The Cheshire Magazine March 2015 by Runwild Media Group

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Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

From the

Editor

EDITOR’S PICKs #1 A Certain Radiance, £75 (aesop.com)

#2 Bentley’s new SUV, The Bentayga

3 #3 100 years of Cartier

his month sees us thawing out and looking to all the colour which spring brings with it – and keeping our fingers crossed that the snow will not return. With this in mind our focus turns to the comfort and warmth of home. From James Martin’s home comfort food (page 30) to reflecting on the life, fame and good fortune of British arts and culture icon, Lord Richard Attenborough (page 26), and from planning the perfect holiday (page 102) – how adventurous do you think you are? – to all the latest news and styles, we’ve a great issue for you. Perfect for curling up in front of the fire with (page 142) accompanied by the obligatory hot chocolate, marshmallows optional. There’s debate (can you teach children culture? Page 36), design secrets from Tara Bernerd (page 126), technological innovation with the BMW i8 (page 92) and a whole host of other fabulous things to catch your eye. I wonder, is it too early to start my lust list for the year? Speaking of which, we celebrate 100 years of Cartier and its iconic panther (page 60). We also have two fashion shoots this issue: one which takes a look at some of the more contemporary and quirky designs in jewellery which are hitting our high-end outlets (page 55); and one which bridges the gap between winter and spring with effortless style (page 66). Wishing you warm, happy reading.

Louisa

Louisa Castle Editor Follow us on Twitter @TheCheshireMag

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Contents

March 2015

149

030

090 126

Features

collection

travel

026 | Darling Dickie Neil Sean reflects on the life of British icon Lord Richard Attenborough 030 | There’s no taste like home James Martin, TV’s friendliest chef, on autocue slip-ups, hearty food favourites and surprising breakfast staples 036 | Can children be enlightened? Are cultural hotspots wasted on the younger generation? 060 | Changing spots Cartier celebrates the 100th anniversary of its legendary panther with a new collection 084 | It’s all about the scent We speak exclusively to master perfumer Christine Nagel

048 | Watch news Stunning state-of-the-art timepieces for him and her 052 | Jewellery news Our usual beautiful array of the very latest jewels 055 | Roses are red Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like this beautiful jewellery with a quirky twist

100 | Travel news 102 | All in the family This year, take your brood on a unique family adventure 108 | A Yorkshire welcome Discover lovely 19th century coaching inn The Black Swan 112 | Weekend away Indulge your inner Belle Époque bonhemian at the stunning Hotel Café Royal

regulars 008 | Editor’s letter 012 | Contributors 015 | My life in Cheshire Meet Rupert Frazer-Worden of the Fine Dining Company 016 | Notebook This month’s local events, news and best new products 022 | Local scene All the glamour and gossip 025 | Taylor talk Our resident events mogul Liz Taylor on finding inspiration

art 040 | Art & culture 042 | Women in theatre How women went from the back row to front of house 047 | Prize lots

fashion & beauty 066 | Fashion news From essential accessories to new trends, it’s all here 068 | Softly softly These contemporary knits will have you yearning to hold on to the winter chills 078 | The tale of two sisters The duo behind kids’ clothes company Elfie on finding fairytale inspiration 082 | Beauty news New treatments, products and all the latest news

motoring 090 | Motoring news The latest developments from the automotive world 092 | Hybrid theory Has BMW revolutionised the humble electric-hybrid car with the brand new i8? 096 | F-ing brilliant The Jaguar F-type ruffles more than a few feathers 098 | Technology central What’s hot in the world of gadgets, games and geekery

FAMILY 114 | Kids’ news The very latest for little ones 117 | The classroom 121 | It’s shoe time Introducing the gorgeous new range from Ferragamo MINI

homes & interiors 124 | Interiors news 126 | Lady luxe We talk hotel trends and design with Tara Bernerd 142 | Recreate the look No matter what your style, a fireplace adds eternal elegance 149 | Through the lens Some of Joe Wainwright’s favourite Cheshire gardens 158 | Local property We’ve picked the very best local homes on the market 168 | A Canadian haven This luxury hideaway in breathtaking Alberta is perfect for group getaways 177 | Overseas property These stunning properties will have you yearning to emigrate

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

MARCH 2015 s issue 015 s

Editor Louisa Castle Editorial Director Kate Harrison Theatre Editor Natalie Anglesey Collection Editor Annabel Harrison Assistant Editor Gemma Knight Senior Designer Grace Linn

The

contributors JENNIFER MASON Jennifer started out in luxury fashion marketing and has since worked as a writer in the UK and Dubai, specialising in motoring, travel, lifestyle and local features. Her time is spent reading and obsessing over the latest Formula 1 results.

RICHARD BROWN Richard is deputy editor of Collection, our dedicated watch and fine jewellery section. He specialises in menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style, culture and finance. This month he brings us all the latest developments from the world of timepieces.

Richard Yarrow Former associate editor of Auto Express, Richard is an accomplished motoring journalist. This month, he tells us all about the new BMW i8 and explains why it might just have totally revolutionised the idea of the humble electric-hybrid car.

JOSEPHINE Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;DONOGHUE Based in the Cotswolds, Josephine has worked as a writer and editor for six years, specialising in lifestyle, travel, culture and local features. This month Josephine debates how young is too young to immerse our children in culture.

Iain Warde Iain is a self-confessed geek, having worked in computer gaming and tech magazines since the creation of Pac-Man. He is also a huge petrolhead who spends his spare time marshalling at Oulton Park and around the UK.

NATALIE ANGLESEY Natalie is an author, broadcaster and journalist working with the Guardian and Cosmopolitan as well as regional media. She is also a television producer and director, and is currently busy writing a book about the theatre.

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Production Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell, Oscar Viney Alice Ford Advertising Manager Kayleigh Penswick General Manager Fiona Fenwick Publisher Giles Ellwood Executive Director Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Proudly published by

RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

www.rwmg.co.uk Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. DISTRIBUTION: The Cheshire Magazine is the largest circulated luxury publication in Cheshire, delivered to selected homes in over 20 postcodes, over 300 businesses, as well as newsagents and retail outlets. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: Please contact Kayleigh Penswick +44 (0)1502 380434; +44 (0)7841 199699 k.penswick@runwildgroup.co.uk

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cover On the

Front cover image courtesy of Hugo & Otto (hugoandotto.com) Photography by Sue WestwoodRuttledge (dogphotographeruk.com)

Also published by

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

My life in CHESHIRE RUPERT FRAZER-WORDEN FOUNDER OF THE FINE DINING COMPANY

‘C ‘Cheshire is packed with foodies, food producers and fabulous eateries’

heshire is packed with foodies, food producers and fabulous eateries, so it’s the perfect place for us, helped by the fact it is home.’ Attending The King’s School, Chester, Rupert ‘has always been a foodie. I was never academic! Attending Leith’s School of Food and Wine swung it for me. I was just in my element and never looked back. ‘Cheshire is definitely home. London was where I needed to be to train, everything is on your doorstep and the restaurant industry is so fast-paced down there. I couldn’t not head to our capital to learn my trade, so to speak.’ There he refined his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants including Chez Bruce and La Trompette, before moving into private catering. Feeling the draw of home, Rupert headed back to Cheshire in 2004 and was appointed head chef at GOT WINE! in Chester. He was part of the team which made it the success it became, cooking for those well-known faces about town, and for Daniel Craig and Michael Owen. In 2008, with ten years under his belt, Rupert returned home and set up The Fine Dining Company, catering for private dinners, corporate events and weddings, cooking for The Grosvenor Estate, exclusive caterer for Iscoyd Park and the caterer of choice at The Bolesworth International last summer. The company employs ten full-time and 30 part-time employees and the in-house patisserie Sugar Daddy Patisserie produces all kinds of sweet treats, trust us! ‘Our premises are based in Tattenhall, on the beautiful Bolesworth Estate overlooking Beeston and Peckforton Castles and are surrounded by rolling Cheshire countryside. They’re pretty perfect. ‘I am a complete foodie and believe that sharing food is one of life’s most special gifts. It evokes memories, passions and emotions. To be able to listen to a client’s ideas and translate them into something they can share with their guests fills me and the team with great pride. ‘I have recently defected to North Wales, but only just. I live in Hawarden and think I’m pretty lucky. I have the best of both worlds – a stone’s throw from Chester and Tattenhall but with Snowdonia on my doorstep, which is amazing for climbing, walking and obligatory trips on my motorbike. ‘We love the Peckforton Hills for a Sunday escape, followed by a hearty meal at The Pheasant. Luke’s Place in Chester is great, seriously good cooking, as is the Sticky Walnut in Hoole. And you can’t beat a stroll around the Chester walls in the evening, but for something more adventurous I love getting lost in Snowdonia.’ (rupertfrazerworden.com) 15

THE GENTLEMAN’S VALET COMPANY

GOLDEN LOVE While the North West’s Bridal Retailer 2015, LOVE Bridal Boutique, was celebrating its award from The Wedding Industry Awards, Champagne bottles were also popping for client and double Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington as she celebrated her wedding day in a beautiful Stewart Parvin dress from the retailer. Owned by husband and wife duo Emma and Jonny Draper, the boutique on Altrincham’s trendy Oxford Road has become a bit of a destination for Cheshire brides-to-be and Rebecca was no different, calling her experience ‘enjoyable and memorable’. (lovebridalboutique.co.uk)

We are always on the look out for great ideas and quality products, so we were delighted when we heard about The Gentleman’s Valet Company, a small artisan company which aims to make the finest clothes stands for both ladies and gentlemen. Sam Brown designs and makes the valets, beginning as a furniture maker before turning to valets and turning them into things of beauty and function.

NOTEBOOK Bright old things

elfridges has partnered with the Whitworth Art Gallery to champion older designers and artists in a twist on the store’s Bright Young Things initiative. The in-store exhibition, curated by Dr Maria Bradshaw, director of the Whitworth and Manchester City Galleries, aims to highlight the agelessness of creativity and features artworks from Andrea Zapp, Helen Storey and Johnnie Shand Kydd. 16

Our favourite is the Heart Tube Hat (1997) created by Storey with her developmental biologist sister Kate Storey and celebrated milliner Philip Treacy. It illustrates how the heart develops from two primitive blood vessels above the developing brain, before descending into the chest cavity. Whether you get that when you see it or not, we love it as a thing of beauty. Bright Old Things is at Selfridges Exchange Square until 28 February (selfridges.com)

Available in different timbers, colours and finishes as well as bespoke, this is a rising star to watch. (gentlemansvaletcompany.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

5 top picks

Os Fenómenos (Aces), film still (2014)_ Courtesy Cornerhouse

for

Mother’s Day Don’t forget to spoil mum on Sunday 15 March #1 Dom Perignon Iris Van Herpen Edition Metamorphosis Rosé Champagne, £325 (harveynichols.com)

Wonder Women

bottom: Artist Katarzyna Jablonska_ Graphic design Christopher Booth

arch sees the return of Wonder Women, Manchester’s celebration of female creativity and ingenuity, with everything from Cornelia Parker and Sex and the Stereotype at the Whitworth, to Helen Storey, The Unthanks, Emma Jane Unsworth and No More Page 3 at Manchester Art Gallery. Led by the People’s History Museum and Creative Tourist, the festival came out of the desire to revisit the birthplace of the suffragette movement and celebrate what has been achieved in the world of art, culture, film, sport, music and much more. Wonder Women, 1-31 March (creativetourist.com/wonderwomen)

PURCHASE OF THE MONTH We love Lulu Guinness’ quirky designs and she isn’t disappointing us with her latest creations

#2 Personalised ‘Mum I Love You Because...’ jigsaw, £15.95 (loubrowndesigns.com)

#3 ‘My latest masterpiece’ cake knife, £34 (thecutlerycommission.com)

#4 Baobab 150 hour candles, platinum or pearl, from £89 (luxdeco.com)

#5 She Deserves A Treat gift box, £60 (carabellagifts.com)

The ‘Helena’ face clutch, £295, and large monochrome face print tote, £350, (houseoffraser.co.uk) 17

ONE & ONLY

Q&A... PATRICK BARDOULET, THE BLACK SWAN, HELMSLEY

The Lord Clyde in beautiful Kerridge is the only restaurant in Cheshire to have been awarded three Rosettes by The AA. Of the 22 establishments receiving rosettes, half were in London and include the likes of Fera and The Goring. The AA’s aim is to reward restaurants which have shown ‘that they are outstanding and demand recognition well beyond their local area’. We would like to congratulate Ernst and Sarah at The Lord Clyde for this genuinely amazing achievement, having only taken over the eaterie just over a year ago. Without doubt a must-visit for any self-proclaimed foodie! (thelordclyde.co.uk)

NOTEBOOK

Food & Drink PURCHASE OF THE MONTH Bento box

Combining award-winning design and functionality, these bento boxes are the perfect purchase for the design conscious. Made of two airtight containers, securely held together with an elastic strap, the lids of each box can seal any liquid and include dividers to keep foods separate. They’re also microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe. Fun and functional. Perfect! Monbento – Original Bento Box, £24 (bearandbear.com)

What is your favourite food? I love crêpes, I could eat them all day long with jam, right up until bed time and first thing in the morning. Never store them in the fridge or you are in trouble… ha ha. What is your favourite ingredient? I love fruit such as pear, cherries and mango. I’m also interested in using different vegetables – beetroot, parsnips, artichokes, crones – for interesting flavours and natural sweetness. If you were on a desert island which one thing would you have to have with you? That is easy, olive oil for cooking and to protect my skin from the sun. Patrick is the new chef at The Black Swan, Helmsley, previously having worked as executive chef for private clients in the Middle East. Turn to page 108 for our travel review. (blackswan-helmsley.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

How to make coffee There’s a new book out this month which is a must-buy for coffee lovers. How to Make Coffee: The Science Behind the Bean by Lani Kingston covers the science of coffee culture, from the climatic conditions needed for cultivation in the

growing regions of ‘the bean belt’ to the chemical reactions that take place in the body to give you that sought-after hit of caffeinated energy. How to Make Coffee by Lani Kingston, Ivy Press, £12.99

SPOTLIGHT ON… The Chef’s Table

idden down Music Hall Passage in Chester is a real gem for all the foodies out there. The Chef’s Table has been delighting diners for just under a year and has been voted third in Open Table’s Top 100 Best Restaurants 2014. So it was with tantalised tastebuds that we popped in for lunch. First word of advice, if you want to be certain of securing a table, please book. Warmly welcomed and presented with our menus we began the decision-making process alongside sneaky peeks at what was coming from the open kitchen of chef Liam McKay and his team. The brunch menu (served 12-3pm) was tempting and our first decision was to come back and try that after some hearty shopping. And so to the à la carte menu, changed frequently and completely influenced by local produce of the season. To begin: butternut squash, red lentil, coconut and mulligatawny soup served with goat’s cheese, potato bread and roast beetroot, rhubarb, blood orange, homemade goats curd and toasted coconut. The soup was the perfect recipe for our cold January visit and the ingredients perfectly balanced so as to complement but not overpower. The beetroot was much lighter but put together with an art in both taste and look. What followed kept our tastebuds tempted too. Fillets of Cornish Megrim sole, cumin roast cauliflower, cauliflower cream, warm salad of lentils and barley, raisins, curried granola and curry oil. Presented beautifully and without scrimping, again the tastes were familiar but somehow improved upon. The chicken was roasted with tomato, saffron, paprika,

smoked couscous, olive caramel, red pepper, aioli and ham and cheese croquettes. Full of flavour and perfectly cooked. Oh, and the triple-cooked chips come highly recommended too. All of this for £15 each for two courses. I’m very impressed. There are plenty of tempting desserts too, but our eyes were already bigger than our bellies so we finished with fresh tea and a plan to return for brunch and shopping very, very soon. Verdict: great value, great food served with style and imagination (without going too far!). The Chef’s Table, Music Hall Passage, Chester, CH1 2EU (01244 40 30 40, chefstablechester.co.uk)

‘the ingredients were perfectly balanced so they complemented each other rather than overpowered’ 19

The Chester food, drink & lifestyle festival

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i m l y a D F a t y a e O r u G t! A

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Free Kids Cooking Workshops

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Over 150 Food & Drink Exhibitors

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Art Festival – Featuring the Grosvenor Arts Society

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Chester

Food & Drink Festival Now in its fourteenth year, The Chester Food, Drink & Lifestyle Festival 2015 is set to wow us again this year. We take a peek behind the scenes with principal organiser Stephen Wundke to see what is in store this Easter at Chester Racecourse

op of the list have to be the headline chefs: Masterchef’s Gregg Wallace, Sunday Brunch’s Simon Rimmer, and the nation’s favourite French chef, JeanChristophe Novelli are the big names who will be alongside Cheshire’s very own foodie celebrities Andrew Nutter, Dave Mooney and Brian Mellor to name just a few. All of whom will be cooking up amazing local dishes and sharing tips live on stage throughout the weekend. Then there are the food and drink producers, more than 150 of them, who come from near and far to tempt our tastebuds. ‘The event has just grown and grown over the years and the best reward is to see everyone having an amazing day out,’ comments Stephen. ‘It has become the biggest event of its type anywhere in the UK, thanks to local support and encouragement, particularly to legal firm Allington Hughes, which has been working with us to make this year the best ever. ‘Given good weather, we’re expecting in the region of 30,000 visitors and hoping to break all our previous records. I don’t know of any other event where a family can have a whole day of

entertainment, food and drink for less than £20!’ Over the years this event has become so much more than just another food and drink festival though. There’s a huge area dedicated to free children’s cooking workshops (more than 900 children attended last year); there’s the mouthwatering Taste Cheshire Sausage Competition; there’s Camperfest with 450 caravans, motor homes and tents all on the Roodee; and, this year, there’s the launch of Artfest, with more than 40 artists and galleries showcasing and encouraging everyone to get involved with free daily seminars from international artists. New this year is the We Love Cheshire Sous Chef Challenge judged by Gregg Wallace. And also attached to the festival is the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Awards, the definitive hospitality awards voted for by the public and then judged by industry experts. So if you have a favourite foodie haunt, now’s the time to log on to the website and get voting. The Chester Food, Drink & Lifestyle Festival, 4-6 April Free parking. 25% online discount. Under 12s go free. (chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk)

Local scene As we settle into a new year, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re already drinking Champagne and enjoying the Cheshire sparkle

A glittering affair Steven Stone Jewellers, Ashley Road As many of you will have noticed, Steven Stone Jewellers has undergone a total refurbishment of its premises on Ashley Road. To celebrate the new showroom, the jewellers opened its doors to guests and clients to showcase the latest collection of jewellery in the new surroundings. (stevenstone.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Under lock and key Lock & Parker, Alderley Edge Adele Lock welcomed guests to her new, and very fabulous, office in Alderley Edge to celebrate the launch of new boutique agency with Martin Parker. More than 200 people attended the event, sampling the black and gold style and service. (lockandparker.co.uk)

EAT – SLEEP –WALK – PLAY Stylish products and accessories which fuse effortlessly with your home For the dog less ordinary

Hugo & Otto, 89 The High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0AB 01829 733960 www.hugoandotto.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

T A Y LOR T ALK

Be Inspired

Liz Taylor is tasked with creating exciting and innovative projects every day. The key to her success is inspiration, whatever the hour and wherever the place

W Gertan

/ Shutt

.c erstock

TION INSPIRA

FROM THE

OF OZ WIZARD

hether it is architecture or fashion, styles past and present have a huge influence on the productions we deliver. Recently I sourced a Chanel-inspired tweed from the Far East to make into tablecloths. I then convinced the CEO of an insurance company to use them for a small exclusive dinner. This beautiful fabric got the creativity flowing and developed the wider theme; napkins tied with leather shoelaces, with magnificent fresh orange and apricot flowers adorning the table – a mouth-watering palette! The latest catwalk collections are a creative hotbed and if I am not on the front row of a specific fashion collection (Chanel, Paris 2014, behind Anna Wintour) I am scouring the magazines until something seemingly ridiculous catches my eye and I can turn it into something unique and innovative for a client. Emerging runway trends often translate subtly into other areas of style and design, and already some of the key trends I spotted at the S/S15 shows are making their way into my events. Textures are hugely important to me; leather overlays, floor-length suede cloths – the feel and the look is expensive and that’s what clients want; elegant Murano water glasses complement the plain; and breath-taking chiffon prints used by Valentino and Rodarte transpose wonderfully to wall-drapes turning the wedding day into a mélange of romanticism. Travel is a big part of my job and each destination gives me a unique perspective on style and inspiration. Take the trendy bars of Greenwich NYC; they give us aluminum tables, Philippe Starkinspired furniture and white walls brought to life with cleverly designed lighting, and all these ingredients can be brought to the table. Even the adventures of Oz (I know it’s not a real place) have been created for a party! And then on the other hand I am invited to share my expertise with worldwide leaders in the industry. I am particularly excited to be heading to Mauritius to represent the UK at the International Destination Wedding Planners Congress and then from there it’s off to Hong Kong to plan a surprise 50th for an international entrepreneur ! No doubt I will pick up some inspiration along the way! Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC); 0161 876 6266 (tlc-ltd.co.uk)

INSPIRATION FROM

THE WIZARD OF

statement wine glasses (driftliving.co.uk)

hong kong harbour

chanel-inspired tweed

the iconic philippe starck ghost chairs (design55online.co.uk)

DARLING DICKIE Westminster Live’s Neil Sean met Lord Attenborough on several occasions before his passing, to talk about everything from his accolades as an actor and illustrious directing career, to his defining moments and friendships with Princess Diana and Noël Coward. Together with Jo O’Donoghue, he looks back at ‘Dickie’s’ extraordinary life – and remembers one of Britain’s most beloved icons

hen news broke on 25 August 2014 that Lord Attenborough had passed away the previous day, the media blossomed with tributes. This ‘celebrated film-maker’ (The Independent), ‘phenomenon’ (The Telegraph), ‘irreplaceable man’ (The Guardian) and ‘hero’ (The Sunday Times) is a great loss to the world of cinema and the landscape of British arts and culture. Born in Cambridge, the son of a university don, Attenborough was no stranger to the arts world from his earliest years. He often spoke of his boyhood attendance at recitals and lectures at De Montfort Hall and, from 17, attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

Although appreciative of culture, Attenborough didn’t possess an ambition to act above all else and, looking back, there’s no doubt that it was his broad spectrum of interests that helped form his unique approach to all of his creative endeavours, from acting and directing to charity work and public speaking. ‘I wanted to do something creative, but truthfully it changed almost daily,’ he explained. ‘I think it’s part of the imagination and more so when you come from my generation that did not have the distractions of TV and [video] games and so forth. I loved and fell in love with the movies – those great dark palaces in the high street that took me away to a place called

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Image courtesy of Dutch National Archives

Hollywood – yes, I was a movie buff and loved them all.’ And so he began with acting. Attenborough won his first film role at 19 as a sailor in Noël Coward’s In Which We Serve (1942) – after impressing Coward during his time at RADA. Indeed, ‘the master’ was to remain one of Attenborough’s greatest friends and heroes: ‘I adored him,’ he said of Coward, in an interview for The Big Issue. ‘Of all the great people I’ve known, he perhaps had the greatest aura. He was giving me a doctorate once, and I had to go forward and bow before him, in all the regalia, in front of all the academics. As I bowed, he leaned and said to me: “My, you do look pretty, dear boy.” Well, I was f**ked, completely f**ked – I couldn’t stop giggling.

