Hertfordshire
MARKET PLACE
Celebrating a 1,000 year tradition in St Albans
•
SOMETHING FRESH
Visiting the revamped Auberge du Lac
•
LIFE'S A STAGE
The Roman Theatre Open Air Festival returns
Over 20 pages of inspiration and insight
THE HOLBY CITY STAR ON SWAPPING TV FOR LIFE IN THE TRING COUNTRYSIDE
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The Transformation FaceliftTM 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!
CONTEMPORARY
HAS ARRIVED IN ST ALBANS
O ur new St Albans store is now open! We have a wide range of beautiful Danish Design furniture and accessories for you to discover, and our team of interior designers and design professionals are ready to help you make the most your space as part of our free interior design service. Change the size, colour, nishes, con gurations and more. Call us today to book your free interior design consultation in-store or in the comfort of your own home. For further inspiration, explore our full collection online and in-store.
The ultimate luxury is taking time to unwind in a bed so comfortable that you never want to leave
Bed: Sandö I Fabric: The Romo Group’s Jackie Dalmatian I Rug: Light Beige I Bed Linen: Vindstilla I Bedside table: Holme I Headboard: Rivö I Bed legs: Reling MADE BESPOKE WITH FABRICS FROM AND
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
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STELLA ADAMS
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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Beautiful handmade kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture designed and created in Oxfordshire, covering neighbouring counties
Beautiful handmade kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and other bespoke furniture designed and created by craftsmen.
ABSOLUTELY’S June issue
highlights
You know how it is. At a loss after flicking through 56 channels on your chosen streaming service and still not able to find something to watch, an advert promoting property marketing comes up and you just have to take a look at how much your own home is worth.
Although the value didn't exactly have me jumping for joy, what I did find fascinating was how different our property looked when we bought it six years ago. I am amazed at how old fashioned it was, how pokey the bathroom looked, how bland the living room was. Without really noticing, we have completely transformed the look and feel and it gives a real insight into our design tastes.
I am sure if we ever do move the future inhabitants will probably think our design is too garish, but therein lies the fun when it comes to interior design. We are all different and there is so much inspiration out there that it is always exciting when it comes to a home revamp.
To help you on your way, we present our Absolutely Home supplement once again, featuring everything from Feng Shui in the bathroom to a look inside Alice Temperley's world. Enjoy!
Absolutely Home
The best in design and interiors (p51)
10 things we Absolutely love
COMPILED BY PENDLE HARTE
Balmain's Beyoncé collaboration features 16 looks, each inspired by a track on Beyoncé’s Renaissance album. This is Cozy. balmain.com
Featuring generous cups, bubbled stems and bold colour, wine glasses from Ornamental by Lameice come in a variety of bright shades, £95. koibird.com brow
A collaboration between Barton Perreira and beauty brow stylist Kelley Baker has resulted in these stylish Brow Babe shades, £430.
farfetch.com
The Curve vases in gorgeous pastel tones of blush pink and lilac will inject your home with a pop of colour and curve appeal, £68. luxeology.co.uk
Copenhagen-based jeweller Sif Jakobs' collections are simple and stylish – we love this pink zirconia pendant, £99. si akobs.uk
This pure silk hair wrap shields hair against the nightly friction and moisture absorption of bed linen that causes breakages, frizz and split ends, £50. silkelondon.com
LILAC TIME
Colour experts Caran d'Ache and Paul Smith have teamed up for a new special edition of the iconic 849 pen in fi ve new colour variations, £55. carandache.com
Beautifully so and tactile feathers combine with brass ball chain and a bouclé trim in the showstopping Juliette light, £445. coldharbourlights.com
ROBE
With over 400 years of history, Hatfield Park invites you to escape into the past and enjoy a perfect day out.
17-19 JUNE
The success of the Ayot St Lawrence Art Show is ultimately down to the quality of the artwork. They have a fantastic range of artists, many of whom exhibit every year in a variety of styles and media including oil, watercolour and acrylic. In addition to the framed art available for sale, there are browsers full of excellent unframed art, plus a variety of art-based greetings cards designed by the artists - find out more over the page. ayotartshow.co.uk
VARIOUS DATES, ELSTREE
Home Farm Glamping returns for the summer. The site, based on a beautiful 150 acre estate with its own private lake, has focused on wellbeing and wildlife with a fantastic array of activities including live music in the woods, outdoor feasting, wild writing and natureinspired art workshops. There is a gorgeous on-site Yoga Yurt, which o ers dreamy meditations, breathwork, yoga, sound baths and more. homefarmglamping.com
2-4 June
OAKLANDS COLLEGE
The UK’s biggest touring celebrity food and music festival series, Foodies Festival, is coming to St Albans for the very first time in June. It will serve up a star-studded line-up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars, including Natalie Imbruglia and Scouting for Girls. Known as GastroGlastonbury, the three-day event features live cooking demonstrations from top chefs drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake O and Great British Menu, plus award-winning cooks. foodiesfestival.com
22-24 June
HIGHFIELD
Luna Cinema will be right on your doorstep with open-air cinema for three nights at the beautiful Highfield Park this June. Start your summer o right with Luna and choose one of the incredible movies from The Luna Cinema line-up, including Oscarwinning Top Gun: Maverick, and the totally fetch Mean Girls. Perfectly scripted for your enjoyment. thelunacinema.com
24 June ST ALBANS
The Alban Weekend is a two-day spectacular with the Alban Pilgrimage, organised by St Albans Cathedral, on 24 June where a magnificent procession with 12ft tall carnival puppets and people of all ages dress as lions, Roman soldiers, angels, and chariots to re-enact the historic events which led to St Alban’s execution at the hands of the Romans. Alban Street Festival on 25 June celebrates Alban, with plenty of fun in the city centre including live music, arts, crafts, games and activities. enjoystalbans.com
ART
17-19 June
AYOT ST LAWRENCE
Now in its 48th year, the Ayot St Lawrence Art Show has gained a reputation for attracting an impressive and eclectic range of artists. They are always thrilled to welcome back a number of popular artists whose loyal fans come year after year to buy their work. The art show takes place in the beautiful Ayot St Lawrence “New Church”, a Grade I listed, Greek-style church, which is a work of art in itself. ayotartshow.co.uk
9-16 JUNE, VARIOUS LOCATIONS
This is a festival that celebrates live classical music in Hertfordshire with a rich and diverse programme of events and outreach projects that explore the connection between music and art. The festival aims to bring together local art and music enthusiasts through inspiring talks, and they will also mark the coronation of King Charles III with two special events in Hertford. hertsmusicfest.org.uk
TRY FEST
9-11 June
Taking place at Letchworth Rugby Football Club, Try Fest is a family friendly festival with the theme of 80s, 90s, 00s and beyond. Expect over 60 live acts, bands and DJs across the three days playing on open air stages, dance arenas and a VIP Village. There is also a kids zone with bouncy castles and other entertainment. tryfest.co.uk
POP UP MUSIC FESTIVAL
18 June
This year’s Pop Up Music Festival, being staged at Church End near Little Hadham, will feature Blue, Vengaboys, Boyzlife, Cascada and more. Tickets are for anyone aged 5 or over, under 5s are free and do not require a ticket, but under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible ticket-holding adult aged 21+. VIP add on includes a private bar, luxury toilets, all in an exclusive VIP area. popupmusicfestival.co.uk
WGC VINTAGE FESTIVAL
23-25 June
After an incredible first year, the second WGC Vintage Festival, a unique international live music and dance event, plus all things vintage, returns to Welwyn Garden City. This year they have over 100 top internationally acclaimed musicians, singers, DJs, performers, Swing, Lindy Hop, Jive, Rock 'n' Roll dancers, theatre and movies, dance classes, vintage and classic cars, fashion, vintage stalls and children’s entertainers across five stages and arenas. jiveswing.com
“My dream is to be Brigitte Bardot and create an animal rescue centre”PHOTO: HARRY LIVINGSTONE CLOTHES BY LOVE ALICE
By NATALIE LI
Rosie Marcel is enjoying a wholesome existence in the Hertfordshire countryside, and she isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Unfortunately, her busy weekend activities have resulted in an injury. “I was in hospital on Saturday, I had my thumbnail removed working with my chickens and goats,” she laughs. “That’s my lifestyle now!”
