Absolutely Hertfordshire July 2021

HERTFORDSHIRE

Hertfordshire JULY 2021 / £3.95

JULY 2021

Capture &

ABSOLUTELY-HERTFORDSHIRE.CO.UK

CREATE The eye-catching story behind Elliott of London’s sculptures

P LU S : JANEY LEE GRACE On a love for Herts, touring with Wham! and enjoying life sober FAIR GAME Why chef Joshua Hunter and Holland & Holland are a perfect match SUSTAINING SUCCESS The Letchworth fashion designer making a difference

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents J U LY 2 0 2 1

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C U LT U R E JANEY LEE GRACE

50 BATHROOMS

ELLIOTT OF LONDON

56 LEISURE PLAN

BORROW MY GARDEN

FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y 65 CHRISTOPHER PLACE

On her happy life sober

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The stories behind the sculptures

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65

Take your pick of the best outdoor spots

Enjoy a night on the tiles

Adding luxury to outdoor hospitality

Experience the best of all worlds

FOOD & DRINK 26 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

66 REBECCA PAGE

28 JOSHUA HUNTER

86 EVOLVE BEAUTY

32 JIMMY GARCIA

FA M I LY 92 GOOD PLAY GUIDE

News from the industry

On his eponymous restaurant in Northwood

Popping up at The Grove

INTERIORS 46 TRACEY ANDREWS On her career in design in Herts

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Why the Letchworth designer is turning heads

Meet the genius that is Laura Rudoe

Why it's important to let children have fun

A B S O L U T E LYH E R T F O R D S H I R E .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.

96 GROOMARTS ACADEMY

Training the next generation of dog groomers

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EDITOR MARK KEBBLE DIGITAL EDITOR LAYLA TURNER EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MAGAZINE MANAGER PATRICK DUNNE MEDIA CONSULTANTS CLAIRE FREENEY HAYLEY LANT 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

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DENISE PARSONS

Welcome

In the second of our special introductions, Denise Parsons of St Albans Business Improvement District writes about how the local community has come together to add a new chapter to 500 years of history

THE E D I TO R’ S July issue highlights

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aving lived in St Albans all my life, I have a deep gratitude for the beauty, history, and strong sense of community that our city enjoys. St Albans has benefitted from a thriving high street and bustling market for almost 500 years, and never in that history has the notion of community been more compelling. As both a resident and manager of St Albans BID, I’m incredibly proud of how our community united to support one another during the pandemic.

From pop-up markets to support local businesses and the installation of new planters to add cheer and colour to the town, when all else seemed dark, we have worked hard to keep on going. And the hard work has paid off, with latest figures showing that footfall for St Albans was up almost 50% on the national average.

There are so many reasons to enjoy St Albans this July. Alongside our legendary twice-weekly Charter Markets, we also have Vegan, Vintage, Farmers’ and World Markets taking place on Sundays throughout the month, plus the fantastic ‘Pub Pride’ event on Friday 23 July.

Get set for a fantastic array of events across the summer, too. Brand new for this year is the St Albans Festival of Culture – an exciting event that celebrates arts and culture across our city. Then, prepare for a taste sensation in September. A series of events will run throughout the month at our hugely popular Food & Drink Festival that celebrates our wonderful foodie heroes.

Our city has such a unique history and so much to offer, but it is the people that are at the heart of its story.

Janey Lee Grace Why she is much happier sober

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: Elliott of London, Berkhamsted elliottoflondon.co.uk • Model wears: Dress, £228, Reiss reiss.com

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Borrom my Garden

How you can party in one of our best outdoor spaces

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Leisure Plan

On adding luxury to the outdoor hospitality industry

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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

BA K E R B R OT H E RS DIAMONDS These Marco Bicego stud earrings are part of the Africa collection.

Crafted in 18ct yellow gold these stunning studs feature a hand engraved sphere set with a curve of dazzling brilliant cut diamonds with a post and butterfly fitting. £2,250 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

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

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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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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C U LT U R E

CLOWING AROUND REIMAGINED

The annual Watford free arts festival is back with mini pop-up events that will take place in three brandnew locations across the area, with Imagine Watford becoming REimagineD. You will be able to enjoy 15 shows and activities, on four sites, across three weekends in July, with dance, comedy and art all on the bill. This year the festival will take place in Watford Fields, King George V Park, The Parade and Garston Park. imaginewatford.co.uk

Agenda 12 • Janey Lee Grace 14 • Elliott of London 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

The Stage in the Park 23 July-8 August WATFORD The Stage in the Park has announced the initial programme for the openair performances in Watford’s Cassiobury Park this July. The programme mixes musical theatre, comedy (including big hitters like Adam Kay, pictured), live music, and in conversation events to ensure there is something for all the family. stageinthepark.co.uk

F I L M

Open Air Cinema AS H R I D GE H O US E • 28 JU NE-7 J ULY

Ashridge House is delighted to announce a series of outdoor screenings this summer, set in their beautiful private gardens. You will be able to enjoy pre-cinema dining in a beautiful heritage room in the house with a special two course menu for a unique dining experience prior to the movie screening. Alternatively order a gourmet picnic box for two available for you to enjoy in the beautiful gardens. ashridgehouse.org.uk/open-air-cinema

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T H E AT R E

Snoopy The Musical 8-10 July A B B E Y T H E AT R E Snoopy The Musical charts a year in the life of the iconic beagle and his friends, reflecting the trials and tribulations of being a kid and showing what can happen when just one person believes in you.

Based on the comic strip ‘Peanuts’ by Charles M. Schulz, this musical is produced

by St Albans Youth Music Theatre. abbeytheatre.org.uk

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CULTURE • WHAT'S ON

T H E AT R E

24/15 Throughout July R OT H A M ST E D M A N O R Rothamsted Manor is working in collaboration with Steve Moss (musical director of London’s Mary Poppins) to produce 24 concerts featuring 15 West End stars. Over the summer of 2021, the Grade I listed Jacobean manor house in Harpenden will play host to a series of intimate concerts with stars performing popular hits from top West End Shows. rothamstedenterprises.com

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

M A R K E TS

ST ALBANS BID

This Month’s Must See

Throughout July ST ALBANS Enjoy St Albans and support home grown talent at one of the exciting markets taking place this July.

Highlights include a Vintage Market on 18 July, where you will be able to pick up some jewellery gems, and the Harpenden Farmers' Market on 25 July, for some of the finest local produce. enjoystalbans.com

HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL

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

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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 Enfield. 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 wish someone had told me how amazing life without alcohol is”

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

I t ’ s

o n ly

N AT U R A L Whether it’s touring with Wham! or launching The Sober Club, Hertfordshire’s Janey Lee Grace appears to take it all in her stride

By MARK KEBBLE

T

alking to a close friend recently, we were half joking about how alcohol has certainly helped get us both through the many lockdowns and lift the spirits. I’ve never been a big drinker, but unlike others that I know who have refused to change their routine of not drinking at home, I have happily had evenings where one drink turned into four or five.

It’s not an excuse, but working in the media for over two decades, attending events has invariably meant having a drink. I was a lot more rash when I was younger – aren’t we all – but it’s still a part of my life. For someone like Janey Lee Grace, who became famous in the late 80s and early 90s for her work in the music industry, I can only imagine how alcohol was a constant presence.

The subject doesn’t really come up when I speak to the Hertfordshire local, but

there’s an inkling when we talk about her role in launching The Sober Club. “I now see I was stepping around the elephant in the room that was alcohol for 30 years,” she says on the idea behind launching the club 18 months ago. “I finally ditched the booze at the end of December 2017 and didn’t look back. I wish someone had told me how amazing life without booze is.

The Sober Club is a platform to inspire and encourage people to look again at their relationship with alcohol and focus on optimum health and wellbeing, and there is a membership community too.”

Has she noticed any increase in membership requests during the pandemic?

“There’s no doubt that the Covid situation has meant more people drinking more,” she says to a slightly guilty interviewer, “and I fear for what might unfold regarding mental health, but I also found a number of people took stock and realised that they were heading for disaster. They now know that quitting the booze is the best thing they ever did and sobriety and happiness is their

Covid legacy. We offer regular coaching calls and expert sessions and have members who are at Day 1 through to about four years sober. It’s always about the ‘what’s next’.”

The Sober Club followed on from Lee Grace launching Imperfectly Natural, which was a result of a hugely successful book published in 2005. “I had no idea I could write,” she laughs about that. “A publisher heard me talking about natural and organic stuff on Radio 2 and asked if I’d like to write a book. I was writing lots of personal emails to respond to queries, so it made sense.

Imperfectly Natural was a massive hit, rather ahead of its time I often say – I was talking about kale and coconut oil [15 years ago] before they had acquired a publicist!

“When the book took off and went to number one on Amazon, suddenly the products I had recommended sold out in stores,” she continues. “I realised I could do more than just the book, so started the recommendations site. Now we have the Platinum Awards each year too, to recognise the best in natural products, A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW HER SINGING CAREER TOOK OFF IN THE LATE 80S IN COLA BOY, WHO HAD A TOP TEN HIT IN 1991

SHE LOVES VISITING ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL

THE FOOD AT LUSSMANNS IS TOP OF HER LIST

“The first Wham! tour was incredible. It was literally like Beatlemania” JANEY LEE GRACE IS CERTAINLY HAPPY SOBER

and hopefully people get to find out what natural and organic and eco products really work. In addition, we look at therapeutic treatments to promote people who are doing great work in inspiring others to live in a more holistic way.”

It all seems a world away from the successful singing career she built for herself at the tail end of the 1980s. “It does seem like another lifetime,” she agrees. “It really was a whirlwind. I started as a backing singer with Mari Wilson and the Wilsations – remember the big hair! – and then worked with Wham! on all their tours. The first Wham! tour was incredible, literally like Beatlemania. Playing stadiums across the US was pretty cool, as was being a part of the iconic Wham! in China tour. And, of course, I had my own top ten hit in 1991 with Cola Boy (7 Ways to Love), which almost passed me by. I only sang the four words, but finally got to be on Top of the Pops!”

Music has remained an important part of Lee Grace’s life alongside the natural health strands. As well as doing the odd gig here or there, she is a regular voice on Radio 2 in the afternoons alongside Steve Wright. “I remember I was touring local radio stations in the early 90s promoting various tracks I had out, and I realised I was fascinated by radio,” she recounts. “I got myself an opportunity to train with a local BBC station GLR (now BBC London) and went on to produce and present their Gospel show. After that I worked at Virgin Radio, before moving on to Radio 2. I always joke that if I wasn’t paid I’d still do radio as it’s so addictive,” she laughs. “I’m very lucky to work with some great people and interview the celebrities and experts that we do.”

Given the eclectic nature of her career, perhaps it comes as no surprise that her life in Hertfordshire has been a mixed bag too. “I originally moved from my hometown in Nottingham to go to uni at Trent Park in Cockfosters, before then living in Hertfordshire,” she explains.

“I have lived in Hadley Wood, Barnet, Brookmans Park and now near Watford.

