Luxe issue 45 March/April 17 by Allies Group Ltd

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ISSUE 45 MAR/APR17

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www.luxe-magazine.co.uk ISSUE 45 MAR/APR17

L AU R E N L AV E R N E O N CULTUR E. Gat heri ngs. G B M CH EF TOMMY BANK S Bol d s p r i n g f a s h i o n . M AN UP. Ins pi r i ng i nt eri o r s . S TUDY SPACES. Party people. GENERATION AGELESS. Cotswolds cool. DREAMY FOOD. Luxe laps. HIP H OT E L S . Bi g n a mes. LUX E.

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WELCOME

contents 10 >> Do This Your cultural spring

ISSUE 45 MAR/APR17

Do pay us a visit at Luxe online where there’s loads going on every day www.luxe-magazine.co.uk and don’t forget to clock in with us every Thursday for our lively must-read Luxe Loves The Weekend email bulletin. Sign up free at www.luxe-magazine.co.uk/theweekend

Varsha’s good festival guide

22>> Wear it Bold

We have green shoots in abundance in this edition of Luxe. Our spring has sprung big style, giving us the urge to channel an ‘out with the old, in with the new’ attitude, be that in terms of home, kitchen or closet. Hibernation draws to a close so it’s time to throw open the shutters and make some plans. With this in mind we’ve done our job to inspire you with ideas for weekend breaks in lovely places, close to home or at restful, stylish spas and country houses in the Great British countryside. We bring in some spring zing with luscious colours to revitalise those ailing wardrobes - and inspire you with lovely stuff for high days and holidays in our Wedding Essentials magazine. The arrival of spring of course means a whole new food season and we’ve got some really mouth-watering recipes on our food pages, as well as chats with food folks in the know - including Great British Menu favourite Tommy Banks in North Yorkshire. All talk is of a cultural spring in Sunderland as the city does its bit to win City of Culture status for 2021. Who wouldn’t want our cover star Lauren Laverne on side for that?

20>> Living it Up Luscious spring fashion

40>> Beauty Update Power-packed skin treats

44>> Lauren Laverne Why she’s backing the bid

48>> Lifeguide Generation Ageless at large

52>> Hip Hotels Amanda Revell Walton writes her Shipyard Saga of books under the pen name Nancy Revell. She has just relocated to her dream home in Sunderland and a writing desk which peers out to sea. Her luxe things include: walking her English Bull Mastiff Rosie on Roker beach at sunrise; relaxing with a glass of champagne and having a ‘really good natter about love, life and relationships’. And cuddling up with a great page-turner of a book!

A moment of Costswolds cool

54>> Social Diary People, places, parties

58>> On the Hoof Deb Smith rides high

61>> Aston’s Newbie On the road with the DB11

68>> Write Here Amanda’s inspiring tale

74>> Curated Cool Inspiring interiors in Saltburn

86>> Tommy Banks GBM chef’s new season

93>> Fish Course Scallop’s the star!

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

98>> Parting Shot

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 elysia@remembermedia.co.uk SALES Lisa Anderson director lisa@remembermedia.co.uk Debi Coldwell director debi@remembermedia.co.uk Heather Spacey project manager heather@remembermedia.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Auld chris@chrisauldphotography.co.uk Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson nicky@kgphotography.co.uk Cover Image BBC / Dean Chalkley

Darren Spurling is a man who likes shoes. He owns the Terry de Havilland footwear brand which is a fave of the stars. His luxe things in life number among them a trip to the Maldives to cheer up a dull January; sipping on Camel Valley British sparkling wine, and growing his collection of vinyl.

DESIGN David Stubbs creative director dave@remembermedia.co.uk 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 Heather Spacey: heather@remembermedia.co.uk / 07846 073584

Remember Media Ltd, e.volve Business Centre, Cygnet Way, Rainton Bridge South, DH4 5QY remembermedia.co.uk All contents copyright ©2017 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, February 2017.

Christina Easton has curated some cool interiors stuff for her new shop, LillianDaph, in Saltburn, which is filled with the work of local designers - and fab flowers! Her luxe things include: a good walk, a long, lingering and highly sociable meal with nice wine, and for the home, good lighting!

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MAR/APR17

LUXE LIFE

JEFF DANIELS

Rising to fame as part of 80s soul band, Shalamar, music man Jeff Daniels (right) is a man who enjoys simple pleasures. He lives between Nigeria, London and Japan and will be performing with his bandmates at this year’s Lobster Ball at Sedgefield’s Hardwick Hall on 21 April.

LUXE PEOPLE >> My mother - she brought me up as a single mom with my two older sisters. She was a classical pianist and played at church on Sundays - I got my musical talent from her. My godfather, too, who helped raise me when I was in my teens and taught me so much. I can’t forget Don Cornelius either, the creator of Soul Train and the guy who helped me get into the music industry. LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > It depends where I’m at I spend my time between Lagos, Nigeria, Japan and London. I’m not really a big socialiser, but I love going to the movies, or if it’s a clear night, going for nighttime walks. There are a few amusement parks in Japan that I like, too, but overall I like to lie low! A long holiday > Is there such a thing as a long holiday? I would love to go to Egypt it’s my dream vacation destination. A treat > I’d say Bali - it’s an amazing place. Once, during a solo trip, I was walking along the beach at night admiring the sky, which was filled with thousands upon thousands of stars. I had no idea the sky could look so bright and beautiful - it was like looking at the Milky Way. The sky was so clear, you could even see satellites whizzing by. It was mind-boggling. LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Mexican food is my favourite,

I’m a California boy. Quickly followed by Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Best drink > I’m not a drinker. Juice is always good - cranberry or grape! Favourite restaurant > I mostly eat at home. They’ve opened a Hard Rock Cafe in Lagos and I like to go there for the apple crisp a la mode! Though I much prefer independent restaurants - like the kind you find in Japan - that serve local food and unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Perfect weekend > Relaxing with a good book, before getting outdoors and enjoying nature. I love it when you can see the moon at night - I could stare at full moons all night long. They’re so captivating. Give me a bright, starry sky and I’m happy. Looking up gives you perspective - it reminds you of the bigger picture. There’s so much out there and we on earth are only a tiny part of it! I also enjoy spending time with my two goddaughters in Nigeria. They’re seven and 12 and I love being around them, seeing them interact with me and one another,and answering their questions. Oh, and I love playing on my guitar, of course, and making music. Downtime means > Soaking in a hot bath tub ’til I turn into a prune! The baths in Japan are the best; they’re really deep and the water goes all the way up to your neck. The warm temperature remains the same too, so long as you stay in there. So relaxing.

Best telly > I don’t like reality shows, sitcoms or TV dramas. I’d prefer to watch the news, or some other informative programme. I remember when MTV would just stream videos and that was it - those were the days! Now it’s all about entertainment shows. Having said that, I think today’s social media is great for the news - better than the TV. I like following live updates and using it to keep up with what’s going on in the world. Best book > I’m reading Nina Simone’s autobiography at the moment. I also like a few Japanese and Nigerian authors. I like stories about the human condition - ‘reallife’ stories that move you and ones you can share with others and learn from. Best sound > Children. I could be at the cinema and hear a kid crying and it wouldn’t bother me. I love hearing kids laughing too - it’s the most innocent thing on this planet. LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > London or Tokyo. Favourite shop > I tend to buy my stuff from Japan or the UK. Both countries have the coolest - and most unusual - clothes. There’s a store in London I really like that sells vintage-style clothes with that real English flavour. Much like the stuff that Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood used to make. You don’t see a lot of that cool 80s-style ‘British’ fashion anymore. I love it. England has always had style!

Best buy > Michiko Koshino, who is a good friend of mine, has a great line called Yen jeans - it suits my style and personality perfectly. LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > To be honest I’m not a party person - I tend to shy away from them. People have to force me to go to events! I’m not into small talk or mingling for the sake of mingling. I don’t like talking about myself. Perfect party > I really don’t know! I haven’t celebrated my birthday since my 20s! I’m just not into parties. Though if I had to throw one, I’d try and make it as unusual and exciting as possible. I don’t like the idea of having people over, putting a bit of music on and having a few drinks just for the sake of it. It’d have to be in celebration of a big event. Best dress > I’m not really a brand or label kind of person - if I see something I like, I’ll get it. I like mixing pieces together. Perfect dinner date > Barack Obama. I’ve never met him, but now that he’s out of office, I’d like to be able to shake his hand. He endured so much during his reign and did a great job in my opinion. I’d like to get to spend some time together and get to know him better. YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> Nature, the people I love, and music. It’s as simple as that.

MAR/APR17

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LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES A great big bake-off Live out the culinary fantasies in a bespoke kitchen worthy of Berry, Hollywood and co. Prices from Â£10,000. www.greatlook.co.uk

MAR/APR17

DO THIS

Stay in >> go out >> enjoy Spring shoots are here. Elysia Agnew & Alice Smith take the culture pulse 4 MARCH & 29 APRIL Those with an eye for creative design can enjoy a fused glass workshop at the Laing Art Gallery. Learn a fascinating new skill as you collaborate with an experienced glass artist to create a stunning design of Kimoci glass. You can even take home a lasting memory of the day as your design will be fired by experts to create a beautifully unique ornament that’s bound to be a talking point. www.laingartgallery.co.uk

FROM 11 MARCH The Laing Art Gallery showcases the ever-popular illustrations of Quentin Blake. Adults and children alike will be enthralled by Blake’s brilliantly distinctive style and varied use of mediums, made famous by his work with the best-loved, Roald Dahl. The airy galleries at the Laing are the perfect setting to enjoy prints of Blake’s iconic images in all their glory and gain an intriguing insight into his working relationships with other authors including John Yeoman, Russell Hoban and Michael Rosen. A must-see collaboration of art and literary classics. www.laingartgallery.co.uk

FROM 11 MARCH Easter is the perfect time to recharge and immerse yourself in a fresh form of exercise with Nordic Walking at Gibside, hosted by Body and Mind Lifestyle. Appropriate for all ages and levels of fitness, the classes provide budding Nordic walkers with equipment and guidance - just bring yourself and a sturdy pair of shoes. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

MARCH

Boldon Colliery Cineworld is the setting for a fresh new cinematic interpretation of Twelfth Night. Directed by Simon Godwin, the piece stars the inimitable Tamsin Greig as Malvolio. Look out for a sprinkling of familiar comedy characters in a performance that can’t fail to make you laugh out loud as you lose yourself in the live screening of Shakespeare’s classic tale of love, madness and mistaken identity. www.nationaltheatre.co.uk

Book now to be part of Newcastle’s highest dining experience. Dine by the Tyne 2016, the sky-high foodie experience that saw diners suspended 100ft in the air with the region’s finest chefs, is returning to the city this year as Newcastle in the Sky. Two of last year’s chefs, Daniel Robertson from Hawthorns and Joshy Jin from the recently opened La Yuan, will be joined by the head chef of Chaophraya, Carlson Landles head chef at SIX, head chef Lee Hardy and Neil Butterworth, head chef at Vermont. All will be making their sky-high table debuts between 24 and 29 August this year. Delicious drinks will be supplied by Livello and The Gin Bar, while sky-high breakfast will be served by Brown’s. Diners can look forward to the food of SIX, Artisan, Aveika, Chaophraya, Hawthorns and La Yuan for lunch and evening dinner. A fabulous, foodie event above and beyond the rest. Tickets are available now from: www.eventsinthesky.co.uk

BOOK IT NOW

18 MARCH 19 MARCH The magnificent grounds of Rockliffe Hall will create a sense of occasion as the setting for the venue’s March Open Pairs Golf Competition. Grab a partner and let your competitive streak take the reins to win great prizes for first, second or third place. Prepare for victory with a breakfast roll and hot drink on arrival. The event also features ‘longest drive’ and ‘nearest the pin’ competitions on one of England’s best golf courses. www.rockliffehall.com

MARCH Funnyman Russell Howard never fails to make us laugh and there’s no doubt that his latest tour will be any different! The comic is travelling the world’s major cities, and it’s Newcastle’s turn to be entertained at the Metro Radio Arena this March. An ‘in the round’ performance by the critically acclaimed comedian is an amazing way to enjoy his brand new routine, and it’s sure to entertain old and new fans alike. The event is sure to be popular, following Russell’s 2014 tour which featured sold out runs in the USA and Australia. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

MARCH

The stunning Wynyard Hall offers an enchanting mother and daughters’ masterclass in the art of crafting gorgeous willow hearts and delicate floral designs to decorate your home. Treat each other to a truly special day out that will indulge your creative sides in the beautiful venue of Wynyard; with all the materials you need to get crafting on hand and a complimentary flute of prosecco on arrival, you’re both sure to enjoy a little luxury ahead of Mother’s Day this year. www.wynyardhall.co.uk

The 1970s are coming back to Amble Parish Hall in the tragicomedy She Wins All the Races by Mad Alice Theatre Company. Performed by Shelley O’Brien, this incredibly moving one-woman show explores the actress’s real life experiences. Adults and families with older children will be immersed in physical storytelling as the themes of childhood innocence, loss and courage play out live on stage. The night is set to provide laughter, tears, and a healthy dose of Abba along the way. www.madalicetheatre.co.uk

UNTIL 25 MARCH The coast comes to Barnard Castle in this dreamy, dramatic exhibition A Dream of the Sea. Fine art paintings, prints and photography take centre stage at the Witham Community Arts Centre in what is sure to be a reflective and immersive take on the sea and what it means to us. Make sure you get to the Witham in time to make the most of the exhibition before 25 March. www.thewitham.org.uk

MAR/APR17

ADVERTORIAL

Beyond divorce: maintaining standards It’s a generally acknowledged truth that hardly anyone survives divorce entirely unscathed. As the quote goes, “everything ends badly, otherwise it wouldn’t end”. Whilst some couples manage to deal with ending their marriage in a civilised and amicable matter, the majority struggle with both the emotional and practical fallout of disentangling a joint life. In many cases, the most difficult and stressful aspect of the process can be achieving financial settlement, not least because so much of a joint life is tied up in financial commitments, decisions, acquisitions and benefits. Finances tend to be the foundation stone of a marriage’s lifestyle – or standard of living. For some, the idea that the ending of their marriage will also lead to a reduction in standard of living seems an unjust punishment, but the reality is that in many cases, the available assets and income within the marriage are insufficient to provide for both parties to maintain the same standard of living independently of each other. The law governing financial settlements in divorce sets out a number of factors which judges are required to consider and take into account when determining what financial provision should be made. The first three of these factors include the income, earning capacity and assets each party has; the financial needs and obligations of each of the parties; and the standard of living enjoyed by the family before the breakdown of the marriage. Whilst the judge must, by law, give consideration to these (and other factors), they do not in their own right give rise to any specific right or obligation to either party to the

marriage, and anyone approaching a claim on the basis that their financial need is such an amount required to maintain the standard of living they enjoyed during the marriage is likely to be disappointed. This position has been confirmed in the latest ruling in the Court of Appeal where Mr Justice Moylan indicated that divorcees do not need to be able to afford the lifestyle they were accustomed to in marriage. He confirmed that the judge making the original ruling in this particular case “was correct when he said the previous standard of living is a guide, but not completely determinative”. The case in question involved Mrs MacFarlane, who was working as an acting headteacher when she met Dr MacFarlane, a semi-retired GP, in 2003. She sold her own home and invested the proceeds in her husband’s house, a 5 bedroomed cottage with formal gardens, coach house and woodland, also giving up her career when her new husband promised he would “look after” them both. It was noted during the case that the couple enjoyed a lifestyle “substantially better than that of a comfortable middle class couple”. The appeal came about because Mrs MacFarlane was unhappy with the award the original judge in the case had made in her favour and she claimed that not only had she lost the ability to earn a large salary in her professional field as a result of giving up her career on the promises of her former husband, but that her accommodation after their separation fell way below the standard she had enjoyed during the marriage. The original Judge in the case had rejected Mrs MacFarlane’s claim to compensation for her lost career, determining that it had been a mutual decision between

the parties, and that finding was upheld in the Court of Appeal. Mr Justice Moylan added, “I reject the submission that, as a matter of principle, where the resources are available, need should be met at a level similar or comparable to the standard of living during the marriage. The standard of living during the marriage is one factor, but only one.”

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

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

AN EVENING WITH

www.majorfamilylaw.co.uk

HEATHER SMALL THE VOICE OF M PEOPLE Rockliffe Hall, Saturday 2Oth May

Be part of our next grand marquee event with multi-million record-selling artist Heather Small The black tie evening hosted by Smooth Radio includes a three course meal and a 75 minute performance by Heather Small followed by a disco. The evening will be held in aid of the Graham Wylie Foundation, with a raffle and silent auction. To book your place call

Tickets are available from £95 per person. VIP meet and greet, corporate hospitality and residential options are also available.

01325 729999

or email vip.event@rockliﬀehall.com

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

MAR/APR17

DO THIS

30 MARCH - 22 APRIL MARCH

Be part of something special at Newcastle’s The Stand Comedy Club and take part in a live recording of comedian Fern Brady’s new US album. Brady’s second solo show, Male Comedienne, comes hot on the heels of successful appearances on Channel 4’s 8 out of 10 Cats, Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central and Stewart Lee’s Alternative Comedy Experience to name just a few. Recording and distribution company Comedy Dynamics welcomes an audience ready for a night of bold jokes, sparkling wit and side-splitting laughter. www.thestand.co.uk

A brilliant trio of North Yorkshire artists; Sarah Hill, Jenny Ulyatt and Michael Farmer present a vibrant exhibition of their wonderful, watercolour paintings. Fresh from a shared studio in Ainderby Steeple, the works luxuriate in the colour, light and shapes of the local landscape. Nature, memory and imagination combine in an exhibition which promises to inspire and delight. Make sure you check out the Wondrous Watercolours exhibition at The Witham. www.thewitham.org.uk

4-8 APRIL

MARCH

Henrik Ibsen’s classic Hedda Gabler comes to the stage at Alnwick Playhouse this March. The classic play is given a modern twist by director Ivo Van Hove as National Theatre LIVE makes a return to Northumberland. Starring film and TV star Ruth Wilson, Van Hove’s interpretation of the tale of manipulation, marriage and violence will no doubt engross and shock new audiences. Meanwhile, older fans can take in Van Hove’s fresh perspective on the play, making for a thought provoking night out with a hint of darkness. www.alnwickplayhouse.co.uk

Smash hit musical Evita will captivate audiences at the Sunderland Empire in a string of April performances. Following an extraordinary run at London’s Dominion Theatre, Bill Kenwright’s production of the rags to riches tale of Eva Peron features some of the most enduring songs in the musical genre, including classics Don’t Cry for Me Argentina and On this Night of a Thousand Stars. West end’s Emma Hatton and Disney’s Tarzan actor Gian Marco Schiaretti lead the performance. Expect a night of music, thrills and intensity. www.atgtickets.com

5, 14 & 20 APRIL Teesside comedy fans have a trio of exciting events to look forward to in April as comedy kings Russell Kane, Paul Sinha and Andy Parsons get ready to perform at Stockton’s ARC. Russell Kane is first to take to the stage on 5 April with Right Man, Wrong Age, a final chance for fans to catch the set after it sold out last summer. Meanwhile ITV quiz king Paul Sinha from The Chase brings his hugely popular Postcards from the Z-List to Stockton on 14 April. Completing the string of dates is Andy Parsons with Peak Bullsh*t, his fresh new show, ideal for followers of Parsons on Mock the Week and Spitting Image. www.arconline.co.uk

FOODIE FESTIVALS

JAZZ IT UP The jazz landscape is a many and varied one and this year’s Gateshead International Jazz Festival steps into every bit of it. Expect jazz tradition in the form of the swinging big band but it’s worth a visit to hear a new generations of artists. Keeping with tradition, Clare Teal, above, and her 17-piece Hollywood Orchestra (led by Guy Barker) open the festival with songs immortalised by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne, alongside Nina Simone, Nancy Wilson and Peggy Lee. The story of a basement bar in Soho that became one of the world’s most famous jazz venues is told by the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, with anecdote, visuals and live band. Sounds of tomorrow come from top-billed GoGo Penguin and Shobaleader One with a double bill that places jazz in a brave new world of electronica and groove. Neil Cowley is an original talent whose series of trio albums are remarkable for their individual approach to the jazz piano trio format. For those who want to dip their toe into jazz for free, the ever popular free stage on the Concourse returns on Saturday where BBC Radio 3 will present a selection of national and international jazz artists recorded for a future edition of Jazz Line Up and on Sunday Jazz North East will present their choice of artists from the North and further afield. Plus there will be festival workshops, talks, film, exhibitions, late night sessions and clubs. Take advantage of the Jazz Multibuy – the more concerts booked, the more money saved. www.sagegateshead.com

25 MARCH & 29 APRIL

23 - 24 APRIL

18 APRIL

Orange Pip Market is Middlesbrough’s answer to the bustling flea and foodie markets of New York and London, with creativity and culture at every turn. Whether you’re on the hunt for unique, artisan food or out to discover the latest local talents on the arts and music scene, Orange Pip is the place to be. Opening at 12pm and continuing into the evening, the event lands on the last Saturday of the month and is certainly not to be missed. www.orangepipmarket.com

Bishop Auckland’s busy streets are the backdrop of the town’s annual food festival this April. It’s a fabulous day out for food and music enthusiasts alike. Navigate the delightful surrounds, smells and tastes of the stalls and enjoy a range of delicious locally sourced food. The region’s favourite street bands are on hand to entertain as you treat yourself to irresistible local grub. Finish the fun with a trip to the wonderfully historic Auckland Castle in what promises to be a fantastic, fun-packed, family day out to remember. www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk

Organic and indulgent are the flavours of the season at Richmond Farmers’ Market. Gourmet enthusiasts across the North East will want to pencil this delicious day into their diaries. After losing yourself among stalls of mouthwatering food, you’re sure to come away with bags of North Yorkshire’s finest local produce - from cheese to brownies, as well as meat and poultry, home-grown herbs and tempting fresh veg. With vegetarian, gluten free and vegan diets also catered for, Richmond’s market is a must-visit for everyone. A foodie, family day out. www.northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com

11 MARCH & 8 APRIL

29 APRIL - 1 MAY

Locally sourced culinary delights jostle for space alongside micro-brewed beers and unique arts and crafts at Saltburn Farmers’ Market. Browse the wealth of stalls, nibble a tasty local treat and fill your basket with fantastically fresh food to take home on the second Saturday of every month. With the coast just a stone’s throw away and independent shops and cafes to explore all over town, a trip to Saltburn is sure to be special. www.saltburnfarmersmarket.com

North Shields hosts the first dates of 2017’s much-awaited Proper Food Festival, the foodie event that sweeps across the North East over spring and summer to bring delicious cuisine to our food and drink lovers, be it from the North East or further afield. Make a day of it with family or friends and sample the wares of a multitude of small food and drink businesses - you just might find your new favourite snack or tipple! www.properfoodanddrinkfestivals.co.uk

30 APRIL The whole family is warmly invited to round off Easter celebrations at Crookfest, the Weardale Valley’s seventh annual music festival which pairs local talent with the nation’s favourite music. With plenty of stalls boasting delicious food and drink, the event celebrates the talent of more than 20 cover and tribute bands. Acts range from ska to heavy rock, indie to punk and everything in between, leaving everyone in the family satisfied. Soak up the electric atmosphere and enjoy a lovely day out with the family this spring. www.crookfest.co.uk

31 MARCH

MAR/APR17

ADVERTORIAL

Home is where OUR heart is The headlines say it all. The NHS and care system are facing a crisis. Often at the heart of it is the fact that people have nowhere to go, or no-one to adequately care for them when they leave hospital Services are stretched, especially for elderly people with dementia or long-term chronic illness. For families the system can seem bewildering. Yet for most the answer is also simple: care at home. At Sally&Sarah, our aim is to offer a home care service that puts client and family in the driving seat when it comes to choices, solutions and simplicity. Our company was set up by nursing professionals Sally Tremlett and Sarah McLain with the aim of offering a care service that they would choose for their own loved ones.

A service that is flexible, efficient, reliable and meaningful. One that isn’t ruled by an appointment stopwatch and which allows time for client, carer and family to get to know one another. A service small enough so that carers become friends and get to know the little things – like a client’s favourite cake, TV show or local park where they could go for a walk. The Sally&Sarah way of care is all about listening to the client and their family and fitting in with their needs – not making them a number on a to-do list. We can offer long or short term care – from daily visits for a couple of weeks when a person comes out of hospital following major surgery to a long term commitment to look after an elderly person on a day-to-day basis: getting them up in the morning, making meals, taking them on outings and putting them to bed. If a carer needs some respite we can step in and take over while the carer gets a much-needed ‘re-charge’. We also have expertise in looking after cancer patients. We

can be there post-chemotherapy or post-surgery for care and support. In the last stages of life we can offer the care a client needs to be able to stay in their own home with their family, taking the pressure from loved ones at a difficult time. Please get in touch. If you’re struggling with the flexibility of looking after a loved one, we usually have a way to help.