As we chat it’s clear that she is totally immersed in her new life – a world away from starring in the popular medical drama, Holby City, which was axed by the BBC and finished in March 2022.
“My dream is to be Brigitte Bardot and have enough money to create a rescue centre. I love animals, but if I brought more home, I think my husband would probably divorce me!” smiles Rosie, who is a patron for animal rescue charity Last Chance Hotel and an ambassador
for The Pack Project. “I have no boundaries when it comes to animals, if there is something in the road I will stop. I think I am an empath, almost to my own detriment. I find it hard to say no when an animal is in need.”
After 16 years of portraying the ambitious consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Jac Naylor, Rosie has been at the centre of some of the soap’s big storylines. Her role earned her a nomination under the soap category at the TRIC Awards 2023 (she won the award in 2022), hosted in June by the Television and Radio Industries Club, which celebrates talent on the screen and airwaves.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s been di cult since Holby ended,” she admits. “I’ve been acting for 42 years and earning money. I had a massive identity crisis after I stopped playing Jac.
“I went from a very good wage and being a lead on a TV show, an immensely popular character, to nothing. I found it di cult not earning my own money and contributing. It has taken me until quite recently to be OK with what I do now.”
The 45-year-old mum to daughter Beau, eight, has her hands full as she embarks on renovating her 1930s farmhouse. Rosie and husband Ben swapped the urban sprawl of St Albans for a scenic setting complete with 14 acres of land.
“When we bought this house I had a great job, Ben was running a successful CrossFit gym in St Albans and in the space of two months of moving here in May 2020 our lives completely changed. Holby was axed and a month later Ben’s gym burnt down.
“We’ve since sold the 11-acre field across the road from the house and used the proceeds to do up the house – we’ve just got planning permission. It’s been a real labour of love as we’ve not had the money to make it what we envisaged it would be.” The plans for the home are ambitious – “a big wraparound extension,” explains Rosie. “Ben is super handy, and he can do plumbing, plastering and electrics.”
Life on the set of a TV drama is a world away from Rosie’s new lifestyle, but she has no regrets. “I’m glad the show finished in
many ways because I am the best mum I can possibly be. I returned to work six months after having Beau and I was lucky if I saw her once a week. I did the best I could at the weekends. It’s tough being a full-time actor on a show that doesn’t stop. I don’t think I became a mother until I left the show. Now Beau sees me every day. It’s far more rewarding than acting. I love my life and it really suits me.”
A typical day for Rosie starts with school drop-o , walking her four dogs, looking after the cats, feeding her growing flock of rescue chickens, ducks, bees and looking after the orchard. “I am covered in s**t most days, excuse my language,” she giggles.
She shows me the view from where she is sitting. Lush green countryside beckons. “We have a pear and apple orchard but, my god, picking the apples drives me insane! It takes forever.
“During our second year at the house we picked everything, found a local press, made
our own labels, and sold Hive Farm apple juice at a few co ee places in Tring like the Espresso Lounge. Learning how to pollard a tree or discover whether a chicken is egg bound is amazing new stu to me,” she enthuses.
As a child Rosie dreamed of becoming a vet or a marine biologist. A career in acting began with her first job, aged three, followed by a role in children’s comedy drama Press Gang. “I was acting as a young child and barely at school – I wasn’t academic,” admits Rosie. “I would’ve liked to pursue a career in animal husbandry or animal care – that would have been up my street.”
Rosie later became a model, a cartoonist for Warner Bros and trained as a stuntwoman, swiftly abandoned when she discovered she had haemophilia.
Health issues have been a recurring theme in Rosie’s life. She developed Behçet’s disease, an inflammatory condition, which left her bed bound, and struggled with her mental health. Di culties with getting pregnant and dealing with a miscarriage also took their toll.
“When I had a miscarriage, it was at a time when my character Jac was having a baby and I had just lost one so that was weird. We went to an IVF clinic and just before we were about to start the process, I discovered I was pregnant.”
Ice baths combined with walks in the nearby countryside have been a saviour. “I am now o immunosuppressants so swapped it for 12 minute weekly ice baths – three minutes at a time,” she says. “It’s been amazing. It has helped with my mental health, and I think it is important to talk about that stu especially being in the public eye – a year and a half after Jac dying was like losing a friend. The transition has been crazy.
“I love taking the dogs for a walk,” she adds. “The Chiltern Way is very close and my sister lives nearby. We also love trips to Hardings Wood and Ashridge House. We go to Berkhamsted a lot – we’re a fan of the restaurant Plates and local pubs like the Greyhound.”
I wonder if she’ll make a return to our screens. “Acting is not for me at the moment,” she says. “I’m certainly not retired. Panto could be fun! I reckon I’d make a brilliant, wicked queen in Snow White,” she giggles.
“Acting is what I like doing, I am pretty good at it. But it’s not my life. I am very accepting and sanguine about that.”
“I don’t think I became a mother until I left Holby City”ASHRIDGE HOUSE PHOTO: SOPHIA VERES, CLOTHES BY LOVE ALICE
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Q Tell us a little about the history of markets in St Albans…
A St Albans Abbey founded the market in around 860 to generate income for the Abbey and to form the centre of a new town. Henry VIII closed the Abbey in 1539 and the market remained crown property for the next 14 years. In 1553, some local merchants and landowners purchased the market from Henry’s son, Edward VI. The letters patent, which records this sale, also incorporated St Albans as a borough and the market has belonged to the Mayor ever since under the authority of St Albans City and District Council (SADC).
In the 19th century, the market became a wholesale market for food and later included a cattle market on a Wednesday. As the landscape of retail changed across the 20th century, the market has transitioned back to a mix of fashion, gifts, produce, street food, and other supplies like fabrics and collectables.
SADC also operates and authorises several visiting markets, working with expert organisers and event firms. These include a quarterly vegan market, monthly food and drink markets and monthly antiques and vintage market, which are all hugely popular.
Q Today, how important is St Albans Market to the area?
A St Albans was built around the market, and we remain a rare example of a street market operating on the same pitches used in the Middle Ages. For some local businesses like Eat Whole Foods, the market presents an opportunity to have a high street presence to support their nearby shop.
Many street food traders o er cuisines not found in local restaurants. In a town with no fishmonger, we have three operating across Wednesdays and Saturdays. We also have fabrics, customcut foam, phone and watch repairs. The market provides employment, extra variety for shoppers, and opportunities to start new businesses. Most of all, the market provides a space to meet and mingle, gossip, catch-up, and enjoy street performances.
Q How long have you been the St Albans Market Manager and what originally attracted you to the role?
A I have been the manager of the market for SADC since November 2021. It’s my first market outside of inner London and, as with all markets across the UK, I knew that the market had taken a hard knock during COVID, but that it had a reputation as a real destination market with a high-quality o er. I was drawn to the opportunity to play a part in building on the past and helping to make this millennium the market’s best one yet.
Q What are the biggest challenges you face?
A Every morning brings its own challenges and triumphs, but we remain focussed on
supporting our traders so that locals and visitors can continue to enjoy this 1100-yearold business. Attending trader numbers can vary according to the season, holidays, weather, and so on, yet we can have up to 85 traders creating the market and sharing the space together. The market is on the public highway and supporting the market means creating partnerships with the County Council (the Highways authority) and local groups.
Q The markets aside, what else do you love about St Albans?
A I love the contrasting architecture, medieval town centre, 1930s railway houses and the beautifully brutalist magistrates’ court. Despite the size of the town, it has a village feel with lots of local characters.
Between the Alban Arena, our museums, the markets, green spaces, and SADC’s annual festivals, there is always something to see or do in St Albans.
As a Londoner (which is pretty flat) it is nice to work on high ground. The views from the Clock Tower (which houses our market bell) are beautiful and the sunrises and sunsets can be spellbinding.
Q Where are some of your favourite places to visit in Hertfordshire?
A As a market nerd, I cannot help but recommend the monthly markets in Harpenden and Redbourn.
