The Cheshire Magazine December 17 by Runwild Media Group

december 2017 s issue 048

MODERN WOMAN Samantha Cameron talks exclusively about art, fashion and balancing life

All I want for

Christmas The ultimate guide to styling and gifting for the whole family

Home

FRONT Inspiration for creating your perfect space

RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

ÂŁ4.00

Kitchen KitchenArchitecture’s Architecture’snew newshowroom showroomisisnow nowopen. open. The TheFarmhouse Farmhouse The TheColony Colony Altrincham AltrinchamRoad Road Wilmslow WilmslowSK9 SK94LY 4LY Tel: Tel:01625 01625544 544890 890

kitchenarchitecture.co.uk kitchenarchitecture.co.uk

018067_CheshireMag_Dec.indd All Pages

31/10/2017 10:58

TA I LTA O RI LEO DRG ED L AG SS L AAS RSCAHRI C T EHCI T EUCR TEU&R EI N&T EI N R ITO ERS IORS

C H ECSHHEI SR H E I SR H E OS W HO RW OO RO MONMO N WOO WP EONP E N THE TWILM H E WILM SLOSLO W GARDEN W GARDEN CENCEN T RE TRE . MA. NCHESTER MA NCHESTER R OARDOA . WILMSLOW D . WILMSLOW . SK9 . SK9 2J N 2J .N 0 1.602156523515737107 7 0 H ARRO H ARRO GATGAT E . LEEDS E . LEED . WILMSLOW S . WILMSLOWC AUCLAU F I ELLFD I ECLO DM CO PA MN PA Y.N C Y. O .CUO K. U K

diamonds from david m robinson (pg.49)

clementine dessert by adam reid at the french (pg.98)

editor’s

letter W

hat are your special Christmas moments? For me it’s those silly hats, that game of charades and the unmistakable scent of mince pies baking and mulled wine warming. But long before the day itself, I love heading out to the shops – and online – to choose gifts which will delight my friends and family. I’m not going to lie, some of them are difficult to buy for. This month, however, the team here at The Cheshire Magazine have been busy elves indeed, and the result is our luxury gift guide on page 33. And, as we got a little carried away, there’s more on our website, so don’t forget to check it out, too. Christmas shopping is not a universal love, though. Samantha Cameron confesses that present buying is a stressful time of the year for her, but family and friends – and lots of camp

we talk exclusively to samantha cameron (pg.56)

a piece from samantha cameron’s label, cefinn (pg.56)

beds – are what it’s really all about (p.56). We caught up at the launch of at the new season launch of Cefinn – her fashion brand – at Selfridges, amidst emerald greens and classic lines on the rails. And, let’s be honest, it’s not Christmas without a little panto. John Barrowman speaks with Natalie Anglesey (p.28) about playing Dick Whittington, English traditions and Desperate Housewives. And chef patron Adam Reid shares some of his alternative Christmas recipes on page 98, including that Great British Menuwinning masterpiece. Budding chefs, please send us photos. Whether you’re looking to start your Christmas shopping (head to page 86 for tips on where to go), or writing a list to send to Father Christmas, we hope to inspire you. Most importantly of all, we wish you a happy festive season.

Louisa Louisa Castle Editor

PROUD TO

SUPPORT

EDITOR’S PICKS

..THIS MONTH WE HAVE BEEN...

@thecheshiremagazine @TheCheshireMagazine @TheCheshireMag

dining in the Jamaican bush (see more in the January issue) DECIDING who’s been naughty or nice EXPERIENCING the hospitality of Hainan Airlines at Manchester City LOVING the clear, fresh, frosty mornings

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

The Contributors

Where to find us... CHESTER Abode Hotel 1539 Restaurant Boodles Chester MediSpa Chester Racecourse Gieves & Hawkes Oddfellows Opera Bar & Grill The Chester Grosvenor The Inspiring Travel Co

LIVERPOOL Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar David M Robinson

MANCHESTER David M Robinson Gotham Hotel Great John Street Hotel Harvey Nichols Hilton Manchester Deansgate King Street Townhouse Mappin & Webb Rosso Restaurant Bar & Grill Watches of Switzerland

DECEMBER 2017 s issue 048 s

Editor Louisa Castle Deputy Editor

Wayne Miller

Natalie Anglesey

DJ and producer Wayne, of music supplying company atm-allthingsmusic.com, names his perfect Christmas playlist.

Natalie is an author, broadcaster and journalist, as well as a television producer and director.

What does Christmas mean to you? Family, friends and three words: ‘batteries not included’. What are you hoping for under the tree? Fewer pine needles!

What does Christmas mean to you? A family get-together, celebrations with good friends and reviewing pantomimes! A merry Christmas to one and all.

Jan Clarke Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Senior Designer Daniel Poole Junior Designer Paris Fielder Production Hugo Wheatley Jamie Steele

Advertising Managers

Falcona Private Jets 1903 Airport Lounge, T3

Kathryn Otto Beth Hardie Danielle Mullen

CHESHIRE 52 Alderley Road Clinic Bolesworth Estate & Events Carden Park Hotel Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Piste Wine Bar & Restaurants Janey Butler Interiors Kitchen Architecture Willow Boutiques Piccolino The Dental Academy The Mere The Church Inn The Roebuck Inn The Colony The Stanneylands

The Conservative Club Fox Restaurant Frisør Salon & Wellness Jackson-Stops & Staff Oddfellows on the Park

Senior Editorial Assistant

Alice Ford

MANCHESTER AIRPORT

GREATER MANCHESTER

Gemma Knight

General Manager Fiona Smith Publisher

Crispin Harris

Melissa Porter

Crispin’s role as deputy chair of estate agents Jackson-Stops & Staff gives him unparalleled access to knowledge of property trends and issues.

Property developer Melissa is a people junkie, coach and mentor. She brings us a little fun and a lot of life with her column As I was saying...

What does Christmas mean to you? It’s all about the children – and Christmas pudding. What are you hoping for under the tree? A new crash helmet!

What does Christmas mean to you? Time off, recharging and snuggles with Pierce and the dogs. Crisp walks wrapped up in gorgeous cashmere.

Giles Ellwood Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Proudly published by

RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

cover

On the

Have you been naughty or nice? The ultimate guide to Christmas gifts (Image courtesy of Nadya Korobkova / shutterstock. com)

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 targeted luxury lifestyle publication in Cheshire and the north west, delivered by Royal Mail subscription service to selected homes, businesses, newsagents and retail outlets. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES info@thecheshiremagazine.com

Also published by Members of the Professional Publishers Association

S A M T S I R CH R A E Y W E N + d be n a k n i r Eat, d

CHRISTMAS MENU

Three courses £30

err y m ) y l b i s ( re s p o n

NEW YEAR’S EVE Three courses £35

BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW +44 161 828 8898

secondfloor.reservations@harveynichols.com

We believe in a different perspective.

Arundel six seater dining table, £1,550 Alpine throw, £70 Southdown sheepskin rug, £125 Estelle small wooden star, £12

Neptune by Allen & Allen, Wilmslow, SK9 1BJ 01625 535255, info@neptunewilmslow.com neptune.com/adifferentperspective

contents

editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite

All I want for Christmas Our eagerly-anticipated gift guide returns, bringing you all the gifting inspiration youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need this year

28 56 68 98 56

features Treading the boards Star of stage and screen John Barrowman returns to Manchester and talks panto and playing the baddie

Modern woman Samantha Cameron speaks exclusively to us about fashion, family and a Cameron Christmas in Yorkshire

What is success? Inspired by the recent Women in Business seminar at The Colony, we ask how we should define success

A break with tradition Adam Reid, head chef at Adam Reid at The French, shares his favourite alternatives to the usual Turkey lunch

regulars 011 | Editor’s letter 012 | Contributors 019 | My life in Cheshire In the hot seat this month is radio presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Rachel Burden 021 | Notebook Our pick of this month’s local events, news and best new products 027 | As I was saying... Melissa Porter on creating a harmonious Christmas filled with love, not strife

collection 050 | Watch & jewellery news A full round-up of all the latest in style and sparkle 052 | Shaped by icons Top British equestrian Zara Tindall on reaching the pinnacle of her sport

FAMILY 110 | Kids news From toys to togs, we’ve the very latest for little ones

114 | Ask the expert Advice on two very relevant challenges for today’s family: technology and planning for the future

style

117 | The classroom Academic updates from Cheshire’s fantastic schools

060 | Fashion news From essential accessories to new trends, it’s all here 062 | Savoir faire Strike a pose in the home of haute couture with Parisian gowns straight from the catwalk 072 | Beauty news New treatments, products and all the latest news

motoring 076 | Motoring news This month’s happenings in the automotive world 078 | The new kid Designer Ian Callum once swore Jaguar would never make an SUV. Times change

home & interiors

123 travel 084 | Travel news The latest happenings from near and far 086 | Santa Claus is coming to town: Christmas getaways Why not start the celebrations – and shopping – early with a weekend away in one of our favourite cities? 090 | Weekend away Warm welcomes and a Michelin star at glorious Hampton Manor

food & drink

123 | Interiors news News, products and advice on making the most of your home, inside and out 128 | Life in design This month we meet Janey Butler, design director of Janey Butler Interiors and The Llama Group 138 | Best of all worlds Multi-functional, cuttingedge spaces to bring every generation together 142 | The edit Adding a splash of design mastery to your home 144 | Old for new Using a glass addition to combine all the pleasures of indoor/outdoor living with state-of-the-art performance

094 | Food & drink news Local chefs, new openings and our restaurant review

148 | Hot property The crème de la crème of the local property market

101 | Local scene All the glamour and gossip from across our county

156 | Overseas property These homes will have you yearning to emigrate

LIVERPOOL

LONDON

MANCHESTER

ALTRINCHAM

SOUTHPORT

DAVIDMROBINSON.CO.UK

DMR The Cheshire Magazine (210mm x 297mm, 3mm bleed).indd 1

30/10/2017 15:49

Eat, play & party at Manchester’s newest vibrant dining concept…

ménagerie

Restaurant and Bar MENAGERIE DINING 7 DAYS A WEEK Brunch / Lunch / Afternoon Tea / Sunday Roast /Dinner / Drinks / Late Night Party

This Festive Season, Menagerie presents

Fifty Shades of Christmas

New Years Eve

Boxing Day Brunch 26/12/17

Enjoy an evening of hedonistic indulgence ringing in the new year in spectacular Menagerie style

Instagram @menageriemcr Twitter @menageriemcr Facebook www.facebook.com/menagerierestaurant”

MENAGERIE X STUDIO 54

reservations@menagerierestaurant.co.uk www.menagerierestaurant.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

My life in

CHESHIRE RACHEL BURDEN, Radio Presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast with Nicky Campbell

How would you describe yourself? A radio fanatic; an early riser; and a mother, a role which is akin to being head of a business only with non-compliant employees. Where is home? And work? Home is in the Cheshire countryside between Knutsford and Macclesfield, surrounded by potato fields. Work is in the heart of MediaCity. It’s a great place to work and I’m a proudly adopted Salfordian. What did you want to be when you were younger? Firstly, a statistician. I was never entirely sure what this was, but I liked the sound of it. This was followed by an opera singer. I fell in love with opera at a very young age, I loved the stories, the drama, the music and everything about it. Unfortunately, my singing was not up to par for this career choice! Name a few of your favourite places to be... Out in the countryside and the local fields of Cheshire. I enjoy long family walks on Sundays, which usually involve a stop at The Dog in Peover, for a beer or Sunday lunch. I love Jodrell Bank and I’m mesmerised by the telescope. It’s a landmark and if it’s in view it means I’m almost home. At some point, I would like to travel the West Coast of America, hire a classic car and tour the wine regions. I’ve been lucky enough to visit America through work, but never explored it properly. How do you spend your free time? The best way to spend my free time is with my family and

have get-togethers with our extended families, too. Board games and cards feature heavily and things can get very competitive. We also love to spend time in Mortehoe in North Devon. We enjoy the peace and quiet and spend time exploring the rock pools or boogie-boarding in the sea.

“I enjoy long family walks on Sundays, which usually involve a stop at The Dog in Peover, for a beer or Sunday lunch”

from top: mortehoe in north devon; rachel burden; a classic car; a telescope; rachel wanted to be an opera singer at a young age.

What/who inspires you? Currently it’s Tiffany Dufe and her book Drop the Ball. It’s a must-read for anyone bringing up children and running a home. Tiffany teaches us how to deal with today’s constant need for activity. She encourages the management of time so that you can spend your time enjoying your life, building relationships and developing equal partnerships when it comes to the household chores. It’s brilliant and I’m constantly recommending it to my friends. Tell us a secret or a fun fact about yourself? I can play the piano. When I took my grade 8 piano examination, I achieved the second highest mark in the country…I think this was a fluke. Who or what would you put in room 101? Social media, ipads and iphones. I have a love/ hate relationship when it comes to these things. What’s been your biggest life lesson? I’ve learnt to slow down and take time to appreciate what you have and the health of those you love. 19

Llama Architects & Janey Butler Interiors,

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

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

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

janeybutler.co.uk

T: 01625 861935

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

hello@janeybutler.co.uk

llamaarchitects.co.uk

T: 01625 861936 E:

info@llamagroup.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

NOTEBOOK Our guide to what’s on across Cheshire, the north west and beyond WORDS: JAN CLARKE

It’s Showtime It’s panto time again. Oh, yes it is! A stellar line-up of famous names will be dressing up to bring us fun and laughter and theatrical mayhem. Here’s our curtain call of the best shows around. Kicking things off from the 24 November, West-End superstar Ben Forster returns as the lead role, Buddy, in the musical adaptation of the much-loved Christmas hit, Elf, The Musical, which sees Buddy the elf journey to New York to find his long-lost father. It runs from the 24 November to 14 January at The Lowry. (thelowry.com) Meanwhile, TV’s Jennifer Ellison leads the cast as Captain Hook (while Jake Quickenden takes the title role) in JM Barrie’s swashbuckling epic Peter Pan, at Blackpool’s Winter Garden from 16 December to 7 January. (wintergardensblackpool.co.uk) Mirror, mirror on the wall, is this the fairest panto of all? Cannon and Ball head to Crewe to perform Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs at Crewe Lyceum, from 16 December to 7 January. (crewelyceum.co.uk) And last but not least, turn to page 28 for more from John Barrowman, who leads a great cast – including comedy duo The Krankies – in the well-known tale of Dick Wittington at The Manchester Opera House, from 9 December to 7 January. (manchestertheatres.com/operahouse.htm)

Secret Attraction Chester-based social enterprise company Big Heritage has secured the keys to Liverpool’s hidden treasure, Western Approaches: a building which was used to mastermind the Battle of the Atlantic. Big Heritage founder, Dean Paton, and his team of archaeologists, project managers and builders are accurately working to renovate the forgotten underground HQ. This new and exciting project will create a visitor centre which will include a 1940s street scene, complete with sweet shop, pub and community classroom facility. This bomb- and gas-proof building covers 30,000 sq ft and its location was such a closely guarded secret that it did not officially exist until the 1960s, many years after the war had ended. Big Heritage is now working hard to showcase this attraction and the important part it, and the people who worked there, played during WWII. The company is looking forward to bringing the building back to life for schools and businesses based in the city, and for visitors worldwide. (bigheritage.co.uk)

DON’T SHOP, COOK

When it comes to the yearly Christmas gift giving, we all have those friends or family members who are very tricky to buy for. This year, rather than trawling the shops, why not get creative? The Cookery School at the Vegetarian Society in Altrincham is running ‘edible presents’ workshops. Here you can learn how to make gorgeous Christmas treats, including German Pfeffernusse biscuits, full of festive spice. The course will also teach you a raft of artistic techniques, so you can present your edible gifts beautifully to friends and family. Also, recipes are carefully put together by the society to cater for those who have special dietary needs, such as gluten intolerance. The Vegetarian Society is running two dates for this course: 26 November and 6 December, giving you plenty of time to get creative in the kitchen before Christmas. (vegsoccookeryschool.org) 21

9 dec

Roland Gift at Manchester Academy

What’s On? 8 DEC

Dates for the Diary 1 DEC

The Secret Seven Storyhouse, Chester presents this major new adaptation of Enid Blyton’s beloved 1945 book. (1 December-14 January, storyhouse.com)

Roland Gift of The Fine Young Cannibals plays at Manchester Academy on 9 December. Gift is one of modern music’s true torchbearers and the charismatic front man of The Fine Young Cannibals. After taking time out to add to his illustrious film resume, Gift is back with a new solo album, the self -titled Roland Gift, and a solo tour, providing a great opportunity to enjoy Roland’s trademark vocal prowess. (manchesteracademy.net)

21 DEC

Ed Byrne Live

Cheshire Reindeer Lodge

Enjoy brand new stand-up from the unrivalled master of observational comedy, as he takes to the stage at Warrington’s Parr Hall. (pyramidparrhall.com)

Come along to feed reindeer, watch the fun Elf stage show and meet Father Christmas in his grotto. (cheshirereindeer.co.uk) 26 DEC

16 DEC

Party at Quarry Bank It’s party night at Quarry Bank in Styal. Dress to impress and enjoy a festive dinner, then hit the dance floor as the disco gets under way. (nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank)

Fourth Test of The Ashes If you’re lucky enough to be spending Christmas in the sun, watch Australia and England go head-to-head in Melbourne. (26-30 December; ecb.co.uk)

4 DEC

Floral Extravaganza

World Squash Championship

Take some time out to visit Arley Hall, where each room is beautifully decorated using hundreds of fresh flowers and foliage. (arleyhallandgardens.com)

Manchester Central plays host to the men and women’s final, with the winners set to take home over £34,000 in prize money. (manchestercentral.co.uk)

Harry Potter The Harry Potter Studio Tour gets a festive makeover, with all the sets, props and costumes getting a blanket of film-makers’ snow. (18 November-28 January; wbstudiotour.co.uk)

30 DEC 17 DEC

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

of the

A New York Shopping Tour

Best C

Shopping Experiences

‘Tis the season to shop. Whether you’re stocking up on traditional fare, searching for the perfect gift or on the hunt for a designer dress, we have the experiences in the bag

New York is a shopper’s paradise, but it can be a little daunting knowing where to start. Luckily, Karen Parker O’Brien of The Style Room has created a series of shopping tours to help solve the problem, offering a VIP private shopping experience with the lady herself, who has over 20 years’ experience working as a NYC fashion professional. Her VIP experiences allow exclusive access to designers’ showrooms and studios, and you can even buy directly from the designers themselves, thus benefiting from discounts. Karen’s tours are perfect if you are looking for something special, and are a great way to celebrate a birthday or a day with the girls. top tip

Treat yourself to the Ultimate Experience tour, which includes a chauffeured limousine to take your party (up to four) to a selection of designers’ studios with champagne and nibbles along the way. Tours for larger groups can be made, by arrangement. (styleroom.com)

Department Store Grand Dames, Paris

Magical Christmas Markets, Germany The Christmas shopping experience is not complete without a trip to a Christmas market, and the very best Christmas markets are to be found in Germany. These historic markets are the perfect place to enjoy traditional shopping, purchase artisan products and browse true craftsmanship. If shopping leaves you peckish, follow the aromas from the delicious Gluhwein, baked apples, hot chestnuts and grilled sausage. Take your pick from the markets in Cologne, Nurenberg, Berlin and Dresden, or opt for a smaller town, such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber. top tip

Check out free local concerts held in churches and palaces while the markets are on. Always ask about seasonal, regional specialities and, for a small fee, purchase your own Gluhwein mug to keep and refill as you shop. (www.germany.travel)

If ‘one stop’ shopping is your thing and you are also in love with the finer things in life, then you need to take a trip down Boulevard Haussmann in Paris and head to the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. These two department stores will transport you back to the time of 19th-century Parisian chic. The buildings are full of architectural opulence, from the Belle Epoque Galeries Lafayette to the Art Nouveau design of Printemps. © kiev.victor / Shutterstock.com Lafayette has been featured in many books and films, while Printemps was registered as a historic monument by the French Government in 1975. Both stores are full of the latest designer collections, jewellery, home furnishings and must-have cosmetics. These stunning ‘Grand Magasins’ are of course a mecca of luxury consumer delights but, during the festive season, they are also adorned with lights and elaborate decorations, making for a spectacular shopping experience. (departmentstoreparis.printemps.com) top tip

Make time to visit the Lafayette Gourmet located within the Galeries. This most exquisite of food markets houses the very best French specialities to tempt you. When you need to take a break from shopping, Printemps’ panoramic terrace and café is the perfect spot to rest weary legs. (galerieslafayette.com) 23

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

IM A G I N ATIV E

influences We are feeling berry, merry and bright and are ensuring all our guests are seated comfortably

PLUM PASSION

WHAT we’re LISTENING TO

One You Bake The Mince Pies To Nat ‘King’ Cole and Me by Gregory Porter. Synonymous with Christmas, Nat King Cole’s voice tells us the festivities have started. Mr Porter is 2017’s biggest jazz/soul artist, I think. Relax as Gregory settles down with Vince Mendoza, a classical conductor, and delivers us a good sprinkling of Nat’s magic, giving us that warm, fuzzy feeling that only Christmas can conjure.

#7 #1 #6

top picks #1 Adidas Stella McCartney Yoga Mat, £45 (selfridges.co.uk); #2 Regis Convinium Silk Scarf by Santorus, £195 (limelace.co.uk); #3 Urbanara AW17 Cashmere cushions, £99 and Cashmere blankets, £199 (urbanara.co.uk); #4 J by Jasper Conran Blazer at Debenhams, £135 (debenhams.com); #5 Normann Copenhagen Geo Thermos Flask, £50 (black-by-design.co.uk); #6 Winter Berries large candle, £18 (annabeljames.co.uk); #7 Ragtales Evie Rag Doll, £19 (burblebaby.co.uk)

Coffee Table

Once the Christmas shopping is done, presents are wrapped and the festive fizz is open, it’s time to party. Who says we must conform to Slade and Wizzard (although they are great) to have a good boogie at Christmas? My second album is Norman Jay MBE – Mister Good Times. For a cool party, taking in Funk, Soul and Disco, Mr Jay’s new helping will get any family shimmying toward the kitchen and the left-over turkey. It’s true what they say: all the best people can be found in the kitchen at parties…. Enjoy! Collated by our resident music maestro, Wayne Millar of atm-allthingsmusic.com

CRUSH

One You Turn Up The Volume And Dance In The Kitchen

Please Be Seated: More Historic Chairs and the Tales They Tell by Gun Bjerkander Handbeg

This is the second in the series and presents 17 unique chairs and their interesting stories. Written with wit, knowledge and great affection by art historian and curator, Gun Bjerkander Handbeg, the book explores fascinating revelations about the opulent Rococo society chair, the timeless Windsor to the polycarbonate contemporary icon. Published by Vind and Vag, £15 (pubeasy.com)

A4 Cheshire Mag Advert_Layout 1 01/11/2017 11:39 Page 1

We would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and a New Year filled with Peace and Prosperity As the Holiday Season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have helped us shape our business. We value our relationship with you and look forward to working with you in the year to come.

