Lifestyle Editor’s Letter
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Monthly
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We’re slap bang in the middle of summer and I don’t know about you but I am having a ball! And it’s sizzling! I recently held a private cocktail party for a few select guests and MTV turned up to film us. They are making a documentary called Beautiful Liverpool so it was only natural for them to turn up and film us all sipping our Mojitos on a warm summer’s evening in the South Liverpool suburbs. The party was to thank my wonderful interior designer, Paul O’Hare who has made the walls of my house sparkle with swarovski crystal wallpaper amongst other design gems he has created. See all the fabulous pictures inside – and follow me on facebook as well. This month we are celebrating our awesome front cover. Yes, Lifestyle Monthly has an interview with the original pop princess, Kylie Minogue ahead of the release of her new album. Thus proving once again that we are undoubtably THE number one magazine for the region. With us organising the hottest event of the autumn, Liverpool Fashion Week, you need to follow us closely over the next couple of months as we bring you the greatest fashion event Liverpool has ever seen. Five fabulous evenings of catwalk shows ranging from high street retailers, independent boutiques and luxury brands. Thank you to our sponsor, Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa who recognise the importance of this high profile event. We chat to chairman of Thornton Hall, Andrew Thompson, who gives us a glimpse into what we can look forward to at the award winning hotel and spa. Not only can you experience fine dining, but also exquisite spa treatments in first class surroundings. And they will be providing them at Liverpool Fashion Week, which no doubt will see us featured in newspapers and magazines across the country. Already the London fashion scene are buzzing with anticipation. Tickets go on sale mid August so keep your eyes peeled. So as I embark on my annual summer holiday, and no doubt you do too, I wish you a lovely summer holiday, make the most of the light nights, fingers crossed for some lovely weather and I will see you next month when we promise even more fantastic features- if you like boy bands of the 1990s then have we got a surprise for you!
www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk We have less than a 1% return on all our magazine distribution points across the region, making us the most well read free, glossy magazine. What can we do for your business: - Raise your profile - Hold a networking event on your behalf, invite guests and publish pictures on our social pages WHERE CAN YOU FIND US? We have the largest distribution of any free magazine across the region. Lifestyle Monthly is distributed in the larger supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsburys, ASDA, Morrisons), train stations including Liverpool Lime Street, Moorfields, Liverpool Central, throughout the business and financial district and door to door through Liverpool City Centre and Southport's Lord Street.
Amanda Moss, editor
Email: editor@lifestylemonthly.co.uk Phone: 0791 633 2469
WE HAVE MORE FANS ON FACEBOOK THAN ANY OTHER LIVERPOOL MAGAZINE
editor@lifestylemonthly.co.uk
www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk phone
0151 280 0059
2 Barnhill Road, Liverpool, L15 5BE
August 2010
Contents
26
10
30
Andrew Thompson
Chairman of
Thornton Hall
Hotel & Spa
6
News and events
8
Liverpool Fashion Week
10 13 14
Andrew Thompson on why Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa is sponsoring Liverpool Fashion Week
Summer Glow
Kylie Minogue
ahead of her new
album
17
Jade Ainsworth
19
Artist Ria Harding
21
Pickled Walnut
22
Restaurant reviews
Beauty tips from Sian Davies
26
Fashion Putting you in the shade with Steve Collinson
Editor
Amanda Moss
Reporter
Ina Schmidt
Contributor
Jade Ainsworth
Sales Manager
Neil Woods
Aphrodite
Our fabulous fashionista columnist
Singer Daryl Isaacs
at the cocktail party with MTV 30
Red Carpet
33
Rick Vaughn
42
The Property Pro
A rising star in the North West art scene
Bespoke catering company
Amber, Red Perilla, Novotel and The Warehouse kitchen & bar
Kylie Minogue Celebrity Interview
Sales Executives
Danielle Freedman Lee Hagan Lynsey Corkhill
Freelance design
Rachel Morris Damion Elson
Radio City's top DJ and our celebrity columist
with Citylets Liverpool
COMPETITIONS 18 Tickets to Southport Flower Show 39 Tickets to Knowsley Safari Park Tickets to The Christians Designer hair products by Neal & Wolf
Designed by Core Design Group www.coredesigngroup.co.uk
Copyright: Panda Print Ltd. Lifestyle Monthly is a free monthly title. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of each publication. However the publisher does not accept liability for any loss or damage which may arise or result from errors or omissions in advertisement.
News & Events
COACH TOURISTS GET RED CARPET TREATMENT
A TEAM OF CARRAGHER’S
Pilot scheme could be rolled out across the city over next 12months Liverpool City Council’s Tourism Team has launched the Liverpool’s first Coach Welcome Scheme at Liverpool Cathedral to improve the experience at one of the most popular attractions in the North West of England. During the pilot scheme, passengers will get a personalised Liverpool welcome from the Cathedral and will be given information about what there is to see and do in the city at that particular time. The coach driver can also get advice about coach parking in the city centre and enjoy free hospitality in one of the Cathedral’s dining areas.
Tickets for Jamie Carragher's Liverpool XI v Everton XI testimonial are now on sale The Anfield match on Saturday, September 4 celebrate Carragher's illustrious career to date and raise cash for Merseyside children's charities. Players include Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Dietmar Hamann, Jamie Redknapp and Michael Owen with all profits going to good causes via the 23 Foundation. Tickets for the 2pm kick-off are available online at www.liverpoolfc.tv/tickets,
This initiative was introduced to coach operators by The Mersey Partnership at The Best of Britain and Ireland trade fair in mid-March and the Cathedral is set to welcome nearly 10,000 passengers over the summer period.
TATE
In 2009 Liverpool was voted Britain’s favourite city to visit, after the two capital cities of Edinburgh and London, and is now one of the top 6 most visited cities in the UK. Councillor Anna Rothery, Chair of Liverpool City Council’s Culture and Tourism Select Committee, said: “Liverpool is a hugely popular destination for our culture, heritage, shopping and sport but we’re always looking to improve the experience for visitors – and first impressions have a huge impact. The city is world famous for being friendly and this coach scheme builds on a lot of work we did for ‘08 to ensure people receive a welcome befitting the city’s world class offer. The feedback we’ve had so far has been very positive and there’s many more attractions we can work with to raise the bar that bit further.’’
TATE Liverpool is to be given the Freedom of the City in recognition of its two decades as a major cultural presence in the city. The high-profile art gallery, which opened at the Albert Dock in 1988, has exhibited some of the very best displays from the national collection.
Liverpool
It is an integral part of the artistic and cultural life of the city - and is the most visited modern and contemporary art gallery outside London. Since it opened it has hosted more than 150 exhibitions, and in 2008 was responsible for one of the highlights of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture year when it displayed the work of Gustav Klimt. It is currently showcasing the work of Picasso in Picasso: Peace and Freedom. Liverpool’s Lord Mayor Councillor Hazel Williams said: “Tate Liverpool has been an outstanding success and is now a fully established major cultural institution.
“I personally enjoy visiting its thoughtprovoking and high quality exhibitions and it is wonderful to have such an internationally renowned gallery on our doorstep.” Tate Liverpool Director Christoph Grunenberg said: “We are delighted that Tate Liverpool has been admitted to the Freedom Roll of the City. Tate is enormously grateful to the city and the local people who have supported Tate Liverpool since its inception in 1988.”
