Luxe November/December 2016

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ISSUE 43 NOV/DEC16

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www.luxe-magazine.co.uk ISSUE 43 NOV/DEC16

S TA R C H E F J A M E S CLOS E. ho usep ar t y kn0w -how. FES TIVE ESSENTIALS. S NOWY GE TAWAY S. Grow -i t , gi f t -i t . G LOS S Y G OW NS . McLaren awayday.

T YN E M O U T H U N COV ER ED . So ci al Di ary. M ER IB EL M AG IC. Inspiring recipes.

LIV I N G I T U P. A n t& Dec’s go -t o guy. P OS H P OOCH ES . Big names. LU XE.

WHERE SOLD

Coat Victoria Victoria Beckham

Trousers Victoria Victoria Beckham

Bag Mulberry

WELCOME

contents 12>> Do This ISSUE 43 NOV/DEC16 In the time it takes to say ‘flu jab’ it seems the year has jumped from beaches to baubles with nothing in between to ease us in. The fashion world may talk about ‘transitional’ but it feels like we’ve been thrust into the land of the advent calendar and clove-infused cocktail with no hint of warning.

Thus we have just emerged tinsel-shocked from an unseasonally festive few weeks.

We’ve been metaphorically buried beneath fur throws to bring you a lovely Festive Essentials guide that hopefully eases you through the present-buying pain and makes winter planning a bit easier with diary dates for days out, winter markets and all manner of snowy stuff.

We’ve got lovely inspiring ideas for fabulous cocktails and gourmet nibbles and, of course, Luxe brings you that thing money can’t buy a bit of downtime as you sit back and enjoy the read.

And as you see from our cover, we’re also chuffed to bits for our food columnist James Close, who has achieved something remarkable for the region with his second Michelin star.

Winter’s cultural radar

26>> Shine on Super-luxe gifts to dazzle

28>> Cocktail hour Glamorous party fashion

46>> Wine&pamper The perfect beauty combo

48>> Open up!

Buy-me advent calendars

54>> Star man James Close and his food ‘Oscar’

58>> Little Luxe Helen Russell is an award-winning wedding photographer from the North East and mum to an energetic toddler. Her luxe things in life include: camera-worthy crisp blue Lake District skies, delving into eclectic vintage shops in Paris and the ‘price-per-use’ pleasure of her favourite Mulberry Lily bag.

Nina embraces hygge

70>> Social Diary Parties, people & posh frocks

86>> House party Charlotte Reilly’s festive tips

90>> Party man Go-to Gary Nicholson

96>> Luxe local Tynemouth hots up

All that’s left to do then is wish you Christmas cheer - we’ll see you in 2017 - but keep up with us online at www.luxe-magazine.co.uk and 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

104>> Make it!

Creative garden gifting

110>> Off Duty Plum job with Dave Coulson

112>> Cocktail glories

Kathryn Armstrong, editor kathryn@remembermedia.co.uk Twitter: TheLuxeMagazine

THE LUXE TEAM Christopher March publisher chris@remembermedia.co.uk EDITORIAL Kathryn Armstrong editorial director kathryn@remembermedia.co.uk Jessica Laing jessica@remembermedia.co.uk Elysia Agnew SALES Lisa Anderson director lisa@remembermedia.co.uk Debi Coldwell director debi@remembermedia.co.uk

Jarrod Bailey is a writer and lecturer from the Tyne Valley who has a passion for fast cars. He gets the enviable job of driving McLarens for us in this edition. His luxe things in life include: his Lotus Elite Supercharged, the thrills of great skiing and his AGA, upon which he loves making great veggie food.

PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson nicky@kgphotography.co.uk 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, October 2016.

Laura Beckingham might be the woman who brings a bit of calm to your festive frenzy. She waves a de-stressing wand in our Festive Essentials magazine. Her luxe things in life include: A winter walk on a windy beach.

Ideally followed by lobster or scallops and chips and a glass of white wine!

Starting my day with a yin yoga session and shopping for fresh flowers and herbs in the farmers market.

luxe is published bi-monthly by Remember Media Ltd

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NOV/DEC16

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ADVERTORIAL

BOND DICKINSON WEALTH APPOINTS GARETH DAVIES AS WEALTH MANAGER

Inheritance Tax Planning In April 2017 we will see the beginning of a significant change in Inheritance Tax (IHT), which could eventually save families as much as £140,000

Generally speaking, the way in which IHT currently works is that when the total value of a person’s estate on death is above a threshold, known as the Nil Rate Band (NRB), the excess is usually taxed at 40%. The NRB has been frozen at £325,000 per person since 2009, although potentially any unused percentage on death could be transferred to a surviving spouse or civil partner (giving £650,000 in total, depending on personal circumstances). However, the NRB is set to remain frozen until at least 2020/21. So with increasing property prices plus growing savings and investments, more families could well find themselves caught in the IHT net.

The good news is that some families could benefit from an extension to the static £325,000 allowance, thanks to the introduction of a new Residence Nil Rate Band (R-NRB). The R-NRB will be introduced at £100,000 per eligible person in 2017/18, gradually rising (by £25,000 per tax year) to £175,000 by 2020/21.

This change relates back to the July 2015 Budget, when the then Chancellor George Osborne announced he would honour a manifesto promise, which he first talked about when Shadow Chancellor in 2007, to increase the IHT threshold to £1 million for

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families. On the face of it the new allowance should, in time, do exactly that – i.e. each parent could have a £325,000 NRB plus a £175,000 R-NRB, so £500,000 each and therefore a £1 million total for a married couple or civil partnership.

However, as is often the case there is much detail to consider. Technicalities may catch out the unwary and the unadvised.

Examples of two pitfalls are as follows.

Firstly, the new R-NRB is available when a qualifying residence passes to a direct descendent. This can include children, stepchildren and their lineal descendants, but not, for example, someone who leaves their home to say their brother or sister. In addition, care will be needed when using trusts to deal with property because in certain scenarios the R-NRB could be unintentionally lost.

Secondly, where a person’s estate on death is above £2 million then the extra R-NRB could be tapered away. Essentially the R-NRB could be reduced from £100,000 to £0 where the deceased’s estate is worth £2.2 million or more in 2017/18. In 2020/21, when the R-NRB will have risen to £175,000, it could be reduced to £0 if the deceased’s estate is worth £2.35 million or more.

There are many issues that will need to be carefully considered on a case by case basis, including for example where the value of a family home is below the R-NRB when part

of the new allowance might then be unavailable. There are rules which can help those who may wish to downsize to a smaller home in later life, although this can be complex.

It is also worth pointing out that, much like the normal NRB, any unused R-NRB could also be transferrable between spouses or civil partners on death. For the R-NRB, this is irrespective of when the first person may have died and peculiarly it may not matter if residential property was not owned at the time of first death; the survivor could still benefit from a 100% R-NRB uplift on their subsequent death.

Putting in place a comprehensive and considered IHT strategy, which can be enacted over a number of years, can ensure that an estate is passed on in a tax efficient manner to your chosen beneficiaries.

Consideration of the new R-NRB will be a key part of that jigsaw. The correct solution will depend upon many things, such as personal circumstances, attitude to risk and objectives. In addition, the correct path may involve using a number of different allowances and planning opportunities to maximise results and balance risk.

Professional advice should always be sought before IHT planning is undertaken. We are here to help and take great pride in advising our clients in an experienced, objective, impartial and reliable way.

Gareth Davies, Wealth Manager Gareth.davies@bonddickinsonwealth.com 0191 230 8322

Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, Gareth Davies has joined the Bond Dickinson Wealth team. Gareth’s experience gained in an accountancy practice and latterly Brewin Dolphin where he was divisional director will prove invaluable to the wealth management services Bond Dickinson (and its regulated subsidiary Bond Dickinson Wealth Limited) offers.

Alongside his advanced financial adviser qualifications Gareth is also an Affiliate member of STEP (The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners). He brings with him over 15 years’ experience advising clients on various financial planning matters and his expertise will be leveraged to further develop the team’s work in investment, pensions and retirement advice, inheritance tax planning and investment portfolio reviews. Recent work for Gareth has included advising executives’ transition from work into retirement, advice to individuals and Trustees in reviewing investment portfolios and advice to families on estate planning and inheritance tax.

The appointment of a new Wealth Manager reaffirms Bond Dickinson’s commitment to providing private wealth clients with a comprehensive and integrated service. As part of the Bond Dickinson Wealth team Gareth will be providing independent fee based advice which will complement the legal services provided by Bond Dickinson LLP. David Dale, Head of Bond Dickinson Wealth commented: “We are delighted to welcome Gareth to the team. He has fantastic experience across various areas and will provide an invaluable asset to our current and future clients”.

Commenting on his appointment Gareth said: “I feel privileged to be joining the renowned team of trusted advisers at Bond Dickinson Wealth and I’m very much looking forward to helping the firm’s clients find the right solutions to help protect and grow their wealth. The essence of being a truly independent financial adviser is very important to me and that is not something that all firms can genuinely offer.

“The unique diversity of the offering at Bond Dickinson Wealth, alongside the full range of legal, tax and accounting services provided by Bond Dickinson LLP, allows the team to provide comprehensive and integrated solutions to suit a wide range of people and businesses”.

NOV/DEC16

The Law Firm that focuses on What Matters Most to you Our experience protecting and growing wealth for families across the North East region spans generations.

Bond Dickinson provides an integrated team of legal experts and tax specialists who work together with the financial advisors in our subsidiary firm Bond Dickinson Wealth, to provide a bespoke service tailored to your needs.

To find out more about how we can help you look after all your wealth management needs please contact us on 0345 415 0000 or visit www.bonddickinson.com

Newcastle | Aberdeen | Bristol | Leeds | London | Plymouth | Southampton

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Fond memories Pandora’s new Petite Memories locket shows the love this festive season with the Family Memories set which fits inside. Necklace. £100 and the memories inside, £45 for the set. www.whittakersjewellers.co.uk

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NOV/DEC16

ADVERTORIAL

What family lawyers don’t always tell you about child relocation In our ever shrinking world, many families have close connections with more than one country. As a consequence, together with other reasons such as career prospects and lifestyle choices, there is considerably more movement of families internationally. Families seeking to emigrate or relocate often receive practical advice from various agencies but they are often not told about the consequences if things don’t work out after a move abroad.

If a separated parent wants to relocate and move abroad with their child(ren), they will be advised legally they must have the consent of the other parent or the permission of the court if such consent is not forthcoming. Moving without the permission of the other parent would amount to child abduction.

However, parents seeking to relocate abroad with their family are rarely advised that following the relocation, if the relationship breaks down or one of them wishes to return home and the other does not they might find themselves ‘stuck’ in the country they have moved to; if one parents wishes to remain abroad it can be incredibly difficult to return home with children.

Although circumstances vary, the general rule is that when you move to a new country with the intention of staying there permanently or for a significant time the ‘habitual residence’ of your child changes to the new country. The ‘habitual residence’ test will establish what legal jurisdiction will apply in the event of a dispute about the arrangements for any children. Accordingly, unless the other parent provides permission for the children to be taken back home, an application for permission to relocate again must be made to the local court (the court in the country which you now reside). The laws governing how a court treats such an application varies widely from one country to another and specialist legal advice in that particular

country will be required. It should not be assumed that the courts will readily grant permission for the children to return home again. Much will depend upon the justice system in each individual country but a relocation application can take a long time to be dealt with and permission to return is by no means a given.

Needless to say, being stuck in a foreign country which you do not wish to be in can be extremely isolating and lonely.

Family members and friends who can provide support may be many thousands of miles away; financial support can also be problematic where one parent is the sole income provider and doesn’t provide proper financial support to the other. Simply leaving and taking your children home is unlikely to be an option as the removal of a child without the consent of the other parent constitutes an offence of child abduction. There are 81 countries in the world which are signatories to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Parental Child Abduction 1980. The purpose of the Hague Convention is to secure a common accord that a child removed (or retained) across an international border without the consent of both parents should be speedily returned to the state of the child’s habitual residence to enable the court in that state to make a decision about the child’s future. Child abduction is a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment under the Convention and there are only narrow defences to a Hague Convention abduction which rarely succeed.

So, is there anything that parents can do to protect themselves in the event one of them wants to return home? As with all important decision making processes, ensure you are armed with all information before you relocate so you are able to make an informed decision. It is strongly advisable that you consider such issues before moving. Family mediators and lawyers will be able to provide further advice and aid discussions between you to ensure there are pre-agreed arrangements in place to cover

the various scenarios that could arise. There is currently no ‘pre-migration contract’ in existence, although one charitable organisation, GlobalArrk (www.globalarrk.org) is working to produce one and highlight awareness of this issue. Although such an agreement is not currently legally enforceable in a court, it is strong evidence of the arrangements that were agreed to be put into effect in the event of the relationship breaking down after moving.

Whilst the interests and circumstances of each family and the children involved are likely to be considered on a case by cases basis it is certainly wise to consider having discussions and an agreement in place prior to any move abroad as to what each parent’s expectations would be in the event either wanted to return home.

Anna Hunter is a Director 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

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enquiries@majorfamilylaw.co.uk

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www.majorfamilylaw.co.uk

Gorgeous gifts for all... ✯

Wow your friends and family this Christmas with gift experiences from Rockliffe Hall.

Choose from a dreamy selection of spa days, treat someone to a round of golf or help them improve their game with golf tuition from our experienced team.

Delight with dainty afternoon teas and fantastic food vouchers or give the gift of the ultimate night’s sleep with a luxury overnight stay at our five star hotel.

Can’t choose? Don’t forget our range of monetary gift vouchers available from £20-£500 which can be redeemed across the entire resort.

To browse and buy online visit www.rockliffehall.com or visit Rockliffe Hall’s Spa Boutique for a range of gift sets, gift experience vouchers and a bit of spa indulgence.

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NOV/DEC16

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LUXE LIFE

HELEN RUSSELL Helen Russell is a UK and destination wedding & portrait photographer, based in North East. This year she was named Best Wedding Photographer in The UK Wedding Awards 2016 for a style that is natural, romantic, dreamy with a fine art approach.

Helen set up her own photography business in 2007 photographing families and children. After planning her own wedding in 2010 she became obsessed by the wedding industry and now shoots around 40 weddings a year. www.helenrussellphotography.co.uk LUXE PEOPLE >> My crazy two-year-old son and lovely husband.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Lake District.

A long holiday > Ibiza.

A treat > A spa weekend with the girls or my hubby.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Pizza (everyday if I could).

Best wine > Rioja.

Favourite restaurant > Blackfriars or Dabbawal Indian.

Perfect weekend > A trip to the Lake District with my son and husband, when the days are crisp and skies are blue. Amazing scenery and no phone signal. Perfection.

Downtime means > A lazy day exploring somewhere new, walking in the fresh air with my husband and little boy.

Best telly > I like a little girly stuff for relaxing bedtime TV – Mistresses, Devious Maids, Made in Chelsea – you get the picture.

Best sounds > My go-to radio station is Hotel Costes, Paris, great background for editing a wedding, pottering in the kitchen or getting ready for a night out.

LUXE SHOP >> Fenwick, Newcastle; everything from home accessories and art to designer handbags and make-up.

Best shopping city > Paris it has everything from high-end designer boutiques to amazing back street vintage shops. Paired with stunning architecture while trailing the streets, it is perfect.

Favourite shop > Zara Online. When time is short and I don’t have time for retail therapy, I know I can fill mine and my son’s wardrobe with affordable stylish items, shopping from the comfort of my own home.

Luxe retail treat > A designer handbag Best buy > My black Mulberry Lily it comes out on every special occasion and goes with everything! #priceperwear!

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > A DJ playing disco and soul, dancing all night with my good friends, good music and laughing – then back to someone’s house to carry on the chatter and laughs.

Best dress > instead of a dress, I prefer a trendy playsuit from Zara for my petite frame.

Dinner date > Just me and the hubby! Although recently we attempted fine dining in the Lake District with a toddler in search of culinary delights, which has become a little bit of a tradition while on holiday.

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> I feel very blessed to have the career I do photographing someone’s big day, being surrounded by love, laughter, stunning flowers - and spending time in amazing wedding venues is just wonderful.

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NOV/DEC16

After

5PM

in Newcastle Council’s 7 multi-storey car parks

Park free from 5pm Mon-Sat in 7 Council multi-storey car parks in Newcastle.

Visit getintonewcastle.co.uk for car park information.

Delivered by

Shop late in Newcastle Extended Christmas shopping ’til 9pm Mon-Fri and 7pm Sat. Eldon Square’s opening hours change to 9pm from 24th November 2016.

@newcastleNE1

getintonewcastle.co.uk

DO THIS

Stay in >> go out >> enjoy The most wonderful time of the year gets us all warm, cosy and cultured.

Elysia Agnew warms to winter THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

7-12 NOVEMBER

The world’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll musical is back in time for the party season. The Sunderland Empire is set to play host to Richard O’Brien’s non-stop party. Bursting with timeless songs and dazzling dance routines, the musical features hits such as The Time Warp, Sweet Transvestite and Dammit Janet. www.atgtickets.com

8-12 NOVEMBER

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NOVEMBER

Hold him close. David Essex is back on tour with ‘I’ll Be Missing You’.

He’ll arrive in Newcastle for a date at the City Hall, to perform his much-loved hits spanning 50 years. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

12 NOVEMBER There’s been a death on the ninth hole at Rockliffe Hall – and it’s your duty to solve the mystery. This November, Rockliffe Hall invites you to its Murder Mystery Evening – Death on the Ninth, so don your detective hat and arrive at the Golf Club to survey your surroundings. Who is the culprit?

Who’s been having an affair and what other secrets will come out? There will be a welcome drink on arrival, a three-course meal and a disco to follow. www.rockliffehall.com

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This two-day designer/maker event celebrates the region’s best designers and craft makers. From contemporary artwork to quality handmade gifts and festive decorations, this is a golden opportunity to bag yourself some unique presents in time for Christmas. The emphasis will be on original and modern works, with a strong ‘up-cycled’ theme throughout the market. www.designermakersmarket.co.uk

NOVEMBER

A simply magnificent concert arrives in Newcastle this November. Celebrating their classic album Stars, Simply Red will take on the Metro Radio Arena in what promises to be a fresh and exciting gig, as special as it was back in 1991. The first half of this show will feature the entire Stars album in its original running order, while the second half will feature hits and classic Simply Red songs that will have audiences toe tapping their way throughout this musical spectacle. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

NOVEMBER

Head to Scotland and celebrate St Andrews Day this November at the Saltire Festival.

This seven day event celebrates Scotland at its very best, focusing on its fascinating heritage, wonderful culture, delicious delicacies, music, arts, innovation and entertainment. There will be a number of exciting events taking place around the country, including everything from horse racing and night golf, to music and award-winning comedy. Celebrate Scotland in style this St Andrews Day. www.saltirefestival.com

19 & 20 NOVEMBER

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Northern Ballet brings a reimagined classic to Newcastle Theatre Royal. The dazzling production of Beauty and the Beast is bright, colourful and utterly remarkable.

Backed by an infectious score by Saint-Säens, Bizet and Debussy played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, it follows the story of a handsome prince transformed into a beast as punishment for his ugly arrogance. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

The award-winning comedian and actor Catherine Tate, will arrive at Newcastle City Hall with The Catherine Tate Show – Live this November. In new sketches, the show will incorporate some of Catherine’s best-known characters including ‘Nan’ Taylor, Irish nurse Bernie, Geordie Georgie, Essex girl Sam and the return of an argumentative teenager that we all know and love - guest starring Matthew Horne. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Middlesbrough’s Baker Street will play host to the Orange Pip Market on the last Saturday of November and then on Christmas Eve. It’s a diary date for food and culture lovers blending creativity with commerce. The traditional market place will be transformed into a culinary bazaar, featuring music, arts and performance whilst visitors discover the best of the region’s artisan food. www.facebook.com/OrangePipMarket

24-30 NOVEMBER

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NOVEMBER

Grand Opera House York presents Whitney – Queen of the Night. This award winning production headed up by rising West End star Rebecca Freckleton, delivers a breathtaking performance. The show will take viewers on a magical rollercoaster ride through three significant decades of classic hits including, One Moment in Time, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, I Will Always Love You, I’m Every Woman and many more Whitney Houston favourites. www.atgtickets.com/york

THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER & DECEMBER This winter at the Laing Art Gallery, see important works by artists including David Bomberg, George Grosz, Frank Auerbach and Marc Chagall. This striking exhibition brings together issues of identity and belonging while demonstrating the powerful impetus of British culture provided by migrant artists. This exhibition will take viewers on an emotional journey, following the stories of the exhibiting artists and their families’, who had to make forced journeys as a result of upheavals in their homeland, including the Nazi Holocaust.

Some of the most recent artworks will include photography, video and installation, investigating themes of personal and group identity in the modern world. www.laingartgallery.org.uk

28 NOVEMBER – 3 DECEMBER A nightclub singer, a double-murderess, and a cellblock filled with sin. This is the story of murder, greed, corruption, adultery and treachery. Based on real life events in the 20s, Chicago tells the tale of Roxie Hart, who shoots her lover and joins a cell-block filled with female characters who fight to dodge a death row sentence. EastEnders and West End star, John Partridge is Billy Flynn, the smooth talking lawyer. Chicago’s sassy score includes, All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle. www.atgtickets.com

NOV/DEC16

Exclusive. Handmade. Unique.

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Laing Art Gallery, New Bridge Street, Newcastle, NE1 8AG Tel: (0191) 278 1611 Textphone: 18001 0191 278 1611

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NOV/DEC16

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DO THIS

WEALTH MANAGEMENT WITH JOHN DANCE

PERSPECTIVE We have had a few queries in recent weeks from both advisers and also their clients, questioning the movement of the FTSE 100, from well below 6,000 the day after Brexit, to current levels nearer their all-time high of just over 7,100. The consensus of clients is that it seems particularly odd given the ‘bad news’ we have had since the EU referendum. As many have also described this movement as ‘making gains’ we felt it was worth putting a couple of things in perspective.

With regard to ‘making gains’, we must remember that despite recent movements, the FTSE (at the time of writing) remains below its peak of May 2015 (when it topped 7100).

In many ways therefore what we have seen recently is really something more like a recovery from previous lows in the intervening period. The driver of this recovery (‘bad news’) is perhaps a little harder to explain or rationalise but we shall do our best.

Equity markets are effectively leading indicators of future economic and company specific performance. Often they will price in the recovery from a recession, before the recession has even started. I can recall many occasions where markets fell expecting a recession that hadn’t yet happened and then bounced back up, still before the recession had even started. This is because they expected a recovery from said recession.

So whilst markets are often effected by sentiment in the short term (the initial reaction to an unexpected Brexit vote was taken very badly) they have subsequently recovered in this respect for two reasons; 1) In our view they are telling us they believe that despite an initial negative effect to the UK domestic economy, ultimately things will be OK and 2) The global economy is still relatively healthy and the UK still has many companies (including most of our biggest FTSE constituents) that generate their revenues overseas and thus are not as exposed to a UK centric downturn anyway and whose revenues or profits will also be beneficiaries of the depreciated pound that Brexit has created.

There is another factor behind recent rises. In an attempt to reduce the negative economic impact of Brexit as much as possible, the Bank of England has a) restarted QE and b) reduced interest rates further to a new historic low. The era of ‘lower for longer’ interest rates and bond yields that we had slowly become accustomed to has become ‘even lower for even longer still’.

Historically we had a perception that if UK markets were on say 13-15x earnings they were about fair value, potentially willing to pay a little more if future earnings expectations were particularly bullish and a little less if the future outlook was less attractive. A multiple of 14x (the midpoint) creates an earnings yield of just over 7% p.a. which would generally be a premium to interest rates and bonds that reflected the extra risk being taken. However, given the ‘even lower for even longer still’ environment and that both interest rates and government bond yields are compressed further still and below anything we have ever experienced before, perhaps equity investors are willing to accept a lower earnings yield, as they are still receiving a similar risk premium.

Even lowering the earnings yield by just 1% (from 7% to 6%) converts the multiple range to 15.5-17.5x earnings, lowering by 1.5% to 17-19x earnings. The FTSE 100 currently stands at 18x earnings and despite the recent gains and the “bad news” that may be around, this in reality is probably about fair value in risk premium terms given the global economic outlook and the yield environment in the UK. Of course, whilst we can rationalise current levels from a risk premium perspective, that doesn’t mean equity markets will be immune to adverse sentiment regarding the US election or as yet unknown economic fallout as a result of Brexit. As that is harder to rationalise then how likely that is, is a question less easy to answer.

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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THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER & DECEMBER DECEMBER

Elton John arrived back on Tyneside for his 20th concert in the city. His first performance in Newcastle was in 1971 as a three piece, he then went on to give North East audiences solo performances as well as with a 13-piece band in 1986. This December show will see him performing songs from his band new album Wonderful Crazy Night, as well as some of his best-loved classics and chart-topping hits. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

One of the most vibrant artists to have come out of the mid-1990s arrives in the North East this winter. Monica Bonvicini’s work explores the relationships between architecture, control, gender, space, surveillance and power. She uses sculpture, video, photography, text and performance to portray her ideas. balticmill.com

14-17 DECEMBER 7-10 DECEMBER

Dance City presents an incredible Christmas production telling the timeless tale of true courage and imagination.

The Wolf and Peter is a fun filled show comprising dance, live music and theatrical performances, all told from the point of view of a break-dancing wolf! This energetic, all-encompassing stage show features live piano performances and a thrilling adventure, exploring contemporary dance and theatre at its best. www.dancecity.co.uk

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Ross Noble is back in town with his super-quick, freewheeling style and his highly imaginative gags. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

DECEMBER

Madness released their album Can’t Touch Us Now in October this year and are set to showcase their new tracks at the Metro Radio Arena this December. Introducing audiences to their new sounds as well as some of their best-loved hits and fan favourites. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

8-17 DECEMBER Make sure you book up for this world premiere Live Theatre production of The Terminal Velocity of Snowflakes, written

by Nina Berry and directed by Max Roberts and Graeme Thompson. Rosie and Charlie are two people in many places. Form childhood to retirement, from Trafalgar Square to Chillingham Road, The Terminal Velocity of Snowflakes looks at what it means to grow up, fall in love and how the tiniest, most insignificant detail can change eternity and the meaning of life. A touching tribute to the stages of life and how our lives are formed by our decisions. www.live.org.uk

16 DECEMBER Jimmy Carr is on the road again and this time he’ll be stopping off at Yarm School’s Princess Alexandra Auditorium to share a selection of his very best jokes along with some brand new material. Jimmy Carr’s Best of, Ultimate, Gold, Greatest Hits Tour is the ultimate comedy show celebrating one of the country’s best loved funny-men who has devoted his life to crafting perfect jokes and distilling everything we love to laugh at. www.thepaaonline.org

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DECEMBER

For one night only, the Sage Gateshead invites you to A Solo Acoustic Evening with David Gray. In his first UK tour in over two years, the performer will deliver an acoustic show celebrating his musical journey so far. www.sagegateshead.com

NOV/DEC16

ADVERTORIAL

Our big day Groom: Henry Elks, 28, Civil Servant (Department of Work & Pensions), born and raised in Wimbledon.

