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ISSUE 40 MAY/JUN16
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ISSUE 40 MAY/JUN16
G O L D E N B OY TO N Y H AD L EY. Fashi o n’s s ummer bl o o m. FISH FEASTING. St e l l i n g’s tre k . A - L I STER R ENTAL S . Kaf t an c o o l . S TUNNING HOMES. Party p e o p l e . R E D A L E RT. Do i t f o r Dad. M US T-TRY R ECIPES . Porsche playdate. HIP H OT E L S . Bi g n a m es. LUX E.
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contents 8>> Fashion flourish ISSUE 40 MAY/JUN16 Weather confusion is overcomplicating life at Luxe HQ at the moment. We scribble at you with floor-to-ceiling windows at the side of us. One day, inspired by the bluest skies, we find ourselves stepping out on lunch-time walks and munching on M&S mango chunks. The next it’s a case of boots on, hole up, and eat soup as the rains lash at those panes. Meanwhile, whatever the weather, we sit at keyboards inhabiting a world of hot places, garden parties and beach picnics. The stuff of fantasy this edition features Porsche playdates, fish-laden beach barbecues and the ultimate holiday party houses. And speaking of fantasy, my New Romantic 80s dream (of sorts) came to life with a chat with Tony Hadley as you see from the cover. As a teen in a white floppy shirt (me not him), that would have been an unreachable dream. Funny what life brings. 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
SALES Lisa Anderson account director lisa@remembermedia.co.uk Debi Coldwell account director debi@remembermedia.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Chris Auld chris@chrisauldphotography.com Nicky Rogerson nicky@nrphotography.co.uk
Dressing for summer Bright new fashion
32>> Gold standard A chat to Tony Hadley
36>> Do This A summer of culture
52>> Epic task The woman making Kynren happen
56>> A-lister rentals Michael Owen is seeing red in a good way as founder of luxury accessories company, Always Wear Red. Aside from cashmere and silk his luxe things in life include malt whisky, Scottish cottage holidays with partner Lisa and dogs Colin and Frank and comfy cars that make long journeys bearable.
Luxey holiday stays
58>> Hip Hotels Rooftop cocktails in Marbs
60>> Social Diary Who’s who - and where
68>> Porsche playdate Screaming tyres at Silverstone
78>> Grand design Dreamy house in the Dales
96>> Fish fest! Coastal festival of the sea
99>> Chef’s Table James Close’s summer inspiration
kathryn@remembermedia.co.uk Twitter: TheLuxeMagazine
EDITORIAL Kathryn Armstrong editorial director kathryn@remembermedia.co.uk Jessica Laing jessica@remembermedia.co.uk Elysia Agnew
18>> Trend Watch 20>> Red mist
Kathryn Armstrong, editor
THE LUXE TEAM Christopher March publisher chris@remembermedia.co.uk
Float-on florals
Anne-Isabelle Daulon has the heady task of bringing epic show Kynren to life in Bishop Auckland this summer. Her luxe things include: “My trusted Moleskine pocket notebook. This jotter helps me record all my thoughts and project notes. “Scarves and pashminas to add colour to my predominantly black,navy and grey wardrobe! And a glass of Burgundy shared with friends and family, a nod to my roots!”
DESIGN Remember Media 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
Remember Media Ltd, e.volve Business Centre, Cygnet Way, Rainton Bridge South, DH4 5QY remembermedia.co.uk All contents copyright ©2016 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, April 2016.
Entrepreneur Nickie Gott OBE runs a successful events business from her North East base. Her luxe things in life include a red wine called Pilastro, an indulgent shopping session in Dubai’s malls and souks and, maybe surprisingly, a bit of peace and quite to indulge in some cake decorating!
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MAY/JUN16
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LUXE LIFE
DR ONKAR DHANOYA Dr Onkar Dhanoya is the principal dentist at the awardwinning Osborne Dental Group and has been a dentist since graduating from Newcastle Dental School at Newcastle University more than 30 years ago. Onkar, who lives in Jesmond, is married to Pritpal and they have three children.
LUXE PEOPLE >> One of the most inspirational people I’ve met is Gordon Smailes – a true friend and a talented dentist, who sadly passed away four years ago. Gordon’s father established Stanley Dental in 1922, and I took over from Gordon in 1986. We kept in touch, and after Gordon’s retirement he was a guiding hand to me and maintained a keen interest in our progress. I have very happy memories of attending his 90th birthday in 2012. Today, our practice in Stanley is still at the heart of the community and continues to go from strength to strength with a very loyal patient base. It’s always wonderful to see generations of the same family coming through the doors. LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > It has to be the Northumberland coast. Cheswick Sands is probably my favourite destination for a weekend visit – it’s a beautiful sandy beach tucked away about eight miles south of Berwick. The dunes and the rocks create a very dramatic landscape, so it’s a beautiful place to go for a long walk to blow away the cobwebs.
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A long holiday > Driving along the Amalfi Coast in Italy is an exhilarating experience. We travelled there last year and had a wonderful time seeing the sights, enjoying the local cuisine and sampling delicious wines. I’d also love to go back to Naples and Gallipoli for a longer visit. As a treat > Skiing in Courmayeur, Italy or Whistler, Canada. My three children have been keen on skiing since they were little, so I still try to take them away every year to spend some quality time with them on the slopes. It can certainly get competitive! LUXE RELAX >> Best food > We often like to go for a curry or a pizza on Friday evening – I particularly love visiting Sachins and Cal’s Own. I’m so pleased that Cal has a new place in Jesmond. Best wine > My daughter lives in Spain and I have really developed a love of Spanish wine. I like full bodied red wines and one of my favourites is Bodegas Mauro. Best restaurant > You just can’t beat the burgers and beer at Dat Bar! Perfect weekend > On Saturday – taking the dog for a nice long walk at the beach, followed by a trip to St James’ Park with my son if Newcastle United are playing at home. On Sunday I like to read the papers over a lazy brunch before cooking a late lunch for my family. I also love heading to Northumberland Tennis Club to beat my son at a game of squash. He can move around the court a lot quicker than me, but I can still make some sly shots! Downtime means > Getting out and about in the fresh air for an energetic bike ride around the local countryside or a game of golf. Best telly > We enjoy a lot of programmes on Netflix like Homeland – it’s brilliantly written and keeps us guessing. Best book > I recently read Henry Marsh’s Do No Harm, which was really thought provoking. Otherwise, I comb through
dental publications to keep abreast of the latest industry developments. Best sounds > I have an eclectic taste in music – but Stevie Wonder’s ‘Songs in the Key of Life’ is probably my all time favourite album. LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > We’ve seen some very memorable shows at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle – including ‘The Father’ last month. We’re very lucky to have such a beautiful theatre on the doorstep and it’s always a brilliant night out. Perfect party > Recently some of our friends celebrated a special birthday, so Anna Hedworth – aka ‘The Grazer’ – cooked a feast for us at her Cook House in Ouseburn. It was a great night in a really original setting. Perfect night out > We like to go out with friends in Newcastle on a Saturday night to enjoy some good food, good wine and good company in one of the city’s excellent restaurants. I also like to visit the Tyneside Cinema when I can – it’s a great way to spend the evening. Best Outfit > I love working in surgery with my team and my patients, so my scrubs are my favourite daily outfit! When I put on my scrubs at the start of the day I look forward to helping our patients work towards maintaining and achieving good dental health. Outside of the practice, if I’m heading to a dental conference, dinner or an industry event I’ll pick out a smart suit to wear, but if I’m not at work I’m most comfortable in jeans, a shirt and a jumper! Dinner Date > Six at The Baltic – the food never disappoints and views are amazing. YOUR LUXE THINGS IN LIFE >> Spending quality time with my family and providing the highest standards of care for our patients in Ponteland, Jesmond and Stanley.
MAY/JUN16
Dress Victoria Victoria Beckham
Bag Kate Spade New York
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LUXE LOVES The right angles Facet pendants in Celtic bronze finish with turquoise silk shades give a room some on-trend edge. Other colours available. From ÂŁ488 www.sarahbowenlighting.co.uk
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Dungarees, £90, French Connection, intu Metrocentre Ditsy Floral shirt, £50, French Connection, intu Metrocentre Liza Saddle bag, £65, French Connection, intu Metrocentre
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SUMMER FLOURISH
SUMMER BREEZING WITH FLORAL PRINTS, FLOATY FABRICS AND DRESSES FOR DREAMY DAYS
HAZY DAYS
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Isabel Marant Etoile Tunic dress, £319.95, Jules B, Yarm
HAZY DAYS
Crea Jersey Strap vest, £35, Jules B Yarm Hunkydory Morrow Bell Sleeve Shirt, £149.95, Jules B Yarm High In Limbo shorts, £245, Jules B Yarm
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HAZY DAYS
Self Portrait Full Teardrop Guipure Maxi Dress, ÂŁ315, Fenwick Newcastle Models own shoes
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THE UK’S PREMIER RETAIL DESTINATION
HAZY DAYS
Gerard Darel top, £85, Fenwick Newcastle Kobi Halperin Felicity Vest waistcoat, £695, Fenwick Newcastle Max Mara Afgano trousers, £239, Fenwick Newcastle
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HAZY DAYS
iane von Furstenburg Nieves Wrap dress, £489, Fenwick Newcastle Models own shoes
Biba Printed top, £69, House of Fraser, intu Metrocentre Biba Kick Flare jeans, £69, House of Fraser, intu Metrocentre Biba Saddle bag, £135, House of Fraser, intu Metrocentre
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HAZY DAYS
Vivienne Westwood dress, ÂŁ429, Tessuti, intu Metrocentre
Photography: Kevin Gibson; www.kgphotography.co.uk
Hair and Makeup: Irene Roozbayani, www.facebook.com/Irenemua, irenemua@hotmail.co.uk
Models: Deeann Shotton and Cindy Nicoll, www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk
Stockists: Fenwick Newcastle, www.fenwick.co.uk/stores/Newcastle intu Metrocentre, www.intumetrocentre.co.uk Jules B Yarm, www.julesb.co.uk
Location: Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens, Belsay, Nr Morpeth, Northumberland, NE20 0DX, www.english-heritage.org.uk Combining Grecian architecture and medieval ruins with chic terraces and lush, exotic gardens, Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens is one of English Heritage’s most celebrated North Eastern sites. Lose yourself in the tropical heritage gardens, which transform with the seasons, roam the Grand Hall or take in the views from the top of the medieval castle. The site is celebrating the Year of the Garden in 2016 with a series of horticultural events and activities for all ages.
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MAY/JUN16
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BIG DAYS DRESSING
TREND WATCH Summer is here and the Fenwick French Salon is filled with stunning occasionwear pieces that will ensure you stand out from the crowd this season!
MSGM >> The bright and colourful SS16 collection by Italian label MSGM is perfect for those who are looking for something sophisticated and playful this season. With a slightly sporty attitude the brand gives a contemporary spin on occasionwear which will make sure you look like you’ve just stepped off the runway. Take a look at their floral-print matelassé jumpsuit (pictured). This piece has cut-out sides and a contrasting cornflower-blue band to define and draw attention to your waist. We have styled the jumpsuit with a bag and coat by McQ Alexander McQueen to complete this contemporary occasionwear look.
>> Dress Paul Smith, Bag Mulberry, Heels Kurt Geiger
Whether you want to make a statement in a bold jumpsuit or go classic in an elegant A-line dress here’s my round-up of the top British and Italian labels to look out for this summer.
on construction, craftsmanship and attention to detail. The label’s collection of jumpsuits, sculpted tops and spaghetti strap dresses all feature small cut-out panels at the waist or back that modernise their traditional styles and shapes. With a largely monochrome palette the brand’s gorgeous burnt-orange A-line dress really stands out; pair with black strappy heels and a raw edge leather clutch to really give your outfit some edge. MAXMARA >> Italian fashion power house MaxMara have ruled over the occasionwear landscape for years. Their spring/summer collection is always packed with statement dresses and tailored separates that are perfect for weddings, summer garden parties and days at the races.
>> Jumpsuit MSGM, Bag and Jacket McQ Alexander McQueen, Heels Steve Madden for Dune
SOLACE LONDON >> New in to the French Salon this season, Solace London are known for their focus
>> Dress MaxMara Studio, Bag Mulberry, Heels Kurt Geiger
Their gorgeous black and white graphic print dress (pictured) has a full skirt that flows beautifully when you wear it. Nipped in at the waist with a skinny leather belt this flattering silhouette will make sure you’re on the best-dressed list this summer. SELF-PORTRAIT >> Self-Portrait are taking the fashion world by storm and this season the label has been spotted on red carpets across the globe; famous fans include Gwyneth Paltrow, Miranda Kerr and Jordan Dunn. Launched by CSM alumnus Han Chong, the London based brand is loved by the style set for its effortless femininity with an edge. I adore their gorgeous strappy Azalea lace dress which comes in mint green, yellow, blush pink and blue. The feminine silhouette coupled with sugary pastel tones make this dress the perfect piece for SS16.
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PAUL SMITH >> Paul Smith’s contemporary dresses in vibrant colours and fun prints will fast become your style staples this season. For SS16 the stunning range features a tulip ‘photographic print’ dress which would be perfect for a wedding, a white polka-dot pencil dress that screams Ascot (pair with a large black sun hat and Tom Ford shades) and a beautiful blue v-neck dress with a full skirt (pictured). The label’s up-to-date prints and choice of modern layered fabrics mean that these exceptionally ladylike dresses will ensure you remain one step ahead of the fashion pack this season. Visit the Fenwick French Salon on the First Floor to explore our SS16 collections in full. Catherine Newton is Head of Womenswear at Fenwick Newcastle.
MAY/JUN16
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SEEING RED
Strawberry seeds forever As summer’s strawberry season looms we get a taste of a fashion brand that hides its own fruity secret
If nothing else, a giant padded silk strawberry will get people talking. It’s a chunky, tactile thing, comforting to cuddle in its own way; making you want to run your fingers over its curves and dimples. It’s actually a very grand berry. This fine fruit is made from unique textured Strawberry Silk, a sumptuous fabric created by the new Newcastle-based luxury accessories company, Always Wear Red. Aside from finding its way to giant fruits, this touch-me, textured silk is made into the ultimate neck tie for someone prepared to pay £140 for the pleasure. Or £200 if you add in the matching pocket hank. For lovers of beautiful things it’s a small price to pay
believes Always Wear Red owner, Michael Owen. “Our Strawberry Silk is uniquely designed and textured 100% pure silk. We only weave 350-end silk, woven just for us 70 miles south of London with every item hand-finished in Newcastle. We know of no more densely woven silk in the world. Our silk has 350 individual silk fibres in every inch giving maximum design definition, depth of colour and stability. “We are targeting people who are buying for weddings or one-off occasions. When the knot is tied it subtly forms the shape of a strawberry”, he adds. Entrepreneur Michael is known in the North East for launching creative businesses such as onebestway and is having a bit of fun with Always Wear Red, which he describes as, “sexy, punky with a bit of an edge”.
He takes it very seriously though and there’s more to it than a padded strawberry. A bright red umbrella in a sea of grey on a drizzly day offered the spark of inspiration for the business. Always Wear Red (AWR) offers a range of luxury accessories, which are all, you guessed it, red. They are made in the ultimate fabrics too – as well as silk, cashmere scarves are made in workshops in Scotland alongside those for Vuitton, Burberry and Hermes. Red is the colour of confidence, empowerment, ‘go-for-it’ attitude – as well as offering a nod to the traditional, insists Michael. “Always Wear Red red salutes British cultural icons, specifically the post box, the telephone box and the Routemaster bus. >>
A bright red umbrella in a sea of grey on a drizzly day offered the spark of inspiration for the business
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SEEING RED
“But it is also the colour with the longest wavelength, unique because the human eye sees red before any other colour. “Red has association with physical attractiveness, performance, positivity, courage, warmth, energy, stimulation, joy, sexuality and passion.” In the same way a slash of red lipstick can help a woman take on the world, so too a flamboyant flourish of a cashmere scarf or a peek of scarlet from a pocket can add some swagger, is the message. Michael’s business co-owners are the actor Ralf Little and creative director Zoe Rocha (pictured right), daughter of fashion designer John Rocha. In Newcastle he works alongside partner Lisa and seamstress Leslee Curle who has worked in design all her life. She hand-finishes and can personalise the AWR products. Ralf Little is spreading the AWR message far and wide; “OK, so I'm not known for my fashion credentials. But I have been known to wear some rather sharp suits”, he says. When we started to explore the idea of a fashion brand that majored on design storytelling, I was hooked. As an actor and writer, story is clearly a big part of who I am. I believe that when people choose what to wear they are telling the story of who they are or who they want to be. So we want people to wear Always Wear Red not just because of how it makes them look - but how it makes them feel, too. So the more authentic our stories are, the better."
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These ‘stories’ in every product include the limited edition 'Oscar & Sebastian' collection which contains Oscar Wilde's actual signature alongside Sebastian Melmoth's monogram. Oscar Wilde was jailed for his sexuality in 1895. When released in 1897, he reinvented as Sebastian Melmoth. “There are two designs in the Always Wear Red Collection
celebrating how much we love Oscar Wilde. We love his confidence, his achievement and his life”, says Michael. Other bold designs include Red Camouflage and AWR’s biggest selling scarf, TYRED. This has an engineered tyre track knitted directly into it. Lisa, expecting the couple’s first child this summer, is pictured (previous page) wearing the AWR V-Scarf. “Basically, one end of this double-thick, knitted, 100% pure cashmere scarf is folded and held with an invisible hand-tailored stitch. This creates a neat ‘pocket’ which, when the other end of the scarf is tucked into it, creates a perfectly symmetrical V-silhouette. “We found women in particularly liked this unique twist in the scarf to hold their mobile telephones, lipsticks etc”, says Michael. The best-selling Chilli Beanie is one to add to the wish-list later in the year. At, £140 it is two-hats-in-one, extra tall, double thick, created in two reds with a solid brass ingot. “It’s worth saying that our cashmere is knitted only after over 90% of the world’s cashmere has been rejected at some point higher up the supply chain. We only work with the 10% of the world’s cashmere that is the very, very best quality”, adds Michael. Thanks to Hoults Yard (www.houltsyard.co.uk) for shoot location. www.alwayswearred.com
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ADVERTORIAL
Getting value for money from your family lawyer Newly published research commissioned by the Legal Services Board into the cost of legal services has demonstrated a significant lack of candour on the part of solicitors’ practices when it comes to the amount they charge for various aspects of their services. The most commonly used legal services consumers use, such as conveyancing, divorce, wills, power of attorney, and estate administration, were cited as services that varied significantly in their pricing. A massive 76% of legal practices are said by the report to offer no specific information on their price structure, and equally, those firms who do publish their costs and/or offer fixed fee services were generally found to be cheaper than those who do not. It’s also likely to come as little surprise that legal practices based in the South East charge significantly higher prices compared to those located elsewhere in England and Wales. The Legal Services Board chief executive, Neil Buckley, observed that the results of the research clearly demonstrated the advantages to consumers of shopping around for the best price before instructing a specific legal advisor. He went further by pointing out that not all legal services require a face-to-face service and in those instances, there can be a definite advantage to instructing a solicitor from a different area or region. He averred that the legal services market is an evolving one in which there is a huge potential for firms to deliver a better service to consumers at an affordable price. Meanwhile, a report by Citizens Advice on the experience of litigants in person in the family courts has highlighted the problems people have understanding and trusting lawyers.
It said: “Unclear information about the services lawyers can provide makes it difficult for people to judge the quality of a professional or compare services. Without clear information, unrealistic expectations about what lawyers do causes people to feel frustrated with the service they ultimately receive. “They spend large sums of money on services they neither understand or trust. Distrust of lawyers is exacerbated by stories in the media about ‘fat-cat’ lawyers who overcharge and underdeliver. It is these frustrations with lawyers’ methods that can cause people to take matters into their own hands.” At the same time, the report found that many people subsequently realise the value of having a lawyer. With the research showing frequent variation in the price that consumers pay for the same service, a lack of price transparency, and very few legal practices opting to publish any prices on their website, it seems researching is more important than ever and looking beyond your own locality can be key to obtaining the best value for money. Fortunately, at Major Family Law, we have always striven to develop a reputation which extends beyond our geographical location. We actively promote our services using popular social media platforms to engage with people outside of our own region and along with openly offering fixed fee services for a number of family issues and flexible payment options, we have recognised the advantages in being able to offer a combination of affordable services delivered in a way clients want at their convenience together with actual face to face support when required. We both offer remote advice and representation where appropriate by using digital communication methods, including video conferencing services such as Skype
and FaceTime, whilst also offering actual physical support by having consultants based in the South East. Recognised for its innovative approach to the delivery of legal services, Major Family Law continues to strive to offer the very best of family law advice in a way in which clients want it to be delivered at an affordable price.
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
Celebrating 15 years of fine hand crafted, precious jewellery.
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Marianne Saunders and Robert Pughe create beautiful ranges in silver, gold and platinum. Specialising in fine diamonds and rare coloured gem stones, gorgeous pearls and Danish watches. Showcasing an extensive range of European designers
32 Hill Street, Corbridge, Northumberland, NE45 5AA | 01434 633302 | Saundersandpughe.com
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MAGIC RAYS
Feel the heat I’m sure the sun has magical powers over us mere mortals. I for one certainly start the day with a spring in my step, feeling like I’m ready to take on the world when I wake up to blue skies and the sun breaking through my bedroom window. Bliss. Sounds like a Disney movie! As well as the feel-good factor, the sun actually does have so many hidden qualities that really do benefit us. It builds strong bones, strengthens your teeth and most importantly promotes healthy hair! All thanks to Vitamin D, known for reducing
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stress and keeping you feeling good. This in turn helps keep your hair and nails strong. That’s the reason why many people return back from summer vacations or simply a few lovely weeks pottering in the sunshine and feel a noticeable change in hair density or quality and joke about it having something to do with sun. Well it’s actually no joke as you find vitamin D in the follicles of healthy hair which is increased when exposed to the right amount of sunshine. As professionals we always warn against the risk of damage to both skin and hair whilst in the sun, so this is more about the way the sun makes you feel rather
than baking your hair in the direct sunshine. Sun protection products for the hair are always advisable to protect against harmful rays which can cause a lack of moisture and your colour to fade. With summer around the corner it’s a bit of a heads up to get you armed and ready to look and feel fabulous. So let’s hope this summer is a good one and we all get the right amount of Vitamin D - and cocktails of course! Michael x Michael Young and Gary Hooker run Hooker & Young, with five salons regionwide. www.hookerandyoung.co.uk
MAY/JUN16
AWARD WINNING HAIRDRESSING
Just Be You Darlington 01325 468 994
Gosforth 0191 217 0217
Jesmond 0191 281 6714
Ponteland 01661 821 004
Wynyard 01740 644 690
www.hookerandyoung.co.uk Facebook/hooker&young Twitter @hookerandyoung
COVER-UP
Beach beckons? Cocktail cover-ups for sandy days and sunset moments
Newcastle-based fashion designer and stylist, Nisha Vedhara, has showcased her range of bespoke kaftans at Ramside Spa. The Niche by Nisha Vedhara Resort range is centred around elegant, hand-embellished kaftans and dresses that can take you from beach to bar. The collection is designed exclusively at Nisha’s renowned Love Niche studio in Newcastle and each kaftan is made from the finest fabrics to keep you feeling cool and comfortable during the summer months. The versatile pieces can be worn as either tops or elegant cover-ups and are available in a range of flattering, fashion-forward colours. Either purchase from Nisha’s renowned Love Niche studio in Newcastle, or let Nisha and her dedicated team of personal stylists tailor-make your perfect kaftan to fit your silhouette and personal taste. Love Niche, 21 Clayton Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5PN. www.love-niche.com, (0191) 261 1515
CREDITS >> Model > Raminta Polvilityte Styling > Nisha Vedhara Clothing > Love Niche Studio Collection > Niche by Nisha Vedhara Photographer > Hannah Todd Hair > Zoe Heseltine Makeup > Belinda Maines
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SKIN
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beauty:update Early summer beauty is all about soft, supple skin and scents that smell like paradise… >> SLICK here at Luxe Y T U s BEA tic oil
g oma ve ar utifyin We lo eda’s Bea ne of our v o A - and ition Oil is The to os now. used Comp right n be s a e c it alp (a r ir c u x s o li v d e a n f e a y urpos , hair ream multip n the skin ath is a d a p s b io d it e o h cond ny go o in t a w t e k r o s li y and drop smell emar in. ) and e ros k li sage s thing it a -ab or m ld n u o o p h s Sla w mot. ow. d’s ne berga ble n h Mura a it il h a w it v a w d e , t t > 3 s > 2 la o u £ o f tion b . Form ing o K UP DRIN skin a hydra hing Essence n and a helpanyone r c you uen rmelo inner for Give mic Q act, wate sty lw e thir -Dyna xtr a rea e f ’s a it elp th morning Hydro le , h e id d c v n a a ag lic nes a ’s Apply blue glyco fine li ible. lexion loving p out er as poss our comp m porelu y t g to p ch wa the day if ow. lookin in as mu out er n t h a n t g u e u r o o c skin or thr 9.50, on ight, 5 ed. £ and n h c r a gp AY >> feelin THE W der of a T H LIG o-goo is is a d th Aveda rand and it our b o ty b u d a s e u b s ’s lp it g he se of sprin urcha ht the the p ig h it n w io L . d edit limite rity candle ly cha nd li a r Way e g te ic gin s crea Organ anic farm y e g r n o o m from with used cent, being the s it m o fr raised ort Global ntal pp onme u s o envir t s t a n d a ve gr Green £16 from A y. charit ers. count
MAY/JUN16
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We buy, sell and restore luxury handbags. www.handbagclinic.co.uk 44 Mosley Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 1DF Tel: 0191 2612933
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FACE FACTS
MOUTH MATTERS WITH DR ONKAR DHANOYA
Feeling rosy? Facial redness is a burning issue among many, but Saks Beauty appears to have found the answer. Debi Coldwell enjoys a soothing visit to help fight the flush…
Dr Onkar Dhanoya is clinical lead at the award-winning Osborne Dental Group and is principal dentist at dental health and wellbeing practice Ponteland Dental - a beautifully restored 19th century building at Bell Villas in the heart of Ponteland, providing private treatments, cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics. Dr Dhanoya has more than 30 years of dentistry experience, sits on the board of the Faculty of General Dental Practice and holds a fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons (London).
