Luxe January/February 2016

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ISSUE 38 JAN/FEB16

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ISSUE 38 JAN/FEB16

K IE R A N B EW I S B E OWUL F. Fi sh Co urse w i t h L aybo urne. HOME & HYGGE. Luxe s k i . CO SY- U P FAS H ION. The gi n t hi ng. COOL INTERIORS. Social lif e . WR I T E R S I N T H E KNOW. Cul t ure f o r 2016. F INE MOTORS. Luxe local.

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contents 8>> Do This ISSUE 38 JAN/FEB16 We’ve gone all cosy, calm and candlelit to see in a new year with an edition of Luxe that’s filled with the pleasures of what the Scandinavians called ‘hygge’.

It means comforting, warm-hearted, good-spirited and blessing-counting.

Even our cover man Kieran Bew - Beowulf himself - has a hint of hygge about him all rugged, layered and leathery.

A softer version of hygge comes with lots of fur throws, twinkly lights, hot drinks and chunky knitted socks in the mix (not very Beowulf ).

We ran away to a shepherd’s hut in Northumberland to shoot fashion - and frankly would have liked to have relocated the Luxe office there.

January is the time of year when it’s best to adopt that hygge approach of making the most of dark nights and cold days.

And of course planning for a year to come. With that in mind we have plenty of inspiration, from a cultural fix right through to a ideas for hunting down the most indulgent of ski lodges for your next break.

We’ve got some new faces on our pages and while the rest of the world is turning to de-tox, our version of it is more of a three-hour bliss out.

Start as you mean to go on.

Wishing you a very fulfilling 2016.

Culture for the year ahead

22>> Take a Bew Beowulf star on swords for real

26>> Pinboard Varsha and Alok set the social scene

32>> Doug days One to watch, model Sarah Douglas

36>> Gin trail Discovering the distillers

46>> Fish course Terry Laybourne’s catch of the day

50>> Fireside fashion Jesmond ballet dancer Adam Park comes to home territory in February with Rambert at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle. His luxe thing in life is dance, but he’s also partial to an Icelandic pale ale called Instock and his idea of pure luxury is a Netflix weekend in his PJs.

Hole up in a hut with style

68>> Hygge hit In to the comfort zone

80>> Ski luxe Cosy and cool snow stops

85>> Motor show Fine and funky motors

91>> All smiles What the Luxe people have been up to

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

Sign up for free at www.luxe-magazine.co.uk/theweekend Kathryn Armstrong, editor kathryn@remembermedia.co.uk Twitter: TheLuxeMagazine

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

Luke Smith is the head distiller at Poetic License gin distillery based in Roker. His luxe things in life include: baking, beer (he’s a big lover of all things craft so loves trying new beers at the weekend) and pizza!

Late nights spent distilling and bottling find him living on awesome wood-fired Diablo pizza from the Italian Farmhouse Sunderland.

PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson nicky@nrphotography.co.uk Chris Auld chris@chrisauldphotography.com Cover image by Joupin Ghamsari/1883 Magazine DESIGN Remember Media If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Lisa Anderson: lisa@remembermedia.co.uk / 07734 560565 or Debi Coldwell: debi@remembermedia.co.uk / 07910 918366

Remember Media Ltd, e.volve Centre, Cygnet Way, Rainton Bridge South, DH4 5QY remembermedia.co.uk All contents copyright ©2015 RememberMedia Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print, December 2015.

New columnist Varsha Sehgal lives in Jesmond with her husband and three children. She designs jewellery and is in the process of setting up her own jewellery business. Her luxe things in life are: fine jewellery, fashion and spending time travelling and experiencing the world with her family.

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LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES A loungey bathroom Laura Ashley goes a bit Scandi with a pared down style for its Artisan bathroom collection in soft pale oak. The new Laura Ashley bathroom displays are now in all of the region’s Tecaz showrooms. www.tecaz.com

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JAN/FEB16

Delivered by

Christmas is over but late night shopping is here to stay.

Shop late ’til 8pm Mon-Fri and 7pm Sat in Newcastle.

@newcastleNE1

getintonewcastle.co.uk

LUXE LIFE

ARUNA SHIELDS Newcastle-born Aruna Shields is known for her roles in Indian and French cinema. Aruna splits her time between the North East, London, India and California. She uses meditation and mindfulness techniques herself to cope with the pressures of acting and is now a certified therapist, launching her own wellbeing channel online, Aruna Shields TV

LUXE PEOPLE >> The divers that jump off into the North Sea at Saint Mary’s Lighthouse, even in winter.

They love life and nothing stops them doing anything. They believe there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing, so get your wetsuit out and go diving! My mum is one of those people.

Some think she’s, crazy but I admire her.

One time, she took me along in December.

I didn’t last very long, especially when someone thought it would be amusing to unzip my wetsuit. I’m pathetic in the freezing cold. I’m not sure how I survived growing up in Northumberland.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Well, if it was for dancing then it would be in Newcastle! Otherwise the Lake District, Lochnagar in Scotland or possibly somewhere along the Northumberland coastline.

A long holiday > I actually really enjoyed Costa Rica. It has so many microclimates, rainforest, beaches, volcanoes and cute wildlife such as sloths. The food is

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amazing, and they are heavily into conservation with great eco retreats that are simply paradise.

A treat > Chocolate, in any form, any time, anywhere. Melted, cake, dark, white. I love it all. My favourite was from Dainty Dollops and was infused with geranium oil.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Organic fruit of any kind. I would love to grow apples or pears and be able to pick them off the tree.

Best wine > I found a chocolate infused wine when visiting the vineyards in California at Paso Robles. Of-course, that then had to become the favourite.

Favourite restaurant > I like the restaurant at Lumley Castle. The service, ambience and the food are great. I’ve also had a birthday party at the Medieval Banquet there, which was brilliant.

Perfect weekend > It would have to include good company, laughter and a splash of nature. Maybe swimming in the summertime in a lake with a picnic, the dog and my friends.

Downtime means > Laying in a restorative position and listening to an inspirational or relaxing talk. Massages would also be heaven. I recently read a study that said working over 50 hours per week actually makes you less productive, so I’m now factoring in plenty of downtime.

Best telly > I actually don’t watch telly, as I don’t have a TV. When I visit my parents I often watch David Attenborough or BBC documentaries. But I recently watched a programme called ‘The Undatables’ and found the characters and their families quite inspirational.

Best book > A book that was given to me as a gift by a stranger in the Nevada desert at Burning Man. It’s a festival where there is no money and people create a gifting economy. The book was dusty, old and full of poems by Hafiz.

Best sounds > Wind chimes. Euphoric or electro music, and occasionally classical.

I also love my dog’s squeaky noises.

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > Ibiza. They have

beautiful handmade swimwear and you can buy it while relaxing on the beach. I’m not into trudging around the shops as I find that so exhausting.

Favourite shop > Whole Foods in Kensington, London. You can wander around aimlessly and there is so much to see, sample and eat.

Luxe retail treat > Something edible so that I didn’t have to make space for it. Clutter just annoys me.

Best buy > A dress I got at the second hand shop for £10 and altered slightly, then wore to a red carpet event. I’ve got a habit of doing that.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > As a teenager going to the boat and feeling very dizzy on the revolving dance floor. At that age my dress sense was rather ridiculous; I think I had a luminous yellow dress which made me look like a liquorice allsort.

Perfect party > I love the parties on the beach in Ibiza, especially the ones at Salinas or Blue Marlin. Good DJs, swimming and sunshine.

Best dress > I have a silk long gown dress which I sometimes wear with fake fur - it turns many heads.

Dinner date > A restaurant on the Quayside at night next to the water.

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> Christmas at home in Durham with my family and my dog. www.arunashields.com/tv-channel

JAN/FEB16

HHHHH “Voted car of the year & SUV of the year 2015”

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Stay in >> go out >> enjoy Elysia Agnew captures the cultural highlights of an exciting year ahead

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28 JANUARY

Darlington’s Hole in the Wall is the place for a comedy fix with Teessider Patrick Monahan and a top show as he heads home this winter. Described by the BBC as an ‘absolute genius of a comedian’, the northern funny-man has everything covered for a night of side-splitting entertainment. www.hilaritybites.co.uk/holeinthewall

FROM 16 JANUARY A cultural exhibition that will take you on a journey of the world’s human rights champions, comes to Newcastle’s Discovery Museum. Featuring Paul Piercy’s striking portraits in black impasto oil paint, the artistic showcase documents some of the most influential human rights activists from across the globe. The powerful exhibition notes that many of Piercy’s subjects have either died or are imprisoned because of their struggles to protect universal freedom. Displaying six never-beforeseen portraits, this exhibition works as the perfect platform for some campaigners who are still waiting for their stories to be told. www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

19 - 30 JANUARY Tracy Turnblad takes to the Theatre Royal this January. Set in the backdrop of 1962 Baltimore, the big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart follows her dreams as she dances her way onto national TV. Her newfound fame bags her the local heartthrob Link Larkin as she fights for equality through the medium of music and dance. Claire Sweeney stars in this feel-good favourite. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Add some sparkle to January with a breathtaking production of The Snow Maiden. The Russian State Ballet of Siberia tells the story of an enchanting girl who dances amongst the snowflakes in the Land of Frost. Dazzling! www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

28 JANUARY This January Mima presents ‘The Banks of the Tees’ by Robin Dale. The synchronised slide show combining the photographs of Robin Dale with music by Graeme Miles, documents Teesside between 1971 and 1975 – a time of economic and architectural change. This educational journey around Teesside will show viewers the lives of children growing up in an ever-changing landscape. During a time of huge industrial change in the area today, this presentation is fresh, relevant and has an added emotional dimension. www.visitmima.com

Join in on the Scottish festivities this year at the Stadium of Light’s Burns Gourmet Evening. Complete with Scottish pipers and dancers; celebrate with a traditional five-course Burns supper this January. Dress to impress for an evening filled with delicious food, fine wines from around the world and Scottish themed live entertainment. www.safc.com

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Blackfriars does bake off Geordie style. The Great Geordie Winter Bake Off will give you a chance to show us what you can do in the kitchen this January.

After an impressive demonstration, you will try your hand at some classic bakes such as lemon drizzle, chocolate cake and Victoria sponge. The bake off will be followed by a delicious lunch, an afternoon decorating master-class, and the chance to take home your own apron and cakes. www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk

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JANUARY X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson is back as she showcases her third album Lady Sings the Blues. Inspired by Diana Ross and Billie Holiday, the powerful vocalist takes to the stage to perform some of the best classic songs of all time. To coincide with what would have been Billie Holiday’s 100th year, Rebecca and her talented band members have released an interpretation of Billie’s classic hits. www.sagegateshead.com

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JANUARY

Tennants Auctioneers’ first Antiques and Interiors fair this year focuses on vintage costume, textiles, dolls and teddy bears. Based in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Tennants is a fourth generation family-run business. The Leyburn auction house boasts three salesrooms, giving auctioneers plenty of opportunity to discover something special or pass on a treasurable antique for others to enjoy. www.tennants.co.uk

30 JANUARY The ultimate dinner party at Rockliffe Hall. A celebration of food that will give guests the chance to enjoy dishes from all three Rockliffe restaurants. After a drinks and canapés reception, chef’s Aaron Craig, Richard Allen and Paul O’Hara will each showcase a special dish from their eateries. Raising funds for Daisy Chain. www.rockliffehall.com

30 & 31 JANUARY The leading Freestyle Motocross star, Edgar Torronteras comes to the Metro Radio Arena to showcase his skills this January. The thrilling Spaniard started out as a super-fast Arenacross racer, but moved into Freestyle MX in the late 90’s and has rightly earned his title as ‘The Godfather of FMX’. The Monster Energy Arenacross Tour brings the extreme sport to the North East for a must-see electrifying performance. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

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JANUARY

Alexander Armstrong comes to us in so many guises - Classic FM presenter, funnyman with his Miller TV sidekick and of course as tea-time friend on the Pointless quiz show.

Son of a Northumberland physician, he was brought up in Rothbury and won choral scholarships to Durham and Cambridge. He is a classical baritone and will be performing songs from his album A Year in Songs - such as Summertime, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and Londonderry Air - at the City Hall in Newcastle to a warm home audience.

He admits: “To describe myself as excited about this tour would be an almost criminal understatement - it is the realisation of a dream. I’ve spent nearly a lifetime singing and, after such a wonderfully diverse career in acting and comedy, I feel doubly blessed to be able to get out and sing to a wider audience. To perform on these hallowed stages, in front of live audiences, is what it is all about.” www.newcastlecityhall.org

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JANUARY

Spend an afternoon in the company of broadcaster and former cabinet minister Michael Portillo in his talk Life: A Game of Two Halves. The former MP shares his story in an interactive Q&A with the audience. www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

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THROUGHOUT JANUARY & FEBRUARY BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art have teamed up with Ryder Architecture to present the close relationship between art and architecture. The BALTIC Ryder Commission invites artist Alice Theobald to display her architectural installations. Her intriguing works react to pre-existing spaces through the medium of language, sound and movement. Often working alongside actors and musicians, the versatile artist shifts between the roles of stage director, choreographer, narrator and performer. www.balticmill.com

2–4 FEBRUARY

THROUGHOUT JANUARY & FEBRUARY The festivities may be over, but you can still enjoy a winter wonderland at Beamish throughout January and February. The outdoor ice rink is the perfect plan for a family day out. Set within the Edwardian Pit Village, the rink is decorated in a traditional Edwardian style complete with organ music for you to enjoy as you skate. An outdoor activity for all the family this winter. Whether you fancy yourself as a pro skater or whether it’s your first time on the ice, the family friendly rink is suitable for people of all abilities. www.beamish.org.uk

6 FEBRUARY Contemporary dance favourites, Rambert will be dazzling the region with a programme that features the home-grown talent of Tyneside-born dancer Adam Park. And mixes the seemingly impossible blend of dance and physics.

The 3 Dancers is inspired by the tragic love triangle behind Picasso’s masterpiece of the same name and the eternal themes of the painter’s work: love, desire and death.

Frames sees Twelve performers assemble and dismantle the set, move lighting and change angles, constantly creating new spaces and playing with what’s revealed and what’s hidden in their sequences of highly technical dancing.

The Strange Charm of Mother Nature is inspired by particle physics and the recent discovery of the Higgs boson ‘God Particle’. Dancers fizz with the energy of the miniscule building blocks that created life, the universe and everything in a work set to a musical score of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No.3, Stravinsky’s Dumbarton Oaks and a new piece by Cheryl Frances-Hoad.

The company features Jesmond dancer, Adam Park, 24, who trained at Dame Allan’s and Dance City and has been in the company for four years (see our Luxe Life feature) www.theatreroyal.co.uk

UNTIL 6 FEBRUARY

3&4 FEBRUARY Dance your way into 2016 with Strictly Come Dancing The Live Tour. The electrifying show will be packed with sensational dance moves, celebrity contestants and music that will have you toe tapping your way through the evening. In its ninth successive year, confirmed contestants are actress Georgia May Foote, celebrity chef Ainsley Harriot Frankie Bridge from The Saturdays and TV presenter Anita Rani.

The evening of entertainment will be brought to you by host Mel Giedroyc and judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

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The Biscuit Factory has a fun packed winter programme filled with creative workshops suitable for everyone. From textiles and pottery classes to sculpture and screen-printing workshops, there is something for all of the family to get involved in this winter. It’s your chance to get creative and try something new this year. www.thebiscuitfactory.com

5 & 6 FEBRUARY The path to becoming a woman is not always a walk in the park, and as Kate O’Donnell suggests in Big Girls Blouse, such political issues can be celebrated in theatrical form. The production comes to the Northern Stage this February in a fun filled and educational story that follows transgender woman, Kate’s journey.

The contemporary performer and cabaret artist celebrates her life through humour, song, movement, film and impressive costumes. A dazzling display of song and dance that portrays the power and strength of transgender woman in today’s society. www.northernstage.co.uk

Favourite Geordie vocalist Joe McElderry returns to the North East for an exclusive date evening of singing, dancing, eating and drinking in the Rockliffe Suite. Famous for his mix of chart hits and classic ballads, the X Factor star has the voice and personality to make this night one to remember. The evening will be topped off with a delicious two-course dinner and a DJ who will keep the party going into the early hours. www.rockliffehall.com

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FEBRUARY

Step out with the fabulous Joe Jackson when the man comes Sage to share his brand new studio album Fast Forward. The career-spanning show will incorporate some of his older works as well as his exciting new collection. After playing a short solo piano set, Joe will welcome his band to the stage to join him. www.sagegateshead.com

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FEBRUARY

Love is all around us… and so is the wonderful wildlife.

Celebrate your love of nature this Valentine’s weekend at Northumberlandia. Visitors will enjoy a Valentine’s mocktail on arrival and will learn all there is to know about the TLC our wildlife needs to survive the winter weather. www.nwt.org.uk

9-13 FEBRUARY The multi award-winning production of J.B Priestley’s An Inspector Calls returns this February. Starring Liam Brennan as Inspector Goole, Caroline Wildi as Mrs Birling, Tim Woodward as Mr Birling and Matthew Douglas as Gerald Croft, the classic thriller is brought to the stage by Stephen Daldry. This National Theatre tour marks 70 years since the play first premiered in Moscow. The haunting tale set just before the First World War, see’s a family fall apart at a dinner party as an unexpected investigation shakes up the foundations of their lives. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

12 & 13 FEBRUARY A story of desire, deceit and corruption told through the medium of dance.

Africarmen – Tavaziva is based on Georges Bizet’s opera, Carmen. Set in the backdrop of an oil-rich military dictatorship in Africa, Carmen’s dream is to escape the poor quality of life for bigger and better things. Bawren Tavaziva’s spectacular choreography is performed through contemporary African dance. A must-see production to add to your social calendar this year. www.dancecity.co.uk

JAN/FEB16

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SUNDERLANDLIGHT STADIUM OF GOLD PACKAGE + VAT ATION SEAT FOR THE SHOW £160 PER PERSON OERS A RESERVED PRIME LOC T-G CER CON ERS OFF ION ESS TO A POST-SHOW BAR. THE INFORMAL PACKAGE OPT ON ARRIVAL, BUFFET AND ACC NK DRI ION EPT REC ARY AND COMPLIMENT CKAGES PLATINUM SUITES PA + VAT £185 PER PERSON REMEMBER, WITH A CONCERT-GOERS A NIGHT TO ERS OFF E KAG PAC AND ACCESS TO S THI LE THEMED GRAZING PLATTERS ENJOY THE SHOW IN STY MPAGNE COCKTAILS, WORLD CHA , HER RAP TOG PHO NAL PROFESSIO THE POST SHOW BAR. M BOXES VIP PRIVATE PLATINU T VA + ON RS PE R R OWN PRIVATE PE £295 FROM THE COMFORT OF YOU ING THIS MUST-SEE SHOW TCH WA COCKTAILS AND N E THA AGN MP TER BET CHA E. BE WHAT COULD S AND BUSINESSES ALIK ILIE FAM S, END FRI THE WORLD OF UPS UND NU WHICH INCLUDES ARO BALCONY, PERFECT FOR GRO LOWED BY A FANTASTIC ME FOL WITH AY IVAL AW ARR HT ON NIG S THE APÉ TY CAN TAPAS-STYLE LOWING THE CONCERT, PAR FOL AND RS, TTE PLA G LIN THEMED GRAZING AND SIZZ BAR. ACCESS TO THE POST-SHOW ER BBQ PARTY MM DIAMOND VIP SU + VAT ON £325 PER PERS ND VIP SUMMER BBQ PARTY. ER AS PART OF OUR DIAMO OFF ON ARE W. ITES OUR FAV IR PADDED SEAT FOR THE SHO A HOST OF SUMPTUOUS BBQ HERE BEFORE TAKING TO THE OSP ATM RTY -PA BE PRE T WIL FEC TAKE IN THE PER OSS THE RIVER WEAR, L AND PANORAMIC VIEWS ACR IES CON THE BAL ING E VAT LOW PRI FOL .

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FEBRUARY

Anna Reay comes home this Valentine’s Day in an enchanting evening at Sage Gateshead. The Whickham-born singer is bringing her romantic show entitled One Enchanted Evening to her hometown before heading to the studio to record her upcoming EP. The show which has been heavily influenced by her recent trip to Italy, will feature the very best of love songs including hits from the likes of Michael Buble, Sam Smith, Cilla Black, Ed Sheeran and Etta James. www.sagegateshead.com

WITH JOHN DANCE

15-17 APRIL

2015 OVERVIEW The year got off to what we believed was an illogically strong start, as investors sunk their teeth into risk assets following the announcement of a stimulus package in Europe by the ECB. A QE program by Europe’s central bank had been long expected and was to our minds well priced in to fairly frothy risk asset valuations. Investors gorged on risk despite the almost simultaneous timing of the Greek public electing a new government that had made promises on austerity and EU debt negotiation it was never likely to deliver. We felt the spring and summer would deliver another European debt standoff that would rattle and unnerve markets and positioned portfolios defensively as a result. It meant we lagged markets during the first quarter as Europe, for example, saw double digit gains by April. Thankfully, offsetting the pain we had overweight positions to Japanese equities which had gained 20% by the same point and a short on the Yen which had declined.

That first quarter over optimism of investors came back to bite in late spring and summer as the inevitable Greek debt situation reared its ugly head at the same time the Chinese stock market collapsed 45% on concerns the domestic economy was slowing. The implications of the latter, alongside a complete shutdown of economic activity in Greece, had serious implications on global growth expectations and prompted a sustained period of equity market weakness, culminating by late September with declines of nearly 20% in developed markets such as Europe and the UK and by 25% in Asia and Emerging Markets. While we had called the peak too, early our defensive positions added significant outperformance to portfolios and we used the weakness of markets and lower levels to recycle back in to risk assets, less an expectation of a recovery but more an appreciation that the future direction had become very binary.

By summer, the FTSE 100 had fallen nearly 17% from its April high but the dispersion of returns between different sectors and stocks was quite high. The mining sector forms a large proportion of the index and its biggest constituents had a tough year, with (at the time of writing) Rio Tinto down 35%, BHP Billiton down 50% and Anglo American falling by over 75%. Elsewhere, Standard Chartered (-40%) and HSBC (-20%) with significant exposure to Asia and potentially non-performing Chinese loans also had adverse effects on the index. The performance of these stocks and that of the index masks the share price performance of many domestically focused companies, such as Taylor Wimpey which gained 50% in value over the year.

The final quarter of the year has seen equity markets try and rally off their lows somewhat, but hopes and requests that we may get a ‘Santa Rally’ of some kind seem to have gotten lost at the North Pole as further weakness in the Oil price ($50 on 1st October versus $37 on 18th December) adds further pressure to another dominant sector in the FTSE 100.

Gateshead’s Jazz Festival always bring a bevvy of fine musicians and a fabulous atmosphere to the hall and concourse of Sage.

This year the mighty Gregory Porter heads the line-up and you can tick of such acclaimed names as Courtney Pine with award winning pianist, Zoe Rahman who play the music from their acclaimed album Song (The Ballad Book). Other artists announced include award-winning singer-pianist Liane Carroll, described by Jamie Cullum as ‘one of the greatest singers we have in this country’.

Saxophonist John Surman is joined in a brand new quartet by the Alexander Hawkins Trio. Award-winning British punk-jazz-funk specialists, WorldService Project bring to the festival high-octane experimental but accessible music – think Frank Zappa, Loose Tubes and Stravinsky, played loud. As always the festival brings some of the newest and brightest lights on the international jazz scene to Gateshead. New York-based pianist and composer Kris Bowers is a leading voice in a vibrant new wave of genre bending jazz musicians. He collaborated with Jay-Z and Kanye West on the hit album Watch the Throne.

Airelle Besson’s sumptuous trumpet sound is catching the ears of listeners far beyond her native France. Her delicately nuanced duo with Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras – discovered by Pat Metheny – is a masterpiece of chamber jazz.

It’s worth stopping by for the popular free programme of jazz on the Concourse where on Saturday BBC Radio 3 will present a selection of national and international jazz artists recorded for a future edition of Jazz Line Up and on Sunday Jazz North East, celebrating their 50th anniversary year will present their choice of local and Northern artists.

Keep an eye on the website for further updates. www.sagegateshead.com

15-20 FEBRUARY John Dance is CEO and Chief Investment Officer at Vertem Asset Management. The Gresham, 92 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2TD. Call 0191 341 0280 or email johnd@vertem.co.uk Visit www.vertem.co.uk

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The world’s favourite Rock ‘N’ Roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show comes to the Sunderland Empire. Steve Punt is set to star at The Narrator, who tells the story of Brad and his fiancé Janet. The writer, comedian and actor is backed by a full cast including Diana Vickers, Paul Cattermole and Ben Freeman. Featuring musical classics such as Dammit Janet and The Time-Warp, this production promises to be the boldest bash of them all this year. www.atgtickets.com

JAN/FEB16

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14/12/2015 10:43:21

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22 FEBRUARY The Oriental Museum opens late to let visitors celebrate The Year of the Monkey at the Lunar New Year Lantern Festival. For one night only, lanterns will light the museum as guests get the chance to create, take part in storytelling demonstrations and join in with the dragon dance. To get a true taste of the celebration, there will be traditional New Year foods on offer at the event. Join in on the festivities this February at this oriental fun-filled festival. www.dur.ac.uk/oriental.museum

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10 & 11 MARCH Journey through some of the world’s most incredible adventures from your theatre seat at Playhouse, Whitley Bay this March. The Banff Mountain Film Festival showcases an extraordinary collection of short films and footage of adrenaline packed sports and locations. You will travel across the globe as you experience some of the most remarkable action sports of all time. The A game - adventure, adrenaline and action.

