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From the

Editor

EDITOR’S PICKs

#1 Fiat 500 (p.78)

#2 Rolex Sea-Dweller (p.42)

nspiration. We mention it a lot. From stories of success to the latest interiors, it is a much-used word. I like to think that it is an almost uncontrollable moment when senses are amplified, the goose bumps appear and you are spurred into action. It’s different for everyone and can strike at any time. For me, it’s about people and their stories. My passion is listening and capturing people’s journeys. That could be an octogenarian golfer who shows no signs of slowing down (p.28), and is more than happy to offer his opinion on the latest crop of golfers, as well as those who seem to be in trouble. Or a story-telling sailor who’s broken records but is still in search of that elusive first place (p.76). Or even a family who are custodians of a hall that was reputedly home to the Dark Lady of Shakespeare’s sonnets (p.108). I am even spurred into both booking my next escape, after being transported through the waterways of Venice and taking my place in the drawing room of Europe (p. 84), and – much to my husband’s delight – redecorating our spare room, thanks to the inspiring adventures of Sarah Jane Nielsen (p.136). Perhaps the most inspiring actions this month, though, have come from the people of Manchester and its neighbours. We witnessed a terrible attack in our city centre and our thoughts remain with all of those affected. Yet amidst the chaos and sadness, there was – and still is – an overwhelming feeling of kindness, solidarity and human decency. There is a lot of criticism surrounding Britain right now, but the reaction to this event should serve as a reminder that there is a lot to be proud of, too.

Louisa Louisa Castle Editor #3 Prada made to order (p.48)

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Contents

July 2017

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028

Features

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FOOD & DRINK

028 | Player power At the age of 81, Gary Player remains one of golf’s truly legendary players and insists he’s getting better with age 032 | Chain reaction Business leader and inspirational speaker, Phil Jones MBE, on his love for cycling and support for the Sunsport Velo women’s team 036 | A lasting legacy The new Artistic director of the Manchester International Festival 2017, award-winning John McGrath, on his love for this great northern city 038 | Inspiring men of Cheshire Some of the North West’s most successful men share the life lessons and advice which have shaped them

042 | Watch wishlist Stunning state-of-the-art timepieces for him and her 046 | Jewellery news A full round-up of all the latest in style and sparkle

094 | Best of three A food-filled tour of charm and flavour at Mobberley’s finest trio of country pubs 098 | Food & drink news 092 | Spotlight on... Browns at the Mere Golf Resort and Spa, Knutsford 103 | Local scene All the local glamour and gossip from our fair county

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010 | Editor’s letter 014 | Contributors 019 | My life in Cheshire Sarah Callander Beckett on how she rescued and transformed the beautiful Combermere Abbey 021 | Notebook This month’s local events, news and best new products 027 | As I was saying... Melissa Porter asks what qualities we think of as inspirational, and how it’s affecting our happiness

fashion & beauty 048 | Fashion news From essential accessories to new trends, it’s all here 050 | Born free Capture the spirit of the wilds with leather boots, cotton chinos and sturdy satchels 060 | Beauty news New treatments, products and all the latest news 076 | Man of the Sea We meet record-breaking yachtsman Alex Thomson

FAMILY 110 | Kids’ news 115 | The classroom

homes & interiors

124 | Interiors news News, products and advice on making the most of your home 136 | Been around the world Award-winning interior designer Sarah Jane Nielsen on motoring capturing international style 078 | The first time 130 | Case study: The story of a The ultimate taste of project and collaboration freedom, we round-up the Taking a new interior design best cars for first-time drivers from start to beautiful finish 146 | The Landings Travel Your very own little corner of 082 | Travel news Caribbean paradise among the 084 | Viva Venezia balmy beaches of St Lucia Discovering the canals and 148 | Garden news cuisine of magical Venice 152 | Hot property 088 | Beguiling Bahrain The crème de la crème of the The kingdom famous for Cheshire property market pearls, culture and luxury 156 | Overseas property 092 | Weekend away These stunning properties will A perfect getaway at Lord have you yearning to emigrate Crewe Arms, Northumberland

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The

contributors

JULY 2017 s issue 043 s

Editor Louisa Castle

Rebecca Underwood

Deputy Editor Gemma Knight

Visits the luxurious island kingdom of Bahrain, famous for its pearls and culture, as well as the beautiful sun-lit canals of Venice WHO Kofi Annan, the secretarygeneral of the United Nations from January ‘97 to December ‘06 WHAT Snoozing in the sunshine WHERE Kenya

Alexander Beer

Melissa Porter

Photographs the latest fashion trends on page 54 WHO People who work hard WHAT Yoga, running, swimming WHERE Hard to choose just one, but I got married on a cliff-top in Ibiza, so the island holds a special place in my heart

Gives her unique take on inspiration on page 23. What’s it really about? WHO Albert Einstein, my son, anyone living their passion WHAT Learning, reading and embracing spirituality WHERE Alone somewhere quiet, meditating

Theatre Editor Natalie Anglesey Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Senior Designer Daniel Poole Junior Designer Paris Fielder Design Intern Matthew Cooney Production Hugo Wheatley Jamie Steele Alice Ford Advertising Managers Kathryn Otto Matthew Brindley Beth Hardie Danielle Mullen General Manager Fiona Smith Publisher Giles Ellwood Executive Director Sophie Roberts

Jan Clarke

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Chats to Phil Jones on page 38 WHO Nora Ephron. Her work is witty, sharp and heartbreaking WHAT Photography. I’m a total novice and not very savvy but love ‘having a go’ and being creative WHERE I have two favourites: the Amalfi Coast and New York

cover On the

We travel to Africa with photographer Alexander Beer for our men-only fashion shoot, Born Free (p.50)

Crispin Harris Shares his expertise on the latest property trends, issues and challenges, page 124 WHO Sir Richard Branson WHAT Racing historic cars WHERE Anywhere with my close friends and family

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

My life in CHESHIRE Sarah Callander Beckett, high sheriff of cheshire & owner of Combermere Abbey

n 1992, Sarah Callander Beckett inherited Cheshire’s Combermere Abbey, leaving a career advising Laura Ashley on public relations in New York to return to the UK. At the time, the 900-year-old country house was visibly crumbling, with derelict outbuildings and lifeless gardens, and Sarah knew that it was up to her to save the once-stately house and renew its purpose. £5.5 million and 25 years later, the Abbey is now back to its beautiful, thriving best, with individually designed holiday cottages, a wedding venue with accommodation, rural estate enterprises, Abbey tours, events and a stunning bed and breakfast in the North Wing. And at the helm – now as in the beginning – is Sarah, constantly driving the Abbey forward from strength to strength. “When I began to change the business in 1992, I was right into everything,” she explains. “It was a dairy farming operation with a farm manager and staff, but I knew we needed to diversify to protect the estate. We’ve restored all seven listed buildings one by one, so now we have a real variety to manage, and I have a brilliant team who support me and each run their own area of expertise.” As this year’s high sheriff of Cheshire, it stands to reason that Sarah is as big a fan of the county as you’re ever likely to meet. “Cheshire has enormous variety, both in topography and towns, villages and cities,” she enthuses. “The north has great shopping, and then the south is full of farmland, hedges and ancient trees, interspersed with little hamlets and winding lanes. The vernacular black and white architecture stands out, but you also find great examples of modern architecture. It has a buzz about it and there’s always lots to do. “Locally, we’re lucky enough to have the Combermere Arms – a lovely 16th-century country pub – just 200 yards from our front gates, as well as The Residence, an excellent restaurant in Nantwich, and the Cholmondeley Arms. For tea, coffee and delicious cake, I usually visit The Bookshop in Nantwich or The Jaunty Goat in Chester. I also love shopping in local farm shops, such as The Hollies and Cheerbrook Farm Shop, and you can purchase some fantastic produce at the monthly farmer’s markets in Nantwich and Rode Hall. For cutting-edge designer clothing, Annabelle’s in Nantwich is fantastic, and Manijeh near Bridgemere is great for one-off pieces. I also love to browse Rachel Bates Interiors in Macclesfield for fabulous housewares and accessories.” (combermereabbey.co.uk)

“Cheshire has enormous variety, both in topography and towns, villages and cities”

W E BELIEV E in creating homes that everyone will want to come back to The right sofa and footstool beckon the entire family to sit down together. The right kitchen can encourage more people to give a helping hand with supper. The right dining table, chairs and setting, might even tempt those who have f lown the nest to return home for Sunday lunches, for get-togethers, and for lazy summer barbecues. Harrogate six-seater table in Fog, £940. Provence dining chair, £120. Chatto sofa, £1,260. Havana dining chair in Silver Birch, £245. Imperial pendant light, £210.

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

NOTEBOOK What to see and do this July in and around our beautiful county WORDS: JAN CLARKE

Anyone for Tennis?

Strawberry Delight

Getting your children away from their screens can be difficult, but perhaps the simple strawberry has the answer. This summer, visit one of the regions ‘pick Did you know? your own’ fruit farms. In Medieval times It’s a chance to get strawberries were some fresh air, regarded as an aphrodisiac engage with nature and were made into a and get muddy – soup to be served at perfect for kids. Weddings The region has rich pickings when it comes to local produce and many farms offer farm shops, cafes and amenities, making them a great place to spend the whole day. Check out Kenyon Hall Farm at Croft or Hawarden Estate Farm Shop in Hawarden. BEST IN SHOW winner, DAVID TRAGEN

As the start of Wimbledon approaches we all experience the yearly ‘tennis bug’ – yet for most of us this annual infatuation doesn’t go beyond the armchair stage. So, this summer, why not get out there and play? Tennis engages the mind and body at the same time, unlike your usual workout at the gym, and delivers physical, mental and emotional gains. The list of benefits includes increased bone strength, improved flexibility and co-ordination and offers a great workout. But the proof is in the playing, so this summer why not leave the couch and get on court? (lta.org.uk)

Mark boddington, BEST ARTIST IN SHOW, MANDY CLEVELAND, noddy holder & nick munro

photogrpahy: christinaquine.wixsite.com

Simply Awards

The fabulous Simply Cheshire exceeded all expectations last month, in spite of some spring showers. Celebrating the best of Cheshire and raising money for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, we would like to thank organiser Suzie Dickens and share news of the winning stallholders. Looking forward to next year! (simplycheshire.co.uk)

best in show runner-up, the lammbing shed with noddy holder, nick munro & suzie dickens

18 – 20 August

The Just So Festival 2017

What’s On? Dates for the Diary 3-16 July

Wimbledon Celebrating its 140th Year, the Wimbledon Championship has us glued to our screens hoping for another British champion. (wimbledon.com) 4-26 July

Moonlight Flicks Chester’s open air cinema, Moonlight Flicks, returns to The Roman Gardens with a great programme including the acclaimed La La Land, the classic Singin’ in the Rain and family favourite Rogue One; A Star Wars Story. (moonlightflicks.co.uk) 22

15 July

This annual weekend-long events is the only arts camping festival in the UK for children and families. Now in its eighth year, the magical experience brings art, music and literature together in a delightful woodland setting. (justsofestival.org.uk)

23 July

Live in the Park

John Bishop

Live in the Park at Arley Hall and Gardens is a fun line up of tribute acts performing hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s culminating in a firework display. (arleyhallandgardens.com)

John Bishop wings it with his new standup at The Lowry. (thelowry.com)

16 July

British Grand Prix The British Grand Prix comes to Silverstone. But the big question is, can Lewis take first place? (silverstone.co.uk) 20-23 July

The British Open The world’s greatest golfers take to the links at Southport’s Royal Birkdale to battle for the Claret Jug. (theopen.com)

28 July

Madrenaline Activity Centre Based in Macclesfield, the centre offers aqua sphering, laser clay pigeon shooting and a Segway safari. (madrenaline.co.uk) 31 July

The Cambridge Shakespeare Festival The festival includes a captivating production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the gardens of Trinity College from 31 July – 19 August. (cambridgeshakespeare.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

of the

The Gower Peninsula

Best

Coastal Walks Enjoy the great outdoors, soak up the scenery and discover some beautiful wildlife with our pick of three of the best UK coastal walks. (nationaltrust.org.uk)

In 1965, the Gower Peninsula was the first area in the UK to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Taking in Whiteford Burrows, which was also the first land acquired by the National Trust located within a nature reserve, this route is home to an abundance of wildlife and plenty of natural beauty. Highlights include the ‘corrugated’ sand dunes with their pale wispy, grassy hair and the common blue butterflies. Rich in natural history, the area is brimming with wild flowers, particularly in spring and summer, including a host of orchids and marsh irises. Skylarks and wading birds will be your companions on this stunning walk. top tip

Plan your visit before the school holidays and you can be lucky enough to have Whiteford Burrows all to yourself – it can feel like your own private beach.

Old Harry Rocks, Dorset This walk is believed to be named after a local notorious pirate, Harry Paye, and enables walkers to experience the magnificent geological formations of the Jurassic coast. Some lucky visitors may even see peregrine falcons searching for food for their young. A highlight of the walk is the climb up to Ballard Down, where a stone seat bearing the inscription ‘rest and be thankful’ provides a welcome opportunity to sit and take in the incredible, far-reaching views. This walk covers 3.5 miles (5.5km) and is graded as easy with good conditions underfoot. top tip

Visit in spring and summer for a glorious display of scarlet pimpernels, poppies and pink pyramidal orchids.

Whitehaven, Cumbria Covering some of the most beautiful parts of the Cumbria coastline, this route takes in Candlestick, Haig and Birkham’s Quarry. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating stretch between Whitehaven and St.Bees, with RSPB viewpoints along the way for ornithologists. Puffins, terns and the only breeding colony of black guillemots in England are amongst some of the wildlife on this stretch of coastline. Highlights include the descent from South Head into Fleswick Bay, a picturesque cove with shingle beach which offers the perfect picnic spot, and visitors can look out to sea to catch a glimpse of seals or porpoise. This route is for more experienced walkers, is listed as hard and covers more than 7 miles. top tip

Hunt for semi-precious gems on Fleswick Bay. 23

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I M A G I N AT I V E

influences Enjoy enchanted summer evenings in the great outdoors, get your fix of culture and eat with Surrealism

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LES DINERS DE GALA “If you are a disciple of one of those caloriecounters who turn the joys of eating into a form of punishment, close this book at once; it is too lively, too aggressive, and far too impertinent for you.” Salvador Dalí’s words set the scene for a decadent affair of food and Surrealism in this tasteful reprint. The Spanish artist was renowned for hosting flamboyant dinner parties and here he reveals some of the sensual, imaginative and exotic elements that made up his notorious gatherings. Les Dîners de Gala by Salvador Dalí, £44.99 (taschen.com)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

A s I w a s s ay i n g . . .

The Meaning of Life Melissa Porter asks how you define inspirational success... is it all about money, looks or the school you attended?

’m curious what the phrase ‘inspiringly successful’ means to you? For a word to mean something to you, at some point you’ll have chosen to attach a belief to it. My meaning of the phrase is awarded to any human who has overcome adversity by identifying a learned pattern of limiting behaviour within themselves, replacing it and then using their transformation to inspire others. My inspirational male tribe includes Tony Robbins, Grant Cardone and Ryan Blair. I’m curious what you view as inspirationally successful. Money? Looks? Type of school attended? Some believe inspirational is a feeling, while others associate it with objects. You see, there’s no right or wrong answer to the meaning you attach to a word. What’s important is that you’re clear on the meaning you attach to words and situations. Why? Well, the meaning you chose to attach can affect the quality of your life, including your happiness. Yes. The meaning you chose to attach to a word will impact on your happiness and feeling fulfilled. How? Imagine these meanings (thoughts, beliefs, stories, etc) of words swimming around in your body, like a pool filled with many different words. Now imagine them all collectively hurtling down a windy wet-water slide and watch for what pops out the other end in a gigantic splash. It’s your choices. Our thoughts, meanings, stories and beliefs inspire our choices. Simple. So, each day we make thousands of choices, including simple ones that see us choosing whether we wish to take the fast pool slide, the bumpy version or to skip the slide altogether. It’s from these choices and our unique ride through the slide of our

thoughts, meanings, beliefs and stories that we end up attracting specific experiences and certain types of people. Let’s again continue with your meaning of inspirational success. If you were running the story that to be inspiring equated to how much money you earn, and you had made a choice to live as a nomad in a ramshackle caravan, you might see how this incongruence would affect your happiness and wellbeing. You’d spend your days judging and blaming yourself that you’ll never come to anything of value in your life. That ‘inspirationally successful’ people live in million dollar houses and not caravans. Which is why it’s so important to challenge your beliefs and stories to ensure they are of your unique flavour, and not acquired from your parents or society. The nomad was living a life created via an unstable foundation of faulty thinking. He will never achieve true happiness, as clearly his beliefs of what is inspirational were learned from someone else and not of his own flavour. Find your own flavours, friends, and avoid the infirm foundation of faulty thinking. Melissa is a professional, certified transformational life coach (melissaportercoach.com)

With 63 years and 165 wins under his belt, Gary Player’s professional career has ensured he will forever remain one of golf’s truly legendary players. At the ripe old age of 81, the Black Knight speaks with Jake Taylor – who insists he’s still getting better with age (aided by an almost unreal dedication to the gym) – as he casts his eye over the current crop of Open hopefuls primed to fill the space left by the likes of Nicklaus, Palmer and himself

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

ary Player might be an octogenarian, but he’s not the type to be donning his slippers and enjoying an easy retirement. The man they called ‘Mr Fitness’ still prides himself on committing to a daily exercise regime that would make men half his age wince, as well as getting out on the course and showing those young punks exactly how he rose to the very top of the golfing tree. “It gives me such a thrill that, at 81, I can go out and shoot an average of 70 on a normal golf course, push 400 pounds in my legs and beat most 30-year-olds in the gym,” the Johannesburg-born legend smiles. “It just gives me a great sense of satisfaction when I work hard, and that keeps inspiring me to maintain that level of training and to be able to continue to appreciate everything in life.” As one of the ‘Big Three’ of his golfing era – alongside fellow icons Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus – Player notched up success after success in the course of his 63-year professional career, not least being part of an elite group of golfers who can lay claim to the career Grand Slam of winning all of the sport’s major championships in a single calendar year. Such an esteemed place in the history of the sport means Player is in prime position to run the rule over the modern pretenders to his, Palmer and Nicklaus’ throne – namely, the budding rivalry between Rory McIlory, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth. As the 2017 Open at Birkenhead’s July start encroaches ever nearer, Player states that – despite Sergio Garcia’s recent Masters victory – this trio remains at the forefront of the professional game. One golfer’s key attribute in particular sets him apart from the esteemed pack. “Jordan Spieth’s the best putter out there,” he declares. “If you asked me whether I would like to be the best driver or ball-striker from tee to green, or to be the best putter, I would take being best putter every day.

“It just gives me a great sense of satisfaction when I work hard”

“What Jordan Spieth did at age 21 was very, very remarkable. I like Jason Day, who has one of the three best swings, along with Rory McIlroy and Kevin Kisner. But Jordan Spieth is the best putter and in golf they say, ‘Beware of the best putter’.” Spieth’s putting proficiency aside, Player is experienced enough to know that in the world of golf, predictions are a tricky business to get right. He cites one of the sport’s most controversial figures, to back up his point. “You can never say who is going to be good in the future – we never thought we’d see someone like Tiger Woods, who was on his way to becoming the best player ever until he had his trouble,” he states. “Sometimes you get start times in the morning when it’s sunny and calm, and then in the afternoon it’s windy, so players are potentially competing under vastly different conditions. It’s a big difference.”

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine © Snap2Art / shutterstock.com

“Whether he can add to his record, only time will tell. We need Tiger Woods” But does he reckon that Woods will ever rediscover the form that made him at one point the most feared pro to take to the course? After the 11-time PGA Player of the Year missed this year’s Masters through injury, Player hopes Woods can get back to his best soon. “I will never understand that when a man was that good, and he was on his way to being the best player ever, he would try to change his swing,” he sighs. “He changed his swing for the worse, and then it got even worse after that, and it was very sad for me to see what he was doing. He’s at a crossroads in his career. He’s such a charismatic and dynamic golfer. “I just hope he gets over all his problems and comes back and does well. Whether he can add to his record, only time will tell. We need Tiger Woods.” As enthusiastic as he is about Woods’ charisma, or Spieth’s expertise on the green, however, there’s only one name that springs to Player’s mind when it comes to declaring his pick for the greatest golfer of all time. “Think about this, because nobody ever mentions it,” he concludes. “Ben Hogan won nine majors; he went to war for five years; he then came back and had a terrible car accident

– and basically he was never able to play his best for three years. So, for 32 majors in his prime, he was ineffective. He couldn’t play properly, and he still won nine. And he played with junk equipment and golf courses that were often in terrible conditions. Man alive, it’s amazing! I’ve watched the old tapes and I’ve never seen anybody hit the ball like Ben Hogan – ever.”

