Absolutely Hertfordshire March 2023

Hertfordshire

MARCH 2023

PL US

DINING OUT ON THE PAST

Exploring 400 years of history at the Fox & Hounds Barley

•

PLUS POINTS

The benefits of Hitchin skincare brand, SBTRCT •

HAIR RAISING

The celeb hair stylist from Go 's Oak who is a cut above

Over 20 pages of inspiration and insight

MOVE On the

JOANNA CHIMONIDES ON LOVE ISLAND, SKYDIVING AND BUYING HER FIRST HOME IN HERTFORDSHIRE

CONTEMPORARY

DANISH DESIGN

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: Designer´s Guild Rothesay Zinc I Carpet: Soft Greige I Bed Linen: Storm Shell 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

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS

STELLA ADAMS, SUSAN BULLOCK

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

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ABSOLUTELY-

The online guide to

helps

Poggenpohl has 17 points of sale throughout the UK & Ireland · uk@poggenpohl.com

For your nearest Poggenpohl Studio please go to www.poggenpohl.com

LETTER Editor’s

In this profession, I get to meet people who open my eyes to a whole other side of life. In this month's Absolutely Hertfordshire, I actually came four different people or subjects that I am not that well versed in, so it's been a real learning curve for me. I remember watching the very first series of Big Brother – I can't believe it was 22 years ago – but since then reality TV has passed me by. Love Island is something that always crops up in team meetings, but I have never seen it – luckily when interviewing Joanna Chimonides this month I had Hertfordshire in common. She tells us about moving here and why she's jumping out of a plane this month. Talking homes, I am useless around the house. When we do get the professionals around, I find myself flat out lying about things I don't know about. So I have decided, for once, to leave it to those in the know in Absolutely Home's special later in the issue. Then there's skincare and haircare. I know this makes me sound rather lacking in the physical wellbeing department, but I do look after myself – just not when it comes to hair and moisturising. But two experts this month – celeb hairdresser Inanch Emir and founder of SBTRCT, Ben Grace, may just change my mind. You learn something every day...

Interiors Trend

Life through a sepia tone (p69)

Absolutely Home Expert advice for your

Ben Grace

On his sustainable skincare brand, SBTRCT (p46)

Joanna Chimonides From Love Island to Hertfordshire (p18)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Wish LIST

THE CAT'S WHISKERS

SWEET PEA

The SweetPea fabric quilt features a beautiful scallop design entirely patched from fi ve Liberty prints in a new sweet pea pattern. Hundreds of delicately hand cut patches are sewn together to make these quilts, £190. projektityyny.com

Gucci G-Timeless Mystic Cat is a 27mm watch with a pink motherof-pearl dial, water resistant to 50 metres and complemented with a steel bracelet that has contrasting brushed and polished fi nished links, £950. bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

HEART BREAK

Pierre Marcolini combines crunchy Piedmont hazelnut and Japanese charred sesame with hazelnut praline and sprinkled with hazelnut chips in this Mother's Day treat. marcolini.com

IN BLOOM

Delicate and pretty, the Vintage Blush bouquet mixes amnesia rose, pink mondial rose, hanoi clooni ranunculus, pink lisianthus, pink wax fl ower and seasonal foliage. wildatheart.com

PICK

PINK LADY

For the Lady Dior Art Project, 11 artists from around the globe contributed designs for one bag. This one is by Minjung Kim. dior.com

TAKE FLIGHT

These Yoko London Classic pink freshwater pearl stud earrings are fi nished with 18ct white gold post and butterfl y fittings, £180. bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

CLUTCH IT

The Bucket Bag is a classic silhouette featuring supple full grain leather, rope top handle, with a removable and adjustable leather strap, styled with the sky-high Kiki boots from Marc Jacobs Runway. marcjacobs.com

SKIN DEEP

For the ultimate in lingerie, visit Amelie's Follies for the fi nest in delicate pink pieces and more. ameliesfollies.co.uk

EVERYTHING'S ROSY

Instantly fi ll your home with the luxurious and elegant scent of hundreds of Turkish roses with Ostens' Illumination candle, £65. ostens.com

PINK FIZZ

Pommery Rosé's fi ne and fruity pale pink champagne is distinguished by its fl eshy note while remaining lively, fresh and highly subtle. A blend of rosé and Pinot Noir of Bouzy Grand Cru. champagnepommery.com

BOX FRESH

Ottolenghi's latest hamper is full of delicious sweet treats, including heart-shaped shortbread biscuits and Tahini Linzers. ottolenghi.co.uk

A MILLION MILES FROM EVERYDAY

The rural retreat. A twist on tradition. The clatter of hooves. The English countryside. The miles of possibility. The feeling of home. Coworth Park.

CULTURE

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

People's Choice Award

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, TRING

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum and offers a truly global platform for amateur and professional photographers alike. Using photography's unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the exhibition shines a light on stories and species around the world and supports the Museum in its mission of creating advocates for the planet. The ever popular People’s Choice Award has been announced, with four highly commended finalists including this shot of a polar bear cub playing amongst flowers on the coast of Hudson Bay, Canada in Martin Gregus’s ‘Among the flowers’. Turn over to see the winning entry. nhm.ac.uk/wpy

The Agenda

MARCH'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

Wildlife Photographer of the year

UNTIL 2 JULY, NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, TRING

Sascha Fonseca’s spectacular camera trap image of a snow leopard at sunset, perfectly posed against the mountains of Ladakh in northern India, has been voted as the winner of Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award. A record 60,466 nature photography fans voted, and German photographer Sascha's ‘World of the snow leopard’ emerged as the firm favourite. Sascha's image was selected from a shortlist of 25 images that were chosen by the Natural History Museum. nhm.ac.uk/wpy

9 March-29 April

UH ARTS & CULTURE

Fiona Curran PHOTOGRAPHY

A new art exhibition examining our interactions with screens, presented by University Hertfordshire Arts + Culture, opens at the Art + Design Gallery, College Lane. Static is a solo exhibition of new work by artist, Fiona Curran, which moves between small-scale intimate works and large-scale installations, and explores the impacts of screen-based technologies on the decline of our sensory engagement with the world. uharts.co.uk

Spring Craft & Gift Fair 2023

4 March WHITEHORSE LANE, STEVENAGE

Get into the spirit of the new season with this family-friendly fair in the heart of Stevenage. It’s free entry and you will be able to enjoy 20+ stalls featuring cakes, cards, jewellery, homeware, home fragrance, skincare and more. Perhaps you’ll be able to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift? visitherts.co.uk

FILM

CREED III

3 March

ODEON HATFIELD

After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-o between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian – a fighter who has nothing to lose. odeon.co.uk

This Month’s Must See

Bushcraft & Survival Weekend

17-19 March

POLARIS WILDERNESS ADVENTURE, WELWYN GARDEN CITY

Whilst woodland camping over two days and two nights, you will master that most fundamental skill for selfreliance, making fire, in any conditions. From this point you then have warmth, light, the ability to cook, and to purify water. You will learn how to find water, make it safe and ensure that all of your activities leave no lasting trace on the environment. A thrill for anyone looking for a spot of adventure this month. polarisbushcraft.co.uk

ART TO WATCH

Why The Other Art Fair is well worth a trip to The Truman Brewery for

Celebrated for its unexpected take on the traditional art fair experience, The Other Art Fair returns to The Truman Brewery this month, o ering switched-on art lovers the chance to buy artwork directly from over 150 rising international art stars. Coinciding with International Women’s Day, the Fair boasts an impressive 61% female line-up, championing some of the most exciting emerging female talents working today. Expect an impressive entrance installation created by Glastonbury’s female space The Sistxrhood, and

DOGS AND DAFFS CHARITY WALK

Banish those winter blues and put your best foot forward in aid of Riding for the Disabled Association

– Digswell Place Group. Head along to the Stable Yard at Hatfield Park with your pooch to take part in the Fun Dog Show and stroll the grounds of Hatfield Park following a selection of their park walks. hatfield-house.co.uk

drop-in workshops throughout the weekend hosted by Collage Club. There’ll be the chance to have your portrait taken by Rankin, and London figurative painter Rod Kitson will be painting live portraits in real time as part of his ongoing portraiture project Where Are We Now. Each sitting will take two hours and by the close of the weekend he will have created a mini gallery of portraits of visitors. The Other Art Fair, 9-12 March, The Truman Brewery, E1, theotherartfair.com

19 MARCH, HATFIELD PARK

SAMUEL RYDE

RAGNI AGARWAL

SARAH LIM-MURRAY

SKY’S THELIMIT

Back over the festive period, JD Sports unleashed a new advert promoting their Christmas campaign, ‘King of the Game’. It was all about celebrating the best of British talent and featured huge names like Kano, KSI, Anthony Joshua, a wealth of football talent – and a recent arrival in Hertfordshire, Joanna Chimonides.

It was yet another sign of how Joanna’s stock continues to rise, some four years since she first came to prominence thanks to that TV behemoth, Love Island. “It seems like a lifetime ago,” she laughs. “I have great memories of my time in the villa – the laughs I had, the cries and the friends I made thanks to the show. I feel like my life began when I left the show and now I’m doing everything I’ve always dreamed of.”