There’re so many lovely restaurants and pubs in Hertfordshire, but for me, there’s nothing better than the food served at St Albans Market. The Street Food section has a character all of its own and tantalising aromas from every corner of the globe drift through the streets, there’s always something amazing to tickle the tastebuds.
Q How do you see the future of St Albans Market evolving?
A The market is well on track to recover from the disruption of the pandemic. We are seeing lots more arts and crafts and smaller, more focused o ers from new traders. We expect a market with a greater diversity of traders selling more niche products and younger market traders setting up who can successfully use our market as a springboard for their new business.
enjoystalbans.com
“The market provides a space to meet, mingle, and gossip”
JAMES LOVES THE PUBS OF HERTFORDSHIREPHOTO: RICKY BARNETT PHOTO: RICKY BARNETT
CINNAMON SQUARE
Welcome to the home of the Cinnamon Square Bun… This is a multi awardwinning artisanal bakery based in Rickmansworth, where they use fresh, natural ingredients and traditional methods to make delicious handcrafted baked goods, real breads and probably the best ever cinnamon buns. And, now, they are celebrating more recognition, winning the National Bakery 2023 Award for Hertfordshire as part of the East of England region's National Bakery Awards. cinnamonsquare.com
Wine recommendations for the month
By EATALY
The Pantelleria estate, a small island o the coast of Southern Italy, is home to Ben Ryè wines. This 2020 wine uses Zibibbo grapes and provides an extraordinary rich bouquet with outstanding aromas obtained from the dried grapes.
This vineyard is located in the north of Italy, which allows for varying climates between day and night. This fresh, subtle wine is light yellow in colour and soft on the palate, o ering a creamy softness with a hint of herbs and spices.
Borgogno - No Name
Borgogno is one of the oldest continuously operating winery in Barolo, Piedmont in the North of Italy. Ethereal, persistent with violet, rose, fresh fruits and spicy hints on the nose this dry, velvety, full-bodied wine is our top pick this season.
EATALY
Eataly hosts intimate guided tastings led by resident wine experts where you can discover the very best Italian wineries and distilleries. eatalyvino.com
By MARK KEBBLE
THE GROVE
This summer, guests are invited to 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 beautiful water exhibit in the Formal Gardens. The balloons will be available each day for either afternoon tea or a nine-course gourmet tasting menu. Tables are available for Feast on Cloud 9 at The Grove from 9 June.
thegrove.co.uk
LUSSMANNS
GREAT BRITISH FESTIVAL
Heading to Ashridge House from 3-4 June, the aim of this festival has always been (and will always remain) to create fabulous, fun, foodie days out for all visitors and their families to enjoy. They work with wonderful producers, who not only make fabulous food and drink products, but are genuinely passionate about what they do and bring their products to the events with a big, proud smile on their faces. greatbritishfoodfestival.com
Get together with friends and family this Father’s Day and enjoy a delicious BBQ served by Sopwell House’s Executive Head Chef, accompanied by live music from a guitarist and singer providing the perfect background. sopwellhouse.co.uk
Lussmanns has launched its first summer 2023 menu, which is available to enjoy at any of the restaurant group’s five Hertfordshire restaurants. The new dishes include chargrilled nectarine and Monmouthshire coppa ham with Ewes curd and broad beans and Burrata, padron pepper and sundried tomato bruschetta. lussmanns.com
Father's Day is just around the corner, and so celebrate this special day at Plume of Feathers in Tewin. Expect a fantastic selection of dishes on the menu, including juicy burgers and succulent steaks. greeneking-pubs.co.uk
BROOKMANS
Nestled in the heart of Brookmans Park is Brookmans, a gastropub with a brilliant atmosphere where you can enjoy good food and drink in relaxed surroundings, whatever the occasion. Already a great spot to meet friends, family or colleagues for a drink or a bite to eat, now Brookmans has a brand-new menu for summer and a new team at the helm, to make any trip to the pub perfect. brookmanspub.co.uk
On Sunday 18 June for £26.95, treat dad to a celebration just as wonderful as he is with The Chequers Stevenage’s delicious Father’s Day 3-Course Set Menu, featuring tempting seared fillets of sea bass and familiar comforts of their traditional sirloin of beef roast. vintageinn.co.uk
HITCHIN BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL
This is another popular festival for those who enjoy real ale, real cider & perry, mead, KeyKeg beer and international beer. The drinking experience is one to be enjoyed in the marquee or on the field, and there is food from an eclectic variety of vendors. CAMRA merchandise will be available at the event on 15-17 June.
tckty.camra.org.uk
Hertfordshire favourite Auberge du Lac is back with a highly acclaimed Head Chef at the helm. Absolutely Hertfordshire heads to Brocket Hall to dine out on the news
Lockdown hit hospitality hard and Hertfordshire wasn’t immune to this, with local favourite Auberge du Lac shutting their doors. Now, though, those restaurant doors are back open to welcome us all into a revamped experience. With a focus on locally sourced sustainable ingredients –many grown on-site by their own kitchen gardener – new head chef, John Barber, has created a seasonal, modern British menu.
At 16, John went to study at The UCB College of Food before landing his first role – leaving his Sta ordshire home to work at The Belfry Hotel. An apprenticeship at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge, London followed, and after a period working at the Mandarin in Thailand, John joined Bar Boulud (part of the Mandarin in London) and within just three years became executive sous chef and then executive head chef.
John joined the Brocket Hall estate last year to work on the re-opening of Auberge du Lac, so we sat down with him to discover the ingredients that have gone into the grand unveiling.
Q What inspired your love for cooking?
A Food and cooking were always a part of my upbringing. There was always home cooked food for dinner from scratch and cakes, pies etc and always a roast on a Sunday. I guess that’s how my mum was brought up and I was always happy to help her.
Q When did it become a career for you?
A It was around the age of 14 I decided I wanted to be a chef. I went to an open day at University College Birmingham, loved what I saw, and at 16 I left school and started there.
Q Of your positions pre-Auberge, which ones have you learnt the most from?
A Probably the 10 years I spent at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge. The first three years there I was on an internal rotational program, which saw me spend six months in each outlet, and it gave me a massive overview of the whole operation at a young age. It really was the foundation for my career.
Q Can you describe your style of cooking?
A I don’t like to put a specific style on my cooking as I like to try di erent things. I
was classically trained at college, worked with Asian flavours at the Mandarin, worked with French influences at Bar Boulud with chef Daniel Boulud… it really is a mixed bag. At Auberge we will cook a modern British style of cuisine, but all my experiences will come into play with the menu.
Q What attracted you to coming to Brocket Hall and overseeing the re-launch of Auberge du Lac?
A After lockdown and spending a lot of time with my young family, I wanted to find something closer to home. I had been commuting into London from Hitchin for five years, early starts and late nights mixed with delayed trains and replacement buses was no fun at all! So, I decided to find something nearer and I came across the restaurant Auberge, which had been closed since lockdown. I approached Brocket Hall who asked me to come up with a vision for the restaurant, and a few months later I started working there.
Q How much work has gone into things behind the scenes?
A The hospitality industry is very hard at the moment, finding the right sta is the biggest challenge of all. For our pop-up events that we have been running for the last few months we have had to use sta from across the estate, but now we are building our own team for the back and front of house who are focused on Auberge and who share my vision.
“At Auberge we will cook a modern British style of cuisine”
JOHN BARBER
Q As a venue, what do you make of Brocket Hall?
A The thing that really did attract me to Brocket Hall was the amount of potential it has. The grounds are stunning, and even for someone who doesn’t play golf the courses are amazing. It really is a special location.
Q Why did you want to hold some pop up events pre-opening and how did they go?
A I had never seen Auberge open before and honestly hadn’t heard of it, not being local to the area. Once I had seen the potential, I started to look at its history and saw the success and the almost cult following that it had previously enjoyed. I chose to do the pop-up events to test people’s opinion on the food I was cooking and to see what people’s expectations are of Auberge now. To get an honest reaction we gave out feedback forms for guests to leave suggestions on their experience and we have tried to work on their responses. All in all, we have received very positive and constructive feedback.