3 Innovation Court, Yarm, Road, Stockton TS18 3DA Offices open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00 01642 608070 hello@sallyandsarahcare.co.uk

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

TAKING REGISTRATIONS FO R S EPTEM B ER 2017

ISITION

EC INSP

Call to book a guided tour of our outstanding facilities, visit a range of engaging lessons and meet our well rounded pupils and inspiring teachers

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

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

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DO THIS

26 APRIL The acclaimed RSC Live brings Angus Jackson’s production of Julius Caesar to Yarm’s Princess Alexandra Auditorium. Depicting a tale of power, war and empire, the performance is streamed live from the RSC. Jackson’s Julius Caesar comes hot on the heels off his sell out production of Don Quixote and is waiting to grip you as political manipulation and epic tragedy play out. www.thepaaonline.org

21 APRIL

6 APRIL - 6 MAY Be sure to catch Live Theatre’s new production of The Red Lion by Patrick Marber, running from 6 April to 6 May. The story is set in the competitive world of semiprofessional football, telling the powerful, funny and incredibly touching tale of loyalty, ambition and what it takes to win, from three different generations. Reaching beyond the beautiful game, the play reminds us that the dodgy deals, roughneck agents and badge-kissing celebrations that we see every day, are not confined to the Premier League. Starring Stephen Tompkinson, best known for his TV appearances as DCI Banks, this is a must-see production that will have you laughing, crying and striving to succeed. With a script specially adapted by the writer for Live Theatre and the North East, The Red Lion follows on from its critically acclaimed opening in 2016 at the National Theatre. www.live.org.uk

11 APRIL For an evening of elegance and culture, Jewels at Alnwick Playhouse is an unmissable treat for Northumberland’s ballet lovers. A modern ballet classic in which the energy of New York’s jazz era competes with the majesty of imperial Russia and the subtle beauty of the French Romantic period. George Balanchine’s masterpiece offers a stunning glimpse of different styles and eras within ballet as an art form. Paired with the intimate yet atmospheric venue of Alnwick Playhouse, this is an evening poised to provide an unforgettable night. www.alnwickplayhouse.co.uk

North East foodies and Gino D’campo fans are invited to join the man himself for a night of Italian flavour and flair at the City Hall this Easter. The Neapolitan chef will demonstrate delicious recipes fresh from his fourth series of Gino’s Italian Escape, accompanied by a generous portion of the humour that makes him an audience favourite both on and off screen. With audience participation and a dynamic atmosphere to look forward to, the night is unmissable for cookery enthusiasts across the region. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Stockton is set to experience a glimpse of Japan this Easter as Madama Butterfly opens at ARC + The Point. Puccini’s poignant musical depicting the love between a young geisha and an American Naval Officer spans continents and is sure to take your breath away. Whether you’re a regular opera-goer or you’re just curious to discover an unfamiliar art form, the night promises to capture your imagination as culture, romance and tragedy are cleverly combined. www.arconline.co.uk

APRIL

This April, Playhouse Whitley Bay is the setting for an evening of music and memory in Let’s Hang On, a stunning performance that rejoices in classics by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons including audience favourites such as Walk Like a Man, Big Girl’s Don’t Cry and Sherry. Expect an all-singing, all-dancing night of entertainment! www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

14 APRIL

29 APRIL

Make the most of the Easter holidays with a fun-filled day at The Bowes Museum. Perfect for celebrating Easter with the family, the event caters to children of all ages. Your little ones are sure to enjoy optional drop-in arts and crafts activities, as well as an exciting Easter-themed trail. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Daytime TV favourite, Phillip Schofield hosts a breathtaking celebration of musical royalty, with a dazzling cast performing the hits of Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Mick Jagger and a wealth of other knights of the entertainment industry. Accompanied by a live band, the evening is guaranteed to be a spectacular portrayal of the best of British talent. So head to Newcastle’s Theatre Royal this April for a dazzling evening of music and entertainment at its very best. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

APRIL

14 APRIL

15 APRIL

Folk favourites All Folk’d Up return to the Tyne Theatre following a dynamic nation-wide tour last spring. Join the band as they play a smorgasbord of classic music from across the decade, adding their distinctive touch to every tune they tap out. With performances of the band’s original songs interspersed with your favourite classics, you’ll be tapping your feet and dancing the night away in a night of folk fun. www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.co.uk

Northumberland’s peaceful woodland is the ideal setting for a day of foraging to kickstart your Easter break this year. Enjoy healthy, fresh food you’ve picked yourself, taking in the stunning forest scenery as you go. Take advantage of the organisers’ unique and in depth knowledge of foraging, and discover a bounty of herbs, fruits, mushrooms and flowers. As the day comes to a close, celebrate your harvest with a banquet of foraged food. This hands-on, foodie event is simply unmissable for those with a taste for the natural. www.northernwilds.co.uk

APRIL

Hexham Book Festival unveils its feast of reading, writers, and all things literary. Topping the bill (in our minds anyway), is the writer Maggie O’Farrell, author of seven novels, After You’d Gone, My Lover’s Lover, The Distance Between Us, which won a Somerset Maugham Award, The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, The Hand That Fist Held Mine, which won the 2010 Costa Novel Award, Instructions for a Heatwave, which was shortlisted for the 2013 Costa Novel Award, and This Must Be The Place. She lives in Edinburgh. Full details www.hexhambookfestival.co.uk

MARCH & APRIL Geordie football fans can celebrate Easter in style with a St James’ Park stadium tour and two-course pub lunch at NINE Bar. With stunning panoramas of the park and fascinating insights into the stadium’s media suite, the tour is guaranteed to give Magpies a brand new perspective on Newcastle’s beautiful game. A hearty meal at nearby eatery NINE Bar completes the wonderful experience. www.nufc.co.uk

MAR/APR17

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GOOD STUFF

Sweet charity Doing good things in the North East, our charity round-up ONE NIGHT >> May 20 Calling all divas… a night of dancing that you simply cannot miss. Rockliffe Hall invites you to party into the night with the power-packed voice of M People’s Heather Small. An Evening with Heather Small hosted by Smooth Radio promises to be a glitzy event, full of glorious nineties nostalgia. The Moving on Up and One Night in Heaven singer will perform much-loved favourites from both the M People days and also from her sizzling solo career. A true icon of the 90s, this is a definite diary ‘do this’ for May. The black tie event also includes a delicious three course menu created by chef Aaron Craig, and funds will go to the Graeme Wylie Foundation, with a raffle and silent auction also included. Don’t miss out on this must-see marvel in a marquee this May. www.rockliffehall.com

HERE IT IS >> Hardwick Hall hosts its annual evening of gourmet food and funky entertainment with the Lobster Ball, in aid of Daisy Chain on 21 April. This black tie event honours Daisy Chain and its work with people with autism and their carers. Taste delectable canapés, the new Lobster Surf&Turf then a ‘boogie ‘til you drop’ moment with 80s pop-band Shalamar – there it is! www.hardwicklobsterfestival.co.uk

WISH YOU WERE HERE >> The Wearside family of Tracey Brew has been on an amazing fund-raising journey for The Bobby Robson Foundation and St Benedict’s Hospice in Sunderland. The ‘Wish You Were Here’ fund-raising effort was to thank the two organisations which nurtured Tracey Brew through her battle with cancer, before she died in 2014. Providing a successful clinical drug trial for Tracey, The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation extended her life by years. Events included a Caledonian Way bike ride, sponsored hikes and cosy coffee mornings to raise £12,000. British Airways also got on-board, donating return flights to New York as star-prize at the charity celebration to remember Tracey held at at The Roker Hotel. www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk / www.stbenedicts.co.uk

GOOD REASON >> Durham based solicitors EMG are venturing towards a jam-packed year of fund-raising, as they accept the ‘Challenge Baton’ from local charity Headway. It provides invaluable support to those who have suffered brain injuries in the UK and EMG have worked hand in hand with the charity for many years. Managing director of EMG, Emma Gaudern, is renowned for her professional work with those that have suffered brain injuries as part of the practice’s Court of Protection services. ’We’re delighted to be taking over the baton and to help raise funds for this massively worthwhile cause’ she said.

FASHION-FORWARD >> A catwalk extravaganza at Durham University raked in an impressive £75,000 for International Rescue Committee. Guests revelled in a buzzy two day line up of catwalks, music and decadent gin cocktails provided by Sipsmith and Fevertree. Clothes were showcased by professional model Milana Aspensburg Traun among a diverse group of 60 Uni models. The executive committee of the event have chosen to direct all proceeds of this year’s show to the work carried out by the IRC in Syria this year, in aid of the on-going refugee crisis. Vice President of the fashion committee Georgia Gogarty said: “The donation of £70,000 will be the largest amount ever raised in the UK by a student event and knowing it is going to such an incredible cause makes the committee and I incredibly proud of our student community”.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE >> The Percy Hedley Foundation is throwing down the gauntlet and issuing a challenge to local businesses for a fifth year. The charity, which supports children, young people and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, is looking to lend £500 to businesses who sign up for their Challenge 500 project. The challenge, which has raised over £125,000 since its first year, encourages companies to use their skills to turn the charity’s £500 investment into as much money as they can over a six-month period to support the charity’s service users and families. Businesses can promote their own mini enterprises, hold weekly fundraising events in their offices or with their customers, invest in the Stock Market or even stick their £500 in a high interest bank account if they can find one! Money raised through Challenge 500 will support the Foundation’s Building Brighter Futures Appeal, which is currently funding the construction of a new lower school building on the same site at Percy Hedley Upper School in Killingworth, North Tyneside. The expansion will enable the Foundation, which won the Uniquely North East award at the 2016 North East Charity Awards, to provide vital education, therapy and support services for up to 200 children and their families in the North East on one site. Interested businesses are being urged to contact Sheila Coltman on 0191 238 1321 or email s.coltman@percyhedley.org.uk to register for Challenge 500.

MAR/APR17

ADVERTORIAL

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Between 1996 and 2015 the number of opposite sex cohabiting couple families doubled, the number in 2015 being 3.1 million. In 2015 20% of all opposite sex couple families were cohabiting rather than married. Conversely the number of opposite sex married couple families was practically the same in 2015 as it was in 1996 with the number being approximately 12.5 million. Additionally the number of dependent children living in opposite sex cohabiting couple families has dramatically increased from approximately 0.9 million in 1996 to around 2.1 million in 2015. The number of same sex cohabiting couples has increased from approximately 16,000 to 90,000 between 1995 and 2015. The increase in these figures is fascinating but it also, I believe, could mean that there could be a lot of problems when many of the people in the cohabiting relationships pass away. Why? Well this is because it is thought

that two thirds of the adult population do not have Wills. A properly drafted Will is the only way to ensure that the people you love and care for will benefit when you pass away. The Intestacy Rules (the rules which dictate what happens to your assets when you die without a Will) do not give anything to a cohabitee partner. Marriage does help as a spouse does have rights under the Intestacy Rules, but even a spouse won’t necessarily receive the entire estate of their husband or wife. What a spouse will receive depends upon the value of the assets owned by the deceased and whether the deceased had any children. The Intestacy Rules are complex and are particularly punishing for cohabitees if the deceased had a child, as the child or children would inherit rather than the cohabitee’s partner. This could cause many problems which, in the case of children being under the age of 18, can only be resolved with the involvement of the courts. The position is not much better when there are no children. Under the intestacy rules a parent or blood relative will inherit rather than the deceased’s partner or cohabitee. Therefore in order to avoid heartache, expense and time, a properly drawn up Will is essential for anyone who lives with their partner. Remember, there is no such thing as a common law spouse. Helen Dexter is a partner in Tilly Bailey & Irvine Law Firm with over 20 years experience specialising in Inheritance Tax, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Trusts and Wills Tilly Bailey & Irvine Law Firm 12 Evolution, Wynyard Park, TS22 5TB T: 0800 052 6824 www.tbilaw.co.uk Find us on Twitter @tbilaw

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MAR/APR7

LUXE LIFE

DARREN SPURLING Originally from London, Darren moved to the North East 20 years ago as MD of the surf and lifestyle brand, O’Neill. After leaving O’Neill he invested in the luxury Footwear brand Terry de Havilland and last year purchased the entire worldwide rights to the brand name. Fans of the distinctive shoes include Michelle Keegan, Jo Whiley and Fearne Cotton. With a shop in Jesmond and base in Newcastle, the company has distributors and showrooms in London, Milan and New York. A pop-up store opens in Chelsea this month.

LUXE PEOPLE >> My family and partner Yvonne. LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > We spend a lot of our summer weekends in Mallorca. Palma old city is one of Europe’s most fantastic places to visit. I’m just about to go to New York to visit our showroom and have a small break. A long holiday > Nothing beats winter sun. The Maldives in January is amazing. No grey cold skies in sight. LUXE RELAX >> Favourite restaurant > Our current favourite is Forn in Palma. But, if you are in Palma, I would also recommend a trip to the fish market for an amazing atmosphere and great food. Best wine > Camel Valley. A British sparkling white or rose. Perfect weekend > Any that includes a lazy Sunday. Downtime means > Playing real tennis! Jesmond has one of only about 40 real tennis courts in the whole world and anyone interested in sport or British heritage should see it and have a go. Best telly > Box sets! Best book > Always the most recent one. Reading ‘The sins of my father’ about Pablo Escobar! Blame the ‘Narcos’ Netflix boxset for that. Best sounds > Yvonne got me a turntable for Christmas so anything from my limited but growing vinyl collection. LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > London or New York. Favourite shop > Colette in Paris. Best buy > Currently its my brown suede jacket from ASOS, I also have a soft spot for watches. LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > My surprise 50th last year. Perfect party > The best ones are always the ones you do not expect or plan. Dinner date > Yvonne. YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> Shoes!?

MAR/APR17

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THE HIGH LIFE

LIVING IT UP

Coachella like a pro

with Varsha Sehgal A feast of springtime treats for you with Jared Leto THRILLED BY >> It’s a terrible thing to admit but we tend to judge footballers based on our preconceived ideas of their character and lifestyle. The image the media portrays and the way some players have conducted themselves in the past plays a major role in influencing our impression. Recently my son was invited to act as mascot for the Newcastle-Birmingham game and I have to confess I did not share his wild enthusiasm, instead I was worried about his hopes being dashed in case the players failed to live up to the superstars he’d built them up to be. I am thrilled to say that right from Rafael Benitez through to the entire team, everyone went out of their way to make that evening a truly special one for the boys and my son’s dream of meeting his heroes was a happy event. They were invited into the dressing rooms, given an NUFC kit to change into, walked through the hallowed tunnel partnered with their favourite player, practiced on the pitch during warm-up and were introduced to the other team with plenty of photo opportunities throughout. Words fail to describe the joy that was written all over their sweet faces and the pride we felt in being part of such a great club. TRAVELLED TO >> Historically Hong Kong has striven to strike a balance between commercial and cultural China and remains to this day the most global in its outlook. Unparalleled dynamism, the energy in this city has always excited me. Below are just a few of my favourites: Four Seasons Hong Kong - the best address on the island not just for the high standards that the institution is renowned for but also the excellent spa on the top floor with jaw-dropping views of Hong Kong’s skyline. The Organic Pharmacy Facial is a sensory treat. Isola - housed in the IFC Mall this is casual Italian dining in upbeat surroundings - a great choice for lunch especially if you are indulging in some retail therapy in the area. Mott 32 - the dark and cavernous interiors beneath street level lend it a mysterious and sexy vibe. The food, cocktails and service are first-rate and the Peking duck and barbeque prime Iberico pork finger-licking good! Shangri La Kowloon - unmissable for the Sunday brunch and people watching! Dragon-I & Ce La Vi - the only way to do these two is to buy a table - anything less and you will be lost amongst the beautiful faces! IFC Mall - with all of the big fashion names under one roof, many designers roll out their ranges here even before Europe! Lane Crawford is my favourite for their shoes and accessories. Repulse Bay - home to the most affluent in the city, this area offers a promenade by the sea which is delightful for lunches, walks and time with the family. Stanley Market - perhaps the most grounding

part of my trips to Hong Kong but also the most fun. I love finding little gems and the haggle that follows! TASTED >> Street food has been slow to take off in the North East but whenever I am travelling whether that be in Europe, Asia or America I constantly look out for market stalls because that is where real grub lives. Fresh produce, authentic flavours and a passion for food without frills is what one can hope to find under the gazebo whether that be ‘Kerb’ in London or ‘Chelsea Market’ in New York. As with most things, in Newcastle we can reliably rely on Fenwick to deliver the best and in this case, it’s Papa Ganoush. I was enticed by the heady aromas of their mezzes and wraps and the lamb kofte wrap and Israeli salad I demolished were no less than the ones I had indulged in last year in Tel Aviv!

INDULGENT, PERHAPS.

DELICIOUS, CERTAINLY.

with Alessandra Ambrosio

Destination:

Coachella in the Californian sunshine heralds the wave of music festivals by hosting the first every year over two weekends in April, falling between 14-16 and 21-23 this year. Big with A-listers, the main draw is the music which covers several genres to include rock, hip-hop, indie and electronic dance.

Home in the valley: While camping on site at the Empire Polo Club can be arranged at a cost, there are several hotels to choose from in Indian Wells, which is within a twenty minute drive of the venue. Hyatt Regency has undergone a recent refurbishment and is an excellent choice in the area. Tech: More than one performer can be performing at any given time across the six stages hence, it is important to know the sequence of events. Coachella has an app in the iTune store (search Coachella) which provides this information. Stages: There are six stages - Coachella Stage, Outdoor Theatre, Yuma, Gobi, Mojave and Sahara and each run like clockwork so it is imperative to know location and performance timings. Art: Coachella is a stomping-ground for all things creative and art plays a major role. Artists from around the world display here in addition to several new brands being launched. Checking out merchandise in the quirky tents is also a good way of getting out of the sun and in air conditioned surroundings between acts. TEMPTED BY >> This summer a dear friend is turning 50 and as is his style there will be a weekend of festivities - hence, the pressure to find the perfect outfits is on. On my shortlist of temptations is a silk kaftan dress by Ralph & Russo, which in ivory with pearl and crystal embellishments is the perfect balance of summery elegance without being bridal. TRIED ON >> Hand cream is my absolute handbag essential but there are so many of them that just don’t cut the mustard - they are either really oily, heavily perfumed or overly priced. Mavala offer a collagen infused solution for dry hands and is my latest cannot do without product. THINKING ABOUT >> Heather Small was the BIG voice in MPeople, a huge musical influence in the 1990s party scene and anyone worth their social salt knew the lyrics to ‘Moving On Up’ and ‘One Night In Heaven’. On Saturday, 20 May, Rockliffe Hall is hosting a black tie event that will include a performance by Heather - I cannot think of a better excuse for a long overdue spa weekend!

Refuelling:

Unlike any other festival, the food here is as impressive as the star line-up. Stalls covering almost all cuisines offer excellent value and standards and even gluten-free pizzas and dairy-free ice creams have been considered. Pop-up restaurants like the Commissary, Pok Pok LA and Rosaline offer fine dining.

The party never ends:

The last show ends just before midnight leading on to legendary after-parties. The Neon Carnival and Jeremy Scott shindigs are on everyone’s wish list and access can be arranged at a cost. Concierge companies like Quintessentially and Amex Centurian are sometimes able to procure these. Most hotels host their own poolside after parties.

2017 Line-up: Beyonce, Bastille, Radiohead and DJ Khaled are just some of the artists that will be performing this year but Coachella is very well known for many big surprise acts too! Coachella Facts: Tickets can be purchased directly from www.coachella.com or through authorised concierge companies. There are different tiers of passes with varying levels of access, proximity to the entrances and stages.

MAR/APR17

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BE BOLD

This season’s spring palette is brighter and more vibrant than ever before, with zingy, 80s-style shades and splashy tropical prints to see you into summer…

Zing

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MAR/APR17

BE BOLD

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MAR/APR17

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MAR/APR17

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Sharp

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CLEAN LINES

STYLE SWIPE Update your working wardrobe with modern and minimal pieces that will keep you firmly on trend this season…

The rise of modern, minimal and luxurious fashion brands like Céline, Vetements and Calvin Klein (now headed up by the inimitable Raf Simons) has been remarkable over the last few seasons. We’ve seen chic tailoring, refined sportswear and muted colour palettes take over the runways at some of the most high profile shows. This style translates perfectly into workwear and it’s likely to stick around over the coming seasons so now is the perfect time to invest. To get the look think oversized luxe leather clutch bags, statement

brogues and tailoring. I’ve styled a Sportmax longline waistcoat in monochrome with some classic tailored trousers by MaxMara. To finish the look I’ve added an elegant clutch by Victoria Beckham and some new-in Alpe brogues – this look is so easy to wear and can be dressed up with a pair of heels if you’re heading out straight after work. The waist-tie detailing on the jacket, frayed edging and external seams give a nod to the creative process, something that the fashion world is celebrating more than ever as this trend develops. Catherine Newton is Head of Womenswear at Fenwick Newcastle.

>> Longline Waistcoat, Sportmax £415 >> Trousers, MaxMara £190 >> Clutch, Victoria Beckham £330 >> Shoes, Alpe £125 >> Book, The Kinfolk Home £20. All available from Fenwick, Newcastle

MAR/APR17

Detail & Precision 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. With fantastic deals from some of the biggest brands b in bathrooms & kitchens. Save up to 60% oﬀ RRP on Heritage, Merlyn, Roman, Rak, Roca, Simpsons, Second Nature & Laura Ashley. Plus new displays just in from Scudo, Bagno Design, Tavistock and Roper Rhodes. FREE computer planning and design are available, and for larger projects, we oﬀer installation support. We are conndent you'll achieve your dream space. Plus 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

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

This month we bring you a look from our ‘Made In England’ collection which is all about personal style, individuality and owning your look. We frequently get asked ‘what’s hot and on-trend in the world of hair?’ and right now there’s definitely an ‘anything goes’ attitude. So, whether you curl it, smooth it, cut it or swish it, you should embrace your look and wear it with confidence. I really think this new wave comes from an ever growing diversity in what people want

and in them not wanting to fall into trends that don’t really suit them. Fashion designers are definitely on-board with fashion weeks showing such varied collections on the runways which filter down to the high street. In turn that gives us so much choice to create an individual look. Our power couple are definitely fashionistas who aren’t afraid to express their own sense of style and complement each other perfectly. Their style is eclectic and put together to make them stand out from the crowd. Her hair is waved out using a wand to give a loose and full deconstructed wave which

takes on a retro vibe when teamed with her chosen 70s frames which are really on-trend. His hair is a structured cut with a tight back and sides and long lengths through the top to give a well groomed, polished feel. He teams this up with a leopard print shirt and a black trench which we think looks super cool. These guys are really making a statement about their style and wouldn’t look out of place sitting front row at London fashion week. So find your style, run with it and love your look.

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

MAR/APR17

The North Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Loved Destination

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Kerry’s spring beauty buys Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Primer This is a very sheer primer that gives a basic coverage to the skin so can be used in the spring instead of a tinted moisturiser to even out skin tone and reduce redness. It leaves your skin looking fresh and dewy but not ‘made-up’. If this isn’t enough coverage for spring it will easily blend with your tinted moisturiser or foundation to give you more coverage.

NARS Blush in Orgasm Beautiful, peachy blusher that gives a hint of sheen and makes your cheeks have a lovely healthy glow. It works with different skin tones (ranging from light to dark). There is a lot of hype around this blusher, it’s worth the hefty price tag.

Blood, sweat and (happy) tears Working life takes makeup artist Kerry Nicholson from blushing brides to blood-splattered crime victims in the sweep of a bronzing blush Few of us can say we’ve spent the day up to our wrists in blood and gore – and enjoyed every minute. For makeup artist Kerry Nicholson, being asked to create a ‘dead prostitute dragged from river’ look is literally all in a day’s work. One she loves. Welcome to the glamorous world of television. Kerry’s, more often than not, involves early starts, freezing weather, remote locations and the fear that a numb hand won’t even be able grasp a makeup brush. She has worked on location in the North East for dramas such as Vera, Beowulf and the children’s series, Wolfblood which sees her transform teen actors into wolves – teeth, eyes and painted veins. She is a go-to when a corpse is needed on the post-mortem slab for a crime drama; “a dead body is easy – block out the lip colour and you already look dead”, she informs. By far her grittiest work has been on the series Wire in the Blood, which was made by North East-based Coastal Productions. Kerry was a trainee on set. She decided to train as a makeup artist to do something ‘more creative’ than her post-Uni job as a stockbroker in Scotland. The world of TV wasn’t unfamiliar to her, she is married to TV producer Will Nicholson who has worked on major series like Vera. They live in the Tyne Valley and have two children, Oscar, six and Darcy, four. Wire in the Blood was a powerful drama – and the makeup team was able to create graphic, realistic ‘gore’ because of its post-watershed timing. She reveals, “You buy in fake blood which is very authentic, then mix it with mashed banana! Pre-watershed you can’t show blood – a body might be found but they don’t show it – with Wire in the Blood it was pretty gruesome; dragging a body out of the river.” It’s not always quite so gruesome. Kerry loved working on George Gently for example, a series set in the Sixties and filmed across the region. “It was great because the attention to detail for the period was fascinating. Great hair and very specific makeup.” Likewise, for the series Beowulf she would create ‘medieval, dirty, sunkissed’ outdoorsy makeup. Kerry worked on the the recent Bafta-winning film, I, Daniel Blake which was filmed in and around Newcastle. She also worked on the movie Song for Marion with Vanessa Redgrave and Terence Stamp.

And when it comes to tears – she helps create happy ones for brides, making them beautiful for their big day. “One really lovely thing was working with a bride-to-be who had plastic surgery just a few weeks before her wedding. She was bitten by a dog and wanted to be able to hide the scars. It was lovely to be able to help her – you really couldn’t tell.” Naturally Kerry is a makeup junkie and likes nothing more than spending a few hours in the makeup halls. She will do one-to-one shopping sessions and makeup lessons with clients to help them get out of their makeup rut and try a new look. But she admits to finding the current trend for young girls to use loads of makeup ‘terrifying’. “I am a bit terrified of the girls in the street who are so young but very made-up. I feel like saying, you’re young and lovely, you just need a bit of lipgloss! “ But she loves her creative new world, whether it’s the bride or the bloodthirsty side of it. “I have worked on Vera – Brenda Blethyn is admirable as an actress a really lovely person, I’ve done the gritty stuff for Wire in the Blood but one of my favourite things was working on Songs of Praise in Sunderland”, she laughs. “It was live and I was there in the background as it all happened – there was an adrenaline rush as it went live. “There’s not that much glamour to the job – I generally spend my my life in thermals in freezing places!” www.kerrynicholson.com

Chanel Universel De Chanel Sun Illuminator This is a very versatile product. It can be used on its own to contour the face or all over for a healthy glow. A little goes a long way. Apply using a synthetic brush. It is moisturising and never goes patchy. If I was to only have one product in my bag this spring, this would be it!

Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palette in Dolce Vitta The newest addition to my makeup collection is this gorgeous palette from Charlotte Tilbury. I love the colours and it works particularly well if you have blue or green eyes. Charlotte Tilbury has free videos on her website that gives you a step-by-step guide to getting a few different looks from one palette.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion This is the secret to crease free eyeshadow. Blend lightly all over your lid then put on your eyeshadow as normal. It will give your eyeshadow more vibrancy. It will last for a full day filming, Urban Decay claim it will last 24 hours but I’ve not tested for longer than 12 hours.

LVL Lashes This is a natural lash treatment. LVL straightens your natural eyelashes at the root, so unlike a traditional lash perm it creates the effect of longer, lifted lashes. The results are immediate, plus the added lash tint creates a mascara-type effect so you are always ready to go. A must as the weather starts to warm up and for any busy women out there. You can ditch your mascara for roughly six weeks, what’s not to love?

Wunderbrow I was sceptical about trying this as I’m not a huge fan of the heavy HD brows that seem to be on trend at the minute. Wunderbrow however is an easy way to fill in any gaps in your eyebrows but still leaves them looking natural. You can build to create a heavier look.

Kat Von D Lipstick This lipstick will not budge and is described as life proof. Lovesick is a fresh beautiful spring colour that will complement a natural day look

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask Spring is just around the corner so its time to get back to a good exfoliation routine for your face and neck. Your makeup will sit so much better on the skin following exfoliation, leaving your skin clean and balanced.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Crème A little indulgent, this moisturiser is so refreshing and light on your skin but very moisturising. After a winter in central heating your skin will feel amazing and be grateful for deep hydration it will receive from this product just in time for spring.

MAR/APR17

ALL THE INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR PERFECT KITCHEN “Luxurious hand-crafted kitchens designed with you in mind.”

www.oakstonedesigns.co.uk Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram @OakstoneDesigns

01325 366 948

FACE UP

MOUTH MATTERS WITH ONKAR DHANOYA

Rural rest & retreat

Onkar Dhanoya is clinical lead and principal dentist at the Osborne Dental Group (soon to become Honour Health), providing dental treatments and facial aesthetics at three sites across the North East (Jesmond, Stanley and Ponteland). Onkar, who has more than 30 years of dentistry experience, sits on the board of the Faculty of General Dental Practice and holds a fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons (London).

GET SMART ABOUT SUGAR >> Did you know that Public Health England (PHE) recently launched a free app called Change4Life Be Food Smart, which shows users the sugar, saturated fat and salt content in their food and drink? I think it’s a fantastic way of using technology as a tool for the fight against the UK’s rising rates of child tooth decay, obesity and type two diabetes. The app works by scanning the barcodes of more than 75,000 products and reveals the breakdown of sugar, fat and salt in each item, in a bid to encourage families to make healthier food choices. According to PHE, children aged four to ten are consuming an average of 22kg of added sugar a year, which equates to about 5,500 sugar cubes. That’s more than the weight of an average five-year old! Pulling out children’s teeth costs the NHS more than £30million per year, so it’s clear that there’s an urgent need for clever initiatives such as this one, to educate parents about what they should cut out of their children’s diets. For instance, the app reveals that a small carton of juice contains more than five cubes of sugar, which may shock parents who could assume that juice would be a healthier alternative to fizzy pop. In fact, they should opt to give their youngsters low-fat milk, water or a low sugar drink instead. But just how much sugar is too much? The daily recommended limits are: · 4-6 year olds: no more than five sugar cubes or 19g · 7-10 year olds: no more than six sugar cubes or 24g · 11 year olds and above: no more than seven sugar cubes or 30g The Be Food Smart app is a great tool for everyone and it’s brilliantly easy to use. Why not experiment with it on your next shopping trip, to find out just how much of the white stuff is lurking in the products you usually add to your trolley! To get the free app, search for Be Food Smart on Apple Store or on Google Play. Osborne Dental Group will shortly be rebranding as Honour Health: 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

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

Get that cosy, chilled out feeling and lose yourself in the idyllic, Shropshire countryside. Elysia Agnew checks in… Sometimes we just need to get away. Get away, and be pampered. A contemporary, country house with bespoke facilities is key to an ‘away from it all’ escape - and that’s why we love Fishmore Hall Hotel & Spa. A trip through the glorious countryside, along the Anglo-Welsh border and through the rolling Shropshire hills, brings us to a real luxe retreat - and that’s before you’ve thrown on your slippers and your fluffy robe, sitting book-in-hand in the spa. Fishmore Hall was built in the early 1800s as a grand, family residence. It was transformed into a school during the Second World War, falling into a derelict state shortly after. The once abandoned building was lovingly brought back to life by the current owner, Laura Penman, in 2007 - and has since become a popular rural retreat - now even more so with the addition of the SPAshell. We check in and head straight for the spa. A small, Nordic-style outbuilding where you’ll find couples’ treatment rooms, an outdoor cedar wellness pool, oversized hammock for lounging and two thermal cabins housing a steam room and sauna, all with undisturbed views of the beautiful, Shropshire countryside. After a busy working week, it’s time to relax, unwind and appreciate the peaceful sensation of being ‘lost in the middle of nowhere’. Wrapped up in warm, comfy dressing gowns, it’s time to try out the treatments. It’s always nice to see Elemis as the chosen spa brand - a familiar, refreshing product that in my experience, works wonders. But for something a little different - warming and soothing - in keeping with the setting and feel of the place, the lovely therapists book my partner and I in for a Lava Shell Thermal Relax Experience. A unique, signature SPAshell treatment using hot Lava Shell massage to create a sense of deep relaxation. A warm welcome to the couple’s treatment room includes refreshments and a quick consultation to ensure the best possible outcome and exploration of the body. The result: smooth skin, sparkling vitality and a useful dose of aftercare support on how best to maintain a healthy, injury-free lifestyle. Post treatment - and feeling fresh from head to toe we’re left to roam the health suite at our leisure. As the sun sets in, it’s the perfect place to reflect and retreat. An evening drifting from steam room to sauna and from wellness pool to hammock - oh-so relaxing.

Inside and out, the SPAshell has that cosy, hygge feel. Piles of knit blankets and chunky cushions make you feel right at home. It’s worlds away from the busy, clinical spa you might find in a bustling city destination - it’s snug, low key and intimate. Grab a fleece and snooze under the stars in the oversized hammock, or free up your pores in the dreamy steam room - a fine fix of aromatherapy under the calming light cycle. The Nordic art of hygge is recreated in the hotel’s design too. The exterior: a beautifully grand, whitewashed building standing boldly in the Shropshire countryside, surrounded by lush fields and close to a small, quintessentially English village. Inside and a recent refurb brings the grand venue back down to earth - cool, contemporary interiors combined with grey, cream and brown hues - something of a Nordic influence. It brings the tranquility of the spa back into the building - creating the perfect venue for a weekend retreat, where you feel relaxed from start to finish. Good food comes with bespoke luxury, and Fishmore Hall have hit the nail on the head in that department too. The dining room is an elegant space, with uninterrupted views of the rural surrounds through the large orangery windows, or from the terrace if al-fresco is your thing. It’s always nice to see local produce and seasonal inspiration making its mark on the menu - something Head Chef, Andrew Birch is passionate about when it comes to Fishmore’s food offering. The regional detail and innovation put into the meals here make Forellas restaurant one of the finest in the very foodie Ludlow area. The Brasserie menu serves up casual, Sunday evening dinner - also available for easy-going dining throughout the week. A more relaxed, dining experience is perfect for us; feeling calm and content following our SPAshell experience. For something a little more formal, the Shropshire Tasting menu is available Tuesday to Saturday, serving a three-course and a six-course option - taking diners on a foodie journey of Shropshire. For an ‘away from it all’ break, Fishmore Hall is a hideaway in the hills worth searching for - perfect for pampering in the new SPAshell facilities and feeding off Shropshire’s finest foods. www.fishmorehall.co.uk

MAR/APR17

After a busy working week, it’s time to relax, unwind and appreciate the peaceful sensation of being lost in the middle of nowhere

WELCOME TO SHAPING FUTURES

Pilates & reformer

D u r h a m C i t y ’s Unique Wellness & Fitness Studio

R e s i s t a n c e Tr a i n i n g

Yo g a & M e d i t a t i o n Cardio & P e r s o n a l Tr a i n i n g Physiotherapy Nutrition Mindfulness

Membership packaging tailored to individual needs

Shaping Futures // Hawthorne Terrace // Durham // DH1 4EL

0191 386 4865 W: www.shapingfutures.co.uk // E: Info@shapingfutures.co.uk MAR/APR17

FEEL GOOD

FITNESS!

MAGIC >> Espa’s Tri-Active Instant Facial, £58, is all about results. A 3-in-1 serum, treatment oil and a revitalising essence, it combines antioxidant Macroalgae Cell and Winged Kelp Extracts with White Truffle Extract and Vitamin-C. Expect instant plumping of lines and a generous ‘straight from the spa’ glow. Super-nourishing. Available Harvey Nichols, Leeds.

WITH LEILA BRAMWELL

POSTURE AND MOVEMENT AND PILATES It’s been said the body knows nothing of muscles, only of movement. Our ability to produce and control movement pervades all aspects of our life. Movement allows us to adapt and respond to the environment around us. We use our movement to conduct our activities of daily living, to work and for recreation. The way we move is reflected in our posture and our gestures, in what we say about ourselves. Our movement can tell the story of our life, holding the imprint of our body, mind and spirit. So it is important to be aware of not only how we move, but also what we think and say, as those thoughts will embed themselves in the nervous system and contribute to mental habits and patterns. Movement is a synergistic effort. It involves the entire physical self and affects all of the body’s systems. The hundreds of bones and joints in our body provide us with a vast array of movement possibilities as our body moves between the states of balance and imbalance. The body makes constant changes to preserve equilibrium. This balancing act is achieved through the intricate coordination of muscles working simultaneously, rather than in isolation. This balance is achieved through the coordination of the entire body’s neuromusculoskeletal systems while mentally the cognitive process is called on to understand, remember, and perfect the movements. A movement system is an exercise form that aims to improve the overall fitness of the entire kinetic chain while developing the deep muscles of the core, improving their stability to provide spinal segmental stability. Poor movement patterns reduce performance potential, resulting in quick fatigue, and reduced endurance. Because faulty movement patterns are not a question of isolated muscle weakness; they cannot be corrected by resistance training. They need to be addressed by retraining the central nervous system. Common factors in the movement system are the ability of the deep muscles to guide and control movement, improve motor control, quality of movement and teach to how to produce and control movement within their functional training range. Pilates addresses all of the above with healing qualities. Healthy movement patterns replace dysfunctional ones. Providing new movement patterns which help the body to adjust to change. Exercises get added and the body is challenged and weaknesses are revealed and overall strength, flexibility and stamina improve. The benefits of Pilates transfer into daily life and are revealed in a more upright, relaxed posture, greater ease of movement and increased awareness of the body. If you need help with your back or postural problems contact Leila@shapingfutures.co.uk

DROP IN >>

SKIN SALVATION >>

Bobbi Brown brings plant power and pastels to the skincare party this season with its pipette-perfect Remedies collection, £29.50, to target the skin’s needs. You need just a drop to nourish skin and help stablise any worrisome issues, such as oiliness or breakouts. Try the reviving skin fortifier to deal with dull, ageing skin or the intense rehydration compound to combat dryness. Available from Harvey Nichols, Leeds.

Chanel’s spring miracle hits the trend for hydra-therapy care, harnessing the power of the oceans and all its do-good properties. A one-step wonder-product, Chanel’s Blue Serum, £81 (30ml), is packed with carefully selected natural ingredients including green coffee of Costa Rica, the olive of Sardinia and lentisk of Greece. They combine to nourish and nuture weary, dull skin with a lightweight, luxurious skin pick-me-up. On counter now, and at www.chanel.com

Makeup musts A FANCY FLUSH >> Clarins’ Tender Moments collection offers up Skin Illusion Blush, £16, for a natural glowing flush. Sweep on the apples of the cheeks for a naturally radiant ‘glow from within’ look. Cute, compact and perfect for a pop of colour when you’re on the go. Daily Energizer Lovely Lip Balm, £16, lets you perk up the pout with the gentle lip hugging genius of a sweet-smelling balm to nourish and colour. On counter and at www.clarins.co.uk

SIDE SWIPE >> Bobbi Brown’s Cheek Glow Palette is the only thing you need – a two-in-one compact that combines popular Pot Rouge cream blush (which also comes in handy for lips), plus a new cream illuminator— just swipe and blend to create a great fresh, glow. £35, on counter.

BAG THIS >> In health and happiness Leila Bramwell Master Pilates Instructor, Back Specialist and Trainer Shaping Futures – Durham City www.shapingfutures.co.uk www.thebackclinicdurham.co.uk

Surely on everyone’s springtime wishlist. Makeup in a moment with Charlotte Tilbury’s quick-fix mini-kit, £55. Four ‘grab n go’ easy makeup kits with her multi-tasking bestsellers, to paint in the light, morph the eye colour, lift and sculpt the cheekbones, and enhance what nature naturally gave you. Look amazing in five minutes, we’re on it! Available House of Fraser, intuMetrocentre

MAR/APR17

LOOK GOOD

FRESH SCENTS >> Neom London launches its very first fragrance. Fresh, fruity and 100% natural scents of grapefruit and rosemary are sure to lift the spirits during the inevitably jam-packed days this month. Appropriate for every day, anytime wear, simply spritz up and power through. £49, www.neomorganics.com

LOVE A SPRITZ OF SPRING >> Try a fragrance to call your own Chantecaille’s Le Wild is all about the bloom – heady gardenia fragrance that’s floral but super-fresh and happy-making. Make it your spring fling. £180 (75ml). On counter, Harvey Nichols, Leeds.

A Spring fling to ring the changes for your makeup bag or bathroom shelf…

FLAWLESS FACE >> For power products this season think fresh, illuminated skin and fewer steps in the makeup regime. Murad answers the skin prayers with Invisiblur Perfecting Shield, £55. A 5-in-1 skin miracle dedicated to perfecting, protecting and priming with a combination of shiitake mushroom and Mucor Miehei Peptides as well as gentle barley, sunflower and cucumber extracts. www.murad.com

PLANT PERFECT >> If your skin is in need of a lift this month, feel your sprightly self again with Origins patented Plantscription powerful lifting concentrate. Satin formula, infused with essential oils of pink rose, mandarin orange and star anise to leave those under-eyes feeling toned and taught. Instant face-lift technology (without drastic measures) what’s not to love? £52 on counter and at www.origins.co.uk

DITCHING DRYNESS >> More hydration help from the Clarins HydraEssentiel range, an array of pampering products engineered to re-fresh and re-vitalise skin in need. Our faves: Silky Cream, £36, envelops the skin with a luxurious feeling of wellbeing and care. It reinvigorates the skin, helping combat pesky dryness and dullness. Bi-phase Serum, £44, is a genius invisible serum to leave skin feeling supple, youthful and radiant. Cooling gel, £36, is the one to refresh the skin instantly, restoring hydration and vitality. On counter and at www.clarins.co.uk

MAR/APR17

LUXE LIFE LUXE PEOPLE >> My Dad. We set up this business about four years ago and with him he brought a wealth of experience having run a successful kitchen company for 40 years. He offered me an incredible opportunity at the age of 25 to join him in this new venture and working alongside him every day since has taught me almost everything I know about kitchen design. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his support and patience and I look forward to what happens next! LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > One of my favourite places to go for a weekend away is Madrid. Not only because it is a fab city but because my sister Sam lives there. A weekend spent with my sister and eating tapas, perfect! A long holiday > My partner Craig and I recently went to the Maldives via Dubai. It was just the best two weeks! Glam city life for four days then ten days in paradise with my family. LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Chinese food is my absolute favourite. I actually had to ban myself in January to try to kick start a healthy new year, otherwise it would be Chinese food every weekend! Best wine > Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc is up there with my faves. Also love a good Rioja! Favourite restaurant > Chaophraya. I went to this restaurant in Edinburgh a couple of years ago and loved it. So pleased they have now opened one in Eldon Square. Perfect weekend > A trip up to Druridge Bay in Northumberland for a walk with the dogs then home to my parents’ house for the best Sunday lunch. Downtime means > A gin and tonic in hand, a bowl of crisps and dip and a good movie. Best telly > I love a good box set! Anything from Game of Thrones to Scandal. Best theatre > I honestly couldn’t say which was better, The Phantom of the Opera or The Lion King. Both were incredible. I was totally blown away. Best book > I am a bit of a romantic at heart so I am usually happy with anything written by Nicholas Sparks. I am however currently reading Bryan Cranston’s autobiography. There is something intriguing about reading a book written by Walter White! Best sounds > Some would say I have bad taste in music…I call it an eclectic mix! My parents have brought me up listening to some of the greats. I feel that I am lucky at the age of 29 to have seen The Eagles twice! Other favourites of mine include Bon Jovi, Celina Dion and One Direction... see, eclectic! LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > Newcastle! Favourite shop > The White Company. I love their home accessories and fragrances. I recently treated us to some of their bed linen, it is worth every penny. Luxe retail treat > My mum recently treated me to a lovely hand massage at Jo Malone in Fenwick’s so we treated ourselves to some of their skin care and perfumes. Best buy > I would have to say my grey suede boots. They have seen me through the last two winters, whether it be a dressy night out or a jeans kind of day, they work!

HANNAH RAVEN Hannah Raven is the senior designer and co-founder of North East-based kitchen specialists Raven Kitchen Design. Following an honours degree in Business Management at Northumbria University Hannah spent three years working in recruitment before joining her father, Tony Raven, in setting up the family business.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > Day drinks with the girls is always the best. Perfect party > Summer house party at my parents’ house in Northumberland. I think we had 70 people one year! BBQ, drinks, music and good company. Best dress/favourite item of clothing > It has to be a really good pair of skinny jeans that fit in all the right places! Dinner date > Best dinner date I have ever been on was in Dubai. Craig took me to the Burj Khalifa’s Atmosphere Bar for my birthday, best (and only) lobster tacos I have ever had. YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> My SieMatic kitchen! As someone who loves to cook I couldn’t ask for a better kitchen.

MAR/APR17

SKIN DEEP

Therapists work magic on your muscles, armed with wonderfully-fragrant poultices, made with amber and quartz

Spring skin

Jessica Laing unwinds at Matfen Hall’s Aqua Vitae spa - a super spot to melt away the New Year blues and give your skin a serious spring clean...

I always feel a little guilty taking time out this time of year. They say a little ‘me-time’ all year round is good for the soul, but after two gluttonous weeks off over the festive period (mostly spent on the sofa with one too many pigs-in-blankets to hand) I can’t help but feel like relaxing is, or should be, off limits during the first few months of the year. Life resumes and the feel-good celebrations come to a very abrupt end. But then, that’s the thing about the promise of spring isn’t it - rather than making you feel like getting your head down and hurtling back to the grind in full force, for many, it can actually make you want to emerge from the wintry greyness, beautify and blossom. And that’s where good old spa days come in handy. And so, a few Sundays ago, a chum and I said no to a day of hoovering and scouring the aisles of Sainsburys (anyone else dread the big weekly shop?) and, instead, decided to firmly put our New Year guilt on hold in the name of pampering. Matfen Hall’s Aqua Vitae spa was our hideout of choice. Partly due to its ridiculously tranquil surroundings - it’s nestled in 300 acres of peaceful, Northumbrian parkland but also because of its great range of ‘day escape’ packages. Booking one means you and a loved one can kick-back from sunrise ’til sundown, enjoying up to two and a half hours of spa treatments, a two-course lunch, full use of spa facilities and a welcome drink to kick things off. There’s something for everyone - from couples and friends to guys, groups and mums-to-be - but on this occasion, it was the ‘Amelia’s Collection’ that took our fancy, combining one relaxing hour of treatment time with all the aforementioned extras. You’re also treated to a cheeky glass of champers at lunch - what’s not to love? After an early check-in, we made ourselves at home in the spa lounge - a cosy little spot, complete with its very own juice bar and views of the pool. We arrived bright and early, around 9am, so laying low here while we woke ourselves up, armed with our welcome drinks, felt great. My pal received a much-needed caffeine shot in the form of a frothy latte, while I opted for one of the spa’s signature smoothies, made with avocado, spinach, apple and other green veg, for a bit of five-a-day goodness to get me going. We also made our lunch choices. A hard thing, if you can’t stomach the thought of food first thing, but a total joy in our case. If ever there were two foodies whose lives revolved around eating, you were looking at them. Kudos to Matfen’s chefs for offering such a varied lunch menu - have a peek and you’ll discover a range of light bites to suit all tastes and diets, whether you’re a green-eating

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veggie or vegan, or an avid meat-eater. Treatment-wise, an ‘Amelia’s Collection’ spa day means you can take your pick from either a full, tension-busting body massage, a skin specific facial or a luxury manicure or pedicure. One of the spa’s dedicated therapists helped us decide how to relax; a 60-minute pore-perfecting facial for my friend, designed to boost radiance and leave skin plump, and one of the spa’s newest, hour-long massage treatments for me, using warm poultices to ease sore, aching muscles. The perfect post-gym pick-me-up. Choices made, we had some free time before we re-robed and enjoyed some probable shut-eye on the massage table.

This meant a little bit of everything; a good soak in the bubbling hot tub, a few lengths in the warm pool and some time spent sweating it out in the sauna and the gym which, on this particular Sunday, we found to be surprisingly peaceful. No racing to nab a treadmill or a pair of weights. When it was time to don our fluffy slippers, we made our way to the treatment rooms, before being quietly ushered into the spa’s relaxation room - a twinkly, low-lit snug, filled with gorgeous reclining beds, decorated with fluffy pillows, cashmere throws and faux-fur blankets, fresh fruit and herbal teas and stacks of glossy magazines for flicking. Every spa in the region has one of these rooms, but Matfen’s small, but perfectly-formed, hideout has always been a firm favourite. Treatments were just as heavenly as we’d hoped. My chum’s ‘Superfood Pro-Radiance’ facial meant their skin had been given a nutritional boost, rich in skin ‘superfoods’ and minerals, and a detoxifying massage to help drain away stress and nasties. And judging by their big smile, smooth, plump cheeks and healthy pink glow post-treatment, it was a facial that had certainly done the trick. A great choice,

especially for those with sensitive, more mature skin. My poultice-powered massage also proved to be a winner - and a one I’d definitely recommend to gym-goers or stressed, stiff office-workers. Allow yourself to drift off into an undisturbed slumber as your therapist works her magic on your muscles, armed with hot and wonderfully-fragrant poultices, made with amber and quartz, to target sore spots. But don’t fret - it’s a lot gentler than it sounds. A light slick of essential oil beforehand means the poultices are glided over and pushed into areas of tension with ease - and it’s these gentle, rhythmic kneading movements that melt away knots and helps you drift off. I say try it; your muscles - and your mind - will thank you. An hour later, we both emerged from the spa a little greasier, but considerably lighter on our feet, than we were before we entered, just in time for a spot of lunch. Being a spa guest means you get to dine in a private room, just off the hotel’s Conservatory Bistro, with fabulous views of its sweeping, 27-hole golf course. Our morning foodie choices proved to be the right ones; for me, a lunch-sized portion of veggie risotto, served wonderfully creamy, cheesy and oozy, with a side of buttered greens. Sunday stodginess done perfectly.

Our pal, meanwhile, made their way through one of the menu’s good-sized burgers, made the vegetarian way with a falafel-like patty, fresh tomatoes, gherkins and a mayo relish for sweetness, and served with a hefty pot of sweet potato fries. Desserts weren’t needed, but demolished. A gooey slab of sticky toffee pudding for them, and two wedges of dark chocolate brownies for me. Because, well, if you can’t indulge on a Sunday, when can you? We tootled off, back to reality, soon after, with full bellies, smooth skin and zero back pain. A winning combination if you ask me. And that ‘New Year guilt’ seemed to have eased off too. Breaking away from our grown-up jobs, chores and day-to-day routine gave us time to pamper and giggle, and a chance to reconnect - things we all need now and again when faced with the often dreary thought of Monday, next month, and the 350-something days ahead. Thanks, Matfen, for bringing the feel-good-factor. For more information, visit www.matfenhall.com or call 01661 886400

HEAR THIS >> Image BBC / Dean Chalkley

Every day is a cultural journey for Wearside-born Lauren Laverne. One that takes her from Cbeebies to BBC Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hour to 6Music and beyond. Could anyone be better placed to add their voice to Sunderlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bid to become City of Culture 2021? Kathryn Armstrong finds out

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HEAR THIS

veryone has their own version of Lauren Laverne. There’s the spiky, confident singer who powered her way through punk with the band Kenickie in the 1990s. The witty, sharp and confident panelist on shows like Have I Got News for You. The culture maven who brought the arts to a new audience with The Culture Show. Not forgetting the voice. Presenter of 6Music every weekday morning and of the edgy, oft-controversial Late Night Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4. At 38, Lauren Laverne denies being anything like a role model for women, but take in the above and it’s there for all to see. She is adding her formidable voice to her hometown’s Sunderland City of Culture Bid for 2021, with the shortlist due to be announced in late spring. Her own version of culture started in Sunderland as a child: “My brother sometimes jokingly refers to our childhood home as the Culture Tardis and it really was. It was a house full of music, books and ideas. At the time, though (in the 1980s) that didn’t feel unusual, or if it was I didn’t know it was. “I’m from a big extended family and almost everyone in it was into music. Almost everyone sang or danced or just dressed like a pop star. It had always been that way - my Granda was one of 13 and was in a band with his brothers that sang in working men’s clubs. My Dad has always played guitar - he was a regular on the blues and folk scene and played gigs with Jimi Hendrix, Geno Washington and loads of the stalwarts of the 60s folk scene. So it was very natural for my brother and I to carry on with our own version of that. It was also wrapped up in my love of nightclubs and the North East’s ritualistic devotion to a good night out, which I think had a big influence on the way I feel about music. “The power of culture and the way you can change your life by looking at it through a different lens were all lessons I learned from my family and their love of music”, she eloquently proclaims. Today Lauren is surely one of Sunderland’s best-known exports. Though home, with husband and two boys, is in London, she returns as much as she can. “I love coming home. I always go for a run on the beach first and see friends and family. I also love checking out exhibitions at the Glass Centre, Winter Gardens and other local museums. I’ve seen some brilliant shows at The Empire and we always visit for big events like the Airshow and the Illuminations (I switched them on the other year, which was hilarious!) “My kids like to go and say hello to Wallace the Lion and the walruses in Mowbray Park when we’re up, just like I did when I was little. Of course the North East music scene is really vibrant, and it’s so lovely to get the chance to plug into that a bit whenever I can.” Talking of culture, Lauren believes her Sunderland inheritance is something of a mix. “I suppose I grew up with a regional identity that sat above any awareness of my national identity. I learned the importance of having a sense of humour and inherited a belief that culture is powerful. That what you know and believe, or what you love can count more than your circumstances. “On paper my Granda was a miner but who he really was was also about his interior life - a Nat King Cole soundtrack, a laconic sense of humour, Bogart and cowboy films - tons of cool and style. And all that stuff is just as real, just as much a part of who he was as the flesh and blood parts of his life. I think that’s the case for all of us, and that we should all have access to those sorts of riches. I inherited the belief that culture should be available to everyone.”