SPOTLIGHT ON INVISALIGN At Ponteland Dental, we know that healthy, straight, white teeth can transform a patient’s smile and provide a huge boost to their confidence. Properly positioned teeth not only look good, but also make for healthier teeth and gums. Straightened teeth are easier to clean, which in turn reduces the chances of plaque retention, tooth decay and gum disease. Many people believe that the only way they can achieve straight teeth is by wearing fixed, visible metal braces, but this is not necessarily the case. We offer a popular alternative called Invisalign – a removable, clear, comfortable treatment. Invisalign straightens the teeth using a number of almost invisible, custom-made, removable aligners, with no braces or wires, offering you the flexibility to eat and drink what you like during treatment, and to brush and floss normally. If we determine that you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign, we’ll take the following steps: • take an impression of your teeth • create a tailored treatment plan • show you, using 3D technology, how your teeth will gradually move into their final position • provide you with custom-made, easily removable aligners • ask you to wear each set of aligners for two weeks at a time Aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day throughout your treatment. Each set of aligners will then very gradually move your teeth towards their final position. The treatment time depends on the complexity of each individual case, but can typically last between 9-18 months. When your Invisalign treatment is finished, we also offer complimentary teeth whitening - the finishing touch to your smile transformation. If you’d like to find out more about Invisalign, please visit us for a free, no obligation smile consultation, where we’ll explain the treatment process and answer any questions you may have. To book an appointment, please call us on 01661 821 412 or email info@pontelanddental.com. We offer Saturday and weekday evening appointments for those who would prefer to visit outside of usual working hours, and extensive on-site parking, as well as a comfortable waiting area and complimentary refreshments. We also provide a range of special membership plans including discounted treatments, worldwide dental insurance and emergency appointments. If you’d like further information about our membership plans, just ask our reception team.
Ponteland Dental, 31 Bell Villas, Ponteland, NE20 9BD. Find Ponteland Dental on Facebook Visit www.pontelanddental.com
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Rosacea - it’s not exactly the type of rosy glow we all aim for, is it? Even in today’s beauty world - a clever world in which we can fade pigmentation with a few slicks of serum and plump up fine lines with a single sheet mask - rosacea remains the poorly-understood, hard-to-treat skin condition that it’s always been. Symptoms and their severity vary from person to person - some experience angry flare-ups from time to time, while others battle with chronic redness, dilated blood vessels and even swelling on a daily basis - but one thing’s for sure: no matter how badly you suffer with it, the condition can leave you feeling physically uncomfortable and, at times, incredibly self-conscious. I’ve suffered with it for about five years - and it seems to have cranked up a notch since I hit 40. Though I still consider myself one of the lucky ones, as mine extends to the cheeks and nose only, in the form of mild redness and a few broken capillaries here and there. I tackle with the occasional flare-up too, but most are brought on due to hot weather and fluctuating hormones. At present, there is no magic cure, but there are a handful of non-abrasive facial treatments on offer to help beat the beetroot - two of which you can try for yourselves at Saks Beauty on Gosforth high street. The first is a quick and effective procedure to remove stubborn thread veins and reduce redness. Using special ThermaVein technology, it involves using a tiny probe to permanently close and seal pesky veins in a matter of minutes. It’s a walk-in-walk-out procedure, taking around 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and I’m told that the majority of clients experience no pain whatsoever. There are no known side effects and you won’t need any downtime either, meaning you can get on with your day as normal post-treatment. After a gentle cleanse (which leaves my skin feeling soft and comfortable - quite unusual for people with sensitive, rosacea-prone skin) and an in-depth consultation, my therapist, Nicola Mark, begins by applying a probe to my skin, which is hooked up to a small, portable ThermaVein machine. I’m not a fan of needles (who is?), so I’m relieved to see that the probe is tiny - about the size of a human hair. Beginning at my cheeks and then over the nose, it’s rested above and along the length of each broken vein, delivering a quick pulse of energy in its tracks. The idea is that each vein is quickly and effectively ‘sealed’ back together until it is permanently closed. I’ll be honest and say that, despite Nicola’s sunny reassurance, I do feel some discomfort during the process. Pain isn’t the right word - I feel no burning
or scratching - but the probe does deliver a bit of a sting. Were you ever stung by nettles as a kid? It feels a bit like that - though it lasts mere seconds. If you’re thick-skinned, you probably won’t feel a thing. The treatment is over before I know it and the results are immediate. I peer into a mirror to inspect Nicola’s handy work, I see that many of my veins have disappeared completely - as if vanished into thin air. As expected, I’m a lovely shade of pink and I do spot a few raised bumps where the probe has worked its magic, but that aside my complexion appears clearer than ever before. Quite astonishing, I’d say, after just 20 minutes. The second treatment I try is from Dermalux, which promises to deliver a hefty slice of relaxation, along with visible results, thanks to clever light therapy. You kick back underneath a heated LED lamp - a bit like a mask - while advanced LEDs get to work on exposing your skin to specific wavelengths of light o encourage different responses within the skin. Some may help to clear up spot-prone skin, with others rejuvenate fine lines and wrinkles and help calm flushed complexions. I was lucky enough to have two separate procedures; one to ‘energise’ and stimulate collagen production and another to ‘recover’, helping to soothe and reduce redness and inflammation. Each lasts around 20 minutes. Both are a total pleasure and nowhere near as invasive as I imagined. I expected to feel somewhat claustrophobic, but that wasn’t the case. In fact, the whole process is incredibly relaxing. A small, comfortable eye mask protects me from the rays and I feel nothing but gentle warmth against my skin, which almost sends me to sleep. I emerge from the treatment room with what feels like brand new skin. It appears calmer and perkier; I notice the skin on my cheeks and forehead looks plumper and any redness I was battling with pre-treatment has noticeably subsided. ThermaVein treatment, from £50. Dermalux Energise and Recover treatments, £40 per session or £120 for four. Saks Hair & Beauty, 109-111 High Street, Newcastle, NE3 1HA. For more information, call (0191) 340 0420.
MAY/JUN16
LUXE LIFE
MEHDI AMIRI Originally born in Oxfordshire, Mehdi spent his youth moving to Iran and then to Toronto in Canada. He has cooked in luxury resorts around Europe and Australia before returning to the UK to work in Michelinstarred kitchens in London and Oxfordshire. He spent time in Abu Dhabi as executive development chef for Etihad Airways where he travelled extensively to fantastic foodie destinations such as Tokyo, New York and Shanghai. Mehdi worked at Dormy House Hotel and Spa before taking up his role at Wynyard Hall Hotel
LUXE PEOPLE >> Artist Salvador Dali and chef Michael Wignal, both very inspirational people to me in terms of artistic style. LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Maybe not a weekend (due to work demands) but two consecutive days off! I enjoy Barcelona to visit La Boqueria food market, it’s really accessible for
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a long weekend of Coronas and salt cod! a long holiday > Whistler in Canada; great terrain for snow boarding and fantastic restaurants - I would definitely recommend Araxi restaurant. a treat > finding time to go swimming with my niece and nephew.
Best telly > I don’t get time to watch too much television but I’m currently watching True Detectives and it’s got me hooked. Best book > Harold McGee On Food, an encyclopedia of food and cooking. Best sounds > Silence after a hectic day.
LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Sushi at Kazu Restaurant, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Lovely food in beautiful surroundings. Best wine > Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc Favourite restaurant > Chez Domonique, Helsinki, Finland Perfect weekend > obviously working in the hospitality industry weekends off are few and far between. My general weekend would consist of the smooth and efficient orchestration of our hotel at Wynyard Hall. We have a brasserie, fine dining restaurant, marquee, ballroom, walled gardens and café. At full capacity this can keep me quite occupied for a weekend and to tell you the truth… I love it! Downtime means > Getting the chance to pursue new ways of developing the hotel restaurant offering. I also enjoy a little meditation.
LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > Seoul in South Korea Favourite shop > Hobbycraft for a little creative inspiration Luxe retail treat > Japanese knives and chocolate moulds Best buy > Relish North East Cook Book. We’re in it. LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > Wynyard Hall Hotel annual staff party. Perfect party > NOT the Wynyard Hall annual staff party Best dress > anything that gets me out of chef whites for a day! Dinner date > My brother’s terrible cooking. YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> My sharpie pens….maybe it’s just a chef thing.
MAY/JUN16
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GOLD STANDARD
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MAY/JUN16
GOLD STANDARD in association with
Round and round he goes Singer Tony Hadley heads North for an exclusive concert at Rockliffe Hall in May. Kathryn Armstrong talks to Spandau Ballet’s king of the sharp suit about his musical time-capsule It’s the morning after the night before but Tony Hadley is nursing a feeling of happy not head-achey. He spent the previous night at the starry premiere of the movie Eddie the Eagle alongside messrs Hugh Jackman and Taron Egerton in London’s Leicester Square. The movie has sparked a reunion of nostalgia for this once-frilled New Romantic thanks to a soundtrack that is all about the eighties. The album Fly is made up of songs inspired by the film Eddie the Eagle and basically it’s a line-up of the record collection of a good bunch of Luxe readers. On there you’ll find the likes of not only Tony Hadley but those chums from bands who are still up and at it; such as Howard Jones, ABC, Paul Young, Go West, Midge Ure and Kim Wilde. It marries new songs with voices that make up a snapshot of teenage life featuring abundant white shirts, bandanas and angsty memories for today’s forty-and-fiftysomethings. The collection of songs also marked the gathering of the abovementioned artists for a concert organised by Gary Barlow a week prior to the film premier and album release. So, it would appear, Mr Hadley is still living the dream, albeit in a sharper suit these days. He’s sitting in his orangery at home when we talk. The chat is to do with an up and coming exclusive gig that he is playing at Rockliffe Hall on 14 May. Tony is no stranger to a North East audience. Most recently seen with his Spandau Ballet mates at a gig at Newcastle Racecourse last year, he has also appeared solo at a number of corporate and charity events in the region. He loves nothing more than performance and feels, “26 not 56” these days. Creating the new Fly album was a bit like gathering together an eighties supergroup. “We had such a laugh and a giggle doing that concert. People think you slow down as you get older but I feel 26 not 56. I still ski, I play football and I can do new things with my voice now! “I’ve got five beautiful children, two of them are young and they keep you on your feet. “And I love hanging out with other musicians. Some of those guys have amazing voices and you can’t mistake them – people like Pete Cox from Go West. We got together a cracking band and it has been brilliant.“ The Fly album and Eddie the Eagle movie have given him a showcase to a new and younger audience – as did his appearance on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2015. “It was great to be known by young kids! [At the premiere] They were saying, that’s the guy who sings Gold! It was a fantastic party and it’s a cracking film. “I’ve never been one for premieres and parties, I don’t choose to do that a lot. I live in the countryside, about an hour from London – I’m not that mad keen on the partying – I am more interested in the music but it was great to see the film and have that connection with it.” Love of music and Spandau Ballet’s musical ‘time-capsule’ keeps Tony on the road for gigs like the one at Rockliffe Hall. He has his own full band with him and reeling out the hits is guaranteed. “I’m not stupid, I’d be committing harakiri if it wasn’t”, he laughs. “It’d be like Frank Sinatra not doing My Way if I didn’t do Barricade
– these songs are a slice of peoples’ lives. “Songs like True, Lifeline, Gold are a time-capsule. “But I will have some songs from a new album and songs that I just love to sing and 35 years on I am lucky that I am still doing that, I like the fun of it. “I see bands and try to keep up with music. I thought James Bay was great on the Brits. I listen to Radio 1 – and my daughter’s NOW albums! We nick each others’ albums and try to identify the production!
People think you slow down as you get older but I feel 26 not 56. I still ski, I play football and I can do new things with my voice now! “I still spend a lot of time writing – I am with Ricky Wilde (Kim’s brother), doing some writing.” Summer’s festival season keeps Tony busy. He loves the “loud and brash fun” of the outdoor festival but doesn’t hang around in a tent afterwards, as you might expect. He’s too tailored for that. These days he is the poster boy for a sharp suit and looking what you might call ‘well turned out’. In his young Spandau days clothes and image were everything. Who can ever forget those flouncy shirts, baggy pants and bandanas? Image is important still he admits. “I think the True days was my favourite look”, (we’re talking floppy cream suits with big-shoulder jackets and baggy trousers). “As a solo artist these days it’s more about looking smart, I’m a jeans and jacket or a suit man. I’ll get suits made in Hong Kong or go to Savoy Tailors or Cerruti.”
The show Tony will perform at Rockliffe Hall’s first ever grand marquee event on Saturday 14 May 2016. Tony’s performance will include hits of Spandau Ballet as well as songs from his solo career accompanied by his band. The black tie evening will be hosted by Smooth Radio and a donation from each ticket will go towards supporting the Alan Shearer Foundation and St Cuthbert’s House. Tickets are available from £135 per person including champagne reception, three-course banquet, charity donation and all entertainment. To find out more or to book, call 01325 729999 or email VIP.event@rockliffehall.com www.rockliffehall.com
An evening with TONY HADLEY MAY/JUN16
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LUXE LOVES
LUXE LOVES Stylish sit-downs We love the inventiveness of those people at RE in Corbridge who are giving old office stools and factory chairs a sassy new lease of life with florals, linens and needlepoint upholstery. They’re all unique and individually priced. www.re-foundobjects.com
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MAY/JUN16
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Stay in >> go out >> enjoy So much going on as we spring into summer. Elysia Agnew gets to grips with the cultural to-do list...
13 MAY
FROM 6 MAY
Exploring personal and collective memory loss and the importance of longing and belonging, Jumana Emil Abboud exhibits her drawings, videography and performance. The artist’s portrayal will comprise a selection of works including her film I Feel Nothing, 2013 – a video-poem inspired by a Palestinian folktale. She reflects on the cultural landscape of her homeland, Palestine. A truly unique and insightful study of fairytales, folklore and territories of the body. www.balticmill.com
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MAY
Go back to school and see what life is like at Red House School. An open morning at the school offers an opportunity to experience life at Red House and to see what the school can offer your child. Red House is ranked No.1 independent school in the area in the Department for Education Performance Tables. The spirit of Red House School provides a nurturing environment which captures and develops the curiosity and love of learning of each child and offers a truly bespoke education. Fees remain lower than any other independent school in the area. Small class sizes ensure teachers are able to develop confidence and individuality, not only for academic excellence, but as preparation to exceed throughout life. The open morning is from 10am – 1pm. For further information or to arrange an individual school visit, contact Claire Bellerby, Head of Admissions Tel: 01642 558119 E-mail: Claire.bellerby@redhouseschool.co.uk www.redhouseschool.co.uk
Over 60 venues across Newcastle and Gateshead will be participating in the North East’s annual free culture crawl. The Late Shows kicks off this May – a citywide party celebrating ten years of the festival. It’s the largest and longest running regional Museums at Night event in the UK and has become a highlight on the North East’s cultural calendar. Galleries, museums, studios, workshops and historical buildings across the city will open their doors after dark, offering workshops, installations, behind-thescenes tours and exclusive performances. There will be sightseeing buses available too, encouraging festivalgoers to ‘culture crawl’ their way around town. www.thelateshows.org.uk
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MAY
Music, Magic & Marvellous Creatures brings music, food and fun to Beamish – after hours. The Living Museum of the North will re-open its doors after dark to welcome guests with a packed-out entertainment schedule. For the first time ever, Museums at Night will take place in the Pockerley Old Hall, with the chance to drive an engine on Pockerley Wagonway. You’ll also get the chance to see a spectacular eagle and vulture flying display as well as enjoy a short walk through the grounds on a packhorse. For those who wish to unwind a little, the Georgian Gin Bar will be open for a gin… or two. www.beamish.org.uk
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A riotous, raucous and hilariously funny comedy comes to the Northern Stage this May. Michael Frayn’s multi-award winning production, Noises Off takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of a shambolic production where everything that could possible go wrong… does. With only 24 hours until curtain-call, the touring troupe are destined for disaster as forgotten lines, backstage romances and hilarious malfunctions get the better of them. Winning both the Olivier and Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy in 1982, this is a must-see production that promises to have you falling into fits of laughter. www.northernstage.co.uk
MAY
We’re all mad for a summer afternoon tea party. This May, Rockliffe will play host to an Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea Party. In a celebration of Lewis Carroll, this family day will come complete with a delicious lunch, garden games and the chance to mingle with some of the book’s characters. www.rockliffehall.com
13 & 14 MAY
11-28 MAY
Image by Robert Day
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Since releasing his debut album Keepsakes, Sam Carter has become one of the most talked about singersongwriters in the UK. He has toured with Bellowhead, performed in the Middle East and has performed on major festival stages in recent years. The musician, who also plays the guitar, will take to the stage of the Gala, Durham this May. A must-see newcomer. www.galadurham.co.uk
UNTIL 15 MAY
FROM 14 MAY Newcastle’s Laing Art Gallery is giving visitors the chance to dive into the weird and wonderful world of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, Alice in Wonderland. This exhibition will take you on a journey through the many generations of illustrations, musicians, artists, designers and filmmakers who have been inspired by the story of ‘the girl who went down the rabbit hole’ over 150 years ago. Works by Mervyn Peake, Ralph Steadman, Peter Blake, Arthur Rackham, Leonard Weisgard, Salvador Dali and the author himself, piece together a magnificent celebration of Alice in Wonderland. An incredible exhibition that really is out of this world. www.laingartgallery.org.uk
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Colour, Surface, Description brings a wide range of artists to showcase a collection of paintings, ceramics and glasswork at the Kunsthuis Gallery in North Yorkshire. Experimenting with bright colours, interesting textures and shapes, this exhibition brings forth beautifully crafted creations. The gallery welcomes Dutch artist Corina Smits;, whose paintings explore nature and the landscape; Clare Maria Wood, who works with acrylic paints and printmaking;Catherine Keenan;, who exhibits her futuristic glasswork; Gavin Burnett, who creates ceramic tableware and Richard Wilson, whose ceramics play with colour and abstract patterns. www.kunsthuisgallery.com
MAY
The world-renowned Black Dyke Brass Band returns to Yarm for a concert at Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm School. As well as the traditional brass band favourites, the programme also features music from Pirates of the Caribbean and a swing section. With 160 years of rich musical history, Black Dyke Band is the most recorded band in the world with over 350 recordings and growing every year. It is also the most successful contesting band in the world having won the European Championships thirteen times, most recently in 2015, the British Open no fewer than 30 times (most recently 2014) and the National Championships of Great Britain 23 times (most recently 2014). No other ensemble in the world of music can boast such a record of innovation and success. Tickets, £15 for adults, £10 for children are available from www.thepaaonline.org.
17-21 MAY An enchanting modern classic returns to the stage this summer and theatregoers of the North East can catch it at the Theatre Royal this May. The Olivier award-winning production of Goodnight Mister Tom follows the story of an evacuated child during the Second World War. William Beech forges a remarkable and heart -warming friendship with his new elderly guardian, Tom Oakley. The celebrated literary favourite and BAFTA award-winning film is a truly enchanting tale that continues to inspire audiences. Bringing generations together in a heart-felt portrayal of love, loss and loyalty, this stage production is a must-see this summer. www.theatreroyal.co.uk
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MAY
The North East’s favourite funnyman, Patrick Monahan returns to the region with his brand new stand-up comedy show. This laugh out loud performance is inspired by his memories of being an immigrant to the UK. Thoughtful, smart and brilliantly silly, The Disco Years is one of his best yet. www.galadurham.co.uk
MAY/JUN16
redhouseschool.co.uk
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D S HEL TO U R G H O U T U T H RO Y E A R THE
Tours are available throughout the year. Contact Claire Bellerby, Head of Admissions for further information. T: 01642 558119 E: claire.bellerby@redhouseschool.co.uk
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INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 3-16 The Old Vicarage & 36 The Green | Norton | Stockton-on-Tees | TS20 1DX T: 01642 558119 | E: claire.bellerby@redhouseschool.co.uk
MAY/JUN16
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21-22 MAY The Magic Weekend 2016 will return to St James’ Park, a must for sports fans. This sensational sporting event will feature all 12 First Utility Super League teams with three games filling up each day of the two-day event. But the fun doesn’t stop there; there will be a schedule packed full of activities for all the family including live music, stalls and a fanzone. The tournament will kick off with a clash between the Salford Red Devils and the Widnes Vikings, and the final showdown will see Hull FC take on Hull KR. Whether you’re a fan, or simply want to be part of this magic weekend, head down to St James’ Park this May for a rugby spectacular with something to entertain the entire family. www.rugby-league.com/tickets/magic_ weekend
IN OR OUT? DOES IT ALL ADD UP? The election that will take place on 23 June has been pencilled in as a major risk event in the 2016 UK investment calendar for some time now. The sheer scale of the British economy in the context of the EU has lent rope to both sides of the debate for intense hearsay and scaremongering, ensuring that battles will likely be fought on emotional rather than factual grounds. Having been embarrassed at the UK election last year and to a lesser extent in the Scottish referendum the year before, we imagine the pollsters will be looking to improve this time around. Again the polls are finely balanced but show an undecided camp anywhere between 10 and 20%, enough to make them wildly inaccurate at predicting the final result. We still prefer to focus on what the bookmaking markets are telling us; that a vote in is the likelihood, priced with an implied probability of around 65%. Although many in the investment world are likely thinking along similar lines there remains an air of caution in markets. The volatility of January and February shook out some underlying commentary that European trading desks are unwilling to build up any additional risk weighting towards UK focused and sterling denominated assets. This is particularly true in fixed income markets, where bid/ask spreads are wide and liquidity low and has led sterling investment grade credit spreads to their widest levels since late 2012. Faced with reassuring odds it would suggest that many do not want or need to take on this type of risk, or that the picture is even hazier for those looking in from the outside. A depreciation of sterling on a trade weighted basis by around 8% since late 2015 would suggest the same, but is perhaps primarily related to interest rate expectations. The Bank of England is watching the debate very closely and frets over any sign of uncertainty that could significantly lower credit extension and reverberate throughout the economy. Expectation is that the period of low interest rates remains for the rest of 2016; longer still should the economy not ride the storm of uncertainty either in the build-up or following the result. Sentiment will ultimately decide both the result of the vote and the consequences it has for the economy and financial markets. When the German ZEW institute surveyed financial experts in March1 only 19.2% suggested that conditions in the UK economy would worsen in the next six months, down from the 20.3% in February. Closer to home the consumer is more worried about the economic outlook, however is not expecting a significant deterioration from conditions experienced over the past year. This leaves us thinking that the UK economy can largely muddle through a mild period of uncertainty in the coming months. If the general public continues to be faced with a lack of accurate and relevant debate it will opt to preserve the status quo. Indeed a status quo vote would be apparent even if a particularly enticing case for leaving were to be put forward and would sit alongside a handful of emotional biases that favour the in campaign. Having said that, there remains the risk that some event might come out of leftfield and swing emotions towards a ‘Brexit’, but at worst we see this bringing it closer to the wire and leaving the Government with internal pro-Europe vs Eurosceptic fighting. 1
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MAY
The UK Graphic Novel Expo, Wonderlands will return to Sunderland for a second year this May. The creative exhibition will see the University’s City Space transform into a striking display of some of the most successful graphic novelists from around the world. With its name inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic novel, ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, the exhibition is being curated by Bryan Talbot, a graphic novelist of over 30 years. His most famous works include Batman, Sandman, The Tale of One Bad Rat, Heart of Empire and Alice in Sunderland. There will be a full schedule of presentations, talks and discussions that will explore the industry and its fascinating history. www.wonderlands.org.uk
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27&28 MAY This May Dance City present ‘Bird With Boy’, a Junk Ensemble production. A stunning theatrical dance show featuring boys, birds and snow. The production explores the idea that some things end before they should, highlighting intimate and haunting experiences through the medium of music and dance. Performed by just three dancers, you will feel part of this promenade production as you’re moved across the building. A truly exhilarating experience. www.dancecity.co.uk
A date for food and culture-lovers alike as Middlesbrough welcomes a new artisan food market to the heart of the town. Orange Pip Market will launch at midday on Baker Street and party on until 7pm. Inspired by notable markets such as Maltby Street, Broadway and Borough Market in London and Brooklyn Flea in New York City, Orange Pip will blend entertainment with great food. The launch will feature alfresco cocktails, wood-fired pizzas, live music, and Victorian photo booth. Orange Pip Market hits Baker Street on the last Saturday of every month.
UNTIL 31 MAY Be sure to catch the end of the dazzling Spring Exhibition at The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle. Highlights include, LOOP, an electrifying jewellery showcase. The display showcases the work of 16 jewellers and their intricate designs. Studying the diversity of a simple circle, the collection offers a stunning range of minimal and some more elaborate statement pieces. An incredible jewellery exhibition for lovers of rings. If something catches your eye, you might get the chance to take it home, as all pieces will be for sale throughout the exhibition. www.thebiscuitfactory.com
ZEW Financial Market Survey & ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment; March 2016.