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Chain Reaction Business leader and inspirational speaker, Phil Jones MBE, talks to Jan Clarke about his love for cycling and his support for Sunsport Velo, the Cheshire-based women’s racing team

ome may fail to see the attraction of cycling when, from the comfort of your warm car, you pass someone peddling hard into a headwind on a cold rainy day. But if you want to know what motivates these wheeled warriors of the road, then speak to Phil Jones, MBE. He will leave you in no doubt as he passionately shares the secrets of this increasingly popular sport.

Phil Jones is the managing director of Brother UK, president of the Manchester charity, Forever Manchester, and a motivational business speaker. As a business leader, life is busy and he originally started cycling about eight years ago to improve his general fitness. Phil tells me, “I was approaching forty and decided it was time I invested more in my health, for the future”. As his fitness level grew,

far right: women’s team. photography courtesy of Chris Meads. all other images: Phil Jones. photography courtesy of Brother UK

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Phil found cycling brought numerous benefits to his life, and he was soon hooked. “Cycling not only enhances physical health but also mental health,” Phil explains. “A cycle ride will clear the clutter from your brain and give you time to reflect, yet at the same time it can be a sociable sport, with group rides creating a bonding experience amongst fellow cyclists. “Also, when you are out on the road, you meet and strike up conversations with other riders.

Cycling has enabled me to make connections with people I wouldn’t otherwise have met and has created many opportunities.” It was while out riding that Phil met Stuart Percival. This meeting led to his involvement with the Cheshire women’s racing team, Sunsport Velo, of which Brother is now one of the proud sponsors.

“Cycling has enabled me to make connections with people I wouldn’t otherwise have met and has created many opportunities” Fellow cyclist Stuart is a sports coach and, along with Neil Lee, established the Sunsport Velo women’s team, based out of Velo Expresso in Altrincham. The hub also offers sports injury rehabilitation programmes, which are based on a holistic approach and concentrate on nutrition, sleep and limiting stress. This holistic concept is a philosophy that Phil very much shares and, for him, health, fitness and work are

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

all intrinsically linked. He is an advocate of the Healthy Leader principal, which embraces the idea that being in control of your own health has a direct influence on the health of your team and, in turn, your business. We chat further, discussing the notion that cycling, like business, requires discipline, teamwork and motivation. “These are qualities the members of Sunsport Velo have in abundance,” Phil tells me. “They have busy lives, with jobs or university studies, but they are dedicated sportswomen. The women are located up and down the UK, from London to Sheffield and Cheshire, and so being part of a team is extremely important to them."

“The ripple effects from being involved in cycling are multiple on a personal and on a business level” Speaking of results, this teamwork is most definitely paying off. Hit the hashtag #brother4results on Twitter and the women’s growing success is documented for all to see. Their performance in the UK cycle circuit is strong and they are gaining valuable experience in European tours too. With team member Lizzy Banks currently sitting on the top of the 2017 Women’s Over-23 BC National Rankings, the women are riding high. Lizzy also recently won the ‘Tour of the Wolds’ race, the first in the

National Women’s Series for 2017. When asked how this win felt, Lizzy said, “It feels great! It was great getting a result so early in the season.” As I talk with Phil, together with Stuart and Neil, it is clear this sport is increasing in popularity all the time. Fans and converts alike can regularly see the Sunsport Velo team, along with the Brother-sponsored neutral support cars, on Eurosport and ITV4, as television coverage for cycling continues to grow. Neil says, “The sport has appeal for all levels and is something many people can enjoy.” The hub Stuart and Neil have created at Velo Expresso reflects this. Not only is it home to the Women’s Sunsport Velo team, but also a space for the wider community. The venture encompasses a relaxing area, serving food and coffee, as well as offering yoga and pilates classes. They have also founded a cycle club which welcomes and accommodates all levels. Phil’s love of cycling and his chance meeting with Stuart has created exposure and some great experiences for him and his company. Brother is now sponsor to four cycling teams, which comprise two women’s teams and two men’s teams. Jones says, “The ripple effects from being involved in cycling are multiple, on a personal and on a business level.” As our meeting comes to an end and Phil prepares to leave, I ask whether he will be cycling home. He smiles, “Absolutely.” (sunsport.velo.uk; race-pace.net; velo-espresso.uk; and follow @roadphil and @brothercycling on twitter)

below: women’s team. photography courtesy of Chris Meads

SUMMER

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A Lasting

Legacy

The new Artistic director of the Manchester International Festival 2017, award-winning John McGrath, sits down with Natalie Anglesey as he returns to the city he knows so well

ohn McGrath and I first met when he was artistic director of Contact Theatre from 1999 to 2008, and his joy at returning to Manchester in his new role is evident. “I’ve been back several times since [I was at Contact], but I still can’t believe how much Manchester has changed!” He grins. “There’s a real buzz about the place, which is great for MIF17.” At Contact, John developed a new model for engaging young, emerging artists in all areas of theatre, providing platforms for artists like poet Lemn Sissay MBE, now chancellor of Manchester University, and successful hip-hop artist Benji Reid. John had previously trained and worked in New York, as associate director of leading experimental company Mabou Mines, and left Contact to become artistic director of National Theatre Wales (NTW). He achieved an international reputation for large-scale, site-specific work, digital innovation, international collaboration and extraordinary community involvement.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

Obviously, John is excited about his new role as head of MIF17 and the challenges it brings, saying that “the speed and success with which MIF became established in the top tier of international festivals was astonishing”. Aware that past festivals had boasted a plethora of famous names, John made the decision that this year the festival will be about the people. “This summer, the artists in our 2017 programme have a lot to say about the times we live in. However, I’m also aware that financially many people have had to tighten their belts, so I’m making more free events than ever and trying to keep ticket prices down, so more people can afford to come and enjoy.

depots, churches and car parks. We’ve worked closely with venues, festivals and other cultural organisations around the world, whose financial and creative input helps to make many of our projects possible and guarantees they have a life after each Festival has ended.” Highlights include ‘What Is the City but the People?’, a free opening event on June 29 which will see a huge fashion runway set up across Piccadilly Gardens, on which local residents will capture the city of Manchester through their outfits and individuality. “MIF has always been and will remain fiercely international, inviting major artists to create new work, so there are several world premieres,” John explains. “But we’re also proudly engaged in the people of our city: My Festival, our new initiative, will provide a range of new ways for local artists and communities to be part of what we do, over a longer period than the festival, and I’m thrilled to be part of MIF’s extraordinary creative ambition.” Seminal Manchester band New Order will play five gigs inside a unique installation created by artist Liam Gillick, accompanied by a 12-piece synthesiser ensemble from the Royal Northern College of Music in the old Granada Studios. True Faith is also an exhibition of art inspired by the band and its original incarnation, Joy Division in Manchester Art Gallery, which is free.

“MIF has always been and will remain fiercely international, inviting major artists to create new work, so there are several world premieres” “We’re bringing together new work, from both home and abroad, which we’ll stage in venues across Greater Manchester – from theatres, galleries and concert halls to railway

Art & Culture | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Popular Jane Horrocks will star in Cotton Panic!, a new musical about the US Civil War cutting off cotton supplies to the mills of Lancashire, which will be performed in Upper Campfield Market Hall. Composer Johann Johannsson, Oscar-nominated for the soundtrack to Arrival, will premiere Last And First Men – a film narrated by Tilda Swinton with a score performed by the BBC Philharmonic in the Bridgewater Hall. Arcade Fire will return to give a performance in the Castlefield Bowl and Scottish Opera's composer in residence Lliam Paterson will stage BambinO – an opera for babies! And then there’s What if Women Ruled the World? – in which a group of ten women and one man are confronted each night by some of the urgent crises of our time. Created by artist Yael Bartana, and directed by Royal Court Artistic director Vicky Featherstone, a professional cast will be joined by a group of female experts to try to solve that night’s global emergency, in the Mayfield.

“Fatherland – created by Scott Graham from Frantic Assembly, Underworld’s Karl Hyde and Stockport playwright Simon Stephens – focuses on contemporary fatherhood in all its complexities and contradictions. Inspired by conversations with fathers and sons from the trio’s home towns, Fatherland will transform the familiar spaces of the Royal Exchange Theatre, with a musical score by Karl Hyde and Matthew Herbert. “And dance hasn’t been forgotten. The Palace Theatre will house Available Light, which brings together three giants of post-war American culture. Choreography by Lucinda Childs will be performed to music composed by John Adams with stage design by Frank Gehry. While in Mayfield, 10,000 Gestures, created by one of Europe’s greatest choreographers, Boris Charmatz, will be performed by a 25-strong ensemble who will never repeat a single movement.

“If it also leaves a lasting legacy, then I’ll feel I’ve achieved” Manchester legend, Anthony Burgess, will be also remembered – not solely for A Clockwork Orange, but as a poet and prolific composer with The World Was Once All Miracle, at the Bridgewater Hall, performed by the BBC Philarmonic. There’s also No End to Enderby: films which pay homage to his Enderby works at the Whitworth. The last words belong to John McGrath. “These are only a few of the performances we have in store and as usual Festival Square will be buzzing with free live events and a variety of talent in the Pavilion Theatre with everything from gospel music to comedy. Wonderful food will be cooked by some of our country’s talented chefs – so enjoy. I just hope MIF17 will entertain and enlighten and, if it also leaves a lasting legacy, then I’ll feel I’ve achieved.” Manchester International Festival 2017, 29 June to 16 July (0843 208 1840; mif.co.uk)

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Colour Blossom BB collection, image courtesy of: Louis Vuitton

ntry into the prestigious house of Louis Vuitton can now be taken in small steps thanks to the brand’s new miniature jewellery collection, Colour Blossom BB. The brand’s signature quatrefoil (or four petal flower) monogram that was first used on its steamer trunks in the 19th century has been refashioned onto necklaces, bracelets, earrings in vibrant new colourways for spring/summer. Malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise and blush mother-of-pearl are just some of the materials that have been used to bring the petals to life. With prices starting from an accessible £1,210, we predict there will be quite a few being sported on the Riviera this summer. (uk.louisvuitton.com)

Baby

Bloomer 41

watch Wishlist An industry in consolidation mode is good news for punters, says Richard Brown, as watchmakers focus attention on more affordable collections

A pair of unlikely bedfellows It costs a watchmaker millions of pounds to launch a new movement. Hence why many brands that survived the quartz crisis of the 1970s grew reliant on calibres from thirdparty suppliers, most notably from Swatch Group-subsidiary ETA. When, in 2002, Swatch chief Nicolas Hayek Jr. announced plans to restrict the flow of movements to companies outside his own portfolio, brands were forced to invest in becoming more self-reliant. Thus the industry’s prevailing obsession with the term ‘in-house’.

Industry consensus is that it costs around £13.5 million to procure the industrial machinery needed to mill the requisite parts of a movement. At trade price, a watchmaker will need to shift a lot of units to make that money back. Since a verticalised company will be capable of manufacturing more movements than it can possibly use itself, one idea is to sell to others. Perhaps this explains the initially eyebrow-raising partnership between Tudor and Breitling. Breitling granted Tudor access to its B01 base calibre, into which Tudor has incorporated its own rotor and regulating system. The movement, the MT5813, allows Tudor to update its Black Bay collection with a COSCcertified chronograph – at a fraction of the price it would have cost to develop a similar watch by itself. Tudor, going the other way, has let Breitling use its three-hand MT5612 movement inside the second-generation Superocean Heritage – essentially an upgrade from the previously used ETA 2824. As with the first edition, the second series is available in either 42mm or 46mm, both of which now include a scratch-resistant ceramic bezel. Given that for the last two years the watch industry has been shrinking, expect to see more mutually-beneficial partnerships in the future. (breitling.com, tudorwatch.com)

Above: Black Bay Chrono, £3,430, Tudor Left: Superocean Héritage II Chronographe 46, £4,830, Breitling

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Under the sea Until the 1960s, the maximum depth to which a diver could descend was around 60 metres. Any deeper, and pressurised gas decompressed in the body could cause air bubbles to block blood vessels. Saturation diving mitigates the risk of a sudden build-up of gas within the body through acclimatisation. Divers live for up to 28 days in pressurised chambers before they are transported underwater in closed ‘bells’ set at the same pressure. In 1992, a diver from the Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises, the NASA of underwater engineering, descended to 701 metres – a record that still stands. It is considered the maximum depth to which a human body can descend before it implodes. The fact that Rolex’s new Sea-Dweller (£8,350) is waterproof to 1,220 metres, then, is a tad irrelevant. Here’s

Clockwise from top left: SeaDweller 904L steel; The Bathyscaphe Trieste, ©Thomas J. Abercrombie/ National Geographic; the original 1967 Sea-Dweller (left) and Sea-Dweller 904L steel (right); James Cameron wearing a SeaDweller, ©Mark Thiessen/National Geographic;

guessing you’re more likely to pair yours with a business suit than a wetsuit, anyway. To mark the watch’s 50th birthday, Rolex has enlarged the Sea-Dweller to 43mm; equipped it with the latest-generation Calibre 3235 (accurate to two seconds a day); and for the very first time, fitted it with a Cyclops lens at three o’clock. Another feature likely to excite is the red ‘Sea-Dweller’ inscription, a reference to the 1967 forebear. Red writing has become extremely valued among Rolex collectors. The ‘Double Red’ Sea-Dwellers produced between 1967 and 1977, with two lines on the dial, typically sell on the pre-owned market for far more than their white-text counterparts. (rolex.com)

Collection | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Three is the magic number A tie-in between horological exhibitionist Hublot, sartorial superpower Rubinacci and Lapo Elkann, grandson of Gianni Agnelli, former Fiat chief and style deity of the 21st-century, was always likely to yield something rather dapper. The result is six 45mm Classic Fusion chronographs – two in ceramic, two in titanium, two in gold – that feature dials and straps made from a selection of prints (houndstooth, squared weaves and Prince of Wales check). Handpicked from the 60,000 square metres of cloth in Rubinacci’s archive, the selected fabrics date back to the 1970s. Classic Fusion Italia Independent collection, from £12,500 (hublot.com)

Power play By the late 1970s, Oris had clocked up 279 in-house calibres and was one of Switzerland’s largest movement manufacturers, producing as many as 1.2 million watches and clocks a year. Following the quartz crisis, it became dependent on thirdparty suppliers until, in 2014, the watchmaker developed its first fully-fledged movement for almost 40 years. To celebrate the company’s 110th anniversary, the Calibre 110 boasted a then industry-beating ten-day power reserve. Just another three years later, Oris presents the Calibre 113, updated by way of a calendar that shows the day, date, week and month of the year. Again, the watch will run for ten days before it requires winding by hand. £4,780 (oris.ch)

Shining bright At Baselworld 1997, Patek Philippe expanded its sports watch offering with the Aquanaut. A commercially savvy way of providing access to the Nautilus, it quickly became one of Patek’s best-selling watch models. To mark its 20th anniversary, the brand has launched the Ref. 5168G in 18-carat white gold – the first Aquanaut to be delivered in this precious metal. With a diameter of 42mm, it is the largest model in the Aquanaut family, paying tribute to the original 1976 Nautilus of the same size, a timepiece that continues to go by the nickname ‘Jumbo’ among Patek collectors. The watch is water-resistant to a depth of 120 metres, while a Super-LumiNova coating ensures that Arabic numerals are visible in the dark. Inside, the self-winding calibre 324 S C, visible through a sapphire-crystal case back, is just 3.3mm in height, making for a timepiece that is only 8.25mm thick. £27,990 (patek.com)

ONE TO WATCH “With summer fast approaching you’ll find a lot of ‘summer suggestions’ heading your way, and that’s great. Invest in a piece that will see you through the beach season – and smash through those icy winters year on year – like the Omega Planet Ocean Master Chronometer. Utterly future proof.” - Neil Baxandall - sales ambassador, Liverpool

Omega Planet Ocean Master Chronometer, £4,640 4-6 S John St, Liverpool L1 8BJ (davidmrobinson.co.uk) 44

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The intelligent choice.

Collection | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Break the Ice Continuing its mission to target millennials this year, French jeweller Chopard has launched a new wearable and accessible jewellery collection. Named Ice Cube Pure, the minimalist line features a simple, geometric design created for the 21stcentury woman who wants to define her own style. The range of rings, earrings and necklaces can be worn on their own or stacked, while each piece has been made from ethical Fairmined-certified gold. And with sustainability being the buzzword of the 2010s, this is very much a statement of modern times. From £560 (chopard.com)

Jewellery

news

In the Element Eugenie Niarchos – who has already built up a celebrity following with her jewellery brand Venyx – has been quoted saying that out of famous women, she would most love to see Florence Welch and Khaleesi from Game of Thrones wear her pieces. And, given the audaciousness of her latest collection, they seem entirely fitting ambassadors. Elementa has been inspired by the four elements – fire, earth, water and air – each of which has been represented by a different stone. We love the Aruna ring, which captures the reddish glow of the rising sun with orange and yellow sapphires, 18-karat yellow gold and a central 2.37-carat carnelian. £7,500 for the Aruna ring (venyxworld.com)

WORDS: OLIVIA SHARPE

Pearl Jam

All that Glitters We love the new contemporary SS17 collection from Adore – a veritable cornucopia of elegant drop earrings, on-trend ear jackets and reversible studs, statement cocktail rings, delicate pendants and sophisticated bracelets. Sparkling pavé crystals and baguettes are used to create delicate and refined styling, while organic pebble shapes and scattered crystal techniques create a beautiful balance of contemporary design and feminine sensitivity. Each piece is light and playful, but still the epitome of sophistication – perfect for making a style statement this summer. GK From £29 (houseoffraser.co.uk) 46

June babies will no doubt be aware that their month’s birthstone is the pearl – and, with contemporary jewellers continuing to come up with innovative designs to transform this gem, they are quite spoilt for choice. Case in point is Autore, a South Sea Australian pearl farmer who, for the past 25 years, has done wonders to change the perception of pearl jewellery. Its new collection, Stardust, transcends the barriers of traditional pearl jewellery, with pieces inspired by the cosmos and solar system, with swirling rings, spiralling pendants and orbiting earrings. (autorepearls.com.au)

From horses to headlights – Alfred Dunhill’s decision to transform his family’s harness-manufacturing business into a motor accessories brand has certainly proved a good one. Now a fashion house for the discerning gentleman, Dunhill presents a relaxed collection for SS17. For summer dressing, opt for one of the label’s new blazers, which have been updated for the new season with a less formal silhouette. Our pick is the navy merino wool double-breasted jacket, which is lightweight and crease-resistant. Team with a shirt for the office and a T-shirt when the weekend arrives. £990 for the navy merino wool double-breasted jacket (dunhill.com)

Fashion news A Passage to India Embrace the bohemian trend this season with Needle & Thread’s first Resort collection. Designed in England but handmade in India, the range comprises tops and dresses ideal for balmy summer nights. The label’s signature embroidered detailing is present on peasant tops and pastel-coloured dresses, while an off-the-shoulder broderie anglaise top is crying out for warmer weather. Summer can’t come soon enough. From £70 (needleandthread.com)

Mother of Pearl A black biker jacket will always be en vogue, but why not go a little off-piste this season and invest in an off-white version of the wardrobe staple, courtesy of Coach and Rodarte? For the brands’ first collaborative collection, Rodarte’s signature floral prints have been reimagined on Coach’s chunky leather bikers, embellished accessories and dresses. Our top pick is the Moto jacket (pictured), which has been decorated with pearls and carefully hand-punched holes to create striking floral motifs. £2,300 (uk.coach.com)

IMAGE COURTESY OF DUNHILL

Blazers of Glory

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Face Time Illustrator John Booth’s surrealist portraits are brought to life this season on leather satchels, backpacks and coin purses in a collaborative project with Fendi. To celebrate the launch of the label’s extended menswear space at Harrods, Booth has decorated a limited-edition line of leather accessories with his signature rainbow faces. A selection of T-shirts is also available, created in the Harrods signature green shade to mark the occasion. From £150 (harrods.com)