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Lauren has made her home in London and those bright lights always beckon for other young people. Sunderland’s Brexit moment, of which she says. “I was sad to see the division that it created, for sure”, might well have created reason to leave for many young people. Would something like a cultural shift, make people stay? “Of course there needs to be a strong economy, but it’s also about your life outside of work. I read a survey recently that said kids in the North East have the best access to the natural environment (the coast) in the country, and how important that is for their wellbeing. It’s great that we’ve already got that. And of course there needs to be a rich cultural scene - places to go out, see people and experience whatever it is you’re into, whether that’s hardcore metal or musical theatre. “I see an optimism and creativity in my younger cousins and my older cousins’ kids and it’s wonderful.” The old family-work juggle for Lauren doesn’t mean a 9-5 by any means. The consistent bit - the ‘day job’ is her BBC 6Music programme every weekday, live from 10-1. Beyond that it is a mix. From shooting for The Pool (the online magazine she co-launched), to voiceovers (“I’m just about to go into the studio to start working on the next series of the CBeebies series Tee and Mo, which is such a lovely job!) to Late Night Woman’s Hour and TV work (“I’m presenting Film 2017 next week”). It’s a real mix, which is wonderful. “My definition of home has expanded over the years. Sunderland will always be home but now London is, too. I suppose like most people it’s where the people I love are, and they’re in both places. Aside from them I’m happiest with a sea view. I think that’s got to do with being born a couple of hundred yards from Roker beach. She brings culture to the lives of her own children, ‘the same way as everyone else does’. “Through books, music and films but also jokes, language. The dictionary definition of culture is “that which is not nature” so it’s literally everywhere - you don’t have to go hunting for it, necessarily. Sometimes it’s about appreciating the richness of the place you are and the moment you’re in.” Lauren scoffs at the being described as a ‘role model’. “I wouldn’t describe myself that way! But as far as what role models mean to me I think they’re really important. They’re a bit like the medals of saints that people used to wear years ago - a talisman and a shield against adversity. “I’ve got through difficult things by imagining how people I admire would handle that situation, and I work out where I want to go next partly by trying to live my own version of somebody else’s story. I’m pretty omnivorous as far as my role models are concerned. I don’t think you necessarily have to be the same gender or background as a person to be inspired by them. I grew up idolising everyone from Iggy Pop to Audrey Hepburn!” Find out more about the Sunderland culture bid on www.sunderland2021.com

I grew up with a regional identity that sat above any awareness of my national identity. I learned the importance of a sense of humour and a belief that culture is powerful

HEAR THIS >> Image Suki Dhanda

What City of Culture will mean to Sunderland >> People, investment, spectacle, fun, ideas. It depends how you’re measuring it - the economic impact would be fantastic, but I also love the idea that it would give everyone at home the kind of access to art and culture that people in big cities sometimes take for granted. It’s easy to live in London and never visit the British Museum even though it’s free, but as we all know one of the great things about Sunderland is that if you put on a do, everyone comes! I hope it would be an opportunity that people from across the region could enjoy. I’m not sure Sunderland always gets the credit it deserves but the city’s contribution is too great to erase. The city has given the world gospels, songs, glass, ships, stories... Maybe that’s why Lewis Carroll named Wonderland just after visiting. Perhaps we don’t shout about it enough - the 2021 bid is a good excuse to do that! The people of Sunderland are ‘tough, funny with soft hearts’ I think that’s the regional character. When Grayson Perry came up to make his tapestries he put his finger on the emotional pulse of the city. It was something I’d always known but never seen so clearly articulated (especially by an outsider). I loved the Channel 4 documentary about the making of the tapestries and went to see them at the Winter Gardens exhibition. The character I’m describing was the combination Grayson captured in his The Vanity of Small Differences piece about the club singer - the way a tough exterior or a brusque sense of humour and an industrial setting can belie a very emotional heart. We’re soft as clarts, as they say.

I’m not sure Sunderland always gets the credit it deserves but the city’s contribution is too great to erase

My pride in Sunderland >> Everyone asks me about football - which in all honesty I’m not that knowledgeable about! Then after that they will usually say that they visited, had a great time and talk about how friendly the people are. I love that - our reputation is definitely about fun and kindness. Older people know more about the industrial and economic background. They might talk about the shipyards or tell you that the Sydney Harbour Bridge was inspired by the one at Monkwearmouth, for example. That kind of thing always makes me very proud!

The cultural year ahead – what’s exciting? >> There’s too much music to list but North East artists with new records I’m excited about include Jake Houlsby, Nadine Shah, Lanterns on the Lake, Riton and Domzilla. I can’t wait to hear what Field Music do next. I’m looking forward to David Hockney’s exhibition at the Tate. I find him really inspiring - the way he has embraced technology and continues to make fantastic work at 79. I interviewed Danny Boyle about T2 Trainspotting, which I loved. It’s an examination of midlife crises and the perils of nostalgia. Dark as anything but funny, too. I’m looking forward to seeing what Simon Rich does next, he’s one of my favourite writers.

Lauren’s favourite Wearside people >> Bryan Ferry James Bolam Bobby Thompson Kate Adie Gina McKee Dave Stewart … and my Mam!

>> Photograph by David Allen

>> What lies ahead; launch events for the Sunderland’s 2021 City of Culture bid.

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LOVE LIFE

Still struggling to emerge from the New Year slump? Luxe life coach, Laura Beckingham, reveals how to bring yourself back to life and put a spring in your step this season… Spring-clean your stuff You’ve heard this before, but it’s always useful to be reminded - clearing out what’s not needed is great for our wellbeing. When our spaces and places are congested, we unconsciously become burdened. But de-cluttering allows energy to flow with ease. In addition to the obvious things, like cleaning out cupboards, give these things a try… • Sweep your garden, paying particular attention to doorways and paths. Keeping these areas clean and clear lets air and energy flow freely in and out of your home. • Empty out the rubbish from your purse or wallet. Old receipts scream ‘money out’. Put some fresh money back in your purse to attract abundance. • Clean up your tech. Your phone in particular can get ‘weighed down’, so take the time to delete unwanted pictures and emails, remove or update old applications and clear out old numbers.

Spring clean yourself As well as focusing on cleaning up your environment, now is also a good time to turn your attention to de-cluttering yourself too… • Declutter your mind: Make a list of any things that are bothering you, causing you to feel anxious or fatigued. Once these things are down on paper, burn them (safely) and let their negative vibes drift away. • Clean up your insides. Herbal tonics are a traditional way to cleanse the gut and fortify the body. There are many easy recipes online, or if you’re lucky enough to know a herbalist, they can recommend something. When I was small, my mam used to make a ‘spring medicine’ to drink – quite simply lots of citrus fruit soaked in hot water, with some cream of tartar and, if feeling brave, syrup of figs! I can’t vouch for the medicinal benefits of this particular recipe, but it didn’t do me any harm! • Tidy up your outside. Exfoliate, get a haircut, and give yourself a manicure. Energetically, this time is a wonderful window in which to get rid of the bits of you that are no longer needed.

Schedule in space Right now you’re probably making plans for wonderful things that you’ll do this year – places you’ll go, friends you’ll see, trips and holidays you’ll take. So, before your diary gets overloaded, take a moment to schedule in some ‘space’, such as weekends at home, ‘duvet-days’ and empty evenings. You’ll be so grateful for prioritising this once the social side of spring and summer are in full swing.

Journal your dreams At this time of year, when the days become longer, dawn tends to coincide with the typical getting up time for many of us, meaning that we can naturally spend more time in the bridge between being asleep and being fully awake – between our unconscious and conscious states. This is a time when our dreams are more vivid and accessible, so we can access them with greater ease and clarity. My own coach has long encouraged me to journal mine as I wake and I’m beginning to use this insight and messaging for gentle guidance in my waking life. This muscle isn’t built overnight - it takes discipline and rhythm to be able to remember dreams and crystallise their significance - so if you give it a go, do persevere – it’s worth it!

Follow Laura on social media or get in touch for one-to-one coaching sessions and group retreats. @space_with_in

@space.with_i

@spacewithindevelopment

Generation ageless We’re talking to people who have made interesting life/work changes and have a positive attitude to midlife, doing things differently, changing their pace of life, their priorities, reflecting on what’s gone before and the new opportunities and challenges to come Craig Iley, 52, is managing director of Business Banking at Atom Bank, a Durham-based business he set up with five like-minded people with, ‘a big audacious goal’: to change the whole banking industry for the good. Craig lives in Marton, Middlesbrough.

I used to do this…

I worked for a bank, several banks in fact. Life was always focused on achieving what was necessary in order to support a growing family without much thought for what I would really like to do and perhaps what I would eventually like to be remembered for. I was always conscious that I could work for a large multinational organisation for 40 years and in the end

no matter how good a job I did – would anyone ever notice that I had ever been there?

Now life is about… Really enjoying what I do everyday and making a real difference. Making sure that when I or someone looks back on my life I made enough of a positive difference to people to notice, and in the process feed my own soul. I also wanted to create something very personal for my family so I write. My first book “From the Boro to Bilbao” was published in 2016. I have plans for three more.

Why/how I made a change… As I approached 50 I decided that it was now or never

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LOVE LIFE and I had to take the risk. Fortunately my wife was totally supportive so I left Santander and, along with five like-minded individuals, founded Atom Bank. I found that far from being daunting, the bigger that challenge was, the more energising and exciting it was and the feeling runs to your very core. Of course it was/is scary, but giving yourself permission to try is like throwing a huge weight off your shoulders. Plus, I was at an age where if it didn’t work out then I could be sanguine enough to chalk it up to experience and face the consequences.

Family is all about…

Appreciating one another. It’s not the big things, it’s the quiet word of advice given or received, it’s the ability to be totally honest with one another because you know each other better than anyone else, to eat together and to understand that in the end nothing is more important. Their welfare is what gets me up in the morning and it always has been. As I get older my thoughts often turn to older family members or friends I have loved and lost and some of the things they used to talk about. I often wish I had paid more attention to my grandparents for example who lived through some of the greatest events of the 20th Century.

I’m lucky I can… I was born on Good Friday and I have been lucky ever since so to pick one thing I am lucky I can do is difficult, but I guess I would say I am lucky that I can write. When I thought about it, we all live in interesting times and we currently live in the most interesting times of all. The birth of the digital age, the internet, the great financial crisis, Globalisation, Brexit and so on; and in times to come people will be fascinated by what we take for granted so it will be nice to leave something for them, written in my own words.

I’ve got time for…

Exercise. Nothing too strenuous but I like to walk and in our region we are incredibly lucky to have so many coastal and country walks. I am currently re-acquainting myself with a lot of the North York Moors that I haven’t walked since I grew up nearby in the 1970s.

Things are different because… What makes a glass half full or half empty? The big reason things are different is because I have changed the lens through which I view my life. I am happier and more content because I choose

to be and I focus on what is important to me. I am motivated to do things because I want to, not because I feel I have to and I am not afraid of trying and if it comes to it; failing.

Day in the life of me…

I wake at 5.30am whether the alarm is set or not. Spend the first half an hour reading the news and checking my inbox and diary. I always try to have breakfast, it’s important and helps me think. The hour or so drive to work allows me to organise my day in my head. After a busy day (they all are) I try to leave the office by 6.30 pm and be home for 8pm. After dinner I go for a walk in the evening for about a mile or so. Off to bed about 10pm to read or listen to the Radio 4 comedy half hour. I am usually asleep by 10.30pm

Work/life balance? I have to confess I am still not good at the work life balance thing but I am getting better. One thing I learned from my time living in Spain is that it is better to have a clear demarcation between work and home life. When you are connected 24/7 through emails, that is difficult to achieve through the week; so I make a conscious decision to switch everything off when I leave the office on Friday evening and apart from a sneaky peak at what the next week will bring on a Sunday evening, I try to make the weekends family time.

The people who are important… Family, friends and work colleagues. Atom Bank is more like a family in that respect.

I thrive on… Two things, learning; it always excites me to learn or start something new and, pressure. I love the creative side of things but it’s the pressure of deadlines that forces me to finish them.

Man As any self-respecting Italian knows, a bit of linen goes along way. Shirt, £35, Jeans, £25, Marks and Spencer. Beard, model’s own. Pack up your troubles in a trusty rucksack, £55 Men at Dune

STYLE

Mid life means to me… Well it certainly doesn’t mean it’s all downhill from here for me, as I hear some of my friends bemoan. It means it’s time to indulge all of those things that I always wanted to do. To look after myself a bit better, to travel, to listen more, to learn and to achieve something I hadn’t previously thought possible. Having the courage, based on experience to know that you have to be true to yourself despite what anyone else may think. If I am at mid life then it’s certainly the best time of my life so far, which is very encouraging because I am still not sure what I want to be when I grow up.

Woman

Craig’s book, From the Boro to Bilbao is published by Remember Media, £12.95. Order a copy from www.remembermedia.co.uk

Denim and tailoring, the ultimate ladies’ lunch kit. Pixie tee, £22, Alexandra Jacket, £89, Camellia coat, £229, Belle Jean, £85. Pimlico cross body bag, £199, Katherine wedges, £179, Skye Shirt £79, all Hobbs. Women’s Olivia Japanese denim trainer, £98, Jigsaw

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HIP KIDS

WELCOME!

What’s new in the world of Little Luxe?

As I might have told you before, I’m crackers about all things kawaii (a special kind of cute the Japanese do best). Squishies are my latest crush and they are a lovely squeeze – literally! Grown-ups don’t seem to get what I love so much about them but whatever it is it’s shared by scores of YouTubers who make endless videos about how squeezable and collectable these cuties are. So far my collection includes waffles, croissants, donuts, toast, custard cream, buns, ice cream and my favourites are a sugar bread doll, and giant strawberry that smell as good as they feel! Squishies are quite hard to find in the UK so if you come across any pleeeeaaaaase let me know!

with Nina Robinson

Love, Little Luxe x

Oh baby! Just added a little luxe to your clan? The music doesn’t need to stop – in fact the fun has just begun! Here are my top tips for cool places to hangout together this spring

Baby Sinfonia

A classical treat for large and mini luxes alike! Bite-sized sections of classical music with members of Royal Northern Sinfonia. Sway, rock, dance and bounce or just sit back and enjoy the music. Suitable for babies under 12 months but there’s also separate sessions for older kids. Sage Gateshead, Tuesday 28 March 11-12noon & 1.30-2.30pm. Babies £3.30, adults £5.50. www.sagegateshead.com

PAW PATROL CHARACTER VISIT, WEDNESDAY 12 APRIL >> Paw Patrol’s Chase and Marshall will be paying a visit to intu Metrocentre. Come along for the chance to meet with your favourite characters and take part in the pup pup boogie. Visit intu.co.uk/metrocentre for full details and to book your place. EASTER WITH THE METROGNOMES, THURSDAY 13 – SUNDAY 23 APRIL >> It’s nearly Easter time and the Metrognomes are getting very excited about opening all of their Easter Eggs. Join the Metrognomes in Exhibition Square to find out what mischief the group get up to. INTU METROCENTRE KIDS’ CLUB >> The intu Metrocentre Kids’ Club is the coolest club around! As a member you will receive a VIK (that’s Very Important Kid) lanyard which will give you access to some super saving discounts from centre retailers. You’ll also be the first to hear about all of the amazing events in centre. Visit intu.co.uk/metrocentre/families to become a member.

Spring into spring! Ready, steady, BUILD!

As if den building wasn’t fun enough, now you can put your construction skills to good use to support a very worthy cause too! Save the Children is organising Den Day on Friday 16 June, and urging kids everywhere to build dens together to raise money to ensure children around the world have a safe place to sleep and play. Schools, youth groups and families can sign up now at www.DenDay.org to receive fundraising kits containing everything they need to hold a fun-filled day.

Baby Social

Looking for a hip alternative to the usual baby group gatherings in chilly church halls? Then look no further than Baby Social. This laidback event evolved because the owners of Ernest (parents of three handsome boys) were keen to create a safe space to relax and socialise in the kind of environment they would have been in before babies came along. The concept is simple – the café’s back room is filled with soft rugs, beanbags and a few boxes of toys. Staff are on hand to hold baby if mum or dad needs the loo or wants to make a phone call and can deliver coffee and cake when required! Every Wednesday, 2-5pm, Ernest Café, Boyd Street, Newcastle. Free.

Get ready to bounce and shake it all about at Jump 360, the latest trampoline park to open in the region. This brand new, 30,000 sq. ft indoor trampoline park in Hartlepool features air bags, climbing walls and tumble tracks as well as over 100 trampolines. Children and grown-ups can enjoy giant foam pits, dodgeball courts and basketball slam-dunk lanes as well as trying their hand at a brand-new overhang rock climbing activity, which can’t be found anywhere else in the North East. Other exciting features include foam pit slides, rope ladders, log rolls and Aero Ball (think volleyball on the trampoline) as well as a designated area where under 5s can bounce safely. Jump 360, Sovereign Park near Tees Bay Retail Park, Hartlepool. www.jump360.co.uk/hartlepool

N i n a : lo v e s

Wear your imagination! Sgt Pepper’s Rave

Turn on, tune in and drop some Haribo as you get ready to party like it’s 1969 at this family rave inspired by the world of Yellow Submarine. There'll be rainbow face painting, mind bending visuals, bubbles, hula hoops and the opportunity to make your own psychedelic rave headwear. Check out the other fun and creative cultural events organised by Chalk for little luxes and their fams. Saturday 29 April, 2.30-3.30pm, Arts Centre Washington. Babies free, children £4, adults £4, family of 4 £15. www.wearechalk.co.uk

How totally awesome is this company I stumbled across the other day? Picture This allows you to turn your drawings into dresses you can actually wear! I’ve not yet had a chance to try this out but the idea has been getting rave reviews from other little luxes in America, where the company is based. The idea is simple, all you do is get your grown-up to help you choose your dress size and print out colouring book– style template, which you then decorate. Then simply use a smartphone to take a photo of the design and upload it to the company’s website. Picture This then sends back a custom cut-and-sewn dress, ready to wear! This costs $49USD – about £39 – plus shipping. The company currently offers dresses for girls aged two to 18, as well as 18” doll dresses and plan to add other options such as t-shirts shortly. Take a look at picturethisclothing.com

>> Next Floral denim jacket, £32

MAR/APR17

DOGGY DIARIES

POSH POOCHES with Alfie, helped by Elysia Agnew

A hop, a skip and a jump… Alfie is springing into spring with some fashion-forward, pooch-inspired clothing, a Cotswold countryside adventure and an interview with an unsung, Teesside hero. The winter is long gone, and if you haven’t already, it’s time to browse the brochures and search online for the first flight out of here. Summer sunshine is calling. But for dog lovers, a long-haul getaway can be quite daunting, leaving the little one at home in someone

else’s care. There’s no need to worry - Alfie’s got you covered. He’s sniffed out a stunning staycation destination, perfect for packing up your pooch and taking them along too. We’ve also picked out an ultra luxe outfit for a dog’s best friend. So Alfie’s advice… book up a doggy-friendly holiday, pop on your poochy attire and step into spring in true, luxe style… Alfie, your luxe pooch x

Alfie loves: Links of London, Chinese Zodiac Dog Charm; £50; www.selfridges.com

Alfie is channeling his inner stylist this spring with some pooch-inspired fashion must-haves Dog Phone Case by Hello Harriet £25; www.notonthehighstreet.com

It’s a dog’s life We all love to treat our pooches to a well deserved pamper - and the perfect way to do so is a dog friendly hotel, complete with doggy dinners and luxe treats. Tewkesbury Park’s new canine experience is a must-try, so Alfie in tow, we sniffed it out… Tewkesbury Park is a family-owned estate flanked by a golf course and the stunning surrounds of the Cotswold countryside. The suites come complete with doggy treats, memory foam mattress and patio access for any mid-night toilet emergencies. Pooch-friendly dinner is served in the Piano Lounge, where locally sourced sausages and fresh veg is the dog’ s dinner - followed by some sweet treats. Thank you for having us Tewkesbury Park - we’ll be back again soon - Alfie insists. Woof! Read more about Alfie’s Cotswolds adventure at www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

✰ Luxe Pooch Q&A Stella McCartney, Ivory dog-print silk dress; £920; www.harveynichols.com

Alfie is an eight-year-old Shih Tzu with a bit of a reputation. Three years ago, Alfie was brought to the vets to be put to sleep for repeated aggressive outbursts. Whilst waiting for his appointment, he met Darren and Joanne Davison who asked if they could give Alfie another chance. Twelve months of back-to-basics rehabilitation and Alfie had totally chilled out. Alfie’s original family was keen to keep up with his progress, so a Facebook page was set up where Alfie posts about his adventures and often answers

MAR/APR17

Radley London, Minimal Dog Chronograph Watch - Granite; £125; www.amara.com

questions from owners of other dogs with behavioural issues. A local hero who can now be a role model to many a mischievous pup. Stay tuned on his poochy Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/alfietheangryshihtzu LUXE WALKS >> I love to explore new places, but the beach is my favourite, especially if there is a lemon-top on offer! POOCH’S PERFECT DAY OUT >> After a nice long walk, my perfect day would have to include a visit to one of my favourite local micro-pubs such as The Golden Smog in Stockton or The Hambletonian in Norton. I also love a visit to Wags & Whiskers Canine Café, where the staff serve ‘woofins’ and other doggie treats or if I was feeling extra social, a trip to Newcastle to hang out with the cool kids in Lola Jeans, the rooftop bar at The Botanist, Brewdog bar, or The City Tavern so long as there were treats and people to fuss over me!

DOGGY DOWNTIME >> A lazy Sunday full of daytime dozing with my humans. The perfect recovery day after my many adventures. HOUND HABITS >> If people make the effort to talk to me, I think it is only polite to talk back. If new friends are making a fuss of me and then stop to talk to my owners, I will let them know I wasn’t finished being fussed over. Woof! PUPPY PAMPER >> Reagan at Pampered Pupz in Billingham takes care of my beauty regime. I don’t like the bath, but it’s worth it when my coat is all clean and I can go home and roll around in every room! DOG’S BEST FRIEND >> We have a very cheeky ginger cat living with us who thinks he is my best friend. But joking aside, my two best friends were Indi,

my sister who I used to live with, and Billie, the old Border Collie who helped me settle into my new home before she passed away. I miss them both very much but I know somehow, in their own doggy ways, that they are keeping an eye on me. FONDEST DOGGY MEMORY >> Catching the train to The Orange Pip Market at Baker Street, Middlesbrough last year. We sat outside watching the bands, meeting all the nice people, and munching on gourmet scotch eggs from The Clucking Pig! PUPPY A-LISTER >> Being a bit of an internet sensation myself, I would love to have millions of followers like Marnie the Dog or Norbert. But If I had to be a human, it would be a funny guy like Keith Lemon or a celebrity chef like Jamie Oliver because, if you haven’t already noticed, I love my tasty treats!

