Luxe Issue 65 October 2020

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F O R AGE D F I N D S. Thr i l l i ng advent ures . H OME-COOKED CREATIONS. Fall f a s h i o n . SH O OT D AY S. Int er i o r i ns pi r at i o n. LOCAL G EMS. Street food s oiré e s . B O O K M A R K B R EAKS . Creat i ve s pac es . MIG H T Y MOTORS. Golf d a y s . S U PE R S TAYC ATIONS . Bi g names. LUX E.

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The north east’s first in bespoke affordable interiors 10TH AVENUE WEST | TEAM VALLEY | NE11 0HL | 0191 491 3836 OPPOSITE RETAIL WORLD G R E ATLOOK . C O. U K luxe-magazine.co.uk

WELCOME

ISSUE 65 OCT20

contents 8>> Do this Fun to fill the autumn diaries

14>> Our picks 10 things Luxe is loving this season

18>> Water works There’s nothing I love more than kicking my way through the fallen leaves, swapping pretty pastels for warm, rusty hues and hunkering down to plan ahead for the cooler months.

Spring may seem like the obvious time for new beginnings, but for me, there’s something enchanting about winding down for winter - and it comes with a bounty of brilliant happenings here in the North East.

Whether it’s homing in on the harvest, piling up the cosy knits, or lighting candles to brighten up every corner of the home, we’re ready to layer up and fully embrace the change in seasons.

So with that in mind, we’re inviting you to take some time out to rest up and let luxe guide you through the good times fall brings.

From local dairy farmers and Michelin-starred chefs, to open-water adventures, spots to socialise by the coast and spacious spas to relax in, we’ve got plenty to keep those diaries busy, bellies full and loved ones happy.

All of that, plus staycation ideas, inspiring interior stores and jaw-dropping supercars.

An open water adventure with Fenwick Ridley

22>> Fashion edit Stay sharp with Amanda Wakeley

30>> Local jewel Alison James is a creative soul who, from a young age, set out on an innovative journey - with plenty of adventure thrown in. She’s worked as a patisserie chef, a clothing designer, a wardrobe roadie, and most recently, a shopkeeper with a serious eye for style. Her luxe things in life include: anything and everything French, good women’s tailoring and Yorkshire tea with a slice of fruit cake.

Renné Jewellery’s Luxe new residence

34>> Finding bliss Paradise awaits at our pick of outdoor spas

44>> Foraged finds A seasonal catch up with Tommy Banks

48>> Deli delights Getting to know The Truffled Hog

50>> Game changer Shooting on the Whitfield Estate

56>> Good Tynes Fun on the Fish Quay

60>> Gorgeous getaways Dream now, travel later

64>> Curious cave Uncovering The Curious Merchant

73>> Safe haven

Let happy times lead the way as we fall gently into October.

Creating a cosy space for little ones Remember to check in with us online at luxe-magazine.co.uk See us on social at: Twitter: @TheLuxeMagazine Instagram: @theluxemagazine Facebook: @luxemag

THE LUXE TEAM Christopher March publisher chris@remembermedia.co.uk EDITORIAL Elysia Fryer head of content elysia@remembermedia.co.uk Matthew Thomas editorial matthew@remembermedia.co.uk Nicole Wood editorial nicole@remembermedia.co.uk SALES Debi Coldwell director debi@remembermedia.co.uk Tanya Harper tanya@remembermedia.co.uk Claudia Robinson claudia@remembermedia.co.uk Chris Turner chris@digitalallies.co.uk

76>> Green days Back into the swing of it

80>> On track Prime property at Silverstone Tommy Banks is a familiar face in the foodie world. He’s been doing great things in Oldstead since becoming Britain’s youngest Michelin-starred chef in 2013. He continues to gain recognition, recently picking up an award for Tripadvisor’s best fine dining restaurant in the UK. His luxe things in life include: his team, eating out and his Cocker Spaniel, Socks.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson nicky@kgphotography.co.uk DESIGN David Stubbs creative director dave@remembermedia.co.uk If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team on: 0191 500 7860

Remember Media Ltd, Enterprise House, Kingsway, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, NE11 OSR remembermedia.co.uk All contents copyright ©2020 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, September 2020.

Laura Hall is new to the hospitality world and to Stokesley’s evergrowing food and drink scene - and boy is she doing it well! She’s the creative brains behind the market town’s stylish new deli, kitchen and wine bar, The Truffled Hog. Her luxe things in life include: her fiancé Chris, two dogs Coco and Willow, coconut lattes in a Huskee travel cup and Acqua Di Parma’s Fico Di Amalfi scent.

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H O M E C O M F O RTS . Fe s t i ve h a p p e n i n g s . E AT W I T H M I C H A E L W I G N A LL. C o o l c l o t h i n g . S PA T I M E . C h r i s t m a s c ove re d . D I S C OV E R I N G D E S S E RTS .

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F O R AG E D F I N D S . T h r i l l i n g a d ve n t u re s . H O M E -COOK E D CRE AT ION S . Fa l l f a s h i o n . S H O OT D AY S . In t e r i o r i n s p i r a t i o n . LOCA L G E M S . Stre e t f ood s o i r é e s . B O O K M A R K B R E A K S . Cre a t i ve s p a c e s . M IG H T Y M OTORS . Gol f d a y s . S U PE R S TAYC AT I O N S . Bi g n a m e s . LU X E.

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LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Cloud nine Time to drift off on a cosy cloud as Cox & Cox introduces its sumptuous new sheepskin double beanbag. This hygge home furnishing is the perfect addition to a nursery or luxe lounge. £1,350. coxandcox.co.uk

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BOOK CLUB

Luxe reads Dawn McGuigan is a life-long bookworm, based in Houghtonle-Spring. She studied English Literature at Northumbria University and has been running her Book and Brew book club since 2015. She has shadow judged at the Women’s Prize for Fiction and Man Booker Prize, and has appeared on BBC Radio 2’s Book Club.

Stay in >> go out >> enjoy We’re not falling short of cultural fun in the North East this October...

GHOSTS BY DOLLY ALDERTON Fig Tree, £14.99 Published 15 October 2020 Ghosts is the debut novel from podcaster and The Sunday Times Style columnist, Dolly Alderton. It spends a year in the life of Nina Dean, a 30-something singleton looking for love online while trying to juggle the complexities of modern life, maintain life-long friendships and support ageing parents.

There’s nothing new in this premise, but Alderton’s warm and witty style brings a refreshing perspective to dealing with the pressure to find love and have kids when everyone around you got there first. But she is never patronising about the single life. Her tone is much more Nora Ephron rom-com (the author’s favourite writer, coincidently) than Bridget Jones’s Diary.

Alderton is a wry observer of relationships and doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to deconstructing some of the strange things we put ourselves through to maintain friendships or find romantic love. Her account of the horrors of a particularly militant hen-do is hilarious and all-too recognisable if you’ve ever spent a weekend in a cottage with 20 women you’ve only just met.

Ghosts is a charming, funny novel about the challenges and rewards of relationships of all kinds. penguin.co.uk

THROUGHOUT OCTOBER BALTIC will be showcasing Abel Rodríguez’s first solo exhibition this October and it promises to be an epic collection of colour and wildlife. An elder from the Nonuya group, native to the Cahuinarí river in the Colombian Amazon, Abel’s (Mogaje Guihu) award-winning work has stemmed from his ancestral knowledge of the indigenous plants within the region. Expect to see detailed paintings, sketches and tracings that depict the ecosystem of the rainforest in the Nonuya region with intricate details of the flora and fauna. baltic.art

Book events >> DURHAM BOOK FESTIVAL 9 - 18 October Free Durham Book Festival will be delivered online this year with all its events available to stream for free. The programme will feature big name and local authors, fiction and non-fiction events, plus a children’s programme. Its Big and Little Read initiatives will be running, so look out for the chosen books available to pick up for free across the region in October. durhambookfestival.com

NOIR AT THE BAR HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 28 October Free Noir at the Bar is a virtual event where you can hear works in progress from some of the North East’s best crime writers.

This Halloween special will feature readings of crime with a creepy bent – if you’re brave enough to listen! twitter.com/VNatB1

AT HOME WITH 4 INDIES Event prices vary and include a copy of the book Corbridge’s independent bookseller, Forum Books, is collaborating with At Home With 4 Indies to bring a great series of online events to book-lovers. The autumn line-up is fantastic and includes: >> Shirley Ballas, Behind the Sequins: My Life 9 October, 7:30pm >> Dolly Alderton, Ghosts 15 October, 7:30pm >> Jodi Picoult, The Book of Two Ways 20 October, 7:30pm Details on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at: @homewith4indies

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OCTOBER

Head over to The Old Bath House in Broomhill for an exclusive opportunity to see how resident artists work their creative magic. Meet the site’s resident artists in an exclusive event, packed full of demonstrations and mini craft workshops.

The Workshop Tasters event is a fantastic chance to be inspired by works and explore the historic Old Bath House - a cool, creative hub near Morpeth theoldbathhouse.org

3 - 14 OCTOBER An exhibition of paintings and textiles inspired by the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. Confluence: Meanderings and Wanderings is a visual story of the life and times of people and places on the bodies of water in some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful open spaces. Taking place at The Station in Richmond, be inspired by the works of Rachel Morrell and Jane Wilson as they stream through a series of colourful textiles and mesmeric paintings. thestation.co.uk

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OCTOBER

As the leaves change colour and our thoughts turn to fall, there’s no better time to try your hand at something new. Our creative chums at hey ho & co in Saltburn are running one of their beloved Botanical Monoprinting workshops and we can’t wait to check it out. Learn all about the process of creating monoprints, then create your own horticultural masterpiece using beautiful flora and fauna. A great workshop to switch off, refocus and learn something new this autumn. heyhoprintco.uk

OCTOBER

One of the North East’s biggest Halloween events is back. The ghosts are gathering, the monsters are marching and your nerves are about to be tested to the limits as Terror in the Trees returns to Beamish Hall this October, from Friday 9 until Saturday 31. Scaring over 30,000 thrill-seekers since 2017, Terror in the Trees once again invites families in for a nightmarish immersive experience in the woodland. beamish-hall.co.uk

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DO THIS

11 OCTOBER, 6 NOVEMBER & 18 DECEMBER

Looking for a new kitchen challenge? Round up the family and book in for a hands-on session at the state-of-the-art Cookery School at The Grand York. Have a go at a hearty Beef Wellington as we venture into the winter months - the perfect dish to impress your dinner party guests. The Cookery School’s chef tutor will help you recreate the British classic, paired with the ultimate baked potatoes and a rich port wine gravy. Deliciously fun. thegrandyork.co.uk

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OCTOBER

UNTIL 11 OCTOBER

Let us set the scene.

A buzzy market brimming with local culinary delights, micro-brewed beers and unique arts and crafts. You guessed it, it could only be Saltburn Farmers’ Market.

Head here and browse the wealth of stalls, tuck into tasty local treats and fill your basket with fabulous fresh food to take home and stock the cupboards. With pretty-as-apicture coastal views 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 this October. saltburnfarmersmarket.com

Great news, The Bowes Museum has extended the blimey!

Lucretia exhibition until mid October and it’s a great chance to gaze at some epic creations by local people from across the region. The Bowes Museum invited budding creatives to express their artistic sides by sewing on a miniature textile of the famous Lucretia painting.

A poignant exhibition that symbolises a sense of community and a counter culture display that promotes identity, personality and solidarity. Well worth checking out this October, catch it before it’s too late. thebowesmuseum.org.uk

FROM 17 OCTOBER

15-18 OCTOBER The esteemed Berwick Literary Festival will be celebrating its seventh season this October.

Boasting an eclectic range of written, spoken and performed pieces, this year’s festival will be live-streamed to thousands of enthusiasts over three days. Thematics such as poetry, history and current affairs will be at the forefront of conversation, sitting alongside a star-studded line-up including world champion slam poet, Harry Baker; political broadcaster, Steve Richards; and NME editor, Stuart Cosgrove. berwickliteraryfestival.com

OCT20

Don’t miss the chance to see the Laing Art Gallery’s groundbreaking exhibition, Art Deco by the Sea, this season - the perfect cultural activity as the darker nights roll in. The first major UK exhibition exploring how Art Deco style transformed the British seaside during the 1920s and 30s, this collection celebrates an iconic time in our country’s history and development. An art form synonymous with the pleasure and leisure boom, coastal resorts across the country were modernised with new resorts and transport networks established to meet the demands of a new age in mass tourism. The exhibition will celebrate iconic examples of seaside architecture, from hotels and apartment blocks to lidos and cinemas, demonstrating how the Art Deco style saturates all aspects of life today. laingartgallery.org.uk

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DO THIS

THROUGHOUT OCTOBER Clear skies, twinkling stars and piping hot mugs of hot chocolate - is there anything better?

The sky’s the limit for you and your loved ones this October as Kielder Observatory is running an array of inter-galactic workshops and family events for astrology enthusiasts. From learning about science and folklore, to gazing at art inspired by the Northern Lights and searching for extraterrestrial life-forms, Kielder Observatory is helping families reach for the stars this autumn. kielderobservatory.org

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OCTOBER

The season of self-indulgence is upon us and we have no qualms about that. Our chums over at Blackfriars are putting the post-lockdown booze to good use by inviting foodies to bake some amazing bread using beer byproducts. Don your aprons, flour those boards and get set for an afternoon of kneading as the master chefs at Blackfriars guide us through doughy heaven at their Beer & Bread Making Day. blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk

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OCTOBER

The team at Rockliffe Hall Golf Club have been working with the Great North Air Ambulance Service to host another charity golf day, offering the perfect opportunity to tee-off with a team of friends or colleagues, for a great cause. The day starts with a bacon roll before 18 holes of championship golf, followed by a two-course dinner and presentation in the Clubhouse. A fantastic charity event for North East golf-lovers. rockliffehall.com

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OCTOBER

After the success of the Super Health Brunch as part of Middleton Lodge Estate’s Wellness at Middleton Series, the team is offering an Empowered Menopause Workshop on Saturday 17 October. The workshop will be headed up by Kate Airey, who will talk through the optimal nutrition and lifestyle habits that will help move you towards an empowered menopause. Complete with a healthy brunch and an inspiring, nutritional talk from Kate, this wellness morning is sure to help you relax, recharge and leave with a completely new - and positive - mindset. middletonlodge.co.uk

THROUGHOUT OCTOBER Fill up on fresh coastal air and get up close and personal with a colony of puffins and grey seals this autumn. Billy Shiel’s Boat Trips set sail from Seahouses, taking wildlife-lovers over to the shores of the Farne Island to get a bird’s eye view of the nesting birds, dramatic cliff faces and far-reaching coastal views. A must for familyfriendly days outdoors this autumn. farne-islands.com

Book It Now >>

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NOVEMBER

With the wedding industry picking up again, we’re seeking out some stunning inspiration for 2021 and beyond. Whether you’re a newly-engaged couple, a bride-to-be working through wed-min, or you have a loved one planning to tie the knot, don’t miss the bridal extravaganza over at Boiler Shop this November. A Wedding Less Ordinary is back for an afternoon brimming with tons of wedding fun. Be inspired by gorgeous gowns, dream up your perfect wedding reception, chat to local suppliers and start the all-important planning process. All of that, plus live music, a dash of street food and a lush, laid-back Sunday vibe. boilershop.net

24 NOVEMBER - 20 DECEMBER

Join Katie-Jane, The Wedding Industry Awards National Florist of the Year 2020, for an incredibly festive creative workshop this winter. Gather your bubble and book in for a Christmas Door Wreath Workshop where you’ll be able to embrace your crafty side while creating something stunning to bring season’s cheer into your home. katie-jane.co.uk

26-29 NOVEMBER

The nights might be drawing in, but that doesn’t mean we have to wind down early. North Shields Fish Quay’s vibrant new venue brings food, drink, music and good times to a safe and sociable space by the coast. Head here with the family this November and enjoy some of the region’s finest craft beer, street food, spirits and entertainment, all under one roof! saltmarketsocial.co.uk

Please note: all event information is correct at time of print, but details are subject to change due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

Please visit the venue’s website for updates and more information.

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OCT20

ADVERTORIAL

CORONAVIRUS – HOW IT COULD AFFECT YOUR RETIREMENT INCOME

Why you should reconsider your pension withdrawal strategy during periods of market volatility Stock market volatility can be unsettling for investors of all ages, however much they have invested and whatever their objectives may be.

However, the market fluctuations triggered by the coronavirus outbreak and its impact on the global economy have particular implications for investors taking income from their retirement pots.

There are two related concepts – or risks – at work in retirement investing.

POUND-COST RAVAGING ‘Pound-cost averaging’ is the result of, when building up your pension pot, buying smaller amount of stocks at different times, perhaps regularly; rather than risking making a big investment only to find the market falls.

But when you’re withdrawing retirement income in a declining market, because the unit price of your investments falls, you have to cash in more of your pot to maintain the same level of income as before. This is known as ‘pound-cost ravaging’.

SEQUENCING RISK An associated peril is ‘sequencing risk’: this is the risk that a market downturn will happen at a particularly bad time in your drawdown cycle.

In a period of prolonged volatility, you may end up taking an unsustainably high amount of cash out of a pot that’s steadily dwindling.

When this downturn coincides with the beginning of your retirement, it’s when you’re most vulnerable because you are no longer working and you have all your retirement years yet to fund.

MITIGATING THEIR EFFECTS The good news, however, is there are several ways to help minimise the impacts of these risks.

They include having a cash fund to draw down from in times of volatility, so that equity investments are allowed to fluctuate and potentially weather the storm. While this provides stability, however, any money held in cash will lose its value in real terms due to inflation.

Another option is to take only ‘natural income’ – such as dividends – rather than drawing from the capital. This will mean

The art of managing market downturns in retirement is knowing exactly what to do and when – and that’s where financial advisers really earn their stripes that what you have to spend is variable and will be less when markets are depressed.

You need to be flexible. You can have several income strategies. The art of managing market downturns in retirement is knowing exactly what to do and when – and that’s where financial advisers really earn their stripes.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select, and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. An investment in equities does not provide the security of capital associated with a deposit account with a bank or building society.

If you’re worried about the effects of market volatility on your retirement income, or you want to understand more about making withdrawals during this period of uncertainty, just ask a financial adviser.

If you feel you would benefit from a financial review of your individual requirements, I offer a no obligation meeting at a venue to suit each individual need. This could be at one of our conference rooms, a local hotel conference room or in the comfort of your own home.

Please contact Patrick McLaughlin Wealth Management on 0191 5482830 or email patrick.mclaughlin@sjp.co.uk

To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact Patrick McLaughlin on 0191 5482830 or email Patrick.mclaughlin@sjp.co.uk The Partner is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the title ‘Partner’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

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GOOD STUFF

Sweet charity Doing good things in the North East. Our charity round-up...

MAKING A DIFFERENCE >> A Stockton-based chemical manufacturer has recently donated a generous sum of £8,000 to our friends at Butterwick Hospice. Lucite International UK regularly give back to the local community, but as care homes across the North East battled on during the pandemic, the global leaders in the design, development and manufacture of acrylicbased products wanted to express their gratitude for the outstanding work of Butterwick staff. butterwick.org.uk

WALKING FOR WWF >> We’re sending our best wishes in the direction of Joseph Gardham this October.

This local hero is hiking 185 miles across England for WWF-UK, raising vital funds for endangered wildlife across the globe.

Joseph had originally planned to hike in the Amazon rainforest earlier this year, but when the COVID-19 outbreak scuppered plans, he decided to rearrange and plan for a challenge closer to home. Good luck! wwf.org.uk

RECOVER & FLOURISH >> Open North Foundation is a unique business-led community set up during the height of the pandemic to assist small businesses in the region to recover and flourish. The foundation’s Chair, Richard Stewart, has been working with high profile entrepreneurs including Jeremy Middleton, to help small local businesses recover, thrive and employ people in the community. Open North Foundation is a not-for-profit company driven by a passionate board of directors drawn from different disciplines and sectors.

“I am all in favour of this marvellous initiative,” says Jeremy Middleton.

“Indeed, as founder of Middleton Enterprises, I am committed to backing various charities and social enterprises and I am putting my full support behind Open North Foundation.”

Open North Foundation has received rapturous support since its launch and is backed by a team of successful business people with the skills and connections to really make a difference. Great news for local businesses and charities. opennorthfoundation.co.uk

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PUTT IT IN THE DIARY >> A CAPTAIN’S PERFORMANCE >> There’s been a major transfer signing for the Red Sky Foundation. The foundation has just announced that England and Manchester City player-coach, Jill Scott MBE, has taken on an ambassador role. The Red Sky Foundation has not only raised thousands to support the incredible work going on over at the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital, but they’ve also helped to fund state-ofthe-art machinery for Sunderland Royal Hospital and James Cook Hospital in Teesside. As a North East native from Sunderland, Jill is doing her bit by supporting campaigns and helping raise awareness. Having recently been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s honours list for her contribution to English football, this is a fantastic coup for the Red Sky team. redskyfoundation.com

Time to hit the fairway with the Red Sky Foundation this October. The members of the foundation are inviting golfers to join them on their Inaugural Charity Golf Day, returning to the region on Friday 16 October. Teeing off from Ramside Hall, the Red Sky Foundation is set to host a thrilling day on the course, alongside drinks and dinner, as well as a stellar auction and unmissable live music from special guests. redskyfoundation.com

THIS MEANS MORE >> Late summer saw the launch of ‘More to uS’, a new campaign celebrating the achievements of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). More to uS centres around a virtual photography exhibition that features the portraits and real-life stories of people living with MS. We’re pleased to see that local North East faces are making their way into the virtual exhibition.

Stuart and Lucy Wood from County Durham are just two of the people featured in the ‘More to uS’ exhibition and it’s wonderful to hear about their extraordinary achievements. Stuart and Lucy - ‘the family unit’ - said: “We support each other as a family, and we’ve got really good friends who support us too. We’ve got the Wood’s slogan: that we look at life with the glass half full, rather than half empty, and it’s true. If you’re not happy with yourself, you’re not happy.” livinglikeyou.co.uk

A SAFE HAVEN >> Daisy Chain, the Teesside-based charity for people living with autism, has launched its online store for high-end clothing, and it certainly has a ‘luxe’ edge. In 2015, the charity opened a superstore with the aim of recycling preloved items. In an evolution of its flagship store, Daisy Chain is launching an online fashion platform for designer and vintage items featuring brands such as Valentino, Dior and Versace. The design team recently worked on a fashion shoot showcasing some of the luxury statement pieces available online. To celebrate the industrial heritage, the shoot took place in North East locations including Chemical Beach in Seaham and a Middlehaven dockyard owned by local business, Able UK. daisychainproject.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

Escape to the waves with West Nautical

Sail away on a South Coast staycation As the weather begins to turn and our 2020 travel plans take a back seat for a later date, now is the time to explore the magical coastlines of the South Coast with a private luxury yacht charter.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that the United Kingdom is home to some incredibly wild and wondrous anchorages that are dying to be taken advantage of this autumn. Renowned for its breath-taking landscapes and picturesque coastlines, the UK’s South Coast is a must-visit for

holidaymakers. Featuring some of the most spectacular cruising grounds in the world, the South Coast boasts dramatic backdrops, a plethora of tranquil marinas and seaside landscapes that are just waiting to be explored.

Let us set the scene. Imagine waking up in luxury and starting each morning with fresh coffee, a delicious breakfast prepared by your personal onboard chef and gazing out to the morning horizon with loved ones.

After a delightful morning basking in the autumn rays, head to the main deck, take in the spectacular seaside views and enjoy

the invigorating coastal air as you cruise towards your destination of choice.

Torquay is a sleek and stylish destination with a continental atmosphere to rival any European capital. With a promenade lined with palm trees and a waterfront bustling with activity, it’s easy to lose yourself exploring the town and visiting one of nine neighbouring beaches. For those with a passion for ‘murder mysteries’, you can even retrace the steps of hometown hero, Agatha Christie. After a busy day taking in beautiful landscapes and indulging in local landmarks, return to your luxury vessel in the evening and tuck into a freshly prepared meal using only the finest local produce.