ABOVE: Jurassic Park (1993) © Universal Pictures, bottom (l-r): Flight of the Phoenix (1965) © 20th Century Fox; Miracle on 34th Street (1994) © 20th Century Fox.

‘Noël could do everything and that was the beauty really,’ he said on another occasion. ‘He knew it and we all knew it too; he was known as ‘the master’ which he loved and woe betide you if you forgot that he was in charge on his film. He knew all the lines because he had written them – so yes, you had to be word perfect. I miss Noël every day.’ Still in his late teens, Attenborough then won one of his most famous stage roles as Pinkie, in Brighton Rock in 1943 (shortly before joining the RAF). He later reprised the part on film in 1947 as ‘one of the most unforgettable bad guys ever seen on a cinema screen: the irredeemably evil teenage hoodlum Pinkie Brown, played with unblinking conviction by the late Richard Attenborough, himself only 23 at the time’ (David Gritten, for The Telegraph). Fast-forward to 1952 and another pivotal moment came in the form of the first stage production of The Mousetrap. Did he have any idea it would be such a runaway success? ‘None at all; in fact we heard that Mrs Christie was not keen on the play at all, to be honest. I think she loathed the idea of someone like us taking on the characters that she herself had created – and so we all thought it wouldn’t last

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that long,’ he explained. ‘How wrong were we! It was and remains a classic, and I think even she would be thrilled as to how it all turned out.’ Of course, alongside a flurry of film roles (including The Great Escape (1963), The Sand Pebbles (1966) Doctor Doolittle (1967) and Jurassic Park (1993, 1997)), Attenborough was equally famed for his direction and production behind the camera. He made his directorial debut in 1969 with an adaptation of Oh, What A Lovely War and won both Oscars and Golden Globe awards for his 1982 epic Gandhi. He named Shadowlands (1993), starring Anthony Hopkins and written by C.S. Lewis, as his finest directorial work. ‘[Hopkins] was simply amazing really and it shone through the screen. I am not sure of Tony’s feelings, but for me I did wonder if I could top that. While the film was hard work, it was a joy to see such wonder up there on the screen. I am awfully proud of that movie.’ Other production highlights included A Bridge Too Far (1977), A Chorus Line (1985), Cry Freedom (1987), which earned Denzel Washington an Oscar nomination for his role as Steve Biko, Chaplin (1992) and the BAFTAwinning Shadowlands (1993).

‘Attenborough enjoyed a special balance of “fame, fortune and good friends” which allowed him to explore the potential of his heart and mind’

‘[Chaplin was a hero] because he was the movies to me and I adored them. I thought Robert Downey Jr. captured it so well. For me, I loved the fact that Chaplin was a rebel and started his own studio, dictated his own terms. I think that is why I made the movie […] to find out just who he really was.’ With such a diverse range of passions and interests, ‘My career blossomed in so many different areas,’ Attenborough said simply. And so, with a philanthropic streak running through his creative persona, he also decided to deliver on a large number of public service roles. ‘An accomplished public man, in his element on committees, he served at various times as chairman, president or patron to some 30 bodies, including Unicef, Rada and Channel 4,’ observed Gritten (The Telegraph). ‘But significantly he was also a towering presence within the British Film Institute, BAFTA and the National Film and Television School. To the public, he was for many years simply the face of British film.’ From the outside looking in, it seems Attenborough enjoyed a special balance of ‘fame, fortune and good friends’ which allowed him to explore the potential of his heart and mind well into his eighties (his last directorial title was released in 2007, Closing The Ring). ‘I think friends are vital, and being loved. Success can be fleeting; I always thought after every film it would be my last and that I would be found out – but if you keep going and make a good fist of it, then who knows where you may end up. I am an eternal optimist – I think that is one of my best traits.’ Perhaps most poignantly, Attenborough spoke about how he would like to be remembered. ‘I don’t think I personally will be,’ he said. ‘Maybe some of the films because they live on, don’t they? ‘I think if I am remembered, it will be as someone who tried to make something worth seeing and, above all else, as a good father and husband. To me, that was far more important than any movie. It’s what we all should strive for really; making sure we show we love the ones closest to us.’

30 All photography by Yuki Sugiura

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There’s no taste like home As James Martin releases his latest book, Home Comforts, he talks to Kari Colmans about autocue slip-ups and surprising breakfast staples

t’s hard not to feel like you already know a man with whom you’ve shared Saturday morning breakfasts, while poring over The Times, for more than a decade. But while I’ve been deciding between scrambled eggs and avocado or mashed banana on toast – and whether or not having three cups of tea before midday is excessive – James Martin’s been opting for the very cheffie pairing of Red Bull and Twix. ‘That’s all I ask for in my dressing room,’ he says. ‘Other people come up with all sorts of lists, but I don’t have any requests before filming apart from eye drops, a Red Bull and a Twix. You know it’s bad when you’re going into work and there are people queuing to get into nightclubs. It’s just a stupid o’clock time. But everyone’s all “give him a can and kick him out on set”.’ I’m talking to the born-and-bred Yorkshireman ahead of a second BBC series of Home Comforts and the official tie-in book, but most people will know him from Saturday Kitchen, a food-centred talk-show that has seen Martin juggling hot sauces and prickly celebs for the past 9 years. ‘It’s multi-tasking – all women can do it can’t they?’ he laughs, and I’m relieved to find he’s as nice in real life as he is on the oosh-bang telly. ‘You gain so much experience but it never gets any easier and so I never take it for granted. Every Saturday I still try as hard as I did the first time. You’ve got people shouting in your ear telling you how long you’ve got left, but the hard part is the autocue,

because I’m dyslexic. You’re cooking while interviewing, but you’ve also got somebody yapping in your ear.’ One of the funniest faux pas saw Martin ‘giving Rick Stein a great compliment’ when he fluffed the last two consonants of the word ‘dish’ to utter something rather rambunctious for a pre-watershed audience (the clip has currently pulled in more than 22,000 views on YouTube). ‘When you meet an A-lister you are always a bit scared, but they are the ones who really get into it,’ he says. ‘In recent times I was nervous with Michael Parkinson – he was pretty amazing. He is just a fantastic guy. I would love to have someone like David Attenborough on – he’s just a great character.’ But such is the nature of live TV that the gaffes aren’t limited to getting tongue-tied. ‘I think a big mistake that we once made was when we had birdwatcher and ornithologist Bill Oddie on the show. I presented him with a plate of mallard. Nobody realised through rehearsals all

week, but the penny dropped live on air that it probably wasn’t the greatest thing to do. Everyone else found it hilarious but he didn’t see the funny side.’ Martin has been surrounded by food for as long as he can remember. He started by working on his parents’ pig farm but at eight years old he was taken to his first ever restaurant kitchen and ‘fell in love’. He managed to work in ‘several really good Michelin-star restaurants’ before he was 16 and then he had to choose between being a chef or going back to the farm to bring home the bacon. ‘It was bloody hard work our pig farm, so I chose the route that was slightly warmer rather than the one outdoors. But I think working on a farm, you gain respect for other people who make the food and that same ethos still applies [for me] now.’ His first TV appearance came in the mid-1990s when he became a household chef name with his own show, championing local northern fare, as well as through Ready Steady Cook and The Big Breakfast: ‘It’s all a bit of a blur.’ But ‘celebrity chef’ was never the end goal, he says, and I believe him – ‘It found me, I didn’t find it.’ He’s been around long enough to laugh at the fads and to know that, essentially, what we all want is a simple home-cooked meal. ‘Nouvelle cuisine was always quite a funny one,’ he sighs. ‘I remember working in one restaurant where we put four strawberries on the plate, covered one in gold leaf and charged 32 quid for it. How can anybody get away with charging 30 odd quid for four strawberries – bloody hell. We spent an hour painting that strawberry with gold leaf – what a pain in the arse. ‘I’m not really into the molecular sort of stuff either, which is the way food was going for a while, but now it’s come back round to the simple form of cooking which is always key. There is only one person that can really do [molecular gastronomy] in the UK and that is Heston and we should leave him to it.’ Martin’s go-to ingredients for the ideal home-cooked meal are lamb chops and roast chicken, but when he’s really taking a step back, there’s only one place you’ll find him. ‘I’m

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THAI LAMB SALAD WITH SPICY DRESSING Serves: 4 Ingredients 2 red chillies, 1 chopped, 1 finely sliced 4 garlic cloves, crushed 90g root ginger, peeled and roughly chopped 2 tbsp palm sugar 6 tbsp soy sauce 4 tbsp fish sauce 300g cooked lamb, cut into thick slices, with the fat left on ½ cucumber, halved lengthways, sliced thinly on the diagonal 100g fresh podded peas, some in the pods if really fresh 100g sugar snap peas, sliced lengthways 75g beansprouts 6 spring onions, sliced on the diagonal 3 tbsp roughly chopped mint leaves Small handful of coriander sprigs Juice of 2 limes 25g pea shoots Method I love this dish. Frying the cold lamb until crisp on the edges gives it a great texture, then adding the brilliant dressing means you get masses of flavours in. You really need all the dressing ingredients; sadly, it won’t work with normal sugar or without the fish sauce. It doesn’t need poncing around, just whack it on the plate and put it on the table. Simple. 1 Place the chopped chilli, garlic, ginger and palm sugar into a food processor and blitz. Add the soy and fish sauce then blitz once more. Taste and adjust if necessary. 2 Heat a frying pan until hot, add the lamb and fry for 2-3 minutes until crispy on one side. Add half the dressing and heat through until sticky and it’s coating the lamb nicely, then remove from the heat and set aside. 3. Place the cucumber, peas, sugar snaps, beansprouts, spring onions, mint and coriander in a bowl and toss. Add dressing and lime juice then pea shoots and toss. 4 Divide the salad between the plates then top with the crispy lamb. Finish with more of the dressing, sprinkle on the finely sliced chilli and serve straight away.

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getting older so I’ve got to have a nice chair to sit on. I invested in a proper big leather one. That’s my space when the dogs don’t nick it, but they like it as much as what I do, so you’ve got to kick them off. It’s Ralph Lauren, the sort you sit in rather than on.’ For dinner parties, he’d recommend something like beef stew and dumplings, which you can stick in the oven and forget about. ‘Too many people try and invent things and end up in a bloody disaster because they are trying to do two things at once. You can do lamb particularly well at this time of year, it’s so inexpensive, especially this amazing thing called hogget – it’s from a year-old lamb, in-between a lamb and a mutton really.’ True to form, I see him serve up some hogget to an impressed Pixie Lott the following morning, although she was careful not to finish it as the spandex brigade was still a-calling that night. While Martin’s life revolves around eating – and feeding others – he says there are never any January detoxes in his household. ‘I don’t really do detox to be honest – I’m 6ft 3in, I’m never going to be ten stone – it’s never going to happen! I think the thinnest I have ever been is when I did Strictly Come Dancing and I lost something like five stone. I probably needed to lose it, but I’m never going to be a ballet dancer, put it that way. I suppose the older you are the more you look at what you eat, which is fair enough – I do drink a lot of water, about three or four litres a day, but I’m too old to be farting around with all that [diet stuff]. I’ve got a gym at home, but I haven’t really used it much. However, I got one of those pedometer things from a magazine the other day and it showed that I had walked 15 miles yesterday, just in the restaurant.’ And when he’s not running marathons around the hob, Martin loves to travel, guided by his tastebuds. ‘One of my favourite places is probably America. I went on a foodie trip to New York recently and had a fantastic time seeing the amazing restaurants. The service in America is often so good because it’s a service culture. I don’t like this tipping sort of scenario,

but in terms of restaurant design and other stuff, America’s quite forward thinking. But I also think people can learn a lot of stuff from us in the UK. ‘As a country we’ve got amazing respect for food. You’ve got to go back to when your granny was brought up and there was a much higher regard for simple produce. They never wasted anything. The issue we have now is that stuff is readily available all year round and we are wasteful. We just throw stuff away willy-nilly. Yes, we are more knowledgeable than we were and the restaurants have got miles better, but we take food for granted a lot more than we used to and a lot more than we should.’ Although home is now in Hampshire, Martin is brimming with restaurant recommendations that span the length and breadth of the country, eagerly telling us where to find the UK’s most talented chefs and sample their sumptuous burger paltters and tender, juicy steaks. And for a breakfast to see you through til tea, you can’t beat a good old-fashioned vending machine. James Martin, £20, Quadrille (jamesmartinchef.co.uk)

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Can

children be

enlightened? Although widely acknowledged to be his method of garnering media attention, people are still questioning whether British artist (and father of three) Jake Chapman was even a little bit serious in his statement that taking children to art galleries is an ‘insult’ and a ‘total waste of time’. Jo O’Donoghue investigates

hapman, one half of the famous duo of artistic brothers (he was nominated for a Turner Prize in 2003 with his brother Dinos), told The Independent that parents who took their offspring to art galleries, exhibitions and museums were ‘arrogant’ for thinking the children could understand artists including Mark Rothko or Jackson Pollock. In further comments he explained that in his opinion, standing a child before artwork by Pollock is ‘like saying... it’s as moronic as a child... children are not human yet’ and that comparing the ‘simplicity’ of Matisse’s work to a child’s art was ‘ridiculous’. ‘It’s like saying a child will understand a Cubist painting because a Cubist painting is childlike. There’s no connection,’ he argued. ‘Anyone who says there is, is less than a village idiot.’

Unfortunately, there will always be families (parents included) whose behaviour in galleries or museums backs Chapman’s statement and suggests that their presence isn’t appropriate. Earlier this year, for example, we heard about the couple who allowed their young children to scramble up a multi-million dollar sculpture by Donald Judd on display at Tate Modern. As reported in the London Evening Standard, a gallery owner from New York declared, ‘I was shocked. I said to the parents I didn’t think their kids should be playing on a $10 million artwork. The woman turned around and told me I didn’t know anything about kids and said she was sorry if I ever had any.’ In the wake of such reporting, it’s perhaps not surprising that art lovers across the capital were up in arms about the presence of children in

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such sacred spaces. In response, critic Ivan Hewett reasoned that ‘high culture is like any other product of the grown-up world, whether it’s maths, or democracy, or science. It’s inherently difficult, and so beyond the reach of children. ‘To pretend otherwise, by encouraging kids to think of museum exhibits or paintings or plays as so many shiny toys, available to be handled and dropped as soon as boredom sets in, is just a form of lying. And lying to our children seems an odd way of encouraging a love of high culture. My hunch is that when they reach adulthood, the children who are now allowed to run around museums will regard the whole apparatus of high culture with contempt, as something with no belief in its own innate worth.’ But there are plenty who would disagree with those artists and critics who would like to ban children from the realm of arts and culture. ‘If you can walk and you can look, you can get something from a work of art,’ enthused Stephen Deuchar, director of the Art Fund, on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. ‘Can a child appreciate a work of art deeply? Yes, of course they can.’ Indeed, children living in cities actually have a great advantage over their peers in the rest of the UK (despite concerns that they have fewer chances to skim stones on lakes, climb trees or swim in the sea) and are privy to great alternative opportunities to learn about art, music and culture from infancy. Surely, it would be narrow-minded to think that a child couldn’t benefit from exposure to the arts? ‘Children benefit a great deal from visiting art galleries and museums,’ the BBC quoted a National Gallery spokesman as saying. ‘It widens their horizons [and] can develop inquisitiveness and curiosity about the world.’ ‘It’s not really children that any of these finger-waggers want to ban. It’s joy,’ argues Dea Birkett, director of Kids in Museums. ‘When one of these killjoys comes across a Tintoretto, they take a few steps back from the maroon rope, nod their head as if confirming some important fact about the brushstrokes, pinch their chin slowly with thumb and forefinger, and mutter (inaudibly I hope) “Mmmmmm”.

‘There’s no squeal of delight, no moment when their arms want to jump up and wave hooray. In fact, there’s no passion at all for the great work in front of them. There’s just suppressed appreciation of a very academic, hollow-hearted kind. ‘Who really wants to feel like that when surrounded by centuries of the most magnificent art? For it isn’t contempt (as Hewett claims) that early exposure to great art breeds, but passion. We should be thrilled when even young children respond so enthusiastically to a Rubens or a Richard Long. Isn’t this exactly what we want?’ On a basic level, it certainly doesn’t seem

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‘I don’t think art is to be understood – it’s to be experienced. Art is not to be decoded. It is to be felt. Feeling comes before understanding’ – Turner Prize winner Antony Gormley, The Times right that pre-determined age groups should or shouldn’t be permitted access to galleries and museums – and I suspect if any of the larger institutions tried to, there would be more protesting than praising across the UK. It seems that the larger problem lies with the behaviour of parents rather than children, but as long as the (obvious) ban of vandalism is upheld, there doesn’t seem to be a need for age limits or strict noise (joy) limits in public exhibition spaces. After all, children who enjoy art will make art – and what could be better for our country, than the continuation of the arts for the future?

POINT OF INTEREST One example of a child grown by exposure to the arts is Wolfgang Mozart. At the age of four, he played the piano and the violin, and composed his first piano concerto. He played melodies on the piano and his father put the notes onto paper. By the age of six he had composed a minuet and a trio for keyboard.

