The Wilmslow TV star on taking back control
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Over 30 pages of inspiration and insight
WHY REBECCA RHOADES IS PUTTING A SMILE ON THE FACES OF FASHIONISTAS EVERYWHERE
An award winning Architecture, Build and Luxury Interior Design studio.
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Spring Spa Breaks start from £139 per person.
A luxury countryside spa break at Thornton Hall Hotel offers the perfect combination of beautiful surroundings, exquisite food & wine, luxurious bedrooms, extensive award-winning spa facilities and truly delightful spa treatments.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THORNTON HALL HOTEL & SPA
Mother’s Day Prosecco Afternoon Tea with Live Singer – Sunday 10th March
Mother’s Day Family Lunch – Sunday 10th March
Easter Sunday Family Lunch – Sunday 31st March
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90 TOP TRENDS
The four looks that are dominating interior design right now
97 KITCHENS
How get the modern look for the hub of the home
100 REAL HOME
We take a sneek peak around the kitchen of Ella Woodward EDUCATION & KIDS
132 THE KING'S SCHOOL
We visit the iconic Chester school to find out more about their threepronged approach to education
136 WORLD BOOK DAY
How the initiative is getting children to enjoy reading
139 REPTON SCHOOL
Looking at the many benefits behind boarding
Ask my wife if I am a dashing about town journalist and she will say simply: no.
In this job, I am in the privileged position of being invited to openings, VIP screenings, menu launches and much more, but if I had a choice I am much happier curling up on sofa and turning Netflix on. Yes, I am a homebody and I make no apology for it. I have been in
my current home with my wife and Romanian rescue dog for nearly seven years now, and slowly but surely we are updating room by room to create our dream place (that is before the dog decides to attack that new piece of furnishing).
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
MAGAZINE MANAGER
MARTIN CUNNINGHAM
MEDIA CONSULTANT
CHARLIE CREED
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR
JERRIE KOLECI
CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER
ALEXANDRA HVID
CRAIG DAVIES
JAMES FUSCHILLO
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ALEXANDRA HUNTER
SHERIF SHALTOUT
There is still work to be done, which I am sure resonates with many readers out there, so that's why we produce our Absolutely Home special four times a year. There is never too much advice and inspiration out there when it comes to home renovations. So enjoy our whistlestop tour of the industry this month and don't blame us when you are accused of never wanting to go out. Trend
renovations. So enjoy our whistlestop
Rebecca
Talk to one that’s supported local people for 200 years. Over that time we’ve succeeded not by standing still but adapting to the world around us. That’s probably why we’re the leading wealth manager in the UK.
Know
JENNIFER HODGSON
Jennifer Hodgson on why you don’t have to go far for a little cinematic magic
We are o cially into the third month of 2024 (by the time you open these pages) and boy does it feel like January was a million years long. This year I tried Dry January for the first time, and failed. However I did achieve a ‘damp January’ and really reassessed my relationship with alcohol – which is something I think a lot of us are doing. I downloaded the app Reframe, which was an absolute joy and really highlighted to me the physical and mental implications of alcohol. I dont think I’ll ever go tee-total, but it has made me a lot more mindful, let’s say.
This month brings a lot of joy to both the Cheshire area and the cultural calendar in terms of new openings, new shows and hopefully no more bad weather. Wishful thinking there I think! On top of this, there is of course the widely anticipated 2024 Academy Awards to look forward to and, after the controversial release of the shortlisting a number of weeks ago, it’ll be incredibly interesting to see the results.
You don’t have to go too far from Cheshire to experience a piece of Hollywood though, you’d be surprised to know just how many talented creators and creatives we have here in our hometowns. It’s a thing of the past thinking you have to be down south or in America to create magic. With pioneers in the industry such as Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters, already established actors and now founders of Matriarch Productions, they are bringing production closer to home and paving the way for working class actors and creatives. Finally, we’re starting to see a shift in the industry that we’ve been waiting on for years.
Launching their Grass Roots Prize last year with Birdie Pictures they have established a new initiative to help writers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds kick start their careers and gain proper access to the TV industry.
This is such a breath of fresh air and the movement towards equality in the creative industry that has been so greatly needed for so long.
BOHEME: Opening this month, Boheme is a brand new restaurant opening in Chester and it will be a Parisian style cafe bistro - I can't wait to try it.
LIVERPOOL EVERYMAN: To watch the new Jodie Comer fi lm, The End We Start From (pictured), playing at Picturehouse in Chester. I've not been yet so I’m really looking forward to visiting. Jodie Comer can do no wrong in my eyes, so I’m sure this won't be any different.
VANYA AT STORYHOUSE: Similar to the screening of A Little Life I went to see before Christmas, The Storyhouse are now screening the screenplay Vanya thanks to the National Theatre Live. The one man play is a portrayal of hopes, dreams, and regrets.
STEPHEN GRAHAM THE OSCARS RETURN THIS MONTHBY
COMPILED PENDLE HARTE
Turkuaz Kitchen’s Betül Tunç's has devised a new collection for Anthropologie that includes this adorable cotton apron, £35. anthropologie.com
Neon yellow lingerie might not be what you set out to buy, but Amelie's Follies has a collection that's likely to persuade you. ameliesfollies.co.uk
Known for her unique take on luxury loungewear, Banke Kuku takes inspiration from London and Lagos, which infl uence her bold patterns, resulting in statement prints with captivating impact. bankekuku.com
Brighten up your home in anticipation of spring with this cheerful yellow-framed round mirror from Dar Lighting, £118. darlighting.co.uk
It's Mimosa season – time to fi ll your vases with armfuls of scented yellow blooms. But hurry: the season is brief. bybloom.co.uk
The Shellegance candle holder by &Klevering is inspired by the marine world and designed to bring a touch of joy to your home, £32. klevering.com
Samantha Siu creates bold, intricately designed jewellery pieces that last a lifetime. Samantha uses centuries-old jewellery-making methods alongside modern technology for quality cra smanship that pays respect to ancient artisans. samanthasiu.com
Each season, Dior invites a number of artists to transform the Lady Dior bag into an d'art . And for SS24, Gilbert and George have done just that. dior.com
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This lovely Indian fl ower taupe kimono is one of a selection at One Hundred Stars, the go-to for wa y, printed pieces. onehundredstars.co.uk
Layered has a beautiful collection of sustainable rugs in graphic and geometric patterns in lots of stylish colourways. layeredinterior.com
14-23 MARCH
MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE
Ambassador Theatre Group Productions have announced the full cast for Player Kings, adapted by Robert Icke from William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2. Joining the previously announced Ian McKellen as Sir John Falstaff are Toheeb Jimoh as Hal and Richard Coyle as King Henry IV. A divided country, leadership crumbling, corruption in the air. Welcome to England. Hal wasn't born to be king, but war is on the horizon. Will Hal ever come good? manchesteroperahouse.com
1-3 MARCH, CARDEN PARK
In collaboration with Winsor Birch and curator Grant Ford, Carden Park will be home to an exciting number of fine art, sculpture and artist-related events at the start of March. You will find a broad and diverse range of works for sale by leading British artists and sculptors, something for everyone. All of the works on display within the hotel’s grounds can be enjoyed at your leisure and are available to purchase.
cardenpark.co.uk
3 March
PARR HALL
Grab your tiara and dig out your favourite fairytales on Disney+ because a children's concert with a twist is coming to Parr Hall. Pop Princesses is a magical show with a non-stop soundtrack from your favourite family films and from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor and Miley Cyrus. Embrace your inner princess, dust o your dancing shoes and go and join the fun. parrhall.culturewarrington.org
22 March
PARR HALL
Warrington’s own Starsailor are returning to Parr Hall for the album launch show for their much anticipated upcoming release, Where The Wild Things Grow. The Britpop band last performed on the Parr Hall stage just a couple of years ago to mark the 20th anniversary of their platinum-selling debut record, Love Is Here. This celebration of their first new work in six years and homecoming promises to be just as special. parrhall.culturewarrington.org
THEATRE
26-30 March STORYHOUSE
Based on Khaled Hosseini’s bestselling novel, this haunting tale of friendship spans cultures and continents and follows one man’s journey to confront his past. Afghanistan is on the verge of war and best friends are about to be torn apart. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul and the streets are full of the excitement of a kite flying tournament - but no one can foresee the terrible incident that will shatter their lives forever. storyhouse.com
16 March
An Evening with Rick Stein will see the culinary legend dish-up his favourite memories from nearly 50 years of gastronomic experience. Delving deep into his lifelong love a air with cooking, this new live stage show will explore his unwavering devotion to the brilliance of great British produce. Revelations from the kitchen, musical delights, poetic interludes and stories of global adventures are all on the menu. mandsbankarena.com
Absolutely reviews a very special show at Chester Cathedral
Discovery by Luxmuralis, held at the tail end of February, was a spectacular immersive journey for people to walk through and explore Chester Cathedral in a new light.