100 NEW JOBS with training for young adults in LIVERPOOL The WRIGHT Foundation Research Charitywill provide training and six months employment for those aged between 18-24 years, working in conjunction with their exercise event, Exercise4Life. This is the UK’s largest fitness campaign which requires instructors in exercise disciplines to guide the participants in the realms of Nordic and Fitness Walking, Exercise Referral and Level 2 Gym Instructor. Staff of Leisure Centres and Parks will act as mentors to candidates throughout their six months employment period where it is hoped they will progress towards a full time position and possibly go further with an apprenticeship. Councillor Claire Wilner, Liverpool City Council’s Assistant Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “A scheme which provides unemployed people with skills, a healthier life and a solid step on the career ladder is one to be heartily welcomed. The fact that this Exercise4Life programme is being launched in 2010 is also a great boost to Liverpool’s Year of Health and Wellbeing.’’ 6
Lifestyle Monthly
Fashion Week
As tickets go on sale for Liverpool Fashion Week 2010, Lifestyle Monthly chats to our fashion show co-ordinator, Lee Hagan, ahead of what promises to be the hottest fashion event in Merseyside’s diary this year.
opportunity to show the editor my visual creativity which later came with an invitation for me to coordinate this fashion event that she started in 2009. What does your role involve? The first thing I do is research potential participators, boutiques, designers, high street retailers, luxury brands. I then make selections based on the quality of their collections and present the client with an events schedule. Once the catwalk shows are booked, it's then a labour of love for me as I collaborate with the buyers and designers and let the creative juices flow designing hair and make-up, lighting, music and the model casting. What are you most excited about for Liverpool Fashion Week? I find the magnitude of this event very exciting, the celebrities, the venue, the massive retailers such as John Lewis, Next and Gap. A particular highlight for me is the boudoir style, fashion fair that will feature beautiful trinkets and gems from the likes of Hope and Winkle and bespoke pieces from Passion Jewellery. Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa are one of the sponsors in this years event, so aswell as the catwalk shows, have a drink, browse the stores and pamper yourself with beauty products all under one roof. How iconic is Liverpool as a fashionable city? Liverpudlians dress to impress and like to stand out from the crowd. The Style Clinic Boutique owners, Amanda and Esther understand the importance of this and bring unique, innovative brands such as Supertrash into there boutique alongside beautiful evening gowns by Anoushka G Couture. The 'Liverpool Girl' will wear a bold print, appreciate a luxury fabric and finish the look with killer heels. You can find the Style Clinic's winter collection at Liverpool Fashion Week. What do you want to achieve? Bringing the fashion to life and to create stunning visuals for the audience and the national press attending, such as OK! Magazine.
What is your background? In my previous role I was a regional account manager for a natural hair care range in Sydney, Australia. Whilst over seeing the management of 150 accounts, I was allowed a huge creative input working closely with the marketing department, arranging editorial features with the likes of Vogue and GQ Australia. You have lived in Sydney and London yet you find Liverpool the most fashionable place- why? Australia is not known for being a fashion forward country and although they have some great designers like Wayne Cooper and my personal favourite, Brent Wilson, I found it to be quite behind the current trends that where filtering through the high streets in the UK. I decided to go back in time and discovered the vintage district of Surry Hills where I purchased some of the best vintage pieces I own. My most recent vintage piece was from Raiders Vintage, a charcoal grey crusader bag from the 70's at a great price of £30. Raiders Vintage will also be showcasing at Liverpool Fashion Week. What makes you suitable to be the Liverpool Fashion Week co-ordinator? Fashion is a big part of who I am but essentially I am also a very business minded person with corporate experience in account and project management. Through working in the advertising sales department of Lifestyle Monthly magazine, I have been allowed to have creative input and act as an art director with previous editorial features. This gave me the
What is the best thing about your job? The social aspect is fun and glamorous, attending opening nights, launches, luncheons, sports events, concerts and cocktail parties. Last week I was invited to a press launch in Milan and this week I am having lunch with Vivienne Westwood’s people. The part I have most enjoyed is creating a great working relationship with our wonderful editor, Amanda Moss. Her passion for the city and dedication is why Lifestyle Monthly magazine is such a success. What defines fashion? To me fashion is escapism and expression; it is about creating the character you play in life. Attending an important business meeting? Rock a power bag, tailored blazer and a statement accessory to raise your confidence. You don't have to be on holiday in the South of France to wear stripes, chinos and brogues. Live the life you have always imagined, wear your clothes with style and confidence.
Find inspiration for your winter wardrobe at Liverpool Fashion week, organised by Lifestyle Monthly Magazine, October 19th – October 23rd 2010. To book a catwalk show, a stand or buy tickets please visit:
www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk
Lifestyle Monthly
9
Thornton Hall
As Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa signs up to sponsor Liverpool Fashion Week, we chat exclusively to chairman, Andrew Thompson...
What does owning Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa mean to you? Thornton Hall is a family business and I am very proud to have been running it on behalf of the family for the last six years as Managing Director and now as Chairman.
Tell us a bit about the original building? It was originally built in the mid-1800s and was once the home of wealthy shipping merchants the Bamford Brothers. It still retains many of its original features including the oak carvings on the staircase and the ornate leather and mother of pearl embossed ceiling, in what is now our Lawns Restaurant.
What does acquiring the 4* mean to you? Being 4 AA Star is recognition of how far we have come and a reward for the high standards that we have achieved in providing a more attentive and a more personalised service at the right price.
Weddings are popular, what can you offer that no-one else does? We offer a number of things, one is ‘flexibility’ – we pride ourselves on being able to give our brides and grooms exactly what they want and not what we ‘think’ they want, by offering a range of bespoke packages to suit all couples. Secondly there is our staff, who go that ‘extra mile’ to ensure our couples really do have a day to remember. And finally I believe we have one of the best chefs in the North West in David Gillmore, and any couple booking their wedding with us knows that they are going to have some of the finest quality food around – after all we are the only hotel in the area to have achieved two AA Rosette status for fine dining and we hope that with David’s input it will soon be three!
What made you buy Thornton Hall and what was your vision? Thornton Hall Hotel is family owned. My vision is always evolving, I hate standing still. Obviously we have to move with the times as well as the changing needs of the clients, but there are also the physical changes to the property. We have a rolling programme of refurbishment and a number of major development opportunities over the next couple of years. Examples of which are the further extension having received planning permission for 43 bedrooms as well as further development to our award-winning Spa.
You’ve launched a new Fine Dining experience, tell us about the restaurant. Our Lawns Restaurant already has two AA Rosettes for fine dining, and the team we have now is certainly more than capable of receiving three AA Rosette status in the not too distant future. David Gillmore our Executive Chef has created a selection of fantastic menus – suited to all occasions from the intimate dining experience, special occasions or the larger party – examples of which can be seen at www.lawnsrestaurant.co.uk 10
Lifestyle Monthly
Thornton Hall
Do you offer anything exclusive to your customers? We have our ‘Signature Spa day experience’ which is exclusive to Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa, and is a truly pampering day designed to de-stress and rejuvenate our clients.
Have you any more plans for the future? Watch this space! And a typical menu?
How important is customer service?
Whipped Avocado, Poached Scallops, Tomato Jelly and Shellfish Vinaigrette
Our business is all about customer service, and that is down to the team you build around you. Here at Thornton Hall I am very lucky to have such a great team who really care that the customer experience is fantastic, and they all pride themselves on giving four star services every day of the week.
Free Range Goosenargh Chicken, Sage Onion Puree, Crispy Bacon, Red Wine Leg Strawberry Shortcake, Jelly, Sorbet and Clotted Cream Thornton Hall’s own blend of Coffee and Petit Fours
Tell us about the renovations for the Spa?
Why do you think the spa is so popular?
