Urban Fox - February 2016 Issue by Steve Lenaghan

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As the new season looks hit the high street, local boutiques and online stores; there’s better For the vast majority of us, our Newno Year time to celebrate all things fashion and style resolutions (aka those short-lived, unrealistic than in our Retailon Therapy targets we insist settingedition. ourselves each year) will and gone. Butitems if you’re We have bringcome you the must-have fromfinding the your hand iscollections, still a permanent fixture in trends the in new season updates on key cookie jarDots and and yourPleats ‘dry’ month up, well, Join the Please;ended plus spring’s 10 wetter thanbags expected, good news,IFebruary best clutch in Clutch Control. also share is officially the new January! SoSS14 wipeinthe slate my favourite tries and buys for clean and(p15). discover a more positive outlook for Wish List 2016 and beyond, in this month’s future-proof edition of Urban Fox. As consumers we waste hundreds of pounds over our lifetime buying the wrong products our the hair,classics. so Jon Levy, Artistic Directorand at Toni GuyPeace comes to our rescue SS16 is all for about No, not Dickensian War&and more with 4 Steps toand Perfect Hair. Weifalso outreveal this season’s catwalk makeup to monochrome pencil skirts youcheck will. We the latest fashion trendstrends, on pages helpIt’s youa transform new seasonworried look. your New Year hairstyle will fizzle out faster 8-11. real page your turner! If you’re than a one-hit-wonder; inspiration from red carpet, four fabulous looks If fashion is your passion,take don’t miss out on ourthe interview withwith revolutionary designer that willRhodes last a lifetime. Andtowhether your skin, diet,design body barriers or relationship that’s Zandra who talks us aboutit’s breaking down and why the in need of an overhaul, we show how to yourindustry. life for a And happier, healthier government should show moreyou support to makeover the UK fashion ever wondered future. what it takes to become a personal stylist? Tina Lock reveals all in this month’s My Way.

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URBANFOX URBANFOX MARTINA LENAGHAN Editor MARTINA LENAGHAN editor@theurban-fox.co.uk Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk STEVE LENAGHAN Head Sales & Marketing STEVEofLENAGHAN 07738 614245 Head of Sales & Marketing steve@theurban-fox.co.uk 07738 614245 steve@theurban-fox.co.uk LISA ROTH Head of New Business LISA ROTH Development Head of New Business 07843 851132 Development lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk 07843 851132 lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk LAURA WILLIAMS Designer PAUL BANKS laura@theurban-fox.co.uk Designer paul@theurban-fox.co.uk MAYA STIGNER Designer Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to maya@theurban-fox.co.uk

Finally yourself one ofexploring our exclusive readerof offers courtesy of Lands’ End, On the bag home front we’re the beauty recycled, reclaimed and revamped T.M. Lewin, Clarins and more. There’s never excusetotowildlife shop, shop, shop! interiors, plus discovering ways in which webeen can aallbetter contribute preservation. And Untilthe nextfuture time, is looking bright as modern metallics cook up a storm in the kitchen!

If you resolved to land a new job or promotion this year but have already fallen victim of the ‘confidence gap’ – yes it’s a real thing – check out our tips and tricks on page 61. One woman who isn’t shy about creating her own opportunities is actress Rachel Weisz, who secured a 20-year Hollywood career, simply by going against the grain. And finally a little closer to home, we spoke with Emma, The Duchess of Rutland about her pivotal role in reversing the commercial prospects of Belvoir Castle. Find out about her challenges, successes and plans for the future on page 66. FASHION & BEAUTY

So what are you waiting for? All the best resolutions start in February!

Revolution DESIGN

approach to Famed for her wonderfully colourful Rhodes design, English queen of textiles Zandra discusses her involvement in the industry

hen asked to picture a figurehead of the British fashion design world, the vivacious fuchsia-haired Zandra Rhodes promptly comes to mind. So it’s a privilege to meet the ‘Princess of Punk’ in her bright, quirky and altogether penthouse. Awarded London fabulous a Commander of the British Empire for her efforts in the fashion industry, the designer has permanently printed of her mark on the international world textiles.

her garments procured by buyers Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus and Saks, Zandra has since become the enigmatic textile designer of her age.

At 73, Rhodes has never been one to shy away from bold prints and iconic patterns. Rewind half a century to the late 1960s and a youthful Zandra’s vibrant designs were considered a little left-field. Unperturbed, the designer made dresses from her own fabrics, embedding printed textiles within her craft. “One of my first struggles was the fact that I was a textile designer,” she explains if with a laugh. “People would say that you’re a textile designer then you can’t a make dresses. So I suppose that was revolution.” an This revolution, in bringing together eye for both design and production, secured Rhodes’ assimilation into the fashion world. In 1967 she opened The Fulham Road Clothes Shop, in London. Just two years on she’d taken her designs Vreeland Diana where to New York featured them in American Vogue. With

easy That isn’t to say that fashion was an industry to crack. Did being a woman have anything to do with it? “Oh yes. I think women have a harder go road all round, in whatever field they into. The only thing I would say is not to make it any harder for yourself by pointing it out.”

Introduced to the colourful world of at textiles by her mother, Zandra studied Medway College of Art in Kent, before securing a place at London’s The Royal College of Art.

“I do think that being in London at the time that I started, when everyone was But looking toward the UK, was helpful. I don’t think that there’s such an equal that opportunity at present. I don’t think our current government spends enough on promoting fashion when compared to the French government, for example. So therefore, unfortunately, you don’t necessarily reap the benefits.” Rhodes shows no signs of slowing down. this The fashionista passed up her seat at of year’s London Fashion Week in favour advocating a women’s health awareness campaign in San Diego. Known for dividing her time between bases in

“I think women have a harder road all 34 in round, whatever field they go into.” California and London, Rhodes has also spent time researching materials further large afield. The designer cites travel as a creative inspiration.

“When travelling you see things, one just thing leads to another thing and it’s fabulous.” That isn’t to say that Zandra has forgone her design industry efforts closer to home. The London Fashion and Textile Museum holds testament to her commitment to British fashion.

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. Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material this publication, Copyright: All text, images and in design in this the editor can notoresponsibility for the publication areaccept subject copyright. Any veracity of claims made byiscontributors in either unauthorised duplication strictly prohibited. editorial or advertising All artwork is acceptedcontent. on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it this Copyright: All text, images and design ininthis publication.are subject to copyright. Any publication unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it in this publication.

Image: Gene Nocon

The

ARTS & ENTERTAINM ENT

fashion industry, her advice to up and coming British designers merges the entrepreneurial with the sage.

WEISWZay

Founded by Rhodes in 2003 the museum of is dedicated to showcasing the work fashion and textile designers from the 1950s onwards. Does she believe her museum has made ripples in the fashion industry?

“I definitely think the Fashion and Textile to Museum has had an impact in regards making the textiles industry more visible,” Sir she deliberates. “The museum curator of Nicholas Serota recently opened one our exhibitions, and he’s been amazingly the complimentary about the difference

museum has made.”

Having also expanded into designing sets and costumes for the San Diego on Opera, America has staked its claim only the English designer. She boasts not deeds to her flagship museum and her penthouse home above it, but also the transatlantic keys to the cities of Miami, Beverly Hills and New Orleans. But this veteran designer won’t be claimed from us so easily. With half a century of service to the UK

“Work as hard as you can. Because no hard work gets wasted. And unfortunately you have to work harder and harder to get there right at the beginning.”

Debuting years before the majority of were old enough to pronounce ‘haute couture’, it’s safe to say she’s arrived.

URBAN FOX APRIL 2014 17

Rachel Weisz is not easily typecast. Quite the opposite, in fact. Her choices of roles have the wealth of variety genres. Future-proofi ng her career by going that cross all Daniel Craig’s wife against the grain, is now reaping the rewards.