The installation gave us the opportunity to ponder our relationship with Earth and beyond. Installations of sound and light art took us on a journey through space, seeing galaxies emerge above us and exploring humanity's ambition to adventure beyond.
FROM 1 MARCH, PICTUREHOUSE AT FACT
aul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavours to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee. Dune: Part One was a huge success when it was released back in 2021, winning five Oscars, and the follow up has been delayed by strikes in Hollywood – all adding to the anticipation. picturehouses.com
Visitors had the chance to see original footage of a rocket launch, explore the creation story and the Big Bang within the sacred space, then view the final image of Earth as if looking back from space under a galaxy of stars. Other elements of Discovery were designed to enable people to explore and contemplate the contributions of science and human understanding of the physical world around us.
The artwork on show explored chemistry and biology and interpreted artistically the scale of molecules, cells and DNA as well as exploring the history of science and its contributions to humanity, while reflecting upon famous scientists past and present.
The architectural beauty of Chester Cathedral was enhanced by the artwork projected throughout as you walked through the light artworks and installations. The artistic collaboration known as ‘Luxmuralis’, which means ‘light murals’ in Latin, create large scale, site specific installations taking art and creativity to varied spaces across the UK and Europe – but you’d be hard pressed to find one as stunning as what was on show at Chester Cathedral.
Finding fame, raising a family, pursuing business ventures, battling with anxiety and depression – to discover it was Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and experiencing perimenopause
– Tanya Bardsley has certainly had a tumultuous decade.
Joining the cast of The Real Housewives of Cheshire in 2014, a reality TV series that delves into the lives of a uent women living in Cheshire, was the perfect way to acquaint the mum-of-four with the county after moving from Sunderland with husband and former footballer Phil Bardsley. “I started filming straight away when we moved here, and I absolutely loved it,” reveals the Wilmslow-based TV star.
The plucky businesswoman, who owned her own fashion brand and lifestyle shop, and is a qualified life coach, was one of the original cast members on the show and a firm favourite with fans for her quick-witted one liners and candid quips. After su ering a breakdown, she decided to leave in 2021. “Life became too
much as I experienced deaths in the family, ADHD and perimenopause and a stint in rehab. I had to leave and regroup,” she says.
“I really enjoyed making the programme, but there was a lot going on for me. I always thought I had su ered from anxiety and depression and was put on antidepressants over the years. No matter the medication it just wouldn’t go away, and I even began self-medicating with alcohol, so I went to see a specialist for anxiety, and he diagnosed me with ADHD,” reflects the 42-year-old former FHM magazine model, who has since made an ITV documentary on her diagnosis.
“It was a big shock to be honest, but it has helped massively. I always thought I was di erent to everyone else, that I didn’t fit in, and I felt alone. Girls tend to internalise ADHD symptoms and I know it can be a scary and lonely place. When I was at school, I couldn’t focus on anything, nothing seemed to go in, it was di cult. I would be impulsive, and people would ask why, and I just didn’t know. I found life hard, but since finding out I have ADHD I’ve met other people with it, and I feel this sense of belonging. ADHD combined with perimenopause was
a recipe for disaster, it was like being hit with a truck, and it all came to a head.”
Tanya’s eldest son Rocco, 13, has also been diagnosed with ADHD, so she’s not only coping with her own diagnosis, but learning to be a mum to a child with the condition. “I noticed Rocco was identical in behaviours I was showing – he was experiencing emotional dysregulation and losing focus at football and in school. It’s a hard decision to medicate your child and we didn’t want him to lose his magic. But the doctor said: ‘if your child needed glasses, you’d give him glasses’ so we knew we had to help Rocco. He went on to sign a twoyear contract with Stoke City FC,” she smiles.
Tanya has since immersed herself in learning and developing her understanding of the condition to support her own needs and those of her family and others. Last year she visited Parliament to advocate for quicker diagnosis of ADHD.
“The whole experience has honestly been life changing for us, we discovered there is a two to 10-year wait for diagnosis, depending on your area. Can you imagine how awful it must be for single mums with teenagers, for example. The condition plus raging hormones
PHOTO: JAMES RUDLAND
“The whole experience has been life changing”
can be a living nightmare. When it’s out of control people can take their own lives, it can disrupt classrooms and cause chaos. I am passionate about bringing those waiting lists down, but it’s going to be a long journey,” admits the reality star.
Tanya and husband Phil are also proud ambassadors of Cubbie Sensory Hub, which provides tailor made sensory experiences to people with autism and ADHD. The hub provides a safe space that allows people to remove themselves from a hectic, noisy environment if they feel overwhelmed, to regulate their senses and feel calmer through soothing sounds and visuals. The couple are on a mission to provide greater autism and ADHD provisions in public spaces such as football stadiums, schools, colleges, hospitals and airports.
“I regularly need to re-regulate my senses,” reveals Tanya, “or to prevent sensory overload, which is a very real issue for people with ADHD, and I think this is such a fantastic way for school children and students to be able to have a space where they can feel more calm and safe. I know from experience how overwhelming and stressful it can be when you experience sensory dysregulation.”
Ever resilient, Tanya is all too aware of the importance of self-care these days, waking each morning to meditate, take a cold shower and exercise. She recently made a guest appearance on TheReal Housewives of Cheshire twopart Pride special, aired in January.
“It was fun to return to the show and I’ll make guest appearances in future, but these days I tend to keep to family life and don’t go out that much. It is easier to go to events these days, I know my time limit and sleep is
“It is so beautiful in Cheshire, I can't see myself ever moving away from here”
a big thing for me. I love going to Carrs Park in Wilmslow with the kids, it’s so beautiful in Cheshire that I can’t see myself ever moving from here. We looked at a house in Dubai, but that will be just for holidays!”
As she steps away from reality TV, Tanya is focusing her energies on her wellness business, which takes women on a path of self-discovery and growth. “I am absolutely loving taking women who are stuck in a rut and transforming their lives. I have been a life coach for 12 years, and the buzz I get from this programme is amazing. I’ve always struggled to feel ‘normal’ – my mind is like a whizzing top! I want other people to feel good especially now I’m back on track.”
transformwithtanyabardsley.com cubbie.ie
Experience the sound of this special season with the Beolab 8.
THE NUTRITION ENTREPRENEUR WHO FOUNDED MYPROTEIN AND IS NOW AIMING TO REPEAT THAT SUCCESS WITH VERVE, WHICH IS BASED IN CHESHIRE
Q What inspired the launch of Myprotein?
A Being fascinated with sports nutrition, as well as the web. I saw this amazing opportunity, and I believed in my web skills and my ability to sell a great product. One of my strengths is being a bit of a futurologist, as I have an ability to see what’s going to sell in years to come.
To help inform that vision is obsessive research and determination. So I researched 100 plus protein products (in the process developing this habit of deconstructing products – that habit stuck, and has grown, in fact).
I felt strongly that I could create something that would work, but I had no money to start a business.
So, I borrowed £500, and I started MyProtein, the only brand to own ‘cow to customer’ and the first to build an online brand.
Q What did you want to o er that was di erent?
A I didn’t invent whey protein shakes, which had started in the US perhaps 5-6 years earlier, but no-one was selling them online, let alone as a vertically integrated brand. With my brand, we blended it, flavoured it, marketed it online and sold it via ecommerce, did the fulfilment and then all of the aftercare customer service.
Thanks to quickly mastering e-commerce, and being an insider of the fitness community, I understood the market and how to serve it. So I could have a new idea based on what people in the gym wanted next from their nutrition, then literally create a new formulation, adjust the website with my own coding, and start selling it pretty much right away. No-one else was doing anything like that.
Q How soon did you realise you were onto something?