The return of the whitworth This month sees the Whitworth Gallery’s anticipated re-opening, due to take place on 14 February. Leading the charge will be the large-scale exhibition of Cornelia Parker, English sculptor and installation artist, who has produced a new commission for the exhibition. But that’s not all – there’ll also be Turner watercolours plus many more artists, projects, commissions and events besides. Culture vultures, prepare to be spoiled for choice. (manchester.ac.uk/whitworth)

Arts & Culture Natalie Angelsey and Gemma Knight review the not-to-miss shows

Opera Opera

Opera North returns to The Lowry with a varied programme this March, including Mozart’s effervescent comedy of manners The Marriage of Figaro (sung in English), Verdi’s La Traviata (sung in Italian with English subtitles) and Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi (sung in Italian with English subtitles). (thelowry.com)

literary itinerary

Easily one of fashion’s most influential forces, even surpassing his death in 2008, Yves Saint Laurent’s reputation for being a ground-breaker, a risk-taker and a visionary is celebrated in this beautifully presented book by fashion historian Jérômine Savignon. He opens the door to Saint Laurent’s studio, which gave birth to sartorial magic, giving the reader an exclusive insight into his processes and his secrets which make the brand and his work so seminal. Illustrated divinely with over 40 previously unpublished documents, Savignon celebrates the fashion designer who dominated the catwalks of sixties and seventies and the first leading couturier to lend his name to a pret-à-porter range, while still making brilliant haute couture creations. The perfect read for the follower of fashion, or one who can appreciate a true artist’s work. Yves Saint Laurent’s Studio by Jérômine Savignon, £16, published by Actes Sud (actes-sud.fr)

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Jodie Prenger as Cala mity Jane. Photo credit Manuel Harlan

Oklahoma

THEATRE REVIEW

Coppélia

he prestigious Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB), has already brought several wonderful productions to the North West. Among the most popular are Carmina Burana, Far From The Madding Crowd, Still Life at the Penguin Café, Edward 11, and most recently Beauty and the Beast. Celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year, BRB returns to The Lowry with Coppélia. Peter Wright’s enchanting production, based on Saint-Leon‘s original version derived by Petipa, is revived by director David Bintley CBE. Danced to the delightful music of Delibes, this charming story involves eccentric toy-maker, Dr Coppelius, who creates a beautiful puppet which he hopes

to bring to life with magic. In fact Coppélia looks so life-like, young Franz forsakes his first love Swanhilde and falls in love with the puppet. When his girlfriend discovers the truth, she decides to teach him a lesson – so you could call it an early romcom! There’s plenty of humour as well as colourful scenery, pretty costumes and the most joyful choreography. It’s a great introduction to the ballet for children and grown-ups alike, as the story is easy to understand and the sparkling score adds to the magic. Coppélia, The Lowry, 4-7 March There’s a brief introduction to the ballet for children aged 3-7 on 6 March at 1pm. (thelowry.com)

Marti Pellow as the Narrator in Blood Brothers; credit Keith Pattison

It’s in the blood The popular musical Blood Brothers, written by Liverpool playwright Willy Russell, is a poignant story of twin brothers separated at birth, who grow up on opposite sides of the tracks and eventually meet again. Marti Pellow plays the narrator in this touring production arranged by Liverpool’s Bill Kenwright. Don’t forget to take a hanky! The Palace Theatre, 2-7 March (atgtickets.com/Manchester)

17-21 March Rodgers and Hammerstein’s awardwinning musical Oklahoma celebrates America’s pioneering spirit with songs like Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’. There’s foot-stomping musical numbers, a tender love story and a scary villain. Belinda Lang plays Aunt Eller, Gary Wilmot is Ali Hakim and there’s a score filled with sunshine. The Lowry, 17-21 March (thelowry.com)

Jason Donovan (Lionel Logue), Raymond Coulthard (King George VI) Picture by Hugh Glendinning

The King’s Speech Raymond Coulthard (RSC, National Theatre) plays King George VI in this stage version of the Oscar-winning film The King’s Speech. While Jason Donovan also stars as his speech therapist, Lionel Logue. ‘I’m really looking forward to getting into the character of Logue,’ Jason enthuses. ‘He’s such an interesting and remarkable Australian, who achieved so much in a very challenging situation and he’ll be fascinating to play.’ The King’s Speech, The Opera House, 30 March-4 April (atgtickets.com/Manchester) 41

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Women

in theatre

It’s easy to forget that women haven’t always been the dramatic stalwarts they’re now seen to be. Natalie Anglesey meets two local ladies who show it’s hard work that gets leading roles

ot so long ago the role of women working in the theatre was considered a minor one. Unless you were acting on the stage, you’d be working in the box office or as an usher selling ice creams, working your way to the position of theatre manager. I should know, I’ve done them all! The good news is that times have changed with an increase in professional training and invaluable work experience as well as some far-reaching strategies in spotting and mentoring potential talent. There are now more women working in theatre at managerial level than ever before. And we have two prime examples right on our doorstep at The Lowry in Salford Quays, which houses two main theatres, a studio and a complex of art galleries, making it one of the most successful visitor attractions in the country. Julia Fawcett OBE, based in Cheadle Hulme, is chief executive while Gatley resident Rachel Miller has recently become director of marketing and communications. Both have interesting stories to tell and are indicative of the young women determined to break into what was once a male-dominated world.

Julia was born in Ordsall, not far from The Lowry and is proud of her roots. ‘We lived in a terraced house and from our road you could see the big ships sailing past – it was really exciting to a child. Now we have MediaCityUK on our doorstep, which is just as exciting in a very different way.’ Julia’s first inkling that she wanted to work in the theatre came when she saw Robert Lindsay in Hamlet at the Royal Exchange. ‘I went to Salford College where my tutor, Roland Metcalfe, encouraged my passion and I went on to study drama at Bristol University.’ After struggling to find work as an actor Julia took a variety of jobs, becoming a guide on the Granada Studios Tour. She stayed at Granada for ten years becoming a general manager in the Leisure Division. ‘The business acumen and financial discipline I learned at Granada was

‘The arts world is a very small world but a wonderful world!’ – Rachel Miller

left: JULIA FAWCETT & RACHEL MILLER (L-R) OF THE LOWRY

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below left: the lowry, below right: a full house inside the lowry

invaluable and stood me in good stead when I was invited to become chief executive of Dynamic Earth Enterprises Ltd in Edinburgh, one of Scotland’s largest visitor attractions. ‘Then the opening of The Lowry afforded me the opportunity to return home in 2002 as their chief executive.’ Julia’s knowledge of the various funding opportunities available has also proved useful in turning the fortunes of this incredible Millennium project around, although she’s quick to praise the generous mentoring from The Lowry chairman Sir Rod Aldridge. ‘Although The Lowry benefits from a variety of funding sources, Salford City Council’s support at every level has been tremendous.’ Due to her personal background and nearby upbringing Julia’s committed to involving the local community, and The Lowry runs a successful Summer School. ‘We intend to expand even more on local involvement – so watch this space!’ Also inspired by Robert Lindsay to work in the theatre, it was his performance in Me and My Girl at the Leicester Haymarket which kick-started Rachel’s career. ‘I was born in Leicester but mum and dad were both from Manchester so as a family we’ve come full circle. In fact we recently celebrated my parents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary at The Stanneylands Hotel, which brought back memories.’ Rachel too studied drama at university in Surrey, but after seeing Miss Saigon in London her aim to work in the theatre was reinforced. ‘I didn’t want to act but I wanted to be part of making the magic happen on stage. Within two months of graduating I had joined the graduate

programme at Apollo Leisure, one of the few companies at that time which encouraged women to work in the theatre. ‘I was first sent to Torquay as a trainee manager and eventually went to the Liverpool Empire as general manager. After that I came to Manchester where I looked after the Palace Theatre and the Opera House before becoming divisional manager of Central England, then regional manager for the South of England.’ During her career Rachel has worked for the Ambassador Theatre Group and Live Nation. She saw the chance to return home with the head of ticketing position for Quaytickets, a division of The Lowry Centre Ltd, which sells more than one million tickets a year. Rachel is also now director of marketing and communications at The Lowry. ‘This new role gives me the opportunity to work on promoting all aspects of the organisation, which is very exciting. I’m really looking forward to further enhancing our reputation as one of the UK’s leading arts organisations.’ Both Julia and Rachel manage to combine happy family life with jobs they care passionately about; working women know that takes hard work and total commitment on all fronts. Rachel reminds us. ‘The arts world is a very small world in which the commercial sector can often support the creative and artistic side. It’s a small world but a wonderful world!’ While Julia sums up. ‘This is a very exciting time in The Lowry’s history with a range of projects that will build on our past and see us facing a future with expanding community engagement, increased sustainability and above all creative ambition.’ (thelowry.com)

PLOUM sofa. Design: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

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PRIZE LOTs

2 #1 Roman portraits Sotheby’s forthcoming Furniture and Decorative Arts sale entitled ‘Of Royal and Noble Descent’ features a whole host of fascinating lots with truly fascinating stories attached to them, perhaps the most interesting of which is this rare set of 24 portraits of Roman emperors, wives of Roman emperors and the personification of Rome (probably Roman (Vatican School) or Prague, after Tiziano Vecellio) Called Titian. Exhibition and auction at Sotheby’s; 24 February; Estimated range: £80,000-120,000 (sothebys.com)

#2 Death of Pompey (Rome) by Cy Twombly Due to be auctioned as part of the Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Sale at Christie’s, this oil and graphite on canvas work was created by the late American painter

Edwin Parker ‘Cy’ Twombly, Jr in 1962. Known for his large-scale, graffiti-like works, Twombly served as a cryptologist in the US Army, a period of his life which greatly affected his artistic style. Exhibition and auction at Christie’s; 11 February; Estimated range: £4 million-6 million (christies.com)

#3 Fisherman, Madeira by Irma Stern Internationally acclaimed South African artist Irma Stern travelled extensively during her lifetime, incorporating the various people and places she came across as subjects in some of her most famous works. This oil on canvas board piece is signed and dated ‘Irma Stern/1931’ and will be auctioned as part of Bonhams’ South African Art sale. Exhibition and auction at Bonhams; 18 March; Estimated range: £300,000-500,000 (bonhams.com)

Watch news Cara Delevingne becomes TAG Heuer’s newest face, Bremont’s latest creation takes a starring role, and Breguet honours its very first, and rather special, customer w o r d s : r i cha r d b r o w n

Bremont’s starring role

Ticking all the boxes

Bremont has launched the eponymous Kingsman collection, developed in collaboration with director Matthew Vaughn for his film Kingsman: The Secret Service. The collection comprises three new models that eagle-eyed movie-goers will spot throughout the critically acclaimed comedy, strapped to the wrists of stars including Colin Firth, Michael Caine and Mark Strong. The Bremont Kingsman Special Edition is available in rose gold (£14,250), stainless steel (£4,295) and DLC (£4,395). (bremont.com / mrporter.com)

A watch is a very personal thing, but we defy anyone to resist the spectacular selection on offer from Lotus. With simple, elegant lines and the unmistakable solidity of absolute quality, its women’s collection boasts classic designs in a range of delightful warm hues – although it must be said, our favourite might just be the 15895/1, a sleek, unpretentious stainless steel watch with a grey dial, mineral glass, quartz movement and analogue display. It says professional with just a hint of femininity, and we’re pretty confident you’ll feel just that little bit sassier with it on. (lotus-watches.com) Kingsman: The Secret Service, 2014 Photography: Jaap Buitendijk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

ONE TO WATCH ‘The IWC Aquatimer Edition Expedition Charles Darwin pays homage to the ship that carried Darwin around the Galápagos Islands, with an in-house IWC -manufactured movement and the SafeDive system.’

TAG’s new It girl With 9.3 million Instagram followers, and more than two million more on Twitter, it’s a shrewd move for TAG Heuer to bag fashion’s youngest It girl Cara Delevingne as its newest female ambassador. Queen of the media jungle, the 22-year-old model speaks to the online generation that the Swiss watchmaker has set within its sights. The catwalk princess was officially unveiled as part of the TAG family at a party in Paris, where she was presented with a prop in the form of a lion cub – the combo proved as cutesy as you’d expect. (tagheuer.co.uk)

Alexander Martin-Wright, David M Robinson Liverpool 4-6 South John Street, L1 8BJ (0151 708 1140, davidmrobinson.co.uk)

The IWC Aquatimer Edition Expedition Charles Darwin, £8,250

A watch to set your calendar by

Period piece

Blancpain’s new self-winding 5939A mechanism comprises 379 parts in a calibre that’s just 7.25 mm thick and 32 mm in diameter. That’s even more impressive when you consider that the calibre will keep track of the varying month lengths and leap years in the complex Gregorian calendar without any need for adjustment until 2100. You’ll find the 5939A inside the Villeret Perpetual Calendar, a watch with an 8-day power reserve and presentation box that doubles as a humidor. Quantième Perpétuel 8 Jours, £40,900, Blancpain (blancpain.com)

As previous clients go, they don’t come much more prestigious than Queen Marie Antoinette of France, for whom Breguet counts as its first female customer. In designing its leading ladies’ pieces, Breguet looks to the bows, ribbons, lace and frills of costume dresses, which it mimics through the use of mechanisms and gemstones. The company’s Volants de la Reine evokes the beauty of a dress in motion, while the rustling of frills can be imagined in the gem-set bow that clings to the bezel. Volants de la Reine, £91,500, Breguet (breguet.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

CALM &

collected

he gorgeous Aria collection from Georg Jensen encompasses everything from sterling silver pendants to drop earrings and chunky rings, but our favourite piece has to be the Aria sautoir sterling silver necklace, featuring sleek, contemporary geometric blocks which utterly epitomise understated luxury. With the whole range taking inspiration from constructed compositions, the pieces strike a wonderful balance between bold, pioneering design and an endearingly feminine edge that provides a sense of warmth. Tough on the outside, soft on the inside. Available at the new Georg Jensen space at David M Robinson, 14 Railway Street, Altrincham, WA14 2RE (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

Jewellery news

WORDS BY OLIVIA SHARPE

Empire of the sun Fashion designers and jewellers alike have been cashing in on the recently resurrected ancient coin trend and the latest to follow suit is newly launched brand Dubini. Founded by Benedetta Dubini, the jewellery designer looks to her Italian heritage to create her collections, the latest of which, entitled Empires, features coins emblazoned with the faces of some of the greatest Roman and Greek historical and mythical figures, from Artemis to Alexander the Great. The pieces are set in 18-karat yellow gold and feature a multitude of coloured stones, thereby paying tribute to the rich history of Italian craftsmanship. (dubini.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Holy trinity There are some high jewellery brands you can always rely on, when seeking out that perfect gift for a special occasion, and one of these is Cartier. This year sees the French jeweller adapt its Trinity Ruban Solitaire ring, the ultimate symbol of love which was first popularised in the 1920s by Jean Cocteau, into a pair of earrings and matching necklace, creating the perfect bridal or engagement ring set. (cartier.com)

CUTTING EDGE In time for Valentine’s Day, Tiffany & Co has created the ultimate romantic range of high jewellery pieces, the Tiffany Enchant heart collection:

Fly me to the moon She may have only come under the radar in 2009 but London-based jewellery designer Noor Fares’ career has already taken off into the stratosphere; her coveted pieces are currently stocked in Liberty, Matches and Dover Street Market in the UK (to name a few). Her latest collection, Tilsam (meaning talisman in Arabic) revolves around the sphere, or orb, as its central theme and includes beautifully carved rings and pendants in clear quartz, moonstone, rose quartz and labradorite. The jeweller has also drawn upon astrology with Eclipse, a series of rings complete with gold and diamonds which refer back to astrological instruments used in the past to record the stars. Far from being star-gazing nonsense, this is, in our opinion, Fares’ best collection yet. (noorfares.com)

‘These romantic designs have been inspired by the intricate patterns of traditional 19th century gates that border sumptuous gardens and grand estates. Tiffany designers have contrasted these ornate jewels with a clean-lined bracelet of 18-carat white gold covered with more than nine carats of diamonds and over 55 carats of vibrant spinels’

Above: Enchant hinged bracelet with spinels and diamonds in 18-karat white gold and line bracelet; Key on fine chain Both POA, Tiffany & Co, tiffany.co.uk

LET CHISHOLMHUNTER.CO.UK

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VISIT YOUR NEAREST CHISHOLM HUNTER STORE: ST MICHAELS SQUARE GROSVENOR SHOPPING CENTRE CHESTER CH1 1EE

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Fashion

Roses Are Red

Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like a piece of beautiful contemporary jewellery with a quirky design twist Photographer: Rachell Smith S t y l is t: N is h a G r e w a l

Asymmetric silk gown, POA, CH Carolina Herrera (carolinaherrera.com); Pré Catelan earrings in pink gold and pink quartz, £5,900, Dior Joaillerie (dior.com); Flora and Fauna ring, £9,449, Joubi (joubi.com); Shyne black gold ring, £2,895, Machalka at Kabiri (kabiri.co.uk) 55

Collection | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Couture gown, POA, Georges Chakra (georgeschakra.com); 18-carat yellow gold and diamond Sabre earrings and The Serpent’s Trace bracelet in white gold and diamond, yellow gold and rose gold, all POA, Shaun Leane (shaunleane.com); Zelle ear cuff in rose gold with stones, £135, Katie Rowland (katie-rowland.com); three layers ring, £1,745, Dima at Kabiri, as before

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Rose cobweb tulle dress, POA, Burberry Prorsum (uk.burberry.com); white diamond and pink sapphire earrings from Love Garden collection, POA, Shawish Genève (shawish.ch); 18-carat gold medium bud diamond necklace, £1,650, and platinum small bud necklace, £2,400, Sara Hartley (sarahartley.co.uk); The Galaxy Tsavorite pendant, £2,250, Ruifier, (ruifier.com) 57

Collection | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Beige and black sequin dress, POA, Giorgio Armani (armani.com); Dark Forest dip-dye earrings, £290, Parisian dip-dye knuckle ring, £250, and circle ring, £170, Katie Rowland, as before; black cuff earring, £65, Joubi, as before; Nico ring, Selin Kent at Kabiri, £1,220, as before

Hair: Yoshitaka Miyazaki using L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Make-up: Megumi Matsuno @ Carol Hayes Management using MAC Photography assistant: Jessica Ralph Stylist’s assistants: Laura Rogliano and Sophia Rousset Model: Or Daniel Long rectangular velvet blocks: Raj Tent Club (rajtentclubshop.com)

Pink Ribbon Ball Manchester Cathedral Saturday 25 April, 2015 Pricing from ÂŁ150 per person or ÂŁ1,500 per table Tickets include champagne reception, four-course meal by Harvey Nichols with fabulous entertainment

To book: 020 7749 4106 pinkribbonball@breastcancercampaign.org www.breastcancercampaign.org/pinkribbonballmanchester

Registered charity no. 299758

From left: Panthère de Cartier collection yellow gold ring with onyx, tsavorite and garnets, and platinum necklace with cultured pearls, onyx, emeralds and diamonds, both Tania & Vincent © Cartier; Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier Archives © Cartier; Panthère de Cartier white gold bracelet with onyx, emeralds & diamonds, and matching ring with black lacquer, Tania & Vincent © Cartier

Changing

spots

As Cartier celebrates the 100th anniversary of its legendary panther with a new fine jewellery collection, Olivia Sharpe discovers how a cultural icon was born

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

ast year marked the centenary of the start of the First World War. While this particular milestone naturally takes precedence above all others, 2014 also signalled another anniversary which is of particular significance to the fine jewellery world; the birth of Cartierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic panther motif. At first, it might seem somewhat inappropriate to be celebrating a piece of history that is frivolous in comparison to one of the most devastating events of the 20th century. And yet, it is often the case that during turbulent periods in history, creative genius is spawned. When one considers this, the Cartier panther takes on a whole new meaning, symbolising timeless beauty created in a time of adversity. Therefore, in celebration, Cartier has launched PanthĂ¨re de Cartier: a collection of 56

fine jewellery pieces that reimagine the famous big cat in a number of different forms, including a yellow gold necklace with black lacquer, onyx, tsavorite, garnets and diamonds; a white gold ring featuring a modern, geometric openwork design and an optical art tribal bracelet with a pattern of diamonds and onyx spots. While the panther has evolved considerably over the decades, reinvented in countless styles and unconventional materials, its meaning has remained the same; strong, powerful and majestic. And it continues to be an emblem of freedom of expression and artistic creativity. The first Cartier panther was created in 1914 by the houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s then designer Charles Jacqueau, appearing on a wristwatch with a round case of polished platinum, paved with rose-cut diamonds and onyx, and featuring a black-and-white

spotted motif inspired by the animal’s coat. The abstract design not only heralded the birth of an icon, but the beginning of the Art Deco styles to come. However, it is widely considered that it was not until the arrival of Cartier’s famed jewellery director, Jeanne Toussaint, that the panther was truly brought to life. Toussaint was born in Belgium in 1887 but moved to Paris at the age of 13 to live with her sister. There she became immersed in Parisian high society, taking inspiration from the avant-garde world of artists and designers during the height of the Belle Époque. Like her contemporary and close friend Coco Chanel, Toussaint was imbued with natural artistic talent and impeccable taste. This was immediately picked up on by Louis Cartier, grandson of the eponymous house’s founder, who met Toussaint just before the start of WW1. He was immediately captivated by her magnetic personality, killer instinct and ferocious spirit.

It was this spirit, in particular, which led to her being nicknamed ‘the panther’ (not to mention it being an animal she was evidently fond of), having designed numerous objects themed around the feline for herself, including a vanity case and cigarette box. In 1933, having worked at Cartier for a number of years in the small leather goods and accessories department, she was appointed head of fine jewellery and it was then that her creative powers were fully unleashed. With her unique vision and technical skill, she revolutionised the house’s style with modern settings. In fact, she is responsible for having invented the principle of clip-on jewellery and for reintroducing the trend for using yellow gold following the 1920s era of monochrome, along with other non-traditional materials, such as rock crystal and platinum.