Rachel Weisz’s approac h to finding a job in Hollywood is one The film explores that the idea of love in described as dogged could only be a dystopian world, definitely times when . It’s handy that she where being in a I thought about knows exactly what relationship is a giving it up after she necessity in order one too to be sees it. “At this stage, wants when she part of society. “It backs. I never followed many knockI pursue filmmak was Yorgos, first through – I never ers who I admire, who and foremost,” Weisz found a proper job!” I want to work with,” explains. “I love his she says. “That’s film Dogtooth. It was how I operate. I devise such an enthralli Weisz is always true ng a way to make it happen. masterpiece and to herself. Having a psychological ” the peace of mind challenge so I basically that eluded her in An inspiration for sought him her twenties, she all budding actresse out until he gave is now a force to s trying to make it me a job! I stalked be reckoned with, and in this world, Weisz and hounded him! continues to forge has set a template I approached him her own path. She plans also for how a 20-year with a script, and to direct and career can be achieved we got talking and produce in the future it sort of opened through working after turning her diverse roles. She up the channels hand to the short of broke through in communication.” The Thief, starring Bernardo Bertoluc Joel Edgerton, in 2010. ci’s Stealing Beauty and has since worked Diversity in her films with many of the is something Weisz “Things biggest names in have become less ultimately strives the business. While complicated,” for and The Lobster she says. “In my her husband, Daniel is probably her most twenties I was basically Craig, has made creative project trying to find myself his name as James to date, but there’s like a lot of young Bond in a series plenty more where of skywomen. It takes high-profile spy that came from. In Youth time to resolve all flicks, Weisz’s path , starring alongsid those doubts that crop has been somewhat e Michael Caine, the up in your head more eclectic, elegant story deals with and cause you to question even, though no the existential issues a lot of basic less acclaimed. of the world, another issues.” unconventional project With a penchant to hit Hollywood. for choosing parts “Yes,” Weisz confirms If her journey in based on the talent , “but it’s a story film is anything to attached to each that is told with go by, it is one that a lot of humour project, her upcomin seems to have seen and wit. g roles include It’s a film that tries it all. With an Oscar-w Paolo Sorrentino’s to say a lot about inning performance Youth, James Marsh’s ageing and death for The Constan untitled Donald and a lot of basic t Gardene Crowhurst project, things but in a very conquered the business r in 2006, she and Derek Cianfrance’s unpretentious way. but still had The Light Between It’s a journey about much to offer. “It Oceans. She is by life.” was an amazing no means dictated thing to happen but it by the Hollywood machine It was not, however didn’t make me . Her decision to , always plain sailing feel that I can rest on star in Yorgos Lanthim for Weisz. Rejectio my laurels, I’ve arrived os’ dark tragin and the lack of somewhere. For comedy The Lobster availability of the me, it’s a constan affirms this, and roles she wanted t learning – I never it is paying dividend entrenched her desire think I’m going to s. to get somewhere where called ‘passion projects work the soI think I’ve figured ’. She explains: “In it out. It’s a constan my twenties for t, elusive thing to sure, yeah, there keep plugging away at. were Though it’s lovely to get the recognit ion!”

CONTRIBUTORS: Jeremy Cahill, John Cawrey, Mark Goddard, Jake Harvey, Julie I basically sought Yorg os out until he gave me

a job! I stalked and houn ded him! Howard, Ali Jahan, Allison Jones, James Lonergan, Lino Poli, Phillip Sharpe Sheelagh Powell Jon Levy Julie Langton

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February 8

WINING & DINING 23 Guilt-free makeover Comfort eat without the calories 27 Good appetite Come on get appy 29 Perfect pairs You can’t deny the chemistry

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 31 What’s on Entertaining the whole family 34 The weisz way Rachel Weisz exclusive

FASHION & BEAUTY

37 Reviews February’s recommendations

8 O pposites attract Back to black …and white

HOMES & GARDENS

11 Pencil power Be on point for SS16

39 Eco living Recycle, reclaim, revamp

13 Joli rouge Love it or hate it?

43 On the side Nightstands just got funky

15 Wear it well Classic styles for every age

46 Modern metals The future is bright 51 Make an entrance A room with purpose 57 Give nature a home Little things mean a lot

LIFE & WORK 59 Education: do the maths Investing in the future

61 Mind the gap Confidence boosting tricks

17 Forever young What really works?

PEOPLE & PLACES

HEALTH & WELLBEING

62 A room with a cause Hotels for the trans-modern traveller

19 Holding back the years Invest in a healthier new you

65 Up in the air What will be your big break?

21 Happily ever after? Future-proof your relationship

66 My way Local spotlight on Emma Rutland

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Elyse Cut-Out Shoes, £580, Stella McCartney

Collection Weekend Blanket Weave Jacket, £130, John Lewis

Orris & Sandalwood Cologne, £105, Jo Malone

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FASHION & BEAUTY Jonathan Saunders Rucksack, £249, Radley Black Damian Shirt, £485, Stella McCartney

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Opposites ATTRACT From bold prints to antique lace go back to black …and white with this season’s monochrome trend. It’s hard to mess up this classic colour combo.

Long-Sleeved Lace Dress, £299, Karen Millen

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Trends come and go, but if you’re worried your ‘new you’ hairstyle will fizzle out faster than a one-hit-wonder, Gianni Greco from Moda Greco Hair Designers reveals 4 styles that will last you a lifetime.

THE CHIGNON

The go-to updo, chignons have been stealing the spotlight for years. The beauty of a chignon is that it’s not as severe as a French pleat and has more natural movement than a traditional bun. What’s more if your hair spills out, you can still get away with a more tousled twist. A fan of the chignon, Charlize Theron added extra glamour for her appearance at the Golden Globes with a sparkling crystal embellished headband.

THE PIXIE

Earning its place in the hair hall of fame is the ‘Pixie’. From Audrey Hepburn and Mia Farrow to Michelle Williams and Carey Mulligan super short hair is great for showing off your neck and shoulders. If you love to play with product, try Halle Berry’s timeless crop. Apply texturizing spray for an edgy look, or spike with wax for a funkier style. If maintenance is a concern, opt for longer layers – aka Anne Hathaway – to ease that awkward growing-in phase between salon visits.

THE SLEEK PONYTAIL

It might sound boring but a simple ponytail is a timeless classic that will suit every occasion and work with every outfit. Wear it low and sleek like Kate Beckinsale, Taylor Swift and Amy Adams, who have all stepped out in chic ponies, showing off their delicate features to the full. To get the look, blow-dry your hair straight, sweep to one side and secure with a hair band. Wrap a small piece of hair around the band and then secure with clips.

THE BOB

A serious heavyweight, despite its shorter length, the ‘bob’ is actually very versatile and can be worn wavy, straight or angled to shape the face. Katie Holme’s jawskimming cut exudes high fashion and works best on heart and ovalshaped faces. Alternatively the long bob or ‘lob’ is a great one-size-fitsall option and can give mid-length hair some much needed direction. New mum Olivia Wilde rocks the ‘wob’ - wavy bob.

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If your face has started to bear the signs of your every smile, every worry and every glass of Pinot, don’t panic! Courtney O’Hara skincare consultant at Clarins, John Lewis, explains why it’s never too late to protect the future of your skin. In our twenties it’s all too easy to think ‘ageing’ is an older woman’s problem, but as we reach our thirties - and beyond - it’s harder to ignore those tell-tale signs…fine lines, uneven skin tone and yes wrinkles. You might not be able to stop the ageing process but you can definitely put on the brakes. Here’s how: Buff your cares away – well your skins ones anyway - by exfoliating twice a week. Exfoliation helps to remove the dead skin cells, excess makeup and dirt that can clog our pores. Removing this ‘barrier’ enables other beauty products to work more effectively, as well as improving the skin’s texture and creating a more even tone. This simple addition to your skincare routine means your skin can breathe and will appear more youthful. Repair and restore skin to perfect health with a soothing moisturiser. Formulas rich in active ingredients such as ‘Ambiaty’ - a medicinal plant from Madagascar - offer a healing and calming effect on the skin, while moisturisers high in antioxidants such as ‘Hesperidin’, help to visibly

correct the appearance of early lines and prevent wrinkles. The perfect moisturiser will essentially inject 8 hours of sleep into your complexion, when the real thing is not an option. Never underestimate the power of a serum. Moisturisers are great but there’s simply not enough room in that little pot to tackle all skin concerns. Serums work with your moisturiser, helping to boost the skin’s radiance, tighten pores, as well

“ The perfect moisturiser will essentially inject 8 hours of sleep into your complexion, when the real thing is not an option.” as target fine lines and wrinkles. Look for serums that contain natural and organic ingredients such as ‘pistachio’ and ‘green banana’ which help to create a protective shield and regenerate the skin.

Be sun conscious all year round. A good SPF is essential day wear for your skin, preventing premature age spots and wrinkling. You can use a separate SPF product under your moisturiser, opt for a moisturiser containing SPF, or for the girl on the go try a BB cream with SPF. It’ll protect, moisturise and improve your skin over time, as well as providing an instant overall glow. Target your delicate bits, such as the neck and décolletage. The neck particularly is subjected to a significant amount of movement, yet is the area most overlooked in a woman’s skincare routine. Prevent the tell-tale signs of ageing by using products rich in ‘sunflower’ to help improve skin elasticity and ensure the neck and décolletage remain soft, supple and firm. Pamper yourself to perfection with regular skin treatments. Facials not only stimulate blood flow - leading to the renewal of skin cells – but importantly help to relieve tension and stress which can cause premature lines and accelerated ageing. If time’s an issue, then speak with your preferred skincare professional to find out more about how to get the most out of the products you use at home. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 17

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At Nutrafit they understand that everyone is unique and the ‘one size fits all’ approach to weight loss rarely works. As a winner you’ll join the ‘ladies only’ Metabolic Fitness Sessions to aid weight loss alongside a metabolic nutrition plan. The sessions are tailored to your ability, with a friendly mix of all levels. As well as assist weight loss, the sessions will help tone and improve your metabolic rate. During your time at Nutrafit you will receive all the support and advice required to achieve your goals through healthy eating and exercise, without yo-yoing from one diet to the next. For more information about Nutrafit, their services and to access to their online resources, visit www.nutrafit.co.uk or call on 0116 3190778.

