Luxe may june 2014

luxe magazine £5.00

ISSUE 28 MAY/JUN14

£5

ISSUE 28 MAY/JUN14

j u li e n m ac d o n a l d tal ks trend s . L o b s t er l ove. L aybou rne m as t e rc l a ss . So c i a l s ummer d ays. Sund erl and fes tival of Food.

Drea m y £ 5 m r i ve r s i d e p ad. g ar d en part y s t y l e. Stylish people.

M ic h e l i n c h e f J a m e s clos e. The c ul t ural pul s e. g ol f. Hip hotels. Lu xe.

WHeRE SOLD

welcome

contents 10>> Do This ISSUE 28 MAY/JUN14 I’m thoroughly in the mood for summer after a few weeks of dabbling in the new season’s spirit. I don’t mean an alcoholic version, rather the beachy, holidays and high days spirit of summer and the promise of lazy days and long, light nights.

The social diary kicks off with fashion week fun in Newcastle and our sparkly cover chap Julien Macdonald features heavily as part of the many catwalk comings and goings that celebrate the city’s fashion talent in all its guises.

By rights my social diary should be choc-a-bloc too after compiling a comprehensive guide to the best summer events for you. All very hat-and-new-shoes-worthy they are too, give or take some country show welly-wearing options.

Yes, the good old country show has indeed reached the dizzy heights of a social-must now that everyone is besotted by all things bake-off – and the irresistible urge to compare cupcakes and carrot mountains knows no bounds.

Elsewhere within our shiny pages we’ve some great ideas for lovely places to stay – big love to the newly re-opened Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland, such an iconic place and now revived to stayover splendour.

And the £5m waterside pad on Windermere, very much a ‘sharp intake’ kind of place.

We’ve also discovered the Sunderland Fish Quay – who knew? Yes, it’s always been there but we took a trip with the people organising Sunderland’s first Festival of Food and what a find it was – the cliché of fresh fish off the boats is true – produce was first class and well worth a shopping trip, you foodies.

On the subject of that Festival of Food – do try and get along to the launch gourmet banquet which you can read about in our Food Quarter section. I’ve had a sneaky preview taster. Very impressive indeed. See you there!

Our weekend newsletter: www.luxe-magazine.co.uk/theweekend The 501 team Whose fashion style do you admire?

18>> Julien MacDonald Fashion’s spangly cover star

26>> Extreme view Photographer’s daring shots

30>> Lord Crewe Arms Cool new food destination

31>> Lobster love Seafood shacks we love

32>> Feast on Festival, recipes and more

44>> Summer social fashion Actress Janine Birkett played the young dancer’s mum in the film Billy Elliott.

Her luxe things include theatre - seeing Cabaret at the Folies Bergere in Paris.

She admits to an addiction to John Lewis and a fondness for veggie food at Quince&Medlar restaurant in Cockermouth.

Fine frocks and high days hats

51>> Big days out Your summer must-go diary dates

60>> Party pleasures Laid-back summer entertaining Soho-style

62>> £5m waterside luxe The lottery-win dream house in the Lakes

68>> Luxe Local We check out nice-to-live places in the region

74>> Trend Watch Cool looks for summer interiors

78>> Hip Hotels Deb Dhugga’s cool home-from-home

80>> Antwerp adventure Fashion’s coolest Euro hangout - who knew?

87>> Tee Off Tips for the tee. Places to play and kit to buy

89>> Luxe drives Bit of Bentley and a touch of Jag

Kathryn Armstrong, editor kathryn@room501.co.uk Twitter: TheLuxeMagazine Facebook - Luxe Magazine

Summer culture countdown

Interior architect Kye Ranson does wonderful things with walls as you’ll see on page 64.

His luxe things in life are his daughters Sophia and Jessica.

Buildings feature heavily - Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water especially and he loves a good thread - or some great shoes.

92>> Luxe Looks Our must-read people-spotting social diary

98>> Parting Shot

Christopher March managing director chris@room501.co.uk Dougray Scott - the ‘not trying too hard’ approach Bryan Hoare sales and marketing director bryan@room501.co.uk The chap from the Fast Show; “today I’ll be mostly wearing..”

Editorial Kathryn Armstrong editor kathryn@room501.co.uk Colin Firth for wet shirts and Tom Ford moments - and Cate Blanchett Katharine Capocci sub-editor Olivia Palermo - stay classy!

Fiona McLain fashion assistant Coco Chanel’s style never dates Design David Stubbs davids@room501.co.uk Don Draper aka Jon Hamm Sarah MacNeil sarah@room501.co.uk Sienna Miller, she does a good festival dishevelled look Photography Kevin Gibson info@kgphotoraphy.co.uk Johnny Depp Nicky Rogerson nicky@nrphotography.co.uk My friends - they always look great

For advertising call the sales team on 0191 426 6300.

Lady Blackett’s family home is Matfen Hall and she is heavily involved with its day-to-day running as a hotel. Her luxe things include a trip to Blue Velvet shop in Kings Road, a nice glass of Pouilly Fume and a city break in a contemporary hotel - preferably Rome.

room501 Ltd, Spectrum 6, Spectrum Business Park, Seaham, SR7 7TT www.room501.co.uk room501 was formed from a partnership of directors who, combined, have many years of experience in contract publishing, print, marketing, sales and advertising and distribution. We are a passionate, dedicated company that strives to help you to meet your overall business needs and requirements. All contents copyright ©2014 room501 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, May 2014.

Sales Lisa Anderson senior sales executive lisa@room501.co.uk Cindy Crawford, she gets older but better!

Debi Coldwell senior sales executive debi@room501.co.uk Kate Middleton - she’s stunning and would look good in chip paper!

luxe is published bi-monthly by room501 Ltd.

Our partners

MAY/JUN14

3

PANDORA Newcastle

PANDORA Middlesbrough

32 High Friars, Eldon Square, Newcastle, NE1 7XF, 0191 232 3266

36 Hill Street Shopping Centre Middlesborough, TS1 1SU 01642 909261

Be inspired at pandora.net

DISCOVER THE SPRING COLLECTION

LUXE LIFE

Janine Birkett

Janine Birkett is from Gosforth. An actor since 1992 she has worked in theatre, film, TV and radio. She played Jenny Elliot (Billy’s mam) in the film Billy Elliot and has appeared in The Bill, Holby City, The Royal, Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

As a producer with Newcastle-based Guild of Lillians, she brings Get Up and Tie Your Fingers to theatres across the UK this month, a play which shines a spotlight on the unsung heroines of the fishing industry Luxe people >> Clive Stafford Smith – he’s the founder of Reprieve and works with the poor and unrepresented to fight for their human rights. When I see him interviewed I’m always struck by his humility and courage. Yet he has represented over 300 prisoners, who could not otherwise have afforded a lawyer, facing the death penalty in the US. He has managed to prevent the death penalty in all but six.

Gillian Hambleton – artistic director of Northumberland Theatre Company – for her tenacity in trying to keep theatre alive in the theatreless zones of our region.

The Arts Council has abandoned rural touring theatre, withdrawing all funding from our region’s only rural touring outfit, Northumberland Theatre Company - despite its popularity among its loyal audience. What this means for the region, aside from the loss of jobs in the arts, is that there is now no regularly funded theatre company producing work between Newcastle and Edinburgh. The county of Northumberland is just a place for theatrical tumbleweed – but not if Gill can help it. All power to her.

All the brilliant women from Scotland and England who will be singing with us for our next project, Get Up And Tie Your Fingers – about 300 women will be singing Karen Wimhurst’s specially composed a cappella score, which is in four-part harmonies.

Luxe places >> For a weekend > Amsterdam, Netherlands A long holiday > Lucca, Tuscany, Italy A treat > The Pheasant

6

Inn, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria – a 17th Century coaching inn with great food and huge comfortable beds.

Luxe relax >> Best food > I’m a vegetarian so anything that doesn’t involve slaughter.

Best wine > I like a crisp white such as Chablis or Macon Villages.

Favourite restaurant > The Quince & Medlar in Cockermouth is the best veggie place. The Curry Leaf in Scarborough does totally authentic south Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. Eat Me café also has to have a mention.

It is Scarborough’s best café with the greatest hosts Martin and Stephen.

Perfect weekend > Sunshine, the Saturday Guardian with coffee and chocolate biscuits; a long walk on the beach; Sunday lie in and then down to the allotment.

Downtime means > Time to daydream and indulge in interior design fantasies.

Best telly > Madmen; The Killing.

Best book > A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving Best sounds > Alison Krauss & Union Station; The Unthanks; James Taylor; Kate Bush or, when I’m in the mood, a bit of Led Zeppelin.

Luxe shop >> I’m a total John Lewis addict Best shopping city > Manchester with Newcastle a close second.

Favourite shop > John Lewis.

Luxe retail treat > I like vintage embroidered and applique pictures.

Best buy > A painting for £4.50 that was valued at about £500 when I took it to the Antiques Roadshow.

Luxe party >> A memorable night out > My partner surprised me with a trip to see Sam Mendes’s ‘Cabaret’ in French at the Folies Bergere in Paris for my 50th birthday. Amazing.

Perfect party > Among friends with lots of singing in harmony into the wee small hours.

Best dress > I’m a trousers woman. I love Ted Baker and NW3.

Dinner date > Aside from my man, Chris Monks (artistic director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre), I’d love to have met Bette Davis though I suspect she would have terrified me.

Your luxe thing in life >> Acting, my pain and my passion. www.customshouse.co.uk/ followtheherring.

MAY/JUN14

Protecting our clients’ wealth...

Robust portfolio construction to manage risk in all weathers.

tel: 0191 341 0289

email: info@vertem.co.uk

www.vertem.co.uk

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES A stylish soak Lie back and think of nothing - just get sudsy and serene in a bathroom with fittings from the new Laura Ashley Bathroom Collection - not a sprig in sight! Prices from ÂŁ1700, available at The Bathroom Studio, Newcastle. www.thebathroomstudio.co.uk

8

MAY/JUN14

Get Ready for Summer Summer Dining on the Terrace On a Summer evening there is no place nicer than the Terrace overlooking the lake at Wynyard Hall. Choose something from our delicious Terrace Menu, which boasts everything from sharing platters, to salads and gourmet burgers. Served from lunchtime onwards.

Spa BBQs Sunday 13th July & Sunday 10th August Picture yourself relaxing on the outdoor decking overlooking the lake, with a glass of chilled bubbly. For only £65pp each guest can choose between a 30 minute facial or massage, enjoy 2 hours spa time and help themselves to our delicious BBQ. Upgrade to a Rasul Mud Experience for an extra £15pp.

The Weekend Starts Here Start your weekend in style and stay on a Friday night, enjoy a 3 course dinner, breakfast and 2 hours spa time for only £99pp. Stays must be within 1 month from booking and are based on 2 people sharing.

Glen Roughead

Friday 19th September 8pm Join us for an evening of swing with Glen Roughead in and his 7 piece band in The Grand Marquee at Wynyard Hall. Tickets are priced at £17pp and include a drink on arrival. Expect all time classics such as Me & Mrs Jones, Mr Bojangles & Cry Me a River.

Book online at www.wynyardhall.co.uk

Wynyard Hall, Tees Valley, TS22 5NF | Tel: 01740 644 811 www.wynyardhall.co.uk

DO THIS

Stay in >> go out >> enjoy Katherine Weir gets to grips with your cultural calendar for the coming months Until May 16 366 Days of Kindness is a new theatre show created in response to the riots of August 2011, after which artistic director Bernadette committed to be kind to a stranger every day for a year. Written and performed by Bernadette Russell and Gareth Brierley, the show – at Arc, Stockton – tells the heart-breaking, surprising and challenging stories of that year. The show attempts to answer the question: is it possible to change the world just by being kind? www.arconline.co.uk

14

May

With a career spanning decades, Belinda Carlisle is one of those rare talents who continue to remain at the top of their game. Celebrating the release of her album, Belinda Carlisle The Collection, the singer will be coming to the Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre as part of a six date UK tour. Belinda will perform two new recordings as well as old favourites such as, ‘Heaven is a place on Earth’ and ‘In Too Deep’. www.millvolvotynetheatre.co.uk

16 May As part of the Museums at Night festival, you can experience a unique event featuring twilight steam in and around Marley Hill engine shed in Gateshead. As Europe’s oldest working shed built in 1854, Tanfield Railway will be open from 6-9pm for a special journey. Admission is £5. www.tanfield-railway.co.uk

17-24 May Joe Cornish Galleries in Northallerton will be turning African in May with a week of music concerts, talks, exhibitions and food centred on this theme. There will be an exhibition of photographs of the African continent by Joe Cornish, Anna Booth, Chris Martin and Paul Harris and pottery by local potters Alan Ball and Laura Hancock whose work is influenced by African art. The gallery will be welcoming Mamane Barka, the last remaining master in the world of the Biram — a harp sacred to the nomadic Boudouma people of Lake Chad. There will also be the arrival of a group of Maasai people, who will be giving a jewellery demonstration and a vocal and dance evening performance. www.joecornishgallery.co.uk

10

16-17 May The line-up for this year’s Late Shows – an annual event which sees more than 50 cultural venues stay open late across Newcastle and Gateshead—is sure to have you spoilt for choice. Bill Griffiths, project manager for The Late Shows, says: “This is the eighth year that The Late Shows has taken place and we’re really excited about the line-up. People keep telling us that there isn’t time to see it all – so we are having a Gateshead ‘Happy Hour’ with venues there opening one hour earlier on the Saturday so people have more opportunity to get round as many venues as possible.”

Highlights include live music in Newcastle’s medieval Castle Keep, an exciting new art installation inside the Tyne Bridge’s North tower, and an intergalactic-themed event at the Laing Art Gallery. The Late Shows are free to attend and a free bus service will also be available, helping people to travel between venues. www.thelateshows.org.uk

17-31 May Enjoy top comedy in Teesside this summer with a cracking line-up of acts sure to make you giggle and guffaw. Local hero Patrick Monahan is back on home turf with a gig at Middlesbrough Town Hall, while QI regular Mark Steel will be at Saltburn Community Theatre with a show based on his wickedly funny Radio 4 series. There are also many acts to be enjoyed at Arc Stockton’s Catch 22 Comedy Club and the Hot Potato Comedy Club in Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. And, just to top things off, Boro’s legendary Big Mouth and Saltburn’s Brass Neck Comedy Clubs have joined forces to launch two brand new monthly gigs in Redcar and Guisborough. www.middlesbroughtownhallonline.co.uk www.bigmouthcomedy.co.uk www.arconline.co.uk

24

19

May

Sunderland Empire plays host to brand new musical 20th Century Boy, iInspired by the life of rock legend Marc Bolan and featuring some of his classic songs in the story of his life and the journey of his band T Rex. The performance stars a variety of actors and actresses such as Sue Jenkins, Luke Bailey and Warren Sollars. www.sunderlandempire.org.uk

May 20-24 Spring Awakening by Wedekind is a dark and entertaining play about youth, which has lost none of its provocative power in this brand new adaption from Headlong.

Created by award-winning young playwright Anya Reiss and director Ben Kidd, this new version of the 1906 stage show examines the exuberance, intensity and confusion of teenage life today. Spring Awakening – at the Northern Stage – asks important questions about how young people are shaped for their future by a generation that doesn’t understand them. www.northernstage.co.uk

May 21-24 Prepare to laugh, giggle and cry with laughter. Comedian Sarah Millican is back home with Homebird. After two sell-out tours Sarah returns to squeeze that last bit of laughter out of us. Grab those hankies (for your laughter tears), bring a pint and enjoy the Geordie comedy queen. www.millvolvotynetheatre.co.uk

May

Let your taste buds take you back to Roman times at the Hadrian’s Wall Festival. Birdoswald Roman Fort is the location for this feast of Roman food and cooking, allowing you to enjoy samples of food you never knew existed as well as surprising traditions that stem from our Roman ancestors. Take in the aromatic smells and tasty treats from 11am-5pm. Free entry for English Heritage members. www.english-heritage.org.uk

MAY/JUN14

Durham School Independent Day & Boarding Girls and Boys . Age 3-18

SUPPLIERS OF UNIQUE AND STYLISH FITTINGS

Come and visit us on our

OPEN MORNING Saturday 18th October 2014 9.30 am to 1.00pm

Durham School (1414 - present)

am Schoo urh

Reg. Charity No. 1023407

MAY/JUN14

www.durhamschool.co.uk

D

Tel: 0191 386 4783 enquiries@durhamschool.co.uk

1414

Years 600

l

@dunelmia

2014

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE WWW.SARAHBOWENLIGHTING.CO.UK 63 - 65 HIGH STREET | GOSFORTH | NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE3 4AA TEL: 0191 285 3671

11

DO THIS

WEALTH MANAGEMENT with JOHN DANCE

May 24-26 Following the success of the 2013 Proper Food and Drink Festival in South Shields, this year sees the event expand to three different locations in May, June and August.

Starting off at Bents Park in South Shields, you can make the most of the Bank holiday weekend with a huge picnic area for families to sit and sample some of the amazing street food on offer. This free food and drink festival then moves on to Spanish City in Whitley Bay on June 14 and 15 with over 70 gourmet food and drink traders booked to attend. The third location is Northumberland Square in North Shields and promises to be a foodie event not to be missed. www.properfoodanddrinkfestivals.co.uk

Why Takeover Activity Suggests Balance Sheet Strong Stocks Could Outperform Recent weeks have seen a relative explosion in corporate activity with a number of high-profile takeover and mergers announced. In the pharmaceutical sector US giant Pfizer has made a £63bn offer for Astra Zeneca, whilst GlaxoSmithkline has agreed a three-part deal with Novartis worth almost £20bn. Meanwhile Wolfson Micro and Heritage Oil have both received takeover approaches and Salamander Energy is in talks with a ‘number’ of potential buyers. Elsewhere in Europe, Siemens and US giant General Electric are in a battle to take over France’s Alstom, the maker of Eurostar trains for around £8bn with the former also announcing a £1bn acquisition of Rolls Royce’s energy business.

So why are we seeing so much takeover activity all of a sudden having lived through a relative lull since the credit-fuelled days that preceded the credit crunch? As the chart below shows, there has been a significant increase in FTSE 100 company balance sheet strength (net cash position) and accessible cash between 2008 and 2013.

The first quarter of this year saw some equity market sell-offs, the main catalyst of which was geopolitical with the tensions between Russia and the Ukraine mounting.

However, it would appear that despite this, corporate confidence is relatively high and that they have taken advantage of lower valuation levels to get some of that cash and balance sheet strength to work via earnings enhancing acquisitions and deals.

There remains a high number of listed UK companies who have high cash levels on their balance sheets and whose earnings have been suppressed somewhat by the drag that cash tends to have on them. In our view many of these companies may now start to put that cash to work before ‘missing the boat’ valuation wise and thus increasing their earnings and hopefully therefore share prices also.

More than ever then we are currently attracted to cash-rich, balance sheet strong stocks and also funds whose managers have a similar philosophy in order to benefit from these potential market dynamics.

T: 0191 341 0280 E: johnd@vertem.co.uk W: www.vertemassetmanagement.com The Gresham, 92 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2TD

12

29

May

Possibly the current biggest thing in folk, the band Lau, curate a weekend of ‘come and try, listen and enjoy’ events at Sage, Gateshead.

They start with a Friday night concert of their own music then on Saturday morning join the Unthank sisters, Rachel, Becky and Niopha for a reviving sing to blow away your Saturday morning cobwebs and set you up for a full day of music.

Full details www.sagegateshead.com

30

MaY

An evening of classic jazz and swing favourites for you to indulge in. Jesmond Dene House hosts An Evening of The Great American Songbook with The Paul James Band. Performing songs made famous by talented singers such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Michael Buble.

0191 212 3000

24-26 May

The Distinctly Delicious Darlington Festival of Food is a three-day event full of imaginative and exciting activities celebrating the North East’s historical connection with the development of the railways. The event will culminate in the Locomotive Cake Parade, recreating in cake the 32 carriages that were pulled on that world-first journey made by the locomotion steam train back in 1825.

Local businesses, schools and community groups across the region will be taking part in the parade, each getting to decorate a cake carriage in a Darlington-inspired theme. The huge cakes are being made by Darlington’s Clervaux artisan bakery. Other activities include workshops, street theatre, food stalls and the unveiling of the Distinctly Delicious Food Trail. www.distinctdarlington.co.uk

June 2-7 After a whirlwind of TV shows and stage acts, Derren Brown is back to trick us all. The multi-award-winning master of illusion brings a more personal feel to his one-man stage show. Expect to be wowed, confused and maybe even slightly creeped out! Theatre Royal in Newcastle, www.theatreroyal.co.uk

6-22 JUNE Brace yourself for a blast of Latin spirit as the ¡VAMOS! festival returns to inject a bit of Rio into the North East.

The 2014 festival marks the ninth edition of the brave, bold and colourful annual event which celebrates Spanish and Portuguese speaking cultures and organisers are promising it will be the best yet. Two weeks and three vibrant weekends will be packed with everything from Mardi Gras performance, film screenings, a major literary conference at Newcastle University, Mexican wrestlers, art and pop-up restaurants.

Highlights include best Brazilian Band of 2013 Da Lata, international artist duo AVAF, Jaleo Flamenco and an exclusive UK appearance by Mexican DJ Toy Selectah plus a myriad of other events. A new ¡VAMOS! Pavilion with fun and fresh designs by Brazilian Flavio Morais will tour the region to spread the Latin love.

Various locations. www.vamosfestival.com

MAY/JUN14

MAY/JUN14

13

DO THIS

14 June

A new four-day identification course being run by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership’s WildWatch project is to be led by renowned bird expert, Keith Bowey. With over 30 years working in nature conservation and the field of ecology, his ornithological work has taken him all over the world. The course includes both indoor and outdoor sessions to give people a wide understanding of some of the most iconic birds in the landscape from raptors and woodland birds through to waders and wildfowl. Getting people closer to nature on their own patch, the course – at Bowlees in Middleton-in-Teesdale – offers the chance to learn more about the habitats and behaviours of different species of birds. www.northpennines.org.uk/wildwatch

7 June-28 Sept This summer, the Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle marks the 60th anniversary of David Hockney’s prolific career as a printmaker. The new exhibition will present over 60 works by the Yorkshire-born artist, charting a print career which began in 1954. Focusing on Hockney’s two main print techniques etching and lithography - the exhibition, curated by Richard Lloyd, Head of Prints at Christie’s, includes well-known works such as A Rake’s Progress. “Hockney has an international reputation of quality and is probably the greatest living print maker,” said Emma House, The Bowes Museum’s Keeper of Fine Art. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

08

22

15

June

Experience the noble art of archery in the beautiful grounds of Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens.

The local team of experts will guide you through the correct technique as you perfect your aim. Archery is available from 12-4:30pm and a small extra charge applies to take part in this activity. Entrance to Belsay Hall is free to English Heritage members. www.english-heritage.org.uk

JUNE

June

Fufill your own bake-off fantasy at Roots Farm Shop in North Yorkshire and enter The Great Roots Bake-off. It’s part of open farm Sunday at the popular shop and butchery. The cake theme is farming and local food and there’s a junior and adult section. Details www.rootsfarmshop.co.uk

09 June Strictly Come Dancing favourites Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace star in their second stage show which tells a story of 1940s LA where a romance unfolds between a beautiful starlet and her lover.

With a live band and world-class dancers, the audience is set for a breathtaking performance. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

14 June Yorkshire’s Food & Drink Family Festival is at Ripon Racecourse. Sample food from all over the world. Guest chefs include Kaushy Patel from Prashad in Bradford, Rudding Park’s Steph Moon and MasterChef finalist Sara Danesin. There’s a French twist in the lead up to Tour de France – a macaroon and marshmallow masterclass with French chef Florian Poirot! tastesofyorkshire.co.uk

Do something different this Father’s Day with a lavish afternoon tea in The Orangery at Rockliffe Hall. With beef and Black Sheep Ale pie, toffee apple and brandy macaroons and dark chocolate and Guinness brownies, your Dad will get the feast he deserves. As well as the delicious food to tuck into, there will be a live pianist and a little gift just for him, all for £26.95 per person. www.rockliffehall.com

22

June

Superstar Jessie J takes the headline spot at this year’s North East Live at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. “I’m friends with everybody on the bill and went to school with some of them so it’ll be like a giant reunion,” she says. Acts include fellow Brit school graduates Rizzle Kicks and Katy B as well as The Saturdays.

They’ll be joined by teenage sensations Union J and The Vamps. The gig, organised

by SAFC and AEG Live, is open to all ages with doors opening at midday and the acts hitting the stage 2-10pm. www.uklive.co.uk/north-east

22 & 23 June Swing Both Ways with showman Robbie Williams who heads to Metro Radio Arena to get folks dancing in the aisles.

Prepare to be on your feet singing, dancing, and screaming with the cheeky dad-to-be. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

28 & 29 JunE Tea & Cake Planet, A Weekend Adventure in Brewing and Baking, combines a celebration of the nation’s favourite tipple with EAT!’s fifth Cakebook outing. All happening at The Boiler Shop, Newcastle, the event brings together some of the North East’s leading tea-upstarts with century-old blenders for two days of tea dances, pop-up afternoon tea, tea-themed street food stalls, traditional tea parties, and tea-themed cocktails and beer. Meanwhile, the bake-off crowd are invited to create their favourite landmark, building or iconic location from across the globe out of cake. Creations will be placed on a giant edible map that will be completed on the afternoon of Sunday 29 June. www.eatnewcastlegateshead.com

JULY The Tour de France is fast approaching and it is even more special this year with the Grand Depart happening in Yorkshire on July 5. Swinton Park is offering the chance to cycle the route of the 2014 ‘Grand Depart’ before or after the July event with the ‘Tour de Yorkshire’ cycling package. You could try out the four-mile route through the Swinton Estate in the Yorkshire Dales taking in every turn and every incline of the 101st edition of the Tour de France. The package includes dinner, bed and breakfast, cyclist’s massage, an hour in the exclusive-use hot tub and sauna, suggested cycle route guides, free use of bikes and a complimentary drop off/collection point for guests staying in superior rooms and suites. www.swintonpark.com

16

July

Britain’s best-loved performance poet John Cooper Clarke makes a welcome return to the region as part of the Mouth of the Tyne Festival. Dropping in from his hotly anticipated 2014 tour, he is sure to impress – as he has done so since the 70s – with his unique rapid-fire performance style. As the punk-poet’s recent accolade from Q Magazine as their ‘Poet Laureate’ shows, John Cooper Clarke remains one of the most important voices of our time, and one of the greatest performers currently touring. www. playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

19

JulY

Cheer on athletes braving the brand new Newcastle Triathlon. Triathletes take on open water swimming in the River Tyne as well as running and cycling alongside the iconic backdrop of the NewcastleGateshead quayside. The route will take participants under the Gateshead Millennium Bridge with a quayside cycle circuit and run. www.thenewcastletriathlon.co.uk

SPEND THE SUMMER WITH SOME OF MUSIC’S BIGGEST STARS YOU COULD BE WATCHING THE STARS WHO ARE HEADING TO THE NORTH EAST FOR A ONE-DAY MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA AT SUNDERLAND’S STADIUM OF LIGHT.

On Sunday June 22, chart-topping superstar Jessie J will headline North East Live 2014, with a line-up of top musical talent, including Rizzle Kicks, The Saturdays, Jason Derulo and Katy B. The family-friendly event, which runs from 2pm until 10pm, will also include performances by The Vamps, Union J, Neon Jungle and Rixton.

TO WIN A VIP FAMILY PASS FOR 4 PEOPLE (2 ADULTS, 2 CHILDREN) VISIT WWW.LUXE-MAGAZINE.CO.UK/COMPETITIONS AND ENTER YOUR DETAILS. CLOSING DATE 13TH JUNE 2014.

14

MAY/JUN14

” he Yearas r T f o t e auranfor four consecutivreioyt Flavours Awards. f “Rest r s

the He Award rs o WinthneeFlavours of Hamarbelentoown proud sponsors of at

2007

e 010. W

9 and 2

, 200 , 2008

Weddings & Functions AT Chapters

GOURMET NIGHT SPECIAL Sparkling wine & petit fours in your room upon arrival.

3 course evening dinner, bed and breakfast.

Combining exquisite food and impeccable service with the delightful surrounding and gardens, Chapters Hotel can make your dreams of the perfect occasion come true!

£129-£159 N.B. Gourmet Nights are available Monday to Saturday. Dates of exception apply. Choice of either Restaurant or Brasserie is dependant on day & availability.

Why not come and meet Victor Vassallo or Rachel Power and together we can ensure your special day is made.

www.facebook.com/ChaptersHotel

www.twitter.com/ChaptersHotel

MONDAY - SATURDAY 11.30am - 2.30pm & 5.30pm - 10.30pm | SUNDAY - 12.00pm - 4.30pm Chapters_LuxeMagazine_0414.indd 1

22/04/2014 16:42

IT’S HAPPENING in south tyneside

There’s a spectacular calendar of events planned for South Tyneside throughout 2014. From live music events and family fun days to one-off unique celebrations, there is something for everyone.

www.visitsouthtyneside.co.u k @stynesideevents /southtynesideevents

MAY/JUN14

19-24 May Follow the herring 24-26 May ProPer Food and drink Festival 22 June armed Forces day 5 July summer Parade 6 July Family Fun day 13,20,27 July Free sunday concerts 7 September BuPa great north run

/stynesideevents

15

LUXE LIFE

Sophie Ellis-Bextor Time out with DJ pair Sophie Ellis-Bextor and hubby Richard Jones at NE1 Newcastle Fashion Week Luxe people >> We both have friends we’ve known since school. It’s lovely to have a close group of friends who know you really well.

Luxe places >> For a weekend > Paris A long holiday > Italy A treat > New York Luxe relax >> Best food > Fish and chips Best wine > Albariño

16

Favourite restaurant > J sheekey’s, London Perfect weekend > At home with family Downtime means > Seeing friends, cooking big roast dinners, playing in the park with our little boys.

Best telly > Breaking Bad, Mad Men, 30 Rock Best book Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier Best sounds > Our kids laughing Luxe shop >> Best shopping city > London Favourite shop > eBay Luxe retail treat > Liberty

Best buy > Our games arcade table Luxe party > Celebrating the success of Wanderlust on the last night of the tour Perfect party > Our birthdays are close together so we always have a good birthday party.

Best outfit > I like vintage dresses, Richard likes a good suit.

Dinner date > Just somewhere local. We’re not too fussy and it’s great to really relax.

Your luxe thing in life .....

Spending time as a family doing fun stuff like going to a theme park or a funfair. We love doing that!

MAY/JUN14

Pure Inspiration At Tecaz we believe that a bathroom or kitchen should reflect your personality, showing your individual style.

Nobody gives you more choice, whether you’re home needs the warmth and character of traditional styling or the clean lines of contemporary design.

With hundreds of options in our extensive showrooms and Sales Designers offering features that will make your home have that WOW factor, Tecaz have the opportunity to suit you perfectly. Always recognising that a blend of practicality with artistic flair is what makes a great design, and what’s more this service is entirely FREE. But it doesn’t end there, with prices that will balance exclusivity with affordability, and many well known quality brands up to 60% off their recommended retail price.

Plus our rigid built Connoisseur and Signature kitchen ranges have FREE luxury granite included in the price!

Norham Road, North Shields, NE29 7TN. Tel: 0191 2576511 Ryhope Street, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0AB. Tel: 0191 5238164 Portrack Lane, Stockton-on Tees TS18 2HG. Tel: 01642 670 100

Tecaz www.tecaz.com

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 5pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm

FASHION FIX

is sprinkling -name ld a n o d c a M esigner Julien one of the big Internationaledwcastle Fashion Week ash him to talk gowns N sequins overarine Capocci caught up wit draws. Kath and glitter ng

nza is strutti Week extravaga astle Fashion alks and tw ca th The NE1 Newc wi until May 17 wn to nd events and ou ar ng f its stuf ops, shoppi events, worksh international de clu in shion-themed fa tch ents still to ca OBE is ev e ald -se on st cd Mu en .

Ma ur Luke from parties e stars Julien et sensation La ted Designer to th hotly-anticipa tist and intern s ar hi up at Northumbria th et wi ak ur m co wn g to will be holdin trademark o am quotient in gl at wh e th ds th k, iel ee ng Sh W pi up South Fashion .