After a delicious teatime treat, spend the evening sipping on your favourite drink and gaze up at the star-filled skies, all while listening to your captain regale tales of the high seas.

Complete with dramatic landscapes and incredible, world-renowned Blue Flag beaches, a stop-off in Cornwall is a must on your yachting adventure. Enjoy freshly-caught fish and chips from Rick Stein’s restaurant before heading to the picturesque St Ives for an afternoon basking in the autumn rays. Anchor off Porthminster Beach and round the day off by getting involved with the various water toys onboard your vessel.

Torquay is a sleek and stylish destination with a continental atmosphere to rival any European capital

Cruising the Caribbean coastline If you fancy venturing further afield than the UK for your autumn or winter break, why not opt to bask in tropical heat and explore the tranquil coastlines of the Caribbean Isles?

From private parties on golden sands and guided tours round spectacular scenery, a Caribbean cruise is the ultimate yachting adventure that offers guests unrivalled safety and privacy throughout. The hard part? Choosing your destination. West Nautical and their expert team are on hand

OCT20

to tailor the ultimate charter experience to your taste and give you a holiday of a lifetime.

Begin each day with a breakfast of tropical Caribbean fruits with coral reefs, volcanoes and pristine rainforest-lined coast as your backdrop. After a morning tasting wonderful cuisine, head up to the sundeck, take in spectacular coastal views and breathe the warm sea air as you cruise towards your little corner of paradise. You could even indulge in a tranquil yoga class with your onboard instructor - preparing your body, mind and soul for the exciting day ahead.

From exhilarating jet ski rides, kayaking escapades and various paddleboard excursions, this truly is a staycation like no other. If you’re feeling brave, why not book in for a surfing lesson? You are in the UK’s surf capital after all!

With so much to see and do, the South Coast offers unrivalled freedom, world-class coastlines, phenomenal scenery and the ultimate escape for you and your loved ones.

Your South Coast staycation awaits...

Head out on an adventure and discover the extraordinary Windward Islands. Imagine a sun-drenched beach set to a mountainous backdrop and tons of turquoise tide pools that are perfect for snorkelling. Exploring colourful marine life that illuminates the local waters is the only way to reinvigorate the mind and spark a jaded imagination after a gruelling few months.

After an incredible day immersing yourself in crystal clear waters, it’s time to retire to your luxury vessel and enjoy a gourmet dinner as the golden Caribbean sun slowly falls. From there, it’s plain sailing all night

long. Sip the night away with freshly made cocktails using only the finest Caribbean rum and relax with the sounds of the ocean as your background music.

Time for another day in paradise. A stop-off in Grenada is a must for any explorer and it’s a beautiful treat for the foodies among you. Sample more exquisite flavours by indulging in locally grown chocolate and taste homemade rum from local brewers that date as far back as 1785. After a day of self-indulgence, it’s time to step into the unknown and venture into the wild Caribbean rainforest. Hike in St Vincent and the Grenadines, discover hidden waterfalls and check out mesmerising, crystal clear coastlines all to yourself. Why not cool down in the gentle waves and soak up the rays as your crew prepare a BBQ feast unlike any other?

After a year of uncertainty, stress and restlessness, a luxury yacht charter offers holidaymakers the chance to reconnect with themselves, enjoy quality time with loved ones and take in the serene views that will live on forever.

Home or away, your perfect escape awaits with West Nautical, get in touch today.

0191 478 9920 geoff.moore@westnautical.com www.westnautical.com

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FALLING FOR

Dreaming of >> COQUET COTTAGES Dreaming of a cosy winter staycation?

Let our friends at Coquet Cottages be your guide. Think fireside lounging in some of Northumberland’s finest coast and country cottages. Whether it’s a weekend break just a stone’s throw from the beach at Bamburgh, or a coastal gem at Craster, there’s something for everyone when it comes to a close-to-home luxe break. instagram.com/coquetcottages

10 things luxe loves 10 things luxe is loving this season...

In our basket >> INDUSTRIAL WOOD & METAL DRINKS TROLLEY Stock up on your favourite tipples as we start to wind down for the cooler months.

An industrial-style drinks trolley is the perfect addition to your dining room this autumn. Fill it with glorious gins, house plants and flickering candles, and you’re all set for a seasonal dinner party at home. £375. coxandcox.co.uk

Following >> CHARLOTTE EVE WANDERS Because we love to shout about our beautiful region too. Charlotte is a local photographer who travels up and down the country for work, but finds bundles of beauty in the place she calls home, North Yorkshire. Get lost in her aesthetic feed - taking us from creative workshops and bloomin’ beautiful floristry, to cool new businesses, beachy scenes, far-flung destinations and more. instagram.com/charlotteevewanders

Reading >> THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE As the nights draw in, light a candle in a cosy corner of your home and curl up with this truly calming book. It settles the mind, feeds the soul and reminds us that we’re never alone. A beautifully illustrated story exploring universal messages of love, friendship, hope and compassion. Read a passage before you drift off, pick it up first thing on a morning, or check in for a bit of downtime between jobs. A glorious book that brings people together. waterstones.com

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Living by >> ALBERT EINSTEIN “Life is like riding a bicycle, in order to keep your balance you must keep moving.”

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Pampering with >> OTO FOR SELFRIDGES PROJECT EARTH - 800MG CBD NIGHT FACE MASK, 50ML OTO’s luxurious CBD night face mask has a high concentration of CBD and vitamins A, C, D and E to rejuvenate and hydrate your skin while you sleep.

Perfect for that at home spa feel, the night mask helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and damage caused by pollutants and stress. £109. selfridges.com

Kitchen inspo >>

Watching >>

A HEARTY AUTUMNAL RECIPE BY CLARENCE COURT Autumnal Baked Eggs [Serves 4] A great way to use up leftovers and warm the cockles as we wind down into winter.

Serve with bread and mop up the juices.

OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB A book club for today’s world - and a window to other worlds. Join US TV favourite, Oprah Winfrey, as she chats to some of the most incredible authors producing some seriously inspiring content. Each episode features a book handpicked by Oprah, along with an interview about the issues that it brings to light. appletv.com

Listening to >>

Ingredients 4 Clarence Court Burford Browns eggs 4 fennel sausages 400g mixed pre-roasted root vegetables (squash, potatoes, carrots, parsnips) Pinch of chilli flakes 150g mixed mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 300g pre-cooked mixed greens (Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cavolo nero, tenderstem broccoli) 1 pack pre-cooked puy lentils

YOGA & A BREW PODCAST Take some time out to sit down with a cuppa and follow a short, guided meditation with Yoga & A Brew. Modern science has proven that practicing meditation can transform how the brain responds to life. Pause, relax and breathe as the seasons change and we fall into autumn. Make yourself a brew and relax into this new podcast. yogaandabrew.co.uk/podcast

Method Preheat the oven to 200°C. Start by squeezing the sausage meat out of the skins and roll into even sized meatballs. Place the meatballs into a roasting tray and pop them in the oven to cook for 5 minutes.

Remove the tray and add the roasted vegetables, chilli flakes, mushrooms and garlic.

Mix in the greens and lentils and cook for a further 5 minutes.

Toss everything well and make 4 dents in the tray. Crack the eggs in the holes and cover the tray with foil, return to the oven and cook for around 5 minutes or until the eggs have set.

Serve with chopped parsley and left-over gravy or whole grain mustard. clarencecourt.co.uk

Perfect scent >> BOTTEGA VENETA ILLUSIONE FOR HER EAU DE PARFUM This autumn, we’re switching our sweet, floral fragrances for warm, woody scents and there’s no better way to do it than Bottega Veneta’s new Illusione For Her Eau de Parfum. Think notes of bergamot, blackcurrant, orange blossom, green fig and olive wood, with a light, hazy bottle to match the mood. nordstorm.com

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THINK PINK

LUXE LOVES Eye for design Whether it’s with flowers, prints, a vase or a luxe lampshade, this Chinese Oyster Grey Sideboard by Decoralist is the perfect piece of furniture for seasonal styling, as created and photographed by Swoon Worthy. £549. decoralist.com

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OCT20

ADVERTORIAL

Time to go the whole hog at the Impeccable Pig… It’s almost two years since The Impeccable Pig opened its doors, a luxurious restaurant with unique rooms which not only transformed a former derelict pub but also put a new spotlight on Sedgefield The Pig has become a destination in its own right, offering great food with the added attraction of being able to stay in one of ten unique rooms.

And what rooms they are – all cleverly having some kind of porcine reference. Think The Piggly Wiggly, Le Cochon D’Or, Babe and The Pigsty and you get the idea.

And once you’re in the rooms they certainly don’t disappoint – free standing copper baths, opulent decorations and if you decide to go The Whole Hog (literally) you can enjoy the largest suite, complete with a four seater hot tub and a private garden with its own sauna.

Guaranteed to make anyone happy as a pig in….. well you get the idea.

Like the rest of the world of hospitality, the venue had to close up during lockdown but it is now back with a vengeance and welcoming guests who are looking for a unique and memorable experience.

With a boost in “staycations” because of the uncertainty in travelling abroad, The Impeccable Pig – which was already hugely

OCT20

popular pre lockdown – has see a massive amount of interest in its rooms since it reopened its doors.

But even those who haven’t been lucky enough to bag themselves an overnight stay can still take advantage of the dining experience.

Mindful of social distancing, the Pig has put in place a whole range of measures to keep guests safe without compromising the enjoyment of dining at the restaurant.

Nothing raises the spirits like good food and that’s exactly what The Impeccable Pig has to offer.

This is comfort food elevated to a new level, with a mouth watering selection of steaks cooked on a Josper grill, pan fried halibut and mussels, beer battered cod and chips, surf and turf and beetroot burgers to name but a few of the dishes.

An aptly named Piglets menu keeps the children happy, with a range of pizza specials which take the humble favourite to a whole new level.

There are classics such as Margheritas and Quattro Formaggi alongside unique offerings including a Braised Pork Cheek pizza with Parma ham and chorizo or the ultimate – a

Philly cheesesteak with pimentos, beef butter glazed shallots, red chilis and two different cheeses.

Since day one The Impeccable Pig has set up to offer an extensive wine list and its stuck to that promise.

It has an incredible 170 different wines, which includes Most Impeccable- a selection from well known and much-loved producers – and Curious Creatures, a collection of unusual grape varieties which are likely to less well known.

The restaurant also a large choice of spirits, including 20 different gins and ten tonics, more than 25 whiskeys and a selection of local, real ales.

General Manager Pierre Bertolotti said that it was fantastic to be open for business again.

“We are delighted to be welcoming guests back and have been thrilled at the response we’ve had,” he said.

“It’s been an incredible two years and we are just glad that can once again let people have the full Impeccable Pig experience.”

It has an incredible 170 different wines, which includes Most Impeccable- a selection from well known and much-loved producers – and Curious Creatures, a collection of unusual grape varieties which are likely to less well known.

The restaurant hours may change. For more information or to book, visit the website: impeccablepig.co.uk

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WATER WORKS

Adventure calling Fenwick Ridley is a Corbridge-based adventure swimmer and coach with a bucket list worthy of a BAFTA. Elysia Fryer chats to the 35-year-old about life on the water, doing his bit for the environment and completing the ultimate ‘Tyne Travel’ journey Video calling has become a huge part of our everyday lives. What was once a quick catch up between friends and relatives, has become quite the norm when it comes to business.

It’s a busy Wednesday in the home office and I’m setting up for a virtual chat with adventure swimmer and open water coach, Fenwick Ridley. My current situation is a desk, a cup of tea and a notepad. The other end of our call is where the story is at.

Fenwick has pulled up on the river banks with his paddleboard and his poochy companion, Moona.

Fenwick and Moona have spent the morning scouring the river to ‘do their bit’, collecting plastic on a paddleboard. As we settle down to chat, I can hear the wonders of the great wildlife in the background. There’s something very exciting about speaking to someone about what they do best - while they’re doing it!

“I was supposed to be having a chilled day today,” Fenwick laughs.

“But I just can’t do it. I’ve got to get out and do something. Moona and I have been out on the paddleboard collecting some plastic.”

After we’ve compared our very contrasting office set-ups, we’re ready to talk up the good stuff; from childhood swimming clubs to ice swimming adventures - and everything in between.

Fenwick’s passions lay in life on the water, whether it’s adventure swimming, coaching, paddleboarding, ice swimming or marathon swimming. Everything he knows and loves involves the water, which has led him to winning medals at the Winter Championships, setting up his dream

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business and working towards representing his country at a higher level.

“I’ve been swimming since I was a kid,” he says.

“I completed my first mile when I was 7.

I then went on to join a swimming club in my early teens, which led to teaching at my local leisure centre.

“When I turned 20 I was ready for my next challenge; and when my old coach encouraged me to get out and take to the open water, I never looked back.

“I ended up turning to marathon open water swimming - doing anything between 600 and 800 miles per year. By the time I reached my early 30s, I’d already done quite a lot of racing, so I started pursuing adventure swimming - which is the most exciting part of it for me.”

Behind the scenes, when he’s not setting himself challenges, entering competitions and ticking off his bucket list, his day job includes running his business, H2oTrails.

“It is most definitely my dream job - being able to share my passion for the water and the great outdoors is so special,” he says.

Fenwick’s ‘office’ is in a picturesque spot on a freshwater lake in Northumberland.

Sweethope Lough is the home of H2oTrails.

“It’s so great to share the lake with the local community and our ever-growing client base,” says Fenwick.

“I’ve got some very tiny clients, right up to 86-year-old clients. It’s so vast, it’s wonderful. I’ve got some of the fastest kids in the UK training with me at the moment, some of who will go on to compete nationally. It’s great to be able to share my knowledge; I love to see other people catch the bug like I did. Something just clicks and it’s a very special thing.

“One of my favourite things to do is teach people how to swim in icy waters in the winter months, so we’ve got a lot of that coming up as the seasons change, which I’m really excited about.”

Many of us have memories of swimming lessons at school. For me it’s working towards my badges - mini milestones to keep me going. That, paired with holidays spent in the water, but admittedly, my open water experience is limited to a mid-sunbathing afternoon dip in the Med. Just how does one take the plunge and dive into the wonderful world of open water swimming?

With an understanding of the health benefits of open water swimming - both mentally and phsycially - I know it’s something we should all have a go at, but just how do you teach that - and how did Fenwick make the jump from the swimming pool to the open water?

“I just got to the point where I wanted to try something a little bit different,” he explains.

“It was a new challenge for me at first, but then it got to the point where I had to get my fix. I started to realise how much I needed the open water for head space and fitness. It really did sculpt me as a swimmer.

“I did what a lot of people do when they take up a new sport. I spent a fortune on

all the gear before I had any idea about what I needed.

“Now I have about 90 suits. I’m an ambassador for Blueseventy, the brand behind the suits that I race in, so I work quite closely with them, and thankfully I know what I’m talking about now,” he laughs.

For those of us looking to get out in the open water, coaching is key. It all comes down to the first experience, he tells me.

If something goes wrong, you’ll struggle to get yourself back in the cold water, but with the right kit and a trusted coach, you’ll be able to pick up all the tools you need to enjoy what nature presents to us.

“I remember every single second of my first open water swim,” Fenwick recalls.

“I went out with some triathletes. Because I was already a strong swimmer, they just left me to my own devices, but it was a real struggle. I was wearing a kayaking suit, so I had it all wrong before I even stepped foot in the water. I couldn’t get my breathing right, I panicked, they swam off and it was absolutely terrifying.

“But because I’m generally confident in the water, I got used to it and carried on.

“Luckily, my second swim was in a local river and it was absolutely amazing.

OCT20

Somehow, I wasn’t totally put off by the whole experience and by then I had got myself a brand new open water suit and it felt great.

“Of course, I never imagined back then that I would get to where I am now, but I really did just come into my own when I discovered adventure swimming.”

Open water swimming has blown up in recent years. Not only is it a unique opportunity to explore the natural world around us, but it’s a fantastic way to boost our immune system and combat mental health issues.

The sport is in no way a new phenomenon, but there’s plenty of research out there that backs its benefits, and in a post-lockdown world as we seek more and more solace in the natural beauty that surrounds us, many people are looking to new forms of exercise outdoors. Open water swimming very often tops the list, but there’s still the fear of the unknown. That’s where Fenwick steps in.

“One of my biggest motivators is to get people to understand that they can actually do it,” he says.

“People can come to the lake and they can get out and enjoy the water safely. It’s just about getting the guidance you need to get you off to a positive start.

“I also try to remind people that it’s not as cold as you might think. We are very warm creatures, and of course, getting into the water is going to be a little fresh at first because we have to go through a cooling process, but once you’re in, it’s magical.

“Like any sport, I always advise people that it’s a good idea to do your research and get some professional guidance. It just makes everything perfect, and you’ll get so much more out of the experience.

“Even professionals have coaching. It’s so important.”

Whether you’re a city person or you live in the countryside, people head out into nature to escape - and that’s exactly what an open water swim can bring.

“Now is a great time to try something new,” says Fenwick.

“Particularly as we’re heading into the cooler months and people are wondering how they can keep up their outdoor exercise in a post-pandemic world.

“The wild swimming scene has exploded and it’s fantastic to see. Social media is carrying it so well - documenting how great our water is in this part of the world.

Our job is to enjoy it and reap in all of those benefits.

“People are staying at home and enjoying what we have on our doorstep, and that’s great. Our wildlife is well worth exploring.”

Fenwick’s biggest passion is in adventure swimming, setting himself new goals and teaching what he knows to other budding swimmers, but he’s got a few trophies worth mentioning, which he is oh-so humble about.

“This year started off pretty amazingly with a swim across Hooker Glacier in New Zealand. I tackled some pretty big icebergs - it was awesome.

“When I came back, I competed in the GB Winter Championships. I did quite well, but not as well as I could’ve done so I’m hoping

One of my biggest motivators is to get people to understand that they can actually do it OCT20

that when the World Championships come around, I’ll be qualifying to go and represent Britain. That’s me with my fingers crossed!

“I came first in all of my races in the Welsh Winter Championships and I won three gold medals and one silver medal in the Scottish Winter Championships.

“Since then, I’ve really just been focusing on my winter challenges - moving away from distance racing.

“One of my biggest and most recent personal challenges is the Tyne Travel adventure, which I started over a year ago.

“The first swim was from Newcastle to Kielder. The second part was covering the south Tyne and the third was to SUP board from Kielder back down to the Quayside, finishing with a pint in the Pitcher & Piano.”

He certainly keeps himself busy - and his fans entertained with social media updates.

Check out Fenwick’s Insta page at the bottom of this article to witness his inspiring adventure stories.

“H2oTrails is in its fourth year now,” says Fenwick.

“We’ve worked with so many amazing people. It’s the best job in the world,” he adds.

“To date, I think we’ve had a good 1,500 people through the doors, which is really quite special.

“The idea was born from a discussion between myself and a friend who lived over in Lanzarote. I flew out and had a meeting with him - the idea was to set up swimming holidays. When I came back, I started to realise that I didn’t really need to take people abroad, we’ve actually got so much natural beauty over here, so I decided to grow the business at home.

“H2oTrails is my full-time job now. I’m now in a place where I can teach and coach paddleboarding, all-ability open water swimming and also the cold water immersion stuff. I’m teaching people how to swim in the ice - it’s taken me about five or six years to get to the point where I feel like I can actually deliver some real good ice swimming sessions - allowing people to learn how to swim under 1 degree. We have a very particular setup when it comes to that. I’ve done a lot of training for it.

“I’ve got a lot of people wanting to swim through the winter. The lake is really high up and it’s pretty shallow, so it gets battered by the weather. It’s very dramatic when it comes to the change in seasons. It gets warm very quickly in the summer and it can ice over so quickly in the winter.

“In November last year, it dropped to -6, the lake froze over straight away and I was up there with my axe, making an ice channel to do some training. Ice swimming is now my biggest love. It’s a very exciting thing I’m super happy that I’ve got the ability to swim in the ice.

“October is when we start running the cold conditioning courses. We start by helping swimmers to understand how to climb down the temperature ladder.”

Fenwick’s day job is all about the natural environment that surrounds him. It’s what makes him tick - which is why when I approached him to talk about why he loves the North East region, he jumped at the opportunity.

“I live in Corbridge, but you’ll often find me exploring much of the region and the areas surrounding Corbridge.

“There’s so much to love about where I live - and it has led me to my passion project, which I’m forever grateful for.

“If I’m not on the water paddling or lifeguarding, I’m most likely in there swimming or coaching. When I’m kicking back and chilling out, I’m usually at home with my partner Jenny.

“If I’m not at work or training, I’m quite

often going up and down the river on my paddleboard picking up plastic. I’ve got a massive passion for collecting rubbish out of the river, taking it to the tips and doing my bit. A lot of us use the river for all kinds of sports, and it just needs a bit of TLC. If I get a chance, I get a massive buzz out of getting a sack full of plastic that’s been pulled out of the river before it even gets to the sea.

“My black lab puppy, Moona, is getting trained up as part of my lifeguard team.

She’s getting really good on the water with me.”

As the weather changes and we wind down ever so slightly for winter, there’s no slowing down for Fenwick.

Admittedly, he tells me he’s going to concentrate on coaching and his ice swimming school, but he still has big plans for the future.

“My next challenge is going to be to complete an official ice mile,” he says, with determination.

“I keep missing it every year because the temperature doesn’t always get low enough.

“I’d also like to complete an ice mile in Antarctica. Swimming with some giant icebergs would be pretty cool,” he adds.

“So that’s what’s in the pipeline when it comes to my swimming adventures, but work-wise, I really want to help raise awareness when it comes to plastic in our waters.

“I’m going to try and get a group together to help with some plastic collection, not only in my local river, but also a little further afield. We’ve all got to do our bit.

“My plan is to offer some free coaching to paddleboarders where we can learn and collect plastic as we go. It’s a small mission, but I’m on it and I’d really like to help make a difference.

“As you can imagine, I’ve got a never-ending list of challenges both big and small. As soon as I tick something off, another three things go on. But it’s all part of the fun.” h2otrails.co.uk

My Tyne Travelling Mission >> At the beginning of My Tyne Travelling Mission, the aim was just to complete one section, but I’ve ended up creating a whole new hobby of mine called ‘river trekking’.

It started with the Newcastle to Kielder swim, pulling a raft with me. I managed to raise over 3k for Cancer Research, which was wonderful.

While swimming the North Tyne, I passed the meetings of the north and south rivers and decided that I wanted to return to do the south river stretch.

My next challenge was the South Tyne stretch. I completed the route from Acomb to Bardon Mill, which took me 13 hours.

This river is quite shallow and gets much more technical, which was incredibly testing to say the least.

The adventure continued with a SUP paddle challenge from Kielder to Newcastle, finishing on Newcastle’s Quayside for a refreshing pint.

My most recent South Tyne challenge was from Bardon Mill to Lambley Viaduct - a 12 mile stretch against the flow of the river.

You can follow My Tyne Travelling Mission on my Instagram page, where I posted regular updates throughout the challenge.

If you would like to support my campaign and donate to Teenage Cancer Trust, please follow the link below: justgiving.com/fundraising/fenwickridley

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GET TO KNOW

T H E LU X E LOW D OW N : TI L LY LO C K E Y

Tilly Lockey was born to educate and inspire. The 14-year-old bionic model and motivational speaker from Consett is an ambassador for Open Bionics and has shared the same stages as Hilary Clinton and Dalai Lama. We catch up to find out her luxe things in life...

GETTING TO KNOW YOU >> Name: Tilly Lockey Title: Motivational speaker, bionic model, presenter and influencer Where is home? Newcastle Three reasons you love where you live?

I have grown up here with my family and friends, and no matter how much travelling

I do and how extraordinary the experience is, I always land in Newcastle airport with a smile on my face because this is home and always will be.

THE DAY JOB >> What do you do for a living? I am a motivational speaker and social media influencer. I travel the world sharing my personal story of overcoming and self-love.

I speak at various events, taking to the stage to deliver a presentation in the hope

20 luxe-magazine.co.uk

of fulfilling and inspiring people to realise their greatness, embrace their differences and love who they are. I usually take part in events surrounding technology and its advances, primarily in prosthetics and bionic limbs, whilst showcasing and wearing my very own pair of bionic, hero-arms made

by Open Bionics.

