Absolutely Hertfordshire April 2024

The podcast queen from Berkhamsted

GRASS IS GREENER

10 of the best gardens in Hertfordshire

The architect breathing new life into buildings

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 CONSULTANT

STELLA ADAMS

MEDIA CONSULTANT

LEANNE LAWRENCE

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

Living at

Don’t miss out - Final apartments remaining!

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Prices from £ 50,000 | Rent from £4,400pcm Exclusively for those enjoying life over sixty.

Leyton Road, Harpenden AL5 2FH

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Pauline Resident at Leyton Road

LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S April issue highlights

Anyone who knows me, knows I do not like winter.

Which I find a bit strange as growing up I played football whenever I could and that, of course, is essentially a winter sport.

But I vividly remember one game, when I must have been about 14, that was played in relentless rain and it was about minus two. It was a cup match, went to extra time, I got injured, trooped off to the changing room to find the heating wasn't on and the showers didn't work. I had never felt so miserable.

5

Maybe that memory has lingered as I truly hate the cold now. And, yes, I am still involved in football, now a coach so I can't even run around to get warm. So when spring rears its beautiful head, the smile spreads across my face and I prepare to put away the hats, scarves, jumpers and coats.

To mark this wonderful time, we have picked out the best places in Herts to enjoy spring weather. I shall be heading off to every single one of them

4 Jewellery

Nicky Elliott

The podcaster on championing women in business (p20)

Nine arm candy picks (p41)

The Shoot Oliver Bonas adds some colour to the new season (p38)

Wish LIST

10 things we Absolutely love

BY

COMPILED

PENDLE HARTE

SET IN STONE

Samantha Siu creates bold, intricately designed jewellery pieces that spread a message of goodwill and last a lifetime. Each piece is inspired by her travels. samanthasiu.com

LIPS INC

Estee Lauder's new Sabyasachi lipsticks come in gilded cases emblazoned with the Bengal tiger in celebration of India. Each shade is named for the Subcontinent: this is Bengal Rouge, £53. esteelauder.co.uk

RED HOT

Grace de Monaco's Ombre Sereine is intriguing and sensual as layers of bergamot, orange blossom and lavender mingle with deeper notes of leather and musk, £220. gdmonaco.com

PICTURE THIS

Petra Palumbo's modern collection of Del tiles features hand-decorated motifs spanning animals, food and all your favourite things. petrapalumbo.com

LEG WARMER

Legs in bright colours are a major trend and we love the selection at UK Tights, £4.99. uktights.com

EDITOR’S PICK

DARK ARTS

Fatso's rule-breaking dark chocolate comes in four delicious fl avour combinations. We love Morn'n Glory with its cornfl akes and marmalade, £6.75. sofatso.com

IN THE LOOP

Casa by Josephine Jenno's stylish scalloped tea plates in rosy red create a sense of occasion with a side of fun, £99 for four. casabyjj.com

SLOW BURN

Diptyque's Do Son pays tribute to the heritage of Vietnamese culture with a harmonious blend of tuberose, jasmine and orange blossom notes, and a new limited edition collection shrouds it all in red. diptyqueparis.com

FAR FLUNG

Vibrant colours, subtle geometries and exquisitely detailed patterns –this is the Pam Weinstock lifestyle. Shaped by far-flung travels, every print is an ode to continents roamed and each creation is testament to a deep love for photography and exploration. pamweinstock.com

CRIMSON JOY

For stylish lingerie in all colours, book in for a fitting at Amelie's Follies. And why not choose a whole new shade? ameliesfollies.co.uk

CULTURE

The Elvis Years

19 APRIL, THE ALBAN ARENA

Now in its 20th year, "The Elvis Years", led by original West End star Mario Kombou, embarks on its biggest ever tour of the UK and beyond. Undoubtedly the UK’s premier Elvis theatre production, this stunning show takes the audience on a fantastic journey through all the years The King ruled the airwaves. With a full cast of West End talent, Mario and the band deliver over 50 golden greats, charting the rise and rise of the boy from Tupelo. alban-arena.co.uk

The Agenda

APRIL'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

Dune: Part two

5-12 APRIL, THE ODYSSEY

Denis Villeneuve’s tone-perfect take on the landmark science-fiction novel returns to cinemas to complete the story. Having lost his House and father to the vicious Harkonnen on the desert planet Arrakis, Paul Atreides takes refuge with the native Fremen people, finding love, power, and a new destiny among them. As the Empire closes in on them, Paul starts building a force to defeat them and free the universe. odysseypictures.co.uk

THEATRE

Frankie Goes to Bollywood

25 April-11 May

WATFORD PALACE THEATRE

Conceived by Artistic Director of Rifco, Pravesh Kumar MBE, Frankie Goes to Bollywood is a spectacular allsinging-all-dancing tale of heroes and villains, with all the costumes and the spectacle of a Bollywood feature film. Drawing inspiration from both traditional Bollywood music and the best of western musical theatre, the music for Frankie Goes to Bollywood is a carefully integrated hybrid. watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

FAMILY

A Danny and Fox Easter

29 March-14 April

ROALD

DAHL MUSEUM

The Roald Dahl Museum will be celebrating the great outdoors this Easter with storytelling, crafts and walks inspired by Danny the Champion of the World and Fantastic Mr Fox. Sculpt a Fantastic Feast out of clay or construct a caravan for Danny out of junk. Listen to storytelling from the books and join in with all sorts of nature-related actions. roalddahlmuseum.org

FILM

MUSIC

MUSIC

TIM RICE

23 April

THE ALBAN ARENA

Sir Tim Rice, the multi-award winning, internationally renowned lyricist, will return to theatre stages across the UK in 2024 with an incredibly special live musical theatre event: My Life In Musicals – I Know Him So Well. Tim is associated with writing the lyrics for so many of the world’s much-loved hit musicals such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Disney productions The Lion King and Aladdin. His work has not been limited to musical theatre, with Evita transferring to the big screen. alban-arena.co.uk

This Month’s Must See Hertford Art Trail

Bootleg Beatles

6-20 APRIL, VARIOUS

The Hertford Art Trail returns for 2024. This respected and popular event once again will showcase pieces by local artists across the centre of Hertford. Throughout April, pop-up exhibition spaces will appear across the area – from retailers to bars and cafes; beauty salons to gift shops. Participating artists are each teamed up with a venue to display and sell their work for the duration of the trail. courtyardarts.org.uk

7 April THE ALBAN ARENA

Regarded the world over as being the gold standard of tribute, the Bootleg Beatles return to Hertfordshire for another nostalgic whirlwind trip through the 60s. With fastidious attention to detail, the band manage to spectacularly recreate the sound and look of the Fab Four through each iconic phase of their illustrious career, with what can only be described as uncanny authenticity. Their rave reviews say it all. alban-arena.co.uk

Exploring the Welwyn link to Bob Marley: One Love SAYING GRACE

Welwyn-based company Grace Foods UK, the supplier of Caribbean food and drink, brought the taste of Jamaica to the UK premiere of the new biopic film, Bob Marley: One Love, which opened in cinemas on 14 February.

The UK Premiere of Bob Marley: One Love was held in London on 30 January at the BFI Southbank. Each VIP guest received some tasty Caribbeaninspired snacks, Grace Plantain Chips, and a bottle of Grace Tropical Rhythms to enjoy. Kingsley Ben-Adir, who plays Bob Marley, attended the premiere alongside stars James Norton, Lashana Lynch, Tosin Cole, Umi Meyers, Anthony Welsh, Nia Ashi, Naomi Cowan, David Kerr, Stefan Wade and Micheal War, with director Reinaldo Marcus Green, and producers Ziggy Marley, Robert Teitel and Jeremy Kleiner also in attendance.

Bob Marley: One Love celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob's powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family, it stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.

gracefoods.co.uk

PHOTO: ANTONY JONES

That's BUSINESS

Nicky Elliott is wowing the airwaves with her podcast celebrating women doing amazing things. Absolutely heads to Berkhamsted to find out more

After we met some of Hertfordshire’s leading female entrepreneurs for our last issue, Nicky Elliott’s acclaimed podcast, Women’s Business, was brought to our attention.

On the podcast, Nicky talks to a host of women about their career paths, from early memories of work through careers advice (or lack of it), and first jobs, up to the present day. With all their insight and learnings along the way, these conversations are designed to both inspire and empower women in their own career journeys, all led by Nicky’s appealing approach.

“I have had all the experiences in business,” Nicky says by way of explaining how the podcast came about. “I was in the events industry for nearly 15 years, and set up my own agency back in 2011. After that business was absorbed into a bigger group I met my husband, and in 2020 after two babies, and with a hideously long commute to south east London, I knew I wanted to be closer to home, and used my maternity leave to set up my own clothing brand.