I love St Albans in particular and have spent many a Sunday in the cathedral.

My absolute favourite restaurant, which

TOURING WITH WHAM!

cannot be beaten anywhere in the UK in my opinion, is Lussmanns (the St Albans, Hitchin and Harpenden restaurants).

I hope that recommendation doesn’t mean I can never get a booking now!”

With her fingers in so many different pies, does Lee Grace see one element of her current career developing more than the others? “In truth they all combine,” she says. “I am passionate about communicating, and inspiring people towards health and happiness. I’d love to do more TV and radio, and I’d LOVE to do Strictly, but right now I’m coaching and seeing lots of people make changes for the better and it’s very rewarding.”

I’ll raise a glass (of water) to that.

Find out more about Janey Lee Grace’s ventures at janeyleegrace.com, imperfectlynatural.com and thesoberclub.com

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STORY S cu l pt i n g a

The response to our piece on Charles Elliott last month was remarkable, so we decided to revisit and delve a little deeper…

By MARK KEBBLE

T

here seems to never be a dull day at Elliott of London Sculpture Studios.

There is a constant hive of artistic flair moving throughout the workshop working on stock sculptures and commissioned pieces – the boundaries seem non-existent for this team.

Displays of sculptures all around really bring the Chiltern Hills based studio to life, adding character and flair – and Absolutely Hertfordshire was keen on going behind the scenes to see how they are made.

The Sail Sphere

The first thing that catches the eye as we enter is one of the team working on one of the Sail Sphere sculptures that they produce.

The journey to get this to the finished piece is incredible. Made entirely of 6mm mild steel sail shaped pieces in a variety of different sizes, this sphere is available in many different diameters. The 6mm mild steel sheet is cut into hundreds of

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sail pieces, each one lifeless and flat. They are all then popped into the furnace to heat up the metal, so that it becomes fully malleable for hand texturing, which is all done using the “dinosaur” aged 1920s Power Hammer. The noise is indescribable and it makes the studio shudder.

Once textured they are all put to cool in the old barrels full of water. They then use custom moulds, which they have made for each size, to ensure the sphere is rounded and circular. Each single sail piece is then welded together carefully to form the sphere, which is done in two halves to make certain of the end shape.

Once the two halves are together and fully welded up, it is off to the galvanisers. The hot zinc galvanising process protects the spheres from their own metallic damage and is guaranteed rust free for 30 years plus.

Now they are ready for the hand painting – a proven favourite finish is the stunning Verdigris & Gold. The internal Chantilly Gold finish used is such a beautiful colour and it encourages the spheres to “self-illuminate” during the day with the sun’s reflection – each sail piece is carefully lathered in this rich gold

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CULTURE • COVER STORY

THE WORKSHOP IS A HIVE OF ACTIVITY

“Displays of sculptures around the studio really bring the Chiltern Hills based location to life, adding character and flair” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CHARLES ELLIOTT AT WORK

THE ACCLAIMED BRONZE HORSE HEAD

“The Elliott of London team see no boundaries on what they can and want to create”

paste ready for the outer patination to start. The choice of colouring may seem slightly odd, but the finish is incredible: the Verdigris wax is almost a lime green in colour when first applied, then as the layers go on it becomes instantly aged but fresh and enhances the sharp lines, yet softens the sculpture. The final piece to the spheres is the light gold dusting, which is also hand painted on to the outside.

Illumination kits are also available for all the spheres Elliott of London produce.

They are placed in the “floating tube” and illuminate the spheres internally – this looks especially spectacular in the Verdigris & Gold finishes.

The Fox

Another sculpture that wows is the very life like fox sculpture. The making of these foxes is far from the same as the spheres, but they are yet again entirely handmade.

The fox sculpture simply starts out as single lengths of untouched mild steel bar, which is 8mm or 6mm thick. A sketch for the fox is drawn out in a sketch book and is then scaled up on to a very large board

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providing the team the correct scales and outlines to work from. Each piece of mild steel bar is hand bent with no heat and just an old set of “dogs” (a dog leg is a very strong bar of metal with tongs that they use to work against the metal to hand bend it all piece by piece).

Once the 8mm outline is made the fox is stood up and it can start to be in filled using 6mm mild steel bar and the use of Elliott of London’s “organic flow” method. They slowly build up each leg adding definition, movement and athleticism using small flowing pieces of bar, moving up towards the body adding in muscles, confirmation and life! The head is always the last piece finished on any of Elliott of London’s work. Last but not least, with a rustic patina finish, the tip of the fox’s tail and chest is added in white to give him personality and add to his life like qualities.

The Horse Head

The methods used within this workshop and studio seem limitless, as perched up on plinths stand three very different horse

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CULTURE • COVER STORY

Trio of Thoroughbred Horses

THE DETAIL OF THE FOX SCULPTURE IS AMAZING

head sculptures. One of these is 2m high plus the height of its plinth, and they all have a hair-raising presence about them all based on a very proud regal looking war horse.

These stunning creations are made using hundreds of small almost moon shaped pieces, cut from 6mm mild steel and placed very carefully together. The pieces are all carefully touching one another, flowing up and down the horse’s head using slight bend and curve in places to give the finished sculpture life and character. The ears, eyes and nostrils are made from 6mm mild steel bar that the team hand bend to get the perfect shape for each horse.

The Rustic Patina Horse Head is a stunning golden brown rusty colour that just beams on its own in the sunshine.

Standing proudly next to this is the 2m Hot Zinc Galvanised Horse head, which is outstanding in it silvery grey finish, and last but most definitely not least is the Bronze Horse Head – although the same rules and methods apply for this sculpture, it has been made by Charles Elliott entirely of bronze pieces. He has then used some of the oldest sculpting methods to achieve its glorious Verdigris finish – every angle is different.

The showstopper sculpture that is being worked on is a Trio of Thoroughbred Horses for a client. The stallion and foal are finished and they are absolutely breath-taking, the Broodmare (the mother) sculpture that is going to be accompanying them in their new home is really taking shape.

These sculptures have been purposely designed and created as commission pieces for a client and they started off as a very vague, simple idea. First comes the conversation, the ideas flow and the artistic brain starts working – the sizes, styles, stances, methods and finish are all discussed straight away.

It’s then straight to the sketch book, where Charles Elliott will sketch out whatever it is that the clients have expressed onto paper. Ideas will fly backwards and forwards on the designs of the sketches provided, and it’s then time to get making.

The studio is home to what we can only describe as a large metal foot plate: this is where the sculptures will be drawn up into full scale before the fun of creating them begins.

With so many options, methods and finishes the Elliott of London team see no boundaries on what they can and want to create, they fully welcome all commissions, ideas and enquiries.

The lead times on some of these sculptures is astonishing and now we’ve seen it first-hand we fully understand why. The care this team take is worth every minute for their clients.

THE SAIL SPHERE GLOWING ILLUMINATING ADDITIONS MAKE THE SCULPTURES STAND OUT

ONE OF THE HORSE SCULPTURES IN FULL FLOW

01494 758896 info@elliottoflondon.co.uk elliottoflondon.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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PUTTERIDGE BURY

The plot

T H I C K E N S

Claire Lee and Jo Hailey launched Borrow my Garden in 2019, where the public can make use of a picturesque patch or woodland wonder. The former tells us more…

GATEHOUSECOTE ESTATE

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CULTURE • OUTDOORS

BMA HOUSE

CROSSLANDS RIVERSIDE

Borrow my Garden launched in June 2019.

When we launched we had a really positive response from landowners, farmers, venues etc. And excitement from people looking at having alternatives to view all in one place.

THE CORN BARN

Jo and I met at a networking meeting and our relationship has grown from there. We network in a lot of the same places and have a number of mutual connections. I organised a fundraising ball at the Old Palace at Hatfield House for Jo and her friend Eddy, who were climbing up Machu Picchu for Transitions UK. Jo was photographing a stunning garden, the owner wanted to look at the feasibility of using a residential garden for weddings and events, which is where the idea stemmed from.

With my other company, venue finding, we were being asked more and more for outdoor event space, at a similar time to looking at how we would market the residential garden for events. Jo did some research and discovered that almost 30,000 people were looking for different forms of outdoor events, but there was no dedicated platform for these people.

A lot of the venues we have come word of mouth. We have also attended the Farming Business Innovation Show and the Glamping Show in 2019. Recently we have had a lot of press attention, which always brings new listers as well as new event people.

Borrow my Garden is a listing site for outdoor event space. People come to the site and search in their desired location, which brings up the relevant landowners, they can then contact the landowners directly for availability and costs. Usually, they would arrange a site visit if it is for a large event, the contract would be between the landowner and the end client.

Borrow my Garden does not get involved in the contract and what is being offered as we have landowners that offer camping for two up to festivals for 50,000.

Like everyone else we have had to diversify and ensure our landowners and suppliers are Covid compliant. All large events have not happened for 15 months now, some landowners have embraced the ‘micro’ events, others have allowed individual campers to camp/glamp on their land.

Both Jo and I are based in Hertfordshire and work from our respective homes.

We have nearly 200 listers on board now and are constantly growing. We are always discovering outdoor places, we both have dogs so are out dog walking. We have amazing places right on our doorsteps, within walking distance from home. If the last year has taught us anything it is to be grateful for what we have on our doorstep. We are both grateful for the outdoor space we embrace daily.

We adapt with the times and what is needed to support our landowners and suppliers. Sometimes it’s chance conversations with people that make us realise we could be adding something which exceeds the guest realisations. We have also set up support networks, some are new to diversifying, others have experience and realise the challenges ahead, so we can buddy up other landowners in the country offering something similar, but in a different location.

There is always something ‘wow’ out there and everyone is thinking ‘outside’ the box, it’s how we capture that, and run with it! borrowmygarden.co.uk

CHISELDON HOUSE COURTYARD HORSLEY HALE FARM COURTYARD

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24/06/2021 22:00

FOOD & DRINK

FEAST FOR ALL KNEBWORTH PARK

The Great British Food Festival is returning to Knebworth Park this summer from 17-18 July, bringing amazing artisan producers, scrumptious street food and brilliant bars. Showing off some of the finest local and regional artisan producers, alongside top entertainment, it’s a fabulous day out for the whole family. greatbritishfoodfestival.com

Food Notes 26 • Joshua Hunter 28 • Recipes 36 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 WINE&SOMETHING

Roger & Didier Raimbault Sancerre Rose 2019  £19 This light and delicately fruit forward rose, made from Pinot Noir, is fragrant and poised with summer fruits complementing its distinct freshness and minerality.

A light lingering spice adds another dimension.

Oxer Wines Marko Gure Arbasoak Txakoli 2018  £20 This 8-month leesaged Txakoli has aromas of apples and pear.

Half of the wine is barrel fermented which gives this a wonderful creamy texture, with smoky and yeasty notes and some vanilla and spice.

Domaine BuissonCharles Bourgogne Pinot Noir Hautes Coutures 2017  £29 This Burgundian beauty has notes of violets and sweet bramble fruits on the nose, whilst the palate opens with black cherry and juicy ripe plum before finishing with some spice.

