Absolutely Hertfordshire April 2023

Hertfordshire

Lead the WAY

Six of the best Hertfordshire female entrepreneurs

Enjoying over 700 years of history at Ashridge House

Meeting Cheshunt's Olympic medallist Mallory Franklin

FRILLS All the

DON'T FEEL RUFFLED AT ANY OCCASION THANKS TO ANTHROPOLOGIE ST ALBANS

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THE ART OF SCULPTING

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EDITOR

MARK KEBBLE

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS

SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

JUNIOR DESIGNER

JOE MUNSEY

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH

ABIGAIL GARDNER

MAGAZINE MANAGER

LOUISE PEARSON

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS

STELLA ADAMS, SUSAN BULLOCK

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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The

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LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S April issue highlights

Ihave a rather odd relationship with food. As a child, I apparently would only eat macaroni cheese – from a tin, we are not talking about the finest version from Italy – and as I grew older my palate didn't exactly evolve. I was once known by school friends as the one mate who'd go for a curry and order only a samosa. You know it's bad when, during your best man's speech, they spend a good five minutes on my eating habits. But I feel they did me a disservice as since starting in this profession, my eyes and senses have been sparked into life.

I have met some of the very finest chefs in the game over the past couple of decades, and of course you have to sit down and eat the fruits of their labour. So now I don't baulk at the thought of spices, or sampling the best plant-based food out there, but embrace whatever cuisine comes my way.

So, then, putting together this issue was a lot of fun. First up we have the fully refurbished Chandler's Cross hotel, The Grove, showing off its many restaurants. Then we hear more about Auberge du Lac re-opening as simply Auberge. And we even speak to one leading expert on gut health to make sure we don't overdo it.

And not a tin opener in sight...

Interiors Trend

Textures At Home

Different ways to bring colour into your design (p59)

Auberge

Why the restaurant reopening is a big thing (p82)

Local Q&A Ashridge House's Beatrice Outram's top spots (p21)

The Shoot Dress to impress with Anthropologie's SS23 collection (p42)

The finest plates for the home (p71)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Wish LIST

IT'S A WRAP

Amano's crochet pocket alpaca wrap is hand-knitted in the mountains of northern Ecuador and it's the ultimate in cosiness, £225. foreveramano.com

ON THE MOVE

Get ready to go glamping with a difference, with Art Bag Studio's The Camper Van, £3,500. artbagstudio.com

PEARLY WHITE

Carousel is an independent fi ne and demi-fi ne jewellery brand that takes inspiration from travel, romance and adventure in their timeless designs. Carousel Jewels uses ethically sourced gemstones and materials, ensuring that each stone is unique. carouseljewels.com

PALE AND INTERESTING

Book a fitting at Amelie's Follies and choose from a selection of beautiful and perfectly fitting lingerie. ameliesfollies.co.uk

THE CREAM DREAM

Meet Lola, with a stunning crystal chain and super so leather, these gorgeous loafers are like clouds on your feet, £175. ceciliaquinn.co.uk

CREAM OF THE CROP

Modern and elegant, these Shaun Leane hooked pearl talon earrings see the so ness of the Cherry Blossom Collection has been reimagined with a fierce edge to meet the iconic Tusk silhouette, £225. bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

FEEL FRESH

If you favour a timeless style, then Nina is the beachwear option for you. Relaxed, yet refined, this beautiful design is cra ed in a premium, lightweight, jersey fabric offering a fresh take on a classic style, £135. naiabeach.com

JUST IN CASE

The Caroline collection by Wolf is a signature design, defined by its distinctive quilted exterior that gives each piece a sumptuous and indulgent style, £295. berrysjewellers.co.uk

SECOND HAND

Swiss brand Vacheron Constantin meticulously produces limited batches of its beautiful timepieces, £17,800. net-a-porter.com

TIE IN

Luxuriously so , with a ruffle trim and blouson sleeves, this cable knit dress is both cosy and stylish. somersetbyalice.com

A MILLION MILES FROM EVERYDAY

CULTURE

AN EVENING WITH ANTON DU BEKE

25-26 APRIL, GORDON CRAIG THEATRE

Strictly Come Dancing legend and judge, Anton Du Beke, takes to the stage with his show in 2023. With his live band, a guest singer and his dancers, expect a fab-u-lous evening of song, dance and laughter. Anton will be performing some of his favourite songs and dances that have inspired his career throughout his life. Expect behind the scenes stories from his time on Strictly that will have you laughing out loud. gordon-craig.co.uk

The Agenda

ART

APRIL'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

Courtyard Open

8-29 APRIL, COURTYARD GALLERY

Courtyard Arts are delighted to invite you to take part in the 16th annual Courtyard Open. Courtyard Arts is a unique, artistic hub located in Hertford. Comprising a gallery and shop with two teaching studios, it has been a meeting place for creative minds for almost 25 years. The centre was established as a charity by a group of passionate, local artists seeking to create a space for all to enjoy art in a friendly, open environment. courtyardarts.org.uk

EVENT

Hertfordshire Garden Show

29 April-1 May

KNEBWORTH HOUSE

There will be plenty of inspiration for the spring and summer months ahead supplied by the exhibitors attending this show with a wide variety of goods on display including garden furniture, water features, hot tubs, tools, sculptures and more. This event also includes access to Knebworth Park, Gardens, Adventure Playground and Dinosaur Trail. knebworthhouse.com

16 April

FISHERS GREEN

This month’s walk explores the fascinating sculpture trail in the River Lee Country Park. It’s a beautiful walk around lakes and woodland, and as well as the statues on the route you may see some of the wildlife they reflect. You will see many things around this 1,000-acre country park, and the walk will also take you down to Hall Marsh Scrape, where you can see wildfowl, waders and herons. visitleevalley.org.uk

FAMILY

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE

3-5 April

THE ALBAN ARENA

Here’s your chance to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family. Grab your compass and join their intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex alban-arena.co.uk

Debra Stephenson

29 April

RADLETT CENTRE

Actress, singer, comedian and acclaimed impressionist Debra Stephenson is set to embark on a national tour of her hugely successful show, The Many Voices of Debra Stephenson. Debra will take you on a hilarious journey through the decades from Billy Holliday to Billie Eilish, Shirley Bassey to Kate Bush, Celine Dion to Britney Spears, and many more… Join Debra as she hurtles through time with her impressions of the most famous stars of TV and movies over the years. radlettcentre.co.uk

EASTER TREATS

Three of the best events for the holiday season

This Month’s Must See

KNEBWORTH HOUSE

7-10 April

Join Knebworth House for a spring day out over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Book a general admission ticket and add an Easter Trail Sheet per child to your basket before the checkout, priced at £2 per child. On arrival collect your sheet and follow the trail around Knebworth Gardens looking for clues to complete the word puzzle. Each child with a trail sheet will be able to collect a prize at the end. knebworthhouse.com

HERTFORD MUSEUM

4-13 April

There’s plenty happening at Hertford Museum over the Easter holidays. There will be di erent crafts available each week, and make sure to peruse their collections, which include archaeology, paper ephemera, ethnography, fine art, geology, natural history, photographs, social history and the Hertfordshire Regiment collection. hertfordmuseum.org

CHAOS IN THE COUNTRY

Here’s a special murder mystery event set in the English countryside in the modern day at an annual shooting event. With an inheritance looming in the air the Beaumont family are plunged into turmoil, from the head of the house Peter Beaumont’s new wife, to the moronic eldest son Humphry. This riveting plot will have you howling with laughter: just be at your wits when the guns are thrown into the mix… mistressmurders.com

WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM

30 March-14 April

Join Willows Activity Farm this Easter for a host of family fun including an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Grotto, Easter arts and crafts, and meet adorable animals including their very own Easter bunnies, pig racing and lamb bottle feeding demonstrations – there really is something for everyone. willowsactivityfarm.com

8 APRIL, ST MICHAEL’S MANOR HOTEL

PHOTO: ROBERT DAY

PHOTO: STEVE ULLATHORNE

PADDLE TO VICTORY

Britain’s most successful female canoeist Mallory Franklin talks medals, marriage and messing about on the water in Hertfordshire

By REBECCA PITCAIRN

lympic medallist Mallory Franklin was born to be on water. She first stepped into a canoe when she was five-years-old, but the Cheshunt resident showed signs of the determination required to be a world class athlete even earlier.

“I’ve always been a water baby,” she tells me. “My parents regale me with the story that when I was 18 months old I wanted to go on one of those swimming pool inflatable assault courses and the rules were that you had to be able to swim a length of the pool, so I did.”

Growing up with two brothers – she is the middle child of three – meant Mallory was always competitive. The trio grew up in Windsor, close to the River Thames, but their introduction to the world of canoeing came quite by accident.

“My older brother, Zak, was one of those kids that just had a bit too much energy at school and so his teachers encouraged my parents to get him interested in some

Oform of after-school activity, so we all went down to Windsor Leisure Centre to see what was on o er,” the 28-year-old explains. “Nothing really took our fancy, but right next door was Windsor and District Canoe Club and they were having an open day so as we were leaving the centre we popped down to have a look and we got to go out on the water – and all three of us just adored it.”

Mallory has been hooked ever since and began competing professionally aged 15, winning her first World Cup medal in 2012. “To be honest, I would have paddled had no-one been watching, I just loved it,” she admits. Her career rise has been meteoric. In 2018, Mallory became Great Britain’s most successful female canoeist, winning a record eight individual and three team medals in a season. The year before, she was runner up in the BT Sport Action Woman of the Year. But, the four-time world champion says the pinnacle of her career was winning silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It was the first time the C1 canoe slalom female class in which she competes had been included in the Games as part of a drive towards Olympic gender equality. Mallory, who is only the second

British woman to win an Olympic medal in canoe slalom after Helen Reeves took bronze in the kayak K1 event in 2004, recorded a time of 108.68 in the final and was beaten only by the world number one, Australia’s Jessica Fox.