TO ENTER Simply email your name address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Nutrafit’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Fri 19 February 2016. Terms & Conditions: This competition is valid for women only. The prize is for a maximum of 12 metabolic fitness sessions, valid Tues-Thurs. The first session must be taken before April 2016 and all sessions to be used within a 5 week period. Any sessions not taken during this period will be lost. The winners will be chosen on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. This prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available.

Holding Back the

YEARS

Most of you will have started saving for a pension long before retirement, but what should you ‘invest’ in now to make sure your health balance stays in the red? We ask Nutrafit’s Rebecca Watts what actions you can take for a healthier future - whatever your age. As we grow older gender, genetics, muscle-mass, calorie consumption versus expenditure, and lifestyle are all factors which can contribute to our weight gain. But it’s not inevitable. With some simple changes you can improve your health and wellbeing now, as well as minimise the effects of ageing later. Here’s how:

Keep Active

Weight Train

Drink Water

All exercise is good for the mind, body and soul but resistance training helps you to lose weight, as well as tone and increase muscle. Don’t panic you won’t bulk up. The increase in muscle raises your metabolism, burning more calories, keeping you slimmer.

Introduce more movement into your everyday activities and burn 200-500 more calories a day. A few tricks to increase your activity - park 5 minutes further away from work, walk to speak to a colleague rather than ring, do a couple of stair runs in the TV ad breaks.

Virtually every process and function of your body uses water to work. By drinking plenty you ensure that these functions are at their most efficient. What’s more if you don’t have enough water, your body may store any excess for emergency, leading to bloating and discomfort. Aim to drink 2 litres per day.

Restrict Sugars

Sugar is used by the body for fuel, but there is sugar in virtually everything we eat including starchy carbohydrates, vegetables and fruit. The worst sugars are those we consume through processed foods, snacks and alcohol. Excess sugar can result in spikes in blood sugars, post energy dips, changes in hormone balance and fat gain.

Balanced Diet

There’s a reason there are guidelines on the amounts of proteins, fats, sugars, fibres etc. we should eat. Every nutrient has its role and is vitally important. Ensure that you are eating a balanced diet - especially if you have special dietary needs – and aim to incorporate protein, carbohydrates and good fats into every meal. Cooking more of your own food and eating less processed meals, should help you to consume less sugar and chemicals, making an all-round healthier you.

Portion Control

Do you eat your largest meal in the evening when you’re relaxing and then miss meals or grab unhealthy snacks in the daytime when you’re most active? You’re not alone. It’s the Western way. Try to spread your calories throughout the day, eating more regularly in order to keep a constant flow of energy and minimise fat storage.

Be Consistent

Flitting from one latest craze to the next and yo-yo dieting can have a negative effect on your weight, moods, and metabolism. Be consistent and don’t set unrealistic nutrition or exercise targets. Think “what can I sustain?” and view it as a lifestyle change rather than short term aim.

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 19

Free new patient consultation with every toothbrush!

Have you been meaning to see the dentist but just haven't got round to it? Are you worried about the state of your dental health and want to make sure that you're okay? Do you have something that you'd like to do to your smile but don't know who to ask? Take advantage of our free new patient consultation so that we can discuss and work together to help you get the smile that you deserve.

Oakdale Dental Est. 1937 Implants • Braces • Facial Rejuvenation • Cosmetic Dentistry • Whitening

Terms and conditions apply- £5 booking fee redeemable towards a toothbrush on completion of consultation. Limited time only - offer ends 31/03/16

Call 0116 26 27 150 23 Fosse Road Central, Leicester LE3 5PU E: reception@oakdaledental.co.uk W: www.oakdaledental.co.uk

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Happily Ever After? Boden

You swore you’d love him forever, but now he makes you swear in an entirely different way! But before you start packing your bags try these simple strategies to make the road ahead less bumpy.

Think about what you value in your relationship, and then let your partner know exactly what you love about them. It’s great to feel appreciated.

partner focuses on the wellbeing of the other, the more the other partner will do so too.

other, taking turns to speak, using “I” and not “you”. This removes the accusatory tone and helps get all the issues on the table.

Try a new activity together. This allows couples to spend more time together and learn more about each other. It also helps with any negative feelings of stagnation. Couples who have sex at least once a week are less likely to divorce. Commit to trying something new – position, location, role play - once a month. Get it in your diary now!

Also increase the amount of nonsexual touch in your relationship. Just cuddling or holding hands can release ‘oxytocin’, a powerful brain chemical that improves bonding in relationships. Learn to prioritise your husband. Research shows that the more one

Still feeling angry after an argument? Write down a summary of the argument from an outsider’s viewpoint. It’ll help you to see clearer and reduce levels of emotional distress.

Having children, has a huge impact on a marriage. Nothing can truly prepare you for parenthood. Take time to talk about your hopes and fears and resolve big issues early. Most of us don’t like being told our every fault. Instead act as each other’s number 1 fan, it’s a great way to help us become the best version of ourselves. If who does what, or not as the case may be, leaves you fuming silently, try sitting opposite each

A void becoming white noise. For every negative comment you make to your husband, balance this with five positive ones. That way he is more likely to hear a genuine complaint or request. M oney arguments are rarely just about cash but a reflection on how you live the rest of your life together. Take charge of your money and you’ll see the pay-off in your relationship too.

F inally don’t be embarrassed to consult an expert. They can offer some practical advice and thought-provoking exercises that can be done either with your partner or on your own. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 21

Bakerlot @ Cookies Sourcing local ingredients all food is freshly prepared daily.

OPEN AT 6PM for the Best Early Doors this side of The Seafaring News

Outside catering available

15 Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA 01572 771360 /Bakerlot at Cookies www.bakerlot.com

@bakerlotcookies

No. 9 Station Street Kibworth Beauchamp Leicestershire LE8 0LN Telephone 0116 2796260 lighthousekibworth.co.uk Open for Dinner from 6pm Tuesday to Saturday

WINING & DINING

GUILT-FREE

Makeovers Satisfy your craving for comfort food without ditching the diet, with these guilt-free makeovers from the experts at Waitrose.

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 23

PEA & CAULIFLOWER FRITTATA Ditch the potatoes for this low carb alternative. It’s 1 of your 5 a day and is rich in folic acid too. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: Olive oil spray 1 cauliflower, broken into small florets

100g frozen peas 6 large Waitrose British Blacktail Free Range Eggs Bunch salad onions, thinly sliced 1 tsp toasted cumin seeds, lightly crushed 25g white breadcrumbs 50g essential Waitrose Greek Light Salad Cheese, crumbled

ook the cauliflower in a pan of boiling water for 8-10 C minutes until just tender, adding the peas for the last minute. Drain well.

eanwhile, beat the eggs then stir in the salad onions, M cumin and breadcrumbs. Stir in the cooked cauliflower and peas.

ightly spray a 22cm non-stick frying pan with oil and L pour in the egg mixture. Cook on the lowest heat for 12 minutes until almost set then scatter over the cheese.

reheat the grill to medium and cook the top of the P frittata for 4–5 minutes until golden and completely cooked all the way through.

lip the frittata out of the pan and onto a board. Cut S into wedges and serve.

RÖSTI CHICKEN PIE Have your pie and eat it by substituting traditional pastry for a crunchy rösti topping. Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 125g tenderstem broccoli spears, cut into 2.5cm lengths 1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, halved and thinly sliced 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 300g Waitrose Half Fat Crème Fraîche 4 Waitrose British Chicken Breast Fillets, cut into chunks ½ x 15g pack fresh tarragon, roughly chopped 400g pack Waitrose Swiss Style Rösti

reheat the oven to 190°C, gas mark 5. Plunge the P broccoli in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan and cook the onion for 3-4 minutes, until softened and golden.

tir in the mustard and crème fraîche then bring to S a simmer. Add the chicken and stir to separate the pieces. Simmer gently for 5 minutes then add the tarragon and broccoli.

our the chicken mixture into a 2-litre serving dish. P Remove the rösti from the pack and crumble gently over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Serve with steamed Chantenay carrots.

