SURREY ROCKS NOVEMBER ISSUE

ISSUE 03

STARS

UNDER PRESSURE THE VICTORIA

MOVE-EMBER

The Palm House

UNVEILED

Gigi Boutique Fashion HYUNDAI IONIQ 5

Lenny Kravitz

A quintessentially English estate overlooking the Surrey Hills, a place to indulge, relax, an and the former home of celebrated publisher and backstage politician, 1st Baron Beav There's more to the Beaverbrook Estate than meets the eye.

Hotel - Tennis Club - The Coach House Spa - Fitness & Wellbeing - Fine Dinin The Garden House - Japanese Grill - The Coach House Deli - Sir Frank’s Bar

 +44 (0)1372 571300

 Beaverbrook, Reigate Road, L  info@beaverbrook.co.uk

nd celebrate, averbrook.

ng r

THE GARDEN HOUSE RESTAURANT Nestled behind the traditional walled kitchen garden you will find true natural beauty and culinary delights in The Garden House Restaurant. A place where the tranquillity and stunning interiors are inspired by the surrounding gardens - to create an exceptional, must-try Italian-style dining experience.The menu changes constantly with a considered nod to the seasons and fresh fruit, vegetable and herbs on offer in their gardens – which as a guest to The Garden House you are welcome to explore. Plus, invite family and friends to share a traditional English roast on Sundays too.

JAPANESE GRILL Located in The House, the award-winning Japanese Grill offers a varied menu of delicately flavoured selections of the most exquisite sushi, sashimi and nigiri.You can also enjoy the finest cuts of meat and fish from the Josper Grill. Or for a fabulously different dining experience, let talented head chef,Wojciech Popow, guide you through the finest selection of locally-sourced, modern Japanese gourmet specialties in their famous six-course “Seasonal Tasting Menu.” A must try is their famous black cod or chargrilled turbot lined with crispy Kentish ants.

Definitely one to cross off your fine dining to-do list if you haven’t already.

SIR FRANK’S BAR Beaverbrook’s creative director Sir Frank Lowe, was responsible for curating the unique interiors of Beaverbrook with a wide range of antiques, collectables and rare artwork collections.There are over 350 unique 350 paintings by the Victorian artist, Marianne North, a Gatsbyesque art-deco bar with velvet stools and a bar snack menu of Japanese-inspired tacos and light bites.There is also a generous selection of the finest champagnes, wines and cocktails to choose from – all selected, shaken and stirred by their world-class sommeliers and mixologists. If you fancy something different you can ask your Beaverbrook bartender to come up with something new for you.

THE COACH HOUSE SPA At the Coach House Spa your experience of health, vitality and nature is inspired by the natural surroundings.

Set in 400 acres of stunning English parkland and designed with nature at its core by the highly-acclaimed artist, Brian Clark, you will encounter dappled iridescent light from canopies of stained-glass ceilings creating a radiant, colourful oasis of calm.Take a dip or recline by the indoor or outdoor pool taking in the stunning views of the Surrey Hills, workout in their state-of-the-art, fully equipped gym or unload those mid-week stresses with one of the many specialist spa treatments on offer.

Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8QX   beaverbrook  www.beaverbrook.co.uk

2 CHURCH STREET, ESHER, SURREY, KT10 8QS

01372 468880

RESERVATIONS:

INFO@CUVEE8.COM

CUVEE8.COM

WEEKLY EVENTS

WEDNESD

THURSD

FRIDAY & SATURD

SATURDAY & SUND

INFO@CUVEE8.COM CUVEE8.COM

PR

01372 468880

IV AT E

HI

RE

Cocktail bars & Alfresco Garden

WELCOME TO DITTO.

OPEN FOR AL FRESCO AND INDOOR DINING 7 DAYS A WEEK.

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY NEW FOR 2021:

HOLD YOUR EVENT AT DITTO – CATERING FOR PARTIES FROM 30 TO 120 GUESTS.

MONDAY TO THURSDAY: MIDDAY TO MIDNIGHT FRIDAY & SATURDAY: MIDDAY TO 1AM SUNDAY:MIDDAY TO 11PM  Ditto Thames Ditton, 85 High Street, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 0SF  020 8398 8662  bookings@dittothamesditton.com   DittoThamesDitton  www.dittothamesditton.com

ISSUE 03

NOVEMBER 2021

62

22

106 64

NEWS

11 13 16 20 22 26 30

20

HOMES & INTERIORS

What’s On Calendar Celebrities For Him For Her Chill In Rock Out

88 Move-ember

GASTRONOMY

96 Gastronomy Guide 102 Palm House Restaurant Review

FEATURES

38 Lenny Kravitz Going His Way 46 Reality TV Special Stars Under Pressure 58 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Review 62 More Than Just A Run

FASHION

64 Gigi Boutique A/W21 Collection

46

22 8

SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

30

38

COLUMNISTS

104 Ria Elaina Tweakments & Beyond

OUT & ABOUT

110 Supporting Local Creatives 112 Surrey Singleton’s Party

LISTINGS 116 Best of the web 122 Astrology 128 60 Second Interview James Bailey

130

ISSUE 03

STARS

UNDER PRESSURE THE VICTORIA

UNVEILED

MOVE-EMBER

The Palm House

Gigi Boutique Fashion HYUNDAI IONIQ 5

Lenny Kravitz EDITOR

SAM MATTHEWS

ART EDITOR Teodora Nikolov

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jane Janevski

PHOTOGRAPHERS Martin Spaven Gary Palmer

MUA

Diana Foster

CONTRIBUTORS Ria Elaina Atkins Sara Angela West Pippin Hackett Helen Watts Pia Louisa

Surrey Rocks Magazine CONTACT 07746 705444 info@rocksmag.com @surrey_rocks @surreyrocks @surrey_rocks @rocksmag @rocks_mag @rocksmag @rocks_mag ROCKS MAG Company Number: 13297078 The views and opinions expressed by contributors to Surrey Rocks may not represent the views and opinions of the publishers and we cannot accept responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers. No part of this magazine can be reproduced or copied in any way without written consent from Surrey Rocks.

EDITOR’S NOTE Hello Surrey,

W

elcome to the November Issue of Surrey Rocks.

There’s a lot happening this month - our Calendar is packed full of great events to try out including Late Night Shopping and Christmas Markets at the Packhouse as well great deals to be had at local bars and restaurants like 2 for £12 Cocktails at Pounding Heart and 40% off your food bill at Red Bar & Café. See page 13 for full details.

Plus, there are three new upcoming restaurant launches; Lucio’s Coffee Shop and Delicatessen on November 6th, The Watermill in Dorking on November 30th and top new Leatherhead-based sushi nightspot, Beluga, is scheduled to open on December 1.

Elsewhere we have 4 fabulous features this month, including celebrity journalist Angela Sara West’s mammoth interview with all the best, local Surrey Celebs on their take of the Reality TV genre, its future and whether they received any aftershow care – some of the secrets divulged are truly jaw dropping.

We also review Lenny Kravitz’ new book launch providing an amazing insight into his life and showcase the recent AB-solutely wonderful Instagram picture of him. Plus reveal his new tri-album launches and desires to keep on touring way beyond his 57 years. Closer to home we have reviewed the stunning new Hyundai Iconic 5 at Wilsons in Epsom, a local Bookham resident’s first marathon journey from training to completion and interview Elle Seline from Guildford - who has just made history as the first woman to enter Miss GB without make-up.

For all you food lovers out there, the Gastro Guide is growing – check out our six new entries on page 105 and read about our experience at the new Palm House Restaurant in Farnham.

Hope you enjoy reading.

Til next time,

Sam SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

9

ESHER THEATRE

Box Office / Coffee Shop Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm

 Community Walk, Esher, KT10 9RA

 www.eshertheatre.com/whatson  Info@eshertheatre.com  No : 01372 468 848

A brand new local, live entertainment venue awaits you! Find us, just off Esher High street.

Bringing you Theatre, Live Music, Comedy, Dance, Halloween, Christmas and New Years events!

Art Deco style bar and outdoor seating area serving locally sourced drinks and snacks and beautiful coffees & cakes.

NEWS

WHAT’S ON THE VICTORIA WOWS LOCALS Having lovingly renovated The Victoria in Oxshott, Simon King & Matt Larcombe are delighted to have re-opened her doors. Matt & Simon met several years ago, whilst both working for Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck Group. They both have a passion for Great British produce and offering the best level of service. The Victoria is their first venture together, and they have been welcoming in locals and those from further afield with fantastic feedback so far. Given their experience, from Gordon Ramsey to The Ritz, and everything in between, these two highly skilled professionals have created a pub the locals can be proud of; offering excellent gastro style pub food in a truly decadent setting.

FACE & FILLERS LAUNCH Face & Fillers have just launched in Esher and Wimbledon offering the latest anti-ageing treatments including lip fillers, botox, PRP hair regeneration and other facial aesthetic treatments.

Dr Yasmin Albeyatti heads up the existing Cobham and new Esher clinics while her sister Dr Yosra Albeyatti runs the Wimbledon clinic.

CUVÉE VIII ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP CuVée VIII have just revealed their new entertainment line-up with live singers every Saturday in their main restaurant and tribute acts from Barry White, Luther Vandross and George Michael will perform on Wednesdays and Thursdays in their cocktail bar. See our November Events Calendar for their full line-up. CuVée VIII caters for any event from a small suite party of 30 to a larger 400 person event in the main restaurant and bar.

LOVING POUNDING HEART Pounding Heart Cocktail Bar & Pan Asian Kitchen celebrates the flavours of Asian cuisine in a welcoming, vibrant and fun environment. Now under new management Pounding Heart serves popular cocktails and artesian spirits throughout the day with authentic Chinese & Indian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Weekends start on a Thursday with Live Singers and there is a new Dim-Sum Bottomless Brunch event at weekends, plus there are Happy Hour cocktails 2 for £12 from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 6pm to 9pm and for those wanting to carry on the weekend party - a great selection of DJ’s playing the finest in Latin, Funky, Soulful House and Disco.

THE WATERMILL REOPENS THIS MONTH Following months of careful renovation, The Watermill in Dorking has announced that it is set to open on Tuesday 30th November. The venue has been totally transformed, bringing a refreshed look, as well as a completely new food offering, celebrating the very best of British produce. With extensive views over Box Hill, guests can dine in the newly landscaped gardens, featuring cosy log burners, covered seating and a fullystocked bar. The menu features an array of classic pub dishes, fusing tradition and innovation that celebrate provenance and showcases the best of British farms.

SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

11

Welcome to Hummings An experimental café and cocktail bar in the heart of Esher

MONDAY - SUNDAY 09:00 - 16:30 THURSDAY - SATURDAY 19:00 - 02:00

 Hummings, 51A High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9RQ  reservations@hummingsbar.co.uk  07771 626801  hummingsbaresher  hummings_bar

november 2021

MONDAY

FIND OUT WHAT’S ON EVERY MONTH WITH THE LATEST EVENTS IN AND AROUND THE SURREY

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Live Music @ Trend 1 Bottomless Brunch @ Pounding Heart Brunch & Bubbly @ CuVée VIII DJ @ Hummings Bar 2 for £12 Cocktails & DJ @ Pounding Heart DJ & Free Glass of Prosecco @ Red Bar Music Live @ CuVée VIII Dining Room Opulence DJ & Dine @ CuVée VIII Cocktail Bar EYT @ Esher Theatre

Brunch & Bubbly @ CuVée VIII Sunday Roast @ The Victoria Oxshott Sunday Roast @ The Grumpy Mole Sunday Roast @ The Garden House Sunday Cinema Club @ Beaverbrook

Nurture in Nature @ Beaverbrook Tootsy Tuesdays @ Polished 2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind Wine Tuesdays @ Rind

Wow Wednesdays @ Polished 2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart Fruit Machine @ Worthing £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind

Live Music @ Trend 1 2 for £12 Cocktails & Singer @ Pounding Heart £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour & Unlimited Raclette @ Rind 40% Off Dinner @ Red Bar & Café Singer @ CuVée VIII

Live Music @ Trend 1 Abba Stars Tribute Night @ L’Ultimo 2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind 2-4-1 Cocktails & DJ @ Red Bar Live Music @ Ditto Thames Ditton DJ @ Hummings Bar Opulence DJ & Dine @ CuVée VIII EYT @ Esher Theatre

Tootsy Tuesdays @ Polished 2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind Wine Tuesdays @ Rind

Wow Wednesdays @ Polished Christmas Market @ Packhouse Happy Hour @ Pounding Heart Fruit Machine @ Worthing £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind Xmas Shopping Event @ Ruby La La

Live Music @ Trend 1 Late Night Shopping @ Packhouse 2 for £12 Cocktails & Singer @ Pounding Heart Fruit Machine @ Epsom £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour & Unlimited Raclette @ Rind 40% Off Dinner @ Red Bar & Café Journey’s End @ Esher Theatre Ladies Night @ CuVée VIII

Live Music @ Trend 1 Late Night Shopping @ Packhouse 2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart Elvis Tribute Night @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind 2-4-1 Cocktails & DJ @ Red Bar Live Music @ Ditto Thames Ditton DJ @ Hummings Bar Opulence DJ & Dine @ CuVée VIII Journey’s End @ Esher Theatre

Live Music @ Trend 1 Brunch & Bubbly @ CuVée VIII DJ & Free Glass of Prosecco @ Red Bar 2 for £12 Cocktails & DJ @ Pounding Heart DJ @ Hummings Bar Opulence DJ & Dine & Live Singer @ CuVée VIII Journey’s End @ Esher Theatre

Brunch & Bubbly @ CuVée VIII Dapper & Suave Xmas Market @ Dorking Halls Sunday Roast @ The Victoria Oxshott Sunday Roast @ The Grumpy Mole Sunday Roast @ The Garden House Sunday Cinema Club @ Beaverbrook Journey’s End @ Esher Theatre

£5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind Chess & Bridge Night @ Ditto Thames Ditton Model Boot Camp @ LVMM

Tootsy Tuesdays @ Polished 2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind Wine Tuesdays @ Rind

Wow Wednesdays @ Polished Christmas Market @ Packhouse 2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart Fruit Machine @ Worthing £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind Tribute Night @ CuVée VIII Fondue Night @ Rind

Live Music @ Trend 1 Late Night Shopping @ Packhouse 2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart Fruit Machine @ Epsom £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour & Unlimited Raclette @ Rind 40% Off Dinner @ Red Bar & Café Singer @ CuVée VIII

Live Music @ Trend 1 Late Night Shopping @ Packhouse 2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo Men’s Health Retreat @ Beaverbrook Spa 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind 2-4-1 Cocktails & DJ @ Red Bar Live Music @ Ditto Thames Ditton DJ @ Hummings Bar Opulence DJ & Dine @ CuVée VIII

Live Music @ Trend 1 2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart Brunch & Bubbly @ CuVée VIII DJ & Free Glass of Prosecco @ Red Bar DJ @ Hummings Bar Opulence DJ & Dine @ CuVée VIII Andy Muscat @ CuVée VIII The Mitchell Brothers & Coops @ CuVée VIII

Brunch & Bubbly Legends of Swing @ CuVée VIII Sunday Roast @ The Victoria Oxshott Sunday Roast @ The Grumpy Mole Sunday Roast @ The Garden House Sunday Cinema Club @ Beaverbrook

£5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind Chess & Bridge Night @ Ditto Thames Ditton Model Boot Camp @ LVMM

Tootsy Tuesdays @ Polished 2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind Wine Tuesdays @ Rind

Wow Wednesdays @ Polished Christmas Market @ Packhouse 2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart Fruit Machine @ Worthing £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind Tom Jones Tribute Night @ CuVée VIII

Live Music @ Trend 1 Xmas Shopping @ Packhouse 2 for £12 Cocktails & Singer @ Pounding Heart Fruit Machine @ Epsom £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour & Unlimited Raclette @ Rind 40% Off Dinner @ Red Bar & Café Live Singer @ CuVée VIII

Live Music @ Trend 1 Xmas Shopping @ Packhouse 2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind 2-4-1 Cocktails & DJ @ Red Bar Live Music @ Ditto Thames Ditton DJ @ Hummings Bar Opulence DJ & Dine @ CuVée VIII Brian Blessed @ Esher Theatre

Live Music @ Trend 1 Brunch & Bubbly @ CuVée VIII 2 for £12 Cocktails & DJ @ Pounding Heart DJ @ Hummings Bar DJ & Free Glass of Prosecco @ Red Bar Opulence DJ & Dine & Live Singer @ CuVée VIII

Brunch & Bubbly @ CuVée VIII Sunday Roast @ The Victoria Oxshott Sunday Roast @ The Grumpy Mole Sunday Roast @ The Garden House Sunday Cinema Club @ Beaverbrook

£5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind Chess & Bridge Night @ Ditto Thames Ditton Model Boot Camp @ LVMM

2 for £12 Cocktails @ Pounding Heart £5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind Wine Tuesdays @ Rind

£5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind Chess & Bridge Night @ Ditto Thames Ditton Model Boot Camp @ LVMM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

£5 Lunch Deal @ L’Ultimo 2-4-1 Happy Hour @ Rind Chess & Bridge Night @ Ditto Thames Ditton Model Boot Camp @ LVMM

SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

13

OPENING NOVEMBER 6th  info@lucios.co.uk  lucioscoffeedeli

New Italian Deli & Wine Bar  01372 372771

 TREND1

 31 Leatherhead High Street

celebrities

everyone’s talking about...