From left: Panthère de Cartier white gold bracelet with onyx, emeralds & diamonds, Tania & Vincent © Cartier; 1914 wristwatch designed by Charles Jacqueau, N. Welsh, Cartier Collection © Cartier; Panther sketches, Isabelle Rey © Cartier; Panther product close-up; Yellow gold ring with black lacquer, onyx, tsavorite and garnets, Tania & Vincent © Cartier.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Then, in 1948, the Duke of Windsor commissioned the jeweller to design a piece for his wife. The three-dimensional gold clip-brooch featured a spectacular cabochon emerald upon which perched a gold-and-black spotted panther; a radical departure from the traditional jewellery of the decade, it was seen as a revolutionary piece of jewellery design. As a trend-setter of her day, it was not long before other high-profile women picked up on the Duchess’ new, widely reported fashion statement and the panther next appeared on the wealthy editor of Harper’s Bazaar in Paris, Daisy Fellowes; on this occasion, the motif was reinvented in platinum with piercing yellow diamonds for eyes and a spectacular 152-carat sapphire cabochon. From then on, the panther has continued to be worn by influential female figures, from Barbara Hutton and María Félix to Francine Weisweiller and Princess Nina Aga Khan, all of whom no doubt were subconsciously drawn to its strong and powerful persona. Pierre Rainero, the current image, style and heritage director at Cartier, sums up why it was so successful. ‘The panther, as it was for Jeanne Toussaint, became the emblem of very independent women with their own freedom to enjoy, buying their own jewellery and in many cases making all the big decisions in life themselves.’ Today, the Cartier panther appears bolder and

‘This year, Cartier has reinvented its famous panther motif in a number of different forms’ fiercer than ever before, perhaps in order to convey how women have successfully battled through the troubles of the 20th century. Rainero comments: ‘In all the different creations, the common point is that the panther is at the centre of the composition, the centre of the creation. The panther is never the decor; the panther is really the inspiration of a piece of jewellery and the panther is the actor or the actress of the main role of the composition.’ Who knows what the next century of the panther will bring, but what we can say for certain is that the wild cat will continue to surprise and astound. (cartier.com)

February 14th Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day 2015

Love...

Inspired by

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Inspired by Love. Mococo proudly presents its very first in house designer jewellery collection. Coco Kiss is available in your local Mococo store; Mococo Liverpool The Metquarter, Liverpool | L1 6DA 0151 255 0388

Coco Kiss 3.5mm 18ct Gold and Silver Wedding Band MOC03Y

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Fashion news Best foot forward For Carrie Bradshaw and her tribe of fashionista followers, it was a case of love at first sight. Carrie’s shriek of excitement over a new pair of Jimmy Choos was probably not the first and it will certainly not be the last. Since its first cameo in Sex and the City, the brand and its design team have each season delivered show-stopping collections, making their way into the wardrobes (and hearts) of the fashion elite. For Cruise 2015, the Choo dream team delivers a playful pop of colour. From fluorescent pumps to colour-blocked stilettos, it seems there’s nothing beige about this collection. If you dare, the bold offering is perfect for pairing with a colourblocked ensemble that’s bound to turn heads. If you’d prefer to play it safe, we suggest teaming with a classic LBD. (jimmychoo.com)

What a legend It feels particularly apt to name a bag Legend when it’s coming from iconic fashion house Alexander McQueen. Part of the Resort 2015 collection, the new day bag range comprises three key styles – a tote, a shopper and a clutch – with each one featuring distinctive hardware details such as a chunky zip closure on the tote and clutch, and metallic eyelets on top corners of the tote, giving each bag a tougher, edgier look. The Legend collection, Alexander McQueen (alexandermcqueen.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Calling card In celebration of its 80th anniversary, British leather goods brand Ettinger is launching a new collection called Saint Crispin. Aptly christened after the patron saint of leather workers and cobblers, the line uses the finest, softest alpine calf leather, in two sets of earthy tones, including Deep Sea & Dry Stone (smart navy and pale grey) and Bracken & Eggshell (beige and brown shades). Choose from a selection of wallets, billfolds and card cases and for an extra personal touch, you can add your initials in gold or silver foil when ordering online. (ettinger.co.uk)

Capsule collection Bringing a touch of American prep to the UK sartorial scene, the award-winning New York-based designer Thom Browne has teamed up with menswear mogul Mr Porter for a capsule collection. The nine pieces include brogue boots, a Chesterfield overcoat and check cotton Oxford shirt. Traditional tailoring meets innovative trademark touches, like alternating fabrics and turn-ups, while slim and sharp silhouettes highlight the craftsmanship that Browne is renowned for. From £195 (mrporter.com)

What’s new? Evidently the philosophy of ‘new year, new you’ is an important one for Lily and Lionel, as the luxury accessories brand has chosen to mark the beginning of 2015 with the launch of its first swimwear and ready-towear ranges. When it comes to swimwear, the collections have been designed to mirror the brand’s signature scarf prints and include Papillon Stone, an abstract butterfly motif; Flores Pastel, a beautiful composition of delicate powder blue, magenta and peach roses; and romantic midnight florals as part of Nori Black. (lilyandlionel.com)

The boot specialist A fine, tailored fit is something not exclusive to the tailors of Savile Row, according to Normandy-born, wellington boot brand Le Chameau. Keeping craftsmanship alive since 1927, its bespoke rubber boots were formerly designed for the rigorous lives of farmers and fishermen. Today, the brand’s popularity may have spread to urban consumers, but Le Chameau’s boots are still hand-made with traditional tools on aluminium lasts by a single ‘maître bottier’ – a title that takes nine months of intensive training to earn. Chasseur, £340, (lechameau.com) Le Chameau, mrporter.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Softly

softly Embrace the cold with this season’s mix of contemporary knits – cosy, elegant and oh-so-comfy P h o t o g r a p h e r : P h i l l i p W at e r m a n S T Y LI S T: J ess S t e b b i n g s

Dress, £540, jumper, £345, both Just Cavalli (harrods.com); box bag, £850, Jimmy Choo (jimmychoo.com) Baja ring, £120, bar ring, £90, diamond bar ring short, £180, diamond bar ring long, £200, all Monica Vinader (monicavinader.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

ABOVE Roll-neck jumper, £430, Raquel Allegra (selfridges.com); Baja ring, as before OPPOSITE Jumper, £350, Pringle (pringlescotland.com); skirt, £199, Hobbs (hobbs.co.uk); ring, £125, CARAT* (caratlondon.com)

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

ABOVE Coat, £1,150, Stella McCartney (stellamccartney.com); roll-neck jumper, £99, Hobbs (hobbs.co.uk) OPPOSITE Dress, £645, Stella McCartney (stellamccartney.com); shoes, £380, Hugo Boss (hugoboss.com); Bar ring, as before

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Assistant Photographer: Mike Phang Model: Ida @ Profile Hair and Make-up: Kate Pettigrew 74

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

ABOVE Jumper, £175, BLK DNM, jumper, £435, Laain (net-a-porter.com); trousers, £148, J.Crew (jcrew.com) OPPOSITE Dress, £1,440, Calvin Klein (calvinklein.com); boots, £995, Christian Louboutin (christianlouboutin.com); diamond bar ring short, diamond bar ring long, both as before

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

f you’re somewhere in between Air Max purist and Giuseppe Zanotti exhibitionist, you’ll love Mary Katrantzou’s new range for Adidas. Inspired by the humble sneaker – or more specifically, track shoes worn by medal winners in the 1970s and 1980s – the pieces boast oversized impressions of your favourite runners from the hardware to the laces. The Athens-born designer has thrown all manner of neoprene, mesh, florals and stripes at the Originals range, which flaunts her signature kaleidoscope colours and strong female silhouettes. After partnering with the likes of Yohji Yamamoto, Raf Simons and Rick Owens, there’s no doubt that Adidas has earned its high-fashion stripes. (adidas.co.uk)

GET YOUR KICKS 77

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

The Tale of Two sisters Turning clothes into costumes is part of the enchanting image at Elfie, the children’s clothes company, which blends fairytales and history into garments that even adults will be craving. Hannah Lemon meets the founders Rafaela Van der Heyden and Victoria Roper-Curzon

‘W

e used to watch the programme House of Eliott when we were little’, says Victoria Roper-Curzon. ‘It was set in the 1920s with two sisters who designed and made clothes. Our mum used to say it would be so fun if we did that one day.’ Three years ago, Victoria and her sister Rafaela Van der Heyden did indeed do just that. Their children’s clothing line Elfie, named after Victoria’s eldest child, took inspiration from their Spanish mother who had expertly preserved the girls’ childhood play clothes ready to be re-worn by future generations. Elfie in particular had jumped at the chance to try on these pristinely wrapped dresses and woollen knits, affirming that there was an appetite amongst children and their parents for vintage-style clothing. However, the company’s success since then has been due to the ability of the two women to take this sense of nostalgia and mix it with the spirit of fairytales: the products are magical.

The small knitted mustard-coloured waistcoats are perfect for all those stable boys who eventually turn into princes; the frilly skirts and pinafores are tailored just right for little princesses who prefer to make mud pies rather than attend balls. ‘The clothing range is about our love of children’s clothes but also fairytales and quirkiness and Tim Burton and all these things merged together,’ explains Victoria. There are both modern ideas (they have some capes inspired by Disney’s Frozen to add to an outfit) and retro sentiments that only parents

will recognise. One can imagine the fun that is had devising ideas for a new collection. ‘We want to have a bit of a laugh,’ adds Victoria. ‘One of the romper suits was called Beetlejuice, after the film where the lead character always wears stripes. It’s just funny. Hopefully some parents out there understand what we are trying to do!’ Their AW14 collection pinched collars and colours from Lemony Snicket’s stories and The Addams Family. This idiosyncrasy is also reflected in the way the clothes can be worn. ‘Everything should be a mix,’ says Victoria. ‘It doesn’t have to be a whole costume. I love the ingenuity of kids

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

‘My kids are a bit feral. Dry clean-only just wouldn’t work for us!’ making their own outfits.’ However, in a competitive industry, the charming styles must be practical as well as beautiful. Strong, durable materials such as cotton, corduroy and tweed are used for winter clothes and linen, chiffon and more cotton for the summer. ‘It all goes in the washing machine,’ explains Victoria. ‘It’s not the end of the world if they fall over in it. My kids are a bit feral so I trial it all first. Dry clean-only items just wouldn’t work for us.’ Product aside, sisterly support is essential. The duties of the company are divvied up between the two of them; Rafaela taking care of the business and finance side of Elfie, while Victoria heads up creatives. ‘It works really well,’ says Rafaela. ‘We don’t really tread on each other’s toes. Everybody says, “How do you two work together?” Because I think it’s quite rare for two sisters to get on. We do want to kill each other sometimes, but only occasionally!’ Perseverance has been key as the brand’s early days proved tough. ‘We made our first collection ourselves,’ Rafaela says. ‘We went to Portobello Market and took a stand. It was our dream to have a position there, but it was the most depressing thing!’ Finding it difficult to compete with the regular stalls, success came with pop-up knitwear sales, garden parties, boutiques and the Elfie website, which attracted well-heeled families across London. Now trading in Hong Kong, Kuwait, Italy, Spain and New York, the quaint sensibility of Elfie is also available in Selfridges. (elfielondon.com)

Beauty news Lift me up We’ve definitely entered that wonderfully cosy time of year, but the days nevertheless remain chilly and sunlight scarce. Ushvani has come up with an indulgent way to combat the cold and give you a winter lift, with its Nutmeg Flower Bath Oil – a heavenly blend of bergamot, ginger, nutmeg and some 30, relaxation-inducing essential oils. Just add a generous dash to a warm bath and let the stresses of the day melt away. Nutmeg Flower Bath Oil, £55, Ushvani (ushvani.com)

Age-defying Murad has just launched two new anti-ageing innovations which include specialised proteins from the resurrection plant to reduce age-related dehydration, tighten and firm the skin, strengthen the skin’s barrie to lock in moisture and restore a healthy, youthful glow. We say thank you Dr Murad. Intensive Age-Diffusing Serum, £64 and Age-Balancing Moisture, £59.50 (murad.co.uk; johnlewis.com)

Truth and beauty ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful,’ said English designer William Morris. While this quip could apply to all of Aesop’s products, it describes the brand’s latest offering perfectly, with its new box sets. Each is inspired by the original artisan guilds from around the world from centuries past, and come in the form of materials such as copper, leather, timber and marble. Each set contains a selection of the brand’s hero products, such as the Resurrection Aromatique body balm and wash and comes neatly packaged in a keep-forever tin. A Certain Radiance kit, £75, Aesop (aesop.com) 82

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Beauty

TREATMENT OF THE MONTH THE HOME WORKOUT Time is precious at the best of times and sticking to that resolution to go to the gym three times a week can be tough. Workout-In professes to have the solution. The idea of a virtual trainer and workout bemused me somewhat, but the logic – workouts to fit my lifestyle – appealed, so I gave it a whirl. All you need is an internet connection and webcam and you’re ready to go. You can choose from a range of class workouts, toning, holistic or cardio depending on your goals. To ease myself in I chose a yoga class with Trish and two other members, who you greet virtually before the session begins. (Classes have a five-person limit).Once my poses had come back to me, Trish provided guidance to us individually as needed and I really felt my tensions releasing. It feels a bit alien to begin with but that anxiety associated with trying something new soon fades as the session takes hold and you have breathing and balancing to worry about. In spite of other people in the class being at different levels Trish did a great job of tailoring to each of us and was full of encouragement for the newbie.

Style counsel

Natural selection

Following the success of a pop-up blow-dry bar, Peter Marcus Hairdressing has taken up residence in Selfridges Beauty Hall with stylists on hand to style and go. What more could a girl ask for? (selfridges.com; petermarcus.co.uk)

For hundreds of years, the women of the Quechua-Shuar tribe from the Amazon rainforest have used the ungurahua nut, known for its ability to strengthen and nourish hair. The powers of this nut are what New Yorkbased brand Rahua has harnessed in its renowned hair products, and has now launched three organic body products; a body lotion, oil and shower gel. Gently scented with notes of lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla bean and soothing palo santo, the products will cleanse, tone and deeply moisturise your skin to make for one altogether delightful shower experience. Shower Gel, £25, Body Lotion, £40, and Body Amazon Oil, £47 (rahua.com)

Most classes have female and male trainers to choose from and a good selection of times, as well as one-to-one training. The technology works, the people are friendly, now I just have to stick with it. I’ve already booked my abs and core session… Classes are £6 each with offers, one-to-one sessions start at £17.50 (workoutin.com)

Cleansing your system It’s no secret that Bloom’s matcha teas are our favourite new health addiction here at The Cheshire Magazine, so we were pretty excited to hear about the brand’s latest launch, the Ultra Cleanse Matcha. The new tea powder is specifically aimed at removing the toxicity which builds up in our livers when we drink alcohol, eat badly and don’t get enough rest or exercise (guilty? Yes, we thought so). Best of all, gram for gram matcha contains more antioxidants than goji berries, dark chocolate, wild blueberries, acai berries, broccoli and spinach combined, meaning you’ll soon be feeling ship-shape inside and out. (bloomtea.co.uk; selfridges.com)

e Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

It’s all about

the scent As Jo Malone launches its Great British collection, we speak exclusively to master perfumer Christine Nagel about creating scents and taking inspiration from Downton Abbey

What was the brief and concept?

The idea was to capture the atmosphere of some of Britain’s most defining eras; periods of British history so unique that each one has its own globally recognised ambience of drama and character, sounds and smells. We wanted to encapsulate these ages in defined, original scents, creating a collection that would playfully appeal to the imagination as well as the senses.

Which era captivated you the most?

The Edwardian era is the one which really caught my imagination. In the history of perfumery, it was during this time that the fougère fragrance family was created. The creative studio asked me to revisit this and give it a new modernity. I remember being in a taxi in Tokyo when I had a very clear idea of what I wanted to do. The fragrance came very naturally to me. I think I was particularly inspired by the idea of garden parties, Edwardian dandies and their crisp suits!

Is there one ingredient from the collection that was most interesting to work with? In Birch & Black Pepper we used an ink accord, inspired by the ink of a tattoo. Ink is quite a complex note and we wanted to have both the perfect scent and something to conjure the image of Britain today. It is clean and distinct with an accent of amber, giving the fragrance a magnetic presence.

How did you capture the mood of each era? For each scent we took inspiration from everything from architecture to fashion, music, literature and even social change during that time. Each scent has an overall feel of the age as well as specific ingredients that tell a story. For example, Lily of the Valley & Ivy is captivating and ethereal, qualities that we immediately associated with that era. In a more literal sense, the powdered wigs of the Georgian age made us want to create a soft and delicate scent with lily of the valley. And the inspiration behind green ivy was the façade of a Georgian house.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Is there one scent that was more challenging than another? Tudor Rose & Amber was particularly challenging. The brief for this fragrance was to show the dark side of the rose representing the drama of the era. In perfumery the rose has so many different characters, from fresh and green to light and romantic or spicy and honeyed. I had to try many different rose combinations to bring out the dark side. I settled on the Damask rose and a Tudor rose accord in the end. The Tudor rose has a metallic note to represent the bloody Tudor sword.

What research did you do and were there any characters or tales you found particularly interesting? The creative studio sent me books and films as well as a presentation on each era. Everything from Christopher Marlowe’s writing to Downton Abbey. They were also particularly interested in quirky anecdotes from each age. For example, in Tudor times they used pomanders with cloves to cover the stench of the street. Cloves became an ingredient we definitely wanted to incorporate in Tudor Rose & Amber, without the street stench! Lily of the Valley & Ivy captures the grace of the Georgian age. Lily of the valley on its own would have been a simple and traditional pretty floral. To give it a twist we added the scent of green ivy and fruity cassis. These contrasted with the delicacy of the lily of the valley for something more interesting and modern.

Pomegranate Noir is one of Jo Malone London’s most loved scents. We feel it perfectly embodies the Victorian age with a combination of fruity and rich pomegranate and central woody notes of Guaiac wood and patchouli. These recalled the wooden panelling of fine Victorian interiors. Geranium & Verbena is clean and herbaceous; it makes me think of perfectly dressed figures in an abundant summer garden, probably playing croquet. A typical fougère is made with several ingredients, including lavender. In this scent we replaced the lavender with verbena for a more modern interpretation. Birch & Black Pepper was inspired by punk; bands like The Clash, the rebellious side of Britain. In each collection we have one particularly unusual fragrance and in Rock the Ages this was definitely it. From smoky silver birch to spicy black pepper; from cool, fresh cardamom to resinous gurjum, it is a scent of dramatic contrasts.