A day in the life of you? To be able to pursue a career in motivational speaking, I have had to change my path in education, moving to home schooling. I am now able to focus on multiple things. I usually attend around two to three speaking gigs every month in different countries, so being able to take my school work with me is great.

Any recent, ongoing or upcoming projects or achievements we should know about?

I always have exciting projects around the corner. I am an ambassador for Open Bionics, the company that makes my bionic arms, so I am always giving feedback to help with progression. I am also starting a new chapter in my life; I am trying my hand at presenting, reporting on Sky as an FYI presenter where we talk and educate kids on important topics such as racism, equality, climate change and so on.

What does downtime mean to you?

Downtime is putting my phone down, forgetting about notifications, getting into my comfies with a good face mask and a movie and just trying to be present in the moment. I know my limits and I know how important it is to step back for a while and remember how grateful and lucky I am to have had all of these amazing opportunities and experiences. I’m still only 14!

LESSONS IN LIFE >> What did you want to be when you were growing up? I had always been aware of prosthetics since I used them at a young age. I have no memory of ever having hands so I have adapted really well, but I was always worried for the kids who had lost their limbs in the blink of an eye. I really wanted to do something to help young people going through this process, so I set out on a mission to help promote better prosthetics. I just want to help make a change, and hopefully people can see that I am doing that.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you? To never give up. I have gone my whole life proving people wrong. When I got ill I was told I was going to die. I’m still here! When they found out I was going to live I was told I wouldn’t be able to walk, run or play the piano. But here I am, doing all of those things!

What is your greatest fear? My greatest fear is leaving this world without making my mark on it. It doesn’t have to be a huge mark. If I can help one person, then everything has been so worth it. With the fearlessness of the generation I am very proud to be a part of, I am pleased to say that I am certain the world will be a better place and it’s not all because of one person, it’s because a large community of strong individuals have come together to speak their truth and put their passions into action.

Which living person do you most admire and why? There’s not really one person that I think of as my inspiration, it’s more just people who see what is wrong in the world and take action to help fix it.

LIVING LUXE >> What is top of your bucket list? To see bionic limbs and cool differences being admired in a way that they’ve never been seen before. My ultimate goal is to see bionic limbs on the biggest catwalks, in the Fashion Week events and on the front of all the biggest fashion magazines.

What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is most definitely my scrapbook. I’ve been building it up since I was 10 and it holds so many exciting memories and important milestones in my life.

What does the weekend mean to you?

Catching up with friends, relaxing and just chilling out.

A memorable holiday? A trip to Alcudia when I was young - quality family time and plenty of adventure sports on the water.

Best dress? A rose gold metallic dress with plenty of glitz, glam and sparkly details plus, it goes great with metallic bionic arms.

Who would be your top-three dinner guests? Probably three of the One Direction boys, if I’m being honest. I’m not going to say which ones though, wouldn’t want anyone getting upset that they aren’t invited to Tilly’s dinner party.

The last place you ate? The South Causey to celebrate my older sister’s GCSE results.

A fantastic Sunday roast.

The last book you read? The Secret by Rhona Byrne.

The last thing you listened to? One Direction is always on shuffle.

The last thing you watched? Frozen 2.

Your three luxe things in life? Lip gloss, bold style and a rag doll cat.

OCT20

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OCT20

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OCT20

Come swine, dine and sleep Welcome to The Impeccable Pig. A restaurant with 10 rooms, a pub and a lot of character. We cherish the good things in life.

We know a thing or two about impeccable wine - our list is extensive and we have a superb selection of local real ales.

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LOCAL JEWEL

LICENSE TO CHARM Elysia Fryer checks in with Annie Rennison, one half of a mother-daughter duo bringing bespoke jewellery to the North East and Yorkshire, following the opening of the gorgeous new Grange Road store in Darlington

A spark of creativity, an eye for design and a genuine love for hand-crafted products brought Annie and her mum Helen together on their jewellery-making journey.

Their story started back in 2014 when the pair put their heads together to create timeless pieces that can be cherished and loved for a lifetime - much like their relationship.

Taking family values and rooting them into the business model, Renné is about making jewellery a joy. Something special that takes you back to a person, a place, or a moment in time.

A fine piece of jewellery is part of your identity; and that’s why Annie and Helen adore what they do best - bringing a design to life and watching its journey unfold as it makes its way to a new owner.

From studio to shopfront, this mesmerising mother-daughter duo are there every step of the way.

Luxe catches up with Annie following the opening of Renné Jewellery’s new store on Grange Road, Darlington.

LUXE: What can you tell us about Renné Jewellery?

AR: Renné is a handmade jewellery brand created six years ago in the heart of

30 luxe-magazine.co.uk

Yorkshire by my mum and I. Designing unique, eclectic and timeless jewellery that can be cherished and loved for a lifetime is at the heart and soul of our brand.

Jewellery is very personal and we believe choosing new additions to your collection should be a joy, and wearing them even more so.

LUXE: Your story so far?

AR: After leaving boarding school at 16, I started college and decided it wasn’t for me. I worked in various jobs before packing up to go travelling for a little while. From day dot I have been a creative soul but was unsure where to find my niche. I went to Hatton Garden School of Jewellery aged 18 to complete a course in silversmithing.

When I returned we found a course close to home with two fantastic jewellers who taught us more of our trade. During this time we built a very small workshop on our family farm where we continued to learn the processes of working with metal.

Admittedly, much of our learning was through our mistakes, but it was all part of the fun. Renné was never in the plan.

Our brand began organically from friends and family wanting pieces, to us needing a brand name, then packaging, then a full marketing plan. It was a snowball effect from there with us steadily

growing over the last six years to where we are today.

LUXE: How do you find working as a mother-daughter duo, and how is this reflected in your business?

AR: I couldn’t ask for a better work life.

Working alongside my mum is a total dream.

It helps that we are both on the same wavelength when it comes to our style of design and interests. We have recently taken on a full-time member of staff to work on the shop floor, which allows us to focus on what we do best.

LUXE: What inspires your designs?

AR: Our designs are purely created with our own needs in mind - what we would like to wear and how we want to accessorise or show our character. Our love for antique pieces, our travels and childhood memories; all of these are huge factors for our collections. We design and make what we would want to wear. In turn, this is directed at what our customer would like to wear.

We’re always happy to take customer feedback and collaborate with creatives.

LUXE: What is unique about a Renné piece?

AR: Each piece has been carefully curated by us. We also have the advantage of two generations’ input and style, which

OCT20

LOCAL JEWEL

Designing unique, eclectic and timeless jewellery that can be cherished for a lifetime is at the heart and soul of our brand

broadens our market to women and men of all ages.

LUXE: Can you tell us about your new store and why you felt like it was the right time to move on?

AR: Like many during the pandemic, we were faced with some challenging obstacles.

The last six months have encouraged us to rethink our business plan and assess what direction we’d like to take with Renné. We have been incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to grow and expand the business near enough every 18 months since we launched. This move is a very exciting one as we are taking our brand and putting it on the British high street.

It’s a big step for us, but we know it’s in the right direction.

LUXE: What can you tell us about the new site?

AR: With our brand colours heading in a new direction, naturally our shop interior has too. We have used a combination of light creams with gold accents to create a warm and inviting space. We now have a shop window which has brought in heaps of light, and we are fortunate to have our office and workshop on a mezzanine level, so the light travels up to the second floor too. It’s a really beautiful space.

OCT20

LUXE: What can you tell us about the current product range?

AR: We get to road test a lot of new designs behind the scenes, which is always fun.

We have a new collection of semi-precious pieces, all designed to complement and stack with your current rings and charms.

Think handmade necklaces taken from the traditional watch chain design with Albert fastenings, elegant chain anklets that you will instantly fall for, and a small collection of charms, hand-engraved with our favourite mottos to keep us smiling when life throws us a curveball - as we have all experienced in recent months!

Since we made our first sample, I have been wearing the Clear Quartz Ring non-stop. It adds the perfect amount of sparkle - great for this time of year as we’re heading into the party months. I like to stack it with two silver Halo Rings and a Gold Cirque Ring from the men’s collection.

Don’t forget to visit Annie and Helen at their new Grange Road store in Darlington, where you can shop the new collection and find out more about this beautiful jewellery brand, with North East soul at its heart.

8 Grange Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 5NG rennejewellery.co.uk

luxe-magazine.co.uk

31

STYLE GUIDE

TREND WATCH

with Kate Rose, founder of lifestyle brand, Tutti & Co Fall calls for fresh figs, raincoats and cosy staycations...

As the summer months become a distant memory, the days get shorter and the atmosphere changes, I really enjoy the autumn season and all that it brings. Think tasty, home-cooked recipes, open fires and layered fashion. I’ve settled back into a nice little routine now the children are back to school, and I’m enjoying planning for the months ahead and the lead up to Christmas, my most favourite time of the year.

Wearing…

A new raincoat from Rains. Rains is a contemporary lifestyle brand, influenced by its Scandinavian heritage, creating waterproof designs which are functional, simple and considered. With the daily school run well underway again, it’s the perfect item to layer on top of a fine knit to keep you dry and stylish through the wet months. I opted for the classic khaki green; it’s lightweight fabric and matte finish has an elegant appearance, with adjustable cuffs and a fishtail hemline, it looks effortlessly stylish even on the gloomiest of days. £89. rains.com

Exploring...

Loving…

Askogeng. I discovered this company a few months back whilst searching for a stylish kitchen at an affordable price for an upcoming project. The process and design are very simple. You first plan and design your kitchen with IKEA, using their range of kitchen cabinets as a base. You then choose your favourite colour of handmade bamboo door and drawer fronts from Askogeng and order these directly. The door fronts take six to eight weeks to manufacture and once your IKEA cabinets are in place, you simply add your fronts for a cost-effective, high-quality and stylish kitchen.

What is even more appealing is that bamboo is a sustainable material, durable and comes in a range of beautiful finishes. askogeng.no

I was lucky enough to stay at The Cookie Jar in Alnwick recently and if you are looking for a little treat and a night away, I would highly recommend this place. A cosy retreat in the heart of Alnwick, formerly the convent of mercy, this historical building has been beautifully renovated into 11 luxurious rooms and suites, all individual but perfectly formed. The breakfast was absolutely delicious (the best I’ve ever had) and the service was outstanding. A must for a special occasion.

Eating…

A deliciously simple and sweet, autumnal fig and almond loaf cake. It’s quick, easy and really brings out the best of fresh figs.

INGREDIENTS: · 175g caster sugar · 3 large eggs · 175g unsalted butter · 2 tsp vanilla extract · 1 lemon, zested, plus 1 tbsp juice · 200g self-raising flour · 50g ground almonds · 1/4 tsp baking powder · 2 tbsp milk · 6 Turkish figs, 2 chopped into 1cm pieces, the rest quartered · 200g low-fat Greek-style yogurt · 2 tbsp toasted flaked almonds · 1 tbsp small mint leaves (optional) · 2 tbsp clear honey

32 luxe-magazine.co.uk

My projects…

Keep up to date with my projects and house renovations on Instagram at: @kateroselifestyle. tuttiandco.com

METHOD Preheat the oven to gas 3, 170°C, fan 150°C. Grease and line a 900g loaf tin. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add the vanilla, lemon zest and juice.

Stir in the flour, ground almonds and baking powder, followed by the milk. Fold in the chopped figs. Transfer to the prepared tin and smooth the top.

Bake for about 65mins until the cake is golden and risen. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 10 minutes in the tin. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

To decorate, spread the yogurt on top of the cake. Top with the quartered figs, flaked almonds and mint leaves, drizzle with honey. Best eaten on the day it’s decorated, but the undecorated cake will keep in an airtight container for up to three days.

Enjoy!

OCT20

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SPA SESSION

Rudding Park

There’s never been a better time to switch off and recharge the mind, body and soul. Luxe has lined up six luxury spas with outdoor spaces for safe soaking this autumn

Finding fresh air bliss 34 luxe-magazine.co.uk

Close to home >> SWINTON PARK We’ve spent months creating our own at-home spa experiences, but now that some of our favourite spas have reopened their doors, escaping for a day of well-deserved pampering is definitely on our agendas this autumn. Step inside the contemporary spa at Swinton and be whisked away from the rush of everyday life. An array of spa packages are on offer – each with a combination of wellness, beauty and rejuvenation in mind. Think full-body massages, sumptuous dining and cosy corners to sit back and really switch off for a moment or two. Step into those fluffy slippers and head out into the spa garden. Get the body pumping and take advantage of the 10-metre natural pool or close your eyes and feel the great big, feel-good hug of 20,000-acres of nature surrounding you. Total bliss. swintonestate.com

RUDDING PARK Time for a rooftop escape. Rudding Park, Harrogate has an abundance of fabulous spa packages on offer this season, and there’s plenty of space to ensure your break is as relaxing and as spacious as can be. We’ve set our sights on the Horto Supper and Rooftop Spa. After indulging in a two-course dinner, head up to the tranquil roof terrace and watch as the sun sets behind the pristine landscape. Sink into your lounger and take in the views, before dipping your toes in the hydrotherapy infinity pool. Plenty of open space, fine food and indulgent treatments on offer. ruddingpark.co.uk

FEVERSHAM ARMS HOTEL & VERBENA SPA Sitting in a sweet spot in the quaint market town of Helmsley, the Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa is the place of dreams for an oh-so chilled autumn break. Check out their seasonal stay packages, including the use of a deluxe spa or poolside suite, a two-course evening meal and a glass of fizz. Seal the deal with a hearty Yorkshire breakfast the following morning. Time to relax in style and feel the tensions of 2020 gently slip away. fevershamarmshotel.com

OCT20

SPA SESSION

Further afield >> GILPIN LAKE HOUSE Gilpin Lake House is the perfect place for a staycation in a swish spa setting. This elegant sanctuary is situated in the heart of a 100 acre Lake District estate. A luxurious property ideal for a digital detox as you watch the world go by from a cocoon of comfort. Wander up into the tree canopy, step into the Swedish-style treatment rooms and let your mind drift away.

Spend the evening with a glass of champagne in hand while soaking away any stresses in the peaceful hot tub. Michelin-starred chefs, private chauffeurs, a dreamy place to lay your head, swimming pool, spa treatments and spectacular views… what more could you want? thegilpin.co.uk

Gilpin Lake House

CALCOT SPA From full-day assortments to moonlight delights, there’s something to help everyone relax and unwind at Calcot Spa in the Cotswolds. It’s time to press pause, sink into the outdoor fireside hot tub and let the spa experience do the talking. After a day of top-to-toe pampering, head out into the countryside feeling relaxed, refreshed and totally rejuvenated as the cooler months set in. calcot.co

FAWSLEY HALL HOTEL & SPA Goodbye stress, hello bliss. A visit to Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa is a must this month. The luxurious country house retreat, located in a picturesque spot between Northampton and Royal Leamington Spa, is filled with charm and character and is the perfect spot to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. Step out into the autumn air and unwind in the tranquil surroundings of the secret garden. Take a dip in the outdoor hydrotherapy pool or kick back and relax on one of the outdoor loungers - don’t be afraid to drift off to slumberland. handpickedhotels.co.uk/fawsleyhall

OCT20

luxe-magazine.co.uk 35

PRESS PAUSE

Finding space

FOR FLEXIBLE PRACTICE >> LULULEMON, THE REVERSIBLE MAT 5MM Go bold this fall with Lululemon’s Reversible Digital Wave Maxi Ice Grey Yellow Serpentine. With a little extra cushion for hips, knees and floor poses, this mat ensures comfort and class at all times. Lululemon’s lovely yoga equipment is designed to be reversible, innovative and super chic. £58, lululemon.co.uk

<< FOR SUNSHINE VIBES FORM, TROPIC PRO RECTANGULAR MAT Some of us may have missed out on our summer hols this year, but now is a great time to let your yoga practice drift you away to tropical times and warmer climes. This Tropic Pro Rectangular Mat by Form is as much about mental state as physical wellbeing. Be transported to paradise as you flow – there’s nothing better. What’s more? The iconic Form grid acts as a tool to improve alignment and consistency throughout your workout. £59, theform.co.uk

Soul soothing summer reads…

‘This strangely still pause between summer and autumn, greenery and gold, and the heat and the rising wind that is once again readying itself to rush it all away in a climatic symphony of colour and scent is – in my opinion, one of the best parts about living on Earth’ ~ Victoria Erickson I find the transition into autumn to be the most delicious time of year. There is something truly beautiful and grounding about abundance and decay existing so easily alongside each other – a reminder that life works in cycles and that whatever is happening, all is and will be well.

Autumn is a great season to consciously deepen your felt connection with nature and the land, which will settle your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. The element of earth is particularly present and can be tapped into at this time – think harmony, stability, patience, roots – the opposite to the fire and air of the summer season.

Here are some things you could try to build that connection to nature, especially earth: Consciously spending time outside >> Building a regular walk into your schedule and doing it – even if it’s short, as often as you can. If it’s not possible for you to walk outside, then perhaps spend time in the garden, do some gardening or take your morning cup of tea out there. Or, if you don’t have any outside space, simply open doors and windows, look at the sky and feel the air on your skin.

Spend time with animals >> They intrinsically understand and live in harmony with the earth.

Make friends with a tree >> I know many! Choose a tree you can get to often. Go to it. Spend time there. If you can, sit under it, if not just hang out with it for a little while. Take your questions there, share things, listen.

Feel the earth beneath you >> We spend so much time disconnected from the floor in our lives these days, in a way we were never designed to and our ancestors didn’t (think plastic shoes, high rise buildings, airplanes). The earth emits a natural electrical pulse and that frequency soothes and settles our nervous system, so try going barefoot on the grass (or sand), or even better, lie on the grass on your back like a starfish. It’s very grounding and is literally a free charge-up for your system.

Eat seasonally >> This time of year is bountiful here in the UK. Vegetables like savoy cabbage, cauliflower, swede, carrots and mushrooms are all harvested at this time. Eating any fresh fruit and vegetables connects us with nature of course, but those that are literally grown in the earth are particularly grounding and nourishing.

All of these day-to-day practices are really accessible, and most of them are free. Nature really does provide for us. If you’re curious about exploring some of these ideas more deeply, you may enjoy reading about (and then trying) ‘Shinrin-Yoku’ a Japanese concept known in English as ‘forest bathing’ and Ayurveda.

I wish you a grounded and abundant autumn.

Take care for now, Laura

You can mediate and practice Yoga Nidra with me at my new podcast ‘Calm Down, Wake Up’. Find us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or come and connect with me on Instagram: @laura.beckingham

36 luxe-magazine.co.uk

Get grounded Give your body the gift of yoga. Whether you’re practicing at home, outdoors or heading back to the studio, we’ve picked out five of our favourite yoga mats to help you feel centred this autumn

FOR FINDING YOUR HAPPY PLACE >>

FOR ECO YOGIS >>

LIFORME, HAPPINESS MAT, VIBRANT ORANGE There’s nothing quite like a colourful practice. Vibrant yoga starts with this bright orange Liforme Happiness Mat. Being in the right mindset is key to a successful yoga practice. This mat, featuring a sunshine mandala with soaring bluebirds, represents freedom and happiness. Find your feet, enjoy unrivalled grip and take comfort in knowing you have a planet-friendly, PVC-free product.

From £115, liforme.com

OHMAT STRONG GRIP YOGA MAT - WISDOM - LIGHT - PURPLE Calling all eco yogis. Check out this beauty of an OHMat. Bringing wisdom and light to any practice, this antislip, durable mat ensures a sustainable yoga lifestyle, while offering cushioning for an ultra-comfortable session.

Not only does it look the part, but the sun and moon symbols against the pretty purple background will help you cultivate balance as ou practice. £85, yogamatters.com

FOR GLORIOUS GROUNDING >> SWEATY BETTY, SUPER GRIP YOGA MAT Sweaty Betty is our best friend when it comes to getting stretchy. The floor is yours with this Super Grip Yoga Mat in Earth Red – providing the perfect platform for grounding during your practice. Its strong rubber base ensures no slipping and a comfortable surface as you flow from posture to posture. Using an innovative in-design alignment system, this mat gives you placement guidance so you can get the best out of every pose. £65, sweatybetty.com

OCT20

BEAUTY BUYS

Radiance beyond reality Luxe joined a virtual makeup masterclass with Illamasqua’s Global Head of Artistry, Pablo Rodriguez. Here’s all you need to know about the new Beyond Foundation…

llamasqua’s new Beyond Foundation is the brand’s first new foundation in four years. We joined a virtual makeup masterclass with Illamasqua’s Global Head of Artistry, Pablo Rodriguez, who talked us through this incredible alternative to the full-coverage, skin-based foundation.

“The new Beyond Foundation is refreshingly lightweight, it offers sheer coverage and it is incredibly illuminating – allowing light to reflect and radiate the skin,” said Pablo.

“It gives a natural, dewy and silky smooth finish and is available in 25 shades,” he added.

“We offer a three-step shading system to help you narrow down the search for the perfect skin-match, making finding your next foundation easier than ever.”

As Pablo created two iconic Illamasqua

OCT20

looks on video call, we tried and tested the products at home. We opted for a medium gold tone with yellow undertones - the perfect match, which isn’t always the case when selecting new foundation colours, particularly over the internet.

After applying with a brush, there’s instant moisturising benefits as the face gains a gorgeous, natural glow.

Pablo talked us through a step-by-step foundation masterclass, and as expected, it all starts with a trusty primer. A clean, cleansed face is the best place to start.

Next, we used the brush to gently apply the foundation, a little bit at a time, building up a light to medium coverage.

In the past, we have been guilty of overapplying liquid foundation, struggling away with the brush in an attempt to blend, banishing that ‘natural’ glow.

His top-tips include using bigger brushes

to blend across the face, while using a smaller brush to focus on detail areas to soften around the eyes and hairline.

It’s as simple as that. Build as you go and play around with brush size. Complete the look with the concealer pen, dabbing straight on to the skin below the eye, or use your hand and a fluffy brush.

We’re totally sold. Illamasqua is an incredibly forward-thinking brand, ticking the boxes for glitz and glam – but also for achieving that glowing, natural complexion.

It’s a brand that can effortlessly take you from day to night, with no compromise on quality.

Pop on a lush Illamasqua lip, play around with liquid blusher and have some fun with the brand’s beautiful new eye palettes one of which we got a sneak peek of ahead of the new Beyond Collection, launching in October. This collection celebrates the

Beyond franchise and is perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Think gems, precious stones and shimmery tones.

Illamasqua’s Beyond Foundation and Beyond Collection provide the perfect tools to gently guide us into the new season. It’s often tricky to go from the natural, minimalist makeup of summer, to that slightly heavier fall look, and then into the gorgeous glam that comes with the festive season.

Illamasqua perfectly captures that, with the ability to build on a look to move you from casual to chic in no time.

It’s vegan-friendly, 100% cruelty free and is sure to offer a glowy, radiant look day or night.

Illamasqua’s ethos is ‘radiance beyond reality’ and this new makeup must-have certainly does just that. illamasqua.com

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LUXE LOCKS

Great lengths Isn’t it strange how new things can very quickly become the ‘new normal’. Our salons have been back in business for over two months now, which, as most of you will know, is a bit of a different experience.

Masks, vizors, hand sanitiser, disposable gowns and towels. No magazines. It is definitely not your usual salon experience, however, as strange as these changes felt at the beginning, it kind of feels commonplace now, with both clients and stylists very well adjusted.

Who knows if things will return to how they once were, but let’s be honest, this new way of working and living ain’t all that bad - and I think we’ve all surprised ourselves at how good we are at re-adjusting.

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The great news is, no matter what changes we’ve made in the salons, one thing has remained the same and that’s giving you all great hair!

It’s been wonderful restoring your locks back to their former glory - although it has to be said, there have been a fair few people who have embraced their new longer look. For those who had always wanted to try a longer style but never had the patience to see it through, lockdown was the perfect time to let it happen - removing any temptation to chop it off.

Will the new longer styles last? I think we’ll have to wait and see, however it’s my guess that most will revert back to their original style once they get the novelty of longer hair out of their system.