Q What can we expect from the menu at Auberge du Lac?
A We will be running a 5 x 5 x 5 a la carte menu to start, then implementing a tasting menu option for the evenings and a set menu at lunch. Sunday lunch we will also do a set menu, a roast style o ering.
We are lucky enough to have a kitchen garden that has been established from scratch by Lucy Hawkins, our amazing kitchen gardener (who is from nearby Letchworth) and her team. Lucy is working hard to grow as much produce for the restaurant as possible, which is a stone’s throw from Auberge as we focus on a soil to plate approach. The provenance of ingredients is very important not only from a sustainability perspective, but taste too. We are also trying to use as many local suppliers as possible as well such as Rodbournbury Mill, Farr Brew Brewery and The Cheese Plate in Buntingford.
Q How do you work with Lucy Hawkins?
A I see Lucy as very like-minded to myself,
she is a grafter and has transformed the kitchen garden from a patch of rough ground into a working garden. As time goes on, I can see the plans she has put into place working wonders for the estate and the restaurant. Together we have gone through the year and laid the foundations for the future, and now we have a plan for the crops that she will grow over the next 6-12 months.
Q Are there particular dishes you are loving now, or ingredients?
A Spring is upon us, and wild garlic is right up there as it’s in season right now. We pick it from the estate and it features on the opening menu. Asparagus is another ingredient which I am loving at the moment.
Q What are your hopes for the future?
A I hope to have Auberge running as a destination restaurant that people enjoy coming to not just once a year or for that special occasion, but more frequently. The menu will change seasonally, and the vibe will be a little more relaxed and accessible, so it will be somewhere you will want to visit for the great food and the great service in an amazing setting on a regular basis.
brocket-hall.co.uk/auberge-du-lac
“We will focus on a soil to plate approach, and using as many local suppliers as possible”
A relaxed yet refined restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, serving a seasonal menu of elevated British classics.
Championing locally sourced cuts from the rotisserie on a Sunday, along with a Menu du Jour offering two courses for £39.50 and three courses for £47.50. A pre and post theatre menu is also available alongside a range of bar snacks.
A Champagne trolley called ‘Georgie’ is on hand to ensure all occasions are suitably celebrated.
KERRIDGE’S BAR & GRILL
Corinthia London
No.10 Northumberland Avenue
• London WC2N 5AE
PEARL LOWE
Handmade in Somerset by local seamstresses, Pearl Lowe's swimwear and hats are all vintage inspired and made to flatter and accentuate the feminine figure. Drawing inspiration from the 50s with vintage inspired patterns, Pearl Lowe designs are feminist masterpieces, celebrating everything that’s sexy about women. pearllowe.co.uk
Jewellery 36 • The Shoot 38
MELISSA KAYE
18K Pink Gold One-of-a-Kind Lenox Ring, £19,500 melissakayejewelry.com
JENNA BLAKE
18K Yellow Gold Nautical Link Bracelet, £POA jennablake.com
MARLO LAZ
14K Yellow Gold Gemma Ring with Alexandrite and Rubies, £5,750 marlolaz.com
LOQUET
14K Diamond Amate Heart Locket, £1,800 loquetlondon.com
CRYSTAL HAZE
Nostalgia Bear Hoop in Lollipop, £35.99 crystalhazejewelry.com
POMELLATO
Nudo 18K Rose and White Gold, Topaz and Diamond Necklace, £3,150 net-a-porter.com
MOUSHE Flowing Love Set, £43 moushedesigns.com
LAUREN RUBINSKI
BFF Lurex and Bead Bracelet, £65 net-a-porter.com
EMILY P. WHEELER
18K Yellow Gold, Amethyst, and Enamel Elsa Ring, £1,530 emilypwheeler.com
RAHUA
Hair styling tools including straighteners, curling irons, and blow dry brushes can cause hair to become fragile over time. Rahua's new Heat Protectant Shield creates an invisible barrier against heat damage, keeping hair healthy and strong without weighing it down with chemicals and synthetic ingredients. rahua.uk
As professionals we take it for granted that the consumer understands the importance of shampooing, treating and conditioning their hair. However as a trichologist, it has become apparent this is not always the case. So I have tried to break down why it is important and how to achieve the luscious locks we all desire – especially throughout the summer.
The hair structure resembles that of a tree trunk. The outer layer consists of scales overlapping in a downward fashion, also similar to scales of a fish or tiles on a roof. This part of the hair structure is important as it protects the inner fibres of the hair. When hair is in good condition, the scales are laying in a downward fashion which helps to reflect daylight creating shiny hair. When hair is dry, dehydrated or damaged, cuticle scales can be devoid, hence daylight is absorbed, which causes dull lifeless hair.
In extreme cases, where hair is chemically damaged from over processing, the cuticle scales can be devoid and expose the inner fibres of the hair structure, known as the cortex. The cortex is the main working engine of the hair structure, this is where the cortical structure is changed during any chemical services and also during the shampooing process. With this mind it is imperative we ensure we take care of the hair structure.
Choosing the right shampoo is important and you should be looking at your scalp type. Is it greasy, dry/flaky and or itchy/
sensitive? The true indicator of your scalp type is one day after shampooing your hair. The shampoo process is to cleanse the scalp, and shampooing your scalp and hair daily is the best way to keep a healthy scalp and encourages healthy hair growth. A good brand shampoo will last for up to six months depending on hair type and length, and always emulsify the shampoo in the palm of your hands, evenly distributing it throughout your scalp then hair. If your shampoo does not lather at first, add more water, not shampoo, you could be over using and washing your money down the drain. Rinse your shampoo thoroughly, otherwise a residue could exacerbate an itchy scalp or leave a greasy film on the hair and scalp, which would weigh your hair down giving the appearance of dull, lifeless hair. Always squeeze excess water from the hair prior to applying your hair conditioner. The
conditioner is for your hair, so again evenly distribute the conditioner in downward stroking actions to avoid tangling and damaging the cuticle through your mid length and ends. If your scalp is oily avoid the scalp area, if your scalp is dry then apply to the scalp also. Always use a wide tooth comb, avoid brushing wet hair as this will cause excess hair breakage. Hair is at its most vulnerable when it is wet. An intensive hair treatment works on the inner structure of the hair shaft replacing lost moisture, sugar, salts and fatty acids. These elements are lost from everyday brushing, UV rays and daylight, to name just a few. Your hair is a structure of a complex chain of amino acids which are proteins, so it is important to keep the balance of the inner structure to give us the correct stretch and return of the hair, in other words the elasticity. When hair has good elasticity our styles hold longer and creates more body and volume.
For more advice on hair and scalp issues or for a private consultation please contact Trisha Buller MIT SRSH via email at trichology@trishabuller.com
IRON BOOST
Women tend to be more susceptible to iron deficiency.Dome’s Iron Assist vitamins contain 12mg of iron in a polyphenol-rich chocolate capsule, £21. domevitamins.com
Together Health’s Women’s Wholefood Multivitamin delivers a complete vitamin and mineral formulation in a one-a-day capsule. Contains 22 essential nutrients, £10.99. togetherhealth.co.uk
Hypnotherapy app Clementine has meditations and coaching sessions for everything from confidence to sleep
HORMONE SUPPORT
Wild Nutrition’s award-winning daily multi nutrient offers a fullspectrum of vitamins, minerals, and herbs, designed to support healthy hormone cycles, energy, and immune system, £33.50. wildnutrition.com
Like many busy working mums, I find it hard to build in any ‘me moments’ into my day. So the first time I log on to Clementine is a Monday morning, after a stressful nursery drop o (my toddler didn’t want to say goodbye), and before I face a mountain of emails in my inbox. The app’s cheerful interface instantly makes me smile. I choose the ‘My day, my way’ meditation, and immediately feel calmer as I spend a few minutes ‘hugging’ myself and gently tapping my forearms, breathing through the positive a rmations.
