wide range of purposes; from stunning timber framed greenhouses to cosy snug spaces to curl up, outdoor social areas or bars, even saunas! Get in touch to find out how we can help you achieve your garden dreams.

Domes

www.stamforddomes.co.uk enquiries@stamforddomes.co.uk 01780 693979 / 07984 489956

Autumn Home Inspiration

Getting Warmer

Traditional and contemporary stoves you can install in time for the winter months, courtesy of local suppliers

Opposite: Hunter Herald, available in single or double door from 4kW to 8kW heat output. Top/Left: Esse Ironheart stove and range cooker with 50 litre cooker and two hotplates for up to six pans. As used at Hugh Fearnley­Whittingstall’s River Cottage, up to 7.3kW heat output. Top/Right: Aga Ludlowe multi­fuel stove, contemporary design, 2kW­5kW. Above/Left: Stovax freestanding stove, landscape, 12.3kW output. Above/Right: Morsø 7943 stove, 7.3kW output, with log storage.

Recommended Local Suppliers: Alfred Poppins, 01780 720240; www.alfredpoppins.co.uk; Avondale, 01536 510865, www.chimneysweepnorthants.co.uk, Blood Brothers, 01636 611191, www.bloodbrothersstoves.com; Classic Fireplaces, 01778 347267, www.classicfireplaces.co.uk; Stamford Stoves 01780 769274, www.stamfordstoves.co.uk.

A Clean Sweep

This month we’re meeting the team behind Avondale Sweeps, one of the area’s most well-established companies responsible for keeping your chimney safe and well-maintained

A certain chimney sweep with a questionable Cockney accent claimed that a sweep ‘is as lucky as lucky can be.’ It’s not by luck though, but rather, good judgement that you’ll avert disaster by ensuring good chimney hygiene. Prior to lighting your fire or wood burning stove as the nights draw in and you begin to feel a little nippy, having your chimney swept and maintaining it regularly is essential.

Think chimney sweep and you think about those round brushes popping out of a chimney pot, but that’s just one of a number of tools in a modern sweep’s ordnance, as they work hard to keep households safe.

A Brush with History

Avondale Sweeps was established in 2010 by Russell Peace. It’s a proper family business with two daughters, a son-in-law, and a stepson all working alongside owners of the business Russell and Valerie.

The company has four full-time sweeps on the road, and they take on three more during the winter months when, having forgotten to have their chimney swept during the balmy months, homeowners want to light their fire. The sweeps hit the road and cover Rutland, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and into Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Sadly their vehicles are more modern than the cheerful bright red 1968 Morris 1000 (Boris the Morris) that Russell and Valerie have recently restored, complete with its Avondale Sweeps livery.

It’s thought that the noble profession of the chimney sweep began in the 17th and 18th centuries. Whilst solid fuel had been burned long before that, only then were the dangers of breathing in smoke recognised. During the Victorian era, it was recognised that coal

creates a sticky residue in the chimney that poses a risk when it’s not dislodged. Additionally people tried to circumvent King Charles II’s chimney tax by combining different flues into the same chimney, leading to congested and often hastilymodified chimneys.

During the Industrial Revolution there were as many as 1,000 chimney sweeps in London alone, and about 5,000 nationally. Today the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps has approximately 700 members nationwide and they represent a body of professionals responsible for helping to prevent chimney fires, of which there were 2,126 in 2023/4, with nearly half taking place from January to March. Happily that’s a 16% reduction from 2022/3 thanks in part to a campaign by HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme) and their Chimney Fire Safety Week which took place on 2nd-8th September.

Sweeping a Chimney

Whilst there are a few fancy new tools a chimney sweep can use, the mainstay is still the good old round brush. A typical visit takes an hour and the brush is often the simplest and best way for an experienced sweep to get a feel for whether there’s an obstruction.

These days though, the process is much cleaner for households, with sheeting up helping to prevent mess and a special vacuum cleaner with a HEPA/M-Class microfilter preventing dust escaping into the air or settling on sofas. CCTV is another tool that a sweep can use to diagnose blocked chimneys, but still a sweep relies on seeing that brush pop out of the chimney to confirm it’s all clear.

