Luxe March April 2015

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ISSUE 33 MAR/APR15

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ISSUE 33 MAR/APR15

LIS A M C G R I L L I S GO E S G ENTLY. Hi gh f ashi o n. EAS TER W ITH L AYBOU RNE. Sh ow y s h e d s . GR A N D G AR D ENS . Wow mo t o r s . S TUNNING HOMES. Party p e o p l e . M U ST- T RY R E CIPES . Cul t ure f i x . ES S ENTIAL W ED DINGS. Big Apple c oo l . S P R I N G F L I N GS . Bi g names . LUX E.

WHERE SOLD

THE FABULOUS ALL-NEW XC90 Taking orders now

From only £499 per month* XC90 Diesel Estate 2.0 D5 Momemtum 5dr Cash Price

£45,750.00

Deposit

£9,555.00

Amount of Credit

£36,195.00

Interest

£6,513.00

48 Months at

£499.00

1 final payment (GFV)

£18,756.00

Total Amount Payable

£52,263.00

Interest Rate (Fixed)

3.04%

Representative APR

5.9%

Duration of agreement

49 months

VOLVO CARS NORTH EAST Mill Newcastle Scotswood Road, Newcastle NE15 6BZ

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Tel: 0800 612 4715

*The price is based on a XC90 Diesel Estate 2.0 D5 Momemtum 5dr FUEL CONSUMPTION IN MPG (L/100km) Urban 44.1/6.4, Extra Urban 51.4/ 5.5, Combined 48.7/ 5.8, CO2 149g/km. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

Personal Contract Purchase based on £9,555.00 customer deposit, followed by 48 monthly payments of £499.00. Annual mileage of 8,000 miles, excessive mileage cost of 14.9p (+VAT) per mile for the first 5,000 miles and twice that rate thereafter applies. Applicant must be 18 or over. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. At the end of the Personal Contract Purchase there are three options: (1) Part exchange the vehicle, where equity is available (2) Pay the GFV (Guaranteed Future Value) to own the vehicle or (3) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition of the vehicle. Santander Consumer (UK) plc T/A Volvo Car Credit RH1 1SR. Car for illustration purposes only.

WELCOME

contents 8>> Luxe Life ISSUE 33 MAR/APR15 We’ve just spent the morning trying to see the eclipse which frankly was a bit disappointing, thanks to some heavy black clouds over our little bit of the North East.

We tried very hard with our couple of seconds of ‘woo’ though... and now the sun’s out. That means we can turn our attention to daffodils and the clocks going forward.

And eggs. So many eggs in this edition of Luxe!

How do you like your eggs in the morning?

We can do deconstructed Creme Egg, runny poached on brioche (home made brioche at that; there’s your April food challenge) and some super-cute egg biscuits to make courtesy of Mr Laybourne and his genius pastry team.

Spring things and green shoots are everywhere; we caught up with the man designing Wynyard’s showpiece rose garden and have some cheery interiors ideas to get you in the spring-makover mood.

Our fashion pages are looking especially fresh this edition too, it really feels like it’s time to send the winter boots into hiding and go shopping.

Hope you enjoy looking through our first edition of Luxe Wedding Essentials in here too.

New man at the Rockliffe helm

10>> Do This Major spring culture fix

18>> Lisa McGrillis Cover girl Lisa on location

24>> Garden Grand A blooming big job for Alistair

26>> Say Cheese!

Artisans on the farm

28>> Get Cracking Eggy delights to cook

40>> High Fashion We talk to garden designer Alistair Baldwin about the daunting task of planting up the new rose garden at Wynyard Hall.

His luxe things in life: Dubarry boots – a second skin when he’s on site.

Sienna, the perfect city and The Toyota Hilux, ‘perfection on wheels’.

Drop-dead denim

58>> Art House Gallery vibe for holiday house

66>> Shedding Light Into the garden

78>> New York Luxe Best places to stay in NY

82>> Little Luxe Nina’s big day out

88>> Bob’s Drives Swanky motors with Mr Arora

91>> Luxe Lap

Don’t forget to clock in with us every Thursday for our lively must-read Luxe Loves The Weekend email bulletin.

Sign up free at www.luxe-magazine.co.uk/theweekend

True original motors

92>> Social Diary

Kathryn Armstrong, editor kathryn@remembermedia.co.uk Twitter: TheLuxeMagazine THE LUXE TEAM Christopher March publisher chris@remembermedia.co.uk EDITORIAL Kathryn Armstrong editorial director kathryn@remembermedia.co.uk Katharine Capocci Fiona McLain Elysia Agnew SALES Lisa Anderson account director lisa@remembermedia.co.uk Debi Coldwell account director debi@remembermedia.co.uk

Anna McQueen from Hutton Rudby is one of the brides featured in our new Luxe Wedding essentials.

Her luxe things in life include: summer BBQs at her parents’ house, her ‘slightly vicious but cute’ cat, Marley, and an afternoon of indulgence at the Tom Ford make-up counter in Selfridges.

PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson nicky@nrphotography.co.uk DESIGN Room501publishing If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Lisa Anderson: lisa@remembermedia.co.uk / 07734 560565 or Debi Coldwell: debi@remembermedia.co.uk / 07910 918366

17 Ashdale, Mount Pleasant DH4 7SL remembermedia.co.uk All contents copyright ©2015 RememberMedia Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print, March 2015.

The artist Mackenzie Thorpe from Teesside has travelled the world exhibiting his work. His luxe things in life reflect this: he loves a plate of sashimi in Tokyo, an Aboriginal painting he bought in Australia and a weekend in New York.

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MAR/APR15

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LUXE LOVES Having a gander This goosey goosey print makes for very jolly walls. ÂŁ79 a roll. www.ana-moly.co.uk

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MAR/APR15

EAMONN ELLIOTT Eamonn is chief executive at Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth, near Darlington. He joined the resort hotel in December after a career that started as a professional footballer Eamonn has worked at a number of prestigious venues across the UK and Ireland, including the Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey in North Yorkshire, the AA Irish Hotel of the Year, and The Grand Jersey. Eamonn is the current holder of the Institute of Directors’ Young Director of the Year 2013-2014. Eammon trained as a professional footballer and played for Carlisle United before moving into spa management and gaining an honours degree in management from the University of York.

LUXE PEOPLE >> My family and my girlfriend, Kirsten. But the apple of my eye is my daughter Erin.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Barcelona: Camp Nou, great atmosphere.

A long holiday > Vancouver. I’ve heard some great things and I’m fascinated with killer whales which I hear you can get up close to while you’re there!

A treat > As much as I love the North East, I love going back to Belfast and relaxing at home with my family, Kirsten and Erin.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Richard Allen, The Orangery. I’ve worked with him for many years and his food constantly astounds me. It’s definitely something completely new for the North East.

Best wine > No one believes me but I have never tasted wine! I’m teetotal – I have been all my life.

Favourite restaurant > The Orangery – I’m very lucky to get to eat there regularly – for work purposes of course!

Perfect weekend > If I am in Ireland, I’d get up and go to my mother’s for an Irish fry and then back home to indulge in sport all day.

I’ll then no doubt go to Trampoline Land with kids and have a go myself as well! Then it’s home to relax for the evening as I usually work most evenings when I am at Rockliffe.

On Sunday, my girlfriend will usually try and get pay-back for Saturday’s full-on sport day by getting me to do a few jobs and then I might go and play golf followed by a lovely dinner with family.

Downtime means > At home in Belfast with family.

Best telly > Sky Sports Best book > One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Best sounds > The Band LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > Are you serious? I hate shopping!

Favourite shop > If I had to pick one, any sports shop Luxe retail treat > New golf clubs Best buy > My house in Belfast LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > A night out in Harrogate with my old footy friends – always a laugh and plenty of tales to tell!

Perfect party > Anything involving my daughter and all my nephews and nieces.

Best dress > I’m normally suited and booted for work so I like to dress down and relax on a weekend if I can.

Dinner date > Kirsten – and maybe Kelly Brook!

A memorable night out would be one in Harrogate with my old footy friends - always a laugh and plenty of tales to tell!–

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> My family, my iPad, Rockliffe Hall and Belfast.

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MAR/APR15

ENJOY EASTER At Wynyard Hall FISH FRIDAY 3rd April (Good Friday) Lunch 2 courses £18, 3 courses £21 Dinner 2 courses £24, 3 courses £32 Join us for a glass of Prosecco and a fish-inspired menu in the Wellington Restaurant. A la Carte menu also available.

To book call 01740 665406 or email events@wynyardhall.co.uk

MAD HATTER’S AFTERNOON TEA Friday 3rd to Friday 10th April Enjoy our very special Mad Hatter’s Tea Party inspired Afternoon Tea - £21.95 per person (or £24.95 with mini cocktail).

Children’s Afternoon Tea available for £12 per child (under 13).

To book call 01740 644811 – opt 2 or online at www.wynyardhall.co.uk

EASTER SUNDAY LUNCH & JAZZ IN THE RESTAURANT Sunday 5th April 2 courses £21 | 3 courses £25 A true family day out…

Enjoy a delicious Sunday lunch in the Wellington Restaurant with live jazz throughout the afternoon. After lunch you may enjoy a stroll around the grounds where you can take part in a photography competition to win Afternoon Tea for 2!

Easter egg hunt £2.50 per child.

To book call 01740 665406 or email events@wynyardhall.co.uk

Wynyard Hall, Tees Valley, TS22 5NF Tel: 01740 644 811 www.wynyardhall.co.uk

DO THIS

Stay in >> go out >> enjoy Easter bunnies and Margaret Thatcher find themselves in the mix for the coming months as Elysia Agnew hunts down the region’s cultural highlights…

UNTIL JUNE Whatever your thoughts on the woman, the drawings of former PM Margaret Thatcher by Gerald Scarfe are thought-provoking and controversial.

Bowes Museum is showing a never-before- exhibited body of work by the renowned satirical cartoonist and illustrator, spanning 22 years, from the Iron Lady’s days as a member of the shadow cabinet through to her leadership of the Conservative Party, her tenure as Prime Minister and ultimately, her political decline. These often shocking images depict her as cunning, ruthless, mean-spirited, vain, bullying, razor sharp, terrifying and sexy. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

2 APRIL

Head out for a fun and fascinating talk about all the best bits of Game of Thrones at the Life Science Centre. As the hit TV phenomenon returns, explore the science behind it all with an appearance from award-winning comedy performer and writer Helen Keen. www.life.org.uk

31 MARCH - 25 APRIL The Wicked Witch of the West is heading east this spring. The Sunderland Empire opens its emerald curtains as the global phenomenon makes its debut in the North East. Wicked has been casting its spell over the UK and Ireland in its nation wide tour and now its your turn to experience the magic.

When Dorothy famously overcame the Wicked Witch of the West, we only ever heard one side of the story. Book now to experience this award-winning musical and discover the whole story behind the wonderful Land of Oz. www.atgtickets.com/shows/wicked/ sunderland-empire/

3-6 APRIL It’s all about the ‘F’ word this Easter at the Feathers Inn, Hedley on the Hill.

Join the female fronted beer frenzy in a celebration of female brewing. The brewing industry is more than a ‘bearded boy club’ - so go girls for a festival of beer tasting fun. http://thefeathers.net

5 APRIL

Enjoy a three-course menu prepared by award-winning chefs this Easter on the sunny terrace of the National Glass Centre in Sunderland. Children will receive a complimentary Easter egg to take away. www.thestadiumoflight.com To book call 0871 911 1555 or email conf&banq@safc.com

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APRIL

Teesside’s multi-venue, all-day music spectacular Stockton Calling returns to Stockton for its sixth year. The event takes up eight of Stockton’s venues including ARC, The Georgian Theatre and KU Bar, hosting The Sherlocks, The Tea Street Band and headliners Pigeon Detectives. Support local bands at this year’s event, Able Raise the Cain, Avalanche Party, Lessons and Indie newbies The Revolve. www.stocktoncalling.co.uk

UNTIL JUNE

Exciting news as a Pablo Picasso painting comes to the North East. The Laing Art Gallery’s new exhibition examines the extraordinary response of British artists to the Spanish Civil War. The exhibition also features artwork by Edward Burra, Wyndham Lewis, John Armstrong and Merlyn Evans. But Picasso’s painting of the ‘Weeping Woman’ is without a doubt the highlight of the show. www.laingartgallery.org.uk

8-13 APRIL David Suchet will star as Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest, this spring. Wilde’s Victorian satire is one of the funniest plays in the English language and it’s sure to make you laugh out loud. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

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- 6 APRIL

Ford and Etal is always worth a journey. A great place to be this spring, with plenty of fun events for the family. Celebrate the delightfully mad world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland with fancy dress activities, a kid’s Mad Hatter tea party, a giant Easter egg display and a life-sized Easter bunny at the railway. www.visitnorthumberland.com

8-11 APRIL

A must-see brand new play at the Live Theatre features three young and local cast members. Kalem Patterson, Tezney Mulroy and Sophie Pitches make their debut in the world premiere of Day of Flymo written by Paddy Campbell. The play follows the journey of a brother and sister who struggle through their chaotic lives as their family life falls apart and the social services step in. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

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APRIL

Race days and weddings on your mind?

Feathery fabulousness at Bowes Museum. Join milliner Claire Spooner for a fun and relaxed workshop, using fabulous feathers to make a fascinator (on a comb or headband) and a corsage. Enjoy getting creative and learning some basic millinery techniques along the way. www.thebowesmuseum.co.uk

10-12 APRIL

Easter is covered in sugar and cream this year as the BBC Good Food Show Spring returns to the Harrogate International Centre. Indulge in more than 140 exhibitors including the BBC Good Food Champions. This weekend of deliciousness is not to be missed, playing host to some familiar faces including Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, James Martin, John Torode, and the North East’s very own - The Hairy Bikers.

Why not live it luxe and go VIP with packages including front row seats in the Supertheatre, access to the VIP lounge, VIP parking and most importantly, the chance to devour a complimentary goody bag. www.bbcgoodfoodshowspring.com

MAR/APR15

SUPPLIERS OF UNIQUE AND STYLISH FITTINGS

Teesside High School Small class sizes

Stimulating digital learning environment Accomplished and confident pupils

Excellent results & university destinations Picturesque riverside location Outstanding Pastoral Care

www.teessidehigh.co.uk 01642 782095 VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE WWW.SARAHBOWENLIGHTING.CO.UK

‘Education as it should be’

63 - 65 HIGH STREET | GOSFORTH | NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE3 4AA TEL: 0191 285 3671

MAR/APR15

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DO THIS

WEALTH MANAGEMENT WITH JOHN DANCE

13 MARCH - 19 APRIL

SPRING BUDGET CHANGES FOR INVESTORS Although many spend an inordinate amount of time horse trading the headline grabbing quotations that are an inevitability of any Budget presented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, each year we prefer to delve straight into the practicalities associated with adjustments to the personal savings and investments landscape.

The most notable adjustment of 2014 came in the annuity market, having a rather immediate impact on the business models of many companies. Headway was also made in the simplification of ISA accounts. This year, the addition of ISA flexibility and a reduction in the lifetime allowance for a pension will almost certainly become the most memorable for those involved in the personal investment management industry.

The allowance of individuals to contribute, withdraw and replace money in their ISA throughout the tax year without affecting the limit is a welcome acknowledgement of the unpredictability of life. It gives investors the opportunity to achieve a meaningful return without fear of wasting their annual allowance. For those who will add this more flexible ISA cash to an existing mandate with their Discretionary Fund Manager, an equally flexible service with robust and thoughtful portfolio construction will of course be of upmost importance.

Further ISA developments came in the form of an extension of the eligible investment range, with the potential inclusion of investments made through crowd funding platforms. On this latter point we would briefly remind investors that there is no free lunch, the return offered is a function of the risk involved and concentration risk must be analysed.

The lifetime allowance for a pension pot has experienced significant volatility in recent years, being as high as £1.8m in the tax years 2010/2011 and 2011/2012, falling subsequently to £1.5m in 2012/2013 and to £1.25m in 2014/2015. The new limit of just £1m will be indexed to CPI and assuming that this averages 2% (the target for the MPC), which given the current 0.3% annual rate looks increasingly optimistic, a theoretical limit of £1,218,994 would be imposed on an individual with a ten year time period to retirement. This limit could be reached with a starting pension pot of as little as £630,000, when taking into account assumed annual growth of 5% and fees of 1% with gross contributions of £2,000 per month. Clearly all these variables will have a significant impact on investment outcome; however there will be increasing pressure for many individuals to have their retirement planning in place much earlier than has been the case in recent years.

These are the points that we have picked out of the Budget 2015 thus far that are a little under the radar of the headlines that George Osborne will effectively be writing in the tabloids for the following weeks. No doubt much will be said of the potential elimination of the budget deficit by 2020; this point is all well and good until we take into account the lack of ability that any organisation has to forecast economic downturns be they governmental or independent. Looking ahead it will be interesting to see what measures survive the next government and indeed who will be putting forward the Budget of 2016.

Celebrate the British springtime with the Vibrant Earth exhibition at Kunsthuis Art Gallery in Crayke. You’ll find lively paintings and ceramics by artists Karen Stamper, Richard Baxter, Penny Phillips and Karen Purple. Find some lovely and original Easter gifts at the gallery this spring.

This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Crayke’s stunning scenery along with a fabulous exhibition. www.dutchhouseyorkshire.com/ Kunsthuis.html

1-11 APRIL

The Bodyguard – the musical based on the smash-hit film will take your breath away. The romantic thriller features Whitney Houston’s greatest hits including One Moment in Time, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and the classic – I Will Always Love You. Currently wowing audiences in the West End, the show is coming to the Theatre Royal for a limited run. A must-see! www.theatreroyal.co.uk

20 APRIL

Ladies’ lunch at the Cleveland Tontine is all about the make-up. Rupert Kingston, owner of exclusive cosmetics brand Delilah will talk do’s and don’ts of choosing and applying make-up and share anecdotes from his 20-year career as a professional make-up artist. www.theclevelandtontine.co.uk

20 - 25 APRIL

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Luxe loves Kate Rusby. If you’ve never seen the coolest folk songstress in action, make a date with her at Sage where she starts her spring tour. A great singer yes, but she comes with warm and very witty chat too. She brings much-loved classics from her back catalogue stretching over her two decades of music making together with a selection of fresh new songs from her latest album Ghost. www.sagegateshead.com

Straight from London’s West End, Christopher Sergel’s stage adaptation of the novel by Harper Lee comes to the North East. Direct from a sell-out West End run at the award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre, To Kill A Mockingbird captures the warmth of this classic story.

Be sure to bring your tissue as Christopher Sergel’s cast display a moving and magical performance. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

21 APRIL - 4 MAY

John Dance is CEO and Chief Investment Officer at Vertem Asset Management. The Gresham, 92 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2TD. Call 0191 341 0280 or email johnd@vertem.co.uk Visit www.vertem.co.uk

15 APRIL

The Hexham Book Festival returns this year with an impressive line-up of bestselling popular fiction authors, non-fiction brainiacs, historians and delightful poets. Northumberland readers can celebrate in several venues across Hexham. www.hexhambookfestival.co.uk

18-19 APRIL A food festival as good as they get. Bishop Auckland Food Festival brings Simon Rimmer to the demo stand alongside a host of foodie faces. The event is full of fun as well as great things to watch, do and of course eat. You can catch up with some of the Great British Bake Off stars along the way too. www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk

MAR/APR15

First for girls.

AN OUTSTANDING CURRICULUM. A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT. A RICH HERITAGE IN EDUCATION. Education is more than studying Mathematics and reading English, it also takes understanding and support to help a girl grow, discover and pursue her passions. Well connected and exclusively for girls, our heritage and expertise have helped girls to develop into independent and principled young women for over 130 years.

Newcastle High School for Girls T: 0191 201 6511 E: j.howe@ncl.gdst.net newcastlehigh.gdst.net

Junior and Senior School Open Week

Monday 1st June – Friday 5th June

DO THIS

24 APRIL

ROCKLIFFE LIFE DINE WITH THE MICHELIN MAN One of the UK’s most celebrated chefs has recently re-launched The Orangery making it a must-try restaurant for 2015. Richard Allen has held a Michelin star since 2011 and also has two of the highest industry accolades to his name - the Cateys’ Head Chef of the Year 2012 and the Craft Guild of Chefs Restaurant Chef of the Year 2012. Richard is also one of the only chefs to have been named as one of Debrett’s People of Today. He joins The Orangery from the Michelin-starred Tassili restaurant at the 5* Grand Jersey Hotel and has worked with well-known names such as Martin Blunos, Cheong Liew and Michel Roux Junior. Expect to find tempting dishes inspired by ‘land’, ‘sea’ and ‘air’ on the new-look Orangery menu.

GOING LIVE! New for 2015 at Rockliffe Hall are a range of live music and theatre-style events. In April, X Factor star, Ray Quinn, will entertain with his band playing a range of Motown hits as well as a few X Factor classics! Look out for Beatles nights, fashion shows and ladies’ lunches with a host of familiar faces coming up as well!

IT’S A SPRING THING! Spring is on its way and what better time to rejuvenate the body and soul with a relaxing spa day in the North East’s top 5* spa. ‘It’s a spring thing’ gives you the chance to spring clean your mind with an indulgent spa day which includes a radiance treatment and lunch in the Brasserie too.

If you need a quick fix then the Spring Twilight is ideal - drop by after work and relax in the spa from 5pm with a glass of fizz on arrival followed by dinner in the Brasserie once you are finished spa-ing!

From £160 per person for the day or £230 per person for the overnight stay.

FAKE THAT, ROCKLIFFE HALL

Above > Alistair Campbell, Angela Birleson

Above > Lee Nevison, Julie Nevison Above > Hannah Saxby, David Rogers

Above > Dawn Wilson, Kevin Wilson

Above > Janet Wilcock, Chris Wilcock, Andrew Verity, Julie Verity

Above > Phil Gillon, Claire Wright, Sandy Shaw, Colin Shaw

LIVING THE ROCKLIFFE LIFE! Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, County Durham DL2 2DU. Tel: 01325 729999 www.rockliffehall.com

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1-3 MAY Enjoy local up-and-coming bands and a great selection of ales at Gateshead’s Beer and Music Festival this year. The festival is now in its sixth year at Gateshead Rugby Club and has now grown into one of the largest of its kind in the north of England. A must on the local festival calendar this year! www.gatesheadbeerfestival.co.uk

25-26 APRIL A two-day family-friendly festival of invention and creativity, bringing together more than 300 hackers, crafters, DIYers, coders and garden shed inventors from across the globe.

You can explore and create with the Makers themselves, enjoying drop-in workshops and playful installations.

Whether you want to unleash your inner inventor, or just fancy a chat with the people who love to make stuff, don’t miss out on Maker Faire UK. www.life.org.uk

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APRIL

Electrifying dance with Matthew Bourne’s, The Car Man, loosely based on Bizet’s popular opera with one of the most thrilling and instantly recognisable scores in New Adventures’ repertoire.

The familiar 19th Century Spanish cigarette factory becomes a greasy garage-diner in 1960s America where the dreams and passions of a small town are shattered by the arrival of a handsome stranger. It’s got it all: a spiral of greed, lust, betrayal and revenge. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

7-8 MAY Kick-start the summer with an unforgettable worldwide adventure - what’s more you don’t have to even grab a passport. Banff Film Festival gives you the chance to travel the world from the comfort of your theatre chair. Experience an exhilarating journey as you paraglide through the Alps, surf in the Arctic Circle, ski in Patagonia and kayak in Canada’s British Columbia. The festival showcases a collection of the best and latest films from the global mountain sports community. For the first time ever the big screen adventure will be at Whitley Bay, with two different inspiring film screenings at the Playhouse theatre. You can also catch the adventure at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Yarm on Saturday 9 May. www.banff-uk.com

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MAY

Add a little sparkle to the start of the summer months with a champagne gourmet evening at the Stadium of Light. Enjoy a five-course feast with each dish being accompanied by a specially selected glass of bubbly to complement its flavours.

To book call 0871 911 1555 www.thestadiumoflight.com Above > Mark Brown, Lindsay Brown

Above > Steven Connelly, Gillian Connelly

Irish stand-up comedy legend Dylan Moran is heading to Middlesbrough Town Hall this April. Off The Hook will have you in stitches with his observational comedy that has given him 14th place in Channel 4’s 100 Greatest Stand-Ups. The Big Mouth Comedy Club in Middlesbrough continues to bring a mix of familiar TV faces and some of the best up and coming comics.

Dylan Moran promises to be a cracker! www.middlesbroughtownhallonline.co.uk www.ticketmaster.co.uk 01642 729729

9-11 MAY

Distinctly Delicious Festival returns to Darlington – a festival celebrating all things delicious. The two-day festival will be held in the town centre and plans to build on last year’s success with more stalls and demonstrations, selling everything from local produce to street food from a variety of countries.

With a programme full of family-based entertainment, cookery demonstrations and tasters this delicious family day out is not to be missed. www.darlofoodfest.org

8 MAY ClassicFM at the Movies features the stirring compositions of John Barry from classics like James Bond, Midnight Cowboy and Out of Africa with Nicholas Dodd conducting Royal Northern Sinfonia. www.sagegateshead.co.uk

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MAY

Eddi Reader returns to the Playhouse, Whitley Bay this May. From local gigs in her home town of Glasgow to harmonising with Annie Lennox and making her film debut alongside Zac Efron, Eddi Reader has become a notable figure in contemporary British music. Touring the world has helped Eddi and her band form a unique relationship as Eddi brings life to all forms of music. It’s a show not to be missed.

Call 0844 248 1588 www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

MAR/APR15

ADVERTORIAL

Share: One day you may have to do just that When it comes to divorce, fairness is probably not the first term to spring to mind. Recrimination so often goes hand in hand with the ending of a marriage, and what’s “fair” can be heavily influenced by how wronged either party feels.

When it comes to financial settlement, however, fairness is the key to determining what provision will be made.

Generally, the accepted starting point is to consider whether an equal division (50:50) of the marital assets would provide a fair settlement.

Of course, even in this context, “fair” is bestowed with a certain amount of subjectivity as a result of the wide discretion afforded to divorce Judges in determining what financial orders should be made.

In broad terms, however, “fair” to a Judge means ensuring that both parties’ needs (for housing, capital and income) are adequately met out of the available assets.

Although there are many cases where an equal division would not result in fair provision and would disadvantage one of the parties to the marriage, in high net worth cases (those cases where the available assets exceed the reasonable needs of both parties), matrimonial property is likely to be divided equally.

That does not necessarily mean, however, that everything each party owns will be split down the middle: here, the Court makes a clear distinction between matrimonial assets, non-matrimonial assets, and post separation accruals.

Examples of non-matrimonial assets include: gifts (of value) to one party, inherited assets, business assets acquired

before marriage and, in some cases, assets acquired post separation. Pre-marital assets are common in second marriages as well as in cases where one party’s family has significant financial interests in which that spouse is involved.

Whether an asset is deemed to be a non-matrimonial asset is a matter of fact according to the circumstances surrounding ownership and enjoyment of the asset.

