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Update 8 subtitles with: Time for gin o’clock? Spiced rhubarb cake recipe Heckfield Place: The wait is over. As island in the mountains Rare brand founder stories The wellness retreat Cosy up to luxury knitwear Changing season lifestyle edit
Food Travel People Life
Issue 02 Autumn 2018
make shopping rare again! At the Rare Brand Market we are passionate about uncovering brands and supporting small, interesting independents. We celebrate all products and services, as long as they are rare! Visit us at one of our pop-up lifestyle shopping events or why not join The Rare Brand Club, our new online free personal shopping service.
ETAIL service coming soon
To Join our C lub there is no charge. Simply sign up on our homepage and we will personally assist you to find the rare product or service you require. It may be for someone in your life or it may be for you!
Please visit our website to find out more about our 2018 pop-up lifestyle shopping events which run throughout the year in fabulous venues.
www.therarebrandmarket.co.uk
welcome Welcome to the second issue of RARE, our in-house magazine celebrating all things RARE in Food, Travel, People and Life. The second issue of our seasonal publication reflects the new ideas and energy of Autumn which are typically generated after summer downtime. The magazine is organised into Food, Travel, People and Life sections to make it easier to flick through and get to what you’re interested in! All the Rare and Emerging brands featured are Independents we work with through our pop-up markets and events and love shining the spotlight on! Don’t miss the Rare Recipes or The Wait is Over, the launch of the UK rarest hotel. My company, The Rare Brand Market, celebrates independent brands and products that are genuinely RARE and which often have the most wonderful back stories. If you love what we are doing, whether you are a customer or own a rare brand yourself, then please join our Club! For customers, you get FREE Personal Shopping and for brands we will help you engage more with your target customers via pop-up retail, social media, social media etail and Advertising and PR… We think shopping should be totally pleasurable and believe there is an art to shopping wisely.
Life is about Engagement…we just love it to be Rare…. Finally, we are delighted that so many rare brands have signed up to our forthcoming events. Please see the inside back cover of this magazine for details of where you can find us popping up!
Emma Schwarz, Founder
RARE 6
Food Travel 12
TIME FOR GIN O’CLOCK?
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BLACKBERRY BIRCHER MUESLI
SPICED RHUBARB CAKE
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HARVEST BROTH
CHOCOLATE, ORANGE AND BEETROOT BROWNIES
THE WAIT IS OVER
People Life
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AN ISLAND IN THE MOUNTAINS
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BIRDIE LONDON: founder story MILINA: founder story
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HAWKINS BROS: FOUNDER STORY
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MISTY: FOUNDER STORY
WELLNESS RETREAT - OUR EDIT!
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AVLAKI: founder story
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COSY UP TO THOSE IN THE KNOW
LIFESTYLE EDIT: CHANGING WITH THE SEASONS
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FOOD
TIME FOR GIN O’CLOCK? WRITTEN BY HILARY PARSONS
First it was the rise of small-scale, locally-made beers and wines which satisfied the demand for a more unique taste. The Guardian reported, as evidence of the craft beer boom, that more than 300 brewers opened in 2016, reversing the consolidation of beer trade over the past seventy years. English wine has been an incredible success story over the last decade; there are now over 600 vineyards in England with production set to double in the next 2 years. And, one of our very own rare brands, Hawkins Bros. which produces awardwinning wines from its Surrey vineyard is champion of this new wave of high quality winemakers. According to the Wine and Spirits Trade Association chief executive Miles Beale, the quality of English and Welsh wine is now “so widely recognised, the wine industry’s newest challenge is meeting growing demand.”
‘gin-naissance’ and craft cocktail boom is fueled by a consumer interest in trying new spirit drinks, learning about their provenance and how they are crafted. Something that The Rare Brand Market celebrated by curating a successful Gin Garden at Goodwood earlier this year.
Our fondness for the drink once known as Mother’s Ruin has resulted in gin and mixer menus being commonplace in bars. We’ve marvelled at the proliferation of small gin brands with different tastes, stories and quirky bottles. A variety of flavours amongst premium mixers such as Fentimans have been developed to complement our choice of gin. There’s a sense of excitement around the gin experience whether that’s the balloon-shaped glass or a sprig of rosemary rather than the traditional ice and a slice. It’s even led to the first ever ginOver the last couple of years, it is craft Gins created by inspired botanical Gin Spa in Glasgow offering a juniper foot individuals which have driven the market rather than their more soak and a gin bar. And, there’s fun to be had by adults going faceless, multinational competitors. Demand for interesting back to school – you can enrol with the Salcombe Distilling Co. gins made by small-scale artisan producers has driven a nearGin School where you take charge of a beautiful mini copper pot 20% rise in the total amount of this juniper berry-based spirit still to develop and distill your very own 70cl bottle of gin. sold. The Drinks Business reported that a total of 49 new distilleries opened in 2017 bringing the overall UK total to So, with our insatiable appetite for craft drinks, what is likely 315, and according to MiLes Beale, gin is the key driver in this to be the next tipple of choice? Although I’d be reluctant to surge of new distillery openings. In the year ending September give up a chilled rosé or a tall gin and tonic, I am tempted by 2017, Brits purchased a record 47 million bottles of gin, up 7 the modern twist on whisky with brands such as Stag’s Breath million bottles compared to the previous year. The so-called Liqueur made with the finest Speyside whiskies blended with
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Craft Gins created by individuals have driven the market rather than faceless, competitors.
