The Urban Fox April 2013

APRIL 2013

WIN

Natural Beauty

at Windows on New Walk

A Matter of Taste

A Meal for Two

Your Home Remedies

Raymond Blanc Exclusive

Spring

Greens

ds This season’s fashion tren

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HEALTH

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ISSUE 29 Martina Lenaghan Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk Steve Lenaghan Sales/Marketing Director 07738 614245 steve@theurban-fox.co.uk LISA ROTH Head of New Business Development 07843 851132 lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk SALES TEAM sales@theurban-fox.co.uk DESIGN TEAM design@theurban-fox.co.uk

As you know last month I started my post-baby fitness challenge, and what a month it has been, overhauling my eating habits and exercising to within an inch of my life! It’s somewhat ironic then, that this month is our Food Edition.

From recipes, festivals and food history to healthy eating, homemade beauty remedies and ideas on some of the best places to dine out in the region, it’s all here. Plus we’re cooking up a storm with interviews with the legendary Raymond Blanc and Jill Vickers the culinary impetus behind the Bridge 67 Cookery School. And of course there’s an opportunity to catch up on my progress in Fitness SOS on page 14. The results are really quite surprising.

But we’re not just about food; so check out our spring fashion trends, monthly What’s On guide and reviews as well as our inspirational tips for your life, work, home and garden.

Finally don’t miss out on our April competitions on p6. We have some amazing prizes to be won.

Until next time.

Martina

p28

Editor

p35

ACCOUNTS accounts@theurban-fox.co.uk Printers Spectrum Printing Services Design The Urban Fox Media Group Distribution Leicester Leaflets 08443 579302

p8

Disclaimer:

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material in this publication, the editor can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either editorial or advertising content.

Our Contributors:

Copyright:

All text, images and design in this publication are subject to copyright. Any unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it in this publication.

cover image: Tree People - follow the Mono Trend on page 10

Lucy Cufflin

Cookery writer, caterer & retailer, Lucy covers all things foodie.

Samantha Kimber

Our green-fingered expert, helping you solve your gardening dilemmas.

Ashley Hunt

Local solicitor providing invaluable guidance on commonplace legal matters.

other Contributors: Alex Ballard, Paul Banks, Thomas Bower, Jake Harvey, Debbie James, Lino Poli, Rebecca Watts, Joe Wilson.

5

april

Contents 10

15 10 Steps To Boost Your Mood

Put the spring back in your step

16 Marathon Woman

26

Footwear that looks & feels great

17 You Are What You Eat Feel healthier, younger & energised

LIFE & WORK 19 Know Your Rights

Your maternity rights explained

21 5 Ways To Pay Less Tax Are you paying too much?

Wining & Dining

35

23 Fit For A King

Fashion & Beauty

Dining Richard III style

reative Container 24 3 Chefs, 3 Courses, 3 Hours 43 C Gardening Dinner party inspiration

8 Spring Greens

26 It’s A Matter of Taste

10 Mono Trend

28 Come Dine With Us

11 Pale & Interesting

HOMes & GARDENs

The Grass is greener

It’s very black & white

Staying fashion neutral

13 Natural Beauty

Your homemade remedies

Health & Wellbeing 14 Fitness SOS

Post-baby workout

Raymond Blanc Exclusive Our 2013 Food Guide

from Cath Kidston

6

Unleash your imagination

Arts & Entertainment

44 What’s On

Activities for the whole family

46 Reviews

April’s recommendations

35 The Future’s Bright

People & Places

39 Who Will Be Your Guest?

48 Food Festivals

41 Tips from the Potting Shed

50 My Way

Vibrant kitchen accessories Celebrity high street designers A little gardening know how

Competitions

A P10 Win Laptop Case

Dinner P25 Win for Two

at Windows on New Walk

Britain’s best food festivals

Jill Vickers on hens & cooking

Curve P45 Win Tickets

to see The Woman in Black

FASHION & BEAUTY

Spring

Greens What better way to welcome spring than with the shade of the season GRASS GREEN. Wear colour on colour for a nod to the catwalk or team with neutrals or navy for a more subtle look.

Green Open Toe Shoes, £49, La Redoute

Silk Tunic Dress, £79.95, Land’s End

Farley Blazer, £100, Crew Clothing

Green Skinny Belt, £7, Next

8

Perry Cropped Jeans, £49.95, Joules

Bibi Top, £36, Eucalyptus Image: Michael Kors

St Mawes Jersey Shirt, £39, Boden Buttermere, £179, Radley

9

MONO

trend

Image: Next

Monochrome is back with an energetic force this spring. Here are just a few of our favourites to add the WOW factor to your wardrobe.

Knitted Biker Cardigan, £35, M&S

Stripe Twisted Jersey Dress, £79, Mint Velvet

WIN A CATH

KIDSTON

MONOCHROME LAPTOP CASE This Cath Kidston spot laptop case is a super stylish way to carry your computer. Made from lightweight, matt coated oilcloth, it's easy to care for and has a memory foam inner layer to protect your laptop from knocks and scratches. The design also features lots of handy pockets for accessories and a removable shoulder strap, making it easy to carry.

To Enter:

For a chance to win simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to editor@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Cath Kidston’ in the subject bar. Alternatively postal entries can be sent to 2 Princess House, 26 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GD. Chain Quilted Bag, £22.00, M&Co

Harlequin Ankle Strap Shoe, £85, Dune

10

Closing date is 26 April 2013.

No cash alternative available.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Fenn Wright Manson Coletta Skirt, £129 Dixie Jumper, £189

Pale &

Interesting

Phase Eight Esme Belted Dress, £160 Juliette Cutwork Shrug, £75

drobe from a This season, create a stylish capsule warhint of texture a just with , trals neu selection of simple High Street and embellishment. We’ve chosen three collections to get you started...

Style Tip: For legs that go all the way up, slip on a pair of nude heels or shoe boots.

Mint Velvet Double Buckle Sandal, £99 Raglan Hooded Parka, £139

Image: Daks

Beaded Jaquard Shift, £149

11

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Natural

beauty

We all want great skin and hair, and if you’re anything like the women at The Urban Fox, you’ll spend a fortune on serums, creams, lotions, masks, hair and scalp treatments… need we go on? Whilst we don’t plan to make a permanent switch anytime soon, as it’s our Food edition we thought it would be fun to ask our Facebook followers for some of their homemade natural beauty remedies. Here are just four of our favourites.

Coconut Scalp Therapy 2 tbsp coconut oil 115 grams pureed organic carrot 10 drops of geranium oil 5 drops of chamomile oil 5 drops of jasmine oil A pinch of rosemary and sage Directions: Combine ingredients and use a moderate amount to massage into the scalp. Leave for 20 minutes then rinse well.

A light shampoo may be necessary.

Benefits: Amazing healing properties for the hair and scalp.

Helps with problems such as dandruff.

Anti-Ageing Sundae 55 grams cocoa 1 puréed ripe organic banana 2 tbsp macadamia oil or butter 1 egg 2 tbsp whipped cream 1 teaspoon organic brown sugar A dash of cinnamon Directions: Blend ingredients into a balm. Apply to face and body. Leave for 15 minutes & rinse off.

Benefits: Bananas are packed with the mineral sulphur, which promotes healthy skin and nails, as well as offering anti-ageing properties.

Cucumber Face Mask 1 cucumber puréed or diced 60 grams plain organic yogurt 1 tsp Aloe Vera juice A dash of sea salt Directions: Blend, apply and leave on for 10-15 minutes.

Rinse well.

Benefits: Cucumber is packed with vitamins and silica, an antioxidant that can help relieve dark-circled or tired, puffy eyes.

Avocado Skin & Hair Treatment 1 Avocado mashed or puréed 1 tbsp of warmed raw organic honey 1 tbsp of almond oil Directions: Apply to face, body, and hair (cover hair with shower cap). Leave for 15 minutes. Rinse well and shampoo if necessary.

Benefits: The vitamin A in avocado adds sheen to hair, vitamin B balances oil production and vitamin E helps protect skin from sun and pollution damage.

13

Together we can reach your GOALS Get in shape for summer Jamie Duggan Personal Trainer

Tel: 07800 518930 E: jjdnutrition@aol.com W: www.jdpt.co.uk

One to One Personal Training sessions are now at Manor Road Sports Centre, 40 Manor Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 2LL. You don’t have to be a member - you just pay for the Personal Training session and gain access to state-ofthe-art gym facilities.