That’s not to say everything has been plain sailing. “I think coming o the show is hard for everyone no matter the journey as your life completely changes,” Joanna says.

“It takes time to find your feet and find your niche. At first, you could be exposed to a lot of trolling and you think ‘is this my life now?’, but then as time goes on you build a strong network of brands and supportive teams around you. All the ups and downs are worth it to get to where you are now.”

And up is certainly the direction Joanna finds herself going. Not only is her career flourishing – “I think 2022 was super special for me, it was the year everything settled into place professionally. I’m now an ambassador for one of my all-time favourite jewellery brands, Pandora, which is incredible,” she reflects – but this month she will also be jumping out of a plane in aid of a charity close to her heart. “My uncle passed away when I was 9-years-old and he lived with Down’s Syndrome,” Joanna explains. “He passed away right before his 21st birthday. The Down’s Syndrome Association and its mission are so close to my heart, so it was a natural fit for me to become an Ambassador.

“Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week falls in March, and I will be taking part

in a skydive to raise money for the Down’s Syndrome Association,” she continues. “They are an amazing charity that helps the lives of those with Down’s Syndrome, this could be from providing speech and language therapy to occupational help – they are brilliant. I’m super excited… but a little nervous to be taking part in the skydive!”

Keeping her feet firmly on the ground, Joanna is also currently busy beginning a renovation project on her new home in Hertfordshire. “I bought my first home in September,” she smiles wide. “I was originally brought up in East London and then my Dad moved to Hertfordshire, so that’s where I wanted to buy my new home. I thought straight away it was the place for me, it’s such a scenic area with great access links into London.

“My new home is a three-bedroom detached corner plot – I walked inside and could see the potential to modernise the property and make it my own,” Joanna adds. “You have to see past what is in front of you and see the potential. I walked in and the decor was quite old-fashioned and everything was sectioned

TV star Joanna Chimonides on Love Island, buying her dream home in Hertfordshire, and why she’s jumping out of a plane this month

“I feel like my life began when I left Love Island”

o . It was probably my fifth home viewing in over two years and it was the first time I felt the potential and changes I could make.”

I mention how apt this all is with our Absolutely Home special later in this issue, so what are her renovation plans? “I need to go back to basics with some areas such as re-decorating and re-tiling my bathroom,” she says. “The big changes I’m aiming for are to make it more open plan, starting with a kitchen/diner and renovating the integral garage into a cinema room – I’m part of a big Greek family, so I want lots of space for socialising and entertaining! I’m going to stick with neutral colours as my base and use accessories with pops of colour. I always think with a neutral base you can change vibes and themes later down the road easily.”

Some of us would baulk at the idea of a big renovation project, but Joanna insists she loves every little element of it. “I’ve always dreamed of my own house since I was a young girl, so now I’ve got the opportunity to make something my own,” she points out. “My

family were with me when I got the keys, I slid down the bannister, and I was laughing – this is my home and no-one can tell me o ! I just thought how exciting the next few months are going to be bringing the house to life, creating change and making this house a home.”

This year, then, looks just as busy as 2022, whether it’s her work with some of the biggest brands out there, with a paintbrush at home, or doing her bit with her public profile. “I’m always keen to help out where I can, it’s important to me to use my platform so I will share the Go Fund Me pages on my social media – the use of a button that may save someone’s life or even support small businesses grow,” she says. “There are so many ways a profile, whether they have a large or smaller following, can help to support another person.” And as JD Sports highlighted back at Christmas, Joanna Chimonides’ profile certainly packs a punch.

For the latest on Joanna, follow her @joannachimonides

Chimonides’ choices

Joanna picks out her three favourite Hertfordshire hotspots

Tilly’s Gelato – I remember going in when it first opened, the ice cream is all made fresh and I’m obsessed with it in the summer.

Hertford town pond is so cute in the summer to walk around and it’s always so quiet, it’s a spot I go to for a walk with a view.

Raja Tandoori is a small businessowned Indian restaurant. My friend introduced me to it and it was incredible.

HERTFORD HAS PLENTY TO ENJOY

SHE LOVES THE FOOD AT RAJA TANDOORI

TILLY’S GELATO IS A FAVOURITE SUMMER SPOT

If you are a regular saver with equity in your property, we can give loans up to the maximum allowable by our regulator. This is £10,000 on top of your savings. The maximum savings you can have is £7,500. Rates are negotiable but start as low as 3% APR. Become a member and take advantage of this offer today. Apply now and start enjoying the comforts of a beautiful home.

Get to know… INANCH EMIR

Q When did your love a air with hair first start?

A At the very young age of around 8 – no doll was safe in my hands! I was always cutting and styling their hair… and anyone else who would let me!

Q How would you say the hairdressing industry has evolved?

A It’s evolved massively since I first started out as an apprentice. There are a vast amount of products and treatments to choose from now. From the many di erent styles available – the sky's the limit with imagination – to the toners and aftercare products provided.

The electrical appliances have developed the most, there are so many wonderful gadgets and gizmos we use now. For example, we have just launched the new GHD Duet in the salon, it dries and straightens in one, without damaging the hair. This is going to be a huge hit and we are so excited to share this incredible new tool with the world. GHDs are massively popular and a staple piece of equipment in most homes… this one is a time saver and a game changer!

Clients' needs have also evolved, they now expect an overall experience, the full package when they go to a salon. It’s now about ‘me time’ and feeling refreshed and beautiful, it’s not just a quick hair cut and colour any more.

Q What kind of experience do you always want to o er at your London salon?

A Professional and friendly service in a luxurious ambience. We want clients to feel

INANCH LONDON

INANCH CUTTING MISCHA BARTON'S HAIR

comfortable from the moment they walk into the salon to the moment they leave. We love speaking to our clients and we find they also love talking back! We hear many wonderful stories and meet the most amazing people from di erent walks of life and career paths. Every day is di erent in the salon. To quote Forrest Gump, ‘You never know what you’re going to get’.

Q What are you proudest of when you look back at the success you have had?

A Survival! It's not easy keeping a hair salon business afloat in Central London –especially during the pandemic, which I know, sadly, closed many businesses down. Also, winning the Best Hair Extensionist trophy three years in a row at The Hair Awards – I am now featured in the Hall Of Fame with some of the greatest hairdressers in the world. I’m really proud of that.

Q What’s new at the salon for 2023?

A We recently launched some beauty rooms, which are downstairs in the salon. It’s run by my daughters and they have done an amazing job building up a solid client base. We would love to expand our beauty services,

we are always on the lookout for the latest treatments around. We would also love to o er more bespoke hair treatments. We are well-known for being hair loss and extension specialists and o er some amazing, state of the art solutions for hair loss – building on this is something we are looking into as well.

Q How nice is it that your family are all involved in the business?

A It’s the best! It keeps us going – we want to leave our girls a legacy which they can continue building once we reach retirement age (but not yet!) and hopefully they can pass it on to their children one day. We all get on so well and each have a di erent area within the salon which we develop and grow.

Q Whereabouts do you live in Hertfordshire and what first attracted you to the area?

A We live in Go ’s Oak. It’s a lovely rural area, very green and peaceful yet not too far from Central London with transport connections and, of course, the salon, which is in Fitzrovia.

Q Today, what do you love best about living in Go 's Oak?

A I love the clean, fresh air and greenery – having worked in Central London since the age of 17, it’s lovely to escape from the hustle and bustle. It feels homely and quiet and we can go for walks. It’s beautiful in the summer, with river walks, beautiful gardens and many attractions to explore.

Q What are your three favourite places in Hertfordshire?

A The Grove – I love this place! I once went to a client’s wedding and always go back there now for afternoon tea and weekend

breaks. It’s a stunning hotel with amazing grounds, lake and also an amazing spa. We did a photoshoot there a couple of years ago with Hollywood actress Mischa Barton. It’s definitely my happy place. I also love The Galleria in Hatfield. Perfect for retail therapy and a bite to eat. Then, of course, there is The Wa e House in St Albans. The most incredible wa es ever. My favourite is definitely the Bano ee wa e – you have to try it.

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

A Long walks around Go ’s Oak and Cu ey. Weekend breaks at The Grove are the best way to recharge the batteries and rest my hands and feet after working long hours at the salon. I also love interior design so I'm always looking at ways to change the house or improve the salon. I think if I wasn’t a hairdresser, I would have loved to have worked in this industry.

inanch.com

SHE LOVES THE OUTDOORS IN THE COUNTY

INSIDE THE LONDON SALON

INANCH LOVES LIVING IN GOFF'S OAK

THE WAFFLE HOUSE IS A FAVOURITE

A SIAN SHARI NG EXPERIENCE

Inspired by the spice routes of Asia and the Far East, Omboo serves up mouthfuls of fragrant flavours.

It’s the place to go when you want to try something a little different, when dining out requires more than just a meal, when it involves new experiences, laughter and sake shared with good friends.

Book your table now to be one of the first to experience Omboo. Sit back, relax and we’ll keep the drinks flowing and the plates coming. Please note, there will be limited numbers and online bookings only for the first two weeks. @OMBOO_RESTAURANT

FOOD & DRINK

DRINK

FOX & HOUNDS

The Fox & Hounds Barley is a 350-year-old pub offering an atmosphere that pays homage to the traditional pub while featuring a delicious ever-changing and seasonal menu that celebrates British produce. We catch up with their Head Chef to discuss some champagne moments on page 30.