“It was my first Olympics, so I didn’t have anything to compare it to and it was a bit of an odd lead up to it, but it was a really cool experience,” she explains of the Tokyo games, which ended up taking place in 2021 instead of 2020 and with little to no audience in the stands due to the coronavirus pandemic. “For me personally and how I respond to environmental pressures, it was probably better that there weren’t any spectators,” she admits.

The pandemic also meant celebrations were subdued. After taking the podium, in Tokyo, Mallory headed to the village food hall. “I just wanted to eat everything I hadn’t been able to [because of training] up to that point,” she jokes, adding that she devoured a whole plate of Japanese Takoyaki (battered squid balls).

There was no mass heroes’ welcome when she arrived home either, although Mallory says that suited her just fine. “It was a quiet homecoming, but I’m not an overly

“I have always been a water baby”

showy person, so it was nice to just have my husband pick me up from the airport with flowers and my favourite food,” she says.

Mallory and fellow canoeist Ciaran Edwards moved to Hertfordshire in 2015, settling in Cheshunt, where they bought a home together just a few minutes’ drive from Lee Valley White Water Centre in Waltham Cross, where she trains and he works as a British Canoeing Academy coordinator. The couple, who tied the knot in 2021, love the county, particularly Hertford, where they enjoy spending downtime together – not that there’s much of it.

“Generally speaking I spend a lot of time training and my husband spends a lot of time working so we’re at Lee Valley a lot, but when we’re not there, we love going to restaurants in Hertford.”

Mallory’s schedule is particularly full on at the moment as she prepares for a number of events, which form part of the selection process for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, including the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in September.

“A home race is always good, especially in our sport where there’s quite a clear home advantage because the more you spend time on the water, the more you learn it, therefore if you can race on your training venue then you’ll probably be quite well o ,” she says. “Of course, that puts extra pressure on because there’s that expectation that we should be winning, but canoeing is an odd sport because there are so many factors that

go into a race and you can make a splitsecond decision and it could all fall apart.”

Mallory admits that in the past she has struggled with the mindset of “being a bit of a perfectionist”, but is becoming better at living in the moment. “I had a bit of lightbulb moment after I won the World Cup because not long after, no-one, beyond my family and tight sporting community, really cared,” she reflects. “So, there’s no point pinning all your hopes on getting results – yes you’ll get that instant gratification, but life moves on. It’s the same experience with losses, you learn that life moves on and people forget. I think that has changed my motivation and made me realise how much I’ve grown.”

Although not yet 30, Mallory is mindful her career as a world-class athlete has a relatively short lifespan, which she is pragmatic about, explaining that she would like to go into coaching at some point. But, for now, she is focused on enjoying life doing what she loves.

“Canoe Slalom is a sport that you can try and chase perfection as much as you want but, because you’re dealing with the water and environment, it’s impossible,” she adds. “It’s a constant challenge and you never feel like you’ve completed it. There’s always something in front of you that you can keep chasing.”

Talking Franklin

Mallory’s Hertfordshire hotspots

I really like going for walks in Lee Valley Park, we live on the edge so I go for my runs there.

•

One of our favourite restaurants, which we’re lucky to live close to in Cheshunt, is Reyna.

• Hertford Cake Co and Tilly’s Gelato are a couple of places we love in Hertford for a real treat.

PROUDLY SHOWING OFF HER OLYMPIC SILVER MEDAL

LEE VALLEY PARK

HERTFORD CAKE CO IS A TREAT

REYNA SERVES UP GREAT FOOD

“It’s a constant challenge and you never feel like you have completed it”

£7.95pp Ticketsallowentry for12months!

BIRD EASTER ROLY POLY -

1 to 16 April

Closed Monday 3 April

Clay workshops, guided walks and archive tours.

Storytelling, Museum trails and drop-in crafts.

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BEATRICE OUTRAM

Q Can you give us an overview of your role at Ashridge House?

A I oversee the curation and delivery of the public event programme at Ashridge House. Each year our calendar focuses on key seasonal pillars, but we are also building on this now to include a huge variety of events both large and small, from trails and outdoor cinema, to beautiful dinners and workshops. We are at a very exciting stage at Ashridge House as the venue, despite its lengthy history, has only really been open to the public for the last two years. So right now, we’re taking the early steps towards putting Ashridge House on the map as a leading establishment for events, and a place that makes our local community proud.

Q Why originally did you want to work there?

A Ashridge House was somewhere which, to be honest, I didn’t know a great deal about as I’d never been able to go there. So when the opportunity arose to lead on events that welcome people into a previously private house, I was immediately intrigued. Also, coming from an arts and heritage background, I was keen to inject some creativity into the programme. As Ashridge House is so architecturally impressive with such stunning grounds, it's quite the backdrop for music, art and theatre!

Q What do you think makes Ashridge House unique?

A For me, what makes Ashridge House unique is its story. Over its 800-year lifespan it’s been home to everyone from monks and

LIVE EVENTS MANAGER, ASHRIDGE HOUSE

THE HISTORIC ASHRIDGE HOUSE

monarchs, to politicians and patients. To be in a place that’s so full of surprises is very exciting; I’m forever learning new things and even finding di erent parts of the building I didn’t know existed! This sense of discovery and learning is something I try to incorporate into our programme, so that anyone who visits goes home having learned something about Ashridge.

Q What’s in store over the Easter period?

A There are all sorts of things to look forward to. For starters, the Ashridge Vintage Fayre will be running from 1-10 April in our beautiful spring garden. There’ll be a lovely variety of traditional rides for di erent age groups, plus some pop-up food and drinks stalls, and some bunny characters to find around the garden. We’ve also got dining in the main house, including our quintessential afternoon tea, the Easter Feast, and a beautiful brunch, all hosted in our heritage rooms. I have to say, dining is something we do particularly well at Ashridge – our team of chefs are exceptionally talented, so anyone wanting to make this Easter extra special knows where to come!

Q And looking further ahead, what big events are to come in 2023?

A Some of the highlights include the Great British Food Festival on 3-4 June, Adventure Cinema Nights in late July, and the Sculpture Garden running from JulySeptember. Then of course we will see the return of Ashridge House Illuminated this Christmas, which I am excited to see grow and diversify in our third year of the event. There will be plenty more going on at Ashridge House around this; we are always adding more workshops which champion local businesses and talent, as well as summer parties, charity events, and theatre performances.

Q Do you live close to Ashridge House, or further afield?

A I actually live in High Barnet on the border of Herts and North London. I grew up in Hertfordshire though, near Hertford, and have always loved the county for its diversity. I love that it has outstanding areas of natural beauty (such as Ashridge!) which are great for a Sunday walk, as well as bustling hubs like St Albans, Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City that have no-end of fun things to try. It’s also so easy to get to other parts of the country for days out.

Q Ashridge House aside, what places do you love visiting in Hertfordshire?

A I love visiting the Sword Inn Hand pub in Westmill. It’s an absolute gem, with a cosy vibe and amazing food. My second favourite place would be the Royston Cave. It’s a peculiar thing to find, and considering its origin has not been confirmed, I love guessing how it came about. Finally, The Rex & Odyssey Cinemas in Berkhamsted and St Albans. Tucking into

a cheese board with a glass of wine whilst watching a new film is an absolute winner.

Q With spring here too, any outdoor spots you particularly love?

A The Hitchin Lavender fields. They’re so gorgeous, with purple as far as the eye can see plus some pops of yellow sunflowers later in the year.

Q How do you like to get away from work and relax?

A I enjoy exploring the cultural scene, and being so close to London as well as Hertfordshire I have plenty of options to choose from. Most recently I’ve been to a few jazz clubs and a ceilidh venue. I also love asking our Head Chef for recipes I can try at home, as I love cooking and trying new dishes.

ashridgehouse.org.uk

HITCHIN LAVENDER

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BEST of all WORLDS

How the Algarve’s Four Seasons

Fairway brings together all the elements of a luxurious getaway

Four Seasons Fairways in Quinta do Lago is a true hidden gem, exquisitely nestled within the Ria Formosa nature reserve. What makes it so special is that they have brilliantly and cleverly combined the best bits of a villa holiday with the amenities and conveniences of a hotel.

Open year round, this discreet and elegant villa resort is home to 132 newly refurbished traditional style villas and apartments set in verdant landscaped gardens. Each seamlessly blends authentic Portuguese style with a modern and vibrant interior plus their very own pool or jacuzzi, terrace or garden area and outdoor BBQ/cooking station.

The stylish villas complement the resort's Clubhouse area, which is home to stunning heated indoor and outdoor pools, Kids’ Club, wine cellar, fully equipped gym, treatment rooms and an ingeniously designed indooroutdoor bar that sits alongside cosy areas for relaxing along with a spectacular fireplace. Crittall doors and windows are in abundance and have been skillfully designed and finished with a brushed copper e ect to reflect the traditional Portuguese ‘Cataplana’, an item of cookware used to prepare Portuguese seafood dishes. Handmade pendant lights using linked copper rings to emulate beehives hang throughout and have been designed to reflect the local area’s sizeable production of honey. The Clubhouse is also home to VIVO Bistro & Cocktail Lounge and Amara, an intimate restaurant where they have twinned sophistication and Portuguese traditions with contemporary cuisine to give guests an unmistakable and memorable experience. This month will see the opening of a brand-new outdoor terrace dining area at Amara – the perfect spot to take advantage of the long, warm, and peaceful evenings.