GIGI HADID & ZAYN MALIK ON THE ROCKS This has not been the best week for former ‘One Direction’ star Zayn Malik as his relationship with Gigi Hadid hangs on by a thread, following reports that he ‘struck’ Gigi’s mother Yolanda during an altercation.

The argument was said to have blown up last month at the Pennsylvania home Gigi and Zayn share. Yolanda, Gigi’s mother, was said to have been pushed into a dresser by Zayn and called a “Dutch s**t.”

Initially Zayn denied reports but leaked court files revealed that he has pleaded no contest to four counts of harassment.

He now has to complete 360 days of probation and an anger management course. The singer

must also have no contact with Yolanda, 54.

Zayn and Gigi, who have 13-monthold daughter Khai together are said to be on the verge of splitting up. Talk of “co-parenting” their daughter has already been discussed by the pair – although no official separation statement has been announced – yet.

The week that has gone from bad to worse for Zayn, has also seen him reportedly dropped by his record label, RCA, following claims that he has been smoking cannabis and has become “impossible” to deal with.

What is clear is that it will take a lot for this boyband member to come back and win over his fans and longterm girlfriend and Victoria’s Secret model, Gigi (pictured).

EMMA SIGNS FOR DIOR It wasn’t going to be long till tennis sensation Emma Raducanu got her first multi-million-pound sponsorship deal. And although the wait was over a month, it was definitely worth it.

Unsurprisingly perhaps, it all began with the dress Raducanu chose to wear to the James Bond ‘No Time To Die’ premiere; a Grecian-inspired empire line gown in shimmering silver from the Dior’s 2022 Resort Collection.

“It felt heavenly! Being able to wear a dress like that made with all the magic in the Dior ateliers was a totally unique experience. The detailed embroidery was exceptional, and I was so honoured to attend my first movie premiere in it,” Emma revealed.

Emma Raducanu catapulted her way from being a qualifier in the US Open this year, to winning the whole event, aged 18 and initially unseeded – the first time this has ever happened in an international tennis competition.

16 SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

NEWS ALEC BALDWIN TRAGIC ON SET ACCIDENT Alec Baldwin is said to be “devastated” after being involved in an on-set prop gun going off accidently killing 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.

Alec, the eldest of the four Baldwin brothers was in New Mexico on the set of upcoming film ‘Rust’ when the tragedy occurred on October 22nd.

Hutchins, a wife and mother, was killed while Souza was released from hospital later that evening with “minor injuries.”

Police investigations are still ongoing, but it appears Baldwin was handed a loaded gun that should have contained blanks.

“There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, a mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred,” Baldwin revealed.

JESY BLACKFISHING SCANDEL Jesy Nelson’s hotly anticipated solo single ‘Boyz’ with Nicky Minaj dropped in the charts and caused uproar as her former bandmates accused her of ‘blackfishing’ - the term coined to describe a non-black person trying to appear black or mixed race.

Jesy appears of a much darker skin tone in the video, which she states was from a pre-shoot holiday to Antigua.

Her former bandmate LeighAnne Pinnock accused outright accused her of blackfishing in leaked Instagram messages.

Jesy’s older sister Jade, 34, has waded into the race row and come out in support of her younger sister who she claims is being “bullied”.

In the post she writes, “When bullies deliberately, and under-handedly set out to hurt someone they never expect to get caught. However, when they are exposed and the victim simply stands up for themselves the victim quickly tries to turn the tables to make the victim take the blame.

That’s what bullies do.”

“I personally want to say that my intention was never, ever to offend people of colour with this video and my song because, like I said, growing up as a young girl, this is the music that I listened to,” Nelson said.

“These are the videos that I watched and thought were the best. For me personally, 90s/2000 hip-hop, R&B music was the best era of music. I just wanted to celebrate that. I just wanted to celebrate that era of music because it is what I love.”

ALICE FUMING AT ‘CHEATING’ IOAN Actress Alice Evans has accused her ex-husband Ioan Gruffudd of having a three-year affair, following their acrimonious split earlier this year.

Alice took to Twitter last week to say: "So it turns out that my husband, after two years of telling me I'm a bad person and I'm not exciting and he no longer wants to have sex with me and he just wants to be on set abroad… has been in a relationship for three years behind all our backs. Good luck, Bianca."

Alice, 50, is referring to Ioan’s new girlfriend (who may not be that new by the sounds of it!) who has been working on the set of Ioan’s Australian show ‘Harrow’ for the last two seasons. Enraged Alice has also written a piece for the Daily Mail accusing him of infidelity.

Alice and Ioan wed back in 2007 after meeting on the set of ‘102 Dalmations’ and have two children together, Ella and Elsie. Ioan, 48, filed for divorce back in March this year and has only just announced his relationship with 30-year-old extra Bianca Wallace.

SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

17

BELUGA SUSHI B

“Bringing Decadence

Enjoy great food, spectacular cocktails, amazing ambien The team that brought you Del Fuoco Italian have diversified following years of dining in Mayfair Beluga will wow Surrey residents with their sublime Japanese an

GRAND OPENIN 18 SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

 www.beluga.bar  beluga.surrey 

BAR & LOUNGE

to Surrey Nightlife”

nce, world-class DJ’s and unparalleled service at Beluga. r Restaurants with a cool party vibe - they are bringing their own slice of London to Leatherhead. nd Sushi-inspired menu, chefs, entertainment and mixologists.

NG : DECEMBER 1 1-3 High Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8AA

SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

19

NEWS

FOR HIM

WHAT'S TRENDING...

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Currently on the US leg of his tour, Harry Styles has been championing the sustainable fashion movement by donning two brands of ethical and sustainable fashion whilst being pictured out in NYC. Harry, 27, loves to lead the pack where men’s style trends are concerned and his fashion choices are carefully calculated by stylists (with his input apparently) to both shock and make headlines in the world of fashion. This is the man that wore a sequin dress on the front cover of Vogue!

By being snapped wearing this bright neon pink hoodie from Pangaia and navy blue Vuori shorts at the same time - he is sending a clear message to his fashion followers to think about ethical fashion.

Pangaia was born in 2018 and has made the art of making ethical clothing a science in itself. Their main product range like this ‘Harry Hoodie’ is crafted from 60% saltwater seaweed and

40% organic cotton. Their flower infused puffa jackets were 10 years in development and are literally made from dried flowers!

Pangaia now has a flock of high-profile celebrity followers including Styles, the Kardashians and Justin and Hailey Beiber.

Harry’s Vuori running shorts are made from a 50% repreve polyester, which is made from recycled plastic bottles and econyl nylon which was crafted from upcycled nylon fishing nets and other sea waste. The brand is based out of California but sold globally.

His recent New York shopping trip is not the first time Harry has promoted ethical fashion. He is a huge fan of 100% ethical fashion brand Bode and regularly re-wears this collection. For his “Golden” music video he chose to wear floral trousers

20 SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

NEWS FASHION

VS SKINTED MINTED

and a white shirt from Stephen Stokey Daley’s sustainable fashion label.

Whether you are a fan of Harry Styles or not – at least he is using his huge platform to promote such

ETHICAL FASHION FINDS

Both these hoodies/sweatshirts are made from ethical and sustainable resources, so you can be clear in conscience that you are making a difference in your fashion purchases whether Skinted or Minted this month.

SKINTED

MINTED

£137, PANGAIA

SHOE SCIENCE

Ethical fashion applies to footwear too. Both of these brands are made to sustainable criteria so the environment is protected if you decide to purchase these Surrey Rocks finds this Autumn/ Winter.

SKINTED

MINTED £98, ALL BIRD

£190, VUORI

£150, REVIVO

£67, PANGAIA £60, VUORI

£137, PANGAIA

SUSTAINABLE HOODIES

£65, FINISTERRE

good ethical fashion causes.

According to Ecothes, the fashion industry is the third most polluting industry in the world accounting for 8.1% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

A large amount of waste happens at both the production stage, as our clothes are made, and the consumer stage, as we throw away or overly wash our clothes.

60% of millennials surveyed by Ecothes said they wanted to only buy from ethical/sustainable sources. If you like the moral message and Harry’s style; these tracksuits are available from www.thepangaia.com from a reasonable £67 for a sweatshirt to £137 for a hoodie in a range of colourways.

Similarly, Vuori’s range of ethical clothing is not breaking the bank balance either so you can get Harry’s shorts for £60 or a jacket for £190 from www.vuoriclothing.com.

SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

21

NEWS

FOR HER

WHAT'S TRENDING...

Oversized suit jackets and tailoring are making headlines this Autumn/ Winter with celebrities including Emily Ratajkowski, Elsa Hosk and Kendall Jenner favouring the ‘bigger is better’ approach to styling.

What’s interesting is the look is not simply donning your boyfriend or Dad’s blazer. That would be too easy. The look involves careful tailoring where jackets are fitted to your dress size and shape but just have slightly longer arms and/or hemlines to give the illusion of being oversized.

Another bonus with this oversized look is that it can hide a multitude of sins (!) and the fact the overall silhouette it creates is larger - it gives the optical illusion that the rest of your body is slimmer. We’ll take that anyday!

Havre Studio, founded by Madeleine Frandsen, is one of the go-to designer brands for oversized tailoring in the celeb world. Her

22 SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

OVERSIZED TAILORING

NEWS FASHION

VS SKINTED MINTED

LEATHER JACKETS

MINTED

£44, NOISY MAY

£299, ALL SAINTS

SKINTED

KNEE HIGH BOOTS SKINTED

MINTED £100, TOPSHOP

In the meantime, we have found these gorgeous looks from Zara (red suit jacket £59.99 and beige suit jacket £69.99) and grey jacket from Collusion on ASOS for only £40.

Go big, be bold, be beautiful this Winter ladies.

Be well heeled this Winter in a pair of snazzy knee highs whatever your budget. Choose from Missguided’s trending chocolate faux leather or Topshop’s pricier real leather croc print.

£55, MISSGUIDED

ZARA

Collusion

ZARA

designs have been seen on the likes of models Elsa Hosk and Imaan Hammam this year.

Frandsen reveals she started the brand after moving to Mexico City in 2019 and stumbling across some tianguis (open air markets), where she scavenged through and bought some old men’s suits which she then started to customise with a seamstress.

“We tried to experiment a bit with the silhouettes,” Frandsen told Vogue. “I remember cropping a blazer just because I thought it looked nice when you can see the waist, and then we made a skirt with the rest of the residue fabric.

“I think there’s something amazing about taking something so classically masculine and making it a bit feminine.”

If you want to get your hands on Frandsen’s Havre Studio collection you are going to have to wait a while. This jacket pictured on Elsa Hosk sold out in minutes! A new up to date line of oversized and tailored classics is “coming soon” according to the designer.

One of your best wardrobe staple investments this Winter has to be a leather jacket. It looks good with literally anything. Treat yourself with this Skinted version from All Saints or this Minted version from Noisy May.

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Discover OUR STORY ✳

The British love affair with Indian cuisine is a tale that spans more than 200 years – from the opening of the very first curry house in 1809, to its rise in the 21st Century as Britain’s national dish.

Welcome

Fetcham Tandoori is an award winning, authentic Asian Cuisine restaurant, based in Fetcham, Leatherhead but serving customers across Surrey and London. Enjoy a meal with us for any occasion in our intimate dining room - or if you fancy a takeaway please contact us.  248 Cobham Road, Fetcham, Leatherhead Surrey, KT22 9JF  01372 374 927  info@fetchamtandoori.co.uk  www.fetchamtandoori.co.uk

NEWS

RECIPE THAI GREEN CHICKEN CURRY

INGREDIENTS

This deliciously fragrant Thai Green Curry from Jamie Oliver is packed full of flavour and great for those cold winter nights. To save time you can always double or even triple up the ingredients for the paste and fridge or freeze for other occasions.

METHOD 1. To make the curry paste, peel, roughly chop and place the garlic, shallots and ginger into a food processor.

2. Trim the lemongrass, remove the tough outer leaves, then finely chop and add to the processor. Trim and add the chillies along with the cumin and half the coriander (stalks and all). Blitz until finely chopped, add the fish sauce and blitz again.

3. Slice the chicken into 2.5cm strips. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan on a medium heat, add the chicken and fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until just turning golden, then transfer to a plate.

4. Tear the mushrooms into even pieces. Return the pan to a medium heat, add the mushrooms and fry for 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon.

(Serves 6) l 750 g skinless free-range chicken thighs l Groundnut oil l 400 g mixed oriental mushrooms l 1 x 400g tin of light coconut milk l 1 organic chicken stock cube l 6 kaffir lime leaves l 200 g mangetout l ½ a bunch fresh Thai basil l 2 limes (For the Curry Paste) l 4 cloves of garlic l 2 shallots l 5cm piece of ginger l 2 lemongrass stalks l 4 green Bird's eye chillies l 1 teaspoon ground cumin l ½ a bunch of fresh coriander l 2 tablespoons fish sauce 5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the Thai green paste for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Pour in the coconut milk and 400ml of boiling water, crumble in the stock cube and add the lime leaves. Turn the heat up and bring gently to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, or until reduced slightly.

7. Stir in the chicken and mushrooms, reduce the heat to low and cook for a further 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, adding the mangetout for the final 2 minutes.

8. Season carefully to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pick, roughly chop and stir through the basil leaves and remaining coriander leaves. Serve with lime wedges and steamed rice.

WINE MATCH As a rule, white wines tend to work better than red wines when it comes to pairing with spicy food like Thai, as they have a bit of residual sugar which works to both combat and cool a spicy palate. Our number one choice to accompany this Thai Green Chicken Curry would be a dry Sauvignon from New Zealand or if you want to be experimental you could pick an off-dry Kabinett Riesling from Germany which has a drop of lime freshness, with delicate, high-toned flavours to match the bright herbs and green chillies.

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NEWS MOVIE REVIEW

ALBUM REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW

HOUSE OF GUCCI

ADELE 30

House of Gucci is inspired by the shocking true story of the family empire behind the Italian fashion house of Gucci.

Starring Lady Gaga, Al Pacino, Jared Leto and Adam Driver, this Ridley Scott film inspired by the true story of the Gucci family will both shock and thrill viewers.

Spanning three decades of love, betrayal, revenge, and ultimately murder, this film aims to show “what a name means, what it’s worth, and how far a family will go for control.”

Lady Gaga, having already proved her acting credentials in ‘A Star is Born’ is back in a role she was made for playing; the Italian socialite Patrizia Reggiani who married Maurizio Gucci in 1972 and fought for decades for the control of the Gucci brand.

Her wealth-driven ambition and decadent dress sense earned her the title Lady Gucci. Reggiani famously spent £9000 a month on orchids and was quoted as saying, “I would rather weep in a Rolls-Royce than be happy on a bicycle.”

Adam Driver stars as her wronged husband Maurizio, while Jared Leto is barely unrecognisable in a fat body suit and prosthetics as Paolo Gucci. Al Pacino is sensational in his role as Aldo Gucci.

This is a fantastic film for fashion aficionados with three decades of Gucci fashion showcased throughout the film it is a true theatrical, fashion masterpiece.

The Universal/MGM film in scheduled for release on November 24th.

Adele is back with her fourth studio album and the singer has one message on her mind with this one: “Divorce babe, divorce!” as she told one fan during her recent Instagram Live session.

It has been a tumultuous year for the singer where she finalised her divorce from ex-husband Simon Konecki back in January this year.

Always writing from the heart, this new album will be true to Adele form.

The “Easy on Me” music video premiered on You Tube in tandem with the single’s drop on October 14th and as expected it is as moving and tear-jerking as we imagined.

A sombre track, Adele sings with passion about forgiveness over her innocent past mistakes as she reflects on her failed marriage to Konecki.

She describes the album, three years in the making, as her “ride or die through the most turbulent period of my life.”

We love Adele and seriously cannot wait for the album release scheduled for November 19th.

She is also appearing on Oprah with a televised special five days ahead of the album release day on Sunday November 14th called ‘Adele One Night Only.’ We hope this trounces the Meghan and Harry interview!

WISH YOU WERE HERE - JODI PICOULT From the Number One New York Times bestselling author, Jodi Picoult, comes a deeply moving novel about the resilience of the human spirit in a moment of crisis.

Diana O’Toole is perfectly on track.

She will be married by thirty, done having kids by thirty-five, and move out to the New York City suburbs, all while climbing the professional ladder in the cutthroat art auction world. She’s not engaged just yet, but she knows her boyfriend, Finn, a surgical resident, is about to propose on their romantic getaway to the Galápagos days before her thirtieth birthday. Right on time.

But then a virus that felt worlds away has appeared in the city, and on the eve of their departure, Finn breaks the news: It’s all hands on deck at the hospital. He has to stay behind. You should still go, he assures her, since it would be a shame for all of their nonrefundable trip to go to waste. And so, reluctantly, she goes.

Almost immediately, Diana’s dream vacation goes awry. The whole island is now under quarantine, and she is stranded until the borders reopen.

Completely isolated, she must venture beyond her comfort zone. Slowly, she carves out a connection with a local family when a teenager with a secret opens up to Diana, despite her father’s suspicion of outsiders.

Diana finds herself examining her relationships, her choices, and herself and wondering if when she goes home, she too will have evolved into someone completely different.

This new novel from the author of ‘My Sister’s Keeper’ and ‘Small Great Things’ is a must-read this Winter.

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NEWS

ELLE SELINE MAKING HISTORY

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S

urrey girl Elle has made history by becoming the first contestant ever to enter Miss GB make-up free. She made it to the top 5 and won the title Ms GB Publicity 2021 at the competition last month which is a true accolade. Surrey Rocks caught up with the Guildford girl to find out all about the competition, on being a role model for young women and her brave stance on not wearing make-up.