I’m not going to lie, some of the overgrown

men’s styles gave us a few laughs, but 10 out of 10 for not taking matters into your own hands as that rarely ends well.

We were very impressed that most people stayed away from ‘box colour’ and waited for our return, reducing the amount of hair disasters that we were faced with. Hair colour should definitely be left to the professionals. That one moment of madness, thinking it’s ‘easy’ to colour your hair at home, can literally take months to correct and cost a pretty penny in doing so.

Our gorgeous model shown here is a great example of how a short haircut can be worn with a little extra length, giving a softer look while the multi-tonal colour adds texture and movement to the style for a truly stunning result.

Michael Young and Gary Hooker run Hooker & Young, with four salons across the North East. hookerandyoung.co.uk

OCT20

RISING STAR

ON THE HOOF with Deborah Smith BHS accredited coach, so I do a lot of teaching, from nervous riders to riders aiming for Royal International and HOYS. I have started to compete for owners this year and have got some very exciting rides in both eventing and showing.

I offer schooling livery during the summer months when some of the horses are living out (I only have six stables so they’re all full in the winter). In the future, I would like to build some more stables and offer competition livery.

Finally, how do you keep your grey horses so immaculate?!

I’m very fortunate that my greys aren’t ‘dirty greys’ but I do use Horse Health’s Brite White Shampoo which is brilliant!

It’s really important to wash the stain off as soon as you see it.

Top riders and role models?

I really admire Tina Cook, Pippa Funnel and Mary King. They are all phenomenal riders and their horses go to perfection. They’ve worked incredibly hard to get where they are and I would love the opportunity to work with them.

One to watch...

Every so often you see a rider who just has that star quality. They stand out, and they turn heads.

Effortless elegance is beyond the reach of most of us riders, but recently, at a training clinic with the legendary Olympic medalwinning eventer, Mary King, I had the pleasure of meeting a young rider who has this in spades.

William Pittendrigh (remember that name) is a 21-year-old show rider who specialises in intermediate working hunter ponies and horse workers. He is also a BHS accredited coach based in the North East.

I had seen William’s name around and heard him mentioned; always in glowing terms, so it was a real treat to see him ride, as we were in the same group for a couple of hours.

I caught up with William after the event to find out a bit more about one of the region’s most exciting young riders. Even Mary King was clearly impressed with his riding and his ability to get so much from his gorgeous, immaculate grey horses.

How did you get into horses in the first place?

Both my parents and grandparents rode, so horses are in the blood. My family have only ever shown, which is why I do the workers, but I got into eventing from watching it on television and going to local events.

How many horses do you have and where do you get them from?

I currently have six horses at home, however one is retired and another is unbroken.

I source my horses from pretty much everywhere - whether it be at a show, on the internet or word of mouth. I generally

OCT20

get them between 4 and 6, however I have recently purchased a 3-year-old from Ireland. When looking at a horse, I like to see plenty of bone, a good length of rein and lovely straight movement. Apart from conformation, I like a horse that is naturally balanced with good, strong paces and willing attitude. Regarding bloodlines, I do like something with Irish draught.

I have two pure Irish draughts and the 3-year-old I mentioned is just over quarter Irish draught.

And how do you produce them?

When I first get a horse, they are generally very green and uneducated, so I spend a lot of time letting them see as much as possible. They all go hunting to learn to go forward as well as learn manners to stand and wait when asked. They will all generally do a novice season as well in their first year. They’ll do a bit of show jumping, cross country, go to the beach etc. but I must admit they are yet to go to a dressage competition.

Any favourites?

I hate to have a favourite but I would have to say my coloured horse, Constellation (AKA Alf ). I’ve owned Alf for nine years since he was 4. I got him when I was 12. We have been through a lot together including a Royal International win after a nearly career ending injury and hunting side-saddle for charity. We’ve got a brilliant friendship.

You’ve an impressive track record already, what have been your highlights so far?

My biggest highlights would have to be being selected to represent England in the International Working Hunter Pony Teams last year, coming away with team and individual silver.

Winning Royal Windsor for a second year in a row was also very special - as well as winning the Royal International.

And for 2020 - an unusual year to say the least - what have you been focusing on?

My focus at the moment is showing. I compete all over the country, from Edinburgh to Brighton. I compete at major shows such as Royal Windsor, Horse of the Year Show, Royal International, Royal Highland, Great Yorkshire and many more. In between, I try to event as much as I can which I really enjoy.

To be very honest, this year has been good.

It started with me qualifying for the Royal International first time out in March, then obviously the lockdown came into place.

It forced my horses and I to have a much-needed rest and I got lots of jobs done. Now restrictions have been lifted, I’m very busy teaching and competing for owners with wins nearly every time out.

A horse you’d love to ride?

Although retired, I would absolutely love the chance to ride Valegro, however I am in a very large queue!

What’s in the plans for 2021?

My 2021 goals include: winning HOYS - it’s the last show for me to tick off, so that would be amazing. I would also really like to get into eventing more, as that is something I really enjoy. I’m currently riding a very exciting 5-year-old for an owner which I believe will go far, so hopefully we can grow together. I’d love to compete at the CIC and CCI events one day.

And one you’d love to have in your yard?

Any of Robert Walker’s show hunters. They’re all stunning!

How would you describe the William Pittendrigh brand?

My brand is quite broad spectrum. I am a

Favourite venues?

I love the Royal Highland Show and Great Yorkshire Show. I love going to look at the different animals and breeds as well as all of the artisan stalls.

What does downtime mean to you?

I very rarely have time to sleep, never mind relax, but I do like to go to the gym and I always sing along to music whether I’m in the yard or driving in my car.

Your luxe things in life?

My favourite luxury item would have to be my Maudsley horsebox. I couldn’t be without it.

William generally teaches from Northumberland to North Yorkshire, but is happy to travel.

Facebook: William Pittendrigh Equestrian or email williampittendrigh@yahoo.com.

luxe-magazine.co.uk 39

GOING STRONG that we were there for our members as much as they were for us.

We were very conscious of mental health during the lockdown - especially at the height of it when many of us were stuck in our homes, so introducing a digital space for clients was really important.

But as expected, we all missed training together, giving each other a boost or a pat on the back at 6am. As humans, we all need that natural lift, and that comes from interaction. So when we started to edge towards some sort of normality, we managed to adapt and take some of our sessions to the car park outside our facility.

It was amazing to just be out and about training with people again.

Lifting the standard Danny Ponton and his team at Apex Pro Fitness in Shiremore are on a mission to change perceptions of hitting the gym in a postpandemic world. Elysia Fryer finds out how this forward-thinking facility is moving with the times...

LUXE: What can you tell us about Apex Pro Fitness?

DP: We’re a fitness facility that focuses on the people, specialising in small group personal training. What makes us unique is the fact that you can’t turn up and pick up a dumbbell and start training. We like to get to know our members and work with them on whatever it is they are trying to achieve. For some it’s weightloss, for others it’s strength training, and for a lot of people, it’s just about being a part of a positive, health-focused community.

We had a gym facility in the family back in the day, so I’ve grown up in this environment and just wanted to create something different - something that wasn’t intimidating. Somewhere that people wanted to spend time, enjoy training and meet new people.

I just want to show people that this isn’t rocket science. Enjoying and succeeding at the gym doesn’t have to be complicated.

LUXE: How do you ensure a member is a part of the Apex community?

DP: We know everyone’s names here. Our members are never just a number. Not only do we train and offer support, but we also educate people when it comes to working towards their personal goals.

There are certainly no egos within the gym, we’re a really friendly bunch and like to welcome everyone.

Our motto is to ‘invest in your body’, and that’s what we’re all about - it’s as simple as that. We want people to enjoy themselves, enjoy their family life, have a drink, have nice food, but also enjoy the level of training that is required to get results.

LUXE: So, would you agree that the key to positive results is getting the lifestyle balance right?

DP: Absolutely. That’s the issue when it

40 luxe-magazine.co.uk

comes to a nutrition plan or dieting. People have such a bad relationship with the word ‘dieting’. They think it’s going to be a life without anything they love, enjoy or crave - but we’re not saying completely ditch the cheese and wine, it’s just about balance.

Our ethos is just to build relationships, stay on track and be sensible about what we’re doing. It’s about keeping it real. We find that 99% of the time that is what people want - a balanced lifestyle.

a learning curve and many positives have come out of it.

Because we had such a fantastic community spirit, all of our members supported us through the tough times, which was absolutely fantastic. We offered virtual group sessions, express workouts - we even hosted bingo and pub quiz nights, just to keep our community together. Everyone had their own journey, but it was important

LUXE: What can you tell us about your new outdoor facility?

DP: We’re well underway with our new outdoor gym - there were only so many burpees we could do in the car park!

It’s been great to get outside and enjoy what’s on our doorstep in recent months.

Whether it was keeping active in the garden, a stroll along the beach, a hike in the hills or a ride out on the bike, I think a lot of people want to keep up the fresh-air exercise, so with that in mind, we wanted to offer something unique for our members.

We’ve kitted the space out using a company called BLK BOX - really forward-thinking kit that can be used in all weather conditions.

We’ve added some overhead covering and heating too, so that the space can still be taken advantage of in the cooler months.

LUXE: What’s next for Apex?

DP: We’ve been lucky enough to have around 90% of our members come back and we want to progress with our growth, so we’re going to be taking on a third coach. We’ve got our new outdoor space and we have tons of social activity and events planned within the gym. In terms of training, we’re just making sure we’re keeping people focused as we head towards the winter months. apexprofitness.co.uk

LUXE: How does a member’s journey begin at Apex?

DP: Everyone starts with a 30-day trial. A try-before-you-buy-setup, I guess. There’s no hard sell from us. You may not like it, but it’s a great way to get to know us and for us to get to know a client. We just try to give our members everything they need to succeed. Arrive at the gym, enjoy training, be a part of the Apex community, experience different group sessions, and then we review the 30-day journey and it goes from there.

We pride ourselves on the fact that the people who come through the doors are genuinely absolutely lovely, and that really helps us create the positive vibe we have at Apex.

We want people to enjoy their fitness journey. Too many people go to the gym and absolutely hate it and wonder why they continue to go. We want to be a place our members enjoy - whether it’s the training itself, the community, the support, or just an escape from busy life.

LUXE: How did you adapt during the COVID-19 outbreak and how have you pivoted the business in a post-pandemic world?

DP: Personally, it was a great opportunity to take some time to improve and reflect.

We got our heads together in the early days and switched to an online platform. We had to learn very quickly and push ourselves out of our comfort zone, but it’s definitely been

OCT20

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T H E LU X E LOWD OW N : WILL MUIR He grew up on a North Yorkshire farm but has found his feet on the rugby field. Will Muir, 24, has recently signed for Bath Rugby following a successful stint travelling the world with England Sevens.

He caught the eye of the national set-up while playing for Northumbria University and has gone on to take home the 2019 England Sevens Player of the Year trophy.

He has swapped lockdown life on his family’s farm near Guisbrorough, for a new professional 15s career in Bath.

or achievements we should know about?

I have recently transferred from England Sevens to Bath, so I am currently doing a lot of background studying to get back up to speed with the 15s game. This involves reviewing footage from games to get to grips with the team structures and playing patterns.

What does downtime mean to you?

Downtime is an opportunity to get away from rugby and enjoy some time with friends and family.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU >> Name: Will Muir Title: Professional Rugby Player Where is home? Home is in Bath at the moment, but I’m originally from Guisborough, North Yorkshire. Bath is a new city for me so there’s an element of the unknown at the moment, but I’m equally excited to do some exploring.

Three reasons you love where you live?

Bath as a city has a very big rugby following, so it’s good to have support from a wide fan base.

LESSONS IN LIFE >> What did you want to be when you were growing up? I was always football and rugby crazy, so being a professional sportsman was always the dream.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you? There will always be setbacks on your journey towards your destination. Injury has interrupted my plans through my career numerous times, but that is inevitable. You can only control the controllable.

What is your greatest fear? You can’t play rugby forever. It’s a short career and once your time is up you have to find another profession to fall into, so it’s important to explore different career paths prior to retiring from rugby.

Which living person do you most admire and why? The sports person I admire most is Freddie Flintoff. After such a successful career in cricket, he now shows his great character on TV. He dominated in the famous 2005 Ashes, which has gone down in history, and he always inspired me to beat my brother in garden cricket over the last 15 years - something that is incredibly prestigious in the Muir household back on the farm.

THE DAY JOB >> What do you do for a living? Professional Rugby Player for Bath.

A day in the life of you? A typical day in my life involves an early morning gym session and a rugby skills session with the squad.

After lunch we will have a team meeting to discuss the game plan and tactics for the weekend’s game, followed by rugby training in the afternoon. Then it’s time to rest and recover to make sure my body is ready to go again the following day - all whilst avoiding getting run over by the huge forwards on the pitch!

Any recent, ongoing or upcoming projects

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LIVING LUXE >> What is top of your bucket list? I’d love to do a skydive over The Palm in Dubai.

What is your most treasured possession?

It has to be my monthly Luxe subscription.

It allows me to keep up to date with all things from entertainment to doggy diaries - particularly now I’m away from home.

What does the weekend mean to you?

Weekend is match time. The whole week’s work leads up to match day on a Saturday.

Once the game is out of the way, I think it’s important to relax and let yourself go before having to start building again on Monday.

A memorable holiday? My girlfriend Millie has a villa in Portugal, so I often find myself having a week of relaxation and great food over there with her.

Best dress? Getting suited up for a wedding.

I live in my gym kit at the moment, so any opportunity to get dressed up smart

is always welcome.

Who would be your top three dinner guests? Tyson Fury, David Brent and Will Smith.

The last place you ate? Wagamamas plenty of crispy chilli squid thanks to the ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ promotion.

The last book you read? Behind the Mask: My Autobiography, Tyson Fury. A great read that explores his battle with depression and the rise, fall, then rise of the Gypsy King.

The last thing you listened to? Kanye West - Graduation.

The last thing you watched? The last movie I watched was The Peanut Butter Falcon.

A real feel-good film. Highly recommended.

Your three luxe things in life? A good coffee, walking the dogs on the farm and winning a match on a weekend. bathrugby.com

OCT20

AWARD WINNING HAIRDRESSING

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WORLD CLASS

Foraging success Autumn brings an abundance of foraged foods to the menu, says Michelin-starred chef, Tommy Banks, as he catches up with Elysia Fryer following The Black Swan’s latest accolade

Like many in the hospitality industry, times have been tough. But global pandemic aside, there’s always room for success, as Michelin star chef, Tommy Banks has proven.

We’re catching up mid-September, and as the leaves are starting to fall, we are naturally falling back into routine.

A routine - or lifestyle - that Tommy has craved in recent months.

I guess what is so refreshing about Tommy’s story is that natural growth from family business - their first foray into the world of hospitality in 2006 - to his prestigious presence in the foodie world, serving globally-recognised cuisine from a humble spot in Oldstead, an unassuming village in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire.

The Black Swan at Oldstead is a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It started as a family project having farmed the land surrounding the pub for many years. Tommy’s parents bought the site when he was young, running it as a B&B with no huge ambitions for its food.

As you’d expect, his parents Tom and Anne nurtured their own produce growing in the grounds; and as the garden grew, so did Tommy’s skills in the kitchen. It was a natural process, and it’s so wonderful to see the family flourish from farmers to regional, national and now global food icons.

After appearances on BBC Two’s Great British Menu and becoming Britain’s youngest Michelin-starred chef at just 24-years-old, it’s safe to say that Tommy is a familiar face to many. But the beauty of this story is that the restaurant’s success and growth is rooted in family life - tradition mixed with a modern, earthy exuberance. It just works. That, and its dedication to the county it lives in. Glorious Yorkshire.

There’s a real sense of homegrown creativity here, a celebration of plant to plate dining, using the abundance of fresh, seasonal produce found in the three-acre kitchen garden.

Now, the 31-year-old is focusing on building the business.

It’s about nurturing guests, getting the best of seasonal produce and pivoting to succeed in a post-pandemic world.

Given the recent challenges faced, the restaurant’s most recent award was an obvious boost.

The Black Swan at Oldstead has been awarded Tripadvisor’s best fine dining restaurant in the UK and the fourth best in the world. What a way to return to business!

“It was a real surprise actually, but a great one,” Tommy smiles.

“Accolades and awards have been so far from our thoughts with everything that has gone on in 2020, but it’s been a great surprise and really nice to give the news to the team just a week before the reopening.”

The restaurant is not only built on a family unit, but it’s also built on the principles of team spirit. Its success is very much a group effort.

“I see the Black Swan as a co-operative of minds,” he explains.

“We have great people working here; some real characters with tremendous talent, and it’s their coming together

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that creates something special and leads to such rewards.

We want our guests to feel part of it and experience it with us. It’s not just a job for us, it’s a lifestyle.”

So after some time away from the busy kitchen and the restaurant floor, this award was the motivation the whole team needed to bounce back.

“We were devastated when we had to close both restaurants back in March. We had to think quickly to find a means of continuing to support our customers and suppliers, but also reach our guests in a way that was totally safe.

“We started a nationwide food box business called Made in Oldstead, which has been amazing and helped us to support everyone we care about, with employees moving over from the restaurants to work on this.”

Alongside that, business is back on track at The Black Swan and its sister site, Roots in York; and for Tommy and his team, it’s about keeping safe, doing what they do best and welcoming customers with open arms.

“At the moment it’s more about consolidation - we’ve opened both our restaurants and are happy with how that has gone.

“The key priority right now is of course keeping everyone safe. Our main pivot was Made in Oldstead - it was a huge challenge setting up a totally new business from scratch during a global pandemic, but it has led to great things and we’re excited for what we have planned next. It feels great to have emerged from lockdown with an additional business, and one that we hope will continue to thrive.”

Another reason for success is of course the tight knit community behind the business. The family force.

Generations of Banks have been farming the land surrounding The Black Swan, so taking on the restaurant was the perfect opportunity to showcase everything they do when it comes to proper Yorkshire produce.

“My parents, my brother and I all have different roles within the business, but the work is done by a much bigger team.

“I head up the cooking and have definitely become the face of the business, while my parents look after the farm, which is obviously integral to everything we do here.

“My brother James is a sommelier and works on the drinks side of things. He has also been the driving force behind setting up Made in Oldstead over the lockdown period.

“My business partner, Matt Lockwood at Roots in York, is key to everything we do across the businesses and has worked tirelessly on Made in Oldstead over the last few months.

“Then there is a much wider team who we now call family. We’re lucky enough to have such great, passionate and talented people working with us. It makes all the difference.”

Take any ingredient and the kitchen team has had a hand in its sowing, nurturing, picking, tasting, prepping and cooking.

There’s definitely a lot of food love in Tommy’s kitchen, and much of that comes down to his familiarity with plant to plate dining, from a young age growing up on the farm.

“My route into food was slightly different to many chefs,” he explains.

“I didn’t have any formal training in the kitchen. I come >>

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WORLD CLASS

from an agriculture background having grown up on a farm, so it’s the farm aspect that forms the DNA of everything we do across the business. Our ethos of growing, foraging and preserving things is integral to everything we do.

“Here in Oldstead, we literally have zero food miles. Produce from the farm on our doorstep at The Black Swan is brought into the restaurant and in the summer it’s literally picked fresh at 5pm before being put onto the plate.”

Tommy took that concept, which worked so well in his rural restaurant, and gave it a contemporary city twist. York was the obvious spot for his next venture - taking the farm-grown ingredients and serving it up in a sleek new location.

Roots opened its doors in September 2018 and adopts a fresh new ethos, with a menu reflecting the three key growing groups found in his cookbook ‘Roots’; The Hunger Gap - the beginning of the year when produce is at a minimum, The Time of Abundance - the summer season when things are growing gloriously, and The Preservation Season - as autumn rolls back around and foraged foods can be enjoyed.

To put it simply, the dishes change with the foodie calendar as the availability of ingredients come and go. The menu is a real honest celebration of the seasons, and it works oh-so well.

“It’s coming up to two years since we opened Roots in York, the second of our restaurants.

“It’s been amazing to have a restaurant in the city and to bring our ethos and ingredients to a new audience - and a completely new environment.

“We wanted to make it slightly more accessible for customers, certainly in terms of location. While we started the business

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as a small plates restaurant, we’ve pivoted a bit since the pandemic and turned it into one that offers shorter tasting menus.

It has been a big change but it’s enabled us to bring even more of the amazing produce that we’ve grown on the farm to the restaurant.”

York’s food scene is something of a celebration. Whether it’s a mid-shopping trip bottle of wine over tapas, a swanky fine-dining restaurant, or a cosy cafe to rest the legs after a day of sightseeing, there’s a certain buzz about the city, and as the business continued to grow and gain recognition, it was a market Tommy was keen to tap into.

“York is a buzzy city with a thriving independent food scene, which is helped by how accessible it is to people across the country. It’s great to be a part of this community - and with it being just 20 miles from us in Oldstead, it’s our home city.

“Before we took it on, Roots was a pub which hadn’t had a lot of love over the years - similar in a way to what The Black Swan was. It’s been great to restore a building and give it a new chapter in its life, just like we do with ingredients when we preserve and serve them to celebrate them in all their glory.”

Whether it’s foraging on the farm, living it up in the city, or appearing on big name TV shows, everything Tommy, his family and his businesses do are centred around the place they call home. Good old Yorkshire.

It’s all about the produce at Tommy’s restaurants, and when it’s not the home-grown stuff nurtured by his close-knit team on site, it’s carefully-selected goods from local suppliers who share the same principles.

“The key to getting the best of the region’s produce onto our menus is forging strong

and lasting relationships with our suppliers,” Tommy explains.

“We grow so much of what we serve across our businesses, but what we don’t grow we source elsewhere from a select few suppliers. These are more often than not family-run businesses too, with whom we share the same passion, ethos and opinions when it comes to food.”

As we delve deep into the darker seasons, Tommy talks through the ingredients feeding thier way onto the restaurant’s autumn/ winter menus.

“Autumn into winter is one of my favourite times of year as we have a whole new set of ingredients to work with,” he explains.

“We’ll have squashes ready in October and our crapaudine beetroots are looking great - these form one of our signature dishes.

“October will be a big month for Made in Oldstead as we’re launching all of our Christmas packages.

“Made in Oldstead is so different to our other businesses - you have to plan so far ahead and so much has to go into the development of every dish to ensure that it travels well but is also still ultra-seasonal.

I can’t wait to see the final product. Keep your eyes peeled.”

Restaurant and farm life is in his DNA. It’s what makes him tick and it’s what he loves most, but when he does steal some time away for himself, his head remains in the food world.

“I’m a bit biased, but there really are so many amazing places on our doorstep, so I try to get out and explore as much as I can when I’m not working,” he says.

“I love the White Horse at Kilburn and Lake Gormire - they’re two very special places f or me - but no day out is complete without a bite to eat in one of the region’s many great restaurants.

“A restaurant I really love in the North East is House of Tides by Kenny Atkinson - he’s a good friend of mine and has been a mentor to me over the years.

“What I love about the North East is that

it’s the perfect place for hospitality as the people are just so incredibly friendly and hospitable. When you go to House of Tides in Newcastle you’re really well looked after and made to feel like one of the team.

No one goes there and has a bad time.”

And when he’s venturing further afield...

“One of my favourite places to visit has to be Moor Hall over in Lancashire. Chef Patron Mark Birchall is doing amazing things over there. It’s such a beautiful place.

“I also love Ynshir in Wales. It’s such a special place and Gareth Ward has taken the restaurant experience to a whole new level - he even has an on-site DJ!” “Further afield, I had an amazing trip to California last year. We ate at some incredible restaurants, but there was one pizza place in San Francisco which really stood out for me. Pizza del Popolo a really cool, bustling place serving delicious sourdough pizzas. There really is nothing better.

“Food aside, I absolutely love cricket. Lord’s Cricket Ground is the mecca of sport for me. I can’t wait to visit again when it reopens next year.

“But you’ll mainly find me either in our own restaurants or out eating somewhere.