Which would you wear? Definitely Geranium & Verbena as it is the scent that combines the best with the rest of the collection. Great to wear alone but for me, more often than not, it would be the core choice and then I would layer it with the others according to my mood or the occasion. (jomalone.com)

‘Each scent has an overall feel of the age as well as specific ingredients that tell a story’

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   

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e’re no tech whizzes, but we haven’t been this excited about a new music gadget since Apple launched its first iPod. The Aether Cone offers full access to 30 million songs when connected to Wi-Fi through Rdio’s on-demand catalogue, and learns your tastes the more you play. Voice activated to respond to smash-hit commands spanning everything from Katy Perry to obscure one-hit wonders you can turn the dial a little to hear something similar or give it a spin to totally change the record. Available in black and copper or white and silver, carry it from room to room for a chic and practical talking (and listening) point. It’s also a lot louder than it looks: wake up the kids with the Frozen soundtrack from the comfort of your own bed. Aether Cone, £349, (selfridges.com)

Motoring news words: Iain Warde

THE AMG FAMILY

he latest AMG sport model that will roll out of the Mercedes-Benz factory in 2016 has been announced. The C450 AMG Sport 4MATIC combines a 367 bhp 3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with a permanent all-wheel-drive system and sophisticated suspension technology adopted from the Mercedes-AMG C 63. The result is fascinating driving performance and a top speed (electronically limited) of 155mph. Tobias Moers, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-AMG, explains: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;With the C450 AMG we present the second sporty and emotionally expressive vehicle in our product line. It combines the power of a strong twin-turbo V6 engine with a high level of emotional expressiveness, and avails itself of the technical DNA of the new C63. The new sports models represent a convincing proposition for our customers: sports car technology and motor racing fascination become more attainable and in the process appeal to a broader customer base.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; This beast is due to land in the the UK in summer 2016. The price has yet to be announced so watch this space. Who says estates are boring? (mercedes-benz.com)

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Not just any 911 To mark the 50th anniversary of the 911 Targa, Porsche is producing a GTS version for the first time. The 911 Targa 4 GTS is set to deliver an all-wheel drive combined with open-air fun. The upgrades include the 3.8-litre flat-six from the Carrera S but increased to 424bhp, increasing the 0-62mph time to 4.3 seconds (from 4.7). Top speed is 188mph, only 2mph down on the coupé, plus there’s the standard Sport Chrono package, PASM chassis, 20-inch wheels and a sport exhaust system; a decent package well worth the price. On sale in March, from £104,385. (porsche.com)

THE WINGED SUV Bentley’s all-new luxury SUV is set to be revealed to the world later this year: the Bentley Bentayga. And there are already more than 5,000 pre-orders for the first SUV to sport the winged B. The name is a new one to many of us and press releases explain that it takes inspiration from three sources: the world’s largest transcontinental snow forest the Taiga; a mountain peak in the Canary Islands, Roque Bentayga; and, of course, the founder of Bentley Motors, W.O. Bentley. The aim: ‘To combine the best automotive luxury with outstanding performance to take the Bentley experience to new environments.’ The new Bentley Bentayga will be on sale in 2016. (bentleybentayga.com)

‘Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting’ Steve McQueen GT-tastic Beginning production late next year, the all-new Ford GT is an ultra-high-performance supercar which serves as a showcase for top EcoBoost® performance, a next-generation twin-turbocharged V6 with more than 600 horsepower. ‘It’s worth remembering that our first innovation as a company was not in a laboratory, but on the racetrack,’ said Mark Fields, Ford president and chief executive officer, referring to Henry Ford’s win in a 1901 car race that inspired backers to invest in his company. (ford.co.uk) 91

Hybrid theory Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a head-turning supercar with astounding performance and incredible energy efficiency... Has BMW revolutionised the humble electric-hybrid car with its futuristic i8? w o r d s : r i c h a r d ya r r o w

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ourtesy of BMW, I’m on a private jet, all leather and wood veneer, heading from Farnborough Airport to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. The car company’s PR manager will later say the experience was about ‘getting in the mindset of the customer’ who will buy the BMW i8. It’s the German brand’s all-new plug-in hybrid supercar and the reason this very select group of Her Majesty’s Motoring Media is flying north. The lone flight attendant – the plane is so small it only needs one – is handing out copies of the BMW i Magazine. The cover reveals it’s Issue #1 of what is clearly intended to become a regular publication. It’s the size and thickness of a glossy lifestyle monthly; hundreds of beautiful-looking pages to explain every element of the i8, but essentially one big advert. That such a publication exists at all, let alone the first in a series, shows BMW has a strong idea of who the i8 customer will be. Only a few people are willing to spend £100,000 on a car that’s in uncharted territory for the brand and uses an unproven high-tech powertrain. They will be wealthy sports car enthusiasts with several performance models already and a large garage to keep them in. The i8 is a Porsche 911 rival, has more than a hint of Audi R8 to its profile… and will probably sit alongside both in that garage. We land at Inverness and rather than taxi to the terminal we park at one end of the apron. A line of i8s is there, gleaming in the sun just a short walk from the plane’s steps. It’s presumably another example of the i8 lifestyle. After a briefing on the car’s unique environmental qualities – 135mpg and 49g/ km CO2, yet 0-62mph in only 4.4 seconds – we’re invited to drive out of the airport, foot to the floor Hollywood-style, via the main runway. Even i8 buyers don’t get to do that. We head for the A835, arguably the UK’s most outstanding driving road. Flowing north-west towards Ullapool and skirting Loch

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Glascarnoch, the scenery is spectacular. More importantly for our purposes, it also offers drivers a great view of the road ahead and there’s never much traffic. The BMW i8 is a global car. While it’s assembled in Leipzig, Germany, the carbon fibre panels come from a purpose-built factory in north-west USA, where a new type of automotive employee – one with textile industry experience – has been recruited. There’s also a UK angle; the 1.5-litre threecylinder twin-turbocharged petrol engine is built at the Hams Hall plant near Birmingham and represents the latest incarnation of BMW’s EfficientDynamics environmental technology. The engine has been combined with an electric motor to create a plug-in hybrid system, with power sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. The i8 has four driving modes. Comfort is the default setting, allowing the driver to use electric power up to 47mph before the engine cuts in. E-drive means the i8 can go up to 75mph using zero-emissions motoring, with a range of up to 23 miles. Next is Eco-Pro, which means the whole powertrain is optimised to generate maximum range. With a full tank and full charge, BMW says you can travel 400 miles before you need to panic. Finally, there’s Sport mode, where the engine is always on. Revelling in mile after mile of clear A835, I pause at a roadside layby to take in the view. This is trickier than it sounds; once you’ve opened the doors, which move up and forward like wings, the sill is high and wide. Getting in and out is like modern dance, all clumsy angles and folded limbs. Even after a full day with the car, my technique for entering can be summarised as ‘stick your arse in and fall backwards’. I confess I never successfully mastered the exit; it was different every time. A car pulls up behind me. A man with a camera emerges, walks past the i8 and takes a couple of token shots of the mountain views… then turns to work me over like a paparazzo

with a celebrity scoop. He looks like a European tourist and I have unwittingly just made his holiday. Back on the road, the i8 impresses on every level. From the dramatic 360-degree design cues and the use of advanced materials, to its proper sports car exhaust note and industryfirst laser headlamps, it is a triumph. Grip is incredible and handling on every road surface is engaging. If I have one criticism it’s that the ride could be smoother on some rougher roads. The most fun comes when you select Sport mode; simply flick the gear selector to the left then go crazy with the paddleshifts behind the steering wheel.

‘Only a few people are willing to spend £100,000 on a car that’s in uncharted territory for the brand’ Owners probably won’t care but practicality isn’t the car’s strong point. While the cabin is roomy for driver and passenger, the rear is little more than a parcel shelf shaped like two seats. Professional duty means I get in, though my lower back immediately wishes I hadn’t. Storage space is another weak point. The rear-mounted engine means boot capacity is limited, though Louis Vuitton has created a range of bespoke luggage that fills the space perfectly. Don’t think that means storage up front, à la Porsche 911. It’s completely sealed, to be accessed by trained BMW mechanics only. Before leaving Inverness airport hours earlier, one of them had said I couldn’t fail to get 35-40mpg from the i8, even if I drove it hard. On returning he’s proved correct. I get 50mpg – a truly impressive result for a supercar. I will try harder next time.

F-ING BRILLIANT Words: Jennifer Mason

Brake power

The drive The new model boasts an uprated 5-litre, V8, petrol, supercharged engine with 550PS and peak torque of 680Nm

The Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVbB) function – which is integrated into the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system – selectively brakes the inside wheels, lessening the effects of understeer, and assisting you in taking the ideal line through a corner. It also helps to stabilise the car and minimise steering input during manoeuvres

he loins of petrolheads everywhere have been quivering ever since Jaguar launched its controversial ad last year introducing drivers to the delights of the new F-Type. Quite aside from the stalwart British actors doing the voiceover, what had me refreshing my YouTube page time and time again was the throaty roar of the V8 engine as Tom Hiddleston launched it out of an underground parking garage in a manner that ruffled more than a few feathers at the Advertising Standards Authority. I’ve never been a fan of Jaguars in the past. For me, there’s always been something a little too suave, too sleek about their rounded bodywork and middle-aged engines. The F-Type, however, practically screams excitement. Unusually for a Jag, there’s no hint of the mid-life crisis around this growling machine. Frankly, it makes me want to rub myself up against its dangerous curves and purr like a cat. This spring, Jaguar plans to extend the F-Type range with a

Need for speed In AWD form, the new F-Type will accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds, with a limited top speed of 186mph

new coupé and convertible – a decision that comes with a wave of technological advances guaranteed to provoke debate, including all-wheel drive, electric steering and a new dynamic control system to help keep racers on the road. Until then, I’ll be frequenting upscale underground parking garages in the hopes of catching the echoes of its snarling siren call. (jaguar.co.uk)

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Innovation Jaguar introduces all-wheel drive (AWD) for the new model, which will extend the F-Type’s performance and dynamic capability on all road surfaces and in all conditions

Look the part Quad exhausts at the rear give a nod to the F-Type’s sporting intent, though the engine allows for (on average) 33.6mpg and produces around 199g/km CO2 emissions

The future Moving on from hydraulic-assisted steering, the new F-Type has Electric Power Assisted Steering, which enables even greater precision and feel and reduces CO2 emissions by up to 4g/km

A nice touch Perfect for the lazy rider, the new F-Type can be started from a smartphone – meaning air conditioning or heating can be switched on before you even get in the car

Intelligent design Jaguar has developed an Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) control strategy that will exploit the maximum performance potential of the AWD traction, while keeping the rear-wheel drive feel

Technology central words: Iain Warde

Home cinema systems You don’t have to go out to experience the best in cinema technology. With the new 4K TVs and Blu-ray players you can get the perfect picture in the warm comfort of your home, so why stop there? Here are some top cinema sound systems that will make the experience even better and louder!

Sony BDV-N7200W USP: High-res audio with magnetic speakers and NFC compatible Best Feature: 1200w 5.1 surround sound £649 (sony.com)

Panasonic SC-BTT505 USP: HD & 3D system complete with Blu-ray player Best Feature: 4K upscaling £899.95 (johnlewis.com)

Samsung HT-E8200 USP: GaN Amp and 7.1 surround sound Best Feature: 3D sound and upscaling to 4K £1,299 (samsung.com)

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App: MUBU Mubu creates selfies of your music identity based on the music you listen to and allows you to share those images on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. iPhone only; free

‘It is only when they go wrong that machines remind you how powerful they are’ Game: Project Cars

Clive James

The definitive racing simulation, with a Franchise Mode that allows you to carve out a personalised career starting in the karting world and progressing up the ranks to whichever motorsport you prefer, including rally, Touring Cars, Open-Wheel, GT, Le Mans, and many more. Players can get in at every role in professional racing; play co-op with a friend as driver/co-driver and create and manage a full team to compete against friends and challengers. £44.86 (projectcarsgame.com)

SOUNDS FISHY We love this innovative smartphone speaker, which offers great design and functionality. Providing natural amplification of the sound, your speaker also acts as a solid stand for hands-free conversations, music and web browsing. Made from sustainably sourced plywood, the outside layers are a marine hardwood chosen for its inherent durability and beauty, finished with an engraved pattern evoking the intricacies of fish scales. Whilst providing amplication naturally, the speaker has been computer designed to produce richer and more balanced tones and then carefully laminated and sanded by hand. It is compatible with all iPhones and any smartphone with a speaker located in the base or lower-rear side of the device. The Fishtail Soundbox, £90 (manualartsdept.etsy.com) 99

Travel news

Easy peasy Japan’s shinkansen (bullet train) welcomes a brand-new line in March 2015, which will dramatically reduce travelling time from the capital Tokyo to Kanazawa, one of Japan’s lesser-visited cities on the west coast. With an historic samurai district, the only Geisha community outside of Kyoto and the exquisite Kenrokuen gardens to admire, it’s definitely one to add to the wishlist. And if you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping in a century-old ryokan (Japanese inn) and sipping tea the traditional way, makes sure you reserve a room at Asadaya. Trains not really your thing? Don’t worry, Inside Japan can arrange helicopter transfers from Kyoto. Inside Japan Tours has a 14-night self-guided trip visiting Kanazawa from £2,650 per person (insidejapantours.com)

If walls could talk Amid the revitalisation of Berlin’s City West, the illustrious Hotel Zoo is poised for a grand comeback. First constructed as a private residence in 1891, the Living Room features crimson sofas and violet Tom Dixon wing chairs, while seven-metre-high floor-to-ceiling industrial windows fill the room with light. All the rooms are kitted out with towels and nightshirts by Maison Martin Margiela, but those wanting to add glamour can choose from two sixth-floor penthouse suites. (hotelzoo.de) 100

Bridging the gap When embarking on weekend mini-breaks, it’s often tricky to find luggage which simultaneously looks fabulous, while comfortably accommodating all the essentials (and that emergency extra pair of heels). We love long-established Italian brand The Bridge and its sumptuous, hyper-luxurious selection of leather travel bags, made in Florence from the highest-quality leather and as practical as they are pretty. The classic brown leather pieces are brimming with vintage Italian style, though we’re currently picturing ourselves nipping on and off private jets with the achingly soft Rain Blue Travel Bag (£747) in hand. (thebridge.it)

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A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Long haul vs short haul

Short haul Suite dreams

J’adore Award-winning hotel group La Réserve opens a new hotel and spa in Paris this month. Just a few steps from the Champs-Élysées, guests will enjoy its classic and selfieinducing views of the Élysées Gardens, Le Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower. Designed by French architect Jacques Garcia, the hotel has adopted the style of an early 19th century private apartment. Set within a mansion, it has 40 rooms and suites, a library, gym, spa and pool. From €1,300 (approx. £1,028) per night (lareserve-paris.com)

Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel, is one of London’s most iconic properties in which to lay your head. Overlooking Hyde Park, its luxurious bedrooms and newly refurbished suites, which were unveiled in December, strike the perfect balance of classic and contemporary, remaining true to the hotel’s history and grandeur. Combine your stay with luxurious treatments at Sanrizz and dinner at JW Steakhouse. (londongrosvenorhouse.co.uk)

A special edition Miami’s Seville Hotel has undergone extensive renovation thanks to American hotelier Ian Schrager and the Marriott International brand. While its view of the Atlantic from the lobby and its white Carrara marble floors have been preserved, the hotel is now described as a ‘next-generation’ resort, with a bowling alley, ice-skating rink and its own club decked out with a bar and DJ booth. For a more relaxing experience, the hidden alcoves in the hotel’s gardens offer hammocks and lounge seating overlooking a private beachfront. From $429 (approx. £274) per night (editionhotels.com)

Long haul Testing the water

You may have to make it a fortnight to remember when you consider the length of the flight, but it will be well worth it once you’ve set eyes on Baros Maldives’ brand new water pool villas. Unlike the majority of other hotel chains in the area, it’s an independent Maldivian-owned and run resort, and recently won the World Travel Award as the Most Romantic Resort in the Indian Ocean 2014. (baros.com)

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ALL IN THE FAMILY Travelling with the needs of the whole family in mind can be stressful and stagnant, so why not try something a bit different this year? Gemma Knight explores desert escapes, sporty sojourns and animal adventures to inspire your brood’s next break

t can all too often feel like a no-win situation – plan a holiday with the kids in mind, and accidentally find yourself surrounded by over-enthusiastic entertainers and adventure playgrounds, but try to incorporate them into a grown-up getaway and risk being lumbered with fractious toddlers and moody teenagers who’ve nothing to do. But there is another way. In fact, as the luxury travel market has become increasingly aware of the need for interesting and unusual family holidays, the list of options has grown to cater for everyone from beach-lover to eager explorer and everything in between. So this year, instead of leaving the kids marinating in the pool for hours while you desperately try to block out their squeals long enough to achieve sun-soaked Nirvana, why not use the holiday as an opportunity for quality time and new experiences that everyone can enjoy?

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VOLUNTEERING ADVENTURE Global Vision International projects, Worldwide There are a surprisingly huge number of companies designed to connect families with kid-friendly volunteering experiences the world over, but we particularly like the look of Global Vision International (GVI); a family-run organisation which specialises in sending willing participants of all ages to projects around the globe. The focus here is the idea that, although most family holidays provide a break from the usual hectic routine of ballet lessons and football practice, they still don’t really give parents and their brood a chance to reconnect, while working alongside each other and becoming totally immersed in a new culture provides the perfect opportunity to bond through shared experience. GVI offers three different volunteering holidays for families, each of which is designed to help children learn about the world around them in a safe and welcoming atmosphere,

ABOVE: pokhara in nepal, IMAGE BY NOWAK LUKASZ Shutterstock.com

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while giving parents the chance to abandon the usual kids’ club holiday resorts and go on an adventure all of their own. For animal lovers, we’d suggest GVI’s marine conservation project in the beautiful Greek village of Mavrovouni, where families are enlisted with the task of helping to contribute to the conservation and protection of endangered loggerhead turtles (and let’s be honest, whether you’re five or fifty, no one is immune to the charms of a baby turtle). For families looking for something a little more physical, there are conservation and renovation projects in Cape Town, South Africa, offering the chance to be surrounded by the country’s beautiful wild landscapes while helping to improve the conditions of

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underprivileged children at care centres, nurseries and schools. But it’s the chance to help out at a Nepalese orphanage which we like most, giving kids the opportunity to meet underprivileged children of their own age and soak up the vibrant, friendly culture of lake-side city Pokhara. It’s the perfect perspective-changing experience for children and parents alike, and the Himalayan views are an added bonus. (gvi.co.uk/family-volunteer-holidays)

DESERT DECADENCE One&Only The Palm, Dubai The One&Only brand has a world-renowned reputation for luxury, and it’s not hard to see why – though hyper-luxe holidays are not always

high on the list when it comes to family breaks. Nevertheless, Dubai’s One&Only The Palm makes our list for its inimitable ability to juxtapose romantic luxury with family fun, thereby creating the sort of sought-after holiday that requires no compromises. It’s certainly not hard to see the kid-appeal of soft, rippling sand dunes stretching out to the horizon and glistening, warm sea at every turn (quite literally, if you’re staying on The Palm), but here that’s really only the beginning. This secluded enclave is a veritable utopia which, first and foremost, wows those of any age with its ninety sumptuous rooms and fantastic beachside location, just a short hop by water taxi from the heart of the city itself. Add to this four restaurants (all of which somehow effortlessly reconcile fine dining and familyfriendly) a world-class spa, fabulous array of sports facilities, all the delights of Dubai’s shopping Mecca and, essential for young families, armies of helpful, friendly staff should your little ones decide to take an unscheduled wander. Of course, while kids of any age love the bright lights and awesome scale of downtown Dubai’s colossal shopping centres, it must be said that hours spent in busy malls are hardly kiddie heaven. So instead why not let the little ones soak up the culture by way of the One&Only kids’ club, a wealth of supervised activities in lush, relaxed surroundings ranging from camel riding, henna painting and belly dancing to sand sculpting, Arabian camping and even the chance to learn a bit of Arabic. We won’t lie, there’s a definite danger of your kids coming home more accomplished than you. (thepalm.oneandonlyresorts.com)

‘It’s the chance to help out at a Nepalese orphanage which we like most...the perfect perspectivechanging experience for children’

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A RURAL RETREAT Terre Blanche, Provence It must be said that children are not known for their ability to keep still, so it’s often tricky to find a single destination with enough going on to keep boredom at bay without succumbing to crowded, activity-filled tourist haunts. For a more civilised getaway, we recommend escaping to Gallic rural bliss at the Terre Blanche Hotel Spa & Golf Resort in south-eastern France, a stunning 750-acre luxury property, which combines the relaxing splendour of the French countryside with an impressive array of sporting and leisure activities for the whole family. For starters, Terre Blanche was voted 2013’s Golf Resort of the Year and boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses, so it stands to reason that families are invited to play together on both, while there’s also a Junior Golf Academy for exceptionally keen 5 to 16 year-olds. If your family is more of the tennis-playing kind, the resort also offers bespoke tennis lessons at its Tennis Academy and allows families to play their very own tournaments, while nature-loving broods will jump at the chance to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding the resort on one of their excursion packages. These allow

FROM LEFT: the kids’ club at terre blanche; view of the provence countryside, a leopard at namiri plains

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families to explore the area by bike, boat or vintage car, meandering their way through tiny villages and rugged coastline before pausing for a picnic of the region’s cold meats, honeys, cheeses and olives. And if all the family bonding time gets a little bit much, parents can still abscond to the resort’s gorgeous heated pools, pristine spa and gourmet restaurants while leaving children of two to 12 in the capable hands of the Terre Blanche kids’ club. The club boasts its very own heated pool, plus excursions to discover the local flora and fauna, visits to the donkey paddocks, arts workshops and, of course, a state-of-the-art video games room and home cinema. We foresee envious parents. Rates for the summer start at €1,568 per night for two communicating Premier Suites (terre-blanche.com)

THE CALL OF THE WILD Namiri Plains, Tanzania For a thoroughly memorable trip guaranteed to make a big impression on young minds – and to thrill animal enthusiasts of all ages – you can’t beat safari. Namiri Plains’ new Serengeti camp opened last July and has already well and truly lived up to the hype, with the small, exclusive camp achieving a perfect balance of privacy, luxury and total immersion in the wild, natural surrounds. The camp comprises only eight tents, with one specifically designed for families – though only children over six are permitted, and the camp is recommended only for kids mature enough to understand that wandering off might also mean getting eaten. But don’t let that put you off; the Namiri Plains camp also boasts sweeping views of the Serengeti below (where the legendary Great Migration takes place from November to June), and the option to arrange tailor-made excursions

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such as walking safaris, sunrise breakfast picnics on top of Soit Le Motonyi rock and sundowners atop a nearby kopje. But the real jewel in the Namiri Plains crown is their already well-renowned big cat experience, an incredible opportunity for young and old alike to get up close and personal with the area’s most famous residents. Closed to the world for over 20 years to create a safe haven for cheetah breeding and research, today the area’s population of big cats is almost unrivalled, including one of the highest densities of cheetah in East Africa. Game drives with expert guides give guests the chance to see cheetahs gaining on prey, leopards draped over tree branches and lions roaring to one another, while the really serious wildlife-lovers can go even deeper with an Advanced Guiding excursion. And thanks to its enviable, remote location, the camp also frequently hosts big cat researchers, always keen to regale their fellow guests with stories and trivia over the communal dinner table – an experience guaranteed to inspire even the most timid miniature explorers. (theluxurysafaricompany.com)

GLORIOUS GLAMPING Penhein, Monmouthshire, UK

Below and right the interior of an alachigh; round the campfire at penhein

Ever heard of an alachigh? No, neither had we – but it turns out they make for a fabulously offbeat family holiday with an Arabian twist. These yurt-like tents originate from Persia, but you’ll only need to go as far as South East Wales

to find your very own luxurious version thanks to glamping specialists Penhein, a company set up by husband and wife team James and Helen Hearn on a farm that’s been in their family since 1867. But those who aren’t fans of tent-pitching and sleeping bags need not fear, these tents are quite in a league of their own and certainly not lacking in the luxury department. Each beautiful, light-filled alachigh includes a sumptuously soft double bed (with two slideaway beds and a sofa bed to accommodate children as needed), plus a sweet country kitchen with heating and cooking facilities, running water and even your very own en suite toilet. A welcome basket filled with bread, butter, homemade jam, Welsh cakes and apple juice is included, but other than that you’ll need to provide your own food – though pre-ordered supermarket deliveries will be gladly accepted by the Penhein staff and placed in your tent before you arrive. The surrounding area is awash with idyllic views, rolling hills, ancient woodland and even an eight-acre wildflower meadow, providing a perfect excuse for family picnics, football games and nature walks galore. When the sun sets, you and your brood can snuggle up inside your cosy home away from home (made all the cosier by the candles and lanterns provided for each alachigh) and pass the time chatting away while you cook and play games – a welcome substitute for the usual blaring TV and solitary video games. If it’s a minibreak that reminds the whole family that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the best, we can think of nothing nicer. (penhein.co.uk)

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A Yorkshire welcome Louisa Castle discovers a warm welcome and a stay which leaves her wanting to return

ying on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, Helmsley is a 12th century market town, which grew up around refreshing travellers on their journeys. At the centre has been The Black Swan, the town’s principal coaching inn since 1838. Today the inn is a focal point offering sustenance to locals and visitors alike and a place to rest the head for those travelling from further afield. With a proud Yorkshire heritage myself, before our stay I called upon the family grapevine to gather some details. Every single one has heard and dined at The Black Swan. One, of a renowned racehorse training family, claimed it ‘offered the best afternoon tea in the country’. So we set about our weekend away with confidence and with expectation. From Hale, the journey is about two and a half hours and most of it is motorway. As soon as you turn off the A1 that weekend feeling takes over from the stresses and strains of the week. We arrived on a cold but sunny Friday afternoon and as we pulled into the car park there were people at the outside tables tucking into their pan-fried steak and chips (their dogs eagerly waiting for the anticipatory fallen morsel), chatting to acquaintances and creating a lovely bustle to our entrance.

