Absolutely Essex July 2021 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

ESSEX

Essex JULY 2021 / £3.95

PLUS NAOMI ISTED

Chatting to Newhall's busiest mum •

SPACE TO PLAY

Why we are making full use of Markshall Estate • JULY 2021

CHIGWELL CHIC

TRAVEL SPECIAL

Make the most of the UK's best surﬁng spots

Celebrating 35 years of Debra's Boutique •

NUTS AND BOLTS Exploring the magic at Eat Natural's Halstead HQ

Dressed to

ABSOLUTELY-ESSEX.CO.UK

IMPRESS BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE £10M RENOVATION OF THE GEORGE HOTEL IN COLCHESTER

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents J U LY 2 0 2 1

18 14

C U LT U R E NAOMI ISTED

INTERIORS 44 CHARLESTED

THE GEORGE HOTEL

52 BATHROOMS

MARKSHALL ESTATE

59 PATTERNS

Meeting Newhall's busiest mum

Inside the £10m renovation

Exploring the scenic setting

Brightening up our homes

It's time to enjoy a night on the tiles

Add a colourful twist to your interiors

FOOD & DRINK 28 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y 62 DEBRA CHIGWELL

30 EAT NATURAL

64 THE SHOOT

33 DESTINATION DINING

70 JEWELLERY

News from the industry

Food full of goodness in Halstead

At Channels Estate in Chelmsford

Celebrating the boutique that opened in 1986

A B S O L U T E LY- E S S E X .C O. U K The online guide to inspirational living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

Summer clothing whatever the weather

Glitter with some beachy vibes

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EDITOR MARK KEBBLE DIGITAL EDITOR LAYLA TURNER ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MAGAZINE MANAGER PATRICK DUNNE MEDIA CONSULTANT CELIA GREGORY BRAND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER NAVINDER LALL FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 07862004024 or email: celia@zest-media.com

Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588 Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. Social icon

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Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELYESSEX T wi t t e r @ESSEXABSOLUTELY In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELYESSEX We b si t e

absolutely-essex.co.uk

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LISA BONE

Welcome

In the second of our special guest introductions, Lisa Bone – strategic tourism manager of Visit Essex – talks about why there is nowhere better to be than home

THE EDITOR'S July issue highlights

Our Remedy The Leigh business putting us first

have worked in tourism for over 20 years. To me there is no better place to promote than Essex, a county that is often misunderstood with so many hidden treasures. Visit Essex is the county’s tourism organisation, a public, private partnership with over 250 tourism and hospitality members. Our purpose is to promote Essex as an amazing destination and get people to come and visit. Did you know tourism contributes £3.5billion to the Essex economy every year? People often think tourism is about travelling far away; however, we also encourage local residents to discover the places on their doorstep, to go to a different area in Essex or visit an attraction they haven’t been to before. Essex offers a rich tapestry of everything that makes England great. Boasting beautiful coastline, the oldest recorded town, the world’s longest pleasure pier and over 200 attractions. So whether it is shopping, paddle boarding, giraffe feeding, wine tasting, glamping, gardens, stately homes or even seal watching you are into, we really do have it all. It has been well reported over the past year that tourism and hospitality businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic. Whilst the industry is bouncing back, attractions, pubs, and restaurants really do need support from local visitors. The vast majority of the tourism businesses have signed up to the We’re Good to Go national scheme, which means they have worked hard to put COVID secure measures in place. Many are operating at limited capacity and require forward bookings so please check with the venue or on the Visit Essex website before visiting. And remember, if you have a booking please stick to it, please look after your environment and surroundings by taking litter home and being considerate to others – and, above all, have fun this summer making memories close to home.

O N T H E C OV E R Photographer: Catherine Harbour Stylist: Antonia Kraskowski Hair & makeup: Caroline Piasecki using Vanderohe Model: Violet Budd at Premier Fashion Assistant: Gavrielle Weiss Location: The George Hotel, Colchester suryahotels.co.uk/thegeorgehotel • Model wears: Mini dress, £845, REDValentino at Fenwick fenwick.co.uk

Markshall Estate Celebrating the lockdown lifesaver

CharlesTed

Luxury interiors with its heart in Essex

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

FIVEPM SW I M Founded in 2019, Five PM Swim breaks the codes of seriousness in luxury with a playful attitude that is designed to bring a smile and happiness to those who encounter the brand. Pulling references from art and pop culture, with a touch of nostalgic and vintage references, Five PM Swim is defined by its unique quirkiness. fivepmswim.com

WHISTLES The Whistles pre-fall collection revolves around easy colours, fabrics with a natural handle, and sustainable pieces. whistles.com

BA BY LO N STO R E N The 2021 Mourvèdre Rosé is a dry and elegant wine that embodies ﬂowers, gardens and the great outdoors. It's the official rosé of this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. £14.90 shop.thenewtinsomerset.com

H OT P OT T E RY Born out of a passion for entertaining and travel, Hot Pottery is a ceramics brand that’s home to traditional, handmade splatterware from Puglia, Italy. From £12.50 libertylondon.com

PENDLE HARTE

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

AT E L I E R V M The Cristal necklace is a delicately crafted 18 carat gold piece by Italian fine jewellery designers, Atelier VM, with a pink opal pendant. £325 libertylondon.com

RIANNA + NINA

ROBINSON PELHAM

Rianna has hand-selected remnant fabrics from their archives and revitalized them by hand in their Berlin atelier into a stunning series of bracelets, belts, and headpieces. The new accessories feature vintage rhinestones and semi-diamond encrusted brooches from the 1950s alongside Afghan pearl embellishment medallions riannaandnina.com

We love the Stud Club Watermelon set with tsavorite and pinks sapphires in 14ct yellow gold, £650 robinsonpelham.com

A NEW TRIBE This pink vase is hand-made and hand-painted by Sophie Alda in her studio in Bristol. From £60 anewtribe.co.uk

AMELIE'S FOLLIES Thanks to an expert fitting service, your swimwear can fit as well as your favourite bra. Choose from a vast selection at Amelie's Follies. ameliesfollies.co.uk

PENELOPE C H I LV E R S The High Sevillana Dali has beautiful woven velvet ribbon work and is authentically made by hand in Spain. £129 penelopechilvers.com

EDITOR’S PICK

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C U LT U R E

WISE WORDS EA FESTIVAL. 31 JULY-1 AUGUST HEDINGHAM CASTLE

With just weeks to go until the inaugural EA Festival, a stunning new sculpture exhibition in the grounds of Hedingham Castle and a curated retail marketplace have now been announced. These final elements join the full programme of talks, panel discussions, events, exhibitions and performances to create a festival with something for everyone. eafestival.com

THE KEEP SUNSET AT HEDINGHAM CASTLE

Agenda 12 • Naomi Isted 14 • The George Hotel 18 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda J U LY ' S H O T T E S T H A P P E N I N G S

EV E N T

Wild Yoga 17-18 July SOUTHEND-ON-SEA Tap Into your ‘zen’ and unlock your inner strength with this two day Immersion with Christopher Gladwell. This event is designed to help you use the power of your breath, body and mind. Expect to create optimal states of ﬂow, and boost the coherence of the relationship between your body, emotions and mind. stayhappening.com

EV E N T

RADFEST

James Cook

Welcoming the easing of lockdown, this year marks the 10th birthday of RADFEST, and encourages all the riders out there, from far and beyond, to come together after some lengthy time apart. With the light at the end of the tunnel ﬁnally appearing, what better way to celebrate than with sunshine, good music, bikes, and space for camping with your friends and family.

2-31 July WO N KY W H E E L , F I N C H I N G F I E L D This exhibition by talented Essex based typewriter artist James Cook will showcase a collection of his more recent works, exploring the architectural and historical landmarks of the Essex countryside inspired by where he grew up and has lived during the recent COVID lockdowns. wonky-wheel.co.uk

H I GHWO O D • 9- 11 JULY

A RT

radicalbikes.co.uk

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CULTURE • WHAT'S ON

EV E N T

Nuclear Races 3-4 July B R E N T WO O D Nuclear Races challenge all levels of ﬁtness ability and ages, testing courage, determination, teamwork and physical strength. Based on permanent farmland with mud, woods, rivers, lakes and ﬁelds, Nuclear pushes participant’s limits over a fun combination of big and small obstacles packed on award winning courses that are mixed up at every event. nuclear-races.co.uk

S H OW

STO P P ER Support the theatre by heading to the West End

ABBA MANIA Mamma Mia fans will rejoice at the news that Abba Mania is back at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Delighting fans with their renditions of famous ABBA songs from Waterloo to Super Trooper, the tribute band keeps audiences dancing (from your seats, for now) with their show-stopping outﬁts and amazing voices. abbamania.com

E X H I B I T I O N

NO COMPLY

This Month’s Must See

19 July-19 September SOMERSET HOUSE This July, Somerset House invites guests to visit its free exhibition, No Comply. The exhibition will explore the phenomena of skateboarding and the impact of its culture and communities on the UK. Bringing together elements of photography, ﬁlm, fashion, design and independent print, No Comply seeks to unpack the dynamic story of skateboarding within the UK. somersethouse.org.uk

HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL

J U R A S SIC E NC OU N T E R

24 JU LY- 10 AUGUST • GROVELAN DS PARK

et ready for the most roar-some family event of the summer as Jurassic Encounter comes to London. From 24 July-10 August in Grovelands Park, roam a forgotten world with over 50 animatronic dinosaurs on display. If you thought Jurassic Park was impressive, then think again. The Bourne, N14 6RA enﬁeldfestivals.co.uk

The hit West End musical will be reopening its doors (with limited capacity audience until 18 July), to wow fans with the award-winning production of Hairspray, choreographed by Jerry Mitchell and directed by Jack O’Brien. We can’t wait. hairspraythemusical.co.uk

MAGIC MIKE LIVE Plan the ultimate girls' day out at Magic Mike Live at The Hippodrome Casino. Presented by Channing Tatum, the event is an unforgettable night of dancing, singing and laughing. Treat your guests to a night of bubbles with a bottomless prosecco package that’s guaranteed to get you dancing along. magicmikelondon.co.uk

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“I always believe being out of your comfort zone is very healthy”

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

Going with

the

F LO W Essex’s Naomi Isted may well be one of the busiest people in the media industry right now – and much of it stems from a positive outlook on life By MARK KEBBLE

am getting flustered. In front of me are a whole host of print outs and press releases that cover the career of Newhall local Naomi Isted and I am losing track of things. If I can’t even handle that relatively simple task, how does Isted – a mum to Rocco and Fleur, no less – manage it? “I kind of ask myself that every day!” she laughs. “But I actually had a DNA fitness report once and the results said that I don’t require a lot of sleep. I do love to sleep, but I don’t need a lot of it. My husband could be snoring at 10.30pm, whereas I will still be having ideas, making notes before normally nodding off at 12.30am, and then I get up at 5.30am.” Even in the space of 19 hours, there’s a lot to do. The broadcast journalist is a regular on our TV screens, an in demand content creator online, is a property developer and works with a whole host of charities. Even going into lockdown couldn’t stop this relentless force of nature. “In the first month of the lockdown, I had a lot of big travel campaigns planned that I couldn’t do. So I thought, OK, let’s use this time

to do some research, take time out with the kids, and re-evaluate,” she says. “I have been using the time to study interiors and also to study the mind. I have written my first children’s book too. It’s basically everything I believe in put into a children’s book. It’s attempting to get children to think that if they believe they can achieve something, then they can do it – and if negative things are thrown at you, you just need to keep going. I want to implement the law of attraction for children, and I do that with my own children anyway. I tell them that if they are grumpy and rude, they will not have a very good day. But if they are grateful and happy, then things will flow and grow…” This relentlessly positive outlook is partly why Isted has been successful in so many different strands of life. “At the age of four or five I was already putting on theatrical performances for my parents,” she laughs at the memory. “Then I was involved in theatre, music, singing, playing piano, and as I got older I would do public speaking, radio, write for magazines. I found it quite natural to go and study media production and journalism.”

Isted trained in Scotland and cut her teeth on regionals there – “You have to learn to work in all areas,” she says on the importance of that time – before moving south and continuing to develop her TV career, ending up travelling the world working on a wine show. “It was with a small crew, so I would write my own scripts, I always had that really good grounding to cover all bases. I found it an easy experience to multi-task.” Next came opportunities to move to the States, but she met her husband Haydn and stayed put, deciding to specialise in fashion journalism. She went on to write for The Evening Standard and became a regular on the front row at London Fashion Week, with her standing in the industry leading to a rather unique gig on the stage show, the Dreamgirls. “My agent called me and said they wanted me to style their publicity campaign, which took me by surprise,” she says, “It was out of my comfort zone, but I always believe that being out of your comfort zone is a very healthy thing to do. I want to push myself and knowledge is power. I read, I learn, I study, A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW WITH PERSONAL TRAINER GLENN SHELFORD

I never think you can be arrogant enough to believe you know everything. With the Dreamgirls, that opportunity did scare the life out of me, but I pulled it off and it looked amazing. My career has been like that, every month is different – if things quieten down, I think what else can I dip into.” Isted is a regular on social media, which has become another important facet of her career. “I love the freedom and creativity of digital,” she says, “but I also think personally it has become monotonous. I don’t copy anyone, I am just myself. I love what I do for social, but I don’t think people understand the amount of work that goes into it. You might see me sitting on a beach, but not realise I have been up at 5am, getting the kids ready, had a long day of filming… People just see me sitting on a beach!” Unsurprisingly, given the world we live in, Isted hasn’t been immune from the negative side to social media. “There was a press story that came out when I was travelling in first class [on a plane] and my husband and kids were in economy,” she recounts. “I was on a work trip and I didn’t want to leave my kids in the UK. I was preparing a lot of scripts, so upgraded and I got a lot of backlash about that. The trolls were horrendous. My husband was waking up in the middle of the night deleting messages before I read them because I would have been heart-broken. I think people really need to think before they put anything negative online. In our industry people can put on a smiley face, but behind closed doors they could be depressed, they could be suffering mental health issues… I just think people have got to be kinder.” In other words, more like Naomi Isted. “I always try to spread positivity on my Instagram stories and I try to inspire other people to make the best of themselves. My charity work is an extension of that, trying DOWN HALL IS A LOCAL HAUNT

to give back and help others,” she says on being involved with everything from Dogs Trust to the Pink Ribbon Foundation. The conversation could continue, but Isted is off to start working on yet another venture. “Myself and my personal trainer, Glenn Shelford, who is Harlow based, are doing a busy mums 30-day workout, which I will be filming this month. Our aim is to show simply how to incorporate some exercise and healthier eating choices into your every day life and week. I am no fitness expert and I love my food and wine, but I also love to try and do some form of exercise daily and try to eat healthier through the week so I can have the weekends off with a nice meal out, or takeaway and some wine! I have not got ripped abs and you are beautiful and perfect just as you are, but you will feel so much better if you squeeze in a 15-20 minutes workout 4-5 days a week, along with healthier eating choices, which we also supply in this course, and you will gradually see changes in your body, mind, energy and skin.” Maybe she only needs four hours of sleep. Listen out for a new weekly magazine show hosted by Naomi Isted with inspiring content and guests to help you gain a #successmindset. Follow Naomi and learn more about Fit Mums in 30 on Instagram @naomikisted and @ultimatelifestylist THE FOOD AT SMITH'S IMPRESSES

Naomi Isted’s

E S S E X H OT S P OT S NEW GROUND COFFEE IN NEWHALL What they are doing is bringing the Soho House vibe to a small community in Essex and I absolutely love it. They do the most amazing breakfasts and lunches. • SMITH’S IN ONGAR This is a treat for birthdays and anniversaries. My husband’s birthday is two days apart from mine and the restaurant wasn’t open during lockdown, but I could order for takeaway and we could have it in the garden. I missed it so much. • CHEQUERS IN M ATC H I N G G R E E N This is ideal for a lovely country pub type venue, the food there is amazing. • D OW N H A L L That’s just around the corner. I love to go there with my husband, or with the kids, I had my daughter’s birthday there. We have stayed there a lot.

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If walls

COULD TALK The George Hotel in Colchester has ﬁve centuries worth of stories to tell – but its latest chapter could be the most intriguing yet

By MARK KEBBLE

ith a history of over 500 years, The George Hotel has always been a central cog to the story of Colchester – and now, nearly two years since closing and with a £10m renovation to boot, it’s set to take centre stage once again. In January 2017, Harwich-based developer Flying Trade Group, behind the Surya Hotels brand, announced plans for the refurbishment and expansion of the George Hotel site. Plans included the complete refurbishment of the 47-bedroom George Hotel and the conversion of nearby St Nicholas House into a brand new affiliated 44-bedroom hotel. St Nicholas Hotel opened its doors in December 2018, almost doubling the High Street rooms available to 91. The Grade II* listed George Hotel was in great need of modernisation, however, with important renovation work required with the utmost care to protect the hotel’s rich history.