WINE AND SOMETHING Ambitious, innovative and gratifyingly different, Wine&Something support small family run wineries around the world.

Absolutely readers enjoy a 10% discount with Wine&Something using the code ABSOLUTELY10 wineandsomething.com

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Off the bat P U D D I N G STO N E D I ST I L L E RY

Multi award-winning gin-makers Puddingstone Distillery have partnered once again with Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust to produce a one-of-a-kind gin, using an ultrasound distilling method inspired by bats. Inspired by the flight of native bats through the British countryside, this bold gin uses a unique ultrasonic process and pot distillation to extract flavour and aroma from local hedgerow plants including elderflower, along with Bramley apple and mint. puddingstonedistillery.com

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES

VEGAN FRIENDLY

ASH HINE @ AD9.IMAGERY

Our top vegan picks

Fresh take LEAFY

VUTIE BEETS 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

Leafy, the new Scandi-inspired salad bar and gift store in Christopher Place, St Albans, recently celebrated Pride Month by donating 20% of the profits from sales of its brand new Rainbow Salad, created especially for Pride Month, to Ask for Clive, a charity that partners with venues to promote inclusion and to create welcoming environments for the LGBT+ community. A great dish for a great cause. leafy.co.uk

GAST R O GROWTH FARR BREW

Farr Brew is a fast-growing boutique gastro-pub group in Hertfordshire that began life as a microbrewery in 2014 and now runs five gastro pubs across Hertfordshire, including the Elephant and Castle (pictured), and is set to add a sixth pub to its portfolio this month. All of the pubs have great menus with a lot of the ingredients for the dishes sourced locally or bought from sustainable sources. farrbrew.com

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

H O T T E S T

OPENINGS THE IVY ASIA

Food of champions T WEAKD

Omar Meziane, based just outside of Hertfordshire, is arguably the number one chef in the sporting world, working with the England football team, British rowing, England cricket and many more. He launched Tweakd earlier this year, which offers a unique approach to home-delivered meals, providing an alternative approach of frozen meals designed to be 'Tweakd' to produce tailored meals that are focused on goals. tweakd.uk

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

We love their brasserie in St Albans, but The Ivy Asia will be opening its second instalment of the restaurant on the prestigious King’s Road and is well worth a trip into London. Head chef Paolo Bianchi will be serving up a range of delicious Asian inspired dishes. theivyasiachelsea.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Hitting the

THE STUNNING LOCATION

BULLSEYE Joshua Hunter, head chef of his eponymous restaurant at Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds in Northwood, on the very best training and cooking for celebrities

By MARK KEBBLE

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

“I just knew what they were after at Holland & Holland.

I knew my ethos would fit quite well” JOSHUA HUNTER

ROAST WOOD PIGEON AND LOVAGE

S

o, Joshua Hunter, how was it cooking for Tom Cruise? “I was obviously star struck,” he laughs. “It was very different from working in a restaurant.

The opportunity at the time just came up, they were looking for a personal chef, Tom Cruise was filming a Mission Impossible, and they needed someone to go and work in a penthouse in Knightsbridge for six months. I jumped at the opportunity.”

Opportunities have come thick and fast in his relatively short career, but for anyone who has tasted Hunter’s food, it’s no surprise that he has wowed all before him. It’s a sweltering day in June when we talk, but luckily for Hunter, he has 60 acres of open countryside around him at his eponymous restaurant at Holland & Holland’s Shooting Grounds. It’s the culmination of hard graft spent in kitchens including La Trompette, Kitchen W8 and Murano, working for some of the finest chefs in the industry right now.

“When you are young, you are absorbing everything you can, and that support is

very important for anyone coming into the industry,” he reflects. “Each kitchen was different. Anthony Boyd at La Trompette was an incredible man manager, he was very organised and knew how to get the best out of people. Angela Hartnett [at Murano] is just an amazing chef, with a great philosophy. She is super seasonal and a very lovely woman as well. And then Mark Kempson [at Kitchen W8], he’s the most driven person I have ever met. He’s the type of guy who would work a 16-hour shift and go home and start laying flooring in his house! I saw the drive that he took into each day.”

You can taste elements of all in his work today at Holland & Holland, which was a natural progression for the ambitious Hunter. “After I left Kitchen W8, I was looking for a head chef role and the stars aligned with Holland & Holland,” he says, “I met Nicolas Ollivier, who is the director, and came and did an interview with him.

I then came back and cooked for him and he really liked it – I just knew what they were after at Holland & Holland, I knew my ethos would fit quite well. We signed a contract in December 2018.”

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

“We are not overly complicating things. We are not looking to reinvent the wheel”

STONE BASS CEVICHE WITH PICKLED CUCUMBER

HARD AT WORK

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One big thing about this gig, though, is the fact that it’s his name above the door. Surely that adds the pressure? “I suppose to an extent,” he considers, “but it’s a real privilege as well. Any head chef is looking to do their best, and for me it’s the feeling that everything that goes out in the restaurant is representing me, so of course there is some pressure to that. It’s exciting for me, it’s great for me as a chef.

You could potentially work in a restaurant for years and years and never build much of a profile, so it’s really nice to have that.

Also, there’s the added extra of Holland & Holland being a famous British brand as well, and there’s the obvious pun of someone called Hunter with a shooting brand too!”

Looking at the latest menu, you can see a focus on modern British cuisine, with seasonality very much coming to the fore. “I like to call it relaxed fine dining,” he says on his approach to the food at the restaurant. “I like to think of it as food you’d expect to eat in a Michelin star restaurant, and the portions are quite generous. We are doing really good seasonal and the very best British produce, with some nice luxury twists. We are sourcing some incredible produce from all over the UK. We are not overly complicating things – we are not looking to reinvent the wheel.”

As we talk, Hunter is about to unveil some new dishes to the menu and it’s clear that he’s excited about the changes. “We have got some amazing stone bass, which is

on the starters,” he begins. “We are serving it as a ceviche, with pickled cucumbers, smoked cod’s roe and a tomato water, so super fresh and really clean. We have got a wood pigeon coming on the main, and we have a turbot with clams coming on too. We also get amazing beef from our butcher’s, so we are doing a big tomahawk steak to share with a lovely red wine sauce and some wild mushrooms. We have also got a pineapple tarte tatin with a rum glaze and lime ice cream, which is a nice dessert to have on.

So there’s lots of stuff I am excited about.”

The excitement is understandable, considering what the hospitality industry has been through since March 2020. “It’s been very challenging,” Hunter says.

“Being closed two weeks into December was pretty horrendous. We had the Christmas menu running and everyone was excited to be back after the November lockdown, so that period was extremely difficult for me and lots of other people in the hospitality industry. I am hoping the summer will be exciting going forward.

One thing I would say about hospitality, and specifically the people that work in it, is that they have done so well to adapt. Suppliers have started doing at home delivery kits, little cafes setting up markets, and that’s been lovely to see.”

Hunter, too, got in on the act with a produce market that had locals flocking to it, which begs the question if his restaurant is open to all, or just visitors to the Shooting Grounds? “Anybody can come in to eat,” he clarifies. “With the grounds as well, anyone can book a lesson. Some people are under the misconception it’s a member’s club and it’s not at all.” He once cooked for the stars, but there’s no doubting that Joshua Hunter is now a big name himself in the restaurant business.

J O S H UA H U N T E R at Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds Ducks Hill Road, Northwood, HA6 2ST hollandandholland.com/dining-and-lounge-sg

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ENJOYSTALBANS.COM

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

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CAMPFIRE GIN SHOP TAS TINGS TOUR EVENINGS EVENTS

24/06/2021 22:16

SNAP, CRACKLE and POP As he prepares to serve up a treat at The Grove, Jimmy Garcia reflects on being the chef who puts the entertainment into food

By MARK KEBBLE

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

I

“We play with unexpected flavour combinations with every dish”

t’s almost unimaginable given the past 16 months we have all endured, but there was a time when we could invite as many people into our home as we wanted. Dinner parties didn’t have to be staged outdoors when spring weather decided to act like winter, and you weren’t faced with that difficult conversation with one of the group when you realise there’s seven of you wanting to eat. Then again, no-one did inviting people round quite like Jimmy Garcia.

It was a decade ago that Garcia decided a career in the City wasn’t for him and that, in fact, he wanted to tap into a love for cooking instilled in him by his parents. Living in Balham in London at the time, rather than fret about the costs of opening a restaurant THE POP UP WILL HAVE AN ECLECTIC MENU

THE GROVE WILL BE WELCOMING GARCIA

with extortionate rents, he simply opened up his home to the public. “At the time, I thought why not?” he laughs.

“I always loved entertaining and partying, so why not do it in my home?”

His living room became one of the most sought after 25-seater restaurants around. “There was a genuine buzz,” he says of the time, “the feeling of creating something that felt really special. It was a real one off, a bit underground, a little bit wild and a lot of fun. After it kept selling out, however, my housemates wanted their house back and I was motivated to create a credible business.”

This excitement surrounding food is little surprise when you consider his upbringing. “I had this love for cooking and entertaining that I couldn't ignore, which my parents instilled in me from an early age,” he explains. “My father’s a food obsessed Spaniard, so my upbringing was more lamb’s kidney, rabbit and octopus and not so much turkey dinosaurs and spaghetti hoops!

Even now we use charcuterie from the local village in Spain where my Dad lives – you simply can't beat the taste of fresh local produce and I love seeing how it lights people up when they taste it too. We use fresh, local suppliers for all our events and pop up restaurants now, no matter what the brief.”

From his living room, Garcia swiftly moved on to host dinners all over London in everything from wine shops to warehouses, and as the business grew, so did the scope as the pop up restaurants started appearing outside of the capital. From 14 July, Garcia will be heading to these parts as he brings bring a taste of The BBQ Club

on Southbank to the leafy suburbs at The Grove. Diners will have the choice of the informal BBQ Club set at the heart of the Walled Garden or a more immersive experience with Jimmy’s Garden Table, located in the beautiful Jemima’s Kitchen Garden.

Garcia says each of his pop up restaurants offer a different experience based on the area surrounding it, saying it is all about championing local suppliers. “You can expect a super friendly, relaxed service and a delicious menu where local suppliers will take centre stage for our creative tasting menu. We play with unexpected flavour combinations with every dish,” he adds about The Grove experience. It feels like it's the perfect marriage when you consider what our last issue's cover star has to offer in the way of a setting to be able to enjoy Garcia's food.

Considering the thought that goes into the pop up menus, it’s little surprise that Garcia’s business has flourished so much over the past decade. “We aim to always offer a bookable restaurant offering as well as a passing street food operation, allowing us to cater to both markets,” he adds. “As a team, we love nothing more than putting the experience in ‘experiential’ – creating bespoke menus and concepts with all that we do.”

It all started in a London dining room, but now Jimmy Garcia is the undisputed “pop up king”.

