Luxe Issue 76 - Jul/Aug 22 by Allies Group Ltd

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ISSUE 76 JUL/AUG22

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HO S PI TA L I T Y H E RO . Summer s t yl e. JEW EL L ERY ICONS . Foodie travels. N EW R E S TAU R A N TS . Sup er st aycat i o ns . S TUNNING H OMES. Skincare s a vi o u r s . D I S COV E R I NG D UB AI. Luxe mama. G IR L S TH AT GOLF. Dream c a r s . L I T T L E M O M E N TS . Bi g names. LUX E.

WHERE SOLD

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Celebrating 125 Years of Berry's Jewellers

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www.berrysjewellers.co.uk

WELCOME

ISSUE 76 JUL/AUG22

contents 12>> Do this Our round-up of this season’s spectacular events in the region

16>> Sweet charity Proving once again how generous and kind North East folk are

20>> 10 things luxe loves Summer is finally here and we have so much to look forward to. Kick-started with the glorious Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend, we can look ahead to long sunny days and more freedom than we’ve had for quite a while, to get back to doing what we love. Whether that’s enjoying day trips out with the family, spa treats, golf days or dining experiences here in our wonderful part of the world, or perhaps you’re gearing up for a much anticipated foreign holiday? This issue of luxe contains plenty of inspiration to help you fill your diary with all of the above. We’ve also got all the usual expert tips and advice for parenting, interiors, cooking and everything in between. And insightful interviews with some of the region’s most motivated entrepreneurs doing great things in the North 4st and beyond. Talking of people doing great things, normal service shall shortly be resumed with the return of luxe’s editor, Elysia, who has enjoyed a whole year off enjoying time with her gorgeous little boy, George. Time certainly flies when you’re having fun - for both of us! It’s been a privilege to look after this wonderful magazine, not least because it’s enabled me to meet some of the amazing people that live and work in the North East. But now, I hand the reins back to Elysia and hope you have a fabulous summer.

What we’re loving at luxe HQ this summer

24>> Striking photographs Photographer Ian Wright shares all about his fascinating career

26>> Hospitality hero This issue’s cover star is John Adamson, who has followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and father to run one of the North East’s largest and most successful privately owned hospitality companies, Ramside Estates. His luxe things are Newcastle United winning three points, his family being healthy and happy, and eating fresh seafood with a nice bottle of Muscadet.

EDITORIAL Claudia Robinson head of content claudia@allies-group.com Nicole Wood nicole@allies-group.com Johnathan Ramsay johnathan@allies-group.com

32>> To the beach Showcasing beautiful bikinis, stylish one-pieces and cover-ups

40>> Time to celebrate Luxury jewellers Berrys celebrates its 125th anniversary

42>> Look good, feel good How one North East fitness fashion business is booming

46>> Beauty and the brows The celebrity-loved North East beauty brand, West Barn Co

50>> Community cuisine The ongoing success of Blacks Corner in East Boldon

56>> Posh pooches All things canine in our regular round-up with Rupert

58>> UK Getaway We check-in for a spa stay at award-winning Seaham Hall

60>> Island in the sun Explore Dubai’s new private island resort, Anantara

62>> Living local

Remember to check in with us online at luxe-magazine.co.uk See us on social at: Twitter: @TheLuxeMagazine Instagram: @theluxemagazine Facebook: @luxemag

THE LUXE TEAM Christopher March publisher chris@allies-group.com

We catch up with John Adamson, owner of Ramside Estates

Discover why there’s no place quite like Durham

70>> Giving back to the community A special lifestyle store in Whitley Bay that’s doing great things Carole Stonehouse has enjoyed a successful career, with a number of high-flying jobs in the sporting goods sector. Now retired she shares with us why she has developed a passion for golf. Her luxe things are delicious tapas with a chilled glass of Whispering Angel, spa day and stays, and lots of laughter with friends and family at the weekend.

75>> At the wheel Bob Arora test drives the new Land Rover Defender

78>> Cheers! Four rugby players launch their own craft beer

SALES Debi Coldwell director debi@allies-group.com Lucy Andrews lucy@allies-group.com

Scan our QR code and keep up-to-date with the latest luxe moments.

PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson nicky@kgphotography.co.uk DESIGN David Stubbs creative director dave@allies-group.com Euan Underwood euan@allies-group.com Ariyan Mojarab ariyan@allies-group.com Our partners

If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Debi Coldwell: debi@allies-group.com / 07910 918366

Allies Group Ltd, Enterprise House, Kingsway, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, NE11 OSR allies-group.com All contents copyright ©2022 Allies Group 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, June 2022.

Fitness enthusiast Helen Marra combined her love for exercise with fashion and set up her blossoming business The Gym Wear Boutique. In this issue, we find out everything there is to know about her impressive range of gym wear. Three of her luxe things in life are holidays, plenty of exercise and spending time with her family.

luxe is published bi-monthly by Allies Group Ltd

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JUL/AUG22

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LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Into the archives The Lindisfarne Gospels, the most spectacular manuscript to survive from Anglo-Saxon England, will be on display at the Laing Art Gallery from 17 September to 3 December 2022, on loan from The British Library. A highlight of the exhibition will be new work by Turner Prize winning artist Jeremy Deller. Pre-book your tickets at: laingartgallery.org.uk

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JUL/AUG22

GET TO KNOW

THE LUXE LOWDOWN:

Elaine Stroud

Luxe sits down with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum CEO, Elaine Stroud, to get the lowdown on her busy schedule - both in and out of the office…

GETTING TO KNOW YOU >> Name Elaine Stroud Title CEO of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum Where is home? Ponteland Three reasons you love where you live? It’s easy to get out into the Northumberland countryside but also very close to the city and the airport. THE DAY JOB >> What do you do for a living? I lead The Entrepreneurs’ Forum which brings together like-minded North East business owners to help each other grow their companies more easily. We run vibrant events ranging from private dinners to large conferences along with a successful mentoring programme. The North East needs more entrepreneurial leaders to start, scale and grow businesses in order to create better employment opportunities for our region, and the Forum is here to help with this agenda. A day in the life of you? I’m an early riser and like to get up and do some form of exercise before getting the family ready for school. I spend my days planning the activities to inspire and support North East entrepreneurs. Yesterday was spent planning the features for our next magazine and today I’ve been researching questions for

luxe-magazine.co.uk

our upcoming podcast - each day is different and I love it. I try to split my time across the whole of the region as we have members from Alnwick down to Middlesbrough. I enjoy learning more about what makes our members tick as I think the more I know, the better I am at connecting them to people who can support them. Any recent, ongoing or upcoming projects or achievements we should know about? The Entrepreneurs’ Forum is turning 20 this year. Since being established in 2002, by Lorna Moran OBE and Sir Peter Vardy, we’ve welcomed over 1,000 entrepreneurial members and over 10,000 delegates to our events, and on 22 June we hosted a celebratory gala dinner at the Hilton. The following week on 2 July I led a sponsored hike around the beautiful Kielder Reservoir as part of our mission to raise £20,000 for Cancer Research and The Prince’s Trust, our chosen charities for 2022. What does downtime mean to you? When I’m not working, I love to compete in triathlons so spend a lot of time swimming, cycling and running. I have to fit all of this in around my family and my cocker spaniel, Kohi - hence the very early morning starts. LESSONS IN LIFE >> What did you want to be when you were growing up? A Blue Peter presenter, mainly because the audition included jumping on a trampoline, which looked like a lot of fun.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Try to be kind. What is your greatest fear? Injury - to me or my family. Which living person do you most admire and why? The Queen. I think she is a wonderfully authentic leader who is still working at the age of 96, which is something not many people would ever choose to do. I admire her ability to remain positive and inspire everyone she comes into contact with. LIVING LUXE >> What is top of your bucket list? South America - all of it. What is your most treasured possession? My photo albums. What does the weekend mean to you? I cycle most Saturday mornings with friends, then spend the afternoon with my family before getting up to run on Sunday morning. I run Ponteland Junior Triathlon Club and coach kids on Sunday afternoons before collapsing in front of the TV with a large glass of red wine. A memorable holiday? I’ve been lucky and have travelled a lot so it’s hard to find a destination that stands out. My most memorable trips have been trekking in Nepal, a 5-day visit to North Korea where even our bedroom was bugged, and a working holiday for Raleigh International in Namibia. I love spending

time on the Northumberland coast with my family as the beaches are as good as any I’ve visited around the world. Best dress? That’s a tough one. I don’t have time to go out enough to buy too many dresses, but I have some nice work outfits which get worn a lot. Who would be your top-three dinner guests? Bono, Chris Evans and Chrissie Wellington - I don’t think I’d get a word in edgeways though. The last place you ate? My hotel in Olsztyn, Poland. The last book you read? I’m currently reading Fall of Giants by Ken Follett. The last book I finished was The Floundering Founder by Raman Sehgal, who is an amazing North East entrepreneur. The last thing you listened to? The High Performance Podcast. I love this podcast and recently listened to the episode with Dr Rangan Chatterjee who was talking about how to live a happier life. The last thing you watched? Stranger Things - I am watching with my 14-year-old son. Your luxe things in life? My Cervelo bike which I use for triathlon racing. My husband also bought me a lovely Cuyana tote handbag which I love as it’s big enough to fit my laptop inside. entrepreneursforum.net

JUL/AUG22

PAGE TURNERS

Luxe reads We love a book-to-screen adaptation and there are some fantastic ones set to be released this year. Emily Harrison shortlists her top picks for 2022...

Stay in >> go out >> enjoy Smash hit musicals, mouth-watering food festivals, magical music moments and more, Johnathan Ramsay guides us through a season of spectacular events…

FREEDOM FIGHTER >> Where the Crawdads Sing This coming-of-age story was released by Delia Owens in 2018 and instantly became a massive hit. The story follows Kya, a young woman who is forced to live alone in the marshes of the deep South after facing some family struggles. When Kya becomes the lead suspect for the murder of a man she was once romantically involved with, she is put to the ultimate test and must fight for freedom. The film is set to be released mid-July, starring Normal People’s Daisy Edgar-Jones. ACTION PACKED >> Bullet Train Calling all fans of fast-paced narratives. The movie version of Bullet Train by Japanese author Kotaro Isaka is hitting screens this summer. With a star-studded cast including Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock and Joey King, the story follows five assassins on a bullet train from Tokyo to Morioka, who come to realise that their missions are intertwined with one another, resulting in a lot of action taking place on the ride through the Japanese capital. NAVIGATING LIFE >> Everything I Know About Love Based on Dolly Alderton’s best-selling memoir Everything I Know About Love, this new show is set back in 2012 and will follow childhood best friends Birdy and Maggie in a London house-share. Split into seven parts, the TV series (if anything like the book) will showcase what life is like as a millennial, taking us through friendship, love, heartbreak and above all - finding peace within yourself. The BBC series will star Emma Appleton and Bel Powley. PERIOD DRAMA >> Mr Malcolm’s List This new motion picture, inspired by Suzanne Allain’s novel, stars Divergent actor Theo James. An escapist love story, the narrative follows Mr Malcolm on his search to find a loving wife who meets his long list of criteria. The novel gives us likeable characters, humour and a gripping storyline - and we’re certain the film version, directed by Emma Holly Jones, will hit the spot.

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1-9 JULY

JULY

Take a trip to the races for a glorious day of champagne, food and sunshine at Grantley Hall this summer. Upon arrival you’ll be treated to a Moët & Chandon champagne reception on the Grantley Suite Terrace, followed by a luxurious three-course lunch in the stunning Grantley Suite and afternoon tea served later in the day. The races will be shown live on a big screen so you can enjoy them from the comfort of this spectacular venue near Ripon. If you’re a fan of a little flutter, you’ll have the opportunity to place your bets throughout the day following the latest tips from Grantley Hall’s very own race pundit. What’s even more exciting is that two lucky guests will win shares in their very own racehorse. There’s also a price for the ‘best dressed’ lady and for ‘best hat’, so make sure you get your gladrags on and dress to impress for this truly special race day at gorgeous Grantley Hall. grantleyhall.co.uk

Newcastle’s Gallagher and Turner museum has an incredible exhibition this July, displaying the David and the Lion collection by Marc Chagall. This series of striking lithographs were made in 1956 by Chagall, solidifying him as one of the most popular and distinctive artists of the 20th century. Take the opportunity to see these mysterious and magical works in person before they go. gallagherandturner.co.uk

8-10 JULY

5-16 JULY

MAMMA MIA! Here we go again! - the ultimate feel-good musical. Take a trip to Sunderland Empire this July for a performance of the smash-hit we all know and love. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget! Even if you’ve seen this one a thousand times before, you can’t beat an all-singing, all-dancing evening with this musical extravaganza. atgtickets.com

If you’re a lover of music and stunning views then we’ve got just the thing for you this summer. The Mouth of the Tyne Festival is a music must this July, held at the historic surroundings of Tynemouth Priory and Castle, with breathtaking coastal views as far as the eye can see. The Friday sees alternative rock powerhouse Keane headline, as well as performances from northern folk heroes Cattle and Cane and Eliza Shaddad. You’re in for a treat on Saturday as Lighthouse Family lead the charge, alongside special guests PP Arnold and Georgie. Finally, seeing out the weekend on Sunday is the queen of kitchen discos, Sophie Ellis-Bextor. It’s going to be murder on the Tynemouth dancefloor as she tears the house down in style with help from Newton Faulkner and many more incredible artists across the weekend. mouthofthetynefestival.com

JUL/AUG22

EXPERIENCE ULTIMATE LUXURY We invite you to indulge yourself in unequalled grandeur and experience unforgettable relaxation with a unique stay in our stunning country hotel. Nestled in the heart of breathtaking Northumberland, we are perfectly placed for your elegant getaway. Savour delicious and exciting food in our prestigious restaurants, immerse yourself in blissful tranquillity in The Retreat, enjoy a round on our championship golf course and relax into a sumptuous night’s sleep in one of our exquisite bedrooms. Escape to luxury, unwind into pleasure and experience pure indulgence.

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DO THIS

JULY

Leading US humorist David Sedaris is making a rare trip to the UK this summer, stopping off in Newcastle for one night only at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House. Expect an evening of sardonic humour and incisive critiques of the human condition from America’s master of satire. Sedaris’s work comprises hilarious short stories, books, and personal essays - and his new release, The Best of Me, only further affirms his exciting originality and talent. In this unique event, see Sedaris bring his works to life in a reading which features all-new excerpts and recollections, followed by an audience Q&A session and book signing. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

14 JULY The North East’s beloved comedy queen is back on tour this year with a bobby dazzler of a new stand-up show. Catch her at Scarborough Spa in July for a night of side-splittingly relatable anecdotes and hilariously tongue-in-cheek jokes that’ll bring you to tears. You can always guarantee a good giggle when it comes to a Sarah Millican stand-up set! Save the date. scarboroughspa.co.uk

21-24 JULY One of the top comedians in the UK right now, Scotland’s ‘king of comedy’ Kevin Bridges, is heading back to Newcastle for four huge back-to-back shows at O2 City Hall. These brand new Overdue Catch-Up shows will see Kevin on his usual form, making light of life’s struggles with his shrewd outlook on the modern world. Don’t miss this chance to catch one of the most astute comics at the top of his game. academymusicgroup.com

We will, we will, ROCK YOU! The worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton is returning to the stage this August, heading to the Theatre Royal in Newcastle. This sparkling show dazzles all the senses in breath-taking style. Since 2002 over 16 million theatregoers in 19 counties have been thrilled by this awe-inspiring production. Witness 24 of Queen’s biggest hits delivered in a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked the band’s legendary live performances! Guaranteed to blow your mind, this musical phenomenon is not to be missed. theatreroyal.co.uk

29 AUGUST Classic car fans rejoice, Ripley Castle has got a treat in store for you this August bank holiday. The 38th Yorkshire Classic & Performance Motor Show is back for another spectacular day of motoring majesty. Bringing the best of classic cars and bikes to modern supercars together, Ripley’s magnificent deer park will be filled with spectacular vehicles from every era. greatbritishmotorshows.com

10-12 OCTOBER

Acclaimed singer, songwriter, composer and producer, Gary Barlow, is hitting the stage once again this year for a brand new theatrical, one man show. A Different Stage sees Gary narrate the journey of his life alongside the music from his incredible discography. In a project unlike anything he’s ever done before, he will take the audience behind the curtain - with nothing off limits - in this special performance. Grab your tickets before it’s too late this one is sure to be a cracker. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

22 JULY

Forget Saturday night at the movies, this summer enjoy an extra special Friday night with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, The Drifters. These certified music legends are coming to Whitley Bay Playhouse for one night only, armed with a set list that earned them a place on Rolling Stone Magazine’s ‘greatest artists of all-time’ list. Settle in for an evening of incredible hits including Saturday Night at the Movies, Come on Over to My Place, Stand By Me, Under the Boardwalk and many, many more classics. So, drift on down and take in one special night at the Playhouse. playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

AUGUST

This one’s for the foodies! Seaham Food Festival is returning in August for a third triumphant year of deliciousness. Centred around Seaham’s iconic Tommy War Memorial, this dynamic celebration of flavours will see food traders from across the region and beyond line the streets. Take the opportunity to try a huge range of the country’s best food and drink, including hand-made sweet treats, mouth-watering street specialities and so much more. The festival will also boast a line-up of guest chefs demonstrations, family entertainment and live music. One for the whole gang! seahamfoodfestival.co.uk

luxe-magazine.co.uk

AUGUST

Plan ahead >>

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7-11 DECEMBER Returning to the North East for a December date for the second year in a row, Disney On Ice presents Dream Big! Prepare to be transported to exciting worlds where heroes of every kind seek to fulfil their dreams at a live experience families will never forget. Be swept away with the fearless Moana and the greatest demigod that ever lived, Maui, on an action-packed voyage to restore the stolen heart of Te-Fiti. Explore the Land of the Dead as Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco brings the festivities of Dia de los Meurtos to the ice. Get tangled up in Rapunzel’s hair-raising quest to see the floating lights. Travel to Arendelle with Anna, Elsa and Olaf in a dramatic retelling of the sisterly love that saved a kingdom. And discover the strength, bravery and kindness that continues to inspire generation after generation with Jasmine, Ariel, Aurora, Belle and Cinderella. Get your tickets now for this epic family production. utilitaarena.co.uk

JUL/AUG22

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GOOD STUFF

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

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY >>

A FUNDRAISING SUCCESS >> The Rob Armstrong Ball premiered at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead earlier this year to raise funds for Hadrian School. Rob is a long-standing close friend and huge advocate for Hadrian School and all of the children who attend, have attended, and will attend in the future. The event hosted on Saturday 7 May 2022 was launched to raise funds for a new Community Disability Hub which will be attached to the school. The therapy centre, which is estimated to cost millions to build, will include a hydrotherapy pool, massage suite and spa as well as a cafe which will be operated by adults with

learning disabilities. So far £750k has been promised and gifted, towards labour and building materials. Courtney Clift has been the biggest donator providing materials such as cladding, bricks, guttering, flashings etc., and the building will be named in gratitude. Graham Nixon of Nixon Hire has donated all building machinery needed, which will be instrumental in carrying out this project. The event hosted a fantastic auction with a jaw-dropping selection of prizes including Alan Shearer’s St James’ Park hospitality box, which raised £24k, Kevin Jameson donated a golf trip to

Abu Dhabi for 20 people, which Rob Armstrong himself bought for £20k, John Adamson of Ramside Estates donated a ‘meet and greet’ with the Stereophonics, which raised £20k, and the event’s host Jeremy Kyle donated a villa for a week, which sold three times over at £8k per week - and therefore Jeremy honoured all three weeks. The ball was one of the most successful North East charity events to date, with the auction raising over £240k so far, reaching the £1million mark with the inclusion of gifts. hilton.com

GLAM ROCK ‘N’ RAISE >>

COOK FOR UKRAINE >> 21 Hospitality Group held a Sunday lunch event at 21 on the Quayside on 24 April, with a view to raising money for humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine. With the help, support and generosity of friends, staff and suppliers, the company raised a fantastic total of £26,514.71 on the day. “It was a fantastic day from start to finish with the restaurant buzzing with activity all day long. If you were a contributor on the day itself, bid in our blind auction, bought a raffle ticket or simply donated via our website, thank you all so much. It’s because of you that the event was such an overwhelming success. We are immensely proud of all of the colleagues that helped on the day and beyond - also to those who donated their goods and services, we couldn’t have done it without them,” says Terry Laybourne, owner of 21 Hospitality. 21hospitality.co.uk

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A one-off charity gig celebrating the sounds of the 70s took place on Saturday 18 June. The event that took place at Salt Market Social, North Shields, brought together live music and DJ sets for one night only to raise funds for local charities. This was the fifth Rock ‘n’ Raise event, organised by the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation, to be held, with the aim of supporting the children and young people of the region. “The people of the North East have always been incredibly supportive of the event because they know that the money raised stays in the region to help children and young people who need it most,” says Sir Graham Wylie. sirgrahamwyliefoundation.org.uk

HOLE IN ONE >> Hellens Group, the North East-based property, construction and manufacturing firm, has raised almost £17.5k for the Percy Hedley Foundation during a charity golf event at Wynyard. Ten teams comprising business leaders from across the region teed off at the luxury golf course as part of Hellens Group’s year-long fundraising project to raise £50,000 celebrating its 50th anniversary year. So far, Hellens Group has raised £23,387 towards the target, with the total figure still growing. hellens.co.uk/percyhedley.org.uk

Sunderland Empire collaborated with Sunderland Mind and Footloose The Musical to raise money for the local charity in light of Men’s Mental Health Awareness in June. The theatre’s ‘Let’s Hear It For The Boy’ campaign, named after the famous song featured in Footloose the musical, kicked off with an 80s themed opening night during the week-long showing. Visitors were encouraged to dress the part by donning their best retro look. Donations were collected throughout the course of the week and a fantastic £4,000 was raised for the local charity. Marie Nixon, Theatre Director at Sunderland Empire says: “It is becoming increasingly important, even more so after the pandemic, that mental health and support services are discussed more openly and destigmatised both in the workplace and in our personal lives. This wonderful collaboration with Sunderland Mind and Footloose The Musical gives us the opportunity to use our platform to reach out to our Sunderland Empire visitors to raise awareness and funds for our those ever-vital local services.” sunderlandmind.co.uk

GETTING MUDDY >> A team from Richard Reed Solicitors in Sunderland once again took part in Cancer Research UK’s Pretty Muddy Challenge, held recently at Herrington Park. The event involves participants manoeuvring through a 5K muddy obstacle course. The group raised £784, an amount being matched by the firm, and with added Gift Aid, they will be donating £1,712.25 to the charity. “We know last year’s team had great fun, all the while raising money for such a worthy cause. When the opportunity came along to do so again, we jumped at the chance. We are thrilled with the amount of money raised and so pleased to be able to match it. It is going to an absolutely fantastic charity, one close to many people’s hearts,” says Managing Director Sarah Reid. fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org

PERFECT PARTNERSHIP >> The Principal York is teaming up with York based disability charity, Snappy, to help them raise awareness, fundraise and support disabled young people and children. The Snappy Trust offers opportunities for children to explore new activities and gain life skills that may not be easily accessed elsewhere. The wide mix of activities are designed to encourage personal growth and development. Tracy Harrison, General Manager at the Principal York, says: “We are extremely proud to be working with such an incredible charity like Snappy. We have organised a number of opportunities to help raise money as well as awareness. As a hotel we are always looking for ways to support the local community.” The hotel will be raising money throughout 2022 and 2023 with a number of fundraising opportunities, along with activities for the children and events to raise awareness. theprincipalyork.ihg.com/thesnappytrust.org

JUL/AUG22

Informed. Mathematical. Sporty. Creative. Scientific. Curious. Opinionated. An all-girl education will help your daughter be the girl she wants to be. Register now to arrange a visit. newcastlehigh.gdst.net

PICTURE PERFECT

1. Rachel Riley, Cullercoats bay - @the.ginger.geordie 2. Tyne Bridge, Callum Dixon, @Callumd1986 3. Rebecca Elizabeth, Whitley Bay - @outdoorlass_ne 4. Chloe McGuirk, Beamish Museum - @newgirlintoon 5. Jenna Thomas, Staithes - @adve_nturesupnorth 6. Neal Kelly, Dunstanburgh Castle - @ned_and_teds_adventures 7. Rebecca George, Langley Castle, @_rsgphotography

LOVE NORTH EAST

Our wonderful region through your lens. Here are some of your recent shots from days out in local beauty spots...