Hale, Manchester: +44 (0) 161 929 0121 | Mayfair, London: +44 (0) 20 3693 4507 E: info@blackstonesolicitorsltd.co.uk | BlackstoneSolicitorsLtd.co.uk @disputeguru Blackstone Solicitors

Corporate E vents Weddings Private Parties Entertainm ent Venue Finding

kate@ katepa rkeven ts.co .u k TE L: 0161 905 2052 M OB: 07718 456 054 w w w.katepa rkeven ts.co .u k

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

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

Christmas compromises Everyone wants a harmonious Christmas filled with love – but that doesn’t mean we all want to spend it in the same way. Melissa Porter offers some festive life hacks for surviving the holidays unscathed

y son is obsessed with ‘family’ and, for him, the Christmas period is when he craves being at home with people he loves the most. While I’m suggesting travel options and surreptitiously planting images of Indonesian elephants and coral reefs under his nose, his intention is the complete opposite to mine. While I love my friends and family, there are few people I can spend more than a couple of hours around a table with, and the ones who light my fire live around the world. What to do? Although we are mother and son, our conflicting needs got me thinking about the dynamics a difference of opinion can inspire. So, here’s a list of my favourite behavioural life hacks to help avoid conflict during this festive period.

1. It’s your call Remember: if you’re engaging with another human, you’re not being forced against your will – it’s your choice to be in this position. Choose to enjoy the process. Frowning inspires wrinkles.

4. It’s not you, it’s them Never take anything another human says or does personally. It’s a reflection of what’s within them, not you.

5. Expectations are a source of our sadness When we begin to understand that our thoughts can be controlled, why then would we choose to be sad? If an expectation could potentially lead us towards sadness, then drop the expectation and choose to replace it with acceptance for what is.

6. Listen to understand To communicate, we often blame, judge and denigrate. This is a child’s style of behaving. Instead, choose to ask powerful questions such as ‘What do you need from me?’. Seek to clarify in order to understand, instead of making assumptions which are projections of your understanding of a situation.

7. Watch for words such as ‘should’, ‘need’ and ‘ought to’

2. Accept differences

These are used by people who don’t feel passionately about their choices and are inspired by guilt, blame and shame. Seek to make choices based on your wants and passions. What will set your soul on fire?

3. Understand that relationships are illuminators of what is unresolved within us

These in mind, Pierce and I have agreed to do both: we’ll satisfy my wanderlust spirit with some juicy travel and combine this with a love-fuelled fiesta somewhere fun. Happy holidays, friends. Melissa is a professional, certified transformational life coach (melissaportercoach.com)

Know that there are seven billion of us and we are each perfectly imperfect and unique mixtures of thoughts, choices and beliefs, defined by our past, present and future experiences.

Your negative feelings highlight what you still need to learn about yourself. No one was born judgemental, feeling guilty and with shame-inspired self-talk. We learn this way of thinking and behaving. Unlearn.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Treading the

boards

As internationally loved star of stage and screen John Barrowman returns to Manchester, Natalie Anglesey sits down with the man himself to talk panto, playing the baddie and seeking new stars

he pantomime season has arrived! Oh yes it has! We are spoilt for choice this year with theatres, large and small, vying to encourage audience participation and herald the advent of the seasonal festivities. One particular star who loves this traditional entertainment is no stranger to Manchester, where he has enjoyed some of his greatest triumphs. “I love Manchester because the audiences are so warm and receptive,” enthuses West End and Broadway musicals star, John Barrowman, who returns this Christmas as Dick Whittington at the Opera House. “I’m so looking forward to coming to Manchester this Christmas. I’ve performed there many times before in concert tours, so it will be great to be there in panto for the first time this year. “The Americans don’t have a tradition like our pantomime so it’s going to be fun performing again with The Krankies,” John explains. “We have a great time doing pantomime together, which is why I come back to do pantos for Qdos [Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer].” The Krankies, who are husband-and-wife act Ian and Janette Tough, celebrated

their 48th wedding anniversary last year, and will no doubt have audiences shouting ‘Fan-Dabi-Dozi’ at the show’s 3D effects. Manchester may be a far cry from John’s various homes in Antigua, Palm Springs, Wales and London but, for his fans, it’s been far too long since we welcomed him into our homes as the host of the BBC’s popular television series Tonight’s The Night. He created the role of Captain Jack Harkness in Dr Who and the spin-off series, Torchwood, and convincingly played Patrick the baddie in the American television series Desperate Housewives. “When the creator of Desperate Housewives invited me to play Patrick, I really wanted to do it,” John explains. “But I didn’t want to spoil the Torchwood deal, so I told him that if I played Patrick he’d have to kill me off, and he did! Desperate Housewives was so huge it actually helped to seal the Torchwood deal – so everyone was happy!” John already shared homes in London and Cardiff with his husband Scott and their beloved dogs but, when he was offered the starring role of Malcolm Merlyn in the acclaimed American television series Arrow, they also needed a base the other side of the pond. “We built a new holiday home

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

in Antigua, which we fell in love with on a Caribbean cruise, and have property in Palm Springs, too. But we’ve always loved Wales and the invitation is still open for you to visit – on condition you bring your bikini! We also recently had a garage sale there and sold all our old furniture and made quite a bit of money for a wonderful children’s hospice nearby called Ty Hatan.” John is delighted that Tonight’s The Night proved such a success. “I took the idea to the BBC based on making dreams come true. My personal dreams came true when Elaine Paige allowed me, then relatively john and his husband, scott © Kathy Hutchins / unknown, to star opposite Shutterstock.com her in the musical Anything Goes, which established me as a leading man. But I’ll never forget that first night, so the series was all about family entertainment and enjoying others experiencing that same thrill.” After the success of Anything Goes, John appeared in musicals like Matador, Hair, Company, Phantom, Grease and Miss Saigon, in tandem with a successful recording career. When teased about his good looks, John roars with laughter. “I nearly lost Sunset Boulevard because director Sam Mendez thought I was too good-looking. I went to the producer, Cameron Mackintosh, and said ‘give me three days’. I didn’t wash, shave or comb my hair, went back to audition and got the part! When Elaine Paige told me she’d been invited to play Norma Desmond in the show and asked if I’d stay on to support her, things had come full circle!” A talent judge on a series of television shows, John also helped promote the careers of Connie Fisher for the role of Maria in The Sound of Music, Lee Mead for Joseph and Jodie Prenger for Nancy in Oliver!. “I know how hard it is to stand up and be judged, but we’re in a tough profession and

rejection is part of that. I was rejected for the lead role in Will & Grace because they thought I wasn’t gay enough!” Born in Glasgow, his doting mum used to stand three-year-old John on the kitchen table to sing. “I was destined for the stage from an early age! But then we moved to America, because of my dad’s job, and that was a big wrench – moving to a new country, a new home, a new school and making new friends – but you learn to adapt.” However he’s never forgotten his Scottish roots,

“I didn’t wash, shave or comb my hair, went back to audition and got the part!” wearing a kilt for his wedding and reverting to his natural Scottish brogue with family. Since his television career took off, John has barely had time to appear in stage musicals, though he’s pleased to have been able to appear in Proms in the Park in London, where he sang I Made It through the Rain with Barry Manilow in front of 40,000 people. And now there’s Dick Whittington to look forward to. “I think panto is one of the best introductions to theatre for children,” John explains. “It’s such a great tradition – and everyone leaves happy and laughing! I have so many loyal fans in Manchester, so it’ll be great to see them all again. They know how much I appreciate them spending their hard-earned money buying a ticket, and I’ve no intention of disappointing them. I just hope this pantomime will make their Christmas a really good one.” Dick Whittington, Opera House Manchester, December 9 – January 7 (atgtickets.com/manchester)

Think you need a strong partner when your marriage ends? I do.

You’ll want Amanda McAlister as yours. Amanda, leader of the award winning Divorce and Family Team at Slater and Gordon, is one of the most accomplished lawyers in her field. With substantial experience recognised by clients and her peers, she has a track record of success. Specialising in complex financial and property cases – and with many high profile clients from entrepreneurs to business mogels, sports to entertainment – Amanda is committed to helping you start your next chapter with everything you’re entitled to.

Call us on 0808 175 7909 slatergordon.co.uk Offices in Chester, Liverpool, Manchester and throughout the UK

Slater and Gordon (UK) LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

DON GIOVANNI

WINNER

DON GIOVANNI

D O N G I O V A N N I Manchester

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

E S T .

WINNER

MOST ROMANTIC R E S TA U R A N T

I 9 8 4

PROUDLY FEEDING MANCHESTER FOR OVER 30 YEARS

C E L E B R AT E T H E F E S T I V E S E A S O N I N S T Y L E AT M U LT I-AWA R D WI N N I N G R E S TAU R A N T D O N G I O VA N N I. E S TA B L I S H E D I N 1984, A L LO W U S TO TA K E YO U O N A C U L I N A R Y J O U R N E Y THIS CHRISTMAS TIME. WITH BESPOKE DISHES FROM MICHELIN STAR CHEF JEAN-CHRISTOPHE NOVELLI, P R I VAT E D I N I N G FA C I L I T I E S S E AT I N G U P TO 50 A N D A VA R I E T Y O F C H R I S TM A S M E N U S O N O F F E R P R E PA R E TO B E S P O I LT!

Private Dining

3 COURSE CHRISTMAS

AVAIL ABLE FOR PARTIES AND PRIVATE DINERS UP TO 50 PEOPLE

CHRISTMAS D AY S E T

PA R T Y M E N U S

F R O M £ 3 2.9 5 P P

£5 4 . 5 0 P P

EARLY BOOKING REWARDS £25 GIFT VOUCHER FOR THE ORGANISER OF EVERY PARTY OVER 8 PEOPLE £50 GIFT VOUCHER FOR THE ORGANISER OF EVERY PARTY OVER 12 PEOPLE

E E L C HA

FRIEN

MTWT 12PM-11PM CC

FS 12PM-11.30PM

S 12PM-10PM

L ESSIB

OXFORD STREET, MANCHESTER, M1 5AN

G UI O

S SI S

AIL ABL

E/A

AIL ABL

O ME N

E P RI

AIL ABL

E ME

IL L

VALID FOR BOOKINGS MADE BEFORE NOVEMBER 1ST

0161 228 2482

WWW.DONGIOVANNI.UK.COM

RESERVATIONS@DONGIOVANNI.UK.COM DONGIOVANNIMCR

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

all I want for christmas Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking inspiration from our favourite festive songs this year. So take a stroll through our winter wonderland of pages filled with treats, themes and to-die-for gifts and may we wish you the happiest Christmas of all

#1 Alessi Tea Rex kettle, £105 (alessi.com)

#2 Vintage Rose Berkley Collection armchair, £1,425 (sweetpeaandwillow.com)

loves

walking in a winter wonderland Step into a winter snowscene of gifts and goodies #4 Personalised Bauble Flamingo, £14.95 (madewithlovedesigns.co.uk)

#3 bareMinerals Mineral Veil Deluxe Collector`s Edition, £36 (houseoffraser.co.uk)

#6 Alesha Dixon x Little Black Dress Sequin Mini Dress, £180 (littleblackdress.co.uk)

#5 The Pink Coco Wreath, £120 (hayfordandrhodes.co.uk)

#7 UBTECH Alpha 1 Pro Robot, £500 (selfridges.com) 34

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

#9 Giant travel pashmina - blush cashmere mix, £89 (tollymcrae.co.uk)

#8 Nancy & Betty Studio Luxury Snowmen Crackers, £24.99 (cotswoldtrading.com)

“Sleigh bells ring, Are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight, We’re happy tonight.” #12 Stella McCartney Gunmetal small faux leather pouch, £315 (harveynichols.com)

#10 Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 day-date, £2,100 (watches-of-switzerland.co.uk)

#13 Sophie Allport Owl Antique Glass Baubles (set of 3), £11 (sophieallport.com)

#11 Les 100 Ciels Tina Cashmere Jumper, £189 (les100ciels.com)

#16 Monaco Ballet Pump, £100 (unicornsands.com)

#14 Christmas trees candle, £55 (joloves.com) #15 A5 Leather Notebook Pale Pink Monogrammed, £36 (kikki-k.com)

#17 Singlepass luxe straighteners, £145 (lookfantastic.com) 35

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

loves #1 Rupert Sanderson Twilight star-embellished mesh pumps, £630 (hoitytoityshoes.com)

good king wensceslas #2 Elephants March Wallpaper, £695 (limelace.co.uk)

Gifts fit for any king or queen

#3 Gold Birds Leg Candle Holder, £65 (audenza.com) #5 Floral Pinky Rose and White Gold Diamond Ring, £8,000 (boodles.com)

#4 Tom Ford Girls & Boys Lip Colour Set, £1,500 (selfridges.com)

“When the snow lay ‘round about, Deep and crisp and even, Brightly shone the moon that night.”

#8 Exclusive Rose Gold Tile Mate, £29.95 (johnlewis.com)

#6 Millionaire Luxury Safe, £35,680 (uber-interiors.com)

#7 Splendorous Bracelet Stack, £425 (anniehaakdesigns.co.uk)

more online

For more golden goodies, visit thecheshiremagazine.co.uk

loves #1 Rume Associates Oxford Velvet - green, £95 (rume.co.uk)

#2 Aspinal of London Leather iPad sleeve, £75 (houseoffraser.co.uk)

t h e h o l ly & t h e i v y Traditional green and red can only mean it’s Christmas

#5 Large Tunnock’s hamper, £151 (gilliankyle.com)

#3 Green double-breasted blazer, £1,665 (harveynichols.com)

#4 Late Victorian Black Morocco Leather Jewellery Box, £595 (theoldcinema.co.uk)

#6 Frida Kahlo Wooden Kokeshi Doll, £37.50 (shop.tate.org.uk)

#7 Christopher Guy Dita Sofa, £8,560 (uber-interiors.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

“O, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer. The playing of the merry organ. Sweet singing of the choir,”

#8 Decorative red Bulldog puppy, £195 (ksl-living.fr)

#9 Lanvin Red Tie & Pocket Square Set, £140 (selfridges.com) #10 Luxury Crackers - Pheasant, £34.95 (annabeljames.co.uk)

#12 Alessi Bark Steel Christmas Tree - Red, £88 (black-by-design.co.uk)

#11 Dark Purple and Green Cotton Throw with Tassels, £21 (iansnow.com)

#13 Caruso Gramophone Hi Fi, £4,600 (smithersofstamford.com)

For your four-legged friends

#16 Classic Collection dog drying coat (brick red or bottle green), £35 (ruffandtumbledogcoats.com)

#14 Leather dog collar, £45 (leadthewalk.com)

#15 Lima Llama Tapestry Tassel Tree Decoration, £8 (johnlewis.com)

more online

For more gifts for your pet family, thecheshiremagazine.co.uk

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Buy a pair of TOMS shoes and a pair will be donated to the company’s Giving Partners, who place the shoes directly on children’s feet. To date, over 75 million pairs have been distributed. From £41.99 (toms.co.uk)

do they know it’s christmas time Do a little good this year and spread the festive love

£5 from every sale of this #GoodTees designed MAMA boyfriend sweatshirt goes to Mother2Mothers, a charity which employs, trains and empowers mothers living with HIV called Mentor Mothers, to end paediatric AIDS. £50 (thefmlystore.com)

loves

The National Art Pass gives you entry to over 240 museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK as well as 50 per cent off entry to major exhibitions including the Tate and V&A. Every pass bought directly supports Art Fund which helps museums buy and share works of art for everyone. £65 (artfund.org) 40

FLOOM will be donating a percentage of each collaborative wreath sold towards Make-A-Wish, to help bring a little more magic to the lives of children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions. From £45 (floom.com)

Buy some toys for The Toy Appeal, which provides toy sacks at Christmas to children living in poverty in Manchester and Cheshire. Simply buy a toy and drop it off to support the charities aim to provide 4,000 this year. (thetoyappeal.co.uk)

Working with Global ReLeaf, a charity that works around the globe planting trees in areas of need, Origins will plant a tree for every Feel Good Candle you buy. £28 (origins.co.uk)

To raise awareness about the devastating effects of deforestation and the threat it poses to the existence of various species, including the gorillas in Congo, Chantecaille has partnered with The Rainforest Alliance. A portion of proceeds from Save The Forest Eye Palette are donated, £76 (chantecaille.com)

“At Christmas time, we let in light and banish shade. And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy.”

Give a little magic this Christmas.

Lucki Silver Looped Bracelet £150 | Aurora Bracelet Stack £230 |

Ladies Love To Have Fun Silver Charm Bracelet - Cobalt Blue £50

Fabulous jewellery... made with love X Sterling Silver, Gold and Rose Gold Jewellery www.anniehaakdesigns.co.uk | @anniehaakdesigns

Little

Book of Christmas From indulgent gifts to indulging yourself in preparation for the big day, the following companies have Christmas all sewn up for you

Annie Haak The new collection from this unique brand is inspired by The Northern Lights, reflecting the colours of this natural phenomenon in the shimmering sterling silver bands and spectrums of colour glistening on each Swarovski crystal, while the colours and shapes of the icy Scandinavian landscape are captured in the dusty blues and greys of this season’s stand-out colour and stone, Hematite: the midnight black of the dark glass beads and the smooth snow-like precious metals. The collection includes 17 bracelet stacks and 14 ring stacks, plus individual bracelets, rings, bangles, friendship bracelets, earrings and necklaces. (anniehaakdesigns.co.uk)

The Fur Hot Water Bottle Company The Fur Hot Water Bottle Company offers the ultimate luxury gift – real fur hot water bottles. British made using ethically sourced British rabbit fur, they are the epitome of luxury. Ranging from sumptuous cream and elegant grey with uniquely mottled markings, to lustrous black, these gifts look stunning anywhere, from a contemporary home to a ski chalet. The limited-edition, unique mottled covers are satin lined, while the cream, grey and black are lined with a combination of iconic Liberty print and satin, presented in a bespoke natural cotton drawstring bag for storage, and exquisitely gift-wrapped ready for Christmas. Priced at £165 (thefurhotwaterbottlecompany.co.uk)

image © tim bradley photography

Festivo The team behind events at Victoria Warehouse are now proud to bring you a new exciting brand: Festivo, the ultimate club-style experience for those looking for a unique, alternative and exclusive Balearic themed night out this Christmas. Located in Wilmslow, the luxury club events are set inside an impressive marquee within the spectacular landscaped grounds of The Colony. With a relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and drink, incredible decor, and a program of DJs and Ibizan style sax, Festivo offers the perfect way to celebrate with friends, clients or colleagues. The first of its kind, Festivo sets out to wow ‘The Cheshire Set’ and set a party scene for years to come. With the aim to manage South Manchester’s most talked about Christmas hotspot, the force running these series of events is award winners Grape and Grain Catering Co. The venue is located within ‘The Colony’, a recently built contemporary combinationn of luxurious offices and professional business space set in private green area off Altrincham Rd. With both exclusive and shared party nights on Fridays and Saturdays in December, they’ve got the perfect setting for your alternative and unique celebrations. The Colony, Altrincham Rd, Wilmslow, SK9 4LY (festivoevents.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

Andrew Collinge The CO by Andrew Collinge ‘Tousled Get-the-Look’ box has everything needed to create an understated half topknot. Ideal for a Boxing Day get-together or the morning after the Christmas party, this box consists of CO by Andrew Collinge’s Volume Mousse, Invisible Dry Shampoo and Firm Hold Hairspray. CO Invisible Dry Shampoo is perfect to use on both light and dark hair, as there is no powder residue. Finish with a mist of CO Firm Hold Hairspray. (andrewcollinge.com)

Belmond The Pied Bull Christmas spirit is in abundance at the oldest coaching house in Chester. The Pied Bull turns into a winter wonderland during the festive season, boasting stunning decorations inside and out as well as a selection of warming mulled drinks. Delicious home-cooked food is also on offer, including their ever-popular traditional British dishes, as well as lighter bites and this season’s festive menu. The Pied Bull also hosts 20 beautifully recently refurbished rooms, including a four-poster suite with a roll-top bath and their premier suite with original Jacobean panelling. Right in the heart of the city centre with the warm friendly feel of a country inn, The Pied Bull is the perfect place to visit for festive cheer this winter. Festive menu available Monday to Friday, 27 November – 22 December, 57 Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HQ (01244 325829; piedbull.co.uk)

Belmond Northern Belle evokes the ‘Belle’ trains of Britain’s past, its cream-and-burgundy carriages sparking the allure of historic luxury train travel. Guests are greeted by liveried stewards and shown to their seats among plush fabrics, intricate marquetry and sparkling crystal. Dining is an event in itself aboard the train, with locally sourced produce prepared freshly on board, and menus celebrating the regions the train steams through. Small parties or groups can hire one of the seven private carriages and enjoy a day out designed by Belmond. The day trips take you to some of Britain’s top destinations. For culinary connoisseurs, there are fine-dining journeys sure to impress. Charter the train to host a completely unique corporate event aboard Belmond Northern Belle, and tailor your journey with exclusive itineraries, routes and menus. (tcgroupsuk@belmond.com)

Klinik Why not give the gift of beauty and wellness, with a year’s membership to KLINIK, a luxury £3.2-million aesthetics and wellness clinic based within the grounds of Cheshire’s most exclusive address, The Colony? The clinic boasts the world’s most advanced hair robotic replacement treatment, ARTAS, and the first ever long-term, minimally invasive solution to cellulite: Cellfina by Merz. Lumenis laser technology provides the most advanced anti-ageing solutions on the market, and injectables with exclusive signature procedures are performed by Dr Rosh. Annual fees from £500 (£400 of which is redeemable against treatments); non-members are also be able to book treatments for a limited time only (klnik.co.uk)

The Cellars

A brand new and exclusive private dining space and luxurious screening room experience. Enjoy luxury at its finest; a five course tasting menu paired with matching wine flight and sommelier service.

Enquire now for Christmas 2017

www.kingstreettownhouse.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

Homecoming When actor and Strictly Come Dancing winner Tom Chambers returns to Manchester in the musical extravaganza Crazy For You, he will, quite literally, be returning home. He chats to Natalie Anglesey

“I

was born in a tiny village in Derbyshire, between Ashbourne and Buxton, called Parwich near Darley Dale. There’s one shop and a pub, but it was a great place to grow up in the middle of beautiful countryside,” Tom laughingly reminisces when we meet at Manchester’s Opera House. We last met three years ago, when he was appearing in a fantastic production of Top Hat in London, which won him a well-deserved BAFTA nomination. Now he looks as fit as ever. He’s played the Bing Crosby role in White Christmas there, and enjoyed a career which has seen a mixture of musical theatre and television drama series.