A Quickly. Every single day we had more orders than the last. Within a short time, months, the ParcelForce guy came to collect our orders and said he couldn’t fit them all in the van. At that point we had to expand and professionalise it more with systems and specialist sta to expand it.
Q Now you have launched Verve – tell us about it…
A Verve is the next stage in nutritional supplements. It’s my super-exciting new brand designed to boost your vitality, vigour and energy.
Our first product is V80, a multinutrient drink, in powdered form, which I call ‘more than greens’. In fact it’s way more than greens. It’s just a convenient way to get healthy with 80 high quality, active ingredients chosen by myself and a top European nutritionist. People think it’s amazing, and report it boosting their vitality, energy levels, immune function and wellness. We developed it to have more than 200 wellness benefits, and unlike other
“Verve is 100% transparent about the ingredients. It's the next big thing in nutrition”
multinutrients, Verve is the only one that is 100% transparent about the ingredients. So it’s the only supplement of its kind where you know exactly what you’re putting into your body. For me, it’s the next big thing in nutrition.
Q Whereabouts in Cheshire is that operated from?
A We’re currently in Alderley Edge, not far from my house, but will soon move to bigger o ces nearby in Wilmslow. I think Cheshire is an absolutely brilliant place to run a business like Verve. There’s lots of great talent here – we’re hiring some amazing people from the area –the travel links are good, the wellness and food scene is fantastic. It’s just an amazing place to have a business.
Q Can you pick out your three favourite places to visit in Cheshire?
A Mottram Hall is decent for a nice spa and unwind session, and the gym there is good. Victor’s in Alderley Edge is handy for me and nice for brunch, lunch or dinner food, as it’s always bright and airy whatever the weather. Sticking
with Alderley Edge, the woodland is a great place to get away from it all, a great place for a run where you can view the Peak District National Park. You didn’t ask for a fourth and technically it’s in Manchester, but as I’ve been a City fan since I was a kid, I have to include the Etihad Stadium!
Q What are your hopes for 2024?
A To continue to be the best father and partner that I can as my family is so important to me. Workwise, it’s obviously a huge year so I’m excited for Verve to go from strength to strength, and improve people’s lives as it grows.
And Cookson First Aid, which is the flagship programme from Oliver Cookson Foundation, is rolling out nationally, where we aim to train 5,000 people in 2024. It trains people to be life savers for free, and already trained over 3,500 people in 2023. We’re also rolling out additional programmes including accredited training for businesses (feel free to get in touch!), a free mental health course and more.
vavaverve.com
With a history dating back over a millennium, Nantwich is a local spot worth exploring. Absolutely discovers more about the Cheshire townBy KATE JONES
Positioned in the south of Cheshire not far from the borders with Shropshire and Sta ordshire, the market town of Nantwich combines historical features with contemporary appeal. Set on the River Weaver and the Shropshire Union Canal, this charming corner of the county was formerly known for its salt-production, though today is famous for its medieval timbered buildings. What’s more, the range of attractions o ered in the locality means that there’s plenty to keep both residents and visitors entertained in the present. Talk about the best of both worlds.
Initially known as “Wich Malbanc” (and later “Namptwych”), Nantwich has existed for more than 1,000 years. The Romans had a presence in the town, and an old Roman track was recently discovered close to the river. Amid the second and third centuries, the Romans are also known to have made salt in the area. Indeed, it was production of this substance that constituted a major activity in Nantwich in previous times.
Following the Romans’ creation of the material locally, salt was made in Nantwich for 1,600 years. By the end of the Tudor period, 216 salt-making houses were drawing brine from a salt pit adjacent to the river, and by the 1800s, the town was
one of the largest salt-producers nationally. The material was created by evaporation from heating brine (found naturally in local springs), though competition from mined rock salt ultimately made the process uneconomic, and the sector died out in the middle of the 19th-century. Despite this, Nantwich was promoted as a fashionable location for saltwater treatment from around 1880 to 1940.
Other facets of Nantwich’s history include the town formerly being an important place for tanneries and the creation of leather goods. Though a 20day fire in 1583 (started accidentally by a local brewer) saw the destruction of the majority of the town, the settlement was reconstructed in the established medieval street pattern, with Queen Elizabeth I ordering a nationwide collection for money to rebuild the town and putting in £1,000 herself. Nantwich was also the only town in Cheshire to support Cromwell and the Parliamentarians during the civil war, with troops led by Thomas Fairfax relieving Nantwich and defeating the Royalist army on 25 January 1644. To celebrate, the townspeople wore holly sprigs in their hats, and the day continues to be known as Holly Holy Day.
The choice of things to do in the Nantwich area caters to a variety of interests. Nantwich Museum is located in a former library building on the site of the town’s old jail, with the venue o ering an event programme that includes talks and changing exhibitions. Nantwich Traditional Market has been in Nantwich since 1500 and operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (selling goods including fresh produce and household items), while Nantwich Farmers’ Market takes place on the final Saturday of the month. Fan of the water? You could enjoy a stroll alongside the River Weaver or Shropshire Union Canal, admire Nantwich Lake or take a dip in Nantwich Brine Pool – thought to be the only inland brine pool in Britain currently.
A short drive from Nantwich, Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker was built following World War II under ROTOR, an air defence radar system constructed by the British
Government to counter potential attack by Soviet bombers. Later, the site served as a Regional Government Headquarters, with its role being to rebuild its defence region if nuclear war or a national emergency occurred. Having remained secret for over half a century, the bunker is now open as a museum, with visitors able to discover the rooms and authentic equipment used to run the defence region in the event of a crisis. Other local attractions include the Jacobean Dorfold Hall, which opens its garden between April and October, with hall tours on Tuesdays and bank holiday Mondays.
Close by, Reaseheath Mini Zoo is located in the grounds of Reaseheath College, opening to the public during weekends and college holidays. The zoo is home to species from across the planet, including the red-necked wallaby and the ring-tailed lemur. Meanwhile, Dagfields claims to be the north-west’s biggest crafts and antiques centre, with the site boasting more than
300 dealers. If you’ve green fingers, you also won’t want to miss a visit to Bridgemere Garden Centre and, during the warmer months, Bridgemere Show Gardens. The former says it is one of Britain’s biggest garden centres, while the latter o ers recreations of award-winning gardens.
Nantwich is a great place to be a foodie. The Nantwich Food Festival claims to be one of the UK’s biggest free-entry food festivals, and the aforementioned event says that the Nantwich Food Awards hold “that stamp of quality”. As for the town’s best restaurant, Tripadvisor (as of January 2024) puts it as St Martha – which describes itself as “a little piece of Greece in Nantwich”. Other highly-rated local eateries are Mexican restaurant and bar Lõco, as well as cocktail bar and restaurant Bench Bistro Bar (where you can enjoy afternoon tea served on a bench). Popular Nantwich cafes on Tripadvisor, meanwhile, include Nantwich Bookshop & Co ee Lounge and Café De Paris. Another, the cafe at Cheerbrook, overlooks fields, with the spot catering for lunch, brunch and afternoon tea. There’s also the famous Snugburys ice cream shop just
outside of Nantwich, which now attracts over 300,000 ‘ice creamers’ a year for a scoop or two of their award-winning ice cream – not to mention catching a glimpse at one of their unique sculptures that sits in their field. Nantwich is also blessed with a number of pubs. The Royal Oak in Worleston reopened in the spring of 2022, with the pub featuring a wood-fired pizza oven and two outdoor summer pavilions. A further top-rated local on Tripadvisor is The Wickstead Arms, a traditional real ale venue. If you’re looking for a local bar, however, try Ebenezer’s Nantwich (where the o ering includes special events like intimate gigs), and The White Horse is also a popular pick. To carry the night on, head to Studio.