An architectural report into the George site, published in July 2019, revealed just how unique the building is, with architectural historian Leigh Alston stating: “The greatest significance of The George is the extent to which it illustrates the scale and complexity of medieval inns in the heart of a major town. The great majority of commercial buildings of this kind were entirely rebuilt in the 16th century or later, and even fragmentary examples of the 14th and 15th centuries are nationally rare.” As we were welcomed to see the results of the renovation, it was instantly apparent how important the site’s past is to the new look. Many of the hotel’s important historical features have been preserved from woodwork and beams dating back more than 600 years to the hotel’s elegant Georgianised Victorian sash windows. Behind the hotel’s Georgian façade lies a timber-framed building, which likely dates from the second half of the 14th century. The first known reference to the property as an inn occurs in 1494, although the hotel’s extensive cellars are likely older and feature the ruins of an ancient Roman

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CULTURE • COVER STORY

“The greatest signiﬁcance of The George is it illustrates the scale and complexity of medieval inns”

PHOTO BY RICHARD BLAXALL

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DISHES ARE LOCALLY SOURCED AND SEASONAL

“Highlights of the renovation include the addition of seven in-town suites” THE GEORGE IS FULL OF HISTORY

A SKETCH OF T AT THE GEORGE

gravel pavement – a chilling reminder of Queen Boudicca’s rampage that burned Roman Colchester to the ground in AD60. The exterior has been painted a classic, light sage green to meet historical guidelines for the Grade II* listed property. Designer touches across the hotel include luxury Sanderson fabrics, designer fabric upholstered headboards and bespoke lighting from Northern Lights, with the overall concept brought together by Jayne Nelson Interior Design, Sudbury-based interiors specialists Amor Interiors and the marketing team at Surya Hotels. A partnership with high end audio brand Bang & Olufsen has seen discrete and powerful designer sound systems blended throughout the interior offering seamless, superior sound quality. Natural wood flooring, mixed with mosaic tiles and subtle soft furnishings, against scattered, bold Brunswick green walls, add an elegant finishing touch to the newly renovated space. Meanwhile, the new lounge features cosy sofas, ornamental log burners, designer wallpapers and chic soft furnishings. Licensed prints by award winning artist Alexandra Gallagher are visible throughout the hotel. The

THE SECRET COURTYARD, SCENE OF OUR COVER SHOOT

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CULTURE • COVER STORY

THE GEORGE SUITE

10 key dates

in the history of the GEORGE HOTEL

Whilst Christopher Columbus was discovering Jamaica, an agreement dated 1 March, 1494, was signed and sealed whereby the rents of certain properties which he had in the district of Colchester were assigned to Thomas Jopson (Jobson). Amongst the charges speciﬁed was the sum of 3d, payable annually for the George.

The extensive cellars are medieval, probably dating from 1450. Some of the niches in the brickwork in these cellars are later, about 1520. Preserved behind a glass wall can be seen several layers of soil, which show the old Roman street level.

British artist, whose works celebrate the surreal and sublime, exhibits and sells internationally with the likes of Saatchi. Her imaginative works explore the realms of memory, dreams and fantasy. Meanwhile, award-winning local artist Lucy Tiffney was commissioned to paint a stunning mural behind the reception desk. The artist, who has over 70,000 followers on Instagram, is renowned for her unique, fresh, colourful and happy designs and has titled the bespoke work Jaipur Sky. Highlights of the renovation across the bedrooms include the addition of seven spacious in-town suites featuring Emperor Beds, some freestanding baths and up to 50 inch smart TVs as well. The remaining rooms are a mix of heritage doubles, twins and single rooms all featuring luxury king-size Hypnos beds as standard, as well as comfortable armchairs and work stations with access to high speed, complimentary WiFi, interactive 43” wall mounted Smart televisions (with Netflix) and modern bathrooms and shower suites. The George Hotel’s restaurant has a long term association with culinary excellence, however, the restaurant is returning with a superior food offering as it set sights on becoming Colchester’s ultimate dining destination. Last week Surya Hotels revealed some exciting news from the kitchen, announcing that locally trained, award-winning chef Aaron Skerrit, who has worked at quality establishments such as Gordon Ramsay Holdings and more recently as head chef at Milsoms Hotels & Restaurants, was taking the helm at the George’s kitchen. He will oversee the venue’s stylish brasserie featuring

PHOTO BY RICHARD BLAXALL

The George was remodelled and enlarged during the reign of Charles I and most of the timbers date from this period.

During the 1700s, the George was kept by an innkeeper by the name of Abraham Moor, who had a tenancy of more than 30 years.

When the railway reached Colchester in May 1843, the George manager John Smith was quick to seize the opportunity placed before him and was among the ﬁrst to supply horsedrawn omnibuses to meet the trains.

excellent à la carte dishes and daily specials served from midday to 9pm. Connoisseurs of afternoon tea are in for a treat with the launch of T at The George, which will be serving up a luxuriously chic afternoon tea, in sumptuous, arty surroundings inspired by London’s finest teahouses. An array of beautiful handmade and quirky cakes, fine artisan teas (served in bespoke, locally made teapots) and a matching Champagne and cocktail list has all been carefully curated to ensure the vintage tearoom becomes Colchester’s premier destination for a spot of afternoon tea with friends. After five centuries of standing proud in Colchester, you’d think there wasn’t much else you could write about the George Hotel – but a whole new chapter is just beginning. G E O R G E H OT E L 116 High Street, Colchester CO1 1TD 01206 578494 suryahotels.co.uk/thegeorgehotel Follow online @thegeorgehottelcolchester

During the reign of Queen Victoria, the hotel was considered to be one of the ten superior inns and hotels in Colchester.

Until 1862, Colchester’s livestock market was held in the High Street and the small bar adjacent to the George was called the Market Tavern. When the market moved, however, it became known by the locals as the George Tavern.

The George was refurbished in 1995 to become one of the most attractive buildings on the High Street.

In 1996, when owned by Michael Slagle, the George came under the auspicious Best Western Group solely for marketing purposes. Slagle eventually sold the George in 2002 to the London and Edinburgh Inns Group.

In 2015, the George Hotel changed ownership to Surya Hotels Ltd who have extensively restored the building to its former glory. The General Manager is Nicholas Wildman who joined the company in 2014.

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THE 800 YEAR OLD HONYWOOD OAK AT MARKSHALL ESTATE (PHOTOGRAPHER BRYAN SHAW)

Grounds for

SU C CES S

Kath Cockshaw, Markshall Estate’s executive director, on how much has been achieved in 50 years as a charity

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CULTURE • OUTDOORS

ROBINS BROOK (PHOTOGRAPHER BRYAN SHAW)

PEACOCK IN SNOWDROPS AT MARKSHALL ESTATE (PHOTOGRAPHER BRYAN SHAW)

“No two areas are the same. You'll deﬁnitely be inspired when you visit Markshall Estate”

In July, we will be hosting a Summer Photography Workshop. If you’re interested in photography, whatever your level of experience, then this will be the perfect workshop for you. Professional photographer Bryan Shaw will guide you through the key principles of photography, and then you’ll head out into the 200-acre Arboretum to put what you’ve learnt into practice. Bryan has exceptional knowledge of the landscapes and light conditions at Markshall Estate, so you couldn’t ask for a better guide. This beautiful conservation landscape sits in the heart of Essex and has over 1,000 years of history to discover. From the ancient woodlands to the world-class Arboretum that has trees and plants from every continent around the globe, no two areas are the same. You’ll definitely be inspired when you visit Markshall Estate. While many generations will remember visiting Markshall Estate over the years, it was Thomas Phillips Price, the last owner, who could see the global importance of growing our understanding

THE WALLED GARDEN AT MARKSHALL ESTATE

of nature, biodiversity, and sustainable land management. He wanted to ensure that nature is always protected, valued, and managed sustainably here at Markshall Estate, so in his will he decreed that Markshall Estate should be left to the nation for ‘the advancement, in the interests of the nation, of agriculture, arboriculture and forestry’. It’s Price’s mission, written almost 100 years ago, which we follow today. This year marks our 50th anniversary as a charity and we can’t wait to announce our plans to celebrate with everyone later this year. We were able to reopen after the first lockdown and we really loved being able to welcome local visitors and connect people with nature at such a tough time. Spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems including anxiety and depression, and to be able to provide a COVID safe space for the local community to escape to at such a terrible time is something we’re really proud of. Markshall Estate spans 2,350 acres, within which sits an incredible 200-acre Arboretum and hundreds of acres of ancient woodland ready to explore. The Arboretum takes you on a journey through the continents of Europe, South America, North America, and Asia, and is filled with trees and plants you would usually only see across the globe. This includes some endangered and exceptionally rare specimens, such as the striking Wollemi pine collection, the largest in Europe.

THE COACH HOUSE GARDEN (PHOTOGRAPHER BYRAN SHAW) THE AVENUE AT MARKSHALL ESTATE (PHOTOGRAPHER BRYAN SHAW)

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CULTURE • OUTDOORS

UPPER LAKE AT MARKSHALL ESTATE

WOLLEMI PINES © MARKSHALL ESTATE, PHOTOGRAPHER BRYAN SHAW)

“The ornamental lakes are rumoured to have been dug by Roundhead troops during the Siege of Colchester”

There are two ornamental lakes that sit in the centre of the Arboretum, rumoured to have been dug by Roundhead troops camped at Markshall Estate during the Siege of Colchester in 1648. These lakes are now home to a thriving population of freshwater mussels along with roach and carp. Next to the Upper Lake is the 18th century Walled Garden, originally created to supply the family who lived in the Marks Hall with fruit, vegetables, and fragrant blooms for their table. Today it is a mix of traditional and contemporary planting through a series of five separate gardens, crafted by renowned landscape designer Brita von Schoenaich. Surrounding the Arboretum are miles of beautiful ancient woodlands to explore. It really is like walking through history, as you can spot the site of the original Hall, physical reminders of the Second World War including our air raid shelters that are now used as bat hibernacula, and the avenue where carriages would have been driven on their way to the original Hall. We pride ourselves on inspiring children to learn about nature through a mixture of formal and informal learning. Our home education resources, which are free to download from our website, each have a range of themed activities that mix THE FAIRHURST FAMILY ENJOYING THE WILD WOOD AT MARKSHALL ESTATE

reading and writing with creative, hands-on learning. We also have a school’s programme to suit learners of all ages, abilities, and learning styles, including home schooled, SEN and SEND learners. Through new knowledge and skills, our young learners develop not only their understanding of the world around them, but a passion for the environment and a drive to learn more. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of our visitors, members, donors, and funding bodies. Every time you take a walk in the Arboretum, donate your time by volunteering with us, enjoy a delicious lunch in our café or become a member, you are helping us to fulfil this mission. We have come a long way over the past 50 years, and we have so much more we want to achieve. We have plans to make Markshall Estate play a stronger role in the advancement of knowledge and conservation of the natural environment whilst providing you with a wonderful experience, connecting people with nature and inspiring generations to become ambassadors for the environment. As well as our plans to celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’re currently making improvements to our Visitor Centre including a brand-new shop and Plant Centre, and we’ll be creating an 8km cycle path linking Coggeshall and Earls Colne. You can keep up to date with these projects and more on our website and social media channels, just search for Markshall Estate. M A R K S H A L L E STAT E Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG 01376 563796 markshall.org.uk

AERIAL VIEW OF MARKSHALL ESTATE

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LIVING OUTDOOR

With

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The ultimate destination bar and restaurant in Chelmsford NEW BRASSERIE & KITCHEN

BOOK ONLINE AT:

EXTENDED BAR

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Bar & Brasserie: 01245 440 005

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Channels Lodge: 01245 441 547

Channels, Pratts Farm Lane East, Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3PT (Entrance by the Park & Ride)

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FOOD & DRINK

LINE THEM UP LOKKUM

We have all missed socialising, especially in Essex, where we are not short on entertainment. Inside this month’s food and drink section, we visit South Woodford’s Lokkum, a Turkish restaurant with a twist. While we have always raved about the food, make time for a cocktail there as they serve up some of the finest in the area. Boy, do we all deserve it.

Food Notes 28 • Eat Natural 30 • Recipes 34 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

The latest food news and most exciting openings this month B y L AY L A T U R N E R

By IL VINO

Château des Farrages Roumery Côtes de Provence Rosé 2019  £15 Elegant, chic, and bright with a very pale rose petal colour. Consisting of a fresh and fruity aromatic character, guided by aromas of strawberry, grapefruit, citrus and peach. It is fresh, with a wellbalanced, smooth texture.

Ultimate Provence Côtes de Provence Rosé 2020  £23 Ultimate Provence offers a palate of intense aromas, revealing notes of ripe lemon and exotic fruits mixed with bold ﬂoral notes to accompany the notes. This unexpected rosé delivers the performance of a lifetime.

Domaines Ott Château Romassan Coeur de Grain Rosé Bandol 2020  £38 With every sip, you’re transported to a faraway seaside, you could be dining in the Amalﬁ Coast or sipping in the dripping glamour of St Tropez, basking in the warmth, with that sea breeze touching your face. IL VINO Il Vino is the premier independent wine merchant in West Essex, offering a selection of outstanding wines, champagnes and cognacs and cigars from around the world. Il Vino will also soon be offering customers private tasting events at the shop in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill. ilvino.co.uk

Roasting hot F L I TC H O F B AC O N

It seems that Sunday has returned remaining the firm favourite for family and friends to meet up over a meal out. Paul Croasdale, chef/patron from the Flitch of Bacon in Little Dunmow, has found this to be true. Since re-opening in May numbers have returned strong and he has been busy creating tantalising dishes for both the restaurant and the Terrace. The Sunday roast, though, remains a big draw for locals and visitors from further afield. flitchofbacon.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES

VEGAN FRIENDLY Our top vegan picks

VUTIE BEETS

Raise a glass THE PHEASANT

Vutie is much more than a place to indulge in vegan goodness. Founders Paul and Harry believe in a happier, healthier, more sustainable community through food. Their mission: to showcase vegan food and drink and highlight how good the lifestyle can be. vutiebeets.co.uk

The Pheasant at Gestingthorpe located on the Essex/ Suffolk border in rolling countryside is set in a beautiful setting with outside seating on a newly built veranda ideal for social distancing. Their menu offers treats such as Fillet of Sea Trout and Gressingham Duck Breast, and bespoke cocktails are available such as Pink Gin Martin, Passion Fruit Martini and Espresso Martini… For the month of July they are offering twofor-one on cocktails if you mention this magazine. thepheasant.net

T R O P I CAL FEELING THE CREEK

It has been a fantastic start to business life since reopening again on 19 May for The Creek. Rather exciting is their Cocktail Menu has had a few new additions to help complement the lovely weather. The Pink Gin Prosecco Cocktail is proving popular, and also new to the Cocktail Menu is Tropical Breeze: coconut rum, blue Curacao, pineapple puree, and sugar syrup topped with lemonade. thecreekgreatbentley.co.uk

CHIA Chia Naturally Healthy offers a forward-thinking approach to provide a healthy, sustainable and ethical environment for all to enjoy. They are governed by one simple philosophy: to make healthier food a simple concept. Sit back and bask in the natural ambience, whilst enjoying the stunning view over The Churchyard and nostalgic Hitchin Market. chianaturallyhealthy.com

T I M E

TEA

WIVENHOE HOUSE

At the chef's table THE LEATHER BOTTLE

The Leather Bottle in Blackmore is currently hosting a wonderful menu, featuring this irresistible tiramisu. They also have a chef's table available on Friday and Saturday evenings. This table needs to be booked, but at no extra charge for customers, where head chef Steve Bass is delighting diners with extra delicacies. leatherbottle.pub

F O R

L A B A R R AC A At La Barraca, they have taken the concept of healthy food and turned it into an amazing food adventure. A well thought out menu comes in the form of 100% chef creation, with every little food detail remodelled in a way that will take your breath away. A wonderful experience. labarraca.co.uk

Join Wivenhoe House at the brasserie for a delicious meal or afternoon tea. Their expert kitchen team concentrate on using the freshest and ﬁnest local produce, locally brewed beers and a carefully chosen wine list. They also change their menus weekly to ensure variety. wivenhoehouse.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Setting the

BAR HIGH A business born in Halstead with its heart in the right place, Eat Natural has wowed us for two decades. Co-founder Praveen Vijh take us on a delicious trip down memory lane By MARK KEBBLE