A tag he’s happy with? “As long as I’m still earning the title,” he laughs, “I really don’t mind!” jimmyspopup.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Under the

INFLUENCE Bella Younger – aka Deliciously Stella – survived life as an influencer. Absolutely chats to her about clean eating, mental health and the instagram algorithm

By PENDLE HARTE

I

nstagram isn’t generally associated with comedy. Humour isn’t what most influencers peddle, with their #blessed #beautiful #love effusiveness on the platform that promotes a toxic mix of self-congratulation and self-hatred. But Bella Younger was (or is) an unusual influencer. With her Deliciously Stella alter ego she set out to parody the influencer tone and was extremely good at it – until she found herself behaving just like the influencers she was satirising, and suddenly things got weird. Now she’s written a book about her adventures in instagram, subtitled ‘how my need to get likes nearly ruined my life’. Which isn’t to say that she’s not still feeling a bit conflicted about the whole thing.

“In the quest to make people laugh I lost something of myself,” she tells me over the phone from her new home in Mallorca. The timing of her book launch is strange, with no real life events planned and her now fully living on the Spanish island where she went to recover from the mental health crisis that social media triggered. The book is a good read – both funny and serious, and Younger seems like the kind of person you’d want for a friend with her self-deprecating humour, sensitivity and honesty. But the pressures of

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social media led her to a dark place, which she is now dedicated to broadcasting. And this is creating another paradox: “I’d love the book to sell,” she says, “but I’m struggling to find a way of publicising it on social media that doesn’t make me feel anxious or disingenuous.” It’s tricky to promote a book about hating social media on social media – just as spoofing social media on social media proved problematic, too.

Deliciously Stella started so well. Younger

BELLA YOUNGER

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

“The dopamine hit of seeing your like count go up is the same as any drug” was a stand-up comedian working as a runner at the BBC when what she calls the ‘cult’ of wellness and ‘clean eating’ exploded on instagram. This was 2015, when, she writes: “There was not a middle class white woman in Britain who did not own – or know someone who owned – a spiralizer.”

Deliciously Ella’s new book was the UK's fastest-selling cookbook and “her feed was full of gushing women admiring her perfect life and thanking her for saving them from their disgusting, sugar-filled lives.” The concept of clean eating was quickly shown to have no scientific credibility, yet Younger noted: “We had regressed to become a world where influencers had replaced experts and followers are more important than knowledge.”

As Deliciously Stella (Deliciously Bella was taken), Younger started posting pictures with the same type of daft captions and hashtags employed by wellness influencers.

She had pictures of tinned Gordons and tonic (‘I love green juice!’) and avocado on toast with (Haribo) eggs and ‘delicious energy balls’ (Ferrero Rocher) all smugly captioned #eatclean and #gettheglow and #wellness and ending with those inane questions – ’how do you like to start your day?’ Soon she started getting thousands of likes. Brands

wanted to collaborate with her and she became, essentially, an influencer, going to events and creating paid-for posts, albeit in an ironic way. “The most fun was in the early days, before there was money involved.

There were a couple of months of sheer joy all about doing the funniest thing I could and going to events where I was the only person there who wanted to have fun, while everyone else was very seriously taking pictures. I was thinking, this is insane, and also: I’m so glad that my brand allows me to do this.”

But gradually she got sucked into a vortex of obsessing over likes and followers and her mental health plummeted. Now that she’s looking back, she’s confident that she can ‘armchair diagnose’ influencers with similar issues. “You can see when people are trying to get more likes.” And there’s an ongoing obsession with trying to second-guess the allimportant algorithm that determines where your post appears on your followers’ feeds.

Effectively, she says, likes are addictive. “The dopamine hit of seeing your like count go up is the same as any drug. Today psychiatrists and therapists take that seriously, but when I first started having treatment they didn’t.”

Now she’s on a mission to promote the risks of social media to young women and

girls. “We haven’t really grappled yet with the comparison culture that it breeds,” she says.

Also, the homogenisation of looks is a source of concern. “The algorithm seems to prefer a certain shape of face and people are changing themselves to be more likeable. I can’t imagine having that much outside pressure when you’re 13 and your brain’s not fully formed.”

She’s about to give a talk at her old school and it’s likely that she’ll become a campaigner.

“These apps are not built to celebrate your individuality and changing yourself to fit what a machine wants is just wrong.” However, she’s optimistic about the generation below her, which she believes is savvier and more politically engaged. “Whereas we all just wanted to look like Sienna Miller,” she says.

Younger's already working on another book and is hoping to adapt The Accidental Influencer for TV. She still posts on instagram; she’d like to shun it altogether, but it’s difficult. “It would feel like turning your back on the world.” So the impasse remains: how to have a discussion about social media without using the platforms it offers? Maybe comedy is the answer.

The Accidental Influencer by Bella Younger is published by Harper Collins, £14.99

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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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25/06/2021 00:27

Lokkum Bar and Grill of fers a new take on the Turkish restaurant experience , with an array of meat, fish and vegetarian inspired dishes

L O C AT I O N

HOURS

C O N TA C T

L o k k u m , Wo o d f o r d N e w Ro a d , S o u t h Wo o d f o r d , E 18 2 Q D

M o n d a y - Th u r s d a y 12 p m - 11 p m Friday 12 p m - 12 a m Saturday 12 p m - 12 a m Sunday 12 p m - 11 p m

Te l e p h o n e 0 2 0 82 2 01018 Email info@lokkum.co.uk Booking bookings@lokkum.co.uk

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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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PLEASE COME AND VISIT OUR

BREWERY SHOP WEB SHOP AND NOW YOU CAN ALSO ORDER

ONLINE AT OUR

 DRAUGHT & BOTTLED BEER TO TAKEAWAY  LIMITED EDITION BREWS  EXPERIMENTAL BREWS  GIFT VOUCHERS  T-SHIRTS & GOODIES  GOLDEN TOAD MEMBERSHIP  PICKLES & PRESERVES  BREWERY TOURS In 2021 our Monthly Specials will be raising funds and awareness for Chilterns Dog Rescue Society.

Dunsley Farm, London Road, Tring HP23 6HA N 01442 890721 D www.tringbrewery.co.uk LEGENDARY BEER FROM HERTFORDSHIRE. TB.indd 1 A4 Bleed.indd 1

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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”

W

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

FI NE D I N I N G BRIDGMAN

Dine out in luxury 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 order in a Bridgman showroom. bridgman.co.uk

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INTERIORS NOT 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 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

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

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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INTERIORS • FEATURE

Po i nts o f

D I F F E R E N C E The eponymous founder of Tracey Andrews Interiors writes about why you won’t find a particular style in her work

By T R AC EY A N D R EW S

B

efore I was an interior designer I owned a curtain and blind business to residential and commercial clients, and at the time I was based in Suffolk.

I yearned to be more creative in the industry, so trained as an interior designer to allow me more scope and offer more services for my clients. Since starting my interior design business I have been Hertfordshire based.

I always wanted to be my own boss and coming from an entrepreneurial family that was the natural progression for me. I could build the business from the ground up. My ambition from the start was to build a business I could be proud of and that is something I feel I have achieved.

I wanted to provide a very personal service for my clients, one that took them away from worrying about having to source

and procure their projects, and wanted to work hard for them to give the best possible design and customer service. I see it as them standing back and watching the process choreographed. My ethos also is not to be stuck in a niche of providing one style only because I think that is the skill of an interior designer, being able to design for every taste.

The design process begins with an initial chat via telephone, this gives myself and the client a good opportunity to learn about their project and explain how I can assist. This is followed by a consultation Zoom meeting, more common recently with Covid restrictions. The real time consultation is of much further value as I can begin to understand my client’s wishes, see their property in person and understand their lifestyle.

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JOHN LADBURY

Beautiful Handcrafted Kitchens

Hand Built Furniture

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

form in providing space planning, ideas, providing quotes or a complete project managed service.

I have worked on countless projects in and around Hertfordshire. My favourite was working for a couple who were about to be married. I spent three months designing and procuring their project, ready for them to move into and begin their new lives together. The design to management projects are the ones I enjoy most and be challenged by.

Looking back at my career, there are many projects that are special. One of the projects that stood out for me was my very first project, one that took place long before I had gained a qualification in interior design. That was from a client who trusted me with £2,000 to spend on accessories for the design I had created. I felt empowered by this and it gave me confidence and a realisation that this was just the beginning of a career I really wanted to pursue.

I love to help older and vulnerable clients, and I don’t mean this in a detrimental way, I mean assisting in a way they may find difficult – navigating around in a modern world. I feel a compassion for them and I love to make their homes just how they need them.

I’m practical and hands on and you will often find me working within the project, physically-knowledgable enough to be involved with all the processes of interior design and its application.

Ultimately, the service that I offer is very bespoke and tailored to each individual client as, at the end of the day, not every client’s vision and wishes are the same.

“My ethos is not to be stuck in a niche of providing one style only”

traceyandrewsinteriors.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

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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

The smokey look WA L L S A N D F L O O R S

 With their luxurious terrazzo effect design, these Troverta Smoke Gloss Tiles are perfect for creating a ritzy and exclusive look in a bathroom, kitchen, hallway, living room or bedroom. Traditional terrazzo tiles consist of chips of natural stones such as marble and quartz, which have been pressed into cement, and have been given a glazed finish. These tiles achieve that traditional look perfectly. wallsandfloors.co.uk

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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LEADING FIREPLACE SHOWROOM

• Natural stone • Marble & wood surrounds • Full installation service by HETAS & Gas Safe engineers

• Gas fires & electric fires from £175 • Stoves & fire baskets • Surrounds from £349 • Free surveys • Supply only

Showroom open Mon-Sat - 9am-5pm 01707 657070 9 Barnet Road, Potters Bar, EN6 2QX | www.hertsfireplacegallery.co.uk HF.indd 1

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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 handcrafted style, these boudoir tiles are sure to catch the eye wherever they’re laid. Part of the award-winning 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

Jewel of the tile ORIGINAL STYLE

 Three bold prints combined with subtle tones – a modern but timeless look for an instant style update. The Trellis collection has been printed on an off white matt base tile and oozes contemporary chic. There are three print choices: Jewel, Plait and Lace.

The Trellis range is a part of Original Style's Living collection, which features large format tiles, designed for different lifestyles and tastes. originalstyle.com

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SITTING P

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T

Y

Reasons why Leisure Plan is unique amongst the outdoor furniture industry B y MARK KEBBLE

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former congregational chapel, built in 1836, isn’t the most likely of places you’d expect to find a business that supplies to the high end residential and outdoor hospitality market, but you quickly realise that Leisure Plan isn’t like any other business.

From starting the business in a spare bedroom, then progressing to an office in Bishop’s Stortford, in the late 1980s they achieved their long held ambition to open a showroom allowing them to showcase the very best in the outdoor furniture market.

After rejecting characterless industrial sites, the opportunity of ‘The Chapel’ was not to be missed, but took a lot of haggling at the time.

Owner Chris McCormack and his wife still

56

had a mortgage on their house, they were under capitalised like most new businesses, and were heavily reliant on bank support.