We Three Kings of Rock ‘n’ Roll
NANTWICH CIVIC HALL, 2 MARCH
A show celebrating the music of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison. nantwichtowncouncil.gov.uk
Limehouse Lizzy
NANTWICH CIVIC HALL, 8 MARCH
A tribute to hard rock band Thin Lizzy. nantwichtowncouncil.gov.uk
Nantwich 10k
VARIOUS LOCATIONS, 17 MARCH
This race takes in local country lanes. nantwich10k.co.uk
Town Tour
VARIOUS LOCATIONS, 23 MARCH
Find out about the people, buildings and events that have shaped Nantwich’s history. nantwichmuseum.org.uk
Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival
NANTWICH CIVIL HALL AND THE CROWN HOTEL, 28 MARCH–1 APRIL
Experience the town’s annual Easter music festival. nantwichjazz.com
10 OF THE BEST
Afternoon tea at Crewe Hall Hotel and Spa
Crewe, crewehallcheshire.co.uk
For those who enjoy tradition, celebrate Mother's Day at Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, a piece of luxury nestled in the picturesque Cheshire countryside. Treat your mum to an exquisite afternoon tea experience, choosing from the Traditional Afternoon Tea or add a touch of opulence with a glass of champagne. Indulge in an array of delights, including assorted sweet treats, fancies and a selection of traditional finger sandwiches. Surrounded by the historic charm of the 17th-century Grade I-listed Crewe Hall and its extensive grounds, this Mother's Day activity promises an atmosphere of elegance and relaxation.
Alisha Davis picks out the best events or places to make Mother’s Day one to remember
Combermere, threewrensgin.com/ gin-distillery-tour-tasting
Who doesn’t enjoy a tipple or two? Mother’s Day is the perfect time to enjoy the delicious gin on o er from Three Wrens Gin distillery. Their Gin Distillery Tour promises an immersive experience in the art and craft of gin-making. Take your mum on a journey through the intricate process of distillation, learning about the selection of botanicals and the meticulous crafting of each batch. The distiller will introduce all the gins, tell you a little about the Three Wrens story, and take you around the distillery, demonstrating how their gins are hand-made in small batches. Cap o the tour with an exclusive gin tasting session, where you and your mum can savour the distinct flavours and aromas of their handcrafted gins. The relaxed and inviting atmosphere of their distillery sets the perfect backdrop for quality time together. Make this Mother's Day exceptional by indulging in the world of gin, and cheers to creating lasting memories.
Tarporely, cotebrookshirehorses. co.uk/experience-days
Horses are majestic creatures and it’s no wonder they’re so loved. This Mother’s Day, treat your mum to a wonderful day getting up close and personal with some of the biggest horses in the world, with a Shire Horse experience at the Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre. The day includes everything from feeding and grooming the horses to possibly preparing them for the show ring. This unforgettable experience is sure to be one to remember. Just be prepared for all weather and bring you wellies! –
Nantwich, handpickedhotels. co.uk/rookeryhall
Help your mum indulge this Mother’s Day with a spa retreat at Rookery Hall, a magnificent 19th-century mansion surrounded by 38 acres of picturesque gardens, pasture, and parkland. Escape into a world of opulence and immerse yourselves in the historic charm
of the public areas, before embracing the ultimate pampering experience at the extensive, ultra modern spa and leisure complex. Revel in rejuvenating treatments and unwind in serene surroundings. As the day unfolds, delight in culinary excellence with a dining experience awarded two AA Rosettes, where the menu showcases the finest regional produce. Make this Mother’s Day memorable, surrounded by elegance and sophistication, at Rookery Hall.
Chester, chesterzoo.org/onlineshop/experiences/
Embark on a wild adventure at Chester Zoo with their enchanting Gira e Experience –perfect for animal lovers. Treat your mum to an unforgettable journey as she is able to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures in a specially curated encounter. Witness the gentle giants of the savannah in their natural habitat, creating unforgettable memories against the backdrop of Chester Zoo. The Gira e Experience o ers an exclusive opportunity for your mum to feed and interact with these graceful animals, learning about their behaviours and conservation e orts first-hand. As she embraces the magic of the animal kingdom, the day continues with access to the zoo’s myriad of exhibits and attractions. There are a wide range of other experiences on o er, including breakfast with the lions, tropical adventures or even an elephant experience. Make Mother’s Day a truly extraordinary occasion by gifting her the wonder of wildlife.
Liverpool, about8.giftpro.co.uk
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a truly avantgarde dining experience at Restaurant 8, renowned as one of the UK’s most progressive culinary destinations. Led by Liverpool-born chef Andrew Sheridan, famed for his appearances on Great British Menu, this immersive gastronomic journey takes place in the heart of the 8 kitchen.
The backdrop of a bespoke 8 soundtrack
enhances the sensory adventure, creating a dining experience like no other.
Thrill and chill at Carden Park Hotel and Spa
Chester, cardenpark.co.uk/packagesand-o ers/thrills-chills
Treat your mum to an unforgettable Thrill and Chill Day this Mother’s Day in the Cheshire countryside at Carden Park, where excitement meets relaxation in a perfect blend of adventure and pampering. You can choose from an array of outdoor pursuits, including a high-wire course, dual zipline, Segway Safari, archery, and air rifle shooting, o ering plenty of choice for any thrill-seekers. Following the exhilarating activities, indulge in the 'chill' element, and opt for
“Get up close and personal with majestic creatures”
CHESTER ZOO
“Combine delicious British dining with an indulgent stay”
a delicious afternoon tea, a relaxing spa treatment, or a fine dining menu tasting. For those unable to visit that weekend, consider their gift vouchers as a promise for quality time together later in the year. With spacious, comfy bedrooms available, you can even extend the celebration and make this Mother’s Day truly special with a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation at this exceptional venue. –
Sunday best
Malpas, thelionatmalpas.co.uk
Who doesn’t enjoy a delicious roast dinner? At The Lion in Malpas, you can combine delicious, British dining, with an indulgent stay at a quintessential English pub. Nestled in the tranquil village of Malpas, steeped in history and charm, The Lion has been a central part of village life for over three centuries. Indulge in a "Roast and Relax" experience with your mum, including a delicious Sunday roast for two paired with a bottle of exquisite wine. As the evening unfolds, savour a delightful cheese board and a glass of port for supper. Retreat to the comfort of The Lion’s indulgent bedrooms and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. Make this Mother’s Day special with a perfect blend of culinary delights and cosy accommodations.
Staycation at Combermere Abbey Nantwich, combermereabbey. co.uk/north-wing
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a serene countryside escape at Combermere Abbey. This 12th-century estate o ers a haven of tranquillity amidst open green spaces and historic charm. Treat your mum to a memorable stay in the North Wing B&B suites; the Bhurtpore suite is ideal mother-daughter getaways. Or make it a family a air with their self-catering cottages. Dog-friendly accommodation ensures the whole family can join in.
Ellesmere Port, blueplanetaquarium.com/ events-experiences/adult-shark-dive Make this Mother’s Day extraordinary with a unique and thrilling experience at the Blue Planet Aquarium. Treat your mum to the adventure of a lifetime with the Adult Shark Dive, a one-of-a-kind underwater escapade that promises both excitement and awe. Led by experienced instructors, this immersive experience allows her to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures in a safe environment.
Robbie Williams headed up a new festival dedicated to opening doors to tomorrow’s entertainment stars
LMA, the renowned music, media and performing arts institution co-owned by Robbie Williams, welcomed over 2,500 of its students to the inaugural YOU Festival at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool – featuring inspiring conferences, panels and workshops from the creative industry’s most recognised individuals and prestigious companies.
The opening day of YOU Festival welcomed Chris ‘Woody’ Wood (Bastille), Si Delany (Don Broco) and Jason Perry (Grammy Award winning producer – McFly) to the stage for a fascinating panel discussion on their careers and experiences in the music industry, with Woody lifting the lid on why Bastille’s charttopping hit Pompeii was such a success. He said: “For anyone that is songwriting out there, I guess the song unwittingly ticked a lot of boxes. So the ‘eh, eheu, eheu’ hook at the start, that’s not a language which makes it universal. You don’t have to understand English to grasp that. The structure of the song is di erent
in every chorus, which I’ve also noticed more and more on a lot of bigger songs.”
Tuesday saw iconic Liverpool comedian John Bishop entertain a packed-out auditorium with an exclusive stand up routine, stories from his career as well as taking questions from the enthusiastic attendees about his rise to stardom and how stand up helped with his mental health.
John said: “Somebody said to me last week, ‘Stand up is for people who don’t want to go to counselling’, and in many respects that’s absolutely what happened. I did the stand up purely as a way of getting my head around what was going on in my life.”
Bringing the event to an impactful finish, Michael Loney (Manager of Robbie Williams), Richard Wallace (Chief Executive of LMA), Simon Moran (Managing Director of SJM concerts) and Lucas Green (COO of Banijay) joined together for the closing panel in which they shared stories of their journeys and possible pathways into the creative industries with students.