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JUL/AUG22

Realise your Dream

At Tecaz we love to give the opportunity for you to see and touch a range of bathrooms or kitchens before you decide to purchase. Our showrooms feature over 200 bathrooms, 100 showers and 50 kitchen displays, you're sure to find what you are looking for. Save up to 60% off RRP on some of the biggest brands around. FREE computer planning and design are available, for larger projects, we offer installation support. We are confident you'll achieve your dream space. FREE granite or Quartz worktops are available on selected kitchen ran ges.

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OUR PICKS

Listening to >> EXACTLY WITH FLORENCE GIVEN Diving deep into the topics we don’t often (but should) talk about, Florence Given explores the world of sex, social media, feminism, relationships and body image. Speaking to fascinating guests along the way, the bestselling author of the book ‘Women Don’t Owe You Pretty’, delves into topics of conversation that are nuanced, enlightening and inspiring whilst having lots of laughs along the way. podcasts.apple.com

Reading >> STRESS-FREE PRODUCTIVITY BY DR ALICE BOYES The perfect book for those looking to become their most efficient and creative self - without the pressure of complying to what ‘works’ for everyone else. If you find that you’re too much of a perfectionist to be productive or the tricks that work for your friends and colleagues don’t work as well for you, then you may just fall in love with this personalised toolkit. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all productivity plan, everyone works efficiently and effectively in different ways and environments, it just sometimes takes a little longer to figure out what works best for you. In this innovative guide, Dr Alice Boyes will help you diagnose your unique productivity profile with the help of groundbreaking research, countless examples, and quizzes in every chapter. £12.99, penguin.co.uk

10 things luxe loves From foodie must-haves and floral scents, to insightful reads and beauty essentials, Nicole Wood rounds up 10 things we’re loving at luxe HQ this summer Kitchen Inspo >> KITCHENAID K400 BLENDER When it comes to a summer brekkie, nothing beats packing in as much fruit as possible to set you up for the day ahead. Aside from creating super fruit smoothies and juices, the KitchenAid K400 Blender is also perfect for tackling tougher ingredients such as nuts, fine seeds, ginger root, dense fruits and leafy greens, blending them down to the finest consistency for health-boosting kitchen creations. £299, kitchenaid.com

Watching >> I WANT YOU BACK Sometimes you just need to switch off, sit back and enjoy a good rom-com. ‘I Want You Back’ follows Peter and Emma, two complete strangers who have both had their hearts broken unexpectedly by their respective partners, Anne and Noah, on the same weekend. As the saying goes, “misery loves company,” but their commiseration turns into a mission when they see on social media that their exes have happily moved on to new romances. Terrified that, in their 30s, they have lost their shot at ‘happily ever after’ and horrified at the prospect of having to start over, Peter and Emma hatch a desperate plan to win the loves of their lives back. A laugh-out-loud plot, featuring an all-star cast, you just know this new comedy on Amazon Prime is going to leave a smile on your face and joy in your heart. An easy-going, must-watch for lazy days. amazon.co.uk

Following >> @GREGORIANSISTERS Olivia, Gabriela and Amelia make up the fabulous trio known to the world of Instagram as the Gregorian Sisters. If you’re looking for lighthearted content guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step, then you must give these lovely ladies a follow. With impressive dance routines, fashion inspiration and hilarious sibling bickering when it comes to washing up and exchanging clothes, plus a load of family love you can feel in each and every post. Give your Insta feed a feel-good boost! instagram.com/gregoriansisters

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Pampering with >> CHARLOTTE TILBURY PILLOW TALK BEAUTY LIGHT WAND Get ready to glow with Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Beauty Light Wand. This go-to high gloss product provides an instant sweep of shine that enhances skin luminosity with a silky smooth, non-greasy texture. Apply a few dabs to the inner corners of the eyes to widen and brighten for summer. £29, harveynichols.com

In our Basket >> GABRIELA HEARST ZEPHYR CORD AND LEATHER SANDALS Goodbye boots and trainers, hello cute sandals. These sturdy leather sandals with cord details from Gabriela Hearst feature an open round toe and a buckle-fastening slingback strap, and they’re the perfect addition to our summer wardrobes or suitcases. Pair with a floaty midi dress or your favourite jeans and top combo and you’re good to go. £392, theoutnet.com

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Dreaming of >> PERFECT PIZZA From sunset dinners and beach BBQs, to family soirées in the garden, the Ooni Karu 16 Multi Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven has got you covered. The clever technology inside this great new addition to the Ooni family has been designed to take any amateur’s pizza cooking skills up a notch. The ViewFlame™ glass door, ceiling vent, fuel tray, flame keeper and digital thermometer assist to ensure every pizza slice is just as good as the last. In as little as 60 seconds you’ll feast your eyes upon mouthwatering 16 inch pizzas packed with tasty toppings, crispy crusts and mouth-watering cheese. For the pizza phobes amongst you, this nifty creation allows for the likes of fish, steaks and vegetables to be whipped up too. Use with wood, charcoal or the gas burner at any time, anywhere, to put smiles on faces this summer. £694.95, cuckooland.com

Experience the excitement of seeing art up close and personal at Hancock Gallery. As Newcastle’s leading contemporary art gallery, our dedicated art advisory team specialises in artwork by celebrated national and international artists.

(Stephen Johnston | Portraits of Metropolis - June to August)

Perfect Scent >> GUCCI BLOOM EAU DE PARFUM A fresh bouquet of flowers on a summer’s day, Gucci Bloom Eau De Parfum is a floral fragrance that perfectly captures the essence of the sunny season. Encased in a bottle as elegant as its scent, this perfume is made with the sophisticated lady in mind. Notes of natural tuberose and jasmine leave an unexpectedly rich white floral scent on the skin, while rangoon creeper, a plant that changes colour when it blooms, infuses a powdery, floral edge. 100ml, £104.50, thefragranceshop.co.uk

Living by >> “You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose, and to do it courageously.” - Steve Maraboli

Experience

◆ We have more then 900 exclusive Estate single Wines, Spirits and Champagnes ◆ Regular wine tasting events ◆ Private Wine Tastings

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LUXESUMMER

JUL/AUG22

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W I N A LU X U RY OV E R N I G H T S TAY AT NORTHUMBERL AND’S FINEST COUNTRY H O T E L , M AT F E N H A L L We’ve teamed up with Matfen Hall to give one lucky reader the chance to win the ultimate luxe getaway. Pack your overnight bag and retreat to Matfen Hall with a blissful overnight stay in one of the stunning Great Hall Luxury Suites. Nestled in the heart of Northumberland, Matfen Hall is a true country escape with class. Set in over 300 acres of unique parkland, it is a place for couples, families and friends to relax and enjoy. Rich in heritage, this luxury country hotel has a number of dining options, a beautiful spa and fitness suite and a challenging championship golf course for a lucky winner to enjoy and explore.

TO ENTER OUR PRIZE DRAW:

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Prize includes: Overnight accommodation in a Great Hall Luxury Suite Welcome drink and cream tea served on arrival Bottle of fizz Complimentary use of The Retreat health facilities Complimentary robes and slippers Full a la carté breakfast the following morning Dinner in the Emerald Restaurant with a £40 per adult meal allowance

The prize is for two people and valid Sunday - Friday. Subject to availability at the time of booking. The allowance towards dinner is £40 per person. A round of golf and/or spa treatments can be booked throughout your stay at an additional cost. Additional T&Cs may apply - please check with Matfen Hall before booking or ordering anything not included or upgrades.

ADVERTORIAL

VOLATILE TIMES When you live in volatile and uncertain times, should you put your long-term plans on hold? Read or watch the news, and you will encounter a world that’s volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Glance at a stock market’s performance over the course of a few weeks, and what stands out is probably not the general direction of travel, but the short-term seesawing of prices – especially during a volatile period. Those characteristics can make the task of planning for you and your family’s future feel all the more daunting. As investors, it can be all too tempting to try to predict the future, or react to events as they happen. However, on the one hand, even long-term investors can all too easily respond emotionally to short-term volatility; and make bad decisions as a result. On the other, events are unpredictable at the best of times, and perhaps especially just now. On top of all this, it’s not always easy to sort the facts from the fake news. The wide range of current challenges

make the world highly unpredictable. In the context of saving and investing, the products and services we need to help us are similarly numerous and complex. Do you take the DIY approach to investing, seek guidance, or look for professional financial advice? Do you know your ISAs from your pensions and unit trusts – and how do you choose? Where should you invest? In public or private markets? In equities, bonds, or property? And should you seek out active managers or passive funds?

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The wide range of current challenges make the world highly unpredictable. In the context of saving and investing, the products and services we need to help us are similarly numerous and complex.

North Wealth Management is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

JUL/AUG22

If you feel you could benefit from a financial review of your specific circumstances, I offer a no obligation review to meet your individual needs. This review could be via a zoom meeting, telephone call or face to face at a Covid-secure venue, at a time and location convenient to you. Please contact North Wealth Management on 0191 5482830 or email patrick.mclaughlin@sjpp.co.uk.

luxe-magazine.co.uk 23

GOOD SHOT

Striking

photographs From the terraces of Roker Park to modelling Bob Stokoe’s FA Cup winning tracksuit, photographer Ian Wright takes Matthew Thomas on his journey with Sunderland Association Football Club

Ian swings his trench coat over the chair and sits down with wide eyes and a big grin. A notepad emerges from his bag and a page full of scribbles, bullet points and cues lands face-up on the desk. Almost instantaneously, Ian pre-warns me that he likes to talk - and apologises in advance. I could have spent two days listening to Ian, never mind our two hour chat at the National Glass Centre. Ian Wright, the son of a working-class family from Fulwell, is an infectious character. An individual with a magnetic forcefield of positivity. He photographed SAFC during its divine time at Roker Park, he was at the epicentre of Sunderland’s 2018 World Cup host city bid, and the Bob Stokoe statue outside the Stadium of Light was based on Ian’s physical similarities with Bob. Yet his journey with the football club began thanks to a hand-drawn Bruce Lee portrait and his father’s unwavering pride. “It’s funny how I got into photography and publishing,” he starts. “I was told during a meeting with a college career advisor that I needed to focus on finding a ‘real job’, such as the attitude was to arts during the 70s. My inherent passion is drawing and Bruce Lee was my idol

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growing up. I sketched a portrait of Bruce from Enter the Dragon, showed my dad and he decided to keep it in his corner shop store in Pallion. Any and all customers would be given a glimpse of my drawing and by happenstance, a staff member from Edward Thompson Printers was in the shop and mentioned to my dad that there were a few vacancies and that I should write in. “It all spiralled from there really. I got the job that summer and began working on matchday programmes and various projects for SAFC. You could say Bruce Lee landed me a job working for SAFC.” So, off Ian went at 16-years-old, beaming with pride, heading to the football club every other day and turning up to 3pm kick offs with a home strip peeking out of his shirt collar. The life that any football fanatic dreams of. SAFC is a social institution, never mind a professional football club. It’s a melting pot of personalities, opinions and backgrounds. Something Ian was well aware of when documenting the club, its players, fans and staff. “My friends would all be in the Fulwell End watching the match and I’m sitting on my stool, snapping and clicking away. It was difficult to switch off from ‘fan-mode’ and it caught me out on a few occasions.

My hero was Gary Rowell and he scored against QPR I think. My boss asked me if I captured the moment he scored, of which I assured him I did until he shouted at me saying: “I know you didn’t get the goal because I saw you on Shoot! and you were too busy jumping about celebrating!”. Guilty and caught on camera as Ian likes to put it. I ask if Ian had any other memorable ‘run-ins’ during his early years at Roker Park. “I’ll never ever forget my first match,” he says. “At half-time, I walked down the tunnel and was looking to escape into the Roker End with my mates to chat about the match. George Baker worked as one of the security there and I asked him for directions on how to get into the stand. “Obviously, I’m still in shock that this is my job and the adrenaline is high with me being a huge fan. He gave me a bunch of directions that rapidly went in one ear and out the other. “Anyhow, I began walking down the corridor he pointed towards and I burst through a door hoping it was right. Instead, I’ve walked in on Terry Venables’s half-time team talk and he’s giving his Crystal Palace side a right dressing down. There’s tape all over the floor, Jeff Bourne has his head in his hands and the tension is rife. I nearly got

George the sack for that!” One of Ian’s more breathtaking images, and let’s be clear, he has a full room of special photos yet unseen by the world, is undoubtedly his aerial shot of Roker Park from a pylon in the Fulwell End. “Basically, I had the idea of getting a photograph atop the ground from the floodlight pylons. I used to turn up early on a matchday to take sponsors’ photos, so thought I could squeeze this in before my duties began. “I asked Cathy Kerr if I could climb up one of the pylons in the Fulwell End to get the shot I wanted. There was one condition: ‘As long as you’re back down before the fans start coming in.’ “This was long before the days of health and safety ever became ‘a thing’. So, off I set climbing the Fulwell End wall. My camera case is strapped around my body as I clutch onto the first rusty rung of the ladder and the adrenaline carried me 150ft to the very top. It’s only here that I realised how perilous this is - it was blowing a ‘reet’ gale, the tiny platform creaked and swayed and the stench of the pigeon mess was spectacularly awful. A terrifying experience, but absolutely worth it to get this unique shot.” Recalling the story behind this particular image leads him to detail another aerial escapade. The club were on the lookout for an aerial shot of Roker Park for a new range of calendars, postcards and posters. It doesn’t take an intellectual to work out that during Ian’s era, drone technology was, probably, nothing more than a CAD drawing. Being the spontaneous ‘yes’ man he is, Ian instantly agreed to source the shot without giving it much thought. His solution in the end? A great deal of bravery, three mates, £250 and a small flying school in Teesside. “I hired a small plane from a flying school in Middlesbrough. It was a small, four-seater propeller-powered thing and I was in the passenger seat, with a couple of guys from the studio in the back. “We flew up the coast and when we arrived at Sunderland, the pilot said ‘right, open the window and get cracking!’. “So, there I was kneeling on the passenger seat, leaning out of the window with one hand focussing my lens, the other clicking the winding back and forth. The two lads in the back were holding me by my jacket as the pilot banked the plane and flew around Roker Park three times.” For the remainder of our chat, the world is put to rights, discussion flits between SAFC’s promotion into the Championship and the spectacular renovation of a Grade II Listed pumphouse in Seaham that Ian and his wife are currently undertaking. I can confidently confirm that a man with a camera has many a story to tell, and it has been truly fascinating to sit down and listen.

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FAMILY AFFAIR

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FAMILY AFFAIR

H o s p i t a l i t y h e ro As the third generation of his family to own Ramside Estates, John Adamson clearly has hospitality running through his veins. Under his leadership the privately owned hospitality company has become one of the largest and most successful in the North East. He spoke to Claudia Robinson about his journey so far and his plans for the future…

Ramside Estates was set up by John Adamson’s grandfather in 1964 before his son-in-law, Michael - John’s father - took up the reins in the 1970s. Skip forward a few decades and now, with John at the helm, Ramside Estates has nine premises in its ever-expanding stable, including Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa; Bowburn Hall Hotel; Hardwick Hall Hotel; and the Impeccable Pig in Sedgefield. “I’d always wanted to be involved in hospitality. Up until leaving school I’d constantly lived in a flat above a pub, or in a hotel, so I had no option really, it was the only thing I knew! When I left school I went to work in France to improve my French and then headed to a hotel school called the Centre International de Glion in Montreux, Switzerland in 1985. I spent three years there learning the trade. The Swiss are exceptional hoteliers and I wanted to learn from the best.”

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Each year John spent several months on placements, at hotels in Belgium, France and London. Once he graduated he joined the Trusthouse Forte International Management Scheme and spent three years working at The Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane in Hyde Park, London and at a couple of their airport hotels. “It was good training,” John continues, “and set me up for my career, no question. When you’re on a training scheme you work in every department. I enjoyed being in the kitchens the most during college and when at Trusthouse Forte. From the age of about 12, I would help in the kitchens at Hardwick Hall, and then when I turned 16 I started working at the renowned Black Bull in Moulton, in North Yorkshire, which was owned by my dad’s friend, George Pagenham. I believe the kitchen and food service is so important for our business and it’s crucial to understand what goes on behind the scenes, and to be able to relate to the chefs. Fifty per cent of our

income is through food so that’s why I see the food operations as the centre of a hotel business.” John tells me how he feels very privileged to have had the education in hospitality that he did and that he’d like for one or more of his four children, aged 15, 13, 12 and 7, to follow in his footsteps. “I’d love the business to remain in the family and it would be great if one of my three daughters or my son got the opportunity to study at a Swiss hotel school. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Centre International de Glion. What you learn in Switzerland is a good foundation that no one can take away. It was a great experience working in the top hotels throughout Europe, you learn standards and it’s nice to be able to implement them back home.” John returned to the family business in 1991 to support his father. The first property he managed was the Dun Cow in Sedgefield. “It was an eye opener moving from a five star hotel in London to running a country pub. It was very hard work, very hands-on and involved long hours, sometimes 100 a week, but it was a great foundation. A year later I set up Ramside Event Catering and we secured work at Durham County Cricket Club when they became a first class county. It was at the time when Ian Botham, Wayne Larkins and Dean Jones all played there and the business boomed. We were soon catering at Newcastle and Sedgefield Racecourses, big weddings and other outdoor events.” The outside catering business is still proving a huge success for John with regular jobs at charity dinners, society weddings, country shows, hunt balls and regional events

including the recent Teesside Airshow and Killers concert at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium. Towards the end of the 90s John started to take more control of the Ramside Estates business as a whole. They sold the Dun Cow to raise funds to invest in improvements at Hardwick Hall and the business continued to grow. John’s father passed away in 2010 and a few years later John was overseeing a £16.5 million development of Ramside Hall. “We built another 18 hole golf course, at the time I remember it was only us and Donald Trump that were building new courses on the British Isles. Him in Aberdeen and us in Durham!” Enhancing the offerings at his existing properties is a big focus for John, evident by the eight stunning treehouses he has so far unveiled at Ramside Hall. And after a tough couple of years for the hospitality industry, he’s looking forward to investing further in Hardwick Hall and Ramside Hall hotels. “We’ve got exciting plans for Ramside including a new golf and entertainment complex, more treehouses and lodges, extra bedrooms and an extension to the spa. At Hardwick, next year we’re hoping to build a health club and spa, some extra bedrooms and lodges as well. I’m excited about what’s happening in the Tees Valley, there are many major developments such as at Teesport and Wynyard and a lot of business comes to us from Teesside, so it’s important to invest in Hardwick.” John also has exciting plans up his sleeve for another new development in Durham. “We’re currently developing some serviced apartments which we’re calling Funky Monk, that will have hot tubs and saunas. They’ll >>