27-29 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
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Everything Everything, Lianne La Havas, Sir Ben Kingsley, Michael Fassbender’s DMC Film, Dave Beer and Craig Charles are just a selection of the acts heading up Scarborough Fair this May. Overlooking Cayton Bay, Scarborough Fair will kick off with the Mercury Award nominated band Everything Everything and the Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Lianne La Havas. The Yorkshire based festival is set on the backdrop of Scarborough’s stunning coastline, and will celebrate an electric mix of pop, jazz, funk, folk and dance music. www.scarboroughfairfestival.com
10 JUNE The twin bothers who carved together the perfect combination of pop, folk, new wave and funk come to Whitley Bay this summer. The Proclaimers, Craig and Charlie Reid have celebrated Gold and Platinum singles and albums across the globe. You’ll be singing away to hits including, Sunshine on Leith, (I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles, I’m on My Way, Let’s Get Married and Letter From America. www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk
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FROM 11 JUNE Put your finest foot forward this summer as a major fashion exhibition comes to the North East. Straight from the capital’s Victoria & Albert Museum, Shoes: Pleasure and Pain is exhibited at The Bowes Museum. This June, visitors will see more than 200 pairs of historic and contemporary shoes, created by big name brands including Jimmy Choo, Christian Dior, Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin. This is a truly unique showing, The Bowes Museum being the only UK venue outside of London to host this display. A stunning exhibition showcasing the agony and ecstasy of footwear through the ages. Not only will the show explore extreme footwear, unique visuals, and interesting designs, it will also share fascinating stories, featuring the very shoes worn by icons such as Sarah Jessica Parker, David Beckham, Queen Victoria and Kylie Minogue. Step into a shoe haven this June at The Bowes Museum. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
12 JUNE Hitting the road on his last ever world tour, Barry Manilow stops off at the Metro Radio Arena to share with you his hit music and chart topping songs. Launching his multi-city ONE LAST TIME! Tour in North America earlier this year, the award-winning artist will take the North East by storm in a concert that he says is: “my way of thanking everyone for their years of support… one last time!” He skyrocketed to stardom when ‘Mandy’ topped the charts in 1975, and in the spirit of that exceptional year of his life, tickets will be priced at £19.75. A final celebration with one of the greatest – not to be missed! www.metroradioarena.co.uk
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JUNE
Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides will come to life in celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday. From 11am see military parades, performances and a mini-flotilla on the Tyne. Visitors will be invited to join in a rendition of happy birthday followed by the traditional three cheers, which will resound alongside a three round gun salute from HMS Calliope. Members of the armed forces, voluntary organisations and youth groups will be taking part in both events. A gala concert also takes place the previous evening at Newcastle City Hall. www.newcastlecityhall.org
DEVELOPING FUTURE WINNERS THE DAY
WHEN
WHERE
An inspirational day has been organised by Anna Coulson (headteacher at St Bede’s) and James Munro (Managing Director of Country Valley Foods) with a view to uniting businesses and education providers in developing the life skills of children to ensure their preparation for employment in the wider worlds.
05th July, 2016 09:00am - 3:00pm Wynyard Hall, Grand Marquee Wynyard, Billingham, Cleveland TS22 5NF
FEATURING
TICKETS
Alastair Campbell Sir Anthony McCoy OBE Mike McGrother
£65 incl. VAT
A booking form can be obtained by email from rpass@stbedes.rac.sch.uk
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DO THIS
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JUNE
What better way to celebrate the 90th Birthday of our Royal Highness than a spot of afternoon tea in the company of Wynyard Hall? The Stage Rooms will play host to this special occasion, serving up traditional afternoon tea and a gentleman’s afternoon tea in celebration of HM The Queen. www.wynyardhall.co.uk
19 JUNE A Legend Reborn is a stunning production celebrating the wonderful works of Buddy Holly. The UK’s number one Buddy, Marc Robinson embarks upon a sensational performance of authentic rock’n’roll. The Sage, Gateshead will see classic hits such as: ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, ‘Halfway to Paradise’, ‘Oh Boy’, ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘Peggy Sue’. The all-star cast includes Marc Robinson, Steve Halliday and Gavin Stanley. www.sagegateshead.com
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Cyndi Lauper returns to the UK this June with her Detour Tour. Hitting the stage at Newcastle City Hall, the quintessential girl who just wants to have fun is back after a five-year break. Over 30 years since her smash hit debut album ‘She’s So Unusual’ hit the shelves, the girl next door is still performing for her faithful following. Her illustrious musical journey takes an unexpected turn in her latest studio album, which finds the award-winning singer putting her signature spin on a dozen classic country hits. www.newcastlecityhall.org
30 JUNE – 3 JULY Sunderland is getting red-carpet-ready this summer as the city prepares for another successful film festival. Sunderland Shorts Film Festival sees a mix of the finest emerging and established filmmaking talent from across the region and around the world. The four-day festival is organised by Sunderland City Council and is sponsored by See It Do It Sunderland. The event was created in collaboration with the celebrated DC Shorts Film Festival held in Washington DC, to develop cultural links between the two cities. www.sunderlandshorts.co.uk
17-19 JUNE Hop on your bike this June and take part in one of the most prestigious cycling festivals in the UK. Our region is proud to present the Cyclone Festival. The perfect opportunity to dust off those pedals and get out on the streets of the North East. Cycling continues to increase in popularity, so what better way of celebrating than to join in on this three-day cycling extravaganza. Rides include the Virgin Money Tyne 6 Bridges Leisure Rides, the Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge Rides, the Women’s National Series Road Race and the Beaumont Trophy UCI 1.2 Road Race. Expect to see thousands of riders and spectators, once again raising the status of cycling and creating history as part of the national sporting calendar. www.cyclonecycling.com
<< FOR THEATRE GOERS >> This summer the North East’s theatres have a programme packed out with productions that will have you singing and dancing your way through the sunshine weather… 21 MAY In the 60s and 70s, chart-topping hits such as ‘Sherry’, ‘Walk Like a Man’ and ‘My Eyes Adored You’ saw the harmonies of New Jersey’s finest skyrocket to stardom. Selling an astounding 100 million records worldwide, the Four Season’s song that stole the show was ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, a hit that showcases Frankie Valli’s impeccable falsettos. The East coast boys had created music that would stay with us forever. And Big Girls Don’t Cry celebrates everything we love about the band that took on the world. www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
JUNE Kick your summer party off with The Magic of Motown at the Sunderland Empire this June. Join the party as this glittering show celebrates the production’s 10th birthday. Thrilling its millionth music fan this year, this super-sensational show blasts out hit and after hit from artists including Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Jackson 5, the Supremes, the Temptations, Lionel Richie and many more. www.atgtickets.com
27 JUNE – 2 JULY With four actors, 130 characters and 100 hilarious minutes, the 10th Anniversary Tour of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, is brilliantly recreated for the stage. Newcastle’s Theatre Royal will stage the story of Richard Hannay for a full week. This inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors who pack an electrifying performance into just 100 side-splitting minutes. www.theatreroyal.co.uk
31 MAY – 4 JUNE The UK’s longest-running musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will take to he Sunderland Empire stage this summer. The sparkling family musical retells the Biblical story of Joseph and the coat of many colours. It includes unforgettable songs such as ‘Any Dream Will Do’ and ‘Close Every Door To Me’. This dazzling production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s awardwinning musical features X-Factor winner, Joe McElderry. www.atgtickets.com
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GARDENER’S GRAND DESIGNS A host of activities are planned this summer in celebration of the region’s ‘celebrity gardener’ – Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. He was born in Kirkharle, Northumberland and the village with be a focal point for a huge celebration of his 300th birthday this summer. A kaleidoscope of events centred around Kirkharle will mark the achievements of England’s greatest landscape designer. Walks, talks and events are planned throughout the UK this year at Brown’s most famous gardens, many of which are managed by the National Trust, such as Wallington in Northumberland. As a treat for visitors, the summer celebrations at Kirkharle will see luxury 18th century picnic hampers available from the Coffee House as you’re taken on guided walks around the very lake designed by Brown. This scenic walk, the route that sparked his imagination, will inspire and educate visitors. In conjunction with the National Gardens Scheme, the CB300 Anniversary Food & Flower Fayre will take place in Kirkharle Barn on Sunday 1 May. The birthday celebrations will close with a 300th Festival in August where a present-day local celebrity, TV presenter and singer, Alexander Armstrong will perform in a concert at Kirkharle’s St Wilfrid’s Church. Kirkdale and its surrounding areas form the landscape that inspired Brown, his success inspired by the five-mile route he took to school every day. This exciting calendar of events has something for the entire family and will entertain right through the summer months. National Trust events at Wallington include a walk and talk on 15 July where visitors can see the Walled Garden before taking a trip to the picturesque estate village of Cambo, where Capability Brown went to school a mile away. Enjoy stunning views over the surrounding landscape, buy special plants and make the most of an opportunity to take tea and cake in Brown’s school room (now the village hall). The Capability Brown Festival 2016 has been funded by a £911,100 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and is managed by the Landscape Institute. www.kirkharlecourtyard.co.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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30 JUNE Sit back and enjoy Illyria’s open-air production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Middleton Lodge under the moonlight and stars on the Georgian country estate. Theatre company Illyria will take guests on a mystical adventure of this Shakespearian classic, which sees the relationships of five young lovers tested by amateur theatricals who are controlled by the forest fairies. The perfect mix of confusion, magic and mischief. wwww.middletonlodge.co.uk/events/
<< FOR A DATE WITH DAD >> JUNE It’s not just ladies who lunch; Dad’s deserve a spot of afternoon tea too. As a special Father’s Day treat, reserve a table in Bettys elegant Imperial Room for a day filled with delicious cakes, scones and sandwiches. Afternoon tea will be served to the accompaniment of Bettys’ in-house pianist. An occasion with a difference; and the chance to treat your dad to some delicious downtime at everyone’s favourite cafe. www.bettys.co.uk
19 JUNE 5 JULY Alastair Campbell, Sir Anthony McCoy OBE, and musician Mike McGrother are among the inspiring speakers at an event to bring together businesses and schools to boost children’s life skills and employment opportunities. The event will be held at the Wynyard Hall Grand Marquee and has been organised by Anna Coulson, head teacher at St Bede’s School Marske and James Munro, managing director Country Valley Foods. Their aim is to unite businesses and education providers in developing the life skills of children to ensure their preparation for employment in the wider world. They are also keen to hear form businesses who would like to be involved in the day. Tickets £65, and more details from rpass@ stbedes.rac.sch.uk
Treat your dad to an afternoon of fine dining at Chapters Hotel this Father’s Day. It’s the perfect way to say thanks this year. The dinner will include a three-course meal in the beautiful surroundings of the restaurant. A fabulous and truly flavoursome feast for any father. www.chaptershotel.co.uk
JUNE Eshott Airfield in Morpeth welcomes The Great North Fly In 2016 this Father’s Day. Take your dad along to see a unique selection of aircraft including Light Aircraft, GA, Autogyros, Microlights, and Paramotors as they fly into the airfield in support of military charities. And if flying fixtures aren’t your thing, you’ll be able to see classic cars and military vehicles as a summer barbeque is served up. A great day out, and something a little different this Father’s Day. www.greatnorthflyin.co.uk
18-19 JUNE Richmond Castle plays host to the chain-mailed and adrenalinfuelled ‘Clash of the Knight’s for Father’s Day. Children can team up with dad as they feel the heat of the battle. Four teams fight like knights – with clubs and shields, in this strength contest. Will you be on the winning team as you experience first-hand medieval life? Knights can enjoy music whilst they test their bravery in this barbaric battle. Boys will be boys this Father’s Day. www.english-heritage.org.uk
19 JUNE Dads love nothing more than a summer barbeque. Take your old man down to Wynyard Hall to enjoy a barbeque bursting with delicious food, fun and Father’s Day treats. The event will be held in prime position on the terrace, and dads can look forward to getting involved in barbeque games. A fun filled, foodie family affair in celebration of Father’s Day. www.wynyardhall.co.uk
g n i r p S in p e t s y r e ev Eldon Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7SX & branches throughout the UK www.charlesclinkard.co.uk
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SOUNDING GOOD
Left: Chase & Status
A stirring in the woods… This summer’s Down to The Woods music and arts festival at Hardwick Hall brings glamping and grooves to grown-ups who like a bit of style with their festival weekends The mix of music, the luxury of a posh tent, the aroma of great street food. Pretty much the perfect package for a music festival on the doorstep. Add to the mix the parkland surroundings of Hardwick Hall just off the A1 and you’re perfectly placed for a weekend of chilled-out pleasures. Down to The Woods follows on from the hugely successful Hardwick Live festival and has been crafted as an accessible alternative to the more mainstream festivals on the summer circuit, with an eclectic mix of live performances and activities spread across two consecutive days. Headlining the first event in the grounds of Hardwick Hall on August 13 and 14 2016, are international rock act Primal Scream and multi-platinum selling dance act, Chase & Status. They will be joined by some of the biggest names in modern music throughout the
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weekend, including Brit award-winners Catfish and the Bottlemen, who are being lauded by Radio One and widely regarded as the country’s most promising new band. “Primal Scream are one of the most amazing bands to see performing live,” says event organiser Jonathan Woodliffe. “We’re ecstatic to have them topping the bill with Chase & Status, who haven’t performed at this type of event for a number of years. “To be bringing such amazing talent to the North East, alongside acts like Catfish and the Bottlemen, who themselves are already playing more established events like Wireless, is a great coup for us and bodes well for future events.” Primal Scream, whose hits include Movin’ On Up, Rocks and Loaded, have maintained a constant assault on the worldwide charts since winning the first Mercury Music Prize in 1992, and continued their international domination with the result of their 11th album, Chaosmosis, in 2016. They are sharing the honour of headlining
the inaugural Down To The Woods with drum ‘n’ bass stars Chase & Status, aka Saul Milton (Chase) and Will Kennard (Status), who have also enjoyed a string of club and mainstream hits and earned an enviable reputation as festival crowd-pleasers since hitting the scene in 2008. Catfish and the Bottlemen, who were named Best Breakthrough Artist at the Brit Awards 2016, join the line up as extra special guests ahead of the release of their hotlyanticipated second album later this year. All three acts will be appearing on Down to The Woods’ Grand Arcadia stage, alongside Liverpool stars, Echo & The Bunnymen, whose crowd-pleasing anthems include The Cutter and Bring On The Dancing Horses. Other artists set to appear include Clean Cut Kid, KWABS, The Selecter, ESPA, Vant, Age of L.U.N.A, The Jacques, Blaenavon, Lucy Spraggan, Hidden Charms and Darlington singer Hayley McKay – all of whom are tipped for huge success in the coming years. “We’re giving music fans the chance to see
It’s ideal for those who want to get ahead of the curve and be able to say, ‘I saw them first at Down to The Woods 2016’
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SOUNDING GOOD
Left: Primal Scream Above: Echo&The Bunnymen Right: Hardwick Hall festival grounds
some of British music’s biggest stars performing on the North East stage and welcoming many acts that are about to become household names,” said Jonathan. “It’s ideal for those who want to get ahead of the curve and be able to say ‘I saw them first at Down to the Woods 2016.’” As if that wasn’t enough, Down to The Woods’ second stage, Foxes Folly, will be headlined by Peter Hook & The Light, led by former New Order and Joy Division member, Peter Hook and Leeds-based alternative rock group The Sunshine Underground, who released their third album in 2014. Together,
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they will be championing new music and welcoming a variety of emerging talent. A third stage, Badgers Den, meanwhile, will follow in the footsteps of Hardwick Live’s popular Dome tent, which launched last year, and focus on live comedy and DJ sets. While this year’s event will have it’s own, unique identity, it will undoubtedly build on the success of Hardwick Live, which was able to establish itself as a key player on the festival circuit, attracting acts such as Jools Holland, Alison Moyet, Texas, Simple Minds, Scouting For Girls, The Jackson, Adam Ant, James, Razorlight, 10cc, Embrace
and Castover the past three years. “Hardwick Live was a huge success for us,” says Jonathan. “It sold out in only its third year. By rebranding the event Down to The Woods we’ve been able to build on the most popular aspects of the festival and bring in an even more eclectic line-up, which has been spread across two days to meet with demand.” Along with all the live music, Down to the Woods will boast a host of activities for all ages, including arts and spoken word, creative classes for younger visitors and a fairground. To help keep festival-goers fuelled throughout the weekend, the grounds of Hardwick Hall Hotel will be awash with food outlets, ranging from Thai and Chinese to Mexican, fish and chips and a Smokie Dokie Smoker, as well as a Champagne marquee, Real Ale Tent, Gin Palace, Mojito
Tent and several other themed bars. “Down To The Woods is not only a live music event but also a weekend of all round entertainment for the entire family”, says Jonathan. “We’ve extended our camping facilities to cater for a bigger audience and hope that people will make a real mini-break of it, not just in 2016 but in the many years we hope will follow.” For campers who like to live in a bit of luxury, there will be bell tents and yurts available to rent over the weekend with showers, champers and breakfast available. Down to The Woods weekend tickets for 2016 are £99 per adult, £28 for young people aged 13 to 16 and £15 for children aged three to 12 www.downtothewoodsfestival.co.uk Searching Down To The Woods on Facebook or Twitter.
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FAST LANE
Rev your engine, toot your horn NE1 NEWCASTLE MOTOR SHOW IS BACK 9-10 July 2016 Pray for sunshine and keep the weekend clear, NE1 has announced the dates of its sumptuous NE1 Newcastle Motor Show on 9 – 10 July, a unique open air event that showcases some of the world’s most spectacular vehicles in the beautiful architectural setting of Newcastle city centre. Two days when the UK’s most beautiful street, Grey Street, will be lined with some of the world’s most beautiful cars and this year, the event will be spilling out onto other areas of the city to deliver a bigger event, with more show-stopping exhibits and activities, all outdoors and all free to attend. There will be so much chrome and turtle wax, it will be every car enthusiast’s dream come true. From the most expensive, luxurious, rare and unique: vehicles from all corners of the globe will take their place in Newcastle, with Grey’s Monument the centre of the spectacle. The crème de la crème of the North East’s motor dealers will be showcasing their show-stopping vehicles in an exhibition area on Grey Street. All will be bringing their best exhibits to the party to give the people of Newcastle an event to remember.
The UK’s most beautiful street will be lined with the world’s most beautiful cars Most of the vehicles on show at this year’s event, like last year, will only previously have been shown in the rarified environs of VIP events and international races. NE1 will be giving the people of Newcastle and the thousands of visitors travelling to the event a unique opportunity to see and sometimes sit in these and hundreds of other vehicles, as well as driving simulators, motor inspired games as
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well as a host of other fun activities during the two-day motoring festival. The bar was set high in 2015 with Aston Martin bringing its GTE Le Mans race car and the DB9 GT model which was on display in Newcastle for only the 2nd time ever in the world. In addition, Sebastian Vettel’s Infiniti Red Bull Formula 1 car lined up alongside some of the rarest classic cars in existence. NE1 will be unveiling a range of exciting announcements over the coming weeks and months in the run up to the event as dealers and owners reveal their plans for this summer’s event. Last year the first ever NE1 Newcastle Motor Show attracted over 100,000 people who descended on the city over the weekend to get up close to some of the world’s most exclusive, unique and expensive cars. Hundreds of vehicles lined Grey Street, with classic car owners polishing the chrome and happy to talk to the public about their cars and their histories. A call out has already been made to classic car owners and enthusiasts to encourage their attendance again this year and to secure their space at the event. Last year, some of the most beautiful vintage Rolls Royces, Bentleys, Ferraris and Lamborghinis took pride of place on Grey Street and all took part in a ‘Grand Depart’ with engines revving and lights flashing in a convoy of vehicles to celebrate and mark the end of the inaugural NE1 Newcastle Motor Show weekend. Anyone who thinks they have a classic car or suitably luxe vehicle that fits the bill and would be worthy of a parking spot at the event should email NE1 direct at stephen.patterson@newcastlene1ltd.com. NE1 is ramping up to deliver a line-up for July that will surpass last year with more things to do and see, not just for car enthusiasts but for children, families and the wider public. The event will cover a wider footprint with Grey Street at its heart but with other streets and areas of the city involved with more space for exhibits and with more hands-on activities, all of which will be unveiled over the coming months. There is tremendous excitement surrounding the event, exhibitors were so enthused by the response last year that they are keen to improve on the spectacular and to bring new and exciting vehicles and activities to the show. Planning is well and truly underway and the calibre of cars, exhibits and activities will be unquestionable; the only thing that cannot be guaranteed is the weather. Come rain or shine, the ardour of North East car enthusiasts will not be dampened and people are already revving up to enjoy another amazing NE1 Newcastle Motor Show event.
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ST SPR AR IN TS G 3 RDSA M LE AY
MONDAY 9TH MAY – FRIDAY 13TH MAY
Join us at our Open Week, enjoy a tour of our vibrant school and see a typical day.
PREPARATORY SCHOOL OPEN WEEK Yarm Preparatory School Grammar School Lane Yarm TS15 9ES Email: laura@yarmschool.org Telephone: 01642 781447
www.yarmschool.org
Caring about the small things to make a big difference
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Illness and age don’t take away someone’s personality. They may be robbed of agility, mobility and some capability but the essence of the person remains-and that is who we care for. Our staff are like friends popping in. They don’t wear a clinical uniform and we believe a smile is a crucial piece of equipment We come when we say we will and stay the time you have asked for. Frequently we are told that we become ‘one of the family’, that is the best compliment you can give us.
We cover: Personal care • Memory impairment and dementia Sitting service • Chemotherapy aftercare • Palliative care Respite care • Post-operative care • Cooking meals Days out • Overnight care
Call us 01642 608070 or email hello@sallyandsarahcare.co.uk
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PEOPLE POWER
Sweet charity Doing good things in the North East, our charity round-up HEARTFELT BALL >>
BIG THANKS >> Sunderland couple Sergio and Emma Petrucci raised a staggering £47,000 at a charity ball in aid of the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF). The Red Sky Ball at the Stadium of Light was organised by the parents of Luna Petrucci who underwent life-saving treatment on two holes in her heart at the Children’s Heart Unit at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. The operation, which took place in March last year, was a complete success but the memory of that heart-wrenching time has stayed with parents Emma and Sergio, who wanted to do something to say thanks to the Freeman team. Sergio said: “We still can’t believe it. To have raised over £47,000 after all costs to host the evening were taken off is beyond all of our wildest expectations. The people in the room didn’t stop giving all night and the money just kept coming in. We are so grateful to each and every person who was there. It is hard to imagine how it feels to go through what we did with Luna, and it feels so amazing to be able to give something back like this.” Auction prizes on the night included two VIP Spa and Beyoncé packages, which raised over £7,500 alone, and a day in the kitchen with Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson. Entertainment was provided by stars Lisa Maffia and Romeo of So Solid Crew, alongside local MC Simon Robertson with Tony Griffiths and Anthony Stringer adding value to the evening. Scores of businesses from across the North East donated additional prizes for the silent auction and raffle, including lifestyle experiences, a signed Alan Shearer shirt and football boots from Jermaine Defoe. Other businesses provided support and help for the night, such as Barclays, who worked tirelessly to count the money throughout the event. Chris Gray, Head of Fundraising for CHUF said: “Words cannot express what a difference this money will make to the unit and its patients and families who we support there. The money will be spent on helping more children, just like Luna, achieve their dreams. We would like to thank Emma and Sergio from the bottom of our hearts for what they have accomplished.”
LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER >> National cancer support charity, Look Good Feel Better, launched its free skincare and makeup workshop at Sunderland Royal Hospital to support local women living with cancer. The two-hour session was led by trained beauty volunteers and taught ladies vital skills, such as how to draw on missing eyebrow hairs, as well as how to cope with changes to the skin. It was an opportunity for women to forget all about invasive treatments and indulge in a morning of pure pampering. They were able to spend time talking and sharing stories about their personal journeys and went home with a goody bag filled with products donated by the beauty industry. The two-hour workshops will now be held once a month at the hospital, from 10.30am-12.30pm on Mondays. To book your place, call 0191 541 0122
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Middleton Lodge hosted a charity fundraising ball for The Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) in March in honour of the late daughter of the estate’s operational manager, Glen Taylor, who passed away in April 2014. Anabelle was born in December 2013, but was diagnosed with Shone’s Complex, a rare and complex heart defect, at just 17 days old. She was immediately transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, where she underwent several tests and operations, including three open heart surgeries, before losing her battle at just 122 days old. Glen, his wife Rebecca, and their family have since been determined to keep her memory alive by raising as much money as possible for CHUF and have set a target of £122,000 - £1,000 for every day Anabelle was alive. The ball at Middleton Lodge provided guests with an opportunity to enjoy an evening of entertainment, including a champagne reception and a three-course meal created by executive chef, Caroline Whalley. All money raised went to the Children’s Heart Unit Fund.
IN LOVING MEMORY >> St Oswald’s Hospice, Newcastle, is organising a special charity walk to help people come together and remember those who were special to them. The Lantern Walk will see 1,000 supporters gather together at Newcastle Racecourse on 9 July. Walkers will each hold a paper lantern, lighting the way along the 5k course as the sun sets in memory of their loved ones.