A must for your winter diary. www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

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FEBRUARY In his very first UK tour, James Martin comes to Newcastle City Hall to demonstrate his signature dishes. The interactive show will be full of delicious surprises and special guests. The Plates, Mates and Automobiles tour marks 20 years since the celebrated chef first graced our TV screens. Starting his television career in 1996, James has won the hearts of the nation and has rarely been off the big screen since. The ultimate live show that will entertain and educate this February. www.newcastlecityhall.org

11 MARCH Wet Wet Wet arrive in Newcastle this March to play at the Metro Radio Arena. The Big Picture Tour coincides with the 20th anniversary of their chart-topping album Picture This. Hits include, Julia Says, Somewhere Somehow, She’s All On My Mind, Don’t Want to Forgive Me Now and Love is all Around. What’s more? Westlife’s Markus Feehily will be joining the band on stage as a special guest. Since their rise to fame in 1987, Wet Wet Wet have played to over 5 million people across the globe. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

15-19 MARCH 23 & 24 APRIL Alan Bennett’s classic comedy masterpiece Single Spies comes to The Theatre Royal this March. As part of a brand new UK tour, the Olivier award nominated Rachel Kavanaugh directs the comical story exploring our fascination with Russian spies and royalty. The play chronicles the lives of two members of the notorious ‘Cambridge Five’ in the 50s, giving us a glimpse into a life full of intelligence and secret identities. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

16-27 MARCH 26 FEBRUARY Scottish comedy favourite Frankie Boyle returns to Middlesbrough Town Hall after huge public demand. The controversial comic returns with a brand new set in response to Kendrick Lamar’s last album. With his unique blend of offensive language and side-splitting rants, the Scot will put the ball in Kendrick’s court after this performance. www.middlesbroughtownhallonline.co.uk

28 14

FEBRUARY It’s not time to say goodbye to the party season yet… Join in on Newcastle’s biggest independent wine fair at the Assembly Rooms.

With over 100 wines to taste and devour, visitors will find their perfect wine pairings as they chat to the specialists and bag their very own tasting glass to take home. www.newcastlewineschool.com

The longest running ballet in the West End comes to The Theatre Royal this March. The enchanting tale originally composed by Tchaikovsky, is transformed into a modern day classic replacing the female corps de ballet with a menacing male ensemble. Matthew Bourne’s award-winning spectacle turns tradition on its head as his production takes the dance world by storm. With spectacular designs, dazzling costumes and breathtaking dance numbers, the Tony award-winning production that has thrilled audiences across the globe, comes to Newcastle for a limited run.

A truly magical experience for all of the family to enjoy. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

The international Irish dance phenomenon Riverdance is back this April. After an astonishing two decades of global success since the show rocketed to fame at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, here is your chance to tip tap away to the catchy tunes as the breathtaking group of dancers blow you away at the Riverdance 21st Anniversary Tour. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

18-23 APRIL

Once a tap dancer, 80-year-old Andre now lives with his daughter Anne. Was he a tap dancer? Or was he an engineer? …The Father tells the story of an old man who is still wearing his pyjamas – He can’t find his watch and he is starting to wonder if he is losing his mind…

The award-winning play comes to Newcastle’s Theatre Royal straight from the West End. Tony award nominee Kenneth Cranham returns in an unforgettable performance. With a witty script and a moving storyline, The Father is the most acclaimed new play of the decade. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

JAN/FEB16

ADVERTORIAL

Too late to start over?

Who are Silver Splitters?

Silver Splitters is a term coined for people in the over 60s age group who are choosing to separate and divorce, often after long marriages.

Why are People Talking About Them?

Recent reports and statistics show that the divorce rate is steadily decreasing, except within one significant sector: the over 60s age group. Divorce statistics produced by the Office for National Statistics show the number of people aged 60 years and over divorcing has risen significantly since the 1990’s, by as much as 73 per cent.

Why are More People in this Age Group Divorcing?

A number of theories for this increase have been offered, with so-called empty nest syndrome being cited as one of the most significant reasons couples who have been together for many years decide to part company. With the children having grown up and moved out and, with time on their hands together following retirement, mature couples are finding that not only do they have less in common than they thought, but that they are not prepared to simply tolerate each other once their family has moved on. With many people remaining active for longer, some are seeking to make the most of a time in their life without familial ties and with a level of financial certainty.

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It’s a fact that we’re living longer and the overall number of people over 60 is increasing. Increased life expectancy would tend to show that marriages are now more likely to end in divorce and less likely to end by the death of a spouse than a quarter of a century ago.

What Difference Does It Make at What Age You Decide to Divorce?

For some people in this age group, separation and divorce can lead to individuals feeling vulnerable and lonely and seemingly ill-equipped for single life at a mature stage in life.

With adult children, the split can cause acrimony amongst the wider family, with children voicing opinions, plus dividing possessions and starting again can be deeply traumatic after so many years as part of a couple.

Advice on pension entitlement and the effect divorce will have is of course of primary importance for people of this age group.

What Else Should You Think About?

Divorce at this stage of life doesn’t mean the end of the road for everyone who finds themselves newly single. For those who go on to new relationships and perhaps marriages, planning for provision for both new and existing families is a key consideration.

This means giving real attention to the decision to make a prenuptial agreement. This is not as materialistic as it may seem when adult children and grandchildren are involved in the extended family of one or both parties to a second marriage later in life. Divorce changes wills and inheritance issues can be a serious consideration.

At Major Family Law, we recognise the sensitive and specific nature of divorcing in later life, and we have a number of services specifically designed to support you and ensure that you are able to start a new chapter with confidence.

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JAN/FEB16

15

LIVING IT UP

Varsha Sehgal knows “nice things”.

In a new column she curates the cultural, cool and coveted for us

THRILLED BY >> In November I hosted a private party for 80 guests at the Royal Albert Hall, London, for the annual Royal Variety Performance. The charity is a some thing of a British institution and has raised millions of pounds for charity.

To be a part of it was a proud mom ent.

But, the thrill of it all was not the gorgeous Alexander McQueen gown I wore or even the excellent line-up, it was definitely the star guest, HRH Princ e Harry!

Two years ago I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Prince Charles and we did talk about Prince Harry and our shared love of extreme sports.

Harry had just returned from his South Pole adventure and me from Kilimanjaro.

He stole the show that evening by being just as charming, good humoured and gracious as his father and to be in touching distance of him had me reelin g with excitement!

That night my 14-year-old sent me a text from her hotel room to say, “thank you mum for the most amazing night of my life” and that summed it all up.

Back home, I am feeling pretty thrille d by the revamp at Fenwick. The Food Hall is a definite must-visit. The food, wine and service are flawless. The new heavyweights at Fenwick like Charlotte Tilbury, Victo ria Beckham, MSGM, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes resonate the buying power and fashion sense of the North East.

It reflects a realisation that our image is just as important as the warm northern hearts we are so famous for. As a northerner, I couldn’t be more proud.

TASTED >> As a frequent visitor of London, I’ve been dying to eat at Duck and Rice - the newest place from the man who brought us Wagamama, Hakkasan and Yaua tcha, Alan Yau. His latest eastern jewel is in London’s Berwick Street.

Alan has paid homage to his Asian roots and yet kept the Edwardian feel of the place intact.

This is an old English pub serving only the very best Chinese food.

Strange mix but it works.

Sat in front of a roaring fire on a cold winter afternoon, I made my way through the Ten Heavenly Kings of Dim Sum, followed by Kung Po Chicken and vegetable fried rice.

The Kung Po came with a warning from the waiter and was indeed an absolute firecracker! I’ve eaten this dish at other restaurant s, including Hakkasan, but at Duck and Rice they have a secre t ingredient - a special pepper sourced from Thiercelin in Paris that leaves a tingle on the tongue. A definite must-try.

D&R also do the best sangria. So, in the summer ask for a table by the window, order a pitch er and feast your eyes on the market scene below.

TEMPTED BY >> While everyone is busy coveting their studded Valentino pumps, I like to scout something differ ent. A Rene Caovilla with its signature glitter sole and penchant for exclusivity is definitely my kind of luxe.

Harrods used a real cobra to safeg uard a bejewelled Rene Caovilla entrusted in their safekeepin g. At £750, the RC Strass Pave Bow Pump is a temptatio n worth indulging in, without the need for a pet reptile to keep it safe!

TRIED ON >> Ski season is upon us and so is the quest for skiwear that will guarantee your position on and off the slopes. As I try to stick with the “be odd’ formula, I stumble across what only the Swiss can achieve, a jacke t beyond chic.

I am now the proud owner of my first “Mover” jacket. It is simple, classy and the quality is off the Richter scale!

THINKING ABOUT >> The next few months will see me trave l to Bali, Hong Kong, Meribel, Courchevel, Vienna, Tel Aviv, Coachella and Bodrum. This is even before I plan for summer!

In the diary is a date with HRH Prince Charles at the BAT event in London. A mixed bag!

Varsha lives in Jesmond, is a jewellery designer and mum of three.

16

JAN/FEB16

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LIVING IT UP

Alok Loomba hits the highspots, dines in style and is one savvy shopper. In his new column, he shares his pinboard of pleasures near and far

THRILLED BY >> r sunshine and I’m recently back from a week of winte start of the usual the e befor tial relaxation in Dubai - essen had anticipated I e. denc deca and es parti e festiv round of One & Only, the , hotel my at l a quiet week, but on arriva whisked off to the was I and me for car a sent s my friend ssive and well-stocked marina where we boarded an impre dboat experience spee e octan high a for off boat to jet recommend it ughly thoro can around the Dubai coast. I rience the Dubai expe and see to way ng exciti as the most desert and you’re skyline. Think Manhattan meets the acular (and fast) spect truly A . close e wher getting some start to a wonderful week.

TASTED >> astle night-time scene is The newest sensation on the Newc the opening when I was miss to Aveika. I was disappointed recently I can say I there r dinne had g havin but i, in Duba retation on interp rn mode was impressed. It offers a d on the Japanese base is and e cuisin ese Japan l traditiona delight - the Wagyu beef concept of ‘Izakaya’. The food is a holds its own in terms really a Aveik l. tiona excep ly particular rience and could expe /bar urant of the Pan Asian style resta erful addition to wond a It’s on.

Lond in es venu ar rival simil of h splas er the city and brings a furth style to the Quayside.

TRAVELLED >> there As a seasoned traveller to Dubai, and excite that s thing many are so thrill me about Dubai as a holiday destination. There aren’t enough t column inches for me to rave abou . three top my are here so them all, Brunch at Zuma. Friday Brunch is an institution in Dubai. It’s the start of the UAE weekend, after all!

There are many wonderful places to while away Friday afternoon, but nothing quite like Zuma. The finest sushi, sashimi, lobster and fine meats are served to you over several hours, while your champagne flute is never allowed to go below half way full. It me! doesn’t get any better than that for malls in Dubai this is The Dubai Mall. Of all the shopping and it is a pleasure end high very It’s rite. favou my by far available really ners desig of to experience it. The range is something quite There else. here anyw ed rivall be can’t in Louis Vuitton, wonderful and serene about browsing brand fashion boutiques r supe other and chy Given el, Chan undings. in such luxurious and opulent surro to Downtown Dubai. going love ys alwa I . town Down s Drink Hotel for a ess Addr The is One of my favourite spots of the 163 floor Dubai ow shad the in ar Calab at ail cockt A short walk from Mega Sky Scraper, the Burj Khalifa. cocktails in a private area ed enjoy we e wher Zeta is ar Calab ains. A great way to start while overlooking the Dubai fount ing at Cielo Sky Lounge clubb by ed follow out, ing an even e of the whole city. skylin the g in the Creek overlookin TEMPTED BY >> of times and the I adore spa treatments at the best make me more inclined often n seaso excesses of the festive ering and relaxation. pamp of day a for spa a into to check just as much as the time to time Gentleman need this from ng forward to visiting looki I’m so s, thing great hear I s. ladie my list. the new Spa at Ramside Hall. It’s on TRIED ON >> er, even in December.

I am always looking ahead to summ my next pair of for out eye my At the moment, I have the current range of Louis by ed helm overw am I s. lasse sung a particular fondness for Vuitton Sunglasses for men. I have chic. very So gold. and black in ’ ence ‘Evid THINKING ABOUT >> in the New Year A weekend of Luxury in London early visited friends and have I since while a been It’s s. loom sum at Hakkasan, Mayfair family there. I am craving the dim Garden. and breakfast at Balthazar, Covent astle.

Alok is a partner at Sintons LLP, Newc

18

JAN/FEB16

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JAN/FEB16

19

LUXE LIFE

SUSAN WRIGHT Susan is the Founder and Managing Director of suehoo.com an online destination for lovers of fashion and designer brands. She lives in North Yorkshire with husband Martin and their German wire-haired pointer Axel. Susan has worked in retail fashion for more than 20 years and is passionate about helping women to look good and feel great about themselves LUXE PEOPLE >> This might sound a bit naff, but my husband Martin is my inspiration.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Bodysgallen Hall near Llandudno is our favourite for weekends away. The food is great, as are the views of Snowdonia. We enjoy long walks and picnics on the beaches of Anglesey. Perfect.

A long holiday > With good friends in St. Tropez. Relaxing by the pool, people watching in Club 55 or enjoying fabulous seafood at La Bouillabaisse. Can’t beat it.

A treat > Seal watching in the Isle of Skye.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Cold ham and eggs with or without chips.

Best wine > Pink fizz on special occasions.

Best restaurant > The Yorke Arms, Ramsgill-in-Nidderdale or The Oaktree Inn, Hutton Magna. It’s impossible to choose between them.

Perfect weekend > At home, big log fire, hubby, dog and a bottle of red wine warming in the hearth.

Best telly > Masterchef.

Best theatre > Sunderland Empire, but we only tend to do the ballet or the opera.

20

Best sounds > David Bowie, James Taylor and The Magic Numbers.

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > Newcastle – of course!

Favourite shop > Jo Malone.

Retail treat > Run riot in Fenwicks then lunch at Café Royal.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > My ‘special’ birthday party. A private do at The Oaktree Inn with all our closest friends. Ali (chef ) and Claire did us proud. The food was delicious and we danced and laughed the night away!

Perfect party > As above, but I’d love to include some dear friends and family who are no longer with us – just for old times sake.

Perfect night out > We don’t do many nights out. But lunchtime fish and chips at Colmans with the hubby takes a lot of beating.

Best outfit > A Joseph full-length shearling coat. You can pretty much wear anything underneath it. I like to think of it as an investment.

Dinner date > I think Alan Bennett would make a great dinner companion. Lets hope he’s a good listener!

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> Axel our wire-haired German pointer. He’s as luxe as it gets!

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22

JAN/FEB16

CAPE WRATH

Playing with swords

As a little boy Kieran Bew was at his happiest with a sword in his hand and a grimace on his face. Aged 35 and he’s still at it - these days being paid handsomely and performing for a huge primetime TV audience as Beowulf.

Kathryn Armstrong talked to the warrior whose heart is in Hartlepool

JAN/FEB16

Even in his own family ‘Uncle’ Kieran has disappeared, replaced by Beowulf. Perhaps understandable. What child could possibly resist making the most of having the coolest relative in the playground?

Kieran Bew is settling on to our screens as a beast-slayer and warrior. The Sunday night star of the Beowulf, an epic re-imagining of one of literature’s greatest heroes.

It draws obvious comparisons to Game of Thrones and, with his flowing mane and rugged beard, Kieran inevitably is likened to Jon Snow - but his story is a less racy, family-friendly one - a series that those young nieces and nephews will be able to watch with glee and a smidgen of manageable terror.

It will have the early-evening territory and scariness of Dr Who - something that can send the children gasping behind cushion or curtain thanks to the robust, sometimes brutal, adventures of the tribal warriors.

Kieran is delighted that at last his young relatives will be able to watch him on screen.

“Inevitably there will be Game of Thrones comparisons because of the aesthetic but for me it is really exciting because most of the work I have done has been really dark theatre or TV and very explicit so none of the kids have been able to see it.

“This is like all good shows to appeal to a family audience - macabre, a challenging element, and some quite grim territory.

There are some great characterisations details and enjoyable CGI - from the guy who did Walking with Dinosaurs.”

For Kieran the role sees a childhood dream become reality. He’s made his childhood playtime passion the day job - with some hard work along the way - and has his sports-mad family to thank for it.

Kieran is from the village of Elwick near Hartlepool, just off the A19. One of a family of five children who were all encouraged by their teacher parents to participate in sports and activities from a young age during schooldays at English Martyrs School.

“I was one of those kids who did swimming practise every night and sometimes early mornings”, he says.

“I did basketball and then took up fencing at nine - because I loved running around with a sword! I look back and think about what my parents did for me, sending me abroad to compete and putting me through drama school and see how devoted to us they were.”

He might well be poised to become a poster boy for British fencing - his skill has certainly led to big things from Kieran’s first fascination with the scene in The Three Musketeers where Oliver Reed gets his cloak stuck in the water wheel.

“It was dark, witty, brutal and magical and I wanted to emulate that”, he says.

“I wanted to be a Jedi, a Highlander - to copy the heroes of mine - wear capes!

Now here I am coming back to the North East sword-fighting!

“I think fencing is an amazing sport of skill and etiquette and I have been back doing it with the British squad - only now I am a veteran.”

As a teenager, he represented the country in fencing.

“Quite strange for a lad from Hartlepool.

It’s normally a sport people do in private education. But I was lucky. Between then and leaving to go to drama school I went around Europe every year: Switzerland, France, Germany, Hungary and Sicily. I was placed 21st at the World Championships, which I wasn’t happy with. I’d come third in the last international I’d been in and I

was like, ‘21st is not good enough.’ I look back now and think that’s great. But at the time you’re fiercely competitive.”

He went to drama school at LAMDA after being inspired by a teacher Bob Lewis at school and a production of Oliver.

At Lamda they were ‘really hot on stage combat’, so Kieran’s skills were noted.

“They were also connected with William Hobbs, who arranged the fights for The Three Musketeers’ movies I had watched growing up. So there was this crazy connection. Just by chance I got a job choreographing and teaching the fights for Mark Rylance doing Hamlet at The Globe in London. Aged 19. Mark let me sit in during rehearsals and then they made me fight captain. I watched Hamlet about 25 times, which was amazing because Mark would do it differently every night.

“I’m one of five kids, so we didn’t have a huge amount of money by the time I got into drama school. Dad said, ‘Just go for the first term and we’ll have to work the fees out as you go.’ The income from the fight work kept me in LAMDA. They employed me to do the fights for Romeo and Juliet, involving students across two different courses, including mine. A total of eight casts. And they paid me money to do that. The head of drama once said to me, ‘Kieran, are you going to do any acting?’

“Now I go to work every day and I’ve got a sword and a cape. It’s hard work but a lot of fun.”

Kieran spent much of last year close to home filming Beowulf. A specially constructed village was created in Stanhope near Weardale to become the mythical Herot.

“The first time I went high into the quarry where they built the sets for the town of Herot, the thing that struck me more than anything was how ominous the place seemed. It was very wet and there was a deep, thick cloud hanging over the entire set”, he recalls.

“Mead Hall was sticking out of the top of this cloud and looked like something that had been there for hundreds of years. It’s just an hour outside Newcastle in County Durham and Weardale, but it’s like another world. It’s the biggest set I’ve ever been on. Quite incredible.

“Because of the particular position of the quarry, the wind rushes in. The climate essentially changes every half an hour.

You really feel as if you could be back in the Dark Ages up there. You quickly realise that if you don’t have access to electricity or hot running water then you have to stay wrapped up all the time. In the first couple of months the cast and crew had nowhere to hide from the elements.

“Everybody was discovering just how good their thermals and jackets were. It definitely helped us really think about the brutality of living in a period of time where there were none of our modern creature comforts.

Because we simply didn’t have any. We all had to huddle together. All of which was helpful in terms of transporting us back to a different time.”

His parents were able to watch some filming.

“They have been up to the quarry and my brother and some of my nieces came up and tried on some of the armour and costumes.

It was pretty special for my family to see it and understand why they can never get me on the phone! It’s like a Beowulf black hole because there’s no phone reception in the quarry, the forests or the beaches we’ve been filming on.”

Beowulf is set to bring Kieran into spotlight.

He is well-known in the theatre and had done some work on Da Vinci’s Demons.

But he is not particularly well known >>

23

CAPE WRATH was probably the most taxing physical thing I’ve done in the whole shoot because it hurt so much. There’s not a lot of room to give when you’ve got broken ribs and you’re holding and bracing yourself against the cold. It hurt a lot.

“Yet two days later the quarry had dried out and the ground turned to sand. And then the wind came. So it became like Tatooine, the desert world from Star Wars, and everyone had to wear facemasks to cover against the dust. We were all like, ‘Whoa, what’s this? It’s a totally different thing again.’ The weather certainly kept us entertained and on our toes.

“The positive side to all of that is it looks really authentic on screen. When you see the rushes, that violence in the air and the movement in the frames adds a very eerie, otherworldly quality which I think is definitely worth those days. And it feels good. It feels like we’ve all been on an adventure as much as the characters.”

“It’s probably the hardest job I’ve ever done.

The toughest shooting schedule I’ve ever

- yet - to the television audience.

The Beowulf cast features some well-known names and characters over the series such as Joanne Whalley, William Hurt, David Bradley and Gregory Fitoussi.

The story centre on Beowulf, a man banished from the town of Herot as a young boy who has since been roaming around, living various different lives.

It is based on Beowulf, the longest epic poem in Old English, the language spoken in Anglo-Saxon England before the Norman Conquest.

More than 3,000 lines long, Beowulf relates the exploits of its eponymous hero, and his successive battles with a monster named Grendel, with Grendel’s revengeful mother, and with a dragon which was guarding a hoard of treasure. There are well-known translations by Seamus Heaney translation and Tolkien.

Says Kieran: “This is a fantasy show but it’s based in some historical fact. During the period of time in the poem of the Dark

I think if you are at any level you take a moment to look around and feel grateful. For me it’s like being eight again, holding a sword and wearing leathers Ages certain pockets of Britain had lost the knowledge the Romans had brought. People found swords in the ground which were of a better metal and better forged than anything they could produce and so these were magic weapons. The poem is full of magical fantasy which is actually based on historical fact. But this is a human world and I think everyone will identify with various elements of it.”

Swordsmanship on screen doesn’t come without its pain however.

“I think it was Daniel Craig talking about doing James Bond who said, ‘If you don’t get bruised playing Bond, you’re not doing it right.’”, laughs Kieran.

“We’re making an action show. Twelve episodes of horse riding, battling against

24

monsters and various different tribes of humans.

“I broke three ribs filming a fist fight in a big sequence with one of our very large stuntmen called Phil, who is a lovely bloke.

It was a shoulder barge from Phil. I simply hesitated. I should have offered him my shoulder but I turned just a fraction on the wrong way and offered my chest. In the split second of doing it I realised what I’d done but it was too late and he whacked me in the chest. He felt very bad about it, bless him. But he’s just doing his job and it was my error. No-one else was to blame.

“I’ve broken a few ribs in my time me so I instantly thought, ‘Oh no, that’s not just being winded. I’m pretty sure something has gone.’ But I carried on and had to do the fight two more times. The thing about an injury like that is you really feel it the second or third day after it happens.

“The trouble is, if I don’t come to work then there’s a lot of other people who also don’t get to come to work. So I felt I had to soldier on. It happened in the third week of filming when I was looking at six or seven months’ more of shooting. So I was a bit nervous about that. But I carried on.

“We just had to slightly tailor some of the further action scenes. It’s funny because riding a horse was fine. It was the getting on and off the horse that was painful. Just like sleeping at night or laughing or sneezing. Those are the most difficult things when you’ve got broken ribs.

“It’s part and parcel of doing a role like this.

In the day-to-day filming there are risk assessments and stuntmen.

“I was supposed to film a scene where I had to take my shirt off and I had been training all week. But then I broke those three ribs.

We’d had a couple of sunny days and then came the day where I had to take my shirt off. I spent an hour in make-up and then when we opened the door the snow was going sideways. Our director of photography said to me, ‘Kieran, we’re not going to shoot that scene because, 1) we like you and 2) it’s illegal.’ So we couldn’t do that.

“But I had to do a scene later that day where I simply had to lie on the ground and then get up quickly when I see something happen. There was a brutal wind. It’s not just how cold it is. The wind is so powerful and when it blows at you all day during filming it becomes very draining. So the combination of the wind and the broken ribs meant getting up off the ground that day

worked on. I’ve been in every day. Even when I’m not in filming I still come in and rehearse the fights. So it has been non-stop aside from a two-week break in the middle when I was just desperate to rest and do nothing. So I went to Greece and Italy and lay down on a beach.”

When he’s thundering along a Northumberland beach on horseback in his cape with sword in hand, can he afford a moment to reflect?

“I think if you are at any level you take a moment to look around and feel grateful, take a moment and think. For me it’s like being eight again, holding a sword and wearing leathers.

“There was a moment with my co-star Gisli Orn Gardarsson, who plays Breca. We were going around these caves with flaming torches and swords and we just had a bit of a giggle. Because it’s like being eight-years-old again. It really is such a pleasure to do this kind of stuff.

Beowulf is on ITV on Sunday night.

LOCATION, LOCATION >> A little bit of County Durham became a land all its own for the making of Beowulf.

The poem is thought to have been set in Denmark but was written down by somebody who is deemed to have been a monk from the North East of England.

Northumberland and County Durham provided some fantastic landscapes, says producer Stephen Smallwood.

“We needed remote locations where you can see no evidence of the intervening 1,300 years between the recording of the poem and now. And that’s quite difficult to find with no evidence of fields, stonewalls, buildings or civilisation. They all have to be missing.

Then you have to be within striking distance of a metropolitan centre where everyone can stay and drive to and from. So somewhere within about 30 miles of Newcastle upon Tyne was the aim.

