ISSN 2042-1931 9 772042 193002 77 ISSUE SEP/OCT2277 £5 SOLDWHERE magazineluxe£5.00 FEMALE LEADERS. Autumn inspiration. COOL CREATIVES. Fall fashion. GLOWING SKIN. Seasonal recipes. GROWING GARDENS. Seaside staycation. ALGARVE ADVENTURES. Posh pets. BACK TO SCHOOL. Halloween highlights. MIGHTY MOTORS. Big names. LUXE.
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Celebrate Christmas in style at Above - Experience stunning 360-degree views of the city whilst sampling our world class cocktails, delicious food and entertainment from our resident DJs. Our winter offerings includes festive afternoon tea, sharing platters and canap é s, VIP group booking packages and much more. Our team can also provide you with a show stopping Christmas event with part and full venue hire options available.
Join us at Livello where we have everything you need to make your festive celebration unforgettable; whether it’s a private hire in our Opulenza lounge or courtyard, a VIP reservation at one of our weekly events, or a Christmas cocktail class you are guaranteed an incredible celebration. Full range of canap é and drink options are also available over this festive season.
FOR ALL CHRISTMAS ENQUIRIES
View our Christmas brochure by visiting www.abovenewcastle.com
CHRISTMAS AT
View our Christmas brochure by visiting www.barlivello.co.uk
Celebrate the festive season with your friends, family and colleagues with our exciting calendar full of festivities! From a range of family events with Santa to Christmas Party Nights, Festive Afternoon Tea with Carol Singers to our glamourous New Year’s Eve Ball, Christmas at The Vermont is nothing short of Viewspectacular.ourChristmas brochure by visiting www.vermont-hotel.com
The County Hotel is the perfect setting for an unforgettable festive season. Visit us with your loved ones for one of our popular events, whether it be a private festive lunch, a Christmas Party Night or visit the Grinch or Santa with your little ones – we have events suitable for everyone. Make this Christmas one to remember and let us do all the work! View our Christmas brochure by visiting www.countyhotel.co.uk
CALL NOW ON 0800 989 0193 Our lavish members only cocktail club is an ideal venue to host your festive event. Available for exclusive private hire.
Christmas at Aveika is truly a special time of year. Join us at our award winning restaurant, bar and club this festive season to dine, drink and dance all under one roof. Choose from a range of options including festive dining, festive bottomless brunch, VIP booth hire and private venue hire for a memorable celebration this festive season. View our Christmas brochure by visiting www.aveika.co.uk Feel the festive spirit in our restaurant and bar with our special festive food and drinks menu, available from 28th November – 30th December. This Christmas day, sit back, relax & let us do all the hard work – enjoy a festive feast of 3 courses with a glass of champagne to start. View our Christmas brochure by visiting www.hudsonnewcastle.co.uk
The region’s cultural highlights for autumn 18>> 10 things luxe loves
Remember to check in with us online at luxe-magazine.co.uk See us on social at: Twitter: @TheLuxeMagazine Instagram: @theluxemagazine Facebook: @luxemag
Luxe chats to Assistant Chief Constable, Lisa Theaker 36>> Shine bright Getting to know Emily-Kate Turner at JUNI jewellery 42>> Spa session Taking the plunge at Ramside Spa 44>> Glow getter
Why we’re loving the WOW Fusion Facial 48>> Garden glory Time to explore Rockliffe Hall’s wonderful Walled Garden 54>> Say cheers Unlocking the drinks cabinet for autumn 56>> Chase the sun
©2022 Allies Group Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print, September 2022. luxe is published bi-monthly by Allies Group Ltd
Our new column with Dr Joanna Melville at Doorstep Vet 64>> Stylish spaces
A little pocket of paradise on the Algarve 60>> By the seaside A luxe day out in Whitby 63>> Posh pets
DebiSALESColdwell director debi@allies-group.com Lucy Andrews
Fun stuff for the kids this October half term 78>> Mighty motors
Watson is an all-rounder when it comes to embracing a creative way of life. From cooking shows and hairdressing success, to inspiring artworks and ceramic masterpieces, his talents inspire us on page 24. His luxe things in life include: cooking, family time, and a good glass of red wine.
THE LUXE ChristopherTEAMMarch publisher chris@allies-group.com editor elysia@allies-group.com Nicole Wood nicole@allies-group.com Johnathan Ramsay johnathan@allies-group.com
10>> The agenda
SEP/OCT22 SEPT/OCT2277
Luxe things on our radar this season 21>> Win with luxe A chance to win a York stay with use of a BMW 22>> Embracing autumn Five ways to slow down and really enjoy the new season 26>> Breaking barriers
Euan Underwood euan@allies-group.com Ariyan Mojarab ariyan@allies-group.com
Our pick of wow businesses on wheels 81>> Social diary Smile for the camera contents
I started working on this issue during the hottest days on record, but as I sign off, we’re starting to feel that fresh chill of the crisp, autumn air and I can’t help but feel excited about what this season has in store.
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Uncovering the cool home of interior influencer, Sally Worts 73>> Halloween highlights
Emily-Kate Turner is the creative genius behind JUNI: a stunning online boutique specialising in bespoke fine jewellery. When she’s not too busy crafting beautiful creations to wear, she’s in the kitchen creating them to eat. Her luxe things in life include: her adorable working spaniel pup, cups of tea, and a big woolly jumper.
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Light a candle, pour a glass of the good stuff - maybe even stick the slow cooker on and tuck into those hearty home comforts - and let’s get ready to embrace autumn together.
6 WELCOME luxe-magazine.co.uk ISSUE
Hello! It’s good to be back. Oh how I’ve missed living in this Luxe bubble. I’d like to start by saying a huge thank you to Claudia and the team for taking the reins and producing a beautiful magazine that I have been lucky enough to enjoy from the other side. As I write this welcome letter, it’s my first day back at the helm - and I must admit, I’m really enjoying the little joys I never knew existed - like sitting at my desk with a (hot!) cup of tea and juggling a diary all of my own. My tiny person has brought so much joy to myself, my friends and family this last year, and I can’t wait to share some of our experiences with you in the forthcoming issues of Luxe. But for now, I’m delighted to be getting back to it with the wonderful team that makes it all happen. I unintentionally timed this perfectly as I love nothing more than falling back into childhood habits and starting afresh in September. ‘Back to school’ will forever be engraved in my brain at this time of year. So, with that being said, it’s time to get back out there and catch up on all those hip happenings from across the region and beyond.
ElysiaEDITORIALFryer
creative director dave@allies-group.com
This issue’s cover star is Lisa Theaker, Assistant Chief Constable at Cleveland Police and star of Channel 4 TV series, Hunted. Her luxe things in life include: red wine, champagne and gin. “Now that may sound like I have real issues, but I’ve got a stressful Barriejob!”
If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Debi Coldwell: debi@allies-group.com / 07910 918366
SEP/OCT228 LUXE LOVES LUXEluxe-magazine.co.ukLOVES Perfectly practical Why choose between style and practicality when you can have both? The Filson Dry Sling pack is the perfect staple when you need to keep packing light and dry. The teardrop-shaped bag comes with a single extra-wide shoulder strap, as well as a breathable back panel and pockets for optimal organisation, all while offering full waterproof protection. It’s a no brainer for the avid-adventurer this autumn. £265. filson1897.eu
Stunning soprano, Alexandra Lowe, is making her way to Grantley Hall for an evening of exquisite live music and dining. Enjoy a six-course Michelin-starred tasting menu accompanied by an expert wine pairing and spectacular vocals from Alexandra. The singer has performed in many principal, operatic roles, and looks forward to wowing a North Yorkshire audience this autumn. Don’t miss it. A real luxe event. grantleyhall.co.uk
Jazz in the Restaurant at No.1 25
Luxe up your lunch dates this October with a Spanish Wine Tasting special at Dobson & Parnell. In a spectacular setting on Newcastle’s sparkling Quayside, you’re invited to sit back, relax and revel in all things wine. Hamish Breddon from González Byass will host the dinner, serving fine wines alongside fun food pairings.
Classicbaltic.artMovie Night: Mamma 25Mia!SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
Let live jazz set the soundtrack of your evening as you drink and dine at No.1 York this autumn. Listen to the laid-back acoustics of Karl Mullen Jazz Trio as they take requests, as well as classics by Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson, Nina Simone and favourites from the Great American Songbook. With a September and an October date to choose from, make sure you book a table and let the food and music do the talking. guesthousehotels.co.uk
Join Andy Larmouth and Tim Lichfield as they wow diners in a parlour magic show performance, followed by a delicious three-course dinner at Pinchinthorpe Hall, near Guisborough. Expect a breathtaking performance from these industry experts and get up close and personal with table magic that promises to blow you and your dinner dates away. pinchinthorpehall.comSahejRahal:MythmachineFROM24SEPTEMBER
DO TheTHIS agenda >> Cultural
High Force Halloween 15Trail- 30 OCTOBER
Take a chance this September and head over to Seaham Hall’s stunning terrace for an evening of food and the ultimate feel-good film. Settle in for a movie under the stars as Mamma Mia! plays out on the big screen while you enjoy popcorn, ‘posh dogs’ and prosecco in style. Get ready to relive your favourite moments and songs from the sunniest musical there is. It’s the perfect way to see out the summer. seaham-hall.co.ukSundayNight
SEPTEMBER & 30
An Evening with Alexandra 6LoweOCTOBER
Luxe has teamed up with Disney On Ice to offer one lucky Luxe reader the chance to win a family ticket to Disney On Ice presents Dream Big at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena in It’sDecember.achance to see the sparkling show on opening night on Wednesday 7 December 2022 at 6.30pm. All of that, plus a £60 voucher to spend on pre-show hospitality at the Utilita Arena and two Disney outfits for the children to wear to the show (up to the value of £50). Believing is just the beginning at Disney On Ice presents Dream Big. See Mickey and co., as well as stars from Frozen, Coco, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, and more. Share every magical moment of ice skating and beloved Disney stories. T&Cs apply and are available upon request. Family ticket to opening night only (Wednesday 7 December 2022 at 6.30pm). Closing date: 27 October 2022.
FOODFILMART & DRINK FOOD & RapunzelDRINKAfter Dark 30 SEPTEMBER - 1 OCTOBER
Sahej Rahal brings a new body of work to BALTIC this September, showcasing an immersive, virtual playground that responds to chaos, luck and chance. Weaving together fact and fiction, Rahal creates counter-mythologies that question narratives shaping the present. His myth-world takes the shape of sculptures, performances, films, paintings, installations and more.
Head to High Force for a whole load of Halloween-inspired fun this October half term. The waterfall will be home to a series of spine-tingling clues along an enchanting woodland walk. Solve puzzles, collect clues and see if you can make it all the way back to High Force Hotel. Have your little ones got what it takes? raby.co.uk
DREAMPRESENTSTOAWINFAMILYTICKETDISNEYONICEBIG
SEP/OCT2210 luxe-magazine.co.uk picks for the season ahead
FOOD & DRINK MUSIC
Calling all petrol-heads. Beamish Hall invites you to admire an impressive array of vehicles at the museum’s annual Classic Car Rally. Organised by the experts at The North of England Classics & Club,AutomobilesPre-WarMotoringthisisamustfor car enthusiasts new and old.
FAMILYbeamish.org.uk
The multi award-winning master of mind control and psychological illusion is back - and he’s taking to the Stockton Globe stage this October. Expect to be amazed by the talents of Derren Brown in this ‘must be seen to be believed’ show. stocktonglobe.co.uk
Lunch Club with Spanish Wine 19TastingOCTOBER
THEATREnorthernstage.co.uk
Derren Brown: Showman 18 - 22 OCTOBER
dobsonandparnell.co.ukFAMILY
PICKSLUXE
Lichfield and Larmouth Live 8 SEPTEMBER
THEATRE Classic Car Rally 252022SEPTEMBER
A best-loved fairytale, but not as you know it. Rapunzel After Dark is a bold retelling of the well-known story, made exclusively for adult audiences. Told from the perspective of the wife, her husband and a solitary gardening witch, it is a tale for those who have a passion for the horror and hope in humanity. Packed full of poetry, dance, music and spoken word, this spellbinding Northern Stage performance is a must-see.
SEP/OCT22 11luxe-magazine.co.uk info@dragonslayerdistillery.uk dragonslayerdistillery.uk LEGENDARY GIN DISCOVER OUR TREEHOUSE WEDDINGS The Dove Treehouse is the perfect backdrop for your intimate wedding. Take your love to new heights. www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk | 0191 3865252 | events@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk Half Page Luxe Magazine Treehouse Weddings.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2022 11:03 Page 1 DisneyOnIce.co.uk7th–11thDecemberutilitaarena.co.uk2022 ©Disney/Pixar©Disney, a13006-01 DB22 Vibe Magazine Ad NEWC 225x275.indd 1 05/05/2022 11:28
Wrap up for an educational evening at the Lord Crewe Arms’ Gatehouse this October where you’ll be treated to an evening of stargazing with expert Andy Gray. Following a beginners guide to the ‘starry sky’, you’ll venture to the bottom of the garden and have a look for yourself through the telescopes. Complete with hot drinks and blankets, we can’t think of a better way to enjoy the start of the darker nights. Following an evening of stargazing, you’ll be invited inside to tuck into a hearty stew and delicious dessert. Perfect.
Head to this sweet spot on Old George Yard in Newcastle for a 12-week silversmithing course, starting in September. Here you will delve into the art of silversmithing with lessons covering soldering, forming, saw work and simple stone-setting. Creative makers will design, explore and create unique pieces using various expert techniques. A spectacular new skill that will help you create stunning pieces in the future.
Disney On Ice presents Dream Big
Floristry For Beginners FROMCourse24
Disney On Ice presents Dream Big is the perfect opportunity to be whisked away to a magical kingdom where you’ll feel worlds away from the every day, exploring exciting lands where heroes of all kinds seek to fulfil their dreams, as well as yours. Make sure you book now to secure your seats to this dazzling December ice show.
The ultimate feel-good family show is returning to Tyneside this December and it’s date for the diary. Disney On Ice presents Dream Big is back, featuring favourite Disney friends such as Mickey, Minnie, Moana, Miguel, Elsa, Belle, Genie and many more familiar faces as they glide on the ice in spectacular style. Telling the magical tales we all know and love through the art of world-class figure skating, this is a show that will stun everyone in the family. Be swept away with the fearless Moana and the greatest demigod that ever lived, Maui, on an action-packed voyage to restore the stolen heart of Te-Fiti. Explore the Land of the Dead as Miguel brings the festivities of Dia de los Meurtos to the ice. Get tangled up in Rapunzel’s hair-raising quest to see the floating lights. And travel to the kingdom of Arendelle with Anna, Else and Olaf in a dramatic retelling of the sisterly love that saved a kingdom. All of that, plus all your favourite Disney princesses including Cinderella, Jasmine, Aurora and Ariel.
is about falling back into routine; for others, it’s about returning to school or work following a long summer break. With that in mind, we’re rounding up a number of luxe-worthy classes, events and workshops that put the fun back into learning something new
utilitaarena.co.uk
The Little Mermaid 25 - 29 OCTOBER
Stargazing in the Garden 14 OCTOBER
lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk
APOCALYPTIC TALE >> And Then I Woke Up by Malcolm Devlin
As the darker nights roll in, Swinton Park is lighting us up with a Ladies Wellness Evening hosted by Dr Angela WrightGP, Menopause Specialist and Clinical Sexologist. After a welcome drink, Dr Wright will guide the group through inspiring insights into the management of the menopause and how to protect our health as a whole. She will be joined by Swinton Estate’s consultant nutritionist and author of the book, ‘I Wish My Doctor Had Told Me This’, who will offer tips on how healthy choices can help support hormonal shifts in the body. The evening will finish with a Q&A and ladies will be given a goody bag to take home.
SEPTEMBER
This unsettling tale depicts a world reeling from an unusual plague where monsters lurk in the streets while terrified survivors arm themselves and roam the countryside. Or perhaps something very different is happening? When a disease affects how reality is perceived, it’s hard to be certain of anything. Follow the story of Spence, one of the ‘cured’ living in a rehabilitation facility. Haunted by guilt, he refuses to face the new world and is forced to figure out if he has earned redemption or made things worse.
School in session >>
Silversmithing Course
A HAUNTING STORY >> Beneath the Stairs by Jennifer Fawcett A haunted house, a dark woodland and a traumatic childhood incident - it’s the perfect recipe for a gripping thriller. One summer’s night, Clare and Abby venture into Octagon House in search of mysterious clues. Clare came out, but a piece of Abby never did. Years later, Abby attempts suicide at the house and now lies in a coma. Clare is left to uncover the darkness within Octagon House, which she believes is responsible for Abby’s accident.
Our pick of haunting books to get you in the spirit this Halloween. TURNERS SEP/OCT2212 luxe-magazine.co.uk
16 OCTOBER Kirsty Adams invites creatives to The Biscuit Factory this October for a workshop in how to throw and turn a small moon jar vase and base in textured white porcelain. The award-winning ceramicist will guide you through the process before the vase is taken away to be glazed and fired, returned and ready to collect at a later date. thebiscuitfactory.com
Ladies Wellness Evening 6 OCTOBER
DARK & ADDICTIVE >> The It Girl by Ruth Ware Get hooked on this haunting mystery following a woman on the search for answers a decade after her friend’s murder. Hannah met April during their first term of university - she was the ultimate ‘it girl’. A decade later, April’s killer has died in prison and Hannah’s world is rocked when a young journalist comes knocking with new evidence that the man behind bars may have been innocent all along. As Hannah delves deeper into the mystery, she finds that friends she thought she knew all have something to hide.
Always fancied giving floristry a go? The Enchanted Florist has you covered this autumn with a Beginner’s Floristry Course where you’ll learn the basics from buying to flower care and design ideas. Your home will be bright and colourful as you work on your very own floral creations to take away with you each day. A bloomin’ brilliant three-day course, and a must for creatives looking for a new hobby or skill. theenchantedfloristdurham.co.uk
Moon Jar Workshop with Kirsty Adams
Luxereads
swintonestate.com Farm to Fork 25 SEPTEMBER
There’s no better way to celebrate the fantastic local produce of local farmers than a trip to Arches Cookery School at Grinkle Park Farm. After a tea and coffee welcome, foodies will enjoy Sarah Muir’s demonstration before undertaking some hands-on cooking, creating dishes such as runner bean samosas, roast duck leg with puy lentils and sweet golden onions, chorizo and pork belly with haricot beans and spicy jerk chicken skewers and brown rice slaw. Sounds delicious, right? Following the practical work, you’ll enjoy a beautiful lunch in the dining room. archescookeryschool.co.uk
GAME CHANGER >> Hide by Kiersten White Squid Game was the survival drama series everybody was talking about in 2021. This year, it’s all about Hide - Kiersten White’s heart-pounding game of hide-and-seek. This dark, supernatural thriller follows 14 competitors who spend seven days in an abandoned amusement park. The rules are simple… don’t be found, but as people begin to disappear one by one, Mack quickly realises that the competition is more sinister than she ever imagined.
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Fortheglamorousowl.comsome,earlyautumn
Don’t miss the chance to see Hans Christian Anderson’s original fairytale play out live on stage by Northern Ballet. This beautifully choreographed production is a stunning take on the story we all know and lovethe tale of a young mermaid who is finally given her first glimpse of life beyond the sea. Rediscover this fascinating story as it arrives in Newcastle. With breathtaking dance routines, a vibrant set and enchanting, Celtic-inspired music, this is a must on your autumn agenda. theatreroyal.co.uk
7-11DECEMBER ITBOOKNOW FAMILY THEATRE
The ‘common law spouse’ – it is not uncommon for parties who have lived
The position in marriage with the family home is that it is a marital asset, regardless of who holds the legal title, and the established principal is that the non-owning spouse will have a beneficial interest in the available equity in the property. As such, simply because one spouse holds the legal title will not extinguish the claims of the non-owning spouse; ‘My spouse will receive half of my pension on divorce’ – As we touched upon above, the starting point with matrimonial finance is equality but this is very much a starting point. If preserving your pension is your main priority, it may be that there are other alternatives to consider to provide a fair outcome. This could include the possibility of ‘off-setting’ the value required to equalise pension provision against other assets such as if there is sufficient capital elsewhere to do so.
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13luxe-magazine.co.uk The Lindisfarne Gospels 17 September – 3 December 2022 See the spectacular Anglo-Saxon manuscript and explore what it means in today’s world Featuring a new work from Turner Prize winning artist Jeremy Deller Pre-book your tickets online Admission charge applies Headline sponsor: In partnership with:BoardLibraryBritish(c)IV)NeroMS(Cotton700c.Gospels,LindisfarneJohn,ofGospelforpageCarpet(Crop)Image: Supported by: Sponsored by: laingartgallery.org.uk Newcastle, NE1 8AG
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‘The family home is in my sole name so my spouse cannot claim against it’ –
‘The woman receives everything’ – this is a common misconception and is entirely inaccurate as gender alone simply does not determine how the matrimonial finances are to be divided. It is likely that this misunderstanding has arisen over time following years of men generally being the ‘breadwinner’ and the woman being the homemaker and primary carer for the children. The starting point with matrimonial finances is that of equality (50/50) but the court can depart from such when referring to the statutory guidance (s25 Matrimonial Causes Act 1973) predominantly when determining what is required to meet the needs of the parties. This may consequently result in the party of lesser means receiving a slightly greater share of the assets so as to fulfil their needs; ‘A decree absolute/final divorce order means that my former spouse can no longer make a financial claim against me’ – whilst your decree absolute (under the older law) or final divorce order (under the new law from 6 April 2022), may legally terminate your marriage, this does not mean that your former spouse cannot make a financial claim against you. The only way to sever financial ties is by way of a financial order within divorce proceedings which is essentially dealt with separately to divorce proceedings. It is important to bear in mind there is no time limit to when finances can be dealt with and claims can be made long after the decree absolute/final divorce order have been made.
No.1 York 1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA 01904 @guesthousehotelswww.guesthousehotels.co.uk644744
It is not a surprise that there are many misconceptions as to the reality of divorce proceedings, particularly financial matters arising from separation. Family law is complex and, in most cases, not always straightforward. There is no strict formula as to how matrimonial finances are determined, rather a wide statutory guidance, which is open to the broad interpretation of the English and Welsh courts which in turn brings us to the first misconception as follows:
‘Debunking the myth’ – common misconceptions in divorce proceeding together for an extensive period of time to assume that the same laws apply upon separation to those who divorce. This is not the case and there is no legal recognition of the ‘common law spouse’.
Down in the warm, cocooning calm of The Spa at No.1 try our Mid-week Mini Treat Package that lets you take 60 minutes to lessen your stresses, then refuel with our indulgent Afternoon Tea.
If there is a dispute upon separation, such as in relation to property, this will be dealt with by entirely separate legislation to that if you were married. Further, in the absence of marriage, any claims you may have hoped to make against your partner are extremely limited. A good example of the implications of this would be if one party had heavily relied on the other throughout the relationship for income. If the parties were married, the party who relied upon the other for income may choose to pursue spousal maintenance but unfortunately there is no option or equivalent to do so if the parties were never married.
For further information, please contact Jessica Inman or one of the other members of TBI’s Private Family Law Team on 01740 646000
WHERE: Hilton Newcastle Gateshead WHEN: Friday 30 September To mark World Alzheimer’s Month, Pepperells Solicitors are hosting a very special Ladies Day event in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK. The event will include fizz, fashion, music and lots of networking. The day will also include an expo from local Newcastle businesses, as well as a raffle and silent auction with some fantastic prizes on offer. alzheimersresearchuk.org
Doing good things in the North East, our charity round-up Five fantastic charity events you can support this season
DANCING QUEEN WHAT: ‘I Have A Dream’: The Mamma Mia Ball
What Lines Behind memorabilia can we expect to see on the day?
FINISH LINE GLORY
SEP/OCT2214 GOOD STUFF luxe-magazine.co.uk
WHERE: Close House WHEN: Friday 23 September The charity’s first charity golf day is set to tee off at Close House this September, inviting businesses to get involved for a day of networking, team bonding and doing your bit for good causes. All of that, plus a glorious day on the greens of the Lee Westwood Filly Course, as well as breakfast, a post-golf meal, competitions, raffles and presentation.
Sweet charity
We’ve illustrated the finisher’s t-shirt and medal, as well as signage and the official memorabilia of the race day - so we’ve done everything from greetings cards, to mugs, prints and tea towels, all of which you can order online now.
Luxe checks in with James Dixon of Lines Behind, the local illustrator who went from Tynemouth Market stall to commissioning for one of the largest charity sporting spectacles in the country
WHEELSchildrenscancernorth.org.ukINMOTION
WHAT: Children’s Cancer North Charity Golf Day
TEEthesunshinefund.orgTIME
WHAT: Big Butterwick Bike Ride WHERE: Elm Tree Social Club WHEN: Sunday 25 September Time to take to two wheels for Butterwick’s 19th annual Big Butterwick Bike Ride - a 26-mile route through Elton, Long Newton, Sadberge, Bishopton and Redmarshal, returning to Elm Tree Social Club for a well-deserved picnic lunch. Set off on this scenic route for just £10pp. Donations will help to continue providing essential care and support to families in their time of need.
BRIGHTbutterwick.org.ukIDEA
What can you tell us about your exciting partnership with the Great North Run? This partnership has been a pinnacle moment for me.
James Dixon is a big lover of his hometown. His designs showcase everything he knows and loves about his beloved Newcastle. Starting as a hobby, James saw his designs rise in popularity at his local makers market. A whirlwind journey quickly followed, commissioning pieces for local celebrities and big business - but his ‘pinch me’ moment came this year when he was approached by event organisers to illustrate the official finisher’s t-shirt, medal and memorabilia for the Great North Run.
Of course, I had to include the Red Arrows flying over the Tyne Bridge - no matter where you are in the race, it’s a real goosebumps moment, so that had to be incorporated into the design as a statement piece. The t-shirt has a lot of personality - it perfectly sums up this treasured race day and will (hopefully) be something people can pull out of their gym box in five or 10 years time and promote happy memories.