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FAMILY AFFAIR

be really quirky and I can’t wait for them to be ready at the end of this summer.” Another success for John and the Ramside Estates team is Hardwick Festival which returns for its eighth year this August and, as John explains, it’s one of his favourite projects. “In this industry, one of the most satisfying things for me is seeing customers with smiles on their faces, whether it’s during a spa day, coming for a family dinner at one of our restaurants or after a good round of golf. Seeing so many smiling faces at the festival is fantastic. We’ve secured some quality acts this year including Stereophonics, Becky Hill, The Proclaimers and Ella Eyre, as well as some world famous DJs.” John likes to give back to the community through his charity work, including raising funds through big events and by taking part in challenges. His popular Oyster and Lobster Festivals at Hardwick Hall have been running for 17 years now and have so far raised £1.6 million. “Raising funds for good local causes is close to my heart - in 2017 we did a sponsored walk in China and raised £55,000 for the Butterwick Hospice and I’m hoping to take some staff and friends with me to do a sponsored trek in Machu Picchu next year, we’ve set ourselves a target of £80,000 for that one. We also sponsor local kids’ football teams, Lumiere and various other events. I think it’s really important to give back to the community, we have a social responsibility to do so.” On the subject of community, between all of the Ramside Estate businesses there are 750 employees and many of them have worked for the company for several years,

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half a century in some cases, which is testament to John and his management team. “In all three hotels you find there are various generations that have worked for us. We’ve just had one gentleman retire who has worked for the business for 54 years and two others still working who’ve been with us for 51 years. There are numerous that have been here for 40 years and I’m very proud of that.” It’s no surprise that running a hospitality empire keeps John very busy but when he finds some rare downtime, what does he like to do? “I don’t play golf, believe it or not! I live on the golf course at Ramside but never get around to it. In recent years I’ve had my four fabulous children to take up a lot of my free time and I have the best wife in the world who raises the children and helps with the business, so it’s important to spend time with all of them when I’m not working. “Following Newcastle United is my main hobby I guess! That and working on the catering trailers at events, where I get the children involved of course - my eldest, Grace, recently worked with me at the Northumberland County Show. The business is very much a family affair. “My sister is also involved in the business. Helen runs the golf club and helps with some of the refurbishments that we do she likes to get involved with the interiors. And my Mum still has little jobs to do, she’s 82 now. We often send her off to source lamp shades or artificial flowers, we keep her busy!” As he continues to talk passionately about his business and his family, I try to steer

John back to finding out more about what he likes to do when he’s not working. “We have a couple of nice family holidays each year, which is very important to us all. We love Ibiza. It’s a very picturesque island, with great food and great music. “Suzanne and I have just returned from a couple of days in Paris. I’d forgotten how beautiful it is there, and the food is spectacular. Closer to home we like to visit Bamburgh and Beadnell beaches. Roker is lovely too and Suzanne is from Whitley Bay so we like to go there. For a bite to eat, we

love to visit Café 21 in Newcastle. Terry Laybourne is the king of restaurateurs in the North East, his food is consistently good which is so important. “Hotel-wise, I went to stay at Grantley Hall near Ripon last year and thought it was fabulous. It’s probably the best hotel outside of London. I think it sets the benchmark for service and food.” Customer service is so important to John that he’s putting his money where his mouth is with plans to set up a customer service training school as part of the developments

I think it’s really important to give back to the community, we have a social responsibility to do so

at Ramside Hall. “People’s expectations are getting higher as we travel more,” explains John. “The standards in places like Dubai, Asia and North America are exceptional and that’s what I’m striving for at our properties. It’s not just our company that needs to improve, but the whole of the hospitality industry in the UK - it’s certainly improving but there’s still a long way to go to reach the standards of those other countries. I’ll be sending my staff there - I’ll be going there myself, after all, hospitality is in our blood!” ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

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Reading about them is valuable. Connecting with them could be invaluable. Whether it’s attending our world class events or taking advantage of our altruistic mentoring programme, you never know what being part of the region’s most influential business forum could do for you. It could be something you learn, a chance meeting with a like-minded peer or the opportunity to give something back.

ADVERTORIAL

The Best in Beauty

Harrods celebrates the highly anticipated launch of H beauty Gateshead. Luxe swings by to get the lowdown… June 2022 welcomed the fabulous launch of H beauty - a store bringing a plethora of products and services from the world’s most iconic and innovative beauty brands housed under one roof. The impressive store located in the Metrocentre is the fifth of Harrods standalone beauty stores in the UK and we couldn’t be any more excited to have this little slice of beauty heaven right on our doorstep. The 30,203 sq.ft. space brings together a diverse portfolio of must-have products and exceptional services from an array of beauty brands for customers to enjoy. The store has been designed as an experiential playground, where beauty novices and experts alike can discover some of the industry’s most forward-thinking and vibrant brands as well as stock up on their favourite products. The curated product offering, paired with Harrods renowned retail innovation and expert-driven service, creates a beauty wonderland for enthusiasts to discover, and to enhance their inner and outer wellbeing. The latest addition to the H beauty portfolio reflects Harrods commitment to creating luxury shopping

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experiences to new communities across the UK. In keeping with H beauty’s ethos of inclusivity, empowerment, and selfexpression, the Harrods buying team, led by Annalise Fard, Director of Beauty, Home and Technology and Mia Collins, Head of Beauty, has carefully curated a spectacular offering that delivers something for everyone. The ethos of the store is to encourage the H beauty community to play, experiment and celebrate their identity through beauty. The Gateshead launch follows four successful store openings, the first at Lakeside retail centre in Essex, the second at centre:mk in Milton Keynes, the third at St James Quarter in Edinburgh, and the fourth at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol. Annalise Fard, Director of Beauty at Harrods, said: “The launch of our fifth H beauty store in Gateshead, marks another incredible milestone for Harrods. The expansion of our stand-alone H beauty stores showcase our commitment to bringing elevated retail beauty shopping experiences to communities outside of London. As a leading authority in beauty and luxury, we have carefully curated an extensive portfolio of brands and products tailored to suit the local customer, and are proud to bring the magic of H beauty to local communities

across the UK. Our commitment to bringing the best in beauty to Gateshead is reflected in the breadth of beauty brands, products and services available in store.” To provide customers with an elevated and unique beauty retail experience, each H beauty store is developed with the local beauty community in mind and is designed to bring the most iconic and vibrant products, brands, and experiences to customers. The new store combines premium brands such as Chanel, Dior, Dr Barbara Sturm, alongside cult-favourites including Charlotte Tilbury, Huda Beauty and Vieve. The Gateshead launch also welcomes several new brands to the H beauty portfolio, including must-haves from Le Labo, Bond No.9, Monday Muse and Paula’s Choice. In addition, H beauty Gateshead continues H beauty’s commitment to support local talent and up-and-coming ‘Born & Bred’ brands, whose values directly connect with Harrods own, this time with the inclusion of Nursem, a local brand which offers a range of skincare products developed with nurses to help combat the effects of relentless hand washing. Additionally, for every Nursem unit that is bought, the brand donates a month’s worth of hand cream to a nurse or midwife. H beauty is a perfume lover’s paradise, and as the UK’s leading fine fragrance retailer,

Harrods intends to bring the best of what is offered in the Knightsbridge Beauty Halls to regional communities across the UK. The store’s fragrance offering showcases the sector’s growth and the continuous demand for luxury perfumes. With a dedicated Fragrance Bar and boutiques offering access to Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Parfums de Marly, and Eilish by Billie Eilish, as well as exclusives from Initio, LOEWE, Creed and Penhaligon’s, customers can fall in love with new signature scents as well find their familiar favourites. H beauty’s extensive skincare offering ensures that there are effective and enriching products to enhance daily skincare routines and address skin concerns, across a range of different price points. The store features a curated edit of skincare heroes including Holifrog, Elemis, Dermalogica, 111 Skin, Fresh and Sunday Riley, while also housing an array of innovative beauty gadgets, haircare, makeup, and candles that are designed to enhance your inner and outer wellbeing. Throughout the store, customers will discover creative beauty experiences, including blow-dry product and salon phenomenon, Drybar; offering a quick, accessible, and elevated blow-dry experience, state-of-the-art play-tables; providing access makeup demonstrations and experiential

JUL/AUG22

ADVERTORIAL

The latest addition to the H beauty portfolio reflects Harrods commitment to creating luxury shopping experiences to new communities across the UK

Five luxe picks >> Five of our favourite products from H beauty Gateshead CREED Wind Flowers Eau de Parfum 75ml, £260 111SKIN Y Theorem Repair Light Serum NAC Y2 £190

product testing, the Skincare Station; offering bespoke consultations and treatments, and finally the Click & Collect boutique. Additionally, H beauty’s 48-seat Champagne Bar offers an indulgent menu of cocktails and patisseries created by Harrods renowned food and beverage team, providing the perfect space for beauty lovers to sit, sip and reunite with friends. Mia Collins, Head of Beauty at Harrods said: “We are delighted to welcome you through the doors of our new H beauty Gateshead and cannot wait for you to enjoy the wonderful line up of brands, products, and services that we have in store. Our new store in the Metrocentre features all of H beauty’s iconic signatures, including Hari (our famous H beauty bear), an incredible Champagne Bar which offers a delicious bite to eat and glass of something sparkling with loved ones, as well as our

immersive play-tables and an inspiring assortment of new beauty experiences and concepts. I can’t wait for customers to enjoy the host of new and exciting brands, products, and services that aren’t available anywhere else in the region!” We had the pleasure of attending the launch event in June and we can honestly say it did not disappoint. A sip of champagne, a mooch about swooning over our favourite concessions and a goodie bag filled to the brim with the best in beauty - it was a truly exceptional evening offering a snippet of what’s to come from H beauty Gateshead. If you haven’t already paid H beauty a visit, you can stumble upon this new gem at Town Square, Metrocentre, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE11 9YE. themetrocentre.co.uk

Metrocentre, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE11 9YG

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KYLIE COSMETICS The Mauve Palette £24

VIEVE Dimension Face Palette £39

LE LABO Santal 33 Eau de Parfum 100ml, £200

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HOLIDAY HITS

TO T H E B E AC H

From beautiful bikinis to one-pieces and cover-ups, Empreinte’s summer swimwear collection is getting us beach ready

empreinte.eu/in/

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Structure Collection Underwired Padded Scoop Bikini Top in Sun, £95 Structure Collection Bikini Brief Bottoms, £43

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HOLIDAY HITS

Structure Collection Bikini Top in Green, £95 Structure Collection Beach Trousers in Green, £89

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HOLIDAY HITS

Structure Collection Balconette Bikini Top in Noir, £82 Structure Collection High Waisted Bikini Bottoms in Noir, £95

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HOLIDAY HITS Joy Collection Ballerina Neckline One Piece in Flamme, £145

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HOLIDAY HITS Flower Collection Halter Neck Bikini Top in Flamme, £82 Flower Collection Bikini Bottoms in Flamme, £43

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JUL/AUG22

AWARD WINNING HAIRDRESSING

MAKING WAVES Gosforth 0191 217 0217 Jesmond 0191 281 6714 Ponteland 01661 821 004 Wynyard 01740 644 690 www.hookerandyoung.co.uk Facebook: hooker&young Twitter: @hookerandyoung Instagram: hookerandyoung

LUXE LOOKS Rejina Pyo Sylvia Woven Satin Shoulder Bag £128, theoutnet.com

Alexandre Vauthier Blue Fringed Satin Mini Dress £1,875, harveynichols.com

Saint Laurent Frayed Denim Shorts £470, net-a-porter.com

Annoushka Hidden Reef Earrings £9,900, harveynichols.com Reiss Emily Linen Blend Belted Dress £188, reiss.com

GET THE LOOK

Summer ready

From beachy buys and garden party attire to sunny accessories and poolside essentials, we’ve got your summer wardrobe kitted out with our luxe picks...

Gianvito Rossi Braided Leather Slides £655, net-a-porter.com

Brunello Cucinelli Leather Shopper Tote in Lime Green £2,630, brunellocucinelli.com/en

Lola’s Hats Twist and Turn Hat £230, fenwick.co.uk Seafolly Modern Marina Twist Front Maillot £105, fenwick.co.uk

True Decadence Petrol Blue Check Maxi Dress £140, truedecadence.com

Valentino Valentino Garavani Embellished Leather-trimmed Straw Fedora £570, net-a-porter.com

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Chloé Franky Sunglasses £300, fenwick.co.uk

JUL/AUG22

STAR QUALITY

Time to celebrate

Berry’s, the UK’s leading family-owned, luxury jewellers, is celebrating its 125th year in the business… Luxury jewellers, Berry’s, is celebrating a milestone year in 2022 as it reaches its 125th year in business. With nine stores and boutiques across the UK - one in Newcastle - and an e-commerce website, Berry’s is nationally known for the quality of its jewellery and exceptional customer service, with expertise in fine watches and diamonds. As part of its milestone anniversary year, the family-owned jewellers located at 122 Grey Street, has launched an exclusive jewellery collection alongside a number of store openings, events and partnerships, as well as in-store celebrations across the country. A widely respected name in the industry, Berry’s has long established roots in Yorkshire, with Mr Abe Berens opening the first store in Scarborough in 1897. Further stores in Southport and Leeds followed, and since then the family business has enjoyed huge national success. Berens’s daughter Jeanne took over the business after her father, and it was then passed on to her son-in-law Jeffrey Walton. Jeffrey, along with his son Simon and grandson Oliver, have been continuing to expand and develop the business ever since. The company now boasts nine stores in Leeds, Newcastle, York, Hull, Nottingham and Windsor, with plans for further growth this year.

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To mark the special occasion, Berry’s is commemorating five generations of authentic British jewellery design with a special edition fine-jewellery collection a celestial-inspired range of elegant diamond jewellery creations crafted from 18ct white gold and platinum. Designed by hand and formed from a vision of elegance and simplicity, their talented in-house designer, Emily Rose Holdich, has brought each piece to life. Forging this inspirational range from an initial pencil sketch and nurturing each piece to form a work of art - an ability that comes naturally to Emily. The new OPEIA collection sees each design share a significant focus on the number five to reflect five generations of family at Berry’s. Each graduated round brilliant-cut diamond featured within the designs echoes the way in which moving comets leave a trail of shimmering light behind them as they glide through a rich blanket of black night sky. Assembling different-sized diamonds in this way simultaneously creates the impression of dynamic movement and fluidity throughout each design. Meticulous attention to detail has gone into even the smallest aspects - the negative inverted space inside each circle also forms a five-point star shape, yet another nod to the meaning behind the number. OPEIA derives from the word Cassiopeia - a constellation found in the Northern sky and

Designed by hand and formed from a vision of elegance and simplicity named after Queen Cassiopeia, Mother of Andromeda. Fittingly for this collection, the Queen was known to have taken great pride in her and her daughter’s stunning beauty. Just as imaginary lines connect one star to another when forming a constellation, the infinite shape of each diamondencrusted circle featured in the OPEIA collection is connected by the delicate links of a white gold chain or a connecting bar showered in stones. The focus on the Cassiopeia constellation itself tips its hat to the northern roots of the business, whilst the soaring comets and majestic shooting stars formed by beautiful diamonds signify five generations of Berry’s craftsmanship. The collection welcomes a comfortable, wearable, tactile and timeless range to be enjoyed by all with a shared love for contemporary design - furthermore - the classic beauty of the much-loved diamond. Symbolic of their heritage, this special anniversary collection shows their unwavering commitment to extraordinary artistry and drive to continuously create unique and masterfully crafted designs for generations to come. Simon Walton, Managing Director of Berry’s, commented on the milestone: “Berry’s 125th Anniversary is a time for celebration! We’re very excited to unveil our brand-new exclusive Anniversary Collection, with limited pieces available to purchase from our

boutiques. The new collection has been crafted by our expert team of specialist designers to herald a five-generation family business. “We’re planning a full year of celebrations with our employees, stakeholders and clients to mark this very important milestone in our heritage.” berrysjewellers.co.uk

Berry’s York

Berry’s Newcastle

JUL/AUG22

SUNNY STAPLES

TREND WATCH

with Isabella Dryden, founder of sustainable luxury fashion brand, Saint Belle Celebrate summer with cool dresses and colourful accessories…

Huddle your home Huddle is a female owned brand launched in October last year creating stunning textiles for the home. My favourites are the block printed cotton cushions and lampshades. Great for bringing a pop of colour to your home and uplifting any shady nook. £40 to £475 huddlecollection.com

Swedish sensations Pure white Our popular Adelia dress is now available in our white organic handloom cotton. A romantic piece for bright summer souls. A clean white dress is the purest piece in your wardrobe for when the temperatures start rising. £175 to £255 saintbelle.co.uk

Fruity fun Featuring a joyful design of fruit and blooms, Marigold and Lettice pottery creations are sure to provide a dreamy finale to any tablescape. The strawberry bowl is a decorative piece that’s guaranteed to make you smile. Handmade by Bronwen in her studio, everything is ‘made to be used’ and is dishwasher, microwave and oven safe. £30 to £180 marigoldandlettice.co.uk

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Summer jewels Gold hoop earrings are a modern-day jewellery classic - the perfect transitional jewel for day-to-night dressing. Polly Collins’s creations are handmade in her South West of England studio. Her flower earrings bring the sunshine to your daily look, elevating any outfit for summer. Follow her growing community over on Instagram at @polly_collins. £60-£135 pollycollins.bigcartel.com

Holiday season is officially upon us, and the modern take on the ‘clip-clop’ clog has already been gracing the high street. A pair of Swedish Hasbeens, handmade in Sweden using natural materials, are all you need for a look that will take you from a stroll on the seafront to sundown. A much loved shoe that celebrities including Sarah Jessica Parker and Reese Witherspoon can’t seem to get enough of, they’re perfect for elevating a pair of mom jeans and white tee. £160 to £180 swedishhasbeens.com

Hair adornments Garden parties are in full swing and it's all about the accessories for that nostalgic feeling. I recently came across a female owned brand called ‘Clementine and Mint’ creating the sweetest hair accessories. I will be wearing them all summer long with my favourite dresses for a polished look. £25-£45 clementineandmint.com

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ACTIVE STYLE

Look good, feel good Helen Marra set out on a mission to create hard wearing statement gym wear that would stand the test of time. Now, after recently celebrating her fourth year in business, she tells Nicole Wood about her booming business When it comes to compiling our workout wardrobes with clothes that are comfortable, stylish and squat-proof, it can prove a difficult task. Recently starting out on my very own little journey into the world of yoga, finding a good pair of leggings that I wasn’t terrified of doing the downward facing dog in was a challenge in itself. That was until I stumbled upon the online store,

The Gym Wear Boutique - a company that prides itself on its products being designed for style, comfort, and performance, using the highest quality materials that are made to last. The Newcastle-based company was set up in 2018 by Helen Marra. After spending years working in a national role for a large company, Helen decided it was time to step out on her own, take on a new challenge and become her own boss. “What started as an experiment to source a few good quality, affordable items for myself quickly turned into a passion to design whole ranges based on style and performance, to help other women feel confident and comfortable in their activewear,” Helen begins. “Despite having no previous experience

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in the fashion world, the retail industry or online marketing, I was on a mission to create something that I couldn’t find for myself that already existed on the market. “I live quite an active lifestyle, I play tennis, I’ve recently taken up golf and I practically live in the gym, so I wanted to create a range that was comfortable and

practical, yet stylish enough so I could go grab coffee with the girls, do the Saturday shop straight from the gym, or head out to places like the cinema. We’re all about the look good, feel good vibes,” Helen smiles. “I love how each collection has something a little unique. Whether that’s a tie back top, a quirky pattern, bold colour or something a little ‘out there’. “For me, my personal favourite has to be the Keyla tie back top in bright pink. I just love it. It’s super flattering and just makes you feel so bright and confident when you wear it. The best part is that you can tailor it to how you want it to fit. You can cinch it in or you can have it baggy and floaty

I wanted to create a range that was comfortable and practical, yet stylish enough so I could grab coffee with the girls or do the Saturday shop straight from the gym

depending on how you’re feeling that day. “Another popular product at the moment is our Narla leggings. We have them in a shiny and leather look and they’re just fabulous - without a doubt one of my favourites and proving popular with our customers too. They look so good you shouldn’t be able to work out in them, but the material is super practical and comfortable. They’re perfect for working out and for going out too. “Style aside, I pride myself on having squat-proof leggings and using high-quality materials throughout all of my collections. “I will try and test them before bringing them to market. I wouldn’t dream of selling a product if it wasn’t excellent quality.” With her business rapidly outgrowing her spare bedroom, Helen was on the hunt for a base to grow and expand. Despite looking

in and around Newcastle city centre, Helen found The Gym Wear Boutique’s new home inside a gym in Killingworth - the ‘perfect coincidence’, Helen tells me. “Last year I moved the business into a premises, which was incredibly exciting,” she starts. “I was looking for the perfect

place and then out of nowhere one popped up inside Primal Fitness Gym in Killingworth. An office in a gym… you couldn’t write it. “It was the biggest office space I had seen and I loved it. “I have no excuse not to go to the gym now though. My personal trainer who works at the gym will pop his head in and ask if I’ve trained today… It’s very motivating, but I definitely can’t hide behind excuses anymore,” Helen laughs. With a fourth birthday to celebrate, a bigger space and exciting plans for an upcoming sustainable range, we just know this is only the start for this talented entrepreneur. thegymwearboutique.co.uk

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SUMMER ESSENTIALS A youthful glow >> Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum This luxurious, lightweight, semi-translucent serum combines two leading active ingredients in skincare in one, easy-to-use capsule: retinol, the clinically proven wrinkle-smoother, and ceramides, formulated to boost moisture and help protect against the dryness often associated with retinol. Use for a more youthful complexion with minimised wrinkles, pores, age spots and discolouration along with super-soft moisturised skin. Say hello to a new and improved skin texture and tone, filled with radiance and clarity. 90 pieces, £92, very.co.uk