Bride: Helene Caygill, 28, Finanical Analyst, born in France and raised in Staindrop near Darlington.

TELL US ABOUT THE PROPOSAL… I’m a huge fan of Tudor history, and Henry decided to surprise me by taking me away to Thornberry Castle near Bristol, where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn spent part of their honeymoon. We had a picnic in the castle gardens and he gave me a handmade photo album filled with photos and memories of our relationship. When I got to the end and looked up he was down on one knee…

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE WYNYARD HALL? I was keen to get married in the North East as I still think of it as home. We looked at a few venues in the area which were lovely, but didn’t leave us with the same breathlessness as Wynyard Hall did. It’s such an opulent place, and we felt its traditional grandeur really matched the occasion and what we wanted from the day.

WHAT COLOUR SCHEME / THEME / FLOWERS DID YOU CHOOSE? The wedding as a whole was quite traditional with a few personal touches. Our colour scheme was dusky pink, peach and sage green which felt very natural and summery.

TELL US ABOUT THE DRESS… My dress was an a-line gown from Essense of Australia.

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It had a champagne coloured satin under-layer with ivory lace over-layer and a full chapel train. I loved it from the moment I saw it!

WHAT DID YOU DO THE DAY/NIGHT BEFORE YOUR WEDDING? The night before the wedding I stayed in the Woodlands cottage at Wynyard Hall with my bridesmaids. We spent some time in the hot tub with champagne and then watched the film “Bridesmaids” before having an early night. Henry and the groomsmen stayed next door in the Elmswood cottage. In the early evening we had a family dinner in the Wellington Room, which was lovely as some members of our families had never met and it was nice to all catch up before the big day.

WHAT WEDDING MENUS DID YOU CHOOSE? We chose Ham Hock terrine to start, with Cheese and sun blush tomato soufflés for vegetarians. Then leg of gressingham duck (Henry’s favourite) and cauliflower and cumin risotto for the vegetarian main. We really liked how attentive and polished the service was – nobody had to ask for a top up and everything was timed to perfection.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND WYNYARD HALL TO OTHER COUPLES? In a heartbeat. Our day was perfect and we owe a lot of that to Wynyard Hall.

Wedding Showcase Wednesday 30th November 5.30pm – 9.00pm Wynyard Hall, Tees Valley, TS22 5NF 01740 644811 (opt. 5) www.wynyardhall.co.uk/weddings 15

DO THIS

<< festive fun >>

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DECEMBER

Take your little ones along for breakfast with Santa at Seaham Hall. The festive feast will be served in The Ballroom before heading to Santa’s magical grotto. Children can feed real life Rudolph and receive a festive gift. www.seaham-hall.co.uk

19 DECEMBER – 31 DECEMBER

17-20 NOVEMBER Christmas comes early at Wynyard Hall with the famous Festive Shopping Fayre where the smell of gingerbread, the taste of mulled wine and the sounds of the carol singers will really get you in the Christmas spirit. There’s lots to see for the whole family, with more than 150 stalls filled with the finest handmade gifts, jewellery, fashion and festive foods.

Throughout November and December, Wynyard Hall will also be offering Festive Afternoon Tea where guests can indulge in the finest traditional tea and tasty sweet treats. www.wynyardhall.co.uk

19 NOVEMBER – 24 DECEMBER Be enchanted by Christmas at Beamish this winter, where visitors can discover the amazing sights, sounds and delicious tastes of truly traditional festive celebrations. Combining history and festive fun, you’ll step back into Christmas past, joining the celebrations as you explore the 1820s Pockerley Old Hall, the 1900s Town and Pit Village and the 1940s Farm. From ice skating and traditional market stalls, to steam train rides and Santa’s grotto, Christmas at Beamish is the perfect festive day for all of the family to enjoy. You might even get the chance to feed the reindeer. www.beamish.org.uk

18 DECEMBER Join British jazz star Claire Martin and the Royal Northern Sinfonia for a night of jazz and Christmas classics by Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Irving Berlin. It’s time to ‘Let it Snow’ and step into a winter wonderland of festivities and timeless Christmas songs conducted by Timothy Henty. www.sagegateshead.com

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DECEMBER

Stand By Me Musical Review is the story of Ben E King and The Drifters. At the Sage, Gateshead this December, audiences will embark upon the phenomenal musical history of one of the biggest selling bands of all time with hits such as Saturday Night at the Movies, Up on the roof, On Broadway, Under the Boardwalk and many more tracks that will have you dancing the night away. www.sagegateshead.com

UNTIL 8 JANUARY

‘It’s Snowtime!’ for the Wildcats of Kilkenny this December. The Wildcats are back at the Arc with two fun filled nights of ultimate festive celebrations. With more tricks, musicians and surprises than ever, this year the Wildcats are pulling out the stops to make this a show-stopping finale to their silver anniversary. This Christmas special is not to be missed!

It’s the perfect start to your festivities. www.arconline.co.uk

In her first solo UK exhibition, Rose Morris will transform Newcastle’s Laing Art Gallery with an ambitious architectural installation entitled Circles and Slices of Spheres.

The artworks will be set up in one of the Laing’s original Edwardian galleries and will showcase two monumental paintings exploring subtle colours and illusionistic shadows, highlighting the intricate architectural detailing in the gallery itself. www.laingartgallery.org.uk

22-24 DECEMBER The Royal Northern Sinfonia brings a festive family favourite to the SAGE this December. Watch The Snowman on the big screen while the RNS play Howard Blake’s magical score live on stage.

Plus sing-along featuring traditional favourites and some Frozen numbers for the little ones. www.sagegateshead.com

14 31 DECEMBER In an idyllic, festive setting at Durham Cathedral, sumptuous harmonies and multi-platinum selling vocals will make up G4 Christmas, an inspiring ‘Christmas

by Candlelight’ show. This intimate performance includes musical classics including Silent Night, and When A Child is Born. The 2004 X Factor runners up will also perform from their own album ‘G4 Christmas’. www.durhamcathedral.co.uk

Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach comes to the Northern Stage this December.

The Roald Dahl classic follows the story of James Henry Trotter, a very lonely boy who lived with his horrible aunts. But one day, everything changes for James, with the help of one thousand magical crocodile tongues. He watches in amazement as the peach tree in his garden grows way above the house.

This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s much-loved tale is packed with songs, audience interaction and a giant juicy peach. www.northernstage.co.uk

You’re invited to the most spectacular ball of them all. It’s Christmas at the Newcastle Theatre Royal and families are welcome to join the comedy trio Danny Adams, Clive Webb and Chris Hayward in another pantomime sensation. Cinderella is packed with family-friendly comedy, special effects, dazzling costumes and the most magical pantomime moment to date as the star of the show is whisked off to the ball in the company of Prince Charming. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

22 & 23 DECEMBER

THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER & DECEMBER The Biscuit Factory offers ‘Festive Weekends’ for the people of the North East this winter. Visitors will get the chance to find that special something for that special someone, taking the stress out of Christmas shopping as you enjoy the unique offerings that you wouldn’t find elsewhere. Throughout the festive period, expect choirs, local artisan gift sellers, flowers, maker demonstrations and even a pop-up hot chocolate lounge. www.thebiscuitfactory.com

UNTIL 15 JANUARY

DECEMBER Dazzle them all at Rockliffe Hall this New Year’s Eve. Channel your inner Ernest Hemingway or Zelda Fitzgerald for a magnificent, glittering ball. The Midnight in Paris New Year Ball includes champagne and canapés reception, a five course banquet, fireworks and resident piper bringing in the New Year. www.rockliffehall.com

<< Christmas markets >>

18

NOVEMBER

This November, more than 40 local food producers and artisan craft makers will be setting up their stalls against the picturesque backdrop of Auckland Castle. The formal garden will be transformed into a festive shopper’s haven featuring a plethora of unique gifts and speciality foods. Visitors will also be able to bag themselves handmade chocolates, jewellery, glassware, leather goods, ceramics and decorations for the festive season and beyond. Christmas music will be the soundtrack to the day as you wrap up warm, browse the stalls and enjoy this stunning setting. www.aucklandcastle.org

THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER & DECEMBER For a festive market with a difference, head to The Alnwick Garden Christmas Market this winter, running throughout November and December. Wrap up in your cosiest jumper and join in the festive fun as you pick up stocking fillers in the stalls overflowing with goodies and gifts from Northumberland artisans. Indulge in festive nibbles and join in on the live carol singing from local performers. When day turns to night, step outside to discover the illuminated world of ‘Sparkle’, a magical live music, light and movement display in the grounds. There’s plenty to do at this exciting Christmas market in the most festive location of them all. www.visitnorthumberland.com

THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER & DECEMBER It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and with that comes the York Christmas Festival. This year, as the city is transformed into a winter wonderland, it promises to be the biggest and best one yet. Packed with fairs, family fun and festive events, there will be lots of exciting activities on offer, from The Snowman at the York Barbican, to the panto at York Theatre Royal and the brilliant line up on musicians at the York Early Music Christmas Festival.

St Nicholas Fair lines the city’s streets with twinkling lights and wooden chalets offering unique gifts and homemade crafts, wines and cheeses. www.visityork.org/christmas

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SWEET CHARITY

Sweet charity Doing good things in the North East, our charity round-up

PUPPY TRAIL >> If you’ve been bewitched by the Snowdogs taking over our region in aid of St Oswalds Hospice, you can further the help the charity by taking ownership of your very own Snowpup.

And the artist behind his design, Jeff Rowland, paid Arthur a special visit to unveil a miniature replica.

Jeff, whose work is world renowned, named Arthur after his late father who was a patient at the Hospice.

The small, porcelain version of Arthur is one of seven souvenir Snowdogs which have gone on sale as a memento of the Great North Snowdogs trail, to raise money for the Newcastle-based Hospice at £34.99 each. The miniatures can be purchased online at www.stoswaldsuk.org/shop/ or from St Oswald’s charity shops in Jesmond, Whitley Bay, Eldon Garden Shopping Centre in Newcastle, Gosforth High Street, Sunderland and St Oswald’s Hospice main reception.

>> Jack charlton

>> Mark Allison

WONDER WOMEN! >> A record number of wonderful North East women made the annual North East Ladies Day its biggest charity success yet.

Nicki Chapman, BBC Radio Two presenter and star of TV’s Escape to the Country was guest speaker at the day-long charity gathering held in the marquee at Hardwick Hall Hotel near Sedgefield.

A record number of women – 630 – gathered for a day of networking, shopping and charity giving at what was NELD’s 34th anniversary event. The charity has raised more than £262,000 since its launch in 1983.

Guests were inspired by the stories of two charities which will further benefit from the day’s event.

Hilary Maddren spoke for the Cleveland branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association about caring for someone with the disease – she was married to well-loved Middlesbrough footballer Willie Maddren who died from MND. Carolyn Mann from Sara’s Hope Foundation gave a heart-warming speech about the charity which was set up in memory of Sara Hoburn who died in 2001. The charity manages holiday retreats in Crete for families of young people affected by cancer.

Children are referred by the Clic Sargeant team based at the RVI in Newcastle.

“It was a remarkable day, which brought together women of all ages, and occupations to enjoy valuable time together supporting meaningful charities from the North East”, said Sue Andrews, chair of the NELD committee.

The committee is already planning next year’s event and would love to hear from smaller North East charities who would benefit from funding.

Says Sue: “We know there are many people working really hard running charities which don’t have a high profile and which struggle for funds. It is these unsung organisations that we like to reach out to through NELD, so we would love to hear from them.”

For more information email neld2016@outlook.com

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SPEED SHOT>> The Around the World Ball at the Biscuit Factory celebrated the latest achievement of Run Geordie Run’s Mark Allison.

His run across Europe this summer raised £7,000 for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and The Children’s Foundation.

Mark’s ‘run the world’ challenge has so far raised more than £266,000.

DIARY DATES >> Percy Hedley annual Mistletoe Ball is a ‘Winter Spectacular’ this year and will be hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle’s Anna Foster. The night includes entertainment and auction with BBC radio presenter Alfie Joey, a five course meal, champagne reception, raffle, silent auction and the amazing Foxx Party Band.

To reserve a table contact Maria Hallett on 0191 2381302 or email m.hallett@percyhedley.org.uk Blitz Ball is an evening of 1940s glamour, swing era entertainment, classic cocktails and a deliciously themed menu in aid of Butterwick Hospice.

1940s dress a must – think sharp suits, military uniform, land girls and pencilled-on stockings! November 19, Hardwick Hall. £55.00 per person. Call the Events team on 01642 628930.

Festive Murder Mystery at Crathorne Hall in aid of Zoes Place Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough on November 26 with a roarin’ 20’s theme Tickets £45 to include drinks reception and three course dinner. Book at 01642 457985

NOV/DEC16

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ADVERTORIAL

City’s nights are bright Baby it’s cold outside – winter activities and things to look forward to in Newcastle over the coming months

Winter is on its way and the nights have well and truly drawn in, but there’s no need to hurry home and pull up the drawbridge because there’s so much going on in Newcastle that you won’t want to miss.

Start your Christmas preparations early and enjoy the sights and sounds of Newcastle as the city gears up for the festive season.

When the evenings start getting dark at 5pm, it is great to know that Newcastle is Alive after Five and has a bustling city centre. Before city centre champions, NE1 Ltd launched its award winning Alive after Five initiative back in October 2010, Newcastle was a much quieter and less vibrant place after 5pm. Fast forward to 2016 and Newcastle has been transformed, shops are now open until 8pm all year

Transforming the city into one that doesn’t close in the early evening has made Newcastle look and feel much more cosmopolitan and has attracted international attention round, bars and restaurants are packed in the early evening and the city has a completely different look and feel. Not to mention, thousands of free car parking spaces in 7 council owned multi-storey car parks.

A vibrant, open-for-business city centre is much more appealing and in the last six years has helped to attract an additional 9.7 million visitors during the Alive after Five hours of 5-8pm, as well as contributing more than £600 million to the local economy and cementing Newcastle’s position as the Number 1 retail destination in North East England.

Transforming the city into one that doesn’t close in the early evening has made

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Newcastle look and feel more cosmopolitan and has attracted international attention and praise. NE1 picked up a prestigious award at the recent European BID Congress, beating off stiff competition from other European cities in recognition for its efforts, and of particular note was Alive after Five.

In addition to the usual Alive after Five late night opening, from mid-November intu Eldon Square will be extending its opening hours even further until 9pm giving shoppers an extra hour to enjoy the shops, pick up a bite to eat, or simply take in the festive atmosphere.

It will soon feel very Christmassy in the city with the Christmas lights switch on due on November 17th, Fenwick’s famous festive window to be unveiled, skating at Life returning on 12th November and of course, the addition of what has become an annual Christmas tradition, the European and Christmas markets at Grey’s Monument.

The smell of mulled wine and twinkling Christmas lights will help you get into the seasonal spirit as you peruse the shops and market stalls and you won’t have to worry about the cost of parking thanks to free parking spaces in the city centre available as part of NE1’s Alive after Five.

Pre-Christmas festivities add an extra buzz and excitement to the city centre, but thankfully there are events and activities timetabled into January to spread the joy into what can seem like the bleakest of months post-festivities. Once the Christmas trees and decorations have been taken down, there’s always NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week to look forward to!

The week of the 16th to the 23rd January has already been blocked out in the 2017 calendar for what will be the 13th NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week. The event is expected to surpass all others with the number of restaurants topping the 100 mark, thanks to the opening of a new cluster of restaurants at Grey’s Quarter in Newcastle.

A number of new names in city centre dining have already expressed an interest in taking part in what has become one of the hottest dates in the foodie calendar.

At the last count, over 350,000 diners have taken part in NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week since its launch in January 2011. An

idea inspired by New York where twice a year diners get the chance to eat out at some of the Big Apple’s best restaurants for a fraction of the normal price. The formula translates well to Newcastle, a city with a vibrant restaurant scene and more restaurants per square mile than any other Northern city. The event has grown in popularity since its launch with over 90 restaurants involved in the last event, which was staged in August. With the opening of more new restaurants January

looks set to be the busiest yet.

Each January and August, when NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week is held, diners are quick to take advantage of the offer, dining out in style for only £10 or £15 per head. Venues turn up the heat devising show-stopping menus to wow a new batch of diners, many of whom are keen to try out venues for the first time, enticed by the NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week offer.

Newcastle enjoys a truly cosmopolitan mix of restaurants and menus. Diners can eat out ‘around the world’ in Newcastle from Italian, Spanish Tapas to Bolivian, Chinese, French, Polish, German, Indian – the problem is which to choose.

Remember to book early to avoid disappointment – due to the success of NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week it is essential to book if you have a favourite restaurant in mind, or if there’s somewhere new you are keen to try. Many restaurants get booked up across the week so it pays to get in early.

Thankfully, with 100 plus restaurants expected to sign up for January – there’s bound to be a space at the table.

For further information on Christmas activities and January’s NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week, visit www.getintonewcastle.co.uk

NOV/DEC16

Join us in Newcastle, the North East’s No.1 retail destination

Shop late in Newcastle Extended Christmas shopping ’til 9pm Mon-Fri and 7pm Sat.

Delivered by

Eldon Square’s opening hours change to 9pm from 24th November 2016.

Park free from 5pm Mon-Sat in 7 Council multi-storey car parks.

@newcastleNE1

getintonewcastle.co.uk

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Brilliant baubles Christmas is all about dazzle and this eyepoppingly luscious ring fits the festive wishlist perfectly. 18ct white and yellow gold orbit stacking rings set with 1.35ct natural sapphire and 0.18cts diamonds ÂŁ4695. www.saundersandpughe.com

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www.ravenkitchendesign.co.uk T: 01670 785722 E: info@ravenkitchendesign.co.uk SHOWROOM: New Kennels, Blagdon Estate, Northumberland NE13 6DB

STE V E N MU R R AY

LUXE LIFE

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Chef Steven Murray, 41, originally from High Blantyre on Scotland’s West Coast has made a return to his second home in Northumberland following a five-year stint working at restaurants and hotels in Inverness and Aberdeeen. He’s now Head Chef at Walwick Hall, a Grade II listed building which has undergone an 18 month, multi-million pound renovation, seven miles from Hexham.

LUXE PEOPLE >> My wife Claire for continuously supporting me in my career and putting up with the long unsociable hours and helping me relax during downtime. I also have to mention my two sons Aaron and Lloyd whom I absolutely adore and thoroughly enjoy spending quality time with them. They are full of energy to keep me on my toes!

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > I would have to say up in and around the Northumberland coast, especially Beadnell. There is nothing better than the sea air as you admire the breathtaking scenery the North East coastline has to offer.

A Long holiday > The Maldives, flying into the capital Male and catching a seaplane to a jewel of a resort.

The turquoise sea to snorkel the coral reefs, beautiful white sand and the wondrous seafood larder - a match made in heaven for a perfectly relaxing holiday.

A treat > Heading up to Loch Lomond national park in Scotland to stay in a luxury lodge especially in winter, taking part in family long walks, bike rides and visiting places of historical interest. Visiting local

pubs with log fires and enjoying a hot tub to soak the aching muscles!

LUXE RELAX >> Best Food > Being a chef I love trying out different cooking techniques at home using local quality ingredients from the Northumberland larder.

Best wine > I am a huge fan of the Bogle winery in California with the 2008 vintage Phantom Red being my absolute favorite.

Best restaurant > Locally I recently enjoyed dining at Peace and Loaf in Jesmond, I thoroughly enjoyed the innovative food offering. I fully respected the different dining experience where I found the food of the highest standard in a relaxing environment.

Perfect weekend > A weekend off is a rarity for me and it is a real treat and I always insist on quality family time, watching my eldest son play rugby and an evening going out with our friends for a meal and drinks.

Downtime > Means spending quality time with family and friends, family walks with our family Jack Russell, Mack somewhere in the Northumberland countryside.

Best telly > I am a bit of an American box set lover and have watched several with my favourite being Prison Break! I am enjoying the second series of Narcos and the moment. I never tire of a Bond film either!

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > Being originally from Glasgow I would have to say my home city, it offers so many different types of shopping experiences from the

chic Merchant City to the quirky West End. Favourite shop > I am a fan of Fenwick in Newcastle or anywhere that offers my label of choice, Ralph Lauren.

Luxe relax retreat > Heading up to Inverlochy Castle in Fort William and enjoying a tasting menu offering, the hotel offers a retreat in sheer luxury with impeccable dining.

Best Buy > My Ralph Lauren duck down winter jacket, it was a real steal at £150 from £800! I love pulling it out every winter to keep me well wrapped up - being a chef in a hot environment I don’t like to get cold!

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > On a recent trip away to Ibiza town with my wife we found some wonderful small back street Ibizan tapas restaurants being served by such friendly appreciative people who were so proud of their stunning island and local produce.

Perfect party > Any party that has all my family and friends attending and there is live music!

Best dress > For me anything that is comfortable, jeans or chinos, polo shirts and a classic blazer.

Dinner date > With my wife in a small romantic restaurant serving wonderful seasonal food with quality wines.

YOUR LUXE THINGS IN LIFE >> My whole life is luxury for working in a job that I love doing what I love, creating food for others to appreciate, I have a wonderful supporting family to enjoy when I am not at work. I feel completely privileged with my life and always appreciate the small things in life.

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Protecting your business assets from divorce

The recent separation of celebrity power couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, brings into sharp focus the turmoil that can accompany a divorce

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The stress and anxiety of a separation can be exacerbated if one or both of the parties want to protect their assets and income. The situation is not assisted by the lack of a formula, set down by law for married couples to determine how assets and income should be divided upon divorce.

It is little wonder then that those wishing to protect themselves from the financial fallout of a divorce may find the prospect of entering into a Pre-Nuptial Agreement (PNA) appealing, particularly as it is now established that the Court should

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uphold the terms of a PNA, subject to certain safeguards.

A marriage creates financial claims between the couple. Business assets are not automatically excluded from “the matrimonial pot” and the Court has the power to make orders relating to business assets; surely unwelcome news for anyone who has spent time and money establishing and building a business or who is to inherit a share in a family business which may have existed for generations.Therefore, anyone with business interests needs to be alive to the effects of a later divorce on the business and to take pre-emptive action to protect those business assets. A PNA could be enormously effective in this regard. Others connected to the business will also find this reassuring themselves.

In cases involving a limited company consideration should also be given to the provisions of the Articles and Shareholders’ Agreement and whether these require amendment, for example whether a non-transfer of share clause is appropriate or whether a formula for valuation of the business should be specified.

Finally, it is important to be aware of the need for the PNA to be revisited from time to time, to ensure that the agreement remains fair and appropriate between the couple; what is fair at the beginning of the marriage may very well not be fair after a long marriage, particularly if there has been any significant upturn in the fortunes of the business during the course of the marriage.

Tilly Bailey & Irvine Law Firm 12 Evolution, Wynyard Park, TS22 5TB T: 0800 052 6824 www.tbilaw.co.uk Find us on Twitter @tbilaw

T: 0800 0526824 W: www.tbilaw.co.uk

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STIRRING STUFF

STIR UP THE STYLE THIS SEASON A cocktail of fast cars, sharp suits glamorous gowns sets the tone for A-lister party style this festive season

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ALISHA: VERSACE WHITE STRAP DRESS, £445, JULES B. BUTTERFLY BEAD STRAND BRACELET, £34, JULES B. KENDALL AND KYLIE BRITNEY SMART VELVET SHOES, £155, JULES B. BKLYN TWO-TONE FUR SCARF, £185, JULES B. VIVIENNE WESTWOOD ANGEL BAG, £225, JULES B.

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STIRRING STUFF

ANTONY: HUGO BOSS GIBSON CYL TROUSERS, £149, TESSUTI, INTU METROCENTRE. HUGO BOSS WILSON CYL WAISTCOAT, £149, TESSUTI, INTU METROCENTRE. HUGO BOSS HAYES CYL BLACK BLAZER, £380, TESSUTI, INTU METROCENTRE. KENNETH COLE NEW YORK SLIM FIT SHIRT, £59, TESSUTI, INTU METROCENTRE.

ALISHA: VERSACE MULTICOLOURED BODYCON STUD DRESS, £570, TESSUTI, INTU METROCENTRE.

ALISHA: OALI PRINT DESDEMONA DRESS, £149, COAST AT HOUSE OF FRASER, INTU METROCENTRE. KATE FAUX FUR CAPE, £89, COAST AT HOUSE OF FRASER, INTU METROCENTRE. VERSACE COURT SHOES, £310, TESSUTI, INTU METROCENTRE. MEGAN CLUTCH BAG, £29, COAST AT HOUSE OF FRASER, INTU METROCENTRE.

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Eldon Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7SX & branches throughout the UK www.charlesclinkard.co.uk

Click & Collect Mobile

NOV/DEC16

Online

Facebook

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STIRRING STUFF

ANTONY: KENNETH COLE DUSK JACKET, £230, HOUSE OF FRASER, INTU METROCENTRE. KENNETH COLE DUSK TROUSERS, £120, HOUSE OF FRASER, INTU METROCENTRE. KENNETH COLE WHITE GALA SLIM FIT SHIRT, £59, TESSUTI, INTU METROCENTRE. HUGO BOSS PRINDO SHOES, £270, TESSUTI, INTU METROCENTRE.

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STIRRING STUFF

ALISHA: ROSALEE EMBELLISHED DRESS, £795, JULES B. VIVIENNE WESTWOOD GREEN CLUTCH BAG, £210, JULES B.

NOV/DEC16

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STIRRING STUFF

ALISHA: NAVY SEQUIN NEEDLE & THREAD DRESS, £225, FENWICK NEWCASTLE. MULBERRY POSTMANS LOCK CLUTCH, £495, FENWICK NEWCASTLE.