The fundraising event is sponsored by The Co-operative Funeralcare and follows on from St Oswald’s successful Midnight Walk events held in recent years. Participants aged 12 years and over can register to take part and will receive a St Oswald’s t-shirt, lantern and battery operated candle. They are asked to aim to raise £100 each towards the hospice’s work, through donations or through sponsorship from friends and family. All funds raised will support local adults, young people and children with incurable conditions, throughout the North East. Participants can book their place online at www.stoswaldsuk.org or by calling 0191 246 9123 or emailing fundraising@stoswaldsuk.org
NEW APPOINTMENT >> On the back of the success of their 20th year of celebrations, County Durham Community Foundation has welcomed a new chief operating officer to expand their team. Margaret Vaughan joins the foundation with a strong background in strategic and operational management in both the private and the third sectors. As chief operating officer, she will look at the procedures and direction needed to take the Community Foundation to the next stage of its development. Commenting on her appointment, she said: “This is a great opportunity for me to get involved in a charity that helps so many people across the county. I am looking forward to helping shape the future of the charity, while considering local needs to ensure we deliver what is required to build and maintain thriving communities.”
FINE FEST >> did The North East Music Festival 2016 East its bit in support of several North Air charities, including The Great North Ambulance Service, The People’s Kitchen and The West End Refugee Service. Sponsored by The Banks Group, the two-day event took place with at a number of Newcastle venues ent tainm enter cal musi of a wide range from some of the region’s most s established and up-and-coming band and artists. to Newcastle Racecourse played host , Newcastle-based vocalist, Anna Reay , Song of Lady d Gran A band and her d while The Cluny and The Cumberlan North of tion selec a med welco Arms East talent throughout the day on April 23. Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir and Dishforth Military Wives Choir ended the celebrations at St Nicholas Cathedral.
A TASTE FOR ECONOMICS >> A wine tasting event hosted by the Northumberland and Durham Lord’s and Lady Taverners provided guests with a chance to not only broaden their knowledge of wine, but also gain some sound economic advice. Almost 80 guests attended the event, which was held at Trinity House on Newcastle Quayside, and wine was supplied by Alastair Stewart of Richard Granger Wines. The Catering Academy at Newcastle College provided a team of waiting staff for the event, as well as a selection of canapés. Guest speaker, Justin Urquhart Stewart of London’s Seven Investment Management, made the trip up North as part of his firm’s commitment to support the charity this year. While guests sampled wines from six different countries, he provided an interesting insight into their financial markets. www.lordstaverners.org
MAY/JUN16
NEVER WALK ALONE
SORE feet, happy hearts We joined Sky TV favourite Jeff Stelling on his marathon Hartlepool to Wembley charity walk by a disease that affects one in eight men in the UK also joined the march – and intrepid Aaron Gourley, editor of FC Business, ran from Newcastle United starting 1am in the morning before joining the walk via Sunderland. The North East line-up also included, Neil Bausor, CEO and Mark Ellis, COO of MFC, Kevin Fryett , director of Redcar Athletic. His chairman at the club has had prostate cancer. Peter Collinson, director of Marske United, Helena Pinder, head of the MFC Foundatio and Peter Rowley, director of the MFC Foundation whose Dad, uncle and friend were all affected by the disease.. Also walking were Chris Soley, MD of Camerons. His father-in-law Gareth Burris has prostate cancer and was also walking.
In terms of glamour, Hartlepool United’s Victoria Ground is about as far as it gets from big, shiny Wembley Stadium. But sports favourite, loyal Teessider and intrepid Sky Sports television presenter Jeff Stelling chose to put his boyhood team’s home ground in the spotlight for the start of an epic charity walk which saw him undertake ten marathons in ten days to raise funds for prostate cancer research and support. By the finish Jeff’s Men United March had raised more than £300,000, not to mention awareness of the disease, which is the most common male cancer – and by 2030 is set to be the most common cancer overall in the UK. We spoke to Jeff on half-way break at Middlesbrough Football Club: “The message is to the middle-aged blokes who sit on these football terraces every week – they are the people who need to be aware of prostate cancer and its symptoms. “They shouldn’t be embarrassed to see a doctor if they notice they are having to get up to pee in the night, if there’s blood in their pee or if they just think something isn’t right. “If the rising death trend continues, by 2026 prostate cancer will kill over 14,500 men every year. However, they estimate that deaths could be cut in half if the key areas of improving diagnosis and treatment can
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be resolved in the next ten years. “I’ve met the scientists who pledge to do this and I can see how dedicated they are. But to do this we need to raise vital funds.” Jeff set off from the ground with an army of support. Well-known faces such as Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former director of communications; ex Chelsea, Man United, QPR and England player, Ray Wilkins; Hartlepool football manager Craig Hignett joined Jeff, as did Hartlepool CEO Russ Green who walked the entire ten-day marathon. They were joined by walkers who had themselves been affected by prostate cancer, who had lost loved ones to the disease as well as by support and medical staff from the charity and local hospitals. It was a good day and a challenging route. From Hartlepool the march headed along the Teesmouth coast, over the Transporter Bridge to Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium. The march had football at its heart with Jeff clocking in at 32 different football grounds on his 262-mile way to Wembley. The first leg saw Jeff call in at Redcar Town FC and finishing to the sounds of a brass band at Marske Town FC. All the walkers who joined jeff had raised at least £300 for the charity. Day one’s North East cast list included Adam Golightly, a Hartlepool fan who lost his father to prostate cancer and Boro supporter Robin Millman, who has lived with the disease for more than a decade. Directors from local firm Camerons Brewery, again touched
Adding support were Philip and Gareth Maidens, brothers of the late Michael Maidens, the HUFC player who scored Hartlepool’s Goal of the Season in 2006 and was tragically killed in a car accident at the age of 20 the following year. Other walkers included Dave Armstrong, Peter Dawson, George Beeby and Alan Taylor, all affected by prostate cancer. www.menunitedmarch.org
SOME FACTS >> Prostate cancer is currently the most common cancer in men, accounting for 25% of all cancer diagnoses. By 2030, prostate cancer is set to become the most common cancer overall in the UK. Men with early prostate cancer are unlikely to have any symptoms, as these only occur when the cancer is large enough to put pressure on the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder). In men over the age of 50, the prostate gland often gets larger due to a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy (BPH). The symptoms of both benign enlargement of the prostate gland and cancer are similar and can include any of the following: • difficulty passing urine • passing urine more frequently than usual, especially at night • pain when passing urine • blood in the urine (this is not common). If you have any of these symptoms it’s important to get them checked by your doctor. But remember, most enlargements of the prostate are not cancer.
MAY/JUN16
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WELCOME! Hello!
Hello to lighter nights, longer days and the promise of summer! The only problem with these lovely spring days is that I don’t want them to end. It seems such a shame to ever give in and go to bed when there’s so much fun to be had … I’ve been busy hunting out new things for Little Luxes to enjoy as the warmer days approach. Ice cream, cool camping and even mermaid fins. Enjoy! Little Luxe x
Meet Esther Bennett and Logan Jackson Luke, the brand new Heads of Fun, here to keep you up to date on all the family activities taking place at intu Metrocentre! >> MONDAY 30 MAY – SUNDAY 5 JUNE Get crafty and ‘Make it Amazing’ this May half term with the Metrognomes and the intu Metrocentre Kids’ Club
with Nina Robinson
>> SATURDAY 2 – SUNDAY 3 JULY The intu Metrocentre and intu Eldon Square summer party ‘Everyone’s Invited’ is back with lots of exciting surprises and fun on the malls all weekend long!
Mermaiding around >>
N i n a : lo v e s >> The perfect summer dress to get you in the mood for all the birthday parties coming up! Monsoon at Debenhams dress £38
Pitch perfect >> As if camping wasn’t already the most fun kids can have outdoors, creative company FieldCandy has taken things to a whole new level. I’ve been marveling at their colourful new range of gear that is bound to turn heads on even the most select campsites this summer. I’m told their products are already causing a stir in Harrods, Liberty and Saks of 5th Avenue. And with collaborations with the likes of Paul Smith, Hello Kitty and Universal Music, FieldCandy’s range is set to become the ultimate outdoor must-have this summer. The range, which is all made in England, includes full-sized
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Forget beach balls and airbeds, a mermaid fin is what all the cool kids will be packing for the beach this summer! As regular readers of Little Luxe might already know, I have a bit of an obsession with mermaids and have my own brightly coloured Lycra tail that I wear in the bath! So imagine my excitement at coming across MerFins. Flippers in the shape of a mermaid tail, these monofins are a new way of discovering what mermaiding is all about. They’re made from recycled rubber (and so are good for real mermaids too) and are soft and flexible enough to give you the speed and agility of any fish in the ocean. MerFins were designed by Australian professional freediver Kazzie Mahina to be used as a pool toy, a novel snorkeling fin or swimming device for fitness. It comes in two versions – the Classic at £70 and the Lil Merfin training style at £40. Available at www.sistersguild.com
tents for adults in a choice of incredible designs. My favourite products for kids include Little Campers tents in designs including Hold Your Horses carousel and In the Dog House kennel – priced at £145. I also love the Hang Abouts, brightly coloured hanging chairs that can be enjoyed inside and out – priced at £99.50 for junior version and £145 for the adult size. And then there’s the Snoos – a funky and super comfy wedge of a travel pillow in designs including a piece of cheese, slice of melon or picnic sandwich - priced at £19.95. www.fieldcandy.com
All things bright and beautiful >> The mix ‘n’ match Scandi clothes for boys and girls by Polarn O. Pyret never fail to make me smile. The spring collection is zingy with the kind of popping colours and prints that Little Luxes just can’t get enough of. www.polarnopyret.co.uk
Scooped! >> I scream, you scream, we all scream … for ice cream! And for that reason I’m always on the lookout for new places to enjoy a scoop of my favourite sweet stuff. Chilled Out Gelato at East Shore Village on the seafront at Seaham is a new entry on my ice cream charts and it’s gone straight to number one! My friends Kitty, Martha and Ella are already big fans of this super glam gelateria and they took me there the other day. I’m so pleased they did! I tried the cherry cola and super Oreo flavours and they were totally delish. The lady who served us was just as nice as the ice cream and supplied us plenty of napkins to mop our messy mouths. Next on my list is the Irn Bru and Jaffa Cake flavours and I’m not planning to wait long to try them …
MAY/JUN16
A Mindfulness Programme like never before…
BREATHE
RELAX
LET GO We’ve got you...
June 23th & 26th 2016 Spa at Ramside
Mindfulness Programme & Retreat An opportunity to recharge; and learn specific skills on living in the present moment. In today’s society the mind is often stuck ruminating in the past or envisioning the future.
The joy is in the here and now.
24th
23rd & 24th
JUNE
JUNE
SILENT NIGHT EVENING WORKSHOP We invite our guests to enjoy an evening at the spa in silence. Experience the Spa at Ramside as a place to slow down, enjoy a moment of mindfulness, and reconnect with your true self. This evening workshop will be a small group lead by Felix and take place in the beautifully tranquil Sleep Sanctuary.
TWO NIGHT MINDFULNESS RETREAT Join Felix Lopez to learn how to bring mindfulness in to your own life. Discover what is keeping you stuck in the past and the future. Mindfulness is simple; staying in your present mental patterns is more difficult. Discover for yourself... Jule will also lead breath work sessions and guided meditations each morning and evening for relaxation and better sleep.
23rd to 26th
JUNE
PRIVATE HEALING SESSIONS WITH FELIX LOPEZ Sessions with Felix enable you to see your own specific patterns that take you from the present moment. Define a plan with little experiments to help you see what happens when you become more mindful and less reactive. Books are great, but your life is a better teacher. Are you ready..?
26th
JUNE MINDFULNESS ONE DAY WORKSHOP During this workshop you will explore sections from Felix's book "The Alchemy of Now." Mindfulness involves paying attention to thoughts, feelings and body sensations in a way that can create space for wiser choices and navigating difficult experience. This workshop contains interactive discussions focused on key mindfulness principles and interactive mind-body therapies.
All of the above have been designed to help you buffer the effects of stress by learning integrative mind - body therapies, such as breathing, meditation, and guided relaxation, to help cope better with illnesses.
To find out more or to make a booking please contact us Tel: 0191 375 3088 | www.ramsidespa.co.uk | enquiries@ramsidespa.co.uk The Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel Carrville Durham DH1 1TD
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Quite a story An epic outdoor show will be bringing the world to Bishop Auckland this summer. Anne-Isabelle Daulon has to make ‘Kynren’ happen. No mean feat, Kathryn Armstrong met her on site
The day is grim, the rain drizzly and the skies grey. Hard hats, hi-vis jackets and safety boots the order of the day. The place is Kynren mission control. Inside the unlovely Portakabin an epic tale of England is coming to life, mostly on computer screens. Outside the structure is taking shape in real time for a project that is going to change the way the whole world thinks of Bishop Auckland. Anne-Isabelle Daulon is the chief executive of Eleven Arches, the company that is
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bringing the epic story of 2,000 years of English history (with a Durham accent) to life. In their blurb Anne-Isabelle is called their ‘heroic leader’ which seems appropriate for someone undertaking such a huge-scale project on a seemingly tiny time-scale. But this savvy French businesswoman has worked in high finance and banking, and if you can conquer that world, then a building site in County Durham filled with construction workers doesn’t daunt. Anne-Isabelle and investment banker Jonathan Ruffer were united in something of an extreme lightbulb moment to create ‘Kynren – an epic tale of England’.
Eleven Arches was the brainchild of Jonathan Ruffer and it is the sister trust of Auckland Castle Trust which he created after buying the castle and the Zurbarán paintings. At its heart, Kynren is about regeneration (the word means just that in Anglo-Saxon) and the revitalisation of not only Bishop Auckland but also the surrounding area. The event is also volunteer-led with the vision of a huge-scale visitor attraction with real economic impact and growth for many years to come, explains Anne-Isabelle. “We are creating an entirely new visitor attraction unseen before in this country. “We are trying to get the scale of this across and express what is a new product in this
country – London 2012 is the closest we are in terms of the scale and spectacle; very immersive, visual and musical”, she says. Eleven Arches is working closely with French company, Puy de Fou. If you’ve been a holidaying visitor with small children to the Vendee on France’s west coast then you might well have been and experienced it. I have. It’s simply spectacular. At Puy de Fou – which has been going for some 38 years, attracting millions of visitors – they recreate stories about history, civilization and nations on a gigantic scale. (We remember a full-size recreated Roman Colosseum holding thousands with a gladiator fight and parades of real animals).
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EPIC ADVENTURE
Transformed: the Eleven Arches site in Bishop Auckland is being transformed from mud to momumental to create an amphitheatre for 8,000 visitors a night to watch the epic Kynren
The reality is that the spectacle has universal characteristics to make it a visual marvel and a strong, emotional experience which appeals to a wide range of people
in total with space for up to 8,000 people a night to see the show, which features a cast and crew of more than 1,000 as well as 34 horses and some 280 pyrotechnic effects. “Jonathan and I are both from the same world and wanted to create something bold and audacious”, says Anne-Isabelle. She had a successful career in the City spanning more than 13 years in various senior marketing, sales and strategy roles in leading global investment banks (Goldman Sachs, UBS, Brown Brothers Harriman), including 11 years on the US Stock market. Anne-Isabelle then retrained at Chelsea College of Arts and became CEO of Designed to Live In, an interior design and space modelling consultancy in 2010, applying her interests in contemporary architecture and design to create bespoke and stunning interiors. “Jonathan took the idea from nothing to the purchase of the site and the development of the vision. It was a meeting of minds of the president of Puy de Fou and Jonathan Ruffer
– their love of their native region was the cement that made it work. The result is a heartfelt tribute to the history of the region. “The reality is that the spectacle has universal characteristics to make it a visual marvel and a strong, emotional experience which appeals to a wide range of people. “It will be intriguing for Puy de Fou fans, a little baby of Puy de Fou!” One of the main factors in developing Kynren was the involvement of the local community. The show relies on volunteers, much as the 2012 Olympics did on its ‘games-makers’. So, hundreds of locals have been trained up as show participants as well as stewards and greeters. “They are the people who will be the faces with the first smiles and the last cheers for visitors. They have been trained to do the task but in the end our charity objective is not only to train but also to educate. “This event will go on for many years so the participants now will go on to train those in
the future. We are building an army of volunteers and a family of support and pastoral care. “The commitment to the local community is part of our DNA – with the community for the community. We want to be self-reliant so the project can be open-ended.” The economic intention with Kynren is to offer a night ‘spectacular’ to act as a reason for a stay in the area. “We want it to be a catalyst for regeneration, to create a tourism powerhouse in its own right so people are coming for overnight stays then spend money on accommodation and food locally. “If the weather is bad they buy a jacket from a local shop – the multiplying effect is powerful. The next day a visitor might go to Beamish – it is not just a standalone but part of a big tour”, she adds. Bold, audacious, spectacular. Prepare to be dazzled. Tickets from £25 for adults, £19 for children. www.elevenarches.org
Thousands of people are involved in the story-telling and enactments night after night which involve amazing stages and engineering, dramatic lighting and music for a dazzling and exciting experience. That’s why I’m excited to see Kynren – and even from our vantage point of mist and scaffolding today, it is clear as the theatre space and ampitheatre take shape, that the show will be something thrilling and new to showcase the area and its history. “It will be an intimate, immersive night spectacle with the backdrop of Auckland Castle. Once people come there will be a large element of surprise”, says Anne-Isabelle. The first show is 2 July and there will be 14
MAY/JUN16
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BOW WOW FACTOR
POSH POOCHES with Alfie, helped by Elysia Agnew
What would summer be without a brand new wardrobe, some holiday treats and lazy afternoons spent in the garden? Alfie is delighted to be spending the light nights roaming around the now very colourful garden and running through the fields as spring seems to have sprung past us and summer is here. In this issue, Alfie picks out the perfect treats for your pooch to pack for their travels. He’s also got the season’s diary of doggy events covered. And there are lots of exciting happenings for you and your faithful friend to get your paws into; including an opportunity to compete in Cherryburn’s Doggy Show and a trip to the pub with your pooch. He may not get down to the travel agents very often, but Alfie is barking mad about PetsPyjama’s selection of luxury holiday spots this summer. We’ve teamed up with the luxury travel experts to compile a collection of doggy-destinations. Some just a bone’s throw away and some further afield for island-hoppers alike. And if you’ve not had the chance to catch Amber, the lovely labradoodle who plays Sandy in Annie the musical tour, Alfie’s got a backstage pass to get the gossip. Enjoy the sunshine! Alfie, your Luxe Pooch x
Luxe Pooch Q&A Amber is a two-year-old labradoodle who you may just recognise. This super talented pooch plays Sandy in Annie the musical tour. When she’s not jet setting with her Annie family, she can be found playing catch with her doggy friends. We caught up with her backstage at Sunderland Empire on her recent visit
Alfie loves...
From faux fur blankets to luxury harnesses, Alfie sniffs out the most stylish accessories for dogs on the move this summer… THIS… FOR THE DOG WHO’S GOING PLACES >> Charley Chau, Lilac rabbit faux fur dog blanket, £70.00. Keep your perfect pooch comfy on your travels with this Lilac Rabbit faux fur dog blanked by Charley Chau. Throw it on your dog’s bed for extra softness. www.styletails.com
& THAT… FOR THE PAMPERED POOCH ON LOCATION >> Mutts and hounds luxury teal tweed dog harness, £35.50. This easy-to-use and super stylish dog harness comes in teal tweed, a refreshing colour for the summer wardrobe. And with adjustable Velcro fastenings around the neck and chest, not only will your pooch look great in this harness, they will feel super-bouncy too! www.chelseadogs.com
HOLIDAYING WITH YOUR HOUND… From beach breaks to country escapes and island getaways, pet-focused travel specialists PetsPyjamas has your dog-friendly travel covered this summer. exceptional country house hotel offers character and charm, with eight dog-friendly rooms that have been beautifully designed with all the home comforts and luxury touches for your fury friend. Dine in the award-winning restaurant or dine with your dog by your side in Jack Hare’s Bar & Lounge. www.petspyjamas.com/harehoundshotel
LUXE WALKS >> I just love running through the woods and fields, especially where there are puddles; the muddier the better. POOCH’S PERFECT DAY OUT >> We went to Monte Carlo last year with the show and although we were working in the evenings, we had a great time doing touristy things during the day. We went to the beach and on an open top bus ride with all of my friends from the cast. I was given extra treats to eat too! DOGGY DOWNTIME >> In my dressing room I usually choose the comfy sofa, my best friend Lynda puts my bed on it so I don’t make a mess, and I settle down with a bone to chew on. HOUND HABBITS >> As part of my acting I have to jump up at Annie and I get a treat for being good, so I sometimes try the same trick with other people hoping to get a treat but as I often have very muddy paws they are not always very pleased. PUPPY PAMPER >> I often have baths at home or in the hotels if I get a bit dirty, and I get brushed everyday in my dressing room before I go on stage.
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BEACH BREAK… Beach Huts at The Cary Arms, Devon These luxurious beach huts overlook Babbacombe Beach where your canine can spend the day roaming and swimming. Your pooch can unwind in the beach hut after a long walk while human friends can enjoy the fabulous spa facilities and private gardens. www.petspyjamas.com/beachhutsdevon
DOG’S BEST FRIEND >> I have got some brilliant doggy friends at home. When I have time off from the show, I play catch with them. FONDEST DOGGY MEMORY >> I loved meeting all of the children who star with me in Annie. They are lots of fun; they fuss me and give me treats when I’m good. PUPPY A-LISTER. WHO WOULD YOUR POOCH BE IF THEY WERE A CELEBRITY? >> Kyle Minogue – sassy, stylish and made for the stage.
COUNTRY ESCAPE… The Hare & Hounds, Tetbury Hare & Hounds is a dog-loving destination that your pooch will want to get their paws on this summer. This
CASTAWAY… Karma St. Martins, Isles of Scilly A heavenly escape for lovers of the outdoors with miles of white sand and beautiful countryside to explore. Set just a bone’s throw away from the beach, with stunning views of the breath-taking sub-tropical Isles of Scilly, is the luxurious Karma St. Martins. Be sure to visit the Cornish restaurant (complete with canine menu). A doggy welcome pack will include blankets, bowls and treats for your canine companion. www.petspyjamas.com/karmastmartins
Don’t forget to send in pics of your pooch for our next issue via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram… Facebook: www.facebook.com/luxemag Twitter: @TheLuxeMagazine OR @LuxeyPooch Instagram: theluxemagazine
MAY/JUN16
LUXE LOVES
LUXE LOVES
Beach hut lust Who needs Bamburgh beach? Pop one of these charming little huts in your garden next to the sandpit and pond. The Southwold shed is priced from £2,350. www.theposhshedcompany.co.uk
England’s Best Hotel ...on Your Doorstep Indulge in luxury, wine and dine or tee off in style at Rockliffe Hall, winner of Large Hotel of the Year at the prestigious Visit England Awards for Excellence 2016. Whether you choose to spa, dine, golf or just relax, you’ll experience a five star sanctuary at the heart of the North of England. To find out more please call 01325 729999 or email enquiries@rockliffehall.com
www.rockliffehall.com Hurworth-on-Tees Darlington County Durham DL2 2DU +44 (0)1325 729999 enquiries@rockliffehall.com
MAY/JUN16
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DIVE ON THE DAYBED
Eat, pray holiday
Stay like an A-lister and bring some friends. Check out these hand-picked luxury holiday homes Properties featured are part of Hideaways Club, a private investment club offering second homes. Two Property Funds, Classic and City, offer villas, chalets and apartments across the world. Members enjoy the services of a Personal Concierge. www.hideawaysclub.com
Bali: Villa Ombak This Balinese villa sits high on a cliff top, overlooking the ocean. If the dramatic view looks familiar, it’s probably because scenes from the Hollywood version of Eat, Pray, Love starring Julia Roberts, were filmed on this very spot. Traditional > Peace and quiet live here. Villa Ombak is located on the southwest coast of the tiny Balinese island of Lembongan. One of the island’s three main villages is minutes away, while two of its best beaches are closer still. If you’re after peace and quiet, this is the place to find it. Not so traditional > Cool and contemporary, the villa has a stylish pool area with wooden decking. Interiors are decorated in simple beach-house style: think twig side tables, limed-wood furniture, wooden dishes of shells, and sofas upholstered in a fresh, striped fabric. There are sun-dappled wooden floors throughout. Lounge about > Scattered across the grounds are a number of separate seating areas, including a cliff-top gazebo from where you can enjoy the sunset, and a cool fire pit with seating for later in the day. There’s a massage area where you can arrange to have treatments fanned by the sea breeze.
Italy: Masseria L’Olivo, Puglia There’s a buzz about Puglia that lovers of Italy are discovering. A world away from the Tuscan landscapes, the coastal area has an identity all its own and there are charming villages for perfect lunch-stops. Traditional > Newly built to reflect the old, a stone farmhouse in the style of the 15th century buildings of the area, with high vaulted stone ceilings, centred round two internal courtyards. Not so traditional > A mosaic tiled infinity pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area overlooks five acres of olive groves. Lounge about > On the beaches of Otranto which is an excellent dive location. Or mooch around Lecce, ‘the Florence of the South’, which has a half-buried Roman amphitheatre dating back to the 1st century.
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MAY/JUN16
DIVE ON THE DAYBED
Mauritius: Hibiscus Hibiscus is part of an exclusive development on Mauritiusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s south coast. Set on a rolling hillside between the Valriche Nature Reserve and a number of luxurious beachfront hotels, Hibiscus enjoys close proximity to some of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest natural attractions. Traditional > Hibiscus is built in contemporary plantation-house style, with open timber ceilings in several of the rooms. The villa wraps around an infinity pool on three sides, the covered, breeze-cooled terraces a natural extension of the interior living spaces. Not so traditional > The private beach gives access to numerous water sports, including kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing and sailing. Lounge about > On the terraces there is a relaxed dining area. At the far end of the pool is a shingle-roof pagoda with more seating - perfect for breakfast or early evening drinks while watching the sun set.