With over 110 industry specialists hosting workshops in music, film and TV, dance, acting, gaming and musical theatre, there was plenty of other incredible events across the two days that spanned from hip-hop workshops to acting networking. Industry guests included those from YouTube, Sky, Soundcloud, EMI, ITV Academy, Channel 4, Primary Talent, Kilimanjaro Group, Scru of the Neck, Beggars Group, Glastonbury, Edinburgh Fringe, Fremantle UK, Little Dot Studios and more.
By night, the M&S Bank Arena turned into fully fledged indoor campsite with over 200 eco-friendly cardboard tents, a solution LMA devised to o er a ordable and safe accommodation to attendees. The arena also featured an array of evening activities including performances from LMA Level 6 students, cinema screens, a silent disco and an indoor funfair.
Richard Wallace, CEO of LMA, said: “We have a saying ‘if not you then who?’, and that really is where YOU Festival arrived from. LMA have always placed a huge importance on exposing our students to those in the
“LMA PLACES A HUGE IMPORTANCE ON EXPOSING STUDENTS TO THOSE IN THE INDUSTRY”
industry. But we wanted to go one better, to create something that genuinely brings you in the same room as these people, allows you to chat, to be spotted, and to really be inspired. YOU Festival has made this possible, and we look forward to bringing it back even bigger and better next year as we are pleased to announce we have a six year partnership with the M&S Bank Arena for future festivals.”
LMA is one of the fastest growing music, media, and performing arts institutions in the UK, with campuses in both Liverpool and London. Priding itself on having unrivalled connections and links with those in the creative industry, YOU Festival is its latest initiative to provide invaluable insight and experience to students that helps bridge the gap between finishing education and entering the industry.
lma.ac.uk
BUSINESS : Founder, Charlotte Findlater Design
WEBSITE : charlottefindlater.co.uk
Q What was the inspiration for setting up your business?
A I’ve always thought that design can have equal importance to that of architecture. Traditionally, things can be very dogmatic – you do the architecture, someone else does the interiors, someone else does the furniture, the fabric, the landscaping etc. But I believe design is all-encompassing. This was the inspiration for the business, our turnkey design approach enables clients to have a single point of contact throughout their project, from initial concept through to completion and handover. My ethos sits at the core of the business, schemes are high-end, bespoke and focused on craftsmanship.
Pure and raw materials are used to create luxurious, natural, and sustainable
Marking International Women's Day, we meet some of Cheshire’s most innovative female business leaders
spaces that boost wellbeing. Historically architecture and interiors may have been clearly separated as services, with interiors being the ‘decoration’ of a project, but throughout my career I have always embraced the overlap over where these two meet, and this was the catalyst for Charlotte Findlater Design.
Q What is your dream project?
A My ultimate goal is to develop a small collection of stunning luxury houses, all with renewable infrastructure and ideally o grid. These homes would challenge the status quo, all be crafted from natural materials entirely sourced from the UK. I would love to have the opportunity to design a true wellness retreat, either in the UK or abroad. I dream of the day when we’ve truly accomplished a 100-percent circular and carbon-negative project through design excellence.
Q What inspires you?
A Something di erent every day. It can go from people that are close to me to new people I encounter and their stories. Travel memories are something I always go back to for inspiration. The sights, food, art, and music that you get exposed to when travelling build up as a continuous reference library.
Q What advice would you give to your younger self as you embarked on your career?
A Slow down, find balance, and really appreciate where you are and be present in that moment and
opportunity. Dream big and go for it. Don’t be afraid of failure – out of failure comes learning and resilience. Those two things have really helped me to become a stronger person and leader.
Q How do you switch o ?
A Family time is a big one for me. I love being out in nature, breathing in the fresh air, listening to the sounds of nature and going on long walks in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales with our dog. Running and meditation are also really important parts of my life that help me unwind.
Q What comes next?
A As luxury architectural interior designers, we are proud to be encouraging those we work and collaborate with to share their sustainability goals. In addition to ensuring clarity and purpose in their supply chain, we are looking to partner with a number of charities to ensure that any unwanted items from a project can be re-purposed and re-used before being considered for recycling. We are also on our B-Corp journey. B-Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.
I believe in the power for businesses to be a force for good and that we the leaders of our businesses have the ability and responsibility to balance the needs of people, planet and profit.
:
Founder, Amanda AzzopardiAesthetics
LtdWEBSITE : amandaazzopardi.co.uk
Q Tell us a bit about your background before launching your business…
A I was educated to the highest HONS standards, holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Graduate Diploma in Midwifery, Masters in Midwifery, specialising in women’s health. I completed a master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice and Independent Nurse Prescribing. I am registered with the NMC, with over 25 years both local and international experience in midwifery, women’s health and medical/aesthetic experience within the NHS/private industry. I started my career in Aesthetics in Australia in 1995, then relocated my family to the UK in 2010, growing my current 3 clinics whilst still working full time in the NHS emergency department from 20152022, leaving the NHS in 2023. I am a member of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN.) The clinic is CQC registered and regulated, Save Face registered and a finalist at 2023 Safety In Beauty Awards in the Hair restoration category and is currently an Aesthetics Awards Finalist in the category ‘The Amedica Award for Best Clinic North of England’.
Q What was the inspiration behind setting up your business?
A My love of skin and assisting people to feel well through their ageing process.
Q What challenges have you experienced along the way?
A It is a challenging and fast paced industry, so keeping up with new technologies and ensuring they are aligned with what my patients want to achieve, and having a core knowledge base of all my treatments to ensure high safety standards are maintained.
Q What elements of your business/ industry keep you passionate?
A My passion stems from the patients’ love of their results, the gratitude we receive as their expectations are met and the energy and care my team and I put into their ageing journey every day to drive the business forward and really make each patient's experience individual. Within the industry the support I receive from senior medical colleagues is irreplaceable and strengthens my ability to provide an outstanding patient journey for my clients.
Q How was 2023 as a business year?
A Last year was an outstanding year of growth, expansion of the premises, rebranding and expanding our team, the success of building these strong foundations will be seen in 2024. We are excited for 2024 as we focus the future of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics towards a health and wellbeing model, to raise awareness of the importance of educating our patients. All stages of the ageing process must be addressed to age well, rather than focusing on chronic illness when it occurs, empowering patients to take control and understand prevention. Acknowledging the importance of the function of the gut, mind, energy and body health, and the fundamental principles behind optimising healthy on all levels.
Q Any new products or initiatives in 2024?
A To support this business model we are currently developing a bigger
team who share our goals and vision, we have bought in a Slimyonik device for lymphatic drainage to improve inflammation from skin disorders such as acne/rosacea to increase metabolic circulation, reduce weight and improve all signs of menopause. This combined with a fat reduction device from Gelida will help us achieve better health outcomes for our clients whole body aesthetic requirements.
Q On a personal level, what are your hopes and dreams for 2024?
A On a more personal level we have many celebrations this year, my eldest daughter celebrating her 30th birthday will commence the celebrations and spending time out of our busy schedules with families is always rewarding, just to celebrate the small things. Travelling home to Australia would be a dream come true for all of us this year, to visit family and friends. Taking a long deserved winter break in a sunny location would be rewarding.
Q Before launching your business, what was your working background?
A I graduated in Business, what feels like a long time ago now! From there I had a career in marketing, which was enjoyable but didn’t feel particularly fulfilling. I trained as a life coach with the intention of working in Singapore; however, I was heavily pregnant with my twins at the time so I came home to be with my family and take some time out. I was busy (and still am!) raising four beautiful girls, but have studied nutrition, wellbeing, longevity and epigenetics for as long as I can remember.
Q What inspired your business?
A In 2012, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that profoundly a ected my day-to-day life. The side e ects of conventional medications were debilitating, prompting me to become intensely conscious of what I consumed. This awareness ultimately inspired me to establish my own brand of plant-based supplements. Recognising that others shared my desire for e ective vegan products that were devoid of animal testing, Arella was founded! It was crucial to me that our supplements were not only scientifically backed, but also specifically designed to support gut health, given my own struggles with Crohn’s Disease.
Q What do you think makes you di erent?