In many cases, the longer the marriage, the more likely the presumption that the asset will have become intermingled with other marital assets and therefore will become a matrimonial asset. In other words, the Court will consider whether the wealth went into the matrimonial pot during the marriage or whether it was kept specifically outside of the parties’ other assets as a distinct and untouchable asset.

The Judge in one case stated “if a party is going to assert the existence of pre-marital assets then it is incumbent upon him to prove the same by clear documentary evidence”. It is therefore of upmost importance that if you are seeking to set aside an asset not to be included within the matrimonial pot then you must have evidence of the existence of this asset prior to the marriage and also, evidence that this was not intermingled as an asset during the marriage.

If the argument is sustained that a particular asset is a non-matrimonial asset, then in high net worth cases, it may well be excluded from any financial settlement.

The situation is similar when it involves assets accrued after the parties have separated: to be considered a non-matrimonial asset, the benefiting party needs to show that the assets were acquired entirely independently of existing matrimonial assets, for example when a new

business venture is established using independent financing. Where an existing matrimonial asset gains value between separation and the determination of financial claims, the Court may well treat the increase in value as a non-matrimonial asset.

It’s a complex area, and it can be costly to argue. As always, to be sure of your position, you should seek expert advice, and ideally, enter into a pre-nuptial agreement, or a post-nuptial agreement, and at the very least ensure you have adequate documentary evidence in relation to any assets you claim fall outside of the marriage.

Joanne Major is the Principal at Major Family Law, the Divorce and Family Law Specialists, 12 West Road, Ponteland, Newcastle Upon Tyne. T: 01661 82 45 82 www.majorfamilylaw.co.uk.

Twitter: @majorfamilylaw

Specialist divorce and family lawyers 01661 82 45 82 enquiries@majorfamilylaw.co.uk www.majorfamilylaw.co.uk

MAR/APR15 MAR/APR15

15 XX

DO THIS

14 MAY

Join Sky Sports Soccer Saturday’s favourites Jeff Stelling, Chris Kamara and Charlie Nicholas for a three-course dinner before they share some of their on and off screen stories. The pundits will also host a Q&A session with the audience. www.rockliffehall.com

18 MAY

Follow in the footsteps of your favourite Sunderland player with a unique behind-the-scenes day out at the Academy of Light. Use the dressing room, play a game on the pitch and sample the training ground’s food with your team of 15 people. You will also get the chance to meet a former SAFC player. Call: 0871 911 1555

14

MAY

If you’re a keen cook you’ll be contributing to the £46 million spent on herbs annually in the UK! If you fancy saving some money, using handfuls rather than teaspoons of herbs and discovering varieties that the shops don’t sell, then join a gardening/cookery workshop with our very own Karen Phillips. In the morning you’ll work with chef Andy Snell to produce a herb-inspired lunch whilst in the afternoon you’ll get your herb patch started with seed sowing and cuttings to take home. www.widehaughhouse.co.uk

25 MAY

Grammy award-winners, Foo Fighters will kick off their UK tour on Wearside this summer.

As their only stadium venue between London and Edinburgh, frontman Dave Grohl and his band will rock the Stadium of Light. Concert hospitality packages are available including an outdoor BBQ with views across the city. www.gigsandtours.com / 0844 811 0051

22 MAY

Mixtape is altering the theatre circuit with their bite-sized micro-plays inspired by music.

Part theatre show and part pop quiz, Mixtape is the perfect night out for theatre, music and pub quiz fans. Live Theatre has Mixtape back to celebrate solo stars. Audiences will be tested to see if they know Sting from Madonna and Michael Jackson from Lady Gaga. www.live.org.uk / www.mixtapetheatre.co.uk

29 APRIL - 16 MAY

Members of NORTH 15 will make up the ensemble alongside a professional cast in Cyrano de Bergerac, a new Northern Stage production directed by Lorne Campbell. Literature’s most loved cavalier is given new life in Anthony Burgess’s translation of Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play. www.northernstage.co.uk

11

We love the sound of the Mad Hatter madness at Middleton Lodge.

Sit back and enjoy the wonderful story of Alice in Wonderland amongst many other traditional magical children’s tales read by a professional story teller. Follow the Alice in Wonderland woodland trail then indulge in a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

Call 01325 377977 or email info@middletonlodge.co.uk

-16 MAY

Laughs at the Sunderland Empire as The Producers arrive in town.

Based on Mel Brooks’ much-loved movie, this hilarious musical comedy has taken Broadway and the West End by storm and is now making an appearance in the North East. The musical features show-stopping songs that will have you bobbing your way through the Broadway classic. Starring award-winning comedian Jason Manford. www.atgtickets.com/sunderland

SPRING

23 MAY

FLING

22 MAY

Discover the delights of Asian cooking on an interactive food workshop at Widehaugh House near Corbridge. In the morning you’ll use the influences of Asian cooking to create a tropical flavoured lunch, whilst in the afternoon you’ll discover how easy it is to grow hard-to-find Asian ingredients at home. Depart with recipes, seeds sown and the confidence to create an Asian banquet at home. www.widehaughhouse.co.uk

The newly-opened butchery and bakery gets into full swing at Gibside this spring.

Situated within the market square, the butchery and bakery gives local suppliers the facilities they need to help their businesses thrive. Gibside is the National Trust’s fastest growing attraction in the North East with visitor numbers increasing every year. It’s all about getting a taste of the region this spring at Gibside. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside/

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11 JULY - 25 OCTOBER

Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal comes to The Bowes Museum as a summer exclusive.

It’s the first-ever UK exhibition to present a comprehensive display of the French designer’s work. The arrival of the iconic designer’s exhibition is a fantastic coup for the region and will make history at The Bowes Museum.

The show will highlight the defining elements of his vision, and the significant influence it has had on fashion and the way we understand womenswear. “Fashion fades, style is eternal,” Yves Saint Laurent once said. Articulating this idea, the exhibition will present fifty garments including some iconic pieces from the Russian Collection, the Mondrian dresses and the tuxedo.

After heading up the Christian Dior fashion house from 1957 to the Mondrian Dress 1960 as Creative Director, Yves Saint Laurent created his own fashion house with partner Pierre Bergé, with its first catwalk show in 1962. For 40 years, Pierre Bergé managed the business while Yves Saint Laurent focused entirely on the creative side.

In the first twelve years, the designer defined a new style and composed the quintessential elements of the modern woman’s wardrobe: the pea jacket and trench-coat in 1962; the first tuxedo in 1966; the safari jacket and the first pantsuit in 1967; the it u S Pant jumpsuit in 1968. A selection of these iconic garments will be on the show at The Bowes Museum. By making use of male dress codes, the designer brought women a sense of social empowerment whilst retaining their femininity. Yves Saint Laurent had the ambition to dress all women, not only exclusive haute couture clientele. In 1966, he opened the first ready-to-wear boutique to bear a couturier’s name, SAINT LAURENT rive gauche, opening the way to fashion as we know it today.

Passionate about the arts, and a collector himself, Yves Saint Laurent paid homage, as early as 1965, to various artists in his haute couture collections, with the famous Mondrian dresses, as well as his homage to Diaghilev and Picasso in 1979 and tributes to Matisse, Cocteau, Braque and Van Gogh in the 1980s, some of which will be displayed at The Bowes Museum.

Joanna Hashagen, fashion curator at The Bowes Museum says: We are honoured to host the first exhibition in the UK of Yves Saint Laurent, one of the most influential fashion designers of all time. We are also thrilled to work, alongside the Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent, on an innovative display that will introduce a dialogue between the designer’s body of work and The Bowes Museum’s collection. This certainly is a great moment in the history of The Bowes Museum, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk as well as for fashion display in the UK.”

Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal will highlight the diverse influences of Yves Saint Lau rent.

The show will explore a num ber of themes, from art, transparenc y and women’s emancipation as well as highlighting the different eras and styles of his creative care er.

MAR/APR15

1 JUNE

Prepare to be blown away as Calendar Girls Angela Baker and Christine host a very special ladies lunch at Rockliffe Hall. To date the infamous Calendar Girls have raised over £3 million for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and their inspirational story has been transformed into both a film and a stage production. Angela and Christine share their story over lunch and a fundraising raffle. www.rockliffehall.com

19-23 MAY Based on the best-selling novel by John Boyne, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas tells the heart-wrenching tale of a friendship between two innocent boys during World War II. The Children’s Touring Partnership brings this incredibly moving and thought-provoking production to the stage this May. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

10-12 APRIL

4

DO THIS

JUNE

Editions by Cemmick and Kidd Exhibition comes to Middleton Lodge this June where you’ll see a collection of photographic prints, sculptures, paintings and printmaking all inspired by our beautiful British countryside. The Coach House Restaurant will be serving cocktails, cakes and coffees all day as well as lunch and dinner. www.middletonlodge.co.uk

11 JUNE

8 JUNE

1-6 JUNE Recreating the last 50 years of the golden age of Hollywood, Puttin’ on the Ritz takes the audience on a marvelous song and dance journey with music from George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. This song and dance extravaganza includes hit songs, Top Hat, Anything Goes, I Got Rhythm and Puttin’ On The Ritz. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Have a tea-dance moment at Helmsley’s Black Swan. Compére for the dance events is professional dance teacher, Valerie Laws. Light afternoon tea is included, tickets are £15 pp and pre-booking is strongly advised.

(2pm – 5pm). www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk

After the success of the first Nutritional Workshop in February, The Coach House at Middleton Lodge has secured another date with Kate Chaytor-Norris.

Kate trained at the Optimum Nutrition in London and her workshop will focus upon all aspects of nutrition and health from both a holistic and scientific prospective. www.middletonlodge.co.uk

Gateshead’s International Jazz Festival lights up Sage with exciting musicians, inspiring an exciting international line-up for its 11th edition with its trademark mix of UK, European and international jazz icons, hot new talent and some of the best of the thriving Northern jazz scene.

The venue is filled with fine sounds all weekend as the concourse explodes with talent and offers something for the casual listener or the hard-core jazz fan. One of the best things about it is the fact that you can just turn up, sit down and hear something impressive.

Stay for the weekend or pop in for a musical coffee-stop.

Headliners include; American saxophonist David Sanborn, guitar legend John Scofield, vocalist/pianist Jon Cleary, jazz funk lynchpins the James Taylor Quartet, UK soul, gospel and R&B diva Ruby Turner, legendary British big band Loose Tubes, American saxophonist Joshua Redman, rising star Jarrod Lawson and a unique performance of Stan Tracey’s Under Milk Wood.

The fabulously talented Gwilym Simcock is recognised as one of the most gifted instrumentalists and composers on the European scene.

He moves effortlessly between jazz and classical music. He will join Royal Northern Sinfonia, conducted by Clark Rundell and will be performing his exciting suite Move! originally commissioned by City of London Sinfonia.

Another biggie is the reunion of Loose Tubes. Returning after a break of 24 years, Loose Tubes’ anarchic big band style features a who’s who of British jazz talent. This one-off not to be missed concert features old favourites and newly-commissioned works, Loose Tubes will be bringing their trademark energetic and riotous take on the big band sounds to Hall One as one of the highlights of this year’s festival.

Details on www.sagegateshead.com

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FAIR COP

Gently does it Katharine Capocci catches up with Inspector George Gently actress Lisa McGrillis on location in Durham City as a new series of the hit 60s BBC drama is set to air

18

MAR/APR15

FAIR COP

Driving in to the unit base location for the Inspector George Gently TV production team, just off Old Elvet in Durham City, I’m greeted by the sight of giant trailers, a pretty impressive outdoor catering facility, a burly (but lovely) security chap and his accompanying very loud guard dog.

Here to catch a chat with actress Lisa McGrillis on her dinner break at the team’s hideaway base in Whinney Hill, I’m immediately invited to sample the catering on offer by the friendly security guard – and very tasty it looks too. I can vouch for the steaming hot coffee at least – and the warm welcome.

The team is just back from filming a scene in Durham City for the hit 60s BBC One detective series, which is set to air again at the end of April.

Lisa makes a beeline for catering, fills up her plate with healthy stuff, and we take a seat in her trailer to chat.

Still dressed in 60s civvies garb of checked skirt, brown roll-neck jumper and brown boots with chunky heels, she explains how her role as WPC Rachel Coles takes on greater prominence in this the eighth series.

“My character is a bit of a feminist before her time so she’s standing up for women’s rights. Watching TV frustrates me. There are so few female characters. This is brilliant because she’s a strong woman, forward thinking, ambitious.”

Lisa joined series seven in 2013 on what was a well-established show, featuring Martin Shaw as the eponymous inspector and Lee Ingleby as Detective Sergeant John Bacchus.

She says: “Martin is a brilliant actor. He really understands how to act for the camera. He’s a veteran. I can learn so much - and Lee as well (recently on BBC TV screens in 30s drama Our Zoo). They are very different in style. They complement each other so well. I feel like a sponge!”

I catch Lisa half-way through a 14-week stint of filming for the series which will see four new feature-length episodes.

The series won Best Drama Production for Company Pictures at the recent Royal Television Society North East & Borders awards. It is filmed on location all over the North East and places such as Durham City, Newcastle Quayside, a pub on Shields Road, Byker, Chester-le-Street, Stanley, Hartlepool and Consett all get their moment in the spotlight.

The series is based on the novels by Alan Hunter with the latest episodes set in 1969.

It is well written, has high-quality production values and strong characterisation, all of which have helped make the drama such a winner with viewers.

Very much a Northern girl, Carlisle-born actress Lisa, 32, also has a heart in

Feisty girl >> Lisa’s role as WPC Rachel Coles takes on greater prominence in this the eighth series of Inspector George Gently

Hebburn. She’s familiar to viewers for her role as the headstrong Vicki Pearson in the BBC Two sitcom, Hebburn. She is proud to be part of the region’s programme-making family and is easygoing and happy to chat away even though she’s due in makeup shortly and back on set for a night shoot.

“Bacchus and I are on a stakeout. I’m normally in a 1960s uncomfortable police suit so it’s lovely to be in civvies.”

The first film, Do Not Go Gently, finds Gently investigating a rape of a prostitute.

Unravelling how rape is handled within the force and how many recent cases had actually resulted in charges being brought, the team have to deal with animosity from colleagues. The cast includes Emily Woof, Jeremy Swift and North East acting stalwart Denise Welch as the brothel madam.

Lisa says: “It’s about how rape complaints are dealt with by the police and how the majority of them are dismissed.

“I think Rachel’s often described as feisty but she’s confident in what she says. She’s a woman in a man’s world.

“It shakes things up a bit, especially Bacchus. He’s put out by the potential Gently sees in Rachel. They squabble like brother and sister.”

His ears must be burning as part-way through our interview, there’s a knock on

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FAIR COP Ingleby, who’s all apologies when he realises his co-star has company.

This latest series is, as always, full of warmth and wit as Gently and Bacchus continue their winning police partnership. Lisa as Rachel Coles appreciates Gently’s forward thinking and gives as good as she gets from Bacchus, crushing his stereotypical male attitude towards a female PC. Award-winning Jarrow-born writer Peter Flannery (Our Friends in the North), is the powerhouse behind the drama and he writes the first two episodes of the latest series – with stories that tap into a period undergoing big changes such as the first landing on the moon, Pan’s People, North Sea oil and the first police in-car radios.

Lisa adds: “Peter Flannery is a genius. He captures the North East. He writes brooding episodes. It captures the grit of the North East. It’s always highly topical and lots of the themes relate to issues happening now. They have covered a lot of corruption in the police force. Lots of the topics are as current now as the 60s. People love reminiscent TV and the 60s as well. All credit to the writing. They really look after it.”

On set with the filming crew later that evening in a flood-lit Crossgate proves fascinating. In the scene Coles and Bacchus are staking out a brothel, sat in his Ford Corsair. Nearby, one of the team is painting out yellow lines on a cobbled road. Curious passersby stop to watch and runners fetch cups of tea and bottles of water from a catering table set up in the street.

It’s a cold clear night and everyone’s dressed for Arctic conditions, in puffer jackets, hats and scarves, mindful of a long stint ahead filming. Although it’s a relatively small team for this scene, a runner tells me, it’s an eye-opener seeing the number of production staff involved just to film one segment.

Lisa lives in London with Scottish fiance Stuart Martin, also an actor, who recently appeared in Channel 4 series Babylon, about the Metropolitan Police. The couple have recently bought a flat together and are getting married in Tuscany, outside Florence, in July. “We are having a small affair with

Writer Peter Flannery is a genius. He writes brooding episodes that capture the grit of the North East

family and a few close friends. The plan is to sit in the sun, eat lots and drink plenty of wine and get married, of course!”

Of her time as Vicki Pearson in sitcom Hebburn, which starred strong North East actors Vic Reeves, Gina McKee and comedian Chris Ramsey among them, she obviously has great affection: “I had a ball. That was such a lovely job. I was part of Hebburn from the development stage.”

The six-part series first broadcast on BBC Two in 2012 and was written by Jason Cook and Graham Duff. It followed the recentlywedded couple Jack and Sarah alongside Jack’s family, the Pearsons.

“We had a lovely time. It was a brilliant job and lovely to be a part of that. We finished the second series and a Christmas special.”

A third series wasn’t meant to be though.

“We all had great hopes for it running because it did really well. We had great viewing figures.”

Prior to TV, Lisa had worked in theatre, and notably writer Lee Hall’s critically-acclaimed The Pitmen Painters, which premiered at Live Theatre in Newcastle, before transferring to the National Theatre and then Broadway in New York.

She acknowledges the TV work helped to raise her profile. “Hebburn was prime-time BBC Two with Vic Reeves and Gina McKee. It was a showcase for me. I didn’t go to drama school and I felt a bit embarrassed about that when I went to London. I always say I got my training from working with brilliant actors.”

20

Looking ahead, Lisa has recently filmed a movie called The Pass, which she originally performed in as a play at the Royal Court last year. “It was quite interesting the transition from stage to screen, but I think it will work brilliantly as a film. Hopefully it will be released later this year. I have also just filmed a pilot for a new comedy for BBC Two. Fingers and toes crossed, it will go to series later in the year.” * Inspector George Gently airs on BBC One at the end of April.

With thanks to Durham School where we photographed Lisa www.durhamschool.co.uk

LISA’S LUXE THINGS IN LIFE>> “The next few months I’ll be doing lots of to-ing and fro-ing to Prague,” says Lisa, “as Stuart (my fella) is out there filming an American show, called Crossing Lines, so I’ll be enjoying lots of city breaks. That’s the nice thing about our job, you often get to work in some interesting places.”

And then there’s Lisa and Stuart’s upcoming wedding in Tuscany in July, where ‘the plan is to sit in the sun, eat lots and drink plenty!’

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ANDREW WILSON

Andrew Wilson joined Teesside High School in Eaglescliffe as head teacher in January from New Hall School in Chelmsford, Essex. He was Director of Music at Milton Abbey School and is a prizewinning Fellow of the Royal College of Organists and previously held the post of Organist and Choirmaster at Great Malvern Priory during which time he undertook a number of solo and choral recordings LUXE PEOPLE >> I have a wonderful family; my wife Abbey, and three children, Gregor, Euan and Lydia.

Being back in the North means we are all closer to our extended family in Leeds, Newcastle and Glasgow. I’ve also been fortunate to work with some exceptionally dedicated teachers and talented professional musicians over my career.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > West Bay, a small harbour village on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.

A long holiday > Touring the Hebrides in our campervan. Unbeatable scenery and tranquillity, and surprisingly warm sea water.

A treat > A day watching Yorkshire at the cricket, preferably at the ground in Scarborough with the sea breeze and a sniff of fish and chips in the air.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Softly poached eggs on lightly buttered toast with freshly ground pepper.

The simple things in life, done well.

Best wine > A glass of Saint-Émilion, though my top tipple is a G&T made with William Chase gin.

Favourite restaurant > Gamba seafood restaurant in Glasgow with The Magpie in

22

Whitby a very close second.

Perfect weekend > Would definitely include a bike ride with the children or taking my boys to a non-league football match, a relaxed dinner with friends at home in the evening and a roast Sunday lunch after church.

Watching the pupils at my school play sport is also very rewarding.

Downtime means > Relaxing and playing the piano or the organ.

Best telly > I’m currently really enjoying the US remake of House of Cards and as we enjoy West Bay in Dorset, I was an avid Broadchurch watcher.

Best book > I read avidly when I get the opportunity, and am currently enjoying a number of books on the science behind music. I also like to explore new cookbooks, and The Little Paris Kitchen is fresh on the bookshelf.

Best sounds > A very wide range of classical musical tastes, but I’m a great admirer of the jazz of Dave Grusin and the David ReesWilliams Trio. I’m also very partial to the Frank Skinner podcast when something lighter is called for.

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > Edinburgh, not just for the variety of shops, but also for the

architecture and vibrant street life.

Favourite shop > Banks Music in York or any branch of Waterstones.

Luxe retail treat > Banana split in an oldfashioned ice-cream parlour with the family.

Best buy > My Yamaha grand piano, which took years of saving up for.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > An evening with my wife last year at the Ozone bar and restaurant on the 118th floor of the Ritz Carlton, overlooking the night sky of Hong Kong island.

Perfect party > Our Burns’ Night Suppers at home with friends have become a real party to look forward to in our calendar. Last year we managed to squeeze 18 in our kitchen for the evening.

Best outfit > Hogmanay in my kilt.

Dinner date > A night with friends at the Anupam Indian restaurant in Malvern, Worcestershire.

YOUR LUXE THINGS IN LIFE >> Education, children, and right now, Teesside High School, where our small nurturing environment allows children to achieve their potential.

MAR/APR15

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GOING TO GROUND

A very grand design

There may be a serious amount of mud underfoot but the landmark gardens at Wynyard Hall will definitely be in bloom this summer. Kathryn Armstrong talks to the man in charge of the country’s most exciting garden plot

24

MAR/APR15

GOING TO GROUND On a sunny and spring-like morning we have wellies on as we park up at Wynyard’s Walled Garden alongside a good number of earth-movers, rotavators and lines of freshly delivered trees and topiary.

These walls have seen some sights over the centuries. Now their characterful crevices and wind-beating brickwork will be the frame for a picture of a garden unrivalled anywhere in the country.

The key to a great garden is the preparation of the earth, and here at Wynyard the army of diggers, dumpers and forklift trucks are hard at work cultivating the soil into tip-top shape as they weave their way around the garden.

This is literally ‘the groundwork’ for a very grand garden design. The investment in machines, muck and magic will lay the foundations from which will grow an unrivalled horticultural delight for generations to come.

The garden has been designed by Alistair Baldwin in close collaboration with Wynyard Hall’s owner, the entrepreneur Sir John Hall, and his daughter Allison Antonopoulos, managing director of the four-star Wynyard Hall Hotel and its estate. Alistair was selected from a number of design practices to design the gardens at Wynyard and brings with him a wealth of experience in the creation of beautiful country estate gardens around the UK, both public and private. Alongside his design practice, plantophile Alistair also runs North-Yorkshire-based wholesale plant nursery, Colour Your Garden, and his passion for herbaceous perennials and grasses will no doubt be evident as the new gardens come into bloom this summer.

The walled garden will be the first phase in a series of new horticultural treats at Wynyard and, when complete, the estate will be home to Britain’s largest rose garden. Alistair has worked alongside Michael Marriet from David Austin Roses, world leaders in the breeding and cultivation of this most English of flowers, to ensure that the planting will be as perfect as it can be.

The morning’s delivery van has brought with it some 3,000 rose shrubs, climbers and ramblers to plant. As beautiful as that sounds, they lie carefully labelled and shrouded in black plastic, just waiting for their moment.

But their day will come. The roses will be planted in a ‘chromatic’ way. This will be a garden of carefully composed colourful delight rather than the traditional displays of hybrid tea roses of all too often discordant hues, the design will be shaped by the subtle variations of the colours not only of roses but of other complementary perennials, shrubs and grasses to create spectacular swathes of gently graduated hues and tones across the garden.

As befits a 21st century rose garden, a wide range of this fascinating family of plants will be displayed alongside companion plantings reflecting the latest trends in sustainable herbaceous and shrub planting. Some spaces will radiate warmth with yellow roses mingling with oranges and deep clarets, while others will be serene with white and pale pink roses complementing pale blues and violets.

“We thought very carefully about the most engaging way to

Ground beneath: Sir John Hall and daughter Allison Antonopoulos, centre, with Alistair Baldwin, far right and Michael Marriet arrange the roses and settled upon the idea of laying them out in chromatically ordered colour groups,” Alistair says.

“This is not a purist rose garden in the botanical encyclopaedic sense which, traditionally, would be made up of 80-90pc roses, but rather ours will have about 60pc roses, leaving 40pc of the planting to act as a textural and seasonally diverse backdrop of companion colours.

“This union between roses and their bed-fellows will result in a garden which puts on a good show through all the months of the year. Of course, our choice of roses has been driven by the classic attributes of repeat flowering into the autumn, heady scent and a healthy resistance to pesky diseases. In essence, we’re taking the whole idea of displaying roses to new heights,” he says.

The first phase of planting is, as Alistair pleasingly and rather unhorticulturally calls it, ‘the twiggy’ stuff. By this he means the framework of pleached trees, beech and yew hedging, topiary, mature shrubs and the roses themselves, all of which he has to get planted during the chill of winter.

So whilst we’re enjoying a little bit of unseasonal sun, it can bring on minor panic for someone like Alistair who knows he’s on a deadline to get these dormant plants settled in before these warm spells raise them from their slumber.

The undertaking here is huge, but for Sir John it will be the realisation of a long-held dream to create an outstanding garden fit for the modern world, one which makes a statement in garden design with an obvious nod to the heritage of Wynyard Hall.

“The walled garden is to be transformed into one of England’s finest and most unique rose gardens.”

“Sir John’s vision for a world-class public rose garden at Wynyard is to be realised and any new garden on this scale must take inspiration from the past while also establishing new trends and techniques to inspire future generations.

New public gardens on this scale and to this level of horticulture are rare and this will be a landmark

MAR/APR15

“The layout and planting show the evolution of the walled garden and an example of how the tradition of growing roses can be taken into the 21st Century,” he adds.

Sir John has always maintained the garden will be his legacy which gives the project a more poignant touch for Alistair.

“New public gardens on this scale and to this level of horticulture are rare and this will be a landmark. It is the culmination of Sir John’s vision for his garden and it has been a great privilege and a heavy responsibility to bring that to reality. It means a great deal for us to be part of that legacy and pushes us on to make something fitting. He and Allison are very hands-on with the garden, and we maintain a constant dialogue as it takes shape.

“The gardens naturally have a commercial remit in their role in sustaining a great estate like this into the 21st century, but what makes this project so unique and enjoyable to work on is the way in which that role sits alongside the great personal and emotional commitments that Sir John and Allison have made,” adds Alistair.

Allison is loving every minute of the project. Her ‘baby’ is the walled garden café and farm shop, soon to be followed in the next phase of building by a cookery school.

Her office shelves are festooned with jars of locallyproduced preserves, chutneys and marinades that she’s testing to see if they’ll make the grade and join the ever-growing stock-list for the new venture. We get rather too excited by the lovely sage coloured metal lightshades that are sitting in one corner of Allison’s office, the style destined for the café. Next to the chunky rustic wood and wall tiles that are another feature of the design. She has been inspired by places like Daylesford Organics, Weetons and Fodder in Harrogate. The farm shop, deli and café will be bringing a stylish ‘stay and linger’ touch to the gardens.