“When so many actors are out of work, I do appreciate how fortunate I’ve been,” Tom confesses. He charmed us as Dr Sam Strachan in the popular television series Holby City, then Casualty and Waterloo Road, eventually playing Inspector Sullivan in Father Brown. Now he’s donning his dancing shoes again in the musical Crazy For You in which Caroline Flack, another Strictly winner, makes her stage debut. Tom can’t wait to get back on stage. “As the title implies, it has a zany plot with mistaken identity, happiness and heart-break – but I’m not going to tell you too much because I want you to come and see it," Tom grins. "But I will tell you that it’s a feel-good, fast-paced show with a fabulous score from the legendary song-writing duo George and Ira Gershwin. So it includes hits like I Got Rhythm, Nice Work if You Can Get It, Embraceable You and They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” Tom’s career history is fascinating. “My love affair with dancing started when my mother brought me up watching old black-and-white movies. My friends would be watching Rambo and Terminator and I’d be watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers! I remember stamping around the kitchen, aged five, imitating Fred’s tap-dancing – so winning that sixth series of Strictly, along with my professional dance partner Camilla Dallerup, was the icing on the cake!” Tom attended the National Youth Music Theatre and while at the Guildhall School of Acting also took dance classes. "I wanted to appear in the Royal Variety Show, so taped a Fred Astaire dance sequence from the 1937 RKO film A Damsel In Distress in which he danced around a drum-kit. I learnt the steps, auditioned, but was rejected. So I made a

thousand video copies and sent them to various people and put my routine on YouTube. "The Holby City people were auditioning for the role of an American doctor, saw my routine and thought I was American. I didn’t want to disappoint them, so put on my best American accent and got the job! However, after three happy years I decided to leave, but bless them they’ve said they’ll keep the door open.” Tom is always the first to poke fun at himself. “In 2008, I took part in the Great Walk on the Great Wall of China, which was organised by singer Olivia Newton-John in aid of breast cancer awareness and research. I was happily taking selfies with her and Sir Cliff Richard, who

didn’t know me at all – but when I returned home, my girl-friend pointed out that my bald head, shaved for my role in Holby, may have prompted their kindness!” It was that same girl-friend, Clare Harding, who put off their wedding plans when Strictly invited Tom to join that same year, and he was relieved to discover his previous dance training was not an obstacle. “I’d never tried ballroom dancing, so the production team were happy about that and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.” Tom admits he’s a bit of a romantic, albeit not one to make hasty decisions. “Clare and I went to the same school – although there’s a five-year age gap. However when she was about 15 and I

“I’d never tried ballroom dancing so the production team 46

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

was training in London, I told her – rather arrogantly, in retrospect – that I may marry her one day. But we were too young, just good friends, and went out with other people. We’d meet every six months to catch up with all the news, because she also worked in TV. When she was knocked down by a car, the first person she called was me – so I knew things had changed.” In 2000, Tom thought it was his turn to face death when his flight experienced a mid-air hijack attempt. “The jumbo was knocked off course and plunged about 19,000 feet with 398 passengers on board. It was the most terrifying experience of my life. I was convinced my number was up and my biggest regret was not

marrying Clare. However, the pilots recovered control of the aircraft, we landed safely and I immediately proposed. Mind you it was eight years before we eventually tied the knot! We were married in October 2008 in Derbyshire, and now have William, born in 2011, and Olive, born in 2014. “We bring the children back home as often as we can to see their grandparents and obviously the whole family will turn out to see Crazy For You. I’m just looking forward to the children growing up so they can see what daddy does for a living!” Crazy For You, Manchester Opera House, 28 November-2 December (atgtickets.com)

were happy about that and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute” 47

ESCAPE FOR THE DAY ... Ashbourne, Derbyshire

If you’ve been searching for the ideal day-trip destination, we thoroughly recommend making the hour-long drive to the ‘gateway to the Peak District’: the beautiful market town of Ashbourne. Filled with boutiques and eateries, the town is a treasure trove of truly unique finds

Avanti Jewellers Once you’ve wandered the pretty town centre, we’d suggest a spot of local retail therapy. Your first port of call should be 30-year Ashbourne resident Avanti Jewellers, a boutique stocking a fantastic range of silver, gold and platinum jewellery at excellent prices, as well as an extensive range of high-end coloured gemstones, GIA-certified diamond jewellery and beautiful wedding rings. The staff are delightful, too. 2-4 Church St, Ashbourne DE6 1AD (01335 348961; avantijewellers.co.uk)

Henmores Young Ideas Based in the historic Greenman building in the heart of town, this luxury fashion boutique is based on the ethos that every piece of clothing is an investment and should make you feel wonderful, now and for years to come. Each season the Young Ideas buying team selects the very best designer collections to cater for its clients, with its current roster including such favourites as Armani, Belstaff, Coach, Diane von Furstenberg, Hugo Boss, Max Mara, Michael Kors and Paul Smith. The service is excellent, and they offer personal shopping appointments if you’re looking for something special. 10 St John Street, Ashbourne DE6 1GH (01335 342095; youngideasfashion.com)

Also located in the Greenman building is Young Ideas’ sister-store, Henmores, where you’ll find a fabulous range of branded lifestyle clothing for men and women, including Aigle, Dubarry, Schoffel, Joules and Hunter. 8 St John Street, Ashbourne DE6 1GH (01335 343064; henmores.co.uk)

Jack Rabbits When you start to get peckish, head for the nearby Jack Rabbits café for excellent brunch-style dishes – including New York-style bagels and fresh salads – before heading for a tipple at The Greenman Pub (due to open at the end of the year and, by 2018, will also offer boutique hotel rooms). 10 St John Street, Ashbourne DE6 1GH (01335 342285; jackrabbitskitchen.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Cloud

NINE I

f you’ve been searching for the perfect piece of jewellery for your Christmas wishlist – one that sparkles but doesn’t send your other half, and his wallet, into spasms – then we might just have found a solution. The stunning Cloud Nine Collection includes a full suite of 18ct yellow gold rings, bangles, bracelets and earrings, but our favourite pieces are without doubt the large pendant (£1,250) and its smaller counterpart (£950), each set with nine brilliant-cut diamonds. The name – like the idiom – comes from the fact that clouds are measured in terms of their height, with nine being the highest level, hence to be high on life is to be on cloud nine. We suggest leaving this page open on the kitchen table for a week or two, just to be on the safe side. (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

Perfect Geometry

A New Arrival Watches of Switzerland has at last opened its new Manchester showroom, marking the next step in the company’s expansion plans. As well as being the exclusive stockist to retail Hublot timepieces in Manchester, the new showroom boasts an in-house Patek Philippe boutique as well as branded areas for watch brands such as JaegerLeCoultre, IWC and Omega. With a further focus on selected brands, there is also an opportunity to buy from a selection of pre- owned watches. 9-11 St Anns Square. Manchester. M2 7EF (watches-ofswitzerland.co.uk)

Jewellery&

Watch news WORDS: MHAIRI GRAHAM & RICHARD BROWN

A Street-Smart Collaboration Jeweller Stephen Webster has joined forces with Thames, a streetwear label founded by skateboarder Blondey McCoy, to create a 12-piece capsule collection embellished with diamonds, onyx and citrine. £340 - £11,000 (stephenwebster.com)

Back to the Future If wearable tech is your thing, you’ll probably already have heard about the two latest releases from Timex. The first, the Fairfield Contactless, is powered by bpay and offers contactless payment capabilities for the sartorially minded wearer. The second, the 40th Anniversary Easy Reader Collection, is enormously fun, featuring a twist on the signature INDIGLO® dial by incorporating an electroluminescent panel as a backlight. We love them both, and you will, too. Fairfield Chronograph, £159 (endclothing.com); Easy Reader, £69.99 (timex.co.uk) 50

Chanel’s storied history twinkles in the new Gallery collection, which reinterprets the iconic chain of the 2.55 handbag and the octagonal shape of Place Vendôme, Paris. Elegant, geometric designs in yellow gold are fashioned with diamonds, vivid green tourmaline and malachite for a mesmerising finish. POA (chanel.com)

One to Watch “With an updated dial, case and bracelet and strap, the new Aquaterra hits the market with its clean lines and cool aesthetic. Far beyond its good looks, lies the new master chronometer technology, ensuring the reliability will be the stand out feature in years to come.” Neil Baxandall, Omega Ambassador, David M Robinson, Liverpool Omega Seamaster Aquaterra, £4,000 (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

In The Pink British jeweller Boodles has recently unveiled a new collection of diamond-set, delicate, intricately decorated ‘Pinky Rings’, designed to be worn on the smallest finger of the hand. Boodles is known for its signature shade of ‘Boodles Pink’, while the ring designs are decorative and precise, echoing the traditional ‘Mehndi’ henna hand-painting of Indian and Arabic cultures. The collection includes four designs: two of which feature a swirl detail around a central brilliant-cut diamond, alongside an abstract flower in pink or white diamonds, as well as a ring featuring a pretty butterfly motif with a central brilliant-cut diamond at the top, and a ring incorporating a scattered array of floral and butterfly shapes with a mix of pink and white diamonds. From £4,000 (boodles.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Reinventing the

wristwatch Has Zenith just created the world’s most accurate timepiece? W ords : richard brown

ow to future proof an analogue product in the digital age? While TAG Heuer is pinning its hopes on capturing Generation Z through smartwatches and partnerships with electronic dance music DJs, LVMH stable mate Zenith is looking forward by revisiting the past. The Le Locle-based brand has been working with mathematical physicist Guy Sémon, a one-time jet pilot whose reputation in watches was acquired through a series of specialist precision projects for TAG Heuer. Sémon’s latest innovation does no less than reinvent the way a mechanical watch ticks. Since 1675, when Dutch horologist Christiaan Huygens presented his sprung balance principle to the French Academy of Sciences, mechanical

watches have relied on the force of a coiled spring to drive a gear train via a pallet fork and an escape wheel (known collectively as an escapement). Packaged inside the new calibre ZO 342, which finds a home in Zenith’s new Defy Lab series, is a regulating system that does away with an individual balance wheel, hairspring and pallet fork, and instead incorporates some 30 components into a single, circular disc. The Zenith Oscillator, as the component has been coined, measures just 0.5mm thick and, being etched from silicon, is impervious to both magnetic fields and that other great obstacle to accurate timekeeping, friction. The result, says Sémon, is an accuracy to within one second across the calibre’s 70-hour power reserve. If that’s true, the ZO 342 will be the world’s most accurate mechanical movement. Zenith has produced ten, all slightly different, Defy Lab watches, selling them collectively in one ultimate gift box, reportedly to meet the stipulation of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève – colloquially referred to as the ‘Oscars of the watch world’ – which specifies that all entries must have been available for sale. All ten timepieces feature a 44mm case constructed from Aeronith, a new aluminium composite that’s 2.7 times lighter than titanium and, incredibly, ten per cent lighter than carbon fibre. After a three-year hiatus, organisers of Switzerland’s International Chronometry Competition, the industry’s most rigorous, independent testing panel, have said that the contest will return for 2018. We might have to wait until then to see if Zenith and Sémon have really rewritten the watchmaking rule book.

Shaped by

ICONS Zara Tindall’s career has been shaped by leading names – from athlete Pat Smythe, to her parents, Captain Mark Phillips and Anne, Princess Royal, and her long-time partner Rolex. We meet the equestrian legend to find out more

olex’s association with those excelling in their field can be traced back to the very origins of the company. The development of the first waterproof wristwatch, the Rolex Oyster, in 1926, was a golden opportunity to prove that founder Hans Wilsdorf had succeeded in creating a wristwatch which was both precise and beautiful, so he equipped a young English swimmer, Mercedes Gleitze, with one when she swam the English Channel a year later in 1927. The watch emerged from more than ten hours in the water in perfect working condition and Gleitze became the first Rolex Testimonee – a witness to the watch’s uncompromised performance. Since that pivotal moment, an elite selection of the world’s top athletes and artists have joined Ms Gleitze in becoming the standard-bearers of the brand – among them Zara Tindall. Zara’s love of horses and equestrianism all started with an inspiring icon. Pat Smythe was

the sport’s first international equestrian star and the greatest female show jumper of her era. In 1957, she became the first rider to partner with Rolex, becoming the brand’s first equestrian Testimonee. Her ground-breaking career at the top of the sport paved the way for women riders – a mantle carried forward today by Zara, who became a Testimonee in 2006. “I can remember reading about Pat Smythe when I was a child,” recalls Zara. “She was one of the first to establish a path for women in the sport and to prove that equestrianism had the global popularity to be massively successful.” Zara has mirrored Pat Smythe’s achievement as a Rolex Testimonee to become one of the world’s greatest Three-Day Event riders, winning a silver medal for Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics. Zara’s inspiration for the sport naturally derives from her parents, who are both accomplished riders. Her mother Anne, the Princess Royal, won

“I think the best advice I had was to try and build up a strong bond with your horse”

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

European eventing gold in 1971, rode for Team GB at the 1976 Olympics, and was the first member of the Royal Family to compete at an Olympic Games. Zara’s father, meanwhile, won team gold at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. Zara first came to the attention of the eventing world with victory as a junior rider at the Under-25 Championship and an individual silver medal at the European Young Riders Championship. In June 2003, at the age of just 22, she finished as runner-up at the Burghley Horse Trials in the UK, her first Rolex event, explaining “I think the best advice I had was to try and build up a strong bond with your horse.” Her career blossomed with the handsome chestnut gelding Toytown, with the pair winning individual and team gold medals at the 2005 European Eventing Championship in Blenheim. The following year she went on to win individual gold and team silver medals at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, and was the reigning Eventing World Champion until 2010. “Toytown was a once-in-a-lifetime horse,” she says. “He wasn’t the most natural eventer but, as our bond grew, success followed. You hope each horse has that potential: he excelled in every area and we went from strength to strength.” After winning at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Zara was voted 2006 BBC TV Sports Personality of the Year – an award her mother also won in 1971. It was in this year that Zara became a Rolex Testimonee, joining an elite roster of sportsmen and women. Zara was awarded an MBE for services to equestrianism in the 2007 New Year Honours

List, and her career continued to flourish as she was selected to ride for Great Britain at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. But disappointment followed when Toytown suffered a training injury and the pair was forced to withdraw. “There are more low points than highs with horses,” she says. “So it makes the high points even more special. Injuries happen all the time and there’s very little you can do about it.” Toytown was retired in 2011, allowing Zara to ride her new horse, High Kingdom, at the 2012 Olympic Games. “Riding in London was very special for me – especially in front of a home crowd. Great Britain won team silver and I was presented with the medal by my mother, due to her role as President of the British Olympic Association.” Tindall finished second at Luhmühlen Horse Trials 2013 on High Kingdom, then, at the World Equestrian Games in August 2014, the pair was part of the British squad that won team silver. It was a major achievement, especially since her daughter, Mia, was born just seven months prior. “What surprised me about having a baby was losing all my fitness and how tough it was to get it back to a high level again. I do have help with Mia, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to ride. Eventing is physically demanding so I try to do extra exercise, like swimming, to stay fit.” In 2015, just over a year after Mia was born, Zara attended the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event – a competition which attracts the world’s best riders – with her prized horse High Kingdom, but due to an unfortunate injury they were forced to withdraw. Nevertheless, Zara is set to compete in the 2017 Kentucky event and is looking forward to a successful return.

k id s g o

f r ee! * 2018 Tickets, Badges and Hospitality packages for any of Chester’s 15 fixtures are now on sale. With discounts available across selected meetings, there’s reason to buy early.

Take advantage of half-price tickets and badges on the opening day of the Boodles May Festival; City Day and August’s MBNA Family Funday. Get £10 off all Friday fixtures across Winning Post, County and Tattersalls, whilst groups can benefit from a buy 10 get one free offer in the Dee Stand and the Open Course at every meeting in 2018.

To find out more about the discounts on offer and deadlines to look out for; Call 01244 304 600 or visit chester-races.com

CHESTER RESIDENTS (CH1-4) GET HALF PRICE TICKETS TO ROMAN DAY^

Looking to make your chosen raceday extra special in 2018? One of our Raceday Dining or Private Hospitality packages could be just the ticket. From just £50 per person~, experience a raceday with a difference.

Call our hospitality team on 01244 304 631 for more information

Changes to the Boodles May Festival 9—11 MAY _

2018’s inaugural meeting features changes to the format with a 100 year celebration of the Chester Vase and the Cheshire Oaks taking centre stage on day one it’s an opportunity to witness the races that produced the 2017 winners of both the Investec Oaks and Derby! Ladies Day delivers style and elegance on and off the track with The Ormonde and Dee Stakes, whilst the final day features the highest profile race of the festival; the prestigious Chester Cup.

Discount terms and conditions apply. *Children aged 17 and under are admitted FREE of charge when accompanied by a responsible adult. Available to those residing in a CH1, CH2, CH3 or CH4 postcode. Residents must show proof of current address (a utility bill or bank statement is suggested) and ID in person. Offer limited to four tickets per person and available until Friday 27 April or allocation of tickets has been fully allocated. ~ Based on a White Horse Garden Package at Family Funday - Sunday 5 August.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Photography by: Harley Weir

popof colour

tro’s Rainbow bag is all about colour and personalisation. Available in a rectangular or square shape, you can choose from a solid colour – purple, orange, yellow and fuchsia – or a more flamboyant style, such as collages of prints, brocades and jacquards, for a pattern collision. We love the embroidered and printed shoulder straps and multi-coloured charms: it’s the fastest way to brighten up a grey day. (etro.com)

Modern

Woman

Samantha Cameron speaks exclusively to Louisa Castle about fashion, family and a fondness for minimalism

uring her six years at No.10 Downing Street, Samantha Cameron was admired for her sense of style. Indeed, she and fellow first lady Michelle Obama were regularly referred to as the ‘First Ladies of Fashion’. Today, I am interviewing the lady herself as she visits Selfridges Exchange Square to introduce the AW17 collection of her fashion brand, Cefinn. Before it is time to settle down for a cup of tea and a chat, I steal away to view the clothing first hand on the third floor. An emerald green shift dress catches my eye as I tear myself away to browse further, discovering the rest of the collection of elegant shapes and styles. They feel well-made and practical, and I can see how, once you’ve found your Cefinn style, it could become a much-loved wardrobe staple. Heading downstairs, I settle myself in personal shopping. Samantha is just finishing team training, but soon breezes into the room, effortlessly making everyone feel welcome. Wearing one of her own creations, she is the epitome

of the very style at the brand’s heart. “My muse, if you wish, is any confident, strong woman who can be who she is and do what she does without compromise. It’s for women who love fashion but also want to be taken seriously, like Amal Clooney and Michelle Obama. They want to be feminine and powerful, but definitely not boring.” Perched on the sofa across

“[The brand] is for 56

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

from me, Samantha leans forward to speak, engaging and happy to chat and share her journey so far. Speaking of journeys, the sleeveless wool midi dress she is wearing has been on since this morning – surviving a train journey, meetings and training – and looks like it’s only just been put on. Samantha is proud that I note this. “The working woman wants great quality and versatility, dressing from up to down and day to evening with ease. When my husband was Prime Minister, I understood first-hand the importance of dressing appropriately, but not losing your style and individuality. And this is what I am hoping to capture with Cefinn: to prove that corporate, creative and comfortable is possible. “It’s also very important to me to embrace different body shapes and flatter them with the styles we create, always with a fashion edge.” We enthuse over our love of green and the emerald dress I have my eye on upstairs. Melania Trump has recently chosen to wear it with some Louboutins. While Cefinn is relatively new, Samantha’s connection to the world of fashion and design is most definitely not. “Art was always my thing and I did my degree in fine art. But I have always been around style.” Samantha quotes her mum and aunt as huge influences and inspiration. Viscountess Astor, Annabel, her mother, founded a jewellery brand, Annabel Jones, in the 70s and, most recently, the multi-million pound furniture retailer OKA alongside her aunt, Sue Jones, who worked for Jasper Conran. Her first cousin is also Cath Kidston, so you could be forgiven for thinking it may also be in the genes. And then there’s her involvement as ambassador for the British

Fashion Council and on the panel for the Vogue Fashion Fund, alongside fellow designer and businesswoman Victoria Beckham. “I have a big, close family with seven siblings, and I’ve been endlessly making my sister try things on and give me feedback. I think they only believe that I invite them over now because I want them to try something for me! I am always trying things myself too, putting outfits through daily life. “I think one of the hardest parts of creating Cefinn was finding the fabrics. I’m very particular. Most of our clothing is washable, so finding the materials that were practical but

women who love fashion but also want to be taken seriously” 57

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

also draped well and were great quality was one of the biggest challenges. “That, and deciding upon the name. I wanted something personal which wasn’t trademarked already, obviously. Cefinn is the ‘C’ and ‘N’ of Cameron, with a loose acronymn of my children’s initials in between. “I would consider myself a fully-fledged entrepreneur now, definitely. Everything everyone says about setting up your own business is true. It’s so stressful, but equally rewarding. We have a small but great team which works closely on every element. There’s never a boring moment. It was the same at Smythson [where Samantha was responsible for transforming it into the luxury accessories brand it is today].” Involved in every aspect of the company, Samantha is responsible for all the designs and confesses to constantly sketching. “We’re looking at some party dresses, maybe some metallic, and we’re also working on some prints for the coming seasons. Most of all though, we want to listen to our customer and concentrate on making them feel fantastic.” As our tea cups are drained and my time is almost up, we speak of Christmas. Samantha confesses to being rubbish at Christmas shopping. “I get so stressed when I’m present shopping. I agonise over it. You see, I am very practical so I want to buy things for others

“We’ll be having a big family Christmas in Yorkshire – I feel there will be a lot of camp beds!”

which will be practical, too. I’m quite particular and don’t like clutter, but seeing the excitement of the children always re-engages you. This year we’ll be having a big family Christmas in Yorkshire – I feel there will be a lot of camp beds involved!” Without any airs and graces, I find Samantha Cameron thoroughly charming, especially as we reminisce for a few moments further over my Smythson (of course!) business-card holder, and she tells me the exact season it came from. Before I go (and recalling the firm request of our new social media manager), I ask for a photograph with Samantha. Perching next to me on the chair, she laughs about not being a natural in front of the camera, and that her sister would have been much more suited to the public life. Cefinn at Selfridges (selfridges.com; cefinn.com)

REDEFINING THE ART OF AESTHETICS

WWW.KLNIK.CO.UK

Mother Nature La Perla’s AW17 collection pays homage to painters who sourced inspiration from the great outdoors, including Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema and Georgia O’Keeffe. Floral and lace are key features throughout, while embellishment takes centre stage in the evening wear range. Silk Short dress, £15,120 (laperla.com)

Fashion news A Different Creed

Winter Is Coming As the weather gets chillier it’s time to start looking for your next staple coat, and Belstaff’s latest collection has the perfect selection. Choose from classic duffel styles, suede biker jackets and a woollen trench with a cosy shearling collar. From £350 (belstaff.co.uk)

Check Mate Gieves & Hawkes emulates the styles of Britain’s rock royalty, with a line of smart-casual outerwear that mirrors the cuts and colours of the 1970s. Channel your inner David Bowie with this checked two-piece. Navy and burgundy windowpane suit, £995 (gievesandhawkes.com) 60

The pioneering longship sailors of the Viking Age provided the inspiration for Olivier Creed’s latest fragrance. Viking, as it is aptly named, offers a heady aroma, with top notes of bergamot and lemon, a heart of peppercorn, Bulgarian rose and peppermint, and a base of vetiver and Indian patchouli. From £185 for 50ml, creedfragrances.co.uk

That’s A Wrap Our favourite style from Christian Louboutin’s AW17 collection is the elegant Douce Du Desert Crepe De Chine heel, featuring a wrap up silk tie detail; available in a variety of colours. £635, available at Harrods

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

A Dog’s Life

Treasure Trove Attention Paul Smith fans! The fashion brand has announced that it will open a new store on Manchester’s New Cathedral Street, and it’s going to be quite the shopping experience. Inspired by the city, the new shop will offer the latest Paul Smith collections for men and women, including ready-to-wear fashion and collaborative projects, and will feature a dedicated suit room, signature architectural features, antique furniture and an art wall, showcasing a series of eclectic images and photographs taken by Paul. (paulsmith.com)