CONGRATULATIONS FOR MAKING THE TOP 5 IN MS GB AND WINNING THE TITLE MS GB PUBLICITY 2021, HOW DID THE SHOW GO? It was liberating and a very surreal experience which I am very grateful for, everything went so fast too, I did my best and gave them 100% Elle. After the show two young girls came to speak to me and said they felt more confident about themselves after seeing what I did, this for me was huge and definitely the highlight of the evening for me.

WAS IT NERVE WRACKING COMPETING IN SUCH A HIGHPROFILE COMPETITION? It was nerve wracking as I was coming totally out of my comfort zone, I was not hiding behind make-up which I would usually do on stage and in public. Giving yourself to people in your most vulnerable state is scary as it is - however doing it on a stage at a national competition was even more so, but it was an important thing to do and I made history by doing it for the right reasons.

Whenever I felt anxious or doubted myself, I remembered exactly why I was doing it and all the women I had helped through my story. I chose such a high profile competition on purpose for my message to be heard. It was a controversial thing to do but I am glad I did it; the stance and message was always bigger than the competition itself.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO COMPETE IN MS GB WITHOUT MAKE-UP? I competed in my most vulnerable form, not just for my own growth and self-esteem, but to show all women that they don’t owe the world anything. That they have a choice to do what they want, to look how they want, and that the only person they should make that choice for is themselves.

The make-up was always just a symbol of choice and the pageant was the microphone and platform to be heard on a global scale.

In high school, I was ridiculed and bullied by my peers for my olive skin and thicker darker hair, I looked different. I

covered myself in make-up to try and change myself in the hopes that it would help me fit in. For years, make-up was my shield; a mask I used to hide myself behind for fear of letting people know me the nasty things the kids in school said to me followed me into adulthood, during lockdown I called myself out on a lot of home truths regarding my past, I looked at ways to support myself for a better future, the pressure to show up and glow up has fizzled away as all we were able to do is go to the supermarket/doctors, there was something beautiful about just being able to exist and enjoy myself without needing the validation from someone else, this is something I craved before, however having no choice but to validate myself really set me free, I do not recognise the person I was before lockdown. I decided to

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NEWS

enter Ms GB again in April 2021, after competing in February 2020 I knew I would be back again because I didn’t give them my true self, just like in school I gave them a version of me I thought they would want to see, and this was hard to admit to myself at the time.

Another reason I chose to go make-up free is because society has a lot to answer for when it comes to the way it treats women and what it expects of us.

We are in a world where many of the things that make us unique are labelled as a flaw in order for the beauty industry to profit from us. There are apps that young people can access which have the power to change the shape of our faces, skin colour, make us look slimmer, get us closer to the never-ending pursuit of perfection. This is exactly what I did in school to try and fit in with make-up, however now in the digital age it’s even more

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It feels very good, being someone I needed to aspire to when I was a younger person is a true honour. If I can help one person not go through what I did, then what happened to me during my childhood and teens was not in vain.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE MAKING FRONT COVER HEADLINES AND DOING SO MANY TV APPEARANCES INCLUDING SKY NEWS, BBC NEWS AND GMTV? It was absolutely awesome and slightly surreal, they all got it, they understood the stance and were there for it.

dangerous as there is no escape from all these things being pushed at us constantly, we are told to look like this person, be more like this or that but we are never told to just accept ourselves as we are.

We are made to feel like we’re not good enough, when in reality, we are already perfect as we are. Women are expected to wear make-up as part of our daily routine, as if we are not fully presentable without it. Society has corrupted us to believe this is acceptable when it simply isn’t fair and we deserve better.

This was my promise to the next generation that we will do better for them too.

DO YOU EVER WEAR MAKE-UP? Not anymore no, and if I ever do again it is because I want to for me and not for someone else’s validation or acceptance.

WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A FEMINIST? A feminist is someone who fights for equal rights for all, so yes I would consider myself one.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE CONSIDERED A ROLE MODEL TO YOUNG WOMEN?

DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE CHANGED PUBLIC PERCEPTION? Yes I hope so. It was also important to be having the conversations that we had on national platforms in order to reach a lot of people and raise awareness.

WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN THE MOVIE VERSION OF YOUR LIFE? Reese Witherspoon - I love those Elle Woods vibes, or Sandra Bullock because she also changed the world of pageants in her role as Miss Congeniality - I feel both these women would have the role down and get into character well.

WHO WOULD BE YOUR IDEAL CELEBRITY DINNER PARTY GUESTS? Halsey, Sia, Lady Gaga, and Demi Lovato I think there would be a lot of raw, and powerful stories to share between us, I also think we would all get on as people.

BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN? Stay true to yourself.

WHAT´S THE BEST THING ABOUT SURREY? As areas go it is a very pretty place, lots of beautiful countryside and woodland around the towns which is always helpful if I want to escape from my busy life.

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Following months of careful renovation, The Watermill in Dorking The venue has operated as a pub since the 1960s, but it’s been totally transformed, bringing a refres With extensive views over Box Hill, guests can dine in the newly landscaped gardens, featuring cosy log burner and innovation that celebrate provenance and showcases the best of British farms. The pub’s Christmas me and a delicious gingerbread trifle to get you ready for the festive season. The Watermill will offer an extensive se including a staple French Martini to an exquisite Espre 36  www.thewatermill-dorking.co.uk SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

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FEATURES

LENNY KRAVITZ - GOING HIS WAY

W

hen Lenny Kravitz started his career in the music industry he was so poor he had to live in a car that he rented for $5 a day. Now he’s a four-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, author and arranger, who’s also acted in films such as Precious and The Hunger Games. Yes, Lenny Albert Kravitz is a pretty impressive man with no signs of slamming on the breaks.

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At 57, he has just released his memoirs and is working on THREE new albums. And all this while keeping up an impressive daily workout regime. His latest Instagram post of him making a cup of coffee with a completely unbuttoned leopard print shirt left fans drooling. He has the well-defined abdominals of a 27-year-old, let alone a 57-year-old.

But Lenny’s journey to success was not an easy ride as he reveals in his new book “Let Love Rule.”

Despite the fact his parents were already film stars, Lenny rejected their help in order to begin his career alone. So after graduating in 1982 Lenny left home and hit the road with next to nothing. In a chance meeting on arrival in New York City, he fell in love with the 80’s star of The Cosby Show, Lisa Benet. In fact, New York was a lucky place for young Lenny, as it was also where he met recording engineer Henry Hirsh, which kickstarted the release of his first album, Let Love Rule in 1989.

In the following years, Lenny and Hirsh, both with a shared passion for mixing jazz, rock and R&B released the track which made his career. Are You Gonna Go My Way released in 1993 earned Kravitz a Brit Award for Best International Male Artist and an MTV Music Award for Best Video. At a time when all music videos were played on MTV and were make or break for the artist, Lenny thrashing on his electric guitar with his unruly dreadlocks, leather trousers and platforms made for unmissable viewing.

Everything seemed to be perfect in Lenny´s world. He had an unstoppable recording career of his own and was even producing records and playing guitar for the likes of Mick Jagger, Madonna, Aerosmith and David Bowie.

However, things started to go badly for the star when Lenny´s mum died at age 66 of breast cancer and after 8 years together, Lisa and Lenny sadly got divorced. Lenny blamed the separation on the teachings of his father. “My mother loved my father. My father just

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FEATURES

liked women,” Lennie explained in an episode of Oprah’s Master Class. “My father was getting ready to leave and move out” Lenny described that he clearly remember his father saying to me, ‘You’ll do it, too.’ It messed me up.

Unfortunately, his father’s prediction seemingly became true when the couple divorced after rumours of Kravitz infidelity. Following the break-up Lenny released his darkest album; Circus. Some of the songs in this album make it clear just how much Lenny was suffering.

For example, in the song Can’t Get You Off My Mind Lenny sings, “I don’t wanna lose you baby, and I don’t wanna be alone. Don’t wanna live my days without you, but for now I’ve got to be without you.”

However despite cheating rumours (with none other than Madonna), Lisa and Lenny have remained friends. Lisa married Jason Momoa who plays Aquaman in 2017 and have two kids together.

Lenny has always made an effort to be friends with his ex and her new man.

Kravitz said his ongoing friendship with Lisa is especially due to their daughter, Zoe Kravitz, who is now a successful American actress, singer, model and director.

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“We had Zoe, which is, I see now, what it was all about. It was really all about bringing this beautiful child to the planet and also sharing the love that [Lisa and I] had,” said Lenny. “When we’re all together now, we’re all together and we’re one big happy family. It’s beautiful and it just shows you what can be done.”

Today you will probably recognise Zoe from films such as X-Men: First Class, Divergent, Insurgent and Mad Max: Fury Road. She is also dating Magic Mike star Channing Tatum, after falling in love on the set of the recent film Pussy Island that Zoe was directing and Tatum was starring in.

Performing just seems to be within the Kravitz family’s blood.

Lenny’s mother, Roxie Roker, even broke racial barriers with her performance in The Jefferson’s, where her character married a white man, the first interracial couple to be shown on primetime television.

But growing up in a life of fame and fortune does not mean Lenny missed out on those typical gross jobs that most teenagers have to get. In fact, in high school he worked in a fish market, cutting up fish for a living. But yet hung out with celebs like actor Joe Namath and was shown how to play piano by jazz legend Duke Ellington.

Overall it seems Lenny has kept himself very busy over the years.

“Between the music ... the photography, the acting, and the design company that I run, it’s pretty much 24/7,” Lenny reveals.

But now at the age of 57, he believes it is time to make room for someone special.

“There’s times you say, Man, I’d love to be married again, and I’d love to have a family’ and all of these things. But I’ve sacrificed that for all of these things that I do,” Kravitz admitted at the interview. “I don’t have regrets, because that would mean I’m not trusting in what’s to be. I am waiting to see what happens - I’m a free man.”

Lenny said that now there is love missing in his life. “I can feel that it’s time — you know, those things will continue, because I love them — but I need to make room for a new personal life.”

At the interview this week Lenny also revealed that his next ambition is to direct movies.

“I would do an indie film, do my own film,” he says, adding that he’s working on a script. “I don’t know if many people know I want to do that [directing]. I think it’s something I’m going to do.”

But until then we still have his live music to enjoy, as Lenny is adament he will not give up touring, “I’m going to continue doing this for as long as I can,” he said.

We sincerely hope so and can’t wait to see the ‘Rock Legend’ perform his classic hits and new album material soon.

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FEATURES

REALITY TV SPECIAL: ST W

ith falling figures of people tuning in to some programmes and the axe of ‘The X Factor’ this year, the nation appears to be falling out of love with a fair few reality shows...

As intense public scrutiny is also reportedly affecting participants’ mental health, is the honeymoon phase for the likes of 'Love Island' and other dating programmes over? And what about the infamous ‘Strictly’ curse? What lies ahead for the dance-off shows?

Celebrity Journalist Angela Sara West digs deeper with reality show stars to find out what they think is in store for such series.

From 'Strictly Come Dancing', 'Made In Chelsea' and 'TOWIE', to 'The Great British Bake Off', 'Sewing Bee' and Ant & Dec's star-studded ‘I'm A Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here!', the reality TV show portfolio covers a plethora of genres galore.

Brightening up our summer screens since 2015, the spark of lust'n'love and dating dramas with the audience seemed to dissipate for ‘Love Island’ this year, with the series’ opener pulling in the show's smallest overnight launch viewership since 2017, and viewers enjoying Euro 2020 and Wimbledon instead.

Unlike the first fly-on-the-wall reality shows like ‘Big Brother’, with numerous reality shows we now observe scripted showdowns, mandatory meet-ups, manipulated cast members, and scenes structured for “our entertainment”, often making things feel forced.

We also have glossier, more aspirational participants, with constructed reality stars making careers out of crossovers, as personalities move on to the challenges of plentiful other popular reality programmes after starring in their first, going on to compete in shows such as ‘Celebrity MasterChef’ and ‘Celebs Go Dating’, resulting in super star success stories.

Acting as a springboard to success in other mediums, careers in acting, pop music, and even the business world, ordinary people frequently find overnight success off the back of the shows. But with producers putting pressure on participants, contestants losing their ‘dignity’ on a public platform, scripted reality shows, too, it seems reality TV has lost its grip on reality and is consequently losing public support.

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So, just what is it that is turning people off from these previously phenomenallypopular programmes? Are we fed up with the copycat formats? Are reality shows still relevant? Have they gone too far? Or is it the damaging mental health aspects that are putting us off? After all, there have been rumours rumbling for years over the lack of show aftercare. The fact that there have even, sadly, been subsequent suicides and incidents of self-harm among reality stars and hosts could well be the cause of the channel switchover.

There's also the savage social media outrage culture, which Ofcom says reflects a "trend of growing complaints

about high-profile TV. Shows should, of course, have a duty of care.

What is the future for reality series? To find out more, I chat exclusively with a few famous faces about what it’s REALLY like to star on a reality show, delve into their highs and lows, and discover what they believe the future holds for such series.

Amy Day - Love Islander 2021 All-singing, all-dancing Surrey star Amy Day shot to fame on this year’s ‘Love Island’ and, hot out of the villa, is now in much demand as a performer and model for shoots for glossy

Amy Day Credit: Earl (Stephen Santos) @wackpaper17photography

TARS UNDER PRESSURE magazines and so much more.

Her highs on the show? “The fact you’ve been picked out of the entire nation to go on!” she tells me. “Plus the chance to experience what it is actually like, and the great platform once you leave.”

The brunette bombshell felt prepared when entering the villa. “I am quite strong minded anyway when it comes to negativity and so on,

shows, and dons her dancing shoes to chat all things ‘Strictly’ every Sunday evening for her IGTV series ‘Strictly Between Us’ with TV & radio presenter Benjy Potter and, among countless other public appearances, the 2021 Love Islander performed at Lady Wimbledon’s famous Boo Bash at the Dog & Fox in Wimbledon Village this Saturday October 30th.

Laurence LlewelynBowen - Celebrity Interior Designer

but I spent a long time deciding about going on, so I definitely went through all the pros and cons and knew I’d be ok.

I did not feel any pressure and was just excited to be on ‘Love Island’. I kept fit before going in because I knew I’d be in a bikini, so I guess that was my biggest pressure.”

As for aftercare, the Casa Amor contestant and theatrically-trained actress & singer reassuringly reveals that that particular aspect proved a positive experience for her. “There is a lot of support from the aftercare team! There is no fault.”

The stunning social media star is now reaping the rewards of that time in the limelight, which has acted as a launchpad to amazing opportunities. She has since modelled at our LFW show in Surrey, been auditioning for West End and TV

Twenty five years on from when the TV show which turned velvet-and-purpleloving Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen into a creative superstar first hit our screens, 'Changing Rooms' is back on the box, with Laurence returning to his ‘feather-ruffling’ role as an extravagant designer extraordinaire in the cult interior design show, delivering interiors inspo LLB P in spades, with a 2021 Credit Steve Thorp twist. “It was such an iconic series!” Laurence tells me. “Along with improvement programme, turning its being about the transformation of a room resident maximalist Laurence and his through a makeover, it was also about the crafty colleagues, including Linda Barker, panto, the casting, the energy and the into household names overnight. “When reality. And, of course, purple!” we started the show back in the mid-90s, As one of the first reality shows, the nobody dared to decorate out of their unprecedented home makeover series comfort style,” Laurence explains. “Our exploded viewers' interest in interior show brought interior design down from design and DIY, and BOOM... Britain was its ‘posh’ pedestal, inspiring everyone to bitten by the home improvement bug! pick up their paintbrushes and get arty in Fun, fast-paced and full of drama, the 90’s their own abode.” show revolutionised home decoration, He admits he wasn’t keen, initially, with being creative with colour and on starring on TV. “I remember the first design becoming the nation’s favourite couple of very negative responses, when weekend pastime. we were just starting out and my children The interiors guru first burst onto were very young. This was before social our screens in 1996 in the BBC's media, but then I received LOTS of letters landmark lifestyle game-changing home from people writing in to say, ‘Well, they

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FEATURES might not have liked it, but I did!’”

He reveals that made him realise that taste is “absolutely subjective”.

“So I thought, in that case, I’m going to go on TV to encourage people to do it THEIR way, to just have a go and have some fun along the way.”

The phenomenallypopular series led to copious copycats on other channels, with show-after-show copying the 'Changing Vicky Pattison Rooms' format. Laurence Pour Moi starred in a string of highlysuccessful home makeover series, notably 'DIY: SOS', which he still stars in today.

He says the first big shoot he did was for the cover of The TV Times after the first 'Changing Rooms' series. "That was an odd moment in TV where the expert on the programme (me!) suddenly became the cover star, which hadn't happened before. This was 1996, long before the cult of the TV expert ever really happened, way before Jamie Oliver."

Reality royalty and influencer Revived on Channel 4 this September, Vicky Pattison reeled in the nation out-there Laurence reveals that he still loves pushing people out of their with her fun'n'honest personality comfort zone, and revels in the fact on ‘I’m A Celeb…’ in 2015. that he’s different. “I love that people’s Crowned Queen of the Jungle, expectations when I walk into the room, she’s also the queen of keeping they know that it’s going to be taken things real and known for her somewhere they would never take it inspiring social media presence to themselves,” he says. “In the early and promoting body positivity.

Those annual jungle shower days, the first series, it was absolutely extraordinary, ‘Changing Rooms’ was scenes are gold for the media, the first real proper reality show, the first and as a mental health and time that everything was kept in, even if positive body image advocate, it didn’t work. It was the debut of what Vicky champions body positivity, you saw on TV that was happening to real inclusivity and inner confidence, people, the first-ever kind of reality show leaving women feeling strong, beautiful and empowered. What where that was allowed to happen.”