Bag of Tricks Handbag Clinic, which cleans and restores handbags and accessories from the world’s most prestigious designers, is launching an exclusive new service at Harvey Nichols in Manchester, enabling customers to take advantage of its bespoke repair and restoration treatments instore. With prices from £44.95 for a full exterior clean, and from £24.95 for zip repairs, handbag devotees can enjoy a whole range of services, including cleaning, protection and stitching work, through to comprehensive repair and restoration. If ever there was a time to revive that beloved but bedraggled piece of couture languishing in the back of your closet, it’s now. For details on the repair and restoration services available from Handbag Clinic at Harvey Nichols Manchester, call 0161 828 8888 or visit the store

Dukes of Hazzard Armed with just £5,000 and a passion for stylish footwear, Archie Hewlett’s business plan was the stuff of Dragons’ Den nightmares. Fortunately, the founder of footwear label Duke & Dexter appealed to an audience that was a little easier to please than the steely Peter Jones et al crowd, instead making strides on the prestigious red carpets of Hollywood, where the likes of Eddie Redmayne OBE and Ryan Reynolds have been spotted sporting his classic loafers. The latest addition to the collection is Stealth Camo (pictured), a classic slip-on updated with a subtle black and grey camouflage print. £185 (dukeanddexter.com)

The Perfect Fit New prints and styles have been added to Prada’s made to order Décolleté collection, the fashion house’s bespoke service that allows customers to take the design wheel and create their very own pair of shoes. The diverse range includes 18 different styles of pumps and sandals and a choice of eight heel heights. Pumps are available in six shades with a new bejewelled buckle, and arrive in satin, suede, velvet or patent leather, along with more playful floral and lip prints. Finally, customers can choose from three sole colours and add charms, their initials or date of birth. From £510, available at Harrods (harrods.com)

Ooh la la! Chic brand Mon Purse is already a go-to staple for handbag addicts – offering customers the option of actually designing, customising and monogramming their perfect handbag or leather accessory – so, naturally, we were thrilled to hear that the brand has recently taken up residence at our very own Selfridges Trafford. So, ladies, sketchbooks at the ready – the bag of your dreams awaits. (uk.monpurse.com)

Beige leisure shirt, £190, brown Chelsea boots, £1,190, Dunhill (dunhill.com); Red and blue pocket square with white print £65, Turnbull &Asser, (turnbullandasser.co.uk); Leather belt, £129, DAKS, (daks.com); Cotton stretch chinos, £110, Tommy Hilfiger (tommy.com); Hunter flask with cups, £185, dark tan leather satchel (left), £1,215, Ettinger (ettinger.co.uk); Tan leather bike bag (right), £550, Gladstone London (gladstonelondon.com); Tortoiseshell and metal sunglasses, £170, Taylor Morris (taylormorriseyewear.com)

BORN FREE “The spirit of the wild is quick to assert supremacy, and no man of any sensibility can resist her” – James Stevenson-Hamilton, the first warden of South Africa’s Sabi Nature Reserve P h o t o g raph y : A l e x an d e r B e e r S t y l i n g : Graha m C r u z

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

LEFT Cream merino crew neck, £295, slim-fit chinos, £190, tortoiseshell sunglasses, £275, Dunhill (dunhill.com); Khaki long jacket, £315, Paul Smith (paulsmith.com); Sand/Havana shoulder bag, £300, Ettinger (ettinger.co.uk)(left); Olive green satchel, £175, Simon Carter (simoncarter.net)(right); Ebony ultra soft vacchetta boots, £650, Jimmy Choo (jimmychoo.com)

THIS PAGE Oatmeal blazer, £495, Chester Barrie (chesterbarrie.co.uk); White cotton shirt, £235, Thom Sweeney (thomsweeney.co.uk); Cotton shorts, £175, DAKS (daks.com); Cashmere socks, £60, Pantherella (pantherella.com); Sand suede boots, £995, Christian Louboutin (eu.christianlouboutin.com); Leopard paw necklace, £149, Joubi (joubi.co.uk); Green cotton handkerchief, £25, New & Lingwood (newandlingwood.com) 53

THIS PAGE Linen wool-mix blazer, £430, BOSS (hugoboss.com); White, pink and blue check shirt, £185, Turnbull & Asser (turnbullandasser.co.uk); Military green tie, £70, Cerruti 1881 (cerruti.com); Moleskin trousers, £135, Simon Carter (simoncarter.net); Oxblood slip-on brogues, £395, DAKS (daks.com); Linen pocket square, £35, New & Lingwood (newandlingwood.com); Glasses, from £106, Alexander McQueen (lenshour.com); Whiskey leather Pioneer carry-on suitcase, £875, SteamLine Luggage (steamlineluggage.com)

RIGHT Oatmeal safari jacket, £1,640, Thom Sweeney (thomsweeney.co.uk); White shirt with brown embroidery, £185, JBJ (j-b-j.com); Giraffe print pocket square, £50, Chester Barrie (chesterbarrie.co.uk); Calico fedora, £115, Lock & Co (lockhatters.co.uk); Cream cotton trousers, £169, BOSS (hugoboss.com); Cashmere socks, £60, Pantherella (pantherella.com); Tan suede double monk shoes, £795, John Lobb (johnlobb.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

ABOVE Pit crew racesuit, POA, Ickenham leather boots, £475, Belstaff (belstaff.co.uk); Olive weekend bag, £625, Ettinger (ettinger.co.uk); Cashmere socks, £60, Pantherella (pantherella.com)

CREDITS Model: Robertas Aukstuolis @ Select Model Management With thanks to: Barclay Stenner (barclaystenner.com); Namibia Tourism Board (namibiatourism.com.na) You can fly to Namibia with SAA (flysaa.com)

On the Park

Who said a day in the mud was dirty business? Join us for an After-Mud Tea! Begin your day with a wallow in the mud in our luxurious Rasul treatment room. Followed by a Himalayan salt scrub to cleanse and soften the skin. Next treat yourself to a 30 minute treatment of your choice! Finish with a scrumptious afternoon tea for two in the play pen! From ÂŁ99. To book please call

www.oddfellowsonthepark.com TEL: 0161 697 3066 E: reception@oddfellowsonthepark.com Oddfellows on the Park, Bruntwood Hall, Bruntwood Park, Cheadle, SK8 1HX

0161 697 3066

Helen Miller Managing Partner

Choose Stowe Family Law’s Cheshire team, part of the UK’s largest specialist Family Law firm

Nastassia Burton Managing Partner

Jane Gray Head of Wills & Probate Service

Stowe Family Law specialises in all areas of family law, including: Divorce

Wills & Probate

Finances

Prenuptial Agreements

Child Arrangement Orders

Postnuptial Agreements

Cohabitation Disputes

International Divorce

Tracing Hidden Assets

Injunctions

“This firm is widely held to be a force to be reckoned with… A strong team with an in-suppressible style and a fantastic practice” Chambers UK Guide

Call 0161 926 1410 If you need family law advice, early support can be essential. Stowe Family Law can help.

For more information contact enquiries@stowefamilylaw.co.uk or call 0161 926 1410 Hale Office The Camellia Building, 38 Oxford Road, Hale, WA14 2EB Offices across the UK including: Wilmslow, Harrogate and London www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

et your dancing shoes on with Sophia Webster’s vibrant SS17 collection, inspired by 1960s divas Diana Ross and Martha Reeves. Following a birds-of-paradise theme, the colourful range is a tropical mix of textures, hues and styles that include metallic sandals and the designer’s signature butterfly Chiara heels in a rainbow design. Our pick is the new Effie platform, which features a flashy peacock and jungle print in orange, green and purple shades. The Supremes would be proud. From £395 (sophiawebster.com)

Feather

report 59

Beauty news Mon Guerlain Summer heralds a burst of new fragrances and one that everyone should introduce to their olfactory wardrobe this season is Mon Guerlain. Angelina Jolie fronts the new perfume’s campaign and, while this in itself would be enough of an endorsement, the fragrance house has not allowed style to take over substance. The oriental scent, featuring notes of vanilla, lavender, jasmine and sandalwood, truly embodies “the scent of a woman”. From £45 (guerlain.com )

loves

Lip Service Lips are usually last on the list when it comes to our beauty care regime, but it is just as important to keep them as hydrated, nourished and protected as our skin, particularly during the summer months. The ever-expanding Korean beauty market offers an array of products dedicated to creating the perfect pout, from jelly lip masks to exfoliating scrubs. However, Dolce & Gabbana has the quick-fix answer with its new range of lipsticks, offering both intense colour and care in one application. Each of the 16 shades, ranging from soft nude to sunny coral, contains emollient oils which soften the skin and leave a protective film that doesn’t affect the overall radiant finish. Miss Sicily lipstick, £27 each, exclusive to Harrods (harrods.com)

The Noble Vineyard For those who enjoy soft, smooth skin and a crisp glass of wine on a balmy summer’s eve (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), we think you might be interested in the latest launches from British bath and body specialist, Noble Isle. With a base formed from three varieties of ripe and juicy grapes – usually reserved for champagne and English sparkling wine – additional natural extracts are then added to create a luxurious formula that cleanses, comforts and nourishes the skin. The result is a hand wash and body lotion with a fresh, fruity and gentle aroma that’s perfect for sunny, soothing summer days. Golden Harvest Hand Wash, £18, Hand Lotion, £20 (nobleisle.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Haute Hair

Say Goodbye to Shine Murad have created the incredible MattEffect Blotting Perfector, a first-of-its-kind skincare cushion compact which instantly absorbs oil to mattify skin, while refreshing and setting make-up for touch ups on-the-go. All you have to do is lightly press the applicator puff into the cushion, then pat the puff onto your skin – focusing on oily areas – either on bare skin for a natural look, before make-up to prime, after make-up to set, or throughout the day to refresh. £32 (murad.co.uk)

Paris-based hair stylist David Mallett is popular with fashion houses and photographers alike, and was personally invited by The Ritz in Paris to open a salon. For those hoping to emulate his stylish creations at home, his eponymous product line is now available in the UK, with vitamin-rich Japanese Nori (edible seaweed) and magnesium-rich Murray River Salt products that include serum, shampoo and salt spray. From £16 (satindays.com)

Turn a Hair There has been a subtle rise in the number of hair mists (also known as hair perfumes) on the market, with the likes of Dior, Thierry Mugler and Chanel all having created versions using their most popular scents. Next to join the fray is British brand Jo Malone, which debuts its first hair mist this month. With delicate notes of magnolia interspersed with zesty orange flower and lemon, this spring scent is guaranteed to leave your locks smelling as fresh as they did on the first-day wash (even when it’s the third). London Star Magnolia Hair Mist, £38 for 50ml (jomalone.co.uk)

Back to Burberry Basics British model Iris Law stars in Burberry’s new campaign for The Essentials collection, an edit of products focused on three elements: prime, contour and highlight. Pink Pearl and Rose Gold shades join the Fresh Glow Highlighter powder range, while the Lip Colour Contour is totally new. The dome-shaped tip of the nude pen is inspired by backstage make-up techniques, where lips are smoothed and accentuated before before colour is applied. From £24 (uk.burberry.com)

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Mummy Makeovers Body confidence is something we all aspire to, especially as the sun comes out and the swimwear hits the shops. This is particularly true of postpregnancy women and this has led to a rise in ‘mummy makeovers’. With the holiday season soon to be upon us, Gerard Lambe explains what it’s all about

aving a baby changes your life, but pregnancy itself can be hard on a woman’s body. Rapid weight gain, followed by subsequent loss and expanding skin, all takes its toll. Many of my patients come to see me post-pregnancy because their bodies have changed and, for them, flabby skin, stretchmarks and changes in their breasts results in a lack of confidence. They want to look restored and get back to how their bodies looked before. The Mummy Makeover is a combination of transformative procedures that can make a woman feel self-assured again. The process deals with the parts of the body that have been changed most by pregnancy and breast-feeding, enabling my clients to regain their prepregnancy bodies. Obviously, everybody is different, but in general Mummy Makeovers are a combination of procedures: tummy tuck, where excess skin is trimmed off around the tummy area and reshaped to give a flatter stomach; liposuction and removal of excess weight, in areas which do not respond well to diet and exercise alone; and breast surgery. Depending on the patient, this may include an uplift, reduction or augmentation. At Reflect, we use the state-of-the-art Crisalix Virtual Reality Visors. By looking in a virtualreality mirror, this technology allows patients to see their post-surgery breasts before I perform the operation. This gives assurance to my patients ,which is of utmost importance to me. Women who know their family is complete, and are not considering further pregnancies, find the decision to have several procedures together reduces the downtime – which is

important, especially when you have a family. Patients need to be in good health and looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle in the future. From the very first consultation, I focus on making sure patients feel comfortable and confident about the journey they are taking, offering support and reassurance during the whole process and throughout recovery. Gerard Lambe performs world class surgery at The Christie Hospital in South Manchester, where he leads the Breast Reconstruction Unit and is a regular speaker at medical conferences and women’s events. If this sounds like you, then please take a look at our website, reflectclinic.co.uk, in the first instance. You can also book a no-pressure consultation in a range of hospitals in Cheshire, including 52 Alderley Road in Wilmslow, The Christie Private Clinic in Didsbury, Spire Cheshire in Warrington and the brand new state-of-the-art Spire Manchester. Please call Jayne on 0161 393 3993 to book.

Manchester City Centre: 0161 834 1616 | Heswall, Telegraph Road: 0151 342 1002 Selfridges, Trafford Centre: 0161 629 1102 | Chester, Northgate Street: 01244 318818 www.andrewcolinge.com andrewcollingeuk andrew_collinge andrew_collinge

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25/05/2017 14:49

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

Making the Cut The Collinge name is one of the most respected in the hairdressing industry, now a fourth generation business with a chain of salons and training schools across the North West region

ounded in Liverpool, Andrew Collinge salons and training schools can be found in towns and cities across the region, including Manchester, Chester and Heswall. All the salons are proud to have a team of talented, highly skilled stylists and a strong and loyal clientele. With its reputation for delivering a consistently high standard of hairdressing and exceptional customer service, the company was approached by Selfridges to open a salon in itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prestigious Trafford Centre store â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an exciting opportunity which proved to be an instant hit: a perfect salon destination for fashionistas and discerning clients alike. Excellent training is paramount to the success of the company. Andrew's father, Peter Collinge OBE, founded the Collinge Training Academy in the 1970s, and the award-winning company has been synonymous with quality hairdressing training ever since. Today, more than 100 salons

with the fingers rather than brushes. However, the hairstyles have a modern feel created by today's skilled cutting techniques and professional use of colour. Each look has been complemented with the TIGI Copyright colour range using a palette of soft pastel colours, luminous semi-permanents and carefully placed highlights. All in all, it's very much an appealing collection of hairstyles, with the added benefit of being easy for the client to replicate at home. (andrewcollinge.com/hair-salons)

The collection has been influenced by the 80s in that the hair has been dried more naturally throughout the North West choose Andrew Collinge as their training provider, with the reassurance that their apprentices will develop the knowledge and skills they need to progress into a successful career in hairdressing. The salon group has a reputation for producing inspirational, wearable hair and the latest images from the creative team showcasing their 2017 summer collection are no exception. Entitled the Pure Collection, the team worked with the natural texture of the hair, encouraging and enhancing its curl, wave and movement. The collection has been influenced by the 80s in that the hair has been dried more naturally, working

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Preventative Dentistry Local dental hygienist Lisa Wright gives advice on maintaining good dental health

f you are focused on maintaining good oral health and hygiene, you should schedule a dentist appointment every six months – but the dentist is not the end of the story. The key to good dental health comes from you making the time and effort to brush and floss correctly and regularly and by visiting the dental hygienist every three months. When visiting a dentist, a dental exam could consist of a few things. Firstly the dentist uses a mirror and a light to visually explore the mouth, noticing any potential problems and the areas that are difficult to reach while brushing. Additionally, an x-ray can also be used to analyse the teeth in more detail and identify any unseen cavities. Although the dentist may guide you and do some cleaning, a hygienist is specially trained to remove plaque and tartar using thorough, professional teeth-cleaning methods which will treat and prevent gum disease Following a comprehensive examination, the dentist and hygienist can guide you on next steps. He or she can tell you how best to brush, how often, how to effectively clean around braces and how to use interdental brushes – the rest is up to you.

Top tips for good dental health include: • Brush twice every day. • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables. • Avoid simple carbohydrates like white bread and refined artificial sugar found in sweets, chocolate and some drinks. • Drink plenty of water. Avoid sweetened drinks like fruit squash, juice, soda and sugared tea and coffee. • Floss every day to clean hard-to-reach places. The best treatment for oral problems like gum disease and cavities is to avoid them completely. This is the ultimate goal of preventative dentistry – good, thorough maintenance of your mouth today will prevent a range of dental problems in the future. Often a person may not know they have tooth decay or gum disease until it is more advanced, if left untreated this may then lead tooth loss. Signs of gum disease include sore, red or swollen gums or bleeding when you brush your teeth or floss. If you’d like more tips on preventative dentistry, have concerns over gum disease or to schedule a dentist appointment, call us on 01925 740510 Dental Academy, Daresbury Lodge, Chester Rd, Daresbury, Warrington WA4 5LR (dentalacademy.co.uk)

Ask the Expert Lisa Wright Dip Dent Hyg RCSEd. Dental hygienist, GDC 6659 Lisa qualified as a Dental Hygienist in June 2005. She has worked at The Dental Academy for more than six years, forming part of the hygienist/ therapist team with colleagues Vicky Howarth and Angela Barrow. Together, they treat people from all walks of life, carrying out a full range of dental care.

Using the latest technology and expertise, The Dental Academy offers the perfect solution to missing or failing teeth. With more than 25 years’ experience in the field of dental implants, the team at The Dental Academy understands the impact that total tooth loss can have on personal confidence and quality of life. The Dental Academy is at the forefront in the advancement of, and investment in, dental implants. The team’s dedication to offering an alternative to wearing dentures has seen a huge improvement in quality of life for many patients. One of the biggest fears faced by people who have lost, or are about to lose, all their teeth is the prospect of being without any teeth at all for a period of time. The “Teeth in One Day” concept alleviates this fear. Patients leave at the end of the day with a full set of fixed teeth, a natural smile, and growing confidence. They find themselves looking forward to an immediately improved quality of life – all in one day.

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www.engagehub.co.uk hello@engagehub.co.uk 0161 222 3450

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

SOLE Man T

he cobblers and craftsmen that construct Christian Louboutin’s red-soled shoes are the focus of the label’s SS17 collection, a nod to the Italian craftsmanship that has been at the helm of the brand ever since it began in 1992. Combining traditional methods with contemporary design, the Culture Convergence line shows off the skills of its creators with spike detailing and contrasting textures (Daurassic), metallic studs (Crapamale) and supple suede leather (Charlie Me), hand-crafted into brogues fit for all manner of occasions. £565 (eu.christianlouboutin.com)

ith just a ry and menities away, reliable dilly train chester s.

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T: 0161 876 5305

AC HOTEL MANCHESTER SALFORD QUAYS AC Hotel occupies a coveted location minutes by tram or car from Manchester city centre, in the fashionable Salford Quays area, home to MediaCityUK and minutes walk from two iconic sporting venues - Old Trafford and Lancashire County Cricket Ground – Emirates Old Trafford. • • • • • •

Intimate facilities provide an ideal base for small to medium sized meetings catering up to 120 guests. All the latest AV technology is available with Clickshare technology, large LED screens and complimentary high speed WiFi throughout the hotel. Dedicated on site coordinators will ensure all your needs are attended to throughout your event. The relaxing environment of AC Library provides a unique space to inspire creativity. Our 142 bedrooms combine modern design with sleek furnishings to create an atmosphere of calm, the perfect base for your time in our city. Complimentary car park for day use located directly behind the hotel with up to 50 spaces.