fermented comb honey and packaged in a square-edged bottle with a label inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. And it’s not just pirates who have all the fun. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the emergence of craft rum. Old Salt Rum, for example, is one of the few rums to be entirely produced in the UK; made from a careful selection of molasses and raw sugar cane by the English Spirit Distillery in Halstead, Essex. Fermented and then distilled three times, the sweet rum with hints of banoffee and treacle makes a delicious mojito cocktail. www.blackdowncellar.co.uk www.hawkinsbros.co.uk www.luftbremzer.com
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wellness wednesdays recipe
BLACKBERRY BIRCHER MUESLI PREP TIME 10 MINS. SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS 100g RARE QNOLA 100g porridge oats 400ml apple juice 1 small apple, washed, cored and finely chopped 200g frozen, fresh or defrosted blackberries 100g Greek-style low-fat yoghurt 50g toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds RARE THE SHEFFIELD HONEY COMPANY METHOD Put the oats and RARE QNOLA in a large bowl and pour over the apple juice. Cover with clingfilm and put in the fridge to soak for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. When ready to eat, add the chopped apple or mango to the bottom of a glass, layer over the yogurt and add the soaked muesli. Scatted the toasted seeds over the top. Add RARE THE SHEFFIELD HONEY COMPANY honey on top to complete this dish perfectly.
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wellness wednesdays recipe
SPICED RHUBARB CAKE PREP TIME 30 MINS. BAKE TIME 1 HOUR . SERVES 8
INGREDIENTS X8 stems of rhubarb 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 1/4 cup boiling water 1 egg lightly beaten 1/2 cup coconut oil melted 1 tsp vanilla essence 1 cup almond flour 1/2 cup coconut flour 1/2 tsp of each RARE ROOTED SPICE NUTMEG, CARDOMMON AND MAHLAB
FOR THE TOPPING: 1 nectarine sliced 1 plum sliced 1 - 2 tbsp honey 1 tsp ground cinnamon
METHOD No sugar, gluten or dairy in this cake which is made with the best of everything! What do I mean by the best of everything? Well, it’s full of fruity, nutty, coconutty flavours which makes it completely YUM, with no funny business, meaning: nothing that’s bad for you! The healthiest, gluten free, dairy free and sugar free vegan brunch cake! Not to mention easy to make, fruity, and totally scrumptious. This is the ideal brunch or breakfast cake!
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wellness wednesdays recipe
HARVEST BROTH
PREP TIME 30 MINS. BAKE TIME 1 HOUR. SERVES 8 INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons of olive oil 3 medium carrots, chopped 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 4 cloves of garlic, minced 2 heaped cups of butternut squash, chopped 2 medium red potatoes, chopped 1 large courgette, chopped 1 1/2 cups of cabbage, chopped 1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of salt 1/2 teaspoon of ground sage 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon of all-spice 1.4 ltr RARE BOROUGH BROTH CO. BEEF BONE BROTH 6 springs of thyme 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, juice included 2 cups of kale, chopped
METHOD In a large pot over medium heat, heat the oil and then add in the onion and carrot. SautĂŠ, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the veggies begin to soften. Add in the garlic and sautĂŠ for another couple minutes. Add in the butternut squash, potatoes, courgette, and cabbage as well as the salt and spices. Stir to mix it all up. Add in the broth, tomatoes (juices and all), and the thyme. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes. Add in the kale, stir, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Once the kale is fully wilted, the soup is ready. Discard the thyme sprigs before serving and add in a bit more salt and pepper if needed.
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wellness wednesdays recipe
CHOCOLATE, ORANGE AND BEETROOT BROWNIES PREP TIME 20 MINS. BAKE TIME 1 HOUR. SERVES 10 INGREDIENTS 3 small uncooked beetroots 9 ounces good-quality unsweetened chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids) 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
1¼ cups superfine sugar 3 free-range eggsZest of 1 orange and juice of ½ 1¼ cups self-rising flour 1/2 cup RARE THE RAW CHOCOLATE CO CACAO NIBS 1 cup coco powder Crème fraîche, to serve
METHOD Orange is a good friend of both beetroot and chocolate, and all of the flavours combine to make one hell of a good brownie. Boil up your beetroots until tender to the point of a knife, about 30 minutes, then let cool enough to peel. In a food processor or blender, blend to apurée and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and line a large baking pan at least ¾-inch deep. Break the chocolate into pieces and place in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water. Add the butter in cubes and let melt, stirring once or twice. In another bowl, beat the sugar with the eggs until smooth and creamy. Stir in the melted chocolate, orange zest and juice, and puréed beetroot, then sift in the flour and stir until combined. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. If you plan to reheat the brownies before serving, stick to 15 minutes, or even less if you like a gooey brownie! Serve with crème fraîche and decorate with walnuts.