An Essential Service

Chimneys of oil and gas appliances should be swept once a year; smokeless coal chimneys and bituminous coal twice a year; the chimneys of wood-burning appliances though should be swept once a quarter when in use. The best time for this is not autumn, as some think, but around April when you stop using the chimney after winter and as spring begins.

Wet wood (e.g.: unseasoned logs) and household coal responsible for tar buildup have been banned, but still most insurers will insist that an operational chimney has a valid yearly certificate – a sort of MOT for your chimney – and failure to have a certificate may result in an insurance claim being rejected.

In the case of thatched properties, many insurance companies now insist on log enclosed multi-fuel stoves – not open fires –and insist on regular sweeping and inspection. Among the biggest culprits of chimney problems are birds nesting in flues. Happily, among Avondale Sweeps’ many services is the installation of bird guards and rain caps as well as birds’ nest removals.

Other Services

In addition, the company supplies and installs solid fuel stoves from all of the leading manufacturers, performs tar removal and other appliance and chimney repairs. You might say that when it comes to offering the expertise and experience you need to stay safe and cosy all winter, Avondale really does offer a clean sweep of services.

For more information on Avondale Sweeps’ services, call 01536 510865 or see www.chimneysweepnorthants.co.uk.

Garden Design

Creating Your Dream Garden

As summer turns to autumn, this month represents the ideal opportunity to evaluate how much use you’ve derived from your garden this season. Happily, if you reckon your outdoor areas could work better for you, engaging David Greaves for your Landscape Design & Construction now will ensure you’ve plenty of time to create a new space in good time for spring and summer 2025

Words: Rob Davis.

After what has been, let’s face it, a really rather underwhelming summer, you might not have spent much time in the garden.

But what if there’s another reason for that?

Like any other space in your home, if your garden and outdoor spaces aren’t fit for purpose, it’s likely that they’ll remain underutilised for years to come.

The time to consider garden design is not in spring or summer, but rather in autumn. That’s when you’ll have a chance to reflect on how much (or how little) use you’ve had from your garden over the past few months and how best to improve it. Too much full sun? Too much maintenance? Too little shade and too few places to sit and relax? Or perhaps your landscaping is just a little... lacklustre.

David Greaves Landscaping & Design was established in 2009, and the company is an RHS Silver Gilt award winner with a strong

pedigree in blending hard and soft landscaping constituents against a strong element of thoughtful collaborative design with clients.

The aim is to utilise the 20-strong team’s experience, equipment, contacts (for instance planting scheme designers, and specialists in outdoor kitchens, furnishings, swimming pools and hot tubs), to create beautiful bespoke outdoor spaces to ensure you get more out of your garden and outdoor areas.

The company offers full project management, design or design and build services, 2D and 3D visualisations as well as terrific creative flair to ensure that whether your project is a compact low-maintenance terrace or an impressive landscaping project, you can create your perfect outdoor space.

To prove it, we’ve a few projects over the page to inspire your own project and see it though to completion in plenty of time for spring and summer 2025. >>

Five Garden Concepts from David Greaves

A PLACE TO ENTERTAIN

Outdoor kitchens and living spaces

A huge trend in landscape and garden design is creating substantial and permanent places for outdoor entertaining. Built-in kitchens, outdoor reception rooms/offices/gyms with permanent lighting and heating as well as BBQ/pizza ovens: these can all provide a place for families to spend time in comfort throughout the spring summer and autumn for fun and al fresco dining.

A PLACE FOR WELLNESS

Swimming pools and spa areas

David Greaves works closely with leading suppliers of hot tubs, swim spas and swimming pools to create impressive installations sometimes with concealed sunken spas and frameless glass bifold atriums to mitigate breezy days.

WATER FEATURES & PONDS

Beautiful landscaped water features

Flowing water, calm pools, water tables or bowl and rills... there’s nothing as soothing in your garden as a really lovely water feature and so David Greaves works with sculptors and suppliers to create water with thoughtful landscaping. The company also provides wildlife ponds and spaces in which nature can thrive.

A PLACE FOR INDULGING GREEN FINGERS

How does your garden grow? For those who want to incorporate greenhouses, raised beds, kitchen gardens or a des res for chickens, a thoughtful and wellconsidered combination of hard and soft landscaping will help to ensure a garden that looks good all year round, from ornamental to productive gardens with healthy soil and good drainage.