I genuinely love food and eating. I’m a greedy pig to be honest, and when food is delicious, I just can’t get enough of it.” blackswanoldstead.co.uk | rootsyork.com | tommybanks.co.uk

Autumn into winter is one of my favourite times of year as we have a whole new set of ingredients to work with

OCT20

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DELI DELIGHTS

New kid on the block The Truffled Hog is an all-day dining spot in the picturesque market town of Stokesley. It’s a hip new place to drink, dine and embrace the Mediterranean vibes. An elegant escape from the everyday. Elysia Fryer catches up with the brains of the business over coffee…

As the world began to wake up again, the late summer months brought a cool new addition to the pretty-as-a-picture market town of Stokesley. And it’s one that takes its inspiration from some of the coolest corners of the world, inspired by hip coffee shops, swanky cocktail bars and laid-back Mediterranean vibes.

There’s nothing like it in the area. It pulls its inspiration from café hopping around the globe and it really is an escape from the everyday. It’s a place you can go on your own to get lost in a book over a cup of coffee, it’s a place you can socialise over sundowners with friends, it’s a place you can grab a quick bite to eat over a bottle of wine, and it’s a place you can get dressed up and dine out for date night.

You really get that feeling of wanderlust here. You could be anywhere. It’s effortlessly charming and oh-so chic. It’s a total gem, and we’re so excited to find it sitting right on our doorstep.

As the business brings new life to Stokesley, Elysia Fryer checks in with Laura Hall, to find out how she’s bringing a taste of the Med to the market town.

“I wanted to create somewhere that had a cool menu and was a little bit different to what everybody else was doing,” Laura explains.

“I also wanted to focus on the interiors because that is a big love of mine – and people love to find themselves in cool

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new surroundings. I went for something that works really well at night, with a really nice glow to it, but also somewhere laid-back with a luxe twist – somewhere that felt a bit like you were in a chic café in Ibiza or Morocco.

“I’m a real tourist when I go abroad. I sit at coffee shops and cocktail bars and I take it all in. I always think, ‘oh, I’d love to recreate that moment in that bar with an Aperol Spritz in hand’. I wanted to recreate that for people, and so far, people really like it.”

The coast is home for Laura, so market town life is very much a new thing – that, and putting her roots down to work in one place.

“I’ve done stacks of work in cities all over the UK,” she says.

“My background is not in hospitality.

I’ve always worked in senior project management roles in large software and technology houses. Until I took the keys for this place in February, I was doing a lot of travelling - working with very large teams.

“I’ve very much become accustomed to city life. Even though I live in Redcar, I love the buzz of life in the city – hopping from one place to the next.

“I was always torn between the rush of city life and the absolute bliss that comes with a slower pace of life in the North East – that laid-back, beachside vibe. Life is too short to live out of a suitcase five days a week. It was time for me to come home and spend a bit more time with family.”

And so The Truffled Hog was born…

“My previous roles were very strategic

and business-focused, so I already had the management experience, but I was itching to do something with my creative side,” Laura says.

“I wanted to merge everything I love – food, interiors, coffee, meeting new people – and create something really special.

“And as I was working from home and brainstorming for new business ideas, it dawned on me that I couldn’t find anywhere in the North East that I wanted to go for coffee, work, socialise and simply just enjoy the space.

“I’m one of those people that can’t work in silence - I need a buzzy atmosphere around me. I need noise. I used to work at home a lot when I was consulting. On a Friday if I wasn’t with clients, I’d go and work in Costa Coffee in Redcar - and it just didn’t have the vibe.

“I was looking at buildings in Saltburn to begin with, because it has a great mix of creative businesses. It’s really indie - I have friends that run businesses there - it’s great.

“I viewed the building on the off-chance because my fiancée, Chris, was doing the accounts for the people who were buying it.

“I came to view the building last September when Stokesley Fair was on. There was a huge ride in front of it, so I had to climb over the fence and peek through the window.

“It was the only building that I’d looked at that really excited me. It was a big enough space for me to be a bit creative and do my thing.

“I love my interiors. I like to think I’ve got some kind of flair. So I just wanted to create somewhere that we didn’t have in the North East. I love nothing more than getting out for a good coffee - it’s my hobby. Sitting and people watching, flicking through a magazine and enjoying a good cup of coffee - it’s a lifestyle for me, and that’s exactly what I wanted to do with The Truffled Hog – create a space that can become a part of people’s lifestyle.”

That is what is so special about this place.

Yes, it’s a deli, wine bar, restaurant, café

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DELI DELIGHTS

– but it’s also a hive of activity. A creative hub for supper clubs, family gatherings, networking events, crafts workshops. It’s a place packed full of opportunity. A place you can imagine new ideas being born.

“I’m very much new to this business,” says Laura.

“So I’m learning all of the time. I was working away from home for a long time, so getting this place has been the perfect opportunity for me to put down some roots in the North East. I wanted to have something of my own in the region. I want to build on the brand - to build a portfolio of businesses.”

The Truffled Hog enjoys a beautiful, south facing spot on College Square, just a stone’s throw from Stokesley’s buzzy high street and Market Square.

“Stokesley is completely new to me,” Laura says, with an excited smile.

“I love it here though. The people are so friendly and welcoming. Customers have literally wrapped their arms around us.

“To have been busy everyday since we opened, particularly in the current climate, is just incredible. People have been so patient and understanding, because we are new, we are going to have teething problems now and then – but I guess that’s just what it’s all about isn’t it?

“I’ve tried to slot us in in a way that we compliment other businesses and we don’t step on anyone’s toes – but we offer something that’s totally different. Hopefully we’re an asset to the area and we can continue to work with our neighbours to create something really special in Stokesley.”

The Truffled Hog’s original brief was based on a working deli – a place for people to prop up at the bar for five minutes to grab a quick coffee and perhaps a bite to eat.

Laura’s creative desires, paired with ability to pivot during a global pandemic, meant the model changed slightly, and boy has it worked wonders for the business.

“Over time, we’ve naturally formed into more of a restaurant with a deli and a wine bar, which it wasn’t supposed to be, but it just works.

“I don’t think I’m the only one who can say my plans have changed since setting out my goals at the beginning of the year,” Laura laughs.

“I took the keys in February and then I

OCT20

cheese board and a bottle of wine. You can have a more traditional, formal dinner, or you can come in for chic, grown-up drinks, choosing from our small but speciallyselected cocktail menu.

“Uncomplicated but good quality, that was my mantra really.”

All of the above perfectly embodies the restaurant’s mood board – Mediterranean vibes with a British fare feel. Celebrating a love for local people, produce and hospitality, but whisking customers away to happier times and warmer climes. Bliss.

“My Mediterranean mood board came to life after a lot of research and help from local creatives,” says Laura.

“Much of the interior decor came from Morocco, sticking to colours that were in-keeping with each other and just having fun with it.

“I decided I wanted to pull the interiors together myself. It was really fun to go it alone – I have a real passion for it. I ordered way too much stuff and was constantly sending parcels back to various destinations across the globe, but I really enjoyed the process, and it has been wonderful to see all of my ideas come to life over the months.”

The space itself is beautiful. A Pinterest board brought to life in effortless style.

local customers, suppliers or produce.

“We like to support other local people and businesses by offering our venue as events space for talks, workshops and guest chef nights,” she says.

“We’ve hosted one guest chef night so far, Jake Simpkins, a local chef currently working at Riley’s Fish Shack in Tynemouth. He’s from Stokesley and is super impressive.

“It’s very weather dependant, but I’d really like to do Spanish paella nights in the summer. We’re also going to be hosting wine and cheese pairing events, which are perfect for this time of year.

“The idea is that we do something different every quarter. Something a little different to offer to our customers – and a great way of supporting other flourishing businesses and individuals in the region. If it works, we can increase the frequency.

“I’d really love to host some really relaxed networking events. For us, it’s just about hosting people and giving people a good time. We’re always open to ideas and suggestions.”

The fun doesn’t stop there for Laura. She has big plans to grow the business.

“Here on Stokesley high street, I’m trying to ensure we’re in-keeping with the general feel of the place, so it’s definitely got a traditional, market town feel from the

But for Laura, it’s as much about sustainability as it is about looking good.

“One of the brands I was really keen to work with was Huskee – a reusable coffee cup business, created using the ‘husk’ waste left over from the production of coffee.

“I think it’s so important to ensure, as a business, we’re being as environmentally friendly and as sustainable as possible, and this brand is a great way to encourage customers to do the same.

“We use them on site, but we also sell them as takeout cups. The HuskeeSwap is something I’ve seen happening in big cities across the globe. The idea is that you return your takeaway cup, we send it back to Huskee to be refurbished, and you get a new one. Your Huskee cup is yours to keep. Take it to your local coffee shop every day, get a refill and do your bit for the environment, all while enjoying great coffee!”

Great food, check. Good vibes, check.

Sustainable living, check. Coffee culture, check. As The Truffled Hog’s ‘Queen Piglet’, Laura has managed to tick all the boxes for a prosperous business in the region.

Another big box ticker is her love for all things local. Much of her inspiration is taken from far-flung destinations across the globe, but The Truffled Hog very much has a sense of place in its hometown on Stokesley, too – whether that’s through the support from

outside. But hopefully when people step inside, they realise that we’re offering something completely different.

“I would love to take on a bigger space at some point, I’ve got plans for a beautiful Mediterranean courtyard.

“One of the things that I really want to do - but it’s more part of a five year plan - is to set up a space where I can work with other women in business, empowering them to take the plunge and kickstart creative ventures. It’s the sort of support network I wish I had when I was brainstorming ideas.

“I think it’s exactly what we need in the North East, because there’s some great things going on here – and some incredibly inspiring people, too.

“We have a lot of start-ups and one-person businesses in the area, and from my experience, it’s a really lonely place somtimes. When I have my admin days, if I could go and do it in a hub surrounded by other likeminded individuals, I would get so much done and have so much support.

“My vision is to create a really cool network - a community of people who can support one another and really allow business to grow and flourish on Teesside.

“The Truffled Hog is my platform in the North East now – and hopefully, many more exciting things will follow.”

I wanted to merge everything I love food, interiors, coffee, meeting new people and create something really special started to get down to business, renovating the space, but things were of course put on hold because of COVID. “It was half finished for a long time and, because I didn’t know how long it was going to be before I could open the doors, I decided to start trading from the kitchen, as it was the only space I could work with at that time.

“I was used to being so busy, working 60 hours per week, living out of a suitcase, so I started trading with grazing boxes. It wasn’t designed to be profitable, it was just to keep me occupied, help me get to know the products and introduce people to the brand.

“It was so popular I had to get all of my family involved, then eventually, I had to take on a junior chef.

“When things started to get a little bit more flexible, I decided to turn my attention to the restaurant, so that I could get it ready for opening.

“It took us about four weeks to get ready, then we opened in early August.”

So, what’s on the menu?

“Our menu incorporates everything from breakfast and brunch dishes, to small plates, light bites and larger, more substantial meals. The idea is that you can visit with a group of friends at any time of day, and you can all order from different sections of the menu.

“You can come in, grab a table, share a

instagram.com/thetruffledhog

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WILD & WONDERFUL

Game changer Time to jump in a Defender for a day of shooting on the foothills of the Pennines. Adam Morton, founder of Morton Sporting, talks us through the sport’s history, heritage and why the mighty Whitfield Estate in Northumberland is the heartland of driven shooting in the UK...

There’s nothing more quintessentially British than a day of shooting in the moorland. Hop in a Defender, drive out into the dramatic landscape, dress in the finest tweet and enjoy some fresh country air as the rural sport does the talking.

There was, of course, a lot of uncertainty surrounding this year’s shooting season.

To shoot or not to shoot was the question on the lips of those in the game industry during the lockdown. Luckily, as we approached the Glorious 12th in August, the country sport was back up and running, with sharp shooters heading out into the rugged landscape to get their fix.

As we move from peak grouse season into shooting partridge and pheasant, we’re checking in at one of the country’s finest sporting locations, the mighty Whitfield Estate near Hexham, Northumberland.

Once home to the Saxon Earls of Northumbria, the estate was then bought

by William Ord in the 1700s. His grandson, also called William, was the first member of the family to live permanently at Whitfield Hall, which became a substantial Georgian home. Four generations later, the BlackettOrd family still look after the estate and live in Whitfield Hall.

The estate itself is a truly unique and traditional sporting estate and has, over the years, become the stuff of a shooting legend due to its dramatic 15,000 acre spot at the foothills of the Pennines. It is now recognised as the top destination

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for the high bird brigade in the northern shooting stable.

“This grouse moor at Whitfield is something really special,” says Adam Morton, field sport enthusiast and founder of Morton Sporting Ltd. “It’s world famous for grouse, pheasant and partridge and it has the River Allen running through the heart of the estate, which makes for a spectacular backdrop,” he adds.

Morton Sporting is a family run field sports business operating mainly in the North of England, with links all over the UK and overseas.

“Through years of hard work, patience and building on our reputation in the industry, we have managed to gain access to more and more exclusive estates across the country,” Adam explains.

“We pride ourselves on offering the best driven wing shooting in the North of England and Scotland and have some of the country’s most sought after sporting estates in our portfolio, meaning we are able to offer an experience that others can’t.”

Traditionally, it has been considered almost impossible to gain access to a number of the estates on Morton Sporting’s list. Once upon a time only the ‘landed gentry’ would get the chance to shoot on these estates and it would, of course, be very exclusive, invite only access.

“As the need for more commercial ventures has set in, from the estate’s point of view, more opportunities have opened up for shoot days. That’s where we step in,” says Adam.

“There’s no compromise on tradition.

Shooting is very much still a country sport with a deep and rich history due to its essence and etiquette, but we are now able to open up that experience to more field sports enthusiasts, with no compromise on quality, tradition and exclusivity.”

The North East region, namely the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors, Northumberland and the North Pennines, is the heartland of driven shooting, offering some of the finest field sport opportunities in the country.

“The majority of the English grouse moors are within the Dales, the North York Moors and in the North Pennines,” explains Adam.

“The North East is also home to a large number of very exclusive pheasant and partridge shoots at some of the most

famous sporting estates in the UK. The shooting industry is a huge part of the economy in some of these rural communities, and there’s a real sense of pride amongst the locals, it’s wonderful to see.”

Like many industries, the coronavirus outbreak brought very troubling times to the world of shooting.

“We’ve had to adapt in the months following the outbreak,” says Adam.

“But we’re just delighted to be back out enjoying the great British countryside and all it has to offer, especially as we head into peak shooting season,” he adds.

“We have followed all Government guidelines very closely and have worked with the estates to ensure we are all operating responsibly with protocol to keep everyone safe on a shoot day.”

But as the world wakes up again and the shooting season comes back into its own, Morton Sporting’s shoot days are back up and running and there are lots of exciting things in the pipeline for the autumn/winter season.

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WILD & WONDERFUL

As we get kitted out for a day out in the Defender, Adam talks us through a day in the life of a Morton Sporting shoot day on the Whitfield Estate.

“The guns meet at the estate for an early breakfast, where the gamekeepers will give a safety briefing and a general introduction on the day’s events.

“There will usually be two drives in the morning, followed by a break, where it is customary to have a glass of champagne or sloe gin with some light snacks.

“Lunch is usually served in an estate building steeped in history and tradition - usually a gun room, or something similar.

It’s always great to find a space to relax and unwind, but that can also work as a focal point for conversation. It’s a fantastic opportunity for guests to get to know the estate and have a bit of a history lesson.

“The afternoon brings one or two drives, followed by a quarry presentation by the gamekeepers at the end of the day.

“Of course, each estate is different and has its own unique charm and character, but we like to follow a similar format for our shoot days. It works for everyone.”

There are a lot of cliches surrounding shooting and the fleet of people who might attend a shoot day, but there is no stereotypical client, Adam tells us.

“Of course, the history and heritage is going nowhere and there is a sense of exclusivity with shooting, but it’s important to note that the industry is opening up to the wider community, and it’s something that we encourage to people who are new to the sport. There’s no intimation here,” says Adam.

“Now the estates are starting to open their doors to more people from a shooting perspective, it is a case of ‘If you have the money and you are a safe shot, you can shoot’.

“You can meet people from all walks of life on a shoot day - from royals and

OCT20

rockstars, to local businessmen.”

The guys at Morton Sporting certainly have things covered on home turf, with contacts up and down the country when it comes to some of the finest shooting estates. But there’s no signs of slowing down as the business spreads its wings overseas, with contacts in Spain, South Africa and Argentina.

“Driven partridge shooting in Spain in a bucket-list must,” says Adam.

“Standing amongst the olive groves with the sun on your back is a truly unique experience,” he adds.

“As are those of shoot days in South Africa, a country that is fast developing into the destination of choice for pigeon and dove shooting with some of the finest hospitality found in fantastic shoot lodges across the country.

“Personally, I have taken one party to Argentina, a world famous destination for

dove shooting. Here, we work with the very best outfitters to ensure we can offer a truly unique and memorable experience in breathtaking locations. The shooting, paired with the culture, landscape, food and wine, offers something incredibly special. We’d definitely love to host some more overseas shooting, but in the current climate, we’re obviously focusing on what we know and love in the UK.” As the landscape dramatically changes and we delve deep into autumn, the shooting season really comes into its own.

“This year brings a lot of uncertainty due to COVID, but as we head into the new season, there’s plenty to look forward to in the world of shooting,” says Adam.

“The countryside is in great shape and we have pheasant and partridges in abundance.

“The return of shoot days is also great for the local community, bringing plenty of opportunity and jobs for people in rural areas. Many local businesses such as pubs and hotels can also work in partnership with estates and shoot organisers, relying on shoot parties to keep things ticking over as we head into the colder, darker months.”

After a day exploring the foothills of the Pennines with Adam and his shoot party on

the Whitfield Estate in Northumberland, it’s safe to say that no stone is unturned in Morton Sportin’s pursuit of perfection when it comes to field sports.

From history and heritage, to etiquette and the essence of shooting, we’ve learnt a lot.

That, alongside the ability to create glorious, good-for-the-soul game dishes and enjoy a sip of sloe gin to warm the cockles mid-drive, and we’re totally sold. mortonsporting.com

You can meet people from all walks of life on a shoot day - from royals and rockstars, to local businessmen

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HAPPY DAYS

Bringing it home There’s a happy herd bringing a fine batch of farmhouse cheese to the market from a family farm in Wensleydale. Elysia Fryer chats to Ben Spence, one half of the brother duo behind The Home Farmer, produces of the Old Roan small batch cheese As Britain’s specialist cheesemakers and retailers join forces to urge the public to ‘support local cheesemakers’ in a post-pandemic world, there’s never been a better time to praise our local producers.

And as we all continue to do our bit to help businesses both big and small come back stronger, it’s been wonderful to venture out into the wider region to hear about those local heroes doing their bit in the community.

In this case, it’s not just the happy cows we’re praising; it’s the forward-thinking ideas of those feeding our community.

The Home Farmer’s ‘Milk On’t Move’ initiative was a big win for those living in Wensleydale villages throughout the lockdown period.

“Our mobile milk vending machine – a horse trailer converted into a ‘dairy shop’ – really came into its own throughout the pandemic,” says Ben. “The trailer is parked in a different Wensleydale village each day of the week and is left un-manned with an honesty box for the cheese and a vending machine system in place for the milk.

“Simply insert coins, select your bottle, take off the lid and fill up. The idea is that you buy the glass bottle and then it’s yours to keep. You use it, sterilise it, bring it back and go again.

“We also have a second vending machine sitting in Campbell’s of Leyburn – a family-run, Yorkshire supermarket.”

Home Farmer, headed up by Ben and his brother Adam, alongside a wider team of

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their parents David and Susan, and Ben’s wife Sam, has been in the Spence family since the 1950s, but is relatively new to the cheese business.

“Our family heritage goes back a long way on the farm, but we only started working with cheese last July.”

But the brothers were delighted to find they were entering a tight-knit community where growing businesses support and lean on one another.

“With us being brand new, Andy at The Courtyard Dairy helped us out quite a lot.

It’s been great to have a mentor in the industry, and it has helped us get our name out there.

“The cheese has gone down really well locally. We’re stocked at Wensleydale Creamery, Campbell’s of Leyburn, Lewis & Cooper in Northallerton and many other local businesses – and we’re also available to buy online.

“The vending machine trailer is another new platform for us. It turned out to be a really positive outlet for the local community during the lockdown. People had a safe space to go to get their milk and cheese, and it worked a treat.

“The support of local people is so important. It’s nice because farmhouse cheese making was once prevalent in the Dales – there was a farmhouse cheese maker at nearly every farm in the area. Many of which have disappeared in recent years, so the locals are pleased that we’re here doing what we’re doing – albeit on a pretty small dairy farm by modern standards.

“But we’re diversifying and bringing farmhouse cheese back to the local market,

which is great. It’s something that hasn’t been done in Wensleydale for a long, long time, and we’re proud to be a part of its comeback.

“It’s brought a bit of nostalgia for local people.”

So, what is a relatively new business venture for the folk at Home Farmer, is backed by heaps of family history and heritage.

“My grandma and grandad bought the farm in 1953. To begin with, it was just a stone barn. My grandad, my dad and my brother have developed the farm to what it is now.

“We started milking with 10-15 Dairy Shorthorns - they were bred through the generations until we got taken out with foot and mouth in 2001.

“We lost our herd, which was a real shame for our heritage, and since then we’ve been running a flying herd, where we buy from another diary farm.”

Home Farm is now in its third generation.

After starting an accountancy career in the city, Ben and his wife Sam made the move from Manchester to continue the tradition and work in the family business.

“I always said that if I moved back into farming, I wouldn’t just do more of the same,” says Ben. “I wanted to diversify and do something completely different. So we spent some time with David Hartley, the MD of Wensleydale Creamery, and he advised us to look into unpasteurised cheese while the European grants were available.

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HAPPY DAYS

We’re diversifying and bringing farmhouse cheese back to the local market. It’s something that hasn’ been done in Wensleydale for a long, long time, and we’re proud to be a part of its comeback

“We were taken back a little by the suggestion, because they were so big on their cheese and we didn’t want to step on their toes. But actually, when you get into the artisan cheese market, you realise that they can’t really do it up there as you need a single farm with unpasteurised milk, which is just something they can’t do at the creamery.

“They gave us a hand getting the process in place and putting it out to market, so we had a really good relationship with them, and the rest is history really.”

The key to The Home Farmer’s early success, Ben tells me, is the happy cows.

Happy cows, happy business – it’s as simple as that.

“Our cows are our bread and butter,” smiles Ben. “They’ve been out on the grass for most of the summer and into early autumn, so they’ll be coming in at some point in October. They’re housed inside rather than outside in the colder months, because of our good old Yorkshire weather!”

“We’ve built a brand new, all-purpose shed and milking parlour, all created with animal welfare and happy cows in mind.

“While they are inside, the cows are as happy as they can be. They have scratching brushes, foam mattresses, everything they need to ensure they’re living a quality life.

“We’re a nation of people who like to know where our food is coming from. We are much more inquisitive now, and I think that can only be a good thing. If you don’t look after your animals, you don’t sell products.

“From a business perspective, if I’ve got a happy cow that feels well in itself, it’s

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going to produce me a lot more milk.”

Ben and his small family team currently have 93 cows on the farm, all with names and personalities.

“They are just like our pets I guess,” explains Ben. “I know every single one by number, but many of the cheeky cows – excuse my French – by name.

“Beyoncé, Ginny and Nancy are three that instantly spring to mind - they tend to sneak past the farm gate. Beyoncé has certainly got some sass about her, I can tell you that for sure.

“Charmaine is a friendly one – she’ll stop and say hello to anyone that passes by.

She’s not a shy lady.”

With a herd of happy cows, a loyal customer base and a growing business with the unique ability to pivot during a pandemic, things are looking up for The Home Farmer.

“Christmas is the next big milestone for us,” says Ben. “We did the festive season briefly last year, but nobody really knew about us.

This year, we’ll be putting more cheese to our stockists, we’ll be pushing our Old Roan in the vending machines and we’ll continue to collaborate with other local businesses and cheesemakers.

“It’s great for us to work with other individuals and organisations such as those producing hampers and grazing boxes. It’s a fantastic way for us to promote our cheese.