Fabulously floral >> Valentino Born In Roma Donna Coral Fantasy Eau de Parfum Spray This gorgeous fragrance invites you to enjoy sunsets in Rome. The floral and fruity Eau de Parfum is made up of kiwi accord, musk and ambrette seeds absolute accord, as well as Indian jasmine and rose accord, all of which combined with the gorgeous bottle design and inviting colour - are inspired by the coral skies of the vibrant Italian capital city. £114 (100ml), theperfumeshop.com

Working wonders >> ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30 50ml As the sun beats down and we enjoy time outdoors, don’t forget to protect your skin. This skin-loving sunscreen from ELEMIS offers a unique encapsulated blend that leaves no white streaks on the face and offers evenly distributed broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. With increased hydration, elasticity and suppleness appear improved and the skin looks firm and toned. This clinically proven formulation blends a powerful combination of ingredients, including padina pavonica and ginkgo biloba and is even said to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. £71.20, feelunique.com

Beauty:update

Floral inspired scents, golden shades and skin-loving essentials… feels like summer! Magic drops >> Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50 Protect the skin you’re in with Dr. Barbara Sturm’s innovative, light-textured SPF 50 sun drops. Not only do these clever drops work as broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, but they double as skincare, nourishing skin with a silky-smooth serum. An active complex of cassia extract, vitamin E and beta-glucan protects the skin from oxidative damage, while purslane, an anti-aging powerhouse, helps calm the skin and reduces visible signs of irritation. 30ml, £110, harveynichols.com

Golden hour >> Sisley Paris Phyto-Touche Illusion of Summer Achieve a flawless skin-kissed look in a single brush stroke with this ultra-gentle bronzing gel-powder from Sisley Paris. Swipe across your cheek to achieve a luminous look. Suitable for all skin types and tones, the micronized pigments ensure optimum colour for a natural, uniform result, achieving a tanned and radiant complexion - perfect all year round. £72.85, sisley-paris.com

Pretty in pink >>

Luscious locks >> Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector Give your hair the love, care and strength it deserves. The Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector is a concentrated pre-shampoo conditioner that strengthens the hair from within, reducing breakage and improving its look and feel. Harnessing an exclusive active ingredient that repairs strands at cellular level, this dreamy treatment works to seek out damaged bonds in the hair and repairs them to transform your strands into a silky-soft, healthy mane. Apply a generous amount of this once-a-week treatment for a minimum of 10 minutes and watch the resurrection of broken strands commence. 100ml, £26, feelunique.com

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Primrose Palette Get ready to swoon over 12 stunning shades. Anastasia Beverly Hills’ rose-inspired face and eye palette is perfect for dazzling day-to-night looks this summer. Whether you’re looking for something simple, natural or ultra-glam, this gorgeous palette does it all with buildable colour. Inside you’ll find 12 versatile shades and creamy formulas in mattes and metallics that, together, create brilliant dimension and highlights for the face and eyes. £52, harveynichols.com

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LUXE LOCKS

Beautiful blonde Summer is back, adding a healthy bit of sparkle to everyone’s face - and hair! This season we’re bringing bright blonde looks to life

Summer is here and with it a shiny new, happy vibe. Literally everyone has a spring in their step - ‘good morning’ gushes out as they walk by - I reckon it has a whole lot to do with us poor people in the North East being starved of vitamin D for most of the year. But let’s not focus on the negatives - the sun has been shining and we love it! It

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has the unique power to bring a bit of sparkle to everyone’s face, but also our hair - meaning beautiful, bright blonde is big business in hair salons. Whether you’re getting beach ready or simply want that head turning glow for alfresco dining and summer cocktails, it’s a great time to experiment with a bolder, brighter look. It doesn’t need to be high maintenance or even be long-term commitment, as colour

can be tailor-made to suit your look. Maybe it’s just some face-framing pieces to enhance your natural look, or perhaps some beach blonde balayage to give you a perfect poolside look. It can be as bold or subtle as you want, but still give a stunning result. The days of blonde resulting in dry lengths are long gone with the introduction of amazing blending technology that cares for lightening. Our beautiful model shown here has a full head of woven baby lights to give a perfect blonde result that looks dreamy when worn with loose texture and that undone feel that oozes style and sophistication. Blow-dried with volume and finished with a light texture spray, this look will take you from day to night without having to think of a hair change - just perfect.

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

JUL/AUG22

THE NORTH EAST’S

Top-Tier Wedding Venue With panoramic views of the North Sea, tantalising dishes and outstanding service from start to finish, Spanish City is sure to give your wedding the wow factor. Find out how the multi-award-winning wedding venue takes the cake when it comes to the North East wedding scene. Just a stone’s throw away from the Northumbrian coastline lies the iconic Spanish City. Originally built in 1910, the venue’s function suite, St Mary’s Lighthouse, is fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows to showcase the unmatched sea view.

From its unique location by the beach to its interior design and décor, Spanish City is the perfect place for your wedding photography. The Wedding Co-ordinator will be there to advise you on the perfect photograph backdrops – including Spanish City’s roof terrace, which is available to wedding parties for drinks, canapes and photography, and has mesmerising views of the North East coastline. Because of Spanish City’s prominent location, there is an abundance of nearby accommodation available for both you and your guests to choose from, with the venue’s top picks available on their website.

Awarded the title of ‘Best Coastal Wedding Venue in the UK’ as part of the Hitched 2020 UK Wedding Award and ‘Best Town and City Venue’ at the North of England Wedding Awards 2021, Spanish City has several packages for future married couples to choose from, meaning you’re guaranteed to find something that suits your individual needs and budget. From your initial show around and meeting with the Wedding Co-ordinator, to your exchange of ‘I do’s’ and wedding reception, Spanish City’s dedicated and experienced team will assist you every step of the way. Based on your desires, they will create a bespoke wedding service that’s tailored to your preferences, to create the big day that you have always dreamed of. Spanish City’s dining experiences go the extra mile. Expect the taste of luxury as its team of expert chefs serve you and your guests a meal you won’t forget. With a variety of menu options to choose from, including Potted Crab, Oven Roasted Fillet of Beef, Confit Duck & Orange Terrine and Raspberry & Vanilla Pavlova, Spanish City’s dishes are guaranteed to tantalise all of your tastebuds.

Visit www.spanishcity.co.uk for more information. Email events@spanishcity.co.uk or call 0191 691 7090 to speak with Spanish City’s Wedding Co-ordinator about their packages. Spanish City, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG

GLOW GETTERS

Beauty and the brows Mother and Daughter, Donna and Kim, are the founders of West Barn Co. Nicole Wood chats to the duo about their brand

Based in the heart of Durham's industrial landscape, West Barn Co is a company that focuses on creating high quality, cruelty free and effective brow and skin prep products for professional makeup artists. Born out of a passion for organic skincare and a noticeable gap in the market, both women poured their abundance of knowledge, experience and creativity into building a brand that’s not only loved region-wide, but is used and adored worldwide. Since launching, the business has gone from strength to strength, creating a storm in the beauty world and building up quite the reputation. “We are proud to be stocked in prestigious stores like Harrods, Liberty London and Urban Outfitters, and our products have

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was suitable to wear on the face, particularly around the eyes. Never one to shy away from a challenge - I think that’s where I get my determination from - she set to work formulating a small tin of brow soap, and little did we know that it would completely change the game,” continues Kim. “Soap Brows was born, and being home to the original brow soap product, with it came opportunities we didn't think were possible. We spent all of our money on small aluminium tins and spent hours painstakingly hand pouring each product,” explains Donna. News of Soap Brows exploded on social media. As it gathered momentum, Donna and Kim knew they needed more hands-on deck. “In June 2018, we took on our first member of staff. Back then we were working from a

graced the brows of celebrities including Billie Eilish, Zendaya, Becky Hill, Kendall Jenner and many more,” says Kim. “It took a lot of hard work to get to where we are today. In 2016, I was working as a professional make-up artist on an editorial photoshoot for a magazine and wanted to create something completely different to the Instagram brow trend at the time; to create a brushed up, fluffy, natural brow. Frustrated that none of the brow products in my kit would hold the look, I was inspired by the old Hollywood trick of using soap to keep the brows in place, but I was extremely reluctant to put hand soap on my client's face,” she laughs. “During this time, my mam Donna had taken an interest in organic skincare and formulation, producing samples for friends and family members delivered in a brown paper bag. I asked her if it was possible to create a product similar to soap but that

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GLOW GETTERS sourced active ingredients to our personal handmade processes, our skin prep products are designed not only to care for your skin, but to actively improve it.” After only five years, the business continued to expand and a bigger space was needed which saw them recently move into an impressive HQ in Durham. The office space, with 11,000 sq ft, houses 27 staff members who formulate, design, manufacture, box and label, market and distribute to over 60 countries around the world and it even has its very own onsite lab. Part of the big move was the introduction of the West Barn Co Clinic. A place where beauty, skincare, wellness and relaxation are all combined into one. “The clinic was always a long-term goal. We found the perfect space when we recently moved; and we now have the ability to offer our clients everything from brows, facials and massages, to fine line treatments, fillers and more. We do our treatments a little differently from other salons. We offer something we call ‘journeys’. It's so important to take time

out for yourself consistently, so we’ve created a concept where you proactively invest in your skin and wellness by working with our therapists to create a journey to the most confident you.” explains Kim. "We have a huge new space where wellness is going to continue to be paramount for our team, and as well as the clinic, we have lots of new and exciting products launching in 2022. “Our Soap Brows family is now complete with the introduction of our Gel Brows they're the last piece of the jigsaw. We have some exciting big stores in America which we will be launching in, as well as a few other countries worldwide. We hope to continue to grow and share our wealth of knowledge on brows and skincare,” says Kim. Whether it’s testing out the latest must-have beauty products, indulging in a dreamy treatment or two, or starting on your very own bespoke ‘journey’, West Barn Co are our skincare saviours. We can’t wait to see what this dynamic duo come up with next. westbarnco.com

A bespoke journey to the most confident you >>

West Barn Co’s six step process to uncover each individual’s skin aspirations and goals, using a range of professional treatments to boost your confidence and overall feeling of wellness…

1. Skincare You will have an appointment with a therapist where you will be asked to bring in any skincare products you currently use. Establishing goals will help to tweak and tailor your skincare routine and set you on the right path.

2. Surface Looking at the surface of your skin and your aspirations for its appearance, the team can use a mixture of HydraFacials, chemical peels and derma-planing to soften the skin and create a natural, healthy glow.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, she set to work formulating a small tin of brow soap, and little did we know that it would completely change the game small office in my house. We were sending out tons of orders to an ever-growing customer base which went on to include professional make-up artists who were working on tv and film, red carpet, editorial and fashion shoots. It was surreal but amazing to see our little brand turn into such a success,” Donna continues. Amazed and inspired by the increasing demand of the original Soap Brows, the ladies turned their attention to expanding their offering and decided to take on the challenge of adding skin prep to their range. “We are incredibly proud of our products and how they are made,” they both agree. “The quality of ingredients is hugely

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important to us, and it took a lot of research to find the right suppliers. “We were very keen to check environmental and sustainability policies before signing up to do business with any company. From formulating and training, to optimising processes and manufacturing, our in-house team can do it all and more. “We’re so proud to present a product to the market where we can honestly say we use the best of the best and that we keep our impact on the environment as minimal as possible. “When it comes to skin prep, our aim is to create skin-feeding products that will help skin be at its very best. From our carefully

3. Going below the surface If you have any scarring, dehydration spots, hyperpigmentation, acne or other skin conditions, the team can review these and look to treat them with micro needling, skin boosters, deeper chemical peels and Profhilo.

4. Speaking holistically West Barn Co are renowned for looking at the bigger picture, so they will take into account factors like your lifestyle and occupation before recommending treatments like the WBCo Facial, reflexology, and full body massage to promote relaxation for your body and brain.

5. Structure As time goes on, your face changes due to loss of fat and bone which can affect confidence in some people. The team can look at these areas and if it is something you would like to change, they can use a range of fine line treatments, micro needling and dermal fillers to tweak the structure of the face.

6. Maintenance This is where a review is carried out of the final results and a maintenance plan is created to keep you feeling as confident as you look. A 12 month bespoke journey starts from £700. Starting on a journey grants you as a WBCo member which gives you a 20% discount on any further treatments.

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INVEST IN YOU

SUNSHINE STATE OF MIND Accelerate your mindset with our Luxe life coach, Teresa Peters…

Grow for it! This month marks one year since I started writing this column for Luxe. I’m known as the ‘Luxe Life Coach’ and yet it occurred to me that some of you may be wondering what exactly ‘coaching’ is? I type this column, sitting in the sun with coffee in hand, in Newcastle, as I reflect on coaching two individuals as well as some team coaching this morning. Coaches are so privileged to share this safe space with people and be their thinking partners. And if done properly, the team or individual will open and engage in a way that they have never done before. Why do people come to coaching? Whether you are a CEO or sole trader, a new mum looking to start work after a career break, a leader with ADHD, or you’re at a crossroads in life or work, a coach enables you to gain clarity, raise selfawareness and find your purpose.

‘Find out who you are and do it on purpose.’ Dolly Parton Personally, I stumbled across coaching in 2015 and it completely changed my life and the way I see things. I’d faced a lot of adversity and wanted to find out who I was. After just one day of being coached and training, I thought to myself: ‘wow, had I known about this 20 years ago my life could have been so different. I can’t wait to share this with the world’. I’ve never looked back, and I feel goose bumps just thinking about the amazing individuals I’ve worked with.

‘Coaching focuses on future possibilities, not past mistakes.’ John Whitmore 48 luxe-magazine.co.uk

The concept of coaching originated in sport. A tennis coach, for example, would help remove a player’s internal obstacles to their performance and unleash their talents and natural abilities without the need for much technical support. It was soon discovered, in the 80s and 90s, that the same could be said for business and leadership coaching.

‘Everyone needs a coach. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a basketball player, a tennis player, a gymnast or a bridge player. We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.’ Bill Gates The essence of coaching is based on the answers being within ourselves. As a toddler we learn to walk, and we don’t follow instructions to do this. We have a natural ability to do this. Coaching in its purest form is not mentoring or therapy. Although teaching, coaching, mentoring and counselling all share some key characteristics and skills, they are quite different and it’s important that you are aware of these. I’d like to describe what coaching is using car metaphors (after all I do steer a business called Accelerator Coaching!).

A mentor is like a driving instructor. A consultant tells you what car to drive, what colour, what fuel to use and exactly where you need to go. A therapist may look at what’s stopping you from driving a car in the first place and fix something that’s wrong. A coach sits with their client, where they are right now in life and work, in the passenger seat as they drive. They provide creative and thought-provoking processes that support them to confidently pursue new ideas and alternative solutions, whilst managing roadblocks with greater resilience. A good coach will unlock blind spots, raise self-awareness through reflecting in the mirror and unleash maximum potential. A coach empowers you to be the best driver you can be with clarity and direction. GROW The GROW model is one of the most well-known coaching frameworks upon which questions are based. A typical session explores: G R O W

goal reality options/opportunities way forward

The more experienced a coach is, the more they can integrate GROW with other models and techniques and can

move around the framework confidently. Whether we are coaching someone personally or in business, online or in person, it’s imperative that we are non-judgemental and provide clients with a safe space to think. I believe that people have the answers to unlock their potential. I don’t have ‘weirdar’. Everyone is equal in my eyes. Anything goes. People fascinate me and I see the positives in every individual and situation. It’s important to feel comfortable and trust your coach. They should contract with you whether it’s life coaching or business/team coaching. I’m so glad that having a coach is something many people are proud to say they have. I have a coach and I know of many wonderful coaches. A good coach usually has accreditations of varying levels with EMCC, ICF or AAC. Many coaches offer a free chemistry call (or ‘ignition call’ in the Accelerator Coaching world) and this enables you to ask questions, build rapport and identify if you are right for one another. I’m so grateful to share my column with you. Coaching is so powerful and if you are driving through a thick fog right now do reach out to all the wonderful coaches out there. It will be the best journey you ever made. Enjoy your summer and just GROW for it! acceleratorcoaching.co.uk

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Dr Mona Attarpour BDS offers a wide range of treatments: • Cosmetic Injectables • Full Face Sculpting • Advanced Techniques • Bespoke Treatments • Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty • Tear Trough Fillers • Narural Lip Enhancement • Gummy Smile Correction • PROFHILO (Hyaluronic Acid Skin hydration) • Micro-needling • Acne Scar Reduction • Medical Grade Skin Care (for all skin conditions) • Hydrafacial • IPL Hair Removal

THE CLINIC BY MONA Treat yourself to the face you deserve THE SCIENCE OF BEAUTY Natural looking enhancements that will give you a more youthful complexion, with rejuvenated skin. With a deep understanding of facial anatomy, thanks to her Dental training and being a Trainer and Mentor in Facial Injectables to Drs and Dentists, you couldn’t be in better and safer hands for your cosmetic needs.

The Clinic by Mona 61 High Street, Gosforth, NE3 4AA Tel. 0191 284 6436 www.theclinicbymona.com

NORTHERN SOUL

Community

cuisine

A wonderful neighbourhood eatery nestled in the picturesque village of East Boldon; the opening of Blacks Corner in 2017 was a realised childhood dream for local restaurateur Jonny Dryden and his childhood friend, Chris Lowden Life moves at a snail’s pace at East Boldon. A gentle breeze from the North Sea gently blows through the branches of oak trees and the unmistakable aroma of toasted breakfast items wakes up 1 St John Terrace. This quaint North East village has its own speed and its beloved neighbourhood bistro, Blacks Corner, plays a major role in dictating the tempo of the village. Perched on an oak island in the heart of the restaurant during a busy brunch service, Jonny Dryden takes a sip of his coffee and beams with pride. “I’m so pleased with how Blacks Corner has developed into a hub for the village and wider areas,” he starts. “We’re a family-run business working hard to make a true brick and mortar site a success for us and our customers. “We’re from the local area and when the building came-up-for sale back in 2016, it was a no-brainer for us. The building was in such a poor state that we couldn’t even take a mortgage out on it. It had no running water, no heating and the inside required so much work. “Once the basics were added, we decided to finish the restaurant with a ‘bricks and mortar’ approach and I think people can see that when they dine with us. “We’ve left the historic red brick walls bare, we’ve painstakingly recycled every old element that was left behind, brushed it down with our bare hands and given it a new lease of life whether it be for practical or decorative use.” Even before the restaurant opened in September 2017, Jonny was already hard at work contacting British cheese and charcuterie producers to collaborate with Blacks Corner’s farm-to-table concept. Now, with Brexit food shortages plaguing the supermarkets and the absurd cost of living to contend with, more and more restaurateurs are set to look closer to home for readily available and economically viable British produce. “The farm-to-table idea is something that remains as vitally important today as it did back in 2017,” explains Jonny. “We work with a great range of producers across the UK to seasonally showcase some of the best flavours available in Britain.

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“There’s nowhere else in the North East that champions British produce to the extent that we do. There are fabulous cheese counters and lovely wine stores, but our restaurant celebrates real, hard-working growers and their incredible produce. “We talk about the producers more than we talk about ourselves. That’s the celebration here, the crux of Blacks Corner.” The menu is what sets this establishment apart. The choice is concise, well thought out and brimming with freshly-baked goods such as cheddar crostinis, Spanish flatbreads and hearty sourdough slices. Farmhouse cheeses are carefully curated from across the British Isles before being allowed to mature in Bermondsey, London by a team who ensure quality and that the produce is at its best on arrival to East Boldon. Blacks Corner’s British artisan charcuterie focuses on breeds that are free-range and roam wild from places such as Monmouthshire, Kent and more locally, Newcastle. Regardless of whether you’re nipping in for a mid-morning bite, tucking into a late-afternoon dinner or settling in for a decadent teatime sitting, flavour comes up trumps and people simply can’t get enough of it. With Blacks Corner furore at an all-time high, Jonny and Lauren’s community cuisine is set to double with a second spot as they branch out into a brand new location over the coming months, breathing new life into Seaburn’s Grade II Listed Tram Shelter. With work set to begin later this year, the team will be undertaking a series of sensitive restoration works to the fish-scale roof, cast-iron columns, rainwater goods and existing timber frames. Part of the plans will also enclose the tram shelter by replicating the details and proportions of the existing building, with plans including a delicatessen, an accessible WC and a kitchen. “We’re hoping to start in the summer. A great deal of the project consists of outdoor work and our aim is to complete as much of that as possible while we still have the summer weather to work with. It would be a nightmare trying to install delicate wooden sash box windows in January! “Completing the ‘envelope’ of the building

will be the biggest task. It’s a stunning spot that sits on the peninsula in its own area, so aside from the delicate restorations, we need to ensure that we give back to the Tram Shelter. “There was an old white picket fence and flower beds with white hydrangeas that used to surround the building and those features are something we’re hoping to restore.” Alongside a refined version of its incredibly popular menu, Blacks Corner By The Sea will also offer an express service counter where dog-walkers, passers-by and those

in a hurry can swing by for a flat white and something sweet as the North Sea glistens behind. A wonderful neighbourhood bistro centred on Sunderland’s award-winning coastline serving up British produce? Sounds like a recipe for success. The family-run team, which also includes Jonny’s sister and Chris’s father-in-law, are aiming to have Blacks Corner By The Sea fully open to the public in time for spring 2023, keep up to date with their progress at: blackscorner.co.uk

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Creative Cooking, Sustainabale Thinking The Glass House The concept of small plates in the culinary world is so exciting. It’s really changing the way we think about food and dining. Struggle to pick just one dish when you go out for dinner? Us too. Behold the Glass House at Wynyard Hall, with the latest addition of small plates to the menu, where you can try a bit of everything! Dining is becoming a much more casual affair. While small plates are the perfect dining experience to share with friends and family in a social setting, the product we use, produce and quality remains extremley high which is something we’re really proud of in the Glass House. We’re proud to support local business’ and suppliers and we even source some of our ingredients from our own edible kitchen garden on site at Wynyard Hall. Perfect for quick eats over lunch or an exciting dinner with friends alongside our signature cocktails and exceptional service. www.wynyardhall.co.uk 01740 665419

Undecided on where to dine? Why not join us at Hotel du Vin Newcastle in our magnificently refurbished Edwardian building set on the banks of the famous River Tyne. Our hotel and bistro was originally the home to the Tyne Tees Steam Shipping Company and there’s a nod to the building’s maritime past at every turn - from ship ropes in the courtyard, to porthole windows in some of the rooms. If you are looking for wonderful food and a great glass of wine why not catch up with friends in a relaxed, classic atmosphere? Classic French or modern British, all our dishes have that unmistakable Hotel du Vin flair. And our wonderful wine list is ready to provide the perfect partner to your food. Our Sunday lunch is the perfect opportunity for a family get-together, a special celebration or simply an excuse to spoil yourself. The centrepiece of our Sunday lunch is the stunning roast sirloin of beef or roast chicken and stuffing. Whatever your requirements, Hotel du Vin certainly fits the bill. When you’ve had your fill for the day, why not retire to one of our comfy bedrooms and enjoy a monsoon shower or sink into a roll top bath so sit back and soak in all the traditional comforts of Hotel du Vin.