Over the last ten years the Spa has evolved to meet the needs of our clientele. Shortly after the Spa was opened we launched our Hair Spa, giving clients the whole package for hair and beauty treatments. Over the last five years the Spa industry has crossed paths with the Aesthetic industry; again clients wanted more from their beauty salons. This led us to open The Lodge Clinical Spa, situated within the grounds of the hotel in a very private location. This enabled us to offer a wider range of aesthetic procedures such as facial rejuvenation injections, semi permanent make up (also known as cosmetic tattooing), Zoom teeth whitening and much more. And most recently we have launched our brand new ‘Relaxation Suite’, a luxurious and tranquil area for our Spa guests to unwind and relax before and after their treatments. We have imported luxury beds from Bali which our guests will be able to relax on, while being soothed with relaxing music and mood changing walls – the perfect ‘chill out’ area.
What makes your products stand out from everyone else? We offer a wide range of brands such as ESPA and Elemis which are market leaders within the Spa industry offering the most luxurious face and body treatments. Alongside this we specialize in advanced aesthetic procedures such as Intense Pulsed Light for skin rejuvenation and hair removal.
When you go away do you criticise other hotels and restaurants or do you try and blend in? For me, going to another hotel/restaurant is like going on a bus-man’s holiday – you never switch off!
You recently did a photo shoot for OK magazine here – is this going to be a regular thing? We were very proud to be chosen by OK Magazine to feature as their “Spa of the Month”. It raised our profile on a national level and strengthened our position as one of the leading Spas in Merseyside. I would definitely welcome more photo shoots such as this.
Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa Neston Road Thornton Hough Wirral CH63 1JF 0151 336 3938
I’m up at 6.30am to take my son to school, then come into the hotel and see what’s going on (as every day is different). I leave early in the evening, depending on the business, and ‘try’ to find time to relax with my wife and family.
Are you a perfectionist?
£39.95
We are a very well established Spa with highly experienced therapists and technicians, offering a wide range of treatments along with advanced non surgical treatments. The Spa has grown into a destination which our guests travel to for Spa day experiences, enjoying the 4-star facilities that we have to offer.
Talk us through a typical day in your life?
Absolutely.
What makes you happy? My wife and children.
What do you deem as luxury in your life? My wife, motorbike and guitar. Oh, and the odd G&T!
What do you think no one should be without in their life? A sense of humour, and believe me in the hotel trade it is a must.
How did it feel winning Best Spa at the Lifestyle Awards in March? I was delighted and extremely proud of my team!
Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa is sponsoring Liverpool Fashion Week – what are you looking forward to the most about Fashion Week? The models... but don’t tell my wife!
Summer Glow by Sian Davies The weather is certainly brighter and your summer clothes have no doubt been sorted out but what about your make-up bag? Throw out anything over 12 months old and give yourself a perfect summer makeover.... • Protect your skin by using a moisturiser with an SPF Factor of 15 or higher. Use daily and you'll help to combat those early signs of ageing such as sun spots and fine lines. You are exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays even on a cloudy day so apply your SPF moisturiser to a clean face and allow 10 minutes for it to absorb before applying your foundation. Most foundations now come with an SPF Factor in also. • When the warm weather hits, you might find that foundation and powder feels too heavy on your skin. For a fresher, lighter look switch to a tinted moisturiser, apply with a brush as you use a lot less product and can really thin your base out and you'll be sure to get an even/flawless look. A little concealer dabbed under the eye will give added radiance. • One of the easiest ways to achieve a healthy glow is with bronzing powder. Try Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess Soft Duo Bronzer (£25.50), it has a light and a medium shade which blend brilliantly to give your face, shoulders and décolletage that perfect sun kissed look.
• Eyeshadows in lighter, neutral colours are perfect at this time of year. To prevent creasing I always prime the eyes with Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion (£11.50). If it's a really hot day and you don't want anything on the eyes, I'd suggest lining the top lids for definition use a gel liner as once they are on they won't budge! • Waterproof mascara is a summer essential and Lancôme's Hypnôse Waterproof (20.00) is fantastic as it's all about the product as well as the brush, the creamy, supple formula goes on smoothly and doesn't dry out quickly so there is plenty of time to lengthen and separate lashes without any clumping. If you're a sufferer of hay fever, or planning a holiday and want to avoid mascara all together, then eyelash tinting is a great way to darken and define your lashes. • Exposure to sun light takes it's toll on your skin and that includes lips. Remember to regularly exfoliate and keep them moisturised with lip balm.
• Highlighting is also another great way to add contours to your face as well as giving you a radiant complexion, Benefit's Moonbeam (£17.50) is a golden/apricot toned Highlighter, perfect for adding a warm shimmer to tanned or olive skin. • Don't forget your feet! They carry us around all day and sometimes we don't pay them enough attention especially throughout the winter. Build time into your beauty routine and once a week use a pumice stone or foot file and invest in a rich moisturiser to keep them smooth and supple and free from dry and cracked skin. If you would like to contact me for any tips and advice or would like me to demonstrate how to do a particular look in a future issue of Lifestyle Monthly, then email me at info@siandaviesmakeup.co.uk or alternatively get in touch via my Facebook Fan Page (Sian Davies Makeup Artist)
Our fabulous
Fashion Blog
fashionista
Jade Ainsworth SHE’S FEISTY, FASHIONABLE AND FUN!!! I have had a busy few weeks; it has been work, work, work!!! With little time to play!!! I’m not complaining though. I’m really excited for my new up and coming projects but all will be revealed soon so watch this space!!!! I can officially say that i am now the face of Passion Jewellery. I am so proud to be working with such a talented individual and look forward to working with her future designs. I attended the cocktail party of the year at the very successful Amada Moss’s house, editor of Lifestyle Monthly Magazine, and she certainly doesn’t do things by half, what a fantastic night we all had. The designs of Paul O Hare interior designer were exceptional. The Mojitos were great to get us all in the mood and get the party started but Daryl Issacs stole the show with his unforgettable voice. He was out of this world, singing the all time favourite Motown classics. We also continued to film the documentary Beautiful Liverpool. Me with the MTV film crew at Amanda’s cocktail party
My gadget of the week is my new phone. I have got the new Blackberry Bold in white and i love it! It’s my forth Blackberry now and i couldn’t live without one, especially in my line of work. I bought it from the Carphone Warehouse in Speke Retail Park, and the guys there are just fantastic, they really look after me.
These amazing wedges are available from Kurt Geiger from the current Carvela range and are £160 and available in black and beige.
I attended a ball in the city and wore this gorgeous Anoushka G dress that I bought from Style Clinc. Everybody commented on it throughout the night.
I loved it that much that the following day I went back and bought my mum one. Firstly because I love the phone, but secondly because of the service at the Carphone Warehouse is the best.
I have had a great time shopping at the sales lately. I was lucky enough to be invited to the Harvey Nichols sale preview, where i picked up some great bargains. I bought some lovely wedges from Kurt Geiger and stocked up on the summer Juicy Couture collection. I bought three lovely track suits. I know, people think they are chav now but i still think they make your figure look nice and are ideal for the school run or going to the gym. Speaking of the gym I took my fortnightly trip to the Gallery in Old Swan to have my nails done and tried this fantastic cellulite treatment, it’s called Ionithermie. For those of you who have not yet heard of it, it is a proven anti – cellulite treatment, with the benefits of toning and inch loss, it also eliminates localised water retention and flushes out water and toxins. At the moment they are £35 a treatment and you get a free home trial kit. So for those of you who need a quick fix get yourself down there!