Don’t forget to send in pics of your pooch for our next issue via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram… www.facebook.com/luxemag, theluxemagazine

@TheLuxeMagazine or @LuxeyPooch

ME TIME…

AND RELAX Hip hotels with Debrah Dhugga Deb goes cosy country with a me-time break in a sweet-as-sugar boutique spa hotel

Sometimes it’s great to have a girly escape and after a crazy busy year working on the launch of my new hotel, DUKES Dubai, I knew some family time was very much overdue! Daughter Lauren and I escaped to the Cotswolds for a fabulous weekend away, pretty much the opposite of the bustle of London and the full-on glitz and glam of Dubai. Country zen on prescription

HOTEL >> Cotswold House Hotel & Spa is part of the Bespoke Hotels Collection. The place re-launched in October 2016 following a £1m revamp. Slap bang in the honey-coloured heart of Chipping Camden, often referred to as England’s most picturesque high street, Cotswold House is a proper boutique escape. Guests can expect a fresh but comfortable interior design, spacious cottage rooms and suites, as well as the room we enjoyed, our hot tub cottage! There are two restaurants; a vibrant and more informal bistro for lunch, a light bite or dinner and a restaurant for fine dining or afternoon tea. The spa is housed in a converted stable reached down a meandering path through a beautiful garden bursting with colour in the summer or burnt hues and conkers in the autumn. THE SPA >> The Spa is a place of serenity and peace with holistic relaxation treatments by Decléor - famous worldwide for their heavenly feel and simply stunning results. Every treatment begins with the unique back diagnostic massage; utterly relaxing for you

and a wonderful insight to your therapist into your overall state of health – and therefore your precise needs. We enjoyed a fabulous body massage and foot treatment. The use of expert massage techniques and 100% pure, preservative-free essential oils cope with the demands of every single skin type to leave all complexions balanced, comforted and glowing. A treatment will leave you feeling completely revitalised and restored. The Spa at Cotswold House is small but perfectly formed, comprising six treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy area with a heated hydrotherapy pool and an aromatic steam room for pre- and posttreatment use. Just perfect for some girly time. Our girly spa time comprised a sumptuous and rejuvenating spa treatment, followed by relaxation poolside in a wonderfully relaxed and calm setting. A glass of bubbles of course and a pampering, treat of an express-manicure. THE FOOD >> Of the two dining spaces at Cotswold House, The Bistro On The Square is great for sharing platters, tapas, as well as a range of snacks and daily specials, while Fig Restaurant offers fine dining in the evening

and afternoon tea seven days a week. The kitchen team takes inspiration from the generous local larder and source ingredients from passionate producers based nearby, from which they buy fantastic ingredients such as local cheeses, wholesome fresh breads and quality meats from the Cotswolds region.

butterfly farm are just a twenty-five-minute drive from the hotel and provide a wonderful day out. There are also two famous and historic gardens nearby; Hidcote Manor Garden, owned and managed by the National Trust, and Kiftsgate, which is privately owned but open to the public.

WHO GOES THERE >> There’s definitely a Cotswolds crowd! Plenty of young professionals in search of a calming retreat or celebrating a mini-moon head here for the weekend to escape the city and indulge in the serene surroundings of the hotel. Cotswold House is the perfect country bolthole to kick back with friends.

NEAREST STATION >> Train to London Kings Cross then jump on a train to Moreton-in-Marsh. It takes roughly an hour and forty minutes to get there from London Paddington.

WHAT’S TO DO >> With an abundance of little independent boutiques just begging to be explored, and right on the hotel’s doorstep, as well as tea rooms and coffee shops in which to while away the day, Cotswold House is the gateway to discovering everything that is glorious about the Cotswolds. With miles of rolling countryside and woodlands, guests may enjoy long meandering walks followed by a quick pit stop at a local watering hole. Shakespeare’s birthplace and Stratford-upon-Avon’s

Factbox... Cotswold House Hotel and Spa The Square Chipping Campden Gloucestershire, England United Kingdom GL55 6AN From £105 per night, bed & breakfast. www.bespokehotels.com/ cotswoldhouse 01386 840 330

MAR/APR17

COTSWOLD COOL

Honey-coloured hideaways Cool cottages, sleepy country pubs, and a lush and lovely landscape make the Cotswolds the perfect place to swap Jimmy Choos for Hunter wellies. This is where you can overdose on quintessentially English villages, shop your way through historic market towns, feast on artisan foods from farmshops and farmers’ markets, and have a heritage hit at some of Britain’s greatest country houses and gardens >> ROYAL ROAMING Highgrove House is the private residence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. Prince Charles acquired this country home in 1980, just before his marriage to Princess Diana, hence the royal couple spent many weekends here along with their sons Prince William and Prince Harry. A keen gardener, Prince Charles has devoted much time to planning and designing Highgrove’s organic gardens. The Highgrove Royal Gardens are open to the public on select dates between April and October each year for small pre-booked tours - options include the indulgent Champagne Tea Tour. Shop here for organic gin with botanicals such as thyme, lavender and sage from the Highgrove gardens. The range is available from the Highgrove Estate Shop. www.highgrovegardens.com

>> BROWSE AWHILE Historic Tetbury is the quintessential Cotswold town. Built using traditional honey-coloured Cotswold stone, many of the elegant buildings once belonged to wealthy wool merchants. Opening this year is the Goods Shed. After more than half a century of disuse, what remains of Tetbury’s railway station has been renovated to become a new home for art, music, cinema, exhibitions and performances. www.tetburyraillands.com

>> TASTE THIS Held every Saturday, award-winning Stroud Market is considered one of the best artisan food markets in the area, but other towns and villages including Tetbury, Gloucester and Cirencester also have excellent farmers’ markets. Make the most of what’s on offer by going stall-to-stall and sample local cheese, sausages, mustard and russet apples to name but a few.

MAR/APR17

>> POSH POLO The Cotswolds is home to renowned equestrian events including Badminton Horse Trials held annually in May, and Gatcombe Festival of British Eventing in August. With events every weekend from May until September, spectators can attend all matches played at Beaufort Polo, one of the region’s foremost equestrian centres. www.beaufortpoloclub.com

>> FOODIE JOY Stow-on-the-Wold is chocolate-box pretty, boasts an array of teashops, and there’s even a chocolatier - so it’s appropriate that this Cotswold town now has its very own walking foodie tour. On the three-hour Cotswold Foodie Tour you’ll learn about Britain’s foodie traditions like afternoon tea. Along the way, you’ll enjoy artisan cheeses, cakes, chocolate, charcuterie, and special Cotswold blend tea and coffee. www.cotswoldfoodietours.co.uk

>> TWO WHEELS

Explore the lovely towns and villages of the Cotswolds on a guided electric bike tour. Following quiet country roads and lanes, and anchored by popular villages such as Burford, Chipping Campden, Kingham and Northleach, each tour typically runs 10am - 4pm and covers around 30miles (50km). Customised private tours can also be arranged. The more independently-minded may hire bicycles from businesses across the Cotswolds. www.cotswoldelectricbiketours.co.uk

>> WALK IT Home to 3,000 miles of public footpaths across countryside ranging from farmland to ancient woodland, the region is a walkers’ paradise. Experienced walkers will relish the challenge of the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile route from the market town of Chipping Campden to the grand city of Bath. With its great lake and beautiful formal gardens, the grounds of Blenheim Palace provide a fabulous backdrop for a more genteel stroll. This monumental property in the town of Woodstock is one of Britain’s largest houses, and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. www.nationaltrail.co.uk/cotswold-wa

>> A MUST Lady Carole Bamford opened Daylesford Organic farmshop and café on her family’s Cotswold farm in 2002, and it’s been a stylish foodie Mecca ever since. (When Luxe visited recently none other than Richard E Grant wafted his way in to do his weekend shop). Much more than just a farm shop, – there’s a cheese cave, homewares to browse and the luxiest cashmere and linens in the clothing barn. You can hire cottages on the estate and take part in retreats and cookery courses. On the same site, check in to the amazing treatment rooms and all-round gorgeousness of the Bamford Haybarn Spa for facials, yoga and general fragrant wafting. www.daylesford.com

>> TIME FOR GIN Celebrate the classic British tipple with a G&T at The Feathers in the picturesque Cotswold town of Woodstock. It boasts a Gin Bar listed in the Guinness Book of Records for its record-breaking number of more than 400 gins from around the world, while the restaurant offers a Gin Fusion Menu featuring matching gins served with every course. There are 21 rooms and suites for those who overindulge. The Cotswolds Distillery is a nice spot for a tour and a tasting of distinctive lavender-infused gin and an everchanging limited edition selection. www.feathers.co.uk, www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

Lady Bamford’s Michelin starred pub The Wild Rabbit in nearby Kingham is an equally stylish spot for lunch, and has a menu focusing on homegrown produce, with many ingredients coming from the Daylesford Estate. www.thewildrabbit.co.uk

TRAVEL FOR GROUPS

In association with:

luxe:looks Entrepreneurs’ Forum, Chairman’s Dinner, Jesmond Dene House

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! Alan Shearer Foundation Ball, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead

Above > Jackie Boylan, Graham Wylie Above > Gill Southern, Gary Boon, Stephen Black

Above > Andrew Hodgson, Ian Kinnery

Above > Will Shearer, Chloe Shearer, Jess Glynne, Hollie Shearer, Lainya Shearer, Alan Shearer

Above > Mike Browne, Andy Naylor, Jess Glynne, Alan Shearer

Above > Alastair Waite

Above > Gillian Marshall, Karen Weir

Above > Lynsey Harper, Steve Harper

Above > Duncan McEwan, Dawn Dunn

Above > Alan Thompson, Jo Thompson

Above > Tara Jones, Peter Jones, Talia Jones

Above > Ean Parsons, Gillian Rice, Andrew Fox

Above > Anne Bromley, Vivien Herrera-Lee, Fiona Raglan, Ben Quigley

Above > Hollie Shearer, Jess Glynne Above > Peter Davidson, Alan Shearer

Butterwick Blitz Ball, Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield

Above > Lynne Griffin, Phil Griffin, Richard Strike, Louise Strike, Graham Leggatt-Chidgey, Julie Leggatt-Chidgey

Above > Sarah Martinson, John Martinson

Above > Sarah Skelton, Christine Harrison, Kirsty Woods, Anne Regent

Above > Chris Watson, Sarah Anderson, Sarah Kernan, Paul Preston, Lyndsey Barnes Above > Helena Stoneham, Sandra Johnson

Above > Mayor of Stockton, Mayoress of Stockton

TRAVEL FOR GROUPS

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AIRPORT TRANSFERS SOCIAL OUTINGS BUSINESS TRAVEL

MAR/APR17

SOCIAL LIFE

Lloyd BMW Newcastle, BMW 5 and MINI Countryman Launch

Above > Billy Liddy, Fiona Ellis, David Hammond

Above > Anthony Jackson, Wayne Jackson

Above > Donna Bell, Rachel Brown, Barbara Brown, Billy Brown Above > Lesley Rowell, Joe Rowell

Above > David Craig, Alan Richardson

Gainford Magazine Launch, Aveika, Newcastle

Above > Sharon Howey, Claire Lambert, Matthew Stewart, Yassar Khaliq, Imran Khaliq, Trevor Charlton, Amy Kirksopp, Irene Roozbayani, Toru Miller

Above > Michelle Caveney

Caudalie Ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lunch, Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth

Above > Pam McIvor, Wendy Pedley, Anne Deacon Above > Jane Morland, Deborah Mellis

Above > Pat Davenport and Stephanie Carr

Above > Imran Khaliq, Elizabeth Foster

Above > Ann Ball, Beverley Scanlon, Lynda Stalley, Karen Bainbridge Above > Marie Avceri, Julie Johnson

Above > Jodie Dixon, Richard Tilley

Above > Margaret Emmonds, Claire Hilldith, Suzanne McCreedy Joanne Emmonds

Above > Aimee McPherson, Marie Harkness, Emma Townsend

Above > Victoria Rickett, Debra Hogan

Above > Sarah Mubeen, Pauline McCluskey

Above > Audrey Ogilvie, Enid Cooper, Lynn Holland

Above > Kim Andrew, Eileen Andrew, Marie Andrew

Burns Night Supper, Wynyard Hall

Above > Tony Ferguson, Tracey Ferguson

Above > Maria Dale, Paul Dale, Jessica Dale Above > Neil McAvoy, Joanne McAvoy

say halo MAR/APR17

Above > Denise Setterfield, Allan Setterfield

Above > Mark Burn, Julie Coyne

(0191) 338 8188

Above > Nigel Sammons, Linda Sammons

halodrive.co.uk

SOCIAL LIFE

Alexander Millar Charity Auction, Chaophraya, Newcastle

Above > Phil Steele, Tom Hedley, Alexander Millar

Above > Bekkie Madiley, Nicola McKenna, Alisa Oliver Above > Gill Johnston, Phil Simpson

Above > Adele Lock, Suzanne Branley

Above > Kathryn McLaren, Joanna Maine, Alison Bonavia, Shirley Gate

Above > Lyn Spencer, Nicky Harrison

Above > Micheal Hetterington, Steve Coleman

North East Ladies Day Afternoon Tea, Acklam Hall, Middlesbrough

Above > Jessica Jackson, Mandy Wyman, Susan Jackson-Wilson, Christine Jackson, Gillian Cartwright, Sarah Beaumont

Above > Helen Hodgkinn, Diane Charfitt, Katie Cotton

Butterwick Breakfast, Rudby Hall, Hutton Rudby

Abover > Hayley Coulthard, Christine Andrews

Above > Alison Leith, Angelina Bell, Lou Murray

Above > Helen Kirby, Gayle Lambert, Lorraine Mulgrew

Above > Stuart Adams, Andrew Turner

Above > Beverley Hudson, Sandra Kime

Above > Katherine Craven, Susan Kendall, Joanne Maine, Susan Andrews

Above > Sandra Johnson, Patricia Boynton, Martin Johnson, Graham Leggatt-Chidgey Above > Val Thompson, Hilary McKenna

Above > Mary Lee, Kathryn Armstrong, Tanya Garland, Kaye Allan

Above > Tina Hunter, Sara Calgie

Above > Toni Bainbridge, Chris Weir

Orangery Relaunch, Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth

Above > Eamonn Elliott, Debra Hogan, Richard Allen

Above > Stan Seaton, Simon Roberts, Jane Miller

Above > Alison McHugh, Rachel Armstrong

Above > Kathryn Armstrong, Warwick Brindle Above > Victoria Rickett, Debra Hogan

TRAVEL FOR GROUPS

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AIRPORT TRANSFERS SOCIAL OUTINGS BUSINESS TRAVEL

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say halo

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Smooth Night Out at Sachins: NE1 Restaurant Week launch

Above > Kevin Vaughan, Craig Stewart, Laura Graham

Above > Kirsten Shield, Carolyn Knight

Above > Clive Warren, Lynn Patrick, David Patrick

AIRPORT TRANSFERS SOCIAL OUTINGS BUSINESS TRAVEL

Above > Nicola Brady, Paul Walker, Chris Abbott, Andrew Conway, Louise Errington, Michelle Errington

Above > Lynn Patrick, David Patrick

Northumbria University, Faster, Higher, Stronger Dinner

Above > Tom Stead, Matt Hutnell, John Powell, Corien Staels

Above > Richard Pontin, Emily Wood, Sally Hyslop, David Griffiths Above > Scott Hastings

Above > Dave Wright, Carole Harder

Above > Andy Naylor, Jess Swindels

Above > Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson

Above > Nina Adlpanar, Laura Moorhouse, Rachael Guest, Jenny Atkin

Above > Paul Nicholson, Phil Beardmore, Dave Hartis

TRAVEL FOR GROUPS

Above > Fab Flournoy Above > Michael Black, Karen Read, Molly Procter, Adam Procter

(0191) 338 8188 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

MAR/APR17

halodrive.co.uk

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ON THE HOOF Spring is on the horizon for our equestrian columnist Deborah Smith

During March, I’ve enrolled on two training camps with Charlotte Ridley at Park End Equestrian, to help blow the winter cobwebs away and get ready for the forthcoming season. Charlotte’s camps are legendary and, I kid you not, anyone wanting even the remotest chance of getting a sought-after place had no option but to be waiting, finger hovering over the send button, as entries were accepted after the stroke of midnight on 1 December. Having never been to Pony Club camp, I’m pretty sure I will be the oldest ‘first-timer’ …. hopefully lots to report back next time. Meanwhile I’ve been out and about at a few dressage competitions putting my training into practice. The classes are a bit smaller in the winter - understandably as it can be a very cold way to spend best part of a day, but you still get a varied mix of people at the events with professional riders and their young horses getting some practice in before the winter regionals - and a cohort of very keen (and very good) young riders who put the hours in all year round on their ponies. Anyway, all going well so far, Oli had a win last weekend and Strider picked up a third the weekend before. Husband (aka Head Lad) often comes to watch and is building a whole lexicon of riding terms - most of them picked up from watching my lessons. For someone who doesn’t ride, he has an intriguing interest in dressage. This all started a few years ago when he joined me at the Burghley Horse Trials. Thursday and Friday are dressage days and having taken root for a few hours watching from the grandstand I was ready to hit the shops at the Horse Village, but Head Lad was so enthralled he stayed there all day Thursday and Friday.

Event diary

TACK TALK

Last year I splashed out on a Fairfax performance bridle for Oli. I have to confess to being a bit of a Fairfax fan, particularly as their products are developed, designed and handmade in the UK. Tack is such a subjective topic and everyone has an opinion and a favourite, so like most things I think go with what suits you, your horse and your budget. Fairfax products don’t come cheap, but if there was ever an incentive to clean and condition tack after each ride, it’s buying pricey kit. The Fairfax is the first bridle to be based on scientific research and designed and developed using pressure mapping (by Pliance) and gait analysis (by Centaur Biomechanics). It reduces pressure and improves a horse’s way of going. It’s not the neatest bridle the noseband is very padded - but I’ve been really pleased with it and Oli goes very well in it. I liked the performance bridle so much I then bought him a drop noseband version for jumping (sadly it wasn’t ‘buy one get one free’). Although the bridles are individually sized, I struggled to get a perfect fit. Thankfully the aftercare service from Fairfax is exemplary. I sent photos and measurements over and Vanessa (Fairfax) looks at everything personally and then oversees the adjustments with the saddlers to achieve the best fit. They sent me two custom-made, extra small pads made for the noseband so now all sorted and we are ready to go jumping! www.fairfaxsaddles.com

BEST of BRITISH

In January, I spent a brilliant evening at The British Breeding Breeders’ Awards Dinner in London. These awards are organised by The British Horse Foundation and celebrate the best in British horse breeding; showcasing the many success stories of British bred horses excelling at the highest level, across the whole spectrum of equestrian competition - including dressage, showjumping, eventing and endurance. There was success for the North East on the evening with Leamside Equestrian’s Elite graded LE Chiffre scooping the SPSS pony performance award. Congratulations to breeders/owners Bev and Samantha Brown at Leamside Equestrian in Houghton le Spring. The British Horse Foundation is a registered charity and so no evening would be complete without a fundraising auction. I bid for and won a trip to the Hickstead speed derby in June and a course walk with a top show jumper so really looking forward to that. As I don’t own any mares, I resisted bidding for a nomination to Olympic Champion Big Star, but I was very tempted!

eventingLUXE

27-30 April 2017 The Rolex Kentucky Horse Trials is one of the highlights of the global eventing calendar with its CCI 4* taking place at the iconic Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Having been lucky enough to have visited the event in 2015 when I treated my daughter Amy for her 25th birthday, I can thoroughly recommend it as a very special trip - the facilities and hospitality are fantastic and it’s easy to see why Lexington is often called ‘the horse capital of the world’ being located at

showjumpingLUXE For showjumping fans, another spectacular new destination is joining the Longines Global Champions Tour in 2017 with The Royal Hospital in Chelsea, from 3-6 August, marking the return of the Tour to the UK. The Tour brings together the Top 30 ranked show jumpers in the world to compete in prestigious locations as varied as Miami Beach, Shanghai and Doha. www.globalchampionshipstour.com

poloLUXE

If you fancy experiencing the thrills and excitement of polo in a friendly and welcoming environment then Toulston Polo Club at Tadcaster has regular fixtures (chukkas and tournaments) at Toulston Park through spring and summer. In June each year the club hosts the Ogden Silver Jubilee polo tournament, where both international professional and amateur players compete to win this prestigious trophy. The event has become a must do in the Yorkshire social calendar and attracts teams

the very heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, pictured above. There are often British riders there to cheer on - with William Fox-Pitt securing his third win in 2014, with Bay my Hero, and local rider Nicola Wilson 8th place in 2015 with Annie Clover, as well as giving Watermill Vision his first four-star run. Stay on a few days to visit Keeneland racetrack, home of the Kentucky Derby and visit the million-dollar horse farms all dotted around. As an added bonus, in April you are guaranteed to see plenty of foals, all 2-3 months old. www.rk3de.org, www.visitlex.com

and spectators from near and far. The day raises funds for charity and is a great excuse to dress up, drink Pimm’s, tread some turf divots and have a fun family day out. www.toulstonpoloclub.com

dressageLUXE

The NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships celebrates the best of British dressage from 12-16 April 2017. Talented riders at all levels compete side-by-side over five days of competition. Held at one of the UK’s top equestrian venues, Hartpury Arena, public admission to the Championships is FREE except the Friday and Saturday night Gala Performances which start at 7pm and require tickets. The host for this year’s masterclass will be the brilliant Emile Faurie. Emile is one of the country’s top international dressage riders and trainers and has represented Great Britain at World, European and Olympic level. Definitely one to treat yourself to a ticket for. www.bdchampionships.com

MAR/APR17

KIT ME OUT Byredo, Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum 50ml £90; mrporter.com

Oppo, 203 4K Blu Ray Player £649: petertyson.co.uk Michael Kors, Camo-print Holdall £435; houseoffraser.co.uk

BeoPlay, H4 Headphones £249 Wireless over-ear headphones with up to 19 hours of battery. petertyson.co.uk

NN07, Blue Shirt £120; libertylondon.com

Paul Smith, Striped Swim Shorts £95; harveynichols.com

Brioni, Crocodile Leather Belt £2,035; selfridges.com

KG Kurt Geiger, Harper Suede Derbies: £99; selfridges.com

Man kit Indulge in a bit of buy-me kit for spring’s great getaways and gadabouts

Hugo Boss, Leather Holdall with detachable shoulder strap £850; hugoboss.com

Jones Bootmaker, Dagenham £139; jonesbootmaker.com

Loewe, Under the Sea Tee £225; libertylondon.com Dolce & Gabbana, Rooster-print nylon backpack £880; harveynichols.com

AVI-8, Hawker Harrier II £250; avi-8.co.uk

Dolce & Gabbana, Black iPhone 7 Case £115; harveynichols.com

BeoPlay, M5 Wireless Speaker. £529: petertyson.co.uk

Loewe, Bomber £1,100; libertylondon.com

MAR/APR17

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My view from the wheel

AT THE WHEEL

An Aston Martin moment for Bob Arora as he takes to the rather luscious wheel of the new DB11

Live the dream

Aston Martin’s new DB11 is eye-catching, ambitious and as aspirational as it gets Can you imagine just how hard it must have been for Aston’s experts to design and build a car to take over from the legendary DB9? With the DB11 they have realised a dream. It looks stunning from every single angle. The car’s wing vents jet air out of the front wheel arches to reduce drag, whilst the rear spoiler takes air pressure from the back of the rear window and pushes it through the edge of the boot to

very comfortable car to drive, even at speed. To help reduce weight, the car has glued and riveted sections, making it 20kg lighter. Aston has used a Bosch electric steering system which works very well and feels good to use, especially for a skilful corner hugger like me! With its specially developed 20” tyres, ‘torque steer’ by braking is used to stabilise the car through corners and turns. A new 5.2lt V12 with two turbos has been ﬁtted to the DB11 and it pumps out 600bhp and should be good for 200mph. Aston has

create the same effect. It seems hard to believe that the DB9 was launched in 2003 and still looks beautiful despite being over 14 years old. With the DB11 that kind of longevity is assured. The body is 30mm longer than the DB9 and the wheelbase has been extended by 65mm, this has been achieved by moving the front wheels forward. The car has three ride settings from GT, Sport and Sport Plus. In the Sport edition the dampers are stiffened, steering and throttle response become much sharper, whilst in the GT mode the car soaks up pot holes with ease. It’s a

ﬁtted an 8-speed gearbox to the car and it gets to 62mph in 3.9 seconds. While I had the privilege of driving the car I managed to average 20mpg which wasn’t far off Aston’s quoted ﬁgure of 25mpg. The exhaust note is still great and it sounds so much better than its turbocharged rivals. At 7000 rpm it sounds amazing, partly due to the exhaust silencer valves which allow the car to be started quietly if needed. Inside the car, as you would expect from a hand-made vehicle, it has a totally stunning interior. The new dash and fascia help bring Aston up to date and there are a few scatterings of metal especially around the air

MAR/APR17

vents. I didn’t realise Mercedes owns a small stake in Aston but the giveaway for me was the single stalk which has always annoyed me about their cars and I personally think Aston should have stuck with two stalks. A central screen dominates the dash and thankfully the satellite navigation and the radio are all controlled via the touch-screen. Aston has ditched the glass key in favour of a normal key. The previous key was beautiful but I dread to think how much a replacement one would cost! The rear seats are ok for youngsters, any adults sitting in the back would probably find it very claustrophobic. The boot isn’t massive but keen golfers should be able to get their clubs in, just. Aston Martin’s new MD has very bold plans for the company. His first instalment for the company is to start making money and in doing so they are going to launch a new model every year, until 2022. A challenge for any car manufacturer. So, expect to see a new Vantage, Vanquish and a SUV, which will be called DBX. The SUV segment is a real cash cow for manufacturers right now; Bentley’s rather ugly SUV is selling like hot cakes and Rolls Royce are even talking about entering this lucrative segment. This car is a stunning vehicle and it drives really well. Priced from £155,000, it isn’t exactly a steal but its only competitor is the Continental GT which is heavier and not quite as nice to drive quickly. Aston’s MD is going to personally sign off the first 1000 cars to make sure they meet his standards. If you’re lucky enough to buy one you will be very happy indeed. Car reviewed courtesy of Aston Martin Newcastle.