Founded by Kim Palmer, Clementine has an extensive menu of meditations to choose from – covering everything from sleep (‘I can sleep deeply at night’) to stress and anxiety (‘My f*cks are mine to give’). There’s also meditations for menopause, including ‘mind-skin rituals’ created in collaboration with No7. Sessions, and are led by a brilliant panel of four di erent therapists, including Hazel Gale, who is the app’s lead cognitive hypnotherapist. It isn’t long before I’m hooked, looking forward to having a moment to try a new meditation. And once you’re into it, there’s plenty more to explore. Clementine has
some great coaching courses, including ‘Become a more confident person’ and ‘Become more body confident’. There’s also free online workshops, including a ‘Collective hug event’, a session that includes face massage, tapping, a rmations and visualisation. The app’s thoughtful design makes it easy for me to build meditation time into my day. There’s a ‘walking’ section that I can listen to whilst my daughter naps in the pram, and the ability to set reminders. And the more time I spend on Clementine, the more I realise how much better I feel for it.
clementineapp.com
inside this section
DESIGN NEWS, THE LATEST LAUNCHES p52
THE ART OF FENG SHUI p54
THE TOP 2023 INTERIORS TRENDS p61
BRING FLOWER POWER INTO THE HOME p69
CLARISSA HULSE
Launching recently, artist Clarissa Hulse’s latest luxury wallpaper and mural collection is an invitation to wander into a magical world where wildflower and seedheads glow against luminous, open skies.
HOUSEOF. X EMMA GURNER
Houseof has teamed up with interior designer Emma Gurner to create The Contrasting Colour Collection of table lamps, ceiling lights, floor lamps and wall lights.
Emma’s designs are notable for her playful use of colour and incorporating modern style with hints of nostalgia. Alongside houseof’s bold colour palette and retro shapes, the collaboration feels a natural fit. houseof.com
Invited to design for Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, India Mahdavi extended the Loop family, which already included a lounge chair and a banquette, with a newly designed dining chair and a lounge chair, called Mickey for its characteristic ears that recall those of a mouse. gebruderthonetvienna.com
GRAPHENSTONE
Graphenstone, the world's most certifi ed eco paint, has launched two new colours for spring/summer 2023 – Serpentine blue, a so chalky blue inspired by the trend for wild swimming, and Baked Clay, a deep oxide red reminiscent of sun-baked Moroccan earth. graphenstone.co.uk
MODERN HISTORY
Nature vase, £20 modern-history.co.uk
DARTINGTON CRYSTAL
Little Treasures
Amethyst Optic vase, £22 dartington.co.uk
CONRAN SHOP Wide Block Sgraffi to vase, £160 conranshop.co.uk
DROOL ART
If you’re looking to jazz up your interior and support earlycareer artists, try Drool. With a selection of prints ranging from bold and contemporary, to muted and abstract, Drool offers artists exposure, allowing vibrant, quality giclée prints to be shipped worldwide. drool-art.com
HAY
The iconic Wall Clock is a result of a collaboration between HAY and designer Jasper Morrison. It embodies Morrison's talent for creating relevant and straightforward items that fit seamlessly into everyday surroundings, £105. twentytwentyone.com
Your home should be all about comfort, but so many don’t make full use of their space to tap into a feelgood factor. Step forward Herts interiors therapist, Suzanne Roynon…
By MARK KEBBLE
Your home should be your sanctuary – but so many of us make basic mistakes that actually stress us out, when stepping through your door should have the opposite effect. It’s why experts like Suzanne Roynon are so in demand, with the Berkhamsted local here to give Herts’ homes a little bit of therapy.
“What’s now known as ‘interiors therapy’ germinated for 30 years while I added to my skills, qualifications and practical knowledge – but for the record, interiors therapy is a long way from ‘a bit of decluttering’,” laughs Suzanne. “It’s a lifestyle choice which changes the thinking and attitude to possessions, stuff and the home at a deep and subconscious level. When it was revealed Jennifer Aniston used an interiors therapist as part of her recovery from divorce, it was time to step up and be more available to the individuals and families I could serve.”
For nigh on four decades, Suzanne has been a leading voice in the practice of Feng Shui in the home. “In the 80s, Western Feng Shui (which uses the front door to define the energetic areas of a home) became popular. My interest grew and I used it in my own home and wrote about it in my first book, Welcome Home, How Stuff Makes or Breaks Your Relationship,” she says. “However, when I moved to an apartment, the Western Feng Shui didn’t seem to work, which made life harder than it needed to be. My frustration and research led me to traditional Compass Feng Shui which, when fully implemented, raised the energy in our
home to levels I had never experienced with the more ‘DIY’ Western method. Now I use compass Feng Shui for all my clients across the UK and internationally.”
Feng Shui is undoubtedly a term many of us are familiar with, but does Suzanne think there’s still plenty to learn about it? “Yes, we never stop learning, and as huge global brands, billionaires and aspirational hotel chains routinely invest in Feng Shui, it’s becoming more accessible and accepted,” she says. “I think readers understand that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to a more contented existence, and what I’ve learned is that using Compass Feng Shui in combination with interiors therapy can maximise everything else you’re doing and shift life from humdrum to extraordinary. Whether it’s coaching, mentoring or any other physical or emotional therapy, once the home is in alignment with your goals and desires, it becomes a whole lot easier to achieve them.”
What do clients tend to come to her for help with? “Goodness, where to start?!”
Suzanne exclaims. “With interiors therapy moving on after divorce or being widowed is a big one; revitalising a sagging relationship; reclaiming an empty nest or a home which has become overwhelmed with possessions; making space to welcome a baby after fertility challenges; perhaps meeting someone new who is worthy of love; understanding why a home isn’t selling... and so much more.
“I incorporate Feng Shui into the interiors therapy process, but also use it as a standalone option for people who want to increase their success, reputation,
opportunities, romance, friendships and lead more auspicious and abundant lives,” Suzanne adds. “Those who appear to be ‘lucky’ are often blessed with great natural Feng Shui in their property, even if they are completely oblivious to it, so I also advise clients on the ‘house type’ of a potential new home so they purchase in the knowledge of what needs to be done to amplify good energy and create a firm foundation for their future happiness.
“Homes can be the root cause of frustration in many families and relationships. It’s easy to repeat old patterns through habit, fear, guilt and confusion, which can leave people feeling trapped, as if life is going nowhere. Rethinking the layout and contents of a home is always a good way to shake things up and see things differently. The old adage ‘without change, nothing changes’ is superrelevant in homes, but it goes deeper than moving the sofa or changing the wallpaper.”
And you may be thinking the entrance hall, or perhaps the main living space, are the key areas of the home that need looking at with a fresh pair of eyes. But as Suzanne’s recent work with the brilliantly named Who Gives a Crap – an eco-friendly toilet brand – shows, the bathroom is perhaps one area we don’t give enough attention to. “While we seldom place traditional Feng Shui remedies in bathrooms as waste outlets diminish their potency, nevertheless to achieve the maximum positive Feng Shui energy in a home, bathrooms should always be warm, safe and nurturing spaces to support the success and prosperity of the people who live there,” Suzanne says.
“The bathroom is often forgotten or neglected in homes, and yet it’s an important area for wellbeing, release and
cleansing. Who Gives A Crap has a unique and compelling perspective in relation to their brand, environmental and ethical standards, which has enabled them to take a necessary but mundane product and make it interesting and fun – adding beauty and a ‘green’ ethos to the bathroom. I was delighted to partner with Who Gives A Crap, to share my Feng Shui knowledge with the nation and highlight the importance of making any bathroom a welcoming and supportive space.”
Outside of the home, Suzanne appears just as happy, probably due to the fact she is a born and bred Herts local. “I’ve lived in Hertfordshire my entire life, starting in Welwyn Garden City, then Ware, northwards to Baldock and Hitchin before settling in Berkhamsted,” she smiles. “I love my little turret home-office with views out over the town and lots of lush green fields and trees. It sits in the west part of the building, which in Feng Shui terms relates to new beginnings and opportunities. I feel very inspired here.”
To find out more Suzanne Roynon visit interiorstherapy.com
Tap into the fresh new spring feeling and give your bathroom a really deep clean. A grubby space won’t give you the luscious relaxation your body deserves, so treat it (and yourself) to a top-to-bottom high sparkle finish.