DJ NE1 Newcastle Friday, May 16 shion fiesta. musician and appearance at University on glitter to the fa e catch-up with m a s r so fo leb ng ce ng di shion g pi Fa ad sin ho ile tle es o as dr sm als it wc s kly Ne be wa ar sp Julien glamour, aring at NE1 er to glitz and xtor, also appe e himself in m BBC’s Strictly He’s no strang Sophie Ellis-Be rfectly at hom competitor fro pe w g llo in fe ok a lo se or . ur e tly co nc ric of yo St e Be ’s sh e TV lik Week, ins on tle, Lycra and sequ last year. nes, guitarist ads to Newcas figure-hugging Come Dancing and, Richard Jo wn when he he do e it lik ng bi ies with her husb m lad du up st be the guise of ed Ea r n’t am de rth te wo un No ie t He at Soph ng, for a DJ se rfectly well th eli pe Fe s e ow Th kn , e ’s nd th oh no. He with indie ba w Bonbar in night out. at the swish ne big style for a s’ signer is ne de up Jo it ed rs as M am -b d gl on to ‘Me an the Lond e event. ing d of his visit, s to launch th her it be creat Chatting ahea Assembly Room North. fashion, whet p tri es a th g ea in br ak d tly m able ric an rd be St fo es af le to liv e , ab ed or 43 cit m cit ex n, ex Julie an his gely popular way calmer th wns or his hu ft Welsh lilt, he in Debenhams.

Talking quietly, his top-end go that lovely so in e labels sold ar t, es ew e m gg th su ho all d d became g ul an ein d wo se a on d on am rs an Di ge it pe La rfeld and Star, the ing forward to rking for Karl of ok wo e lo m er y label. re so n all ca g re ow s s m ein hi says: “I’ He started re launching hi ge style and se Givenchy befo d all the vinta e Year be out of of th r to of t cto r re ea ne di gr sig tic It’s street style an artis ents.

Fashion De cal fashion stud s named British the British work of the lo In 2001 he wa d an Order of .” de ar rth No aw s up s wa t les n lie tly Ju gh 06 sli ry.

20 st in s in du London and ge and city wa e fashion in he t. last trip to the services to th ry glam event,’ at the momen He admits his Empire for his It was ‘a not ve fashion scene s. e ns ce th ru an o st by m d wh cu d we great en wo of fri t a ng lo a eli th t fe wi go glamorous cir is He g show We have tle being for a do all-time high. ste of Newcas n scene, like says, this visit “It’s reached an he did try a ta ational fashio t rn te Bu ! in e re e nt th ce on rs ne u, queen of th sig zo de nt g a dog training tra youn m and Mary Ka g the de tin Er fit , be ne e. as Ka s Al Brown Christopher stylish dutie re on far more ng, n be more oment.

Happily he’s he e show-stoppi ent. People ca os print at the m wh r, ta rs pe su n at the mom a, h io nn sh els do fa W en so r of Ma be t fte r m lo -a ve sought “There’s a ed A-listers fro street has ne wns have grac thes at ss to the high d Taylor Swift ce clo an Ac n io e. ell sh bl pb fa na m io flamboyant go gh Ca hi i fash over fabulous hanna to Naom sc Ri di d n an ca u um yo Kl Heidi great and few. en have e ‘Company to name but a lly men. Wom g duties at th a great price. rin pe m co on shion, especia be alk fa g tw to ca e prints yin g g jo du in s tin en ar e en wa we Julien “People ar W ’ event, pres guys are now ents NE1’s NF to fashion but moment.” in week, e e th en th at be in g s in Magazine pres er ay th rli alw s ea the new scene.

Assembly Room d facial hair is street fashion ly admires in shows in the and shorts an the city’s high om he current of wh d e st te. oo ey be tw ic e es bl th W e pu e nn th vie in “She’s really cu Vi le e le. highlighting th op itt g ol Pe was presentin ing clude Eliza Do guests. ck in he P ro g, VI yle e in st ar of en a eir ce ev Or th e en ta In th terms of vited audi r Swift and Ri Cruise to an in y: “You have stars like Taylo collection from Cruise in the cit And also pop e or st r t ne t.” ea sig gr of de e momen k some imwear >> He’s a big fan the world at th uise. They stoc lien thinks sw there called Cr twood. I rmal people’ Ju es ‘no W e of s nn rm vie a great shop up te Vi In d ria Beckham an names like Victo that shop.”

I really loved d an e er th have been

18

MAY/JUN14

FASHION FIX

MAY/JUN14

19

FASHION FIX

NE1’S NEWCASTLE FASHION WEEK 9-17 May

showcases emerging talent from Newcastle College with shows at 12 and 6pm.

NE1’s Newcastle Fashion Week T-shirts Dr. Martens Newcastle has designed this year’s T-shirt, giving a street style edge to this commemorative must-have fashion item. As in previous years, all profits from the sale of the Ts will go to Cash For Kids with Fenwick the exclusive retailer.

9 May Official NE1’s NFW Launch Party This year, the event is starting as it means to go on. NE1’s Newcastle Fashion Week will kick off with the launch party, at Newcastle’s newest premier establishment, Bonbar in Newcastle’s Assembly Rooms.

10 May Company Magazine Presents NE1’s NFW The fashion festivities begin in earnest with a day of catwalks. This year, NE1 has teamed up with fashion magazine, Company to host a series of catwalks in the Assembly Rooms. Two shows, 12 noon and 2pm charting the fashion alphabet from A-Z. At 8pm, the focus turns designer when Company magazine presents Vivienne Westwood with Cruise at the VIP invite-only event, followed by an after party at Bonbar.

16 May

12 May Martini Manicure Monday An event that was first introduced last year returns to Fat Buddha Restaurant on Monday evening with a spring/summer catwalk show from Van Mildert, free mini manicures and cocktails by the Cocktail Project.

13 May

Northumbria University: Fashion The hottest ticket event in the busy fashion week calendar is the Northumbria University Catwalk Show at BALTIC showcasing the latest design talent from the university’s award-winning fashion design departments

14 May Fashion Front Row

designer Melissa Odabash and Dragon’s Den judge Kelly Hoppen are very stylish.

“And Northern lass Abbey Clancy,” whom he knows from his time on Strictly, and who went on to win the glitter ball.

Julien, who is charming and easy to chat to, doesn’t take the fame for granted though. “It’s great that women love my clothes – it’s a sign of approval. I’m having a fashion moment as they say. Julien Macdonald is hot property!”

Helped in part, of course, by his appearance on Strictly, of which he says: “I loved it. At first I said no. I thought I’m never going to afford the time and effort but thought you only get one chance in life so I will give it a go.”

It was hard work, he concedes, and he was training 40 hours a week, all in the midst of Fashion Week in London.

He was a joy to watch, though, his big smile lighting up the dance floor every week, along with a sprinkling of sequins, although he admits it was a nerve-wracking experience.

“I enjoyed it. I was in the show for five weeks. It’s very nerve-wracking even though I do TV work.” (Julien’s appearances include being a judge on the television series Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model). His dancing shoes, he says, are definitely confined to the wardrobe now.

In terms of fashion he reckons people get it wrong when they try too hard to be fashionable. “The best thing is to wear clothes you feel comfortable in. I always believe that you should wear the things that suit your body shape and personality. People make mistakes when they try too hard.”

One high-profile lady he’d love to dress in a princess frock is the Duchess of Cambridge. “I think she has got a great personal style. She’s effortlessly glamorous. She’s not ever going to be a leader of fashion but she’s a great admirer and supporter of fashion. What she’s done is she’s broken the mould of fashion. She’s not embarrassed or afraid to wear high street clothes.”

If he were dressing Kate, would he do anything differently?

20

Get Into Fashion An afternoon of talks, seminars and panel discussions with a team of fashion gurus at Northumbria University from 12 noon – 6.15pm. NE1 presents at 6.30pm the headline speaker Lauren Luke, the You Tube sensation who enjoys an international following for her make-up artistry and online tutorials.

Luxury lingerie, Tallulah Love will take centre stage in this year’s showcase for North East design talent, Fashion Front Row, a brand which is much in demand amongst the rich and fashion famous.

American designer-turned-photographer Tom Ford and ex-Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld used the lingerie for the CR Fashion Book. Harper’s Bazaar in the US also asked for the lingerie to be used in a cover shoot with celebrity phenomenon, Kim Kardashian.

16 May

Rox Royalty in association with Luxe magazine – 8-10pm Our exclusive VIP ticket-only affair with cocktails, pampering and entertainment in the uber-luxurious surroundings at Rox Jewellers with a diamond-encrusted array of jewellery and designer watches.

15 May

17 May

intu Eldon Square’s Fashion Frenzy Exclusively Eldon Garden A Fashion Frenzy shopping event with special offers and activities in stores across the centre from 12noon 8pm. Eldon Garden hosts retailer catwalks and

“I would add a bit more sparkle and perhaps a bit more colour (although she’s good with colour) if I was dressing her. She’s hard to criticise. I would love to dress her in one of my gowns.”

His work is always inspired by people, he says. And exhibitions “like the Wedding Dress exhibition at the V&A and the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition. Things that are happening in London inspire me – and people and travel.

I love travelling the globe, Russia, Miami and Vegas. I’m doing a fashion show at the Grand Prix in Monaco. I’ve launched a swimwear collection with Melissa Odabash and we’re off to Monaco Grand Prix to show that collection.”

He keeps fit and goes running and eats carefully to keep that trim body in shape. “I live in Notting Hill and run round the park with my little dog. And I train with a company called Transformers and do the gym. I lead a healthy life.

I’m a big fan of greens and supplements. I try to lead a healthy organic lifestyle.”

Always on the go, Julien’s projects in the pipeline include

Official NE1’s NFW Closing Party The closing party at Tup Tup Palace is the place to be seen and in previous years has made the papers thanks to the celebs that wanted in on the fashion action. www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/nfw

I always believe that you should wear the things that suit your body shape and personality. People make mistakes when they try too hard

starting his next new collection and work on London Fashion Week coming up in September, as well as some TV work, hush hush at the moment. www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/NFW

J ulien’s styl e pointers Favourite shop >> (aside from Debenhams) Selfridges. It’s an incredible multi-brand store with high street and designer brands. I love Zara too. They offer amazing value and the quality is good.

Worst fashion crimes >> A flat shoe with a glamorous dress. You have to have a high shoe even if it kills you! Put the flats away. Ditch the Uggs too – the ones with pom poms on… and Juicy Couture tracksuits, in pale pink.

Favourite fashion moment >> It’s a great time for colours and print. On trend is where you mix different kinds of prints, like flowers and stripes and polka dots. It’s a great thing – three or four prints together. There are some amazing animal prints too. A return to the wild side.

MAY/JUN14

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES A peachy pouch Backpacks are back – in all shapes, colours and sizes. This won’t take you round Europe but will certainly earn some second glances this summer. See by Chloe coral backpack, £420, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

MAY/JUN14

21

intrOducing a rEvOlutiOnary bEspOkE EyEWEar sErvicE tO durHam

1. o l i v er P e o P l es m a i n ta i n s c r e at i v e co n t r o l ov er a l l i m ag ery u s ed to r eP r es en t t h e b r a n d to co n s u m ers.

HavE yOur glassEs dEsignEd and HandmadE fOr yOu.

Made to measure eye wear by Tom Davies, above. Below and left, Oliver Peoples

C O-OP ADVE RTISING GUIDELI NES

( All R ES O RT/S PR I N G 2014 MAT E R I A lS vAlI d u N T I l N O vE M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 4 )

ter ms & co nd itions:

stylE and cOmfOrt cOmE as a pair, WHy cOmprOmisE.

ADVERTISING

2. i f yo u w i s h to u s e o l i v er P e o P l es i m ag ery f o r yo u r s to r e’s a dv ert i s i n g/m a r k e t i n g n eed s, w e a s k t h at yo u c h o o s e fr o m f o l low i n g l ayo u t i n s t r u c t i o n s l i s t ed b elow.

co ntact:

e m a i l m a d d i e cu r e t ( m cu r e t@ o l i v er P e o P l es.co m ) f o r a l l a rt wo r k r e q u es ts/i n q u i r i es.

I M AG E O P T I O NS:

P l e a s e s u b m i t yo u r a rt wo r k r e q u es t at l e a s t 2 w eeks P r i o r to yo u r r e q u es t ed dat e o f d el i v ery

A Glass Act

ADVERTORIAL

Designer frames are one thing – but a truly bespoke pair of glasses? Yes, made-to-measure glasses have arrived For glasses geeks, it’s like being

their frame but also know they have the best

There’s evidence that it slows down the rate

neighbours. That is changing and glasses are

possible fit”, she adds.

of sight-loss long term too says Kirsty.

so trendy now”, says Kirsty.

At the end of June, the Durham showroom

1. s el e c t a l ayo u t o P t i o n fe at u r ed b elow ( a ,b, c, e tc,)

2. i n c lu d e i m ag e r e q u es t d i m en s i o n s ( w i dt h x h ei g h t & s P e c i f y i n c h es/fee t/m m /c m )

3. l e t u s k n ow w h en & w h er e yo u r a d w i l l b e fe at u r ed.

4. a rt wo r k w i l l b e s en t to yo u w i t h a s Pac e P r ov i d ed at t h e b ot to m 1/4 o f t h e Pag e f o r yo u r co m Pa n y ’s i n f o r m at i o n .

* yo u r co m Pa n y ’s b r a n d i n g/i n f o r m at i o n n eed s to fa l l i n to t h i s d es i g n at ed a r e a o n ly.

let loose in a sweet shop. The ultimate

them, especially compared to our European

“This is a great system for children because

“We get children coming in for eye tests and

hosts an annual Chanel and Oakley event

crying if they don’t need a pair of glasses,

where the entire ranges are brought in for

that is a real change!”

customers. (Oakley June 28th and Chanel 5th

the day at school – they can do their sport

The Wade practices offer a huge variety of

July.) Clients can also see the range of new

or whatever then at night, a parent can make

Tom Davies is the name to remember. Wades

sought-after frames from designer names

equipment which is changing the face of the

sure they have the lenses in overnight.

Opticians in Durham and Yarm have just

such Chanel, Oakley, Prada, Bulgari and the

optometry world.

“It is also a really great alternative to eye

Johnny Depp favourite, Oliver Peoples.

A machine called Optomap is used to take a

combination of colours, frames and even embellishment to create a perfectly personalised pair of glasses.

brought the range to the region and it offers for your specs.

In terms of comfort it means that every pair is created exactly to your measurement

rather than being plucked from a shelf and adapted. But perhaps more excitingly, the

vast range of colours, shapes and materials means that you can customise your glasses to make them unique – we’re talking the

eyewear equivalent of a made-to-measure

CO - O P E X A M Pl E:

suit here. Optometrist Kirsty Wade and her brother Alex run the Durham and Yarm

branches, following on from their father who set up the practice.

As professionals they are at the forefront of

“Oliver Peoples range is very demure,

understated and non-logo”, says Kirsty.

“If you see people wearing glasses in films, they will very often be this brand. There’s a move away from big logos on glasses to a

more subtle look – though that’s not true on sunglasses where I think a bit of bling can be fun!

“We’re really excited about the Tom Davies brand coming in because it offers such a

instru ctio ns:

a genuinely bespoke approach to shopping

unique image of the back of the eye and is

surgery.“

Such technological developments are changing eyecare – but Kirsty stresses that

At present Wades have the only machine in

expertise, attention to detail and, above all,

the region other than one at the RVI in Newcastle.

time is what makes a business like Wades stand above the rest.

“It picks up changes in the eye over time –

Exclusively “We will put in hour-long available appointmentsat: for

but it gives a far more thorough image than

people who want the Tom Davies range – we

has ever been possible before – it can detect

recognise these not quick in-outs Wthat ad E are O pt i c i an

small changes that can be treated rather than waiting until someone is close

awards and is offering something veryt.new glaucoma or conditions related to diabetes @tdtomdavies and is a state of the art machine for fb. tomdaviesbespoke

“There are more than 100 colours, materials

children are not wearing the contact lens in

useful in diagnosing serious eye conditions.

great choice – the company has won www.tdtomdavies.com a lot of irreparable sight loss. It is useful in detecting and different.

it means that parents can control it – the

preventative testing.

decisions.

8 saddler street durham city and your eyes are precious things. We like to dH1 3np do things differently and offer patients a service and selection0191 that they can’t get 3849 770 elsewhere. “ www.wadeopticians.co.uk “Let’s face it, glasses are a serious purchase

and finishes such as wood or acetates, all

For contact lens’ wearers, an amazing new

hand-made and created to be the perfect fit

lens called Ortho-K is changing the way

for the customer. They can also be

patients see things - literally.

personalised with embellishments, even

This is a contact lens that is worn while the

But they’ve also got a keen eye on the

initials. There are patients who have big

patient is asleep. During the night it moulds

growing passion for fashion when it comes

faces and for whom it might have been tricky

the cornea so that it reverses short-

to buying frames.

to get the right fit in a pair of frames – this

sightedness.

8 Saddler Street, Durham City, DH1 3NP.

“In this country we have been a bit shy of

range caters for that and ensures that

The lens comes out in the morning and

0191 3849 770.

glasses and a bit begrudging about buying

someone will have a huge choice in terms of

normal sight is restored for up to 72 hours.

www.wadeopticians.com

developments in optometry which mean that they can offer the latest diagnostic technology for patients.

22

MAY/JUN14

tO rO i ngg aa i ni n tr dduucci n rEvOlutiOnary rEvOlutiOnary bEspOkE EyEWEar b E si n p tOrkOEdEuycEi n WgE a r sErvicE tO durHam s E r vr iEcv EO ltuOt i O dn u ar rHya m bEspOkE EyEWEar H Es s EarvvEi cyE OtuOr dgulraHsas m

H a v Ed EysO g laansds E s i gunrE d sE img nuEErd fgO al n HHadanEvd r sdys O ya Od a E su .

H a n ddm dnE E fdOarn d yOu. E sai g HandmadE fOr yOu.

stylE and cOmfOrt mn E d a sc aO m p af iO rr , t s t y lcEO a sW yHl y n mm Osdm a pc rOpO i s,rEt. ctO mE Eaca afi O r cOmE as a pair,

WW Hy cOmprOmisE. Hy cOmprOmisE.

Exclusivelyavailable available at: Exclusively

www.tdtomdavies.com www.tdtomdavies.com t. @tdtomdavies www.tdtomdavies.com t.@tdtomdavies fb. tomdaviesbespoke @tdtomdavies fb.t. tomdaviesbespoke fb. tomdaviesbespoke

www.tdtomdavies.com t. @tdtomdavies fb. tomdaviesbespoke

Exclusively available at:ns OPTICIANS W aWADE dE Op t icia 88 Saddler Street saddler street Exclusively available at: Wa d E OptDurham icia nsCity durham city 8 saddlerDH1 street 3NP dH1 3np durham city Wa dE O pt i ci a ns 0191 3849 770 0191 3849 770 dH1 3np 8 saddler street www.wadeopticians.com www.wadeopticians.co.uk 0191 3849 770 durham city www.wadeopticians.co.uk

dH1 3np 0191 3849 770 www.wadeopticians.co.uk

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Bamburgh baggage Some coastal cool for your beach and rock-pooling essentials! Locally-designed roomy canvas totes featuring your favourite places for those in the know when it comes to perfect paddling, ÂŁ15. www.samphirebay.co.uk

24

MAY/JUN14

H OT E L

DINING

WEDDINGS

Escape from it all Set within a secluded deer par k, BEST WESTERN Whitwor th Hall Hotel is the perfect place for business or pleasure .

Celebr ate in style with 29 luxur y bedrooms, conference and banqueting suites and wedding facilities for civil ceremonies.

Enjoy a delicious meal in either our Libr ar y Restaur ant or Br asser ie; choose from a selection of menus that offer something for ever yone’s taste .

WH W h i t w o r t h H a l l C o u n t r y P a r k , S p e n n y m o o r, County Durham, DL16 7QX

Te l : 0 1 3 8 8 8 1 1 7 7 2

w w w. w h i t wo r t h h a l l . c o. u k

Whitworth Hall H O T E L

To w passions er ing

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Lucinda Grange’s view on the world is not one for the faint-hearted. From sewers to skyscrapers, she scales unexplored, forbidden places in her passion for extreme photography.

Anna Mason met her

Slightly built, with delicate features and wearing her girlie dress, it’s hard to imagine Lucinda Grange wading through a Paris sewer in the dark or seeking sleep beneath a bush.

Feminine but fearless sums her up. Lucinda is part of an underground movement that fuses urban exploring, subterfuge and art.

There’s a fearless streak in Hartlepool-born Lucinda – handy for dealing with extreme and difficult situations. From climbing the chimney at Battersea Power Station to hiding in a gargoyle in Notre Dame, entering Egypt during a civil crisis to finding herself in a crowd of angry Brazilian football fans.

These are the risks that the 25-year-old thrives on to find the perfect shot.

An experienced climber, sometimes Lucinda climbs her targeted buildings with ropes, sometimes without. To date, she and her close-knit group of friends, existing in a network stretching worldwide, have scaled the Manhattan Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, the 87-storey Shard in London and Tour D’Afrique in Mali, amongst others.

Being able to share unique viewpoints is one of the reasons Lucinda engages in extreme photography.

“There might be people who have physical or mental barriers preventing them from getting to see these views for themselves,

or they might be afraid of heights. My pictures allow me to share these secret viewpoints that are missed on the usual tourist paths,” she says.

Climbing the emergency stairway to the top of the New York Chrysler Building and sneaking through a window is not on the average tourist itinerary. Lucinda and a friend hatched an elaborate plan to get themselves out onto the roof, where Lucinda posed atop the iconic eagle’s head.

All this she did wearing a leg brace, having been involved in an accident which necessitated surgery a few days before.

“I lost a lot of blood,” Lucinda says. “The nerve damage affected my balance, otherwise I would’ve got closer to the eagle’s head.

“I was also exhausted having climbed the emergency stairs, one step at a time, from the 21st floor to the 61st, with all my kit.”

She is clearly something of an adrenalin junkie.

“I think excitement and fear are quite the same. I’ve sky-dived quite a bit and when we’re nervous and scared, we can harness it and manipulate it.”

She studying physics on a scholarship at Durham High School for Girls and did a degree at Cleveland College of Art and Design which sharpened her photography skills, but working in a bar while at university gave her the invaluable knack of

To date she has scaled the Manhattan Bridge, Forth Road Bridge and the 87-storey Shard in London 26

reading people – and ultimately the wily skills to be able to get herself into ‘forbidden’ places.

“I learned a lot about people from working in that bar. I’ve found that people usually respond positively if you’re polite to them,” she says, a lesson that helped on an assignment with celebrated football photographer Stuart Roy Clark to chronicle the world’s football fans.

Growing up, Lucinda was adventurous but shy. “I was quite quiet, but a bit of a

tomboy I suppose. My brother and I spent a lot of time running wild outside at my grandma’s house in the countryside.

“The first place I trespassed on was the Old Mag Works in Hartlepool. I remember when I was much younger walking down the beach with my friend Laura and wanting to go inside, but she was like, ‘Oh no, we can’t do that’, and I thought, ‘Well why can’t we?

Why not?’ It was just a curiosity I had.”

Lucinda’s escapades have included sleeping in the Paris catacombs, on top of a five-star

MAY/JUN14

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

hotel, even in the middle of a bush on a roundabout in central Milan.

“If something risky is about to happen, I try to hide it from my parents, or play it down.

But they usually end up finding out anyway, like when my brother found pictures on my phone that showed how bad my leg really was in New York.

“My mum worries but my dad’s a bit more understanding. Dad’s the adventurous one, but my mum got me into art, she used to drag me around galleries.”

Lucinda’s entry into Egypt occurred in the middle of August, during the peak of civil unrest as security forces overthrew democratically elected President Morsi.

Troops and armoured vehicles patrolled the streets, a state of national emergency

had been called. After meeting a friend, Max (whom she first met in a sewer in Antwerp), in Cairo, the two defied a strict curfew to climb the largest pyramid in Giza.

“We knew we were taking a big risk,” says Lucinda. “It didn’t help that English and Americans were viewed as being in support of the Muslim Brotherhood, so we pretended to be Australian. I found out afterwards about two westerners who got arrested on the streets during curfew.”

One of these, a Frenchman, was later found dead in a police cell in Cairo after allegedly being beaten to death by fellow prisoners.

Deciding that couch-surfing would be the best option for her first night alone in Egypt, Lucinda went to stay at the house of an Egyptian contact.

“There was so much going on when I got to Cairo. I arrived by myself, went to the car that was taking me to meet my friend Mustafa and there on the passenger seat

was a big wooden handmade bat. The driver seemed to think this was completely normal, and told me I had nothing to fear. No-one seemed to be moving in our direction, everyone was trying to get out.

“It was like a shady drug deal, when I exchanged cars. The driver dropped me off on the busy ring road around Cairo and I was swept off in the next car.

“The first night I spent watching chick-flick films with Mustafa’s mum and sister, and the next day, when Max arrived we drove north with Mustafa and some of his friends and spent the day at the beach. In the middle of all this unrest, in a Muslim country, there we were at the beach, me in a bikini, like everything was normal!

“The following day on the way to collect Max the road going to the airport was jammed.

MAY/JUN14

“In Cairo everything was closed, all the tourist attractions. We paid a little bit more to get a room with a view of the pyramids in the B&B we checked into. Straight out of the window, there they were, with the Sphinx crouched down facing us, like it was taunting us.”

With a strict curfew in place at night, the two went straight out to scout the area.

They found a hole in the fence surrounding the pyramids and planned to go through it the following night. They spent the evening excitedly going over their plan. At breakfast in the morning, they grumbled to the hostel owner about the site being shut.

“To our delight, he casually said, ‘Oh, it’s open today.’”

“We paid to go in as tourists and hid there all night. We hid in the tombs and listened to gunshots ringing in the distance. There were guards patrolling the site and we kept hearing the sound of sand crunching underfoot as they went slowly by.”

Lucinda distracted herself from the danger of the situation by asking Max to tell her funny stories. Twelve hours, two pitta breads and some wafers later, it was 3am, and they could climb.

“We had rolls of notes stashed on us in case we needed to bribe. As soon as we got to the top, there were no more gun shots, it was silent. There was a full moon, the light was beautiful.”

Lucinda left a signed copy of a book published by a friend, writer and blogger Moses Gates, on top of the pyramid, which she photographed. One had been placed there months earlier but taken as a souvenir by some Russian climbers.

“On the way down, Max realised we hadn’t taken a shot of the pair of us at the summit, but having climbed part of the way down we didn’t want to go back, so we carried on.

The truth is, if we had stopped and gone back, we would’ve been caught, because minutes after we got down and walked away, we could see a guard behind us.”

At mid-morning, they got away on camel-back.

“For once, instead of the Egyptian merchant doing the hustling, it was us going ‘Come on, let’s go!’ as we realised the site wasn’t open to tourists that day. We got stopped by a guard who asked to see our entry tickets. Obviously they were from the day before, and he started kicking up a fuss, so I played the giddy female card and acted all bewildered: ‘Oh no, have we done something wrong? Are we in trouble?’”

Lucinda widens her big green eyes and suddenly looks all innocent.

“The guard went off to talk to another man, who looked more official, and we made off on the camels, going across the sand where the guards’ vehicle couldn’t follow. They were shouting and waving at us to come back, but we just carried on.”

When Lucinda and Max got back to the hostel, they found the hostel owner in a great state of worry.

“He was frantic about the curfew, as he saw it as his responsibility to make sure we stayed safe. If anything had happened to us, his business would’ve been under threat.

Being from another country, we weren’t wise to the whole consequences of our actions,” she admits.

Many of Lucinda’s extraordinary experiences have been captured in a new book, Outside the Lines, and there are plans to turn the story of a few days’ action in London and Paris into a script for a Hollywood film.

“I was the only girl there, so it would be interesting,” she says. “You know, things are changing in Britain, security is getting stricter, in a few years it could go like the US, where all trespass is a criminal offence.”

NFU MUTUAL BESPOKE HOME INSURANCE

TAILORED HOME INSURANCE THAT FOCUSES ON THE FINER DETAILS At NFU Mutual Morpeth branch, we understand that protecting your home and possessions are important to you. That’s why we’ve developed NFU Mutual Bespoke home insurance - designed exclusively for people like you with valuable property and land, with home contents worth over £100,000 including fine art and collections.

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK • We offer comprehensive protection for buildings of a variety of ages, sizes and styles, including listed buildings.

• Home emergency. To help you and your family get back to normal in an emergency, we provide immediate hands-on assistance through our dedicated helpline which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This could vary from a break down of a boiler covered by your policy in the middle of winter, to securing your property after a break-in.

Whether it’s through our list of approved contractors or one you ask us to consider, we’ll take care of things for you.

• Alternative accommodation. If you can’t live in your home because of an event you have covered with us, we’ll pay reasonable rent and accommodation costs for a

similar property for up to three years.

• Worldwide contents cover.

Your possessions will be covered if you take them overseas or to another property in the UK other than your main residence. And then, when you renew your policy, we will review your cover with you.

• Fine art and collections cover.

If you’ve invested in a collection such as antiques, paintings, wine or porcelain, you’ll want to make sure it’s protected with our fine art and collections cover. Among other things, this will cover the cost of restoration or reimburse you for the loss – up to the value you agreed with us.

Full terms and conditions can be found in the policy wording – contact us for more information.

To find out more and to arrange a meeting with one of our expert advisers, please contact us on 01670 511 252 or email Morpeth_agency@nfumutual.co.uk. nfumutual.co.uk/Morpeth

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

27

LUXE LIFE

Aimee Palmer

Aimee Palmer is senior pastry chef at the Crab&Lobster restaurant and hotel at Asenby near Thirsk. Aimee grew up in Cambridgeshire, one of a large family and was always helping her mum in the kitchen. That’s where her love of baking comes from – she’s never stopped since.

LUXE PEOPLE >> James Martin.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Edinburgh.

A long holiday > Strasbourg.

A treat > London.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > A dark chocolate fondant with sea buckthorn – it’s an unusual ingredient but really works well with deep chocolate flavours.

Best wine > Corbieres – soft, southern

28

French red, very easy drinking.

Favourite restaurant > Rocksalt, Folkestone – the setting is amazing by the waterfront looking across the harbour. Seafood is a speciality.

Perfect weekend > A nice hotel, good food and a great wine – three things that feature heavily in my life at work and time off.

Best telly > Saturday Kitchen – you’d think I’d have had enough after the day job but I like food programmes – and James Martin.

Best Book > Couture Chocolate by William Curley – it’s the ultimate guide to chocolate-

making with amazing photography and recipes for everything – truffles, couture chocolates, biscuits, cakes, ice cream and patisserie. Very inspiring.

Best sounds > Kings of Leon – Sex on Fire, coming to Newcastle!

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > Manchester Favourite shop > Next, I’m a high street girl when not in chef’s whites.

Luxe retail treat > Monsoon.

Best buy > Anything in a sale.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > Dinner at Claridge’s – talk about the wow factor, just everything done right.

A perfect party > Good friends, wine and good music.

Best dress > A little black dress from Monsoon.

Dinner date > Just me and my partner.

YOUR LUXE THINGS IN LIFE >> I couldn’t live without my recipe library.

MAY/JUN14

www.fq-magazine.co.uk

THE BEST OF NORTH EAST FOOD & DRINK MAY/JUN 2014

join the feast A fresh new festival to tickle those tastebuds

we preview Sunderland’s festival of food chocolate-making masterclass terry laybourne’s showcase pasta Peace&Loaf Supper club a chat with Brian Turner the allotment bursts out James Close and his food travels Glenn McCRory at the stove

dining

Tuck in to good taste Blanchland’s Lord Crewe Arms has been brought back to life in some style.

Kathryn Armstrong settles in for supper A touch of the Cotswolds has arrived in County Durham, who’d have thought it?

Blanchland’s stunning showcase hostelry, the Lord Crewe Arms, has been given one almighty makeover to the tune of £1.5m. Lovely it is too.

The tiny village of Blanchland has always been gaspworthy in its awesome setting – it is one of only six listed villages in the country with a history that takes in abbots, monks and cloisters. You’re tucking in to a heck of a lot of history as soon as you push open the Lord Crewe’s heavy, secrets-laden door.

Step on to flagstones and immediately feel cosied, if not slightly disorientated by rough hewn stone walls, dominating fireplaces and winding corridors.

We’d been to the Lord Crewe Arms a few times a few years ago – it was always impressive but at the same time a bit cold and unwelcoming – missing out on its potential you might say.