The building, even before it is finished, looks inviting with its wooden A-beams and long windows which will overlook the walled garden. You know that before long its shelves will be washed in lovely sludgy paint colours layered up with gourmet produce spilling out from rustic baskets. It will be a food destination of its own with chefs working with local suppliers to create menus for daytime and special events, ahead of a state-of-the-art cookery school and edible garden in the next phase.

Allison is brimming with enthusiasm. “It’s so exciting to see it come together – we want the walled garden and new cafe and farm shop to be the focus for a wonderful day out – we want people to come with their rucksacks, grab a picnic enjoy the park and stay at Wynyard for the day.”

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eat

MILKING IT

Milk round Farmhouse meets fromage at a flourishing County Durham dairy producing award-winning cheeses The early morning milk journey from cow to churn must be all of 15 feet at Village Farm in Mordon near Sedgefield.

And that pretty much sums up the unique selling point of Parlour Made artisan cheese.

So on cheese-making days in their dairy, you’ll find farmer Neil Peacock one side of a wall milking the cows and ensuring the freshest of milk finds its way through a pipe into the dairy vat where wife Carol is waiting on the other side of the wall.

The two rooms are certainly places of contrast. The milking shed, muddy, dusty and farmyard-ish as you’d expect then the cheese-making side of things, as scrubbed-down, white and pristine as it should be.

The end result is a Parlour Made range of cheeses that satisfies some of the region’s finest chefs and restaurants.

Top restaurants like Raby Hunt love Parlour Made’s products on their cheeseboard, showing and tasting the very essence of ‘artisan’.

It has become a very ‘of the moment’ word, artisan, being used as a label for anything wrapped in brown paper and tied with raffia. The dictionary definition is; ‘a person or company that makes a high-quality or distinctive product in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods’.

Yes, Parlour Made can justifiably tick the box. At her kitchen table a short stroll from the dairy, Carol insists that the hands-on small-scale cheese-making operation is about maintaining quality and being flexible. Not to mention a lot of love in every chunk of cheese.

“We are able to have control over every aspect of the cheese-making. We are the only cheese-maker in County Durham that has the cows and the cheese-making

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T HE C HE E S E S >> Mordon Blue > Blue veined soft cheese with a mild flavour and creamy texture. Winner of a bronze medal in the 2012 British Cheese Awards and winner of 2 Gold Stars at the 2013 Great Taste Awards.

Durham Camembert > A soft surface mould ripened cheese which develops a full flavour over time.

Farmhouse White > A hand-made traditional farmhouse white cheese made to a Cheshire-style recipe. It has a mild flavour and a slightly crumbly texture. This cheese is ripened in the same store as Mordon Blue and develops a natural rind.

Mordon Ruddy > A new traditional hard farmhouse cheese.

A lovely red colour, this cheese is traditionally made, cloth bound and matured for 5-6 months to achieve a fuller flavour.

Mordon Mediterranean > A soft white cheese with a tangy, salty flavour. This cheese is cured in a brine solution over time and is great for use in salads.

Cream Cheese > Soft cream cheese is made with the evening’s milk to give it a creamy texture and flavour. Also varieties with chilli flakes, black pepper and herbs.

MAR/APR15

MILKING IT

I taste and from taste know it’s ready. It’s more of an art than a science so if a chef rings and asks what we’ve got I know what’s ripe and to eat

operation on site together using their own dairy herd.

“It is hard work but so rewarding – we get very excited when we go somewhere and it’s a Parlour Made cheeseboard. If we see someone eating it we strain our necks to hear what they’re saying about it!”

Probably good things. The Mordon Blue was their first cheese, launched in 2011 when it immediately won awards. Since then they have also won accolades for the Mordon Mediterranean, a feta-style salad cheese.

Business is thriving but it has been very hard work – and a success that means their son Joe can carry on the family farm too.

This was one of the reasons for diversifying into cheese in the first place.

“When Neil left school there were 40,000 dairy farmers in the UK, now it’s around 10,000. It’s a tough game.

“Our son Joe always wanted to farm so the cheese-making was a way of ensuring he could continue on the farm with some hope of an income.

“We had help through a farm diversification

grant and it has been a massive learning curve but now we have a closed herd, which means we rear all our cows. We have 250 cattle in total and a 6am – 7pm working day.

“It’s such a rewarding job, not financially but we often get emails from people saying they have enjoyed our cheeses and ‘well done you’ – which is so lovely,” says Carol.

She was a cookery teacher in adult education when they decided to take the cheese-making plunge four years ago.

Neil and Carol spent months planning their venture knowing that they could make a very special product with their own farm assured milk.

It was vital that all of the cheeses would be fully traceable with handling and packing done on the farm – the only food miles are incurred at delivery stage.

Carol decided to attended agricultural college in Cheshire to learn the art of cheesemaking under the expert eye of Christine Ashby and they still call her in when they have an idea for a new cheese.

The cheese-making process starts with fresh

warm milk piped straight from our cows into the cheese vat at 6am every morning; they pasteurise the milk for all of the soft cheeses in the vat before the cheese making process begins.

Once the curd has formed it is cut with special curd knives and stirred before being packed into moulds and turned regularly.

Then the cheese is stored for 4-5 weeks until matured. All of the blue cheeses are hand-pierced to encourage the blue veins to develop.

The final stage is hand wrapping and labelling before the cheese begins its journey to local farm shops, delis, hotels and restaurants.

Carol makes cheese two to three days a week and it takes six weeks for soft cheese to be ready and 2-5 months for the hard cheeses.

“I taste and from taste know it’s ready,” says Carol.

“It’s more of an art than a science and it means that if a chef rings and asks what we’ve got then I know what’s ripe and

ready and good – and it can be at the restaurant that day.

“Chefs will ring and ask for suggestions for a cheese that might be good to bake or deep fry and they know they’re talking to the person who made it and therefore knows it best.

“With the unpasteurised cheese we think there are more complex flavours coming through, they really taste like they are made on the farm and we like that; they have ‘farmyard notes’ in the taste,” she laughs.

The newest cheese in the Mordon stable is Mordon Isle, a sweeter Gouda-like cheese which is matured for two months for a deep flavour.

“Nice on burgers,” Neil chips in.

And how much cheese do they actually eat for pleasure these days?

Carol laughs: “We used to love having a cheeseboard when we went to a restaurant, now that just feels like work so it’s definitely a pudding.” www.parlourmade.co.uk

R E CIPE S >> BAKED MORDON CREAMY CAMEMBERT Ingredients 1 whole small Durham Camembert 1 clove garlic Few sprigs fresh rosemary Method Unwrap the cheese and place into an ovenproof dish of a similar size to ensure a snug fit.

Use a sharp knife to make incisions in the top of the cheese.

Peel and slice the garlic cloves into thin slices.

Insert the garlic slices into the incisions with a little rosemary.

Bake in a pre-heated oven for 10 minutes.

Serve with warm crusty bread or bread sticks.

MAR/APR15

MORDON BLUE ROULADES Ingredients 4 skinless chicken breasts 100g Mordon Blue cheese, cut into 8 thin slices 8 rashers bacon (any of your choice) Method For each roulade: Place the chicken breast between some cling film and use a rolling pin to flatten to double its size. Then place two slices of cheese in the centre and roll up the chicken breast folding in the short ends to make a parcel. Wrap with two rashers of bacon. Place into an ovenproof dish or tray. Cover the prepared roulades with foil and bake in a pre-heated oven for 25 minutes at 180C/Gas mark 4. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the bacon if you wish.

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CRACKING UP

Off duty WITH DAVE COULSON

With Easter on the way, it’s time to make a statement with a bit of a different take on the classic Creme Egg...

Think Easter and the ever-shrinking Creme Egg features heavily. Forget that. Here’s a recipe which makes all your sweet dreams come true in one dish.

Takes a bit of time but you’ll have a smashing time eating it up...

COCONUT PANNA COTTA WITH CHOCOLATE CREME >> Panna Cotta ingredients 1 sheet gelatine 100ml coconut milk 20g sugar 20ml rice/almond milk Mango 20g mango gel 2 mangoes Sugar syrup

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Creme 100ml milk 100ml cream 25g egg yolk 50g sugar 120g dark bitter chocolate Chocolate soil 50g flour 50g melted butter 30g ground almonds 25g caster sugar 20g cocoa powder Pinch of salt Method Soak the gelatine in warm water.

Take 100ml of coconut milk, 20g of sugar and 20ml of rice/ almond milk.

Heat to boil, then remove from heat.

Squeeze water from gelatine and add to the warm milk mixture. Put into fridge and allow to set for four hours.

Cut the mangoes in to large chunks, cover with sugar syrup and cook until tender.

Remove the mango from the syrup and blitz. Allow to cool.

To make the chocolate creme, mix 100ml milk, 100ml cream, 50g sugar, 25g of egg yolk and 120g of dark chocolate.

Once mixed, it should come together like a thick custard.

Put in to a piping bag and set aside until the end.

For the chocolate soil, mix together the flour, butter, almonds, caster sugar and cocoa powder (plus a pinch of salt).

Spread the ingredients on a non-stick tray.

Bake for 5 minutes, take out of oven and shake the tray, return to bake for another 5 minutes.

Use the image above to help assemble your dish (we describe it as a smashed up Crème Egg!). Put your cooled panna cotta on a plate with a mango ‘yolk’, pipe the crémeux in blobs on the plate, and scatter the chocolate soil.

Dave is head chef and business partner at Peace&Loaf, 217 Jesmond Road, Newcastle, NE2 1LA. Tel: 0191 2815222 www.peaceandloaf.co.uk

MAR/APR15

WHO DO YOU LOVE?

Feed our soul…

In the next edition of Luxe we’ll be bringing you Food Trail magazine We’re really good at food, we love it; the eating, the cooking and the new discoveries to be made among local producers, suppliers, chefs and markets.

We know Luxe readers have something of the gourmet about them so we’d love you to share your thoughts on favourite restaurants, hidden gems, culinary stop-offs and inspired delis or farm shops.

Places that tick your boxes for all manner of

reasons: the perfect Sunday lunch, convivial pint, luscious seafood, inspiring host or dedicated producer.

Time to share Get in touch - we’d love to find your shining food stars and feature them in our exciting new publication. email kathryn@remembermedia.co.uk

Stable Hearth

In the last edition of Luxe we wrote about artisan pizza-maker Nicholas Thexton who runs Stable Hearth in County Durham.

We said his pizza bases are supplied by an artisan bakery, which they’re not. Nicholas is up to his elbows in flour and water on a daily basis, crafting the ultimate bases for his gourmet pizzas which are cooked in his devilishly hot 400C wood-fired oven.

We’re sorry for any misunderstanding and embarrassment this caused.

You can follow the progress of his pizza business here: www.stablehearth.com

MAR/APR15

29

GREY MATTER

Foxy feasting An urban fox of a place brings cutabove gastro dining to County Durham.

Kathryn Armstrong dines

The Fox Hole in Piercebridge, County Durham may lie in a remote village but the cut of its cloth is certainly urban.

The building itself is painted on-trend deep grey; austere and not remotely rustic.

Inside, the copper fittings, yet more grey paint, rustic timber and tube-style tiled walls suggest a touch of Shoreditch-comes-North.

It’s nice. Very nice. In the kitchen is Ellie Richmond, a chef with a real pedigree. She’s worked at the Yorke Arms, Ramsgill with Frances Atkins, and at John Torode’s Smiths of Smithfield.

She’s opened up the Fox Hole with partner and front-of-house man Jack Bowles who has spent time at Tom Aiken’s Somerset House and Searcy’s Gin Joint. The fit, the vibe and the menu join the dots to create one cool place. Something that fits with the fact that Ellie and Jack’s partner is Tim Wilkes, owner of the North East’s first boutique bowling venue, the stylish Lane7. The food is superb. Four of us went early evening Friday night and the place was a-buzz. There’s a cosy, village-friendly ‘wellie bar’ and craft ales are a big thing with Sonnet 43, Mithril Ale and Black Sheep featuring.

The restaurant area has an open kitchen which creates instant ambience too and our waitress really knew her stuff.

The menu is one of those where you really struggle to make a decision, there’s a lot of ‘want that’ appeal (I feel the need to go back for mutton tagine and preserved lemon yoghurt).

Starters which impressed included my roast figs with goat’s cheese, watercress and chestnut (£6.25), a delicious plate. Hearty, earthy, sweet and elegant.

Hickory pigeon breasts with fennel, honey ginger (£7.50), were an irresistible, compelling, starter - see what I mean about choice. Beautifully presented, they were pink and perky with a gentle smoky taste, then the meld of rich flavours from dressing and leaves.

A pheasant, prune, apricot and hazelnut pate (£5.95), was textbook stuff, layers of flavour contrasts and textures.

There was a serious case of ‘I could have had’ going on from an inspiring main course menu but we managed.

Seared loin of venison (£18.95), cooked perfectly pink was earthy and succulent. Pickled red cabbage and comfortingly creamy Teesdale Blue

The fit, the vibe and the menu join the dots to create one cool place

potato gratin alongside was a worthy meal all by itself.

We liked the ‘home comforts’ menu option which was well priced for a cheeky tea-time treat. Fish and chips with beer-battered cod (£10.95), was a hearty creature in crisp batter shell. Likewise, braised shin of beef was the perfect wintry dish bathed in a rich sauce of red wine and shallots with a cinnamon spice kick.

A plate of pork (£18), looked like a dish of delights; glazed belly, maple fillet, cheek rillette. Textures in contrast; fall-apart meat then the snap of crackling and sweet apple ketchup cutting through the rich pork flavours.

Sauerkraut and mash on the side.

We drank craft beer and I was impressed by luscious French La Boussole pinot noir which came in a cute 250ml mini carafe.

This is great quality, nicely crafted food in standout surroundings; I went again a few weeks later for the good-value set lunch which was impressive too. www.the-foxhole.co.uk

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THREE WAYS WITH

Smoke signals

Audrey Grieve returned from her travels around Europe inspired by smoked sea salt.

She became hooked on the way it gave flavours to food but back home in North Shields she found it hard to find as an ingredient. That led her to one of only two surviving smoke houses in North Shields and from there she created Boulevard Creative Cuisine, producing smoked salt, peppercorns, oils, mushrooms and garlic bulbs.

These recipes use some of Audrey’s signature products and are created by Kelly Richardson, Executive Chef at Fenwick, Newcastle. Products available in Fenwick Food Hall

Smoked Wild Mushroom Tartine with Poached Eggs A simple and warming starter made with Boulevard’s smoked mushrooms.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Serves 4: Ingredients For the mushroom topping: 25g Boulevard smoked dried mushrooms 200g assorted mushrooms; we’ve used flat, wild and chestnut.

1 shallot, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 25ml lemon juice 25g roughly chopped fresh parsley Salt and pepper for seasoning 30g butter 20ml rapeseed oil 1 Fenwick made in-store sourdough loaf For the poached eggs: 4 free range eggs 25ml vinegar Method Soak the dried mushrooms in warm water.

Cover and leave for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile bring 2 litres of water to a gentle simmer for your eggs.

Carefully break each egg into a cup or ramekin. Pour a little of the vinegar into each and leave for a couple minutes.

Roughly chop the assorted mushrooms.

Heat a frying pan and add the butter and oil (the oil stops the butter burning). Add the fresh chopped assorted mushrooms followed by the drained wild smoked mushrooms.

Sauté for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the shallot and cook for another minute.

Add the garlic, followed by the lemon juice.

Cook for another minute and season with salt, pepper and the parsley to taste. Keep this to one side. Swirl the simmering water with a spoon and reduce the heat. Gently pour the eggs into the water one at a time.

Leave to poach for 3 minutes. Cut 4 thick slices of sourdough and toast.

Serving Place the toast on warm plates and pile on the mushrooms. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and place on top.

Tip Keep the wild mushroom water that was drained off, freeze in ice cube trays and use for soups and risottos.

MAR/APR15

Sliced Sirloin with Goose Fat Chips and Smoked Peppercorn Sauce

Smoked Pepper Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries

We’ve used Boulevard’s smoked green peppercorns to add a cracking twist to this comfort food classic.

We’ve used Boulevard’s Smoked Pink Peppercorns for a modern take on this classic dessert. Comfort food classic.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Serves 4: Ingredients 400g Fenwick made in-store goose fat chips, available from the Fenwick delicatessen counter.

800g sirloin joint rolled and cut, available from the Fenwick butchery department FOR THE SAUCE 25g Boulevard smoked green peppercorns 10g crushed black peppercorns Salt for seasoning 1 shallot, finely chopped 25ml dark rum 200ml beef stock 200ml double cream 75ml red wine Method Preheat the oven to 180c/Gas mark 4.

Remove the sirloin from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Coat the joint in salt and the crushed black peppercorns and rub in a little oil.

Place an oven-proof frying pan on a high heat. Add the sirloin joint to the pan, sealing each side to colour. Place the pan in the oven for about 8 minutes if you like it rare, 12 minutes for medium or 18 minutes for well done. Remove the pan from the oven and wrap the sirloin in tinfoil to rest.

Now cook the chips in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes.

Once the chips are in the oven return the pan to the hob and dry fry the smoked green peppercorns with the shallot. When the shallot starts to colour add the red wine and scrape the pan to get all the flavour into the sauce.

When reduced to a syrup, stir in the stock and cream. Reduce by half and season to taste, then add the rum.

Serving Slice the beef into thick medallions and serve on to plates with the chips and sauce.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Serves 4: Ingredients FOR THE PANNA COTTA 2 pints of whole milk 150g caster sugar split vanilla pod 5g Boulevard smoked pink peppercorns, ground 6 soaked gelatine leaves FOR THE BALSAMIC STRAWBERRIES 100ml of balsamic vinegar 1 punnet of strawberries Method Soak the gelatine leaves in cold water for 10 minutes.

Slowly bring the milk to the boil in a small pan and add the sugar, vanilla and the ground peppercorns.

Tip Adding a spoon of water to the pan before the milk will prevent the milk burning.

Allow to gently simmer for a couple of minutes and taste, adding more pepper if you prefer.

Drain the gelatine leaves and stir in to the milk until dissolved.

Pour the mixture out equally between 4 pudding moulds.

Chill for at least 4 hours.

For the balsamic strawberries heat the balsamic vinegar in a pan.

When reduced by half, leave to cool.

Remove the strawberry stems and halve.

Add to the warm balsamic and reserve until required.

Serving Run the tip of a knife around the edges and loosen the panna cotta.

If they are still set to the sides place them in boiling water for a few seconds.

Place the panna cotta in the middle of a bowl, surrounded by the strawberries.

Spoon the balsamic reduction over the strawberries.

31

TABLE TALK

Chef’s table WITH JAMES CLOSE

The region’s only Michelin-starred chef from the Raby Hunt Restaurant

It’s the moment a chef fears but also aches for… Jay Rayner walking into the restaurant.

We’re not a big place so there was nowhere to hide when he rocked up at the Raby Hunt on a quiet Tuesday lunchtime.

Booked under another name, there is nonetheless no mistaking the Observer’s wild-haired restaurant critic, especially not in our small restaurant. One of those heart-stopping moments. I welcomed him and shook his hand, managing to keep mine steady.

I headed to kitchen, heart hammering.

God, this has to be good. No hiding places.

He’s a man who knows his stuff, says what he thinks then tells his how-manythousand readers.

But he’s just another customer I tell myself.

Albeit one who doesn’t come North very often, so he’s made an effort of a journey to be here.

He eats from the five-course lunch menu; damn, have the nine-course I think.

Heart-stopping: There’s no mistaking Jay Rayner walking into your restaurant

at the review. Almost the first line is… ‘tiny but miraculous first restaurant’. Heart can beat a bit longer.

‘It’s damned clever’ is something nice to see in print too but beyond that I also like that he mentions one of the newest additions to a menu that I’ve been slaving over: “Best of these snacks… is a buttery piece of still-warm toast, laid with thin slices of lardo, the cured back fat of the pig, in turn loaded with a dollop of caviar. If you were brought a plate of these you’d snaffle the lot in seconds.”

It’s easy to enjoy a good review, of course it is, but the hard work is maintaining that benchmark for the diners who follow in its wake. (read the full review - www.theguardian.com/ lifeandstyle/2015/mar/15/raby-huntrestaurant-review-jay-rayner)

Bib Gourmand with Harriett Close Salmon is my new favourite thing on a plate. We stayed at Slaley Hall which we all loved, Daddy because he likes to play golf and me because I like splashing about in the pool.

We ate in the brasserie and as you can see as well as nice salmon I am eating up my green trees.

IN SEASON >> Razor clams are a favourite this time of year - my go-to dish is to serve them with fresh peas and morels.

BUSY DAYS >> At the time of writing, we’ve had a dining room full of well-known actors in the region for the stage production of Birdsong. The company came last year and 12 were back today for a lively lunch.

Among them Peter Duncan from Blue Peter, who we (especially front of house Craig) all remember from our childhood telly-watching days.

He’s with a group of fellow actors including the lovely Selma Brooke from The Tudors…

TIME FOR CHANGE >>

I pop over at the end, not asking anything as corny as ‘how was it’ but instead, was there anything he didn’t like. Not much comment there but I still have to wait an agonising couple of weeks to see if any candid dislikes make it into a review.

Fortunately life is busy so the stomach-lurch that I get when I think of his public review is mostly kept at bay.

But the days before the Sunday when the review appears are painful and the night before, sleepless.

Rising early, we steel ourselves for a glance

Meanwhile, in the kitchen it’s a time of new seasons, ideas and a change of menu, something that absorbed me over much of February.

We get a taste of spring with lighter dishes and fresh new produce. I’ve got a few raw dishes on the tasting menu, raw scallop served with avocado and a fermented dressing.

There’s also a raw fillet of beef which is served at room temperature.

It is beer-fed beef, really tender and tasty, a bit like Wagyu. That’s served inside the marrowbone with a basil and anchovy dressing and some of our own made pickles.

ROCK AND POP-UP >> In July we’re having something called a mad loud music ‘pop up’ here at Raby Hunt.

You might have heard of crazy rock chef Michael O’Hare from the bonkers, The Man Behind the Curtain in Leeds, a true eccentric and devotee of rock music as well as an inspiration in the kitchen. We’re going to cook up four dishes each for a tasting menu accompanied by loud music! His is likely to encompass Bowie and Thin Lizzy, mine Nirvana and the Stone Roses.

IN THE CITY >> My London lunching adventures continued with a visit to a favourite, Hedone, and my mate Miguel Jonson.

He’s also a self-taught chef and we got our stars at the same time, so we have a lot in common and I love going there. You sit at a counter watching the kitchen and the food and atmosphere are great.

Hedone My standout dishes: signature ravioli with parmesan and horseradish, asparagus with pistachio and warm chocolate mousse with Madagascar. After my last disappointing trip to Gordon Ramsay, I really recommend Hedone if you’re off to London, a definite 8/10.

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TASTING NOTES >> A highlight of the year was the Obsession food festival with Nigel Haworth at Northcote.

I went over to eat a 12-course tasting menu prepared by Jacob Jan Boerma, 3-star chef at De Leest in Vaassen in the Netherlands, which was spectacular.

Stand-out ideas like an ice cream ‘cone’ with beef tartare and oyster an scallops with flavours of pumpkin. Really impressive. I spent a while talking to him afterwards and it was really inspiring chatting about how he got to be at the level he’s at.

I was invited into the kitchen by Nigel the next night to meet the Italian brothers Enrico and Roberto Cerea of DaVittorio in Brusaporto, Italy who have a three star Michelin restaurant.

At 2am they cooked up a saffron risotto that was easily one of the best things I have tasted in my life. I could have put my face in it!

It was just the perfect balance of saffron with butter added at exactly the right moment, the rice al dente and right amount of parmesan. Sensational.

SWEDEN-BOUND >> My next food trip is to Sweden. We’ll be staying at The Grand which I hear has a good cocktail bar…

These are where I’ll be eating: The Flying Elk, an up-and-coming place with a Brit pub vibe, in a good way.

A gastropub in Gamla Stan (Old Town) inspired by a blend of Swedish culinary tradition and British pub culture.

Eskadet, a high-level barbecue concept restaurant

Frantzen, been looking forward to going here for a long time! Named 23 in the world’s best restaurants last year.

The Flying Elk

A HEART-STOPPING MOMENT

MAR/APR15

THE CRAIC IS GOOD

Eat Seasonal WITH ANDREW WILKINSON

Artisan’s Andrew Wilkinson rings the changes for spring Isn’t it nice to see spring slowly arriving? For those of you who are lucky enough to leave work at a sensible time, the longer days signal a new lease of life, fresh energy and more time to play.

Not only is the sunlight waking us up, but the produce too. The warmer weather brings new crops and as a chef you just can’t beat springtime; the wild garlic, Jersey Royals, flowering leeks, rhubarb and all the new shoots. In April we’ve not quite got to a time of abundance yet, but we are heading that way. Soon, May will yield asparagus, peas and morel mushrooms… but for now, we’re content and invigorated to launch the new season with a fresh approach.

This weekend I was sowing springtime seeds with my girls and was struck with the idea of going meat and fish-free. There’s just something wonderful about growing your own, watching produce flourish and picking the ingredients as they bloom. So, this season I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this feeling than by championing the vegetable. Artisan is often seen as a meaty restaurant and it is true, we do like our butchery, but as keen supporters of local growers and ambassadors of seasonal produce our menu also celebrates meat-free options, created to showcase fresh intensity of flavour and clever marriage of ingredients. The recipe I am sharing with you here is a winner; you can eat it for brunch, lunch or dinner. It’s also a dish we are putting on our next seasonal showcase menu… so I hope that you enjoy!

Poached Duck Egg, Brioche, Sprouting Broccoli, Hollandaise Ingredients HOLLANDAISE White wine vinegar 50ml 10 peppercorns 2 bay leaves 50g egg yolks (about 4) 200g butter Greens Sprouting broccoli – 2/3 stalks per portion (In May this can be replaced with asparagus) Knob of butter Wild garlic – 4/5 leaves EGGS Fresh duck eggs – 1 per person Dash of white wine vinegar BRIOCHE 250g plain flour 7.5g salt 35ml milk 7.5g yeast (fresh is best) 175g butter, room temperature 15g sugar 3 eggs + 1 yolk Method BRIOCHE 1 Day ahead of serving Put the milk into a microwave for 20 seconds Take out and crumble in the yeast.

Put to the side and allow the yeast to activate.

In a mixing bowl add the flour, salt and eggs followed by your milk and yeast mixture, either knead by hand for 5mins until the gluten comes together or use a mixer with a dough hook on a low setting for 5mins.

Mix your soft butter with the sugar and then add cube by cube to the mixture.

Knead as you go or continue with the mixer on a low setting.

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Keep going until all the butter is incorporated.

The dough should be looking nice and glossy If doing by hand, knead for AGES on a lightly floured surface (15mins)!

Or if you don’t want the workout keep using your mixture on a high setting for 10mins.