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NOV/DEC16

18ct gold ring, 0.72ct ruby with diamonds

12.96ct amethyst silver pendant with 18ct gold details

18ct gold Orbit stacking rings set with lilac sapphire and diamond

Celebrating 16 years of fine hand crafted, precious jewellery.

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 British and European designers.

Platinum 0.70cts diamond ring

Silver and 9ct gold Seed Pod pendant

32 Hill Street, Corbridge, Northumberland, NE45 5AA | 01434 633302 | www.saundersandpughe.com

STIRRING STUFF

ANTONY: THOMAS PINK TODD SKINNY TIE, £69, FENWICK NEWCASTLE. HUGO BOSS ELISHAO WHITE SHIRT, £69, FENWICK NEWCASTLE. HUGO BOSS ANDER JACKET, £330, FENWICK NEWCASTLE. HUGO BOSS TROUSERS, £129, FENWICK NEWCASTLE.

ALISHA: VICTORIA BECKHAM SOFT CREPE DRESS, £795, FENWICK NEWCASTLE. MICHAEL KORS JET SET TRAVEL CLUTCH, £95, FENWICK NEWCASTLE.

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STIRRING STUFF

PHOTOGRAPHY: KEVIN GIBSON, WWW.KGPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

MODELS: ANTONY IMPEY, ALISHA COWIE WWW.TYNETEESMODELS.CO.UK

HAIR & MAKEUP: VICTORIA FORSHAW WWW.PINSPETALSPOWDER.CO.UK

STOCKISTS: FENWICK NEWCASTLE, WWW.FENWICK.CO.UK INTU METROCENTRE, WWW.INTUMETROCENTRE.CO.UK JULES B YARM, WWW.JULESB.CO.UK

LOCATION: ASTON MARTIN NEWCASTLE COBALT, SILVERLINK, COBALT PARK WAY, WALLSEND NE28 9NZ WWW.ASTONMARTINNEWCASTLE.CO.UK

NOV/DEC16

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DRESS UP!

TREND WATCH Get ready for party-season in style with metallic-minis, glittering gowns and bold bags

EVENING RECEPTION >> My go-to eveningwear label for AW16 is Self-Portrait. This luxury label is about as hot as you can get right now and you’ll spot it on red carpets across the globe. The designs encompass classic eveningwear silhouettes with modern touches; look out for pockets in full length dresses (pictured), barely-there slips under lace minis and perfectly paired separates. These pieces fit beautifully and will flatter your form so if you’re after something modern and feminine this is the collection for you.

If you’re looking for something with a little more sparkle then it has to be Needle & Thread. The brand’s handembellished dresses are adorned with sequins and beads that are guaranteed to glitter as you dance. From full-length gowns to long-sleeved minis this range has something for everyone.

FESTIVE DRINKS >> Ensure your outfit remains fashion-forward even when you need to go for something a little more casual with the help of Sportmax, Burberry and MSGM. From sparkly

From sparkly sweaters and skinny jeans to brightly coloured coats - ensure you arrive in style for cocktails or evening drinks

>> Top, Solace London £179 – Trousers, Sportmax £265 – Bag, Mulberry £850 – Heels, L.K. Bennett £225

OFFICE PARTY >> Take the office Christmas party in your stride with Solace London. The label’s chic collection of bonded-cloth tops and dresses will take you from your desk to the most elegant restaurant in style.

We’ve paired a Solace London top (pictured) with a pair of wide legged trousers from Sportmax; on trend and easy-to-wear this combination will ensure you’re ahead of the fashion curve. Keep it simple and finish your look with a classic Mulberry bag in a statement colour and strappy heels.

>> Dress, Self-Portrait £360 – Shoes £75, Dune.

With Christmas-fever starting to set in, here are five ways to make sure you’re ready to tackle everything the festive period has to throw at you. From the office Christmas party to the big day itself, take the pressure off getting dressed-up with a little help from our stylists in the Fenwick French Salon.

sweaters that will look great tucked into your favourite pair of skinny jeans to brightly coloured coats that will ensure you arrive in style these are your go-to labels for cocktails or evening drinks.

This season’s MSGM collection is one of their strongest yet, I adore their metallic mini skirt in thick woven fabric. We’ve paired it with a blue sparkly jumper from the same collection – it’s festive style made easy.

>> Top, MSGM £199 – Skirt, MSGM £285

>> Dress, Vivienne Westwood £399 – Bag, Mulberry £495

PLAYING SANTA >> Sports luxe continues to be huge this season; from Calvin Klein’s perfect crop tops to Tommy Hilfiger’s debut Gigi Hadid collection and his mainline sportswear range this is a trend that is here to stay. So this year when you’re running around trying to make sure that you’re prepared for the big day do it in style with this season’s coolest sportswear. After all shopping can be a workout in itself!

CHRISTMAS DAY >> Whether you are a guest or the host, dressing-up for the big day itself is a must. Keep it casual and cosy with labels like Eileen Fisher and Oska or go all out in Vivienne Westwood or Alexander McQueen.

One of my favourite pieces from Vivienne Westwood this season is their Degas Dress (pictured), this incredible piece made its debut in Westwood’s SS88 Pagan Collection.

Making its official comeback the design is inspired by Victorian fashions and includes a box pleat skirt that swings as you move thanks to two bustle cotton pads. With a Florentine neck and a low waistline, this feminine dress is adorned in a Capri Flower print which has been blown up to grand proportions.

Visit the Fenwick French Salon on the First Floor to explore our AW16 collections in full. Our expert fashion stylists are always on hand to advise you on this season’s latest trends. Catherine Newton is Head of Womenswear at Fenwick Newcastle.

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LUXE LIFE

STEVE COLMAN Early riser Steve Colman has been a fixture of breakfast radio in the North East since 1985.

He has opened sleepy eyes on Metro Radio, Century, Galaxy Magic and now the most listened to show in the North East, on Smooth Radio.

He spent seven years in Dubai before returning and meeting his wife Sally. They live in Ponteland with Steve’s stepchildren, Daniel, 17 and Holly, 14. He also has an older son, Scott.

LUXE PEOPLE >> David Bowie, the genius chameleon of the music world, Jack Nicholson who is memorable in every film he makes. Terry Wogan for crossing the broadcasting spectrum and age bracket in terms of audience.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Because I have a very early start weekdays, on a Friday it often means I can be on a train to London at 10.25. I love to go and visit my son and his family in Sunbury. But it would also involve going to see Chelsea play.

A long holiday > I was lucky enough to spend three weeks in Australia a few years back visiting Perth, Melbourne and Sydney taking in all the sights. But there is so much more to see. I have been to The Gold Coast also, broadcasting live when the Olympics were on I and was lucky enough to visit the Pallazzo Versace which is the hotel that they use on “I’m a celebrity”. It might be nice to have one night there, but as it’s a long holiday, that’s all.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > I love trying food from all over the world whether it’s Italian, Asian, seafood or meat, be it local or from a far flung place. I have enjoyed eating in the restaurants of New Orleans and back street Chinese food in Beijing.

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Best wine > I was lucky to have spent some time at Bin 21 in Hexham where I learnt so much about wine. There is a South African named Wolf Trap, Argentinian malbec or a French Vacqueras which is the appellation next to Chateauneuf du Pape. I’d take a great Macon Villages from Bourgogne and a Rosé from Bandol.

Favourite restaurant > I would probably choose the restaurant at Hotel du Vin in Newcastle for an enjoyable night of food.

I am looking forward to spending a birthday celebration at the ultra posh Chiltern Firehouse in London where Michael McIntyre had his 40th celebrations.

Perfect weekend > It’s a bit of a dream weekend with Friday night in Dubai enjoying warmth, glitz and so many wonderful restaurants. A succulent Kobe beef steak which we can only name Wagyu beef in this country. The luxury of Dubai’s fabulous Le Royal Meridien hotel for Friday night and then onto Saturday strolling round Rome enjoying some simple pasta dishes at any of the gorgeous restaurants along the piazzas and obviously a little shopping along the way.

I’d love to wake up on Sunday in the Camargue area of the South West of France for breakfast listening to a thousand croaking frogs and watching white horses and flamingoes before a long leisurely bouillabaisse lunch in Marseille. It would be nice to top off the weekend at The Blackbird in Ponteland; the ancestral

home of my 8th Great Grandad, Lord Mark Errington.

Downtime means > Obviously with my early starts on Smooth Radio I try and enjoy a little lie-in at the weekends, but I actually run the line for Holly’s Saturday morning football. We spend a lot of time eating with friends. Time in the garden. We enjoy visits to the coast when our weather helps show how beautiful things are in the North East.

Best telly > I love things like Broadchurch and have enjoyed the recent Undercover and Marcella series. But I like to laugh and enjoy Gogglebox and was hooked on Frasier in its time. So sad James Martin has retired after his 10 years of Saturday Kitchen.

Best theatre > I started life in architecture and love visiting notable theatres around the world but I am always brought back to Newcastle’s Theatre Royal as one of the best in the world. In terms of shows, I love Sunset Boulevard, Chicago, Wicked and was lucky enough to see Billy Elliott on its first ever Friday in London and thoroughly enjoyed the recent updated version at Sunderland Empire. It tugged on all the emotions and was glorious.

Best book > I’m a prolific reader on holiday and it tends to be autobiographies and crime thrillers like Ian Rankin’s Rebus series.

I have a signed copy of Keith Floyd’s autobiography which is special.

Best sounds > if you are looking at music then David Bowie has been my musical hero. The morning we heard he had died, I had read at 6.40am on his official Facebook page that he had passed away and had to re-read in order to believe what I was seeing.

It was so hard at 6.55am to announce his death, and that morning’s show was tough to get through. The best sound to me is waking to birdsong which means it’s summer and I’m able to get out of bed easier than in winter months - bliss.

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > I’m going to take a different line on this. I ran Wood Green Shopping City Radio in London with Paul McKenna who went on to be the hypnotist and author of self help books – that experience gave me invaluable insight to all aspects of radio. I’ll say Leeds too for a weekend stopover.

Favourite shop > John Lewis and Fenwick have everything – TKMaxx comes a close second.

Luxe retail treat > I spotted a Hugo Boss £400 coat online at a huge reduction, I subsequently went into our local store and they price matched. I celebrated at the new Fenwick Food Hall restaurant, Fuego!

Best buy > I went online the morning Stevie Wonder Hyde Park concert tickets went on sale and couldn’t believe that seven minutes past nine I’d been able to buy a pair.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > After going out with my wife for a while, in order to be introduced to her friends, she arranged a meal at The Blackbird in Ponteland. Having the unnerving thing of moving to a different seat after starter, main course and sweet all actually went well and subsequently we married four years ago this June.

Perfect party > I have a significant Birthday on 24 May. Old friends and colleagues reminiscing will be the order of the evening and a special champagne.

Best dress/favourite item of clothing > I bought a casual little jacket in Zara in Nice last Summer. It’s the grey one which has hardly ever been off my back since then.

Dinner date > Sandra Bullock, Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams - Fun and laughter YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> Travel is a must. Finding food, different culture and scenery.

NOV/DEC16

At Tecaz we love to give the opportunity for you to see and touch a range of bathrooms or kitchens before you decide to purchase.

Our showrooms feature over 150 bathrooms and 35 kitchen displays, you're sure to nd what you are looking for.

FREE computer planning and design are available, for larger projects, we offer installation support. We are conndent you'll achieve your dream space FREE granite or Silestone worktops available on selected kitchen ranges.

Norham Road, North Shields, NE29 7TN • Tel : 0191 257 6511 Ryhope Street. Ryhope. Sunderland, SR2 0AB • Tel : 0191 523 8164 Portrack Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 2HG • Tel: 01642 610 100 Tecaz Echo House, Pennywell Ind Est, SR4 9EN • Tel : 0191 534 7733 Opening hours Monday - Friday : 9am - 6pm • Saturday : 9am - 5pm •Sunday 10am - 4pm

NEUTRAL SHADES

Get nude

Where but where has the year gone!

I feel like I say it every year but it really has gone in a blink! Dark nights, Strictly and The X Factor can mean only one thing - Christmas is around the corner.

I for one don’t really mind as I love winter fashion, there’s nothing quite like wrapping up in gorgeous layers and your winter coat.

Hair colour has run through many natural and nude shades during the summer and these are set to continue into the colder months, so we’ve brought you two super gorgeous nude blondes to inspire your winter look.

Schwarzkopf Professional have launched a collection of nude shades that are absolutely stunning and range from dark to light.

When used together they really can create a wonderful multi-tonal result as seen here on both girls.

Whether it be full colour or just some really simple placement, these shades are perfect for creating a beautiful blonde.

The cuts are inspired by the 70s haircut ’the shag’ with strong outlines and loads of sexy texture to give that undone feel and really make the colour pop.

Speaking of sexy, we are thrilled to announce the exclusive arrival of Oribe beauty to our Jesmond, Gosforth and Ponteland salons.

Oribe beauty is a unique high performance range of makeup, skincare and bodycare designed for woman who know how to make a bold statement.

You really have to see this range to believe!

It’s absolutely breathtaking and would do well to climb to the top of your Christmas list!

Until next time, stay gorgeous.

Michael Young and Gary Hooker run Hooker & Young, with five salons regionwide. www.hookerandyoung.co.uk

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SET IN 100 ACRES OF STUNNING NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTRYSIDE AND PLACED ON HADRIAN’S WALL, WALWICK HALL BLENDS THE COMFORT AND ELEGANCE OF AN ENGLISH COUNTRY RETREAT WITH A DISTINCTIVELY MODERN SPIRIT TO BRING GUESTS A UNIQUE, LUXURY EXPERIENCE THAT’S A WORLD AWAY FROM THE NORM.

BOOK NOW FOR LAUNCH OFFERS AND THE FESTIVE SEASON AT WWW.WALWICKHALL.COM

SMILES!

MOUTH MATTERS

BROWSING >> Shape those brows. Autograph HD eyebrow kit, £12.50, Marks and Spencer

WITH DR ONKAR DHANOYA

<< PERFECT PALETTES Dr Onkar Dhanoya is clinical lead and principal dentist at the Osborne Dental Group (soon to become Honour Health), providing NHS and private dental treatments and facial aesthetics at three sites across the North East (Jesmond, Stanley and Ponteland).

Dr Dhanoya sits on the board of the Faculty of General Dental Practice and holds a fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons (London).

FESTIVE TEETH WHITENING >> Are you considering a teeth whitening session ahead of the Christmas season? It’s the most effective anti-ageing treatment available, but it’s important to carry out some careful research beforehand.

Did you know, for example, that anyone who carries out teeth whitening is legally required to be a dental professional registered with the General Dental Council? If they’re not a dentist, or a dental hygienist, dental therapist or dental technician working under the supervision of a dentist, then it’s simply illegal for them to carry out the procedure.

Practitioners in beauty businesses and hairdressing salons are not qualified to carry out teeth whitening, and there is no guarantee that it will be carried out safely. In fact, it could even lead to lasting damage to your teeth and gums.

At the Osborne Dental Group, we thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to establish whether or not the treatment is suitable for you, before explaining your options and providing a written plan.

We offer a choice of in-surgery teeth whitening or at-home teeth whitening. For the in-surgery option, we use ‘Zoom!’ - a 45 minute bleaching process that lightens the discolouration of enamel and dentin - during which time you can relax and read or listen to music before leaving us with teeth up to five shades whiter.

Alternatively, we offer the option for you to whiten your teeth in your own home. We’ll manufacture bespoke bleaching trays to fit on your teeth and gums, apply your first treatment, and show you how to continue whitening independently.

Bear in mind that the whitening effect won’t last as long if you smoke, or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can all stain your teeth.

Book a free consultation to see how we can help you to achieve a brighter smile ahead of Christmas party season!

Osborne Dental Group will shortly be rebranding as Honour Health: Phone Osborne Dental will become Honour Health Jesmond 0191 281 3913 Ponteland Dental will become Honour Health Ponteland 01661 821 412 Stanley Dental will become Honour Health Stanley 01207 232 725 Website www.osbornedental.com, www.pontelanddental.com and www.stanleydental.com will all become www.honourhealth.co.uk

Clarins’ mineral set includes satin, matte and shimmery eye colours in soft very wearable shades – it’s a keeper. £35 on counter.

Bobbi Brown’s soft shades palette is a catch-all with lovely muted colours and stay-cool shades, £37.50.

beauty:update

Time to break out the shimmer, the pampering treats…and the beauty desires

LOOK SHARP >> Red lip and inky black nails is the Snow White of make-up looks this season. Chanel’s new Rouge Allure Ink lip stain (£26) offers up long-lasting matte colour and nails (£18) in Obscur. On counter in Fenwick.

LOTTIE LOVE >> Everyone wants Charlotte Tilbury in their home on Christmas day. We love these special editions: Mini lippys (£25) and a coveted clutch SET (£90). From a selection www.houseoffraser.co.uk

PEACE AT LAST >> There’s a lot of love for a gift set that gives you a good night’s sleep. This one from Neom, £20. www.neomorganics.com

SOFTY >> Laura Mercier Le Petite Souffles Collection £45 at House of Fraser

SLICK >> Nars’ range of Velvet Lip Glide features a new range of shades from party-daring Mineshaft to perfectly-sweet Playpen. £22. www.narscosmetics.co.uk

Ponteland Dental, 31 Bell Villas, Ponteland, NE20 9BD. Find Ponteland Dental on Facebook Visit www.pontelanddental.com

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FacialSkin Veins?

SOS

<< SHINE ON OPI’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s mini polish pack is the perfect plaything. £29.95 www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Thread Veins, Warts, Skin Tags, Rosacea, Sun Spots?

You don’t need to live with unsightly skin problems.

ThermaVein provides incredibly fast and safe removal of common skin issues.

NATURALS >> We love Bamford’s luxey and so-natural body products. Sugar polish, £35, lip balm, £12. www.amara.co.uk

From £50 at Saks Beauty, Gosforth.

Permanent results with no risk of scarring, no down time and minimal discomfort.

Safe, Instant and Effective Removal The gold standard for facial vein removal

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As seen on

TIPS&TRICKS >> Benefit’s perfect skin kit, £25.50 Debenhams

Safe, Instant and Effective

167 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1HE. Removal Speak to one of our skin proffesionals The gold standard for facial vein removal 0191 340 0420.

www.thermavein.com

NOV/DEC16

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DRINK TO THIS

From the grapes come patented grape polyphenols which are the most powerful anti-oxidants in the plant world and used to fight the free radicals which cause 80% of skin ageing

The theory of a glass of red wine doing you the power of good is something most of us are readily prepared to give an ear to.

The red stuff is part of that life-affirming Mediterranean diet, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that the power of the grape can be channelled directly into skincare too.

Enter the French skincare brand Caudalie.

Their story is a fascinating one, especially if you’re partial to a glass of fruity red.

In a nutshell (or should that be grape seed?), it started with a vineyard in Bordeaux where the country’s finest wines are produced.

Grapes are as precious as gold in these parts, playing their part in the production of world-class wines.

It was a chance meeting that brought Mathilde Thomas into conversation with scientist Professor Joseph Vercautere.

Mathilde and her husband Bertrand own the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard and on a tour of the place the professor saw that they were discarding the waste from vines and grapes after harvesting.

He revealed the amazing anti-oxidant properties within grape, seed and vines.

Plant extracts which could be harnessed to manufacture skincare products.

From the grape the professor patented grape polyphenols which are the most powerful anti-oxidants in the plant world and used to fight the free radicals which cause 80% of skin ageing.

From the vine stalks, a product called

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Grape expectations Wine and pampering. Pretty much the perfect combination. A new therapy range at Rockliffe Hall Spa combines the two. Kathryn Armstrong was happy to put it to the test Resveratrol was patented – this acts on the collagen and elastin fibres to help firm the skin.

Grape oil, sap and water were also used in formulations for the skincare the professor developed – and the Caudalie range was born.

Mathilde launched a spa right in the middle

of the vineyard in 1999 (pictured below).

Treatments such as Crushed Cabernet Scrub, the Honey and Wine Body Wrap and Vinosource Facial with fresh grapes, were all symbolic of the products’ origins and surroundings.

Now the Caudalie range has been launched at Rockliffe Hall Spa.

Vineyard Treasures is a treatment exclusive to Rockliffe Hall, and celebrates the beautifying power of the grape and the winemaking process.

The Vinotherapie back, face and scalp ritual starts with a crushed cabernet scrub and invigorating back massage with alternating techniques using bare hands and the wine maker’s tool for a deep tissue massage.

This is followed by a bespoke Caudalie facial and then a Cranial Scalp massage completes the ritual to calm the mind and soothe the senses.

I tried the Resveratrol lifting facial – it was a magnificent experience. The usual attention to detail in terms of cleansing, facial massage and exfoliation using the magical vine-powered products. The very best bit though was the mask. A very hard, firming mask that sets on the face like a cast – and in fact comes off in one impressive piece like a mini sculpture of yours truly.

You keep it on for quite a while and can feel it doing its furious firming work.

What’s great is that when it comes off and you see your face, you really can tell the difference in lift. Even if it’s just a few millimetres of eyebrow heightening, there’s a definite firming effect and lovely brightness to the skin.

And the only way to celebrate this ‘new you’? With a cheering glass of wine of course.

Treatments from £90-120 Heard it on the Grapevine Spa Day, £140 To book call (0)1325 729999 www.rockliffehall.com

NOV/DEC16

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

DENTAL IMPLANTS

INVISIBLE BRACES

FACIAL REJUVENATION

SMILE

LIKE YOU

MEAN IT

Create a spectacular smile this season with our winter offers!

With all Invisalign Full Cases we would like to offer our patients one years free fully comprehensive dental care with Denplan worth up to £500!

Free Boutique Whitening on completion of treatment worth £250! This offer is for a limited time only, please call to book your appointment. *Terms and conditions apply

Join the new exclusive luxury clinic in Wynyard business park.

Arrange an appointment with our treatment coordinator to discuss how we can help you achieve your dream smile.

Burgess & Hyder Dental Group, a well-established group of 12 Dental Practices across the North East, now offer Dentistry at Wynyard Business Park. Wynyard Business Park offers the ideal location with great links from the A19 and A1.

Access is so easy our patients visit us from the whole of the North East region.

Straight Teeth - Rapid Result Invisalign are clear removable aligners which are almost invisible in the mouth making straightening your teeth barely noticeable.

Come and See one of our Dentists to discuss the right Treatment for you!

COME ALONG AND EXPERIENCE A WORLD CLASS SERVICE IN DENTISTRY. Join our practice and enjoy the Burgess & Hyder Wynyard experience, because we know you will be delighted and you deserve it.

Unit 1, Chapel Lane South, Wynyard Business Park, Billingham, TS22 5TB • 01740 644044 • 8am–8pm burgesshyderwynyard@gmail.com • www.burgesshyderwynyard.co.uk

WISHING WELL >> Molton Brown Scented Luxuries Advent Calendar, £150; moltonbrown.co.uk

LIVE WELL WITH JILL RUSSELL

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few weeks, you can’t fail to have noticed that we’re heading perilously quickly towards Christmas.

While everyone will try and tell you it’s about family and getting together and celebrating, the reality is that for most of us it’s about stress over presents followed by too much eating, way too much drinking and inevitably too much guilt in January.

When it comes to gifting, the pressure is always on to find the best thing, splash the most cash on the latest bottle of perfume or blow your savings on diamonds or the latest Rolex.

For those of us who can’t quite stretch into the several hundred pound region, when you’re faced with buying for the person who already seems to have everything, it can be a daunting task.

If you’re looking to nail the perfect gift which you know isn’t going to end up on eBay in January, perhaps a spa gift voucher is the answer.

Think about it…who wouldn’t love a little bit of relaxation time, whether it be a few hours in a spa, a boosting facial or a luxury massage or body treatment?

It’s also the perfect pick-me-up for January, a month where traditionally we are all suffering the after effects of too much indulgence over the festive period.

When it comes to purchasing a spa gift voucher, it’s worth looking around at what is available. Spa time is a very personal thing, and one size most certainly doesn’t fit all.

You may love a great facial but it may be that the person you’re buying for would kill for a massage.

This is why the best way to tackle this kind of gift is to choose a spa day or a voucher where the final choice lies with the giftee.

This year at the Spa at Ramside, our Christmas theme is The Chronicles of Spania – let your adventure begin.

For more information on spa experiences or membership at The Spa at Ramside telephone 0191 375 3088 or email enquires@ramsidespa.co.uk

The wish list

Each window brings beauty inspiration for the party season. Elysia Agnew rounds up some luxey advent calendars…

>> Jo Malone Christmas Advent Calendar, £280; harrods.com

>> Liberty Christmas Advent Calendar, £149; libertylondon.com

>> Charlotte’s World of Legendary Parties, £150; charlottetilbury.com

>> Clarins Christmas Advent Calendar, £95; clarins.com

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>> Kiehl’s Advent Calendar, £95; selfridges.com

Jill is Spa Director at Ramside Hall Spa Ramside Hall Hotel, County Durham DH1 1TD. Tel: 0191 386 5282 www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

NOV/DEC16

Luxury Watches are carefully made to last forever, view our stunning collection of pre-owned Rolex watches, we buy and sell.

Please call in to discuss your requirements.

TIME TO THINK OF PRELOVED WATCHES? 63 HIGH STREET, YARM, TS15 9BH 01642 788088

NOV/DEC16

61 WHITE ROSE SHOPPING CENTRE, LEEDS, LS11 8LL 0113 2702272

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HIIT PARADE

FITNESS! WITH LEILA BRAMWELL

TAKING A HIIT? >> HIIT, or High-Intensity Interval Training, is a training technique in which you give it your all, one hundred percent effort through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, recovery periods which may or may not be active.

This type of training gets and keeps your heart rate up and burns more fat and calories in less time than just going for a run.

HIIT, speeds up your metabolic rate and boosts your metabolism for up to 48 hours after the session. This means you’ll still be burning fat even after you’ve left the gym and are sat at your desk at work.

You do not need to use equipment as you can do this style of training using body weight exercises therefore you can do this style of training anywhere. Most HIIT sessions are around 30 minutes so there really is no excuse to not fit in your workout.

HIIT is for all ages and abilities providing you have a good instructor who can adapt the workout safely for your body.

HIIT reduces blood pressure and improves cholesterol levels.

It has also now been recommended for woman going through menopause, to incorporate HIIT style training into their weekly schedule to help lessen the hormonal effects.

It will also increase something called ‘gastrointestinal transit speed’ (this is how fast waste moves through your colon).

Improved GI transit speed is also thought to reduce the risk of colon cancer as well.