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

ack in the day when your careers advisor asked you what you wanted to do when you grew up, it’s fair to say if there was a 'Director of Deliciousness' on offer, many would have nodded enthusiastically. That’s the rather envious role held by Harriet Gregory at Eat Natural, but clearly the input of the business’ co-founder, Praveen Vijh, isn’t far away. “I do eat through my stomach, so if it doesn’t taste nice, then I am not interested,” he says. “Harriet is a fantastic source of ingredients and insight into flavour combinations that not only taste great, but also work on a large scale when you go into full production mode.” It’s a snapshot of how the Halsteadbased company has grown since its very modest beginnings back in 1999. “It was just me and Preet [Grewal, his co-founder] running the show,” Vijh looks back. “We knocked on a lot of doors, worked the trade fairs, sent lots of sample bars out, did a lot of negotiating – and it paid off. We got a lucky listing at Tesco, in the ‘free from’ aisle, and the rest is history. “We were both well aware that confectionary is a huge category,” he says. “We love our snacks in the UK PRAVEEN VIJH

“We have gone from one factory to now having 15 buildings. We employ around 200 people from Halstead” and we wanted to create something that tasted incredible, but was good for you too.” Their first creation? “The result was a simple Brazil & sultana bar, made with nuts and puffed wheat, and a little bit of honey to bind it – and it was naturally gluten free too.” Some 22 years later and Eat Natural now offer a range of combinations in their bars – from dark chocolate and sea salt through to the Simply Vegan peanuts, coconut and chocolate – as well as a host of cereals too, all conjured up in their 'Makery' in Halstead. “We have been based here since day one,” Vijh says proudly. “We have gone from one factory to now having 15 buildings across the whole estate. We employ around 200 people from Halstead and the surrounding towns and villages. “We operate a 24-hour factory,” he continues, “and we make around two million bars a week, so there’s always lots going on. The marketing team are always running around sending products our way or brainstorming ideas, and the technical team – often together with Harriet – are in and out of meetings talking about new product development, packaging changes and timelines. We all work really hard, but it is truly a lovely place to work with a gorgeous big kitchen where I insist everyone stops and eats their lunch at a table that isn’t their desk.” A hive of activity, then, with a further buzz around their beekeeper initiative. “We launched Pollenation a few years ago and in that time we have now recruited around 200 beekeepers, equipping each one with the hive, bees and training needed to become a proper beekeeper,” Vijh explains. “The community is so lovely, a real mix of people and ages all coming from completely different backgrounds. I hope we have shown how diverse and rewarding looking after bees can be. We definitely have a few challenges ahead

with the threat of climate change as well as the changing shape of our landscapes, so there’s lots to be vocal about.” From a business born out of friendship, it’s heart-warming to see how far Eat Natural has come – and now they are all set for the next big step. “Last year, we took the plunge and sold our business to everyone’s favourite chocolate, Ferrero,” Vijh explains. “They are absolutely wonderful people and we have managed to keep everyone’s jobs, as well as our own identity and internal culture of honesty, openness and fun. They don’t want to change us in any way, they just want us to do better and better, which is so exciting for us. It took guts to sell, because we always wanted to wait until we found the right partners – and I’m so glad we did wait.” It all sounds rather delicious.” THEY HAVE BRANCHED OUT INTO CEREALS

E AT N AT U R A L 01787 479123 simply@eatnatural.co.uk eatnatural.com

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FOOD & DRINK • PROFILE

crab Pakora and cucumber and mint jelly, to their Miso Cod, which is made up of a bok choy, leek and Asian mushroom broth with white miso, pickled pink ginger, puffed wild rice and crunchy lotus roots.

Restaurant Overview

Number Of Covers

Special Offers

 Situated in the beautiful Channels Estate in Little Waltham Essex, Channels Bar & Brasserie has been a family owned and operated establishment for over 40 years. The venue has been newly refurbished and extended to offer dining of all types. Their beautiful, expansive outdoor patio has space for you to enjoy the sunshine and are dog friendly too.

 Indoor dining can hold up to 130 covers and their outdoor patio has a maximum of 300 covers. They also have private dining rooms available to hire for those special occasions and can hold a maximum of 22 people.

 Every Tuesday from 12pm8:30pm they offer a special two for one menu. Every Wednesday is their ChanThai night from 5:30pm-8:30pm with guest chef Pim, offering stunning Thai food.

The Menu  The menus boast the best in rustic fine dining. Head chef, Dan Pitts, uses only the finest ingredients in preparing each seasonal dish. Guests rave about their impressive selection for all, including a Plant Menu for those wishing to order vegetarian and vegan options (available Monday-Saturday). Their Sunday roasts are well known around Essex for their generous portions. Their breakfasts are impressive too. Some of their most popular items include their Toasted Wholemeal Bread Glazed with Welsh Rarebit and their incredibly popular Channels Breakfast. Breakfast is served Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-12pm.

Popular Dishes  Having just launched their summer menu they have a huge range of dishes, from their more “signature” style plates like the Crab “Katsu”, which consists of a baked curry brown crab custard topped with pickled turnip and red onions and garnished with a white

Quirky Facts  Their chefs have their very own vegetable garden. They have recently acquired honeybee hives, which they will be using to produce their own honey. They also always do a Jazzy Sunday lunch every second Sunday of the month, as well as Live Music on the last Friday night of the month.

D ESTINATI O N DINING

HEAD CHEF DAN PITTS

CHANNELS BAR & BRASSERIE C H A N N E L S E S TAT E L I T T L E WA LT H A M , CHELMSFORD

A beautiful restaurant that caters for all – including our four legged friends Channels Estate Pratts Farm Lane East, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 3PT, 01245 440005 brasserie@channelsestate.co.uk channelsestate.co.uk

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Sea &

SHORE Simple and modern recipes from Cornwall Wo r d s E M I LY S C O T T

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

CourgetteFlower Risotto Serves 6

I love risotto. It’s a dish we always eat at home and have on my restaurant menu. Ever popular, it’s also a dish that you can eat throughout the year. There is something so wonderful about courgettes and their beautiful flowers, so very versatile, too. This lovely recipe is just delicious and something different, using up every part of the courgette and flower. It reminds me of long summer days, when supper is eaten outside and when the time seems endless. At this time of the year, sweet broad (fava) beans and peas are delicious and adding them to this risotto at the end just brings even more summery high notes.

INGREDIENTS • 10 courgette (zucchini) flowers with baby courgettes still attached • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 400 g (14 oz/scant 2 cups) Carnaroli or Arborio risotto rice • 1.5 litres (50 fl oz/6 cups) vegetable stock, hot • 60 ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) white wine • 100 g (3 1⁄2 oz) Parmesan, grated, or to taste • Cornish sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • Fresh basil leaves, to serve

Monkﬁsh, Cornish Chorizo

and sun blush tomatoes on rosemary skewers Serves 8

METHOD 1 Detach the ﬂowers from the courgettes, remove the stamens and gently wipe the ﬂowers clean. Slice the courgettes into rounds.

2 Heat the olive oil in a large pan and fry the garlic and onion until softened. Add the courgette ﬂowers and stir for 1 minute, then add the rice and stir until well coated in the oil. 3 Pour over a ladleful of stock and stir until it is absorbed. Repeat until the stock is ﬁnished. 4 Add the courgettes and stir through, then add the white wine. Cook for a further 5 minutes, then remove from the heat. 5 Add Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve garnished with basil leaves and extra Parmesan.

• 100 ml (3 1⁄2 ﬂ oz/scant 1/2 cup) olive oil • Cornish sea salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve • Handful of rocket (arugula) leaves • Hot buttered Cornish new potatoes • Mixed leaf salad with edible ﬂowers

METHOD Monkfish, or lotte in French, is known as the poor man’s lobster. It is a delicious, robust and wonderful ingredient that I love to cook and eat. It works so well with bolder flavours, such as curries, or can be cooked over fire or even refined by serving as a ceviche. Here, the combination of monkfish, chorizo and sun blush tomatoes is delicious. Threading them on to rosemary skewers is pretty and adds a depth of flavour to the fish.

INGREDIENTS • 1 x 200 g (7 oz) jar sun blush tomatoes, drained, reserving the oil • 1 medium chorizo, about 225g (8 oz), cut into 1 cm (1⁄2 in) rounds • 650 g (1 lb 7 oz) monkﬁsh ﬁllet, cut into chunks • 12 long rosemary sprigs, plus extra leaves for sprinkling

1 Preheat a barbecue or grill (broiler) to high. 2 Place the sun blush tomatoes in a large bowl and add the sliced chorizo. Using a skewer, pierce a hole through each piece of monkish, then toss in the bowl with the tomatoes and chorizo. Thread alternately onto rosemary skewers, allowing 3 pieces of each ingredient on each skewer. 3 Barbecue or grill (broil) the monkfish skewers on all sides, keeping them moving, for a total of 6 minutes, or until browned at the edges. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and rosemary leaves. 4 Lay the grilled monkfish skewers on rocket leaves and serve with hot buttered Cornish new potatoes and a kitchen leaf salad with summer flowers.

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Butchery | Deli | Fruit & Veg | Cakes & Bakes | Homemade Meals | Gifts & Hampers | Function Catering Blackwells Farm Shop is committed to supporting local suppliers, with over 90% of the produce being sourced within a 30-mile radius of the farm. The high-quality meats are sourced from local farmers, known, and trusted by Blackwells for their good husbandry skills.

OPENING HOURS Monday–Friday: 8am - 5.30pm Saturday: 8am – 4pm Sunday: 10am – 3pm

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Herons Farm, Colne Road, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TQ www.blackwellsfarmproduce.co.uk 01376 562500

24/05/2021 12:10

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

top of one of the foil pieces, then brush the salmon with oil, too. 3 Put the parsley, lemon slices and bay leaves into the body cavity. Crimp the edges of the foil together to make a parcel, but just before sealing, pour in the wine. Seal tightly and bake the fish in the oven for 50–60 minutes. 4 Allow the fish to cool in the parcel, then gently peel off the skin and serve cold, garnished with thinly sliced cucumber, watercress, lemon slices and citrus mayo. Note Leftover salmon can be used the next day in a salad with Cornish new potatoes, dill and mayo. TARRAGON MAYO – Serves 6 • 3 egg yolks • Juice of 1 lemon • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 250 ml (8 1⁄2 fl oz/1 cup) sunflower oil • A handful of fresh tarragon • Cornish sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Whole Baked Salmon with cucumber, watercress and mayonnaise for days Serves 8

On summer days, my mother Lucy was always the best at bringing everyone together. This recipe of whole baked salmon is somewhat retro but it is a wonderful dish for the middle of a table, served alongside Cornish new potatoes with herbs and crème fraîche, bowls of garden leaves and wildflowers. Finish the meal with English strawberries, meringues

and cream. Think of warm days, with Champagne by the glass, or chilled rosé. Days when life seems uncomplicated and simple.

INGREDIENTS • 100 ml (3 1⁄2 fl oz/scant 1⁄2 cup) sunflower oil, for brushing • 1 whole salmon, 2–3 kg (4–6 lb), gutted, cleaned and scaled • 1 large sprig of flat-leaf parsley • 2 lemons, cut into sunshine rounds • 2 bay leaves • 300 ml (10 fl oz/1¼ cups) white wine

1 Place the egg yolks in a food processor and add the lemon juice, mustard and a good pinch of sea salt. Whiz until just combined. With the motor still running, slowly pour the oil through the funnel in a ﬁne, slow stream until all the oil is incorporated and it has emulsiﬁed. 2 Remove the tarragon leaves from the stalks and roughly chop. As you chop, the delicious fragrance will be released. Fold through the mayo, taste and season as needed.

For the garnish • Thin cucumber slices • Watercress • Lemon rounds • Citrus Mayo

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/400°F/Gas 6). 2 Take 2 large sheets of kitchen foil and place on top of each other in a roasting tin (pan). Brush oil over both pieces of foil, place the salmon on

Extract taken from Sea & Shore by Emily Scott, published by Hardie Grant, £26

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FOOD & DRINK • WINE

Glass H A L F F U L L

How Wine&Something responded to lockdown to create a brand worth drinking in

“The brand offers a unique collection of 300 wines from 75 artisan producers across 12 countries”

ine&Something is the story of a brand built in lockdown. Having only established itself a year earlier and exclusively serving the trade industry before COVID-19 struck, the company knew it had to change journey, after losing 100% of their income, and reinvent itself as a consumer brand – and quickly. Fuelled by the spirit and determination of an underdog, the company changed brand name and created a unique positioning to be relevant to the general public. The result is Wine&Something – a brand and website that was conceived and created during lockdown and launched late last year. The brand promises to bring “wow” to the wine lives of customers across the UK, by bringing them a unique collection of 300 wines from 75 artisan producers across 12 countries. This is about taking people on a journey of discovery, which is why 85% of their portfolio is exclusive to Wine&Something in the UK. What’s more, 100% of the wines are selected by their Master of Wine (MW), Robin Kick, one of only 400 MWs in the world. Wine&Something believe that good wine goes with anything. The name Wine&Something lends itself naturally to brand extensions – Wine&Friendship, Wine&Summer, Wine&Romance – a conscious decision on the part of the ambitious founders, who have built a website designed to expand beyond a traditional ecommerce store, into “something” great. “Ambitious, innovative and gratifyingly different, we believe that good wine goes with anything,” says Wine&Something’s co-founder and CEO, Dale Agar. “Big nights. Posh meals. New loves. Old

friends. The better the wine, the better those somethings. We’re going up against giants in the industry, but we’re an underdog in all the best ways. We’re proud to offer the UK consumer some of the most exciting wines in the country, exclusive to Wine&Something.” If you’re looking for a fun-filled evening with friends, Wine&Something offer a variety of virtual wine tastings too with a choice of entertaining and knowledgeable hosts, including Robin Kick. WINE&SOMETHING would like to treat Absolutely readers to a 10% discount on their first order using the code ABSOLUTELY10 until the 31 July, 2021. See more at wineandsomething.com

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SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER Take your listening to another level and enjoy the majesty of multiroom capability with the latest additions to the acclaimed Beosound speaker range. There’s a speaker for every room and requirement and all available with stereo pairing. From the dynamic acoustic performance and roomfilling sound of the Beosound Balance wireless speaker to the elegant Beosound Emerge that fits in anywhere but reaches you everywhere with full-range, ultra-wide, crystal-clear sound. Or the portable Beosound Level WiFi speaker that combines minimalistic design with maximum rich audio to perfection. Visit our showrooms to experience the Beosound range or contact us to arrange a private one-to-one demonstration.