WINING & DINING

TURKEY SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE Swap beef mince for turkey to reduce the fat content of this classic Italian sauce. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: Olive oil spray 1 onion, chopped 1 large carrot, diced 1 celery stalk, diced 2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 rosemary sprigs or 6 sage leaves, shredded 500g pack Essential British Turkey Breast Mince 800g can chopped tomatoes 6 Cooksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ingredients Sundried Tomatoes, chopped 300g wholewheat spaghetti Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, to serve

pritz a large pan with oil and cook the S onion, carrot, celery and garlic for 5 minutes. Add the herbs and turkey and cook for a further 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

dd the tomatoes, sundried tomatoes and A a splash of water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes (or a little longer if you have time) until thickened into a rich red sauce.

eanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large M pan of boiling water for 8 minutes. Drain well, toss with the turkey sauce and serve with a sprinkling of Parmigiano Reggiano. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 25

Treat your loved ones to… Valentine’s Restaurant

Sat 13th February, from 6:30pm

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Sunday 6th March, from 3:00pm

Hothorpe Hall is a historic manor house venue, in stunning countryside near Market Harborough.

hothorpe.co.uk/whatson t: 01858 881500

Hothorpe Hall & The Woodlands, Theddingworth, LE17 6QX

Music Night Friday 4th March, 7:30 start

Quorn Grange Hotel is a distinctive hotel situated in 9 acres of impressive gardens in the heart of Leicestershire’s idyllic countryside. This historic 19th Century building now provides very high standards of guest hospitality and accommodation in the 21st Century, providing the perfect setting for corporate events, product launches, special occasions, a short break or a restaurant meal. For further details visit

www.quorngrangehotel.co.uk Follow us on: or call 01509 412167

£35.00 per person

A night of live songs and a 3 course fondue based menu including a starter, sirloin steak or vegetarian alternative and desert. Enjoy a Hotel Room Only Offer of £22.50 per person.

Wedding Fayre Sunday 20th March, 11am-4pm Our wedding fayres are arranged to help you to make your special day truly exceptional. Free Admission. Winter & Mid-week Wedding Packages are available*. *Subject to availability.

Professional childcare spaces available for children aged from 6 weeks to 5 years www.quorngrangedaynursery.co.uk

For further details please contact Gemma on 01509 416 763.

Good APPetite Gone are the days when we just instagrammed our dinner. With more of us going online to plan meals, share tips and track our health, there’s definitely an APPetite for foodie technology. Here’s some we tried earlier.

Price: Free

Jamie Oliver 2016 sees a shiny new version of Jamie’s Recipe App. They’ve pulled the same great recipes and videos through into the new app, but incorporated a more powerful search tool, useful dietary tags and cooking times for each recipe to make it even easier to find exactly what you’re looking for. New recipes will be added every week, plus super-useful howto guides to help you master those trickier skills and become a real kitchen ninja. Urbanspoon Urbanspoon is used by millions of App Store users every week to find nearby restaurants with honest restaurant ratings and reviews by consumers and food critics. Whether you’re craving the top-rated cheap eats in your neighbourhood or you’re trying to discover a great meal while you travel, Urbanspoon is the best app to help “eat like a local” and find food fast!

MyFitnessPal Not just designed for losing weight, this app will also help you understand your diet. It’s easy to log your meals and snacks, either by searching for them or scanning product barcodes. It has a huge database of more than 5 million foods. Also provides recipe meal plans, and enables you to fine-tune your daily goals and nutritional plans.

Price: Free

Price: £1.49

Foodgawker Don’t know what to cook or bake? The foodgawker.com app has been updated with new features and has over 330,000 mouth-watering recipes. To get more details about a photo, simply tap on the image to visit the submitter’s blog post where you’ll find a recipe and inspiration for the dish. You can even add notes and tags to your favourites to help organise them.

Flypay Ready to pay your bill? Simply select your restaurant location, enter your table number and your bill is instantly retrieved. You can then either pay your bill or, if you’re eating with a group, either split the bill equally or choose to each pay for exactly what you’ve had. Your card is then charged and your receipt emailed to you, so you are free to leave. Valid in more than 100 restaurants and bars across the UK. Cheese & Wine HD Want to find the perfect wine match for your favourite cheese? Ask the experts: in this HD iPad App, award-winning wine writer Max Allen and international cheese authority Will Studd introduce you to the most delicious combinations of fromage and vino. Perfect for navigating the dangers of hosting a wine and cheese party. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 27

20% OFF

ON US!

Be wined and dined at Marco’s New York Italian Leicester with an exclusive 20% off offer for Urban Fox readers only!

To book, please call 0116 257 5533 or email info.marcosleicester@jupiterhotels.co.uk T&C’S: Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer can only be redeemed between the 1st February - 29th February 2016. Offer can only be redeemed with full completion of details in the box below and presented to server at Marco’s. Cannot be redeemed on National Public Holidays or between the 12th - 14th February 2016. Offer is only available on food items from the à la Carte menu.

NAME: EMAIL: TWIT TER USERNAME:

Marco’s New York Italian, 73 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6ES www.mpwrestaurants.com Marco’s New York Italian Leicester | @marcosleicester

WINING & DINING

T C E F R PE

Pair

Ingredients: For the donuts 125g self-raising flour 30g caster sugar 50ml vegetable oil 1 egg 80ml milk

Fish and chips, bacon and eggs, spaghetti and meatballs. Like Fred and Ginger, some duos are so iconic you just can’t think of one without the other. Indulge your taste buds this Valentine’s Day with this deliciously simple recipe from Marco’s. You just can’t deny the chemistry.

1 2 3 4

Mix together the flour and sugar.

ake a well in the centre of the M dry mixture and add the oil, egg and milk.

ix together until the batter is M smooth. Place oil on high heat, approximately 170˚C.

7 8

sing a floured tablespoon, U gently drop the donut batter into the heated oil. ry for one minute, and then F turn over until golden on both sides. lace donuts onto kitchen roll to P soak up leftover oil. Meanwhile melt the butter over a medium heat.

For the chocolate sauce 30ml double cream 20g butter 20g dark chocolate 20g Demerara sugar

9 10 11 12

Add the sugar until it dissolves into the butter. Pour in the cream, a little bit at a time. Finally, add the chocolate and stir until combined and melted. Drizzle sauce onto hot donuts and serve immediately.

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 29

All things vintage

Costumes, textiles, luggage, jewellery and accessories

Market Harborough Salerooms Tuesday 15th March Viewing Sat 12th Mar 9:00–12:00 Mon 14th Mar 9:00 - 16:00

gildings

MARKET HARBOROUGH SALEROOM

auctioneers

THE MiLL GREAT BOwdEn ROAd LE16 7dE

gildings.co.uk

T: 01858 410414 SALES@GiLdinGS.cO.UK

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AISON INT ER IO R S the LifeST Y L E s t o re

Ladies oros

JOIN US FOR OUR

Evening

26th Feb 2016 at 7pm RSVP to info@maison-interiors.com or go to www.maison-interiors.co.uk/loros Showroom 0116 271 2584 37 - 41 London Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5DL

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S ON

Lord of the Flies, 9-13 Feb, Curve

FEBRUARY 2016

Dave’s Comedy Festival Wed 3 - Sun 21 Feb Various locations Fees may apply comedy-festival.co.uk

Mon 1 - Sat 6 Feb The Little Theatre Tickets £14.50 thelittletheatre.net

Walker Janeway and his sister Nan reunite for the reading of their father’s will in the Manhattan loft where he lived. A wealthy architect, Ned’s legacy is the iconic, internationally renowned 1960s New York house designed with his late business partner Theo. Joined by Theo’s son, the three childhood friends meet to settle the estate and determine the future of the house. The discovery of a brief entry, ‘three days of

Image: Raven Kwok

The Leicester Comedy Festival has grown massively in recent years and 2016 will see over 780 events in more than 60 venues across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. Exclusive events this year include The UK Pun Championships, Odd Couples, Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year, as well as Q&A with Johnny Vegas and Nicholas Parsons. Tickets are now on sale for all events which are listed on the website.

Three Days of Rain

rain’, in Ned’s diary is the only clue to the true stories of the previous generation.

La Traviata

Thu 4 & Sun 7 Feb Cinema De Lux Tickets £14.50 showcasecinemas.co.uk

La Traviata is regarded as one of Verdi’s finest operas, and Richard Eyre’s traditional staging, is one of The Royal Opera’s most popular productions. The opera tells the story of the Parisian courtesan Violetta Valéry, one of opera’s greatest heroines, based on the real life courtesan Marie Duplessis, who died in 1847 aged just 23. In this revival, Violetta is sung by Russian soprano Venera Gimadieva in her debut with The Royal Opera, following her successful appearance as Violetta at the Glyndebourne Festival.