Instagram is a key market for that, so we’re definitely working on our marketing plan for the back end of 2020 and into 2021.” thehomefarmer.co.uk

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YES CHEF

HOME COMFORTS with chef Chris Baber Our new culinary columnist invites us into his home kitchen for foodie inspiration, upcoming projects and seasonal must-haves

I’m delighted to join the Luxe team as a new foodie columnist. As you may have read in the previous issue, much of what I do is inspired by the home. I live and work in London, but having grown up in Hexham and after spending much of this year up here with family, there’s nothing I love more than championing this fantastic region we call home.

This column will give you an insight into my foodie world, from books and business meetings, to getting back out to some of my favourite restaurants and serving up the good stuff at home with the family. An update from me as we fully-embrace the transition into autumn...

MY WORLD >> I’ve been spending a bit of time transitioning and getting back into the swing of things back down in London, after spending the lockdown period at home in Hexham. The first time I returned was so strange. I hopped off the train at King’s Cross and it was like a ghost town; but every time I’ve been down since for work, things do seem to be picking up. People’s spirits seem to be lifting, which is really nice to see.

In recent months I’ve been able to film all of my work from home, so the real big change has been returning to the studio.

Having that personal interaction with people is just amazing. Following that, it’s been a time to get used to catching up with friends and socialising again.

The summer months are usually massive for food festivals. This year, things didn’t work out quite as we’d planned. I was due to be at The Big Feastival at Alex James’s farm on the Cotswolds at the back end of August. That was rearranged and went virtual, which was unusual, but it was cool to interact with audiences.

Other updates include working on my recipe book, which is going to be a huge celebration of home cooking. Stay tuned for updates, with a release date in the diary for 2021.

In terms of the M&S work, we’ve relaunched a campaign called Remarksable, which celebrates everyday essential items with recipes focused on family life. People are back at work and back to school, so it’s all about feeding your family using fresh, expertly-selected produce. I’ve also released my own range of meal-kits with M&S it comes in an easy-to-follow kit, it feeds two people and it's designed to help busy people create fantastic, fresh, home-cooked meals using M&S ingredients. The meal-kit bridges the gap between busy people who may not have time to cook from scratch, and those people who want to build up a bit of kitchen confidence. Everything is weighed out for you - it’s easy but it’s also exciting to get amongst it and create your own feast at home.

The last few months have just been about finding a new routine - adapting to the ‘new normal’ I guess. Now that I’m back in London I almost feel like a tourist again. It’s wonderful to take it all in and get the hang of the new pace of life.

I’m back in London full-time, but the lockdown period has really ignited my passion for the North East. There are so many places that are undiscovered up here, so I’m keen to spend much of my time up here visiting family and friends.

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MY FOOD DIARY >> We had an abundance of veg growing in the garden over summer, so it’s been great to enjoy the last of the home produce.

We’ve had some fantastic courgettes, which I’ve been chargrilling with salt, pepper and olive oil to help bring the flavours out.

I recently discovered some wonderful local produce at Hexham Farmers’ Market.

I’ve been buying some local Hexham Honey, sourced along the banks of the Tyne - so I’ll be stocking up and taking it back down to London with me. It’s always nice to take a bit of the North East with me, wherever I go.

INSPIRED BY THE SEASONS >> For me, the transition between summer and autumn is an exciting one. As the dark nights start to roll in, we move from barbecue-style food and salads, to warming, aromatic dishes. For me, this is the prime time for home cooking. It’s what my home-cooked, comfort food dinners are all about.

So rather than picking out some of my favourite ingredients at this time of year, it’s more about changing your home kitchen menu I guess. The prospect of hearty cooked meals like cottage pie, lasagne, bangers and mash, just really excites me at this time of year. The change in weather is great for a bit of food inspiration.

FOODIE HAPPENINGS >> The first place I visited when restaurants reopened was a place called The Beaumont in Hexham - it serves really good seasonal produce, cooked well. I’d definitely recommend it for anyone visiting Hexham.

Back down in London, I went to a friend’s restaurant called Sam’s Riverside in Hammersmith - he serves a lot of amazing seafood, an incredible lobster roll. It’s just been nice to go and eat out with friends.

Another place I’ve been to recently is Hutong, which is a sichuan restaurant in The Shard. That was quite an experience, to watch London wake up again from one of its most iconic buildings.

It has been a great time to support local businesses, revisit familiar faces and support friends in the industry that own and work in restaurants. The Eat Out To Help Out scheme was key for getting people back out and enjoying some of the wonderful foodie hangouts in our region, in our capital and beyond.

Stay tuned on Instagram for a new social media series, where I’ll be going head-tohead with different celebrities for live cook-a-longs. Expect to see a few familiar faces on there in the coming weeks!

TRY THIS >>

Chicken paprikash

Serves 4

My spin on the Hungarian home-cooked class. Think melt-in-the-mouth slow-cooked chicken thighs in a creamy sauce. An absolute winner for a family dinner.

Ingredients 8-10 chicken thighs 2 onions, diced 1 clove garlic, crushed 3 peppers, diced (mix of red and green) 3 tbsp paprika 1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes 400ml chicken stock 1 tbsp cornflour, mixed with 1 tbsp water 4 tbsp sour cream to serve 1 bunch parsley, chopped

Method Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pan over a high heat.

Fry the chicken for a few minutes on each side until golden, then remove from the pan.

Turn the heat to medium, add the onions, pepper and garlic, season and fry for around 5 minutes until soft, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add the paprika, stir well and cook out for a minute.

Add the tomatoes, stock cube and water and bring to a boil then add the chicken thighs back to the pan.

Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes until cooked.

Add the parsley and then stir in the cornflour mix to thicken the sauce.

Turn off the heat and stir in half of the sour cream.

Serve with rice, potatoes or dumplings with a dollop of sour cream.

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IN THE MEADOW

Savouring the seasons WITH KAREN PHILLIPS

Autumn is my favourite time of year. The nights have drawn in, the lawn no longer needs cutting, so it must be time to plant flower bulbs

NATURALISING BULBS >> Every autumn we import 80,000 spring flower bulbs direct from Holland: tulips, narcissi, alliums and a whole variety of ‘little beauties’ as we call them.

Although I have an addiction to tulips (hence the need to start an import business to fuel said addiction!) the bulbs I often recommend to people starting to garden, or with limited funds to spend on a new garden, are narcissi.

Narcissi encompass both the bright, sulphur yellow trumpet daffodils that most people associate with spring but also the huge array of scented narcissi that we concentrate on at Linnels Farm, with multi-headed flowers.

They’re found in colours ranging from clotted cream through to tangerine.

I work alongside an amazing Swiss garden photographer, Sabina Rüber; she opened up my eyes to many new varieties with all their differing scents. They are all bewitching on

a sunny spring day but the variety ‘Sir Winston Churchill’ possesses a spicy scent, whilst others possess a heady perfume that can scent a whole house from a vase of a mere five cut stems.

Unlike tulips, which benefit from planting later when soil temperatures are less than 10°C, all the narcissi require early planting.

They put their roots down early and have the ability to pull themselves further into the soil if, should you perhaps get a little bored as I do when planting 500 bulbs at a time, you plant a little less deep than recommended.

Bulbs that naturalise, such as narcissi, camasssia, crocus, snowdrops and fritillaries, form little baby bulbs next to the ‘mother ‘ bulb and over time these grow and become big enough to flower, forming little colonies in the ground. Before you know it the area in the lawn or the pathway to the garage has become a mini-meadow of creamy white flowers that light up the lengthening spring dusks.

How to plant your naturalised ‘meadow area’

JOBS IN THE GARDEN >> RICH PICKINGS FROM THE GARDEN >> Things have slowed right down now in the veg plot but there are still a few stalwarts to keep us supplied with fresh fodder.

The ‘cavolo nero’ plants are large enough to remove the lowest, largest leaves. Of all the brassicas, this is the sweetest tasting in my opinion, as at home in a ham tart as it is wilted in a bowl of nourishing Tuscan bean soup.

The squashes have finished ripening on slates and, now that the skin is fully hard, they can safely be stored indoors for use over winter in stews, soups, curries and even take centre stage as squash and ginger scones.

It’s time to choose which garlic varieties we’d like to sow this year. I’m treating myself to The Garlic Lover’s Planting Pack from The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight.

The mixture of hard neck and soft neck (storing varieties), which need using more quickly, should provide us with the perfect supply for the workshop kitchen throughout next year.

Any extra weedy ground that we’d like to use for planting next year can be covered with black membrane/cardboard and weighted down with stones. The lack of light will cause the weeds to die and rot back into the soil.

Come spring we can remove the covers and have bare earth ready to plant into. There may be the odd tap-rooted dandelion starved of light and fighting for survival, but this can be easily removed with a trowel.

UPCOMING COURSES @LINNELS FARM CHUTNEY AND CHILLI JAM >> 16 OCTOBER

YOU’LL NEED: Narcissi bulbs, planting trowel/long trowel, kneeler - optional, gloves, tea and cake as a reward

Worked hard all summer and want to preserve a little bit of that sunshine for the cold winter months? In this practical workshop you’ll learn the art of making jams, chutneys, jellies and vinegars. Depart with jars of your handmade goodies at the end of the day.

First off, choose your area carefully: your bulbs are going to be there for years to come so choose an area that gets plenty of spring sunshine – deciduous trees overhead are fine since they are not in leaf that early on in the year, but shade under evergreen trees is not.

Test the depth of the soil under the lawn/trees before you ‘scatter’ your bulbs. Last year I wanted a tulip meadow to be seen from the kitchen window so gaily threw 3,000 tulip bulbs (tulips don’t come back each year so this one has to be done annually) and then knelt down and realised that the soil under the grass there was only 1 inch deep!

Remember that narcissi need to retain their leaves for six weeks after they have flowered so can’t be mown with the lawn for that period; so if you want them poking through the lawn keep them in distinct areas

COPPERPLATE WITH CREATIVE CALLIGRAPHY >> 20 OCTOBER

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otherwise your whole lawn will look in need of a good haircut come May. Scatter the bulbs by throwing handfuls in different directions and plant where they fall – this creates the random look of nature.

There is nothing worse than seeing a line of single daffodils snaking down the side of a path – it just looks miserly. The bulbs need to be planted pointy end up and hairy roots down – I simply make a slit with my long trowel and widen it enough to pop the bulb in the hole and then push the turf back over it.

Narcissi have oxalic acid in them so don’t get eaten by rabbits, squirrels or mice, so once you have done all the hard work you can sit back with a cup of tea and slice of cake and wait for the shoots to appear in February, followed by the flowers from March to May, depending on which variety you choose.

In this relaxed and informal session, Angela will introduce you to the art of writing with a pointed nib before taking you through the basic strokes before moving on to letter and word formation. All materials will be provided for you to keep so you can continue your practice at home, while refreshments and a delicious lunch will fuel your creativity throughout the day.

CANDLE MAKING WITH BERNICIA CANDLES >> 21 OCTOBER Caroline will guide you through a practical course on hand pouring soy wax candles and beeswax melts. You will leave with knowledge and tips on making soy wax candles and also bees wax melts, and get the opportunity to choose different fragrances and containers to produce and take away your hand poured products.

FRENCH BREADS >> 23 OCTOBER Join us on this one-day workshop and learn how to make fancy fougasse, crusty baguettes, tarte flambée and many sweet breads.

For further details and to book visit: linnelsfarm.com

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COOL QUAY Image credit Kathryn Ferguson

GOOD TYNES

Salt Market Social is the cool new warehouse venue everyone is talking about on Tyneside. The good times are rolling in under one roof on North Shields Fish Quay, as Elysia Fryer finds out

Barney Miller is one of three founders of Salt Market Social - a two-year project to transform a former marine supply factory into a social hub on the Fish Quay at North Shields.

Along with business partners Jim Mawdsley and John Fairs, Barney hatched a plan to turn this stripped-back place into a permanent event space celebrating craft beer, street food and live music.

Two years later, Salt Market Social was born. Here’s all you need to know about the new hub…

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Salt market social is a totally new venture for me…

My day job is in the motor trade industry.

I’ve been running Tynemouth Select Cars in North Shields for over 25 years, but around four years ago I spotted a disused building - a former marine supply factory on the Fish Quay. A big blue warehouse that was just screaming for a new purpose - something cool, something different.

I had a word with my friend John Fairs and said: ‘Do you fancy going halves on this building on the Fish Quay?’. He simply responded with: ‘Barney, if you think it has potential then let’s just do it. Easy as that.

We go way back, we’ve been friends since we were teenagers, so the trust element was already there.

We’ve come a long way since purchasing in 2017...

I rented my showroom out and moved it to the Fish Quay, so downstairs we have my dealership along with three floors of offices which we let out to other businesses. But then we were left with this fantastic 8,000 sq ft space upstairs. That’s when another friend of ours, Jim Morsley, got involved.

We showed him around and very quickly hatched the plan to create a cool new event space. Jim’s background is in the music and

hospitality industries, so he knows a thing or two when it comes to entertainment.

One thing led to another, and a temporary event space soon turned into a vibrant new venue on the fish quay...

Tons of planning applications and brainstorming sessions later, we were working towards an Easter launch date, but of course, the world had other plans.

On a positive note, the lockdown period gave us time to work on our concept and really add to our offering, and we were delighted to open our doors in August.

Since then, it’s just been fantastic to see local people flocking to eat and drink in

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COOL QUAY The same goes for our live entertainment line-up…

We’ll be rotating our DJs and live performers too. Salt Market Social has to appeal to a wide audience, so you might come and enjoy 70s and 80s vibes in one visit, and a bit of indie stuff the next time you come down. It’s all about introducing an eclectic mix for our customers.

If it works, great - if not, we’ll try something new next time...

The beauty of our business is that we can be totally flexible and adapt to whatever it is that people want to see.

In terms of the decor…

We’ve tried to retain the industrial feel.

We’re on the banks of the Tyne on the Fish Quay - it’s a very unique area and there’s a lot of history and heritage for us to celebrate, so that’s what we’re all about - we wanted to ensure we still have that sense of place. Sadly, the fishing industry has

a safe and sociable environment.

In terms of the design style, it’s all about creating a truly unique and inviting space, celebrating local artists...

One of our standout features is our sign writing by a local artist called Mark Shields.

He’s the brains behind our Salt Market Social wall graphics, but he also upcycled some furniture for us. The only brief I gave him was ‘make it funky - as if it’s been vandalised’, and he just got it. He’s done a great job. It’s having little things like that, which are a little bit bespoke and have a bit of a story, which makes a place like ours so unique.

We’ve got some work from Bobzilla - he created one of the murals, which is a real talking point; and we also worked with a young upcoming artist who goes by the name of Sour Slice Art - the brains behind the whale illustration.

Salt market social is all about letting the good times roll…

The vibe is fun, laid-back and informal.

The brief was to create an adaptable events space, without shying away from the warehouse feel. It’s a place to go for pop-up street food, craft beer and live music. We’ve got 12 craft beers on the keg, as well as hand pulls and a full range of spirits including local gins.

Our salt market socials are the main focus…

But we also want to be able to offer flexible event space for workshops, exhibitions, meetings and weddings. I’ve had people approaching me for all kinds of exciting events including pop-up film nights and fashion shoots.

We’re currently running the business alongside our day jobs, but hopefully we’ll

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continue to grow in the coming months…

The original plan was to host one Salt Market Social per month, but we’re already expanding and growing, and as things continue to develop, we’ll be looking into hiring some permanent staff.

Our socials are about creating an atmosphere everyone can feel comfortable in...

Whether you’re bringing a baby in a pushchair, a grandparent, or you’re hanging out with a group of friends, we’ve tried to create a vibe that works for everybody.

It’s very much a family venue, with plenty on offer when it comes to food, drink and entertainment.

Of course, we’ve had to adapt the whole set-up because of the current COVID situation, reducing our capacity and putting safety measures in place, but there’s still plenty of room and the response has been great. People feel safe here, and that is so important in the current climate.

It’s been so great to get to know some fantastic local traders...

We’re trying to rotate our traders as much as we can, so we can share all that the North East has to offer when it comes to street food. We’ve had the likes of Lobo Rojo serving mexican food, Pan Asia serving Indian delights and Hatch 76 who serve the most amazing Artisan rolls and subs. When it comes to craft beer, we’ve had a fine selection from some of our favourite local breweries including Allendale Brewery, Wylam Brewery and Northern Alchemy, to name but a few. Our list is endless, and I’m sure there are plenty more exciting businesses that we will uncover along the way.

changed in recent years, but there’s a thriving new industry centred around cafes, bars and restaurants. We want to tap into that market, but offer something completely new at the same time. I think we’ve managed to do that.

I’m learning every day in this new venture...

But that’s what it’s all about isn’t it? Pushing boundaries and enjoying it. What I’ve taken from my career in the motor trade is, it is all about people. It’s about making friends, creating a safe, sociable environment and having a bit of fun with it. That’s exactly why we named it the ‘Social’. A cool, creative community where we can blur the lines between budding new local business and rich history and heritage. It’s certainly something worth celebrating, and we’re doing just that.

The next Salt Market Social event will be on 26 - 29 November. saltmarketsocial.co.uk

All page 57, Image credit John Millard

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INSIDER INSPO

HOME WITH HEART with Kerry Lockwood, interior stylist, blogger and content creator Soft furnishings, neutral colour palettes and faux flowers bring oodles of charm to the cosy months.

Best buy

Try this Autumn is my favourite time of year, when the nights draw in and the evenings turn chilly.

It’s time to stock up on logs, light the candles, pull out the chunky knits and get cosy. I love giving my home an autumnal makeover by adding extra layers.

My top tip is to go for oodles of texture with chunky knits and sheepskin. I also like to introduce some burnt, rusty browns and oranges. You can do this with soft furnishings like cushions and throws, but also faux flowers like winter berries. Have fun foraging.

At this time of year I always collect handfuls of fallen twigs and branches when I’m walking the dog, bundle them together and place them by the fireplace or in vases and jars. Pine cones also look lovely in large glass or ceramic bowls.

This fabulous wooden slats table lamp from French Connection. I love the juxtaposition of the rustic wooden shade against the industrial style concrete base. It would look amazing in my new bedroom. frenchconnection.com

My space I have a new favourite room in the house. Our bedroom! It’s the one room that, up until now, I haven’t been able to get right.

So I was determined to transform it into a cosy, relaxing space. We live in a Victorian terraced house so our bedroom has a large bay window and high ceilings, but it has always felt very cold rather than cosy. I decided to add some paneling to the walls to add warmth, texture and character.

I’m super happy with the results.

Along with the new neutral colour palette, it has completely changed the mood of the room.

Head over to my blog for lots more photos and details of how I achieved this look. kerrylockwoodindetail.co.uk

Question time Q: Which houseplants are the easiest to look after?

(I don’t have a very good track record!) @sam.clarke.7165 via Instagram A: Philodendrons are a great hanging/climbing plant. They grow super fast and the leaves start to curl when they need watering, so it’s almost like they’re talking to you, making them virtually impossible to kill! If you’re looking for a larger houseplant then the monstera deliciosa (aka Swiss cheese plant) is easy to maintain. Just water once the top few inches of soil have dried out and keep in a sunny position but not in direct sunlight.

If you’d like me to answer your interior-related questions in the next issue, please post them on Instagram, make sure you tag me @kerrylockwood and use the hashtag #KerryxLuxemag You can read more about Kerry and her home at kerrylockwoodindetail.co.uk

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OCT20

A DOG’S LIFE

POSH POOCHES with Alfie, helped by Elysia Fryer

We may be taking our time, but we’re slowly falling back into routine, and it seems the perfect time to do so as the dark nights draw in, the school year is well underway and we start to think about winding down after a whirlwind 2020.

For Alfie, October means leafcrunching village walks, fresh-air beach strolls, and time to turn our heads to the autumn adventures that await.

With that in mind, our Luxe pooch is packing his suitcase with chunky knits, ready for a super staycation with the family in tow. All of that, plus a look at life on the lake with Moona the beautiful black lab.

Whether it’s travel plans, on-trend tweets or talking up the good stuff with fellow poochy explorers, it’s time to fall in love with all that comes with autumn.

Alfie loves:

Chunky knits and on-trend tweed. Time to wrap up warm for autumn adventures...

Luxe Pooch Q&A

AURORA PETS >> rororiri Parker Dog Cardigan £59, aurorapets.co.uk

Moona the little black Labrador pup is a bundle of energy and can be found enjoying life on the lake in Corbridge. When she’s not out on a paddleboard collecting plastic from the lake, she’s at work with her dog-training mum, Jenny.

MUTTS & HOUNDS Grey Tweed Dog Carrier £139, muttsandhounds.co.uk >>

Fall force

<< RALPH LAUREN Cable Cashmere Dog Jumper £175, farfetch.com

Alfie, your Luxe pooch x

LUXE WALKS >> Nothing beats getting my paws sandy on the beach or working on my swimming technique down by the river. I love where I live and all of the beautiful countryside on the doorstep.

POOCH’S PERFECT DAY OUT >> My perfect day is an afternoon on the water with my dad. I sit nicely on the SUP board as we lap up the lake, picking up plastic as we go, or teaching other humans how it’s done.

LISH LONDON >> Wilmot Yellow Dog Jumper £40, lishlondon.co.uk LORD LOU >> Brunello Cashmere Dog Pullover £126, swishlondon.uk

DOGGY DOWNTIME >> When I’m not exploring the great outdoors, I like to put my paws up and unwind in style on my own chair in the living room.

They certainly know how to look after me!

Super staycations

HOUND HABITS >> I’m still just a pup, so I guess you could say I have a slightly cheeky side. My weakness is chewing things. When the humans aren’t looking, I pick up something exciting and get my teeth stuck into it. Oops!

From extra long walks, quality time with the family and now a luxe getaway to top it off - 2020 has been quite the year for our four-legged friends. Check out some of our favourite pooch-friendly staycation spots around the region...

Coach House Retreat, Farndale Sleeps two, two dogs welcome Escape the hustle and bustle of big city life with a trip to this exquisite country retreat in Farndale. This quaint cottage is perfect for couples and their fur-baby. Cosy up inside or step outside and explore 600 square miles of the North York Moors - the perfect adventure for humans and hounds. gorgeouscottages.com The Old Mill, Howick Sleeps 10, three dogs welcome The Old Mill is a spacious property ideal for families with furry friends. Pop on your walking boots with a tennis ball at the ready and explore what Northumberland has to offer. After a day of leaf-crunching walks, hose down those muddy paws and cosy up in front of the roaring log fire. Bliss. petspjyamas.com

PUPPY PAMPER >> Chuck me a towel and I’ll give my shiny black locks a quick dry after being in the water.

The Drum Barn, Great Whittington Sleeps eight, one dog welcome This chic rustic barn conversion located just outside the picturesque village of Great Whittington is a box-ticker for the whole gang. Picture this - a starry night sky, a glass of fizz in hand as you soak away in the wood-fired hot tub, while your pooch snoozes away after a day filled with adventure. Kick back, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Northumbrian countryside. coquetcottages.co.uk

Lookout North, Cornhill-on-Tweed Sleeps four, three dogs welcome Idyllic views and pooch-perfect walking routes - just what we need to kickstart our autumn adventures. Think old stone buildings in a rural landscape, with a cool, contemporary edge. Half an hour in one direction your canine companion can explore the golden beaches of Northumberland, or cross the border into Scotland where market towns, castles and historic landmarks await. crabtreeandcrabtree.com

DOG’S BEST FRIEND >> My best bud has to be Archie, my newlyadopted big brother, also a black Labrador.

We get up to all kinds of mischief together, it’s great.

FONDEST DOGGY MEMORY >> The day I found my voice. When I was tiny, I decided that I would try and talk back to the humans. A little, squeaky howl was all I could manage, but apparently it was super cute.

PUPPY A-LISTER. WHO WOULD YOUR POOCH BE IF THEY WERE A CELEBRITY? >> Angelina Jolie - really pretty but high maintenance!

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

OCT20

@theluxemagazine

theluxemagazine

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GORGEOUS GETAWAYS

Dream now, travel later As our wanderlust awakens and our thoughts turn to future travel, we’ve picked out some of our luxe breaks to bookmark for 2021 and beyond...