A I think what sets us apart is our mission to deliver 100% plant-based supplements, ethically sourced and
backed by innovative science and environmentally sound practice. We are particularly proud of the success of Arella Vegan Collagen. Its star ingredient, VeCollal®, mimics human type 1 collagen and is clinically proven to support and increase natural collagen, without the use of animal products.
Q How was 2023 for you?
A Very busy! On the back of the success of Arella Vegan Collagen, we launched Arella Pause to target hormone balance, energy levels, mood swings and sleep. This is also close to my heart as a hysterectomy brought on early menopause and I su ered from many of the symptoms that my customers report. In fact, whilst Arella Pause is primarily used in support of perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, the potent blend of science-backed ingredients has also been proven to help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and painful periods in our younger users. Completing our current product range are three plant-based supplements in capsule form designed to be taken individually or together: Arella Rise – a Morning Energy Supplement, Arella Energise – an Energy Boost Supplement and Arella Dream – a Calming Sleep Supplement.
Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024?
A We are introducing new sustainable packaging for our ready-to-use liquid supplements – Arella Vegan Collagen and Arella Pause – and our sachets will be fully recyclable. We are also updating our formula for Arella Pause, based on improved scientific evidence, and adding a new 30-day supply option, backed by customer demand.
BUSINESS : Founder, Kimberley’s Cuisine
WEBSITE : kimberleyscuisine.co.uk
Q Before launching your business, what was your working background?
A I have always been into food and dining out from a very young age. This also went hand in hand with travel for me, visiting new places and exploring new cuisines. When I was around 20 I fancied working in a ski resort as a chalet host. This seemed the perfect fit for me as I could go travelling and skiing whilst I got to host and cook for guests. I really felt natural in this role. When the season was over I wanted to cook more and connected with agencies and clients who were looking for chefs to cook over the summer periods in holiday homes around Devon, Cornwall and France. I loved it. From there I decided after many years I would like more of a base in my home in Manchester, so started to hone in my skills as a chef and create more fine menus. This led to working at events and dinner parties hosted all over the North West, London and also on Yachts for a company called SailChecker.
Q What inspired you to launch your business?
A I just love what I do so much. I like to host my own parties and have great food. This was an easy decision for me to make, the leap to set up Kimberley’s Cuisine and build up my own client base. It’s been a lot of hard work, but I am always happiest in the kitchen and wouldn’t want it any other way.
Q What do you think makes you di erent?
A My menus and style. I have a lot of experience working in many kitchens and locations all over the world with exceptional challenges along the way. I always approach my clients as friends and create dining experiences just how I would like to have. I also source my ingredients mindfully as much as possible with keen focus on the seasons. This includes using local suppliers and high welfare, free range, and organic ingredients.
Q How was 2023 for you?
A I had a lot going on, as in 2022 I became a Mum. My babes turned one in 2023 so juggling the business
and my little bundle of joy was a whole new challenge. I absolutely love it though and can’t wait for her to be able to cook with me!
Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024?
A It’s all happening in 2024. Alongside the launch of my new website and menus I have a new business venture in the pipeline. I also am giving back to the community and working with some well-known charities to help supply meals to the community where they need them most. Every meal I cook for someone I give one back.
Q On a personal level, what are your hopes and dreams for 2024?
A Hopes and dreams are always with me every day. I just strive to keep my life full of joy and peace. Surrounding myself with my family and super friends makes me feel happy and content. All I really want in life is a full diary of catch ups and days out to share it with them. I am also searching for my dream home with a fabulous kitchen, so if the universe is listening… please help me!
BUSINESS : Founder, Pups & Pooches WEBSITE : pupsandpoochesdogtraining.co.uk
Q What inspired you to launch your business?
A I was a registered nurse manager prior to retiring, I spent over 40 years caring for people and their families who were facing health problems due to life limiting disease, including end of life. I worked through the COVID pandemic, which was exhausting for all involved. Shortly after the worst of it was over; I received a letter inviting me to apply for my pension which I did.
and who also vet and approve all their certified trainers annually, then you can see that I have a solid foundation to o er support to other dog owners. I have not stopped learning – since passing the certification course I have completed specialist courses in understanding dog body language, puppy training, children and dogs, scent work, and assistance dogs. I recently gained my licence to hold workshops and classes to help dog professionals and dog owners to better understand their reactive dog.
Q How was 2023 for you?
I retired from nursing in 2022 although I am still currently on the NMC register. I considered finding a part time job in nursing but many of them require sta to work 13-hour shifts which I no longer want to work for many reasons, not least because my dog had become accustomed to my company and the day care, and the dog walker that I had used were closed and too busy respectively. So, I followed my heart – I've always loved animals, I've had pets of all descriptions since childhood and seem to have an a nity with them. Currently I have my beloved Ollie, an English Springer Spaniel, now 10 years old. He taught me about anxiety in dogs, he was afraid of everything as a puppy, but he has learned to trust me and knows that I have his back.
Q What do you think makes you di erent?
A I am a compassionate person; I love teaching and I absolutely love dogs. Add to that the fact that I trained with the Dog Training College who have a philosophy of force free, positive reward-based training
A In essence, it was a steep learning curve, I've learned lots, tested out much of it and am ready to share it with like minded dog owners who wish to work with their dogs to build a relationship based on trust and mutual understanding.
Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024?
A I am o ering a ordably priced classes and one to one training packages to puppy and dog owners. My training services are available to all breeds of dog including XL bully dogs who have been in the press for all the wrong reasons. Unfortunately, restrictions on XL bulldogs mean that only one to one training is allowed in terms of my insurance cover.
I'm hoping that I can attract like minded clients who want to build a relationship based on trust and mutual understanding with their puppy or dog. Training is not a once-a-week occasion, it's everyday and every opportunity to show a ection, grow trust and learn together guided by a force free positive reward-based trainer who is passionate about dogs.
Q Before launching your business, what was your working background?
A I studied textile design at the London College of Fashion, and since then I have worked within the design industry in various di erent forms throughout all of my working life. Nearly 20 years ago I met my husband, an already successful Property Developer, which led me to a natural transition into interior architecture and design, as well as helping with our Cheshire based construction company, Cria Construction.
Q What inspired you to launch your business?
A I have always been passionate about design, and draw great inspiration from my travels and nature around me. I translated this passion into helping my husband with his development and construction side of our business, and found such great demand from potential clients for elements of interior design alone, that I launched my own interior design studio 10 years ago.
Q What do you think makes you di erent?
A My projects are always influenced by my clients and the architecture of their home, however the design thread which runs through all of the projects I have ever completed is, fundamentally, what I would do if my clients’ home were my own. I always look to reflect
the beauty of nature within my designs, and pair this with an understated sense of luxury. I am not led by trends or fashion, and I believe projects I completed 20 years ago still look great and timeless today; this is a much better, more ethical and environmental way to design, build and live.
Q How was 2023 for you?
A Challenging! Doing business today is completely di erent to how it was 10 years ago, or even before the pandemic. It has been wonderful to experience such incredible growth since launching my business, however I am going into 2024 with di erent priorities and looking to work on a more personal scale with the right projects.
Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024?
A We are fortunate to work with so many amazing designers whose products we bring together within the overall design of our projects, and this year is no exception; we already have some amazing new creations which will look stunning within our clients’ homes.
Q What are your hopes for 2024?
A My husband and I are continuing to make strides to simplify our lives, as we believe this “slow living” approach, essentially being able to take more opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the world around us every day.
Q Outside of work, what are you looking forward to this year?
A To design and develop the next stage of our own Cheshire Farmhouse, which has been an ongoing personal project.
“I WANTED TO BRING A BOUTIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE TO SECONDHAND STORES”
BUSINESS : Founder, Dress Cheshire WEBSITE : dresscheshire.com
Q Before laaunching your business, what was your working background?
A I’m a marketer. I’ve worked in advertising and marketing since leaving school at 16, so I have over 4 decades of brand experience and for the last 13 years I have owned and run my own marketing agency where I employ 11 people. I am really lucky to have worked with some of the most talented designers and writers in the industry who have also become my friends. The experience I have gained as a marketer has been integral to my vision for Dress Cheshire. I always knew I wasn’t just launching a second-hand retail store, it was always going to be a luxury retail brand rooted in feeling and looking good for less.
Q What inspired you to launch your business?