A PLACE WITH NO WORK Gardens designed to be low maintenance

Conversely if your aim is leisure not labour, the company’s approach to providing a low-maintenance garden with landscaping and spaces to sit and relax will definitely be appreciated!

PalmerSport Racing Day with Hambleton Hall

Full Speed Ahead

This month presents an opportunity to enjoy not just one, but two memorable experiences, as former Formula 1 racing driver Jonathan Palmer teams up with Hambleton Hall to offer a day of thrilling driving experiences followed by exceptional dining

Words: Rob Davis.

As a young boy, my nose used to press against the expanse of glazing at our local Ford dealership.

Within the citadel of humdrum hatchbacks and through my breath as it condensed across the windows, there was always an RS Cosworth to behold just beyond; initially a Sierra, then a Sierra Sapphire, and eventually an Escort RS Cosworth

Huge garish spoilers, bonnet louvres, turbochargers and bucket seats distinguished these homologated models against the chariots of travelling sales reps and cars for the school run or supermarket schlep, only slightly removed from their rally-going counterparts.

The last iteration to bear the name of the automotive engineering tuner reached 60mph in about five and a half seconds, with about 227ps available. Back then, their performance was impressive. Nowadays, that sort of energy is commonplace.

Particularly in the case of electric vehicles, a modern car’s performance can easily embarrass the old guard of 1980s and 1990s supercars.

What hasn’t changed, though, is the need to drive responsibly and adhere to speed limits. So where might one go in order to indulge a fetish for speed whilst remaining lawful and ensuring other road users’ safety

Our strongest recommendation is PalmerSport at Bedford Autodrome >>

PalmerSport Racing Day

That’s where former F1 driver Jonathan Palmer and his team have curated some of the finest high-performance sports and racing cars to ensure you can enjoy a day of driving in everything from V6-powered single-seater racers to track-spec versions of BMW’s M4 and even a Land Rover Defender as it traverses rock-strewn paths and deep water passes.

What could be better than that? How about a Michelin-starred dinner afterwards and an overnight stay at one of Britain’s best country house hotels, Rutland’s Hambleton Hall?

J onathan Palmer initially trained as a doctor, working in Cuckfield and Brighton hospitals. He pursued motor racing as a hobby before turning professional, winning the British Formula Three Championship and the European Formula Two Championship in 1983, before making his Grand Prix debut at Brands Hatch the same year with the Williams F1 team.

After six years in Formula 1, he drove in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) for Prodrive BMW and then joined the late great Murray Walker in the BBC commentary box before working with McLaren to develop their record-breaking F1 road car. >>

Start your engines...

First up, the Ginetta G56 is a true British sports car, bringing its power and responsiveness to Hambleton Hall and PalmerSport’s racing day. It boasts rear wheel drive, a 3.7 litre V6 and perfect weight distribution for virtuosic handling.

Next, the Palmer JP­LM is a 265bhp sportsprototype with relentless grip and staggering acceleration for authentic Le Mans thrills.

The company’s Formula 3000 single­seater racer screams at 6,500rpm, and with its slick tyres, it’s the closest you’ll come to experiencing the thrill of an F1 car.

The Caterham PalmerSport Edition boasts a specification developed personally by Jonathan himself to take advantage of the East Circuit’s sinuous ribbon of tarmac and the car’s featherlight chassis.

You’ll also enjoy a bit of silliness in the track’s Caterham Pursuit, learning how to perform doughnuts and other manoeuvres purely in the name of achieving finessed vehicle control.

You’ll have seen the monstrous BMW M4 on public roads, but this GTP version is truly liberated on the track and offers brutish performance. It delivers the ultimate driving experience with its 510bhp 3.0 twin­turbo engine.

And finally... Proving that more haste and less speed is sometimes a wise policy, remind yourself why the Land Rover Defender remains a Great British icon by heading off the beaten track, over rock­strewn paths, water passes and slopes so steep you can only see the sky: no terrain is too tough for drivers on Hambleton Hall and PalmerSport’s Racing Day.