FAR FLUNG >> Six Senses Fiji is located on the tropical volcanic island of Malolo – part of the stunning Mamanuca Islands archipelago.

The island is set amidst crystal waters, pale ivory sands and thick tropical forest. Situated on one of the most dramatically beautiful islands with a dreamy tropical climate, it’s perfect for year-round travel. Experiences on offer include hiking the hilltop trail and enjoying a private sunrise breakfast prepared by expert chefs. sixsenses.com/en/resorts/fiji

This intimate experience follows through at every point of guests’ stay – from butler service to the restaurant’s menu, which draws on seasonal vegetables grown on site and by the hotel’s neighbour. The interiors resonate with the warmth and country charm of a bygone era, offering log-fired sitting rooms and panoramic tea field views 2,000 metres above sea level – all of which can be enjoyed from an infinity swimming pool. This contemporary take on a traditional planter’s bungalow offers the ultimate immersion into Sri Lankan culture – without compromising on indulgence and relaxation. teardrop-hotels.com/goatfell

Goatfell Teardrop Hotels, Sri Lanka

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi

Escape to Goatfell, perched amongst tea bushes amidst the Concordia Estate, and on an astonishing edge-of-the-world elevation above Nuwara Eliya. Part of Teardrop Hotels’ portfolio of small yet stylish boutique hotels, Goatfell is a former superintendent’s residence turned boutique hotel and home to just four ensuite bedrooms.

There’s no amount of beachfront bliss that can beat that of a Maldives island. Fairmont Maldives enjoys breathtaking, uninterrupted views over the Indian Ocean - with plenty of opportunity for travellers to check in for a bit of R&R, or set off on an island adventure. Experience a true sense of tranquillity with the sound of lapping waves on loop and a private terrace complete with plunge pool and direct access to the deep blue. Set within the largest resort lagoon in the Maldives, guests can rub shoulders with the 250 species of tropical fish, manta rays and turtles that patrol the coral house reef. fairmont.com/maldives

Six Senses, Fiji

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THE AMERICAS >> Islas Secas, Gulf of Panama Located off the Pacific Coast of Panama, Islas Secas truly is one of Central America’s best kept treasures and affords adventurous travellers endless opportunities for escapism.

The privately-owned archipelago of 14 beautiful islands in the Gulf of Chiriquí, is home to four Casita sites. Go here and enjoy myriad activities both on land and at sea.

Guests can dive into the aquatic wonders of the Gulf on one of the hotel’s thrilling marine safaris, fly along the coastline on an e-foil surfboard, swim with the Pacific’s fish-stored waters, or witness the natural beauty of a migrating humpback whale. Islas Secas is an inspired eco-destination befitting the most intrepid traveller, combining the wonders of Panama’s incredible natural land and seascape with sustainable hospitality and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for adventure. islassecas.com

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GORGEOUS GETAWAYS

Lone Mountain Ranch, Montana Tucked between the Montana Rockies, rivers and grasslands, Lone Mountain Ranch is where you’ll find and enjoy the good things in life. Go here for horseback riding, year-round fly fishing and all-access tours of Yellowstone Park with lodge naturalists. Ski over 80 miles of world class Nordic trails or take a chance on the downhill slopes next door.

Stay in a historic private cabin with all the elevated comforts of home in the West. The perfect place for a thrilling adventure getaway. lonemountainranch.com

Tutka Bay Lodge, Alaska Tutka Bay Lodge sits at the entrance to a seven-mile fjord at the southern end of Kachemak Bay, Alaska. Go here for rugged coastlines, deep fjords, dramatic mountains, quiet beaches, old growth Sitka spruce forests, and amazing tidal fluctuations. Situated on an eleven-acre property, Tutka Bay Lodge offers a main lodge, six private guest accommodations, a sauna, hot tub and boat house – all connected by a beautiful boardwalk. withinthewild.com/lodges/tutka-bay-lodge

OCT20

CLOSER TO HOME >> Amàre Ibiza A sleek and chic White Isle paradise. The adults only Amàre Hotel epitomises distinctive design, stylish sophistication and plenty of fun thrown in for good measure. Located on the beachfront at the beautiful Bou Cove, there’s no better spot to watch the sun sink into the horizon and sip on a couple of sundowners. By day, soak up the sunshine by the pool and as night falls, Amàre’s rooftop becomes one of the best spots on the island to catch the famous Ibizan sunset. amarehotels.com/amare-ibiza

Chenot Palace Weggis, Switzerland

Argos in Cappadocia, Turkey Famed for its picturesque sunrise hot air balloon journeys, an alternative way to experience panoramic views of Turkey’s magical Cappadocia is at heritage hotel argos in Cappadocia’s SEKI Restaurant. Offering undistrubed views of the honeycombed hills and magical fairy chimneys on the hilltop village of Uçhisar, SEKI Restaurant is dressed in rustic chic style decor, furnished with age-old artefacts.

Enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine made from seasonal produce sourced from the hotel garden, before retreating to a cosy cave room, emerging from a 2000-year-old network of ancient ruins, caves and underground tunnels. argosincappadocia.com

Bask in the tranquil views of Lake Lucerne, Switzerland from the comfort of a super luxe Chenot Palace Weggis suite.

Located at the foot of the Swiss Alps, this brand new hotel boasts a state-of-the-art spa and fitness centre along with 97 luxury lakeview rooms and bespoke programmes for each guest. The palace is also home to a series of sleep rooms with special acoustics and lighting to optimise sleeping hours, as well as ceramic fibre bed linen which converts body heat into energy, making this heavenly setting the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate. chenotpalaceweggis.com

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61

BEACHY BREAKS

UK GETAWAY: Feel the fresh coastal air, embrace the rolling countryside and retreat in Yorkshire style at Raithwaite Sandsend.

Elysia Fryer checks in...

R AITHWAITE SANDSEND

Style >> It’s all about the coastal, chilled out vibes here, making the most of the natural environment that surrounds you. The interiors are stylish and subtle - with splashes of colour here and there, and lovely, local artworks for good measure.

The restaurant is country-chic, contemporary and playful. The main area has that cosy, fire-side charm, while the conservatory enjoys a lighter, brighter feel - with splashes of colour and funky furnishings to bring something a little different.

Location >> Pack up the car and make your way along the Yorkshire coast to the beautiful little fishing village of Sandsend where you can take in the beauty of the beach, enjoy the crisp ocean breeze and luxe it up in a lovely suite or cottage. Sandsend has a long stretch of beach, a number of great foodie spots and plenty on offer for those looking for a bit of adventure. What more could you want?

It’s a quaint Yorkshire village enjoying the best of both worlds - coast and country.

Encompasses everything we love about what’s readily available in our beautiful region - particularly dramatic as the seasons change.

Hotel highlights >> Location, location, location. Raithwaite’s serene surroundings top the list when it comes to hotel highlights. Set back in enchanting woodland just a stone’s throw from the Sandsend shore, there’s a real sense of escapism here. A winding country road takes you from the front gates to the main building, bypassing The Keep, The Courtyard and the incredibly well-kept gardens as you go.

Lay your head >> We’re laying our heads in the Junior Suite - where soft, neutral decor meets high-tech living. This luxe retreat is stylish, spacious and oh-so comfortable. Think cloud-like pillows, a super king-size bed with built in flat screen TV, underflooring heating and a big bath for soaking away the sandy toes after a day on the beach.

Whether it’s a pop-up TV for movie nights, a desk for journaling, or the break-out area for relaxing with a book and a glass of wine, there’s plenty of space to make what you wish of your Sandsend staycation.

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OCT20

BEACHY BREAKS

Do this >> There are seaside escapades aplenty here. Wake up to a proper Yorkshire breakfast and head out for some fresh sea air. Start the day or wind down at night with a Raithwaite beach yoga session - an energising ashtanga flow to get the body moving, or a hatha practice to help rest the mind and body after a day of exploring. There’s no better feeling than a stretch on the sand as the waves crash along the shore.

Other Raithwaite activities include Sandsend Surf School - offering private lessons, hire or group sessions. For something a little different, why not head out on a paddleboard - the perfect way to explore the stunning Yorkshire coastline.

Those of you venturing a little further can head out on to the sweeping Sandsend beach, heading towards the historic Whitby Abbey. Get up early and watch the sunrise over the horizon, go fossil hunting along the rocky cliff edge, or unwind in one of the quaint village beach shacks serving some of the finest coffee, snacks and local goodies.

Lobster potting >> Move over New England. This autumn, it’s all about the North Yorkshire coast. To coincide with the peak of lobster and crab fishing season, Raithwaite Sandsend has launched a weekly boat charter for hotel guests to experience lobster potting and all of the exciting wildlife that comes with a day at sea along the North Yorkshire coast. The Mistress Whitby will set off on a wildlife safari from Whitby Marina every Wednesday until 4 November.

Guests will gain behind-the-scenes access to the life of local fishermen, learn how people have been hauling lobster and crab from the North Sea for generations and spot some of the most spectacular wildlife in the region including wales, dolphins and seals. As the boat heads back to the harbour, experience the anticipation of the pots breaking the water to discover what they contain. The best bit? Your fresh catch will make the journey back to the hotel with you, ready for head chef Andy Hill to prepare and cook up a fresh feast in The Brasserie. A North Sea wildlife safari you won’t want to miss this fall.

Food & drink >> When you’ve had your fish and chips fix, it’s definitely worth drinking and dining in Raithwaite’s bar and restaurant. Poachers Bar is the perfect spot to rest those legs after a day on the sands, serving signature cocktails, light lunches and afternoon tea delights. The Brasserie is the place to be for contemporary comfort food. The vibe here is French fancy with a classic, Yorkshire twist. Think beautiful brasserie bites with plate-pleasing pickings from the Raithwaite garden. Pair that with a cosy, country atmosphere, a bottle of the good stuff and views of the garden, and you’ll feel worlds away from the everyday.

We kick things off with the Shetland scallops starter, served with roast Yorkshire apple puree, smoked chicken jus and pork skin. Sustainably-picked shellfish from Northern waters - we just have to. Our dinner date opts for the Douglas Fir smoked Gressingham duck breast parfait. The duck is smoked in-house, using fir from the grounds.

For mains it’s the North Atlantic cod with Black Sheep Welsh rarebit, and a juicy fillet steak.

Both mouthwatering meals centred around local produce from land and sea. Delicious.

Time to seal the deal with something sweet. The milk and cookies pud catches our eye, taking us back to our childhood. A simple yet oh-so delicious dessert using Yorkshire Dales Golden Rum in a malt milkshake, paired perfectly with ice cream and melt-in-themiddle cookies.

OCT20

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HIDDEN GEM

A cave of curiosity

Alison James is a North East based creative with career paths crossing from crafts and costumes, to cooking for the stars and creating her own cave of carefully curated homewares. Elysia Fryer explores her new venture, The Curious Merchant in Masham Before meeting with Alison, the word curious instantly springs to mind when reading the ‘My Story’ section on her website for The Curious Merchant.

What hasn’t this woman done? A cup of tea in hand, and a welcome break from our busy schedules, it’s not long before we’re delving deep into her creative world - nose diving into all kinds of exciting industries.

I sit back with ease, knowing this creative soul has heaps of stories to tell. My job is simple. Listen and be inspired.

“After leaving school, I never felt that I was going to follow the same path as most of my peers,” explains Alison.

“I didn’t want to go to university and I definitely didn’t want to work 9-5 in an office environment,” she adds.

“I started designing and making clothes, and through mutual friends I was lucky enough to get a job with Teesside

64 luxe-magazine.co.uk

businessman, Steve Cochrane, who at the time had a small start-up in Redcar called Sliced Tomatoes.

“I worked in the shop and, along with a couple of other girls, made some of the clothes that were sold.

“The style was very avant-garde, and for the first time in my working life, I was totally in my element. The whole artistic, creative environment was exactly where I needed to be - and it was an incredibly exciting time in the early 80s.”

This was Alison’s first step in the right direction. A flourishing local business that gave her the platform to design, do the do and have confidence in her creative ability.

She knew this was an avenue she wanted to go down, but life experience is always essential, right? It was time to travel. After some time working with Steve, Alison decided to up sticks and escape to the South of France - a place that, little did she know, would help mould the

business she owns today.

“Always wanting to experience something new, I packed up and moved to France after answering an au pair ad in the Lady Magazine.

“Cannes was a total dream. I loved it.

It wasn’t long until I was offered a job as a commis chef in a chateau just down the coast in La Napoule. And once again, I jumped at the chance to try something new.”

Chatting to Alison, I soon discover that she’s one of those remarkable people that just has that edge when it comes to living a forward-thinking lifestyle. She can take something on, give it a good go and put her unique stamp on it.

“My new home was a stunning 13th century chateau on the beach, overlooking the Med. I couldn’t believe my luck.

“I think this is where I finally felt at home, surrounded by creative and like minded people. My love of French food

and culture blossomed into something really special, and I’ve never shaken that off.”

Surrounded by French antiques, paintings and sculptures, Alison found herself in the environment she was craving, and before she knew it she was sleeping in an ornate four-poster bed, climbing luxe marble staircases and taking her lunch break with the most spectacular South of France scenery as a backdrop.

“I really was living the dream, working as a commis chef cooking for visiting artists, actors and French dignitaries. It was like stepping into a whole new world, and I just couldn’t get enough of it.

“It was here where I established my love of French design and cuisine. I was lucky enough to work with an excellent chef, which is where my passion for patisserie blossomed.

“That, alongside working with some really inspiring folk including Roger Vergé, a French chef and restaurateur,

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HIDDEN GEM was just incredible.

“Another fond memory of my time in France is when I was invited to attend the Cannes Film Festival for its 40th anniversary, wearing my best white outfit I brought with me from Psyche, Middlesbrough.

“We chefs walked the red carpet behind (a long way behind, may I add!) Elizabeth Taylor - with Prince Charles and Princess Diana somewhere in the distance.”

Like most things, Alison’s high-life living in a foodie bubble in France had to come to an end, and after returning home to the North East for a short while, she was called upon for her next adventure.

“A relative who worked in the rock ‘n’ roll industry asked if I could help him out on the road. I had absolutely no idea what it entailed, but it clicked pretty quickly and I’ve been cooking and working with bands for over 30 years since.”

Whilst cooking for the stars, Alison naturally fell back into her design world. She is one of those people who has a constant creative itch - a drive to push the boundaries and try something new.

“While I was working as a chef on the road, word got around that I was handy with a sewing machine. Shortly after, I was asked to help with the stage clothes - making alterations and what have you, whenever possible. This was the beginning of my move sideways into the wonderful world of wardrobe.

“My first job was with Jon Anderson from English rock band, Yes. I would work with him for an hour every day before running back to the kitchen to carry on cooking.

“I went on to work with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Bruce Spingsteen, Pink Floyd, the Ramones and The Beastie Boys; and more recently, artists such as Foo

OCT20

Fighters, Little Mix and Olly Murs.

“I loved my job and enjoyed being on the road, but after some time I felt that I’d done my bit for the music industry and it was time to settle in my own space. My home.”

It was that desire to hunker down at home that brings us here today. Time to get to know the new kid on the block - The Curious Merchant.

Returning home wasn’t about hanging up her boots and winding down completely. It was about putting some roots down in a place she knows and loves and having the freedom to bring her creative ideas to life.

The Curious Merchant is an Aladdin’s cave of all things cool and creative. It offers an eclectic mix of homewares, antiques and French-inspired furniture.

The space itself, set in a gorgeous Grade II Listed building in the charming market town of Masham, takes inspiration from Alison’s travels - a space filled with one-off pieces that tell stories.

“Whether it’s something useful for the home or something you don’t need at all but just want to simply admire, The Curious Merchant has it all.

“All of these things can just make everything seem right with the world, and I hope a visit to the shop will make people feel that too. It provides inspiration, but also a sense of escape.”

The shop’s ethos is rooted in home comforts with a bit of wanderlust thrown in. It’s an effortless marriage of wonderful things.

“I guess the shop was a creative realisation of all of my skills, along with the passion I have for beautiful and eclectic things,” explains Alison.

“I have travelled and shopped around the world and some spaces just really blow you away. I wanted to recreate that feeling >>

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HIDDEN GEM

Perhaps I should give thanks to Blue Peter for everything I know. I was that child that made rooms out of cereal boxes taped together - I’d make curtains for the windows and I’d design the furniture using anything I could find in the house when you step inside and don’t know what to look at first. A place that triggers that childlike spontaneity. I want people to share that buzz when you find something gorgeous and you can’t leave without it.

“In years gone by, merchants sold a bit of everything. There was no real order as such - just great things thrown in for people to look at, enjoy and perhaps take away with them. That concept really appealed to me as I’m always searching for something different.”

Creative chaos, I guess you could call it.

But it just works!

“That’s where I got the name from. A cave of curiosity. A merchant’s paradise.

All brought together in a visual and exciting experience.”

Taking inspiration from her time in France,

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the creative chaos of life on the road, and crafty childhood memories, The Curious Merchant is the perfect representation of Alison’s vibrant personality.

“From a very young age, I was always working on arts and crafts,” she tells me.

“Perhaps I should give thanks to Blue Peter for everything I know. I was that child who made rooms out of cereal boxes taped together - I’d make curtains for the windows and I’d design the furniture using anything I could find in the house.

“Thankfully, this progressed into something much more productive, running less of a kitchen table business and more of a small bedroom business. I was constantly moving my furniture around, painting the walls black and experimenting with funky furnishings.”

A youngster equipped with a sewing

machine and overlocker from a young age, Alison started her own business supplying clothes to local shops - everything from dying and pattern cutting, to printing and stitching.

Settling down for a slower pace of life in Masham came just at the right time for Alison, but many a story has come out of her life on the road.

“I could write a book with the stories I have from my tour days,” Alison laughs.

“One stand out moment was a Celine Dion tour in America. We were at Madison Square Gardens in New York and she brought US chefs in for the day to give us all a bit of time off. Her glam squad gave us all a makeover, we ate like kings and then we were given the VIP box at the gig. The best bit - she stopped mid-show to turn

a spotlight on the box and applaud us for all of our hard work over the years. She sang to us at a packed-out Madison Square Gardens, it was really, really special.

“Another high point was when Nirvana drummer, Dave Grohl, ran off stage, picked me up and twirled me around because I’d been away on another tour for two days and he’d missed my food. Total swoon!”

Needless to say, cooking for the stars comes with its fair share of special moments; but after a long career on the road, when home is calling your name, you just have to listen to it.

“I was sitting outside Johnny Bagdad’s Cafe on the Square in Masham, I had just finished a tour looking after Olly Murs, and was wondering what I should do with myself between jobs.

OCT20

We design, build and install, specifically and exactly for you.

“I was pondering over a cuppa and spotted the gorgeous Grade II Listed Old Barclays Bank building standing empty. My creative brain instantly started ticking, and it wasn’t long until my vision turned into a reality.”

Masham is a quaint Yorkshire market town with heaps of character. It’s a place crying out for cool, creative businesses.

“Masham has a very well established arts scene, so that really appealed to me,” says Alison.

“It reminds me of a French town square. It’s quiet yet buzzy. Contemporary yet charming.

It’s just exactly where I need to be - and perfectly homes in on everything that has shaped my journey.”

When Alison isn’t behind The Curious Merchant counter, chatting away to like minded creatives, you can usually find her whiling away the hours on Masham’s Market Square, sipping coffee at Johnny Bagdad’s Cafe, unwinding at Swinton Park, or getting lost in the beautiful countryside that surrounds her.

“One place I always recommend to customers is ArtisOn - a great hub just over the bridge where you can join workshops and learn new crafts. It’s exactly what Masham is all about - and I hope my new shops can sit alongside these forwardthinking businesses hidden in this quaint town in the countryside.” thecuriousmerchant.com

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Visit us at www.nookdesign.co.uk to order your free brochure or call us on 0191 580 8550 to book a home consultation.

Luxury 4 and 5 bedroom detached homes just outside of Ponteland Prices from £565,000

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OCT20

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01661 826096

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INTERIOR INSPO

<< Rebecca J Mills Design Grassed Cushion £79, charltonisland.com The French Bedroom Co >> Bugs on Show Wall Art £199, frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

<< Melody Maison Orange Giraffe Lamp £99.95, melodymaison.co.uk

<< Beaumonde Baby Alpaga Side Table - Chic Gold £820, beaumonde.co.uk Bivain >> Fish Frida Velvet Cushion £95, charltonisland.com

Rich & bejewelled

Time to hunker down for the cosy months with heavier fabrics, darker hues and statement furniture << Annabel James Palm Tree Table Lamp - Gold £199.99, annabeljames.co.uk

Eichholtz >> Cheyenne Mirror £494, sweetpeaandwillow.com

<< Cult Home Round Velvet Wall Mirror, Yellow £59, cultfurniture.com

<< Audenza Lana Gold Tipped Velvet Dining Chair (Old Pink, Turmeric, Burnt Orange) £282, auenza.com Eichholtz >> Sophia Loren Bar Stool - Green £570, sweetpeaandwillow.com

Pooky >> Darling Mirror £230, pooky.com << Laskasas Hector Armchair £1,639, sweetpeaandwillow.com

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OCT20

ADVERTORIAL

Open for business

“The High Street is no more” is a statement we have heard some sceptics and online-shop advocates determinedly voice in recent years; however, it seems that now, more than ever, people have realised the importance of their local high streets and the need to keep such districts alive and thriving for the good of us all Sanderson Young has always seen the need for a regional office network, where our clients are able to receive face-to-face expert advice whether that be for sales, lettings or financial services, with our professional team taking the time to build relationships and get our clients moving.

The opportunity of expansion arose at the start of the year for our flagship regional branch on Gosforth High Street and we are delighted to finally open our doors to our valued clients.

Our extended premises at 95 High Street now occupies the full corner building and is set over three floors, which houses several divisions of the company, as well as being the firm’s corporate headquarters.

With the expansion and refurbishment starting just before national lockdown, due to Covid-19, it was a time to consider how this branch may be utilised in a changing environment, and has certainly enabled us to respond to the “new normal” we find ourselves in. Our ground floor office space has been transformed, with window displays showcasing a wealth of residential homes and new development schemes throughout the region, where clients are able to browse freely. Internally, we have created booths which provide a “breakout space” for our team to meet with clients safely and tailor their property search in more detail.

Scheduled appointments with the relevant property expert enable us to provide a bespoke service and take the time to build an essential rapport with our clients. In this current market, there is a need to maximise the time spent and drill down to our clients’ list of “must-haves”, as well as suggest possible options for a home move that they may not have even considered or know to be on the market. Our newly designed Gosforth branch also enables the initial property search to be done at a safe distance, before

OCT20

taking the next steps to arrange viewings.

This in turn has made our valued vendors and landlords feel more comfortable in accepting visits to their properties, knowing that we have fully qualified our clients and are sending the right people through the door at the stage it is necessary.

Technology has proven itself to be fundamental over the last few months, and it has certainly provided us with a greater insight into how we can serve our clients more effectively and efficiently. We have invested heavily in-branch in the best tech to assist our clients, utilising video call, large screens, where our clients can watch virtual tours, drone footage to provide an overview of external space and the property’s surroundings, as well as using e-brochures and digitising viewing and valuation diary appointments. We are committed to providing our clients with a service level that is second-to-none and the use of technology will not replace our team but will strengthen it and allow us to offer a dynamic edge.

Coming into the second half of 2020, where many of us feel as if we have written off the first half of the year, and our home needs may well have seen a definite shift, we are certainly finding the property market boom across the region, particularly in certain “hot-spots” and all our branches are open and willing to provide our clients with a safe and rewarding experience.