“The upper reaches of the rivers of County Durham, namely the Tees and the Wear and the Tyne, provided interesting landscapes which were just about within reach of our metropolitan centre. Weardale has been heavily worked since the 19th century in lead mining and finally limestone mining and it provides great scars in the walls of the valley, of which a huge former quarry high up in Eastgate is one. That provided a site with spectacular cliff walls as well as moorland vistas.

“In the heart of the quarry we built Herot, the frontier town at the heart of the story.

It’s in two parts. The village and the not so posh end where the people do all the hard work smelting iron. They are separated by an expanse of water.

“We also filmed on beaches at Bamburgh, Druridge Bay and Seaham. And we’ve been over near Middleton-in-Teesdale in the forest and at Derwent Reservoir, which represents an inlet from the sea.

“Our interiors are filmed at Blyth in Northumberland. We found a large empty warehouse which had sufficient height to replicate the size of the Mead Hall built out in Weardale.”

Weather proved something of a challenge says Stephen.

“It rains sideways. We spent one day next to Hadrian’s Wall where we had sleet coming at us horizontally whilst the actors were trying to act. On those occasions their hair gets blown in front of their faces. Their cloaks blow around their head and they get very cold. They and the crew can be out in this kind of weather for 11 hours a day.

So it’s tough.

“Our production office is in Consett and they scrutinised the weather reports so that filming could be switched from the exteriors at Weardale to the interiors at Blyth when the forecast was really bad.

“But the fact of the matter is you cannot shoot a show like Beowulf in benign domestic areas. We’re at the extremities of known civilisation and there the wind it doth blow and the rain it does fall. The positive side to that is the series looks great.”

JAN/FEB16

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LUXE LIFE

TINA YOUNG Tina Young runs the Northumberland franchise of Barking Mad, providing home for home holidays for dogs. She lives in Guyzance, Northumberland with her husband Brian, a professional photographer, and their two young children

LUXE PEOPLE >> Lee Dancy is the founder and MD of Barking Mad. She set up the business in 2000 when she needed someone to care for her beloved Dalmation Bronte.

Buying my Barking Mad business has been life-changing and I have been inspired by Lee’s vision. I bought my franchise in 2005 and winning the HSBC Franchisee of the Year in 2014 was definitely a highlight for me.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > I absolutely love the Lake District. I first went with Brian and we made the decision on that holiday

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to buy a house together and five years later in 1997, we got married at the beautiful Langdale Chase Hotel by the shores of Lake Windermere. Now we are a family of four and have fallen in love with glamping. It’s our yearly tradition for a fun, relaxing family weekend away.

A long holiday > Before the kids came along, I was always a fan of long haul trips to Thailand, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Our honeymoon was in Australia. Although I love travelling to exotic places, since the kids came along, a nice beach holiday in Majorca suits us better.

As a treat > As I run my own business, I work all year round arranging holidays for dogs. I absolutely love my business, but having a day off is a lovely treat. We all need some family and friends time to unwind and recharge our batteries.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > I love to start with nibbles such as olives, crisps and houmous. My main meal would be salmon (or any fish) and a big pile of salad. Then something sweet for pud. I have to confess that I often raid the kids’ Haribo and chocolate stash... shhh don’t tell them!

Best wine > I used to love red wine, but I gave up alcohol during ‘dry January’ two years ago and never started again.

My favourite tipple nowadays is a tall glass of lime & soda with loads of ice.

Best Restaurant > I am taking my ‘Barking Mad’ team to the Alnwick Treehouse Restaurant for our Christmas meal. We have worked hard this year, so this will be a nice treat for us all. The setting is so beautiful.

Perfect weekend > We’ll start the day with a family breakfast and then have a lazy PJ morning. Then we’ll pack a little picnic and snacks, get our wellies on and take a walk from our house down to the river. The kids will collect pine cones, sticks and flowers and then plodge in the river. We’ve done it so many times and it never gets boring.

Downtime means > Watching TV, reading on a regular evening, or meeting the girls for a girls night out. I love to talk and there is nothing better than spending time with my best friends talking and laughing.

Best telly > I love Corrie and this year I watched ‘Bake Off’ for the first time and was hooked! I also love Homeland on Ch4.

Best book > I like psychological thrillers and recently read ‘I let you go’ by Clare McIntosh. We’re reading Roald Dahl to the kids at bedtime and have just finished Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. I’m looking forward to reading Matilda.

Best sounds > I love Madonna, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Jess Glynne. Brian has a massive, varied music collection and we have music on in the house and office all the time.

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > I’m torn between New York and Barcelona. Both cities are fab to explore on foot, or you can easily get around on the underground if your feet have had enough. Shopping abroad holds far more appeal than shopping at home.

Favourite shop > I like Debenhams, M&S, Next and White Stuff.

Retail treat > I would splash out on beauty products by Liz Earle. I have been using the Cleanse & Polish for years and like practically everything from the range. Their nude lip gloss is a fave of mine.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > would be with the girls. We have been friends forever and we love to catch up for a nice meal, lots of chat and laughs and a few bottles of wine (them, not me).

Perfect party > I love to get together with all of my family, friends and kids and have a great party. There is always fab food as all of the husbands are fantastic cooks and there is always music and dancing. The kids all play brilliantly together and it’s really relaxing and fun.

Perfect night out > See above ‘perfect party’ Best outfit > I’m most comfortable in jeans and a top. Simple!

Dinner date > My husband Brian, of course.

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> In 2004 we sold our house in Newcastle, left our jobs and moved to the country, set up our own businesses and had two beautiful children. We live in a lovely farmhouse surrounded by fields and sheep. I’m very grateful for our new life. It’s not at all ‘luxe’, but we love it.

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WALK THE WALK

Model student

She’s strutted her stuff at London, Paris and New York Fashion Weeks and modelled for the likes of Saint Laurent and Marc Jacobs. Monkseaton model Sarah ‘Doug’ Douglas is a name to watch, as Katharine Capocci discovers

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Sarah Douglas strolls into Starbucks in Newcastle, having just flown up from London for a whirlwind overnight stay.

She’s easy to spot walking through the door, with her trademark dark bobbed hair and gamine features, not to mention her very slender 5ft 10.5-inch frame.

Dressed in cool vintage-style clothing, a leather-look mini skirt, buttoned-up shirt and sixties-style black and white flats, the 20-year-old’s looks are much in demand and she is clearly going places.

Those model looks have taken her from home in Monkseaton to New York, Paris London and Tokyo.

She’s just appeared in a showpiece 12-page fashion feature in Italian Elle. Shot by Michael Sanders, it has a cool ‘Swinging London’ 60s-style theme, and was photographed last June. It was secured through the agency she uses in Paris, Marilyn Agency, although Premier Model Management is still her London agency.

Sarah, ‘call me Doug’ explains: “It’s very much styled on Twiggy and 60s style. It was a mix of clothes, designer brands, some Valentino.”

“It’s really nice to see a 12-page spread and nice to do on your own. My style is very based on the 60s, so it’s much in keeping with what I like to wear!”

It was shot in London and includes street scenes in Notting Hill, Portobello Market and includes her posing on a Vespa, as well as studio shots.

Nice work if you can get it.

She sips tea as we chat about her journey from first being spotted by talent scouts in Newcastle to strutting her stuff on the catwalks at London, Paris and New York Fashion Weeks and modelling for the likes of Marc Jacobs, Saint Laurent and Giles Deacon.

“I’m very surprised at how it’s worked out.

I never would have thought this would have happened. I have had so many opportunities,” she says in typical modest style.

Sarah, who uses the name Doug for her modelling work, is a former pupil of Central Newcastle High School in Jesmond.

Model looks she may have, but she is big on brainpower too; she’s in her final year at Royal Holloway University in London, where she’s studying psychology.

“I really like it. I have always been really interested,” she says of the course.

Juggling the modelling and uni work must be tricky at times but Sarah seems to have the balance worked out.

“It was all right in the first year. In my second year I didn’t work as much, nowhere near as much as my first year. I tried to do stuff in holidays, plus uni is really supportive and I can get lecture notes online. I will have to focus on third year.”

She first came to the attention of model scouts at Central Station when she was in the Sixth Form and her dad took a picture of her along to show representatives from Premier Model Management who were scouring train stations in 2011.

She was subsequently invited to some test shoots by the agency in London, which still represents her today.

“We went to London and popped in with the family and squeezed in a couple of shoots.”

Mum used to teach and now runs holiday cottages in Northumberland, while Dad is an accountant, and she has a brother Joseph, 17.

Prior to being scouted, Sarah had done little in the way of modelling and recalls with a smile the Central High fashion shows she >>

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WALK THE WALK

appeared in, where pupils remember she was very good at choreography and owned the catwalk.

“I had done a job in Stockholm and little things but after I finished sixth-form I went down for two to three weeks and did more test shoots and worked on my walk.

“At the end of that summer I did Paris

She has worked in the same shows as fellow British top models such as Cara Delevingne, Sam Rollinson and Edie Campbell. “Sam is from up North. I know her and have a chat if I bump into her.

Cara and Edie both did the Saint Laurent shows my first season and Giles Deacon shows the following season.”

If it ends tomorrow, I have been very fortunate to have amazing experiences and to travel. I have to appreciate what’s happened so far.

“The first time I did Paris and got told I was doing the exclusive I was exploring Paris on my own. I had never done anything like that before. And the opportunity to travel to

I’m a vegetarian and naturally skinny. I try to do pilates and yoga and I’m really into healthy eating Fashion Week in September at the same time as starting uni. I had packed for uni and got a call to go to Paris. I was meant to be going to uni the next day.”

Her obliging parents did the carting of stuff to uni!

In the following years she has racked up high-profile work including catwalk shows in New York, London and Paris and has walked for the likes of Marc Jacobs, Giles Deacon, Rocha and Saint Laurent. Of Saint Laurent, “I have done exclusive for them three times. The designer (creative director Hedi Slimane) has a collection of girls who he often uses again and again.”

Sarah says he has modernised the brand.

In doing so, she says, he is making the brand more appealing to a younger audience, more viable and more accessible.

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She has been touted as one of the new British girls to watch by Vogue and was profiled in an issue of Miss Vogue.

She has also done some online modelling work for Diesel and appeared in a Topshop shoot for their magazine.

For all the jet-set lifestyle, she is incredibly grounded. “I have learned from living with other models that things can change in a heartbeat. I appreciate the work I have been given. But there’s no point in hoping for other things. Just live in the moment.

“I want to finish my degree. I’m not sure what I want to do afterwards. With modelling it can be really busy and really quiet, but you don’t have a lot of control over it.

“I have kind of learned you have no control over it and there’s no point in stressing.

Tokyo was such a culture shock. I wrote a blog on my experiences there because it is so different.”

In terms of upcoming modelling work, Sarah says: “You never really know what you have got coming up until a week before. I kind of have to wait and see.”

In terms of her own everyday style, her favourite era is the sixties. “With quite an

adrogynous look, I like tailored shirts and mini-skirts.”

Her style icons include sixties models Edie Sedgwick, Andy Warhol’s muse, and Twiggy.

And she is very particular about who looks after her hair. Although she will have a fringe trim here and there, she has her tresses tended to by Joel at Daniel Galvin in London.

Sarah loves shopping at the likes of Urban Outfitters and Topshop. “I’m not really into buying designer clothes. I like having a lot of clothes! I like vintage stuff. There are so many great vintage shops in London and I found lots of good ones in Japan.”

She is a vegetarian and explains she comes from a skinny family. “I’m a vegetarian and naturally skinny. I try to do pilates and yoga and I’m really into healthy eating.”

Sarah comes home as often as she can.

“Through the summer I come back as much as I can. I love the North East. I miss the beach so much.”

SARAH’S LUXE THINGS IN LIFE >> Travelling – there are lots of places I haven’t had a chance to see.

I would love to buy a really nice vintage car, a sixties one, and I would try to find a really nice vintage bag somewhere.

Me and my mum do occasional spa days now and then. We always go to Rockliffe Hall.

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HOLD THE TONIC

The North East gin scene is thriving and new kid on the block, Poetic License, is making its mark, as Jessica Laing discovers

Wild Spirits Gin is having a bit of a moment. And I, for one, could not be happier. I’ve been drinking – and have been enamoured - by the stuff since the tender age of 15, when I’d steal one too many sips from my Grandpa’s glass on a Sunday over cheese and biscuits.

Ironically, I’ve always considered it to be one of the most uplifting spirits out there; fresh, crisp and bursting with citrusy notes that remind me of long, lazy summer days.

So satisfying, in fact, that nearly a decade later I barely touch any other alcoholic beverage once bar bound and am always looking for new ways to enjoy my beloved tipple.

So, you can imagine my delight, then, when I found myself visiting what many consider to be one of the North East’s most exciting and up and coming independent gin distilleries, Poetic License, one wet winter’s afternoon.

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The brainchild of craft enthusiast and managing director of Tavistock Hospitality, Mark Hird, and local lad Luke Smith, now head distiller, the Sunderland-based distillery may be only four months old, but it has already enjoyed a whirlwind of success.

It came out as top for both its Old Tom and Northern Dry gins at the Gin of the Year awards less than one month into business and has gained the support of big name retailers and venues, including Fenwick, Seaham Hall and Wynyard Hall, which now stock the distillery’s artisan creations.

Both the distillery and sister bar, which opened in March 2015 and goes by the same name, are housed within the newly-refurbished Best Western Roker Hotel – a venue that, since the brand’s arrival, has enjoyed an influx of new customers and even residents, all eager to sample Poetic License’s delights.

“It’s overwhelming to think about how far we’ve come in such a short space of time,” says Luke, his eyes gleaming.

“We had a clear idea of what we wanted to achieve from the very start; unique and great-tasting products that reflected our brand ethos and the spirit of those who enjoy them.

And judging by the amazing feedback and accolades that we have received so far, I think we may have got it spot on.”

“Poetic License (as opposed to licence, spelled with a ‘c’) means to deviate from conventional rules and that’s exactly what we try and do here at the distillery and in our bar. Our spirits are infused with a cocktail of botanicals and ingredients from around the globe, from cardamom and eucalyptus to rose petals and Persian limes, and can be served any which way, with any tonic or mixer that our

customers desire. We encourage them to be ‘wild spirits’ and create their own experience when they visit the bar.”

Luckily for Luke, who distils, labels and packages every last bottle by hand on-site, breaking the rules and letting the creative juices flow is something that has always come naturally. He’s been distilling his own beer, gin, wine and rum at home since his teenage years, ever since he bought his first still from his local home brew shop.

“I’m an inventor at heart,” he says. “My first job out of school was at a little garden centre in Chester-le-Street, where I live. There, we made and sold our very own non-alcoholic ginger wine - a process in which I was heavily involved. I was hooked almost immediately; I loved experimenting with ingredients and creating new flavours for people to try. My Grandad worked at the Newcastle Brown Ale brewery, so you could say that it’s in my blood.”

Luke began selling the wine at various local markets on behalf of the garden centre, including Durham Farmers’ Market where he happened to meet Alan Brown, sales manager at Durham-based brewery, Sonnet 43, also part of the Tavistock group.

“It was one of those chance meetings that somehow changes your life in an instant,” explains Luke. “He mentioned that they were looking for a new starter and I applied. Fast forward a few years and, after a conversation with Mark about the possibility of opening a gin distillery, and here we are. I’ve been very lucky; Mark basically left me to my own devices and put his trust in me to create something great. It’s been an incredibly fun process and being able to make the gin

JAN/FEB16

HOLD THE TONIC I’ve always dreamt of making is the best feeling.”

Today, Luke singlehandedly distils 400 bottles of their Northern Dry and Old Tom gins, as well as their Graceful Vodka, per week, in a state-of-the-art and affectionatelynamed hybrid still, which is on display for all to see.

“It’s tradition to name your still, so ours is called Gracie after Mark’s daughter,” Luke explains. “It’s quite the conversation starter, let’s put it that way. I get a lot of noses pressed up against the glass! It’s big, shiny and looks like some kind of contraption out of Willy Wonka, but I assure you it’s a phenomenal piece of equipment. It was tailormade for us by a company in China. It’s one of a kind – you won’t find one like it anywhere else in the world.”

Distilling complete, all spirits are then stored in a warehouse, located just opposite to the hotel, ready to be delivered to stores and homes across the region, or into the bar. Venture outside and you’ll see that the two buildings are connected by nothing more than a single pipe, which allows the gin to travel from the distillery straight into tanks within the warehouse.

It’s a tiny yet mighty and surprisingly uncomplicated place; somewhere where Luke is able to enjoy a little bit of downtime, away from the eyes of the punters, and put some of that good old garden centre experience to use.

“The warehouse is like my little hiding place,” he laughs.

“I’ll stick my music on, crack out the cardboard boxes and sticky labels and get to work. There’s nothing fancy to see here – no big machines to do it all for me – but I prefer it that way.”

In the future, Luke and the team plan on extending the distillery’s spirit range to dark and white rum, absinthe and a number of limited edition flavoured gins and vodkas, as well offering special distilling workshops to customers who fancy trying their hand at making their own spirits.

The team is also passionate about developing the bar’s cocktail menu, which was brought to life with the help of award-winning local mixologist, Anthony Pearman, who has created bespoke cocktail menus for some of the North East’s most successful bars.

The vibrant menu showcases Poetic License’s homemade gin in all its glory. Inventions such as The Apple and The Daisy ‘ginfusion’, which marries Northern Dry Gin with

COCKTAIL RECIPES >> OLD TOM GIN (41.6%) >> Luke’s notes: This classic, originating from the mid-1800s, delivers a sweeter and more peppery taste in comparison with our Dry Gin. From the botanicals alone we nurture its sweet taste, while our oak casks continue to add flavour and colour.

The inclusion of rose petals infuses a distinct character to the sweetness, as well as a slight rose gold tinge.

Mixing tips: The sweet notes of our Old Tom Gin thrive in more subtle cocktail recipes. Ingredients like lavender and rose give it good balance, whereas bolder ingredients such as anise, juniper and clove could mask its delicate flavours and are best used sparingly.

Serving suggestion: Pour two measures of Old Tom Gin over large chunks of ice in a glass, serve with premium Ginger Ale, garnish with two slices of red apple and a snap of cinnamon.

Top notes: Juniper, rose, oak

>> Old Tom Gin

>> Northern Dry Gin

NORTHERN DRY GIN (43.2%) >> Luke’s notes: Expect a big punch of juniper that is finely balanced with green cardamom for a warm and spicy flavour. With undertones of lemon and eucalyptus, the inclusion of Persian lime intensifies the citrus feel while adding a note of perfume.

As for the other botanicals… well, that’s our secret for now.

Mixing tips: The gin drinker’s choice, specifically crafted to stand-out in many gin-based cocktails.

The sweet and bitter flavours of a Negroni and the sharp citrusy flavours of a classic Gin Sour balance well with this powerful, floral gin.

Serving suggestion: Relished over large chunks of ice, with your favourite premium tonic garnished with pink grapefruit.

Top notes: Juniper, cardamom, pepper, citrus.

Chartreuse liqueur, grenadine, lemon juice and an apple foam garnish. As I prepare to leave Poetic License HQ – which I believe is as close to a gin lover’s paradise as you’re likely to find here in the North East – I ask Luke, who has lived and breathed the stuff since adolescence, is he surprised that the region seems to be falling in love with gin all over again?

“No. Gin is such versatile spirit; you can really add what you want to it. No two gin cocktails will taste the same and more people are enjoying finding new ways to drink it.”

For more information about Poetic License, or to purchase any of its spirits, visit www.poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk or call (0191) 567 1786

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GAME ON

Eat Seasonal WITH ANDREW WILKINSON OF ARTISAN

A hearty dish of flavour and colour to warm you up this New Year

Game Pithivier >> Serves 4 FARCE >> 4 lamb rumps (250g per portion) 300g minced game (venison, mallard, pheasant and partridge) 4 x shallots 1 x sprig of rosemary and thyme 100g minced pancetta 1 clove of garlic 8 toasted juniper seeds Method Mix the game mince with the pancetta.

In a pan, sweat the shallots, rosemary, thyme, juniper and garlic until soft, place mix on a tray and allow to cool. Mix thoroughly with the meat and season.

Ball the farce into four 85g balls.

VENISON SAUCE >> 200g venison trim (chopped small) 1 glass of port 1 glass of red wine 4 x shallots 6 x crushed black pepper corns 1 x thyme 1 clove of garlic 1 sprig of rosemary 200ml beef stock 50ml chicken stock To make the sauce In a heavy based pan, brown the venison trim in a little butter, ensure it is thoroughly coloured.

Add the shallots and garlic along with the rosemary, thyme, garlic and peppercorns and sweat until translucent.

Deglaze the pan with the port and red wine; reduce until a syrup.

Add the beef stock followed by the chicken stock; bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes.

Pass through a fine sieve and reduce until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Finish the sauce with a knob of butter to make it glossy before serving.

MAKING THE PITHIVIER >> 4 x 85g farce balls 1 x pot of egg wash 8 x disc of puff pastry (roughly 20cm in width) Pastry cutters

This stunning Game Pithivier recipe blends venison, mallard, pheasant and partridge to create a meaty dish that really packs a punch on the flavour front and, as I’m sure you’ll agree, makes a welcome alternative to all that festive turkey!

Accompanied by a mix of seasonal vegetables and a rich venison sauce, this makes for a hearty plate of food during those lingering winter months.

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Here in the artisan kitchen, we’re always looking to bring new flavour combinations to our diners and 2016 is no different.

Our seasonal showcases, which celebrate an ingredient, type of cooking or time of year, get under way in February and we’ll be exploring a range of themes – from new season shoots and foraging to an allotment harvest and best of British.

Keep up-to-date with our all our latest menus on the artisan website at www.artisannewcastle.com.

Assembling Lightly egg wash two of the puff pastry discs.

Place one of the farce balls in the centre of one of the pastry discs.

Use the other pastry disc to enclose the game mix and push out any air within the centre to create a dome.

Using the back of a small pastry cutter, press gently over the dome to seal the pastry and let our any further air.

Egg wash the pithivier and leave for two minutes.

Egg wash for a second time and score the pithivier with the back of a knife and rest.

Trim the edges of the pithivier using a large pastry cutter.

Bake at 200C for 10-12 minutes.

Allow to rest for 5 minutes.

Arrange on a plate with glazed winter vegetables and the venison sauce.

JAN/FEB16

PLEASURE PRINCIPLE

> > S E R U S A E L P FOOD A Valentine’s platter of picnic please rs

EAT >> London Charcutier duck in sloe gin >> Artisan sourdough >> Neal’s Yard Stawley goats’ cheese >> Brebis Sangle Cous cheese DRINK >> Nuit St Georges 2008, £32, good with the duck and Brebis >> Churchills Dry White Port (best served chilled), £14.99, honeyed notes, goes well with the Stawley >> Perrier Jouet vintage 2007 Belle Epoque, £123, perfect with everything!

DREAM >> La Molina chocolate spread, £14.95 and Wicked and Wonderful sea salt truffles, £7.95

All items available from the Food Hall and Wine Shop, Fenwick, Newcastle

JAN/FEB16

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XXXXXXXX

In the world of restaurants, trend over technique can lead to all manner of kitchen disasters.

An over-zealous hand with the micro-herbs or a flourish of foam too far can make a mockery of a menu.

Dishes which should be simple end up overdone, dressed-up and disappointing, all in the name of kitchen creativity.

We’ve watched the ‘more is less’ approach on Masterchef: The Professionals in early rounds.

Keen chefs with an over-enthusiastic hand who elicit a withering glance from Monica Galetti as they try and cram every new ingredient, technique and flavour on to the plate.

See her silent plea for calm and clarity on the plate. Technique is everything; skill and precision the building block of the best cooking technique.

Classic French techniques loom large in every good kitchen and such lessons in attention to detail take centre stage in the kitchens of Matt Powell, pictured left.

He is the Chef Director for the Hotel du Vin group, where classic French bistro food is prepared with a subtle modern twist.

The hotel group was taken over last year by Frasers Hospitality UK, part of the Singapore-based Frasers Centrepoint group.

It will see investment in the hotels’ kitchens and breathe new life into the bistros in the distinctive buildings that make up the Hotel du Vin group, including the former shipping company HQ in Ouseburn, Newcastle, York’s Grade II listed mansion house and Harrogate’s fine Georgian townhouse.

Not to mention Edinburgh’s characterful hotel - a former mental asylum.

The menus in the hotel’s bistros will be pared down to true classics cooked to the highest standards of French bistro cuisine, insists Matt: “Our aim is to make sure that the chefs live and breathe the cuisine, so if you are having eggs benedict, it is going to be the best one in town, with superb hollandaise sauce, the best eggs and finest Ayrshire bacon.

“We are all about classic bistro food. What has happened is that plenty of places offer the same dishes but with no technique to back them up.

“There are dishes that are trendy but there aren’t the building blocks beneath the chefs to make the food rise to the heights it should be.

“It is all about the quality and using fine ingredients for the end product to be perfect. If you want a Louis Vuitton handbag you pay premium because it is well made from the finest materials. Good food should be the same”, he maintains.

There’s no denying the link between food and fashionability. So the revival of dishes some may remember as retro will be both a joy and surprise.

The ‘at table’ theatre of a flambe trolley, set to deliver dramatic delights such as steak Diane, coquilles St Jacques or of course, crepes Suzette, is already proving a hit at the Birmingham Bistro du Vin and before long will be gracing the bistro at Newcastle.

The flourish of a flambe and decadence of the dessert trolley. Here’s how to re-kindle the passion for classic French cuisine

In praise of the classics

And what of the re-invention of the Black Forest gateaux?

“The trolley can’t be a one-trick pony”, laughs Matt.

“I can see it being used to deliver the classic French gateaux and or even afternoon tea with real flourish and drama”, he adds.