Contact me for your

FREE 30min consultation

Fitness

Last month our intrepid Editor Martina bravely embarked on a personal fitness programme to lose over a stone in weight and get fit in the process...

SOS

My Fitn ess Dia ry: Height: 5ft 2in Start Weight: 10st 13lb s Target Weight: 9st 7lbs BMI: 28.1

The first month has passed and I am still alive - well, just - and I’ve discovered I love exercise! Having not been blessed with coordination I’ve never been a great fan of aerobic style exercise and my inborn competitiveness coupled with a general lack of skill is a lethal combination making team sports off limits.

The walking programme which has been developed for me by the Metabolic Weight Loss Clinic has forced me out of the car meaning more fresh air for me and my one year old, plus I’m saving money on petrol too. The group sessions including circuits, cardio, weights, resistance training and boxing is challenging for someone like me who hasn’t exercised in a while, but it’s great fun and I’m training with women of all abilities, so there’s no sense of feeling left behind.

The results speak for themselves.

In addition to achieving my target 4lbs weight loss and dropping 2% body fat, I have lost 2.5cm from waist, 3cm from hips and an impressive 5cm from my legs.

What’s more I feel energised and genuinely look forward to my next session. Overall, a thumbs up from me for month 1!

Next Month:

Find out whether Martina meets this month’s targets, plus more about her food plan.

14

Image: Joanne Withers, Nine Photos

HEALTH & WELLBEING

10 Steps to

d oo M r u o Boost Y missing the ur happiness curve or yo in p di rd wa wn hance your Experiencing a do our simple steps to en try es rri wo No p? ‘spring’ in your ste a natural high! mood and give you

t Protein 1 Easerot onin the ‘happy

To make neurotransmitter’ you need an important , amino acid ‘tryptophan’ so include meat fish, eggs and dairy products as well as beans, seeds, pulses and nuts in your diet.

5 Vitamin B

A good B complex helps stimulate the body’s energy-producing system giving you a boost.

2n up the radio wh

Of the comedy variety and laugh until you cry

Tur your song comes on then shake w. bootie like there’s no tomorro ! ady alre ling smi ’re We bet you

3 Add Colour

4 Aromatic Spritz

Add ten drops each of mandarin, lemongrass, grapefruit and lemon essential oils to 100ml of filtered water and spray.

Kno It brings the downward facing dog. gising ner re-e is d, hea the blood to spine the for and is a great stretch

9 Watch TV

e Let’s Danc en a great

Yellow is a good colour to add to a room, especially one that doesn’t get much light. It encourages cheerfulness and optimism.

ura Yoga 8 wnAnforus its uplifting benefits. Try

10 Make Love y Cheese 6 Sa re the first thing you see each

Ensu morning is something happy. Hang a cheerful photo in your bedroom so you can start the day in the right frame of mind.

It’s a known fact that activities such as sex (okay eating too) create changes in the region of the brain called the nucleus accumbens, by releasing ‘dopamine’, a natural opiate. Go on give it a try!

7 Feel Grateful

Think of 3 things you have to be grateful for every night at bedtime, then drift off to sleep.

15

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Marathon

woman

With the London Marathon only a few weeks away, we’re feeling all sporty at Urban Fox. The lighter nights might even encourage us to take a turn around Victoria Park.

But even if you’re watching the race from your sofa, we’ve chosen some running shoes that both look and feel great.

Adidas Adizero Feather 2, £60 New Balance 780 Neutral, £80 Nike Free Run+ 3, £80 Asics Gel-Phoenix Cushioned, £80 Merrell Pace Glove Barefoot, £90

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Metabolic @ Nutrafit Training Studios, 40 Nelson Street, Leicester LE1 7BA. Tel: 0116 3190778 www.nutrafit.co.uk metabolic@nutrafit.co.uk

You are what

You Eat This month Rebecca Watts from Leicester’s Metabolic Weight Loss Clinic, reminds us why eating a balanced diet is important to your health, how you feel and your lifestyle.

“You are what you eat” - it may be a cliché but there really is a lot of truth in this statement. The nutrients found in food helps our body function properly. Each nutrient has a different purpose and an imbalanced diet lacking in certain nutrients is likely to make bodily functions less efficient, leading to fluctuating energy levels, mood swings, weak immune system, skin outbreaks, sleepless nights, upset stomachs, premature aging, headaches, weight loss / gain... the list is endless.

A balanced diet should contain all types of foods including Protein, Carbohydrates, Good Fats, Fibre, Fruit & Vegetables to get all the nutrients you require.

Protein is an essential nutrient needed by the body. Its role is to supply energy and growth and

repair and can also help with losing weight. It is found in meat, fish, eggs, grains, dairy and meat substitutes.

Carbohydrates are the body’s main fuel, they will give you energy. Complex

completely as good fats found in foods such as fish, nuts and seeds are vital.

Fibre in combination with water and complex carbohydrates help carry waste products speedily out of the body. Found in

Who doesn’t want to feel healthier, younger and full of energy? carbohydrates are best for a steady release of energy and can be found in whole-wheat pasta, breads, vegetables and oats.

Fats help to form the membrane around and inside the body cells, and act as a carrier for fat soluble vitamins and nutrients. The lower the saturated fats the better; poly and mono unsaturated fats are healthier. Be careful not to cut fat out of the diet

cereals, grains, bran, fruit and vegetables.

Cells in your body need small amounts of minerals (copper, calcium, zinc etc.) to carry out essential body functions. Vitamins are also essential for various vital functions. They release energy from food, help to make blood cells and hormones and maintain healthy organs and systems such as the nervous system.

Vitamins and minerals

are found in everything we eat, paticularly fruit and vegetables. The more vegetables you eat the better. Avoid over-cooking or peeling which can reduce the nutrient content.

Water is vital for life. As the principle component of body fluids, it carries nutrients around the body, lubricates joints and helps to dissolve food for digestion. Many hunger pangs are actually dehydration so always start with a glass of water before you turn to additional foods.

Finally by understanding how your body works and making a few adjustments to your diet, you can make a real difference to your life.

Who doesn’t want to feel healthier, younger and full of energy?

For more free tips and advice from Rebecca, visit www.nutrafit.co.uk

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LIFE & WORK

Know Your

Rights Maternity rights such as leave, pay and returning to work can be complicated and an added stress for Mums-to-be. This month we caught up with local solicitors Lawson West for advice on some of the most common questions raised.

Q: How do I qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)?

A: You’re entitled to 52 weeks maternity leave, but eligibility for SMP depends on a number of factors including length of service and average earnings during the ‘qualifying period’, which runs for eight weeks up to your 25th week of pregnancy. To qualify, you need to earn more than the national insurance contribution earning threshold. SMP is paid at 90% of your salary for 6 weeks, followed by 33 weeks at the prescribed rate, currently £136.78.

Q: Am I allowed to take time off for pregnancy related appointments?

A: You’re entitled to paid time off for all antenatal appointments, including doctor, midwife, hospital and physio appointments. You may also be entitled to paid time off for various ‘parentcraft’ classes, if you’ve been advised to attend them by your GP or midwife. Your employer should not require you to make up any time lost as a result of antenatal appointments.

to work, “if you decide not to go back your you won’t have to pay back y” statutory maternity pa

Q: Will I have to pay back my statutory maternity pay if I don’t go back to work after maternity leave?

A: No, if you decide not to go back to work you won’t have to pay back your statutory maternity pay. However, if you get any ‘contractual’ maternity pay, you should review your employment contract to see if you have to pay it back.

Q: When do I have to tell my boss that I am pregnant?

A: You are under no obligation to tell your employer until the first day of your 25th week of pregnancy. However, once your employer is aware that you are pregnant they are under an obligation to carry out a risk assessment, so it’s a good idea to tell them as soon as you can.

Q: Can my job change whilst I am on maternity leave?

A: The current legislation states that you are entitled to return to the same job which you were carrying out immediately prior to your maternity leave at the end of your SMP period. If you are not permitted to return to your role again this could amount to sex discrimination.

Q: Can I be made redundant whilst I’m on maternity leave? Q: Can I return to work part time?

A: You can be made redundant in certain circumstances whilst on maternity leave, but there is protection on returning to work in that you should be offered, whenever possible, suitable alternative employment. If your employer fails to do this, it could constitute an act of sex discrimination.

A: You are permitted to return to work under a flexible working arrangement.

Your employers can refuse your request, however if you feel that your request has been unfairly refused than this again could amount to sex discrimination.