The area surrounding the resort is home to numerous championship golf courses and is a haven for those into the game, but also caters to those who aren’t. The resort is just a stone’s throw from the stunning Ria Formosa nature reserve, making it the perfect setting for walking, running, and cycling.

Four Seasons Fairways e ortlessly manages to cater for couples and families alike with guests and sta greeting each other like long lost friends. The warmth on display is palpable and is no surprise that guests return year on year – the love and attachment to the resort is clear with memories made spanning generations. And with 3,000 hours of sunshine and just three hours flight from the UK, the Algarve really is unique in that it o ers a truly delightful year-round destination.

FOUR SEASONS FAIRWAYS

offer seven nights in a two or three-bed villa or apartment with swimming pool or Jacuzzi from £1,300 on a self-catering basis –

fourseasonsfairways.com

LEADING Ladies

Dr Nicky Naylor Director, doctornickynaylor.com

Q What originally inspired you to launch your business?

A Working as an NHS GP with a specialist interest in dermatology in the latter years of my over 20 year service, I became increasingly aware that I wasn’t able to provide the detailed and bespoke care that I wanted to to my patients. I am passionate about wellness and self-care, and find aesthetic medicine fascinating and fulfilling where I can really make a di erence to people’s lives, making them feel happy from within. Setting up my own clinic gave me the freedom to o er the service I feel patients deserve.

Q What do you think makes your business di erent from the competition?

A My medical training and experience as a GP provides a firm background for me to o er medical aesthetic treatments which are far more extensive than skin deep. I have been practicing aesthetic medicine since 2004 and I have developed with the industry, giving me a deep understanding of patients’ needs and treatments alike. I have vast experience having treated hundreds of thousands of patients. I am always developing my knowledge and experience through reading and attending training events and conferences to ensure I provide the best for my patients. All consultations and treatments are delivered

by myself so I can o er a truly bespoke experience to each individual patient. All the treatments I o er are those I use myself and are clinically proven to work and are safe. My clinic is small and personal, inviting and discrete. I want my patients to feel relaxed and comfortable and able to share their personal concerns without feeling intimidated or embarrassed. I give my patients time. I also appreciate their time is precious and that they have busy, demanding lives so I o er late and weekend appointments and try to be flexible to suit my patients’ schedules.

Q What’s new for 2023?

A Gone are the days of the frozen forehead and pu ed up cheeks and lips. The future is aesthetic health and well-being with a focus on regenerative medicine and aiming to slow down ageing at a cellular level improving cell function and therefore skin health. Injectable polynucleotides are attracting a lot of interest. These are regenerative skin boosters which improve elasticity, collagen and hydration of the skin thanks to the stimulation of the skin’s own collagen producing cells making the skin behave more youthfully. Topical growth factors in skincare and through microneedling to trigger essential cellular repair, skin supplements such as NAD+, hybrid fillers with both volumizing properties and collagen stimulating e ects are all promising treatments in our quest to achieve great skin health.

Q Describe a typical working day for you?

A I start my day at 7am with a live Peloton ride. I complete a few extra rides after this with other fellow Peloton junkies, moving to weights and yoga afterwards and finally a short run with my dogs. I find this an essential part of my day leaving me energised and focused so I’m my best self for my patients. In clinic I work through to about 7-8pm seeing patients and following up tasks. Once a week I travel to Harley Street where I work for SKN clinics. Some days I set aside for personal and business development and learning in clinic or at various training events.

Q Out of work where in the local area do you like to visit?

A I am lucky enough to live in the beautiful Chilterns. It feels very rural, but I can be in London at my desk in Harley Street within an hour. I love to run with my two labradoodles locally through the forests and fields.

Absolutely Hertfordshire meets some of the women blazing a trail in the world of business

DR NICKY NAYLOR

Alyson Lobo Head, Manor Lodge School manorlodgeschool.com

Q What originally inspired you to take over as Head at Manor Lodge School?

A I set out to prove that academic excellence could be achieved but not at the expense of a child’s childhood. I believe it is imperative that we give children the freedom and space to explore the simplicities of life, within a safe and caring environment and not mark their success solely on academic success. This can only happen if we challenge the education of today, which is often based on the traditional Victorian principles of yesteryear. Our ever-evolving world means that it is essential that education adapts to the new challenges that face us. I wanted to create a curriculum in a ‘learning without walls’ framework where information dissipates across disciplines. One in which a teacher is not merely a provider of information, but a guide who immerses children on the road to understanding, through dialogue not monologue, whilst creating childhood memories that will last a lifetime.

Q What do you think makes your school di erent?

A At Manor Lodge, we believe that learning should not be confined to the four walls of a classroom. Teaching and learning must ignite a child's natural curiosity and creativity and flow seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces. It should take full advantage of the natural world around

us creating memorable and exciting learning opportunities. At Manor Lodge, it is our children’s reality; traditional academic rigor mixed with outdoor learning, in spaces that bring the outside world in and the inside world out.

Q What’s new at the school for 2023?

A This year we are planning a redesign of our Reception spaces by creating a synergy between indoor and outdoor learning. We aim to fulfil our philosophy of making sure Manor Lodge is a place where 'learning is the greatest adventure'. The designs celebrate nature. The classrooms will flow naturally into outdoor spaces where nature becomes the climbing frame and where a child’s imagination is allowed to run riot. At the same time, we are creating two areas for our sta to challenge how teachers and sta in schools should work. The sta room is being replaced with a co ee hub and the teacher’s desk is being replaced by a vibrant space where sta members can meet, work and team up to collaborate in creative thought.

Q Describe a typical working day for you?

A There is never a typical day. Schools are lively places and one minute I may be leading an assembly or engaged in a debate lesson with children and the next I am in a strategy meeting creating the ‘Manor Lodge’ of the future. That is what makes the job so exciting.

Q Out of work, where in the local area do you like to visit?

A If I am not at home, my next port of call is London. It is my go-to place. I love its diversity, its vibe and the cultural mix of old and new. There is always something to see and do there.

Q What do you always make time for away from work?

A My home is my castle and my family are my heartbeat so when I am not at school or thinking about school, this is where you will find me. Spring is my favourite season and from that time on I love nothing better than pottering in my garden. During the colder months my haven is my kitchen surrounded by baking ingredients. But most of all I enjoy family Sundays.

ALYSON LOBO

Emma Whiteman

Founder, Travel Counsellors travelcounsellors.co.uk/emma.whiteman

Q What originally inspired you to launch your business?

A I have worked in the travel industry for all of my working career and it was always a goal to have my own business one day. It had to be at the right time though, in terms of how it would work with my family etc. I knew that with my wealth of travel knowledge, having travelled extensively and a strong work ethic, that I had the foundations for a successful business. I have always worked hard at every job I had, but it was always for someone else, I wanted to do this for me and my family and put all my energy into something that I am so very passionate about.

Q What do you think makes your business di erent?

A My clients are at the heart of everything I do. I treat each and every booking as if it is my own, it’s a privilege to be able to book and take care of my clients’ travel arrangements. I like to get to know my clients on a personal level. Everybody’s ideals are di erent, so finding out what’s important to them in regards to a holiday is key to finding the perfect trip. I am available outside of normal business hours, you’ll find me working in the evenings and weekends at times to suit my clients. Holidays are one of the most expensive things you can’t see or touch before you buy, which is why attention to detail and product knowledge is so important.

Fran Brown

Founder, Fran’s Fitness Pilates fransfitnesspilates.com

Q What originally inspired you to launch your business?

A I have been in the fitness industry for many years in management and proprietorship roles and have always taught fitness myself as part of my remit. I decided to specialise in Pilates after su ering back problems myself as I found this really helped. After being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 50, I decided to leave my full time job and start my own Pilates business. This was 20 years ago.

Q What makes your business di erent?

Q What’s new for 2023?

A Travel is having an incredible bounce back this year. A lot of people have decided that this year will be their year of travel and as such Bucket List trips seem to be high on people’s agenda, along with more adventurous trips. People have missed not being able to travel throughout Covid and are certainly making the most of 2023 for travel. There’s also lots of exciting new hotel openings in the most amazing destinations, and I for one can’t wait to visit some of these.

Q Describe a typical working day for you?

A My day generally starts around 7am. Having had various emails in from overseas during the night I like to respond to those first thing. I love the flexibility of working from home and having my own business, it means I can see my daughter o to school and take our dog Ralph out for his first walk of the day. I may meet clients to discuss future travel arrangements or indeed suppliers that I work with and learn about new products coming on to the market. I do all my admin and of course quotes and bookings for future travel. No two days are the same, I work when my clients need me to be available so I can be working late into the night and also over weekends.

Q Out of work, where in the local area do you like to visit?

A I love to take my dog on long walks in our gorgeous countryside, I particularly like the Ashridge Estate and also Sherrads Woods close to where I live in Welwyn Garden City. I also like to visit local restaurants at the weekends.

A I have been teaching fitness for over 40 years and Pilates for over 20 years. I have su ered debilitating back pain plus had a hip replacement, I have devised my own brand of Pilates, ‘The Fran Brown Pilates Method’, based on this experience specialising in Pilates, remedial Pilates, post operative and post injury rehabilitation, postural problems, back and joint pain, functional fitness, nutrition, and weight management. Many of the original Pilates exercises are omitted or modified in ‘The Fran Brown Plates Method’ as I don’t deem them appropriate or suitable for the majority of my clients.

Q What’s new for 2023?

A We are expanding and launching the business into Tring and surrounding villages, which is a new area for us in Hertfordshire. This will complement our existing successful and well-established business in Potten End and Berkhamsted.

Q Describe a typical working day for you?