Along with a healthy eating lifestyle I recommend 1 or 2 sessions of HIIT to go alongside at least 3 Pilates or yoga sessions a week. That’s all you need and your body will thank you for it.

In health and happiness Leila Bramwell Pilates teacher & back specialist www.shapingfutures.co.uk www.thebackclinicdurham.co.uk

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The suite life

Seaham Hall’s new Garden Suites are vibrant spaces, made all the more inviting thanks to a tub-load of luxe extras. Jessica Laing checks in Have you ever tried firing up your own hot tub before? No? Well, let me tell you, it’s not the easiest of tasks, but once you master it, you feel like you can conquer just about anything.

It’s actually one of the best bits about staying at one of Seaham Hall’s new Garden Suites - fabulous number four, to be exact.

Though, they’re all pretty lovely - all spacious, individually styled and sumptuous. Think grand bedrooms, giant free-standing tubs and walk-in wet rooms, private gardens and chic outdoor terraces fierce features that give an overnight stay the fun factor.

Suite Four is especially vibrant. The décor is bright and zippy, inspired, we’re told, by the eccentric character of the great romantic poet, Lord Byron, who married his sweetheart at the hotel (then a stately family home) back in 1815.

It’s a feast for the eyes for sure; flamboyant floral prints adorn the walls, the velvet sofa is an eye-watering shade of blue and there are rainbow-coloured butterflies on our headboard. But I urge you to embrace the funky colour splatters and whimsical wallpaper with open arms. After all, this is a stand-out space that’s meant to be enjoyed.

We loved the open-plan design of the place; this is a spacious pad with plenty of room to breathe (or, in our case, dance around with a glass of complimentary champers) and areas in which to kick-back and unwind.

Enjoy breakfast or late-night room service (you can order this via the nifty bedside iPad - check it out) at the table, catch up on work at your very own Scandichic desk or watch a little flat screen telly from the sofa.

The elevated bedroom is a particular highlight - a cosy snug off slightly off to the right, where you’ll find a king-sized bed for snoozing. A good night’s sleep is pretty much guaranteed here - with crisp, Egyptian cotton sheets, marshmallow-like duvets to bury under and one of the fanciest pillow menus we’ve ever seen (we tried the memory foam and water pillows - both great) - how can one complain? I can reveal that wrenching ourselves away come morning proved a little heartbreaking.

And for all you people out there who are quite partial to locking yourselves away in the bathroom in the name of pampering (guilty as charged), I can report that the bathroom also received top marks from us. The near-giant freestanding tub put big smiles on our faces, as did the designer toiletries and fresh, fluffy robes, warm and toasty from the radiator, that were waiting for us. The large his-n-hers sinks were nice too. A luxey place indeed.

Dinner was had at Byron’s Restaurant - the shining star of Seaham’s restaurants. We’d had the pleasure of eating here a few times before, but every visit feels special. Blame it on the sparkling chandeliers, the plush red seating and gold booths, or the slinky New York-style bar, but there’s just something about this place that makes dining here feel like a grand occasion.

It’s an intimate, yet relaxed, space that feels very fancy without trying.

The food was spot on, as always. We ordered from the recently revamped evening menu, enjoying starters of delicate lamb sweetbreads, doused in a a silky herb vinegar sauce and pickled mackerel with perky young onions, juicy and tart, with a dash of horseradish and whey caramel for a nice sweet and salty flavour.

Mains were Norwegian Skrei cod and a hearty plate of County Durham beef - both devoured faster than we’d probably like admit. The fish was cooked perfectly; wonderfully moist and flaky with a crisp skin. It arrived with a few splashes of squid ink (don’t be afraid of this - it tastes phenomenal), pork belly and salted almonds for a bit of crunch. Faultless. The beef was also tasty a good-sized slab, served with crunchy kale and barbecued broccoli for a little smokiness and a few dollops of airy burnt cream - lovely when melted in with the jus-like gravy.

Desserts were as indulgent as they come; chocolate mousse with slicks of butterscotch and a scoop of creme fraiche ice cream, and a bowl of baked custard with poached Yorkshire rhubarb sorbet and toasted oats. A comforting pud - especially in winter.

With our bellies full, we retired to the suite to tackle the hot tub - which has to be the pièce de résistance. You’ll find it behind beautiful white French doors, nestled in the secluded and tranquil garden, beyond your private terrace. Head out as dusk begins to fall, like we did, and you’ll see the pathway to the tub lit up with twinkling lights - a really nice touch.

The tub itself is a wood-fired, Scandinavian beauty that means business. The team at Seaham can show you how to work it, or you can take a peek at the instructions in the room, but after a glass or two of dutch courage, we decided to tackle it ourselves. I won’t give the game away - it’s all part of the fun after all but what I will say is that you’re given a wooden oar for stirring and that it does take some patience. But, boy are the results worth it and oh-so-satisfying. Bubbles are replaced with deep, calm waters and soothing woody steam that’s great for a bit of detoxing - both physically and mentally. Take the plunge (and a few deep breaths) and relax. www.seaham-hall.co.uk

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THE SPA AT RAMSIDE

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XXXXXXXX THE HIGH LIFE

LIVING IT UP

with Alok Loomba and Varsha Sehgal High times for our style duo, near and far...

Alok THRILLED BY >> My latest long weekend in London started with an early evening meal at Zuma in Knightsbridge. It’s a firm favourite of mine. Everything from the ambiance, chic clientele, exceptional sushi, sashimi and other Japanese dishes together with some killer cocktails.

After Zuma we headed to Soho.

My friends are close with the owners of one of the coolest clubs in Soho - The Box. With its sister club in New York being a very established part of the Manhattan scene, The Box London opened a couple of years ago. Nestled down a backstreet in Walker’s Court Soho – with no signage or visible entrance - The Box is a cabaret night club and badges itself as a ‘Theatre of Varieties.’

The club is small, intimate and resembles a rather grand drawing room more than a night club. With gilded furniture lots of rich plush fabrics and chandeliers it has the feel of a private members bar.

A large part of the space is occupied by an impressive stage on which the entertainment begins at 1am and continues throughout the night. The best way that I can describe the show is a sort of heady mix of burlesque meets cabaret meets Cirque de Soliel but in the most decadent and outlandish manner possible! Suffice to say that some of the acts on show are not for the fainthearted or conservative! I have to say I have never been anywhere quite like it - and I’d like to go again!

The highlight of the weekend was attending the engagement party of my cousin. The party was hosted at the newly opened ‘One Belgravia.’ Right in the heart of Belgravia on Grosvenor Place, a stone’s throw from Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch this venue is really quite spectacular.

Converted from a classic double-fronted Belgravian Mansion the venue is accessed from the street via an impressive entrance way that opens to a stunning marble staircase which leads to the large open plan function suite with views over Hyde Park. The whole evening was beautiful with never-ending champagne and cocktails, canapés and live music. It was a really stylish and wonderful kick-off to our latest family wedding celebrations.

TRAVELLED TO >> Having had a fairly jam-packed summer with social events and weddings I was really looking forward to enjoying a wonderfully relaxing break in Funchal, Madeira. People have a real misconception that this is a destination for the blue rinse brigade but that’s far from the case. Think more Hip Hotels than hip replacements. This island is a Portuguese colony bathed in tropical heat and has a real timeless elegance about it. The island is full of vibrant, young, smart and wealthy Portuguese which means there are endless bars, boutiques and restaurants to tempt. When it comes to Funchal’s night life there’s s plenty on offer - it’s not exactly a long weekend in Ibiza but Funchal has a real understated chic about its night time scene. One of my top destinations for pure relaxation.

TRIED ON >> Being in London in September gave me an opportunity to check out the Autumn/Winter 16 collections which are now available in all my favourite stores. I was particularly impressed by The Kooples. This is a French Fashion House that has become a world-wide mega brand. Despite being of French origin the label’s aesthetic is based around a vintage rock British Style but with a sophisticated edge. It is a great brand. I made a point of going to the boutique on the Kings Road and I saw several key pieces that would work well for the upcoming winter season. They have a real talent for pairing denim and high quality wool blends with leather appliqué detail - the result is slick, modern and impactful and that is why this is a favourite brand of mine. I like the look of this smart, fitted denim shirt with leather popper button placket. At £150 this is a sound investment that will see me through the winter season. Relaxed enough for casual drinks but with a sharp aesthetic to take you through to cocktails and canapés as well. www.thekooples.com.

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Varsha THRILLED BY >> Five years on and second time summiting Ben Nevis successfully, I felt absolutely on top of the world (not just the British Isles) to have completed the trek stronger and fitter. Having skydived, run marathons, completed the BHF Stampede, attempted a 100k walk from London to Brighton and summited Kilimanjaro before, I can safely say nothing matches the intensity and thrill of overcoming a formidable peak - it is truly the test of wills.

TRAVELLED TO >> Holiday villages don’t come any more exclusive than the Soho Farmhouse, Chipping Norton. The bucolic pleasures of farmhouse living without ever having to get your hands dirty make this 100 acre countryside retreat in Oxfordshire a fabulous family getaway.

Think boho-chic-meets-rural-cousin, albeit a very stylish one.

I was there recently with my family and we fell in love with its rustic charm. A milk float transfer to our cabin after check-in, finding our personalised bikes outside the cabin door, our rustic log cabin with its own stove fire, a tidy little kitchenette, a spacious bathroom with a copper bath and indulgent toiletries aplenty and a balcony overlooking a tranquil lake, all reflected an eye for detail that is synonymous with the Soho Group name. Wellies outside the door and the morning milk delivery made the whole experience delightfully quaint and authentic.

Dining options included a casual deli, a Japanese grill restaurant, a lively barn conversion serving gastro grub and delicious cocktails with live singers and a handsome bongo player or you could have opted for the Greasy Spoon which is basically a travelling kitchen that can rustle up a feast literally at your doorstep in a van! The enormous open fire in the centre of the courtyard and the very smart Barn Mezzanine were my favourite spots to idle away hours with a steaming coffee, cakes and a good read.

With indoor and outdoor pools, state-of-the-art gym, five-a-side football pitch and tennis courts, there was plenty for the sports enthusiast. If however, your heart’s desire was simply to unwind, the Cowshed Spa had some lovely treatments to choose from and exploring the village on foot was also very relaxing.

Horse riding, cycling and boating on the lake were a hot favourite amongst my brood but hiring out their in-house cinema for the night was the icing on the cake for us - we felt thoroughly spoilt as we watched “The Martian” sprawled on huge velvet beds, under furry blankets and laden with treats!

TASTED >> Blackfriars on Friar Street, Newcastle has never failed to appeal to all of my dining senses, whether it has been their hearty pub grub for lunch, great dinner or simply the enchanting monastery surroundings - I have always left feeling supremely satisfied by my firm favourites of the roast guinea fowl and sticky toffee pudding. Their love for food and experimenting with new ideas is obvious in the events and seasonal menus they create.

Truly a gem in the heart of the city.

TEMPTED BY >> The Petite Malle packs a powerful fashion punch!

Incredibly chic and timeless, it pays homage to Louis Vuitton’s trunk making heritage. Available in different leathers and colours, this bag is a standout item that can own any look with equal aplomb - one sweet temptation I just had to take home!

TRIED ON >> Having worn Tom Ford’s Noir de Noir for years I recently got to the point where I could no longer tell whether I was wearing perfume or not and that I believe is always a good reason to switch fragrances. Amouage is French perfumery of the highest echelons and with its spicy notes, floral bouquets and masculine essences of patchouli and oud, my latest extravagance.

THINKING ABOUT >> Janavi is a fashion house that prides itself in creating exquisite scarves and stoles of pure pashmina and fine lace. They recently partnered with Rooi (www.rooi.com) and are now available in the UK. The scarves will make perfect Christmas gifts and my job a lot easier this year!

NOV/DEC16

SHOCK&AWE

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SHOCK&AWE

here’s a quiet revolution going on in the tiny hamlet of Summerhouse near Darlington. In the past couple of years run-down properties have been gussied up, farm buildings converted and verges clipped to precision.

The reason? The outwardly unassuming Raby Hunt restaurant. Now to become a place of pilgrimage for the most ardent food-lover following chef James Close’s accolade of a second Michelin star.

The award is big stuff in the food world. One star is great for any chef - currently there is only a handful in the region with one Kenny Atkinson at House of Tides and Andrew Pern at The Star, Harome the best-known.

Two Michelin stars is a case of blowing it out of the water. Not least because James Close, 37, is self-taught and less than a decade ago his career path was that of a professional golfer.

So he has drive on every level. Going from unknown to one of just 21 chefs in the country who hold the coveted two Michelin stars – and one of 400 or so in the world.

We meet up two days after the big win. James is buzzing. In the Raby Hunt the phone doesn’t stop ringing and James’s phone is in meltdown, alive with tweets and messages.

The man himself is pretty much running on caffeine: unslept for 48 hours following two days of extremes: from knife-edge nerves to the unadulterated adoration of his peers to more than a little celebratory partying which ended up in raucous style at Nobu before falling in to bed at The Savoy.

Understandable then that it’s an almighty effort to click back into kitchen mode to prepare for a weekend service that is going be more scrutinised by its audience than ever before.

Diners who turn up are doing so to see and taste the reality of what has been a Cinderella story that ended up in the ultimate spotlight for James.

For chefs of a certain standard, the Michelin ‘reveal’ every autumn is something that drums in the mind from late summer.

Until this year it was a case of the new stars being revealed in a press release by Michelin. But following on from leaks in the past, this changed for 2016, says Rebecca Burr, editor of the UK Michelin Guide.

“These launch events have been taking place in Spain and Germany and the States where they are very popular. Doing them in the UK was a continuation of that, moving them on.

For many years it was a secret – that’s always been part of our success and we strive to maintain that. We want the chefs to be the people who hear first – rather than through a leak from the booksellers.”

So this year the Michelin awards turned glossy. A grand stage, spotlights and invited audience made up of the ‘who’s who’ of British food.

James was asked to attend the event but given no clue as to why.

He and his family arrived a couple of hours before the ceremony and were ushered to a back entrance. From there phones were

NOV/DEC16

banned and he and his family were squirreled away to a booze-free green room on the top floor along with about 100 other people.

To call it an edgy couple of hours is an understatement: “From getting the call from Rebecca a week earlier I was a nervous wreck, didn’t sleep. ‘It was like waiting at judges houses on X-Factor’, James laughs.

“Once at the event we sit there as it is being live streamed into our room - so I am watching chefs like Tom Kerridge come in, the Roux brothers, Simon Rogan.

“Eventually we were the only people left in the room – with just water and coffee! Figured that it looked like I was going to go on stage at the end to get two stars. That audience was filled with the biggest hitters in the UK in terms of chefs – 50% had never even heard of me.”

Other starred chefs are known for their TV appearances on shows like Saturday Kitchen or Great British Menu. The diffident and spotlight-averse James doesn’t play that game so his accolade was all the more surprising.

At the end of the ceremony, the year’s only new two star chef was announced as James stood stage-side flanked by his parents and business partners, Helene and Russell.

Says Russell; “The moment when they played that live feed by the side of the stage, saying there is only one new two star award this year – and it was James, was amazing.

I’ve watched it back and when Raby Hunt is announced there is a loud ‘wow’ and then rapturous applause.

“They didn’t know who he was – he’s not a ‘disciple’ of other chefs and people have found it amazing that a man who works in the middle of nowhere can achieve this.”

Adds James; “I stood at the side of the stage, I was just in a daze when they pushed me on there – like a rabbit in headlights. It was all a bit mad, a bit rock n’ roll, I was in shock, it was crazy.

“Afterwards I am in the white chef’s jacket with name and two stars embroidered on it at the Veuve Clicquot party. People like Michel Roux are coming to talk to me – I’ve never done Great British Menu or anything like that so people want to know who I am!”

Celebrity, other than in the kitchen, has never been what James is about. The self-taught chef honed his skills travelling the world’s best restaurants, tasting and experiencing the best food.

James had been destined for a career as a golf pro but was lured by the world of food in his mid-20s. His family knew the hospitality industry and Russell says: “James always said to me that if the food is good enough people will come. We want people to come here, be excited by the food and come again. Quite simple really.

“We were able to make the idea a possibility and James has been proved right. We’re here to support him and we gave him the opportunity to explore his passion.”

That passion turns itself to intricately crafted dishes which read simply but defy expectation on the palate, such as cod skin aioli, artichoke and offal, sea bream with with smoked cod roe and >>

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SHOCK&AWE

It elevates him into an elite class really and I am thrilled for him: Terry Laybourne

spinach of which acclaimed food writer Jay Rayner concluded: “It’s about as perfect a piece of fish cookery as you could hope for. There are swirls of a light cod’s roe cream, and a dusting of powder made from more cod’s roe that has been dried. And then a couple of wilted spinach leaves. And that’s it. It’s simple and excruciatingly effective.

It is self-confidence expressed in three ingredients.

Another ‘signature’ of sorts at Raby Hunt is the chocolate ganache skull. Elaborate in the detail, it is revealed at the end of a meal.

James was inspired by the old smoky club rooms in baronial Scottish wood-panelled hotels.

“The idea is of a glass whisky in hand; you take a sip then drag on a great cigar.

We infuse chocolate with tobacco leaves and with The Peat Master whisky.

“You’re presented with a straw-filled box with the skull and small chocolate slab inside. The first taste is the peaty whisky sensation followed by the tobacco which is more of a sensation in the throat than a flavour so they are tasted separately.”

It is this approach which, Rebecca Burr believes, will put the unassuming 30-seat Raby Hunt on the outskirts of Darlington on the global food map now.

“James is on a world stage now and lots of people travel with that – people go on a culinary journey and tick off the restaurants.

“We felt that the time was right for his second star and that as a business they could cope with it. His whole family is behind him, he’s a hard-working guy with a great team and we feel confident that he will do himself proud.

She adds: “Our inspectors travel around the country and they see an awful lot of chefs – every so often we have this ‘here’s a talent’ moment – someone who could be a name of the future. It rarely comes up – James was one of those people “It was interesting to look on – James got his first star quickly and within another four years he has a second star.

There is no set pattern and he was quick to go from one to two stars.

“We could see he was going to be a talent – he is self-taught and has an inherent respect for ingredients

and flavour combinations. There are a lot of processes behind the scenes before anything hits the menu and he continues to refine.

“It is done his way and that’s what the stars reflect. Only 21 chefs in this country have two stars – of 400 in the world.

For that second star we look for a bit more technical skill, personality and consistency with the food. One star you can replicate but not innovate.

“We look for an extra degree of finesse and care and I think James has the mindset to strive for that.”

The shift from one to two Michelin stars runs parallel with a decision James took last year to redefine the way his kitchen runs.

He stopped weekly lunch service to gives chefs more time off and made the restaurant a single menu destination. A bold move which paid off.

It meant more time for development and research. And for utter attention to detail in his menu.

“Hard work”, says James.

“You don’t have to be on the telly. Hard work and belief in yourself. One of the things I always wanted to achieve was two stars and I was told that when you get it, it is the best thing in the world. It feels amazing.

“For me, from now I just want to create dishes – to expand the kitchen at Raby Hunt and make it into a two star kitchen. And do it quick while we are in the limelight, from there, let’s see what happens.

“People are saying it’s amazing, he came from nowhere.

True, I have not gone down that route of celebrity but what I have done is put this area on the map so it will hopefully have a knock-on effect for local hotels and B&Bs: the most unlikely place for foodies to go is the North East – it will be good to show off to people from outside of the area.

“In London I got off the train and in the taxi passed so many great hotels with good restaurants – yet it is me who got the only two star this year. In the ‘North’ it is Simon Rogan at L’Enclume, Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles – and now little Raby Hunt in Summerhouse.

Someone who has been watching James’s culinary journey with more than a little interest is Terry Laybourne.

Terry brought the first Michelin star to the North East in 1992 at 21 Queen Street in Newcastle. Since then he has led the charge in terms of dining in the city and wider region.

He calls James’s achievement ‘monumental’.

“The first thing I thought was ‘wow’: a big responsibility, because it is”, says Terry.

“It elevates him into an elite class really and in equal measure I am thrilled for him and almost sympathetic. If he is anything like me he will feel a huge weight on his shoulders, I was even a bit embarrassed – the upside is that this turns into a paranoia which drives you along and acts as fuel.”

Michelin editor Rebecca Burr says Raby Hunt will be a global destination, does Terry agree?

“That is a big responsibility”, he says.

“For the area it is great, there has never been anything of this nature before. It shines a light on the area and what happens is that it drives and elevates everything around it.

I am sure that the likes of Kenny Atkinson and Andrew Pern who are in that sphere will be pushing and looking sideways thinking ‘could have been us’.”

James is the opposite of the celebrity-seeking chef who makes appearances at food festivals and on TV shows. He’s naturally shy and wants the food to do the talking, not him.

This makes him something of an outsider in his world.

“Whether James is traditionally-trained or not, he has satisfied their (Michelin) criteria”, says Terry Laybourne.

“There is the argument that someone who is not classically trained can be a free spirit. That they don’t have the baggage that perhaps I had: they are not hung up about what their peers and mentors think.

“I think someone who has learned how to eat and understands the end result and has an inquisitive mind has their own strength.

“I meet a lot of cooks with all the craft in the world who might know how to assemble a dish but don’t know how to hone it all.

“I take my hat off to James for going to places not for pleasure but to study and learn then to apply that in a way that challenges them. It demonstrates what you can achieve by dedication, hard work and taking risks. “(In business terms) It must have been a knife edge at times – so I hope he is able to capitalise on it – It is a

monumental achievement, I enjoyed it very much.”

The near future means the development of the Raby Hunt kitchen and James offering ‘stage’ placements to young chefs keen to learn from him, as unorthodox as his own training has been.

“The way I’ve learned is to look at the best restaurants, go away and forget everything else then try to create my own story with originality on the plate. Go for what I believe. The skills and the story show people where I have come from.

“Every time I have a bad day I think James C is showing the pain and strength to keep going every day. The second star will give me the freedom to start creating new dishes.

“Going forward: The Raby Hunt stays. We will build staff and delegate so everyone in the kitchen can do every job.

We need to use what we’ve got to do better.

“This is it – this is me forever doing this side of food and maybe something more commercial at some point.”

The future is a mouth-watering, if challenging feast ahead.

As the food critic Jay Rayner said of James in 2015, ‘Close is an impressive young chef with some very good ideas, who is still finding his voice. It’s already one to which we should listen’.”

Gourmet journey on the doorstep: The North’s Michelin heroes At House of Tides in Newcastle they’re celebrating retaining Newcastle’s only Michelin star. Talented Stockton chef Danny Parker heads up the kitchen at Kenny Atkinson’s restaurant.

The 60-cover Quayside eatery has gone from strength to strength since opening in 2014 with a clutch of awards.

The Star at Harome near Helmsley, is owned by Andrew Pern. It’s a hugely popular gastropub and retained its Michelin Star held from 2002 to 2011, and then regained in 2015.

The Black Swan at Oldstead retained a Michelin star having also this year been awarded a coveted four AA rosettes earlier this year. It’s a family affair with food grown close to the premises. Tommy Banks heads the kitchen while his brother James runs the front-ofhouse. Tommy is set to appear on this year’s Great British Menu North East heat.

Teessider Michael O’Hare retains a Michelin star at the Man Behind the Curtain in Leeds. He’s been in the TV spotlight with appearances on the BBC Two’s Great British Menu.

The restaurant describes itself as “ultra modern food with its own identity, inspired by the arts, music and contemporary culture.”

In Yorkshire’s Nidderdale Valley, The Yorke Arms near Pateley Bridge is headed up by Frances Atkins.

The 18th century coaching house and shooting lodge retains a Michelin star. It was one of the CooganBrydon destinations in The Trip.

READ ON >> James has been a contributor to the Luxe food pages for nearly four years. He talks about restaurants he’s visited, chefs he rates and local suppliers he works with.

See a collection of his Chef’s Table columns online at www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

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Po l Ke f to n K i t c h e n s , Unit 1 Coopies Field, Coopies Lane Ind Estate, Morpeth NE61 6JT 01670 503869

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XXXXXXXX COSY MOMENTS

WELCOME!

Winter’s on its way and this month’s edition of Little Luxe is all about the hygge!

Regular readers will know I went all Scandi this summer with a holiday in Sweden and hygge (pronounced HUE-gah) is one of the lovely things I learned about and brought home with me. It’s actually a Danish idea and it means enjoying life and staying cosy. Think flickering candles, soft blankets and warm rugs, steaming hot chocolate and getting snuggled up with friends and family. I think little luxes and larger luxes alike can all agree we need lots of hygge in our lives this season!

with Nina Robinson

Love, Little Luxe x

Christmas in a treehouse How hygge would that be? You can picture the scene from the comfort of your living room with this gorgeous 3D advent calendar. Pop out the pieces day by day to embellish your tree in the countdown to the big day, £8.99. www.oakroomshop.co.uk

N i n a : lo v e s

Enchanted evenings…

Forivor’s super soft, organic satin cotton bedding collection is where dreams are truly made. I love the reversible duvet cover, which is teeming with daytime woodland wildlife on one side and a magical nighttime scene on the other when you flip it over. Each duvet set is presented in a Forivor suitcase and is accompanied by a set of character cards packed with fascinating facts, duvet £142. www.forivor.com

Light up your life!

Twit twoo Owls. Blankets. What’s not to love?! Oh, did I mention that the owl is actually a super soft fleece hood? It even has hand pockets to keep fingers cosy and warm, £12.99. uk.aromahome.com

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Count down the days until Christmas with this retro cinema lightbox – a cool alternative to the usual advent calendar. And when Christmas is over change your message to suit a new occasion - each lightbox comes with 69 letters, numbers and symbols for you to create different messages. £36. www.thedriftingbear.com

>> WINTER WEEKENDER >> SATURDAY 12 AND SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER Join intu Metrocentre this weekend and get into the festive spirit – we will officially switch on our Christmas lights on Saturday 12 November.

Visit intu.co.uk/metrocentre for full details.

CHRISTMAS GROTTO >> FROM SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER Visit Santa in his FREE grotto in lower Qube from Saturday 12 November until Christmas Eve, each child receives a free gift too.

ELF RUN >>SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER Join the hundreds of little elves (and big elves too) for our indoor 1km fun run around the centre to help us break a world record!

Visit intu.co.uk/metrocentre for full details.

CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME >> MONDAY 19 DECEMBER – MONDAY 2 JANUARY The Metrognomes are back and are spreading Christmas cheer in Exhibition Square with their festive take on a panto favourite.