WHAT TO DRINK

SPIRIT news

Whisky choices for the month

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

Sherry Cask Blended

Malt Scotch Whisky

 £40

Enticingly dark in appearance, the Sherry Cask is invitingly seductive, and the bouquet has classic dark Sherry and prunelike notes. The palate gives sweet, well-balanced fruit on a Sherry bed, with a long, satisfying finish.

Islay Blended

Malt Scotch Whisky

 £40

The Islay Cask encapsulates the powerful Islay style with tarry, peaty and oceanic notes bound in a blanket of honey and yellow fruits. The fruitiness works excellently to di use the peaty and smoky influencers, carrying them on a creamy textured wave into the long finish.

Speyside Blended

Malt Scotch Whisky

 £40

The Speyside Cask delivers the essence of the region in a playful yet complex way. There is much fruitiness, mingled with fresh grassiness and honey sweetness which binds the flavours as they swell. Every element is balanced.

BERRY BROS. & RUDD

Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain's oldest wine and spirit merchant, having traded from the same shop since 1698. Today the company also has offices in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, a Wine School and an exclusive fine wine and dining venue in St James's, London. bbr.com

TASTING

NOTES

Hertfordshire's food news and most exciting openings this month

By MARK KEBBLE

Fresh approach

SOPWELL HOUSE

PoB Hotels has launched as a collection of carefully curated rooms, the finest restaurants and spas, and the most authentic regional experiences across the British Isles. Formerly known as Pride of Britain Hotels, the new PoB Hotels marks a shift towards an entirely new brand, personality and ethos under CEO Kalindi Juneja, and features Sopwell House in St Albans within its portfolio.

pobhotels.com

MUM’S THE WORD

Di erent ways to treat that special woman in your life

DINNER PARTY

BURFORD HOUSE

HORWOOD

HOUSE

COTE RESTAURANTS

Côte restaurants in Watford and Welwyn Garden City have launched a special alpine menu to celebrate the traditional ski dish Tartiflette. It’s one of the best parts of a ski holiday, the incredible food you long for after a long day on the slopes. And one of the most loved après-ski dishes is the Tartiflette, derived from the word for potato. The sumptuous dish is a delicious combination of Reblochon and Comté cheese, smoked bacon lardons and sliced potatoes. cote.co.uk

Alpine treat Pop up

TOAST

It was made popular by the Romans - who brought the idea back from Egypt in 500BC – and a new brunch restaurant in historic St Albans has opened in celebration of our nation’s favourite food staple. Enjoyed in its simplest form with butter and a cuppa, or loaded with tantalising toppings - smashed, poached, grilled, jellied, or fried - Toast is comforting, sentimental and nostalgic. toaststalbans.com

On Mother’s Day, Horwood House will be hosting a grand A ernoon Tea event in their Drawing Room in the Manor House. Mums and their guests can enjoy a delicious array of tasty treats, a celebratory glass of fizz, relaxing live music and a gi from Horwood House. horwoodhouse.co.uk

Burford House Care Home in Chorleywood hosted a celebratory lunch to give thanks to local volunteers of St Andrews Church for their befriending services for elders in the community. The afternoon was bursting with discussions about their community work during a two-course lunch, followed by a tour of the new luxury care home. Volunteers were then invited to the lounge to enjoy refreshments and cakes. westgatehealthcare.co.uk

YVETTE'S CHOCOLATES

Bunnies in chocolate, hand decorated delicious chocolate eggs, mini chocolate eggs... Yvette's signature chocolate egg boxes with milk, dark, white, strawberry & caramel eggs, each painstakingly hand painted, are a treat for mum. yvetteschocolates.com

GO WILD

TRING BREWERY

PUDDINGSTONE DISTILLERY

Something different for mum… Join other like-minded gin lovers for an evening gin distillery tour. Held on Thursday nights, founders Ben and Kate Marston present an insight into the history of gin, Puddingstone Distillery and how they make the award-winning Campfire Gin. puddingstonedistillery.com

Tring Brewery is proud to announce that they have joined forces with Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital – their charity of choice for 2023. The team at Tring Brewery will collaborate with the local wildlife hospital, brewing 12 monthly specials, all named after our favourite furry and feathered friends. tringbrewery.co.uk

The next COURSE

A 17th-century Grade II listed building, criminal gangs squatting, Michelin Guide recognition… The Fox & Hounds in Barley has quite the history

BRETT BARNES

Sometimes in this job, you happen upon a gem that you haven’t been bombarded about from PRs and social media.

The Fox & Hounds, located in Barley, is such a place. I have always been fond of a traditional pub that serves up top quality food, so everything about the Fox & Hounds ticks every box going.

The Fox & Hounds Barley is housed within a 17th-century Grade II listed building, and underwent a £1m refurbishment inside and out after being bought by two local childhood friends, Colin Blundell and Robin Skidmore, in 2018. Impressive figures,

but perhaps their biggest masterstroke was enlisting the services of Head Chef, Brett Barnes. “Robin is a good friend from University and we had talked of opening a restaurant together for several years,” the man himself explains once we find some time to talk during his busy schedule. “We’d almost given up trying to find a suitable site when Colin approached us with the idea of taking over the Fox & Hounds… the rest, as they say, is history.”

Indeed, it is history, and there’s bucketloads of it for those with an interest in public houses from a bygone era. “Its original name was the Swan,” Brett informs, “and was renamed in 1820. The original thatched inn burned down in 1950, and in 1955 the Waggon & Horses changed its name and the license and signage were transferred. The gallows style signage that spans the road to Chishill is one of only a handful in the country.”

The stories didn’t end when the team took over in 2018. “The refurbishment was very extensive, the place had been rather neglected,” Brett says. “Not to mention the fact that an organised criminal gang had broken in and used the premises to grow marijuana! The work took about a year to complete.”

The Fox & Hounds is latest stop for what has been an eclectic career for Brett in the food and drink industry. “I’ve been a chef nigh on 20 years now,” he says. “In that time I’ve worked in pubs, restaurants and hotels, cooking in a truly diverse range of establishments.

These range from a small organic wine bar in a Soho basement, to a 2 Michelin star restaurant in Sweden 600km north of the arctic circle!”

Brett has taken all of these experiences and stirred them into his cooking pot, o ering something rather special at the Fox & Hounds. “We look to o er a casual, family friendly atmosphere. Although some of the food is fairly high end, we’ve always wanted the pub to be as inclusive as possible, and we try to cater to all demographics and tastes,” Brett explains. “The food at the Fox & Hounds has a very British feel to it, using as much local produce as we can get our hands on. I always wanted the food to reflect the building, and this is the sort of food I’d like to eat if I visited a pub in the countryside.

“Menus are determined by seasonality first,” he adds. “We always o er a balance of meat, fish and vegetarian meals and these change

“I always wanted the food to reflect the building, and this is the food I’d like to eat in a countryside pub”

weekly depending on what’s in season. If a dish doesn’t work or isn’t popular, we have the flexibility to change it straight away.”

On the local produce, does Brett aim to use as much from what’s around him in Hertfordshire? “Absolutely,” he nods. “Most of our fruit and veg comes from Fisher Woods in Sa ron Walden. Fish is sourced by Stickleback in St Albans, which they source from the East Coast and Cornwall. Meat comes from The Rare Breed Meat Company 40 miles away in Essex, and sourdough is baked down the road at Hot Numbers in Shepreth.”

There are a whole host of dishes that jump out from the menu. Cromer crab on toast, wild garlic mayonnaise, and Bloody Mary vinaigrette is one stand out, as is the rabbit & bacon pie, suet crust, champ potatoes and grain mustard sauce, which was a firm favourite when Absolutely Hertfordshire visited. “My sous chef Charlie came up with a duck dish that is delicious and very popular,” Brett says about his own favourite right now. “It’s Barbary duck breast with potato terrine, spiced carrot puree and a crisp little pastilla made with the duck’s leg and livers.”

Covid aside, it has been a hugely positive four years under the team. They have been listed in the Michelin Guide three years in a row, and were nominated as ‘Best Newcomer’ in the Estrella Top 50 Gastropub Awards. They have also become a key part of the local community, which you sense is just as important as all the awards recognition. “We do co ee mornings for the local school committee,” Brett smiles.

“We also sponsor the Barley cricket team, and o er a Happy Hour every Friday evening, which the locals seem to love!”

And the future? Perhaps other towns will one day have somewhere equally as wonderful to stumble upon. “One day I’d like to possibly see some Fox & Hounds o spring, but for now we are happy to just focus on our pub in Barley and make it as good as we can.”

foxandhoundsbarley.com

“One day I’d like to see some Fox & Hounds o spring”

THE TRIPLE-FOUR LIMITED-EDITION RACING CHRONOGRAPH

“All British land speed world record cars link back to Brooklands, and this luxury watch pays homage to that legacy with precision timing and exquisite design.” - Land Speed World Record Holder Andy Green OBE.