A Mornings and afternoons are spent concentrating on answering enquiries, advertising, media, marketing, social media along with some face-to-face hall teaching. I also have an Online Pilates Studio to manage and upload daily content. Evenings can be teaching too sometimes or managing my teachers and classes they are taking.

Q Out of work, where do you like to visit?

I like to visit the many cafes in Berkhamsted, Northchurch and Ashridge often on my bike weather permitting. I frequent our wellknown local Art Deco cinema The Rex too.

EMMA WHITEMAN

FRAN BROWN

Romilly Newbound

Q What originally inspired you to work for your business?

A Truth be told, my parents (and sister) inspired me. They started the business in 1987 and growing up I watched how hard they worked towards making sure that not only working at BIA but being a customer too was life enhancing. After working in other industries, I followed my sister’s footsteps and joined the family business. If I achieve 10% of what they’ve achieved, I’d consider that a success.

Q What do you think makes your business di erent from the competition?

A Our customer care is our top priority. We aim to inspire people to live happier healthier lives through education on the value of movement and by applying industry leading customer service. Customers should leave our stores and our website feeling better about the world and with new knowledge and excitement.

Q Describe a typical working day for you?

A I’ve always been an early bird, productivity seems to hit di erent when you’re up before the sun rises. Straight in and head down whilst the world's still asleep. Every day is di erent, I’m a people person and a hands-on one at that so whether it’s HR, PR or moving boxes, I wouldn’t expect the team to do anything I wouldn’t be happy doing myself.

Q Where in the local area do you like to visit?

A Quite simply anywhere with a picturesque walk or good food. There are so many beautiful views right on my doorstep.

Q What do you always make time for away from work?

A Exercise, especially netball. In fact, I don’t think I could do what I do without it. It’s the biggest contributor to my overall mental and physical wellbeing so no matter how tired I might be it takes top spot on my priority list.

Stacey Hewett

Creative Director, Studio 28 Interiors S28interiors.com

Q What originally inspired you to launch your business?

A At the time of launching, there were very few interior designers based in the Home Counties o ering a high end service for residential clients, so I wanted to launch Studio28 as a new concept in the local area with the hope of making high-end interior design services more accessible to those in Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas without the London price tag.

Q What do you think makes your business di erent?

A We’re a small and humble familyrun business who pride ourselves on an honest, approachable service. We’re proud of the award-winning designs we create for our clients as well as the award-winning service we love providing to clients helping them navigate through their design journey. We especially enjoy getting to know each and every one of our clients and often keeping in touch with them long-term.

Q What’s new for 2023?

A We have some exciting things in the pipeline for 2023 including some collaborations and we’re also very excited about launching our own luxury furniture collection. These are some of

our ‘Studio28’ favourite pieces; designed and loved by the team, but also loved by our clients time and time again, so we decided to make them accessible to the public, but delivered in a more accessible way with a range of finishes and adaptable sizes to personalise to your own interior. Watch this space!

Q Describe a typical working day for you?

A Our day to day routine changes greatly, but this is something we absolutely love about our job; every day is di erent! However, a typical day for me as the creative director might look something like this: I always start the day with a co ee and checking over emails in case anything urgent comes in; construction can sometimes present problems uncovered on site unexpectedly which require some problem solving alongside the contractors or trades. Then I’d typically visit sites, which might include a walk through with the contractor, trades and/or the clients. We may also present design schemes to the client at this point for approvals before heading back to the studio to work on project specifications, presentations or placing approved orders.

Q Out of work, where in the local area do you like to visit?

A Out of working hours we love spending time with family; Wimpole Hall is always a favourite place to visit along with dog walks over Panshanger Park, Hertford and Heartwood Forest, St Albans.

Company Partner, Back In Action backinaction.co.uk

STACEY HEWETT

ROMILLY NEWBOUND

FOOD & DRINK

NEXT COURSE

THE GROVE

Luxury hotel The Grove has announced the completion of a three-year renovation project, making a visit to this Chandler's Cross destination venue even more exciting. Amongst the many changes to the design and bedrooms, The Grove’s many food offerings have also received a bit of a spruce up.

Find out more on page 34. thegrove.co.uk

WHAT TO DRINK GRAPE

news

Wine recommendations for the month

By HATTINGLEY VALLEY

The award-winning Blanc de Blancs 2014 is made using only the finest Chardonnay grapes. This deliciously fruity and honeyed wine, with its pastry and brioche notes, has well-balanced acidity and is perfect for enjoying with dishes including a charcuterie board and prosciutto.

Made from a blend of the finest Pinor Precoce, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this rosé is delicate and elegant, yet full of flavour. On the nose are vibrant notes of pomegranate, raspberries and strawberries, contrasted with a subtle savoury hint of freshly cut hay. On the palate, this wonderful wine provides a lovely light texture.

2015 King's Cuvee

A very limited release, this new vintage of the award-winning King’s Cuvée is pale golden and made from a premium blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. A soft, creamy and spicy wine, it is deep and rich, yet with a refreshing twist, with flavours of brioche, vanilla and creamy oak.

HATTINGLEY VALLEY

Hattingley Valley is one of the UK’s most successful wineries, winning over 100 medals, 13 trophies, and Best in Class for its English sparkling wines. It is recognised for its innovative approach to winemaking, with award-winning English sparkling wines exported internationally to 16 countries. hattingleyvalley.com

NOTES

Hertfordshire's food news and most exciting openings this month

By MARK KEBBLE

TASTING On the hunt

YVETTE'S CHOCOLATES

Passionate about unique flavours using only the finest of ingredients to hand craft their chocolates and award-winning Gooey Brownies, Yvette's Chocolates know what it takes to make something special. Their unique flavour combinations are achieved through an artisanal 24 hour infusion technique, learned at the Chocolate Academy at Banbury. Visit their bijoux chocolate shop in Potten End, near Berkhamsted, to discover their latest Easter range.

yvetteschocolates.com

Blanc de Blancs  £41.50

Still Rose 2021  £17

 £85

Join the ride

The Zebra Riding Club - the flagship restaurant at Hertfordshire’s Birch Community from renowned chefs and great friends from the Dairy Group, Robin Gill and Ben Rand - launched its first exclusive supper club evening, hosted by Robin himself, on 23 March. The first event in The Zebra Riding Supper Club series, guests were wowed by a carefully curated four-course meal. The next supper club event will be held on 27 April. birchcommunity.com

IN THE MIX

Two Campfire Gin Cocktails from Puddingstone Distillery

BALSAMIC & CHERRY SHRUB

For the shrub

• 400g cherries (stoned)

• 420g light brown muscovado sugar

• 10 black peppercorns (cracked)

• 225ml balsamic vinegar

1. Add the cherries, sugar and peppercorns to a bowl and mix well. Cover and put inthe fridge for 24 hours. Strain and add vinegar to taste.

To make (serves 2)

• 75ml Campfire Old Tom Gin

• 100ml Indian tonic

• 25ml Balsamic & Cherry Shrub

• Ice • Maraschino cherry for garnish

1. Add the shrub and gin to a shaker filled with ice. Stir well, strain into a cocktail glass, add tonic and garnish with the maraschino cherry. Add more ice if you like a long tall drink.

GIN DAWA SOUR

Ingredients

• 35ml Campfire London Dry Gin

• 35ml coconut water (madafu)

• 10ml cardamom syrup – see below

• 10ml fresh lime juice

• Lime for garnish

• Runny honey • Ice

To make (serves 2)

1. First make the cardamom syrup. Add 50g caster sugar and 50ml water to a saucepan, heat gently and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Take off the heat and add five cracked cardamom pods (not fully crushed). Pour into a sterilised bottle and allow to cool. Refrigerate for 24 hours. Strain into a fresh sterilised bottle to remove the cardamom pods. It will keep for one month in the fridge.

2. Mix all ingredients except the honey and lime garnish in a shaker or cocktail mixing glass filled with ice. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Take a bamboo straw, dip into the runny honey and stir into the cocktail. Garnish with a slice of lime. puddingstonedistillery.com

Something brewing

BREW STREET KITCHEN & BAR

The new Brew Street Kitchen & Bar at Lee Valley White Water Centre is now open for business under the management of family-run catering specialist, Five Star Catering. The café will o er something for everyone, including freshly prepared co ee and cakes, a wide selection of drinks and a new menu of daytime deli and grill eats by the waterside. It is located near the banks of the picturesque River Lee in River Lee Country Park in Waltham Cross. better.org.uk

SET YOUR STALL ST ALBANS MARKETS

Find up to 60 stalls at the St Albans Vegan Market including a huge variety of vegan fast food, healthy eats, artisan savouries, sweet bakes, craft cheeses, handmade cosmetics, ethical clothing and jewellery, and charity stalls. The next market will be on 2 April, plus don’t miss the twice-weekly St Albans Market, which is at the heart of the city’s story.

enjoystalbans.com

CHARITABLE CAUSE

TRING BREWERY

Tring Brewery have raised ten thousand pounds for local charity Rennie Grove Hospice Care. Twelve monthly specials were brewed by Tring Brewery in 2022, part of their campaign to raise funds and awareness over the course of the year. Rennie Grove Hospice Care is a charity providing hospice-at-home services and support to people in Bucks and Herts with life-limiting illness. Collections from members nights at Tring Brewery were combined with proceeds from a charity beer festival held in July 2022. tringbrewery.co.uk

THE ZEBRA RIDING CLUB

PHOTO: ADAM FIRMAN

PHOTO: REN BEHAN

FOR ALL FEAST

The Grove in Chandler’s Cross has completed an extensive renovation project - with food at the top of the menu, as the hotel’s manager, Joanna Barnett, explains

Q How big an undertaking has the 3-year renovation project been for The Grove?