This proved to be elusive in the purchase of the building, because the bank considered this expansion to be a non-viable plan for the business. Roll on 35 years and it is clear that the bank did not see the potential. Today Leisure Plan is the exclusive UK supplier of three leading brands of high quality, distinctive furniture designed specifically for the outdoor lifestyle and hospitality market.

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

Top Three

The brands exclusively marketed by Leisure Plan

DEDON

 The innovator and pioneer of woven style furniture. By engaging top world renowned designers, and transforming their visions into the most luxurious outdoor brand, DEDON’s influence in setting the highest standards for quality and sustainability has made it the most recognised brand in the world of outdoor living. Recent design developments in mixed materials compatible with Dedon fibre marks a continued drive towards exciting new concepts and product excellence.

E G O PA R I S

“It was important that whoever we were partnering would be the manufacturers” It was when they moved to the rather unique showroom that McCormack started to tweak the company’s ethos. From the start, they concentrated on supplying specialist retailers in the outdoor furniture market, he says. “Then over a period of two to three years, I was convinced that there was another market who were very discerning – but how to reach them?”

Development concentrated on interior designers, architects, landscapers, superyacht designers and specifiers, all with clients looking for something distinctive for their outdoor living projects.

This real feeling of exclusivity is apparent when you analyse what Leisure Plan’s product portfolio offers. They are the exclusive stockist and marketing partners

to three brands – DEDON, EGOparis and Fischer Möbel – chosen because they share the same philosophy to design and quality, which perfectly complements Leisure Plan’s strategies.

“It was always important that whoever we were partnering, would need to be the manufacturers in order to maintain control of quality, reliability and availability.

“And supplying a discerning market, quite rightly demands something special beyond simply supplying products,” he continues. “We offer knowledge, guidance and a service which stretches from a ‘white-glove’ national home service to handling deliveries on a door-to-door service to overseas properties.”

The service Leisure Plan offer their clients also extends to the in-house manufacturing of the soft furnishings. After being let down on out-sourced cushion production, they set up their own in-house workshop in the early 1990s offering their customers a choice from a broad range of fabrics, enabling them to stamp their own personality on their chosen designs.

McCormack says that, despite the global issues we have all encountered over the past 15 months, demand for their products has not relented, and looking at the many different facets of their service that’s not a surprise. From the showroom in a chapel, to championing three leading brands: you won’t find a business with as many unique selling points as Leisure Plan.

 EGOparis’s collections are distinguished by an extensive RAL colour palette to individualise powder coated aluminium frames with equally large choices of high tensile polyester meshes. Conviviality is the cornerstone of EGO’s approach to an outdoor lifestyle. Contemporary styling from Kama seating to the nested beach style Cabines creates combinations of style and comfort that can transform any hospitality area.

FISCHER MÖBEL

 Standing for innovation quality and functionality, Fischer Möbel’s minimalist design integrity is at the heart of this portfolio. Frames in stainless steel or aluminium, with a wide variety of table tops produced with German engineering and production skills, guarantees long lasting durability from these high grade mixed materials. Multiple international design awards confirm the recognition Fischer Möbel products have enjoyed from organisations with a knowledge and passion for contemporary design.

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Sale r e m Sum on Starts 5th July

Come and enjoy a stroll through our Summer Sale Offers

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

PARIS M ATC H

French fragrance and design house Diptyque celebrates 60 years

By PENDLE HARTE

LUKE EDWARD HALL FOR DIPTYQUE

“The original Paris shop stocked an eclectic range of curios”

T

his year marks 60 years since Diptyque was founded in Paris.

The original store at 34 boulevard SaintGermain still remains and is returning to its origins with a new ccollection ollection of homewares. The original shop stocked an eclectic range of curios, textiles and decorative objects alongside fragrance, and the reinvented collection, All that Decorates, reflects those roots.

Now Diptyque has expanded its remit to include lithographed wallpaper, ornaments in coloured glass, artisanal bedspreads, ceramics and more. Diptyque’s decorative objects are imagined to enthrall the everyday by creating interiors that vibrate with life. The traditional monochrome theme creates a strong identity as this birthday celebration marks a turning point for Diptyque, bent on 'making the imaginary explode' in All that Decorates, while renewing with the eclectic spirit of its roots.

Beyond the universal and timeless relevance of the task lies a flair for all things artisanal.

Kinetic curves, geometric gyrations and the contrast of black on white is calculated to allow the eye to indulge in optical illusions. Shapes come together and separate to reassemble once more,

ILIO FRAGRANCE

enchanting the interior of the everyday with a touch of tantalizing trompe-l’oeil.

On the table, like a puzzle come to life, coasters covered in ovals transform into playful pranksters; porcelain plates parade their sumptuous volutes of Basile’s heritage pattern; goblets in Murano glass stretch spirals into ribbons reflecting a Figuier candle’s flame as it glows from a marble podium. On the shelf, near the fragrance infuser carved from the most noble stone, rectangular trinket trays are caught in an improvisation with ovals on lanterns. Halos of candlelight accentuate the gentleness of cozy geometries. Awesome in the everyday.

Shapes and scents transform the table into a personal theatre of wonders.

Meanwhile, the summer fragrance collection includes a collaboration with Luke Edward Hall that brings colour and a Mediterranean feel. The artist has designed an uncharacteristically colourful and highly collectable label for beautiful new summery fragrance Ilio. New products include a citronella candle and a mosquito-repelling body spray. Happy birthday to Diptyque. diptyqueparis.com

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Bespoke luxury spaces tailored just for you From walk in wardrobes to home offices in a range of styles

Nordikka Interiors Blinding Bifolds Showroom, The Dutch Nursery, The Great North Rd, Brookmans Park, Hatfields, Hertfordshire AL9 6ND E: info@nordikka.co M: 07738469691

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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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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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INTERIORS • DECORATIVE

S TAY C A T I O N A R T

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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.

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

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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.

3

THE LAKES LMS

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

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ORKNEY

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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.

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YO R K S H I R E LNER

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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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FA S H I O N

BRAND NEW CHRISTOPHER PLACE

It’s always worth a reminder about what Christopher Place can offer the local shopper. It’s a chance to see top brands all under one roof, from fashion staples including Hobbs (pictured) and Whistles, to the latest fitness tech at Fitness First and great food.

Also look out for a new website launching soon. christopher-place.co.uk

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Q&A

Sewing the

SEEDS Meet Rebecca Page, the Letchworthbased business owner looking to change the way fashion works for good

By MARK KEBBLE

Q Congratulations on your recognition at Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards. What did that mean to you?

A Thank you so much! It was such a big deal to have an acknowledgement of what we are doing. It’s the first award we had entered, and I feel so grateful for the support.

“Patterns not fitting common body issues felt like body shaming – so I drafted my own”

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Q You loved sewing as a child, so how did you come to pick it up again as an adult?

A I’ve always sewed off and on. But it was when I had children and I wanted to start making cute things for them that I really got into it again. When I was tired after a night up with one of the kids, it was something I could disappear into and just enjoy the process. Something that was just for me. I’d put the kids for a nap or set them up with an activity and design a dress or sketch an idea. Getting that me-time (if even just ten minutes!) and doing something that was creative was an amazing way to recharge.

bought sewing patterns didn’t fit me. I’d have a vision of what I imagined a dress to look like, then the bust was too small, or the hem too long. Post-partum I decided I’d had enough. Patterns not fitting common body issues felt like body shaming at a time when I wanted most to feel like myself and look good. So I drafted my own. Also making sure to write comprehensive instructions that worked for everyone from beginner upwards (traditional sewing patterns can be intimidating, and hard to follow). I published my patterns and discovered a whole world out there which felt the same. This was a community thirsty for connection, compassion and to be able to share excitedly with others and spread that love of making.

In one moment reading a post from someone who learned to sew from our patterns and discovered a joy that uplifted her in an extremely difficult time, I knew this could be big. A business that made a difference and brought people joy.

Q What inspired you to carry this into your own business?

A One of the reasons I started Rebecca Page (RP) was because traditional store-

Q How have things changed in the three years since you launched?

A It’s certainly evolved way past what I ever imagined. Our core business is sewing

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FASHION • Q&A

childcare concerns, people ready for a new challenge, and retirees wanting a purpose and passion.

I came to the realisation that there is a huge market opportunity of customers ready and wanting to purchase in a more sustainable, local way; plus makers without employment, wanting to utilise their skill and work from home in a way that makes a difference – yet there is nothing to bring these two sides of the market together.

One of our innovations is building the marketplace, bringing these together to challenge the current way of buying fashion.

patterns. Our patterns solve fit issues with extensive, unrivalled fitting advice.

Custom-fit digital pattern blocks, and our proprietary fitting technique library, are helping customers personalise for their individual size, shape and style. And our pattern instructions challenge traditional, old-fashioned competitors by creating unique, beginner-friendly tutorials that actually teach you to sew as you make them.

We also have online events that bring together the community, with educators teaching techniques and community members sharing their makes. We now have a community of nearly 800k makers, 300+ brand ambassadors, 150+ educators and an in-house team of over 60 across 11 countries!

Q How do you aim to offer an alternative to fast fashion for the consumer?

A Much about today’s fashion industry is

extremely troublesome; excessive energy use creates garments that we have been conditioned to buy cheaply and dispose of readily. Clothing production is increasing at a frightening rate despite the fact these practices are simply not sustainable. And exploitative working conditions in the fashion industry are well documented, yet sadly still the norm in many areas.

Combine this with global trends towards slow living, creativity for mental health and upcycling/refashioning rather than disposability, and there is a clear demand for a different way. Gen Zs and millennials are flocking to sewing and crafting in their masses, driving this momentum.

My “lightbulb” moment hit me when I was thinking about the environmental challenges of the fashion industry and how to also empower our community economically – many of whom are young mums with

Q You have come so far in a short space of time, but are you already looking ahead to what’s next for your business?

A Always! I love to celebrate each achievement and live in the journey, but I also love to dream and plan for what’s next.

What I see as the future is many more people learning to make and sew for themselves, and those who want to turn their hobby into employment, being able to make for others.

I’m extremely passionate about moving away from fast fashion towards a more sustainable future. Sewing and crafting plays a huge role in that in my mind. I also truly believe that every person has the right to clothes that fit their personal shape and style. To really bring sewing and crafting to the masses though, there needs to be a tech transformation in the industry, and that’s where our learning, membership and online marketplace fall into place. rebecca-page.com If you are an aspiring entrepreneur with an innovative idea, see how Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Award could support you at ktn-uk.org/programme/women-in-innovation

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Experience summer at The Grove 20 June - 1 September — As a reader of Absolutely Hertfordshire, experience summer at The Grove and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink at the Lounges and a bottle of wine with dinner. Terms and conditions apply.

To book, visit thegrove.co.uk/absolutely or call 01923 296010, referencing Absolutely.