WHAT:LADIESteessidehospice.orgDAYAlzheimer’sResearch UK Ladies Day
To be asked to work with an event as huge as the Great North Run hit home a little bit and made me realise that this is why I work so hard, for wonderful opportunities like this. It has been really well received and I can’t wait to see it all come together on the day. There’s no bigger North East event than the Great North Run - 60,000 runners from all over wearing my design on their finisher’s t-shirt and medal, it’s incredibly overwhelming.
The medal will probably go down as the best thing I’ve ever worked on. I’ve got it in my hand as we speak, and it’s phenomenal to think I designed it. I’ve taken part in the Great North Run 10 times now, and every time I cherish my medal and finisher’s t-shirt, so I hope this year’s runners will do the same.
WHAT: Teesside Hospice Colour Run 2022
WHERE: Stewart Park WHEN: Sunday 25 September Walk, jog, skip or dance your way around a colourful 5k route within the scenic Stewart Park, to help raise vital funds for our friends at Teesside Hospice. You’ll be encouraged along the way with live music and plenty of powdered paint. Don’t forget to celebrate with family and friends in the charity’s Champion’s Village, where you’ll be able to pick up your goodie bag.
WHERE: The Grand Hotel Gosforth Park WHEN: Friday 30 September 2022 Say ‘I Do, I Do, I Do’ to The Sunshine Fund’s glitzy annual ball at The Grand Hotel Gosforth Park this September. A sparkling Abba-themed event is enough to tempt anyone looking to let their hair down and have a good time. As well as an evening of feel-good entertainment and fundraising, you’ll get to enjoy delicious food and drink, plus plenty of other surprises on the night. Hosted by the BBC’s Anna Foster, you’re guaranteed good times at this brilliant ball.
The business is blowing up and constantly growing.
What can you tell us about the designs? The illustration tells a story. Like the race itself, it incorporates iconic moments, community spirit and why the Great North Run will continue to go down in history as one of the most spectacular charity sporting events in the country. I was given a lot of freedom to make it my own, so that’s exactly what I did. The team had full confidence in me and that was really encouraging. There are certain things that stick out for me when it comes to the Great North Run; like the rattles of the charity buckets, the sweets, the fancy dress - it’s endless, so I wanted to pack in as much of that as I could. There’s so much happening. There’s a lot of diversity in there when it comes to race and disabilities, which is so important. It just confirms that the Great North Run is an event for everyone - and something we’re incredibly proud of here in the North East.
Will you be taking part in this year’s Great North Run? I am! It’s my 11th year, and it’s going to be so surreal. This is the first year the race is returning to its usual route, finishing on the seafront in South Shields, so it feels like an extra big celebration in that sense. I can’t wait! linesbehind.com
What started as a little hobby at Tyneside Market has grown into something incredible - working with global brands and enterprises. We’ve now got clients from Brighton right up to Edinburgh, as well as all of the amazing work we do with local people and businesses.
The ‘do good’ agenda >>
What can you tell us about Lines Behind and its success?
We’re designing everything from interior office spaces, to merchandise for events and our popular ‘Geordie’ product range which sits in Fenwick Newcastle.
The north east’s first in bespoke affordable interiors 10TH AVENUE WEST | TEAM VALLEY | NE11 0HL | 0191 491 3836 OPPOSITE RETAIL WORLD GREATLOOK.CO.UK The north east’s first in bespoke affordable interiors 10TH AVENUE WEST | TEAM VALLEY | NE11 0HL | 0191 491 3836 OPPOSITE RETAIL WORLD GREATLOOK.CO.UK
SEP/OCT2216 luxe-magazine.co.uk SNAP HAPPY 1. Anna Baranowska, Durham Cathedral - @anabel_baranowska 2. Robbie Bell, Herd Groyne Lighthouse - @robbiebellphotos 3. Rachel Riley, Seaton Sluice - @the.ginger.geordie 4. Christopher West, Bamburgh Castle - @shootingstills.co.uk LOVE NORTH EAST 1 2 3 4 Our wonderful region through your lens. Here are some of your recent shots from days out in local beauty spots...
SEP/OCT22 17luxe-magazine.co.uk
The economic effects of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine have contributed to a spike in fuel, food and other prices that has sent UK inflation to a 30-year high1 With prices predicted to continue climbing, 42% of UK adults expect their finances to further deteriorate over the next three months, according to LV=2. What this means for many households is that any rainy-day savings they have will likely be shrinking or even vanishing due to the need to cover living costs.
The former is designed to help cover outgoings such as mortgage repayments, rent, bills and other household essentials in the event of you being unable to work because of illness or an accident. It typically pays out between 50% and 65% of your income after a pre-agreed deferral period (usually three to six months) has passed, and most policies will do so for as long as needed.
We’re much more likely to take out insurance on material goods, such as mobile phones and household contents, than we are to protect against the income that pays for those products, says Harriet. “Protecting yourself, your standard of living, and your health is far more valuable than protecting your material possessions. The impact of losing an income is so much greater,” she points out. “If you’re the main household earner, it can have a huge impact on
“We often think there will be alternatives if we lose our main income, but without really considering how quickly our savings could go and how reliable those alternatives really are,” says Tanita Jamil, Head of Protection and Risk in the Development and Technical Consultancy team at SJP.
1Sources:Consumer Price Inflation, UK: February 2022, Office for National Statistics, March 2022 2 Wealth and Wellbeing Monitor, LV=, March 2022 (Based on a survey sample size of 4,000) 3 Deadline to Breadline 2020: Myths and Misconceptions, Legal & General, April 2020 (Based on a survey sample size of 2,739) 4 Scottish Widows UK Household Finance Index, Scottish Widows, April 2022 (Based on a survey sample size of 4,500)
If you feel you could benefit from a financial review of your specific circumstances, I offer a no obligation review to meet your individual needs. This review could be via a zoom meeting, telephone call or face to face at a Covid-secure venue, at a time and location convenient to you.
When everything suddenly changes – why protection matters can’t predict the future, but critical illness and income protection insurance can offer you peace of mind, whatever comes your way
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in spring 2020, the dramatic rate at which everything changed left people feeling bewildered. It was yet another reminder that however much we try to make plans, we never know what’s just around the corner. We’ve also been reminded of how precarious our finances can be when things change.
Critical illness insurance is designed to pay out a lump sum on the diagnosis of certain specified critical illnesses or medical conditions.
Almost half of UK adults surveyed by Legal & General in 2020 said that losing their income would be one of their biggest worries in the event of an illness or injury preventing them from working3
Something to fall back on It can take years to build up those emergency funds, and a matter of days or weeks to deplete them. In some cases, one household crisis could empty out the rainy-day fund entirely. “The recommended amount of savings for an emergency fund is three to six months’ expenditure, and that can act as a buffer between jobs and to see you through higher living costs,” says Harriet Shepherd, Workplace Financial Education Project Manager at St. James’s Place. “But you can’t rely on it for a long period of time.” That means many households, whether or not they’ve been able to build up rainy-day funds, are very dependent on the income they receive to keep coming in. However, it only takes one unfortunate turn of events to put that in peril, such as an illness or accident that prevents you from being able to work, whether for a short period or over the longer term.
Plugging gaps This is why protection insurance policies, such as income protection and critical illness insurance, are so invaluable.
Yet almost eight in ten have no income protection insurance in place, while 75% have no critical illness cover, according to the most recent Scottish Widows UK Household Finance Index.4
yourself and your family if you aren’t able to Whilework.”the prospect isn’t a nice one to think about, having to worry about financial matters in the event of something bad happening is even worse. “The question isn’t whether or not to get protection insurance, but whether you can afford to live without it in the event of not being able to work,” says Harriet. This is especially the case if you’re self-employed and don’t have any of the cover or benefits that an employer might provide, she adds. “There is an element of working out what’s most important to you in terms of outgoings, and then looking at what you’re prioritising above something like protection insurance,” she says. “The main thing about protection insurance is that it gives you peace of mind.
Please contact North Wealth Management on 0191 5482830 or email patrick.mclaughlin@sjpp.co.uk.
North Wealth Management is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp. co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
Future proofing There are several different types of protection insurance available, covering various potential difficulties and with a range of policy types and costs. It can be helpful to ask an expert what would be best for you and your specific circumstances. “When people look at it, there are a lot of different products which can be overwhelming,” says Tanita. “An adviser can talk you through the different options, how they work and explain the real value of a product and how it supports you.” Get in touch with us today to discuss the best protection options for you.
You
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SEP/OCT2218 OUR PICKS 10luxe-magazine.co.uk
Simon Baxter is a photographer and nature lover specialising in woodland landscapes. Much of his work comes from the quiet corners of North Yorkshire, where he captures beauty in the stunning simplicity of mother nature. His Instagram feed is a good-for-the-soul escape from the rush of everyday life. A space where you can get lost in the beauty of the luscious landscapes on our doorstep. Plus, you’ll find the odd snap of Meg, his lovable Labradoodle. What’s not to love? instagram.com/baxter.photos
Dreaming of >> RUKGALA RETREAT, SRI LANKA
If you could live your life again, would you ever get it right? This drama based on Kate Atkinson’s best-selling novel, tells the compelling story of Ursula Todd as she dies and is reborn, living through turbulent times. Follow Ursula as she navigates each new life in a period that spans two world wars. This tear-jerker leaves us to question, can a perfect life be lived? bbc.co.uk/iplayer
Jo Malone London is inviting us to ‘do our bit’ while indulging in fresh new fragrances with the launch of its new Charity Candle Collection. These glorious garden-inspired candles include scents such as elderflower and gooseberry, and white lilac and rhubarb. For each candle sold, 75% will be donated to the Shining a Light on Mental Health Foundation. Individual candles £50 (200g). jomalone.co.uk
Listening to >> DISH
THE JO MALONE CHARITY CANDLE COLLECTION
If, like us, you’re missing your daily dose of Grimmy, join the superstar DJ and Michelin-star chef Angela Harnett as they talk up the good stuff in a brand new podcast, Dish. They’re joined by some of their favourite dinner party guests (including James May and Giovanni Pernice) as they sit down to talk food, drink, entertaining and more. A few familiar voices, delicious recipes and top tips to take away with you - it’s the perfect recipe for a foodie podcast. apple.com/uk/apple-podcasts
Green with envy: 10 things luxe is loving this season
We’re currently reading this sparkling prose exploring complicated sibling dynamics, mental illness and intergenerational trauma, written with whip-smart wit. It’s tense and absorbing, funny and painful - a totally addictive tragedy with a few hilariously relatable moments thrown in for good measure. A must read. waterstones.com
Rukgala is an away-from-it-all escape, promoting a good-for-the-soul lifestyle in all aspects. Read our full review at: luxe-magazine.co.uk
Following @BAXTER.PHOTOS>>
Raquel Franco Reading >>
Kitchen inspo >> SMEG DCF02 DRIP FILTER COFFEE MACHINE
Watching >> LIFE AFTER LIFE
Perfect scent >>
things luxe loves
I’M SORRY YOU FEEL THAT WAY BY REBECA WAIT
We’re rewinding to a weekend of R&R at Rukgala Retreat, sitting in a serene spot on the shores of the Victoria Lake near Kandy, Sri Lanka. This beautiful bolthole in the mountains is the place to be for yoga, wellness and an escape from routine. All of that, plus some of the finest Sri Lankan cooking mixed with contemporary vegan ideas.
Living by >> “And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and autumn was awakened.”
Tutti£49,luxewhencomfortcombiningandclassitcomestoloungewear.availableat&Coonline. tuttiandco.com
NOURISHING
Pampering with EARLE SUPERSKIN NIGHT CREAM JAR September calls for the return of routine after a busy summer of exploring. For me, routine starts with good sleep. Nourish your skin and let your body sink into slumber with Liz Earle’s Superskin Nourishing Night Cream Jar. This botanical blend supports the skin’s overnight rejuvenation process for fresh, firmer skin. Perfect for soothing the senses before bedtime. £36 (50ml), available online or at John Lewis, Newcastle. johnlewis.com PYJAMA SET As we gently fall into the slumber of autumn, we’re searching for a new sleepwear set to welcome in the darker nights. We’re loving Tutti & Co’s Pure Pyjama Set in a gorgeous abstract pattern with blue, green and gold tones. Silky soft on the skin, these are the perfect way of
FOLLOW US T 0191 410 2636 | E i n f o @ w e s t l i n eu k c o m B ede H ou s e We s t li n e I n d u str a l E s t a t e B irtl e y C o un ty Du r h a m DH2 1 AU w w w w es t l i n e u k c o m S TAIR C A S E AND BA LCON Y S P ECIALI ST S In basketour >> PURE
>> LIZ
SEP/OCT22 19luxe-magazine.co.uk
The last place you ate? A wonderful sunny Sunday morning breakfast at Jaspers in Keswick on the last day of our summer holiday. The last book you read? Chasing Dreams by Jessica Redland. I love her books and am currently reading the latest release in her Hedgehog |Hollow Series. The last thing you listened to? An audio book by Brendon Burchard on High Performance Habits. The last thing you watched? Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. Three luxe things in life? The hazelnut praline hot chocolate from Hotel Chocolate, Jo Malone hand cream, and the feeling of cosy slippers after a long day. lucypittaway.co.uk
I’ve been fortunate to travel to so many wonderful places in the world, however one place still on my bucket list is Rio de Janeiro. This action-packed, colourful and cultural city would be incredible to see.
SEP/OCT2220 GET TO KNOW luxe-magazine.co.uk
I’d also like to visit the Maldives for some R&R - it’s all about balance What is your most treasured possession?
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
LESSONS IN LIFE >> What did you want to be when you were growing up? I wanted to be - and actually did becomea florist. I watched as my mother and stepmother created fabulous displays and wanted to be able to do that myself.
Lucy Pittaway LUXE LOWDOWN:
I’ve found a sense of inner peace when it comes to material items and often find that I can live without them. My integrity however, is something I will value forever. What does the weekend mean to you? Mostly it’s quiet family time with my husband, children and dog. We’re always outdoors, on our bikes, walking in the Lake District and paddleboarding when the weather permits. We also try to catch up with other family and friends. A memorable holiday? A trip to Lapland. I will never forget it; sledging, snowball fights and freezing temperatures of -26°C. Plus, we met Santa! Best dress? My wedding dress. Who would be your top three dinner guests? If they were still here today, it would be Helen Beatrix Potter, Quentin Blake and Walt Disney. Do you sense a theme here?
GETTING TO KNOW YOU >>
Three reasons you love where you live? The diversity of Yorkshire is amazing. I love the quaint towns and villages nestled amongst the fells and moors that turn into vibrant bustling cities; the fact that we get that as well as a stunning coastline is incredible and is a constant source of inspiration.
THE DAY JOB >> What do you do for a living? Award-winning artist A day in the life of you? An early rise around 5.30am followed by an hour of me time with a big cup of tea whilst I read, meditate, and do some yoga or journaling. Then the chaos starts with the non-stop household chores and getting the children ready for school before rushing to catch the school bus. Work starts around 8.30am where I spend the first hour or so checking in with everyone and getting some admin done. Then I head to the studio where I get creative and often very messy. I often spend all day in my studio so it’s a welcome relief when I get home to join the chaos again as we enjoy dinner as a family, catching up on the day’s events. After that it’s pretty much an early night - I’m not one for burning the midnight oil anymore! Any upcoming or ongoing projects we should know about? I’m always working on new projects. From an idea for a piece to creating a new line of merchandise, I’m constantly involved with the development of the art which is what it’s all about. My most recent achievement was being awarded the UK’s Most Popular Published Artist 2022 by the Fine Art Trade Guild. What does downtime mean to you? Downtime is very precious to me and involves spending time outside of work. I’m often found with my family in the Lake District, walking the fells or testing out a new bike trail - outdoor life really invigorates me. To help with the work life balance, I practice gratitude, mediation and reflective journaling which helps me feel grounded and balanced.
I’ve learned a few life lessons the hard way over the years. Always expect the unexpected, things will rarely go to plan unfortunately. Follow your heart and trust that fate will lend a hand to guide you. And most important of all, live the life you have been gifted. What is your greatest fear? Not being able to live up to my potential and achieve the things I’m working towards. Which living person do you most admire and why? The wonderful Katie Piper. The way she has been able to rest, recoup and then reinvent herself after such a traumatic, life-altering event is inspirational. She channelled her strength and courage to find her inner peace and became a beacon of hope.
LIVING LUXE >> What is top of your bucket list?
THE
Name: Lucy Pittaway Title: Principal Artist and Managing Director Where is home? North Yorkshire
Prize includes: Two night stay in a Guest Room at No.1 by GuestHouse, York
Enjoy all of that, plus the opportunity to make your way to this grand getaway in the utmost comfort and style with exclusive access to one of the new electric BMW i4 (270 mile range) courtesy of Vertu BMW for 48 hours.
A welcome drink in The Rhubarb Bar Breakfast both mornings
SEP/OCT22 21 PRIZE DRAW luxe-magazine.co.uk
In-room pampering goody bag
Use of a BMW i4 for 48-hrsTO ENTER OUR PRIZE
T&Cs: This prize is for a two-night stay in a Guest Room. Redeemable Sunday - Friday. Subject to availability. Not redeemable on bank holidays, 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st December or race days. Dinner allowance is £35pp. Spa treatments or a room upgrade can be booked throughout your stay at an extra cost. One room only (based on two people sharing). To drive the BMW you must be over 21 and under 86 years of age, have held a full, valid UK driving licence applicable to the vehicle for at least 12 months. Have not accumulated more than 3 penalty points in the last 3 years, nor have been disqualified from driving in the last 5 years. Additional T&Cs may apply please check these with No.1 by GuestHouse, York and Vertu BMW ahead of booking your prize. Disclaimer: Images are for illustration purposes only.
luxe-magazine.co.uk/winDRAW:
Luggage collection from York Station by our GuestHouse cargo bike (if required)
We’ve teamed up with No.1 by GuestHouse, York and Vertu BMW to give one lucky reader the chance to win the ultimate luxe getaway this autumn. Retreat to the historic city of York for a relaxing two night stay at this beautiful boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the city. No.1, York is the perfect destination for those looking for a stylish city break. You will feel right at home with complimentary Brompton bike hire, help-yourself pantries, and vinyl walls to select records.
WIN: A LUXURY STAY IN YORK AT NO.1 BY GUESTHOUSE WITH EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO A BMW COURTESY OF VERTU
Dinner in The Restaurant at No.1 on one night of your stay
Visit a local farmer’s market Create your own harvest festival at home with locally-grown produce from some of the best in the business, thanks to Northern Dales Farmer’s Market. With a number of monthly markets across the region in areas such as Stokesley, Hartlepool, Northallerton, Thirsk and Stewart’s Park, it’s the place to be to pick up the finest in-season produce to bring your autumn-inspired dishes to life. On the third Sunday of every month, from 9am until 2pm, Northern Dales Farmer’s Market takes to the walled garden at Wynyard Hall, where you can browse a scrumptious range of delicious food and drink to take away and enjoy at home.
SEP/OCT2222 FALL FEELING luxe-magazine.co.uk
Go on a leaf-crunchingwalk
Be inspired by heartyhome-cooked recipes Autumn is the perfect time for one-pot wonders, low-and-slow stews, and hearty home-cooked dinners. We’re saying a gentle farewell to summer with recipes that warm the heart and soul. Things on our seasonal home menus include: pumpkin curry, sausage casserole, chicken pie, and butternut squash soup. We’re getting some gloriously feel-good inspiration from Tieghan Gerard’s cookbook, Half Baked Harvest Every Day.
Join an autumnal craftworkshop We’ve got a crafty Halloween event you won’t want to miss this October. Our friends at The Flower Bee will be setting up camp in Milk & Grind coffee shop in Stokesley, where creative makers are invited to a Pumpkin Flowers Workshop. It’s a fantastic opportunity to let busy brains switch off for an afternoon of creating something really special with a pumpkin and some seasonal blooms. You’ll be given all of the equipment you need as well as some sweet treats to get the creative juices going. Your pretty pumpkin flower arrangement will make the perfect centrepiece or window display for the spooky season. The date for the diary is Sunday 30 October. theflowerbeeflorist.co.uk
Fill your home with fallfragrances There’s nothing quite like getting home after a long day, changing into your loungewear and slippers and lighting your favourite candle as you settle in for an evening in front of the fire. You’ll find us curled up with a fur throw, a book and one of Byredo’s beautiful new, fall-inspired candles. Our go-to autumn fragrances are the ‘Woods’ and ‘Tree House’ candles - both incredibly earthy with notes of cedar, sandalwood and hay.
Five ways you can slow down and embrace autumn
autumnEmbracing
Nothing says autumn like a leaf-crunching walk in the countryside. Whether you’re heading up the hills or getting lost in the woods, it’s time to swap sandals for walking boots and sun hats for scarves as we go exploring in the cool, crisp air. As the leaves begin to fall and the warm glow of orange surrounds us, our favourite spot to take it all in is Captain Cook’s Monument, just outside of Great Ayton. This enchanting trail will take you on a smooth climb, before being presented with panoramic views of the North York Moors, Teesside, the coast and beyond. The descent brings you through whimsical woodlands, where the magic of fall really comes into its own.
SEP/OCT22 23 LUXE LOVES luxe-magazine.co.uk LUXE LOVES Pretty prints After a September seaside stroll, head up the side streets and stumble upon Saltburn-by-the-Sea’s interior gem, Lillian Daph, where you’ll find beautifully unique pieces for the home. These pretty printed cushions come in a number of funky patterns and will add colour and character to any cosy space. £45. lilliandaph.co.uk
I was purely self-taught, just messing around in the kitchen and really enjoying eating out at nice restaurants.”
He may not have come away with the crown, but this opened up a new avenue of opportunities for Barrie, bringing his love of
Barrie’s advice would be - to ‘just go with it and see where it takes you’. It may just be your calling in life. Or certainly, it will lead to happiness or a new venture.
“It was all very chaotic, juggling work and trying to master a menu.
It’s never too late to tap into new talents, is my main takeaway from a chat with Barrie Watson. A true inspiration when it comes to all things creative, he’s the perfect example of someone who can take whatever comes their way, and just go with it - in style!
The time between is when Barrie’s career really started to take a turn - for all the right reasons. A chance application meant he was very quickly juggling hair products with kitchen kit.
Barrie applied and was surprised to hear he was successful. He was even more surprised when what he thought was just going to be ‘a bit of fun’, turned into a place in the finals. “Before I went to the regional heat, I met with Terry Laybourne for guidance as he had been a professional chef judge on the show before. He was a huge help, and I’ll be forever grateful for the support,” he says.
As we sit down for a cup of tea made by his lovely wife Gill (with help from their perfect pooch Dougal!), we agree that it makes sense to start from the very beginning.
Our chat leads me to wonder if there have been any opportunities I have sidelined because I already have my head in something else.
“I was driving back from a colour conference event where I had just won Colour Salesperson of the Year, and I was having to order my produce for the finals. At the time I was getting my fish from a place on Acorn Road in Jesmond. I was on the phone to them saying, ‘I need mussels. I need seaweed. And I’m going to need it quick!’.”
SEP/OCT2224 luxe-magazine.co.uk CREATIVE EDGE Barrie Watson’s universe is a colourful space where his creative worlds come together as one. From hairdressing and catering, to TV success and abstract art, he’s a man of many talents. Elysia Fryer chats to Barrie over a cup of tea at his home in Sunderland
Barrie grew up in Murton and it didn’t take long for him to learn that he was set out to work in some sort of creative capacity. After leaving school in the 80s, Barrie went on to practice hairdressing at college and admits that he was probably the ‘Billy Elliot of Murton’ at that time. “It was an unusual thing for a young lad to go and do,” he explains. “But I knew I wanted to work with my hands, and it was just something I always wanted to have a go at,” he adds. Barrie worked his way into the hairdressing world in the conventional way. From college, he went on to work in a salon and eventually started working as an educator for a manufacturer.
From there, Barrie moved into sales - the day job he came back to later in life, and still enjoys today.
“While I was quietly working away in my day job, I decided to apply for BBC’s MasterChef,” Barrie smiles. “We were watching it one day and Gill said to me, ‘you could do that!’. It was a cult programme back in the 90s, presented by Loyd Grossman - so it was a very exciting
“At that time, my wife Gill and I were getting married, so it was a more secure business path for me, not having to contend with the sometimes unsociable hours that come with working in a salon. My job was to go round salons, educating stylists and trainees on the products they were using.”
Paintingafuture
“Ithought.hadno experience as a chef at the time.
It’s incredibly refreshing to chat to someone navigating the ‘mid-life’ journey with a ‘never say never’ mindset. Just because you’re approaching retirement, it doesn’t mean you have to suck it up and slow it down. “I find it impossible to just sit back and let life pass by,” says Barrie. “I’m always finding something new to do to keep me busy. I’m always on-the-goto the point where I get in trouble,” he laughs and looks over at Gill. “I still love cooking. I’ve started baking cakes for friends and family. And I’m still working on some ceramic pieces, too. I’ve found a number of ways in which my creativity can keep me busy, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop.” As we sit back and reflect on a colourful, creative career - that is just getting started(!) - Barrie remembers a compliment he received from judge Anton Edelmann during his time on MasterChef… “I made a chocolate fondant, which was very unique at the time - they’re everywhere now - but it was something really different back then. I couldn’t get hold of a mould, so I used an old baked beans tin. As I explained the process, Anton said, ‘you’re not just a chef, you’re a genius’.” Anton hit the nail on the head. Barrie is a creative genius in all respects.
At the moment, Barrie’s artwork is a hobby-turned-business venture. It’s something he set out to do for ‘escapism’, but it is constantly leading to new and exciting things. “It is something to keep me busy and hopefully bring in a bit of income, so that when I come to retire, I have a sense of direction and a focus. That’s the plan, but we’ll see how it goes.”
barriewatsonart.co.uk
SEP/OCT22 25luxe-magazine.co.uk CREATIVE EDGE
“I use all kinds of different tools and materials, from cut-outs and fabric clippings, to gilding. I tend to use a spatula more than anything, to make etchings and marks on a painting.”