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TRAVEL
THE WAIT IS OVER WRITTEN BY HILARY PARSONS
There is much excitement in The Rare Brand Market HQ with the opening of the long-awaited Heckfield Place Hotel in Hampshire. After a delay of six years, in which time several high profile managers and chefs left before it opened its doors, Boston-based billionaire Gerald Chan’s luxury country house hotel is finally on the map, and “it was worth the wait” according to The Telegraph’s hotel expert, Fiona Duncan. The 18th-century Georgian manor house and farm, originally owned by the Shaw-Lefevre family and set in 400 acres of secluded Hampshire countryside near Hook, was supposed to open in time for the London Olympics. Gerald Chan bought Heckfield Place almost 20 years ago, when it was being run as a corporate training centre, and many of its beautiful original features were hidden. He got planning permission in 2009 and proceeded to sink a fortune into restoration involving more than 100 separate planning applications. The main house has a morning room; a drawing room where light pours in from both directions; the ‘Moon Bar’; two restaurants, Marle and the more intimate Hearth restaurant in converted stables where meats will be cooked on the open fire; a 67-cover underground cinema with bar, which will open for public
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screenings; a wine cellar; the Little Bothy spa with a 17-metre pool, 7 treatment rooms, exclusive Wildsmith skincare products, classes by Bodyism, the world’s leading holistic wellness company; and meeting rooms for private gatherings. Situated in the extensive grounds, is a 2-bedroom cottage; walled gardens; the Sun House which will be available for private dining; the hotel’s farm; a kitchen garden; greenhouses; an orchard; woodlands; two lakes and a biomass energy centre. The landscape reflects the work of William Wildsmith, a noted gardener employed by the property’s first owners, the Shaw-Lefevres, and who dug lakes and planted rare trees including a Lebanese cedar and a Monterey pine which now tower above the lake. Olivia Richli, the general manager previously ran Soneva Jani, one of the most opulent resorts in the Maldives, and before that Aman’s hotels in Sri Lanka and Venice. Ben Thompson, the 34-year old interior designer originally recruited to renovate one of the outbuildings in the grounds, and then taken on to rescue the hotel was motivated by the owner’s desire for the hotel to “feel like a relative’s country house — laid back but of a very special quality”. The old house, which is grand if not palatial, has 12 elegant rooms upstairs. The remaining 34 are spread among sprawling north wings and courtyards, some of which have been rebuilt, all of which are designed to follow the trajectory of the sun.
The hotel feels like a relative’s country house — laid back but of a very special quality! Skye Gyngell, formerly Petersham Nurseries, has remained with the hotel since its inception and is the culinary director of the hotel’s two restaurants. (Chan also backs Gyngell’s Somerset House restaurant, Spring). Gyngell has been preparing menus with just five main courses each night. The orchard’s 700 trees have matured and are laden with apples and plums. The farm’s herd of Jersey cows will produce milk and cheese. “It’s just a question of how much bounty we can get from this place,” says Gyngell. A fleet of Land Rovers can pick up guests from Hook station, 10 minutes to the south (and an hour by train from Waterloo). And if that’s not enough to tempt you, Heckfield Place run events for curious minds, described as “a space to unearth, reconnect and rediscover” through The Assembly Programme. The Rare Brand Market will be attending one such Assembly called The Value of Food which will explore why it’s the soil that defines good food, led by culinary director Skye Gyngell; Rory O’Connell, founder of the Ballymaloe Cookery School; Blanche Vaughan, food writer, food editor for House & Garden and Allan Jenkins, editor of Observer Food Monthly.
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AN ISLAND IN THE MOUNTAINS WRITTEN BY HILARY PARSONS
With memories of the summer holidays still fresh in the mind, we often start the Autumn with renewed energy and a joie de vivre. To help maintain this positivity, why not put those longer evenings to good use and spend some time planning your next break. One rare find that’s caught our eye is the Vigilius Mountain Resort in the Germanic part of northern Italy known as South Tyrol. The perfect place to recharge the soul. In purest crisp Alpine air, 1,500 meters above sea level, the Vigilius Mountain Resort is accessible exclusively by cable car. Not only a rare start to a holiday but with no roads, guests also benefit from little noise. Surrounded by the dramatic views of the Dolomites, which are ever-changing in colour, this mountain hideaway revolves around nature and landscape. The east/west-facing guestrooms and enormous picture window and terraces of
An exclusive refuge to indulge, relax and fully detach to find tranquillity, serenity and inner peace. I-escape describe the Vigilius Mountain Resort as a “super-cool ecoretreat in Italy’s South Tyrol, mixing über architecture, frosted Alpine peaks and a spa with altitude” The Vigilius Mountain Resort nestles quietly into a forested landscape of larch trees and provides a unique view of the surrounding Dolomites.