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As we manoeuvred our way through the front door with our bags (I never was one to travel light!) we were welcomed with roaring fires and our first glimpse of that afternoon tea we’d heard so much about. Checked in and helped with our bags, we were shown to our room. The hotel is made up of three houses; the black and white, the Georgian and the Elizabethan, which stands on the site where the original coaching inn is believed to have been for centuries.

‘As the weather turned and roared outside there was no better place to be than in front of the roaring fire’ Our home away from home for the next two nights was in the Elizabethan wing, a corner room with French windows, country styling and original features. On our first night we experienced one of the restaurant’s foodie evenings, this one was Italian with quirky takes on traditional dishes and lots of wine to match. We shared a table with some regular diners, some who had travelled from the

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Midlands for the evening, some local, and while a little daunting to start it was a great mix of people. Plus, we got the chance to pick their brains on where to go and what to do for the rest of the weekend. A late finish, we were up the staircase (which is quite steep so be careful in those heels) and off to bed, and a very comfortable one I might add. After a hearty Yorkshire breakfast with all the trimmings and a good chat to the staff about life, love and local activities, we were ready to embark on the day. At dinner the night before we’d been advised to walk to Rievaulx Abbey, one of the first Cistercian abbeys to be founded in England, so we set out in the not-so-early morning mist. It’s a varied walk with forest, farmland, estate buildings and sheep, but when you first see the ruins through a cutting in the hedge it’s a magical sight and well worth the walk. After a tour and obligatory tea in the cafe it was time to head back to Helmsley town to explore and maybe sample a few more local treats. We soon ran out of time dipping in and out of the independent stores, so it was too late to sample afternoon tea or the Verbena Spa, both of which again came highly recommended. There’s also a chauffeur service should you wish to

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explore beyond walking distance, from visiting the Yorkshire Lavender fields to a trip on the steam railway. It was time to dine in The Gallery restaurant and sample the à la carte menu. The delightful tartan-clad Cygnet Bar was our first port of call. As the weather turned and roared outside there was no better place to be than in front of the roaring fire, excellent Merlot (and local craft beer) in hand, spending some quality time and contemplating dinner. Again the staff were great, treading that fine line between over friendly yet welcoming with ease. Mouth-watering dishes passed in front of us and were savoured: scallops; duck; beef and Yorkshire cheeseboard. The Gallery also offers a six-course tasting menu for anyone who wants to sample more or just can’t make their mind up, plus there’s a daily market menu. For us, the perfect end to our break away. Having said that, I think we will be back for that afternoon tea and next time we may just treat our newest member of the family Daisy the border collie to the weekend away too. The Black Swan offers a range of special stays on their website including the Spa and phodographer (blackswan-helmsley.co.uk)

EXPLORE Rievaulx Abbey After a hearty breakfast set out on a beautiful walk to see the magical ruins of Rievaulx Abbey settled in the mist. The walk takes about an hour (each way) and is clearly signposted. (english-heritage.org.uk) Scotts Fish & Chips A traditional fully-licensed fish and chip restaurant and takeaway providing the perfect sustenance after exploring the walks or town. 6 Bridge Street, Helmsley, YO62 5BG (scottsofhelmsley.co.uk) Hunters of Helmsley Run by Yorkshire farmers this two-level store is a cornucopia of local and international treats and gifts. We recommend a good sampling of the cheeses. 13 Market Place, Helmsley, YO62 5BL (huntersofhelmsley.com)

‘The Black Swan is rumoured to have one of the best afternoon teas in the county, if not the country’

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Weekend away …Hotel Café Royal, London WORDS: GEMMA KNIGHT

f all London’s lavish grande dame hotels, Piccadilly’s Café Royal might just have the weightiest claim to the title. Established in 1865 by Frenchman Daniel Nichols, this jewel of gilded decadence and Portland stone was once considered the home of high Bohemia, playing host to artists and monarchs in their droves and establishing itself as the beating cultural heart of the city. Following a drop in popularity towards the end of the last century, the building was given an enormous five-year overhaul and, by its re-opening in 2012, had been thoroughly restored to its former glory. Our suite is luxurious and modern, awash with space (from the vast bed to the cavernous shower) and boasting views out onto Regent Street, while the rest of the hotel is a veritable playground for the inner-Oscar Wilde, with a state-of-the-art spa, Louis XIV function rooms, decadent members’ club, three dining rooms and two bars. For a casual lunch or dinner (well, as casual as one can be when surrounded by red leather banquettes, grey marble and soft lighting), head to the Ten Room just off the hotel’s main atrium. There’s a heavy emphasis on seafood

(spectacular ceviche, tuna tartar, scallops and fish dishes make for a sound and expertly done offering), but also a good selection of the requisite steak, duck, lamb and chicken at their classic best (and complemented by such delights as truffle mash). Start with a civilised drink and nibbles at the Green Bar, and be sure to end your meal with the trademark absinthe fountain for the full Café Royal experience. If you’d prefer to venture beyond the bubble of London’s West End, however, our current gastronomic darling is Le Pont de la Tour overlooking Tower Bridge (the clue’s in the name). Their fish dishes (which include everything from stone bass to Dover sole, smoked salmon and John Dory) are second to none, and on balmy evenings their terrace is as pleasant a place to watch the world go buy as we’ve yet discovered in London (though the cosy restaurant is a close second on cold nights). It would be a crime to miss out on having their world-class sommeliers pair your food with wine, followed by exceptional espresso martinis to fuel you back across the river and into your sumptuous Café Royal king-size bed. (hotelcaferoyal.com)

‘The rest of the hotel is a veritable playground for the inner-Oscar Wilde’ 112

SUPERB, LUXURY HOLIDAY RESIDENCE

The Sanctuary, Gwynedd

Stunning, luxury 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom lodge located in the 5 star Sanctuary Lodge Park in the heart of rolling North Wales countryside. This superb holiday residence has unsurpassed contemporary style, an impressive open plan living space with fully fitted kitchen, uPVC double glazing & Gas central heating. Spacious decked terrace with southerly aspect & hot tub. The lodge benefits from an 88 year Licence Agreement which ends on 10/01/2102. Peaceful location with pleasant views | Situated on a 60 acre Country Estate | Fully furnished ready for occupancy | Two allocated parking places | Park, outdoor heated swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis court & fishing lake | 5 miles from Pwllheli | 10 miles from Abersoch The lodge has been greatly reduced to ÂŁ100K for a quick sale (original price ÂŁ170K) Contact Claire Wilman (M) 07771701773 clairewilman@me.com

Kids’ news Chic chick Artistic director for Sonia Rykiel, Julie de Libran, has launched a capsule collection for Rykiel Enfant. Stirred by childhood memories of her mother wearing Rykiel in the 1970s and 1980s, each piece is styled with the brand’s signature SR diamanté detailing and offers a twist on its regular kids’ style. (melijoe.com)

Leading the way

If the shoe fits If you were worried that Disney’s new Cinderella production, starring Lily James, Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham-Carter, may lack a bit of the original’s sparkle, then knowing that 1.7 million Swarovski crystals were used in the costumes should set your mind at ease. As well as the glittering ball gowns, created in collaboration with the Academy Award-winning costume designer Sandy Powell, the iconic crystal slipper, which plays such a pivotal role in the classic fairytale, took approximately 150 hours to make and features 221 facets in a light-reflecting Crystal Blue Aurora Borealis coating. The slipper is made up of three crystal pieces and weighs in at just over 1kg. Cinderella will be released through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on 27 March. For more information, visit facebook.com/waltdisneystudiosUK 114

Baker & Bray was founded by a chap named Richard Thurlby. Named after his grandmothers, who were both avid knitters and sewers. Together with British leather specialist Alma, the duo has created a collection of dog leads and collars for the brand, handmade in its Whitechapel factory. Go simple for an understated pooch or choose embossed crocodile leather for a look with a bit more bite. Collars £94, leads £106 (bakerandbray.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

d e MR HENDRIX h s a e nl U

Dreaming of sunshine Aravore is celebratingit’s ten years in business with the Positive Luzury Butterfly Award. Designer and creative director Yanina Aubrey explains that the subtle colours, fine detailing and vintage influences reflect her daughter’s fascination with the outdoors when she was just six months old. This season Aravore is collaborating with textile company Pilar, from Paraguay. Introducing a print inspired by the childhood memory of getting your first bike, this range will tie in with its theme of nostalgia. (aravore.com)

Sleep easy Always looking for new ways to innovate, iCandy has launched a new pushchair – the Peach All-Terrain, available in Toucan (black with neon yellow piping) and Sneaker (grey with coral piping – pictured). With three air-filled tyres, quickrelease swivel front wheel and soft-touch fabric, it promises a smooth experience for both baby and parent. Its easy-lift, lie-flat carrycot is suitable for babies from birth and is practical for overnight sleeping. £640, (iCandyworld.com)

hrowing myself off my normal scent, I’ve placed paw on mouse and enrolled in an online trick course. I feel the need to add a few strings to my bow. The course is run by the Cheshire Dog School, which offers many classes tailored to you and your dog’s specific needs with group or private lessons and even home visits. Now, I’m not one to show off, but a good party trick is a must for all my social engagements. Yes I can sit, roll over, shake hands firmly, type all my thoughts on a computer... But why not learn to walk on two legs too? This may seem a little ambitious, but I feel the sense of achievement should outweigh the hard work. The videos are short, easy to follow, and treats are always involved, which I love. It’s a closed group on Facebook, costing £18 for the full six-week course, and we all post videos of our developments to encourage our fellow furry friends with their progress. My first few attempts saw me wobbling all over the place, so any movement with my front paws off the ground was rewarded with a treat, but over time I felt the muscles in my back legs getting stronger and started to enjoy being high up and seeing the world in a whole new way. This is a wonderful way to teach your dog new skills at your own pace in the comfort of your own home, while engaging with new people. Of course, training should always be carried out in a safe, positive environment using fun and motivational rewards, and having been involved with Dogs Unite and Guide Dogs for the Blind and seeing the results first hand, I am full of admiration for the work they do. Early training for guide dogs involves introduction to the harness, learning to ignore distractions, leading a person in a straight line, stopping and sitting at kerbs and avoiding street obstacles, before moving on to advanced training over ten weeks. The dogs are then ready to meet their new owners and embark on partnership training where they learn to meet their specific needs. These incredible dogs and their trainers have inspired me to better myself and challenge my limits. I’m pleased to say I’m coming along in leaps and bounds, but for now it’s a book, biscuit and bed for me. Until next time... Love and licks,

Mr Hendrix

xxx (facebook.com/mrhendrixandfriends, mrhendrix.com)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

The classroom

Young filmmakers Abigail Pickersgill, 12, from Terra Nova school has been awarded runner-up in the International Cinemagic Young Filmmakers competition. After being shortlisted as a finalist, Abigail was invited to attend the Belfast Film Festival along with ten other finalists from London, New York and LA. Abigail came a very close second and both organisers and sponsors commented that they had loved her films, the only stop-frame animations and individual entry shortlisted. In her pieces entitled Timmy’s Dinosaur and Horror in the Garden, Abigail used coloured plasticine to make the models and then filmed the animation on her iMac. Head of art Fiona Fontes encouraged Abigail to create an animation with her models and when she returned with her masterpiece, Fiona, along with gifted and talented co-ordinator, Adele Cross, were determined to find a competition in which to enter Abigail. The international competition attracts large sponsors and high-profile patrons including Liam Neeson. (tnschool.co.uk; cinemagic.co.uk)

Gangsters & glamour There was romance, intrigue, action, plenty of laughs, some killer tunes and, of course, lots of splurging in The Queen’s School’s production of Bugsy Malone. Pupils from the senior school took a lead in stage management, choreography, forming the theatre band, managing the lighting and sound, and publicising the show. They delivered this musical theatre classic with wit, style and confidence. With girls playing both the male and female roles there was a huge range of acting skill on display and uproariously funny performances from the whole cast. (queens.cheshire.sch.uk) ’ nted to be at we wa st ything th whole ca sang the

an have been ‘We could

Steph Lewis as Dan dy Dan and Mollie Williams as Louella

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An Italian masterpiece Abbey College Manchester student, Zhenyu Yuan, 19, has won first place in the college’s photography competition following a trip to Rome. The talented photographer was recently tasked, along with twenty of his fellow students, to take a winning image on their three-day visit to the Italian capital, taking inspiration from the Roman archaeology. The competition was judged by Rhona DelaneyWillis, who has been an esteemed local photographer for the past 15 years. She selected Zhenyu’s work in a pool of highly competitive submissions due to the layered effect of his image and how it represented the passage of time in different aspects of the city. (abbeymanchester.co.uk)

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The voice We’d like to congratulate Nantwich teenager, Josh Whittaker for reaching the finals of Open Mic UK. Nine thousand singers entered the national competition and Josh did the North West proud in the final, singing ‘One Night Only’ by Jennifer Hudson and narrowly missing out on the main title but being awarded recording time to hone his skills. ‘My mum says I sang before I could speak! I started at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts when I was 11 and with a vocal coach, Charlotte Day, who is incredible. I’m lucky that

she’s attached to a recording studio called The Cottage Group so I can record regularly. My dream is to be a recording artist.’ Josh is a regular supporter of The Joshua Tree and sings at a number of their events as well as Cardiac Risk in the Young ‘a charity I heard about through RedShift Radio – they raise money to put on heart screening sessions for young adults – so I had my heart screened and then went on the radio to talk about it and encourage others to do the same. ‘One of the most special charity functions I have sung at was for the Nantwich Christie Hospital Support Group at Hatherton House and I’ll be singing for them again this year.’ Josh is a fan of all styles of music. ‘My sets include songs from Paul Weller, Mr Probz and Simon & Garfunkel. If I had to choose one style though, it would be R&B. And if I had to choose a favourite artist, that’s easy. Ed Sheeran. I saw him in concert this year, just him and his guitar, no fancy stuff... Just awesome!’ (openmicuk.co.uk; @JoshWhittakerMusic)

Top three Cheshire East’s schools are the third best in England according to a ranking based on performance in Ofsted inspections. 93.6 per cent of the 141 primary and secondary schools in the borough were rated good or outstanding, according the 2012 inspection framework. The only local authorities ranked higher were the London borough of Wandsworth and City of London. The only other North West local authority to feature in the top ten was Trafford, ranked seventh. (gov.uk)

Promotion

Where bright futures are built...

Withington Junior pupils with Mrs Kathryn Burrows take a first look at their new building as work progresses

Withington Girls’ School new purpose-built, expanded Junior School opening September 2015 Withington Girls’ School will be opening its doors to a new state-of-the-art Junior building and social ‘hub’ later this year (2015), enhancing existing accommodation and creating additional places for pupils from ages 7 to 11. Coinciding with Withington’s 125th anniversary celebrations, the purpose-built two-storey suite of classrooms is part of a £4.3million development programme, which will be completed in time for the start of the new academic year in September. The spacious new building means that the School will introduce additional classes in Years 5 and 6, opening up extra places, subject to selective assessment. There will be the usual number of places available for entry into Year 3 as well as a small number for Year 4. Head of Juniors Mrs Kathryn Burrows, herself a former Withington pupil, says she is ‘immensely excited’ by the host of opportunities the new building and ‘hub’ will offer the already thriving Department.

Says Mrs Burrows:

“It’s been wonderful for us to have been able to design, from a blank canvas, a building that is bespoke to the requirements of our Juniors. It has enabled us to create an environment that is modern, flexible and very childfocused. Importantly, it will also further enhance the exceptional learning experience our girls enjoy here, whilst still ensuring our younger pupils are connected and integrated with the Senior School where they have access to excellent specialist teachers and can access the Science laboratories; a dance studio, gym and sports hall; music rooms and Art and DT rooms.”

“The general ambience is calm and nurturing, but purposeful. At the heart of our approach in the Juniors is a commitment to empowering our girls at an early age with an inner confidence and a sense of freedom; freedom to be an individual, freedom of expression and a freedom to fly – and to equip each pupil with the foundations necessary to be able eventually to pursue her own talents and dreams. I feel that the building we have created very much responds to our ethos, allowing our girls the space, both mentally and physically, to flourish.”

Transport Excellent transport links are available to the School which are used by pupils from age 7 to 18. The School’s City Centre Shuttle Bus provides a dedicated service to/from the mainline Manchester Stations. There is also a late service to enable girls to participate in after-school activities. Some girls use the City Centre Shuttle to connect with on-going trains, buses or trams but a number of parents of younger children drop off and collect their daughter directly from the station.