Now it’s had a makeover to please anyone who has spent their time poring over a Farrow&Ball paintchart or a White Company catalogue, and yes, that’s me.

There are those lovely sludgy country paint colours everywhere – deep and dramatic in some rooms, pale and contemporary in others. Hessian, wicker, tweed, leather, slate, wild flowers and antique oak set the tone and create an instantly relaxed, ‘want to live here’, feel to the place.

Very Cotswolds indeed – unsurprisingly as the Lord Crewe is a sibling of hotels Calcot Manor and Barnsley House, both in Gloucestershire.

The interior designers have really made the most of what has always been a stunning building, paying attention to the striking features like the stone walls, quirky nooks and crannies, grand windows and archways. There’s lots of space with different sized rooms to lounge in, to have a drink or dine in. And dine you must.

Head chef is Simon Hicks who confusingly has spent a good chunk of his career working alongside a different Hix - Mark Hix, Simon latterly as head chef with Hix Soho.

So food-wise, you know where he’s coming from – an appreciation of quality raw materials, a bit of foraging, an unashamed approach to cooking the best produce, not necessarily local at that – Simon brings his crab up from Portland because he reckons it’s better than anything available in the North East – sharp intake of breath!

His menu has an asparagus section – sourcing this from Wye Valley – served five ways. And as you might expect, there’s much attention paid to hearty English classics with a ‘steak and chops’ section on the menu.

At the bar you can sip on new brews from Wylam and Allendale and order up a Hix Fish Dog for a bar snack - a legendary must-try fish finger butty affair, We eschewed the temptation of said fish dog (we might be back for one though) and instead chose from the dinner menu – which you can eat in the lovely upstairs dining room with its blazing fire and gorgeous mustard linen napkins, or at huge oak tables in one of the atmospheric bars downstairs.

The menu seems really good value – steaks less than £20 and other main courses from a friendly £8.95. You certainly have to travel to get here so maybe those wallet-friendly prices are there to pull people in.

I plumped for the asparagus with a fried egg and brown shrimp butter (£6.75). The combination was served up on earthy rustic plates - which seem to be the platter of the moment – and it worked well. Asparagus was full of strong, grassy flavour, nice to the bite with niblets of sweet, buttery shrimps rich and indulgent in their runny egg bath.

My husband was intrigued by a main course – of creamed dinkel wheat, served with an egg and wild garlic. He tried a smaller portion for a starter, the grains are spelt and the dish essentially a risotto, full of flavour and texture, but it could have coped with a bigger kick of wild garlic.

My main course was whole rosemary roasted seabass and fries (£14.25). Simply served, it was a good-sized fish – nicely cooked to give the flesh soft texture, and the fish

30

Asparagus was served with a fried egg and brown shrimp butter, indulgent in their runny egg bath infused with the gentle flavour of rosemary. Fries came in a little metal pot – textbook crunch and salt spritz.

Our very knowledgeable and confident waitress had told us that the butchers’ steak on the menu (£14.75) was a lesser cut – one prized by butchers who generally took it home to eat rather than show it off on their counter.

(There’s an homage to this cut in Mark Hix’s British Seasonal Food cookbook).

Also known as a ‘hanger’ or ‘onglet’ steak, it’s from the back rib of the animal and is full of taste. It has an intense, gutsy flavour, served rare with herb-baked bone marrow.

We also tucked into interesting side dishes (£2.75 each) of Anya potatoes, an in-season purple sprouting broccoli and buttered hispi cabbage.

Simon’s dessert menu harks back to the old English history books with favourites like Bakewell pudding with almond ice-cream or buttermilk pudding with gooseberries We boldly chose to share sea buckthorn posset, not quite knowing what to expect – this hedgerow fruit is known for having a bitter kick.

The flavour’s a bit like very sharp un-sweet marmalade – it

suited us alongside an equally sharp, almost cheesy cream beneath the fruit jelly layer. Something of a food adventure. Strangely and unexpectedly it even worked with our wine, a Cotes de Brouilly, VV Potel Aviron 2010, (£34.50), from a well-ranging list of ‘glug to serious’.

The menu doesn’t take itself too seriously – there are dishes to share – like whole Swaibrick Farm chicken with gravy and chips. Often in the North East you see the same dishes recurring time and again in menus from chefs who’ve done the circuit. It’s nice to see someone from a different ‘circuit’ nip in and offer something different again. We stayed the night at Lord Crewe – rooms continue the contemporary country feel and there are some teething problems with phones and TVs and such – but the beds’ indulgent mattress-toppers and great breakfasts guarantee a memorable stay – as does the chap who rescued us from being stranded in remote Blanchland after being afflicted by a flat tyre the next morning!

Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland 01434 675469. www.lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk

MAY/JUN14

North Yorkshire Ian and Carole Rae get their lobsters straight from the fishing boats at Runswick Bay then head up the hill to their hotel and restaurant, The Cliffemount, to serve it up with brilliant coastline views. The coastal hotel has 2 AA Rosettes and chef always makes the most of the best seasonal seafood. www.cliffemounthotel.co.uk Saltburn’s Seaview restaurant right by the town’s famous pier is a quirky and cool fish and chip spot with its funky, retro feel.

Legendary Whitby crab features on the menu in various forms all year round. www.theseaviewrestaurant.co.uk Saltburn is also the place to find The Greedy Bassets, an on-the-move fish and seafood pod that travels to festivals all summer serving up yummy stuff like grilled fish baps with homemade sauces. www.thegreedybassetskitchen.com At Greens in Whitby chef Rob Green will conjure up a seafood tasting platter to suit your pleasure. Give him 24 hours notice and you’ll have treats freshly landed – and he’ll find you the juiciest lobster! Oysters, langoustine and shellfish bouillabaisse are always on his menu too. www.greensofwhitby.com Goes without saying what you find on the menu at Crab&Lobster, Asenby near Thirsk! Not a seaside place but the catch of the day is just along the coast. Lobster comes in served thermidor or grilled with garlic butter. www.crabandlobster.co.uk Tyne&Wear Up the coast at Seaburn, Latimers seafood deli is legendary. Try a Craster kipper fillet sandwich for breakfast or dive into lobster and chips for £26 or a fruits de

Some of our favourite spots to slurp an oyster, suck a crab claw or feast on some juicy lobster within shell-throwing distance of the sea

Northumberland If you like to actually hear the sea lapping as you feast then you can’t do better that The Old Boat House at Amble. A former RNLI station it’s as close to the sea as you get keeping your feet dry. Eat whatever the boat brings in.

01665 711232 www.facebook.com/pages/The-Old-BoatHouse Craster is the place to pilgrimage for crab sandwiches, the ultimate kipper and best views to enjoy with them. The Jolly Fisherman is a seafood lover’s paradise. www.thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk If you’re venturing to Berwick, we love the look of Sallyport, a boutique hotel with its Liquid Lounge brasserie. The menu promises lashings of fish and seafood lobster from local boats. www.sallyport.co.uk

Another wandering minstrel of a destination is Riley’s Fish Shack. When the sun comes out and the festivals start, you smell the char-grilled mackerel and feel a sense of well-being. Riley’s pops up at events everywhere in summer. On 17 July they host the Great Annual Lobster Bash at The Toffee Factory in Newcastle. www.rileysfishshack.com

Further up North Berwick is the place to find The Lobster Shack right by the beach near the Seabird Centre. The shack operates in summer, griddling super-fresh lobster, crab and langoustine to slurp in the sunshine, or not. A fun and indulgent treat – they also serve champagne! www.lobstershack.co.uk

Lobster love mer platter with lobster, £28. www.latimers.com There’s always an oyster on the menu at Irvins brasserie on the quayside at North Shields. This is the place to eat stunning, imaginative fish dishes with ‘just caught’ ingredients such as razor clams and hake. www.irvinsbrasserie.co.uk

Sachins 30th Birthday letter Dear readers, It’s our birthday and we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support and custom over the past three decades, we’ve had a ball! We are currently celebrating our 30th birthday and we wouldn’t have gotten here without you, it’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know you all. We don’t think of any of you as customers, but each of you as friends. Come rain or shine (and even a few more than knee-deep snow showers) you’ve continued to visit us and to you, our doors have always been open. We’ve been part of your birthday celebrations, we’ve been there for your anniversaries and we were even the first to find out about some of you getting engaged. There have been some massive changes here at Sachins over the past 30 years and we’re delighted that you’ve been a part of them all. From the move to our ownership, our grand renovation and refurbishment and attending our various live demonstrations to name but a few; you’ve been fantastic. You have welcomed with open arms our outside catering services and the Sachins @ Home Initiative, our counter at the Fenwick Food Hall is filled with your favourite Sachins dishes which you’re regularly taking advantage of when you’re searching for something special, in the comfort of your own home. We’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the region’s best known faces in Bob’s Curry Classroom. We’ve had Metro Radio’s Steve and Karen, Newcastle United’s Steven Taylor and the legend himself Alan Shearer amongst others. Sharing our dedication to fine dining with the next generation of chefs, we’ve worked with countless schools over the years, teaching them that regardless of age or ability you can easily create a delicious meal for the whole family. We are most proud of our work with countless charities across the years, Variety, the Children’s Charity, The Alan Shearer Foundation and most recently Brain Tumour UK. Working alongside you, we have raised tens of thousands of pounds which have gone to help improve the lives of countless families across the country.

We’ve often been asked what Sachins means; well quite simply it is the Punjabi for truth. Unlike many other restaurants we’ve seen come and go in the city centre, we have remained true to you all. Serving up nothing less than perfection upon every plate is what keeps you coming back, time after time.

We have some big plans for the coming years, we’re currently organising a bit of a facelift here at the restaurant, as well as a VIP bash to celebrate reaching our fine old (well middle) age; they say it’s all downhill from 30, well not for Sachins – the only way is up! We hope that you’ll be visiting us soon, to help us celebrate our 30th birthday, an achievement we’re incredibly proud of. We look forward to welcoming you very soon – thanks again, Bob, Neeta and the entire Sachins team www.sachins.co.uk To reserve your table please call 0191 261 9035.

Sachins Restaurant, Forth Banks, Newcastle, NE1 3SG

MAY/JUN14

31

feasting

Best of the fest

Sunderland is holding its first ever Festival of Food in May – kicking off with a grand gourmet banquet. We catch up with some of the quay players

Sunderland’s fish quay is a bit of a revelation. Even the heartiest of local food followers might have missed the rich pickings on this hidden harbour where the River Wear meets the North Sea. It’s where we find ourselves on a sunny weekday morning, making friends with some canny crabs and succulent chunks of fresh tuna.

The shellfish and tuna were amongst the haul landed earlier in the day from the six trawlers and six ‘potters’ – crab and lobster boats – which supply the Wearside fish quay operation.

The crab and tuna will be used in recipes by Greg Butler, pictured main image, who runs Piquant Cuisine in Sunderland and who is one of the demo chefs taking in part in Sunderland’s first ever Festival of Food happening over the May bank holiday weekend.

The event is all about showcasing the best of food that Wearside and the wider region have to offer – in the form of cookery demonstrations, tasting sessions, artisan food stalls and children’s participation events.

Lesley Craggs of Opus Dining Club is one of the organisers of the festival. “It isn’t a money-making event, it’s all about showing off what Wearside has to offer in terms of produce, skills and ambition in terms of food.

“There’s been so much support and goodwill from people who are doing great things in food in the area – the launch banquet with the students at Sunderland College is going to be stunning and throughout the festival weekend there will be so much going on for foodies to enjoy. We want people to be really excited by what’s on offer on their doorstep.”

32

Rob Stewart (pictured above right) is head of catering at Sunderland College. He’s had the mighty job of coordinating the menu dinner for 180 people.

His students have been practising dishes for months and he’s now finely tuning the impressive menu to make it perfect on the night. It’s a daunting task and no mistake.

“It’s an exciting project for the students – a great opportunity for them to really shine – and to really impress with their skills, be they in the kitchen or service.

They will be doing it for real! “ Rob is at the fish quay meeting the team who will be supplying some ingredients for the launch dinner.

The whole festival is about bringing to the fore places like the fish quay – where you can get amazingly fresh – and well-priced – food on the doorstep.

The Fish Quay was taken over in February this year by Simon Kinnair and John Parker, pictured above centre.

In a past life Simon was a vinyl-spinning DJ but he knows his stuff from his dad being a fish merchant.

He’s savvy enough to know that there’s a new tranche of food-lovers who want to tap into the idea of local food.

“People in Sunderland don’t know the fish quay is here – or what we sell – they presume that it is wholesale – it’s not – we have an amazing range of fish landed every day – and it’s a step from the landing boat to the shop – so there is literally no middle man pushing up the costs.

“People who are interested in fresh food want to find and buy fish where it is landed.” The fish quay has been on the site for generations but in the last decade or so was rejuvenated with European funding.

It is now a showpiece facility with an impressive shop.

When we visit there is a plentiful range of just-caught scallops, lobsters, cod, seabass, prawns, mackerel, hake.

The shop is full of Chinese and Japanese customers who can’t get enough of the fresh produce and are a mainstay of the custom here, coming daily for fresh fish.

Chef Greg is a fan. “The simplicity of using the freshest, quality ingredients is what I like in cooking – I got a chunk of tuna loin and have marinated it for a few hours in a honey and sesame dressing and will serve it carpacciostyle, letting the flavour of the fish really shine.

“Likewise, I made crab cakes – with these they are just made from crab meat and spices – not potato or anything else to bulk them out – the crabmeat is sweet and rich, perfect ingredients you don’t need to over complicate.”

Greg is a self-taught chef who set up his company last year to offer something different to the world of corporate lunching. He creates a range of platters with different food themes as an alternative to the ‘sandwich and pork pie’ offerings. He reached the quarter finals of MasterChef a couple of years back and that was the impetus to pursue a career in food and launch his own business. “I wanted to do something for me, something to make my kids proud of me and that was my own passion,” he says.

At the Festival of Food one of the dishes he plans to cook is a massive paella, “Using seafood, perhaps some traditional rabbit, something to get people interested and that has a bit of theatre about it.” (There’s rabbit on sale in the fish quay shop today).

MAY/JUN14

Thai crabcakes Fresh crab claws or equivalent (two cans of tinned white crabmeat) 6 spring onions, finely chopped 2 tbsp fish sauce Sesame oil 2 red chillies, finely diced 1 inch ginger 2 garlic cloves, grated coriander stalks 1 lime - juice and zest 1 egg Dipping sauce: 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 red chilli, finely chopped 1 inch ginger, grated 1 stalk lemongrass 1tsp sesame oil 2tbsp fish sauce 1 lime, juice 2 tbsp soy sauce bunch coriander, roughly chopped 3tbsp rice wine vinegar Method: Dipping sauce: Cut the stalks from the coriander and set aside for the crabcakes. Put all the dipping sauce ingredients into a food processor, starting largest to smallest, adjust so as not to over-blend, season to taste and set aside. Shell the cooked crab claws

THE MANOR HOUSE, MALTBY and take out the white crab meat. Mix in a bowl with all the other ingredients then squeeze into ping pong sized balls and slightly flatten. Drop into very hot oil and deep fry for about 60 seconds.

Serve with the dipping sauce.

These summery recipes, inspired by the fish quay and with outdoor eating in mind, have been devised by Greg Butler.

Lavish, lovely launch Sunderland Festival of Food will launch with an exquisite gourmet banquet. Here’s a taster...

The sparkling gourmet dinner at Sunderland’s Quayside Exchange on Friday May 23 marks the launch of a weekend of food and feasting at the first Sunderland Festival of Food. The dinner, sponsored by Luxe Magazine, will showcase months of hard work and preparation by a team of the region’s finest artisan food producers and suppliers working with a dynamic and professional brigade of chefs and students from Sunderland College. The man charged with making it all run smoothly in the kitchen is Rob Stewart – he and his team of students have spent months finely tuning the banquet dishes and learning new skills to showcase in front of 180 diners. It’s a daunting prospect – but as in all things culinary, preparation is the key, says Rob. The Launch Banquet: Start with canapés and drinks reception in the

main bar. Live music throughout dinner followed by dancing. Tickets, £60.

Tables of ten, 10% discount.

MENU Vodka gazpacho “shots” Goat’s cheese beignets Sesame tuna, pickled radish and wasabi To start… Blackened mackerel, salted cucumber, horseradish and toast OR Beetroot and goat’s cheese, pickled, crisps, roasted and pureed with sour cream, horseradish, balsamic gel To follow… Spring lamb three ways – confit shoulder, roasted loin, offal hash, thyme scented fondant potatoes, black pudding, carrot puree, confit garlic and St George’s mushrooms OR Pea and parmesan soufflé, broad beans, asparagus, truffle dressing, cauliflower puree and edible flowers To refresh… English sparkling wine & strawberry sorbet To finish… Rhubarb and custard – custard tart with rhubarb jelly, sorbet and tuille. Plus a lolly pop! www.sunderlandfestivaloffood.co.uk

Set within the beautiful village of Maltby, The Manor House is ideally situated just off the A19 and on the outskirts of Ingleby Barwick and Yarm.

With an extensive wine list and wide selection of hand-picked real ales, the venue is the perfect haven to relax with family and friends.

Our talented team of award-winning SJF chefs have launched a new spring menu, which features our mouth-watering Toulouse sausage dog with sweet mustard mayonnaise, smoked cheddar, crispy onions and fries, or twice-cooked belly pork with black pudding, apple sauce, fine beans and grain mustard mash.

All dishes are made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and are prepared to order - great pub food, the way it should be!

The Manor House, Maltby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS8 0BN T: 01642 764 153 W: www.themanorhouseteesside.co.uk/

A different breed.

28 day aged, native breed beef to be exact.

Festival weekend Sunday May 25 and Monday May 26.

Events will be taking place between 11am and 5pm in Mowbray Park, Sunderland and the Winter Gardens.

• Over 50 food stallholders selling a variety of delicious food and drink in Mowbray Park Food Village.

• Feast with street food vendors selling a variety of flavours from around the world in Mowbray Park Food Street.

• Sip on tea and cakes at the pop-up Serendipity Tearoom, a charming nostalgic, vintage tea room offering mini afternoon tea: sandwiches, cakes, scones and tea or coffee.

• Children can have their faces painted,

MAY/JUN14

take a ride on the tea cup merry-goround or have a go on the inflatable slide.

• Demos and classes – booking essential!

• Guest chefs will be showcasing a variety of foods cooked to perfection • Join cooking masterclasses for adults and children with Rob Stewart, Sunderland College’s Head of Catering leading the classes. Children will be making their own pizzas (what they make they take!) and the adult classes will show you how to make the most of your bird with poultry from Northumberland Poultry. www.sunderlandfestivaloffood.co.uk

The new Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill in Newcastle offers its customers an ultra modern dining experience in his first ever North East restaurant, serving locally-sourced produce and delicious cocktails in a cosy yet vibrant setting.

The Steakhouse Bar & Grill offers Marco’s own brand of affordable glamour and brings a bright new dining experience for even the most experienced of North East food lovers.

Marco Pierre White Newcastle @MPW_Newcastle t. 0191 300 9222 www.mpwsteakhousenewcastle.co.uk

33

Cooking

or tut ool sch nd on ery ine a itchis ook ar M y: c ty ath awa on, K r Kirs cs is ie Cho Benn colat o a Lis an ch is art

Chocolate licked Life is sweet on a chocolate-making course at the famed Bettys Cookery School, as Katharine Capocci discovers Inhaling the scent of molten chocolate whilst stirring bowlfuls of the unctuous silky smooth stuff has this group of chocoholics in seventh heaven.

I’ve donned a coveted Bettys apron to join the Chocolate Box course at its award-winning Cookery School in Harrogate – an indulgent afternoon if ever there was one, choc-a-block with melting moments.

We’re here to learn how to make a box of handcrafted chocolates ‘the Bettys way’, where microwaves don’t even get a look in!

Those of a savoury disposition should look away now, but for sweet lovers the treats on the menu include spiced orange ganache truffles, salted caramel and hazelnut ganache truffles and raspberry and framboise squares hand-dipped in Bettys dark chocolate.

It’s seriously treaty and calorific this course – and all the chocolates you make you take home. It’s informative too as it’s not long before we’re passing round giant chocolate pods followed by bowls of chocolate nibs which, of course, need sampling in order to discern the differences in cocoa content.

Today’s course is led by artisan chocolatier Kirsty Mitchison from the neighbouring Bettys Craft Bakery, which is responsible for the delicious sweet and savoury treats that supply the shops and their online business.

We’re joined also by senior tutor Lisa Bennison from Bettys Cookery School, a friendly face I recognise from previous courses and a safe and helpful pair of hands in the kitchen!

And my, what a kitchen. It’s light, bright and modern with smart individual work stations kitted out with top-notch equipment.

Helpfully, the ingredients are weighed out already for us. As Kirsty says: “It’s about having fun.”

Bettys has a long tradition of chocolate craftsmanship

dating back to 1919 when the first Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms was founded by Swiss master chocolatier Frederick Belmont in Harrogate. Today, the skilled team of artisan chocolatiers continues to make Bettys chocolates the time-honoured way.

Kirsty and Lisa are extremely experienced and they soon fill us in on the chocolate story, starting from the beans of the cacao tree, which are processed into a paste by drying, roasting and grinding. The paste is then processed further to make it smooth and mellow, the end process known as ‘conching’.

We also hear about the dos and don’ts of chocolate making. And water in your chocolate mix, known as seizing, is a big no-no!

The pair also take us step-by-step through each recipe before we have a go ourselves.

Thermometers at the ready we’re soon transforming nibs into a liquid velvety texture for ganaches, pouring in whipped cream and glucose and piping into moulds.

It’s a lovely sensory experience - the intoxicating scents, seeing the chocolate transformed and taste testing too. It’s a revelation too trying out an assortment of flavourings - mixed spices, ginger, orange oil and raspberries among them – warming, robust and sharp to cut through the sweetness.

We’re also shown the process of hand tempering chocolate, involving heating and cooling the chocolate to give it a glossy shine and so it possesses the all-important ‘snap’ when broken in two. It’s great fun – if very messy – slicking the melted chocolate backwards and forwards across the granite-top bench.

There are tricky aspects to master admittedly, but it’s very satisfying being taught how to break it all down into bite-size manageable chunks.

And the best bit has to be taking home your

It’s great fun – if very messy – slicking the melted chocolate backwards and forwards 34

hand-crafted exquisitely flavoured goodies, neatly boxed up. Sublime.

Courses on offer at Bettys Cookery School in Harrogate include everything from pastry and patisserie to bread, suppers and dessert making. For info on the course calendar visit www.bettyscookeryschool.co.uk or call 01423 814016. The next Chocolate Box course is being held on Sunday May 18.

Bettys online shop www.bettys.co.uk telephone 0845 600 1919.

Journey of discovery The cocoa beans for the chocolate at Bettys are sourced from Venezuela. They are made from the Criollo cocoa bean; a very rare bean. The chocolate is processed by a Swiss family business called Felchlin which Bettys have worked with for many years.

The chocolate journey starts with the cocoa tree.

The cocoa pod is handpicked and then the pulp inside the pod is removed which contains the cocoa beans. Each pod contains 25-50 aromatic bitter cocoa beans. The beans are then placed in wooden crates to ferment, and set out to dry in the natural tropical sunlight. Once dry, the beans are then bagged and transported to Felchlin in Switzerland.

On arrival a quality check of cocoa beans takes place.

The beans are then roasted, and processed further, known as conching. This is where the flavours really develop. Bettys Grand Cru chocolate is conched for up to 18 hours. Lesser grade chocolate is conched for about 4-6 hours.

The chocolate is transformed from blocks into shiny, smooth chocolate which breaks with a loud snap, using a process called tempering.

Once tempered, the chocolate is moulded into shapes or made into truffles and other delicacies.

MAY/JUN14

mix it With Jordan Liddle

Indigo Sparkle A refreshing mix of vodka, wonderful melon liqueur and sweet pineapple topped off with cucumber & apple fizz Method

Recipe Fresh raspberry and framboise ganache squares Makes 30-36 (depending on size cut) Ingredients 90g milk chocolate

Special equipment - metal frame 15cm x 15cm 170g dark chocolate 65ml whipping cream 6g glucose syrup 80g fresh raspberries 15ml crème de framboise tempered chocolate for dipping - see Bettys blog for tempering: http://blog.bettys.co.uk/index.php/2013/10/ meet-our-chocolatiers/ Method 1. Place a saucepan on the heat with enough water to fill a third of the pan and bring the water up to the boil.

Place the chocolate pieces in a heatproof bowl and partially melt over the simmering water. Be careful

Project1_Layout 1 24/04/2014 17:11 Page 1

MAY/JUN14

condensation from the side of the bowl does not touch the melting chocolate or else it may seize.

2. Using a small heavy-based pan, bring cream and glucose up to the boil. Using your fingers break up the raspberries and add to the pan with the crème de framboise. Allow to cool a little.

3. Pour over the chocolate in two to three stages and mix with a whisk and fold through with a spatula until smooth. (If either the raspberry mix or melted chocolate is too hot then the ganache may split).

4. Pour the ganache into the frame (or equivalent) and place in fridge to set up for at least an hour to an hour and a half. Once the ganache has set remove the frame.

Brush the base with tempered chocolate. Place back into the fridge to set.

5. To finish, ensure the ganache has come up to room temperature before hand dipping. Dip the ganache pieces in tempered chocolate and place on baking parchment to set up. If the room is particularly warm place the ganache in the fridge to set up.

Using a cocktail shaker add 8 cubes of ice, 25ml of vodka, 15ml of Midori Melon and 100ml of pineapple juice. Shake the ingredients, pour into an ice-filled high ball glass, top up with Glo Worm Cucumber & Apple Fizz.

Add straws, stirrer and garnish with fresh melon.

Cocktail created by Jordan Liddle, bartender at the Grainger Lounge, Hotel Indigo, Newcastle

35

Glenn’s food life A childhood food memory: Being from a big family (one of six kids) and middle child, the little ones would be in bed and the older ones would be out on a Friday, so I would cook for my mum. It was just a chicken chow mein out of the box. Mum would have a bath and I would fry it up and that was me and my Mum’s moment on a Friday night having a dinner.

The last meal you ate: Beans on toast for breakfast. I did my beans last night so they were claggy. I threw in a chunk of cheese and two eggs – so eggy beans and cheese! I needed a good breakfast.

Restaurant you return to time and again: It has to be Sachins. When I come here I love all the artwork on the walls. I like Peace & Loaf too in Jesmond and The Kitchin at Leith in Edinburgh (having had a stint in the kitchen and dined there).

Memorable meal: Balthazar, a French restaurant, on the edge of Chinatown in New York. It was on Sex and the City (not that I watched it!) It’s a beautiful French restaurant with great seafood too. They have also got one in Covent Garden.

Inspirational chef: Tom Kerridge.

(His pub, The Hand and Flowers, has been awarded two stars in the Michelin guide). That’s my sort of food. He cooks very basic food very well, like the best steak and kidney.

I’m invited to cook down there too.

Favourite drink: A good red wine.

Favourite ingredients: Meat. It’s the tester for a cook – it’s so easy to get wrong. I love slow cooking a bit of shin and I love the pig (my favourite animal!) You can get so much from it, from bacon to pork chops and pig’s cheeks. You can eat every single bit.

Favourite meal: For me it’s about the mood, but curry is the only food I have to have; I crave for. I have to have a curry a week. Meat is at the forefront though. If I’m cooking it’s all about what meat I’m using. Even if it’s pasta we add bacon and chicken.

Last meal: Something that would take them a long time to find. Probably dodo meat!

36

Curry classroom One-time lord of the rings boxer Glenn McCrory is quite the dab hand at the cooker rings too. Katharine Capocci finds out more on his spicy classroom culinary adventure Glenn McCrory’s legendary prowess in the boxing ring is well known but he packs something of a culinary punch in the kitchen too, as deftly demonstrated the day he joined Luxe for his curry classroom adventure.

Life is all go for the former IBF world champ from Annfield Plain who juggles work as a boxing commentator and pundit for Sky Sports, charity commitments and children, but Glenn loves nothing more than getting into the kitchen to rustle up dinner. And meat will always feature large in those dishes!

We catch up with 49-year-old Glenn at Sachins in Newcastle where owner/chef Bob Arora is taking today’s class. It’s a fun

session and keen foodie Glenn, who stands 6ft 4in tall and weighs in at ‘nearer 17 stone than 16 stone’, shows he’s pretty handy at the stove. “I love cooking, I cook all sorts of food but Asian food is my favourite.”

He recently enjoyed a day cooking (for fun!) in Michelin-starred Tom Kitchin’s restaurant at Leith in Edinburgh and has had another invite to cook at fellow Michelin-starred Tom Kerridge’s pub, The Hand and Flowers.

The affable star is also known for his so-called Ten Club gatherings, where ten invited sporting stars and movers and shakers from the region enjoy a relaxed convivial evening at his home in Jesmond where he does the cooking.

He holds the events about four times a year and guests have included Jack Charlton, Mike McLeod and a fair few footballers. They are indeed great fun as I recall being invited to a ladies event a few years ago – ‘a riotous affair’, he jokingly recalls.

2014 marks a big year for the boxer with some significant milestone anniversaries coming up - and baby news too. Glenn, who has children from his previous two marriages, shares a home with partner Nicola Mills and her child, along with their daughter Aoife, and the couple have a baby on the way in October.

Exciting times, as Glenn explains: “It’s 25 years since I won the title (the IBF version of the cruiserweight world championship),

MAY/JUN14

On the menu: Venison McCrory Masala What it’s got going for it: Flash-fried venison with a sassy kick The trick: Garlic, ginger and oil smothered over the meat

Ingredients Serves 3 Three trimmed venison steaks: Crushed garlic and ginger made into a paste with a little olive oil to smother over meat, both sides 2 pinches chilli flakes pinch and a half fennel 2 pinches coriander seeds 2 pinches cumin seeds Spicy potatoes: 2 tbsp olive oil one onion, finely sliced 4 large potatoes, boiled with the skin on (remove skin when cooked and dice) tsp salt half tsp turmeric quarter tsp chilli powder quarter tsp garam masala few leaves fresh coriander

25 years with Sky in September and I’m 50 in September.” That’s quite a knockout year by any standards.

Biggies in his busy schedule include moving house within Jesmond in the next few weeks, then there’s commentating duties for the big Froch v Groves fight at Wembley Stadium on May 31.

Next up is the J Douglas Edgar celebrity golf day he’s helping to organise at Northumberland Club at Gosforth Park on June 2. Glenn explains his friend and fellow Sky Sports presenter Dave Clark is battling Parkinson’s Disease and the event will help raise funds and awareness for the condition. Lots of faces from Sky will be there showing support and there will also be a twenties-themed party that night at the stylish new Bonbar in the Assembly Rooms, Newcastle.

In September, Variety, the Children’s Charity, are said to be organising an event

MAY/JUN14

Glenn, who stands 6ft 4in tall, is pretty handy at the stove.

“I love cooking, I cook all sorts of food but Asian food is my favourite.” in the North East for Glenn. The details are hush hush at the moment but the date pencilled in is September 24 - and knowing Glenn some big-name pals will be on the guest list.

Sachins, Forth Banks, Newcastle.

Tel: 0191 2324660. www.sachins.co.uk

Masala: 2 tbsp olive oil 2 diced onions pinch salt 1 tin chopped tomatoes half tsp turmeric quarter tsp chilli powder half tsp garam masala squeeze lemon juice handful chopped coriander few tbsp water

Method Smother the venison in garlic and ginger paste. Blitz chilli flakes, fennel, coriander seeds and cumin seeds in a blender and sprinkle spice mix on the steaks. Set aside. For spicy potatoes, boil potatoes with skins on, then peel and cut into chunks. Add two tablespoons olive oil to pan and fry onions to colour a little. Add diced potatoes to the pan with the onions and fry off for a few minutes. Add a tablespoon of water to prevent sticking. Add salt, spices and coriander leaves and fry a little longer.

For masala, add oil to pan then onions and brown a little. Add a pinch of salt and chopped tomatoes and put a lid on top of the pan for a few minutes. Add turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, lemon juice and cook for about another ten minutes.

Add more chilli to taste, a few tablespoons of water and a handful of chopped coriander.

For venison, add two tbsp olive oil to frying pan. Place steaks in pan and cook for about a minute and a half on each side.

To serve: Place potatoes in the middle of the plate with masala sauce around outside and venison on top of potatoes. Garnish with fresh coriander.