Bang & Olufsen of Chelmsford 16-18 New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0SP Telephone: 01245 266117 Email: chelmsford@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web: bang-olufsen.com/chelmsford

Bang & Olufsen of Colchester 61 High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1DN Telephone 01206 763344 Email: colchester@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web: bang-olufsen.com/colchester

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INTERIORS

FINE DI N I N G BRIDGMAN

Dine out in luxury and comfort with the perfect set to complement your garden. Bridgman Dining Sets are available in a range of shapes, sizes and styles, and made to the finest quality to enhance any outdoor space. For a limited time only receive a free furniture cover with any furniture order in a Bridgman showroom. bridgman.co.uk

Interior Notes 42 • CharlesTed 44 • Bathrooms 52 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

NEW CLASSIC ANBOISE

New luxury interiors brand Anbôise offers evolving collections of furniture, lighting and accessories curated by Annabelle Holland, founder of the award-winning eponymous design studio. Holland is known for her combinations of contemporary and classic furniture, which create unique, multi-layered designs with depth and interest. anboise.com

B LU R R E D LI N E S CASACARTA

Inspired by the iconic colour and candour of the 1960s, the Scallop Collection adds the perfect touch of vibrance to any living space. From serveware to decorative accessories, these playful designs offer colourful, statement additions to the home. casa-carta.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Linen

CELINA DIGBY Luxury Stonewashed 100 Linen Tablecloth, £32.99 celinadigby.co.uk

HURRICANE E FFEC T

H OT P OT S

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

LIBERT Y

Committed to supporting small artisan makers from around the world, all the pieces at Hot Pottery are characterised by their unique and vibrant designs. Set the mood for your next meal with their selection of expressive tableware. libertylondon.com

This elegant Koppel collection hurricane medium sized candleholder would be a fantastic edition to any home. The contrasting frosted glass and polished stainless steel make this piece an iconic piece of Georg Jensen. £115 available from Baker Brothers Diamonds. bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

TOLLY MCRAE Charcoal Grey Linen Placemats Set of four, £30 tollymcrae.co.uk

NICHOLAS ENGERT Linen Table Napkins Mod Confetti Andre Pack of 4, £9 nicholasengert.co.uk

DIP DYE

TORI MURPHY Harbour Stripe Table Cloth, £102 torimurphy.com

ILLY X AI WEIWEI

VED COOKS

The illy Art Collection by Ai Weiwei is inspired by the artist’s famous Coloured Vases where he took ancient, Neolithic vases and dipped them into cans of industrial paint. Ai Weiwei takes ordinary objects away from their daily context and transforms them into works of art. illy.com

Set of two spinach napkins and placemats, £58 @vedcooks

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Th e

l i ttl e

D E TA I LS The Essex-born co-founder of CharlesTed, the homewares and interiors brand, writes about how a spell on maternity leave inspired a much-loved business B y K AT E H O M E - R O B E R T

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INTERIORS • FEATURE GIRAFFE TRAY

CHARLESTED PRODUCTS WILL WORK WELL IN ANY ROOM

KATE AND HANNAH

would say I have always been creative. My mum worked for a furniture business and was forever decorating and changing the furniture, so I was always able to choose pieces for my room and she let me have free rein on how I wanted my room to be. Before CharlesTed was even a glint in the eye, I have always been in car sales – I used to work for MINI in Chigwell. When we left the office and walked into the showroom there was a sign on the back of the door which said “smile you’re on stage!” and I loved that! I met Hannah [Walters, the co-founder of CharlesTed] ten years ago, not long after I had moved to Shropshire and I was pregnant with my second baby. I hadn’t really made any friends and I decided to join an NHS breastfeeding class to meet other mums. There was a group of five of us who hit it off and to this day we are all still close and our children are all friends. Hannah and I always loved chatting

about interiors and new trends, and we would compare pieces we had spotted. When Hannah was building her home, we had hours of chats deciding which colour she should have her cladding and how she should arrange her home’s layout. One of our other friends is an estate agent, and around the same time she had asked us to dress some properties she was selling ready for the photographer. We quickly realised we worked great as a team and enjoyed what we were doing. As we were both on maternity leave we didn’t have much money to invest in a new business, so we each put £300 in to buy a handful of stock from one of our now main suppliers, which we sold to friends and family. We reinvested the money from the sales and bought a little bit more and we carried on doing this until two and half years later when we were finally able to take a small wage! At CharlesTed, we offer timeless, refined, classic pieces that make every home feel curated. Hannah and I do all of the buying and we don’t buy anything we

“We offer timeless, reﬁned, classic pieces that make every home feel curated”

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Traditional craftsmanship, first class products – a love for wood and an eye for detail For over 50 years we have been creating beautifully-crafted products from wood. Every project is as individual as our client’s brief and designed to complement the home it is for, whether it is a period property, a barn conversion or a contemporary residence. For more information call 01206 735287 / 01473 365167 or visit www.hall-brothers.co.uk

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

Kate Home-Robert’s to p t h re e produc ts

T H E M A R LOW E VA S E

“We don't buy anything for CharlesTed that we wouldn't have in our own homes”

wouldn’t have in our own homes. Prior to the pandemic, Hannah and I travelled to Europe regularly sourcing new products, where many of our pieces come from. Sourcing has been harder as we are buying from image catalogues, but we hope to be able to visit trade shows once again soon. The last four years have been a real rollercoaster and a lot of hard work. We never expected for the business to grow the way it has, and we are both constantly learning on our feet, from warehouse operations, staff management, and importing from across the world. When we started, we worked out of a tiny farm building, we never thought we would be here with our own warehouse and 13 staff. During lockdown, we launched our Interior Design Service. So many people had been asking us, and with everyone keen to make their homes and living spaces as beautiful as possible, it felt the perfect time. We have had a huge uptake in this service. We have experienced such huge growth, we are now really enjoying growing the business and taking on new roles within this. We have our first range of furniture designed by myself and Hannah arriving in early summer, which will hopefully form a huge part of our core collection going forward. charlested.com

This is a long standing CharlesTed bestseller, versatile, statement and suits all home style and ﬂoral arrangements.

T H E E L M S E RV I N G B OA R D S I adore these oversized boards, I have both in my kitchen and use them all the time. They are both practical and pretty. They have a reclaimed charm about them.

T H E LU N A L A M P This is such a simple design, made from glass and topped with a linen shade in various colourways. This lamp is super versatile and will suit any room in which it is placed, whether it be a bedroom or a living area.

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LUST for LIFE 48

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INTERIORS • DESIGN HORIZONTAL WALL DOORS

SPACETOWER

The owner of The Kitchen & Makeover Company reﬂects on falling in love Wo r d s L I S A L E W I S

veryone should fall in love with their new kitchen. Nothing gives greater pleasure than walking into a beautiful new kitchen that has everything you could possibly want (and more!). With the summer sunshine streaming in the window, sit down with a cup of tea and take a few moments before beginning your day. The feeling of absolute joy never changes – I know because it’s how I feel about my new kitchen. And it all started with my “Lust List” and it’s something I would recommend to everyone. What do you really want in your kitchen, what would make you feel that glow of pleasure every time you walk into it? Particularly now that kitchens are back to being the “heart of the home”, having those key design features, colour inspirations and iconic items to enhance your new kitchen is so important. Part of the excitement of choosing your new kitchen is dreaming of those little (and not so little) touches that make your kitchen personal to you.

Design embellishments

Every kitchen is different, and nowadays there are so many design choices, both in the door styles, but also in their configuration. Take a run of wall units, for instance. Instead of having standard “upright” doors on every one, you can really make your kitchen your own by choosing horizontal doors that span two or three units (they open upwards, and tend to have one door above the other). And if you have pan drawers underneath (wide, very deep drawers) it looks absolutely fabulous to match the doors on the cupboards above with the drawers below. These days, you can have frontals up to two metres wide. How fantastic is that?

Maximise your storage

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Need more storage, a home office or dining pod? CEDAR GARDEN ROOMS, BBQ CABINS AND PODS with ten year guarantee, be the envy of your friends and neighbours

Don’t buy a garden building until you have visited Harveys extensive show site at Rayleigh

Harveys Quality Garden Buildings Woodside Garden Centre, A127 Arterial Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7TZ 01268 775770 | harveysgardenbuildings.co.uk

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HEALTH INTERIORS & BEAUTY• •DESIGN NOTES

A pantry is one of the first things that should be considered for “dream kitchen storage”. They’re certainly a show-stopping piece and will fit in all your store cupboard essentials, but they’re also very flexible and can be personalised to your needs, including slimline versions for those with more restrictive space too. A Spacetower is the ultimate in pull-out kitchen storage, and one of the main benefits is its easy access from every angle – you can reach each item with complete ease. With a variety of widths and different finishes this is an invaluable addition to the “Lust List”. And if space is at a premium, I always advise to include a MagnaSpace, which offers a strong, versatile and flexible storage solution and is built to carry vastly more weight than alternative wirework options. No clanky, wobbly pull-out larders here! What about maximising the internal drawer space with LineaPlus drawers – not only the widest, but also the deepest drawers on the market, they open to 650mm deep (that’s more than 200mm more than a standard drawer). Make the most of what you have. And there are internal drawer fittings too, which make finding everything so easy. LINEAR PLUS DRAWERS

“It feels very decadent when I open the doors and see the mirrored back and wine rack” My “Lust List” had a walk-in larder. It fits diagonally across a corner, which gives a superb amount of storage without taking up too much space. What more can anyone wish for? It’s the perfect addition for any kitchen. And I have also seen a kitchen with a small “annexe” that was fitted out as a walk in pantry too, which looked terrific. Once you have a pantry, you’ll wonder how you coped without it. The final item on my “Lust List” was a beautiful drinks cabinet – and it fits in perfectly if your kitchen is open plan. It feels very decadent when I open the doors and see the mirrored back, shelving, wine rack and drawers. There are so many ways to make the most your new kitchen, and I would encourage everyone to dream. Make sure you think carefully what you want, and if possible draw up your “Lust List” before you start looking for someone you can trust to bring your lust to life. Never settle for ordinary, make sure your new kitchen is something you will never fall out of love with. Be bold, be different, be you!

ANNEXE WALK IN LARDER

All pieces of furniture and storage referred to in this feature are available in the Masterclass kitchen range from The Kitchen & Makeover Company in Church Hill, Loughton. Pop in at 36a Church Hill, Loughton, IG10 1LA, call 020 8418 9192 or visit masterclasskitchens.co.uk

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N I G H T S

O N

T H E

T I L E S

Your bathroom should be your sanctuary, meaning what’s on the walls and under your feet must add to the ambience By MARK KEBBLE

Cuban feel ZAZOUS

 Havana Night vinyl floor tiles are inspired by the vividly patterned encaustic tiles found in the wonderful old buildings of the Cuban capital. Designed and manufactured by Zazous, the finish in the bathroom above is matte and smooth. The overall effect is very stylish and would look wonderful in a hallway or conservatory, as well as a kitchen or bathroom setting. zazous.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

Marbled effect T I L E M O U N TA I N

 Make an interiors statement with the new large format place range of marble effect tiles from Tile Mountain. Made from polished porcelain to create a crisp reflection, the tiles measure 590mm x 1182mm and have rectified edges. The range is priced at £32.99 per sq m. tilemountain.co.uk

Feeling of utopia L O U G H T O N B AT H R O O M S

 This bathroom was designed for a client's master en-suite, using Crosswater brushed brass fixtures, Clearwater stone resin bath and Utopia furniture. Loughton Bathrooms stocks a wide range of the latest bathroom products and tiles. No matter what type of bathroom design you have in mind, they can provide amazing designs and provide a stunning collection of bathroom products to choose from. loughtonbathrooms.com

Add some gloss T I L E M O U N TA I N

 When revamping your bathroom, and considering a tiled effect, don't just think about what's under your feet. Bella wall tiles measure 75 x 150mm and are made from ceramic with a crackle glaze gloss finish, which adds a real shine to your bathroom. They are available in five colours and priced at £35.99 per sqm. tilemountain.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TRENDS

Tap into style O M V I VO

 The modern classic Neo collection works with so many styles of tiles and bathrooms due to its refined geometric design, sharp exterior, softly curved bowl and perfect proportions. Available in a range of sizes and configurations, including the Neo double basin and vanity shown here, there is a Neo for every room and every project. Neo basins can be installed on furniture or wall mounted, and feature a seamlessly integrated basin and benchtop. omvivo.com

Nature's way F L O O R I N G M O U N TA I N

 An excellent, cost-effective way to bring your floors to life with the gorgeous look of natural stone, Island Stone combines nature-inspired looks and supreme durability in an easy to install vinyl tile format. A durable construction ensures these stylish vinyl tiles stand up to wear and tear, whilst a super-simple click system makes DIY installation easy. Available in two, subtle colour variants, Island Stone is perfect for creating that natural look and effortlessly complements both modern and traditional design schemes. flooringmountain.co.uk

Boho chic DUNELM

 There is so much you can do in a bathroom, the days of it being simply about washing and cleaning have long gone. It's an ideal spot to embrace biophilia, bringing nature into the home, as this bathroom from Dunelm highlights perfectly. The natural feel is capped off with Comet self adhesive floor tiles. dunelm.com

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INTERIORS • TRENDS

In the shade ORIGINAL STYLE

 Colour is huge right now in interior design, but we don't always consider the bathroom as a place to indulge in a little brightening up of the home, which is a shame considering it's an escape from the outside world. Origin tiles are a collection of brick tiles in muted hues, perfect for creating a contemporary rustic look. Choose a smooth finish for a subtle texture or opt for a rustic finish that has a more unique appeal. originalstyle.com

Dark arts

PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE

 Combining dark and dramatic colouring with a hand-crafted style, these boudoir tiles are sure to catch the eye wherever they’re laid. Part of the awardwinning Dwell collection, they’re the pinnacle of Italian design; subtle, sophisticated and simply rather sexy. With midnight tones and lashings of glossy glaze, they’re a luxe take on traditional ‘majolica’ tiling – combining the hallmarks of handmade design with the durability of modern porcelain. porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

Lofty ambition L O U G H T O N B AT H R O O M S

 This stunning bathroom was fitted in a loft, featuring Saloni tiles, bespoke locally made furniture and taps from Vado. If you hire Loughton Bathrooms, you will receive a wide range of services under one roof. They cover everything from removal of old bathroom tiling and fittings to installations, including wet rooms, power showers, cubicles, plumbing, boilers, bathtubs and tiling. loughtonbathrooms.com

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INTERIORS • TREND DESENIO

LOLA & MAWU

Graphical Arches No1 50x70 poster, £23.95 desenio.co.uk

Ikat throw, £70 lolaandmawu.com

ELLA JAMES Natural Rattan Three Tier Storage Unit, £225 ellajames.co.uk

ABODE LIVING Ray bowl in teal, £15 abodeliving.com

LOLA & MAWU

JONATHAN ADLER

EDITOR’S PICK

REX LONDON Leena mug, £5.95 rexlondon.com

Bolga vase basket, £89 lolaandmawu.com

Milano concentric loops cushion emerald navy, £128 sweetpeaandwillow.com

LINES of BEAUTY Graphic patterns are everywhere right now

JONATHAN ADLER

JONATHAN ADLER Op Art bar, £4,500 sweetpeaandwillow.com

By P E N D L E H A R T E

Milano woven circles cushion turquoise navy, £128 sweetpeaandwillow.com

THE RUG RETAILER Reef multi geometric 2, £119 therugretailer.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Geometric terracotta pot, £45 roseandgrey.co.uk

WALLSAUCE

EDITOR’S PICK

Ethnic Folklore Pattern wall mural £30 per metre wallsauce.com

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FA S H I O N

FEEL GOOD DEEBA

Bold, versatile, and luxury with very minimal effect on the environment, Deeba London is leading the way with this month’s fashion ethos. Ample amounts of colour, feel good prints, and relaxed loungewear looks that can be worn in the living room sipping a cold glass of red, or about town with the girls. Deeba London sums up the mood of the season, comfort, glamour, creativity with colour, and most importantly, confidence. deebalondon.com

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DEBRA SELLER

Fa shion

ICON With Debra Seller’s Essex boutique fast approaching its 40th anniversary, we discover that she shows no signs of slowing down By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

or over 35 years, Debra’s Boutique in Chigwell has been dressing ladies with nothing other than glamour on their style agenda. In an everevolving society, where fashion looks changes quarterly, Debra Seller is one face that has been consistently familiar when contributing to the area’s fashion framework. Seller’s story begins back in 1976 when, as a fresh graduate, she found herself fully submerged into the heart of London’s West End fashion scene, working as a showroom model for leading fashion label at the time, Frank Usher. Shortly afterwards, Seller herself moved to Lady London and Ladies Pride, and on reflection understands the significance that this environment would come to have on her future work. “Looking back I believe it was one of the top handful of fashion districts in the world,” she recollects, “everything was to hand, designers, wholesalers, manufacturers, showrooms, all within touching distance from each other.” This is where the foundations of her

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FASHION • INTERVIEW

“I always put together my own collections from different sources to get the look my clients want” fashion knowledge began to fabricate itself into what would become her reality just a few years later. “I never wanted to do anything else, even through three recessions of trading, and other ups and downs,” she states. “The fashion industry got in my blood.” From the fabrics, to the design process, and most importantly, consistency. Seller was exposed to the unglorified reality of what a career in fashion as a competitor would look like – famously, an industry that never sleeps. It’s safe to say that being immersed into the heart of London’s fashion scene is exactly what ignited that spark in Seller’s blood. When in discussion with her, she explains that the fashion district back then was exactly what we would imagine it to be like. “Most days I would see Philip Green, Ozzie Clark, Peter Golding, Jon Adam, Bill Gibb, to name just a few,” she excitedly says. “Traders and workers would

be pushing 6ft rails of garments along the street, with vans and transport bumper to bumper – lots of noise and excitement.” As she walks us through her life in the West End, it’s hard not to imagine the scenes that would have exploited the un-glossy perception of what the industry was truly like back then, and unveiled the hard work and grit that goes into making your mark in the fashion industry. Since 1984, Seller has proudly run her Chigwell boutique and, to this day, she travels the globe to stay one step ahead of the trends and likes to source unusual and unique garments – as they say at the boutique: “We don’t follow fashion, we create it.” Her past bleeds into her present, and the name she started for herself back in the midst of the West End in 1976 follows her to this day. “As it happens I still have many of those customers to this day,” she says

warmly. “I consider them friends.” There’s many reasons that equate to Debra Seller’s success as a boutique owner, however her desire to create looks as opposed to not being bound by branded ranges remains the purpose of what she does. “Although I do stock just a couple of brands, they have to fit my brief,” she clarifies. “On the whole, I am creative and always put together my own collections from many different sources to get the look my clients want.” Could it be that the inventive, ‘be who you want to be and not who you are told to be’ attitude of the 70s, paired with the eclectic West End mind-set, where she began her career in fashion, has played a part in the successful stance of her boutique? Absolutely Essex certainly believes so. debrachigwell.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BARE Threads Herd's sustainable heritage knitwear is perfect for a British summer H E R DW E A R .CO