AC HOTEL MANCHESTER, SALFORD QUAYS, 17-19 Trafford Road, Salford, Quays Manchester M5 3AW

www.ac-hotels.com

0161 876 5305

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

From the worlds of property development to interior design, some of the North Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most successful and driven men share the life lessons and advice which have shaped them

Nick Payne Managing Director at Nikal Group, Property Investment, Development & Regeneration

Simon Evans Managing Director of Uber Interiors & The Design Practice by Uber Since its inception in 2009, Simon’s Knutsfordbased, multi award-winning company has specialised in high-end residential and commercial interior architecture and design as well as supply, catering for everything from Grade II-listed buildings and a South African game reserve to mansions in Washington DC, and now has offices in Cheshire, Surrey and South Africa. “It’s been an incredible journey, and we’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in some wonderful projects around the world,” he explains. “The geographical reach of our work is extraordinary: it’s incredible to think that we are supplying some of the world’s most iconic buildings and companies. “I learned early on in my life that passion is the most important attribute in business, and I simply can’t think of any other job I’d rather be doing, where I can personally add as much value and be rewarded by such a sense of excitement in my clients’ eyes.” While obviously a man of vision and talent, Simon is quick to acknowledge that a strong and successful business needs a strong team. “I’m fortunate enough to have trained and amassed a formidable team, with more strength and depth than any other design practice that I know of,” he explains. “Our architects and designers have decades of experience, and are full of passion, creativity and strength of thought. “I recognise that I am blessed, and I continue to surround myself in both my work and home life with positive people, who care not only about what they do, but who they are as people.” (thedesignpractice.com)

Born in Bowdon and raised in Hale, Nick qualified as a surveyor in 1989, working in London before returning north in the late 1990s to establish Westport Developments, the company behind the regeneration of Manchester’s Deansgate Locks – a colossal project heralded as a catalyst for the city’s recent urban leisure transformation. In 2003, he established property firm Nikal with partner Alan Murphy, which today is responsible for a development pipeline of over £1billion. Current projects include a new urban village with 603 apartments in Birmingham city centre, 300 new homes under luxury brand Hillcrest Homes, and Altrincham’s dynamic new residential and lifestyle quarter, Altair. The father-of-three considers raising his daughters and “watching them grow to become thoroughly delightful people” as one of his greatest achievements in life. He is also proud to work in the great city of Manchester while residing in “an idyllic spot close to nature on the banks of the Ribble” in rural Lancashire. So what advice does he have for achieving a work/life balance? “Look after yourself – your body and your mind,” Nick says. “I realised late in life the importance of good nutrition, regular exercise and mindfulness. About six years ago I took up hot Yoga; it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done and I’ve learnt a lot. It’s too easy for work to become all-consuming. Yoga creates a space between the challenges of running a successful business and all other aspects of my life. But my best piece of advice? Two ears, one mouth – use them in that proportion!” (nikal.uk.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Simon Williams Partner and Head of Corporate & Commercial at Jolliffe & Co LLP Solicitors Born in Wrexham and brought up in Chester, Simon graduated from the University of Wales and the Autonomous University of Barcelona in 2004 with a degree in law and Spanish, going on to train at a top-100 law-ranked firm before qualifying in 2008. The fact that it was only one year later that he joined acclaimed solicitors Jolliffe & Co LLP, and only four years after that – aged just 31 – that he became an equity partner at the firm, should tell you all you need to know about his levels of drive. “When it comes to my career, my greatest achievement is undoubtedly making equity partner at 31,” Simon explains. “But in terms of experiences in life, it’s probably spending a year

Ray Sherlock Director at Engage Hub In a world where connecting with customers is something few businesses can afford to miss out on, navigating the complex channels of social media, communications and campaigns all at once can be quite the challenge. And that’s when Engage Hub steps in – a company which provides businesses with data-driven customer engagement solutions, and boasts Grono, Living Ventures and Tissino among its list of clients.

travelling around the world in 2005/2006.” As a fluent Spanish speaker, Simon is a keen traveller, and also lists sport, music and socialising among his interests. While many in such demanding professions might find juggling such pursuits impossible alongside a crowded work schedule, Simon chooses to see a busy career and thriving social life as crucial balancing factors. “I like to keep a healthy work/life balance,” he says. “It’s important to be well organised and to have a planned structure to your work day, then to make sure you find time to unwind in the evening and weekends by doing things you enjoy.” (jolliffes.com)

Born in Dublin, Ray moved to the north west at the age of 20, living first in Chorlton before eventually moving to Didsbury in 2010. Ray considers the fact that he’s been able to re-invent himself constantly, finding out exactly who he is and what drives him, among his greatest achievements – and it was these reinventions which drew him to Engage Hub, where he has worked as director since 2015. “Doing the same thing my whole life never appealed to me,” Ray explains. “So being able to realign myself with life has been really crucial. I consider what Engage Hub has achieved to date as my greatest business success, as right now we’re stronger than ever. Spending time building the right team and working endless of late nights and weekends has been worth it.” So, in a job which demands such dedication and long hours, how does he make sure that his work/life balance stays healthy? “Coming from the social media sector, it’s difficult to switch off in the evening, as my office then becomes my phone or my tablet,” Ray says. “To counter this, I always make non-work plans, then set my targets around them – that way I work to my deadlines and then reward myself with time with friends and family. Though, of course, the phone stays on.” (engagehub.co.uk) 73

Rob Gelling Founder of Kitchen Architecture Born and raised in Frodsham, Rob points out that it was his “safe and secure” childhood which allowed him to grow into someone able to comfortably “take risks and experiment” – an enviable quality which later gave him the courage to establish the now wildly successful Kitchen Architecture with wife Jen in 2002.

Andrew Morris General Manager at Chester Racecourse Born in Cheltenham and arriving in Cheshire via university in London and a spell with the Jockey Club, Andrew qualified as clerk of the course aged just 24 – then the youngest in the country. Despite describing himself as someone who “much prefers to look ahead than reflect on the past”, he takes pride in the various improvements the racecourse has seen since he took up the role of racing manager there in 2011. “I’m very proud that we became the only course not to run a race for less than £10,000, and of the design and build of the paddock club and winning post enclosures. We were also the first in the industry to introduce an appearance

“Growing the business to a brilliantly dedicated team of 50 and working with some inspiring architects, clients and mentors has been incredible,” Rob says. “Personally, being asked to work with clients such as prime ministers, top chefs and celebrities has definitely been the icing on the cake. Despite the awards, knowing that we have created more than two thousand happy clients by adding value to their living spaces is extremely satisfying.” Pausing to add, “That said, it sounds cheesy, but meeting my wife at 25 and having our two beautiful daughters is still my greatest achievement.” “When it comes to a good work/life balance, I’ve been really fortunate in loving what I do,” he explains. “The creative side is as much a hobby as a job. As my wife and I work together, I think she is probably more understanding than most when I need to spend time on the business. A lot of owner managers are also control freaks, and delegation doesn’t often come naturally. I realised a few years ago that if I was to have any balance, then delegation was important. I have stepped away from the day-to -day client-facing side of the business now, allowing our design managers to take control of their projects and build strong relationships. As long as the clients are happy, then I’m happy!” (kitchenarchitecture.co.uk)

money scheme, which means that every horse which runs receives £500.” When it comes to a good balance, Andrew emphasises that, though working long hours and weekends is at times inevitable, it shouldn’t become the norm or be equated with success. “It’s about working smarter and understanding that some time away from work will improve your ability to complete your role,” he explains. “For me, that means playing golf, leaving my phone in the car and having four hours without any emails or calls so I can really switch off.” (chester-races.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Mark Boler Co-owner of The Mere Collection Growing up in Cheshire, Mark attended Hulme Hall School and then Milfield in Somerset. He now lives in Alderley Edge with his wife and three boys. He joined his father, Stephen Boler, in business, aged just 22 when he took over the reins at The Mere, successfully repositioning the Country Club as a deluxe resort and spa. “It was a steep learning curve. I had never been in hospitality before [Mark worked at Great Universal and White Arrow as a management trainee prior to this opportunity], but I knew I was good with people. “The key for a successful business is to listen to what people say; the team as well as the clients. I learned that very early on. It is true that people are at the heart of business, and acknowledging that you can’t do everything is important. Employing people who are better at things than you are, allows you to focus your strengths and gives you the freedom to develop the business more quickly and effectively.” Today, The Mere Golf Resort & Spa employs 250 people, and The Mere Collection has added a second offering, The Stanneylands, which opened in April. “This is a huge milestone for The Mere Collection and represents a strategic leap forwards for us as a business as we continue to grow the brand across the county.” (themereresort.co.uk; stanneylands.co.uk)

John McLaughlin General Manager of the Hilton Manchester Deansgate Born and raised in Alloa in the central lowlands of Scotland, John took up his role at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate in 2010, quickly garnering praise for spearheading the company’s involvement in community projects. Hugely proud to be at the helm of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, John is conscious of the great responsibility to “keep the magic of Manchester alive” that comes with his job. “One of my proudest achievements is the passion, dedication and pride my team members still show, day in and day out,” he enthuses. “We’re lucky to have a team of creative, inspiring people and a lot of our cocktails, menus and meeting room themes are inspired by the city’s great heritage, which we hope makes guests leave feeling inspired by Manchester. We’ve built a culture of togetherness that I hope translates with guests, too.” And with hospitality renowned for its demanding work schedule, John is more conscious than most of the need for a healthy work/life balance. “In hospitality, your workplace never sleeps,” John explains. “But it’s so important in any field of work that you make time to switch off. Over the years, I’ve found the most successful, driven people spend their spare time relaxing, exploring and enjoying quality time with friends and family. I’m lucky to be surrounded by very driven, hardworking people, but I also encourage them to switch off, as this really enriches them and makes them more productive.” (hilton.com)

man of the

sea Hugo BOSS ambassador and worldrecord-holding yachtsman Alex Thomson meets Gemma Knight to talk rogue waves, holy grails and G&Ts

s a girl from a yachting background, I know that if there’s one thing a sailor knows how to do, it’s tell a good story – and it’s this thought that passes through my mind when, huddled below deck on Alex Thomson’s IMOCA 60 yacht as it bobs gently on its mooring, I gaze across at the faces of the six other journalists present. Each one of them is – there is no other word for it – spellbound. Seated in the centre, beside the boat’s gas-canister kitchen, is the man himself, in grey gilet and black race trousers, his neatly bearded face alive with animation. He is recounting the moment that his 60ft yacht was overturned by a rogue wave during the Transat Jacques Vabre race from Le Havre to Brazil in 2015, bashing a metal panel in front of him to simulate the crashing of waves against hull and mimicking his and his Spanish co-skipper’s panicked back-and-forth with Jackanory-worthy vigour – and his audience is rapt. But then, given the nature of the job, it’s no surprise that yachtsmen and women become such adept narrators. With days and months spent alone at sea, battling natural elements and

mental challenges, their dynamism and determination to succeed become components of their stories as stimulating as the experiences themselves – and Alex is no exception. Hailing from Bangor in North Wales, Alex began windsurfing from age 11, took to dinghies at 14 and finally sailed his first yacht at 21. In 1999, at the age of 25, he became the youngest yachtsman ever to win a round-the-

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world race (a record he still holds), and he’s since gone on – via a multitude of highs and lows – to be regarded as one of Britain’s most talented and esteemed sailors. Nevertheless, the holy grail of the nautical world – first place in the prestigious Vendée Globe, a solo, non-stop, 24,000-mile, threemonth round-the-world race, typically only finished by half of its entrants and never won by a Brit – has continued to elude him. But he’s getting closer. Having been forced to retire with a damaged boat in the 2004 and 2008 races, he came third in 2012, and a tantalising second in 2016 – finishing with a broken boat, four world records and the additional accolade of being the fastest British sailor to ever complete the course (in 74 days, 19 hours and 35 minutes). “People often ask me why I do this, and really there are four reasons,” he explains to me. “First thing is the challenge: when you put it in perspective, today fewer than a hundred people have ever sailed non-stop solo around the world. Compare that with 3,000 people having climbed Mount Everest and 700 people having gone into space, that really tells you how hard it is. The second thing is competition. If I play squash or tennis, I’m the one that leaves with cuts and bruises, because I just can’t bear to lose, and I love it. The third thing is that I get millions of Euros to build what I consider to be the world’s best toy, and then every year I get more money to make it go faster. So if you’re into boats, this is just the ultimate experience. And the last thing is – and it took me a while to really realise

it – the thing is that all boats are small when you leave sight of land, and as soon as you go out there and all you can see is ocean, you then have an understanding of how small we are, and how big nature is. For me, that’s a really humbling experience, and I think that’s one of the things I love most about what I do.” One of Alex and his team’s chief sponsors is fashion label Hugo BOSS, who brand the boat and outfit his team – a partnership of 15 years that’s seen Alex come up with an array of promotional stunts that’ve earned him a reputation as something of a daredevil. “Over the years I’ve stood on keels and jumped off masts, and Hugo BOSS has always supported that – although quite often they do turn around and say ‘Come on, Alex, what’re you doing??’ But, for me, standing on the keel in a Hugo BOSS suit was so much fun – and after I’d done it 30 times, the marketing people all said ‘Great Alex, ok that’s a wrap’, and I was like ‘Oh, no no no – I want to drink gin on it!’, so they went and got some gin and some glasses, and there’re some fantastic pictures of me sat on the keel drinking gin and tonic.” He laughs, and adds, “So what we’ve always liked is that Hugo BOSS never wants to follow anyone: they always want to do something a bit different, which works well with what we want to do.” But cocktails and nautical stunts aside, there’s really only one thing on Alex’s mind, and that’s – understandably – the next Vendée Globe. “I’m getting ready to go again in 2020,” he says, game face on. “I’ve got the green light from my wife, I phoned her before the end of the 2016 race – because we had agreed that would be my last, because I’ve got a six year-old and a two year-old and it takes a lot out of you – and I said ‘Kate, the big question they’re going to ask is, am I going to go again?’, and she said ‘Alex, you can’t come third last time, second this time and not do the next one; you have to go again’. So, right now, our mission is to bring all the sponsorship in, put the right team together and then go out and win it,” He pauses and grins, adding “And for the next one, we’ll be the favourite.” (hugoboss.com; alexthomsonracing.com)

The First Time For many, passing your driving test is a stepping stone to great things. Iain Warde checks out some of the best cars to start your journey in and offers some advice

ars mean freedom. You can visit friends, plan days out or pack your bags and head off pretty much anywhere you like. My trips have taken me to some lovely locations in the UK, and further afield to France and Germany, in all manner of cars. My first was an RS Turbo, but that's going back somewhat. I always was a rebel. Buying and running a car is expensive, but

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new drivers seem to have a particularly hard time. There are lots of decisions to make, beyond choosing the right car. There's a lot to consider when you're choosing your first car. A balance of heart and head, stylish but cost efficient to run, with low insurance, good fuel economy and high safety. Inevitably, we're looking at the small car market. It's not an easy task, but have a look at what the experts say below.

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Ford Fiesta Style+, 1.25 The best-selling car in the country. Easy to drive, great fun and with safety features including the MyKey system, which allows concerned parents to restrict maximum speed and stereo volume. The 1.0 Ecoboost turbo offers 99bhp, complete with a six speed gear box, it is a great little car. Style Cost Insurance NCAP

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With a low insurance group, road-tax exemption and practicality, this has to be our pick of the bunch. Especially as you get all the components from the parent company, VW. Style Cost Insurance NCAP

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Fiat 500 POP STAR 1.2

If it’s retro charm and fun you’re after, this is our pick. However, other perks include slow depreciation and, of course, there’s a myriad of personalisation options to boot. Style Cost Insurance NCAP

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Motoring | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Mini 1.4 ONE D It’s a popular choice and definitely has the style factor. This little icon may be expensive compared to other superminis, but it also has the best residual values in its class. It’s fun, reliable and safe. Style Cost Insurance NCAP

insurance The biggest shock you will have when buying a new car is the insurance. Unfortunately, first time drivers are the captive audience for insurance companies who hike up premiums; add to this the cost of running the car and tax, and the search can be a little daunting. There are many tips to get the cost of insurance down for first-time drivers. Here are some of the best to keep you ahead of the companies and keep money in your bank.

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• Don’t assume third party is the cheapest. The rationale is that insurers think people who choose third-party insurance are more of a risk. In one low-risk young driver quote, we found an annual £1,500 saving for having comprehensive cover over a third-party only policy. • Try adding a second responsible driver. Adding a second driver should push the cost up, yet bizarrely it can cut your costs. • Multi-car polices: if you live with parents, this is a great way to reduce the cost even further • Telematics. Get a black box installed that monitors the driver’s behaviour. You can potentially earn £100s back on your cover.

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Travel news The Siren’s Call Positano is two things in splendid abundance: chic and vertiginous. Chic because, as the jewel in the Amalfi Coast’s crown, it has been drawing the world’s discreetly affluent for decades – and vertiginous, because its immaculate buildings and winding streets cling to a steeply dramatic

incline; as John Steinbeck wrote in his now-renowned love letter to the town for Harper’s Bazaar in 1953, in Positano ‘you do not walk to visit a friend, you either climb or slide’. In fact, this love letter – neatly bound into a pocket-size volume – is just one of the elegant little touches which await in the neatly luxurious rooms of hotel Le Sirenuse, along with pretty painted tiles, sleek technical touches, swathes

of white linen and breathtaking views which tumble away across multi-coloured rooftops and spires to the dark-sand beach and port below. On the smart, shaded pool terrace, honeymooners,

well-heeled Europeans, touring Americans and occasional celebrities sip local wine and pick at luscious fruit platters, prepared by the same chefs who beaver away in the kitchen of La Sponda, the hotel’s impossibly romantic candle-lit restaurant. Originally a private home, the seven-floor hotel is still owned by its original Neopolitan residents – the Sersale family – and filled with antique treasures and artful touches which maintain a homely feel. This is emphasised by perhaps the most affable, friendly staff I’ve ever encountered, meticulous and considerate to a fault so that you almost feel you are among old friends.

It’s no surprise to me that Le Sirenuse was where Steinbeck chose to lodge during his time here and, if – as he wrote – ‘Positano bites deep’ as ‘a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone’, then it must be said that Le Sirenuse and its warmth bite deeper still. (sirenuse.it)

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GOING FORWARDS

Travel in Style Celebrations are certainly in order – Manchester Airport has officially opened its brand new adult-only 1903 lounge in Terminal 3. The lounge, named after the year of the Wright Brothers first flight, holds up to 71 people and provides a more premium offering for passengers looking to get their holidays off to a flying start. Those using the lounge will not only have access to Fast Track security and unlimited free Wi-Fi, but also to an all-inclusive food menu, as well as a drinks menu which includes such treats as Manchester Pale Ale and the special Manchester pink raspberry-infused gin. You might just have trouble prizing yourself away. From £35 when booked in advance (manchesterairport.co.uk/1903)

Short haul vs long haul

Short haul Horsing Around

Be Il-Lume-inated Since it opened its doors – and heralded chef Luigi Taglienti’s highly anticipated return to the kitchen – in July 2016, Milan’s Michelin-star restaurant LUME has been making the biggest of waves in the culinary world. Spread across two rooms, the eatery resides at W37, an exclusive complex within a renovated porcelain factory in the bohemian Naviglio Grande (Grand Canal) district of the city. It is minimalist to a fault – with sheer white curtains tapering the natural light which floods in through floor-to-ceiling windows, elegantly sensible white tables and very little else – but the menus are anything but. In addition to the à la carte, which changes every season, there are two tasting menus, one traditionally Milanese, the other more experimental. If you’re looking for a true food experience – and a venue that epitomises haute cuisine in all its fabulous complexity – then this is it. (lumemilano.com)

Journeying Jerusalem Once a privately owned 19th Century villa, the Villa Brown Jerusalem was considered one of the most impressive buildings in the area. Now, fully renovated with two extra floors, a rooftop spa and 24 luxurious rooms and suites, the villa is ready to house the needs of the modern traveller. Located just five minutes away from Jerusalem’s Old City and featuring an underground cave bar, it’s the perfect fusion of lux and history. From $255 per night (brownhotels.com)

Surrounded by wild flowers, fruit orchards, vineyards and medicinal herb gardens, La Donaira is a hidden gem. In the midst of it all lies a century-old Andalusian farmhouse, sensitively restored to create an eco-luxury retreat. Unwind with the newly refurbished spa, or explore the expansive grounds on horseback. For those who want to brush up on their rodeo skills, horse-riding lessons are available on site. From €250 per night (ladonaira.com)

Long haul

Keep it on the Lowell Paying homage to the creator of Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic Marrakech-based garden, Jardin Majorelle, The Lowell hotel has introduced The Majorelle restaurant. The menu, shaped by top chefs, contains French classics with a Mediterranean twist, and the restaurant has been decorated with the garden’s famous blue and yellow colour scheme. With exotic plants, orchids and fountains, The Lowell has created a zone of vibrant tranquillity within the bustle of New York. (lowellhotel.com)

Vive Venezia Venice, isolated by canals and connected by bridges, remains one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, attracting more than twenty million visitors a year. Rebecca Underwood guides us on a cultural and culinary visit

ost visitors begin their explorations at St Mark’s, the magnificent central square, which Napoleon Bonaparte called ‘the drawing room of Europe’. The atmosphere is lively amidst the hustle and bustle as the street hawkers jostle for position and the busy cafés serve frothy cappuccinos throughout the day. I headed for the Florian Café. Established in 1720, it is said that many members of Venetian society, including the playwright Carlo Goldoni and the author Giacomo Casanova, who achieved international fame as a scandalous philanderer, were regular patrons. Today, English afternoon tea is served