>> M&S Silver shoes, intu Metrocentre, £18.00

Matchbox toys Now these two cuties have hygge down to a fine art! It looks like mice grandpa and grandma are snuggled into their matchbox for the whole of winter. A super cute stocking filler from Sisters Guild, £37. www.sistersguild.co.uk

>> These vintage-style corduroy coats

by Powell Craft.

Mouse coat priced at £34, weather coat £28.50. www.powellcraft. com

N i n a : lo v e s

When you do finally venture outside… >> Wrap up in the limited edition collection of cosy clothing designed by TV explorer Steve Backshall and you’ll be fit for adventures great and small. The range is designed for kids aged seven to 13 and includes waterproof and soft shell jackets, hooded sweatshirts and snug jersey pieces from £9.99 to £69.99. www.mountainwarehouse.com

NOV/DEC16

ADVERTORIAL

Not just marginally better; massively better!

Yarm School is one of the region’s top performing schools whose GCSE and A Level results are way ahead of others in the region

At A Level this year Yarm celebrated a record A* rate of 28% compared to the North East average of just 6.6%.

At GCSE level the Yarm School A* rate was 37%. This is astonishing compared to the national average of 5% for the North East.

Another school record was set this year when 12 pupils secured offers of places to study a wide range of subjects at the highly selective Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Twenty-one pupils gained places at prestigious medical, dentistry and veterinary schools around the country – yet another school record!

A highly significant piece of independent research by Durham University published in the Spring quantified the added value HMC schools bring to pupils of all aptitudes.

It shows schools like Yarm give pupils the equivalent to two years’ worth of additional education by the time they reach

their GCSEs. The small class sizes, excellent teaching and positive ethos all benefit the pupils enormously and help to produce such fantastic results.

A LEVEL CHANGES AND INCREASED TEACHING TIME At a national level, the A Level system is undergoing a period of significant reform: A Level grades will be awarded purely on the basis of examinations taken at the end of Year 13, which will assess content from the entire two year course.

In light of the changes to A Levels Yarm School has led the way by adapting its curriculum to provide increased contact time for each subject – by up to 20% more teaching per A Level subject. This increase in teaching time will ensure the most successful outcomes.

To learn more about the Yarm School A Level model, register for their Sixth Form Information Evening on Thursday 10th November at 7.30pm by emailing dmd@yarmschool.org.

organising lunchtime lectures, all extra-curricular activities develop the ‘soft-skills’ sought by top employers.

VISIT THE SCHOOL The next whole school Open Morning is on Saturday 14th January 2017, 10am to 12noon and the entrance assessments will be held on Saturday 21st January 2017.

Private visits can also be arranged.

Yarm School, The Friarage, Yarm, TS15 9EJ (11-18 years) T: 01642 786023 Yarm Preparatory School, Grammar School Lane, Yarm, TS15 9ES (3-11 years) T: 01642 781447 www.yarmschool.org

EDUCATING FOR LIFE The school believes strongly in the value of sport, music and drama, as well as academic achievement and offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, all of which are nurtured by specialist teachers from Nursery onwards.

The opportunities offered by Yarm School develop pupils’ interpersonal and leadership skills ready for today’s competitive employment market. From coding Apps at the Prep School to Sixth Form students taking a lead by

The small class sizes, excellent teaching and positive ethos all benefit the pupils enormously and help to produce fantastic results

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XXXXXXXX DOGGY DIARIES

POSH POOCHES with Alfie, helped by Elysia Agnew

Not just for Christmas: They’re not just for Christmas… in fact Christmas is the perfect time to pamper your pooch, so in this issue we have a round-up of ‘top dog’ gifts that Alfie loves this festive season, inspiring you to treat your four-legged friend in true luxe style.

It’s the party season so we’ve sniffed out some fancy accessories including a bow tie and dazzling new festive collar. And your pooch can keep that winter coat of theirs fresh with a must-have animal cleanser from Aesop, meaning rolling in the snow, being caught in the rain and getting stuck in the mud won’t be a problem as your furry friend will be feeling fresh and perfectly pampered with this exciting new beauty product that we’re barking mad about.

In this winter special we’ve also teamed up with the people of the North East to find out their preferred seasonal walks, from the snow-topped Cleveland hills to the ice-cold waters of Seaham and the enchanting forest walks in Jesmond Dene.

Alfie would like to introduce you to his new little sister, Ziggy Stardust, the cheeky Cavapoochon puppy who has taken London by storm in her early years and is ready to hit the North East in style this Christmas. Check out Ziggy’s Instagram page to see what this doggy duo get up to over the festive period: @whatwouldziggydo.

Whether you’re going to be checking out the North East’s best winter walks, online shopping for your pooch, or simply spending quality family time by the fire, make sure you keep yourself and your furry friend warm this winter.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year! See you on the other side.

Alfie loves: Our luxe pooch has put together a merry little Christmas gift guide for inspiration on how to treat your pup this festive season

>> PERSONALISED RED VELVET CHRISTMAS STOCKING FOR DOGS £14.99; www.chelseadogs.com >> AESOP ANIMAL CLEANSER £25; www.aesop.com >> CRANBERRY TICKING DOG BOW TIE £15.50; muttsandhounds.co.uk

>> BONE STUDS COLLAR £27.50; petspyjamas.com

Alfie, your Luxe Pooch x

Luxe Pooch Q&A The new addition, Ziggy Stardust. She’s a cheeky Cavapoochon brought up in the big smoke, but her favourite thing to do is visit the North East to see her new big brother, Alfie. She loves packing up her city handbag and getting her paws stuck into the Yorkshire countryside. From the Cleveland Hills to the long beaches of Saltburn, it’s safe to say the North East has been a hit with Ziggy Stardust. Alfie finds out why…

LUXE WALKS >> I like to chase my tennis ball around Clapham Common. I tend to interrupt several picnics along the way and if I’m lucky I might even bag myself a party sausage, a crisp or even a sip of fizzy wine.

POOCH’S PERFECT DAY OUT >> I visited my friend Alfie on a holiday to North Yorkshire. We swam in the sea, jumped in the rivers and ran through the fields. It was very different to dodging the red buses and black cabs on Clapham high street.

>> WOOL CHRISTMAS PUDDING TOY £20.99; www.muttsandhounds.co.uk

I’m a curly teddy bear and just can’t tell me off.

PUPPY PAMPER >> As you can see, I’m an uber curly pup so I check in at the doggy salon as often as possible. I get lots of attention and treats so I love it. And even better, I come out looking and smelling lovely – everyone smiles at me in the street.

DOG’S BEST FRIEND >> Everyone I meet on a walk becomes my best friend. I’ve been told I have a cheeky charm and it just works.

DOGGY DOWNTIME >> Chilling in front of the television and barking every time I see another dog on the TV.

FONDEST DOGGY MEMORY >> Drinking champagne at the pub with my mum and human friends in the summer.

I get lots of attention.

HOUND HABITS >> I can’t help it but I’m super cute so can get away with being mischievous.

Check out my Instagram page and you’ll see what I mean. People think

PUPPY A-LISTER. WHO WOULD YOU BE IF YOU WERE A CELEBRITY? >> I get called the Queen of Clapham, so I guess I bypass the celebrity status and become royalty? Suits me!

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>> SNOWFLAKE SWEATER £99.50; www.rubyrufus.com

Wags and walks of the North East: We asked fellow pooch lovers of the North East about their favourite winter walks and why…

Carlton Bank – A leisurely walk over the snow-topped hills and a stop off at the Lord Stones for a hot chocolate or even a bowl of country soup.

Captain Cooks Monument and Roseberry Topping – Starting at Captain Cooks Monument, walk over the tops to Roseberry Topping where you’ll have spectacular views of the North East. On a frosty morning you’ll catch the crisp, untouched countryside.

Cod Beck, Swainby – A tranquil walk around Cod Beck in Swainby, followed by a hearty pub meal by the fire at the Golden Lion in Osmotherly, a country-chic, dog-friendly pub.

Seaham Seafront – A refreshing stroll along the sands of Seaham seafront. Catch the

crisp ocean air and let your pooch run wild in the North Sea. Make sure you take your flask to keep warm and get the fire roaring back home so your pooch can dry in style.

Jesmond Dene – An enchanting forest walk through Jesmond Dene. Dawn is the most pleasant time to visit as the frostbitten trees glisten in the sunrise. There are plenty of sticks and twigs for your four-legged friend to get their teeth stuck into.

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

NOV/DEC16

W HI T TA K E R S YA R M 63 HI G H ST R E E T YA R M STO CKTO N -O N -T E E S TS 1 5 9BH 016 42 78 8 08 8

W H ITTAKERS MORPETH 18 SANDERSON ARCADE MORPETH NORTH UMBERLAND NE61 1NS 01670 5 113 3 3

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11/10/2016 09:12

#UNLOCKYOURSELF

u n ode 50. com

63 HIGH STREET, YARM, TS15 9BH 01642 788088

18 SANDERSON ARCADE, MORPETH NORTHUMBERLAND, NE61 1NS 01670 511333

COLD COMFORT

chill

Time to

above Stavanger port credit Eduardo Grund / regionstavanger.com right the Pulpit rock credit Eduardo Grund / regionstavanger.com below Norwegian Petroleum Museum credit Espen GrØnli/Norsk Oljemuseum

A short hop from the North East, Stavanger is a place of sardines (definitely), snow (probably) and surprises (certainly).

Kathryn Armstrong gets to grips with our Norwegian neighbour I’m writing this with a plate of sardines on toast sitting by the keyboard.

A bite interspersing the typing. They’re getting me in the zone; a gift from a gentleman called Piers Crocker who is passionate about these small fish.

His life is The Norwegian Canning Museum

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in Stavanger. I know what you’re thinking.

As obvious attractions go, it’s not one.

But in fact there’s a bizarre fascination that has its parallels with the North East coast’s herring industry in times past.

Stavanger was once huge in sardines. Then oil started bringing in the bucks. The city has bold museums which represent the triumphs and challenges of both and add

to its sense of place, quiet confidence and subtle style.

The city, just an easy hour away from Newcastle on daily BMI flights, is definitely a surprise.

It’s one of those places your relatives in the oil business might mention in passing as a conference destination and that’s it.

But it’s worth a closer look.

Surrounded by water and mountains, it is clean, airy and calm. Gloriously Scandinavian.

The waterfront is vibrant and welcoming.

You can sit outdoors with your drink at any time of the year – heaters and blankets come as standard.

The bright waterfront boasts the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, left, an audacious design of a building – a modern day granite crag.

Aside from its very cool restaurant – one of the stylish Café Bolen & Moi Norwegian chain (very fine mussels) – you see a vast display board which, in stock exchangestyle, is by the second totting up the nation’s income from its (dwindling) oil resources.

It strikes you that it’d be pretty tough for our own island nation to be able to do the same – just where did that money go? But

we’re told that the Norwegian income from oil is the equivalent of a multi-thousand pound nest egg for every citizen. The challenge these days is to find another sustainable income for future generations.

What the oil industry has brought Stavanger is prosperity. With that comes designer shops, cocktail bars and smart restaurants.

The elephant in the room is the price of a pint. Less scary than you think actually.

But that means there’s a different drinking culture; more restrained and lingering.

That is reflected too in the outdoororientated pastimes that are readily accessible here.

The obvious destination is the famous Pulpit Rock Preikestolen.

You can hike your way there from a starting point drop-off from the ferry which heads out of Stavanger harbour twice a day.

The rock juts out precariously over the very beautiful Lysefjord affording amazing views on a clear day. We travelled on a boat for the view from the water - which was dramatic but somewhat obliterated by very low cloud.

You can hire a very luxey-looking speedboat from Stavanger harbour to take you on a private trip to Pulpit Rock along the fjord via inlets and islands that show the natural >>

NOV/DEC16

WELCOME TO MAPPIN & WEBB

BY APP OINTMENT A service that brings you beautifully crafted bespoke engagement rings, created at our London workshop by master jewellers with decades of expertise. mappinandwebb.com

Available at: REID & SONS 23 BL ACKE T T S TREE T NEWCA STLE UP ON T YNE N E1 5 B E 0191 2 3 2 13 6 6

COLD COMFORT

left Sesilåmi credit Frank Haughom above NuArt festival in Stavanger credit CH visitnorway.com below Sogndalstrand, Sokndal credit Eduardo Grund / regionstavanger.com below left Skagenkaien, night credit Region Stavanger beauty of this vast and unspoilt country.

Less well-known is that Stavanger is the home to world-class street art.

Nuart is an international contemporary street and urban art festival, held annually in Stavanger and considered the world’s leading celebration of street art.

Every September an invited international team of street artists leave their mark on the city’s walls, both indoor and out, creating one of Europe’s most dynamic and constantly evolving public art events.

Every weekend you can join a tour of the city’s murals and wall art paintings. This starts at the city’s tourist information office – but obviously it is easy and entertaining to spot the works on your own meanderings through the city.

Stay

Thon Hotel is right in the centre of Stavanger, close to the good shops and the harbour side. A bright and breezy place with dramatic furnishings.

A buffet breakfast to rival all others – piled high with smoked fish, fruits, cured meats. www.thonhotels.com/stavanger

Sights & sounds of Stavanger Food

Fish & Cow close to the harbour in Stavanger is a new Scandibistro favourite, featuring local produce and as the name suggests, sustainable fish and meat. We had artichoke soup with brown crab and croutons – the best soup I’ve ever tasted. The set menu (around £40) also included dry-aged beef with foraged mushrooms and pickled onions followed by almond panna cotta with pickled berries and tonka bean ice-cream. www.fishandcow.no Fisketorget is the Saltwater Fish Co of Stavanger. With a fish-market and restaurant side by side, it’s right by the waterfront and an atmospheric little place for a good lunch. We dined on a hefty platter of Norwegian snow crab with rye bread and mayo - and a bottle of champagne, having discovered that wine and champagne are priced the same in these parts – result! www.fisketorget.no Hall Toll is housed in an old shipping building on the water’s edge. It is part restaurant, cocktail bar and nightclub under one cavernous roof. It’s Stavanger’s nightspot, understated but quietly moneyed and glamorous. Food is pan-Asian if you need a sushi or sashimi fix, then turns its hand to European for main courses. www.hall-toll.no

Flights

BMI operates a daily regional route between Newcastle and Stavanger from Sunday to Friday. Fares start from £79 one-way or £149 return. www.bmiregional.com

Take time to wander Gamle Stavanger - the old part of town with its pristine cobbled streets home to a cluster of white wooden houses that date back to the 1700s - and are thought to be the largest surviving wooden house settlement in northern Europe. These were the streets where the cannery workers lived and worked.

That Norwegian Canning Museum is the place to be fascinated by the artwork of the cans as well as looking at the ingenious ways fish were decapitated en masse – and you can have a go at fitting little rubber sardines into a can – harder than you think – and the experts do it in six seconds!

In the Norwegian Petroleum Museum you can try on deep-sea kit, see how oil and gas are created and see what life is like on a drilling rig.

Outdoors & snowy pastimes

The Sirdal region is the place to find a vast amount of winter sport activities. It is a 1hr-45 minute drive from Stavanger by car, or by bus during winter.

Activities include dog-sledging with huskies, a salmon safari, curling, cross-country and skiing.

The beach at Sola is 15 minutes away for hardcore winter surfers!

Information

www.regionstavanger.com

PRIZE DRAW >>

Your culture trawl

Win getaway flights

bmi regional are giving you the opportunity to win a pair of return flights to discover Brussels or Stavanger for yourself! see www.luxe-magazine.co.uk/win to enter!

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NOV/DEC16

AWARD WINNING HAIRDRESSING

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SLOPE OFF

Party in the Alps: Think bright, colourful cabarets and gorgeous shirtless men with perfect six packs. Throw in an A-list DJ, live singer, a sexy saxophonist and lots of champagne spraying on your VIP table and you’re set for the party in the mountains at the La Folie Douce! The live music, entertainers, exotic sheeshas and jovial staff at Chalet de Pierres and Le Cap Horn also guarantee a party vibe amongst the bold and very beautiful.

Chalet girl In search of snowy slopes, Varsha Sehgal gets cashmere-cosy for a neighbourhood watch in dazzling Meribel Destination: A little nugget of serenity and luxury in the French Alps, Meribel is one of the three valleys that together make up the largest ski area in the world. It allows you to be a part of the pomp and show of Courchevel without committing to the madness, and with plenty of its own action to offer this little hamlet is sweet harmony.

Home in the valley: After a long day on the slopes there is no sight more welcome than your personal butler waiting at the

door to help with whatever it is that you need including yanking your ski boots off!

The delicious cakes, hot chocolate, roaring log fire and hot tub and sauna at the perfect temperature also awaiting your return complete the feeling of being super special.

Carcajou is the perfect chocolate box chalet located in the exclusive Dou de Pont area, guaranteeing privacy and yet easy access to the village and main ski lift station.

Furnished tastefully with every comfort in mind and carefully selecting not just the fine wines to go with the gourmet food but also the five member team who cater to your every whim, Carcajou delivers luxury with absolute finesse. Here the kids can amuse themselves in the games room while you snuggle up on the sumptuous sofa with a good book in hand wearing your comfy Jardin des Orangers cashmere and all the while outside, feathery snowflakes softly land on the chalet balcony.

PRIZE DRAW >>

Retail Therapy at 1450 AMSL: Only in the French Alps will you find a Moncler shop as a pit stop on the run and more telling of the odd French humour is a shop aptly named ‘Save the Rich’. But if you don’t fancy sending your chalet driver round the mountain bend to pick up your shopping then Sports Boutique will cover every ski essential you may need and also offer little luxuries to spoil yourself with. You don’t want to miss the delicious Beaufort d’ete Gruyere so do stop by the Les Glaciers selling fine chocolates and cheeses in the village.

Wrap up warm

Win a long and luxurious CANDY colourblock Merino scarf worth £120 from Always Wear Red. Luxury knitwear and accessory brand Always Wear Red is home to fabulous knits, silks and wraps made from sumptuous fabrics with quirky design and their own story.

The company is based in Newcastle where they source the finest yarns and fabrics for the luxury brand.

The CANDY scarf promises to keep you warm and make you smile. They are beautiful and funky and come in four different colourways. CANDY Scarf is part of Always Wear Red’s REDFRED Collection. A midweight smooth-knit scarf with distinctive, punky colourways. British red and black, British red and pink, British red

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Refuelling on the slopes: After the rigours of tackling runs like the Grand Couloir and Combe de Vallon and being in the crisp alpine air have flamed your appetite, lunch at Le Clos Bernard, Chalet de Pierres, Le Cap Horn, Le Bel Air or La Fruitiere will serve as a great excuse to indulge in the fantastic food and wine on offer on the slopes. The French know how to do decadence so whether you want to lunch indoors opposite a crackling fire or outside on huge fur throws, any of these restaurants will not disappoint.

When the Sun Goes Down: If you don’t mind a 45-minute jaunt across the Alps, the shenanigans at Le Mangeoire make for a fantastic night out. However, should you want to stay local then Le Chabichou, Le Resto Savoy and l’Abreuvoir in the village are all excellent choices.

and green or British red and blue.

Made from 100% Merino wool and at 320cm long almost twice as long as the average scarf – it’s a wrap as they say!

Available exclusively online at www.alwayswearred.com We have four CANDY Scarves worth £120 each to win in our prize draw. To enter visit www.luxe-magazine.co.uk/win or email your name and a contact phone number to prizedraw@remembermedia.co.uk stating in the subject line the name of the prize draw you wish to enter. Prize draw closes 5 December, 2017.

Terms and conditions apply.

Available on request.

Friends in High Places: Whatever takes your fancy, whether it is jetset travel, an uber luxurious chalet, a vintage wine at dinner, carefully vetted instructors or the best table at the restaurant or club, Ski Boutique will make it happen. Recognised as the world’s best ski agents 2015 and having extremely high standards that reliably match yours, they are definitely friends worth having in the Alps.

READ ON >> Flights from Newcastle-Geneva Direct flights with EasyJet www.easyjet.com Chalet www.ski-boutique.co.uk www.sport-boutique.com

NOV/DEC16

discover slaley hall

Slaley Hall, in the picturesque Northumberland countryside has everything you could envisage from a country wedding venue.

Elegance and traditional charm radiate from the Edwardian mansion whilst the surrounding 1,000 acres of breath-taking countryside make the perfect setting for your wedding photographs.

Our exclusive gold wedding package is just £99 per guest You’ll enjoy a delicious three-course wedding breakfast using locally sourced ingredients, created for you by our dedicated chef.

Later, a mouth-watering buffet will refuel you and your guests for the evening reception, before you and your new spouse retire to your complimentary luxury VIQ bedroom for the night. Your package also includes: • A generous selection of refreshments including; plentiful drinks, freshly ground coffee & tea plus home made treats from the chef • Choice of red or ivory carpet for your dream ceremony • Room event dressing including chair covers with organza bows or satin sash

• Romantic candle-lit lantern aisle for your ceremony • Silver candelabra centrepieces for your wedding breakfast and evening reception • Personalised post box for your wedding cards

Plus much more…

Our experienced wedding co-ordinators can help with every fine detail, recommending florists, photographers, entertainment, designing menus and drinks packages; we’ll help you tailor your day to make it truly unforgettable for you and your guests.

For more information visit QHotels.co.uk/SLALEYWEDDINGS or call 01434 676 508 & quote LUXE Terms and conditions apply. Offer subject to wedding availability at Slaley Hall. For full terms and conditions please speak to a member of our dedicated wedding team.

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Funky feet Hockney-print socks make every day a joyful one, £14. shop.royalacademy.org.uk

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NOV/DEC16

Live in Luxury at...

Fleming Court, Jesmond

Opening November 2016

Helen McArdle Care has been providing outstanding care throughout the North East of England for over 25 years. Fleming Court is a new, luxurious care home opening this November in the heart of Jesmond.

At our new flagship care home you can enjoy all of the facilities and care you would expect of a Helen McArdle Care Home and so much more. You can invite friends and family to join you for a meal in our restaurant, compete in a game of bowls on our bowling green or simply sit and watch the world go by from your luxurious suite.

When living at Fleming Court you can relax in the knowledge that all of your needs are being cared for to the highest of standards, so that all you need to worry about is enjoying yourself.

Facilities - Cinema Café - Bar - Restaurant - Orangery - Balconies and Terraces - Bowling Green - Sensory Gardens - Hair and Beauty Salon - Evening Drinks Reception

Community Open Day 20 November 2016 11am – 4pm Enjoy a guided tour and meet the Fleming Court Team at our Community Open Day – everyone welcome.

Are you in need of a Christmas Break?

Come and spend Christmas and New Year at Fleming Court and we will ensure you celebrate in comfort and style.

For further information, please call: 0191 461 8870

Fleming Court, Burdon Terrace, Jesmond T: 0191 461 8870

Helen McArdle Care

www.helenmcardlecare.co.uk

@HMCare

Services - Concierge Service - Fine Dining - Dedicated Social Co-Ordinator - WiFi - iPads - Sky TV - Driver Service - Physiotherapy

In association with:

luxe:looks North East Ladies Day, Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield

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!

North East Entrepreneurial Awards, Boiler Shop, Crowne Plaza, Newcastle Below > Graham Sleep, Colin Bell, Brian Jobling, Ian Richards

Below > Anna Bennett, Linda Middleton, Carol Rae

Above > Susan Andrews, Nicki Chapman, Jane Devany

Above > Sarah Antonopolis, Sir John Hall, John Fenwick Below > Jayne Morgan, Rebecca Philo

Below > Andrew Mears, John Fenwick, Adam Fenwick, Jason Cook

Above > Kathryn Armstrong, Isobel Race, Louise Bennington Above > Nigel Mills

Above > Sue Bowes, Jacqui Corney

Above > Andy Walton, Kelly Walton

Below > Chris March, Dawn Dunn, Steven Parker

Below > Kathryn McLaren, Dot Butler

Above > Carolyn Tilly, Anne Ridge, Vanessa Price, Theresa Carling

Above> Fiona Raglan, Alastair Waite

Above > Verity Stangroom, Michelle Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Rouke

Above > Andrea Thompson, Geoff Thompson

Retirement party for David Lobley - North East representative for the Aston Martin Owners Club Below > David Tuke, Eileen Tuke Above > Paul Frankie, Paul Thursby Below > Tony Glemton, Steven Sellick

Above > Paul Thursby, Lynne Lobley, David Lobley with Aston Martin Owner Club North East members

Above > Carol Napper, Roger Napper

Above > Colin Trotter, Pauline Trotter

At Lookers youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll benefit from over 160 dealerships across the UK and Ireland 70

NOV/DEC16

SOCIAL LIFE

Oyster Ball, Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield Below > Sue Ball, Christine Cockburn, Samantha Bamford, Kelly Foreman

Below > Sue Gilholme, Mark Gilholme

Below > Sarah Lewins, Victoria Charlton

Above > Fran Joynson, Debbie Linggard-Foweather, Katherine Cockburn Above > Karen Lewis, Julie Cass

Above > Chris Pomfret, Rita Basley

Hospice Care North Northumberland Fizz & Jazz, Guyzance Hall, Morpeth

Wynyard Edible Garden & Glasshouse Launch

Below > Cath Collins, Chris Collins, Julie Perry, Brian Perry, Lynn Osborne

Below > Brian van Oosten

Above > Rose Stanley, David Stanley, Ivy Stanley

Above > Paul Mackings, Mayoress of Stockton, Linda Dixon, Mayor of Stockton, Ken Dixon Below > Allison Antonopoulos

Below > Gillian Arkley, Tony Arkley

Above > Pat Griffin, Andy Griffin

Above > Kay Greenhorn, Barbara Paul

Above > David Clark

Above > Sarah Antonopoulos Below > Mark Birtle

Above > Carole Whitefield, Sheila Thompson, Ann Patterson, Marjorie Sheerin, Anne Chrisp, Christine Taylor

Above > Kathryn Armstrong, Lisa Anderson

Above > David Cause, Jackie Cause, Neale Brown, Andrea Brown, Allison License, Al License

Sky Sports News Team Sportsman’s Dinner, Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth Below > Pam Royle, Mike Walker

Below > Lee Hill, Mark Rickett

Above > Lisa Bausor, Kirsten Jorgensen, Maureen Brindle

Below > Mike O’Neill, Kate O’Neill

Above > Maureen Brindle, Warwick Brindle Above > Chris Kamara, Charlie Nicholas

www.lookers.co.uk NOV/DEC16

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SOCIAL LIFE

Nurburgring Race Night/Showroom Launch, Bentley, Newcastle Below > Tony Appleby, Quilly Toogood

Below > Hugh McGouran, Stuart Smith

Above > Scott Stevenson, Kenny Robinson Above > David Clark, Guy Smith

Above > Andrew Chambers, Linda Chambers

Bollywood Ball, Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth

Above > Sharmani Coverdale, Ben Coverdale

Tilly Bailey & Irvine Law Firm, Golf Day, Wynyard Golf Club

Below > Karen Watson-Brown, Susanne Shah, Terri Irving

Below > Bob Barker, Andy Dewing, Theresa Carling, Rob Hatfield

Above > Clare Ainsworth, Sandra Thwaytes

Above > Jon Cummins, Shane Mann Below > Justine Crozier, Nicola Codd

Above > Graham Kennedy, Alison Hinchliffe, Martyn Pullin, Gillian Duffy Below > Paul Drake, Ian Royle, James Dale, Sean Carey

Below > Lyndsey Hutchinson, Gail Rochester Above > Leigh Cooper, Val Cooper, Graham Leggatt-Chidgey, Julie Leggatt-Chidgey, Andrea Hartman, Ian Mortimer

Above > James Aston, Jonnny Scott, Stephen Bell, Alison Leith Below > Paul Gibson, Emma Palleschi, Andy Lowe, John Hinchliffe

Above > James Stephenson, Grahame Maddison, Tony Phillips, Jonathan Gresham

Above > Michelle Lambert, Steve Lambert

High Tide Ball, Grand Marquee, Wynyard Below > Jan Szulc, Gordon Szulc, Colin Pratt, Jon Nuttall, Kaitlin Nuttall

Below > Mark Doble, Joanne Doble

Above > Tom Wallace, Maddie Bryne, Lucy Rose and Lee Wood Above > Peter Bell, Juliet Bell

Above > Kirsten Donkin, Carl Donkin

Above > Carly Mallett, Ian Mallett

...as well as world class repair and maintenance services for the road ahead.