Lifestyle Monthly
17
Thursday 19th Sunday 22nd August 2010
Everyone needs a little help with their garden - so how about some tips from Diarmuid Gavin, Professor David Bellamy OBE, Sir Roddy Llewellyn and Professor Stefan Buczacki? They are just some of the celebrity garden experts lined up for this year's Southport Flower Show.
COMPETITION This year’s event has the theme ‘Coast’ to celebrate the stunning seaside location in Victoria Park and will feature the best in horticulture and garden design as well as gourmet foods and entertainment. Visitors will be surrounded by over a million blooms and the stunning Grand Floral Marquee will be packed with spectacular displays from some of the country’s top independent growers. For a touch of glamour and a sparkling reception, visit Ladies’ Day (Friday 20th August) where broadcast journalist Rachel McTavish will compere. Nationally renowned florist Jonathan Moseley will be demonstrating the latest in floral design and Hilary Cookson of fashion store Maureen Cookson, of Whalley, Lancashire, will stage the fashion show. David Jackson, Chief Executive of the Southport Flower Show, said: “Our 2010 show promises to be full of interest, inspiration and involvement. We are working hard to ensure that there is a great line-up of events across the four days and something for everyone to enjoy.” For more details go to www.southportflowershow.co.uk or call 0844 847 1555
To sample the sights and scents of this year’s Southport Flower Show entirely free, enter our exclusive competition. Ten readers have the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to this year’s Southport Flower Show, by answering our multiple choice question: Pelargonium x hortorum is the scientific name for which popular English garden flower? a. b. c.
Geranium Daisy Peony
To enter, please send your answer and your name, address, email and daytime contact number to editor@lifestylemonthly.co.uk by 10 August. The first correct 10 entries out of the postbag will be sent their Southport Flower Show tickets, permitting a day’s entry to the show.
ORRENTO
Italian Restaurant
www.sorrentotp.com
•
opened September 2009
•
contemporary and modern feel
•
• • •
spacious layout with large bar, lounge area and glass roof frontage large open kitchen with wood burner oven parking at rear
capacity over 100 seats
•
ideal for large parties and functions
•
alfresco dining (limited numbers)
• •
outdoor smoking shelter at the back disabled access
S or r e nto Re s tau ra nt For mb y 2 9 T h r ee T un s L an d, Fo rm b y, L 3 7 4 A Q T e l: 01 7 0 4 8 3 0 5 3 8 1 /5 G athu r st r oad , O r r el l Pos t, Wi ga n, W N 5 8 Q J T e l: 01 9 4 2 2 1 8 5 5 5 6/8 R ailw ay road , Ormskirk, L39 2DN T e l: 01 6 9 5 5 7 7 1 0 0
All three restaurant boast the same extensive menu using genuine Italian Products combined with fresh local produce of vegetables, meat and fish
Bespoke catering company, Pickled Walnut, create some of the most beautiful edible creations for private functions. With a host of awards under their aprons, we spoke to founders and chefs, Jamie Anderson and Mark Kershaw.
I love the name Pickled Walnut- where did you get the idea from? When we started the company we wanted a brand name that shouted out quirky original and most importantly unforgettable! Our favourite restaurant was the The Walnut Tree in Aberveganny, Wales, and we always wanted walnut in the name.
What is your background? I'm a chef and worked on the fine dining scene for years in Britain and around the world. It was on a trip to Australia I discovered event catering with the Cirque de Soleuli and have fallen in love with large number catering It is such a buzz to serve great tasting restaurant quality food to 500 discerning diners at once!
How did the company evolve and how long have you been established? The company started life as a fine food shop in Blundellsands and after request after request and several big contract wins, we moved to a much larger premises.We've been going almost 5 years now and every year we enjoyed organic growth through great word of mouth and brand visibility.
What do you offer? We offer a truly bespoke experience which means we give you what you want. It all starts with a blank piece of paper and a host of ideas to make your event/wedding as unique to you as possible!
What are your specialities? We specialise in food that is local by standard but also food that is served with theatre and fun. Remember we cater special occasions so the food should be delicious, fun and memorable.
Who do you ideally like to cater for? Brides/grooms ,events companies, societies etc Anyone who is in need of our services to be honest.
What's your favourite dish? My favourite dish, believe it or not, is bangers and mash with onion rings and red onion gravy. It's just a great complete dish and when its done well its amazing.
Is there a "fashion" in food? There is definitely fashion in food and it generally starts in the fine dining establishments and filters down to your local pub and then ultimately your supermarket!
So what's bang on trend at the moment? Like fashion it's all dependant on choice so there are a few trends. The one most applicable to Pickled Walnut is retro food with things like Queen of Puddings, the jam roly poly and artic roll finding there way back on to the dinner table. It fills clients with nostalgia and good memories which is ultimately what special occasion catering is about!
started 5 years ago and has evolved every year when we change the menus. I think weve got it perfect now but I said that 5 years ago!
What's the most ridiculous request you've been asked? I wouldnt want to say any reqeusts are riduiculous through fear of reprisal from the customers but we did have one client who wanted ostrich egg and soilders after watching the F- Word !
Do you relax when you go our for a meal or do you constantly assess other people's food? When i was a young chef I would tear other peoples food to peices when I went out. Now however its more about service to me I want to be looked after when i dine out. You have to except sometimes that people will have bad days in resturaunts, or maybe youve ordered the wrong thing. I relax when i go out.
What makes you unique? We listen to people its about sanity not vanity if a client wants steak and chips lets give them the best steak and chips they’ve ever had.
Pickled Walnut Walnut House 3 Millbrook Road Wallasey
What's your favourite dish at the moment?
Merseyside
My favourite dish of PW's is our Ballontine of lochfyne Salmon as it has been with us since we
CH41 1FL
Lifestyle Monthly
21
Restaurant & Food
AMBER WINE BAR AND BISTRO Walking off the paved street of Rose Lane, you could be forgiven for entering a traditional Parisian bistro as you open the glass door to Amber. Truly putting cosy ambience at the heart of their ethos, Amber oozes comfortable opulence, with the decadent, cream and silver velvet wallpaper combined with traditional wooden tables and chairs. The bistro restaurant has been wowing the ladies who lunch for several years now and has established itself as the chic place to be seen. Equally inviting at dinner time, it was a dusky and warm summer's evening when we chose to eat there. The staff were immediately attentive yet highly skilled enough to not ask too many questions as we looked through the simple yet mouthwatering and diverse menu. There's a selection of around 10 dishes per course, for starters I had the Asparagus Spears wrapped in parma ham with gruyere and rocket salad with a balsamic dressing. My friend had the South American Mojo Chicken Skewers with a pepper, onion and jalapeno mix with mint yoghurt.
Red Perilla
For mains the carnivore instinct kicked in and I had the signature Amber Burger, a tower of home made beef with all the trimmings including a lovely coleslaw side. Served on a wooden board it looked as delicious as it tasted. My friend had the steak and chips, cooked to perfection, with its juices running and had a side order of olives to accompany it. Despite being full we had to taste the deserts. I tucked into the traditional chocolate brownie with ice cream, my favourite desert so I was suitably qualified to assess it. And I gave it full marks out of ten. My friend had the amaretto brulee with white chocolate and walnut fudge. Amber is understated yet exquisite. With so many eateries along Allerton Road and Rose Lane, this place is unrivalled. The staff deliver service with passion, the ambiance is refreshingly charming and the food is delicious- no wonder they have embarked on outside catering. This is one place not to be missed.