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LIFE & WORK

5 Ways To Pay Less

Most of us pay tax in some form, yet millions of people in the UK each year, pay more than they need to. This month we explore five ways you can legally pay less tax.

1

Tax Code

If your tax code ends in an L, you’re getting the basic allowance but this won’t take into account pension tax relief or other earnings. Search ‘Understanding your PAYE Coding Notice’ at www.hmrc.gov.uk to check.

If you’re self-employed you don’t have a tax code but still make sure you’re paying the right amount. If your earnings drop ask for your tax payments to be reviewed and decreased if necessary.

2

Inheritance Tax

The simplest no-cost way to avoid inheritance tax is to ask your life insurer for a form so that your children directly receive any payout on your death, rather than your estate. Also consider using gifting allowances where you can give away £3,000 each year and up to £250 to as many people as you like. Anything given away more than seven years before your death does not attract inheritance tax.

3

Gift Aid

Gift Aid increases the value of donations to charities by allowing them to reclaim basic rate tax on your gift - for every £10 you donate it is worth £12.50 to the charity. If you pay higher rate tax you can also claim extra relief on your donations. For example, if you donate £100, the total value of your donation to the charity is £125, so you can claim back £25 if you pay tax at 40 per cent. You’ll be helping a good cause too!

4

5

Capital Gains

If one of you pays tax at a higher rate, put investments in the name of the lower-rate taxpayer. You also each have a capital gains tax allowance of £10,600 (potentially increasing to £11,000 for 2013/14) per year, so either put assets in both names so you can make £21,200 of gains tax free, or in the name of the lower-rate taxpayer.

For free advice on tax related issues, visit the Citizens Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk

Pensions

For personal and stakeholder pension schemes you must claim back higher-rate relief yourself as you only automatically get 20 per cent tax relief. In practice, this means that for every £80 you pay into your pension, you end up with £100 in your pension pot. If you pay tax at higher rate, you can claim the difference through your tax return or by contacting HMRC.

21

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WINING & DINING

Fit for a

King Our resident food expert Lucy Cufflin delves into our culinary past to find out what ‘The King in the Car Park’ may have dined on in days of yore.

U

tterly enthralled, as the facts about the discovery of King Richard lll unfolded, I felt compelled to do a bit of digging myself - food history of course - and discovered a wealth of fabulous flavours that we have let disappear from our tables including fragrant roses, aromatic lavender, dandelions, nettles, even mugwort!

What interested me most about how people ate in those days was that there was no distinction between sweet and savoury. You would be as likely to find sugar and raisins in a cheese tart, as you would strong spices in custard.

Feasting tables would be laden with as many as 60 different dishes with a complete mix of sweet and savoury flavours.

You would be forgiven for thinking that spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, coriander and chilli arrived in Britain during the last century, but you would be wrong. The Crusades established trade routes and many Middle Eastern spices made their way to this country during the middle ages. And European herbs such as basil, thyme and rosemary came to our shores with the Romans.

So what dishes were our ancestors eating in the time of King Richard?

For the great majority of the population it was a combination of what they could forage or barter for - squirrel, hedgehog, thrush or other small birds were probably the main protein source for most, although I did discover that nettles are made up of 10% protein which was a revelation to me.

Storage of meat and fish was haphazard and therefore spices were often important to disguise slightly off flavours. Spices were also used as an outward sign of wealth foreign spices were expensive so the more you used in a feast the more important and affluent you would appear. In most recipes I unearthed there seemed no holding back!

I’ve been busy enhancing presentday favourites with some of the forgotten flavours I discovered. I have been making meringues laced with hibiscus flowers, served with red berries and rosehip syrup; I’ve added juniper berries to stews and to my balsamic drizzle and I’ve added a slug of mead here and there. Local honey has been dolloped into a salad dressing laced with golden marigold petals and I’ve been crunching up brown and yellow mustard seeds to add to dressings, marinades and mayonnaise. Basically real food for today with a sprinkle of history.

So join me and get out your bowls and wooden spoons and stir a bit of history into your everyday cooking!

For recipes inspired by Richard III, go to www.lucysfood.co.uk

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WINING & DINING

3 Chefs, 3 Courses, 3 Hours Got a dinner party coming up and need ideas? We asked 3 local chefs for their recipe suggestions, which could be made in an hour or less.

Mushroom & Bacon Tortellini with Thyme & Parmesan Cappuccino

Ingredients Tortellini: 125g flour 1 large egg Cappuccino: 2 egg yolks 200ml whole milk 1 tsp olive oil 50g grated parmesan ½ celery stick, diced Large sprig of thyme 1 banana shallot, chopped finely 1 clove of garlic, crushed 4 slices of good quality back bacon, diced 125g button mushrooms, chopped finely 1. C ombine the egg, flour, yolks, salt and oil in a food processor until combined.

2. Remove onto the worktop and knead to smooth dough and rest for 20 minutes.

3. SautĂŠ the bacon, celery, shallot & garlic.

4. When softened add mushrooms and cook down for 3 minutes to make a dry mix.

5. Season well with pepper and a little salt & allow to cool.

6. In a pan add the whole milk, parmesan and a large sprig of thyme; simmer on a low heat for 10 minutes.

7. Roll the pasta out using a pasta machine to the thinnest setting.

8. Cut out large circles using the biggest cutter you have or a bowl.

9. Place a little mixture in the centre of the pasta disc and fold the edge over to seal.

10. Th en twist and seal the two ends together to create the famous tortellini look.

11. R emove the thyme from the milk and using a stick blender froth the milk to create the Cappuccino.

12. I n a large pan of simmering salty water poach the tortellini for 3 minutes and serve in a large bowl.

13. S poon the sauce over the cooked tortellini About the Chef: Thomas Bower is owner of Thomas the Caterer, a young vibrant catering business based in Leicestershire. Thomas has over 10 years catering experience including Chef De Cuisine for the Orient Express and Head Chef at The Hammer and Pincers in Wymeswold.

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Mussels in Bottle Kicking Cider with Leeks & Bacon

Ingredients 1kg fresh mussels in their shells 1 large leek, finely sliced 200 ml Hallaton Bottle Kicking Cider 200 ml double cream 100g smoked streaky bacon, cut into strips Splash of olive oil 1. C lean the mussels by removing the beard from the shell.

2. Wash them in water and drain.

3. Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the leeks and bacon.

4. Once browned and cooking, add the mussels, cider and cream, cover with a lid and bring to the boil.

5. When the mussel shells are open they are ready to serve.

6. Sprinkle some chopped parsley and season to taste.

7. If you like the sauce to be a little more dense, strain the mussels, and reduce the sauce to your preference.

8. Serve with lots of bread or chips!

About the Chef: Ever since working at a seafood restaurant in the beautiful Ligurian coastal town of Bordighera, Lino Poli has harboured the desire to open one himself. Earlier this year Lino and his wife Sarah decided to follow their dreams and bring a taste of the sea to Kibworth by opening The Lighthouse.

The Polis also own Boboli an Italian restaurant offering simple, modern Italian family food, served all day, every day.

Millionaire’s Cheesecake

Ingredients 250g cream cheese ½ packet shortbread 100g caster sugar Tin condensed milk 100g melted butter 100g dark chocolate 1. P lace the condensed milk in a sauce pan in its tin and submerge with water so no part of the can is exposed.

2. Place pan on the heat and simmer for 4 hours topping up the water along the way making sure the water doesn’t dry up.

3. After 4 hours remove from heat and cool. At this point the condensed milk will have turned into a creamy thick caramel within the tin.

4. Combine shortbread crumbs with melted butter and press into an 18cm loose bottomed cake tin, refrigerate until the base is firm.

5. Mix half the caramel to half of the cream cheese.

6. Layer the caramel cream cheese onto the base of the cheesecake.

7. Melt the chocolate and add half the remaining cream cheese to the warm chocolate.

8. Once mixed together add the remaining cream cheese and combine.

9. Spread the chocolate cream cheese on top of the caramel cream cheese layer and smooth over with a hot knife.

10. O nce all the mix has been added refrigerate for 3 hours until it had completely set.

About the Chef: Alex Ballard is Head Chef at The Belmont Hotel. With the opening of the hotel’s new restaurant Windows on New Walk, Alex has been busy developing the new menus. Millionaire’s Cheesecake is just one the delicious dishes you’ll find at The Belmont.