The Grove | Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire WD3 4TG 01923 296010 | www.thegrove.co.uk

The new London shopping destination Sophisticated shopping and dining experiences on your doorstep

CHRISTOPHER PLACE SHOPPING CENTRE Upper Dagnall Street | St Albans | AL3 5DQ www.christopher-place.co.uk

SHOP LOCAL

DISCOVER CHRISTOPHER PLACE

Visit our website to check out our very own Summer Magazine for inspiration on styles, dining and all things Christopher Place

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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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Bright FORECAST

NEXT

Details on application

Absolutely Hertfordshire heads to Riverside Shopping Centre, Hemel Hempstead, to see why it’s your new shopping destination for all those summer must haves

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

EDITOR’S PICK

W

ith a mixture of high end to high street, Riverside Shopping Centre is perfect to pick up your next ‘IT’ item.

A time where trends have endless opportunities has arrived, the season of summer 2021 is well underway, and here at Absolutely Hertfordshire, we want to make sure you know the latest fashion necessities for every member of the family. So, we’ve personally picked out some great items that you can find at Riverside Shopping Centre so you can live out this long-awaited summer, in style.

For the leading ladies, this summer a new sense of resourcefulness has been forecast. With lockdown restrictions, and the ‘work from home’ wardrobe regimes being eased, creativity has it new heights this season. Compared to the neutral tones that took 2020 by storm, 2021 is the year where colour has been invited in every way and form. Mood booster fabrics and crisp layering linen pieces at H&M and monochrome chic add-ons all encourage us to go bigger and bolder this summer.

Another contender has arrived on this year’s fashion scene, unapologetically 90s, from slim-lined sunglasses, to small embroidered cardigans that elevates any morning to evening look. Boiler suit chic,

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NEXT Navy cable knitted tank and t-shirt set, £15-£19

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FASHION • TREND

NEXT Easy iron button down Oxford shirt, £16

TK MAXX 9ct gold knot ring, £69.99

H&M Quilted shoulder bag, £17.99

gypsy style dresses, colour blocking, to cropped cardigans – the personalities presented to us by the forecast of summer 2021 are endless, it is obvious this year is showcasing fresher, more bold designs, driven by the need to bring our fashion focus back to life, after the work from home aesthetic consisted of nothing other than matching our sweats to our surroundings.

Menswear remains simple with cool and simple tones. The Bermuda short is back in full force, alongside a sense of a more relaxed take on tailoring. Breezy silhouettes will continue to remain slim fit, vertical stripes are on the rise, assisting the introduction of florals this season.

Believe it or not, but warm-weather layering is also present this summer, swapping out the heavy outerwear for lightweight jackets and over shirts worn over plain tees is our take on the Scandinavian styling.

For the little ones, there’s lots on offer.

From cute cable knitted tank shirts and ponchos to daisy dresses and matching sets, children can look the part. The summer forecast is looking very bright indeed.

NEXT Details on application

riversidehemel.com

NEXT Details on application

TK MAXX Maxi white and green floral dress, £24.99

NEXT Amber tortoiseshell shield sunglasses, £79.99

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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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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”

W

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 non-surgical options available and consultant plastic surgeon, Chris Abela will be happy to discuss these in more detail. Chris is experienced in body contouring and cosmetic surgery

CHRIS ABELA

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 • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

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

FOCUS

ILLUMINATE

EDITOR’S PICK

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

S

noblepanacea.com

Add gloss B E AU H A I R S A LO N

The new trend this summer is to have sleek glossy hair. There's no better way of achieving this than by having the Keratin hair straightening treatment. This new type of treatment has no added formaldehyde.

This innovative smoothing anti-frizz system is for all hair types and guarantees the best results for eliminating frizz. facebook.com/beauhairspecialist

HIP HOP KING

Working with local candlemakers Everything’s Rosie and men’s mental health charity Herts4Men, KING has been blended with eco-friendly wax and real hop aroma to replicate the scent of Raven King, Tring Brewery’s flagship IPA. £9.99 Available from everythings-rosie. co.uk, tringbrewery.co.uk or herts4men.co.uk – 100% of profits will be donated to Herts4Men

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

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8 Vera Avenue Grange Park London N21 1RA 0208 360 8181 beauhairspecialist

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NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO ENROL ON ONE OF OUR POPULAR BEAUTY COURSES Join this multi billion pound industry. Work your own hours. Be your own boss! Complete online theory at home in your own time and practical training in the salon.

Courses start from £99 Over 25 Beauty, Holistic and Business courses available ◆ Fully accredited and insurable by the UK’s leading awarding body, The Guild of Beauty Therapy ◆ 121 training available ◆ Bespoke training by award winning salon ◆ Hands on salon experience by multi award winning trainers with over 20 years in the industry ◆ No experience in beauty necessary to start ◆ Fast Track ((1-2 day practical) ◆ ◆

Training Centre of Excellence 93b Marsh Road Luton, LU3 2QG 01582 73 22 44 avivabeauty@live.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

GLOW RECIPE

CHANEL

Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore Tight Facial, £36 cultbeauty.co.uk

Eyes Collection, launching 9 July chanel.com

JAMES READ Glow 20 Tan Mousse, £30 jamesreadtan.com

VERSO SKINCARE Verso Daily Glow, £45 spacenk.com

MALIN + GOETZ Botanical Deodrant, £19 malinandgoetz.co.uk

DIOR Eden Roc Collection dior.com

EDITOR’S PICK

FRANCES PRESCOTT

HOT LIST

Tribalm, £49 francesprescott.com

COMFORT ZONE Sun Soul SPF 30, £23 the-comfort-zone.co.uk

Our summer beauty must haves to see you through warmer days B y L AY L A T U R N E R

CHANEL Les Beiges Summer Light chanel.com

CHANEL Les 4 ombres, £47 chanel.com

HUDA BEAUTY

HUDA BEAUTY

GloWish Multidew Skin Tint, £32 cultbeauty.co.uk

Kayali Pink Pepper, £98 cultbeauty.co.uk

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Q&A

Natural

EVOLUTION Absolutely Hertfordshire speaks to Laura Rudoe, founder of the first climate positive beauty brand in the UK

By MARK KEBBLE

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROFILE

Q What inspired you to launch Evolve Beauty?

A I created Evolve Beauty to give people a way of making healthy green choices in their everyday beauty habits.

Evolving is all about making small steps towards something better, and that is our vision. My aim for Evolve is to make organic beauty desirable, affordable and accessible to a wider audience.

I am fascinated by businesses where there is no trade off between doing well financially and doing good in society. I was inspired to create an ethical beauty business in particular because of my interest in helping people to maximise their wellness by following a natural lifestyle. When I was younger I actually suffered with bad skin, so I have always been interested in skincare and learning about the best ingredients and natural solutions for skin problems.

Q Why are natural ingredients key for you?

A I believe that natural and organic ingredients are better for us and for the planet. I love using natural products that are packed full of high quality and pure ingredients. It’s also important to recognise what’s left out of our formulations as we don’t use any potentially harmful ingredients or preservatives.

There is also a common misconception that choosing natural and organic ingredients means fewer ingredients to choose from, but in reality this is far from true. There are actually hundreds of clinically-proven organic ingredients available, which is how we’re able to create such effective skincare without compromising on quality.

Q What else do you think makes you stand out?

A I believe Evolve Beauty stands out from other brands by striving to be super transparent about everything we do. We know that we’re not perfect, but we’re continuously reflecting on where we are and thinking about what we can do next to go even further as a sustainable and, one day, regenerative business.

We also make all of our own products, by hand in small batches and that means we know what is in them, why each ingredient is included and where every single ingredient comes from.

Q How would you say you have evolved over the years?

“Our long term ambition is to move beyond being sustainable to become regenerative as a business” A We started off outsourcing production and we now produce everything ourselves in our eco studio in Radlett. We are constantly striving to become greener and more sustainable and from where we started 11 years ago we have changed our packaging.

We now use glass bottles made from fully recyclable glass and when it comes to plastic, we opt for 75% to 100% recycled PET plastic, which (unlike PVC) is fully recyclable and if it is put into landfill, it doesn’t leach any chemicals into the soil. We have also just changed our cartons to grass paper.

Q You have been confirmed as being the first climate positive beauty brand in the UK. What does this mean to you?

A This is huge for us! Our long term ambition is to move beyond being sustainable to become regenerative as a business. This means putting more into the planet than we take out: restoring, revitalising and renewing the world around us, as well as the wellness of everyone who uses our products.

Q Tell us about your eco studio in Herts…

A We’re very proud of our eco studio.

It’s furnished with sustainable flooring, we’ve used recycled carpet and recyclable non-slip flooring, which are reminiscent of natural materials. We’ve also used recycled astroturf in our break out area where the whole team gathers for lunch

everyday to catch up and unwind. The whole unit is powered by sustainable energy and we’ve fitted it with ecofriendly motion activated LED lighting.

The studio’s fit out is based on Biophilic Design to make sure we’re creating the best working environment for our artisanal team. The team are working in an area with lots of natural light, which helps to reset circadian rhythms and improve wellbeing. There are also lots of plants and natural imagery as nature can replenish our mental and attentional capacity, whilst also improving our air quality.

Q Is there a typical day in the studio?

A There is never a typical day, which is why I love doing what I do. Each day has structure, but I could be researching new ingredients, testing formulations, brainstorming green initiatives with the team, filming for TV interviews, meeting press, discussing new products, talking to customers... the list goes on!

Q How long have you lived in Radlett and what do you like best about it?

A We first moved to Radlett in 2012 and recently moved back after four years away. We are so delighted to be close to lots of friends again and I’m now close enough to bike or walk to the office. evolvebeauty.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 • 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

L

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

FRIENDS FOR LIFE G RO O M A RTS ACA D E M Y

They are man's best friend for a reason: dogs are incredibly loyal, but we most certainly need to give something back too. GroomArts Academy just outside of St Albans is the go to place to learn everything you need to know about looking after your dog, which can be passed down to the younger generation. Turn to page 96 for more.

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Fire the imagination Looking at why play is important for children to learn

By D R A M A N DA G U M M E R

C

lose your eyes and think back to when you were a child.

Imagine a time when you had fun playing. Maybe it was jumping over waves at the beach.

Or climbing a tree in the woods. Or playing on your bedroom floor, with toys littering the carpet.

Children naturally play and there’s a good reason for it. While as adults we might see it as a break, an alternative to work, a lot is actually going on when children are playing. During play, children practice the skills they need when they become adults. You even see it in the animal kingdom, where chimps and lion cubs will playfight to improve their strength.

Human children are learning all sorts of skills when they play. Young children learn in an integrated way and not in neat, tidy compartments. Concepts such as maths and art cannot be separated; for example,

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painting requires problem solving, pattern making, and spatial awareness.

FIVE EXAMPLES OF LEARNING THROUGH PLAY • Playing make believe with other children helps develop social skills and imagination, • Singing songs helps develop language and memory, • Swinging on a swing teaches coordination and managing risks, • Building with a construction toy supports problem solving and logical thinking, • Playing a board game helps children learn how to handle winning and losing respectfully.

time. Children learn best through simple playtime, where they can explore their natural curiosity and do not feel forced or overwhelmed.