Iconic British fashion brand Radley London has teamed up with the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, to launch this gorgeous dog-walking backpack and matching coin purses. With 15 per cent of the sale price from each item going directly to Dogs Trust, the pieces are due to be launched on 28th November, otherwise known as ‘Giving Tuesday’, an initiative giving consumers the opportunity to do something good following Black Friday. The black nylon backpack includes such canny dogwalking features as a waterproof internal pocket for a slobbery toy and a clip to hold a poo bag dispenser, while the coin purses feature appliqué designs inspired by some of the dogs cared for by Dogs Trust. Backpack, £99; coin purses, £32 each; launching on ‘Giving Tuesday’ 28 November (radley.co.uk)

loves

Jersey Shore Ditch your Nike tracksuit for something a little more luxurious: Hackett’s Mr Classic range gives loungewear a makeover with shorts, T-shirts and polo shirts in a supple jersey that will stand the test of time – no matter how many House of Cards marathons you partake in. From £40 (hackett.com)

Autumn Essentials Leading heritage and British lifestyle brand Barbour has collaborated for the first time with English Heritage on the exclusive Stonehenge collection, including two menswear jackets named after Stonehenge stones, alongside knits, shirts, accessories and bags. Stylish, functional and ideal for those who love being in the countryside, the four-pocket Preseli is a smart casual waxed cotton jacket that looks great with jeans or chinos, while the Sarsen comes in waxed cotton with a clean silhouette and two large pockets, making it a natural accompaniment to denim or cords. Be sure to pack both on your next autumn getaway. (barbour.com)

In The Lab After a successful reception back in 2014, cashmere specialist Eric Bompard has re-introduced its limited edition Lab line for AW17. The seven-piece collection features beaded embroidery, chunky roll necks and ponchos in shades of signature Bompard blue. From £480 (eric-bompard.com)

Savoir

FAIRE Strike a pose in the homeland of haute couture with Parisian gowns straight from the catwalk P h o t o g r a p h y : G i l l e s - M a r i e Z i mm e r m a n n Styling: mike adler

Christian Dior, POA (dior.com)

Dress with scarf, £2,110; Bag, £1,170, both Fendi (fendi.com); Ring, £1,500, Shaun Leane (shaunleane.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

ABOVE Zuhair Murad, POA (zuhairmurad.com)

left Zuhair Murad, POA (zuhairmurad.com)

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

ABOVE Zuhair Murad, POA (zuhairmurad.com)

RIGHT Alexandre Vauthier, POA (alexandrevauthier.com)

photographer Gilles-Marie Zimmermann at Angela de Bona stylist Mike Adler at Angela de Bona Model Catrinel Marlon at Next Model Management Photographerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistant Sophie Lemedioni Stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistant Sara Mtimet Hair Tie Toyama at Calliste agency Paris make-up Natsuki Oneyama POST production Nadia Selander LOCATION Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris

What is

SUCCESS? Inspired by the recent Women in Business seminar at The Colony, we ask how we should define success and, equally, why failure is good

reating a formula for success is a million-pound industry. Everywhere you turn there are tips and strategies, life hacks and guarantees. Easy. Or so you would think. As unique individuals, though, our definitions of success are specific and, in turn, also unique. For some, it is winning the battle with those extra pounds, for others it is about getting that promotion or mastering that work-life balance conundrum. Each time, though, it is inextricably linked to your happiness, is it not? Self-professed people junkie and life coach Melissa Porter regularly writes and speaks about your uniqueness and how that is the key to your success. Sharing her story over a glass of prosecco, she openly speaks of life, love and loss. Her advice is in your personal journey, your personal goals and your personal happiness. A few months ago she wrote: “Scroll through the latest social media craze on Instagram and Facebook, and it’s a visual candy store of what we perceive as ‘successful and inspirational’ types, all showcasing their newly toned bodies and get-rich schemes. This can be demotivating. You might be asking yourself the question, how can so many of these people

pictured have their ducks in a row when you’re unable to? How come they have the answers to feeling inspired and happy, and you don’t? “Comparison aids depression. There’s a bazillion differences between you and the entire world population, so comparing yourself on one aspect – your body or the amount of money in your bank – is plain dumb. It’s not a fair comparison. Stop. Instead, choose to focus on you. Dig deep and unearth all negative, limiting self-talk that goes on within, about yourself and others. Jealousy, judgement, blaming and self-loathing are not inspirational. “These days I consider myself an inspirational success when I sit through the most boring of meetings without insulting

“Those who are truly successful are the ones who live feeling fulfilled and full of energy”

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

someone with my naturally direct manner. I’m a success when I allocate time each day to eat healthily, meditate and do some form of exercise. Those who are truly successful and inspirational are the ones who live their day feeling fulfilled and full of energy.” How true is that? It’s all about you being you. That is your USP and your success. The Women in Business seminar was founded by Elizabeth Bird and Emma Nawaz, both respected business people and advocates of walking your own path. Elizabeth speaks of being the youngest banker at Coutts, working in the city because she thought she had to, not because she wanted to, taking on the old-boy regime and succeeding. After more than 15 years of studying people and money, she runs her own business in Cheshire, Chronos Wealth Management. Her first question to the room is “What is your magic number?”: How much would you have to have in the bank for working to become an option, or for you to step back and know you are going to be alright? Ultimately, this question links back to happiness. Wealth and financial success may be seen as a gift, not to be taken for granted, but

where do you want to go with it and what do you want to do next? How can it fulfil your dreams, make you happy, for you to succeed in your goals? For Emma Nawaz, managing director of Blackstone Solicitors, her happiness is evident when she speaks of litigation and her family. Changing careers thanks to the support of her husband, and building a business alongside a growing family, Emma shared her story of mastering that work-life balance and of that all-important ‘me’ time. Choosing to focus on herself and identifying what is truly important, and not listening to the judgement of others at the school gates or beyond, Emma has built a business and a well-balanced family. Her daughter wants to be the Prime Minister one day. The easy answer to the question of success can be easy; it can be tied to the tangible and intangible. But it is all about you. Be kind to yourself, take some time and think about it. Then follow your dreams. For more details on Women in Business seminars please contact Rebecca Battersby at Blackstone Solictors (blackstonesolicitorsltd.co.uk; chronoswm.co.uk; melissaportercoach.com)

ALEV

Drop a dress size this Christmas Joanne lost

312st 8lb in

weeks

I have something to work towards now. Life is good. I am training hard… I am looking forward to what the future holds. Happiness is about feeling healthy for me…the scales show a number but you cannot measure how amazing this journey has made me feel.

Courthouse Clinics 3 Swan Street | Wilmslow Cheshire | SK9 1HF 01625 704 089 www.courthouseclinics.com

DOCTOR SUPERVISED

UP TO A STONE A MONTH

YOUR PLAN

ALEVERE WILMSLOW AD_210x297_021117.indd 1

BODY THE CONTOURING TRANSFORMATION

KEEP IT OFF

alevere.com 02/11/2017 14:10

Run This Town Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have noticed a whole lot of hype surrounding the launch of a new global make-up brand created by a certain superstar singer. And here’s the thing – Rihanna’s much-anticipated Fenty range totally defied our expectations. Made in partnership with LVMH-owned beauty developer Kendo, the brand is the result of Rihanna’s desire to create products that work across all skin types and tones. Like the lady herself, the brand is both edgy and feminine, designed to help everyone achieve Rihanna’s real-life killer radiance. In her own words, “This is where the fun begins”. (sephora.com; fentybeauty.com; harveynichols.com)

RihANNA SHOWCASES FENTY. credit MWM Associates

Health & Beauty news Kilian Me Softly We are beside ourselves with desire for the latest launch from luxury perfume brand By Kilian – two gorgeous fragrances inspired by the works of artist Gustav Klimt. Created as a tenth anniversary celebration for the brand, both scents – Woman in Gold and Gold Knight – explore the dual nature of masculinity vs femininity, light and dark, good and bad. With rose at its heart, Woman in Gold is the softer of the two, while Gold Knight is more on the feisty side, with spicy notes of cinnamon and patchouli – and, as always, both bottles come in gorgeous clutch-esque boxes, this time inspired by Klimt’s work. Woman in Gold, £245 (50ml), £460 (250ml); Gold Knight, £245 (50ml), £460 (250ml) (bykilian.com) 72

Waxing Lyrical Now is the perfect time to fill your home with beautiful candles and home fragrances, so we’d suggest checking out newcomer Florence Verity, a Cheshire-based contemporary lifestyle brand producing candles inspired by a passion for luxury fragrances and stylish décor. Handpicked by director Florence Webster in collaboration with a UK-based perfumery, each scent uses high-quality essential oils, with each candle created, designed and hand-poured in the UK using a premium soy wax blend for a long lasting, smoke-free and even burn. Winter has never been so cosy. (florenceverity.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Scrubd-A-Dub-Dub

A Cause For Bubbles Well, at last The Good Spa Guide has officially declared what we Cheshire-ites have known all along – that The Mere’s fabulous spa has some of the finest customer service, luxury spa treatments and state-of-the-art facilities in the land. The leading authority on spas recently sent some of its ‘spa spies’ to The Mere for a thorough assessment of its service and facilities – which include a pool, thermal zone, Hamam, sauna, salt room and caldarium – before ultimately deciding to award it their highest possible accolade: Five Bubbles. (themereresort.co.uk)

Launching this month exclusively for Harvey Nichols, new grooming brand on the block, Scrubd, is set to make quite a splash. Passionate about crafting effective, all-natural grooming products specifically for the demands of men’s skin, the first collection includes such invigorating delights as lemongrass and lime organic triple-milled soap, anti-ageing moisturiser and eye gel, and a gloriously energising face balm. (scrubd.com)

...with Nathalie Vinciguerra, Founder and CEO of Anima Vinci

How would you explain the Anima Vinci brand in five words? Emotional, sensorial, spiritual, passionate, uplifting. What is it that makes scent and fragrance so essential to our lives? I believe in the power of scents and fragrances to unlock senses and feelings. I always felt that fragrance has the ability to immerse us in the universe’s energy and nature’s beauty. Do you have a favourite Anima Vinci product? Wood of Life because it has some very spiritual woods and spices never really used in perfumery and for its ability to open all your chakras. Piri Piri is a love filter. Palo Santo is used for healing purposes and Sandalwood for meditation to give clarity and lift the soul.

What sets Anima Vinci apart from its peers? Anima Vinci is a range of consciously created fragrances designed to evoke a passionate and emotional effect on the mind, heart and spirit. Each unique scent will leave you feeling uplifted, confident and upbeat. From £150 (animavinci.com)

Peace of mind for you and your family at all times

The Private GP & Night Doctor Service We are a group of experienced GPs, based in South Manchester, we offer the highest level of care, above and beyond the NHS. Whilst the NHS is a good system, demand has increased so much that it has become almost impossible to offer the prompt and personal care that we all wish for. We believe our registered patients want a professional service with peace of mind at all times - from immediate telephone advice, to organising an admission into hospital, anytime, day or night - all provided by a small group of doctors they know. Hopefully you will not need to see a doctor urgently, but accidents or illnesses occur when least expected and having to travel or wait many hours for healthcare can only make the ordeal worse. You can remain with your NHS GP, as our aim is not to replace your care, but to work alongside it, providing you with our extra medical care when you or your family most need it. It only takes 2 minutes to register now, so we can look after you in the future.

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

✔ Well being and full health check with 24 hrs a day general blood test 7 days a week Personal and confidential ✔ Night and weekend home visits Unhurried ✔ Same day and evening appointments Covering Hale, Wilmslow, Didsbury and their surrounding areas

Registration fee from £18 per month plus consultation fees If this service is of interest to you or your family, please contact us to register.

0161 980 2626 | Info@ThePrivateGP.uk www.TheNightDoctor.uk Dr Bruce Jobling

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Cutting a

DASH W

hen luxury Swiss underwear brand Zimmerli released its AW17 collection for men and women, we won’t lie – we got excited. Since 1871, the brand has handmade all of its products in Switzerland, but the new collection cuts a more contemporary figure, and has launched in Harrods, Selfridges and online at Mr Porter and Zimmerli’s own website. (zimmerli.com)

words: Iain Warde

EVOLUTION XX Ferrari has pushed the envelope yet again with the launch of the soupedup new FXX-K Evo

he Finali Mondiali provided the backdrop to the world premiere of Ferrari’s new FXX-K Evo, which will be available both as a limited-run model and as an upgrade package for the existing XX cars. Derived from the racing world and adopting track-specific content, the FXX-K Evo, like all the previous XX cars, is not homologated for road use and will not be used in competition outside its dedicated programme. Most things have had a boost – the suspension has been recalibrated and there’s a larger 6.5-inch rear video screen (with telemetry) – but significant improvements to the aero package have helped achieve a 23 per cent increase on down-force, compared to the previous version. Engine-wise, the V12 is still pushing 1,036bhp but with all the down-force upgrades, this is one super track car, and we must admit, it looks out of this world. (ferrari.com) 76

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

Why We Love Jaguar XF S Sportbrake #1 Practical yet pacey - the top model has a 3.0 V6 #2 Speed - 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds

X2 Preview With its unmistakable design and sporty, urban feel, the BMW X2 breaks new ground for BMW as a unique and exciting addition to the range. It is built on the same platform as the X1 and 2 Series and a number of Minis. Powertrains will mimic the X1, starting with a 138bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder sDrive18i and eventually maxing out with the 227bhp 2-litre twin-turbo diesel xDrive25d. All-wheel-drive is available on selected models, as is an eightspeed automatic transmission. BMW will also be introducing a new spec level on the X2 called M Sport X. On top of the usual road-biased M Sport styling tweaks, the M Sport X swaps out the body-coloured wheel arch trim and sills for contrasting grey units, as was seen on the X2 Concept. Wheel sizes will start at 17 inches, but M Sport and M Sport X models will have 19 or 20-inch. £33,980 OTR available to order now (bmw.com)

#3 Storage - 565 litres of boot space (yes, your golf clubs will fit) #4 Intuitive - Very tech heavy, 1-inch touch screen, air suspension and a condition monitor #5 Looks - For an estate car, it looks great

NFL x Aston Record-breaking National Football League (NFL) star Tom Brady has collaborated with Aston Martin’s Q to produce the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante Tom Brady Signature Edition. This stunning version of the Vanquish S is strictly limited to just 12 examples. The limited edition model features an ultramarine black exterior, complemented by an interior of Dark Knight leather and extensive use of carbon fibre. Tom has shown that he shares a passion with Aston Martin for meticulous attention to detail, choosing the California poppy-leather paddle shift tips on the One-77 colour-keyed steering wheel; and each of the 12 cars is a convertible. Tom’s signature takes pride of place on the sill plates and the TB12 logo on a fender badge, embossed on the headrests and as a pull tab in the rear of the car, highlighted again in California poppy. First examples of the Vanquish S Volante Tom Brady Signature Edition are due for delivery in quarter one 2018. (astonmartin.com) 77

The

NEW KID Designer Ian Callum once swore Jaguar would never make an SUV. Times change. W o r ds : j e r e m y t a y l o r

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

ou can just imagine the planning meeting at which the Jaguar F-Pace was first discussed. “Look, everyone else has got an SUV… even Bentley,” says Big Cheese No 1. “If we are going to compete on level pegging with Porsche, BMW and Audi, we really need one of our own.” A small voice in the corner of the room starts to speak. “But what about…” says Work Experience Boy. Before he can continue, he’s drowned out by Big Cheese No 2. “You’re not wrong,” says No 2. “Jaguar is known for its sports cars and sports saloons, so it will need to be a great driver’s car. It will need a bit of pace – sort of F-Type Coupé meets SUV. I know, let’s call it F-Pace.” As the cheers gradually die away, that small voice tries again. “But we already have an SUV in our line-up, in fact we’ve got lots of them. They’re all called Land Rover…” Silence descends on the room as the Jaguar Land Rover top brass mull over the fact that, yes, the F-Pace would indeed be looking to compete for sales with cars like the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport. Thus, possibly, the F-Pace was born. While that might have been a fictional planning meeting, there’s no doubting that Jaguar desperately needed an SUV in its line-up, even though its design chief Ian Callum once dismissed the notion completely. Today, everyone else really does have an SUV or two in their product ranges and while it is possible that some potential Land Rover sales might be lost to the new Jaguar, at least they are being kept in-house. Better that than lose sales elsewhere. And the F-Pace is different. Despite having all that 4x4 know-how available, Jaguar has chosen to base the F-Pace on its own XE and XF saloons rather than on a Land Rover. That means it has lightweight, largely aluminium architecture, which gives it the agility and

dynamism Jaguar craves. That is reflected in its styling. While it is clearly an SUV, with a higher than normal on-road stance, it is lower, sleeker and more sporting than many of its rivals. Jaguar designers might have compromised a little on interior space to get the result they wanted (while the boot is a good size, the rear passenger compartment is a squeeze for three), but there’s no denying the end result has been worth it. At the moment there are three engine choices on offer, a pair of 3.0-litre V6 engines – one petrol and one diesel – and a 180hp 2.0-litre turbo diesel. Both V6s are four-wheel drive and auto only, while the 2.0-litre is available as a manual or automatic and with either four- or rear-wheel drive. This test focuses on the 2.0-litre, auto, four-wheel-drive F-Pace R-Sport, which

Motoring | The CHESHIRE Magazine

as a rear-biased four-wheel drive system, the F-Pace has torque vectoring technology to control the power going to each wheel so cornering is as near neutral as possible. Off-road? Well it can be driven across the mud with a certain degree of confidence but, in truth, if you want to climb Everest, use a Land Rover. JLR has clearly decided that, while there will be some crossover in sales between F-Pace and Range Rover Evoque, the two cars are quite different. If you don’t cross fields regularly, stick with the Jag. As compromises go, the Jaguar F-Pace is just about as good as it gets. It looks great and handles superbly. It’s not cheap but it is well equipped and, if early signs are anything to go by, it should hold its value well. And while it’s not as roomy inside as a traditional estate car, it is practical enough. Best of all, however, it offers a genuine choice at last. Without doubt, it’s a worthy alternative to the current choices for SUV buyers: the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. That Work Experience Boy was right, JLR does have an abundance of SUVs in its joint portfolio, but its engineers have made sure the F-Pace has different qualities to the Evoque or Defender Sport. It’s been worth the wait. (jaguar.com)

“It is lower, sleeker and more sporting than many of its rivals” comes in at just over £40k before options. This, of all versions, is likely to be the biggest seller. It’s easy to see why. It’s robustly priced but well equipped with a raft of safety features, parking aids, DAB radio, heated seats and sat nav all as standard. The test car had a few mainly cosmetic options to bump the price up to almost £45k, but of these only the £1,200 fixed panoramic roof made a genuine difference. Unusually, therefore, the F-Pace is a car you can buy off-the-shelf without having to dig deeper to get what you need. Well, other than a bigger engine perhaps. The 2.0-litre diesel – a new Jaguar Land Rover design – works well enough but doesn’t shine. It feels a little coarse at low speeds and, while its economy and emissions are in line with modern requirements, its performance is not. Despite the excellent eight-speed automatic, which shifts gear instantly and smoothly, overtaking performance is not as punchy as you might expect. So while it cruises comfortably enough, spirited crosscountry runs are not as spirited as they could be. The bigger engines perform better but cost more to buy and run. What the F-Pace needs is a four-cylinder engine with more power – and one is on its way. Shame it’s not here now, as the F-Pace chassis delivers in spades. The ride is firm but not uncomfortable and matches the poise and precision of the handling. This really is a sporting SUV and, engine concerns aside, drives better than any of its rivals. Much of this is down to the plethora of chassis aids inherited from the F-Type sports car. As well

Bringing back your natural, confident and healthy smile with...

Teeth in One Day Using the latest technology and expertise, The Dental Academy offers the perfect solution to missing or failing teeth. With more than 25 years’ experience in the field of dental implants, the team at The Dental Academy understands the impact that total tooth loss can have on personal confidence and quality of life. The Dental Academy is at the forefront in the advancement of, and investment in, dental implants. The team’s dedication to offering an alternative to wearing dentures has seen a huge improvement in quality of life for many patients.

The Benefits

fixed, permanent • Totally set of teeth natural smile • Life-like Nothing covering the roof • of the mouth solution for patients • Perfect who are losing teeth due to gum disease only four dental • Often implants are required to replace a full set of teeth

A new set of teeth, complete and fitted all in one day in a simple procedure, leaves patients smiling confidently and naturally once again.

Call us for an initial consultation at NO cost.

01925 740 510

Quote: TC1217

The Dental Academy, Daresbury Lodge Chester Road, Daresbury WA4 5LR Tel: 01925 740510 Fax: 01925 740005 Email: info@dentalacademy.co.uk

One of the biggest fears faced by people who have lost, or are about to lose, all their teeth is the prospect of being without any teeth at all for a period of time. The “Teeth in One Day” concept alleviates this fear. Patients leave at the end of the day with a full set of fixed teeth, a natural smile, and growing confidence. They find themselves looking forward to an immediately improved quality of life – all in one day.