WIN

A 3-COURSE MEAL FOR 2 AT THE BELMONT HOTEL To celebrate the opening of their new restaurant Windows on New Walk, The Belmont Hotel is offering one reader and a guest, a 3 course lunch or dinner. The winner will enjoy contemporary fine dining in a vibrant and luxurious setting with polished levels of service.

To enter: Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to editor@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Windows’ in the subject bar. Alternatively postal entries can be sent to 2 Princess House, 26 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GD. Closing date is 26 April 2013.

Terms & Conditions: Please call to pre-book using code provided.

Prize valid until 29 June 2013. Excludes Pudding Taster Event 9 May 2013 and Father’s Day 16 June 2013. Please note the restaurant is not open on Saturday lunchtimes or Sunday evenings. All drinks are payable.

25

WINING & DINING

T

he lunch service looms at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, the heavenly Michelin-starred hotel-restaurant set in the tranquillity of the Oxfordshire village of Great Milton. The kitchen’s brigade of chefs chop and slice, and in the dining room beyond the sliding doors, the tables are being swiftly laid by a regiment of waiting staff.

But the general of this imposing army, Raymond Blanc, is in a panic, a muddle. He has lost his glasses. “I can see without them, but not that well,” says Blanc. “I seem to spend more time searching for my glasses than I do wearing them. I’ve got about 50 pairs but still they vanish.”

A Matter of 18 Brasserie Blanc restaurants, is culinary director of Eurostar’s Business Premier Class, and has just finished filming a new TV series and is the president of the Sustainable Restaurant Association. He has an OBE, and is the author of best-selling cook books and his gastronomic must-read memoir, A Taste of My Life.

“Part culinary genius, part Inspector Clouseau”

Blanc, 63, is a compelling character best described by his protégé, Marco Pierre White (who trained under Blanc at Le Manoir in the mid-80s): “Raymond is part culinary genius, part Inspector Clouseau.”

It is four decades since he crossed the Channel, leaving his home in Besançon, in the Franche-Comté region of France, to become a champion of the British food revolution. As a teenager he had studied to become an architect “but realised I hated symmetry so architecture wasn’t for me - I hate squares and rectangles”.

This entertaining little Frenchman is a tireless bundle of creative energy.

Aside from Le Manoir, he has opened

He continues, “I looked for my passion in life and eventually I found it in a beautiful restaurant

in Besançon. I did not begin as a chef. First, I was given the position of cleaner. But from the moment I started to clean I put all of my heart into it. I made that restaurant looked like the Palace of Versailles.”

His future in France came to an abrupt and painful end when he dared to question the head chef. “I said his sauce might need a bit more pepper and that was that. He was a giant of a man and whacked me across the face with a frying pan. I lost a couple of teeth and broke my jaw. But the restaurant’s owner found me a job in Oxfordshire.”

He recalls, “When I arrived in Britain in the early 70s the restaurant scene was in a dreadful state, with strikes and doom and gloom. Restaurants were not good. If you wanted olive oil you had to buy it over the counter at the chemist.”

He opened his first restaurant, Les Quat’ Saisons in Oxford, with his first wife Jenny. It was an instant hit.

They went on to open Maison Blanc, a patisserie-bakery that heralded a chain. And then Mr and Mrs Blanc transformed an ancient manor house into Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons.

“When I looked around me I saw many opportunities. I had a strong food culture which my parents had given to me, and it made sense for me to use it. But I was in the right country - the British are extremely open to new ideas and they are great supporters of the underdog. And if anyone was an underdog then it was me.”

Left: Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Blanc’s restaurant in Oxfordshire.

26

Taste

The Urban Fox talks exclusively to Raymond Blanc

He says he is not a businessman.

“Nothing happened overnight. I was the craftsman - the artisan - but at the same time I was the opportunist.

It was a case of creative heart versus business brain. I have always remained an artisan. In terms of business, I have surrounded myself with businessmen - professionals who are the best in their fields. Running a business is frightening”.

The Brasserie Blanc chain is a rapidly growing empire based on the founder’s simple philosophy.

“They are restaurants which would

offer great food at a good price, with produce from a sustainable source; places where families would always receive the warmest of welcomes.”

“ Running a business is frightening” Says Blanc, “I really believe that sustainability and good ethics will translate into good business. I am the architect of these businesses but I am also a micro idiot. I spend a great deal of time pouring over the details.

Sometimes so much so that I can get

lost.” And he’s reminded himself, “I need to find my glasses.”

Does he consider himself French or British? “Oh, a true Frenchman… but I love Britain, though I’ve had to get used to the cultural differences.

For instance, in Britain anglers put the fish back in the water. In France we’d eat them.”

Suddenly Blanc stands and darts towards the kitchen door. “The car, the car,” he says. “The glasses must be in the car.”

27

Come dine with us!

Here at the Urban Fox we are partial to eating out… a lot! So we’ve put our heads together to bring you a collection of some of our favourites.

Browns Lane

Browns Lane has a stylish bar with a relaxed feel, perfect for drinks with friends, or a cocktail before dinner. The upstairs restaurant offers an a la carte menu of modern English ‘with a twist’ serving dishes including Carpaccio of beef with rocket salad, horseradish and parmesan shavings; Fillets of sea bass, with lemon beurre blanc sauce, topped with clams and Vanilla crème brulée, raspberries and lavender shortbread. All dishes are cooked to order using fresh, seasonal, local produce. The wine list is extensive, with something to suit every palate. The restaurant is open for lunch 12-2.30pm, light bites 2.30-10pm (7pm on Sat) and dinner 6-10pm Mon-Sat. A traditional Sunday Lunch is served weekly 12-3pm.

2a Browns Lane, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3HE. 01509 217227. www.brownslane.co.uk

The Admiral Hornblower

This idyllic 17th century building is a fantastic place to go for a light lunch or a three course meal. With its oak beamed ceilings and polished wood décor, you are welcomed as warmly by the building as you are by the staff. The food offering is extensive, from baguettes, sandwiches and Fish and chips at lunch; to King prawns in tempura batter, Woodland chicken and Chargrilled fresh smoked salmon at evening service; plus a daily specials board to add to your dining choices. For anyone with a sweet tooth the homemade White chocolate and raspberry cheesecake is a must or for the more traditional palate there’s always the Treacle sponge. The Sunday carvery is locally famous and at just £9.95 for the main carvery and only £3 for each additional course it is great value for money.

64 High Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6AS 01572 723004, www.hornblowerhotel.co.uk

The Bakers Arms

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The Bakers Arms is a traditional English pub set in the beautiful village of Thorpe Langton. Enjoy a locally brewed beer from the Langton Brewery, or perhaps a glass of wine from the interesting and varied wine list, whilst perusing the seasonal blackboard menus. With a cosy open fire and candlelit tables, indulge in dishes such as Pan-fried scallops with clonakilty black pudding and Duck leg confit with red pepper and ginger marmalade, before a delectable homemade dessert. Banana tart tatin with chopped pecans and maple syrup cream is one of our favourites. Food is served 6.30-9.30pm Tue-Sat, and 12-2pm Sat and Sun. Thursday is ‘Fish Night’ with a minimum of five fish dishes available in addition to the normal menu and ‘Supper Evenings’ take place throughout the year, where two courses can be enjoyed for £16.

Main Street, Thorpe Langton, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7TS 01858 545201, www.thebakersarms.co.uk

WINING & DINING

The Belmont Hotel

The Belmont has an established tradition of good food and hospitality. Jamie’s Lounge Bar is open 10am - 11pm daily and is an ideal meeting place for coffee and a pastry or a light lunch. Windows on New Walk is their destination restaurant, offering a vibrant yet elegant dining experience. The menu offers the finest cuisine, with locally sourced ingredients, transformed into European and classically inspired dishes. We enjoyed Game terrine with wild leaves, home-made brioche, raspberry vinaigrette and William pear purée; Soy & maple glazed Gloucester Old Spot pork belly, with apple & vanilla purée, glazed parsnips & kale and an Orange Muscat soaked ginger cake, served with pear compote, tuile, and a maple & walnut ice-cream. Windows is open for lunch 12.30-2pm Sun-Fri and dinner 7-9pm Mon-Fri and Sat 7.30-9pm.

Whichever setting you choose you will find courteous and attentive service, excellent food, satisfying wines and indulgent, relaxing surroundings.