PalmerSport Racing Day

Dining at Hambleton is always memorable, but a once-in-a-lifetime day of thrilling racing elevates the pleasure to an experience you’ll struggle to eclipse!

It was whilst driving in the BTCC series that Jonathan founded PalmerSport to host corporate motorsport events, initially operating from Bruntingthorpe Airfield in Leicestershire. Bedford Autodrome was constructed as its permanent base in 1999, featuring four separate circuits and six miles of track.

In 2004, PalmerSport was incorporated into MSV (MotorSport Vision) with Jonathan as its Chief Executive, a position he still holds today.

It now operates five motorsport circuits in the UK plus one in Spain: Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Oulton Park, Snetterton, Cadwell Park and Circuito de Navarra, as well as Bedford Autodrome, from which PalmerSport and Hambleton Hall offer

their joint annual Dine and Drive event on Tuesday 1st October. Participants arrive at the circuit from 7.45am and after registration they will enjoy breakfast and a briefing before driving a range of performance cars, each with different characteristics.

Pausing for lunch, driving recommences and at 4.30pm there’s tea and awards for the best drivers before guests depart for aperitifs and dinner at the country house hotel.

Dining at Hambleton is always memorable, but preceding its exceptional hospitality with a once-in-a-lifetime day of thrilling racing truly elevates the pleasure to an experience that you’ll struggle to eclipse!

Rutland country house hotel Hambleton Hall and Jonathan’s PalmerSport experience offer their PalmerSport Racing Day, £860/person, drive and dine only. Drive, dine and accommodation from £1,210/one driver, standard room to £2,020/two drivers, two dinners, upgrade to Pavilion suite, £2,455. To reserve your space, call 01572 756 991 or see www.hambletonhall.com.

HAMBLETON HALL

PalmerSport ‘Dine & Drive’ Racing Day Tuesday 1st October 2024

Hambleton Hall’s PalmerSport Racing Day starts from 7.45am at Bedford Autodrome with registration and breakfast. Following an event briefing, driving commences from 9am with lunch from 12.15pm. Afternoon racing from 1.15pm. Tea and awards 4.30pm, departing 5.30pm. Apéritifs at Hambleton Hall from 8pm followed by dinner.

On The Menu

Apéritif: Champagne NV

René Beaudouin and Canapés

Terrine of Heritage Carrots

Carrot and Star Anise Ice Cream (v)

2022 Domaine Montrose Prestige Rosé

Pan Fried Fillet of Seabream

Violet Artichoke, Saffron Sauce

2022 Macon- Igé ,Chateau

London, Jean Claude Boisset

Loin of Launde Lamb, Peppers, Aubergine, Rosemary Sauce

2018 Tour du Pas St Georges, Saint Emilion

Pavé of White & Dark

Chocolate and Raspberries

2021 Banyuls Rimage, Domaine de Valcros Cazes

Coffee, Chocolates etcetera

Aston Martin’s New Vantage

It’s tricky, improving on perfection. And yet, Aston Martin has released a newly updated version of its baby grand tourer. The changes are certainly welcome

Improving on Aston Martin’s Vantage is a tricky task. The vehicle is already considered one of the best GTs on the road, but engineers have still found a few ways to improve the car, including tweaks to its engine.

As you may recall from previous road tests the Vantage, which was all­new from 2018, has been powered by a Mercedes­AMG sourced V8 engine, 4.0 with twin­turbos.

It’s a good fit for the car, being relatively light and allowing the vehicle to reach 60mph in 3.5 seconds, and 202mph on a closed track. For the facelifted version, power has been increased to 656bhp and the car’s 1,605kg means its mass doesn’t fight against its power. Fuel economy is a so­so 23.3mpg, it’s a strict two­seater and limited boot space means this is a weekend treat car, rather than a daily driver.

Still the facelift brings good old­fashioned rear­wheel drive plus muscular power to

Aston Martin Vantage

Price: £165,000.

Engine: 4.0V8 t/turbo.

Top Speed: 202mph.

0­60mph: 3.4secs.

Economy: 23.3mpg.

Standard equipment:

Adaptive cruise control, 360° camera, front and rear parking sensors, lane keep assist and lane centring. Heated leather seats with electric adjustment.