BY CHRIS MARCH Special – that’s what you expect to feel driving an Aston Martin. The all-new DB11 doesn’t disappoint. This is a supercar and a good-looking one at that: it sits on any surface, aggressively poised to explode at the turn of the key. First look at the DB11 in the new Aston dealership in North Tyneside reveals it poised and shimmering on a water display platform, its reflection glistening in the water below. Soak this up and you simply can’t help but smile in anticipation – and imagine yourself driving it on a glorious day down to Le Mans. Alas this is North East England on a particularly awful January day. Drizzle follows a night of snow and sleet. It’s bloody freezing, but I won’t be deterred. From the moment you enter the DB11’s cockpit you’re enveloped by Aston’s class and quality: the leather seats are sumptuous, the trims just as plush, the dials are contemporary, the steering wheel feels great in hand. Craftsmanship screams at you. Start the engine, hear the roar and feel the power! Glance in the wing mirror and notice a rear that any Kardashian would be proud to own. A taut rear end to keep me on the straight and narrow in these slippery conditions. I drive back to my office with slight trepidation – this car will do 200MPH 0-62 in 3.9 seconds It’s fast, it’s very, very fast. It might hurt me if I’m not careful. Pull up at the traffic lights and you’d really like to see what it could do, but not on this day. Hit the straights on the dual carriageway, tap the accelerator and ohhhhh my word – feel that traction control kick in and keep you pointing forwards, there are only a handful of cars in the world that can make you feel this way. The DB11 is a real head turner, there are many good looking cars on the road but this one is special, fellow road users slow to take a look eager to see its curves and hear its engine you can feel the appreciation radiating from them. A school run to pick up my son Jack from his rugby match earns me serious dad points when a gang of eager young Durham School boys and their fathers crowd around the car full of questions. I answer eagerly, then begrudgingly admit it’s a loaner for review only. The next day the weather settles slightly and I was eager to get back behind the wheel. I got the chance to give the DB11 a run out – a business lunch at the Tontine. Pondering the car on my journey, I conclude the real beauty is you can tootle about the city in lavish comfort and style and then turn it on when you feel like an exhilaration fix. It’s a great car. I’ll be sad to hand this one back – it feels right for me. I stop off at my business partner’s home to give his son a ride out. I’m convinced there is no brand as aspirational as Aston Martin, that a 12-year-old will harbour a dream he will carry with him into adulthood as I did on seeing my first Aston Martin. My weekend goes by in flash. My daughters are appeased with a ride in the sports car. Two more satisfied customers - the back seats in the DB11 are ideal for small children. A teenager will struggle, but I suspect they’d be arguing over who gets dibs on the passenger seat. The DB11 proved a fine weekend buddy. The only downer was the weather and, sadly, not even Aston Martin can control this.

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E V E R Y D E TA I L M AT T E R S Timeless is the Aston Martin experience extended to the Pre-owned customer. Every customer buying a pre-owned Aston Martin will receive the following: • The multi-point technical inspection, ensuring all cars are prepared to the highest standards and qualify for an extended warranty. • 12 Months warranty coverage and roadside assistance. • Timeless wallet, including a set of documents and certificates. • 15% accessory discount within 3 months of purchase date.

At Aston Martin, timeless is a word that resonates deep within the company’s foundations, shaping our designs and encouraging manufacturing brilliance. Whether it is from the unmistakable Aston Martin sound that echoes through the history of our cars or the quintessentially British heart and soul that is poured into every aspect of the journey, that timeless feature is maintained. We are therefore excited for you to explore this underpinning quality with ‘Timeless’, our certified per-owned programme. ‘Timeless’ provides customers with a way to experience the luxurious qualities of Aston Martin through our pre-owned network of cars with the same peace of mind and satisfaction that you would feel when purchasing the newest addition to our range. This means no shortcuts, and no uncertainty; we want to provide you with the same professionalism and protection all Aston Martin customers’ experience.

Why choose a Timeless Aston Martin? As is expected from Aston Martin, standards are high and there is no exception made for pre-owned cars. Our exacting mechanical and aesthetic standards will make sure that the car you take home looks and feels as fantastic as it did when it was first given its famous wings badge at our Global Headquarters. We run over 140 specialist inspection checks on each car before it is granted its ‘Timeless’ status, meaning high standards are a guarantee.

16/16 DB9 GT VOLANTE

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15/15 RAPIDE S SALOON

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Our Promise • Exacting Mechanical and Aesthetic Standards • Multipoint Pre-Delivery Hardware and Software Check • Aston Martin Trained Technicians • Aston Martin Genuine Parts • Independently Certified History and Mileage Inspection • 12 Months Unlimited Mileage Warranty • 12 Months Roadside Assistance • MOT Test Cover* • Preferential Rates on Accessory Purchases** • Servicing completed including any service due within 3 months or 3,000 miles*

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*For cars over 2 years old. **Limited period will apply, rates may vary.

EXEC INTERLOPER

Get in the Q Inﬁniti’s latest model, the Q60 could be stealing a march on its German rivals with a snappy, look-again charm, says Bob Arora

I was pleased to hear our local Infiniti dealer has been awarded some major awards by Infiniti Europe. It’s great to hear a local company doing well. Jeff Aynsley and the team are shifting an unbelievable amount of cars right now and good on ‘em! Looking at some of the part exchanges on the forecourt I was amazed to see just how many premium German cars had been traded for Infinitis. The next car looking to steal sales away from its German rivals is the stunning Q60, based on the Q50 saloon. This beautiful looking Coupé is a direct rival for the A5, 4-Series and the C Class. I personally think it matches its German rivals in looks, and its other trump card is that it will be a very rare sight on our roads. The car is being launched with two engine options a 2lt and 3lt, both of which are petrol. I think it’s a brave move to only launch a new car with petrol engines alone despite diesels still selling like hot cakes and I think Infiniti will lose valuable sales to its rivals because of this. I drove the small-engined car and being petrol, it was very quiet but when you had to put your foot down it became very vocal indeed.

The engine produces 208bhp and it gets to 62mph in a respectable 7.3 seconds. Driving the car spiritedly around country roads I wrongly assumed it was front wheel drive. It handled as well as its German rivals and I can only imagine the Sport models will be even more fun on twisty roads. The 3lt engine will be all-wheel drive and it will be the ideal choice for the driver looking for something sportier and much more driver focused. The base model I drove was happy to cruise at motorway speeds all day long, using the radar cruise control it was like being in a self-driving car. The only challenge with this radar-based cruise control is staying focused as all you need to do is steer the car so you tend to switch off, well I nearly did a couple of times! I’m not sure if that was due to my fellow passenger and the lack of any conversation

or just the boredom of a long laborious drive, possibly both! The seven-speed gearbox was very smooth but if you needed to kick down, it was very lethargic when swapping gears. On a couple of occasions I found myself changing gears manually which I know is no hardship but at least I knew I was in the right gear at the right time, which was sometimes a little hard to tell. The car’s interior is very nice indeed. Everything from soft plastics on the dash to the nice leather on the seats shouts quality, with a capital Q. The only thing that lets the car down is the use of the Nissan parts bin for key items. With most manufacturers trying to cut down on buttons the Q60 still has an array of them from heater controls to controlling the radio to the sat nav. The car has two screens which can be quite confusing. While I had the car I managed to get totally

The model I drove was happy to cruise at motorway speeds all day long, using the radar cruise control. It was like being in a self-driving car

lost and I’m usually good with technology but the sat nav had me baffled and I resorted to using the navigation on my phone instead, which isn’t ideal. By more luck than good management, I finally managed to figure out the navigation but I’d already arrived at my destination. One thing I liked about the system was the road speed was displayed on the navigation screen and it also alerted you to speed cameras. This feature was great especially when driving around new areas! I must admit that I didn’t sit in the rear but as with most coupés it seemed to be quite a squeeze getting into the back and due to the car’s styling headroom it might be a challenge for tall passengers. The boot was big enough for the supermarket run and golfers should manage to get their clubs in easily or squash rackets in my case. I drove the Premium Tech model which was laden with standard specification, from Bose speakers, heated seats, leather upholstery through to keyless entry. The only option this car had was electric steering and it was a bit lifeless and not up to the standard of the system in the Porsche 911, but let’s not forget the 911 is nearly double the price so you’d expect it to be better. The car I drove was priced at £37,000 so if you are in the market for a good-looking Coupé that will be a rare sight on our roads this is really the car for you. Car courtesy of InfinitI Newcastle

MAR/APR17

INFINITI NEWCASTLE

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

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Official fuel economy figures for the Infiniti Q70 range in mpg (l/100 km): urban 25.2 to 15.0 (11.2 to 18.9), extra urban 36.2 to 28.8 (7.8 to 9.8), combined 31.4 to 21.6 (9.0 to 13.1). CO2 emission: 307 to 238g/km. We are a credit broker, 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). Models shown for illustration purposes. Metallic paint available at extra cost. Terms and conditions apply, please visit your local dealer for full details. Offer valid until 31st March 2017 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. CO2/MPG figures based on EU regulated laboratory testing, and may not represent real-life driving results (which vary depending on driving behaviour, conditions and other factors).

SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE. MEET THE NEW BIGGER MINI COUNTRYMAN. With added space and an impressive range of technology as standard including MINI Navigation, venture down the path less trodden when you discover the new more spacious MINI Countryman. Who’s in? Contact Lloyd Newcastle to find out more, or book a test drive.*

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Official Fuel Economy Figures for the new MINI Countryman range: Urban 32.1–58.9 mpg (8.8–4.8 l/100km). Extra Urban 47.1–68.9 mpg (6.0–4.1 l/100km). Combined 39.8–65.7 mpg (7.1–4.3 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 113-162 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. Lloyd Newcastle is a credit broker and not a lender. *Test drive subject to availability and applicant status.

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LLoyD NEWcaSTLE BMW

Barrack Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear NE2 4LE Tel: 0191 2617366 www.lloydnewcaslebmw.co.uk Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 5 Series range: Urban 60.1-29.7mpg (4.7-9.5 l/100km). Extra Urban 74.3-47.8mpg (3.8-5.9 l/100km). Combined 68.8-39.2mpg (4.1-7.2 l/100km). CO2 emissions: 108-164g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

HOME WORK in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

Life stories Writer Amanda Revell Walton has upped sticks to return to her coastal hometown and immerse herself in Wearside’s ship-building heritage. Kathryn Armstrong finds out why

Amanda Revell Walton has packed a great many experiences in to her life and as she sits behind a grand desk with a peek of the sea, the contents start to seep into the page. Her writing room is a grand one indeed. On the first floor of a sprawling Edwardian home between Roker and Seaburn, she’s buried in a saga that charts the lives of women who worked in the shipyards of Sunderland. In this room she becomes Nancy Revell and reacquaints herself with the heroines of her books, namely Gloria, Polly, Agnes and Lily. Think Call the Midwife, but in grey boilersuits, headscarves and big boots. Or, if you’re of a different generation, the well-loved family saga, When the Boat Comes In. This time the river is the Wear not the Tyne or the midwives’ Thames and the East End docks. Her characters find themselves in a man’s world: a tough, unlovely one: one of welders and riveters, grime and backbreaking shifts. But for them it means liberation, pride - and a thrilling freedom. Already Amanda, who is 48, has in her head the Northern actors who would fit the pivotal characters who make her books tick (think the gutsy band of Melanie Hill, Denise Welch, Chelsea Halfpenny, Charlie Hardwick et al). She’s been given a six-book deal for Shipyard Girls from a publisher who knows that those midwives tapped a nostalgia spot

for booklovers. Now it’s a call-out to the region’s TV production companies to make the midwife magic happen… Amanda’s journey to this world of writing was in some ways born out of necessity. She was brought up in Sunderland, going to school at Hill View and then Church High School. She went to Oxford Brookes University and followed that with journalism training. She ended up working on tabloids as an investigative journalist with major stories under her belt – she was the first journalist on the scene after the David Kelly ‘suicide’, which sparked the ‘weapons of mass destruction’ dossier investigation. She uncovered paedophile rings which were followed up by police investigations and led police to re-open an unsolved murder case with new evidence she unearthed. It was a heady and gritty job. As a freelance at 40, Amanda was also working for national women’s magazines. She was going through IVF treatment and began writing about the experience in IVF diaries which she self-published. This led to her speaking on radio and TV shows about the experience and it was then that she caught the attention of a publishing house. They liked her style and said they were looking for book saga series – did she have any ideas? The only criteria was a WW2 timeline. The challenge came at a real crossroads in Amanda’s life. Not only had two rounds of IVF failed and she was told she wouldn’t have children, but her husband Paul, a

MAR/APR17

HOME WORK

They were able to buy their huge seaview property – which has its own Sunderland heritage, once owned by a ‘shipyard boss’

mechanic, received a cancer diagnosis. “I put journalism on the backbench. I was freelance but I needed to know I had work. “I needed to give the publisher 30,000 words for my ‘saga’. I’d been thinking about Wearside and the shipyards – a conversation where Paul had said “didn’t women work in the shipyards during the war?’, had given me my story. “They loved it and said could I write six!” In a matter of months, Amanda and Paul upped sticks from their cosy rural life in Oxfordshire to return to her Wearside roots. They were able to buy their huge seaview property – which has its own shipyard history, once owned by a ‘shipyard boss’. And it is here where Amanda’s new life as a novelist pans out. “I knew that I couldn’t write convincingly unless I was back home and this house is my dream come true. Paul is now well and back at work so Amanda can have a routine of sorts. “At 7.30am I fill myself with coffee and toast and I have got to start writing at 8”, she says. “No phone – and I have to get as much written down as I can until about 2pm when the brain gets a bit frazzled. Then I might walk the dog on the beach and gather some thoughts. If I don’t write about 2,000 words a day then I get a bit anxious. “One of the things I wanted to ensure in the books was their accuracy so I wanted to immerse myself back in the area, talk to people who worked in the shipyards. I really love the shipyard girls – I’ve fallen in love with them. “I love living in their world in my head and I am sure I have drawn on people and situations I’ve encountered in the past – that might be a storyline such as domestic

abuse. As the books have gone on I have been able to delve deeper inzto some more serious issues.” Her third book in the saga is in the editing stage and Amanda is loving the reaction books one and two are getting from fans across the world, not just on Wearside. “What has been lovely is that people like that they are so accurate about the area; that has been very important to me – because I am very proud of this heritage of Sunderland.” And the biggest thrill? “The OMG moment when you see yourself and your book in the window of Waterstones in your home town! I did try to do a sneaky selfie!”

The Shipyard Girls books are published by Random House

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MAR/APR17

SPACE TO CREATE in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

Give me some space! If you’ve ever yearned for a creative corner to call your own, North Yorkshire interior designer Sally Coulthard is here to inspire A design den, a craft corner, a painter’s pad, whatever your inspiration, a place to make it happen can be the ultimate indulgence. But in these days of home-working and the kitchen table artisan business, a studio also needs to be able to function as a genuine workspace. Interior design expert Sally Coulthard has turned her thoughts to studio space for her latest book, called, appropriately enough, Studio: creative spaces for creative people. She was inspired not only by her own home-working base at her farm in North Yorkshire, but also by the collection of artists who rent an old stone barn there. “It’s a scruffy space but the people who work there have transformed the building into something truly special”, says Sally, who has written a number of interior-inspiration books including Shed Chic and Shed Décor. The artists have started with the same base but made each space their own – which, concludes Sally, is what a creative studio is all about. “They have all created rooms that express who they are and

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SPACE TO CREATE

inform the work they produce. Each space reflects the personality of the person who works there – studios are like fingerprints, totally unique. “My workspace is the same – it’s only an old writing bureau but it’s the place where I sit and write, ponder new ideas and sift through images. It’s tiny as workspaces go, but I love it”, adds Sally. Her book features a wealth of artists’ studios to fuel the imagination, from sculptors and painters to knitters and metal workers, Sally’s book recognises the importance of designing a space to pursue creativity, and stresses the significance of feeling connected to your surroundings. Part of this is allowing yourself some room of your own in the first place. “Give yourself permission to have a studio”, says Sally. “If you want to write, paint, craft or do anything creative, you need a space that supports your passion.” By choosing colours, lighting and decor carefully, you can construct an area specifically tailored to your artistic pursuits, as she says: “Like a virtuous circle, the more of yourself you put into the space, the more your studio will feed your creative drive.” Few people have the luxury of a go-to space straight off but it is about putting a stamp on an area and giving it a creative purpose, whether it is a room of your own or a quiet corner in which to create. “Take inspiration from all the inventive ways people have carved out a corner for themselves”, she says.

The book showcases converted wardrobes, sheds and study corners alongside entire rooms. “From a kitchen table to an industrial unit, an attic room to a garden shed, there’s almost no space that can’t be used for a creative purpose”, she says. The book features a breathtaking variety of ideas for decorating your artistic haven, from rainbow-hued workshops bursting with opulent fabrics and textures, to stark white studios allowing for calm focus on creativity, to industrial, urban hubs which favour purpose and practicality. Meanwhile, outside areas like sheds and shepherd’s huts allow the lines between nature and interior to be artfully blurred - many of Sally’s favourite spaces use the most natural materials and bring plants and flowers inside to enliven and invigorate with greenery and vitality. Whatever style of studio you want to achieve, Sally provides guides for pinpointing the key elements of each look, be it bright accessories to inject pops of colour or cool midcentury office furniture. She also notes the way old furniture can be used in your studio space, with repurposed and upcycled finds often taking centre stage and becoming interesting features in themselves - as well as being functional. Old pallets and medicine cabinets sit harmoniously alongside paintboxes, canvases and tools. Sally’s personal experience of the artistic process makes the book that bit more insightful - whether you make a living from your craft or create solely for pleasure, it is full of tips for reflecting your passions in your artistic space, leaving you energised and ready to pursue that passion.

Make your own creative space here’s how. Think outside the box in terms of space. Whether this means building a split level area in a small room with a high ceiling, turning a wide window sill into a seat to relax and mull over your ideas or simply using dead space in your living room to accommodate a desk and chair, there’s always a way to get more out of the square feet you have available to you. Make your studio distinct from your home. Even if you work in a corner of a busy room in your house, decorate it differently to ensure you feel ready to slip into a creative mindset as soon as you sit down. Use lighting to your advantage. Make the most of the natural light in any space. Use glossy surfaces, mirrors and glass to enhance your sense of space, and warm up cold, north facing rooms with creamy off-white walls. Surround yourself with the things that inspire you in life. Leafy plants around your desk might keep you in a creative frame of mind; framed or painted quotes might motivate you to finish that project. Think about the way you work and what kind of surroundings will stimulate you - do bright colours and artistic clutter spark your interest or do you need a muted colour palette and minimal distraction to produce your best work? This leads to storage. Plain storage systems and sliding panels are ideal for artists who prefer a simple, uncluttered environment. Open and glass-fronted cabinets can look fabulous for those who are inspired by materials and colours on display. The more organised your space is, the less stress! Divide and sub-divide your materials, label, and make sure everything is within easy reach. Comfort is key. It’s a myth that artists have to suffer to produce masterpieces - invest in proper heating and a comfortable set up, be it an ergonomic chair or plenty of soft furnishings. Don’t be afraid to decorate using your own creations. Surround yourself with the work that makes you proud.

Studio; Creative Spaces for Creative People by Sally Coulthard, £25 published by Jacqui Small.

MAR/APR17

Lastly, enjoy the process of designing your perfect studio. With plenty of experimentation and curation, your studio will develop into something truly reflective of you and your work.

SANDY STAYS in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

Stay classy An unremarkable property has been given a bold makeover to make the most of its dazzling coastal location in Beadnell As a youngster, Angus Currie spent many bucket-and-spade days in the family’s coastal property in Beadnell. When he inherited the place it was a case of managing a makeover to make it perfect for seaside days all year round – and fit for a discerning and savvy holiday rental customer. The house, overlooking the rocks and within a surf’s spray of the beach and sea, had been rebuilt by Angus’s father about ten years ago to make it their family holiday retreat. That meant re-configuring it to create an airy first floor lounge with a balcony that overlooked the dunes beyond. But it was in a need of an update so Angus teamed up with Fiona and Alison McKeith from Gosforth-based Coastal Retreats, to give it a sprinkle of seaside sass. The four-bedroomed house, called Shoreline, gave Northumbria Uni student Angus, 24, his first experience of project management. “The house had been a family home and though in good repair was in need of upgrading. “We upcycled furniture, added new pieces and basically brought it into the next century”, he says.

The result is a house that’s big on charm, personality and quirky touches. Would Angus have thought of painting a huge double-height feature wall in bold orange? Probably not, he laughs. “There was a lot of sanding and re-painting old pieces of furniture – and many trips to Barker and Stonehouse.” The result is a house that is big on comfort, easy style and one that is made to be filled with folks. Beadnell has of course always been a go-to spot for people living in the region, who head there for big skies, expansive beaches and waves made for welly-paddling in winter and surfy fun in summer. Shoreline’s layout allows for space when you need it – there is an upstairs and downstairs lounge with sink-in sofas, cosy throws and big TVs for the days when you’re zonked after a big, big walk – or just when the wind blows and you want to wind down with wine and a rom-com. Upstairs, the convivial living room with log-burner and kitchen diner has shuttered windows which over overlook the sea and rocks beneath. At the rear there’s a large balcony that peeps towards sand-dunes and evening sunsets. The seaside theme is subtle with evocative

touches like a beachy mural in the downstairs lounge and cool wallpaper in a double bedroom, which looks like words written in sand. Jack Wills-loving teens will squeal with joy at a twin room with distinctive navy and pink striped wallpaper. Elsewhere, a calming vibe continues with pale stripy carpets, wooden floors and plenty of rugs, throws and cushions. The beauty of the house is, of course, its proximity to the amazing beaches. Shoreline’s layout means that sandy shoes and all the bucket-and-spade paraphernalia can be parked up in a downstairs utility/

boot room and bedrooms, while the living, eating and entertaining happens on the first floor. In Beadnell you’ll find sustenance at The Craster Arms, and the good-looking looking Saltwater Cafe. Head to nearby Seahouses for the best Friday fish & chips if you’re staying at Shoreline for the weekend. Coastal Retreats is also taking on a new build property to the rear of Shoreline soon which makes the properties perfect for holidaying families and big groups. For a stay at Shoreline see www.coastalretreats.co.uk

For a pick of things to do in Beadnell and beyond, plus some perfect getaway properties, see www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 72

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STANNINGTON PARK I NE61 6AT

Stunning. Stannington Park is situated close to the market town of Morpeth, only three miles from the attractive village of Stannington and only 20 minutes from the centre of Newcastle. Acres of established woodland and open countryside provide a rural backdrop including views towards the Cheviot Hills and Northumberland National Park. Stannington Park offers a traditional

THE LOCATION IS ONLY RIVALLED BY OUR HOMES. Amazing.

village setting coupled with new leisure amenities, such as a gastropub, cricket pitch and community centre.

4B ED R FR OOM OM H ON OM LY ES

£29 6,99 5

High specification homes that include: • Roca sanitaryware • Bi-fold doors on selected plots • Beautifully presented kitchens

3, 4 & 5 BEDROOM HOMES FROM TO

£189,995

£564,995

Soon to be released 2 & 3 bedroom homes and apartments.

Click: www.bellway.co.uk Call: 01670 789 572 Visit: 11.00am - 7.00pm Monday. 11.00am - 5.30pm Tuesday - Wednesday. 11.00am - 7.00pm Thursday. 11.00am - 5.30pm Friday - Sunday. Prices correct at time of going to press. Images are for illustrative purposes only and may include optional upgrades at additional cost. Specification on site may differ.

XXXXXXXXCOOL CURATED in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

Step inside Inspired by her gran’s mantra of ‘life is what you make it’, Christina Easton has launched an interiors store showcasing the work of local designers – and channeling some of-the-moment Danish ‘hygge’

Peer inside Saltburn’s LillianDaph Store and you’ll see deep-painted walls in moody shades, colour pops of velvet upholstery and the odd bit of slightly bonkers artwork – neon giraffe anyone? You’ll find texture galore in the form of touchy-feely cushions, animal hide rugs and smooth-as-satin pale Scandi vases and flowerpots. Your eyes will be drawn to obscure objects and quirky finds before they shift to a corner bursting with blooms, wildflower grasses and all manner of understated dried flora and fauna. This curated collection of interior loveliness is the baby of Christina Easton, an art and textiles graduate who is channeling a desire for us all to kick out the commonplace when it comes to decorating our homes. Christina has taken on what was the town’s old post office to create a designer den that now also brings the flourish of fresh flowers to Saltburn thanks to her friend Jenni Di-Nero whose business Ruffled Wren florist sits within the store. They are something of a dream team. Jenni’s wildflower arrangements hit the shop every weekend, offering lovely in-season fresh flowers and wild foliage. Christina and Jenni are firmly of the belief that flowers aren’t just for special occasions or that they should be considered an indulgence when it comes to interiors. “Just one stem in a little vase can add something to a surface. It is the detail that makes a difference. “The collaboration with flowers has been a plan from the get go. For me they play a huge role in creating the ‘hygge’ (the Danish concept for a feeling or mood that comes from taking genuine pleasure in making ordinary, every day things more meaningful, beautiful or special) in any space.’ After meeting at Saltburn’s established food festival last summer, the inspiring duo hit it off instantly and found they

shared a common passion for uniqueness. Florist Jenni juggles her colourful life with looking after two young children, Rosa and Franco. She says, “the flowers in store at LillianDaph will go hand-in-hand with the artisan products and homewares. At Ruffled Wren we adore natural arrangements that celebrate foliage together with flourishing florals resulting in our striking style; which like LillianDaph, will be unusual, outside of the box and tantalising.” >>

We’re channeling a desire for us all to kick out the commonplace when it comes to decorating our homes

MAR/APR17

Beautiful and affordable www.greatlook.co.uk

KI T CHE NS BED ROOM S BAT HR OOMS O RANGE RI E S GU ARD IA N

R OOF S

WIND OWS D OOR S BI-FO LD

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RADIAT ORS 0191 491 3836 10th Avenue West, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0HL Opposite Retail World

CURATED COOL

I value things with a story. I started looking for artists, makers, designers and brands that offered something a bit different Adds Christina: “We plan on bringing a ‘Columbia Road London’ approach to the North East of England!” Christina decided to take the plunge and open her store after being inspired by her gran who told her that ‘life is what you make it’. And proving the point is a neon script in the store saying just that - reinforcing the message every day when Christina gets to work. The store’s name is inspired by Christina and husband Craig’s dogs – cocker spaniel Lillian and labrador Daphne. The place itself was born out of frustration when the couple began renovating their own home. Christina quickly grew frustrated with the lack of inspiration in the North East region for ‘something (in fact, absolutely anything) different’. “I value things with a story. I started looking for artists, makers, designers and brands that offered something a bit different. “I wanted to stock inspiring things in small numbers so once it’s gone, it’s gone. I wanted to create somewhere that was inspiring and not intimidating to come into, where people could have a nice experience and have their

imagination sparked.” Christina loves dark colours and one of her favorite designers is Abigail Aherne whose interiors trademark is deep walls and wispy florals. The walls of LillianDaph are painted a dark olive shade called Wooster Olive from Abigail’s range. “It is very dramatic but I think that a dark background makes things ‘pop’ in a way that a pale colour doesn’t”, says Christina. The store is stocked with work from local artists – the neon-lit giraffe is by Light Up North, bold, industrtial-style carnival lights come from The Light Shack and Christina also stocks simple rustic ceramics by Copenhagen-based company Broste. “I try and buy things made with integrity, old and new. It is OK to mix it up in the home and try something different. “People buy a whole range of furniture from a brochure and I’d just like them to think about their space – throw a yellow rug in a grey room, why not?” The shop is a warren of rooms – the cellar space is currently home to an exhibition of work by Surfacephilia, a design

and pattern business run by local artist Helen Stevens. Jenni and Christina plan to open out the rear of the store too so they can hold workshops and pop-up events throughout the year. “Until now you couldn’t even get fresh flowers in Saltburn other than at the supermarket, so we hope we can offer something that isn’t run-of-the-mill”, says Christina. They are certain that the Victorian coastal town of Saltburn, with its creative vibe, will respond to what the store is offering – but also hope it becomes a destination of its own for interior lovers from across the UK – in the way that quirky design store RE in Corbridge has done. “I go to Saltburn every weekend”, says Christina, who lives close by in Brotton. “I felt a real momentum in the town with the growing food festival and farmers’ market scene as well as the creative businesses and I felt that I really wanted to jump on that and roll with it.” Follow the progress online at www.lilliandaph.co.uk and www.ruffledwren.co.uk and on Facebook and Instagram

MAR/APR17

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MAR/APR17

COOL KIT

TREND WATCH with Chris Stocks, Pol Kefton Premium Design Take style to the max with the latest super-tech appliances

The World of Appliances

>> Steaming without pressure is one of the healthiest cooking methods of all. This combi-steam oven has a range of temperatures up to 230°C that can be combined with different humidity levels. Steaming, baking, boiling, braising, regeneration and juice extraction can be carried out with one appliance.