“I did a little bit of research and remember reading an article that said, ‘with abstract art, you have to take your mind back to when you were a toddler’ - when you have no illusions of how things should look - you just go with it.” Barrie picked up his painting tools and carved out his newest creative journey. “I loved how I just lost myself in it for a couple of hours. It was my escape - and it came at a time when we all needed a bit of that in our lives.” After completing his first few pieces and proudly placing them on the walls at home, Barrie started to share his work on “PeopleInstagram.started showing interest and it was really flattering,” Barrie smiles. “So that’s when I started to open up my commission book and got in touch with some local galleries.
food to the forefront of his mind. “MasterChef was a lot different back then,” Barrie explains. “You went down, delivered a three-course meal of a certain standard - with a pretty small budget - and then a professional juge, celebrity chef and Loyd Grossman, came in. There was nowhere near as much exposure as there is for contestants these days.” What it did do, though, was build Barrie’s confidence to go and do something professionally in the food world. “One of the judges was Anton Edelmann,” Barrie starts. “He was head chef at The Savoy in London and invited me to go and work with him for a week, which I did. He offered me a job, but I was 30 at the time and wasn’t fully comfortable moving my entire life down to London at that stage in life. It’s a huge change and it just didn’t feel like the right thing to do. “But it gave me the confidence to think, ‘maybe I could do something in food’, and that’s when I opened the Prickly Pear as an upmarket catering company. I was working out of a unit and would cater for events all over the region. I did Alan Shearer’s New Year’s Eve cocktail party and things like that - it was all very high-end.” As business boomed, Barrie’s team grew in size and it led to the opening of the cafe, which quickly evolved into the Prickly Pear “Duringbistro.this time, we had two kids and I was just juggling far too much,” says Barrie.
For Barrie, that has always been food, but there seemed to be a newfound love in artistic forms. “My ceramic classes obviously came to a close during the pandemic, but I very quickly found other ways of getting creative (and making a mess! - my wife would say).
“I was opening up at 5am to get the catering out, then preparing for lunch service, followed by evening service. It was non-stop and started to feel a little “Itunhealthy.wasahuge success and I really enjoyed it, but I decided it was time to sell up and get a bit of balance back in my life.” Life had come full circle and Barrie found himself back in his beloved job in hairdressing. Things had started to settle and life was moving at a much slower pace, until his creative itch popped back up again and Barrie found himself enrolling into a ceramic art class. “It was just a hobby and an escape from the day job,” Barrie tells me. Shortly after, we found ourselves navigating a pandemic and people all over the world were turning to those quiet pastimes.
“Fast forward a little while and my work is currently featured in the North East Art Collective. I also did The Late Shows in Newcastle back in May, and I’ve got two paintings on show at Kirkharle Courtyard. “New opportunities and connections are constantly forming, which is great. I’m part of Network Artists North East, a group of artists from the region who support each other and provide a programme of activities and events in the industry.
I loved how I just lost myself in it for a couple of hours. It was my escape - and it came at a time when we all needed a bit of that in our lives
“Gill and I were talking about giving the house a bit of a makeover. But as we were locked up at home, there was no way we were going to get out to shop for some new art. It was hard enough getting to the supermarket for bread, milk and toilet
“Chatting to people and having that personal touch really makes the difference, and it’s great we can get out and about and do that again now. People like to meet who they’re buying from - it comes back to the whole ‘support local’ thing we were all backing during COVID. It’s a great way to give back to the local community.”
“I went into Kirkharle recently to drop some prints off and came across a couple in the gallery who were looking for prints. So I went over and introduced myself and said, ‘I just happen to be dropping some work off, so if you’d like to discuss anything, you know where I am’. They were looking for two pieces and couldn’t find anything suitable, so I showed them my ‘Green Envy’ and ‘Oceans’ work and they loved the work. I signed them for them and they went off happy with two prints.
Barrie’s style is unique in that it’s abstract and each piece goes on a journey of self-discovery of its own. “I don’t always know which direction a piece is going in,” Barrie admits. “But I generally have a theme or a concept. For example, I did a piece to mark the Platinum Jubilee this year, which has been sent out to a client in Texas, USA. I’ve just completed another commission for a client’s home in the Costa del Sol - that was based around the colours of the ocean. “I start with a theme or an idea - whether it’s something of my own, or a piece I’m working on for a client - and then my imagination just runs wild and I start to create something totally unique.
“So,paper!me being me, I said to Gill, ‘I’ll tell you what… I’ll paint us something. “I’d never done it before, but just happened to have some canvases and acrylics in the garage. “I just thought to myself, ‘what could possibly go wrong?’.
When the time came, there no was no question about it, I knew straight away I was donating it to the Power of Women Campaign. Unfortunately, Jane was really poorly and sadly passed away before she knew I had agreed to the donation. She was a truly remarkable woman and I just love everything the campaign stands for.
“I was also a Firearms Officer and as a female it’s few and far between. During my time in charge of that department as Firearms Inspector, I think we had around three or four female officers out of 100 people. That's probably what kickstarted my passion around empowering women to do anything they want to do. We definitely need to do things differently. Now don’t get me wrong, we can’t group everyone together, men can and a lot already have made a huge difference. Two in particular inspired, encouraged and helped me throughout my career. But there’s still a long way to go and I really want to help make a difference.
Breaking barriers
“I lived on the Lakes Estate in Redcar and I certainly didn’t have a posh upbringing; and that, combined with the fact that on a daily basis, in the police, we see kids and young girls missing from home, running away, in trouble, at risk of exploitation and I look and I think people just need to be >>
“In the homicide teams we have some really good females leading investigations who are really inspiring. You know these women, they have families and they come to work and can be working over 24 hours before they get home. It’s a challenge but the passion, the ‘can do’ attitude and their ability to manage this intense job alongside family life is impressive. Being a mother and having a family doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of climbing the ladder.
had some amazing and super inspiring story of why I was so desperate to join the police force, but truthfully, I wasn’t - I was skint, applying for loads of different jobs and ended up in the police. “I didn’t get my degree and it just shows that you don’t need all of that. They push a lot nowadays that going to university is essential and I fully stand by that education is super important, but you can succeed without a degree too. I’m Assistant Chief Constable at the age of 42 and I don’t have a degree, but I’ve worked hard to get to where I am and it just goes to show that hard work does pay off. There’s different routes you can go down to success - higher education isn’t for everybody,” explains Lisa.
Lisa Theaker is Assistant Chief Constable at Cleveland Police and star of Channel 4 TV series, Hunted. Her long and successful career has been spent breaking down barriers and challenging the status quo. During a recent catch up with Nicole Wood, she explains that her motivation to prove people wrong and help others is at the forefront of everything she does…
The Power of Women Campaign was set up by a group of business leaders in the North East who were sick and tired of young women in the region being constantly overlooked. The aim is to provide young women of the Tees Valley with equal opportunities, role models, inspiration, resources and information to take control over the choices they make.
I’ve had lots of different job roles and experiences throughout my career, but I think the reason I ended up on the promotion trail started as a bit of a competition with the guy I joined the force with. We’d always race to see who could pass exams and stuff first - and you’ll be pleased to know I won and it just went from there really,” she laughs. “But in all seriousness, I loved every minute of the 18 years I spent at Northumbria and finished my time there as Detective Superintendent. I was also the head of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team and if I’m honest, that is absolutely where my passion lies. There’s no greater privilege than investigating the tragic death of someone and getting justice for them and their family. I worked there as a Senior Investigating Officer for six years and I guess my area of expertise is around investigations.”
“It’s always been a male dominated industry, but it’s changed dramatically since I started. I’ve been in 22 years this year and don’t get me wrong, it has changed a lot, however, there’s still a long way to go. I think the Police Force in particular has a reputation around who fits into certain roles and certain ranks and personally for me, I like the disruptors who like to challenge and want to change things, those who question the norm and say ‘no’ to following the status quo.
Despite working in a male dominated industry, Lisa has never once shied away from a challenge or allowed stereotypes to stand in the way of her goals and “Myambitions.motivation is proving people wrong.
“The first time I did Hunted I donated my fee to the Power of Women Campaign to show that, actually, there are no barriers. A big thing for me is supporting other women. I get satisfaction from seeing other women succeed and do well and not just because they’re a woman, but because they’re amazing people and they’re really good at what they do. I’ve met some amazing people at both Northumbria and Cleveland Police and sadly I think a lot of people equal rank to success, but actually some of the best people I have worked with are some of the detectives and cops on the street who are doing the job day in, day out. I guess that’s my motivation, seeing other women succeed and do well and then locking up the bad people.”
“I joined the Northumbria Police Force when I was 20 and I did 18 years’ service there before transferring to Cleveland Police where I’ve been for three and a half years now.
I was unsure what to expect from chatting to an Assistant Chief Constable, but 30 seconds in and Lisa has cracked her first joke. Her warm, hilarious and upfront personality shines through instantly. Unapologetically herself, she’s the kind of person who tells you how it is.
Speaking to Lisa and hearing how passionate she is about her job, to me it sounds like the career path she was always destined to follow - whether it was her childhood dream or not.
SEP/OCT2226 DREAM BIG luxe-magazine.co.uk
Growing up, we all had dreams of who and what we wanted to be. But then we reach a certain age and expectations, doubt and societal norms take over. And for some, those childhood dreams transform into ticking boxes for someone else’s idea of success. But success should be whatever you want it to be, it should be what makes you happy. It shouldn’t be based on what anyone else deems as triumphant. After all, we’re all different and each and every one of us will have our own idea of what success looks like. Sadly, society has drilled into us that we need to follow certain steps and that if we come from certain backgrounds, we can’t have the ability to dream big and go after it. Speaking to Lisa Theaker, she’s the perfect example of how you can achieve anything you set your mind to with the right support, determination and hard work. “I had no childhood dream of solving crime,” she says. “I was studying at Teesside University but couldn’t afford to stay, so I left. I wish I
When someone says you can’t do something, there’s no greater satisfaction than proving them otherwise.
“The reason I stumbled upon The Power of Women Campaign is because I went to meet Professor Jane Turner OBE and I was arranging for her to come into the force to do a little bit of leadership training with our executive team. I’m not easily impressed by people, but genuinely I was only with her for about 30 minutes and I came away with a spring in my step. She was just so different and made a real impact on me in such a short space of time. I remember coming back to the station and saying to my boss, we’ve got to sign her up, she’s “Soamazing.anyway, the Hunted conversation started in 2019 and they’ve been having some conversation with me about doing it for a while, but I’ve just been really busy. When it came to actually doing it after lockdowns and what have you, I always knew I was going to give the money away, it was just who was I going to give it to.
SEP/OCT22 27 DREAM BIG luxe-magazine.co.uk My motivation is proving people wrong. someoneWhensays you can’t do something, there’s no otherwiseprovingsatisfactiongreaterthanthem
“I still think to myself, ‘how did this happen?’, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know. I've tried and failed at loads of things, but it makes you stronger and it makes you better. The failures are what you learn from. It’s all the sweeter sometimes when you don’t always get things the first time. “We’ve done the celebrity one and a couple of the original series now and it’s the highest viewing figures they’ve had, which is amazing,” Lisa explains.
In those circumstances there are obviously lives at risk, whereas on Hunted, there isn’t, but the emotion you see is real. We get all of the information from proper investigation - we don’t get provided with it. The celebrity one is a bit more tongue-in-cheek, but in the main series there’s £100,000 up for grabs and everything has got to be done by the rules. Ofcom are there and there’s a lot of work that goes into it. It’s taken very seriously.”
“They are long 12 hour days and my hair, which usually lives in a bun on top of my head, is down - so throw in an extra hour to straighten it,” jokes Lisa.
It’s one of those where you get so involved with it all, you don’t want to take it off. But effectively, I’m thrown together with a bunch of people I don’t know and I’ve got to bring out all of their skills and strengths to get them to work together in the best way possible. It’s people from all walks of life and each of them bring a load of skills and experience to the table. It’s very different to the day job where I have my same team day in and day out and we all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s unfamiliar territory, not everybody is necessarily going to agree or get on, but we’ve built up a really good team. Everyone has an opinion and while I ultimately make the final decision, we have a good mix - it was good fun and great Speakingteamwork.”toLisa is a delight. I’m in awe of just how incredible she is. We have a good old chinwag and there’s plenty of laughing going on.
“I’ve had a bit of backlash about the odd swear word, but that’s just me and my emotions. If we’re on a manhunt or something similar in the Cleveland Police and I’m running an incident room like that, that’s the emotion and passion you’d see.
DREAM
A huge fan of the show and fangirling slightly, I’m intrigued to find out how it all comes together.
‘Is the show real?’ is something Lisa gets asked a lot. We all know a lot of TV shows are edited to look glamorous and overdramatised, but something I’m desperate to know is do they use real police work to hunt the fugitives on the show or do they ‘secretly’ already know where they are hiding out? “Let me tell you now, it’s real! All you see is a snippet of footage, we film for 12 hours per day. When I did the celebrity version it was 14 days for 12 hours per day and I think the biggest challenge for me was wearing heels for that length of time - but I gave up after day two,” Lisa laughs.
She’s built her career on challenging stereotypes, helping others and following anything but the norm - a true inspiration to those who feel like they aren’t ‘good enough’ to follow their passion.
I like to be able to give back to the community I grew up in and help out in any way I can
“The next day they responded and genuinely that’s how it started. We had a few conversations but I was just too busy at the time. I had just arrived in Cleveland and decided not to do it that year. The following year, the conversations continued and they came out to see me. The initial conversation was about me going on as the deputy and again, me being me, I was like ‘no, I’m the chief or nothing’. It was genuinely just a bit of a laugh for me, not thinking for one minute that they would ring and say yes Channel 4 want you to be the chief. I couldn’t stop laughing thinking ‘oh gosh, what have I done?’. I wish I was joking, but that’s the story and the next minute I’m in the studio!
“It's a big commitment because I put my annual leave in to do it. I’m using my own time so that I’m not straying away from my work. But I’m motivated by the fact that I can help people and my fee from the recent series is going to The Chris Cave Foundation.
“I think I was on my second glass of Malbec and we were having this conversation and one of my friends who’s a Sergeant in Northumbria said she’d love to go on as a fugitive and I laughed and was like, ‘I could run that’. So me being me, I decided to send them an email. When people say ‘life rewards action’ or ‘don’t just say something, do it’ - this was seriously one of those moments. What’s the worst that could happen?” she laughs.
“During the 14 days you can get a couple of days off, but I chose to work through.
“While it’s made for TV purposes, it’s real. We’re in a sweaty studio on the top floor of some building which I couldn’t tell you where it is. I was sweating and my feet were killing. Of course it’s edited to look wonderful and there’s obviously gaps in it, but trust me it’s not as glamorous as it looks,” she continues.
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“I like to be able to give back to the community I grew up in and help out in any way I can. The thing that’s going to stop crime and change the world is prevention and that takes a long time. Donating the money to the foundation is allowing her to educate and prevent kids from walking around the streets carrying knives and help them to understand the implications of crime. The amount of knife crime is crazy and if we can impact on a few kids’ lives by targeting and educating them while they’re young, we can prevent assaults, murders and attacks.”
“The story behind it is that Chris Cave was sadly murdered. He went to my school, I was a few years older than him, but knew him as we were from the same area growing up. A year before he was murdered, my Nana’s microwave set on fire and he went in and put it out for her. Obviously, having worked on homicide teams for six years and still running enquiries like that now, I see the impact that knife crime has on families. It destroys lives. Theresa, Chris’s mam, set up the foundation and she now does a lot of work in schools on knife crime and the impact it has. I fully stand by and support what she’s doing, which is why I’m giving her my fee this time.
28 BIG luxe-magazine.co.uk given the chance and the opportunity. I’m from this background and I’ve done well for myself as a female growing up in Teesside and I want people to know that they can as well. Things are achievable when the right support and opportunities are there for people and that’s exactly what the Power of Women Campaign is all about. I could have easily gone down the wrong path and I think my proving people wrong mentality made me go in the opposite direction. I think, if people don’t have that same sort of mindset or support and encouragement around them, then they’re in danger of falling down that deep dark hole and I want to help steer those people in another Lisa’sdirection.”long and successful career in the Police Force has not only seen her become a highly respected Assistant Chief Constable, but it’s allowed her to use her passion to help others, to make waves on the path to equal opportunities, to fight for justice and to raise awareness. And the next stint in Lisa’s career allows her to continue doing just that. So, back to Hunted. Some of you reading this may recognise this issue’s cover star, from the Channel 4 hit TV series. This real life thriller sees ordinary people go on the run from a team of expert ‘hunters’, led by none other than Lisa Theaker herself. “It’s a funny story actually. In 2019 when I transferred to Cleveland, I stayed in touch with my good friends from Northumbria. There’s about eight of us girls who are good friends and were chatting about Hunted one night in our WhatsApp group. “I hadn’t actually watched it before, but I knew what the concept was,” Lisa admits.
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Beautifully bespoke creations
With the world and people’s shopping habits shifting back into old patterns, a lot of lockdown businesses have gradually started to experience a slower pace of business and JUNI is no exception.
I like to try and create designs based on a person or sentiment close to my heart. One of my first designs, The Harry Halo, has been created with my nephew in mind
Emily-Kate Turner is designer and owner of JUNI, a stunning online boutique specialising in bespoke fine jewellery. Nicole Wood discovers the passion, hard work and creativity that goes into every piece
Jewellery tells us a lot about a person. It’s an accessory we wear as an extension of our personality. Often attached with sentimental value, it is frequently presented as a gift we give to or receive from the people we love. Whether it’s dressing your night out attire with bold statement pieces, draping an elegant set of earrings to coincide with a classic updo, or staple pieces you wear every day, it’s something we consider carefully. Obsessed with jewellery since being a child, Emily-Kate Turner hit a point in her life where her childhood dream and modern day passion had the opportunity to transform into something more.
After her ‘lightbulb moment’, Emily was determined to put a plan in place to get things up and running. Within two months, her launch date was in the diary and that first Christmas was nothing but a huge success for Emily and JUNI.
“JUNI was born in lockdown. Prior to the pandemic, I had my own cake making business which was always extremely busy - especially with wedding cakes. As you can imagine, when lockdown hit, I had to press pause on the business. Despite my Instagram page booming, there was no wedding business coming in,” Emily explains. “It was a nightmare. I said to my partner, I just need to find something else to do, otherwise I’m going to crumble. I needed something else to focus on and keep my mind off what was happening with my cake business. I was obsessed with jewellery from a young age. I’ve always thought about making my own and then something hit me and I thought ‘ooo hang on, what a great time to try and make something of my own’. At first, it was honestly just about trying it out and making myself some nice, new pieces.
“I started in silver and always use solid materials, never plated or filled. I then went into working with gold. I’m a gold girl - I wear it myself and I just love it - but it’s a lot more expensive to work with. I certainly wasn’t going to delve into using it until I knew I was actually good at making jewellery! I have lots of different suppliers for the different materials I need, all of which I have done my research on to ensure it’s all as sustainable as possible. All of the silver and gold is recycled and all of the packaging is eco-friendly.”
When someone orders something, I don’t always have the materials in, I’ll order them
“It’s all a learning experience. Admittedly, YouTube became my best friend. We all have to start somewhere and it was great for figuring out what tools I needed and which were best. I spent some money getting all of the essential equipment, things like the soldering mat, the ridiculous number of files, the blow torch - I still have my first one! But also little things like getting to know you need a slow cooker to pickle your jewellery after soldering!
“My sister was actually pregnant at the time and I thought it would be a really nice idea to make her something special for when she gave birth. After making a couple of pieces, I thought, ‘I’m actually quite good at this, I could probably sell it’,” Emily laughs.
In a competitive market, where unfortunately fast fashion continues to dominate, JUNI stands out from the crowd, offering stunning, bespoke, handmade jewellery. “I pride myself on knowing I have an authentic brand. It’s just me, myself and Iand I love that because each and every item I create for someone is so personal. When people ask ‘oh who designed it?’ or ‘where do you get it imported from?’, I don’t, it’s all me. I make and design everything. Every order that comes through, I sit at my little desk in my studio and make and polish it all by hand. Nothing is made in bulkeverything is bespoke, so there’s always a four day minimum lead time,” says Emily.
SEP/OCT2236 SHINE BRIGHT luxe-magazine.co.uk
“About a year ago when JUNI was one, I got myself down thinking it did so well at first and now things are getting quiet, but then I gave myself a bit of a break and thought, ‘well I design, source and make everything by hand myself as well as run a cake business, I can’t turn things around as quickly as other businesses’, but that’s because everything is completely bespoke.
are made if necessary. I want to make the whole experience really personal for them rather than ‘nope you’ve made that decision, that’s what you’re getting’. I’m not about that.
“There are lots of interesting details which can be added to make it more meaningful. Engraving has been lost in wedding bands and I want to bring it back. I remember all of my grandparents, aunties and uncles having dates and initials engraved on the inside and now you just don’t seem to see that anymore, but it’s something I absolutely offer. It also means it can’t get lost and be sold as it’s personal and unique to you.” Whether it’s a bespoke piece for yourself, a gift for a loved one or you’re about to tie the knot, the lovely Emily is on hand to help; providing beautiful and unique jewellery with JUNI. junijewellery.co.uk
“I get a lot of people telling me that their grandmother was called Mavis so they bought themselves the Mavis earrings and that really hits me. On several occasions, I’ve had grandmothers looking to buy something for their granddaughter and they’ll buy something because it’s named after them, but then they’ll be like, ‘oh but now my other granddaughter is left out because her name is Sophia’ - or whatever it might be - and so I have the flexibility to make something specifically for them too. If I can, I’ll always find a way. One thing I do stress a lot on my Instagram and I’m happy to encourage is that I do make custom orders. If someone says to me ‘I love this, but I wanted it in silver or I love this, but I would love some pearls added’ then I will always do it.” Despite keeping her two businesses very separate, they do share an authentic, creative journey. One providing stunning cakes for happy couples and the other donning beautiful brides and bridesmaids with bespoke jewellery. Without trying, JUNI fitted ever so seamlessly within the wedding industry, it just made sense for Emily to create a special wedding section within the “Weddingsbusiness.aredefinitely my next big project. I do quite a lot of wedding bands already, which I absolutely love doing. But I want to create a separate section on my website for weddings and be able to show the rings on there. I don’t do any men’s products at the moment, so my partner is going to have to reluctantly be my hand model for the bands,” Emily laughs. “Because I don’t have anywhere for people to come and meet me, I send a package to the couple including the finger measurer with a bit of an information pack, which comes in a beautifully presented box, so that they can feel that they’re getting the same, if not better, experience as visiting a shop. It’s kitted out with information about the different materials and with important information a lot of people aren’t aware of - for example, if you’re wearing platinum you should not be wearing white gold or silver next to it. As well as the information and ring sizing pack, there are lots of phone consultations along the way and even once an order is placed, I’m still heavily involved to ensure that any changes or adjustments
“I want every piece to have a meaning behind it, but it starts to get really difficult when you run out of names and lovely stories,” she laughs. “Even though I now live in Northumberland, which I absolutely adore, I was actually born in Norway. That’s where the name JUNI comes from - it means June in Norwegian, and given that’s my birth month, I wanted to tie that in. I’m not Norwegian, I have lived in England for most of my life, but I love the fact that I was born in Norway. “The Femi earrings, which I wear all the time, are a nod to self-love. Femi means love in Egyptian - so again, I chose the name because I thought you’ve got to have self-love on you every day. “I love researching the names - that’s one of my favourite parts about creating a new design. They vary so much. For example, Maya, which is the dangly earring, I had no idea what to call it and in my head they almost look like waterfalls. After doing some research, I found that in Hebrew, Spanish and Greek, Maya means water and it’s another word for illusion - and to me that was “Theperfect.Elananecklace was based on my mum’s engagement ring. I’ve always loved it and I wanted to make something that was for my mum but also something that others would love too. The name Elana is actually Greek origin for ‘bright one’ - no matter what mood I’m in, even if I am intolerable, my mum always tries to brighten my day and I wanted something to represent that and give something back to her. The solitaire, down to the exact same sizing, is identical to the one on her ring. I wanted to make something to match what I’ve known my whole life. “It’s hard to describe where the inspiration comes from for the actual designs, sometimes I just see a vision in my head and think, ‘okay how do I make that into a piece of jewellery?’. I get my sketchbook out, jot it down and 90% of the time, the design looks nothing like what I end up creating. It either works or it doesn’t, I’ve made countless designs where I’ve thought, ‘wow, no!’ and it takes a lot of trial and error, and I’ve learned to never ever try something in gold before you’ve tried it in silver first otherwise it will cost you a fortune!
As well as running her cake business, which is back up and running, Emily’s one woman band is super busy. From designing, creating and processing every order herself, to managing the website, social media and the admin side of the business. Busy indeed, but she never falls short of passion and enthusiasm for doing what she loves. “I like to try and create designs based on a person or sentiment close to my heart.
SEP/OCT22 37 SHINE BRIGHT luxe-magazine.co.uk based on what the order is and that’s the way I want it to be. It allows everything to feel organic and special, and the customer knows their order isn’t just sitting on a shelf - it is being created for them.”
One of my first designs, The Harry Halo, has been created with my nephew in mind. For many reasons, Harry is so special to us and we now have this special piece of jewellery to celebrate him coming into this world,” explains Emily as we delve into the inspiration behind her designs and meanings behind the names.