21” alloy wheels, 10” infotainment screen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging.

provide a suitably visceral experience against the more anodyne power deliver of a fully­electric car

Happily the facelift also brings a new interior with physical controls – little rollers – for key controls like music volume and climate control temperature. Modern safety features like adaptive cruise control and a 360° camera are also standard. The latter is essential given the car’s precious alloy wheels and a high window line compromising parking visibility.

Whilst the Aston’s 60mph sprint is matched by electric vehicles, not least the Tesla Model 3 Performance – which is also £100,000 cheaper and comes with four seats and decent boot – this is the car to buy. Unlike the Tesla, the last of the great internal combustion engined cars will surely appreciate in value and will prove a good investment for the future.

At Market Place Dental Practice, we are an independent local dental practice situated in the heart of Rutland, Uppingham established in 1994. We are focused upon providing holistic and preventative treatments to all our patients whilst using the latest in innovative technology. We pride ourselves on being a long-standing member of the local community and this is evident in our ethos to promote good oral health and hygiene.

TEETH STRAIGHTENING IN UPPINGHAM

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

At Market Place Dental Practice we offer a full range of dental services including routine dental check-ups, teeth whitening, implants and cosmetic treatments, all designed to enhance your smile and oral health.

If you are looking to improve your smile, we will listen carefully to your wishes and explain any recommended treatments. We will then create a bespoke, individualised treatment plan just for you and once your treatment plan has been agreed we will book the appropriate appointment(s) for you.

We strive to provide high quality dental care for all our patients. Care that provides as positive an experience for all our patients as possible.

With continuous advances in technology, orthodontic treatment is becoming more popular amongst all ages. The traditional fixed braces in silver, gold alloy and ceramic as well as plastic aligners such as Invisalign are popular choices for straightening teeth.

FIXED BRACES

Fixed braces are made up of small brackets attached to each tooth and connected by a wire. Different wires are placed and adjusted over time, creating gentle pressure which aligns the teeth accurately into the desired position.

INVISALIGN

Invisalign uses removable plastic aligners that are taken off for eating, drinking and tooth brushing. They have a very subtle appearance, are comfortable and convenient. A series of these aligners, in combination with attachments on the teeth, gently move the teeth over time to improve alignment.

Luxury in Autumn Cosmetics

Clever colour, and treats to bring a soothing sense of luxury to your autumn

24 Faubourg from Hermés

A source of inspiration from Hermés with the perfumer’s 24 Faubourg, inspired by the novel written by Maurice Roucel in 1995. A sparkle of white flowers in the top notes, the radiance of a floral heart enveloped in iris, wood and mystery, with vanilla and ambergris too.

£102/50ml, www.hermes.com.

Charlotte Tilbury Bronzer

Achieve a sun­kissed look even when summer turns into autumn with Charlotte Tilbury’s Beautiful Skin Sun­Kissed Glow bronzer, available in four shades, £45/21g, www.charlottetilbury.com.

Bobbi Brown’s Luxe Lips

Luxe Lip Colour from Bobbi Brown is available in 22 shades including this Parisian Red hue. Luxurious satin finish, hydrates and provides colour for 10 hours, £36/3.5g, www.bobbibrown.co.uk.

Estée Lauder Double Wear

Our go­to foundation is Estée Lauder’s Double Wear, available in no fewer than 60 shades in cool, neutral and warm tones. Oil­free matte formula, SPF10, £39.50/30ml, www.esteelauder.co.uk.

Hourglass Curator

Eyeshadow

A unique opportunity to create a custom palette of eye colour with Hourglass. 40 pressed powder shades, four finishes. Pick your empty palette, then fill it with your choice of colours and finishes.

One, three or five pan refillable palettes from £11­£17. Shades £28/ea, www.hourglass cosmetics.co.uk.

Diptyque Exfoliating Hand Wash

Hands down the most luxurious exfoliating hand wash for hard­working hands this autumn. Diptyque’s formula is refreshing, foaming and cleansing with exfoliating ground olive stones leave the skin feeling soft, purified and cleansed, £54/350ml, diptyqueparis.com.