37

Chef’s table with James Close Food comings and goings with Michelin-star chef James from The Raby Hunt slightly – I like to give it a grilled effect – and drizzle it with brown butter and rosemary salt.

It’s really versatile – we even juice it down sometimes then serve it with langoustines.

Local hero

I’m writing this from our room at the Balmoral in Edinburgh where we are having a swift – if brief family break. It’s a hotel I love – the restaurant is great and I eat here often but I just like the place as a whole, not least the idea that you step off the train at Waverley station and are then in the hotel – a bonus when you’re travelling with a baby for sure. Naturally, food has featured heavily – Edinburgh is a place for great dining for all pockets.

I am great fan of L’escargot Bleu and L’escargot Blanc – the latter was the first restaurant of my friend Fred Berkmiller and is on Queensferry Road in the city.

I have to say the meal we had there was the best I have had in Edinburgh – ever. It is simple food, not too fussy and ‘bitsy’ – refined and a really pleasant eating experience. I was stunned by a starter of the best black pudding I have ever eaten – and I have tasted a lot!

This was home-made from duck’s blood and served with caramelised apple and wild garlic. It was in hefty chunks which meant that it was crispy on the outside then soft in the middle – unbelievable. We then had artichoke risotto followed by Wagyu beef – a big chunk of sirloin which was served piled high with fabulous Scottish langoustines. It was all very uncomplicated with the meat juices served over the dish – the meat texture was great with just a little bit of fat adding to the flavour – and those langoustines are the best you can get.

Simple food, not showing off – perfect. www.lescargotbleu.co.uk

Suckling pig is featuring heavily on our menu at The Raby Hunt at the moment – we use the whole pig and our animals come from Taste Tradition near Thirsk. www.tastetradition.co.uk Mother and son Joyce and Charles Ashbridge founded the company in 2004. They really value animal welfare, traditional methods and high quality – which create beautifully tasting produce.

Nestled at the top of Sutton Bank in the North York Moors National Park, the Ashbridge family has farmed at Cold Kirby for three generations. The traditional methods of breeding, rearing and finishing livestock used in our grandfathers’ days are still evident.

This combination of outdoor rearing and the breeds create an incredible taste. British rare breed piglets, such as Gloucester Old Spot, Oxford Sandy Black and Berkshire are used.

We use all the animal for our ‘taste of suckling pig’. Belly, loin for little chops – with the tasty fat left on, confit of shoulder then the bones for stock.

It’s a whole tasting plate of pig, quite simple but really delicious. I serve it with a foraged salad – I have been out foraging for dandelion leaves – the bitter taste of the green leaves works well to cut through the intense flavour and fattiness of the pork.

The salad also has forced yellow dandelion leaves and celeriac, almonds and girolles.

trip around restaurants in Europe.

I’ll also be going to Le Grenouille in Paris and to Bruges to eat at a pop-up called Yellow run by a three-star Michelin chef – the restaurant is partnered with Veuve Clicquot – hence the name.

All of the restaurants are in the ‘best 100’ restaurants list – the top 50 was released last week.

My thoughts are that it’s best to look at the 50-100 to find the up-and-coming places – they are a bit less predictable.

Good to see some English restaurants in the top 100 – Hedone at 65 is a favourite of mine.

Wine time Shared a bottle of wine in to the early hours when Terry Laybourne and Nigel Haworth, pictured, came to eat at the Raby Hunt recently. They seemed to like what they saw – and ate – and it was a big compliment for me to have them eat here. Over a bottle or two we talked food, kitchens, restaurants and I was happy to soak up some of their experience.

Get away

Fact-finding I’m heading off to Holland soon to spend a couple of days in the three-star kitchens at Delibjrie in Zwolle – the name translates as library and the building is a former monastery.

It will be part of a – probably too ambitious – whistlestop

I am a fan of Belgium – especially Bruges. There are new flights from Newcastle so it is easy to reach – or by Eurostar. Good places to try: De Jonkman, Bruges Standout dish: brown shrimp and celeriac served up in half a wine bottle. Chef is a campaigner for sustainable fish – he has a huge tank of shrimp in the restaurant and serves up tempura shrimp for this spectacular dish.

Yellow, Bruges – as mentioned above. Chocolate Line, Bruges - Dominique Persoone, the man who runs The Chocolate Line, is a legend both at home and abroad.

The Chocolate Line is one of three chocolate shops that is mentioned in the Michelin guide. Chocolate lipstick is one of his inventions to liven up a dinner party!

The best chefs in the world use his chocolate, including Heston.

The Jane Antwerp is a beautiful restaurant housed in a stunning renovated church – a very hip place for dining and cocktails.

Bib Gourmand In season Asparagus is my favourite ingredient of the moment. Our supplier is Spilman’s who farm in Helperby, York, using three acres for three different varieties of asparagus.

Everything is done by hand: planting the crowns, harvesting the spears and then grading and packing them.

The freshness of flavour makes it a real taste of spring – in the restaurant we peel it for a refined look and blanch it

38

With Harriett Close By the time you read this I will have celebrated my first birthday, with, I hope, a very gooey cake and a good party. I’ve been on a rather nice stay at The Balmoral with mummy and daddy – this is a fine place to be a baby – box of toys when you arrive and a new teddy all my own.

We had room service for teatime – not just a tray but a whole table – just for my mini haddock and chips! I am now eating very crunchy food because I have teeth and everything. That’s what happens when you get to the big girl age of one.

MAY/JUN14

Drink

with Robin Winterschladen A bottle is always a welcome gift on Father’s Day. Here’s some that will rock your Pop

Homegrown food hero Yorkshireman Brian Turner returns to his roots in more ways than one for a food festival in June. He talks menus with Kathryn Armstrong Brian Turner has been up since five, finely tuning some new recipes and tweaking some old ones. He’s about to set off on a three-month food adventure across the UK filming a new series on regional food to be on our screens in autumn.

It’s an idea he likes very well. “Showing off the glorious best of produce that the UK has to offer,” he proclaims in that cheery Yorkshire burr.

Excited by the turn of the seasons and looking forward to getting his hands on whatever’s sprouting along the way, he is enthused and excited by the challenge ahead.

“It will be a bit food-a-logue, looking at ways to be inspired by the fresh, local produce we find along the way,” he says.

Naturally, his home ground of Yorkshire will feature – he might be London-based but he’s as professionally Yorkshire as it gets, acting as a big-name supporter of the Deliciously Yorkshire campaign.

Which is one of the reasons why he’s also heading to Northallerton on June 29 for a demo at the Homegrown Food Festival.

This festival has proved a huge hit in the couple of years it’s been running in the smart county town. It’s a ‘rock up with a box of muddy carrots’ kind of event.

Northallerton knows its food – it has plenty of real butchers on the high street, the famous Lews&Cooper deli and of course, a Bettys tearoom to call its own.

Brian laughs: “When I was a boy and we had just got a car, my dad would take us out for a ride and we’d often end up in Northallerton. I thought of it as a very nice, quite posh kind of place – we’d stop at a café or a pub.

“I love the thought of coming back for a food festival like this – homegrown says it all. This is as good as it gets, great producers of fab food – you grow it and we will cook it!”

Brian’s food heritage is a hearty one – the childhood days of home-cooking where a joint of meat had the family meals sorted for a week.

His approach these days is a ‘no-messing’ one. “I’m not a fancy Dan,” he laughs.

He can say that now – his fine dining pedigree in some of the country’s top restaurants spanning a glittering career has earned him the right to be modest.

He’s been a favourite on television for many years – he has made numerous appearances on the ‘Food and Drink’ programme and has also been a judge on ‘MasterChef’.

He’s seen plenty of food trends pass though the sieve over the years and likes the current fondness for a ‘grow-yourown’ food culture, not least because it’s so redolent of Yorkshire commonsense.

MAY/JUN14

Allotments are commonsense economics - swap those peas for beans “I’m personally not a gardening person, I don’t like getting down on my knees in the mud – but I have great memories of my Uncle Bill’s allotment when I was a kid.

“Blokes would disappear to the allotment and it was commonsense economics – ‘tha’s got some beans, ‘tha’s got some peas – give you some beans for some peas’, they would say.

“It’s true I think what people say – that food from the allotment tastes a certain way, like eggs from your own hens – we had hens, I didn’t like collecting them, I’d get pecked – but they tasted good!

“My memory is of knowing the local butcher – of going in there – asking for a piece of meat a certain weight then making it a bigger piece so that it worked for the next meal – a cottage pie or something,” he recalls.

Meat is Brian’s thing and at the Homegrown Food Festival he’s got a few ideas up his sleeve in terms of making the most of a brisket joint.

It’s one of his favourite cuts, he likes to slow-braise a joint with vegetables and stock then press and chill it – for a summery twist he plans to then pop slices on the bbq.

“You end up being able to start with braised beef and dumplings – then you’ve got some meat left for the barbecue and some beef for sandwiches.”

“At the festival I will be taking a good look at what’s coming out of the allotments and being farmed nearby – and we’ll see what happens!” www.homegrownfoodfest.co.uk

Wines That Rock is a company set up by passionate wine lovers and diehard music fans to create its own category in the wine industry: great tasting wines inspired by the music of classic bands. It has teamed up with the award-winning Mendocino Wine Company in California to produce world-class varietals that are great tasting, quality wines.

Mark Beaman is the winemaker behind it all. “I can’t believe that this is my job. I get to taste wine, listen to music, and think about how to put it all together in a bottle of wine that truly captures the essence of an album,” he says – wouldn’t we all love that job?

No doubt one of these bottles will tickle your dad’s musical tastebuds.

Rolling Stones’ Forty Licks Merlot £14.99 Merlot was chosen for this wine as it is a solid classic, much like the band itself, which captures the attitude of Mendocino’s style. It has aromas of black cherry with hints of mint which are followed by rich flavours of plum, black cherry, brown sugar, cinnamon and cedar. It has been aged for 28 months in new American oak, redwood and stainless steel, resulting in a full-bodied dry red wine, with lots of character and a long finish.

Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon Cabernet Sauvignon £14.99 The classic Cabernet Sauvignon grape with its deep complex character reflects the hauntingly timeless music of Pink Floyd’s masterpiece album. This wine has lots of blackcurrant and cherry aromas followed by rich flavours of cassis, toasted vanilla beans and hints of chocolate. It is aged for 18 months in new French oak, one-year-old American oak and redwood barrels, producing a rich flavoured dry wine.

Woodstock Chardonnay £14.99 Inspired by the music of Woodstock that celebrates community, individual freedom and breaking with the past, this Chardonnay was created as an expression of pure fruit character and the land it was grown on.

A mixture of rich pear, mineral and papaya aromas is followed by fresh flavours of apple, citrus, pear and tropical fruit. It has been aged in new American oak, redwood and stainless steel to produce a full flavoured wine with a well balanced crisp acidity and long finish.

Or if he’s more of a classical chap…

Bruichladdich Classic Laddie Islay Malt Whisky 50% abv £42 This single malt whisky is made using 100% unpeated Scottish barley, and then matured in American oak casks. The master distiller then crafts the whisky from specially selected casks which showcase the classic floral and elegant style of Bruichladdich.

Port Charlotte Heavily Peated Islay Malt Whisky 50% abv £45 Port Charlotte is named after a long-defunct distillery on the Islay. Distilled from 100% Scottish barley, it is aged in American oak casks at the village. Combined with pure Islay spring water prior to bottling, this malt whisky is a union of the classic floral elegance of Bruichladdich and the heavy peat which gives Islay malts their distinct powerful flavour.

Robin Winterschladen is wine buyer, Fenwick, Newcastle

39

Masterclass

with Terry Laybourne I find making fresh pasta a very therapeutic process which I’m convinced is good for the soul. A little word of warning however – it can get messy!

Maccheroni alla Chitarra, a spaghetti-like handmade pasta typical of the Abruzzo region

Ingredients 300g 00 flour (the flour is important) 3 large eggs pinch fine sea salt 1tsp extra virgin olive oil a little additional flour to dust A pasta making machine is useful and a piece of equipment called a Chitarra is worth investing in – try good cookshops or you can get one from Amazon.

1 Place the flour and a pinch of salt onto a wooden board and create a well in the centre. Crack the eggs into the well

5 Begin working the dough with your hands.

Continue kneading for 5 minutes or so until a smooth dough forms

9 Continue this process 4 or 5 times until the pasta is 1.5-2mm thick

12 Bang the wires with the palm of your hand to release the spaghetti

40

2 Add a splash of olive oil and beat the eggs with a fork

6 Cut through the centre to check if the dough is properly kneaded (no visible air pockets).

If there are, keep kneading

10 Cut into rectangles approximately A4 size and dust lightly with flour

13 Tip the Chitarra to extract the cut pasta onto the floured board

3 Using the fork draw the eggs into the flour a little at a time

7 Wrap the dough in cling film and leave in fridge for 30 minutes. Then flatten dough slightly and roll to 1cm thickness

4 Continue mixing until the eggs and flour are amalgamated

8 Begin rolling through a pasta machine, first on a large setting and getting progressively thinner

11 Lay the dough over the Chitarra and roll the pin back and forth

14 Turn into neat nests. Cook in boiling salted water for two minutes then drain the pasta

15 Toss in pasta sauce (at Caffe Vivo we are currently serving with rabbit ragu and Pecorino cheese)

MAY/JUN14

Veg patch with Karen Phillips Much excitement as the riches of the North Umbria soil are unveiled...

This is the only time of year that my pretence of living in North Umbria rather than Northumbria seems plausible: the veg plot is bursting at the seams with bountiful produce and the only dilemma is which delicious crop to pick for dinner tonight.

plants ready in the wings: Swiss chard, purple sprouting broccoli, Florence fennel, winter cabbages and kale. Over the years I’ve learnt that if overwintering crops aren’t in their final positions by July then they will bolt (go to seed) before producing a decent-sized plant.

Spinach: I’ve nagged on about this in my column before but now is the perfect time to sow spinach, avoiding bolting as a result of long day length.

Jobs in the greenhouse...

It’s simply a case of water, water, water and feed with a high potash fertiliser. Erratic watering can result in blossom end rot on tomatoes so, if you’re a bit slap dash with the watering can, sink an upturned plastic bottle with the base cut off into the plant pot and fill with water then leave to drip-drain overnight.

that’s not possible, a barrier over 18” tall of cardboard around the carrot bed or very fine mesh covering the whole bed works well.

Cabbage White butterflies are about from April so if you don’t fancy picking caterpillars out of your steamed broccoli then cover the whole bed with fine mesh as soon as it is planted. Alternatively plant Nasturtiums as a sacrificial crop close by and then uproot and compost them when the butterfly has laid her eggs on them.

Looking ahead Next issue we’ll be relishing our bumper crops; salivating over my top five salads; and sowing enough lamb’s lettuce to satiate my salad mâche habit whilst saving on the shopping bill.

Karen runs Widehaugh House cookschool and gardens, Hexham. www.widehaughhouse.co.uk

Upcoming events @Widehaugh House

Rich pickings...

Swiss chard: This easy-to-grow and abundant vegetable has the added benefit of blood sugar regulating properties! Like a large spinach leaf but with a more complex flavour, it is important to steam the stalks and ribs first and then just wilt the leaves at the end of cooking. I love it simply sautéed with white wine, lemon and parmesan; incorporated into a hearty minestrone soup; or mixed with other greens in a Greek feta pie made with olive oil pastry.

Beetroot: If you have been put off beetroot by only experiencing the ‘pickled in vinegar’ kind then growing your own will be a revelation: candy striped ‘Chioggia’, deepest red ‘Bulls Blood’ and yellow ‘Touchstone Gold’ appear in salads, beetroot and horseradish relish, or even roasted as an interesting topping for a goat’s cheese pizza.

New potatoes: Now potato varieties really differ so it is important that you select a variety that you’ll enjoy eating. For me salad/new potatoes have to be waxy e.g.

Charlotte, Anya and Pink Fir Apple but beware if your soil is alkaline because potato scab can be a problem and on knobbly potatoes like Pink Fir Apple there will be nothing left by the time you’ve removed the scabby skin! Either choose a resistant variety or grow in compost in large pots to bypass the problem.

Leeks: By planting the leeks at half the recommended spacing we can have an early crop of tender baby leeks i.e. by picking every other one, whilst still leaving the rest to grow on at the recommended spacing. Braised with butter and topped with brown shrimp and chopped egg…mmm.

Beans – how to choose?

Broad beans, Borlotti beans, French beans (string), runner beans, yellow beans, purple beans… how can you choose?

Well the simple answer is the space you have to grow them will decide along with what you enjoy eating.

Dwarf French beans can be grown in a large pot but will produce less per plant than a Climbing French Bean would.

Yellow ‘Sonesta’ is prolific and looks great on the plate; purple ‘Trail of Tears’ looks amazing on the plant but turns green on cooking; and an extra-long Italian variety called ‘Metro o Stringa’ has pods up to 80cm in length.

Broad beans are a great crop since the variety ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ can be sown between Nov-Feb and avoid being troubled by black aphids. Blanched and skinned beans can be frozen for use out of season.

Borlotti beans are beautiful, cream and pink speckled beans with a nutty taste. They can be eaten fresh or dried, stored and then used in recipes in place of haricot beans.

They don’t produce a massive crop but are very decorative in the plot.

Runner beans make the tastiest relish – think piccalilli without the lumps! They are a prolific cropper and if harvested young, finely sliced and cooked with hyssop, diced tomatoes and onion they are delicious.

Slugs, carrot fly and caterpillars...

Jobs outside...

Now in these Northern climes one day in June is worth two in July so get those crops in the ground pronto! As soon as one crop is harvested immediately sow another quick maturing crop: baby pak choi, salad leaves, radishes, dwarf peas, baby turnips; or have some modular sown

MAY/JUN14

None of these need ever appear on the menu with a few preventative measures. The slugs that do the most damage are not the huge black ones (there is a Welsh saying about those: all that is missing is the saddle on their back!) but the tiny, grey keel slugs. My greenhouse has a stash of beer which I am sure leads people to believe I am a secret drinker but in fact it is ‘out of date’ beer ready to bait slug traps. When I plant a row of lettuce or transplant small seedlings I push a couple of old ramekins in the soil next to them and fill to the brim with beer. Overnight the slugs are attracted to their own Beerfest, get drunk and then drown – there are worse ways to go.

Carrot fly is simple to avoid by growing in raised beds or planting in window boxes since the carrot root fly travels at only 18” above the ground and cannot access them. If

The Herb Garden • 20 May 2014 If you’re a keen cook you’ll be contributing to the £46 million spent on herbs annually in the UK! If you fancy saving some money on your weekly shop; using handfuls of herbs rather than teaspoons; and discovering varieties that the shops don’t sell then join us on this gardening/cookery workshop.

Time: 10am – 3.30pm. Including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch. £90 Pots & Containers • 21 May 2014 Learn how to ring the changes with suitable plants for all the seasons: bowls of bulbs for spring; colourful containers overflowing with flowers for summer; and showy evergreens to cheer us through the winter. Bring along a favourite container and learn how to plant it up for a stunning summer display. This practical workshop includes a demonstration of how to plant up a hanging basket.

Time: 10am – 3.30pm. Including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch. £85 Perfect Pink Flower Minicakes • 18 June 2014 Join us on this one-day workshop with Bernadett Szucs: Gold Award winner from ‘Dreamworld Cakes’.

Under Bernadett’s careful guidance you will learn how to cover a minicake with sugar paste and make sugar flowers to decorate it, whilst gathering tips along the way on how to achieve a smooth, clean and perfect finish.

Time: 10am – 4pm. Including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch. £110 The Scented Garden • 19 June 2014 From the spicy citrus scent of witchhazel on a bright winter’s day to the powder-puff perfume of old-fashioned roses; via the black pepper aroma of moss roses rubbed between the fingertips and the woody undertones of freshly cut Choisya; past the grey-leaved shrub with flowers smelling of pineapple, to the fragrant vase of sweet box in the hallway... with careful plant selection even the smallest garden can provide scent throughout the year.

Time: 10am – 3.30pm. Including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch. £90 For full details of courses visit: www.widehaughhouse.co.uk

41

supper club

Spring thing Peace and Loaf chef Dave Coulson picked the season’s best ingredients to create a spring feast for the FQ Supper Club

A few hours before we sit down to eat at Peace and Loaf restaurant in Jesmond, chef Dave Coulson has been doing a bit of foraging.

Some of his rich pickings will be tickling our tongues as we sit down to a menu that reflects the essence of the season.

This is precisely the way that Dave likes to play things in his kitchen. Getting to grips with flavours to the extent that they pack a serious punch and make themselves known in his dishes.

Dave is of course known to diners in the region as one of the finalists in the 2010 MasterChef: The Professionals series. He now heads up Jesmond’s Peace and Loaf restaurant which opened in November last year and is going from strength to strength in terms of kitchen ambition and its following among the ‘in the know’ foodies.

Dave’s big thing is creating raw and innovative dishes with a bit of humour and fun to make dining memorable and unfussy.

He makes it look easy but he’s definitely a perfectionist.

Take his starter in our Supper Club five-course menu.

Putting it plainly on the menu it says, Asparagus Soup, Parmesan. Fuss-free, a little espresso cup arrives at the table. The liquid is a soft green colour, looking calm and comforting. Alongside is a slither of

cucumber alongside, which for most of us is an unexpected ‘first’. The dish tastes really ‘clean’ – as though every mouthful is doing you a favour.

A main course of lamb loin, crisp lamb breast with root veg is a stunning spring picture on a plate. If you’re one of those people who eat with their eyes then this is a seasonal masterpiece with splashes of colour from vibrant vegetables and pink meat.

Intensely-flavoured spring lamb is served in varying textures – with a fall-apart confit contrasting with the rare discs of pink lamb loin, packed with flavour. Root vegetables sing with sweet, seasonal flavour alongside.

The lamb tastes particularly good with the well-chosen red wine, Condidato tempranillo, served alongside.

Next we move to dessert. A crowd-pleaser for sure. Caramelised apple tart and vanilla ice-cream. Just a beauty in terms of its golden, melting appearance. The silence of the table at this point speaking volumes.

Our Supper Club dining menu signals the start of a new dining experience for Peace and Loaf.

The first Thursday of every month will feature a special tasting menu showcasing Dave’s skills – by the time you’ve read this, the first one will have taken place – a ‘mini-MasterChef’ which saw Dave team

Flavours all wrapped up in a soothing velvety blanket of beautifully-textured soup and with a distant hint of truffle. Oh, for a giant bowl of this

what we’re told is duck bacon.

It may look mild but the taste of the soup gives the tastebuds a real wake-up whack.

It is all about blend and balance here – you get the richness and flavour of asparagus backed up with the spiky punch of just-foraged wild garlic that tickles the mouth – yet all wrapped up in a soothing velvety blanket of beautifully-textured soup and with a distant hint of truffle. Oh, for a giant bowl of this. Adding a sharp and salty twist is the duck bacon – a super crisp shard of duck breast.

We move on to a fish course of mackerel – its bedfellows being miso, cucumber and apple. The soft-fleshed fish tastes beautifully fresh and the accompaniments bathe it in a sharp dressing – we try warm

42

up with Claire Lara, who went on to win the series.

The duo recreated some of the winning dishes from the series for curious diners, such as Dave’s semi-final dish, mackerel with vegetables a la Grecque and fennel puree and his famous chicken pie as well as Claire’s wining dish of lamb loin, offal, garlic puree, artichoke and winning dessert, white chocolate mousse, raspberry and thyme.

The idea is that every month, the Tasting Menu night will showcase seasonal dishes and themes and occasional guest chefs in the kitchen with Dave.

For details and to book call 0191 281 5222. www.peaceandloaf.co.uk

MAY/JUN14

Meet the chef

The people behind the region’s favourite restaurants share their kitchen secrets and culinary inspiration Ian Turner

Tony Jones

Sous Chef CHAPTERS HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Sous Chef Brasserie Hudson Quay

Favourite summer ingredient? Berries – strawberries and raspberries – they are versatile and full of flavour Best thing on a barbecue? Butterflied leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary Lazy summer picnic dish?

Homemade black pudding Scotch eggs – my favourite recipe A nice meal recently? Thai red curry at the Blackwell Ox – it was a fantastic meal and I enjoy going there.

Favourite summer ingredient? Wild sea trout – it tastes amazing and goes well with chorizo and fresh asparagus.

Best thing on a barbecue? It’s definitely got to be braised pork belly. The smokey charred flavours of the BBQ really complement the high fat of the belly pork.

Lazy summer picnic dish? A mixture of Yorkshire cheeses with plenty of freshly baked bread and homemade pickle.

A nice meal recently? Lane7 in Newcastle and their amazing comfort food including baby back ribs and pulled pork plus you get to play mini golf and ping-pong afterwards!

Tel 01642 711888 www.chaptershotel.co.uk

Tel: 01642 261 166 www.brasseriehudsonquay.com

Favourite family dish?

It has to be a traditional Sunday roast with all the trimmings.

Steve Cawley

Vince Puddu

Head Chef HOLIDAY INN

Chef LUCIA’S

A meal that inspired you?

When I first began cooking as a very green commis, my head chef arranged for a meal at Swinton Park to be upgraded to a brilliant seasonal tasting menu. It made a lasting impression that convinced me I wanted to cook and gave me a firm career direction.

Favourite summer ingredient? Jersey Royal potatoes - I was brought up on them.

Especially nice with grilled salmon and chervil butter sauce.

Best thing on a barbecue? Homemade burgers with gherkins, onion, garlic, Tabasco and mustard. We make our own at the hotel and they are extremely popular.

Lazy summer picnic dish? Pork pie and piccalilli. If cooking something some chicken pieces marinated in lemon and thyme.

A nice meal recently? A proper Sunday lunch; leg of lamb, homemade Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes with plenty of traditional vegetables on the side - the type I had when growing up when veg came from the allotment.

Favourite summer ingredient? I love tomatoes because they are fresh, light and can be used in so many different ways. I particularly like them on a bruschetta with Italian olive oil.

Best thing on a barbecue? Seafood is wonderful on a barbeque, especially salmon or trout with a little seasoning.

Lazy summer picnic dish? That would have to be antipasti, a selection of Italian cured meats, olives, Parmesan, rocket and some homemade focaccia, maybe washed down with a nice light Italian wine.

A nice meal recently? I recently enjoyed a delicious seafood fregola and a great bottle of white wine. It really made me feel like summer is on its way!

Tel: 0191 201 9988 www.holidayinn.co.uk/newcastleuk

Tel: 01642 782 242 www.luciasitaliankitchen.co.uk

Nathan Churchill-Dewar

Victoria Vassallo

Chef de partie HOTEL INDIGO

Head Chef CHAPTERS HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Favourite summer ingredient? It would have to be the radish. I think it looks fantastic on a dish and it has a nice pepper taste to add.

Best thing on a barbecue? There’s so many more to choose from but it would have to be the traditional banger.

Lazy summer picnic dish? I love pork pies, scotch eggs, potato salad and many more so I can’t really pick one out in particular.

A nice meal recently? It has to be my mum’s lasagne. Best in the world, I would eat it every day if I could. It’s always packed with meat and a million different flavours which complement each other and you get to mop it up with some crusty garlic bread.

Favourite summer ingredient?

I love summer ingredients especially watermelon. It reminds me of where I was brought up and I used to pick them from the fields myself.

Best thing on a barbecue?

Fresh king prawns marinated in coriander, lime and chilli.

Lazy summer picnic dish?

Mediterranean salad with grilled vegetables, pesto and roasted croutons.

A nice meal recently?

I am not usually a pizza fan but I had a Ciaro pizza two weeks ago and I really enjoyed it...

Tel: 0191 300 9222 www.hotelindigonewcastle.co.uk

Tel: 01642 711 888 www.chaptershotel.co.uk

Joe Tay lor

Hea d Che f at Brasserie Hud son Qua y

in the mix Childhood food memory?

My primary school had wonderful dinners – my now sous chef Tony Jones and I would often go back for thirds!

A wine that inspires me?

The majestic Barolo – a deliciously deep red wine from the Piedmont region of North West Italy.

Inspirational chef?

Marcus Wareing who believes in promoting seasonal British food and is a champion of the great British cuisine.

Last meal you ate?

Fajitas, fresh tomato salsa, sour cream and diced avocado.

Your last food and wine would be?

Roast spring lamb with Jersey Royals, panache of fresh seasonal veg and that all-important mint sauce. Washed down with a chilled Grele 2012 Château de Roquefort rose.

Favourite food and wine city?

It’s got to be Marseilles. Geographically, located on the Provence coast alongside the Camargue and the fertile Rhona delta, – its abundance of fresh produce and seafood is remarkable plus the Rhone wines are legendry.

Favourite ingredients?

Lamb with fresh herbs and potatoes in all their infinite varieties with their huge range of flavour and textures.

Tel: 01642 261 166 www.brasseriehudsonquay.com

MAY/JUN14

43

Xxxxxxxx

n i e r l Ful hion s a f

royals n i a t er an o a cflurry me fine t s k n t thar’s social days andes up o h e ss ar ce me Hats and sumust for ra. Luxe dre Kateey’re a m parties th

Ted Baker Lime dress with collar detail, £168.99, Psyche

44

MAY/JUN14

MAKING HEADLINES

Horsing around Headline

Floral print tea-dress, ÂŁ285, MaxMara, French Salon, Fenwick

MAY/JUN14

45

BIG DAY DRESSING

TREND WATCH with Catherine Newton

As invitations for summer weddings, days at the races and evening soirees build up it’s time to talk occasionwear.

Here’s my guide to picking pieces you will love forever.

Whether you’re a mother of the bride, a wedding guest or someone looking for the perfect outfit for an important occasion, I recommend investing in something special you can deconstruct and wear again. Here’s how!

Matching Separates Cropped trousers, sleek pencil skirts and flirty peplums all come in matching colours, fabrics and prints this season and pairing up these ‘matchy-matchy’ partners can create a very polished look for even the most formal occasion.

Look to MaxMara and Reiss to find contemporary pieces you will be able to split up and wear again after your big event. My personal favourites are a beautiful bronze peplum top and coordinating pencil skirt by MaxMara Studio; together the duo are perfect for a formal evening engagement but separately both pieces can be dressed down and slotted into your work-wear wardrobe, they will become your ‘go-to’ pieces when you need to look smart!

The Top Coat The top coat is my true wardrobe must-have for anyone concerned about the weather on their special day. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your outfit for formal photographs and should the weather change suddenly you will be the one smiling as those around you pull their pashminas ever closer!

This season look for concealed buttons, round necks and cropped sleeves. This style means that after the big day is over you can match your new jacket up with skinny jeans or cigarette pants. You can find top coats on Weekend by MaxMara and LK Bennett – a real investment piece.

Embellish with Accessories A statement bag can add the finishing touch to any outfit so investing in something really special for an important event can take your look to the next level. Clutches are a big trend again this summer, from big envelope style pouches to mini box bags, the ever elegant clutch bag is a great option for your special day.

For something with wow factor go for MCQ by Alexander McQueen; the label’s beautiful leather box bags with gothic embellishment will add some sparkle to any outfit.

Equally Mulberry’s range of mini clutch bags with chain straps will add a touch of glamour to your look. Look for detachable straps and handles as versatility is the key to being able to use an item time and time again.

Keep it Simple To complete your outfit you need to choose the right footwear. My tip would be to keep it simple, don’t over complicate the matter by choosing something that matches the pattern on your dress or bag. Invest in a smart pair of courts or stilettos. Russell and Bromley and LK Bennett both offer a good range of classics that you will soon rely on for important occasions.

Caring for your footwear will make sure your heels stay in good condition so always keep them in a box and try to spray them with leather protector.

Our dedicated fashion stylist is always ready to give you advice on outfits for any occasion.

Get in touch at personalshopping@fenwick.co.uk 0191 232 5100

Turquoise print dress, £85, Coast, Metrocentre

The hot hat guide Nicky Sadler knows her hats. She has a huge showroom at her home, Applegarth Farm near Northallerton, where our shoot took place. She can find any hat for any head in any colour to suit any shape and work with any outfit, from a Buckingham Palace garden party to Ladies’ Day at York’s Ebor Festival.

She loves the Duchess of Cambridge’s hat collection – and says the ‘Kate effect’ has made hats popular again, particularly among young women who love to copy her style.

“Kate really knows what suits her – she buys from the high street but then mixes it with a designer piece – she is a fan of Whiteley and Rosie Olivia hats which we can supply.”

Hats: • Should never be wider than the shoulders or you will look like a mushroom!