You want the dough to be elastic, stretchy, not too wet, not too dry.

Cover with a damp cloth and allow to prove in a warm place for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

After, put into your fridge and leave overnight.

Next day Line a bread tin with butter, then parchment paper and then butter again.

Divide the dough into equal sized balls, around 10.

Arrange the balls evenly into the lined tin.

Lightly egg wash the dough and cover loosely with a damp cloth.

Leave to prove for 2 hours in a warm place, or until doubled in size.

Pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees.

After the dough is proved, egg wash the top again Put into the oven and bake.

After 15mins turn down the heat to 175degrees and continuing baking for half an hour.

Take out of the oven and leave to cool.

Don’t be tempted to start eating it right away.

HOLLANDAISE First of all you want to make a vinegar reduction.

Put the white wine vinegar, peppercorns and bay leaves into a pan over a high heat.

Rapidly simmer until the mixture has reduce in half. Now, you only want two tablespoons of this mixture, but you can save the rest, it will keep for years!

You need to clarify your butter.

Place the butter into a pan and melt over a low heat.

Once melted, skim any froth that comes to the top.

At the bottom you’ll be left with the milk solids that you don’t need. Keep warm.

Put the eggs yolks, 2 tablespoons of the vinegar reduction and a tablespoon of water in a metal or glass bowl that can fit over a pan.

Whisk the mixture together and in the pan bring some water to a simmer and place the bowl over it.

Keep whisking. Heat up the mixture slowly, whisking the entire time!

It will take about 6mins before it becomes nice and thick Now, slowly pour in your melted butter, ensuring the milk solids aren’t added.

Keep mixing as you go, you don’t want the mixture to split. It’s ready when it’s rather thin, silky and at the ‘ribbon stage’.

BROCCOLI & WILD GARLIC Get a pan and fill it up with water, bring up to the boil with a good pinch of salt.

Meanwhile Trim the stalks, get rid of the woody bottoms and any knobbly bits.

Boil rapidly in the water for 2mins.

In a frying pan add a knob of butter and splash of water to make an emulsion.

Put in the broccoli stalks and wild garlic and allow to heat up and become beautifully buttery.

POACHED DUCK EGG Get a pan and fill it up with water Bring to the boil splash in a good glug of white wine vinegar.

Bring back down to a simmer and crack your eggs into the boiling bubbles.

Turn off the heat and allow to sit in the water for 3 minutes.

To serve Lightly toast slices of your brioche.

And arrange the ingredients as pictured above.

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HATCH A PLAN

Masterclass WITH TERRY LAYBOURNE

Time to get cracking with the Easter preparations. These seasonally-appropriate cookies are fun to bake and will have little hands clamouring for more...

Easter Cookies

1 Lightly cream together butter and icing sugar.

3 Slowly add the plain flour, salt and vanilla until just mixed.

5 Wrap in clingfilm and chill for one hour. Once chilled roll out the dough to 5mm thick.

7 Bake at 150c for 10 minutes until golden.

10 Brush a small amount of water across the back of the fondant shapes to make them sticky then lay on top of the biscuits.

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2

Pre-heat the oven at 150C 500g Plain flour 400g Butter 200g Icing sugar Pinch salt

4 egg yolks Vanilla Fondant icing Yellow food colouring

Gradually add the egg yolks until fully combined.

4 Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured work surface and gently bring together with your hands.

6 Using biscuit cutters cut out a mixture of oval eggs and egg “splat� shapes.

8 Roll out two thirds of the white fondant icing and cut out the same shapes as the biscuits.

11 Mix a little vodka with the food colouring to loosen it.

9 Colour the remaining icing with yellow food colouring, then roll and cut into small circles to represent the egg yolk.

12 Dip a toothbrush in the food colouring and then spray over the cookies, creating a speckled egg effect.

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middletonlodge.co.uk

01325 377977

STEP INTO

SPRING Photo courtesy of Gary Walsh

EASTER FAMILY FUN DAY ON GOOD FRIDAY

MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY THEMED FAMILY DAY

Come and join us for plenty of fun Easter activities.

• Easter Egg Woodland Trail • Easter arts and crafts • Easter garden making • Egg decoration • Optional fancy dress • Maybe some surprises along the way Entry £6.50 per child (Children under 12 months and Adults are free of charge). Please call Reception to register your children’s places and don’t forget to book a table for lunch.

Sit back and enjoy the wonderful story of Alice in wonderland amongst many other traditional magical children’s tales read by a professional story teller - performances every 20 minutes.

• Alice in Wonderland woodland trail, follow the clues to find the keys. Prizes for everyone who guesses the secret code • Mad Hatter themed arts and crafts activities • Blending and entertainment by Mad Hatters Tea company • Optional fancy dress • Some surprises along the way Entry £8.50 per child (Children under 12 months and Adults are free of charge). Please call Reception to register your children’s places and don’t forget to book a table for lunch.

3RD APRIL, 11AM - 3.30PM

SATURDAY MAY 23RD, 11AM - 3PM

NUTRITIONAL WORKSHOP

THURSDAY 11TH JUNE, 9AM - 2:30PM After the success of our first Nutritional Workshop in February The Coach House at Middleton Lodge has secured another date with Kate Chaytor-Norris.

Kate trained at the Optimum Nutrition in London, one of the leading educational establishments to focus upon all aspects of nutrition and health from both a holistic and scientific prospective.

Cost is £75pp to include a four hour workshop and three course lunch with selected refreshments.

£55 for 55 minute treatment to include: • INVIGORATING FOOT AND LOWER LEG MASSAGE • SPRING CLEANSE FACIAL • NECK SHOULDER AND SCALP MASSAGE • REFRESHING GLASS OF PIMMS AND LEMONADE • FULL USE OF THE HEALTH CLUB FACILITIES • USE OF THE RELAXATION ROOM • ROBES, TOWELS AND SLIPPERS PROVIDED

Up includesgrade back exf a 25 min massageoliation & for £20 Add a T ra ditional afternoo n £15.50 tea for only per pers on

AVAILABLE TO BOOK APRIL, MAY AND JUNE To book, call

01434 673 193 Photos courtesy of GASP Photography

ALL OUR EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE AS VOUCHERS MAKING THE PERFECT GIFT FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL TO BOOK or for details of future events please call reception to book on 01325 377977 or email info@middletonlodge.co.uk K n e e t o n L a n e , M i d d l e t o n Ty a s , R i c h m o n d , N o r t h Yo r k s h i r e , D L 1 0 6 N J

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Slaleyspa@qhotels.co.uk QHotels.co.uk/SlaleyHall

Slaley Hall, Slaley, Hexham, NE470BX

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MICHELIN MAN

Reach for the stars Kathryn Armstrong has a first bite at star chef Richard Allen’s Orangery Restaurant at Rockliffe Hall

Sea for me. Land & Sea for my friend. Taking of the order is as easy as that, no talk of ‘how’d you like it cooked’ or multi-course decisions to be made.

That crisp menu might suggest a simple approach but don’t expect simple food.

We’re going on a food journey over land and sea. Choppy waters ahead?

This is a first taste of food from the kitchen of Michelin-starred chef Richard Allen, pictured, who has taken the helm of The Orangery at Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth, near Darlington.

There is the will to bring a coveted Michelin star to this restaurant and that ambition is writ large in the restaurant’s four tasting menus.

You’re presented with a choice of Land & Sea, From the Land, From the Sea and Vegetarian five-course menus.

Some dishes feature on both menus and you can give the waiter a slight challenge with the choice of three courses from any of the menus.

The menus point to serious and studied cooking from one of the UK’s most celebrated chefs. Allen has held a Michelin star since 2011, as well as three AA Rosettes for eight years.

Dishes are all about the concept of ‘bringing the outside in’ which roughly translates as finding great, fresh and

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exciting ingredients, ideally from quality suppliers locally – or even estate-grown at Rockliffe.

Diners love that idea and it is delivered with some confidence and flourish here.

We had ten courses between us, some appearing on both of our tasting menus, some stand-out, some less so.

On a Tuesday evening the grand Orangery was fairly busy. It has a hushed and ‘special occasion’ feel to it. We love the cocktail bar for drinks beforehand, a cool little spot for menu perusing.

At the table fresh bread curiously arrived in a warm insulated cloth sac and was served with a pyramid of orange-coloured butter flavoured with spiky espelette pepper.

An amuse bouche of smoked haddock risotto made with rich stock was a fine preparation for dishes to follow.

The stand outs: Scallops served with a clam broth and sea vegetables. Strong flavours, silky scallops contrasting with neat, almost crumb-like, vegetables.

Turbot was my best of the five courses.

The delicate nudge of the almost metallic flavour of saffron was spiky and unusual and well judged with brown crab, nimblesome quinoa and dramatic squid ink crackers alongside.

We both were impressed by the Asian influences of sea trout smoked fillet, parfait and sashimi. Plenty of interest on

the plate with a kick of perky cucumber seeds.

The food is dazzlingly presented with much attention to detail. Each dish surprises and is not without some wit. We’re not over-keen on the dark plates for some courses, which though dramatic don’t seem to show the food to its best.

Lobster course is a take on Caesar salad with avocado and a cluster of Ebene caviar, the notion of a ‘crouton’ taken to a different level with a dramatic, feather-like crisp perched on the plate. Not an abundance of lobster however.

This is dining to take seriously. Tastes jump from every forkful and it is an earnest endeavour that you need to take seriously.

To Land: my friend had Pork: crispy belly pork, fillet and braised cheek, poached langoustine and chorizo. Soft, sweet meat

rich and caramelised, the langoustine meltingly soft and sweet.

Duck featured as slithers of deep red Goosnargh breast paired with pear.

Desserts are a picture as you might expect.

The Sea menu brings Strawberry: sweet Gariguette variety in a deconstructed cheesecake which has a punchy and welcoming refreshing mint kick.

In Land & Sea, seasonal rhubarb is delivered with intense ginger and black butter.

Wine pairing is available and the list is extensive. We opted for a bottle of Albarino, Veigadares, Adegas Galegas, Rias Biaxas.

Menus are £65-£80 for five courses or three at £59. www.rockliffehall.com

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SPRING SPROUTS

Veg patch

Upcoming courses @Widehaugh House

WITH KAREN PHILLIPS

Spring is like your summer holiday: you yearn for it to come and once the wait is finally over it disappears in a flash; hectic does not even begin to describe the fervour of spring for the gardener

>> The Herb Garden 14th May Get some herb low-down on this gardening/cookery workshop.

Time > 10am – 3.30pm. Including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch. £90 >> Pots & Containers 15th May Learn how to ring the changes with suitable plants for all the seasons.

Time > 10am – 3.30pm. Including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch. £85 >> Use it or lose it!

10th June Bring along that awkward vase and Hannah ‘The Wildflower Florist’ will weave her magic.

Time > 10am – 3.30pm. Including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch. £85 >> Drawing on Life Fri 12th June Contemporary visual artist Louise Bradley will enable you to produce lively drawings of summer flowers.

Time > 10am – 3.30pm. Including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch. £110 >> Scented Garden Fri 19th June Discover all-year fragranced plants Time > 10am – 3.30pm. Including morning coffee/cakes and 2-course lunch. £80 www.widehaughhouse.co.uk

RICH PICKINGS >> Bay leaves: Pride inevitable precedes a fall and I was positively bursting at having finally trained and trimmed my small bay tree into a beautiful 6ft spiral only to have it cut to the ground by the -20 degrees delivered in winter 2010. Unbelievably it sprouted from the ground and in 4 years has again reached 6ft. The herb parterre is located near the kitchen door, close enough to nip out without shoes in any weather and be utilised all year round.

Recently I have been feeling very guilty because each time I grab a couple of fresh bay leaves in the dark I scare the living daylights out of the resident blackbird who’s turned in for the night. Bay leaves are invaluable to the cook, whether in stocks and sauces or as the star player in Bay Leaf Ice Cream.

Hop shoots: Sometimes the stupidest decisions turn out to have a satisfying solution and having grown a golden hop up the supporting wire that holds our electricity pole it has succeeded in the task of camouflaging an ugly object but is perilously close to reaching the top and straddling the wires. Regular nipping out of new shoots is required in order to limit its growth and what better reason than for use as ‘poor man’s asparagus’: simply blanched and served with a vinaigrette or used with other spring veg in a frittata.

Baby turnips: Turnips are one of the speediest veg you can grow from seed with harvest in just six weeks. Our February spring sowing in modules in the greenhouse, and then early planting out under cloches, of a variety called ‘Snowball’ produces the prettiest little

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golfballs; just perfect braised in butter and sprinkled with the fresh marjoram.

JOBS OUTSIDE >> Now I have been harping on for months about getting a head start on the veg beds before spring, so hopefully you listened and can now sow, sow, sow to your heart’s content! The important thing to remember is: little and often; as soon as you see the rows germinating, re-sow another row so you get a drip, drip of fresh veg rather than a glut. Get those potatoes planted and watch out for late spring frosts that will nip and blacken the emerging shoots and reduce the final yield; horticultural fleece thrown over the crop prior to cold nights will prevent damage.

JOBS IN THE GREENHOUSE >> At this time of year it is like A&E in the greenhouse: seeds patiently waiting for space to appear on the heated bench whilst slow germinators linger and can’t move off because the greenhouse staging is already bursting with seed trays. Courgettes/ aubergines/peppers/chillies/tomatoes, all need to be sown asap.

BLACKCURRANT LEAF SORBET >> A few years ago we had the pleasure of hosting an event for the perfumers from ‘Procter and Gamble’ looking at scents and flavour in the garden. One of the plants they were particularly interested in was blackcurrant leaf with its ‘green notes’.

Two things I learnt from the day: the bestselling fragrance for washing powder in South America is fennel and one of the flowers whose scent they have not yet

succeeded in replicating in the lab is the common garden sweetpea!

Take two large handfuls of young blackcurrant leaves, 600ml water, 200g sugar, 3 lemons Crush the blackcurrant leaves and place in a pan with the sugar and water; bring slowly to the soil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Simmer for 2-3 minutes then remove from the heat and leave to cool completely before stirring in the juice of 3 lemons. Strain the liquid into an ice cream maker and churn until frozen.

EDIBLE FLOWERS >> Fancy growing some of those pretty flowers that garnish your restaurant plate? Simply buy a few packets of seed and you’ll have colour on your plate all summer long. In most cases it is the petals that are the edible part of the flower but discard the white ‘heel’ at the base of the petals as this tends to be bitter. Edible flowers can be used to add a zing of colour to salads, desserts and drinks: • bright blue flowers of borage frozen in ice cubes • deep blue cornflower petals in salads or even dried and mixed with tea leaves • calendula: similar to saffron in that it can add both colour and flavour to a dish.

Soak the petals in double their volume of warm milk and use to add colour and flavour to cakes and desserts.

• nasturtium: lovely peppery flower in super bright colours • chive flowers: these can be used in bud or in full flower; if you

split the flower head into little florets they’ll add an onion element to a dish.

• viola: these are very decorative and can be used whole in salads • large flowers such as courgettes and daylilies (Hemerocallis) can be stuffed and fried, or used to add colour to soups and frittata. Courgettes produce both male and female flowers on the same plant: the female flower has a swollen base that develops into the fruit whereas the male flower simply has a straight stem. Only pick the male flowers unless you want to limit the amount of courgettes produced.

• ‘pinks’ (Dianthus): one of the predominant flowers in the past, these add an interesting clove flavour to dishes.

Nasturtiums, cornflowers, violas, calendula, borage, courgettes and chives can all be sown easily from seed to provide flowers all summer. Hemerocallis and pinks are perennial plants (lasting in the garden for years) and any good nursery should stock them.

LOOKING AHEAD >> Next issue we’ll be sowing the colours of the rainbow and summer pruning the wall-trained apple trees. www.widehaughhouse.co.uk

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HIGH FASHION

D

e

N I M D A Z

Denim in all its shapes and hues is a go-to this spring. Classic whites and colour pops make a cool fashion splash too

e

Replay jeans, £158.99, Psyche, white short-sleeved shirt, Polo Ralph Lauren, £83.99, Psyche, patent courts, £58.99, Moda in Pelle, Psyche. Saddle bag, Coach, £393.99, Psyche

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MAR/APR15

HIGH FASHION

Flares, Victoria Beckham Denim £246, Have to Love. White shirt, Joseph, £179, Fenwick. Orange Giselle shoe, £250, Russell & Bromley, Fenwick. Orange Bella bag, £225, Russell & Bromley, Fenwick

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HIGH FASHION

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HIGH FASHION

White dress, Burberry £450, Fenwick. Block heel platform shoe, £175, Russell & Bromley, Fenwick. Bucket bag, Louis Vuitton, £895, Fenwick. Necklaces, Have to Love

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HIGH FASHION

Chambray dress, Polo Ralph Lauren, £133.99, Psyche. White leather jacket, Giorgio Armani, £583.99, Psyche (on chair). Sunglasses, Marc by Marc Jacobs (on chair), £113, Psyche. Bucket bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Fenwick. (On chair) Tunic, Michael by Michael Kors £243.99, Psyche. Super Skinny jeans, Replay, £88.99, Psyche. Block heel platform shoe, £175, Russell & Bromley, Fenwick. Chloe Drew bag, £1,060, Cruise

J Brand Jeans £195, Fenwick. silk trench dress, Hugo Boss Orange, £210, Fenwick.

Block heel platform shoe, £175, Russell & Bromley, Fenwick. Chloe Drew bag, £1,060, Cruise

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MAR/APR15

HIGH FASHION

Ankle Slim jeans, Victoria Beckham Denim, £240, Cruise. White sleeveless shirt, Victoria Beckham, £195, Cruise. Blue Floret shoe £170, Russell & Bromley, Fenwick. Celine Blue Trio evening bag, £630, Cruise

MAR/APR15

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HIGH FASHION

Trouser, Diane Von Furstenburg, £215, Fenwick.

Jacket Armani Collezioni, £485, Fenwick

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MAR/APR15

HIGH FASHION

tunic, Michael by Michael Kors, £243.99, Psyche. Super Skinny jeans, Replay, £88.99, Psyche. Block heel platform shoe, £175, Russell & Bromley, Fenwick.

Chloe Drew bag, £1,060, Cruise

CREDITS Photography: Kev Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk Model: Emma Davies www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk Styling: Fiona McLain Shoot assistant: Elysia Agnew Hair & make-up: Victoria Forshaw www.pinspetalspowder.co.uk Stockists: Cruise, Newcastle www.cruisefashion.co.uk Fenwick, Newcastle www.fenwick.co.uk Have to Love, Hawthorn Road, Gosforth www.havetolove.com Psyche, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough www.psyche.co.uk Location: Our shoot took place in the luxury penthouse apartment within Baltic Quays.

The apartment has striking views over the river towards The Sage and the famous Tyne bridges.

On the main level of the apartment there is a light-flooded and spacious open-plan living area and dining area, opening to a fitted kitchen. A spiral staircase leads to the first floor which has a shower room and three double bedrooms.

It’s for sale for £695,000 with Sanderson Young www.sandersonyoung.co.uk/property/baltic-quay-mill-road/

MAR/APR15

47

LUXE LIFE

ANNIE RENNISON Annie is one half of Renné, a North Yorkshire-based jewellery design company which she and mum Helen run together. They create pieces which combine sterling silver and semiprecious stones. Annie lives in Melsonby near Darlington LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > I’ve just come back from Florence with my boyfriend after spending the weekend there to celebrate my 21st birthday. We only had two full days to take in all the sights, but it was such an exciting experience. Everything about the city is just so beautiful; I could have people watched all day!

A long holiday > I adore Italy; everything about is perfect to me. From the beautiful architecture, to the well-styled and friendly people. My ideal long holiday would be a tour of the Italian Lakes, using a classic Riva speedboat to get me from one place to another, eating lots of gelato all day, whilst taking in the spectacular scenery that surrounds the lakes.

A treat > You can’t beat a trip to London, we love to use Air BnB to find us the perfect place to stay. We’ve stayed in some really cool places, including a beautiful Victoria town house. I love to visit London with my mum, as we have such similar taste and style, we can spend hours walking through a park or sauntering through the Tate Modern’s galleries.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > In my eyes nothing beats freshly-cooked pasta.

My favourite dish is spaghetti with prawns, spinach and lemon. It’s such a simple dish but when it’s done right it tastes of a perfect summer’s day.

Best wine > It has to be anything that fizzes! A friend of mine recently introduced me to a Hugo, which is prosecco, elderflower cordial and a sprig of mint. It’s the perfect drink.

Favourite restaurant > I love The Coach House at Middleton Lodge, just on the outskirts of Richmond. It has recently opened and it serves the most incredible dishes. The scallops

48

are mouth-wateringly good, plus you get to sit in the most beautiful building that has such a cool atmosphere. There’s nowhere else like it.

Perfect weekend > It’s definitely one around home, in Melsonby; my boyfriend and I love to walk our dog, Ted. We have such lovely countryside around us so it’s nice to make the most of it. Sundays are made for snuggly PJs mornings, then a big Sunday roast with the family. We have a big family so it’s always nice to get together and catch up on what’s been going on in the week.

Downtime means > Completely relaxing with a good book, tasty food and the best company. My mum and I love what we do, so it never feels like a chore to sit around our dining table and think about upcoming designs for pieces. It’s what we love to do the most.

Best telly > It has to be The BBC’s adaptation of Our Zoo. It’s a true story, based on how Chester Zoo was created.

It was so lovely to watch, the story was fascinating and I loved looking at what the characters wore. Definitely worth a watch.

Best book > I love a photography book, anything from fashion to landscape gets my attention. But you also can’t beat a good holiday read. I recently read Lena Dunham’s memoirs, which were so fun and had me laughing out loud.

Best sounds > Anything that gets me dancing and is good to work to!

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > I love Newcastle, there’s the perfect mix of independents and big brands. I don’t shop all the time, I prefer to go at the beginning of each season and get

a few staple pieces that I know will last and can be worn with everything.

Favourite shop > It has to be Liberty of London. It’s the best department store in the UK, the merchandising, brands and staff are all amazing. Mum and I love to wander through every floor, taking in all the amazing items.

Luxe retail treat > I bought a pair of leather ankle boots a couple of years ago that have only got better with age. I love them, they are now battered and bruised but they definitely go better with my style now. It’s this same sentiment and ethos that we were keen to instil into Renné - we want our pieces to grow and evolve with the person wearing it.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > Celebrating my birthday in Florence was pretty memorable. We had the most amazing Italian meal in the piazza; it was freezing out but still it felt magical and like nowhere else I had ever been.

Perfect party > With close friends and family, it has to be chilled and relaxing. We recently all visited a little log cabin by a lake in Richmond; it was so much fun as we played games, chatted and drank lots of prosecco, all by a log fire.

Best dress > I’m not one for getting overdressed, I like to keep my style interesting. Clean lines and shapes are what I’m drawn too.

Dinner date > My boyfriend or my best friend, Lizzie. But if neither of them were available, Jude Law would do!

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> My family and friends. www.rennejewellery.co.uk

MAR/APR15

Fine Food is a Fine Art Whether you’re a self-confessed ‘foodie’ or just a fan of trying great places, let Michelin-starred chef Richard Allen take you on a culinary journey across land, sea and air in the Orangery restaurant at Rockliffe Hall.

www.rockliffehall.com Hurworth-on-Tees Darlington County Durham DL2 2DU +44 (0)1325 729999 enquiries@rockliffehall.com

YA R M N U R SERY & PR EPA R ATORY SCHO OL

OPEN WEEK ISITION

EC INSP

Monday 11th – Friday 15th May (Wed 13th May late night until 6pm)

Enjoy a guided tour of the school, visit lessons and talk to our pupils and staff

P E TO D TH R ATE ADE IN GR S A RE ALL A

Yarm Prep School, Grammar School Lane, Yarm TS15 9ES Tel: 01642 781447 Email: laura@yarmschool.org

W W W.YA R MSCHOOL .ORG 23794 YS Open Week Advert 216 x 157mm LUXE.indd 1

10/03/2015 11:13

JUICY FRUITS

TREND WATCH Bring out the brights and say hello to spring with a pop of colour Stay cool >> MSGM top £149.

Paul Smith Black midi skirt £225.

Vivienne Westwood sunglasses, £121, Dune Daveney heel in black £85

Each season a wave of new colours flood the fashion landscape and SS15 is no different. Winter’s influx of oxblood and grey have finally been replaced and SS15 is shaping up to be one of the brightest yet. Here’s my guide to incorporating colour into your wardrobe this spring.

CLASHING BRIGHTS Don’t be afraid to play around with multiple bright colours.

Mixing colours that you wouldn’t normally put together is a great way to make sure you stand out from the crowd. For our own take on this trend we have paired some bold red Sportmax trousers with a striped blue Paul Smith knit and a Jungle Green Mulberry Tote (pictured right). This is a trend you can really have fun with so let loose and be brave!

BOLD PRINTS Print is a really on-trend way to work with colour this season. From stripes at Celine and Eastern inspired florals at Marni to 60s style swirls at Chanel, it was a theme that proved to be a big hit on the SS15 Paris Fashion Week runways. For an easy-to-wear version of this trend take a bold stripe and pare it down with a block colour. We matched a black MSGM crop top with a striped Paul Smith skirt (pictured above); the vivid blue and sunshine yellow in the striped skirt are balanced by the heavy black top. Just add some sleek shades and a simple pair of heels to complete your relaxed yet full-of-colour look. To really have some fun with bold prints this summer look out for cartoon style prints at Moschino, Vivienne Westwood and MSGM - I adore MSGM’s pineapple-print skirt in lemon for a full-on colourful summer outfit (pictured centre).

PRIM AND PROPER Lady-like cuts are a huge trend again this season and this is something that you can really make work to your advantage when you’re playing with colour. Use a prim and proper silhouette to play down clashing bright colours by keeping your shape sleek and minimal. As seen at the Carolina Herrera SS15 show, the key ingredients are high-waisted

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Citrus statement>> MSGM striped top £265. MSGM pineapple print skirt £299. McQ Alexander McQueen clutch £265, Dune heels £65

skirts with a long hem line and an A-line cut. Keep your neck line simple and round and look out for full length sleeves. If you prefer to wear trousers choose a well-tailored pair that are slightly cropped at the ankle for an elegant finishing touch. For the queen of classic yet colourful fashion look no further than DVF. Furstenberg’s signature seventies style incorporates bold prints with sleek and lady-like dresses that fasten simply around the waist. The original silhouette was designed to be functional, easy-to-wear and stylish and the brand has always stayed true to this key principle.

COLOUR POP The easiest way to inject some colour into your outfit is with a bold and uncompromisingly bright bag. There are so many labels to choose from when looking for a bright handbag, but I would recommend investing in something by a classic fashion house. Look out for Longchamp’s neon take on their classic Le Pliage style bag; their orange Neo bag (£115) is the perfect way to add colour to an outfit while maintaining an elegant and contemporary edge.

In terms of style, this season has officially been dedicated to the classic bucket bag. My favourite is the Joules Draw String by Michael Kors (£240, centre right), available in Pale Blue and Watermelon Pink - trust me the pink one will brighten up anything you wear this summer!