The Hotel du Vin chefs’ team recently headed off to the Brasserie Zedel in London, a grand Parisian brasserie transported to the heart of London.

As traditional as it gets, you find daily specials such as Poulet au Curry la Cassoulet de Toulouse, Boudin Noir aux Pommes and Quenelle de Poisson et Riz. “It was a way of gathering the chefs together in an environment particular to their food where they could see and sense what we aim to achieve in our bistros.

“We showed the history of the food they are cooking and the surroundings in which it would be served an eaten; grand places with flourish and style and dishes that stand the test of time.”

With this in mind, Matt has asked his young team to create their own signature dishes for the bistros.

The idea being to give the chef some creativity on a menu that is also consistent for a diner who one day might be staying in Hotel Du Vin, Cheltenham and the next in Edinburgh.

“We want out chefs to put their heart and soul into their menus and be able to have some creativity in their own kitchen as well as following our classic HDV dishes.

“We seasonally change our dishes, but there are some things we

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JAN/FEB16

CLASSIC MIX

can never change - if the lemon sole was not on the menu there would be uproar.”

Likewise, chicken liver parfait and escargots a la Bourguignonne - juicy snails in garlic and herb butter.

There are twists on the classics and always the attention to detail in terms of well-sourced meat and fish.

“Cassoulet is a good wintry dish,” he says.

“You have the haricot beans, the confit duck leg, belly pork, sausage and herby breadcrumbs.

“We decided to give it some flourish at the table; you’re presented with a small pot of breadcrumbs with truffle salt and a diner is asked if they would like them on the piping hot cassoulet.

“When they are sprinkled on there is a ‘pouf’ of intense aroma and we like that little bit of mouth-watering drama at the table.

“Same with the beef Bourguignon which is a rich daube of beef, using short rib on the bone for deep flavour and with great pancetta and portobello mushrooms.”

The seasonal menu also includes rich, robust dishes such as Gloucester Old Spot pork belly, Lapin au Cidre - braised rabbit in a rich cider sauce and the classic 28 days, dry aged on the bone steaks and our Plats du Jour selection.

“We are going to be adding twists and contemporary touches but at its heart our menu is all about consistent classics,” adds Matt.

FOOD LIFE >>

www.hotelduvin.com

We want out chefs to put their heart and soul into their menus and be able to have some creativity in their own kitchen as well as following our classic HDV dishes

At 24, Phil Hase is a young man at the Head Chef helm at Newcastle Bistro du Vin. He worked at HDV in Cambridge, his home town, then Edinburgh before coming to Newcastle to head up his own team.

“I went to a private school where I ate three good formal meals a day. I could see chefs cooking and I would sit and watch them. I think something sunk in!”

Although he went out to eat often with this parents, Phil admits to being one of those boys who wouldn’t touch a pepper or mushroom until well into his teens.

“I went through a phase of just eating plain pasta with cheese”, he laughs.

But conversely, he learned to love a plate of oysters from a very young age - perfect training for his French bistro livelihood.

“I love the techniques of the kitchen and I’m very excited about getting to grips with some dishes of my own for our menu to make it more individual to Newcastle.”

We asked Phil to tell us about his own food life…

A childhood food memory >> When I was 14 I went to Boston with my Dad and had oysters for the first time. We had a platter of different ones and I’ve loved them ever since.

The last meal you ate >> I was at Longhorns in Newcastle for a meat board - loads of messy ribs and chicken!

JAN/FEB16

Restaurant you return to time and again >> Irvins in North Shields. Graham Cuthell was launch head chef at HDV in Newcastle. I love his food and the fact that he is so close to the fish market.

Memorable meal >> I went to Gordon Ramsay’s Maze, had a tour of the kitchen, got the birthday plate - the lot!

Inspirational chef >> It has to be Ramsay.

Favourite drink >> A bloody Mary at Malmaison.

Favourite ingredient >> Wild mushrooms. Such a variety of things you can do with them.

Favourite meal >> Beef Wellington.

Last meal >> Oysters and champagne, then beef Wellington with good fat roast potatoes, paired with the best wine our sommelier could find. Dessert would be a pear and almond tart with clotted cream.

Phil will be serving up a special menu for Newcastle Restaurant Week in January.

Expect to see some hake on there!

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THE BIG CHEESE

Off duty WITH DAVE COULSON

Here’s a take on a Lobster mac & cheese >> Serves 4 classic. Mac ‘n’ cheese Ingredients Method gets a touch of luxury 1 lobster Lobster >> with lobster and fillet 500g macaroni Boil lobster in Court Boullion for 8 minutes, 80g parmesan then place in cold water for 10 minutes steak for a not so frugal 80g cheddar cheese to cool.

January feast 1tbsp chives Take the lobster body out of the shell and 1 4oz fillet of beef 1 shallot 1tbsp chopped parsley Dash of truffle oil Maldon salt (to taste) 100g plain flour 100g butter 500ml milk

set aside.

Sauce >> Make a béchamel sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan slowly. Gradually start adding the flour until you have a smooth paste.

Place the milk in a separate pan and warm through.

Slowly start adding the milk to the flour and butter mix until you have a smooth sauce.

Pass through a sieve and leave to cool.

Tartar >> Finely dice the fillet steak in to small squares.

Dice the shallot and add to the steak squares along with the chopped chives, drizzle of olive oil and season with Maldon sea salt.

To assemble >> Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Once boiling, drop macaroni in to the pan and cook until al dente.

Warm the béchamel sauce in a pan, add the macaroni, chives, truffle oil (to taste) and both cheeses.

Place the lobster in a water bath at 50c for eight minutes. Once cooked, place in the centre of a plate; add macaroni cheese around the lobster and spoon over the tartar.

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

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JAN/FEB16

GET YOUR KICKS

Food fixture

You need sustenance to cope with the pitchside pleasures and pain of a day at St James’ Park. The club’s Park Grill is certainly a place of action as Kathryn Armstrong discovers

It’d be interesting to know just how many juicy burgers and sirloin steaks find their way to the match-day plates at The Park Grill for a home-game fixture.

The devoted fans enjoying home-game hospitality need their blood on and off the pitch and this is a kitchen that knows it.

In other parts of the stadium the pie brigade are having their own savoury moment, but in The Park Grill you’ll find a conveyor belt of meat for men: fans who like to devour their food as much as their game of football.

The clientele is definitely male dominated and as you sit you see a very steady stream of steak passing by, it’s by far the most popular choice.

We experienced The Park Grill on a home game against Stoke City. Seats in the restaurant in the Leazes Stand have good views of the pitch and there’s an atmosphere of pre-match anticipation and fervour in the room as the TV screens with their punditry reflect the build-up.

For the chefs and staff, this is ‘showtime’. There’s an open kitchen, so if you’re sitting in the right place (and don’t have an eye on the pitch or the TV screen), what you see is a very well-oiled machine going at some pace for a previous few hours before and during the game of the day.

Staff are young, smiley and engaging - you can tell it’s as big a day for them as for the rest of the room. They have to pull out their best performance too. You can start your meal with a session at the salad bar where there’s a small choice of favourites such as Caesar salad. Ingredients are on-point.

Fresh flavours - nothing has been hanging around and the dishes are replenished regularly.

The Park Grill menu covers the favourites - rotisserie chicken marinated in orange and tarragon, the famous (and clearly super-popular) mighty 110z cheeseburger, as well as pizza and pasta choices.

As you prepare for food and game, you also get a side order of some chat from ITV’s Ian Payne and John Beresford, looking at the team of the day and analysing the game.

On our table there was hunger for the food as much as the game. I went for a grilled seabass fillet with lemon butter.

JAN/FEB16

It was soft-fleshed - maybe a touch over long cooked - but plenty of flavour. Simple and satisfying. We sampled the sirloin steak - a 28-day matured Black Label sirloin. The kitchen gets a goodly amount of practice when it comes to steak - it’s called the Grill for a reason. Our steaks were ordered rare and came as they should - sufficiently heading towards ‘bleu’.

Crispy half duck with plum sauce was a creature to reckon with. As crispy as it should be and drizzled with sticky sauce.

These all came with some handcut-cooked thick-skin chips which were very good.

All a fine prelude to the big match itself - a not very exciting match to be honest - which we watched in private balcony seating in the Leazes Stand. But, food was a game of two halves with a half-time stop off at the dessert bar. This was pretty amazing. Rich cheesecakes, unctuous sticky toffee pudding, profiteroles, slabs of cake and the opportunity to head back for more. Not sure if the need for a doze was

There’s an atmosphere of pre-match anticipation and fervour in the room as the TV screens with their punditry reflect the build up.

For the chefs and staff, this is ‘showtime’ about the abundance of lunch or the unspectacular nil-nil game that set out in front of us.

We were impressed by The Park Grill set up. There were some guests enjoying special celebrations and the team really made their day special with cakes and ‘meet the hero’ moments and photo opps.

The grill and the match day dining package was obviously a regular thing for some of the room. For others who were having their very own ‘big day out’, it was made memorable by good service, food and also, it must be said, a decent wine list. Plenty of fizz flowing, win or not!

There are a range of packages for match-day hospitality in the Park Grill depending on the fixture from £90.

For full details email hospitality@nufc.co.uk or 0191 201 8444 www.nufc.co.uk

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FEAST FOR FIVE

A very tasty birthday bash The best thing to happen to January - NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week is gourmet heaven January can seem like a long dreary month, but here’s a great reason to go out and celebrate. Between Monday 18 and Sunday 24 January, Newcastle will be in party mood for the 5th anniversary of NE1’s record breaking Newcastle Restaurant Week.

If you needed an excuse to dine out at some of Newcastle’s finest restaurants for only £10 or £15 per head, a 5th birthday bash is one of the greatest there is and this January over 80 restaurants will be taking part in the celebrations.

NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week formula is still unique to Newcastle and, over the past five years, the number of restaurants in the city has grown at a phenomenal rate, resulting in a record-breaking number of restaurants participating in NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week in January and August each year.

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NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week is a firm fixture in the city’s foodie calendar and is much anticipated by diners.

Bookings are already being taken at many of the participating restaurants for January’s celebrations, so be sure to book early.

With so many restaurants taking part, it will be difficult to decide where to dine and, with a whole host of new recruits, the choice this year is even greater.

Among the new restaurants taking part are Bealim House, The Botanist, Viva Brazil, The Bottle Shop and many more.

Ko Sai from the new Fenwick Food Hall is also among the newcomers.

NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week event has grown in stature and popularity since its launch in 2011.

Last January, over 35,000 people took advantage of NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week offers and this January, the 11th

NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week is expected to break all records.

Newcastle’s restaurant scene is one of the city’s largest growth sectors, with more restaurants per square mile than anywhere else in the North East of England.

NE1 originally came up with the Restaurant Week idea after discussing with some of the city’s top restaurateurs what could be done to support the industry at some of the traditionally quiet times of the year.

Modelled on a similar scheme that operates successfully in New York, NE1 decided to launch NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week and the rest as they say is history.

13 of the city’s top restaurants took part in the first event. Now, over 80 restaurants are quick to sign up and take part.

Chef and restaurateur, Terry Laybourne of 21 Hospitality Group, was one of the founding restaurateurs who came up with the idea for the event and has supported every NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week since. Terry commented: “NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week has become a keenly anticipated calendar fixture among foodies

and general diners; it’s a wonderful opportunity to go out and try several restaurants for a fraction of the normal cost.

It’s great to see those passionate about food and hospitality working together to promote NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week.”

Stephen Patterson, Director of Communications at NE1 Ltd, said: “We’ve reached a 5th anniversary milestone for NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week at a time when the city’s restaurant scene is expanding and getting ever stronger.

We are proud of the event and of the restaurant community it supports and promotes. Over the last five years 43 new restaurants have opened in the city and this growth looks set to continue with 26 scheduled to open in 2016 alone.

I’m struggling to choose which restaurants I’ll be booking into this January.”

For a full list of participating restaurants and offers, visit www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/ restaurantweek and to get involved, follow the hashtag #NE1RestaurantWeek on Twitter

JAN/FEB16

18th-24th January #NE1RestaurantWeek

One

, k e e s, t W n a r u sta 70+ Re

pp* 5 1 £ £10 or

For participating restaurants, offers and how to book visit:

getintonewcastle.co.uk *£10 and £15 menus are restaurant specific. Selected restaurants, terms and conditions apply.

SEA, IT’S EASY...

Fish course WITH TERRY LAYBOURNE

A new series making the most of the catch of the day

MUSSELS >> The most abundant and cheapest of shellfish; mussels not only provide sweet, tender flesh, but a delicious liquor too after steaming. This is at its most tasty when mopped up with a chunk of crusty bread.

Mussels can be picked anywhere around the coast, but there is an element of risk attached to this. They are far safer from beaches facing open sea than from estuaries or harbours where pollution may be concentrated. A better option are rope grown mussels from a trusted supplier; these mussels are grown on suspended ropes which ensures that they don’t touch the seabed and pick up grit or barnacles.

After harvesting they go through a purification process whereby they are set in trays for 36 hours, during which time aerated water is pumped through the system. This water is also sterilised through a quartz sleeve using ultraviolet light shining through it.

When buying mussels don’t accept any from a batch that are gaping open, this suggests that they have been out of the sea too long and aren’t as fresh as they should be.

Mussels make a lovely first course at dinner or who doesn’t love a bowl of the traditional French moules frites - the perfect light lunch with thinly cut chips and crusty bread.

Moules Marinière >> SERVES 2 Ingredients 1.4kg rope-grown mussels 2 shallots, very finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, puréed 2 tbls olive oil 2 tbls chopped parsley 250mls dry white wine 180g cold butter, diced Salt Milled white pepper

Method Pick through the mussels, ensuring they are all tightly closed and removing any beards (the ropey threads around the mussel).

Heat a large saucepan, add the olive oil, shallots and garlic. Quickly add the mussels and wine. Cover with a tight fitting lid and steam for 4 minutes, shaking occasionally.

Heat a second pan and pour in the cooking juices from the mussels and allow to reduce slightly to concentrate the flavours.

Quickly whisk in the butter before finishing with the fresh parsley, a little sea salt and a generous grind of pepper. Pour the sauce back over the mussels and serve with lots of crusty bread.

Terry’s latest food venture, Saltwater at Fenwick Food Hall, has a wet fish counter and staff who can advise on all aspects of cooking fish.

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JAN/FEB16

RICH PICKINGS

Veg patch WITH KAREN PHILLIPS

This time of year has historically been called ‘the hungry gap’ since only winter hardy crops are available to be harvested. It is time to embrace the super-healthy brassicas and beets

RICH PICKINGS >> Brussels Sprouts: If you hate sprouts and thought you’d seen the last of them with the passing of Christmas dinner then apologies. This crop only grows on heavy soil (i.e. high clay content) so growing them on the sandy soils at Widehaugh was a waste of time: ‘overblown’ sprouts not tight little buttons, and top-heavy plants rocked from the ground by winter gales. Now, the heavy soil at the farm is simply perfect so we can enjoy copious side dishes of creamed sprouts with bacon lardons (Kathryn the editor’s favourite); or sliced and stirred fried sprouts with chopped hazelnuts (the teenager’s favourite).

Cabbage: Cabbages such as ‘January King’ are a beauty to behold in the veg plot on a bright winter’s day and, as the

weather gets colder, I crave hearty, soul-warming dishes: almond crusted chicken schnitzel with pickled cabbage; slow-roasted belly pork with braised red cabbage, or crispy pork and cabbage cakes with sweet onion relish.

Leeks: Having always grown leeks, I am astounded at how such an easy-to-grow crop can be so expensive to purchase.

Will it be comforting leek and potato soup, healthy smoked haddock and leek risotto? Or do you fancy gluten-free cannelloni? If so, cut leeks down one side lengthways (keeping the root end intact), blanch them whole then cut off the root and use the resultant leek layers to roll round meat sauce, before topping with béchamel sauce and parmesan and bake.

Beetroot: Super sweet beetroot has waited patiently in the ground until ready to take centre stage in a hearty winter salad of beetroot and warm, sesame crusted goat’s cheese, or make a colourful accompaniment to smoked salmon and wheaten soda bread.

JOBS OUTSIDE >> If, like me at the farm, you are looking out onto a weed-ridden area that you will hopefully be able to christen ‘your vegetable plot’, then take heart: only fertile ground grows a good crop of weeds! If the plot is small I tend to hand weed since I’m not a fan of chemical weedkillers, but the veg plot at the farm is so vast that an easier method (but one requiring more patience) is required.

THE NO-DIG METHOD >> This method works well on areas covered with annual and

perennial weeds, but would not work well on areas covered with woody plants e.g. brambles and thorny shrubs.

These would need to be dug out below ground level first.

As long as you have patience and a plentiful supply of porous black polythene mulch, then cover completely any areas of your plot covered in weeds in order to completely exclude light. The mulch needs to be applied by late winter before any new growth commences and remain on the ground for up to nine months in the case of the most persistent weeds, such as bindweed. You can peek under the mulch after a few months to check that weeds have died and bare soil remains; if a few weakly perennial weeds remain (i.e. white and straggly due to the absence of light) then these can be hand weeded and pulled out.

Your new vegetable beds can then be created on the clean soil; odd bits of perennial weeds may regrow from deep rooted remains but, as long as these are weeded out as soon as they are seen, the plot will soon become free of perennial weeds and any annual weeds seeds that subsequently germinate can be hoed out in warm, dry weather.

LOOKING AHEAD >> We’ll be making our first spring sowings of veg and discovering the best perennial vegetables to make space for in the veg plot.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS @ WIDEHAUGH HOUSE >> BREAD BASICS >> FRI 29TH JANUARY This hands-on course discovers the pleasures of breadmaking from the simplest sourdough through to focaccia and the perfect baps for bacon and egg butties! Depart with recipes and your own creations. Time: 8.30am - 3.30pm.

Includes morning coffee and 2 course lunch. £95

INTRODUCTION TO PROPAGATION >> WED 3RD FEBRUARY Join us on this half-day workshop on basic propagation and discover the delights of plants for free. Methods covered will include seed sowing, division, layering and hardwood cuttings. Time: 10am-1pm.

Includes morning coffee & cakes. £40

PRUNING MASTERCLASS >> THURS 18TH & SAT 20TH FEBRUARY Learn the tricks of the trade: when to prune, how to keep shrubs restricted, renovating old plants and pruning to maximise fruit or flowers. Time: 10am-1pm.

Includes morning coffee & cakes. £35

ANYONE FOR AFTERNOON TEA? >> FRI 19TH FEBRUARY Join us on this one day workshop and discover how to make light and fluffy scones, melt in the mouth macaroons, buttery crumpets, perfect Swiss rolls and tiny-weeny curd tartlets. Depart with all the ingredients to stage your very own afternoon tea at home. Time: 10am-3pm.

Morning coffee and cakes and 2 course lunch included. £85

THE ART OF COMPOSTING >> FRI 11TH & SAT 12TH MARCH Be warned: once learned you become quite obsessive about making your own compost! Morning coffee and cakes included. Time: 10am-1pm.

Includes morning coffee & cakes. £35

BEGINNER’S VEG: VEG GROWING PART 1 >> FRI 15TH APRIL Never sown a seed in your life? Starting with how to set out a vegetable plot, this course will cover all aspects of basic vegetable growing and get you producing all manner of expensive to purchase veggies from rocket to sugar snap peas. Depart with seeds sown and the confidence to produce a successful first harvest. Time: 10am – 3.30pm. Including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch. £75

PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES: VEG GROWING PART 2 >> THURS 24TH MARCH Grown the same thing each year? Want to expand your repertoire and have vegetables to harvest over a longer season and avoid the gluts coinciding with your summer holiday? This course covers different growing methods and utilises new varieties of seeds and plants to prolong the short growing season in Northumberland and avoid that bare earth scenario.

Time: 10am – 3.30pm. Including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch. £75

For full details of all our courses visit: www.widehaughhouse.co.uk

JAN/FEB16

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WINE AND DINE

The twin pleasures of an autumn season and bountiful vineyards combined for a seasonal supper club at The Blackbird, Ponteland

Gourmet delights

It’s not often you find yourself Kung Fu fighting in the middle of dinner, but once tasted it was a case of fighting for another mouthful of a winning wine with a wacky moniker.

The US wine, Kung Fu Girl Riesling, was one of the show-stopping bottles from suppliers Vivas, served up by wine expert Louise Playle at a gourmet food and wine dinner at The Blackbird in Ponteland.

The characterful pub and restaurant is winning plaudits for its creative menu as well as the bar’s variety of wines and award-winning gins and spirits.

And showing off these skills, the kitchen teamed up with food supplier Bidvest to showcase the skills of the kitchen at an exclusive autumn/winter tasting dinner.

The dinner was in the atmospheric private dining area on the first floor of the historic restaurant.

The room, which is available for functions and private dining, is laced with quirky features that reflect its history - thick walls, solid beams and beautiful original leaded windows.

You sit back and in a moment can imagine some of the deeds and dealings these walls have been party to over the centuries. The place reeks of history and intrigue. If walls could talk, as they say.

If the talk was about this gourmet dinner they would have plenty to say. The end of a year always heralds the desire for rich food, comforting sauces and accompaniments, the seasonal greats.

And it’s a time when we’re ready to delve into robust reds, alternative whites and drinks offering a taste of adventure all their own.

Our dinner began with a nice local touch a glass of Durham Gin and Fentimans tonic, keeping provenance in mind.

The starter of confit of chicken and wild mushroom terrine brought a fine example of kitchen skills. The terrine meaty and full of the gutsy flavours of foraged fungi. It looked

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drizzle of maple syrup dressing. Lots of flavours going on here - so Kung Fu Girl arrived for the challenge.

Riesling brings some citrus flavours of lychee and peach, but also some mineral intensity able to deal with the rich flavours on the plate. In the other corner, Louise put forward Tuffolo Gavi, an intense dry white Italian, lighter in alcohol but with a crisp flavour.

Dinner continued to reflect the season with a main course that pretty much sang the season out loud. Cannon of Buccleugh Estate Lamb was served pink and had a stunning, intense colour to it on the plate.

Surrounded by sweet and slightly caramelised roasted vegetables and bathed in a red wine reduction jus, it exemplified the richness of the land and naturally demanded some punchy wines to accompany it.

It was time for the challenge of Lorosco Carmenere vs Castillo Clavijo Rioja Reserva.

Most of us know a rioja well, but carmenere is a lesser known variety. The carmenere grape is Chile’s most popular and offers up a lighter cherry/chocolate flavour than the deep and bold plum, tobacco and leather notes of rioja’s tempranillo black grape. The lightness of the carmenere works well with the lamb and the rioja with its berryish flavours was perfect with the meat’s intense reduction jus.

Desserts arrived at the table with a flourish.

The trio of desserts included a zingy lemon posset so it was interesting to know which wines would play out with this - and the sweeter tart au chocolat and chocolate brownie with raspberry coulis and whipped cream.

A spritzy Little Eden Moscato from Australia offered up a real contrast to what we expect from a dessert wine. This could also play out as a real light, summery drink and is great with lighter deserts. A floral nose makes it easy-drinking and refreshing at the end of a meal.

Definitely offering up a contrast, Els Pyernaus Muscat de Rivesaltes is a more robust, traditional dessert wine; a sweet wine with aromas and flavours of ripe fruit and gentle and brilliant yellow colour.

With the cheeseboard came a wine pairing surprise - a New Zealand Maota Bay sauvignon blanc - as well as the traditional port - for this menu, Taylors late-bottled vintage.

Some say sauvignon blanc and goats cheese are a match made in heaven. The crisp sauvignon also works well with salty feta or even a pungent cream cheese, so there you go, be adventurous next time the cheeseboard is set out.

A few lessons learned - and tasted from a memorable gourmet dinner.

The Blackbird, Ponteland www.theblackbirdponteland.co.uk

a picture and an added bite came from punchy tarragon crème fraîche dressing.

The wine-tasting fun began with the game of champagne vs prosecco. It wasn’t about good or bad, but about appreciating the subtleties as you drank them side by side, said Louise.

With champagne it’s all about a meaty, toasty mouthful, ‘big’ flavours. With the ever-popular process you’re talking a lighter drink with an appealing and accessible fruity flavour.

For the fish course it was time for beautifully soft scallops with a gentle caramelised edge served with a roasted cobnut salad and a

The characterful pub and restaurant is winning plaudits for its creative menu and variety of wines and award-winning spirits

JAN/FEB16

FORWARD FOOD

Chef’s table The future is looking bright for Raby Hunt

We tune in to 2016 celebrating an amazing year at Raby Hunt with a healthy awards list that has seen us have our most successful year yet. Not that you can ever rest on those laurels.

But, our roll call this year makes the team happy! 51 in the National Restaurant Awards, 1 Michelin star in the top 50, in the Good Food Guide for the first time and 17 in the Sunday Times’ Top 100 Restaurants.

BIG NIGHTS >> We’re getting to grips with our new development nights at the Raby Hunt and will be holding them every month.

We get guest chefs along to share the cooking and bring their own ideas for dishes - it also gives my chefs encouragement and the chance to experiment a bit.

These development nights are popular in London and happen often, not so much here in the North East, which is why I am keen to get them going.

The last one we did was with the folks from Smokin’ Goat, who did some fabulous barbecue dishes such as scallops in their cell cooked in the embers and served with a chilli blended nam sauce.

We did a truffle menu for another development night with white truffle in season. These truffles are about £2,800 a kilo at the minute - one of the most expensive ingredients going. We bought 100g and used the truffle with a raw beef dish and squab pigeon dish and made amazing barbecue potatoes. We made potato cons, filled them with a potato foam, then put truffle and oil over.

We had chef Dave Coulson from Peace&Loaf join us and the next development night will be on January 31, when we have Tommy Banks from the Black Swan at Oldstead coming along.

We’re going to cook small plates and will do seven each.