Brooklands designed and operated the World’s first motor race chronograph accurate to 1000th of a second in 1907. Over 100 years later, we introduce a British classic limited to 500 units. Swiss made, designed by Sir Terence Conran and inspired by the heritage of the Brooklands Motor Circuit.

www.brooklandswatches.com

FASHION

RENAISSANCE WOMAN

DIOR

For the Dior spring/summer 2023 ready-to-wear line, Maria Grazia Chiuri explores the different facets of feminine power through a wardrobe imbued with sovereign grace, inspired by the figure of Catherine de Medici. A (Re)naissance of Dior style, brought to life in a series of shots by photographer Brigitte Niedermair, revealing a world tinged with mystery. dior.com

Jewellery 36 • The Shoot 38

Tokens of affection

Perfect pieces to dazzle that special someone

By CARLY GLENDINNING

CAROLINA BUCCI

Rainbow Pavé Cuore Ring

18k Yellow Gold, £8,700 carolinabucci.com

MARLO LAZ

14k Yellow Gold Spiked Heart Pavé Necklace, £11,000 marlolaz.com

ALISON LOU

Heart Shaped Cocktail Stud, £349.21 per stud alisonlou.com

WAKEFIELDS JEWELLERS

18ct Gold Diamond Bubble Cluster Ring, £3,150 wakefieldsjewellers.co.uk

MELISSA KAYE

18k Yellow Gold Lenox Bracelet with Hot Pink Sapphires, £5,300 melissakayejewelry.com

SUZANNE KALAN

Yellow Gold and Diamond Ivy Eternity Band, £2,124 harrods.com

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

FOPE Rose Gold and Diamond Flex’it Panorama, £14,500 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

DEBORAH PAGANI

8k Gold and Diamond Honey Huggies, £2,100 deborahpagani.com

LOQUET LONDON

Diamond Baguette Amour Locket, £8,000 loquetlondon.com

Scan for our website

Our branches: Harpenden | Radlett | Tring | Leighton Buzzard

SPRING Break

Banish those winter blues and get ready for the new season with the SS23 Little Mistress collection, found at Next across Hertfordshire

HEALTH & BEAUTY

RED ALERT CHANEL

The ultimate symbol of beauty, red lipstick exemplifies Chanel’s passion for colour. Worn proudly, it speaks volumes about the power and freedom that Gabrielle Chanel wanted to give women when she created her first lipstick in 1924. New Rouge Allure Velvet is equal parts matte and luminous. chanel.com

EXPERT IN THE NATURAL LOOK

TREAT YOUR MOTHER TO ETERNAL BEAUTY

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 100,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.

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 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.

WHY CHOOSE MEDISPA

“Clinic

EMFACE

EMFACE is a revolution in facial treatments. By emitting both synchronized RF and HIFESTM energies, it simultaneously affects the facial skin and muscles.The end result is less wrinkles and more lift naturally without needles. Best of all, EMFACE treats full face in only 20 minutes.

EMSCULPT

EMSCULPT is the only procedure which helps women and men build muscle and burn fat simultaneously. In addition, EMSCULPT provides the world’s first non-invasive buttock lift. EMSCULPT is based on high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy. A single EMSCULPT session causes thousands of powerful muscle contractions which are extremely important in improving the tone and strength of your muscles.

Please scan QR code to book complimentary consultation

Winner of the prestigious “BTL Face of the year” award.

The largest Skin Tightening clinic in the United Kingdom.

The largest Ultracel Clinic outside of London.

The only Diamond Premiere Coolsculpting clinic outside London and the second largest Coolsculpting clinic in Europe

of the year 2019/20” at the safety in Beauty Awards.

ALL adds UP

Absolutely Hertfordshire meets Hitchinbased Ben Grace to find out more about his sustainable skincare brand, SBTRCT

BEN GRACE

Q Tell us about your background in the beauty industry…

A My skincare journey started over 20 years ago in my first job out of uni. I joined a marketing agency and my main account was Beiersdorf (parent company of NIVEA). From there, I went on to work across other disruptive consumer product brands before joining the founders of Bulldog Skincare to launch the brand in May 2007.

Q How do you look back on your time at Bulldog?

A My journey at Bulldog was fantastic. I was fortunate enough to join the founders before we launched the brand, and was even invited to invest, as they were still fundraising at the time. In joining, my hope was to expand on my experience beyond marketing. There were only three or four of us for the first few years and so I’m delighted to say that was absolutely the case – whether it was sales, formulation, manufacture or supply chain, we all worked across everything. It was great fun and I found that start-up life definitely suited me. I look back on it very fondly and it was a privilege to be with the business right the way through to our exit. At the same time, I also view the experience as being as close to being a founder of a business, without actually being the founder of the business. That was an itch I really needed to scratch and I guess SBTRCT is the result of that.

Q You have a ‘legacy of building disruptive brands’. Why?

A Rightly or wrongly, I am one of those people who needs to believe that what I am doing has a purpose and is something creative, innovative and ground-breaking in a category. With Beiersdorf, that was NIVEA For Men (the first skincare brand created specifically for men); Bulldog was the first natural men’s brand, with a very di erent approach to anything else in the marketplace at that time; and now with SBTRCT, the first expert, sustainable solid skincare brand. I just gravitate towards that disruptive approach – but I also believe it is the route to success. Instead of launching SBTRCT, I could have launched a skincare brand with plastic packaging, water-based formulations and palm oil-derived ingredients. It’s much easier and far less costly to do that. However, there are serious environmental implications of doing that and, quite frankly, I think the world has more than enough of those types of product. My advice to anyone thinking of launching a beauty brand is do something tangibly di erent or don’t bother.

Q What inspired the idea behind SBTRCT?

A Having moved on from Bulldog in 2017 I took some time o to re-evaluate my life and figure out what I wanted to do next. I

am naturally minimalist and environmentally aware and of course the fact that I wasn’t earning meant I bought less and focused more on what really mattered to me. I found myself happier and more content.It was this lifestyle that was the genesis of SBTRCT and perhaps more tellingly, our one guiding principal: less is more. I believe that, by stripping out the things we don’t need in life, we are more able to love the things we’ve made a conscious choice to keep. I believe that this is the future of consumerism and I decided to apply this to the creation of a skincare brand.

From this, ‘Subtract’ was born. But with a desire to thread the ‘less is more’ ethos through everything, the removal of the vowels seemed the obvious next step. Subtract became SBTRCT and I set the mission: to create the highest performing expert skincare with the lowest environmental waste.

Q In a nutshell, what do you o er?

A Innovative and formulated from scratch, SBTRCT is a range of expert skincare bars formulated using the very best proven ingredients in a concentrated solid state to deliver the very best skin results.The range consists of cleansers, moisturisers,

“I WANTED TO CREATE THE HIGHEST PERFORMING EXPERT SKINCARE WITH THE LOWEST ENVIRONMENTAL WASTE”

BATHROOM RANGE

and serums, including two world firsts; the Rejuvenating Night Balm (the first solid retinoid) and the Vitamin C Booster (the first solid vitamin C serum).

SBTRCT also addresses the three biggest environmental challenges facing the beauty industry: plastic pollution, water waste and over-reliance on palm oil, so we are 100% plastic-free with domestically compostable packaging, palm oil-free and with nominal water content.It really is where expert skincare meets sustainability.

Q Why is sustainability so important to you?

A Everything – from the milk we drink and the trainers we wear, to the way we carry our shopping, water and our co ee – is changing for the better. Small conscious choices can cumulatively make a big di erence in reducing our environmental impact. But the world of premium skincare has been slow to sit up and take notice.

It seemed ironic to me that an industry created to cleanse and care was – and still is – making our planet a dirty place and having such a disastrous impact on the environment. I wanted to create something that would help

to tackle these problems. We want to empower people to reduce their environmental impact, starting in the bathroom and by applying the ‘less is more’ ethos.We call this SBTRCTIVISM.Now we don’t need to leave our ethics at the bathroom door.

Q What have been your bestsellers?

A Our Gentle Foaming Cleanser, Moisturising Facial Balm and our Vitamin C Booster all sell incredibly well, though we’ve seen strong and consistent growth across all products in the range.

Recognising that solid skincare is new for many people, we have also developed a Discovery Set that contains a mini of both the Gentle Foaming Cleanser and Moisturising Facial Balm, and retails at just £16. Since its launch, it has been incredibly popular for people wanting to dip their toe in first.

We are fortunate to also see a lot of repeat custom from those who continue to buy once they’ve tried SBTRCT, which we think further validates the performance and enjoyment of our products.

Q You have just launched with Harrods. What does this mean to you?

A Harrods is huge. It has such luxury heritage and of course it’s world renowned. To be the first plastic-free solid skincare brand in their H beauty stores is something I am very proud of. For me, it’s proof that luxury and expert skincare can indeed be

truly sustainable. The team at Harrods share that vision and it’s incredibly exciting to be partnering with them.

Q Where would you like to take SBTRCT in the future?

A I’d love for SBTRCT to be a global brand. We’ve already had a lot of interest from the US and Asia, which is very exciting. I think the brand has huge potential to stretch well beyond skincare and I would love to have our own brick and mortar stores at some point.