Finally British handbag-favourite Mulberry have come up with a whole new range of brightly coloured accessories for SS15. Look out for their new Delphie Bag (from £1200) and their brilliantly practical Blossom Tote (£495, pictured right in Jungle Green but also available in Mandarin, Hibiscus and Sea Blue). The new perforated Mulberry tree design really distinguishes this range from previous collections making it the perfect no-fuss bag for everyday wear. For SS15 Mulberry have also released a collection of keyrings in the same bright shades, just add one on to the handle of your handbag for a full colour summer.

Stripe a pose >> Paul Smith Black striped top £149, Sportmax red trousers £185, Mulberry Blossom tote in Jungle Green £495. LK Bennett Floret court £170

Best friend bags >> Top to bottom, Longchamp, Michael Kors, Mulberry

Inject some colour into your outfit with a bold and uncompromisingly bright bag

For expert advice book an appointment with Fenwick in-house Fashion Stylist on 0191 2325100. Catherine Newton is Head of Womenswear at Fenwick Newcastle.

MAR/APR15

INTRODUCING OUR

RISING STARS

Chris at Jesmond

-

Colby at Darlington

Pictured above from left to right Tracey at Ponteland -

Kate at Gosforth

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Stewart at Wynyard

From backstage at fashion shows, to creating super cool looks on shoots, the Hooker & Young ‘Rising Stars’ are definitely ones to watch! To book your backstage pass with Chris, Colby, Tracey, Kate or Stewart quote ‘Rising Stars’ when making your appointment.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER

Free cut and style when booked with any full price colour service.

Darlington 01325 468 994

Gosforth 0191 217 0217

Jesmond 0191 281 6714

Ponteland 01661 821 004

Wynyard 01740 644 690

Like our Facebook page for latest trends and special offers

www.hookerandyoung.co.uk Facebook/hooker&young Twitter @hookerandyoung *Offer is subject to availability and only available with the above mentioned stylists. ‘Rising Stars’ offer must be mentioned when booking appointment.

Offer available in April 2015, Monday to Thursday only.

GET XXXXXXXX THE BRUSH OFF

We’re loving gold - from gongs to the spring’s tortoiseshell touches of colour Remember the red carpet? It sizzled in February when all of Hollywood’s A-Listers came together for the biggest showbiz bash of the year, The Oscars. Beautiful gowns, flawless make-up and of course hair ‘dos’ to die for. They made for a fierce showdown for the top spot and are style influences that feed down to the salons for sure.

We were loving Reese Witherspoon in a stunning Tom Ford gown and Jennifer Hudson wearing Ramona Keveza, but our number one gong definitely went to Gwyneth Paltrow in a blush Ralph and Russo gown, she looked gorgeous from head to toe ticking every box. Then we had The Brits where Madonna definitely stole the show, if not the style stakes, getting dragged backwards down a flight of stairs and landing on her head! Oh dear, how do you ever live that one down? Still, top marks for getting back up and carrying on… the show must go on. However, Madge’s blunder aside we were loving Paloma Faith who gave a stunning performance and went home with Best British Female award.

There’s no doubt that ombre was the hair obsession of 2014, but the hot new colour trend of this year is ecaille, otherwise known as tortoiseshell (to give its French translation). Think warm browns, honeys and ambers merged together to give a bespoke, almost hand-painted feel to the hair.

The look can be worn soft or bold depending on how you feel but generally you’d have some blonder pieces around the front to frame the face.

We’re showing you a bold version of ecaille here on a super short crop but the colour technique can be adapted to all hair lengths.

Longer hair lengths work better with a softer version allowing colours to merge together yet still have that contrast and definition; check out Jessica Alba for a good example. Oh – and back to talk of Oscars, awards and gongs: our BIG news is that we’ve just been voted UK Salon Group Of The Year! Flying the flag for the North East.

Michael Young and Gary Hooker run awardwinning Hooker & Young, with five salons regionwide. See www.hookerandyoung.co.uk for salon details.

The stars in the salon 52

MAR/APR15

HOP TO IT

LUXE LOVES Standing out Easter’s a time for posh cakes and sweet treats. Bunny takes centre stage on this cute cake stand, £15 www.nordichouse.co.uk

MAR/APR15

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ALL SMILES

MOUTH MATTERS

Beauty:update Spring things for blossoming beauties

WITH MIKE HEADS

BEAUTY FROM WITHIN Reveal a beautiful new you with the help of Darphin’s new Exquisage Beauty Revealing Cream and Serum, which acts on signs of age fatigue. The serum is £75 and the cream, £65.

SO BOLD

JACK OF ALL TRADES AND MASTER OF SOME? Following on from my last article where I discussed the major advances in dentistry, the question must be asked, “with all of these new advances, can one person be competent to deliver all of them or are most of our modern-day dentists a “Jack of all trades?”. I have to say I firmly believe there is nothing wrong with being a “Jack of all trades,” but more and more in dentistry the similarities to the medical world are emerging. Just as we, as patients, are happy to be seen by our GP for our day-to-day care and then be referred to a consultant for more complex problems requiring specialist knowledge and equipment, so, too, in dentistry, there are areas of more complex treatment which require the care of a dentist with specialist knowledge, experience or specialist equipment.

Dentists, like doctors, continue with their professional development and often they will study an area of dentistry they find particularly interesting and this inspires them to take additional qualifications or courses in that particular discipline. This additional knowledge, experience and skill should be utilised to the full and we, as patients, should not be nervous of the referral system.

Most of us would like to be cared for in the comfortable, familiar surroundings of our own dental practice and be seen by our own dentist, but sometimes, to get the best possible treatment, we must be prepared to be referred to another dentist in our own practice, another dentist at another practice or to another dentist in a hospital environment. In all scenarios, the patient will be secure in the knowledge that once they have had their treatment completed by the dentist they have been referred to, they will return to their usual dentist for their every day care.

Similar to the medical world, a dental patient has a choice of who they would like to be referred to for more complex treatment and it is prudent for all patients to do a little bit of research before accepting a referral. The following points are worthy of consideration but are not an exhaustive list: • Who am I going to see • Where am I going to be sent • Am I being seen as an NHS patient or a private patient • Will the dentist give you a detailed written treatment plan with a full break-down of all charges • What are the qualifications of the dentist I will be going to see • How long has the dentist been doing this type of treatment • How many cases of this type of treatment does this dentist do in a year • Look at the website and/or literature of where you are being referred • Does the website or literature show you lots of examples of this type of treatment • Look at the testimonials about the dentist/establishment (hopefully, there should be lots of them not just a couple of handpicked fantastic ones) In dentistry, the referral system is just starting to snowball and there are only a few true “specialists” who are recognised by the General Dental Council. There are, however, a large number of non-specialist dentists taking referrals, some of whom have lots of experience, have undertaken years of extra training and have developed advanced skills, but, as in all walks of life, there are some who have not. Choose wisely.

Mike is Practice Principal at Cleveland Cosmetic and Dental Implant Clinic www.clevelandcosmetic.co.uk

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POP STAR Bring a pop of colour to lips with the new Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer.

The colour-rich lipstick and smoothing primer in one comes in 16 modern shades, £16. From Boots counters from March 27 and Clinique from April 17.

We sense a touch of the early Cindy Crawford in the new bold and bright Bobbi Brown Hot Collection, which is a bit of a departure from the pared-down signature BB nudes. Some pops of head-turning colour inspired by the beachfront and the bright lights of Miami. Pick of the bunch, sheer limited edition lip colours, £19.50, and bold check palettes £34.

BLURRED LINES Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum, £32, in pretty pink packaging, is specially designed to tackle quarter-life skin concerns – rough texture, enlarged pores and stressed complexions among them.

SIGN UP Part of Clinique’s new Turnaround Revitalizing range, which includes serum, moisturiser and at-home instant facial, their Turnaround Revitalizing Treatment Oil is a lightweight nourishing oil that helps restore brilliance, luminosity and smoothness to skin. £30 for 30ml.

BATHE BLISSFUL An indulgent bit of me-time required. Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Honey Bath, £32, ticks the box. House of Fraser, intumetrocentre

MAR/APR15

ROCKPOOL RICHES

Seaweed has crashed on to the beauty scene like a wave whacking the seashore. The natural ‘good for you’ vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and trace elements are there for the taking, in one of nature’s purest forms. But before you rush to Saltburn or Bamburgh in search of some seaweed goodness, the good news is that someone else has done the harvesting.

Bespoke Scottish skincare brand, Ishga has made its first foray to the North East of England bringing seaweed to Seaham Hall.

Which is not like coals to Newcastle, honest.

Seaham’s beaches are not the best harvesting ground for pure, unadulterated seaweed. Leave that to the experts at Hebridean Spa, founders of the Ishga brand.

Taking ‘science-meets-nature’ to a whole new level, Ishga brings a new organic beauty product full of all the pure and natural ingredients needed to maintain youthful and healthy looking skin.

The Serenity Spa has just teamed up with Ishga to offer some new and unique treatments using the seaweed-based skincare products. The benefits of seaweed are obvious. The Outer Hebrides, where Ishga’s seaweed is naturally harvested, is one of the purest coastlines in the world, surrounded by some of the cleanest waters.

In a world where ‘pure’ seems to be disappearing, we’re drawn to anything natural, healing and therapeutic. Ishga ticks all of those boxes.

“Ishga is Gaelic for water and the essence of spa is obviously water, therefore it has a good relation to our core and active ingredient, seaweed,” says Hebridean Spa director, Leon Trayling.

“The name of our product is not the Gaelic spelling of Ishga, it’s phonetically spelt so that people can actually pronounce it,” he laughs. “The reason that the seaweed is so high in antioxidants is because it’s in the area of low tide and high tide. So one minute it’s in a very harsh environment and then suddenly the tide goes out and the sun dries it out. It’s constantly trying to protect itself, and that’s why it produces such high anti oxidants”, he says.

Tests have proven that even 1% of seaweed extract will have a positive impact on the skin, and for several different skin types.

“The body lotion is great for repairing cracked and rough skin because of that high seaweed content,” Leon tells me.

“The high seaweed content means that it almost has an immediate effect in terms of repairing the skin.”

Ishga have decided to keep it simple with nine retail products, but with plans for another five products coming out later in the year. “The fact that seaweed is such a natural, organic ingredient and it’s working with all different skin types, we’ve found it a lot easier to keep it simple.

“Simple but effective,” Leon adds.

At Seaham Hall the big treatment is a

It’s a bit like Marmite. You’ll love it or you’ll hate it.

It’s a bath full of fresh seaweed

MAR/APR15

Greens are good Think seaweed, think green and slimy. But jumping into a bath of the seashore’s secret skincare weapon will work wonders, as Elysia Agnew discovers seaweed bath combined with massage,” Leon explains.

“It’s a bit like Marmite,” he adds. “You’ll love it or you’ll hate it. It’s a bath full of fresh seaweed. The seaweed is frozen until it is ready to be used in the bath. Once the seaweed goes into the bath it starts to release alginates, which are a very powerful antioxidant full of protein and iodine.”

“To make sure our products are as good as they possibly can be, we work with the spas to understand what they need from our product,” Leon says.

“Seaham Hall has combined the treatment with an ayurvedic inspired treatment. So between spa director Davina Hassell and us, we came up with some very exclusive signature treatments.

“We combined Scottish seaweed and Indian ayurvedic inspired treatments, you wouldn’t naturally put those things together, but it works.”

Ishga will feature in an upcoming episode of Wonders of Britain where presenter Julia Bradbury is seen harvesting the seaweed then dipping into a seaweed bath by the

very waters it comes from.

Ishga’s exclusive product range and treatments are now available at Seaham Hall’s Serenity Spa. So now it’s time to get used to paying for the luxury of climbing into a bath of seaweed, rather than dodging it in the choppy North Sea.

POST SC R IPT >> Seaweed it seems is great for spotty teen skins too. My 14-year-old’s skin has been transformed by the seaweed face mask after just two sessions, writes Kathryn Armstrong.

He’ll hate me telling the world but I feel I must, for the greater teen good!

It’s been one heck of a dramatic improvement after years of those teen facial wash products which seem so harsh and full of chemicals.

And to be honest I think he quite liked the skincare session; the mask stays on for the first ten minutes of the football game on TV, that easy!

Leon recommended the mask for clogged, traumatised and red teenage skin. It really did work amazingly well and I feel a bit evangelical about it having seen the results.

It also looks and feels like having a face full of mud, so not that different to the rugby pitch! www.seaham-hall.com

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SPRING THING

LIVE TO SHOP

COCO LUSH Fans of Chanel’s fresh and characterful Coco Mademoiselle are in for a treat with a limited edition coffret that includes a super-handy purse spray and three refills as well as a 50ml EDP. Yummy stuff. £110 on counter.

WITH WENDY GIBSON

I’ve long been a fan of the Charlotte Tilbury range, and her amazing work as makeup artist to Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, and most recently Amal Alamuddin on her wedding day to Mr Clooney.

So, it was with beating heart that I found myself in the latest Charlotte Tilbury concession at Selfridges Manchester last month, and with the help of makeup artist Shane, was able to try out for myself the looks she has made famous.

It was also interesting to get a male perspective. Her ranges are broken down into themes including Uptown Girl, Rock Chick, and Golden Goddess. One male onlooker remarked how clever it was to shoot different looks on the same models, show the photograph, and list all the products.

While my pockets don’t extend that deep to buy the whole range, I was able to test for myself her theories, that certain colours make certain eye colours pop and try the sculpting bronze and blush sticks that start out as Hiawatha style stripes, but blend to give you delicious cheekbones and a healthy, happy glow.

So, I can tell you from personal experience that the golden and black diamond sticks to make blue eyes “pop” definitely got the thumbs up from my bloke.

I also took home the bedroom black Rock and Kohl – which Charlotte Tilbury used on Amal on her wedding day to George. And the neutral lipsticks, which continue fashion’s trend for provocative names: Kissing Bitch Perfect, one of the best sellers, alongside Nude Kate – designed for Kate Moss!

We often forget that beauty halls are not just for buying a lipstick and dashing off.

Some of the top brands like Bobbi Brown, and Charlotte Tilbury, have really talented makeup artists there to help bring out the best in you, and see you with new eyes. So if you’ve got the time, I’d definitely recommend a make-up makeover, at least once a year. I didn’t come out looking like Sienna Miller, but I will definitely experiment with the new looks Shane showed me.

It was really hard to drag myself out of Selfridges Manchester, so before I explored the rest of the shops in the city, including the very sassy Harvey Nichols, I decided to try out their latest in-store eaterie, perfect before or after a spot of shopping.

It’s part of the San Carlo stable, that I truly hope will make it to the North East.

San Carlo Bottega, Selfridges, is a slice of Italy in Manchester.

On the second floor, looking out with gob-smacking views, and flooded with light, you are greeted by white marble bar, the delicious smell of garlic, and newly-opened buttery, toasty champagne, the buzz of flirty, edgy Sicilian waiters, and that indefinable feeling of pure unadulterated joy that surrounds great food, served with gusto, in great surroundings. They serve Italian tapas, cichetti, so if indecision is your problem you can try LOTS. From gnocchi with truffle oil and parmesan, to lobster ravioli, and the biggest garlicky crayfish on the shell I have ever had. I subscribe to the Keith Floyd belief, suck every drop of goodness out of them – and savour and be grateful for that joy! Fashionistas, I shall be back. And I urge you to go try... yourselves too!

As well as being a shopping supremo, shoe-a-holic and general lover of all things luxe, Wendy Gibson is a broadcaster, presenter and event host in the North East

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COCO LIPS Spring seems to be the time for a burst of new lipsticks. Chanel has named a new 24-shade range after friends, family, lovers and muses of Coco Chanel. There’s a new formulation and an especially lovely choice of easy-wear nude shades which we like a lot, £26. In addition, a new all-singing-all-dancing CC Cream joins Chanel’s range. A base that protects, treats and enhances the complexion. On counter.

A BIT OF LUXE We just like the name of this, Autograph Pure Luxe MultiHighlighter in Pearl, £12.50, a cheeky bit of shimmer at M&S.

MWAAAH! We have weddings on our mind in this edition of Luxe which is one of the reasons we like the new Clinique ‘Kiss The Bride’ long-last lippy range with bride-perfect shades like, I Will, I Do and Honeymoon.

They’ll help you kiss your way through the day and stay and stay, £17.50 on counter.

PLAYTIME They call it the palette of possibilities, there’s a clever idea. 14 shadows that double up when you add a touch of water or the mere hint of a damp brush. Smashbox is a pro-brand beloved of photographers and catwalk makeup artists. The Double Exposure Palette offers hours of endless fun at your own makeup playtime and will last forever! £37 in Boots or www.smashbox.co.uk Also creating a wow is the Smashbox Primer Water. What, you say, water? A spritz with added ingredients to wake up and set the skin before makeup then adding a glow during the day. £20.

MAR/APR15

SQUEAKY CLEAN

Forget pamper – go gutsy It doesn’t promise to make you look like Beyonce but her facial of choice, HydraFacial, is nevertheless an A-lister. Kathryn Armstrong gives it a go There are pamper-me facials and there are ‘results-driven’ facials. Hydrafacial is the latter: no-nonsense, skin-scrubbed, restorative glory. In your lunch-hour.

Beyond MediSpa is new to the Harvey Nichols store in Leeds. It looks like a clinic and as if to reinforce this, is tucked away discreetly on the store’s first floor rather than the beauty department.

The HydraFacial is beloved of Beyonce and promises instant results and ‘no downtime’ – which I think means you don’t have to hide away for a few days whilst your face peels off. It promises clear, more plumpedup, younger-looking skin immediately.

The therapist warns me that it’s not a lie-back and relax facial but one that ‘goes for it’, with gutsy exfoliation and extractions.

The HydraFacial is ideal for all skin types and good for ageing (yep) skin, targeting whatever your concerns, be they hyperpigmentation, oily/congested pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.

You have a skin consultation to chat through any concerns – I just wanted a

good old line-shrinking lift!

The magic is in the machine and the treatment goes through a few different steps. The first is a good cleanse and exfoliation. The therapist uses a small “deplaning” tool that opens up pores and sweeps a layer of dead skin cells away. It feels like a soft suction pump zooming over the face and slurping out the bad stuff. Not at all unpleasant. Next it is peel time. I was once scared witless by a glycolic peel which was really stingy and unpleasant. I was assured this was a gentle one. This was the slightest of tingle, barely felt and even then only for five minutes.

Then it was extractions time. This is when you really feel you’re getting your money’s worth from a facial. Using what is impressively and Dr Who-ishly called a vortex-extraction nozzle, the bad bits are sucked out of your face’s nooks and crannies. It’s a bit tickly and made me sneeze like a mad thing when she used it around my nose. Like a Dyson, it efficiently gets into the hidden parts for supercleaning.

Then the final step is the application of

serum. This time the tool blows rather than sucks, so the powerful, restorative serum shoots deeper into the skin for maximum effect. It is rich in antioxidants and collagen to help elasticity and hydration.

The end result is squeaky-clear skin. Only a bit of redness around the nose but otherwise a real clarity and noticeable reduction in lines. My skin felt a bit drier for a couple of days but then the effect gets more noticeable still.

It is definitely one of those treatments that would be great before a big event as it leaves you feeling as good as your skin gets.

One treatment, £130, course of six, £690 www.beyondmedispa.co.uk Harvey Nichols, Leeds

CREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES

CLEVELAND COSMETIC & DENTAL IMPLANT CLINIC • Cosmetic Dentistry • Dental Implants • Same Day Teeth • Smile Makeovers

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MAR/APR15

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STAY COOL

in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

In the Art House Greville Worthington’s life revolves around art so the holiday house he built at the bottom of his garden was never going to be ordinary…

First things first, it’s not a library and definitely not in New York. However, as one of the most stylish rental properties in the North East, its moniker, The New York Public Library, has you guessing from the start.

Think ‘new’ with a small ‘n’ and the city of York down the road where owner Greville Worthington was inspired by the old public library when he set about creating his grand design of a holiday house.

In the newly-opened rental property there are few books to be found. Plenty of noteworthy art though, as you might expect of its owner. Greville is a writer, curator, art collector and chair of Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Greville’s own home is the gothic St Paulinus church which stands imposingly in the grounds of 15th Century Brough Park and which you drive past to get to the NYPL. The church also has a life as a gallery for his art collection and setting for one-off exhibitions and viewings.

Greville has curated the Gerald Scarfe exhibition, ‘Milk Snatcher, The Thatcher Drawings’ currently at Bowes Museum and is also a member of the trading board at Baltic in Gateshead. In 2004 he was invited by Tate to be a judge for the prestigious Turner Prize.

So art take a semi-serious role at the NYPL and its design elements are something he hopes will attract the art lover to stay in this part of North Yorkshire.

“Usually in rental places people play it safe with what is on the walls; rural scenes or whatever and it can be quite drab.

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“I wanted to create a place I would be happy to stay.

“You don’t have to like Damien Hirst to stay here, you are welcome to stay if you hate his work but the art is a point of interest, put there for people to make their own minds up,” he concludes.

The art on the walls from his own Hirst collection includes works from the Pharmacy collection referencing pill bottles and pharmaceutical products.

There are also works by Keith Coventry, an artist whose work Greville curated for an exhibition at the Bowes.

Notably, his famous ‘kebab’ drawings.

However, it is the natural surroundings that Greville hopes will draw people as much as the art within the NYPL. As a child he, “played in fields filled with bluebells and had picnics” in woodland surrounding the property called Horse Park Wood and High Garden Wood. He hopes to welcome generations more children to scramble in the woods and >>

You don’t have to like Damien Hirst to stay here, you are welcome to stay if you hate his work but the art is a point of interest MAR/APR15

• Kitchens • Bedrooms • Bathrooms • Lounge • Dining Room • Windows • Orangeries • Bi-fold doors • Full interior design service • Building work

www.greatlook.co.uk 0191 4913836 Visit our stunning showroom 10th Avenue West | Team Valley | Gateshead | NE11 0HL | Opposite Retail World

STAY COOL in association with

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explore the outdoor delights – he has built a fabulous treehouse den in the garden which sleeps three.

It’s a dream of a place – with its own turret and the attention to detail that means all the beds are next to power switches for the all-important electronic devices.

Plenty to steer the young guests away from those however, including an outdoor games room and firepit surrounded by cushions and blankets next to the wood-fired pizza, “also great for cooking a leg of lamb”, he says.

The building itself if very much an eco-build. Much of the timber used for the build is wood from the estate and sustainable materials were also used for walls and floors.

It is warmed by an underground heating system that ‘harvests the natural heat’ from the surrounding fields.

This exterior of the wood-panelled building has a contemporary burnt wooden finish using a Japanese technique, a nod to Greville’s passion for the Oriental – he spent a lot of time in Japan and is also an expert on bamboo which he has planted on site.

Greville’s idea was to inspire and excite visitors with the quirky mix of original and unusual details which blend together to form a peaceful and welcoming space.

The ground floor of the property has a wall of windows and cosy low-slung sofas from which to enjoy the acres of park and woodlands.

There’s an open plan kitchen and dining area with unadorned walls made from concrete and pared back untreated wood.

“It is a simple, clean and uncomplicated aesthetic. We made it somewhere with space to move around,” says Greville.

Upstairs the bedrooms have access to a balcony with sweeping views. They are simply furnished but with lovely details like rich felted furnishings and striking, statement-making door handles made from laburnum wood.

It feels like you are surrounded by nature wherever you are in the property and that was part of Greville’s plan.

Outdoor space is ideal for entertaining or quiet relaxation with your own private, log burning wooden hot-tub and the unique curvy art installation created by architect and designer Amanda Levete.

“I hope people will enjoy it as a place to stay,” says

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Greville. “A key feature was to enable people to feel comfortable in the context of the natural world.

“You can be here and be free, roaming and climb trees, play a game of rounders, have a campfire and then also explore the surrounding area.”

The property is managed by Holiday at Home luxury rentals which can organise a private chef for the duration of the stay.

NYPL is also close to Richmond, Northallerton and York.

Two nights’ stay from £369. A week in summer, £1254. www.holidayathome.co.uk

This exterior of the woodpanelled building has a contemporary burnt wooden finish using a Japanese technique, a nod to Greville’s passion for the Oriental MAR/APR15

LUXE LOVES Gorgeous grains The splendour of wood is what GRAIN is all about.

A collaboration between Newcastle-based furniture designer Michael Armstrong and artist Anya Kovalieva. These beautifully-crafted trays will bring some style to your Stilton. From £35. www.graindesignuk.com

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DO YOU LIKE BUTTER?

TREND WATCH with Bryan Middleton From buttercup to sludgy mustard, yellow is having a moment

At this time of year a cluster of daffs are the perfect happy home accessory. Their colour heralds a new season and a hint of the longer, lighter days to come. In the same way that a vase of daffs cheers our spirit, adding yellow to a room gives it some zesty vibrance. The combination of grey, very much a colour of the moment, works really well with yellow, particularly a muted mustard. The key, as ever with bold shades is to keep it simple and use it as an accent. Rugs, cushions and accessories let you ring the changing seasons easily or make a statement with a chair, or footstool upholstered in a vibrant print to say ‘notice me’!

Light fantastic >> Jackson pendant light, gloss yellow, £59. www.made.com

Shady >> Dip-Dye Ombre wallpaper, £40. www.decorwallpaper.com

Lie back >> Ferm Living bird leaves silk cushion, £65. www.cloudberryliving.co.uk. Retro seedhead cushion cover, £13.50. www.andshine.co.uk

Curtain cheer >> From a selection of fabrics. www.johnlewis.com Floored >> Skittles rug, £328.69. www.rugcouture.com

Consolation >> Clavio sideboard, £635. www.limelace.co.uk

Bench mark >> Jonah upholstered bench, dandelion yellow, £249. www.made.com

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MAR/APR15

LUXE LUSH

LUXE LOVES A vintage velvet vibe We’re a bit in love with these quilts made from Harris tweed and lush yellow velvet, £395 www.quiltsbylisawatson.co.uk

MAR/APR15

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MACKENZIE THORPE

LUXE LIFE

Artist Mackenzie Thorpe’s story is a real-life ‘Billy Elliot’ tale. From Middlesbrough’s back streets he overcame dyslexia to achieve acclaim and recognition as a highly collectable artist, feted in galleries around the world. His book, Out of the Shadows, looks back at his life, from the streets of Middlesbrough through the medium of art, personal photographs and inspirational quotes LUXE PEOPLE >> Family, always family. So that’s Susan, Owen and Chloe and now my daughter and son-in-law, Helen and Nils LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > For a fun, exciting action-packed weekend, it would be New York.

A long holiday > The Yorkshire coast and moors in winter time... relaxing, inspiring and stunning.

A treat > The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park. Relaxed luxury with a stunning backdrop.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Sashimi in a small place I go to when I am in Tokyo; I don’t know the name of it, but the sashimi is out of this world Best wine > Chianti, dry and bursting with fruit.

Favourite restaurant > Bibendum in London just because of some happy memories.

Perfect weekend > Down-time with family, walking the dogs, Sunday lunch all together chatting and laughing.