“In early 2023 in a very tough climate I made the di cult decision to close the brand,” Nicky laments, “but I wanted to capitalise on the amazing connections I’d made with other female founders during that time. I realised that not enough women were hearing other stories to inspire them on

their career journeys, so I used the platform I had built up to launch Women’s Business.”

Considering her own experiences, Nicky is the perfect host. “I’ve faced discrimination in big and small ways, but have always used my voice to push against it,” she says. “I advanced in business quickly and always wanted to be older because I felt it would give me credibility. Setting up my first business at 27 was tough, because my business partner and I were two young women pitching against businesses run by much older men and we really felt like the underdogs. I didn’t know my power then. Now being 40 and having the privilege of talking to amazing women who are achieving brilliant things with their businesses, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

It was a year ago that Nicky launched Women’s Business. “The feedback was amazing because people immediately got what I was trying to deliver,” she says, “conversations with real founders, and deep dives on life as a business owner, with lots of the details on how they got from A to B. A lot of business podcasts gloss over the bit where the founder lost money or had a business that didn’t work, but that’s where the juice is, and it’s also where real insight lives, so that’s a huge focus for me.”

The podcast is all part of Nicky’s new approach to family life in Berkhamsted. “I changed my entire career for my two amazing kids, so I work around school hours and am there for pick up and after school clubs

every day,” she explains. “The podcast is part of a much bigger vision on discussions around work and everything I do is for my kids and the next generation of working people. I also get outside when I can.

“I grew up in a village in Bedfordshire and went to school in Berkhamsted for my entire school career, so it’s always been like home to me,” she says on Berkhamsted. “After moving to London in my 20s and eventually meeting my husband, I convinced him that Berkhamsted would be a brilliant place to settle and have a family. We moved in 2014 and we both love it so much and feel so fortunate to live where we do. I love running along the canal on a sunny day, eating Turkish at Tabure, but we also love a family walk in all weathers up at Ashridge.”

On the right Nicky outlines her favourite podcasts to date, but on the first anniversary of launching Women’s Business, what does the future hold in store? “I want my podcast to be the go-to listen for female founders, but I

“Women need to be heard. I want to give them a voice”

want men to listen to it too,” she states. “I want brilliant women in business to have amazing male allies, and I know there are so many out there. Not hearing people’s stories means we can subconsciously erase their contribution. We’ve seen this in marginalised groups and the same has been true for women. Podcast charts are dominated by male voices too, but Women’s Business is climbing up the rankings, which is what it’s all about. Women need to be heard. I want to give them a voice.”

Five of the BEST

Nicky Elliott picks out the podcasts that are special to her

Episode 9 with Rachel Harris

Rachel is the founder of StriveX and accountant_ she on Instagram. Rachel is an absolute powerhouse who – as she puts it – is breaking down the ‘pale, male and stale’ stereotype that exists within the finance industry, whilst building up her personal brand as a young female disrupter in her space. We really dived into Rachel’s vision for the business, and her phenomenal growth and the personal circumstances that have made it all even harder to achieve.

Episode 13 with Emma Worrollo

Emma is the founder of Playful Den. Emma describes herself as the real-life equivalent of Tom Hanks in Big. She consults to some of the world’s biggest toy brands on all things play. Her insight on the impact and importance of play and playfulness in this episode was such food for thought for me as an adult, but also as a parent, as we talked about encouraging creativity in kids, and how to talk to them about their interests through the lens of work and careers.

Episode 20 with Holly Tucker

Holly is the founder of Notonthehighstreet. com, and this was a fascinating look at what she faced starting an e-commerce business when the very concept of e-commerce was in its infancy over 20 years ago, and the full circle moment she’s currently experiencing, as a result of the unfinished business that led her to founding her new company Holly & Co.

Episode 22 with Charlotte Morley

Charlotte is the founder of thelittleloop.com. Charlotte had a record-breaking investment on Dragons’ Den, but at the heart of it she’s an incredibly sensitive, clever and passionate woman, and that really comes across in this episode. With a diverse background that made for a fascinating listen, Charlotte’s journey took her from the Ministry of Defence, to teaching and into tech, which she then used to set up The Little Loop – a confluence of tech, and kids’ clothing.

Episode 25 with Lee McKay Doe

Lee is the founder o hecareertherapist.com. Lee’s episode was unlike any other in the series and le me and lots of my listeners thinking differently about our careers. Lee shared really openly about the career trauma that led her to make a complete change to help others who are navigating career trauma, burnout and stress, but she also gave valuable insight on how so many of us can take childhood trauma into work to detrimental effect, through trying to meet unmet needs, or not knowing our true conditions of worth. Lee offered some great tangible advice on mapping out your career, and managed to get me to open up about some of my own career trauma. I got so much feedback about the episode.

Find out more about Nicky and her podcast at wilderones.co.uk

ASHRIDGE HOUSE

TABURE

NICKY HAS MET SOME OF THE UK'S TOP BUSINESSWOMEN

For more information, please visit www.stmichaelsmanor.com

St Michaels Manor Hotel provides its customers with luxury and excellence. From tailoring events to the individual’s bespoke requirements to offering a wide choice of fine dining options, the hotel provides an exclusive and indulgent experience in a beautiful, relaxed setting.

10 OF THE BEST

Hertfordshire GARDENS

Ellie Graham of Visit Herts picks out the best outdoor spots in the county to make the most of spring

Oh, spring… your vibrant colours, warm fresh air, longer days, and brilliant new beginnings – how we’ve missed you! As winter waves us goodbye, we’re looking ahead and rejoicing in the excitement of the new season. With a whole host of beautiful outdoor spaces ready to be enjoyed, your afternoons are about to be filled with picturesque walks, magnificent blooms, and unmistakablyHertfordshire countryside views.

CHESLYN GARDENS

Designed by Henry and Daisy Colbeck, Cheslyn House and Gardens are a visually striking and beautifully refreshing place to spend an afternoon in Hertfordshire. Whether you’re a green-fingered pro, or you can’t tell your peonies from your roses, anyone can appreciate these stunning gardens. parksherts.co.uk/parks/cheslynhouse-and-gardens/

KNEBWORTH HOUSE

Kick-start the season with the Hertfordshire Garden Show, in full bloom between 4-6 May at none other than Knebworth House & Gardens. With more than 100 exhibitors, you’re sure to get in the spring spirit and find floral inspiration to create your own green paradise. Spend the day exploring the colourful gardens of Knebworth and visit the garden show at no additional charge. knebworthhouse.com

HATFIELD PARK

Let’s go bluebell spotting! With stunning sweeping grounds and a Jacobean mansion at its heart, one of the most picturesque places to see these beautiful flowers is in Hatfield Park’s gardens. The grounds date back to the early 17th century and feature shrubbery that was collected from travels across Europe, bringing springtime across the globe to you in one beautiful place. hatfield-house.co.uk

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

How could we round-up spring in Hertfordshire without mentioning the world’s first Garden City? The beautiful Letchworth has plenty of open green space and lots of spring flowers for you to discover and enjoy. Why not take a stroll through Howard Park, or picnic among the flowers at Norton Common? Pack your favourite snacks, bring the camera, and allow Letchworth to do the rest… discoverletchworth.co.uk

AYLETT NURSERIES

Where better to call in spring than in Aylett Nurseries’ aptly named ‘Celebration Garden’? As the team at the nursery curate a perfect landscape to reflect the season’s beauty, this is the place to take yourself and friends along for an afternoon of celebrating unforgettable springtime scenes. The glorious blooms of clematis, roses, dahlia, and iris are sure to astound all. aylettnurseries.co.uk

HENRY MOORE STUDIOS AND GARDENS

BENINGTON LORDSHIP GARDENS

HATFIELD HOUSE

Our kind of Face time

At Millfield Green we’re big on community spirit because we believe nobody deserves to feel lonely. Come along and find out how to make the most out of later living

At Millfield Green we have one and two-bedroom apartments available to purchase or rent.