You deserve the best, so when it comes to luxury hotels in England’s stunning North East, head for Hotel du Vin Newcastle. To book call 0191 2292200 or scan our QR code ALLAN HOUSE, CITY ROAD, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE1 2BE

WWW.HOTELDUVIN.COM/LOCATIONS/NEWCASTLE

FOODIE FOCUS - there was everything from crackers through to sourdough, of course with an Italian twist. We were then served three different types of pasta that varied in shape, filling and sauces. As you can imagine, pasta in Rome was *chef’s kiss*! Your favourite meal of the day and why... Dessert. I have such a sweet tooth so any time I can indulge in things like brownies, cookie dough, cheesecake, the list goes on... forms my favourite meal of the day! It’s great because it brings the whole family together to enjoy. I was recently asked which dessert I would order from The Glass House, and my answer was ‘all of them!’. The best cook you know... Cal Byerly from Pine Restaurant. We actually worked together quite a few years ago at Wynyard Hall and it’s great to see how much he’s achieved and how well he’s doing in the industry. He’s really setting some cool trends.

The food you turn to when you need some comfort... That’s simple - mashed potato and gravy, you just can’t beat it and it’s so comforting! The food you always need in your fridge: butter and eggs. You really can make anything if you’re well stocked with the basics. The food you never give up... Sweets and chocolate. I really couldn’t live without anything sweet! What food means to you... Food really is everything to me. When I prepare a dish I want it to take people on a journey, or take them back to a memory or a feeling - to evoke senses and feelings that otherwise you might not have experienced unless you ate that dish. Food really is the way to people’s hearts, so to make people happy through the food I prepare and cook is really humbling for me. wynyardhall.co.uk/eat/the-glass-house

MY LIFE IN FOOD:

Gareth Rayner Luxe checks in with Gareth Rayner, executive head chef at Wynyard Hall’s Glass House Restaurant to discuss all things food A meal that takes you back to childhood... Sunday lunch. While I loved Sunday lunch as a child from a food perspective, now as a family man, I really appreciate the fact that it brings everyone together around the table. I love spending time with my grandchildren, so it’s a tradition that I’ve carried with me throughout my life. As Executive Head Chef, I often work weekends so I’ll always prepare a ‘mid-week Sunday lunch’ for the family if we can’t be together on Sundays. To me, it’s probably the most important meal of the week and one I love making. A food that brings you the greatest joy... Vegetables - they’re so underrated and can really make a dish stand out. I really like to encourage people to champion vegetables when making their own food at home. It’s such a simple concept, but not wasting any of the product is so important. Take broccoli or cauliflower for example a simple ingredient that really can be the star of the show if you use all elements of it, such as the root and leaves. You can even roast a whole cauliflower and waste absolutely nothing! There are so many amazing local growers and farmers now that provide things such

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as veg boxes, so it’s a great idea for people to support small business and farmers where possible. A food that represents where you come from... We’ve recently introduced monkfish cheeks to our small plates menu and being from the North East where fresh fish is such a speciality, it really reminds me of being by the coast. Our small plates are quintessentially British with a nod to European inspiration. Small plates are a fantastic way to bring friends and loved ones together, socially. Nowhere does this better than Europe - Greek meze, Spanish tapas, French hors d’oeuvres - so to try and incorporate that Mediterranean feel into the dishes is really important to us at The Glass House; while still maintaining a local plot-to-plate ethos by using ingredients from our Edible Garden and using local suppliers like Hodgsons Fish. Your most memorable meal... Glass Hostaria, Rome. It was such a simple concept but very well executed, with simple dishes such as breads and pasta. We were actually served 10 types of bread which was such a good experience

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TASTE OF SUMMER

HOME COMFORTS with chef Chris Baber

Tantalising my taste buds on a trip to Singapore and looking ahead to a summer of foodie festivals...

MY WORLD >> I’ve recently returned from my first trip abroad for quite some time, for obvious reasons, and I had such an inspirational time that I want to dedicate as many words about it as I can in this issue’s column. I spent a week in Singapore with the country’s tourism board who took me on a whistle stop tour of this amazing place, showcasing their fabulous cuisine. I ate more food in a week than I probably usually eat in a year!

I was out for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, which was essential to enable me to experience the variety of Singaporean food available. They have everything from hawker centres and markets selling street food, right up to haute cuisine and Michelin star restaurants. I spent all week exploring everything Singapore had to offer and learning about their food culture. They’re obsessed with food, which out there is a mixture of Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisine with a bit of Western influence thrown in too. I fell in love with a breakfast dish you can get pretty much anywhere out there - there are chains of restaurants specialising in it - it’s called Kaya toast. It’s served like a sandwich, with two pieces of white bread, toasted with a really sweet coconut jam and butter. I couldn’t get enough of it and will learn how to recreate it now I’m back home. The hawker centres are really interesting because each stall specialises in one or two dishes, that they do really, really well, rather than offering huge menus - so you decide which dish you fancy that day and go to the relevant hawker. One guy I met had been serving his pork noodle dish for 60 years and has a Michelin star - and yet it only cost the equivalent of £3.50 to buy it! It’s so cheap out there that many people go out for lunch and dinner a lot. It’s a really sociable place. At the other end of the spectrum is the sensational fine dining on offer which is much more expensive, but it was amazing to see the balance between the two. In Singapore they’ve created their own cuisine called Peranakan and I was lucky enough to visit the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut. I experienced loads of flavour combinations that I’d never had before and it opened my eyes to a whole new way of putting food together. I also went to check out the kitchens in some of the restaurants I visited and had the opportunity to cook food in one of them, called Keng Eng Kee, where they

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specialise in Chinese style street food, focusing on seafood. It’s an amazing third generation family-run place and the entire family welcomed me - they were the nicest, warmest people and their food was fantastic. I tried their cereal prawns which are the best deep fried crispy prawns I’ve ever tasted, as well as one of the country’s most famous dishes, Singapore chilli crab. Everything is so fresh out there, it’s amazing and if you ever get the opportunity to visit, you must! After not travelling for a couple of years, it made me realise how important travel is for me. Not just for my job, but for life, for all of us. It’s amazing to meet people and learn about different cultures and I hadn’t appreciated how much I’d missed that. I’m hoping to visit California at the end of July to do some filming for a new cookware brand I’m working with, so I can’t wait to experience their culture, food and the fresh produce available out there. FOODIE HAPPENINGS >> Closer to home, there are plenty of exciting foodie events taking place over the summer. I’m heading to CarFest in late July where I’ll be hosting the kitchen stage and chatting to guest chefs as they cook. I’m really hoping to fit in a visit to the North East for Seaham Food Festival in early August too. I’m also really enjoying the work I continue to do with M&S. We’ve been to Lincolnshire to meet some amazing pig farmers that produce exceptional sausages where we learnt about the process. I’m going to Norfolk soon to learn more about the harvesting of peas, a staple that we all have in our freezer, so it will be great to see the work that goes into producing them. I’m also heading to Wales to learn how M&S’s suppliers make their sourdough. I’m not much of a baker so I’m looking forward to learning about that and developing new skills.

ASK CHRIS >> If you’ve got a question to ask Chris, whether it’s a recipe you’d like to see, information about his cook-a-longs or restaurant recommendations, please get in touch via his Instagram page. #AskChris instagram.com/chrisbaber Q. How can I get the kids cooking in the kitchen as a fun activity during the school summer holidays? A. With kids, the more hands-on the recipe is the better - and it can be a lot of fun for the whole family. So, opt for things like homemade bugers (getting your hands involved), or assembling a fajita. Fajitas are a great way to get children to experiment with new veg - you can throw anything in there. Healthy homemade chicken nuggets are also great. Take some chicken mini fillets, dip them in flour and egg then breadcrumbs and cook at 180 °C for about 20 minutes.

TRY THIS >>

Sausage tacos This taco recipe is a lovely dish for the summer. It’s ideal if you want to do brunch in the garden with friends or fancy a late night snack as it’s great for sharing. With plenty of fresh lime squeezed over the top, it also makes a great hangover breakfast!

Ingredients 1 avocado 1 tbsp olive oil 4 sausages, roughly chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 red or green chilli, chopped, and deseeded if you prefer a milder taste 2 tsp fajita mix or Cajun spice mix 1 lime 1 small bunch of coriander, chopped 1 tbsp butter 2 eggs, lightly beaten with a fork 4 small soft tortillas Salt and pepper Hot or sweet chilli sauce, Method Remove the flesh from the avocado. Add it to a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper, crush with a fork and set aside. Heat the olive oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium–high heat. Add the sausage meat, onion and half the chilli and fry for 5–7 minutes or until golden and caramelised. Stir in the fajita mix with a splash of water, reduce the heat and cook for 2 minutes until most of the water has evaporated. Add a squeeze of lime juice, stir in most of the coriander and remove from the heat. While the sausage is cooking, add the butter to a small saucepan over a medium heat. Add the eggs, season and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring gently, until scrambled and just cooked. Heat the tacos in the microwave for 10 seconds. Assemble the tacos. Put 2 tacos onto each serving dish. Spread with avocado, top with the sausage mixture, then add the egg. Scatter over the remaining chopped chilli and coriander. Drizzle with chilli sauce and serve. Recipe extracted from Easy by Chris Baber (Ebury, £16.99).

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FARM FLOCK

Savouring the seasons AT LINNELS FARM

Karen and Simon Phillips update us on the latest happenings from their fabulous farm near Hexham…

I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who has a fear of sheep - cattle yes, as their size and interest in humans can scare people off. But a flock of sheep is like a kids’ football team, they just go around the field in random order and will scatter instantly. We love sheep at Linnels Farm and always look forward to their arrival in spring. Richie and Adam have the grazing here and their sheep are well looked after. The benefit of sheep to society is huge. Yes, there is the meat and wool, but they are also fabulous custodians of the landscape, and support our wellbeing as we enjoy the landscapes that sheep manage. I hope Richie won’t mind me saying that keeping sheep isn’t difficult, but what it does require is a great deal of dedication and hard work. Lambing is obviously a busy time of the year and as farming increasingly manages the natural cycle of life, it ventures into areas where intervention, for reward and improved yield, challenges nature. A well bred ram is in big demand. In 2020 the record price for a ram was achieved at the farmers auction in Lanark - £368,000 for a Texel ram named Double Diamond. Why so

much? Genetics is the answer, breeding is the return on the investment and artificial insemination is the route. If you watch Clarkson’s Farm you will know that the margins for sheep farming are small, Jeremy was making pennies before filming royalties! But the farming margin is real. The low returns that sheep farmers enjoy will seem at odds with the price for Double Diamond who was bought for his quality and breeding. At a recent bread making course here at Linnels Farm, I was having this general chat with some guys saying how I couldn’t get my head around the cost of alpacas - which I’m sure are a mix of a poodle and a camel, and neither is really my bag. Andie then said “look up camel pageant”. Well, that seemed a safe internet search which shouldn’t result in a court case! The result was a $66m camel beauty contest in Saudi Arabia where some cheating has resulted in more than 40 camels being disqualified for receiving Botox injections and other cosmetic enhancements. So unless Double Diamond is firing blanks, sheep do seem a far safer and more honest bet than camels. Anyway, back to sheep; keeping sheep does require grass and water and fencing,

The benefit of sheep to society is huge. Yes, there is the meat and wool, but they are also fabulous custodians of the landscape, and support our wellbeing as we enjoy the landscapes that sheep manage 54 luxe-magazine.co.uk

because it’s true they are escapologists, but a good fence isn’t really an extravagance. Like all animals they will need extra food when pregnant, my niece who is pregnant favours Cadbury’s Chocolate Orange, but for sheep it is just ewe nuts or similar. Then you need to keep an eye on them to ensure they remain in good health. At lambing time you will find many sheep farmers will allow the ewes who aren’t carrying multiple lambs to lamb naturally in the field as opposed to the TV programmes where there is a maternity ward with fresh linen and straw. And it’s interesting to see the relatively different lambing times dependent on the altitude and climate that different UK farms enjoy. I know in the last article I was quite encouraging about free range eggs and how much nicer the eggs are, and happier the chickens are - the same thoughts need to be applied to meat and where we source this from and indeed what we want to enjoy. We aren’t real farmers, we have a small holding size and Richie has the sheep, so I’m not seeking to line our pocket with these

comments, but the importance of farming and good land management is so critical to all of our wellbeing and enjoyment. How else, other than using sheep, could we manage our upland landscape and enjoy it? Buying a good quality product is worth a few pennies more, we just need to consider if in these difficult times, we can afford to spend these extra pennies. If we can’t we shouldn’t but if we can, I think we should. We often think of New Zealand when we think of lamb. The number of sheep there has fallen from 70 million in 1982 to 26 million in 2020. A massive reduction. For us and in particular the upland farms, if we saw such a fall in sheep numbers I do think our landscapes would be adversely affected. In China, they have the highest number of sheep, 187 million, and enjoy a lot of mutton as well as lamb, a meat we often label as being ‘tough as old mutton’. The National Sheep Association recently undertook a taste test and 57% of people preferred mutton over lamb. Hmmm, it is always nice to think differently and even nicer to change our habits.

UPCOMING COURSES @LINNELS FARM WILLOW CURLEW WITH PHIL BRADLEY >> 21 JULY Throughout the day on this hugely popular course you will learn simple sculpture techniques to create a unique willow curlew that will grace any garden setting. All tools and materials will be provided.

PLOT TO PLATE – TASTE THE DIFFERENCE >> 28 JULY Join us on a relaxed day of learning where we’ll expand on your knowledge of veg growing as we introduce you to new and unusual varieties you might not have considered before such as: agretti, asparagus peas, globe artichokes,

tromboncino, tomatillos, and puntarelle, which will all grow in our climate.

SAVVY STUDENT – THREE DAY COOKERY COURSE >> 23 - 25 AUGUST Learn how to make delicious, nutritious and economical meals with minimum mess. With the emphasis on one-pot wonders and making the most of inexpensive ingredients, you’ll depart with cookery skills and a repertoire you can cook within the limited confines of any student flat. For further details and to book visit: linnelsfarm.com

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GET TO KNOW

THE LUXE LOWDOWN:

Katie Powell GETTING TO KNOW YOU >> Name Katie Powell Title Head of Product Marketing: UKI at Sage Where is home? Newcastle Three reasons you love where you live? There are so many lovely places to walk my dogs, the amazing culture and people and the short commute to work. THE DAY JOB >> What do you do for a living? I lead a product marketing and commercial team at Sage, a FTSE 100 software company and the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses. The company was founded in Newcastle more than 40 years ago and our global HQ is still based here. A day in the life of you? Up at 7am and the first hour is all about getting everyone ready and out of the house. With two dogs and two children, mornings are busy but we have our own little routines. Once the kids are dropped off at school, it’s straight to work. I prefer being in the office as I’m a social creature so I usually get in, grab a coffee and see my team. From then the day is varied as we work on lots of different projects. It can be anything from taking solutions to the market, to forward planning based on what we know our customers want and need to thrive in their own businesses. No two days are the same, which I love. Any recent, ongoing or upcoming projects or achievements we should know about? From a business perspective we have recently announced we are the naming partner for the transformational development on the Newcastle Gateshead Quays. The Sage, as it will be known, will be the region’s first international arena, exhibition and conference centre. It’s very exciting as it brings fantastic benefits to the local economy, including a £70m annual boost and the creation of 2,000 jobs. The area will also benefit from the impact of increased visitors. From a personal perspective we are about to embark on having our garden renovated - I am not a fan of major home improvements, so I am dreading the mess and upheaval, but I’m sure it will be worth it! What does downtime mean to you? Time with family and friends. I love to be around people, whether that’s at home or out for food and drinks in Newcastle.

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LESSONS IN LIFE >> What did you want to be when you were growing up? A journalist. I loved the idea of travelling around and writing about different things. What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Knowing what your own core values are and living by them is the key to a happier life. What is your greatest fear? Being alone. Which living person do you most admire and why? My mum, Carole Stonehouse. Growing up she was the best role model I could’ve asked for. She was honest and open about how difficult it can be to be a successful businesswoman while raising a family. She continues to be one of the most connected and respected people I know even in retirement, but more so she is my best friend and that always came first.

Luxe checks in with Katie Powell, Head of Product Marketing: UKI at Sage, to find out her luxe things in life

LIVING LUXE >> What is top of your bucket list? To stay in a water villa somewhere beautiful. What is your most treasured possession? Time. What does the weekend mean to you? Family, wine and at least one lie in. A memorable holiday? Going to Florida with my parents and sister as a child. Best dress? My wedding dress. I’m divorced now but the dress was perfect! Who would be your top-three dinner guests? My mum, always, Sir David Attenborough and Adele. The last place you ate? Kaltur on High Bridge Street - wonderful. The last book you read? Inspired Destiny by Dr John Demartini. The last thing you listened to? I always have the radio on. The last thing you watched? Gogglebox - I like lighthearted TV to switch off. Your three luxe things in life? Dining out, trips away and my jewellery.

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HOT DOG

POSH POOCHES with Rupert, helped by Nicole Wood

Rupert loves:

Summertime happiness Our wave-chasing, tail-wagging pup Rupert is ready and raring to go for the summer season. As the sun begins to beat down, our luxe pooch has been enjoying sandy strolls, fresh country air and BBQ gatherings with friends in the garden. As we look towards the height of summer, Rupert has been hard at work picking out the best dog-friendly staycations with a little help from our friends at PetsPyjamas. He’s sniffed out some of the best indoor and outdoor beds for pampered pooches, plus he’s been catching up with the loveable Howie. We hope the days ahead are filled with glorious sunshine for you and your furry friends. Rupert, your luxe pooch x

Pooch-approved picks for your fourlegged friend’s comfort

The Arthur Designer Pet Bed From £329, cuckooland.com Mardi Gras Dog Bed £95, suzys.uk

Luxe Pooch Q&A tiring job). I’m also partial to a bit of ‘chill out’ music being played whilst I snuggle with my Cuddlepillar. HOUND HABITS >> I wake up at exactly the same time in the morning (to the minute) and let out a singular bark so they know I’m ready for the day… well ready for breakfast and a nap. I’ve recently learnt to open the baby gate and tiptoe upstairs to their dismay. I’ve noticed the humans really like to snack so I furiously bury my favourite treats under blankets and toys so they can’t eat mine. If I’m outside, I enjoy a good nose in the shed to make sure I’m not missing out on anything. I’m Howie, the big loveable greyhound. I found my forever people in April 2021 (well I thought they’d do) after racing for 4.5 years and am living the life of my dreams and have my own instagram page (@happyhowie_thehound). LUXE WALKS >> A lot of greyhounds would rather snooze than walk too much, however I like to think of myself as an adventure dog. I love throwing myself through the long grass, walking through muddy puddles and I don’t mind walking in the rain (so long as I have one of my stylish coats on). POOCH’S PERFECT DAY OUT >> I’m obsessed with car rides and will run to the car as soon as I hear the doors being unlocked. Once I’m in the vehicle (on my special mattress in the boot), I sit like royalty admiring the view out the back window. I love long walks and trips to the enclosed field where I can run free. The local children on my walking route love me and give me lots of attention, even belly rubs! This is my favourite way to finish the day. DOGGY DOWNTIME >> As a greyhound, sleep is my number one priority. I have an orthopaedic bed in the lounge, a raised bed in the dining room and one for the garden too (squirrel watch is a

PUPPY PAMPER >> Ear rubs send me into a happy tizz. I love to be cuddled, brushed and pampered by my humans. I just love to be loved! I also go to Canine Massage which is great for my post-running life legs. Despite them trying to feed me ‘health’, I’m much more partial to a Woofin or a Bonescuit so we make regular trips to the Doggie Diner, the staff there always spoil me. DOG’S BEST FRIEND >> I have a huge crush on Anna. She is like a supermodel doggo with the longest legs. Currently, she isn’t massively aware that I exist despite my best efforts. I have drooled on her several times whilst tailgating her around. The humans tell me this is not a good look. FONDEST DOGGY MEMORY >> My 1st Gotcha Day. This is when I realised I was staying in my forever home and got to have a Doggie Afternoon Tea. Transitioning from a crate to beds was pretty awesome too as it meant I felt safe in my new home. PUPPY A-LISTER >> I would say my heroes are all the greyhounds across the country but particularly at Durham District Retired Greyhounds Homing Centre/Greyhound Trust Durham. They help us get ready for our forever homes.