•
A bathroom is all about release and cleansing. To allow our bodies and minds to function efficiently they need to feel safe, secure and relaxed in order to fully let go. Create a comfortable, warm, private space and make sure the lock works!
Traditional Feng Shui uses the elements of earth, water, wood, fire and metal to balance the energy within a home. Bathrooms have a high concentration of water element which can be unsettling and cause emotional outbursts, tears, moodswings and anger. Restore equilibrium by using earth colours (browns, beige, mocha) to absorb excess water energy. So en very bright clinical rooms with healthy plants.
•
We’ve all heard Feng Shui anecdotes about keeping the lid down on the loo, but did you know this is far more than good bathroom hygiene? It’s also to stop the energy of your money being flushed down the pan! What’s rarely mentioned is dripping taps and leaky drains represent wasted wealth too, so get the dribbles and dodgy drains repaired before they damage more than your wallet.
Poggenpohl has 17 points of sale throughout the UK & Ireland · uk@poggenpohl.com
For your nearest Poggenpohl Studio please go to www.poggenpohl.com
Createastory,learnsongsandmakeupdances!
TiCKETS:
Createtheatre,music,movementandwriting!
TiCKETS: £100
Dates: Mon14-Fri18Aug
www.chickenshed.org.uk/workshops
There are many reasons to choose to have an indoor swimming pool, from the benefits of everyday exercise to swimming without restrictions. An indoor pool turns a 90-day outdoor pool swim season into a year-round pool party and guarantees perfect swimming conditions for 365 days a year. An indoor pool is an investment, one that can add value not only to your home, but to your health, social and family life too. They open up a whole new world of family fun, relaxation and exercise as well as becoming the new focal point of your home.
What do you want to get out of your indoor pool? What is the motivation behind this decision? What type of environment are you hoping to create? At Origin, they prioritise client-led construction, providing the best possible result and ensuring you get the pool and pool house you’ve been waiting for.
An Origin indoor pool allows you to control everything. You choose the temperature, the style, the lighting, the ambience and, of course, when and how you swim.
You can have all the mental and physical health benefits of swimming as well as the added luxury of year-round enjoyment, plus the privacy of swimming in your home or garden. The idea of an indoor pool presents an opportunity to create a unique interior space for play, exercise and entertainment – whatever you want it to be. The experts at Origin will help you design your dream space and create the right pool house for you and your needs.
If you’re concerned about missing out on those outdoor swims during the summer months, bifold or sliding doors are the perfect solution. They allow you to open up your pool house completely, letting you bring the outdoors in without the inconvenience and restrictions of an outdoor pool.
Having door openings is also a great way to capture the beauty of your garden. Whether you have beautiful, undulating views or just want to open up the space, bifold or sliding doors give you a unique backdrop to swim against.
When it comes to swimming pools, Origin does it all. Indoor pools are essentially bodies of water in a controlled, confined environment and, as such, have special requirements that must be met to ensure your pool house is not only aesthetically pleasing but functional too. At Origin, they eliminate the need to employ separate companies and manage the whole process for you. They’ve been building awardwinning indoor pools for over 40 years, and in that time have successfully completed plenty of pools and pool houses to a wide range of specifications. Origin’s experts collaborate with their clients on every project they manage.
With an indoor pool, the possibilities are endless. Wherever your imagination takes you, Origin will lead you there.
originpools.co.uk
Home interior design specialists, Brandt Design (who have two showrooms in Hertfordshire), forecast a new wave of creativity throughout the home in 2023, with bespoke furniture design the standout trend.
Julia Steadman, Commercial Director at Brandt Design, explains: “Over the last ten years, the idea of a contemporary handleless kitchen was the norm when updating the home. But given its popularity, we are now finding that our customers feel this look is ‘overdone’, with the majority wanting to break away from this style of kitchen and, instead, ensure their own sense of style and personal character. Current trends tell us that individuality is key when undertaking a new renovation project.”
This year, contemporary slab doors will become a blank canvas in the kitchen, allowing you to inject personality through the
colour, finish and even texture of the front surfaces. In-frame cabinetry will also prove its worth in the modern home with different styles like shallow square raised and inset designs helping to add personality without being tied to a traditional kitchen scheme. If your heart is set on a handleless kitchen go for it as it will present a clear design identity you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
If you prefer more traditionally styled interiors, then beauty is in the details in 2023. Decorative panelling, bold worksurfaces, hand-painted elements and ornate lighting will all help to defi ne your own sense of style while remaining adaptable to your everyday life.
There really are no limits to what can be achieved, as original and unique elements will be highly desirable in the best homes. Why not consider integrated bench seating, custom wine storage, a walk-in larder, and even a personalised overmantel inscribed with your family name as these elements will not only be on-trend, but also make your home truly distinctive?
Adding flair and personality through surfaces will be a massive trend in 2023. Every room in the home offers you a range of surfaces that can be tailored to your own personal style with worktops, splashbacks, flooring and even soft furnishings opening the door for you to customise your living space. Take it to the next level by blending or contrasting a variety of materials, colours and finishes as this will enhance the bespoke elements in your interiors and show you are ahead of the design curve. Think covetable concrete surfaces, brick walls, trim details in metal and leather, along with opposing textures that can influence your mood, and perception of light and space.
Statement taps, appliances and handles will be a fantastic resource in the kitchen in 2023 with chrome, stainless steel and white no longer the go-to options as the market now offers a variety of finishes and colours that will help define a kitchen’s personal style. Coloured designs will be a front runner
in brassware, with special PVD coatings ensuring kitchen taps can adopt a madeto-last texture and colour by having a high resistance to external factors like scratches and cleaning products. Smart black editions will be all the rage in cooking too, with the latest built-in ovens taking their inspiration from sleek induction hobs, extraction units and smaller appliances like your coffee machine and toaster. We will also be seeing a huge rise in the use of bespoke handles to give furniture throughout the home a completely unique look this year available in a limitless range of special finishes.
There is no doubt that 2023 will be a year of ‘designed for you’ ergonomic layouts, which will be tailored precisely to how your household uses the space and will ensure a truly personal living experience. Hot trends will include breakfast bars which can become office stations to accommodate home working a few days a week, as well as meeting the need for casual dining or entertaining friends and family. Other must-haves for luxurious kitchen living will be all-purpose island units complete with additional storage, seating and dining space, downdraft cooktop and under cabinet appliances like a practical wine fridge or an extra sink for food prep. Discreet home bars will be key to entertaining and customised boot rooms and utility areas will be very popular with busy families to maintain privacy and separate task zones.
Deluxe pantries and walk-in larders off the main kitchen living area will be in demand with the most attractive offerings boasting integrated lighting, deep drawer storage, durable, easy-clean quartz surfaces and
power points so blenders and coffee makers are always ready for action. A mixture of open and closed storage will be coming through so that you can keep your favourite foodstuffs within easy reach and in date order, to prevent waste and assist with menu planning.
Expect the passion for personalization to extend to the first floor this year as bespoke dressing rooms will be at the top of the most wanted list. The most fashionable homes will have bedroom islands and designed-in storage for accessories along with generous wardrobe space off the master suite. Look out for graphic marble-effect surfaces and soothing painted finishes to bring the very best of boutique-inspired styling to the forever home in 2023.
431 The Broadway, Uxbridge Road, Pinner, HA5 4JR, 020 3758 4455 Oxleys Road, Stevenage, SG2 9YE, 0143 872 9062 brandtdesign.co.uk
Thinking about a new driveway, modernising or improving your front of house?
Our experienced team can provide you with a complete service from the initial design through to the finished article.
More than just professional hard landscapers, we provide a complete service that offers garden and patio design. With a free consultation, backed by skilled craftsman, we can create the outdoor space that you have always dreamed of.
Having over 25 years of experience within our home improvement sector, we have built an unrivalled reputation for the quality of our installations and the care and service provided to our customers.
As well as experienced and professional driveway and patio installers, we also work alongside leading governing bodies within our industry. Being approved installers of Marshall’s, Bradstone and Brett Landscaping, we are able to give our customers the peace of mind that carrying these accreditations deliver. Our approval status allows us to proudly and confidently service Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and North London with decades of design ideas. We can offer a vast range of product choices and solutions to all size and manner of installation requirements.