THE GOTHA GARDENS AT PEMBROKE FARM GARDEN

Time to get your fix of blooming buds and wonderful woodland. For all you romantics out there, the rose gardens on site are a must visit, where you’ll find 150 specimens of the beautiful flower of love. Take in the wildlife walk, topiary garden, tea lawn and cottage garden beds, and be sure to sit back with a cup of tea and a slice of cake for the ultimate springtime relaxation. gothagardens.square.site

HENRY MOORE STUDIOS AND GARDENS

Visit the 70 acres of landscape gardens and countryside that inspired much of world-famous Henry Moore’s iconic work. Immerse yourself in the landscape as you wander the grounds, experiencing the flow between sculpture and nature. Take in the surroundings and the land that he loved so dearly. henry-moore.org/studios-and-gardens

HITCHIN LAVENDER FARM

As the afternoons grow longer and the days warm up, it will soon be that time of year when the surrounding countryside blooms with the vibrant purple and incredible scent of Hitchin’s Lavender. With 25 miles of lavender rows to walk through and pick your own fresh flowers, it’s the ultimate way to enjoy a naturally relaxing afternoon (and make that Instagram feed shine!). hitchinlavender.com

HITCHIN LAVENDER

“There's 25 miles of lavender rows to walk through and you can pick your own flowers”

BENINGTON LORDSHIP GARDENS

Seven acres of beautiful grounds await here, so keep an eye out for the first signs of spring in the snowdrops as they pop up across the estate. Spend a relaxed afternoon wandering the rose and kitchen gardens of the fortified estate and enjoy views across the parkland and the first sightings of spring. beningtonlordship.co.uk

ST PAUL’S WALDEN BURY

Snowdrop spotters, you’re in for a treat… Book in your afternoon to visit this royal gem (once the home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother) and you’ll be treated to views of an elegant Grade I listed garden, complete with statues, temples, and ponds. Grab the chance to stroll the private gardens and snowdrop-strewn grounds, and maybe even catch a glimpse of those early da odils. stpaulswaldenbury.co.uk

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

ST PAULS WALDEN BURY

FOOD & DRINK

CULINARY CHAPTERS

AUBERGE DU LAC

Chef John Barber's arrival at Brocket Hall estate in 2022 marked the beginning of a new chapter for Auberge du Lac, characterised by his unique vision and international expertise. A unique aspect of Auberge du Lac's culinary journey is its dedicated kitchen garden, meticulously managed by Lucy Hawkins. This garden is not just a source of fresh, organic produce for the restaurant, but also a testament to sustainable culinary practices. brocket-hall.co.uk

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

Blanquette de Limoux

Méthode Ancestrale, Antech NV  £10.61

A delightful, sweet and e ervescent Languedoc white, fermented just once in bottle. Refreshingly light, low in alcohol and with a taste reminiscent of apples, this is perfect with fruit-based desserts such as apple pie as well as lightly spiced canapés.

Undurraga Cauquenes

Estate Carignan 2020  £9.95

From 60-year-old, unirrigated bush vines, this ripe black-fruit scented Chilean carignan maintains a wonderful freshness and firmness on the palate. Ideal with the fatty cuts of oxtail, shoulder of lamb or pork.

Bogle Vineyard California Chardonany 2021  £14.50

A proper California chardonnay, 50% aged in American oak for eight months to give rich vanilla and nutmeg spice. The other half is aged in steel to retain the fresh peach and lemon character.

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business. The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

TASTING

Food news and most exciting openings across the industry NOTES

By PENDLE HARTE

Just afters

HEAVENLY DESSERTS

For over a decade, Heavenly Desserts have been delighting customers with their delicious desserts. They opened their doors in 2008 and have led the way in dessert dining ever since. They now operate over 50+ locations in the UK, including a local favourite in Watford, with big international ambitions. The mission is simple - to deliver memorable dessert experiences that spark joy for every guest. heavenlydesserts.co.uk

Pizza perfect

Since renovating from scratch his shop in Bushey and opening a year ago, Tom Vincent and his New York style pizza slices have become a viral sensation, selling out daily, with pizza lovers visiting his shop from across the UK. He is pioneering and leading the current shift in the UK pizza scene to New York-style slices, and defining 'London pizza'. instagram.com/original_vincenzos_pizza/

Simple sushi

STICKS'N'SUSHI

Originating from Copenhagen, Sticks’n’Sushi fuses influences from Japan and Denmark. Helping demystify the cuisine of sushi, the menu is presented as a photo album featuring images of every dish. There are 12 outlets in the UK, including Covent Garden, Soho and Shoreditch. sticksnsushi.com

TAKE THREE

Chocolate treats for the Easter holidays

CHOCOCO

Chococo's Dino Easter egg is handdecorated to look like a mottled dinosaur eggshell and cra ed in 47% Colombia origin milk chocolate. Avid paleontologists will discover mini origin milk, white and dark chocolate dinosaurs and ammonites inside. chococo.co.uk

GELUPO

Gelateria Gelupo will be reuniting with bakery and restaurant Jolene for tongue-in-cheek gelato ‘creme egg’ toasted buns, as well as tasty hot cross bun ice cream sandwiches. gelupo.com

HOTEL CHOCOLAT

Hotel Chocolat's Ostrich Egg is a decadent Easter egg filled with chocolates, truffles, pralines, caramels and more, £85. hotelchocolat.com

WONTON FEVER

POON'S WONTONERIA

Poon's Wontoneria is a residency at No. 23 Charlotte Street, Carousel’s “side hustle”. They serve exceptional fresh, premium-ingredient wontons and small plates, drawing on the rich culinary heritage of the Poon family name. We recommend the signature wind-dried meats rice bowl and shou si chicken. wontoneria.com

QUICK FIX

OCHRE

Ochre, the modern British restaurant in the National Gallery, has launched a new pre-theatre lunch menu. For only £18, guests can enjoy Cornish Mussels served with a cider, leek and cream sauce, fries and a drink. Or opt for fried pollock bun with gribiche mayonnaise and apple tarte tatin.

ochre.london

VINCENZO'S

Easy bakes

Simple recipes for time-poor bakers

Words FLORENCE STANTON

Chocolate & Hazelnut

Pull-apart Loaf

Serves 8

Another chocolate for breakfast situation? Yes! This ‘pull-apart’ loaf, made of layers of pillowy bread dough sandwiched around chocolate hazelnut spread, is a real treat to eat while it’s still warm.

35 mins hands-on time

Resting and proving time: 1 hr 30 mins

Bake time: 40 mins

Total: 2 hrs 45 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 1 x 7g/¼oz sachet fastacting instant yeast

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

• 250ml (8fl oz/1 cup) tepid water

• 55g (2oz) butter, melted, plus a little extra for brushing the finished loaf

• 200g (7oz/1½ cups) strong white bread flour

• 150g (5½oz/generous 1 cup) plain (allpurpose) flour, plus extra for dusting

• 3 tsp fine sea salt

• 200g (7oz) chocolate hazelnut spread

• 75g (3oz) hazelnuts, crushed a little flavourless/mildflavoured oil, for greasing

METHOD

1 Combine the yeast, sugar and tepid water in a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, stir and leave it to sit and let the yeast ‘bloom’ for 10 minutes (it should look bubbly).

2 Add the melted butter and both types of flour to the yeast mixture, along with the salt, and bring together. Once a shaggy dough has formed, knead for 10 minutes by hand on a floured surface, or 5–7 minutes in the mixer on medium speed, until it forms a smooth, springy ball. Lightly oil the bowl, place the dough back into it, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

3 Lightly oil a 900g (2lb) loaf tin (pan). Divide the dough into about 12 balls then roll each ball of dough flat on a floured surface and top it with chocolate hazelnut spread in an even layer. Top with some crushed hazelnuts, saving some to scatter over at the end. Fold each piece of chocolatecovered dough in half, creating a

semi-circle. Place these pieces of dough in the tin with the folded edge at the bottom. Leave to prove in a warm place, covered with a tea towel, for 30 minutes.

4 Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (200°C/400°F/Gas 6).

5 Bake the risen loaf in the oven for 40 minutes until golden brown on top.

6 Remove from the oven, brush with some melted butter, sprinkle with the remaining crushed hazelnuts and serve warm!

7 The loaf will keep well for up to 2–3 days in an airtight container. Give it a 20-second flash in the microwave to reheat, if you like.

Goat’s Cheese, Fig & Walnut Tart

Serves 6

This is one of those recipes that may have you debating whether it totally fits into the savoury category, but it’s a wonderful thing for those who love a cheese course a er a meal or the cheese/fruit combination. There is added salt to keep it as a lunchtime treat, and this will sit amazingly as part of a lunch, perhaps alongside a Waldorf salad. 15 mins hands-on time

Bake time: 30 mins

Total: 45 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 320g (11¼oz) ready-rolled all-butter pu pastry

• A little flour, for dusting

• 125g (4½oz) goat’s cheese

• 100g (3½oz) crème fraîche

• 4 fresh figs

• 75g (2½oz) walnuts, coarsely chopped

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Handful of fresh rocket (arugula), to serve

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (200°C/400°F/Gas 6) and line a large baking tray with baking parchment (or a silicone liner).

2 Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to create a rectangle a little smaller than your baking tray – it should be about 1cm (½in) thick – and place it on the tray.

3 Mix together the goat’s cheese and crème fraîche in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Spread this mixture onto the pastry, leaving an edge of about 2.5cm (1in) around the border of the pastry to create crusts.

4 Thinly slice the figs lengthways and scatter them over the goat’s cheese mixture, then add the chopped walnuts.

5 Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, until cooked through and the edges are a rich golden colour. Remove and leave to cool on a wire rack, scatter the rocket (arugula) over the top and serve.