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with aplomb – on silver trays by sharply dressed waiters – and includes a tasty selection of delicate sandwiches, delicious scones oozing with fruity jam and cream, and piping hot pots of tea. As the diners take in the grandeur of the Neo Baroque surroundings, the harmonious strains of classical music, played by the resident orchestra, drift across the café, adding to the ambience. After tea, a leisurely stroll around the square is just the ticket and St Mark’s Basilica, one of Venice’s main attractions, towers above the eastern end. Five Byzantine domes and 24-karat gold leaf and glass mosaics glitter in the sunlight, demanding the admiration of those passing by. It is recorded that, in 828, the remains of St Mark were smuggled out of Alexandria, Egypt, by two merchants, and were presented to Giustiniano Particiaco, the Doge of Venice. St Mark’s Basilica was duly completed in 832, along with St Mark’s Campanile. Soaring 323 feet into the Venetian sky, the bell tower is one of the most recognised symbols of the city. Beside the Basilica and joined by a ceremonial entrance, the ‘Porta della Carta’ leads into the Doge’s Palace, a Gothic architectural masterpiece and a major landmark of the city. The building, erected in 1340, served as the centre of government and the official

“Five Byzantine domes and 24-karat gold leaf and glass mosaics glitter in the sunlight”

residence of the Doge of Venice. Today, visitors are at liberty to wander around the courtyards, the Doge’s living quarters and the grand halls of the institutional chambers, which feature frescoed walls, gold-plated ceilings, elaborate murals and magnificent works of art, including Tintoretto’s Il Paradiso, which was completed in 1577 and is located in the Sala del Collegio. For a first rate Venitian luncheon, the Ristorante Al Giardinetto da Severino, located on Sestiere Castello, is only a five-minute stroll from St Mark’s Square. The property dates back to the 15th century and has been managed by the same family since 1949. The main dining room, which features a vaulted ceiling, was once a chapel, and there is also a spacious courtyard where diners are seated under a vine-covered canopy. I opted for the scrumptious fegato alla veneziana (Venetian style calves’ liver), and a glass of Solaia 1988 complemented the flavours perfectly. Another famous landmark is the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the Doge’s Palace with the prison. The graceful Baroque arch features two intricately carved stone grills and it is believed that

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prisoners on their way to the cells would sigh as they snatched a brief glimpse of the lagoon. For those seeking an infinitely more comfortable and luxurious residence – one which offers exceptional service and a first rate concierge – the elegant Londra Palace, which dates back to 1860, is located on the Riva Degli Schiavoni promenade, a short walk from San Marco. An associate of Relais & Chateaux, this hotel offers spacious accommodation with a selection of suites featuring large windows, affording sweeping views across the lagoon and St Mark’s Basin. I stayed in a stylish junior suite with Biedermeier-style furniture and walls adorned with rich tapestries and brocades, soft carpeting underfoot and an ultra comfortable bed. The hotel’s fascinating list of past residents includes Tchaikovsky, who was inspired to write the first three movements of his fourth symphony as he gazed across the lagoon to the island of San Giorgio. He named his symphony Do Leoni, in honour of the Lion of San Marco, and the hotel’s restaurant bears this name. For visitors on a limited budget, the Hotel Gabrielli, which has been in business since 1856 and is also located on the Riva Degli Schiavoni, offers a traditional Venetian experience. Accommodations are spacious and feature Venetian antique furniture with wooden floors

and colourful Murano glass chandeliers. The hotel comprises four inter-connecting houses and there is a rooftop terrace, which is the ideal spot for an afternoon tipple. To go further afield, head for the Bistrot de Venise, featured in the 2016 Michelin Guide. Located on Calle dei Fabbri, this restaurant offers historical Venetian cuisine with a contemporary twist, in addition to classic and modern dishes. The historical tasting menu, paired with a fine selection of Italian wines, presents a choice of six courses. After dining, take a gondola or boat ride along the Grand Canal; sail underneath the charming Rialto Bridge and along the meandering narrow waterways. It is a truly enchanting experience and provides the opportunity to fully appreciate the city’s exceptional examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. For those contemplating a romantic weekend getaway, consider the words of Truman Capote, ‘Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go’.

NEED TO KNOW Venice Travel Tip: For a selection of tours or tailor-made boat excursions, Dogaressa Tours operates a fleet of original Venetian boats, including the Bragòzzo, which can accommodate a large group. (dogaressa.tours) UK Travel Tip: Monarch operates flights to Venice from Birmingham, London Gatwick and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, from £49 one way (£95 return). (monarch.co.uk)

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Beguiling

Bahrain Rebecca Underwood visits the island kingdom of Bahrain, famous for its pearls, culture and luxury

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oaring above the clouds with Bahrain’s national carrier, my mother and I were cocooned in true comfort and style, reclining in Gulf Air’s Falcon Gold seats. We placed our dining order with the on-board chef and were enchanted with our first experience of Arabian hospitality – and, in just over six hours, we touched down in the captivating Kingdom of Bahrain. Known as the ‘pearl of the Gulf’, Bahrain was once the world’s leading supplier of natural pearls, made up of a cluster of 33 islands located on the glittering waters of the Persian Gulf. Connected to the north east of Saudi Arabia by means of the 25-kilometre King Fahd Causeway, Bahrain offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into a colourful kaleidoscope of Arabian culture and history. The Bahraini Dinar is the second most valuable currency in the world and Bahrain continues to invest heavily in tourism, most recently the Bahrain International Formula 1 Circuit, and also as a result of UNESCO World Heritage status awarded to the Qal’at Al Bahrain fort in 2005. The site, located on the northern

“The meandering alleyways are crammed with a vibrant jumble of stalls and shops overflowing with sparkling jewels” shore, is recognised as the capital of the Dilmun, with evidence of an almost continuous human presence from around 2300 BC to the 16th century AD. To view the extensive collection of archaeological finds, visit the adjacent Bahrain Fort Site Museum and be sure to examine the clay ‘bathtub’ sarcophagus used to bury the dead. To experience a taste of Bahrain’s rich trading history we visited the bustling Manama Souq, which is marked by the Bab Al Bahrain, a striking gateway designed in 1945 by Sir Charles Belgrave, the British advisor to the Emir of Bahrain. For those who enjoy the art of haggling, this is the place to practise those skills. The meandering alleyways are crammed with a vibrant jumble of stalls and shops overflowing with sparkling jewels, glittering gold and silver, colourful carpets,

exotic perfumes, Bahraini sweets and all manner of trinkets and treats. Even the most resistant shopper is sure to part with more than a few Bahraini Dinars. Take a breather and stop off in one of the many lively cafés, order a cup of sweet Arabic coffee and a few dates and take in the dynamic atmosphere amidst the fragrant aromas of incense hanging in the air. Another popular attraction, where visitors can immerse themselves in local culture, is the Royal Camel Farm located at Janabiya, a 30-minute drive from Manama. Known as the ‘ships of the desert’, camels are simply fascinating animals, able to drink 13 gallons of water in 13 minutes with ease. Divided into age groups, the farm houses a herd of hundreds, and the spirited younger ones exude a charming inquisitive and gentle nature. We visited during the afternoon and took part in feeding time and, as expected, the camels eagerly anticipate this opportunity and all are equally lacking in patience! Be sure to visit Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa’s house, which is one of Bahrain’s finest historical buildings and where the longest reigning sovereign (1869 to 1932) once resided. The period architecture, intricate wall carvings and wooden ceilings made from palm tree trunks and fronds offer an insight into royal life during the 19th century. A leisurely stroll away from

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here is the home of Sheikh Isa, a wealthy and influential pearl merchant. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is much to admire, including the recessed stone fretwork, which covers most of the upper levels of the exterior walls, and elaborate ceilings highlight the opulent interior design. For those keen to reside in similarly lavish surroundings, the Art Rotana hotel, located on Amwaj Islands, a man-made waterside development, is the place to be. We luxuriated in a premium suite and relaxed in the comfortable contemporary living area. Our spacious bathroom featured a revitalising stand-alone rain forest shower, and the private terrace with Jacuzzi was the ideal spot for a crisp, cold sundowner. Guests accommodated

on floors seven-ten are invited to use the complimentary Club Rotana Lounge, which presents an elaborate international breakfast buffet, Barista-served coffees, cool refreshments and tempting afternoon canapés. It’s the perfect place to unwind and appreciate the view of the hotel’s gorgeous private beach and lagoon surrounded by swaying palm trees. For water babies, there are three temperaturecontrolled swimming pools and a children’s water-park to keep the little ones entertained. The Art Rotana features a wide array of dining options including Choices, with ‘live’ cooking stations offering Middle Eastern, Asian and Western dishes and the Flames Steak and Seafood restaurant. Their sister property, the Majestic Arjaan by Rotana property, is located in Muharraq, two kilometres from Bahrain airport, and offers even more spacious accommodation with studios and one, two and three-bedroom duplexes. Ginger, the hotel’s contemporary informal restaurant, presents a buffet-style breakfast extravaganza and serves a wide range of dishes throughout the day, and the service is excellent. Hotel facilities include a temperature-controlled outside swimming pool with ultra-comfy sun loungers, providing the ultimate spot for an afternoon snooze in the sunshine. To experience the warmest Arabian hospitality, visit the ‘Pearl of the Gulf’: the beguiling Kingdom of Bahrain. Gulf Air, the national carrier for the Kingdom of Bahrain offers reliable and punctual daily direct flights from Manchester to Bahrain and provides an efficient check-in service, a generous baggage allowance, and the highest levels of comfort and on-board service (gulfair.com)

ALL Photography courtesy of the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority

Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Weekend away … Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland WORDS: LOUISA CASTLE

y husband and I were retreating to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to a former abbey famous for its whiterobed monks (hence the ‘blanch’ in Blanchland). Arriving late on Friday night, the SatNav said we were actually in a field, as we undulated past Derwent reservoir and beyond. This was definitely going to be a retreat. Warmly welcomed, we were shown around the 12th century abbot’s lodge, now the hotel and restaurant, then to our room: Radcliffe in the main lodge. With exposed beams and a Laura Ashley feel to the decor, it was cosy and stylish, with a huge bathroom and roll-top bath to boot. Once refreshed from our journey, there was time for a cocktail in the vaulted Crypt Bar, surrounded by fellow guests – both four-legged and two, as dogs are welcome in some rooms, the pub and downstairs restaurant. As we were without our four-legged family on this occasion, we dined upstairs in the restaurant. Simple and sympathetic, there was a warmth and cosy bustle to the room, with local staff eager to explain the menu and help in any way possible. There’s fare for all appetites, from local fish to the flat iron steak and sharing platters, all roasted downstairs on the open fire. Tonight we chose light options from chef Simon Hicks’

menu, with local garden vegetables and smoked salmon ‘Crewe cured’, followed by bass and chargrilled flat iron steak. We chose the latter, given how many were coming out of the kitchen! All delicious and fresh-tasting. Lord Crewe Arms is a retreat. It’s about the local area and countryside. Having said that, there are many trips you can make to Alnwick, Beamish and such like. In our case, we were escaping the suburbs, taking to the footpaths for the day, through winding rivers, sheep-speckled moorland and general peace and quiet. After our exertions – and a cheeky scone-stop (a must on our walking trips) – we returned more grateful than ever to see the roll top bath in all its splendour. Although, of course, we first stopped for a drink in the Crypt Bar, having been welcomed by the locals back from a shoot. Feeling we had earned it, we went for the Northumbrian whole roast chicken with gravy, greens and fries to share. Succulent, and with enough herbs to add taste but not overwhelm, it was just the hearty fare we needed. That evening we decided that we would be returning, with family and dog. While you do feel a million miles away, there’s plenty to do or not. With charm, character and excellent food, you’ll be welcomed whatever you choose. (lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk)

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Best of

Three

Jan Clarke tours three of Mobberley’s finest pubs, owned by Mary Mclaughlin and Tim Bird’s award-winning Cheshire Cat group, and embarks on a food-filled journey from French flavours to Cheshire charm

et’s begin with the ingredients. Take a peaceful weekend in the historic village of Mobberley, add some sunshine, a long country walk and a great dollop Cheshire hospitality. My cup runneth over. We started our weekend with a tea-time visit to The Bull’s Head. This is a traditional pub with a friendly, community vibe. As the weather was good, we took our drinks outside and soon struck up conversation with locals and visitors enjoying the afternoon sun. With the stress of the week already fading, our only decision was whether to choose the ‘Nibble and Natter’ or the ‘Share and Chatter’ options from the menu. These include homemade nibbles such as Scotch egg with HP sauce, traditional pork pie and little scampi baskets. Sharing-plates loaded with ham hock terrine, crispy squid, sticky onion porkies, granary bread and more are on hand if you are more of a ‘chatterer’. The pub prides itself on being “a real pub, local and proud”. Their ‘Bullish Favourites’, such as homemade steak pie and Cheshire Ale battered haddock, together with the

staff’s warm welcome and vast selection of local beers and spirits, are a true testament to this. As afternoon turned to evening we took the short walk across the road to The Roebuck. Opening the door, we felt as if we had stepped into a corner of rural France. Mary and Tim have created a truly special place. The Roebuck has a continental bistro feel which oozes charm thanks to their beautifully curated collection of French antiques. Again, our welcome was warm and, despite this being our first visit, we felt like returning travellers. We were shown to our room where more Gallic charm awaited. All six bedrooms at The Roebuck have a boutique hotel feel, with thoughtfully chosen furnishings and an impeccable attention to detail. Each bedroom, named after wine-making grape varieties, is unique. Our room, Piquepoul, with its

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

“The Roebuck is an idyllic country retreat with a touch of boutique decadence”

clockwise from top left: the bulls head; the roebuck inn gardens; a bathroom in one of the roebuck inn’s guest rooms; a roaring fire at the bull’s head; restaurant at the roebuck inn

exposed brick feature and chandelier, came complete with a luxurious roll top bath, bathrobes and an open fire. Any thoughts of a stressful week were now long gone. We enjoyed the last of the sun on the terrace in the private and tranquil tiered gardens, before making our way to the bistro for dinner. The pub, famous for its offering of classic, nostalgic drinks from aperitif to digestif, did not disappoint, and we began by choosing from their ‘seven deadly gins’. The aromatic rhubarb gin mixed with ginger ale and orange peel is definitely my new best friend. The wine list is just as impressive, with a great selection of Old World wines, and the menu has a rustic selection of artisan breads, charcuterie and fromagerie boards, together with a good choice of bistro classics. I decided on the terrine de campagne with toasted brioche to start, followed by a juicy entrecote served with Café de Paris butter, petit pois à la francasie and French fries.

My dining companion enjoyed an impressive Wiener Schnitzel served with a warm potato and tarragon salad, accompanied by a glass or two of French Pinet, made from the Piquepoul grape, our room’s namesake. The Roebuck is an idyllic country retreat with a touch of boutique decadence. The combination of Cheshire country hospitality teamed with ‘nothing is too much trouble’ five-star service, is seamless; although the following morning’s hearty cooked breakfast and array of local honey, pastries and homemade granola did cause somewhat of a strain on the waistband seams. After a long constitutional, we stopped for lunch at the Church Inn opposite the picturesque St. Wilfrid’s. The pub has been lovingly restored from a near-derelict state and is now cosy and inviting, with intimate candlelit corners and an impressive gastronomic offering. Speaking of food, the menu at the Church is a food lover’s paradise. We started with the most incredible seared scallops with broad bean fricassee. The menu is full of locally sourced, seasonal choices and I opted for the tender honey glazed ballotine of rabbit with walnuts, mushrooms and silky smooth mash. My companion chose the melt-inthe-mouth, succulent lamb rump with buttery fondant potato. Our desserts – an innovative mix of Amalfi lemon sorbet, meringue and Macha green tea gel – caused ‘oohs and ahhs’, not only from us, but from the diners on the next table, too. We found an attentive, friendly team at the Church who happily gave us a guided tour of the historic building, including the quaint Chef’s Library and atmospheric George Mallory private dining rooms. When it comes to dining, three is not a crowd. Whether you choose the local beer in The Bull’s Head, the rustic charm of The Roebuck or the culinary delights of the Church Inn, Mobberley is most definitely a mouth-watering destination. (cheshirecatpubsandbars.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

t’s no secret that sophisticated mixology has well and truly taken the world by storm in recent years – so, whether you’re a budding amateur cocktail-maker or still haven’t quite worked out your negronis from your Sazeracs, you’ll want to head down to this year’s Cocktails in the City event when it hits Liverpool for the first time ever this month. Having made quite the splash (pun very much intended) in Manchester in May, and with two mega-hyped events in London each year (as well as annual events in Leeds, Glasgow, Bristol and Edinburgh), the nation’s leading cocktail event will be bringing together 16 of the city’s best cocktail bars under one roof. There’ll be interactive tasting tables and delicious street food vendors, plus a chance to discover a new favourite tipple and local bar. We’ll drink to that! £12 ticket includes one welcome drink on arrival (additional cocktails £6.50) 30 June, Great Baltic Warehouse, Liverpool (cocktailsinthecity.com)

Straight Up 97

Brewed To Perfection

Food &

Drink news WORDS: JAN CLARKE

PURCHASE of the

MONTH

Everdure by Heston Blumenthal CUBE portable barbeque, £149 (selfridges.com) 98

Manchester’s iconic Midland Hotel has been serving its renowned afternoon tea to guests for more than 100 years and has recently transformed the experience with their newly opened tea room. The Tea Room at The Midland is the only setting in Manchester dedicated solely to this glorious tradition. The elegant and opulent space has its own expert, uniformed waiting team and an exclusive ‘Chef’s Counter’. This allows guests to watch and enjoy the hotel’s talented pastry team at work. Whilst a new menu, tradition is maintained and the tea room brings about a new chapter in the hotel’s glittering history. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 1-4.30pm and is priced at £25pp. The Royal Afternoon Tea, served with a glass of champagne, is £32pp (tearoomatthemidland.co.uk)

Tonic With A Twist Gin is most definitely the fashionista’s current drink of choice, and what better way to enjoy it than with tonic... and chocolate? Yes, chocolate. Love Cocoa has created a chocolate bar that combines our favourite tipple with our favourite treat. Developed by chocolatier James Cadbury, who founded Love Cocoa in 2016, the collection also includes English Mint with dark chocolate and milk chocolate with Earl Grey. And, as the great-greatgreat grandson of John Cadbury, you can certainly rest assured James knows a thing or two when it comes to chocolate. (lovecocoa.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

...with mark fletcher, Head Chef at Mere Resort what is your favourite ingredient? When it comes to ingredients, I don’t have a specific favourite. My cooking is very much influenced by seasonable produce and so with each season I fall in love with something that’s new at the time. I enjoy working with ingredients while they are at their best. Recently, I have been incorporating wild garlic into some of my dishes. what is your favourite food? I’m very lucky to live and work here in Cheshire, as there is so much variety available. The region has an abundance of fantastic local produce on the doorstep, but I’m a southern boy at heart. For me, it’s got to be pie and mash. I always treat myself to this whenever I get the chance to go to watch my beloved football team, West Ham. what is your favourite piece of kitchen kit? Although not exactly ‘equipment’ – it’s got to be my staff. With so much going on across the whole resort, from the spa and golf club to weddings, events and banqueting, as well as Browns two-AA Rosette restaurant, the kitchen is very busy. I have a great team here at the Mere and we all work together to deliver a high standard.

what is your desert island recipe? I’m classically trained so there are French influences in my cooking, but I’m also a huge fan of British classics. My desert island recipe would have to be a childhood favourite. After school I would go to my nan’s for tea and she would make the best beef and onion stew with dumplings. She was a great cook and, together with my dad, who also worked as a chef, inspired me and gave me my love of cooking. (themereresort.co.uk)

Shake It Up

Winning Wonder Congratulations to John Bagshaw who is most definitely living ‘La Bella Vita’. John, MD of International Decorative Surfaces, was recently announced as the winner of a fabulous competition organised by Individual Restaurants, winning a truly amazing trip to Rome travelling by private jet, and staying at Hotel Russie… Fantastico! (individualrestaurants.com; club-individual.co.uk)

Shaken Udder has managed to squeeze summer into a perfect little bottle. Their strawberries and clotted cream milkshake combines sweet and juicy strawberries with fresh British milk and decadent Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream. The 330ml bottles are perfect for summer picnics and days out and are available at Waitrose and Ocado. This is a new addition to the Shaken Udder family, which already includes flavours such as Top Banana, Chocolush and Vanillalicious. (shakenudder.com) 99

Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

SPOTLIGHT ON... BROWNS AT MERE GOLF RESORT AND SPA

W ords : jan clarke

ituated within the stunning Mere Golf Resort and Spa, Browns holds two AA Rosettes and is renowned for its ‘nature to plate’ philosophy. Under the watchful eye of head chef, Mark Fletcher, the team at Browns uses only the finest, freshest ingredients to create beautifully presented dishes that are full of seasonal flavours. We were greeted with a warm welcome and the restaurant, which was already busy, had an inviting atmosphere. Positioned under the resort’s impressive glass atrium, Browns is bright and airy. Its décor of rich plum and warm woods means the restaurant also feels sophisticated and elegant. Our table was laid with pristine, classic white linens together with sparkling glassware and as soon as we were seated staff were on hand to pour iced water and settle us in. And settle in we must, from a study of the menu, I knew we were in for a treat and this was not going to be a quick lunch. The Browns menu offers a good selection of starters including a choice of vegetarian dishes. My dining companion chose the summer vegetable minestrone with orzo pasta and a basil pesto and I finally decided on the citrus cured salmon.