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Little bit of sketching of ideas in my lap whilst watching a John Wayne movie on TV. Perfect.

Best telly > Dad’s Army, Steptoe and Son. Old school, I’m afraid!

Best book > As a dyslexic, I don’t read a huge amount but I do like books on films and artists, preferably with lots of pictures to look at.

Best sounds > Thunder and heavy rain outside, when I am in the house.

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > Not big on shopping, but can see that London has everything you could hope for.

Favourite shop > Any traditional independent butcher’s or greengrocer’s or cheese shop.

Luxe retail treat > A well hung, hand-cut steak.

Best buy > A painting by an Aboriginal artist from a gallery in Alice Springs, Australia. It hangs in the studio now and I see it every day. It felt like a really big purchase at the time but I am so pleased I bought it; everyone comments on it and I still spend time looking at it.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > When I went to see La Vie en Rose with Chloe, my daughter.

Perfect party > A small gathering with close family and friends.

Favourite item of clothing > A suit I have from a tailor’s on Savile Row. Worn on very special occasions.

Dinner date > With Susan (and the kids too). Any time, any place.

Your luxe thing in life > Painting and drawing.

Without art I am not sure where I would be or what I would be doing. I simply cannot imagine a life where art did not figure in some way or shape or form, so even when I am not in the studio, I find ideas floating through my mind, I see images that inspire me and propel me to create work as a response. I have to paint, it’s that simple.

Mackenzie’s work is on show and available to buy at Arthaus, Richmond. www.mackenziethorpe.net

MAR/APR15

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Shedding light on style Move over granddad, the humble hideaway shed has become a design icon all its own.

In her new book, North Yorkshire interiors writer Sally Coulthard looks at some cool cabins

A shed is a place you can carve out your own corner of cool. Where the colour of the walls is the result of an instinctive ‘love it’ moment rather than a heady design process.

Call it cabin, shed or hut, the getaway spaces are for relaxing, pottering, working, thinking or sleeping; where you step out of the everyday and into your den.

Sally Coulthard, who lives near Helmlsey in North Yorkshire has just published Shed Décor, an interiors book that moves us on a bit from the chi-chi bunting-covered shed to a new generation of design-led living spaces. Her book is a ‘local to global’ guide, inspired by garden rooms the world over, from lakeside Scandi cabins to beachside retreats in the UK. From rustic and vintage to retro and recycled, her interiors guide shows how to make the most of even a basic one-room cabin or shed. It’s all in the detail of course but that’s the fun bit.

“There’s something really important about creating a space in your life that allows you to be yourself. So many of our waking hours are spent doing things for other people that it’s crucial to save something for yourself,” says Sally.

“Sheds give us the freedom and permission to do something that’s life-affirming, creative or just really good fun.

“The book encourages people to think about the different uses sheds can be put to; from home offices to playrooms, extra bedrooms to creative studios.”

Sally’s starting point is probably something you’ve got in your own garden – that unloved potting shed, tired old summerhouse or even a disused garage space.

“Shed decoration allows you express yourself in ways above and beyond the constraints of your own home.

“When a den is completely yours, you can indulge every design whim. When a space is small, your budget goes a long way.

“And when you don’t have to share it with anyone else, that little hut in the garden becomes a place more precious than money can ever buy.”

THE RETRO BEACH CARRIAGE (Main picture, opposite page, and below) A Victorian railway carriage by the sea. A home from home inspired by family holidays in Whitby and other North Yorkshire coastal towns. The carriage was rescued and revived by designers, Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire, creators of the Mini Moderns homewares brand.

They create fresh and funky patterns for wallpapers, fabrics, cushions, bedding and ceramics. Their design influences encompass mid-century British textiles, ceramics and collectibles. From North Yorkshire, they use the nostalgia of their childhood holidays for their Whitby product range with its waves and seagull graphics.

In their beachfront cabin, they make the most of the natural light and have painted the walls white to create a neutral space to show off their trademark papers and fabrics.

When a den is completely yours, you can indulge every design whim. When a space is small, your budget goes a long way

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CABINS OF COOL

Original mid-century pieces bought from collectors’ fairs are used with restraint to create a mood that is modern rather than a garish ‘recreation’ of the past.

“Retro does not have to be a riot,” concludes Sally.

“Even bold patterned fabric and wallpapers work when there is a similar colour palette – a stylist’s trick that works every time.”

THE CRICKET PAVILION (Bottom left) A 1930s cricket pavilion is rescued and revived to become a workroom and studio for designer Georgia Wilkinson.

Crisp white and turquoise walls are a great backdrop for retro ceramics, fabrics and pictures.

Says Sally: “The Home and Visitors plaques are lovingly intact as well as original storage lockers. These are not only charming but also provide storage to keep clutter at bay.

“Mid-century chairs covered in Georgia’s fabric and retro coffee pots rub shoulders with modern flat-pack shelving.”

THE SIMPLE SHED (Main picture, opposite page) This simple, pared-down shed is stylish and summery. If you’re going with this look it’s best for a south-facing shed which will get light and warmth much of the day. The starting point is a white, blank canvas. The interior needs to be an off-white or white to create a backdrop, just like in an art gallery. Once painted, use white fixtures and fittings that will then ‘hide’ into the walls – such as shelves, cupboards etc. Says Sally: “It is textures that will bring variety and visual interest rather than colour.

“Chunky, knitted throws or deep pile rugs will give your shed a delightful feeling of comfort and homeliness. Well worn textures such as scrubbed pine or distressed paintwork add a sense of character and history.

“In terms of pattern keep it simple with clean stripes and ticking or faded florals and bleached toiles.”

Shed Décor by Sally Coulthard, £25, Jacqui Small Publishing

MAR/APR15

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STYLE STATEMENT

LUXE LOVES Room time Create your own riverside penthouse vibe with modular furniture from Aleal. Bespoke designs by the team at Great Look, Team Valley www.greatlook.co.uk

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MAR/APR15

STEP UP IN STYLE

Is your stair making the first impression you want for your home?

A Wood Idea are based in Blaydon and have converted stairs throughout the North East, making bold and stylish statements worthy of any home. They can make use of your existing flight, removing all non-structural elements and replacing them with materials of your choice.

This method creates the minimum of disruption and in most cases can be completed within two to three days.

From traditional timber to glass and metals, A Wood Idea can bring style and individuality to your home.

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LUXE LOCAL

Hexham

Hexham has just been named one of the 50 best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times so its secrets are anything but ‘best-kept’. Will the townies soon be heading for Hexham and its rural charms?

my local

PROPERTIES >> This is really a case of location, location. Property pair Phil&Kirsty would be ticking off boxes at a mad rate here.

The Sunday Times’ desirable towns ‘lust’ list selects its ‘top 50’ based on a combination of information including crime rates, house prices and school performance with the local knowledge and expertise. A Waitrose and farmers’ market seem to bump you up the list too.

In terms of properties, there’s a good degree of choice but not too many bargains thanks to its ‘fame’ as such a great town to live in. Edwardian family terraces, as well as appealing apartment conversions and some ripe-forconversion rugged cottages. A few miles away from the centre this is a rural hotspot with some wowie £millionsplus estates hugging the sought-after Tyne Valley where remote is what it is all about.

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Christine Nugent is MD of Business Travel, Gateshead and lives in Hexham Three good things about living where we do >> The surrounding countryside and scenery Excellent choice of restaurants who use local suppliers and the farmers’ markets The unhurried, relaxed ambience of living in a country town.

Three places I take visitors >> Shop > Sorella in Hallstile Bank for enchanting gifts for special people Dine > Bouchon restaurant as a treat for your palate!

Walk> Hadrian’s Wall to see the splendour of where we live and the history that surrounds us

CONNECTED >> Easy to get to Newcastle on the A69 by road and a rural rail link to the big city too. The right side of the city to make an airport journey too.

SHOP >> It’s on the up as they say. Things happen slowly here but there is place for the independents. Waitrose on the doorstep is a sign that there’s an affluent customer base.

Shops that rate > Sorella, one of the best independent shops in Hexham with stylishly-sourced gifts for homes and people. Wardhaughs vintage shop in Market Street is in an old electrical shop. The staff dress in 1950s clothes and they’ve just opened a teashop above.

Petals is an established lingerie shop run by Gail, a lovely chatty lady who knows what’s what in the bosom department! Great for hosiery and swimming costumes any time of the year and sometimes has a pop-up shop for sale items. Cogito is a lovely independent bookshop in a back street with a great knowledge of books. It has great book reviews written by their staff/reading group etc and runs crime and cake events. Mr Wolf is a new and very cool kids’ toy shop with lots of fun and events going on.

Beales department store has a certain charm if you can get past the décor. Levis and Weird Fish for the boys and Jones the Bootmaker downstairs. Good makeup counters. Always bargains to be had! The antique shop down Market Street, Ashbourne House, is like going back in time, full of little gems to fall in love with. The Homebase store has a Habitat store hiding inside!

For the foodies > Robson’s Butchers, one of them is called Billy Spirit! Best sausages in the North East some say!

Bin 21, run by Patrick, has a great selection of unusual wines/spirits and now an upstairs wine bar to taste the wares. Farmers’ market heaven too. Hexham’s has been voted best in the country by the NFU. Produce has been reared, grown, baked, pickled, preserved or handmade close to home with emphasis on care, quality and flavour. Also

market days during the week when Ridley’s Fish and Game are there and you can get a lovely bit of squirrel (really).

What’s going on > The Forum Cinema is an Art Deco cinema where you can take a glass of wine with your movie, very civilised! It streams National Theatre performances live as well as getting loads of great new releases – it had all the Oscar winners on one week! Hexham Book Festival is worth a mention, they get great literary speakers who are doing the festival rounds. This year’s is from 20 April-4 May with speakers including Alexander McCall Smith, Virginia Ironside and Andy Kershaw among an eclectic line-up.

Queen’s Hall also has a regular film club where there’s the chance to see classic and art house movies.

Details on www.hexhambookfestival.co.uk Coffee shops > The Bee in the Butterfly - great soup; the new Abbey Refectory at the Abbey - even better for soup and it’s a cool place to meet. Small World Cafe has amazing Italian/New York cakes and pastries. For a really dependable little bistro, head for Danielle’s Bistro which doesn’t get as talked about as well-known Bouchon, but is very popular locally. The Garden Coffee House has a great little courtyard for summer al fresco dining. The Rat at Anick is also a fine stop-off for traditional Sunday lunch. The Tannery offers great food for hungry people and hilariously named burgers.

Nice pub atmosphere with great selection of ales/ciders.

STROLL >> Well, you can’t really go wrong! Rivers, hills and of course Hadrian’s Wall at its best. Hexham’s a great outdoorsy place with moorland and meadow on the doorstep. Hexham Abbey is the historic centrepiece of the town - built around 675 AD at the direction of St Wilfred. The crypt is largely original and the remainder was much altered after 1113 by the Augustinian canons and again in the Victorian and Edwardian periods. The town also boasts two medieval towers, the 14th century Hexham Old Gaol, the oldest purpose-built prison in England, and a Moot Hall which dates from the 14th or 15th century.

MAR/APR15

LUXE LOCAL

PROPERTY WATCH WITH DUNCAN YOUNG

ESTATE AGENCY INTEGRATING WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

£595,000 www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

The speed of change in respect of traditional methods of selling and negotiating has become very much more noticeable in recent years.

I remember being as shocked when five or six years ago a buyer tried to purchase a property through our company without meeting or speaking to anyone on the team.

All correspondence came via email, viewings were unaccompanied and subsequent offers were made in writing rather than in person or by phone.

The art of negotiation is all about understanding people’s desire to move and it is very difficult to negotiate by the written word alone.

It was perhaps the first example we’d had of ‘an online estate agent’ and not one I relished or enjoyed.

We eventually did speak to the prospective buyer and insist to this day that we continue to speak to people, so that we can understand, hear and translate their intention to buy and achieve the best price for our client.

Things have changed dramatically in the last five years. Sales particulars have reduced in their print run year on year.

Now we may print only 30 sets of details since the majority of our prospective buyers will download the brochure from the internet, attach the pdf to their email or save the images to their phone so that they can show their friends and family.

The physical need to have the printed brochure has become less important to prospective buyers and indeed in very recent times Apple technology has changed the way people view properties.

The majority of our buyers are now familiar with the idea of expanding and contracting photographs and site plans and then swiping through to the next image.

Social media is a step further than the traditional website and uses the products that we have to guide prospective buyers in a variety of ways. Perhaps the top three social media sites may be Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin, but behind these are a choice of maybe 10 or more other forms of communicating, including Pinterest, We, as a firm, are committed to our website, which is auto-responsive and shrinks and expands to the size of the device being used.

Over half of the visits we now have to our website are from mobile devices and therefore the focus on pictorial images to sell the properties is immense.

Words have been cut down and images expanded and features like ‘draw your own search’ are vital.

I wonder how long it will be before I take a ‘selfie’ on my Snapchat app in front of a new listing and forward it to my address book!

Pinterest is used by increasingly large numbers of people, particularly women, as a noticeboard with ideas for home improvements.

We are aware too of the number of editorial features that we now achieve for our clients by journalists looking for the right image, and our professional photography helps to maximise the exposure of some of our houses and in turn achieve the best price we can.

It is, however, essential that we remain focussed on some basic good practices. Number one being to speak and communicate directly with a buyer and a seller or landlord and tenant. We never intend to be a faceless internet agency.

The funky little one

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk has well over 20,000 VIPs registered and approximately 85 per cent of those people coming direct to our website.

If you are thinking of selling please do not hesitate to contact me.

Email duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk

property: three to choose The dreamy one A dazzling swimming pool, sweeping grounds and pretty much everything you’d ever want in a house comes in an enviable package of property perfection at Halton Grange near Wall.

£4million www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

The artist’s residence Lowlands in West Woodburn is the lovely home of renowned artist Wilson Smith amongst whose works is a portrait of The Queen. A traditional country house, it also has a contemporary twist with a striking light and airy studio/sunroom.

Book End in the centre of Hexham is an old three-storey house that’s had a quirky and modern makeover. Called Bookend because it looks as if it is holding up all of the other houses in the street apparently! A modern linked extension adds light and makes it a very cool place to be in.

£300,000 www.housenetwork.co.uk MAR/APR15

Duncan G Young Dip.Est.Man.FNAEA, Managing Director, Sanderson Young duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk 0191 223 3500

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SELLING THE REGION’S FINEST HOMES

Jesmond A rare opportunity to purchase a highly individual and luxurious home in the heart of Jesmond, representing one of Newcastle’s finest town mansions. This elegant, four storey detached family house is set in approximately one acre of south facing landscaped gardens and accommodates a bespoke open plan Poggenpohl kitchen, six double en-suite bedrooms, four stunning, large reception rooms and a leisure suite with full size pool.

Guide Price: £3.995 Million

Manhattan

Runnymede Road, Darras Hall A stunning, contemporary property in a prime, village end location within the Darras Hall Estate. This bright and spacious 4 bedroom detached family home has accommodation of approx 4500 sq ft over three floors. Built to a very high standard, features include oak doors, a bespoke curved oak staircase with feature glass atrium, Italian bathroom fittings, under floor heating, comprehensive digital wiring and LED lighting. EPC: B

Guide Price: £1.25 Million

From Sanderson Young ALL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRIES TO 0191 223 3500 OR EMAIL: DUNCAN.YOUNG@SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK | WWW.SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK

SELLING THE REGION’S FINEST HOMES

Fenham Grange

Fenham le Moor, Belford Fenham Grange enjoys one of the most privileged locations within the UK with an unparalleled view overlooking Holy Island. This idyllic retreat comprises of the principal four bedroomed Grange, as well as two adjacent, two bedroom cottages which create a good investment and are also ideal for family use.

The grounds of circa 5.5 acres include beautiful walks, sitting areas, two magnificent lakes and woodland. EPC: D

Guide Price: 1.25 Million

Green Garth

The Dell, Fulbeck, Morpeth Green Garth was constructed in the early 1970s and occupies a prime site within this much sought after area. The property has been extensively remodelled and refurbished, almost doubling in size, to create a luxurious, superbly presented detached five bedroom bungalow. The mature garden site extends to approximately two thirds of an acre with sloping lawns, well stocked borders and fabulous stone flagged terraces. EPC: D

Guide Price: £720,000

From Sanderson Young ALL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRIES TO 0191 223 3500 OR EMAIL: DUNCAN.YOUNG@SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK | WWW.SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK

Fine & Country iPhone App Download the Fine & Country iPhone App today to browse some of the finest properties worldwide. Featuring our unique lifestyle video technology, stunning imagery and a ‘near you’ search facility.

Download it now at www.fineandcountry.com

local, regional, national and international specialists in property marketing THE GROVE HARTLEPOOL The Grove is a substantial period property packed with original features and occupying an extensive private plot in a highly sought after area of Hartlepool.

Built to a scale that was becoming to a senior manager in the town’s prosperous shipbuilding industry of the Edwardian era, it has high ceilings and generous room dimensions with accommodation over three floors. A superb property in which to entertain and host large family gatherings, its six double bedrooms and four reception rooms can easily take several generations; indeed it is an ideal home for a family with both children and senior members to accommodate.

The stunning conservatory, tennis court and raised, decked sun terrace are bound to be popular with family and visitors alike. Close to Ward Jackson Park, the property is secluded and extremely private and yet is within easy reach of the town centre and principal road routes to the region’s urban centres. It is reached through electric gates leading to plenty of parking space and a double garage. The landscaped gardens are stunning with mature borders, clipped hedging and even a dovecote. 5 The Grove is the kind of property that only comes along once in a lifetime and could provide a family home to last.

Contact: 0191 384 2277

THE OLD COACH HOUSE, FAREWELL HALL DURHAM

CROSSWAYS, WHITESMOCKS DURHAM

• Converted to a high quality standard in 2013, the property is within the grade II listed 18th century Farewell Hall Farm steading.

• The ground floor has a spacious feel and has been opened up to offer a contemporary and light open plan living, dining and kitchen area that forms the heart of the home and is ideal for entertaining and family gatherings.

• There are four good size bedrooms and a luxury contemporary bathroom for the family upstairs.

The master bedroom has fitted wardrobes and a stylish en suite shower room, while the second bedroom also has its own shower facilities making it perfect for guests.

• The front garden is enclosed and private thanks to high laurel hedging, with an easy maintenance lawn. At the back of the house there is a landscaped, paved patio area providing a super spot from which to enjoy the stunning, protected views across the fields to the side.

Contact: 0191 384 2277

£450,000

£795,000

REDUCED BY £35,000 ASK ABOUT PART-EX

• Crossways is a highly appealing property that offers the best of both worlds - a period, four or five bedroom family home on an excellent plot in a sought after area of Durham City. It has undergone high quality refurbishment.

• A fabulous breakfasting kitchen takes centre stage with travertine tile flooring, granite worktops on cream timber units, a range cooker and built-in stainless steel appliances. A cook’s dream, there is an extensive range of units and work surfaces, including a breakfast bar.

• This excellent entertaining area continues, open plan, to a dining room, all bringing in plenty of light and giving an airy feel to the property. There is also a lovely light, formal lounge with a bay window overlooking the garden and the entrance to the property.

• There is plenty of space for vehicles on the large blocked paved drive and additional parking to the front of the double integral garage. The large, mature garden at the back is south facing and on two levels with lawns and established trees which offers a great deal of privacy.

Contact: 0191 384 2277

Wynyard 01740 645 444

Tyne Valley 0845 459 6000

£965,000

Newcastle 0845 459 6000

Durham 0191 384 2277

Cumbria 0845 872 5453

residing@fineandcountry.com

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk info@wynyardfineandcountry.co.uk residing@fineandcountry.com cumbria@fineandcountry.com

Sales & Lettings North East creative and intelligent marketing of individual and country property

...300 offices worldwide ESHTON WYNYARD A luxury property on a corner superb plot in exclusive Wynyard Village, an extended, energy efficient, party home where dreams really can come true.

With energy costs a concern for many, there are no worries in this property that all these features do not come at a premium. Solar panels not only supply the property’s energy needs but currently also generate around £1,600 worth of income too per annum, ensuring that the heated pool is economical to run. The dream of an indoor swimming pool and gym, extensive family space including a conservatory, a high quality kitchen, six bedrooms and a large, private garden all become reality, it is an impressive home that truly meets the needs of the entire family and guests, with comfortable accommodation for visitors, who also get to enjoy the superb leisure facilities which include a steam room and gym. Eshton is a quiet cul-de-sac and number 10 sits at the private, top corner, backing onto an open green belt, the Castle Eden walkway and woodland. The enclosed garden has a hedged boundary and vast lawn, while a decked patio with integrated lighting wraps around the house. It is approached via an extensive block paved drive and parking area in front of a detached triple garage. Unique and with so much exceptional quality to offer, this really is a dream property.

Contact: 01740 645 444

FORESTERS CLOSE WYNYARD

£749,000

AMERSTON CLOSE WYNYARD

• Foresters Close has been extended and refurbished so it’s now offered as an outstanding family home. The addition of some special features inside and landscaping outside to create a lovely south-facing garden, together with its six bedrooms, three reception rooms and a fabulous sun lounge.

• Four of the bedrooms come with en suite facilities while the largest provides an ideal games room, playroom or superb home office.

• The kitchen leads open plan into the sun lounge, which has a polished tile floor and French doors giving access straight onto a paved patio to bring the outdoors in.

• Located on a corner plot in an exclusive cul-de-sac, the property is bounded by mature trees at the back with the golf course beyond. Its private, enclosed garden is safe for children and pets and is a lovely suntrap to be enjoyed from a raised terrace and barbecue area with steps leading down to a lawn.

Contact: 01740 645 444 Lakes 01539 733 500

Northumberland 0845 459 6000

sales@fineandcountry-lakes.co.ul

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk

• Located in a pretty wooded part of central Wynyard Village, 22 Amerston Close is an example of how it’s always possible to make something good even better with careful design and an eye for quality.

• Already an attractive four bedroom detached house, the property has been extended, enhanced and stylishly refurbished to create a superb home providing many of the features families are seeking today.

• The good size plot has allowed for a sun lounge-style extension to create a fabulous dining space beneath a lantern roof that is open plan to the kitchen which has been refitted with bespoke, solid oak Edwin Loxley cabinetry including a centre island.

• The property lies behind a private gated entrance which leads to a block paved drive, parking and a detached double garage. The mature garden at the rear enjoys plenty of sunshine, and has been landscaped to provide pleasant sitting and play areas and has paved patio for outdoor dining.

£595,000 Contact: 01740 645444

£475,000

www.fineandcountry.com Head office: 121 Park Lane, Mayfair, London WIK 7AG.

GUS POWEL

WILL STEACY

BITING THE APPLE

STATE OF MIND Direct flights from Newcastle to New York are about to take off. If you’re planning a trip, here’s the luxe lowdown STAY LUXE THE STANDARD, HIGH LINE >> The humble elevator in this supercool André Balazs hotel gained column inches when it hosted a ruckus between Solange Knowles, Jay Z and Beyoncé. We don’t recommend a full-on, between-floors fight, but it’s a spicy place to stay, particularly with hotel rooms that boast floor-to-ceiling glass walls to bring out the extreme exhibitionist in you.

THE NOMAD HOTEL >> The NoMad Hotel used to sit at the epicentre of The Tenderloin’s mafia-run casinos, shady flophouses and brothels. Set in the immaculately restored former National Cash Register Company, it brings Broadway back to its golden days. This enchanting beaux arts boutique hotel has it all: a top-tier restaurant, a cosy library lounge, a chic boutique and beautiful, airy rooms. It was winner of the ‘Hottest Hotel Bar’ in the Smith Hotels Awards last year.

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CHAMBERS HOTEL >> Set on Fifth Avenue and 56th, Chambers is in the very heart of Manhattan with Central Park its back garden.

Times Square is a 10-minute stroll and Museum Mile begins on its doorstep. Stylish, architecturally inspired loft-style rooms and suites. A soothing colour palette, modernist interiors. Wide open balconies offer panoramic views of the spectacular Manhattan skyline. www.chiccollection.com ALOFT, BROOKLYN >> The Aloft Hotel in Downtown Brooklyn has a zingy, modern feel, matching style with convenience: an open-plan lobby fits in a lounge, bar, snack stop and pool table. Spacious rooms have flat-screen TVs, double-size rainfall showers and Bliss Spa toiletries. It’s trendy, but unpretentious and affordable in a downtown location ten minutes’ walk from the Brooklyn Bridge and beautiful views of Lower Manhattan.

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NO MAD

ALEX LOPEZ

JEN DAVIES

MARLEY WHITE

BITING THE XXXXXXXX APPLE

THE INN AT IRVING PLACE, GRAMERCY PARK >> A New York Brownstone townhouse nestled in a row of houses, which was once a speakeasy. A neat 12-room boutique hotel.

Complete with a tea room, bar and a dozen bedrooms, it’s small but perfectly formed. Individually designed, each room comes with its own unique touches, from Tiffany lamps, to worn-in rugs and antiques.

SHOP LUXE >> The Meatpacking District transformed itself into one of the city’s luxe shopping areas. Diane von Furstenberg flagship makes its home there in a building that was store, office, design studio and home (penthouse digs for von Furstenberg) all in one.

No self-respecting fashionista’s trip to New York is complete without hopping on a Short Line coach at NYC’s Port Authority and heading up to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. Over 220 boutiques of retail heaven including the world’s only Tom Ford outlet as well as Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Chloe. www.premiumoutlets.com/woodburycommon.

PLAY LUXE >> Champagne brunch sail > Enjoy a champagne Sunday brunch from the decks of a classic schooner sailboat and take in views of the Manhattan skyline, including the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and Ellis Island. www.viator.com The Mad Men experience > Sex and the City and all that cupcake stuff is so last decade. Follow in Don Draper’s languid steps on Madison Avenue.

“Sixties-style clothing is encouraged and fun”, say the organisers. Step out at Grand Central Terminal Oyster Bar, sink some old fashioned tipples and reference the show on iPads as you do it. Cocktails at the Roosevelt Hotel on Madison. www.madmentour.com Brooklyn nights > Go deep into Brooklyn with the experts at Levy’s Unique – tours run by two generations of a Brooklyn born-and-bred family. On a two-four hour journey whizz through contrasting neighbourhoods via subway or private car, while your enthusiastic guide peels back the area’s layers with anecdotes, insider info and potted social history. www.levysuniqueny.com Must do > After dark, head to the Empire State building observation deck on the 86th floor to get a twinkling view

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of the city -– a classic rendezvous spot for lovers since An Affair to Remember.