Lord of the Flies Tue 9 - Sat 13 Feb Curve Theatre Tickets £14.50-£32.50 curveonline.co.uk

La Traviata, 4 & 7 Feb, Cinema De Lux

Following sell-out performances in London, Regent’s Park Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies embarks on a major UK tour. After a group of schoolboys survive a catastrophic plane crash, what starts as a classic desert island adventure quickly descends into a struggle for survival in a darkly sinister world of superstition and immorality. William Golding’s 20th century classic explodes onto the stage in this remarkable production.

Visible Bits Audible Bytes, 17 Feb, Phoenix

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 31

and the knock on effect of a family’s own mistakes. Beneath the surface of this simple family story, Priestley explores the political and social history of Britain between the wars, and the nature of time itself.

As You Like It Thu 25 Feb Phoenix Tickets £15 phoenix.org.uk

The Snow Maiden, 28 Feb, De Montfort Hall

Visible Bits Audible Bytes Wed 17 Feb Phoenix Free Entrance phoenix.org.uk

The seventh annual Visible Bits, Audible Bytes brings stunning, genre-breaking works of audiovisual art to Phoenix. Stimulate the eye and the ear with contemporary fusions of new and old technologies: from computer-animated tessellation patterns driven by music, hacked analogue video circuits pulsing to stuttering electronica beats, handpainted films complementing intimate digital soundscapes, and abstract particle-systems forming ambient visionsound worlds. Presented by the Music, Technology and Innovation Research Centre at De Montfort University. This is a free event but booking is required.

Time and the Conways

Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and change comes to the National Theatre Live for the first time in over 30 years, with Rosalie Craig (London Road, Macbeth at MIF) as Rosalind. With her father the Duke banished and in exile, Rosalind and her cousin Celia leave their lives in the court behind them and journey into the Forest of Arden. There, released from convention, Rosalind experiences the liberating rush of transformation. Disguising herself as a boy, she embraces a different way of living and falls spectacularly in love.

LOROS Ladies Evening Fri 26 Feb Maison Interiors, Oadby Free Entrance maison-interiors.com/loros

Join Maison Interiors from 7pm for a night of fizz, food and fun at their LOROS Ladies Evening. Be inspired by the florist demonstration, with a chance to win the fabulous bouquet created plus other prizes in their charity raffle. There will also be an opportunity to find out your ‘design personality’ from Maison’s instore interior designer Zoe Hubbard. A great opportunity to meet some new and interesting people and most importantly raise money for a great cause. LOROS is a county based charity specialising in hospice care for persons 16 years and over.

Mon 22 - Sat 27 Feb The Little Theatre Tickets £14.50 thelittletheatre.net

WWI has just ended and the seemingly happy Conway family gathers to celebrate a birthday party. Eighteen years later, on the brink of WWII, we see that the future is far from the one they imagined that night. From the writer of An Inspector Calls, J.B. Priestley’s drama looks into complacency, class arrogance, As You Like It, 25 Feb, Phoenix

The 39 Steps Fri 26 & Sun 28 Feb Uppingham Theatre Tickets £6.50 uppthearts.co.uk

When Richard Hannay, a middle-aged man who is to quote ‘bored of life’, gets himself innocently caught up in a plot that could cause another world war, he embarks on a thrilling journey all over the UK, trying to uncover the secret of the 39 Steps. From the London Palladium to the Flying Scotsman and the highlands, and back down again, there is barely a moment to catch your breath. With a fantastically thick plot, drama and tales of espionage, all acted and produced by West Deyne - in aid of the Mango Tree Foundation - this play is a hilarious must-see.

The Snow Maiden Sun 28 Feb De Montfort Hall Tickets £19.50-£37.50 demontforthall.co.uk

Performed by The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia, catch this new production in its first UK season. Protected from the outside world by Father Frost, the exquisite Snow Maiden plays innocently amongst the dancing snowflakes in the enchanted Land of Frost. Based on a traditional folk-tale, set in the snow covered landscape of rural Russia, this seasonal sparkler follows the Snow Maiden as she dances into the human world. Captivated by the colourful village and the people who live there, she ventures too far and is swept up by feelings of love, temptation and betrayal. When finally she surrenders herself completely and warms to that love, her heart melts in a tragic embrace. The Russian State Ballet will also be performing Sleeping Beauty on 26 Feb and Swan Lake on 27 Feb.

25 YEARS OF REEVES AND MORTIMER THE POIGNANT MOMENTS UK TOUR Thursday 4 & Friday 5 February

MNOZIL BRASS YES! YES! YES! Thursday 11 February

COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Saturday 13 February

LIVE AT DE MONTFORT HALL FEAT. HENNING WEHN, ZOE LYONS, HOWARD READ, GARY DELANEY AND MITCH BENN Saturday 13 February

KATHERINE RYAN KATHBUM Saturday 20 February

GRAEME OF THRONES Friday 22 April

W I basically sought Yorgos out until he gave me a job! I stalked and hounded him!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The

WEISZ Way Rachel Weisz is not easily typecast. Quite the opposite, in fact. Her choices of roles have the wealth of variety that cross all genres. Future-proofing her career by going against the grain, Daniel Craig’s wife is now reaping the rewards.

Rachel Weisz’s approach to finding a job in Hollywood is one that could only be described as dogged. It’s handy that she knows exactly what she wants when she sees it. “At this stage, I pursue filmmakers who I admire, who I want to work with,” she says. “That’s how I operate. I devise a way to make it happen.” An inspiration for all budding actresses trying to make it in this world, Weisz has set a template for how a 20-year career can be achieved through working diverse roles. She broke through in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Stealing Beauty and has since worked with many of the biggest names in the business. While her husband, Daniel Craig, has made his name as James Bond in a series of skyhigh-profile spy flicks, Weisz’s path has been somewhat more eclectic, elegant even, though no less acclaimed. With a penchant for choosing parts based on the talent attached to each project, her upcoming roles include Paolo Sorrentino’s Youth, James Marsh’s untitled Donald Crowhurst project, and Derek Cianfrance’s The Light Between Oceans. She is by no means dictated by the Hollywood machine. Her decision to star in Yorgos Lanthimos’ dark tragicomedy The Lobster affirms this, and it is paying dividends.

The film explores the idea of love in a dystopian world, where being in a relationship is a necessity in order to be part of society. “It was Yorgos, first and foremost,” Weisz explains. “I love his film Dogtooth. It was such an enthralling masterpiece and a psychological challenge so I basically sought him out until he gave me a job! I stalked and hounded him! I approached him with a script, and we got talking and it sort of opened up the channels of communication.” Diversity in her films is something Weisz ultimately strives for and The Lobster is probably her most creative project to date, but there’s plenty more where that came from. In Youth, starring alongside Michael Caine, the story deals with the existential issues of the world, another unconventional project to hit Hollywood. “Yes,” Weisz confirms, “but it’s a story that is told with a lot of humour and wit. It’s a film that tries to say a lot about ageing and death and a lot of basic things but in a very unpretentious way. It’s a journey about life.” It was not, however, always plain sailing for Weisz. Rejection and the lack of availability of the roles she wanted entrenched her desire to work the socalled ‘passion projects’. She explains: “In my twenties for sure, yeah, there were

definitely times when I thought about giving it up after one too many knockbacks. I never followed through – I never found a proper job!” Weisz is always true to herself. Having the peace of mind that eluded her in her twenties, she is now a force to be reckoned with, and continues to forge her own path. She plans also to direct and produce in the future after turning her hand to the short The Thief, starring Joel Edgerton, in 2010. “Things have become less complicated,” she says. “In my twenties I was basically trying to find myself like a lot of young women. It takes time to resolve all those doubts that crop up in your head and cause you to question a lot of basic issues.” If her journey in film is anything to go by, it is one that seems to have seen it all. With an Oscar-winning performance for The Constant Gardener in 2006, she conquered the business but still had much to offer. “It was an amazing thing to happen but it didn’t make me feel that I can rest on my laurels, I’ve arrived somewhere. For me, it’s a constant learning – I never think I’m going to get somewhere where I think I’ve figured it out. It’s a constant, elusive thing to keep plugging away at. Though it’s lovely to get the recognition!” URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 35

BELVOIR BELVOIR

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Leicestershire

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Weddings

and Civil Partnerships Why not see our wonderful range of ceremony rooms and venues at www.leics.gov.uk/registration

Where memories are made Tel: 0116 305 6565 Email: registration@leics.gov.uk LeicsRegistrationService

Visit our new ceremony rooms at Anstey Frith House

film REVIEW

Trumbo (15)

2hrs 4mins 19 Feb – 3 March 0116 242 2800 | phoenix.org.uk Critically-acclaimed Brian Cranston of Breaking Bad fame stars as Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. Based on the novel by Bruce Alexander Cook the film follows his struggle against the politics of 1940’s America and the alleged communist propaganda found in his writing. A self-confessed communist and supporter of organised labour, he drew contempt from resolutely anti-Soviet entertainment industry figures such as columnist Hedda Hopper (Helen Mirren) and star John Wayne (David James Elliott).