• Think about the size of your hat if you’re somewhere that has Portaloos – they aren’t easy to negotiate in a big brim.

• A hat should sit under the natural bump at the back of your head.

• If you’re in one colour break up the outfit with a contrasting hat and another item – either shoes or a bag but not both – or it’s too ‘matchy-matchy’.

• For the races you can think big – go as bold as you fancy – the hat and shoes should be as comfy as each other to see you through the day.

Mothers-of-the-bride: You will be kissing, running around, sorting people out – can your hat handle it? The hat and shoes should be as comfy as each other to see you through the day To eliminate ‘hat hair’ use as little ‘product’ on your hair as you can – that’s what heats up when your head gets hot and plays havoc with your hair A good hair style for hats is a ‘less is more’ low, sleek bun into the nape of the neck – this works well on brunettes.

Blondes look good with a ‘messy bun’ because of the tones and shades in their hair.

Catherine Newton is Head of Womenswear at Fenwick, Newcastle

46

MAY/JUN14

MAKING HEADLINES

Lime maxi dress, by Darling, £68, Have to Love, Gosforth

MAY/JUN14

47

MAKING HEADLINES

Mink dress by Marc Cain, £285, Pink jacket, £299, MaxMara, French Salon, Fenwick

48

MAY/JUN14

Bright pink dress, right, Bernshaw, £350, Have to Love, Gosforth. Bright pink dress, left, DVF, £299, French Salon, Fenwick

Hats: All hats by Get Ahead Hats, Applegarth Farm, Welbury, prices from £45 to hire.

Applegarth Farm, Welbury, Northallerton, North Yorks, DL6 2SF Tel: 01609 882106 nicky@getaheadhats.co.uk www.getaheadhats.co.uk/showrooms/northallerton Photography: Kevin Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk Model: Joy from Tyne Tees Models www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk Hair & make-up Becca Hunton www.facebook.com/beccahuntonhairandmakeup 07816 223296 Styling: Fiona McLain With thanks to our horses, Murphy and Paddy and their owners, Abi Sadler and Jacqueline Chappell Stockists: Fenwick, Newcastle www.fenwick.co.uk IntuMetroCentre www.intumetrocentre.co.uk Have to Love, Gosforth www.havetolove.com Psyche, Middlesbrough www.psyche.co.uk

MAY/JUN14

49

SASSY DAYWEAR

LIVE TO SHOP with WENDY GIBSON

LUXE LOVES Stroking a lamb Lamb is a lovely handbag brand with proud Yorkshire roots. Gorgeous, soft leathers make touchy-feely bags that are subtle not show-off and at purse-cool prices. Audrey clutch, back, £135, Cannes clutch with chain, £150. www.lamb1887.com

The Royals’ Down Under tour has been manna from heaven for the fashion industry.

We woke up each morning to breathless descriptions of the clothes and accessories that had been worn the day before and their designer’s details. Cue sell outs at Tory Burch, DVF, LK Bennett, Hobbs, and others.

Me and Em, formerly known as the Pyjama Room, had been something of an insider secret. Until Kate wore THAT Breton T-shirt, yacht racing with her other half in New Zealand. And the Me and Em switchboard and website went into meltdown.

Long a fan myself, I’ve got their Kate striped T-shirt. Next on my list the very French-looking DJ shirt, in contrasting crisp cotton front, and jersey sleeves, in black and white, or softer grey and white.

With a long silhouette it’s the perfect shirt to wear out, with a pair of tailored trousers for the office, or even for a hot date. And their “hero” dress this season, plain but beautifully cut, comes in burnt red, or navy with raglan sleeves, and just the right amount of flare.

Finding great workwear though can be a real nightmare.

For my evening events I’ve now got posh frocks cracked – Alice and Olivia, Temperley, and when they’re in the sale, Jenny Packham and Amanda Wakeley. But finding appropriate, but interesting, and quirky daywear, can be a conundrum.

Which is probably why Kate Middleton turned to such solid names as American designers Tory Burch and Diane von Furstenberg, and her tried and tested – but sometimes just too middle of the road for me, LK Bennett.

Me and Em, as mentioned earlier, are always useful as are Baukjen and Anthropologie.

Of course, it’s always worth remembering Fenwick for useful business wear too. In my sights right now, their Daisy print Moschino Cheap and Chic fitted dress. Ladylike and rebellious at the same time. The daisy print, a theme Moschino have used extensively this season in their collections, also comes in cigarette pants.

Check out also some very comfortable and wearable DVF dresses in Fenwick’s, in vibrant colours. And Harvey Nichols – online or instore – boasts a great range of gorgeous dresses with distinctive prints from the ever on-trend Mary Katrantzou, that are far from boring business wear!

If you’re looking for one-offs then it’s worth checking out the Shabby Shack for vintage clothes, and accessories.

Tucked away at the bottom of the Tyne Valley garden centre in Mickley there appears a house fit for a hobbit.

Sue Lawrence, who in the past has made beautiful clothes that have been worn on the catwalks at London Fashion Week, has sourced vintage clothing, from prom dresses to delicate antique purses and bags. Star of the show when I visited was a dress and jacket by the famed Travilla, who dressed Marilyn Monroe in most of her film roles.

The emphasis is on vintage, and recycling, and upcycling.

And one of Sue’s co-workers Graham Henry does a beautiful line in bespoke Adirondack wooden chairs for the garden, in distressed, Farrow & Ball colours – the perfect perch to soak up summer!

As well as being a shopping supremo, shoe-a-holic and general lover of all things luxe, Wendy Gibson is a broadcaster, presenter and event host in the North East

50

MAY/JUN14

Take three... summer essentials >>

playing out

The frock > Ted Baker cream ‘Flowers At High Tea’ 50s dress, £178.99

The bag > Michael Kors’ mandarin Selma leather satchel, £313.99

Summer social >> Reasons to get cheerfully dressed-up, pop some corks, pack the picnic (not forgetting the wellies) 26 MAY

The shades > Gucci women’s cream signature sunglasses, £188.99, all Psyche, Middlesbrough

Show time! Dress code: More Dubarry than designer. A hessian holdall and an Emma Bridgewater cake-tin for your bake-off entry. Northumberland County Show www.northcountyshow.co.uk

The award-winning Psyche designer store in Linthorpe Road Middlesbrough has just upped its game for the girls – with the launch of its new-look womenswear department, bringing a host of new names and ranges to fashion-savvy customers who love to linger over their shopping decisions. The browse-friendly womenswear floor has acres of space, dedicated designer sections, including a new footwear department and a relaxed feel to make your shopping decisions unhurried and enjoyable. Whether your fix is occasion-wear to make a statement on racedays or the need to find the perfect pair of jeans, the store is all about making it easy and fun. It’s a bit of a fashion playground – without the grown-ups telling you, ‘time to go home!’ www.psyche.co.uk

Water ways. Dress code: Breton stripes and lots of navy. Anything waterproof.

June 14-15 Durham Regatta www.durham-regatta.org.uk

14-15 JUNE

My summer social >> Helen Barbour lives in Gosforth and is ambassador for the Barbour Clothing business. “We have a box at Newcastle Races which we mostly use for the Barbour Foundation – we offer it as a prize at auctions so charities can use it.

“We always go to the Fighting Fifth meeting at Newcastle – the big card race and of course Plate Day is a big one for entertaining. Ladies’ Day in July is when I tend to use it with my girlfriends.

“When I think of summer I used to love the Kite Festival and the Air Show too.”

Jacqueline Chappell is on the organising committee for Hurworth Hunt and lives in North Yorkshire.

“This summer a big event for my friends and I is a ball in aid of Macmillan and Teesside Hospice we’re organising at Sowerby under Cotliffe near Northallerton.

“We also were involved in the point to point at Hutton Rudby and we do an Ascot Ladies’ Day lunch in the village hall which is a big dress-up affair!

“Another big thing for us is the Puppy

MAY/JUN14

Show at the hunt kennels at Rounton at the beginning of June.”

Calvin Moore and Andrew Bennett organise the fabulous Moorbennhall Charity Ball every year which gets their social season started.

Their summer social life seems pretty exhausting!

“In May there’s the Lobster Festival in May, then competing with horses at Northumberland County Show.

“June we head to the Dragonfly Gem Appeal Charity Ball in Manchester, to Bolesworth international VIP Show Jumping Event Cheshire, holiday in our apartment in Marbella then back for the Newcastle Plate Festival.

“In July we are hosting a Private Chef Dinner Party with Dave Hayden from Hayden’s Kitchens and we will be competing with our horses at the Great Yorkshire Show – then it’s back to Marbella.

“Later in the year it’s the VIP Hardwick Live Garden Party in September and the Oyster festival. We compete at the Horse of the Year Show in October and join Denise Welch for her charity ball in November – and it’s Kylie in concert Newcastle – phew!”

6 JULY Enjoy Wimbledon men’s final day with an afternoon tea party with a difference at The Black Swan, Helmlsey. Your ticket gives you access to the VIP area, a glass of champagne on arrival and afternoon tea, VIP seating to watch the men’s final on the large outdoor screen, followed later by champagne, strawberries and cream, and jazz band entertainment. £45pp. To book: 01439 770466. www.blackswan-hotelhelmsley

4-6 JULY Dress code: Cashmere blanket, Hunters and a hamper. Brinkburn Music Festival, Northumberland. Stunning outdoor setting and world-class music. www.brinkburnmusic.org

8-10 JULY Great Yorkshire Show www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

13 JULY Wetherby Food Festival www.wetherbyfoodfestival.co.uk

26 July Colingwood Insurance Beeswing Ladies’ Day www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk

16 August Castle Howard’s Great British Proms Spectacular with the English National Orchestra performing works by many of the world’s greatest composers and star guests from the classical world performing. 0844 318 7000 www.castlehoward.co.uk

20 AUGUST Egton Show www.egtonshow.co.uk

20-23 August Ebor Festival, York www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

RACE AWAY Dress code; Go for it! Designer to the hilt and a fake tan for Beeswing Ladies’ Day. 16&17 May Meeting, York Racecourse 18 May Daisy Chain Ladies’ Race Day at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield. Tickets, £30 each. Book on 01642 531248.

7-8 June Derby, Epsom 18 June Royal Ascot, Ladies Day 19 June Hurworth Hunt celebrates Ascot with its own Ladies’ Day at Hutton Rudby Village Hall –a grand, dress-up affair. www.hurworthhunt.co.uk 19 June The Cleveland Tontine – afternoon tea, talking hats with Nicky Salder and Ladies’ Day races. www.clevelandtontine.co.uk 19 June Ladies’ Day Ripon Races www.riponraces.co.uk 21 June Ladies’ day at Redcar Racecourse www.redcarracing.co.uk 22 June Hexham Races Ladies’ Day, Yarridge Heights - prizes for ‘best-dressed’. www.hexham-racecourse.co.uk 28 June Northumberland Plate, Newcastle Racecourse www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk

51

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Serious sunshine bling Need your sunnies to make a statement – this is as glam as it gets! Bvlgari signature diamante detailing sunglasses, £370. www.wadeopticians.com

52

MAY/JUN14

BRITISH HAIRDRESSING AWARDS WINNER 2013

NEW PONTELAND SALON OPENING MAY 2014 For further information call 0191 217 0217 Like our Facebook page for latest trends and special offers Darlington 01325 468 994 Gosforth 0191 217 0217 Jesmond 0191 281 6714 Wynyard 01740 644 690

www.hookerandyoung.co.uk Facebook/hooker&young Twitter @hookerandyoung

plaits gorgeous

Braid up Michael Young and Gary Hooker run award-winning Hooker & Young, with five salons regionwide.

See www.hookerandyoung.co.uk for salon details.

54

May is shaping up to be a super busy month for us, kicking off with a trip to Frankfurt in Germany where we will take to the stage with a ‘Pop Art’ inspired show at the annual industry event ‘Hair World’.

Every year sees a different country play host to this huge event with tens of thousands of hairdressers waiting to be inspired by ‘what’s hot’ and exciting in the world of hairdressing.

As far as we’re concerned, what’s hot and happening in our world is the opening of our fifth salon – in Ponteland. We’re excited about our new venture and it promises to be the ultimate luxury hairdressing experience, with stylish state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings, free car parking and a treatment list to die for!

For the first time we will be offering exclusive H&Y hair and beauty treatments under one roof - including nails, lashes and brows to get you looking uber gorgeous.

Your one-stop party-prep palace!

Meanwhile, on the hair front, spring 2014 has seen a

new trend that ‘A’ listers like Sienna Miller, Charlize Theron and Nicole Richie are all rocking. Braids are back and they’re big business this summer, keeping you looking bang on trend.

Whether you’re sipping cocktails in Jesmond, Marbella or Monaco this look is super stylish and can be adapted for both long and shorter styles.

Our model here shows how a braid at the front can create a cool swept look yet still maintain a full textured look which works perfectly from day to night.

Equally, braids can be continued throughout the side to create a disconnected almost undercut feel; this would work better on one side only allowing the other side to fall free.

Shorter styles look equally as stylish, keeping the braids soft, loose and quite random so they look more catwalk chic and less school girl geek.

The colour here is the perfect sun-kissed multi-tonal look for brunettes, the placement of different shades creates a lived-in colour that’s warm, light and lustrous in equal measure.

So what are you waiting for... time to get summer stylish.

MAY/JUN14

COMFORT ZONE

MOUTH MATTERS with MIKE HEADS

“Men are from Mars, women are from Venus”… and dentists are from hell... an opinion held by many would-be patients.

Many would openly say that they hate dentists, not least my wife who, after being married to me for 36 years, announced a couple of weeks ago that she hated me with my dentist hat on, but I was all right when I was off duty! I was more concerned about the “all right” bit, but it did focus my thoughts on why dentists attract such a horrific profile.

Dentists are regularly included in a list of “what people hate most” alongside spiders and snakes and often this hate actually equates to fear. Common causes of this fear are often attributed to drills, needles, smells, noises, gagging reflexes, concern over whether the treatment will hurt etc., but lack of communication and information can be the biggest problem area for patients who are nervous. Fear of the unknown in any area of our lives can lead to those awful stomachchurning periods where we wish we could turn the clock back and return to those familiar surroundings and be with unthreatening objects or people. Time spent discussing treatment plans, what’s involved in various procedures and answering patients’ questions is key to excellent communication and allays many misunderstandings and fears.

Of course, childhood memories of unpleasant dental experiences or fear transposed from one generation to another does nothing to alleviate patient anxieties, but modern dentistry is a far cry from caravans in school playgrounds and scarves wrapped round your face after an extraction. Twenty first century dentistry takes us into a world of luxurious, relaxing clinics, crowns, bridges, veneers, dental implants, tooth whitening, a culture of preventative dentistry and rapidly advancing dental technology.

Sometimes the “hate” word is used because patients have experienced poor service and staff who have been indifferent to their needs and concerns. In general, great service goes hand in hand with great quality care and nowadays there are many dental practices who strive to excel in both domains.

Running alongside all of this are patient fears that they are not receiving value for money, but dentistry is no different to most service industries – “you only get what you pay for.”

Spiralling dental material costs and laboratory bills play a major part in the calculation of these costs – unfortunately, better quality dental materials and laboratory work will cost you more. Similarly, those dentists who have a wealth of experience in certain fields of dentistry will command higher rates for their skill. Understanding how your proposed treatment cost has been calculated should put to bed fears of “being ripped off.”

By investing time with my patients and letting them know what I plan to do and how I plan to do it at every stage of their treatment, the “unknown” becomes the “known” and their imagination does not have to run riot with scary procedures and scary bills. I believe from then on, trust becomes the key factor and the subsidiary issues become less significant. The hated dentist then becomes the facilitator of preventative care, lessening the need for restorative work with its associated patient concerns and fears. Dentists are from hell – a matter of opinion, but those who care about their patients are definitely from planet Earth.

Mike is Practice Principal at Cleveland Cosmetic and Dental Implant Clinic www.clevelandcosmetic.co.uk

56

Breathe easy

A fine touch for some stressed shoulders was the perfect therapy at Matfen Hall’s Spa, as Eva Heath discovered

It’s not until I’m in the hands of an expert masseur that the amount of tension that’s built up across my neck and shoulders suddenly hits home. Sitting in front of a computer screen most days certainly takes its toll on the tendons so a good going-over by somebody who really knows about knots is a real treat.

I emerged from Matfen Hall’s spa suite like a cat that’s just had a troublesome thorn removed from its paw with the newly-formed resolution that any lottery win that might (please God) come my way will be spent on the services of a personal masseur. I hardly dare mention the name of the therapist in question as her appointment book is probably already jammed some months in advance but, as a service to Luxe readers, I shall - just don’t tell anybody.

Tracey Milburn is the lovely lady in question whose healing hands have more than 20 years’ experience.

Tracey has an instinctive touch and seems able to search out knots like a sniffer dog on a Northumbrian fell looking for lost ramblers. She tells me that although massage techniques can be learned, that sense of touch is something that takes a longer time to acquire.

I was at Matfen to sample the popular Spa Day Escape and the treatment of the month (it being April and Easter) was the Relaxing Chocolate Orange Body Exfoliation and Signature Back Massage.

Now I’ve had choccie treatments before which have been – how shall I put this nicely? – rather a little too chocolatey. Whilst I could cheerfully eat a whole chocolate orange (it’s not Terry’s, it’s mine) – that doesn’t mean I want to step out of the treatment room smelling

like one. My fears were quickly allayed – as the citrus notes in this scrub prevent the chocolate being too overwhelming. Indeed this was one of the best treatments I can ever remember having. Tracey began with a little light body brushing before dripping warmed oil the length of my body. To use the words of another (Fair Trade) chocolate bar – Divine.

Just as the taste of something sweet can be intensified by the addition of something sour (or vice versa), the smoothness of the oil in this treatment is offset by the glorious application of the exfoliating scrub that really wakes up the senses and gives a real tingle to your skin.

After a nice gritty massage, you shower it all off and then return to the couch for the Signature massage. I’d asked Tracey to give my neck and shoulders some special attention on the advice of my friend who came out of her massage, to quote Jack Black, all ‘loosey goosey’.

Tracey really gets into those tightened areas using her fingers, wrists, even elbows to literally iron out the tangled mess of muscular tension.

“I really should do this more often,” I tell her as the Buddhist prayer bells chime time on my massage. “You can’t afford me,” she laughs. And sadly, on a daily basis, that’s true. But I make a mental note to return for the Tracey treatment certainly within the next six months – until my lottery numbers come up that is.

Of course the massage is just an hour or so out of the whole spa day experience which is filled with other treats too. The lunch is a lovely part of the package and you can enjoy it, as we did, in our robes in a private room just for spa users, overlooking the sweeping golf course.

Despite it being a spa day, you’re not expected to graze on carrot or celery sticks with a miso soup. It’s an

BEAUTY WATCH with VICTORIA LEES

Spa tips for managing stress Stress – we all suffer from it from time to time and it’s a medical fact that stress can have a major effect on your health, wellness and looks. While periods of stress are unavoidable, there are some great tools available to manage the symptoms of stress, making you beautiful from the inside out.

Meditation >> It is well worth researching the variety of meditation methods available, I am a big fan of ‘Mindfulness Meditation’, which I perceive to be about being in the moment. After just 10 minutes, my head feels clearer and I somehow just feel more capable. There are lots of online tools and books available to help with this.

The power of touch >>

MAY/JUN14

Join by calling on

0871 222 4688

Live the life unlimited.

JOIN THE NEW SLALEY COUNTRY CLUB. GOLF

extensive menu with healthy yet tasty choices like poached salmon fillet but both my friend and I ditched the ‘health muck’ for the day and opted for a really good burger with French fries and a rump of lamb. My lamb was nicely lean however and was accompanied with mash and a red wine jus. Gorgeous. And we shared our desserts – an attractive slate of local cheeses plus a crunchy topped creme brulee with pistachio. There was no need for food guilt either as we’d ploughed up and down the pool several times. Of course real gym bunnies can use the newly revamped state-of-the-art Technogym, but that wasn’t for us. But we are very excited about the £150,000 investment the hotel is making in a new range of thermal experiences. The new suite will include an aromatherapy room; a new steam room offering almost a hundred per cent humidity to cleanse and stimulate the body’s circulation and a traditional sauna. We’ll update!

Spa at Matfen Hall, call 01661 886500 www. matfenhall.com.

Spa experience days start at £80

UNLIMITED

GOLF SHOP

spa

treatments

20% OFF

USE OF THE LEISURE CLUB

food & drink

EXCLUSIVE

MEMBERS LOUNGE with FREE hot & Cold drinks

MEMBER SOCIAL EVENTS

10% OFF

15% OFF

UNLIMITED

EXCLUSIVE

PREFERENTIAL ROOM RATE For members

EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS CAR PARK

SLALEY

Slaley Hall, Slaley, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 0BX

www.devere-hotels.co.uk/scc1914

Terms and conditions apply. See website for details. Calls to 0871 numbers cost 10p per minute plus network extras.

CREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES

CLEVELAND COSMETIC & DENTAL IMPLANT CLINIC

Whether it is a foot rub from your partner or an expert massage at a relaxing spa, touch is a great healer. Ever since you were little you had the reflex to rub your knee when you fell, knowing instinctively that it would make it feel better. Massage is a wonderful tool for not only melting away tension, but for also reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. There’s even ‘Couples’ Massage’ tuition available these days so that you have a masseuse at your disposal whenever the need takes!

Press pause >> Stop, breathe, relax. Easier said than done but take a walk somewhere beautiful, read a book, paint an abstract, treat yourself to some fabulous bath salts or oils and allow yourself some time just to ‘be.’

Time with friends >> Another great cortisol-lowering tool is

MAY/JUN14

laughter. It is the best medicine after all. Get together with your funniest friend, the one who makes you howl with laughter and have some fun. A spa day with friends is the perfect way to unwind and catch up – whether you’ve got just a few hours, a day or a little longer.

Products >> There are all sorts of lotions and potions out that promise to help with stress-related skin issues but make sure you get one that is right for you and your skin. Murad offer a brilliant prescriptive range for everything from redness, dry patches, deep wrinkles, acne, blemishes and more. Why not chill out with some soothing music and a face mask once a week – perfect. And relax…

• • • • • • •

Cosmetic Dentistry Dental Implants Same Day Teeth Smile Makeovers Teeth Whitening Facial Aesthetics Direct access to our National Award Winning Hygienist

www.clevelandcosmetic.co.uk Greenfields House, Wellburn Road, Fairfield, Stockton-on-Tees TS19 7PP T: 01642 570147, F: 01642 570 870, E: info@cdic.co.uk

Victoria is based at The Spa, Rockliffe Hall.

57

up with the lark

FITNESS! with Leila Bramwell

Beauty:update A sweep of summer beauty treats

Sweet stuff >> Bobbi Brown’s new Raw Sugar Shimmer Brick Eye Palette is simply irresistible for summer. The palette features a mix of shades in toasted browns and warm sugars - just sweep a brush across for a soft wash of customisable colour. From counters regionwide, £35.

So with the weather finally looking brighter and lighter days and nights upon us there’s more exercise time available. It’s much easier to exercise when it’s light outside but is there a best time of day to exercise?

Studies have shown that the best time of the day to do cardio training i.e. running for weight management, is the morning as the body burns fat for fuel rather than energy stores from food eaten that day.

Strength training, however, is different as most studies find strength is at a low point in the morning and gradually increases until it peaks in the early evening.

So if your training involves a lot of strength and power-based exercises, chances are you’ll perform a little better if you hit the gym after work.

One of the main reasons people give for not exercising regularly is lack of time.

So, for many people, the best time to exercise is the time that is most convenient and the time that fits into a busy schedule.

In general, if you can find a time for exercise that you can stick with consistently, you will be much more likely to train regularly and get better results.

Art attack Clarins fun new Limited Edition Lip Balm Crayons, £18, are buttery soft. The crayons come in six sheer luminous colours which hydrate like a lip balm and offer the shine of a gloss. Try the My Pink shade which reacts with the pH of lips to create a unique colour. It really does work!

Go with the glow Shine on << Beach-ready skin with a gorgeous sultry sheen with Bobbi Brown’s moisturising Beach Body Oil, £24.

It contains essential oils of olive, sesame, avocado and jojoba plus vitamins E and C to soften and nourish skin and smells divine.

Targets – hamstrings, abdominals, spine, scapula placement I use this exercise a lot. This can be made easier by leaning back from sitting, go back as low as you can keeping legs and feet on the ground. Then sit up tall.

To make it more challenging you can do the following move with a ball squeezed in your ankles. This adds inner thigh connection and stronger core connection.

Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion is a delicately fragranced gradual tanner, £34.50. You really can’t go wrong with this as the rich moisturiser is easily absorbed, blends flawlessly and is completely streak-free.

Eyes in focus Clinique’s new Lash Power Feathering Mascara has a new feathery brush to build lashes without flaking or smudging.

It comes in Black Onyx and Dark Chocolate shades, £18.

1) Lie face up, legs out straight and feet flexed. With arms behind head and shoulders down, pull in your abdominal muscles.

2) Inhale and reach arms towards ceiling.

3) Exhale and come up controlled (don’t launch forward) and stretch out as long as your hamstrings will allow.

4) Inhale and slowly sit up, stacking each vertebra until you are sitting tall with shoulders down and head lengthened.

5) Exhale and slowly without lifting feet, pelvic tilt to go through your lumbar and place your back one vertebrae at a time until you return to start position.

Good health in 2014 Leila Bramwell

Soft and supple Sun-kissed

In Health and Happiness Leila Bramwell www.shapingfutures.co.uk Pilates and Fitness Studio, Durham City

58

Clarins new Colours of Brazil summer makeup collection includes new Limited Edition Summer Bronzing Compact, £30, which warms up the complexion beautifully with its blend of softening brown and terracotta.

L’Occitane’s Supple Skin Oil, £35, is soft and hydrating and positively melts into skin. The addition of almond oil imparts a wonderful scent. Its new complex also helps improve firmness – always a plus point!

From stores in Eldon Square, Newcastle and Metrocentre.

MAY/JUN14

Breathe easy Not strictly for the body but Jo Malone’s limited edition Silk Blossom candle with surely soothe the mind. Proceeds from the Silk Blossom range will support charity gardens nationwide, £42. www.jomalone.co.uk and on counter at Fenwick, Newcastle.

classics A couple of new fragrance treats have found their way to the Chanel counter in Fenwick, Newcastle.

The latest incarnation of its famous No5 is Eau Premiere, a lighter version of the classic – a bit like its cheeky little sister.

Meanwhile, the Exclusifs bespoke fragrance range which is only on limited availability has now been launched in an intense and very luxurious 15ml pure perfume collection at £155.

The Jersey Extrait is summer in a bottle – stunning essence of lavender right from those Provence fields.

MAY/JUN14

Exclusive Hair & Beauty by

Bannatyne Health Club, Eden Tce, Belmont. 0191 386 3055 Wynyard Hall Hotel, Wynyard 01740 665 404

59

breezy living in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

Stately summer breezing Be inspired to have a ‘friends-round’ summer. A new book from the people who invented the hip hotel is here to inspire...

We might not all have a Babington House to call our own but the fact is that not far from most of our front doors a bit of its style has seeped through the brickwork.

Babington House in Somerset was probably the first real boutique hotel with its laid-back, shabby chic style. An undefined look and a lifestyle easy to fall in love with.

Sociable, stylish, somewhat eco, definitely organic, certainly covetable. Essential ingredients: lots of bashed-up furniture – ideally reclaimed from a granary nearby. Non-matchy furnishings and lashings of art – not to mention the art of making the perfect bed! Babington is part of the Soho House group of clubs and hotels founded by Nick Jones.

Properties that are pretty much the benchmark of cool for the grown-ups in hipster spots. A new coffee-table perfect book, Eat Drink Nap guides you through the Soho House way of doing things. It’s a tricky act to balance – grit and glamour, cool and cosy – a blueprint for stylish living wherever your own personal Babington is. Summer socialising features heavily on its pages: Take a look at Nick’s tricks and be inspired: Babington Blueprint Flowers > Flowers look pretty at any party – but you don’t need to spend a fortune or take a course in floristry to make your arrangements look good. Visit a local flower market or cutting garden and buy a few varieties in bulk.

Use whatever vessels you have to hand – they don’t need to match and they don’t have to be traditional vases.

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the prettiest – jam jars filled with sweetpeas or old cleaned-up cans with a single peony stem. If you’re having table decorations for

a more formal party, be mindful of your guests’ eye-line – they don’t want their view over the table completely obscured by flowers.

Tent party > If you’re planning a big event then a tent party works really well with informal decor a great way to put people at ease. Sharing some big pies and puddings on the table is far more sociable than a buffet or plated meal.

Finish off with some well-thought-out touches for extra comfort, and some snacks for later. Simple wooden trestle 124 tables are lined with mismatched chairs and dressed with assorted vintage crockery, cutlery, glassware and vases to give it all an ‘accidental’ feel. Bunting adds a hint of country charm, and little details finish it off: wooden crates for florals, baskets of scarves in case it gets chilly and old milk churns as umbrella stands. When you’re cooking for a lot of people, nothing beats a home-made pie. Everybody loves them, they’re easy to make on a large scale, and they’re very affordable too. Just place them all the way down the tables so that people can dig in and help themselves, and serve with big bowls of peas. Don’t waste time and effort on making fancy desserts and plating up individual portions.

By this point in the meal, guests usually just want a taste of something sweet and are starting to move around. We like big sharing puddings – usually one fruity, like Eton Mess, and one chocolate, like a chocolate and caramel tart – for people to tuck into.

Outdoor essentials > Try light bulbs in jam jars rigged up on rope. Vases, pots or even paper bags with a nightlight in them weighted down with sand look pretty. Bring home comforts outside – console tables (or apple crates) for resting drinks, lots of outdoor cushions. Throws are very important too – always have a big pile of cosy knitted or wool blankets for when the cool of the evening sets in.

—

—

Rustic indoor style rules: Sisal rugs are great by country house doorways and entrances – they don’t really show the mud. In the country, and especially in old buildings, a muted palette for paints, fabrics and furnishings works better than anything too shouty. Babington uses the garden and surrounding countryside as our inspiration, so there are lots of greys, greens, buttermilk creams and sages.

Use painted wood and natural surfaces like stone, brick, sisal and tiles. Painted wood is especially useful because it’s smart, but soft on the eye.

It’s also low-cost and easy to do yourself. Sisal rugs bring an added element of texture to a space. You can get away with prettier designs in large country spaces than in the city, and the delicate prints used at Babington add softness to the stone, brick and wooden beams. William Morris prints are classically English and can help bring a timeless feel to a newly decorated space. Use smaller, busier floral prints mixed in with plainer ones, and choose more intricately detailed furniture, mirrors and lamps. Don’t be afraid of pretty details.

Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, hemp, velvet and wool work best, rather than anything with a high sheen. Texture and warmth is important as well, so layer soft blankets, big squishy cushions and rugs on sofas.

Note the period of the building and location of the room.

What’s under the carpet? Floorboards might be worth sanding or painting. Look up at the ceiling – is anything worth highlighting? If not, paint a single colour.

Stick to plain walls if you’re using lots of furniture and go for wallpaper or wooden panelling to add interest if you’re not.

Eat Drink Nap, £30

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the prettiest – jam jars filled with sweetpeas or old cleaned-up cans with a single peony stem

60

MAY/JUN14

SE Tip

ACK DOWN SOME N LiGHTS – USUAL THAN iGHTS, THEY LD-FASHiONED OUND CHARM

3. SMAlleR PRINTS. You can get away with prettier design in large country spaces than in the city, and the delicate prints we use at Babington add softness to the stone, brick and wooden beams. William Morris prints are classically english and can help bring a timeless feel to a newly decorated space. use smaller, busier floral prints mixed in with plainer ones, and choose more intricately detailed furniture, mirrors and lamps. Don’t be afraid of pretty details.

4. TRADITIoNAl FABRICS. Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, hemp, velvet and wool work best, rather than anything with a high sheen. Texture and warmth is important as well, so layer soft blankets, big squishy cushions and rugs on sofas.

—132—

—133—

3. SMAlleR PRINTS. You can get away with prettier design in large country spaces than in the city, and the delicate

prints we use at Babington add softness to the stone, brick and wooden beams. William Morris prints are classically english

and can help bring a timeless feel to a newly decorated space. use smaller, busier floral prints mixed in with plainer ones, and

RTY

choose more intricately detailed furniture, mirrors and lamps. Don’t be afraid of pretty details.