THE FUTURE IS ORANGE >> For 2016 we’re bringing in a new sommelier Jim Conway and are taking a new look at the wine list. We’re particularly excited about Orange wines, which are having something of a moment of their own.

They are so named because of their colour rather than their contents; white wines made using the same principles and methods as red. The skins are left on, producing tannins and leaving the wine spicier, and more herby than most.

Made by small, dedicated producers, our favourite is the La Maceration du Soula Vin du Fenouilledes.

CHART TOPPERS >> I’ve been thinking about my best meals of the last year - the most memorable food moments.

So here goes - my top five of 2015...

5. The Fat Duck. Heston’s place re-visted and a standout dessert was part of the whole ‘day out’ menu. Botrytis Cinerea was the ‘floating cloud’: Saffron, fenugreek, citrus Roquefort cheese, chocolate and pear. Amazing and maybe in my top ten dishes ever.

4. The two Michelin star Araki in London has only nine seats. We ate tuna tartare and it was front of us - they made their own mayo as we sat there and minced the tuna then served it with white truffle.

3. The macaroon starter at Restaurant Frantzen in Stockholm. A combination of saffron, foie gras and date.

2. At Hedone, London, one of my favourite places. Devon lobster with hollandaise, coral and potato mousseline.

1. Naranjo en Flor from Mirazur, a two Michelin star restaurant outside of Monaco.

An amazing desert made from orange blossom, saffron, orange sorbet and almond milk.

BIB GOURMAND WITH HARRIETT CLOSE >> Here you see me at one of my favourite haunts, Pizza Express with my cousin Thomas. You can’t eat Michelin food every day after all, can you? And there are no lollies for pudding in daddy’s place.

I had exciting Christmas food though (especially the chocolate tree decorations) something called a poussin all for me - it is a small bird for a small person to eat. Tasty.

SEASONAL SHOWCASE TASTING MENUS 2016

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Indulge in one of our overnight packages, starting from £199.00 per couple. This Includes: A romantic Valentine’s 4 course dinner with arrival drinks alongside live entertainment. & Overnight accomodation & breakfast.

Our Seasonal Showcases, which take place the first Wednesday of every month, feature a six or sevencourse tasting menu and celebrate an ingredient, a type of cooking or time of year. Upcoming Showcases in 2016 include: 3 February 2 March 6 April 4 May 1 June 6 July 3 August 7 September 5 October 2 November

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From £38 per person, with an optional flight of wine from £25 per person.

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JAN/FEB16

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COSY UP

Mariemeili T-shirt Bra, £20, House of Fraser Mariemeili Hipster Brief, £8, House of Fraser Gray & Willow Hem Harper Scarf, £89, House of Fraser Elle Blissful Bedtime Socks, £8, House of Fraser

RELAX IN LUXE LAYERS AND GET THAT COSY HYGGE FEELING WITH CHUNKY KNITS, FLUFFY SOCKS AND CHIC PYJAMAS

FEEL-GOOD FACTOR

50

JAN/FEB16

COSY UP

Gray & Willow Tillie Jumper, £75, House of Fraser Linea Truffle Pyjama Bottoms, £25, House of Fraser

52

JAN/FEB16

COSY UP

DKNY Knit, ÂŁ215, Fenwick Eileen Fisher Boyfriend Jeans, ÂŁ160, Fenwick

Celebrating 15 years of fine hand crafted, precious jewellery.

Marianne Saunders and Robert Pughe create beautiful ranges in silver, gold and platinum.

Specialising in fine diamonds and rare coloured gem stones, gorgeous pearls and Danish watches.

Showcasing an extensive range of European designers

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

JAN/FEB16

53

COSY UP

(Left): Eileen Fisher Cape, £310, Fenwick Eileen Fisher Smoke Blouse, £195, Fenwick Eileen Fisher Smoke Trousers, £210, Fenwick (right): Joseph Knit, £275, Fenwick Eileen Fisher Bone Trousers, £150, Fenwick Calvin Klein Perfect Push-up Bra, £36, Fenwick

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JAN/FEB16

Mariemeili Bra, £20, House of Fraser Mariemeili Hipster Briefs, £9, House of Fraser Fraas the Scarf Company in Mid Grey, £100, House of Fraser

JAN/FEB16

55

COSY UP Photography: Kevin Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk Hair and Makeup: Tyne Tees Models www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk Models: Lauren Marshall and Emma Davies www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk Stockists: Fenwick, Newcastle www.fenwick.co.uk/stores/newcastle House of Fraser at intu Metrocentre, www.houseoffraser.co.uk Location: Holly Hut at Hesleyside Huts, Hesleyside, Bellingham, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 2LA www.hesleysidehuts.co.uk Hesleyside shepherds huts offer luxury camping within the grounds of the historic Hesleyside estate, in the heart of Northumberland National Park.

Nestled in their own copse, each hut is cleverly-designed and beautifully decorated, providing five-star comfort and luxury.

(left): Linea Kensington Jersey Pyjama Top, £20, House of Fraser Linea Kensington Jersey Pyjama Bottoms, £25, House of Fraser Therapy at House of Fraser Patterned Socks, £7, House of Fraser 56

(right): Linea Paisley Woven Pyjama Top, £20, House of Fraser Linea Paisley Woven Pyjama Bottoms, £25, House of Fraser Elle Blissful Bedtime Socks, £8, House of Fraser JAN/FEB16

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SPRING STYLE

TREND WATCH Catherine Newton reveals key trends for SS16 Victoria Beckham dress, £750 Kate Spade bag, £205

Luisa Cerano wrap, £199 Eileen Fisher top, £195 Luisa Cerano trousers, £259 Mulberry bag, £495 LK Bennett shoes, £170

Spring 2016 has finally arrived and this season you’ll find that the fashion world has been divided into two distinct tribes.

Here’s my list of the key players.

From bright colours, bold patterns and sharp tailoring in one corner, to flowing silk and fine knits in the other, this season sees the emergence of two very different core trends.

Here are seven of my favourite designers with unique takes on these key trends…

BRIGHT AND BOLD >> Victoria Beckham Queen Victoria has done it again. This season sees the unofficial leader of the British fashion pack release a collection that is both grown up and playful. The stand out piece from Beckham’s SS16 range is a stunning hot-pink floral mini dress (pictured).

Marking the designer’s first real experiment with print, the sculpted dress has deep pockets and is cut from luxurious duchess

satin. The vibrant and bold floral print is offset by the graphic black neckline and sharp structured shape. We’ve styled the dress with a Kate Spade bag which would make the perfect wedding guest outfit, but this is a really versatile dress and can be easily dressed up or down – a real investment piece.

Boutique Moschino For SS16 Jeremy Scott has presented his own, fashion-forward take on traditional tailoring and the classic tweed jacket. As you might expect, the result is far from ordinary.

Sleek tailored black dresses take inspiration from 50s Italy, but they are bought right up to date by the distinctly 80s prints in floral designs that are splashed across the fabric.

Tweed jackets are kept prim and proper in silhouette, but hot pink, pastel yellow and turquoise make up the colours of the fabric.

These vital twists ensure that Scott’s creations make a statement while remaining easy to wear.

Spring 2016 has finally arrived and this season you’ll find that the fashion world has been divided into two tribes

58

Paul Smith coat, £489 Victoria Beckham top, £245 Joseph jeans, £185 LK Bennett shoes, £195

Paul Smith The SS16 collection by Paul Smith features stunning tailored pieces in bright green and cool blue. Innovative fabrics, including delicate mesh and textured wool with a waxy finish, make this range one to watch. Look for their ‘key collection piece’, a pale blue, slightly oversized, cocoon coat with a collar lined in lime green (pictured). These refreshing colours scream new season and will ensure your wardrobe stays up to date this year.

Sportmax Discover bright floral prints with Sportmax’s gorgeous SS16 collection. The label’s range of exquisitely tailored dresses and shirts are all finished with a delicate pattern that adds a touch of femininity to their structured designs. Wear with their oversized woollen coats, which are tied with a rope belt.

What says spring better than a nautical finishing touch?

COOL AND UNDERSTATED >> Eileen Fisher Luxurious silk tops, fine knitted sweaters and flowing cashmere pashminas make up the SS16 collection by New York based Eileen Fisher. This subtle collection is perfect for those who want to build a wardrobe that effortlessly flows between the seasons.

Famed for encouraging their stylists to layer sweaters and scarves over their iconic white

shirts, this is THE label for those who are looking to build a wardrobe that never goes out of style.

Luisa Cerano Known for their glamorous style that can be dressed up or down, the SS16 range by Louisa Cerano does not disappoint. Light longline jackets will prove to be the perfect transitional pieces as we move out of spring and into summer and their range of tweed dresses and tops is just so versatile. One of my favourite items from their collection is a stunning pair of soft metallic tailored trousers (pictured). They are slim leg and slightly cropped at the ankle, making them perfect for a day in the office or a night out with friends.

Joseph Silk dresses with neat black belts in the most delicate tones of pink and off white form part of Joseph’s stunning SS16 collection. The label has also released the most beautiful range of slim leg jeans, including a pair in bright white that you just have to try! This is the brand you need to take on holiday with you so invest now to get ahead of the rest of the fashion set.

Visit the Fenwick French Salon on the First Floor to explore our SS16 collections in full.

Catherine Newton is Head of Womenswear at Fenwick Newcastle.

JAN/FEB16

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SMILE!

MOUTH MATTERS WITH DR ONKAR DHANOYA

Early days The Liz Earle Spa in Leeds is something of a best-kept secret. Definitely worth making the journey

Dr Onkar Dhanoya is clinical lead at the award-winning Osborne Dental Group and is principal dentist at dental health and wellbeing practice Ponteland Dental - a beautifully restored 19th century building at Bell Villas in the heart of Ponteland, providing private treatments, cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics.

Dr Dhanoya has more than 30 years of dentistry experience, sits on the board of the Faculty of General Dental Practice and holds a fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons (London).

BRUSH UP ON YOUR DENTAL HEALTHCARE IN 2016 Now that the festive season is over, January is the perfect time of year to make a fresh start with your dental healthcare.

Did you know that a healthy smile is the very first thing that people notice when they meet somebody new? With this in mind, it’s just as important to adopt a good dental care routine as it is to exercise regularly and to eat a nutritious diet.

As dentists, we see your mouth as being a window to your overall state of health, and we find that patients who step up their efforts to look after their teeth and gums also start to think more carefully about how they’re treating the rest of their body too.

If you work to improve your standard of oral health, you’ll soon see that your whole body will benefit from your choices. For example, if you cut down on your sugar intake to protect your teeth from decay, then you’ll also prevent blood sugar spikes, boost your energy levels, see your skin improve, and most likely lose weight.

At Ponteland Dental, we’re very proud of our holistic approach to dental treatments.

That’s why, when we welcome a new patient to our practice, we take the time to understand their mental and physical wellbeing by studying their medical history.

If you’d like to make a fresh start with us in 2016, we’re currently offering new patients a comprehensive dental assessment for only £25, which includes: • Oral cancer risk assessment and screening • Gum check and gum disease risk assessment • Tooth decay check and tooth decay risk assessment • Tooth wear check • X-rays (if required) • Jaw joint, muscles and neck glands check • Cheek, tongue and throat check • Scale and polish After we complete your assessment, we’ll provide you with a detailed report, including a fully tailored health and hygiene programme based on your diet, oral hygiene routine, lifestyle, health status and requirements. After all, it’s not just about your teeth – it’s about you.

So, why not start 2016 off in the right way by putting a healthy smile at the top of your list of New Year’s resolutions!

To join Ponteland Dental, and to book an appointment for your £25 dental health assessment (for new patients only – valid until 29 February 2016), call us on 01661 821 412 or email info@pontelanddental.com.

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

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There is something wholesome about the Liz Earle brand. A squeaky-clean sense of well-being that comes with every wipe of those famous muslin cloths.

The company’s beachy HQ is in the Isle of Wight and a sense of that fresh-air location is brought to bear in the centre of Leeds at the Liz Earle Spa in the city’s lovely Victoria Quarter.

The store has bleached wood surroundings and bright seaside blue and mauve fittings. It feels light and welcoming over its three floors.

Every Friday it’s cake day, so you’re invited for a tasty bite of a chocolate brownie or some such sweetness to enjoy with a closer look at the latest products, plus some ‘playtime’ with them.

The store covers three floors and is a vast space.

The ground floor is a ‘dash-in and grab your hot-cloth cleanser’ area. Head to the first floor and there’s a more expansive shopping area with low seating, lots of well-being books, a botanicals ingredients bar and more browsing space - plus those Friday munchies.

Stairs take you to Liz Earle: the next level in every way.

There you find an airy reception area for pre-treatment consultations and then four treatment rooms.

The beachy theme continues in the rooms with seascape prints on the walls as you drift away into treatment heaven.

As you would expect, the treatment menu is all about the company’s products, offering a neat selection of six treatments from a quick-fix back massage to an indulgent 90-minute results-driven signature experience.

And it was this Signature Facial that we tried out.

I have to say, it was one of the best treatments I’ve had: not least because it felt very like a targeted one-off.

This isn’t a softly-softly treatment. It is intense and

you literally go under the microscope to let the therapist really see what’s going on.

After a good cleanse (of course), your skin goes to the next level with real deep-cleanse treatment that includes steaming and then manual extraction - words to make the heart sing in a beauty salon. After all, it’s great for an expert to get to grips with their tools and really dig deep to reach the parts you don’t reach with your nightly home ritual (if indeed you have one of those).

Yes we’re talking serious pore-probing here.

With the help of steam and suction, skin gets a new life thanks to this mix of luxurious pampering and technical expertise. It’s a good approach for skin of all ages too - I imagine it would be great for young skin.

You’re lying there with your eyes closed while all this magic is happening. There’s a session of high-frequency antibacterial cleansing then the pleasant sensation of vacuum suction to plump the life back into your skin - especially good if you’re a victim of dehydration.

While a mask works its magic, you get a ‘pampering’ shoulder massage. I use the term advisedly. I had very crunched up shoulders - I always do - so a shoulder massage is one of my go-to treatments. Boy, was this firm. Be careful what you wish for I thought as I whimpered through the rigours. But it works and it’s why you’re lying on that nice warm bed.

Once you’ve had the massage, the treatment goes back to the realms of lie-back luxury and pampering as reviving treatment products are applied to your now brilliantly-clean and glowing skin.

This was a really thorough treatment and one to be recommended. The whole store has been open a few years now which I didn’t realise - it’s certainly worth a visit.

Treatment, 90 minutes, £120 http://uk.lizearle.com/treatment-rooms-menu

JAN/FEB16

ME TIME

LIVE WELL WITH JILL RUSSELL

Beauty:update New year, new you? There’s a thought. Bring in the bright to get your sparkle back on course GOLD >>

It’s 2016 and the year ahead is paved with good intentions, take it from someone who knows!

After the excesses of Christmas, it’s almost a relief to start thinking about getting in shape or just de-stressing.

It’s easy to be bamboozled by all the feel-good and do-you-good advice out there. In reality, just giving yourself a bit of space and time world wonders.

Don’t underestimate the power of a massage, which really is an effective way to reduce pain and muscle tension, with studies showing that it is also beneficial to everything from anxiety to digestive disorders.

There’s nothing wrong with promising yourself a bit of ‘me time’ and giving yourself time to relax can be worth its weight in gold. You’ll feel reenergised, with the knock on effect that you can approach every other area of your life with renewed vigour.

Stress is definitely a modern day scourge and, if one of your resolutions was to try and eradicate it from your life, you may want to have a look at a coping mechanism like mindfulness.

This therapy centres on focussing on the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, with really impressive results which can lead to lower stress levels. It’s also proving a real help to anyone suffering from anxiety or depression.

While the thought of going to a gym may cause a few groans, gentle exercise will not only help you get fitter, but make you feel better.

Medical research shows that physical activity releases endorphins – a chemical which creates a feeling of positivity - and can really improve your outlook on life.

And chances are, if you start 2016 feeling that way, it will pave the way for a great year ahead.

At the Spa at Ramside we’re all about making you feel better and remembering all of those failed new year vows inspired me to create Rock That Resolution - one of a number of special packages guaranteed to support you through that rocky period when your will is beginning to waver.

The result is three solutions to three very different promises, depending on whether you’ve pledged to train more, spend more time with a loved one or allow more for yourself.

More Time To Train offers a 20-minute induction with a personal trainer, followed by two one-hour personalised training sessions. More Time Together is a morning spa experience for two with use of all the facilities for four hours.

And anyone wanting to give number one a relaxing break needs to opt for More Time To Treat Yourself, a full spa day with a brunch on arrival and a choice of a 45-minute personalised facial or massage.

They’re not bad resolutions to face the year with!

Use this year to look after yourself and hopefully everything else will fall into place.

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

62

In the words of Tony Hadley, you are gold. All it takes is a few droplets of the uber-pricey and extravagantly named Cellular Radiance Perfecting Fluide Pure Gold from La Prairie. Apparently Cleopatra slept with a gold mask on her face every night to enhance her complexion and skin glow. La Prairie people dip into the precious metal for products which promise to help revitalise and perfect skin’s appearance. On counter in Fenwick, £355.

SOS >> An instant eye de-puffer sounds like a must-have in your New Year armoury. Clinique’s roll-on De-puffing Eye Massage, £23, does the trick. Slap it on. On counter now.

<< SMOOTH AND SOOTHE Murad introduces two brand new additions to its coveted Anti-Aging Blemish Control range, which is designed to tackle both blemishes and fine lines in adult skin. The Advanced Blemish & Wrinkle Reducer, £45, and Anti-Aging Moisturiser SPF 30, £42, work in harmony to boost collagen and clear imperfections, thanks to a potent blend of pore-friendly acids and antioxidants. Get yours on counter at House of Fraser, intu Metrocentre.

UPLIFT >> Experience a luxurious lift from Creme De La Mer. The Lifting Eye Serum combines red-algae technology and other sea-based actives to help smooth, tighten and lift the eye area. Apply evenly with the nifty cooling applicator and say goodbye to post New Year puffiness. £180 on counter.

YOUTH INFUSION >> Origins are bringing a whole new meaning to face masks with the arrival of their new Plantscription Powerful Lifting Overnight Mask, packed with potent natural ingredients to firm and sculpt sagging skin. The thick gel-cream texture melts into the skin and absorbs in seconds. A thick layer before bed equals firmer skin come morning. £52 on selected counters.

<< PICTURE PERFECT Stila’s Illuminating Liquid Foundation is great for anyone dreaming of a camera-ready complexion. The semi-matte finish evens and sheers out shiny skin in just a few swipes.

The formula also contains tiny light-reflecting crystals to bring life to dull skin. £12 at The Beauty Outlet at Dalton Park.

JAN/FEB16

Winter

Warmer

SPA DAY

indluldge

and be pampered With out Winter Warmer spa day. just £59pp Escape and chill this winter with this great value spa day with a soothing winter warmer massage, ideal for those in need of some pampering.

• 50 minute indulgent treatment including and invigorating body brush, tension-releasing shoulder and scalp massage and a relaxing mini facial • A complimentary ESPA gift worth up to £19 • Detoxifying smoothie on arrival • A delicious light lunch • Use of our health club facilities including swimming pool, sauna and steam room • Snugly robe, slippers and towel for your ultimate comfort Plus you’ll receive 20% off any additional pre-booked spa treatment and 20% off any food and beverage purchased on your spa day.

Call 01434 673 193 and quote “winter warmer” to book your spa day.

01434 673193 | slaleyspa@qhotels.co.uk Slaley Hall, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 0BX QHotels.co.uk/winterwarmer

SLALEY HALL Hexham, Northumberland

Terms and conditions apply and offer subject to availability. Offer valid Monday – Friday from 4th January – 26th February excluding February half term. 1 x ESPA gift is subject to availability and will be given to you on arrival to the spa. For full terms and conditions visit QHotels.co.uk/WINTERWARMER

REVITALISE AND STIMULATE A HEALTHY COMPLEXION WITH A COSMEDIX CORRECTIVE SKIN TREATMENT. LIGHTENING, TIGHTENING AND BRIGHTENING. Cosmedix Advanced Med Facials are medical strength facials that offer the latest in skin treatments, using non-traumatic, gentle, active ingredients to deliver amazing results on any skin condition including rosecea, acne, hyper-pigmentation and sun damage.

SPECIAL OFFER HALF PRICE Cosmedix Med Facial worth £46 at Saks Beauty - Gosforth -

NOW £23 This special offer is available throughout January and February - T&Cs apply.

167 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1HE. The Beauty team is now located just down the road from Saks Hair to book or speak to one of our skin proffesionals, call 0191 340 0420.

JAN/FEB16

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SKIN SOLUTIONS

Go figure Here at Luxe we’re in the January land of the de-tox. This is one indulgent way to get that particular party started

Light fantastic

Kick start a new skin regime with powerful ‘really-work’ products

It’s not often you’ll hear a beauty therapist tell you that you don’t need moisturiser. We can already hear the gasps of horror from some quarters. It makes for an interesting conversation, a ‘that can’t be true’ kind of conversation. It might be the conversation to have with Leanne Swinney and Nicola Mark at Saks Beauty in Gosforth.

The pair lead the company’s treatment league tables for beauty therapists in the UK and are a refreshing pair to talk to about all things skincare.

It’s refreshing to know that they have been through it themselves. Both talk about having acne, scarring and real troubles with their skin. They will even bring out their ‘before and after’ pictures if you ask nicely.

This is one of the reasons they are a go-to for help with real skincare concerns, from teen acne to thread veins, excess oiliness and other imperfections.

At the heart of their approach is the devotion to a brand called Cosmedix. It’s perhaps a lesser-known brand, but one that relies on purity of ingredients, knowledge of the skin and how to re-balance it.

We’re all guilty of putting too much product on the skin. If it feels dry, we slather on more moisturiser, then that acts as a barrier to the skin’s natural oils coming to the surface and doing what they should be doing - moisturising.

It can be a cycle of damage which can be reversed by regulating the oil - hence the idea of not using moisturiser and letting the skin re-find its own level.

A tailor-made treatment plan will offer up a ‘dermal plan’ for the skin. It might start with a very deep exfoliation to ‘shed the dead’ and get the skin back to its natural state.

This might mean a couple of weeks of dryness as it rebuilds, but this is natural, say Leanne and Nicola.

It’s a point at which you can then kick-start the skin and get it behaving the way it wants to.

Though the Cosmedix range has a series of powerful serum and restorative products, the therapists do say that the ‘hero’ treatment is the Purity Clean exfoliating cleanser. This leaves skin refreshed without drying out and contains Lactic Acid with cooling peppermint.

The salon is geared up to offer tailor-made facials and remedial treatments and also recommends the Dermal light therapy treatment.

This is a 20-minute LED light machine which you lie under. The light stimulates the skin and can be good for regenerating the skin or treating problems such as spots and redness.

It works as a booster to the treatments and can be used as a one-off or a course of treatments combined with others.

Saks, High Street Gosforth 0191 3400420

64

The words ‘serious detox’ don’t exactly conjure up the notion of fun do they?

The commencement of abstinence, the austerity of pleasure and impending fortnight of broth and raw veg.

Pain for your pleasure springs to mind.

However, the people at Temple Spa who have devised the Serious De-tox Package for Wynyard Hall spa-goers, clearly want to be friends, not enemies, in the dark days of January and February.

And that means getting your body de-tox prepped with three hours of insatiable pampering in the name of purity.

The treatment is as good for mind as it is body with a ‘time-out’ session that although not quite ‘money can’t buy’ is pretty to close in terms of escapism - after all, other than at bedtime, do you ever get three hours to just lie in one place and give in?

Wynyard Hall’s sweet little spa only adds to the calm in its hideaway retreat location, with, on the day we visited, something of torrent of running by rather than the gentle waters that usually ripple alongside.

You start the de-tox experience in the sun-flooded conservatory going through body and skin concerns pre-treatment before heading off to the room that is to be your home for a good chunk of the day.

Serious de-tox begins with body brushing and exfoliation to get the sluggish post-party skin into action. The treatment uses Temple Spa products and these are laced with Mediterranean essential oil blends that revive, energise and stimulate the skin.

After body brushing, Sugar Buff body scrub removes the dead skin cells and leaves skin feeling really clean - you shower it off then head back to the treatment bed.

Then it’s time for a section of the treatment that aims to be results-driven. Using a wooden deep-tissue massager - called ‘No Pain, No Gain’, the therapist gets to work on the bits of your body that might be most affected by life’s toxins - the cellulite zones

of hips, tummy and thighs. It’s not painful but it is vigorous and active. It is now that a product called Go Figure is applied - this is a gel containing ginseng, guarana, green tea and pink grapefruit - active ingredients which should work wonders on bumpy cellulite so you’re that bit more toned and smoothed afterwards.

The gel is applied to thighs, tum and bum then you’re wrapped in foil whilst it works some magic. During this time you have a facial, exfoliation and face massage.

It is a long time to be lying still and so very easy to zone out into a nice relaxing headspace. The final part of the treatment is a body massage which addresses any concerns you have - such as those taught, tight neck and shoulders. It’s a great massage that means business - thorough, firm and intense.

Massage oil used was the Temple Spa Work it Out product with 21 essential oils to re-boot the system, encourage lymphatic drainage and stimulate circulation.

And at the end of the treatment some Aaahhh! cooling leg and foot balm is applied which definitely does what it says on the bottle.

At the end of all this when you’ve wafted in and out of sleep, you realise that three hours just isn’t long enough! It’s so easy and once you come round, you feel like a silky smooth new thing, ready for anything.

What makes it a great start to a new year de-tox regime is that you’re given a two-week de-tox programme which is a realistic diet that is definitely not a scary ‘fast’. The plan was commissioned by a leading nutritionist for Temple Spa and includes realistic meals and snacks with plenty of fruit and vegetables to continue the ‘do you good’ approach to a healthy new year - it is an eating plan that you can return time and again.