A It’s been an exciting project for the whole hotel, which we have tackled in stages to ensure we are able to deliver the same high standard of experience to our guests throughout. We started during COVID-19, making the most of forced closures, and have now refurbished all 189 West Wing bedrooms, all of the hotel’s restaurants and public spaces, our award-winning Sequoia spa, our golf facilities, and finally our 25 mansion rooms and suites.

Q Why was it necessary?

A We are committed to delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests. A huge part of that is the beautiful grounds and gardens of our 300-acre estate and it is important that the internal areas of the hotel are up to the same high standard. Many of the original furnishings still feature in the designs, albeit with a re-imagined

look. The 16th-century mansion building has been restored to combine modern style with its rich history, creating a welcoming and contemporary feel, accented by unique and thought-provoking art installations, floral displays and sculptures.

Q How exciting is it to reach the final phase?

A We are celebrating our 20th anniversary this year, and it is amazing to see how far we’ve come. We are excited to be completing the renovation work and look forward to welcoming our guests, both returning and new, to see the finished product.

Q Were The Stables and Madhu’s part of the renovation project?

A Following a complete redesign, Madhu’s, the authentic Indian experience in the heart of the Mansion, has unveiled a new menu and stylish makeover. Inspired by Lodhi Gardens in New Delhi, Clique Design

Studio has weaved The Grove’s fabric of royal heritage, vast spaces and nature into the new design of Madhu’s at The Grove.

In partnership with StudioJill, The Stables bar, terrace and courtyard have been redesigned to enhance the dining experience. The Stables bar area has been extended, creating a private area for small groups when required, also allowing for 32 additional seats. The outdoor areas feature chic new furnishings, alongside a bespoke bar complete with a pergola in the courtyard.

Q Who oversees the cooking at both?

A Executive chef Maarten Geschwindt oversees all of The Grove’s dining. At The Stables, Head Chef Matthew Hurry leads the kitchen. Having previously worked at the likes of CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, Hotel Café Royal, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and InterContinental London Park Lane, Matthew will be cooking a great variety of high-quality British classics that will appeal to all tastes and dietary requirements.

At Madhu’s, the menu is overseen by Creative Chef and Marketing Director, Poonam Ball.

Q What kind of menus can we expect at both this April?

A The new menu under Matthew Hurry will o er guests great British classics, redefined and featuring produce from Jemima’s Kitchen Garden as well as local suppliers who are committed to the regenerative agriculture movement. Highlight dishes include lightly spiced hand-dived scallops with crispy pork belly and charred pineapple, a slowcooked 41-day-aged beef cheek accompanied

FOOD AT MADHU’S

THE GROVE’S SCENIC SETTING

THE GLASSHOUSE GRILL

by heritage carrots and chimichurri sauce, and Devonshire rack of lamb with herbes de provence and minted jus. The menu at Madhu’s o ers guests an authentic Indian experience. Must-try dishes from the new menu include zesty chilli and garlic prawns, Madhu’s lamb shank braised in their signature mchuzi sauce, Madhu’s makhani dahl, masala fish, asparagus choma cooked on the robata and refreshing Alphonso mango sorbet for those with a sweet tooth.

Q What else does The Grove o er when it comes to food and drink?

A Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Glasshouse restaurant and bar are the beating hearts of The Grove. The restaurant puts a contemporary, theatrical spin on traditional hotel bu ets with its live-action cooking stations

that showcase global cuisines including Italian, Japanese and Indian, alongside a statement dessert bar. The characterful and intimate Lounges within the mansion serve traditional Japanese sushi, whilst the cocktail bar o ers an array of signature tipples and lighter bites and, from April, a seasonally-inspired Afternoon Tea made with ingredients picked from our very own Jemima’s Kitchen Garden will be served.

The newly refurbished spa is now home to the brand-new Sequoia Kitchen, where hotel residents, spa day guests and spa members can enjoy a healthy-yet-delicious menu of Asian-inspired broths, poke bowls and wraps. Guests can also enjoy food and drinks in the Walled Garden during the summer months, with The Grove Grill barbeque on hand to serve up flame-cooked dishes. The Potting Shed is home to The Grove’s culinary pop-ups throughout the year, including this summer’s Verde Kitchen.

Q What else can we look forward to this spring?

A This spring, guests can look forward to Easter at The Grove, with its curated selection of immersive family activities, including the Mad Hatter’s magic show and the ultimate Easter Egg Hunt.

For the bank holidays in May, guests can choose from a variety of experiences including the Football and Golf Getaway, where fans can treat themselves to an overnight stay at The Grove with golf and an Arsenal match day experience. Back on Black is the ultimate tournament experience made up of four qualifying rounds, culminating in the Grand Final, playing o the ‘tips’ – giving guests a full championship, competitive experience – and Football Escapes will be ready for the kids, a first-class football coaching course led by former Premier League players and UEFA coaches.

Returning this summer, the Everyman Secret Garden allows guests to experience the evening breeze with a film under the stars after dinner at one of The Grove’s restaurants. Browse countless food stations at The Glasshouse, enjoy British classics at The Stables, try the pop-up Italian restaurant, Verde Kitchen, or enjoy the finest South Asian cuisine at Madhu’s. Further events include The Grove’s latest immersive dining experience in partnership with Feast on Cloud 9. A range of enchanting, hand-crafted hot air balloons with vintage-style wicker dining baskets will be set by the water exhibit in the Formal Gardens. The balloons will be available each day for either afternoon tea or a nine-course tasting menu.

thegrove.co.uk

“At Easter there will be a host of curated immersive events”

AT ONE WITH NATURE

TUCKING IN AT THE POTTING SHED

THE GLASSHOUSE’S PASTRY STATION

SWEET TREAT AT THE POTTING SHED

FASHION

FOREVER JEWELLERY

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

Nature’s miracles, diamonds are as unique as those who wear them. Wrapped around memories that are cherished forever, Baker Brothers Diamonds handpick the diamonds used in their jewellery so you know that your jewellery is not only beautiful, but made to last for generations. bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Jewellery 40 • The Shoot 42

Prime cuts

Nine of the best from Baker Brothers Diamonds

BAKERBROTHERSDIAMONDS.COM

NECKLACE

Platinum and 0.91ct diamond necklace, £8,500

EARRINGS

Delicate yellow gold and diamond starfish earrings, £795

RING

Modern platinum and diamond ring, from £9,500

BANGLE

Classic 18ct white gold and diamond set bangle, £5,750

NECKLACE

Sparkling 0.50ct pear cut diamond and yellow gold necklace, £1,895

BRACELET

A modern twist on a classic diamond line crafted in 18ct rose gold, £3,500

EARRINGS

Chic rose gold and pave set diamond earrings, £425

EARRINGS

Vibrant sapphire and diamond earrings, £2,500

RING

Platinum and 0.49ct yellow diamond ring, £5,500

SPRING shades

Head to Anthropologie’s store in St Albans to uncover some of the hottest looks for the new season

HEALTH & BEAUTY

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

LUCY WILLIAMSON

How we look after our gut plays a huge role in our overall everyday wellbeing. One local Herts expert left a successful career in veterinary medicine to follow a passion for gut health and inside this month’s health & beauty section she offers up her top tips for what we should do and eat to ensure that our body functions as best as it possibly can. lwnutrition.co.uk

Q&A

Gut INSTINCT

Northwood-based Lucy Williamson on why she left behind a career in veterinary medicine to specialise in the human microbiome

Q Did you always have an ambition to become a vet?

A From the age of one! I remember clearly being in the consulting room with my bunny in our local Vet Surgery and I decided from that moment that was going to be the job for me one day.

Q How do you look back on your veterinary career?

A A mix of joy and very hard work. People are devoted to their pets and helping to relieve their (the owners’) anxiety, having empathy, became a big part of the enjoyment for me. I also loved the connection with nature through farm work too. But it could be long, anti-social hours.

Q What inspired you to change careers?

A A growing interest in nutrition and a desire to help human health more – partly through bringing up our own children – just became something I needed to learn more about. My husband is in the RAF and we moved around a lot, eventually settling in Northwood. Here I had the chance to study for a MSc in Nutrition at King’s College London (KCL), so I just took it!

Q Today, what do you specialise in?

A I specialise in the human microbiome – what we know as ‘gut health’. Much of the research around this is done at KCL and it’s the most exciting area of medical research today. All the work I do as a Nutritionist has this at its core because our microbiome impacts our whole health.

Q How does your veterinary background inform your work today?

A This is the part I love. There are several aspects – mostly it gives me a vital understanding of the big picture behind our food production. Let me take dairy as an example. Cows are vital in restoring healthy soils – they (and other grazing animals) fertilise it naturally and improve its structure to the extent that naturefriendly regenerative or organic farming practices rely on them, otherwise they would need to use more chemicals and machinery. This type of food production not only helps nature to thrive and its soil to capture more carbon, but provides us with nutrient-rich food, rather than overly processed foods from more intensive systems. We literally become the food we eat! So the link with my days as a farm vet helps me to give clarity around truly

sustainable food choices – ones which look after our land, our livestock and, crucially, our own health, via our gut health, too. I also support farmers and food producers with evidence-based nutrition advice, which means I’m constantly keeping myself up to date for my personal nutrition clients too.

Q What is The Gut Project?

A Our well-nourished gut can have far reaching benefits for our whole health and wellbeing and also depends on how our food was produced in the first place. The Gut Project describes my on-going aim, to help our health to thrive by reconnecting our health with the story behind our food, with optimal gut health at the core. This underpins everything I do. As part of The Gut Project I work with individuals and o er personal nutrition advice, but also o er a six episode long Gut Health Course, which teaches participants how to eat and live to nurture gut health so whole health thrives. The course has easy seasonal recipes and advice on how to source truly sustainable gut healthy food, produced with nature and animal welfare at its heart. It also demonstrates how rest, sleep, nature and regular exercise are vital for gut health too.