0151 724 5169 www.amberwinebar.com 193-195 Rose Lane, Mossley Hill, Liverpool, L18 5EA
a family run steak house and bar providing customers with the highest quality food and drink. Put to the test, Red Perilla certainly delivered. Owned by award-winning members of the Parry family, the restaurant offers a selection of starters, shared deli boards, mains and sweets to suit all tastes. Upon arrival, we headed through the large bar area and entered the restaurant. Once seated we looked over the menus and selected our wine for the evening, a spicy Shiraz. For a Monday night the restaurant was busy this was probably due to the fantastic week day special offers. There was a table of 4 ladies next to me, a big family birthday and couples galore enjoying the 2 for 1 any main course offer.
Red Perilla ranges from deep red to purple bronze. The large leaves are crinkly or flat with a separate edge and the flower spikes are purple. It is a beautiful plant for the garden, providing vivid contrast to the more usual green herbs. It is sometimes called beefsteak plant because of the colour of its leaves Red Perilla is also the name of a newly opened steak house, luckily 5 minutes from my house just off Allerton Road, start of Smithdown Road. An area full of ambient surroundings, renowned for its culture and vitality. This is
The Specials menu reads as follow: Monday: 2 for 1 on any main course (cheapest course free) Tuesday: Get up to 50% off the food bill, Tables of 2-3 get 20% off, 4-5 get 30%, 6-7 is 40% and 8 or more get a full 50% off the food bill Wednesday: Free bottle of house wine per person when you order a starter and main course Thursday: Steak offer! Order your steak and get a free side order and sauce of your choice. The wine was flowing and I don’t think my wine or water glass was empty once. Efficient, warm and friendly service it is clear this is a family business, yet it was still professional, the food arrived on time and the menu had some superior options.
For starters, we shared a deli board. We opted for ‘Ruby’ consisting of salchichon, sardinillas, alejandro chorizo, southwest cheshire federia cheese, home made pate, artichokes and marinated olives. This was an interesting mix of flavour and textures. It certainly got us in the mood for our mains. My dinner guest went for the big one, fillet steak, medium done with peppercorn sauce and of course, chunky chips. I chose Scottish salmon with cucumber, teriyaki, dill, tarragon, sesame & groundnut oil with an asparagus salad. Both of our mains were delicious, the Salmon melted in my mouth and was full of flavour, the salad was fresh, crisp and presented very nicely. My dinner guest savoured the fillet steak, which was generously proportioned. I couldn’t resist her chunky chips either until it dawned on me that I had a desert to fit in and write about! Not to fear, one of the owners suggested a digestive ice cream to finish, very high end and finished our dining experience perfectly as we chatted with him about his passion for food and about the live music shows held in the bar. If I relocated I would make time to travel and dine at Red Perilla. Not only to experience the stunning food but to have a cocktail in the bar and listen to live music. This Sunday I am taking my family to enjoy a traditional English roast for just £8.95, a great price considering there will be no pots and pans to clean afterwards. 336-338 Smithdown Road Wavertree Merseyside L15 2HD
Tel 0151 522 9333
NOVOTEL
Restaurant & Food 40 Hanover street, Liverpool, L1 4LY, Ph 0871 663 7816
The Novotel on Hanover Street may not be an obvious choice for dining out in Liverpool but bypass this and you are definitely missing out on wonderfully fresh meals and friendly atmosphere in relaxed surroundings. Not only is there outstanding service, but great, delicious food served in a contemporary styled restaurant just across the road from Liverpool One. The Elements menu offers an excellent choice and whether you are staying in the 4 star hotel or not, you can order dishes at any time. There are nibbles to share, such as tapas or Indian or Greek platters, a huge sandwich choice and then the main menu. There’s favourites such as fish and chips and cesear salad, as well as speciality main courses. We chose to dine out at lunch time with the baby, who was an instant hit with staff and had everyone fussing around her. There is an excellent children’s menu and they eat for free when accompanied with parents. So baby Darling had the fish fingers and chips and was presented with a beautifully presented tower of 6 fish fingers, salad on the side and French fries. I opted for the Thai Green Chicken Curry (£14.50) Not one to usually enjoy spicy food the chef made it extra mild to accommodate my taste buds and it was absolutely divine. Accompanying it was a selection of freshly
baked bread which included rosemary and garlic flavour and my favourite, the pecan and raisin bread. My husband had the soup of the day (£4.95) cream of vegetable which I then took off him because it was so nice. This was followed by Lamb Tagine ( £13.95) which was beautifully presented on a bed of fresh green beans and butter beans. For desert I had the white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake (£5.75) and the hubby had the plum and frangipane tart (£5.75) which was swiftly taken off him by the baby who devoured it. So the moral of the tale, Simon, is don’t come out to eat with us because we’ll polish it off! The Novotel is a hidden gem amongst so many eateries. The staff are wonderful, the food is equally as good and the whole experience far surpasses many restaurants we have frequented in town. If we didn’t have to pick the kids up from school, we’d have probably spent the whole afternoon eating and drinking and relaxing there!
WAREHOUSE KITCHEN AND BAR. The Warehouse Kitchen & Bar is a stylish venue tucked down a side street off the main road through in Southport. From arriving there we where greeted with a warm welcome by the friendly and already very helpful staff who had guided us to the location as we were geographically embarrassed! The restaurant itself is a converted warehouse on 2 floors decorated elegantly. Its warm surroundings of dark wood, exposed brick and chandliers make a cosy but classy setting. This place certainly is an upmarket restaurant however it has a very relaxed and family orientated atmosphere. One word to describe the food at the Warehouse is “remarkable”. We both had the crab spring rolls with lime to start which tasted fantastic. My friend had the beautifully presented lobster salad for her main and I had the fillet steak, which I must say is one of the best tasting steaks I have ever had. The presentation of the food was first-class and the portion sizes where just right, leaving a small amount of room for the desert. The sticky toffee pudding was thoroughly
enjoyable and my friend highly recommends the banana and toffee sundae. The menu was a pleasant mix of eastern and western classics so any taste is accounted for. The prices are easily in line with the quality of food you receive, although the prices are not cheap they are not extortionate. The service throughout was exceptional, the staff look after you and manage to do this without being too intrusive. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone for special occasions or for just a nice family gathering and there is also a segregated area should want more privacy for a private party. I can only rate this restaurant 10/10, remarkable food, exceptional service in a fantastic setting. I urge you to try this one.
Warehouse Kitchen & Bar, 30 West Street, Southport, PR8 1QN
Tel: 01704 544662 www.warehousekitchenandbar.com
Celebrity Interview
KYLIE MINOGUE
KYLIE MINOGUE LIFESTYLE MONTHLY was lucky, lucky, lucky to be invited to chat to Kylie Minogue and her record producer, Stuart Price, ahead of her new album, Aphrodite, being released.
Congratulations Kylie, studio album number 11. How does that make you feel? It is kind of unbelievable. I thought the tenth album, X, was a benchmark but this one has just been amazing. It’s been the most amazing experience. What was it about this album and this project that made you want to do it differently to before? The idea (to do it differently) was at the forefront of my mind on this album because I’d had a little niggle with the previous two albums. But the added reason that all of this came around was because of our dear friend, Jake Shears from the Scissor Sisters, who was working in this very studio, as I had started recording my album in various studios around the world. He praised Stuart highly and loves me dearly, and basically pestered me and said “you’ve got to do this, it’ll be so amazing!” Do you regard this album as a return to the dance floor? Or did you never leave? K: Uh, it’s been described as a return to the dance floor; I don’t think I ever totally left but it is a return to form I’d say. S-P: Maybe you were in the “chill out room” for a while. Looking For An Angel, Cupid, Aphrodite… Do you think there’s a celestial feel to the album? K: There is something of a celestial feel throughout the album, definitely not on every track but I think we tapped into that, on the first song we did together ‘Looking For An Angel’. Personally, I’m always attracted to those ethereal, starry, universal ideas. S-P: Maybe because you are one! Just throwing it out there .. everyone’s thinking it .. I’m just saying it! K: Thanks! What does that make this place? If I’m a star then you must be in my cosmos. S-P: Recorded in Heaven. K: Does it get any better than that?!