A Definitely my passion and craving for stylish clothes, shoes and designer handbags! Most of which I knew I couldn’t a ord, so second-hand fashion was always something I have sought out. But I’m not a rooter, I actually loathe giant shops and discount stores, so I was inspired to bring a boutique shopping experience to second-hand fashion with all the customer service that one can expect from a luxury fashion house, except without the price tag!
Q What do you think makes you di erent?
A Definitely excellent customer service which has gained us a 5 star excellent rating on Trustpilot. Plus, we are a store that allows customers to sell their items with us as well as buying from us. This unique high
JANEY BUTLER
street service provides the community with a really special place as many people buy items using the money they make by selling what they no longer wear or use. It’s a win-win and a feel-good way of shopping.
Q How was 2023 for you?
A Good but tough. Owning both a marketing agency and a dress agency is very demanding. Most people don’t realise I own and run 2 completely separate organisations so juggling things has been challenging.
Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024?
A I’m always evolving and I’m open to new things. I am striving to make the experience at Dress Cheshire even better by continuing to attract the best luxury items from the best people who choose to sell with us, so that those buying continue to be surprised and delighted.
Q On a personal level, what are your hopes and dreams for 2024?
A Without sounding cliché I’m grateful to be healthy and happy just the way things are right now. I’ve got a lovely family and live in a lovely village in Cheshire, so it doesn’t get better than that as regards to hopes and dreams. I’m not looking for the next big thing, a bigger house or a newer car… but continuing to grow my Hermès and Chanel bag collection is probably up there!
Q Outside of work, what are you looking forward to this year?
A Low drama, low stress and time with my friends, family, my dogs and plenty of sunshine.
BUSINESS : Founder, Annie Haak Designs WEBSITE : anniehaakdesigns.co.uk
Q Before aunching your business, what was your working background?
A Before I launched the Annie Haak Designs website I had a tiny studio in my garden. There I illustrated children’s names in watercolour and personalised them with all details of birth etc and framed them. I went around all large Craft Fairs and set up my table with samples and orders came in! I still today have people mentioning that they met me at these craft shows and loved the pictures I did for them.
Q What inspired you to launch your business?
A My inspiration really came from a very difficult time in my life, my husband ending up in intensive care in Bali (all is well now) and my dear parents dying within 3 months of each other. I needed a guardian angel, so I drew one! I then found a silversmith, and this grew to where I am today, working with Sterling Silver and loving the process of drawing my designs, the wax moulds, putting all the pieces together to make something beautiful to wear. I have always loved the sentimental aspect of my business the meaning of giving either to ones’ self or someone else is so important to me and my designs.
Q What do you think makes you different?
A I believe the main reason I am different to others in the same trade is that I am the founder and designer – it was so hard to get my business
ANNIE HAAKstarted, but I kept on against an awful lot of hurdles. I love a challenge and will go to any lengths to look after the business and all who are with me in it.
Q Looking back, how was 2023 for you?
A 2023 had its challenges especially the last quarter. I found it frustrating that the trend for all online jewellery business was to do a huge amount of discounts and as for Black Friday it should be called Black November as it seems to start from the 1st! But due to the most incredible team in Marketing we were able to work with the challenges and all ended up ok, thank goodness.
Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024?
A I have got a very exciting 2024 starting with a beautiful (although I say it myself) Wedding Collection that I just cannot wait to launch in May. I am also looking at popping back onto the TV screen which is exciting but not finalised yet so cannot say too much about that… We also have excitement projects for our website and enhancing our shop to something very special.
Q On a personal level, what are your hopes and dreams for 2024?
A My hope and dreams for 2024 are simple to stay healthy and keep working hard, as I admit I am a workaholic! Although my work is like a hobby, and I love it – and to be successful in all aspects of my business. I also would like to make the Nu & Mii store larger, which is my daughters’ gorgeous jewellery business, and they are both working hard to do.
Pecks is an AA Rosette fine dining restaurant in the Cheshire countryside, long renowned for its dramatic style where the Dinner at Eight menu transforms the restaurant into a “Theatre of Food”, providing a unique and complete dining experience. Their Mother's Day menu is the ultimate treat, showcasing the talent and creativity of their team, who accommodate the very best seasonal produce. pecksrest.co.uk
Chateau Rahoul Blanc 2016 Graves
£17.50
From a tiny Bordeaux property with a growing reputation this is an appetising, aromatic blend of 78% semillon and 22% sauvignon blanc, with citrus notes on the nose and a lovely creamy texture on the finish.
The Society's Saumur Rosé Brut NV £11.76
Beaujolais Villages Vieilles Vignes d’Emeriniges 2022 £9.50
This fragrant rosé, made mostly from cabernet franc with a touch of grolleau for roundness and charm, has a soft, fruity flavour and persistent fizz. Delightfully clean and refreshing, this is a lovely aperitif but is gorgeous, too, with shellfish. A serious BeaujolaisVillages from a very well-sited estate close to Juliénas, in the north of the Beaujolais region. After the lighter 2021 vintage, the 2022 delivers more depth of flavour with bags of ripe, fresh, crunchy red fruit, and a long finish.
Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business. The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com
Côte Chester have unveiled their luxurious taste of the ski season specially designed by Gordon Ramsay’s former executive chef, Steve Allen. The indulgent Alpine features the seasonal favourite Tartiflette, one of the most loved après-ski dishes, derived from the word for potato, enjoyed by skiers. The sumptuous Tartiflette dish is a delicious combination of Reblochon and Comté cheese, smoked bacon lardons, sliced potatoes and caramelised onions served with a crunchy sourdough baguette.
cote.co.uk
Three Cheshire restaurants marking the celebrations
KRUM
The new loyalty scheme from Individual Restaurant Group, Club IR, has launched. The new programme elevates what diners can expect from a loyalty card, focusing on giving guests what they really want: personalised o ers, exceptional service and moneycan’t-buy experiences. Individual Restaurants collection comprises Cheshire favourites Restaurant Bar & Grill, Piccolino, Riva Blu and Piccolo by Piccolino. individualrestaurants.com
Next Door Frodsham’s ‘hello’ tastings are always the first Wednesday of every month, where this highly decorated restaurant looks forward to a celebration of a new tasting menu. The evening on 6 March is the first service of their latest seven-course monthly tasting menu with matched wines at the special introductory price of £95 (usually £78 for food and £42 for wine).
The menu makes the most of our micro seasons. restaurantnextdoor.co.uk
Easter 2024 at The Cheshire Cat will really have it all – a four-day weekend overflowing with mouthwatering dishes, delicious drinks, and uninterrupted quality time with loved ones in the comfort of your favourite Cheshire country pub. vintageinn.co.uk
Easter weekend at this Northwich favourite is always one to remember. Previous specials have included Sautéed King Prawns, Mojito Marinated Rump of Lamb, Baked Fillet of Cod, and Marmalade Glazed Ham. antrobusarms.co.uk
THE AXE & CLEAVER
There’s nowhere like The Axe & Cleaver Altrincham’s cosy setting to enjoy Easter. Expect classics like Duo of Korean Chicken, Hand-Battered Atlantic Cod, Beef & Pancetta Lasagne, Classic Gammon, and Keralan Chickpea Curry. chefandbrewer.com
We have already featured the people behind Da Noi, and with March the start of gelato season, we just had to signpost another of their venues, Krum. Their compact takeaway shop in the heart of Chester gives customers visibility of literally everything, including the production in the lab at the back, making the experience a short but meaningful one.
krumgelatochester.co.uk
THE IVY ASIA
The Ivy Asia Spinningfields has introduced a brand-new dining experience, The Ivy Asia Weekend Brunch. Main courses will include Salmon Sashimi and Avocado Rice Bowl, a delightful fusion of succulent salmon and creamy avocado, or for a classic Asian-inspired dish, guests can choose Char Siu Pork Belly and Kimchi Egg Fried Rice. theivyasia.com
Award-winning chef Anthony Wright, formerly of L20 Restaurant, has been appointed as Executive Head Chef at The Municipal M Hotel in Liverpool. Absolutely meets him
At the tail end of 2023, MGallery UK announced award-winning and local chef, Anthony Wright, as its new Executive Head Chef at The Municipal Hotel Liverpool – MGallery.
The Municipal Hotel Liverpool, part of MGallery Hotel Collection, Accor Group’s luxury boutique-hotel brand, is home to all day dining destination Palm Court, brasserie-style restaurant Seaforth and the charming Botanic Tearoom. Anthony will oversee all three establishments to bring an exceptional culinary experience to its guests.