of American paranoia sight into a dark time in g lin ea rev A : bo um Tr

Unwilling to sacrifice his principles, Trumbo is sent to prison and later blacklisted alongside a swathe of other communist sympathising screenwriters before eventually climbing his way back into A-list films. There are some witty and comical flashes in between moments of domestic turmoil and otherwise serious subject matter. Cranston does a first-class job portraying a man who suffered for

his principles - and the effect it had on his family; Diane Lane plays his wife and Elle Fanning his activist daughter. The period detail is skilfully crafted, including original clips of the opposition standing up to the likes of Gregory Peck. Trumbo offers a revealing insight into a dark time of American paranoia and Hollywood’s obsession with itself but ultimately it’s a great story about one man’s battle for his beliefs.

book REVIEW

Live the good life with fashion, food and the great outdoors

To Die For by Lucy Siegle

An expose on the fashion industry written by the Observer’s ‘Ethical Living’ columnist Lucy Siegle, To Die For offers a very plausible vision of how green could really be the new black. Far from outlining a future of drab, ethical clothing, Siegle believes that it’s possible to be an ‘ethical fashionista’, simply by being aware of how and where (and by whom) clothing is manufactured. In this impassioned book, Siegle analyses the global epidemic of unsustainable fashion, taking stock of our economic health and moral accountabilities to expose the pitfalls of fast fashion. Siegle reveals the truth behind cut price, bulk fashion, advocating the case for a new sustainable design era where we’re assured of value for money: ethically, morally and in real terms.

The Self-Sufficiency Bible by Simon Dawson

In today’s economic climate, self-sufficiency is increasingly seen as a viable means of taking control of our lives and safeguarding for the future – this is the book that will help every householder do just that. Each of the twelve chapters focuses on key topics for living a more self-sustainable life, with practical information and expert guidance that will make the subject come alive for everyone, whatever their needs, circumstances and resources. Written in a down-to-earth, engaging and often amusing style, the book will appeal to women who want to be more creative, resourceful and independent, as well as those who wish to equip their children with basic life skills. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 37

Atkin & Thym e

1 2

ECO

From retro desks to traditional armchairs, style your home with recycled, sustainable and ethically sourced materials for a quirky eco interior.

Ralph Lauren

1 Graypants Cone Table Lamp, £350, Lime Lace 2 Nkuku Akello Candle Stick, £31, Houseology 3 Milligan Retro Multi Drawer Desk, £398, Atkin and Thyme 4 Reclaimed Wood Armchair, £220, Alexander & Pearl 5 Savannah Leather Journal, £29.95, Amara 6 Elvang Manhattan Throw, £90, Houseology 7 Charlotte Armchair, £630, Sofa.com 8 Indra Coil Jute Cotton & Leather Basket, £120, John Lewis

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 39

Broughtons

Traditional Lighting, Hardware & Home Accessories

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LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE

107A/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

O N

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Our furniture is..

designed for you & crafted by us 37 - 41 London Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5DL Showroom 0116 271 2584 info@maison-interiors.com www.maison-interiors.co.uk

WIN!

WOOL THROW from Elvang

Wrap up from the cold, with this stylish wool throw from Elvang’s MANHATTAN collection. The Manhattan range is inspired by New York’s Borough whose straight streets and right angles create square blocks. Lines crisscross and create contrast and vibrancy. It’s a design which creates a balance between the classic and timeless and forward-thinking modernism. The throw is created from 50% alpaca wool and 40% sheep wool and is a sizeable 130cm x 200cm.

from the Peruvian alpaca. The result is stylish and modern products made with pride and integrity. To discover more visit http://butik.elvang.net

Elvang Denmark is a design-oriented company and the name behind throws, cushions, scarves and other textiles of a high quality. They combine Scandinavian design with one of the world’s finest fibres

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be chosen on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. This prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The competition may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Elvang’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Monday 29 February 2016.

Side

HOMES & GARDENS

On the

Whether it’s space for an alarm clock, reading lamp, or your morning cup of tea; we’re bed-side ourselves with excitement over these tray-top nightstands.

6 7

1 Diabola Wire Supplement Table, £143, Made in Design 2 Editor’s Pick: for its luxurious embossed leather finish OH Maison Leather Tray Table, £600, Houseology 3 Scandinavian Lucy Side Table, £65, Marquis & Dawe 4 Lowe Reclaimed Pine Side Table, £169, Swoon Editions 5 Notre Monde Round Tray Table, £140, Amara 6 Art Deco Metal Side Table, £195, Within 7 Eichholtz Porthole Table, £765, Sweetpea & Willow 8 Tavalo Side Table, £175, Umbra

0116 2741050 ambiencehardwoodflooring.co.uk mail@ambiencehardwoodflooring.com Unit 5, Euston Street, Freemens Common, Leicester LE2 7ST Visit our Showroom: Mon - Fri 8am - 5:30pm, Sat 9am - 1pm

Nationwide Delivery

Solid Wood Engineered Wood Laminate Vinyl We also stock adhesives, oils, lacquers, cleaning products & floor profiles

0116 255 5745 WWW.DEWHIRSTKITCHENS.CO.UK OUR LEICESTER SHOWROOM IS LOCATED AT 98 GRANBY STREET, LEICESTER LE1 1DU

Original Style

MODERN

Metals

The future is bright as warm metallics are set to be the colour of choice for modern kitchens. Cook up a storm with gold splashbacks or simply add a dash of copper for a simple yet sophisticated look.

HOMES & GARDENS onas Oliver B

Dyberg Larsen PineApple Light, £90, Amara

Henning Koppel 22cm Wall Clock, £240, Georg Jensen

Menu Norm Wire Fruit Bowl, £42, Black by Design

Distinta Kettle & Toaster, £129.98/£109.98, DēLonghi

Metallic Tray Tables, from £35.50, Berry Red

Jasper Conran Tableware, from £16, Wedgewood Gold Pepper Mill, £225.50, iDecorate

Copper Cookware, from £60, John Lewis

Stelton Tangle Vase, Cloudberry Living, £69.95

Mixed Metals Pinch Pot & Tray Set, £45, Oliver Bonas

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 47

LET US FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH THE ORCHARDS Willoughby Road, Countesthorpe LE8 5UA Call 0116 298 9712

WOODGATE VIEW Woodgate Rd, East Leake LE12 6PX Call 01509 809 228

DISCOVER THE DAVIDSONS DIFFERENCE TODAY Open Thursday – Monday 10.30am – 5.30pm

For more information visit www.davidsonsgroup.co.uk Details correct at the time of going to press, images representative only.

www.ivytimberstructures.co.uk

Beautiful spaces for work, rest and play Do you have a dream garden room? Visit our workshop in Market Harborough to discuss your ideas with our talented architects. Then discover how we use the latest techniques alongside traditional carpentry and joinery methods to create bespoke timber structures to your specifications.

Let us design and build your dream. www.ivytimberstructures.co.uk | 01858 426285

in-toto Leicester 33 London Road, Oadby, Leicestershire LE2 5DL 0116 272 0272 www.intoto.co.uk

PROMOTION APPLIES TO SELECTED KITCHENS & APPLIANCES*

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WINTER

Wallpaper Direct

Alexander & Pearl

Entrance MAKE AN

Artistic licence

Statement piece

Strike a pose

Lighten up …

Faking it

2 B&Q

Is your hallway empty and unloved? Here’s 5 ways to create a sense of purpose for the most neglected room in your house.

Hallways are functional but there’s no reason they can’t be beautiful too. Try displaying a collection of your favourite things either on a traditional console or across a nest of tables. The latter creates height variation and is ideal for showcasing vases and ornaments. If your hallway is spacious you can afford to experiment with statement furniture. Bold patterns and a splash of colour will add vibrancy and interest to an otherwise neutral palette. Combine styles and eras for an eclectic look.

3 Ikea

Design a stunning picture gallery by hanging your much-loved photographs in different-sized frames. For simplicity choose the same colour and style. This feature wall panel offers an effortless but striking backdrop against which to display your pics. …or down. The hallway makes the perfect blank canvas for exhibiting art, but do get the lighting right. Sculptures for example are best lit by a single light source. Light directly from above, from below or even from one side to create a shadow effect. If your front door leads directly into your living room, you can create the illusion of an entrance hall by separating the space with a slim-line storage unit and coat rack. You never know it might even encourage the kids to kick off their muddy shoes!