Morocco: Dar Lain, Marrakech Your very own desert fortress. Dar Lain is set in landscaped grounds, just outside the picturesque town of Tahanoute near Marrakech, with fabulous views of the Atlas mountains. From the outside it looks like a Moroccan citadel, its traditional pink-orange walls the colour of local clay. Traditional > On the inside, Dar Lain is decorated in the contemporary-Moroccan style. Carved wooden doors set in grand Moorish arches lead into the main living space No so traditional > The house has top-class audio-visual equipment, including flat screen TV, DVD player, iPod music system and Nintendo Wii games console. Lounge about > Dive on brightly coloured daybeds scattered with red, pink and orange-striped cushions. The tiled mosaic floors are covered with Moroccan rugs. Dip into a glorious L-shaped pool fringed by manicured lawns and flowering shrubs.
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HIGH FLYING
COCKTAIL VIEWS Hip hotels with Debrah Dhugga Debrah gets tempted by rootop sunsets and cocktails in Old Marbella’s newest and hottest hotel
ingredients. Make sure to tear yourself away from the sun bed for a lunch break at the Amare Beach restaurant which was divine. This beachside restaurant offers tasty tapas, the freshest seafood, as well as gourmet burgers. In the evening head to Amare Lounge for sangria and Iberico ham. On some nights of the week, they hold fantastic events, such as fusion flamenco....traditional flamenco with a contemporary twist!
PARTY ON >> If you’re looking for a new and exclusive place to stay, Amáre Marbella Beach Hotel is definitely a cool spot for a lazy weekend in the sun. This sophisticated adult’s-only hotel sits right on the beachfront and is a five-minute stroll to the buzzing centre of Old Town Marbella and its marina with swanky Puerto Banus about 10km away. This new 236-bedroom hotel also boasts the only rooftop bar in the whole of Marbella. This offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the most incredible sunsets on the Costa del Sol, with Africa visible on the horizon! I would really recommend this hotel as the perfect destination for an exclusive girls’ weekend. Be right there with the ‘in the know’ crowd, sipping a cocktail and taking the rays. What else? DESIGN >> Amáre Marbella Beach Hotel works with local artists to bring Spanish design and full-on luxury. The ‘must sees’ in this hotel are the living walls covered in an array of different plants that give a fantastic tropical look.
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LOCATION >> Getting to Amáre Marbella is really easy due to its incomparable location right in the heart of downtown Marbella just a 40-minute drive from Malaga Airport. We recommend Amàre private airport transfers, available for a small fee. Once you arrive to Amàre Marbella you’ll feel you are near everywhere you’d want to go, most importantly – the beach! HOTEL >> It’s a luxury hotel with bags of personality. Rooms have cute names like Oh La La or Sea Lovers. My room was sophisticated and sleek, a real ‘wow’ with amazing views from the private terrace. Belvue Rooftop Bar was a great place to just sit and gaze at the unrivalled views of the Mediterranean. This hotel is not called exclusive for nothing. Roomy sunbeds have a ‘call button’ that is conveniently linked to a watch worn by your server who will cater for your every whim. I want one of those at home please! FOOD >> The Mare Nostrum Restaurant serves a fantastic breakfast buffet in the morning and Mediterranean fusion cuisine throughout the day, using only the freshest local
TREATS >> Make sure you seek out the spa for a hydrotherapy circuit with professional treatments and massages given by one of Spain’s most renowned professional skincare companies, Germanie de Capuccini. This wellness place offers relaxation areas and a Turkish bath. We could also enjoy those treatments outside, where I had massages under the shaded palapa on the beach. Very nice indeed. Amare THE ONE is an exclusive lounge for guests to savour tasty treats and drinks at any time of the day and is offered to guests of the highest category rooms. A perfect pit stop if you want to chill out inside for a little bit. THE AREA >> Soak up the sunshine at Cabopino Beach. Marbella boasts more than 30 kilometres of pristine coastline to suit everyone - from urban beaches with elegant promenades and beach bars to wild, rugged beaches offering tranquil relaxation. For those in search of a serene spot, head to the Artola dune known as Cabopino Beach where you will find powdery white sand and shallow waters perfect for a cooling paddle. Don’t forget to visit the charismatic mountain villages in the area – among them Estepona and Ronda. Benahavis is a haven
Sunbeds have a ‘call button’ that is linked to a watch worn by your server who will cater for your every whim
for foodies with a great collection of bustling restaurants serving authentic Andalusian dishes. A lovely characterful village combinging ancient Moorish heritage and panoramic views. THRILLS >> The hotel offers bike hire, which is brilliant to explore the beautiful local area. We recommend getting up early and cycling down to Puerto Banus which is a 20 minute leisurely ride along the beach esplanade. Off your bike, heard in to the heart of Marbella Old Town, Naranjos Square, which acquired its name from the fragrant orange blossom trees that line its cobbled streets. It’s a charming town with shaded corners housing ancient churches and colourful artisan shops selling local wares. For the ultimate local experience, seek out Churrería Ramón for a selection of sweet and crispy churros paired with freshly-squeezed orange juice or molten hot chocolate.
Factbox... Avda. Severo Ochoa 8 29603, Marbella, Málaga, España Tel: 800 84 34 93 booking@amarehotels.com Nightly rates at Amáre Marbella Beach Hotel start from £150 per night in an ‘I Was Here’ standard room, based on two people sharing with breakfast included. Nearest airport: Flights to Malaga. Marbella just a 40-minute drive from Malaga Airport flights, available direct from London.
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LUXE LIFE
NICKIE GOTT Nickie Gott OBE founded and runs one of the UK’s most successful event management companies, She’s Gott It! Events. The award-winning entrepreneur has delivered spectacular events for an impressive list of clients and events such as the Hitachi Rail Opening with the Prime Minister and Chancellor, as well as a host of festivals and celebrations for clients such as Nissan, Sage UK, Lookers PLC and Vertu Motors. Nickie’s years of success as a female entrepreneur led her to develop initiatives to encourage, support and inspire women in business and girls in education. Nickie was awarded an OBE for services to women in business and entrepreneurship in the 2016 New Year’s Honours list.
LUXE PEOPLE >> The scientists and staff that are finding new ways of fighting and treating cancer. Having previously gone through chemotherapy and radiotherapy I know too well just what damage these treatments can do to a body and those people finding new ways to beat it really inspire me. I had the privilege of being shown around the research centre in Newcastle and its astounding what work they do so now I am always looking for ways to fundraise to help continue their work. Their funding in the majority comes from charitable donations and even a test tube costs money so every £1 helps. LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > I have visited Prague a number of times and it never disappoints. My favourite spot is the Old Town Square at night when the windows of the Church of Our Lady are lit up, it looks like something out of a fairytale. A long holiday > We visited Umbria in Italy a few years ago and we are headed back this year as it was the best holiday we have had. We based ourselves in a villa in the hills in Montone and travelled each morning somewhere new for breakfast such as Assisi, Perugia and Gubbio. We then headed back lunchtime stopping off at a vineyard to get olives and wine to then lay by the pool all afternoon enjoying the sunshine and tranquillity. I have never felt so calm (the fact there was no mobile phone signal helped too!) A treat > A hot stone massage is my kind of treat. The best I have had is at the new Ramside Spa it was absolute heaven, it totally relaxes me and takes away all stresses and strains. LUXE RELAX >> Best food > I spent a number of my teenage years growing up in Malta and the food is very influenced by Italy. I grew up enjoying wonderful olives, sundried tomatoes, Parma ham etc. Nothing pleases me more than a fantastic plate of antipasti with olives, meats and gorgeous cheeses. Best wine > My father in law introduced me to a red wine called Pilastro and I can’t get enough of it. I ordered a box at Christmas as I try to only order it on special occasions otherwise it would encourage me to drink on a school night which I really try not to do. Favourite restaurant > My husband and I had our first date in Jesmond Dene back in 1982 and we often go back to Jesmond Dene House for dinner. The food there is beautiful and one of our favourite places to eat. Perfect weekend > I have a large family with three sisters, parents and lots of nieces and nephews as well as my own two children and grandson. Nothing beats a weekend when we all get together for a BBQ or to celebrate a birthday. Downtime means > I love losing myself in a good book but also decorate cakes in my spare time and get so absorbed in it that it provides a switch off button. My family tell me when I am reading or cake decorating that I totally ignore them and get so wrapped up in what I am doing that it drives them mad! Best telly > I really enjoy a good drama series such as Homeland, Madam Secretary and Blindspot. I like to record a few and then save them up to do a marathon watching session on a lazy weekend with a nice glass or two of wine. Best book > I like to read Jodi Picoult books but have to say my absolute favourite all time book is one I read when I was young. It is called When We Were Very Young by AA Milne, in particular the poem The King’s Breakfast, I can still recite it and can’t wait for my grandson to be old enough for me to read it to him. Best sounds > I love the sound of the saxophone. I grew up with the sounds of saxophone
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and clarinet as my father plays them both so well. I am learning to play the saxophone now and dad is teaching me (slowly!). I will never forget a moment when the sound of the saxophone reduced me to tears when I visited Las Vegas and was stood in Downtown Vegas listening to a street musician play the saxophone, it was spine tingling. I bought his CD and got him to sign it for my Dad, I play it in the car regularly. LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > I have visited Dubai on a few occasions and am in shopping heaven. The variety is unreal from the amazing malls to the quirky and fascinating souks. Shopping in the spice souk is just so vibrant, the smells, sounds and sights are so exotic and I can spend hours there. Favourite shop > Any craft shops and in particular Dainty Toys. Working in a creative business there is always a theme to be created and I love making props from giant teapots to movie table centres so looking at the possibilities in craft shops is fantastic. I recently made a tree costume much to my husband’s frustration as I used him as a tailor’s dummy to put it all together over a few hours, he was not amused. Luxe retail treat > I have a shoe obsession and just seem to have to keep buying a new pair whenever I go shopping. My husband does not see the need for yet another pair but there is always a need for new shoes. Best buy > I bought some long leather gloves three years ago in a sale for £5 and they are still going strong. They get so many comments and I recently wore them in London and a lady stopped me in Selfridges to ask where they were from as they were “exquisite”. I can’t remember where I bought them from but they look so expensive and are still going strong. LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > My most memorable night out was in Las Vegas when we were sat for dinner and were enjoying listening to Lionel Richie music playing from an upstairs window. We were then told by the waiter it was a live Lionel performance for Janet Jackson’s birthday party. We left the restaurant walked back to our hotel and I put a dollar in a slot machine and won 190 dollars, as I was doing a mini whoop whoop Simon Cowell walked past and congratulated me, I thought then, only in Vegas! Perfect party > I love my team at She’s Gott It! Events and they never cease to surprise me. On our 10th birthday they took over an empty building and created a party that I will never forget. Clients, friends and family came to celebrate with us at a night filled with surprises from 8ft glowing creatures to can-can dancers and alcoholic snow cones. I am celebrating my 50th this year and they have something planned so let’s see if they can top that. Best dress > I have to say that my wedding dress was and is the best dress I ever wore. It was in 1989 and very Princess Di with lots of frills and a huge train, but that was one of the happiest days of my life and I still have the dress in the loft. Dinner date > My favourite dinner date was with my husband, Ian, in a stunning riverside restaurant in Prague called Kampa Park. The service, location and food were all out of this world and it was so incredibly romantic looking out at the Charles Bridge. YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> I have to say Christmas is my thing. Being in the event industry we always try to make things as memorable as possible and creating our own family Christmas is no exception. Every detail is important and every other year 21 of us from my side of the family rent a property and go away together. It is magic from start to finish.
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In association with: XXXXXXXX
luxe:looks Royal Television Society (NE & Borders) Awards, Hilton Hotel, Gateshead
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!
Spring Wine Tasting, Hotel du Vin, Newcastle
Below > Ian Payne, Pam Royle, David Burdus, Janet Burdus
Below > Angela Curtis, Victoria Mason
Above > Kelid Ashruf, Joseph Sheroden, Laura McQuilen, Alex Dogoad
Above > Julie Rastelletti, Paul Szomoru, Sam Parkman, Becky Beaumont Above > David Burlton Below > Amanda Dodds, Jodie Mc Andrew
Above > Paddy Davies, Jack Wrangham, Adam Gilroy, Stuart Ramsey, Mike Palfreman, Rich Hannan
Above > Chris Jackson
Above > Jeff Brown
Below > Kaysar Rahmun, Gary Aggett, Robyn Mitchelle, Marietta Farfarne, Jonathan Pope
Above > Julie Slater, Victoria Mansell Below > Olivia Stephenson, David Burlton
Above > Steve Hunneyselt, Ruth Hunneyselt
Above > Sam Crampton, Owen Thomas
Above > Richard Moss
St Oswaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospice 30th Anniversary Ball, Civic Centre, Newcastle Below > Gillian Dannelly, Vickie Pluse, Laura Lavender, Kellie Todd
Below > Simon Gordon, Victoria Gordon
Below > Darren Errington, Mandy Taylor, Angela Scott Chiecken, Janet Nicholson, Craig Waggott
Above > Eileen Merryweather, Laura Oldham Above > Colin Rasmussen, Jenny Rasmussen
Above > Christine Bell, Susie McOwen
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SOCIAL LIFE
Opening of Aston Martin dealership, Cobalt Park Way, Silverlink Below > Jane Hall, Brian Hall
Below > Mark Kenworthy, Shaun Foweather, Christian Marti
Above > Michelle Hutchinson, Penny Tilly
Above > Esmett Beni, Paul Thursby
Above > Mark Kenworthy, Sir Peter Vardy, Oliver Turner
Below > Shaun Foweather, Richard Teatum, Mark Kenworthy
Below > Andrew Rogerson, Matthew Bennett, Jan Rogerson
Above > Lisa Hughes, Ian Hughes
Above > Tony White, Paul Thursby, Steven White
Red Sky Ball, Stadium of Light, Sunderland
Stockton Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ball, Grand Marquee, Wynyard
Below > Ben Wilson, Stephaine Wilson
Below > Kush Kumar, Jacqui Sheekey, Marnie Sullivan, Jason Faulkner
Above > Kaine Liddle, Matt Garcia-Miralles, Helen Nixon, Sean Costigan, Dave Watson Above > Michael Oliver, Elizabeth Oliver
Above > Christine Above > Ray Meek, Collette Meek Lawson, Sabrina Sharrocks
Below > Nick Robinson, Lisa Elston
Below > Margaret Waggott, Michelle Jones
Above > Joe Olabode, Chris March
Above > Stuart Levine, Jenna McDonald, Joanne Chambers Below > Barbara Eley, Corinne Eley
Above > Stephen Hutchinson, Helen Newton Below > Tina Samra, Su Mundi, Raj Ghag, Kuljinder Shaker, Bal Minak
Above > Chris Grey, Debbie Dixon, Sharon Hall, Susan McGowan, Diane Ainsley, Rachael Hays, Susan Moralee, Val Wilkinson, Suzanne Smith
www.drivebenfield.com
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Above > Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ian Dalgarno with wife Nuala
Over 10,000 new and approved used vehicles from over 30 manufacturers. Lookers... for you, for life. 14/04/2016 10:58
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SOCIAL LIFE
Chin4Jamie Ball, Ashbrooke, Sunderland Below > John Banks, Tricia Steele, Glenda Wood
Below > Emily Ferries, Nicola Maclennan, Danny Posthill, Karen Maclennan
Above > Lesley Paterson, Kay Dinsdale, Charles Campion, Carol Gent Above > Paul Langdon, Trish Langdon
Above > Brioni Brown, Jessica Stuart, Bridie Scott, Rebekah Turrell
Below > Sam Bosher, Heather Hall, Sara Dixon, Emily Ferries
Above > William Brough, Sylvia Brough, Sheila Glass, Clive Glass
Above > Will Emerson, Charley Wood, Glenda Wood, Alex Wood, Lewis Henderson
Ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lunch, Horton Grange, Ponteland
Above > Andrew Gibson, Jill Hudson, Kirsty Gowans
Book Launch in aid of Great North Air Ambulance, Cafe Lilli, Norton Below > Matthew Ord, Nica Atkins
Below > Alison Donaldson, Marion Thompson
Above > Ian Wilson, Kim Wilson Jackie Blenkinsop, Simon Blenkinsop Above > Lilian Dawson, Sheila Rowse
Above > Sarah Gray-Anderson
Above > Peter Harle, Monica Harle
Below > Vivien Dean
Below > Keith Miller, Carol Miller
Above > Irene Myerf, Roberto Pittalis, Patricia Pittalis Above > Grace Thompson, Brenda Sisterson Above > Sheila Watt, Chris Marsh
Above > Linda Robinson, David Robinson
CHUF Fund-raising Ball, Middleton Lodge, Middleton Tyas, near Darlington Below > Sam Hall, Kira Hall
Below > Tom Kilpatrick, Anna Russell
Above > Andrea Leyland, Janine Boschke and Amanda Pitcher
Above > Rebecca Tappin, James Allison Above > Tom Devney, Alex Devney
Above > Katie Ford, David Thirkell
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Beefy Foundation Sportsmansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Dinner, Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth Below > Geoff Miller, Graeme Fowler, Carol Miller
Above > Sir Ian Botham OBE, Sarah Botham
Above > Merv Richards, David Gardner
Below > Jim Pearson, Stephen Atkinson, Andy Morgan
Above > Myra Woodhouse, Ray Woodhouse
Above > Becky BothamArmstrong, Lady Kathy Botham, Sarah Fowler
Bradley Gardens Restaurant Night, Wylam Below > Denise Mankin, Alison Hore
Above > Bob Conlin, Trish Conlin
Above > John Hamilton, John Lawson
Below > Alan Bone, Margaret Bone
Below > Rupert Comrie, Jemma Lee
Above > David Tidmarsh, Alan Hamer, Ingrid Kilner, Jenny Tidmarsh, Pauline Bulman, Barbara Hamer, Graham Bulman, David Kilner
www.drivebenfield.com Come Dine with Clarins, Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth Below > Kathryn McLaren, Sally Hillsdon
Choose from over 10,000 new and approved used cars from over 30 manufacturers online or instore now.
Below > Ann Ball, Beverley Scanlan
Above > Angela Miles, Catherine Peacock
Above > Ann Chisholm, Elaine Chisman
Above > Ella Long, Lindsay Long
Above > Lesley Nixon, Sue Donaghy
Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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
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Lookers. For you, for life.
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COCKTAILS & COOL PLACES
LIVING IT UP
with Alok Loomba and Varsha Sehgal Our style duo have travelled, tasted and partied hard these past few weeks...
Alok
Varsha
THRILLED BY >> The newly extended Pleased to Meet You in Newcastle. I have been a fan of PTMY for a while now. It was converted a couple of years ago from the old and unloved Lane Public House into the PTMY Gin Emporium. After a recent expansion the venue now houses the original bar, a newly extended restaurant and the basement Viceroy cocktail bar. The menu at the restaurant has been designed by well-known chef David Kennedy and includes delights such as spiced fillet of Crane Row Farm pork with apple chutney and glazed shallot or lasagne of white asparagus with foraged mushrooms, spinach and thyme butter. Chefs use the best produce sourced locally and the menu is based on modern British cuisine combined with classic French techniques. I went for dinner recently with friends. We wanted somewhere different and new and I really enjoyed the restaurant because it offers good food in an informal and vibrant atmosphere. It’s also an excellent choice for a business lunch for that very reason. The Viceroy cocktail bar is a real dedicated cocktail bar and provides a list of cocktails and tonics with a twist. Some of the highlights are the Tokyo Plum Sour with Umeshu Saki and Damson Plum Jam and from the Caribbean the mixologists use sugarcane rum in the Viceroy Veranda lemonade. PTMY describe the Viceroy as an ‘exotic British outpost’ and it certainly does have a wonderful colonial charm about it which is really quite different to anything else in the city. This vibe goes hand in hand with weekend DJs spinning the best upbeat house and disco as a backdrop to the exotic cocktails and atmospheric lighting. It’s a great combination.
THRILLED BY >> Chicago is coming to Theatre Royal, Newcastle and now that I have booked my tickets, I am thrilled at the prospect of seeing what I think is the most energetic and slickest of stage shows on stage!
OUT AND ABOUT >> With the start of spring comes the bank holiday socials. It all started on Easter Sunday this year at Aveika’s first Bank Holiday Brunch Party. The idea behind this event was to echo the spirit of brunch parties in Dubai. I have to say that Aveika pulled this off with consummate ease. The drinks were flowing and the delicious Japanese fusion fare seemed never-ending. The party continued into the wee hours with great DJs, fabulous company, lots of dancing and mingling with a great crowd. It was a wonderful alternative to the usual bank holiday social spots. TEMPTED BY >> The Belvedere Bespoke Silver Sabre. The limited edition 007 Magnum of Belvedere vodka was initially released to coincide with the latest Bond offering, Spectre. It's been so successful that Belvedere has extended the offer to their online customers from this month. For £140 Belvedere’s bespoke service will laser etch a magnum of vodka with the name of your nearest and dearest. In fact you could even add a significant date. Much like the 007 special edition the magnum bottle can be illuminated at the touch of a button. Belvedere was named as vodka producer of the year at last year’s international spirits challenge. Belvedere have really added a new dimension to ‘bringing a bottle’; although the question will remain; do you actually drink it or just look at it! TRIED ON >> Call it what you want: a 'shacket' or a 'shirt-jack', the insulated overshirt is having a moment. We can see why - if it's not cold enough for a full jacket but there is still a chill in the air....enter the shacket. Combining the DNA of a shirt and a jacket, this is a key item for the stylish man's mid-season wardrobe. It's a very masculine statement. Many of the better offerings present detailing and pockets that make it the perfect combination of utilitarian with smart details. Added to that they offer just enough warmth to get you through the mid-season chill from spring into the British summer (well let's face it - given our great British climate - love it as we do - it's likely you might need one going into August!). All the more reason to buy a nice one! I find the best offerings can be found at the US casual superbrands such as Ralph Lauren, J Crew and Tommy Hilfiger. Top of my list has to be the 'Ralph Lauren Black Label Quilted Officer Shirt.' At £430 it's not for the frugal but it will last you for seasons to come and you can perhaps save towards it by turning off your central heating a little earlier than June.
TRAVELLED TO >> Having travelled through Europe and grown used to the sight of cobbled streets and rambling old buildings, my recent trip to Vienna took me by surprise by its sheer size and modernity. I felt as though I had walked into a grand Hollywood movie set. The German precision and planning was obvious and the level of maintenance and lack of graffiti on the impressive buildings was a welcome change. Close historical connections with neighbouring nations are clearly reflected in the art, music, architecture, food and lifestyle choices and the average Austrian struck me as hip and fun-loving. Here’s what I suggest you do with your time in Vienna: Museums > the Hofburg, Belvedere and Kunsthistorisches Museums are grand palatial buildings housing some of the most impressive art collections I have ever seen. The Jewish museum is a tribute to the thriving Jewish community that used to reside in prewar Vienna and well worth a visit. The Staatsoper and Wiener Musikverein > book ahead for concerts and soak in the culture and operatic pleasures. The Golden Quarter > aptly named, this area is lined with big high street names, exclusive boutiques and luxury designer brands. Chegini and Amici were my achilles heel so if you cannot resist temptation steer clear! Restaurants > If I had to cut it down to a few they would be: Palmerhaus a greenhouse converted into a busy eatery. A tranquil place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fabios (below) don your best designer gear and get ready to see and be seen. This is where the glitterati clink their cocktail glasses and tuck into freshly made pasta. Steirereck & Meirei housed in the same building these are both world class, Michelinstarred restaurants. Figmuller Wollzeile within minutes of being seated you realise this is a classy, old school establishment. Figmuller Wollzeile is the last word in schinitzels. I would recommend the pork schinitzel and parsley potatoes along with a bottle of Zweigelt Barrique to share. Schlumberger Sparkling Bar I felt like Gretel walking in but this one trumped the witch’s house of sweets because it had the added attraction of champagne to go with the treats! Atmosphere Rooftop Bar & Lounge Located in the Ritz Carlton, this rooftop bar has panoramic views of the city. The cocktails are creative and the champagne list impressive. Le Moet & Chandon Champagne Bar somewhere to savour fresh oysters and elegant champagnes in sophisticated surroundings. TEMPTED BY >> Drawn to the refreshing notes of bergamot, peach and geranium rose at The Dorchester, London, I found myself giving in to the temptation of Sense of Joy candles by Carol Joy. Pampering at its finest. TASTED >> A big fan of the 21 Hospitality Group, I have missed dining at Café 21 because of my travels, so I was pleased to return to my old favourites of the fresh crab lasagne and fish cakes with buttered spinach. Next stop the Scotch eggs and roast lamb at the Broad Chare! TRIED ON >> Summer translates as garden parties and weddings and I have decided this year I am going to channel Latino fever. In comes Joanna Ortiz with her love for frills, volume and romance. The ‘Miss Solightly’ dress would set any heart aflutter. THINKING ABOUT >> It took less than a day to finish reading “When Breath Becomes Air” but it left me with a great deal to think about. Given my personal brush with cancer, I was able to relate to the author’s daily strife to maintain some semblance of normality. Cancer is a life-changing event and this book shows how one’s mortality can be accepted with grace. Written with a lot of dignity, it is a book everyone should read at least once.
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Our pick for the pops out there who like a sassy bit of fragrance. Jo Malone’s unisex colognes include a new one out on 1 June. Black Cedarwood & Juniper Cologne, £85 (100ml) blends heady cedarwood with a touch of cumin and chilli leaves for what they call a contemporary and urban fragrance. A lighter alternative for a traditional chap is Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne, £85, with its burst of bergamot, distinct to Earl Grey, and the cool succulence of crunchy cucumber for a reviving and refined blend.