De Montfort Street, Leicester, Leicestershire LE1 7GR 0116 254 4773, www.belmonthotel.co.uk

The Boot Room

Fast becoming talked about as a great venue for fabulous food, The Boot Room is a friendly, stylish restaurant. Its owners have acknowledged the building’s history as a former shoe factory by retaining a number of its original features. The utmost attention to detail is paid to every facet of the restaurant, from the food to the neat, understated decor. Head chef Tom Carter is passionate about using fresh ingredients to create modern, imaginative British fare, whilst front-of-house duties are carried out by an impeccably polite team. The lunch menu is one of the best in Leicester, offering great choice and value. The Smoked haddock risotto with poached egg is well worth a trip off the beaten track and the Blueberry soufflé for dessert is divine. The Boot Room is open for lunch 11.30am - 2.15pm Tue - Sat and serving dinner 5.30 9.30pm Tue-Thu and 5.30-10pm Fri-Sat. 27-29 Millstone Lane, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5JN 0116 262 2555, www.thebootroomeaterie.co.uk

The Crown Inn

The Crown Inn is buzzing with tradition & originality in both its decor and menu.

Situated in the heart of Leicestershire in the village of Anstey, The Crown Inn embraces everything about the Great British pub. The open kitchen prepares a great local menu and where possible all the produce is acquired from the county of Leicestershire including ice cream from Quorn, Rutland trout and cheese from Long Clawson. Dinner dishes include Pan-roast pigeon breast, pea purée, bacon crisp and 28 day aged 10oz rump steak and on Sundays you can indulge in a traditional roast with all the trimmings. The Crown has a community feel even offering a weekly Yummy Mummies morning (Thu 10am-12pm) where expectant and new mums can meet to relax and chat.

148 Bradgate Road, Anstey, Leicestershire, LE7 7FB 0116 2350505, www.crowninnanstey.com

Turn the page for more of our favourite restaurants...

29

Come dine with us!

As part of our special Food Issue, we continue to reveal some of our favourite restaurants in Leicestershire.

The Curzon Arms

With bags of tradition and charm The Curzon Arms is a good old fashioned village pub with a contemporary feel. Wood burning stoves, traditional bar area, wooden floors, large terrace and lawned beer garden, lounge bar and restaurant, real ales, seasonal British food and most importantly, a very warm welcome means it ticks all our boxes. From light bar meals to three course dinner in the restaurant, and funky bar snacks at the weekend to a family Sunday lunch, you can expect fresh, locally sourced, seasonal, British home-cooking. The menu is updated monthly and has recently included delicious Crispy whitebait, black pepper mayonnaise; Warm lamb sausage, merguez spices and apricot salad and Chocolate, fudge & cherry sponge with chocolate sauce. Food is served 12 - 2.30pm and 5.30 - 9.30pm Mon-Fri, on Sat 12 - 4.30pm and 5.15 - 9.30pm and 12 - 5pm on Sun. Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 8QZ 01509 890377, www.thecurzonarms.com

The Finch’s Arms

Whether it’s a quick bar snack in the cosy bar with a pint of local ale, a selection of tasty bites from their sharing menu, a delicious afternoon tea overlooking the countryside or a full three course meal, The Finch’s Arms has a varied choice of menus available for all to choose from. The kitchen team work tirelessly to produce exciting, seasonal dishes and pride themselves in using local businesses and supplies throughout the county. The a la carte menu includes mouth-watering dishes such as Crotin of goats cheese with warm poached fig; Rump of venison with creamed celeriac & parsnips and Steamed marmalade sponge with anglaise. Food is served Mon-Sat 12 - 2.30pm and 6.30 - 9.30pm and Sun 12 - 8pm. They’re happy to cater for children, vegetarians, gluten free diets and other special requirements; just let them know when booking.

Oakham Road, Hambleton, Rutland, LE15 8TL 01572 756575, www.finchsarms.co.uk

The Joiners

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The Joiners is one of the only pubs in Leicestershire to be given a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand. The building has been an inn since the 17th Century and is lowbeamed, flag-floored and softly lit, with a friendly, welcoming ambience. There’s a stunning range of starters on offer, including Prawn and lobster bisque - brilliant beyond words - Soft scallops with an unusual Irish black pudding, and a Pigeon and bacon salad. The mains are equally adventurous. Sea Bass with a crisp crab ravioli and Chinese greens and Lamb shank, served with a butter bean and chorizo cassoulet are great choices from a quite varied and well thought out menu. A super dessert menu of classics and a rather clever traditional sweet shop selection, Liquorish and Blackcurrant arriving in the form of a pannacotta and sorbet. Great value lunches Tue - Sun, booking strongly advised.

Church Walk, Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire, LE17 5QH 01162478258, www.thejoinersarms.co.uk

WINING & DINING

The Lighthouse

Since opening in January 2013 Lino Poli and his team have been busy crafting their Bill of Fare at The Lighthouse. It includes nibbles to share or enjoy as a starter, coastal family favourites such as potted brown shrimps on sourdough toast, Lighthouse fish pie, Fish and chips, Thai style Mussels and classic Lobster spaghetti. Meat and vegetarian dishes are scrumptious too - Griddled steak with black pepper sauce and chips or roasted Mediterranean vegetable tart. For dessert try Sticky toffee pudding, retro Black Forest Gateau or a plate of fabulous British cheeses with homemade chutney and Hambleton date & walnut bread. The wine list offers a delicious array of wines, from across the world, selected specifically to complement the menu.

The Lighthouse is open for dinner from 6pm Tue - Sat. No. 9 Station Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leicestershire, LE8 0LN 0116 2796260, www.lighthousekibworth.co.uk

The Oat Hill

The Oat Hill is a haven for food & drink lovers alike, with a growing reputation as one of the best eating and drinking establishments in the county. The menu is a fusion of modern British cuisine, all freshly prepared & locally sourced. We tried the 2 course set lunch menu. The classic Beef bourguignon, followed by Blackberry & apple oatmeal crumble for only £9.95 was superb value. They also have an extensive wine menu, quality cask ales and great beer list. Open Tue - Sat from 9.30am for tea, coffee & light bites with comfy sofas & beautiful décor it’s the ideal place to relax and meet friends. Food is served six days a week at lunchtimes & evenings and Sunday lunches are a popular family day at The Oat Hill served from 12 - 3.30pm.

31 Kettering Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 8AN 01858 462324, www.theoathill.co.uk

The Three Swans Hotel

This 16th century coaching inn has two delightful restaurant options. The Conservatory is a favourite with the local townspeople of Market Harborough and has a friendly informal atmosphere; serving lunch seven days a week and open each evening offering a bistro style menu. In the warmer months there’s an opportunity to eat outside in The Courtyard. The hotel’s a la carte offering The Swans Restaurant, is open for dinner Mon-Sat and serves a traditional Sunday Lunch each week from midday - 3pm. The menus are prepared by their team of Chefs using fresh ingredients from the local area and include dishes such as twice baked mushroom & Stilton soufflé with a creamy Stilton sauce and English rose veal schnitzel with Parmigiano, sweet potato mash and Madeira jus. Whichever restaurant you choose, you can expect the same excellent food and warm Three Swans hospitality.

High Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7NJ 01858 466644, www.bw-threeswanshotel.co.uk

Your favourite restaurant not listed here?

Let us know your favourite food haunt at www.facebook.com/theurbanfoxmediagroup

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

  

  

  







                   

                                 

            

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Small Simple and Sounds Superb

Ask Around Sound to create a home entertainment system which you will be able to operate.

Bose V series Lifestyle are our Best Selling home cinema product. They may seem a little expensive at first glance, but they are so clever, you will love using it and never regret the investment. Probably the closest to future proof anyone could offer you.

To book an appointment to discuss your system Call 0116 270 6168

DURXQG VRXQG KRPH HQWHUWDLQPHQW FRQVXOWDQWV

17 Francis Street, Leicester, LE2 2BE www.around-sound.co.uk/Testimonials.html

Centre Of Excellence

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The Future’s

HOMES & GARDENS

Bright

If your kitchen feels stark with all those stainless-steel appliances, brighten it up with colourful kitchen tools, bright accessories, and fun appliances.