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

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@theluxemagazine

theluxemagazine

Rattan Pet House £225, coxandcox.co.uk

Cecil Dog Bed In Alpaca Boucle £200, sofa.com

Super staycations Our pals at PetsPyjamas give us their top dog-friendly staycation spots in the region… The King’s Head Inn, Great Ayton The King’s Head Inn is a lovely country pub with rooms, set beneath iconic Roseberry Topping. Truly dog-friendly, it’s a brilliant base for an active dog-walking holiday with both the North York Moors National Park and renowned Cleveland Way on the doorstep, and seaside gems such as Staithes and Whitby just a short drive away. Start each day with a home-cooked, hearty breakfast in the cosy pub and restaurant, which allows dogs to dine with their owner, where pooch can enjoy Sir Woofchester’s dog menu before retiring to one of the comfortable and spacious dog-friendly bedrooms. The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, North Yorkshire Set within 30,000-acres of stunning grounds on the Bolton Abbey estate, this former 17th-century coaching inn is a brilliant way to enjoy the dog-friendly Yorkshire Dales in style and comfort. Explore miles of footpaths trailing through the National Park with your pooch in tow. Foodies will love it here too and if you would rather dine without your pooch, the 3AA Rosette Burlington Restaurant serves a classic but fresh and exciting menu, using many ingredients plucked from the kitchen’s own garden or sourced locally. Alternatively, your dog can join you for afternoon tea, drinks and meals in the bar area of the Brasserie, which offers guests a more modern gastro-menu featuring some of Yorkshire’s favourite dishes. The Joiners Arms, Alnwick, Northumberland Pack up your suitcase and head for Northumberland! Located on the stunning Northumbrian coastline, with the beach just 15 minutes away and rural walks aplenty, it’s the ideal spot for adventurous dogs. This five-star coaching inn allows for humans and hounds alike to enjoy a comfortable stay, offering stylish bedrooms and delicious gastropub cuisine. Dogs will be spoiled with treats and will even receive their own bottle of Pawsecco upon arrival. After a tail-wagging day exploring this picturesque part of the region, retreat to The Joiners Arms for a tasty dinner with your canine companion. petspyjamas.com

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LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Dubai dreaming A glittering skyline, award-winning restaurants, art, shopping malls, architecture, theme parks, desert safari and more. There’s so much to see and do in the luxurious city of Dubai. When you fly direct with Emirates from Newcastle International Airport, you can enjoy a convenient evening departure, maximising your stay with more time to explore. Awaken to the playground of the world with flights departing every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday this summer. newcastleairport.com

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GLORIOUS GETAWAY

UK GETAWAY:

Seaham Hall This spectacular spa hotel by the sea has recently picked up three more accolades to add to its awards cabinet, so Claudia Robinson needed no more excuses to visit this County Durham paradise…

Seaham Hall is a beautiful five star Georgian country house hotel where its rich heritage and historical features are perfectly blended with contemporary style that oozes luxury. It boasts a collection of stunning bedrooms, many with breathtaking views of the sea and countryside, a sensational spa and two exceptional restaurants. When we heard that it had scooped the coveted title of Small Hotel of the Year at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, hot on the heels of winning Hotel Spa of the Year at the World Spa and Wellness Awards, and then in June The Good Spa Guide named the Serenity Spa the Best Spa for Innovation, we knew it was time to revisit Seaham Hall. True of many of the North East’s country house hotels, Seaham is steeped in history. It was built on the site of Seaham House in 1791 by Ralph and Judith Milbanke. Their daughter, Anna, married the poet Lord Byron at Seaham Hall and in 1815 their daughter, Ada Byron, later the Countess of Lovelace, was born. One of the suites at the hotel is named Ada Lovelace in her honour. The building has served many purposes over the years - it was used as a military hospital during the Second World War, a sanitorium for people suffering with tuberculosis, and was even a secret bottling and distribution centre for Scotch whisky in the 1920s. It wasn’t until twenty years ago that it was transformed into the stunning hotel it is

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today, and thank goodness it was because it’s one of the most perfect places I’ve ever been to. Set within 37 acres of parkland on the Durham Heritage Coast, the beautiful main mansion boasts traditional high ceilings, a sweeping staircase in the entrance hall and carefully thought out interiors throughout. There’s lots of dark wood floors, brightly coloured, oversized velvet sofas, ornate mirrors and so many gorgeous light fittings and chandeliers, I struggled to choose a favourite. It feels more like you’re stepping into someone’s (incredibly luxurious) home than a hotel, with a welcoming reception area in the entrance hall where we are efficiently checked in before being whisked off to the spa for a tour.

Spa The 44,000 sq ft Serenity Spa is in a separate building which you can access from the hotel via a vast, pillared hall where the light floods in before you step into a dark, moody corridor. You’re guided along a dimly lit wooden walkway and immediately feel like you’re entering another world, calmed by the sound of flowing water around your feet before being greeted by an enormous elephant water feature. Drawing influence from Far Eastern healing and wellness rituals, the Serenity Spa is sold as a tranquil, calming and inspiring place which engages the mind, body and soul, and honestly, for me, it did all of those things. I could have spent many days swimming in

the 20 metre pool, relaxing in the jacuzzis, Asian herbal sanarium, salt sauna, steam rooms, outdoor hot tubs, hydrotherapy pool and waterbeds, but instead had to make do with one glorious afternoon and another visit before our generous midday checkout the following morning. I even managed a couple of dunks in the ice cold plunge pools before quickly hot footing back to the solace of my favourite room, the eucalyptus steam room with amethyst crystal. There’s also a cosy corner hideout lounge, state of the art gym, aerobic studio, roof terrace, OPI and Taittinger Champagne nail bar and the all important 17, yes 17, treatment rooms - four of which are doubles for couples’ treatments. After a couple of hours in the spa I headed up for my treatment. Seaham’s expert therapists use two key product ranges in their massages and facials, Temple Spa and ishga. My lovely therapist, Zara, recommended an ishga 60-minute invigorating massage. This medium pressure massage combines a powerful detoxifying seaweed body oil with lemongrass, juniper and rose geranium. The warm oil smelled amazing and the treatment was the perfect combination of invigorating and relaxing, its main focus being to relieve tension and eliminate toxins, helping tone the entire body. After my treatment, Zara guided me to the Zen lounge where there are plenty of cosy beds with blankets where you can ‘come round’ from your treatment whilst tucking into a delicious, cleansing sorbet, before heading back into the spa.

GLOW UP If you’re looking to experience Seaham Hall’s award-winning spa without an overnight stay, they’ve recently launched The Glow Up package. It includes full access to all the spa facilities, including a two course lunch in the Ozone restaurant, served with a glass of bubbles. You’ll also enjoy a 60-minute treatment ritual including Seaham’s signature opening ritual to help you relax, before moving onto a full body exfoliation using Temple Spa’s sugar buff, and a 30-minute power breakfast facial, including an exfoliating mask. Designed to get your skin glowing for the summer months ahead, this treatment will renew both face and body and tackle any dry or sensitive areas to reveal a new brighter skin. From £165pp

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Lay your head The hotel has 21 luxurious suites, each with its own unique character and furnishings. From wood fired hot tubs to enormous king size beds, stunning views, to heavenly Temple Spa toiletries, they’re the ultimate indulgence. We were allocated an Executive Suite which had a spacious lounge area and dining table in a huge bay window with views over the grounds. This dual aspect room also provided glorious vistas of the coastline, the bed was insanely comfortable and the enormous bathroom had his and hers sinks, a bath complete with rubber duck and a separate rainfall shower. Certainly the ideal base for a staycation, if only we could have stayed longer! There are also Junior Suites, the aforementioned Ada Lovelace Suite, a Penthouse, two bungalow suites in separate lodges which have open-plan kitchens for those wishing to stay a while, and the garden suites which boast hot tubs.

Food and drink The hotel has two dining options; Ozone, situated in the spa, is a relaxed setting where you can tuck into Pan-Asian cuisine in your fluffy spa robes. The dishes are warm, vibrant and authentic, and you can enjoy laid-back lunches, decadent afternoon teas and delicious dinners after relaxing in the spa. In the main hotel you’ll find the Dining Room, which is where we were booked in for dinner. Adorned with glittering gold plated chandeliers, cosy booths and vast Georgian windows this restaurant has a relaxed feel that makes you feel very much at home. Headed up by executive chef Damian Broom, The Dining Room showcases the very best of Durham fine dining through a five course tasting menu that is ever changing with the seasons. The restaurant team pride themselves on using only the finest and freshest local produce and each ingredient is locally grown and ethically sourced from hand-picked suppliers, including local honey farms and seafood foraged from the North Sea. Also catering for vegans and vegetarians (or fussy eaters like me that ‘eat everything except lamb’ - and yes, there was lamb on the menu!), nothing is too much trouble for the front of house team and kitchen staff in The Dining Room. The proposed lamb dish was seamlessly swapped for a delectable duck treat which was garnished with ewe’s curd, English peas, marjoram, braised morel

mushrooms and a duck jus gras. Our five course tasting menu also included a surprise amuse bouche featuring sourdough waffles with parmesan custard and a pea and asparagus tart, celeriac served in a delicious celeriac skin broth, perfectly cooked halibut in a Bouillabaisse sauce and an apricot frangipane tart served with whipped Stichelton cheese. We were also (easily) persuaded to sample the wine flight with our meal and were expertly guided through a range of delicious wines that perfectly matched the dishes. After dinner we retired to the bar and lounge adjacent to the restaurant where we finished our drinks and soaked up the relaxing atmosphere and views of the garden, as the sun went down on a perfect early summer’s evening.

Do this There are plenty of beautiful grounds to explore at Seaham Hall and free bikes to borrow if you fancy moving around a bit faster. There is also a sports lounge in the main building with board games and a pool table. For me, no visit to Seaham is complete without a trip to the nearby beach for a spot of sea glass collecting and the chance to breath in the fresh sea air and blow away the cobwebs. For those able to stay a while longer at Seaham Hall there are plenty of nearby day trips including High Force waterfall, Hamsterley Forest, Beamish and the Cathedral and Castle in Durham. Prices start from £295 per night in a Junior Suite, including breakfast and full use of the spa from 12 noon on day of arrival until 12 noon on day of departure. seaham-hall.co.uk

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WORLDS AWAY

Island in the sun Anantara’s stunning new private island resort is a ‘worlds away’ destination on Dubai’s sun-soaked World Islands. Elysia Fryer finds paradise just a stone’s throw from the buzz of city life

Dubai is a place I’ve always been drawn to. From the glitzy brunches and the bougie beach clubs, to the out-of-this-world water parks, spectacular skyscrapers and super luxe shopping scene, this exciting emirate quite literally has it all. You might visit Dubai for all of the above, you might visit for a beach break - but one thing you’re guaranteed to get here is a buzzy vibe and beautiful weather. It’s at the top of its game when it comes to all things luxury, and that is evident as soon as you step off the plane - or indeed on the plane, with a fantastic service from start to finish on Emirates flights, direct from the North East. We’re here to ‘do Dubai a little differently’ as we settle in for a sun-soaked weekender on the wonderful World Islands, just 4km into the Arabian Gulf. A unique invitation to escape to a place where time stands still a place where the turquoise blue waters and white sand beaches do all the talking. A guest only resort where you feel worlds away from the city lights, but with panoramic views of the skyline. It’s the perfect spot for a dual-destination Dubai trip. We have discovered something quite incredible in Anantara’s new World Islands Dubai Resort. Go here for a taste of secluded island paradise without hopping on and off multiple flights and travelling for days. Dubai has been on my travel bucket list for some time now, but having recently grown

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into a family of three, I wondered if we would find it difficult to travel to this lively UAE haven with baby in tow. The vision I had of the city, after getting snippets of Dubai living online, was this ultramodern, high-end, busy metropolis in the beaming sunshine. All of that it is, but with clever new developments such as Anantara’s World Island Resort, we’re thrilled to hear that we can get the best

of both worlds - tropical island bliss, just moments from that sparkling skyline. The World Islands are an archipelago of artificial islands in the waters of the Persian Gulf, depicting the shape of a world map. Many of the islands are not yet developed, however we were lucky enough to revel in the luxury of one of the first developments taking shape on the replica ‘South America’ island. After a smooth overnight Emirates flight direct from Newcastle, we arrive at Anantara The Palm, where we are greeted with refreshments before a friendly porter in a golf buggy leads us to the hotel’s mini marina where we are whisked over to the island resort by speedboat. A short, 20 minute boat ride brings us to the island, lapped up by tranquil white

sand beaches. Palm trees sway in the gentle breeze and gorgeous greenery greets us as we hop off onto our exotic isle for the weekend. We instantly feel like we’ve been whisked away to a faraway place like the Maldives; made to feel like we are checking into our very own private island. After a whistle-stop buggy ride tour around the island and a speedy in room check-in, we’re left to enjoy our beautiful One Bedroom Garden Pool Villa, just footsteps from the sand. The room is effortlessly stylish. A chic beach shack feel with a five star, contemporary edge and all the luxury mod cons you’d expect from an exclusive city pad. A stand-alone bath and huge rainfall shower are the key bathroom features, while a huge super-king bed and a spectacular high

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The peaceful white sand beach that wraps around the island is just a few steps from the suite, where you can bask on sunbeds, swim in the sea, or find thrill-seeking fun at the water sports centre ceiling stands out in the main suite. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows and a patio door opens up to the decked terrace, complete with plunge pool and loungers for lazy days in the sun. The peaceful white sand beach that wraps around the island is just a few steps from the suite, where you can bask on sunbeds, swim in the sea, or find thrill-seeking fun at the water sports centre. We kickstart our getaway with a dip in the sea and a slurp of a cocktail as we gaze at Dubai’s astonishing archipelago, picking out iconic landmarks from our spot on the sand. Those people looking for a little more adventure can find a whole host of activities - be it in the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness centre with views over the water towards Dubai, the thrilling water sports hub on the beach, or the kids club - where little people will live it up with crafts, games and water-fuelled fun. If the beautiful uniqueness of the island isn’t enough to blow you away, the food on offer certainly will. Shortly after our arrival, we wander over to Helios - a Mediterranean inspired beachfront restaurant serving sumptuous seafood and colourful dishes that match the environment. Fresh fish and a couple of sundowners to settle us into our indulgent island getaway. As the sun starts to sink into the horizon and Dubai’s bold buildings turn into silhouettes over the sea, we kick off our flip flops and enjoy light bites and cocktails at Luna - a relaxed space at the very heart of the island, and the perfect place to unwind before dinner. Our dinner reservation is at Quamar - a restaurant of Arabic and Indian influence.

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There is an intimate ambiance under the light of the moon, with incredible vistas over the World Islands. The menu is packed with regional dishes full of flair. We’re won over by the sound of the speciality sharing platters so opt for the Quamar Signature Mix Grill - a vibrant selection of Arabic-style meats and fish cooked at the table on the stone. The fish tandoori is effortlessly flaky and packs a spicy punch, and the lamb chops are melt-in-the-mouth delicious. Our stay is topped off with a signature Island Lomi Lomi massage in the Anantara Spa - a soothing sanctuary surrounded by the sounds of the ocean. It’s the dreamiest treatment I’ve ever had as I drift away to find true balance and harmony in such a beautiful, serene spot by the sea. The combination of natural island infusions, therapist expertise and good-for-the-soul products packed with healing properties, is a recipe for pure bliss. Post-flight muscle tension melts away as I switch off to all but the sounds of the sea, finding inner calm along the way. From the indulgent dining and the breathtaking interiors, to the creative ways in which this exclusive new Anantara resort replicates exotic island life, this World Islands haven has offered up a unique new take on a Dubai vacation. And we’re confident in saying it’s something everyone must experience as part of a UAE getaway, just minutes away from The Palm by speedboat. A true luxe break where bustling city life meets sand-between-the-toes bliss. We can’t wait to return. anantara.com/en/world-islands-dubai

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DAYS OUT

Where to eat >>

LIVING LOCAL:

Durham Barrio Comida A relative newcomer to Durham’s burgeoning restaurant scene, this vivacious eatery on Church Street serves up an intense and oh-so delightful menu of authentic Mexican cuisine. Inspired by the neighbourhood taquerias of Tijuana, Guadalajara and Mexico City, Barrio Comida has become one of the region’s go-to spots for lip-smackingly good tostadas, tacos, quesadillas, burritos and botanas. The team goes to great lengths to import artisanal products from smallholdings across Mexico, their aguas frescas and mezcales are made fresh daily and the Latin-American style restaurant comes alive when the sun begins to set. barriocomida.com

Zen Zen is arguably the best Thai restaurant here in the North East. A sumptuous restaurant that emanates tranquillity thanks to its superb Far Eastern interior and foodie influence, this spot on Court Lane is a spectacular place for those looking to indulge in pan-fusion cuisine. Their menu features the likes of Thai red curry, dim sum pancakes, tons of delectable chow meins, garlicky hoisin parcels and much more. A reservation at this restaurant is a must because once night rolls in, Zen sparks into life as the lights go low and the tempo steps up a notch. zendurham.co.uk

With idyllic riverside vistas, quaint cobblestone streets and a historic city entrenched in tradition, Matthew Thomas discovers there’s no place quite like Durham City… 62 luxe-magazine.co.uk

Durham is a special place. It’s a timeless locale that offers travellers arresting beauty throughout the four seasons, home to the world-renowned Durham Cathedral and now enjoying a rich seam of vibrant independent businesses that are attracting visitors from across the globe to this pocket-sized city.

The River Wear slithers around the banks of the city as, the century-old cobblestone streets are packed with speckles of historic moments, and legendary figures continue to shape the city through their story. A city that has universal appeal for people from Tokyo to Seattle, but also for local living in and around the centre, here are some of Durham’s top spots for those looking to live luxe…

The Cellar Door Housed in a stunning 12th century cellar conversion down by the riverside, The Cellar Door has a refined aesthetic that perfectly complements its delightful a la carte menu. Widely regarded as one the best restaurants in the city, everything is a labour of love and passion here; from the tuna carpaccio and the curried lamb shanks, to the wine list and the dark chocolate cremeux, expect perfection at every touchpoint. thecellardoordurham.co.uk

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DAYS OUT

Somewhere to stay >> Hotel Indigo Located in the former Old Shire Hall building on Old Elvet just a stone’s throw away from the railway station, Hotel Indigo is a decadent destination that is not only brimming with sleek rooms and contemporary finishes, but is perfectly positioned to experience all that this charming city has to offer. Marco Pierre White has opened a signature restaurant serving timeless English and French classics inside a beautiful Victorian façade - a perfect combination for the weekend explorer. durham.hotelindigo.com

The Curious Mr Fox Those who love authentic, British food with a gastro twist are in for a treat with The Curious Mr Fox. Having opened its doors in June 2021, this restaurant on Riverview Walk arrived in the city with a stand-out food offering that provides diners with some of the best local dishes made from the freshest seasonal ingredients from across the North East. The food is brilliant and it’s an absolute must try this summer for laidback bites and sophisticated sipping. thecuriousmrfox.co.uk Tin of Sardines Sitting in a prime position on Elvet Bridge,

The Town House Durham An Americana bohemian dreamland paired with British stateliness lies within a stopover at The Town House Durham. A boutique hotel in the vibrant student area of Old Elvet, those visiting one of Durham’s top lodgings can choose from 11 extravagantly kitted out rooms, all of which exude their own personality thanks to carefully curated interior design and bespoke furnishings. Expect ultra glam decor, free-standing clawfoot baths and sumptuous surroundings all round. facebook.com/thetownhousedurham

Tin of Sardines Gin Bar is a small but spectacular bar and one of our favourite spots to pull up a stool, try one of 300 gins and chill over a tipple or two. It might be Durham’s tiniest bar, but it’s a big deal when it comes to living luxe in the city and the staff and bohemian interior ensure that a trip to this pint-sized watering hole lives long in the memory. With an ever-changing array of renowned gin distillers, a cool collection of tonics and a cosy interior that will help you unwind in style, this truly is an excellent Elvet enterprise. It’s not hard to see why Tin of Sardines always has a queue of patrons eager to get a sip of the action. tinofsardines.co.uk

Where to visit >> Durham Cathedral The jewel in the region’s crown and a world-famous landmark that attracts over 700,000 through its doors, Durham Cathedral is one of the greatest buildings out there. Set grandly on a rocky promontory next to the Castle with the medieval city huddled below and the river sweeping round, the profile of the World Heritage Site is instantly recognisable to folks around the world. Excitingly, the Cathedral is migrating towards a visitor-led experience thanks to the introduction of live music, family days-out and other cultural activities whilst maintaining its sense of worship. durhamcathedral.co.uk

Where to shop >> Freya Lillie Carrying the torch for truly environmentconscious fashion is Freya Lille, down by the riverside nestled between other Fowlers Yard independents. From linen rompers and decadent frilly dresses, to baby clothes and everything in between, it is a beautiful local clothing brand that places a huge emphasis on producing sustainable luxury fashion, and they’re taking independent fashion design by storm. Their made-to-order policy allows them to create minimum waste whilst also guaranteeing the highest quality garment and, unlike the fast fashion industry, products are designed for the modern parent with traditional elements and they’re designed to be worn all year round too. freya-lillie.com Durham Markets Now over 150-years old, Durham Market Hall and the weekly Saturday Outdoor Market are an iconic fixture when it comes to the city’s offering and are home to roughly 70 independent local businesses passionate and

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Old Cinema Launderette By day, Kathy and Richard Turner operate a fabulous retro launderette and coffee shop. By night, the space transforms into a twinkling live music venue that attracts award-winning artists and regional rising stars to the stage. An excellent local affair just minutes away from the city centre, the Old Cinema Launderette opened back in 2012 and has become an integral venue of the North East’s resurgent live music scene that also caters to everyday people looking for a first-rate laundry service. From cappuccinos to craft beers, fancy gins and flat whites, the cafe and fully-stocked bar will quench your thirst day and night, but it will also help with your laundry. oldcinemalaunderette.uk

knowledgeable about what they’re selling or the service they offer. From horticulturalists and fishmongers, to artisanal wine stockists and jewellers, these small businesses are the heartbeat of the city’s shopping scene and add a colourful strand of personality to a place otherwise known for its traditional characteristics. durhammarkets.co.uk Waceland Georgia Stanley and her team have wasted no time in becoming one of the city’s best places to shop handpicked vintage items and limited-edition streetwear. Waceland first started with pop-up stalls and numerous clothing events in and around the North East before opening a charming bricks and mortar store on Saddler Street. With more people ‘switching on’ to sustainable clothing and enjoying vintage clothing, 34 Saddler Street is the place for leading brands such as Palace, Supreme, YSL, and Ralph Lauren kit as the summer season rolls in. waceland.com

Stretch those legs >> Riverside meander The best way to explore Durham’s beauty is by foot. From front to back and side to side, this city is easily navigable thanks to its historic footbridges, medieval staircases and meandering paths. Clocking in at roughly 1.5 miles, a walk from the railway station through Framwellgate, down by the

river bankside and up to the city centre is a must - especially on a warm summer’s day. Here, you’re likely to see the university’s rowing team racing by, herons keeping a watchful eye on the water and emerald green trees gently swaying in the breeze. Don’t forget your camera!