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This is a much lighter album, was that some sort of reaction to the darker times that you had been through? K: I think a lot of what I do now is, in some way, coloured by the experience I had with illness. I guess I was just feeling like expressing joy at this point, I’d written songs more about that period in my life either on or for the last album, so I didn’t feel like going through those again; this was about this moment, this time, and what a happy experience this has been for me.
S-P: It’s worked!
What is your relationship with love at the moment? K: Jeez!
S-P: Well it wasn’t quite singing it was more of a performance.
K: Shall we tell that little story? S-P: You should yeah. That came from New York as well. K: It did! The soon to be trademarked and copyrighted “Dolly Parton Litmus Test” is a way of, testing a song’s viability as a song without production. He’d get his acoustic guitar out and we’d sing.
K: True. S-P: How long have you got?! S-P: Kylie does the best Dolly Parton impersonation there is on the planet, ever! We figured out that if that worked for any song, and we could see Dolly doing it; then on top of that we could sit down with a guitar and do it like that as well - the song was probably destined for good things. It became, as you say, a sort of litmus test for each song on the record. Subsequently it’s also gone on to be the thing that stays in your head - quite strongly as well!
K: That’s a massive question! A lot of people question why so many pop songs are about love, why operas are so written, why paintings are painted, why we cry during really silly commercials. Love in all its various forms challenges us all the time and I guess you could say this was a little love affair with this album. I loved coming to work and I loved working with Stuart, I think that feeling comes through on the album. S-P: Love is always a great muse for writing songs, but better a muse for being up and down and not plain sailing and I think that gives you ideas, or you have things that you learn over your life that start coming back out in lyrics. I think also you realise that if you’ve felt something then someone else has probably felt it too, and they may have felt it in a different way but there’s a connection there. So it’s a great way of exorcising demons but it’s also a really great way of celebrating stuff as well; more than anything all of the songs on this record in their various guises of love are about a celebration.
What was the most fun that you had on the record? S-P: Well what you probably can’t see is that by mine and Kylie’s feet there’s a little six foot square area that was designated the ‘dance zone’. K: You guys are right in it! You feel some kind of movement? S-P: That was when you knew a song was right, and you knew that it was saying what we wanted to say. K: We’d both be listening in our own world and there’d be the point in the song when the hands would go up! Hands up - good reaction. And of course there was the “Dolly Parton Litmus Test” which I’ve got to tell you has travelled, I’ve been asked so much about that.
K: It does! S-P: And destined Kylie to do it at every dinner party she goes to from this point onwards to the end of time.
“
K: Then as a celebration when it was my last day coming in here to wrap up a couple of things, I took it upon myself to get two of the cheapest, gnarliest, gotnothing-to-do-with-a-naturalfibre-at-all outfits - cowboy and cowgirl. One was couriered here earlier in the day with a message - I can’t remember what I wrote but just reading it you could tell it was in ‘that accent y’all!’
Kylie does the best Dolly Parton impresssion
”
S-P: It mentioned grits in it somewhere as well. K: It did mention grits. So by the time I got here later in the day, I did a quick change at the entrance and walked in to find my “cowboy” with Kenny Rogers blasting out of the stereo, then I came in and punched out a good old rendition of ‘Yeeeeeha!’ with All The Lovers, in “Dolly Parton Litmus Test” style. S-P: We got the baked beans on the fire for that one! K: That was one of our most fun moments. Q: Was this one of the most fun albums you’ve ever made then? K: Yep. Without a doubt!
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The Wirral Kaleidoscope Business of the Month
The busy Wirral is the place to be. A peninsula with a very special touch and feel. Unique and extravagant but still down to earth. In our monthly Kaleidoscope feature we try to introduce you to local businesses and people who are helping to make this county so special.
COMPILED BY INA SCHMIDT
Wirral's new lifestyle portal www.viewwirral.com Updated with engaging news, views, offers and much more… this site provides a complete guide to what's hot and happening across the region. If you are living or just visiting the beautiful Wirral peninsula this site is your online helper and guide. The launch of VIEWWIRRAL.COM was done in style at the WRO Bar in West Kirby. WRO owner Sally Boyd had an other good reason to celebrate on this day as the WRO won this year award for “Best Bar” in the Mersey Partnership Tourism Awards.
(Above) Paula Brown, Ina Schmidt and Alison Hunter enjoying a great launch. (Left) The Team from James & James, with friend. Award winning Kitchen Studio in West Kirby
Have a click and see…
Congratulations from all of us here at Lifestyle Monthly to the WRO team.
Winner of Mersey Tourism Awards 2010 for "BEST BAR" Pictured; Sally Boyd (middle) and her team at the Awards
Milner's - the new Sportsbar in Heswall The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, food and drinks are bar-style and very reasonable prized, the TV screens are huge (8x8), the beergarden is just the perfect place for a cool beer or white wine in the summer time. So what more can you ask for? Milner's is the new sports-bar for the younger crowd but still has an elegant and comfortable feeling. Positioned in the middle of Heswall and with it's own car park at the side, Milner's is a great place to watch any sport tournament live. You can even rent Milner's for your own private party and use their catering service for a delicious buffet dinner.
A moment with... Linda Pelling, one of Wirral's best known photographers actually started her career in the music scene. Being a morris dancer at the age of 11 she later on became a cabaret singer before finally changing her business life to wedding and portrait photograpy. Linda's passion for making ladies and girls look their very best makes her a popular choice when people are seeking a photographer.
Milner's, 59 Milner Road, Heswall, 0151 342 3353
What book are you reading at the moment?
Wirral's Chairstyle creates the “Wow” factor
I just started the first book from Stieg Larsson “The girl with the Dragon tatoo”. Larsson is an accomplished crime writer and I think it's a striking novel written with passion and extraordinary knowledge and intelligence. I definitely have to read the two other books by him.
Specialised on weddings, parties and charity events “Chairstyle“ is the company to get in touch when you plan your event. The service from this family business is second to none and with a wide range of colours and different designs for chairs and tables it just gives this extra little touch of elegance and class to any function.
Who is your perfect dinner date? Well, this will be just a group of good friends. I like going out in a group as this is so much fun.
Where would you take your friends for dinner? I like “da Piero” the traditional Italian Restaurant in Irby and sometimes I even go to Liverpool in the Panoramic Restaurant. The view is just fantastic.
For more information go online: www.Chairstyle.co.uk or call 0151 632 0126
Give us 3 reasons to live on the Wirral?
The Spa at Thornton Hall One of the North West’s leading destination spas, Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa in the Wirral makes sure that every customer’s experience is relaxing and memorable. Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating pleasures of the spa and allow the luxurious treatments to take away the stresses of everyday life. The hotel has a choice of treatments designed to indulge, relax and engage. Guests can choose from a wide range of spa treatments including ESPA face and body treatments, Jessica nails, Hollywood Lashes, Hopi Ear candles, Reflexology and much more or treat themselves to a fashionable new style at The Hair Spa. For those clients wanting a more advanced treatment there is a full range of non surgical treatments within the Lodge Clinical Spa including Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion, CACI facials, Zoom Teeth Whitening and Intense Pulsed Light treatments for hair removal and skin rejuvenation. A variety of Spa Day experiences are available, starting at only £95, and fantastic value overnight experiences from just £80. The Spa team is on hand to answer any questions and offer their expert advice. Visit www.thorntonhallhotel.com/spa or call 0151 353 0116/3737 and begin your Thornton Hall Spa experience.