For more information, visit sbtrct.co.uk or follow the story on Instagram @sbtrctskincare

“WE WANT TO EMPOWER PEOPLE TO REDUCE THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT”

DISCOVERY KIT

REJUVENATING NIGHT BALM

PROBLEM SOLVER

HAIR PROBLEM:

DRY WITH SPLIT ENDS

There are few of us who could claim we’ve never mistreated our hair in the past. Frequent styling, particularly with heated appliances, really is the quickest way to dehydrate the hair fibres creating split ends. Many of us rely on hair dryers, straighteners and curling wands, but very few of us use any sort of treatment to protect our hair from the immediate and long-term damage they can cause. There are some very good products that can protect our hair from heat damage. But, despite what some of the manufacturers may say, there’s no potion or lotion that can repair the hair shaft once it has split. The only treatment that will remove split ends and prevent further damage is to remove them.

HAIR PROBLEM:

OILY AND LACKLUSTRE

Limp and lifeless hair can often be the result of over styling, using too many products, nutritional or medical underlying deficiencies. Puberty causes a change in the sebum production, which is why teenagers display the classic lank, greasy, limp and lifeless hair. The solution is to use the correct products for your hair, and the way in which you apply can help to alleviate excessive oily scalps. However, with so many to choose from you may need expert help to find a shampoo that is both cleansing and gentle. Creating body and root lift is essential to make the hair look fuller and glamorous, so try using the right styling products for your hair type to create that extra body and volume. Alternatively, try tipping your head upside down while drying, this helps to give root lift, avoiding the flat hair look.

HAIR PROBLEM:

OUT OF CONTROL AND FRIZZY

Frizzy, unruly hair can be a sign of poor brushing and hair treatment technique and dehydration, which can be caused either by incorrect use of products or simply by not using an ongoing good home care regime. Please be gentle with your hair. People tend to treat their skin with the utmost care, but their hair comes second. Hydrate your hair by shampooing regularly, which helps restore hydration to your hair shaft.

Try to avoid brushing wet hair – opt to use a wide tooth comb and start from the ends and you’ll find you can detangle without causing excessive breakage.

And the secret of healthy hair? Seek advice from the experienced team at Ciente who know your hair inside out. Talk to one of their expert stylists over a glass of wine and relax – you’re in good hands.

01442

877273 / ciente.co.uk

The founder of Ciente Salon in Berkhamsted on typical hair issues and what you can do to rectify them

By TRISHA BULLER

“Few of us can claim we have never mistreated our hair in the past”

INDULGE IN A MIDWEEK SPA D AY AT THE RUNNYMEDE

HALF DAY | FROM £85 | MONDAY – THURSDAY | 4 HOURS BETWEEN 10AM - 6PM |

FRIDAY | 10AM - 2PM

FULL DAY | FROM £120 | MONDAY - THURSDAY |10AM – 6PM

Treat yourself or a loved one to a rejuvenating spa experience at The Runnymede's a ward-winning spa.

F eel your stresses melt away by immersing yourself in the indoor swimming pool, Jacu zzi or infra-red cabin. Alternatively, re-energ i se in the fully-equi pp ed gym. A spa day at The Runnymede on Thames Hotel includes f ull use of all indoor spa fa cili ties, refreshments and a wonderful treatment .

If health and wellness is top of your list of things to focus on in 2023, then look no further than David Lloyd Bushey on Hartspring Lane, which has just undergone a £4m transformation including a luxurious new Spa Retreat with Spa Garden, making it one of the area’s standout health clubs. The Club has been given a whole new look including a brand-new business hub, group indoor cycling and mind & body studios, renovated stylish Clubroom and DL Kids area, and a newly refurbished pool.

SPA RETREAT

Members can refresh within citrus and crystal steam rooms, replenish in Finnish and Himalayan salt saunas, and recover in the popular Fire & Ice therapy rooms in the luxurious new Spa Retreat.Relaxation extends to the outside into the expanded tranquil Spa Garden, which boasts a new outdoor sauna and specially designed meditation/yoga area so you can unwind in the fresh air.

Health HIIT

BUSINESS HUB AND DL KIDS REFRESH

Take some time out to relax in the upgraded stylish Clubroom, which has more than 100 additional seats. You'll find space for families, as well as plenty of quiet areas including the brand-new business hub; this can be used as an alternative to working from home, including workstations with USB chargers and wireless charging points. For families and younger members, there is a family dining area with direct access to the new soft play. The kids' area has been updated and expanded making room for more fun and memories. David Lloyd Bushey o ers hundreds of supervised kids’ club activities: arts & crafts, cinema club, crèche, and more for any younger members to enjoy.

NEW STUDIOS

A superb, purpose-built spin studio has been constructed. The studio is kitted out with market-leading bikes, and members

can enjoy a varied range of group cycling classes both virtual and instructor-led. A new mind and body studio has also been built, the perfect environment for holistic classes, including yoga and Pilates. These classes are excellent for increasing flexibility, calming the mind, and developing a strong stable core.

POOL RENOVATION

Members are able to enjoy a swim all year round as the Club o ers both a newly renovated indoor pool and an outdoor pool as well as an indoor splash pool for the little ones. The Club has an expert coaching team, and even total novices will quickly gain confidence in the water.

So, why wait any longer? Elevate your everyday today.

DAVID LLOYD BUSHEY Hartspring Lane, Bushey Watford, WD23 2DL davidlloyd.co.uk/bushey

Why the newly refurbished David Lloyd Bushey has everything to ensure the best for mind and body

THE SPA OFFERS AN ESCAPE

PREMIUM HOME FITNESS EQUIPMENT

One

TOP PICKS

FITNESS NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

WASH LESS

UP activewear uses an eco-friendly, anti-odour technology, allowing you to wear it more and wash it less. Top, £40. up.clothing

MAGICAL MUSHROOMS

REUSE, RECYCLE

Perfect for training outside in colder weather, this thermal base layer from ARKET is made using recycled polyester, £59. arket.com

Q How did you come to launch Phyto Nectars?

A The idea was planted several years ago in the Nectar Cafe Triyoga, where we worked on the therapeutic drinks o ering. We wanted to create a multidimensional delicious drinking supplement that could be easily enjoyed. From there the formula and brand organically developed into Phyto Nectars.

Q What makes mushrooms so powerful for wellness?

skin nourishment and nervous system relaxing e ects.

Q How important is sustainability to the brand?

A Very. We work directly (where possible) with our producers, growers and communities, supporting sustainable practices at a grassroots level and ensuring that regenerative farming practices are supported, and communities are paid fairly for their work. However, we are always striving to improve our sustainability credentials.

when it comes to plant and mushroom extraction. We take a holistic and targeted approach to each blend (focusing on a need state such as stress, immune funtion etc) and formulate blends of plants, mushrooms, vitamins and minerals to best support those needs. We then make them taste great with the addition of nutrient dense, therapeutic fruits.

Q Tell us about fermented biotechnology...

LIMITED RUNS

Sustainable workoutwear brand SILVERWIND tackle overproduction by keeping their inventory low. HeyCloud Leggings, £47.40. mysilverwind.com

A Medicinal mushrooms are packed with powerful bioactive therapeutic compounds, which we extract to increase therapeutic potential. These mushroom compounds have a wide range of health and healing benefits, ranging from their regenerative powers, to cognitive enhancement,

Q How are your supplements developed?

A Our supplements are developed by qualified phyto therapists, nutritionists and drink experts. We also work with our global network of scientists, who are on the cutting edge of technology

A We integrate and use futurefacing fermentation methods to enhance nutrient content and absorbability of our ingredients. The fermentation biotechnology enhances the health boosting prebiotics, probiotics and parabiotics as well as bioavailable therapeutic molecules, minerals, and antioxidants.

We meet author and wellness expert Katia Narain, and nutritionist and author Michael Isted, co-founders of Phyto Nectars

inside this section

INSIDE THE NEW BOCONCEPT ST ALBANS STORE p58

THE BENEFITS OF AN INDOOR SWIMMING POOL p62

TOP TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR KITCHEN p65

THE PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2023 p71

WALK THIS WAY

RIPPLES HARPENDEN

This elegant walk-in shower captures the traditional Edwardian aesthetic of the property it was built in. To create a luxuriant feel, two large-format marble tiles were bookmatched to create a showstopping backdrop, then the area was finished with a shower niche, perfect for storing shampoo and shower gel. Large format (2780mm x 1200mm) book matched marble-effect tiles, £POA, available from Ripples Harpenden, 01582 256008 ripplesbathrooms.com

DESIGN

PARADISE

Home shoppers are in for a treat as BoConcept St Albans opens its doors

When it comes to Scandinavian design, one word immediately comes to mind: Hygge. Hygge, a Danish concept that embodies cosiness and contentment, is at the heart of BoConcept, the leading Danish design furniture brand. With a commitment to exceptional design and quality, BoConcept has been synonymous for over 70 years with great design since its inception in 1952.

With over 300 stores worldwide, including their newest location in St Albans, a state-of-the-art store that offers customers a unique shopping experience, allowing you to interact with BoConcept’s stunning collection.

BoConcept offers an array of elegant and functional furniture pieces that embody the latest Scandinavian styles. Their modern furniture designs, specifically designed for urban life, are customisable to suit your lifestyle, and their range is big enough for you to find your own personal interior style.

BoConcept’s modern furniture designs are specifically designed for urban life, so whether you have

a big or small home, you can customise their furniture to suit your lifestyle, and their range is big enough for you to find your own personal interior style. Their collection includes custom wall units and designer bookcases, extendable dining tables, stylish Scandinavian armchairs, and designer sofas in fabric and leather.