All our beauty products are available from local independent stockists unless otherwise stated, note that prices stated are RRP and may vary.

The Future, Now - MBST®: The Only Medical Technology Working at the Cellular Level

Transforming Healthcare with Revolutionary Cellular Therapy

MBST®, Molecular Biophysical Stimulation Therapy, is a revolutionary advancement in medical technology. With its innovative approach to healing, MBST uses Magnetic Resonance Therapy to revitalise the body's natural repair processes. By invigorating damaged cells at a molecular level, MBST stimulates the regeneration of your impaired cells, boosting the healing process and reducing pain and immobility.

Why MBST® is Unmatched

Precision At A Cellular-Level

MBST® is the only medical technology that works directly at the cellular level. The advanced therapy targets degenerated cells, stimulating natural repair processes precisely where it is needed. This unique approach addresses the root causes of various conditions, rather than just relieving symptoms, leading to a more effective, sustainable, and natural healing process.

Scientifically Proven

Evidence matters in medical treatments, and MBST® is backed by extensive scientific studies and clinical trials. Research shows significant improvements in patients with conditions like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and sports injuries, with zero side effects. These studies show that MBST® is not only effective but also safe, making it a trusted choice for both patients and healthcare professionals.

Key Benefits of MBST® Therapy

- Non-Invasive and Painless: MBST® is entirely non-invasive, providing a comfortable and pain-free experience for patients.

- No Side Effects: Unlike many traditional treatments, MBST® has no known adverse side effects, making it a safe option for long-term use.

- Versatile Applications: Whether it’s joint issues, bone health, sports injuries, or chronic pain, MBST® can effectively treat a wide range of conditions.

- Promotes Natural Healing: By activating the body's own repair mechanisms, MBST® encourages natural healing for lasting results and improved overall health.

Transform Your Health with MBST®

If you are looking for a treatment that goes beyond the conventional methods MBST® offers a revolutionary approach that not only addresses symptoms but also works at the cellular level, treating the core of the condition.

Join the thousands of patients who have experienced the benefits of MBST® therapy and see how this cutting-edge technology can help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.

MBST®: Healing from the Inside Out

For the effective treatment ofOsteoarthritis

Osteoporosis

Back Pain

Sports & Accident Injuries

Contact Us Today

Ready to take the next step towards better health? Contact us today to learn more about MBST® and how it can benefit you. Our team of experts is here to answer your questions

and guide you through the process of starting your journey with MBST® therapy.

Call us on 01780 238 084

Visit our website: www.mbstmedical.co.uk

Email us at: info@mbst-therapy.co.uk

Discover MBST®: The future of medical technology.

Your closest MBST centre is Cell Regeneration Limited and Ann Clare Physiotherapy, Tinwell. PE9 3UQ.

Book online at www.raffertysofstamford.com It’s easy, it’s convenient, it saves waiting around!

St Mary’s Street Stamford PE9 2DS Mon - Wed: 8am - 6pm, Thur - Fri: 8am - 9pm, Sat: 7am - 4pm

Toni & Guy trained, 24 years experience. Classic haircut £23, beard trim with shave £19, hot towel shave £50.

Lincolnshire Pride, Rutland Pride and Stamford Pride are delivered free of charge to high value homes in the county, which means we are the only county magazine which can guarantee a

Clare Haggas Fine Art & Designs

Country Style in the

Words: Rob Davis.

According to the saying, in business, if you stand still, you’re really going backwards. Chance would be a fine thing for Clare Haggas, for whom standing still has been a luxury that has evaded her all summer long.

It’s been a busy time for the local artist and designer, who has built her brand on both a passion for the countryside, but also her determination to remain sober, which she will have achieved for 12 years by the time winter arrives.

Among the news stories surrounding Clare’s business recently are a series of appearances at some of the country’s smartest and most well-attended game fairs and country shows plus an investment in new, state-of-the-art printing equipment which further enhances

the bright colours in her work and allows Clare to become the first UK brand to produce double-sided silk scarves, only usually seen with brands like Hermés.

Moreover, spring 2024 saw Clare expand her range to encompass Clare Haggas Home, with luxury king-sized throws perfect for winter, and a range of plush cushions for anyone keen to hunker down on the sofa this winter with a good book and a roaring fire.