“I am delighted to announce that, from September 2015 onwards, our means-tested bursary scheme will be extended to include Junior girls in Years 5 and 6. This will be in addition to the Senior School Bursary Scheme which currently helps around one-insix senior girls with the fees, according to each family’s needs.” Mrs Sue Marks Headmistress

Limited places are still available in Years 5 and 6, please call for more information Prospective parents and their daughters are very welcome to visit the School. To make an appointment or for further information, please call Acting Registrar, Mrs Louise Jefferies, on 0161 224 1077

wgs.org

Withington Girls’ School, Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL

wgs669_junior-school-297x210_v6.indd 1

03/02/2015 10:11

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

ongstanding Italian fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo has been designing shoes since 1927. Now in its third generation, the brand has introduced Ferragamo MINI, an exclusive shoe collection for girls. Featuring two modified styles from its women’s range: the famous round-toed ballerina shoe that Salvatore developed for Audrey Hepburn, and Varina, its bestseller finished with the signature bow. The new designs come in a variety of textures including patent and shimmering glitter. From £225 (ferragamo.com)

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homes and

interiors showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY IN CHESHIRE AND BEYOND

Lady LUXE We talk hotel trends and an eye for detail with top designer Tara Bernerd

A Canadian HAVEN image: september border and bench at arley hall (joewainwright.co.uk)

A luxury hideaway in the wilds of beautiful Albert

Home & interiors news

#1 Turn Up the Heat Give your home’s heating systems a new lease of life by investing in one (or several) radiators from Bisque. With its innovative designs, from large pieces that make a statement to space-saving towel radiators that will keep your bathroom cosy, there are endless possibilities to choose from. Offering a full range of colours (more than 2,000, to be exact) Bisque upholds the philosophy that even practical pieces in your home can be given style and personality. The iconic Archibald towel radiator is bound to liven up even the most pared-down of bathrooms. Bisque products are available from Mizu Bathroom Design, Hale, and Stonehaus Bathrooms, Knutsford (bisque.co.uk)

#2 THE SPRING PALETTE As we head into spring I think we’re all looking for that post-winter lift. Look no further than the latest Royal Academy Collection from Colour & Paint. David Mach RA’s colours take inspiration from both the landscapes of his native Scotland and the materials used in his sculpture. Choose from a palette of soft blues, greens and turquoises that recreate the shades from the Fife coast or alternatively from the strong, bright shades in his sculpture. David’s favourite blue is also included in the palette. And the paint name – Beautiful. 2.5l tins, £35 (colourandpaint.com)

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Homes and Interiors

#4 Sleep Tight

#3 Come Full Circle Offering an array of exquisite home furnishings with more than 150 unique designs, interiors brand Davidson has emerged at the forefront of the luxury market. The collection boasts an impressive mĂŠlange of one-of-a-kind dining tables, dining chairs, side cabinets, coffee and console tables (like the beautiful Scarsdale Console Table, pictured), occasional furniture and mirrors made from beautiful woods and veneers, such as macassar ebony, tinted sycamores, walnut and rosewood. The A/W14 collection focuses on mixing metallics with lacquered natural vellum to create a sense of warmth in the home, in stark contrast to cool temperatures outside. (davidsonlondon.com)

French linen brand Yves Delorme brings visual poetry to the bedroom with whimsical colours and patterns aimed to evoke the feeling of bliss and its many states of expression. Using cosy fabrics inspired by Japanese kimonos and making use of radiant colours, the collection comprises four different parts in relation to the different cycles of sleep, including Drifting Off and Rise and Shine. Fall into dream land, cocooned in floral patterns; traditional interpretations of flowers are transformed thanks to an innovative version bursting with vitality. (yvesdelormeparis.com)

#5 Written in Stone Inspired by the ancient art of calligraphy, Top Floor showcases its new Script collection, comprising nine rugs and wall-hangings by internationally acclaimed artist Hassan Massoudy. The collection reflects a blend of Middle and Far Eastern styles with deep ties to nature, featuring design names such as Earth, Fire, Water and Roots, with each one having been tagged with a short proverb or a line of verse from the different cultures that inspired Massoudy. The rugs are hand-made using wool and silk and can double as wall-hangings, making them the perfect two-in-one pieces to complement any design style. (topfloorrugs.com)

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INTERVIEW

Lady luxe Kari Colmans talks hotel trends, inspiration and bringing in projects on time with designer Tara Bernerd

Tara Bernerd / Photography © Alex Lake

can tell Tara Bernerd is going to be ballsy before she’s even arrived. The hipster-styled staff at the Belgraves hotel are ushering me with check-shirted arms from the interior designer’s favourite ‘restaurant space’, to her chosen ‘bar space’, back down to the ‘lobby space’ (all of which she designed), as they’re unsure, given the timeslot that’s too late for lunch and too early for tea, which area will be just right. Her marketing director Lucien turns

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up first, already looking stressed that his charge is running late, and that someone’s moved the furniture around (not Tara) since their last impromptu drop-in. I sense as his eyes flash that she’s walking up the stairs behind me, and turn to see her schlepping a chair from one corner to the next, demanding to know who’s messed with the décor. In the spirit of banning bossy (banbossy. com), I find it all rather amusing, and decide, before we’ve exchanged one word, that we’re going to have a lot more than cushions to talk about. Founder of the interior architectural practice Tara Bernerd & Partners, the company focuses on ‘creative direction and interior design’, with projects spanning New York, Chicago, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Switzerland. We’re here, as far as I’m concerned, to discuss Hotel Russell, Tara’s latest refurb undertaking, initially set to open at the end of this year but now more likely to be ready in 2016. But I’m told, in no uncertain terms, that the project is off limits, much to the perplexity of everyone else present. Lucien’s grin is spreading with increasing Wallace & Gromit-style elasticity while his eyes are pleading with me not to make a scene. Tara

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INTERVIEW

apologises profusely for the mix-up, but won’t budge, despite the press release having already gone out and her website boasting a dedicated page (cue Lucien’s almost audible whimper). But luckily, it’s not the only news on the agenda: by the time you’re reading this, Tara’s latest project, SIXTY SoHo, will have just opened its doors. Following on from the success of Belgraves, the team was invited by the Pomeranc brothers to redesign the lobbies, bar and 96 bedrooms of the New York hotel. I ask what inspired the new design and how to make a statement in a town like the Big Apple, where every street sign and pavement slab looks as if it’s

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been hand-picked and placed with a stylist’s precision. ‘Inspiration is a very interesting word because we have to be inspired to do the work that we do and I can’t always give that perfect answer of “oh, in that particular project, x, y and z got me going”,’ she starts, before jumping up to pull the plug on an unsuspecting hoover and its dumbfounded operator. To be fair, the noise was getting my hackles up too. ‘I think that one of the challenges was to realise that this was a hotel that was really embraced by the local area,’ she picks up again seamlessly, her hands clanging through her somehow chic pink hair

Homes and Interiors

extensions, as I study every beautiful ring and bangle. ‘It was really part of that downtown DNA. We wanted to oxygenate it, lift it, give it a new character, but not alienate it from what it was before. They say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, and we were fixing it when it wasn’t necessarily broke. Yes, we ripped out the ground and first floors and changed the lobbies and the bars, but we kept that essence. We looked at what was working and what wasn’t; why were people hanging out here less, what can we do to bring back a reason to be here? This could be a chic townhouse in Milan, mixed with a Parisian apartment – a little bit of everything European, but with a downtown edge. We focused on the huge windows looking out onto the city and really opened up the rooms, giving them a different grace. We looked at flooring so, as you go into the bar, there are these beautiful old tiles that you can then throw rugs on. They’re something you might associate with a very chic Italian or Moroccan home, but it’s not trying to be ethnic for ethnic’s sake. We’ve paid real attention to the main finishes – the wall treatments, the floor treatments – but it’s not overly fussy. It’s bold, moving itself around and really shaking things up.’ Tara briefs me on her hectic schedule for the coming week, which sees her whizzing across continents via luxury penthouses and resort-style villas. Her main model is business to business, but occasionally the odd private client will slip through the net. ‘Very often we’ll have bachelors who just travel, they don’t want to

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‘We will double hotel rates, we will increase the value of an apartment – so people choose us as a business decision’

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know. They’re only interested in budget, timing and us bringing the ideas. Those three credentials are what’s key for the business-to-business model. We give you the idea and we work to the budget and timeframe. Most private commissions [require] an emotional journey. They want to be emotionally led; they want to see, they want to share, which is great, but our strength is determining the vision and then fulfilling it. We add value. We will double hotel rates, we will increase the value of an apartment – so people choose us as a business decision. I am a designer and an artist at heart, so obviously I want everything to be as beautiful as we feel it can be, and if it’s deemed so by others then we are in a good place.’ Home is London, and she still finds time to entertain in between

Homes and Interiors

the red-eye commutes. There must be a lot of pressure when you entertain at home, I say, a lot of rubber-necking. ‘The people that come round to my home are such good friends that yeah, of course they probably do [like to look around], but it’s not fussy and what I don’t do is use my home as a platform to show off or [try out] every little thing. Sometimes I will walk into projects and love them more than my home! ‘I’ve never been too much into pinks, reds, yellows, that sort of chintzy look… but then I could go into a room that was done by David Hicks all those years ago and go ‘wow’, so I just hate pretentious design. Too many satin fabrics – I’m not into shiny fabrics that much. I’m not a pearlised person – on my nails, round my neck or in my fabrics!’ She loves to collect art and has been on the receiving end of some good investment advice. ‘I have always collected art but I have been slam-dunked by everyone’s run at Frieze. Suddenly every banker with a great big cheque at the end of the year is an art collector – I’m not, but I have always bought art, I’ve always loved it. I’ve been blessed with great friendships – old friendships. Jay Jopling, the art dealer and gallerist, gave me my first break – one of my first jobs was at the very first White Cube. I did his office – years ago! Tim Jefferies is also an old friend. I’ve often bought photographic art through him. I love to learn from those who know more. I’ve been buying a lot of 1950s Murano glass over the years, too.’ Her number one tip for giving

your space a facelift is just to tidy up first. ‘We always think something needs to be changed, but I really believe in being aware of your space. Sometimes all you need is a huge spring clean. Change for change’s sake is not always cool. Sometimes a space feels worn out and it doesn’t quite feel the same. A friend of mine said recently ‘oh we never use this room’ and then I went round and she had a flipping dining table in there for ten people, yet she always sat in the kitchen. Why? We upgraded the big kitchen area and made it more chic and got rid of the stupid dining room table and made it a big living room space. How you use a space is really important. If you are going to try new fabrics, make sure you always put them out. If you’ve got a grey next to a check, does it work with the wood? Don’t underestimate getting the samples and seeing them all together and to scale. The amount of times people have got a sofa the wrong size compared to a chair! And it’s not necessarily the width or height, it’s the scale compared to everything else in the room.’ Tara practises what she preaches: ‘I wear what I feel. I am not a cashmere twin-set with pearls person. There are those who do it beautifully and I admire that on others, but my style has always been a bit more bold; more handsome than pretty. I am always travelling for the projects we have – we are a bit like the SAS of design and I like that. The Navy Seals of interiors.’ And I can’t imagine anyone more fitting to inspire and motivate a team of style-warriors. (tarabernerd.com)

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EST.1967

SOFAS OF DISTINCTION

IT’ S NOT A SOFA... IT’ S A WORK OF ART

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Prestbury The most impressive Arts & Crafts house with outstanding southerly views

• 3 reception rooms • study • 7 bedrooms (all en suite) • lodge providing ancillary accommodation • planning permission for leisure suite • gardens • in all about 10 acres • EPC – E Guide Price: £5,950,000

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Prestbury A magnificent contemporary mansion in Prestbury’s most popular location

• 3 reception rooms • study • 5 bedroom suites • Jacuzzi room • leisure complex with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, gym & cinema • garaging • 1 bed flat • gardens • EPC - C Guide Price: £2,950,000

People Property Places

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

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Great Warford One of the most prestigious houses in Cheshire

• 3 reception rooms • playroom • sun room • beauty room • cinema • games room • bar • 6 bedrooms (all en suite) • leisure suite • offices • 3 bedroom flat • 2 bedroom flat • garaging • approximately 12.25 acres • EPC - F Price on Application

People Property Places

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

Offices in London and across the country

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Alderley Edge A magnificent family house wrapped in exquisite gardens at the end of a private road

• 3 reception rooms • 2 conservatories • study • 6 bedrooms • 5 bath/shower rooms • garaging with office above • just under 0.6 of an acre • EPC – D Guide Price: £1,995,000

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Twemlow Green, Holmes Chapel A historic Grade II Listed country house nestled in 21 acres

• 3 reception rooms • family room • 5 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • cellarage • garaging • lakes • woodland • approximately 21 acres Offers in the region of £2,000,000

People Property Places

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

Offices in London and across the country

Nether Alderley A contemporary Shakespearian masterpiece combines to create the ultimate family mansion

• Reception hall • 4 reception rooms • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • study • leisure suite with pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, bar, gym, games room, cinema & wine cellar • garaging • 2 bedroom annexe • gardens • woodland • approaching 13 acres • EPC - C Guide Price: £8,250,000

People Property Places

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

Offices in London and across the country

jackson-stops.co.uk

Henbury

Wilmslow

A splendid period Cheshire farm house

An exquisite modern family house with fabulous views

• 4 reception rooms • 5 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • 2 bedroom

• 5 reception rooms • gym • 4 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • garaging • stabling • approx 2 acres • EPC - E

Guide Price: £1,100,000

Guide Price: £1,495,000

barn • about 8 acres • EPC - E

Congleton

Smallwood

A converted coach house in an elevated position with views

Evergreen Meadows

• 3 reception rooms • 4 bedrooms • 4 bathrooms • garaging • approx 0.5 of an acre • EPC - C

only 4 remaining

Guide Price: £950,000

From £575,000 to £695,000

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4 and 5 bedrooms

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

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Brereton Park A compact Country Estate with a Grade I Listed Elizabethan country house.

• 4 reception rooms • billiards room • study & conservatory • extensive domestic offices • 12 bedrooms • 10 bath/shower rooms • separate offices with potential for self-contained wing • planning permission for stabling • approximately 116.68 acres Guide Price: £6,500,000

People Property Places

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

Offices in London and across the country

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Hale A handsome period semi-detached property in a corner plot close to Hale village centre

• 2 reception rooms • study • playroom • 6 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • lawned gardens to 3 sides • garage • EPC - E Guide Price: £1,075,000

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Bowdon A splendid detached period property of superb proportions

• 3 reception rooms • 5 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • cellarage • courtyard & garden • garaging • EPC – F Guide Price: £925,000

People Property Places

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Hale 0161 928 8881 hale@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

Hale An individual contemporary residence on one of Hale’s most exclusive roads

• 2 reception rooms • study • media room • leisure suite • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • gardens • garage • art studio • EPC – C Guide Prices: £3,250,000

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Worsley A handsome Edwardian residence of superb proportions overlooking Worsley Golf Course

• 2 reception rooms • study • conservatory • 5 bedrooms • 4 bath/shower rooms • games room • cellarage • gardens • garaging • EPC – F Guide Price: £1,500,000

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Hale 0161 928 8881 hale@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

RECREATE THE LOOK

The hearth of the matter

othing quite binds a living space together during the cold winter months like a really beautiful fireplace – the ultimate focal point for a room and a practical way to keep your toes toasty when the temperature drops. While conventionally a feature which lends itself most readily to classic, traditional spaces, the array of fireplaces now on offer means that it’s easy to complement any design with the warm glow of firelight, be it sleek and modern or grand and opulent. If you’re going for the latter, be sure to surround your hearth with vintage

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(or high-quality reproduction) pieces which help to complete the look without giving a muddled appearance. Equally, for a rustic, farmhouse feel we love a shabby chic approach, with log baskets in full view and a good set of antique iron pokers. When it comes to contemporary fireplaces, however, it’s all about continuing the minimalist vibe of the rest of the room. Don’t clutter the space around it (also essential if you plan to use the underlying surround as a bench or sideboard), and be sure to let the clean, smooth design speak for itself.

Homes and Interiors

#1 #3 #2

THE CLASSIC LOOK #1 Vintage Messina silver wallpaper, £25.99, Arthouse (arthouse.com), #2 Miss Lala’s Gold Looking Glass, £395, The French Bedroom Company (frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk), #3 Gold cherub candelabra, £125, Alison at Home (alisonathome.com), #4 Fauteuil fat luigi chair, €1288, KSL Living (ksl-living.fr), #5 Crystal collection rug, £POA, Ventique (ventique.co.uk)

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Cheshire Magazine Issue 1 A4 + Bleed_Layout 1 05/02/2015 10:33 Page 1

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Homes and Interiors

RECREATE THE LOOK

the olympus fireplace (northwestfireplaces.co.uk)

THE CONTEMPORARY LOOK #1 Dorada side table, £POA, Baker Furniture (baker.kohlerinteriors.com), #2 Norfolk Path framed print, £60, Arthouse (arthouse.com), #3 Evelyn table lamp silver/cream, £138, Där Lighting Group (darlighting.co.uk), #4 Juno Armchair, Linen Beige, £449, Made.com (made.com), #5 Cream shaggy rug, £45, Colours at B&Q (diy.com)

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Homes and Interiors

RECREATE THE LOOK

THE RUSTIC LOOK #1 Book bookends, £24.99, Swanky Maison (swankymaison.com), #2 Copper effect planter, £16, Laura Ashley (lauraashley.com), #3 Vintage leather wing chair, £435, The Old Cinema (theoldcinema.co.uk), #4 Latika vase, £29.95, Nkuku (nkuku.com), #5 18 Inch Turn Handle companion set, £24.50, Ludlow Stoves Ltd (ludlowstoves.co.uk)

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Rather than simply being a place to rest your head, your bedroom is also your sanctuary. It’s the place where you than simply place to can trulyRather be yourself, awaybeing froma work, rest your head, your bedroom is your children and the stresses and also sanctuary. It’s the place where you strainsyour of day to day life. can truly be yourself, away from work, Luxurious furniture that simplyand your children and the stresses oozesstrains elegance and style, transforming of day to day life.

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gardens

Through the lens PROFESSIONAL photographer Joe Wainwright shares some of his favourite images of the amazing Cheshire gardens we can all enjoy this year

I BELOW LEFT: NESS BOTANIC GARDENS. RIGHT: BLUEBELL COTTAGE GARDENS

first became interested in photography when I was eight, following in the inspiring footsteps of my dad and my grandfather who were both keen photographers. I’ve also been a passionate gardener since my teens, so my chosen vocation is hardly surprising when I think about it. I didn’t turn professional until three years ago, though, when everything fell into place and I was

able to pursue my dream of being a full-time photographer. In my previous life I was a senior tourism officer with Cheshire County Council and led Cheshire’s first gardens marketing campaign from 1998 to 2005, working with garden businesses to promote the county’s attractions nationally and internationally. It was a real pleasure. During that time I had no photographic budget, so I did all the photography myself using my own equipment. Subsequently these images have been used by tourism organisations including Visit Britain, local and regional government and the National Trust, as well as a number of the gardens themselves. That, as they say, was that. I think we’re particularly lucky as we have the gardens of Cheshire, North and Mid-Wales, Shropshire, Staffordshire, the Peak District, Lancashire and Cumbria within reasonable travelling distance – although I do like to venture far further afield too.

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gardens

ABOVE: STONYFORD COTTAGE GARDENS. RIGHT: arley hall borders in september

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Cheshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gardens are so numerous and diverse and I think few other areas of the UK have such a range of beautiful gardens within easy travelling distance of each other. I could not pick out any favourites (Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m often asked!) as they all have their own magic, with some being vast and imposing; others intimate and hidden. The National Trust boasts some great properties on our doorstep including Tatton Park, with its formal Italian Garden and famous Japanese Garden (great to visit in autumn when the fiery tones of acers add rich and exotic colour). There is also Lyme Park at Disley with its huge reflective lake, formal flower borders and a sunken Dutch Garden. Dunham Massey, near Altrincham, is beautiful all year round, but its recently planted Winter Garden is the place to go in February, March and April, with swathes of snowdrops, daffodils and irises combining with trees and shrubs to provide colour and interest right at the beginning of the gardening season. Smaller gardens owned by the Trust are at Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, and Hare Hill, Prestbury, both notable for their displays of

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gardens

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Homes and Interiors

OPPOSITE: CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE TEMPLE GARDEN IN OCTOBER. BELOW LEFT: DUNHAM MASSEY IN MARCH. BELOW RIGHT: THE BROAD WALK, TATTON PARK IN AUTUMN

rhododendrons and azaleas in May and June. Ness Botanic Gardens near Neston has fabulous displays of early spring bulbs, including snowdrops and crocuses, while later in the year the attractions range from great drifts of wild flowers and herbaceous borders to colourfully planted terraces, vivid rhododendrons and a water garden. Rode Hall near Congleton is famed for its snowdrop walks in February – you may just catch them but visitors in spring and summer can enjoy a formal rose garden and a walled kitchen garden. A world-famous Cheshire destination is Arley Hall and Gardens, near Northwich. There’s a lot to see here, but twin highlights are the beautiful and historic double herbaceous borders, which provide a rich tapestry of colour from early summer to autumn. The gardens at Cholmondeley Castle are magical – particularly the Temple Garden, which comes to life in spring with blossom and daffodils, while autumn brings rich toasty colours. While the aforementioned are quite grand on scale we mustn’t forget the smaller gardens. Bluebell

‘We’re really lucky. Cheshire’s gardens are so numerous and diverse. Few other areas of the UK have such a range of beautiful gardens within easy reach’ Cottage Gardens near Dutton boasts a number of skilfully planted cottage garden and contemporary style borders; while Mount Pleasant Gardens near Kelsall has been created on a hillside – there are lavish herbaceous borders, colourful rhododendrons and azaleas, and a Japanese Garden complete with waterfall. Lush spring colour can be enjoyed at Stonyford Cottage Gardens, Cuddington, described by The Daily Telegraph as one of the UK’s top 10 spring gardens – it has also featured on Gardener’s World. And Abbeywood Gardens covers six acres, with features such as exotic planting, herbaceous borders and a formal pool garden.