38 LUXE LOOKS luxe-magazine.co.uk GET THE LOOK Juicy looks for the new season Berry brights GUCCI Sten Burgundy GG-jacquard Wool Scarf £270, harveynichols.com MISSOMA Heart Earrings £110, fenwick.co.uk EVI GRINTELA Inge Pink Striped Cotton Shirt Dress £410, harveynichols.com TOM FORD T Screw 105 Velvet Pumps £650, mytheresa.com VANESSA BARONI Big Flat Chain Necklace, Pink £110, fenwick.co.uk BOUTIQUE MOSCHINO Silk Velvet Single Breasted Blazer £640, fenwick.co.uk SAINT LAURENT Loulou Puffer Mini Leather Shoulder Bag £1,475, mytheresa.com REISS Ella Lace Back Wide Leg Jumpsuit £228, reiss.com CHELSEA PEERS Blush Satin Slim Long Button Up Pyjama Set £48, chelseapeersnyc.com STUDIO COURTENAY The Faith Skirt in Dusky Pink £110, studiocourtenay.com SEP/OCT22
High polish Preppiness prevails this autumn. Alongside flippy skirts and angular blazers, polished loafers walked the catwalks for the new season. A luxe addition to your wardrobe would be a pair of Chloe loafers in authentic natural calfskin. Golden hardware adds an elegant touch. ‘C Flat Loafer’, £675 chloe.com
Oversized blazer
The sweater vest
After dark prints
Add a touch of intrigue to your wardrobe with an autumnal print in an elegant silhouette. Our block printed silk Victoria dress can be worn casually with your favourite biker boots and tights or elevate with a heel and statement earring for after hours. Victoria Dress, £255 saintbelle.co.uk
If pieces from our wardrobe were ranked in terms of wardrobe mileage, there’s a new knit silhouette that would come out on top this season. Enter the sweater vest. These sleeveless knits, proposed by cult labels from Ganni to Chloe are supremely snug and endlessly wearable thanks to their easy layering potential. Slip them on over crisp shirts or fitted roll-necks to ward off winter’s chill.
&Daughter designs classic knitwear you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Made in Donegal, Ireland, this ‘Oisin’ tank is made from British-spun lambswool. Oisin Tank, £295 net-a-porter.com
At the start of the season I gravitate to black leggings because they’re so comfortable and they go with everything, from a tailored blazer to a cashmere roll-neck to a floor length coat - the list goes on. They can be worn for both day and night. Totême is quickly becoming a go to for those essential luxe items, their zip leggings are made using thick jersey that contains viscose fibres sourced responsibly from wood pulp. Zip Leggings, £140 int.toteme-studio.com
SEP/OCT22 39 FALLING FOR luxe-magazine.co.uk
Sharpen up your office attire with an oversized blazer. Choose from a variety of checks and tweeds to suit your style, they are a great addition to introduce at the start of the season. For a flirty twist add a beret for crisp autumn walks. Ooh la la! Oversized Blazer, £165 stories.com
with Isabella Dryden, founder of sustainable luxury fashion brand, Saint Belle Wave goodbye to swimwear and sandals and embrace autumn with knits, jackets, prints and more TREND WATCH
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Michael Young and Gary Hooker run Hooker & Young, with four salons across the North hookerandyoung.co.ukEast.
Haircare is an investment in your confidence and happiness, and self-haircare is a simple way to repair and refresh. This is not slapping some conditioner on your head as you’re trying to race out the door in the Yourmorning.hairisan expression of who you are. If you look good, you’ll feel great. When did you last treat yourself to some luxury hair products? There’s something so nice about a shampoo that feels luxurious and leaves you with hair that feels amazing. If, like most, you’re not giving yourself enough ‘me time’ and struggling in other areas of self-care, this could be the thing that changes that for you. Don’t just slap the nearest shower gel on your hair. Create a daily ritual that leaves you feeling truly pampered.
Take that summer glow into the cooler months with good-for-you hair products
They say be careful what you wish for - we all longed for a hot summer and my word did we get it! Although it may have been a bit stop and start, when it was hot it was, dare I say it, too hot! I for one was praying for cooler days. I don’t know… we’re never happy, are we? As well as enjoying all of that outdoor living and alfresco dining, we also get the added benefits of looking better and feeling great - who doesn’t look better with a bit of summer glow? It’s a fact. When people return from summer vacations, they always feel that their hair and nails have grown at a faster pace and generally feel stronger and healthier. This is largely to do with the vitamin D that our body produces when the sun hits our skin outdoors - and with very few foods containing significant amounts, sun exposure is a great way to boost your vitamin D levels. You can of course take supplements to promote healthier hair - one of the best-known vitamins for hair growth is a vitamin B called biotin or vitamin B7 which helps stimulate keratin production and can increase the rate of follicle Theregrowth.is a downside to overexposing your hair to the sun’s rays. It can cause dry lengths, colour fade and brittle ends, so it’s super important that you give your hair a little self-care post summer, which will keep you looking and feeling your best as we head into the cooler months.
The Clinic by Mona 61 High Street, Gosforth, NE3 4AA Tel. 0191 284 www.theclinicbymona.com6436 THE SCIENCE OF BEAUTY Natural looking enhancements that will give you a more youthful complexion, with rejuvenated skin. With a deep understanding of facial anatomy, thanks to her Dental training and being a Trainer and Mentor in Facial Injectables to Drs and Dentists, you couldn’t be in better and safer hands for your cosmetic needs. Treat yourself to the face you deserve Dr Mona Attarpour BDS offers a wide range of treatments: • Cosmetic Injectables • Full Face Sculpting • Advanced Techniques • Bespoke Treatments • Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty • Tear Trough Fillers • Narural Lip Enhancement • Gummy Smile Correction • PROFHILO (Hyaluronic AcidSkin hydration) • Micro-needling • Acne Scar Reduction • Medical Grade Skin Care (for all skin conditions) • Hydrafacial • IPL Hair Removal • Facial Peels THE CLINIC BY MONA
SEP/OCT2242 luxe-magazine.co.uk SPA SESSION
It’s the Swedish massage that grabs my attention; a traditional massage using firm pressure to promote relaxation and ease muscle tension. After filling in a consultation form, the therapist takes time to chat through the treatment and any problem areas to ensure the massage leaves me feeling relaxed and revived.
The full body massage using Elemis products combined with a range of techniques to target my problem areas is, without a doubt, one of the most relaxing and muscle-soothing massages I’ve experienced. The treatment sadly comes it easy
Nicole Wood escapes to Ramside Hall’s blissful spa for a delightful day of top to toe pampering
As we bid farewell to the sunshine filled days of summer, we’re looking forward to hunkering down indoors, lighting the candles and welcoming pumpkin spiced Lifearomas.calls for a ‘fresh start’ feeling at this time of year and as our schedules begin to shift gently back into routine, we’ve had our sights set on places to relax, recharge and indulge in a treatment or two. Cue the dreamy Ramside Hall Spa. Situated on the outskirts of Durham, you will find the beautiful and secluded Ramside Hall - a stunning retreat perfectly blending traditional features, luxury accommodation and first-class service to create the ultimate break in the heart of the North East. This much needed ‘me time’ opportunity couldn’t have presented itself at a better time for my sister and I who welcome this wholesome Friday afternoon with open arms. There are so many inviting spa day packages and breaks on offer here; some geared towards couples, others designed for friends, pregnant women, those with busy schedules and individuals longing for some time away from the stresses of everyday life. But ours was just the ticket. A 55-minute luxury treatment using only the finest Elemis products, a two-course lunch in the award-winning Fusion Restaurant and over six hours of relaxation time. We arrive bright and early, ready for day of top to toe pampering. After changing into our fluffy robes and spa-safe flip flops, twisting our hair into buns on top of our heads and locking our troubles (and phones) away, we head straight for the outdoor spa garden pool. After some much needed soaking and a good giggle, we slumber back into our robes and head indoors. With two piping hot, creamy lattes in hand, we cocoon into the double egg chair and let our tensions slip away. The purple-toned lighting sets the scene inside the contemporary spa which is decorated with on-trend rattan furniture and complemented with grey and silver finishings to give it that luxe, modern feel.
Take
Next up, it’s a dip in one of the UK’s largest hydrotherapy pools. Sinking into the built-in seats, we let the powerful massage jets and swan necks work their magic to ease and soothe aching and tired muscles. Slipping back into a state of relaxation, we nod off in the egg chair we’ve claimed as our own for the day before I’m whisked away to a cosy treatment room for 55-minutes of bliss.
SEP/OCT22 43luxe-magazine.co.uk
<< Maison Francis Kurkdjian, OUD Satin Mood Eau de Parfum Delicate violet accord top notes gently introduce a velvety and romantic rose aroma that you’ll want to lose yourself in like a bed of luxurious silk sheets. Cushioned by the warm depth and complexity of the Laotian oud and vanilla bean notes, this scent makes time feel as if it’s standing still. 200ml, £415 Penhaligons, Artemisia Eau de Parfum >> A floral and fruity scent with a beautifully sensual, powdery dry down. A comforting fragrance with notes of fresh nectarine and jasmine intertwined with the familiar aroma of vanilla. A delicate blend that you can’t help but reach for time and time again. 100ml, £152 << Christian Dior, Oud Ispahan Oud Ispahan elegantly embraces an amber identity. It is the olfactory translation of a warm palace, where shimmering hues meld with intoxicating scents to become one. It’s a fragrance that arouses curiosity and invites you on a journey with its amber soul tinged with a floral softness. 250ml, £320 << Roja Parfums, Amber Aoud Pure Perfume Amber Aoud is a rich fragrance which sees citrusy top notes mingle with a floral heart and succulent fig. The unisex scent develops into spicy base notes that warm the perfume with saffron and cinnamon, contrasting with the woody notes of oakmoss, patchouli and sandalwood. 100ml, £595
Bond No. 9, Lafayette Street Eau de Parfum >> Lafayette Street commands recognition with the perfect balance between sweet and bold. The fragrance’s blend of vanilla and dry wood with the lightness of herbal and floral notes, creates a rich, decadent scent. 100ml, £250 Bella Bellissima, White Leather >>
Fall fragrances
SPA SESSION to a close and I’m kindly left to relax and absorb all of the essential oils before being guided to the relaxation room. A dark and cosy space, perfect for a bit of soul-soothing and taking in the affects of the treatment before returning to another sanctuary, the spa. I’m greeted with a cup of peppermint tea, my post-treatment recommendations and left to relax on one of the massage beds. Following my treatment, it’s back downstairs for more relaxation before heading into the Fusion Restaurant for a bite to eat. The food offering here is sensational. Using fresh herbs, punchy spices and vibrant colours, each dish is an explosion of tastes to recreate traditional recipes from South East Asia. Our welcome drinks arrive in the form of a bubbling glass of prosecco, followed by some icy cold water for the table. Up first, it’s the tempura king prawns (£9.50) served with a squeeze of fresh lime and wasabi mayo. My spa buddy goes for the chicken sweetcorn soup (£7.50). Both starters are served steaming hot and are packed with heaps of flavour. Our mains arrive and we both opt for the Singapore vermicelli noodles (£19). A hearty bowl of noodles with king prawn, char sui pork, chicken, bean sprouts, pak choi and onions topped with chilli flakes. When I say this is the best noodle dish I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting, I’m not lying. Each and every mouthful is bursting with so much flavour and packs quite the punch when it comes to spice. With our bellies filled to the brim, our new home for the day (the egg chair!) has never looked more appealing. Home time soon arrives, but not before we test out the saunas, steam rooms and invigorating ice buckets - not to mention a few lengths in the 25 metre swimming pool. We trade in our spa attire and layer back up in normality, but we can’t leave before indulging in another latte. The perfect end to one of the most relaxing, wholesome, and - in fact - quite hilarious sister bonding days we’ve had in ages. ramsidespa.co.uk
The full body massage using Elemis products to target my problem areas is, without a doubt, one of the most relaxing and experiencedmassagesmuscle-soothingI’ve
Pure parfum creations inspired by the ancient mysteries of Arabia. Complex and compelling, this distinctive aphrodisiac is blended with rich Eastern essences, delicate florals, exotic resins, cherished woods and rare spices to create a long-lasting, intense perfume that celebrates the power of oud. 50ml, £165
Our friends at H beauty Gateshead have rounded up the finest new season scents for fall All available to purchase on counter at H beauty Gateshead, Metrocentre
The ‘glow getter’ we’ve all been waiting for. WOW Fusion and Dermaplane - 75 mins, £140 therechargeroom.gettimely.com getter
Emma reminds me that, for up to four weeks following my WOW Fusion facial, I’ll continue to see results as my skin gets its glow. And she’s not wrong. This pre-holiday treatment meant that I was able to treat my skin to a much-needed break from makeup and the rush of everyday life; and I can honestly say that, as the days passed by, my complexion was as clear as day, my skin was brighter and there was a glow to my face that I haven’t seen since before pregnancy.
SEP/OCT2244 luxe-magazine.co.uk FRESH FACED
Glow
The lovely Emma - owner, beauty therapist and skincare practitioner at The Recharge Room - has been my ‘glow getter’ for some time now, working from her home near Stockton. As her treatment list has grown, including the addition of the incredible WOW Fusion range, so has her business, opening up a stunning new HQ on Durham Road in TheStockton-on-Tees.RechargeRoom has a shiny new home within the Headkandy Stockton salon, and it’s where you’ll find Emma working her magic when it comes to the transformational facial we all need in our lives. I’ve always been partial to a facial as a bit of a pamper treat during a spa day or retreat, but I’ve never been in a position where I’ve felt my skin crying out for a bit of TLC. Navigating motherhood and the postnatal curveballs that seem to be thrown at you on a regular basis, I decided - as I approached my return to work - I’d treat myself to a rejuvenating treatment that will help bring my skin back to its full potential - or at least start that journey. WOW Fusion is the latest innovation in skin rejuvenation, and it’s the need-to-know treatment of the moment. Chatting to Emma about my skin concerns and what I’d like to achieve, the WOW Fusion and Dermaplane treatment was the perfect fit. A bespoke facial tailored to my skin’s wants and needs. And the best bit? Quick, transformational results that continue to improve in time. I’m sold. WOW Fusion, as a brand, is all about educating clients on their skin health.
Everybody’s skin is unique, so finding a trained therapist and spending a bit of a time with them for an initial consultation is a must. Emma and I chatted through my skin concerns, goals and realistic post-treatment aftercare in advance.
Next up, it’s the skin sanitisation processa form of extraction using Derma scrape technology. This is the first step in removing any dead cells and unwanted barriers stopping the skin from looking and feeling its Thebest.next step is when you start to feel the magic working. Dermaplaning is the ultimate exfoliation, exposing younger, brighter skin by removing up to four weeks worth of loosened dead skin cells and pesky peach fuzz with a scalpel. It’s not an uncomfortable process, but you can feel the skin breath as it banishes the nasties, leaving the face looking and feeling ultra smooth and radiant. You’re left with a fully refreshed complexion, ready to take on the world - or, indeed, a nourishing WOW Fusion skin cocktail. Emma then shakes up the all-important skin cocktail comprising good-for-you vitamins and minerals, ascorbic and amino acids to encourage intracellular activity, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin. What goes into the ‘skin saviour’ cocktail will depend on your initial consultation and what you’re trying to achieve. In my case, it’s all about brightening the skin and bringing it back
WOW Fusion can be used to treat all kinds of skin concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles and rosacea, to enlarged pores, oily skin, pigmentation, acne scarring, stretchmarks and dehydrated skin. My main focus points were rehydrating tired skin, improving complexion and diminishing dark Followingcircles.a consultation and ‘skincare vision’ exercise, I was invited to put my feet up, hand over my face and let the magic happen. The 75-minute treatment starts with a glycolic cleanse to calm and prep the skin. An incredibly calming and refreshing introduction to the process, ensuring the face is ready to reap the WOW Fusion benefits. Thanks to its tiny molecules, glycolic acid helps to penetrate faster and deeper into the skin, increasing the effectiveness of any treatment that follows.
There’s a sparkling new beauty and skincare clinic in Stockton and it’s putting the ‘wow’ in Wow Fusion face treatments as the ‘North East Official Clinic’. Elysia Fryer goes in search of a glowing complexion to life with as much hydration as possible. This is where the fun starts. Time to drink that cocktail. My hyper-personalised serum, packed full of skin-loving ingredients, is pumped into the skin using the WOW Fusion machine. It’s small but it certainly packs a punch - a medical needling device with 20 ultrafine (0.6mm) needles that work to lightly stamp the skin, getting under the protective layer we often find impossible to break through. The tapered needles work to create micro channels in the skin, encouraging the serum to get straight to work. If the word ‘needle’ sends a shiver down your spine, it’s not at all as scary as it sounds. You may feel a slightly uncomfortable ‘scratchy’ sensation as the device does its thing, but the results really are ‘WOW’ and it’s worth every minute. Emma is in full control of the machine, so can ensure it’s as comfortable as possible while still delivering the best results. You can really feel a shift in the skin following the use of the WOW Fusion device. The best way for me to explain it is when you’re working out and you instantly feel that good-for-you glow. And guess what? That feeling only gets better in time! Particularly when you’re rewarded with the nourishing WOW Fusion LED mask, left on for 10 minutes of pure relaxation, with a setting specifically chosen for your ‘skincare vision’. For me, to calm, soothe and rejuvenate the skin. Masks can be tailored to help in the treatment of acne, fine lines and rosacea, for example. As this feel-good facial comes to a close, I’m treated to a cold quartz roller massage and a calming and soothing recovering balm with SPF - the perfect, refreshing finisher to ensure the skin continues to ‘do its thing’ following the treatment.
Emma offers a range of WOW Fusion face treatments, so whatever your concerns, reach out and she will find the perfect solution for happy, hydrated skin. It’s time to join the skin revolution.
The WOW Fusion facial is a hyperpersonalised skin solution that really does work. For me, it has had long-term benefits when it comes to skin rejuvenation and hydration, and it has boosted my confidence in a way I didn’t know my face could.
of soft amber and clean musks
Dorée Eau de Parfum. The luminous
Fall fragrance Get ready to fall
the freshness
the day, making it the perfect autumn fragrance. 100ml, £115. millerharris.com SEP/OCT22 45 LUXE LOVES luxe-magazine.co.uk
LUXE LOVES head over Harris Lumière backdrop carries throughout
heels for the Miller
Perfect scent >> Get A Room Hair Perfume
confessionsofarebel.com
Get strong >> The Hair Elixir by WelleCo
This unique vegan formula thickens, strengthens and nourishes right down to the follicles to minimise hair loss and reduce breakage, while boosting your hair and body with powerful minerals for fast-track growth. Take two capsules daily to see hair flourish in 2-3 months. This product has been a personal saviour having suffered with wispy, thinning hair. A must try. £40 (60 capsules), welleco.co.uk
The shampoo we all need on our bathroom shelf this autumn. This bottle will whisk you away to an exotic spa retreat as a luxurious mix of botanicals soak into the the roots to work their magic. Containing athletia’s signature fragrance ‘MTA Natural Oil’, combined with lemon and ginger to add spice, along with eucalyptus and cedarwood offering a sense of comfort - if the scent itself doesn’t do it for you, the results certainly will. Take a pea sized amount in your palms and gently massage into a wet scalp and through the hair. Rinse thoroughly and get ready to love your new, nourished locks. £32, athletia-beauty.co.uk
It’s the future >> Living Proof Triple Bond Complex
Introducing a new product for the next generation of healthy hair. This scientifically-proven formula by Living Proof is the future for hair repair, rebuilding locks from cortex to cuticle. This leave-in product makes hair eight times stronger, adding softness, smoothness, shine and manageability after just one use. It’s set to become a staple in the hair care cabinet. £42, livingproof.co.uk
A hair mist that smells so good, you’ll wear it as your perfume. Hair has the uncanny ability to hold onto scent better than anywhere else on the body, so why not invest in a deliciously smelling fragrance that will not only give off a sweet aroma, but will give your hair a nourishing lift? Packed full of fruity fragrances such as apple and mandarin, with notes of vanilla, praline and spices, it’s a fresh, woody scent that will turn heads. £66 (100ml),
Blending notes of sandalwood, rose and lime, this shampoo by ARRAN Sense of Scotland, is a fantastic way to give your hair that natural goodness it deserves. The scents work effortlessly together to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a refreshing, enchanted garden after a rain shower. They say after the rain comes the sun, and that’s true of this haircare hero product. Containing pro-vitamin B5, ARRAN’s After the Rain range will help lock in moisture, nourishing the scalp and leaving hair feeling bright, shiny and positively glowing. £16 arran.com(300ml),
Lush locks >> Monday Muse The Gloss Hair & Scalp Oil
Something sweet >> IMARAÏS Nourish Vegan Hair Care Gummies
Give your locks a bit of love this season with our hero haircare products
This nutrient-rich blend is brimming with cold-pressed omega oils to nourish, strengthen and revive hair from root to tip. Use twice a week as a pre-wash treatment for 30 days and you’ll see amazing results, reducing dandruff and improving the overall appearance of hair. You’ll have lush locks in no time. £45 (50ml), available from H Beauty Gateshead, harrods.com
Good roots >> athletia Scalp Care Shampoo
Nature calls >> ARRAN After the Rain Shampoo
Beauty:luxe-magazine.co.uk update
SEP/OCT2246 HAIR HEROES
These plant-based, gluten-free and sugar-free hair care gummies will give your locks a good-for-you glow as we move from season to season. Your little box of ‘Nourish’ goodies contains 60 wild berry flavoured gummies to aid visible improvement to overall hair and scalp health. Take two gummies every day for two months and hair will appear thicker and stronger with less shredding. Key ingredients include: organic chaga, reishi mushroom and snow mushroom. £40, (60 gummies), lookfantastic.com
WELCOME TO A WORLD OF HEAD-TO-TOE LUXURY, BEAUTY AND INDULGENCE From creative hair styling to pampering body treatments and therapies 3-4 Cairnside, Sunderland SR3 3LS 0191 511 0288 info@redssalons.comTofindoutmorescanhereAnd now introducing Morpheus 8, a non-invasive tightening treatment that can make your skin look younger... • Alleviates wrinkles and fine lines • Treats acne and surgical scars • Treats stretch marks • Improves skin tone and texture • Safe on all skin types • No downtime and immediate results
“They’ll ask if we can have more of
SEP/OCT2248 luxe-magazine.co.uk GARDEN GLORY
Rockliffe’s beautiful new Walled Garden has been in full bloom this summer, and it shows no signs of slowing down, with plans to grow produce all year round, as well as launching an event space for guests.
Growing for gold
Something has been growing gloriously behind the scenes at Rockliffe Hall, and now it’s ready to share its beauty with the world. Back in 2017, Rockliffe’s Estates and Gardens Manager, Phil Mennell, excitedly told us about the resort’s plans to develop a large area to the side of the hotel into a walled garden. Unfortunately, the garden was left derelict shortly after construction due to many factors including the global pandemic. Fast forward to 2022, we’re back in Phil’s company to hear about how his passion project has since come to life at Rockliffe.
The chefs are in the garden every morning picking fresh produce and they’ll come up with new dishes and specials at the drop of a hat
Packed with organic produce, this season has enjoyed a wholesome harvest of herbs, flowers and vegetables including: tomatoes, garden peas, cucumbers, green beans, chillies, onions, rhubarb, garlic, thyme and much, much more. All of that, plus a whole
“The chefs are in the garden every morning picking fresh produce and they’ll come up with new dishes and specials at the drop of a hat. We can create a lot of dishes with what we’re growing on site, which is really great as we head further and further towards “Theself-sufficiency.chefshave quite a lot of say in what we grow in the garden,” Phil adds.
“It’s been ticking away in the background for a while, and having had a couple of setbacks in the early days, I’m delighted and proud to call it my workspace, but also a space we can share with other teams across the resort, as well as hotel guests.”
The garden is a feast for the senses, and has been established for both chefs and guests.
“I wanted the Walled Garden to be as interactive as possible,” Phil explains. “So people can come along, sit on a bench and take it all in. They’re encouraged to walk round every individual bed and get up close and personal with the produce. I wanted to make sure we had lots of smaller sections with different produce, rather than just growing loads of the same stuff in a confined space. It’s not an allotment, it’s a garden, which is why we’ve got lots of nice cut flowers, to make it look the partand of course, encourage the bees.”
“I’m incredibly proud of this space,” Phil smiles.
Rockliffe Hall’s glorious Walled Garden has been brought back to life and is blooming with beautiful produce that’s feeding into the estate’s kitchens. Phil Mennell, the brains behind the project, takes us on a tour host of fruit trees lining the walls, growing everything from redcurrants and blackberries, to gooseberries, raspberries, apples and plums.
The garden is open for guests to enjoy every day of the week, but one of the most exciting things about this colourful new space is that it feeds directly into Rockliffe’s restaurants. Whether it’s tasting menu specials in The Orangery, seasonal favourites in The Clubhouse, or good-for-the-soul, garden-inspired grub in Nu Sana, each and every chef across the site has a big role to play in Rockliffe’s new Walled Garden. “Everything goes direct to the kitchens on a daily basis,” says Phil.
Happy bees >> something - or if there’s something they think they’re going to be able to work with in that particular season, we’ll do our best to grow it. Equally, they’re happy for me to grow things that I know are going to do well in the conditions - then they can take that produce and create something with it.
“There’s lots of planning that goes into what we grow here, but the chefs are happy for me to take the lead, and let them know what is going to work best at certain times.
“The kitchen teams use something in every part of the garden, so none of it is going to go to waste. We’re constantly thinking about what’s coming next. For example, we’ve got a little pumpkin patch which will come into its own this autumn. Hotel staff will use pumpkins for displays throughout the hotel, or we might invite guests with kids to come along and pick a pumpkin to take away with them for Halloween. It’s just about finding ways in which we can interact with our guests - whether that’s through hands-on stuff in the garden, or through the dishes they’re enjoying in our restaurants.
Together with EPICH (Eco People In Croft and Hurworth), Phil’s Gardens and Estates team are doing their bit to help save our furry winged friends, nurturing a number of buzzing hives to produce honey.