“I’ve not had a minute to stand still all summer long,” says Clare. “Customers always think there’s a big team here. In fact there are three of us in the business, and we all work really hard. People are surprised when I answer the phone but I enjoy working hard in a small team, and that also allows us to keep the products as affordable as they can be without compromising quality.”

Clare discovered – or rather, rediscovered –her talent for art after successfully engaging with a rehab programme which has seen her achieve nearly 12 years of sobriety.

Art therapy was something with which she engaged, and as she began channeling her time and attention into painting, favouring nature and birds – specifically those including native birds in the UK and those she had seen whilst living in South Africa – she made a pact with herself to maintain sobriety, and moved from her native Cheltenham down to the area in 2013.

One painting in particular is especially important to Clare. The original is still in her studio and Clare considers it both priceless and life-changing: Tuft Warfare shows two pheasants tussling with one another.

“There we were, at the Game Fair this year, standing shoulder to shoulder with brands like Holland Cooper and Fairfax & Favor and being worn by the winners of the Game Fair’s Best Dressed competitions... it felt so good!”

The painting was ‘genesis’ and set a precedent for the look and feel of Clare’s future work.

A chance meeting with someone in the silk printing profession and a throwaway comment that the design would work well on silk led to a few prototypes. In a move that Clare thought might be slightly ambitious, she ordered 50 scarves and presentation boxes for her first run and was thrilled when they sold out within just a few hours.

Clare’s ethos today remains that all of her designs should continue to be made in England, along with her gift boxes.

Nor will she compromise on maintaining a personal presence with customers. Even if that means feeling a little overwhelmed when those customers find themselves feeling a little starstruck to be meeting the designer.

“I don’t like how impersonal online companies are. I was determined that there would always be a friendly voice on the end of the phone, and that I’d be on the stand at country shows and game fairs to meet our customers and enjoy listening to the feedback on the brand. One customer at this year’s Game Fair, though, said that she felt nervous about

Country Style Clare Haggas

Above: Grouse Misconduct pocket square in Aubergine, 30x30cm, £40.

Heads or tails

coming up and talking to me, which was very strange! We’re a small company, but one that offers genuinely luxurious, designs that people will enjoy owning and wearing.”

“There we were, though, standing shoulder to shoulder with brands like Holland Cooper and Fairfax & Favor, being worn by the winners of the Game Fair’s Best Dressed competitions... it felt so good and we were all really proud.”

“This year has seen the launch of our new Caledonia range of bold-faced stags and Watching Over Me, featuring Robins, as well as our range of cushions and throws.”

“I feel extremely proud to have created a range of products that celebrate the British countryside and are still made right here in England.”

Clare Haggas is a local wildlife artist and textile designer. Her products are designed and made in England, printed on the finest quality 100% silk. To view her new 2024/2025 collection, call 07943 502756 or see www.clarehaggas.com.

Right:

wool silk shawl, Khaki green, 134x134, £250.

Right: Caledonia pure silk twilly Soft Amethyst, £69.

Left: Caledonia large silk square scarf in Moss Green, 100x100cm, £199.

TOWN: Boss regular­fit suit jacket in melange virgin wool, light green, brown also available, £645. Regular­fit trousers to match £239, www.hugoboss.com. Fairfax & Favor Wentworth mahogany leather belt, £95, www.fairfaxandfavor.com. Chopard classic green resin and rose gold ballpoint pen, £265, Stamford Notebook Co leather journal, £69.95, www.chopard.com, www.stamfordnotebooks.co.uk. Aspinall Mount Street briefcase bag, tobacco pebble, £695, www.aspinaloflondon.com. Rolex Day­Date 40 watch, Everose gold with olive green bezal, £37,800, www.rolex.com. Dunhill Mount suede Oxford shoes, £950, www.dunhill.com.

COUNTRY: Schöffel woven belt in Matlock green, £49.95, www.schoffelcountry.com. Belstaff waterproof motorcycle jacket in forest green waxed cotton, £495, www.belstaff.com. Barbour Healey beanie in olive, £25, www.barbour.com. Hunter Balmoral boots in dark olive, £225, hunterboots.co.uk. Fairfax & Favor signature men’s gloves in chocolate leather, £115, www.fairfaxandfavor.com. Barbour Houghton wool blend socks in olive/burn orange, £16.95, www.barbour.com.