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XXXXXXXX LUXE HOMES

HOT PROPERTY

Bellway Homes proudly present this stunning development in Ponteland featuring a striking collection of refurbished listed properties

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LUXE HOMES

THE LOWDOWN >> Housebuilder Bellway is delivering an exclusive collection of 22 homes at The Listed at Ottermead, forming part of the wider Jameson Manor development on the site of the former Northumbria Police HQ. The complex, which was originally known as Ponteland Cottage Homes and dates back to 1903, formerly served as accommodation for orphans. The site later became the headquarters for Northumbria Police, which has retained a police building and car park within the new residential neighbourhood. The wider Jameson Manor scheme was purchased by Bellway for £21 million in 2018. The 56-acre site will deliver 253 new homes between Bellway and Ashberry Homes collectively. The Listed will provide 22 new homes, including four and five-bedroom houses, a bungalow, as well as four two-bedroom apartments and a one bedroom apartment within the converted Superintendent’s Home, while the original water tower is also being converted into a house. KEY FEATURES >> Offering beautiful exterior period features

with the interior comforts of modern homes, The Listed at Ottermead is a range of Grade II Listed Arts and crafts-style properties, set in a crescent around an attractive area of green open space. Bellway Homes have sympathetically redeveloped the Grade II Listed buildings to create high-quality and characterful family homes that retain their exterior period features and preserve the site’s architectural heritage. It’s a truly unique collection of homes which combine the aesthetic appeal of stylish Edwardian period properties with the high-specification interiors of a modern new-build house. The location of the development has also been a significant draw for buyers. It boasts an attractive setting just a 10-minute drive away from Ponteland town centre and within easy commuting distance of Newcastle. The development is particularly well-suited to families, with a number of highly rated schools and attractions such as Ponteland Leisure Centre and Ponteland Park close by. The first four-bedroom semi-detached houses at The Listed were released for sale by Bellway North East in October 2021.

ADDED EXTRAS >> The converted homes which make up The Listed at Ottermead include original features preserved from the early 20th century and a wealth of history, which has been combined with modern-day luxuries. The living room makes use of the high ceilings and tall windows to let natural light flood in. The showhome showcased this perfectly with the use of combined browns, golds and creams to make the rooms warm and inviting. The twin chandeliers, leather sofas and relaxing futon create a classy, opulent space befitting a historic Grade II-listed building, while the elegant black digital fireplace and large 4k TV effortlessly lifts the property into the 2020s. Creating a kitchen which is both practical and effortlessly stylish is a challenge, however it’s one Bellway rose to, combining the crisp contrast between black and white. White is great at reflecting natural light and making the kitchen feel both airy and relaxing, while the contemporary black floor-to-ceiling cupboards are sleek and on-trend. This timeless monochrome combination looks clean and spacious while additional warmth is provided by

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the three low-hanging chandeliers. The focal point of the room – the gorgeous marble kitchen island – doesn’t just look amazing, it also serves as additional preparation space housing the integrated hob and doubling up as a snazzy breakfast bar. The dining room takes pride of place in this immaculate home, replicating the elegance of the living room but also adding a hint of romance through the rose-pink velvet dining chairs. Sleek and stylish, the family bathroom is well-equipped for modern living whilst still having a timeless quality. White marble tiles provide an elegant backdrop to sleek white sanitaryware and make the perfect companion to soothing pebble-grey walls. Chrome fittings add an element of shine to this luxurious, yet understated, bathroom. All bedrooms are spacious, modern and oh-so elegant - all of which are equipped with large windows to let the natural light flood in. The window frames have been painted white to emphasise the original architecture. This is the perfect example of how you can transform one of these beautiful houses into a home. bellway.co.uk

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GARDEN GLORY Heating & Plumbing London Pure New Wool Picnic Blanket £135, heating-and-plumbing.com

Ella James Bali Garden Parasol £195, ellajames.co.uk

FirepitsUK Flat Ring of Logs 120 with Swing Arm BBQ Rack £1,029, firepitsuk.co.uk

INTERIOR INSPIRATION

Beaumonde Gold Pineapple Ice Bucket £89.90, beaumonde.co.uk

Summer soirees Set the table, fire up the BBQ, it's time to get garden party ready!

Cuckooland Heatsail Dome Patio Heater Pendant Light £2,995, cuckooland.com Naken Outdoor Chef Lugano Gas BBQ £2,679, naken.co.uk

Sophie Allport Bees Napkins £17.50, sophieallport.com

Rose & Grey Mila Set Of teo Etched Green Gin Glasses £34.95, roseandgrey.co.uk Five & Dime Outdoor Bamboo Swing £90, fiveanddime-interiors.com

Nest Louis Poulsen Bysted Garden Outdoor Floor Lamp £470, nest.co.uk

Emma Bridgewater Vegetable Garden Lemons £21, daisypark.co.uk

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Danetti Rio Grey Dining Table with Ivy Left Corner Bench Set £3,074, danetti.com

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HIP TIPS

LIFESTYLE CONFIDENTIAL From travel destination inspiration to gorgeous gifts for your garden and delicious summer food, Kate has all the best ideas for the season ahead…

Beach days

Grab this super stylish bikini from Cala de la Cruz. A gorgeous print perfect for summer adventures, featuring high rise bikini bottoms for a full coverage with a vintage twist. Accessorise with gold jewels for effortless beach time sparkle. From £150 caladelacruz.com

Wearing… A great pair of sunglasses is a must for the summer. It can change the whole look of an outfit and when you find the right pair, it can help boost your mood and confidence too. I like to have a couple of pairs to dress up and down an outfit depending on the occasion. I tend to pick a classic but oversized shape to ensure they won’t date. Worn together with a sunglass chain, it really can add that added pop of luxury to an outfit. My favourite pair is the ember sunglass with gold chain, perfect for that effortlessly stylish look. Every pair of sunglasses comes with a branded box, a signature printed drawstring fabric pouch & a microfibre polishing cloth, so would make a perfect gift too. tuttiandco.com

Summer fashion

I love this gorgeous set from Anthropologie. Inspired by world travel and artisan craft, these high waist shorts and wide sleeve soft blouse by Sanica, are the perfect duo for a sun-soaked adventure. Pair with a tan leather wedge and clutch, for an effortlessly stylish summer look. £188 anthropologie.com

Eating… Pesto and bean potato salad, the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or light lunch with friends.

Loving...

The gardening range from Zara. Let’s face it, when it comes to the summer, we all love a little catch up in a pretty garden - and although I don’t profess to be the keenest gardener, I do like to entertain outdoors, be it a summer BBQ or cocktails with friends. So, I’m always on the hunt for a few interesting pieces. I’m loving the outdoor collection from Zara this year, lots of stylish products to add that point of difference. zara.com

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Travelling… I’m escaping for a couple of summer breaks this year to my two favourite hotels Ibiza

Dubai

Destino Set on the secluded cliff top of Cap Martinet in Talamanca Bay, Destino overlooks the town of Ibiza, Formentera Island and the Mediterranean. Sophisticated yet integrated in nature, Destino is the ideal place to let go and immerse yourself in the island vibe. From exclusive wellness treatments and open-air yoga classes to a marvellous selection of dining concepts and stylish spaces to start off your evenings. destinopacha.com

Mina A’Salam is at the heart of the sprawling Jumeirah resort. Guest rooms and suites are beautifully furnished, with private balconies overlooking the ocean, offering authentic Arabian experiences with family-friendly service. Meaning ‘Harbour of Peace’, the hotel forms the gateway to a collection of restaurants, bars and shops. It is the entry point from which numerous waterways and walkways thread their way to all corners of the resort. The perfect place to enjoy peace, sun and quality family time. jumeriah.com

Ingredients 500g baby new potatoes, halved if large 300g fine green beans, halved 45g pine nuts Pesto 1 clove garlic 25g pack fresh basil, leaves only 50ml extra virgin olive oil lemon, juice 50g Parmigiano Reggiano, grated Method Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, then add the potatoes and cook for 12-16 minutes, until tender; add the beans to the pan for the final 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool a little in the colander. Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan for 1-2 minutes. To make the pesto, use a pestle and mortar to crush together the garlic, most of the basil and a pinch of salt. Add the oil, lemon juice and 1/2 the toasted pine nuts, then mix. Finally, add the cheese and muddle until combined. Transfer the potatoes and green beans to a serving platter and add the pesto; mix well. Scatter over the remaining pine nuts and basil leaves to serve.

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SHOP HAPPY

Giving back to the community in style! Bellwoods Lifestyle Store is a quaint little shop in Whitley Bay that’s making a big impact in the local community. Not only does it stock some of the coolest eco-friendly homeware and fashion items from independent designers, it also works closely with local charities to make a lasting positive impact in the North East

The brainchild of Nathalie Bouleau Chabot, Bellwoods started out life as a lockdown pastime before establishing itself as a gorgeous bricks and mortar shop. We sat down with Nathalie to find out more about her passion for helping others and stocking some of the most unique goods on the high street… Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got your start in retail? I moved to Toronto on a year’s Visa in my 20s and I ended up getting a job at Urban Outfitters over there. I worked in visual merchandising before moving

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into operations. When I was over there I ended up working for a bunch of other different retailers, both big and small brands. From those experiences I had learnt quite a bit about the retail sector. How did Bellwoods Lifestyle Store come to life and what was your inspiration for opening your own shop? It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but I never really had the time, the money or the confidence to do it. Then I was on furlough from my day job during the lockdown, and I thought I’ll just make a little online shop for something to do. I didn’t really intend to open a proper shop, but I kept walking past this unit in

Whitley Bay on my daily walks. So one day I thought I’d just have a little look at it and then I just took the plunge and went for it! How long did it take for your online shop to catch on before you opened the Whitley Bay store? I was quite strategic and I didn’t get loads and loads of stock - I started quite small. Bellwoods is actually run from my spare room shelves. Obviously we couldn’t go anywhere in the first lockdown so all of the stock just stayed there - I used to make local deliveries. That’s when I thought it might actually be possible to open a bricks and mortar store. It’s great because you

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SHOP HAPPY

get people coming in from all over the North East, who’ve travelled in just to visit the shop. Bellwoods is all about environmentally friendly items and nice things for your home - why is it so important to you that you stock ethical goods? Because I don’t want everything just being trash in a landfill. I really like seeing things that people have made with their own hands, seeing things that you can’t get anywhere else. Also, I like buying things from people who share the same values as me, so I stock items from people trying to minimise waste, businesses that really care for the things that they make and are just trying to do some good. I want to show that retail can be a force for good. You can still have nice things in your life and buy things whilst being aware of where they come from and how they’re made. How do you go about sourcing and curating the items you sell? I have a mix of established brands and independent designers - it’s a bit of a hobby of mine - I’ve always done it. It’s all things that I love and pretty much own myself. Things from designers I’ve bought from myself in the past, so I already know their stuff is good. Otherwise it’s just people I come across - I’m always on social media looking for new creators, but I’m quite picky on what I choose, it has to fit with our brand and sit next to the other things that are already sold in the shop. I make sure all the items I stock belong together!

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You do a lot of work in conjunction with charities too, where did all of that start and why is it so important to you? I’ve always volunteered in various charities when I was working other jobs. There’s just a lot of great organisations I’m aware of, some of which I’ve worked with first hand, and I know what important work they do. The shop is a drop-off point for East End Women’s Food Bank and every month, on the last Friday of the month, we host a 10% donation day, where we donate 10% of our daily sales to a not for profit/ charitable organisation. We really try to spread the love! bellwoodslifestylestore.co.uk

I like buying things from people who share the same values as me, so I stock items from businesses that really care for the things that they make and are just trying to do some good

Meet the Makers! >> Want to meet some of the fantastic independent designers that Bellwoods Lifestyle Store stocks? Head down to one of these Meet the Maker pop-ups at the shop.

16 July Oh Lightning Print 23 July Saint Belle Clothing 13 August Rebecca Ridley Ceramics 27 August Little Oeuf Kids luxe-magazine.co.uk

LITTLE LUXE

LUXE MAMA with Elysia Fryer

My journey into motherhood...

Here comes the sun The sunny months come with an abundance of fun for little people getting to grips with the wonders of the world. The joys that come with afternoons exploring the garden, stopping to stare at every tree while walking the dog, the pure fascination of discovering new wildlife and the best one - splashing around in

any water we set our sights on. Staycations, vacations and days out stick out in the diary during the summer months, but sometimes it’s just as special to spend the day at home, creating happy memories in the garden, kitchen or playroom. We’ve got you covered with a cool kit list for balmy breaks or garden adventures, as well as a tasty summer-inspired recipe to encourage tots to flourish into fuss-free foodies. As George approaches his first birthday in July, what better than some mini black forest cherry cupcakes to kickstart the celebrations? Time to set our sights on the height of summer. Let the good times roll!

Baby buys >> A holiday hotlist for little people. Essential summer buys… SUPER STRIPES Little ones can splash around in style this summer thanks to MORI’s Sun Safe Suit. Made from UPF 50+ recycled fabric and with a zipper and poppers for those quick changes, it’s an easy, comfortable and super stylish suitcase essential. MORI, Mustard Stripe Sun Safe Suit, £29, babymori.com

Delicious inspiration >> Charlotte Stirling-Reed is a celebrity baby and child nutritionist. She’s helping us tackle one of the trickiest stages of child nutrition toddlerhood - with a handy new book for little eaters. A delicious guide to help little foodies flourish. We’re marking George’s first birthday with these scrummy cupcakes… Ingredients 200g frozen cherries, defrosted - plus a handful for decorating, finely chopped (reserve the cherry juice from the defrosted fruit for later) 2 tbsp cherry jam (or another fruit jam) 2 tbsp cocoa powder 2 tbsp boiling water 80g unsalted butter, at room temperature - or dairy-free spread 1 large free-range egg, beaten 50g ground almonds 100g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder To decorate 100g crème fraîche or dairy-free alternative A few chunks of dark chocolate, grated Method Preheat the oven to 200˚C/180˚C fan. Line a mini cupcake or muffin tin with 18 cases. Add most of the cherries and jam to a food processor and blitz until blended to a purée. In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder with the boiling water and stir until it forms a paste. Add the butter or spread, egg and cocoa powder paste to the food processor and blitz until combined with the cherry purée. Then add the almonds, flour and baking powder and give it a pulse to mix together. Divide the mixture between the cases and bake for 10 - 15 minutes, or until cooked through and fluffy looking. Use a skewer to check the middle - it should come out clean. Leave to cool How to feed your in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer toddler: Everything to a cooling rack and leave to cool you need to know completely. to raise happy, Top with a teaspoon of crème fraîche, independent little the reserved finely chopped cherries, eaters is available a drizzle of the reserved juice and a to buy online from sprinkle of dark chocolate to finish. 29 September You can store these in the fridge and 2022, RRP £16.99 enjoy them for up to two days.

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SLEEP WELL Ensure sound sleep after a day of fun in the sun with this cute and comfy sleeping bag by aden + anais. We love this pretty floral pattern made with a breathable, 100% organic cotton for maximum airflow. aden + anais, Earthly Organic Cotton Light Sleeping Bag 1.0 Tog, £38.50, adenandanais.co.uk AT THE WHEEL Whether you’re taking flight or hitting the road this summer, this Koala Car Wheel Toy is a must to keep your tots entertained on the go. A fun and interactive toy sure to spark the imagination and develop babies’ motor skills along the way. Taf Toys, Koala Car Wheel Toy, £34.99, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

NAP HACKS Siesta, anyone? Let sleepy little ones snuggle up in the super handy Safari Adventure Nap Mat, perfect for on-the-go snoozing at home or away. These amazingly portable nap mats come in a number of cute designs with a removable pillow, storage pouch and a name tag to personalise. Bloomsbury Mill, Safari Adventure Super Soft Toddler Nap Mat, £34.99, bloomsburymill.com

CALM NIGHTS A comforting light, humidifier and salt lamp all in one. This aromatherapy diffuser has been the perfect addition to our nursery this summer and is handy to pack up for staycations and vacations, too. The Himalayan salt crystals work wonders when it comes to creating a calm, restful environment by acting as a natural air purifier, and the soft glow of the lamp is super comforting for a little one's tranquil sleeping space. ClevaMama, ClevaPure Salt Lamp, £65, clevamama.co.uk

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SCHOOL'S OUT

Little moments Parenting expert Nadia McSheffrey has some valuable advice on how to survive the long summer holidays… The summer is finally here and for many families, it’s a chance to relax a little without the dreaded school run, homework deadlines and masses and masses of uniforms to iron. I know many of us still work during the holidays or have other commitments but it’s nice to have a little flexibility in our day. The only problem with this, is that when routine goes out of the window for a few weeks, the uncertainty can have a negative impact on some children. Throw in later nights, sugary snacks and more screen time and we have a recipe for ‘The Ultimate Meltdown!’ Have you noticed that these meltdowns usually come at the most inopportune time? It could be just before bedtime or as we’re on our way out of the house. They can be challenging for any parent and they sometimes tip us over the edge. How do we react? Some people bribe their kids, shame them (“you’re behaving like a baby”), punish them, confiscate items, send them in time-out, withdraw connection (“I’m not talking to you when you’re like this!”) or just simply yell. Parents usually resort to these kinds of strategies when they are on the verge of a meltdown themselves. You know the feeling; when your child is being uncooperative and you just want them to do what you say. It drives you crazy when they

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resist! So, you try to meet your child’s behaviour head on and squash it. The chances are, it doesn’t work and the meltdown intensifies or it works in the short-term, but you feel guilty afterwards because you lost your cool. What’s the alternative? Just to be transparent, none of my suggestions are quick fixes. Tranquil Parenting takes time and conscious effort but honestly, it works and you feel so much better about yourself. The emphasis is on trying to build a deeper connection, not on being the perfect parent. The alternative then, is not to focus on the behaviours but to delve much deeper, underneath the surface. It doesn’t matter if your child is 16 months old or 16 years old, a meltdown is the product of a dysregulated nervous system, in particular the autonomic nervous system. Our brain and body have an amazing connection and the bilateral relationship is working constantly to keep us alive and ‘in balance’. The brain and body take information from our internal world (e.g. our heart rate, gut, blood pressure, glucose levels etc.), our immediate environment (e.g. bedroom, garden, classroom) and the people in it (parents, siblings, classmates, teachers) to assess whether we are safe, in danger or if there is a threat to our life.

For a long time, science has thought that the brain is the key directional hub. However, recent research has shown that yes, the brain gives signals to the body, but we now know that approximately 80% of signals go from the body to the brain. This would suggest that we feel sensations before we think them. We often neglect those intuitive niggles; the butterflies in our tummy, the clammy palms or clenched jaw. These physical sensations are trying to tell us something; they are critical information to identify whether we are feeling receptive or defensive. If we think about our child melting down, they will feel uncomfortable in their body first, before their brain can find (or invent) a narrative to fit the sensations. If our child has an outburst, it’s a sign of their inner turmoil. It means that the brain/body connection is challenged, vulnerable or overwhelmed and in very basic terms, they need our help. The interesting thing for a parent to note is that the autonomic nervous system does not engage the thinking part of the brain, so when our child is having a meltdown, they aren’t doing it deliberately. Most of their behaviour will be unplanned and subconscious. Our children are having a hard time, not giving us a hard time. When we understand this, then we feel more compassionate and empathetic. They need help to regulate their emotions. Our role is to support them through co-regulation. This is basically sharing our calm state with our child. Sometimes when they appear to ‘act out’, our nervous system

becomes overwhelmed and when this happens, we resort to shouting, punishing or scolding. Nervous systems interact with one another and that is why it is so important for us to look after ourselves. If we feel dysregulated, then it’s virtually impossible to support our children the way they need. When your child is struggling, the first step is to find your own calm. You may need to take a breath, clench and unclench your body, take a gulp of cold water or just stop and close your eyes. Whatever it takes for you to regulate yourself in the moment, do it. Then you can attend to your child. In these circumstances, the less said the better. Stay with them and ride the wave of emotion. Let them be angry or anxious or frustrated. These feelings are okay. Hold clear boundaries so they don’t hurt themselves, other people or property but if it’s safe, then let them release the emotions. If they will allow you to hug them or put an arm around their shoulders, do so. The gentle connection of a loved one can work wonders for some children, but others will not be able to tolerate the physical contact. You know your child best. Do not try to rationalise, analyse or incentivise. I repeat, DO NOT. The thinking part of their brain is offline and you are wasting your time. You’ll probably make everything worse if you start to rant or give them a dressing-down. Be mindful and observe your child. When they look like they are physically finding their equilibrium, then this is the sign that they will be ready to engage with you. Not every moment needs to be a teachable moment. Let them know that you love them and you will keep them safe. That’s all they need to know at that time. You can choose to discuss things with them later if need be, then you can explore what triggered the outburst; are they tired, hungry, overstimulated or anxious? Help them to help themselves. I know this sounds like a huge palaver and you’re right, some days you won’t be able to do this, especially if you are running on empty and feeling dysregulated yourself. But honestly, taking three minutes to tune into your child and co-regulate with them so they begin to regain their balance is so much better than trying to endure a full-blown 15 minute tantrum, when everyone begins to lose it. So, before you let your child stay up late again and overload them with ice-cream, know that you may have to deal with the consequences of a dysregulated nervous system tomorrow. Moderation is key… even in the summer holidays.