SEP/OCT22 49luxe-magazine.co.uk GARDEN GLORY
“We’ve got some stuff that you don’t normally see, like orange mint. It helps the chefs to be more creative as well, because the produce might elevate a dish, or even create a new dish. It’s all about pushing boundaries and creating unique experiences across the resort.” Working closely with the estate’s chefs is just part of the day job for Phil and his team. When they’re not talking plant to plate produce, they’re busy priming and maintaining the resort grounds, encouraging and managing local wildlife, and planting
and planning for the next season. “If we’re not out and about on machinery, you’ll find us in our equipment shed or in the Potting Shed - this is where it all happens,” says Phil. “It’s where we sew the produce and where we’ll get together to plan the day’s activities. It’s our hub and it’s where pretty much everything comes into fruition.”
Phil is particularly proud of this project, which he designed himself, as it is self-sustainable. Now it is set up and maintained daily, it pays for itself. “Now that the garden is fully formed, it’s just about managing, maintaining and making the most of everything we’re growing,” Phil explains. “Everything is organic. We clip our own seeds, which will then be reused back into the gardens for the following year. It helps us to be more environmentally friendly. “Everything we grow, we use where we can across the resort - down to the cut flowers. Our front of house staff will come in and make up bouquets for guests and for table decorations throughout the hotel. “We’re hoping to open up the Walled Garden for events and workshops. The Glass House is a fantastic space to host - there’s even talk about opening the space up as a coffee shop where people can come and relax on a weekend. I can honestly say, from my own experience, there’s nothing like finding a quiet spot in the Walled Garden and taking it all in with a cup of tea. Those are the moments when I can sit back and feel proud of what we’ve achieved.” Phil is so passionate about Rockliffe’s homegrown produce, he can hardly wait to pack up a basket of garden goodies for us to take away with us. We leave with a crate spilling over with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, aubergines, lavender and a whole host of deliciously smelling herbs. We just need the chefs to show us a thing or two about how these ingredients can be brought to life on the plate. rockliffehall.com
Phil and his team have plans to expand and extend each year, encouraging more queens and swarms to do their thing at Rockliffe. “It is very physically demanding, but it’s equally rewarding and of course, good for the environment,” says Phil.
“The idea is to plant a wildflower meadow right the way across that bund so there will be even more easily accessible pollinators on site for the bees. It’s all about self sustainability for us, so if we can encourage the bees to stay on site, it will be beneficial for everyone involved.”
“I went on a weekend crash course at Fountains Abbey,” Phil starts. “I was bombarded with information, and a little overwhelmed at first. The classroom work was intense, but it all started to make much more sense once I got out and started with my own hive. “It was one of the best things I did. The work that goes into it just blows my mind. There’s so much to learn and we really need to educate ourselves on bees and why they’re so important to us. “We try to do as much work as possible within the local community, with EPICH and schools in the area. It’s a really interesting hobby and they’re such fascinating “Youcreatures.weirdly get to know them and start to understand their quirks and why they’re doing what they’re doing. Sometimes you’ll see the drones doing a little bee dance - that’s basically them pulling out a sat nav to explain where they need to go next. “They’ve got it all sussed out. Our job is just to nurture them and make sure we have happy bees at Rockliffe.”
Rockliffe’s happy honey-makers have set up home close to the Walled Garden, where they are perfectly placed for water, shelter and foraging. “We took some of the waste material from the site of the Walled Garden to create a bund which protects the beehives,” Phil explains.
“The EPICH team tends to check in on the hives every three days to ensure the queen is healthy, to check for disease, and generally just keep an eye on the honey stores. They’ll take some of the fuller frames out and add new ones to encourage the bees to keep working.” The development of Rockliffe’s bees has been quite an organic one. It’s something Phil tells us he’s always been interested in, so back in the early days he set out on a course to get a wider understanding.
The dumpy bag of wool has a value of something like £15 if you can be bothered to take it to market, and if you do you are sure to spend more on fuel. So after beer, cordial and cake, we put the wool on the compost. Sheep’s wool offers many benefits when added to compost; it’s a source of slow releasing nitrogen, sulphur and magnesium for plants. It also provides improved moisture retention and helps to insulate the plants. Compost with wool and bracken added can be used as an alternative to peat; and being sustainable and renewable, it has a great deal in its favour. Those Texels just keep on giving! Shearing sheep is pretty essential and arguably, as we continue to see temperatures rise, increasingly essential. The flies can really hassle the sheep, and Karen and Simon Phillips update us on the latest happenings from their fabulous farm near Hexham…
NATURAL BODYCARE WITH SCENTICA STUDIO >> 13 OCTOBER
Finally, the rooster was something that behaves like an apprentice of flying, so if it survived and the sheep didn’t, then the assumption could be that for humans to fly we needed to eat more worms and scratch up all the borders - at least that’s what I’m told our chickens do, “but what fab eggs they give” is my normal response.
Karen will be on TV with Robson Green making stotties here at Linnels Farm, so maybe we will get a call to make the ‘New Good Life’.
Savouring the seasons
Learn to make luxurious natural skincare products using the best botanical extracts. We will create body oils, bath salts and nourishing skin balms, scented with your own natural fragrance.
AT LINNELS FARM
UPCOMING COURSES @LINNELS FARM when the wool becomes clogged with dung - called dags - you’ll see it formed into teardrop shapes clinging to the wool under the tail. This becomes a target area for fly strike and the resultant maggots can spread into the flesh of the sheep. So shearing, or at least the sheep having no evidence of dags, is one sign of a well managed flock. Along with flies, the feet are an equal area of focus with scald, foot rot and CODD (dermatitis). Scald is the rawness between the toes and leads to foot rot. All visible issues as you see the sheep limping. Whilst treatable, unfortunately limping sheep is a common sight and not a sign of neglect. Not treating sheep is, but they are prone to issues with their feet. Now, if you happen to look in a sheep’s mouth and don’t see any top front teeth, don’t search the flock for the bully, sheep don’t have top front teeth, rather they have a hard upper palate. And looking into their eyes you will see their rectangular pupilsthat gives them great peripheral vision. They can see over 300 degrees - that’s double us, hence sneaking up to sheep is tricky.
Another fact for the pub quiz; whilst sheep aren’t really renowned as aviators, they were the first animals (as well as a duck and a rooster) to take flight in a hot air balloon on 19 September 1783. The flight lasted eight minutes, covered 3.2 kilometres and landed without incident. The Montgolfier brothers were the inventors and engineers of the balloon and they chose these animals for what they considered were scientific reasons. It was believed that sheep have a similar physiology to humans. Really? I hear you say. Well, in a human crowd of 200, it only takes 5% to induce that natural following (flocking) instinct, and if that 5% choose to go to the bar or the toilets, the queue is crazy! Why the duck? (I’m back in the hot air balloon now) - the duck was the control as it could naturally fly, so it was a sure bet it would pass the altitude test.
CHUTNEY & CHILLI JAM >> 19 OCTOBER Do you want to preserve a little taste of sunshine for the colder months? In this practical workshop you’ll learn the art of making jams, chutneys, jellies and vinegars. Depart with the skills to make preserves time and time again, along with jars of your handmade goodies.
If you’re a fan of Death Valley you will have found 19 July a glorious day.
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According to New Zealand meteorologist Ben Noll, on that day, the UK was hotter than 99% of the rest of the world, so not the best day to advertise woolly jumpers, and not the best day for sheep with fleeces still Richie,intact.photographed here, sheared his sheep on our land a few weeks earlier, filling a one tonne dumpy bag with wool. Having a woollen jumper removed for our sizzling weather must have been a huge relief for these Texel sheep. We do have some Suffolk sheep here too - I always think the Suffolk are more attractive, but Richie tells me his Texels are the ones that have the best standard for the breed: a short white face, black nose and widely placed ears, just like the Hobbit from the Lord of the Rings, clearly a relative of the Texel! I’ve broken my nose three times and I know a squidgy face is cute, but really just look at that photo - ignore Richie he’s just annoyingly handsome! The father of the Texel in that photograph sold for £28,000, and whilst beauty is in the eye of beholder, we have to remember, so is stigmatism. Anyway, as the Welshman said when he left the pub... back to sheep.
COPPERPLATE CALLIGRAPHY WITH ANGELA REED >> 9 SEPTEMBER
AFTERNOON TEA COURSE >> 12 OCTOBER Master all the elements to stage your own afternoon tea party at home: scrumptious crumpets, delicate tartlets and melting macarons, along with the essential light and airy scone – is it cream or jam first?
All the best Tom and Barbara
Angela will introduce you to the art of writing with a pointed nib, taking you through the basic strokes before moving on to letter and word formation. All materials will be provided for you to keep so you can continue your practice at home - ideal for Christmas labels and place name cards.
Come along and learn the traditional craft of needle felting and create your very own adorable, miniature pumpkin.
FELT PUMPKINS WITH SANDY HATTON >> 7 SEPTEMBER
Having sheared the sheep here and with the wool in the dumpy bag, Karen with beer and homemade elderflower cordial and fizzy water for Richie, Adam and Alan, we started asking about the wool. This is now beginning to sound like I have to change my name to Tom, and Karen has to change her name to Barbara, as we remake an episode of The Good Life.
To round off a summer of food festivals, I’ve got an exciting September fixture at Pub in the Park, where I’ll be doing some
ASK CHRIS >>
FOODIE HAPPENINGS
MY WORLD >> Food festivals were in full swing in the summer, so it has very much been ‘events season’ for me, which is a very exciting and busy time. I was at the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC in Birmingham, which I’ll be returning to in the winter. Both the summer and winter events are wonderful things to be involved in and they’re a great day out for foodies up and down the country. Another big event I was involved in this summer was Carfest North. It’s a huge, family-friendly fundraising festival that was created by Chris Evans to help raise funds for UK Children’s Charities. It’s got everything from cars and music, to food and theatre. I was hosting the chef stage, so it was my job to introduce all of the guest chefs across the weekend. It was a really fun event to be involved in and it was great to see families coming together to celebrate good food amongst many other things. I also hosted a cookery school at Big Feastival on the August bank holiday in the Cotswolds. What started as quite a small, humble event, has grown year-on-year and has become one of the key dates in the foodie/music calendar. It’s really cool because it’s held on Blur bassist Alex James’s farm in the Cotswolds.
TRY THIS >> Gnocchi alla norma bake SERVES 2 Meat free Monday doesn’t get much better than this. Light fluffy gnocchi baked in a rich tomato sauce with basil, garlic and aubergine - topped with oozy mozzarella. Ingredients 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 aubergine, diced 1 onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, chopped Pinch of chilli flakes Salt and pepper 2 x 400g tinned tomatoes 1 big bunch of basil 1 ball of mozzarella 500g gnocchi Pinch of sugar Grated parmesan Method Heat the oil in a large ovenproof frying pan over a medium heat (I use HexClad pans, which are fantastic). Add the onion, aubergine, garlic and chilli flakes. Season and cook for 5-8 minutes until the veg takes on some colour. Add the tomatoes and half of the basil with a pinch of sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce is thick. Cook the gnocchi in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until it rises to the surface. Drain. Stir the gnocchi into the simmered sauce, tear over the mozzarella and cover with grated Bakeparmesan.for15 minutes or until golden and bubbly, scatter over the remaining basil and Recipeserve.extracted from Easy by Chris Baber (Ebury, £16.99).
live cooking demos. It’s a popular foodie event that pops up in various locations across London and in Brighton too. It’s such a joy to be out cooking in front of crowds of people again, so I’m really looking forward to that.
A: The key thing is just to start meal planning. Spend a bit of time on a Sunday evening mapping out what you want to eat that week. With the cost of living crisis, it’s really important that we plan our meals so that we can buy exactly what we need and reduce waste. How often do we go into the supermarket and buy everything in sight then realise we haven’t actually got anything we can rustle up into a meal? My advice is to plan before you shop - even if you’re just planning for half of the week.
HOME COMFORTS with chef Chris Baber Festival food demos, fitness ventures and fruit for the new season - time to get some autumn inspiration from our foodie columnist
If you’ve got a question to ask Chris, whether it’s a recipe you’d like to see, information about his cook-a-longs or restaurant recommendations, please get in touch via his Instagram page.
Q:instagram.com/chrisbaber#AskChrisWhatareyourtoptips on getting back into a routine in the kitchen at home - after a summer of holidays and eating out a lot?
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Since we last checked in I’ve started working with the team at Everyone Active - a gym chain with over 200 sites across the country. We’ve been working on some exciting recipe content and getting some time in for me to visit a number of the centres to talk to members about healthy food choices. It’s a really important nationwide project for me to be involved in, and I’m delighted that I’ll get to work with some of the centres in the North East.
INSPIRED BY THE SEASONS >> Summer is all about raspberries and strawberries, but I really look forward to blackberries coming into season as we head into autumn. Even if it’s just creating a late-summer spin on a crumble - with blackberries and apples - there’s nothing Ibetter.liketo work with a whole host of fruit and veg at this time of year - much of it is at its best. Apples and pears are up there with some of my favourite ingredients to work with in September. And this may be a little controversial, but sprouts are starting to come into season - they’re not just for Christmas, trust me! There’s loads you can do with Brussel sprouts and I just love cooking with them, particularly when we’re looking for hearty dishes to get the whole family round the table. I think, on the whole, we’re out with the light, fresh salads and getting back to routine with proper, hearty family dinnersa welcome addition of comfort food. It’s my favourite thing about this time of year.
>>
SEP/OCT2252 luxe-magazine.co.uk FOODIE FOCUS
A meal that takes you back to childhood… Mum’s Sunday lunch - she was completely self-taught and a wonderful cook.
The best cook you know… Kenny Atkinson, House of Tides.
The food you always need in your fridge… Cheese - preferably Bavarian blue. You just can’t go wrong. The food you turn to when you need some comfort… Wagamamas. It always does the trick. What food means to you… In a word, everything. It’s given me a good life... I met my wife through hospitality and to be able to cook, teach and still learn is always a pleasure. The peopleI’ve met along the way have also inspired me to become an author with my first novel published in August 2022. matfenhall.com
Paul Blakey has been a chef for over 30 years, quickly rising to head chef and winning several AA awards for fine dining along the way. Originally from Sunderland, Paul learned his trade on location in the Lake District and the Channel Islands, but found his spiritual home in Northumberland where he lives with his wife and son. Paul is an avid Luxe checks in with Paul Blakey, Executive Head Chef at Matfen Hall to discuss his favourite foodie moments…
MY LIFE IN FOOD:
Paul Blakey
The food you never give up… Mackerel - fresh, tinned or smoked.
The food that represents where you come from… Savoury mince cobbler. This is another one of my mum’s classics. I absolutely love it, it always goes down a treat. Your most memorable meal… The Complete Angler in Marlow. This was the first stop on our honeymoon, so it holds a special place in my heart. Your favourite meal of the day and why… When on a rest day or on holiday, a funky brunch is always the key.
reader, published author, and fervent supporter of Sunderland Football Club.
The food that brings you the greatest joy… Spice. I love anything with a kick!
Wow whisky >> Fierfield
Discarded Discarded is a zero-waste, sustainable spirits company that procures unwanted and rebuffed ingredients, reusing them creatively to develop deliciously unique spirits. Our favourite for autumn is the Discarded Sweet Cascara Vermouth, made from the discarded fruit of the coffee cherry. The tipple takes the berries and transforms them into a rich, fruity and complex vermouth. Tasting notes: Glowing red in hue, the Cascara Negroni is the perfect fall-inspired cocktail to wow dinner guests. Serve with gin and Campari over ice. discardedspirits.com
Sloe & steady >> Hepple Spirits Co. Inspired by the berries that grow on the moorlands surrounding the Hepple distillery in Northumberland, the Sloe & Hawthorn Gin is rested on berries for over six months, creating a rich, spicy and complex spirit, perfect for the cool, crisp change in season. Tasting notes: A full, intense and dry take on the conventional sloe gin. Notes of hawthorn and extracted juniper, this is a blast of colour from the hills of Hepple. Enjoy as it comes or over ice. hepplespirits.com
aRaiseglass
Pack a punch >> Masons of Yorkshire
Leading with unmistakable orange citrus flavours, complemented by kaffir lime leaf, this gloriously refreshing gin is the perfect transition tipple when moving from summer to autumn. Stock up on this fragrant fusion and it promises to be the perfect addition to your seasonal dinner party. Tasting notes: A punchy and fragrant gin with a long, dry finish. Serve with plenty of ice, a premium Indian tonic and garnish with fresh lime zest. masonsofyorkshire.com
The world’s most awarded bartender, Mr Lyan, and Ireland’s first modern whisky bonder, J.J. Corry, have joined forces to bring us an exciting new collaboration. Inspired by the Irish farming tradition of blending Irish whisky spirit with local flora and fauna, Fierfield is a modern take on flavoured whisky which doesn’t use added sugar, synthetic flavours or colouring.
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Let’s take a look at what is in the Luxe drinks cabinet this season
Transatlantic taste >> Woodcutter’s Daughter Woodcutter's Daughter turns traditional whisky on its head. This fresh new approach to blended whisky combines a classic American rye with an artisanal British twist. It is unrelenting in spice and punchiness, but remains smooth enough to sip neat. Tasting notes: A warm and spicy whisky with notes of coconut, fresh hay, spice, cola, butter and pepper - the perfect tipple to transition from summer to autumn. silentpooldistillers.com
Get fruity >>
Tasting notes: Luxe is loving the Barberry blend - rich and autumnal in nature with a hazelnut and damson depth, delivering the herbal citrus flavours of port and blood orange. Try in a whisky sour, shaken with lemon and frothy egg white. fierfield.com
I love cooking at the weekend, but slightly longer, slow-cook projects. I like to make things I don’t get the time to make during the week. I guess it’s like a busman’s holiday, but I really live and breathe cookery. I’ll always go out for a long walk or visit one of the amazing markets we have in the North East. My weekend highlight is making a Sunday roast. It’s the perfect way to end the week. A memorable holiday? Backpacking through Greece with my best friend. Best dress? A long black dress coat I bought six years ago. Amazingly, it has never gone out of style. Who would be your top three dinner guests? Nadiyah Hussein, Sarah Millican and Cheryl Cole
THE DAY JOB >> What do you do for a living?
When I finish work I find it hard to switch off, so I spend a lot of my time researching via blogs and cookery shows. And yes, I always have the energy to make dinner when I get home - and a dessert! Any upcoming or ongoing projects we should know about?
LESSONS IN LIFE >> What did you want to be when you were growing up? I loved learning languages, so I wanted to be an interpreter. I met an interpreter at a careers evening in high school and she urged me to keep it as a hobby if I was good at other subjects. What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Keep it simple. I used to be the sort of
THE LOWDOWN:LUXE
LIVING LUXE >> What is top of your bucket list? To visit South East Asia: Vietnam, Thailand or Malaysia - or all three! It’s a part of the world I’ve never been to, yet I cook their food a lot. What is your most treasured possession? A leather satchel that my Mam bought me for my university graduation. She apparently sold one of her necklaces to buy it and she never told me about it (she doesn’t know that I know that!). Someday soon I hope to buy her a new necklace and return the favour. What does the weekend mean to you?
GETTING TO KNOW YOU >> Name: Anthony O’Shaughnessy Title: Cookery School Manager, Blackfriars Where is home?
First thing, I love the balance of city and suburban living. Newcastle and Gateshead are very compact so I can enjoy lots of open spaces and still only be 10 minutes away from the city centre. That leads me onto my second favourite: the transport. We’re blessed with amazing transport links in and around Newcastle. I just moved back from Leeds, which is an enormous city but it doesn’t have a transport infrastructure like we do. Third: I love being near the water. I live in a place called Bill Quay, a small shipbuilding community right on the river Tyne where I grew up. I get to go for walks along the river and enjoy the sunsets - plus, there’s a great urban community.
Antho ny O’Sha ughnessy
I currently live in Gateshead. Three reasons you love where you live?
I was a finalist on BBC’s MasterChef and I recently returned on the programme as a guest judge. It was my second time back on the show and it was a lot of fun. It really gives you perspective on how much you can grow just by committing to learning and developing yourself a little bit each day. What does downtime mean to you? Despite the ‘performative’ nature of my role, I’m actually surprisingly introverted. Downtime for me means ‘me time’ - going for a daytrip somewhere and exploring alone. If I meet a friend it’s usually one or two people at most. I really enjoy my own company and I’ve learned now that I need to have a nice balance of performance and alone time to stay energised.
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person who would needlessly complicate something because I thought it would be better. Real skill lies in creating something great very simply. This doesn’t just apply to food, it can be anything: the way you dress, how you style your home, planning a holiday. People enjoy your company much better when you’re not trying to spin multiple plates around them. What is your greatest fear? Being useless! I always like to feel useful and of service, so that drives me to do my research and understand how and what people eat today. I like to make sure I keep my cookery skillset fresh so I can answer a question or demonstrate the skill at a moment’s notice. Which living person do you most admire and why?
I really admire my Mam - she’s a lovely person who has taught me not to be cynical and to stay kind even if the world feels like it’s going the other way. She also inspired my work ethic greatly. She held down two or three jobs to support me and she still managed to put dinner on the table, keep the house clean and the garden tidy. I don’t know how she did it. I suppose there was no social media back then!
I am currently Head Chef Tutor at Blackfriars Cookery School. We’re situated upstairs in the iconic Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle. A day in the life of you? I’m up early, powered by a coffee and a banana on the Metro. I’ll arrive at the Cookery School and process the fresh produce that has come in that morning. Once I have everything I need for the upcoming cookery classes, I begin portioning ingredients needed for that week. We offer over 50 different cookery classes and subjects, so I’m required to change gear a lot from day to day. One day I’m teaching advanced domestic butchery, then the next day I’m teaching pastry for kids.
The last place you ate? Riley’s Fish Shack in Tynemouth The last book you read? Cook as You Are by Ruby Tandoh The last thing you listened to? Kate Bush The last thing you watched? Stranger Things (hence the Kate Bush!) Three luxe things in life? Good shoes, good bedding and a good sofa. If you’re not in one of them, you’re bound to be in one of the other two! blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk/cookeryschool
The building dates back to 1924 and is an authentic way to experience Portuguese produce at its finest.
Another way to shop local is by visiting the Lagos Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning. If you’re not visiting for the food, it’s worth it to experience the charming simplicity of local buyers and sellers - old Portuguese men in flat caps and vests and women in aprons - taking you back to a time when life was less complicated.
All of that, plus plenty of fashion stores, pottery shops like A Toca, boutique jewellers and, of course, traditional cork shops, great for souvenirs and keepsakes.
For many of us, food comes up trumps when it comes to exploring a new place and getting the chance to ‘live like a local’. There are many ways to do this in Lagos.
A fairly new and refined dining spot - and one of my favourite places for something extra special - is Avenida Restaurante within the Avenida Hotel, a boutique hotel just a stone’s throw from the Marina and Meia Praia beach.
While the waterfront areas have been lovingly updated to offer high-end restaurants and hotels with rooftop pools, The Old Town is a destination all of its own. Head a little further into town and you’ll get lost in quaint cobbled streets lined with cute townhouses with tiny doorways. It’s quirky, curious and really quite whimsical. You’ll go from a buzzy square to a quiet residential street, then back to stumbling upon funky businesses like blues bars and artsy boutiques. Amongst all of that, you’ll find churches, museums and cultural spots perfect for those looking to learn a little about Lagos. Lagos had an important role to play in the 15th century Portuguese age of discovery, and it still has the historical landmarks and culture to back that title. History buffs might like to explore the bleak history of slavery in the region. The Antigo Mercado de Escravos is set in the building believed to have been Europe’s first slave market. Today, exhibition spaces detail the lives of those involved. The Castle of Lagos is another landmark worth visiting. With walls and ruins still surrounding the city, the medieval castle
Lagos is a Portuguese port town brimming with character. A place I have visited every year since I was 10. I’ve watched it develop and grow, but without losing its magic touch as a traditional town bursting with beautiful buildings and businesses, says Elysia Fryer... was once the town’s main source of defence and is classified as a ‘national monument’.
If you like to take a little piece of a place away with you, you’re sure to find something special in the stores that make up the Lagos shopping scene. Mar d’Estórias is a favourite of mine, and a must-visit if you’re looking for traditional Portuguese goods or innovative gifts. Complete with a shop, gallery, restaurant and rooftop terrace bar with sea views, it’s a place where you can absorb culture and traditions, with a touch of luxury. Other shopping highlights include the famous Mercado Municipal de Lagosa vibrant marketplace on the waterfront, featuring an assortment of freshly-caught seafood, fruit, veg and other local goods.
Ola bonita
Lagos is unique in that it’s a place, fairly popular with tourists, that knows its own. It hasn’t been rebranded into a typical package holiday destination like some spots on the Algarve. Yes, there are plenty of amenities available for tourists and locals alike, but you certainly won’t see past its stunning architecture, fascinating history and breathtaking natural beauty. It retains all of its unique charm and character, and it’s a wonderful way to explore the best of the Algarve. Our home from home is in Salema, a small fishing village 20 minutes up the road, but a trip to Lagos is always on the cards - be it for shopping, eating, boat trips, or, more recently, taking in the town from above with a number of new rooftop bars to explore.
If you’re not exploring castles and ruins, or cooling off in a museum, you’ll find heaps of history and heritage in the very buildings that surround you. For example, wander the side streets and you might stumble upon Santo António, a small baroque church filled with sculpted stone and hand-painted tiles.