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Holiday Hot List Statement jewellery to take your holiday outﬁts to the next level B y L AY L A T U R N E R

AMALILY

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

CHLOE JAMES LIFESTYLE

Boho Apache earrings, £18 amalily.co.uk

18ct white gold aquamarine & diamond three stone ring, £1,395, bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Pure by Nat beaded hoop earrings, £35 chloejameslifestyle.co.uk

BE THE OTHER

YAA YAA LONDON

SIF JAKOBS JEWELLERY

Embrace brooch silver, £240 betheother.com

Determination blue ring, £79 yaayaalondon.com

Necklace Rimini 18k gold plated, £149 sifjakobs.com

YAA YAA LONDON

SIF JAKOBS JEWELLERY

ELLIE AIR JEWELLERY

Blue Pink So Solar gemstone gold earrings, £48.50 yaayaalondon.com

Capri Medio earrings - 18k gold plated, £269 sifjakobs.com

Halley necklace moonstone, £385 ellieair.co.uk

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Care in your home, just as you like it. You love your home and you feel safe there. Needing additional care and support shouldn’t change that. With our well-trusted care service, you can remain at home surrounded by loved ones and beloved pets and still enjoy your home, garden and community. You may be in a situation where you need an extra pair of hands to help with daily chores, or you may have complex needs that require more dedicated care. We build our care packages around you and your individual needs which means that you and your family can rest assured you’ll receive care and support exactly as you need. Our care ranges from a 30-minute daily visit through to full Live-in care. More detailed information on live-in care can be found at: bluebirdcare.co.uk/live-in-care

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

S UM M E R B RO N Z E CHANEL

Chanel have launched a new collection as part of the esteemed Les Beiges range. The collection will feature a new, darker shade of the cult cream bronzer with Les Beiges Bronzing Cream 395 - Soleil Tan Deep Bronze. chanel.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y L AY L A T U R N E R

FOCUS

EDITOR’S PICK

ILLUMINATE

and hydrate

Welcome to our ﬁrst column by Tria Woman

N O B L E PA N AC E A

The Brilliant Radiance Resilience moisturiser from Noble Panacea is here to protect the skin against oxidative stress, external aggressors and pollution, to prevent signs of aging whilst also deeply hydrating the skin. The result is visibly invigorated and smooth skin that glows throughout the day. £200

B y M A R I A N N E GAU T I E R

noblepanacea.com

Hair today PLS HAIR

Russian Remy hair is produced from large raw bundles of human hair, usually from one source or donor. It’s carefully processed with dye to achieve the desired colours and has its cuticle intact, so it runs in the same direction as your own hair, allowing a smooth finish. Remy hair can also last up to two years if looked after properly. plshair.co.uk

SHAPE SHIFTER A B FA B F I T C L U B

In 2018 AbFabFit Club breezed into the lives of women desperate for help to regain their size, shape, fitness and healthy living. Join the ‘Feel Great in 8’ transformation programme designed to get you started and keep you on track. Plus, there are gym outlets in Waltham Abbey and Thornwood where they have launched new socially distanced circuit style 'outdoor bootcamp' classes.

STRESS buster

tress - we experience it on a daily basis. And while it may be difficult to avoid, there are ways we can learn how to manage the stress in our lives. Stress from feelings of anger, fear or frustration are an unavoidable part of day to day life, but if it is excessive or long term then it can have devastating effects on our mental and physical wellbeing. Stress stimulates the adrenal glands, which release adrenaline and cortisol hormones into the blood to gear the body for action; great if we are in danger, but when this is stuck in a continuous cycle, excessive levels of stress hormones cause problems that show up as anxiety, headaches, stiffness, insomnia and digestive issues. How we think and respond will have a direct effect upon the body, either in a negative or positive way, which means that we can be active participants in our own wellbeing. The mind-body connection is the link between our thoughts and emotions (the mind), and the physical which includes all the systems of the body through to the cells. We can’t always avoid stress, but we always have the power to choose how we respond to it if we have the right tools. At Tria Woman we understand that every woman has her own unique needs and experiences, and supporting the counselling process with individual lifestyle, nutrition and mindfulness practices creates a tailored approach which honours mind, body and soul. TRIA WOMAN

The Stables, Penn Street, Amersham, Bucks, HP7 0PP, 07792 972943 marianne@triawoman.com triawoman.com

abfabﬁtclub.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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KRYSTAL PRINCE

SUMMER BEAUTY essentials

Krystal Prince, owner of The Glamour Room in Chelmsford, starts a new column with Absolutely Essex by brightening up our month

e can store away the winter jackets and woolly hats, and finally pull out our shorts and sandals because the summer is here! Even if it’s not easy or even possible to travel abroad, it seems staycations in the UK are trending. We have hit a turning point in the year and I personally feel so much happier when the sun is out. I am sure many would agree – you feel so much more energised and uplifted. Embrace the feeling and even if we are in our own garden this summer, or enjoying some of our beautiful British beaches, we should totally pamper ourselves as if it was a ‘normal’ summer. Summer beauty is my favourite, an opportunity to ditch all that heavy make-up and bring on the naturally

glowing skin. A bronzer and lip gloss will be your new BFF, along with some lashes and a bright gel manicure and pedicure, what more could a girl want? Well maybe a refreshing G+T wouldn’t go a miss and that’s summer sorted… Here are some simple summer beauty essentials:

Skin

We no longer need to look pasty white and can have a gorgeous glow. But please whatever you do, tan yourself safely. Not only will you age sooner, get fine lines, dehydration, and pigmentation, but you are damaging the skin. You want a naturally radiant, even complexion, so protection, protection, protection! You can ditch the heavy foundation and opt for a brightening moisturiser with SPF or a tinted moisturiser/BB cream if

you want a little coverage. During the summer months I go for a minimum SPF30 to protect my skin and I don’t usually expose my face excessively. Those who know me will know I always go on about this, but it’s so important to treat your skin from within. Drink your water. Dig out your smoothie maker and get involved with some water-rich fruits and make some fresh salads. The more colours the better!

Make-Up

So skin is covered, but my summer make-up regime is so streamlined. I get my lashes done – we have all had those melting mascara moments during the summer and it’s not a good look! Lashes mean I feel ready to go and means less eye make-up, it could be a natural lash lift and tint to enhance your natural lashes, or it

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

“A bronzer and lip gloss will be your new BFF, along with some lashes and bright gel manicure”

could be a set of classic or Russian lashes. I go for a fluffy Russian set of lashes. It’s a great time to embrace your natural skin, enhance it with a little bronzer and highlight your cheek bones for that extra glow. Sweep on a tinted lip gloss and your summer look is complete. I love a bright lip so I always go for a bright reddy pink tone with a gloss on top. More time enjoying the nice weather and less time in front of the mirror.

Manis/Pedis

A hugely popular treatment during the summer and for holidays are gel manicures and pedicures. In the salon, we get our guests hiding their tootsies away all winter and are mortified when it gets to summer, they need a full foot overhaul. I try to encourage my guests to get pedicures more regularly so by

the time summer comes they are in an ‘OK’ state. But moving on swiftly for those who detest feet, manicures and pedicures are so much fun in the summer. Bright colours, glitters, nail art and designs, matching bikinis and outfits for weddings or holidays – it’s a way for us to get creative with you. A great summer essential.

Waxing

This is also hugely popular amongst both our male and female guests, I would say this service is also seasonal when the sun rears its head. It’s so nice to not worry about shaving during summer or on holiday, and unfortunately we grow hair naturally as protection, but nowadays it’s not wanted! I would recommend starting waxing before the summer as your hair cycle can sometimes be erratic so

consult your therapist to advise you when to start, but I think two-three wax sessions before you start to notice less regrowth is about average. Don’t worry if you have been thinking about waxing, but haven’t got around to it (or plucked up the courage!) you can start whenever, I’ve seen so much hair reduction on my regular waxing clients. It’s pretty amazing if you persevere. So here are my very own and my salon’s popular summer essentials. The beauty industry changes so often, but I find the essential core treatments and trends are similar year on year.

Follow Krystal Prince @itsallaboutthekp and @the_glamour_room, plus visit theglamourroom.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS SPORTY MEN MAY NEED TO TAKE SUPPLEMENTS

W E L L B E I N G B O O S T The owner of Brookside Aesthetics on how you can supplement a man’s healthy life By KAREN CHESTER

“Men need to eat 350% more dark green vegetables and 150% more fruit to meet recommended guidelines”

en of all ages have deficiency in nearly every nutritional category. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, men need to eat 350% more dark green vegetables and 150% more fruit to meet the recommended guidelines. Here I have picked five key supplements a man should take…

VITAMIN D Vitamin D is more commonly known as the sunshine vitamin due to the way our bodies produce it naturally when the skin is exposed to the sun; what is less commonly known is that most of us are deficient in it. Vitamin D becomes more important as we age, it absorbs calcium and helps prevent weak muscles and bones. Research also suggests that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of colon cancer and one study has found that men with low levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to have a heart attack as men with normal levels. On the other hand, too much vitamin D can cause fatigue and muscle weakness, so you should stay below 2,000 IU unless your doctor advises otherwise.

VITAMIN B12 Vitamin B12 is important for brain function, and also supports the normal functioning of the nervous system, including memory. B12 may be included in your daily multivitamin intake, high doses have not been shown to be harmful, however excessive dosing should be avoided unless your doctor recommends it. The recommended daily allowance for B12 is 2.4 mcg, which you can easily get from your diet. One serving of fortified breakfast cereal will provide all that you need.

MAGNESIUM Magnesium is especially important to men because it aids the production of testosterone, which declines with age. With loss of testosterone comes decreased stamina, loss of muscle mass and lower energy levels. The recommended daily allowance for magnesium increases for men over the age of 30, to 420mg per day.

VITAMIN C Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that serves a protective role in the body. Vitamin C is also an important supplement for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, connective tissue, muscles, skin, capillaries, and it also helps your body absorb iron. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C for men is 90 milligrams (mg) a day.

COLLAGEN Collagen levels are reduced as you age – by around 1.5% every year from your mid-20s – so it's a good idea to consider a daily supplement. Collagen supplements can bring relief for pain by combating ageing tissue and arthritis. Renowned Dr Aamer Khan, from Harley Street Skin Clinic, says: “Some medical conditions may require special dietary supplements, so talk to your doctor about your specific nutritional needs. For my sporty patients I would always recommend U-perform (u-perform.co.uk).” Twenty Absolutely readers have the opportunity to receive a box of U-perform Active Collagen Supplements. Head over to their Instagram page @Uperformuk and direct message your request for a free box of Active Collagen Supplements by mentioning the Absolutely Magazine give away. BROOKSIDE AESTHETIC S Brookside Farm, Strawbrook Hill, Little Leighs, Chelmsford, CM5 1LX 01245 363889 brookside-aesthetics.com

U-PERFORM IS A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENT

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Q&A

Nature’s

S O LU T I O N

Absolutely Essex spends time with Rachel Mason, the founder of Our Remedy in Leigh-on-Sea, a CBD brand that aims to bring a happy balance to life Q The first we heard about you was just before the finals of the Futureminded 2021 Programme, where you could pitch to high street retailers and supermarkets. How did that go? A Making the final four of the Futureminded 2021 Programme and being able to pitch to national retailers and industry experts was an absolutely incredible opportunity. We didn't win first place, but as a small business – we were still in our first year of trading at the time of pitching – making the final four was already enough for us. It's an amazing accolade to be recognised and celebrated in this way! Q How did it feel to reach the finals of that? A We were elated but surprised, especially since the other three companies joining Our Remedy in the finals were very established. We were delighted to have made the top ten, let alone the top four – it was such a wonderful boost for us. Q What is the story behind Our Remedy? A I've been through some fairly serious health issues over the past few years; from finding out I'd never conceive naturally, to doctors finding cancer cells on my ovaries, which lead to a

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROFILE

RACHEL MASON

“Although I was cynical at first, after a week of taking CBD I was sleeping better”

full hysterectomy by the age of 30. The anxiety caused by these health issues left me struggling to sleep and I'd lay awake at night tossing and turning in despair. Thankfully I found balance and relief by introducing CBD into my wellness routine. Although I was cynical at first, after just a week of taking CBD daily I was sleeping better, waking up feeling refreshed and if I did wake up in the night, I'd go straight back to sleep. The only issue was that I couldn't find a CBD oil I liked the taste of (CBD is a natural plant extract and has a rather hemp/earthy flavour) or that resonated with my passion for sustainability, so I decided to create my own – and Our Remedy was born. I'm a graphic designer by trade, so was delighted to be able to create a brand that tastes good, does good and that looks fabulous on your bedside table! We want to reframe self-care to ensure it’s not selfishcare. Our philosophy to give back underpins everything we do, from the packaging we use, the inks we print with and the fact we donate to Bloody Good Period. We're proud to be the first and only CBD company in the UK to prioritise sustainability in this way.

Q What do you want to offer? A We offer cycle-care and self-care products with a conscience. We want to offer people with period related issues and sleep issues the opportunity to find a natural remedy that benefits your overall wellness. Painkillers can really take a toll on the body and leave you feeling off balance (I speak from experience) so finding a natural solution that restores your best self is so important. CBD is a new but evolving industry and we're delighted that more and more people are giving it a try. I'd love for everyone to be open minded to what this incredible plant extract might be able to do, the results may surprise them. Q You launched during the year of a pandemic – how did that affect you? A It's difficult to say because I don't have a 'normal' year of trading to compare it to, but it definitely made us prioritise our online presence and focus on spreading the word via social media. At the beginning of the pandemic we signed the lease on our shop space, however we had to delay our opening for almost a year – and instead looked at how we could grow online. I think this past year has made many people evaluate their wellness routines and how they are taking care of themselves from the inside out, so in many ways, we launched at a relevant time. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROFILE

“I can't stop daydreaming about taking a pink coffee van to festivals and serving CBD coffee”

Q Have you been able to open your flagship store in Leigh-on-Sea? A Yes, we have opened, but there is work to do there to grow that area of the business. Many locals may have walked past this year and peeped in, but we haven't had a formal or grand opening or really made a splash as our opening has been so gradual. I have focused on the online side of the business that now the store is really the side project and online is pretty busy. I work from the shop so if customers come in it's a bonus! Q What have you been able to do over the past year or so? A I've been able to spend more time on my business than I usually would have. I've tried to use the fact we have been in multiple lockdowns to my advantage, with nowhere to go and not much else to do I have really thrown myself into growing this business. I'm not sure we would be quite so far ahead now without this, so I am trying to look at them as opportunities rather than an inconvenience.

synonymous with being vegan, crueltyfree and 100% plastic free. I also can't stop daydreaming about taking a pink coffee van around festivals and serving CBD coffee... Watch this space!