With showstopping concepts ensuring does body confidence mean to establishments are sexy and luxurious, Vicky? “Learning to love the skin he’s still shocking and inspiring the nation you’re in - embracing every inch through his elegantly-executed, elaborate of your body, shunning society’s overhauls and outlandish OTT creations. ideals of what is considered "I think what Channel 4 have done with ‘attractive’ and celebrating your programmes like 'Pottery Throw Down' uniqueness! We’re all fabulously and 'Bake Off', which were originally BBC flawed, and that’s what makes us shows, they're very good at taking these human and beautiful. Big butt, traditional BBC ideas but giving them a little butt, huge boobs, itty bitty bit of a spin, making them more rock'n' ones, cellulite, rolls, flat stomach, tall or small - we are all perfect roll and a bit more fun!"

"Uplifting 'Changing Rooms', 'Sewing in our own way - and once you Bee'... these sort of shows are really realise that and learn to appreciate heartening to feel that we are going to your body as so much more than make something that people will really a number on a scale, that is body enjoy... they're about the creativity, and confidence.”

On her mission to empower everyone gets on, whereas other shows women, Vicky has teamed up with are about the competition."

VICKY PATTISON – TV STAR/JUNGLE QUEEN/MASTERCHEF FINALIST

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a global lingerie retailer and has just launched Pour Moi x Vicky Pattison edit, offering a stunning collection championing inclusivity and creating styles to fit and flatter all body shapes.

Olly Murs - Singer/ songwriter/ The Voice Coach

Sensationally dropped after hosting the 2015 ‘The X Factor’ series, singer/ songwriter and ‘The Voice’ coach Olly Murs revealed he battled with depression after his presenting duties on the show, alongside the now, sadly, late Caroline Flack, were met with much criticism. He says dealing with the pressures of the industry when first in the public eye was not easy... and it got even worse. Coming

Olly Murs

second on the ITV singing competition himself in 2009, the singing sensation confessed that the pressure to present what was "at the time, the biggest show on TV" was "intense".

Opening up his mental health, the pop star admits he had a difficult time, experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. "It was intense", he says. Although following his ‘X Factor’ axe and short-lived career as a presenter, multi-talented Olly's career has gone from strength-to-strength, seeing him mentor aspiring singers in his high-profile role as a coach on ‘The Voice UK’.

He wrote the song ‘Talking to Yourself’ about his anxiety and encourages other men to speak up about their mental health.

His tips? “I’d encourage anyone struggling to talk to someone.

You’d be surprised how many people will empathise, and probably open up about themselves.

“I think it’s becoming more acceptable for men in particular to talk openly together about their mental health. But I’d also advise anyone to go and speak to an impartial counsellor.

It definitely did me the world of good, to have a stranger give me an impartial view and advice. Finding a hobby, or something that makes you feel good is always a positive, too. Having an outlet for any stresses or anxieties, even if it’s as simple as going for a walk.”

Calling for Brits to #BanTheBland, his campaign with Peperami, he reveals he's presenting a brand-new talent show for ITV. I have a new show coming out soon called ‘Starstruck!’”

Peter Andre - Singer, actor & TV presenter From the ‘Strictly’ dance floor to jungle life, ’90s pop pin-up Peter Andre took time out from the public eye before coming back with a bang, finding fame again on entering ITV’s hit jungle-based show ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here?' in 2004, where he met Katie Price, wrote the song ‘Insania’ and gave fans a daily dose of those impressive abs.

Shortly after leaving the jungle, the 2004 re-release of ‘Mysterious Girl’ went straight to the top of the UK charts, eight years after its original release, seeing Peter enter the Guinness Book of Records as the only singer to have the same song hit the top of the UK charts three times!

Along with reality shows a-go-go, there have subsequently been small and bigscreen appearances aplenty, including

of Ice’ and presenter of ‘Celebs Go Skating’ tells me. "I’ve been so fortunate to have been on a few myself and hosting them is really exciting; you never know what’s going to happen... and that’s the best part!"

She says such shows can be stressful. "I’m super lucky to have an amazing support system around me that has helped me through all the ups and downs… But yes, reality show life can be stressful! My family keeps me grounded and always reminds me of what’s important."

As for the future of the shows, "I don’t think reality TV will ever end anytime soon!" she says.

"Sometimes, reality shows can be quite similar to others, so maybe that explains the boredom that Peter Andre viewers are having.”

The stroke survivor presenting gigs on ‘60-Minute Makeover’, agrees that the mental health aspects showbusiness reporter jobs on ‘This are affecting people's viewing choices.

Morning’ and even a Hollywood movie.

"I do think people are a bit worried but Peter tells me he’s grateful for the opportunities he's had.

“It’s just been amazing that I’ve had so many doors opening, and I’ve been lucky enough to give new things a try!” Gracing our screens to show off his cool dance moves on ‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ and going back Down Under to take on jungle challenges were both big learning curves for the celebrated singer. “'Strictly’ and ‘I’m a Celebrity’ are two shows that are entirely poles apart, but where you learn different things about yourself," he explains. "Let’s just say that both shows taught me a lot!”

Alex Murphy Dancing on Ice Champ & Celebs Go Skating Presenter "I absolutely love reality TV!" two-time Champion of ‘Dancing Alex Murphy

FEATURES aftercare protocols are now being put into place, which is so important!"

"I think reality shows will continue for a very long time… I’d definitely sign up for another! I’ve been very fortunate to have been on a few where I have met some of my best friends!”

Sofia Hayat - Hollywood & Bollywood actress

tuned into a higher vibration," she continues. "We don't Film & TV star Sofia Hayat, want to see people on the other hand, tells me competing, when we she's had a terrible time taking can be co-operating. part in reality TV. "I was in We don't want to Channel 4’s ‘Bollywood star’, see people's mental India’s ‘Bigg Boss’, the same health decline. And one as Jade Goody, and have we don't want to also been on a cooking reality see people belittling show in India, like 'Come others, like they do Dine With Me' here. On all on shows like 'The the shows, you were basically X Factor’. Putting asked questions pre-show people down was about your life… selected fashionable when questions by psychologists reality shows started, working on the show. On but we are over it.

‘Bollywood Star’, they asked Viewers have evolved me about my mum and the Sofia Hayat and don't want that one thing I remember, and I Credit: Earl (Stephen Santos) @wackpaper17photography anymore. Strictly's a said that my mum loved my light-hearted show hair and said it was the mark and people support I was too scared to go to the show finale of a woman. They used this each other.

That's what is lacking in other against me and cut my waist-length hair and escaped on a plane back to the UK reality shows.

We need to support each off to just my shoulders at a hair salon. I after the show producers told me I had to other, and the show needs to support us, be on the show again.

I said I would not wore a wig for the rest of the show, but had a meltdown and ran away. Family share a stage with a man who hit me. There the contestants, and our mental health.

The press is currently going wild for members encouraged me to go back. is no aftercare and the shows really play Sofia’s recent film festival selection. Her Unfortunately, I did, and the show said I on your insecurities. At one point, they short film, taken on her mobile phone sent me some anti-anxiety medication to ran away to a 5-star hotel and made me look like a spoilt brat, when I was in deep help me. I would much rather have had during lockdown, has been selected support in a different way. I had a major for the Cult International Film Festival. psychological trauma."

After 'Bollywood Star', Sofia was panic attack on the show after everyone Having become a nun following her TV “deeply shocked” at how she was used to got a message from their family except & film career, she’s now being beckoned create drama on a show. "Another time, me. It broke my heart, really. They did back into entertainment. Would she be they put me in a room with a teacher and not air that episode because I was in such up for another show? "I would definitely we were told to scream a lot. The screams bought me back to when I was being sexually assaulted, and I couldn't stop crying for three days... There was no help or support. They just said, 'Let her cry, it's part of the process. On ‘Bigg Boss’, I was hit in the face with a mop by another contestant, a man. He called me all sorts of sexual names that were abusive. I wanted to leave but they didn’t let me. In the end, when they evicted me due to the decline in my mental health, I went to the police and it was all over the news… India’s number two news story,” she explains.

“The police arrested the man after they saw the footage, but the presenter, who is very wealthy and famous, paid for him to be released. Once again, I felt like, as a woman, I was being taken advantage of.

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distress and could not breathe. They just sent in some medication.”

Sofia reckons reality shows are on the decline due to the negativity and mental health aspects. "Which are overlooked time and time again. Shows like 'Dancing on Ice' and 'Strictly' will probably be the way forward, because people are learning a skill. But then again, one of the show's selling points is the curse... couples break up, and they play this up in the media."

She also believes people are bored of the "fake drama".

"Reality shows have a recipe for their success, and they think that is aggression, violence, sob stories, poverty stories and sex. People are fed up with seeing these stories being played up.”

"I really think people today are more

do 'Dancing On Ice' or 'Strictly', because I love dancing and have always wanted to dance on ice, but I would not fall for the curse," she laughs.

Aldo Zilli - Celebrity Chef When he’s not serving up Italian gastronomic delights from his '5-starrated Neighbourhood Kitchen' at his home CASA ZILLI in Surrey, celebrity chef Aldo Zilli can frequently be seen cooking up a storm on our screens. His extensive TV credits include being a judge on BBC One’s ‘Celebrity Masterchef’, and he has also signed up as a contestant in no fewer than three major reality shows for ITV and Channel 4.

“I did ’Celebrity Fit Club’, where I was told to lose weight or die, basically... I was so scared and managed to drop three stone in just three months,” he explains.

“This was a massive mistake as I piled it all back on again as soon as it came off. So, no more drastic dieting for me.”

Having gained a huge following from the show, where he led his team to victory, his experience of managing to lose weight, however, sparked a new-found passion for health and fitness, which he still maintains Aldo Zilli & today. daughter He then captivated Twiggy the nation with his singing prowess and performances on taking part in the celebrity version of ‘The X Factor’ alongside three other famous chefs; JeanChristophe Novelli, Paul Rankin and the now sadly-late Ross Burden.

“I named the Band Bake That!” says Aldo. “The stress of learning songs and trying to sing in Italian in front of lots of

people got to me so badly that I started drinking again during the shows to calm my nerves!”

His most recent reality show appearance came just before the pandemic, seeing him team up with fellow chef JeanChristophe again on ‘Celebrity Hunted’, where eight celebrity fugitives went on the run, taking on the ‘Hunted’ challenge to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer. “This is maybe the worst and most mentally-strenuous reality show on telly if you take it seriously,” award-winning Aldo tells me.

“And, of course, I did, and won in the end. But it took three weeks to recover from panic attacks about been chased!”

Apron anxiety struck again… But all for a good cause though, Aldo!

with them."

He thinks reality TV “has a bright future ahead… especially ‘Strictly’ and ‘I’m a Celeb…’ Would he star in another? "Yes, I would love to. I really hope they will do a 'Love Island' all-star... that would be great!"

ZaraLena Jackson - Ex on the Beach star & model ZaraLena Jackson says her experience on 'EOTB' was "horrific". "It was like being back in school but the producers

Idris Virgo - Love Islander 2018 Idris Virgo enjoyed finding fame overnight in his first reality TV appearance.

“My experience on 'Love Island' was life changing. The whole build-up before I entered the villa was incredible. The ITV team was amazing and being in the villa was a dream come true to experience, especially in the sun, surrounded by beautiful females... what a dream!!”

Now a boxer signed to Hennessy

Idris Virgo @theoraclesister

Sports, he describes the mental health aspect of the show as "decent", and tells me, to be king of the reality ring, he thinks shows need to up their game. "I believe the producers need to spice things up regarding reality TV. Get characters like myself back on the screen!! The public is comfortable in what they know. There have been new shows that have boring characters, and the public can’t connect

are the teachers and they want you to be bullied. There was always pressure to act up and have “drama”, and they’d tell you that other cast members have said something about you to make you react or feel a type of way. That show wasn’t for me at all, I don’t act up or have sex on platforms that my family will be watching.

So, unfortunately I had a bad experience.

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FEATURES The wrong show at the right time, I guess."

She tells me she dealt with a lot of image issues following the show. "But that’s expected. When you expose yourself on TV, you allow the world to judge who you are and be able to say things about you, and that’s just how it is. I was picked on for my face looking like a transsexual, and told I looked like Voldemort. It wasn’t easy, and certainly pushed me to be more open to having surgery. A few weeks after the show, I didn’t want to leave the house and constantly felt I was being watched in a very strange way. I think having cameras on you 24/7 and constantly being filmed in the rooms massively made me feel anxiety and led to slight paranoia after the show.”

Shockingly, she says there was zero contact from the show following filming.

"So, in my honest opinion, there was no aftercare. I think reality TV isn’t actually reality, and that’s what the nation's problem is," she explains. “These shows always have attractive cast members that too many of the 'norm tv viewers' don’t find relatable, so they don’t interact well.

A lot of these shows are clearly staged, too, which stands out. Reality TV is very disposable, the people on the shows are disposable, and as soon as a new show is aired, the last stars are disposed of. I feel it’s time real people with real problems, or something that makes them unique, are encouraged in the TV world. That, after all, is reality TV." Would she sign up for another? “I’d definitely do another now that I’m living with alopecia. Mainly because TV is the biggest platform to get awareness out there. However, before my hair loss, I probably wouldn’t have considered further TV work as it is all very fake and without purpose most of the time. That said, I don’t think reality TV shows will ever go out of style, maybe just oversaturated. After all, we all love watching reality TV!”

can guess and develop conceptions by watching from the outside, but nothing will ever prepare you for what it’s really like, until you experience it yourself.”

The make-up artist is always openly honest about her struggles with mental health. Living and breathing make-up, the passionate pro MUA is also an advocate of body positivity. "My mental health was affected quite badly after leaving the show, I can’t lie. I left quite early on, so I went back to reality, while everyone else was still filming, and that really sucked,” she tells me. “I spent a few days in bed, cried a lot, and fell into quite a deep hole of depression. Nothing can really prepare you for that kind of thing I don’t think. I’m quite a headstrong person, but that broke me."

As for the aftercare, she says it could have definitely been better. "I had gone from living in this 'out-of-reality’ environment, to being plummeted straight back into 'normal' life without warning, and felt like there was no type of safety net to help soften the blow. The BBC provided a psychiatrist we could talk to at any time, and she was lovely and helpful, but as the weeks went on and more contestants left the show, more-

Shanice Croasdaile Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up star It's a mixed reaction from reality star Shanice Croasdaile.

"It was the best thing I’ve ever done, and the most stressful thing I’ve ever done," she divulges. "Doing a reality TV competition like ‘Glow Up’ is kind of like having a child, you

Shanice Croasdaile

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and-more people wanted to speak to her, so naturally, her time was stretched."

"Looking back at it now, I’m grateful for all of the things I experienced, good and bad, because I thought back then, that was the end for me and my career, when in reality, it was just the beginning.

I definitely didn’t see any silver lining back then, but I do now!”

"I do think people are getting bored of reality TV. I personally can’t tell you the last time I watched a reality show. Things like healing, self-love and spirituality are really popular at the moment, and a lot of people are taking the time to look after themselves, especially when it comes to mental health. Programmes that are filled with arguments, gossip and drama are not as attractive to a lot of people as they used to be."

As for the future, “I see more-and-more huge reality stars coming under fire for not being authentic, and I just think a lot of people are getting bored of watching people that they can’t relate to all of the time… not everyone is glammed to the high heavens 24/7 or covered in muscles and tattoos,” she says. “I think if the script for reality shows was changed, and people who are more relatable to the wider public were shown more, then the interest would rise again.

That’s one reason why I think shows like 'Glow Up' and 'Bake off' do so well, because the contestants are easy for people from all walks of life to relate to.”

Would she do another?

"In a heartbeat.

Definitely TV over having another child! I’d absolutely go on ‘Glow Up’ again and do reality TV in general. I have interesting aspects of my personality and stories I think a lot of people would connect with, so if a show wanted a weird hippy type, who doesn’t take herself too seriously and prefers banter over drama, then call me!"

Danielle Broadbent - Naked Beach contestant & body confidence podcaster "'Naked Beach' was a great experience", says Danielle Broadbent.

"I went on the show feeling quite insecure about how my body had changed since having my second child, and genuinely thought I would never be happy within it again.

To appear on 'Naked Beach' we had to go through therapy and a lot of coaching from body confidence hosts, which was fantastic for me. I don’t think, though, that 'Naked Beach' was your typical reality TV show.

When people think of reality TV, I think often they associate it with a bit of drama and scandal, but 'Naked Beach' was very much a feel-good show."

She says the programme assisted with her pre-show anxieties. "I wouldn’t say that the show caused me any mental health issues. I think, in all honesty, I was addressing my existing mental health issues by being on the show to begin with.

After the show, I was on quite a high as I felt fabulous. I had developed this newfound confidence and was beginning to feel like my old self again. I did have one setback just before the show aired, which was more anxiety… how would the show be perceived, would I be trolled online, would people have high expectations of me now to be this super confident person 24-7 and never have an off-day? The team was really supportive though, and I have some great friends around me who also gave me a lot of reassurance.”

She agrees that the reality genre is seeing some shows showing signs of becoming stale, and are, consequently, suffering from flagging viewing figures.

"I love reality TV, but I do think some shows definitely lose their spark as a lot of people have seen it all before and need something new. 'The X-Factor' was a great show for many years, and I do know that they made several attempts to switch things up a bit to get people back engaged. It’s a shame, really, it seemed to go a bit pear-shaped for me, personally, when Cheryl left.”

"I love 'The Only Way Is Essex', but with TOWIE, RHOC, Love Island, for example, they have certainly had phases where things have got a little boring and a

Danielle Broadbent

look, and actually value more of a relaxed way of life. I know I do!