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The man at the helm is Roeland Klein. He found his passion for food working at a one Michelin star restaurant in the Netherlands; but while holidaying in the Algarve, he fell in love with Lagos and decided to make it his home - and his place of work. And boy, are we glad of it. Complete with a glass wine cellar for all to see, a classy, contemporary style with open kitchen, and a menu boasting the finest local produce with a modern twist, it’s a dining destination
This little pocket of paradise on the southern tip of Portugal is a box-ticker in so many ways. I fall a little bit more in love with the place every time I turn a corner
You might recognise popular photographed landmarks like the Marina, the Mercado Municipal fish market, the carousel, the caves or the traditional green tiled house standing proudly in a cobbled square in the centre of town. All of these are reasons to adore Lagos, but there’s so much more than what meets the eye when it comes to getting to know this seafaring city lapped up by ancient brick walls with historic buildings and buzzy new businesses gently threading through. As I walk along the waterfront promenade made up of cobbled mosaic pavement (also known as calçcada portguesa) and lined with palm trees that sway in the breeze, I take in my surroundings and wonder where to begin when it comes to sharing the reasons why I love this place so much. The Marina and promenade seems a good place to start. It’s a known fact that being in or around water is good for your general health and wellbeing. You know the feeling; the fresh sea air, the tranquility of being by a lake, the invigorating feeling of diving into a crashing wave. Not all of those will do it for you, but I can guarantee one of them will. Yes, Lagos is loved for its cobbled streets and white-washed buildings with terracotta tops, but the water lays at the very heart of the town, and it’s where you’ll see it basking in all its bustling beauty. The promenade is home to weekly markets and views of the port, Atlantic Ocean and beyond. Marina de Lagos is a place where you can pick up a drink, a bite to eat and watch the world go by as boats come and go.
Chloe held a bespoke yoga and meditation class at my hen do at Quinta Bonita (more on that in a minute) in 2019, and she is one of the most amazing yoga instructors I’ve ever worked with. She offers everything from vinyasa workshops and yoga retreats, to SUP yoga in the swimming pool and reiki. If, after all of that, you feel you might need to rest those legs and lay your head, my top picks for staying in lovely Lagos are: Casa Mãe - a white-washed, terracotta-tiled boho retreat in the centre of town; Soul & Surfa spectacular space offering unique retreats for surfers; and Quinta Bonita - a beautiful villa perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.
I could talk about my ‘happy place’ all day long, but let’s get to the logistics. It’s easily accessible with plenty of buses, taxis and a train station taking travellers to nearby towns and cities including Lisbon. The nearest airport is Faro, which is a straightforward one hour drive on the highway. This little pocket of paradise on the southern tip of Portugal is a box-ticker in so many ways. The ultimate break for history buffs, a surfer’s paradise, a hipster hangout and a foodie haven. It’s effortlessly romantic and I can honestly say I fall a little bit more in love with the place every time I turn a corner. All I can say is go and experience it. You won’t be disappointed.
This family-run boutique hotel brimming with Portuguese charm in every nook and cranny, is perfect for couples and small groups, or can be hired completely for larger parties and weddings.
SEP/OCT22 57luxe-magazine.co.uk CHASE THE SUN you must experience when in Lagos. Other favourites include Don Sebastiãoas exquisitely traditional as it gets - go here for the dreamiest Portuguese steak, washed down with a bottle of local red. Adega da Marina is a seafood restaurant set in a large, canteen-style hall. It’s very stripped back and basic inside, but the fish is to-die-for!
Bahia Beach Bar is the place to be for great food and good times overlooking the sand dunes at Meia Praia. Once an unassuming beach shack, it has been transformed into a relaxed beachy haven, with live music setting the soundtrack every Sunday.
Those looking for something a little less ‘low-key’ might want to check out the gorgeous Cascade Wellness Resort, just a stone’s throw from Lagos centre. The perfect setting for an active wellness holiday with ‘luxe living’ at the very heart of it.
Lucas Restaurant is another rooftop gem, as is Mare, sitting atop the fish market, with far-reaching views across the Marina, the beaches and beyond. Go to The Green Room for tacos and cocktails on the cobbles, Stevie Ray’s for live jazz into the early hours, and Black and White for cool coffee in a bright and buzzy Theenvironment.listisendless. It’s safe to say the food and drinks scene is flourishing. No Lagos guide would be complete without a mention of the number of golden sandy beaches that compete with those of tropical isles - Meia Praia being the most popular, as well as Praia do Camilo, a beautiful sandy cove. I’m very much a novice when it comes to riding waves, but I’m told the local beaches are a surfer’s paradise - enough to encourage Austrailians to get in on the action. There are also plenty of opportunities for kayaking and paddle boarding, as well as a number of boat tours to the iconic Benagil Caves. Those looking for a ‘zen’ approach to activities, should check out all that Chloe Ward at Body Soul Balance has to offer.
After hearing about The Lord Crewe’s recent makeover, there was no doubt about it, I had to see this stunning boutique hotel in all its new and shiny glory. Following a busy day at Luxe HQ, it was straight into the car and on the road, aiming to arrive before our 7pm reservation in the restaurant. As myself and my partner exchange pleasantries in the car, discussing our days and laughing about how we’ve already eyed up the menu, we hit a bump in the road. Someone (and by that, I sheepishly mean me) entered the wrong postcode into the sat-nav and added an hour long detour onto our journey. A little flustered and panicking about the possibility of arriving late, we pull up 10 minutes before our booking and have a moment to spare to admire the beauty of the sky as the sun begins to set over this stunning location.
maximise relaxation and provide the perfect setting to rest after exploring the beautiful Northumberland coastline. All rooms are kitted out with Molton Brown toiletries, a smart TV, luxurious bathrobes, Nespresso machine and homemade cookies.
lord-crewe.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK
With no room left, we politely declined the dessert menu. But after witnessing the table next to us tuck into the most heavenly dishes, we give it some time and finish things off with something sweet. I can’t resist the sticky toffee pudding (£8.95, coated in a delicious butterscotch sauce and a generous helping of vanilla ice cream.
The whole place oozes charm and sophistication while remaining cosy enough to make you feel right at home. Despite being in the centre of the village, the next morning we wake to peace and quiet - and the blackout blinds go down a treat for a long Saturday morning snooze. With all of the modern amenities for a luxury overnight stay, we have everything we need to get ready for the day ahead before heading down to the restaurant for a hearty, full English breakfast.
The Lord Crewe is a stunning bar, restaurant and boutique hotel in the heart of Bamburgh. Following a recent refurbishment, Nicole Wood checks in for a cosy evening to see what’s in store...
Looking for something a little more tangy, it’s the lemon posset (£8.95) served with raspberries and sorbet for my dinner date.
After finishing our evening meal, we retired to our bedroom for the evening. Guided upstairs, we had the pleasure of chatting with a lovely member of staff who gave us the lowdown on the recent refurbishment and a tour around our room. As soon as we step through the door, the wow factor hits us. The neutral decor paired with hints of quirky furniture and textured accessories, makes for a beautiful chic interior. Equipped with a wardrobe and bedside units, there’s ample space for unpacking and making yourself at home. The huge and comfortable bed with an individually wood panelled headboard is a highlight for me, while the funky patterned sofa takes centre stage in the middle of the room. The bathroom offers a timeless, classic feel with sage tones and bright white fittings.
If you continue to walk down this route, you will come to the award-winning Bamburgh beach. The dreamy white sand that floods this beach is like something you’d see in the Caribbean. The dog-friendly spot offers plenty of space for long, wind-swept walks, beach games and sandcastle creations. With breathtaking views up to Bamburgh Castle and Inner Farne Islands in the opposite direction, you can see why this idyllic location is one of the North East’s most-loved.
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chunky chips deserve their own special mention - soft and fluffy potato wrapped in a crunchy exterior - a delight to the tastebuds. My other half goes for the slow cooked lamb shoulder (£25.95) served with creamed potatoes, tenderstem broccoli and tomato and basil jus - and it’s safe to say, he was not disappointed with his choice. Cooked slowly and delicately, the melt-inthe-mouth flavours paired with the creaminess of the potatoes, ensuring a palate pleasing experience.
LAY YOUR HEAD
TheGETAWAY:Lord Crewe
The Lord Crewe features seven individually designed bedrooms. Newly-refurbished, these luxurious rooms are designed to UK
Our mains are served and for me it’s the 10oz ribeye steak (£31.95) served with a roast plum tomato, flat cap mushroom, peppercorn sauce, watercress and hand-cut chips. Seasoned to perfection, every bite was sensational. The side of hand cut
DO THIS Location, location, location. When it comes to exploring the best Northumberland has to offer, you’ve got the best seat in the house. Step outside, turn right and you’re at the foot of Bamburgh Castle. Whether you’re a culture vulture or not, you’ll be thrilled with the hotel’s location in the heart of the village - even if it’s just for the breathtaking views! Steeped in mediaeval history and packed with heaps to do and plenty to see, it’s a day out for the whole family. A short stroll across the road from The Lord Crewe, you will stumble upon luscious green lawns with ample space for games and picnics and a park for children to play.
A little shy on parking space at the front of the building, we park our car on the opposite side of the road and head for the entrance. Greeted with a smile and guided to our table for two, we sit down and reach for the wine menu. It’s a bottle of Toledana, Gavi di Gavi, Domini Villa Lanata, Italy (£42) that seals the deal for us - a refreshing gooseberry and mineral style dry white with delicate floral hints. The friendly staff are a delight to chat to here and are always on hand to advise and recommend. Led by the former Head Chef of The Crab & Lobster Restaurant and Crab Manor Hotel in Asenby, North Yorkshire, The Lord Crewe specialises in luxurious seafood dishes, with a strong focus on high-quality and local produce. First up, it’s the evening special of crispy squid (£14) served in a delicious tempura batter with a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce and garnished with peppers, spring onions and chillies. A beautiful dish packed with a variety of textures and flavours. My partner goes for the grilled queenie scallops (£14) which are deliciously coated in garlic and almond butter, gruyere cheese and fresh bread crumbs. Infused with an abundance of flavour and presented ever so beautifully, they go down a treat.
LOCATION When it comes to location, you couldn’t ask for anything better. Peacefully placed in the heart of Bamburgh, The Lord Crewe is just a stone’s throw from the village's awardwinning beach and has the picture-perfect Bamburgh Castle as its backdrop. With a variety of bus routes, just 4.4 miles away from the nearest railway station, and easily accessible from the A1 for those travelling by car, this stunning spot by the coast is easily reachable, while having the ability to feel worlds away. Visiting for the first time, I’m in awe of the beautiful scenery and amazed by its prime, yet quiet location.
SEP/OCT22 59 LUXE LOVES luxe-magazine.co.uk LUXE LOVES Scandi staycation If you’re looking for the ultimate autumn staycation spot, make sure you check out A Place In The Pines. Just on our doorstep near Osmotherley in North Yorkshire, the beautiful new Lark cabin invites you to put your feet up and soak up the serene surroundings from the comfort of your very own twin bathtubs on the outside decking. Bliss. aplaceinthepines.co.uk
This stylish harbourside spot is the place to be for cocktails, beers and contemporary British cuisine. Take a seat in the window, choose your favourite tipple and watch the world go by over a plate of vibrant, freshly-prepared food. Our recommendation goes to the battered king prawns with sweet chilli mayo, followed by the whole lobster cooked in garlic and herb butter. When at the seaside!
Another must-visit just a short journey from the centre of Whitby. Hop on the picturesque train that passes through the countryside back towards Kildale and Great Ayton and jump off at Egton, just four stops away. This picture-perfect village is home to The Postgate Inn, a lovely spot to enjoy a refreshing pint alongside some proper hearty pub food. Bask in the sunshine on a picnic bench in the garden, or cosy up inside in the colder months. postgateinn.com
The Star Inn The Harbour
Albert’sfacebook.com/mrcooperswhitbyEatery
The Moon & Sixpence
Thefishcottage.co.ukPostgateInn
If you’re big on bagels, you must visit Mr Cooper’s Coffee House. Not only will you get a cracking cup of coffee, but you’ll be able to get your chops round one of the best bagels you’ve had - we’re sure of it! With tons of delicious fillings, from pesto chicken to parma ham and fresh prawn marie rose, there’s something for everyone. Oh, and there are also plenty of lip-smackingly-good Where to eat >> treats to satisfy the sweet tooth.
Mrmoon-and-sixpence.co.ukCooper’sCoffeeHouse
WhitbyLIVINGLOCAL:
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Overlooking the iconic harbour, The Star Inn The Harbour sits proudly in its prime location amongst the lobster pots. And with Michelin star chef Andrew Pern at the helm, there’s a sprinkling of seafood magic on the streets of Whitby. On the menu you’ll find everything from your traditional battered cod and haddock, to fish of the day, a colourful shellfish platter and more. A ‘seafood-led celebration destination’ indeed.
Thestarinntheharbour.co.ukFishCottage
If you really want to get a feel for Whitby’s history and heritage, and chow down on some of the finest seafood the streets have to offer, make sure you check out Albert’s Eatery. Go here for the best of the best daily specials and the finest wines. Set in Wesley Hall, which is brimming with history and royal connections, it’s a refined foodie destination, offering something a little unique to the town. albertseatery.co.uk
In the stunning seaside village of Sandsend - just a few miles along the beach from Whitby’s West Cliff - you’ll find the beautifully quaint Fish Cottage, renowned for its locally caught, sustainable fish and seafood. Tuck into zingy fish tacos, a couple of oysters, or go for the curried monkfish skewer served with garlic and rosemary parmentier potatoes, salsa verde, aioli, romaine lettuce and sourdough. Wash it all down with a bottle of rose and watch the world go by from this sweet spot near Whitby.
A cool breeze from the sea, the whiff of fish and chips, the joyful hum of amusements and quaint, cobbled streets sitting amongst lobster pots. This is Whitby. Instantly recognisable as you dip down from the North York Moors, or arrive on the train that passes through the rolling countryside. It’s a seaside town of its own. It’s just a stone’s throw from Teesside, but it somehow feels worlds away when it comes to winding down from the buzz of busy life. Whitby is unique in that it’s a lively seaside town, but go here during the week or wake up with the fishermen and you’ll see a totally different place. A tranquil fishing village steeped in history and natural beauty. From the cliffs and the cobbles, to the pristine coastline lined with bright beach huts, it really does have it all. Luxe explores the glorious, gothic harbour town.
Whitby wins when it comes to mixing history and heritage with hip new businesses and buzzy beaches. Luxe lives like a local…
What started as a stall selling prints and canvases at fairs and events, has grown into a popular gallery sitting in the heart of Whitby. It’s a beautiful exhibition space, displaying some of the finest works of the local area, and a fantastic opportunity to take a piece of Whitby away with you to hang in your home. The collection features an exciting selection of photographs taken across the landscapes of North Yorkshire, showcasing a variety of sensational landscapes and areas of immense natural beauty.
Stretch those legs >> Where to visit >> Whitby). From here, you’ll pass by the Mallyan Spout waterfall and the little village of Beck Hole. Why not treat yourself to a ride on Goathland’s railway where eagle eye fans will see the filming locations for Harry Potter’s Hogsmeade Station and Heartbeat’s Aidensfield.
Kick off your shoes and feel sand between your toes as you dodge the crashing waves, taking in the grasstufted cliffs, the colourful beach huts and the undisturbed vistas of the North Sea as you go.
Husband and wife duo, Rachael and James, are the brains behind Doorstep Adventures - a lifestyle store featuring both well known and independent brands inspired by the great outdoors. Inside, you’ll find big names such as Seasalt, White Stuff and Crocs, but you’ll also find quirky, indie brands and unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Shop anything from home accessories and crockery, to footwear, clothing and jewellery.
Thethenorthyorkshiregallery.co.ukWhitbyDeli
Round up the troops and climb aboard the HM Bark Endeavour, where you’re invited to dive into its rich history and experience
Feel the fresh coastal air, embrace the rolling countryside and retreat ‘Yorkshire style’ at Raithwaite Sandsend. Make your way along the coast and stumble across the delightful fishing village of Sandsend, where you’ll find a number of cute cottages, pubs, cafes and the beautiful Raithwaite Sandsend - an inviting spot to soak in the sea air, eat in style and lay your head. A winding country road set back from the beach takes you from the front gates to the main building, where you’ll find the hotel’s suites, restaurant, spa and the glorious grounds. A stunning seaside escape, in a quiet spot just a couple of miles from Whitby. raithwaitesandsend.co.uk
Anchor Reach
A wonderful walk taking in the best of the untouched countryside on Whitby’s doorstep.
Doorstepthewhitbydeli.co.ukAdventures
The Whitby Deli is simply a shop full of delightful things - things you certainly won’t be able to resist. Stocking everything from coffee and freshly-baked goods, to deli classics and locally-sourced produce.
Where to shop >> The Whitby Bookshop Who doesn’t love getting lost in a local independent bookshop? Loved for its wonderful choice of books, gifts, and its unique building on Whitby’s cobbled streets, The Whitby Bookshop is something straight out of a postcard. Whether you’re looking for the latest page-turner, books for little ones, or a cute keepsake to take home with you, you’ll find it all in here.
Tourist trail Those who wish to wander a little further, but also take in all that Whitby has to offer, should check out the circular walk around Whitby Abbey, the lighthouse and Saltwick Bay. A five-miler that takes you to tourist spots before working your way along the cliffs to the lighthouse and back to the Abbey. life on board as it embarks on its adventures around the world. A full-size replica of the world-renowned vessel of Captain James Cook, you can walk the decks and explore interactive displays and exhibition spaces before fuelling up in the Orlop Restaurant, perfect for afternoon tea by day, or a candlelit dinner by night.
Thewhitbybookshop.co.ukNorthYorkshireGallery
Railway route This is one for fans of Harry Potter or Heartbeat. The three-mile Goathland walk starts in the village of the same name (just a 20 minute drive from
beach-chaletsscarborough.gov.uk/home/sport-and-leisure/
Whether you’re shopping for something to take home with you, or grabbing a bite to eat in the Deli, go here for a proper taste of the Yorkshire coast.
This little gem is the place to go for all your sustainable skincare needs. Totally Natural Skincare is all about celebrating the healing power of nature and bottling it up as products for everyone to enjoy and reap the benefits from. All products sold in store are designed and handmade by Suzanna and Milo Thelwall, who you’ll find in the shop Monday to Friday. The pair are passionate about plants and have spent the last 20 years developing skincare and herbal products made with purely natural ingredients. The ‘totally natural’, good-for-you skincare store we’ve all been waiting for. totallynaturalskincare.co.uk
Beachhmbarkendeavour.co.ukChalets
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Take it to the beach Whitby is famous for many things. One of those being the beautifully golden stretch of beach unfolding from the West Pier for two miles along the coast to the quaint fishing village of Sandsend.
Whitby’s West Cliff Promenade is home to the town’s iconic beach huts. The good news? You can hire these little seaside sweet spots for the day or for the week, if you’re sticking around. Use a colourful chalet as your base for a day exploring the sands with family, friends and furry companions. The ultimate, beachy boltholes.
Totallydoorstepadventures.co.ukNaturalSkincare
If you’re looking for a self-catered staycation spot with style, look no further than Anchor Reach by Gorgeous Cottages. Sitting in a stunning spot just a few steps from the harbour and Whitby’s many attractions, this beautiful bolthole is the perfect base for exploring the town itself, as well as the wider Yorkshire coast. The chic, modern interiors give that luxe feel, while this smart space ensures you have everything on hand for a comfortable, stress-free stay. You’ll find us curled up in the lounge, watching the world go by with a coffee in hand.
Whitby Abbey No trip to Whitby is complete without a wander up the 199 steps, through St Mary’s Churchyard and towards the Abbey. It’s been inspiring visitors for nearly 1,500 years and it’s easy to see why - with its stunning silhouette taking centre stage above Whitby’s streets and beaches. Go here and discover stories of saints, poets and - of course - Dracula, as you explore soaring gothic ruins while taking in the spectacular views that surround the Abbey. A fantastic day out for the whole family.
Theenglish-heritage.org.ukEndeavorExperience
gorgeouscottages.comSomewhereto
stay >> Raithwaite Sandsend
For many of us, our children have started a new year at school, our teens may have moved out to start university or a new job, and we embrace quarter four as if it’s a new year with new beginnings.
It’s my way of encouraging them to use their positive thinking brain, which in turn increases wellbeing.
We spend our lives trying to teach our kids subjects like geometry, chemistry or maths, and yet true flourishing stems from the following: Social navigation - how to get along with peers and how to get an adult to like you
• Look for creative ways to celebrate your achievements
There is growing scientific evidence that there’s a relationship between the five elements of the PERMA model and being happy, therefore living longer.
M - meaning - belonging to something that is bigger than self. Fundamentally, we all search for meaning as a human. Meaning may be pursued through a profession, a social or political cause, a creative endeavour, or a religious/spiritual belief. It may be found in a career or through extracurricular, volunteer or community Waysactivities.tobuild meaning: • Get involved in a cause or organisation that matters to you
‘Oh no mam, don’t do your coach thing on us!’ I hear my teens remark as I ask them ‘What three things went well for you today?’ on the school pick up...
• Spending time with people you care about • Doing activities that you enjoy • Listening to uplifting or inspirational music • Reflecting on things you are grateful for
Scientists have created The VIA Character survey which is now free from Seligman’s authentic happiness website. Why not take a look at your wellbeing and measure it?
Imagine the positive relationship, engagement and meaning you’ll create!
Rhetoric - how to tell a good story and ask the right question Good character - take the junior or adult VIA character survey - see info below Character traits like self-discipline, social awareness, honesty, zest and hope are more important than IQ and this can be taught.
• Spend quality time with people you care about A - accomplishment includes the concepts of perseverance and having a passion to attain goals.
Accelerate your mindset with our Luxe life coach, Teresa Peters
• Think about how you can use your passions to help others
• Join a class or group that interests you • Ask questions to find out more about your peers • Create friendships with people you are acquainted with • Get in touch with people you have not spoken to or connected with in a while
• Reflect on past successes
E - engagement - being in flow or ‘being at one with the music’ (M. Seligman). Learning occurs when your highest strengths are matched to the highest challenges that come your way. Flow includes the loss of self-consciousness and complete absorption in an activity.
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• Spend time in nature - watching, listening, and observing what happens around you
SUNSHINE STATE OF MIND
So next time you talk to your kids, husband or close friend and they tell you about their day, ask them: ‘What three things went well for you today?’ and ‘which strengths do you think you used to achieve what you did?’
Here is an exercise that works: every night for the next few weeks, write down three things that worked well for you that day. If we do this consistently for six months, it is proven statistically that you’ll have less anxiety and depression, which will in turn, help you feel happier.
• Try new, creative activities to find things you connect with
Ways to increase engagement:
• Participate in activities that you really love • Practice living in the moment, even during daily activities or mundane tasks
acceleratorcoaching.co.uk
Here are the five ways to flourish, taken from the PERMA model and the science of positive psychology: P - positive emotions help individuals build physical, intellectual, psychological, and social resources that lead to resilience and overall wellbeing. Ways to build positive emotion include:
• Identify and learn about your character strengths and do things that you excel at R - relationships are a skill. We can teach good relationships to our children. There is evidence of this everywhere, but social connections become particularly important as we age. The social environment is proven to play a critical role in preventing cognitive decline, and strong social networks contribute to better physical health amongst older adults.
Ways to build accomplishment: • Set goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound)
How to build relationships:
LUXE WALKS
Luxe Pooch Q&A Cool kit for a new doggy daycare year… Rupert loves:
The name’s Dougal and I’m an adorable 10-year-old Cockapoo. I’m the proud pooch of Barrie and Gill. Some may call me lazy, but I prefer to use the term cool, calm and relaxed. I love nothing more than snuggles, afternoon naps and sitting nicely beside my dad as he produces his masterpieces.
Additionally, things you can do at home to help -include:Usingmedicated shampoos and skincare supplements (seek veterinary advice) - Keeping up to date with parasite control - Avoiding known triggers and strong detergents
Each season welcomes something new and exciting for our pampered pets. Winter is spent indoors, cosying up by the fire and indulging in too many treats. Spring welcomes more time outdoors and longer walks in the evenings. Summer is a highlight with plenty of strolls, and then comes autumn - one of our favourite times. As the dark nights draw in and the leaves begin to fall, we slip back into routine and long for those fresh countryside walks. Your favourite red-furred pooch has been chasing crisp orange leaves, he’s enjoyed plenty of snuggles as friends and family pop by for weekend cuppas, plus he has welcomed visits to doggy daycare back with open paws. With that in mind, he’s picked out some of his favourite daycare spots across the region as well as some cool kit for the first day back. He’s also had the pleasure of catching up with Dougal the Cockapoo, who’s owner you might recognise from page Whatever24. it is you’re doing with your pets this fall, we hope you have a wonderful time as we get ready to hunker down for the cooler months.
hazeAutumn facebook.com/luxemag @theluxemagazine theluxemagazine
Handcrafted Cotton Black Designer Dog Carrier £255, lishlondon.com
In summary, skin conditions can be complex and frustrating, but they can be managed very effectively. Seeking veterinary opinion at an early stage can reduce overall discomfort for your pet and cost for you.
FONDEST DOGGY MEMORY I’m one lucky pup and have lots of memories, but my favourite has to be the day I was picked up and taken to my forever home.
Designer
Harris Tweed Dog Leads by Holly&Lil £84, charleychau.com
Dr Joanna Melville MRCVS is owner of Doorstep Vet, a new mobile vet practice covering Newcastle and surrounding areas.
In association with
HOUND HABITS Now don’t get me wrong, I’m a real people person and love making new friends. However, I do not like the postman or window cleaner and whenever they like to make an appearance, I’m not afraid to make them aware of my presence.
This month’s topic is… Allergies in Dogs
Unfortunately most shop-bought hypoallergenic diets are not suitable for this purpose.
If this article has raised any concerns please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at: hello@doorstep.vet | doorstep.vet | 07939 932903
DOGGY DOWNTIME Any form of downtime is my favourite pastime. Whether it’s curling up on the laps of my loved ones, having a snooze on the sofa or curling up in my cosy bed.
POOCH’S PERFECT DAY OUT Being the big softy that I am, as long as I have my family by my side, I’d be happy!
DOG’S BEST FRIEND Of course it’s my dad (Barrie) and mum (Jill).
RemieAnimalGreenDogHarness oliverbonas.com£39.50,
Diagnosing allergies can be challenging. A veterinary-grade elimination diet for at least eight weeks can help in diagnosing food allergies.
Don’t forget to get in touch and send in pics of your pooch for our next issue via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram…
Atopy is an allergy to something in the environment, such as pollen or grasses, and is often worse in the summer months. Flea and food allergies can develop, and some dogs may have more than one type of allergy.