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NOV/DEC16

Gainford Group County Hotel Acquisition Event, Newcastle Below > Daniel Greenwood, Sarah Kirkham, Dan Kirkham

Above > John Murray, Mr Gray, Michael Richardson, Mrs Gray Below > Trevor Charlton, Jackie Miller

Above > Nigel Fleming, Imran Khaliq

Above > Dave Anderson MP, Chi Onwurah MP, Ammar Mirza

Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation Dinner, Grand Marquee, Wynyard Hall

Below > Richard Kilty, Dovile Dzindzaletaite

Below > Tanya Garland, Zoe Lewis, Laura Woods

Above > Dave Allan, Alistair Waite, Liam Percy

Above > Chris Tomlinson, Lucia Rovardi-Tomlinson

Offering a wide selection of fantastic vehicles

Below > Steve Cochrane, Alex Thomas, Charlie Leonard, Ken Devereux

Above > Hannah Burns, Samantha Marley, Jessica Smith

Above > Charlie Jones, Sophie Charlton, Serena Jones, Harriet Spalding, Natalie Lonsdale

Stanley Dental 30th Anniversary Event, County Durham Below > Lynne Brown, Helen Saville

Below > Gulshan Dhanoya, Onkar Dhanoya

Above > Sam Maughan, Shannon Hind, Abby Barwick Below > Lucy Simpson, Paige Potts

Above > Sofia Marti, Sarah Hall, Marie Rackham, Gulshan Dhanoya, Bobbi Reay, Katy Kenning, Sam Maughan, Sarah Hall

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

NOV/DEC16

www.lookers.co.uk 73

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Getaways Pack up and head off with this saddle leather holdall from £385. Aston Martin Newcastle.

Telephone 0191 263 5007 www.astonmartin.com

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NOV/DEC16

WHO BETTER TO SERVICE YOUR ASTON MARTIN THAN THE EXPERTS? Aston Martin Newcastle is the only Authorised Servicing facility in the North East.

Fixed prices from £651 (RRP) on all models from 2004 onwards.

We guarantee to use genuine parts carrying a 12 month warranty.

Relax in the knowledge your car is in safe hands.

A genuine Aston Martin service is an investment which makes perfect sense.

For a complimentary health check or to book a service, please call 0191 263 5007 or email enquiries@astonmartinnewcastle.co.uk ASTON MARTIN NEWCASTLE, COBALT PARK WAY, SILVERLINK, NEWCASTLE, NE28 9NZ.

ROAD RAPTURE

Masterful McLaren

Lotus-owner and all-round car fanatic, Jarrod Bailey hops into a couple of masterful McLarens and finds the new kid on the block in the supercar market is already a leader in its class

To anybody with even the faintest whiff of petrol in their veins—and even to some with none—the name ‘McLaren’ is evocative of its archetypal red and white cars hurtling around Monaco, with legendary talents such as Hunt, Senna, Lauda and Prost winning scores of Grands Prix and multiple drivers’ and constructors’ championships between them.

Not to mention our very own Lewis Hamilton more recently, of course. With such a dazzling history, and more than half a century in Formula 1 behind them all told, it is beyond doubt that McLaren has always made brilliant cars.

As a name that is so synonymous with engineering excellence and innovation, one might reasonably expect its designers and engineers to be able to put together an equally astonishing road-going car for us mere mortals.

McLaren Automotive—the sports-car manufacturing sister company of McLaren F1—started to do just this in recent years, and I was lucky enough to be given the chance to find out for myself how they’ve delivered.

A glance at the company’s history validates that expectation. While McLaren’s first production car—the famous three-seater F1, beloved of Stocksfield’s Rowan Atkinson— appeared more than twenty years ago, McLaren Automotive itself has been in existence for just six years.

Yet, in that short time, it has grown and expanded year on year, introducing new models, selling record numbers of cars,

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and making a healthy profit. Its cars are highly desirable, respected and in demand.

In terms of aspirational brands of car, it is on a par with the very best.

As for the fruits of McLaren’s labours: it currently offers three series of cars; Sports, Super, and Ultimate. I drove two of the Sports series; the 570GT, and the 570S Coupe.

Though billed as the ‘most attainable’ and ‘entry level’ McLarens, these epithets are relative; these are sophisticated, cutting edge machines with deeply impressive specs.

Each is hand-built over almost 200 hours, to the owner’s personal specification of interior and exterior colours and materials.

Each has a carbon fibre chassis, providing lightness and strength, hosting a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that will propel it

from rest to 60mph in three-and-a-bit seconds, on to 100mph in three-and-a-bit more, and then keep on charging towards more than 200mph.

So, even as a keen driver of a supercharged Lotus, it was with some apprehension that I slid through the ‘dihedral’ driver’s door (the hinges are in the usual place, but the doors open upwards, rather than outwards) and into the cabin of the GT, to see what it could do.

It immediately struck me as a very pleasant place to be.

The seats were firm and snug, as they need to be in such a car, yet at the same time comfortable.

The wheel, pedals and switches were all well arranged. The trim was luxurious; tan leather and carbon fibre. It was simple and uncluttered, with a selection

of controls by my side that allowed me to select, among other things, automatic or manual (paddle) gear shift, and ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ or ‘Track’ mode, which tailors the suspension, stability and handling to how you fancy driving, among other things.

It was light and airy, too, aided by large windows, an enormous glass panoramic roof, and another glass hatch letting in light behind me, which conveniently opens in the manner of a grand-piano lid to facilitate access to the rear luggage compartment (220 litres, with a further 150 in the front).

It felt well designed, certainly—but special, too.

Just as I was feeling all ‘grown up’, I started the engine, and its rasping, burbling, mellifluous V8 tones generated an instant, childish grin…one that remained, fixed, until long after I’d parked the car up again a while later.

Some owners will want to take advantage of the McLaren’s sound system; others will do as I did, delighting instead in the V8’s own divine soundtrack as it urges you through its natural environment of

Just as I was feeling all ‘grown up’, I started the engine, and its rasping, burbling, mellifluous V8 tones generated an instant, childish grin

NOV/DEC16

ROAD RAPTURE

sweeping English B roads.

Some will make the most of the slick, seemingly intelligent automatic transmission; others will prefer the crisp paddles behind the wheel, that respond immediately to a flick of the finger to enact a seamless gear change on demand.

The urgency, willingness, and immediacy of the car’s response when my right foot called upon it to unleash all of its eponymous 570 Pferdestärke (German for horsepower, equivalent to 562 bhp) was stunning; almost brutal, but beautifully provided, seemingly effortlessly and without fuss.

If you haven’t driven a car with this level of performance before, you think you know what to expect, but you don’t—not quite.

It’s difficult to put it into words, but it’s exciting; it makes you tingle, laugh, and grin as your adrenaline and endorphins get to work. And while every moment was thrilling, at all times the car made me feel assured and safe with its precise handling, detailed feedback and formidable brakes.

NOV/DEC16

After a brief breather, the opportunity to jump straight into the 570S allowed an immediate comparison of the just-driven GT—with more emphasis on comfort and luxury—with the S, its sportier, more driver-focused sibling.

The interior of the S was similar to the GT; just as elegantly equipped, though trimmed in a simpler black alcantara. Gone, though, were the panoramic roof and rear glass hatch—you don’t need those, and their weight, when you just want to concentrate on the driving and performance.

The engine note seemed a little louder, a little raspier; the performance a little sharper (though there is little in it); but the main differences were in the feel of the cars. The S had a firmer, tauter ride, though not jarring; was even more planted in the bends; the steering quicker and even more precise, all without being twitchy. Being a lifelong Lotus fan, perhaps not surprisingly I preferred the S to the GT – but not by much.

Both cars were utterly outstanding, and I’m struggling to find any negative points.

McLaren have managed to make cars that can be two seemingly contradictory things at the same time; blisteringly quick, yet happy when bimbling along at 40mph; cars with firm, confidence-giving handling but also with a perfectly comfy ride; nimble, yet planted and solid when driven with urgency; with delightful engine notes without deafening noise levels; formidable, yet gentle. And they are completely beautiful to behold, too.

There are, as with almost all sports cars, practical issues. Of course it doesn’t have four seats, and you can’t get suitcases and dogs in it. But if you have around £150,000 to spend on a car, and don’t need it go off road or want to drive it around town too much, I can’t recommend it enough. Just a few hours with it brought me so much joy.

It’s a lot of car for the money – and an absolute bargain.

AT THE WHEEL >> Jarrod Bailey, 45, is a researcher/writer, born and educated in Newcastle, now living

in Hexhamshire with his wife, young daughter and two terriers.

When not enjoying the peace and quiet of rural Northumberland, he likes to ski, climb and drive his Lotus – but recently gave up his season ticket for Newcastle United after 30 years for a well-deserved emotional break.

A car fanatic for as long as he can remember, he realised his dream of owning a Lotus in the summer of 2003, and upgraded to a supercharged model a few years ago. He enjoys the North East’s unparalleled provision of epic and empty B roads as often possible, and has taken his Lotus up to the far North of Scotland, and as far south as southern Italy, in search of the best roads, and better weather in which to enjoy them! He loves his Lotus, so there aren’t many cars— even much more expensive ones—he’d swap it for. But the McLaren was one of them. www.cars.mclaren.com

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ADVERTORIAL

Two years on, the Infiniti Centre Newcastle is breaking records Newcastle’s Infiniti Centre is driving the luxury manufacturer forward two years after opening its doors Since the launch of the dealership in the Silverlink Business Park in 2014, it has gone from strength to strength to become the largest and most successful independent Infiniti dealer in the country, often outselling all other Infiniti dealerships in the UK. The Infiniti Centre Newcastle has seen success across all areas of the business from sales to customer service, having sold hundreds of premium used cars of all brands alongside hundreds of new Infiniti models thanks to another North East success story; the Sunderland-built Infiniti Q30.

This growth has enabled general manager Jeff Aynsley to expand his team, with plans for further jobs in the pipeline.

Jeff said: “I’m extremely proud of my team’s achievements over the last two years. We have built a customer base from the ground up and worked hard to become the most successful independent Infiniti dealer in the country.”

The dealership’s trajectory of success is set to continue following the recent addition of the Infiniti Q30 to the list of vehicles available through the Motability Scheme, which enables people to exchange certain benefits for a new car, and the launch of the glamorous Q60 Coupe.

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Jeff added: “It’s a fantastic time to be involved with Infiniti as we are growing our offering to customers with some great new vehicles.

The new QX30, which is a crossover version of the Q30 is proving to be very popular in the run up to winter, and we’re now taking pre-orders for the all-wheel drive Q60, which comes out at the end of October and offers customers great peace of mind as we approach winter weather driving.

“The Q60 Coupe is a really stylish, powerful premium vehicle with full sports leather interior and even the smaller 2.0L engine comes with more than 200 brake horsepower. The 3L Turbo version comes with an increased 400 brake horsepower and the fact that it’s a four-wheel drive adds its road-holding ability and I expect it to be very popular with both new and existing customers especially in the lead up to winter.”

The Infiniti Centre Newcastle is at Middle Engine Lane, Silverlink Business Park, Newcastle, NE28 9NZ and is open from 9am until 7pm Monday to Saturday.

Just drop by or call the dealership on 0191 639 5551. Visit http://www.infinitinewcastle.com/infiniti-newcastle-dealership/ for more information.

NOV/DEC16

INFINITI NEWCASTLE Middle Engine Lane, Silverlink Business Park, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear NE28 9NZ | 0191 295 8686 | www.infinitinewcastle.com

Q30 BORN TO CHALLENGE Q30 1.5DCI SE (Business Pack) From

£249 Deposit & £249 per month Plus £1000 dealer deposit contribution*

SAVE £5003

• Touch Screen • Satellite Navigation • DAB Digital Radio • Dual Zone Climate Control • Cruise Control 18” • Alloy Wheels • Heated Seats • LED Front Fog Lights PCP Representative example: Infiniti Q30 1.5 DCi SE (business Pack) 48 monthly payments

On the road cash price

Dealer deposit contribution

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£249 £18767 £1000 £249 £17518 48

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Rate of interest P.A. (Fixed)

APR

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£8161 £20362 5.01% 5.01%

Based on 8,000 miles per annum

Official fuel economy figures for the Q30 range shown in mpg (l/100 km): Urban 32.5 (8.7) to 60.1 (4.7), Extra-urban 51.4 (5.5) to 74.3 (3.8) combined 42.2 (6.7) to 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emission: 156 to 108 g/km. We are a credit broke, and we are not a lender. *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 valid until 30th September 2016 at participating dealers only and subject to vehicle availability. 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. Model shown Q30 Premium Tech 2.2d 7DCT AWD £28,470 including optional glass roof at £500 and metallic paint at £670. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained from laboratory testing and are intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. For more information visit infiniti.co.uk.

SASSY SUV

AT THE WHEEL Bob Arora settles you into winter with some new motor inspiration

Big cat on the prowl

Jaguar’s F Pace is the brand’s first SUV. It’s got a lot going for it – with classy interior, fine spec and a meaningful ride

When I was younger, so much younger than today, I swapped a Porsche for a Jag. Going from the best two-seater sports car to a large four-seat grand tourer was beyond the understanding of all my mates. They thought I’d gone all pipe and slippers.

But the Jag was such a stunning car and it made absolute sense to me - it was not only stunning to look at, but it was so sumptuous inside.

I’ve re-found some love for the Jaguar after driving the new Jaguar F Pace which is Jaguar’s first SUV. As with most other manufacturers everyone is desperate to get onto making an SUV as they mean big profits for the manufacturer and we

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all love them - the F Pace has already become Jaguar’s fastest selling car in history, priced from £35k, the F Pace has been firmly aimed at the Porsche Macan, Mercedes GLC and the BMW X4.

The first thing you will notice is just how sporty the car looks, my car was the R Sport and featured wheel arch filling alloy wheels. My white model with black alloy wheels just looked the business. The standard suspension is quite firm and when you add large alloy wheels the ride becomes harder again.

If you’re more interested in comfort, you would be better off sticking with the standard wheels as when coupled with the optional adaptive suspension, the car becomes very comfortable. You have the choice of either a 2lt diesel, 3lt diesel or a 3lt petrol engine. They average 53mpg, 47mpg and 31mpg respectively, although the most popular engine is likely to be the 2lt diesel.

The F Pace is priced from £35k for the Prestige and this rises to £52k for the range topping S. Having driven the 2lt diesel before I know it will be not only slow but a very noisy engine to choose. Luckily I was given the 3lt diesel to drive and it was very quick, economical and not very noisy at all.

In this small body the engine felt very quick and quiet with wind and tyre noise kept to a minimum, even at motorway speeds.

The car’s interior is very plush and it feels very classy. From the rotary gear selector to the two tone leather interior it just smacks of quality. The dash mounted screen controls, the sat nav, all just oozes quality. All buttons and stalks have a real premium feel and the interior is on par with its competitors.

There are plenty of cubby holes for storage and the door

The car’s interior is very plush and it feels very classy.

The dash mounted screen controls, the sat nav, all just ooze quality

bins are a good size, I had plenty of room for my keys and sweets. Passengers in the rear have a decent amount of room although entry into the rear is slightly harder as the rear doors aren’t very wide at all.

The F Pace beats all of its competitors with the largest boot in its class with either its seats up or down.

The range starts with the Prestige which comes with 18’ alloys, 8’ touch screen, sat-nav, heated seats, part leather seats and dual zone climate control. The Portfolio adds 19’ alloys, xenon lights, electric seats, power boot, panoramic roof, keyless entry and updated speakers. The R Sport also gets a sporty body kit. All models come with a system which detects impending head-on collisions and prevents them. The F Pace is a welcome addition to the booming SUV market.

I’m not sure how good it will be to drive off-road but I’m sure the closest most drivers will get to going off-road will be mounting a pavement.

Car supplied by Stratstone Jaguar, Newcastle

NOV/DEC16

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Clutch love

Nothing nicer than a bit of Danish style â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the folks at Becksondergaard doing it so well. Quirky accessories dress up the drab like this evening bag with a funky, distinctive style, ÂŁ55. www.becksondergaard.com

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NOV/DEC16

LLOYD NEWCASTLE BMW.

THE BMW X5.

GIVES THE OTHERS A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB. Since its launch, the BMW X5 has been setting milestones in its class â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a class of which it was the founding member. Now in its third generation, the BMW X5 is a front runner and continues to set the standard in the premium SUV market delivering outstanding luxury and unparalleled comfort.

To find out more or to book a test drive* please call 0191 2617366

Lloyd Newcastle

Barrack Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear NE2 4LE 0191 2617366 www.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk

The BMW X5

Lloyd Newcastle

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW X5 range: Urban 21.7-43.5mpg (13.0-6.5 l/100km).

Extra Urban 36.2-54.3mpg (7.8-5.2 l/100km). Combined 29.1-50.4mpg (9.7-5.6 l/100km). CO2 emissions 226-149g/km.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. *Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

The Ultimate Driving Machine

ISLAND LIFE

TREND WATCH with Chris Stocks, Pol Kefton Premium Design It’s not just the oven that’s hot in the kitchen for the coming season

Just like the seasons, interior design trends come and go.

While it’s no surprise that present-day kitchens are embracing simple design, traditional spaces have also been inspired to join in with this trend.

Traditional kitchens have experienced a slightly cleaner feel with bold lines and less fussy details. Traditional designs will always remain popular, but future interpretations will be more deliberate with an emphasis on key elements like the island.

Palette Just like 2016 neutral colours will remain very on-trend, especially greys and off-white tones. Matt, concrete effect, textured timber and leather finishes are already proving popular and will continue to grow next year. Worktops define a kitchen’s style but they don’t have to be a budget-buster. Marble effect, acrylic and engineered stone are a great alternative that can be used on worktops and kitchen units. Mirrored backsplashes, brass accessories and high-gloss surfaces have been refined and made more elegant than before with satin or matte finishes rather than shiny.

Kitchen island Everything happens around the kitchen island, and 2017 wants to keep it that way. A kitchen island is the perfect place for entertaining family or catching up with friends and has the potential of changing the dynamics of family life.

2017 is getting ready for oversized islands that provide even more space and create a room that isn’t just for cooking dinner in but the most luxurious and inviting room in the house. Oversized kitchen islands will provide enough space to engage around while you cook and work well in an open floor plan.

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Lighting Extensive cabinet lighting is a trend to watch. Householders won’t settle for only ceiling lights and table lamps to illuminate their kitchens. Low-voltage light tape strips are being used above and inside cabinets and also below countertop overhangs to really showcase all parts of the space.

Brassware Rose gold and copper are moving out in favor of a more industrial aesthetic. Expect black steel and other buffed metals to take the place of the polished metallic.

Make a splash with the new year!

The move to bring the luxury and opulence of bedroom furniture into the bathroom continues.

Boutique-style bathrooms display a timeless design with elegant fittings. Marble effect has been a key feature in bathroom design and is one of the biggest upcoming trends this year. It is a material to watch and appear even more in 2017.

As well as incorporating the trend for natural finishes in the bathroom, composite materials have been featured giving a cleaner and more streamlined look.

Large format tiles and ceramics are just another way to achieve a minimal and clean look with less grout lines.

The most innovative material this year we have used is Alcantara. This material is robust enough for shower seating, whilst remaining gorgeous to the eye. The appearance and tactile feel of the material is similar to suede, it is extremely versatile but most importantly stain resistant! This product is used in bespoke bathroom and bedroom furniture to enhance design creations.

Handles vs Handleless Systems like ‘touch to open’ and other handle-less solutions are becoming a common repetition in the fashionable kitchen design. Their advantages are giving compact surfaces, comfortable usage and a higher combination of different material to choose from. Clever hardware solutions like automated drawers allow for greater design options which is something to keep in mind for next year. For a more luxurious handle why not try leather?

Pol Kefton Kitchens Unit 1 Coopies Field, Coopies Lane Industrial Estate, Morpeth, Ne61 6Jt Telephone: 01670 503869

High tech makeover Designated spots for smart devices and areas of hidden charging stations to store devices like phones and tablets have been high in demand this year so that their device is always at hand, fully charged!

Morpeth Bathrooms Unit 6B, Coopies Lane Industrial Estate, Morpeth, Northumberland, Ne61 6Jn Telephone: 01670 517638

Arcade Studio Unit 16/17 Sanderson Arcade, Morpeth, Ne61 1Ns Telephone: 01670 503869

NOV/DEC16

Gate Automation & Garage Door Specialists Ever wanted that high status automatic gate; opening as you make the entrance to your property or for that ease of leaving and returning to your home or business?

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NOV/DEC16

T: 01833 627 776

W W W . L I V E W I R E G AT E S . C O . U K

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HUG YOUR HOME in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

House party perfect With Charlotte Reilly

Every year we welcome 30 guests to Yorebridge House and 17 guests to our home for their Christmas and New Year celebrations. Fortunately we have a fantastic team of chefs in the hotel kitchen and I have a husband who loves to cook at home!

Luckily, this allows me to concentrate all my efforts on the fun stuff the decorations, gifts, sparkle and surprises.

To me, Christmas is all about the detail: these are my tips and shortcuts for the perfect festive house party.

Delight the eyes: Nothing says Christmas more than twinkly lights and I love this faux rattan light-up star, left, £25 from Cox and Cox which makes a great alternative to the traditional Christmas wreath and why not go the extra mile with this easy to apply welcoming sticker, £8 from notonthehighstreet.com

Decadent decorating

I love decorating for Christmas, but it can sometimes be a bit boring pulling out the same old decorations every year so I always try and tweak my old decs with a few new twists to keep it fun and trendy.

A Great Welcome Every party begins with a great welcome and first impressions count – so get all your guests in the festive party spirit before they have even walked through the door by delighting their every sense with all things Christmas.

Enchant the senses: There are so many beautiful Christmas candles and oils on the market and filling your festive party with scents of cinnamon and cloves will instantly relax everyone into the festive spirit. My favourites are The White Co. Winter Range and Bear Cottage Interiors scented cone bags with ‘Christmas in a bottle’ oil.

Tingle the taste buds: Don’t waste any time in making your guests feel welcome once they are relieved of their winter coats, hats and scarves by greeting them with a fabulous Christmas cocktail. It’s great fun to experiment and design your own. Not only will you be proud of your efforts in this personally-created cocktail, but it also provides a great talking point (particularly if you do not know your new guests very well yet) and makes them feel instantly at ease.

Henry, our spectacular F&B manager at Yorebridge House has designed Christmas cocktails for this year’s hotel guests, which I can’t wait to sample. I love serving our cocktails in beautiful Crystal glasses which are fabulously back in fashion. They give that added feel of luxury with every sip.

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I love to cluster together my favourite candles of all shapes and sizes, but to inject some festive flair and create a different look each Christmas I like to add in beautiful natural elements, such as twigs, dried oranges and eucalyptus, tucking in small battery fairy lights between them for some added sparkle.

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Let’s face it – we all love to pull a good cracker, but why wait until Christmas dinner?

Crackers can be used to decorate anything at Christmas-tables, trees, fireplaces, but they are also a great way to give everyone a giggle at a party and I like to pile them up on a tray with glasses of champagne so we can pop a bottle and bang a cracker! Make them part of your colour scheme, and keep them stylish like these beautiful luxury star ones, £40 from Cox and Cox.

Baubles are a Christmas staple, but rather than hang from the tree I like to hang mine in clusters from wall lights, ceiling lights and anywhere else I can find. Keep them classy with these beautiful coloured, rustic, ribbed glass baubles from £9.95 for three from Nkuku.

The heart of your h2ome

10 Stirling Court, Eleventh Avenue North, Team Valley, NE11 0JF

DO YOU LOVE COOKING?

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LET US HELP YOU TO MAKE YOUR COOKER, THE HEART OF YOUR KITCHEN… In any kitchen the most important appliance is the cooker and, whether you are replacing your whole kitchen or just your cooker, our expert advice will help you choose the right cooker for your requirements.

Since 1931, our family business (founded in 1888) has supplied Aga Cookers in homes throughout the North East of England and we also supply 14 different brands of high quality Range Cookers.

Our magnificent Showroom has more than 40 Aga and Range Cookers on display, including collections from Lacanche, Falcon, Mercury, Britannia and Rangemaster.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.WDIX.CO.UK OR CALL 0191 482 0033 1 Stirling Court, Eleventh Avenue North,Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0JF

NOV/DEC16

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HUG YOUR HOME in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

Be the perfect guest So after all of your hard work putting on the perfect festive party, hopefully you have been invited to one or two as well and here are some of my tips for being the perfect party guest. I always try to think of a gift as something that the recipients can use and enjoy, rather than an object that you yourself might love, but just might end up at the next local raffle or tombola.