At the heart of BoConcept is a commitment to great design, which includes collaborating with some of the most renowned designers in Denmark and around the world. Morten Georgsen, Henrik Pedersen, ARDE, Anders Norgaard, Frans Schrofer, Oki Sato, and Karim Rashid are among the featured designers. These talented individuals bring a fresh perspective to their designs, ensuring that each piece is not only functional and high quality, but also visually stunning.

Their quality is more than aesthetic, though. They stand for craftsmanship, uncompromising attention to detail, and exceptional materials. Their reputation and global footprint let them handpick the best experts from around the globe. And they do it remembering the wellbeing of animals, workers, and our planet.

When browsing through their furniture range, you might fall in love with a design, but perhaps it isn’t quite right. Never fear… With BoConcept, you’re not just buying off-the-shelf furniture, you can make it fit your taste and your lifestyle. Embracing the Scandinavian idea of Hygge, BoConcept believes its designs should never compromise the individuality or lifestyle of its customers. Nearly all of the company’s furniture is adaptable, allowing customers to tailor the collection to their specific needs. This customisability enables customers to create a completely coordinated style throughout their entire home, even complementing what you already have.

Though the customisation options are vast, BoConcept’s approach ensures a consistent look throughout the home. They take a holistic approach to the development and design of their products, enabling a coordinated look where design, colours and materials always match. In this way, you can choose from the exact same materials across categories and designs, ensuring a unification of your décor.

All this choice can be daunting and sometimes we need some guidance, but BoConcept have that covered too. One of the unique things about BoConcept is that the company provides its own comprehensive interior design service to customers for free. All interior designers are in-store and work exclusively for BoConcept. They delve into the customer’s specific requirements and lifestyle, take measurements, and create detailed 3D plans in-store or at your home. This service is an invaluable tool for those looking to restyle their home, whether it’s a small update or a complete home makeover. The company’s expert in-house interior designers and design professionals are always on hand to offer free, no-obligation styling advice.

“My interior design team and I were blown away by the warm reception we received during our grand opening weekend, when we met over 600 customers in our store,” says store manager, Nima Ranjbar. “We look forward to assisting anyone who requires our free design service to inspire them in their small or large projects.”

With BoConcept, you can make their furniture fit your taste and your lifestyle

INSIDE THE NEW ST ALBANS STORE

THE HEAT IS ON

In summer 2022, the UK saw temperatures exceeding 40C for the first time on record and extreme weather events are likely to become a more frequent feature of our daily lives. Alfresco Space Design are offering solutions and products that will allow customers to enjoy their outdoor facilities despite the uncertainties of climate change. It offers shade from the sun and shelter from the rain, allowing you to bring your outdoor experience indoors.

Many existing customers often wonder why they waited so long before choosing an outdoor solution that allowed them to enjoy outdoor spaces to a greater extent. Whether it is an awning, canopy or glass roof over your patio, a window or a hot tub, Alfresco Space Design can find a solution to fit your every need.

Alfresco’s product range covers a wide spectrum of awnings, glass roofs and glass structures that will allow your outdoor space to be adjusted to your specific needs. The permanent glass structure solutions offer versatile options for adding extra space to your entertaining areas, whereas retractable awnings allow you to use your outdoor area in a more flexible manner. Integrated LED lighting and infrared heaters can be installed too, upon request.

Alfresco Space Design puts customer satisfaction at its core, and they are always keen for their customers to make informed choices over the products that are right for them. The product range has evolved from years of trading and practical experience.

The company is one of the few selected Weinor Partners in the UK and they have an experienced technical team trained by the manufacturer in Germany. A site assessment is done before any installation work, to ensure that the offered solutions are installed in the most secure manner adhering to all the technical requirements and good building practice.

Alfresco Space Design is based in the southeast of England, but they operate on a national basis with a focus around Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and neighbouring counties including Essex and all areas of London.

For professional advice and to view the products available contact them on 0333 210 2707 or visit asdesign.uk

Alfresco Space Design shows many ways you can enjoy your garden, whatever the weather

THE

ORIGIN

WAY

Adding a pool to your home can have long lasting benefits, from your health to the property’s value, but you need the right company to help achieve the right results

Transforming your home with a bespoke pool house is the ultimate in home improvement. It allows you to create a place of relaxation, well-being and fun, all in the comfort of your own home.

Origin knows that a swimming pool not only adds value to your home, but to your home life as well. Attention to detail and precise planning is crucial when designing a successful swimming pool and pool house as the process is quite unlike any other building project and requires more than just finding a competent builder.

It’s important to understand that indoor pools require specialist design in three major areas: the pool chamber, the building structure and the management of the pool building environment (heating, dehumidification and ventilation). All of these specialisms should be integrated into a consolidated design from the start.

This is where Origin excels above the rest. Simply put, they do it all. With over 40 years of indoor swimming pool design and construction experience, their specialist team are ideally positioned to guide you through the entire process. Every element can be customised to your individual requirements, style and specification to create your luxury swimming pool. Origin works closely with you to create a swimming pool design to suit your lifestyle, home and budget. 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. Swimming remains one of the most popular activities across the country, with

its physical and mental health benefits exceeding expectations. In fact, a recent SwimEngland study found that those who swim regularly felt on average 12 years younger than those who don’t. Swimming can also improve your quality of sleep and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Origin believes owning a pool is about more than the pool itself: by adding a spa, sauna, steam room or yoga area, your swimming pool and pool house could be transformed into a centre of relaxation and well-being. The calming nature of these spaces provides stress relief by relaxing your muscles, reducing tension and improving circulation. If you’re looking to increase family time, your pool house could become a new social hub for everyone to enjoy by adding a gym, lounge area, games room or even a bar. These added elements are what make your space unique and Origin offers a bespoke process so your swimming pool and pool house can be completely tailored to your wants and needs.

Whether you’re looking to create a sanctuary in your home or somewhere to just have fun, Origin have experienced it all and are available to help you bring your dream pool to life, managing every stage from start to finish, giving you the confidence and freedom to enjoy finally swimming in your own home. Origin’s experts can discuss requirements, guide you through the options and produce a fully costed proposal and design allowing you to undertake the ultimate home improvement so you can finally achieve the perfect work-life balance.

Speak to the experts at Origin today as limited building slots for 2023 remain. Call 01895 453996 now or visit originpools.co.uk for more information and to subscribe to their newsletter. Their Instagram page @originpoolsuk is always bursting with the latest pool inspiration

RIGHT FIT THE

Having chosen an alternative high end kitchen manufacturer, with plans and designs already created, the owners of this new build property stumbled across the Poggenpohl Studio and changed their minds. Won over by the beautiful showroom as well as the understated luxury of the German manufacturer, the clients

quickly settled on the brand famous for designing the original fitted kitchen. Not content with just a new kitchen, Poggenpohl also designed and installed a boot room and utility to go alongside this fabulous open plan space in this high end home. The furniture surrounding the television and media unit was also supplied, ensuring a seamless aesthetic throughout the space.

Nicole Walsh, who project managed this design, said of the project: “The client had

already chosen a beautiful porcelain floor and wanted the worktops to match. We then made sure that the colour scheme and tone of the fitted furniture complemented this much admired focal point.”

Gaggenau appliances were to feature throughout. Knowing the industrial look of the ovens, Nicole suggested a palette for the cabinetry to create warmth and marry all aspects of the design together. Golden White Satin Porcelain was therefore paired with a combination of Bronze Anthracite and Diamond Grey furniture. To create a central symmetry (as is such a widely recognised design addition in many Poggenpohl kitchens) a pair of stunning Black Satin Glass wall cabinets finished the look.

Nicole adds: “Our customer is delighted with the finished article, and I am too. I believe we have created an unpretentious, timeless and elegant design that complements the open plan living area in the heart of this beautiful family home.”