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This was a beautifully light dish with hints of grapefruit and little bursts of fresh flavours from the lemon dressing and micro herbs. Served with crab rillette and whipped avocado, again a summery dish and perfect way to start a meal. Moving on to the main courses, the choice did not get any easier. Offerings from the grill include Chateaubriand for two and 28-day aged steaks. Local ingredients mixed with innovative flavours also create exciting plates and these together with well-known classics, such as seafood bouillabaisse with linguine, ensure the menu has something for everyone. After much deliberation, we opted for the lamb. Locally sourced and succulent this was served with perfect, smooth mash, a broad bean and pea fricassée, braised baby gem lettuce, asparagus and a lamb jus. The quality of the ingredients was evident in our dishes and our plates were beautifully presented. The provenance of ingredients is very important to the team at Browns and they constantly strive to source and use the best produce in the region. The Mere resort have also created a fruit orchard bearing apples and berries and even have their own

resident bee hives, which are busy making honey for the summer. Speaking of all things sweet, our next debate was whether we had room for dessert. Not that there was ever going to be any real debate on this issue. Tempting treats along with a selection of locally sourced cheeses, made it difficult to refuse. We chose a retro-inspired arctic roll made with pistachio ice-cream and served with a cherry jelly, orange curd and finished with delightful kirsch-soaked cherries. Browns has a friendly buzz. Mark and his team have a passion for using quality, local ingredients and the staff have the art of being the perfect hosts, down to a ‘tee’. (themereresort.co.uk)

Front-Line Hospitality Management

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Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

ALL BAR ONE, CHESTER: MEET THE TEAM Now that Chester’s newest watering hole has opened its doors, we thought it was high time we sat down with some of its core team members to find out what they most enjoy about their jobs

JODIE MALONE Head Bartender

My absolute favourite part of the job is getting to try out all the new cocktails, and creating the perfect drink for our customers. There’s nothing better than a busy Friday or Saturday night when you can see everyone enjoying themselves and having a great time!

DANIEL STUMMER

EMILY SCOTT

Working with such a great team! From the behind-the-scenes chefs to the centre stage bar and floor team, they’re all completely dedicated to giving the best quality service to guests, but we still make sure we’re having fun at the same time!

I love the variety working on the floor gives me, as I can be taking a brunch order one minute, and shaking up a cocktail the next! Learning about each of the cocktails on the menu has also given me some great tips to use at home!

Assistant Manager

Floor Team

ADAM DAVIES

ALICE MELIA

Obviously, the food! The menu takes inspiration from loads of different countries, so when I get back home, I love experimenting with the flavours, spices and different combinations featured on the menu. I also love the fast-paced environment in the kitchen, there’s no other place in the world like it!

It has to be meeting so many new people! Not only do we get a lot of our amazing regulars in, but the location is a great spot for tourists, so it’s a great combination of old and new!

Sous Chef

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Floor Team

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Local scene Our social pages this month are filled with a little pampering and a lot of style

MARY JANE GREENHALGH, ABI FISHER. LEILA BIBBY

Loud Speaker 1539 Restaurant, Chester Glamorous ladies and gents of Chester and beyond gathered at the stunning 1539 restaurant to hear This Morning’s Nick and Eva Speakman chat about living life, loving yourself and believing in yourself. After summer cocktails, guests were treated to a delicious two-course meal courtesy of 1539, plus fashion from the style team at Olivia May and a fundraising raffle, with thanks to Lindop Toyota and Wild Eve Floral Design. The event was in aid of Variety, the children’s charity, and all funds will go towards supporting local disabled and disadvantaged children in the north west. (variety.org.uk)

jane butt

JAN CLARKE, ALEX THOMPSON, MELISSA PORTER

NICK SPEAKMAN, LYN STAUNTON, EVA SPEAKMAN

KATHRYN OTTO, MATT BRINDLEY, KAT HANNON

Lori Wilkins-parker, Coleen Jaun Little & JOANNA LAMBE

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Best Dressed Lady, runner up, Rachel PollarD

Ladies, Ladies Boodles May Festival, Chester Racecourse The stylish ladies of the county didn’t disappoint as the racing season’s opening weekend provided a splendid picture of colour and smiles. The ‘best dressed’ competition was hotly contended, with Maria Cheslin from Southampton stealing the show in her monochrome look and receiving a £3,000 voucher from Boodles. Runner-up Rachel Pollard received a bespoke hat courtesy of Chester’s favourite miliner, Laura Aspit-Livens, and third prize from Abi Fisher went to Diane Rowley. Congratulations to everyone. (chesterraces.com)

Chester Best Dressed Lady with James Amos OF Boodles

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRISTINAQUINE. WIXSITE.COM/PHOTOGRAPHY

Simply Amazing Arley Hall & Gardens Over 3,000 visitors attended Simply Cheshire, enjoying, tasting and listening to the best our county has to offer, with the musical teams raising £1,300 for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust. (simplycheshire.co.uk)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Cooking With Gas The Colony, Wilmslow Guest from across Cheshire gathered at The Colony for the launch of family-run kitchen experts, Kitchen Architecture. Using the state-of-the-art showroom facilities to provide delicious treats, attendees were warmly welcomed with music, drinks and canapĂŠs. (kitchenarchitecture.co.uk)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

New Look Piccolino, Chester With a new prosecco bar, cicchetti and classic Italian ingredients, the new look Piccolino on Pepper Street opened with sparkle this month. The new look offers a refreshing interior, now with added pastry counter and gelato bar for that extra touch of theatre. We sent the kids in to review it, turn to page 112. (individualrestaurants.com/piccolino/chester)

Red Hotel Gotham, Manchester Photographer Tom Fraud celebrated the natural beauty of the human body with his latest exhibition, RED, so called as the images were all taken under a single red light. Seductive. (tomfraud.com; hotelgotham.co.uk)

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02/06/2017 10:35

Hall home Gawsworth Old Hall is one of the most popular of Cheshire’s Grade I-listed country houses. Natalie Anglesey speaks to custodians, the Richards family, about its history and its future

he present Old Hall was built between 1480 and 1600 and has a history as dramatic as its black and white exterior, including romance, intrigue, sexual indiscretion and a duel to the death. It was owned originally by the Fitton family, who fought in the War of the Roses, later by the Gerards, the Stanhopes and, since the 1930s, the Richards family. Since the sad passing of Timothy last year, the house remains home to his widow Elizabeth and their sons Rupert and Jonathan. “Grandfather Raymond collected a number of items from other historic buildings and brought them here,” smiles Jonathan, as we chat in front of a blazing fire. “As a family we

“It’s also our home and, as such, we want to afford a warm welcome to all our visitors”

108

work as a team in everything we do,” he explains, as he reminisces about the history of their family home. “Notable residents include Mary Fitton, reputed to be the Dark Lady of Shakespeare’s sonnets and maid of honour to Queen Elizabeth I. The Fitton family spent a great deal of money on a tilting ground and an Elizabethan pleasure garden, which could be flooded at will – in hope of a royal visit. But when Mary was sent home in disgrace, pregnant by the Earl of Pembroke, that visit never happened. The Fitton coat of arms can be seen on the north front carved in 1570.” Looking at portraits of Mary, even as a child, it’s obvious she was a rare beauty and, judging by her costumes, in later portraits, she was obviously the fashionista of her time. Although rumours persist that Shakespeare may have visited her at the Hall, no proof exists. But the connection with drama doesn’t end there as Jonathan recounts: “We also had another actor-turnedplaywright living here at a later date. Samuel ‘Maggoty’ Johnson was described as the last professional jester in England and was dancing

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

teacher to the children of Lord Harrington, one of the Stanhopes. Some of Maggoty’s work was performed in London’s Haymarket and, noted for enjoying a drink, he left his money to a company renowned today for J&B whisky! His grave is nearby in Maggoty Wood.” As Jonathan continues, further drama unfolds. “In 1712 a dispute about the ownership of the Gawsworth estate culminated in a duel in London’s Hyde Park in which Lord Mohun from the Gerard family, and the 4th Duke of Hamilton from the Fittons were both killed.” Queen Anne was

displeased and legend has it that it was one of the last duels fought in London. Looking out of the leaded windows, at the beautifully manicured lawns and immaculate flower-beds, dappled with sunshine, it’s hard to imagine the warring factions for ownership of this estate. As we stroll through the library, with its richly carved Tudor fireplace and Pugin bookshelves, Jonathan points out his grandfather’s collection of books about Cheshire displayed there. As Jonathan explains: "The hall is open to the general public over the summer and the classic car events prove extremely popular. I particularly look forward to the theatrical events and concerts here as they were started back in 1969. “Apart from Shakepeare’s plays and concerts ranging from classical to folk, we’ve always had top-line artists here. Sir Ken Dodd returns and last time he was here he brought a little puppy with him and jokingly asked which I thought would outlast the other! We also have John Bishop this summer. When I asked John if he’d like to see round the Hall he replied he’d already brought all his family and we’d charged him £7.50!” Gazing around this idyllic setting with the lake, the gardens and the striking black-andwhite timbered Hall, it’s hard to imagine a more peaceful setting and Jonathan agrees. “We’ve never had to do a hard-sell. People bring picnics and it’s lovely to hear the sound of popping corks and laughter on a summer’s evening. “We’re aware that we are only one of the many families who’ve had the pleasure of living in and looking after this ancient property with its fascinating history. But it’s also our home and, as such, we want to afford a warm welcome to all our visitors.” (gawsworthhall.com; 01260 223456)

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Wild Thing It is customary, when one enters a maze, to get lost amidst the winding hedgerows, but we defy kids to lose themselves or their friends wearing Gucci’s new SS17 collection. Drawing on its adult range, the brand has created a selection of statement pieces featuring loud animal and floral motifs. Four dresses have been designed exclusively for Harrods, including a summery blue and yellow number, all of which will be available to purchase in the Mini Superbrands department. From £610 to £1,290 for the dresses, exclusive to Harrods

Kids’ news Little Explorers Timeless childrenswear brand Les Petites Abeilles is based on vintage fashion and childhood memories, with smocked products at the core of the brand. Gaining widespread attention after HRH Prince George was spotted wearing the smocked sailboat romper, the label – which was founded by Princess Désirée von Hohenlohe – has just released a summer capsule collection exclusively for Yoox. The sport-inspired line celebrates a number of summer activities, from swimming and sailing to hiking and tennis. From £27 (yoox.com)

Sister Sister Online retailer and women’s ready-to-wear brand Muzungu Sisters specialises in providing exclusive and sustainable products, and has previously collaborated with the likes of Missoni and Olympia Le-Tan. Its most recent collaboration is with luxury childrenswear brand La Coqueta, offering a 10-piece capsule range for boys, girls and babies that incorporates signature details from both brands, including fine materials, colourful pom-poms and embroidery. From £45 (lacoquetakids.com)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

MR HENDRIX leashed

Cry me a River The latest range from Mungo & Maud has been designed for dogs with style. The Nile collection is inspired by boat journeys down its namesake river, offering a collar and lead made from crocodile pattern-embossed leather. The two products both arrive in rich colours of gold and blue, designed to match stylish leather luggage and the accessories one might carry while travelling with man’s best friend. From £59.50 (mungoandmaud.com)

Green Garden Mini Rodini’s inspiration for SS17 is Isola Bella, a small island on the Italian lake Lago Maggiore. Created using 99 per cent sustainable materials – including a heavy knit yarn made out of recycled denim – prints are reminiscent of buzzing insects, animal sculptures and blossoming flowers from the island’s botanical garden. Key pieces include a unicorn star woven dress, a beige trench coat (certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard) and a denim hooded parka. From £13 (minirodini.com)

Barbie Girl A new book, The Art of @Barbie Style, is a collection of imagery capturing Barbie and her friends, including snaps from her own Instagram account, @BarbieStyle. “My whole philosophy of Barbie was that a little girl could be anything she wanted to be. Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices,” said Ruth Handler, cofounder of toy company Mattel and creator of Barbie. £38 (assouline.com)

From scrambled snake to owl ice-cream, my little brother Aston is obsessed with the Gruffalo, with his knobbly knees, turned-out toes and the poisonous wart at the end of his nose. Aston has even perfected the Gruffalo growl, so I was over the moon to hear that Delamere Forest has created a trail full of the magical tales of the Gruffalo and his friends, right here in the middle of Cheshire. You can find the start of the trail at The Forest Centre and it is about 1.8 miles in length. The whole family will enjoy following the clues and collecting evidence – and I, of course, used my doggy instincts and great sense of smell to keep us on the right trail. A Gruffalo Activity Kit can be bought from the Delamere Cafe for just £3, containing an evidence collection bag – though I can’t tell you what evidence you will be collecting as this would spoil the fun!

“Watch in awe as Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake and the Gruffalo magically appear” There are five fact and activity cards and stickers of the Gruffalo characters, plus a magnifying glass, ruler and pencil, all intended to help you on your Gruffalo-seeking expedition. An added bonus is the Gruffalo Spotter App, which can be downloaded at home and provides clues which will lead you to the footprints of five different characters hidden in the deep dark wood. When you find a marker post, just point your phone in the right direction and watch in awe as Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake and the Gruffalo magically appear. I must admit the first time Snake appeared before me, I had to stop my paws from shaking, but when I looked around at Aston and saw how thrilled and excited he was to see these characters larger than life, I soon lost my trepidation and joined in the fun. You can also take photographs with the characters as they appear, making a great memory of a pawtastic day out. When we got home after our fun-filled adventure, Anji printed out the Gruffalo Spotters Certificate, which Aston now proudly displays on his bedroom wall. Until next time – as the Gruffalo says – always believe that something wonderful is about to happen! Love & licks

Mr Hendrix x (mrhendrix.com)

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Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine

SPOTLIGHT ON... KID’S OPINION We send two stars of the future to test out two of the latest kids' menus in Chester

PICCOLINO

OPERA GRILL

W O R D S : AVA R U F F E L L a g ed 8 y ears , t e n m o n t h s

W O R D S : I S A B E L H A NN O N a g ed 4 a n d a h alf y ears

Today I went to Piccolinos with my mum, Kathryn and my baby sister Honor. I tried all the food on the children's menu, including pasta, pizza, fish, chicken and at least four different mocktails. I also met the chef, and the staff were amazing! It was really fun.

What did you think when you first entered the restaurant?

Do you like the restaurant?

The wine [as she points out the glass wall wine rack behind the bar].

I love the colour and it looks very, very special.

Are the staff nice? The staff are really nice. They took me on a tour and I got to see the kitchen and meet the chefs who make all the food. They were all very friendly and all of them spoke to me and smiled lots.

Double good [with thumbs up]. The colours are nice.

What was the first thing you noticed when we walked in?

What did you order? Sausage, chips and broccoli – classic.

What was your favourite food today? The chips! and I tried daddy’s pudding.

Would you bring your friends?

Did you like the food on the menu?

Yes I would, I would bring Harry and Mia and Adalyn.

I loved all the food on the menu and loved the desserts even more!

Would you bring mummy and daddy?

What food did you like the most?

Yes, I’d bring mummy for her birthday, and grandma and Alan. (individualrestaurants.com)

I liked the mocktails, as they were really pretty and different to what I have had in the past when I have gone for a special meal. My favourite dishes were the fish and the bolognese, but I liked everything really.

What was your favourite part of your visit? All of it. I felt like a princess and I liked going to meet the chef in the kitchen.

Would you come back again? Yes, I want to come back with my friends and have a grown up birthday party. We can all be princesses. 112

P U B

O N

T H E

C O U R S E

GREAT food & drink FREE parking OUTDOOR play area Open seven days a week

01244 304 650

thewhitehorsechester.co.uk

The Racecourse, Chester, CH1 2LY

Achieving Success Together One Year GCSES Two Year A-Levels One Year Intensive Retake A-Levels A stimulating environment, inspirational teaching, very small class sizes and a strong tutor system enable our students to achieve academic success and fulďŹ l their potential.

Visit www.abbeymanchester.co.uk or call 0161 817 2700 Abbey College Manchester, 5-7 Cheapside, King Street, Manchester M2 4WG

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

The classroom Encouraging Enterprise The Firs School has succesfully run its very first annual Firs Business Enterprise Scheme, the aim being to raise business awareness amongst pupils, encourage teamwork and raise money for charity. Sponsor Gas Safe Europe Ltd, chose Team Googlies (Olivia McGill, Lucas Fesser and Arabella Semberg) as winners for their handmade glove puppets from recyclyed rubbish which raised £123. (firsschool.net)

Advantage England

Beech Hall Bake Off In honour of our favourite cookery show, Beech Hall School has launched its first Bake Off competition. Over the course of ten weeks, ten pairs will battle it out for the title of star baker. The pairs have been made up of one junior and one senior school pupil who will be tackling pies, petits fours and sausage rolls for the crown of star baker andthe kitchen. Sounds delicious! (beechhallschool.org)

Stockport Grammar School’s head boy and 1st XV rugby captain George Chatterton has signed a one year contract to train and play with England 7s. The Upper Sixth pupil, from Heaton Moor, is one of just four players selected from across the country, and starts his career as a professional rugby player in July. He has a busy year ahead with national and international tournaments lined up. George, who has been training with Sale Sharks’ first team following strong displays for their under 18 and Jets sides, will look to continue his 15 a-side career and start a university degree at the conclusion of his England 7s contract. While at Stockport Grammar School, George has enjoyed great success as 1st XV captain, leading his team to the 2016 Cheshire Cup Final at the 12,000-seater AJ Bell Stadium, winning the Cheshire 7s and reaching the Bowl Final of the National Schools 7s at Rosslyn Park. (stockportgrammar.co.uk) 115

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04/04/2017 09:56

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

e d u c at i o n

Challenge & Change As parents across the land prepare for exam season, Anne Morris offers some practical advice for the challenges of the coming months

ome parents will be using all tactics to spur their children off Instagram and into action, while others will be reminding them that they should go to bed at some point in the early hours when they finally pack in the revision for the night. All around there is anxiety, as the importance of exam results for the next step comes into sharp focus. Summer 2017 brings two additional challenges for Y11 in maths and English. The first is that these subjects have each undergone a significant change in their curriculum which is being examined for the first time this year – a move which, it’s universally agreed, will make the exams more difficult. While parents may be in favour of this in principle – it’s generally accepted that the exams had become ‘dumbed down’ over recent years – there’s still a sense that they wish their children had managed to get through on the previous system. The second change for everyone to get their heads around is the new grading system being introduced in maths and English, with other subjects following suit over the next two years. Out are the familiar A*- G grades and in come

grades 9-1, bringing with them a whole load of uncertainty. Replacing an 8-grade system with 9 grades means, of course, that the two systems don’t equate, causing uncertainty in schools over grade boundaries and the various merits for young people of a ‘standard pass’ (grade 4) versus a ‘good pass’ (grade 5). The idea of the new system is that there can be greater differentiation, particularly at the top end where only 3 per cent of students are expected to achieve grade 9, the equivalent of an A**. Parents, be reassured that sixth forms, colleges and employers will be quick to adapt to the new system and will soon be clear about their requirements when offering courses or filling vacancies. Make sure your children know the grades they need, to follow their ambitions to the next level, and plan where to focus their efforts. Finally, no matter what the curriculum or gradings, try to get the basics right during exam time – healthy eating, keeping active and a calm environment. And not too much screen time! Anne Morris is founder of Yipiyap, the leading provider of in-school tutoring support (yipiyap.co.uk)

“Make sure your children know the grades they need to follow their ambitions” 117

Addie Xu, Lord Mayor’s Consort, Simon Austin-Behan, Lydia Joyce, Zahra Esmailjee, Rachel Morris, Haashim Alvi, Lord Mayor of Manchester, Carl Austin-Behan

The Lord Mayor Presents Awards to

Abbey College Manchester Students

tudents from Abbey College Manchester recently celebrated a year of exceptional achievements at the annual celebration and awards ceremony, held at Manchester Town Hall. This is the last time the students will be together as a group before study-leave commences and the A-Level examinations start. Each of the bright students was presented with their graduation certificates by the Lord Mayor of the City of Manchester, Carl AustinBehan. A number of special awards were also presented, including records of achievement, academic awards for excellence, enrichment awards and contributions to the college

community. The Student of the Year from 2016, Eric Wang, also returned to present this year’s chosen individual with his award. The Student of the Year 2017 was Ronald Costa, who received the prize for showing the greatest talent, ability and overall contribution to the college. This year, head of lower sixth, Rachel Lasham, was also presented with the Jane Barraclough Award, which is made in recognition of the reverend of the Unitarian Chapel on Cross Street in central Manchester, who died a couple of years ago. Rachel was presented with the honour due to her dedication and passion when helping the students to progress throughout their school year.