A very showy-off bit of garden kit. Sunshiney yellow Garden Glory hose – 20m long. Admiring glances all round! £89.95 www.amara.com Mu-so QB. This new compact wireless music system, made in England, is a true feat of sound engineering. £595 www.petertyson.co.uk
Here comes summer. Beer and a barbecue! Metal BBQ Ice Bucket. £20, The Contemporary Home www.tch.net If he likes happy feet, get Dad a sock subscription from the people at Quiet Rebellion. They’ll send out anything from a snazzy single pair to a monthly delivery of new socks for a year. From £7.99 to 12 pairs for £89. www.quietrebellion.london
CHAP CHIC
Splash out on every level with a bit of Tom Ford for a decadent dad. New to the range, Neroli Portofino Acqua and Neroli Portofino Forte which are as luxe as it gets in a bottle really. They look good enough to dive into with bold azure blue bottles and zing with holiday scents of seaside woodlands. Acqua is a light version of the citrusy favourite with the Forte more intense. £195 50ml. On counter at Fenwick, Newcastle.
Pep up the play. A new season polo shirt from the Hugo Boss collection at JulesB. The dark red Paddy shirt is £74.99 www.julesb.co.uk
Help him pack up his troubles. Barbour black rubber backpack. £100 www.houseoffraser.com
No bull, it’s a great pressie. Trophy bull wall bicycle holder. £99 www.outlineworksltd.co
Golf guys love Galvin Green. The new season Gortex Albin cover-up keeps him dry and looking sharp. £259.95 Stockists include the golf shop at Ramside Hall. www.galvingreen.com
Oppo PM-3 Headphones. Perfect for on the go, combining true audiophile performance, elegant styling and noise isolation. £349 www.petertyson.co.uk
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Linn Series 5 System. Enjoy your music in truly astonishing Linn Sound quality, on a system you can tailor to your home. Starting from £8,260 www.petertyson.co.uk
Dad’s day is 19 June Inspiration is here…
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LUXE LOVES
LUXE LOVES Ringing the changes Prepare to be dazzled! Handmade, 2.15ct fine Australian Black Opal set in 18ct yellow gold with pave set diamond side rings ÂŁ5,340 www.saundersandpughe.com
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TINGLE ON THE TYRES
Playtime in a Porsche Chris March revs up for the drive of his life on a Porsche Experience Day at Silverstone
It’s not every day you get invited to a driving event at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone so when the people at the Porsche Centre Newcastle, part of JCT600 popped that in my inbox it was definitely a ‘kid in a sweetshop’ moment. The thought of getting my hands on the all-new 911 on a specially designed track incorporating a handling circuit, kick plate and ice hill was almost too much for me. The words Porsche and Silverstone sent a shiver down my spine. As it happened I was actually destined for that part of the country on business anyway so the decision wasn’t difficult. I’ve always been a fan of Porsche as a motor brand: I vividly recall seeing my neighbour’s boss pull up outside his door flashing off his 911 back in the early 90s and as a susceptible young man I was straight out of the front door negotiating a way to actually sit in the car. From that moment I knew someday I would own a Porsche. Fast forward 24 years and I thought that time was last year, I was in the market for a new car having handed my company car back and seriously considered a nearly-new Porsche 911 – to cut a long story short my better half intervened saying something about the practicalities of transporting a five, eight and 14-year-old about town. Clearly, this reasoning was white noise to me but my heart is still holding a place for that car. So, for the next best thing Invitation in hand, I set off with my accomplice, namely
our photographer Chris Auld. We were promised the experience of driving the 911, Boxster, Cayman, and Macan on the track and an off-road course to put the Cayenne through its paces. All this would be accompanied by our very own Porsche Driving Consultant to talk us through the technology in the vehicles. We arrived early at Silverstone like a pair of kids, revved up and raring to go. The Porsche Experience Centre is just that, a wonderful experience, you are welcomed, checked in and driving licences checked. The building sits just off the main Silverstone circuit and is shaped like an amphitheatre. The ground floor houses the Porsche Atrium featuring a small collection of some of the best Porsches ever made, paying homage to Porsche’s heritage in racing. I’m told there is a cinema, numerous conference rooms and a Human Performance Centre also on this floor. Stairs led to the fabulous lounge and restaurant where we were greeted with coffee and pastries before placing our order for breakfast and joining our fellow experience seekers. The entire facility is fantastically sleek and welcoming, I’d love to return on the day Formula One comes to Silverstone. Back to the driving. After breakfast it was time for a safety briefing. There were about 30 of us, mostly business people like myself from the North East and Yorkshire but there were also some real enthusiasts in the room – those who have two or three Porsches and are always on the lookout to upgrade to the latest model.
Porsche Atrium features a small collection of some of the best Porsches ever made paying homage to Porsche’s heritage in racing
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MAY/JUN16
TINGLE ON THE TYRES
My instructor sensed my restraint and encouraged me to go faster and brake later, telling me to throw the car into the corners and then get hard on the accelerator
We were split into small groups and taken off to different areas of the facility, first up for me were the GT and RS and at last, my chance to take these cars round a track! Driving a Porsche on a road is beautiful but on a track it’s terrifying. My instructor sensed my restraint and encouraged me to go faster and brake later, telling me to throw the car into the corners and then get hard on the accelerator, needless to say my bum was twitching but I had this crazy grin plastered across my face which grew wider with each lap. I got out of the car chanting something about awesome, much to his amusement. Next up was the low friction track and our chance to accompany an experienced race driver in the Cayman. The speeds are relatively low but to watch these chaps and ladies make the car go sideways drifting corners is mesmerising. I felt completely safe and was astonished how the car reacted to its full potential without getting out of second gear. We moved on to the kick plate which was real fun, I had commandeered the first Boxster lined up so naturally I was first in line; basically you drive the car into a section of the track which is constantly kept watered – the car is then kicked sideways on the rear wheels by a hydraulic plate causing loss of rear wheel traction and forcing the car into a spin, my first attempt left me facing the wrong way and feeling decidedly shamefaced. Our instructors were constantly talking to us through a walkie-talkie, giving us tips to
MAY/JUN16
regain the traction and keep the car moving (and pointing in the correct direction). By my third attempt I was a whizz at correcting the car with ease. The secret is keeping your foot on the accelerator and not stamping on the brake which is such a natural reaction, once you master ignoring your instinct it’s easy. Next up was the ice hill, a 7% slope with computer-controlled water jets and a low friction surface. I sat in a Cayman at the bottom of the hill looking at the course thinking this was going to be exciting. The course is a backward S and you need to get up enough speed to make it up the hill whilst drifting round two water jets keeping the car from spinning it’s a real challenge and tests even the most experienced drivers. After our morning activities we took a three course lunch in the restaurant which was better than some well-known restaurants I’ve frequented. I was a little upset at this point – my day had to come to an early end as I was needed in the Cotswolds for an afternoon meeting, I would be missing the launch control straights and the off-road action. I bid my fellow experiencers goodbye and made my way to my car full of energy and declaring I would start the negotiation process with my wife….and I would return to complete the experience with friends. Thanks to Scott Stevenson Centre Principal Porsche Centre Newcastle, part of JCT600. 0191 295 1234
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DRIVETIME
AT THE WHEEL Motors man Bob Arora is on the move again
Join the SUV gang Mercedes GLE Coupe SUV is a head-turner of a car and smooth as sillk at every turn
My earliest memory of the iconic three-pointed Mercedes badge has to be my uncle’s S Class. Prior to buying the Merc he had always been a Jaguar fan and having been a passenger in both the S-Class and the Jag, I remember them as totally different beasts. The Jag with its lashings of wood and plush upholstery, that majestic leaping cat on the bonnet and its seats which were better than those in our house. The Mercedes-Benz with its velour interior and build quality akin to a tank, was definitely different, a car built to last. But somewhere down the line, Mercedes lost their way and started to use cheaper parts and it showed. The most over-engineered car of the time, 190 is still clocking up stratospheric mileage as a taxi in many European cities and Mercedes started to get a bad name for itself for the poor quality of its builds. But it looks like they are turning the corner now, which brings me perfectly to the car I’ve been driving this month – the Mercedes GLE Coupe SUV. Launched with three engine options – the 3.5L diesel, 4.5L V6 and the AMG 6.3 which is powered by a huge 5.5L V8 twin-turbo – it’s a sporty alternative to the Range Rover Sport and a direct competitor to its German cousin the BMW X6. Unless you have an oil field in your back garden the petrol engine versions of this car are going to be costly to run. As you may expect then, the diesel engine will be the best selling engine in the range. Don’t let the diesel fool you
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though, with a top speed of 140mph and 0-60 in seven seconds it’s no slouch. You can expect around 35mpg from the coupe which is only 4mpg off Mercedes’ own number at 39mpg, though that figure should be helped by the nine-speed automatic gearbox all cars are fitted with. From the two trim specs available, even the base AMG line comes with auto dimming and folding mirrors, parking sensors, reverse camera, heated seats, climate control and DAB radio. Those wanting even more of a refined experience can opt for the Designo line which will add heated and cooling massage seats, 360 degree camera and a Harmon Kardon sound system. The GLE has a real presence on the road and thanks to huge wheels, large Mercedes badge and sporty body kit, will certainly turn heads on roads filled with small Euro-boxes. Speaking of Euro-boxes, which are often renowned for their sharp handling, the coupe is as smooth as silk around corners thanks to the adjustable driving modes and air suspension allowing it to be as responsive as a car half its size. In comfort mode, the car’s steering feels precise but still quite heavy. Put it into sport mode though and the car transforms. Firmer body control and extra grip thanks to the four-wheel drive system leaves it wanting to be thrown into corners and tight country roads. Inside, Mercedes have ensured the coupe’s dash and interior are up to the standard with the C Class interior and although it does look a little busy with so many buttons, you can’t fault the materials used. Built for comfort and
durability, they are plush to both the eye and the touch, but feel so well put together that they will last a long time as well. On the topic of buttons, although functional, the coupe’s multimedia system seems to be over complicated to me. I still prefer the iDrive system from BMW which is much easier to use. Unlike the original X6, the GLE is fitted with three rear seats, and while it may be comfortable enough, tall passengers may find headroom to be a little tight. The GLE is a very good car indeed and it’s a perfectly accomplished SUV that gives both the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover Sport a real run for their money. If you are looking for something new and unusual the GLE may be your go-to car. It has bucket loads of kerb appeal and I’m sure it will be built to last a very long time indeed.
Firmer body control and extra grip thanks to the fourwheel drive system leaves it wanting to be thrown into corners and tight country roads MAY/JUN16
The new Infiniti Q30
THE FIRST EVER INFINITI Q30
infiniti.co.uk #BornToChallenge
Born to Challenge
With its sleek and unique design and assistive technologies, discover how the new Infiniti Q30 stands out.
PCP Representative example: Infiniti Q30 1.5 DCi SE 36 monthly payments
On the road cash price
Customer deposit
Deposit contribution
Total amount of credit
Duration of agreement
Optional final payment
Total amount payable
Rate of interest P.A. (Fixed)
APR Representative
£249
£17,061
£249
£4,439
£16,812
36 months
£10,147
£19,396
5.73%
5.73%
Infiniti Centre Newcastle Middle Engine Lane, Silverlink Business Park, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear NE28 9NZ Phone: 0191 295 8686 www.infinitinewcastle.com
Based on 8,000 miles per annum
Official fuel economy figures for the model shown in mpg (l/100 km): combined 42.2 (6.7) to 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emission: 156 to 108 g/km. Finance provided by Infiniti Financial Services, Eagle House, 78 St Albans Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 1AF. Subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. You must be at least 18 and a UK resident (excluding the Isle of Man and Channel Islands). Terms and conditions apply, please visit your local dealer for full details. Offer based on 8,000 miles per annum, excess mileage 8p per mile. Offers not available in conjunction with any schemes or other offers. Vehicle price includes first registration fee and 12 months’ road fund licence and delivery costs. Infiniti Europe Division of Nissan International SA, Zone d’Activités La Pièce 12, 1180 Rolle, Switzerland. Terms and conditions apply. Finance subject to status. CO2/MPG figures based on EU regulated laboratory testing, and may not represent real-life driving results (which vary depending on driving behaviour, conditions and other factors). *Model shown is an Infiniti Q30 1.6 SE FWD OTR price £20,550. Prices exclude optional glass roof at £500, metallic paint at £670 and 19” alloy wheels at £700.
INFINITI CENTRE NEWCASTLE INSPIRED PERFORMANCE
The distance between your dreams and reality is called action... take a test drive today!
£256 PER MONTH .34 £1541 DEPOSIT .89 PLUS VAT
AND
PLUS VAT
Infiniti Q50 2.2 Cdi Sport Auto (Multimedia)
• Satellite Navigation • Rear View Camera • Alloy Wheels • Bluetooth© Audio Streaming • USB / iPod Connectivity • Dual Touch Screen (LCD VGA 8” and LCD VGA 7”) • Voice Recognition System • Start Stop System • Twin Exhaust Chrome Tailpipes • Push Button Ignition • Infiniti InTouch • Scratch Shield Paint • Cruise Control Ultrasonic Alarm System • Half Leather Seats • Air Conditioning
Infiniti Centre Newcastle Middle Engine Lane, Silverlink Business Park, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear NE28 9NZ Phone: 0191 295 8686 www.infinitinewcastle.com
INSPIRED PERFORMANCE
Official fuel economy figures for the Infiniti range in mpg (l/100 km): urban 25.2 to 15.0 (11.2 to 18.9), extra urban 36.2 to 28.8 (7.8 to 9.8), combined 31.4 to 21.6 (9.0 to 13.1). CO2 emission: 307 to 238 g/km. Business users only. Visit your local dealer for full details. Infiniti Centre Newcastle is a subsidiary of Bristol Street Fourth Investments who is a credit broker authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Finance subject to status. Model shown for illustration purposes only. Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18s in the UK only. Terms and conditions apply. Retail sales only. Subject to availability. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to assist with your purchase, who may pay us for introducing you to them. Terms and conditions apply. Advance rental £1,541.34+VAT followed by 47 monthly rentals of £256.89+VAT. Mileage of 10,000 per annum. Excess mileage charges apply.
MAY/JUN16
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INFINITI AND BEYOND
Infiniti’s extra mile
The Q30 is our home-grown hero, made in Sunderland and a model to put the Infiniti brand on the map
I am quite sure if you were to ask the vast majority of the British public to name five car manufacturers, none of them would even dream of mentioning Infiniti. But ask the very same question in the States and I am sure quite a lot of people would. When you consider the brand was originally launched 25 years ago, Infinity really did not have any brand awareness in the UK at all. In a valiant attempt to take on the Germans at their own game, Nissan, Toyota and Honda all launched premium brands. As I have mentioned before, in America they have managed to outsell their competitors by making their cars not only look great but jam pack them with technology, with the trump card being the car’s excellent reliability. Infiniti was originally launched in Europe about eight years ago when they introduced the Q45 which looked very nice. This smart looking car didn’t put Infiniti on the map but now they are here with a bang, thanks to clever F1 sponsorship with the Red Bull team. They are also looking to enter a car into the BBTC. They have invested heavily into designing all of the dealerships to look amazing. As soon as you walk into the showroom the place just screams quality. And thankfully, for a change, Infiniti have chosen our very own local super group Vertu to lead the charge in spreading the word about this company. The new Q30 is the car to put Infiniti on the map, and best of all it is being built in Sunderland at the Nissan plant. The staff have been retrained in how to build a premium car that is firmly aimed at the BMW 1 series, Mercedes A Class and the Audi A3 market.
The car’s trump card is its fantastic handling. The suspension keeps the passengers extremely well cushioned from our terrible roads 72
This car looks very smart indeed and you can’t help but think it’s a small SUV. Infiniti will be launching a Q30 SUV next year called the QX30. In the right colour with the right wheels, this car looks simply amazingly. The car’s suspension and engines come courtesy of Mercedes. We therefore have a Japanese car that is built in Sunderland with essential German components. The car’s doors have a reassuring, German-sounding thunk and the team at Sunderland have really excelled themselves with the build quality.
When you step inside the car the soft touch materials really ooze quality. The car’s cool interior makes a nice change to its competitors’ quite boring looking interiors. The Infiniti’s infotainment system is all controlled via an iDrive style controller which if I am being honest, isn’t as good as its competitors’ versions. Infiniti have used the Mercedes parts bin to the max, it has to be said this is not a bad thing at all. The best-selling car in the range is likely to be the 1.5lt Diesel engine which has been sourced from Renault. The other two engines are supplied by guess who! Yes you’re right, they are supplied by Mercedes and it may not surprise you to know the dual clutch gearbox is also courtesy of Mercedes. A manual gearbox is available with smaller engines and larger engines get the option of four wheel drive. The car is available in three trim levels. The entry car is the SE, followed by the Premium and the range topping trim, the
Sport. In this guise the car gets lower and stiffer suspension and much more aggressive looking bumpers. The car’s steering is also weighted to give the driver a much sportier feel. To try and address the noise and refinement issue the engineers at Infiniti have attempted to alter the acoustics by using noise cancelling technology. I can honestly say the 1.5lt diesel I drove was very noisy and maybe the noise cancelling technology wasn’t working at all though it was very economical even with my lead right foot. The car has sufficient poke to overtake and the power is delivered in a seamless manner. The car’s trump card is its fantastic handling. The suspension keeps the passengers extremely well cushioned from our terrible roads and whenever you feel like driving the car in a sporty manner it really steps up to the plate and it doesn’t disappoint at all. At speed the car really suffers from excessive wind and tyre noise and unfortunately not even the boffins at Infiniti have managed to solve these issues.
The 1.5lt engine really needs to be worked hard to make any real progress while the 2.0lt petrol engine is slightly sportier. The car is priced from £20,550 with the range-topping car costing £27,300. Passengers have plenty of headroom and the boot is also a decent size for most growing families. This car will definitely put Infiniti on the map but it doesn’t quite beat the class leading Audi A3. Anyone looking for something slightly more different to the boring German competitors should head on down to our local Infiniti dealership. I am sure Jeff and his great team will look after any potential customers. Anyone who saw me driving the understated blue chrome wrapped car will be devastated to know it’s been sold, but you could always get a gold wrapped car which seems to be the latest craze in the Middle East! Car courtesy of Vertu. Infiniti
MAY/JUN16
The new BMW 7 Series
The Ultimate Driving Machine
THE NEW BMW 7 SERIES. DRIVING LUXURY. The new BMW 7 Series incorporates exquisitely crafted design, enhanced levels of comfort and an extensive range of pioneering technology, which have all led to it being hailed as the most innovative car in its class.
LLOYD NEWCASTLE
Barrack Road Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4LE 0191 2617366 www.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk
BMW RETAILER OF THE YEAR 2015.
Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 7 Series Saloon range: Urban 24.8-51.4mpg (11.4-5.5l/100km). Extra Urban 45.6-67.3mpg (6.2-4.2l/100km). Combined 34.9-60.1mpg (8.1-4.7l/100km). CO2 emissions 189-124g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions
GO FASTER
A lavish, luxury launch Life-long Aston Martin fans and the North East’s elite flocked to the official opening of the new Aston Martin Newcastle dealership at Cobalt Park Way, Silverlink, on 24 March The £4million site is one of the biggest Aston Martin outlets in the UK, set over two floors and covering over 1,900 square metres. It will serve the whole of the North East, from North Yorkshire to the Scottish Borders, and Cumbria. Following a champagne and canapé reception, the exclusive, red-carpet event provided guests with an opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art facility at their leisure, including its brand new showroom, which is home to a 14-car display area for
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new cars and an extensive amount of pre-owned, timeless stock, and luxurious Q Lounge in which customers can get creative and tailor their new models to exact specifications. The launch showcased a number of rare and iconic Aston Martin models, including the DB10 as featured in the James Bond blockbuster Spectre, classics such as the DB6 and V12 Vantage Zagato, and a Vulcan Race Car - one of only 24 ever built.
It was the brand new DB11, however, that stole the show. Crowds gathered as the dealership’s expert team unveiled the £154,995 model, which will arrive in UK showrooms later this year, for the first time since it was celebrated at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Commenting on the dealership’s launch, Dealer Principal Paul Thursby said: “We have built a fantastic facility, which, along with our experienced team, will serve the Aston Martin clients well into the future.” Aston Martin Newcastle dealership, Cobalt Park Way, Silverlink, Wallsend, NE28 9NZ. For more information, visit www.astonmartinnewcastle.co.uk or call 0191 691 0333
MAY/JUN16
WALK THIS WAY
TREND WATCH with Chris Stocks, Pol Kefton Premium Design Add a timeless touch to your home with luxurious flooring
Recently the Pol Kefton Group has become the main representative for Lapicida within the North East. Lapicida are the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading stone supplier, offering an extensive collection of luxury stone for walls and floors together with freestanding pieces and a matchless range of bespoke services. Custom designed bathroom walls, floors and stone objects such as baths, basins and shower-trays are made to order. Floor and wall coverings play a huge part in interior design, especially within kitchens and bathrooms. Each covering represents individuality, personality and style. Popular stones include marble, feature granite, porcelain and natural stone such as limestone and travertine.
PORCELAIN >> Porcelain is a high density ceramic tile made from clay fired at high temperatures. This process ensure porcelain has great properties such as being resistant to staining and are hardwearing. A porcelain tile can have the look of a natural stone yet have great longevity. TIP >> Try using large format tiles to reduce grout lines.
STONE >> Ultimately kitchens and bathrooms are about day-to-day living and practicality is important, so highly durable luxury tiles are ideal for these high traffic areas. These spaces should be warm and inviting. Using the natural stone tiles throughout other rooms in the home, allows the warmth to flow throughout. Creating a connected feel. TIP >> Use underfloor heating to keep the stone warm under foot.
Type of design CONTEMPORARY >> Appreciate the sleek modern lines of contemporary floor and wall tiles. Bespoke custom cut your own tiles to suit your style or zone spaces within open plan living. Try adding visual interest by creating geometric patterns with polished marble or perfectly honed limestone tiles throughout interior spaces. Honed, polished, distressed are all types of finishes on the stone, helping you create your desired look through texture.
MARBLE COLLECTION >> Marble is one of the most luxurious stones and, although undeniably timeless, is also a top trend for 2016. Each piece is completely unique, bringing warmth and depth to interiors. Hardwearing as well as highly decorative, marble is the perfect choice for bathrooms. Marble is currently very relevant to contemporary interiors. TIP >> Special effects such as Quartermatch (slabs of stone precisely cut, matched and reflecting the veins of the stone both horizontally and vertically) create decorative features.
Pol Kefton Kitchens Unit 1 Coopies Field, Coopies Lane Industrial Estate, Morpeth, Ne61 6Jt Telephone: 01670 503869
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RECLAIMED >> Add exclusivity and character to living spaces with rare antique stone tiles. The reclaimed stone uses original natural texture with a touch of rustic elegance. Limestone flooring is a popular French style surface. The tiles are typically tumbled and brushed to create a beautifully rugged look. TIP >> Creating a brick bond effect when tiling is often advised when using a larger rectangular tile, this adds more detail. TRADITIONAL >> For a more classical feel, the octagon-and-dot NeoVictorian style can be used, contrasting light natural stone tiles with black, and this can work very well in modern homes to create a contemporary twist on a classical style. Alternatively, highly polished and reflective surfaces can create a sense of space through the feel of light.
Morpeth Bathrooms Unit 6B, Coopies Lane Industrial Estate, Morpeth, Northumberland, Ne61 6Jn Telephone: 01670 517638
Pol Kefton Unit 16 | 17 Sanderson Arcade, Morpeth Ne61 1Ns Telephone: 01670 503749
MAY/JUN16
WYNYARD M A N O R
Off A689, Wynyard, Durham, TS22 5GY.
Luxury new homes in one of the North Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most desirable locations, prices start from just ÂŁ249,950
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Homes available with Help to Buy or Part Exchange
For more information call 01740 617 052 or visit taylorwimpey.co.uk Sales information centre and showhomes open Thursday to Monday, 11am to 5pm
HOMETIME in association with
www.greatlook.co.uk
Grand scale gorgeousness Be inspired for your interiors. Georgian splendour comes with a contemporary twist in a beautiful manor house bathed in the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales
A restoration project with a big budget and equally smart vision has given a stunning manor house near Richmond, North Yorkshire some serious wow factor. Gilling Lodge is a real ‘please can I live here’ kind of place. It has been restored as a holiday rental but frankly it would be a wrench to leave it behind. The magnificent six-bedroom, five-bathroom Georgian manor house in the heart of Gilling West near Richmond is a listed property built in the 1730s. That means plenty of space, big windows and equally big views – but also the restrictions that renovation of a listed period property bring. But elegance, room proportions and a sense of history and character are priceless assets in a home. The things that you can’t buy. The owners of this property were keen to retain the spirit of the house and its elegance but mindful of the expectations of the demands of guests. Classic and contemporary styling really bring the wow-factor to the house after an outstanding restoration. The result is a gorgeous family home with a grand appeal to the interiors but a contented and relaxed charm. The entrance hall has heated stone flooring and Portland stone cantilever staircase.