Q Why in Leigh-on-Sea? A Primarily because I live here, but it is also an incredible place for small businesses to flourish and grow since the locals are very supportive of independents! Q What are your plans for the future? A I am so excited about the future of Our Remedy. We are currently launching our sixth product and a number of different gift sets so it's an exciting time. I would love for Our Remedy to be the go-to wellness brand for women,

O U R R E M E DY 700a London Road, SS0 9HQ 01702 593095 • ourremedy.co.uk

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25/06/2021 11:32

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROMOTION

T H E Z O O M E F F E C T Rejuvenating interest in cosmetic surgery By EVE HERBERT

“A consequence of meetings over Zoom has been a renewed awareness of how we look”

e have been living with Covid-19 for well over a year now. The pandemic has impacted everyone in different ways as people have learnt to adapt the way they live their lives. Face masks, social distancing and Zoom meetings have all become the norm. A consequence of working from home and having to conduct meetings over Zoom has been a renewed awareness of how we look. It’s hard to ignore puffy eyes and jowls when spending so much time looking at your own reflection. This has directly led to an increase in enquiries relating to cosmetic surgery to address wrinkles, jowls, scars, skin moles, eye lids and eye bags as well as excess skin through weight-loss. The time and isolation from others has afforded people with the chance to reflect on their appearance and even the appearance of others. Perhaps noticing a birthmark on the skin of their child for the first time. Or maybe they have made the decision their family is complete and want their body back. Now that life is returning to some form of normality (at least for now), people are empowered to make positive changes to their lives. Be it getting fit, eating healthily or looking at cosmetic surgery to address problem areas. If it is the latter, there are both surgical and nonsurgical options available and consultant plastic surgeon, Chris Abela will be happy to discuss these in more detail. Chris is experienced in body contouring

CHRIS ABELA

and cosmetic surgery and runs a private practice with clinics in Marylebone, Chelsea and Wimbledon. In June 2021, Chris opened a new clinic at 84 Harley Street. Chris’ ethos and the team’s overarching philosophies encompass: • a safe and evidence-based approach to the medicine and surgery provided • holistic and honest consultations to enable patients with a better quality of life, long after they have been discharged • providing the right infrastructure and personnel to take care of a patient and fully support them for the duration of their journey All this is done with discretion in mind. As we continue to come out of lockdown, Chris and his team are taking all possible precautions to protect patients and are proceeding with extreme caution and care. CHRIS ABELA If you have any questions, please contact Chris at info@chrisabela.co.uk. More information is available at chrisabela.co.uk • 020 3651 0547

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

WORK OUT

MUST H AV E S

NOTES By LAYLA TURNER

INNERMOST FOCUS CAPSULES The Focus Capsules by Innermost contain research-backed ingredients such as Siberian Ginseng and L-Tyrosine. The capsules work to increase alertness and combat both mental and physical fatigue, making them perfect for both pre and post workout. liveinnermost.com

PURE SPORT BOOST OIL BOOST oil by Pure Sport has been formulated with 1500mg of CBD oil alongside Lions Mane, Ginseng and Vitamin C. The potent product works to fight fatigue and stimulate energy levels, whilst the Vitamin C boosts the immune system and enhances brain function. puresportcbd.com

WO R K I T O U T The best outdoor workouts

POCKET SPORT C L AU D E L EG G I N G The Claude legging by Pocket Sport are high waisted, breathable and squat-proof. Made from dense material, gone are the days of legging related nightmares. With eight colours to choose from, the leggings are perfect for a day of lounging as well as exercising. pocket-sport.com

acking ‘get up and go’ post lockdown? Get back moving again with Run Club by Pure Sport. The CBD company, who offer a range of incredible CBD products to help enhance daily life, have launched their very own running club. Led by in-house head of running relations Will Goodge and running expert Lloyd Kempson, Pure Sport aims to have members all over the world outside and enjoying running. Pure Club operates its virtual club on Strava,

making the service accessible from any location. Coaches set goals and challenges virtually that unlock discounts and rewards (including exclusive merchandise), and you can also chat with and get tips from running experts. If you want to get out and run with like-minded individuals, Pure Sport now offer an all inclusive Run Club. Every Wednesday at 6.15pm, members head into London to meet in Battersea Park. All ages and abilities are welcome, and

members work to motivate each other while forming friendships. Running not your scene? Pure Sport also offer a ﬁtness club, allowing every person from any walk of life to become a better, healthier and happier person. Offering everything from rowing, to weight lifting and cycling, Pure Sport ﬁtness club welcomes all abilities. Working out can be tough, especially by yourself, but the shared effort of training as a community creates strong bonds that are hard to replicate anywhere else. puresportcbd.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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F A M I L Y

WORLD OF DISCOVERY TINZI’S

Research shows that within the first few weeks of life, infants develop the ability to perceive reds, oranges, yellows and greens. Enabling babies to discover a mix of intense colours encourages strong neural connections in the brain, which is at the heart of Essex business, Tinzi’s.

tinzis.co.uk

Etta Loves 88 • Talking Head 91 • Pets 92 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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“I was fascinated by what babies could and couldn't see, so set out to turn omnipresent baby items into sensory items”

Modern day

VIS IONA RY

INS

Etta Loves’ ethos is based on science and a baby’s sensory development. Founder Jen Fuller explains how it all works By MARK KEBBLE

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FAMILY • INTERVIEW JEN FULLER

t’s not often I encounter a designer of childrenswear who works closely with an Orthoptist, but then again Essex-based Etta Loves isn’t like other businesses. As founder Jen Fuller explains, it all started – as the name suggests – with her daughter, Etta. “It was back in 2016 whilst on maternity leave,” she recounts. “Etta was around six weeks old when I first noticed her staring intently at a black and white patterned jumper I was wearing whilst feeding her, ignoring the plain muslin flung over my shoulder, and in fact feeding for longer as a result. I glanced from the jumper to the muslin and all of a sudden had my lightbulb moment. “I became fascinated by what she, and babies in general, could and couldn’t see,” she continues, “so set out to understand how to recreate the magic I saw on her face by turning omnipresent baby items into sensory essentials. I had a friend in my NCT group who was a designer, and through another local friend I found our Orthoptist, Laura, to put the precision and science that was needed into the brand – and Etta Loves was born.” When I first encountered the fruits of Fuller’s labour, it was the designs that caught my eye – particularly a recent collaboration involving the work of legendary artist Keith Haring – but there is so much more to Etta Loves. “At birth a baby’s retina is not fully developed and their vision is blurry,” Fuller explains the science behind the brand. “Their retina can only detect large contrasts between light and dark, with black and white offering the greatest of contrasts because the receptor cells that detect colour are immature and their brain cannot yet make sense of the signals from them. Babies have to learn how to see, and it’s only by using their eyes do the critical eye-brain connections

develop, so by producing products that are designed in-line with their vision month by month, we support that magical journey of them learning to see and in-turn providing some priceless calm for parents across the day.” Since launching nearly five years ago, the response to Etta Loves has been overwhelmingly positive, and the brand has evolved to offer a whole host of products today, from muslins and playmats, to blankets and books. “I’ll look to the interiors and fashion industry for trends and create a mood board to discuss with our designer, Shruti,” Fuller says on the design process. “At this point Laura, our Orthoptist, will take a look at the direction we’re thinking of going in and let us know of any watch outs with regards to shapes, spacing or colours. The remainder of the design process is the three of us working very closely until the design is ready to go into sampling and production. When your brand is all about precision it’s critical that we always come back to the science to drive our decisions, whilst retaining a sense of style to produce products that any parent would be happy to have in their home or over their shoulder.” Stylish looks are certainly the buzz word with the Etta Loves x Keith Haring collection. “I have always been

a huge admirer of Keith Haring’s work and legacy, so when by chance we walked past the licensing agency that represents his Foundation, whilst at a licensing expo we were visiting, it just felt like the perfect match. Keith Haring believed that art should be accessible for everyone, so to be able to honour his legacy and turn his bold, iconic art into sensory magic for babies, is really something special.” It’s sure to be a winning collection for parents out there, but Fuller won’t be sitting back to enjoy the moment. “We launched in America a few months ago, so that’s a big focus for us,” she says on what’s next. “Design-wise, we have some exciting new prints coming to the range in the autumn, as well as some innovative products too. We’ve also just entered into a three-year partnership with the University of Sussex, to enable us to develop the scientific basis of products, test and validate designs, and harness cutting edge science on infant perception and aesthetics to further develop new designs and collections. That’s incredibly exciting for me and the future of Etta Loves.” All of this from just one quiet moment between mother and baby. ettaloves.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The BIGGER PICTURE Why a co-curriculum is not something ‘extra’ B y D R PAU L T I F F E N

re after-school activities indispensable? Sport and performing arts are known to develop discipline, cooperation and resilience, skills that benefit every area of life. Volunteering expands views and connects students to their community. Academic societies deepen knowledge and enrich students’ understanding of their potential future field. Incorporating all of these activities into every student’s experience provides a new dimension to education, where academic challenges for the mind are complemented by physical and emotional feats. What many schools term ‘extra-curricular’ activities, for us at New Hall forms

the ‘co-curriculum’, an intrinsic and valued part of the education that we offer. In New Hall, any cocurricular activity is seen as part of the whole educational experience. Providing co-curricular options with internationally recognised assessments helps to support students in the wider performing arts community should they choose to turn their passion into a career. All students are encouraged to participate in the Trinity Speech & Drama, ABRSM and Trinity Music examination programmes in the drama and music curriculum and co-curriculum. Our dance department excels with a nationally and internationally touring Dance Company; 90% of Company dancers have achieved Distinctions in their ISTD dance examinations this year. However, their commitment and

“Despite having less free time, our performers have excellent academic records”

FAMILY • EDUCATION

remarkable achievements do not overshadow their dedication to academic studies. Despite having less free time, our performers and sportspeople have excellent academic records, suggesting that their co-curricular activities contribute to, rather than take away from their academic success. Schools need to adapt to the growing popularity of co-curricular activities. In our case, this applies not only to flexibility in terms of adjusting students’ schedules to allow for competitions and tours, but in the practical structure of the school as well. Recognising the motivation and effort that students put into their many co-curricular interests, we have expanded our boarding options and provision to include fully flexible boarding. All of our students in Years 3 to 13 may choose to board flexibly from as little as one night per week. For many, this has opened opportunities to meet new friends and benefit from the newly-acquired extra time not spent commuting. Some of our flexible boarders are members of the Swim Academy, with early training times in our 25-metre 6-lane swimming pool, and others take dance classes and rehearsals on Saturday mornings. An average year at New Hall involves drama productions and dance shows; termly concerts that showcase all vocal and instrumental ensembles; fundraisers and Voluntary Service socials; fixtures, tours and training camps for our many sports on offer; as well as field trips for our various academic societies. The co-curricular programme at New Hall enriches the education that enables us to develop the well-balanced individuals of which we can all be proud. D R PAU L T I F F E N is Vice Principal at New Hall School, Chelmsford. See more at newhallschool.co.uk

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LARRY ENJOYING DOWN HALL

It’s a

DOG’S LIFE

Marking our travel special later in this issue, PetsPyjamas offer up four Essex hotels who are only too happy to open their doors to you and your pooch By ALEXANDRA FRITH

Down Hall Hotel & Spa Hatfield

A luxury four-star country house hotel, set in a beautiful 110-acre estate, and a former cover star of Absolutely Essex. The surrounding woodland, parkland and landscaped gardens are a doggie’s dream. If you book the It’s A Dog’s Life with PetsPyjamas, the dog gets a luxurious dog bed, water bowl and scooby snacks plus map of the grounds including walking routes and scoop bags. Pets can dine with you in the Anti-Lounge, or if your furry friend prefers, they can relax in your room whilst you eat. All 100 of Down Hall’s bedrooms have been individually designed to reflect the grandeur, elegance and character of this historic property. The dog-friendly rooms all come with complimentary Wi-Fi and a laptop-sized safe.

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FAMILY • PETS

Maison Talbooth Hotel Colchester

MILSOM TALBOOTH HAVE DOG FRIENDLY ROOMS

The Pier Hotel Harwich

The Pier is a vibrant hub of local activity, which makes it fun for pottering about and for dogs. There is a large beach situated five minutes from the hotel as well as some fantastic woods approximately 15 minutes away. During the summer, guests can also eat outside on the terrace, which boasts incredible views. Harbourside is perfect for pre-dinner drinks or maybe a glass or two of champagne and oysters. The views from the restaurant takes in the Stour and Orwell estuaries and the harbour below. On the ground floor, the Ha’Penny Bistro is open all day and the menu here is brasserie in style and flavour with a relaxed atmosphere – perfect for all the family, and dogs are welcome in the bar area.

This is the perfect countryside escape for you and your pet, offering breath-taking views and complete tranquillity. The hotel is set in 12 acres of grounds overlooking the famous Constable Dedham Vale, and with a wealth of footpaths trailing off into the countryside, including the Essex Way and Stour Valley Path, there will be plenty for you and your pooch to explore. Luxurious rooms, beautiful views and even a pool – it’s heaven for you and your pooch. Your dog can eat outside with you in the summer, but if it’s a little chilly you can leave your dog in the room while you dine. They have a gourmet getaway package and as part of that the doggy gets a sausage for breakfast. There are three dog-friendly rooms at Maison Talbooth, each offering superior comfort and luxury with kingsize beds, huge white fluffy towels, complimentary minibars and free Wi-Fi.

“If you book the It's A Dog's Life package, the dog gets a luxurious dog bed, water bowl and scooby snacks”

THE PIER HOTEL

Milsoms Hotel Colchester

Situated in the midst of some of England’s most beautiful lowland landscapes, dog-friendly Milsoms hotel in Essex is a boutique hotel in Dedham. Expect gorgeous food and glorious views. You can eat with your dog in the lounge or in the summer you are welcome to eat outside – in the winter the area is covered over and made cosy by heaters. Dogs are free to run around in the hotel grounds, and there are endless walks along the river close by. Any of the four ground floor rooms are dog-friendly. The en-suite bedrooms all have crisp white linen, duvets and fluffy towels. Complimentary soft drinks are available from the mini bar, and spacious bathrooms are stocked with luxury REN toiletries. You will also find a Samsung HD TV and Sky HD box (with the full range of Sky channels through the Sky In-Room package), free Wi-Fi and free parking.

Pe t s P y j a m a s have been delighting furry friends and their owners since 2014, with truly-welcoming getaways at more than 14,000 hotels, cottages, country houses and B&Bs in the UK and abroad. See more at petspyjamas.com

THE LEAFY MILSOMS HOTEL

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TRIAL ERROR a n d

Employment Tribunals: everything business owners need to know

ver the last year the number of employment tribunal claims have rocketed, with a further rise expected upon the closing of the furlough scheme on 30 September. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions and encountered many challenges and obstacles. Meanwhile, the British Chamber of Commerce estimates that UK businesses are being landed with bills of up to £8,500 in defending employment tribunal claims. These costs remain payable, even where they are successful in defending the claim. Many SME owners have been met with an increased number of employment disputes after they were forced to make vital and rapid changes necessary to ensure the survival of their business. This has created a growth in employment tribunal claims and, in turn, the need for expert advice. If a dispute can be resolved internally, the first formal step is for the employee to make an application to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) for ‘early conciliation’. An employee must go through early conciliation before they are able to bring a claim in the employment tribunal. Acas will discuss the details of the dispute with both the sides. Acas is

By L LOY D C L A R K E

impartial, and their role is to discuss the options available and see if it might be possible that the case could settle before going to an employment tribunal. Where an agreement can be reached, it can save considerable money in both legal fees and compensation for both sides. According to Acas’s annual report (2018-2019), 73% of notifications for claims did not progress into an employment tribunal claim. This was either because an agreement was reached with assistance from Acas or the employee/ex-employee decided not to proceed. A case has the possibility of settling right up until the time that the final tribunal hearing takes place. However, if the dispute is not settled at this time, the case will progress to the next stage and the employee/ex-employee may file a claim with the employment tribunal. As a business owner, being faced with an employment tribunal claim can be daunting. Once you have received notification of the claim from the employment tribunal you will have 28 days from the date that it arrives, to respond and submit your defence to the tribunal. If you do not meet that deadline, then the employee may win the case by default. Therefore, it is crucial that you consult with an employment law solicitor immediately. Attwells understands that SMEs may not have the capacity for in-house legal representation. For a low monthly fee,

we can offer our services in the form of our bespoke retainer packages to suit your business needs. Employment Law is constantly changing. It is frankly impossible for many SMEs to keep up to date, whilst running a business at the same time, particularly in the current challenging times. Dealing with SMEs day in, day out, we have witnessed first-hand the significant increase in employers looking for cost effective legal advice to deal with employment issues. Once an employer has responded to the claim and filed it to the Employment Tribunal, we will review their case again and decide how best to progress their defence, including what further information to request and whether settlement should be considered and if so, on what terms. Once the response has been submitted, the employment tribunal will usually require the employee to set out the compensation they are claiming, in what is a called a ‘schedule of loss’. Once received, we review and then look to arrange a ‘counter schedule of loss’, which looks to chip away at those sums claimed by the employee and provide supporting evidence to reduce the sums that can reasonably be claimed. After this, both parties are required to disclose to each of the relevant documents they wish to rely upon in bringing or defending the claim. These documents will later form the ‘joint

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FAMILY • FINANCE

“Many SME owners have been met with an increased number of employment disputes”

hearing bundle’, which contains the documents the tribunal will be asked to consider when deciding on the claim. Once the bundle is produced and agreed, witness statements will need to be prepared by both sides to support their case. Additionally, sometimes the employment tribunal can ask that a ‘chronology’ is produced and agreed, setting out the timeline of important events, alongside a ‘cast list’ containing the names and job titles of those involved in the case. At the hearing, the employment tribunal will hear evidence from the key witnesses, review the documents in the case and decide on the result of the case following closing arguments

from both sides’ legal representatives. If an employee is successful, the tribunal will then need to determine how much compensation they will receive. If an employer is unhappy with the result, they can appeal any judgment. Again, appeals are subject to strict deadlines. No matter the size or nature of your business or the dispute you find yourself involved in, it is always worth obtaining specialist legal advice at the very outset from experienced professionals. If you are an employer and would like to discuss any employment dispute or tribunal claim, contact Lloyd Clarke on 01206 239761 or lloyd.clarke@attwells.com

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TRAVEL S

Inside this section T R AV E L W I S H L I S T p 9 8 P R E -T R AV E L B E A U T Y E S S E N T I A L S p 1 0 2 THE BEST UK SURFING SPOTS p110 F A M I LY F U N I N P O R T U G A L p 1 1 2

TRIP GUIDE TIME TO PLAN?