Often the party host has so much to do that all the cute details they had been planning for the final embellishments to their festive party offerings, do not come to fruition. So why not help the host impress their guests by baking these cool little biscuits to complement after dinner coffee, using these gorgeous star, angel, snowman and heart Teacup Cookie Cutters, £12.50 from Cox and Cox.

Spice up the spare room If your house is anything like mine, Christmas party sleeping arrangements are all about where we can squeeze everyone in, but although there is lots of mismatched bedding, teddies used as pillows and lots of children top to tailing, I still love to go the extra mile and spice up the guest rooms to give them a sprinkle of Christmas.

I have a little collection of fur throws that I store away for half the year ready to bring out for winter. They are relatively inexpensive these days with many high street options.

Add them to your guest beds or lay them casually over chairs or bedside cabinets to add a touch of log cabin comfort for your guests. Add a few fairy light for that extra ambience and you’re good to go!

Every year my daughter and I go to a Reilly and Emmerson Christmas workshop near Stokesley. Apart from the big day itself, it is our favourite day of the holidays. We make decorations, home accessories, place settings and a wreath (as well as having lots of lovely food and wine) and I love to put some of my masterpieces (well they are to me!) in the guest rooms to add some personalised hand crafted final finishes to the decorating.

For more info on the workshops email Kate at reillyandemmerson@btinternet.com I am often mocked by the team at Yorebridge House for what they call my “cushion addiction” and I gave them all a good giggle last year when I brought out some new Christmas cushions for the hotel lounge.

However I stand by my belief in the power of a good cushion and the great way they can simply change the mood of a room, therefore the lovely selection of Christmas inspired cushions now on the market are a great way to add some extra festive cosiness to your guest bedrooms. I’m not talking Santa, holly or snowman cushions, but subtle, stylish inspired designs such as this Star Cushion, £40 from Cox and Cox.

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I like to show my party hosts my appreciation for their invite by delighting them with a gift personalised just for them. These trendy little chocolates, £9 from www.cocoapod.co. uk are the perfect way to do this. Just pick your pattern, flavour and message and they will do the rest – easy.

NOV/DEC16

ALL THE INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR PERFECT KITCHEN “Luxurious hand-crafted kitchens designed with you in mind.” www.oakstonedesigns.co.uk

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PARTY ANIMAL in association with

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He was the man to call when Declan Donnelly needed an A-lister wedding organising in Newcastle last year. Jemma Ferguson-Gale meets party planner extraordinaire Gary Nicholson

The man youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re gonna call

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NOV/DEC16

PARTY ANIMAL

A blow-the-budget party is the stuff of dreams. But just who to call when you need the ultimate in sparkly dancefloors or a metre-wide glitterball?

Gary Nicholson’s your man. He has a finger on the party pulse of the best events in the North East, be they celeb weddings like Declan Donnelly’s wedding to Ali Astill, lavish launches or even full-on funerals.

He is the glue that holds together events ranging from the glossiest weddings to the launch of a Royal Auxiliary Fleet ship.

Gary is the Managing Director of Signature One and Rock Warehouse; two prominent event and music companies in the North East providing every aspect of event management from concept to completion.

What he doesn’t know about throwing a luxurious party, probably isn’t worth knowing and he has the testimonial from Declan Donnelly to prove it.

He has worked with the likes of Virgin Money, Worldpay, and John Lewis to name but a few. Together with his team he has organised every type of party imaginable from awards dinners to lavish birthday bashes, weddings, graduations and even funerals. They have supported Micheal Kors product launches and organised fashion shows for many well-known brands.

you could spend a fortune on an event but you still need to think about what distinguishes it and makes it special

He doesn’t get much sleep – and thinks nothing of flying in a shed-load of new stock overnight if something isn’t quite right.

Gary was part of the team behind Declan Donnelly’s stunning 2015 wedding reception at Short Flatt Tower in Northumberland. “We organised the staging and lighting which included designing bespoke candlelight-style lighting, flying a gold sparkly dancefloor in from Switzerland and sourcing a 1m wide disco ball to ensure the guests had a perfect time whilst DJ Marvin Humes took over the decks”, he says.

“There were large TV screens at the wedding to show a best man’s speech which included videos from Robbie Williams and Simon Cowell.” Dec sent a card to Gary after the wedding which read: “We, and our guests had the most amazing time thanks to all the hard work that went on behind the scenes.”

Gary was also there when the champagne was smashing on the side of the Largs Bay Ship, part of the Royal Auxiliary Fleet, it was the last ship to be made by Swan Hunter and launched on the Tyne.

Fair to say, no day is ever the same in his business and that is exactly what keeps him motivated.

Clients who come to him often have impressive budgets, where the imagination can be let loose to create the perfect event.

“Often when people are planning a special event it is the only time in their life that they will do it. It is about making the event memorable and gradually unveiling each element of the party.”

For a recent joint birthday party for two 18-year-olds, the team organised a white party which took place in a giant white padded cube marquee complete with a silent disco, two DJs and large plasma >>

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screens with photos of each of the teenagers. There was a fish and chip van, a creperie, an ice bar, cocktails and canapes and an ice cream cart. All this teamed with a white dress-code, glamorous white carpets and LED lighting, created the ultimate birthday celebration.

The events and entertainment business is in his blood. Gary’s mum was one of the few female theatre managers in the 1960s. He has fond memories of being picked up in a taxi after school and being taken to the theatre to see many acts such as the Royal Ballet perform.

His dad organised dance bands for many of the venues in the North East. In some ways this is what gives Gary the edge. Every time he mentions an event he’s organised, it is usually someone that he is connected to in some way. He knows people and he

connects with what they want for their special occasion. Where others might be fazed in the face of such huge scale parties and pressured deadlines, Gary has a sense of calm and experience to say yes – then pull off big-budget events to perfection.

He explains the key to holding the perfect party: “you could spend a fortune on an event but you still need to think about what distinguishes it and makes it special.”

For those who think events management is all about the glitz and glamour - it is. Well at least for the guests. They get to turn up to beautiful marquees, hand-made vintage bars, transformed office spaces and luxurious themed parties where the very smallest details have been taken care of.

Gary and his team however are no strangers to hard work and have relentlessly high standards, which they try to attain for all

clients. He cheerily re-lives stories of contacting suppliers in the middle of the night to ensure tight deadlines were met

How to party like a pro • Think about what will distinguish your party from all the rest • Unveil different elements of the party throughout the event to keep people’s interest • Pay attention to the smallest details e.g table settings, lighting • Choose a theme or colour scheme and go all out • Decide which parts of the event are most important to you - one person’s idea of a perfect party is not someone else’s.

and when told tasks are impossible, refuses to give up.

If someone asks for something and it doesn’t exist, Gary will create it. His skills as an ex-design technology teacher come in useful. He has been known to design bespoke light fittings for marquees, stay up all night helping to lay flooring, assemble a marquee or source chairs.

A recent wedding they worked on involved a set list including Lisa Stansfield, Diversity and Alexander O’Neal. Gary stepped in to help six weeks beforehand to help organise the star-studded line up and ensured the event was seamless on the day.

So what’s next for Gary and his team? Just some of the events they have coming up include: Great Gatsby, winter wonderland and James Bond-themed parties, a family fun day and an awards ceremony. Phew.

Annabelle Lavery & Nathan Williamson live in Dubai and recently tied the knot at Le Petit Chateau with Gary at the helm. It was a lavish affair.

This summer Gary organised entertainment for one of the first Saturday weddings in the luxurious new venue, Le Petit Chateau in Northumberland. The venue is inspired by French opulence and surrounded by stunning Mediterranean gardens.

Ceremony venue: St Robert’s church in Morpeth.

Reception venue: Le Petit Chateau, Northumberland.

Bride and Groom: Annabelle Lavery & Nathan Williamson.

Proposal: In Bab al Shams, Dubai. The proposal was in the desert after a special meal.

Engagement ring: Yellow diamond with two rows of white diamonds.

Bride’s dress: Lace dress by Phillipa Lepley.

Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo.

Brides jewellery: Diamond earrings given by parents and sentimental bracelet borrowed from her grandma.

Bridesmaid dresses: Watters, accessorised with diamond headpieces and bracelets.

Grooms suits: From Blades in Blagdon.

Theme: Hint of a horse racing theme with lots of white.

Flowers: All white flowers filled with hydrangeas and different types of white roses.

Food and drink: Champagne reception, canapes, traditional wedding breakfast.

Wedding cake: White and metallic four-tiered cake with white roses from Dreamworld cakes and decorations from The Finishing Touches Company.

Stationery: Victoria’s Paperie - Save the dates were horse racing tickets and table names were named after race meetings the couple have been to together.

Wedding favours: Horse racing betting slips.

Entertainment: Voci singing waiters, Jason Issacs and his 10-piece band and Gary Nicholson as DJ. Honeymoon: Constance Mufooshi resort in the Maldives.

Photography: Scott Spock Photography www.scottspock.co.uk

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NOV/DEC16

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HOMES SINCE

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LUXE LOCAL

Tynemouth It’s the coastal gem that continues to enchant locals and steal the hearts of visitors all year round. A chic, sought-after seaside village that boasts oldfashioned charm, affluent good looks and some of the dreamiest beachy views in the UK. Go there for posh seafood, spectacular strolls and luxury living and discover for yourself why this is a place definitely worth celebrating

PROPERTIES >> This is a real luxe location, packed with hot property for those in the market for a posh pad. Head towards the village centre and you’ll discover grand terraced beauties, brimming with Georgian character, sparkling chandeliers and oh-so-gorgeous high ceilings, luxury penthouses perched above the beach and a handful of mansion-like abodes with price tags that near a million. Tucked away towards the sea are contemporary apartments with high life views and you’ll see plenty of detached stunners with their gorgeous driveways dotted towards The Broadway. This is a prosperous town with expensive housing stock - securing a family home here can set you back around £850,000 - so if you’re lucky enough to possess a NE30 postcode, then give yourself a little proud, somewhat smug, pat on the back. Telling people that you live here can be a bit like telling people you eat gold for breakfast. Prepare for those envious gasps.

CONNECTED >> The village is served by the Metro, allowing leisurely shoppers and day-trippers to jump on and off from Newcastle all the way through to Sunderland and South Shields. A visit from the Toon will take you half an hour

on the tracks, while a trip from Sunderland lasts around an hour. Hop aboard the ferry if you’re visiting from South Shields - it’s quicker (and cheaper) and guarantees a more scenic journey. Travelling from further afield?

It’s an easy car ride from the south via the A19 - zip through the Tyne Tunnel and make your way down the Coast Road. Head for the A1 if you’re coming from North Yorkshire.

SHOP >> You’d think the village would be dripping in designer, but it actually enjoys a pretty laid-back shopping scene. Wander down to Front Street and have a nosey around its independent fashion boutiques - go to Flamingo & Finch for hipster menswear and Ruby & Frank for smart occasion-wear and stylish, lesser-known brands for the ladies.

The Land of Green Ginger is one of Tynemouth’s most recognisable landmarks, home to an eclectic mix of shops, from Longsands Clothing Co (a British alternative to the big California surf brands we all know and love) to the surprisingly popular Tynemouth Tattoo Company. Sweet-toothed wanderers should stop by Gareth James Chocolatier - known as the ‘corner chocolate shop’, loved for its artisan treats and the yummiest shop front window that’ll have you drooling long before you make it through the door. Razzberry Bazaar is also a must-visit;

the lifestyle store has been going strong since the mid-80s and has become something of a village institution, famed for its globally-sourced gifts, jewellery, clothing and home accessories. It’s a bold and bright treasure trove with a bit of hippy edge inhale the incense, embrace the fuchsia and enjoy a unique shopping experience! Oh, and if rummaging around cardboard boxes and stalls in search of vintage finds, dusty books and homey trinkets sounds like your kind of fun on a Sunday morning, then you have to get yourselves along to the village’s famous and now-cool weekend market inside the Metro station. Pick up your gin and vino from The Wine Chambers.

FOOD >> One of Tynemouth’s best bits is its food and drink offering - it’s become quite the foodie destination over the last few years. It’ll come as no surprise that chowing down on quality seafood and coughing up for fish ’n’ chips done properly is a way of life here - so much so that people from all over will visit (and

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queue for hours) to just get their hands on the village’s freshly-caught finds. Knowing your grub was sourced from the sea in front of you is a satisfying thing indeed.

Marshall’s Fish and Chip Restaurant has been reigning supreme since the 1930s - and it’s showing no signs of stepping down anytime soon. If you’re a local, you’ll know how protective the natives are of it and they have every right to be - it’s an old-school chippie with plenty of charm that uses traditional cooking methods, passed down through generations. The end result is simple, but superb; delicate, fresh fish and the crispiest, bubbliest, golden batter. Just how we like it.

There’s Longsands Fish Kitchen, too, if you like your seafood a little more sophisticated, but with the same sea-to-plate freshness.

Slurp your way through steaming bowls of Lindisfarne oysters and Shetland mussels bathed in garlic and cream or Goan curry, and snack on lobster spring rolls and moreish shrimp burgers for lunch.

Riley’s Fish Shack is the newest kid on the seafood block - a shabby-chic semi-portable

NOV/DEC16

LUXE LOCAL

property: three to choose Flat out fabulous A first-floor flat in King Edwards House one of the village’s most popular apartment blocks. For £275,000, you’ll bag yourself two bedrooms and breathtaking sea views, overlooking King Eddies’ and Priory Castle.

It’s mere seconds away from Front Street.

PROPERTY WATCH WITH DUNCAN YOUNG

www.onthemarket.com

Four-storey stunner This Victorian beauty can be found on what many call Tynemouth’s ‘poshest street’ Percy Park. At £850,000, it’s a pricey pad indeed, but the sea views are unbeatable.

Take them in from two rooftop balconies, before retiring to the drawing room, formal dining room or the orangery. Whatever takes your fancy.

www.rightmove.co.uk

Broadway beauty A great one for families, this four-bedroom find has been designed for spacious, open-plan living. It’s villa-like good looks make it a pad you can be proud of and its location on the Broadway means you’re near the neighbouring villages of Cullercoats and Whitley Bay and can go from beach to bar in less than 15 minutes on foot. £675,000.

www.wearesignature.co.uk

fish bar and grill, perfectly positioned on King Edward’s Bay. It serves up everything from chargrilled fish wraps (the wood-fired, floury flatbread is to-die-for) to whole lobsters, surf and turf and special ovenbaked fish dishes. It’s enjoyed so much success at the coast that you’ll now find a second shack on Newcastle Quayside.

If cosy coffee shops, or indeed cocktails, are more your thing, head to the likes of Mister Woods, Dil & the Bear and ORA - they’re some of our favourites. The first two serve up the best tea, coffee and cake the village has to offer and ORA is the place to be for classy tipples and mouth-watering tapas.

Its gang of well-loved boozers - The Cumberland Arms, the Turks Head, The Salutation Inn and The Priory Pub - are where the locals drink.

Surf Co will teach you how to ride the waves.

King Edward’s Bay - below the iconic Priory Castle - is smaller and more intimate, sheltered by majestic cliffs and populated by beach bums who are quite partial to the odd beach party and barbecue. It’s the place to be at sunset.

Don’t fancy getting your toes sandy? A leisurely walk along the pier, around Collingwood Monument or even just along the seafront is just as peaceful, day or night.

That sea air does your mind - and lungs good. Stop by the new-ish Surf Cafe for live music or The Grand Hotel for a spot of Afternoon Tea.

STROLL >> Tynemouth’s beaches make it a worldrenowned surfing destination and a sought-after spot for sublime strolls along miles of golden sand. Longsands is its largest and most popular stretch; an award-winning beach that stages national surfing championships, has been used for premier league football training by Newcastle United and has even featured on the big screen. It’s one of the most painted and photographed beaches in the UK and attracts visitors and surfers from all over the world. Pop in to Robinson Crusoe’s beach cafe (pooches are welcome here) for bacon baps, salty chips and hot chocolate. The dudes at Tynemouth

LINDA RANA IS OWNER AND FOUNDER OF RAZZBERRY BAZAAR ON FRONT STREET.

NOV/DEC16

my local Three good things about living here >> The cafe culture, the beaches and the unique independent shops like ours!

Three places you take visitors >> Tynemouth Market, Riley’s Fish Shack and Dil & the Bear.

An ‘in the know’ secret >> Tynemouth Architectural Salvage is a great place for unusual interior pieces.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING I was delighted to see renewed confidence within the housing market in the months of August and September, throughout the North East of England. Whilst the ongoing concerns of Brexit remain clear, we have to be honest and realistic about the fact that there is still a strong housing demand and need within the region.

Our Prime Minister has made it clear that we will make arrangements to leave the European Union no later than March 2017 and this has caused an immediate concern with our currency and other risk areas within the market place as it brings forward the impending reality of Brexit.

Whilst many of the economists remain uncertain about what Brexit actually means, it will undoubtedly take us up to two years to resolve that issue. During that time, we will hopefully have a mixture of bad and good news.

In respect of house prices, the North East of England relies very heavily upon the medium and lower-value properties where we are seeing high levels of interest at this current time.

Here at Sanderson Young, we are making arrangements to improve the levels of service that we give to our clients and to improve our communication channels to maximise the returns that we can hopefully enjoy.

It is at times like this when prospective buyers become a little colder and harder in their negotiations and also, in respect of the survey and valuations, a little bit more circumspect and cautious.

It is in these periods that we need to ‘STEP UP’ our guidance, knowledge and mature experience and to have the right answers at the right time so that we can keep the confidence there with our clients. It is important that our team remains committed to our clients and that we have both the courage and the capability to be able to keep confidence with our purchasers and our vendors.

We continue, at this moment, to refocus on the core skills and the activity levels that we are enjoying so that we can achieve success within all areas of our transaction. From the very valuation of the property, through to its marketing, and from the introduction of the first viewing, through to the sale being agreed, we need to ensure that all parties remain highly keen to proceed and that the strong levels of interest we receive are translated into physical purchasing as quickly as possible.

I recently attended a sales seminar in London where I was delighted to remind myself of many of the proven levels of success that are achieved through keeping commitment and communication through all aspects of a sale. Phrases like ‘make it stick’ and, essentially, the need to keep face-to-face interaction with our customer, is absolutely imperative. We have never tried to let computers replace us; we have always tried to make computers complement us. I think this is the major difference that a real estate agent has now and proves them to be a true PROPERTY EXPERT. We have a checklist manifesto of actions that we must take throughout the sales process, to ensure that we can meet the standards that are expected of us. That checklist is vigorously tested every day to make sure that our clients proceed with the commitment that we expect.

The housing market, like other markets, will be tested throughout the Brexit process.

But we know there is a strong housing need and a shortage of property in the region which we need to focus on. We have tremendous systems in place for success, we have given people many reasons to say ‘yes’ to us and we need many people to understand what it is like to become one of our customers.

As we look forward to the run up to Christmas, we are helping people daily with their aims of being able to move house at this pleasant time of the year.

There are still plenty of days left before 2016 runs out for us to move you from your current home. We very much look forward to being able to be of service to you in the near future.

If I can help you in any way possible, please do not hesitate to contact me by email Duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk

Duncan G Young Dip.Est.Man.FNAEA, Managing Director, Sanderson Young duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk 0191 223 3500

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6

Ulgham Park Farmhouse Ulgham, Morpeth

6

Ulgham Park Farmhouse dates back to the 1800s and has been significantly improved and extended to provide this stunning country house with impeccable accommodation. The property is set in 16 acres with formal gardens, paddock, kitchen garden, and double plus garage.

Price Guide ÂŁ1.4 Million Ashleigh Sundin ashleigh.sundin@sandersonyoung.co.uk rare! Office: 0191 223 3500 From Sanderson Young

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

7

C

4

South Wing Bolton Hall, Bolton Village, Nr Alnwick A fabulous Grade II Listed country home with great character, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The magnificent grounds extend to circa 5.2 acres with open lawns, superb borders, private terrace and patio, woodland, walled garden, paddock and outbuildings.

Price Guide ÂŁ795,000 Ashleigh Sundin ashleigh.sundin@sandersonyoung.co.uk rare! Office: 0191 223 3500 From Sanderson Young

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

3

2

local, regional, national and international specialists in property marketing

9 SCRIPTON FARM, BRANCEPETH, DURHAM

£495,000

With an outlook over unspoilt countryside, Sycamore House offers a wonderful escape to peace and tranquillity. The four en-suite bedroom home forms part of a conversion development of substantial buildings.

16 EAST GREEN, HEIGHINGTON VILLAGE

Contact: 0191 384 2277

£425,000

East Green is a period property of immense character sympathetically modernised with contemporary features, the property is ready for immediate habitation.

THE OLD BARN, BISHOP MIDDLEHAM

Contact: 0191 384 2277

£635,000

Converted and extended to a high quality four bedroom property from barns around 15 years ago. The spacious internal layout means there are enough rooms accomodated to an individual family’s needs.

Wynyard 01740 645 444

Tyne Valley 0845 459 6000

Contact: 0191 384 2277

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

30 THE WYND, WYNYARD

£445,000

With a clear view of the tenth hole of Wynyard’s Wellington golf course, the four bedroom property is a spectator’s dream. Located in a quiet corner, the private property is accessed via a gated entrance.

19 MAYNARD GROVE, WYNYARD

£595,000

Maynard Grove has been extended twice to meet the requirements of any family. Although it is clearly a large property from the outside, it really has to be viewed internally to appreciate the full extent of the space available.

25 FULTHORPE GROVE, WYNYARD

Northumberland 0845 459 6000

sales@fineandcountry-lakes.co.ul

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk

Contact: 01740 645 444

£565,000

Designed in a period style, the attractive five bedroom detached property provides a substantial home featuring a stunning hallway and open aspect over the golf course.

Lakes 01539 733 500

Contact: 01740 645 444

Contact: 01740 645 444

www.fineandcountry.com Head office: 121 Park Lane, Mayfair, London WIK 7AG.

CHOP CHOP

Kerridge’s cutting edge Chef Tom Kerridge is the man behind The Hand and Flowers - the first pub to be awarded a Michelin star (and then another). He’s also a familiar face on TV food shows. He will be heading to Fenwick in Newcastle in November to launch his new cookware range

Most chefs will tell you it’s all about the produce and the kit. Just as hairdressers have their scissors, a chef’s knife is their tool.

So when chef Tom Kerridge decided to co-produce a kitchen product range, he took the task seriously.

He sat at a potter’s wheel to get the feel of clay beneath his hands. He headed to a traditional foundry in steel city Sheffield to source the best knives.

The range has been exclusively produced in conjunction with British manufacturers.

As well as those knives made in Sheffield, find textiles and enamelware from Lancashire, wood products from London, ceramics from Shrewsbury and pans from Birmingham. All made with traditional skills and love – the range was about bringing together skills and crafts from all over the UK – something Tom is passionate about.

“When your profile rises you get offered a lot of opportunities, but I never wanted to just stick my name on something. That wouldn’t fit with the ethos of my business,” he explains. “I didn’t want to produce knives that say ‘these are good for you

at home, but they’re not what I would use at work’. So, yes, the knives are expensive.

But they’re also beautiful, hand-made working tools, with the credibility of being used in a professional environment.”

They’re also made in Britain - all of his new products are. It’s an example, he says, of how he is learning to use his growing reputation to what he regards as good ends.

“For me the kitchenware range is an opportunity to embrace the British manufacturing that a lot of people think isn’t there anymore, when it is,” he says.

The ‘knives for life’ in particular are those any chef would be thrilled to receive. Tom’s

So, yes, the knives are expensive. But they’re also beautiful, handmade working tools, with the credibility of being used in a professional environment. They’re also made in Britain

Tom’s food life Tom’s TV credits include presenting the BBC Food and Drink show and ‘Great British Bake Off: Creme de la Creme’, Kerridge is married to the sculptor Beth Cullen.

Childhood food memory: Corned beef sandwiches with lots of English mustard whilst watching ‘The Pink Panther’ cartoon on a Saturday evening.

Favourite family dish: My mum’s roast dinner.

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twist is their handles. The knives are made

by Samuel Staniforth, first established in 1864 and one of the few remaining knife manufacturers in Sheffield.

With Tom they created a range of knives which look like nothing else. The Denim Micarta handles on the knives are unique and the material was introduced purely for Tom’s range. The material is actually made from denim that has been compressed under extreme pressure and makes for an eye-catching finish that will wear beautifully with time.

Micarta is the term used for the compression of layer upon layer of fibre which is combined with resin to produce a new material capable of being reshaped and is hard-wearing.

At the Fenwick event, customers who spend more than £200 will be able to have a name etched on the steel to customise the knife.

CATCH UP WITH TOM KERRIDGE A meal that inspired you: Anything from the classic French repertoire.

An inspiring drink: Coffee - the best stimulant!

Restaurant that you return to time and again: Hind’s Head in Bray - round the corner and bloody good!

Inspirational chef: Marco Pierre White.

Last food you ate: Chicken kebab, cheesy coleslaw with loads of Sriracha sauce.

Favourite food and drink city: London.

Favourite ingredient: Butter.

A dish you’d pass on to your children: Slow roast shoulder of lamb.

Tom will be at Mason + Rye in Fenwick Food Hall on Friday 18 November for a food demonstration featuring his new product range as well as a book signing. There will be special gifts for people spending over £100 or £200.

Tickets are £30 and include fizz and canapes and is redeemable against purchases on the night.

Tickets available from the Food Hall or see the Fenwick website. www.fenwick.co.uk

NOV/DEC16

WINE

WITH

Join Joe Wadsack...

of BBC TV’s Food and Drink for an exclusive tasting of seven wines with a five-course menu at Wynyard Hall.

Joe Wadsack is the robust red of the wine world.

You’ve seen his wine know-how on screen with

£70

chef Tom Kerridge on TV’s Food and Drink programme.

Now you can share that grape wit and wisdom over beautifully selected wines and fabulous food created by Mehdi Amiri at Wynyard Hall on December 1st.

The award-winning broadcaster and wine writer will take you on a witty wine journey through a life lived in the world of food and drink in partnership with Guest Wines and Luxe.

It promises to be fun, entertaining and uncomplicated as Joe shares his refreshing take on wines of the world and guides you through a tasting of exceptional wines.

Book at

www.wynyardhall.co.uk/events/whats-on

pp The wine evening will be held in the sumptuous Mirror Room at Wynyard Hall and the hotel has arranged special room rates for guests at £99 Bed & Breakfast.