—256—

—257—

4. TRADITIoNAl FABRICS. Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, hemp, velvet and wool work best, rather than anything with high sheen. Texture and warmth is important as well, so layer soft blankets, big squishy cushions and rugs on sofas.

—132—

—133—

BAB IN gToN

use was built in 1705 for henry Mompesson, Sheriff of it sits in 18 acres of countryside. The design is relaxed rt and we hope guests will feel at ease wearing anything ots to high heels. our version of rural style honours the w-key elegance that the architecture demands, while also notion of what an english country house can be.

—

MAY/JUN14

72—

—

—

130—

73—

THE LIBRARY —

HOUSE TIP

128—

61

BATHROOm, THE STABLE BLOCK —

134—

—

LAKES luxe in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

Waterside wonder

Jill Stein, former wife of chef Rick, is the design genius behind this cool, cosy and very luxe £5m waterside home on the shores of Windermere. She tells Kathryn Armstrong about her interiors inspiration

It’s a long, long way from Cornwall but the inspiring ingredients of water, space and ever-changing light made the Lake District a natural home for Jill Stein. Not her home, but one that little more than an hour’s drive from the North East could be yours – for a week at least.

Grey Gables is a new and stunning holiday retreat that has just been completed by Jill for Simon Escapes, a luxury holiday home venture from entrepreneur Simon Nixon, the man behind moneysupermarket.com The five-bedroom lakeside house is about as perfect as it gets when it comes to location – right on the edge of Lake Windermere.

Oak pillars, natural slate and Lakeland stone feature heavily in the design of Grey Gables – in the midst of what must be one of the most tranquil and sought-after locations in the Lake District.

Surrounded by trees with direct access to the water, a boathouse and jetty, it’s the perfect retreat for messing about on the water and enjoying country walks.

Jill explains: “The design inspiration for Grey Gables was to be a ski chalet/hunting lodge look. I had just completed another project in Cornwall for Simon Nixon, which was coastal.

“His house in Cornwall is almost on the beach, a completely different light coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. Very beachside. Grey Gables had to be very different,” she

62

explains. Jill started The Seafood Restaurant with husband, Rick Stein, in 1975. With Rick’s natural cooking abilities and Jill’s interior design skills, the business became world-renowned and has continued to grow over the past 36 years. It was Jill’s passion for interiors that led her to establish Jill Stein interiors in 2009.

For her Cumbrian design adventure, Jill chose a welcoming ‘ski chalet’ vibe with lots of warm colours and textures to reflect the Lake District, blending materials such as solid oak and local Burlington stone with rich colours and clever lighting.

The bespoke glass and stainless steel staircase leads to five en-suite bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, four of which have uninterrupted lake views, and three have balconies. Each of the spacious bedrooms has Vi-Spring beds.

The master room and ‘room one’ both have oval baths overlooking Lake Windermere, perfect for a sunset bathe, as well as ladders leading to spacious mezzanine ‘chill out’ areas with comfy cushions. All bathrooms have Mandarin Stone walls and giant Drench showers adding to the luxurious feel.

“Obviously Grey Gables is situated on Lake Windermere so I used a much warmer palette than for a beachside property. The one thing that excited me the most was the reclaimed terracotta tiles in the kitchen and family room. That is my favourite room I think. It was a risk as I wasn’t sure if it

would look right. It turned out so well.

“In fact so well I have used the same tiles in my own house in Cornwall that I am currently developing,” adds Jill.

The Siematic kitchen has stone surfaces and appliances by Gaggenau and these, through to the Ralph Lauren, Andrew Martin and Van Thiel furniture, offer an indulgent escape.

The kitchen leads to a breakfast area with its rustic green oak dining table and benches overlooking the lake, perfectly positioned to catch the morning sun. A few stairs then lead to a more formal dining area with a 3.5m bespoke log edge oak table made by Whetstone Oak. Antlers dotted around the house, warm plaid fabrics and faux fur rugs all contribute to the ski/hunting lodge feel. There is even a giant antler chandelier in the main Lake View living room where large double-fronted windows open onto the acre of garden. The impressive terrace has a dining area and sun loungers, as well as a BBQ area.

The property is a real ‘pleasure and peace’ den with a cinema room, pool room, log-burning fires, expansive gardens, and luxurious interiors including warm brick flooring and lime-washed oak boards.

The stone tiled entrance hall has full height glass frontage and greets guests with local sheepskin throws and an impressive tenmetre pendant chandelier.

Luxury features bring a cosy and comfortable feel. The family room’s Stuv wood burner

faced with local Burlington Stone and the secondary ‘snug’ room are both ideal for late night Scrabble and Monopoly marathons.

The cinema room has a 65-inch screen, Cambridge Audio speakers and a stunning Mah Jong sofa from Roche Bobois which creates the ultimate chill-out or party den.

The huge local Bartholomew’s walking map of the surrounding area is a good family focus-point to plan any adventure days. The downstairs utility area has a boot room kitted out with multi-coloured Hunters for country fashionistas.

Guests at the house also have access to a personal ‘concierge’ service, which can organise just about anything from advice on local sites, walking routes, and cycle hire, to shopping and dining.

Yoga, massage and beauty treatments can also be prebooked, along with private chef dining, and pre-cooked meal deliveries. *Prices from £5880 per week (£588 per person), and short breaks from £3600 for four nights midweek.

Book it for Christmas – a five-night break is £5500 from 23 or 24 December 2014.

Grey Gables is the fifth holiday home from Simon Escapes with Little Polgarron in Cornwall, Borth Cottage in Abersoch, Elkstones in the Cotswolds and Sa Llupia in Mallorca. www.simonescapes.com

MAY/JUN14

lakes luxe

The property is a real ‘pleasure and peace’ den with a cinema room, pool room, log burning fires, expansive gardens, and luxurious interiors

EXCLUSIVE STOCKISTS OF

Simply beautiful bathrooms...

• The regions leading bathroom specialists offering unrivalled expertise/product choice and a complete design / supply and install service.

• 65 beautiful displays to view • Over 40 years experience, we are a family run business Unit 4D, Airport Ind Est., Kingston Park NE3 2EF, 0191 271 5800. www.thebathroomstudio.co.uk MAY/JUN14

63

stone me!

You’re my

in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

wonder wall It’s a case of wow with the walls for a Newcastle home which was given a striking update in stone

What started out as a ‘bog-standard’ 1930s bungalow on the outskirts of Newcastle has become a tardis of a home for couple Tom and Jacky Wilson who live there with son Luke.

A decade or so ago, the modest bungalow on a leafy and lovely established lane, became something of a party palace after getting a stunning makeover.

Bi-fold doors, a bold kitchen and masses of space made it perfect for entertaining – not least for the couple’s annual ‘white party’ in the garden.

Tom used to be a TV producer working on projects such as Byker Grove. These days he runs a hairdressing wholesale company which links with the hair salon that Jacky runs in Westerhope village.

They have a full and happy social life and love their outdoorsy space – but they felt the time had come to give their main living room something of makeover.

Enter Kye Ranson, who runs Smith Ranson Interiors. He had been involved in the house project first time round.

The brief this time round was to create a low and loungey living room to replace what had been a more formal design.

But the wow factor was to be walls made from stone, something that has become a bit of a signature style for Kye in the homes he’s worked on recently.

Though the main living room is relatively small, the attention to detail made the difference, says Kye: “Before the room had high backed chairs and was quite a formal style – Tom and Jacky wanted it cosied up and made into a space where they could kick back and relax.

“For the furnishings, the look is all about textures and tones >>

64

MAY/JUN14

Unique designer furniture on display • Kitchens • Bedrooms • Interior design service www.greatlook.co.uk 0191 4913836 10th Avenue West | Team Valley | Gateshead | NE11 0HL | Opposite Retail World

stone me!

The stone wall looks effective at night lit by soft downlighters

and quite luxurious fabrics.

“That texture is added to with the stone and slate walls and they make a big impact.”

The small hallway is dark and moody with slate and a dark Harlequin wallpaper.

Into the main room and there is lightness from the striking natural stone wall – the effect is of random ‘tiles’ but they come in big sheets, “and weigh a tonne”, says Kye. The tones from the honey-coloured stone wall are muted but change with the daylight in the room – but in the evening the effect really comes into its own thanks to up and downlighters throwing shafts of light onto the stone detail.

It is dramatic and very effective – soft cream paint tones bring out a gentle country feel to the room too.

At the other end of the room Kye designed a huge L-shaped low sofa with plenty of chill-out and TV-watching space.

Bryan Middleton of Middleton Design in Durham created the bespoke sofa to fit the space and it is upholstered in a J Brown fabric.

The room’s talking point centrepiece is a fireball in the centre of an upholstered coffee table. It uses a bio-ethanol fuel so no extractor is needed – and it is fully portable – so it can head out to the patio at any time.

Textured wallcoverings in the room are by Harlequin and curtains in a print by Abbott and Boyd. Cushions and the coffee table are made in a fabric by Zinc.

An anthracite grey radiator adds warmth and a design statement in the room and the TV unit is from Tom’s favourite store – BoConcept within Fenwick.

Tom and Jacky are delighted with their new room – and their statement in stone.

Says Kye: “I love working with materials like that – there is a lot of depth to the texture and colour and I like that it does have something of the ‘wow’ factor, especially with the lighting. In the evening the wall looks stunning.”

Interior architect Kye Ranson; below, homeowner Tom Wilson

66

MAY/JUN14

Real wood exclusive A Wood Idea are delighted to have been appointed approved supplier of world renowned flooring manufacturer Kahrs for the North East.

Kahrs is situated in the heart of the forests of Southern Sweden on the same site where everything began for them more than 150 years ago. Today Kahrs group is Europe’s biggest wood flooring manufacturer and one of the world’s most innovative companies involved in the processing of wood.

The partnership between A Wood Idea and Kahrs is built on a mutual belief in craftsmanship and a passionate interest in design. Iain Smith, Managing Director at A Wood Idea said, “We are always looking to include products which keep us ahead of our competition in terms of quality and exclusivity. The introduction of Kahrs fits in completely with that philosophy and will enhance our growing range of products and services.”

A Wood Idea, suppliers of high quality wooden flooring, doors and staircases.

Staircases I Flooring I Doors

www.awoodidea.com Unit 4, Blaydon Trade Park, Toll Bridge Road, Blaydon, Tyne & Wear. NE21 5TR

T 0191 414 1300

F 0191 414 1306

A Wood IdEA

Great ideas in wood floorinG & doors

luxe local

Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle boasts, yes, a castle, but a surprise too, its very own Versailles. No wonder it’s a county town with grand ideas Barnard Castle is a market town in Teesdale named after the castle around which it grew up. It’s the main settlement in the Teesdale area, and is a popular tourist destination.

The outrageously grand Bowes Museum has the best collection of European fine and decorative arts in the North of England, housed in a stunning 19th-century French-style chateau. Its most famous exhibit is the 18th-century Silver Swan automaton.

Properties >> The stuff of dreams in these parts. Barnard Castle lies in beautiful countryside with some vast views. It’s a bit off the beaten track so properties can seem good value compared with more commuter-friendly towns. You will find some really very grand properties – the area is known for its wealth – there are huge estates and grand country houses, and notable visitors across the centuries have included Charles Dickens, William Wordsworth and JMW Turner.

Today you find well-priced stone detached country homes, barns with staggering views and at the other end of the scale, cosy town cottages and elegant Victorian terraces. connected >> Barnard Castle seems to be out on a limb but in fact it is only about 20 minutes from the A1 at Scotch Corner via the A66. You could get to Darlington mainline station and Durham Tees Valley airport in about 45 minutes or less.

Shop >> For food: Spoilt for choice: a supermarket hides away behind the main street but there’s a real high street with independents doing what they’ve always done. For food we clocked McFarlane’s Butcher on the corner of the main street with its window full of tempting goodies like homemade pork pie with black pudding and marmalade.

More pies at William Peat deli nearby and then a hop over the road to The Moody Baker for a savoury version of a Chelsea bun with herbs and soft cheese – amazing!

They also do Wolf Pie which translates as steak in Allendale wolf beer.

The rest: Some really cool interiors shops.

Barnard Castle attracts the antique-hunting types – David Harper, TV’s antiques man, has a shop here for the day job – you might catch him! We fell a bit in love with Oswells, which is filled with contemporary interiors ‘essentials’ (you’ll convince yourself!). The owner/buyer has a background with Liberty and a real eye for gorgeous design – find lovely linocuts, tableware and perfect gifts, certainly things we’d not seen anywhere else. And just a few doors away, hunt down lovely homestuffs at Ruby&D. Painted furniture, kitsch prints and ‘objects’, up-cycled furnishings and just loads of things you want – it’s the sort of place that makes you want to empty your house and start all over again. Really good prices too.

Still on the main street, we clocked the Clarendon Café which as well as being a cool coffee stop-off has a nice upstairs shop

called Allium Interiors. We were intrigued by The Trouser Agency, promising retro, pre-loved and new menswear which seemed pretty adventurous for Barnard Castle. Chaps will like too The Gentleman’s Club barber.

Other stores which caught our eye were the stylish Niche Living interiors store – the cool, chic opposite to The Hayloft which is a rummage-about roofspace packed with old Belfast sinks, fireplaces and antique garden tools!

Culture >> Small town, big on culture. Nest is a vibrant art gallery in the centre of Barnard Castle

with regular exhibitions and art sales throughout the year, it has a Hot Desk facility and offers creative workshops on a regular basis. It is a hub for graphic designers, artists and filmmakers and a café on site. You have to see Bowes Museum. As well as being lovely to look at it, it also houses the absorbing Fashion&Textile gallery which combines historic collections with contemporary design.

The Witham community arts hub is home to cinema, comedy, arts and events throughout the year.

Stroll >> A river runs through it – so you’ve got to take to the riverbanks and meander your way around the town – or head upwards to the castle itself.

Eat >> The nearby Morritt Arms boasts exceptional food in surroundings with a rich history – Dickens stayed there. The restaurant has two AA rosettes – there’s also very good bar food on offer. In Barnard Castle Teesdale tapas comes to town with the arrival of Les Toreros Muertos continental café offering try-me sized pinchos prepared by chef Jose Rodiquez. Café Bowes at the museum also serves up dishes such as Yorkshire Rarebit made with McFarlane’s Black Treacle Cured Bacon and Café Bowes Chowder with natural smoked haddock, potatoes and prawns.

68

MAY/JUN14

HOME TIME

property watch with DUNCAN YOUNG

my local Helen Gray runs Ruby&D interiors store in the centre of Barnard Castle. She moved to the town from York about eight years ago.

Three good things about living here >> 1. It’s a really friendly place, people like a chat 2. It’s nice to be able to walk into a ‘real’ town where there are good independent shops 3. The farmers’ market on the first Saturday of the month is really good – as is the weekly town market Three places to take visitors >> 1. The Bowes Museum – it always surprises!

2. High Force and Low Force for a great walk – they are really impressive 3. The Crown at Mickleton for great pub food An in-the-know secret >> Well not a secret to us but The Barny Meet in May is a great event – from duck races to music, funfair and games – old fashioned fun!

property: three to choose Manor born Luscious former vicarage with a walled garden and a bit of a dream kitchen. Very tastefully decorated with a real interior-designer eye. Its style is a very contemporary take on country house style, making the most of the lovely proportions.

£1.3m Strutt & Parker, Barnard Castle

On track The perfect project - a beautiful listed Victorian railway station in Lartington, three miles from Barnard Castle that just needs some tlc to become the stuff of The Railway Children dreams. Lovely architectural detail, even a goods shed to call your own!

£595,000 Addisons Surveyors, Barnard Castle

Comfy country pad Every space, character and charm box ticked in the Coach House at Whorlton Village near Barnard Castle.

A nice characterful village with a good pub and great walks.

The Importance of New Media When Selling Houses Reflecting over my 30 years in estate agency, I remember very well the strength of traditional advertising in newspapers when selling a property. I had an excellent relationship with the Journal Homemaker team and we, as a company, (in my previous corporate role) took the lead position with between 6-10 broadsheet pages. The cost to our clients would be in the region of £500 plus VAT for a quarter page advert and this was well over 15 years ago. Now, however, our thirst for knowledge and the expectation of our buyers is much greater and people will no longer wait until the Saturday morning weekly newspaper to gain knowledge of what is new to the market.

We now market our homes on the internet and people know which properties are new to the market. This happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We, as a firm, have over 30,000 buyers registered with us and they will be emailed every day with properties which meet their criteria.

Our thirst for knowledge requires speed and data to be transferred quickly and efficiently and now greater emphasis is placed on images and maps as well as floor plans and Google Earth to make an impression. The old estate agency particulars are less important. Only five years ago we would print 100 sales particulars per property and circulate perhaps 70 of these brochures. Now we print 30 and are lucky if ten are requested or picked up in our offices. Now people ask us to email the brochure and then they save it to their computers or phones to be read later or perhaps printed off at home.

Estate agents invest tens of thousands of pounds in portal websites like Right Move and Zoopla, ensuring that their homes are visible to the widest audience, but also, in our case, pointing the buyer back to our own website where larger images and better data is available. Our fifth version of the website will be launched in the summer and this will feature adaptive technology which will shrink and expand the data and the screen, depending on whether the client is reading on an iPhone/android phone or an iPad or desktop computer. This will enable our visitors to have clear, concise, information and larger images available to entice them to view a property.

We also invest considerable money in Search Engine Optimisation, ensuring the client who may not know the area or agents is quickly directed to our own site.

The Sanderson Young App allows buyers to see what is for sale or let as they drive or walk around an area, indicating by street and house what is available at that time.

New media has extended now to social media with our Facebook page having over 1,000 “likes” and heading for over 5000 in the next six months with an awareness campaign. We use the Facebook site to show off some clients’ homes and the interior design ideas or new styles of bathroom, kitchen or exterior ideas.

Twitter allows us to reach out to many followers with recent success stories or news on values increasing. It has brief information on how the market is changing in the region and what is fresh to the market.

There is no doubt that the old forms of marketing have been replaced. We do still use hard newspaper and magazine advertising, especially magazines like Luxe, since they reach out to people who sometimes are not thinking about a move but, when they see such beautiful homes, become interested and are enticed to make a viewing.

Our Sanderson Young Collection magazine is printed twice a year with 22,000 copies circulated through people’s doors and into restaurants, hotels and waiting rooms around the region. Our new spring/summer edition is out this month and has some stunning properties featured.

The old media ways worked well, but now we, as a company, invest well over £100,000 a year to ensure our clients receive the very best of modern and new media.

The current market continues to grow in strength and should remain strong for some years to come. We look forward to being of help to you.

£575,000 GSC Grays, Barnard Castle Duncan G Young Dip.Est.Man.FNAEA, Managing Director, Sanderson Young duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk 0191 223 3500

MAY/JUN14

69

SELLING THE REGIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FINEST HOMES

Runnymede Road

Darras Hall, Ponteland This exquisite family home represents one of the finest detached mansions available within Runnymede Road. The three floors of beautiful accommodation include eight bedrooms, six luxury bathrooms, four principal receptions, an extensively fitted kitchen and a fabulous reception hall.

The superbly landscaped gardens include extensive lawns, terraces, a Japanese garden and a hot tub.

Price Guide: ÂŁ3.25 Million

Grosvenor House The Grove, Jesmond

Built in 1831, Grosvenor House is a majestic, stone built detached building sympathetically restored to its former glory. Offering a standard of living more synonymous with country house estates, it has stunning architecture, grand reception rooms, six bedrooms and beautiful interior design. It has highly impressive grounds with lawned areas, mature trees and secure parking. EPC: E

Price Guide: Price on Application

From Sanderson Young All confidential enquiries to 0191 223 3500 or email: duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk | www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

SELLING THE REGION’S FINEST HOMES

The Pavilion

St Abb’s Haven, Coldingham Bay, Scottish Borders The Pavilion represents one of the most unique, rare and impressive beach houses available within the UK. This truly spectacular and contemporary home, offering a very privileged position within an area of outstanding beauty, has four double bedroom suites, intelligent wiring, underfloor heating, impressive lighting and panoramic views of the bay from all rooms. A magical retreat.

Price Guide: £1.5 Million

Fenham Grange

Fenham Le Moor, Belford Fenham Grange enjoys one of the most privileged locations within the UK with an unparalleled view overlooking Holy Island. This idyllic retreat comprises of the principal four bedroomed Grange, as well as two adjacent, two bedroom cottages which create a good investment. The grounds of circa 5.5 acres include beautiful walks, sitting areas, two magnificent lakes and woodland. EPC: D

Price Guide: £1.5 Million

From Sanderson Young All confidential enquiries to 0191 223 3500 or email: duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk | www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

Fine & Country iPhone App Download the Fine & Country iPhone App today to browse some of the finest properties worldwide. Featuring our unique lifestyle video technology, stunning imagery and a ‘near you’ search facility.

Download it now at www.fineandcountry.com

local, regional, national and international specialists in property marketing CASTLEREAGH WYNYARD Reminiscent of a Tudor Manor House, this property is a detached dwelling of prominence that stands in its own grounds. Set back off the road and reached via a private gated entrance, the unique design of this substantial family home incorporates a versatile internal layout. In addition to all the principal rooms being of generous proportions, it has the unique benefit of extensive first floor space above the triple garage currently used as a study and games room.

Family life centres on the extensive ground floor, overlooking the private rear garden. Comprising the kitchen and a comfortable family room, together they form a fabulous entertaining space that benefits from built-in surround sound.

The large kitchen has timber units with granite worktops with a range cooker, eye level appliances, a tiled floor in parquet style and a central island breakfast bar. A stone archway leads through to the family space which makes a relaxing TV lounge with French doors giving easy access to dine outdoors in summer.

The beautiful lounge is a more formal, quiet space complete with a stove set in an inglenook for cosy winter nights in. In addition there is a formal dining room to the front as well as a playroom off an inner hallway. Practical features include a utility space and access to the double garage from the house.

Upstairs a long landing leads to the four double bedrooms.There is also access to the study - or fifth bedroom - and substantial games room which could equally be the base from which to run a business, a cinema room or separate lounge for older children. Externally, the extensive gardens surround the property with lawns, borders and mature trees.

Contact: 01740 645 444

EAGLE BRIDGE COURT WYNYARD

£749,950

WELLINGTON DRIVE WYNYARD

• Eagle Bridge Court, Wynyard, will be the property that fits the bill for many families • Space where everyone can come together socially continues to be a desirable feature for many home owners • Home life typically centres on the kitchen and in this five bedroom detached property there is space to incorporate dining as well as extending into a further family space • The kitchen itself has a good range of light timber units and an attractive stove • The layout is perfect for entertaining guests and for large family gatherings • With five bedrooms upstairs, there is enough accommodation to dedicate at least one room to a home office or playroom.

• EER D67

• A five bedroom residence built by Persimmon to the ‘Raeburn’ design • Considerable thought has gone into the layout to use the space in the best way possible to provide versatile living, dining, relaxing and private space • Situated in Wynyard close to the renowned golf course • An impressive fully fitted breakfasting kitchen offers a range of base and eye level cabinets with contrasting high gloss granite surfaces. Kitchen cabinets continue through to a utility room with inset single bowl and drainer • Gardens to the front and rear, with lawn areas either side of the paved pathway at the front, and the rear garden is lawned with fenced boundaries

Contact: 01740 645 444

£379,000 Contact: 01740 645 444

Newcastle 0845 459 6000

Durham 0191 384 2277

Wynyard 01740 645 444

residing@fineandcountry.com

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

Tyne Valley 0845 459 6000

£430,000 Cumbria 0845 872 5453

Sales & Lettings North East creative and intelligent marketing of individual and country property

...300 offices worldwide

THE STABLES, TANFIELD HALL, TANFIELD DURHAM No self-respecting owner of an historic country house would be content without substantial and attractive stables. The Stables that were once part of the grade II listed Tanfield Hall estate are a perfect example of how a past home to horses can be converted to provide a special family property. Located in the conservation village of Tanfield, it has lovely enclosed, private gardens surrounded by the peace and quiet of the countryside, yet is only nine miles from the centre of Newcastle. Inside, the property is packed with character features, including a stone flagged floor in the hall, stone stairs to the first floor and beamed ceilings throughout the house. All this adds to the rustic charm, but where the conversion, really succeeds is in combining the old with contemporary bathrooms and modern comforts. The principal reception room is a warm and comfortable space with beams and a stunning feature fireplace with multi-fuel stove. French doors lead out to the front garden and a graveled terrace. The kitchen is the quintessential farmhouse-style heart of the home, with a Belfast sink, quarry tile floor, Rayburn range and a walk-in pantry. The three double bedrooms all benefiting from en suite bathrooms to provide luxurious living for the whole family in addition to downstairs cloaks/WC. The stylish master bedroom, which also has a separate dressing room, has a period fireplace and a fabulous, large en suite bathroom. Next door is a potential fourth bedroom, which could be an ideal study and is currently used as a nursery. There is a walled garden at the back of the house and enclosed lawns and cottage-style planting at the front.

Contact: 0191 384 22777

BANKSIDE HOUSE, STOCKTON ROAD, CASTLE EDEN

ST GEORGE HOUSE, GLEDSTONE WYNYARD

• Bankside House offers a piece of architectural history that combines contemporary design with a superb Victorian period property • Offering a wonderful family home in Castle Eden • A well loved family house for four decades • Two-and-a-quarter acre plot including a paddock and with potential for development for one property at the side • Built in around 1880, the property’s most recent owner was the late eminent architect Anthony Burns • Elsewhere the Victorian features have been preserved including original floor tiles, doors, sash windows, cornicing and skirting.

Contact: 0191 384 2277 Lakes 01539 733 500

Northumberland 0845 459 6000

sales@fineandcountry-lakes.co.ul

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk

£325,000

• Located in the exclusive Wynyard development this Architect designed, six bedroom individual home built by the present owner • Access is via electric gates with a video intercom connection to the house and also a CCTV monitoring security system • Boasting many features throughout the home such as sound entertainment system with individual controls to each location, TV and Satellite distribution and data point provision • The specification throughout is impressive with extensive use of fine materials from around the world such as marble, travertine, and solid oak flooring doors and staircases • A fine reception hallway which leads to the spacious formal drawing room with a bespoke inglenook fireplace and study, a formal dining room and study

£495,000 Contact: 01740 645 444

£1,095,000

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

Xxxxxxxx grey matters

TREND WATCH with Bryan Middleton Pale greys and lovely linens for a pared-down, bleached-out approach to your summery slow-down

Blame the Scandi types. They live their life in grey – and aren’t we all just desperate to buy in to a bit of that?

Chilly greys and slate colours have warmed our hearts and proved themselves a popular winter palette. Now that spring is here we can warm it up a bit – with yes, cosy grey!

Think the grey of the North Sea on our doorstep. Of mountains of beach-gathered pebbles and sea-washed driftwood. Colours that run towards blue rather than black.

Bleached out and pared down is the Scandinavian summerhouse look, driving many an interiors theme and it works really well as lighter, longer days become part of our lives.

The trick is to create the opposite of ‘neat’.

That’s why crumpled linen looks so good as do layer upon layer of textures for walls, floors and accessories. Team grey colours with creamy off-white shades and pale blues for a softer approach. It’s a loungey, outdoors, nature-driven feel that is easy to live with, relaxed and unaffected. >> Above: Oak side table, small side table £307, hammock chair, £141, leather side table, £1122; Andrew Martin Dickens sofa, £2195; Andrew Martin Nelson lamp, £295; Heathfield Pithos lamp, £413.50; Gubi Adnet mirror, £475, Eichholtz Brunello bag, £281.50. www.occahome.com

>> Snuggle: Kelly Hoppen Ledbury linen cushion, £52 www.kellyhoppen.com >> Below: School locker-style cabinets, £350 a pair, www.nordichouse.co.uk

>> Comfy cool: Grey knitted cushions, £46, www.nordichouse.co.uk

>> Below: Designers Guild Nitin Goyal table runner, £100, www.designersguild.com

>> Chic: Comfy upholstery and wrought iron chair, £525, www.nordichouse.co.uk

74

Nine Consevatories /Orangeries and Bi-Fold Doors....

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?... THEN VISIT OUR SHOW VILLAGE

Create the Envy!..

- ORANGERIES

www.aanco.co.uk

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

Est. 1979

- BI-FOLD DOORS

Tel: 01642 612 204

Portrack Lane, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 2RB

SHOW VILLAGE

(Next to Court Homemakers)

© Solidor Ltd.

- DOORS

in the clouds

Tales from the towers Ken Snowdon hits the heights in Spain on a gourmet trip in the mountains There’s a picture on the sideboard in the impressive hall at the Torre del Remei hotel. It shows some 15 of the world’s best chefs – and amongst them is the bloke making my scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Josep Maria Boix hasn’t just cooked for me – he’s prepared food for the many heads of state including the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and won national prizes for his cuisine. But the exquisite food is only part of the story. Torre means ‘tower’ in Spanish – and here’s a tale of two of them.

This first one – El Torre del Remei – is in the town of Bolvir in the Cerdanya region of the Pyrenees, a fertile valley with breathtaking views. The steeper slopes are terraced but mostly unused these days and the valley is covered in forest and meadows. There are large sprawling houses that have been here for generations and tiny villages perched on top of mountains.

El Torre del Remei was built in 1910 as a gift by a banker who plundered his children’s trust funds to get out of financial difficulty. When the recovery came, he built the house to say thanks. In the Spanish Civil War the house was confiscated and used as a school and later a hospital. After this the house and gardens went into slow decline until Josep and his wife, Loles, saw the spiked rooftops through the trees and had a closer look. They fell in love with it, bought it and restored it.

The new owners wanted to preserve the original architecture but define the interior so it became modern, sumptuous and comfortable without ruining the very atmosphere that attracted them in the first place. I have to say it worked.

From the magnificent domed skylight in the lobby to the beautiful views from the bedroom windows, this place is enchanting. The rooms are named after the area you can see from your bedroom window so forget the dull sounding ‘Room 8’ and get ready to welcome Tossa d’Alp, Riu dels Estanys or Roc d’en Vert.

You can spend your time pleasantly without straying too far from the hotel - there are three hectares of land designed to recreate the original feel of the garden. I followed the lime tree walkway with the Puig de Saneja in the distance, dotted with snow even in August. There are seats by the lily pond, a heated swimming pool and a solarium a short stroll from each other. If you want to venture

further the bikes are free to borrow.

The second tower is to the south, the Torre del Visco. This is in the Matarranya, an area of spectacular beauty in the north eastern corner of Teruel. The surrounding countryside is a mosaic of olive, almond and peach groves, vineyards and hills covered with evergreen forests. This hotel keeps you waiting – you have to negotiate five kilometres of narrow winding, wooded mountain before you even catch a glimpse of the 15th century farmhouse!

In 1993 the view was very different. Piers and Jemma had been looking for years before they found the ruined building that would become their dream country hotel.

The Torre del Visco is surrounded by formal gardens, patios and fountains, lots of secluded little corners and even a secret path to the river where you can safely swim.

Inside the bodega, the original medieval wine cellar, is open to guests at any time of the day and night. All the wines stocked are Spanish and the selection is very personal and almost exclusively local.

The kitchen is always open so I watched the chefs at work.

You can discuss recipes and tips in this permanent, spontaneous cookery class. The food is mostly Mediterranean but there are excellent Aragonese dishes too.

Ingredients are sourced from the area and the hotel’s farm with its own large, organic vegetable and herb garden. If you don’t want to eat breakfast outside on the terrace you can share a large communal table with other guests in the kitchen – a chef’s table. At the other end of the day I dined on suckling pig, turbot, pears, and local peaches.

Vegetarians don’t worry - you’re well catered for too.

The region is also famous for its wild mushrooms and black truffles. There are also excellent cured hams and charcuterie; lamb and kid are reared on the surrounding hills and, in season, there’s wild boar and hare on the menu. La Torre del Visco produces its own organic olive oil and will organise tastings. The other attraction of El Torre del Visco is nothing. With the nearest village just over twelve kilometres away, at night there is no light pollution at all so you witness a magnificent night sky.

Both Towers can be reached within a few hours if you fly from Newcastle. easyJet will take you to Barcelona. www.torredelvisco.com, www.torredelremei.com www.easyJet.com.