Everybody wants a holiday. But can we plan one safely? Staycations are 2021’s safest bet – and there are lots of fantastic UK destinations – but if you’re feeling brave, booking somewhere further afield is an option too.

FIVEPMSWIM.COM

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Tr a v e l

W I S H L I ST Absolutely’s top destinations for a post-Covid getaway By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

Summer is on the horizon, and with that, a renewed hope that life will return to some semblance of normal in the coming months. If you’re dreaming of escaping the city in favour of sunnier climes, here are our favourite hotels for a luxurious holiday when "this" is all over.

Montenegro One&Only Portonovi

Hugged by jaw-dropping mountains and the sparkling water of the Adriatic, Bokor Bay lies near the old Medieval town of Kotor, just an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik. It’s the perfect place to explore the beauty of the Balkans, and One&Only Portonovi is a sensational new luxury resort overlooking the dramatic cove. As well as impeccable guest rooms, suites and villas, One&Only offers Private Homes with their own beach, jetty and pools for a more secluded experience. The Espace Chenot Spa is a huge draw with its scientific approach to wellness, as are the multiple fine dining restaurants such as Sabia by renowned chef Giorgio Locatelli. oneandonlyresorts.com

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TRAVEL • WISHLIST

Iceland

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

One of the ultimate bucket list destinations, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon will leave you full of wonder and serenity. Inspired by the craggy rocks and blue water of its Nordic surroundings, The Retreat’s rooms have breathtaking views of the lagoon and lava fields, and guests are a stone’s throw away from plunging into the powerful geothermal pool. Moss is the signature restaurant looking over the volcanic horizon, serving Icelandic cuisine (locally sourced and seasonal) – be sure to pay a visit to the subterranean wine cellar before your meal. bluelagoon.com

“Inspired by the craggy rocks and blue water of its surroundings, The Retreat's rooms have breathtaking views of the lagoon” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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• XXXXX XXXXXXXX TRAVEL • WISHLIST

France

Hôtel les Roches Rouges

Designed by French architectural studio, Festen, Hôtel les Roches Rouges is a vintage-lover’s dream, with a 1950s Modernist aesthetic that oozes chic. Situated on the Cote d’Azur, all of the rooms have a sea view and one of its two pools fills with natural seawater in harmony with the tide. The decor’s understated luxury is designed to reflect the Riviera way of life, allowing nature to be the focal point while providing all the glamorous comfort one would expect from a five-star hotel. For fine-dining, Michelin-starred restaurant La Terrasse serves Provencal cuisine with ingredients from local farmers and makers with a fantastic selection of wines, while La Plage is a more casual beachfront offering. hotellesrochesrouges.com

Ireland Adare Manor

For those not wanting to venture too far, Adare Manor in County Limerick has everything you could possibly desire for a traditional countryside escape – and then some. Rooms combine historical grandeur with effortless comfort, and the new Padel club in the estate’s lush woodland is an impressive activity centre with indoor tennis courts, sports simulation room, swimming pool and gym complete with Peloton bikes, not to mention the golf course and La Mer spa. Adare Manor also boasts Limerick’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, The Oak Room, plus plenty of other dining options including afternoon tea. adaremanor.com

The Maldives Angsana Velavaru

At Angsana Velavaru, known as Turtle Island in the local Dhivehi language, guests can stay in water villas directly over the turquoise ocean and its rich coral reefs. When you’re not relaxing on the palmfringed white sand beaches, there are plenty of activities to enjoy such as diving at over 30 nearby spots; guests of all abilities can go on excursions to see black tip reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles and whale sharks. There’s also paddle-boarding, catamaran trips, canoeing in glassbottom boats and more. Four restaurants provide plenty of culinary choice including Magoo Garden inspired by a Maldivian market with a live cooking station. angsana.com

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TRIP PREP Some pre-travel beauty essentials B y PENDLE HARTE

SUNKISSED HAIR

stil-salon.com

ometimes, going on holiday in the sun will work wonders on your hair. Seawater is particularly beneficial, says Christel BarronHough, who knows all there is to know about hair and colour. As threetimes winner of the British Hairdressing Awards British Colour Technician of the Year Award and TIGI Global Creative Technical Director, she's a serious force in the world of hair – and she's also a lovely person to spend time with. Her successful salon is all Scandi styling and minimal cool. I'm here to refresh my tired highlights and she has a whole menu for that, including her own Lux Lights method. This is perfect for someone looking for a low-maintenance solution, she says: “This technique forms a super bright, seamless finish with barelythere re-growth. It's like creating the blonde you were born with” – even if, like me, you weren't actually born with any blonde. Christel is quick and professional, showing me some ideas on her phone first and then applying colour and chatting. A wash, a treatment and a quick trim later and my hair is summer-ready, sunkissed and full of natural movement without the dreaded stripey streak effect. My highlights are subtle yet brightening, exactly as I hoped for. Excitingly, Stil is opening a new salon in Chelsea imminently, so Christel's expertise will soon be available more widely. Get yourself booked in.

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TRAVEL • BEAUTY

TA K E

THREE

PERFECT BROWS

Blink Brow Bar bbb-london.com

f you do one thing to improve your overall look before a holiday, make it a brow treatment. The subtle difference between a scraggy, unkempt brow and a carefully shaped one totally transforms your face, while looking natural. If done well, nobody will notice that you've had your brows done, just that your face looks somehow better. At Blink Brow Bar, a simple brow shape and tint is quick and effective. I opt for a cautious mid-brown shade to

avoid the funny heavy brow look, though some say it's best to put up with heavier brows for the ﬁrst day or two for the sake of longevity. Threading is an impressive skill: with just a simple piece of cotton and some precise judgment, unwanted single hairs are eliminated quickly and (almost) painlessly. Describing exactly the shape you want can be tricky, but at Blink the staff know instinctively what you want and what will suit you. Natural arches or angular, conceptual brows? They know best. Once shaped and tinted, my brows keep their neat appearance for several weeks. Pre-holiday, it's a good idea to add a lash tint too, which leaves you mascara-free, yet always looking polished. If anything beauty-related can improve your mood in half an hour, it's a trip to Blink Brow Bar.

BRIGHT TOES

Margaret Dabbs, Westﬁeld margaretdabbs.co.uk

argaret Dabbs is the queen of feet. Known for her gamechanging medical pedicure and her wide range of foot treatments, she has opened a huge new clinic inside Westfield's John Lewis. Here she offers an extended menu of beauty treatments in addition to her famed feet treats, but we're here for our feet. The medical pedicure takes 45 minutes, of which the first few are spent closely inspecting your feet. Any imperfections, dry bits, sores or problems are quickly identified by a medically-trained podiatrist, because this is about more than just nail polish. Foot problems are very common and maintaining foot health is all-important. Uniquely, there is no foot soak at Margaret Dabbs, because her treatments work best on a dry foot. Dry skin is filed away, nails are clipped and shaped, and my feet feel renewed. This treatment is as popular with men as with women, and there's a range of home products that will maintain the results – I come away with a metal foot file and a collection of lotions. My feet have never felt – or looked – better.

A E S O P TA M E H A I R S E R U M This handbag-sized spritz is a solution for frizzy, messy hair. Non-sticky and lightweight, it is suitable for most hair types and lengths, smoothing the strands and imparting a soft feel and finish while also conferring subtle texture and definition. £25 aesop.com

CHANEL LES BEIGES A cream-gel bronzer with a velvety, delicate finish and adjustable coverage, Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream provides just the right amount of pigment where the sun naturally hits. Easy to access in its wide jar, it glides on smoothly. chanel.com

DIOR EDEN ROC In celebration of the Hotel du Cap-EdenRoc's 150th anniversary, paying tribute to its exquisite natural surroundings, the hotel has collaborated with Christian Dior on a signature Eden-Roc fragrance to reflect the sun-bathed luxury of this iconic palace.. dior.com

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TRAVEL • BEACH EATS

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3 S E A V I E W S

DREAMY SPOTS FOR BEACHSIDE DINING

JA M E S SOMMERIN PENARTH

After winning and hanging on to one of Wales’ few Michelin stars at the Crown at Whitebrook, local-boy-made-good James Sommerin has ventured to the seafront to set up his eponymous restaurant with rooms. Located where Cardiff meets the coast, it serves sensational tasting menus and a view of the Severn Estuary. jamessommerinrestaurant.co.uk

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F OX ' S R E V E N G E

TH E B E ACH AT B U D E

THE HUT

The Fox’s Revenge in Newquay has transformed its garden with an 80 person tipi to accommodate diners whatever the weather. Executive Chef Ben Ambridge has created a dedicated BBQ menu for the summer, including his twist on roast dinner, cooked over fire. Much of the meat on the menu has been slow cooked in the pub’s smoker, dishes include Pulled Beef Chuck flatbread with BBQ Korean Sauce. thefoxsrevenge.com

Some of the best views in Cornwall are to be had from this smart eaterie, set high above beautiful Summerleaze beach. There's a buzzy bar and a serious restaurant with an ambitious menu – think high class, globally influenced dishes with lots of local ingredients including Cornish cod and crab. This is a stylish spot for a treat – the puddings ane cocktails are clever too. thebeachatbude.co.uk

The Hut at Colwell Bay offers breathtaking views across the estuary, a laidback Mediterranean vibe and impeccable service from ever-smiling staff. Guests can enjoy glasses of the palest rose and dishes such as succulent Garlic Butter Grilled Lobster and Monkfish Tacos. The restaurant is also launching its very own ferryboat service between Lymington and the Isle of Wight. thehutcolwell.co.uk

C O R N WA L L

ISLE OF WIGHT

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A THE SURF

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C AT C H

Cornwall’s north coast is the UK’s hottest destination for summer 2021. Here’s why By

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PENDLE HARTE

ll eyes are on Cornwall at the moment as the UK’s hottest holiday destination of 2021. Most places to stay are booked out and rooms have been changing hands at a premium for months. And it’s no wonder, because those who love Cornwall return year after year, especially those who love surfing, who head for the north coast. When people get the surfing bug, it eclipses everything else. Friends of ours from London felt the pull of the sea so strongly that within a year of riding their first wave, they were driving to Cornwall at every available opportunity. Another year on and they had sold up, left London and moved permanently to be near the water. They even refurbished their new coastal home with surfing in mind, modifying the

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TRAVEL • CORNWALL

“Apartments at the Point at Polzeath were designed with surﬁng practicalities as a priority” THE POINT AT POLZEATH

POLZEATH BEACH

LUNDY, THE POINT AT POLZEATH

garage to include surfboard and wetsuit storage and installing an outdoor shower. That’s how addictive surfing can be. So while we were ready to be taken by it, we weren’t quite ready for the reality of it. Our destination is Polzeath, a beach known for its surf and particularly its suitability for beginners. None of us has ever surfed before and there are four of us – two adults and two children, aged 12 and 15. We arrive late on Friday night and our first lesson is scheduled for Saturday morning. Arriving in the dark means that while we’re impressed with the spot, it’s not until the next day that we are blown away by the amazing view. The seven contemporary apartments at the Point at Polzeath has been designed with surfing practicalities as a priority – there's outside storage for wet gear and lots of space for all your equipment. This development was cleverly built at the top

of the hill to bring views over the field and down to the sea to every window – and the upside-down layout (bedrooms downstairs, living area on the ground floor) means that the open plan living/dining area with its huge windows gets the best view. Interiors are minimal, tastefully muted in shades of grey and neutral, with acres of space and no superfluous furniture or decoration, yet very well equipped in terms of practicality, comfort and tech. The well-equipped kitchen includes a nespresso machine and a huge fridge, plus high quality knives and everything you could need. The living room has a vast smart TV, a wood burner and lots of sofa space; there are impressive showers and underfloor heating throughout, excellent for warming chilled bones and making a stay here super comfortable whatever the weather has in store. So all of this means that after our first

surfing lesson we can recover in warmth and comfort. Because what our friends hadn’t told us is that surfing, for all its compelling qualities, is exhausting. At least it is for us beginners. Our group lesson lasts two hours, during which we go to battle with the waves and, on the whole, lose. Inevitably the children are better at it than we are, and standing up for more than a split second eludes me. Our instructors are vigilant and instill us with lots of enthusiasm and a good sense of what we are trying to do – and the addictive pull lies in the constant sense that the next wave will be the one. After the session we are all desperate to return, but immediately we head for the comfort of the apartment’s hot showers, fluffy towels and sofas. There is no better way to spend a post-surf evening than overlooking the sea from the comfort of your balcony.

FAC T F I L E The Point at Polzeath From 2 bedroom holiday cottages to 5 bedroom detached holiday homes, The Point offers accommodation to suit every family and budget. theointatpolzeath.co.uk

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TRAVEL • DECORATIVE

S TAY C A T I O N A R T

VINTAGE RAILWAY POSTERS FIT THE SPIRIT OF 2021 1

WA L E S GW R

This poster for Great Western Railways dates from 1937, and depicts Wesh mountains and lakes in all their green glory, with a characteristic 1930s feel.

T H E T R O S S AC H S LNER

This poster for the London and North Eastern Railways, 19231947, promotes the Trossachs, which were one of the first parts of Scotland to become a recognised tourist destination.

THE LAKES LMS

London Midland and Scotland Railways could take you to the English Lakes, depicted in this colourful 1930s poster.

ORKNEY

P & O H E R I TA G E

This lithograph from the 1950s promotes cruises with the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Shipping Co.

YO R K S H I R E LNER

London and North Eastern Railways' poster for the Yorkshire Dales depicts rolling green hills in a 1930s aesthetic.

All posters from the National Railway Museum Collection at surfaceview.co.uk Art prints from £50

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New WAV E S Absolutely’s favourite UK surf spots Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

NEWGALE, PEMBROKESHIRE NEWSURF

BARRA SCOTLAND

B A R R A S U R F A DV E N T U R E S

● It's a long way to the Outer Hebrides, which are 28 miles from the coast, but the vast, unspoiled beaches are worth the journey. Plus, they receive the brunt of the Atlantic's force, which Barra and Vatersay are blessed with fantastic, uncrowded surfing beaches that are among the very best in the world. Large, empty stretches of white sand and crystal clear waters are perfect for learning to surf, or for surfers to improve their skills. barrasurfadventures.co.uk

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● This popular surf spot forms part of Pembrokeshire’s St Bride’s Bay. It’s one of the longest beaches in the area, stretching out for two miles of soft sand backed by a bank of pebbles. Surf conditions are usually reliable but it’s best to avoid high water when the waves hit the pebble bank. It’s suitable for beginners, and there’s always plenty of space. Newsurf is the only surf school situated on Newgale Beach but it’s perfect for all abilities, from beginners attempting to catch their first wave to those looking to improve their cut back. The school offers group and private lessons with a team of coaches who are all qualified surf instructors and qualified beach lifeguards. Other compelling factors include warm showers, a spacious car park and an on-site surf shop. newsurf.co.uk

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TRAVEL • UK SURF SPOTS

Surf essentials

A WETSUIT

The UK is not Mexico. You’ll need a wetsuit, even in summer, and probably a winter weight one. There’s nothing worse than freezing in cold water and for much of the year, surfing in the UK is eminently possible if you have the right kit. That will often include gloves, shoes and even a balaclava. mountainwarehouse.com

POLZEATH CORNWALL WAV E H U N T E R S

● Polzeath might not offer the best surf in North Cornwall but it’s certainly one of the most popular spots. It’s a long beach and a friendly town with countless surf schools, surf shops and eateries aimed at surfers – non-surfers are in the minority here. Even David Cameron has been snapped catching waves in his wetsuit. Wavehunters will provide you with all the kit you need. wavehunters.co.uk

A BOARD

Dick Pearce’s stylish wooden belly boards are handcrafted in Cornwall and designed to last a lifetime. The classic boards come in a wide range of stylish contemporary shades as well as the original wooden finish. Wooden boards are simpler than the newer stand-up boards; until the 1960s, no family holiday to Devon or Cornwall was complete without one. dickpearce.com

SAUNTON DEVON

WA L K I N G O N WAV E S

● One of the best beginner surf beaches in England, Saunton has manageable walls at all stages of the tide and is considered one of the premier long board waves in the country. These long, slow breaking left and rights dish out the perfect conditions to learn to surf in England, with 5-miles of open beach. walking-on-waves.com

TRANSPORT

It’s a long drive to Cornwall, and even further to Pembrokeshire, so weekending urbanites need to make sure that their cars are up to it. There’s a lot of kit and you may find yourself changing into a wetsuit in the back seat. The Mazda CX-5 is spacious enough to transport a family plus kit to even the remotest spots. mazda.co.uk

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HAPPY

DAYS Holidaying with teenagers can be challenging – but at Club Med’s Algarve outpost, there’s something for everyone By PENDLE HARTE

hat makes a good holiday? A straw poll in my family brings up the following: a beach; a pool; things to do; good food. Everyone seems to agree, but on closer interrogation it becomes clear that definitions of ‘things to do’ and ‘good food’ vary. Holidaying with teenagers is a risky prospect, because nobody wants to put up with sulking on their long-awaited holiday, yet teens are easily displeased. So what’s the solution? At Club Med, they have the solution. More than 60 years of holidaying history have left the French organisation with all the knowledge and experience to offer the magic formula. The idea is simple: everything is included, everyone is catered to, no pressure to join in. A Club Med Village is a utopian society in microcosm, with its leader, the Chef de Village, mingling amicably with guests, as staff – GOs, as they are known, for Gentils Organisateurs – share duties and socialise enthusiastically and universally.