SEP/OCT22 63 TOP TIPS luxe-magazine.co.uk with Rupert, helped by Nicole Wood POSH PETS
PUPPY A-LISTER I’m cute, adorable and most people love me so it has to be none other than the fabulous Jamie Dornan.
Allergies in dogs are common; affected dogs can display a variety of symptoms including excessive scratching, red skin, chewing paws and ear infections. Dogs can develop allergies to a wide range of triggers, for example pollens, food and fleas.
There are various other tests which can help to identify allergens so that you can limit your pet’s exposure where possible. The cause of the allergy can’t always be identified, but don’t worry as treatment is still available. Within the past 10 years drugs have become available that specifically target itching rather than suppressing the entire immune system, thereby reducing unwanted side effects.
Horizontal Stripe Pet Treat Bag £9.50, oliverbonas.com
Welcome to my brand new column, where I hope to share helpful advice on veterinary care for your pet
PUPPY PAMPER I love tucking into tasty treats and I’m always looking forward to my monthly visit to the pooch parlour for a quick trim, shampoo and blowdry.
Wilmot Green Real Wool Dog Jumper £49, lishlondon.com
I’m not really the most energetic pooch out there, so I would rather be curled up asleep in a comfy spot indoors than chasing through the fields. However, I do love a good run across the sand on Seaburn Beach.
Rupert, your luxe pooch x
Sally’s home might say a lot about her design style, but I’m really interested in getting to know a little bit about the brains behind the beautiful space. As we sit down for a cup of tea, Sally brings me up to speed with her journey to ‘the now’.
Sally Worts is a mum turned interior influencer who is taking Instagram by storm with her iconic sassy style. Elysia Fryer uncovers an incredibly unique and eclectic corner of North Yorkshire at Sally’s ‘rock and roll meets rural living’ home
“In amongst juggling school runs and a few odd jobs here and there, we moved house quite a few times. Each time we would renovate and sell it on for profit. Yes, it meant living in a building site and not always getting to enjoy the spaces we
Sally is living - and flourishing - in. Having the skills and confidence to create something that people will talk about; something that will stay with people forever. And this house certainly does that.
“I like to work with a daring, dark colour palette that reminds me of a bygone erathere’s something quite enchanting and mysterious about it. I also adore using maximalist wallpapers and really busy patterns, mixed with some interesting pieces of artwork and furniture.”
A space with sass
“I haven’t really been a career woman as such,” she explains. “So this whole running and growing a business thing is really quite new to me,” she “I’veadds.gotfour boys. My eldest is 26 and my youngest is 17. So life has pretty much been about the boys. I wanted to be there to take them to school and be around to watch them grow up, which is a really lovely thing to be able to do, so I’ve always been grateful for that.
You’d expect the uninterrupted views of the rolling countryside to do all the talking at Sally’s stunning converted Victorian barn home in North Yorkshire. The view is breathtaking indeed, but when a family home boasts disco balls, leopard print carpets and a gold painted armchair, it’s a feast for the senses. It’s difficult to find one thing you’re drawn to in Sally’s home - there’s so much to see and I have so many questions as I point out fabulous and fascinating pieces, from artworks and furniture, to wallpaper and soft furnishings. This home is a piece of art. It’s a spectacle. A showcase. But what is so incredibly endearing about it, is that it’s an eclectic mix of all that Sally loves. There are no fads and trends here - it’s a creative space that feels like home, but it screams character. It’s a cool, creative and incredibly confident “Myspace.home is almost like my alter ego,” Sally smiles. “I called myself ‘Sally Does Sassy’ because people would always describe my style as “It’s‘sassy’.about owning it and having that confidence to say, ‘this is what I want to do, this is my house, if you don’t like it that’s fine, I like it.
“I don’t like to use the words ‘brave’ or ‘bold’ when describing my style, because to me it’s not brave, it’s just how I like things.
“My style has a bit of an attitude really,” she adds, laughing. “Which is really funny because I’m not at all like that as a person. I’m actually a really quiet person, but this eccentric character comes out in my design style, which is quite fun.” That is the beauty of the creative world
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and I love nothing more than sharing my work with this exciting new audience.” Following a surge in activity on Instagram, Sally picked up bits of work doing styling and shooting for brands, as well as hiring the house out for photoshoots
Sally describes her interior style as her ‘alter ego’, but I’d argue that the two go hand in hand perfectly. Sally is this sweet soul, but with bundles of beautiful energy. And that’s exactly what her home portrays… a charming country property with a sprinkling of sass. Although she admits her home will be a never-ending project due to her sheer love for design, Sally feels she has created her happy home and is now opening up her design book to help other people on a similar, soul-searching interior journey. After chatting with Sally, I’m confidently steering away from the ‘top trends’ and mood boards of Pinterest in favour of working with humble homeware that means something.
“When I was younger I was so shy - I used to hate small talk. I would get myself into such knots about it. Now, I’ll speak to anybody - even though the house might do the talking most of the time!”
“Our house has always been a talking point, so it’s led to me doing lots of unpaid work for people over the years, which is great, but it all of a sudden dawned on me that I do actually have the skills and confidence to do this as a profession.”
Having a house full of laid back boys has given Sally the time and space to do her thing, she tells me. “Chris, my husband, is very relaxed and just lets me get on with it. He’s never once questioned my, sometimes whacky, ideas. He just goes with the flow and really enjoys whatever it is I come up with.
“But as we grew our family, my priorities changed and life was very much about being “Designing‘mum’.and creating spaces in all of our homes was always a hobby of mine and brought so much joy, but it wasn’t until we got into this house - over 10 years ago now - when I really unleashed my creativity and delved into the interior world more seriously.”
WOW HOUSE created, but I loved the whole project management side of it and it became evident that it was my ‘thing’.” In early life, Sally always had an eye for design. Her first job was as a Saturday girl at Laura Ashley, where the interiors side of the business really made her tick. “A lot of the young girls were desperate to be upstairs with the clothes, but I was always drawn to the fabrics and the interiors “Followingdownstairs.school, I had planned on going to art college but didn’t get a space, so I ended up getting an office job in insurance, which wasn’t for me at all.
“One thing I do have to remember is that this house is my brand, essentially. So I’ve got to be really selective about who I work with. The brands have to work for me, and I’ve got to trust them - they’re working in my family home at the end of the day. “The general rules are that the boys’ rooms are out of bounds as it’s their private space. Otherwise, I try to be as flexible as possible, ensuring I’m around if needed, and the dogs and family are out of the way so nobody is being disturbed. “It’s just a case of being uber organised and professional. I’m constantly flipping things around as we go from family home to showhome, personal sanctuary to creative workspace. It’s hard work, but I love it. It’s so exciting to see how other creatives interpret your space, and I can learn a lot from other professionals when it comes to styling and shooting.
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Our homes are our sanctuaries - our safe spaces where we should feel more ourselves than anywhere else - it’s time to let our personalities do the talking, just like Sally has at her beautiful home in North Yorkshire. sallydoessassy.co.uk
Like many businesses in the fast-paced world we’re living in, Sally Does Sassy’s HQ is Instagram. The platform is a hive of activity, introducing over 100,000 followers to Sally’s creative journey. “I had no idea what Instagram was a few years ago,” Sally laughs. “My boys had to set it up for me and give me the basics. It’s been a labour of love, but having had lots of positive feedback, it has allowed my imagination to run wild,
There’s lots of networking involved too, which I love.
“I buy loads of stuff from charity shops and auctions, and I come across the best bits when I’m not looking for something specific.
“There shouldn’t be a strict theme or mood board as such. My advice is just to go with what you love. At the end of the day, it’s your house and you want to be able to walk in and fall in love with it every day, so you’ve got to use things that either mean something to you or your family, or things that you’re really drawn to. We should never be instructed by a catalogue. The more organic the better.
PROPERTYHOT
SEP/OCT2266 luxe-magazine.co.uk LUXE HOMES
Sally started working with the decor and furniture she had collected in the family’s old Victorian terrace, but as time went on, everything was updated and replaced, creating something completely new and “I’veunique.had absolute free range in this house,” says Sally. “So it’s really allowed me to get creative - much more than I ever have before. It’s been quite an organic process really - I didn’t do a lot of initial planning, I’ve just added bits and decorated gradually. “The main structural work we did was between the kitchen and dining room. Originally, it was separated by a stone wall with a really old-fashioned archway, so that had to go so we could open up the space a bit more. We blocked a lot of doorways up and created new entrances where it
THE TRANSFORMATION >> Sally was picking up her paintbrush before unpacking boxes. She couldn’t wait to get to it and bring a bit of life to this pretty bland bolthole. “I started painting it with the pale end of the Farrow & Ball chart,” Sally laughs. “I went with your typical cottage colours to start with, but then I just thought, ‘this isn’t me - I’m doing this because in my head it tells me it’s a country barn, and therefore I need to stick to that theme’, but I just decided one day that I was going to paint the playroom dark blue. As soon as we did that, I started to get excited and I was thinking, ‘ok, this room speaks to me!’. This was when the house really started to come to life and I knew I was creating something exciting. “We gradually went from room to room, pretty much painting everything in Farrow & Ball ‘Railings’ - and it was lovely because it set the perfect backdrop for our artwork to pop out of it. Then I discovered wallpaper, and now I’ve got a mix of Farrow & Ball Railings woodwork, and funky wallpapers to complement it. “That has been my journey of discovery really - lots of pattern clashes in the same colour palette.”
“I don’t do trends. I’ll have an occasional nod to a trend - for example, I do really like the scalloped stuff that’s about at the moment - but I don’t get overrun by trends as such. I definitely have my own signature style.
THE LOWDOWN >> Sally, her husband Chris, and four boys previously lived in a tall, grand Victorian terrace. Set out over four floors, it was big, beautiful and bursting with character. When they upped sticks to move further into the North Yorkshire countryside 10 years ago, they were looking for something with more outside space. “We were looking and looking and getting a bit fed up to be honest. I’d just had a big operation, so I was starting to lose interest,” explains Sally. “We went to look at this house and it didn’t wow me at all, but Chris was the real driving force behind it and reminded me that it did tick most of the boxes for us.” Sally, Chris and co. bought the property in the depths of North Yorkshire, and so the journey began. “It was nothing like what it is now,” Sally adds. “The best way for me to describe how it was is ‘very beige’. It didn’t show any signs of character or personality - it had no real focus points, just a lot of orange pineceilings, floors, everywhere! It was a bit like living in a sauna, without the heart (this is Yorkshire after all!). The garden was incredibly overcrowded and dark, and it just needed a bit of life injecting back into it. “I knew that as soon as we got our own furniture in there, we would see an improvement, but there was quite a lot to do in terms of decoration.” made more sense, allowing the house to flow better. “The biggest structural work was in the garden because it was so steep. We had loads of space, but the boys were unable to play because the ball just rolled down to the bottom of the garden. We had a huge part dug out for a 5-a-side football pitch, surrounded by an 8-ft wall to hold the garden back up and in place. Building the terrace/patio was a big job too - it’s my favourite space in the house, it’s like another room, we use it all the time.”
Sally and her boys have called this North Yorkshire sanctuary home for over 10 years now and she admits that she’ll probably never stop decorating and updating things.
“As much as it’s our family home, it’s a showcase, so I kind of have to keep up with it. There will always be a project in our home - but it’s never painstakingly planned, it’s usually just nice and spontaneous.
“It freaks me out on Instagram and Pinterest when people go away and completely copy a room. I guess that’s just all part of showcasing your home online, and I’m flattered when people are inspired and take ideas, but sometimes it’s a little bit scary.
“It’s a process, you don’t have to rush into anything. Look at us, 10 years in and still changing constantly.”
Sally Worts transformed a 140-year-old converted Victorian barn from quiet country cottage to a chic living space with a sprinkling of sass
Sally’s rock and roll meets rural living style is what sets her apart from the rest. She started by sharing snippets of her interiors on Instagram during a particularly difficult time in her life, but that passion quickly blossomed into business and Sally Does Sassy was born.
THE RESULT >>
Another space with ‘wow factor’ is the bar “Originally,area. the home bar was this really long room off the lounge, leading to the utility room. It has double doors to the outside space, which is great, but it was too narrow to have a sofa in, so it was really tricky to find a use for it - it was more like a corridor. When the kids were little, we just dumped toys in there and labelled it a ‘play room’, but as they got a bit older, I used to just walk through with the washing and think to myself, ‘what can I do with this space?’. One day we just decided to build a bar and now it’s the heart of our home. When we have friends over we all congregate in there. I think it’s about having a bit of fun in your house and bringing a bit of personality to it. We’re a very sociable family who love to host, so why wouldn’t we build a bar? “Another key piece is this really unusual roll-top desk that’s been in my husband’s family for four or five generations. I really didn’t like it to begin with, but I knew it was non-negotiable as it was one of the only things that had survived from his past life before me. But now I’ve grown to love it and I’ve molded the whole living room around it. I’ve got a great big gold palm tree lamp hanging over it and a huge gold hand chair sitting at it. For me, it’s about mixing styles up and making things work.” Sally and her family have called this North Yorkshire haven home for over a decade, and admittedly they’ve never - and will never - stop creating inspiring new spaces within it. “The fun never stops here! We’re just on with an attic conversion at the moment. It’s going to be my design studio, so that might keep me quiet for a while!”
ABOUT THE DESIGNER: Sally Worts is an interior influencer, stylist, content creator, blogger and mum of four grown up boys. For much of her adult life, she has enjoyed running a house of boys, but since moving to a 140-year-old converted Victorian Barn with her husband and sons over 10 years ago, she has given herself permission to really unleash her brilliantly unique creative side. The Sally Does Sassy HQ is a family home as well as a creative space for both Sally and other businesses to flourish and grow.
SEP/OCT22 67luxe-magazine.co.uk LUXE HOMES
The Sally Does Sassy Instagram account describes her home as, ‘country living with a sprinkling of sass’ and ‘Luxe, captivating spaces with maximal vibes’ - and it is exactly that. Uber luxe, super stylish and wildly unique - everywhere from the garden to the bathroom. Sally has created a space that she loves as her own, but also somewhere she is able to share with like-minded brands and businesses. From forming partnerships with big name brands for shoots, to inspiring interior-lovers on Instagram, she has created a space that has a huge influence on the world of interiors, and she should be incredibly proud of that. When Sally isn’t using her home as a business space for styling and shooting, she loves nothing more than enjoying what she has created with her family and four-legged friends. “My most favourite area of all is the outside space. We use it every single day, all year round. If I’ve been out with the dogs - even in the depths of winter when they’re filthyI stick the heaters on and sit out there with a cup of tea while they’re drying off. It’s a quiet, calming place where I can relax, unwind and take it all in.
Follow Sally’s interior journey on Instagram at: @sallydoessassy
68 luxe-magazine.co.uk HOUSE STYLE SEP/OCT22 INTERIOR INSPIRATION Pattern play Get playful with wow-factor home interiors. Don’t be afraid to give the pattern clashing trend a go DELCOR Petite Large Sofa in Warwick Archive New England Braemore Chintz. POA, delcor.co.uk £1,535, amara.com ETRO Voyage D’Orient Table Lamp - Yellow £971, amara.com KIM SEYBERT Fern Placement - Set of 4 - Green £241, amara.com BAOBAB COLLECTION Ocean Drive: My First Baobab Candle - Mandarin/Cedar £47, seymourshome.com ANTHROPOLOGIE Eyelet Agate Cheese Board £88, anthropologie.com POOKY Gloria Table Lamp in Plum Coloured Glass £195, pooky.com ANTHROPOLOGIE Imagined World Terai Folding Chair £298, anthropologie.com LILLIAN DAPH Carpet Mahal Blue/Brick (200cm x 300cm) £385, lilliandaph.co.uk ANTHROPOLOGIE Plaid Cane Chair £798, anthropologie.com ANTHROPOLOGIE Lena £198,Tapestryanthropologie.com HOUSE OF HACKNEY Midnight Garden Velvet £895,Bottomanhouseofhackney.com OKA Tarma 2-Seater Sofa - Sheki Olive £2,395, oka.com
SEP/OCT22 69 XXXXXXXX luxe-magazine.co.uk BRIGHT IDEAS with Kate Rose, founder of lifestyle brand Tutti & Co
LIFESTYLE CONFIDENTIAL
HELLO DUBAI I’m delighted to share the news that we will be launching Tutti & Co in Dubai. It has a special place in my heart - we’ve holidayed there as a family for years - and every time I go, I think to myself… Tutti would be a perfect fit. And so here we are! We’re launching in early October, kick-started by an exciting launch event at the gorgeous beachside FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel. There, we’ll be showcasing an exclusive collection, which we’re designing right now behind-the-scenes. From Dubai, we’ll be looking to ship to the rest of the world. Exciting times ahead! palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com
TIME TO RETREAT
After seven fabulous years on North Shields’ fish quay, we’re now looking towards new and bigger premises for Tutti & Co. It’s been a busy few months for us, expanding our team and our offering, so we thought now would be the perfect time to move on to somewhere new. We’ll be staying in our beloved North Shields, but our whereabouts is yet to be Oneconfirmed.thing’sfor sure though - we’ll make it our own in true Tutti style and I can’t wait to see the results. Watch this space! tuttiandco.com
Hot Property Regular readers will know that property has been a big part of mine and my family’s life for quite some time now - and our renovation tales have featured in this column many times Duringbefore.lockdown, we renovated our penthouse apartment in Tynemouth. We were really happy with the results and we’ve loved living in the new-and-improved space since. Soon, though, we’ll be moving on to our next property - a gorgeous farmhouse-style home in the village, which we’ll be reconfiguring and modernising for family life. Our designs will be inspired by serene coastal and rustic Mediterranean style, as well as the farmhouse character of the building. We can’t wait to bring our vision to life.
NEWpalmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.comCHAPTER
After five great years, I’m pressing pause on my Luxe column to make room for a few very exciting projects - in the world of Tutti & Co and in my world, too…
We’re currently in the middle of renovating our very first ‘Tutti retreat’, situated on the River Tweed - right on the border between the North East and Scotland. Due for completion in early spring next year, Yardford will be the perfect luxury hideaway. A place where you can relax in the hot tub, enjoy outdoor cooking and alfresco dining, take a dip in the Tweed or even try a spot of fishing thanks to the property’s exclusive fishing rights. Design-wise, we’re leaning towards a tranquil, relaxed aesthetic that brings the outside in. Think neutral colours, accented with luxurious finishes and textures.
LEGO® CODING WORKSHOP 26 OCTOBER >> 11 DECEMBER
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA 28 SEPTEMBER >> 2 OCTOBER Little theatre-goers will be thrilled to hear that The Tiger Who Came To Tea is taking to the Theatre Royal stage in Newcastle this autumn. Join the tea-guzzling tiger for the classic tale of teatime mayhem! Expect sing-a-longs, magic and oodles of clumsy chaos. theatreroyal.co.uk SING-A-LONG-A ENCANTO 2 OCTOBER Gather la familia, it’s time to celebrate something magical! Head to the Sunderland Empire this October for a sing-a-long screening of smash hit movie, Encanto. Sing your heart out, pick up some dance moves and help tell the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family who live in the hidden mountains of Colombia in a charming place called Encanto. atgtickets.com
A little person’s physical environment can have a huge impact on their mood and development. Creating a safe (and fun!) space where they can learn and play is beneficial for many reasons - from encouraging motor skills and practicing responsibilities, to getting to grips with a ‘classroom environment’, the list is endless. Sure, all of the above is important, but it will also put a mama’s mind at ease, knowing there’s a home for the heaps of toys piling up all over the house! As summer fades out and we head into autumn, George and I have been getting organised by creating his perfect playroom at home. Here are some of my top tips: Now I know George hasn’t got to grips with the September ‘back to school/ back to reality’ regime just yet, but having always loved this time of year, I’m determined to do whatever I can to help him transition from summer to autumn with a smile. With that in mind, we’ve been getting our own ‘classroom’ up to standard just in time for the new ‘school year’ - or in real terms, I’ve been desperately trying to scramble some kind of playroom together so I’m not forever tripping over small toys scattered around the house! As part of that process, I’ve pulled together some top tips on creating the ultimate space for little ones to learn and play at home, with a few must-have products to get you going. All of that, plus a helping hand when it comes to getting out and about with small people in the region this autumn. Time to swap sun hats for bobble hats as we find our feet, crunch through those leaves and gently fall into a new season with brand new sights, sounds and smells for little people. Happy exploring!
Tidy house, tidy mind - the same goes for a small person’s sanctuary - they just don’t know it yet! Spark their imagination: with lots of fun decor and artwork. You might have a theme or colour scheme running through the home, but let this space come alive with your child’s unique personality. Seating for big people: you’re going to be spending quite a lot of time in here, particularly during play dates, so make sure you have somewhere comfortable to sit. A quiet corner: there will no doubt be lots of fun stuff for your small person to interact with, but my advice would be to try and create a ‘quiet zone’ - perhaps a reading area with books and cushions, perfect for winding down before nap time or bedtime.
Make organisation fun: create a colour-coded space with lots of baskets and boxes to encourage your little one to put things away. This will not only keep the space tidy, but it will help your child focus on individual tasks rather than just getting lost in piles of toys.
Mark your milestones: if, like me, you’ve collected every card and photograph in a memory box and wondered what you’re going to do with it, here’s your chance to get creative. Display cards and keepsakes as artwork in your playroom, or create a chalkboard wall, where you can mark your little one’s height and progress. It’s a lovely way to personalise the space, and make your memories a part of your little ones’ journey.
Let your little ones get creative with LEGO® at The Bowes Museum’s brand new LEGO® Coding Workshop. The perfect opportunity to build something brilliant with the help of the experts. thebowesmuseum.org.uk
READING CORNER Beaumonde Giraffe £369, beaumonde.co.uk
Big dates for little people >>
Brilliant buys to help bring your playroom to life
BRIGHT LIGHTS Let’s Play Neon Sign £49.99, lights4fun.co.ukTAKE A SEAT 366 Rocking Chair - Velvet Collection £697, limelace.co.uk
Baby Buys >>
MINI SCIENCE CLUB 23 SEPTEMBER & 21 OCTOBER Join the team from Big Science UK at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens this autumn for a whole host of science-fuelled fun for children aged 1 to 4. From hands-on experiments, to messy play with a science twist, little ones will learn, create and develop. sunderlandculture.org.uk
How to create the ultimate playroom at home >>
SEP/OCT2270 XXXXXXXX luxe-magazine.co.uk LITTLE LUXE with Elysia Fryer Finding our feet... LUXE MAMA
THE GINGERBREAD MAN 25 >> 30 OCTOBER Run, run as fast as you can… it’s time for a date with the Gingerbread Man! Complete with live music, puppets and a few spooky Halloween treats, don’t miss out on a thrilling production of The Gingerbread Man at Northern Stage, Newcastle. northernstage.co.uk
Events and workshops to keep the kids entertained this autumn
PRETEND PLAY Le Toy Van Honeybake Shop & Cafe £107.95, cuckooland.com FUN STORAGE Toy Baskets,StorageCircus shoppompom.com£99.95,
SEP/OCT22 71 EXPERT ADVICE luxe-magazine.co.uk
1. Your child doesn’t want to play/connect with another child When a child doesn’t want to play with another child we can sometimes worry that they are being mean or excluding others. I find that in these situations, if we ask questions rather than blurt out generic statements like ‘Oh, but you can’t leave Sam out!’, we can allow our children to make informed choices. It’s okay not to be friends with everyone. As adults, we know that we gravitate towards some
Let’s address the big issues first. You are your child’s advocate, so depending on the age of your child and their ability to communicate effectively, you may need to step in if you believe that there is bullying involved. If it is general playground squabbles, then a key skill to pass down is teaching your child to state their boundaries clearly and hold them consistently. It is important that they can vocalise when they feel uncomfortable. Teach them to say things like: ‘I don’t like the way you’re treating me right now, so I’m going to move away.’
Sometimes, some children are so desperate to be friends with others that they accept unacceptable behaviour. We don’t want our children to think they need to be pushovers or people-pleasers in order to be friends with someone. Remind your child of all of their amazing qualities. Self-esteem and self-worth can take a bashing if a child is
3. My child becomes incredibly anxious/ depressed/angry when they are having friendship difficulties Younger children usually cope better with friendship issues, because they have the home as their safety net. If things aren’t working out at nursery or primary school, they can always find comfort in their family. However, the older a child gets, the more important friendships become. By the age of 12, their brain is encouraging them to connect more deeply with their peers and begin the ‘long’ process of detachment from their care-givers. This means that when your teen has friends who are encouraging, reliable and loyal, they thrive. This support network gives them the connection they need to feel socially engaged and regulated. However, if things start to crumble and your teen feels ostracised from the group, then their brain has an intense reaction to this. Exclusion makes a teen feel desperately alone and it can bring up overwhelming emotions. It literally feels like a ‘life or death’ situation and it can put your child in a ‘fight, flight or freeze’ state. In these circumstances, rather than thinking that they’re being overly-dramatic and dismissing their concerns, pause and remember that it’s all part of brain development. It’s important to be a sounding board; let your child vent and only offer an opinion if asked. Validate their feelings even if you don’t agree with them. They are allowed to feel the way they do. During the teen years, our children still need to know that we are there for them unconditionally, even though they are spreading their wings and finding their way in the world. So, as the academic year continues, stay interested in your child’s friendships. Notice if they are having difficulties or if they flourish when they are around certain children. Remind them of things they can control and not to focus on those things out of their control. And finally, be a great role model. Talk about your solid connections, what you like about certain friends and how you support others. Discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships and the qualities of a good human being. Your criteria may be wildly different from the things your child finds important, but when you encourage your children to be their true, authentic selves, then they will find their tribe eventually.