Temple Spa Serious De-tox three-hour treatment, £175. To book contact The Spa at Wynyard Hall 01740 644811. www.wynyardhall.co.uk

JAN/FEB16

OH BOY!

‘LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS’

Happy New Year everyone! A lot of people find January a bit of a dull month with all the excitement over and not much to look forward to.

We on the other hand, always like to start our new year reflecting on all the great thing s that happened and look forward to the year with positivity and good vibes.

Last month we celebrated winning ‘Men’s Hairdresser Of The Year’ at the 2015 British Hairdressing Awards so it seems only fitting to show some shots from the winning collection.

Men’s hairdressing and the male groo ming industry has been and continues to be one of the biggest growth markets in the hair and beau ty industry.

More than ever men want to look groomed, ontrend and fashionable. Our winning collection ‘Portrait’ celebrates individuality and the personal style for the modern man. Whether it’s an undercut with heavy layers on top or a preci se skin fade styled to perfection, it’s definitely about owning your look and wearing it with confi dence.

2016 is set to be a super busy year for the Hooker & Young team with dates already in the diary for shows, shoots and education visits throughout the UK and internationally. Paris, Barce lona, The Netherlands and a tour of South Amer ica are planned. Flying the flag for men’s hairdressing is something our team is going to love as it brings a new dimension and angle to our presentations and allows us to showcase our work on a different level and to a whole new audience.

So girls, share the love of great hair and get the man in your life booked in for his new look!

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

JAN/FEB16

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COSY PLACES in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

Hygge & happiness >> Swedish treehouse chic

It’s a word that gives you a hug. Here’s how to get a bit of hygge cheer in the darkest months of the year

WHERE TO GET A HYGGE HIT >> Do DIY hygge by taking a camping chair, a flask and a throw or two to the beach, wrap yourself up warm and cosy and listen to waves crashing and splashing.

Swinton Park in Masham, North Yorkshire has a hideaway island perfect for hole-up

>> Tom Dixon scented candle, £55 www.tomdixon.net

A bit of hygge-chic >> Zach Klein’s book, Cabin Porn, is the ultimate in hygge habitation.

Who doesn’t fantasise about hibernating in a wood cabin somewhere cold, frosty and fur-filled? Buy from Amazon.

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in the world and hygge may have much to do with this.

Some outdoorsy hygge at A Place in the Pines in Thimbleby not far from Northallerton. Here you get a bit of woodland peace and quiet under canvas but with plenty of blankets to share and logs for the fire. www.facebook.com/aplaceinthepinesuk Get some hot tub hygge at Lake District.

Definite Scandi pleasures at Gilpin Lake House where six individual suites enjoy

>> Midnight blue goatskin cushion, £119 ww.amara.com

>> Cashmere throw £300 www.hush-uk.com

This funny little word roughly translates from Danish to mean ‘cosy’ but it’s so much more.

Stroking the dog in front of the fire, cupping your hands rounds steaming, spicy hot chocolate. Lounging in PJs most of Sunday eating comfort food. Happy hygge day to you.

Hygge - pronounce it ‘hoo-ga’ - has become

‘a thing’. Not going out, surrounding yourself with life’s comforts, good friends and many candles just about sums it up. January is made for hygge.

It is tactile, gentle, subtle and slubbycoloured. Its colours are winter-beach and its fabric are linen, soft cotton and cashmere. And it is about a sense of niceness too; ‘a cosiness of the soul’ as well as a heap of throws on a sofa.

Danes are said to be the happiest people

hygge. Hire the whole island and cross the little drawbridge into cosy seclusion. www.swintonpark

>> Cashmere socks, £45 www.hush-uk.com

<< Log basket, £115 www.amara.com

JAN/FEB16

>> Above: Gilpin Lodge woodland suites. Below: Swinton Park’s private island welcome in the Chef’s Room where you can have a private dining feast with ingredients that come from the producers based at the farm. www.vallumfarm.co.uk

a private lake and a cedar wood hot tub under the trees. www.thegilpin.co.uk/lake-house Hygge by the sea. Big coats and wrap-upwarm time. Take in the winter sun and seasidey grey-blue wintry colours from a perch at Riley’s Fish Shack on the sands at Tynemouth. Eat mackerel baps and catch that Northern euro grey-sky vibe. www.rileyfishshack.com Hygge to the hills. At Vallum Farm in Northumberland there’s a hint of a hygge

Hygge in the trees in Sweden. We’re lusting after a stay in these treehouses in Sweden’s Norbotten County. Chose birds’ nest-style or spaceship-vibe. In snowy settings and with funky furnishings and of course, sheepskin rugs on the walls and floors. Adults who say they’ve outgrown treehouses are lying.

You will want one of these in your garden.

There are six, stylish branch-hung dens at Treehotel where room service is delivered to your ladder. There’s much to love here: treks through lush boreal forest, huskydrawn sled rides and hot blueberry drinks in the snowy wilderness. Rustic Nordic cuisine and a possible peek at the Northern Lights; but really, what more could you want when you’re staying in the world’s coolest treetop dens? www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotel. treehotel

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ROOM TO ROAM in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

Big views inside & out A modern farmhouse with spectacular views gets a grand makeover

by Greatlook Design Studio

When a big old landscape is on your doorstep, you want more than a kitchen window to look through and enjoy it.

That was the case for the owners of this farmhouse high on the hills near Sunniside on the outskirts of Whickham which had a real ‘top of the world’ feel to it.

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The owners relocated from a property in Whickham when they decided they wanted some stables and horses.

A chance meeting led to them discovering a house with huge views and the ideal outbuildings for their ‘live the dream’ life, with fresh air and animals part of the deal.

It was the location and situation of the house they fell in love with: “It has amazing sunrises and sunsets and is so dark at

night because there are no streetlights.

“We call it out little idyll. It is in a lovely spot with Causey Arch and Beamish nearby,” says the owner.

The house was certainly a project. It was built in the 1990s in a farmhouse style, but needed a complete revamp.

The owners lived in it for a while so they could see how it worked and spent the first year or so getting the gardens

and stables sorted.

Once the horses were comfortable, they turned their attention to the human living space.

They called on the team at Greatlook Design Studio when they decided they wanted to re-configure the ground floor rooms and kitchen and get the most out of their living space.

“We wanted it to be ‘wow’ but we also wanted it to be practical. It is a house that needs to cope with a lot of muddy boots and some cocker spaniels too!”, she says. >>

JAN/FEB16

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Visit our newly extended/refurbished 10,000sqft showroom and let us make your dreams come true.

If you are looking for flair and innovative design it doesn’t matter what part of your home you want to improve. We can achieve what you are looking for and beyond, all under one roof. No need to visit showroom after showroom, it’s now all here!

Come and see all of our actual-size fabulous displays and discuss your ideas with one of our experienced designers.

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They managed to achieve the wow factor but also make it a house which works for the family.

A serious ‘wow’ comes in the form of a huge oak and glass garden room, which oozes into the landscape surrounding it and captures the expanse of peaceful countryside.

It leads from the newly-designed kitchen, “a place where we hang out all day,” says the owner.

It has the sociability and space that people tap into these days, leading off the kitchen making a relaxed and comfortable space where you can cook and chat and generally chill out.

The garden room was in the process of

being built when the Greatlook Design Studio team were brought in to design the other parts of the house.

The room has bi-fold doors that on sunny days open out to let the sunshine and fine views take centre stage.

The design of the kitchen makes the most of the shape of the house - there is a sense of ‘open plan’ with the hall and kitchen within the same space.

It was also essential, however, that the garden room could be closed off from the kitchen: “So the cocker spaniels didn’t think we had bought the fabulous Greatlook Design Studio sofa in there just from them to enjoy”, admits the owner.

“We completely left the design to the team.

I think sometimes you need coaxing to come round to ideas and you need to be helped to ‘think big’!

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We were quite limited with space because of limitation of the building, but they managed to give us masses of clever storage without it looking as though we have loads of cupboards. I’m not sure how they do that, but it works!

“When we started the kitchen they took us down to a granite supplier. It’s an astonishing place - I’d tell anyone to go there first and see the amazing granite they have, and then design your kitchen around it. We were blown away by it.

“You see huge slabs of granite and really get a sense of how it would look in a room, rather than a tiny square block of it,” the owner adds.

The clever use of space meant that storage was maximised thanks to the latest thinking in kitchen design - storage drawers rather than cupboards and smaller utensil drawers within deeper drawers - and making the most of every area of the kitchen.

The owners called on the Greatlook Design

Studio team to design their bedroom and were so impressed that they asked them to do the rest of the bedrooms in the house.

They also fitted new bathrooms and the owner was delighted with the result, making a home bathroom feel more like a spa.

“I think I am quite moderate in my tastes and would never have thought of having a grey bathroom, but they made me think outside of the box and put new ideas to me all the time. I really love the bathroom, it’s fabulous.

“It was like having a bespoke house fitting.

The team came and looked at the garden room and suggested a modular sofa. I thought the size would be far too big, but it fits the space perfectly and we use that room so much it has been perfect.

“I think sometimes you need coaxing to come round to ideas and you need to be helped to ‘think big!” www.greatlook.co.uk

JAN/FEB16

STYLE STATMENT

TREND WATCH with Chris Stocks, Pol Kefton Premium Design It’s the right time to think of glossy new things for the home

A new year, of course, means a time for a re-think.

Channel the latest interior design trends with these key looks.

COLOUR OF THE YEAR >> Gold.

STYLE >> Mix of old and new, drawing upon past interior design styles, vintage fashion and timeless pieces and combining them with contemporary features, contrasting looks, materials and textures, to create an eclectic style.

PATTERN >> Geometric trends are becoming increasingly popular within the home as they add a visual interest. These patterns can easily be incorporated into any style of design, both modern and traditional. For example, geometric floor tiles look fantastic as an accent in traditional interiors.

STYLE >> >> A Pol Kefton Italian kitchen, mixing timeless furniture door fronts with contemporary accessories. Mixing and matching metallic elements such as chrome trims with gold leaf door profiles.

METALS >> Shine with style by introducing metallic touches. Gold, copper, steel, brass and bronze – mix and match metallic elements to add glamour!

STATEMENT >> Incorporate typography and words, or single oversized letters, into designs to hint and create suggestions.

PRINTS >> ‘Outdoorsy’ prints are all the rage this year - any prints which can be found in nature, from animal print to floral print. Create a focal point with a few accessories or through textiles.

Focus on turning your home into a desirable space that oozes with style. Be bold!

GOLD >> BoConcept interiors with gold accessories.

PRINTS >> Pol Kefton Italian furniture accessorised with an animal print rug.

PATTERN >> Exclusive handmade geometric rugs by BoConcept.

Enjoy playful or elegant patterns and many different textures like knitted wool and cowhide.

METALS >> Statement piece. A Bisque Arteplano etched copper radiator. Functional yet stylish.

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

JAN/FEB16

Morpeth Bathrooms Unit 6B, Coopies Lane Industrial Estate, Morpeth, Northumberland, Ne61 6Jn Telephone: 01670 517638

Pol Kefton Home Unit 16 | 17 Sanderson Arcade, Morpeth Ne61 1Ns Telephone: 01670 503749

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DIG THIS

PLOT

with Darren Crichton-Jones, owner, Bradley Gardens, Wylam Tips to help bring your garden back to life this spring

The winter so far has been relatively kind, but be prepared that the worst may be yet to come. But, it’s time to get outside and check what’s happening.

Spring is slowly approaching and this means everything is coming into life and leaf, which makes it a very exciting time at Bradley Gardens. The early flowering Camellias, as well as some Magnolias, are coming through adding some instant garden glamour and our potted bulbs are popping up. Our stock of bare root trees, including fruit and hedging, won’t be available until March, so if there is something special you’re looking for come and see us and our garden team will be able to help.

• This is the last time for early season mulching.

• Time to prune back Buddleia’s - cut them back quite hard for best results.

• In our glasshouse we will be pruning our indoor Passiflora and Plumbago, as well as the glasshouse climbers.

• Cut back your Hibiscus fairly hard.

• Dead head any daffodil’s once they have gone over, this will help fatten up the bulbs, preventing them from wasting their energy on seed.

• It’s a good time to sow your seeds in the greenhouse, especially veg (even better with the radio on plus a steaming cup of tea and maybe one or two biscuits!) Visit our garden shop to view our fantastic range of seeds and potting equipment.

• Protect your emerging shoots of perennials from slugs and snails.

• It’s a good idea while out visiting Bradley, to take a pen and paper and make note of any plants that take your fancy - particularly trees and shrubs, that are in flower now.

You will then have a list of purchases for autumn planting.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

• Apply granules of controlled release fertiliser to permanently planted containers to provide season long nutrition.

January is the coldest month, so don’t forget about the wildlife in the garden. Keep putting out the food and water for hungry birds to get them through to the warmer period. It’s also the time that the garden needs protecting from frosts, gale force winds and heavy rain. Check stakes, ties, fleeces and other supports for damage and consider moving plants to sunnier positions to maximise light.

February starts to bring signs of the

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approaching spring with bulbs appearing and wildlife awakening as the days get lighter and the temperatures start to increase. There’s now plenty to do outdoors!

Prune shrubs and climbers, such as Wisteria as well as evergreen hedges, and start to repair and re-shape those tired lawn edges.

While this period is the least colourful at Bradley Gardens, it’s still exciting times as each day sees the start of new beginnings setting the scene for the glorious summer display ahead! www.bradley-gardens.co.uk

JAN/FEB16

CY

CMY

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LUXE LOCAL

Whickham

Though the mighty Metrocentre is on its doorstep, the former village of Whickham still manages to have a hideaway feel that reflects its age and history PROPERTIES >> Some nice stone-built houses in what is a small, prosperous commuter town which has grown from a village. A mixture of large suburban housing estates and private streets. The main street that goes through the town contains some shops, pubs and restaurants and St. Mary’s Church, the oldest building in Whickham.

Whickham means “homestead with the quickset hedge” and was mentioned in Durham’s equivalent of the Domesday Book, the Boldon Book in 1183.

Find lovely stone houses of the 1700s around Church Chare, while Front Street and Rectory Lane, are reminders of Whickham’s rural roots.

A windmill tower of about 1720 on a small hill in Chase Park is a landmark.

Modern Whickham has grown beyond the original village and stretches east towards Dunston Hill, north towards the Metrocentre and west towards the valley of the Derwent.

CONNECTED >> You’re so very close to all that Gateshead has to offer - MetroCentre and the Quays and to Newcastle city centre.

Bit of a nightmare on the A1 at the moment with roadworks hell but it won’t be forever and once all the roadworks are done you’ll be able to whizz up or down the A1 with ease, north and south.

Newcastle International Airport is close enough to hop in a taxi to your flight and for trains it’s a hop to Newcastle to connect with national rail services.

SHOP >> No missing the MetroCentre; spectacular shopping right on your doorstep with pretty much any high-street favourite you could wish for.

But in the Whickham itself you will find friendly independents.

There are shops for all your day to day needs, from the butcher to greengrocer, the vet and the beauty salon.

All of those handy shops that you can get to within a short walk, rather than

74

forcing the car out of the garage. The Original Bakehouse, Flower Design and Whickham Cards and Gifts are popular independents.

EAT >> Anyone you ask about Wickham will mention the name Jamdani Indian in Front Street where booking is essential at weekends and you often see queues out of the door.

Pagoda is a quirky Chinese and get your fill of basic Italian favourites at Santana’s.

Not too far away is the National Trust Gibside estate with its fabulous farmers’ market and regular beer and food events.

Whickham means “homestead with the quickset hedge” and was mentioned in Durham’s equivalent of the Domesday Book JAN/FEB16

LUXE LOCAL

property: three to choose Grand gardens Rolling lawns, a private drive and a property with lashings of character.

Washingwell House has big rooms, tasteful decor and lovely light-filled rooms.

£875,000

PROPERTY WATCH WITH DUNCAN YOUNG

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

Countryside views In the midst of farmland, this stone-built farmhouse looks like a rural retreat and is surrounded by paddocks, woods, farmland and a private enclosed garden. Lush flowerbeds and lawns, yet close to the city bustle.

£575,000 Sarah Mains

Lesson time The Old School House has left behind its desks and timetable and gets full marks for a very stylish renovation. Beautiful interiors and a sweet walled garden.

£425,000 Fine&Country

my local Tracy Walker is co-owner of Beamish Park Hotel and lives on outskirts of Whickham with husband Bill and their two children.

Three good things about living here >> Whickham is a bustling village within commuting distance of both Newcastle city centre and the Tyne Valley, and boasts a host of excellent local retailers and schools. A selection of pubs, bars and restaurants offering a multitude of cuisines including Indian, Chinese and Italian make for a relaxed, village-style night life.

The vibrant St Mary’s Green is the hub of Whickham’s shopping scene, and offers a variety of independent retailers including bakeries, a greengrocers’ store, a butcher’s with locally-sourced produce (and much recommended home-baked pies), several hair salons and a ladies’ fashion store.

Three things to do with visitors >> With magnificent views of Newcastle and beyond, the Sphinx Bar at The

STROLL >> Head for Gibside where The Column of Liberty, rising above the treetops, is the first sight visitors have of this impressive landscape garden, created by the Bowes family in the 18th century. Spanning 182 hectares, Gibside is a ‘grand design’ of spectacular vistas and walks.

Spot some wildlife at the The Derwent Walk Country Park where you’ll find a mixture of woodlands, meadows, wetlands, riverside

JAN/FEB16

Gibside Hotel in the centre of the village is a nice destination for coffee and home-baked scones.

The MetroCentre of course. With a wide range of shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities such as the cinema and a bowling alley), it is an ideal destination on a rainy day.

Just a few minutes’ drive from Whickham, Beamish Museum is the largest open air museum in the North of England. The museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the history of the region in a fun and interactive manner, ideal for the whole family.

An ‘in the know’ secret >> One of my favourites is a short 10 minute drive from Whickham, Gibside Country Estate, once home to the Bowes-Lyon family. As well as a beautiful chapel and stunning walled gardens, Gibside boasts a fascinating history and is a wonderful location for a relaxed country walk.

and reclaimed industrial sites all linked by the Derwent Walk. The Derwent Walk is the 11-mile track-bed of the old Derwent Valley Railway. It follows the Derwent Valley between Swalwell and Consett.

If you fancy some adventure, Wickham Thorns Activity Centre offers archery, assault course, climbing wall, high ropes, mountain biking, orienteering, skiing, sledging and tubing in 56 acres of woodland, walk ways and activities.

I think it’s fair to reflect that for many people the housing market in 2015 has been somewhat unpredictable. For the first time in many years we saw the lower value of the market rise in price in some key locations within the region. However, the top end of the market was less successful and experienced much smaller demand, reflecting some prices coming down on houses in excess of £1 million. The number of unit sales at that price level was poor in 2015 and it seems obvious that the very high price levels are not as popular as they used to be.

For many homeowners in the region, the cost of the recession has been long lasting. I am aware of many businesses that are now trading very profitably and successfully, yet still paying back overdrafts and shareholder loans from the poorer years.

I do hope that 2016 will bring a greater level of prosperity to the whole of the region.

I think there are some tremendous good news stories that are starting to emerge and opportunities which I think will create considerable wealth and an improvement in the total economy for the region.

As we experience increasing demand in the mid-price levels, the very top end of the market will start to look cheap, with extensive evidence of this already.

Some of the finest houses in the suburbs of Newcastle - the beautiful large detached mansions within Darras Hall and the Tyne Valley - are providing very good value for money. I think the gap between the supply and demand for houses of this kind over the next 12 months will narrow and we’ll see a greater number of unit sales throughout the region.

The late autumn statement was very encouraging to house builders, again indicating that we will have to build a considerable number of new homes within the region and that this will increase the choice and availability for buyers who are looking extensively for value for money.

In Newcastle, an example of one of the best new homes schemes within the region is that by David Wilson Homes at La Sagesse. This scheme has been incredibly successful, selling out some of their beautiful flats, townhouses and luxury modern mansions very, very quickly. It is due for completion towards the end of 2016. These magnificent houses will undoubtedly prove to be some of the most sought after within Newcastle.

Dependent upon the weather in January and in February, we often experience a very high and quick demand for properties. After the Christmas festivities have dwindled away, people look forward to getting their house and their work routine back to normal, to enable the focussing of their budgets to ensure that they can move home within the time period that they’d like to.

It is very normal for us to receive high levels of enquiries, viewings and offers in the early parts of January and certainly by early February we can be in our busiest sales month of the year.

We would encourage all those people considering a move in the new year to discuss the matter with their estate agent very early, to make sure their houses are well presented, that the interior and exterior of the property are ready for sale and that they have all of the certificates and guarantees that are necessary for their lawyers to do their paperwork.

We wish everyone in the region a very successful and prosperous 2016 and look forward to being able to help you with your property needs.

Duncan G Young Dip.Est.Man.FNAEA, Managing Director, Sanderson Young duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk 0191 223 3500

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SELLING THE REGION’S FINEST HOMES

Halton Grange Wall, Hexham

A stunning country home, extensively renovated and remodelled to create a magnificent large family house. The five bedroom property, which has stunning views, is situated in impressive grounds of 12.5 acres with extensive stabling, two paddocks, a professional workshop and outbuildings. This very special country house has a self contained one bedroom apartment and a superb leisure wing with swimming pool. EPC: E

Guide Price: £4 Million

Highfield Grange Newton

Highfield Grange, originally constructed circa 1985, enjoys a beautiful location within the attractive Tyne Valley village of Newton. The five bedroom property has been extensively refurbished and extended and enjoys a magnificent setting with superb views. The extensive grounds of circa two acres have tall mature trees, well stocked borders, terraces, a spa, summerhouse and lake with its own island and boat. EPC: D

Guide Price: £995,000

From Sanderson Young ALL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRIES TO 0191 223 3500 OR EMAIL: DUNCAN.YOUNG@SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK | WWW.SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK

SELLING THE REGION’S FINEST HOMES

Middle Leazes

Leazes Lane, Hexham Middle Leazes, set back from Leazes Lane, enjoys an elevated position with delightful grounds that extend to circa half an acre. The five bedroom house, which has an additional one bedroom guest annexe to the ground floor, is understood to date back to the early 1600s and has been extensively remodelled and extended to provide an impressive detached country home with a great deal of style and character. EPC: E

Guide Price: £895,000

Washingwell House Front Street, Whickham

Washingwell House, dating back to the mid 18th century, has been greatly renovated and extended to provide a very tasteful family home. The six bedroom property has great character and style with a recently refurbished kitchen/breakfast room, impressive interior design and great natural light. The private grounds include rolling lawns, fabulous borders, a raised vegetable bed, stone terraces, a courtyard and a double garage. EPC: E

Guide Price: £875,000

From Sanderson Young ALL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRIES TO 0191 223 3500 OR EMAIL: DUNCAN.YOUNG@SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK | WWW.SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK

HAPPY 2016 local, regional, national and international specialists in property marketing

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D L O

THE AVENUE, WYNYARD HALL ESTATE, WYNYARD

Contact: 01740 645 444

• Just some of the great success stories that got our clients moving in 2015. New stock of all house types required.

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GUNNERS VALE, WYNYARD

Contact: 01740 645 444

• If you would like to join our success in 2016 then please call for a free market appraisal or register on our database.

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HOLLY COTTAGE, STOCKLEY HOUSE FARM, DURHAM

Contact: 0191 384 2277

• Quality homes need quality people to realise their full value.

Newcastle 0845 459 6000

Durham 0191 384 2277

Wynyard 01740 645 444

Tyne Valley 0845 459 6000

Cumbria 0845 872 5453

residing@fineandcountry.com

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

creative and intelligent marketing of individual and country property

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...300 offices worldwide

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ROSEGARTH, LINDEN AVENUE, DARLINGTON

Contact: 0191 384 2277

• We have the skills, the contacts and unique local and national knowledge to sell your home

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D L O

Contact: 0191 384 2277

DENMAR, THE AVENUE, DURHAM • Our enthusiastic and professional friendly staff get results that get you moving.

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D L O

CASTLEREAGH, WYNYARD

Contact: 01740 645 444

• Don’t just take our word for it! “thank you very much for the professionalism shown throughout the sale of our home.

You guided us through with ease and would certainly highly recommend Fine and Country.”

Lakes 01539 733 500

Northumberland 0845 459 6000

sales@fineandcountry-lakes.co.ul

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk

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

LUXE LODGES

Super smart chalets with luxury price tags in some of the world’s top resorts. Superior slopes and plentiful powder guaranteed

Snow sanctuaries

professionals and beginners. Those longing for a lazy, relaxed break will be pleased to know that the chalet is only a short stroll (or a minute’s chauffeured drive) from the resort’s main lifts.

Chalet Le Rocher, Val d’Isere, France WHY WE LOVE IT >> Le Rocher is one of an elite group of chalets found in the peaceful area of Les Fermes de Val d’Isere. Nestled at the top of private road, it’s a safe haven for up to 14 guests, guaranteeing undisturbed tranquility and breathtaking views of the snowy Isère valley.

Loved by us for its intricately carved furnishings, made with rustic, reclaimed wood, and heavy sprinkling of twinkling chandeliers (you’ll find one in nearly every nook and cranny), it boasts both cosy, traditional good looks and contemporary charm.

Downstairs, you’ll discover a spacious living area, complete with a full DVD/Blu-Ray library, chic cowhide sofas and an open fireplace, while upstairs you’ll find seven Alpine-style bedrooms, each equipped with an en-suite bathroom and flatscreen TV. The wooden wonder is also decked out with outdoor heated steps to park your bum on, an indoor swimming pool and massage parlour, a grand piano and fully-stocked bar and a bubbling hot tub out on the balcony.