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No money changes hands and everything is bottomless, from the ice cream to the Aperol to the clean towels. Notice boards advertise such uncontroversial happenings as beach volleyball and tennis tournaments. Bougainvilla is permanently in bloom. It’s a highly functioning slice of escapism and clearly it’s universally appreciated, because everyone here is happy. Including us, of course. We are in the Algarve’s Da Balaia resort, where surroundings are beautiful, food and drink is good and plentiful, and space and comfort are seamless. At first, our daughters, age 12 and 15, have predictable reservations about joining in. They respond with calculated indifference to the invitation to join the kids’ group – but this attitude is short-lived: by day two they are congregating with other teens for the 11am trapeze lesson, where friendships are formed for the week. Yes, that’s trapeze, a Club Med tradition: a huge rig plays host to lessons for all levels, and the teachers double as circus performers in the evenings to entertain the entire village. The teen group roams the resort at their own pace all week, moving between the pool, the ping pong tables and the beach,

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TRAVEL • NORTHERN TRAVEL • EUROPE LIGHTS

“Everything is bottomless, from the ice cream to the Aperol to the clean towels”

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CAMPFIRE GIN

From the Distillery of the Year 2021 The multi-award winning gin range to share with friends around the campfire.

Visit Puddingstone Distillery on Fridays & Saturdays for gin tastings FREE delivery on orders over £35 at puddingstonedistillery.com Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4NT

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CAMPFIRE GIN SHOP TAS TINGS TOUR EVENINGS EVENTS

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TRAVEL • EUROPE

“The adultsonly Zen pool is a dreamy freshwater lake”

leaving us adults to our own similar if lazier roaming. Smaller children march from activity to activity in their more supervised groups, playing minigolf, experimenting with archery and spending time in their designated shady play area, located at a discreet distance from the hub of the resort. We all settle into a holiday routine prioritising mealtimes, because food at Da Balaia is beyond impressive. Daily banquets are vast and impressive. The beauty of having three meals a day that require no personal input or even any thought is a fundamental source of Club Med joy. There’s no time to feel hungry and no need to fill up because mealtimes come round fast. The trick, we learn, is to not to eat too much, and not to worry about missing out. There is always tomorrow. The spread looks as appealing as it tastes and options suit all tastes, so if we adults choose grilled sardines for lunch, the teens can have pizza. If we have octopus, they can have burgers. Highlights of the week’s menu include oysters, tuna carpaccio, grilled prawns, clam linguini and lots of fish, while daily staples span salad, a solid cheese course and lots of fruit. Dessert is occasion-style every day, while breakfast choices include everything you can think of, from pancakes to chia pots via a full fry up. For families, all of this means that adults can enjoy sardines and salad for lunch without children complaining, which is a holiday in itself.

Between meals, we fit in tennis lessons (no shame in being an adult beginner here – there’s a class for that) and blissful swims at the adults-only Zen pool, a dreamy freshwater lake complete with lilypads and sea views. Steps lead down to a beautiful beach with gentle Atlantic waves and perfect sand. There’s no shortage of beautiful views and places to lounge. For me, the definition of a holiday is a break from making decisions and planning. Not having to think about meals, or timetables, makes a blissful escape from the daily and weekly grind. And spending time together as a family is more successful when time is also spent apart. Older children do not want to be without their peers for the entire duration of your trip, and they are entirely capable of retreating to their rooms for wifi if bored, which no adult can bear. So give them some friends and some activities, and when they return for family mealtimes, the mood is likely to be harmonious. Especially when lunch is by the pool. Seven nights all-inclusive stay at Club Med Da Balaia from £1,840 per adult (based on double occupancy) with return flights from London (LTN) and transfers included. Price based on a departure date of 22nd August 2021 and children under six stay free. Book now at clubmed.co.uk or call 0845 367 6767

International travel: PCR testing Anyone travelling anywhere this summer is going to have to accept organising and paying for multiple PCR tests. Paddington’s (med)24 provides immediate access to world-class GPs and specialist treatments. The clinic offers rapid response COVID-19 testing services from PCR Testing to Antibody Tests and Fit To Fly Certificates in-clinic and via postal and visiting services. 10 Eastbourne Terrace, W2 med24.clinic

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Brand New near Potters Bar

Potters Grange

Brand new 20 bed Boutique Residential home with Nursing • Bespoke New Build • Luxuriously Appointed • Like no other you have seen

At Potters Grange you have all the features of a large luxury Care home, without having to share it with 80 or 100 other people • • • • • •

COVID safe for residents and visitors All bedrooms feature ensuite wetrooms Freshly prepared meals and private dining. Air conditioning in lounges and dining areas Cinema room and optional daily activities Home comes with its own fully accessible vehicle

Come and meet the team today to see just how special Potters Grange is O1707 938 938 | Potters Grange | Barnet Road, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 2SJ | www.PottersGrange.co.uk ARDALE.indd 1

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PROPERTY

The Old Rectory CM7

£3,500,000

ocated in a peaceful village setting, this historic Grade II listed seven bedroom property is set amidst beautiful mature grounds, extending to around 8.18 acres in total, including a renovated two bedroom cottage. Welcomed by an impressive reception hall, the house has a range of character features including wood floors, sash windows and shutters, ornate cornicing and open fireplaces.

KNIGHT FRANK BISHOP’S STORTFORD 01279 213340 knightfrank.co.uk

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Sible Hedingham, Essex Guide Price £1,575,000 U O ND FF E ER R

Kelvedon, Essex Guide Price £3,500,000

A handsome Edwardian country house set in stunning grounds of 3.5 acres

Edwardian country home with detached annex set in 3.5 acres

EPC Rating D

Mark Davies

John Seward

Director

Associate Director

01245 254618

01245 254606

mark.davies@struttandparker.com

john.seward@struttandparker.com

Over 50 Offices across England and Scotland, including prime Central London.

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Kelvedon, Essex Guide Price £2,950,000

Ulting, Essex Guide Price £1,750,000

Character Grade II Listed country house in 12 acres

A Grade II Listed family home with beautiful river frontage views set in 6 acres

Stephen Howard Associate Director 01245 254626 stephen.howard@struttandparker.com

/struttandparker

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@struttandparker

struttandparker.com

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“The property offers a wealth of original medieval features and constitutes a valuable source of historical architecture” 124

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

Making the

GRADE A stunning historical property in Dunmow has come to the market. Absolutely Essex takes a step back in time

ating back to the 14th century with alterations in the 16th century, there’s a remarkable Grade I-listed property in High Roding, Dunmow, that is understandably catching the eye of many in the industry. The property offers a wealth of original medieval features exceptional to anywhere else in Essex. This hugely important building constitutes a valuable source of historical architecture over two periods and has been the subject of an extensive programme of restoration. The timber framing is partly exposed internally with the original cross-entry still present, adding a very strong sense of the building’s heritage. The accommodation has been arranged over two floors with four first floor bedrooms, two bathrooms and two principal reception rooms. There is a spacious

kitchen/breakfast room, inner reception hall and cloakroom. The property has been decorated in neutral tones throughout and, despite its age, enjoys light-filled rooms. Set back over a gated sweeping drive which runs past the front of the house, Porters Manor Farm provides a detached oak-framed double-bay cart lodge with adjoining storage shed. To the rear of the house and extending from the inner hall and kitchen/breakfast room is a semicircular terrace with the remainder of the garden laid to lawn, interspersed with trees and shrubs. To the rear corner of the house is a brick-built granary with slate roof, currently being used as a store. The granary is Grade II listed and understood to be 18th century in origin. Lying to the rear of the main house is a paddock of around 1.5 acres offering excellent equestrian potential - all in there’s around 2 acres. We asked Karl Manning, head of residential sales at Savills Chelmsford, for his take on the property:

Star price from pri

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WARLEY HQ BRENTWOOD

A new way of living

AN ICONIC DEVELOPMENT OF 1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS PRICES FROM £260,000 • Finished to a high specification • All apartments come with a parking space • Landmark residential scheme with a host of premium, life-enriching features and amenities • Idyllic woodland surroundings Eagle Way, Warley, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3BW

CALL 07958 228 343 whq@lanesnewhomes.co.uk

A DEVELOPMENT BY

www.hamptons.co.uk

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Computer generated imagery is indicative only.

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

LOCAL I N F O R M AT I O N  Great Dunmow: 4 miles; Felsted School: 8 miles; Stansted Airport: 11 miles; Chelmsford: 12 miles; Brentwood: 18 miles; Canary Wharf: 45 miles. All distances approximate.

What makes it historically so important? Are properties of this type/age rare? The property offers a wealth of original medieval features and constitutes a valuable source of historical architecture. There are very few Grade I listed buildings in Essex which are permanent homes – many of them are churches. It’s exceptional to anywhere else in the county.

What were your first impressions of the house? Tucked away in a secluded setting at the end of a private drive and surrounded by farmland, the first thing you notice when you approach the property is how peaceful it is. However, I was also impressed with how the external elevations of the house are in such good order – particularly given the age of the house. What are your favourite features? Stepping inside, the period features are abundant and the meticulous attention to detail during the restoration is evident. A particular favourite is the oriel window in the sitting room detailing carved English oak finials on the outside and replicated inside with hearts and diamonds.

What works have the owners carried out? The works carried out consist of completely renovating the structure of the building and restoring all the original features – making it suitable for modern living with a contemporary feel, but retaining and emphasising the older elements of the house. Careful attention to detail and quality bespoke oak craftsmanship is evident throughout. What type of buyer would it suit and why? A family looking for a peaceful setting within commutable distance of the city. The property stands in two acres of grounds, offering the option for those with equestrian or outdoor interest. High Roding in Dunmow is on the market for £1,195,000 with Savills Chelmsford. For more information call 01245 293 233 or visit savills.co.uk

 A discreetly situated village house surrounded by a beautiful stretch of open countryside and traditional villages. The house lies less than 45 miles from Canary Wharf and within a 14 miles of the M11. Close by is the village of High Roding and the larger market town of Great Dunmow.  High Roding is a historical farming village with mostly mixed residential homes, featuring a picturesque street comprising of mainly historic and listed buildings. There is a strong community network within the village, largely centred around the Black Lion public house.  The nearby village of Leaden Roding offers the most immediate amenities including a village shop and primary school and the market town of Great Dunmow to the north has further shopping facilities and a secondary school.  For more comprehensive shopping, educational and recreational facilities, Chelmsford and Bishop’s Stortford are close at hand.  For the commuter there are rail services at Chelmsford, Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow and the new A120 bypass is within a 10 minute drive with links to Stansted Airport and rail service and the M11 (Junction 8).  Renowned educational facilities include Felsted School, King Edward Grammar School, the County High School for Girls at Chelmsford, Bishop’s Stortford College and to the south Brentwood School.  The area surrounding the property has miles of bridleways for the horse rider to enjoy.

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PROPERTY • COLUMN

Numbers

GAME

The founder of Hunt Property Services picks apart the latest market ﬁgures B y H AY L E Y H U N T

ccording to e-surv, the average price of a home in England and Wales stood at £343,658 last month – up 0.5% on the previous month and 13.4% on the year, the highest year-on-year growth since 2004. We know the market has been flying – but could this be ambitious reporting designed to capture a headline? How can such incredible growth be achieved during a pandemic? Rightmove concurs at £333,564, commenting that buyer demand has risen 52% since the beginning of the pandemic, but that stock availability has fallen to around 50% of what it was then for houses with three or more bedrooms, with a 24% decline in availability to two bedrooms or fewer in the same period. However, remember Rightmove’s figures are asking prices for newto-market properties. According to the Land Registry the average UK house price for sold property stands at £234,474. Clearly various sources calculate their figures differently. But the average price is not likely to be especially relevant for most people – the key here is the

rate of growth. And the Office for National Statistics puts that at 10.2% over the past year, with regional variations of course. Staggering. But what has caused this frenzy? We know that Brexit and the pandemic put the brakes on the market for at least a year and when the floodgates opened everyone wanted to buy, supported by the government’s SDLT (Stamp Duty) concession. Although this starts coming to a tapered end from the end of this month, there’s no sign of market activity abating. In fact, despite the fact that the SDLT concession has actually stimulated price rises even beyond the Stamp Duty saving, affordability, along with market confidence, is strong – interest rates remain exceptionally low, many households have made considerable savings due to lack of spending opportunities during the pandemic, and, most importantly, people have had time to reflect on their priorities and have discovered that a house move could well tick several boxes for them. For example, larger family homes are required to accommodate ageing parents as an alternative to an expensive care home. And young people are staying home longer too, again putting pressure on the

need for larger properties. Sadly, the rise in property values over the pandemic alone has required first time buyers to find about 9% more money towards their deposit (over £3,200 more on average). Makes you wonder if the government should meddle with market forces, doesn’t it! Location of course is as important as ever, but there is certainly less focus on proximity to the station as people get used to working from home, possibly permanently, as a lifestyle choice. With that lifestyle, as well as a desire for a garden or home-office space, come more community-based preferences, such as being close to artisan shops, entertainment centres and gastro-pubs. Of course, if you’re thinking of selling (and now would be a really, really, good time to do so) you can’t change the location of your property – but do speak to us about how to optimise its appeal for the current market. You might be pleasantly surprised – especially when we tell you what your property could be worth if marketed correctly. But don’t hang about – we don’t expect this strong sellers’ market to last forever! huntpropertyservices.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Valencia Corner Garden Set.

SPECTACULAR

2021

e l a s

Make the most of outdoor entertaining this year! Sunny days and good weather are now upon us, which means we’ll all be able to spend a lot more time in our outdoor living spaces. With this in mind, we have a large display of garden furniture to inspire you and create the garden you’ve been dreaming of. Choose from a large selection of different sizes and finishes, from formal dining and sofa groups, through to relaxing day beds and corner sets. Our ever popular garden collections are known to sell quickly each year, so don’t delay if you are looking to update your garden for 2021. All our garden sets are In-Stock for quick

Felix Sofa

TOP BRANDS with Huge discounts & offers!

delivery or immediate collection. Hurry, whilst stocks last.

home at Hatfields. Plus, there are hundreds of occasional items and accessories to bring those beautiful finishing touches to your home.

Our spectacular 2021 sale is now on and in-store you’ll discover a vast choice, with a style for every room. We also have the largest selection of rugs in Colchester, together with a huge range of carpets, smooth and real wood floors. With over 60 stunning sofa groups, 20 stylish dining sets, lots of cabinet pieces and multiple beds and mattresses to test out for that perfect night’s sleep, there is something for every

We’re delighted for our stores to be open once again and have thoroughly enjoyed welcoming customers back into our showrooms in recent weeks. Hatfields is open 7 days a week, with plenty of free parking on site, and friendly knowledgeable sales advisors to assist you with your choices. We hope to see you in-store soon.

Lola Bed

Street Graph Rug

FINANCE Options Available

ALL ITEMS In-Store Reduced!

Up to 50% OFF Ex-Display Furniture

Peartree Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 0LA

01206 765444 www.hatfields.com

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