Culture fix > Every Friday, the MOMA stays open until 8pm and hands out free tickets to anyone who enters after 4pm – it’s best to arrive by 4:30pm to avoid queues. Start with the rotating exhibition on the top floor, move on to the fifth and fourth floor paintings, including Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night. Catch live music, drinks and canapes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on a Saturday afternoon www.moma.org

Follow in Don Draper’s languid steps on a Mad Men tour with a bourbon in Madison Avenue

DRINK LUXE >> Cheers > America truly is the land of craft beer with New York’s breweries becoming increasingly popular attractions for visitors. Try the Chelsea Brewing Company, Manhattan’s largest microbrewery, which offers free tours with a complimentary sample beer. www.chelseabrewingco.wordpress.com View > The hottest Oscars party in town was at The Roof, Viceroy Hotel, an outdoor terrace that’s the perfect perch to take in the city’s soaring views of Central Park. >>

Highline Hotel, New York

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BITING THE APPLE www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/newyork Old school > Sip cocktails at The Campbell Apartment in the private office of 1920s New York tycoon John W Campbell. www.chiccollection.com Iconic > The Rainbow Room, New York City’s historic landmark and iconic restaurant atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Rockefeller Center is a legendary place.

Emulate the likes of Cole Porter, Noel Coward, Joan Crawford, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson who all drank, dined and danced at the Rainbow Room.

Not forgetting a plate of Oysters Rockefeller. www.rainbowroom.com.

TEEN LUXE >> Eventi Hotel > keeps its youngest guests tuned in while they’re on the road. Already one of the tech-friendliest spots in New York, Eventi’s “Tween Trap” complimentary package, includes an Instagram printer, an iPad Mini, a PlayStation Vita, Beats Pill Portable Bluetooth Speaker and Beats by Dre Headphones as well as Jakks Pacific Spy Net Ultra Vision Goggles. www.eventihotel.com.

Kimpton Hotels > offers its guests complimentary use of selfie sticks during their stay. Grab the ‘5 Ways to Step Up Your Selfie’ handout listing quick tips on how to take the perfect selfie. www.kimptonhotels.com For further information on New York, visit nycgo.com

Dine to the max Michelin chef and luxe columnist James Close chooses his NY tables.

Eleven Madison Park > Number four on the world’s 50 best restaurants. Chef Daniel Humm and co-owner Will Guidara’s sleek Art Deco restaurant. Playful service, tableside theatre and ‘standout dish’, duck roasted with honey and lavender. www.elevenmadisonpark.com Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare > Brooklyn’s only three Michelin-starred restaurant and unlike any other.

Settle in to the kitchen counter at this intimate 18-seat space for a unique dining experience featuring the cuisine of Chef Cesar Ramirez. This prix-fixe dinner consists of over fifteen small plate courses. www.brooklynfare.com Atera > A two Michelin star restaurant serving tasting menus only over a three-hour period. More than 20 courses and no printed menu. www.ateranyc.com

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In the know....

Luxe columnist Dan Robinson splits life between New York and the North East so he’s certainly in the know when it comes to getting the tastiest bite of the Big Apple: This is his top six NY hit list: Walk the High Line > A high-up view of the city from a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. http://www.thehighline.org/ Central Park on Sunday > This vast city park needs no introduction. Live its vibrancy on a Sunday morning and take in anything from skiing to sculpture, carousels to kite flying. Have a movie moment. www.centralparknyc.org The Meatpacking District > Known for its go-go nightlife and exclusive door policies, where insomniacs party in hot tubs while sipping fruity cocktails. Plenty of cultural, outdoor and culinary pleasures.

Shake Shack burger, Madison Park > The burger ‘mothershack’ where you find the ultimate NY burger, This one re-opens mid 2015 but is one of a chain of real

deal burger joints throughout the city.

Eataly > Join the locals for dinner at Eataly, coined ‘New York City’s love letter to Italy’ by the New York Times – with seven restaurants in one market-style environment; wander around for small plates with a glass of Italian red in hand. www.eataly.com/nyc-restaurants/ Brooklyn Bridge > The most magnificent of the bridges across New York's East River, linking Manhattan and Brooklyn. One of the oldest steel-wire suspension bridges in the US. A stroll across on the special pedestrian walkway affords great views of the city. At the Brooklyn end the area has been recently redeveloped with parks, piers and a carousel. www.brooklynbridgepark.org For further information on New York, visit nycgo.com GETTING THERE >> Flights with United Airlines start from Newcastle International Airport from May until September, five days a week. www.united.com

Walk the High Line for a high-up view of the city from a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side

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LUXE LIFE

STEPHEN MILLER Tyneside athlete Stephen was born with cerebral palsy, which affects signals from brain to muscles, making balance and co-ordination difficult.

In 1996 he became Britain’s youngest ever track and field Olympic and Paralympic gold medallist. At London 2012 he was made athletics team captain and is in training for the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

Stephen is also a website developer, writer and motivational speaker and Managing Director at SMILE Through Sport LUXE PEOPLE >> My amazing mam Ros. She raised me so well and has been a driving force behind my success in life.

She is relentless in her support and has been my full-time coach since 2008. My unforgettable dad, John, who sadly died from bowel cancer in 2010. He was the strongest person I know, a great role model and part of him goes with me everywhere. My little brother Jonny is a great lad and always there when I need him. My beautiful wife Rachel.

We got married last August. We founded SMILE Through Sport together.

We’re absolutely loving life together.

Norman Burns was my first athletics coach. He was a Paralympic athlete and a massive influence and inspiration. Ray Knight coached and taught me everything I know about elite performance sport.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Edinburgh or York, amazing cities not too far away, although they are a challenge to get around in a wheelchair.

A long holiday > Tenerife, guaranteed sun and fun. For our honeymoon we went to Vancouver, Seattle and Las Vegas, an amazing experience.

A treat > Blackfriars restaurant in Newcastle, brilliant local food and drink and a unique setting – it’s where I proposed to my wife.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Absolutely love seafood. King prawns and mussels, shame my wife hates shellfish!

Best wine > I like a cabernet sauvignon or pinot grigio.

Favourite restaurant – Lal Qila in Cramlington is the best Indian restaurant I have been to, so much to choose from.

Perfect weekend > A good throwing session, a Newcastle United home win followed by a nice night out with the missus, then a relaxing Sunday with dinner at my mam’s.

Downtime means > Recovery from training and catching up with all

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the rubbish I record on Sky+.

Best telly > Hannibal, Arrow, HIGNFY, The Americans, Vera, Line of Duty.

Best book > Fight Club, Chuck Palahniuk Best sounds > The Prodigy, Wu Tang Clan, Ice Cube, Goldie, Radiohead, The Smiths, Notorious B.I.G, The Killers, The Jam, Kings of Leon – a bit of everything basically.

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > Can’t beat Newcastle, although Dubai Mall is unbelievable.

Favourite shop > I spend too much money in Fenwick menswear department.

Luxe retail treat > I have a wardrobe full of extravagant shirts and I like to add to it as much as possible.

Best buy > My check tweed suit from Top Man, everyone loves it (apart from the wife).

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > Tends to start off as a few quiet drinks that escalates without reason and ends up with me losing all my money in Aspers Casino.

When I was a student I spent many times going from Buffalo Joe’s to try and jump the queue at Bajas… ahh those were the days.

Perfect party > After every Paralympics I’ve been to we throw a big party for family and friends, they’ve always been lively affairs.

Best outfit > I like to get dressed up, I have a velvet dinner jacket and a chrome bow tie that look really good together.

Dinner date > Apart from my wife, it would have to be Winston Churchill; I love all his quotes and poems - he seemed to be a good laugh with a drink in him.

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> Sport! Love to compete.

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XXXXXXXX EASTER CHICK

WELCOME!

Daffodils, bunnies, chocolate, a few of my favourite things....

How can you tell spring is on its way? When I dump my duffle coat, that’s how. I cannot wait to scrap my scarves, hang up my hats, trash my tights and escape from all things woolly.

The shops are filling up with pretty pastels in floating soft fabrics and I’m looking forward to play dates free from sixteen layers of thermals. Speaking of spring, we’ve been seeking out fresh ideas to welcome in the new season in style.

with Nina Robinson

Love Little Luxe x

Postcard from London

Nina loves

I had a great time on a trip to London recently. I had a bit of a fright with a horse and felt teeny next to a big dino at the Natural History Museum. Did you know there’s a whole shop full of M&Ms in London? There was a lot of food. Dinner on the double decker pizza bus at Deptford Bridge, a real London bus made into a restaurant, and we picked cakes at Brockley food market.

Had great fun ticking off famous spots on board the Thames Clipper ferry: Tower Bridge, Tower of London, London Eye, Canary Wharf, Cutty Sark.

Nina’s Easter diary >> APRIL 4 Davenport’s Chocolates, Gateshead.

Easter egg making sessions for kids at the chocolate studio in Gateshead with head chocolatier Jane Williams. Cost £16. davenportschocolates.co.uk

> The new-season range by iIovegorgeous, designers of outrageously pretty things for girls aged up to 13 years.

The vibrant spring and summer range is inspired by Grecian goddesses and secret gardens, with hot, hot hues, heavy embellishments and floating fabrics. This Primrose dress is £79 and is one of my favourites in the new collection which is online at ilovegorgeous.co.uk

>> APRIL 5 Enchanted party at the Vermont Hotel, Newcastle. A royal invitation to attend the Easter Sunday Fairy’s Garden Party with

princess lessons, dancing, story time, songs, games and mini makeovers. Cost £14.95 per child, £4.95 per adult. vermont-hotel.com/ enchanted-childrens-parties >> APRIL 7 – 19 Alice and the magic mirror garden at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland. Additional £1 charged to standard entry fees. English-heritage.org.uk

>> Bunny bed Time to rest those long ears bunnykins and close your eyes…

Danish brand Maileg makes gorgeous, intricate toys to keep Little Luxes fascinated for hours.

Armstrong Ward in Kendal are the largest stockist of Maileg in the UK - the range can be found online if you can’t make it into the shop. armstrongward.co.uk >> Hare today, read tomorrow Prop up favourite reads with these handcut hare bookends. £30 coucoumanou.com

Easter goodies >> Tweet me Scrambled, poached, baked or fried, who wouldn’t look forward to trying their eggs every which way when they’re served in this gorgeous sunshine crockery by Ana-moly? Specially created for little diners, the gorgeous range is made in Britain and hand decorated in Stoke-on-Trent.

Buttersun set, £38, anamoly.co.uk

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>> Furry fashionista Having taken the fashion world by storm, the world’s coolest and most fashion forward bunny Fifi Lapin has brought her unique style to a new collection at Mamas & Papas. The quirky bunny has put her stamp on everything from gorgeous jackets to dresses and dungarees. Blouse and legging set, £28 mamasandpapas.com

>> Head for the hills Easter party, egg hunt or just a holiday play date with friends, dress the part this holiday with these super-cute bunny ears, £4.50 tch.net

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LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES An Easter bunny buddy This is one happy tea towel with its bunny design and Easter message. It comes packaged with a natural jute twine bow, ÂŁ7 www.berryred.co.uk

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WISE WORDS

JOINING THE DOTS The sudden death of his father changed the direction of Dan Robinson’s life and made him reflect on the past

A sunny New York morning changed my life forever. It was the day I heard my father had committed suicide.

I remember the morning so well. I was home in my apartment with its floor-to-ceiling windows that looked directly at the Empire State building.

It was a view that I never tired of. What was different on that morning was that I was about to receive a phone call that would change my life forever.

I awoke to the news that my father had just committed suicide.

It was news that would have an obvious impact on any of us, but for me, I knew instantly that the direction of my life had changed forever.

My father had started Gus Robinson Developments Ltd back in 1975 after leaving the Merchant Navy. Over the years, the business had grown to be a major construction firm.

Importantly, we also built a reputation as a company focused heavily on giving back.

My path back into the family business was perhaps not an obvious one. It was long and winding but packed full of rich experiences which prepared me for the challenge that lay ahead.

Between 2009 and 2010 after leaving my life in the military, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into a world-class dual MBA program that was delivered between Georgetown University in Washington DC, and ESADE Business School in Barcelona.

The program was global in nature and so for 18 months, I travelled and studied around the world, enjoying the experience of studying and working in a number cultures.

This was in 2010. Since that time I’ve lived in New York City, working in finance and private equity, I’ve also spent a year living in Brazil and ultimately, returned to the North East. It is now 2015 and only just this week, my certificate from ESADE arrived in pristine condition! It has literally taken five years since graduation for ESADE to award me my Master’s. Is it any wonder that Spain has experienced so many economic problems in recent years!

It’s easy to become frustrated with things like this, it’s easy to forget that what is normal to you and I, is not normal to everyone. I found myself smiling as I opened my certificate. What would once have driven me to distraction, I now accept as one of the very many nuances of dealing with different cultures.

Last night I gave a lecture at Teesside University. My brief was to discuss my background and how it led me back to the North East.

At that time, a company that was experiencing significant problems. In fact we were on the verge of bankruptcy and slap bang in the middle of the worst financial crisis since the great depression.

I talked about my leadership philosophy, shaped by my life in the military, my transition from the RAF to the United States Air Force. I talked to them about my experience of studying in seven different countries, of my time in banking in New

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It was news that would have an obvious impact on any of us, but for me, I knew instantly that the direction of my life had changed forever

York and of my adventure through Brazil. I also discussed openly, that sad day on November 15th 2011. Towards the end of the lecture, a young woman asked me which experiences had I drawn on most to execute the turnaround of the family company.

It was a question that caused me to reflect.

Was it education? Was it training? Or was it something else?

When I was a young boy my dad always said to me; “Dan, experience is like money in the bank, just keep salting it away like a savings account because at some point in your life, you are going to draw down on it.”

He would go on to encourage me to travel, to push myself, to challenge pre-conceptions and importantly, to reflect.

“Travel is the best experience and education you can have. Talk to everyone,” he would say.

“You don’t understand it just now, but trust me, it’s so important.”

Steve Jobs, the genius behind Apple once said: “Creativity is just connecting things.

When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after

a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesise new things. And the reason they were able to do that was that they’ve had more experiences or have thought more about their experiences than other people.

Unfortunately, that’s too rare a commodity.

A lot of people in our industry haven’t had very diverse experiences. So they don’t have enough dots to connect, and they end up with very linear solutions to a problem. The broader one’s understanding of the human experience, the better design we will have.”

So when that young woman posed that question to me, I went home and reflected on what my dad used to tell me and the immortal words of Steve Jobs.

I don’t think the key to success was really to do with education, I don’t think it was really to do with training. I think it was much broader than this, it was more to do with overall experience.

Experience borne from travelling the world and being in situations that stretched and scared me.

Whichever chapter of my life I think

about, travel has always been the consistent theme. I love the North East of England, I always will. I know with certainty however that the opportunity to travel throughout much of this astonishing world has broadened my view and shaped me as a person.

Steve Jobs also said: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.

So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.

You have to trust in something: your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.

Believing the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well-worn path.”

When I awoke on that fateful day in November 2011, at that single moment, the dots in my own life connected for me.

All those years ago my dad told me that travel is the best experience and education you can have.

It turns out that my dad was right.

Please follow me on Twitter at @dan_gusrob

MAR/APR15

CUTTING EDGE

THE CUT THROAT CLUB! WITH PAUL COWEN IN THE BARBER’S CHAIR…

L A C I T NuAt U E… b NIC

owers, April shreason da as goo to invest in as any r-up. Bryce a cove k charts the ..

Wilcoc of the mac. return

The Nordic regions and their nautical traditions mean that the Scandinavians do weather-beating gear well. And despite the merry-go-round of fashion, well-made all-weather brands have always been sought after by independent retailers. After all, in the UK we’ve always got weather.

In the early 1990s it was Norwegian brand Helly Hansen that had brand hunters’ mouths watering.

Now fashion loves Scandi, see the rise of Danish brands such as Norse Projects, loved for their effortlessly stylish designs and collaborations with some of the world’s most renowned designers, from Swedish Hestra gloves to British designer Ally Capellino.

Although the Danes and Norwegians have spawned many great designers over the years, it’s Swedish raincoat brand Stutterheim, from Stockholm, that tops the stay-dry charts for the design-savvy.

In a story that nods to the heritage of home-grown Barbour, it was a jacket worn by Alexander Stutterheim’s grandfather which inspired the Swedish designer to launch the namesake brand.

With his grandfather tackling the heaviest rains and storms in the waters of Sweden, Alexander fell in love with the idea of durable clothing that could compete with modern-day cosmopolitan fashions.

This fusion of fashion with the Nordic region’s nautical heritage gives it the edge.

“I felt a deep urge to focus on one thing and do that very well,” says Stutterheim.

“In my old life I used to be a copywriter so I was always affected by someone else’s deadline and point of view.

“I wanted to use my creativity as well as doing something new. That I went on with outerwear is a bit of a coincidence and a little bit of insanity,” he laughs.

Founded in 2010, the brand prides itself on creating functional garments and has now joined its world-famous Scandinavian counterparts Norse Projects and Napapijri, by being snapped up by some of the world’s top

MAR/APR15

boutiques, including END and Oi Polloi in the UK. For those who like a jacket to last for a lifetime, the tailored rain coats are the Swedish answer to Barbour.

Stylists take pride in bringing manufacturing home to Sweden’s last standing textile factory and personal tailoring features in every jacket produced by the brand - to this day, every raincoat is signed personally by its seamstress to guarantee its quality.

The brand has appointed former pattern constructor and designer at Yohji Yamamoto, Kumi Edström Kawaji, to work on some exciting new projects for the future. The brand’s latest collaboration is with iconic whisky brand Glenfiddich, creating a limited edition flask which fits perfectly with the clothing brand’s tagline of “Swedish melancholy at its driest”. Stockists include End Clothing, Newcastle. *Raincoats from £200. www.stutterheim.com

The old cut-throat razor had more or less been forgotten about as a shaving tool until Daniel Craig’s Mr Bond received his close shave (shame she wasn’t actually shaving him!) in Skyfall in 2012.

Cut-throat sales rocketed and have continued the resurgence in men taking time to relax with hot towels, soft lather and a close shave!

The razors that most barbers use now resemble a cut-throat straight razor but can be referred to as a Shavette because they do not require a strop or to be honed.

The key benefits of using a straight razor is that shaving is actually an exfoliant removing all your dead skin and many live skin cells which is why you must moisturise.

Using the straight razor which is single blade as opposed to a four-blade disposable actually means that you are only shaving once over the skin rather than four times!

I always get asked for my advice on shaving and it’s not simple, there’s lots to it but if I had to answer the one most common mistake it would be that your hair doesn’t grow out it grows in a direction and it’s imperative that you shave with the direction it’s growing, NEVER against.

The human skin isn’t designed to be shaved - it’s designed to be bearded, so take care and pride in your shave.

Or come and see me!

Paul runs The Man Corner at Reef Salons, Bannatyne Health Club, Belmont, Durham 0191 386 3055.

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LUXE LIFE

ZOE GILBY Jazz vocalist Zoe Gilby is well-known in the North East where she has been performing jazz for more than ten years. Her quartet features her husband and double bass player Andy Champion and she has a number of other small ensembles. She is one of the home-grown artists at this year’s Gateshead Jazz Festival at Sage in April LUXE PEOPLE >> My father. He played a huge role in my music. He was a jazz trumpet player and arranger. Sadly he passed away in 2010, but he left his flame with me; to explore myself musically and push some boundaries.

Carmen McRae. In my opinion the world’s best all-time jazz vocalist. Her style and approach was completely unique.

Kate Bush. Utterly fearless. Songwriting, production and performance that blows my mind. A huge inspiration to me when it comes to songwriting.

My husband Andy Champion is an exceptional musician who continues to astonish me on a regular basis with his work.

He is always there for me, personally and professionally.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Marrakech, Morocco. Andy and I honeymooned there in 2011. Vibrant, passionate and downright crazy. Like all cities, it has its own rhythm, its pulse is hypnotic, the atmosphere is magical. Mix in the desert and you have the majestic “Red City” which is its nickname and the title of the song that Andy and I wrote about Marrakech.

A long holiday > San Francisco. I love this city! Chilled out New York. Fishermans Wharf enchanted me. The Golden Gate Bridge lasts forever and Alcatraz gave me the heebee geebees.

A treat > Well I live here, but I still have to say Newcastle.

It’s a treat to be from such a fabulous part of the country.

I’m a Geordie and extremely proud of my northern roots.

I defy anyone who says they don’t like Newcastle and Gateshead. They’re this country’s best-kept secrets.

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LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Indian curry. The spicier the better and with all of the extras and sides Best wine > Not an expert, but Picpoul De Pinet is a favourite.

Favourite restaurant > Dabbawal. An amazing Indian restaurant on High Bridge, Newcastle. Real Indian streetfood Perfect weekend > A one where I can do and go and see whatever I feel like. It changes regularly.

Downtime means > I love to go running (about four miles) a bit of yoga and I’ll hit the gym too. But a nice home-cooked meal. Possibly a roast dinner. A few drinks and chilling out with my gorgeous 11-year-old step daughter, Eleanor, and my lovely hubby.

Best telly > Breaking Bad, The Wire and we have been watching 1980s episodes of Jeremy Brett’s Sherlock Holmes Best book > Twenty Thousand Streets Under The Sky by Patrick Hamilton. So good I wrote a song about it, ‘The Midnight Bell’.

Best sounds > Kate Bush and Carmen McRae for the reasons I mentioned before. I love a bit of rock music too, Thin Lizzy and AC/DC. LUXE SHOP >> Not a big shopper > I have a low shopping threshold Favourite shop > Hutchinson’s Greengrocer in Gateshead.

I’m in there every week. Excellent quality food at rockbottom prices.

Luxe retail treat > I’ll build up some stamina and I will go clothes shopping about twice a year. I do enjoy it, but I’m in and out of those shops like a whippet.

Best buy > My knee-length, brown leather boots. So comfortable and they look great. I bought them online and got them delivered for £39.99. I love a bargain!

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > Always the unplanned ones. Where we’ve ended up having a few sneaky Friday afternoon drinks in one of our locals then headed back to our flat and listened to wide range of tunes picked out by our mates – it ends up a late one.

Perfect party > Our wedding. Totally relaxed, no pressure.

We went to a register office, declared our love in front of our family and friends and then celebrated in the function room upstairs in the Magnesia Bank. Everyone says what a great wedding we had. We happen to agree.

Best dress > I have a stockpile of dresses due to my singing career.

My mother is an expert at finding me nice dresses. Andy does very well too at buying me nice clothes, always gets the right size etc. I can’t pick just one, take a look through my wardrobe and you’ll see why.

Dinner date > Andy and I living it up in Dabbawal where we usually go for our wedding anniversary. With pre and post-cocktails too.

YOUR LUXE THINGS IN LIFE >> To be surrounded by the special people who are in my life.

Singing and songwriting, I’m blessed that I do what I love to do. www.sagegateshead.com/whats-on/gateshead-internationaljazz-festival

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ON THE BALL

golf:kit

GOLF COACH WITH JOHN HARRISON

Live the spring greens dream

GOURMET GOLF >> What’s not to like about the mix of golf and gourmet dining? If you like something a bit more challenging than a post-game burger, the St Omer Golf Club in the Pas-deCalais region of France offers a Golf & Gastronomy package to tempt golfers with a fondness for French cuisine.

The Golf & Gastronomy offer includes 18 holes of golf over Saint-Omer’s Le Val championship course, a four-course gastronomic dinner in Le Lodge Restaurant and a B&B stay at the on-site Najeti Hotel du Golf.

Just 30 minutes from the French EuroTunnel terminal and port of Calais, the 6,800-yard Le Val course with a par of 73 is regarded as one of the top tracks in northern France.

A typical parkland layout, Saint-Omer is fairly demanding given the hilly terrain, a number of blind tee shots and its characteristic large and fast greens. Thanks to its location along the Aa Valley, the course offers stunning views over the lush French countryside from almost every hole.

Overlooking the golf course, the Najeti Hotel du Golf’s

Le Lodge Restaurant offers regional French cuisine using local, seasonal produce to create a menu of gastronomic traditional French recipes.

There are also a number of other golf courses in the area around Saint-Omer that are highly regarded such as Hardelot, Wimereux, Le Touquet and Arras. www.golfsaintomer.fr.

SHOE THING>>

Lacoste’s spring footwear collection feature good-for-greens styles for men and women. The fashion range inspired by golf is called ‘clean lines' with styles that are wearable for sport and for leisure. Check out the Sherbrooke brogues for men and Rene preps for women, £95. www.lacoste.com

POLO PERFECT>>

>> Michael Kors Monochrome printed polo shirt, £110, House of Fraser

>> Merc Diamond print knitted polo shirt, £60, House of Fraser

>> Boss Green navy leaf printed polo shirt, £119, House of Fraser

PLAY & STAY >> If you like a characterful game of golf, destination Cornwall this summer? St Enodoc in north Cornwall celebrates its 125th anniversary this year with a Festival of Golf Week in June. The highlight will be a Hickory Shaft Tournament with competitors carrying a set of fully-restored hickory clubs in replica leather and canvas bags over a composite course of club’s Church and Holywell courses. St Enodoc’s Church Course is considered one of the premier championship links in England with a heritage to match. Its location on the high sand dunes of the north Cornwall coast overlooking the Camel Estuary, with Padstow to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the north, makes for ideal links golf and for some of the greatest sea and estuary views of any course in the world. The course was immortalised by Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman whose experience of playing St Enodoc was encapsulated in his poem, ‘Seaside Golf’.

Fittingly Betjeman, who lived in nearby Trebetherick

MAR/APR15

DEMO DAYS A GREAT WAY TO TRY NEW EQUIPMENT As the season draws closer it is a good time to evaluate what equipment you have in your golf bag and make decisions on any changes you are going to make.

Technology moves on quickly and so new products are on the market trying to maximise your distance and accuracy, helping you get more enjoyment from the game.

Demo days are a great way to try new equipment as you get the best choice the companies can offer, backed up by high tech analysis of your swing speed, spin rate, launch angle etc, and more importantly the professional’s advice.

Also with drivers and irons allowing us to hit the ball further, players are finding they are faced with more scoring shots from closer to the green. In fact 65% off all golf shots are played within 125 yards of the green and this figure is expected to rise.

Therefore the clubs in your bag you would use for these shots become ever more important. Traditionally an iron set was made up of 3-PW with one sand iron. Not any more, the better golfers will now have at least two sand irons or scoring wedges in their bag, a lot of players may even have three. The space in the bag for these clubs is normally achieved by dropping the really difficult to hit 3 iron or 4 irons. It is really important we achieve 3 things with our scoring wedges: 1. Correct gapping between full shots; this is done by using wedges with the correct loft and having the correct shafts.

2. Correct bounce on the sole, this is done by analysing how you deliver the club to the ball, generally the steeper you are in that area the more bounce is required on the sole. The shallower you are the less bounce is required on the sole.

3. Correct spin. This is done by choice of face finish and type of steel your wedge is manufactured from.

It has never been more important than to get the correct wedges in your bag.

If anyone needs any advice in this area we have the wedge fitting days at Matfen as well as demo days with major manufacturers - just call us on 01661 886400 for more details.

Good golfing

towards the end of his life, was buried in the graveyard of the Norman Church alongside the 10th green of his favourite course. www.st-enodoc.co.uk

John Harrison, European Senior Tour player and Matfen Hall Head Professional, Matfen Hall Hotel Golf and Spa www.matfenhall.com tel: 01661 886400

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AT THE WHEEL Motors man Bob Arora, our Top Gear wannabe, plays with some serious cars

It’s not about the money...