Vegan No-bake Chocolate & Pistachio Bars (ti n)

Serves 8

Tiffin is another word for fridge cake or no-bake cakes. This recipe comprises lots of melted chocolate, biscuits and fruit folded together, then le to set in the fridge before slicing. This makes it really versatile, so do play with the flavours/ biscuits/add-ins. This will sit in the fridge for a few days, tempting you to come and take a piece every time you open the door.

15 mins hands-on time

Chill time: 1 hr minimum

Total: 1 hr 15 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 350g (12oz) dark chocolate, chopped

• 75g (2½oz) vegan butter

• 3 tbsp golden syrup (corn syrup) or light molasses

• 100g (3½oz) dried cranberries

• 150g (5½oz) digestive biscuits (or graham crackers), coarsely crushed

Topping

• 200g (7oz) dark chocolate, chopped

• 75g (3oz) pistachios, shelled and chopped

METHOD

1 Line a 20cm (8in) square brownie/baking tin with baking parchment.

2 Put the chocolate, butter and golden syrup (corn syrup) in a large heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (making sure the bottom of the bowl isn’t touching the water) and stir until combined and glossy.

3 Turn o the heat, add the cranberries and crushed biscuits to the melted chocolate mixture and stir until combined. Pour this mixture into the tin and spread it out evenly, pressing to the sides.

4 Make the topping: melt the dark chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring regularly. Once melted, pour it on top of the biscuit base. Sprinkle over the chopped pistachios. Let it set in the fridge for at least an hour (overnight is fine). Once set, cut with a hot knife for perfectly smooth slices.

5 The tiffin will keep well for up to 5–7 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

“This will sit in the fridge, tempting you every time you open the door”

Recipes taken from Part-Time Baker by Florence Stanton, published by Carnival, £18.99

Sparkle this

SPRING

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

Add a touch of sparkle to your spring wardrobe with these gorgeous 18ct white gold marquise diamond flower drop earrings and matching pendant from Berry’s Jewellers. As the birthstone for April, the diamond is said to bring abundance to the wearer’s life along with clarity and balance, perfect if you’re planning a ‘life’ spring clean this season. Discover the stunning range of diamond jewellery at your nearest Berry’s boutique or berrysjewellers.co.uk

Cuff love

By CARLY GLENDINNING

BRIONY RAYMOND

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14K Gold Plated Torus Cu £295 christinacaruso.com

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HALLEH

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NOUR BY JAHAN

Dancing Diamonds Bracelet, Price on Request nourbyjahan.com

ALL EYES

LASHIFY

Inventors of the Underlash Technology™, Lashify is the world's first DIY lash extension system. Start with the brand's Control Kit, and then mix and match the Gossamer® sets to create your perfect lash look at home. An absolute beauty gamechanger. lashify.com

EXPERT IN THE N A TUR AL LOOK

EXPERT IN THE NATURAL LOOK Treat your mother to timeless beauty

a highly respected and much sought

Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa Cheshire is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP and is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.

TRANSFORMATION FACELIFT TM

TRANSFORMATION FACELIFT TM

The Transformation Facelift TM is a bespoke treatment from Doctor Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible anti-ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla.This treatment offers nonsurgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns – from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity.

The Transformation Facelift TM is a bespoke treatment from Doctor Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible anti-ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla. This treatment offers nonsurgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns – from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity.

The treatment programme can combine a number of super technologies dependant upon your specific concerns such as Ultherapy, Exilis Elite radio frequency, Morpheus skin needling as well as tweaking with injectable enhancements where necessary, to give immediate & longterm results with minimal downtime.The skin will begin to feel smoother and tighter after the first treatment and results will continue to improve for up to six months.

The treatment programme can combine a number of super technologies dependant upon your specific concerns such as Ultherapy, Exilis Elite radio frequency, Morpheus skin needling as well as tweaking with injectable enhancements where necessary, to give immediate & longterm results with minimal downtime. The skin will begin to feel smoother and tighter after the first treatment and results will continue to improve for up to six months.

UNLOCK THE ULTIMATE BODY TRANSFORMATION

UNLOCK THE ULTIMATE BODY TRANSFORMATION

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards a transformed body that exudes confidence and radiance? Look no further than Dr Nyla Clinic’s groundbreaking Transformation Body Lift. This revolutionary treatment combines the power of CoolSculpting Elite and Emerald fat reduction lasers but combined with Em sculpt , ultrasound, and radio frequency needling utilising Morpheus to deliver incredible results that go beyond fat reduction, targeting loose skin, cellulite, and stretch marks.

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards a transformed body that exudes confidence and radiance? Look no further than Dr Nyla Clinic’s groundbreaking Transformation Body Lift.This revolutionary treatment combines the power of CoolSculpting Elite and Emerald fat reduction lasers but combined with Em sculpt , ultrasound, and radio frequency needling utilising Morpheus to deliver incredible results that go beyond fat reduction, targeting loose skin, cellulite, and stretch marks.

The Transformation Body Lift utilizes the latest advancements in technology to specifically target and reduce unwanted fat deposits permanently this treatment helps you can achieve a slimmer and more sculpted silhouette.Dr Nyla Clinic’s Transformation Body Lift is designed to tackle these common issues such as resistant stubborn fat and stretch marks by utilising Cryo lipolysis. It will permanently eradicate fat, as well as stimulating, collagen and elastin,, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and revitalized.

The Transformation Body Lift utilizes the latest advancements in technology to specifically target and reduce unwanted fat deposits permanently this treatment helps you can achieve a slimmer and more sculpted silhouette.Dr Nyla Clinic’s Transformation Body Lift is designed to tackle these common issues such as resistant stubborn fat and stretch marks by utilising Cryo lipolysis. It will permanently eradicate fat, as well as stimulating, collagen and elastin,, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and revitalized.

Choose Dr Nyla Clinic for the ultimate body rejuvenating experience. Reveal a more sculpted figure, smoother skin, and newfound confidence.Your journey towards the body of your dreams starts here.

Choose Dr Nyla Clinic for the ultimate body rejuvenating experience. Reveal a more sculpted figure, smoother skin, and newfound confidence. Your journey towards the body of your dreams starts here.

TOP PICKS

THREE FITNESS GADGETS

RELAX & RECOVER

This lightweight massage gun from Clemas packs a powerful punch. Designed to eliminate muscle pain, it can be used on the shoulders, back, arms, legs, thighs, calves, hands and feet, £30.99. amazon.co.uk

TWIST IT

This twisting disc provides dual functionality with le and right rotation to help you sculpt and tone your body by burning fat as well as a soothing acupoint massage setting to aid in your recovery, £8.99. amazon.co.uk

HULA TIME

This weighted hula hoop is designed to help you burn fat and boost flexibility. It can be adjusted to match your waist size and has a weighted ball for enhanced performance. The perfect addition to your home gym, £28.99. amazon.co.uk

FITNESS NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

SLOW FLOW

Carly Glendinning meets Sarah Malcolm, founder of At Home with Sarah, a fitness app focused on mobility training

Q How did you get into teaching yoga?

A I wanted to learn more about yoga (having practiced for 7 years and fallen in love with how it made me feel), but after day 1 of my 200 hour yoga teacher training, I felt it deep in my bones that this was the path for me and I’ve never looked back.

Q Tell us about your platform

'At Home with Sarah'?

A At Home with Sarah was born in lockdown after the success of my zoom classes and now has almost 200 videos. It’s a place to come home to yourself. To check in with how you’re feeling. And the practices are all there with that in mind. My classes are not about physical appearances or whether or

not you can do the splits, it’s about how you feel when you turn down the noise of busy life. A place for you to find peace and ultimately feel at home in your own body.

Q And what about your yoga retreats?

A They are an extension of my teaching and values. Nothing needs to be perfect. I invite my guests to come as they are and rest as much as or as little as they need. There is always a mix of soothing and energizing yoga practices, alongside hearty, delicious, and comforting food! Mixed with the biggest dose of nature and just wonderfully feel good vibes. Nothing is restricted on my retreats, it’s all about enjoyment.

Q Has your relationship to movement changed since you became a mother?

A Oh yes! Motherhood has been the biggest learning of my life. I met a whole new person in myself, and having had an emergency c section, my recovery was very di erent to what I imagined. I’m sti er than ever so I appreciate the slow practices and the power of the breath so much more now. But equally reminding myself that I will find my strength again with the stronger practices when I’m ready.

Subscription to 'At Home with Sarah' is £17 a month or £96 for 6 months.

sarahmalcolm.co.uk

Preparethe HAIR

Most of us are now gearing up for the holiday season, with summer just around the corner. Here’s what should be at the top of your to do list

By

TRISHA

BULLER

Wherever you choose to jet o in search of that long awaited sunshine, give some thought to your hair care, preparing before, during and on your return.