Elegance, room proportions and a sense of history are priceless assets in a home. The things that money can’t buy 78
MAY/JUN16
• Wetroom Tray • High Flow Waste • Installation Kit • Watertite Liquid Membrane • Grohe 2 Way Thermostatic Shower • Rain Shower Head & Handset Kit • Wetroom Screen with Flipper Panel • Keuco Corner Basket This Complete Wetroom Package at an incredible
No doubt at once that this is an historic country home with 21st Century comforts. Walk along the warm oak floor of the hallway to the heart of the home, a fabulous large kitchen which is perfect for cooking, entertaining and dining. An AGA keeps it toasty warm and a huge marble-covered kitchen island is the place to gather and open the wine. Pre-dinner drinksperfection every evening.
The classic units are complemented by an impressive find – a rustic bleached wood bench, the perfect place to rest as you munch on a croissant. Double doors lead to the formal dining room with wonderful views out to the gardens and French doors on to the terrace. Through another set of double doors is the drawing room painted in a restful soft blue. It is full of period features including a >>
£990
10 Stirling Court, Eleventh Avenue North, Team Valley, NE11 0JF
www.h2obdc.co.uk
Step into style... Every Wood Idea project is a combination of decades of experience, innovation, passion and traditional British craftsmanship. Whether it is flooring, doors or stairs, our knowledge of timber is equalled only by our passion for customer satisfaction. If your stair is looking tired, your doors dated or your floors needing a modern touch then talk to us about your own Wood Idea.
Unit 4, Blaydon Trade Park, Toll Bridge Road, Blaydon, Tyne & Wear. NE21 5TR
“Now that’s a Wood Idea” Staircases I Flooring I Doors MAY/JUN16
0191 414 1300 F: 0191 414 1306 Visit: www.awoodidea.com T:
A WOOD IDEA GREAT IDEAS IN WOOD FLOORING & DOORS
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HOMETIME in association with
www.greatlook.co.uk
stunning marble fireplace. French doors from the drawing room lead onto a handsome walled garden, croquet lawn and outdoor stone fireplace – your evening cocktail spot! The rooms inter-link to create a good flow. You can sense the sociability of the past times in the house. Another luxurious addition to the lodge is the high-tech cinema room with a large high-definition screen with integrated surround sound. A log burner brings a cosy feel to the snug, making it perfect for younger guests to escape to whilst the parents unwind next door. There’s also a downstairs boot room and WC. All of the bedrooms are upstairs and are set over two floors. The first is a breathtaking en-suite master bedroom with stunning views of the formal gardens and countryside beyond. Star of the show in the bathroom is a beautiful free-standing bath sitting in the centre of the room. There’s also a double walk-in shower in here and a separate WC discreetly behind a hidden door. The second bedroom is a family room with double bed and two singles. A further double bedroom sits next door and both rooms share a family bathroom. At the front of the house a fourth bedroom has views over the enclosed courtyard and an en-suite shower room. There’s also a dressing area in this room. At the top floor there’s a large room set in
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the eaves of the house which has two double beds and a fabulous luxurious bathroom with a feature free-standing bath and large walk-in shower. It’s the sort of bathroom you just won’t want to leave. The landing provides a quiet reading area with large picture sky light windows providing lovely views of the paddocks surrounding the house and the village beyond. Matching the stunning interiors of this large luxury Yorkshire holiday home are the gorgeous gardens. Take a turn about the formal garden breathing in the scent of lavender on a warm summer evening. Settle down to an al fresco lunch or dinner on the majestic stone terrace to the front of the house, with that gorgeous Georgian façade as your backdrop… Gilling Lodge is available to rent from vwww.gorgeouscottages.co.uk
Another luxurious addition to the lodge is the high-tech cinema room with a large highdefinition screen and surround sound MAY/JUN16
Exciting new products!
Visit our newly extended/refurbished 10,000sqft showroom and let us make your dreams come true. If you are looking for flair and innovative design it doesn’t matter what part of your home you want to improve. We can achieve what you are looking for and beyond, all under one roof. No need to visit showroom after showroom, it’s now all here! Come and see all of our actual-size fabulous displays and discuss your ideas with one of our experienced designers.
• Kitchens • Bedrooms • Bathrooms • Orangeries • Guardian Roofs • Windows • Doors • Bi-Fold Doors • Replacement Roofs
10th Avenue West Team Valley Gateshead NE11 0HL Opposite Retail World
www.greatlook.co.uk 0191 4913836
Improve your home with Leading the way in designing and installing the highest quality home improvements in the North East for over 30 years. A family-run business, Aanco have been providing a reliable service since 1979 and aim to bring you luxury for less. Add elegance to your home with our extensive range of products, designed to suit your home with the beauty and style you can expect from Aanco. Whether you are extending your home with an orangery or refreshing your entrance with a composite door, you can expect luxurious products at affordable prices. Traditional, modern, futuristic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all styles are catered for in our extensive range and for your peace of mind, we only use the finest quality products with the highest kitemark standards to maximise security and performance. With a 10 year insurance backed guarantee worth the paper it is written on, you can feel confident you have made the right choice by choosing a trusted, local company.
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Aanco, Portrack Lane, Stockton on Tees. TS18 2RB. Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9.30 - 4.30pm, Sat 9.30 - 4.00pm
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GROWTH SPURT
PLOT
with Darren Crichton-Jones, owner, Bradley Gardens, Wylam Looking forward to some nourishing sun in the gardens
As late spring becomes early summer there is an evident change in the season, no more so noticeable than in the flowering borders at Bradley Gardens. Buddleja globosa (Butterfly Bush) was introduced to the UK shores in 1774 and although it arrived a century or more before most other buddleia, it has not naturalised in the same way. Grown here at Bradley for its striking orange spherical flowers this particular hardy variety attracts countless insects to the floriferous and scented golf ball flowers. Digitalis (foxglove) both sculpted and architectural, planted in drifts creates a naturalistic style of perennial gardening. The effect in the garden is simply stunning and like the wild foxglove it too thrives in partial shade. There are more cultured varieties but nothing approaches the common foxglove for sheer exuberance. A plant which simply reaches for the sky creating so many flowers on tightly packed leafy spikes. Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’ has interesting upward-facing tubular flowers which make it easier to watch insects come and go as they gather pollen. The ever-changing borders at Bradley are a mix of traditional and contemporary planting. Eryngium bourgatii ‘Picos Blue’ (sea holly) is a vivid-blue form of this superb species, and arguably has to be bluest and the best. Producing a clump of dark green leaves it will generate a candelabra of flower heads on stems of deep metallic blue. Cut and dried at its peak it will retain its outstanding colour and remains a favourite from the cutting garden here at Bradley. Eryngium maritimum is an exceptional beauty, perfectly formed and grown for its edible parts. Again if the flower heads and stems are cut in their prime they will become everlasting when
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dried creating contrast and distinction in any floral arrangement. Exceptionally bold yet graceful Exochorda x macrantha ‘The Bride’ has stems of pure white petalled flowers on short, leafy stems which appear in abundance in late spring and early summer. A wonderful plant in a mixed shrub bed or equally grown as a specimen in an open situation where its curved branches will reach the ground. A hardy, deciduous shrub it will thrive in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.
Nothing approaches the common foxglove for sheer exuberance in the garden
A new addition to the garden this year and planted at the base of the Victorian wall is Garrya elliptica ‘James Roof’. Frost hardy and evergreen its upright, free standing habit makes this an ideal shrub for planting in front of a wall. Leathery, dark green leaves form a faultless backdrop for the pendent eye-catching clusters of silver-grey male catkins which continue to hang well into late spring. This variety can be grown as a sheltering hedge. As well as the seasonal changes throughout May and June this year we will be continuing to restore the old Victorian walls and designing new layouts for planting of new borders. We are also building our new Food Hall as well as making other improvements throughout this much-loved garden.
MAY/JUN16
ADVERTORIAL
Kitchen creative Oakstone Designs, which specialises in the design, construction and installation of stunning, high-quality kitchens, opened the doors to its brand new flagship store in Darlington’s exclusive Grange Road area in April
Building on its reputation as one of the paramount luxury kitchen companies in the region, Oakstone Designs recently secured the services of award-winning designer George Campbell, who brings with him over 30 years’ worth of industry experience. At last year’s May Design Series in London, George was awarded Hafele UK Gold Award for Best Showroom Design 2015. It was at these same awards that George met Oakstone Designs’ founder, Stephen Kennedy, and discovered they share a passion for fine design, high quality materials, and outstanding customer service. They also share the belief that hand-drawn plans and elevation drawings add a personal touch, which makes every stage of the Oakstone Designed kitchen truly hand-crafted. Stephen still takes a very hands-on approach to the running of the company, meaning that each customer receives a highly personalised and unique service experience, something that customers frequently comment upon. One memorable testimonial that Stephen likes to recall is that ‘Oakstone Designs actually
MAY/JUN16
deliver the service that other companies promise to’, which he believes is one of the things that sets Oakstone apart from their competitors and is...‘the reason why more and more people have Oakstone at the top of their list when looking for a beautiful new kitchen’. The opening of the new showroom comes as Oakstone Designs enters its twelfth year of business. Stephen says that George’s appointment and the opening of the showroom will be one step closer to his Oakstone dream. “We want Oakstone Designs to be ‘recognised as the best kitchen company in the country, ensuring it continues to employ the best designers, cabinet makers and installers and use the finest materials and construction methods in our kitchens to guarantee our designs and installations are second to none’. The state-of-the-art showroom showcases some of the company’s best work and has a fully operational kitchen on display. This will be used to host cooking demonstration evenings, wine tastings and more, so customers are able to see the luxury kitchen being used. Luxurious integrated appliances, beautiful stone work-surfaces and a mixture of painted and timber finishes, as well as George’s studio, are also on site.
To find out more about Oakstone Designs please visit, www.oakstonedesigns.co.uk Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram @OakstoneDesigns
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LUXE LOCAL
Great Ayton
A smattering of little yellow bikes gives the game away that this town close to North Yorkshire and the Cleveland Hills will see some Tour de Yorkshire action this spring. It’s the place Captain Cook knew as a child and is picture perfect to explore - whether you’re on two wheels or two feet
PROPERTIES >> Choose from great big country piles on the outskirts which have a real away-from-it-all feel and super views of Roseberry Topping, the landmark which dominates views from Great Ayton. You can snap up a smart stone cottage with character, and all the original features they bring – or find yourself pretty much any period of property that takes your fancy – from solid new-builds to thirties’ semis or Edwardian terraces. Prices bear up well considering the location. CONNECTED >> Great Ayton has its own station which is more for your leisure traveller than commuter – it can get you to Middlesbrough (eight miles) in 15 minutes, Darlington in 45. In the opposite and more scenic direction, it will take you on a stunning journey over the North York Moors to Whitby (26 miles). By car it’s easy to get to the A19 south but traffic can be slow and snarly if you’re heading to Teesside at peak times. SHOP >> This is a popular little place and if you live in the town it’s ‘real’ in terms of having everything on your doorstep so you can shop local in the truest sense. There’s Stokesley Butchers (who also sell food to feed the ducks on the river), a
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greengrocer, a hardware store, post office and bakery. A couple of farm shops sell great fruit, veg, dairy and meat. We loved School Farm Shop. Cyclists (out in force for the Tour de Yorkshire leg on 1 May) will rave about NRG cycles which looks the business. Get your body sorted at Amethyst health and beauty and your clothing alterations done at The Spinning Wheel. Buy clothes for the ladies at William Heritage Boutique on the high street – looks a very smart place with everything from point-to-point tweeds to a cocktail frock. Nice for a cashmere poncho when you need one. There’s a nice flower shop called Fleur Maison and Coopers is the place to get a last-minute gift – it’s packed with candles, nice-smelling gifts and homey stuff. EAT >> Petch’s pies are the stuff of legend in these parts. Hand-made pies of every type made traditionally to the family’s age-old recipes. Not fancy, artisan pies – just ‘proper’, no-fuss pies. The shop front is a window of pastry! And the idea is that you come along and accompany that pie with an ice cream from Suggits. Again, a no-frills shop that is so unchanged that it has become cool and retro without realising it. Unchanged family-recipe ice cream that has stayed the same for generations. Lick a Suggits’ cornet
my local as you walk along the high street by the river watching the ducks and the daffs. Joplins Restaurant is a favourite of many. A very good little bistro with a great following. Serves up high standard food using local produce, particularly good fish specials board. STROLL >> Great Ayton is made for strolling, and cycling of course this spring. Walk through the town by the river and then head off in any direction to be guaranteed some fine views and good walking territory. Captain Cook spent his boyhood here and you can discover more about the explorer at the town’s heritage centre. You can tackle Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook’s Monument for some real fresh-air views. In winter Gribdale is the perfect place to take your sledge for some whizzy fun.
Kath Phalp runs School Farm and the farm shop (pictured top right), just off the high street. Three good things about living here >> Location! Lovely countryside. Great community spirit and an abundance of good local produce. Proximity to our beautiful coast. Three places you take visitors >> Captain Cook Heritage Centre. To the top of Roseberry Topping. To Gribdale where we farm. An ‘in the know’ secret >> We have a bi-annual fete which is in June this year – it’s not that well-known out of the town but it’s great, starting at the Lower Green with floats and then heading to High Green with rides and things, really nice and well-attended event.
MAY/JUN16
LUXE LOCAL
PROPERTY WATCH WITH DUNCAN YOUNG
Great Ayton is made for strolling - and cycling of course this spring. Walk through the town by the river and then head off in any direction
property: three to choose Stairway to heaven A gorgeous, grand staircase dominates this seven bedroom country residence with perfect formal gardens and your very own orchard.
£1.395m www.gscgrays.co.uk
Best of both Open countryside AND a high street on your doorstep. Field House is a fabulous five bedroom detached house on the edge of Low Green in Great Ayton. Perfect wake-up views.
LIFE GOES ON It is remarkable how many headline news articles are written in a way which I often believe scares those thinking about buying or selling houses because of the extreme view or impression that the article gives on the future stability of the economy. In 2014 the market was strong and confident and we saw significant sales. In 2015 the market faltered and we saw a weak spring, principally because, I believe, of commentators scare-mongering about the effect on the housing market of last year’s May election. The fears were unjustified and the hung parliament that was expected did not materialise, and so eventually the market calmed. We had a good two or three months selling in the summer of last year and then the worries of China, its economy and the impact it would have on Europe, alongside a sliding oil price, seemed to be the next fear factor of what could take place and how it might affect the UK economy. Reluctantly and rather sadly I find myself reading more and more articles in the spring of 2016 about the potential impact of a Brexit. Those who want us to stay in and those that want us to come out are scaring the public by their views and how it may impact upon the market and moving house or the values of property. The reality is that in most cases these fears are not founded and ‘life does go on’. For many people the last ten years have been a very uncertain time with one of the worst recessions we have experienced in most people’s lifetime, and certainly a significant debt mountain to be reduced by hopefully a strong and positive government, who will rebalance our books as quickly as possible. In amongst the necessity to repay debt and balance our books, we also need to ensure that we can house our population and allow people to have freedom of movement, to enable them to expand their families and in some cases to rent or buy, dependant on their personal circumstances. I know of many people who have not moved as frequently as they would have liked to in over the last ten years. That has either been because of the interest rates potentially threatening to increase, or the lack of mortgage availability and the stringent controls that are now in place as to what will be loaned and on what basis. We seem to have swung from one extreme to another and it is obvious that we need now to have greater stability in the housing market over a long period of time if we are to see it flourish. Properties on our books for sale at the moment do provide very good value for money, especially those that are in excess of £750,000 and over £1 million, where I can see many properties providing extremely good value for money. It is possible that in five years’ time people will reflect on some of these current ‘bargain’ purchase prices - so now could be an extremely good time to move house. We see a strong economy over the next five years and we see increasing numbers of buyers wanting to move up the ladder, especially in some of the hot spots of the region. Hopefully with the onset of the summer weather we look forward to brighter and more enjoyable times with a strong, stable economy.
£540,000 www.roseberry-newhouse.co.uk
Chic cottage Pearson Villa is a very stylish two bedroom character cottage with dreamy décor and nice fittings. Could be a weekend bolthole.
£175,000 www.roseberry-newhouse.co.uk Duncan G Young Dip.Est.Man.FNAEA, Managing Director, Sanderson Young duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk 0191 223 3500
MAY/JUN16
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SELLING THE REGIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FINEST HOMES
Westfield Gosforth
This completely unique and very special property represents one of the most impressive detached houses within central Gosforth. It has been extensively refurbished to the highest of standards and offers accommodation on three floors with luxury features such as porcelain tiled floors, integrated Bose sound system, electrically controlled curtains/blinds, mood lighting, underfloor heating and stunning interior design. Reception hallway with walnut staircase | Drawing room with stunning fireplace | Beautiful family kitchen/breakfasting and living room with state of the art appliances | Utility | Cloakroom/wc | Family room with built-in cinema screen TV and doors to gardens | First floor: four bedroom suites, two en-suite, the master also with dressing room | Family bathroom | Second floor: two double bedrooms | Second family bathroom | EPC: C
Guide Price: Price on Application
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
Graham Park Road Gosforth
This impressive family home provides one of the most splendid three storey semi-detached period houses, in one of Newcastle’s most sought after addresses. The property has been extensively renovated to a luxurious standard offering impeccable accommodation with outstanding features such as fabulous fireplaces, stunning marble and wood flooring, plantation shutters, sophisticated lighting and tasteful interior design. Vestibule | Reception hall | Cloakroom/wc | Family sitting room | Dining room | Playroom | Magnificent kitchen/breakfasting room by Herrington Gate Utility/laundry room | Study | Shower room/wc | First floor: master bedroom suite incorporating two previous bedrooms, with bedroom/sitting room and dressing room | Three further double bedrooms | Two luxurious family bathrooms | Second floor: two further double bedrooms | EPC: D
Guide Price: £1.8 Million
From Sanderson Young ALL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRIES TO 0191 223 3500 OR EMAIL: DUNCAN.YOUNG@SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK | WWW.SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK
local, regional, national and international specialists in property marketing
OAKMEAD, DARLINGTON ROAD, DURHAM
£POA
A superb five bedroom home, situated in approx. 5 acres of established gardens and woodland on the outskirts of Durham City. A property designed for entertaining..
WOODSIDE COTTAGE, SYKE ROAD, BURNOPFIELD
Contact: 0191 384 2277
£750,000
For families seeking a property that meets the needs of several generations, or simply those who enjoy space and luxury, Woodside Cottage is a super stylish home on a spectacular scale.
MANOR FIELDS, WYNYARD
Contact: 0191 384 2277
£525,000
Manor Fields is already an excellent five-bedroom family home but with the advantage of extended living space with open plan kitchen and dining is to be found on many wish lists of the ideal home.
Wynyard 01740 645 444
Tyne Valley 0845 459 6000
Contact: 01740 645 444
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
creative and intelligent marketing of individual and country property
...300 offices worldwide
BROOMHILL FARM, EBCHESTER, CONSETT
£595,000
Broomhill Farm is a property reborn. Total renovation has brought it back to life, indeed the good life. A stunning family home enjoying panoramic countryside views and large gardens.
PARK AVENUE, WYNYARD
£557,000
An imposing residence occupying a prime corner plot in Park Avenue, Wynyard. Recently extended exceptionally well to provide additional bedroom and family accommodation, and with planning permission for further development in place.
GREYSTONES, SEAHAM
Northumberland 0845 459 6000
sales@fineandcountry-lakes.co.ul
info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk
Contact: 01740 645 444
£1,175,000
Having been extensively refurbished and modernised, and presented to a superb standard, its new owners can concentrate on enjoying its 1.22 acre of grounds and seaside location..
Lakes 01539 733 500
Contact: 0191 384 2277
Contact: 0191 384 2277
www.fineandcountry.com Head office: 121 Park Lane, Mayfair, London WIK 7AG.
FISHIES&DISHIES Photography: Tony Bartholemew
The F-word to savour
North Yorkshire’s coastal heritage will be celebrated with a feast of a fish festival this summer. Tuck in
Who doesn’t love a barbie on the beach? Fresh-as-itgets fish cooked without fuss and tasting all the better with sand between your toes and a soundtrack of crashing waves and plopping pebbles. In June the fishing villages of Staithes, Saltburn, Runswick Bay, Sandsend and Robin Hood’s Bay will be celebrating the heritage of boats and bountiful nets with a day-long food and arts festival called Fish. Fillet. Feast! The smell of the best locally-caught fish will be in the air on 18 June as fishermen join forces with chefs and restaurants to showcase the fruits of the sea to a backdrop of marine-inspired arts and entertainment. Expect al fresco tastings of everything from mackerel baps
to paella and nibbles of fish you’ve not tried before. The idea is show the public the different varieties of fish that are caught locally, inspire with recipes and de-mystify fish preparation and cooking. The message is one of sustainability – encouraging people to buy and cook with fish that is abundant and available so that the future of fishing communities is safeguarded. Restaurants will be encouraged to participate by putting on a fish special dish-of-the-day while, chefs and fishermen will take part in demonstrations showing how to catch fish and then how best to gut, fillet and prepare it for a barbecue. People like award-winning Seafish chef, Rob Green from Whitby, who is evangelical about the sustainability of fish, will be giving demonstrations and supporting the fishing industry on the North Yorkshire coast.
The event will also encompass a huge creative festival inspired by fishing and the sea. Think fishermen’s choirs, craft workshops and street entertainment. Wendy Holroyd heads up the Scarborough-based arts development team, Create. The team was commissioned to organise the festival by the North York Moors National Park as part of the Coastal Communities Fund ‘Sea Life, See Life’ project. Says Wendy: “These small villages have a lot to celebrate. In Staithes fishermen will be going to sea – with a barbecue on the beach using their catch! “On the arts side there will be plenty going on inspired by this fish theme – in Saltburn there is already a very healthy farmers’ market scene and they are really hungry for what is happening with this festival.
Barbecue Mackerel >> SERVES 2
Ingredients 2 whole mackerel (head off and cleaned) Bunch herbs of your choice (flat parsley, dill, basil) 1 lemon, sliced Olive oil Seasoning
Method Score each side of the mackerel 4-5 times with a sharp knife. Chop the herbs and mix with the oil. Rub the herbs over the fish. Pack herbs and lemon in the cavity of the mackerel and season the fish. Place on the BBQ carefully and cook for approx. 5 minutes on each side depending on size, when cooked remove and squeeze over some lemon juice. As an accompaniment: Chop some sun dried tomatoes, quarter some cherry tomatoes, add 1 tbsp baby capers and warm gently in a frying pan in some of the sun dried tomato oil.
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MAY/JUN16
FISHIES&DISHIES
Grilled Lime and Fennel Sardines >> SERVES 4 Ingredients 12 whole sardines, fresh and cleaned Salt and black pepper 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 fennel bulb, finely diced, reserving any leaves 6 tbsp of olive oil Zest and juice of 2 limes 2 tbsp of thyme leaves, shredded
Method Preheat the grill or barbecue. Rinse the sardines under cold water, place in a shallow bowl and season. Mix together the garlic, diced fennel, oil, zest and juice of the limes and thyme leaves. Rub the marinade over the sardines, cover and marinate for at least and hour. Grill or barbecue the sardines for 3 mins each side, turning once. The skin of the sardines should be brown and crispy. Serve with roast tomatoes and plenty of crusty bread.
“In all the villages there will be open studios, workshops and entertainment with a theme of fish and the sea. “It promises to be a great day!” Catriona McLees from North Yorks National Park adds: “We want to highlight how easy it is to cook with fish that you can get off our coast. “It’s the chance to try different styles and varieties of fish such as mackerel and herrings. That’s the fun of it whatever the ocean brings will be shared. “We want to get behind fishermen and their communities.” Details: www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/whats-on/ fish-fillet-feast
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How to cook fish on your BBQ >> • Get your BBQ really hot! This will ensure your seafood cooks quickly and retains its natural juices and flavour. And make sure you brush it with a little oil to avoid things sticking! • Throw a whole mackerel (or two) on the barbie – it’s chunky, succulent and great value for money. Mackerel is in season right up until the end of September so, if you get a nice day, fire up the barbecue. • Flat skewers will stop the ingredients twisting round when you turn them, so that everything cooks evenly. Another great practical tip is to start and finish seafood kebabs with something firm, such as a piece of onion, to help hold the other ingredients in place. • Add some fresh lemon juice and melted butter while you’re barbequing your fish - brush them on as you cook to add flavour and help keep the fish moist (remember butter does burn though so keep an eye on it!). • Marinade your fish for about 15-20 mins in the fridge before cooking with oils, lemon, herbs or spices to infuse your fish with some extra flavour. Avoid sugary marinades or glazes, especially with thick fillets or whole fish, as the sugars can burn and turn bitter before the fish is fully cooked. You could also BBQ your fish on a
bed of herbs - simply lay the herbs on, fish on top and cook as normal. • To grill shellfish in the shell, such as oysters, mussels and clams, place them directly on the hottest part of the grill. They’re done when the shell opens. Discard those that don’t open after about 5 minutes. • Only turn your fish once as turning it back and forth will break it apart (and use a wide spatula). If you’re cooking a whole fish a grilling basket is a great tool to use. You can also get grilling trays which useful for cooking flaky fish and fillets. For small shellfish such as shrimp or scallops use metal or water-soaked wooden skewers or cook them in a grill basket. And you can even get wood planks to use on your BBQ. • When fish is cooked the meat will flake easily with a fork and will appear opaque all the way through. If any part of the meat is still glossy and partially translucent then it’s not done. • A good rule of thumb is to cook your fish for a total of 10 minutes per inch of thickness (measured at the thickest point.) So if you have a half inch thick fillet, grill it for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip it and cook for 2 minutes more. • Try and get a fish steak or fillet that is evenly cut to avoid thinner parts becoming dry before the thick is cooked. If you do have a steak/fillet that is uneven you can cut it, putting the thick half on to cook first and then, when it’s about half cooked, put the thin half on.