And doing my hair and make-up and getting my glam on every single day just isn’t part of my life anymore, and I do think people appreciate that realness more. Maybe 'Love Island' and other reality TV shows need more real, normal, everyday people on there!"

The future of the shows?

"I think that there will always be that next new reality TV show... People enjoy them and if you have relatable characters on there, I think that people buy into it much more. Depending on the show, I would certainly consider participating in another!"

Max McMurdo - TV upcycling guru little bit same-old, and that’s when major mix-ups have been needed,” Danielle continues. “TOWIE recently axed a lot of the cast, RHOC are always adding new housewives to try to keep the drama going. The shows need to stay relevant, fresh and exciting, but most of all, I think they need to be very real if they want to keep people’s attention.

I do think we live in a world now where a lot of people are sick of seeing what's deemed to be the perfect look, the perfect body, the perfect hair etc. on our screens. Is there even such a thing as the perfect person and perfect look?

I think people want to see more relatable characters, authenticity is a must. I certainly think that the pandemic and lockdowns have shifted people’s m i n d s e t s massively.

I personally feel that fewer people are now as consumed with how they Max McMurdo

Supercool British designer/engineer/ entrepreneur/upcycler extraordinaire Max McMurdo is a go-to TV presenter for product design. The upcycling genius gives junk and cast-offs a completely new lease of life by transforming them into exceptionally-useful products.

FEATURES Beyond passionate about the upcycling process and the idea of ‘giving back’, his extraordinary commitment to saving our planet saw multi-talented Max create a booming business utilising waste destined for landfill, designing, engineering and manufacturing bespoke creations from junk, transforming trash into high-end furniture with the aim of proving that upcycled furniture, accessories and ecofriendly products from objects destined for landfill can be turned into treasures that are contemporary, stylish and desirable.

No stranger to our screens, Max’s first TV appearance saw him face the Dragons as he entered the BBC’s fiery ‘Dragons Den’ with his company, plus a few of his innovate products, including a carrier bag recycling bin, in hand. Quickly snapped up by the BAFTA-nominated show’s investors Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis following his perfect pitch, Max coolly left ‘The Den’ £50k in backing better off. With their investment and input, Max and his Reestore brand grew to be among the UK’s most respected and renowned designers and manufacturers of upcycled products.

“I think we are all influencers,” forever humble Max tells me. With modern social media, we all have the opportunity to inform, educate and inspire others to make better decisions.”

Having been catapulted to fame with his sustainable ideas, the spotlight and the investment injection have seen him rise from a hobbyist to fame and, before long, Max turned his hand to TV presenting, alongside acclaimed architect George Clarke on his highly-successful ‘Amazing Spaces’ and ‘Shed of the ‘Year" on Channel 4. A crafty Kirstie Allsopp soon snapped up Max, too, whisking him away to more sustainable TV stardom, working alongside her on ‘Fill Your House For Free’, before she handed over the repurposing reigns to Gok Wan, seeing Max continue on the show with the gifted fashion guru’s team of upcycling experts, including ‘The Repair Shop’s’ Jay Blades, encouraging Britain’s families to embrace saving the pennies, and the planet, through easy upcycling.

Max reveals the reality of reality shows.

“Long days, less pay than people imagine and a very intense environment. Very tough for a creative person who is used to designing and make everything in their own workshop to a high standard.”

“I’ve been involved in over 100 shows and have never been officially offered any aftercare,” he tells me. “That said, the team spirit and camaraderie is usually amazing; one united team working on tight deadlines and budgets creates a real supportive community spirit.”

He explains how, with experience, you

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start to realise that it’s only TV. “There are bigger issues going on in the world. I try to remind myself to relax and enjoy the experience.”

As well as starring on 'Find It, Fix it, Flog it', where restoration supremo Max yet again illustrated how to turn unwanted trash into treasure, the go-to presenter for product design and repurposing, the mental health advocate is working on big-scale ecoprojects for his OUTLANDISH Campers brand “It’s a range of sustainable motorhomes and campervans to encourage people to be SHAZIA MIRZA environmentally Cedit: Amelia Troubridge Photography friendly and explore this beautiful planet,” says the sustainability champion. “I’m YouTube, partly for my own mental loving anything that promotes mental health, partly to give me more control health through the opportunities over timescales and budgets, and partly adventuring, exploring and glamping to reach the right demographic who have to offer. Getting back to nature and are no longer tuning in to traditional TV breathing are so good for the soul in channels.” this manic, stressful time. My new range of Campervans are going to, hopefully, enable those who may not currently think it possible to get out and enjoy what nature has to offer.”

Being abandoned on a remote desert Passionate about helping the next island in the Pacific by Bear Grylls proved generation, Max has also been busy no laughing matter for comedian Shazia with his BOTL BLOX project, too, using Mirza.

“It was 10 times worse than what recycled plastic as insulated building you saw on TV… I had some of the worst blocks for new schools in Kenya. He also nights of my life there.

But I realised that assists UK schools in his mission to inspire you don't know how strong you are until the next generation of entrepreneurs and being strong is the only option.

It’s a test eco warriors and has also campaigned of mental strength, but there were times with rapper Professor Green. when you just had to stop thinking and Why are reality show viewing figures get on with things.” dwindling? “I’m sure the negativity Pushed to their physical and mental surrounding mental health plays a part,” limits, the contestants endured many days says Max. “However, I would predict that without food. “Survival is an ongoing the growing number of people able to situation so, even though you catch food, reach their audience through social media you still have another 28 days to survive and YouTube means they no longer need and you need to keep catching food and to be on traditional TV shows. My shows surviving.

So, you get excited, but it's short are more factual entertainment than lived.”

Having at one point exclaimed, reality, and I’m making a conscious effort “I feel how Christopher Columbus felt to stay away from TV and move towards

Shazia Mirza - TV comedian and star of The Island

on discovering America!”, she later likened her experience of a mini tsunami to the Vietnam War. “The highs were very high, but the lows were very low, and they soon bring you back down to earth.”

Driven by desperation, determined Shazia became ‘The Island’s warrior. No-one, it seems, was amused in such an unforgiving place. “On the island, there was no laughter… we didn't laugh once. It was strange… We were struggling all the time, lying awake at night with nothing to do, thinking about your life, what you're going to do and change when you get out… Being alone with your thoughts at night for such long periods of time was hard, like being in solitary confinement.”

After a month of dehydration, starvation, coconut-dodging and being dashed against rocks (knocking her unconscious), Shazia was one of the final six stranded contestants who survived to the end. The comedy queen’s travels and gruelling island experience have served as a source of inspiration for material for her sell-out shows. “Once you've survived ‘The Island’, you can do anything in life!”

of dancing with so many people I wouldn’t otherwise been able to reach, and choreographing and performing routines alongside A-list musicians, including Beyoncé and Westlife.” How did it feel to win the Strictly Glitterball Trophy with the Olympic gymnast? “One word… AMAZING’!!” says the dazzling, Neopolitan dance star.

‘Strictly’ aside, the multi-award-winning

an incredible experience that certainly changed my life in more ways than one!” he tells me.

Having triumphed on TV, the silver screen and the stage, Flavia and Jimi recently swapped the spotlight to live an off-grid lifestyle on their Devon farm, with Flavia still returning regularly to Surrey to teach dance classes.

So, it looks like dedicated ‘Dancing

Flavia Cacace-Mistry & Jimi Mistry - Strictly Come Dancing stars Former ‘Strictly’ pro and Surreyite Flavia Cacace sashayed her spectacularlysequined way into our living rooms on Saturday nights to become one of the hit TV show’s best-loved professional dancers. Performing on ‘Strictly’ for ‘SEVEN!’ ‘tantastic’ years, winning not only the nation’s hearts with her bubbly character and infectious enthusiasm, but clinching the coveted competition’s crown in 2012 with Olympic gymnast, Louis Smith, Flavia also won the 2013 Christmas Special with comedian/actor/ presenter Rufus Hound, and the ‘Children in Need People’s Champion’ trophy with Russell Grant.

“My favourite moment was when Russell and I performed our Jive at Wembley and he was launched out of a cannon!” she tells me. “It won ‘TV Moment of the Year’ at the National TV Awards.”

The accomplished dancer says she loved her star-studded time on ‘Strictly’.

“The opportunity to share our style

Jimi & Flavia Credit: Snooty Images

dance champ was painted by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on BBC’s ‘Celebrity Painting Challenge’.

How was her Hollywood husband Jimi’s experience of ‘Strictly’, where he foxtrotted into Flavia’s life with his fancy footwork as her celebrity dance partner, leading to them to them waltzing down the aisle in 2013? “’Strictly’ was

On Ice’ and sensational ‘Strictly’ stars will keeeeeep dancing… But what’s Flavia's take on the so-called ‘Strictly curse’?

“It’s a blessing in my eyes, as I met my husband over 10 years ago and am as happy as can be!” she laughs.

Words by: Angela Sara West

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FEATURES

Hyundai IONIQ 5

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I

f you’re looking for a well-stylish and efficient car that’s confident, powerful, and poised for adventure, then the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is sure to tick your boxes.

Electrifying Design Built with aerodynamics, efficiency, and agility in mind, the all-new IONIQ 5 has a streamlined, coupe-like silhouette and a dominant on-road stance. Every inch has been tweaked to perfection with style highlights including LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, a striking radiator grille with active air flaps, and beautiful alloy aerodynamic wheels at an impressive 20 inches.

Technology Driven The IONIQ 5 is also all about connectivity helping you to stay informed and connected on-the-go. Bluelink connected services work via the Bluelink smartphone app, allowing you to enjoy features such as remote door lock and unlock with reminders. Hyundai’s LIVE Services also provide access to real-time information about petrol stations, traffic, weather, and parking options.

Performance and Driving Experience This will depend on which of the two battery options you choose and whether you opt for two- or four-wheel drive. A 58kWh battery paired with a single 168bhp motor at the rear is good for a 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds and a range of 238 miles. The 73kWh battery iteration sees that range go up to 280 miles, the highest possible on the Ioniq 5, while power bumps to 214bhp, and 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds.

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FEATURES

CONTACT Contact Wilsons Hyundai today for more information and to book a test drive from our modern dealership in Epsom, Surrey. Discover our extensive array of deals, finance solutions, special offers and after sales services.

 0203 993 1466  Wilsons Epsom, Nonsuch Business Park, Kiln Lane, Epsom, Surrey. KT17 1DH  www.wilsons.co.uk  contactcentre@wilsons.co.uk

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 fruitmachinecobham  39 High Street, Cobham, KT11 3DP  fruitmachine83@gmail.com

FEATURES

MORE THAN JUST A R

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RUN D

uring a sociable 10k run over the summer, with an impressive gentleman who has high mileage and several ultraevents under his belt he described his jealousy that within a few months I would be experiencing the indescribable feeling of completing my first marathon.

He explained there is nothing quite like it and he has been chasing recapturing the high ever since. Fast forward five months and I am now an official marathon “finisher” having followed my training plan and completed Beachy Head Marathon on Saturday October 23rd. I have a definite sense of achievement, it is after all 26.2 miles along one of the widely recognised most gruelling marathon routes in the UK. However I am yet to feel the buzz.

My personal running journey started eight years ago when I was cajoled by friends into entering the Bookham 10k, an event that starts by singing the National Anthem and encourages hundreds of locals to scamper, slip and splash along the wintery muddy puddles of the February trails around Norbury and Ranmore.

When I saw a post on social media approximately one year later from a mum at school looking for a running buddy I responded with interest. I had enjoyed the scramble in the hills and was now looking for a way to build my fitness back up from my third pregnancy and to return to playing netball, without paying for gym membership or fitness classes that I could not attend with my two other kids in tow. Several other local ladies had similar ideas and an early version of Bookham Running Group was established. Through this informal and friendly Facebook group we arranged to meet for our runs. For anyone struggling with apprehension or motivation to get out the door for those first attempts joining a running group or arranging to meet a friend to do it with is a useful way to avoid putting it off. There are always several excuses why not to run at that moment, but there are always hundreds of reasons why you will be so glad that you did.

My growing appreciation for the power of running coincided with an increase in runners coming into the multi-healthcare clinic that I worked at on Bookham High Street.

I am a physiotherapist. I am in the minority of people who knew at a young age what I wanted to be and have never looked back. It is a great career, and I am hugely thankful for the opportunities I have had during my 20 years’ experience. I worked for five years across different disciplines in the NHS and have never known a more cohesive team spirit and camaraderie than those formative years in my training. I then worked in New Zealand and still miss it 12 years on! I have been able to balance being a musculoskeletal physiotherapist working in private practice with motherhood, which has its juggles but the benefits generally

outweigh the chaos!

Two years ago, I set up my own clinic specialising in runners, Keep On Running Surrey. It is an amalgamation of my own running journey and my clinical interest in running related injuries. I wanted to offer more, and I now have a clinic space where I can help clients overcome injury and achieve their running goals pain free without having to stop running.

I achieve this through creating a personalised action plan including advice, strategies and targeted rehab based on my comprehensive physiotherapy assessment, running gait analysis using video footage on the treadmill and, where

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FEATURES required, manual therapy treatment, dry needling and taping.

For many runners the words they fear most from a medical practitioner is to stop running. I empathise with people who persevere beyond those first few uncomfortable attempts to find that a run can become so much more than just a run, only to develop pain and be told to stop.

For my husband and I our Beachy Head Marathon campaign was indeed so much more than a run and I am reflective on why the post-race buzz is elusive.

Eight years ago I was happily converted to the benefits of introducing regular running in to my life.

The positive cardiovascular (heart and lungs) fitness response is well documented as well as the musculoskeletal advantages. It builds stronger muscles, improves joint range of movement, boosts bone density and it has been shown to trigger positive changes in the cartilage as it keeps joints lubricated and stimulates new cartilage growth. This is contrary to the outdated belief that the impact damages cartilage.

There is also a growing body of scientific literature helping us understand why there are benefits for our mental health and wellbeing too. We know that activity stimulates endorphins and serotonin which are our body’s own ‘feel good factors’. It explains why we might start a run feeling irritable and fed up but often finish it relaxed yet energised. Not forgetting feeling smug too, that sense of satisfaction and achievement is addictive and helps with self-confidence and self-esteem that we might struggle with in other areas. The time away; the headspace, that running affords contributes to the evidence that it helps us cope with other life or work stress. Recent studies have also shown it may help us process emotions due to its influence on nerve connections in the brain. It is not fully understood but the areas of research are exciting. There is also a rhythmic element to running that can be therapeutic. The structure and discipline of committing to training or to your running buddy enhances self-care and the community and social network that you become part of is a recognised factor in battling the isolation and anxiety associated with mental health. Running with a friend in the beautiful Surrey Hills can be the perfect opportunity to ask, “are you really ok?”

October is Mental Health Awareness Month so for my husband and I the Beachy Head Marathon event on 23rd October was timely. We were running in memory of one of our dearest friends, Caroline, who took her own life at Beachy Head in September 2020. We are fundraising for Bipolar UK and the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team and to date have raised over £7800 through

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sponsorship. In the grips of her own sadness Caroline’s 10-year-old daughter (my goddaughter) expressed a desire to help others who may be going through similar turmoil to what her mother experienced and these two charities were the ones the family chose to support.

Bipolar is one of the biggest mental health challenges with 1.3 million people in the UK diagnosed with it, although it takes on average 9 years to get a correct diagnosis, and even then, according to Bipolar UK, 60% of sufferers do not receive treatment or support. Their mission is to empower everyone affected by bipolar to live well and to fulfil their potential. Caroline certainly lived life to the full but devastatingly, living with bipolar increases the risk of suicide by 20 times.

Caroline did have the specialist treatment and support, and she was brave and wonderful in the face of each challenge. Yet still the burden proved terminal which indicates just how difficult, at times debilitating, exhausting, scary and confusing living with bipolar must be.

A kind and compassionate team of volunteers from the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team patrol the cliff edge every day responding to emergency calls, locating people at risk and seeking to save lives through crisis intervention. Last year they were able to intervene with 600 individuals in distress, but they are also involved in body retrieval and supporting the loved ones of those for whom ending their own life, at Beachy Head, felt like their only solution. During our marathon my husband and I saw two of the team patrolling so we took a small detour to express our gratitude for their invaluable work.

Perhaps it was unrealistic to expect to feel the buzz from such an emotive run, that was so much more than just a run. I have a deep sense of pride for what we did together; our social media posts will have triggered conversations and awareness around the complicated, misunderstood and under resourced domain of bipolar; they have certainly triggered overwhelming generosity in Caroline’s memory. I have heartfelt gratitude for the friends and family that supported us during the arduous training and along the route, including Caroline’s heavily pregnant sister who met us at mile 24 at the cliff edge. I am though unable to shift the sadness, so I shall hang my finisher’s medal with pride in my clinic and it shall always make me smile remembering Caroline’s strength, mischievous laughter and zest for life. It seems I will however need to attempt another marathon to capture that indescribable high.

If you would like to donate to Bipolar UK or Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team via James and Pippin’s marathon fundraising the link shall be live until the end of November 2021: www.virginmoneygiving.com/JamesandPippinHackett Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team www.bhct.org.uk Bipolar UK www.bipolaruk.org If you have any questions regarding running contact Pippin at pippin@ keeponrunningsurrey.com or follow the link to book an appointment directly www.sif.health/business/profile/keep-on-running-surrey

In association with Studio B Events Ltd, Holofcener Ltd and Close Quarter Productions Ltd presents

by R. C. Sherriff

Directed by Graham Pountney

A potent and unflinching vision of life in the trenches in World War 1 “A sublime play… a corkscrew of tension, emotion and drama.”