We can also add the finishing touches to your new garden or driveway project, including services such as raised kerbing, steps, sleeper walls, landscaping for natural or artificial lawns, and also a range of quality fencing products, to name but a few.
When Alice Temperly and Emily Mould teamed up with a mutual desire to fill the world with beautiful things, it was clear that pairing their design houses would cause a stir. Temperley London’s founder and creative director, Alice Temperley MBE, and the Romo Group’s director of design and excellence, Emily Mould, share a passion for design and ethos for quality that has reulted in a unique partnership.
Inspired and excited to experience each other’s worlds, the two studios delved into the Temperley design archives that span the last two decades and found an abundance of handpainted prints, intricate embroideries and delicate detailing. After much deliberation a selection of pieces were chosen and the reimagination began. Working together,
the two studios maintained the essence of a Temperley fashion piece and translated it into an interior masterpiece, capturing the intricacies of shimmering beads and sequins with glimmering metallics and recreating delicate embroideries as large-scale works of art.
The five new collections narrate a fantastical story in striking wallcoverings, indulgent velvets, fluid satins and luxurious weaves adorned with leaping leopards and swinging monkeys. Opulent palms, bursting blooms of colour, and swirling seas of marble create an evocative and heady landscape, decadently embellished by extravagant, bohemian trims. The Temperley love of leopard print makes its mark in a plethora of finishes, scales and colours. A luxurious plain velvet in a rich colour palette complements the collections, adding an equilibrium to the partnership’s maximalist aesthetic.
Inspired by the Temperley archive, a haberdashery of trims includes classic passementerie brush fringes, twist cords and key tassels as well as embellished flat weave trims. Taking a maximalist approach, the eccentricity continues with an offering of cushions, where luxurious qualities and bold prints have been perfectly paired with grandiose fringes.
This partnership brings a new lease of life to much-loved designs that will live in people’s
homes for years to come. “There’s something for everyone in the collection – from the ‘neutral’ leopard which goes with absolutely everything or the bolder prints that are evocative and heady, each design can stand alone or be layered together to create depth and atmosphere in a room,” says Alice. Emily adds: “It was like being a child in a sweet shop, seeing all these beautiful fabrics and intricate details that had been carefully hand stitched. There were a couple of designs that instantly stood out to me, the Euphoria monkey print being one of them, I could just see it being a perfect fit for the Romo customer.”
Alice Temperley MBE founded her eponymous label Temperley London in 2000, a year after graduating from the Royal College of Art. With a modern elegance shaped by virtuoso craftsmanship, extraordinary fabrics and a resolutely British bohemianism, Temperley London is a lifestyle, with a transportive power to another world. Meanwhile, Romo is renowned for its assorted library of classic and contemporary designs.
“A fantastical story in indulgent velvets, fluid satins and luxurious weaves”
WALLSAUCE
Wild Flowers Floral Wallpaper by Marina Stupakova, from £37 per m2 wallsauce.com
OHPOPSI
Floral Riot Wallpaper in Citrus, £79 ohpopsi.com
POOKY
Double Insignia Wall Light with Archive By Sanderson Design Shades in Hyacinth Cosmo, £29 pooky.com
By PENDLE HARTE
WALTON & CO
Pastel Floral Runner, £2 waltonshop.co.uk
SOFAS & STUFF
Mulberry Floral Pompadour Spice Sofa, £6,288 sofasandstuff.com
MINDTHEGAP Woodstock Midsummer Floral Fabric, £139 per metre mindtheg.com
ANTHROPOLOGIE Ellen Merchant Tray, £32 anthropologie.com
Taking inspiration from the colours and style of this beautiful North London property found just a short walk from Hampstead Heath, the client’s brief was to design a space that was a balance between a practical living and cooking space whilst creating a visually stunning design. The team in the Hampstead Poggenpohl Studio set about with the aim to create a kitchen that wasn’t something you see every day, but whilst doing so, had to ensure the design didn’t sacrifice functionality.
The materials used needed to be sympathetic to the existing house and features, whilst remaining within a specific colour palette – which was fairly unique. The idea of using muted greens and browns came in quite early in the project, as did the use of Poggenpohl’s Champagne Aluminium door front, which can be seen on the tall housings. This finish paired naturally with the Bronze Anthracite textured door which has been used in both a handle-less and handled capacity on the sink run and the island.
The different heights and depths of the cabinets throughout the space help to create interest around the kitchen, and the use of the double stacked furniture that is installed tight to the ceiling with the wall units beneath again bridges the gap between looking good and having a practical use and purpose.
The +Modo element of the island was a feature requested by the client from the very beginning and had to be included. Due to the layout of the kitchen, the island had to be in an L-shape to make the most of the space, which meant utilising the internal edge for the client’s breakfast bar. In order to keep the worktop as visually clear as possible, this breakfast bar is set to the bottom edge of the worksurface and inset within the worktops.
The material used is Poggenpohl’s Light Smoked Oak, which is mirrored on the pullout open trays and inside the +Stage pocket doors. In order to achieve a thicker effect on the breakfast bar, rather than just simply installing two panels on top of one another, there is a custom-made bronze panel inset between them, which is also used on the open shelves on the panelled wall, again
helping to tie the space together through the use of mirroring materials and design elements. The client’s brief for the worktops was to ensure that they were heat resistant allowing her to place items from the oven directly onto the worksurfaces, whilst also maintaining the colour palette and having to have a marble-like finish. The composite ‘Dekton’ in Taga was used as it hit every item on the client’s wishlist, it sits within the colour palette, allows for a practical kitchen whilst also looking stunning with all the characteristics of natural stone.
Overall, this kitchen is a triumph of practicality and design; both coming together seamlessly to create something new. A space that allows for comfortable family evenings cooking together, whilst also being a visually stunning part of the house – and perfect for entertaining too!
For more details on this design, or to find your nearest Poggenpohl Studio, visit poggenpohl.com or call 01727 738 100
The inside story of how Poggenpohl created this stunning kitchen
VisityourlocalCapitalGardenCentretotakeadvantageofour manyin-storeoffersandpromotionsacrossourrangeof plants,compost,gardentoolsandmore.
Youcanfindusconvenientlylocatedonthe HighStreet,Berkhamsted,HP41BJ
Sliding Doors offer the installation of specialist bespoke sliding doors, bifolding doors, glass roof structures, innovative frameless glazing systems, windows, frameless glass balustrades and glass window seats. They also work closely with established manufacturers, offering both UK and offshore designed systems.
They have many years of experience in overcoming the technical difficulties involved in designing, manufacturing, and installing a bespoke product. They are FENSA Registered, and Glass and Glazing Federation members, and all their products come with a 10-year guarantee.
They are happy to undertake free design consultation and discuss their range of products. Their bespoke glazing service means they can tailor specifically to the glazing required for each project. Surveys and installations can be phased at no extra cost. Through their full on-site survey, they will assist with any technical issues your builders, architects or project manager may have. Together with this technical support they have in place, their fully trained installers and also the support they give their trade customers gives them the confidence to provide a great value for money package.
Whether your project is big or small, they can help you achieve your glazing vision.
Call 020 8997 2448 or email marcus@1stfoldingslidingdoors.co.uk to find out more
“They have the confidence to provide a great value for money package”
Q When did you launch NS Interior Design?
A I carved my own footsteps in the industry exactly four years ago this month, in 2019. Having worked for other established interior design firms within London for 10 years, I was ready to take the big leap and go it alone.
Q From day one, what did you want to offer?
A It’s always been important for me to create interiors for clients that feel welcoming and comfortable. I want to ensure spaces feel homely and don’t just have the appearance of a show home. I place huge importance on providing a trusted and transparent service. The design will naturally evolve over time, and it’s important both the client and I remain on the same page.
Q How do you work with a new client?
A Knowing I will be working with a client for several months, it’s important we build a rapport so it’s a harmonious collaboration. When obtaining a design brief, it’s imperative to understand the clients’ aspirations, lifestyles and budget, to ensure I can fulfil the brief to its fullest potential.