Appliances play a huge role in your kitchen. At the end of the day, the kitchen is ultimately a place to prepare and cook meals. However, nowadays we tend to use our kitchens for so much more. The 21st century kitchen has become the heart of the home, a very sociable space. When it comes to appliances, you have your essentials. Oven, induction or gas cooktops, dishwasher, extractor fan, fridge/freezer, and more than likely a microwave combination oven. Thereafter, you have your wish-list of appliances, which may include a steam combination oven, coffee machine, wine cooler (which is most people’s favourite addition to their kitchen), warming drawers and teppanyaki. Oversized fridge/freezers are right up there, allowing produce to be stored in abundance at the correct temperature and ambience. The client’s choice of appliances will often tell a designer a lot about the way they use their kitchen. Whether they’re a

cook, an entertainer, or just use the kitchen to heat up a meal from M&S. Regardless, this gives the designer a route to develop the design that is perfect for the individual client’s lifestyle. My luxury appliance would be the Sub-Zero Pro48. This is the pinnacle of refrigeration. I am a huge fan of the industrial look. Made of 100% steel, the Sub-Zero Pro48 refrigerator/freezer is no less than a masterpiece of preservation. The smart combination of sculpted metal, dual refrigeration, and advanced controls marry performance and design in a bold new way for home refrigeration. This appliance will ensure the best produce is kept at ultimate freshness for the longest possible length of time; reducing wastage and ensuring the best taste when consumed. This is thanks to the dual refrigeration system enhanced with triple evaporators, allowing independent control of storage conditions in the refrigerator cabinets and drawer compartments.

>> One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day! A gourmet home coffee system is a joy to use. Perfectly-brewed coffee and espresso drinks from whole coffee beans delivered via a unique system that eliminates the messy clean-up normally associated with built-in coffee machines. Stainless steel or black trim styles pair beautifully with all types of Wolf products.

>> The entire surface of this Gaggenau induction cooktop can be used as one large cooking zone. The cookware is automatically identified and heated exactly where it stands. The cooktop itself is operated intuitively using an extra-large TFT touch display which shows the positions, sizes and shapes of the cookware.

>> With two independently controlled climate zones, the cabinet allows professional wine storage in an exceptionally small space. The wine climate cabinet is 60 cm wide and offers space for up to 34 bottles. Electronic regulation guarantees constant temperatures of between 5°C and 20°C. Your wine selection is cleverly lit too.

Pol Kefton Kitchens Unit 1 Coopies Field, Coopies Lane Industrial Estate, Morpeth, Ne61 6Jt Telephone: 01670 503869

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

>> Industrial-style range cookers look impressive and help you cook like a pro! At any size, a Wolf dual fuel range steals the show with its classic professional look, eyecatching cobalt blue oven interior, and famous red knobs. Ranges are sculpted in heavy-gauge stainless steel and tested to perform beautifully through decades of heavy, daily use.

MAR/APR17

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OAKLAND PARK, MORPETH

MARKETING SUITE NOW OPEN This exclusive development of just 39 homes has received high levels of interest. Visit today to discover more about our impressive ‘Signature’ specification which includes Laura Ashley kitchens. Let us tell you more - call 07870 881794 Marketing Suite open Thursday to Monday 11.00am - 5.00pm

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LUXE LOCAL

Lanchester With its cosy inns, dainty shops and rural good looks, this sleepy village is a little County Durham gem. Blink and you’ll miss it - but we urge you not to

PROPERTIES >> While this might not be the best place to bag yourself that grand mansion, or chic apartment you’ve been longing for, it is a good spot for just about every kind of other buyer. In the centre, you’ll find terrific terraces boasting lovely stone, stuffed with character and original features. Head to the outskirts for your bigger builds with posh price tags, quiet gated communities and quaint courtyards. Local estate agents, Bennett Richmond and Foster Maddison, can help you find your dream home.

CONNECTED >> Lanchester lies just eight miles shy of Durham and five miles from Consett and your nearest railway station is Chester-leStreet. Buses from nearby Low Town Farm bus station will get shoppers on the right track to Stanley, Gateshead and buzzy Newcastle - just remember to bring your latest read, or favourite tunes, for the hour-plus journey. Things are a lot easier by car; the A691 will get you to Sunderland, the Toon and other parts of Tyneside in less than 40 minutes (just be aware of the busy A1), while a car-ride to Durham takes only 15 minutes. If you need somewhere to rest

your head, then look no further than The Old Post Office - a luxury B&B right on the village front street that offers large, comfortable accommodation and serves up fresh, local produce (great brekkies). It’s owned by the folk who launched Philleas Fogg. SHOP >> Avid shoppers are advised to head to the streets of Durham and Newcastle for big names and lots of choice, but if you’re quite partial to the odd nick-nack, a designer pair of frames or even a dreamy gown or two, there are still a few gems to be found on

my local REBECCA GOWLAND IS OWNER OF MUCHAS LOVES, A SPECIALIST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING AND CRAFT STORE. Three good things about living here >> The close-knit community vibe, the fact that there’s plenty of free, communityled events going on and the sweet little shops you’ll find as you walk the streets. Three places you take visitors >> The restaurants are great around here; good value for money, they’re family-run and the food is top-notch. An ‘in the know’ secret >> It’s a really good place for booze! You’d be surprised at how busy the pubs get in the evenings - particularly at the weekend. It’s a sleepy town during the day, but by night it comes alive.

Lanchester’s pretty front street. Pick up bits and bobs for your humble abode at Country Homes & Gifts, before sitting down for a cuppa and a slice of cake in the upstairs tea room, nose about The Village Green for cute cards, stationery and more, check out Wades Opticians’ range of fabulous frames and make an appointment at Lanchester Bridal to try on a selection of their dreamy designer dresses. Get Ahead Hats has a fabulous new showroom, filled with hot headwear, fascinators and accessorises for any upcoming summer weddings or soirees, and Westlands Dental is the go-to private practice in the area for keeping local smiles in check. FOOD >> This dot of a place has everything villagers need to keep their larders well-stocked and their bellies full. Fancy eating out? Book a table at Yannis for a taste of Greece. The family restaurant, run by a fun-loving Crete-born bunch, serves up authentic, homemade-style Greek cuisine five days a week and its bang-for-your-buck threecourse menus go down a treat - especially

MAR/APR17

property: three to choose Exclusive development Set within a private gated entrance within Foxwood Court, this four-bed stone cottage is close to Lanchester village centre and only 10 minutes from Durham City. It boasts private gardens, a state-of-the-art, open-plan kitchen and dining room and cosy living area, complete with a log burner.

£314,950 www.rightmove.co.uk

LUXE LOCAL

PROPERTY WATCH WITH DUNCAN YOUNG

Stately space Luxe out in the East Wing of Colepike Hall; a historic country house close to Lanchester and Durham City. This impressive stone built house has been extensively renovated and tastefully refurbished. Gorgeous garden views of the 1-acre grounds and tennis courts, inside discover heaps of original features.

£750,000 www.fostermaddison.co.uk

Country living This four-bed family home benefits from breathtaking views of the valley and enjoys a peaceful, semi-rural location near great road links to Durham and Newcastle. All rooms are bright and spacious, fitted with solid wood surfaces, large, double-glazed windows, and modernly decorated. The sunroom is a great feature, complete with French doors opening out on to the large garden.

£350,000 www.zoopla.co.uk

at the weekend when it’s always packed. If Italian is more your thing, pop in to Ravello Ristorante - they do pizza and pasta very well indeed and their ever-changing specials boards taste great too. Crinnions of Lanchester is also a must-visit - settle in at its restaurant and cafe, or check out the butchers and deli. It’s also worth mentioning that Lanchester really is the place to be for foodies to forage for farm shop delights and fresh, locally-grown essentials. A visit here isn't complete without dashing over to nearby Knitsley Farm Shop - a charming, rustic place filled to the brim with mouthwatering produce - think hot, straight-from-the-oven loaves and baps, indulgent pastries, cakes and scones, fresh eggs, vibrant veg and all kinds of meat. Viennese cafe, Kaffeehaus Amadeus, is where you need to be for great quality coffee and a naughty slice of strudel. Pick up your booze from cool wine shop, The Pip Stop, or grab a pint at The Black Bull Inn - a favourite among locals.

MAR/APR17

STROLL >> Lanchester is a gateway to Weardale, a renowned walking region providing keen strollers hundreds of miles of public footpaths, former industrial railway lines and quiet country lanes to explore. Great for peaceful family walks along the riverside and a strenuous bit of hill-walking and long-distance trail braving, if that’s your thing. A short and simple stroll around the village’s All Saints Parish Church - which lies right in the centre - is a very nice thing indeed.

A VERY PROMISING FUTURE FOR NEW HOMES The beginning of 2017 has certainly started with great confidence. In the housing sector, we have noted an increase in the number of applicants registrations and viewings. This start is still price sensitive and demand is not equal across all price levels. However, what is particularly pleasing is the outstanding success of many of the new homes sites within the region. We have been involved with the highly successful redevelopment of the former La Sagesse site in Jesmond. Ranging from outstanding luxury detached modern mansions to a period conversion of quality apartments, this scheme has been, undoubtedly, the flagship for the developer in the North East and record sales have been achieved on this magnificent site with prices from £499,995 - £1.35 million. In Ponteland, a development at Mill Rise, set into the park, has now sold out. Only 18 apartments were available and the scheme was two thirds sold before we had the show apartments available in January, with the final six immediately going under offer within two weeks. Hexham Gate, on the Hexham to Corbridge Road, has provided some stunning Trisvelhus energy-efficient luxury houses with prices starting at £499,000. These have been equally popular. Similarly, on the coast at Beadnell, we have only two of the magnificent holiday homes available at Beadnell Point out of the 40 that were initially available for sale. In 2017 we look forward to the launch in May of The Plateau in North Shields. This is a development of 34, two and three-storey townhouses, with outstanding views over the River Tyne and the former docklands site, which was regenerated by the joint venture partners, Places for People and Urban Splash. This scheme will provide some of the most unique housing of its kind within the North East. The residential lettings market also continues to be of great significance to the housing market, with prices for the average rentals rising, caused by the lack of supply and increasing numbers of people now renting on a six or 12-month protected tenancy. Homes average on our own books at over £1,200 per calendar month. In terms of buying, the shortage of quality stock, especially under £500,000 in value, is causing problems. In certain areas, the demand outstrips supply and prices are therefore rising once again. As we increase the price levels towards £1 million, demand falls off a little but we are seeing increasing numbers of sales being recorded off the market at the higher price levels. In Darras Hall this year we have seen two confident sales, one on a property quoting a guide price of £3.25 million and another on a property at £2.5 million. Both of these sales are expected to complete by the early spring of 2017 and will provide a strong confidence indicator to the luxury areas of Ponteland and surrounding villages of increasing demand. Traditional suburban houses in Gosforth, Jesmond and other areas of Newcastle are also proving to be popular and we have seen a number of best and final offers being received on properties, especially in the £300,000 - £400,000 price level, where popular Edwardian terraces and 1930s semis are in high demand. There are unfortunately too many houses continuing to be over-valued. This creates havoc and extreme damage to the sale of that property, which often ends up being sold for 10-15% lower than it should have achieved if priced it correctly at the beginning. If I can help you in any way, 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

Lomond House Tranwell Woods, Morpeth

Lomond House is an impressive detached mansion offering luxurious accommodation in a highly sought after rural setting with stunning views. This magnificent property is beautifully presented with modern fixtures and fittings, and a triple garage block with annex above.

Price Guide ÂŁ2.85 Million Ashleigh Sundin ashleigh.sundin@sandersonyoung.co.uk rare! Office: 0191 223 3500 From Sanderson Young

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

The Dene Cadehill Road, Stocksfield

The Dene is a substantial, Victorian detached house which sits back from the road in fabulous, established, surrounding gardens which extend to approximately 1.2 acres. The property is beautifully presented and provides bright and spacious accommodation throughout.

Price Guide ÂŁ995,000 Ashleigh Sundin ashleigh.sundin@sandersonyoung.co.uk rare! Office: 0191 223 3500 From Sanderson Young

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

local, regional, national and international specialists in property marketing

THE GROVE, HARTLEPOOL

Reduced to £725,000

5 The Grove is a substantial 6 bedroom period property packed with original features. It occupies an extensive plot offering private enclosed child friendly outdoor space, in a much sought after location.

ESHTON, WYNYARD,

Contact: 0191 384 2277

£650,000

10 Eshton a six bedroom detached home, sits on an extensive corner plot and offers extensive family space including a conservatory, indoor swimming pool and gym area and a large private gardens overlooking woodland.

BLACKWOOD, WYNYARD

Contact: 01740 645 444

£499,950

12 Blackwood is a stunning extended four bedroom detached house in an excellent location, providing modern open plan living which borders a nature reserve at the rear for complete privacy, and quality throughout.

Durham 0191 384 2277

Darlington 01325 488 619

Wynyard 01740 645 444

Tyne Valley 0845 459 6000

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk

info@wynyardfineandcountry.co.uk residing@fineandcountry.com

Contact: 01740 645 444

Cumbria 0845 872 5453 cumbria@fineandcountry.com

creative and intelligent marketing of individual and country property

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PORTLAND HOUSE, HOLYWOOD, WOLSINGHAM

Price on application

Portland House is a stunning individual residence designed to provide the very highest quality luxury living within the spectacular rural landscape of Weardale. The property which is set in extensive private grounds and gated entrance.

VIVRE HOUSE, WYNYARD

Contact: 0191 384 2277

Price on application for rental or purchase

Vivre House is an outstanding property of luxury and decadence with six beautiful bedrooms and outstanding family and entertaining space with lavish leisure facilites. A rare opportunity.

ESHTON, WYNYARD

Contact: 01740 645 444

ÂŁ645,000

A super-size 6 bedroom home of scale and space, 6 Eshton has the dimensions and the versatility to be the perfect property for a large or growing family. This is an exceptional property that can accommodate several generations.

Lakes 01539 733 500

Northumberland 0845 459 6000

sales@fineandcountry-lakes.co.ul

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk

Contact: 01740 645 444

www.fineandcountry.com Head office: 121 Park Lane, Mayfair, London WIK 7AG.

STAYING GROUNDED

A change of season is a big deal for chef Tommy Banks, the young Yorkshire chef who was a winner on last year’s Great British Menu. Kathryn Armstrong caught up with him to see how his garden is growing

Soil for the soul The Black Swan in the teeny village of Oldstead is slap bang in the middle of gardens and a landscape that play a pivotal part in everything that emerges from its Michelin-starred kitchen. Take any ingredient and the kitchen team has had a hand in its sowing, nurturing, picking (often pickling), tasting, prepping, cooking and even its arrival at the table. There’s definitely a lot of food love and respect in Tommy Banks’s kitchen. But when it came to putting that before the cameras and a formidable judging panel for TV’s Great British Menu, there was more than a moment of panic admits twentysomething wonder-chef Tommy Banks. “I spent weeks dreaming of the food I was going to cook on there; I’d wake up thinking about it and head to the kitchen and try something else. “When it came to filming I was so, so nervous. At the restaurant my food makes

sense because of the place – I wondered, ‘will my food make sense in a studio in Camden, a place that’s a bit like a bunker?’ The pressure was so high.” Obviously the food made perfect sense as the show scoured the country for chefs and dishes fit to serve at a 90th birthday banquet for The Queen. The hyper-critical judges marked all Tommy’s dishes well but it was his inspiring dessert that wowed them to award a perfect ten. The dessert, which he called ‘My Great Briton’, was a Douglas Fir parfait, with lemon verbena gel, white chocolate tuile and a ewe’s milk yoghurt sorbet. It was paired with a Douglas Fir sour cocktail. Adding to the drama and sentiment of the dish was the inclusion of a prop which featured a recording of his grandfather’s voice talking about the well-known Yorkshire landmark, the Kilburn White Horse. The Black Swan sits beneath the hill – and his grandad was responsible for maintaining it. “I was really close to my grandad who

looked after the White Horse. It was really emotional, it was the first time I had heard his voice since he died. He was a massive part of my life. I never really got over losing him, it was awful, I was about 18 at the time. Doing that (the GBM) gave me a bit of closure and I felt like I had given something back. It is a really tasty dessert as well!” Of that prized perfect ten, Tommy says: “When Tom announced my score and told me I had attained the joint highest score ever I was very humbled and honoured to be on par with chefs such as Daniel Clifford, Tom Kerridge and Tom Aikens. Having watched them before on the show it was amazing to be on the same level as chefs that I’ve always looked up to.” Unsurprisingly, that moment in the spotlight has had a massive knock-on effect at the remote rural restaurant. Bookings went through the roof, there’s always a clamour for a Chef-signed menu and, it meant a Christmas break for the team for once! “My mate Kenny Atkinson (of House of Tides, Newcastle) warned me”, laughs Tommy. “He said GBM takes over your life. He said you have no idea what you’re letting yourself in for – the restaurant will go crazy and you won’t even be able to go to the Co-op without some saying ‘you’re off the telly’.” That sums up how life has been in Olstead since, a village that’s as remote as it gets (definitely no Co-op). Which is part of the charm admits 27-year-old Tommy. “In terms of staff, chefs really have to make

a commitment to work here – they have to relocate, they have to buy a car and be prepared to live the job. “We never get awkward customers! People have made the journey to get here and that remote road is a scene-setter in itself: there is anticipation and escapism.” The field-to-plate element isn’t a gimmick here. Tommy’s family has farmed the land surrounding the pub for many years and his parents Tom and Anne bought the pub when Tommy was young, running it as a local pub and B&B with no great ambitions for its food. They nurtured their own produce for economic reasons as much as anything – and the garden grew just as Tommy’s skills were growing in the kitchen. They employed a decent chef in the kitchen and the reputation for food spread. Tommy would help out in the kitchen but an illness when he was a teenager was a turning point

MAR/APR17

STAYING GROUNDED

in terms of his ambition. “I had ulcerative colitis and three bouts of major surgery when I was 18/19”, he says. “I was bedridden, had no social life and was watching as my friends went off to Uni. I had no qualifications, trade or talent. I said to myself, ‘when I get this sorted out, I am going to make something of myself.’ An understatement if ever there was one. “I was a hungry young man, by the time I was 24, I was sous chef and we’d got a Michelin star. Chef left and I knew I had to try and keep the star. We worked so hard – 18-hour days.” Tommy became the youngest Michelinstarred chef at just 24. But something was missing. “I felt I wasn’t totally fulfilled. I had this star but I felt my food wasn’t really that original. I was making dishes from cookbooks, from other chefs – clearly I could cook but I felt my food lacked real soul.” That’s where the garden came in. With know-how from his dad and the team, plus some specialist advice from garden guru Ken Holland, Tommy hatched a plan to make his garden grow to perfection. “I thought, I have no knowledge or experience of cooking in top kitchens in London or wherever, but what do I know? We’re farmers! I decided that I would restrict myself to things we could grow ourselves or forage – and that was really the start of the ‘new Black Swan’. “It’s nice if you can grow something and make it the star of the show – like our ‘Meatroot’ – beetroot cooked in beef fat for five hours. It starts off as a big chunk then cooks down with a smoky, sweet flavour – we’re really fond of that one! The garden’s harvest serves the restaurant all year – it’s easy to serve up fresh-picked produce in summer but many things are pickled, preserved and recycled – like the

We never get awkward customers! People have made the journey to get here and that remote road is a scene-setter in itself: there is anticipation and escapism leaves of brassicas – for use out of season too. About 60% of the menu is made up of food grown at the Black Swan. Bread is made on-site using unrefined flour from a mill at Kirbymoorside, fish comes from Hodgsons at Hartlepool. Game from local estates and lamb from the village farm. The restaurant had a makeover last year to create an airy, Scandi-feel dining room which feels really laid back. It has an open kitchen so diners can pop over and have a look at how their scallops are being cooked. “We want people to feel that it is comfortable. Welcoming and unstuffy. “I want chefs to put the seed in, grow it, harvest it then cook it and serve it to the table so the food comes full circle to the customer and has more meaning. “It is food we really believe in and we put our heart and soul into it.” Even the furnishings are local – the simple, expertly made chairs were sourced eight miles away in Thirsk. The Neva chair is a 2015 Interior Innovation Award winner from a young Croatian design duo. For the dining tables, inspiration came from organic shapes with the idea of making the stunning Yorkshire landscape part of the dining experience. Every table is unique; with interwoven metal legs representing sapling trees in tangled undergrowth; the result of many hours of bending and welding in the farm workshop. Guests can stay in rooms in village houses next to the Black Swan. They are supertasteful with contemporary rural-chic styling. One nice touch is the toiletries range –

Molton Brown’s Rhubarb and Rose fragrance collection. Tommy is an ambassador of sorts for the brand having created a range of sweet treats using the rhubarb and rose ingredients for the company’s product launch. Back in the garden, a change of a season is always a thrill for Tommy and his team who are really at the top of their game at the moment.

“We keep developing what we’re doing; planting, picking and getting excited about what will appear the next week. “I love it when summer comes and we pick the veg at 5pm then serve it at 6pm – that’s when the magic comes”, enthuses Tommy. “It is a great place to be at the moment – everyone enjoys coming in and guests and staff are really into what we’re trying to achieve here – I’ve never felt so fulfilled!”

psst.... We’re planning a surprise in April 2017

Keep an eye on www.luxe-magazine.co.uk for details

MAR/APR17

Beef with quinoa, lentils, radishes and a parsley dressing >>

FRIENDS ROUND

SERVES 6-8 This is one of the first recipes I thought of when I sat down to write this book. It very much embodies the style of eating and cooking I have adopted and wanted to share – a big platter of good, honest, fuss-free food, for relaxed and easy eating. Fillet of beef is an expensive cut, but this big salad doesn’t call for a huge amount of it. It does really add to the dish, but you can use less or omit it if you’re on a tight budget. Also, I have a flatmate who would eat this beef dish day in, day out and would recommend serving it with nothing else. Feel free to omit the other elements of the dish and simply whack a few slices of the beef in some good bread with plenty of mayo. If it’s good enough for Thomas…

Ingredients

Flora’s fabulous feasts

Flora Shedden wowed us with her mouthwatering recipes on The Great British Bake Off. She brings her fresh and friendly approach to food in her new cookbook, Gatherings Flora Shedden believes food should be friendly, undaunting and, above all, sociable. And the word ‘gathering’ sums that up. “A gathering is an easy way of hosting: it means there is no pressure, no code of conduct and everyone – cook included – can enjoy themselves.” It’s a gentle and calm approach to food exemplified in Gatherings, a celebration of those leisurely meals enjoyed with friends and family, times when, as Flora says, “you can have people over, lay on a spread without sliding into full-on panic mode. “I wanted to reflect this relaxed style of eating in a collection of easy and accessible recipes that are not daunting but enticing and encouraging. What’s more, I wanted to show how this is all possible after a long day at work, after a weekend spent out and about or even after decking the halls.” Although it was Flora’s baking that wowed on the 2015 series of

GBBO, Gatherings is full of recipes of every kind, from soup to soda bread, broth to brunch. These are dishes that anyone can make, gorgeous dishes that are deceptively simple but won’t fail to impress on your table. Flora’s favourites dishes are those that are: “nothing overly fussy or complicated, just tasty and pretty plates of food”. It’s a bit of a latterday Nigella approach – you like the idea of being Flora’s friend and popping over for supper. With a guide to the perfectly informal table settings, Gatherings also acts as your secret weapon to create a beautifully relaxed atmosphere for lunch or dinner. There are lovely pictures of gorgeous summery gatherings with pitchers of Pimm’s and perfect cakes adorned with summery flowers. Ever the country-girl, Flora delights in weaving natural ingredients into her recipes, and relishes flavours that evoke the lush essence of a country garden – from fresh herbs to the fittingly floral hibiscus and rose petals. She also provides some helpful pointers on how you can inject some garden freshness into your kitchen with pots of herbs stored close at hand to lift your recipes, which, she promises, ‘will give both your food and your kitchen a vibrant kick of colour’. But that’s not to say Flora’s recipes are treat-free: the book unashamedly bucks the trend of clean eating and revels in sweet and savoury indulgence and classic dishes passed down by Flora’s own family. “I can promise common-sense food”, she says, “proper and honest ingredients that will both fuel and satisfy you.” Gatherings luxuriates in food throughout, from the simple act of cooking to the eating and enjoying, be it a quick breakfast or a slow dinner. “Food is as much about fuelling as it is about good hearty laughs. Cooking is the rewarding route you take to get there.” We’ve been inspired by Flora’s Spring Ladies Lunch, with its refreshing blood orange vodka blush and the subtle, healthy and satisfying flavours of her beef with quinoa, lentils and radishes. Whether you’re hosting an Easter lunch, Mother’s Day meal or just a girly gathering we think it’s an inspiring offering. Can we come?