Architect Matteo Thun’s “organic” style uses wood and glass in a way that aims to shrink the difference between architecture and nature to a near imperceptible nuance. The 41-room resort places an intimate dialogue between man and nature above all else in its design. Traditional Tyrolean meets warm minimalism. The ecologically friendly approach includes a grass-covered roof, the use of natural larch wood throughout and internally heated clay walls in each the hedonistic spa make the most of the sunrises and sunsets. Unique room that warm the interiors in the most efficient and pleasant way autumnal-inspired interiors and fine Alpine and North Italian cuisine possible. help you to leave any cares and worries far below. Trip Advisor customer reviews include “The hotel is quiet, service exquisite and the location on top of the mountain simply a perfect “The personal contact and regular visits to the farms and fields are place to relax and recharge. Their gourmet restaurant is great, the very important to me,” says chef de cuisine Filippo Zoncato, whose dishes like handmade pici with black truffle and suckling calf from Val spa impeccable and with authentically professional service”. Luxury Travel Magazine reported that the hotel “represents the bright future Sarentino with marinated artichokes, parsnip puree, and liquorice of elite hospitality”. are a local phenomenon.
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‘The perfect place to recharge the soul.’ Included in your stay is the lift pass for the cable car to the hotel and also the chairlift to the top of the mountain from where there are multiple hiking trails ranging from easy 1hr walks to full day hikes. If you want to participate, the hotel offers archery classes, hikes, gym classes and onsite para tandem para gliding. For a more relaxing experience, there is a spa, indoor pool, evening film screenings, an outdoor terrace with sun loungers overlooking spectacular mountain views and a free aperitif every evening.
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Fouder Story
Theresa Ashurst & Justine Johnson, Birdie London founders.
Both from a background in Fashion and PR, they embarked on a mission to design and manufacture the perfect range of active & après sportswear. So they set up their partnership last Autumn to fill a much needed gap in the market. Working with the finest Italian merino wool, from their own designs and made here in the UK. Merino wool is the perfect natural fibre for their venture as it regulates your body heat, hence, perfect for sport. In addition the jumpers are seamless for a smooth, comfortable fit and therefore don’t bobble or snag.
By keeping their choice of colours and designs in line with the latest catwalk trends, ensures you are able to wear these jumpers through the day. So far our customers have bought our jumpers for many different sports, including, golf, riding, tennis, skiing, with others as the perfect accompaniment to a pair of jeans or a floaty summer skirt. The latest collection includes a range of fine merino roll necks with fine stripes running around the torso and arms. Perfect as a base layer for a cold day or just on its own when the sun is out. 16
Made in Britain. This luxurious active & après wear, made from the finest merino wool, is designed for the style conscious with an eye for detail. Merino is the perfect natural fibre for any sport as it regulates your body temperature. So, whether you are playing golf, tennis, riding or skiing, you not only look good, but you feel good too. With discreet branding, our range of styles can take you through the day.
www.birdie.london
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Fouder Story
Milina Lunavat, an innovator amongst London jewellery designers is the face behind Milina London’s timeless pieces. Having graduated from the London School of Economics, Milina worked in the Banking industry in London for several years. However, after the birth of her first child in 2007, she knew she wanted a change, and decided to set up her own business. Milina’s love and passion for jewellery stems from her childhood, growing up in India. For her family, jewellery is more than just an accessory, it is a piece of art passed down through the generations. Inspired by her upbringing and keen to work with other artisan jewellers across the world, Milina London became a way for her to channel her creativity and passion whilst working collaboratively with other designers and skilled artisans. 18
W W W. M I L I N A L O N D O N . C O M MILINA LONDON SOURCES, DESIGNS AND MAKES BEAUTIFUL, TIMELESS JEWELLERY USING MAINLY STERLING SILVER, NATURAL STONES AND FRESHWATER PEARLS. BESPOKE SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR SPECIAL CREATIONS USING GOLD AND PRECIOUS STONES INCLUDING DIAMONDS AND EMERALDS. EVERY PIECE OF JEWELLERY IS HAND CHECKED BY MILINA PERSONALLY BEFORE IT IS RECEIVED BY YOU.