To find out more about Poggenpohl or to see first-hand the products on offer, find your nearest studio at poggenpohl.com or call 01727 738 100

Poggenpohl are well renowned for their luxurious kitchen designs – and here’s the inside story on one client who was swayed by everything they offer

IN THE DETAIL

HANDS ON

ARMAC MARTIN

Made from solid brass in Birmingham, all Armac Martin products are finished by hand. The MIX Cabinet Knob with Backplate brings a striking industrial look to interior cabinetry, £70.80. armacmartin.co.uk

WATER WORKS

UK BATHROOMS

This premium metal tissue box can be either freestanding or wall hung and is available in 6 on trend, sublime finishes to co-ordinate with your bathroom brassware, £64.99. ukbathrooms.com

MODERN TOUCH

JUNG

Jung’s classic LS990 switch looks great in gentle pink Rose Pâle, part of Le Corbusier's colour system. There are also wall paints, tiles and other accessories in the same colour, from £69. swtch.co.uk

SWITCH UP

DOWSING & REYNOLDS

Add interest to a high contrast interior with toggle switches. Each switch is unique, and you can personalise them further with a choice of toggle finishes, from £39. dowsingandreynolds.com

ON THE BOIL

WODAR

From sleek and modern to timelessly traditional, Wodar has a tap to suit. Having instant boiling water, alongside filtered cold and warm water – all from a single tap – is convenient and prevents water waste. wodar.com

SWITCHES, KNOBS AND TAPS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

NATIONAL BED MONTH OFFER

KING SIZE FOR PRICE OF DOUBLE ON MATTRESSES & DIVAN BEDS

Sleepeezee Jessica, Poise Plus, Cool Rest, Cooler supreme, Graphite and the Regent Natural 2600 as seen in the Picture

ROCKETT

GISELA

Bowl,

L.ERCOLANI

WHAT

GO

SEPIA TINT

How brown became a style statement

By PENDLE HARTE

KATE

BOCONCEPT

LIGHT

WE LOVE Large Vintage Runner, £485 whatweloverugs.com

GRAHAM Speckled Brown Stoneware Bowl, £14.99 giselagraham.co.uk

LOUDOUN SHAND Chaand Stripe Fabric, £POA kateloudounshand.com

SHIMU Brown Glass Bud Vase, £95 shimu.co.uk

SIX THE RESIDENCE Metal Velvet Lounge Chair in Chocolate, £510 sixtheresidence.co.uk

Southwark Tallboy, £629 swooneditions.com

ST GEORGE Suave Sofa in Caramel Gold Velvet, £1,695 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

MODERN Bonaldo Saddle Sofa, £3,090 gomodern.co.uk

KARLSSON Wall Clock in Caramel Brown, £85 fiveanddime-interiors.com

& LIVING Izeda Vasel, £40 naken.co.uk

Cupeertino Desk, £POA boconcept.com

Reprise Upholstered Lounge Chair, £2,380 lercolani.com

PRETTY IN PINK

Why Viva Magenta is Pantone's colour of the year

By PENDLE HARTE

ANTIPODREAM Sage x Clare Acantha Lilac Punch Needle Cushion, £109 antipodream.com

ATKIN & THYME Calvin Armchair in Terracotta Velvet and Linen, £449 atkinandthyme.co.uk

MUSTARD MADE Midi Locker in Poppy Red, £319 mustardmade.com

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Real Dried Avena Bunch in Fuchsia Pink, £14 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

WHAT WE LOVE Vintage Moroccan Rug, £625 whatweloverugs.com

STORIGRAPHIC Seventies Series Scatter Cushion, £30 storigraphic.com

EICHHOLTZ Kane Bowl, £245 sweetpeaandwillow.com

TORI MURPHY Lucky Radish Cotton Fabric, £75 torimurphy.com

FERMOIE Gathered Lampshade in Fuchsia Wicker, £215 fermoie.com

LOAF Truffl e Sofa in Jam Sandwich Clever Velvet, £1,745 loaf.com

KITCHENAID Beetroot Stand Mixer, £599 kitchenaid.com

JYSK Casper Vase, £18.99 jysk.co.uk

BROWNS

Katharine Carnaby Eaton 120 x 180cm rug, £515 brownsyork.co.uk

CUSTOM CARPET COMPANY

Handtu ed bespoke wool rug to client specifi cation, £POA customcarpetcompany.co.uk

STUDIO TUFT

WEAVER GREEN

Nomad Tarifa Rug, £195 weavergreen.com

Handmade Bright Pastel Rug, £750 studiotu .com

SWOON EDITIONS

Maya Rug in Pink, £399 swooneditions.com

CURATED LIVING

Chindi Mat Rugs, £18 curatedliving.co.uk

NEW WEAVES

The best rugs for comfort and style

By PENDLE

HARTE

RUGGABLE Iris Apfel Suzani Mosaic Lagoon Rug, £299 ruggable.co.uk

UK HOME LIVING

Elements Super Thick Rug in Ochre, 120mm x 170mm, £206.76 ukhomeliving.com

LOUIS DE POORTERE

Baobab Rug in Perriers Green, £438 therugseller.co.uk

WHAT WE LOVE Tribal Moroccan Rug, £375 whatweloverugs.com

BROWNS

Windsor 120 x 170cm rug, £110 brownsyork.co.uk

CULT FURNITURE

Sami Wool Rug, £249 cultfurniture.com

OPEN MORNINGS

Prep School-Friday10th March

College-Friday 24thMarch

To attend our Open Morning please register online at www.stedmundscollege.org or call 01920 824 247

• Modern facilities & excellent academic support

• Full programme of co-curricular activities

• Our own bus service offering local pick ups

• Scholarships and Bursaries are available

A Catholic co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 -18

Telephone: 01920 824 247 www.stedmundscollege.org

Old Hall Green, Ware, Hertfordshire SG111DS

EDUCATION

BUILDING BLOCKS

LOCKERS PARK SCHOOL

Lockers Park School celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024 and their archives are simply bulging with stories and fond memories of a long, proud history of boys’ only education. Founded in 1874 by Henry Montagu Draper, Lockers Park is one of the earliest purpose-built prep schools, expressly created as a foundation for preparing boys for Rugby School. We chat to the current Headmaster, Gavin Taylor, on page 78 about what the future holds.

Now taking

“Once you enter the iron gates, you are transported to another world”.

Tatler Schools Guide

T: 01962 870977

E: hertfordbarns.nursery@childbase.com

Hertford Barns Day Nursery, Cole Green, Nr Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 2NL

A purposefully small prep school for boys aged 4-13 | Boxmoor, Hertfordshire

Fun is an essential ingredient in all our nurseries where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.

T: 01582 792060

E: nurseryonthegreen.redbourn@childbase.com

Nursery on the Green, South Common, Redbourn, Hertfordshire, AL3 7NB

AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM www.childbasepartnership.com

CREATIVITY WITHIN

By SUE LAIDLAW

Over the years, I have discovered that I am a person to whom my living and working environment matters.

Two or three years ago –amidst the summer lull from Covid – we managed to go through eight weeks of much-needed kitchen renovation. The lead up to the building work meant that every spare moment was filled with emptying every cupboard and deciding what we really wanted and needed, and included many visits to the charity shop and o ers of kitchenware to our children for their future flats!

Such was the cathartic satisfaction of cleansing the kitchen cupboards that it didn’t stop there and, gradually, each cupboard in the house received the same treatment, there was a reworking of my o ce (which I now love!) and generally enjoying the mother of all decluttering.

My family thought that I was slightly mad, but oh, was it good. I now ensure that everything that I have around me brings joy… well, almost. So, what has this got to do with education, you may ask? Well, rather a lot. Throughout my career in education, I have always realised that developing a child’s creativity, whether through art or other ways, is vitally important. Creative activities o er an outlet of our thoughts and emotions, o er di erent ways of communication and can provide deep satisfaction and, indeed, a sense of calm (as experienced in my decluttering phase).

Young children never say that they can’t draw or paint, they simply get on with it and embrace the experience. However, once they reach school age, they become more self-critical and gradually many begin to move away from the enjoyment and satisfaction that they found as toddlers. Likewise, little children are creative – they can always find many ways to use a box,

for example, such as climb into it, sit on it and squash it, make it into a house… and so it goes on. As they grow, it is all too easy for the open boundaries of infancy to become tighter and more clearly defined – and creativity, in many areas, can become diminished.

Sadly, I believe that the education system, and today’s teaching methods, can add to the demise. As an eight-year-old, my wonderfully creative, free-thinking daughter brought home her summer report. Reporting on art, her teacher wrote that she had actually dared to use her paintbrush the wrong way up. For me it was a triumph, but not so for her rather tight-lipped teacher. The proof was in the pudding – or rather career, however, and the videos and PowerPoint creations that she produced as a young child have led to a career where these are used at a royally high level, whilst collecting exceptional academic grades and a wonderful time at school along the way.

So, in this edition full of creative flair, I would urge you, as parents, to embrace the arts and creativity of all kinds with your children. We all have creativity within us, whether that is manifested in art, music, colour, clothes, ideas – or even enjoying the wonderful opportunity of creating a home or even a room that brings you pleasure and joy.

Enjoy helping your children to grow and express their creativity, whatever shape it may take.

Sue Laidlaw is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP. Sue and her team o er educational advice, lessons and courses for children of all ages through their centres, including Laidlaw Hall supporting children with special needs, and the Laidlaw Virtual Academy. For more information, call 020 8487 9517 or visit laidlaweducation.co.uk

Why it’s important to allow children to express themselves through the arts - and also why we shouldn’t deter them from being inventive

Years of EXPERIENCE

Gavin Taylor, Head of Lockers Park in Hemel Hempstead, on a very special anniversary, academic success and historic events

By MARK KEBBLE

Q Lockers Park is fast approaching its 150th anniversary, but what does it o er today?

A Lockers Park is an academically-focused prep school with a tailored approach to education that enables our boys to achieve excellent results alongside celebrating an enthusiasm for life. Boys study with us from Reception to Year 8, but carry the positive memories of Lockers Park with them for life.

Being a school where classes are 16 or less creates a thriving community, where each teacher and every member of sta from matrons to cooks knows each pupil and helps him to make the most of his full and active school life. Lockers Park is a place where excellent results are achieved, abundant opportunities enjoyed and where pastoral care excellence, family spirit, camaraderie and kindness thrive.

For busy parents, we o er wraparound care that is second to none. Boys can arrive from 7.30am and stay until 7.30pm,

receiving three high quality meals at school and enjoying the abundant range of teacher-run after-school activities. This fully flexible o er is included within the school fees at no extra cost.