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GREEN PIECES
Eat Seasonal WITH ANDREW WILKINSON OF ARTISAN
The freshness of lovely seasonal, green vegetables pairs beautifully with halibut
Wild halibut, potato gnocchi, crushed peas and Shetland mussels >> In this issue, I am looking to the wonderment of the sea for foodie inspiration, and fortunately, here in the North of England we have this in abundance. This simple recipe pairs firm, slightly sweet wild halibut with the delicate meat of Shetland mussels – cited as some of the best sustainable mussels in the world – complemented by the smooth texture of potato gnocchi (small Italian dumplings)and a portion of crushed peas. What’s not to like about this flavour combination? If you’re a fan of seafood, then don’t miss artisan’s ‘From the Sea’ Seasonal Showcase on 1 June, where we’ll be serving a specially crafted tasting menu featuring a handpicked selection of the finest fish sourced from the North East’s shores. www.artisannewcastle.com
Ingredients HAND ROLLED GNOCCHI >>
Method GNOCCHI >>
500g dry mashed potato (4 x potatoes baked and scooped out) 100g strong plain flour 30g parmesan 1 egg Salt and pepper
Begin by making the gnocchi. Place the dry mash, flour, parmesan, salt and pepper and egg in a large mixing bowl and work the texture until it comes together to form a dough. Once this is achieved, begin to roll the gnocchi by cutting it into quarters and rolling each quarter into a sausage-like shape. Next, cut about 5cm squares, forming little pillows of gnocchi. Blanch in boiling salted water until the gnocchi begins to float. Remove and chill.
BEURRE BLANC >> 1 finely diced shallot and 50ml white wine vinegar – reduced 1 tablespoon double cream 50g diced cold butter 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
CRUSHED PEAS >> 200g fresh peas 1 tablespoon crème fraiche 1 squeeze lemon juice Salt and pepper
1 x 200g fillet of halibut 300g large Shetland mussels
Make the beurre blanc by adding the shallot reduction to a pan with the cream and place on a medium heat. Bring to a simmer then whisk. Add in a little butter at a time until a shiny thick sauce is achieved. Keep in a warm place.
GARNISH >>
CRUSHED PEAS >>
2 asparagus spears (trimmed and peeled) 3 tablespoons fresh peas and broad beans 5 leaves of wild garlic Wild leek flowers
Blanch the peas in rapidly boiling salted water until just tender. Chill quickly and place in a food processor with the crème fraiche and a pinch of salt. Blitz the peas until broken down but the texture still remains. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice.
FISH >>
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BEURRE BLANC >>
MUSSELS >> Cook the mussels by placing them in a hot pan along with a splash of white wine and some aromats. Cook until the shells begin to open and strain them from the pan. Take the meat out of the shells and place in the warm beurre blanc.
TO ASSEMBLE THE DISH >> Roast the halibut in a hot pan until golden. Flip the fish when cooked and baste with a little butter. Once cooked, remove the fish, season with lemon juice and leave to rest. Colour the gnocchi in a pan until nicely golden. Place in a pan of emulsion with the peas, broad beans and cooked asparagus. Place a ring of the crushed peas in the centre of the plate then position the halibut on top. Garnish the plate with the peas, gnocchi, broad beans and asparagus. Drape the cooked wild garlic leaves over the dish. Finish with the mussel beurre blanc, chopped chives and sauce. Decorate with the wild leek flowers and serve.
MAY/JUN16
PIES FOR GUYS
Perky pies
MUNCH ON >> Toppings Pork Pies, £1.55-£4.50 depending on size Gorgeous varieties of lovingly-crafted artisan pies include traditional pork as well as those topped with Stilton or Wensleydale and pickle. Try a mustard marinated layered pie with pork, chicken and ham.
Gourmet dads will love a Fathers’ Day feast that takes in pies, Scotch eggs and a mighty cheese bomb! What could be nicer?
Fenwick Traditional Victorian pie, £2.49 per slice Ham, chicken and leek are the layered ingredients in this rustic hand-raised pie. Lancashire Bomb, £12.50 The famous, creamy cheese in waxed packaging. Traditional Scotch Egg, £1.49 It’s not a picnic without this savoury favourite.
SIP ON >> Wylam Angel Amber Ale, £2.39 Complex malt character and intense hop finish make this amber ale a great pairing for the pies and Scotch egg. Its citrus base helps to cut through the pastry while the depth of flavour and rich, spicy finish stands up well against the meat. The Glenrothes Select Reserve, £34 (from £39) A versatile whisky, this will pair beautifully with all elements of the board; from cleansing the palate alongside the creamy cheese to matching the richness of the meat pies. Fatalone Primitivo Riserva 2007, £14.95 Wine-loving dads will love this beautiful Primitivo, a rich, smooth yet intensely fruity wine that makes for very easy drinking. Great with the hearty picnic platter – with the depth to match the pastry and the meat but also a velvety tannin to sit alongside the creaminess of the cheese. All items from Fenwick Food Hall, Newcastle
orANGE PIP Launching Saturday 28th May 2016
MARKET EST . 2016 THE BEST ARTISAN FOODS FROM AROUND THE REGION, LIVE MUSIC, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
12 - 7pm
BAKER STREET, MIDDLESBROUGH
www.orangepipmarket.com
L A S T S AT U R D AY O F E V E RY M O N T H
MAY/JUN16
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HEARTY HAKE
Fish course WITH TERRY LAYBOURNE
Spaniards can’t get enough of hake - it’s a national treasure of a dish. Try a taste of sunshine!
HAKE >> Sustaining and sustainable - you can have your hake and eat it. A nourishing, plentiful but somewhat overlooked fish with a delightfully meaty, soft and flaky flesh; hake has a subtle and sweet flavour that is not too dissimilar to that of cod. Ranging from 1 to 5kg on average, hake has a relatively long, slender body and is usually a steel-grey colour on the back and a silvery-white on the belly. It’s an excellent source of protein, delicious and immensely versatile but surprisingly, not a particularly popular fish in the UK. Europe’s biggest consumer of hake is Spain, where it’s known as merluza. It’s estimated that each Spaniard eats their way through a hefty 6kg per year. It might be an unfamiliar fish but us Brits could do with following suit – especially because regular consumption of hake supposedly improves blood pressure and lowers cholesterol. Hake is found in British waters and is at its best between May and August. You can buy and cook hake whole or filleted. When buying it whole look for clear bright, bulging eyes, a bright red gill and bright, shiny skin and when buying it filleted look for white and firm flesh as these characteristics indicate that the fish is fresh. When cooking hake whole it’s best roasted or barbequed and for fillets pan-fry, roast, steam, grill or poach it. So next time you reach for a ‘seafood staple’ consider substituting it for hake – really lovely when teamed with the robust flavours of other Iberian ingredients.
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Roast Hake with Iberico Ham, Clams & Dry Sherry >> SERVES 4
Ingredients 4 x 160g hake fillets 1 tsp Maldon salt 4-6 tbsp olive oil 4 x garlic cloves, peeled & sliced 1 tbsp flour 160mls dry sherry 3 tbsp parsley, chopped 300g small clams 4 slices Iberico ham, thinly sliced Squeeze of lemon juice
Method Season the hake fillets with Maldon salt and allow them to firm in the fridge for 1 hour. Rinse and pat dry on kitchen paper. Dust the hake fillets in flour and pan-fry them over a medium heat until golden on all 4 sides. Set aside on a warmed plate. Heat a small saucepan - add a teaspoon of olive oil and gently fry the garlic for 1 ½ minute without colour. Add the clams, sherry and hake. Cover with a tight fitting lid & cook gently for 5-6 minutes or until the hake is cooked. Remove from the heat. Remove the hake from the saucepan and then stir in the remaining olive oil, followed by the chopped parsley. Check the seasoning, maybe adding a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity. Place the tender hake fillet in the centre of four warmed plates. Spoon the clams and juice over and around. Top with the Iberico ham and serve.
MAY/JUN16
PICK ME PLEASURES
Flavour of the forest Food-lovers are going to be blown away by the foraged fabulousness coming from the kitchen of Kevin Tickle at the newly opened Forest Side hotel in Cumbria. Kathryn Armstrong checked in
Chef Kevin Tickle is pretty much the pick of the crop when it comes to ‘bright new things’ on the culinary scene. He was head forager at L’Enclume in Cartmel and then headed up Simon Rogan’s bistro operation, Rogan&Co. So he comes with impressive kitchen pedigree. But the foraging thing is more than a food moment gimmick and at The Forest Side he oversees a remarkable dining set-up in a cool new hotel that is packed with personality.
Tweed-and-brogues clothe the staff who offer you a sea-buckthorn mocktail as you fill in your forms on a squidgy sofa in the informal reception. The grey slate building has undergone a very big makeover by the Wildsmith Group (they have Hipping Hall too – there’s a bit of Coogan-Brydon/The Trip thing going on). Interiors wrap you like the softest pashmina. It is tactile, witty and plush, measured and calming. Wallpapers and furnishings are touchy-feely with textured papers and bold velvets. The bar’s birds of paradise wallpaper and turquoise chairs are eye-poppingly fabulous and contrast with the stroke-me deep greys and pewter of the adjoining lounge. Just outside of the hotel is the terraced kitchen garden, a work-in-progress by the busy-bee gardeners who are making chef Tickle’s dream of a self-sustaining produce garden a reality. It is all top-notch even before you get to the
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dining room. You walk in on reclaimed oak boards to your oak-topped table and take a moment to admire the room’s centrepiece of a glass table with a tree growing through. The Forest Side’s tasting menu is definitely worth the adventure. Tickle’s deft touch and foraging expertise bring us a menu that lists marsh herbs, pickled allium flowers, conifer, lady’s smock, sunset velvet, birch sap, umbelifers and rowan shoot. Not a bad idea to bring along the Observer Book of Plants to pop under your napkin. The ten-course menu (printed on a rustic take-me-home menu tied with twine) features seven meat, fish and salad courses and three dessert. Wine-matching was also something of a revelation in this food journey. We loved: tiny marble-`sized Jersey Royals in buttery tarragon with crispy pigs ear. Then the seashore flavours of seaweed broth poured over surf clams, kohlrabi and zesty marsh herbs – like all the dishes, served in rustic rough-hewn pottery. Venison pastrami was a real favourite. The slithers of juniper-infused meat a beautiful
Then back to the land for beetroot, with Ragstone goats’ cheese embellished with sunset velvet flowers. This served with a glass of the hotel’s own Forest Beer for an inventive and gutsy mid-taster diversion. Next it was exemplary line-caught halibut with mussels, Chablis to accompany. We remarked on the absolute attention to detail in presentation at every turn and also the over-and-above knowledge of staff who pretty much knew the whys and wherefores of every ingredient. Quite an ask. Meanwhile back at the menu we devoured rich, long-cooked crispy pig’s jowl that was well-matched with 2008 Barolo and scattered with those umbelifers (woodlandgrowing ferny plants from the cow parsley family if you’re asking). We went back to the land of less serious drinks with the dessert of sheep milk ice cream, rowan shoot and a glass of sloe gin to accompany. With the luscious scorched pear topped by a
malty biscuit came a glass of chef’s home-made non alcoholic ginger beer, an inventive and perky addition at what could be flagging point. And more sparkle in the step again as beautiful, sharp rhubarb was married with a burnt butter crisp, sweet cicely and a spritely cocktail of sparkling wine and rhubarb puree. It was one of the most interesting, unstuffy and entertaining meals we’ve eaten for a long time thanks to the pairing of skill and wit on the plates and in the glasses. You should go and stay, Tickle is a clever boy and you get to go and play in his garden too if you like a green-fingered Mr McGregor moment. Breakfasts are off the scale too! Forest Hill tasting menu £75 and drinkspairing, £55. Dinner, B&B from £299 www.theforestside.com
deep pink. Bursting with flavour and looking an utter picture it was topped with slithers of sweet Corra Linn cheese and delicate flowers. Continuing the juniper theme, alongside it we were served a glass of Forest Gin and Square Mile tonic. A sweet, seared chunky blighter of a West Coast scallop came next with bright, garden-fresh new season asparagus.
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SWEET DREAMS
Off duty WITH DAVE COULSON
White Chocolate Rhubarb Pistachio >> SERVES 4 Sponge ingredients
Parfait
6 eggs 400g sugar 200g butter 200g olive oil 100ml milk 10g pistachio paste 100g plain flour 200g almonds 5g baking powder 100g fine polenta
3 egg yolks 320g cream 100g sugar 50g white chocolate
Method Whisk the eggs and sugar in a mixer until white then soften the butter and milk with olive oil. Next, slowly add to egg mix and add pistachio paste. Allow the mixer to run until everything is mixed very well. Sift dry ingredients and fold into the egg mix, place into a lined tin and bake 180째c for 25-30 minutes. Chill then cut into desired shape.
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Meringue 125g sugar 4 egg whites
Method Whisk yolks and 100g sugar until light and fluffy. Then melt the chocolate and warm 120ml of cream. Next, mix the warm cream to the melted chocolate. Once fully mixed add to the rest of cream and whip to soft peaks. Fold the egg yolk mix into the whipped cream. Make a meringue with egg whites and sugar and fold into cream mix. Set as you want and freeze for 3 hours, use as needed.
Rhubarb ingredients 1kg Yorkshire rhubarb cut into pieces 200ml white wine 150g caster sugar Splash of vanilla essence 10ml grenadine Pistachio crumb 100g pistachio crushed in a food processor
Rhubarb gel Rhubarb trim 100ml white wine 75g sugar Splash of vanilla essence 15ml grenadine
Method for poached rhubarb and gel Cut rhubarb into inch diagonals, place into a vacuum bag with the other ingredients. Place all the trimmings (not leaves or root) into a vacuum bag with its retrospective ingredients. Vacuum seal the bags. Bring a large pan of water to the boil, place bags into rolling water until tender. Remove bags and place into an ice bath, allow to cool,
strain the rhubarb from bag. Blitz the trimmings in a blender until smooth, reserve both for later.
Vanilla ice-cream 500ml milk 500ml cream 5 egg yolks 250g sugar 100g honey 4 vanilla pods
Ice cream Place milk, cream, honey and vanilla pods into a pan, bring slowly to the boil and remove from the heat. Mix 250g of sugar with egg yolk and whisk into liquid, cook slowly to 82째c. Allow to infuse, pass off vanilla pods and churn. Assemble as shown. Dave is head chef and business partner at Peace & Loaf, 217 Jesmond Road, Newcastle, NE2 1LA. Tel: 0191 2815222 www.peaceandloaf.co.uk
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Chef’s table
Food travels and inspiration for summer eating with Michelin-star chef James Close from The Raby Hunt
SPRING THE CHANGES >> A change of season gives us new things in the kitchen, a welcome blast of light in the mornings and the promise of some outdoor eating and relaxing times with a beer or two. It means you’re more likely to make the journey somewhere different to go and eat, so I’ve been thinking about new food destinations for the summer. One of them is the beach at Tynemouth for food at Riley’s Fish Shack on the beach at King Edward’s Bay. It’s a quality little place. Prepare for queues but really there are few things as good at seafood on the beach and this is how to do it with style. One of my favourite pizza destinations is Cal’s Own which has relocated from Heaton to Holly Avenue West in Jesmond. A great destination for quality sourdough-crust, genuine Neapolitan pizzas from the mighty wood-fired oven. Flat White café in Durham was a great location for a pop-up food night with the flying taco people, Barrio Comida. This little set-up puts the love into every little taco, tostada and tortilla. The taco fillings are authentic. The business owner headed here from California - his yearning for the tastes of home led to the launch of Barrio Comida to recreate such fillings as classic Al Pastor on their charcoal fired spit and Oaxacan classic Chicken Mole Poblano which is made from over 20 ingredients and takes a whole day to prepare. Salsas range from a bright and refreshing raw tomatillo to brick red sweet salsa Guajillo and everything in between. The Flat White pop-up also involved much cocktail-tasting alongside! I plan a trip to York to the Le Couchon Avegule which has been getting a lot of attention from reviewers lately. Josh Overington is chef there – he worked with the restaurant’s former owner Michael O’Hare. Menus have a French accent with a lively interpretation of traditional, new and experimental. They’ve got a new wine bar
down the road as well, so a timely hop on the train is planned. Elsewhere in the North East, Middlesbrough’s Orange Pip market launching at the end of May sounds like one to watch with its mix of music, culture and food; sounds like something a bit different sitting in the middle of an exciting artisan food development in Bedford St and Baker St.
There are four branches of the Indian café in the city – one near Kings Cross. The Bacon naan roll is unreal. Bacon is from The Ginger Pig smoked streaky bacon, dry-cured for five days with rock salt and demerara sugar then cold-smoked over oak chips. The bacon butty is the stuff of dreams with loads of coriander – a Dishoom signature dish that is definitely worthy trying – a knockout at £5.50!
BOOK IT >> A diary date at Raby Hunt will see us team up with Tom Cenchi from Duck&Waffle in London on 5 July. The dazzling rooftop restaurant is a favourite of mine and the evening will be a meeting of food minds with dishes from Raby Hunt and Duck&Waffle. Exciting work in progress.
LEAF LOVE >>
BIB GOURMAND WITH HARRIETT CLOSE >> So I have discovered something called a fondue on my skiing holiday. I had my first skiing lessons and felt like a very big girl indeed, the falling over is a lot of fun. Then when you have finished you get to hold a big stick with a lump of bread on the end and dip it into some kind of cheesy soup. It’s very messy but yummy. Even better was a chocolate fondue – messier and yummier still. Snowy skiing and stick food is definitely my favourite new thing.
START THE DAY >> If you like a breakfast with some kick and are heading to London soon I can’t recommend Dishoom highly enough.
Here at Raby Hunt we’re getting excited about radicchio of all things. We’ve got the wine equivalent – a red, rose and white – of this leafy plant on a new menu dish. The ‘white’, is a forced variety called
We’ve been to Altapura, a 5-star hotel in Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe which we love because you can ski right from the doors. We did some skiing and plenty of apres. A favourite lunch destination on the slopes was La Fruitiere at La Folie Douce. It’s a place we had a fabulous lunch – the menu is rich in locally-produced foods and Savoyard specialities. We had a long lunch of slow-cooked lamb shoulder with roasted spring vegetables. We also had amazing Gillardeau oysters, considered to be the best of the French varieties. They are the best oysters outside of Lindisfarne!
GOOD CHEER >> I spent Tyne-Wear derby day at St James’ Park and wine-tasted my way through the afternoon accompanied by good friends, a decent rib-eye steak and some brilliant bottles! Pick of the crop was a fabulous Batard Montrachet grand cru. A good way to celebrate a so-so result!
GRADUATION DINING THAT’S TRULY MEMORABLE Our artistic setting and exquisite menu make the perfect combination for your graduation celebrations this summer. •
Enjoy a menu crafted by our award-winning Head Chef, Andrew Wilkinson, using the finest seasonal, locally sourced produce
•
Choose from our extensive wine list and cocktail menu
•
Complimentary use of our private dining space, The Drawing Room, for parties of up to 22 guests
•
Enjoy a walk around The Biscuit Factory gallery before or after your meal (available until 5pm)
•
You may wish to consider opening a free gift account with the gallery to commemorate the occasion for the person who is graduating.
FOOD TRAVELS >>
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Castle Franco, the ‘rose’ a Rosa di Simone and then there’s the conventional deep red raddichio which most people know. We serve it with squab - the radicchio is barbecued and served with a black olive jus and anchovy.
WWW.ARTISANNEWCASTLE.COM
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DIGGING DEEP
Veg patch WITH KAREN PHILLIPS
The spring solstice of 21 March heralds longer days than nights until 21 June. As the saying goes: one day of growth in June is worth two in July; so get cracking! Carrot root fly: forget planting resistant varieties of seeds since these are as tasteless to us as they are to the root fly! Plant carrots high up: an old Belfast sink, or in raised beds taller than 18” from the ground, since the carrot root fly travels at this distance above the ground. Failing that use very fine mesh to net the carrot crop as soon as it is planted. Rabbits: fence, fence, fence is really the only option. Apparently old corn cobs soaked in paraffin and left adjacent to plants deters them but you’ll have to eat a heck of a lot of corn on the cob!
NOW FOR A BEDTIME STORY >> Once upon a time there lived a parsnip weevil who regularly dined on the seeds of the parsnip plant until nature got her own back and created two types of parsnip seed: bitter tasting seeds with baby embryos inside ready to sprout; and sweet tasting empty seedcases (hence why parsnip seeds germinate erratically and need sowing thickly). Low and behold, much like fast food, the weevils were attracted to the sweeter-tasting, but ultimately less nutritious, empty seeds and the bitter tasting seeds were left to germinate and live happily ever after.
JOBS OUTSIDE >> RICH PICKINGS >> Celeriac: When people attend one of our veg growing courses they have to bring along a soil sample from their veg plot for testing. People declare: ‘I can grow perfect carrots/parsnips or the biggest onions’, but in truth, it is their soil that can. I can usually predict what type of soil they have from what they have told me before we even test it. The soil at Widehaugh is old river bed: free-draining and very sandy; perfect in fact for grapevines but less so for hungry crops such as onions, celeriac and Brussels sprouts which require a rich, heavy soil to thrive. Now the farm has a heavy, clay soil so after admitting defeat here with celeriac I can now grow good roots with ease. Perfect for being turned into celeriac and apple soup with crispy sage leaves and toasted hazelnuts, or, for a real treat, my sister-in–law, Sandra, makes a mean celeriac, carrot and horseradish gratin. Beetroot: The last of the overwintered beetroot has been harvested and turned into deepest crimson beetroot, walnut and coriander puree; great as an accompaniment to a platter of smoked fish or even as an impromptu enchilada when spread thickly with hummus between two flatbreads. Radish: This is the quickest crop to grow from seed and the first sign of summer to come. ‘Blow your mind’ Salsa is one of many delicious recipes from ‘The Allotment Cookbook’ by Pete Lawrence: radishes, cucumber, rocket, mint, lime, olive oil and salt combine to make the perfect accompaniment to a home-made burger. Goose Eggs: The ‘guard’ geese at the farm start laying eggs in spring and if you brave the odd bottom-nip you can collect some of the eggs and make heavenly lemon tarts or superbly-risen, golden cakes.
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• Sow short rows of radish, lettuce, pak choi, coriander and rocket every four weeks to avoid a glut and maintain a regular supply throughout the summer. • Hoe any bare earth between crops on dry, sunny days to kill annual weeds. • Plant potatoes: traditionally this is done at Easter, but since this is a moveable feast and we live so far North, I plant mid-April and take care to earth up new shoots to protect them from frost and I now also throw a fleece over the plants until mid-June since last year’s frost on 15 June nipped the tops of my crop.
JOBS INSIDE >> • If you haven’t sown your tomatoes yet then get them sown pronto or buy young plants otherwise you’ll run out of summer before they ripen. • Sow chillies, tomatillos, peppers and aubergines in small pots. • Sow courgette seeds on their sides since there is less chance of rotting. • Sow peas/runner beans in pots for planting out once frosts have passed – always have a couple of pots in reserve for any failures in the planted row. • Sow squash/pumpkins: ‘Uchi Kuri’ is my favourite since it ripens quickly (90 days of sunshine compared to 120 days for other varieties); unless you have a polytunnel to grow them in it is really difficult to get them to ripen fully before the weather gets colder in autumn. So you’ve got all your rows of seeds coming up outside, plant pots bulging in the greenhouse awaiting the last frost to pass, and your summer harvest looks a certainty… what could possible go wrong? Well once you’ve established your 5* pest hotel: all inclusive food and spa on tap
(hose to be precise); it’s only natural that word will spread and the numbers will multiply. Pigeons will decimate your brassicas (kale, purple sprouting broccoli, cabbages); slugs will nibble your seedlings; rabbits will behead your new plants more efficiently than Henry VIII; carrot root fly will tunnel into your perfect orange carrots and butterflies will create a maternity home on your cabbages. So how do your deter these unwelcome interlopers? Pigeons: Either old cd discs hanging on canes or the prettier method of a flying kite, tied to a metal rod inserted in the ground. Slugs: if you can get the plants past the tender, young plants stage they are less likely to be nibbled. It is the small, grey keel slugs that do the most damage, not the large black slugs that, as they say in Wales, are only missing the saddle on their back! A beer trap (left over beer in an old ramekin/ cut off plastic bottle then submerged so that it is level with the soil) placed next to newly planted seedlings will lure all the greedy slugs to a very happy, drunken death. Remember slugs are decomposers so if you leave old leaves and other plant debris on the soil surface then you are asking for trouble. Cabbage White Butterflies: The simplest solution is to net the brassicas as soon as you plant them and then you’re not trying to pick off caterpillars or deal with lace curtain-like cabbage leaves. The small cabbage white lays single, orange eggs on the undersides of leaves and the large cabbage white lays clusters of orange eggs so remove any affected leaves as you see them. I find that a sacrifice crop of Nasturtiums (part of the Brassica family) planting away from the main Brassica bed lures the cabbage white butterflies away and they lay their eggs on these leaves instead.
LOOKING AHEAD >> Next time we’ll be packing up a picnic from the veg plot to take with us on a day trip to Scampston to celebrate the 300 year anniversary of the birth of our world-famous, local landscaper, ‘Capability’ Brown. Karen is moving Widehaugh House cookschool and gardens, to Linnels Farm, Hexham – for regular updates of the progress visit www.widehaughhouse.co.uk
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Come into my parlour>> Rosie is star of the show at Vallum Farm where sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the main milk supplier for yummy ice-cream made on-site. Photo: Kevin Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk
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