Q Would you say there is a Neha Shah design style?
A One key design statement I channel is creating interiors that have an understated elegant and timeless feel. I naturally gravitate to neutral and calming colour palettes throughout and tastefully injecting subtle colour through items the client could easily change themselves in years to come. It’s key to get the right balance between style and function.
Q What was the brief of your Totteridge Lane project?
A The clients were a couple I hugely resonated with. The formal living space hadn’t been touched in over 20 years, and so it was telling that a complete renovation was required. With it being the first room as you enter, the clients were keen to create a warm and timeless space.
Q What challenges did you have to overcome?
A Truthfully speaking; the pandemic. This created huge delays in receiving furniture and completing the installation of this project. Aside from this, with clients having not made any changes for a very long time, they had a huge attachment with particular items that would have not complemented the new space. The challenge was to overcome and convince them of the change.
Q What design touches are you particularly proud of?
A I was particularly proud of all the bespoke furniture and joinery I created. I chose combinations of striking bird’s eye veneer, rich toned woods and jewel tone colours accented with antique brass details to elevate each furniture item.
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Absolutely meets Neha Shah, founder of NS Interior Design, to discuss her design style and the inside scoop on a local projectTHE TOTTERIDGE LANE PROJECT NEHA SHAH
On Sunday 11 June, farmers across the country will once again open their gates for a national celebration of farming and all it delivers. LEAF Open Farm Sunday is farming’s annual open day and has been the go-to event in the calendar since 2006, offering a chance for visitors to get closer to farming and the people that make it happen. Lower Wilbury Farm in Letchworth will be taking part this year. farmsunday.org
By LARA PÉCHARD
Revision is in full swing and as the early summer months approach, students are gearing up for another season of exams and a long summer wait for results. Once exams are over and results day is firmly on the horizon, young people will undoubtedly be feeling the pressure of what is to come, so it is important for parents and young people to try and use the build-up to results day to gain as much support and information from their school as possible.
Whether that means digging deeper around career advice, considering the questions you have about university, exploring gap year opportunities, resetting your aspirations or simply re-evaluating priorities – there is much to be gained. Trust your school and the systems they have put in place and reach out with any questions or concerns around results day as they will be best placed to reassure and advise you.
If you know what you are planning to study at A-level, university or higher
education, gently start preparing and reading up on the course and background. Again, speak to the relevant subject teachers at your school to get advice on what you could be researching or looking at to get ahead. This will also help you to channel any anxieties into something more productive that will help you in the next step of your educational journey.
In preparation for results day itself, my advice is to get an early night the day
ST MARGARET'S SCHOOL
“Try to focus on the hard work that your child has put into school”
before. Spend some quality time as a family in the lead up to the day and take time to talk to and support each other. Eat together as a family, do things in the real world (away from screens and social media). And, most importantly, on results day don’t avoid school.
Go into school regardless of what your results are. Find out what time the results are released and make sure you spend time with sta and teachers to get the help and advice you need – and don’t forget to celebrate achievements too, you certainly deserve it.
As parents, it’s very easy to become too fixated on grades. Instead, try to focus on the hard work that your
child has put into school despite the disruption of the last few years and keep the attention on the excitement of what is coming beyond results day. For some students, results day will not be all singing and dancing. For some there will be a change of direction, and even disappointment. But this time is also a period of reflection, so the most important advice in this case, is to come into school so that your teachers can support you.
Together you can forge a plan and move forward in a productive and positive way.
stmargarets-school.org.uk
“AfterseeingHertford Barnspremises,Icouldn’tchoose anyotherplaceformychild.Notonly aretherebrightandbeautifulbig spacestoplay,thesta arealwaysvery supportiveandkind.Themanagement teamisalwaysveryprofessional.Mygirl evenaskstogotonurseryonweekends, thatshowsushowmuchshelovesbeing there and how well she is treated.”
Parent, www.daynurseries.co.uk
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.
Hertford Barns Day
Nursery provides the perfect space for children to thrive in countryside surroundings, set against a backdrop of rolling fields where children point out hot air balloons overhead and wave to farmers passing by on their tractors.
Having recently welcomed a flock of lambs and ewes as a permanent addition to the Cole Green setting, pre-schoolers are able to learn about life cycles first-hand, as well as the importance of caring for other living creatures with activities including bottle feeding and petting sessions. The exciting animal encounters add a valuable new element to the nursery’s Eco-Schools curriculum, with topics covered including biodiversity and global citizenship, for which they have earnt a prestigious ‘Green Flag’, the highest accolade in
the international programme, which is awarded for exceptional environmental awareness and conservation practices.
At Hertford Barns, children take part in sustainable activities all year round as part of the scheme, from planting and growing herbs and vegetables which are then used as ingredients in meals by talented Nursery Chefs, to crafting with natural and recycled materials. Hertford Barns Day Nursery Manager, Jenny Pratt, explains: “The arrival of the lambs has been an incredible experience for all involved, with valuable life lessons around treating all living things with respect. This will support the children’s understanding of the world, as well as sca old on their communication and language skills and support personal, social and emotional development.”
Back inside, days are planned around children’s personal interests 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 in education. Spacious classrooms inside the stunning barn conversion and historic stable block are home to stimulating learning spaces, state of the art ICT, toys and equipment, messy play stations, ‘role play’ areas and purposebuilt 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.
The nursery also boasts a comprehensive school readiness programme, with focus areas ranging from phonics to self-care, to ensure children are confident and independent learners, ready to embrace school life. Hertford Barns provides a fully-inclusive service with award-winning meals and is currently taking children from six weeks to nearly five-years-old.
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
There’s no better time to visit the historic Roman Theatre in St Albans, with the best in show on stage from 5 June
The Roman Theatre of Verulamium is unique. Built in about 140AD it is the only example of its kind in Britain, being a theatre with a stage rather than an amphitheatre. Initially, the arena would have been used for anything from religious processions and dancing, to wrestling, armed combat and wild beast shows.
The ruins one can see today were unearthed in 1847 and 1935. Subsequent excavations in 1957 and 1961 revealed a row of shop foundations, a Roman Villa and a secret shrine, all thought to date from the First Century. The theatre was refurbished in 2014 to include new steps, pathways and handrails – and June sees the return of a special festival run by OVO.
“I’m particularly excited about this year’s Roman Theatre Open Air Festival in which we mark a number of dramatic firsts,” says Adam Nichols, artistic director of OVO. “We’re mounting our first coproduction with Pitlochry Festival with the presentation of Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Lipstick, Ketchup and Blood, which played to capacity audiences at last year’s Pitlochry Festival. OVO’s principal focus is to present modern updates of classic stories and Lesley Hart’s version of perhaps the best-loved Sherlock Holmes story really fits the bill.
“To mark OVO’s 20th anniversary, we return to the very first show we produced back in 2003, Romeo and Juliet, given a 1990s Northern Irish twist by Stephanie Allison and Amy Connery, who will also revive last year’s audience favourite, Little Women,” Adam continues. “I’m delighted
to welcome Scott le Crass, fresh from his award-winning production of Rose, starring Maureen Lipman. Scott will mark his OVO directing debut with children’s classic The Railway Children, performed by our repertory company in tandem with a new production of Noel Coward’s brutal comedy Private Lives, which I will direct.
“I’m also looking forward to directing a new immersive production of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s riotous musical comedy The Threepenny Opera, with a stellar creative team that includes Lada Valesova (Royal Opera House) as conductor and musical director and Julia Mintzer (Welsh National Opera) as associate director. This show will transfer to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall in September.
“For the first time we’re collaborating
with two other leading outdoor producing companies on co-productions of Much Ado About Nothing with Creation Theatre from Oxford, and with Pitlochry Festival Theatre on a post-apocalyptic update of Sherlock Holmes original tale A Study in Scarlet,” Adam adds. “We will also be welcoming a wide range of visiting and community companies.”
For dates and tickets for the shows from 5 June-6 September, visit ovo.org.uk
why everyone is talking about…
“Our focus is to present modern updates of classic stories”PHOTO: ELLIOTT FRANKS PHOTO: ELLIOTT FRANKS