Matilda Battersby, Independent

In support of Community Walk Esher, Surrey KT10 9RA

Performances: Thursday November 11th Friday November 12th Saturday November 13th Sunday November 14th Tickets Price: £20

7:30 pm 7:30 pm 2:30 pm and 7:30pm 6:00pm Supported by

BUY your TICKETS from www.eshertheatre.com/journeysend

DANCE DIRECTION PRESENTS AN INTERPRETATION OF

The

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ESHER THEATRE Box office

01372 469209 Book online

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Christmas Ballet aimed at families and children Produced by Dance Direction ESHER THEATRE, SURREY, KT10 9RA

OXTED  01883 722207  oxted@thegrumpymole.co.uk

BROCKHAM

CHE

 01737 845101  brockham@thegrumpymole.co.uk

 020 83  cheam@thegru

WELCOME TO THE GRUMPY MOLE

We are delighted you have found us and sincerely hope that you are persuaded to visit one of our five beautiful venues. experience a relaxing and special one. The food we serve is always cooked fresh on the premises and, where possible, we use local experience a memorable one - be it for business, pleasure or just to pass the time. Whether you visit for a quick sandwich in the b same. Our venues are often busy, particularly at weekends and Bank Holidays, so advance bookin

 01737 353 529

 Our Head Office Location Inn on the Green, The Grumpy M

TADWORTH  01737 353529  tadworth@thegrumpymole.co.uk

EAM

394 2000 umpymole.co.uk

EPSOM  01372 721309  epsom@thegrumpymole.co.uk

E COLLECTION OF COUNTRY INNS

. Our ethos has always been a simple one - to offer delicious food in stylish but cosy surroundings and to make your ingredients and suppliers. Our dedicated staff and professional management team will do everything possible to make your bar, a traditional afternoon tea on linen-clad tables, or an exquisite candle-lit three course dinner, the attention to detail is the ng for larger parties is advisable. We hope you too will make The Grumpy Mole your special place.

Mole, Dorking Road, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 5RX

 www.thegrumpymole.co.uk

Gigi Boutique A/W 21 Collection Independent Womenswear Boutique 52 High Street, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 2LA Tel: 01428 645746 Instagram: @gigi.boutique.haslemere CREDITS: Location: Barnett Hill Hotel Photographer: Martin Spaven Model: Kate Tatum (LVMM) Mua: Diana Foster (Lady D’s) Assistants: Grace Uka Emerson Nichols

Fabienne Chapot Dress £159.99 Anouk Boots £210

Dea Kudibal Shirt £229 2ndday Trousers £430

Idano Dress £180 Anouk Boots £210

Fabienne Chapot Dress £159.99 Anouk Boots £210

Holland & Cooper Jacket £399 Kennel & Schmenger Boots £289

Holland & Cooper Dress £159

Dress £195 Anouk Boots £210

Holland & Cooper Jumper £179 Paige Trousers £280 Kennel & Schmenger Boots £289

Dea Kudibal Dress £405 Anouk Boots £210

Paige Dress £278 Anouk Boots £210

RNG Classics offer classic car hire in Surrey with an enviable collection of timeless and iconic classic automobiles for self-drive and location hire. Containing British racing heritage, legendary design and pedigree, with a regal twist. Star quality, class and flair and a sprinkling of muscle and power!

A highly unique and eclectic range of vehicles lovingly maintained to preserve originality, and presented as if we turned the clocks back to a different era of passionate motoring creation and production.

Classic motoring is all about that tug of the heart strings, passion and overpowering feeling. We hope to realise a host of your different dreams and aspirations with a bespoke service focused on each individual request.

Whether it be the grace, elegance and pace of a 1969 Jaguar E-Type roadster. An 80’s legend in the whale tail Porsche 911. The presence and prestige of our 1971 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. Relive a little of the 60’s with our 356a Speedster. Or feel the drama as you tear up some tarmac in a brute of an AC Cobra with a 4 litre V8 lump!

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OPENING TIMES: 12pm-12am Sunday – Thursday 12pm-1am Friday – Saturday

 27 Church Road, Leatherhead, KT22 8DN  01372 372722   skoopsleatherhead  Skoopsleatherhead@gmail.com  www.skoops.biz

Welcome to our Italian Restaurant and Bar located in Leatherhead High Street.

Providing authentic Italian cuisine using only the finest ingredients, we look forward to welcoming you.

Monday to Saturday - Midday to 11pm Sunday - Midday to 10pm 24 High Street, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8AN  01372 373266  www.lultimo.co.uk

Sweet Cheeks offers both sweet and savoury goods, ranging from classic cakes to favourites with a twist and novelty requests!

Let us be a part of your day and we promise to create delicious memories lasting a lifetime…  sweet_cheeks_bakes  diyatgupta@icloud.com

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Just Eat, Deliveroo & Uber Eats  107 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 0DR

A Selection of Properties from our Land and New Homes Dept.

A Selection of Properties from our Land and New Homes Dept.

MORE MORE LAND LAND AND AND PROPERTY PROPERTY REQUIRED REQUIRED FOR FOR OUR OUR TRUSTED TRUSTED DEVELOPERS DEVELOPERS Last Last Unit Unit Available Available

Chase Road Apartments, Epsom : From £455,000 Chase Road Apartments, Epsom : From £455,000

Coming Soon, Leatherhead : POA Coming Soon, Leatherhead : POA

CALL CALL READS READS ON ON 01372 01372 308963 308963

Fountain House, Leatherhead : From £210,000 Fountain House, Leatherhead : From £210,000

High Street, Ripley : POA High Street, Ripley : POA

reads-property.com reads-property.com

FEATURES

MOVE-EMBER: THE BOOMI IN SURREY IS HERE TO STA T

he flood of Londoners moving to Surrey hasn’t gone unnoticed in the area. Largely due to Covid, city dwellers have sought the tranquillity and lush greenbelt land of Surrey as a huge investment and bonus; with beautiful walks, parks, stunning scenery and outdoor activities to enjoy.

In comparison their compact city pads which bore the brunt of lockdown (with limited or no garden space) and with shops that rely on the buzz of commuters to stay afloat consequently closing down – the mass appeal of living in London is not quite what it used to be.

Due to this, properties in Surrey had an overall average price of £604,930 over the last year, up 8% on the previous year, according to a recent Right Move survey.

And the majority of these sales in Surrey during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £910,753 while semidetached properties sold for an average of £516,108.

Thus, proving that the Government’s stamp duty holiday (that ended after its final extension in September 2021) may not have really played that huge a part in the decision-making process of people purchasing a house in Surrey - or indeed buying a second property in Surrey.

It’s considered more of a lifestyle choice. Many have family members in the area that they obviously missed seeing during the pandemic, some elderly that has made them reassess lifestyle and living choices.

Plus, with more flexible working from home patterns initiated in lockdown that have continuing in the form of ‘hybrid working’ in the office just a mere one or two days a week – the Surrey Property Market has never been a more attractive proposition for investment than it is now.

Indeed, the last year has seen Surrey property prices rise from their previous 2007 high. Couple this with predicted trends that London will lose a further 2% of its permanent residents to greenbelt commuter areas like Surrey – then we have a serious MOVEmber situation on our hands!

The recent ‘London Assembly Housing Committee Survey’ reported in March 2021 that one in seven Londoners wanted to leave the city as a result of the pandemic.

Of those that wanted to move when asked about the likelihood of moving within 12 months, around two-thirds will definitely, probably or possibly move (22%, 21% and 24% respectively).

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ING PROPERTY MARKET AY

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FEATURES

ASKING THE EXPERTS With this in mind, Surrey Rocks caught up with leading local estate agent, Jackie Quinn, to get her take on the current Surrey Property Market.

“They all said that the property market would tumble after the end of the stamp duty holiday, but this simply couldn't be further from the truth - there is a great shortage of properties for sale and when one comes on to the market, there are dozens of prospective purchasers desperate to view at the first opportunity and many are offering much higher than the guide price in an attempt to secure the home of their dreams. Most of these buyers are moving out of central London, as they are now only having to commute several times a week and have realised they can buy a great size house with lots of outside space for a lot less money than a similar property would cost them in

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London,” Jackie reveals.

“Also some properties are having well over 20 viewings on the first day of marketing and receiving multiple offers. This is a great scenario for sellers but leaves all but one applicant disappointed and it is really difficult as an agent to keep everyone happy.

On the flip side, most sellers are also buying, so they experience the same difficulties too! There is absolutely no sign of this changing at the moment but if interest rates rise, it could be a different story,” she explains.

James Bailey, who has recently launched his Sutton and Cheam based estate agents, James Bailey Property, added: “Surrey is one of the best counties our country has to offer. Property prices here have always remained incredibly steady and Surrey is a fantastic place to invest your money. Whether it be for your own

needs or as an investment to let out, it will be an excellent purchase located in an affluent area. While the stamp duty holiday recently ended there are still some excellent options on the market.

Properties that may not have been able to get through in time and have become unexpectedly available again.

“Also, it is very worthwhile getting in touch with your local agent to build up a friendship with them. January normally sees a spike of instructions and therefore if you get on well with your agent, they may just give you a heads up on what’s coming to market.”

BUY TO LET IS BIG BUSINESS Reads Property has also noticed the increase in buy to let home owners in the area, as Lynsey Read said, “Surrey is in its own bubble with great schools,

THE ESTATE AGENTS RECOMMEND….

JACKIE QUINN £195,000

A second floor studio apartment situated close to Leatherhead town centre and train station. The property has a kitchen, bathroom, good size living area and allocated parking. Ideal first time buy or investment opportunity. No onward chain. The property recently let for £850pcm (5.1% yield on investment) The property also benefits from an allocated parking space. Further opportunities to purchase the loft space and extend making a 1 bedroom split level apartment.

One bedroom apartments have recently sold in the block between £220,000 £240,000. Jackie adds, “A split-level apartment would achieve somewhere in the region of £1000 pcm rental. This is a superb investment opportunity.”

READS PROPERTY £230,000 greenbelt land and transport links to London. Many are using their savings to invest in property in Surrey as it’s such a worthy investment.”

Reads Property are not just a normal estate agent and are also in the business of securing land that developers can build on. With demand far outstripping supply, Surrey residents may not actually realise how much their land is worth.

For example, if you have a 200 foot garden that has become a bit too much to manage – it could well be sold to one of the reputable Surrey based developers Reads Property deals with and provide a huge nest egg for you and your family going forward.

If you are worried about intrusion on your own property – do not fear – it’s nothing a row of planted conifer trees cannot disguise. If you are in the fortunate position do get in touch with Reads and they can discuss your options.

Fountain House offers 30 studio and one bedroom new build apartments built by well-regarded Westmede Properties. The available apartment 15 is located at the rear of the building on the first floor. Once inside you are greeted with the open plan living space which is flooded with light, the kitchen is an attractive charcoal and white with marble effect worktops, Bosch Oven and Hob, a stunning breakfast bar perfect for when you are entertaining and ample storage space, the shower room offers a large shower and a useful backlit LED mirror, marble effect tiles and vanity unit encased basin. Secure video entry phone systems as standard to all upper floors, 10 year ICW build warranty. Parking is available by separate negotiation. New 125 year leases available.

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LEATHE

ERHEAD

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GASTRONOMY L’ULTIMO

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WWW.LULTIMO.CO.UK Popular Italian restaurant in the heart of Leatherhead high street serving authentic Italian dishes with the finest, freshest ingredients.

Great atmosphere and live music acts help to create a real buzz on weekends. Family friendly too.

Bookings advised.

WHEN IT COMES TO DINING OUT IN SURREY WITH OVER 2,000 RESTAURANTS TO CHOOSE FROM - WHERE DO YOU START? WELL, HERE’S A GOOD PLACE! ENJOY OUR INDISPENSIBLE GUIDE TO THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN SURREY.

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Established in 1983, this family run restaurant serves traditional Indian classics as well as a bold and refreshing take on traditional Asian cuisine such as Coconut Shrimp and Rajasthan Lamb Chops. All ingredients are sourced from local farms and cooked fresh every day.

Tucked away behind the Beaverbrook Estate’s beautiful traditional walled garden, you’ll find The Garden House, a place where rustic, comforting, home-cooked, Mediterranean-style dishes and interiors inspired by the surrounding gardens create a delightful dining experience for all the senses.

Bringing the British modern sharing plate concept to Leatherhead. This gem of a wine & cheese bar serves delicious cheeses, Dorset cured meat and signature dishes such as Truffles, Grilled Thyme and Garlic Aubergines, Cheese Toastie, Tartiflette and Welsh Rarebit to name a few - with a fantastic selection of wine to accompany selected from their head sommelier.

NAVA THAI

JAPANESE GRILL

HUMMINGS

% 07771 626801 WWW.HUMMINGS.CO.UK

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% 01372 571300 WWW.BEAVERBROOK.CO.UK

Café by day, Bar by night. Hummings Café is open from 9am to 4.30pm serving breakfast, brunch and lunch with an experimental twist on modern dining.

Choose from Full English to Mediterranean at breakfast. Fresh, healthy and delicious choices for lunch change on a daily basis.

The constantly evolving food menu always keeps customers enticed.

Serving the best, most authentic Thai Cuisine using only the finest, freshest local ingredients. Based in Ashtead High Street, Nava Thai, is owned and run by lifelong friends and business partners Saitarn & Nawarat. Open for lunch and dinner, for takeaway or collection this gem of a restaurant, ticks all the boxes for taste, quality, service and price.

Located in the Beaverbrook Main House, the Japanese Grill offers an elegant menu of delicately flavoured selections of sushi, sashimi and nigiri and the finest cuts of meat and fish from the Josper Grill. There are regular seasonal tasting menus where the Grill’s talented chef guides you through a selection of locally-sourced, modern Japanese gourmet specialities.

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GASTRONOMY CuVée VIII

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GRUMPY MOLE  the_grumpy_mole

DEL FUOCO

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A classic French, Esher-based restaurant with famed chefs Marcellin Marc and David Fetigny.

You’ll be hard pushed to find such exquisite French cuisine in a more beautiful Surrey setting.

CuVee VIII also benefits from having a decadent wine bar, cocktail bar, secluded alfresco garden and private settings which plays host to the best DJ’s on the weekends & iconic musicians at their Jazz Club on Wednesday evenings.

Destination gastro pub The Grumpy Mole first opened their Tadworth restaurant in 2006. Fifteen years on and the group now own and run 4 further restaurants in Epsom, Cheam, Brockham and Oxted. The food is superb and the menu extensive catering for lunch, afternoon tea, snacks and dinner.

A true Surrey success story. You must try if you haven’t already.

Italian café, restaurant and lounge serving delicious pizzas, pastas and Mediterranean-inspired starters, mains and desserts. Del Fuoco is one of the most popular restaurants in Bookham offering takeaway, delivery and dine in options. Excellent quality at affordable prices – if you haven’t tried yet Del Fuoco is a must.

BELUGA

CAFÉ DE LA POSTE

DITTO

 CAFEDELAPOSTE.BOOKHAM

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% 020 8398 8662 WWW.DITTOTHAMESDITTON.COM

The ultimate destination Sushi bar/ restaurant is coming to Leatherhead this Autumn. Expect great food, spectacular cocktails, amazing ambience, world class DJ’s and unparalleled service. The new restaurant will be glam, decadent and definitely the place to be seen in Surrey as you can see from their stunning décor.

Freshly made happiness. A new smoothie and juice bar from the team that bought you Del Fuoco Italian. Serving coffee, smoothies, fresh juices, milkshakes and a wide range of paninis, sandwiches and salads. Located on Church Road in the heart of Bookham High Street, Café de la Poste is open for takeaways and deliveries.

Located in the heart of Thames Ditton, Ditto has a Mediterranean inspired menu and a beautiful secret garden for al fresco dining. Enjoy live music on Friday, relaxing BBQ on Sunday or Chess Nights on Tuesdays. There’s something for everyone including Diddy Ditto’s for kids.

THE GOOD EARTH

FIREAWAY PIZZA

 beluga.surrey WWW.BELUGA.BAR

% 01372 462489 WWW.GOODEARTHGROUP.CO.UK Hands down one of the best Chinese restaurants in Surrey. Established in Esher in 1967 this restaurant has standed the test of time with its fine cuisine, décor and service. Celebs including Karen Brady say, “Still wowed by the great food and impeccable service which has remained consistent even after 40 years.”

SKOOPS

% 020 8979 8007 WWW.FIREAWAYPIZZA.CO.UK

% 01372 372722

The fastest growing pizza company in the UK, Fireaway in East Molesey serves 12-inch Artisan pizzas with a choice of 4 bases and fresh, unlimited toppings.

Choose from sweet or savoury too and enjoy your pizza cooked in 180 seconds in their 400° pizza oven. Be sure to check out their new waffle and ice-cream bar, Two Scoops of Fire.

Crepes, Waffles, Cookie Dough, Ice Cream & Shakes are the mainstay of this delicious American inspired eatery. You can try their desserts in hundreds of different ways such as Kinder Bueno, Ferrero Rocher, Daim or Oreo with your choice of syrups, ice-cream and fruit. There’s a huge selection of savoury snacks including Piri Chicken, Burgers and Sides.

WWW.SKOOPS.BIZ

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GASTRONOMY THE FRUIT MACHINE

MARBLE LOUNGE

THE VICTORIA OXSHOTT

WWW.MARBLELOUNGE.CO.UK

% 01372 238308 www.thevictoriaoxshott.com

Newly arrived to Cobham, The Fruit Machine has been established in Surrey for over 10 years, serving the best in local fruit and veg to markets in Epsom, Guildford & Worthing to name a few. Their first high street shop is a testament to their popularity in the area. It brings the best London markets have to offer, including the Strasberry - yes a raspberry infused with a strawberry!