Out of this world acceleration in the beautiful Aston Martin GT3. A bit of a stunner with a £250,000 price tag

Imagine a race series where you have some of the world’s best car manufacturers competing against each other… I’m talking about cars ranging from Audi, Aston, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes and BMW. To be able to take part in the championship, a certain number of cars have to be sold to the public, but private teams can also enter their own cars. As you may expect private teams don’t have the same budgets as the manufacturers, but the small teams are by no means disgraced at all. These races tend to be full of action and the championship is really becoming very popular indeed.

As you may imagine, these cars need to be very aerodynamic and the outrageous spoilers and body kits make them look totally amazing. Aston currently participates in the championship with the DBRS9 and they have been doing really well; on the back of this success they have decided to enter the Vantage into the championship.

This brings me neatly on to the Aston Martin Vantage GT3…

Now before you race to Aston Martin at Houghton-le-Spring, the 100 cars Aston have

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produced have already been sold to customers on the VIP list but give them a call if you fancy owning this stunning car.

For anyone interested, the purchase price is a cool £250,000. It’s the most powerful and road-focused Aston ever; the 5.9lt V12 engine has a top speed of 205mph and it gets to 60mph in a very brisk 3.5 seconds. I know the figures sound impressive but when you sit behind the wheel with your foot floored to the throttle the acceleration is out of this world.

Start the car and the engine just sounds tremendous; it literally makes you want to drive the car really hard. It is based on the Vantage V12 S, which I can say I have had the pleasure of driving a few months ago. I loved the car but I am sure the manual gearbox just wasn’t up to the job. The GT3 is fitted with a 7-speed automated manual gearbox, it is much better than the manual box that was fitted to the Vantage S I drove recently. As dual clutch boxes have become the rage I am surprised people still want a manual - maybe I have just become lazy!

Aston has extensively used lightweight materials inside and outside the car - they have used carbon fibre, titanium, aluminium and magnesium and in doing so they have

managed to shave 150kg of the car’s kerb weight. The interior is still very Aston with stunning use of carbon fibre and Alcantara being used throughout the cabin. Carbon fibre features throughout the dash along with a scattering of leather just for good measure. The interior is still very Aston, despite lashings of carbon fibre it still has to be one of the best interiors around.

To help reduce weight the designers have also used magnesium for the alloys along with a titanium exhaust. As with other GT3 cars the aerodynamics and body spoilers make these cars look like they are on steroids. The chassis and suspension are carried over from the Vantage S and sport, normal and track modes have all been carried over from the Vantage V12 S. They alter the throttle response, gearshift speed, timing, exhaust note and finally the steering assistance.

The 19” magnesium alloys are shod in Michelin tyres which is a first for Aston. The alloys can also be specked with a cool looking centre hub cap; this makes you feel like changing tyres like formula one teams would. The large Brembo Carbon Ceramic brakes really do an excellent job of making this car stop so quickly. To help give the car

its distinctive look, the track is 15mm wider at the front and 33mm wider at the back.

The ride height remains the same but ground clearance is reduced by aerodynamic features. The use of carbon fibre on the car’s bodywork helps save another 20kg.

The GT3 is easily distinguishable over the Vantage S thanks to the aerodynamic package. The most striking feature is the horse shoe design on the bonnet; this helps with cooling the engine and it also helps with airflow.

The rear of the car is dominated by a massive spoiler. Anyone looking at this car will be under no illusions that it is as equally happy on the race track as it is on the road. Standing back and looking at the car you can’t help but notice what a stunning car this is.

My favourite colour combination was the white bodywork with the use of orange on the front splitter, mirrors and around the rear wing.

Listening to me describing the car you would think it sounds like a total mess, but believe me when I say it looks absolutely stunning, it does.

Car supplied by Aston Martin UK

MAR/APR15

THE FAST ONE

Keep your nerve to get to grips with the pacy and power-packed Mercedes S63 Coupe

If you’re a regular reader of my reviews, you may remember me talking about one of my car-loving uncles.

A fan of Jaguars, one year he decided to go to his local Mercedes garage where he bought a new S Class.

At the time he could have bought half a dozen houses for the price of this car and my brother and I were in awe of this stunning car, from the beautiful upholstery to the abs brakes which he swiftly demonstrated.

Even at our young age we couldn’t believe how heavy the doors were and just how solid the car felt. Fast forward 30 years and I have had the chance to drive the coupe version of the car he owned all those years ago. I personally think Mercedes are designing some stunning cars at the moment. The front of this car just looks so intimidating if you see it in your rear view; this is partly helped by the stunning LED headlights. I think the back of the car looks very much like the BMW 6 Series; this is not a bad thing but I think Mercedes could have been a bit more adventurous with the car’s rear styling. Opening the driver’s door it’s dejà vu: the doors are so heavy to close it just feels like it’s built to last for ever and ever. The car I drove had a few extra options and it was priced very close to £140,000 so I can’t say it’s cheap by any means.

For anyone interested, the car averaged about 15mpg while I had it, so I’m sure you will become first name friends with the staff at your local petrol station.

MAR/APR15

Rapid response vehicle The car was in the showroom and when Frazier started the car, it sounded like the German Luftwaffe was back in town.

I finally set my seat and took the massage function off which was quite complicated.

I drove along Scotswood Road, it had been drizzling all day and as I drove off I managed to wheel spin the car in the first four gears - and the rear end was twitching all the time.

This car really has a tremendous amount of power going to the rear wheels; anyone not used to this ferocious power could really do themselves harm.

This may be a case of simple things please simple minds, but I decided to clean the windscreen and I tugged the wiper stalk twice. Nothing interesting there but the way

the wipers clean the screen there was literally no residue water on the screen at all, normally in most other cars you need to use your wipers a few more times just to get rid of any excess water.

The interior seemed to flow quite nicely and it was quite a relaxing place to be on a long journey.

I really loved the steering wheel which not only looks but feels extremely sporty thanks to the leather grips. The dashboard is digital and many people will have seen this in new Range Rovers and Jaguars, but Mercedes have done a great job with the electric dials.

The rest of the car’s switchgear and buttons all oozed quality, the Mercedes is no comparison to a Bentley interior but they have managed to do a great job.

One feature I was amazed with was the car’s night vision; the dashboard becomes a big screen and you get to see the road ahead in crystal clarity. It helps you see pedestrians on country roads or even animals on the road ahead. The only downside to this technology is you have to take your eyes off the road and the image on the screen is definitely off putting when you’re driving.

The car’s adaptive headlights not only look great but they illuminate the road ahead beautifully. Despite its size and weight this car totally relishes twisty country roads. The car’s satnav and radio controls are all operated via a dial next to the driver and the heated and massaging seats are controlled via this dial.

The seats are big and comfy, but despite the car being so large the cabin feels really cramped indeed.

The light switch is also in a stupid place and getting out of the car I managed to whack my knee every time.

But a great feature was the way the boot opened; you wave your foot under the bumper and you do the same again to close it. The car’s competitors are the Bentley Continental, Ferrari FF and the Aston Martin Vanquish.

The S63 is a very stylish car indeed and in this AMG guise not only do you have a great handling car but its performance is, for want of a better word, rapid.

This Mercedes is an ideal car for taking four passengers in comfort across long distances; it would be my first choice of car for a long drive to the South of France.

Car supplied by Mercedes Newcastle

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TT THRILLS

Time Traveller

Audi’s TT is the car that just keeps on giving. The latest model ups the ante when it comes to the fun of the drive and a classy interior

I can’t believe the TT was launched in 1988, 17 years ago... and it was a total sales phenomenon.

Dealers had waiting lists and cars were selling for premiums.

Having owned a few of the second generation TTs I can totally understand why they were so popular. My 2lt petrol engine car was not only excellent on economy but it was such an easy and cool looking car to drive, and as they were always in demand, they really held their value too. It wasn’t as focused to drive as a Cayman or Boxster but they were ideal for most drivers.

This latest third generation TT isn’t going to cause the same stir as the original in terms of styling but the shape has evolved like the Mini and the 911.

It’s much more fun to drive.

Audi have cranked up the styling cues with razor-style headlights, tapered bonnet lines and a single frame grill, all of which give the car a real sporty look and most people will be able to distinguish the second and third generation cars.

It is the same length as the outgoing car but the wheelbase has grown by 37mm. The car is available in two trims, either Sport & S Line as a two or four wheel drive or with a 6 speed manual or a 7 speed dual clutch auto box. All sport models have 18” alloys, xenon lights, led running lights, dab radio and climate control as standard. The new LED headlights really are something else; not only do they illuminate the road ahead brilliantly, they also seem to be better for drivers on the opposite side of the road as well. The S Line models all get 19” alloys, deeper side skirts and unique bumpers as standard.

The car is available with a choice of three engines; the most popular engines will be the 2lt petrol or diesel engines. As with all Audis the interior is absolutely

stunning and the TT is one of the best interiors to date. The dash is dominated by a 12.3” screen; this not only has a traditional looking speedometer and rev counter but it also doubles up as a Sat Nav display with smaller speedo and rev counter dials.

The phone, media and car settings are all also controlled via this screen. It can be a bit off-putting at first but it soon becomes second nature.

Apart from the digital dash my other favourite feature was the ventilation dials which control the air speed, temperature and air flow. The car I drove had the optional Bang & Olufsen speakers which sounded absolutely amazing.

As the car is much lighter it is also a lot more fun to drive around country roads and the beautiful RS4 style sporty steering wheel is an absolute joy to use.

The engine sounded great with the exhaust rasping and popping every time you either changed down a gear.

Even though the car is very quick indeed the economy was brilliant and I found myself wondering if the fuel display was actually working.

The 2lt engine has a top speed of 155mph and it gets to 60mph in six seconds. Most owners should expect to average over 38mpg. The diesel engine trumps the petrol engine’s figures with a top speed of 150mph and it also gets to 60mph in 7.1 seconds but its trump card has to be its amazing fuel consumption; most owners should easily get 57mpg. As with the previous car the rear seats are ok for either short journeys or for young children and the boot is absolutely fine for the supermarket run. One thing that initially shocked me was the TT theme tune which always played when the car was switched off. The new TT is a very impressive car, not only is it very sure-footed to drive but the car’s interior sets the bar for its competitors.

Car supplied by Audi Newcastle

As with all Audis, the interior is absolutely stunning and the TT is one of the best interiors to date

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MAR/APR15

LUXE LAPS

ANDREW PLATTS Andrew Platts is managing director of two companies. Ace Aluminium & Architectural Services Ltd design and build bespoke ‘grand design’ glass projects and his other company, Vroom Groom Ltd, is a prestige and bespoke car hire company. Andrew has four children and his spare time is taken up teaching the younger two football, golf, snooker and any other sport you can think of. He follows his beloved MFC to as many games as he can CHILDHOOD CAR CRUSH >> My ideal car when I was in my teens was always a Porsche 911 and I still love that car today. My actual first car was a 1987 D registration Ford Escort 1.2L 4-door with clover leaf alloys, rear spoiler, twin carbs and bonnet vents! All that was missing were the ‘go faster stripes’.

WHAT’S IN THE GARAGE NOW >> A white Lamborghini Aventador LP-700 Coupe, a white Bentley GTC Convertible, A BMW X6 limited edition (one of only two in the country), a 1966 VW Split Screen Pacha Ibiza Camper Van (the only one in the world), a Paul Weller ‘The Jam’ limited edition Vespa motorbike, a special edition ‘Brinks Mat Robbery’ gold plated and airbrushed special edition Lambretta (the only one in the world).

The ultimate ride is obviously the Lamborghini Aventador with its 700 BHP, 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and overall 219 mph top end speed. The pure luxury ride is the Bentley GTC convertible which I have to say is an absolute pleasure to drive but the stand-out vehicle is the 1966 VW Split Screen camper van which is a unique Californian import designed and built to suit the world-famous ‘Ibiza’ Pacha nightclub.

This has had a £45,000 conversion and has everything from a 10k nightclub sound system, 5 DVD screens, a LCD Flat screen TV on hydraulics plus lighting and a retractable roof.

It has even had the world famous Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong play in it and famously sign it.

IF YOU COULD OWN ANY CAR >> I absolutely love the new Range Rover Vogue but I would choose either a Rolls Royce Wraith, Ghost or the Mclaren P1. That’s a very tough question as you can tell.

CAPTAIN SLOW OR JEREMY >> I have to say I would even give Jeremy Clarkson a run for his own money! I am a controlled speed freak and know my limits. Speeding and boy racing are not my thing unless you antagonise me then you’d see my rear end getting smaller and smaller very quickly!

TRACKS OF YOUR TYRES >> I use the X6 for work and have to say I am a big fan of Smooth Radio but the CD player is loaded with Paul Anka classics, recent MAW compilation, Yellowman album and a 4 CD set of Northern Soul classics.

An amazing mixture considering I am only 21!

In the CD of the Lamborghini is my very own mixed CD of deep house as I used to be a DJ. In the Bentley we have the multi-player stocked with Renaissance as there is some real old school house classics and great driving music on that compilation which suit that particular car in my opinion.

DREAM ROAD TRIP >> Route 66 is on my bucket list but I have to say I have recently done the Lamborghini Rallye Tour in 2014 which entailed riding down from the North East to Euro Tunnel to meet fellow Lamborghini drivers. Then we crossed the channel to France, Switzerland doing the famous Mille Miglia route, the Alps, across to Geneva then down into Italy seeing Milan, Bologna, Lake Maggiore and the famous Lamborghini factory before breaking away from the pack and heading off to Monaco. I would have to say that was most definitely a ‘dream road trip’ for me.

WHO WITH >> Route 66 with my children as I would like them to see and experience that with me then hopefully one day they could do it themselves. If it was with someone famous maybe Peter Kay, that would be a hoot. Or if Cheryl Cole/Nicole Scherzinger were available then I’d let either one of them join me!

MEMORABLE CAR MOMENTS >> I’ve got three: the first is bringing my first-born daughter, Lauren, home in a stretch limousine (tacky, hey). Second: being in a position to buy my first Lamborghini and driving home in it from Manchester. And last but certainly not least was the Lamborghini Rallye trip.

MAR/APR15

The 1966 VW Split Screen Pacha Ibiza Camper Van is the only one in the world

WHAT’S IN THE GLOVE BOX >> USB and Iphone connection points along with car manuals in each one for emergency use of course.

HOW CLEAN IS YOUR CAR >> I have a contract with a local car valet so they are prepped on a weekly basis. The X6, which is the work horse, is constantly full of junk, food wrappers, sauce sachets, chewing gum, CD cases, children’s toys, window samples, PPE manuals, footballs, golf clubs.

SCARY MOMENTS? >> I was once driving in Middleton One Row in Darlington, it was a beautiful sunny day and I was out in my Lamborghini Gallardo. We were out meandering around the country lanes testing the car to its limits.

Straight ahead was a dead end protected by bushes, left was a horse truck that had pulled out to make the turn in to my lane and right (the only way I could go or die) was a farmer’s entrance with a huge cattle grid. I turned into that at probably about 70 mph and we were bouncing about a treat with the horse truck in the rear mirror looking on in disbelief. It’s all about the driving I guess, not to mention the handling capabilities and quick thinking of the experienced driver!

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In association with:

luxe:looks

Break out the fizz. Time to get down to some people-spotting as we bring you our social snapshot of happenings across the North East. Eyes and teeth time!

Opening Party: The Botanist, Newcastle

Tyne&Wear Community Foundation Women’s Lunch, Hilton Hotel, Gateshead Below > Julie Harrison, Claire Pegman

Above > Steve Welton, Franco Graziani, Alan Beanshell, Alan Shearer

Above > Shelly Bedi, Shama Ohri

Above > Jenni Manvel, Caroline MacKenzie Below > Kate Murphy, Davina Nylander, Tizzy Lawson, Patricia Alexander

Above > Ruth Holliday, Jessica Nevin, Ross Hutchinson, Katie Oakes

Above > Mandy Barker, Lucy Batley, Danielle Stone

Above > Emma Hogarth-Smith, Laura Walker, Steven Lynch, Rachelle Henderson

Below > Victoria Armstrong, Joanne Russell, Danielle Dale

Below > Fran Ratliff, Lauren Hedley

Above > Chloe Chittenden, James Malham, Faye Little, Sarah Powell

Above > Sandra Groom, Roisin Patton

Above > Laura Diamond, Fiona Murphy, Kayleigh Davidson

Ladies’ Lunch with Adam Prest, Crathorne Hall, Yarm Below > Wendy Gerrard, Elizabeth Stevenson, Margaret Hughes

Below > Lauren Bywater, Charlotte Linton Below > Danielle Young, Kirsten Donkin

Above > Emma Storey, Sarah Kernan

Above > Lyn Casey, Amelia Prentice

Now located at Richard Sinton Jewellers, Upper Level Eldon Garden, Newcastle richardsintonjewellers.com • 0191 232 0788

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MAR/APR15

SOCIAL LIFE

Ishga Launch, Serenity Spa, Seaham Hall Hotel, Seaham Below > Brian Metland, Daphne Metland

Below > Sara Stafford, Kathryn Wright

Above > Sarah Jennings, Edith Jennings

Above > Natalie Rogers, Wendy Benson Above > Christine White, Joanne Ward

Above > Leon Trayling, Sian Whitehead

An Evening with Sugar Ray Leonard, Hedworth Hall, South Shields

New Website Launch, Psyche, Middlesbrough

Below> Anthony Stout, Anthony Stout Snr, Carl Stout, Ben Goldsborough, Richard Goldsborough, Dean Stephenson

Above > Steve Cochrane, Dave Above > Lee Johnson, Vicky Blenkinsop, Jacob Warr, Adrian Foster Roberts Above > Sugar Ray Leonard, Sunni Singh

Above > Meg Young, Claire Champion

Above > Lee Walker, Mark Common

Above > Lauren Knowles, Laura McManus

Above > Bethany Dean, Emma Robinson

Above> Antony Hoyland, Emma Jones.

Above > David Waring, David Meehan

Above > Zarah Smith, Sean Bryce

Right > Derek Fairless, Kaz Pandal, Jaz Sidhu

Firth & Co Spring Wine Tasting, Bay Horse, Hurworth Below > Denise Bourner, Patrico Gouguenheim, Maureen McNeill

Below > Andrew Bradly, Krystina Murray

Below > Guy Cliffe, Fiona McLain, Matthew Wilkinson

Above > Adrian Rummel, Archie Darbishire, Andrew Firth, Patrico Gouguenheim Above > Peter Volans, Grace Matterson

Now located at Richard Sinton Jewellers, Upper Level Eldon Garden, Newcastle richardsintonjewellers.com • 0191 232 0788

MAR/APR15

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SOCIAL LIFE

Question Time at Teesside High School, Eaglescliffe

SIX Restaurant 6th Birthday Dinner, BALTIC, Gateshead

Above > Ruth Dale, Allana Kennerley, Phoebe Neom-Davies, headteacher Andrew Wilson, Jenny Lister, Andrew Ferguson

Below > Agnes Wilkie, Jane Robinson, Dominic Robinson, Stephen Cleland

Below > Janet Turley, Caroline Paul Above > Richard Simm, Godfrey Worsdale, Lorraine Ellison Below > Pam Collonlly, Jaime Collonlly

Above > Patrick Doyle, Molly Doyle

Above > Lizzy Coxon, Georgia Guest

Above > Chris Allison, Paul Marshall

Below > Joanne Rout, Natalie Forrest

Below > Claire Byers, Paul Rutherford

Above > Kate Herring, Alice Richardson, Holly Salter Below > Matthew Peacock, Jenny Lister, Josh Petrie Above > Peter Hunt, Andy Ross Above > Emily Horsfall, Matt Pinchard

Above > Andrew Ferguson, Ruth Dale, Allana Kennerley

Masquerade Ball, Teesside High School, Eaglescliffe Below > Abbey Wilson, Andrew Wilson

Below > Francesca Harding, Mark Harding, Jackie Warrior, Andrew Warrior

Above > Paul Taylor, Caroline Taylor

Above > Linda Watson, Trevor Watson

Above > Emma Kiczma-Walsh, Leah Mai-Brown

Above > James Nelson, Charles Atha, Kathryn Atha, Rachel Goodier

Now located at Richard Sinton Jewellers, Upper Level Eldon Garden, Newcastle richardsintonjewellers.com • 0191 232 0788

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MAR/APR15

SOCIAL LIFE

Moth Ball, Newcastle Falcons, Kingston Park

Crosby’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Event, Newcastle

Above > Caroline Thompson, Elle Thompson, Jessica Rea, Isabelle Woodman, Maxine Rea Above > Debbie Baker, Trevor Webb, Mandeep Walia, Andy Dodds, Julie Dodds

Now located at Richard Sinton Jewellers, Upper Level Eldon Garden, Newcastle

Above > Chris Burns, Sue Heslington, Barbara Ford, Barry Ford

Above > Lucas Morrison, Sue Morrison

Above > Lisa Hamilton, Judith Trewick

Below > Ben Crosby, Ian Lowrey, Roger Crosby

Above > Ross Connolly, Loran Slater Below > Richard Dalziel, Judy Stephenson, Keith Johnson Below > Dominic Difolco, Bob Crosby, Ann Stephens

Below > Lindsay Burk, Claire Renney, Sharon Hudspeth, Nicola Bowles

Above > Jean Crosby, Martin Gaughan, Janet Gaughan

Above > Doug Carmichael, Elizabeth Carmichael

Let’s see you! If you would like your event featured on our Luxe:Looks pages please supply images with full captions (We Transfer or Dropbox is best) to: kathryn@remembermedia.co.uk

MAR/APR15

richardsintonjewellers.com

0191 232 0788 95

GOOD STUFF

Sweet charity

Doing good things in the North East, our charity round-up

GO GLITZY WITH DENISE >> Moorbennhall Charity Ball at Ramside Hall Hotel, is definitely one of the glossiest events on the North East social calendar with heaps of glamour, dancing, celebs and a real ‘showtime’, let-your-hair-down vibe.

Andrew Bennett and Calvin Moore hold their annual charity ball in aid of The Gem Appeal.

After a successful three years, raising an amazing sum of money, charity patron and TV star Denise Welch will this year lend her support to the charitable duo to thank them for helping a charity close to her heart.

The Moorbennhall Charity Ball, features an array of top class entertainment including a tribute to the smash hit West End show, The Jersey Boys. Denise will attend the event which supports The GEM Appeal, a charity which conducts research into and finds cures for genetic diseases in children.

Limited standard and VIP tickets are still available for the event starting from £45.

This year’s event will be co-ordinated by award-winning event management company Entertainment Today who can be contacted on 0161 484 0876 or info@ entertainmenttoday.co.uk for tickets.

ROYAL VISIT FOR MAGGIE’S >> Maggie’s, the charity which provides support for people with cancer and their family and friends welcomed the charity’s President, The Duchess of Cornwall, to Maggie’s Newcastle in the grounds of the Freeman Hospital. The royal visitor met with Maggie’s Newcastle’s professional staff, centre visitors and staff.

Maggie’s Newcastle, like other Maggie’s Centres across the UK, has been designed to provide an environment which is warm and welcoming where men, women and children can feel part of the

centre whilst also offering private spaces to retreat to when needed. The centre was designed by architect Ted Cullinan of Cullinan Studio who created a space which featured strong architectural lines and angles as well as bold masculine colours to specifically appeal to men and encourage them to visit. Last year, Maggie’s Newcastle saw over 16,000 visits to its centre of which 6,000 were men. www.maggiescentres.org

JOIN BRENDAN

JOINING UP >>

Ladies’ County Durham-based ‘Heathers Charity Red’ r Wea to are organising a ‘Dare aemia Leuk of aid in ber Octo 2 on Ball l celeb and and Lymphoma Research. Loca y will host Heal dan Bren orter supp ity char nisers Orga Hall. the night at Ramside sorship. spon and ort supp for ing look are ts, ticke ts wan or Anyne who can help 760465 8 0138 on on Gibs Aimi act, cont

RUN WILD >>

North-East-based salon group Saks has joined forces with The Eve Appeal; the only national charity dedicated to raising funds for research into, and awareness of gynaecological cancers. Over the next two years Saks aims to raise a whopping £100,000 for this cause by salons competing with each other in a variety of fundraising events. Saks is on a mission to raise awareness and remove the taboo about intimate cancers by gving out information leaflets and chatting with customers about symptoms and screening. Stephen Kee, MD at Saks, concludes: “At Saks we’re geared up to raise money to empower women with knowledge that could save lives.”

To donate text saks15 and your donation to 70070.

Take to the Fells in a race for charity in Allenheads on 4 May. It’s in aid of Natural Ability, based in the Allen Valley, a charity which works with children, teenagers and young adults with learning disabilities and special educational needs such as autism, by helping them learn, work and live independently in the rural environment.

The race will start and finish at Allenheads with a 5.5-mile course over footpaths, bridleways and open moorland climbing high into the Northumberland North Pennines with stunning views. www.naturalability.org For more information www.fellrunner.org.uk/races

It’s the time of year for Bond Dicki nson LLP annual Clay Pigeon Shoot organised in aid of The Prince’s Trust .

The shoot is held at the Lambton Estate near Durham on 15 May. It starts with breakfast in Lambton Castl e before teams depart into over 1,000 acres of Lambton’s parklands for the shoot. Then there will be a champagn e reception, followed by a three-cour se lunch, celebrity guest speaker, chari ty auction and prize giving. Last year’ s event raised £35,000 for the chari ty.

Tickets: £1,500 + VAT per team of four.

Contact Krystle Elder on 0191 279 9342 or email events@bonddickinson.com

SHOULDER PADS AT THE READY >> We know there were a fair few Luxe readers out in force for the recent Spandau Ballet gig in Newcastle. So revive the 80s vibe once again with St Oswald’s Hospice ‘Back to the Future’ 1980s party. All happening at Benfield’s new £7million Audi showroom on Scotswood Road, Newcastle, prepare to relive the era of big hair, shoulder pads and neon Lycra for an evening of non-stop nostalgia. On the team is award-winning mixologist and well-know face from Hotel Indigo’s Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill, George Liddell, who has designed a special menu of classic retro cocktails for partygoers to enjoy on the night. Hosted by BBC Radio presenter Alfie Joey, ‘Back to the Future’ is on 25 April from 7pm. There are two levels of ticket available for the event, with the VIP access all area admission including a special street food menu inspired by the 80s, devised by Kenny Atkinson from House of Tides. Partygoers can nominate a song for the party playlist .

Tickets www.stoswaldsuk.org/backtothefuture or contact Laura Elliott on 0191 246 9123 for more information.

DIARY DATES >> Middlesbrough-based domestic violence charity My Sisters Place, has announced the date of their next fundraising event. The Roaring Twenties ball will take place on Friday 2 October at Wynyard Hall. The charity’s first event last year raised £10k. This year tables are £650 for 10 people or £70 each. There will be a sumptuous 3-course dinner and drinks, as well as great entertainment and lots of opportunity to help My Sisters Place raise funds that are essential to help continue their award-winning work with women and children of Teesside.

For more details or to get involved get in touch on 01642 241864 or email hello@mysistersplace.co.uk

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An Easter egg for you >> Wishing you a smashing springtime. Image: Nicky Rogerson www.nrphotography.co.uk

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