In addition, guests will receive a bottle of wine to take home (one per couple).

The date:

December 1st 2016

The time:

7pm

The place:

Mirror Room Wynyard Hall

GARDEN GIFTING

Veg patch WITH KAREN PHILLIPS

The onset of Autumn is a time for harvesting, pickling and preserving the summer bounty for the colder months to come

RICH PICKINGS >> Apples: Apples are one of the least labour intensive plants to grow, simply choose a dwarfing M26 rootstock and you can expect your first crop in a couple of years. Size of garden is no excuse since apples on M27 rootstocks can even be grown in window boxes! Harvest apples when they come off easily when twisted. If you are unsure if an apple is ripe then cut it in half: if the apple pips are brown it is ripe; if still white then it needed longer on the tree. The fruit on the outside of the tree will ripen first and you may have to leave fruit growing inside the tree canopy to ripen for longer since it has been shaded by the leaves and therefore received less sunlight. Some dessert apples are best eaten straight

from the tree whilst other dessert apples and cookers can be stored for use over winter: wrap undamaged, individual fruits in newspaper and store in boxes in a cold room/shed. Delicious in Dutch Apple Tart, tantalising as Apple Curd or sumptuous as savoury apple jellies flavoured with thyme, chillies or sweet geranium leaf, the latter of which is amazing with pâté.

Medlars: This large, spreading tree has wonderful white blossom in spring and then produces the ugliest of all fruit in autumn; hence its French pseudonym of ‘dog’s bum’!

But the flavour of the fruit once ‘bletted’ (left to rot) is between an apple and a date. It has been around since Saxon times since it provided a welcome source of fresh fruit in November. Medlar Jelly (see festive section) is the perfect accompaniment to game or turkey so a steamy day with the preserving pan can get a head start on Christmas.

Squashes & Pumpkins: This glorious autumn has provided a wealth of warm, sunny days to ripen the pumpkins and squashes. Steaming, bright orange soup finished off with sage oil is a heart-warming and healthy treat on a cold winter day.

structure creating a finer tilth; thereby making it easier to work next year.

• Plant Garlic: choose virus free varieties from your local nursery/garden centres or purchase from The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight for some more unusual varieties.

When ordering bear in mind that hardnecked varieties don’t store as well as soft-necked ones.

• Sow seeds of Broad Bean ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ now and you will have an early spring crop, unhampered by Black Bean Aphid.

JOBS INSIDE >> • A really good clean up of the greenhouse with Jeyes Fluid will reduce overwintering spores of fungal diseases. This year my yellow peppers suffered badly from Botrytis (grey mould) attacking the fruiting stems and killing them once the fruit had formed.

Luckily the peppers were large enough to be left to ripen on the now dead stems; once harvested the plant could be trimmed

to below the affected level and then was able to regrow. Removal of the lower tomato leaves can provide access points for fungal spores to enter the plant so if your tomato plants had blackened stems this was the reason.

• Wash the greenhouse windows; this is really important if you have any overwintering plants/crops in the greenhouse since light levels are much lower in winter.

• Ventilate the greenhouse on any warmish, winter day – Botrytis flourishes with high humidity (poor ventilation) and in low light levels.

LOOKING AHEAD >> Next time we’ll be planting a Morello Cherry and mulching the veg plot.

Karen is moving Widehaugh House cookschool and gardens to Linnels Farm, Hexham – for regular updates of the progress visit www.widehaughhouse.co.uk

JOBS OUTSIDE >> • If you have weed-covered ground that you’d like to grow veg in next year then cover it now with black woven fabric. Next year, come planting time, the cover can simply be rolled back and the few residual, and very weakened, perennial weeds can be removed with a hand trowel.

• If you garden on very heavy clay soil then turning bare soil over in winter is beneficial.

Frost heave: the alternate expansion of water within the soil on freezing and then contraction with melting breaks up the soil

UPCOMING EVENTS @ WIDEHAUGH HOUSE >> ANYONE FOR AFTERNOON TEA? >> FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER Everyone loves to go out for afternoon tea but ever thought how little this meal costs to make? Join us on this one day workshop and you’ll discover how to make light and fluffy scones, melt in the mouth macaroons, buttery crumpets, perfect Swiss rolls and tiny-weeny curd tartlets.

Time: 10am – 3pm. £85

CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING >> WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER Get into the festive spirit with this full day workshop on making your own Christmas Wreath with Hannah Price: The Wildflower Florist.

Time: 10am – 4pm. £95

SIMPLY CHRISTMAS >> FRIDAY 2 DEC 2016 Get a head start on Christmas with this hands-on workshop. Depart with a bespoke Christmas pudding, jars of mincemeat and recipes for a stress-free Christmas.

Time: 10am - 3.30pm. £95

CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP! >> FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER 2016 Take the stress out of Christmas with this half -day workshop on gift wrapping techniques. Depart with the ability to wrap awkwardly shaped presents with style, make budget gifts look a million dollars and add some personality to presents for friends.

Time: 9.30am-12.30pm. £35

BANISH THE WINTER BLUES >> TBC JANUARY 2017 Relish a day of preserving and baking in a warm farmhouse kitchen with the new season’s Seville oranges. Marmalade with whisky or without? You decide!

Time: 10am– 3pm. £95 For full details of all our courses visit: www.widehaughhouse.co.uk

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A homemade Christmas

A miserable, wet day can result in numerous homemade Christmas presents with your money happily saved for those January sales!

CHUTNEY TIME

The greater than average rainfall over summer has at least led to a bumper crop of apples so either pick your own or make the most of kindly neighbours who are happy to hand out their surplus to fellow preservers. Apples are a great base for Christmas Chutneys which can then be flavoured with chillies or herbs; once made they will last for at least a year, mellowing with time.

MRS MOFFAT’S APPLE & GINGER CHUTNEY This was the first successful chutney recipe I ever made and was given to me by a lovely farmer’s wife, Mrs Moffat, when I worked in a fabric shop in Tetbury, Gloucestershire whilst pregnant with our first child. Mrs

NOV/DEC16

GARDEN GIFTING

Moffat used to come in with her basket over her arm and her two adult sons in tow who would wait patiently for her to make her haberdashery purchases and then carry them home for her. It is rare to find a chutney recipe without onions.

Ingredients Makes 2.5 kg (approx. 8 large jam jars) Cooking Time, 40 minutes 900g apples (peeled and cored weight) 900ml distilled malt vinegar 900g demerara sugar 500g sultanas 1 level tsp. sea salt 1 level tsp. cayenne pepper 125g stem ginger, chopped finely a dessert spoon of ginger syrup - optional Method In a preserving pan or very large, heavybased saucepan, simmer the apples in the

vinegar until soft. Make use of the time to sterilise glass jars and lids: wash jars in hot water, rinse and then fill with boiling water; empty and dry in a warm oven; pour boiling water over lids in a bowl then drain. Once the apple has softened, add all the other ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes until well combined and thick. Pour into sterilised jars and seal whilst hot; labelling when cold.

As with all chutneys this is best left to mature for a month before opening.

1

EGYPTIAN DUKKAH

SCENTED SPRING POTS

I first tasted this at a deli in Cape Town and having quickly run out of the plentiful supplies I brought back home I had to find the recipe.

It is delicious as a dip for bread dipped in olive oil or sprinkled onto a salad as a crunchy topping. Make double this recipe if you want to keep an extra jar for yourself.

Small pots or teacups of scented spring bulbs are the Christmas present that just keeps on giving. Crocuses will flower in February brightening up any dreary winter day; Iris reticulata are miniature exotic beauties; forced Hyacinths can scent the whole house all over Christmas whilst grape hyacinths, Muscari, are so cheap they can be planted en masse in any spare container you have going – tagine anyone?

The important thing about planting indoor bulbs in a container that has no drainage holes is to use Bulb Fibre; it has added charcoal in to keep ‘it sweet’.

Choose you container and fill with bulb fibre; nestle your bulbs in the container, not quite touching but close enough that you’ll have a decent display. If you want the hyacinths to flower for Christmas then you’ll need to purchase ‘forced’ hyacinths i.e. they have had a period of pre-chilling that initiates the flower formation.

Use gloves when planting hyacinths – they can make your skin itch and if you touch the bulbs and then your face you can end up with a lovely red Santa beard! Cover the bulbs with bulb fibre and then cover the compost with florist’s moss, using wire pins to keep it in place. Water the containers

CHILLI VODKA Simplicity in itself: perfect as an ice cold shot and even lovelier stirred through sour cream, topping a plate of smoked salmon blinis.

Place 2-3 hot chillies (sliced) in a 1 litre, sterilised jar along with 1⁄2 teaspoon of black peppercorns. Pour over a large bottle of vodka and seal; leaving to infuse in a cool dark place for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, select a pretty bottle and sterilise it. Strain the vodka into a jug through muslin or a sieve. Pop a fresh chilli in the bottle and then pour the vodka into the bottle.

Ingredients 75g blanched hazelnuts, chopped 25g sesame seeds 25g cumin seeds 1 ⁄2 tsp. dried marjoram

⁄2 tsp. fresh thyme (or 1⁄2 tsp. dried thyme) ⁄2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest a pinch of soft brown sugar sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1

Method Put the nuts and seeds in a dry frying pan and toast until aromatic. Take off the heat and add the other ingredients. Allow to cool and then store in sterilised jars or pretty tins.

and then place in a cool, dark place – cupboard in the garage is perfect for between 6-10 weeks. You are looking for the bulbs to form roots before they form shoots; hence the necessary darkness.

Only water again if the compost feels dry – it should be moist but not waterlogged.

Once your bulbs are well-rooted (you can give them a gentle tug and they should remain in the pot) they can be moved somewhere lighter but still cool, e.g. a north-facing window or under the greenhouse bench, until shoots have formed. They can be wrapped up, a few days before Christmas, for presents.

‘TIS THE SEASON

TO CELEBRATE IN STYLE Throughout December we offer a set menu that celebrates the festive season.

Expect classic, locally sourced ingredients prepared with a modern twist by our awardwinning head chef, Andrew Wilkinson.

FREE CHRISTMAS PUNCH Book your festive meal Tuesday to Thursday, for up to 20 diners and enjoy a Christmas punch on us!

WWW.ARTISANNEWCASTLE.COM

NOV/DEC16

Image: Sean Elliott

To enquire, call 0191 260 5411 and quote LUXE CHRISTMAS.

105

WINTER FEAST

Eat Seasonal WITH ANDREW WILKINSON OF ARTISAN

The bold flavour of venison paired with delicate spices and a hint of chocolate

In this issue, I’m sharing with you one of my favourite venison recipes, which brings together a host of wintery flavours and comforting seasonal ingredients.

The red cabbage works beautifully alongside the sweet sultanas and delicate, woody cinnamon to really complement – and enhance – the strong gamey flavour of the tender venison.

As for the dark, bitter chocolate, this will not only add a sumptuous gloss to the sauce, it’ll also give the dish extra depth and richness, too. Perfect indulgence for a cosy evening indoors, by a fire.

If you’d like to try more dishes like this, we’ll be serving a festive set menu throughout December featuring slow cooked beef cheek, game pithivier and breast of turkey – view the full menu on our website.

Artisan, The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle, NE2 1AN. Tel: 0191 260 5411. Web: www.artisannewcastle.com.

Twitter @artisan_NE

Loin of venison, spiced red cabbage, parsnip, red wine and bitter chocolate >> SERVES 4

1 tsp tomato puree 1 large glass of port 1 large glass of red wine Chicken stock Splash of raspberry vinegar Garnish 8 baby parsnips 100g wild mushrooms 20g 707 bitter chocolate

Method

Ingredients Red cabbage 1 red cabbage (shredded) 100g golden sultanas 1 tsp mixed spice 1 cinnamon stick 1 Granny Smith apple (diced) 1 tblsp honey 30g butter 5 fresh juniper 100ml red wine vinegar 1 large red wine

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Parsnip puree 2 parsnips (finely diced) 500ml milk 50ml cream Venison loin 4 x 200g venison loin Venison sauce 2kg venison bones 1 carrot, onion, celery and 3 garlic cloves (finely diced)

Red cabbage Sweat red cabbage in a pan with a little butter, add the sultanas, mixed spice, cinnamon stick, granny smith, juniper and cook for 10 minutes. Add the vinegar and red wine, cover with tin foil and place in the oven for 1 hour at 150 degrees. Remove foil, add butter and honey, and glaze.

Adjust seasoning.

Venison sauce Roast the venison bones in a hot oven until golden brown, sweat the carrot, onion, celery and garlic, add tomato puree, and cook on a low heat for 10 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the port and red wine and

reduce. Cover with chicken stock and cook for 1 hour. Bring to the boil, then simmer.

Pass through a fine sieve, place stock in a clean pan and reduce until a sauce consistency. Finish with a couple of knobs of butter and splash of vinegar.

Parsnip puree In a hot pan, sweat parsnips off with a generous pinch of salt, add the milk and cover with a cartouche. Simmer gently for 20 minutes. Add cream, blitz and pass through a sieve.

To serve Place the pieces of venison in a hot pan.

Once an even golden colour is achieved, roast in the oven for 5 minutes at 190 degrees. Baste with butter and thyme. Rest.

Roast the baby parsnips in a little oil, add smoked bacon and place in the oven until cooked, at 190 degrees. Then, add mushrooms and a knob of butter and thyme.

Heat the cabbage in a pan and warm the parsnip puree. Warm the sauce and melt in a little of the chocolate.

Assemble as pictured; and grate over the remaining chocolate.

NOV/DEC16

ADVERTORIAL

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For all hospitality queries, or to arrange a visit to view all of the matchday hospitality facilities that are on offer at Middlesbrough Football Club, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated Sales Team on 01642 352 781 or 01642 352 782.

Alternatively, please email your enquiry to hospitality@mfc.co.uk

NOV/DEC16

107

HEAVENLY HALIBUT

Fish course WITH TERRY LAYBOURNE

Highly esteemed and utterly exquisite – halibut is lean, versatile and the ocean’s largest flatfish. It deserves the utmost respect!

HALIBUT >> One of the largest known species of fish in the sea, Halibut has a laterally compressed oval body that’s a speckled greenish-dark brown on its upper-side and pure snowwhite on its lower-side. With a large mouth and both eyes located on its dominant coloured side this humongous fish is unlikely to win any marine beauty pageants but it’s what’s inside that counts!

Mild and sweet with a firm and thick meaty flesh - Halibut is quite literally melt in your mouth goodness. It’s a source of highquality protein and a slightly more elegant alternative to cod or haddock due to its more distinctive flavour. It’s most commonly found in the cold and deep waters of the Pacific, North Atlantic and North Sea. However, it is now also being successfully farmed making it a more sustainable option.

When buying Halibut, you can assess quality and freshness by looking for a firm touch, sparkling flesh, clear eyes, intact fins and bright red gills.

Perceived as the ‘steak of seafood’ and noted for its versatility in the kitchen – the possibilities with Halibut are endless. Due to its leanness it has a reputation for drying-out quickly if it’s cooked for too long, so most traditional methods require the fish to be briefly fried, grilled or roasted. It can be flattered with simple additions or far more indulgent accompaniments.

There are plenty of fish in the ocean but Halibut is a species that truly stands out – lovely when teamed with fresh mussels and a creamy leek and cider sauce.

108

Fillet of Halibut wth mussels, leeks and cider >> SERVES 2 Ingredients

Method

2 x 170g halibut fillets 300g mussels, cleaned 1 small leek, washed and sliced, white and light green parts only 50ml dry cider 1 /2 shallot, chopped 1 /2 small carrot, finely diced 1 /2 garlic clove, chopped 1 thyme sprig 2 tbls unsalted butter 1 tbls double cream 1 tbls sunflower oil Fine sea salt Milled white pepper

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C Heat a medium sized saucepan and throw in the mussels, shallot, garlic, carrot, thyme and cider. Cover with a tight fitting lid and cook for 2-3 minutes until all of the mussel shells have opened.

Drain in a colander, reserving the cooking liquor. Strain the liquor through a muslin cloth or a very fine sieve. Remove the mussels from their shells.

Heat the sunflower oil in a non-stick frying pan; season the halibut with salt and pepper and cook gently flesh side down for about 3 minutes.

Turn the fish carefully, add 1 tbls butter and pop the pan into the pre-heated oven for 6-7 minutes, periodically spooning over some of the cooking butter.

Meanwhile, in another saucepan, slowly soften the leeks with a tiny pinch of salt in 1/2 tbls butter without colouring.

Pour in the reserved mussel cooking liquor, bring to a boil and then simmer until reduced by half.

Add the double cream and swirl in the remaining 1/2 tbls butter followed by the shelled mussels.

Enliven the sauce with a little squeeze of lemon juice and check seasoning – adjusting if necessary.

Remove the fish from the oven and finish with a squeeze of lemon.

Place a halibut fillet into the centre of warm plates and spoon the mussels and their sauce around.

Serve immediately with some boiled new potatoes and steamed green vegetables.

NOV/DEC16

PLUM JOB

Off duty WITH DAVE COULSON

A rich, satisfying sweet treat which blends seasonal fruits with that festive favourite, panettone

Seasonal wine poached plums >> WHITE WINE POACHED PLUMS Ingredients 16 plums Vanilla pod 150g sugar 150ml water 250ml white wine

Method Gather all your ingredients and begin mixing water, sugar and vanilla pod. This should be completed until all the sugar is dissolved.

Place the plums in the pan and leave to simmer for 5 minutes.

Once the plums are slightly softer, strain them and leave them to set.

CHOCOLATE SOIL Ingredients 125g melted butter 125g plain flour 100g sugar 70g ground almonds 40g cocoa powder 3g salt

110

SERVES 4

Method Mix all your dry ingredients together and then proceed to add the melted butter to the mix.

Pour mixture on to a tray and bake in the oven at 180C for 10 minutes.

Move the chocolate soil around the tray bringing the edges to the middle. Continue to bake in the oven for a further 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and…. leave to cool.

Add the dark chocolate to the mixture and proceed to mix until smooth.

Take the mixture off the heat and place into piping bags, then place these bags in the fridge until they have set.

CHRISTMAS PANETTONE Ingredients

250ml milk 250ml cream 55g egg yolk 100g sugar 250g dark chocolate

375g strong white flour 20g yeast 75g caster sugar 4 eggs kept at room temperature 100g sultanas 2 shots of Amaretto 225g unsalted butter kept at room temperature 12g salt 1 unpeeled orange

Method

Method

Mix the egg yolk, cream and milk in a pan and place on ‘medium heat’.

Proceed to whisk mixture until it forms a thick custard like substance and reaches 80°C.

In a mixing bowl combine flour, yeast, sugar and eggs until it forms a ball.

Add salt to the mixture that is now in a ball form then gradually add butter to the ball until it appears smooth.

CHOCOLATE CREMEUX Ingredients

Set mixture aside and place 100g of sultanas in a bowl. Once you have done this, pour the 2 shots of Amaretto and leave to soak overnight.

Return to the mixture and place it in the fridge to set overnight. Once retrieved from the fridge the dough should have increased in size.

Lightly flour the surface you are working on and add the soaked sultanas into the dough. Once you have done this, grate an orange over the top of the dough to create orange zest and begin working it in.

Weigh the dough into 50g balls. Place these in individual moulds.

Once the dough has doubled in size, egg-wash the tops of them and place them in a pre-heated oven at 180°C for 10-12 minutes.

Remove from oven after 10-12 minutes and leave to cool before serving.

Get creative when you assemble the dish and, sprinkle with seasonal cranberries.

NOV/DEC16

MAKE MERRY

THE SPARKLING SEASON The festive season is all about sparkle - and nothing pushes the boat out more extravagantly than a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal 2007 Brut Champagne £159 and, if you’re serving a gathering, its sibling Louis Roederer Brut NV Champagne £40.

They work beautifully with the saltiness of oysters which balances the fresh acidity of the Champagne. A stylish, celebratory and reasonably low-calorie snack!

Christmas also means cracking open a bottle of port.

Graham’s 3-year tawny port, £67, has been extensively aged in small old wooden barrels which gives a great complexity of flavour with a nutty, fruit cake palate that is perfect with the fig flavours. This fine port is best served chilled and this helps to cut through the creaminess of cheese while the fine, soft tannin balances out the richness.

Oysters, Saltwater Fish Company £1.10 each Neal’s Yard Colston Bassett Stilton £29.90/kg La Vecchia Balsamic Jelly £5.95 Dottato slow-baked figs for cheese £5.99 Son Moragues Melmelda Extra De Ceba Morada Ecologica £5.95 The Fine Cheese Co Toast For Cheese Tin £14.95 A L’Olivier Perles de Vinaigre Balsamique £7.95 The Fine Cheese Co Fruit & Nut Torta £4.99 Neal’s Yard Gorwydd Caerphilly, £26.50/kg All food and drink available in the Fenwick Food Hall and Fenwick Wine Shop, Fenwick, Newcastle

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FESTIVE TASTES

Canapes, cocktails & Christmas cheer Northumberland nettle cheese toastie with fig jam >> Brioche loaf Nettle cheese grated Fig jam Method Slice the brioche into slices.

Spread with fig jam, cover with cheese and place into the oven until cheese has melted.

Sandwich two slices of brioche and cheese together and grill on both sides.

Place two sandwiches together and remove the crusts then cut into 4 triangle wedges.

Serve with fig jam for dipping.

Social sips Mixology whizz Jake Cavanagh loves to smash spirits with new flavours and scents to create a very festive magical twist on traditional cocktails...

ISLAY TODDY A twist on the original hot toddy; Lagavulin 16 brings its character and bold smoky flavours through into this classic winter drink.

60ml Lagavulin 16 20ml honey 15ml lemon juice 1g mixed spices Hot water Combine Lagavulin, honey, lemon juice and the mixed spices in a shaker and shake without ice. Fine strain combination into a latte glass then top with boiling water. Garnish with fresh ginger and a lemon wheel.

WINTER WONDERLAND

Smart recipes for festive gatherings from the team at Hilton NewcastleGateshead. Sous chef Michael Knox prepares some nibbles with a Northumberland twist and Jake Cavanagh mixes it merry in the cocktail corner

Prawn cocktail >>

Piggy in the blanket roll >> Cumberland sausage meat Smoked bacon Cranberry jelly Puff pastry Method Place cling film on a bench and then line out the bacon on the film. In the centre of the bacon place the sausage meat then roll together forming a large sausage with the bacon wrapped around the sausage meat.

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Twist the end then steam for 20 mins.

Roll out the pastry to 1mm thick, spread with cranberry jelly, place the steamed sausage on the pastry and wrap the sausage with the pastry.

Place onto baking parchment then brush with a mix of egg and milk, place into a pre-heated oven at 220 degrees and bake for 25 to 30-mins or until golden brown.

Serve by cutting into nice thick slices Can be eaten hot or cold.

Cucumber Prawns Mayo Tomato ketchup Brandy Cherry tomato Paprika Lemon juice Method Slice the cucumber into thick slices. Using a fork score some lines into the cucumber for a stripey effect. Spoon out the seeds of the cucumber making a small bowl.

In a bowl mix together the lemon juice with mayo and ketchup and brandy to form a smooth sauce.

Spoon the sauce into the cucumber bowl then lay the prawns on top with the tomato.

Garnish with paprika and pea shoots.

This short drink brings butterscotch and white chocolate together to form a scrumptious digestif.

30ml Creme de Caco Blanc 20ml butterscotch schnapps 50ml whipping cream Place all ingredients into a shaker, fill with ice and shake vigorously. Coat the rim of a short glass with sugar syrup and then sprinkle biscuit crumbs to stick.

Strain into the glass filled with fresh cubed ice.

ROSEMARY SMASH The pairing of elderflower and rosemary result in this stunning aromatic long drink. Perfect to sip whilst around the fire this Christmas.

30ml Vanilla vodka 30ml St Germain elderflower liqueur 100ml apple juice 1 sprig of rosemary Combine all ingredients into a shaker, fill with ice and shake. Double strain into a tall glass filled with fresh cubed ice.

Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary.

NOV/DEC16

BROWSING

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PARTING SHOT

>> Winter sunrise over the waves at Tynemouth beach. Inspiration for your Boxing Day dip perhaps? Picture by Kevin Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk

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NOV/DEC16

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IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN. Introducing the elegant and confident new Volvo S90.

A beautiful synthesis of Swedish luxury and Scandinavian design.

The new S90 is the executive saloon redefined.

From £299 per month

The new V90 versatility, space and elegance.

The volvo estate is a motoring icon. But with the new V90 at Mill Harrogate soon, it’s more beautiful than ever.

From £318 per month V90 2.0 D4 Momentum Geartronic

S90 2.0 D4 Momentum Geartronic

Initial Payment £1908 + VAT*

Initial Payment £1794 + VAT*

47 Monthly Rentals £318 + Vat*

Mileage per Annum 10,000 miles

47 Monthly Rentals £299 + Vat*

Mileage per Annum 10,000 miles

No Administration or Sourcing Fee | FREE Metallic Paint | Taking orders now at Mill

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

Mill Sunderland Wessington Way, Sunderland SR5 3HR

Mill Stockton Preston Farm Business Park, Stockton TS18 3SG

Mill Harrogate St James Retail Park, Knaresborough HG5 8PY

www.millnortheast.co.uk

Tel: 0800 612 4715

*All quotes based on 6 rentals as deposit followed by 47 further monthly payments of £299 for S90 and £318 for V90 commencing in month 2. All by Direct Debit. Based on business contract hire, non- maintained. All rentals and excess mileage rates are exclusive of VAT and are subject to vehicle availability, credit approval, manufacturer’s price changes, volume related bonus and purchase through Volvo Car Leasing. Supplier Network, with a mileage of 10,000 miles per annum. Vehicle returned must be in good condition and within agreed mileage, otherwise further charges will be incurred. Excess Mileage 14.40p per mile for S90 and 15.30p per mile for V90. In the event of cancellation of an order, you will be liable for such costs to be confirmed to you in writing. All other terms and conditions are as per the Master Hire Agreement or Customer Agreement between yourselves and Volvo Car Leasing. Prices correct at the time of going to print, are subject to change without notice and do not take into account any variation to government taxes or charges arising after date of publication. Subject to availability at participating dealers for vehicles ordered on or before 31st December 2016 or while stocks last. Not available with other promotions.

Volvo Car Leasing Contract Hire is Provided by Lex Autolease Ltd, trading as Volvo Car Leasing, incorporated and registered in England with company number 1090741 & registered office at 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Car shown for illustration purposes only. Prices correct at time of going to press.