The Dental Academy Knutsford Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ES Tel: 01565 757030 Fax: 01925 740005 Email: info@dentalacademy.co.uk

www.dentalacademy.co.uk

Pitch Invasion Jan Clarke talks to Laura Wolfe, business woman and MD of the Leesa Northwest Football Awards, about her love of the game and the importance of the sport to our region

aura Wolfe was brought up on a diet of football and Manchester City, and became a devoted fan from an early age. As a child, her brother took her to matches and her parents were equally passionate about the game. In fact, her mum, now in her 80s, still regularly attends fixtures. For Laura, football is a big part of her life and so it’s fitting that this passion has become integral to her working life, too. Laura tells me, “Football is in

my blood, I’ve been a fan for such a long time.” Laura’s business acumen and her love of the game collided when she became involved in the Northwest Football Awards and this, in turn, has led to her being as well respected in the world of football as she is in the world of business. Laura’s business credentials are impressive. She was appointed regional director of the Institute of Directors in the north west in 2003 and has received many awards, including the Women in Business Contribution to Manchester award. She is also the founder and managing director of the live brand experience and event’s agency, Wolfe, which has an equally impressive client list. She frequently contributes to panel sessions on business and women in business. In addition, she is a regular on BBC Radio Manchester, where she discusses business and football as well as reviewing the Saturday morning papers. While working, Laura became involved in the Northwest Football Awards and, when the opportunity presented itself to acquire the awards in 2012, she jumped at the chance. Since their acquisition, Laura and her team have strived to develop the brand: they have established and continue to grow strong

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

relationships and are building a whole community centred around football. The Awards are a celebration for all those involved on or off the pitch. They recognise excellence throughout the industry and across male and female football leagues. Laura is truly passionate about this industry and the vital part it plays to our economy, especially here in the north west. She explains, “Football is such a major part of our identity here in the north west and it has a big impact on our region.” As I talk more with Laura it’s clear that the Awards are not mere glitzy trophies; they have genuine authenticity within the footballing industry and are becoming much coveted. Worldwide voting figures now exceed 10,000 and this year has seen a record number of entries to each category. The awards represent and celebrate the many aspects of the industry from medical professionals and unsung heros to sports journalists, as well as the players themselves. Alongside these, there are also awards for community initiatives. The Leesa Northwest Football Awards have created strong partnerships and are proud to work closely with the organisations and charities who use the power of the beautiful game to make a real difference and enrich people’s lives; organisations such as She Kicks, Kick It Out – the charity which tackles racism and discrimination – and The Offside Trust, which was established in light of the abuse scandal. Again, this strongly reinforces the message that these awards represent the work done by an industry which has far-reaching benefits for our region. The awards now have a panel of more than 20 judges and include esteemed industry leaders,

sports journalists and members of the Football Association and Professional Footballers’ Association. Some of the biggest and most respected names in football, such as Mark Palios, Maurice Watkins and BBC Sport’s lead executive for football, Steve Rudge, to name a few, all offer their expertise and form a panel which has a wealth of experience across a wide spectrum of the industry. And BBC broadcaster Dan Walker has proudly hosted the award ceremony for several years now. Laura tells me, “The award ceremony itself is a wonderful event. It’s the accumulation of a lot of hard work by my dedicated team. It’s a stressful time but it’s an amazing night. It’s my favourite night of the year!” – although, for Laura, it’s always an emotional night, too. The anniversary of her father’s death takes place during November and this year the event and the anniversary fall on the same date. Laura reflects, “It’s a bittersweet time but I know my dad is there proudly cheering me on from the side line.” (northwestfootballawards.com)

“The awards are a celebration for all those involved on or off the pitch”

Travel news Pearls of Saigon A new package from The Reverie illustrates Vietnam’s history through its art. On an eight-hour tour guests will visit galleries and studios, as well as the Salon Saigon, a fine arts library where a five-course lunch will be accompanied by a live piano or traditional dance performance. From $1,122 (thereveriesaigon.com)

Lübeck’s Legend

loves

En Pointe

Alexander Køplin was once named the world’s best male dancer, but the Danish ballerina has since swapped demi-pliés for décor and turned his hand to hotel design. This October sees the launch of his first hotel, Sanders, located in the heart of Copenhagen’s historic quarter. Designed in partnership with Lind + Almond (formerly Soho House Group), the hotel marries rustic charm with a contemporary minimalism that only the Scandinavian can achieve. Expect hygge by the bucketload. (hotelsanders.com) 84

If you’ve not visited Germany’s historic marzipan capital – the medieval town of Lübeck – for your sweet fix, never fear: world-renowned marzipan-maker Niederegger has recently brought its delights closer to home. Next time you find yourself pulling into London Euston, make a quick pit stop at all-day grand café the German Gymnasium to try their newest cocktail, Lübeck’s Legend. Served with a mini Niederegger marzipan loaf, it’s made with Ketel One vodka, marzipan liqueur, chocolate wine and guanabana juice, then finished with cinnamon around the rim. Heaven. (niederegger.de; germangymnasium.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

w o r l d h e r i ta g e s i t e s

Short haul vs long haul

Très Chic The Hoxton has spread its wings and fled to Europe, where an Amsterdam branch opened in 2015 and, as of this summer, a Parisian outlet has set up shop. The latter is the chain’s biggest hotel to date, located in a former clothing factory and spanning three buildings. Inside, the interior draws the eye, with 172 bedrooms designed with the Renaissance streets of Paris in mind. From €99 a night (thehoxton.com)

Short haul Lake District, UK

Close to home, the rolling hills of the Lake District have long been a source of wonder, its landscape captivating the minds of artists, photographers and wordsmiths alike. It marks the 31st British World Heritage Site, joining Stonehenge and Canterbury Cathedral, among others.

Long haul

Malawi Magic If you enjoy doing good as you travel (and who doesn’t?), you’ll want to check out Souljourn Yoga, an organization inspired by seva, the yogic principle of selfless service. Their aim is to raise awareness and funds for girls’ education in developing countries, by teaming up with local and international non-profits, educating through yoga by offering a spectrum of workshops and global retreats. The last retreat took place in Malawi, Africa in October, in support of the awardwinning Tongole Foundation, giving guests an opportunity to enjoy an abundance of activities in a lush setting, staying at the Tongole Wilderness Lodge and meeting local women to help empower them. The funds raised through this retreat will help to build and shape their education system, giving these women hopes of a better future. (tongole.com/tongole-lodge; thetongolefoundation.org)

City of Yazd, Iran Dubbed the City of Windcatchers in reference to the traditional Parisian architecture that is found throughout, Yazd in Iran has avoided the swift modernisation the rest of the country has seen, instead maintaining a sense of Imperialism that harks back to the days of the Persian Empire. Close to the Spice and Silk Roads, it bears living testimony to the use of limited resources for survival in the desert.

Santa Claus

IS COMING TO TOWN As the countdown to Christmas begins in earnest, why not start the celebrations – and shopping – early, with a weekend treat away at one of our favourite cities

Dublin By Louisa Castle

Each year, I plan a mother-daughter trip, allowing us our fill of Christmas cheer and credit cards. This year, time was of the essence (my fault), so we took the short hop to Dublin for some retail therapy. We booked in at CONRAD Dublin, part of the Hilton group, for its proximity to all the action but also its multi-million pound refurbishment. Situated across from the stunning Concert Hall and at the corner of St Stephen’s Green, we were a short step away from the action on Grafton Street, the Liffey and beyond. As we stepped out of our taxi on the Friday evening, the Art Deco-esque lobby was bright and welcoming, and all checked in, with bags taken to our room, it was undoubtedly time for a drink at Lemuel’s Bar. A whole section of the bar was dedicated to our favourite – gin – and, as we sampled an Irish offering, we settled in our leather armchairs to decide upon a plan of action. CONRAD offers a Stay Inspired concierge service, suggesting one, three and five-hour experiences. There are options on the website and a clever menu which you can place outside your door, but it’s always worth a chat with the concierge in person. Tell them what you would love to do and the list is endless. Options range from a super-relaxing aromatherapy pedicure (one hour) to a visit to Kilmainham Gaol Museum (three hours),

one of the most recommended visits by Dubliners as you learn a little history and experience what it was really like. It gets booked up months in advance, so it’s worth a word with the concierge. Five-hour experiences include a walk on Dublin Bay or a visit to one of the oldest zoos in the world. Our brief was art, and so the following day we booked a taxi to take us to Dublin City Art Gallery The Hugh Lane, where Francis Bacon’s London Studio has been painstakingly transported from his London mew his home city. Lucky enough to meet director Barbara Dawson, who was responsible for the whole project, the story is told in a special section of the gallery, beginning with a video of the artist being

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

interviewed in the very studio before leading through to the studio itself, with clever windows showcasing all aspects, from the narrow wooden stairs leading to it to the newspapers he collected. To replicate the small studio, a team of conservators and archaeologists mapped out the spaces and objects, including dust, before tagging and packing for relocation – that included the walls, doors, floor and ceiling. The cataloguing took more than three years and led to The Francis Bacon Studio Database, the first computerised archive of the entire contents of a world-renowned artist’s studio, which includes over 7,000 entries in total. On display alongside is the only exhibition of Bacon’s unfinished works, believed to have been on the easels in this very studio when he passed away. A fascinating and well thought-out exhibition. The Gallery also hosts a permanent collection of Impressionists and Irish artists, as well as an eye-catching exhibition of Harry Clarke’s stained glass. After our cultured morning, it was time to make our way back to our hotel via the Ha’Penny Bridge and Grafton Street. Looking for a traditional Irish stop for lunch, we visited O’Neill’s on Suffolk Street, with its nooks and crannies and warm Irish welcome. Full to the brim with city history and culture – and having made a respectable start on the Christmas shopping – we took the scenic route via St Stephen’s Green back to the hotel. Our spacious suite was a welcome place to The Marvel Room at recharge after our busy Brown Thomas day. With a comfortable seating area, coffee and Book in at 1903 Lounge in desk space, it was well Terminal 3, Manchester Airport equipped for a coffee for the perfect child-free break and catch-up start to your break. before our evening meal. Dinner was booked at The Coburg Brasserie downstairs.

DON’T MISS

Relaxed and quite masculine in its colours, the tables were well spaced out and warmly lit. We immediately dove into the Coburg bread board with handmade butter as we perused the menu with gusto. Prawn cocktail and crispy Silver Hill duck salad were our starters, followed by rack of Irish lamb and fillet steak. Presented beautifully, each dish was bursting with locally sourced, fresh flavour. We were pleased that we had stayed in, and our appetites were suitably rewarded for a busy day. Sleep came easily and, before we knew it, we were back in the taxi on our way to the airport – though not before another visit to the Coburg for an abundance of breakfast options all beautifully laid out before us. We were pleased with our purchases and patted ourselves on the back for our efficient Christmas planning. We were delighted, however, with what we received from the CONRAD, from placing ourselves in the capable hands of the concierge, to the location and the dining. Sláinte, Dublin. (conradhotels.com)

Manchester By Penelope Warde

A Cheshire girl born and bred, I love heading into the city. Every time I visit, it has evolved and there is something new to discover. On this occasion, it was a romantic stay with hubby, armed with my Christmas wish-list and his.

DON’T MISS A dip in the infinity pool and visit to the spa post-shopping.

souls. There was trifle, of course, turkey and stuffing A visit to the Harvey Nichols food sandwiches (the best bit about floor, for great Christmas gifts Christmas dinner!) and ginger (including gin baubles) creams, as well as tea and the When we travel we and a quick bite to eat. essential melt-in-the-mouth love to find boutique scones with clotted cream. places – those which are a While we didn’t want to move at all, little quirky but also intimate. it was time for some further idea-gathering So, naturally, we visited our friends through the Christmas markets, and then back at King Street Townhouse. to our hotel. There was maybe even time for a Warmly welcomed on a wintery day, Tom at quick dip in the infinity pool. How crazy is that? reception showed us around the facilities and In the heart of the city, yet a million miles away. to our suite on the fifth floor. In muted greys As the Town Hall clock struck nine, we were and blues, with floor-to-ceiling windows, our first instinct was to cosy up and settle in for the back in our suite, the heavy velvet curtains drawn and our luxurious robes laid out on the evening. It had been a pretty busy week, and bed. Welcome chocolates and Champagne in the stand-alone bath was enormously enticing. hand, I was soon But no, we had shopping – or at the very ensconced in the least, wandering – to do. I do love Manchester. details of the decor, The Town Hall always impresses, as does the from the tiles to the city’s architecture and life, when you take a lighting and books on moment to step back and take it all in. the shelves. With a few pride-of-place shopping bags After a comfortable and ideas in our heads, our feet were a little sleep and unusual tired and our noses a little cold, so we lie-in, we didn’t feel dropped in to Great John Street Hotel, sister like we were in the city hotel to King Street Townhouse, for a spot of at all until we drew back festive afternoon tea. the curtains and saw it laid out before us. With a In the mismatched but very much designer hearty breakfast at the Tavern in our satisfied seats, we whiled away a good couple of hours tummies, we headed home. My thoughts were embracing our festive warmth. A twist on the firmly on recreating the interior design – and traditional tea served, there were clever, quirky the avocado, lime and chilli mix which had nods to the time of accompanied my poached eggs. year. Our fizz was I would also like to mention the team at both warmed with a splash King Street Townhouse and Great John Street. of ginger ale, It is a difficult task to marry professionalism rosemary and with friendliness, but these guys have nailed it redcurrant, which was with a genuine smile. perfect to revive our (eclectichotels.co.uk) chilly bodies and

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

London

machine. Well, we were in one of Kensington’s most desirable addresses. While we were here for a girls’ shopping London is one of my favourite places in the weekend, we could easily see families staying here world for a city break so, when a friend and I for a week and making the most of what was on were planning where to go Christmas shopping, the doorstep. This would also be a great place for we knew we had to include a trip to the capital. us to stay for business, next time we were at HQ. And, for us, it was all about the location. Everything you could need is available, from the We chose Cheval Thorney Court, one of welcome starter pack to the plentiful surrounds. Cheval Residences’ eight amazing properties, The location is ideal, two minutes from tucked away just behind Kensington High Street central Kensington and The Science Museum, and minutes away from Hyde Park: the perfect while the V&A and Natural History Museum location for a bit of sightseeing, shopping and are just 15 minutes walk, along with shops, enjoying a bite to eat. pubs and restaurants to cater for pretty much From the moment the sliding glass doors welcomed us into the lobby, we were treated like all tastes nearby. There are also a couple of handy car-parking spaces available for those family returning home, the friendly porter wishing to drive. helping with our bags and whisking As we reflected on our weekend, us up to our two-bedroom bubbles in hand, feet up and penthouse apartment which surveying our domain, Cheval would be home for the Thorney Court was perfect weekend. A stroll across Hyde Park to for us: a five-star hotel We were greeted with Fortnum & Mason is a experience with all the magnificent views across Christmas-must, as is Hamley’s. We benefits of feeling as Hyde Park, particularly fell in love with Penhaligon’s, drawn though it’s your own home. from the show-stealing in by the tempting scents, and then We’re already planning our wrap-around balcony, popped in to The Ice Bar next stay. upon which we were for refreshments. already envisioning (chevalresidences.com) sundowner drinks after a busy day of shopping. The apartment itself was spacious and airy, with steps from the front entrance to the living areas. Décor matched the elegance of the building: Regency stripes, marble bathrooms and a true stately home feel. Not forgetting the modern conveniences that we cannot live without: for us, namely the Nespresso

By Kathryn Otto

DON’T MISS

Weekend away Hampton Manor WORDs: louisa castle

Michelin-star and boutique hotel feel immediately jumped out at us when we were offered the chance to review Hampton Manor in Hampton-inArden, just outside Birmingham. Run by husband-and-wife team James and Fjona Hill, all our Googling pointed to a young, enthusiastic team of experts behind the offering. As we arrived late on a Friday, thanks to a mad dash down the M6, we were met with the predicted enthusiastic welcome by our tweedbedecked receptionist. Swept away by the Arts and Crafts building and interiors – some I had seen in my beloved Elle Deco – along with new twists, my questions were met with knowledge and interest. My husband’s focus was clearly on the dining experience; however I shall satisfy a little of my interior designer geek-dom first. The Manor was realised by Sir Frederick Peel, son of Sir Robert Peel (of Peelers and Bobbies fame), after his father passed away and he began building a mirror image of the family home in Drayton, designed to host the finest occasions of high society’s social calendar. It had only been in the hands of two other families until the Hills acquired the estate in March 2008. Jan and Derrick Hill have been successful hoteliers for over 25 years, but Hampton Manor is the result of their son James and his wife Fjona’s creativeness. You can imagine the society feet that have passed through the hallways, the grandness of the welcome and the first impression. While this sense of occasion remains, there is an intimacy and warmth as we are shown to our room. There are 15 bedrooms and we are staying in George Fentham, overlooking the formal gardens through a significant bay window draped in

luxurious crimson velvet curtains. Sympathetic to the history of the home with its high ceilings, I am in my element -– a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary, surrounds us. Changed and refreshed, we are ready for dinner, via The Parlour for a lavender-infused gin and tonic and more enthusing on the interior décor. The team is warm but very efficient, picking up on my enthusiasm, but aware of my husband’s desire to eat, and so we are soon shown through to our table at Peel’s. In the wooden-panelled dining room, there is a warmth from the banquet seating to the lighting, and the greeting from the sommelier, Rob. We have chosen the seven-course tasting menu and wine flight, but there is also a four-course and à la carte option. There is a hushed excitement amongst our fellow diners as we eye up each other’s dishes and share our love of food. The menu is seasonal and takes on an autumnal feel with grouse, turnip and damson, duck liver with blackberries and statement cheese on toast. All is presented in earthenware crockery yet with the finesse you would expect from a Michelin-star eatery. The dishes which leave head chef Rob Palmer’s kitchen are classical but modern, focusing on three key flavours per dish. This, to me, is what fine dining is all about. I am not a fan of the harshness and starch associated with some, though each has its place, of course. Forgive me Rob, I cannot recall all the wines, but each went hand-in-hand with its dish and often surprised us – as did the décor, the team and the surroundings. To make your trip extra special, there is Frederick Peel’s study or chef’s table and, for pampering, Hampton Clinic for treatments and relaxation (hamptonmanor.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

SPOTLIGHT ON... lone star, barbados A popular bolthole for some winter sun, this season The Lone Star in Barbados opens its doors and restaurant to non-residents. Liz Taylor visits...

or more than 20 years, The Lone Star Boutique Hotel and Suites, Barbados, has been one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. The boutique property with six exclusive suites and an elegant Coral Stone Beach House, attracts guests looking for a discreet getaway and counts Simon Cowell and Rihanna among its regulars. You don’t need to be staying or dining in the restaurant to visit the Star Bar; although we couldn’t resist also sampling the famous Lone Star food menu. Before we went, I imagined a star-spotter’s paradise, with paparazzi and autograph-hunters loitering outside. I should’ve known Barbados is much too laid back for that. This isn’t the kind of place you go to spot a star; it’s where you go to feel like one. On entering Star Bar, we’re immediately treated like VIPs. Imagine a high-end cocktail bar with a relaxed Caribbean vibe, a beach setting and an ocean view. Its décor is in keeping with the hotel’s signature blue and white tones, with solid mahogany floors. There is a tempting cocktail menu and, much as I would’ve liked to sample them all, I also wanted to remember the experience. We opted for the island’s most famous rum cocktail: the Lone Star Sour (brown rum, lime, lemon liqueur and brown sugar). Everything is bespoke and our cocktails arrived with the rum in a cute, Lone-Star-engraved hipflask, to add as much or as little spirit as we like.

One of the Star Bar’s signature cocktails is the ‘Lone Star Old Fashioned’. Here’s the secret behind the blend:

INGREDIENTS 50ml bourbon 2 bar-spoons brown sugar 3 dashes of cherry bitters Dash of maraschino cherry juice

METHOD To create, simply stir the sugar, cherry bitters and juice. Serve the bourbon in a hip flask (or in the cocktail if you prefer). Garnish with tarragon and cherry frozen in an ice-cube sphere.

The adjacent Lone Star restaurant is also open to non-residents. Nicknamed the ‘Ivy of the Caribbean’, its exclusivity lies not only in its service, but also its location – a gorgeous beach, close to the water’s edge, with open views across the ocean. The food is an informal fusion of European and Caribbean. Seafood features highly and, as an appetiser, I recommend seared scallops, which come with a delicate pepper and

almond purée and sharp, black olive tapenade. My dining companion enjoyed crispy coconut prawns which arrived with a tangy, mango chilli sauce. For those in search of hearty fare, there are comfort dishes aplenty. My friend couldn’t resist the classic homemade shepherd’s pie, while I fully embraced the ocean surroundings, choosing mirin and soy-glazed local barracuda. It felt fitting and uber-indulgent to end our meal with a perfectly moist coconut-and-rum bread pudding, paired with rum-andraisin ice-cream. I could easily get used to this lifestyle. Retiring to the Star Bar to watch the sunset over the water, I am spoilt for choice between a chilled bottle of Champagne or one of their exclusive, bespoke cocktails. Simply being there felt like a celebration and, in a way, we were celebrating – the best of life! Rooms from $450 per night (thelonestar.com) 91

Welcome to Christmas at Carden Park Hotel

With a delightful selection of festive breaks to choose from, we have everything you need here at Cheshire’s Country Estate.

Christmas Breaks from £349 per adult Tuck into a delicious Christmas lunch, snuggle up in front of the fire and listen out for those jingle bells on a relaxing two or three night break.

New Year Breaks from £319 per adult Start 2018 in style with our New Year Adults Gala Dinner Break. Call 01829 731555 to secure your place for the black tie event!

Christmas Gift Vouchers From delicious afternoon tea to spa breaks, treat your loved ones to the gift of Carden this Christmas.

Carden Park Hotel, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 9DQ 01829 731007 reservations@cardenpark.co.uk www.cardenpark.co.uk hotel

golf

spa

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

Dressed for

Dinner

dinner party is the perfect opportunity to get dressed up and look glamorous. But once you’ve chosen your favourite dinner jacket or the perfect little black dress, it’s time to turn your attention to your table, to wow your guests. The foodies out there will know, when it comes to the theatrics of dining, it’s all about the plating, and esteemed chefs always ensure their food is plated to perfection. Many professionals opt for stunning black plates. These will not only show off your culinary skills and enhance the look of your food, but with the emergence of the Scandanese interiors trend, your table will be a stylish talking point. This 2017 trend is the fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian styles, both of which are rooted in simplicity and natural design. We found and fell in love with the perfect little black number for your gathering: with a matt black finish they are beautifully made in natural and tactile material to form a simple but elegant hand-crafted ceramic.