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, £429, House of Fraser

Heart Cookie Cutters, £4, Paperchase

FrancisFrancis X7.1 Coffee Maker, £199.99, Argos

Elevate™ Carousel Tool Set, £52, Joseph Joseph Yellow Linear Stem Caddy Tin, £18, Orla Kiely

Dualit NewGen Toaster, £145, John Lewis

Breville VKJ622 1.7L Kettle, £44.96, Asda

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The Light House IMPORTERS . INSTALLERS LIGHTING RETAILERS . WHOLESALERS LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE

YOUR LOCAL LIGHTING SPECIALIST

107 A/B Hinckley Road // Leicester, LE3 OTD www.lighthouse-leicester.co.uk sales@lighthouse-leicester.co.uk 0116 233 0303 Mon - Sat 9 - 5 // Sun 11 - 4

HOME OF CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

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Maison Urban Fox October Advert.pdf

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29/10/2012

17:26

Evans Fireplace Centre PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE OUR NATURAL, HAND CARVED STONE FIREPLACES.

www.firecraft.co.uk ●

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Showing our range of Natural Stone Fireplaces, Wood Surrounds, Marble, Casts and Tiles.

Gas, Electric & Solid Fuel Fires and Stoves. All Fireside Accessories.

Survey & Fitting Service Available

Evans Fireplace Centre

1159 Melton Road, Syston, Leicester, LE7 2JS www.evansfireplaces.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

0116 2600772

The Middleton (2010 Collection)

Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5.30pm, Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm, Sunday 11.00am - 2.00pm Bank Holidays 10.00am - 4.00pm

38

HOMES & GARDENS

Who Will Be

Your Guest?

Gone are the days when High Street department stores only offered own brand products and the trend for ‘guest’ interior designers continues to gather pace. We’ve selected just three whose designs we love. Who will you invite into your home?

Image: Conran for M&S

Terence Conran

Michelle Mason

Sir Terence Conran is one of the world’s best-known designers, restaurateurs and retailers. He founded the Habitat chain of stores that brought good, modern design within reach of the general population. His home collection for M&S retains the quality and value customers expect from the store, coupled with the unique Conran signature design.

Michelle Mason designs contemporary interior and giftware products. Her strong illustrative and typographic style has gone from strength to strength since launching her business back in 2006. Michelle has teamed up with House of Fraser to create a vibrant new collection of kitchenware for Spring / Summer 2013.

for M&S

for House of Fraser

Bethan Gray for John Lewis

A graduate of De Montfort University, Bethan Gray is regarded as one of Britain’s most celebrated designers.

Her designs are contemporary, elegant, and simple in form, offering superb craftsmanship and durability. Bethan has attracted the attention of major retailers including a collaboration with John Lewis to create their exclusive Noah collection.

39

Local Garden Centre Launches Schools Design Competition

J

ames Coles and Sons (Nurseries) Ltd is this year celebrating their 100th year of trading. The Company started back in 1913, when James Coles (the great grandfather of the current James Coles) purchased his first plot of land in Evington after managing a number of other nurseries throughout the UK. A fourth generation family run business, Coles Nurseries has grown to become the UK’s largest grower of trees and shrubs for amenity planting; producing one million trees and two million shrubs annually, employing over 100 people across their seven sites in Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, totalling more than 500 acres.

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT For advice on plants and gardens come and speak to Samantha, our new and experienced Horticulturist.

Tom is our indoor and outdoor tiling specialist and he can advise on all your tiling and landscaping needs.

And don’t forget to visit our farm shop, a haven of fine foods, artisan breads and fresh meat supplied by Bates Butchers.

We look forward to seeing you.

To celebrate this occasion, Coles, in association with the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, have launched a garden design competition for local schools. Coles have invited around 100 schools to design a garden they would like created in their grounds, and to submit the design for judging. Whichever school the judges feel submits the design with most creativity, inspiration and potential, shall have their garden made into a reality by Coles Nurseries!

On April 27th 2013, Coles Plant Centre, the retail arm of James Coles and Sons (Nurseries) Ltd, will be hosting an open day at their site in Thurnby. The day (which is free to attend) will act as an awards ceremony for the Design a Garden competition, as well as featuring a host of other attractions such as a bouncy castle, raffles, exhibitions, competitions, workshops, food, drink and much, much more. Make sure you save the date!

For more information email info@colesplantcentre.co.uk, call 0116 241 8394 or visit www.colesplantcentre.co.uk

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Melton Road, East Langton Leicestershire LE16 7TG Tel: 01858 545819 Web: langtonfarmshop.co.uk

HOMES & GARDENS

Tips from the

Potting Shed This month’s tips are courtesy of Samantha Kimber, Garden Centre Manager at the Langton Farm Shop, Garden Centre & Stone Company.

Q

I want to encourage my child to eat more fruit and veg by growing some but we only have a small garden. Can you suggest something that is fun and easy to grow?

A

it. Once they start sprouting they may need tying to the cane with string but once they get going they’ll be fine.

I would try peas, tomatoes and strawberries. Peas can be grown in a large pot. Simply fill the pot with good compost and make a wigwam out of a few garden canes. How many depends on the size of pot. The pea seeds can be planted straight into the soil, two seeds per cane. Place the seed on top of the compost and push in to the soil about 5-7cm deep. Make sure they’re covered over. Water regularly and that’s all there is to

With mini tomatoes I would suggest you buy a hanging basket and three small tomato plants.

Make sure they are a tumbling variety. Again fill the basket with good compost and plant the tomato plants in the basket. Water regularly and you could also add some liquid tomato food to the water once a week. The same can be done with strawberry plants and they can even be fed weekly with the same tomato food. The joy of using hanging baskets means your tasty fruits are safe from slugs and snails!

I think you will find your child will love eating fruit and vegetables if they have helped to grow them.

There are plenty of things that will give quick results and are super easy.

Q

I’m fed up with buying expensive cut herbs from the supermarket but love using them in my recipes. How easy are they to grow myself?

A

Herbs are very easy to grow at home. You can really go for it and have a herb garden or just have a few on a windowsill.

Most garden centres will sell small pots of herbs at a reasonable price but growing them from seed is easy and economical too.

Choose which herbs you use the most. All you have

to remember is some herbs like basil and coriander are annuals so you will have to sow them each year. If you want herbs all year round choose something like, chives, rosemary, thyme or mint. Remember to use a soil based compost that has plenty of drainage so mix some grit in.

Don’t water too often as they don’t like it too wet.

Another important thing

to keep your herbs going throughout the year is to use them. Even if you don’t need to, pick regularly or

they will end up flowering and that will be the end of your lovely herbs.

41

Ground Qube is a landscape and garden design studio based in Leicestershire.

Offering clients a complete landscaping service, Ground Qube can design, construct and maintain your outdoor space.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR....

CONTACT US NOW FOR YOUR DREAM EXTERIOR 42

T: 01858 571047 T: 07969 180130 E: info@gqgardens.com W: www.gqgardens.com A: Hemploe View, The Belt, South Kilworth, Leicestershire

HOMES & GARDENS

Creative

CONTAINER GARDENING Garden pots can be a successful design element of any garden, regardless of size or style.

However the choice of pots and plants can seem endless and baffling. So this month we spoke to Joe Wilson, designer at Ground Qube Gardens, to ask his advice on the best combinations to impress your friends and neighbours.

Contemporary

Modern designs, often now referred to as ‘planters’, tend to be in simple cubes or cylinders and are perfect for a clean and stylish look. Popular materials include steel, in a wide range of finishes and colours, and cast concrete.

Avoid the ‘one of each’ buying technique, instead use multiples of the same planter and go as big as your budget allows. Show restraint in your choice of plant too, a row of 5 steel cubes all filled with the same ornamental grass or clipped Buxus can add instant designer status to a tired wall or patio. Be bold, but keep it simple!

Top plants for contemporary planters include:

Buxus sempervirens Topiary in all shapes and sizes for any pot or position.

Stipa arundinacea Evergreen ornamental grass for medium or large pot.

Sempervivum - Plant in a small pot in a sunny position, inside or out.

Acer palmatum - Beautiful Japanese Acer to stand alone in large feature pot.

Traditional

From antique urns to handcrafted ornate Oak, traditional pots and planters can be things of real beauty. If you prefer a softer touch with more vibrancy and colour, then what better than a classic ‘Versaille’ planter bursting with fragrant French Lavender on a lazy summer afternoon, straight

out of a glossy magazine.

For intense colour plant groups of bulbs like Tulips or Narcissi, go for single colours or mix classic combinations like black and white, or purple and black.Whilst it’s okay to mix things up a bit with traditional pots try and stick to a theme, collect similar style pots in a range of sizes, and go for subtle and complimentary colour combinations with planting.

Top plants for traditional style pots include: Lavandula stoechas Attractive, unusual and very fragrant. Place in a sheltered, sunny spot.

Laurus nobilis - Standard (or lollipop) bay tree, a classic statement.

Rosmarinus officinalis Aromatic Rosemary, for a pot near the kitchen.