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AN ECLECTIC M IX OF F OU N D OBJECT AR T, M IX ED M EDIA & ALT ER N ATIV E CR AF TS Founded in 2015 by Janice Kalsi, Moo and the Magpie has grown into a unique destination for those seeking a curated mix of art, taxidermy, jewellery, gifts and home décor to reflect a more individual personal style.
mooandthemagpie.co.uk
IOUS PREC A QUE TURN O A UNI T N I ART ITEM E OF PIEC
ATE PRIV IONS MISS LE M O C LAB I A V A
Sister company, StudioMoo, is a husband and wife design partnership based in Chichester. Our successful backgrounds as Creative Directors combine to bring oodles of experience crafted over too many decades to mention!
janice@studiomoo.uk | studiomoo.uk
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MM RareBrand-Ad.indd 1
22/08/2018 17:18
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RUTH MASTENBROEK is Britain’s first classically-trained nose with her own independent brand. Having created fragrances for some of the world’s most iconic brands, her exquisite collection is a culmination of 40 years of perfumery experience and passion. Each of Ruth’s perfumes is a masterpiece that takes two or three years to develop, crafted using some of the best ingredients the world has to offer. Borne of her curiosity in the world and in people, and how to express emotion through fragrance; every drop tells a story.
www. ru t hm a s t e nbr o e k .c o m
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Founder Story Briton Natalie Ween was born in Shanghai and has fond memories of her Nanny (politely known as “amah”) cooking a great array of Chinese dishes, using fresh ingredients. The desire for fresh ingredients matches the philosophy of Avlaki.
Her successful upmarket olive oil is now being enjoyed by discerning Chinese as well as many overseas markets, and of course the UK, where Natalie has been based since 1957. Despite Avlaki’s success, Wheen says the journey of creating this business was almost an accident. It started in 1996 when she and a painter friend, Deborah MacMillan, pooled resources to buy a small, run-down property by the sea in Greece as an escape from the stress of their professional lives. Wheen says. But what they did not realise is that in order to have the legal right to restore the property, they needed to buy more adjoining land which they did and this inspired them to start up an olive oil business, because they realised that the uncultivated olive trees were a great asset. Their olives, long left uncultivated, were different from neighbouring olive oil farms where trees are grown with heavy use of pesticides. Wheen says the nearby farms’ trees were wrecked by aggressive harvesting, and newly harvested olives were crushed when they were dumped into massive sacks and processed in unsanitary mills. The farm is also grown in a strictly organic way, and now the fields bloom with lots of wildflowers and teem with wildlife. 22
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www.oliveoilavlaki.co All our oils are bottled unfiltered within weeks of harvesting the olives to capture the amazing aroma & taste of freshly milled olive oil.
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With sumptuous scents, natural plant-based wax and super burn times, SevenSeventeen candles help carve out calm amidst the chaos. Bestowing the finest throw and glow, each candle is hand-poured in England and paired with its own soothing mantra to match the mood of its fragrance.
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Founder Story Mother of three boys, Dr Joanna Helcké (PhD) is a leading UK expert in pregnancy and postnatal fitness who has won numerous national awards for her work in this field, including the fitness industry’s highly prestigious FitPro Award of Excellence in Fitness in 2014 and the Hero Instructor award 2016. She is the founder and director of the multi-award winning FitBumpBox brand. Joanna is a regular contributor of expert comment to national magazines such as Mother&Baby and newspapers including the Daily Mail. She has also written material for books such as The Dos and Don’ts of Pregnancy by Louise Baty (2015) and Mother&Baby Pregnancy Milestones by Hannah Fox (2016).
Joanna regularly writes researched articles for the fitness industry’s leading magazine, FitPro; is a Group Fit ambassador; public speaker at events like The Baby Show and the fitness industry’s largest annual convention - with over 100,000 visitors - Body Power. Following a Facebook live interview with baby food guru, Annabel Karmel, Jo is now the fitness expert on Annabel’s website. Recently, she featured on the Sky TV show A Different kind of Woman.
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A comprehensive online pre and postnatal exercise programme brought to you by Dr Joanna HelckĂŠ, the multi-award winning fitness expert. Join today or purchase this as a gift for a loved one for just ÂŁ69 and get the fabulous FitBumpBox completely free!! Please visit www.fitbumpboxoffer.com
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Three grey was bore out of a desire to create different and unusual looks using vintage, reclaimed or indeed new pieces. I love mixing looks around with colour and texture. It is also a desire to create that unusual, feel good shop that seems to be disappearing rapidly.
www.th r e e g r e y.o r g
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Unique Stylish Seasonal Accessorises from Wandering Bee Bespoke hand embroidered wool scarves, wraps and loops in a variety of designs with and without fur. Luxurious scarves in knitted cashmere and silk with suede edging or tassel finish. Leather bags in various shapes and sizes. From brightly coloured clutches and purses to new slouch bags in a variety of colours and animal prints to suit any occasion.