Kuro Ceramic Dinner Plate, £14 (alsohome.com)

High Praise

Food &

Drink news

The Michelin Guide recently unveiled its annual, eagerly anticipated list of Michelin stars for 2018 across the UK and Ireland. Regarded as the most important restaurant guide in the world, the inspectors announced the Michelin-star restaurants for the forthcoming year, and the north-west region definitely has cause to celebrate. The team at Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor has retained its Michelin star for an incredible 28th consecutive year, an achievement matched by only a handful of UK restaurants. The Lake District proved it’s still one of the best food destinations in the UK, with Cumbria’s L’Enclume, Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, and Forest Side all featured in the acclaimed list. Over in Lancashire, Northcote retained its much-deserved, long-held star rating, while Mark Birchall and Andy and Tracey Bell of Moor Hall were delighted to have been granted a prestigious star accolade, just months after opening their restaurant at their stunning 16th-century Grade II-listed manor house. Fraiche of Merseyside and Fischer’s at Baslow Hall in Derbyshire ensured the north west’s representation in the list featured right across the region. Over in Manchester, the battle for a star to be awarded in the city still continues. (guide.michelin.com)

WORDS: JAN CLARKE

Worldly Wines

PURCHASE of the

MONTH

Pickerings Gin Baubles, £30 (gettingpersonal.co.uk) 94

Launching this autumn, Wanderlust Wines is a wine club for wine enthusiasts, focusing on delivering sustainable quality wines created by small producers, and providing the opportunity to explore new wines and regions. The company was founded by Richard Ellison, a former banker and selfprofessed wine fanatic, who has brought together the wines discovered on his travels around the world. The wines are not yet available to the UK market and this, together with Ellison’s forté of identifying boutique producers, makes this club unique. He has found producers who work to sustainable, biodynamic and organic methods of production and has forged special relationships to understand their passion for making individual wines. Club benefits include privileged offers, invitations to exclusive producer selection tastings, and opportunities to ‘meet the producers’ and, of course, try great wine. (wanderlustwine.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

...with Jonny Erlam, Head chef and catering manager at The Colony HQ

What is your favourite food ingredient? As a chef, I love working with many different products and flavours. However, I do have a love of steak because it’s such an adaptable ingredient. Different cuts offer varied textures and it can be used in so many dishes, from Asian cuisine through to traditional plates. Personally, I enjoy a succulent rib-eye, served rare. What is your favourite food? I learnt my love of food and cooking from my mum. From a young age, I helped in the kitchen and watched my mum preparing our meals so, for me, food and family go hand in hand. Family holidays were always a time to experience new dishes and it’s from family holidays in Spain that I discovered tapas. Spanish flavours and the tapas style of dining is something I absolutely love. Here at The Colony we have added little touches of this with the use of ingredients, such as chorizo and our offering of small plates, which are perfect to have during a business lunch. What is your favourite piece of kitchen kit? Ok, so not strictly speaking ‘kitchen kit’ as it’s generally associated with outdoor cooking, but

it’s my charcoal BBQ. Using this is the only way to bring that smokey flavour to your food – especially my rib-eye steak! What is your desert island recipe? The one dish I never tire of eating is garlic prawns. Again, this comes back to my love of Spanish flavours, but also my enjoyment of Asian-style food. I cook the prawns with garlic, chilli and coriander and serve with a chunk of fresh bread to mop up all the lovely juices. (thecolonygroup.co.uk)

Banking on 32

Let Them Eat Cake

Those of you who frequent Tarporley High Street will have noticed the old HSBC building has a new occupant. Phil and Ed Cowap of The Hollies Farm shop in Little Budworth are bringing their new venture, 32 by The Hollies Restaurant, Bar & Hotel, to town. The restaurant offering will be a showcase of the finest fresh produce from their farm shop and butchery, while the interior scheme for the hotel is to be inspired by the brothers’ visits to bars and boutique hotels around the world. Over the next few months the building will be transformed from a disused bank into Tarporley’s next gem. (32bythehollies.co.uk)

Those of you who enjoy a sweet treat will be delighted to learn that beautiful French Patisserie Bisous Bisous is now open in Altrincham. Alex Moreau and Kirsty McAlpine already own a shop in Didsbury, where they sell their exquisite patisserie, viennoiserie, macarons and a selection of bread. Alex and his family have been in the restaurant industry for many years, and his great-grandfather owned a patisserie in Normandy. Their macarons are also available in gorgeous gift boxes, making them the perfect present. (bisousbisous.co.uk) 95

Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

SPOTLIGHT ON... the white horse Chester Racecourse

W ords : jan clarke

Traditional hearty pub food... come rain or shine.

n a recent chilly day, as the remnants of storm Ophelia passed overhead, I took a trip to The White Horse at Chester Racecourse – and it definitely felt like a port in a storm. As the wind quite literally blew us in through the front door, we were greeted by a warm fire. The place felt cosy and the welcome from the staff was as warm as the fireside. We relaxed on the soft leather sofa before being shown to our table in a great spot overlooking the racecourse. The interior design scheme of the pub has been expertly put together. On a cold, wet day it feels inviting, the fires are lit and the soft, muted tartan fabrics give a feeling of being nestled in a secluded loch-side lodge. Yet this look sits comfortably alongside pale woods, soft beige dining chairs and large windows, perfect on a warmer day. Combine all this with the fabulous outdoor terrace complete with a whimsical children’s wooden pirate ship and this place dispels the myth that you can’t please all of the people all of the time. Its location trackside at the racecourse means it’s a must on race days, but also makes for a wonderful escape from the bustle of the centre of Chester, when the course is quiet. The pub has just launched a new menu full of local produce and seasonal fayre, from the autumnal soup served with homemade soda bread and Charlie’s butter, to the Scotch egg with Bury black pudding

“Scotch egg with Bury black pudding, sausage and panko with apple cider chutney”

Great for...

accompanied by sausage and panko with apple-cider chutney or the Menai mussels, smoked bacon, cabbage and Cheshire Cat ale; and that’s just for starters. I began with pan-fried wild mushrooms with garlic and cream, served on hot brioche toast. Creamy and full of autumn flavour, it was the perfect way to begin on a cold day. My dining companion enjoyed the Welsh beef brisket terrine served with fresh horseradish and a vibrant parsley relish. Again, a hearty dish which was beautifully presented on a wooden board. The pub also offers lighter meals and lunches, including seafood club sandwiches, BLTs and steak frites, but as

tempting as all this was, we couldn’t resist going for the full works. The mains are a showcase of great pub food, with dishes such as Gressingham chicken and Weetwood-ale-battered haddock with chips on offer. I went for the pie of the day: a piping hot fish pie full of plump prawns and topped with creamy, cheesy mash, served with buttered greens. My companion chose the vegetable lasagne with layers of charred red peppers, served with a fresh salad and warm, garlicy flatbreads. The White Horse prides itself on offering generous helpings of comfort food, and I can safely say our meal fitted the brief. We studied the pudding menu and tried to convince ourselves that the lemon and strawberry Eton mess, with gooey meringue, was somehow less filling than the decadent sticky toffee pudding or the velvety crème brulée with shortbread biscuits. As our waiter placed a huge fruity sundae topped with whipped cream in front of us and we prepared to dig in, I wondered how many laps around the track we would need to do, to work off our meal, before heading home. (thewhitehorsechester.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

Party

peace

Catering maestros, Horseradish, explain how attention to detail will help them to craft the perfect festive parties this season

he team at Horseradish, one of Cheshire’s outside catering gems, are experts in creating exceptional events and, as the party season approaches, are the ‘go to’ company to spread festive joy at your party. In addition to hosting Christmas party nights at Chester Racecourse and Chester Town Hall, Horseradish offers innovative catering and event delivery direct to your door. If you’re hosting a Christmas soirée and want to make a lasting impression, the team will do all the hard work, sprinkle Christmas stardust and provide everything to wow your guests. With their imaginative approach to each individual occasion, the catering and event creatives promise to bring you a bespoke, quality experience like no other and, with Horseradish on hand, you can relax in the knowledge that your Christmas event will run smoothly with outstanding food, drinks and service. Their talented chefs are experts in designing delicious menus to fit each individual brief, using the freshest and finest produce. Max Gnoyke, consultant chef at Horseradish Catering, explains, “The expectation from clients is to work together to deliver their vision, crafting delicious dishes accompanied by memorable service and presentation – especially at our favourite time of the year. With us, no idea from a client is ever ruled out. We’ve loved working with some fantastically creative people to collaboratively deliver a really indulgent catering experience for

guests, from five-course fine dining Christmas banquets to buffet-style hog roasts, as well as New Year’s canapés and cocktails.” Detail is key when it comes to super stylised conceptual execution, which is why Horseradish has also introduced a full stylist service. Styled by Horseradish offers a bespoke service, with a dedicated team on hand to look after every detail of event planning, design and delivery. Drawing on their wealth of industry experience, this team of professionals includes an event planner, stylist, florist and a sommelier, to name a few. Angus Wilson, head of catering for Horseradish, tells us, “With a meticulous, innovative and personal approach, we aim to work closely with you to pull together the details and create a seamless, stylish celebration exceeding all expectations. Clients are no longer choosing us solely based on the food that we produce, but the presentation and theatre too. From an intimate dinner in somebody’s dining room to entertaining 200 guests in a rural setting, every occasion should be unforgettable.” Whether you’re celebrating the big day itself, throwing an intimate get-together for friends, or seeing in the New Year at your place, Horseradish can help you to create a truly unforgettable event, creating memories for your guests that last well into 2018. Call the team on 01244 304 660 to discuss your requirements: they would love to hear from you. (horseradishcatering.com)

“Delicious dishes accompanied by memorable service” 97

A Break

With Tradition

Jan Clarke talks to Adam Reid, chef patron at Adam Reid at The French as he shares his favourite recipes for show stopping alternatives to the usual turkey lunch and Christmas pudding

hristmas is a time for family and friends, which means plenty of visitors and house guests. Which, in turn, means cooking, lots of cooking. For a chef, this doesn’t sound like much of a break from work. So, how do they survive the festive season? Do the Christmas elves step in or is it just a busman’s holiday? I talk to Adam Reid of Manchester’s iconic The French to find out. Adam enjoys spending time over the Christmas holidays with family and visiting his or his wife’s

parents. He explains, “It used to mean a lot of hard work, due to the nature of my job. But now we close for a week at Christmas, so I can really enjoy the time with my family.” He takes advantage of the break and doesn’t prepare the whole Christmas lunch, leaving this mostly to family, but he does help in the kitchen. To say I’m a little envious of his family to receive help from such an accomplished chef is an understatement. Having found out who prepares the lunch, I’m keen to know what is served up in the Reid household.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

METHOD

Adam tells me, “I love the whole ‘sharing’ style of dining where INGREDIENTS everyone helps 1 Goosnargh Duck Crown themselves, and I have A carrier bag full of Heather to say I prefer ham or 250g cherries roasted duck to the 150ml Red Wine Vinegar traditional turkey.” 500g Purple Beetroot Adam’s childhood 100g Chanterelle memories of Christmas Mushrooms are centred around 250g Coarse Sea Salt family and, like many of 250g Fine Salt us, also include eating 250g Plain Flour hard sprouts and burnt 1lt Duck or Beef stock pigs in blankets! However, he fondly 200g Honey recalls his Mum’s prawn 100g Sherry Vinegar cocktail and that there 2g Ground Juniper was always a choice of 2g Ground Black Pepper four desserts on offer; to which he admits to always having a portion of each. As we talk, I’m keen to get his top Christmas cooking tips, in the hope that this year, I can wow my guests. Adam reveals, “It’s all down to preparation. Do as much as you can beforehand on Christmas Eve. If the preparation is done together with any pre-cooking, then your day will be much more enjoyable and lunch service will be smoother.” Plan of action firmly in place, Adam shares his favourite recipes for an alternative Christmas lunch with added ‘wow factor’. For those of you feeling adventurous this year, delight your guests with Adam’s Honey Roasted Duck Breast with Baked Beets and Pickled Cherry and finish with an incredible Clementine, White Chocolate and Buckthorn dessert. (the-french.co.uk)

1. To smoke the duck, use a small barbecue outside. Soak the heather in water and place on hot coals (it will smoke quickly). Place the duck over this on a rack and cover. Leave for 10 minutes, then remove. Boil the honey, vinegar, juniper and pepper, then cool to make the glaze. 2. To make the salt dough, mix salt with flour and bind with cold water to form a shortcrust -style dough. You can use this straight away. 3. Now for the cherries. When picked, wash in cold water, fill a jam jar and cover with vinegar and a piece of wax paper, then fasten the lid on. Leave for at least a week in a cool, dark place. For this dish, take half and strain, process in a blender and pass through a sieve. 4. To prepare the sauce, add the cherry purée and vinegar left over from the jar to the duck stock. Reduce to a thick, syrupy sauce, reserve until needed. 5. To pickle beet slices, wash and peel beets, slice very finely with a mandolin then cut out with a two-inch cutter. Cover with cherry vinegar and boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool in the liquor. 6. For salt-baked beets, wash in cold water, top and tail and remove dirt. Wrap in salt dough individually. Ensure they are well sealed and bake at 180°C for around 30 minutes, remove from oven and leave to steam. 7. To serve, colour duck crown in a frying pan with a little oil, place in the oven skin side down at 180°C for 6-8 minutes, then turn onto rib side, smother with glaze and roast for a further 6-8 minutes. Rest on a cooling rack for 10 minutes before carving slices and arranging on a plate. Remove the beetroot from the dough. Scrape away the skin, slice 2cm thick and cut out with a cutter, place on the plate and lay discs of the pickled beetroot on top. Sauté the mushrooms in a little butter, season and drain. Sprinkle over the beetroot then drizzle sauce around.

more online

For Adam’s Great British Menuwinning Clementine dessert, visit

thecheshiremagazine.co.uk

Piste Christmas

T A R P O R L E Y | S A N D B A C H www.pistewinebars.com 55 High St, Tarporley CW6 0DP 01829 732483

45 High St, Sandbach CW11 1AL 01270 768923

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

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

Chester Medi Spa Team Louise Collister, Josie Moore, Melanie Warren, Danielle Taylor & Carolie Sadler

MJ Greenhalgh, Angela Gardiner, Sian Walley, Leila Bibby

INDULGENCE

Caroline Sadler & Louise Collister

MediSPA, Chester Clients and ladies of Cheshire attended MediSPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Luxury Indulgence Evening in association with Abi Fisher womenswear and Hoity Toity Shoes, with Champagne and canapĂŠs courtesy of Opera Bar and Grill. With demonstrations of the very latest medically proven treatment and equipment, some early shopping and a little pampering, the evening was a great success. (chestermedispa.co.uk; individualrestaurants.com; abifisher.co.uk; hoitytoityshoes.com)

Karen Littlewood & Jo Heald

Ruth Moran & Nicola Binks

Abi Fisher, Caroline Sadler and Tiffany Thomas

Flora Broach & Tiffany Thomas

101

Anne, Kane & Roger Reynolds Rachael Watts & Alper Aslan Gasia

A STITCH IN TIME Gieves & Hawkes, 1-3 St Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Row, Chester Bringing together the skilled craftsmen and women who create bespoke pieces which are cherished for generations, Gieves & Hawkes invited clients and partners to an exclusive evening with Nina Penlington, Gieves & Hawkes cutter. Supported by Bentley, Rommulous Rost, head of interior design at Mulliner Bentley, also entertained guests, alongside sculptor Tim Potts. (gievesandhawkes.com)

Christopher Cronin & Mark Gillette Interior Design

Nina Penlington Saville Row G&H Cutter

Graeme & Daphne Fraser Bell

Simon & Gini & Michael Borland

102

Anne Godwin & Brian Garbett

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Photography by winners Stephen Gleave Photography and guests Dave Nelson

Emma & Simon Gregson WHO RECEIVED AN AWARD FOR TELEVISION ACTING

NICK & EVA SPEAKMAN FOR MOTIVATIONAL & THERAPEUTIC SERVICES

Paddy McGuiness for television comedy and business

Bob Richardson for art

Young Ambassador FOR VARIETY

LEGENDS OF INDUSTRY Phil Jones and table celebrating with Sara Rowbotham

David Emanuel for fashion

NODDY HOLDER MBE FOR MUSIC

SARA ROWBOTHAM FOR HUMANITARIAN

The Hilton, Manchester The annual event honoured and celebrated those who have achieved outstanding success in their chosen fields of business and industry while raising vital funds for Variety, the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charity to support sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. Supported by headline sponsor, Cerberus Group along with Davenham Asset Finance, Reward Finance Group, Grant Thornton, Close Brothers, A2E Venture Catalysts, Leonard Curtis and a room full of 500 local business people and supporters, thousands of pounds were raised on the night for children of the northwest region. (variety.org.uk)

LEE SHARPE FOR SPORT

Aiden Byrne for culinary services

GED ASON FOR RECRUITMENT

Lyn Staunton and friends

103

HOGWARTS MEETS HALLOWE’EN Chester Racecourse The Queen’s School community came together for a night of fun and fundraising. The school parents’ association toiled and troubled for weeks to conjure up a school ball like no other and themed of all things ghastly and ghoulish, thanks to the outgoing headmistress’s love for Harry Potter. The sparkling drinks reception was sponsored by Boodles, opened by The Queen’s Chamber Choir with a selection of songs inspired by the JK Rowling novels and followed by a Daft Lord Punk flashmob. After dinner and potions, the auction and raffle raised thousands for the school, before the evening was closed by a thriller disco. (thequeensschool.co.uk)

parents & guests enjoy the evening

Head Mrs Sarah Clark with Deputy Head Joanne Keville

parents & guests enjoy the evening

Chamber Choir performing Double Trouble

Megan Rofe sings ‘With You’ from Ghost

harry potter, dark lord funk flash mob

SHINING STARS The Hilton, Manchester Northwest celebrities came out to support the 11th Star Ball at Hilton Manchester Deansgate but they weren’t just there to enjoy a five-star meal and rub shoulders with the region’s movers and shakers, as over £1.5million was raised for the DM Thomas Foundation and the Yiannis Christodoulou Foundation. (Hilton.com) Leanne Brown, John Cameron, Tanya Bardsley

leanne brown & tanya bardsley

104

Kym Marsh & Matt Baker

DNA

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Jenny Sumner, Jilly Sumner, Jacky Sumner, Ellie from Abode

Izzy Grey We Love Cheshire, Julie Swinnerton, Heidi Milner, Rob Dowd

Alina Dumitru & James Purser

EATS & BEATS

Kathryn Otto and Matthew OBrien

Nicola Laithwaite, Marie Gerrard, Sian Simon Berkson

Gary Carter, Cathy Carter, NIk and Sally Haggart

Brasserie Abode, Chester Chester glitterati turned out in style to celebrate the launch of the new Brasserie Abode within the Abode Hotel, Chester with cocktails, Champagne and Brasserie eats. The beats were provided by DJ Ems and Girls that Mix. (abodechester.co.uk)

Heidi MIlner, Emma WestBrook, MIchelle Cracknell & Julie Mogan

Mark Burn, Sarah Amelia, Amy Hughes Caroline and Rob Dowd

Rachel Appleton Radiographer Chester Hospital, Elizabeth Montgomery The Grosvenor Museum

Chris Nixon, Rob Dowd, Caroline and Amy Hughes

Jennifer Sale & Melanie Parry

Emma Westbrook, MIchelle CRacknell & Julie Mgan

105

Dan Evans (Homestyle), Joe Joinson (Protos Networks), Darren Kewley (Protos Networks), James Roberts (James Roberts Design)

Jolliffe & Co, the Chester based law firm, celebrates their best listing in the UK Legal 500 with clients

Steve Jones (Array Tech), Jayne Atkinson, Paul Grasske (Micro Materials)

Nick Jenkins (UHY), Peter Cooke, Sarah Ryan (CEO, Jolliffes), Peter Anderson (Senior Partner, Jolliffes)

Gabrielle Shaw (Boodles), Lucy Meacock (ITV News), Jonathan Gould (Boodles)

Faye Sherlock (Alchemist), Nolan Hodkinson (Steris), David Miller (Vodaphone), Jamie Christon (Chester Zoo), Gabrielle Shaw (Boodles), Jonathan Gould (Boodles), Simon Williams (managing partner, Jolliffes)

106

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Julian Hughes (Kickstart2employment), Tim Hill (Financial Game), zoe Hughes, Sue Hill

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES Steve Egerton (Rhino Products), Alex Connah (trainee solicitor Jolliffes), Sophie Cahill, Jayne Egerton

Kurt Hutcheon (Hutcheon Construction), Gareth Griffiths (Rosebridge), Darren Crane (Innes Reid)

Amy Walters (Boodles), Helen Rigby (Cable Systems), Jonathan Rigby (Cable Systems) and Patrick Gatenby (Orcid)

Delamere Manor Jolliffe & Co LLP held an informal private party for clients, referrers and friends at the majestic Delamere Manor. The Chester-based law firm was celebrating client wins from all over the UK and their best ever listing in the UK Legal 500. In addition, they welcomed Jolliffes’ new Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Ryan, and thanked Peter Anderson, who retires from Jolliffes at Christmas after 42 years of loyal service. During the exclusive evening guests were greeted in the orangerie with a glass of prosecco and canapés. Entertainment included pianist Conal Duffy, magic and comedy from Kay Dyson with music from Jay & John Acoustic Duo and DJ Paul Geddes. Delamere Manor, Gary Barlow’s former residence, is a hidden gem close to Chester which regularly hosts the rich and famous. Guests had the opportunity to explore the stunning house and enchanting grounds. The Fine Dining Co has become synonymous with excellence, quality and service and teased taste buds with sumptuous bites of brilliance. Managing Partner, Simon Williams said; “Clients from all over the UK helped us celebrate continuing successes and our commitment to professionalism, growth and excellence.” (jolliffes.com; delameremanor.co.uk; magickay.com; thefinediningcompany.co.uk)

Gareth Pugh (RSM) + Paul Moss (Ravensmere Construction), Ken Jones (Jones Melling Construction);

107

Christmas LADIES LUNCH supporting

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, LUXURY SHOPPING AND FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA £55 per ticket - sold as tables of 10 (Percentage of each ticket goes to the charity)

At: Colshaw Hall, Over Peover, Cheshire Date: Thursday 30th November 10.30am to 4.00pm Fizz and canapes on arrival Goody bags Hand-selected shopping stalls Live entertainment Makeup master class by Tammy Faye Delicious Christmas afternoon tea Charity Raffle Award Winning Aesthetic Therapist, Skin Genius, talk on High Street Skincare ‘V’ Cosmeceutical Products

mooi

b e a u t i f u l

l i v i n g

kiki.minchin For more information or to book your table contact

Irlam Warburton Events: enquiries@irlamwarburtonevents.com 07791-591-186 07971-851-811 www.irlamwarburtonevents.com

5262 IWE Ladies Lunch Poster v6.indd 1

19/09/2017 20:28

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Horsing around

f there’s one thing even today’s tech-obsessed kids can’t resist, it’s a rocking horse – and of all the incarnations of this traditional classic now available, our favourite has to be Tennyson. Designed for ages three and above and set on a walnut-stained swinging stand, Tennyson is dressed in a textured chocolate and cream woven check fabric, with a softly padded brown leatherette saddle and matching leatherette bridle, plus a scrunchy faux-suede mane and tail and adjustable stirrups. Tennyson Rocking Horse, £299.95 (littlebirdtoldme.co.uk)

109

Kids’ news Furry Friends

Editor’s

PICK

Chloé coat, £490 available at Harrods

We love these gorgeous animal faces from Wild & Soft, a Belgian company which produces the softest of handmade kids’ accessories. Inspired by nature, the collection includes a whole range of animals – from giraffes and bears to elephants and this lovely lion – to sit on your wall and keep your toddler entranced. (wildandsoft.com)

Going Green New Born Harrods has hand-picked its favourite brands to create the ultimate baby shopping destination, which has now launched in its childrenswear department. Expect clothing, nursery furniture and prams. Available at Harrods 110

Staying true to its eco-friendly credentials, Mini Rodini’s AW17 collection is made using 99 per cent sustainable materials. Animal and floral prints inspired by The Secret Garden adorn a selection of casual pieces, including overalls and puffa jackets. From £14 (minirodini.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

MR HENDRIX leashed

Make Your Mark This season, Charlotte Olympia takes a back seat from her role as designer to let kids take the reins. In her new collaboration with Crayola, budding Picassos can personalise their own pair of canvas slip-on sneakers with a pack of fabric markers. £195 (charlotteolympia.com)

I love this time of year! Anji and Aston are busy decorating the tree and digging out all our Christmas jumpers. Aston’s favourite is a cheeky reindeer number with a bright red nose, and I have a special doggy jumper with sparkly snowflakes for when we go carol singing around the huge Christmas tree in the square, before I curl up in front of the fire and dream of bone-shaped presents under the tree. This Christmas I’m even more excited than usual, as I’ve teamed up with Gulliver’s World to bring you a Christmas treat! Ho Ho Hold on to your Christmas hats, because I have four Extravaganza Package tickets for a day at Gulliver’s Santa’s Winter Wonderland to give away, worth £26.95 each and including a roast turkey dinner, access to Christmas shows, rides and attractions and even a visit to Santa himself. For a chance to win, just go to my Facebook page and share my post about Gulliver’s.

“Needless to say, Christmas at Gulliver’s is packed full of excitement”

Jump Around

loves

Launched earlier this year, Aquazzura Mini offers reinterpreted versions of its popular women’s shoe styles, such as the seasonal PomPom and the Christy (pictured), which has been given an oriental twist with delicate silk and pearl detailing. From £165 (aquazzura.com)

Gulliver’s World has been providing magic for over 35 years at its fantastic fun filled theme parks and attractions. Perfect for families with children aged between two and 13 years, older children will love the excitement of the dodgems, log flumes and tree-top swings, while the younger ones can play around in the clown school. Needless to say, Christmas at Gulliver’s is packed full of excitement: make some tasty treats in Mrs Christmas’ Kitchen; become an honorary elf at Gulliver’s Elf School; or be transported into a winter wonderland with Christmas rides, shows and attractions. And if you can’t make the Winter Wonderland, you can still get involved with Gully’s Around the World New Year Celebrations, back and bigger than ever to welcome in the new year with a bang. Every hour they will celebrate the new year arriving in a different country, including South Africa, Russia and India. Wrap up warm, put on your dancing boots and discover activities, entertainment and magical shows all the way through to midnight, when there’ll be a fantastic Northern Lights firework show. Until next time, wishing you all peace, love and happiness. Love and Christmas licks,

Mr Hendrix x (facebook.com/mrhendrixandfriends; gulliversfun.co.uk) 111

Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

A Sporting

Chance

Withington Girls’ School aims to further boost sports performance and participation levels through the development of a new £1.75m Sports Centre, scheduled to open next spring

ollowing the opening of its £5m Junior School and Hub two years ago, work has now commenced to transform the existing gym and sports hall into an ‘inspirational’ new amenity. Under the remodelling and extension scheme, there will be an expanded area for sports and PE, with viewing galleries, a large fitness suite, a multi-purpose ‘mind and body’ studio to promote wellbeing, and a light and airy reception and hospitality area. Withington’s sports teams and elite athletes will benefit from these significant improvements to training facilities - but Headmistress Mrs Sarah Haslam says the space will play an integral role in the School’s Health and Development Plan, providing ‘something for everyone’, including Junior School pupils whose timetable includes daily PE lessons.