The best service and quality around.

Marble Lounge in Weybridge serves the finest waffles, crepes, cakes, sweets, ice-creams, milkshakes, smoothies and coffees. Check out their amazing new Diageo cocktail selection, their secret garden, flamingos and 6ft giant, huggable teddy bears and photo wall. It is perfect for a day out with the kids and an even better evening out for the adults. Also available for parties or private hire.

The Victoria Oxshott is a neighbourhood pub from Matt Larcombe, former head chef of The Crown at Bray, and Simon King of Igniting Hospitality from Gordon Ramsey, The Ritz and Fat Duck heritage. A pub has always been the heart of a community and this establishment is an exceptional new offer for Surrey. The Victoria offers an amazing dining experience with a menu of elevated British classics including fish & chips, steaks, gourmet burgers and traditional Sunday Roasts.

THAI TERRACE

63RD + 1ST

 fruitmachine83@gmail.com  @FRUITMACHINECOBHAM

% 01483 503350

% 01932 910452

% 0330 4605555

THE HIVE

% 07824 846941

WWW.THAITERRACE.CO.UK

WWW.63RDAND1ST.CO.UK

www.packhouse.com

Award-winning restaurant, Thai Terrace, serves only the finest, authentic Thai food.

Located behind Guildford Castle this stunning rooftop restaurant offers superb panoramic views across the whole of the historic market town of Guildford. Choose to eat in the main restaurant with its exquisite décor or dine al fresco under the stars on the outdoor terrace. There’s also a grand bar area for pre-dinner drinks.

Inspired by the original Manhattan Bar that TGI had on 63rd and 1st, the US conglomerate has diversified launching a new, more upmarket enterprise. Interestingly, the only two 63RD & 1sts are in NYC and Cobham, Surrey. As much as our reviewers wanted to dislike the start of the new chain; the service, food, décor and cocktails requests we tested them on – were on point. A brave, bold move but this restaurant excelled on every level.

The Hive at The Packhouse serves Mozzo Coffee, Birchalls Teas, Nordic Wellness drinks and much more. For those looking for snacks or a light lunch; pastries, cookies, cakes, toasted sandwiches and other delights are available from 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on weekends.

They also offer the best ice-cream from top local supplier, Meadow Cottage Farm, and have fantastic outdoor pods with WiFi for an exclusive gastronomy experience.

LUCIO’S

THE LOST BOY

THE PALM HOUSE

 info@lucios.co.uk  @LUCIOSCOFFEEDELI Focused on the best quality ingredients, original Italian coffee shop and delicatessen, Lucio’s is bringing fresh, authentic, Artisanal produce to Surrey. On their menus are arancini’s, Sicilian style pizzas, sandwiches from homemade bread and Focaccia, lasagnes, aubergine bakes and a wide selection of cakes and Italian sweets.

Launching end of September in Leatherhead to eat in or takeaway.

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WWW.THELOSTBOYFARNHAM.CO.UK

% 01252 781423 www.palm-house.co.uk

Pizza, pasta and burgers are the best here.

Sunday Roasts have been described as “exceptional - a new era for dining with an edge”. Don’t get lost with Lost Boys in Farnham, the menu is vast and may fool you, but they are the talk of the town at the moment. Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – this new gastropub is exceptional in terms of service, décor and quality.

Make a day of it and combine your Packhouse shopping trip with breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea at the newly opened Palm House, with its beautiful art deco inspired botanical interior. Enjoy late night shopping until 7pm followed by dinner on Thursday and Friday evenings, or make Saturday night extra special with dinner from the exquisite brasserie style menu by Head Chef Nico Scarsini.

% 01252 947252

GASTRONOMY RED BAR & CAFÉ % 01932 850222

The Watermill

 The_watermill_dorking

www.red-restaurant.co.uk

www.thewatermill-dorking.co.uk

Popular Weybridge bar and restaurant Red is now offering a brunch, lunch and dinner option for Surrey residents from Tuesday to Saturday. Get in early for a fantastic coffee and breakfast/brunch served from 9.30am to midday and then enjoy lunch and dinner till late. Great food, décor and service as always with Red. Plus, there are great deals to be had with Thursday diners enjoying 40% off their food bill.

Opening this month, The Watermill offers an array of classic pub dishes, fusing tradition and innovation. The pub is all about great social food, from sharing plates and stix, to artisan pizzas and brunch. For those seeking the perfect spot for a nightcap there’s an extensive drinks menu featuring crafted cocktails and classic martinis. The Watermill’s Christmas menu, available from opening, is packed with festive delights such as free-range Bronze turkey, venison and gingerbread trifle.

POUNDING HEART

TREND 1

% 01372 700901  POUNDINGHEARTESHER

% 01372 372771

Pounding Heart Cocktail Bar & Pan Asian Kitchen celebrates the flavours of Pan Asian cuisine in a welcoming, exciting, vibrant and fun environment. Their cocktail bar is a social destination, serving popular cocktails and artesian spirits throughout the day with great 2 for £12 offers. The Esher-based restaurant creates delicious authentic Chinese & Indian cuisine for lunch and dinner.

Newly opened, Trend 1, in Leatherhead High Street is a delicatessen on the ground floor and late-night wine and piano bar on its second floor. Enjoy the finest Italian food for lunch, dinner, takeaways, events and private parties.

A perfect spot - also with an outside lounge terrace - to enjoy fine wine, delicious food and a great atmosphere. From Giovanni Agozzino the owner of popular Italian restaurant, L’Ultimo, so you know it’s going to be Amazing.

ARTO RESTAURANT % 01306 644844

 TREND1

THE IVY COBHAM BRASSERIE

WWW.ARTORESTAURANT.CO.UK

% 01932 2901777 WWW.THEIVYCOBHAM BRASSERIE.COM

Arto is an independent restaurant in the heart of Dorking High Street that offers a varied menu, inspired by the idea of simple and honest cooking with a Mediterranean twist. Experience classic recipes to new age kitchen adventures, where each dish reflects Arto’s passion for the highest quality food using only the freshest ingredients.

With something for everyone, The Ivy Cobham Brasserie offers an all-day menu that ranges from lunch through to dinner including light snacks, and sandwiches.

Now with a dedicated weekend brunch menu with some delicious alternatives to their mid-week à la carte and a drinks menu featuring much loved cocktails, including some classic favourites served with a twist.

Do you know a

Fantastic

S U R R E Y Restaurant?

We’re not talking run of the mill here!

The food, service, setting and ambience has to amaze...

If so PLEASE

EMAIL info@ rocksmag.com Recommend the restaurant, the reason why and we’ll endeavor to visit and test to include in our new

Gastronomy

Guide SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

99

Pounding Heart Cocktail Bar & Pan Asian Kitchen celebrates the flavours of Asian cuisine in a welcoming, vibrant and fun environment.

Tuesdays to Saturdays: Happy Hour cocktails 2 for £12 (6pm to 9pm) Thursday Nights: Live Singers Weekends: Dim-Sum Bottomless Brunch DJ’s playing the finest in Latin, Funky, Soulful House and Disco.  01372 700901

 hello@poundingheart.co.uk   poundingheartesher  110 High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9QL

The Modern British Sharing Plate Concept Comes to Surrey.

Rind - Wine & Cheese - 2021  48 High Street. Leatherhead. KT22 8AJ  01372 377892  saycheeseandwine@gmail.com  www.the-rind.co.uk   Rind.uk

RESTAURANT REVIEW

THE PALM HOUSE T

he Palm House Restaurant offers a fabulous new dining experience in Surrey. Interior-designed with an Art Deco and upmarket brasserie feel, The Palm House is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Make a day of it and combine your visit with a shopping trip to the onsite lifestyle store, the Packhouse – famed for its vintage, antique and one-off buys for the home.

The stunning new Palm House menu is wide and varied and caters for everyone with gourmet burgers, steaks, fish, salads and specials.

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To complement the restaurant offering there is also a cute log cabin café and takeaway, The Hive, where you can enjoy tea, coffee, soft drinks, toasties, cakes and snacks.

OUR EXPERIENCE On arrival at The Palm House, we were greeted by our friendly waitress and shown to our seats. What strikes you as you soon as you walk into the restaurant is interior design heaven.

The abundance of palm trees makes for a tropical haven coupled with quirky pieces such as bird cages and a copper and stainless steel hanging swing seat makes you appreciate the Art Deco interior and finishing touches which definitely add a superior touch of class to this establishment.

We had already seen the delightful cocktails on social media and knew we had to try. Our waitress recommended the Palm House Gin Cocktail which was light and refreshing with the gin perfectly offsetting the sweetness of the traditional lemonade.

We also chose the Espresso Martini which was

RESTAURANTFASHION REVIEW

boneless half chicken with delicious homemade gravy coated in crispy oregano. The chicken was succulent and a generous portion size while the gravy and oregano made this dish so flavoursome – our tastebuds were literally exploding. We ordered a side of tender stem broccoli and almonds to go with which was cooked al dente with just the right amount of bite.

All in all, an amazing experience; the service, décor, food and drinks were superb. We can’t wait to come back and sample more from this exquisite brasserie style menu by Head Chef Nico Scarsini and the afternoon tea is an absolute must next time! finished off with a cream top and decorated with a trio of coffee beans.

Next up was ordering our food. The innovative and well thought out menu is available all day. Afternoon tea is also on offer with advance booking.

For our testers we went for the Salmon, Crushed New Potato with Lemon Butter Sauce which was delicious. The salmon was pan fried to perfection with a crispy sesame crust – the mixtures of textures in this dish was superb and the crunchy crust tasted fabulous against the softness of the salmon fillet itself – which literally flaked away on the lightest touch of the fork. The lemon butter and new potato accompaniments made this a really healthy and light dish – yet packed full of flavour.

We also went for the Flat Iron Chicken with Oregano, which was a pan fried

POD DINING EXPERIENCE While we chose to eat in the main restaurant there are private pod dining experiences available at The Palm House. There are two to choose from seating up to 8 guests. The Deluxe and Summerhouse pods are complete with WiFi, heating and lighting for a novel dining experience. All bookings require a £50 deposit and a minimum spend of £100.

FESTIVE FUN The Packhouse will be offering a range of fabulous food, drink and Christmas gift pop-up stalls at their Christmas Shopping Nights (with complimentary tickets) on Wednesday 10th, 17th and 24th November from 6 - 9pm with all the pop-up stalls located in the restaurant.

Attendees can order drinks from the bar in The Palm House with festive snacks available as you walk around. On arrival there will be complimentary Prosecco, mulled wine and mince pies at the entrance of The Packhouse and the amazing Tracy Smith will be singing some festive favourites. As an added bonus for your Christmas gift planning, The Packhouse is open every Thursday and Friday until 7pm.

CONTACT:  01252 781423  hello@palm-house.co.uk  www.palm-house.co.uk  The Palm House, Tongham Road, Runfold, GU10 1PJ SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03 103

TWEAKMENTS AND BEYOND Ria Elaina Atkins A Mum’s Life Let me introduce myself – I’m Ria, Mum of two, married to my handsome hubby.

I’m born and bred in my beloved Surrey and spend most of my time between here and London.

I’m a handbag and shoe addict and lover of all things luxe.

To find out more about Ria’s luxe lifestyle follow her on Instagram @ria.elaina 104 SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

H

ello from the beautiful Maldives. I’m writing this month’s column as I sit on the beach with crystal clear turquoise waters and fine white sand, sipping on fresh coconut water. The blissful silence is somewhat shattered by the constant “Mummy, Mummy” in the background - but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

No but seriously, I have been wanting to take the children to the Maldives for a while. October half term seemed like the perfect time.

Travelling here is not for the faint hearted... after many plane rides, seaplanes and speedboats later, we arrived in paradise and wow was it worth it!

Even on holiday, I am conscious of looking after my skin. I ply on the suncream regularly and make sure I have factor 50 on my face to prevent any sun damage or pigmentation.

I use the brand Sunsense on my face which is an Australian brand.

Australians are at the top of their game when it comes to sunscreen due to their high rate of melanoma cases, with established strict SPF standards. I love to reapply with Kate Somerville SPF50 which is a light mist and so easy to apply, it can even be used over make-up.

Being confident to be bare faced is a goal of mine which I have been aspiring to for some time. After my daughter was born my hormones went into overdrive and my skin was badly affected with acne. I tried various skincare products but the brand that has worked most for me has to be Get Harley which was prescribed by Dr Ash Soni from the Soni Clinic.

Get Harley comprises of medical grade affordable skincare tailored to your individual needs by an expert practitioner. As Dr Soni explained to me, medical grade does not necessarily mean stronger, it’s backed by science so likely to have more effective results than skincare you get off the shelves. It certainly is doing wonders for my skin, especially the retinol serum and anti-bacterial facewash. I’ve not had a blemish erupt since using these products.

Last month I was invited to have a Hydrafacial at The Light Touch Clinic.

I have to say I saw immediate results after my treatment - my skin was glowing and radiant. I have decided to treat myself to a monthly facial.

The combination of this and some great skincare will hopefully achieve my ultimate goal of clear glowing skin.

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The impact that social media has had on how we are looking after ourselves is huge. From the constant stream of smooth airbrushed skin and the self-documentation, more and more people are getting non-aesthetic treatments than ever. I want to be transparent when it comes to aesthetics and discuss treatments that I have had done. By no means am I advocating getting non-aesthetic procedures, I am simply explaining my journey and the impact it has had on my life. I also cannot stress the importance of finding a good practitioner with the right qualifications, I have heard some horror stories!

After sleepless nights when my son was born, I looked more tired than ever. I also used to get annoyed that I couldn’t do a winged liner look due to a slightly heavier eyelid on one side. Being a perfectionist - I wanted to address this. I decided to take the plunge and go for some botox around my eyes. For me, less is more and I really struggled to find a practitioner that gave these results. I did a lot of research and saw a couple of different practitioners in London, all with medical backgrounds of course.

My last treatment in London was with Dr Rishi at Dr Tatiana Clinic who was by far the best I had seen in London. I was so happy with my results, I looked fresh and rejuvenated.

After my daughter was born I didn’t have the time to go into London as often and really struggled to find someone local that was good with adequate qualifications. I came across the lovely and very talented Dr Ash Soni on Instagram who has clinics in both Reigate and Ascot.

His background is so impressive - after years

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training as a plastic surgeon both in the US and the UK, he has also worked as an oncoplastic surgeon at The Royal Marsden. I knew I was in good hands and I was happy to trust him with my face. Firstly, I wanted to address my deep smile lines, so I had a small amount of filler to smooth them out, as well as at the very top of my cheekbones to give a lifting effect. I wanted to continue with Botox too and Dr Soni injected tiny amounts around my eyes and forehead which is otherwise known as baby Botox. This avoids being “frozen” which is not a good look in my opinion. Dr Soni’s work is subtle yet highly effective and he only uses the best quality products. The filler he uses lasts for up to a year so I will be returning then to get a top up of filler and bi-annually for baby Botox. I am so incredibly happy with the results.

It’s certainly given me more confidence in my quest for perfect skin.

These treatments are not fuelled by wanting to look like someone else, but rather be the best version of myself. When I am the best version of myself, I am both happy and confident – something that every woman is entitled to be.

Looking forward to bringing you next month’s column - from somewhere far less glamorous than the Maldives – no doubt!

 29 Church Street, Weybridge, KT13 8DG  01932 910452  info@marblelounge.co.uk  www.marblelounge.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

C

SUPPORTING LOCAL CREATIVES

urated by Dapper & Suave welcomed visitors to their latest Creative Makers Market on Sunday 3rd October at Dorking Halls with 400 guests in attendance a fab time was had by all. If you missed this one, head down on Sunday November 14th or Sunday December 5th to snap up some great gifts for loved ones this Christmas from the best in local Surrey businesses.

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OUT & ABOUT

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OUT & ABOUT

S

SURREY SINGLETON’S PARTY

urrey actress and TV Producer Debbie Arnold hosted her ‘Surrey Singletons Night’ at Pounding Heart in Esher where 170 guests partied and mingled the night away with cocktails, live singers and DJ’s. Debbie started these events to get singles out and about meeting again post-lockdown and has parties planned at CuVée VIII in Esher and Medicine Bar in Cobham.

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OUT & ABOUT

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 07540 152238  swinleylaser@outlook.com   swinleylaserclinic

 12 Church Street, Esher, K T10 8QS

 www.polishednailsandcocktails.co.uk  01372 464416

  @polishednailsandcocktails

SOMETIMES YOU´RE NOT UGLY

YOU´RE JUST BROKE Hilarious collages of celebs have emerged on social media of late showing that money can indeed buy beauty. From Rihanna to Lana Del Ray the pictures compare the celebrities looking their best strutting their stuff down a red carpet with all their adoring fans compared to an image of them before fame and fortune looking….let’s just say, not so great. The pictures are enough to make you realise that all the glitz and glamour of their world is nothing but an illusion and we can all feel better knowing that they weren’t born with it.

Rihanna before and after bad hair day

Kim and Khloe pre fake tan disasters Eva Longoria…Wurzel Gummage hats were surely in fashion pre fame

Nicki Minaj after she discovered eyeliner

Penelope Cruz ditched the hat

Lana Del Ray…what surely not?