THE RESORT >> Val d’Isere is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world and those who won’t go anywhere else (including a raft of A-list regulars) know why. Thanks to its snow-sure slopes, which reach an altitude of nearly 3,400 metres, and renowned ski schools, the resort is a paradise for both

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BOOK >> Prices start from £21,950 for 7 nights, including full gourmet catering, including daily afternoon tea, champagne and canapés, and in-resort driver service.

For more information, visit www.ultimateluxurychalets.com

Chalet Chouqui, Verbier, Switzerland WHY WE LOVE IT >> The newly-built Chalet Chouqui is the ultimate getaway for big families and groups of friends looking to celebrate and get stuck into 2016’s ski season. It comprises two interconnecting chalets, sleeping 18 to 20, and offers uninterrupted views of Mont Blanc Massif - the highest mountain in the Alps.

Venture inside to discover 1,000 squaremetres of James Bond-like luxury; two sitting rooms, nine en-suite bedrooms and a list full of jaw-dropping extras. Our favourite features are the cinema room, the fullystocked wine cellar, the 15-metre indoor swimming pool (the largest in Verbier) and the outdoor terrace, which is packed with more than 20 sofas and sun loungers, a BBQ and fire pit and possibly the world’s most glorious hot tub. Perfect for alfresco dining and taking in the

views among the snowflakes.

The chalet is managed by nine dedicated staff members, including two professional chefs who are on hand to provide daily brekkie, afternoon tea, pre-dinner drinks and canapés and four-course dinners.

Oh, and did we mention that all drinks and champagne are included?

THE RESORT >> With its legendary ski terrain, spectacular mountain scenery and high-octane nightlife, it’s easy to see why Verbier is one of the world’s most famous ski resorts. Perched high above the Val de Bagnes on a dramatic south-facing plateau, the resort has played host to skiers of all abilities for generations and, today, is home to a thriving year-round community. Its nightlife isn’t half bad either; sip on cocktails at its popular aprés ski bars, or dig-in at its handful of Michelin-starred restaurants.

BOOK >> Prices start from £1,500 per person for the first week of the season (December 12-19) and £2,333 per person per week in January, based on 18 people sharing. Includes all meals, a 24-hour in-resort chauffeur service and in-chalet ski equipment fitting.

For more information, visit www.skiverbierexclusive.com

Chalet Carl, Lech, Austria WHY WE LOVE IT >> Masculine by name but certainly not by

nature, Chalet Carl is every woman’s dream, with its fully-equipped spa, underground beauty salon and treatment rooms and soft, sumptuous furnishings on every floor. More like a mountainside mansion than a ski lodge, the chalet, which sleeps up to 22 people, is located above the city of Lech (one of Austria’s most fashionable resorts), at the foot of ski hills.

Head upstairs and you’ll find seven bedrooms, each with a private lounge, en-suite bathroom and balcony, where you can soak in a deliciously deep roll top bath (our favourite) and enjoy the very Instagramworthy view of the surrounding mountains.

For those who fancy bathing quite literally in the snow, there are also two monster-size jacuzzis on offer out on the terrace to enjoy.

The pièce de résistance, however, has to be what lies beneath. Make your way down to the first basement for first-class pampering in the spa (you’ll find everything from saunas and steam rooms to frozen baths and ice fountains), a bit of warming up in the state-of-the-art gym and a few lengths in the tranquil spa pool.

We advise you end your evenings in the second basement, snuggled up in the movie theatre with the kids, or toasting to your trip in the wine cellar.

THE RESORT >> The town of Lech may be small, but come winter, it sure is mighty. Buried in the heart of the Austrian Alps, it’s now considered one of Central Europe’s most prized and elite ski resorts, as well as a great spot for those longing for smooth, sunny and treeless slopes. It’s also well suited to beginners and intermediates, thanks to plenty of nursery slopes and the famous White Ring ski circuit.

BOOK >> Prices start from £2,758 per room per night.

Includes airport transfers by limousine, all meals, ski passes and equipment, welcome massages, underground parking and chauffeur service.

For more information, visit www.lecollectionist.com

JAN/FEB16

LUXE LODGES

SKI AND BE SEEN “For skiing, you can’t beat the French resort of ChamonixMont-Blanc. We always stay at the Hermitage which has stunning views over Mont-Blanc, Le Brevent and the peaks of the Aiguilles de Chamonix. Chamonix’s three valleys provide great skiing for all abilities while the town’s many bars and hotels provide a great choice of aprés-ski. I first went with my family 10 years ago and we make our annual trip each year, although our group has now extended to include friends and partners, too.”

Laura Simpson, brand development manager at The Lakes Distillery HQ, Gosforth >> Chalet Le Rocher, Val d’Isere “Zermatt in Switzerland is my go-to resort. You’ll find three of the top 10 mountain restaurants there, including Chez Vrony where you’ll receive a warm and friendly welcome and superb food and wine. A bottle of Dezaley goes down beautifully with their homemade cheese, meats and angel hair pasta with truffle. For après-ski delights, Cuckoo Club is a personal family favourite. Behind it is Grampis, an Italian eatery with a very long waiting list and one that’s best done on an evening designated to shopping in the village.”

Varsha Sehgal, jewellery designer, Jesmond

>> Chalet Chouqui, Verbier

>> Chalet Carl, Lech

JAN/FEB16

“As a relative late-comer to skiing, only having done it for the last 12 years or so, for me it has as much to do with the perceived glamour of a ski holiday as it does with the thrill-seeking challenges of the pistes. My location of choice is Cortina in Italy. Its sheer beauty, effortless elegance and charm of its people and its unrivalled status as the jewel of the Dolomite mountain range all make it pretty hard to match.

To really live the dream so to say, we rent a chalet on the Via dello Stadio, five minutes’ walk (even in ski boots!) from the village centre.”

Tom Hedley, managing director of Newcastlebased creative agency, Hedley McEwan

“For the past 15 years I have skied with a large but somewhat diminishing group in Courchevel with my daughters, their friends from school at Newcastle High School for Girls and their respective parents. It has become as much a social event as a sporting one, especially now that the girls have left home and the effect of middle age indulgences has placed too much strain on aging joints. We stay at a Chalet Hotel called The St Louis – it used to provide the best value skiing experience in the Courchevel Valley. For me, one of the main reasons I loved skiing was for the thrill of the wind through my hair, but then my hair disappeared and I started wearing a helmet. In one phrase – in so many ways, skiing makes you feel on top of the world.”

Gordon Brown, head of commercial property at Gordon Brown Law Firm

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XXXXXXXX BIGGER LUXE

WELCOME!

Dancing, skating and treehouse tales...

This edition of Little Luxe is dedicated to getting out and about and being active. Little luxes everywhere have had enough of lounging around in cosy living rooms and snuggling in front of roaring fires – no matter how enticing that sounds to the grown-ups. No! Just like you larger luxes with your New Year activity plans, we’re up and at ‘em too. We want some active fun and we want it now!

Little Luxe x

with Nina Robinson

Dance it off >> I have to admit to being quite envious when I heard of my friend Charlie’s new favourite dance class. It’s mini street dance class, specially designed for little luxes aged two to five and even its name, Tiny Tempers, is super cool. Kids get a taste of hip hop, poppin, breakin and commercial street dance through lots fun and funky routines. Charlie definitely has the moves – just look at those shapes he’s throwing! Tiny Tempers runs at Great Park Community Centre, Newcastle, every Saturday and the organisers have lots of other fun sessions too.

Find out more tinydanceco.co.uk

Get your skates on! >>

Nina loves The fab beanie hats made by Lala & Bea. These super-soft merino hats come in a variety of traditional patterns with cute oversized pom-poms. The properties of merino wool means they’re breathable so little heads get neither too warm nor too cold – which is perfect for all that buzzing around we need to do.

They’re £24 and can be found at lalaandbea.com

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Roller boots were a big hit in the Robinson household this Christmas. Santa brought me AND my mum a pair!

I’d been desperate for my own set of wheels since having a go at skating at one of the weekly sessions held by an organisation called Skaters’ Club. This group organises skating sessions and roller discos across the North East every week and the friendly staff even teach you how to skate like a pro! As well as supplying some great tunes to spin around to, the team organises games and teaches skating skills. You can even work your way through a 10 grade scheme if you’re really serious about it.

Grown-ups are just as welcome on the skate circuit as kids, so there’s no excuse for mum to leave her new wheels at home.

Find out more about the weekly sessions skatersclub.btck.co.uk

Postcard from Nina’s treehouse >> Christmas always seems to be the time of year big people start thinking about holidays and I have an awesome suggestion for those of you with little luxes to impress.

Glamping in your very own treehouse, on a farm, by the beach – I know, it sounds too good to be true but it really is real!

Mention the idea of a holiday in the treetops to any small person, then stand back and watch their reaction! If they’re anything like me there will be lots of squealing and bouncing involved.

I speak from experience, having recently returned from a long weekend living like Huck Finn at Harvest Moon Holidays, a picturesque farm in East Lothian, Scotland, that specialises in luxurious safari tents and glamorous treehouses.

What a special place it is too! There are a handful of treehouses built in a crescent shape looking out over the rolling countryside and sand dunes. There are bunnies to pet, lambs to feed and chickens to provide lovely fresh eggs every morning. There are lovely woodland walks, a gorgeous stretch of beach and the little shops and harbour of North Berwick are just ten minutes away, if you ever get tired of endless space to run around or just fancy an ice cream.

Each treehouse is built on a raised deck so the bigger luxes can enjoy the views, the rustling trees and gorgeous sunsets as they wind down and you feel like you’re on your own little boat once you climb aboard! There’s a cosy living area and kitchen in the shape of an octagon and this is joined to your shower room and sleeping area by a covered walkway.

There’s no electricity, so you get lots of lanterns to light up your treehouse at night and there’s a wood burning stove to keep your living area nice and toasty. Best of all (according to me) are the tyre swings, hammock and love seat that hang from beneath the treehouse over the sandy floor – I spent ages dangling around down there thinking of my Enid Blyton books and the Faraway Tree.

Harvestmoonholidays.com

JAN/FEB16

BOW WOW FACTOR

POSH POOCHES with Alfie, helped by Elysia Agnew

Alfie loves HAPPY 2016 With January comes fresh starts, setting goals and new adventures – and never have these seasonal clichés been more relevant for Alfie.

Out with the decorations, the festive junk food and the drunken humans, and in with the fitness regimes, holiday plans and plenty of winter walks to work off that extra bit of Christmas turkey.

Bursting with festive treats and turkey dinners, Alfie is feeling motivated and is ready to get back into shape this winter.

We’ve all been there before – convinced ourselves that we will eat that bit healthier or exercise for that bit longer come January, but in reality, once our busy diaries fall back into place after the Christmas break, we fall back into the same old routine. But not for Alfie – he has his new year/new me strategy set out this year. Complete with a brand new winter jacket and the most stylish of walking accessories, he’s ready to bounce back for 2016.

This organised pooch has his eye on the goal this year.

The more walks, the healthier he’ll be and what’s more, he’ll make more friends along the way. Maybe I should take a leaf out of his book. As I write this, with big brown puppy eyes peering at me from over the coffee table, I’m thinking I should brave the cold and head for the fields. This old dog isn’t short of a few new tricks this year…

Happy New Year!

Alfie, your Luxe Pooch x

>> It’s time we went walkies…

Alfie is keeping one eye on the clock this year as he masters his time telling techniques.

I don’t think I’m the only one who has a dog that can tell the time. Whether it’s breakfast time, dinner time or time for his walk, he never fails to remind me if I am running late.

This Labrador clock is the perfect addition to your home, keeping you in check for your pup’s dinner and walking times. The clocks can be personalised to suit your pooch. www.thelabradorcompany.co.uk

>> Pampered pups…

Raithwaite Estate, Yorkshire Country Retreat A Paradise For Pampered Pets The Dog Spa at Raithwaite Estate in Whitby is the ultimate go-to for all your pooch’s pampering needs.

As one of the only luxury dog spas in the UK, your pooch can choose from an array of treatments and therapies that will relax, energise and rejuvinate them this winter. You can treat your hound to some doggy downtime with an overnight stay, too. The estate’s exclusive dog lodges come complete with underfloor heating, dog concierge and a tasty room service menu. www.raithwaiteestate.com

>> New Year New Pup… If like me, toys, chews, twigs and rocks are taking over the house after a large intake of Christmas presents, this is the perfect present for your pooch. These personalised toy boxes will keep your pet tidy this year. www.dfordog.co.uk Don’t forget to send in pics of your pooch’s holidays and days out via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/luxemag Twitter: @TheLuxeMagazine OR @LuxeyPooch Instagram: theluxemagazine

Luxe Pooch Q&A Top dogs Harvey and Hugo are our poshest pooches yet. As the ultimate role models for any ambitious entrepreneur; the duo are CEO and Chairman of PR and Marketing firm, Harvey & Hugo Ltd. It’s safe to say, Harvey and Hugo have made it. We take a look at their day-to-day endeavours as professional pooches.

Harvey says he is the magic behind the agency. He enjoys studying quantum physics in his spare time.

Hugo, on the other hand, enjoys the simpler things in life… eating jelly and sleeping. A treaty tennis ball will prompt him to open up to negotiations during business.

LUXE WALKS >> Harvey: I love taking in the rich heritage and beautiful scenery of Richmond. A paddle in the river is refreshing after a trot on the cobbled streets.

Hugo: Any big muddy field!

DOGGY DOWNTIME >> H&H: We both love snuggles in front of an open fire.

HOUND HABBITS >> Harvey: I’m very greedy and steal food.

Hugo: I love rolling in fox poo!

POOCH’S PERFECT DAY OUT >> Harvey: Cooked breakfast at Gleneagles.

Hugo: Mine would be Wimbledon – I LOVE tennis balls!

JAN/FEB16

PUPPY PAMPER >> Harvey: I love a warm bubble bath with soothing lavender aromas and a blow dry at home by my personal stylist.

Hugo: I find a roll in warm fox poo very soothing!

FONDEST DOGGY MEMORY >> Harvey: When gran was looking after me she accidently left the food cupboard open. I got in and ate all of the food!

Hugo: I got a bowl of jelly for my birthday.

PUPPY A-LISTER. WHO WOULD YOUR POOCH BE IF HE/SHE WERE A CELEBRITY >> Harvey: Hugh Grant Hugo: Steve Carell, particularly when he played Brick in Anchorman.

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SKY HIGH HOLES

golf:kit Wine with your round of golf? There’s a thought. Time to head for the hills.

STAY, PLAY, SPA >> Combine your golf with a family holiday to remember Golf and the great outdoors go hand in hand in Breckenridge, Colorado. The elevated mountain town, two hours west of Denver, is situated in the breathtaking glacier-sculpted Upper Blue Mountain Valley with average summer temperatures of 22 degrees, making it the ideal temperature for a day on the green.

Adding to its credentials, Breckenridge is the only town in the world to maintain a Jack Nicklaus-designed 27-hole golf course, with a clubhouse that sits at an elevation of 9,324 feet and offers far-reaching views over the mountain region. Visiting golfers even get an immediate confidence boost as they notice that their golf ball flies further and straighter than at lower elevations due to less air resistance.

Wine lovers will like the sound of Breckenridge’s Nine and Wine packages.

Sample and learn about selected wines every three holes. www.gobreck.com

ON THE RIGHT TRACK >>

>>

.99 44 m i, £ an ni.co Arm ma >> w.ar ww

>> Keep track of the best days on the course with Smythson’s grassy green Golf Notes book, with index sections for recording smart match play, £45. www.smythson.com

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PICK OF THE POLOS >> You can never have too many...

>> ww Dub w. arr du y, ba £4 rry 9 bo ot s.c

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>> BMW, £49 k www.bmw.co.u

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JAN/FEB16

INFINITI CENTRE NEWCASTLE 08/58 Mercedes B180 CDi Sport AMG 5dr

10/10 Mercedes CLC 200 Sport Kompressor 3dr

10/60 BMW 318D Exclusive 4Dr

• Ice Blue Metallic with Charcoal Trim • 1/2 Leather Sports Seats • Front Fog Lights • Air Conditioning • Cruise Control • Massive MPG • Alloy Wheels • Rear Spoiler

• Black with Two Tone Interior • Unique Two Tone Leather Sports Seats • 18” Twin Spoke Alloy Wheels • Facelift Model with New Style Lamps • Cruise Control • Climate Control

• Ice Blue Metallic with Charcoal Trim • Park Sensors • Full Leather Upholstery • 5 Spoke Alloy Wheels • Air Conditioning • Beautiful Colour Combination • Air Conditioning & Parking Sensors

CASH PRICE

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11/61 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDi 5dr

13/63 Toyota GT86 2.0D-4S 2Dr

14/64 BMW 116i M-Sport 3dr

11/61 Mercedes E350 Sport AMG Coupé 2dr

12/12 Audi A5 Black Edition 2.0 TDi Coupé 2dr

09/09 Range Rover TDV8 Sport 5Dr

• Bright Red with Contrasting Black Leather • Full Leather S-Line Embossed Sports Seats • Aero Styled Bumpers & Bodystyling Kit • Upgrade 19” RS Style Alloy Wheels • Dual Zone Climate Control • Cruise Control

• Bright Orange with Charcoal Trim • Tinted Glass & Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels • Rare And Must Sought After Pure Sports Car • 140mph Performance & Great Economy • Climate Control

• Bright White with Full M-Sport Interior • 18” Twin Spoke Alloy Wheels • Aero Styled Bumpers & Bodystyling Kit • Low Mileage Example • Sports Suspension • Not To Be Mistaken For Lesser Sport Model, This Car Is Fantastic

• Rare & Desirable Colour Combination • Full Leather Sport Luxury Seats with Electric Adjust & Lumbar • Mercedes Command Satellite Navigation & Bluetooth • AMG Alloy Wheels • Aero Styled Bumpers • Sports Suspension & Steering • Paddleshift Gearbox

• Bright Red with Contrasting Black Trim • 19” Rotor Alloy Wheels • Special Edition • Privacy Glass • BOSE Stereo

• Brilliant Silver with Black Leather Interior • Very Low Mileage Example • Touch Screen Satellite Navigation & Reverse Camera • Upgrade 20” Alloys Side Steps & Privacy Glass • Most Sought After Engine, TDV8, for Performance & Economy

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

£21,995

INSPIRED PERFORMANCE

Models shown for illustration purposes only. Subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Retail sales only. Subject to availability.

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Infiniti Centre Newcastle Middle Engine Lane, Silverlink Business Park, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear NE28 9NZ Phone: 0191 295 8686 www.infinitinewcastle.com Models shown for illustration purposes only. Terms and conditions apply.

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DRIVETIME

AT THE WHEEL Motors man Bob Arora plays with some serious cars

Local hero

Nissan’s new Q30 is rolling off the Wearside plant at some pace. We should be rightly proud of the new kid on the block

Infinit’s new Q30 is destined to be a real local hero.

The car that puts this car manufacturer firmly on the map in the UK. Best of all and a proud boast for us Northerners, it is being built on our doorstep at Sunderland’s Nissan plant.

The Q30 is firmly aimed at taking on the BMW 1 series, Mercedes A Class and the Audi A3. It looks very smart with its mix of saloon and small SUV. At its base, the car’s suspension and engine come courtesy of competitor Mercedes.

That’s a cosmopolitan mix of a Japanese car built in Sunderland with essential German components.

This mix of cultures mean the Q30 benefits from German efficiency, Japanese reliability and the solid build quality associated with the Wearside Nissan plant.

The car’s edgy interior makes a refreshing change to its competitors bland-looking alternatives, but the touchscreen infotainment system is a little bit of a let-down.

That said, it may be a little harsh on Infiniti as it really isn’t the worst I’ve seen and isn’t too bad considering it’s made up of Mercedes cast-off parts.

The Q30 is available in three trim specs. The entry level SE, the mid-range premium and the top of the range sport.

In its sport guise, the car looks a lot meaner. Lower, stiffer suspension twinned with aggressive bumpers means it panders to the younger target market. It’s not just the look that is boosted, though. The sport spec also means weighted steering, making the car feel more like a go-kart than a saloon come SUV. The best-selling engine in the range is likely to be the 1.5-litre diesel, which has been sourced from Renault with the other three engines available sources from (surprise, surprise) Mercedes.

It may not surprise you to know that the dual clutch gearbox

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is also supplied courtesy of Mercedes. A manual gearbox is available with smaller engines and larger engines get the option of four wheel drive.

I drove the 2.2-litre diesel engine, again courtesy of Mercedes. To be honest, it sounded quite agricultural. To try and address the noise and refinement issue the engineers at Infiniti have attempted to alter the acoustics by using noise cancelling technology. Having driven both the Q30 and the A Class and I can honestly say that the engineers’ attempts have worked as the Q30 is much quieter than the A class.

The Q30 is no slow poke either and has plenty of power to overtake in a seamless manner. The ace up the Q30’s sleeve is its fantastic handling. British road-proof suspension keeps passengers extremely well-cushioned on the worst of B roads and whenever you feel like driving the car in a sporty manner it really steps up to the plate and doesn’t disappoint at all.

At speed, the car really suffers from excessive wind and tyre noise and unfortunately not even the geniuses at Infiniti have managed to solve these issues.

The 1.5-litre engine really needs to be worked hard to make any real progress; the 2.0-litre petrol engine is slightly zippier but the pick of the three has to be the 2.2-litre engine.

The car’s top speed is 134mph and it gets to 62mph in a spritely 8.5 seconds.

In the right hands it should also average around 50mpg.

Passengers have plenty of headroom and the boot is also a decent size for most growing families. This car will definitely put Infiniti on the map, but it doesn’t quite beat the class leading Audi A3.

With prices ranging from £20,550 to £27,300 it offers value for money, too.

Anyone looking for something different to the boring German competitors should head on down to our local Infiniti dealership.

There will be one car on-site for viewing and driving ahead of the launch on January 16.

Car courtesy of Infiniti Centre Newcastle.

The mix of cultures means the Q30 benefits from German efficiency, Japanese reliability and the solid build quality associated with the Wearside Nissan plant

JAN/FEB16

The new Infiniti Q30

The new Infiniti Q30

THE FIRST PREVIEW INFINITI Q30 Born to Challenge

With its sleek and unique design and assistive technologies, discover how the new Infiniti Q30 stands out.

consumption between 4.5 g/km and 5.2 g/km*

STARTING FROM

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

£20,550 infiniti.co.uk #borntochallenge

*Official CO2 emission and fuel consumption figures are not available at the time of going to press. Results may not represent real-life driving results (which vary depending on driving behaviour, conditions and other factors). Q30 available for order from November 2015, and delivery from first quarter 2016.

2

Infiniti Q50

INFINITI CENTRE NEWCASTLE

The distance between your dreams and reality is called action... take a test drive today!

INSPIRED PERFORMANCE

THE FIRST PREVIEW INFINITI Q30 Born to Challenge

With its sleek and unique design and assistive technologies, discover how the new Infiniti Q30 stands out.

consumption between 4.5 g/km and 5.2 g/km*

5

YEARS 0% APR STARTING FROM REPRESENTATIVE FINANCE

£20,550

WITH NO DEPOSIT

PLUS, 3 YEARS FREE SERVICING

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

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Infiniti Q50 2.2 Cdi Executive Auto Saloon • Satellite Navigation • Rear View Camera • Alloy Wheels • Bluetooth© Audio Streaming • USB / iPod Connectivity • Dual Touch Screen (LCD VGA 8” and LCD VGA 7”) • Voice Recognition System • Start Stop System • Twin Exhaust Chrome Tailpipes • Push Button Ignition • Infiniti InTouch • Scratch Shield Paint • Cruise Control Ultrasonic Alarm System • Half Leather Seats • Air Conditioning

*

infiniti.co.uk #borntochallenge

Infiniti Centre Newcastle Middle Engine Lane, Silverlink Business Park, Tyne 9NZ *Official CO emission and fuel consumption figures are not availableNewcastle, at the time of going to press. Results may not representand real-life drivingWear results (which varyNE28 depending on driving behaviour, conditions and other factors). Q30 available for order from November 2015, and delivery from first quarter 2016.

Phone: 0191 295 8686 www.infinitinewcastle.com 2

Official fuel economy figures for the Infiniti range in mpg (l/100 km): urban 25.2 to 15.0 (11.2 to 18.9), extra urban 36.2 to 28.8 (7.8 to 9.8), combined 31.4 to 21.6 (9.0 to 13.1). CO2 emission: 307 to 238 g/km.

Visit your local dealer for full details. Infiniti Centre Newcastle is a subsidiary of Bristol Street Fourth Investments who is a credit broker authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Finance subject to status. Model shown for illustration purposes only. Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18s in the UK only.

Terms and conditions apply. Retail sales only. Subject to availability. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to assist with your purchase, who may pay us for introducing you to them. 5 years 0% APR representative finance is based on Hire Purchase. On the road price for the Infiniti Q50 range £28,650 - £47,240. Applies to models from stock only. *Terms and conditions apply.

I WANT ONE

Hand gestures BMW’s 7 Series is something of a plaything with lashings of dashboard toys - and if you’re in a tight spot it will even park itself...

Having owned most of the BMW range I am embarrassed to say I have never owned the 7 series; I have always classed it as the businessman’s choice, so it’s never really appealed to me. For over four decades the 7 series has always been in the shadow of the much more popular Mercedes S Class.

The 7 series was launched back in 1977- a full five years after the S Class - and it has been trying to play catch up ever since. BMW’s competitor has always been used as a technological and engineering show pony for what the German car giant can do. Last year Mercedes sold two S Classes for every 7 series that BMW shifted. Factor in brand loyalty and it’s no wonder BMW have found it hard to steal sales away from Mercedes.

I drove the the stunning 2015 edition 7 series to the Lakes Distillery.