Two towers: Top, centre and below, Torre del Visco. Above, Torre del Remei

I dined on suckling pig, turbot, pears, and local peaches. There are also excellent cured hams and charcuterie; lamb and kid are reared on the surrounding hills and, in season, there’s wild boar and hare on the menu

76

MAY/JUN14

get out Xxxxxxxx there

PLOT with Will Quarmby, Hampton Court Flower Show gold winner Opening a gateway to a whole new garden vista

After talking about it for at least a year, I have finally managed to concrete in the first post to support the gate which will open into our garden. It seems that no matter how motivated I am to get these small jobs done, they never seem to come to fruition, much to the annoyance of my wife. However she is very patient with me and if I leave it for long enough she ends up doing it herself. This isn’t a deliberate plan but life just seems to get in the way. I came back this evening to find she had put the new latch on the gate into the veg garden. Again this was on the magic to-do list, and I did nearly get it fixed over the weekend only to find that the screws had gone missing. I think I did a “man look” as they were apparently just in the tool box! In my defence, I’d like to think I do get lots of other jobs done around the house, just probably not in the most appropriate order. We do have quite a busy life which does make achieving these small goals that bit harder.

The reason behind me highlighting my recent triumph is that it is a small job but it has already made such a large impact on the space that lies beyond it. The gate invites you into the garden as you arrive, and prevents the garden merging with the rest of the drive. I think that with any successful design definition is important.

Our new gate ticks quite a few different boxes. It stops our 2-year-old deciding that he doesn’t want to play in our garden anymore in favour of wandering off across the track to play with next door’s toys and to see their little girl. It also prevents our mad Parson Terrier running into the garden and attempting to strangle our chickens. We recently came back from a weekend away to find the neighbours had had a slight problem with this particular dog and the little grey bantam. This bantam is now having some much needed R and R in its new accommodation in the veg garden (still in shock).

The gates at the entrance to a property are an important element of garden design. They complement the house and garden. There are gates and entrances throughout the garden, not just on the boundary, they offer opportunities to embellish or emphasise points of passage from one space to another.

In larger gardens, decisions about gates and entrances should reflect the experience of moving through the garden on particular routes. Think about what it’s like to leave one space and enter another. Contrast is important: deliberately emphasising the differing qualities of neighbouring spaces enriches the garden with a sense of variety, so the junctions or entrances of spaces need to be considered carefully, with materials, colour and scale all vital elements.

When you are choosing a gate, consider vistas, and the importance of curiosity. If a gate is set into a wall or a dense hedge, should the gate be solid or transparent? A solid gate makes a decorative focus in the wall, creating curiosity. Transparent gates are more appropriate if the view through them is interesting.

Second-hand and collectable gates are as easy to build into a garden design as their modern counterparts. Check all the working parts, locks and hinges. Broken or unrestorable gates don’t necessarily have to be consigned to the scrapheap however, ornate examples can be re-employed as screens, trellising, wall art or glass-covered tabletops Pictures from Gardenalia by Sally Coulthard, £30, published by Jacqui Small

MAY/JUN14

77

Xxxxxxxx laid back & lovely

Glitzy days Hip hotels with Debrah Dhugga Debrah Dhugga heads to Cornwall to find that staying in is the new going out thanks to the ultimate in restful retreats

Travelling the globe is part of the day job for me – so I love the UK for the perfect hideaway holiday. Devon and Cornwall are definite favourites – not just for scones and clotted cream.

LOCATION >> Resting on the charming beach-side of the Cornish Roseland Peninsula, St Mawes Retreats form a collection of very des-res properties within the picturesque harbour village of St Mawes. This is one swanky location, a long-standing favourite of the yachting community, where you’ll find sandy beaches and cliff-side views. Thanks to the perfectly-placed Gulf Stream, the area enjoys mild temperatures all year round. I loved this place so much in February I can’t wait to go back later in the year for a big family reunion. Staying in is the new going out – there’s nothing like the feeling of relaxation you get when you kick back in a fabulous dream house and pretend you own it – for a week or two! All you need to pack are your chill-out pants, favourite board games and great wines – and life is wonderful. The beaches in Cornwall are some of the best in the UK (apart from our own of course). With beautiful beaches and popular local gardens, St Mawes Retreats properties make for the perfect destination in which to relax and unwind. You’re still within easy reach of more lively areas of the county, such as Padstow and the Eden Project.

Who goes there >> St Mawes Retreats is ideal for large families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a relaxing holiday together or gathering for a special occasion, reunion or holiday. Private houses at St Mawes Retreats host two to 12 guests.

The style lowdown >> Some serious luxe going on here, people. That’s why I know you’ll love the place. Lovingly designed with contemporary furnishings and luxurious settings, all five houses offer a five-star beach-side experience.

Feeding time >> Although all houses are self-catering St Mawes Retreats can arrange a private chef on request for breakfast, lunch, dinner or barbecues, stock the fridge or freezer in advance of a stay, deliver local produce fresh from the local area. Restaurant reservations can also be made; being right on the seafront, St Mawes and the surrounding villages are a haven for gastro enthusiasts, with restaurants and pubs serving up superb fish and shellfish dishes all year round as well as more traditional dishes that the region is famous for.

Playtime >> A favourite destination for sailing, one of the most popular activities is boat charter – either on St Mawes Retreats’ own powerboat or taking sailing classes; guests can moor their own private yachts.

Watersports such as kayaking, waterskiing,

78

Me-time >> In-room spa treatments are available. You all know how much I love to spa – choose from holistic massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, body cleanse, and scrub treatments which use 100% organic, plant-based products hand made in Cornwall. I like the idea of being able to head up to cloud nine without even moving from my house!

down for a genuine do-nothing bit of me-time. I was busy doing nothing a lot of the time!

Eating out >> Cornwall has some superb restaurants and pubs and has become famous in recent years for fine produce and award-winning dishes. Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen is nearby and of course you can head for Padstein – Rick Stein has a number of places in Padstow.

The pubs and restaurants in St Mawes and on the Roseland Peninsular, are equally good and all offer good food and drink in a comfortable Cornish atmosphere.

USP >> I loved the feel of being wrapped in luxury and feeling ‘at home’ at the same time. The houses are just gorgeous and there’s a really relaxed feel about settling in and hunkering

Green moments >> With the Eden Project as the number one garden attraction, Cornwall also has dozens of other publicly open gardens to satisfy the appetite of the most enthused botanists!

windsurfing, and fishing, as well as cycling and horse-riding are all activities that can be arranged. For those keen on surfing, a short 45-minute drive from St Mawes to Watergate Bay is a fantastic spot to ride the waves.

Being a small county, it’s perfectly feasible to visit a large number of them during a week’s stay without having to spend countless hours traveling.

Sand between the toes >> The beaches in Cornwall need no introduction. They are some of the best in the UK and often win awards for their cleanliness and facilities. Fistral Beach in Newquay is a hotspot for surfers and regularly hosts international surfing competitions. Some of the best beaches can be found along the Roseland Peninsula with sandy beaches surrounded by steep cliffs.

Ride Cornwall >> For the more active the cycle routes in Cornwall are second to none and are a great way to see parts of the county that you can’t when travelling by car. The Camel Trail near Padstow is probably the most well-known and is actually quite an easy trail as it’s mostly flat. Now pack the car, a picnic and head South – enjoy!

Nearest airport >> St Mawes Retreats is easily accessible via Newquay or Exeter from the North East. It’s one heck of a drive or train ride, but make a journey of it stopping on the way!

To book, call 08000 88 66 22 www.stmawesretreats.co.uk

MAY/JUN14

great escape

Island paradise

A private island with die-for views, gourmet food and peace and quiet on tap. Kathryn Armstrong goes west The words private island conjure up something to do with Richard Branson, Thunderbirds or James Bond.

Pleasure, fantasy and a hint of menace then? You want at least one of the three on your hols –which, I leave to you.

For sure the clue is in the description; private and island. Getting away from it all, turning your back on civilisation and hiding away from life – a good plan for a couple of days at least.

Even without a plane, a secret agent’s amphibious vehicle, even Thunderbird 1, it’s easy to get the unique retreat that is Eriska, a family-owned private island on the West Coast of Scotland, not far from Oban, so manageable even for a weekend.

In fact there is a hint of 007 – Sean Connery and Dame Judi Dench, aka ‘M’ have been visitors – and you can even book in for a Bond-themed weekend complete with Aston Martin and trip to Glencoe, where the final, dramatic moments of Skyfall were filmed.

Getting there is spectacular in itself – if you’re driving and making your way via Edinburgh it’s definitely worth checking out The Kelpies, two 100ft-tall dramatic horse head sculptures made from 600 tonnes of steel that you can see from the M9 motorway at Falkirk – in fact you can’t miss them – bigger than the Angel of the North – how very dare they!

The steel statues signal a goodbye to all things industrial though as you head

MAY/JUN14

through some stunning cross-country scenery to get to Eriska.

And yes, there is something a bit special about driving over the old iron bridge on to an island which will be your home and your kingdom for a few days at least.

The surroundings are breathtaking. The Island sits at the mouth of Loch Creran, a conservation area.

Fresh air, changing skies and open landscape mean those tense shoulders instantly relax, your lungs open and mind clears. Helping you do that even more is a spa on site and the complementary afternoon tea which awaits by the fire in the hotel’s lounge.

The island and its hotel are family-run with the charming Beppo Buchanan-Smith at the helm. He’s a lovely host and you’ll see him stopping for chat or serving drinks from time to time.

The main house looks austere with its grey pebble-dashed façade but inside it couldn’t be more welcoming. It is characterful and quietly stylish – with twenty-five rooms, including five spa suites with hot tubs in fenced-off gardens.

The suites are huge, with loads of room for families to relax – conservatories with sofas and armchairs, lounges with comfy sofas and TVs – you could settle in for some time.

Bedrooms have luxurious beds and dressing rooms and the bathrooms have Molton Brown toiletries.

The suites are modern and ultracomfortable, while the rooms in the main building have a more boutique style with bold accessories and a designer feel.

You’ll spend your days busy doing nothing if you’ve got any sense. The outdoors is what this place is all about and you want to get wellies and walking boots on as soon as you arrive.

Walking the island’s coastline is an obvious adventure, playing master of all you survey.

There are trails to follow with points of interest highlighted.

The landscape goes from formal to rugged and sandy taking in forest and marsh.

There’s a partly submerged Crannog, or fortified dwelling, dating from the Bronze Age around 200BC, in the channel to the east of the access bridge, marking the earliest recorded human history of the Island. Naturally, the walking and exploring – and swimming and spa-ing give you an appetite and Eriska’s food is stunning.

The hotel’s food is well-respected and menus change daily.

Seasonal produce is everything. The menus offer exactly what you hope for in this part of the world with respect paid to fine ingredients on the doorstep.

Dinner is a bit of theatre with superb service that’s welcoming and unstuffy – there was a happy mix of couples and families staying when we went.

We ate beautiful venison one night and enjoyed the theatre of crackling pork carved at our table another. The cheese trolley is

more of a juggernaut – just the 40 to choose from – and the staff can name them all. Respect!

The suppliers are name-checked and come from the locality with ethicality and quality the benchmark. Attention to detail (Beppo’s beady eye) is what marks the place out as special. It’s like being a guest at a favourite (and super-rich) uncle’s house. Guests are invited to play the piano if they like, read books on the shelves and literally make themselves at home.

It makes for a special atmosphere – and upping the game still further are the hotel’s new additions this year – stunning contemporary waterside lodges. This year marks 40 years since Eriska opened as a hotel and the new hilltop lodges are part of the celebrations.

Each reserve will have a bedroom, en-suite bathroom, kitchen and sitting room and best of all, a deck with stunning views out over the hot tub and across the island.

As they say, views to die (another day) for.

FACTS>> A range of breaks are available, for example: three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast £615pp.

Cottage weekly rates, fully inclusive of meals and use of facilities, £4,860 in high season (for four people). www.eriska-hotel.co.uk

79

BelgiAN chic

Antwerp unwrapped Think the Danes have cornered cool? Well fashion’s most stylish hang out in Antwerp – who knew?

The double D in fashion circles has nothing to do with corsetry. We’re talking Dries and DVF. The coveted carrier bags of Mr Van Noten and Ms von Furstenberg are among fashion’s most sought after.

The pair themselves are style superstars in a no-fuss, muted way – and the equally understated city of Antwerp is a place they call home.

Cities like Paris, Milan and these days Copenhagen have a reputation for style and shopping – Antwerp is unlikely to have ever turned the head of the regular fashionista.

Which is what makes the city so appealing.

New flights from Newcastle to Brussels make

Antwerp a journey of three hours or so door to door. It’s by no means what you’d call a ‘city break’ and all the more attractive because of it.

Antwerp is compact, cool, welcoming and surprising. You can get a very fulfilling fashion, culture, coffee and cake fix in 48 hours and can return feeling assured that you’ve not missed anything. The mix is as surprising as a box of Belgian chocs.

Belgium isn’t one of those places that instantly springs to mind as a weekend break destination. There’s chocolate-box Bruges but think Brussels and you think EU headquarters on a news bulletin.

Antwerp? Well really you’ve probably never thought of the place – except perhaps in the context of battlefield tourism.

But in terms of fashion, Antwerp has a unique story to tell. The city boasts one of the world’s oldest academies and one of the most renowned fashion colleges. Many alumni from the Antwerp Fashion Department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts belong to the top of the international fashion scene. Once a year, in June, the current fashion students showcase their creations during the SHOW. In addition, the MoMu, Antwerp’s Fashion Museum, is a must-see for fashion lovers from Belgium and abroad, where every year, two themed shows are organised, turning the spotlight on a designer or a unique aspect of fashion.

Dries Van Noten lives and works in Antwerp and famous Belgian-American, Diane von Furstenberg says of the place: “I think Antwerp is a city full of artists, brimming with creativity. The whole city resembles an old painting by the Flemish Primitives.

Everything is very authentic.” Add to this the trendy flagship stores and exclusive store

concepts, and you pretty much get a complete picture of fashion in Antwerp.

It is a city that stays calm even late into the night. There’s a gentle, sociable café culture. As for Belgian beer – an entire culture in itself.

We ventured to a cave-like candlelit cellar bar well after midnight with an astonishing beer menu. It’s fascinating to sip your way though the different flavoured beers – there’s no lairy drinking amosphere anywhere – and the different beers each have their own specific shaped glasses – including one bulbous vessel which looked like it belonged in a chemistry lab – complete with a wooden crate to hold it.

It’s a compact city which spills out to the pavements on warm evenings. There’s a quiet sense of style and at every turn – often in a courtyard beyond a grand door – somewhere sociable to sit and ponder a place of much history.

The city lies on the River Scheldt – and it is

F i v e m u s t- d o s i n A n t w e r p > > • A must-see is the Antwerp Fashion Museum – MoMu. • Visit the Rubenshuis, the former house and studio of the master painter Peter-Paul Rubens (1577-1640).

• The MAS museum is a must-see. It tells the story about Antwerp and its place in the world, housed in a brand new building with a spectacular view.

• The Chocolate Line, situated on the main shopping street is probably the most beautiful store in Antwerp. Dominique Persoone creates chocolate with a twist like cola, tequila, vodka, lemon grass, curry and much more. Try one, the combinations are delicious!

• Get a taste of Antwerp’s most famous product: jenever – a traditional Belgian gin. De Vagant cafe has more than 200 jenevers and even offers dishes based on the spirit.

80

MAY/JUN14

quick-fix weekends

Weekend flyaways Weekend getaways - you can’t have too many in the diary. Here’s five to get you going: Art & sunshine >> Fly to > Nice (Jet2, LeedsBradford, easyJet, Newcastle) Stay at > Toile Blanche. A 15-minute drive from the airport finds you in tucked-away boutique bliss in the Cote D’Azur hills. A family-run chambre d’hôte near the artist’s favourite, the beautiful village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Riviera glitz close by if you need it. In summer months dine on the terrace overlooking the beautiful garden and pool.

Day out > The grounds of the Maeght Foundation are dotted with Giacomettis, Braques and Chagalls.

Eat out > The famous Colombe d’Or in Saint-Paul-de-Vence has memorable food and a superb art collection. www.mrandmrssmith.com

In terms of fashion, Antwerp has a unique story to tell. The city boasts one of the world’s oldest academies and one of the most renowned fashion colleges

Cool gourmet >> Fly to > Copenhagen (SAS, LeedsBradford) Stay at > Copenhagen Admiral Hotel. A converted 18th century warehouse close to the city centre, shopping and cultural attractions. There’s a Conran-designed restaurant, SALT bar & restaurant. www.admiral-hotel-copenhagen.com Day out > Follow the smell of coffee to get to Jaegersborggade in Nørrebro, effectively one big, hip, food village. Find glitzy gourmet food-hall-cum-market at Torvehallerne (torvehallernekbh.dk). An area where you can pick up some antique Danish homeware and sip a glass of burgundy.

Eat out > World-famous Noma if you’re feeling gastro-adventurous or The Coffee Collective, multi-award-winning roasters. coffeecollective.dk Doorstep surprise >> Fly to > Jersey (easyJet, Newcastle) Stay at > The Atlantic Hotel. Gourmet dining – Mark Jordan a regular on Saturday Kitchen holds one of three Michelin stars on the island. Fabulous location, looking out onto the sandy St Ouen’s Bay. www.theatlantichotel.com Day out > The place is all about the sea – head to Granetz headland with a picnic basket for panoramic views across the whole bay of St Ouen.

Eat out > Oysters by the sea – just the best way to eat them. Try Oyster Box at St Brelade’s Bay for local line-caught fish and hand-dived scallops in sleek surroundings.

worth a walk through the Art Deco riverside tunnel to see the craftsmanship of a beautiful wooden escalator and the tiled walls that line it. It’s close to the very chic waterside restaurant, Zuiderterras.

This area is where you’ll find a cheeky little boutique hotel – the 29-room Hotel t’Sandt (pictured above) with an airy interior and good-sized rooms done up with neutral good taste. It’s a relaxing base from which to explore Antwerp’s Cathedral quarter and the Sunday antiques market on the neighbouring Sint Jansvliet. www.hotel-sandt.be The ‘Antwerp Fashion Walk’ guide shows distinct shopping areas: MODENATIE The neighbourhood around the ModeNatie is known as ‘the heart of Belgian fashion’ since Dries Van Noten opened his Modepaleis in the Nationalestraat.

THE SOUTH The South (Het Zuid) has been described as the most trendy district of Antwerp. Designer Ann Demeulemeester is located in this area.

HISTORIC CENTRE The historic centre is dominated by the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-LieveVrouwekathedraal) and the art deco KBC Tower (Boerentoren). This area is

MAY/JUN14

situated between the Groenplaats and the Grote Markt.

MEIR & LEIEN The ‘Meir’ is the most important commercial shopping street of Antwerp and houses most international clothing and shoe labels.

WILDE ZEE & QUARTIER LATIN The Quartier neighbourhood is dominated by international luxury brands. At the ‘Wilde Zee’, the first Belgian designers were sold in the Eighties. www.fashioninantwerp.be

FACTS >> bmi regional operates twice-daily flights Monday to Friday and on a Sunday afternoon from Newcastle International Airport to Brussels in 75 minutes, with one-way fares starting from £80 pp including tax.

Antwerp’s impressive Central Station is a half-hour shuttle from the airport. www.bmiregional.com More information about Bruges and Antwerp visit: www.visitflanders.co.uk www.newcastleairport.com

Italian Luxe >> Fly to > Pisa (Jet2 from Newcastle, LeedsBradford) Stay at > Grab a car and drive to stunning Siena where the city’s Grand Hotel Continental, Royal Demeure offers the ultimate in decadent escapes – it is the only five-star hotel within the ancient city walls so you’ll feel like a pampered pet. Rooms are filled with precious paintings, ornate mirrors, fine silks and marble bathrooms. For super-special occasions, The Royal Suite is on the palazzo of a two-storey medieval tower with unrivalled views over the city and its surrounding valleys. www.royaldemeure.co.uk Day out > Grab your guidebook and head to the Campo for a cappuccino. Soak up culture and just mooch, combining a sneaky window shop as you walk down shop-lined Banchi di Sopra. Admire the exterior of the Duomo and the remnants of a second, larger cathedral abandoned after the Black Death of 1348, which reduced Siena’s population from 100,000 to 30,000. Had it been completed, this would have been Italy’s largest cathedral – far larger than that of Florence.

Eat out > An Aperol Spritz on the Campo – locals favour Bar Il Palio. The Gran Continental’s SaporDivino restaurant and wine bar does authentic Tuscan cuisine, served in what was once the courtyard of this 17th-century palace.

Dip into Dutch Fly to > Amsterdam (KLM, Durham Tees Valley, easyJet, Newcastle ) Stay at > The Conservatum is cool, sleek and modern – and its best-kept secret is the I Love Amsterdam suite at the top of a spiral staircase leading off a wood-beamed mezzanine.

Day out > Cool shopping – the recently re-opened The Waterlooplein flea market is a local institution. Don’t miss newly re-opened The Rijksmuseum, home to works by Dutch masters Vermeer and Rembrandt, or The Van Gogh Museum.

Eat out > Sunday brunch and jazz in the Art Nouveau surroundings of the Eden Amsterdam American Hotel. www.edenamsterdamamericanhotel.com Flights > www.flysas.co.uk, www.easyjet.com, www.jet2.com, www.klm.com

81

LITTLE LUXE Xxxxxxxx

hello!

with Nina Robinson

The big people at luxe have decided to give us little people a space of our own The time has finally come. The baby I have been waiting for (for what seemed like for ever) is finally here – and it’s a boy! My auntie Hannah and uncle Michael named my tiny cousin Thomas Joseph and he is the cutest little thing ever. When we went to visit him he was in his Moses basket in the middle of the room and I thought he was a doll because he was so small and so still. Then he got hungry and I realised he was definitely real… When he isn’t hungry (and providing it’s day time) he sleeps a lot and is very quiet. This means I get to look closely at him and watch his little chest breathing. I even got to hold him on my knee but I am working up to asking my auntie Hannah if I can carry him. This is my life-long ambition – to carry a real baby the way I carry my Baby Born doll. Mum doesn’t think this is a good idea for some reason. I think it’s because my Baby Born spends much of its time inside my jumper when I play my favourite games Pregnancies and Maternity Hospital. I’m sure Thomas will love being one of my patients as soon as he’s old enough to understand the many rules of my ward…

Love little luxe

> Baby love: Nina and her cousin Thomas Joseph

Nina’s s t y l e n ot es …

Luxe port a Little pleased to re op here in sh At last! I’m up ng tti se bel and is finally ren’s wear la favourite br Swedish child . st ore st Ea on rth si the No ed a conces w ret has open no Py . is O it rn ch la hi Po mw Newcastle fro and simply in Fenwick, ripy, spotty st g in fy tis play in – n ca selling its sa . Clothes kids ar ge us eo not to gorg ncept. What’s that’s their co ?! that love about

Nina:loves

Nina’s: diary

> Little Luxes love any way of expressing ourselves through our fashion – just give us the chance to self-select an outfit and you’ll see what I mean… So just imagine my delight when I came across this neat idea – shoes you can customise! Skribbies are trendy high tops for boys and girls that can be drawn on over and over again thanks to their unique wipe clean surface. Yesterday’s look can be simply wiped away to make way for a different pair of shoes each day! Each shoe box comes with everything you need to start the scribbleadventure – coloured pens, rubber and stickers. UK Junior Size 10 to UK 3.

Price: £39.99 www.skribbies.com

June 6-20

Arty high tops

82

Don’t miss… the Latin heat of Vamos!

The whole family will be swept away by the Mardi Gras fever of Vamos! this year. Sure there’s lots of Latin loving for the grown-ups, but there’s plenty for us little festival folk too over the course of the event. Vamos! kicks off with a colourful Mardi Gras performance featuring hundreds of musicians and dancers parading along Northumberland Street, Newcastle, on Saturday 7 June. The procession leads to Newcastle University where there’ll be an afternoon of free activities on the lawn outside Northern Stage with a fiesta of live music, DJs, finger-licking food and hip-shaking tango workshops. Other family highlights throughout the festival include the popular outdoor family picnic with a Portuguese and Brazilian theme on the lawn at Summerhill Bowling Club on Saturday 14 June. Then there’s the return of Mexico’s favourite spectator sport, Mexican wrestling, with a family show on Saturday 21 June at The Toffee Factory, Newcastle. Audiences can enjoy the superhero-versus-villain action, high-flying, acrobatic show along with piñata smashing and some seriously tasty street food. www.vamosfestival.com

MAY/JUN14

www.polarnopyret.co.uk

NEW KID IN TOWN The brand has been going for 40 years in Sweden, and the Fenwick Newcastle concession is the 17th store in the UK. “I am thrilled to finally bring this special brand to the North East, especially as this is where I met my wife Jo. Local parents and children alike will love the quirky designs and outstanding quality of the clothing, and also appreciate the unisex and eco philosophy that underpins the brand” says Mats Nilsson founder of the UK arm. The Stockholm based designers strive to make clothes that will let children be children. For Polarn O. Pyret this means good-looking clothing and outdoor wear that makes life easier. Clothes that can withstand childhood adventure and stay looking smart wash after wash. In addition many of the colours and quirky prints are unisex, so that the clothes can be handed down from brother to sister and then to a friend or cousin.

This stand against the throw-away culture of recent decades together with the extensive organic cotton collection underpins the brands reputable eco credentials. Dressing children may not seem like a science, but PO.P certainly approach it as such. Coats in

lightweight fabrics with pre-bent arms so that children can move freely. Breathable textiles to ensure they don’t get too hot when activity levels step up. Newborn clothes with extra flat and soft seams, positioned away from babies resting points. Socks with extra attention to elastic are more challenging to pull off.

Clothing that can take a stain and bacteria busting hot wash when needed. These are just some of the details that make the difference.

OUR EXPERT STAFF The expert team led by Fay West at Polarn O. Pyret Fenwick are ready to share four decades of children’s wear experience. The store in store concept even has a playtable and climbing tunnels to entertain your little ones whilst you browse.

Print Bodysuit: £14 0 - 4 months

Organic T-shirt: From £12 (2-12 yrs) Colour Denims: From £20 (2-12 yrs)

Baby and kidswear brand Polarn O. Pyret have finally arrived in the North East, with a large concession store on the 3rd floor in Fenwick, Newcastle. Polarn O. Pyret means ‘Buddy and the little one’ in Swedish and for those non-Swedish speaking among you it goes like this: “Pole arn oh pier et”. However most people know this Swedish national treasure as PO.P.

Free giftwrapping – always at Polarn O. Pyret Fenwick Newcastle Location: 3rd Floor Childrenswear Department, Fenwick, Northumberland Street, Newcastle

Kids 1st Bowesfield When only the best is good enough for the little one in your life.

At Kids 1st we look after your child as our own, delivering the highest quality of childcare in a safe and secure environment.

Here are just some of the reasons that you will love Kids 1st Bowesfield: • • • • • • •

Purpose-built nursery Nutritious, homemade meals Dedicated Pre-School Large, exciting outdoor play areas CCTV and Fingerprint Security French and Dance classes Coffee to Go Breakfast Service

Marketing Suite Opens May 2014

Viewings by appointment only To make a booking call: 0191 461 8877

But don’t take our word for it... come along and see for yourself.

Kids 1st Bowesfield Cygnet Drive, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3DZ

Celebrating 10 years of Outstanding Childcare

bowesfield@kids1st.net

0191 461 8877 kids1st.net Kids_1st

The Highest Quality Childcare Provider in the UK 2011 - 2013 Nursery World

Opens July 2014 in Stockton-on-Tees MAY/JUN14

83

Xxxxxxxx OCEANS APART

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY with Dan Robinson The Gus Robinson Foundation - Seeing business as a force for good

Over the past couple of months I’ve told you about certain aspects of my life both past and present. This month, I thought I’d share a little about the most important part of my journey to date.

My ‘day job’ I suppose you could call it, involves running one of the region’s long-established construction and development firms, Gus Robinson Developments Ltd. Our day-to-day operations involve the obvious, in that we build things. As you’d expect from a business that has been around since 1975, we build things well.

Today however, I’d like to tell you about the reason that my staff and I come to work every day and to do this, I’d like to focus on the word ‘development’. You see the real reason we come to work, is to support and develop young people across all walks of life, across every sphere of our operations and across all of our stakeholders.

We are on a mission and our mission is simple; we aim to be a force for good in society. Every single one of my employees, at every level of our organisation understands this. Our reason for coming to work goes so far beyond ‘making money’ as to become unrecognisable to the casual observer. Profit to us simply helps to facilitate our mission. Much more important to us, is how we take our place in society, give back and contribute positively.

Now I must caveat this statement with the fact that I am obviously biased. Hugely biased but if you can bear with me, I’ll try to explain.

My father started Gus Robinson Developments in 1975 with a perspective on life and on business that would ultimately define our core values. His view was simply that at all times this company should act as a force for good in society and give back to those who need it the most. It is these values and ethics that have been deeply ingrained in this company. Throughout his life, he helped so many and shaped the lives of many people in ways that they will carry with them forever. What more can one possibly say about what defines a gentleman?

When I took over the business after my father passed away, I was keen to continue our philosophy of giving back but during difficult times, it’s not always an easy thing to do. It is, however, the right thing to do.

Importantly, it is also strategically the smart thing to do. In my opinion, every company must understand that society and its own interests are inextricably linked. One cannot survive without the other. The key to doing the right thing but being strategically smart, is to understand, and I mean fully understand where a company derives value from.

Two years ago I established the Gus Robinson Foundation and today, it is a legal charity with the simple mission of giving back to the communities in which we work.

To accomplish our goals, we have set out a number of separate initiatives, each with a distinct mission but all built upon a founding vision: to help to provide a

84

High-fliers >> Dan with Hartlepool College Principal Darren Hankey and aeronautical students, Ryan Wenn and Antonia Fawcett, winners of the Gus Robinson Foundation scholarship pathway for young people across the North East that enables them to follow their dreams, to excel in the area of their choice and then to give back.

We work in partnership with the Hartlepool College of Further Education to support young people across a range of diverse backgrounds through education and training and we facilitate successful careers by rewarding students for their commitment and demonstrated success. Accordingly, we offer a series of scholarships and awards that will help students through education and training and ultimately, on the pathway to successful careers. It has given us great delight to be able to give these awards out over the past couple of years and the response from those that have won them, has been incredible.

Despite being focused on helping people however, we do not believe simply “giving” is the most effective way to help. We believe that the only way to create long-term, sustainable success is to challenge young people to help themselves. In turn, we do our part to support them.

The awards process is deliberately competitive and the standards of all of those people that have applied for them are exceptional. It is great to see and gives me such strong faith in the talent pool of young people that we have in the North East. I guess encouragingly, each recipient of an award buys into the five founding principles upon

which we established the Gus Robinson Foundation.

Individual responsibility Despite being focused on helping people, we do not believe simply “giving” is the most effective way to help. We believe that the only way to create long-term, sustainable success is to challenge you to help yourself. We will do our part.

Competition We live in a global, high-tech economy in which geographical borders are becoming less and less relevant. We believe that cultures of dependency bear absolutely no relevance to the real world. We must be able to compete.

Partnerships and Collaboration No matter where the Foundation works, we will engage partners on the ground to ensure that projects are properly responding to local needs.

Local Impact The Foundation takes a comprehensive approach that ensures that the maximum impact of its offerings is felt within the local community in which it is targeted.

and lessons learned.

Over the past 6 years, opportunities and aspirations among many young people have diminished across the North East. What I know unequivocally however, is that there is a wealth of talent to be nurtured sitting right here on our doorstep. There is also a tremendous hunger, passion and pride in where we come from. Gus Robinson Developments and The Gus Robinson Foundation will continue to do our part to help young people across the North East.

As individuals and business leaders, I would respectfully encourage you all to do the same.

To find out more about the Gus Robinson Foundation, please visit our website at www.gusrobinson.com or find me on Twitter: @dan_gusrob

We are on a mission and our mission is simple; we aim to be a force for good in society

Measurable Results The Foundation focuses its efforts in areas where it can have the greatest long-term impact. We then develop best practices

MAY/JUN14

Xxxxxxxx

LUXE LOVES Pedal power A stylish and patriotic way to give a nod to that big yellow bike ride happening this summer. North Yorkshire designer Jess Hogarth’s Tour de Yorkshire wallpaper design is bright, sunny and won’t make you saddle sore.

Tour de Yorkshire wallpaper, £26 per roll, www.grahambrown.com

MAY/JUN14

85

Xxxxxxxx

LADY Blackett The Blackett family has owned Matfen Hall in Northumberland since the seventeenth century. Since 1999 the hall has been a country house hotel and is still owned

by Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett.