Nadia McSheffrey is founder of The Tranquil Treehouse. Nadia works with parents to help them be the parent they want to be and find tranquility in their family lives. She also works with children and teachers to support their own emotional wellbeing. For more information and daily parenting support, follow her at: thetranquiltreehouse.com and on Facebook and Instagram @tranquiltreehouse

luxe-magazine.co.uk

GET TO KNOW

THE LUXE LOWDOWN:

David Osborne We chat with Roman’s CEO, David Osborne to find out his luxe things in life... GETTING TO KNOW YOU >> Name David Osborne Title CEO, Roman Where is home? An old farm between Darlington and Barnard Castle. Three reasons you love where you live? Unquestionably the peace and quiet of the countryside after a busy week (normally with a lot of travel!). Having lived around our local villages for over 20 years, we have lots of great friends on our doorstep. Now the world is open again, most of the best restaurants in the area are in villages, so we are spoiled for choice.

We have a very broad and diverse customer base who all have different needs - and we export to over 70 countries which presents its own challenges. My role is keeping a great team motivated. Any upcoming or ongoing projects we should know about? We have just received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise - International Trade (for the second time). This is a wonderful honour and a huge accolade for the team at Roman. What does downtime mean to you? This used to be playing rugby, then coaching rugby - but it is now watching rugby. We also have two dogs who enjoy their walks and are not shy about telling you to get out of the house.

THE DAY JOB >> What do you do for a living? I am shortly reaching 30 years at Roman. We have four factories on a 400,000 sq ft manufacturing site on Aycliffe Business Park. We manufacture shower enclosures, anti-slip trays and bathroom structures for the UK and the best hotels around the world. A day in the life of you? Part of the ongoing appeal of manufacturing is the variety of activities and challenges.

LESSONS IN LIFE >> What did you want to be when you were growing up? This always changed between being a fighter pilot or a journalist - both of course being juggled to accommodate playing rugby for Wales. My eyesight eliminated fast jets relatively early. Then I did a degree in political science which was enough to put me off journalism. Opportunities arose in business and I have never looked back.

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What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Respect everyone you meet and always try to treat everyone the same as a result. The rest goes from there. What is your greatest fear? Spiders and baked beans - in no particular order. Which living person do you admire most and why? As a proud and rugby obsessed Welshman, I would have to say Alun Wyn Jones. A great player, a great role model, but moreover, a true leader who leads by setting a fearless example and has an exemplary work ethic. LIVING LUXE >> What is top of your bucket list? I have been lucky enough to tick off most sporting events. However, watching an England test match in the West Indies simply has to be done (or watching an Ashes victory in Australia anytime soon?). What is your most treasured possession? I have gathered some wonderful rugby memorabilia over the years, but my Cairn Terrier would have to win this one. What does the weekend mean to you? A very definite change of pace and hopefully time in the garden and possibly a few glasses of wine. We missed spending time with some great friends during the last two years so it is brilliant to be able to catch up with people now. Both my children are at university down in Cardiff so we are

now getting some action-packed weekends down in Wales - some cunningly tied in with the Six Nations! A memorable holiday? I’ve spent a lot of time in Asia in the last 20 years - particularly Malaysia. Six years ago, I managed to get all the family across and it was memorable for so many reasons - many food related incidents with teenagers! It was the only time I’ve really had a proper holiday somewhere I actually know very well, so it was a special trip in many ways. Best dress? I am not a renowned fashion icon, but my wife recently upgraded my dinner suit to have a velvet jacket which I am quite proud of. Who would be your top three dinner guests? Lee Mack, Bob Dylan, Sandra Bullock. The last place you ate? The Fox Hole, Piercebridge. The last book you read? The Judge’s List by John Grisham. The last thing you listened to? The latest album by the Waterboys. The last thing you watched? The remake of Death on the Nile by Kenneth Branagh. I was convinced I wouldn’t like it, but thought it was a fabulous film and a great cast. I’m not sure I’m a new Agatha Christie convert, but well worth watching. Three luxe things in life? Good red wine, fresh seafood and watching live sport.

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MIGHTY MOTOR

AT THE WHEEL with Bob Arora

Adventure calls

Bob Arora sits behind the wheel of the new Land Rover Defender…

Unfortunately, due to the super chip crisis and the horrific and totally unnecessary war in Ukraine, car manufacturers are all having a real nightmare trying to manufacture cars. Second-hand vehicle values are going crazy, like nothing I’ve ever seen in all my time reviewing cars. Some lucky owners have been able to sell their cars and actually get more money than they paid, which is mad when you think about it. The main issue for people cashing in has been trying to get another car, if you’ve been lucky enough to get hold of a new car then you are a very fortunate person indeed. Despite the issues all manufacturers are facing, Land Rover are in an enviable position as they have huge waiting lists for not only the new Range Rover and the Sport, any lucky people on the waiting list for the new Defender are able to sell their spaces on for a profit. Many used cars are

JUL/AUG22

selling for massive premiums over list price. This brings me on to the car I’ve had the pleasure to drive this month. The new Defender is a car I’ve been absolutely desperate to get behind the wheel of. Trying to get a car to drive from our local dealers was proving very difficult indeed, even for me - and believe me I know each and every dealer! I wasn’t going to be defeated by that though, so I turned to a lovely loyal Sachins customer and dear friend of mine, and asked if I could drive his car. Thankfully he said yes, and I was finally able to test drive this beautiful car. The original Defender was launched in 1983 and production ended in 2016. It was originally based on the Willy’s Jeep. The original Defender had the unenviable reputation of being able to go anywhere and it was a firm favourite amongst farmers. It was literally the Swiss Army Knife of cars as it is very practical and dependable. The car is available in three versions; a commercial model with no rear windows and ideal for businesses, the 90 is a 3-door

version (and the one I’d personally go for), and the 110 which is a more family-friendly and practical 5-door model. A plug-in hybrid model can travel up to 27 miles on electric power alone. The Defender is priced from £38,100 and the range topping model is priced at an eye watering £105,740, and this version is fitted with the same 5lt engine found in the SVR. As you’d expect, the brakes, chassis and suspension have all been beefed up to deal with the 518 bhp - this amazing sounding engine propels the car to 60mph in a blistering 4.9 seconds. There are three diesel engines to choose from along with three petrol ones - all cars get an 8-speed auto gearbox as standard as well as 4-wheel drive. After driving it, I can honestly say it didn’t disappoint at all. Looking at the new car, the designers have kept the boxy shape, which means you do recognise the original car's distinctive look. Air suspension is standard on the 110, cheaper models get coil springs, the chassis

is now made from aluminium. The new Defender is so much nicer to drive than the original, it also feels so much more tight and rigid compared to the outgoing Defender. Despite being a serious off-roader, the car is so civilised to drive. It feels extremely well put together and even when driven off-road there is no creaking or alarming noises from the bodywork at all. Any serious off-roader will be impressed with the car's wading capacity of 900mm which, incidentally, beats all of its competitors with ease. Another area where the car is so different to the outgoing model, is the interior. It is literally like chalk and cheese. I loved the new Defender's exposed bolts and the metal trim on the side of the doors. The fit and finish is absolutely top notch. There are large door pockets and plenty of areas where you can store pretty much anything you need - add to the mix endless USB sockets and no one should have any issues trying to charge any electronic devices, no matter how large the family. It is a very wide car, and the driver and passengers have plenty of room indeed two small child seats can also be ordered so this car becomes a very stylish 7-seater. Unlike the Velar, the climate controls are proper dials instead of a split screen. The Defender is fitted with either a 10” screen or a 11.4” one, the infotainment system is the company’s latest generation and it seems relatively easy to use, plus it also features either Apple or Android Car Play. If you are lucky enough to be on the waiting list for the Defender, you really are in for a treat as this car is absolutely amazing to drive and it really is a lovely looking vehicle.

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GO GREEN Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Rubber-Trimmed Leather Cardholder £145, mrporter.com

Givenchy Josh Smith green appliquéd cotton T-shirt £660, harveynichols.com Nudie Carson Camping Patch Chore Jacket £269, endclothing.com

Off White Visvim Fkt Runner £735, endclothing.com

MAN KIT

Green with envy Get back to nature this season with statement greens and earthy tones that’ll bring your wardrobe to life…

Stone Island Garment Dyed Twill Cargo Pant £259, endclothing.com

Giuliva Heritage Tazio Ribbed Cotton Polo Shirt £415, mrporter.com

Ralph Lauren Polo Barracuda jacket £265, fenwick.co.uk

Floyd Weekender bag £135, endclothing.com Ahlem Beck Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses £400, mrporter.com

New Balance 373 Trainers £70.99, fenwick.co.uk

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Valentino Drawstring cotton-blend twill shorts £750, matchesfashion.com

Nanushka Jeff Terry Knit Shirt £305, endclothing.com

JUL/AUG22

ON PAR

Girls that golf The male to female ratio of UK golf participation dramatically changed in 2020 as the number of women taking to the sport more than tripled during the pandemic - a rise which saw nearly 1.5 million ladies playing at least one round of golf that year. When it comes to sports and hobbies, there’s no denying that golf is traditionally an activity for men, but in recent years more and more women are picking up the clubs, breaking down the stereotypes and having a great time doing it. We catch up with North East businesswoman and golf devotee, Carole Stonehouse, to find out more about her love for the sport… A BIT ABOUT YOU… Sport has always been a part of my life. From competitive swimming as a child, and teaching it when I left school, to working as a marketer in the sporting goods sector as the head of commercial assets for Adidas, before being headhunted to join Newcastle United as their commercial director in 2000. I helped set up the Entrepreneurs' Forum with Sir Peter Vardy and Lorna Moran OBE and was CEO of this inspirational organisation for eight years, before heading back into the commercial world as Marketing Director for Technology Services Group until my retirement on my 60th birthday in 2018. I’m also a governor at the Royal Grammar School in Newcastle which was recently named the Sunday Times North East Independent School of the Decade, again! I’m primarily involved with the school’s excellent bursary campaign, raising funds to support super talented children in the region to achieve their goals. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME? Now retired, I enjoy spending time working with the school on this campaign, and do lots of volunteer work including being part of the organising committee for the British Transplant Games in 2015, and the World Transplant Games in 2019. I am also part of a charity committee with other business women here in the North East and we work together to raise money for local charities by holding a range of events including dinners and afternoon teas. Between my lovely husband, David, and I, we have four grown up children and three gorgeous grandchildren, Jack (9), Charlie (7) and Sofia (4) with another baby due in August, so I adore spending time with them. I also try to keep fit through walking, yoga, Speedflex, and enjoy relaxing with friends over lunch. I love to go on holiday too, with city breaks a good option so I can go for a long weekend and be back to help with childcare in the week. When I have time to go long haul, I’ve enjoyed a fabulous safari in Kenya and we were married in South Africa, but India has to be one of my favourite places and I’m hoping to go back and visit Golden Temple in Amritsar next year. We have a beautiful caravan in Bamburgh so that is our go-to destination for a staycation with the family - the golf is good up there too! For meals out, we love the Potted Lobster in Bamburgh as well as 21, Fuego and Khai Khai in Newcastle, San Lorenzo in Gosforth and Kennedy & Rhind in Jesmond, which is the perfect place for a girly get-together.

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HOW DID YOU DISCOVER GOLF AND WHY DO YOU ENJOY IT SO MUCH? Working for Adidas, we owned the golf brand Taylormade and I would give my sponsored footballers golf clubs wondering why they enjoyed getting up at 7am to play golf on a Sunday! I’d think, 'you idiot, why? I’d rather have another hour in bed!'. I didn’t see the appeal, preferring quick forms of exercise that didn’t take all day, such as swimming and running. However, at 52 I trekked to Everest Base Camp, which was phenomenal, and I was thinking 'what’s next?'. David had played golf with his father years ago but we thought, looking towards retirement, we should do something when we are older, together, that we can talk about and share. And let me tell you, the golf bug, it gets you - and I am completely hooked! It’s such a frustrating game that you want to go back the next time and play a bit better.

I rarely take part in competitions, I just love playing for the fun, exercise and the social side of it. Golf has taken us all over the world - from Tenerife, Spain, Majorca and Portugal, to Bubba Watson’s course North Troon in Phoenix, Arizona. We are members at Close House. I love it, it’s a club for all levels of golf and I was taught by Jonathan and Sally at the PGA Academy there. It’s daunting when you start playing on a proper golf course, but golfers remember when they first started and tend be very patient. Close House has two fabulous courses plus a 9 hole pitch and putt. From arriving at golf services, to playing on the course, having a post-round coffee or dining in the restaurant, everybody is lovely and it’s such a welcoming golf club. WHO IS YOUR INSPIRATION? Not connected to golf, but certainly a

sporting legend - one of my dearest friends was Sir Bobby Robson. Besides my dad and my hubby, he is one of my main inspirations. When he came to Newcastle United we clicked instantly. I was on the launch committee for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and when I trekked to Base Camp it was to raise money for his charity. He was a lovely chap with a massive moral compass and I feel privileged to have known him and Lady Elsie. The late Bob McCulloch, my MD at Adidas, and Sir Peter Vardy are other key influencers in my life. And of course, my two daughters Katie and Emma who have grown up to be exceptional women in their own rights, as Head of Product Marketing UKI at Sage and Director of Programmes for LEEDS 2023. They inspire me every day and I am beyond proud of them.

luxe-magazine.co.uk

CRAFTY CREATIONS “Micky went to school with Ben, the owner of the brewery, so we set up a meeting and we went from there. After numerous meetings and numerous tasting days we knew it was the perfect fit and decided on a Pilsner for our first launch. We wanted to create something that everyone can enjoy rather than something with a niche taste,” explains Carl. The Pilsner I’m currently sampling, which takes approximately six weeks to brew, is exactly that. As I continue to sip away, I’m learning everything there is to know about the ingredients, the canning process and the hard work that’s poured into each and every batch to ensure it’s perfect for distribution. Watching the pride beam across Carl’s face as he explains the process, I’m in awe of the hard work these four rugby lads are putting into this creation as well as leading their busy lives and continuing with their day jobs. The world of craft beer is competitive and with a variety of different brands already out there, the guys knew they had a challenge on their hands to stand out from the crowd. “There are a lot of beers out there already and we wanted something different which is where the Samoan twist comes into play. The beer is brewed in Newcastle but the

Cheers!

Nicole Wood chats to Carl Fearns, one of the four brains behind the craft beer creation, Manuia… Carl Fearns, Michael Young, Will Welch and Logovi'i Mulipola (or better known as Carl, Micky, Will and Loggo), are a group of lads who have bonded over their love of rugby and sportsmanship throughout their careers at Newcastle Falcons. Ready for the next challenge, the foursome have recently entered the world of craft beer with their impressive brand Manuia. Channelling their love for a team environment, combining that with passion and hard work, their next adventure is sure to be a success. Not the biggest lover of beer, I’m apprehensive as I sit down to take a sip of the all new FiaFia, but in fact I’m pleasantly surprised by the refreshingly crisp taste. Exchanging pleasantries and enjoying our afternoon tipple, I ask Carl how do four

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rugby players get into the craft beer industry? “Rugby and beer, what could possibly go wrong?” he laughs. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s obviously a physically gruelling job being a rugby player, but we do get a fair bit of free time ‘to recover’, so we always try and get together twice a week to talk about all things Manuia. The four of us share responsibilities equally and spread the workload too. This is all new to us so we’re constantly learning along the way, but that’s exactly what we want with this experience,” smiles Carl. “We’re a group of four lads made up of Micky, Will, Loggo and myself, Carl. Three of us grew up in the north of England and the other on the sunny pacific island of Samoa. I have known Micky since I was 15 years old. We’re all similar ages and have played

with and against each other for years in the premiership. I think we’re all getting to that stage in our career where we want to challenge ourselves with new things and tap into some of the skills we may not have known we had through rugby. We were having a coffee after training together one day and talking about exactly that, then the idea of a beer got suggested. I asked what ‘cheers’ translates as in Samoan and Loggo replied ‘Manuia’. We all immediately liked it and it started from there. “Coming from a team environment we’ve always enjoyed and embraced the social side which usually involves sharing a beer or two. It’s how relationships can be strengthened and developed. There’s also a big sense of family within a team and in my experience of playing with pacific island players, this is something held dearly to them and the main inspiration behind why we wanted to set up Manuia. Taking into account the way we have bonded over the years we felt bringing out some drinks that would help people do the same thing would be a good place to start,” he continues. Staying true to their North East roots, the team decided to partner up with Newcastlebased brewery, Full Circle Brew Co, which is located at Hoults Yard.

branding is all about Samoa. This is where Loggo has really put his stamp on it all, including the tribal print taken from his traditional tattoo. “I think we all wanted the cava bowl to feature prominently as this is a massive symbol of hospitality, occasion and tradition within Samoan culture. I think there’s so much to take inspiration from with this, we all knew the branding had the potential to be awesome. We worked with Harry, a local designer who came highly recommended to us and he understood exactly what we wanted to achieve. We feel he’s captured our vision and brought it to life perfectly.” As well as the core branding, the team worked together with Harry to come up with a theme that carries a lot of meaning which would continue throughout each of the brews they bring to the market. First up is FiaFia which loosely translates as ‘to be happy, to come together and to celebrate’. Each name and meaning given to each will marry up with a complementing colour creating a harmonious, all compensating brand rooted in Samoan culture. With their website almost ready to launch and plans in place for the next beer, we can’t wait to see what’s next for Manuia. instagram.com/manuiabrew

JUL/AUG22

WE ARE HIRING We are always looking out for talented people to join our award winning agency. With a growing range of exciting clients, we like to work with the best of the best and in order to do that, we ensure our team contains the best of the best.

OUR CURRENT VACANCIES • MARKETING EXECUTIVE - PART TIME • DIGITAL MARKETING TRAINER - PART TIME • CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP EXECUTIVE - PART TIME If you would like to learn more about this role then please email guy@allies-group.com, visit allies-group.com or call 0191 500 7900 for a chat and to learn more about our exciting opportunities.

ALLIES-GROUP.COM

SOCIAL LIFE

luxe:looks

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!

Platinum Jubilee Garden Party, Grantley Hall

>> Alasdair Moore and Lucy Moore

Entrepreneurs Forum, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead

>> Angela Ross and AIan Griffiths

>> Chelsea Frost and Sarah Restrick >> Pamela and Richard Petty

>> Georgia Donaldson, Vanessa Mailor and Simon Crannage

>> Nigel Mills & Gillian Marshall >> Clare and Jeremy Hopkinson >> Sarah and Kevin Howell

>> Rose and Chris Bax

>> Sarah Restrick, Chelsea Frost, TraceyRactliffe and Andrew McPherson

>> Caroline Theobald CBE and Micheal Hodson >> Fraser Brown and Elizabeth Armstrong

>> Yvonne Bell and James Robson

>> Richard and Valeria Sykes

>> Marcus and Dee Rees

>> Martin and Fiona Pearman, Nicola and John Dobson

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>> Laura Brodie and Keith Nicholson

>> Matt and Amy Boyle >> Samantha and Lee Hutchinson

JUL/AUG22

SOCIAL LIFE

Hadrian School Ball, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead >> Susan and Paul Miller

>> Beverly Armstrong, Jeremy Kyle and Rob Armstrong

>> Jan Rayner, Brian Thorpe, Andrea Leighton, Ellen Leighton, Jack Thopre, Alix Thorpe and Melissa Saxon

>> Angie Jenkison and Sir Graham Wylie

>> Tracy Bullivant, Anthony Rayner, Steven Rayner and Lisa Rayner

>> Alexandra Gregorio, Caroline Carr and Laura Anderson

Valhalla Preview Dinner, Aston Martin Newcastle

>> Sergio and Emma Patrucci

>> Anna Leighton and Connor Hogarty

>> Angie Jenkison, Sir Graham Wylie, Brenda and Allen Morton and Mark Taylor-Gregg

>> Carey and Wesley Shah

Lobster Festival, Hardwick Hall

>> Simon Ragg and Paul Thursby

>> John Ridley and Lynn Ridley

>> Ryan and Madelein Sidebottom

>> Simon Cock, Jamie Wyatt, Jyoti and Nindy Ghura

>> Lorraine Vasey, Elaine Pollard and Anna Moskal

>> James McArdle, Michael McArdle, Daniel McArdle

>> Lucy and Darren Andrews >> Emma and David Frame

>> Emma Agar and Kris Hickman

>> Karl and Lorraine Robinson

>> Dean and Nicola Burrows >> Karen and David Warren

Let’s see you! If you would like your event featured on our Luxe:Looks pages please supply images with full captions (We Transfer or Dropbox is best) to: claudia@allies-group.com

JUL/AUG22

>> Liam Davison and Becky Lankin

luxe-magazine.co.uk

PARTING SHOT

Summer days >> Picture perfect sunrise at Bamburgh Beach By Kevin Gibson at kgphotography.co.uk

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JUL/AUG22

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