It’s easy to overlook any hair care regime until we experience a sudden change, such as when looking in the mirror, with noticeable increased shedding when brushing or shampooing our hair. Some issues need more in-depth support and help, however we can avoid unnecessary hair breakage and increased shedding by following some simple tips.

Pre-holiday, discuss your colour options with a qualified stylist. For example high lift colour

could exacerbate dehydration of the hair shaft, which in turn could result in hair breakage. To avoid this you should use good quality shampoo with violet tones to maintain fresh blonde coloured hair, gently cleansing the scalp without compromising the colour or condition. Always finish with a conditioner to protect the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair shaft), this will protect the inner structure of the hair shaft avoiding colour fade and hair breakage.

For that extra hair and colour protection use an intensive hair treatment at least once a week, which penetrates the outer cuticle layer, helping to maintain the moisture, which is so important for healthy hair within the inner hair structure, creating bounce and shine.

Hot, sunny climates can cause colour fade, so it is imperative you use a hair protection spray

“Think of hair protection just as you do skin protection”

throughout the day. Wearing head coverings or hats can also help to avoid damage, however the scalp produces sebum which contains salts and this in itself can cause the colour to fade and dehydrate the hair fibres. So always think of hair protection just as you do skin protection.

Shampooing your hair daily is recommended regardless of whether you are in a hot sunny climate, although it is more important whilst you’re on holiday because sea salt chlorine and swimming pool chemicals can have an adverse e ect on your hair colour, hair and structure, subsequently damaging the hair fibres.

Once the conditioner has been applied use a large tooth comb, starting from the ends up to the roots. This will detangle the hair avoiding further hair structural breakage. Avoid using brushes on wet hair until it has been detangled with a large tooth comb, as the hair is at its most vulnerable when wet.

Some people believe that leaving hair conditioner on longer will be more beneficial, however this is not so. Hair is hygroscopic (the ability to absorb moisture), meaning the hair will only absorb a certain amount of moisture at any one time, so you are best to rinse the conditioner after a few minutes.

Try to avoid using electrical equipment, such as straighteners, hair dryers and curling wands, on highly coloured hair especially whilst away in the sun. These will only add to the dehydration of the hair structure ultimately causing hair breakage.

For more hair care tips contact Trisha Buller via her website at trishabuller.com

INTERIORS

Beautifully BALANCED

STUDIO28 INTERIORS

Post-pandemic, we’re asking much more of our homes. Masters in the art of balancing beautiful yet practical interiors, Studio28 advise that incorporating a number of flexible, multi-use spaces in our homes easily adaptable to suit our changing needs is the answer. A breakfast bar by morning, becomes an informal workspace by day. This transitions to an extended prep area for cooking and a casual dining space by night. S28interiors.com

Olli Andrew

Sustained SUCCESS

Olli Andrew, founder of Berkhamsted-based hyperspace, on environmental concerns and unique projects in Hertfordshire

Q How did you want hyperspace to be di erent?

A Having worked for big practices across both sides of the Atlantic I could see something that was missing. An architecture which is more transparent, in terms of the planet. Around 40% of UK carbon emissions are linked to the built environment. A di erent type of architecture is required to counteract this huge problem. I founded hyperspace on the principles of sustainability. One of our founding beliefs is the circular economy, this is an approach in which we analyse all the existing and proposed materials that we use. How they can be reused, recycled or reimagined in the future. In 2015 I was fortunate to be one of the Mayor of London’s low carbon entrepreneurs. I designed and presented a pollution capturing bus shelter that could filter London’s air of harmful particles. One of the judges at the time was Dame Ellen MacArthur. A champion on the circular economy, speaking to her made me realise how it could be utilised in architecture.

I set a clear goal for hyperspace to use renewable materials, predominantly timber, in the construction of our buildings, minimising high embodied carbon materials like steel or concrete to a minimum. Low carbon, sustainable buildings don’t have to be bland and conservative. We want to create buildings that intrigue, inspire and innovate. If we can lead by example others will follow. Luckily it seems our fellow collaborators believe in a di erent way of doing things also.

Q Absolutely has previously featured darkmatter, which has been garnering plenty of attention... A Darkmatter has reached beyond my wildest of dreams. Globally published we

“hyperspace was recently ranked at no2 on the 100 most exciting emerging architects in the UK”

have had heartwarming messages from readers from California to China, Sweden to Australia. Last year it was shortlisted, then highly commended in the UK’s best new timber building at the Wood Awards 2023. The world’s best architecture award, Dezeen Awards, shortlisted us in 2023 out of thousands of entries. Archilovers, another global architecture publisher, voted darkmatter as Best of 2023. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) shortlisted and highly commended darkmatter as well. To top that o Archdaily, the biggest online forum for architecture, shortlisted us as Building of the Year 2024.

It’s been humbling to have a project quite as successful as darkmatter, it doesn’t make us complacent, if anything it makes me and the team even more driven to push the boundaries of architecture. The studio was recently ranked at no2 on the list of 100 most exciting emerging architecture studios in the United Kingdom by European platform New Gens (new generations).

While the accolades help drive us, we are still looking for like-minded collaborators for those new transformative projects across Hertfordshire.

Q Can you give us 2-3 other projects that show what hyperspace is all about?

STACK, HARPENDEN Stack is a project we are working on in Harpenden, made from stacked timber veiled walls. It’s very sustainable. The project reimagines a typical 1960s era end of terrace, extending and converting an old garage at the front to form a new entranceway and home o ce, as well as extending at the rear to form an open plan kitchen dining space.

NOTCH IN TRING

OLLI ANDREW

NOTCH, TRING Notch is located in the town of Tring, an adaptive reuse project. We are taking a Victorian era industrial store and reinvigorating it. Removing the roof, but keeping and restoring the outer historic walls including an original storage hatch. A new prefabricated building is then inserted into the historic shell made from highly sustainable Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). The new addition rises from the historic brickwork below clad in a pre-rusted metal façade. We like the idea of patina, something changing and ageing with time. This material choice was inspired by the historical links to industry in Tring, not far from the historical site of a Maltings.

PANTILES, TRING Pantiles is a small extension of a former pub in Tring. This historic property has been developed historically in a piecemeal fashion. Our small intervention sees the dining and kitchen joined together to create a more cohesive family home. An exposed timber structure is used to reference back to the original oak frame used in the former pub.

The exterior is defined by a series of long linear vertical handmade clay tiles and timber shingles; the mixed palette creates a dynamic palette of textures and subtle tones. Complete with an extensive green roof and large aperture roof light.

Q Does the industry need to do more with regards to sustainability?

A The industry needs to change our dependency on materials like virgin steel and concrete. We need to carefully consider their use, due to the high amounts of carbon

both produce. However change is on the horizon, steel can be made in a much greener way by using renewables to power blast furnaces instead of fossil fuels. Concrete uses cement which takes a huge amount of energy to produce, however products like Cemfree are now available cutting 75% of the carbon compared to traditional cement.

In the UK we have some of the oldest housing stock in the world and it’s really ine cient. I’d like to see action from house builders to build more e cient, more sustainable homes that use low carbon materials. I don’t think we are at the cutting edge in the UK on mass new build homes. A bigger focus on retrofitting existing buildings and adaptive reuse of old buildings should be the priority. Not only is this more sustainable but if we can develop brownfield sites first it will limit the need for greenbelt developments.

Q What does 2024 hold in store for you?

A It looks to be an incredibly busy year already, the studio is expanding and we are taking on many more projects. Currently we have several houses, extensions of all varying sizes, a recording studio, and home studio projects in the works. However, watch this space as we can’t reveal all, but there are some really exciting and groundbreaking projects in development.

Q Have you always been based in Berkhamsted?

A We have been based in Berkhamsted for three years having previously been based in Notting Hill, it’s a fantastic town with a great community energy. There are so many like-minded creatives in the town and plenty of seasonal events throughout the year. It’s nice to see so many independent innovative businesses opening in the town in the last three years. One of the best aspects of the job, other than creativity, is meeting so many interesting collaborators from a multitude of industries and sectors. Often we find this leads to additional work or even other opportunities.

Find out more at hyper-space.uk

PANTILES, TRING

STACK IN HARPENDEN

SPRING

REFRESH

How SWR Home & Outdoor can help transform your home this new season

Finally, the nights are drawing out and with lighter mornings and warmer days ahead, now is the time to plan your spring makeover.

Your seasonal shake up could include anything from simply touching up paintwork, to spring cleaning upholstery and curtains, or updating your home with new products. April is the perfect time to dust o the cobwebs, add some shine to your windows or maybe introduce a new lighter colour scheme throughout, to reflect the new brighter days ahead.

Why stop there? You could even change your cushion covers and curtains to fabrics that flow and soften your interior. Then, when you have transformed the indoors, take a look at your outdoor space. Choose some outdoor planters or furniture in accent colours to complement your new interior. SWR Home & Outdoor have some elegant planters and water tables to choose from in their new Adezz range,

“Adding bifold doors helps you transition from separate spaces to seamless living”

which will add a new dimension to any garden.