This is important because every child learns at their own pace. Children’s abilities can vary even day by day, depending on their mood, or if they’re tired or hungry. By learning through play, your child can build on their knowledge bit by bit when they feel ready.

LEARNING AT THEIR OWN PACE There is a difference between helping a child to learn and pushing a child to learn. Children who are pressured early on do not fare any better than children who are allowed to take their

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FAMILY • FEATURE

“Hands-on experiences help to reinforce learning much better than learning by rote”

Did reading a parenting book prepare you for changing your child’s nappy perfectly, or was it through the trial and error of practical application? Hands-on experiences help to reinforce learning much better than learning by rote.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE PLAY All children need to play is the time and space to do it. In our busy world it can be easy to overschedule children with homework and clubs, but free play is the most valuable for children and so it’s vital that we make time for this to happen. A few carefully chosen toys can help support this.

Our website GoodToyGuide.com has over 200 toy reviews to help you do this, with all toys tested by children and reviewed by experts. Babies and toddlers can also come and try some of our toys in the Good Toy Zone, found in the Mama Baby Play indoor play café in Hitchin.

Balance is key when it comes to children’s leisure time. If they spend hours on a screen, they risk missing out on learning opportunities that come with many screen-free types of

play. Rather than limiting screen time, it can help to encourage plenty of active, free, social, imaginative play to balance this out. Think of this as the superfood of the play diet, while screen time is the sugary treat. It’s fine in small doses, as long as your child is getting all the brain nutrition they need elsewhere.

Play is not just a break from work, it’s how children learn many of the vital skills they need for the future. By giving your child plenty of play opportunities you can help develop their thinking, physical, social and emotional skills at a pace that suits them.

D R A M A N DA G U M M E R is a child psychologist, author and founder of The Good Play Guide in Hitchin

TOP tips for PLAY Active, child-led play is the superfood of the play diet, so try to make this a big part of your daily routine.  Balance inside and outside activity and choose toys that can be used inside to promote active play, even when your children can’t go outside.  Engage with screen time and tech play, but avoid using it as a baby-sitter.  Mix and match playmates – children play differently with different people so involve other family members, older and younger children as well as peers.  Do your research before buying toys, tech or apps for children to make sure they’re going to get maximum benefit.

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FAMILY • LEGAL

DEALING WITH THE FEAR OF LOSING YOUR INCOME OR YOUR CHILDREN

CLEAN

BREAK How to cope with a divorce that you don’t want

By BY FRAN HIPPERSON

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oing through a divorce can be very stressful, particularly when it wasn’t your choice to separate.

Here at B P Collins, we can offer advice to help you through the first few months.

ASK FOR SOME TIME You may feel devastated when your partner wants to divorce, so it is always worth asking for some time to process the situation, so that you can both move forward constructively. Very rarely do I meet someone who, six months down the line, does not feel better, more positive and less overwhelmed than they did in the grief-stricken days of early separation.

CONSIDER COUNSELLING Having a discussion in a neutral environment, where you and your former partner can air how you feel and why, can be helpful, both to the formal divorce process and relations with your former partner going forward. This is particularly important when children are involved.

AVOID POSTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA Don’t post anything online that you would not be happy being read by your ex-partner. This can make things more acrimonious for you in the middle of your divorce. It is also possible that your children could read these posts leading to accusations of parental alienation.

With all of the emotional turmoil you may be experiencing, having to worry about your future finances and child arrangements may add to your anxiety. If you’re financially dependent on your spouse, you can ask for suitable arrangements to be made. If your spouse refuses to make adequate provision, you can apply to the court for an interim financial order, requesting your spouse to meet your financial needs until a final agreement is reached.

CHOOSE A LAWYER WHO WILL LISTEN TO YOU Look for a specialist, experienced family lawyer with whom you have a rapport and you do not feel intimidated by. It is often a good idea to get advice early on since if you know what to expect, that should remove some of the uncertainty that is often felt, and discussions on a more informed basis are usually more constructive.

Lawyers give advice, but remember it is your divorce and it is you who gives the instructions.

While you may need firm guidance, you need to remain true to your own values and principles.

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF Take time for self-care. Do things that you love and surround yourself with supportive family and friends who will be positive and uplifting.

To read more please visit bpcollins.co.uk; Fran Hipperson can be contacted on 01753 889995 or frances.hipperson@bpcollins.co.uk

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CUT ABOVE It’s 30 years since Laura Campanella launched her first dog grooming salon in Italy. Here she talks about the importance of academies, her first love and opening in Hertfordshire

By MARK KEBBLE

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FAMILY • PETS

“We make sure people work in a safe way that is good for the groomer and the pet” A BICHON

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ogs are big business in Hertfordshire and beyond, exacerbated by a pandemic that saw many look to pets as a way out of the monotony of being stuck indoors. Already, sadly, there’s lots of talk about dogs being handed over to rehoming centres as life opens up again, but for those who can’t give up their trusted companion and are struggling with the day to day responsibilities, help is at hand just outside of St Albans.

GroomArts Academy exists to help improve the standard of dog grooming, on a professional level, but also for those with a passing interest (check out their e-courses online). Its founder, Laura Campanella, opened her first salon 30 years ago in Italy, but before that also struggled with a lack of knowledge when it came to care and training.

“I had my first dog, which was a Doberman, and I didn’t know how to treat it and train it, so I became a member of a dog behaviour class, then started doing dog behaviour competitions, where your dog could rank for different levels

LAURA CAMPANELLA TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF DOG GROOMERS

and classes. At the same time, my sister had a dog grooming business and on Saturdays I went to help her. From then on, I became excited by the business and thought I could do something for myself.

I did a course in Italy and the day after I finished my course I opened my business as I was preparing it at the same time.”

That was back in 1991, where Campanella tended to “all grooms, all dogs”, and after 11 years of the business she moved to the UK. “That was very exciting because the UK is god of the terriers, which I love,” she smiles.

“I set up a salon in Potters Bar and, about 12 years later, I decided to set up GroomArts to improve the quality of grooming and care. I wanted to raise the standard of quality and professionalism, and put the groomer at a different level and position so that they are respected and appreciated.”

I am delighted to hear that the Academy is thriving and it’s little surprise it has struck a nerve. The Academy teaches all manner of things when it comes to dogs, it’s not just about grooming. You can learn about managing aggressive dogs, as well as elderly and injured dogs; how to administer first aid; how to run a business; and, of course, all elements involving the grooming of dogs.

“Academies give the right knowledge to people who want to go into this career and be successful,” Campanella says. “And it makes sure that people work in the right way, in a safe way that is good for the groomer and pet, and it makes them become professional. They have more confidence, they have better skills, more technique and more business knowledge.”

Campanella has come far over the last three decades, and big plans are afoot for the future. “I want to franchise,” she states.

“I have already set up online grooming courses this year and my merchandise is coming out next month.” With the likes of Campanella and her students around, dogs in the area are in very safe hands. groomarts.com

Laura Campanella on three dog breeds and why they need to be looked after differently

F OX T E R R I E R They need to be hand stripped to make sure we don’t ruin the natural texture and function of the coat. Needs to be carded not brushed with a furminator or a stripping knife. They don’t need baths often, just when they need it.

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BICHON Need to be bathed and brushed quite often, I’d say every two weeks, and needs to have a scissor trim every four weeks, not clipping as it damages the coat. They have what we call a Bichon Standard Cut.

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POMERANIAN Brushed often because it is a double coat and they have a lot of fur that needs to be deshedded. You can use a slicker brush or rake. To not damage the coat, it is just a wash and dry and a tiny trim around the feet with scissors. Explicitly no clipping! This damages the coat and doesn’t grow back in the same way, it grows back patchy. We have an online video course for the Pomeranian cut.

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FAMILY • PARTNERSHIP

“You will find the quality of service exemplary for the care of your loved one”

PEACE of MIND

Hertfordshire-based Austin’s announce the opening of its new Funeral Arrangement Office in Hoddesdon

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well established local business, Austin’s Funeral Service was established in Stevenage over 300 years ago and is still owned and operated by the Austin family.

The independent family business has recently opened its new funeral arrangement office at 77 High Street, Hoddesdon, to provide a private and welcoming environment in which to arrange the funeral of your loved one.

This location becomes Austin’s 11th funeral arrangement office in East and North Hertfordshire. Families in the Hoddesdon community will benefit from the use of private Chapels of Rest, giving them the opportunity to visit their loved one, in comfortable surroundings, before the day of the funeral.

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Those visiting this office will be attended to by highly experienced Funeral Administrator, Tina Williams. Tina will be available at 77 High Street every weekday between 9am and 5pm. An appointment is not necessary but desirable. Assistance and enquiries outside business hours are received by a 24 hour on-call service, which is available by calling any Austin’s branch.

You will find Austin’s quality of service exemplary, with professional and dedicated staff and up to date facilities for the care of your loved one.

Providing modern hearses, accompanied by limousines should you so wish, a horse drawn glass hearse is available for the really traditional touch. Austin’s will also be happy to assist you with options such as floral tributes, funeral stationery and catering arrangements.

The Austin family are proud to provide “the complete funeral service” in Hertfordshire. In 1997 they designed and built Harwood Park Crematorium in Stevenage, set amidst colourful and welltended memorial gardens and surrounded by peaceful open countryside. Harwood Park offers a wide selection of memorials to commemorate the life of your loved one.

Those wishing to plan the arrangements for their own funeral in advance may do so through Austin’s. The Hertfordshire Funeral Plan is exclusive to Austin’s and provides future peace of mind for family and loved ones.

“The Little Green Book” produced by Austin’s offers advice and guidance on the loss of a loved one and all aspects of arranging the funeral. This is available from all Austin’s branches and Harwood Park Crematorium.

AU ST I N ’ S 77 High Street, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 8TL 01992 471709 austins.co.uk

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25/06/2021 01:35

Hydropool Hot Tubs | Swim Spas | Outdoor Kitchens | Buildings

“Outdoor living…

All year round.”

Al fresco cooking is becoming more and more popular every year, providing you with new, innovative and fun ways to cook outdoors with your family or to cater for some guests.

Outdoor kitchens can come with all the functionality of an indoor kitchen as we make every single kitchen bespoke

to meet your needs. Hot tubs and swim spas are an amazing way to improve your everyday lifestyle and start creating new habits. What better way to start your day than with a soak in your own hot tub!Or come home after work for a leisurely swim to keep active and healthy, all year round.