Wherever I go I am always happy to come back to the Wirral. It's a pretty, friendly and very welcoming place to live and to work. I love it here.
Why did you change your singing career to photography? I have always been passionate about photography. I now do all kinds of photography and still love it when I make people happy with my pictures. To capture the magic moment, just the perfect second when the person in front of you starts to work with the camera, is trusting me, that's always something I am aiming for. For more information go to www.letmeshootyou.co.uk or call Linda on 0151 353 0940
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Ladies Day at Scarisbrick Hall Ladies Day at Scarisbrick Hall and what a scorcher! Ladies were taken to the hall in horse & carriage or open top limousine, and were greeted by girls dancing around the maypole, a hot air balloon was tethered in the grounds, drinks and canapés aplenty with a burst of colour & entertainment everywhere! The day finished with a performance by Abba Dream, followed by a Disco with dancing into the night. “On behalf of ourselves and all the other 185 Ladies we would like to say a big thank you to Mr Borowskii and all the staff for organising such a fabulous day! An extra big thank you to all the performers on the day, we can’t wait to see the theme next year well done to all!” Lynda Headley & Sue Aylmer, Directors of Scarisbrick Hall. A big round of applause must also go to the head Mr Eric Borowski who had arranged the whole day and managed to keep everything top secret from the ladies who watched as each surprise unfolded throughout the day! How will he top that next year! pics: Diane Thompson
Pilot in charge Rob Jones with Rebecca Kay, Annie-May Johnson & Hailey James-Gannon
Directors of Scarisbrick Hall with guests & Mr Eric Borowski
Jedward performed by Aron Headley & Luke Wilkinson
A NIGHT OF STYLE AND BEAUTY
Marco Pierre White’s The Swan Inn
WITH MALMAISON Malmaison teamed up with uber fabulous companies such as Aruna Seth, Kirsty Doyle, Lash Out Lashes, Fake Bake, Estee Lauder, Chocolate Cellar, Urban Calm and Yaffe Fusion for a night of style and beauty. Guests had a relaxed evening in the plush surrounding of the Mals top secret hide aways with Mal Vino and signature Mal Munchies to get the party in full swing. Business Development Manager, Sharon Simons said, “We carefully devised this event to say thank you to our supporters in the local business community. On a quarterly basis we will be throwing these exclusive parties and rewarding Mal fans with our award winning hospitality and lots of goodies.”
Hot Air Balloon in the grounds of Scarisbrick Hall
Marco Pierre White joined diners at his restaurant, The Swan Inn, Aughton, to celebrate the success of its first six months. He said: “The response from the public since opening has been immense, largely due to the choice and quality of food, much of which is sourced locally.” Saira Chaudhry (Anita Roy – Hollyoaks) & Sofia Chaudhry
Marco Pierre White’s The Swan Inn represents a significant coup for Sanguine Hospitality which, with the help of Marco’s long-standing friend and local restaurant entrepreneur Francis Carroll, successfully enticed the TV chef to embark on his first UK venture outside the South of England.
Mia Thomas, Sharon Simons (Malmaison) & Aruna Seth
Pamela Morris (Venture) & Emma Hill (Gossip magazine)
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Helen Wade-Smith, Adam Yaffe & Angela Wade-Smith
l-r Steven Ferguson, Kristina Ferguson, Marco Pierre White
Cocktail party with MTV
Welcome to the
Red Carpet
Lynsey Corkhill & Jade Ainsworth
Editor Amanda Moss opened up her house to 60 guests for a cocktail party to celebrate Paul O’Hare designing her interiors. MTV came to film as part of a documentary called Beautiful People, Camp Cupcakes, Pickled Walnut and Mojito Events provided the first class refreshments and excellent soul singer Daryl Isaacs provided the soul- he was so impressive that he's been booked to perform at the Lifestyle Awards 2011!
singer Daryl Isaacs
(pictured from far left) Tevera Schindler. Amanda Moss and Marc Blankstone of Blankstone Opticians John Bullock of Citylets Liverpool, Kevin Mulligan & Geniene Reese from Novotel Hotel
Left to right... Beverley Rossiter, Candy McCulloch, Lois Lackey, Mark Blankstone (Blankstone Opticians), Stephanie Rooney, Chloe Waters, Jessica Pettifer, Connie Nash
Pics by JEBSMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
Ladies on the loose
Liverpool Tennis Tournament The 9th Liverpool Tennis Tournament Calderstones Park and brilliantly organised once again by Northern Vision attracted some of its biggest crowds to date. The event has grown year on year with Liverpool City Council support and John McEnroe's presence bringing bumper crowds bathed in sunshine for the 5 days.
Chris Roper with friend & Joe Tyrell of Bamboo
'Ladies On The Loose' took place at YaffĂŠ Fusion Art in Southport last month. Whilst the chilled wine flowed, guests enjoyed luxury beauty treatments, gorgeous cupcakes, sparkling jewellery and more!
SPOTTED! (top) Frank McKenna and Roger Jonas (bottom) Tennis legend John McEnroe
Peter Stringfellow with Dean Sullivan and Rick Vaughn in Majorca
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ASK THE EXPERT Personal Injury I had a road traffic accident which was not my fault; I have sustained a personal injury. I have been told by my insurance company that I have to use their panel solicitors. Is this correct?
I was walking along the pavement when I went over on my ankle and tore ligaments. The pavement had a slight raise in it which caused me to go over – is anyone responsible for this and can I make a claim?
No. You are entitled to use a solicitor of your own choice. However, it is quite common for insurance companies to put pressure on you not to do so. Some people can feel quite intimidated by their insurance companies approach, so much so that they find themselves agreeing to use the solicitors suggested by them, even though they have never heard of them or they are based in another part of the country. You must be firm with your insurance company on this point and don’t be bullied by them into using a solicitor you don’t know or don’t have confidence in.
Tripping claims on the highway are notoriously difficult claims to pursue. The Highway Authority have a duty to maintain the highway imposed by Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980, however the Highway Authority will often seek to rely on the “special defence” provided by Section 58 of the Highways Act 1980, by which it is a defence to prove that they had taken such care in all the circumstances as was reasonably required to secure that part of the highway to which the action relates, was not dangerous.
Following a road traffic accident you must inform your own insurance company of the accident, but the sooner you make contact with the solicitor of your own choice, the better. Injuries in road traffic accidents can range from a minor whiplash type injury to very serious injuries. Whatever the level of your injury is, it is important that you have a specialist personal injury solicitor dealing with your claim who can advise you about claiming compensation for your injuries, rehabilitation and claiming for any other damages or losses which you have incurred as a result of the accident. More and more, insurance companies are trying to freeze out solicitors. You may even find that you will be contacted shortly after the accident by the other driver’s insurance company making you an offer to settle your claim for personal injuries there and then. Beware of this approach, as although it may sound appealing, it could have disastrous consequences should you accept the offer as a full and final settlement of your claim and then find that you are more seriously injured that you first thought. Again, all the more reason for contacting the Solicitor of your own choice. It is important that you feel at the end of your claim that you have received the maximum compensation possible for your case. You case can be dealt with on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis and you should always receive 100% of your compensation.