Q How long have you lived in Northwood and what do you love about it most?

A My family moved to Northwood from Scotland 12 years ago with the RAF. We love being close to Hertfordshire’s rolling hills to walk our border terrier, but can easily hop on a train into London too.

Q Are there plenty of outdoor spots around Northwood for you to enjoy?

A Yes, it never ceases to surprise us! From the house we can walk through

Five to feel good

Lucy Williamson’s top tips to improve your gut health

Eat as many different types of plants as you can – remember to include spices, herbs, nuts, seeds, beans, pulses and cereals as well as colourful fruit and veg. These foods provide prebiotics.

•

Eat a small amount of fermented food like live yoghurt or Kefir every day to provide natural probiotics.

•

Eating ‘plant-based’ actually means filling your plate with two-thirds plants and one-third animal based foods to ensure we get a balanced diet – we know from research that nutrientrich foods like dairy and fish can be great for good gut health too.

•

Try to source seasonal and local if you can – these foods will be richer in nutrients and of course it’s great to support your local community.

•

Lastly, consider how the food was produced – it may mean we need to place more value on our food, but choosing to invest in our health has to be a good thing.

beautiful woods to Ruislip Lido or to a local farm to collect free range eggs. A short drive takes us to Sarratt and on into the Chilterns so we’re very lucky.

Read more at lwnutrition.co.uk

As a trichologist and nutritionist I have recognised, over the years, how important it is to constantly review your lifestyle, in particular your diet and exercise regime, and to appreciate the e ect it has on our hair and achieve a bouncy outloook.

We need to get to the root of any hair issues (pun intended) and the best place to start is your lifestyle, any medical issues, family history (for genetic influences), and last but not least our daily nutritional habits.

It’s often said ‘we are what we eat’ and hair is made up from a complex chain of amino acids, which is formed from protein, so therefore a protein rich diet is key for healthy hair growth, such as with lean red steak, liver or o al.

Now I realise the approach to eating habits over the past few years has changed dramatically, possibly due to health and medical issues or media articles. Vegetarian and/or vegan diets have become a large part of the nutritional lifestyle for many. If this is the case with you, it is of the utmost importance that your nutritional intake is substituted with other rich protein foods.

For anyone seeking help with a good healthy nutritional change the best place to start is with a qualified nutritionist.

Seasonal LIFT

By TRISHA BULLER

Remember one size does not fit all, we are individuals, therefore your nutritional requirements could be vastly di erent from your friends and family. Begin with a thorough consultation with a qualified Trichologist or Nutritionist (if you have dietary issues), followed by a specific blood test. Once the results have been returned your specialist can advise a plan to work on, which moving forward, can greatly assist in rectifying your hair health issues. I have seen many patients with hair problems over the years, and have noticed a significant pattern emerging. For example, the connection between over exercising, and low protein intake, can cause hair shedding, and potentially exacerbate density changes.

I am sure that few people realise when you exercise and burn fats it can a ect your iron store. If your iron store is low, it could be an underlying factor to hair shedding, tiredness, low energy, sleepless nights, anxiety and possibly skin allergies.

Skipping breakfast is a classic habit for many people. Breakfast is brain food – the brain releases endorphins, sending signals to the organs in our bodies, which in turn a ects the blood supply to our important organs, ultimately finding its way to the tiny blood capillaries which feed the hair bulb. Without this function, eventually the hair growth cycle will be a ected, resulting in weaker hair, lacking in lustre, shine, bounce and volume.

Steer away from ‘fad’ diets and embark on a personal lifestyle change, which incorporates a healthy balanced regime. Moderate exercise, and embracing all aspects of life, is key to our mental health. So let's get that spring back into our hair – sunshine here we come!

Trisha Buller is a Senior Consultant Trichologist and Nutritional Practitioner. Email trichology@trishabuller.com and see more at trishabuller.com

Why now is the perfect time to add a little spring to your hair

EATING A HEALTHY DIET IS KEY TO HAIR HEALTH

TOP PICKS

HOKA HAS A SHOE FOR EVERY SURFACE

FITNESS NOTES

By RACHEL HOGG

BEST FOR TRAIL

Tackle trails and roads in rain or shine with the Challenger series. These water-resistant all-terrain shoes will take you everywhere, no matter the weather conditions.

BEST FOR ROAD

Built to endure the harder surfaces, the Bondi series are some of the hardest working shoes in the HOKA line-up, and offer an incredibly so and balanced ride.

ON -TRACK

Founder of run coaching platform Onetrack, Anthony Fletcher, gives us his top

running training tips

1. TAKE YOUR TIME

2. KNOW YOUR BODY

3. FIND SOME SUPPORT

BEST FOR BOTH

Built for the long haul, the Mafate series is durable and protective enough for longer distances, and are designed with Hoka's lightest and most responsive foam.

All styles mentioned are available for purchase at hoka.com

The temptation is to just put your trainers on and start running, but most injuries occur from doing too much too soon, so you need to think long term and follow a training plan. The body can do incredible things if given time to adapt and plenty of opportunity to recover from the stress of training. You will need to give yourself enough time to build up to a marathon, but how long exactly depends on your starting point; for example, the beginner plan on the Onetrack app is 16 weeks.

Before taking on any sport it's a good idea to get yourself ready to perform and have your mechanics evaluated. With running, the most important thing is to assess if your body has the capacity to distribute the load evenly. The biomechanics screen at our Onetrack studio is able to identify what could lead to excessive stress being placed on any one joint, muscle or ligament. Knowing this information helps us implement the most impactful corrective exercises and hopefully minimise the risk of injury.

Finding and staying connected to a community of runners is essential because it can help you feel more motivated and give you a sense of accountability. Many people also find working with a coach during the training process very beneficial, as it’s a soundboard to vent at and a source of reassurance. You can access the support of coaches easily via the Onetrack app, which is available to download from the App Store and Google Play, with subscription plans starting at £15 per month.

INTERIORS

SPRING FORWARD

ORIGIN POOLS

As we move forward into the warmer months, a lot of us will be spending more time with family outside. Doesn’t it make sense to release the potential of unused parts of your garden and maximise the space you have? Learn how Origin Pools can transform your garden on page 63. originpools.co.uk

PAINT ON PAPER

Words EVE HERBERT

Anew collaboration between Christian Fischbacher and Malaysian-British artist Rebecca Duckett-Wilkinson explores their shared passion for design with a colourful and captivating capsule collection of decorative prints and embroideries alongside handmade cushions and rugs. Caught o -guard by the onset of the pandemic, Rebecca spent several months in Piedmont, Italy, where she set herself the creative goal of painting 100 patterns in 100 days. During this time, expressive works of art emerged inspired by her daily walks in the surrounding area capturing dreamlike landscapes, the opulent colourfulness of seasonal change and the richness in detail of nature. At the peak of restrictions Rebecca could only venture 250m from home. As the surrounding area became more wild and overgrown, she found even more inspiration in aspects of nature she had previously not noticed. Rebecca also depicts from memory symbolic motifs including the cherry blossom and Malayan which tiger features in the capsule collection’s hero design.

Floral patterns, fantastical motifs and imaginative worlds of colour characterise this collection from textile house Christian Fischbacher

REBECCA DUCKETT-WILKINSON’S

The collection ‘100 Patterns in 100 Days’ sees textile house Christian Fischbacher bring to life a small snapshot of the 100 designs conceived by Rebecca. Together with long-time friend, Creative Director Camilla D. Fischbacher, Rebecca translated her poignant library of paint on paper designs into textile form and in her original colour palette. An inspiring story of creativity in a time of turmoil, Rebecca’s detailed floral patterns, fantastical motifs and imaginative worlds of colour will add a flourish of artistic and original design to any interior.

Ikan is a cheerful fish motif digitally printed on a smooth medium-weight cotton ground. This characterful design captures the motion of energetic painterly brushstrokes and features a layered palette of colour and pattern. Blossom is a playful celebration of colour and pattern which sees a cheerful hot pink floral motif scattered across a geometric background. It is an exuberant design with an eclectic mix of colours that is digitally printed on a smooth, crisp cotton. Pinkweed is a charming composition of weeds and fallen leaves digitally printed on a medium-weight cotton weave. An indulgent depth of colour is explored in this scene through a bold combination of rich, vibrant tones.

CUSHIONS DISPLAYING THE PRINTS

Poppy is a medium-weight fabric featuring a bright and bold wildflower motif. Digitally printed to perfectly capture the bloom’s vibrant scarlet red petals on a vibrant background of cobalt blue, this uplifting design is printed on a smooth cotton weave that captures the detail of this striking print. Dawon is a lustrous linen-cotton blend embroidery which features intricately embroidered Malayan tigers interspersed with stylised tropical banana leaves and flowers with an abundance of colour and vibrancy. The embroidered outlines of the design are combined with hand crewel work. For this centuries-old technique, originally from Kashmir, a particularly thick wool yarn is used, creating a design with a bold visual appeal, intriguing depth and soft handle. Harimau, meaning tiger in Malay, is a hand-knotted rug depicting a Malayan tiger amongst stylised bamboo leaves and flowers. The finest New Zealand wool is tied in a Tibetan knot to create a deep pile and silky soft feel. A percentage of sales from the collection’s tiger designs will be donated to the charity initiative “Save Wild Tigers”, a global tiger conservation campaign to raise awareness and help protect tigers around the world.

“Intricately embroidered Malayan tigers interspersed with stylised tropical banana leaves and flowers”

ALL ROUND EXCELLENCE

Swimming ensures a whole host of physical and mental benefits for you - and Origin Pools are the company to bring it into your home

When it comes to swimming pools, Origin is a company that stands out from the rest.