Gatherings: recipes for feasts great and small by Flora Shedden, published by Mitchell Beazley, £25, www.octopusbooks.co.uk

2cm (3⁄4inch) fresh root ginger, roughly chopped 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped 1tsp pink peppercorns 1tsp black peppercorns 1tsp salt 1tbls olive oil 500g (1lb 2oz) fillet of beef 150g (51⁄2oz) quinoa (a mix of red and white, if you can get it) 150g (51⁄2oz) Puy lentils 850ml (11⁄2pints) water

Big bunch of flat leaf parsley, leaves picked, stems and half the leaves roughly chopped (reserve the whole leaves to garnish) 100ml (31⁄2fl oz) olive oil, plus extra for the grains Juice of 1 lemon 1tbls white wine vinegar 1 avocado, peeled, stoned and roughly sliced 200g (7oz) radishes, finely sliced 4 spring onions, finely sliced Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), Gas Mark 6. Use a pestle and mortar to bash the ginger, garlic, peppercorns and salt together to form a paste. Add the oil and mix again. Heat an ovenproof frying pan over a high heat until smoking hot. Rub the beef thoroughly with all the ginger paste. Once the pan is hot, place the beef in the pan and cook for 1 minute on all sides, ensuring the outside is completely sealed. Transfer to the oven to roast for 15–17 minutes for medium-rare meat. While the beef is cooking, weigh out the quinoa and lentils and water into a deep saucepan and bring to the boil. Cook for roughly 20 minutes or until the lentils are soft. The quinoa will be ready at the same time. Drain, then mix in a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Season lightly. When the beef is cooked, transfer it to a plate, cover the plate with kitchen foil and leave the beef to rest for 15 minutes at least. For the parsley dressing, put the chopped stems and leaves in a food processor (or in a jug if using a stick blender). Add the oil, lemon juice, vinegar and avocado. Blitz on a high speed until smooth and a vibrant green in colour. Toss the radishes and spring onions through the quinoa and lentils with the reserved whole parsley leaves. Finely slice the beef just before serving and lay the slices on a large platter with the quinoa and lentils. Dollop small amounts of the parsley dressing over the salad and serve the remainder on the side for people to help themselves.

Blood orange vodka blush >> MAKES 1 LARGE JUGFUL This one is dangerously drinkable, particularly when made during the height of the blood orange season. A glass of sunshine to see you through the last of the winter darkness.

Ingredients 250ml (9fl oz) blood orange juice (juice of approximately 4–5 oranges) 1 ⁄2 pomegranate Juice of 1 lime 100g (31⁄2oz) caster sugar

Plenty of ice cubes 350ml (12fl oz) vodka 700ml–1 litre (11⁄4–13⁄4pints) soda water Blood orange slices, to garnish

Method Pour the orange juice into a saucepan. Squeeze over the pomegranate half to release its juice – the seeds will drop into the pan, but that’s nothing to worry about. Add the lime juice and caster sugar. Bring to the boil over a medium heat for a few moments until all the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and strain into a sterilized bottle. To serve, quarter fill a large jug with ice. Pour over your blood orange juice mixture. Add the vodka and top up with soda water – the quantity will depend on how strong you want the drink to be. Finish with a few slices of blood orange.

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Up for a good time

The perfect match

From

£249

per c ouple

Will you choose a bit of a dish with its delectable 6 course tasting menu, or is it a longer term commitment you’re searching for, partnered with a two course à la carte?Your perfect match is here.

The Black Swan. For food lovers.

Call us on 01439 770466, or book online at

Rugged good looks

www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk The Black Swan Hotel, Market Place, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5BJ Both packages are available Sunday – Friday, from 1st July 2016 – 30th April 2017. Visit our website for full terms and conditions.

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SHORE THINGS

Eat Seasonal WITH ANDREW WILKINSON OF ARTISAN

Bring in the spring and rejoice in the decadent pleasures of the sea

An elegant dish brimming with the finest flavours from the sea This edition, I’m sharing with you a stunning seafood dish that marks the transition from winter’s abundance of comfort food to a much lighter and more refined springtime palate. Bringing together a range of subtle flavours and textures, this dish combines the delicate taste of turbot with a heady langoustine bisque, complemented by a light parcel of ravioli filled with a smooth scallop mousse. To me, this is the perfect plate of food for fans of all things from the sea. There’s more preparation involved compared to my other recipes, but it’s worth the effort! For more seasonal foodie inspiration, come along to one of our Seasonal Showcases – a monthly tasting menu that celebrates a style of cooking, ingredient or time of year.

Roasted turbot, langoustine bisque and king scallop ravioli >> SERVES 4

Ingredients Langoustine bisque 2kg langoustine shells (crushed) 2 onions (finely diced) 2 sticks of celery (finely diced) 2 carrots (finely diced) 3 cloves of garlic (sliced) 1 head of fennel 100ml brandy 100ml dry vermouth 1tblsp tomato puree 500g chopped tomatoes 20g fresh ginger 20g basil 500ml fish stock 100ml cream

Pasta dough 550g OO flour 4 eggs 6 egg yolks 2 tblsp olive oil 1 tblsp salt Scallop mousse 100g scallop meat 100ml double cream Lemon and salt to taste Pinch of cayenne pepper Turbot 4 x 150g turbot fillets (skinless)

Artisan, The Biscuit Factory, Stoddart Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AN Tel 0191 260 5411. www.artisannewcastle.com Twitter.com/Artisan_NE

Method Pasta dough Blitz the flour, salt and olive oil for a few seconds. Slowly add the eggs and bring together until just forms a dough. Knead for a few minutes until firm and then rest in the fridge. Scallop mousse In an ice cold robo-coupe jug blitz the scallop meat until broken down. Slowly add the cream until it forms a stiff mousse-like consistency. Pass through a fine mesh tami and season with salt, lemon juice and a little cayenne pepper. Leave to chill in the fridge. Scallop ravioli Ball the chilled mousse at 20g and chill. Meanwhile, roll the pasta dough out using a pasta machine, keep re-folding the dough to achieve a strong dough. Roll until you can just begin to see your hand through the pasta sheets. Cut discs out of the sheets using pastry cutters (you’ll need eight discs, the rest of the dough can be used at a later date). Place 20g of scallop meat in the centre of one of the pasta discs. Rub a little water around the border of the pasta disc and place another on top. Gently press any air out while sealing the two discs together to form the ravioli. Repeat the process three times to

achieve four raviolis. Using pastry cutters, cut the ravioli to form a neat, compact shape.Set to one side in the fridge. Langoustine bisque Roast the langoustine bones in a hot oven until golden. Don’t roast for too long otherwise it will create a bitter sauce. Meanwhile, sweat the onion, celery, garlic, carrot and fennel until soft. Add the tomato puree and cook out for 10 minutes on a low heat. Add the langoustine bones and deglaze the pan with the brandy and vermouth. Reduce the alcohol and then add the chopped tomatoes and the fish stock. Cook for 40 minutes then pass and infuse with the fresh basil and ginger for 15 minutes, then pass again. Reduce the stock by half and then add the cream. Keep to one side. To serve Roast the turbot skin side down until cooked. Heat the langoustine sauce through, adjust the seasoning and pour in a pre-heated bowl. Blanch the ravioli in boiling, salted water. Place the turbot on the plate and add the ravioli. Garnish as pictured.

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ADVERTORIAL

New season sipping With a new season comes a new way of drinking and socialising - and it appears Livello is the ideal spot to enjoy new-style tipples in the kind of effortlessly elegant surroundings that best host summer soirees and chilled-out after-work gatherings on long, warm nights. Perfectly-positioned on Newcastle’s vibrant Quayside, the cocktail lounge and buzzy bar is open from 5pm until late, bringing luxury

nightlife to the city with its VIP-style service and sophisticated interiors. Wind down against a courtyard cabana backdrop, or head indoors and dance the night away until the early hours. It’s cocktail offering takes a new twist for spring/summer 2017, combining modern mixology with vintage, tried-andtested classics to create a unique and eye-catching menu that offers something for all tastes. The new additions, crafted by the bar’s

team of passionate and experimental mixologists, are eye-catching and playful; a classy blend of textures, colours and garnishes, with ice and fruit adding extra flavour and drama to the mix. All spirits are strictly premium, mixed together with complementary fresh and organic ingredients for vibrancy. Guilty pleasures, such as Sex On The Beach and holiday-favourite, the Pina Colada, are reimagined, now with fresh, real ingredients and more colour for a mouth-watering

and visual feast. Its new frozen creations, meanwhile, are cool winners for the upcoming summer season, muddling together crushed ice and sweet, exotic flavours for a true taste of paradise. And if G&Ts are more your thing, you can now experiment with a range of exciting serving options. Pick your premium gin and partner with a new flavour of tonic for a lighter, summery spin on the UK’s favourite tipple.

Three to try…

RAZZLE BERRY Fresh raspberries are mixed with Stolichnaya Razberi, cranberry and mint and topped with Prosecco 25ml Stoli Razberi 25ml Framboise liquor 50ml Cranberry juice Fresh Mint, 50ml Prosecco Garnish – 3 raspberries Tall sling glass - cubed ice

Drink your way…

BLUSHING GEISHA Hendrick’s Gin and Rose Liqueur are shaken with fresh lychee juice. Served long over ice with cucumber ribbons and a fragrant Hibiscus flower. 25ml Hendrick’s Gin 25ml Rose liqueur 12.5ml Lemon juice 12.5ml Homemade sugar syrup 50ml lychee juice 5ml Hibiscus Syrup Garnish – Hibiscus flower and cucumber ribbon Tall sling glass - cubed ice

Enjoy a fun-packed two-hour journey through the cocktail universe and become a master muddler with the help of Livello’s team of highly-skilled mixologists. Ideal for hen parties or quirky girly get-togethers, attending one of Livello’s cocktail-making masterclasses means you’ll be greeted with a chilled glass of prosecco, before making three of your very own cocktails. You’ll also be given the chance to make and taste several more as your skills and palette are put to the test.

COINTREAUVERSIAL (pictured above) Cointreau and Ketel one Citron are combined with blood orange syrup and lemon to create a sweet, tangy sensation. Garnished with lemon, orange peel swizzle stick, cherries and crushed ice. 37.5ml Cointreau 12.5ml Ketel one citron 12.5ml blood orange monin 25ml lemon juice 12.5ml egg white

The masterclasses take place in the Opulenza VIP Lounge’ and are exclusive to your group. Prices start from £25 per person and classes can accommodate groups up to a maximum of 20 people. And for all you martini-lovers out there, you can also enjoy a mix of your favourites structured and arranged in spectacular style, thanks to Livello’s famous ‘cocktail tree’. A real crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer parties and social gatherings.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO MAKE A BOOKING, CALL (0191) 233 3733, VISIT WWW.BARLIVELLO.CO.UK OR EMAIL INFO@BARLIVELLO.CO.UK OPENING TIMES; MONDAY - THURSDAY 5PM-LATE, FRIDAY - SATURDAY 12P-3AM, SUNDAY 12PM-LATE

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HUNGER GAMES

Veg patch WITH KAREN PHILLIPS

Before the existence of ‘food miles’, this time of year was commonly known as ‘the hungry gap’: most of the stored and overwintering vegetables had been used up and the new sowings were weeks off being harvested; time to fall back on some of the stalwarts

RICH PICKINGS >> Nettle Tips: The new fashion for ‘mindfulness’ springs to mind when I pick nettles; now, instead of getting frustrated at their growth in the garden, I cannot wait for their first shoots to appear in spring. They are a welcome early crop: rich in iron and both delicious and decorative in Nettle and Parmesan Scones. Don your rubber gloves and pick only the soft, new nettle tips; DO NOT post this on Twitter, as I unwittingly did, or you’ll gain a raft of ‘interesting’ followers! You can crop them throughout the year by cutting the older stems hard back to the ground and then cropping the soft new growth, but don’t pick older stems since they start to have a laxative effect as they age. Blanch the nettle tips, drain well and

streams. We have it growing here along the stream at the edge of the wood and a judicial picking at this time of year keeps it nicely under control. Yeo Valley’s ‘The Great British Farmhouse Cookbook’ is full of brilliant recipes for the gardener/forager including one for mouth-watering Spinach, Ricotta & Wild Garlic Pie. Blackcurrant Leaves: The first leaves of the blackcurrant bush are the most aromatic and are used to make a small, but highly coveted, batch of Blackcurrant Leaf Sorbet: the perfect palate cleanser with a shot of ice cold vodka poured over the top!

JOBS INSIDE >> • Seed potatoes need to be chitted in a cool, airy place for 6 weeks before planting; chitting results in an earlier and larger crop of potatoes so is really only essential for

JOBS OUTSIDE >>

chop as for spinach – they lose their stinging effect once cooked. I freeze small portions in ice cube trays for use throughout the year. Preserves: Chilli Jam on chipolatas; apple and geranium Jelly on pâté toasts; and blackberry, elderberry and apple Jam on a warm, buttered scone remind me that summer sunshine will soon be here. Wild Garlic: This rampant bulb (sold on the internet as ‘Ramsoms’) is not one that you would want in any garden – much better to harvest it from local walks on the edges of

new, not maincrop, potatoes. • Sow, sow, sow in modules ready to transplant once large enough – spring onions, baby beetroot, leeks, turnips – all will provide a quicker crop than sowing direct. • From April onwards all the half-hardy crops (i.e. those that cannot be planted until the risk of frost has passed) such as courgettes, pumpkins, dwarf French beans (in guttering)…. can be sown indoors ready to be planted out in six weeks’ time.

• Plant a Herb Garden. Having just moved to Linnels Farm there are a couple of things I have missed from Widehaugh House: the overwintering veg crops that would see me through till March and my well-stocked herb bed right outside the kitchen door. Oh, you should hear me grumbling every time I have had to purchase parsley at the supermarket! The kitchen extension at the farm is still being built so I need to find a temporary home for all the herb cuttings I brought with me. Belfast sinks or large galvanised tubs are the perfect receptacle for the keen cook’s herb garden. The fabulous shop ‘Re’, behind the garage in Corbridge, stocks a great collection of quirky containers. The pot needs to have at least one drainage hole but it could still do with a bit more drainage so fill 1/3 full with polystyrene chips (the ones that surround delicate packages that come in the post); these add great aeration around the plant roots. I have planted sage, parsley, golden marjoram, rosemary, hyssop, thyme, mint (contained within a second pot) and a small bay cutting – if this was a permanent planting I would leave out the bay tree and rosemary because ultimately these two will get too big. Supermarkets are now

selling coriander, basil and parsley grown together in one pot; if you buy one then split the different plants up by simply ripping through the roots and then pot the basil into two pots for use indoors, and the coriander and parsley can be inserted into you herb container. A couple of herbs to avoid that you sometimes find in the herb section at the garden centre are horseradish and comfrey - two unruly thugs that would colonise your pot in no time!

• Weed, weed, weed now in order to avoid the spring mayhem and have your soil ready for planting your first crops. If you garden on a heavy, clay soil (which is slow to warm up in spring) then cover a row with black plastic, or a polythene tunnel, a couple of weeks prior to planting or sowing.

LOOKING AHEAD >> Next time we’ll be sowing some stunning varieties of veg in the new plot at the farm and tucking into tantalising terrines.

Karen has moved Widehaugh House cookschool and gardens, to Linnels Farm, Hexham – for regular updates of the progress visit www.widehaughhouse.co.uk

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MOREISH MOLLUSCS

Fish course

Fish cookery doesn’t get much simpler and this approach really draws the natural sweetness out of the scallops. Be sure to get the pan nice and hot, to a point where the oil is almost smoking. This will ensure a good, dark, caramelised crust. If you’d like to serve this for a main course, simply add another couple of scallops and perhaps some steamed sprouting broccoli and sea kale

WITH TERRY LAYBOURNE

Clean, silky and delicate in flavor, scallops are a sweet taste of the ocean that are too often dismissed for being difficult to cook. These delicious morsels of shellfish deserve a little more of our time and perseverance. Sometimes referred to as the ‘candy of the sea’, scallops are delectably sweet molluscs that reside in distinctive fan-shaped shells. They are a popular seafood delicacy that also happen to be high in protein, low in calories and a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium and Vitamin B12. Scallops are cold water shellfish that grow on seabeds in all of the world’s oceans. However, UK waters are a source of some of the best, with some sublime specimens being found off the coast of western Scotland. Good quality scallops can be recognised for having plump, moist, translucent flesh

MAR/APR17

that’s an off-white or creamy-colour and should smell fresh like the sea. The price of scallops will vary depending on whether they’ve been dredged or dived for – you’ll always pay a premium for hand-dived scallops. Fantastically versatile, scallops are best served pan-seared, steamed or raw when super-fresh – they are one of the easiest seafoods with which to impress! They are robust enough to lend themselves to lots of garnishes but especially suit being teamed with European ingredients and citrus or oriental flavours. Scallops are naturally a thing of beauty and for that reason simplicity is key. The marriage of sweet scallops and tangy gremolata with a drizzle of lemon oil is one of perfection, especially when accompanied with a chilled glass of Fiano. * Gremolata is a blend of grated garlic, citrus zest and chopped parsley used extensively in Italian cookery. * Shetland King Scallops are available from Saltwater Fish Company in Fenwick Food Hall.

Seared scallops with gremolata and lemon oil >> SERVES 2 AS A FIRST COURSE Ingredients 4-6 large king scallops 1 ⁄2tbls olive oil 1 small clove garlic, finely chopped 1 ⁄2tbls lemon zest, grated 1 ⁄2tbls flat parsley leaves, chopped fine sea salt and milled black pepper 1tsp lemon flavoured olive oil* 2 wedges of lemon *Lemon Oil is available from the grocery department in Fenwick Food Hall

Method Clean and wash the scallops, removing the tough outer muscle but retaining the roe. Combine the chopped garlic, lemon zest and parsley in a small bowl to make the gremolata. Season the scallops lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a small, heavy, cast iron frying pan, add a film of olive oil and then place in the scallops, searing quickly on both sides to create a good crust. Remove from the pan and add a little squeeze of lemon juice. Divide the scallops between 2x warm plates. Sprinkle generously with gremolata then add a good drizzle of lemon oil. Place a wedge of lemon on the side.

GO FASTER

Star trek

With chef James Close of The Raby Hunt, proud owner of two Michelin stars

This year in Luxe, we’re joining James on a food journey that takes in people, places, tastes and recommendations – local and global

The Ritz Carlton

The big road trip… to Germany To see in what promises to be a busy and exciting 2017, we took to the road for a taste tour of Germany. Something like 28 hours of driving there and back via Calais then Belgium. Worth it for a some of the best food I’ve ever eaten.

Stay Our destination was Wolfsburg. A town that pretty much IS Volkswagen. The city has some history but it was put on the modern-day map in the 1930s when it was created as a model industrial town to house the VW factory and its workers. It’s an incredible city – about an hour from Berlin (you can fly from Newcastle to Berlin with easyJet these days). On our stay we went to The Ritz Carlton, one of the best restaurants in the world – the pool and spa are not to be missed with their dramatic views across the space-age city.

Autostadt, pictured right, is dedicated to the car in an unusual – very European – way by emphasizing design, art, architecture and science. You can trace the story of the VW from Campervan to the pacey performance Golf GTi. And you’ll get your fill of classic cars and flash motors in the amazing car pavilions with Lamborghini, Porsche and more. For the full ‘bloke’ experience, it’s worth a trip to the soccer stadium of the VfL Wolfsburg which was built in 2002, and accommodates 30,000 spectators for soccer games featuring teams in Germany’s highest division. You can book a guided tour for a look behind the scenes.

Fine dining

Snack

Aqua at the Ritz Carlton in Wolfsburg is home to three Michelin star chef Sven Elverfield. He greeted us at reception and we ate at Aqua on two nights. The first night we enjoyed a glass of Dom Perignon with him in the kitchen before service. The next night it was New Year’s Eve and we had the 12-course tasting menu with a pairing of stunning German wines. The food was exceptional – one of the best meals I have ever eaten. The refinement and consistency was at another level. A stand-out dish was a little take on the pastrami sandwich. Beyond words in terms of description and taste! Also amazing was waygu bavette with anchovy – and a banana-shaped dessert packed with Thai flavours – lemongrass, chilli etc.

The Autostadt is full of eating places for a currywurst and fully-functioning bars for the authentic German beer experience. There are loads of more sophisticated offerings too! If you’re making it a winter destination, it is great at Christmas with ice-skating, markets and gluhwein.

Worth a visit Volkswagen and Wolfsburg are inseparably linked. If you love cars, you’ll love this place. Volkswagen’s Autostadt (car city) is responsible for the city’s rebirth and has paved the way for marvels such as the Phaeno Science Center, which along with the world’s largest car manufacturing plant, draws in millions of visitors each year.

Ausfahrt, Image: Udo Geisler

Time Out Berlin is only an hour away from Wolfsburg by train if you want some big city adventure. My choice for dining in Berlin would be Tim Raue’s two Michelin starred fine dining flagship of the same name with great Asian-influenced cuisine. I’d stay at the Adlon Kempinksi hotel – next time!

Drink German wine is great. We’ve got a couple of outstanding bottles on our wine list at Raby Hunt. Bernard Huber’s pinot noir from grapes grown in the foothills of the Black Forest is one of the best pinots to come out of Germany. From so-close neighbour, Alsace, comes a fabulous biodynamic riesling made by Olivier Humbrecht. This is one of the most iconic wineries in the world, a dry, ‘voluptuous’ wine with citrusy apple flavours and a mineral edge from the slatey soil.

Turmshooting, Image: Lars Landmann

MAR/APR17

The Luxe Easter edit Artisan du Chocolat Balloon Egg, £25 Milk chocolate balloon egg with passion fruit white chocolate marble, edible strings and a selection of hidden mini eggs, 300g.

Blow the budget

Giant Sweetie Family Egg £89.99 Extra-large luxury handmade milk chocolate egg encrusted with sweets galore.

Artisan chic

Lentz Eggs, £16.99 Beautifully decorated chocolate eggs, filled with velvety caramel. Handmade in Copenhagen, (8 eggs).

Cute for kids

There are eggs – and then there are the luxiest of hatchings. If you want to really beat the Easter bunny to some chocolate cheer, try these very special treats from Fenwick Food Hall

PRIVATE DINING THAT’S TRULY MEMORABLE Celebrate your special occasion in style by dining in our artistically designed Drawing Room. Accommodating up to 22 guests, our beautiful private dining space is the perfect backdrop to a family meal, get together with friends or personal feast, come day or night. Our award-winning head chef can even work with you to craft a bespoke menu.

To book, call 0191 260 5411 WWW.ARTISANNEWCASTLE.COM

MAR/APR17

*Subject to availability Image: Sean Elliott

Diners can also enjoy private access* to our art gallery next door.

SOME LIKE IT HOT

Off duty WITH DAVE COULSON

Nam Jim is a powerfully fresh Thai dipping sauce worth adding to your repertoire - it brings life to shellfish and gives your tastebuds a real wake-up call Carabineros Prawn, Nam Jim SERVES 4 Ingredients Nam Jim 5 red / green chilies 1 clove garlic 1 small piece of ginger Small bunch of coriander 100g palm sugar 3 tbsp fish sauce Juice of 3-4 limes

Nam Jim Butter 250g butter 4 tbsp Nam Jim dressing Nam Jim Grilled Prawn 4x king tiger prawns Nam Jim Butter

Method Nam Jim Finely chop or blitz the chilies, garlic, ginger and coriander. Add the sugar, fish sauce and lime juice and blitz into a dressing (If you are doing this by hand, use a pestle and mortar). Nam Jim Butter Soften butter to room temperature, add the Nam Jim and mix thoroughly. Reserve at room temperature. Nam Jim Grilled Prawn Once prawns are prepped generously brush the prawn with the Nam Jim butter and place under the grill for roughly 5-6 mins. The meat should be slightly translucent. The sauce also works well alongside cubes of belly pork (pictured).

MAR/APR17

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Screen grabbing The paint people behind TV and movie sets for the likes of Downton Abbey, Star Wars and Harry Potter have created a movie magic range of colours to make your home shine like the stars. From ÂŁ22 ltr. www.mylands.com

MAR/APR17

PARTING SHOT

Glow >> Bring me sunshine. It’s what we’ve all been waiting for. Image; Nicky Rogerson www.nrphotography.co.uk

MAR/APR17

After

5PM

in Newcastle Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7 multi-storey car parks

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

Delivered by

Shop late in Newcastle â&#x20AC;&#x2122;til 8pm Mon-Fri and 7pm Sat.

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