However, if you really want to emphasise the natural light coming into your home following the recent dark months, then opening up your kitchen or lounge area to welcome in your garden space should be very appealing. Bifold doors from SWR Home & Outdoor are the perfect solution for this. The business has over 30 years of experience in home improvements and you can see their products in action for yourself, at their large Hemel Hempstead showroom.

As the name ‘bifold’ suggests, these doors fold in towards each other flexibly and ergonomically, allowing you to open your home up fully to the outside world.

If you already have some old patio or French doors installed, this could be the perfect time to upgrade them and gain easier access to your garden. Adding bifold doors to your room literally helps you transition from a separate home and garden space to seamless living, ready for those warm spring or balmy summer days.

When you add bifold doors to your home, you’ll instantly benefit from a boost in natural light in the winter months, but when summer arrives, the temperature inside the house could heat up uncomfortably. It’s an excellent idea therefore to invest in Between Glass Blinds when you order your doors, to block out the sun when required. It’s a fact that up to 76% of that much welcomed extra light beaming in through your new doors will turn into heat, which is perfect for winter but not so great during those summer months. SWR have extended their March o er of ‘25%

o Between Glass Blinds’ when you order your bifold doors before 30 April 2024, so it’s now an even easier decision to make!

There are many other reasons to choose Between Glass Blinds when you purchase your bifold doors and one really important aim is to give you more privacy when you need it. With bifold doors, you will have uninterrupted views of your garden but if you’re overlooked, your neighbours will also have uninterrupted views inside your home. Electing to include integral blinds when you order your bifold doors is a very savvy decision and will save you money in the long run.

Another huge benefit of integral blinds is that they don’t require cleaning, as being fully encased within the double-glazed glass prevents them from being exposed to dust. The blinds are controlled by sliding magnets, so there are no pulley cords or complicated techniques to learn how to tilt or raise them. Operating them is easy and can be done via a remote control or you can even use an app on your smartphone instead.

So, spring into action before the o er ends and get 25% o Between Glass Blinds when you order your bifold doors from SWR Home & Outdoor and get set for summer.

SWR HOME & OUTDOOR

To discover more, visit homeandoutdoor.co.uk. View their bifold door range by scanning the QR code or pop into their Hemel Hempstead showroom.

Dive into your DREAM

Why

an Origin indoor pool is designed just for you

Origin puts the control back in your hands with its clientled construction approach. From style and lighting to ambience and temperature, Origin ensures that every indoor pool they design and build reflects the unique vision and lifestyle of each client. An indoor pool o ers the mental and physical health benefits of swimming coupled with yearround luxury and privacy, transforming your dream of swimming at home into a reality. However, Origin’s indoor pools aren’t merely for swimming; they’re versatile spaces designed with function and aesthetics in mind, meaning you can create a whole new area at home for play, exercise and entertainment. Whether you envision a serene sanctuary for relaxation or a dynamic hub for family fun, Origin’s experts are committed to bringing your vision to life.

“Origin's indoor pools are not just for swimming, they are versatile spaces”

With decades of experience crafting awardwinning indoor pools and over 70 industry awards, Origin possesses the knowledge and expertise to design the perfect pool house. After all, swimming pool design is about creating harmony between your home and pool room, so it’s essential an indoor pool not only looks stunning, but also becomes a seamless addition to your living environment.

Owning a pool from Origin means embracing a lifestyle of comfort, relaxation, and joy. To truly get the most out of your swimming experience, your pool house needs to be well thought out and designed with your goals in mind. Indoor pools have special requirements that must be met to ensure each pool house is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional. The good news is, Origin does it all. They eliminate the need to employ separate architects, designers and companies by managing the whole process for you from concept to completion. Their team of experts will collaborate closely with you to create a swimming pool design that harmonises with your home, family and budget. With over 40 years of experience, Origin has completed countless pools and pool houses to a wide range of specifications, earning them a reputation for excellence.

So, whether you dream of a relaxing retreat or a space for the whole family to have fun together, Origin is ready to bring your vision to life in 2024.

EYE DESIGN for

Absolutely goes behind the scenes of a recent stand out project by Studio28 Interiors

S“Our client asked us to deliver a timeless style with a contemporary edge, something they could enjoy for years to come”

can be a stressful, overwhelming, and costly process for the inexperienced. Our job is to support clients through one of the most important, life-changing investments they’ll ever make. Think of us as your safety net.”

tudio28 Interiors is a familyrun interior architecture and design studio based in Buntingford. Celebrating ten years of delivering award-winning designs for homeowners, they understand that providing excellent customer service is as important as providing exceptional design.

Creative director Stacey Hewett explains: “Our flexible approach reassures clients that their emotional and financial investment is given the attention it deserves. A home renovation project requires a commitment in time, responsibility, and financial contribution within a limited timeframe, which is not to be under-estimated. This

Studio28 design and deliver homes to clients looking for something more than just ‘beautiful’. As Stacey says: “We guide our clients through the design, construction and finishing processes, supporting them from start to completion ensuring that, together, we create a home they will be proud of for years to come. We work alongside our clients to design a deeply personal, beautifully balanced home that delivers on every level.”

Here, Studio28 share their most recently completed project, ‘The Warren’, and provide an insight as to how they tackled the various challenges they faced to create a harmonious, considered and practical home for their client.

Stacey says: “We were appointed to design, project manage and implement a full home refurbishment for our client. A complete overhaul of the existing property was needed to modernise throughout and, more importantly, a creative and considered approach to several problematic areas which weren’t working for the client and how they wanted to live in the house. Our client asked us to deliver a timeless style with a contemporary edge, something they could enjoy for years to come. We also had to consider the demands of a home which

may one day house a growing family.”

The first challenge was to transform a dark, underwhelming entrance hall into an inviting, practical space. Studio28 succeeded in delivering a light, uplifting entrance hall with a welcoming warmth setting the tone for the rest of the house. Attention to detail is reflected in the quality of workmanship, carefully selected materials and the most enticing of scents that greets you as you walk into the house. This in combination with a light, neutral colour palette continuing into the rooms beyond gives a sense of connection from one room to the next. Black steel framed, glazed doors allow light to stylishly travel through the house reaching places it couldn’t previously. Hand-formed glass shards from the pendant give just the right amount of wow, whilst the remodelled grey oak staircase provides the perfect tone of warmth, adding a timeless touch. Carefully placed wall lights create an ambient glow, and an asymmetrical mirror placed above the console table adds a contemporary touch whilst reflecting natural light into the hallway. A floor to ceiling joinery unit provides ample coat and shoe storage, complete with upholstered seating for conveniently putting on shoes. Each decision has been carefully considered and meticulously planned.

The highlight of this home is the newly extended living space, complete with kitchen, dining and living zones. This expansive room

is located to the rear of the house overlooking the garden and woodland views beyond. Stacey explains the importance of balancing texture, colour and lighting to create a connected, harmonious space. “The architects did an amazing job in providing a large space for our client with the rear façade allowing beautiful garden views, but the challenge we faced as interior specialists was the abundance of natural light,” she says. “With two walls of floor to ceiling bi-folds and a four-metre roof lantern spanning the ceiling, we had our work cut out in creating a warm, inviting space for our client to cook, dine and relax at various times of the day. We continued the light, neutral colour palette into this room from the hallway, but we introduced some darker tones to give depth and warmth along with autumnal accents and plentiful texture to add personality. The autumnal palette also linked to the garden, ideal for the indoor-outdoor living our client wanted for the warmer months.”

The stand-out features of this space are the expansive floor tiles traversing the interior and exterior boundary, making the garden feel a continuation of the living space. Floor to ceiling curtains in a sheer linen fabric create a beautiful backdrop to the dining space on an overly bright or dull day. The carefully chosen fabrics and colour palette feel relaxed and understated, creating a homely feel. Houseplants soften the architectural angles of the room whilst adding greenery and further connection to the garden. The use of oak in the hand-made kitchen and various furniture pieces adds a sense of warmth and calm. A conscious decision by the Studio28 design

team, “with so many cold, architectural surfaces such as metal, stone and glass, we wanted to soften the lines by introducing nature-inspired materials such as wood, linen, wool, natural plants and using earthy tones. The contrast of hard and soft versus light and dark is what really makes the space interesting, there’s always something new to see or explore,” explains Stacey.

Another stand-out feature of this property is the master en-suite. Studio28 combined the existing dressing room and shower room to create one large en-suite making space for a walk-in shower, freestanding bath, WC and double vanity with ample storage. Stacey explains: “The en-suite is located within the eaves of the roof, which made this room di cult to plan in terms of layout, head height and privacy. We made use of the height where possible and located the shower head opposite one of the frosted glass dormer windows, allowing ample daylight and head height. We were able to create a statement walk-in shower with large format contrasting tiles and we built a vertical niche to provide generous storage for showering products. We extended back into the eaves to create additional space for the large freestanding bath, which requires less head-height, and we built a long horizontal niche providing storage for bathing products or candles. We used moisture loving houseplants and a warm colour palette to create a cosy, homely feel to the bathroom and soften the harder tiles aesthetically.”