Hosta - Many varieties with choice of shape and colour.

Good to brighten a shady corner.

Increase in demand has led to an abundance of high quality garden pot retailers, try searching online or visit larger garden centres.

Beware of cheap plastic or thin steel imitation pots, they will only need replacing after a couple of years; good quality planters will last a lifetime. Do your research, be creative and you will undoubtedly reap the reward.

43

Arts & ENTERTAINMENT

What’s on

LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND APRIL 2013 Vintage and Collectors Fair Sun 7 April The Guildhall, Leicester Entry £1.50 www.leicester.gov.uk/ museums

With a fantastic array of stallholders including fine art, vintage clothing, kitchenalia, stunning glassware, French antiques, much sought after collectables, ceramics, furniture, furnishings and much more from all eras.

There really is something for everyone, at every price range. See the best that Leicestershire has to offer.

The Hired Man Fri 12 - Sat 27 April Curve, Leicester Tickets from £10 www.curveonline.co.uk

Acclaimed for its epic, nostalgic, funny story and rousing, romantic, award-winning score, The Hired Man is arguably the finest new British musical of the last thirty years. Set against the backdrop of the Cumbrian lakes in the early years of the twentieth century, it tells the timeless, moving story of a young married couple and their struggle to carve a living from the land, just as the traditional rhythms of English country life are

44

being swept away by the gathering storm of war in Europe. It’s haunting, thrilling, stirring stuff.

RHS National Gardening Week

Mon 15 - Sun 21 April Barnsdale Gardens, Rutland Free Event www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk

A week of free gardening clinics, demonstrations and family events taking place in RHS and RHSrecommended Gardens.

Check for updates on barnsdalegardens.co.uk or visitrhs.org.uk for the latest news.

The Hired Man 12-27 April, Curve. Image: Darren Bell

The Rutland CiCLE Tour

Sat 20 April Catmos College, Oakham £25 entry fee www.itpevents.co.uk

Some of the country’s top professional and amateur riders will converge on Rutland for the fifth edition Mon 15 - Sun 28 April of the Rutland CiCLE Tour.

New Walk Museum, Leicester With three routes to choose Free Event from there is something www.leicester.gov.uk/ for riders of all levels of museums fitness and experience. For those who have literally A career-long retrospective been around the block a of Christopher English’s few times there is the 100 poems and paintings. mile option, which features This exhibition entitled the most picturesque lanes ‘Contemporary Modern and villages the area has to Symbolist’ shows a selection offer. To enter go to www. of his work from 1970 to sientries.co.uk. Closing date 2009. English, who lives in for entries is Thu 18 April.

Loughborough, has dealt with a disabling condition Leicester which has restricted his Regatta movement. In 2009 his Sun 21 April disability finally ended his Grand Union Canal painting career.

‘Mile Straight’

Christopher English Exhibition

Free Event www.leicester-rowing.co.uk

Leicester Rowing Club are holding their annual Regatta. Racing takes place throughout the day with the University Boat Race at noon. Will Leicester University make it a hat trick or can DMU row to victory? Members of the public have full access to the Regatta course on the canal tow path and are welcome into the Leicester Rowing Club Boat House where refreshments will be available.

Hormonal Housewives

Sat 27 April De Montfort Hall, Leicester Tickets £20 www.demontforthall.co.uk Is your man more James May than Christian Grey?

Then this is the show for you! Following on from their hugely successful

2012 tour the Hormonal Housewives are coming to the De Montfort Hall for the very first time.

Featuring hilarious sketches looking at everything that make’s today’s woman tick (or ticked off), from the joys of teenagers, to the challenge of IKEA, the madness of holiday reps and the insanity of DIY. Grab your girlfriends for a hilariously funny evening!

Shakespeare’s Richard III in Silent Film Sat 27 April The Guildhall, Leicester Tickets from £6 www.leicester.gov.uk/ museums

The earliest surviving feature film in American cinema is a lavish adaptation of Shakespeare’s Richard III. The film was thought lost by 1922, but was rediscovered in Portland, Oregon in 1996 and recently restored by the American Film Institute.

Enjoy a unique screening of this gem of silent cinema in the wonderful setting of

Leicester’s Guildhall, with live piano accompaniment from the internationally acclaimed Stephen Horne along with an illustrated introduction with Sarah Knight explaining the history and popularity of Richard III in silent cinema.

The History Boys

Mon 29 Apr - Sat 4 May The Little Theatre, Leicester Tickets from £11.10 www.thelittletheatre.net

Alan Bennett’s brilliantly witty, perceptive tale of an unruly handful of senior schoolboys, preparing for places at either Oxford or Cambridge under the tutelage of their somewhat eccentric history teacher, was a sensation when it first opened at the National Theatre in 2004.

An unusual approach to their studies is questioned when a new, young, history teacher joins the staff with strong views of his own. The play is thoughtprovoking, challenging, moving and at times hilarious.

Hormonal housewives Sat 27 April, De Montfort Hall

Win TICKETS TO SEE THE WOMAN IN BLACK

Courtesy of Curve, one Urban Fox reader and guest have the opportunity to attend the opening night of The Woman in Black on Monday 27 May 2013 at 7.30pm.

Unanimously acclaimed by critics, The Woman in Black combines the power and intensity of theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. The formula delivers unremitting drama, transporting the audience into a terrifying and ghostly world.

The Woman in Black will be at Curve from 27-30 May. Visit www.curveonline.co.uk or call the ticket office on 0116 242 3595 for details.

TO ENTER: Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to editor@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Curve’ in the subject bar. Alternatively postal entries can be sent to 2 Princess House, 26 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GD. Closing date is 26 April 2013.

Terms & Conditions: No cash alternative is available.

45

Arts & ENTERTAINMENT

FILM Review The Place Beyond the Pines

Classification: 15 Showing: Fri 12th – Thu 25th April BOX OFFICE: 0116 242 2800 www.phoenix.org.uk With The Place Beyond the Pines, Derek Cianfrance (director of 2010’s critically acclaimed Blue Valentine) delivers a cracking mix of thriller and relationship drama. Ryan Gosling channels his moody intensity from Drive to play Luke - a quiet, leather jacket wearing, stunt biker who turns to crime to support his family.

Luke is introduced to us through a wonderful shot

that begins with a close up of his muscular tattooed torso, follows him through the tents of the travelling circus he works at, before riding full throttle into a dangerous stunt.

Convinced to give up the carnival and work as a mechanic when he discovers from an ex (Eva Mendes) that he has a son, Luke soon finds that tinkering with engines isn’t quite as lucrative as he

thought so turns to robbing banks.

Fast forward a couple of hold ups and Luke is on a collision course with determined rookie cop, Avery (Bradley Cooper).

The focus of the film then shifts to Avery as he discovers that being a “hero cop” is not all it’s cracked up to be.

The only small gripe is that it follows the recent trend and runs to a lengthy 2 hours 20 minutes, plus some of the hold-ups strain credulity, but with Mendes, Gosling and Cooper, Cianfrance has assembled a very talented (and very good-looking) cast who add believability to this ambitious film.

book Review One-pot cooking is certainly in vogue right now, so this month our resident book worm Debbie James reviews just a couple of the publications available.

In One Pot

by Blanche Vaughan Orion (hardback) £18.99 From quick weekday suppers to slow food for the weekend and from celebratory party pots to mouthwatering puddings, In One Pot is perfect for those who want easy, affordable and delicious food, made in one pot. The book includes invaluable tips from store cupboard staples to basic techniques that are invaluable for any cook. Recipes are surprising, fresh and simple to make - ideal for those who want good food without the washing up.

Take One Pot

by Georgina Fuggle Kyle Books (paperback) £15.99 In Take One Pot, you will find main courses such as Plump Whiting, Butterbean and Red Pepper Stew and Burgundy Beef Shin with Stilton Dumplings, sides including Creamy Paprika Dauphinoise and Oozy Ham and Thyme Gratin. Traditional favourites include Whole Roast Chicken with Roasted Lemons and Cassoulet and there are recipes using more unusual ingredients like Beef, Prune and Ginger Casserole. There are also vegetarian friendly dishes such as Sweet Potato and Coconut Dhal.