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Founder Story
Simon and James, the eponymous Hawkins Bros, sell English wines exclusively. Based in the courtyard at Secrett’s Farm Shop, Milford, Surrey, they sell direct to customers from their shop or offer free delivery for orders over £100 bought online. English wine has been an incredible success story over the last decade. There are now over 600 vineyards in England with production set to double in the next 2 years. England’s winemakers produce world-beating sparkling wines and their still whites and reds are increasingly winning awards at international competitions with an emerging, unique, “English style” of wine. The Hawkins Bros. are champions of this new wave of high quality winemakers and are thrilled that their crowd-pleasing Brut Reserve won a Bronze Medal at the Decanter World Wine awards and their newly released Rosé Reserve, with its ripe strawberry bouquet and long, crisp finish, is proving a firm favourite already. The best way to find out about English wine is to taste it. Hawkins Bros. always have bottles open so invite you to pop in to their shop or come to one of their tasting evenings to give your taste buds a treat. 30
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Come and Taste these award winning wines at The Rare Brand Christmas Market in Winchester & at the Chichester Ox Market.
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Founder Story
Cashmere oh cashmere! I’ve mumbled in delight over the word for years as I’ve battled twenty Autumns, Winters and chilly Springs, in our home in a small village near Lewes, nestled in the Sussex Downs where ‘turning the heating on’ simply refers to putting another log on the fire. Cashmere - such an evocative word - has always epitomised soft comfort and luxurious warmth whatever the season. A few years ago my frustration with outdated styles, thin cashmere knits and growing price tags led me to act. My mission was simple: I wanted to create beautiful cashmere garments for the busy country-living woman that had a thicker knit for a warmer, softer and more durable effect. I also wanted a healthier mix of functionality, fashion and value for money that I felt was absent in the current cashmere market. Our Cashmere comes from Inner Mongolia and is designed to specific knit weights. Our customers, men and women, can choose jumpers and cardigans that range from light weight to thicker knits (although cashmere is always light to wear) according to their function and customers preference. We use cashmere that is socially and responsibly produced. Misty Cashmere is my fledgling business and it is a joy to see it take flight. I’m taking immense delight in the creative opportunity of it. I work from home and where I can I use local businesses I know and trust to support new designs; the trim cashmere cardigan is designed in Sussex, printed on silk in Uckfield and sewn on by hand in my office. Misty (my Labrador inspiration!) is always somewhere nearby. From Mongolian Steppe to Sussex Downs we hope you enjoy our cashmere!
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life WELLNESS RETREATS – OUR EDIT WRITTEN BY HILARY PARSONS
Do you like me, have a few friends who have been lucky enough to disappear occasionally on a wellness retreat? Enticed by the idea of regaining energy, escaping the everyday and helping you rediscover who you are and equipping you with the tools to become who you want to be, I have been investigating what retreats are available. Well, ‘edit’ in the title is a little misleading as The Rare Brand Market thinks that there is only one retreat worth booking, and that’s our Wellness Wednesday Annual Retreat? We have chosen the very exclusive Hound Lodge, in the midst of Goodwood’s 12,000 acre estate where life flows at a different pace. This magnificent 10-bedroom country retreat is booked for our exclusive use. Home of the world’s first major foxhunt and the very reason the first Duke of Richmond bought a house at Goodwood in 1697,The Kennels, and later Hound Lodge were considered to be the most luxurious dog houses in the world. In a manner typical of English aristocracy, the Duke was renowned for spending far more time and money on his hounds and horses than on his friends and guests. He even famously installed central heating in The Kennels 100
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years before the human owners were able to enjoy it at Goodwood House. Hound Lodge has recently been completely restored for humans to enjoy and the butler and chef will make sure you are well looked after at all times. Everything about the experience is relaxed and totally unique. Most retreats involve a week away, often in far-off locations but that feels indulgent for us time-poor who can’t afford to take a week out of our schedule or be away from family . Our retreat will be a mid-week break taking place on Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th February 2019. Overnight, if you can make it or there will be a day ticket available. This retreat offers you the chance to immerse yourself in two days’ education and wellness.We have focused on the most popular Wellness Wednesday evening themes, those being gut health, functional medicine, ayurvedic medicine, skin care and ageing well after 40. Please contact events@therarebrandmarket.co.uk to book your place. This exclusive wellness retreat has just 25 places available.