“It is a truly great college with a rich diversity of international and local students” 118

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

The students themselves showed off their exceptional musical talents as pianists, vocalists and guitarists by performing a variety of traditional songs from around the world. Principal at Abbey College Manchester, Liz Elam, welcomed the visitors and said: “It is fantastic to see so many parents and student supporters here. This is the last occasion where we can all come together as a college community and celebrate the class of 2017. It confirms our college motto of ‘Achieving Success Together’. “Some students started their journey with us three years ago, while others have been with us for just nine months, but they all received their Abbey College Manchester graduation certificate as a well done for their hard work. “The students here have an impressive and diverse range of university offers spanning medicine, dentistry, engineering, architecture, law, business and the arts. There will be many future leaders, innovators and professionals among them.”

Negar Sharafi and Reyhaneh Eskandarizadeh

Sophie Bokhari, Louise Tamin, Henna Rennie and Zahra Aslam

“We offer our students a stimulating learning experience, in which teachers and students work together to achieve academic success and maximise potential. We treat our students as mature young adults, and create a hard-working, rigorous, yet informal and friendly environment.” The Lord Mayor also addressed the crowd. He said: “It is a pleasure to share this event with everyone at Abbey College Manchester, which is a facility with a great history. It is a truly great college with a rich diversity of international and local students.” Following the receipt of the special awards and certificates, the Lord Mayor was presented with gifts from the college, and the guests continued enjoying refreshments and music throughout the night. (abbeymanchester.co.uk)

Michael Jones, Rosie Weeks and Suzanne Jones

Oliver Chen, Alex Chhim, Addie Xu, Wenhao Wu, Sang Teng Chhim, Robin Ni, Alex Hong and Billy Heang

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

thical childrenswear brand Bumble & Ava introduces its first collection for Spring 17. Designed in London, the clothes are manufactured in Kenya as part of the World Fairtrade Organization. Informed by her expertise in interior design, Natasha Bumble, who began designing the clothes for her daughter Ava, manipulates colours and textiles to create fresh patterns in vibrant fabrics. A signature product is the Ava dress, which comes in four beautiful floral styles in the new collection. ÂŁ49 (bumbleandava.com)

Summer

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Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

First-rate

Property Lawyer Here we catch up with Michelle Rothburn, commercial property partner at Blackstone Solicitors in Hale

ichelle has lived in Hale Barns for some 25 years, having previously worked in Manchester city centre and Didsbury before joining Blackstone Solicitors last year as a commercial property partner. Clearly her roots are within Cheshire, and she talks about how delighted she is to be working locally and for such a highly-regarded law firm. Married with two daughters, aged 21 and 22, both of whom attended Withington Girls School, Michelle’s eldest daughter has recently taken her finals in dentistry, while her other daughter is also studying dentistry. With the girls now away at university, Michelle and her husband now have time to enjoy evenings of fine dining and to plan their next ‘adventurous pursuit of travel’. The family also has season tickets at the Etihad stadium, and Michelle very much enjoys watching ‘her’ team play. Michelle qualified in 1988 and has spent her entire professional life practising commercial property. She has extensive knowledge of her field of work, enabling her to advise her clients on all aspects of commercial property. Undoubtedly, the no-nonsense approach of Blackstone, coupled with the firm’s passion to always win cases, was something that attracted her to their employ. Michelle explains, “I knew of Emma Nawaz, the firm’s managing director, and had watched as the firm grew from strength to strength, becoming recognised not just locally but nationally and internationally. I was absolutely delighted to join Blackstone last year.

CHESHIRE Hale, WA15

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I continue to advise clients whom I first represented when I qualified, so I guess that must say something for my work!”

Area of expertise: Property Investors in acquisitions and disposals, management work, landlord and tenant and development work.

“Michelle is a first-rate property lawyer. She is always on top of the detail while at the same time being able to stand back and take a big-picture commercial view. She is both speedy and efficient and her advice and comments are always relevant and insightful.” – Paul Longmore, Tate Green “We have worked with Michelle for ten years now, and in that time she has closed nearly 100 different leases on properties for us. She is the best property lawyer I have ever worked with – she is highly pragmatic and is superb at understanding very quickly what the key ‘pinch’ points are in any deal and resolving them in a speedy and collaborative manner. Her hardworking and diligent approach means we have never considered looking for anyone else.” – Steve Oliver, musicMagpie

LONDON Mayfair, W1

Email: michelle@blackstonesolicitorsltd.co.uk VISIT: blackstonesolicitorsltd.co.uk

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finest HOMES & PROPERTY IN CHESHIRE AND BEYOND

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By Design Kitchen Architecture, bulthaupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest global retailer, has opened a destination design centre for high-end clients, architects, interior designers and developers in Wilmslow, merging the vintage, contemporary and industrial to present their own interpretation of luxury lifestyle. The new centre covers 4,000 sq ft over two floors and showcases global German kitchen brand, bulthaup; bespoke British kitchen and cabinet maker; Teddy Edwards; and glass-andaluminium furniture specialist, the luxury Italian brand, Rimadesio, beautifully demonstrating Kitchen Architectureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinct ability to personalise high-end furniture products to reflect the needs of the high-end market. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see you there. The Farmhouse, The Colony, Altrincham Road, Wilmslow, SK9 4LY (01625 544 890; kitchenarchitecture.co.uk)

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In Full Bloom Neptune Wilmslow, now trading as Neptune by Allen and Allen, is showing their exciting new range of British ceramics, cushions, throws and homeware at RHS Tatton from 19th to 23rd July. Their stand will showcase unique planted arrangements and displays of fresh flowers, along with beautiful pure perfumed candles and other accessories. Visit them in the Country Living Tent and view their new collections. Unit 6 Millbank House, Riverside Business Park, Bollin Walk, Wilmslow SK9 1BJ (01625 535255; neptune.com)

TWEET of the MONTH Une Cybèle déco‫‏‬ @KirscherC Trend Watch: Flamingos are flocking to all things #interiors design schemes.

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Words of wisdom “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like, design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs, entrepreneur, marketer and inventor

Time Out Diptyque encourages us to take time out of our busy schedules and relax with the new room diffuser Le Sablier. The inventive hour glass-inspired design is finished with a gold sheath that has been perforated to give a delicate lace effect. The fragrance travels from one glass vessel to the other over the course of an hour, evaporating and filling the air with its aroma. Six scents are available, each one represented by a different colour. Fragrances include Orange Blossom, a subtle floral scent evoking the freshness of the Mediterranean, and spicy Ginger. £120 each (diptyqueparis.com)

Travel In Style Manchester-based suppliers to yachts, private aircraft and luxury residences, Kevin Glancy and Jonathan Fawcett have recently launched the eagerly-anticipated JF Collection of bed linen, with each design named after a manor house in the UK. The range is comprised of the Timeless and Signature collections, with details ranging from single hemstitch to contrast borders and intricate embroidery. And that’s not all – the JF Collection will be accompanied by an exclusive range of KG Collection tableware from the brand’s sister company, Kevin Glancy, due to be launched later this year. Furnishing your yacht or jet has never been so chic – and that’s saying something. (jonathanfawcett.com)

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Homes and Interiors

Homes & interiors news

Why it pays to put your home on the market now W ORDS : C r i s p i n H a r r i s MRICS

f you’re thinking of selling your home, June is a fantastic month for putting it on the market. A property can be marketed in less than a week, and your new home could be within reach by August or September – just in time for the new academic year and before autumn. Land registry figures for 2016 record a significant upturn in property completions in England between July and September, which shows that there’s clear merit in marketing your home in early summer. If we count back, we can see that these deals have taken place in May and June. So June is an optimum time for marketing your home to ensure it’s seen by the greatest number of potential purchasers.

Wild Wood An exciting new collection has come to the Artisan Tile & Bathroom Studio in Wilmslow and, if you’re a fan of beautiful natural wood, you’ll be as besotted as we are. Entitled Edition Lignatur, and created by bathroom furniture company Keuco, each piece of the collection is produced individually and completely unique, including single or double washbasin designs with either recessed or table-top basins, sideboards, tall units and benches, all made of three premium natural woods: oak, Venetian oak, and walnut. Artisan Tile & Bathroom Studio, 19-22 The Paddock, Handforth, Wilmslow, SK9 3HQ (01625 526186; artisantbs.co.uk)

Design From The Desert

Use the warmer weather, lighter evenings and increased time spent in the garden to spruce up your home. Give your garden a makeover, repaint your ignored woodwork and sit back over the height of summer as your agent steers your home sale to completion. Choose an experienced agent to successfully market your property – one with access to a UK wide database of purchasers and a national marketing reach – and you could be in your new home as the summer gives way to autumn.

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If you’ve not yet heard about award-winning, design-led homeware and jewellery brand Nambé – which takes its unusual name from the small village in New Mexico in which it was founded in the 1950s – then now is the time. Combining function and style in a way unlike any other brand we’ve seen, Nambé’s beautiful, modern designs are all timeless beauty and artistic integrity, ranging from kitchenware to jewellery and home décor, available in metal, wood and crystal. Prices from £20 (nambeinternational.com)

jackson-stops.co.uk

Cheshire Antrobus People Property Places

An exceptional estate with a Listed Grade II* country house in about 68 acres of gardens, park and farmland. The Hall: • 4 reception rooms • kitchen/breakfast/morning room • gym • snooker room • wine cellar • 5 bedrooms • 4 bath/shower rooms • leisure suite including indoor pool, bar & relaxation area • The Grange (3 en suite bedrooms) • The Cottage (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms) • office suite with 2 bedrooms • party suite • landscaped gardens • tennis court • stabling & manege • parkland, lake & woodland • Lot 2: further 31.78 acres of agricultural land available

Price on Application

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk Offices in London and across the country

jackson-stops.co.uk

Faddiley, Nr Nantwich A handsome period country house in a delightful mature garden setting surrounded by open countryside.

• 3 reception rooms • kitchen with dining area • conservatory • 4/5 bedrooms (4 en suite) • 4 bed cottage • swimming pool • tennis court • stabling • formal gardens • grassland fields • in about 28 acres • EPC – E Guide Price: £3,850,000

People Property Places

Chester 01244 328361 chester@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

Mottram St Andrew A small Country Estate and peerless new build Manor House.

• 2 reception rooms • kitchen/family room • 5 bedrooms (4 en suite) • bathroom • leisure suite with pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gymnasium & cinema • 1 bedroom annexe • orangery • garaging • private stocked lake • approximately 7.29 acres • EPC - C Guide Price: £5,250,000

People Property Places

Residential lettings and property management

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 Why choose Jackson-Stops? wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk • Director led branches

• Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) members • Handling property from £425 to £25,000 plus per month • Bespoke lettings and management packages available

Offices in London and across the country

• • • •

A property business trading since 1910 Over 45 offices nationally Employing the latest technology ARLA trained staff

jackson-stops.co.uk CGI

CGI

Nether Alderley An opportunity to create a country house in a lakeside setting, nestled at the end of a no-through lane. Proposed (approximately 8,643 sq ft): • 6 reception rooms • study • kitchen • breakfast room • 7 double bedrooms (4 en suite) • bathroom • leisure suite with pool, Jacuzzi & sauna • carport • in all just under 5 acres • EPC (existing) – F

Guide Price: £2,950,000

Knutsford An exquisite 6 bedroom Grade II Listed Italianate villa, nestled in over 1 acre of stunning gardens, in the centre of the prestigious Legh Road Conservation Area, within walking distance of Knutsford. • 3 reception rooms • kitchen/breakfast room • cellarage • 6 bedrooms (1 en suite) • dressing room • 2 bathrooms • playroom • outdoor pool • summer house • garaging • in all just over 1 acre

Guide Price: £2,200,000

People Property Places

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

Alderley Edge A magnificent modern family house with a bespoke interior, sitting in beautiful landscaped gardens, within Alderley Edge.

• 3 reception rooms • kitchen/breakfast room open-plan to family room • 6 double bedrooms (4 en suite) • bedroom 7/study • 2 family bath/shower rooms • garaging with first floor gym/office • in all approximately 0.65 of an acre • EPC - D Guide Price: £3,350,000

Residential lettings and property management Why choose Jackson-Stops? • • • •

Director led branches Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) members Handling property from £425 to £25,000 plus per month Bespoke lettings and management packages available

• • • •

A property business trading since 1910 Over 45 offices nationally Employing the latest technology ARLA trained staff

jackson-stops.co.uk

Plumley An exceptional, beautifully presented Victorian family house with coach house, nestled in stunning gardens.

• 5 reception rooms • kitchen/breakfast room • 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) • 2 bathrooms • EPC – F • coach house with • garaging • gardens

sitting room/conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, bedroom & bathroom

Guide Price: £1,295,000

Macclesfield

Congleton

An impressive Grade II Listed house, combining traditional and contemporary.

A generously proportioned period family house nestled in 5 acres.

• 3 bath/shower rooms • garaging • about 2.7 acres

• 3 reception rooms • study • conservatory • 6 bedrooms • 2 bath/shower rooms • 3 paddocks • approximately 5 acres • EPC - E

Guide Price: £1,125,000

Guide Price: £699,995

• 3 reception rooms

• study

People Property Places

• gym

• 5 bedrooms

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

Lymm A handsome mid 19th Century Victorian property standing in stunning gardens extending to in excess of 1.5 acres.

• 3 reception rooms • orangery • study • kitchen • breakfast room • 6 bedrooms (3 en suite) • 2 bath/shower rooms • dressing room • garaging with garden room • swimming pool • tennis court • in excess of 1.5 acres • EPC - E Guide Price: £2,250,000

Houghton Green A stunning Grade II Listed country house set in exceptional gardens of approximately 3 acres.

• reception hall • 3 reception rooms • study • breakfast kitchen • 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) • bathroom • garaging • gardens • orchard • woodland • childrens play area • in all approximately 3 acres Guide Price: £1,500,000

People Property Places

Residential lettings and property management

Hale 0161 928 8881 Why choose Jackson-Stops? hale@jackson-stops.co.uk • Director led branches

• Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) members • Handling property from £425 to £25,000 plus per month • Bespoke lettings and management packages available

Offices in London and across the country

• • • •

A property business trading since 1910 Over 45 offices nationally Employing the latest technology ARLA trained staff

INTERIORS INSPIRATION

Been Around the

WORLD

This month Gemma Knight meets globetrotting interior designer Sarah Jane Nielsen, to talk luxury lodges, rowing boats and the lure of the Lake District

ward-winning interior designer Sarah Jane Nielsen is, as her many high-end clients will attest, far more than a ‘cushion-scatterer’ – she is an international trailblazer in the truest sense of the word. Born in Edinburgh, Sarah was raised by a Danish father, who worked as a bespoke tailor, and Scottish mother, who owned a wedding couture showroom. Unsurprisingly, this creative home atmosphere rubbed off on the young Sarah, and by the age of 13 she was already designing clothes with her parents and showing a keen eye for artistry. Having finished school, she went on to study fine art and design at university in Aberdeen, then returning to Edinburgh, where she designed and managed concept brasserie cafes and bars, before eventually moving to London’s Knightsbridge to join architects Michael Lyell Associates as a project designer. She remained there for ten years, overseeing the restoration and refurbishment of various conservation

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projects and Grade I and II-listed buildings, including government properties and private residences in London, Moscow, South Africa, Paris, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, even based in Dubai just as the Middle Eastern city was beginning to bloom with luxury developments.

Homes and Interiors

In 1992, as demand for architectural work was beginning to wane while interior design continued to thrive, Sarah left the company and began working under her own name, drawing on the client base she had built up around the world and relishing her new-found freedom. In 1999, she returned to the UK to set up home in the Lake District, having felt the pull of the area’s inspirational natural beauty – and the lure of an outdoor life – whenever she returned there from Dubai to visit her parents, saying that it was “a catalyst in reassessing [her] values”. “Life is there to be explored and embraced, and I savoured how well and fit I felt when I was in the Lake District,” Sarah tells me. “I decided the constant air-conditioning and humidity of the UAE was not naturally in my make-up and this was the place I wanted to settle. I was fortunate to meet my now-husband,

Roger, who began as my best friend and companion. We trekked, sailed and socialised together and eventually decided to get married. He works in the property industry, so there is a synergy with our client network which is a great bonus, and we now have two incredible daughters, Bethany and Emilia.”

“I’ve witnessed some of the most incredible customs through working abroad” On her return to the UK, Sarah began focusing on more localised private commissions, in particular the restoration and renovation of traditional Lakeland properties, alongside the fresh excitement of new-build development, specification and project management. To this she brought not only many years of hands-on experience, but also a wealth of cultural knowledge and influence picked up from her many international travels. “I’m always fascinated by the cultures of different countries,” she explains, “and I’ve witnessed some of the most incredible customs through working abroad, some of which really impacted upon my working day as a designer. For example, in the Middle East, hand-tufted carpets could involve a particularly lengthy approvals process as we had to ensure that any design avoided symbols or animal life, as they are prohibited in the Islamic world.

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INTERIORS INSPIRATION

“Working internationally has meant that my work has a very eclectic collection of influences, but my favourite – perhaps because of my Danish roots – is Scandinavian design. If I were tasked with creating an ideal home from one country of origin only, it would have to be Denmark, with its natural palettes, and its talented designers and craftsmen. I love furniture from Carl Hansen, and lighting would include the iconic ‘Artichoke’ fitting from Louis Poulsen. Further afield, the influences of bold colour and patterns of Africa are woven into our schemes, with fabrics, textures and sculptural influences from the Middle East, especially in ceramics and tiling. India’s raw silks appeal for their colour and textures, and though unfortunately I have not travelled there yet, it’s a country I very much hope to visit soon – as is Japan.” Now, 18 years after she returned to the UK, Sarah Jane is one of the country’s foremost high-end, bespoke interior designers, and has various prestigious accolades – most recently including The Northern Design Awards ‘Best Residential Interior Designer’ prize and a UK Property Award for hotel interior design – to prove it. Praised for its customerfocused approach, attention to detail and general integrity, her team is small but perfectly formed, with each member getting to know each client on a personal level and helping to weave their life story and the influences that have inspired them into the designs for their home. “At the outset of a project, we listen,” explains Sarah. “We’ll meet

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the client to discuss their lifestyle, their requirements, the extent of their social life and in-home entertainment and the type of visitors they have. Then, after a two-hour initial meeting, we go back to the studio where I start working on possible design schemes, supported by our interior design technician who transfers my sketches into CAD drawings. Then we prepare a concept for presentation and approval. It’s really a journey of discovery and development, where the client’s personal characteristics and desires for their home are brought to life. It’s not just about providing our design expertise – clients also take comfort from us being there to provide guidance from start to finish, and there’s nothing more satisfying to us than handing over a completed project to delighted clients.” Two such delighted and longstanding clients are John and Christine Cunliffe, owners of the Windermere-based Gilpin Hotel, the interiors of which Sarah and her team have worked on many times over the past 15 years.