“Withington’s sports teams and elite athletes will benefit from these significant improvements” “As a relatively small school, we have always punched above our weight in terms of sporting achievement, and in recent years, our pupils have enjoyed significant sporting success. Our current facilities, however, do not reflect the School’s sporting capability. Our vision is to transform our sports facilities in a way that will help motivate our girls to get active and stay active for life,” said Mrs Haslam. With outstanding A-Level and GCSE results, Withington Girls’ School is recognised as the top independent girls’ school in the north of England and is also lauded for its broad extracurricular programme and active community service. Entry is selective, with entrance exams in January. (wgs.org) Withington girls’ school Year 8 and Year 9 teams are current joint Manchester Schools Rounders Champions

112

“A friendly, caring environment in which each girl can feel confident and flourish”

2018 ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS For Year 7 entry:

Friday 12th January 2018

For Years 3-6 entry:

Saturday 20th January 2018

To arrange a tour of the School please call 0161 224 1077 To arrange a tour call 0161 224 1077 Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL

wgs1094_entrance-2017-a_297x210_v1.indd 1

wgs.org

Means -tested bursaries now available from Year 5 upwards

30/10/2017 09:23

Ask the

Experts Two experts offer their advice for two very relevant challenges today: technology and planning for the future

Life After School Anne Morris, Yipiyap

lanning for life after school is a daunting experience these days. Many parents will remember, as I do, a time when careers advice was scant and the options were going to university to study your favourite subject or straight into a trade or a job in the local economy of your area. That was pretty much it. These days schools work hard to encourage aspiration and do far more to make young people aware of the career opportunities available to them, running regular careers fairs with information on everything from apprenticeships to the army, and from graduate schemes at Aldi to make-up technicians for stage and screen. And that’s just for the 50 per cent who aren’t straight off to uni. Of course, for a Maths graduate (Maths was my favourite subject) whose fellow Maths graduates all went into either teaching or accountancy (both of which I have been), this array of options available to my 17-year-old son is a fantastic step forward. However, the whole subject of deciding what you want to do after school does hinge on one key point – having some idea of what that is. At Yipiyap, we employ students who have opted to take a gap year after school or college and we know all too well how emotionally demanding Year 13 is in respect of exams, university applications and the growing awareness that you’ll soon have to leave home, family and all your friends behind. For many young people, making such a huge decision about their future in this emotional state adds to the strain at a time

in their lives when the pressure is already high – with so much apparent choice at your fingertips there’s always the chance that there’s a better option out there. Although bucking the trend to go straight to university and taking a gap year is a brave decision, we find that the outcomes for our young colleagues are far better than if they had made a bad decision under pressure. A year out, whatever you choose to do, has many benefits – allowing time to plan the future without the pressure of an imminent decision, growing in maturity and gaining self-confidence, holding down a job, opportunities for travel, developing money-management skills and independence in a secure environment – and with the drop-out rate of students being lower after having a gap year, universities look increasingly favourably on such applicants. It’s ideal if there is support from home and there must be something productive to do, but with the right planning, a gap year could be the best decision of your life! (yipiyap.co.uk)

“A year out, whatever you choose to do, has many benefits” 114

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Tech Play vs Active Play Gill Hayward and Kellie Forbes, YUU

omputer games aren’t just for teenage boys and 30-something nerds any more. Smartphones, tablets and other devices have brought computer games into the mainstream, meaning anyone can play without an expensive console. But is more computer gaming a good thing for our kids? A whopping 93 per cent of kids aged 7-10 play computer games on a regular basis, with more than a third spending between one and two hours a day playing. As a parent, I’ve sometimes felt quite guilty about giving my son an iPad, even if it does keep him entertained playing an educational app. It feels a bit like lazy parenting and I worry it could be messing with his mind, or he should be reading a book instead. Most video games are enjoyable because they constantly reward us for our actions: we collect all of the white dots and are rewarded with hundreds of points. The action-reward mechanism also lies behind human learning: we avoid actions that lead to unpleasant experiences while repeating those which have a pleasurable outcome. Pleasure, in this case, is moderated by the dopamine response. When we pass the level, obtain the star or beat the boss, we gain a little hit of dopamine that registers as pleasure. It’s our brain’s in-built training mechanism, so it’s easy to see how kids can get addicted (and why there’s a battle when you try and take it from them). While an in-game action could be relatively benign, it could just as easily be destructive. Picture a game where you are rewarded for punching someone in the face, for example. Some studies have shown that violent video games are preferred by many children, especially

boys, and contribute to anti-social activity as well as lower competence in key areas of life. These games also tend to trigger our fight-or-flight response, leading to heightened arousal and stress. In this state we short-cut the frontal lobe of our brain, where all the higher-level thinking goes on, and switch into our more primitive brain. This can make us moody and aggressive – our bodies literally think they’re fighting for survival. Hopefully most of us aren’t letting our seven-year-olds play graphically violent games but, surprisingly, studies have shown that the fight-or-flight response can be triggered regardless of content – all a game needs is our emotional buy-in. And I don’t know about you, but I’m not always down with what games are in, and I could monitor what my kids are playing online a little better. If kids are playing video games then they’re not out playing with their friends – but you worry about letting them play out with their friends, too; it’s hard to win being a parent! Not only might this inhibit their social development, but a lack of physical activity has also been blamed for rising child obesity. However, some studies have shown that playing sports video games actually leads to an increase in real-life sports activity. If kids gain confidence through a video game they are more likely to try it in real life. That’s the current theory, anyway. So, perhaps video games can actually have a positive effect...

“I’ve sometimes felt guilty about giving my son an iPad, even if it does keep him entertained” 115

Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine

While games do use reward stimulus, this actually helps kids develop some advanced cognitive skills. Virtually every video game requires players to follow instructions, strategise and problem-solve in order to gain the reward. Certain types of games are better at developing different skills, depending on the gameplay. Simulation games, for example, require management of resources, mapping, strategy and quick thinking. In-game money requires players to do maths to see if they can afford items or unlocks. And so on. Arguably, the reward stimulus mechanism is much more effective at teaching children cognitive skills, making the learning feel far more relevant than learning abstract times tables. From the simplest games to the most complex, video games require some degree of hand-eye coordination. Yes, it’s coordination on a 2D plane, but these are likely the skills that our kids will need when they grow up, and in the future their work will be in the realms of computers, so getting kids used to using screens is good preparation for later life. Maybe it sounds ridiculous, but some futurologists have predicted that a lot of work currently done by hand will be controlled by computers with input from humans. Picture the operating theatre of the future where your child conducts an intricate surgical operation using an iPad connected to a robotic arm. Video games could be the best training we could be giving them. Just because kids aren’t going out to play with their friends doesn’t mean they aren’t being social. Many new games are online multiplayer games (MMOs) which connect players from around the world. They must work together to accomplish a specific goal, teaching social skills as well as sharing, planning and individual strengths. For children that find social situations challenging, these MMO

games are the perfect opportunity to gain some social experience, build confidence and make friends. It’s okay to get things wrong, to fall out with online friends, because you can log in and find new ones fairly simply. Socially awkward children can then test new ways of behaving and communicating that they can transfer to the real world – just remember to be aware of who they are talking with online. So, should I feel bad about handing my son the iPad when he’s bored and I’m busy? Probably not, as long as video game play is balanced out with some real-world interaction. Physical activities will help him enjoy the outdoors and value nature, not to mention warding off obesity and related diseases. Realworld games, such as board games and cards, can be just as effective at teaching developmental skills as video games, too. Plus, there is the immediate, face-to-face social element – he learns to read my reactions and incorporate that information into his strategy for winning. I won’t pretend it’s easy – even the best laid plans often go awry. But I can’t help but think that balancing video games with real-life play is one of the most important challenges that we, as parents, face. Without any video gaming, our kids will grow up maladapted to the time they live in. Too much and we risk scrambling their brain. YUU was founded in 2010 with the launch of the first range of kids’ activity backpacks offering an exciting, durable and portable solution to providing entertainment for children on-the-go which combines tech play with active play. (yuuworld.com)

“From the simplest games to the most complex, video games require hand-eye coordination” 116

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

The classroom Happy Talk The children at The Firs School, Chester have recently started taking a new class and are all very happy about it. Their new ‘My Happy Mind’ class helps the children to understand the benefits of managing their own minds, teaches them to celebrate themselves and others and how to build positive relationships. The classes are science based and built on psychology and neuroscience research to create positive, sustainable and growth-orientated behaviour. All the pupils at The Firs School attend weekly classes where, through mindfulness, they develop a habit of gratitude, positivity and how to set goals for themselves. (firsschool.net)

Shake it Baby With more young children spending time glued to screens, phones and ipads, Public Health England has launched a ‘Shake Up’ campaign across the north west. The campaign has been launched in conjunction with Change4life and Disney, and encourages children to be more active all year round. The programme offers different ten-minute activities featuring their favourite Disney characters as inspiration. The campaign is also being supported by a number of Team GB athletes, including Olympic swimmer Keri-Anne Payne, who have lent their voices to this campaign to encourage more children to get involved. This is an important campaign for Sports England who help families try new sports and physical activities locally. (nhs.uk/10-minute-shake-up)

Geographical Greatness The Queens School has been awarded The Secondary Geography Quality Mark (SGQM) in recognition of excellence in teaching and learning in geography. SGQM is a prestigious award which recognises quality and progress in geography leadership, curriculum development, learning and teaching. It also acknowledges student attainment, progress and achievement in geographical knowledge, understanding, values and skills. A rigorous moderation process must be adhered to before an award can be issued, and the SGQM team were hugely impressed by The Queens School and their innovative approach to teaching in this subject. Head of Geography, Miss Aldridge, commented: “We are so proud to have achieved this award on the back of an outstanding year of exam results.” (thequeensschool.co.uk)

117

homes and

interiors showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY IN CHESHIRE AND BEYOND

A mid-winter

DAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DREAM Locally based interior designer Janey Butler gives us a glimpse of her world

LUXURY FURNITURE | LIGHTING | ACCESSORIES

INSPIRATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN

uberinteriors.com thedesignpractice.com 01565 621620 Chelford Road Ollerton Knutsford Cheshire WA16 8SB

UBER-TheCheshire-DPS-Dec-Issue v1 AW.indd 1

02/11/2017 08:23

08:23

UBER-TheCheshire-DPS-Dec-Issue v1 AW.indd 2

02/11/2017 08:23

Eclectic Electric in store NOVEMBER

NEW – e-touch Control System • • • • •

Touch Screen operation Bluetooth Connectivity Smart phone app capability Rechargeable power source Wall mounted or portable options

Functions • • • •

Built-in room temperature thermostat Programmable 7 day timer Visual heat output display Touch slide dimmer function

Stanley Green Retail Park, Earl Road, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, Cheshire, SK8 6PT Tel: 0161 488 4991 | Website: fireplacesuperstore.com

Homes and Interiors

Home & Garden News The very latest news, advice and trends from the world of interior design

Fresh Scents A new name in the fragrance world, Lavender & Lillie is a family-run candle and beauty brand that offers a selection of candles in collectable porcelain jars, with both scents and designs inspired by founder Lillie Edgar’s childhood memories and her travels around the world. Home fragrances from £42 (lavenderandlillie.com)

loves

Cosy Couture Being a family unit as well as a design duo, Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi have easily reworked their English garden eccentricity for the home. Preen’s romantic range of English garden-inspired eiderdowns and feather-filled silk satin cushions are made from prints from their ready-to-wear fashion collections. Staying in has never looked so stylish. From £120 (preenbythorntonbregazzi.com)

The Right Stripes To mark its 20th anniversary this year, The Rug Company has collaborated with fashion designers Sir Paul Smith and Dame Vivienne Westwood on a selection of floor coverings, including the above, for which Smith has reworked his signature stripe print. From £1,619 (therugcompany.com)

123

Home & GARDEN news

HOT PLATES

#1 Folklore Plate, £18, Matisse in the Studio Collection at the Royal Academy (roy.ac/shop)

Alone in Kyoto It’s all change at Achille Salvagni again. In the new Kyoto collection, the designer takes leave of his usual grandiose Roman roots for the more serene and minimal scenes of East Asia. Onyx, bronze and gold leaf still take centre stage: our favourite pieces are the Gae chair (pictured above) and the glowing, jewel-like Oyster mirror and sconces. Until 12 January (achillesalvagni.com)

#2 Coupe salad plate, £65, Richard Brendon x Patternity (richardbrendon.com)

A Room of One’s Own

#3 Skorpios plate, from £80, Themis Z for Dior Maison (dior.com; themisz.com)

124

Award-winning hand, bath and body company Crabtree & Evelyn has recently launched its brand new British Modern Home collection – and it is, of course, exquisite. Featuring a contemporary line of candles and diffusers designed to complement different areas of your home, among the scents on offer are ‘Warm & Welcome’ for the hallway; ‘Supper Club’ for the kitchen; ‘Memories Made’ for the lounge; and ‘Seaside Vibes’ for the bathroom. Wintery nights in just got a whole lot cosier. (crabtree-evelyn.co.uk)

Homes and Interiors

TWEET of the MONTH Bowerbird Interiors @BowerbirdInt

In The Wings

Nude: a diluted shade of blush, a colour that works with almost everything #propertystyling #tips #trends

Originally designed for Shoreditch House, Tom Dixon’s popular Wingback chair has been rescaled to a smaller, living room-friendly size for those who wish to recreate the trendy members’ club at home. The statement seat – aptly named the Micro Wingback – is available in a range of finishes and colours. From £1,700 (tomdixon.net)

#interiortip Paradigm Realty @paradigm_realty By Placing your furniture around the edges of your living room, it helps to open up the centre allowing you to move around freely. #InteriorTip

# H o m e W e bwatch : F o r l u x u r y fa u x C hr i stmas tr e e s , we love…

thewhitecompany.com balsamhill.co.uk coxandcox.co.uk

Words of wisdom

“Life should be chic, glamorous and colourful – and so should your home.” – Jonathan Adler, American designer (jonathanadler.com)

Prints Charming Liberty of London is continuing its string of successful interiors collaborations by joining forces with Anthropologie. Launching this month, the collection sees Liberty lend its heritage prints to a range of furniture, soft furnishings and chinaware. From £12 for accessories (anthropologie.com)

125

Homes and Interiors

Home & GARDEN news

Accurate property pricing – a higher valuation isn’t always good news W O R D S : C r i sp i n H arr i s M R I C S

Holding out for a higher price for your property? If so, there’s a chance you could be jeopardising your sale. Rightmove recently carried out some research that showed the importance vendors place on getting an accurate valuation of their home. You might be surprised to learn that it came at the bottom of the pile, below creating a property advert, having an agent conduct the viewings, adding the property to Rightmove, negotiations and post-‘sale agreed’ service. It’s a pretty important aspect of a sale, so relying on an agent that might inflate your property valuation to win your business is a risky strategy. Getting it wrong at the beginning can set vendors up for a lengthy sales process, when it could all be so much easier.

Smeg Site Smeg, the Italian brand that makes kitchen appliances chic, has opened an immense new flagship in the regenerated St James’s Market area of London. The building boasts the largest single-pane glass windows in the city, which front the three-floor store. Browse for collaborations with the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, try produce from Montecoppe (the family farm over in Emilia-Romagna), marvel at the living wall or watch a live cooking demonstration. (smeguk.com)

Buyers may be put off, and won’t engage, if they think the price isn’t accurate Accurate pricing is critical! Buyers are nervous about value, but know that it’s simple to make a comparison of property asking prices on the Internet, so if yours is off the mark, they will know. Buyers may be put off, and won’t engage with you, if they think the price isn’t accurate. They may think your expectations are too high and that there would be little point in negotiating. Sellers want the best price for their property, and need to ensure they cover their moving costs, but shouldn’t be wooed by agents who over-value their property. It’s nearly always followed by disappointment. Sellers would be wise to ignore agents that offer false gifts, and should ask themselves ‘is this a fair price?’, ‘What is the agent’s comparable data?’, ‘Why have they chosen that price?’. As ever, choose an agent with a good understanding of your local property market and prices, and one who will be honest with you about your property’s worth.

126

Let it Shine To add a cosy, quirky glow to your home this winter, why not invest in a set of rechargable USB strong lights from fun Aussie interiors brand Yellow Octopus? Each string comes connected to a faux cork, so all you have to do is peel the labels off your empty coloured bottles (we can think of a certain gin just begging to be used) and put the light inside. To activate, all you have to do is twist the cork, creating a beautiful, ambient light. (yellowoctopus.com.au)

Coming soon, an exquisite piece of history

Lovingly restored, Backford Hall takes pride of place at the heart of Backford Park, offering a mix of stunning 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, perfect for those looking for an extraordinary home in beautiful surroundings. Imaginatively combining original features with a superior specification, these extraordinary homes have been restored with character and contemporary design in equal measure. Register your interest for an exclusive invitation to the opening of the new Show Apartment.

For more information or to register your interest: Backford Hall at Backford Park, Chester CH2 4DG

01244 852534

jones-homes.co.uk

*Please ask our Sales Advisor for full terms and conditions. Details correct at time of distribution. Images for illustrative purposes only.

interview

Life in

Design We meet Janey Butler, design director of Janey Butler Interiors and The Llama Group

mine for my role, Titania. With help from my grandmother, I bought lots of taffeta and tulle and spent weeks sewing on the tiniest of crystals, sequins and tiny silk flowers and on a wonderful summer’s evening, my little self and prettiest of dresses stole the show.

Your proudest moment in your career to date Last year was an amazing year for The Llama Group and Janey Butler Interiors. In 2016 we won six international awards for our projects, among them Best UK Office Interior for our Stuart Rushton Estate Agents renovation project in Knutsford at the International Property Awards, and Best Home Cinema at the International Design and Architecture Awards…so I have a few!

The people who inspired you to pursue your current profession

Something fabulously creative you made as a child As a child, I went to the most wonderful small primary school and our lovely head teacher was an amazing, talented lady who loved everything creative and artistic. Every year she would organise an outdoor play, and one year we were to perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream. We had to create our own costumes and I took great delight in creating

I have met some amazing people in my life that I am lucky enough to call friends. However, the most amazing and inspiring person in my life is my husband and business partner Andy, who has been so incredibly supportive and is the most inspirational person I know when it comes to being hard working, driven and ethically sound in business.

Your go-to song while working I actually personally like peace and quiet when I work. The design studio has a Crestron system which all of our music is played through, and we play an eclectic mix of classical and chill-out throughout the week that we all listen to when working.

“ A wonderful sense of achievement in knowing you have created 128

Homes and Interiors

The last book you read We stayed in beautiful Provence earlier this year and I read The Two of Us by Shelia Hancock, which was so beautifully written, wise, witty and extremely moving.

Your idea of a perfect day off Our days are incredibly busy in the studio and we also travel extensively with our work, visiting suppliers and designers all over Europe and beyond. So, for me, a perfect day off is spent with my husband Andy and our Rhodesian Ridgeback dog Ruben, walking in the woods and mountains, and enjoying the incredible scenery – and peace and quiet – that surrounds our countryside home.

Three items you always take along when you travel My camera goes everywhere with me as I am often in beautiful locations with incredible architecture, landscapes and interiors, and that always inspires me. Then my iPad and factor 30 SPF.

The best thing about working in a creative industry With our business, creating a home from start to finish is a mixture of creativity, design, business acumen,

logistics, project management and logistically bringing together a whole host of suppliers. The project itself can often take years to complete, involving months of meetings, design work, complicated construction; and building work, landscaping and planting in all kinds of weather make our work often hard and stressful. Therefore, seeing everything come together at the end where the project is styled with beautiful furniture, lighting, fires lit, candles going and champagne being handed to the client is the most amazing feeling.

Your signature dish I don’t cook – I have a tendency to burn salads! – but I have a wonderful husband who is a fantastic cook and makes the most amazing food.

The best piece of advice you’ve ever been given, and your personal motto I always remember my father saying to me when I was a young girl, “Dont be afraid of being different, be afraid of being the same as everyone else”. And my motto? Stay humble, work hard and be kind. (janeybutler.co.uk; llamaarchitects.co.uk)

an amazing home for your clients that will stand the test of time” 129

Let your property with peace of mind or find your next rental property with Jackson-Stops.

H E N B U RY

CODE: INST23

A truly magnificent 4/5 bedroom detached property set amongst substantial formal garden. MONTHLY RENT OF £17,500

p n

FEES APPLY

We offer an established, trusted and expert service if you’re looking to rent a home in Cheshire, have a rental property to manage or if you’re interested in property investment. Please call William Jordan on 01625 540340 or email william.jordan@jackson-stops.co.uk.