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Rita discovered all the secrets shouldn’t stay in her hair

Megan wasn’t so foxy back in the day

Mr Thicke met the razor

The lips that started a whole new beauty craze

Nations not so sweetheart

Ariana we are sure that is not the same person

JLO pre booty shaking

Beyoncé was still a beauty but she managed to master the art of make-up

Lady Gaga before she went well...gaga

Calvin certainly blossomed ;)

IF YOU HAVE SEEN CELEBS HAVE EMERGED ON SOCIAL MEDIA OF LATE SHOWING THAT MONEY CAN INDEED BUY BEAUTY PICS THAT ARE WORTHY OF OUR LIST POST THEM ON TWITTER TAGGING @SURREY_ROCKS AND THE BEST WILL WIN A DINNER FOR TWO AT A TOP SURREY RESTAURANT. SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03 117

Saturday 20th November 8pm - 1am DJ’s : Mitchell Brothers and Coops Email stanleymitchell@live.co.uk for guest list Table Packages Available

 01372 468880  info@cuvee8.com  www.cuvee8.com

 15 Church Road, Bookham, KT23 3PF  01372 200142   cafedelaposte.bookham Now available from

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November Tarot Reading Let’s find out what November will bring for you!

TAROT UNCOVERED

TEN OF SWORDS

TWO OF WANDS

ACE OF WANDS

Before we get into this month’s reading, let me tell you a little bit about what Tarot is. Each Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, sorted into the major arcana and the minor arcana. When doing a monthly reading, the cards pulled tell a story about what this month has in store for readers and what actions and emotions it may bring. Tarot has been around for hundreds of years and even though many people don’t believe this, Tarot is not something to be afraid of. You can take away from this reading anything that you like, as there are no right or wrong answers in Tarot. I created this reading with Surrey Rocks readers in mind. Hope it helps give you an insight into your month ahead and helps you on your journey to self discovery.

Your main card for this month’s reading is the Two of Wands. This means that November is going to bring you lots of planning for the future. You are going to make huge amounts of progress when it comes to figuring out what you truly want. However, there will be many decisions to be made and it is down to you to choose them correctly.

Remember, no one knows you better than you. This month also brings some self-discovery. As you discover what you want your future to look like, you will begin to understand yourself better as you ask the tough questions. Figure out what your personal goals are and don’t let outside noise cloud your judgement. Your inner wisdom will guide you down the right path.

The Two of Wands and the Ten of Swords are an interesting Tarot combination. The Ten of Swords at its core is a card of feeling backstabbed and defeated. It feels as if you are in a crisis because someone has betrayed you and the relationship is coming to an end. However, mixed with the Two of Wands, this card becomes much more hopeful! You will move forward as the Two of Wands predicts, but it will take time. The decisions that you must make may not be easy, but you have the strength within you to find your way. Don’t be afraid to explore the new, as feeling stuck is the opposite of what you want.

Your final card is the Ace of Wands and combined with the other two cards, means that you must stay driven this month and use your energy wisely when planning for the future. However, don’t be disheartened if any of your decisions don’t come to anything. Mistakes are not mistakes when we learn from them. Take some time away from home to gather your thoughts and come to any conclusions that you need. November looks bright and as long as you don’t put too much pressure on yourself, things will start moving just the way you want them to.

By Pia Louisa

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november 2021 Hot Stars!

Your November Astro Forecast from Astro-Mama Aries

Gemini

Leo

21 MAR – 20 APR

22 MAY – 21 JUNE

24 JULY – 23 AUG

Taurus

Cancer

Virgo

Push through any internal resistance blocking your path between you and your goals. In fact, if someone’s in your grill around the 10th, see them as an outer manifestation of an emotional blockage. Is it fear of success? Failure?

Or just other people’s judgement? The only validation you need is your own.

It would be a pity to let self-doubt sabotage you seeing as you’re in one of the best cycles to make that big impression thanks to Venus in your sector of career and public image.

You’re also being offered an opportunity to re-write your financial her/history.

Look back to 2003/4 if you are old enough. No, history doesn’t have to repeat itself. Only if we fail to learn from it. Between now and January something could well be settled or paid out in your favour. Money has karma too. What goes around, flows around. That’s why it’s called ‘currency.’

21 APR – 20 MAY

Hello from the other side. Or should I say other half? November is famously the time when your sign focuses on that person opposite you. That double act, duo or even duel as in opponent. Or even that empty space in your life. One particular connection or the need for it will command your attention. You’re either loved up or lacking in some way.

An eclipse in your sign this month tells you that you can’t afford to ignore any warning signs. Nor those needs, Taurus, if love has left the building. 2022 brings you big changes around the future of your relationship. Or the start of a brand new one. November merely shows you the focus for this. Love karma going back 19 years will come full circle for those of you old enough. Are you happily ever after or still once upon a time? You may not want to change a thing – lucky you.

But if you do, only you can begin the process, Taurus.

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The start of the month may see you firmly fixated on health matters. Doctors, dentists, diets, exercise, therapists, fitness instructors or complimentary healing. You’ll get that health check-up or start that exercise plan. The business of being in that avatar you call the human body and ensuring it is running properly takes on fresh importance. With lots of positive long-term effects in other areas. You’re also approaching the end of an extremely important cycle around past, present or potential partnerships.

From the 24th, conversations revolve around you and another. This may be your spouse or live-in lover. But it could just as easily be a defining work union or long-term friend. What’s important here is you feeling your best to get the most out of whatever form this union takes.

So see any changes you make around wellbeing as simply getting fit for love.

Definitely worth working out for!

22 JUNE – 23 JULY

Eclipses affect you more than any other sign Cancer and the eclipsed full Moon on the 19th is no exception. What comes out of this will be whether something is going to live up to its potential – or not.

Others may reveal a side to them you did not know they had. Now, this may not be negative but it will be defining in terms of where you go from here. Because this eclipse brings up intense feelings and takes place in your house of friends and social settings, you might want to choose your company carefully or even the places you go to at this time. However, this month’s new supermoon in your love zone on the 4th promises a mojo boost.

It’s a time to conceive new beginnings.

Not just in love, but for singles this is the best time to start swiping. But also around creative ventures, children or turning that passion into a profession.

Dare to put yourself out there.

From now until the end of January revisit what doesn’t work for you around your day job, diet, habits, routine and overall wellbeing. Time to give your daily life an extreme makeover. It needs to work and you need to work it, Leo. ‘Extreme self-care’ has become an overworked phrase lately.

But anything that drains or simply doesn’t add to that vibe really does need a health or continued relevance check now. From the 22nd the focus is all on what makes you glow. All the more reason to ditch anything that tarnishes that. It’s time to open up and let in a heart-starting experience. As we head into December it’s time for new beginnings and to reboot those dreams.

One word of warning - someone on the home front or connected to property matters seems to be the focus for domestic discontent. Just as it takes two to tango, it also takes two to argue. You don’t have to oblige, Leo. Remember that.

24 AUG – SEPT 3

Time to explore and leave that comfort zone, Virgo. This month’s new Moon on the 4th triggers the desire for something new. This could be linked to your money and how you earn it. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Ruler Mercury also reminds you of the power of your ideas. Or simply where they could end up taking you. Act on them now. One particular conversation you initiate or a piece of news has the potential to open up fresh paths to opportunity.

Have that opening line or pitch ready. Just as you have to act on ideas to realise them, you have to get serious about where you want to get results. Whether this is around your search for a partner or your search for success. You’re in a key period between now and January where you can refine and redefine that search criteria. Getting to know your own needs simply means you get them met. And know the right opportunity when you meet them.

Libra

Sagittarius

Aquarius

24 SEPT – 23 OCT

23 NOV – 21 DEC

21 JAN – 19 FEB

SCORPIO

Capricorn

Pisces

24 OCT – 22 NOV

22 DEC – 20 JAN

20 FEB – 20 MAR

Power money and moves are your focus this month now the Sun has left your sign and ruler Venus lands in your house of home and foundation. You also have a big line up of planets in your 2nd and a powerful new Supermoon in here on the 4th handing you the tools to build a new relationship to the material world. Yes, we are shards of stars having that human experience. But it is about more than money, Libra. Just watch out for impulse buys or emotional spending around the 10th. Or even arguments around money.

This is a good day however to negotiate anything to do with income, cash or finances. But steer clear of entering into anything binding at the time of the eclipsed full Moon on the 19th if you can.

Certainly pay attention to the fine print if you can. If something simply doesn’t add up – steer clear. After the 22nd you move into a fresh cycle of opportunity and solutions around communications, commerce, writing, ideas and the internet. It’s much better for agreements then. Get talking from that point.

It’s all about you, you, you right up until the 22nd when the Sun quits your sign. Having said that – it’s still about you while your ancient ruler Mars remains in residence. Best face forward, Scorpio. Next year brings a destiny driven emphasis on you and your opposite number (past, present and potential). So see this time as getting game ready. The 4th hands you the perfect opportunity for an image update or relaunch. Watch the 10th and if you are faced with criticism – consider the source. Sad to say not everyone may be happy about that new vibe you’re working.

If you get the feeling something’s ‘off’ around the eclipse on the 19th, hold that thought. No matter what reassurance and/or denials your enquiries may elicit. Your ability to look beyond the obvious won’t let you down.

Happy birthday to all free-spirited Sagittarians out there. The Sun lands in your sign from the 22nd and you’re now on the cusp of closing one important cycle of experience and beginning another. 2022 will bring you major changes around home, property, family, where you live and also lovers, children and showstopping opportunities to shine and stand out. Your past, present or enticing potential partner is part of a big karmic infinity cycle stretching all the way back to 2003/4. Just know that as one door closes, another one opens.

Use the next few weeks to focus on your image, appearance, brand, profile, style, look and what you want it to say about you. First impressions count now. Take it that any investment you make will pay off. Just don’t blow your budget. It’s time for a relaunch on some level this month. You’ve a bigger role to play. A starring one in fact. Make headlines.

Friendships don’t grab the relationship headlines the way our love connections do. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t just as important. Or that they’re not every bit as complicated at times.

Around the 10th you may be faced with a truth or consequences moment around one. Chances are this isn’t coming out of leftfield and may have been brewing for some time. Look at it this way – if you wait for the perfect mate, chances are you may remain mateless. Same goes for friends. However, you know when a line has been crossed and there’s no going back. At least friendship issues mean you have some. There are worse alternatives such as loneliness. Not that is likely to be you with Venus now in your sign. You’ve got a wonderful opportunity between now and the end of January to update your image and also decide once and for all what meets your needs in any relationship. Plus, you have the diplomatic skills to offer that olive branch if needed.

Big decisions await you this month, Aquarius. Contracts and agreements of the long-term variety may feature. Don’t see commitment as tying you down. In many cases it can hand us freedom. But it is important you future proof those plans and understand the long term implications of anything you get into. Setting a success strategy pays off if you are prepared to see it through. And rewards could find you this month for staying the course. Once the serious business is out of the way, you’ll feel lighter and in the mood to circulate, party and play from the 22nd when the Sun lands in your house of friendships and the future. Just don’t get drawn into gossip or conflicts at work this month. Keep your cool to preserve your reputation. Sometimes someone has to do that when others are losing theirs. That would be you, Aquarius.

And if the path you’re on isn’t rewarding you as you hoped, there’s no better month to plan that exit strategy.

No more dreaming or procrastinating for you, Pisces. November tells you it’s time to take action. Not ‘someday’ because we all know ‘someday’ never comes. But in the moment. Now. Today. You have three weeks in which to do this. And if it all seems big and daunting, then chunk it down to one step at a time daily progress.

Travel, learning, exploration and people and places overseas may feature. And even if you are in fact, not going anywhere right now, these themes may turn up on your doorstep or devices. You’re on the cusp of an exciting cycle of expansion which may require a ‘yes’ answer from you. November wants you to start participating in that process. Call it the Beta version of what’s to come. You’re proceeding at impulse speed before you engage your warp engines to go boldly into something new and so much bigger. Not someday either, Pisces. So, no more excuses. Take that first step towards what you’re aiming for. The second one and the one after that are easy.

Follow Astromama on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.astro-mama.com for in-depth, personal horoscope readings and personal consultations which turn you into a hot star on earth!

SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03 123

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JAMES BAILEY WE HEAR JAMES BAILEY PROPERTIES HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR 15 WEEKS, HOW HARD HAS STARTING A NEW BUSINESS BEEN? I knew it was never going to be easy and I’ve never been one to shy away from hard work but it’s a whole different ball game. I have worked in the industry for nearly 15 years, and I’ve always wanted to start my own estate agency. The biggest hurdle has been securing opportunities to work for new clients and getting my name out there. We’ve delivered fantastic results for new clients who have been willing to give us a chance. I work 7 days a week and am driven to perform and ultimately repay the faith shown in me and my company.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES JAMES BAILEY FROM OTHER ESTATE AGENTS? Two words – Service & Communication. Having worked for some of the biggest names in the industry, I became increasingly frustrated by the lack of service and communication on offer.

Some agencies seemed to be getting lazier and rely too heavily on technology. For me, Covid has proved more than ever that human interaction is vitally important. I genuinely get a buzz from dealing with people and offering a personal service. I have had people leave 5 Star Google reviews just from conducting a viewing with them. That means so much to me and the business. We are here for anyone who needs us, any time of day, 7 days a week. My mobile phone is always on and people can get in touch to ask for my help whenever they need it. This is my life, this is my passion and I strive to the best local agent in the area for years to come.

HOW IS THE SURREY PROPERTY MARKET IN YOUR OPINION AFTER COVID? Surrey is in an incredible part of the country to live in. We have a vast selection of excellent schools, gorgeous green spaces with so many wonderful local and independent businesses on our doorstep and access to London is better than ever. All of this and more, make Surrey one of the most attractive places to live in the UK and means it’s an excellent investment. Even at the back end of Covid, we are still seeing people move out of the city into the area. We are seeing people stay in the area too which speaks volumes about where we live.

WE HEAR YOU HAVE DONE SOME GREAT FUNDRAISING EVENTS, CAN YOU TELL US MORE? I love a challenge, especially when it means I can raise money for charity. In 2019 I ran the

128 SURREYROCKS | ISSUE 03

London Marathon without training, raising nearly £4,000 for Teenage Cancer & Breast Cancer research. Then last November, I decided to trek 300km (the distance of 7 marathons) in just 30 days. This was a huge challenge due to my time limitation as I was working full time from 8am-8pm. It didn’t leave me much time to complete the distance and therefore I had to get up at 4am most mornings and even walked from Sutton to Essex one day which took 14 hours and ticked off 40+ miles.

My feet were in pieces, but I completed the feat with 3 days to spare and raised nearly £2k for the MOvember charities.

AND IS MOVEMBER STILL ON THE CARDS? Absolutely. We are going to launch our own initiative called MOVEmber which means we will donate a percentage of sales/lets for the month of November to the Movember charities. We are very excited to raise as much money to help others.

NOW FOR SOME FUN STUFF ABOUT YOU. IF YOU HAD TO TAKE THREE THINGS TO A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT WOULD THEY BE? A solar powered music device, a hammock, and a fishing net.

WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN THE MOVIE VERSION OF YOUR LIFE? Wow. That’s a tough one. I’ve been compared to a few celebrities including Jude Law, Ewan McGregor and even Ricky Gervais. Could we combine all 3 to create a Hybrid?

WHO´S YOUR IDEAL CELEBRITY DINNER PARTY GUESTS? Tough one but let’s go for a boy’s night in with David Beckham, Ricky Gervais, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Quincy Jones, Matthew McConaughey & Denzel Washington. What a party that would be.

BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN? ‘Enjoy the ride’. My grandad always used to say it. We never know when our journey will end, so enjoy every day as much as you can. I have always tried to surround myself with good people and treat others as I wish to be treated.

Be there for each other at all times.

MOST EMBARRASSING ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE? Probably any one of my 3 cowboy hats. I’m not embarrassed by them however appreciate it’s slightly unusual, but I am a massive fan of country music.

WHAT ALL THE WOMEN WANT TO KNOW, ARE YOU SINGLE? Yes. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A WOMAN? Someone with a great sense of humour, who is intelligent, driven, and adventurous.

Someone who has good values and wears their heart on their sleeve.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE GROWING UP? A fireman or a police officer as I wanted to help people. I remember telling everyone in a school assembly I wanted to be a fireman and they laughed. It’s funny looking back now as a lot of my pals are either firemen or have at least applied to be. Not so funny now, hey!

BEST CHARACTER TRAITS? Ambitious, caring, driven, fun. I just try to be the best man I can be. I’ve been incredibly lucky to be raised well by my parents and I’m surrounded by incredible friends and family. I work hard, have fun and am always there for anyone who needs me.

WORST HABIT? Blowing my nose loudly. I’ve always had sinus problems and apparently I sound like a rhino according to my family.

IF YOU WERE AN ANIMAL WHAT WOULD YOU BE? A dog. By far my favourite animals.

FRIDAY NIGHT OUT OR SUNDAY DAY IN? A Sunday Day In. An epic roast dinner, a bottle of red (or two), yummy dessert and a nice movie snuggled up in front of the roaring fire.

WHAT´S THE BEST THING ABOUT SURREY? I can’t pinpoint a single thing, but no matter who you are and what you like, there is something for everyone. As I mentioned before, there is so much to love about this beautiful county.

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE? To continue building my business by providing an excellent estate agency service.

We recently became official sponsors of Sutton United Women, and I would really like to invest in more local projects and show our support as and when we can. I’m excited to provide job opportunities to the local people as the business grows and continue to change the stigma that faces being an estate agent.

We aren’t all bad

😊

An independent estate agency proudly serving the people of Cheam, Sutton & the surrounding area.

Contact us today to discuss any of your property requirements.

 020 8123 7353

 www.jamesbaileyproperty.com

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