See more of Studio28 Interiors’ work at s28interiors.com

“The autumnal palette linked to the garden, ideal for indooroutdoor living”

COLOUR WAYS

FRESH PAINTS FOR THE SEASON

RAINBOW HUES

FENWICK & TILBROOK

Injecting warm hues like honeyed beiges and blush pinks together with rich blues can transform a space. Consider incorporating hand-painted murals to add a touch of individuality and playfulness. Paint colours used: Rusty Rose, Tarnished Brass, Bridesmaid. fenwickandtilbrook.com

CLOUD BURST CA'PIETRA

So , cool and calming, Maggie's Cloud is the perfect neutral shade in the Proper Good Paint™ collection for toning down accent walls or completing a naturally styled interior. capietra.com

RED ALERT

SOPHIE ALLPORT X COAT

Rockingham is a brick red paint with warm orange undertones. It's a deep shade that pairs well with a neutral such as Rutland Stone or use Hambleton Sage to add contrast. sophieallport.com

THE FEELING

FRANCESCA'S PAINTS

Eco company Francesca's Paints offers a bespoke mixing service with a focus on how colours make people feel. This is Esmerelda's Emerald Green. francescaspaints.com

TRUE BLUE BENJAMIN MOORE

Benjamin Moore's colour of the year for 2024 is Blue Nova, an alluring mid-tone that features an enchanting duality, capturing the spotlight with endlessly classic appeal. benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk

RIGHT ANGLES

PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE

Featuring a geometric design and simple colour tones, these Ashford tiles are perfect for almost anywhere; they’ll look just as good in a modern bathroom as in a period hallway. porcelainsuperstore.couk

STAND OUT

BURLINGTON

Simplifying the signature elements of Edwardian design and blending them with modern performance, the Contemporary Upstand Basin is a stunning feature for any bathroom. burlingtonbathrooms.com

BRUSH OFF

SURI

The sleekest of toothbrushes, Suri looks good in your bathrooms and gives you the best clean teeth feeling. Accessories include a brilliant magnetic mirror holder, and there are colourways to match your space. trysuri.com

SHELF LIFE

WHERE SAINTS GO

This industrial style brass mirror has a roomy shelf for all essentials and adds a stylish vintage feel to any bathroom. wheresaintsgo.co.uk

IN THE PINK CA PIETRA

Ca Pietra's Deck Chair Porcelain tiles have a playful striped design available in vibrant summer colours. Lay in stripes or in a basket weave pattern on interior and exterior floors and walls. capietra.com

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TRAVEL

A PASSION FOR AUSTRIA

INNSBRUCK

If you're heading to the Tirol to ski, why not stop over in Innsbruck? This beautiful city is often seen as simply a gateway to the mountains but it offers lots to do and see. We suggest staying at the Alpenrose.

The Travel Director

DREAM

DESTINATIONS

The founder of Rob Kennedy – The Travel Director writes about spreading the joy of travel

Iam one of the fortunate people that gets to work in a career that is also one of my passions: travel. I love creating those bespoke travel needs for a wide selection of people from short romantic city breaks to those ultimate bucket list trips. The packages I can put together are also financially protected for your peace of mind. I have been fortunate to travel extensively throughout Europe, Southern and Central America, and Southern Africa – amassing amazing memories. From tracking elephants in Botswana, cruising the Galapagos Islands, entering Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate at the end of the Inca Trail. I feel blessed to now be in a position to help others achieve their travel goals, and create their own memories. If I was asked to choose my favourite destinations I would struggle, but three of them would be as follows:

MALLORCA

I am fortunate that my family has a small apartment in Puerto Pollensa, which has enabled me to have a variety of experiences on this enchanting island. From the streets of the cosmopolitan capital Palma, to the striking craggy Tramuntana mountain range, to the inky blue seas and white sandy beaches along the coast. The accommodation and culinary experiences across the island are wide and varied. I continue to holiday to Mallorca every year, and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.

PERU

Peru really struck a cord with me when I originally visited. There is so much to see and experience, but the one constant was the amazing, vibrant, and friendly people. I particularly enjoyed Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, with its rich Inca history. Machu Picchu was a breathtaking experience, starting with a quite spiritual moment walking through the Sun Gate at the end of the Inca Trail. With the sun at my back, illuminating the ruins below, I was lost for words. My trip was capped by an exhilarating Amazon River Cruise – a most rewarding nature experience. Led by experienced, and highly knowledgeable, naturalist guides we witnessed the most incredible wildlife, flora, and fauna.

NAMIBIA

From the European feeling capital Windhoek, to the scorched earth Sossusvlei, to the wildlife filled Etosha National Park, Namibia o ers a wide variety of experiences. Particular highlights for me were searching for elusive desert-dwelling elephants in the granite landscaped Damaraland, and the barren Skeleton Coast, with its visible shipwrecks and whale bones.

Visit thetraveldirectors.co.uk/rob-kennedy/

MACHU PICCHU

NAMIBIA

MALLORCA

We

LIFE'S A

BEACH

Exploring dream holidays in the Caribbean, made reality by Sandals and Trailfinders

No other place in the world captures the imagination more than the Caribbean.

From Antigua, nicknamed the land of 365 beaches, and Barbados, where high tea and cricket mingle with rum and calypso beats, to the peaks of the Pitons providing a striking backdrop to Saint Lucia’s tranquil bays, a Caribbean holiday is one you won’t forget in a hurry.

When it comes to picking a dream destination, Sandals resorts and Trailfinders holidays come together to o er an unrivalled choice. Sandals boast 18 resorts situated across nine islands in the Caribbean. Their all-inclusive resorts are set along the most gorgeous tropical settings and exquisite beaches in the Caribbean. Stay, play, and indulge to your heart’s content at any of their resorts and experience the best the islands have to o er – featuring unlimited specialty restaurants, unique bars, and every land and water sport, including complimentary green fees at their

golf resorts and scuba diving for certified divers. Here we take a whistlestop tour of four perfect examples of what awaits you.

SANDALS GRANDE Antigua

Voted the “World’s Most Romantic Resort” year after year, adults-only hotel Sandals Grande Antigua is located on Antigua’s best and most famous beach, Dickenson Bay. Explore the Caribbean Beachfront Village, then step into a realm of chic sophistication where European grandeur unfolds from the hillside to villas-by-the-sea at the allsuite Mediterranean Oceanview Village.

SANDALS

REGENCY LA TOC, S aint Lucia

Embraced by lush tropical scenery, this destination epitomises luxury, showcasing the prestigious Sunset Oceanview Blu Village – an exclusive resort within a resort. Known as the “Emerald of the Caribbean” because of its sparkling emerald waters, Sandals Regency La Toc hugs a magnificent half-mile, crescent-shaped beach.

SANDALS ROYAL Barbados

Jet-setters flock to Sandals Royal Barbados for the sheer sophistication combined with unrivalled elegance. The posh amenities of this all-suite, all-inclusive Caribbean resort achieve an unprecedented level of extravagance.

SANDALS SOUTH COAST, Jamaica

Set along a 2-mile stretch of the pristine south coast of Jamaica, this entire all-inclusive resort has been designed to embrace the coastline. Even its innovations are influenced by water, from Over-the-Water Butler Bungalows to an Over-the-Water Serenity Wedding Chapel. In total, Sandals has seven resorts in Jamaica, including Sandals Dunn’s River, their newest resort that opened in 2023.

Speak to one of Trailfinders' travel consultants to book your dream Caribbean escape. The team are on hand 365/24/7 until you’re safely home and your money is completely financially secure. For more information call 020 7368 1506 or visit trailfinders.com

LOCATED ON THE MOST EXQUISITE BEACHES IN THE CARIBBEAN

SANDALS ROYAL BARBADOS

THERE'S PLENTY OF CHOICE FOR COUPLES LOOKING FOR A ROMANTIC GETAWAY

A free public festival promising over 50 exciting events for all ages and interests

EDUCATION

GLOBAL SPIRIT

MARYMOUNT INTERNATIONAL

SCHOOL LONDON

Marymount International School London is the first all-girls’ school in the UK to adopt the International Baccalaureate curriculum, which promotes independent and creative thought among subjects. Marymount is committed to an admissions process that uncovers the unique gifts and talents of every girl who applies.

marymountlondon.com

DOUBLE vision

Absolutely sits down with two leading Headteachers from across the county to discover what makes them tick

Karl Guest

POSITION : Headmaster, St Columba’s College

WEBSITE : stcolumbascollege.org

Q Before working at St Columba’s College, what was your background in education?