Q Do you o er anything that you believe makes you stand out?

A Our grounding principle is that our boys achieve excellent results. This absolutely influences the fabric and ethos of Lockers Park. Being a purposefully small school allows us to know each individual pupil, and so enable him to achieve his potential and build an enthusiasm for life that will support him in his Senior School and beyond.

We believe that adopting a practical, hands-on approach to learning allows boys to be boys and helps increase concentration in the classroom. School days are deliberately longer than normal as this allows the pupils the time they need to recharge their

GAVIN TAYLOR

batteries through well-considered breaks throughout the day. Sport for all and on a daily basis is a cornerstone of what is on o er, as is a wide range of academic subjects and co-curricular activities.

Q What opportunities do you o er outside of the classroom?

A We place huge emphasis on educating the whole child. We provide our boys with lots of opportunities beyond the classroom –whether it’s our very own Lockers Park Cubs and Scouts Troop, LAMDA, chess, debating, Lego Club, fly fishing, cricket, skiing or participating in our music ensembles, there are numerous clubs for every boy to discover new passions. We o er 27 di erent clubs which take place every week.

As a boarding school, we also o er special boarding weekends and evenings from ‘The Feast’ and ‘Dark Tower’ to

THE IMPRESSIVE SCHOOL GROUNDS

‘House of Hogwarts’, ‘Battle of the Boys’ and lots of other activities in between. Our flexible boarding provision remains popular with boys and their families. It allows the boys to grow in confidence, independence and boost their self-esteem in a friendly and supportive environment. We encourage boarding in Years 5 and 6, building up to regular nights with us in Years 7 and 8 as preparation for their Senior Schools.

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

A This is an incredibly di cult question to answer, as all events at Lockers Park are special for so many of our community. The boys have particularly enjoyed the Set (House) Competitions and we have already seen very competitive contests in maths, poetry, singing, dancing, football and

basketball. Winning the Set Competition earns the boys an invitation to an end of term amazing themed supper full of tasty treats. Not only does this reward the boys for their hard work and contribution to their Set’s success, it also spurs on the rest of the boys to triumph next term! Dark Tower and Halloween Havoc are part of our history and any Old Boy will share the fun that occurs during these special nights. My personal highlight has been the Christmas Carol Service which we held at St John’s Church, Boxmoor. This brings the whole Lockers Park community together.

Q And what's to come?

A The summer is my favourite term for many reasons. The weather always makes the grounds look spectacular and it is lovely to see the boys playing cricket. We

are excited about some of our cricket prospects and a good season will put them in a great place for our tour next year to South Africa. The summer term is also full of celebrations and it is a pleasure to share this with the boys when they collect their results and receive their trophies at the end of the school year.

I am also excited by the prospect of celebrating Lockers Park’s 150th anniversary in 2024. Preparations are well underway and we begin our celebrations in September with a programme of special events for current pupils, Old Boys and all their families. I am proud to be Headmaster of the school as we honour the achievements of our history, whilst looking forwards to what Lockers Park will accomplish in the next 150 years.

lockerspark.co.uk

“A practical, hands-on approach to learning allows boys to be boys and helps increase concentration in classes”

LESSONS ARE FULL OF INTERACTION

Whatever the WEATHER

The Head of Early Years at Edge Grove School on how to transform outdoor space to enhance seasonal learning through play

By CARYS HENWOOD

The majority of children enjoy being outdoors. They enjoy the freedom of the large-scale space around them, and they have the opportunity to build independence, self-esteem and confidence in a natural environment. Children can also learn a great deal about the natural world from being outside. For example, we have installed bird boxes all around our Pre-School, so the children can see first-hand how birds make their nests by collecting twigs, and how they lay their eggs and search for food. Being able to sit outside near one of our bird boxes and watch the birds fly back and forth helps children to understand how birds live and survive in the wild.

Converting school facilities can also be really useful in nurturing curiosity and creating an exciting learning environment because children are naturally interested

in what is immediately around them. For instance, we converted our school shed into an ice-cream stand at the start of the new school year, not just to benefit from the late summer sun, but also because lots of children had been on holiday and were able to relate to the ice-cream and hot weather. But we also used this as an opportunity to help them to identify di erent colours, textures, flavours and also counting the number of scoops to support numeracy skills. This opportunity also helped to support the children’s communication, speech and language development.

CAPITALISING ON THE SEASONS TO STIMULATE PLAY

As the weather turned colder and autumn set in, using the same facilities, we transformed the shed into a fire station around bonfire night. This was designed to teach the children about fire safety. We discussed the importance of being safe around fire and how we should act and behave. They also had the opportunity to spray water on fires (painted on a tu tray) while wearing a firefighter uniform which encouraged social development and role play. To put their learning into context, the children also had a visit from our local fire station to see what the inside of a fire engine looks like. Seasons are part of the natural world and changes happen right in-front of our

eyes, which can be exciting for younger children. So why not incorporate this into their everyday learning experience? Recently we have experienced below freezing temperatures, so the children have been able to observe the frost on the grass and water turning into ice. We recently combined this with reading a story called One Snowy Night, which includes lots of woodland animals who are too cold to sleep outside. After reading the story the children went on a hunt using a map of the learning space to find the animals, and they created habitats for them using junk modelling. Now that spring is on the horizon, we have started to transform our outdoor space to create a little garden centre. The children will have the opportunity to plant bulbs in pots all around the outdoor area and watch them bloom over the coming months. The garden centre role play will also allow children to develop their social skills, language and physical development as they will be digging holes using trowels and scooping soil. They will be able to watch the sta tend to the bulbs and learn what they need to grow. Giving the children the independence to choose which flowers to plant, and where in their outdoor space, will help them to connect with the environment and witness with their own eyes what the bulbs will grow into.

LEARNING WITHOUT LIMITATIONS

Transforming the learning environment is really all about learning without limitations. This is supported by children being able to use the outdoor space in whatever way that they would like. We have created di erent areas outside to guide children in their play, but what they do is up to them. As sta we

are there to guide and support, but we are not there to interfere with their play. For example, we have created a large construction area outside where we have planks of wood, large crates, pallets and building bricks for the children to use to create what they wish. Open ended areas encourage the children to use their imagination. Inspiring learning and creativity through play involved watching children, listening to them and spending time with them playing in their environment. This way, we as parents and educators, will gain a greater understanding of their likes and dislikes and will be able to create a learning space filled with activities they will enjoy. Ensuring the environment is child-centred helps children to learn more naturally through their play. As their learning becomes more organic, they will naturally gravitate towards those activities and settings that are of particular interest to them

edgegrove.com

PUTTING FIRES OUT

CARYS HENWOOD

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

The Grove

Dining at The Grove in Chandler’s Cross has always been quite the experience. Tantalise your taste buds at The Glasshouse, feast on sustainably-sourced dishes at The Stables or enjoy an after dinner tipple in their Lounges. There’s also Afternoon Tea to raise a glass to, plus some of the finest Indian food around at Madhu’s. And things are set to get even better with the news that two of these restaurants are all set to be revamped for 2023.

The hotel has already announced their delight at having the team behind renowned banqueting specialist, Madhu’s, with them at The Grove, delivering an authentic Indian fine dining experience in the heart of the Mansion.

The team of talented chefs will serve a mouth-watering array of perfectly balanced dishes including zesty chilli and garlic prawns, slow-cooked lamb leg, spiced dal and refreshing Alphonso mango sorbet.

At the time of press, Madhu’s was all set to reopen on Valentine’s Day. The restaurant has been fully refurbished and promises to be quite something. Inspired by Lodhi Gardens in New Delhi, Clique Design Studio has weaved The Grove’s fabric of royal heritage, large enclosures, and nature into the new design of Madhu’s at the Grove.

And there's more. The Stables has long been the destination to indulge in Great British classics redefined. Their a la carte menu o ers the best of seasonal British produce in a relaxing environment. They champion high quality produce sourced locally from sustainable suppliers

that follow regenerative agricultural methods, and they also source ingredients from their very own garden.

The Stables, like Madhu’s, is undergoing refurbishment and is set to reopen on 1 April. No joke, this will make the hotel one of Hertfordshire’s prime dining spots.

On top of all this, The Grove marks a new era this year as it celebrates the completion of the final phase of an extensive threeyear refurbishment. Spring 2023 will see the new-look Mansion rooms and suites unveiled, the vision of Martin Hulbert Design, as well the completion of the multi-phase refurbishment of Sequoia Spa and launch of Bamford at The Grove.

thegrove.co.uk

Dining out at the Watford institution is set to get a whole lot more memorable

why everyone is talking about…

SWEET TREAT AT THE STABLES

THE STABLES PRE-REFURBISHMENT

MADHU'S MENU IS IMPRESSIVE

THE GROVE'S FORMAL GARDENS

A diagnosis of dementia shouldn’t mean that your loved one stops being treated as an individual. At Signature, we’ve developed the My Life dementia pathway to ensure that every one of our residents living with dementia can enjoy a life well lived.

Whatever stage they’re at, we’ll put together a bespoke care plan that supports them where they need it - from personal care services to looking after the bills - and gives them the independence to enjoy the ner things in life, wherever they can.