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www.gabrellevary.co.uk
www.jogordon.com
COSY UP TO THOSE IN THE KNOW WRITTEN BY HILARY PARSONS
After a glorious summer of seemingly endless sunshine and temperatures to match those BBQ’s, you’re now entering that time of year when you may not be so confident that the outfit you choose at the start of the day is going to see you through until ‘home time’. Layering is key and indulging in a well-made woolen garment will equip you for those frosty starts in the morning and when the sun starts to dip. But looking in my wardrobe, I’m greeted with a collection of neon-tipped jumpers or the obligatory star. So, if you fancy lowering the dial on the day-glo colour to be more in keeping with those Autumnal hues or not feeling like a walking advertisement for Brian Cox’s astronomy, what else is on offer?
crafters and mills. Jo says “they are the best at what they do and supply a quality and authenticity that is at the heart of what I produce”. These manufacturers are also collaborators – like the friends, artists and designers Jo often works with. Together they discover ways to interpret particular specialisms whether that’s using a production method in an unexpected way, reinterpreting an old technique or resurrecting an archived, vintage pattern. Consistently inspired by process and an understanding of manufacture allows Jo to find ways to mix the old with the new.
Colour is also an important ingredient in her work. Jo often uses complex colour and pattern on simple forms to dramatically change context and mood. It can be cool, Catwalk trends of graphic prints, variations of camel colour, sophisticated, sombre or frivolous: It can be reminiscent or it blankets worn as coats, colour-blocking and boho can be spotted can be unfamiliar. amongst knitwear collections. These are some of the rare brands we fancy cosying up to for AW18. Gabrielle Vary set up her luxury knitwear business after graduating from Winchester University. Growing up near the Jo Gordon loves working with wool, an honest, functional creative hub of Brighton fuelled her love for colour and pattern, material. Her native Scotland has a long history of making and and she has always been inspired by the colourful city, beautiful producing the best knitwear in the world, often by small-scale Sussex coast and the rugged South Downs. Now, from her small
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www.misspompom.com
www.eribe.com
studio in Sussex, Gabrielle creates every design. Each piece of knitwear is made on vintage knitting machines, using traditional hand-crafted techniques, by Gabrielle and her small team of knitters. Using the softest British spun lambs wool, Gabrielle Vary creates unique pieces.
gone global’, ERIBÉ prides itself on creating quality knitwear to suit a variety of body shapes, skin-tones and cultures and has an avid fan-base around the world. Employing knitwear designers who are specialists in their field, especially in the heritage knitting technique Fairisle (Fair Isle), ERIBÉ loves to mix patterns, colours and yarns together in an innovative way for women, men and children, and also interiors. The ERIBÉ collection features distinctive machine-knitted and hand-framed styles using natural fibres like lambswool or merino, which keep you truly warm. A champion of Made in Scotland, ERIBÉ currently knits an impressive 87% of its collection in Scotland.
Gabrielle Vary says “I absolutely love what I do and feel lucky every day to be working on something that I’m so passionate about! Each piece of knitwear is made with love and care and I hope you love the collection as much as I do.” Stylish and functional knitwear is very much the ethos of rare brand, Birdie London which designs and manufactures a range of active and après sportswear. Their collection is made in the UK from 100% Merino wool, a naturally luxurious fabric which doesn’t bobble, and provides warmth on a cool day whilst allowing the body to breathe and stay fresh. Customers have bought Birdie jumpers for a wide range of sports including golf, skiing, cycling, rock climbing and riding, with others wearing them as the perfect accompaniment to a pair of jeans or floaty skirt. We turn our attention back to Scotland and to ERIBÉ, a knitwear design house and manufacturer based in the Scottish Borders, established in 1986. Thought of as a ‘cottage industry
Miss PomPom is an independent knitted accessories brand based in Brixton, South London. Designers Bronwyn and Emily create colourful, contemporary knit pieces like oversized scarves, chunky bobble hats and cute fingerless gloves, almost always with a pompom! All Miss Pompom knitwear is made from Italian yarns in a small factory in Istanbul, Turkey and sold in carefully selected boutiques throughout the UK and Europe. Sustainability and traceability issues are important to Miss Pompom which endeavours to be as transparent as possible about raw materials and processes.
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lifestyle edit
Changing with the seasons! Now that we’re transitioning from summer to winter, are you ready to swap your flip flops for boots, kaftan for a warm coat or sun cap for a stylish hat? The Rare Brand Market has picked some of its favourite autumn buys so that you can be ready for the change in season!
Designed for all kinds of weather, the original Muck Boot Company has a range of stylish and practical footwear for men, women and kids. So much more choice than welly boots! Its handy online guide shows the footwear most suitable for different outdoor activities including dog walking, riding and those cold urban winters. Shop online or find your nearest store by phoning 0800 587 0509. The Muck Boot Company 100% waterproof leather Liberty range includes this £135 lace-up wedge boot available in black, brown or cordovan and for even more down and dirty days, a leather ankle boot for sale at £130 available in black or brown. www.muckbootcompany.co.uk
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Enjoy RARE feet!