A I have been fortunate enough to work in almost all areas of education, beginning in state Catholic girls schools before moving to an independent boarding school for boys where I was a Head of Department and a Deputy Housemaster. I then moved overseas to Australia where I was a Head of Department and then Head of a Pastoral House. On returning to the UK, I was then Head of Boarding before moving back to Senior Leadership in a girls independent school. I was then appointed to my first Headship in 2020 and began my second Headship in St Columba’s College in 2023.

Q What inspired you to work at St Columba’s College?

A I was educated by De La Salle Brothers in London and the foundational aspect of working in a school with such a strong identity felt like I was coming home. St Columba’s College is such a successful school because of its identity and how all within the school feel so passionately about education. I am just the lucky one who is privileged to lead it forward.

Q What do you think makes you di erent?

A Holistic education. We prepare our young people to be successful in ALL areas of their life. They leave St Columba’s College not only academically prepared for their future, but as confident, balanced, thoughtful and happy students. How good is that?

Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024?

A We are developing our Expressive Arts o er and are really focusing on the wellbeing of our students and sta , with new and senior appointments being made in both these areas. It is vital that we pay attention to these areas if we are to significantly increase and grow our o er.

Q On a personal level, what are your hopes and dreams for 2024?

A I want to grow my school on

every level: its o er, its outreach, its foundational ethos and its already outstanding academic excellence. This is a magnificent place to educate our young and I will always work tirelessly to achieve the very best for each and every one of them.

Q Outside of work, what are you looking forward to this year?

A The older I get, the more I focus on the simple things that make me happy: the long runs on a Sunday, the time spent at home with my family, opportunities to enjoy live music. I guess to dream about my beloved Tottenham Hotspur winning the Champions League is never far from my mind, either!

KARL GUEST

Douglas Brown

POSITION : Headmaster, St Joseph’s In The Park

WEBSITE : stjosephsinthepark.com

Q Before working at St Joseph’s in the Park, what was your background in education?

A Before joining St Joseph’s in the Park, I had a rich background in education, serving as the Head of Sports at a local prep school. My journey continued as I transitioned to Deputy Head at Berkhamsted Prep School. However, what truly drew me to St Joseph’s was the remarkable atmosphere and the incredible focus on the children. Witnessing the genuine care and attention given to each child inspired me to become a part of this educational community.

Q What makes your school di erent?

A What sets our school apart is our unwavering commitment to prioritising the needs of the child above all else. Our

approach to teaching is inherently childcentred and holistic, ensuring that each student’s individual strengths and areas for growth are nurtured and supported.

Q What have been the highlights of the school year to date?

A Throughout the school year, we’ve celebrated numerous highlights, ranging from outstanding achievements in sports and drama to remarkable Year 6 results. Additionally, our recent a liation with the

“WE HAVE A COMMITMENT TO PRIORITISING THE NEEDS OF THE CHILD”

Mill Hill Education group marks a significant milestone, promising further development and opportunities for our school community.

Q What else is there to come in 2024/2025?

A Looking ahead, we anticipate continued growth and enhancement as we integrate further with the Mill Hill Education group and benefit from all the opportunities and facilities that being part of a larger school group a ords. Along with these advancements, we remain dedicated to preserving our personalised touch, o ering the best of both worlds to our students and families.

Q On a personal level, what are your hopes and dreams for 2024?

A On a personal level, my hopes for 2024 include witnessing my beloved Spurs clinch a cup victory and indulging in more travel experiences. Outside of work, I eagerly anticipate spending quality time with my family and attending live sporting events, cherishing these moments of leisure and relaxation.

DOUGLAS BROWN

perfect PARTNERS

The Executive Principal at Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools writes about why opening their gates wider is having a profound impact on their pupils and their community

By GUS LOCK

This year, our schools will continue to focus on growing community partnerships. Opening our school gates to thousands of children across seven local schools has enabled us to engage more deeply with a wider range of communities, institutions and people. Last year, we announced our new partnerships strategy, which reinforces our longer-term commitment to expand horizons and empower young people. Whether locally, nationally or globally, we’ve embarked on an ambitious programme to increase and deepen our relationships with other schools. As an example, we partnered locally with Fair Field Junior School based in

Radlett, Hertfordshire, where we engage with more than 200 students, delivering mutual opportunities for discovery, adventure and progress via a weekly science club, maths enrichment, a Reading Partner Programme and ICT. Alongside this, we have also formed wider community partnerships with Monksmead School in Borehamwood, London Academy in Barnet and Newberries Primary School in Radlett, delivering more than 20 hours per week of academic and co-curricular sessions to students. The last year alone has been remarkable, and we have gained so much ourselves, learning from others, building connections and sharing ideas and knowledge that support greater learning outcomes. Opening our school gates in this way has been life-changing and it also supports our overriding purpose to empower young people to make a profound impact in the

world. Our vision as one school is to build educational opportunities for our community and for all of those communities around us. Through these important partnerships, we are also widening our own students’ learning opportunities as well as raising aspirations and making an impact on improving education locally.

Over the last year, hundreds of our students and sta have worked with thousands of children at local schools, building real, sustainable relationships. All of these activities are co-created and

“Hundreds of our pupils have worked with thousands of children at local schools, building real relationships”

planned with our partner schools, with weekly partnerships sessions at the core. Hosted at our campus in Elstree or at our partner school sites, the activities we run range from reading, writing, maths, science and music, to debating, robotics, IT, swimming and outdoor education. There really is something for everyone.

A headteacher at one of our partner schools recently commented that they had got involved in the programme because they were keen to widen the children’s experience and ignite new passions. Having access to a range of resources means they can make that happen.

Opening our school gates has other advantages too not just for children, but for sta too. It has been an honour to be able to provide 72 free places at Habs Summer School for our partnership school children every year, with many of our sta involved in supporting roles. Collaborating with our partner schools is also about supporting the longer educational journey, and we have already guided around 80 partner school applicants through their university applications,

exams, and interview processes, with some being the first in their school’s history to secure a place at Oxbridge. Of course, it does not stop there. This year and beyond, we are aiming to increase the number of weekly hours we o er to schools from 20 per week to approximately 50 per week across seven of our local partner schools. We are also looking to increase the number of sta involved in weekly partnerships work from 19 to approximately 50. For Habs, the community partnerships programme is all about serving people and expanding connections within the community for the greater good of our young people and their future – that is also why we are increasing the number of free places to students from our partner schools and providing a package of pastoral support in line with this. It has been an exciting year for partnerships, and we are looking forward to what 2024 will bring.

Gus Lock is the Executive Principal at Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools. Find out more at habsboys.org.uk and habsgirls.org.uk

NICOLL

Thought PROCESSES

Five things you can do to make a cognitive di erence to your child

By NICOLA NICOLL

Within the Berkhamsted Schools Group, we emphasise the importance of a close partnership between schools and parents to ensure the best outcomes for pupils academically, emotionally, and socially. Children copy their parent’s language, behaviour, values and habits, and this daily habit-forming greatly influences a child's development.

Evidence indicates that adult-child conversations influence children's early language, cognitive development, and wellbeing. EEF research shows that rich oral language environments that explicitly foster talk between adults and children positively benefit young children’s learning and development. Experiencing cues that come with the art of debate, persuasive argument, and using e ective vocabulary is a very powerful lesson.

How adults interact with children is equally important. For example, an experiment was

carried out to compare the di erent outcomes to di erent types of questions, and use of hypotheses, e.g., "Maybe this is a dwarf’s door", versus instructive statements "This is a dwarf’s door" and in combination with open questions "What do you think, why is the door so small?". Children’s responses to hypotheses were longer and contained more self-generated explanations than responses to instructions. Using hypotheses also encouraged children to attach importance to their explanations. Combining hypotheses with open-ended why questions elicited longer responses, but no more self-generated explanations in children than open-ended questions alone.

Parents often look for teachable moments like discussing story plots when reading a book. Research has shown that engaged parenting helps children build cognitive and emotional skills. However, researchers found that children of parents who more often stepped in to provide instructions displayed more di culty regulating their behaviour and emotions.

Here's five things parents can do to make a cognitive di erence to your child:

1. Have conversations that expand your child’s vocabulary and ask open-ended questions;

2. Create opportunities for children to experience adult conversations, encourage them to join in by forming views and practising their use of vocabulary;

3. Demonstrate your values through your behaviour routines and habits, e.g. phones away at the dinner table. You are an important role model for your child’s behaviour;

4. Prepare the child for the road, not the road for the child – let children solve problems independently and allow them to explore the world around them themselves;

5. Daily reading or listening to stories together and playing board games for memory and strategy development with adults.

Nicola Nicoll is Headteacher at Heatherton Prep School – see more at berkhamsted.com/heatherton

NICOLA