All books are available from The Bookshop, Kibworth www.thebookshopkibworth.com

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COMING SOON… A CURVE THEATRE LEICESTER & MERCURY THEATRE COLCHESTER CO-PRODUCTION

THE HIRED MAN

BY MELVYN BRAGG AND HOWARD GOODALL

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP LTD

STARRING DAVID HUNTER AND JULIE ATHERTON DIRECTED BY DANIEL BUCKROYD

FRI 12 – SAT 27 APR

“Pure celebration, a big, glorious, dazzling stream of big hits and electrifying dancing” The Stage

“A great, nostalgic, night out!”

+++++ What’s On Stage STARRING CERI DUPREE AS LUCY FUR DEVISED BY MAGGIE NORRIS AND PAUL KERRYSON

DIRECTOR PAUL KERRYSON ARRANGER AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR JULIAN KELLY CHOREOGRAPHER DAVID NEEDHAM

FRI 22SAT FEB – SAT MAR26 MAY 20 APR 16 – SUN

PEOPLE & PLACES

Britain’s Best Food Festivals

Whilst most music festivals are clustered across the summer months, for those of us more into mackerel than Macklemore, there are an abundance of food festivals which take place all year, across the country. Here are just a few where you can indulge in delicious local produce and see something of the surrounding sights too - a perfect mini-break option.

APRIL

MAY

On 25-28 April the coffee addicts of London will gather at Brick Lane's Old Truman Brewery for the flagship event of UK Coffee Week™, which celebrates London’s bustling and vibrant coffee scene. With over 15,000 coffee lovers and foodies expected to attend, The London Coffee Festival promises to be an unmissable event for all coffee lovers. Sip the best artisan blends, learn the science behind your caffeinefriendly taste buds and be instructed in how to brew the perfect cup. londoncoffeefestival.com

On 25-27 May ‘Foodies’ descends on Hampton Court Palace, Surrey.

Foodies is all about gaining the skills to cook at home with the flair of a professional chef. There will be demonstrations by The Cinnamon Club's Vivek Singh, MasterChef 2012 winner Shelina Permalloo, and James Cornwall and Tim Hughes of J Sheekey. You can also learn how to match food with wine, and kids can learn how to put together basic dishes in the Children's Cookery Theatre. www.foodiesfestival.com

London Coffee Festival

Foodies Festival

Edd Kimber ‘The Boy Who Bakes’ is also set to make an appearance. cheltenham-food-festival.gardenevents.com

JULY

Dorset Seafood Festival

Weymouth Harbour is the perfect backdrop to the annual Dorset Seafood Festival, which takes place on 13-14 July. In support of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's Fish Fight, the Festival is all about encouraging people to try different, sustainable species, and to reduce waste. With over 80 stalls, mouth-watering seafood menus, celebrity chefs (including Dorset’s very own Ashley Palmer Watts, and River Cottage Tim Maddams and John Wright) and a Cheltenham Food & Drink fabulous atmosphere, the festival raises Festival money for The Royal National Mission Situated in the city's pretty Montpellier to Deep Sea Fishermen.

Gardens, the festival which runs over www.dorsetseafood.co.uk 3 days 14-16 June boasts 20 chefs, 14 International Wine Talks, 226 Exhibitors, 15 Food Talks and 7 Bands!

You’ll find an astonishing variety The Big Feastival of victuals from oatcakes to gin; Chef Jamie Oliver and musicianeverything you need for your culinary turned-cheese-maker Alex James creations from oils to cookbooks, and return this year with a flavour-packed a host of natural products. If that’s not festival of food, live music and crafty enough Great British Bake Off winner workshops. This Cotwolds based

JUNE l Images (top and left):Christopher Elwel

AUGUST

48

PEOPLE & PLACES

festival runs from 31 August-1 September. Food heroes hosting live master-classes will be Jamie himself, Gennaro Contaldo and Mark Sargeant.

There are also opportunities for visitors to get stuck in themselves with hands-on cooking including barbecue schools. Music headliners include Basement Jaxx, KT Tunstall, The Feeling and the Cuban Brothers. www.jamieoliver.com

OCTOBER

East Midlands Food & Drink Festival

Held in the heart of Melton Mowbray, known as the Rural Capital of Food and Drink, the East Midlands Food and Drink Festival will once again bring together a huge selection of edible delights from some of the country’s finest producers on 6-7 October. Enjoy a whole host of live demonstrations in the Aga Rangemaster Cookery Theatre including a masterclass on making Ludlow Food Festival an authentic Melton Mowbray Pork Ludlow is described as the UK's Pie, and an appearance from awardsecond gourmet capital, and for its winning chef, food campaigner and annual food festival more than 160 author of ‘Making the Most of the exhibitors will be invading the grounds Great British Sausage’ Rachel Green. of Ludlow Castle on 13-15 September. meltonmowbrayfoodfestival.co.uk Foodies can sample their favourite local produce, or embark on activities like the Real Ale Trail, which involves tasting 12 of the local pubs' best beers. MasterChef Live Friday’s programme includes the This festival kicks off at London Young Chef Contest where chefs aged Olympia on 15-17 November with 16-25 produce two plates of food in a budding chefs vying to cook their bid to wow the judges. signature dish for MasterChef www.foodfestival.co.uk presenters John Torrode and Gregg

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

Wallace. Other chefs confirmed include Michel Roux Jr, James Martin, and bakers Mary Berry & Paul Hollywood. At the Producers’ Village discover an array of the finest local and regional produce, some of which can’t be found on the High Street; and sip your way around the world at The Wine Cellar. With tasting workshops and tips, the knowledge you’ll consume will be as fine as the wine. londonbbcgoodfoodshow.com

DECEMBER

Padstow Christmas Festival

The festival year closes with a trip to Padstow on 5-8 December.

Throughout the weekend, a host of renowned chefs will be taking to the stage to demonstrate some of their recipes to a live audience. Whilst the guest list is yet to be confirmed, previous chefs have included Angela Hartnett, Brian Turner, Phil Vickery and local hero Rick Stein. Voted by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten ‘Delightfully Different Christmas Markets in Europe’, the Christmas Market gets bigger and better each year. Visit the marquee on the quayside for festive gift ideas and irresistible local food and drink. padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk

49

My Way...

Jill Vickers

The culinary inspiration behind Bridge 67 Cookery School in nearby Smeeton Westerby talks to us about farming, business challenges and her Mum’s Bee fy Cobbler...

I grew up on a farm. It was great fun but hard work. I remember as a kid helping my mum cook the dinner at lambing time, as she was so busy on the farm.

I first started my own business when I was about 7. I had 50 hens called the Turner Hen Corporation and I would sell eggs around the village to all my regular customers. Later I did a Business Studies A-level and my desire to own a business went on from there.

Where did you last go on holiday?

Ibiza.

On completing my degree at Harper Adams Agricultural College in BSc Food Marketing and Business Studies I worked initially for Quality Milk Producers and later Coors Brewers selling the likes of Carling, Grolsch and Caffreys to the supermarkets. However when I married and had children I knew I didn’t want to go back into the corporate world.

The inspiration for the cookery school came from a lady I used to work with called Bridget, who was not a very good cook. She would burn Aunt Bessie’s Yorkshire puddings and once put a slow cooker in the oven! I thought it would exciting to pass on the knowledge that I had about cooking to those that couldn’t cook.

What was the last film you saw?

I saw Skyfall with my husband.

I often get asked where the name Bridge 67 comes from.

It’s simple really, we have the Grand Union canal running through our farm and the main bridge in the middle of the farm is named Binleys Bridge and has the number 67. So we called the farm Binleys Bridge Farm and the cookery school Bridge 67 to tie them together.

My biggest challenge has been keeping up with the growth of the business and the supporting infrastructure, developing the website (www.bridge67cookeryschool.co.uk), creating additional space, IT equipment etc. Separating work and home life can also be a challenge, as I have an office in the house. I try to be strict with myself and not work on the computer all night long!

What’s your favourite restaurant?

At the moment it’s The Joiners at Bruntingthorpe.

What’s your favourite family recipe?

My mum’s beefy cobbler but I love all types of food.

Starting the school from scratch and realising where we have come from is my greatest achievement. When I started I did one to one tuition in my kitchen. Now I can accommodate up to 12 people on a single cookery course.

This year I’m looking to grow the corporate side of the business, introducing new ideas for team meetings and team building events.

Hand Crafted

GEORGE

MONTAGU’S INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED KITCHENS, BEDROOMS, STUDIES & FREESTANDING FURNITURE

Our Showroom

The Lanes, 31 Loseby lane, Leicester, LE1 5DR Contact us: 0116 253 9004 Web: www.georgemontagus.co.uk Email: enquiries@georgemontagus.co.uk