To book your FREE valuation contact rare! from Sanderson Young on 0191 2233500. sandersonyoung.co.uk

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BE PART OF OUR CONTINUED SUCCESS… ADDERSTONE CRESCENT, JESMOND

THE RED HOUSE, APPERLEY ROAD, STOCKSFIELD

SOLD

PRICE GUIDE: £4.75 MILLION

SOLD

PRICE GUIDE: £2.995 MILLION

RAVENSTONE, LADYCUTTER LANE, CORBRIDGE

MILL VIEW, RUNNYMEDE ROAD, DARRAS HALL

SOLD

PRICE ON APPLICATION

SOLD

PRICE GUIDE: £1.85 MILLION

SEATON BURN HOUSE, SEATON BURN, NEWCASTLE

EDGE HILL, DARRAS HALL

SOLD

PRICE GUIDE: £1.5 MILLION

SOLD

PRICE GUIDE: £1.5 MILLION

95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle NE3 4AA

0191 223 3500

rare@sandersonyoung.co.uk www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

UPLANDS, NEWCASTLE ROAD, CORBRIDGE

DANEMEAD, JESMOND PARK WEST, NEWCASTLE FOR SALE

FOR SALE

STUNNING DETACHED WITH LEISURE WING & ENTERTAINMENT AREA

LUXURIOUS, BESPOKE DETACHED WITH STUNNING INTERIOR

PRICE GUIDE: £2.995 MILLION

PRICE GUIDE: £3.5 MILLION

WEST HOUSE, WHALTON, MORPETH

ORCHARD VALE, CORBRIDGE FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FINE EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY WITH LEISURE WING POTENTIAL

MAGNIFICENT DETACHED WITH LINKED COTTAGE & OUTBUILDINGS

PRICE GUIDE: £1.8 MILLION

PRICE GUIDE: £1.995 MILLION

ACORN LODGE, GUBEON WOOD, TRANWELL WOODS, MORPETH

SNUFF MILL, MITFORD, MORPETH

FOR SALE

SUBSTANTIAL FAMILY HOME WITH LUXURY LEISURE SUITE

PRICE GUIDE: £1.8 MILLION

FOR SALE

STUNNING PERIOD COUNTRY HOUSE WITH 2 ACRES & VIEWS

PRICE GUIDE: £1.395 MILLION

SAFE SPACE TREETOP ADVENTURES >> This fabulous Children’s Treehouse Bunkbed from Mathy By Bols is the perfect way to create a truly magical bedroom for your kids. Sleeping just got real fun. £3,335, cuckooland.com

LIGHTS ON >> Cosy up with an abundance of colour. This retro rainbow is paired with a dimmer switch so you can create a warm glow or to use as a night light at bedtime. £129, bobbyrabbit.co.uk

Little treasures Cosy furnishings and chic furniture to help create the ultimate hideaway for little people KICK BACK >> Time to relax and drift off to dreamland. We’ve got comfort covered with this super-soft faux fur bean bag by Beanbag Bazaar. Pop this in a cosy corner and it makes for the ideal spot for youngsters to unwind with a book. £69.99, beanbagbazaar.co.uk

FEET UP >> Esther is your child’s new best friend. Shaped like an adorable elephant, this footstool features a super comfortable and incredibly well-built body, finished in soft champagne faux leather. £69, redcandy.co.uk

THE PERFECT HIDEAWAY >> This ivory pom pom teepee from Bobby Rabbit is crafted with the finest cotton canvas fabric that is both durable and washable. An ideal space for reading, playing and napping in style. £125, bobbyrabbit.co.uk

CLEAN & TIDY >> These oh-so on-trend Ella James raffia baskets are an ideal way to keep toys neat, tidy and organised in a child’s bedroom. They look pretty cool, too. £55, ellajames.co.uk

DOT TO DOT >> Add a pop of colour to your little one’s bedroom with this Villa Nova Dotty Sorbet Rug. Soft, stylish and perfectly playful for a nursery or bedroom. £280, sweetpeaandwillow.com

PLAY & STORE >> This neat storage system is the perfect messy play solution. Effortlessly transform a creative play space into a tidy store in just a few simple steps. £845, nubie.co.uk

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SAFE SPACE

A safe haven

How to create a playful and perfectly safe space for children to enjoy at home A child’s bedroom should be a safe haven; a place to switch off, enjoy and feel safe. After a busy term falling back into the school routine, youngsters should be able to return to a calm, relaxing environment. A place they can call their own.

A place they can play, rest, sleep and most importantly, just enjoy being a kid. Here are some of the things to consider when creating your little one’s very own bubble...

LIGHT >> Bright lights can make it difficult for the brain to switch off. While your little one may feel sleepy, too much light can trick the brain into thinking it’s the middle of the day.

Natural light is welcome during the day but as night falls, close the curtains and switch on a cosy lamp. Dimmer switches, reading lights and fairy lights are all great additions to let your child know bedtime is looming.

STORAGE >> A messy child is a happy child - a saying we hear often and one that should be encouraged. Having fun and making a mess in their own little world is a great way to keep kids entertained, while also giving them a platform to learn something new and unleash their creative side. However, when it comes to bedtime, toys and books scattered around the room can make it difficult for your child to relax.

Investing in a storage system teaches organisational skills from a young age while creating a peaceful environment to wind down when the time is right.

COMFORT >> We all seek a little bit of comfort after a busy day, be it in the office or the classroom. Choosing the right size frame and mattress should all be taken into consideration

before purchasing your child’s bed. As a parent you will be quite familiar with how often your child outgrows their belongings - it’s important to consider their age and height before making a decision on a big bed move.

DECOR >> Soothing hues such as baby pink, pale blue or soft yellow are recommended for creating a relaxing environment. Light greys and neutral shades are also encouraged to promote calm, cosy spaces, while staying clear of deep reds, bright oranges and dark blues. Your child’s craze of the moment can be factored in with a range of accessories from cushions and duvets, to curtains, accessories and more.

FURNISHINGS >> Stuffed animals, soft cushions and chunky blankets are great additions when it comes to creating a safe and comfortable environment for your little one to play, relax and enjoy a good night’s sleep. Pairing a giant bean bag with an elegant canopy is the perfect trick when creating a break-out area for reading and relaxing. Create the ultimate hiding place in the form of a teepee for littles ones to play or hunker down for a moment or two. Add in a desk for a funky arts and craft station, or a place to concentrate on homework.

FUN >> The most important detail in ensuring a safe haven, through the eyes of a child, is of course incorporating an element of fun. From electronic gadgets and their favourite toys, to arts and crafts, books and more, your bundle of joy will find comfort in seeing some of their favourite possessions in their bedroom. It’s what makes a space their own after all.

Excellence starts here. *

*Rated Excellent by the Independent Schools Inspectorate

Book your Virtual Open Day at dameallans.co.uk Junior School and Nursery: 19th September Boys’ and Girls’ Schools: 26th September Sixth Form: 26th September

For any further information please contact the Head of Admissions on 0191 275 0608. www.dameallans.co.uk

OCT20

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BACK TO IT

Little moments Be patient and support your little one as they gently fall back into a school routine...

So, we’ve all been there.

We’re waiting patiently at the school gates with a huge grin, excited to greet our child, and then we see them. They walk up to us with a face like thunder and start being cheeky, surly, angry or just downright rude.

What has happened to our little angel who has behaved impeccably at school for Mrs. So-and-So? ASRC, that’s what’s happened.

Or to be specific, ‘After-School Restraint Collapse.’ A Canadian psychotherapist coined the term to describe the regular meltdowns our children have for the first few days or weeks after returning to school.

ASRC is very common in children of all ages, but especially younger children or those who are highly-sensitive, spirited or have additional needs. Don’t get me wrong, placid and easy-going children can also experience these meltdowns, but they probably won’t be as intense or as prolonged as they will be for other children.

Let’s think about it. All day our children are

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asked to follow the rules, stay quiet, look at the whiteboard, finish their work, eat up etc.

They have a list of orders and requests they need to follow, usually in quick succession.

I am speaking as a former teacher with over a decade of classroom experience, and when I think back to the incessant demands I would put on my students, even in a loving and well-meaning way, it breaks my heart a little. The thinking part of a child’s brain is still developing (and won’t fully develop until mid-twenties) and so it takes an inordinate amount of mental energy and effort to successfully get through the school day. Most children enjoy school and are eager to please their teacher, but adjusting to the rules and regulations after a long break can be challenging. A child’s body is built for movement and play, not for sitting still on a carpet for 20 minutes or on a chair for five hours. A lot of the time, children are fighting against their natural instincts and urges, just to follow the rules. This is exhausting!

So, when they see you at the school-gates,

relief washes over them. They can relax.

They can be themselves. But first they need to get rid of all of the pent-up emotions and frustrations they have suppressed. Take this as a positive sign. You are their safe space.

They feel secure enough in your relationship to let loose because they know you love them unconditionally.

What can you do to help them? The first thing I would say is, don’t take it personally.

They are expressing their emotions about school not you. When you meet them at the gates or if they are older and walk through the door at home, feed them. Most kids are ravenous and probably thirsty too, so have a healthy snack and a drink waiting for them. Don’t bombard them with questions, even though you will be desperate to find out about their day. A simple “I missed

you today and I love you” is a gentle way to reconnect after your time apart without forcing them to engage their thinking brain.

Read their behaviour. Do you think they need to burn off some excess energy? If so, take them for a blast around the block on their scooter or head out to a local park if time permits. Alternatively, maybe they just want to come home and decompress by relaxing and watching a bit of TV or reading a book. Do they need to attend all of their regular after-school clubs or could you ease off a little until they get back into the swing of things? It’s important to allow your children the space and time they need after a busy day at school. If you’re juggling work or younger children and you don’t get a chance to see them straight after school, then make sure you

Most children enjoy school and are eager to please their teacher, but adjusting to the rules and regulations after a long break can be challenging

OCT20

Your first choice for girls’ education Corrina Atkinson Photography

reconnect with them one-on-one sometime in the evening. This time is precious and should not be overlooked.

If the after-school meltdowns continue longer than the first half-term, I would suggest talking to their teacher and finding out if there is something else going on at school that your child isn’t mentioning to you or reaching out to me for some support and coaching. Above all, give your children and yourself grace. They are trying their best at school and they need to have a place of respite at home. Your home is their haven.

Nadia McSheffrey is founder of The Tranquil Treehouse. Nadia works with parents to help them be the parent they want to be and find tranquillity in their family lives.

She also works with children and teachers to support their own emotional wellbeing.

For more information and daily parenting support, follow her at: thetranquiltreehouse.com and on Facebook and Instagram @tranquiltreehouse

Start your daughter’s journey with us today.

Durham High School is an independent day school for girls aged 3-18, based in County Durham.

Get in touch to find out what we have to offer.

www.dhsfg.org.uk enquiries@dhsfg.org.uk 0191 384 3226

Nadia x

OCT20

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GOLF GURU

Inspired by the stars

GREEN DAYS

Our luxe guide to golf days, overnight stays and local praise...

BEAUTIFUL BREAKS >>

Summer saw Close House host the British Masters on the Lee Westwood Colt course, the first European Tour event since the COVID pandemic. Sally HintonLewis gives us an insider update...

Big things are happening over at Aldwark Manor, a golf, spa and hotel estate nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside between Harrogate and York.

The lockdown period gave the estate owners a chance to get ahead of the game, completing a major transformation to the hotel and its first-class facilities.

With everything from a gorgeous Secret Garden including a stunning wedding pavilion and a glorious walled garden, to elegant new bedrooms, an indoor-outdoor atrium restaurant and sparkling new health and wellness facilities, its new look makes it an unrivalled destination for golf, wellness and staycations. Backed with a vibrant new a la carte menu featuring some of the finest Yorkshire produce, there’s never been a better time to book a luxe golf break close to home.

Golfers of all abilities will be blown away by the facilities here. Think rolling Yorkshire countryside, natural hazards including the winding River Ure, a short game area and two dining options for pre and post-round refreshments.

Whether it’s a couples getaway, a family staycation, or a golf break with friends, the historic manor house and grounds, having had a stunning contemporary makeover, is the ultimate place to relax, unwind and enjoy some of the best golf in the region. aldwarkmanorhotel.co.uk

The event was held behind closed doors with no spectators and strict guidelines were in place to ensure the bubble was maintained for the safety of the players and staff.

Kit list >>

I was lucky enough to be allowed inside-the-ropes access at the Academy. The week had a very different feel to what it did in 2017, but it was still very exciting to be a part of it.

LULULEMON >> Days Shade Ball Cap £35, lululemon.co.uk BOGNER SPORT >> Florin Functional Shirt in White £90, bogner.com

It was great to see the players up close warming up before their rounds and practicing afterwards. I was amazed at the smooth tempo of their swings. This is something that regularly comes up in coaching as club players wrongly believe a faster swing speed will guarantee more distance or that you should speed up in the downswing. Both of these generally lead to a deterioration in the quality of the strike and a resulting loss of distance.

Another observation I made was the fantastic quality of the player’s short games. They spent as much time around the green as they did hitting balls. This is another mistake club golfers often make. An overemphasis on long game practice, therefore neglecting the short game. At least 50% of practice should be on short game- pitching, chipping, putting and bunker play.

LULULEMON >> Tech Pique Polo £68, lululemon.co.uk

NIKE GOLF >> Therma Half-Zip Fleece Hoodie £75, mrporter.com

It was a great week, congratulations to Renato Paratore who won the event and to The European Tour and Close House for putting on a fantastic event.

EYES ON THE PRIZE >>

Whether you’re new to the sport, looking to get back into golf, or want to make 2020 the year for improving your game, get in touch with the PGA Golf Academy today on: 01661 852255 or sally.hintonlewis@closehouse.co.uk.

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CLUB CHAMPION Huge congratulations to Shannon O’Dwyer, who lifted the club championship trophy at Wynyard Golf Club at the end of the summer season. Scoring a round of 67, Shannon became the club’s first ever female champion. Way to go! wynyardgolfclub.co.uk

A DOUBLE WIN There were big celebrations at Rockliffe Hall Golf in September as two of the club’s familiar faces came away with a win following the North East & North West Professional Golfers’ Association competitions at Ramside Hall. Head of Instruction, Simon Robinson came away with the Matchplay Championship trophy and PGA Assistant Professional, James Maw topped the scoreboard for Assistants Championship. rockliffehall.com

OCT20

COOL KIT

ORLEBAR BROWN >> James Bond Cotton and Linen-Blend Trousers £245, selfridges.com MONCLER >> Retro Brown Sunglasses £240, aphrodite1994.com JW ANDERSON >> Wool Overcoat, Camel £1,079, endclothing.com

MAN KIT

Fall finds

Fall fashion invites luxe layers, warm hues and leather accessories DRIES VAN NOTEN >> 3.5cm Leather Belt, Brown £190, mrporter.com NORMAN COPENHAGEN >> Hyg Swivel Lounge Chair - Ultra Leather £2,350, amara.com JAEGER LECOULTRE >> Master Ultra Thin Date 39mm 18ct Pink Gold Automatic Watch £13,800, berrysjewellers.co.uk

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI >> Suede-Trimmed Burnished Full-Grain Leather Backpack £1,990, mrporter.com THE REAL MCCOY’S >> Mouton Collar Leather Vest £1,315, endclothing.com RED WING >> 1907 Classic 6” Moc Toe Copper Rough & Tough Leather Boot £299, commonilke.co.uk

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MIGHTY MOTOR

Improving an icon

It is rare that a car designer gets the opportunity to improve upon one of their creations, let alone when that design is as recognisable as the Aston Martin Vanquish. Two decades after it was first penned, its revered designer, Ian Callum CBE, has retold the iconic model for today’s GT driver “It’s the refresh the car always deserved,” says Ian Callum, Head of Design at eponymous design and engineering outfit, CALLUM. “It’s over 20 years since I first sketched the car, and during that time, materials and technologies have advanced significantly.

We had to make certain choices back then due to restrictions, but now there are much greater possibilities. Together with quite a few more years of design experience under my belt, it’s meant we’ve been able to introduce new ideas along with some that just weren’t feasible when the car was first launched.”

And that design experience hasn’t just been gleaned from anywhere; Callum spent two decades at Jaguar, creating the F-Type, F-PACE and the World Car of the Year Award-winning I-PACE, amongst many others.

The result is the Aston Martin CALLUM Vanquish 25 by R-Reforged – a limited production run of just 25 cars. The CALLUM business and manufacturing partner, R-Reforged, has made over 350 engineering, material and design changes to update and upgrade the car’s form and function.

“The icon lines of the Vanquish remain, but now they have been refined to create a sharper and more purposeful look,” explains Callum.

“It’s wider, lower and has more presence on the road. It has a whole new lease of life; I feel that this is the ultimate Vanquish.”

From an engineering perspective, the car sits 10mm lower, has a revised suspension setup that includes stiffer anti-roll bars, tuned dampers and custom springs that have

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sharpened the ride without being too stiff for Grand Touring. New custom forged 20” wheels are shod in Michelin Pilot tyres that deliver better steering accuracy, while 3D printed ducts feed air to the new carbon ceramic brake set up, that brings stopping power right up to date. In the beautifully detailed engine bay, the team has extracted more performance from the 5.9-litre V12 engine to deliver an extra 60bhp. Manual and fully automatic gearbox options are also

available alongside the automated manual.

The result is a GT that blends sports car performance with usability.

“It can comfortably complete a thousandmile journey across Europe, but equally offers this rewarding, responsive and supple experience in a 20-minute run,” says Callum.

“Compared to the original, the driving experience is transformed. Turn in, push on, or lean on the brakes, it’s got plenty in reserve.”

The icon lines of the Vanquish remain, but now they have been refined to create a sharper and more purposeful look

Inside, Callum is confident that owners will appreciate the significant improvements made. R-Reforged and CALLUM have partnered with British watch manufacturer, Bremont, to create the brand’s first automotive instrument cluster that sits in the central console. Bremont has also produced a removable mechanical pocket watch that can be used in and outside the car.

For those enjoying the true purpose of the Vanquish – a long journey – Mulberry has created bespoke luggage at its Somerset Artisan Studio. This perfectly complements the interior of the Vanquish 25, which features the CALLUM abstract tartan design.

With revisions to the seats, it now has a lower, more sculpted and cosseted driving position, complemented with a finer steering wheel and more tactile gear shifters.

A revised centre console with new infotainment further enhances the driving experience.

Elsewhere, Callum has also added playful design touches such as the fuel filler cap, which is embossed with ‘Thunder Road’, a nod to his love of music as a creative medium.

“This car is an absolute delight to drive,” says Callum.

“Alongside the aesthetic changes, the setup and driving feel have been transformed: it now feels composed, taut and sharp. This is a car you will just want to drive for the sheer pleasure.”

Owners of the 25 limited edition models will get the opportunity to specify their Vanquish alongside Callum and his team. r-reforged.com

OCT20

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES But first, coffee There’s one thing proven to drive you out of the house on a cold, dark morning, and it’s a good cup of coffee. Start the day right with Cuisinart’s effortlessly stylish Veloce Coffee Machine. Experience coffee shop quality in your own home. £600. cuisinart.co.uk

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ON TRACK

Wheels in motion Thanks to a luxurious new development by Escapade Living, petrolheads will be able to purchase prime property metres from the iconic Silverstone track. Luxe gets an inside look…

We may have just found the best seat in the house when it comes to motorsports - and it’s quite literally, in the house - at Silverstone!

Lifestyle-led property developer, Escapade Living, is working in collaboration with Silverstone - the home of British motor racing - to offer trackside accommodation that is luxurious beyond belief.

Escapade Living is all about creating

out-of-this-world destinations that are entirely based around their surroundings, and you won’t find a project that underpins that concept more than this one.

Escapade Silverstone seamlessly merges hospitality and motorsport in a way that

has never been done before. The result is a statement of design sitting in a thrilling spot metres from the world’s best racing circuit.

This magnificent motorsport-inspired project offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Silverstone, while enjoying access to one of the world’s most celebrated racetracks, as the live action unfolds right in front of your living space.

With operation set to start from May 2022, the development received planning consent at the end of 2019 and breaks ground this October.

The development will comprise 60 luxury residences and a clubhouse, giving guests the chance to live out their racing ambitions and enjoy unparalleled sightlines of the famous circuit.

TRACKSIDE LUXURY Designed for high performance living, the clubhouse and facilities include state-of-theart simulator rooms, briefing rooms, a driver-focused gym, oxygen swimming pool and sauna, restaurant, bar and private dining room.

The residences themselves have cantilevered terraces, allowing spectators to get even closer to the racetrack. Light-filled and with high acoustic specifications, they have underfloor heating, comfort cooling and ensuite bathrooms. When an owner is not staying in their residence, it will form part of the wider accommodation available to guests at Silverstone and

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OCT20

ON TRACK

offer a healthy net yield.

Escapade Silverstone enables owners to capitalise on the 1.2 million visitors that the circuit welcomes every year. It is a reimagining of leisure, lifestyle and investing: putting capital into something that provides entertainment, enrichment, enjoyment and learning, while also making a return.

Residences are fully managed, from all upkeep and maintenance to the organising of stays and revenue distribution. Owners will also be granted founding membership, giving free access for all major race events, use of the clubhouse, priority track access and exclusive invites to owner-only events, track days and trips.

Residences are provided on a 125-year lease and owners will be able to use them as they wish up to a certain number of nights per year. Usage nights are calculated to enable maximum utilisation of a property - for owners as guests and investors.

Escapade Silverstone will also provide climate-controlled car storage, allowing owners to securely store vehicles when not in use. This facility, less than 500 meters from the edge of the Silverstone circuit, will offer full pre and post-use preparation and inspection – allowing guests to turn up and make the most of their time on the track.

“We’re delighted to be working with such a world-renowned venue as Silverstone for our first development,” says Will Tindall, Escapade Living’s CEO. “We create destinations that are entirely of their surroundings, while also providing owners with the opportunity to make a return on unique world-class propertyies.

OCT20

The residences overlook arguably the most exciting complex of corners on all of the F1 calendar.

“In our opinion, real luxury doesn’t feel expensive; it feels comfortable and natural.

That’s what Escapade Silverstone provides.

And more than that, it is completely integrated with the circuit - an authentic experience born out of the world’s foremost racetrack and, as a finished product, baked into it.

“As the world unlocks in the coming months, thousands will return to Silverstone to share the joy and spectacle of speed.

When they do, we hope Escapade will be the ultimate place to stay as a guest, or as an owner.” escapadeliving.com

This magnificent motorsport-inspired project offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Silverstone, while enjoying access to one of the world’s most celebrated racetracks as the live action unfolds right in front of your living space luxe-magazine.co.uk

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PARTING SHOT

Great waves >> A lively day at sea, Bamburgh. Captured by Kevin Gibson at kgphotography.co.uk.

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OCT20

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THE XC40 1.5 T3 MOMENTUM on Personal Contract Hire, 48 month agreement, 8,000 miles per annum, excess mileage charges apply, you can never own the vehicle.

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Stoneacre Volvo Newcastle Scotswood Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 6BZ 0191 274 8200

Stoneacre Volvo Sunderland Wessington Way Sunderland Tyne and Wear SR5 3HR 0191 516 8778

Stoneacre Volvo Stockton Avro Close, Preston Farm Business Park Stockton, Durham TS18 3SG 01642 673251

Stoneacre Volvo Harrogate Grimbald Crag Road, St James Retail Park, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5 8PY 01423 798600

FUEL ECONOMY FIGURES FOR THE VOLVO RANGE IN MPG (L/100KM): URBAN 14.1 (20.0) -57.7 (4.9) EXTRA URBAN 28.8 (9.8) - 83.1(3.4) COMBINED 20.9 (13.5) - 74.3 (3.8) CO2 EMISSIONS 322 - 99G/KM. Fuel consumption figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. All deals above based on 48 month Personal Contract Hire based on 8,000 miles per year, excess mileage charges apply All offers subject to terms and conditions and are as part of a Stoneacre finance plan. Finance provided subject to status, written details available on request. Models shown are for illustration purposes only. Ask for details. Cars may be in group stock.

Stoneacre operate as an Independent finance Introducer from a panel of lenders. Stoneacre do not charge a fee for introduction to a finance provider however we may or may not receive a commission. Offers correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change. Subject to Your status, if after signing the Purchase Order You sign a Finance Agreement with a Finance Company in relation to the Vehicle, the terms of the Finance Agreement will replace this Supplier Agreement. The standard terms of the Finance Agreement will be stated on the Finance Agreement form that You will be asked to sign. Decidebloom Ltd t/a Stoneacre, Omega Boulevard, Capitol Park, Thorne, DN8 5TX, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Our FCA number is 308726. You can verify this by visiting the FCA website or by contacting the FCA on 0854 606 9966.