Natuzzi

5 URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 51

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BUILDING SOCIETY

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Traditional service since 1865

Harborough Lights Lighting Design Consultancy

Add light and space to your home Would you like somewhere to just sit back and admire your garden? Adding a conservatory can be a relatively low cost, hassle free way to extend your living area whilst adding value to your home.

For more information, call Harveys on 0116 233 4441 Showroom: Empire Road, Leicester LE3 5HE Open Weekdays 9-5, Saturday 10-1 info@harveyswindows.co.uk www.harveyswindows.co.uk

Harveys - Feb2016.indd 1

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14/01/2016 14:33

Discover timelessly elegant products that will transform your home.

Specialists in bespoke windows, doors, orangeries, cutting edge glass, timber and hybrid products. Factory & Showroom Pontefract, West Yorkshire t: 0333 323 9601

w: www.totali.uk.com

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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. Ground Qube is a landscape and garden design studio based in Leicestershire. Ground clients Qube isa acomplete landscape and garden designGround Qube can design, Offering landscaping service, studio based Leicestershire. construct and in maintain your outdoor space. Offering clients a complete landscaping service, Ground Qube can design, construct and maintain your outdoor space.

ground qube_hp_Oct15.indd 1

M: 07969 180130 T: 01858 571047 E: info@gqgardens.com W: www.gqgardens.com A: Hemploe View, The Belt, South Kilworth, Leicestershire. LE17 6DX.

24/09/2015 16:02

Peach Perfe ct

Home Give Nature A

You don’t need green fingers to make your garden more wildlife friendly. Here’s 15 little things you can do to preserve nature and give creatures great and small, a safe place to feed, breed and thrive.

Grow a range of trees, shrubs and climbers. They’ll provide food and shelter for wildlife, plus roosting and breeding sites for birds.

Choose plants that provide pollen and nectar for as long as possible and avoid those with double-flowers, as most contain little or no pollen or nectar.

Create your own meadow - simply a mixture of grasses and wildflowers. We’ve lost 96% of our diverse, speciesrich meadows since the 1950s, so this can help redress the balance.

4 Annabel James

If you don’t have room for a full-scale meadow, simply allowing patches of lawn to grow longer will provide shelter for small mammals and food for some butterfly caterpillars.

Make a nest for ladybirds by tying a bundle of bamboo and placing in the nook of a tree or a crack in a wall.

Hang up a ‘bee hotel’ – yes it’s a real thing. These provide an array of suitable nesting places for solitary bees and are also popular with other insects such as ladybirds and lacewings.

Preserve old walls and sheds. The spaces beneath old roofing tiles and naturally occurring holes in bricks are used as nesting sites by mason bees, which are vital for pollinating fruit trees.

Attract birds into your garden with supplemental feeding and a supply of clean, unfrozen water. It can be the difference between life and death at this time of year.

Get the kids involved by making your own bird feed(er). Mix together bird seed, raisins, peanuts, grated cheese and lard. Place in a yoghurt pot in the fridge to set, then suspend from a branch with string.

Hedgehogs like cat and dog food, dried fruit and cooked vegetables. Milk and bread often given to hedgehogs can make them very ill.

The easiest way to bring wildlife to a garden is to install a pond. If you’re an urban gardener, a large pot or even a dustbin lid in an out-of-the-way spot will do. Don’t introduce fish to a pond primarily designed for wildlife as they’ll eat anything that moves. Also ensure ponds have at least one sloping side to allow creatures an easy way out. Composting your garden waste helps all your garden plants and wildlife, as it speeds up the natural recycling of nutrients. Also cut down on digging and let the worms and bugs keep the soil healthy.

Don’t be a neat freak. A pile of leaves or twigs can provide both food and habitat for many species. Piles of stones also make a good shelter for hibernating reptiles and amphibians.

Finally wildlife rarely recognise garden boundaries so try to view your own plot as part of a wider web of interlinked gardens and green space.

Source: The Royal Horticultural Society

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LIFE & WORK

EDUCATION Do The Maths

Did you make the January deadline for primary schools? Or have you been on tenterhooks since secondary school applications closed in October? Perhaps you’re already wondering how to help fund your children through university. Stefan Fura of Furnley House has some educational advice. When I grew up, parental choice in the state sector wasn’t even a thing. You simply went to the local primary which fed into a local secondary. Or you went to private school. As I emerge from the nappy years, I’m discovering that it’s a little more complicated now. From academies to Ofsted reports to friends who suddenly find religion and a church school which just happens to have an excellent reputation. Not that I’m judging. Actually I’ve been thinking about my son’s education since we first saw that life-changing blue line on the prophetic white stick. But telling everyone to follow my lead is a bit like telling teens to think about their pension from the minute they start earning. After all, there are plenty of more pressing things to think about. Like terry cloth v eco-friendly disposables. But the sooner you start, the more choice you’ll have. And the more affordable those choices will seem. Even if you start really small. So let’s look at a few options.

Location Location Location The government and schools will tell you that there’s no such thing as a catchment area. But the reality is that where you live still has a disproportionate impact on the offer of a school place. If you decide that getting into the right school is worth the premium house price, don’t give up if your high street bank turns you down for a mortgage on grounds of affordability. They can only review their own financial products, which may be relatively conservative.

“

Telling everyone to follow my lead is a bit like telling teens to think about their pension from the minute they start earning.

”

benefits, depending on how they go about this. So if you’re a grandparent yourself or you’re thinking of approaching your parents to help out, you really should take professional advice.

Pay As You Go If you’d rather invest directly in a private education, even if it’s a last minute decision, you might be surprised to find that funding the school years may not require you to give up all of your everyday family treats.

All of which is a roundabout way of saying talk to a financial adviser. One who doesn’t focus on the money, but on your hopes for the future. Because that’s really personal. A qualified, ethical, fully independent financial adviser will thoroughly explore your current situation and what might be on your financial horizon, before searching the whole of the market to find a product to match.

Bank Of Gran It’s becoming increasingly common for grandparents to make a financial contribution to their grandchildren’s education. There may even be tax

You should choose someone you like, who will be around as your family grows and to advise you as your circumstances change. Meantime, good luck with this Spring’s National Offer Days. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 59

THE ABARTH 595 WHERE PASSION BEGINS

£950 ABARTH DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION UNTIL 31ST MARCH ^ ABARTH 595 140 HP ON THE ROAD PRICE ABARTH DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION

£14,610 £950

CUSTOMER DEPOSIT

£1,595

AMOUNT OF CREDIT

£12,065

MONTHLY PAYMENT

£189

OPTIONAL FINAL PAYMENT (INCL. £10 OPTION FEE) TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLE BY CUSTOMER DURATION OF CONTRACT (MONTHS) RATE OF INTEREST (FIXED) REPRESENTATIVE

£6,626 £15,025 37 4.78% 4.8% APR

REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE

STURGESS LEICESTER

Aylestone Road, Leicester, Leicestershire LE2 7QN. Tel: 0116 2541717 WWW.STURGESSGROUP.CO.UK Model shown: Abarth 595 140 HP at £14,610 OTR including Officina Red paint. Official fuel consumption figures for Abarth range mpg (l/100km): Combined 45.6 (6.2) – 48.7 (5.8), Urban 34.4 (8.2) – 37.2 (7.6), Extra urban 55.4 (5.1) – 60.1 (4.7), CO2 Emissions: 145 – 134 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO figures are 2

obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. Abarth UK is a trading style of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK Ltd. ^Promotion available on new Abarth 595 models registered by 31st March 2016. Abarth Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Abarth i-Deal PCP. With Abarth iDeal you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Abarth Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL1 0RW.

MIND THE

Gap

Did you resolve to land a new job or promotion this year but have already fallen victim of the ‘confidence gap’? Try these tips to boost your chance of success. Boden

Promote yourself

Claim due credit

We’re conditioned not to blow our own trumpets but while you self-deprecate for England, people with half the knowledge or skills are getting promoted and you’re going to end up working for them. Being good at your job is not enough, people need to know you’re good.

Hate it when someone takes personal credit for a team effort? If you were part of a team success, say so. If the team would not have succeeded without your leadership, vision, expertise or organisational skills, it’s ok to say that too.

Take a compliment So when someone goes out of their way to express their appreciation, instead of mumbling your shortcomings, simply try saying “thank you for noticing”. You’ll have acknowledged, without blowing your trumpet, that you know or do something particularly well. It gets easier.

Learn to ask You don’t need to know everything. Successful people surround themselves with others who know more than they do. And they ask. A lot! So ask for advice, ask for help, ask your boss how s/he got to where s/he is.

You’re not the only one quaking on the inside so feel the fear and fake it til you make it!

Stop apologising There are definitely times when a sorry is necessary, but not just because you have something to say. And definitely not at the start of every sentence. Remember, you’re not the only one suffering imposter syndrome. So feel the fear and ...