It was on the tight and twisty roads to the Lakes that I realised this incarnation of the 7 series, with its handling and overtaking prowess it has serious potential to be the one that finally takes the S-Class’ crown.

BMW have ploughed big money into a whole new platform along with new construction principles and materials. An adaptive fully airsprung chassis and pioneering infotainment system help give the car a real fighting chance against the S Class.

It is clear BMW is trying to get the flagship model back to the state-of-the-art status the car enjoyed back in the nineties and deliver the knockout blow to Mercedes.

Buyers have the choice of either six cylinder turbo petrol engine or a V8 petrol engine or what will be the best-selling engine in the range, the six-cylinder diesel engine. The options don’t end there with two wheelbases and either a rear wheel drive or four wheel drive model available and next year, buyers will have another alternative in the form of a petrol/electric plug in hybrid version. A 2.0lt

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four-pot petrol engine is twinned with a powerful electric motor. This technology combined will emit a measly 50g/km of CO2 which for the size of this car is quite simply outstanding.

My car was fitted with BMW’s sport automatic gearbox.

Alongside the sport gearbox, launch control also featured and was a welcome way of enhancing the car’s sporty nature. Despite the car’s size it handled exceptionally well indeed, holding the road more like a hot hatch than a saloon.

In terms of power, the diesel engine hits 60mph in 6.4 seconds which is a full second quicker than the S class.

It also stops much quicker than the S Class.

BMW have gone to great lengths to make this car not only lighter but a real driver’s car. When you open the door you are greeted by a badge saying ‘carbon core.’ This carbon fibre shell isn’t like the i8 or the ones used in McLarens.

The use of carbon and aluminium help make this car 130kg

channels of the in car digital TV and it also doubles as a web browser that can be removed if necessary.

The designers have gone all out to make sure the interior matches the sleek, stylish bodywork. The switchgear looks and feels solid to the touch. The heads-up display is 75% larger than other BMW’s and the colour selectable ambient lighting looks great after a long day.

All cars get professional multimedia and navigation systems which are operated in one of three ways. Using the familiar iDrive controller, the touchscreen interface or via the optional gesture control. My weapon of choice was the gesture control. To be able to change station and up the volume with the wave of a hand was something I’ve never seen in a car.

Every version of the 7 Series is fitted with wireless phone charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, Navigation Pro, DAB radio, comfort seats and all round four-zone air con as standard. The car’s seats reminded me of the stitching found on Bentley’s with

It is clear BMW is trying to get the flagship model back to the state-of-the-art status the car enjoyed back in the nineties lighter than the outgoing 7 series, and it’s almost as quiet as a library even at speed.

The long wheelbase 7 series is exactly the same length as S Class, but the BMW beats the Mercedes for headroom and the car’s boot is also taller and larger than the Merc’s; truly a businessman’s dream!

Anyone wanting the 7 series for chauffeuring will need to decide on one of two rear passenger based options. The first is the executive package, priced at £2850. The second comes in at £4815 and is called the comfort package.

For close to £5k, rear passengers get heated and massaging comfort seats, rear seat backs also have tablets, they help control the intensity of the seat massaging to changing the

material quality and refinement that really is class leading.

Another great feature is the remote park function on the car’s remote control. If your parking space is tight, just jump out of the car and press the remote to watch the car park itself. The car’s laser lights double the range of the best LED lights and they won’t blind oncoming drivers.

The latest 7 Series not only looks sporty but it really is a fabulous car to drive, with the car’s technology really making you gawp and smile. If you are after a sporty drive and with luxury to boot then look no further than the BMW 7 Series.

Car courtesy of Lloyd BMW

JAN/FEB16

ZIPPY MINI

Mini minx

Small cars have more fun. Fiat’s 500X is neat but perfectly formed for a sporty little ride Before buying Sachins I used to own a franchise of Domino’s Pizza. I delivered pizzas every day so an economical and nippy car was the order of the day. The first car was the Fiat Cinquento. This purple flying machine was the ideal car for deliveries. I think the engine may have been around one litre but in this very light car it actually felt like a formula one motor! After

it went the journey I decided to stick with a Fiat and I changed to the Punto; a bigger car with a larger engine.

Going from a purple pocket rocket to what felt like a limousine in comparison, the Punto was a nice enough car to drive. It was also fitted with a city button; pressing this button lightened the steering and it made parking very easy indeed. The Punto was nowhere near as much fun as the Cinquento, but that’s the price you pay for comfort.

Fiat has always been an expert at making small cars, from the original 500 to the Panda they have continuously managed to make fantastic cars. The latest 500 has been a real sales success for Fiat, with over 200,000 being sold in the UK alone.

This brings me on to the car I have been driving. The Fiat 500X is a bit like a normal 500 that has been to the gym; it’s much more of a macho looking car compared to the girly 500. The 500X shares the same platform and mechanical hardware as the Jeep Renegade. The car’s competitors are the Nissan Juke, Vauxhall Mokka, Renault Captur and the Mini Countryman.

Fiat think the front wheel drive cars will be the biggest sellers in the range but a 4-wheel drive model is also available, called the 500X cross plus. There are also two other models available called Pop, Pop Star and Lounge. None of these models have the same amount of macho mouldings and skid plates that the Cross Plus models have.

Potential owners have the choice of four engines; three petrol engines and one diesel. The best seller is going to be the diesel; it gets to 62mph in 10.5 seconds and it will do an amazing 69.9 mpg. The petrol 1.4lt engine is also not only cheaper to buy, but it is also much more refined. It gets to 62mph in 9.8 seconds and it returns a very respectable 49.6mpg. A six speed manual gearbox is standard and is a very nice box to use indeed; owners also have the option of a 6-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.

All cars come with a touch screen infotainment system which includes Bluetooth and music streaming, air con, electric windows, iPod connectivity. Higher spec cars also get a 6.5” screen and SatNav, alloy wheels, parking sensors, drive mode selector, Bi Xenon lights and keyless entry.

THE NEW BMW 7 SERIES. DRIVING LUXURY.

The car’s cabin is much more mature with retro metal handles and elegantly integrated satnav. A body coloured decor strip runs along the dash and Cross Plus models get a textured finish.

There is plenty of space throughout the cabin and rear seat passengers have enough room on long journeys. The pelican beak door bins are much wider than normal bins. Thanks to the height of the car there is plenty of headroom throughout the car.

The boot is a decent size, but loading anything big or heavy can be quite hard as it is quite a height to load anything.

Driving at speed you can’t but help notice the wind gush around the windows another strange noise came from the rear suspension!

Driving this along country roads and you’ll notice how well it grips the road and resists under steer and body roll for a cross over vehicle. Pushing it through corners at speed and the ESP interventions are very subtle indeed, leaving the driver to have fun. The steering does feel quite woolly, especially with some animated driving but change the cars setting to sport and it firms up and becomes much more responsive. The driver and passenger get a great view of the road thanks to the ride height.

Another thing I noticed was cars fitted with 17” alloys had a much smoother ride compared to the ones fitted with 18” alloys.

The cars with the bigger alloys just looked more sporty but be prepared for a choppy ride! The 500X is a great car for anyone looking for something a little bit different; it is priced from £14595 - £20845. With Fiat’s pedigree for making small cars you just can’t go wrong.

Car from Richard Hardie Silverlink.

The new BMW 7 Series

The Ultimate Driving Machine

The new BMW 7 Series incorporates exquisitely crafted design, enhanced levels of comfort and an extensive range of pioneering technology, which have all led to it being hailed as the most innovative car in its class.

LLOYD NEWCASTLE

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

Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 7 Series Saloon range: Urban 24.8-51.4mpg (11.4-5.5l/100km). Extra Urban 45.6-67.3mpg (6.2-4.2l/100km). Combined 34.9-60.1mpg (8.1-4.7l/100km). CO2 emissions 189-124g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

33591_bs204824_Lloyd_Newcastle_7Sseries_216x157_v2.indd 1

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LUXE LIFE LUXE PEOPLE >> I would probably have to say my mum. We are very close - we always have been. We’re both very similar, and my Dad and sister are similar, so we have always been a little team I suppose. Some of the colleagues that I dance with are also really amazing.

Watching my colleagues in their element is something I find really exciting.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Newcastle, because I don’t get to go back that much. Other than that, I would say I love going to Scotland. I love Edinburgh. I also love Canterbury as that’s where my sister used to live.

A long holiday > I went to Italy over the summer to Lake Garda with my girlfriend for a week.

It was far too short; I could have stayed there so much longer if I had the option.

A treat > I would really love to go to Iceland.

If someone could take me there I would really appreciate it!

ADAM PARK Jesmond-born dancer Adam Park has trained at both Dame Allan’s and Dance City, before joining Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in London as an apprentice dancer.

Now 24, Adam is returning to the Theatre Royal in Newcastle this February as part of the Rambert ensemble

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > I love any kind of curry. I love all food, but any type of curry has to be my favourite.

Best wine > I don’t really drink wine. My favourite alcohol tipple would have to an Icelandic pale ale called Einstock. Very specific, I know, but I love it.

Favourite restaurant > This is hard because there are so many good restaurants - especially in London - but it would have to be Francesca’s in Newcastle. I have been going there since I was a little boy. I love that place.

Perfect weekend > Sundays consist of not leaving the house and watching films. I don’t know about Saturday – some weekends I probably won’t even leave the flat. But the perfect Saturday would be being in London with my girlfriend, doing a bit of shopping and going to the cinema. Maybe a nice dinner date in the evening, too.

Downtime means > I probably can’t say Netflix and chill can I? Downtime definitely means not leaving the flat or getting out of my pyjamas.

Best telly > There was an amazing TV show on ITV called Unforgotten, which has just finished. I loved that.

Best book > I would probably have to say World War Z. It was made into a film as well, but I really enjoy the book.

Best sounds > I listen to a lot of heavy metal. My favourite band has to be a group called Architect.

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > I would probably have to say London, as there is just everything here.

Favourite shop > I don’t really know what my favourite shop is, but I have shopped in Superdry a lot recently.

Luxe retail treat > I did just spend a lot of money on a PlayStation, which is pretty embarrassing.

Best buy > I bought a really nice trench coat around four years ago, which was probably my most expensive purchase. My sister borrowed it and proceeded to ruin it on a night out.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > It would have to be Newcastle, without a doubt. I’ve enjoyed a lot of nights out in a lot of different places, but Newcastle is the best by far. A memorable night out would include seven of my best mates. If I haven’t seen them for a few months, it usually means a fantastic night out.

Perfect party > Anywhere that my cool group of friends are. As long as someone brings a bottle of Jägermeister that would be fine.

Best outfit > I have a really nice suit which I bought a few years ago, but I haven’t had a reason to wear it for maybe a year and a half. I can’t remember where I bought it, but it’s really beautiful three piece.

Dinner date > It would have to be getting a taxi somewhere in London - which can be outrageously expensive - then having a ridiculously good pizza before going somewhere posh for drinks afterwards.

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> I would have to say dance is my luxe thing in life, but that sounds so lame.

Other than dance, it would have to be my flat in London. I really love where I live in London. I still call Jesmond home, but I only go home two or three times a year, as we’re always touring.

Rambert appears at the Newcastle Royal Theatre this February, from Tuesday 2 to Thursday 4. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office.

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JAN/FEB16

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In association with:

luxe:looks Josie Dragonfly Ball, Matfen Hall

Break out the fizz. Time to get down to some people-spotting as we bring you our social snapshot of happenings across the North East. Eyes and teeth time!

NOF Energy Dinner, Grand Marquee, Wynyard Hall Below > Catherine Devereux, George Rafferty

Above > Stan Rutter, Michelle Rutter, Liz Scofield, Ken Scofield

Above > Carl Robson, Dean Irklis, Daniel Philipson, Kira Smith, Annie Barrett, Above > Nicola Smiles, Jenna Spencer

Below > Ian Gordon, Gina Dunn

Above > Caroline Lofthouse, Julie Dodds Below > Phil White, Annie Ross, Paul Casson, Chris Davies

Above > Katie Gordon, Ellie Wilkinson Below > Anne Lynch Helen Pearson Diane Parfitt Kay Cooke Maureen Lambert Sarah Nicholson and Christine Giles

Above > John McKenzie, Michaela Smith-More, Lucy Bailey, Simon Thorne, Paul Martin Below > John Marrin, Alison Ennis, Jo Wilkes

Above > Charlotte Bays, Bob Sinfield

Above > David Banks, Jacqui Grove

Mistletoe Ball, Newcastle Civic Centre Below > Elle Medeiros, Andrew Lowther, Tolly Katopodis, Kerry Katopodis

Below > Avril Lowrey, Colin Johnson

Above > Hayley Woodhead, Zoe Gordon Above > Aiden Foreshaw, Lorraine Foreshaw

JAN/FEB16

Above > Gregg Robinson, Jackie Robinson

Above > Whitney & Andrew DeHaseth

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SOCIAL LIFE

Spiderman Ball, Hilton Newcastle-Gateshead Stars from Newcastle United, as well as a raft of North East football legends, came together for a night of fun, fashion and fundraising at the Spiderman Ball on November 24 at Hilton Newcastle-Gateshead

The sporting dinner, organised by Ace Events Management, aimed to raise funds for Ballboys testicular cancer charity, as well as celebrate former Newcastle United player, Jonas Gutiérrez, beating the disease twice.

The evening included entertainment from Britain’s Got Talent stars Old Men Grooving and Hartlepool street dance crew Ruff Diamond, as well as a fashion

show and live auction, which raised over £25,000.

Ace Events Management and Ballboys would like to thank the following for their support: Luxe magazine, Hilton Newcastle-Gateshead, Barclays, Thomas Sabo, Heart North East, Pete Graves, M-Trec, Livello, Bentley, The Spa at Ramside, intu Metrocentre, House of Fraser, Have to Love, At Sisters and Joan Callaghan.

The same exceptional service offering fresh opportunities.

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JAN/FEB16

SOCIAL LIFE

Aveika Launch Party, Newcastle Quayside Below > Alicia Rudge, Rachelle Jacques, Francesca Whitfield, Hannah Osueke, Mariel Kirton

Below > Kayleigh Young, Rachelle Graham, Emma Graham, Lynsey Spence

Below > Lauren Kirton, Lauren Gill

Above > Kenrick Chance, Courtney Rendle

Above > Emma English, Irene Roozbayani

Above > Chanell Burns, Ariana Varris, Vicky Paterson, Rebecka Edwards

Ladies’ Lunch with Roger Cook, The Cleveland Tontine

Above > Faye Scope, Lesley Middlemiss Lister, Louise Cannell-Mirza

Masquerade Ball, Seaham Hall, Seaham Below > Shireen Rowley, Adele Sym

Above> Angela Tompkins, Roger Cook, Frances Cook Below > Jane Welborn, Fliss Chaffer

Above > Heike Bowers, Jayne Bowers

Above > Barry Aspinall, Faye Aspinall, Louise Aldus, John Aldus

Below > Susie Howie, Barbara Dyson

Above > Val Whitting, Vanda Robb

Below > Kathleen Gibson, Daniel Gibson

Above > David Cruttenden, Helena Cruttenden Below > Ellie Gibson, Niamh Haddrick

Below > Anita Curran, Susan Raper, Sophie Tompkins, Kathlyn Benson

Above > Emma Burnside, Ian Wilson

Above > Louise Lacy, Christina McMurray, Adele Ward, Vicky Hyndman Above > Antony Fougler Charlotte Foulger, Gemma Stanton, Tom Macpherson

We’re starting a new chapter.

JAN/FEB16

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SOCIAL LIFE

Festive Shopping Evening, Spa Hotel, Saltburn Below > Karla Pearson, Amy Shepherdson

Below > Evie Tuck, Victoria Tuck

Below > Sian Butler, Gwendolyn Brown

Above > Lynne Swales, Eve Emmerson Above > Beth Norris, Jane Toscano, Jade Moore

Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, Jury’s Inn Below > Lucy Adams, Michelle Fairless, Vicky Browning

Butterwick Hospice Corporate Reception, Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth Below > Helen Davison, Pauline Culley

Above > Elaine Bunn, Judith Haysmore, Mandy Shields

Above > Alison Robertson, Michel Lane, Helen Mullen

Below > Adam Prest

Below > Angela Shillito, Paul Stalker

Above > Daniel Sanderson, Gemma Smith Below > Gillian Shevels, Nicola Stephenson, Elaine Henderson

Above > Lisa Preston, Georgina Evans

Above > Harriett Spalding, Ashley Coulthard

Above > Will Pare, Leeane Coatman

Official Opening of Vertu House, Gateshead Below > Nick Harding, Martin Boagey, Robert Forrester, Jass Singh, Tia Saddique

Below > Jonathan Buell, Manoria Buell, Brenda Castlehow, Rae Castlehow

Above > Ian Mearns MP, David Drane, Peter Stewart, Kim Stewart

Above > James Wharton MP, Robert Forrester

Above > Sean Bullick, Sarah Glendinning, Stephen Patterson

We’re Here’sstarting to continuing a new relationships chapter.

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JAN/FEB16

Winter Fashion Event, Psyche, Middlesbrough Below > Carol Mallon, Lindsey Paylor, Natalie Clark

Above > Natalie Guy, Aisleign O’Connell

Here’s to continuing relationships.

The power of choice.

Above > Curtis Fleming, Ciara Fleming

Below > Laura Forbes, Faye Doyle, Helen Oliver, Courtney Doyle, Shelly Cowper

The road ahead.

Above > Tamara McBride, Sue McBride

Wonderland Ball for Headway, The Discovery Museum, Newcastle

Above > Grace Stringer, Magda Boryczka

Crown Plaza Opening Celebration, Newcastle

Below > John Walker, Jane Bain

Above > Paul Szomoru, Catherine Walker, Phil Steele Above > Carly Platt, Holly Clegg, Gary Crowther, Joanne Cordon

Below > Wayne Halton, Mike Grahamslaw

Below > Kirsty Petley, Jane Mitchell

Above > Kate Nicklin, Rachel Charles, Rachel Graham, Tom Richardson, Jill Kings, Kimberley Fryer, Laura Mcilduff

Above > Steve Cram, Allison Curbishley

Below > Hazel Brown, Paul Brown

Above > Mark Percy, Mark Jerrard, Alan Wallace, Jean McGhie Below > Nadine Hudspeth, Judith Doyle, Mark Robinson, Alan Beaton

Above > John Newlands, Emma Walker

JAN/FEB16

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DO YOUR BIT...

Sweet charity Lending a helping hand this New Year

SLEEP WELL >> CEOs, senior managers and business leaders from all industries in the region are being urged to give up the comfort of their bed for one night to camp out at St James’ Park for charity. CEO Sleepout 3, Newcastle, taking place on March will raise money for charities tackling poverty and homelessness in the North East. Now in its third year, the sleepout aims to raise over £50,000 for charities Changing Lives and The Newcastle United Football Foundation, which help both young and old people in

CASH BOOST >> Charitable movement Middlesborough and Teeside Philanthropic Foundation has set up a new £100,000 fund to boost the region’s most talented sportsmen and women.

Backed by Teeside’s Chris Tomlinson, a three times Olympian, the Financial Assistance for Sportspeople on Teeside (FAST) fund aims to provide cash to boost opportunities for the region’s sports people as they strive to reach the top of their game.

Middlesborough-born businessman Andy Preston, who founded the foundation in 2011, said: “Teeside is renowned for its sporting talent, but many young people don’t fulfil their early promise because they are held back due to a lack of finance. That’s why we’ve created an initial £100,000 fund - to help those capable of reaching their full potential. Whether they need money for an overseas tournament or coaching opportunity, for vital equipment or some other crucial element to their development, they can apply to the FAST fund.”

The fund celebrates the foundation’s achievement in raising £1 million for good causes in Teeside since its launch four and a half years ago - a milestone that was further boosted by a £700,000 donation from an anonymous benefactor.

To apply to the FAST fund, visit www.fastfund.org.uk

the region.

Willing participants should book their place by emailing info@ ceosleepoutuk.com to receive a registration pack. All participants must individually raise £1,000 or more either before the event or in the following weeks post-event.

For further information, visit www.ceosleepoutuk.com

ALL SMILES >> Two dental surgeons from leading North East dental health group, Osborne Dental, swapped their scrubs for guitars when they took part in a special charity event.

Dr Richard Leck and Dr David Lawler from the Jesmond-based health group are members of local band The Vellocette, alongside David’s brother Andrew, and performed with The Whodlums and Friends at Newcastle’s 02 Academy in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust.

The trio joined six other renowned local bands, including The Ska Toons, Rigid Digits and The Middens, to support the headline act, who are billed as being the UK’s finest tribute to The Who. The evening raised £10,212 for Teenage Cancer Trust.

David said: “We really enjoyed joining some of the North East’s finest acts for what was a brilliant night of live music. It was a pleasure to support The Whodlums in their fundraising efforts for Teenage Cancer Trust and we loved playing on the main stage.” www.osbornedental.com

AUCTION SUCCESS >>

ROCKLIFFE RIDERS >> A team of cyclists from Rockliffe Hall, County Durham, has raised over £5,000 for The Children’s Heart Surgery Fund at Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.

Twelve members of staff from the resort took part in a gruelling bike ride challenge in July, taking on some of the toughest terrains in Yorkshire, including Grinton Moor and parts of the Tour de Yorkshire route. They were riding in memory of a team member’s nephew who passed away just five weeks after being born with a heart condition.

The cyclists presented a cheque to Donna Webb, a senior sister at the Paediatric Cardiology Unit at Leeds General Infirmary and Alex Green, a community fundraiser for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, before kick-off at Middlesbrough’s home win against Queens Park Rangers on November 20. In total they raised £5,478.

Eamonn Elliott, chief executive at Rockliffe Hall, who took part in the challenge, said: “The charity bike ride was a real test of everybody’s physical and mental strength, but we all enjoyed it. We’re thrilled to have raised so much money for a cause that’s so important to many members of the Rockliffe team.”

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Charity auction in memory of football legend Sir Bobby Robson, Sir Bobby’s Online Auction, has raised £169,500 for charities.

The brainchild of Gina Long, a friend of the Robson family and volunteer fundraiser, the auction attracted bidders from across the world, who competed to secure a wide range of sport and lifestyle prizes donated by the likes of FIFA, UEFA and the FA. Over 160 lots were donated to help the charities, which included the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and In The Game the League Managers Association Charity.

Gina said: “Sir Bobby was a colossal global figure in football and the love and respect people still have for him has been reflected in the money-can’t-buy prizes that we were fortunate enough to receive. I cannot thank everyone enough for their support in making the auction a fitting tribute to an amazing man.”

To visit the auction, visit www.the-saleroom. com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/sir-bobbysauction

SELL OUT >> A major fundraising concert at Sage Gateshead has raised over £80,000 for two North East charities Maggie’s Newcastle and Sage Gateshead. p, Sponsored by Benfield Motor Grou ds’ Frien & Rice Tim ‘An Evening with was a sell-out and received rave reviews from the audience and critics. The money raised will help h those affected by cancer and enric people’s lives through music.

Event organiser, Carolyn Ramsbotham, said: “We are hugely grateful to Tim Rice and the performers for giving their time to help both charities. It was an unforgettable evening that brought s together so many people from acros the North East.” e www.maggiescentres.org/newcastl

JAN/FEB16

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L ISA MC GRIL L IS GOES GEN TLY. Hi gh fash i o n . EA STER WITH L AYB OU RN E. Sh ow y sh eds. GRA N D GA RDEN S. Wow mo to rs. STU N N IN G HOMES. Part y peo pl e. MU ST- TRY REC IPES. Cu l tu re fi x. ESSEN TIA L WED DIN GS. Bi g Appl e c o o l . SPRIN G FL IN GS. Bi g n ames. LU XE.

WHERE SOLD

ISSUE 32 JAN/FEB15

ISSUE 33 MAR/APR15

ISSUE 34 MAY/JUN15

je ff brown ’s star girl. S c ulpture trail. Kippers with l ayb ourn e.

Flowe r power fashion. wrin Kle-z appers. Grap e trip to B ordeaux. st unning coastal homes. Party p eop le. washin gton Dc. Art life. go lf. luxe laps. hip hotels. Little luxe in Tokyo. luxe.

luxe magazine

£5.00

ISSUE 37 NOV/DEC15

ISSUE 36 SEP/OCT15

ISSUE 37 NOV/DEC15

GARDE NING WITH O Z ’S BE ST WIN ES. CRAFT ING XMAS. GO LF. Dre am c ars.

luxe magazine

luxe magazine

£5.00

Regional, relevant and entertaining is what makes us different. It’s also the reason why you need Luxe in your life.

WHERE SOLD

MA RY B ER RY ’ S S W EET TAL K . De s i g n - s a v v y s ta y s . L AY BOU R N E G OE S S C A NDI . Spr in g -fres h f as h i o n . CH OC F E A S TS . Lu xe L i f e . BOU T I QU E HOTELS . Par t y people. S KI -S LOPE COOL . Cu l tu r a l mu s ts . L I T T L E LU X E .

Bes t dr ives . EATI NG O UT. Big n a me s . LU X E .

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PARTING SHOT

Seeing red >> All you need is love... and hanging hearts and flickering tea lights! Sweet Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wishes from Luxe. Image: www.kgphotography.co.uk

98

JAN/FEB16

WEDDINGS

The North East’s most romantic destination.

Pay no mind to the beautiful tree lined estate, do not concern yourself with the impeccable service, the hotel’s beautiful interiors are surely an irrelevance and the exquisitely crafted menus and sumptuous cuisine are but there as an accompaniment to a day that’s all about you...

01740 644811 emily.routledge@wynyardhall.co.uk Wynyard Hall, Tees Valley, TS22 5NF www.wynyardhall.co.uk/weddings

Jacket Boutique Moschino

Top Joseph

Jeans Polo Ralph Lauren

Bag Mulberry