P R E ST B U RY

CODE: INST28

A grand 5 bedroom house with beautiful southerly views built in the Georgian vernacular. MONTHLY RENT OF £9,000

FEES APPLY

MARPLE BRIDGE A fabulous 4 bedroom detached stone property and separate 2 bedroom cottage with far reaching views. MONTHLY RENT OF £2,500

CODE: INST30 CODE00

FEES APPLY

W I L M S LOW

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

PROPERTY EXPERTS SINCE 1910

A LT R I N C H A M

CODE: INST29

A substantial 7 bedroom detached period property offered unfurnished. MONTHLY RENT OF £2,250

FEES APPLY

PRO

Mottram St Andrew A small Country Estate and peerless new build Manor House. • 2 reception rooms • Kitchen/family room • 5 bedrooms (4 en suite) • Bathroom • Leisure suite with pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gymnasium & cinema • 1 bedroom annexe • Orangery • Garaging • Private stocked lake • Approximately 7.29 acres

Guide Price £4,950,000 EPC RATING C

W i l ms low

01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

Knutsford An exquisite Grade II Listed Italianate villa, nestled in over 1 acre of stunning gardens, in the centre of the prestigious Legh Road Conservation Area, within walking distance of Knutsford. • 3 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • Cellarage • 6 bedrooms (1 en suite) • Dressing room • 2 bathrooms • Playroom • Outdoor pool • Summer house • Garaging • Gardens • In all just over 1 acre

Guide Price £2,200,000 EPC EXEMPT

W i l ms low

01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

SPURSTOW, NR TARPORLEY A unique opportunity to create an outstanding country house. • Proposed: House (9,825 sq ft) • 4 reception rooms • Orangery • 6 bedrooms • 3 dressing rooms • 5 bathrooms • Existing: Leisure suite (4,020 sq ft) to be fitted out • 3 cottages • Flat • Formal gardens • Estate yard • Farm buildings • In all about 54.60 acres • Further 39.10 acres by separate negotiation to include Bath Wood

Guide Price £2,950,000 EPC EXEMPT

C H E S TER

01244 328 361 chester@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

W i l ms low

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

Alderley Edge

EPC Rating E

A beautifully presented and extended period semi-detached property, offering excellent family accommodation, with many charming features. • 2 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast/living room • 4 bedrooms (1 en suite) • Bathroom • Cellar • Gardens • Parking for 2 cars

Guide Price: £845,000

Wilmslow

EPC Rating c

An extensively remodelled family house in a cul-de-sac location, with delightful views over the second green and fairway of Alderley Edge Golf Club. • 3 reception rooms • Breakfast kitchen • 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) • Bathroom • Gardens • Parking

Guide Price: £785,000

W i l ms low

01625 540 340

8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AA wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

Mobberley

EPC Rating F

An attractive house with separate cottage, set in approximately 4.44 acres, offering excellent equestrian or redevelopment potential. • 3 reception rooms • Breakfast kitchen • 4 bedrooms (1 en suite) • Bathroom • Garaging • Workshop • 1 bedroom cottage • Stabling • Manege • Approximately 4.44 acres • Further 16.34 acres available by separate negotiation

Guide Price: £1,250,000

Pilling, nr Preston

EPC EXEMPT

An elegant Grade II Listed country house, until recently a hotel and wedding venue, nestled in about 2.4 acres of gardens. • 4 reception rooms • Bar • Orangery • 2 commercial kitchens • Cellarage • 9 bedrooms (8 en suite) • First floor kitchen • Bathroom • Extensive outbuildings/garaging • Paddock land • In all about 2.4 acres

Guide Price: £875,000

W i l ms low

01625 540 340

8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AA wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

HALE

EPC RATING F

A handsome period semi-detached house, offering excellent accommodation, located in Hale village centre. • 3 reception rooms • Kitchen • Breakfast room • Kitchenette • 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) • 2 bath/shower rooms • Garage • Gardens

Guide Price: £985,000

Saddleworth

EPC RATING D

An elegant period house with large private gardens in a leafy picturesque setting. • 3 reception rooms • Kitchen • 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) • Shower room • Loft and cellar space • Garaging • Over 0.7 of an acre

Guide Price: £850,000

Hale

0161 928 8881

174 Ashley Road, Hale, Cheshire, WA15 9SF hale@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

Bowdon

EPC RATING c

An imposing property of superb proportions with a stunning leisure complex and entertainment suite standing on a good sized corner plot. • 2 reception rooms • Study • Living dining kitchen • Wine cellar • 7 bedroom suites • Galleried library • Leisure complex with indoor pool, gym, fitness suite & entertainment room • Garaging • In excess of 1/3 of an acre

Guide Price: £3,000,000

Bowdon

EPC RATING E

An exquisite detached property in a tranquil location in the heart of Bowdon. • 3 reception rooms • Study • Breakfast kitchen • 3 bedrooms (2 en suite) • Bathroom • Garaging • Just under ¼ of an acre

Guide Price: £1,250,000

Hale

0161 928 8881

174 Ashley Road, Hale, Cheshire, WA15 9SF hale@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

INTERVIEW

BEST OF ALL WORLDS For today’s high-end interior designer, creating a space that’s multi-functional, cutting-edge and appealing to all generations can be a tall order. Jake Wain from Kitchen Architecture explains the secrets behind achieving the impossible

aving studied carpentry and joinery from school, working with old-school bench joiners and making bespoke cabinetry, Jake Wain went on to study architectural technologies at university of Salford while simultaneously working for a small

138

architectural steel manufacturer. It was during this period that one of his tutors contacted him to say that bespoke interior design company Kitchen Architecture was looking for a design co-ordinator from its Cheshire showroom. Naturally, he leapt at the chance, meeting the senior designer and director for an interview and being offered the job the very same day – which, of course, he accepted. Now, having risen through the company’s ranks over the years since, Jake is an undeniable authority when it comes to designing bespoke kitchen spaces – and, for him, the devil’s in the detail when it comes to planning a project. “We always apply an ethos of quality not quantity,” Jake explains. “We plan in an efficient, practical, pragmatic way, in simple blocks that read more as furniture than ‘traditional kitchen furniture’. For example, the use of drawers and pull-outs rather than shelved units gives the client the most efficient storage. By planning like this, it

Homes and Interiors

minimises the amount of furniture and simplifies the design efficiently.” The company is particularly renowned for its ability to create spaces which combine different functions and appeal across generational divides – a skill which, according to Jake, is continually aided by clever and complex design features and products. “In a kitchen, the island or workbench can be an area for preparation, cooking, serving and dining, and the dining solution can also be extended into other living spaces by the use of an island,” he explains. “The bar seating integrated into the island is appealing to

139

interview

all generations – helping to bring families closer around the focal point of the kitchen, maximising sociability and functionality of the kitchen. Likewise, the bar on an island acts as an area for children to do their homework, a place to relax with a class of wine when entertaining or for sending a few emails on an iPad or laptop. “When it comes to specific products, the pocket door units are a fantastic solution; integrating worktop space that can be used as a breakfast/coffee station or as pure preparation space. Wide drawers can be planned below the work surface to maximise storage in one neat, concealed area – meaning that it’s easy to access everything – as well as being deep and strong, meaning you can keep your whole dinner service in one place.”

140

“A fantastic project I worked on recently – which really illustrates this perfectly – was a supercontemporary new-build project in Prestbury. The whole project was really highly specified, including a bulthaup kitchen and Rimadesio bedrooms, and the architect we

Homes and Interiors

worked with on the project does really cool projects, so I’ve always been a fan. The approach to the kitchen design was to keep it super simple yet functional: the furniture layout was simplistic and, when all of the high-end European products were brought together, it was a spectacular outcome.”

But, as Jake is keen to express, the most important thing is to have a complete and thorough understanding of space planning and layouts – an area in which the company particularly excels. “When you have that understanding of how rooms should flow together, it gives the client the most considered direction,” Jake says. “We don’t look at the kitchen space as a single entity: it’s the entire space that we consider. Kitchen Architecture’s approach is similar to the method I studied at university: meticulous attention to detail, a thorough understanding of materials and engineering of products and, above all, an interest in architecture and design. We also really prioritise the building of relationships with designers, architects, interior designers and clients – we want to support everyone to the fullest and make sure that we give everyone the best possible experience.” (kitchenarchitecture.co.uk)

141

Homes and Interiors

THE EDIT

festive feasting If, like us, you’re expecting a crowded table this Christmas, you’ll want to make sure it’s well dressed for the occasion – so make sure to consult our round-up of the prettiest seasonal tableware

142

Red Christmas serving jug, £15, The Contemporary Home (tch.net)

Botanical Holly Bauble place card holder (set of 6), £10.99, Talking Tables (talkingtables.co.uk)

Räder Christmas Gift Plate, £12.50, Cotswold Trading (cotswoldtrading.com)

Gold wine glasses (set of 4), £35, AUDENZA (audenza.com)

Nordic red Christmas cake stand, £18, The Contemporary Home (tch.net)

Six Harvest napkin rings (gold or silver), €77, KSL LIVING (ksl-living.fr)

Stag pewter and glass decanter, £150, At Home in the Country (athomeinthecountry.co.uk)

Klevering Anouk golden star plates (set of 3), £56.25, Printer + Tailor (printerandtailor.com)

Red and White Reindeer tea light holders, £5 each, The Contemporary Home (tch.net)

case study

New For Old Already widely used in commercial buildings, high-tech, bespoke glass additions are now also proving popular with home owners, combining all the pleasures of indoor/outdoor living with state-of-the-art thermal performance. Mark Caulfield explains the delicate process

nce a farmhouse, this large family house in Yorkshire has undergone many changes in its time. One of its most significant transformations was an Edwardian extension, to which a period-style wooden conservatory was added about 20 years ago. The current owners, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lived in

144

the house for 15 years, decided to update not only the look of the house but also the way it flows. At the heart of the project was the demolition of the original wooden conservatory, which they found chilly in winter and over-hot in summer, replacing it with a spectacular high-performance glass building designed and built by The Caulfield Company.

Homes and Interiors

Linking the main house to a new pool house (formerly a barn) this double-volume building has a powerful architectural presence. It creates a multi-purpose family living space with dramatic views over open countryside and into an internal garden courtyard at the back. At the heart of the designs are pioneering roof and door systems which offer not only the highest possible strength, noise cancelling and thermal values (up to Passivhaus requirements) but also the ability to create spectacular structures like this. The interior climate is comfortable year-round, controlled through the built-in weather station which monitors both the temperature and the angle of the sun, automatically raising and lowering the awnings to prevent heat build-up and glare. Bi-fold doors allow the entire building to open into the garden,

with the inside/outside feel heightened by running the same stone flooring through from the living space out onto the terrace. Entirely bespoke, the structure is all aluminium, designed by The Caulfield Company and built to order in Germany. At 7.2m wide and 5m deep, it also has a 4m x 2m link into the pool house. The roofâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dramatic reverse pitch has sight lines designed to create a strong visual connection with the existing buildings. This is a key consideration when combining period and modern architecture. The Caulfield Company handles projects right through from planning permission to the design, build and interior finishes. It also offers a complete interior design service including bespoke joinery made in its own workshops, integrated entertainment systems, timber and stone floors and contemporary furniture from leading names including Rolf Benz, Draenart and Asco. Mark Caulfield and his team of architects and craftsmen undertake projects all over the world. (0113 387 3118; caulfieldcompany.co.uk)

145

New Showroom Store Street Bollington Cheshire SK10 5PN t: 01625 466200 e: showroom@portraitpools.com w: portraitpools.com

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

Springfield House Wheel Lane, Pilling, Near Preston

pringfield House is a quintessential Georgian-style property, constructed in 1840 of local dressed sandstone elevations with a Tuscan-columned entrance portico and sitting in approximately 2.4 acres of gardens.

148

Homes and Interiors

This Grade II-listed, handsome and classically portioned facade is punctured by a large number of sash windows, which flood the house with natural light. Internally, the elegance of the exterior is mirrored by a suite of four impressive reception rooms that are adorned by such features as exceptional ceiling height, ceiling roses, decorative friezes, dado/picture rails and impressive fireplaces. Also on the ground floor is a stunning orangery, two kitchens, further food preparation rooms and ladies/ gentlemen’s cloakrooms/WCs. The first floor has six bedrooms, all en-suite, with a flat with two reception rooms, with one double bedroom on the first floor and a second double bedroom on the top floor. Sizeable attic storage space is accessed from this room. The ninth en-suite bedroom is accessed from an exterior set of steps to the rear elevation, which lies above the rear kitchen. The house has been run as a successful upmarket country house hotel and wedding venue and will cease trading at the end of 2017, due to the owner’s ill health. Springfield House can, therefore, either be used as a home (an application has been submitted for a change of use, back

to a residential dwelling) or the accomplished business can be re-established (trading figures available upon request). A grand stone pillared entrance, lit by coach lamps, leads to a sweeping tarmacadam tree-lined drive that dissects through the manicured lawns, leading to a large parking and turning area to the front and side of the house. The formal lawns sweep around the front, south-facing facade, with the majority of the formal lawns lying to the easterly/side elevation. These lawns are overlooked and accessed from the orangery and consist of a large level lawn stretching away from the house, surrounded by mature flower and shrub borders The northern boundary is made up of a high stone wall, with a stone path leading to a raised stone terrace/al fresco eating area that connects to a second lawned area. This second area consists of more informal lawns, an orchard and fruit cages. A paddock, ideal for horses or children’s play area, is on the other side of the house, with the lane and drive surrounding. On the market at a guide price of £875,000 with Jackson-Stops & Staff 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340; jackson-stops.co.uk)

149

Homes and Interiors

HOT PROPERTY

The Coach House

BEST FEATURE: open-plan kitchen

High Street, Weaverham

The focal point is without doubt the stunning open-plan reception kitchen, with its marble worktops, central island, bespoke wall units, porcelain flooring and underfloor heating.

his is a beautiful and generously proportioned former coach house, believed to date back to the 17th century and refurbished to the very highest standards. The property is a perfect example of modern-meets-character, both elements existing in perfect balance to allow the opportunity of modern living within an immensely attractive character setting. On the market at £550,000 with Hinchliffe Holmes, 56B High St, Tarporley (01829 730 021; hinchliffeholmes.co.uk)

best of the rest Calveley Hall Stables Calveley

BEST FEATURE: privacy The property is situated off a beautiful private no-through lane, while the rear courtyard has not only a flagged patio but also a very attractive area of lawn, the whole of which is fully enclosed by a perimeter wall providing almost total seclusion.

ranquil and unspoilt, yet just two minutes’ drive from a major road network, Calveley Hall Stables is an exceptional Grade II-listed conversion with tremendous views to the rear of the Macclesfield hills. It offers four very well sized bedrooms and three bathrooms, two of which are en-suite. Furthermore, the property is set in half an acre of

150

unspoilt, beautiful grounds which provide a perfect retreat from a hectic day. On the market at £550,000 with Wright Marshall Estate Agents, 63 High Street, Tarporley (01829 828028; wrightmarshall.co.uk)

CHESTER

LONDON

50a Bridge Street Chester, CH1 1NQ

40 St. James’s Place London, SW1A 1NS

• Five bedrooms, four receptions • Detached annexe/garage and office • Detached self-contained timber lodge

• Detached pool house • Sits within approximately 0.8 acres • EPC C

Kelsall, Cheshire

• Georgian town house • Presently in commercial use •14 rooms arranged over 6 floors

£1,250,000

• Some original features • Flexible accommodation • Ample off road parking at rear

Within The City Walls

info@rickittpartnership.co.uk

£800,000

• Detached period style • Four/five bedrooms, three receptions • Detached two bed bungalow

Crowton, Cheshire

• Delightful period family house • Five double bedrooms • Two en-suites and family bathroom

Clutton, Cheshire

01244 322 322

• Wide range of outbuildings • Set within approximately two acres • EPC F

£895,000

• Two main reception rooms • Great frontage views • EPC F

£650,000

www.rickittpartnership.co.uk

case study

On The Rails If you’ve been tempted to add a dash of aesthetic elegance – and a healthy helping of order – to your bedroom, a bespoke fitted wardrobe is an excellent idea. We asked Wane Borg, of Knutsford’s Heritage Wardrobe Company, to explain how the process unfolds

ere at the Heritage Wardrobe Company, luxury fitted wardrobes are defined by their wonderful blend of traditional elegance and stylish, striking modern design, as well as the opportunity they provide for complete personalisation. We start with the design. We like to think of our wardrobes as a personalised luxury, with each one designed with each client’s taste, storage needs and lifestyle in mind, so we sit down and work with them individually throughout the design process. This allows us to incorporate any ideas they have and to provide guidance on location planning, blending door designs, optimising storage and how best to present garments and shoes, to ensure it

152

exactly fits their requirements. The client will also need to choose which interior we’ll be using, selecting from aromatic Lebanon cedar, oak or walnut, or melamine veneers, with the exterior primed and handpainted to a colour of the client’s choosing, for a finish that blends with their interior. Next we decide on specific features – for example, mirror doors with ornate, scribed fret create a modern stylish look to complement the elegance of traditional panel doors, while soft lines of exquisite

Homes and Interiors

cornice and period-featured skirting encapsulate each wardrobe, framed by striking vaulted columns. It’s very important that each feature allows items to be displayed and accessible with functional ease so, for shoe and handbag closets, we offer glassfronted doors which open to softly light rows of solid wood pull-out trays that glide effortlessly for display. For shirts, blouses and scarves, we often recommend soft-close pull-out trays where they can be neatly stored and, for short and long garments which need to be hung, we suggest pull-down and fixed rails to optimise storage. Of course, it’s of paramount importance to meet a client’s budget and deadline, but we also make sure that the quality of the finished product is never compromised to do so. This means that we also work very closely with all the other partners involved in a client’s project – from contractors and developers to architects and interior

designers – to make sure that everyone is on schedule and that the client is left with the beautiful luxury bespoke fitted wardrobe of their dreams. Prices from £4,500 for a four-door, hand-painted, fully fitted wardrobe (0203 3558575; theheritagewardrobecompany.com)

153

AS FEATURED ON GRAND DESIGNS...

Ellesmore House, House, Wincham Wincham Avenue, Avenue, Ellesmore Wincham, Cheshire Cheshire CW9 CW9 6GH 6GH Wincham, info@clear-living.co.uk info@clear-living.co.uk 01606 45109 45109 www.clear-living.co.uk www.clear-living.co.uk 01606

Isolierte ohne Rahmen | Swiss Made M IsolierteSchiebefenster Schiebefenster ohne Rahmen | Swiss

Logos engLish bLack

achtung: die wortmarke möglichst nicht oder nur wenig verkleinern Formatveränderungen immer proportional – keine Verzüge!

115 mm

72 mm

Extend Extendyour yourliving livingroom. room. The Theframeless framelessinsulated insulatedsliding slidingdoors doorsbybySkySky-Frame Frameblend blendnaturally naturally into intotheir theirsurroundings. surroundings.So Soititisishard hardtotosay saywhere wherethe theliving livingroom room 55 mm ends endsand andwhere wherethe theview viewstarts. starts.www.sky-frame.ch www.sky-frame.ch

45 mm

OVERSEAS PROPERTY weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve picked OUR FAVOURITE properties from AROUND THE WORLD for your viewing pleasure

AUSTRALIA The historic estate of Tresco, Sydney Designed in 1868 by renowned Australian architect Thomas Rowe, the magnificent freestanding eight-bedroom manor is a rare luxury in Elizabeth Bay. For a century the estate served as the residence of the Naval Officerin-Command before it was purchased by the Waterhouse family, of Australian racing fame, in 2004. Faithfully maintained to honour its architectural integrity, the two-storey, seven-bedroom property includes classic details such as soaring ceilings, bay windows, a timber staircase and

156

marble fireplaces, along with breathtaking uninterrupted northerly harbour panoramas of the Manly skyline. The manor, grounds and trees are with federal and state heritage listing. Price is on application. Christieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Real Estate (christiesrealestate.com)

Homes and Interiors

IBIZA

Newly renovated villa A short drive from the stunning beaches of Cala Conta and Cala Bassa is this impeccable, newly renovated finca-style house. Exuding Moorish charm, the property boasts an exquisite spa with hamman and seating areas. One can also enjoy a massage in the dedicated area, or unwind in the swimming pool while enjoying impressive sunsets. An open plan living room with fireplace and large sliding doors leads to a large covered terrace and a beautiful garden. The property has six bedrooms and five bathrooms, and a guest house next to the villa. Available at a guide price of €2,850,000 (£2,548,807) through Ibiza Sotheby’s International Realty (+34 971 310 799; ibiza-sothebysrealty.com)

LONDON, uk

Principal Tower

CLOSER TO

HOME

Rising 50 storeys high, Principal Tower will comprise a selection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, along with a collection of prestigious penthouses. Residents will enjoy spectacular views over London, as well as a gym and spa, film screening room, lap pool and 24-hour concierge. The new homes will be stylish and spacious, with open plan living areas and floor-to-ceiling windows ensuring an abundance of natural light. High quality specification will feature throughout every home, including contemporary kitchens with sleek Siemens and Miele appliances, marble vanity units and oak herringbone timber flooring. Set on the cusp of the City and Shoreditch, Principal Tower is the final piece of the puzzle for the wider Principal Place development, which includes a dynamic range of shops, restaurants, apartments and a beautifully landscaped half-acre piazza. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start at £960,000 (020 3883 3333; principaltower.com)

157

Homes and Interiors

OVERSEAS PROPERTY hawaii

Molokai Ranch

MALLORCA

Exclusive villa with incredible views of Son Vida This exquisite new-built villa is nestled in the exclusive Son Vida hills. The main level boasts a living room with a fireplace and a wine cellar, and an extensive partly-covered terrace with a summer kitchen and outdoor pool. The upper floor comprises a master bedroom suite with its own private large terrace and three more bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and access to a large terrace, while the lower floor boasts a spa, gym, sauna and an impressive indoor pool. Additional features of the property include an elevator that connects to all floors, underfloor heating, a large garage, a fireplace and a waterfall. Available at a guide price of €11,900,000 (£10,642,387) through Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty (+34 971 721 000; mallorca-sothebysrealty.com)

This ranch spans roughly 55,575 acres with 20 miles of coastline and includes beaches, sea cliffs, native rainforests and conservation lands. Molokai Ranch is currently an active cattle ranch, along with offering a wide array of activities including ocean sports, world-class game-bird hunting, golf and horse riding. It also features an oceanfront resort hotel, and upcountry lodge properties spanning over 300 parcels. The ranch has had an extremely interesting history, belonging to King Kamehameha V in the 1860s. It was also the world’s largest producer of honey from 1910-1937, and from the 1920s-1980s well-known food companies, including the McNeil & Libby Company and the California Packing Corporation, leased land on the ranch to grow pineapples. Molokai is ideal for a legacy buyer who appreciates the island’s natural beauty and culture. Available at a guide price of $260,000,000 (£198,060,056) through Carvill Sotheby’s International Realty (+1 8008 216 0089; sothebysrealty.com)

SWEDEN

Strandvägen 27, Stockholm This corner apartment is situated in one of the most exclusive addresses in Sweden and boasts unbeatable views of the Nybroviken Inlet and the island of Djurgarden. The magnificent building was designed in 1885 by the renowned architect Oscar Eriksson. The apartment features a third level with a turret room, currently used as a master bedroom, and it includes five bedrooms and 3,831 sq ft of living space. The first level consists of an elegant hall, several dining rooms and living rooms with beautiful decorations and lintels, ideal for entertaining. The next level boasts a family room, bedroom and bathroom section. Available at a guide price of SEK71,000,000 (£6,670,562) through Sweden Sotheby’s International Realty (+46 739828013; sothebysrealty.com)

158

Juniper House, Chester Road, Kelsall CW6 0SE £660,000 A brand new, magnificent, individually designed and bespoke, Georgian style detached family home, finished to exacting standards with flexible accommodation throughout. • In a sought after quiet location.

• Three bath/shower rooms.

• Three reception rooms.

• Landscaped private gardens.

• Open Plan Family Breakfast Dining Kitchen.

• Electric gated entrance.

• Five bedrooms.

• Detached double garage.

Tarporley office - 01829 730 021 - Northwich office - 01606 330 303 www.hinchliffeholmes.co.uk

Friday 24th November 2017 Principal Hotel, Manchester

Celebrating the best in Northern Architecture, Design and Retail

OPEN FOR ENTRY! Tickets on sale now

Visit www.northerndesignawards.com

NDA 17 Advert_A4_v2.indd 1

25/09/2017 09:44

Homes and Interiors

FINISHING TOUCHES

GET IN LINE For its latest collection, Cole & Son has swapped its signature geometric prints for the humble stripe. Vertical, horizontal, monochrome or multi-coloured – as long as it’s a stripe, anything goes. From £65 (cole-and-son.com)

161

Llama Architects & Janey Butler Interiors,

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

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

I n t e r n at i o n a l A w a r d W i n n i n g D e s i g n e r s The Old Stables, Capesthor ne Hall, Nr Alder ley Edge , Cheshire . SK11 9JY

janeybutler.co.uk

T: 01625 861935 E:

hello@janeybutler.co.uk

llamaarchitects.co.uk

T: 01625 861936 E:

info@llamagroup.co.uk