Take centre stage If you’re invited to a big meeting, someone believes you have a valuable contribution to make. Reward their faith and behave like you believe it too. Sit at the centre of the table where you’ll be taken seriously or risk watching a junior colleague steal your limelight and your promotion.

Know your worth When you’re offered your dream role, think about that unbelievably cheap “Marc Jacobs” bag on eBay. The one you’re not convinced could be the real deal. Because that’s exactly how an employer might feel about you if you set your price too low. So do your homework and negotiate a fair salary.

Finally, if at first you don’t succeed, ask what you need to do next time and add that to the list. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 61

Cause A ROOM WITH A

HOTEL KITZHOF

With the savvy traveller looking for more than simply four walls and a place to lay their head, we take a look at the hotels that serve up creature comforts alongside social and environmental change. Luxury with a conscience. CROSBY STREET HOTEL

“ rocksresort, Laax, Switzerland Using good design as his guiding principle, Original Reto Gurtner of the 122-room rockresort has created a zero waste mountainside retreat born of the mantra reduce, recycle and reclaim. Put another way, Laax is quite possibly the most sustainable ski resort in the world. The entire mountain is powered by hydroelectricity, biomass heating used throughout, and solar-paneled lift stations are built from local wood, designed to be completely disassembled. The winter season of 2015/16 will see the 30-year-old chairlift replaced, and profits from the sales of the old chairs going to the project “Energie ohne Grenzen” – an aid organisation helping the victims of the earthquakes in Nepal. AnaYela, Marrakech, Morocco A sensitive touch at AnaYela - both spiritually and environmentally speaking - brought the five-room riad in the heady heartland of Marrakech to life. Restoration of the 300-year-old city palace was carried out by hand (without use of electric tools) by more than 100 Moroccan artisans. With the support and preservation of traditional craftsmanship

ROCKSRESORT

With the support and preservation of traditional craftsmanship at the forefront, Andrea Kolb, set out to create experiences that truly touch people.

”

at the forefront, Andrea Kolb, set out to create experiences that truly touch people. In a bid to improve access to education through fair working wages, Kolb has connected young international designers with local craftspeople, giving them global exposure and a successfully sustainable model whereby 50% of profits are reinvested into the community. Crosby Street Hotel, New York, USA With the helping hand of Stonehill & Taylor Architects, Crosby Street Hotel earned its creed as the very first hotel in New York to be awarded Gold LEED standard. Combined initiatives include energy efficient lighting, a stringent recycling program and the preservation of native plant life with a second floor wild woodland meadow. Most remarkable, however, is the 86-room hotel’s rooftop garden. On a previously unused space on the 12th floor, the organic kitchen garden is an urban vegetable patch, supplying the Crosby Street Hotel with fresh seasonal produce. Four Araucana chickens call a Tudor style chicken coop home, and have quickly earned celebrity status with guests and SoHo locals alike.

ANAYELA

Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort, Kitzbühel, Austria An elegant 172-room mountain retreat, Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort lets guests savour the essence of Austrian alpine living, while its commitment to a gentle environmental impact and community integration runs from spa to table. Not only does the building itself boast a solar heated pool, but a spa program with products from the organic line ‘Just Pure’ means a responsible approach to mind and body as well. Additionally, for the milk on its breakfast tables, the resort is committed to a single-family settlement that sustains itself traditionally by attending to just six cows. The farm processes its milk the old-fashioned way, and far from being obsolete, its small-scale organic farming methods seem to be the very key to its success. Source: Design Hotels™, designhotels.com

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2016 63

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years Family driven for over 90 years.

Official fuel consumption in mpg (litres/100km) for the Volkswagen range: urban 60.1 (4.7) – 13.3 (21.2); Extra urban 83.1 (3.4) – 26.9 (10.5); Combined 74.3 (3.8) – 19.5 (14.5). CO2 emissions 99 – 348g/km. Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

PEOPLE & PLACES

UP IN TH E NAPLES AND APULIA

Blazing sunshine, yummy food and stunning architecture

Looking for inspiration for your next big break? Check out ABTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pick of the best places to visit in 2016.

Following significant investment in the city and its infrastructure, 2016 is the year to visit this amazingly vibrant city. Set on a spectacular bay with views of the imposing volcano Vesuvius, Naples is also home to Centro Storico, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

ABU DHABI

21st century luxury meets timeless desert beauty

POLAND

Unspoilt beauty, medieval marvels and charming people In 2015 for the first time Poland entered the top 10 of most visited destinations from the UK. In 2016 the city of Wroclaw will be taking its turn as a European Capital of Culture and will be joining the medieval jewel of Krakow, the historic Baltic port of Gdansk and the capital Warsaw as a sophisticated city break destination.

Other destinations to make the grade are Canada, China, France, Iceland, Iran & Queensland

2016 should see the unveiling of a new landmark art gallery, the Louvre Abu Dhabi. It will join a host of iconic 21st century landmark buildings such as the Etihad Towers, the Emirates Palace and Hazza Bin Zayed stadium, which make Abu Dhabi a byword for luxury and architectural standards.

PERU

Ancient cultures, chocolate stews and white water rafting Peru has always been a firm favourite for backpackers but the introduction of direct flights from London to Lima in summer 2016 will make the journey to this vibrant and varied country that bit easier. Visit the ancient city of Chan Chan and the fortress of Kuelap. Source: ABTA Travel Trends Report 2016

HAWAII

Possibly the closest thing to heaven on earth 2016 marks the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbour which led to the USA entering WW2. It was a momentous event in world history so any visit to Hawaii should include a visit to the USS Arizona memorial on Oahu.

I love all things vintage. Especially clothes and shoes!

Emma Rutland

“There are always things we wish we could do, you just have to wait until the time is right” explains Emma, The Duchess of Rutland.

I left school to train at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. It was my ambition to be an opera singer but it didn’t work out. I love all music and it’s a great honour to be able to host musical events at Belvoir from carol singing with our own Male Voice Choir, the Wassailers or a concert in the park: we’ve welcomed Bryan Ferry, Lulu and Jools Holland, as well as school choirs. I first visited Belvoir Castle to meet my then boyfriend (now my husband) David Granby, and was in total awe of the size of the place. Once married we lived on the estate but it wasn’t until 2000 after my late father-in-law, the 10th Duke of Rutland, died that we moved to the castle. It took a little time to make a new home in the private apartment for a young family. At the time our four children were all under eight. My youngest, Hugo, arrived in 2003. I became CEO in 2011. My children were all away at school and it seemed like a natural opportunity to take over the actual running of the castle and estate. Since then the team have worked together to overhaul the whole estate from improving our properties for tenants, developing a world renowned commercial pheasant and partridge shoot, opening the castle

Last holiday destination

Skiing in Switzerland with my fam ily

MY WAY

I am a farmer’s daughter, born on the Herefordshire/Welsh borders in Powys. I had a wonderful childhood in the country with my ponies and dogs and two brothers. I loved beating on family shoots with my dog, Janie and was active in the pony club. School was at Malvern School for Girls where I boarded until I was 16.

Personal style

I’m a great fan of vintage clothes

Favourite food

I love game

Biggest indulgence

White wine

Best way to relax

Walking, skiing or riding horses Most inspirational woma n

The Queen

for large private and corporate Great read functions Capability Brown - The Omnipoten t and creating Magician by Jane Brown The Duchess Botanicals On my iPod range. More Ed Sheeron recently we have restored the 2,300acre landscape created by the great 18th century landscape architect, Capability Brown for the tercentenary celebrations this year of his birth. The changes we have introduced have not been without their challenges. It was a difficult decision to cut back on public opening days to the castle and gardens; it meant losing staff and reorganising our priorities. It was the right decision because it is more cost effective. This year we are delighted to be able to be open to the public for a longer period to show off our amazing gardens. Running an estate like Belvoir is a journey. Great discoveries are made all the time. When I wrote my first book Belvoir Castle – a thousand years of art, architecture and family we discovered Capability Brown’s plans for the gardens. At the time we couldn’t afford the time or budget to restore them, but I always think if you wait long enough, an opportunity arises.

Porsche recommends

and

If history is any indication, you’re looking at the future of sports cars. The new 911. Ever ahead. For more information call 01162 764488 or visit our Centre.

Porsche Centre Leicester Fletton Close Thurmaston Lane Leicester LE4 9LP Tel. 01162 764488 info@porscheleicester.co.uk www.porscheleicester.co.uk

Official fuel economy figures for the 911 Carrera 4S Coupé in mpg (l/100km): urban 22.8 – 27.4 (12.4 – 10.3), extra urban 41.5 – 42.8 (6.8 – 6.6), combined 31.7 – 35.8 (8.9 – 7.9). CO2 emissions: 204 – 180 g/km. The mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated tests, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.