A Joyous Celebration

Everyone was welcome to a joyous celebration of Jas & Mitchell’s special day at Stapleford Park. Guests came from around the world and everyone was looking smart... especially Winston!

Images: Josh Hyde, www.jhydeweddings.com.

According to the saying, the best things come to those who wait, and that was certainly the case for Jas & Mitchell who married earlier this year at Stapleford Park near Melton Mowbray, with guests attending the couple’s day from across the globe.

Both from Peterborough, the two began chatting online back in 2017 and met for a date in Peterborough enjoying hot chocolate and the city’s Christmas lights.

The two kept in touch and became good friends, but it wasn’t until three

years later in 2020, during lockdown, that absence made the heart grow fonder and a not-so-subtle hint from Jas ensured that love between the couple blossomed.

The two chose Jas’s engagement ring together but Mitchell made her wait until they were on holiday before proposing. In the Lake District, the two had planned on a long walk to a deserted waterfall, Mitchell having found the perfect location for an intimate proposal... but having underestimated its popularity with tourists, it turned out to be less deserted than expected.

Their AirB&B host recommended another beauty spot for Mitchell, whereupon a proposal ensued, free from whooping tourists and a delighted Jas finally had the ring on her finger. The two began planning their day and viewed Stapleford Park in spring, soon falling in love with the country estate.

Jas found her unexpectedly perfect dress at Coco Couture, having tried on a whopping 15 different dresses. Despite initially rejecting her 2023 Mori Lee Jacklin gown when it was on the hanger, she tried it on anyway and immediately fell in love with it.

Weddings

Mitchell meanwhile sourced his tuxedo and those of the groomsmen from Moss which happily had a slimmer fit than originally ordered following the groom’s successful bid to achieve an (even more) buff physique in the run-up to the wedding... in fact the only one who struggled to find a suitable ensemble was Winston, the couple’s fur child and bestest man.

As a diminutive long-haired dachshund, Winston found that a tuxedo designed for cats was the best fit and enabled him to join in the celebrations.

Speaking of celebrations, Stapleford Park provided the couple’s wedding breakfast, and family friend Evelyn of Little Brown Bakes, based in Peterborough, provided the couple’s two-tier wedding cake.

The couple were also delighted with Derby-based Arch in a Box, which provided the couple’s wedding styling and floristry.

From centrepieces to the guest book and cake table, the team worked hard to successfully implement the couple’s indigo and white colour scheme.

Also helping Jas and Mitchell to celebrate was Matt of Dance Floor DJs & Events, who provided all-day entertainment whilst the couple say their toastmaster Geoffrey Harris was invaluable, essential... and lovely!

Hilarity ensued when photographer Josh Hyde attempted a shot of Mitchell being thrown into the air by his groomsmen who were a little too enthusiastic. Nevertheless the image was captured perfectly by Josh and his fellow photographer Sarah Carter who were great to work with.

“We’re really grateful to our parents Wendy & Mark, Susanne & Neil and Paul & Daisy who were all so lovely and helped us enjoy the perfect wedding. We had guests from as far as Spain, Abu Dhabi and the US all together... it really was the best day of our lives!”

Local Suppliers

Photography: Josh Hyde, www.jhydeweddings.com.

Wedding Venue: Stapleford Park, Melton Mowbray, 01572 787000, www.staplefordpark.com.

Wedding Dress: Mori Lee at Coco Couture, Cambridge, 01223 213770, www.cococouturebridal.co.uk.

Bridal Hair: Masons House of Hair, 07542 486728. Groomsmen’s Suits: Moss Tailoring, www.moss.co.uk.

Event Decor/Floristry: Arch in a Box, 07943 983478, www.archinaboxeventshire.com.

DJ/Entertainment: www.dancefloor­djs­events.com.

Toastmaster: Geoff Harris, www.classinacoat.co.uk.

Dog Sitter: Clair Burton, Woodys Walkers, 07877 052441.

To advertise here call our friendly team on 01529 469977.