Nadia McSheffrey is founder of The Tranquil Treehouse. Nadia works with parents to help them be the parent they want to be and find tranquility in their family lives. She also works with children and teachers to support their own emotional wellbeing. For more information and daily parenting support, follow her at: thetranquiltreehouse.com and on Facebook and @tranquiltreehouseInstagram
2. Another child is being unkind to your child
I don’t know about you but over the last few years I’ve noticed a slight shift in my friendships. Maybe it’s because of the pandemic or maybe it’s because I’m getting older and I have different priorities now, but some of my connections seem to have evolved whilst others have diminished. As adults, even though this can be challenging, most of us have the skills to navigate these changes. Our children however, are still developing the ability to deal with friendship issues and sometimes they become overwhelmed when things go wrong. The beginning of the school year can bring these problems to the fore and since the pandemic, parents and teachers have told me that children seem to have lost the ability to compromise and reconcile the way they did before. So, how can we help our children when they have issues with their friends? Well, as always, it begins with us. We need to think about what our ultimate goal is with our children. It’s not to ensure that they’re friends with everyone and they never have to deal with difficulties. It’s to ensure that they feel comfortable coming to us when they have these difficulties. We want to keep the lines of communication open and in order to do this, we need to be calm, non-judgmental and curious. Let’s look at a few common problems children often have with their peers:
Nadia McSheffrey, our luxe parenting expert, talks about the importance in the rise and fall of friendships in a child’s early years people rather than others. It’s human nature. We seek connection from those we feel safe and comfortable with. Children are exactly the same. There is probably a reason why your child doesn’t want to be around this particular person; maybe they have hurt them, maybe they are too loud, or maybe there is a personality clash. It’s crucial for us to encourage our children to listen to their gut instinct. Noticing the way their body feels when they are around certain people will stand them in good stead for the future. You could ask questions like ‘How do you feel when you’re around Sam?’, ‘Do you feel comfortable and happy or agitated and unsettled?’, ‘I wonder why you feel like that?’. When we ask these types of questions, we are more likely to have an in-depth conversation. Remind your children that there is a difference between feelings and behaviour. We are allowed to feel any way we like about another person, but we shouldn’t behave in a cruel, aggressive or entitled way.
Little moments
the target of nastiness, so it is important to foster resilience and confidence in them. Encourage your child to look for the good in others, so they don’t think all of their peers are unkind or untrustworthy. Explain to your child that friendships go through ups and downs. Fallings out are very common and it doesn’t always mean the end of a friendship. Encourage them to be curious too. Does their friend normally behave like this? Could there be a reason?
When we first launched the online store, I think a lot of people thought I was a little crazy - juggling the launch of a new business with two small children. Dylan was 3 and Theadora was 20 monthsbut this was important to me as I really wanted to be able to relate to parents in a similar
How did the business come about?
Proctor is the brains behind a beautiful new sustainable store stocking lovely things for little people. Luxe gets the lowdown…
Our go-to brands are definitely Hevea (natural rubber baby essentials) that have parents covered with everything from dummies and teethers, to bath-time accessories. It’s definitely our best-selling brand. Katherine Ryan, the comedian and TV personality, bought from us a few weeks ago and shared our page on her social media. That very day, we sold out! Another brand we love is our Danish brand, That’s Mine. It’s perfect for all things ‘on-the-go’ - from play mats to changing pads and muslins. You can never have enough muslins, right? Toy wise, my little ones both absolutely love Tender Leaf Toys. As parents, we love them as they are beautiful and look amazing on a shelf when they are not scattered across the floor! They love to play with the Babycinno Maker - hours of fun (and we actually manage to sit and have a hot cuppa ourselves!).
Do you have any tips for ‘back to school/ nursery’ products for September?
French brand, Jojo Factory, is a new arrival and is perfect for ‘back to school’. The backpacks are made from recycled bottles and they just look so cute for the new school year.
First of all, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey to Dylan + Dora?
Life with little ones is a rollercoaster of a ride. Parenthood is beautiful moments and complete chaos in equal measure, but we do believe there are ways to make life a little easier - and, of course, more enjoyable. There are so many products out there and it can be incredibly daunting - especially for new parents. We like to think our experience has given us a true insight into the brands and products that really do the trick. Everything we stock we have used throughout our journey, and I would 100% recommend them to anyone. It’s like my own little kit list. We are running the business from our family home in Yarm. I do love the idea of having a shop and the ability to interact with customers, but in the current climateespecially since the pandemic - we’re sticking with online as it has become the ‘new norm’ in terms of shopping habits.
What makes D+D different from other outlets? We believe babies and children should be nurtured in a natural and non-toxic environment. We pride ourselves on only housing brands with the same ethos and sustainable practices. This is non-negotiable at Dylan + Dora, and not only does it give us the chance to create and pass on amazing stories between our children, but we know that this is a choice that will help promote the wellbeing of our natural Becomingenvironment.aparentreally puts one’s life values to the test - for the better! Suddenly you have this humongous responsibility for someone else’s life, someone you love more than anything in the world. What our children are exposed to is what kind of world we pass on to them, so by starting here as parents, we can make the world a better place, through and for our children. Here at Dylan + Dora we are curating beautiful and sustainable brands that we have used and continue to use on our own parenting journey. We welcome innovative, design-led brands that reflect style and are essential to a baby and toddler’s first years. We know you're an online business, but how important is it for you to be working here in the North East? First of all, we always wanted to be close to our family, as that is what this business is centred on; so being able to juggle family and work life is really important. It’s also been really important for me to support local businesses whilst ‘building the foundations’ for Dylan + Dora. For instance, the branding was all created by Alex Williams Designs in Middlesbrough, our website was built by Canny Commerce in Hartlepool, and printing and packaging is all provided by S&R Print in Kirklevington. We are really excited about working with other local businesses and communities as we grow and expand. We are currently organising some pop-up shops in the local area - in Yarm, Stokesley and Darlington. We’re hoping to have these in the diary for the Christmas period.
We launched Dylan + Dora in April 2022. By ‘us’ I mean my family - we are Mum (Sophie), Dad (John) and our two little whirlwinds, Dylan and Theadora. I know this may sound typically cliche, but I feel like I was born to be a mum.
What can we find on your online store? Dylan + Dora is the online home to a range of award-winning children’s products which use natural, sustainable and biodegradable materials; and brands that meet parents and their children at every stage.
treasuresTiny
What are your little one’s go-to items?
I’ve achieved some things - some may say interesting - before having my children, but this new adventure is definitely my best one yet. I’ve played tennis at an elite standard, representing Great Britain from the age of 10. With that, I have travelled the world and experienced lots of beautiful countries and cultures. I also spent some time working in TV production - winning an award for up-and-coming talent and my last production won a Bafta back in 2016. All of that was wonderful, but I must say, my biggest achievement in life is motherhood. So to be able to launch a business where I am able to put my kids first and share my experiences with others, is truly special.
@dylananddora_storedylananddora.com on Instagram
SEP/OCT2272 SHOP HAPPY luxe-magazine.co.uk
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With more than 70,000 pumpkins spread out over 20 acres, a day out at East Grange Pumpkin Patch is sure to help little ones let off some steam. Pile your pumpkins high in a wheelbarrow and get lost in a sea of orange and green. A Halloween must in Durham. eastgrange.com
Set off on a pumpkin picking adventure at these destinations across the region
Newcastle Castle has a schedule of spooky screenings lined up this October, and they’re a must for your creepy calendars. While most movies are better suited to grown ups and bigger kids including The Rocky Horror Picture Show (15+), Taste of Fear (12+), Nosferatu the Vampyre (15+), and The Exorcist (18+), little people will enjoy a family-friendly screening of the original Hocus Pocus (PG), following the release of the new Disney movie in September. A must if you like to celebrate Halloween with freaky films. There’s no better place than Newcaste Castle’s Great Hall to watch the movies unfold on the big screen.
With 125,000 pumpkins ready to be picked, little ones will love exploring Spilmans 25 acre patch on a family run farm near Thirsk. With plenty of photo opportunities as well as a carving barn where you can bring your creations to life on site, Spilmans is a great place to mark the festivities this year.
brocksbushes.co.ukSpilmansPumpkin Festival 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 14 - 16, 18 - 30 OCTOBER
Time to carve your pumpkins and don your best witches hat - there’s plenty of Halloween fun in store this year in the North East. We’ve picked out some spooky screenings, terrifying trails and pumpkin patches to help little people let off some steam this October Hexham Spook Night 29 OCTOBER Hexham goes from quiet market town to the centre of all things fearsome and frightful on Saturday 29 October as Hexham Spook Night takes over. Expect everything from fairground rides, fancy dress and street food - with a spooky twist. All of that, plus pumpkin carving, spine-chilling stories, freaky face painting, an eerie escape room and much, much more. See you there… if you dare! visithexham.net
Spooky Screenings at Newcastle 8,Castle16, 21, 22 & 28
OCTOBER
Pumpkin Patch 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 19 - 30 OCTOBER
Beamish is being transformed into The Un-living Museum of the North this October as it brings three eerie evenings of tricks and treats for the whole family. The museum staff have got plenty of tricks up their sleeves to ensure you have a terrifyingly good time at this out-of-thisworld Halloween spooktacular. beamish.org.uk
Brocksbushes Farm is the place to be this October. Go here for pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. The patch has doubled in size this year, meaning the world’s your oyster when it comes to pumpkin picking here. It’s a great day out with the whole family. Don’t miss out on this year’s new activity - Pumpkin Ten Pin Bowling!
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Eastspilmans.co.ukGrange
SEP/OCT22 73luxe-magazine.co.uk OUT & ABOUT
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Pick Your Own Pumpkins at Brocksbushes 1 & 2, 8 & 9 AND 15 - 31 OCTOBER
Halloween Evenings 2022 28, 29 & 31
Half
Let little ones loose at Raby Castle this October as they set off on the ultimate Halloween Trail. First things first, bring along your ‘best dressed’ pumpkin so the Gardens Team can judge your creations and present the winner with a 2021 annual pass for Raby Castle. Following that, small people will be invited to collect an activity sheet and follow a spooky trail where you’ll find some creepy hidden creaturesalong the way. raby.co.uk
Term at Belsay Hall 22 - 30 OCTOBER Looking for a freakishly good day out to keep the kids entertained during the October half term? We’ve got you covered. Round up your little monsters for a whole host of Halloween-inspired activities at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. This ghoulishly good day out will include lots of spooky goings-on, from spooky stories to terrifying trails where you’ll need to solve creepy clues to find your way home. english-heritage.org.uk
Check out these pumpkin patches >>
Raby Castle Halloween Trail 15 - 30 OCTOBER
OCTOBER
Bob Arora buckles in for an all-electric ride in the BMW i4 M50 instantaneous as with an electric car. On cold days, electric cars lose their advantage though. The batteries really struggle in the cold and something simple like putting the heating on uses valuable battery power. You find yourself changing the way you drive altogether, opening the windows instead of using the air con and using the brake regeneration. This is further helped by using the B section on the gearbox which really takes the brake regeneration to another level. The batteries have a much better range in summer or warmer weather. With our recent heatwave, battery life has been great, but you will have to use the air con, which unfortunately will have implications for the range of the car. Getting back to the car. I’m starting to get used to the radical BMW kidney grille at the front of the car, which doesn’t have the usual vents for the engine as they aren’t needed.
AT
Electric avenue
The batteries are under the floor and thankfully the car very much feels like a BMW to drive as it has a 50/50 weight distribution. This is despite the car being very heavy due to the batteries.
Hans Zimmer has developed a special soundtrack for the car. I’ve got to say it was all a bit gimmicky for me; nothing beats the sound of a good V8 engine in my books!
M design alloys. The car shares its chassis with the 3 Series, but you’d only be aware as the rear seating area has a hump in the middle of the floor where the prop shaft would normally go. With a bespoke electric car chassis, it is typically flat.
The 80kw battery will take at least 13 hours to charge using a 7w home charger. Using a supercharger brings these charging times down substantially. When fully charged the car is supposed to have a 300-mile range. Speaking from experience and using the air con, you’ll more realistically get around 250 miles. Driving the car in sport mode will definitely have an impact on the car’s range. It is much more fun to drive in this mode, especially along country and twisty roads.
with Bob Arora
As the garage will vouch, I actually didn’t want to give the car back. It did go back a day later than it should have and it was desperate for a charge as I found myself making any excuse to take the car out for a drive. If you are in the market for an electric car, the i4 makes a very good argument for owning one. If you want an M50, you’ll be waiting until the end of 2023 before you get your hands on one. So, don’t delay, get down to BMW Vertu and get your deposit down, as the list will only get longer and longer. The i4 is priced from £52,000 and the car I drove is priced from £64,000.
SEP/OCT2274 luxe-magazine.co.uk
Car supplied by Vertu BMW Boldon.
COOL CARS
The car has beautiful wing mirrors that are also found on the M3, along with M divine seat belts and steering wheel. I love the carbon fibre all over the dash, but the best bit has to be the curved glass panel, half of which houses the iDrive features and the other half has the speedo etc. It really oozes class and the resolution of the screen is similar to 4KHD picture quality. It is right up there with the best from Mercedes and Audi and, in my humble opinion, is actually better. As you’d expect, the car has wireless charging, laser LED headlights, cameras all over and some of the smartest-looking 20”
While I am writing this review, we as a country have faced the hottest few days on record. The thermometer has reached temperatures we only ever see when we are abroad. We’ve experienced train delays due to issues with the tracks, there have been fires in London and we’ve also had red weather warnings. The car I’ve had the pleasure of driving this month is the all-new electric BMW i4. Looking at the car, it looks like any other 4 Series. I drove the i4 M50 which has been worked on by the M division. With that motorsport heritage behind you, it’s no wonder the car is excellent to drive. It’s as quick as an M3 to 60mph but its top speed is limited to 140mph. Two electric motors pump out 544bhp to all four wheels and the car has a very impressive 790nm of torque - in a nutshell, the car is very quick indeed. And, when you consider it runs on battery power, it makes it all the more mind-boggling. If you have been fortunate enough to drive an electric car, you’ll know only too well just how rapid these cars are off the mark. Boy racers don’t stand a chance with you at traffic lights - the only advantage they have is being able to rev their car engines. All you can do is listen to the lovely engine, but you have the last laugh when they eat your Drivingdust.an electric car makes you realise a combustion engine definitely isn’t the future as they take a little while to warm up and the power delivery isn’t as THE WHEEL
Library image for illustration purposes only. Vertu BMW is a trading name of Vertu Motors (Continental) Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company registration number 02156457. VAT Registration number 902737238. Registered office: Vertu House, Fifth Avenue Business Park, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0XA. BMW Durham Belmont Industrial Estate DH1 1HP Tel: 0330 178 4782 BMW Sunderland Boldon Business Park NE36 0BQ Tel: 0330 178 4709 BMW Select Representative example: BMW X5 xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto Diesel. Term 4agreementof8months 47 Monthly Payments £793 On the road cash price £68,025 depositCustomer £10,500 Total amount of credit £57,525 Option purchaseto fee Nil Optional final payment £30,490 Total payableamount £78,238 Rate interestof 5.9% fixed Representative 5.9% APRBased on 8,000 miles per annum*. Excess mileage charge 14p per annum. We are a credit broker and not a lender. Finance is subject to status and finance company acceptance. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders and their finance products. We will typically receive a commission from the lender, as either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage on the amount you borrow. The commission we earn does not change by the type of finance. A guarantee may be required. The finance rate will vary dependent of customer personal circumstances for in dealership purchases. Fuel economy and CO 2 results for the BMW X5 xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto Diesel CO2 emissions (combined) 40mpg (5.8 Lt per 100 Kl). 186 CO 2 BMWg/km. X5. Vertu BMW AVAILABLE FOR DELIVERY AT A COMPELLING 5.9% APR REPRESENTATIVE.
100% Electric Crossover. Discover yours at Nissan
Stylish SUV
Bob Arora test drives the new Nissan ARIYA the car a coupe-style design despite having four doors. The car is priced from £44,000 to the range-topping model, which costs £59,000. You can opt for either a 2wd or 4wd ARIYA. The base model is fitted with a 63kw battery which should give you a 220-mile range. The 87kw battery should potentially have a 310-mile range. Using a standard 7kw home charger, it’ll take around 14 hours to charge the car fully. Rapid chargers will bring this time down substantially. Nissan’s designers have managed to make the ARIYA look way better than its competitors. The Tesla model Y and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 look boring in comparison. Typically, Japanese cars tend to be a bit dull inside. Thankfully, the designers have worked their magic with the ARIYA’s interior. As with most cars at the moment, the dash is dominated by a large screen. The driver’s side has the obligatory speedometer and battery range; the left side controls the sat nav, heating, media, and your phone. Wireless phone charging is standard - you slide your phone under a gap where the centre armrest is, and a little sign lets you know the phone is charging. The boot can be opened and closed by moving your foot under the rear bumper. This feature is excellent if you have your hands full! With minimal buttons on display, the interior has a real minimalist and stylish look, but you can factor in a beautiful illuminated flower-type design on the doors and the floor at the front of the car.
SEP/OCT2276 luxe-magazine.co.uk TEST DRIVE
One of my first cars was the Nissan Primera. It wasn’t the most dynamic car to drive or the best-looking car at the time, but it was certainly reliable. My Primera only cost me for routine servicing, petrol, and obviously road tax. One thing that used to annoy me about Japanese cars back in those days was the wipers and indicators were on the different side compared to European cars. Fast forward a few years, I was given the chance to drive the Nissan Leaf, the first electric car I got behind the wheel of. It didn’t have the best range, and it wasn’t the most futuristic design at all. When the Leaf was launched, the Toyota Prius was the darling of Hollywood (as Tesla’s currently are now). I personally think the lack of range and battery technology didn’t make the car as saleable as it should have been.
Nissan bristolstreet.co.uk/nissan0330Darlington,McMullenDarlingtonRoad,DL11XP1080602Bristol Street Motors Nissan is a trading name of Bristol Street Fourth Investments Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company registration number 00522856. VAT Registration number 902737238. Registered office: Vertu House, Fifth Avenue Business Park, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0XA.
Car supplied by Bristol Street Motors Nissan Darlington Darlington.
Nissan’s design department is currently on fire. The original Qashqai and Juke were both nice-looking cars, but they’ve both had an extreme makeover, and now they look absolutely stunning. The latest car I’ve had the pleasure of driving is the all-new electric ARIYA. This car looks slightly like the Cayenne Coupe from the back, especially with the large rear brake light. A big black grill dominates the front of the car, along with some beautiful small square headlights and very cool LED running lights. Despite being quite a large SUV, the designers have managed to give
The dash has stylish stitching, with another classy touch being a piece of metal that goes across the middle of the dash. The car I drove was loaded with specincluding electric seats, panoramic opening roof, Apple Car Play, pro pilot, and front and rear heated seats. The auto cruise control brakes if the car in front is slowing down, and the steering also ensures you stay within your lane. The car I drove was a 2wd model. Because of the power the electric motors have, it is easy to wheel spin when moving off from a junction. The car has three drive modes, ECO, Normal, and Sport. It goes without saying my favourite drive mode was definitely Sport. The throttle response is much quicker, and the steering feels much firmer and more responsive. If you aren’t fortunate enough to drive the ARIYA, you’ll have to sit in the back, which isn’t a bad place to be. There’s plenty of room for three adults. Like other electric cars, the rear doesn’t have a hump in the middle, so the floor is flat, and the poor person in the middle doesn’t have to sit in the middle of the transmission hump. There are USB charging points all over the car and plenty of storage places. The boot is slightl y smaller than its competitors. If you go for the 2wd model, it has additional storage space, which the 4wd model doesn’t have. If you are looking to buy an electric SUV, I’d definitely put the ARIYA at the very top of your list. Having spent a few days driving this fantastic car, I didn’t want to hand the keys back.
SEP/OCT22 77luxe-magazine.co.uk MAN KIT luxe layering Time to ditch the swimwear and give those luxe layers some love as we head autumn/winterinto Les Deux Half Zip Duncan Fleece £119, julesb.co.uk Remus Uomo Theo Worker Jacket - Stone £140, wovendurham.co.uk Gucci Navy Logo-print Cotton Sweatshirt £720, harveynichols.com Belstaff BS Tundra Shearling Jacket £1,525, fenwick.co.uk Rick Owens Army Green Quilted Shell Coat £1,695, harveynichols.com Reiss Luis Velour Cord Hooded Sweatshirt £110, reiss.com Reiss Method Large Check Twill Overshirt £128, reiss.com AMI Paris Grey Logo Hooded Cotton Sweatshirt £285, harveynichols.com LAYERED Polo Ralph Lauren Half Zip Sweat £155, fenwick.co.uk
SEP/OCT2278 luxe-magazine.co.uk Bright businesses who have taken their talents to the next level - on wheels!
Wallis Wagon
The Wallis Wagon is a mighty motor taking Hartlepool Marina favourite, Wallis & Co’s cocktails and foodie treats on the road. It’s a vintage wagon beautifully restored to serve up delicious drinks and small plates to various events, festivals, weddings and private parties across the region. Complete with a colourful cocktail list, an in-build Void sound system and the option of lifting the cab roof to create a DJ space, the Wallis Wagon sure does bring the party! wallisandco.com
OneTen On Tap invites you to ‘re-fuel, Defender style’. Lovingly converted from a traditional ‘work horse’ vehicle to a head-turning mobile bar, it’s the perfect addition to a private event. The family behind the beer wagon are all about sharing their love of Land Rovers and encouraging good times, which is why they have created a number of packages including the five nifty beer taps on show, as well as wine, spirit and cocktail packages for good measure. It’s a motor sure to get the party started - and, of course, it looks the part too. onetenontap.co.uk
Defender Camping
From the same North Yorkshire-based family who have brought OneTen On Tap to the party, we’ve fallen head over heels in love with the Defender Camping concept. Staycations are still big business following the pandemic, and we’re forever looking for something a little different. Cue Yorkshire Vehicle Hire’s Defender Camping - a business rooted in getting out and about in the wild and wonderful countryside. Driving a Land Rover is an adventure in itself, regardless of your final destination. But the beauty of this cool camping concept is, the final destination is in your hands. The guys at YVH not only know a thing or two when it comes to the wonderful world of Land Rover, but they’re also masters in finding a gap in the market and filling it - with a rather funky Defender twist. Life in a Land Rover may be pretty rough and rugged, but these campers are pretty refined inside. You’ll find everything - including the kitchen sink - in the boot. Everything from cutlery and crockery, to a strove, table and chairs, cleaning kit and proper Yorkshire treats. What about the digs? Well, the TentBox quite literally pops up from nowhere, creating a sturdy camping cabin complete with mattress and ladders. Happy campers indeed! yorkshirevehiclehire.co.uk
Credit: Freya Raby
WHEELY GOOD
OneTen On Tap
Mighty motors
Trafalgar RenovatedSquare1960s Bus
Ever slept on a London bus? Wellyes, you probably have actually, especially if it has ever been part of your daily commute. But I bet you’ve never dressed down to fluffy robes and slippers, let your head lay on a lush pillow and soaked your worries away in a hot tub. The South Causey Inn in Stanley offers up an incredibly unique opportunity to spend the night in a renovated 1960s Trafalgar Square bus complete with outdoor hot tub and all the luxuries you’d expect from a five star hotel. All of that, plus a roll top bath with flat screen TV, toiletries, mini bar, dazzling decor and a private garden. It’s perfect for lovers of all things vintage. southcausey.co.uk
Credit: @Hamish.Irvine Tacoporium Tex Mex, but on the road. Like all good ideas, Tacoporium was conceived after drinking cervezas and eating tacosobviously! After making and eating copious amounts of tacos and guacamole, the research had been done and a big box on wheels later, Tacoproium was born. The zinc box was lovingly resorted to create a colourful foodie haven, touring the UK for weddings, festivals and private events. tacoporium.co.uk
VAUX Brewery
The Vauxmobile is a head-turner to say the least. You might see this cool motor kicking around the North East, loaded up with kegs of the good stuff, ready to serve VAUX Brewery pints on-the-go. A funky, vintage vehicle featuring six beer taps, what’s not to love? Honk if you need beer! vaux.beer
SEP/OCT22 79luxe-magazine.co.uk WHEELY GOOD
SEP/OCT2280 LUXE LOVES luxe-magazine.co.uk
Country class
LUXE LOVES Barbour’s collection
new Country Active
for AW22 is perfect for days spent in the great outdoors. Whether it’s a day’s shooting or walking the dog in the hills, this high performance, protective clothing range is a wardrobe must for the new season. barbour.com
SEP/OCT22 81 SOCIAL LIFE luxe-magazine.co.uk 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! Allies Group lunch, 21 Newcastle Together Forever Ball, Hilton -GatesheadNewcastle Volvo Sunderland opening >> Claire Hepburn, Michael Lee and Guy Dowsett >> Ian Scott Bell and Anthony Coxon >> Andrew Barratt and Ben Hunter >> Anna and Paul Manning, Angela and Richard Clark, Christine and Ian Dummett, Steph and Jon Ridley, Teri and Micheal Kaptow >> Guy Dowsett, Kristian Ekvefors, Steve Martin and Shaun Foweather >> Alex Day, Andrea Day and Dave Nicholson >> Karen Allan, aMark Cox, Jeff Tabb, Steve Martin and Nicole Melillo Shaw >> Stuart & Marie Porthouse and Mayoress Dorthoy Truemand and Mayor Harry Trueman >> Amy Newsome, Alison Potts, Nicola Newsome, Jayne Blackett and Ellie Hornsey >> Nick Hurne and Chris March >> Robert and Averal Walker >> Joy Wilburn and Roy Parkinson >> David Stubbs and James Farrell >> Julie Potts and Lindsay Jones >> Sharon and Russ Jackson >> Ryan Little and Mia Richardson >> Kura Harsharan, Alison Rowe and Cheryl Gray >> Lesley Siddoway, Julie Warren and Sharon Ibbotson
SEP/OCT2282 luxe-magazine.co.uk PARTING SHOTNature
calls >> Finding beauty in nature. Isle of Skye, Scotland. By Nicky Gibson at kgphotography.co.uk.
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