Designed by Daisy Hare in the UK and handcrafted in Spain, Dukes Boots is a purveyor of luxury handmade leather boots, again with styles for men, women and children. It turns out that boots have run in Daisy’s family for decades being responsible for the design of the R. Soles Cowboy Boots once sold on the Kings Rd. Hand crafted using the highest quality natural materials by traditional Spanish artisans. The good news is that just like us this British designed boot get better with age. Kids have all the fun with coloured detail in the Blundstone 143 Chelsea boot for £59. The Gloss Yard Chelsea boot for chaps sells for £179.95 and in addition to Chelsea boots for women, the Nellie riding boots for £285 have caught my eye. So that no one gets their hands on your’s, Dukes Boots even offers a monogramming service. www.dukesboots.com
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lifestyle edit Rare Pear has made our edit and not just because it shares the ‘rare’ name. Employing skilled, local craftsmen who apply their extraordinary skill and passion, Rare Pear has produced unique shoes and bags in its Devon studio since 2015. Perfect for pairing with palazzo or tailored trousers, check out the Bella footwear collection in different colours, materials and trims. Bella Paisley £90, Heart and Peachy both £100. www.rarepear.co.uk
Knowing that we lose one-third of our body heat through our heads is a great excuse to purchase a hat for the Autumn. We love this chic fur felt Fedora Trilby from Pink Avocet which at the time of writing was on special offer at £79.You can also shop for elegant, high quality shawls, tunics, gilets and accessories using Toscana Sheepskin and Cashmere from the UK and Italy. www.pinkavocet.com
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From its Lindfield and Horsham shops, Doodie Stark introduces new labels such as Pyrus, Crime London, Fabienne Chapot, American Vintage and Wyse London every season and replenishes stock every 3-4 weeks so there’s plenty of opportunity to add new and enticing items to your Autumn wardrobe. www.doodiestark.co.uk
For an updated design on a classic coat, The Coat Co. is the place to go this Autumn. Made from a luxurious blend of Mongolian cashmere and wool (75% Cashmere, 25% Wool), all coats are hand sewn and available in sizes UK 8-14. We love the rare bespoke linings, painted by up and coming artists whose work deserves to be seen. The Nicky £395 and with bespoke lining £425.
Why wait for the snow to indulge in Snow Finel’s British made ski wear? The high quality merino wool knit traps air to keep your body temperature regulated during exercise and apres-ski. Base layers, jumpers, hats and more besides are available for men and women. Ladies merino wool and cashmere jumper £120 and men’s zip baselayer £85 shown here.
www.thecoatco.com
www.snowfinel.co.uk
And you can commission your very own Fedora hat by visiting the Facebook page of Hayfield England or @hayfieldcountrysidecrafts with hats starting from £40 and removable feather pins £17-£65. Available in a range of colours and sizes. These hats are 100% wool and crushable, shower proof and with a 100% leather band.
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wellness wednesdays speakers
We know Wellness and living as healthily and happily as possible is high on the agenda for our customers. Self care and wellness have never been more important for living in today’s modern world. We are passionate about finding Rare Brands and businesses who are doing something unique, so we have applied this to the Wellness sector.
Welne
Wednesdays
So, one Wednesday a month come and enjoy an evening of Wellness Education and Inspiration! Each scheduled Wednesday we will have up to two great speakers and there will always be a splattering of retail from some newly discovered Rare Brands. Tickets for each evening are ONLY £20. Invest in your health & self care, if you don’t who will!
New monthly event
26th September - The future of health screening & Boosting your mood 17th October - Tanya Borowski - Gut Health is Clever Health 14th November - staying Young over 40, the power of your mindset 12th December - nutrition putting the right things in your body We will be holding this new event at The Oxmarket Gallery which is a CHICHESTER CITY CENTRE LOCATION, PO19 1YH. All our Wellness Wednesday events start at 8pm with the doors opening at 7:30pm.
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events ‘18 Following the success of our previous Wellness Wednesdays events which have seen speakers talk on a wide variety of topical health and wellbeing issues, we are excited to let you know about another couple of dates. Please visit www.therarebrandmarket.co.uk/wellness-wednesdays to find out more and to book your place.
26th September - The future of health screening & Boosting your mood 17th October - Tanya Borowski - Gut Health is Clever Health 14th November - staying Young over 40, the power of your mindset 12th December - nutrition putting the right things in your body Christmas Markets We are thrilled to be back for a second year at The Guildhall, Winchester. And, after listening to our customers, we are pleased to be able to offer extended opening hours until 8pm on the first date. 14th - 15th November It will be our 9th year at Goodwood! Spread over three days including Saturday shopping, you will be able to find unique gifts from a range of clothing, accessories, beauty, furniture, food, drink and lifestyle brands. 22nd - 23rd - 24th November le sty e f i l from ds! -up Pop opping e’ bran sh g ‘rar rgin eme
A Very Stylish
Christmas Market!
We all want to surprise and delight our loved ones at Christmas, so join us for the ultimate Christmas Market!
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Thank you for reading
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