SHOWROOM OPENING HOURS:

Mon – Sat: 9am – 5pm | Sun: 10am – 4pm

londonessexoutdoorliving.co.uk

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info@londonessexoutdoorliving.co.uk 020 3150 1503

24/06/2021 21:54

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

BOOK ONLINE AT:

EXTENDED BAR

www.channelsestate.co.uk

BIGGER PATIO

Bar & Brasserie: 01245 440 005

LUXURY BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION

Channels Lodge: 01245 441 547

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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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Stow AWAY To open this special, we chat to Royston-based Carol Lovell about her luxury travel accessories business that has caught the eye of Meghan Markle and Victoria Pendleton

By MARK KEBBLE

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25/06/2021 02:12

TRAVEL • INTERVIEW

“I believe in buy once and buy well, so our designs are not trend led”

STOW FOUNDER CAROL LOVELL

Q What originally inspired you to launch STOW? A With a background in the travel industry, I was aware there was no luxury leather specialist concentrating on travel products that were colourful and of high quality and made in Europe. Taking inspiration from the intrepid female explorers that had fuelled my imagination as a teen, I decided to set up a business to fill this gap.

Q Growing up, did you always have an interest in travel accessories?

A From a very young age I became fascinated with travel, and the more I did the more I started thinking about travel accessories. I used to design accessories in my head on flights.

Q You seem to be influenced by traditional elements – why is that?

A I like to look back at what has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. I believe in buy once and buy well, so our designs are not trend led. I believe in classic styles to last for years.

Q Tell us about the inspiration behind the Tech Case collection…

A My mother gave me a leather writing case for my 18th birthday. I used it for decades. I loved that all my communications with home were kept inside it. I decided to redesign it for modern communications tech, and we now have a range of tech cases for all devices.

Q How do you go about coming up with ideas for new collections?

A We are very close to our customers and ask them what they like, dislike and need all the time. I have many well-travelled friends and I ask them what they wish they had for all manner of travel.

Q How do you make them?

A Each piece is crafted by hand by a

traditional leather artisan in the beautiful town of Ubrique Anadalucia, Spain. I believe in slow production – this means that care and attention is paid to every single unit. It is time consuming and cannot be rushed.

We produce in low volumes in order to avoid waste and so keep our stock levels tight.

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TRAVEL • INTERVIEW

FIRST CLASS TECH CASE - IVORY

Q We have mentioned the Tech Case collection, what other collections are currently available?

A I am really proud of our SLOW Collection, a STOW-cation range made in a new biodegradable canvas and paired with our soft Napa leather. We have recently added a Tote and Leather Clutch duo that is perfect for all manner of travel and activities. Come September we are launching some fabulous desk accessories, and so catering to the new working from home lifestyle.

Q How does it feel to have celebrity fans?

A I am always very grateful when such

“I am always very grateful when inspiring individuals support STOW”

Q How long does it take from the creation of an idea to the finished product?

A Sometimes it can take a year! We work with a small family-owned factory partner (the same we started with in 2013) and the sampling process can be longer than I’d like. But we are all perfectionists. There might be five or more iterations of a piece before it is approved. Each new design needs to “live with me” for some weeks while it is heavily road tested.

Q How do you aim to ensure longevity in all the products?

A Craftsmanship and materials are the keys to longevity. I believe there is a sense of pride in owning something that is made to last and can weather time. Leather is the best material to do that. Its complicated, fibrous structure gives it flexibility, mechanical resistance, adaptability and durability. Zips and hardware are European sourced and of the highest quality, again with a focus on strength and durability.

inspiring individuals support STOW. It means the world to me as their involvement is so helpful to us continuing to grow and of course it is deeply flattering they wish to own one of my designs. It encourages me enormously.

Q How long have you been based in Royston?

A I moved to the area in 2002 after the birth of my first child. I started STOW in 2013 from our kitchen and then moved to an office in Royston five years ago, from where we run the business.

Q What do you love the most about the area?

A Without doubt, the big skies. I love an outdoor life and spend a lot of time riding, walking and cycling the pretty lanes and undulating off road landscape. I think it is stunning. It is also full of very friendly people.

stowlondon.co.uk

Q Why is sustainability important to you?

A How can it not be? If we are producing

products that cannot in all reality be qualified as vitally essential to human life, the only responsible way to run my business is with respect for our environment, people and partners. That includes transparency and a commitment to continually improve all processes.

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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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SPECIALISTS IN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SHADING Contact us to arrange a showroom or home appointment

Awnings

Blinds

Curtains

Design

Electric

Shutters

POSNER INTERIORS LTD | 98 GEORGE LANE | SOUTH WOODFORD | E18 1AD 0208 989 8354 | www.posnerinteriors.com | info@posnerinteriors.com

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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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HAPPY

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

By PENDLE HARTE

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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”

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

SUNKISSED HAIR

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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

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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

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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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New WAV E S Absolutely’s favourite UK surf spots

By PENDLE HARTE

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 lefts 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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TRAVEL • BEACH EATS

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DREAMY SPOTS FOR BEACHSIDE DINING

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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

C O R N WA L L

ISLE OF WIGHT

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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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24/06/2021 17:27

PROPERTY

BARNESWOOD HOUSE AL6

£6,000,000 PRICE GUIDE

n impressive family home originally constructed in 1902 for Charles Behr.

Refurbished by the current owners, yet still displaying a wealth of original features.

The house was designed with three wings, the fourth being built later, to enclose the courtyard. The house is set at the end of a beautiful gravelled driveway, enjoying views over its own grounds.

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

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PROPERTY • INSIGHT

Don’t

MISS OUT Hot tips for buying a Hertfordshire home in today’s market

By B E L I N DA- JA N E G U I L F OY L E

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f you’re looking to buy a house in Hertfordshire at the moment you may have a ‘Fear Of Missing Out’ (FOMO), and who could blame you? With a distinct lack of properties on the market and an abundance of buyers, it’s busy out there on the housing front. In March, HMRC announced that UK property transactions were at their highest level since records began in 2005 – in fact, there were 180,000 sales, that’s double the number seen in March last year. So if you’re a buyer trying to navigate this market, how can you ensure your FOMO doesn’t become a reality?

GET READY One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a buyer is to start your search before you’ve got yourself in a viable position. Having a mortgage in principle demonstrates to both the homeowner and the estate agent that you are able to proceed with the purchase and your offer will be considered a serious one.

BE TRANSPARENT If you want to be taken seriously, you need to be transparent when speaking to an estate agent about what you’re looking for and your maximum budget.

Placing all your cards on the table does not put you in a weaker position, it helps an estate agent be sure of your position.

BE CLEAR Buying a house is a massive investment, yet it’s a decision that many rush into. Think about all the things that are important to you and not just the property itself. Is commutability as important as it was?

Or, do you want walks, shops and bars in walking distance? Remember, a home can be changed, but a location can’t.

your chosen area comes onto the market, book a viewing as quickly as possible and do your research before you go.

DO YOU WANT THIS HOUSE? Any offer you make has to have an impact.

Yes, we all love a bargain, but when homes are going for close to or over their asking prices at the moment in Hertfordshire, making a low offer will seem like an insult.

You want your offer to be taken seriously.

MORE HASTE , LESS SPEED This market requires a clear and level head, if you snooze you will lose, but your decisions shouldn’t be rushed either.

Set up alerts with property websites so you’ll know as soon as a new home in

B E L I N DA- JA N E G U I L F OY L E is director at Trend & Thomas Estate Agents in Rickmansworth. trendandthomas.co.uk

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Something MAGICAL Going behind the scenes of a luxury Hertfordshire development that is a star of the silver screen

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oyal Connaught Park is a prestigious Grade II listed development that was formerly known as the Royal Masonic School for Boys. Today, it is a private gated development set within 100 acres of mature private parkland, beautiful landscaped gardens, and features 24-hour security with CCTV. Inside, there’s a private residents’ only gymnasium with indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and steam room, tennis courts, and each apartment has a private balcony/ balconies or terrace(s).

Every indulgent detail has been carefully considered, from luxurious kitchens and bathrooms, to life-enhancing outdoor spaces and well-considered technology and cosy underfloor heating, facilities for car charging points, and ample guest parking.

The service extends outside of the development too. There’s a courtesy shuttle bus that transports residents to and from Royal Connaught Park to Bushey and Watford train stations.

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PROPERTY • FOCUS

“Every indulgent detail has been considered, from luxurious kitchens to life-enhancing outdoor spaces” This iconic development, which film fanatics may recognise from the silver screen, is about as close to the world of wizards and witches as you can get. That is because this converted school building doubled up as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies – this former school has appeared in nearly 400 films and TV shows, including Monty Python’s Life of Brian and Saint Trinian’s to name just a couple.

Royal Connaught Park is perfectly located between leafy Hertfordshire and North London. The site is a wonderful ‘green lung’ in Bushey, yet is well-located, reaching Central London (fast to Euston station) in just 15 minutes, and with the thriving centres of Bushey, Radlett and St Albans nearby. Quick and easy road links close by include the M25, M1 and M40 and Heathrow and Luton airports are easily accessible.

Starting prices on the development is 1 bedroom priced at £450,000, 2 beds from £589,000, 3 beds from £899,000 and 4 beds from £1million. Contact selling agents Statons on 01923 222292.

Find out more information at royalconnaughtpark.com

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Scan here to see the full details of all our properties

Cherry Tree Cottage, Rickmansworth, WD3 £1,375,000 F/H Full of character, this four double bedroom detached house has a one bedroom annexe attached and a mature delightful garden. The property also comes chain free.

Highfield Way, Rickmansworth, WD3 £1,195,000 F/H

Salisbury House, Rickmansworth, WD3 £1,695,000 F/H

New to the market, this 4 bedroom detached home is located on one of our most prestigious roads. The property sits on a wide plot and has a patio and landscaped rear gardens with a driveway and parking for 2/3 cars to the front. .

One of two exceptional new build homes in the prestigious Chiltern Grove development. As we went to press both of these beautiful five bedroom arts and craft style homes went under offer and we require similar developments to satisfy customers who have missed out.

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21/05/2021 12:57

PROPERTY • DEVELOPMENT

B RI V E R S ID E LI V I N G Absolutely Hertfordshire takes a closer look at Winton Wharf, an exclusive development in Biggleswade

iggleswade is an historic market town, so little surprise that there is a demand to live there. It’s why developments like Winton Wharf are being so keenly welcomed, and the distinctive development of two and three bedroom homes in a riverside setting certainly boasts plenty of wow factor.

The development is made up of five different types of home: Pope, Foster, Herbert, Albone and Fox. The latter is a two-bedroom home, Albone is a threebed property, and both Pope and Foster are three-bedroom townhouses. Herbert is a spacious three-bed townhouse with flexible living, an extra family room, snug and study, not to mention riverside views.

All homes feature top of the range specifications. Highlights at a glance include: a feature front door, wood grain effect internal doors, fitted wardrobes to the main bedrooms, a contemporary fitted kitchen, bathrooms featuring white sanitaryware with chrome furniture, and allocated off-street parking spaces, with all three bedroom houses having a garage.

In total, this is an exclusive collection of 20 homes available for private sale, along with ten apartments available for rent or shared ownership through a separate housing association.

To find out more, contact Wheatley Homes on 01767 686450, email sales@wheatley.co.uk or visit wheatley.co.uk

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Hand Picked Diamonds

FOR LIFE’S BIG ADVENTURES

01234 352 343 Baker Brothers Diamond House 11-13 St. Peters Street, Bedford MK40 2PN

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