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gardens

Joe’s top tips My particular passion is to capture the spirit and atmosphere of a garden. Try to photograph the wide views and vistas, which are iconic and provide a sense of place. If the garden surrounds a stately home, it’s important to illustrate how the house and surrounding landscape are in harmony with each other. Where possible, avoid photographing gardens and plants in strong summer sunshine. Bright yet overcast conditions give you much better photographs. If you can get access, early morning and evening are often the best times to photograph gardens, particularly if the day is, or was, sunny. Visit your favourite gardens throughout the year – not just in summer. Each season brings a different magic – winter is best when there is frost or snow, with the low light accentuating shape and form; early spring brings plants such as snowdrops and hellebores, which look fantastic when photographed down low using a macro (close-up) lens; later in the spring and summer is great for capturing wider sweeps of the garden, with trees in blossom, shrubs in flower, and beds providing more intense colour. Colours are particularly rich on clearer days in September and October, with low-angled sun and a warmer light. I enjoy photographing hot autumn tones as trees and shrubs start to provide more interest in the garden. (joewainwright.co.uk)

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Joe is a full member of the Professional Garden Photographers’ Association and specialises in garden and plant photography along with tourism and heritage properties. He runs courses on garden photography for beginners and more experienced photographers at the beautiful Fieldcrest Garden on the Wirral.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: LYME PARK; ARLEY HALL; NESS BOTANIC GARDENS

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LOCAL PROPERTY

Tall Trees PRESTBURY

bold, beautiful fivebedroom home in the village of Prestbury, peaked by dramatic sloping roofs and packed with stunning features including a media room and secret staircase leading to an indoor swimming pool. Finished using a selection of complementary materials, Tall Trees is an exceptional example of modern-day architecture. Set in over half an acre, the house is situated in a secluded, mature location and is accessed from a long private drive with electrically operated gates. On entry to Tall Trees, a breathtaking swimming pool area and leisure complex with Jacuzzi, sauna and shower are showcased through the spectacular full-height glazing in the galleried hallway. An inner hallway connects a media room, study,

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cloakroom and utility/bootroom. A fantastic and flexible open-plan living space seamlessly combines the family room with the kitchen, breakfast bar and formal dining area providing an adaptable area with an intimate feel, opening out to the outdoor landscaped gardens. Upstairs is the master suite with dressing room, sitting area, en suite, balcony and a secret staircase leading back down to the swimming pool. There are four further bedrooms (three with en suite bathrooms), one house bathroom and a gym. All elements combine to make Tall Trees a signature home for luxury living. Tall Trees, Prestbury Guide price ÂŁ2.25 million Jackson-Stops & Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340, jackson-stops.co.uk)

Homes and Interiors

Cranock, Moss Road ALDERLEY EDGE

ranock is a beautifully appointed and well-designed home, ideal for modern living and recently fully refurbished to a high specification. The property boasts four double bedrooms with two en suites and a family bathroom. The home includes a modern kitchen with chimney extractor, four bedrooms and a south-facing garden with a patio area and steps down to a lawned area with fenced borders and views beyond. There is also a gate leading to a paddock at the rear of the garden, this is part owned by the property and is shared by eight other owners on Moss Road,

nothing can be built upon the land unless all parties agree, protecting the view and environment of the property. The entrance hallway boasts wood flooring throughout with a staircase to the upper floor, while the dining kitchen has an impressive open plan with bi-folding doors overlooking the south-facing garden and views beyond. Doors open to a modern fully fitted German kitchen with granite work surfaces and a kitchen island, making this an ideal home for entertaining. On the market at ÂŁ1.295 million Lock & Parker Estate Agents (01625 588 960, lockandparker.co.uk)

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LOCAL PROPERTY

Fleming House WILMSLOW

leming House is a credit to the current owner and a wonderful opportunity to purchase a modern family home which is ready to move into straight away. It truly has the best of both worlds; conveniently positioned central to Wilmslow and within walking distance of the train station, The Carrs, The Bollin Valley and excellent local schooling while still having the privacy you require. Situated in one of Wilmslowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most favoured tree-lined locations, this recently constructed doublefronted detached property is 4,000 sq ft of accommodation, which features hardwood bespoke double glazed windows throughout, with

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additional plug sockets in all rooms, while most rooms have telephone and television points, ideal for modern living. The house boasts five bedrooms, as well as four reception rooms, a stunning kitchen-diner, InToto bespoke kitchen and four bathrooms (two en suite), plus an entrance hallway and galleried landing, with a beautifully presented garden to the rear with a variety of planting and trees. The garden is not overlooked so is secluded and has a summer house, with the entire plot set in approximately a third of an acre. On the market at ÂŁ1.375 million Lock & Parker Estate Agents (01625 588 960, lockandparker.co.uk)

Homes and Interiors

Stonegate ASTON BY BUDWORTH

his old English gem is believed to date from the 18th century, adorned by climbing roses and wisteria, surmounted by a thatched roof and sitting in approximately 2.25 acres. The three-bedroom house is full of charming features, giving each and every room a delightful character of its own. The rooms are beautifully decorated, light and spacious, with features at every turn, such as linenfold carved detailing to solid oak doors, a galleried entrance hall with carved oak staircase, exposed beams and trusses to ceilings and walls, and attractive fireplaces. The modern fittings only serve to mirror the quality of the period features, with a magnificent granite-topped kitchen with top-class fittings and second-to-none bathrooms. Stonegate is extremely private,

located on an attractive no-through lane, with rolling Cheshire countryside wrapping around the magnificent gardens. The level, manicured lawns are encompassed by evergreen shrubs, herbaceous borders and specimen trees, which provide a high degree of privacy. The water garden is made up of an extensive pond, fully stocked with carp, best seen from a timberdecked area reaching out over the pond, which has a waterfall and fountain. A York-flagged path leads to the rear of the detached onebedroom annexe and hard tennis court, behind which is the croquet lawn and wildflower meadow. Stonegate, Aston by Budworth Guide price ÂŁ1.995 million Jackson-Stops & Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340, jackson-stops.co.uk)

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DPS_Advert_Jan-2015_CheshireMag_297x210 04/02/2015 09:51 Page 1

WINNER KITCHEN DESIGN OF THE YEAR 2014

As the days grow longer it’s time to plan for the coming year, and time to allow our Award winning designers help you achieve your perfect kitchen. Our new 2015 brochure is ready to download from our website. It is photographed in our customers homes, showing the variety and high standards of our beautiful bespoke kitchens. If you’d like to know more about how we work take a look at our website, watch our video or call into one of our showrooms to discuss how we can make your kitchen dreams come true.

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by diane berry kitchens

Sympathetic restoration James Sharpe didn’t like his old kitchen much. After 12 years, two of which were spent planning their new one, James and his partner Huw were ready to embark on their new kitchen project. Originally the couple had decided to buy from an alternative company but after a friend’s recommendation and a visit to the Diane Berry Kitchens showroom their new decision was made. The Strategic Alliances Director was particularly impressed with the display of kitchen projects undertaken by Diane and her skilled team. The personal comments and feedback from previous clients filled James with a real confidence that Diane could manage their design and installation alongside him. The traditional Victorian home in Whalley Range has only had three owners in its long history so the couple were keen to retain the charm and features of its past, whilst updating the kitchen with the most

contemporary and efficient features and appliances. Sourcing the best took time; finding the right contractors with the utmost attention to detail, sourcing the reproduction cornice and energy efficient sash windows took careful searching. His attention to detail was matched and complimented by Diane’s and James explained how they had a genuine ‘creative synergy,’ he described working with Diane as a ‘real pleasure’. Their ideas were very similar, from the overall styling of the room, down to the finer details such as the pendant lighting. It wasn’t only the stunning design ideas which impressed the couple, James was delighted to work with such an ethically minded team, Diane works with integrity and James felt he could trust her completely which is so important with such a huge, personal investment in the home. In its original state the house didn’t in fact include a kitchen

at all so it’s a real testimony to Diane that James comments ‘the kitchen feels as though it’s been there forever, nothing was forced, it feels very natural.’ The home even features a traditional scullery room for preparing food and washing plates, keeping unwanted clutter out of guest’s sight, and leaving the kitchen free as an entertaining, social space. James loves how functional their new kitchen is; the large central island comfortably seats four and is perfect for adding the finishing touches to dinners in front of hungry guests. The transformed warm and welcoming space is perfectly suited to hosting their dinner parties; the steam oven and two warming drawers come in very handy when cooking for 12! The couple are delighted with the finished project describing it as ‘gentrified modern living’. They can’t wait to welcome friends to their finished home, which has no trace of that old kitchen anywhere.

Diane Berry Kitchens Ltd, 132 Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 0AA www.dianeberrykitchens.co.uk diane@dianeberrykitchens.co.uk Tel: 0161 798 5335

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

A Canadian haven This gorgeous hideaway is surrounded by some of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most spectacular wilderness, making it the ideal place to gather your nearest and dearest for a cosy private getaway

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Homes and Interiors

erched above Canmore in the private and prestigious Alberta golf community of Silvertip, 26 Juniper Ridge is one of those rare properties which – dare we say – has it all. First and foremost, it’s a ski enthusiast’s dream come true, but we can’t see anyone with a passing appreciation for après-ski tipples and breathtaking mountain views complaining either. The custom-built house has five beautiful bedrooms, with soaring vaulted ceilings throughout and four private balconies, each ideally placed to perfectly showcase views of the Bow Valley and beyond. The main floor is designed for entertaining with a grand entrance, chef’s kitchen, dining room, living room (with a double-sided fireplace no less) and office, while the master retreat covers the whole upper level and includes a spa-inspired en suite – a handy bonus for those looking to soothe their muscles after a day on the slopes – and private deck with a woodburning fireplace. Meanwhile the walk-out lower level includes a family room, three guest rooms with bathrooms and a self-contained

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Homes and Interiors

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

one-bedroom guest suite, a wonderful excuse to invite friends and family for a skiing holiday. Skiers will be excited by the property’s proximity to the Canmore Nordic Centre – site of the 1988 Winter Olympics and home to the National Biathlon and Nordic Ski teams – and by the neighbouring Nakiska and Fortress ski resorts. Those less inclined to traverse the slopes, however, will love downtown Canmore, with its quaint shops and excellent restaurants, not to mention its huge ice rink on the downtown pond and vibrant arts scene (if galleries, live music and theatre are your thing, you’ll be thoroughly spoiled for choice).

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Suffice to say, if it’s a property with some panache you’re after, this is a pretty tough contender to beat. On the market for £1.93 million Sotheby’s International Realty Canada 403-254-5315 (sothebysrealty.com)

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Cheshire and Manchester’s Largest Leading Independant Independent Estate Agents Visit our new web site www.jordanfishwick.co.uk

Hale Road Hale Barns

Stunning 6 Bedroom • 5 Bathroom Detached family home • Totally redesigned over recent years • Refurbished to the highest of standards focussing very much on open plan living • Large south facing rear gardens • Popular Hale Barns location

£995,000 Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Office 36/38 Alderley Road, SK91JX Sales: 01625 532000 Lettings: 01625 536300 E: wilmslow@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Hale Office 172 Ashley Road, WA15 9SF Sales: 0161 929 9797 Lettings: 0161 929 9898 E: hale@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Didsbury Office 757-759 Wilmslow Road, M20 6RN Sales: 0161 445 4480 Lettings: 0161 434 5290 E: didsbury@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Macclesfield & Prestbury Office 84-86 Waters Green, SK11 6LH Sales: 01625 434000 Lettings: 01625 502222 E: macclesfield@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Sale Office 95-97 School Road M33 7XA Sales: 0161 962 2828 Lettings: 0161 976 5080 E: sales@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Park Drive Hale Price on Application Glossop Office 44 High Street West, SK13 8BH Sales: 01457 858888 Lettings: 01457 858888 E: glossop@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Arguably one of the nicest spots in the heart of Hale village • Large detached family residence in a very secluded plot • 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms along with five/six reception rooms • Exquisitely presented with the utmost taste in decor and finishes • Private access to Hale tennis club and only a short walk to the village centre

Chorlton Office 410-412 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AD Sales: 0161 860 4444 Lettings: 0161 860 444 E: chorlton@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Manchester City Centre Office 217 Deansgate M3 3NW Sales: 0161 833 9499 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 E: manchester@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Salford & Media City Office City Point Unit 2, 156 Chapel Street M3 6BF Sales: 0161 833 9499 opt 3 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 opt 2 E: salford@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Northern Quarter Office 45 Tib Street M4 1LT Sales: 0161 833 9494 Lettings: 0161 833 9494 E: nor thernquar ter@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Cheshire and Manchester’s Largest Leading Independant Independent Estate Agents Visit our new web site www.jordanfishwick.co.uk

Chelford Road Alderley Edge £9500pcm Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Office 36/38 Alderley Road, SK91JX Sales: 01625 532000 Lettings: 01625 536300 E: wilmslow@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Wonderful and imposing residence with sweeping driveway behind electric gates • Fabulous views to the front and rear • Convenient reach of fashionable Alderley Edge village and the train station alike • Six generous reception rooms, five bedrooms and three bathrooms • Large detached double garage and extensive grounds of around 1.3acres

Hale Office 172 Ashley Road, WA15 9SF Sales: 0161 929 9797 Lettings: 0161 929 9898 E: hale@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Didsbury Office 757-759 Wilmslow Road, M20 6RN Sales: 0161 445 4480 Lettings: 0161 434 5290 E: didsbury@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Macclesfield & Prestbury Office 84-86 Waters Green, SK11 6LH Sales: 01625 434000 Lettings: 01625 502222 E: macclesfield@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Sale Office 95-97 School Road M33 7XA Sales: 0161 962 2828 Lettings: 0161 976 5080 E: sales@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Castle Hill Prestbury Guide Price £1,999,950 Glossop Office 44 High Street West, SK13 8BH Sales: 01457 858888 Lettings: 01457 858888 E: glossop@jordanfishwick.co.uk

An individually designed, imposing detached property • Occupying a generous plot and enjoying open, far reaching views • With 6 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms & bespoke kitchen • Leisure complex with cinema, gym, wine cellar & laundry room • Swimming pool area featuring a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, shower room and wc and a bar/entertaining area • Detached triple garage with remote electronic doors.

Chorlton Office 410-412 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AD Sales: 0161 860 4444 Lettings: 0161 860 444 E: chorlton@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Manchester City Centre Office 217 Deansgate M3 3NW Sales: 0161 833 9499 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 E: manchester@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Salford & Media City Office City Point Unit 2, 156 Chapel Street M3 6BF Sales: 0161 833 9499 opt 3 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 opt 2 E: salford@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Northern Quarter Office 45 Tib Street M4 1LT Sales: 0161 833 9494 Lettings: 0161 833 9494 E: nor thernquar ter@jordanfishwick.co.uk

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T H E N E W CAN’ T WAI T C O L L ECT IO N 40 D e a r ma ns P l ac e , T h e B r i d ge , M anc h este r , M3 5 EW. 0161 3 93 7 140

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Homes and Interiors

overseas property we’ve picked our favourite properties from around the world for your viewing pleasure

ITALY

#1 La Cupa, Umbertide

An elegantly restored, Umbrian farmhouse complete with five bedrooms, five bathrooms, infinity pool, olive grove, boules court, two water cisterns and two natural springs. The property, set in the medieval area of San Benedetto, is only a 30 minute drive to Perugia airport or two hours to Florence or Rome. Price on application, Savills International (0207 016 3740; savills.com)

ITALY

#2 Villa Pisignano, San Casciano in Val di Pesa

An historic eightbedroom, villa designed by the school of Michelangelo and situated between Florence and Siena. A heated pool, underground pool house and oak tree dating back 500 years are found in the villa’s 11 acres of grounds. Guide price of €18 million Savills International (0207 016 3740; savills.com)

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overseas property

WEST INDIES

#3 Kittitian Hill Villas, Basseterre, Saint Kitts

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An exotic and exclusive three/four bedroom villa on the stunning 400-acre hillside of Kittitian Hill. As well as the main villa, there is a separate cottage a short walk away offering extra privacy for guests. The private resort has views of the Caribbean Sea, with amenities including an 18-hole championship golf course, spa, amphitheatre, duty free shops and infinity-edged swimming pool looking over St Eustatius. Guide price of $3.6 million Savills International (0207 016 3740; savills.com)

FRANCE

One Courchevel, Courchevel 1850 The first residential spa development in the heart of Courchevel 1850. Each of its 44 luxurious one to six-bedroom apartments and ten duplex penthouse apartments provide fabulous views of the mountains. Facilities include a spa and wellness space, 24-hour concierge, private car parking, storage and ski rooms. Prices range from â&#x201A;Ź1.5 million - â&#x201A;Ź10 million, Savills International (0207 016 3740; one-courchevel.com)

Homes and Interiors

FLORIDA

#5 Sandy Lane Estate, South Vero Beach This spectacular ocean-front estate spans over 2 acres of prime land with 155’ of direct ocean frontage. The main residence comprises six large bedrooms with private balconies, while there is also a formal dining room, living room with multi-story windows, theatre, exercise room and a personal library with built-in bookcases. There is also a two-bedroom guest house and a 1,800 square foot infinity pool and spa. Guide price of $15.995 million, Christie’s International Real Estate (christiesrealestate.com)

5 NEW YORK CITY

#6 Richard Meier Penthouse This spacious four-bedroom, four-bathroom duplex penthouse in the coveted West Village is one of Richard Meier’s masterful designs and Downtown Manhattan’s icons. This extraordinary 4,551 square foot, residence boasts an expansive living area with 21-foot ceilings and floor-to -eiling windows showcasing the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River. The property is wrapped by a private terrace of nearly 1,800 square feet, offering another magnificent living and entertaining space. Guide price of $40 million Christie’s International Real Estate (christiesrealestate.com)

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AUSTRALIA

#7 Elaine

CONNECTICUT

#8 The Round Hill Estate

A magnificent estate accessed via a winding tree-lined driveway, which opens into the grand courtyard. The entrance hall leads into the magnificent, panelled 45-foot living room showcasing a neo-gothic Romanesque limestone fireplace and gorgeous wide board teak floors. The property boasts nine bedrooms including a spectacular master suite with a fireplace, south-facing bay windows with views to Long Island Sound and a luxurious new master bathroom. The quality of this famous estate is remarkable with thick walls, limestone casings, large-scale windows, and pairs of chimneys, each with intricate brickwork. Guide price of $65 million, Christie’s International Real Estate (christiesrealestate.com)

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Acclaimed as Australia’s finest property, Elaine estate is situated on 1.7 acres on Seven Shillings Beach in Sydney. Erected in 1863 in the grand Victorian mansion style, the house boasts four generations of ownership by one of Australia’s greatest media families. With seven bedrooms, the estate offers the flexibility of a magnificent family compound to potential luxury apartment development. Offers in excess of AU$80 million, Christie’s International Real Estate (christiesrealestate.com)

Homes and Interiors

NEW YORK

#9 21 Crows Nest Rd, Bronxville Set high on a very private, 76-acre estate, this five-bedroom property enjoys views of Bronxville Village in every direction. Boasting over 7,200 square feet of sleek, comfortable living space with an open-plan kitchen/ family room and vaulted ceilings throughout, the outdoor patio provides the perfect setting for entertaining guests. Guide price of $7.25 million Julia B. Fee, Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty (001 914 559 8084, juliabfee.com)

MIAMI

#10 Bakara Sesto Senso Bakara Sesto Senso is a one-of-a-kind, ultra-luxury resort-style property located on the prestigious upper North Bay Road in Miami Beach. The property was designed by a team of world-class experts who have created a product of unparalleled quality. Bakara Sesto Senso boats an impressive 3,500 square foot rooftop with an infinity-edge swimming pool overlooking the bay and iconic Miami sunsets. The rooftop also features a BBQ cooking area, a covered bar, al fresco dining area for ten and a covered lounge with a flat-screen TV. Guide price of $35.9 million, One Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Realty (888 919 9153, onesothebysrealty.com)

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Homes and Interiors

overseas property

NAPA VALLEY

#11 Château Galatea

SANTA FE

#12 83 Apache Ridge

83 Apache Ridge is home to internationally acclaimed painter Elias Rivera. Nestled in five wooded acres, the property includes two world-class professional art studios, each with incredible two-storey walls of glass, and a wood shop with an additional studio or storage space. The residence uses the abundant clerestory windows to wash the home in warm natural light and offers four incredible bedrooms. The larger of the two studios has all the amenities of a guesthouse and includes a full kitchen and bath, a sleeping loft and office. Guide price of $1,031,500 Sotheby’s International Realty (505 954 5530l, sothebyshomes.com)

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Château Galatea offers a slice of French living just ten minutes from St. Helena in the Napa Valley. The property is inspired by Loire Valley Châteaux and the majority of the fixtures, including the doors, windows, library cabinetry, stone fireplaces and staircases were imported from France. The castle also boasts an impressive wine cellar built below ground. The four-bedroom castle also benefits from a separate guest house, pool, four wells, solar fields and additional utility buildings modelled in 16th-century style. $16.99 million Sotheby’s International Realty (707 939 2230, sothebyshomes.com)

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t: 01704 544 222 e: info@portraitpools.com w: portraitpools.com

Homes and Interiors

BEAUTIFUL THINGS

DESIGN ICON OR DOG BED? When it comes to finding suitable sleeping arrangements for your four-legged family member the compromise tends to be either style or practicality. Not any longer. We think this MiaCara Covo dog bed, exclusive to Hugo & Otto in the UK, ticks all the boxes; the ultimate in style and comfort for your dog; the form to wow design lovers and sit perfectly in your living space (the bed is sculpted from a single piece of walnut wood); and, just as importantly, long lasting and easy to care for. Model Finn (pictured above), who is in store most days, certainly approves and loves the enclosed form and specially designed cushion (with easily removable, washable cover). Who says you need to compromise? The Covo dog bed costs ÂŁ410, is available in walnut or oak and measures 75 x 41 cm (L x W), Ă&#x2DC; 60 cm. Hugo & Otto, 89 The High Street, Tarporley, CW6 0AB (01829 733 960; hugoandotto.com)

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To view our online Furniture Collection visit our website or contact us for more details on our Interior Design Practice

W: j a n e y b u t l e r . c o . u k E: hello@janeybutler.co.uk T:

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