Homes and Interiors

“Christine’s attention to detail is superb and we are proud to have produced such wonderful work with her,” Sarah explains. “The last 15 years have been a fruitful journey and it’s hard to pick out just one project from the many we have completed at the Gilpin – from the suites, lounges, bars and restaurants at the main hotel and the nearby Lakehouse and Spa annexe, to their super-luxurious spa lodges and the recently-completed Pan-Asian

restaurant, Gilpin Spice. The last two are very personal to me; however, as the themes for each of the five cedar lodges were based upon my own travels, and I was able to draw on my experiences of Africa, Morocco, North Carolina, Scandinavia and New York to create schemes that were highly individual, yet successfully sat very comfortably in their LakeDistrict backdrop. The same was true of the Gilpin Spice restaurant, actually. We referenced the heritage links between the local area and the old East-to-West spice route to create different themed zones with a melting pot of striking, vivid colours, lush sumptuous textures and clever lighting immediately evoking the exotic influences so synonymous with the Eastern spice trade. These are the type of projects we can get our teeth into and also have a lot of fun along the way, and we count ourselves very lucky to be involved.” In 2008, in true trailblazing style, Sarah’s Lake District house – nestled just 200 yards from Lake Windermere – was even one of the first to be featured on Channel 5’s thenfledgling I Own Britain’s Best Home, an experience which Sarah remembers with obvious fondness.

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INTERIORS INSPIRATION

“I still recall the sense of surprise I felt as the full film crew arrived at our humble home – and seeing them pull up outside, judging the house by its exterior and questioning whether they were in the right place!” She laughs. “Luckily, Melissa Porter and the producer fell for the interiors and the vista out onto our Lakeland garden. We all ended up on our rowing boat out on the water – location, location, location! It’s a great family home and we’re always thrilled when visitors walk through the door and comment that it’s such a comfortable and welcoming place to be.” Not surprisingly, Sarah found that she was often asked for interiors ideas and brand recommendations by clients and friends alike – so, with design so squarely in her DNA, she couldn’t resist the temptation to create her own go-to interiors inspiration website, Nielsen House, featuring a veritable cornucopia of beautiful products hand-picked by the lady herself, from wallpaper and lighting to rugs and clocks. “We regularly add blogs to keep our subscribers up to date with trends and our general news and views,” Sarah enthuses. “And we also have an ‘Inspire Me’ section, using real-life project photography to provide colour and styling ideas. We’re constantly evolving and aim to continuously update the site with new discoveries. I also hope to launch my own wallpaper range in the future. I can’t seem to stand still!”

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So, the big question? What does an interior designer – boasting influences from every corner of the globe and more than 20 years’ experience – currently have on her own interiors shopping list? “I’ve collected classic design pieces over the years; items I’ve bought because I love them and I want to make space for them in my own home. A range I absolutely adore is Qlocktwo, a precision-made German brand of very cool clocks and watches that are great quality but at the same time make you smile. They cleverly spell out the time in words rather than numbers – and in an age where we all have access to the time on our phones, tablets or computers, these are so fabulous that owning one might, for some, be an indulgent treat – but for me, it’s an absolute musthave.” She laughs and adds, “I did get a gorgeous white one as a Christmas gift from my husband – but I took it to the studio to show a client and, so far, no one’s let me bring it home. So it’s back on my Christmas list!” (01539 822433; sarahjanenielsen.co.uk; nielsenhouse.co.uk)

w w w. s p r i n g f r e e . c o . u k

Wilmslow Garden Centre 145 Manchester Road | Wilmslow | Cheshire | SK9 2JN | Tel: 01625 525909

interiors PROMOTION

The Story of a Project and Collaboration Janey Butler Interiors and Llama Architects form part of the Llama Group, working together to offer their clients a complete property development service which finishes each stage of the development process to perfection

1. Planning and Architectural Design Llama Architects has its own in-house specialist planning consultant, working hand-in-hand with our team of architects from the outset of all our projects. This ensures that we not only maximise the planning potential of any site, but also ensures the smoothest and most time/cost efficient process by which we apply and obtain the planning permission we require.

2. Surveying and Construction Project dependent, we carry out a number of engineering tests, including soil, existing foundations and any existing construction/load tests that might be required. Our RICS surveyors work hand-in-hand with our architectural teams, structural engineers and the directors of Llama Projects. When it comes to the design process, a complete and comprehensive set of drawings and specifications are prepared and fully costed for client approval and sign-off, once they have also been approved by all the necessary statutory authorities.

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Homes and Interiors

4. Janey Butler Interiors As the architectural scheme is being developed by Llama Architects, our group design director (Adam John RIBA) is working under the overall direction of Andy and Janey Butler. Adam is also co-ordinating the architects and designers within Janey Butler Interiors, so that the interior scheme is being developed and designed simultaneously. As the architecture and interiors develop, one constantly feeds and inspires the other. Llama Automation, our own in-house audio visual company, also works with the design team from an early stage, so that all technology is incorporated into the design/build programme.

5. Llama Projects

3. Llama Architects All of the multi-national architects and designers that work for Llama Architects and Janey Butler Interiors produce beautiful detailed, handdrawn sketches to present a variety of possible concepts to our clients, giving them a full understanding of all the possible options and designs that as a design group we can produce for them. We feel that beautiful design must be handmade and crafted, as the connection between hand, pen and paper maintains the close connection between the designer and finished product – a hallmark of all we produce within the Llama Group.

Having been part of the whole architectural, engineering and interior design phases of the project from the outset, it’s now time for the production phase. Our project director, alongside our construction executives, surveyors and group design director, then starts the process of construction and alteration, before moving into the final interior design and landscaping phases. With many interior items taking months to be produced, all these factors and timelines are incorporated into the project’s overall schedule. All items are ordered and specified by our logistics team and delivered to our warehouse in time to be checked and signed-off, ready for our final installation. The project is beautifully styled and professionally photographed before being handed over to our client. (01625 861935; janeybutler.co.uk; 01625 861936 ; llamaarchitects.co.uk)

“We take great pride in creating a tranquil, elegant, contemporary and timeless environment for all our commercial and residential projects” – Janey Butler 143

Homes and Interiors

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More than a Kitchen Create the perfect cosy cottage atmosphere with in-toto Kitchens’ brand-new Kyra range

ith its grooved, wood-effect doors and charming appearance, the Kyra range provides the ultimate fusion of traditional country house and Nordic styles – think contemporary, rustic hygge. This handled motif is a truly fresh approach to kitchen design, filled with peaceful, homely vibes. But that’s not all. According to the 2017 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, more than a third of homeowners reported leading a healthier lifestyle after a kitchen renovation. From

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eating more fruits and vegetables, to preparing healthy home-cooked meals, the study identifies that the kitchen itself could be linked to helping to improve your wellbeing. Kyra – a real ‘cook’s kitchen’ – is the perfect setting for preparing and cooking fresh food, particularly thanks to niche elements such as utensil hanging systems, an induction hob and plenty of clever storage solutions. The Katthult Pine-effect finish draws its inspiration from the natural world, and enhances its connection to nature by imitating the characteristics of real wood. in-toto offers a variety of design possibilities to complement Kyra, including a choice of worktops in the latest high-quality materials and finishes and handy storage options, helping you to create a kitchen that is individually tailored to your lifestyle. Visit your nearest in-toto Kitchens design studio at Wilmslow Green, Station Road, Wilmslow, SK9 1BT or email wilmslow@ intoto.co.uk to book your free design consultation (intoto.co.uk)

+44 (0) 1244 880 422 bighedgeco.com

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property pick

The Landings St Lucia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; balmy Caribbean days, majestically tapered mountains, spectacular reefs, volcanic beaches and waterfalls buried deep in tropical rainforest. What could be nicer than your very own little corner of paradise?

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Homes and Interiors

ive-star waterfront development The Landings in St Lucia, which gives buyers the chance to invest in the last freehold properties available in the country, has launched its marina and beachfront residences, known as The Landings – Final Collection. The beautiful development consists of 21 luxury two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, all generously sized with between 130 and 216 sq m of living space, to give the sense of villa living but with less management and security hassle. With excellent amenities and ownership benefits including a 100 per cent waiver on Vendors Tax and Stamp Duty and 100 per cent exemption from Property Tax until 30 Oct 2019, The Landings makes a perfect base for anyone considering a home in the Caribbean. Most recently, The Landings has launched its new phase of off-plan beachfront residences which include two ‘Grand’ penthouses on the fourth floor with three bedrooms, as well as seven spectacular residences around the private marina. There is also a range of fantastic facilities, including a 50-berth marina, three swimming pools, a tennis courts, spa, beach club with fully qualified instructors and a well-equipped health and fitness centre. There’s also an excellent choice of restaurants and bars, a kids’ club and full concierge services, including optional rental management to maximise potential returns and provide true lock-and-leave convenience. The development has recently appointed Sphere Estates as their global sole agent to drive sales, marking the first time The Landings has appointed an exclusive UK-based agent. “We are delighted to represent The Landings, which appeals to an international market,” explains Robert Green, managing director of Sphere Estates. “St Lucia’s lush, largely undeveloped landscape, famed for its dramatic Pitons and beautiful beaches, is attracting buyers away from some of the more densely populated – and more expensive – Caribbean alternatives.” Two-bedroom apartments from $625,000; three-bedroom apartments from $925,000; three-bedroom ‘Grand’ beachfront penthouses priced at $3,750,000 For sales enquiries, please contact Sphere Estates (+44 (0)20 3617 1360; sphereestates.com)

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Did you know? A sunflower looks like one large flower, but each head is composed of hundreds of tiny flowers called florets, which ripen to become the seeds. This is the case for all plants in the sunflower family, including daisies, yarrow, asters and bachelor’s buttons.

garden news

PURCHASE of the

MONTH

The Great Indoors For those of you who love greenery but fall short of London’s limited garden offering, Rockett St George provides a range of faux flowers and plants to match the much-coveted floral interior trend. “Adding greenery and plants instantly lifts your interior and adds an important feeling of vitality. Palms are the easiest to look after and make a huge impact on a room,” says Lucy St George, co-founder of Rockett St George. Bring the outdoors in with hanging terrariums, peonies and ivy garlands. From a selection, available from Harvey Nichols

BIG HEDGE NEWS Specialist in ready-grown hedging and topiary, The Big Hedge Co, is staking its claim to be one of the fastest growing horticultural businesses across the north, having been asked by the Royal Horticultural Society to design and install a selection of bespoke creations which will be displayed across this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The Cheshire based company is also collaborating with internationallyrenowned sculptor David Harber and joining forces with Cholmondeley Castle for the first time, while this month also sees the launch of a new section of their website which will allow customers to purchase hedges, topiary and more online. (bighedgeco.com)

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Bloomball balcony plant pot, €39.95 (design-3000.de)

Homes and Interiors

july

Chives make delightful edible raw treats on salads or in dressings, have beautiful shortlived cut flowers, and can be lovely pollinator plants.

to do list

HACK GARDEN HERBS FOR EDIBLE FLOWERS:

This is your last chance to feed your lawn with a special lawn fertiliser to encourage healthy green growth

Flavourful herbs with colourful and delicious flowers

erbs have some of the most beautiful flowers in the garden world, and they are edible. This means you can harvest the flowers and use them for cooking, salads, or drinks any time in the growing season. Make an herb produce more flowers by following the tips below. Herbs perform best when you plant them in a well-drained site with six to eight hours of full sun. When planting an herb that you want to flower, amend the soil with organic material, dig a hole, place organic flower fertilizer in the hole, then plant the herb. Water at the base of the plant – not on the leaves – keeping the soil regularly

moist throughout the season. Mulch regularly to help keep weeds down. Good soil drainage prevents fungal issues. Heavy manure content or highly rich soil can trigger more leaf growth. Additionally, over-fertilizing produces too much leaf and not enough flowers. Therefore, be sure to follow organic fertilizer package directions when amending the soil. Herbal edible flowers look gorgeous floating in cocktails or topping salads or desserts. Some edible flowers are spicy, while others are mild – grow and experiment at will. Use just the petals or the whole flower to make a beautiful and artistic statement while entertaining.

FLOWERING EDIBLE HERBS AND THEIR FLOWER COLOURS

Anise hyssop – Purple

Pineapple sage – Red

Dill – Yellow

Purple basil – Purple

Garlic chives – Purple and white

Rosemary – White and lilac

Greek oregano – White

Thai basil – White and purple

Lavender – Lavender

Spearmint – White and pink

Water your lawn during hot weather, particularly newly turfed lawns. Do not allow new lawns to dry out Order perennial plants online now ready for autumn delivery Think about which bulbs you would like for next spring - now is the time to order ready for autumn planting Use water butts instead of tap water as often as you can when watering your plants Turn the contents of your compost bins every month to keep it well aerated Keep bird baths topped up in hot weather Cut back faded perennial plants to keep borders tidy Take cuttings from your favourite tender plants for over-wintering indoors

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Image courtesy of The Sofa & Chair Company.

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30/05/2017 22:36

HOT PROPERTY our SHORTLIST OF top properties on the market in and AROUND cheshire

Green Gables Belgrave Road, Bowdon

his spectacular modern detached house is finished to the highest specification, extending to about 8,500 sq ft with large spacious rooms and leisure facilities arranged over four floors. Green Gables is one of the finest recently constructed and individually designed detached residences situated in this popular residential area of ‘old’ Bowdon. Boasting stunning proportions, the house includes five reception areas,

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a stunning fully fitted kitchen, five bedrooms and five bathrooms, with bespoke fitted furniture and superb spa facilities, including an indoor swimming pool with a starlit ceiling, steam room, changing rooms, gym and a cinema room. The house is situated in approximately half an acre with a walled frontage and double gates leading to the driveway with parking for several vehicles. On the market at a guide price of £3,800,000 with Jordan Fishwick 172 Ashley Rd, Hale, WA15 9SF (0161 929 9797; jordanfishwick.co.uk)

Homes and Interiors

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Homes and Interiors

HOT PROPERTY

ANNESLEY LODGE Beechfield Road, Alderley Edge

his magnificent five-bedroom family house is wrapped in exquisite gardens and nestled on a private road. Built in 2000, the property’s impressive facade alludes to an opulent interior, with rooms adorned by stunning fireplaces and high ceilings with coving. There is a real feeling of space and grandeur, with a large granite-topped handmade kitchen, beautiful stonelined bathrooms and a wonderful oak staircase. The security is also excellent, with electric double gates

and CCTV cameras linked to a screen in the kitchen. On the market at a guide price of £1,999,995 with Jackson-Stops & Staff 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340; jackson-stops.co.uk)

BEST FEATURE: SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM & CINEMA There is a Bose surround sound system to the principal rooms, with a 9m (29’5) cinema room with its own projector screen.

best of the rest HIGHFIELD Withinlee Road, Prestbury

ighfield is, quite simply, one of the best contemporary residences of the 21st Century. It was architect-designed and winner of the Northern Design Awards ‘Best Luxury New Build’, as it has a unique use of space and light, with an abundance of spectacular reception rooms and living spaces. This cutting edge design makes it both a

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comfortable family home, as well as a crisp, clean and modern space to live in. The impressive exterior facade is constructed of brick, oak and zinc, with an abundant use of glass, and sets the scene for a mouth-watering interior. On the market at a guide price of £3,850,000 with Jackson-Stops & Staff 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340; jackson-stops.co.uk)

BEST FEATURE: TREE HOUSE While you’ll be enamoured with the stunning house, kids will be more interested in the bespoke tree house with zip wire in the corner of the garden.

Llama Architects & Janey Butler Interiors,

c r e at i n g awa r d w i n n i n g

r e s i d e n t i a l a n d c o m m e r c i a l p ro j e c t s i n t h e u k a n d a b roa d .

The Old Stables, Capesthor ne Hall, Nr Alder ley Edge , Cheshire . SK11 9JY

janeybutler.co.uk

T: 01625 861935

I n t e r n at i o n a l A w a r d W i n n i n g D e s i g n e r E:

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T: 01625 861936 E:

info@llamagroup.co.uk

OVERSEAS PROPERTY we’ve picked OUR FAVOURITE properties from AROUND THE WORLD for your viewing pleasure

MALLORCA The Majorcan dream with views to Port Andratx Situated on an elevated 44,000sqm plot of land, this astonishing luxury estate offers exclusivity and privacy as well as unrivalled views of the Andratx port. Built in 2004, the property has a total constructed area of 975 sq m and consists of three independent buildings – one main house and two guesthouses – as well as a lovely outdoor kitchen, dining and lounge area. The second building consists of three garages and a guest apartment with a cosy living room with access to a private covered terrace, a double bedroom and a bathroom. The third building is another guest apartment featuring a bedroom, en-suite bathroom and private terrace. There is also a lounge area next to the swimming pool to bask in the Mediterranean sunshine. Available at a guide price of €19,500,000 (£16,765,000) through Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty (+34 971 674 807; mallorca-sothebysrealty.com)

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SYDNEY

‘Belhaven’, Bellevue Hill, Victoria Road This stunning estate has been owned by the same family for 30 years, and is perfectly positioned with private panoramic views across Sydney Harbour. The property is set amidst exceptionally beautiful manicured gardens, with a full-size floodlit tennis court and an infinity pool. The three-level home offers six bedrooms and six bathrooms, and was designed by renowned architect Howard Tanner. It also boasts several formal and informal living and entertaining areas with impressive European influences throughout, and there is a media room, a large private terrace, a wine cellar and triple undercover parking. Available at a guide price of AUD$27,000,000 (£15,443,000) through Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty (+61 417 371 522; sothebysrealty.com)

TURKEY

The Sea Homes, Pasalimani Located on Turkey’s most beautiful peninsula Cesme, The Sea Homes Pasalimani project is situated in the exclusive Pasalimani cove. With stunning white Caribbean-like beaches and a beautiful sea with crystal clear sparkling water and healing thermal waters, it provides the ultimate in relaxation in one of Turkey’s most prestigious locations. As well as large contemporary bedrooms and exclusively designed interiors, each property features luxury imported furniture by Gervasoni, fully fitted kitchens with Gaggenau and Miele appliances and terraces equipped with hot tubs. The development also offers an impressive sunbathing terrace, outdoor pool and restaurant, spa, concierge service and access to a private beach. Prices from €499,800 (£423,663) through Prime New Developments (07854 410766; primenewdevelopments.com)

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Homes and Interiors

OVERSEAS PROPERTY IBIZA

Villa in San José countryside hills Located in the south of Ibiza, this property boasts stunning views of Cala Jondal. With 10,000 sq m of the 35,000 sq m plot having been landscaped as a Mediterranean garden with olive trees, lavender and a Moresque garden with a fountain surrounded by orange trees. Built in a contemporary style, the property boasts seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a dining room with a fireplace, stunning gardens, as well as a solar heated pool to complement the serene setting. Available at a guide price of €7,750,000 (£6,663,000) through Ibiza Sotheby’s International Realty (+34 971 310 799; ibiza-sothebysrealty.com)

COSTA RICA

The Terraces at San Martin, Puntarenas Province Set on an elevated terrace overlooking the ocean, each of the 21 villas is nestled in the emerald rainforest with expansive views of the ocean. Each villa features a spacious living room and kitchen/dining area, as well as outdoor terraces and a private pool. The development is an easy 25-minute flight from San Jose (the capital city), and then a 45-minute drive from the local Quepos airport. Three-bedroom properties available from £544,657 through Prime New Developments (+44 (0) 785 4410 766; primenewdevelopments.com)

CLOSER TO

HOME

LONDON

London Square, Chigwell Village This five-bedroom home, offering 2,713 square footage, benefits from spacious family living spaces, with a stunning kitchen/family room with bifold doors leading on to the rear garden. The five bedrooms include a master suite with dressing room and en-suite bathroom. Interiors are by Suna Interior Design. The property is on the market for £1,450,000 (0333 666 0103; londonsquare.co.uk/developments/detail/ chigwellvillage)

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A gentleman’s home

is his castle...

It’s an age-old saying, but it’s true. So don’t just build castles in the sky – Mastermind your fantasy home with Mason Lord. We have designed, constructed and renovated some of Cheshire’s most aspirational super homes. Could yours be next on the horizon?

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Kitchen Architectureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stunning new showroom is now open. The Farmhouse The Colony Altrincham Road Wilmslow SK9 4LY Tel: 01625 544 890

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FINISHING TOUCHES

Image courtesy of: Rossana

CUTTING EDGE Since launching in 1953, luxury Italian brand Rossana has taken the kitchen industry by storm, setting the benchmark for quality and innovation with its ground-breaking designs. The brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seminal Isola model was first introduced at MoMA in New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italy, The New Domestic Landscape exhibition in 1972, an original concept and philosophy that acknowledged the kitchen as a modern work of art. 2017 sees the launch of a new generation of Isola model; named K-IN/K-OUT, the multi-functional centrepiece transforms electronically from a kitchen island unit to an occasional dining facility and preparation top. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the latest edition of the classic model is the epitome of modern living and technology. (rossana.uk.com)

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