With over 40 years of experience, Origin is able to provide their clients with exceptional service and innovative solutions in an ever-evolving industry. Their simple and e ective philosophy of ‘we do it all’, combined with a holistic approach and a passion for swimming, continues to set them apart. There are many reasons to have an indoor swimming pool, and even more for Origin to build it.

Origin believes that a successful project requires all the specialist areas to be integrated into a consolidated design from the start. They eliminate the need for you

to hire and manage separate companies for each element of the build, removing the potential risks and headache of liaising between architects, engineers and builders. The initial steps in creating the perfect swimming pool are planning and design. Origin works closely with you to understand your needs and preferences, and then creates a bespoke design that matches your lifestyle. During construction, only the highest quality materials and latest techniques are used to ensure the pool is built to last. Origin also o er a variety of energy-e cient and environmentallyconscious features that can be integrated from the start or upgraded later on.

Once the pool is built, the work doesn't stop there. Origin o ers on-going maintenance and pool valet services to ensure that the pool stays in top condition.

Origin are not only passionate about building indoor pools, but also about swimming itself. Swimming has been proven to be a great physical activity for people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s a great form of cardiovascular exercise that helps burn calories and improve overall fitness, it’s also a great way to build endurance and improve lung capacity. The benefits of swimming don’t stop there, it’s also great for your mental well-being. Swimming can be a relaxing and meditative activity which helps reduce stress and anxiety. The rhythmic movement of swimming can have a calming e ect on the body and mind, making it a great way to unwind after a long day.

Whether you swim for fun or as part of a fitness routine, swimming is a great way to improve your overall health and wellbeing. So, if you're looking for a company that can handle all your swimming pool needs, look no further than Origin

originpools.co.uk

SIGNAL BOOST

Frustrated with your home internet?

A WiFi Mesh System could be the solution, says Gary Newson of NETGEAR

WiFi is a fundamental part of life, for both leisure and work. WiFi and internet are so closely related that many people don’t make the distinction between them. But you depend on your internet service provider's router to supply WiFi, and you may be disappointed with the signal strength. Especially if you have a larger home, or a garden which extends some distance from your house. Are you relying on the lagging router from your current internet provider to get strong WiFi everywhere? Have you tried wireless repeaters, but were dissatisfied with results?

WiFi Mesh systems are the solution to spread stronger signals throughout your

home and garden. Unlike WiFi repeaters, which only extend your main router's signal, Mesh systems create a new, boosted wireless network across your entire home.

Mesh systems give you the ability to fully enjoy the internet speeds you have subscribed for, thanks to a WiFi up to ten times faster. They are usually based on two or more units, which create a single, reliable WiFi network, expandable with additionional satellites. Connected devices are handed o seamlessly to the unit with the strongest signal, making Mesh WiFi ideal for large homes and businesses with WiFi 'dead spots'.

For today’s needs as well as tomorrow’s, premium WiFi products are easy to install and use; and they o er the speeds and capacity to support your family’s evolving needs. Premium WiFi upgrades your home, opening new possibilities,

and elevating the things you already love. Imagine your hobby, favourite activity, anything you’re passionate about, taken to the next level with high-speed WiFi. Netgear’s Orbi WiFi 6E Mesh Systems bring unparalleled performance based on cutting edge, patented technology. On top of that, the units are elegant enough to fit unobtrusively into your décor and secure enough to automatically shield your family from external threats such as hackers and identity thieves.

NETGEAR Orbi 960 series Mesh System: No-compromise, best-in-class performance, capacity and range

The Orbi RBKE963 Mesh system features best-in-class, lightning-fast WiFi Internet access to homes of up to 7,500 square feet, with packages available for further coverage of up to 15,500 sq. ft. The Orbi 960 is also available in stylish white or black designs, making it a welcome addition to any home, and with up to 200 devices even the most demanding smart homes are covered.

If you're tired of weak WiFi signals and slow internet speeds, consider a WiFi Mesh System like NETGEAR's Orbi 960 series. You'll enjoy lightning-fast, wall-to-wall WiFi access, seamless network operation, and the ability to expand coverage as needed. Shop online for the white or black edition today. Learn more at netgear.com/uk

A COOK'S KIT

ESSENTIALS FOR A WELL-EQUIPPED KITCHEN

HEAT UP STAUB

Cast iron distributes heat evenly and holds it for a long time, while Staub's tight-fitting Cocotte lid makes sure all evaporating moisture is dripped back on the food, resulting in juicy meat and tender vegetables, £259. zwilling.com

KNIVES OUT STELLAR

Stellar has just launched Poise, its most precision-led range of knives to date. The Santoku Knife has a scalloped blade that creates air pockets allowing it to glide through meat, fish and vegetables for clean, precision cutting, £35. stellar.co.uk

IN THE BAG ZWILLING

Sous-vide cooking doesn't have to be complicated. The compact and handy ZwillingEnfinigy sous-vide stick not only takes control of the water temperature and cooking time, but is also easy to use, £129. zwilling.com

5

ZEST FOR LIFE MICROPLANE

The Microplane Premium Classic Zester is a cult classic and the latest limited series of handles includes this stylish Ombre design. Why not match your zester to your outfit? £24.95. hartsofstur.com

POUR FORTH BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

This Georg Jensen carafe not only looks beautiful, but it is designed specifically with a wine connoisseur’s needs in mind, £131. bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

LIGHT SOURCE

HOW TO ILLUMINATE YOUR HOME IN STYLE

HANG IT UP

DAVEY

The industrial style Tiled Diner incorporates geometric bone china tiles set within a sturdy weathered brass frame, providing a unique statement piece to hang above a dining table. lightandyou.com

STAR GAZER ORIGINAL BTC

Alma is a collaboration between Original BTC and Swedish interior designer Beata Heuman. The shade features 41 hand-made holes which when lit look like little glowing stars at night, £549. originalbtc.com

WARM FRONT BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

The Georg Jensen Koppel hurricane candleholder emits a beautiful warm light on a balcony, decking or garden whilst in itself being an object of beauty, £121. bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

SCHOOL DAYS MULLAN

The Schoolhouse Pendant Light Fitting, with its simple form, is produced in Mullan, Northern Ireland, in the historic "Old Mill" shoe factory, £375. bildenhome.com

CRIMP AND CURL

DAVID HUNT

The new Finchley pendant light is a versatile and pretty design combining style and function with a crimped edge opal glass shade and a classic antique brass fi nish, £150. davidhuntlighting.co.uk

EDITOR’S

PRETTY PLATES

GRACE SISTERS Fasano Face Plate, £60 gracesisters.com

MINEHEART Stack Funk Putti plate, £32 mineheart.com

MONOWARE Dinner plate in slate, £20 monoware.com

By PENDLE HARTE

CLEM & CO Carved centrepiece plate, £12.50 clemandcolifestyle.com

THE KEW SHOP Kew Living Jewels dinner plate, £12 shop.kew.org

EMMA J SHIPLEY Lynx dinner plate, £36 emmajshipley.com

REBECCA UDALL Cabbage dinner plate, £22 rebeccaudall.com

CHASE & WONDER Butterfl y lady fi ne china plate, £28 chaseandwonder.com

THE FIND STORE Moroccan dinner plate, £18 thefi ndstore.co.uk

FY Shallow plate in cobalt blue, £30 iamfy.com

CREAM CORNWALL Seahorse dinner plate, £24 creamcornwall.co.uk

Availability may be limited in certain age groups or booking patterns

Fun is an essential ingredient at Hertford Barns Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.

“AfterseeingHertford Barnspremises,Icouldn’tchoose anyotherplaceformychild.Notonly aretherebrightandbeautifulbigspaces toplay,thesta arealwaysvery supportiveandkind.Themanagement teamisalwaysveryprofessional.Mygirl evenaskstogotonurseryonweekends, thatshowsushowmuchshelovesbeing there and how well she is treated.”

Parent, www.daynurseries.co.uk

EDUCATION

BUILDING FUTURES

LOCKERS PARK SCHOOL

Lockers Park are proud of their pupils’ academic success and the abundant opportunities they enjoy. Nestled in 23 acres of Hertfordshire woodland in Boxmoor, with Berkhamsted, St Albans and Harpenden close by, they welcome boys aged 4 to 13 years - and inside, Head Gavin Taylor extols the virtues of their single sex education. lockerspark.co.uk

Joined up THINKING

The governing body at Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools (Habs) has announced the appointment of Gus Lock as Executive Principal across both Habs Boys and Habs Girls schools in Elstree. Having been Headmaster at Habs Boys since 2018, Gus has led the school with clarity, energy and humility over the past five years. His new position reflects the schools’ desire to press forward with its ambitious ten-year strategic redevelopment plan. While there are no plans to merge the

schools, nor move to full co-education, the 2020 to 2030 strategy has been very clear in its intention to develop a closer collaboration between the two schools for the benefit of all students on the campus, to equip them with skills that better prepare them for their futures.

Gus is deeply committed to supporting both schools and their specific goals and ambitions, as he explains: “I’m delighted to be leading both of our schools as we head into this next stage of our development strategy. We are dedicated to the benefits of single sex education and to empowering our students to make a profound impact on the world. Our philanthropic founding

principles still remain, as does our core sense of purpose in our community.”

The ten-year strategy is focused on the benefits to be gained from the unique co-location of both campuses and the opportunity this brings for collaboration and shared academic and co-curricular programmes. There are economies and advantages of scale that the strategy implementation is striving to deliver, whether that be breadth of opportunity, economic, educational or pedagogical.