The Highway Authority will attempt to do this by showing that they have a regular system of inspection, maintenance and repair in place. Another stumbling block (no pun intended!) in pursuing a tripping claim is that in order for a defect to be actionable and to be considered dangerous, the defect, in so far as pavements are concerned, has to measure at least one inch (25mm), otherwise it is likely that the claim will fail. Therefore, it is crucial that good photographs are taken showing the defect and its exact measurements. This information can be the difference in your claim succeeding or failing. At EAD, we employ our own in-house Legal Photographer for this purpose, as we realise the importance of it. For example, it could be important in some claims to find out whether the pavement “rocks” as this could be an important factor if, for instance, the defect measured below one inch (25mm). Depending upon the mechanics of your fall it could mean that a claim could be pursued on your behalf in certain circumstances. Sometimes, tripping accidents are considered trivial but people can sustain very serious injuries by tripping or falling on the highway due to a defective pavement. Clearly they are not straightforward cases and therefore, it is vital that you consult a Solicitor who is experienced in dealing with these types of claims who understands the technical defence which may be put forward by the Council and who can obtain the compensation that you are entitled to for your injuries and other losses. There are also many other circumstances where you could be injured on public property and entitled to make a public liability claim. Such claims can be dealt with on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.
Yvonne Rogers, Partner, Personal Injury Yvonne handles personal injury claims including tripping and slipping accidents, road traffic accidents and accidents at work. She also deals with accidents which have arisen in a more obscure and unusual manner and particularly enjoys the challenge of these cases. Yvonne is a member of APIL (Association on Personal Injury Lawyers), Liverpool Law Society and the Association of Women Solicitors.
0151 735 1000 For further details contact us on
Yvonne graduated in Law from the University of Liverpool in 1990 and qualified as a solicitor in 1993, having joined EAD Solicitors two years earlier as a trainee. Yvonne was made a Partner at EAD in 2000. email: yvonne.rogers@eadsolicitors.co.uk
www.eadsolicitors.co.uk
For more information or legal advice, please contact:
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0151 735 1000 www.eadsolicitors.co.uk
Head office: Prospect House, Columbus Quay, Liverpool, L3 4DB
EAD Solicitors LLP Prospect House Columbus Quay Liverpool L3 4DB
y r a i D s s e Fitn of the editor with her personal trainer
Amanda Moss continues her sessions with Lewis Bailey, living up to his deserved reputation as the number one personal trainer in the city.
My time is up. The beach is looming. For 6 months I have ached, sweated and groaned in pursuit of a better body. Next week I fly out to Cyprus and hopefully the work and dedication of dragging myself to Elite Fitness Training through the snow, cold wind, rain and recently muggy heat, has paid off. While I haven’t achieved the size 10 J-Lo body I originally envisaged, I have lost my bingo wings, my waist has shrunk several inches and best of all, my thighs are cellulite free. Six months of lunges have done the job. And my size 14 clothes are very loose- looks like I am in need of a trimmer wardrobe! Two days ago I managed 80 press ups in one session. Incredibly I didn’t ache the next day. I can’t believe how much fitter I am, my skin is glowing, my appetite for chocolate and sugary snacks has shrunk- only slightly but significant enough for me to notice. My children say I am thinner (This whole thing started because my daughter called me fat at Christmas) and I feel a lot better in myself generally.
Lewis
Exercise releases positive endomorphines that make you feel happy, exercise has therefore become a drug to me and I crave my sessions every week. They are a great stress buster. I have had a few sessions with Lewis’s colleague, Kane. In fact I am due to meet him in a couple of hours. Thinking that with Lewis out of the way Kane would go easier on me was a mistake. He had me doing circuit training with 10 kg dumbbells within minutes of me entering the studio. Within half an hour I was gasping for breath and dripping in sweat. Afterwards Lewis said that he has asked Kane to be tough on me. Great. These personal trainers have it in for me. Lewis has told me that if I keep up this dedication I may well be officially thin in another 6 months. When he is not shouting at me to “keep going” and “push harder” he explains that before I met him, because I hadn’t done any serious exercise in over 10 years (shocking isn’t it!) my metabolism is slow and sluggish. Fat deposits built up and over time and are now stubborn to shift and so it’s not going to happen over night. He set me an achievable target of 12 months. I am half way there…. let’s see what happens. Two weeks in the Mediterranean sunshine will be a boost.
Bailey
Lewis Bailey guides you in the right direction Times have changed dramatically over the last 30 years. Today we are 3 times more stressed than our grandparents were. We now live in an age of serious inactivity, high demanding jobs, bills, children, impossible deadlines and traffic to name a few stresses and that’s without even going into the stress of relationships these days. No matter where you live in the Western world we cannot avoid these stressful situations. Over the last 5 years I have found that the majority of my clients are stressed and this seriously affects their weight loss goals. So how does stress make you fat? Without going into too much technical detail, we produce certain stress hormones which cause a number of chemical changes around the body. This reaction is the body’s own protection system that is preparing us to fight the danger or run away from it. Blood is directed away from the internal organs and to the muscles in preparation to defend our selves, as a result the digestive system is affected and many of our normal bodily functions completely
slow down. To give you an example, think about when you have been waiting in the queue for a scary roller coaster ride at a theme park, you probably felt your mouth drying up, your heart rate increasing, palms of you’re hands sweaty but feel cold….does this sound familiar? The last thing you feel like doing is eating, your digestive system had pretty much stopped but after it has all past you probably feel the urge to stuff your face with sugary foods. This is a typical stress response and may not happen every day but the smaller stresses in life have the same affect without you knowing. Put simply the more you release your stress hormones the more the body will try to rebalance as much as possible and after long periods of time will stop producing these hormones as the glands producing them become fatigued. Once we loose the ability to produce these hormones the fat burning cycle is greatly restricted, metabolism is seriously affected and we cannot burn fat but have
the ability to store more of it. So if you find yourself not losing any weight and have tried diet and exercise then you will probably have a hormonal imbalance which stress will certainly play a major part of. At Elite we are qualified to deal with all these issues that affect the body allowing us to achieve 100% success rate with our clients. We are currently offering stress management courses to companies with over 10 employee’s for very little cost. We work with businesses over a 12 month period to help reduce stress within the workplace which provides a more productive, efficient and happier work force. So if you are a part of a company that feels that you would benefit from having a stress free, efficient workforce or if you suffer from stress yourself and would like some one to one coaching then call Lewis on 07771 533 408 or e-mail lewis@elitefitnessconsultants.co.uk we would love to help you!
If you want to find out more on what to do for exercise then visit my website www.elitefitnessconsultants.co.uk and go to the exercise library page or if you wish to book in for a free exercise session then contact me on 07771 533 408 or lewis@elitefitnessconsultants.co.uk
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Here at the Leisure Lakes Golf Academy we are offering ladies the opportunity to try golf for free on one of our Free Ladies Coffee Mornings. It is an ideal chance to have a go at this fantastic game in the company of like minded aspiring lady golfers and receive the expert advice from our fully qualified Pga Professionals. We have a 26 bay floodlight driving range, full short game practice facility, 9-hole golf course and cafe, ideal for taking your first few steps towards becoming a golfer. Golf can be quite a daunting prospect but here we offer a relaxed, friendly fun environment to learn and to play. We can offer all you need to get started including equipment to use so it keeps the initial costs down and when you feel ready and are hooked on this brilliant game our Professionals can help you make the right choices in choosing the right clubs for you, and also the best way to purse your golfing path.
We have a large number of lady members all of whom started from the very beginning in a similar fashion on a free taster session who have now become seasoned golfers, entering and indeed winning numerous of our fun competitions, and also going on to join 18 hole golf courses.
So don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to see if you could become one of these ladies who is now enjoying new friendships and playing a wonderful game.
Please contact us on 01772 815842 to enquire about available dates and times or for further information.
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