Anna and Sir Hugh live nearby at Halton Castle. They have four grown-up children, Amelia, Isabella, Flora and Henry LUXE PEOPLE >> The Queen – what an incredible lady and example to us all and to think she’s 88!

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Rome, a fascinating and beautiful city to be in.

There’s always something interesting around most corners, the food is fabulous, shopping is pretty good too and I know it’s kitsch but the Trevi Fountain is my favourite spot. Alternatively, a weekend walking in the Lake District in early spring takes a lot of beating if the weather is kind.

A long holiday > Heat with culture. Somewhere in South America such as Chile or Peru where you can be active and also have some R & R in the sunshine. I’m fascinated by their ancient and colourful cultures.

A treat > A city break in a contemporary hotel and being able to walk or bicycle everywhere with a bit of decent retail therapy thrown in.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Scallops but I couldn’t live without cheese!

Best wine > Pouilly Fume.

Favourite restaurant > ‘Cal Pepe’ in Barcelona. It’s the most amazing, frenetic small tapas bar with no menu and the most delicious food that just keeps coming. Locally, it’s The Rat at Anick near Hexham, the best ‘rib of beef for 2’ and a superb atmosphere.

Perfect weekend > To be at home with all four children which is rare these days as they’ve all grown up and fled the nest.

Downtime > Going out for a hack on my horse.

Best telly > Certainly none of the soaps. Probably period dramas such as Mr Selfridge or Downton Abbey (except the latest series had got very silly and unrealistic) followed hotly by Strictly Come Dancing which no one else in my family enjoys!

Best book > Charlotte Grey by Sebastian Faulks.

Best sounds > Can’t do much better than the Rolling Stones or either of the Bryans – Ferry or Adams.

Luxe shop >> Best shopping city > London Favourite shop > Blue Velvet shoe shop in the Kings Road – I can’t ever manage to come out of there without buying at least one pair of shoes or boots.

Luxe retail treat > Shopping in Beauchamp Place, London including having lunch there.

Best buy > Anything cashmere - it just feels so soft and luxurious.

Luxe party >> A memorable night out > The Millennium night in Thailand at a wonderful island hotel dining under the stars with all the family and being entertained by the Lady Boys with fireworks to die for.

Perfect party > My daughter’s wedding.

Best dress > A little black dress.

Dinner date > David Attenborough – but dinner should be out in the filming field not in a posh restaurant.

Your luxe thing in life >> Sunshine and fresh air.

86

MAY/JUN14

golf:kit

Tee off in some summery style

in the swing

GOLF coach with John Harrison

SPRING STYLE ON COURSE >>

Best of British turquoise cashmere knit, £149 marksandspencer.com

eger.com Long chino, £99, www.ja

Cheeky pink shorts, £100 www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Oliver Sweeney, cummersdale cornered hipflask, £85 www.johnlewis.com

BOOK IN >> The ‘in’ place to lay your head if you’re heading to The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles this year has to be Cromlix in Dunblane, Andy Murray’s new hotel venture.

It’s one impressive spot. Yes, tennis courts of course but access to some great golf too, not to mention, Roux dining, some very nice malts in the bar and probably a familiar face or two. Nearby courses include:

Dunblane – 18 hole, Par 68, 5980 yards This quality parkland course provides an enjoyable and testing challenge for golfers of all abilities. Designed by Major Cecil Hutchison, the then Amateur Champion, and the Open Champion, James Braid, its lush fairways and manicured greens, together with wonderful views in all directions.

Website: www.dngc.co.uk

Stirling – 18 hole, Par 71, 5464 yards

PLAY & STAY >> Sunshine play days Gloria Golf Resort, Antalya, Turkey Located on the Mediterranean coast, just a few metres from the beach, Gloria Golf Resort is the perfect place to do nature and golf. The 420 rooms are set amongst lush gardens and pines overlooking the golf course. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s seven restaurants and six bars, renowned spa, the swimming pools and cinema. No chance of boredom then.

Designed by renowned French architect Michel Gayon, Gloria Golf Resort is the largest golf complex in Turkey, with its 45 holes comprising of the 18 hole ‘Old Course’, the 18 hole ‘New Course’, and the 9 hole ‘Verde Course’ as well as the largest practice facilities in Turkey. The Championship Old Course has hosted several European Tour events and has been a favourite with golfers since it opened.

Gloria Golf Resort is a member of Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection. Family suites start from £393. For more information or to book please visit http://www.ghotw.com/ gloria-golf or call +44 (0) 20 7380 3658.

MAY/JUN14

Stirling Golf Club is one of the most picturesque courses in Scotland, with inspiring backdrops of the Old Town of Stirling, built on ancient volcanic slopes, crowned by the historic castle rising above spectacular crags and there are stunning views in all directions across Central Scotland, the Ochil and Lomond Hills to the east, and the Carse of Stirling, the Trossachs and the Southern Highlands beyond.

Website: www.stirlinggolfclub.com

Callander – 18 hole, Par 66, 5091 yards Lying at the entrance to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the course consists of stylish wooded parkland with panoramic views to Ben Ledi.

The 15th is one of the most famous par 3s in Scotland.

Website: www.callandergolfclub.co.uk

Gleneagles – 3 x 18 hole The three championship golf courses at Gleneagles are regarded among the very best golf courses in the world: PGA Centenary Course, created by Jack Nicklaus, the PGA Centenary Course is the host venue for The 2014 Ryder Cup, where the cream of European and American golf will battle it out on Scottish soil for the first time in more than 40 years.

Website: www.gleneagles.com/golf Cromlix room rates from £200 www.cromlix.com

As I reflect on another great US Masters tournament, I start to wonder what the best approach to playing the game is? There you have Bubba Watson winning by a comfortable margin with a swing like an ‘octopus putting up a deckchair’ and never any coaching in his life.

Admittedly, Augusta is totally suited to him, it is a ‘bomber’s’ golf course with wide fairways but more importantly it favours a left-handed player as most of the holes dog leg right to left, meaning the lefties can fade the ball off the tee, giving them way more control than the righties (5 out of the last 11 Masters winners have been left-handed).

Bubba loves to fade the ball off the tee and draw his irons (strange!), he is also a dead weight rather than an aggressive putter so again the very fast sloping greens of Augusta suit that department of his game. I can see him winning more green jackets, but don’t put any money on him winning the US Opens where the premium is straight hitting.

So back to my question on how to approach the game, power or accuracy? Take a statistical look at Bubba Watson being number one in the distance stats with an average of 315 yards off the tee, yet he only hits 58pc of the fairways. Compare that to someone like Miguel Angel Jiminez who hits it 280 yards off the tee on average, yet hits 70pc of the fairways. You would think Jiminez would hit more greens, but no Bubba does, hitting 70pc of greens compared to Jiminez at 63pc.

So as long as you are not in the deep stuff (US Open style) it’s still easier to hit a green with a shorter club from the light rough than a longer club from the fairway.

In my eyes this is where the beauty of golf lies, there is more than one way to play the game, but the best way is to play to your strengths, but then also work at your weaknesses.

Not everyone can produce the club head speeds like the top players but you can learn to control the ball with technique and sound strategy.

One of my members was telling me the other day about how on our 13th hole he always ruins his card by invariably slicing the ball with the prevailing wind blowing from left to right out onto the par 3 course and of course out of bounds. I asked him what he hit off the tee and it was driver every time! I said why not hit a 3 wood or rescue instead but he replied ‘it is a par 5 and if I hit a good one I might get up in two!

So think about your strategy, plot your way round the course, don’t take on shots that you feel may have low success rate, but on the other hand if you feel good about taking a slight risk, do it as confidence generally results in success.

Anyway as long as Bubba doesn’t keep winning all the majors, I’m pretty confident golf coaches won’t become extinct in the near future.

Good golfing.

John Harrison, European Senior Tour player and Matfen Hall Head Professional, Matfen Hall Hotel Golf and Spa www.matfenhall.com tel: 01661 886400

87

luxe laps

KATE WALTON

Kate Walton from Gosforth has always had a love for cars and her latest is a Mercedes Black metallic SLK. Kate owns www.havetolove. com ladies fashion online and HavetoLove fashion boutique First love >> I’ve always loved cars - inspired by my dad - and my first car love was a VW new Beetle. They had a bit of quirky personality - and of course the flower on the dashboard... a motor fashion moment!

CHILDHOOD CAR CRUSH >> Porsche 911 IN THE GARAGE NOW >> Mercedes SLK IF YOU COULD OWN ANYTHING >> Mercedes Mclaren SLR CAPTAIN SLOW OR JEREMY >> Jeremy every time ROAD TRIP >> South of France to Western coast of Italy - there’s something irresistible about the Med stretch of coastline - not to mention nice towns and cafes to stop at along the way.

TRACKS OF YOUR TYRES >> My current favourites are London Grammar, Haim, Tom O’Dell and Disclosure.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS >> Driving the Amalfi coastline in a Fiat 500 cabriolet, wind in the hair, sunglasses on, blue skies - the business!

WHAT’S IN YOUR GLOVE BOX >> Not very exciting - the sensible basics - a pair of sunglasses and antibacterial hand wash.

HOW CLEAN IS YOUR CAR >> Spotless, I am a valet and polish kind of girl SCARY MOMENTS >> That Amalfi drive, precarious, a bit too fast and serious drops.

88

MAY/JUN14

coupe de grace

So very continental

It has a passion, the Continental, a car that’s more subtle than a soft-top, says Graham Courtney

Well, you can tell that summer isn’t far away. The footy season has drawn to a close and Britain’s Got Talent is back on telly. The temperature is rising and so are the hay fever levels. You can also spot those cherished drop-top motors that have been stood on bricks over the winter. They’re coming out of hibernation.

Wind-in-the-hair motoring isn’t for everyone, but the swoopy style of the swept-back roof is; that’s why we Brits like coupés.

Take this latest Bentley Continental for example. Okay, you can have a convertible, but I’m afraid they’re too Dallas wives for me. The coupé however, oozes style and quality.

Bentley is flying at the moment. Last year, one in four luxury cars delivered worldwide, was a Bentley. They’ve just celebrated their most successful year, ever. And don’t assume they’re all going to oil-rich countries.

Bentley sold more cars here in the UK than they did in the Middle East.

This latest model, the Continental GT V8 S is a belter. Power comes from a thumping 520 bhp 4.0 litre V8 and transmits via an 8-speed auto box to an all-wheel-drive system that delivers outstanding roadholding. Add lowered, stiffened suspension to all of the mechanical gadgetry

MAY/JUN14

and you get a 0-60 time of just over 4 seconds and you can hurtle to the horizon at 192mph. These are outstanding figures for such a large, heavy car. Fuel consumption is likely to be low to mid 20s, but you can improve things with gentle driving because at lower speeds the engine automatically switches off 4 of the 8 cylinders. Put your foot down and it reverts to V8 power.

The beauty of the Continental is that it will seat four adults and cope with all of their luggage. And, talking of beauty, it’s amazing what dropping the suspension and adding a deeper front skirt, side sills and a rear diffuser can do for the appearance of a car.

They give this Bentley a seriously sporting stance. I also like the slightly more vertical, black radiator grille. The 20-inch wheels look wonderful.

What do you get for your money? £139,000 is what you’ll need to find and, to be honest, there’s nothing you need to add.

Bentley has always been generous when it comes to specification. Okay, you can upgrade things like the sat nav, audio system, carpets, etc, but the one we drove was the standard V8 S and the word sumptuous is probably the one that best describes the interior.

The driving experience is both effortless and engaging. Those drivers who prefer

some classic Grand Tourer driving will be totally at home cruising along the autoroute to Cannes. If you have a more enthusiastic manner, then the GT V8 S will satisfy your urge. Put it this way, very few drivers will get close to the levels of performance and roadholding that this Bentley can achieve.

It has supercar abilities matched to real world necessities. No wonder Bentley can’t build ‘em fast enough.

Windin-the-hair motoring isn’t for everyone, but the swoopy style of the swept-back roof is

89

roaring jag

Cool for cats Jaguar F-Type Coupé V6. Stunning sums it up

The British car industry is going through a real purple patch at the moment.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re churning out the Nissan Qashqai or hand crafting a Rolls Royce, it would seem that cars built with a ‘Made in Britain’ label, can do no wrong.

The price tag is irrelevant it would seem.

Buyers now recognise that cars built in the UK are reliable, stylish and desirable.

That’s certainly the case for Jaguar/Land Rover. They used to be a laughing stock.

Owners were on first name terms with their local mechanic. Today however, the waiting list for Jags and Rangys is proof that folk take these marques seriously.

And the latest models to appear from Jaguar are nothing short of brilliant. Take this new F-Type Coupé S for example. Tipping the scales at around £60,000, it comes in at less than half the price of the Bentley Continental. Okay, there are two fewer cylinders (V6 as opposed to V8) and a lot fewer horses (380bhp instead of over 500bhp) but a 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 171mph means that the Jaguar keeps pace with the Bentley in real world terms. It’ll be cheaper to run too, returning around 30mpg. Both cars use an 8-speed auto ‘box.

The difference is that whereas the Bentley is

90

The waiting list for Jags and Rangys is proof that folk take these marques seriously

effortless, you do feel that you need to work the Jaguar’s V6 to get the best out of it.

Thankfully, the drive is still a rewarding experience as is the exhaust note. There is a natty gadget that opens and closes some of the baffles in the exhaust. You can opt for a hushed cruising mode or you can let the neighbours know when you arrive in the county. The ride is terrific too thanks to the adaptive dampers. These are standard on the S and R models, but not entry-level V6.

Another difference is obvious when you climb aboard; the F-Type is a two-seater.

There’s not even a couple of small child seats like you get in a Porsche 911 for example. The luggage carrying capacity is

similarly reduced. There’s no doubting the quality though. The S version gets full leather interior, soft touch materials, chunky 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, Bluetooth, USB connection, parking sensors and colour touch screen. The cabin feels a shade cramped, but the seats are wonderfully supportive and comfortable.

The big attraction is the styling of the F-Type Coupé. Stunning is probably the best choice of words. This is a serious head turner. I reckon it is more handsome than the drop-top F-Type.

If you’d rather save £10k, the entry-level V6 model will still bring a smile to your face. It sounds just as good and is only slightly

down on the power and performance of the S model. If you want the ultimate in performance, the 5.0 litre V8 R model will blow your socks off. It’s quicker than the Bentley with 0-60 taking 4 seconds dead.

It’s arguably the pick of the F-Type bunch when it comes to driver enjoyment because power is available from tickover.

Oh, and I’ve mentioned the word ‘stunning’ as the best way to sum up the F-Type Coupé. Well, here are three others; value for money. Yes, I know that £60k is a lot, but when you compare it to other cars with the same desirable styling and performance, the F-Type Coupé is an absolute bargain. Form an orderly queue please.

MAY/JUN14

LIVELY NUMBER

The lively new Peugeot RCZ-R will bring the grin factor into your life

When a car is promoted as being ‘our fastest ever production car,’ you know it’s going to be lively. That’s certainly the case with Peugeot’s latest RCZ. In a nutshell, the company handed it over to their sport division who build cars for Le Mans and the World Rally Championship. A 1.6 litre 270bhp turbocharged engine was shoehorned under the bonnet and a letter R was added to the badge.

So, can the Peugeot RCZ-R live with the likes of a Jaguar F-Type Coupé and a Bentley Continental?

No, but it’s not far off. 0-60 comes up in under 6 seconds and the top speed is limited to 155mph. All of the power goes to the front wheels only; however there is a lack of something that you’d expect; torque steer. This car is a hoot to drive and, yes, the figures on paper mean the Pug is slower than the Jag or Bentley, but on UK roads it will keep pace. To be honest, it feels easier to drive than the other two. The 6-speed manual gearbox lets you keep things on the boil. Smaller dimensions and quick yet pleasingly heavy, precise steering, mean the RCZ-R is a hoot to punt along quickly. This is a classic fun car.

Naughty-but-nice Pug a hoot to drive

Another surprise is the lack of any turbo serious lag. You get a shove in the back from under 2000 rpm. This translates into useable power without having to keep the revs at a higher rate than makes for civilised progress. It also means you will probably get close to Peugeot’s predicted 45mpg.

One let-down is the quality of ride. It’s a tad firm. Things are fine on motorways, but at town speeds or on pothole-strewn country lanes, it makes your vision go blurred. Of course, all of this helps when it comes to roadholding but a lot of folk will find it too

firm. Perhaps I’m getting old.

Price? The RCZ-R will set you back £5 shy of £32,000 which is a lot for a Peugeot. Don’t forget, we’re in Audi TT territory here. You won’t need to spend anything further in terms of goodies because the R version of the RCZ gets just about everything as standard. The quality of the interior is excellent. Those people sitting in the front have plenty of room and extremely comfortable seats. As for the rear, well this is par for the course 2+2 fare; in other words, the rear seats are hopeless. A Hobbit

would complain of things being rather snug.

The boot is a decent size and you can drop those rear seats to extend the load space.

I think the RCZ-R looks great. The moulded roof and swoopy lines make it stand out from the crowd. I actually think it looks better than the Audi TT. It goes like a rocket, has good fuel economy for this type of car, sounds good and is fully equipped. There’s a frantic side to this Peugeot that I really like; naughty but nice. If you can live with the firm ride, this is a car that’ll bring the grin factor into your life.

PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY IN BALANCE IS300h LUXURY

Lexus Newcastle 22 Benton Road, Newcastle NE7 7EG 0191 215 0404

www.newcastle.lexus.co.uk

*For Business Users only. Initial rental and VAT applies. IS 300h prices start from £29,495. Model shown is IS 300h SE £30,105 including optional metallic paint at £610. Available on new sales of IS 300h Luxury when ordered, registered and financed between 1st April 2014 and 30th June 2014 through Lexus Financial Services on Lexus Connect Contract Hire. At participating Lexus Centres. Advertised rental is based on a 36 month non maintained contract at 10,000 miles per annum with an initial rental of £2,095.01 + VAT. Excess mileage charges apply. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. Terms and conditions apply. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s only. Lexus Financial Services is a trading name of Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC. Registered Office: Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, KT18 5UZ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Subject to availability. Lexus Centres are independent of Lexus Financial Services. The MPG figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results. They are provided for comparability purposes, and may not reflect actual driving experience.

IS 300h SE fuel consumption and CO2 figures: urban (64.2 mpg (4.4 l/100km), extra-urban 62.8 mpg (4.5 l/100km), combined 65.7 mpg (4.3 l/100km), 99g/km CO2 (12% BIK).

MAY/JUN14

91

social life

In association with:

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!

Benfield Ford Dealership Launch, Sunderland

Daniel Sandler Spa Event, Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth

Above > Ann Barber, Leila Ghanadi, Gillian McArdle Above > Mark Ovenden, Steve Harmison

Above > Craig Gardner, Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil

Above > Jill Millward, Karen Beach

Below > Cath Johnstone, Ann Harris, Leanne Harris

Below > Angela Coates, Elena Degnan, Kate Nicholson, Joanne Smith

Below > Mark Squires, John Squires, Mark Ovenden

Above > Nichola Howard, Laura Jamieson, Leah Rice Below > Cath Browne, Ann Starkey, Patricia Grant, Gillian Balcombe

Below > Roger Gabriel, Andy Naylor, Simon Curtis, Matthew Squires

Above > Paul Bracewell, Craig Gardner, Mark Squires, Steve Harmison

Above > Julie Ellison-Hutton, Kim Wilson

Moorbennhall Charity Ball, Ramside Hall, Durham Below > Lucy Holland, Margaret Holland, Linda Holland, Laura Whiting, Rachael Holland, Louise Holland, Allison Holland

Below > Lauren Defty, Val Elliott, Jacki Middlemiss, Sarah Robson

Above > Toni Edwards, Jasmine Dakers Above > Andrew Bennett, Calvin Moore

92

Above > Linda Potts, Gemma Potts

Left > Megan Dutta, Sophie Dutta

MAY/JUN14

Bonbar Opening, Assembly Rooms, Newcastle Below > Antony Michaelides, Homer Michaelides

Tees Valley Community Foundation Silver Supper, Brasserie Hudson Quay, Middlesbrough

social life

Below > Rosemary Young, Chris Parker

Above > David Huggin, Michael Huggin, Sarah Bowey, Ron Bowey Below > Moira McNally, Lynda Pygall, Jane Gray

Above > Mike Simpson, Mary Simpson Below > Jake McCall, Nikita Longstaff

Above > Neil Kenley, Keith Robinson, Marjory Houseman, John Bennett, Brian Beaumont

Below > Faye Shearer, Andy Garner

Above > Grace Volans, John Robinson, Megan Lund Above > Ian Thorpe, Wendy Shepherd

Above > Ron Jackman, John Cooper, Ruth Cooper, Annie Currie, Gordon Currie, Gill Jackman

Above > Hannah Layford, Amy Jackson, Sarah Bosson

Above > Peter Rowley, Jeff Taylor, Keith Smith

Blooms & Bubbly Lunch, Wynyard Hall, Wynyard

Above > Judith Rawding, Pauline McOnie, Andrea Hutchinson

Below > Sylvia Hodge, Sue Hodge, Pat Welch

Above > Audrey Kitching, Professor Eileen Martin

Hurworth Hunt Point to Point, Hutton Rudby Below > Julie Comerford, Emma Watkinson Above > Debs Hutton, Lynne McGowan, Deb Horton

Above > Tim Moore, Katie Devlin Above > Jacqueline Chappell, Nicky Sadler

Above > Moira Bell, Sandra Evans, Jill Moore

Below > Craig Durham, Nick Boddy, Natalie Boddy

Below > Shirley Cook, Sarah Warnes

Above > Alexandra Motley, Eileen Motley, Philip Motley

Above > Charles Tompkins, Angela Tompkins, Rhiannon Piasecki, Adam Dyke

47-48 Eldon Garden, Newcastle T: 0191 232 0788 www.richardsintonjewellers.com MAY/JUN14

93

social life

Artisan Restaurant Launch, Biscuit Factory, Newcastle

Ramside Hall 50th Anniversary Ball, Durham

Below > Hamish Dow, Vanessa Dow, Alex Latham, Chris Shaw

Above > John Adamson, Terry Laybourne, Nick Shottel, Luca Dusi Above > Stuart Palmer, Ruth Flecknell, Paul Flecknell Below > Rory Allan, David Allan, Ramy Zack, Robin Price

Below > Anna Templeton, Joe Wood, Holly Abbotson

Below > Karen Bloore, Julie Carverhill, Kathryn Hunt, Beverley Anders

Above > Brian Bell, Leah Bell

Below > Sir John Hall, Frank Wenstrom, Marnya Wenstrom

Above > Julie Rastletti, Alex Mackee, Laura Kennedy, Carmel Lawless, Cariad Holmes

Above > Nick James, Jemma Gibson, Justin Keeper

Above > Marilyn Zack, Helene Brandon, Marta Perez Lopez, Christopher Neoh

Oswaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & The Stables Sports Pub, Hallgarth, Darlington

Above > Alex Roland, Brendan Healy Below > John Adamson, Suzanne Adamson

Below > Barbara Clare, Mayor of Newton Aycliffe, Mr John Clare, Jack Charlton OBE, Clive McKeag

Above > Marian Adamson, Janice Banks, Sheila Davison, Marnya Wenstrom

Below > Gary Scott, Debbie Scott, Sophie Scott, Jake Jefferies Jackson

Above > Janice Pottinger, Janelle Pottinger, Karen Makinson

Above > Anthony McMaster, Danny Plumb Below > Phil Harburn, Phil Evans Above > Nora Brewster, Julie Adams, Jackie Lee Above > Claire Thomas, Andrew Thomas

Moth Ball, Newcastle Falcons, Gosforth

Below > Geoffrey Bell, Hilary Marsden

Below > Sue Dingwall, Julie Wilson

Above > Claire Aitkenhead, Lindsay Bewick, Annie Russell, Amy Kipsopp, Lisa Bewick, Rebecca Bewick Below > Mandy Mehnell, Marion Lowdon, Isabella Rombaut, Mary Morrison

Above > Nicole Pegg, Jo Rhodes, Kathy Hooper

In association with: If you would like your event featured on our Luxe:Looks pages please supply images on disk with full captions and your contact details to: luxe Magazine, room501 Ltd, Spectrum 6, Spectrum Business Park, Seaham, SR7 7TT

94

MAY/JUN14

Middlesbrough Football Club Ladies’ Day, Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough Below > Jane Coddington, Michelle Tweddle, Helen Oliver, Jill Carr

Above > Helena Pinder, Chris Smith, Diane O’Connell, Joanne Swinnerton

RICHARD SINTON

Above > Nadia Hussein, Megan Errington, Heather Errington, Karen Errington Below > Karen Steadward, Paul Steadward

Above > Bianca Robinson, Kelly Adekunle, Karen Nelson Above > Claire Maddison, Neil Maddison

Above > James Booth, Amy Steadward

Variety Tribute Dinner for Bobby Pattinson, Marriott Hotel, Gosforth Park, Newcastle

Zoe’s Place Charity Lunch, Judges Hotel, Yarm Below > Geraldine Simms, Cal Saddington, Judith Hunton

Above > Alan Tailford, Kathryn Tailford-Irwin & Susan Murray

Above > Elizabeth Ayres, Mary Jenney

Below > Lucy Pattinson, Bobby Pattinson

Below > Marianna Fisher, Violet Thompson

Above > Trisha Simmons, Pauline Robinson Above > Jack Charlton, Angie Stanger-Leathes Below > Denise Welch

Above > Angie Robson, Helen Wilson, Karen Shawcross, Karen Papple Above > Daphne Thornton, Tony Thornton

Above > Anne Bookless, Vera Hawkins, Marguerite Wilson, Cathy Burke, Margaret Baker, Mari Carling

Below > Joyce Ogden and Maureen Stead

Below > Caron Bell, Stephanie Pearson, Georgie Foggan, Olivia Keighley, Toni Kaur

RICHARD SINTON 47-48 Eldon Garden, Newcastle T: 0191 232 0788 www.richardsintonjewellers.co.uk

MAY/JUN14

95

sweet charity

Cheer for the charity crowd Diary dates and fund-raising run-arounds

Fizz for funds >> Strawberry fizz, some jazz and your summery finery – sounds like a day to enjoy.

It’s all happening on July 5 in the glorious setting of Acton House Walled Garden near Morpeth in aid of the charity, HospiceCare North Northumberland.

Ticket price, £20, includes a glass of fizz, strawberry afternoon tea and summer jazz. Ladies are invited to dress up in summer florals, bring some friends and relax to the beautiful sounds of Gershwin and the jazz classics.

For tickets see www.hospicecare-nn.org.uk

Lunching pays off >> Lunching ladies have made a stunning difference to a number of charities in the region.

The North East Ladies Day is held every year, bringing together hundreds of women to raise money for deserving causes. At a recent presentation at Middleton Hall Retirement Village, NELD presented each of its chosen charities with a cheque. A total of £6,500 was raised by NELD topped up to £7,250 with a donation from Barclaycard. This year’s recipients were St Margaret’s Centre. www.stmargaretscentre.co.uk Victoria’s wish www.victoriaswish.org and Kiltontorpe Friends Association. www.KTS-academy.org.uk This year’s NELD autumn lunch will be on September 17 at Harwick Hall Hotel.

Speaker will be Gyles Brandreth and chosen charities are Henry Dancer Days, South Cleveland Heart Fund and the Ellen Timney Foundation for disadvantaged Teesside children. It marks NELD’s 32nd year, raising vital funds for North East charities whilst creating a fabulous event for ladies to socialisie and network. So far NELD have raised over £165,000 with every single penny being given to local charities. www.neladiesday.moonfruit.com

Run with a view >> Get the trainers and Lycra on for a fundraising run at one of the region’s best-known sites.

On Sunday June 29, the Foundation of Light hosts its annual Lambton 10k run and 3k fun run through the grounds of the iconic Lambton Estate, County Durham, which also provided the backdrop for popular BBC drama, The Paradise.

The 10k run, which usually attracts around 700 participants, is designed for competitive and non-competitive runners, while the 3k offers a fun alternative for around 300 families and young children. Both are being sponsored by Cestria Community Housing.

All proceeds from the event will be used to help fund the Foundation of Light’s wide range of sport and education-based programmes, which benefit more than 42,000 young people and families across the North East every year.

Entries are £6. For more information or to sign up call 0191 5515191 or email events@foundationoflight.co.uk. More details can also be found at ww.foundationoflight.co.uk or by following @LambtonRun on Twitter.

One for the diary >> Children’s cancer charity Josie’s Dragonfly Trust is preparing to hold its annual Dragonfly Ball for the fourth year. This year’s event will take place at the Discovery Museum, Newcastle, on the 8th November. Guests can also expect to enjoy live music on the night. Proceeds from the ball will help Josie’s Dragonfly Trust to continue brightening the lives of children and young people living with cancer. Josie’s Dragonfly Trust was set up seven years ago by inspirational teenager Josie Madeline Grove shortly before she lost her own battle with Leukaemia in 2007. Now in its seventh year, the charity brings happiness to hundreds of young cancer patients across the UK by distributing arts and crafts boxes to children’s cancer hospitals, granting Dragonfly Dreams and giving out cash gifts of £500 to children and young people with incurable cancer. Tickets for the ball are £75 each and can be purchased either individually or as tables of 8, 10 or 12. Contact jane.d@josiesdragonfly.org or by calling 01 434 602043.

RIDE AWAY >> A leading North East transport company is saddling up in support of the region’s families and young people. OSE European, based in Newcastle, is providing logistical support for a fundraising cycle ride across Italy in aid of SAFC’s official charity, the Foundation of Light. The firm will be transporting more than 50 bikes and other equipment from Sunderland to Pisa and supplying a team of support vehicles to accompany participants on their epic four-day trek in June. OSE staff David Bradley, Robert Cornell and Richard Lynn have signed up to take part in the fundraising event, which will cover more than 200 miles between Italy’s Mediterranean and Adriatic coasts.

The Italian Cycle Challenge is one of the biggest fundraising events ever staged by the Foundation of Light. From June 4-7, participants will cycle up to 65 miles per day across some of Italy’s most beautiful landscape. All proceeds from the event will be used to help fund the charity’s wide range of sport and education-based programmes, which benefit more than 42,000 young people and families across the North East every year.

A few places are still available for the Foundation of Light’s Italian Cycle Challenge.

Participants will be provided with return travel, accommodation and meals and are expected to raise a minimum of £1500 to take part. For more information or to sign up visit www.italianchallenge.co.uk, call 0191 5515153 or email Cherie.lauder@safc.com

96

Sister support >> My Sisters Place in Middlesbrough is looking for support for its Another Brick in the Wall Ball in September.

The small charity supporting women suffering from domestic violence has proved that it can make a big difference.

Awarded the National Lottery Good Causes Award 2013 they provide an innovative and effective range of services to women affected by domestic violence in the area.

In the last 12 months My Sisters Place received over 1600 referrals. MSP has ambitious plans for its future with a new building in Middlesbrough. They hope that their new premises will include an evidence suite so victims can give evidence via

video link at MSP rather than in court.

This should encourage more women to stand up to and prosecute their offender.

The Another Brick in the Wall Ball will be held on September 19 at the Thistle Hotel Middlesbrough. The main sponsor is Paul J Watson Solicitors.

In total £280k is needed. Tickets are £50 each or £450 for a table of 10. For more details please contact My Sisters Place 01642 241864 or email hello@ mysistersplace.co.uk My Sisters Place are also on the lookout for some glamorous auction lots that will be a must-have for ball revellers, please get in touch with My Sisters Place if you or your company can help.

MAY/JUN14

Need a weekend getaway plan?

Sign up Now

Need some inspiration for a luxey weekend? It’s just a click away....

Every Thursday Luxe Loves The Weekend brings you a bite-sized version of Luxe with ideas for weekends away, gourmet adventures, cool things for kids and great things to cook up.

A slice of inspiration to PC, iPad or phone every Thursday.

And it’s fabulously FREE to sign up.

STROLL BIT OF CHAT FEAST - STAY IN FEAST - EAT OUT

BOOK IT NOW WEEKENDING TIME OUT AWAY FROM IT ALL

Register to receive our weekly free email update at www.luxe-magazine.co.uk/theweekend

parting SHOT

Prawn again > Did you know that thousands of king prawns are landed at Sunderland Fish Quay every day? Photographer Kevin Gibson got whiffy when he jumped on board the trawlers which bring them in. www.kgphotography.co.uk

98

MAY/JUN14