The schools have already completed the first phase of their longer-term strategy including the launch of coeducation taking place in the Sixth Forms, which was the result of a year-long restructuring of the school day at both schools and involved multiple system and process changes. There are now also collaborative PSHEE sessions and co-curricular activities across all year groups from age four through to 18.

Over the last year or so, Gus has also overseen the introduction of a number of important changes for the school, including the culture change with a strong diversity and inclusion strategy,

As Gus Lock is appointed executive principal at Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools, we find out what this means for the schools’ redevelopment plan

“Our philanthropic founding principles remain and we have a core sense of purpose in our community”

GUS LOCK

HABS BOYS SCHOOLS

ambitious partnership plans and growing the foundation and bursary campaign.

Gus was educated at Haberdashers’ Boys’ School himself. He studied History, Latin and French at A-level, and was House Captain of Strouts. A keen sportsman, Gus captained the rugby team and opened the batting for the 1st XI cricket team.Gus went on to study Ancient and Modern History at Exeter College, Oxford. Upon graduating, Gus completed a PGCE from Bristol University, and in 1999 Gus joined Manchester Grammar School as Teacher of History and stayed for five years before joining Merchant Taylors’ School as Head of History. In 2011 Gus took up the position as Deputy Head of Warwick School and from 2013-2018 serving as Headmaster. In summer 2018 Gus came full circle back to Haberdashers’ Boys’ School as Headmaster. He moved onsite to Elstree with his wife, Ali, and their three children.

“It really has been a year of significant achievement and is testament to the hard work and dedication of our sta ,” Gus adds.“As we move forward, our sense of community and spirit will lie at the heart of everything we do to enable our future generations to thrive.”

Both schools will continue to be led by the current Heads for the remainder of this school year. In line with the

announcement, current Headmistress at Habs Girls, Rose Hardy, will move on to the John Lyon School as Head in the next academic year, and the Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools have initiated a recruitment process to replace Ms Hardy as well as to appoint a new Headmaster for Habs Boys commencing September 2023. Both new Heads will report to Gus Lock.

Founded in 1690, Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys) is a leading independent school for students aged 4 to 18 years. Habs prides itself on ‘nurturing excellence’ while o ering a world-class education and enthusiastic learning environment for inquisitive boys.Its rural, 100-acre site and exceptional facilities also provide an outstanding setting for a well-rounded, stimulating educational experience. Based on the same campus as Habs Girls in Elstree, and within easy reach of London, Habs Boysis able to provide the best of single-sex education, in a unique co-educational environment, nurturing happy, energetic

students and preparing them to become citizens of a global 21stcentury.

Founded in 1875, Haberdashers’ Girls’ School (Habs Girls) is a leading independent school for students also aged 4 to 18 years. Also based in Elstree, its current and historic academic results place it amongst the highest ranked independent schools operating in the UK today.

Set over 40 acres of stunning countryside, the school is committed to the development of each individual child, providing a challenging, friendly learning environment and a positive, stimulating and secure community that welcomes students from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.

To find out more about Habs Boys visit habsboys.org.uk, and for more on Habs Girls visit habsgirls.org.uk

“It really has been a year of significant achievement”

THE STEM BUILDING AT HABS GIRLS

SINGLE MINDED

The Lockers Park School Headmaster on the benefits of a boys-only education

By GAVIN TAYLOR

Lockers Park is an academically-focused day and boarding school with a tailored approach to education that enables our boys to achieve superb outcomes alongside celebrating an enthusiasm for life. Being a school where classes are 16 or less creates a thriving community where each member of sta knows each pupil and helps him to make the most of his school life. This is a place where outstanding results are achieved and where pastoral care excellence, camaraderie and kindness thrive.

As we approach our 150th anniversary of delivering an outstanding boys-only education, we have been reflecting on the benefits that attending a single sex school can o er.

A major benefit is that it creates a culturally and academically supportive environment, free of the social pressures seen in a coeducational setting. This allows boys to become more independent and confident in their learning, without the anxiety of the inevitable gender comparison when girls are present. ‘Habits of Mind’ are at the heart of our curriculum. Simply put, boys and girls learn di erently. We use educational theory to adapt our teaching, which develops boys’ skills with a practical, problem-based approach. This focus on how boys learn best helps increase concentration in the classroom with fast-paced, interactive lessons. School days are deliberately longer than normal as this allows the boys the time they need to recharge their batteries through wellconsidered breaks throughout the day.

Boys-only education enables young men to learn to work together in an environment designed to nurture team building attributes. This builds capacity to cooperate with one another, reinforces natural leadership abilities and teaches skills necessary to work as a unit.

The unique dynamics of a boys-only classroom can provide a more relaxed learning environment, and create a place where boys feel comfortable and accepted. Allowing boys to develop their emotional, as well as their academic, intelligence provides our young men with the opportunity to recognise the benefits of healthy, long-lasting relationships with their peers and teachers. Good friendships in a learning environment can have significant positive e ects on academic achievement and overall morale.

Our flexible boarding provides boys with the opportunity to extend those friendships and experiences outside of the school day. Being part of this active community allows the boys to learn to live and work together whilst fully enjoying their childhood. Friendships forged in the boarding house frequently last a lifetime.

If you are interested in finding out what Lockers Park can o er your son, contact their admissions team on admissions@ lockerspark.co.uk to book a personal tour with Headmaster, Gavin Taylor

“This focus on how boys learn best helps increase concentration in the classroom”

Whole new GAME

Taking play to a new level at Hertford Barns Day Nursery

Set against a backdrop of rolling fields where children point out hot air balloons overhead and wave to farmers passing by on their tractors, Hertford Barns Day Nursery provides the perfect space for children to thrive in countryside surroundings. The nursery days are filled with exciting activities, planned around the personal interests of children and designed in line with Early Years Foundation Stage principles to ensure they are prepared with the knowledge and skills needed for their next steps.

Inside the stunning barn conversion and historic stable block, spacious classrooms are home to stimulating learning spaces, state of the art ICT, toys and equipment, messy play stations, ‘role play’ areas and purpose-built facilities including a children's shaker style kitchen for cooking and baking activities. Here pre-schoolers can design their own menus and showcase their culinary skills, all whilst learning basic mathematical concepts

through weighing and measuring, as well as the importance of good nutrition to healthy lifestyles. From fresh fruit salads to healthy pitta pizzas, children beam with pride as they serve and enjoy their creations, which they make using produce they have grown themselves in the picturesque gardens outside.

As well as tending to an array of herbs, fruit and vegetables the whole year round, children of all ages are able to immerse themselves in a curriculum of eco-activities, including crafting with natural and recycled materials and creating habitats for wildlife, as well as impressive bug hotels for insect observations. The recent addition of a baby garden, complete with decking for the summer months and age-appropriate resources including a mud kitchen, help to take play to new levels and encourage a lasting love of the outdoors.

Hertford Barns also boasts a comprehensive school readiness programme. Covering topics ranging from self-care to phonics, preschoolers can practice fundamental skills such as using cutlery and writing and identifying their names. Devoted practitioners are also keen to ensure families are supported in these key areas and provide bespoke resources, including a series of books published by Childbase Partnership professionals to o er expert guidance, as well as exclusive access to the ‘Childbase at Home’ website and app, filled with online books and masterclasses to ensure children are confident and independent learners, ready to embrace school life. Hertford Barns provides a fully-inclusive service and takes children from six weeks to five years.

For more information, to arrange a visit or to register for a place please contact the nursery on 01707 392999 or email hertfordbarns.nursery@childbase.com

Auberge

Brocket Hall’s iconic Auberge du Lac is re-opening in April, with a new name and ultra talented Head Chef at the helm

Under the direction of new Head Chef John Barber, Auberge du Lac – or ‘Auberge’ as it will now be known – will fully re-open its doors in April. At just 32 years of age, John Barber has already had an incredible career. Following an intensive apprenticeship at The Mandarin Hotel Group in London and Thailand, and a stint in Paris with famed Chef Charcutier Gilles Verot, John joined Bar Bouloud (part of the Mandarin in London) and within three years became Executive Sous Chef and Executive Head Chef.

A period at the D&D Group followed, where John opened 14 Hills at 120 Fenchurch Street, London. The opportunity to put Auberge back on the map as a foodie destination has seen John relocate to Hertfordshire with his young family.

With his pedigree and passion, John will be creating a whole new dining experience for guests. His vision? To make fine dining more accessible and relaxed, without any compromise on quality or taste.

Working closely with kitchen gardener Lucy Hawkins, John will be focused on sustainability and seasonality to enhance his menu. Since joining the estate last May, Lucy has transformed a one-acre site – using the no-dig method – into a fertile garden which will supply Auberge with fresh produce all year round and support local biodiversity. Dishes created by John will make best use of her seasonal crops which are literally growing within metres of the tables where they will be served. This is soil-to-plate dining at its best.

Over the last six months John has been hosting a series of intimate popup events. Many of these evenings have featured a changing seven-course tasting menu, providing a delicious opportunity

for people to try John’s modern British style of cuisine, and for John to garner valuable feedback from guests.

John is also bringing a whole new team of talents together for the re-opening of the beautiful lakeside restaurant which will o er al fresco dining in the summer and more intimate dining in the winter months. Pastry Chef Ariana Machado learnt her craft at iconic London brasserie, The Wolseley. With traditional techniques and innovative recipes, Ariana is creating the most delicate and delicious desserts. Supporting John at the helm of the kitchen is Sous Chef, Wesley Cannonier, who joins from the prestigious Cliveden House, where he gained a wealth of experience in creating fine dining experiences.

Contact reception@brocket-hall.co.uk or call 01707 368700 for more information

why everyone is talking about…

AUBERGE MAKES FULL USE OF ITS SURROUNDINGS

CHEF JOHN BARBER