With over 23 years’ experience in the industry and proud winner for ‘Head Chef of the Year 2023’ at The Liverpool
Hospitality People Awards, Anthony will bring his passion and talent for creating world-class dishes to the hotel’s F&B o ering. He joins The Municipal Hotel from the popular L20 Restaurant where he spent 10 years being part of a team and training the next generation of chefs. Here he tells Absolutely Cheshire why this was an o er he simply couldn’t refuse.
Q When did you first develop a taste for cooking?
A Back in 2001. I had a real passion for cooking and took it as part of my GCSE at high school and I did work experience in a four-star hotel at 15 years old.
Q When did being a chef become a realistic career ambition?
A At the same time after my work experience of working in a four-star hotel. I had passion, desire and drive to succeed.
“I just wanted to immerse myself in the world of cooking”
Q What was your first professional job?
A Back in 2002, I left high school and got a job working at the four-star Macdonald Kilhey Court in Wigan. It was great, I spent two and a half years there. In those early days, I just wanted to immerse myself in the world of cooking and spent time learning from di erent sections in the kitchen. I’d work five days at week, one day at college and just one day o . I was very passionate about the job and learning, so I spent as much time as possible in the kitchens.
Q Before L20 Restaurant, was there one job you’d say you learnt the most from?
A Prior to L20, I worked at The Mulberry Tree in Wrightington, Lancashire. It was a 2AA Rosette and had a Michelin Bib Gourmand Award. The chef/owner was Mark Prescott, who was previously head chef at the 2 Michelin-starred Le Gavroche in London. I learned some good old school dishes here and developed my craft.
Q How do you look back on your time at L20 Restaurant?
A I’m very proud of my time at L20, it was a good ten years with many memories spent training the next generation of chefs and front of house. I was happy that I put the standards in at the college. In 2018 I managed to secure funding from The Savoy Educational Trust to help create a state of the art kitchen at the college.
I was extremely grateful for all the chefs that I managed to get over to the college and cook with students. We had so many top chefs from around the UK come to the college and cook with the students, chefs like Mark Greenway, Mark Poyton, Ernst van Zyl, Liam McKay, Nigel Howarth and Bruno Birkbeck – to name just a few.
I’m also very happy with all the awards we achieved along the way with the food porn award winner in 2018, AA highly commended college restaurant for three years running, Liverpool’s Best Restaurant runner up in 2020, Sta Canteen Chef member 2022 and Liverpool Head Chef of Year 2023.
Q What did this recognition mean to you?
A I’m happy that the college was recognised for holding great standards and inspiring fantastic talent. I’m always highly grateful to be recognised for any personal awards. I was happy with the standard of food that
“I’d describe my cooking style as modern British whilst experimenting with international ingredients”
we were serving – it was really high end and of the same standard as some top restaurants. I was incredibly proud of the team.
Q What has encouraged you to join The Municipal Hotel Liverpool – MGallery?
A The building itself is stunning – what a place to work. I have the opportunity to now be part of the hotel’s history and develop its next chapter.
Q How would you describe the dining options at the hotel?
A We have the Botanic Tea Rooms, which o er a great tasting afternoon tea in a stunning room. The Grand Palm Court caters for those nibbles and light bites over co ee and cocktails. The Seaforth restaurant o ers seasonal dining with ingredients that link.
Q Are you looking to introduce anything new to the menus?
A We’re looking to evolve the menu. My team will produce a real depth of flavours in all areas of the hotel.
Q Would you say you have a particular cooking style?
A I’d describe my cooking style as modern British whilst experimenting with international ingredients.
Q As we move through 2024, could you give us an idea – perhaps 2-3 – of the kind of dishes we can expect to enjoy at the hotel under your watchful eye?
A I’m looking forward to putting a modern version of Liverpool’s classic “scouse” – it’s a very popular dish on our current menu. I can’t wait to create my version of traditional lemon meringue pie. I love to use seasonal ingredients, I always get excited to see the fantastic Yorkshire rhubarb flourish from January – nothing beats a classic rhubarb and custard. Looking ahead to spring I’ll be using some very seasonal ingredients with asparagus and spring lamb coming onto the menu just in time for Easter.
Discover more at municipalhotelliverpool.com
Recipes to celebrate the Year of the Dragon
Words SUZIE LEE Photography LIZZIE MAYSON
Serves 6
I first made this dish during lockdown as my children were really enjoying mussels, and I decided to bulk it up with some noodles to stretch out the dish. I hold back on the amount of chilli I use in this dish for my family, but I do love the kick it adds.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
• 1kg fresh mussels
• 6 dried egg noodle nests, each weighing about 60–75g
• 3 tbsp Chinese dried fermented black beans
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 30g fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 6 large spring onions (scallions), 4 chopped into 7.5 cm (3 in) pieces and 2 finely sliced
For garnishing
• 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 large chilli, finely sliced (optional)
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) paste
• Approx. 200ml water
• Salt and white pepper
METHOD
1 To prepare the mussels, clean each one on the outside with a scourer/brush. Check for ‘beards’ around the seams, pulling them out and discarding these ‘hairy’ pieces. Throw away any ones with broken shells, they are spoiled.
2 Put the mussels in a bowl of cold water and allow to sit for about 20 minutes, so the grit can be rinsed out. Give the mussels another rinse in the bowl under a cold running tap. Then use a colander to drain o the water. Tap any unclosed mussels on the work surface: if they close, they are still alive, but otherwise discard them.
3 Prepare the noodles by rehydrating in cold water for at least 30 minutes until the strands are separable, then drain, pat dry and leave on top of some paper towels to remove excess water (you can also use fresh egg noodles).
4 Fry o the ginger and the four chopped spring onions for a couple of minutes. Add the garlic and chilli (if using) to the wok/pan and fry for about a minute until everything becomes fragrant.
5 Next, rehydrate the black
beans by soaking in just enough boiling water to cover them for 15 minutes, then pour o the excess water just before using.
6 Add the rehydrated black beans without the soaking water to the wok/ pan followed by the soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar (if using), and allow to simmer for a couple of minutes. Then stir in the cornflour paste.
7 Toss the mussels into the wok/ pan and add approximately 200ml (7 fl oz/scant 1 cup) of water. Cover with a lid or some tin foil and cook for at least 5 minutes, shaking the wok/pan occasionally. Keep checking to see if all the mussel shells have opened.
8 Finally, add the rehydrated noodles to the wok/pan and mix everything together. Allow to come up to the boil for a couple of minutes until the sauce is absorbed by the noodles.
9 Season to taste with salt and pepper. You may wish to add more soy sauce or sesame oil as well or even more chilli. Before serving, garnish with the sliced spring onions.
• Fermented black beans (fermented soy beans) can be bought in your local Chinese supermarket or online. Make sure you don’t buy Mexican black beans, which are completely di erent!
Serves 4
There are many variations of a cucumber salad, here I have created a very simple no fuss recipe. You can omit the chilli oil from this cucumber salad, but I love the kick it gives it! I love adding it to rice and noodle bowls and even snacking on the pieces of cucumber straight out of the jar.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
• Large cucumber, topped, tailed and finely sliced into circles
• Salt 1 teaspoon
• Sugar 1 teaspoon
• Rice wine vinegar 4 teaspoons
• Light soy sauce 1 teaspoon
• Sesame oil 2 teaspoons
• Spicy chilli oil 2 tablespoons
METHOD
1 Layer the cucumber slices on a plate and sprinkle over ½ teaspoon of salt, then add another layer of
cucumber and sprinkle with another ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix with your hand and leave for 15 minutes.
2 Strain o the liquid from the cucumber, then pat dry with a couple of pieces of paper towel to remove excess salt. Mix the sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil in a bowl to make a dressing for the salad. Toss the cucumber in the dressing, then taste and adjust the seasoning –you may want it sharper, so add more rice wine vinegar.
3 Finally, add a couple of tablespoons of homemade spicy chilli oil for extra flavour.
Coca Cola was introduced to Hong Kong in the 1960s and has made its way into a couple of recipes – boiled cola with ginger and Coca Cola chicken. Coca Cola wings are one of those dishes I remember Mum making and thinking: how are we allowed to eat these, as she wouldn’t let us drink a tin of coke when we were younger!
I started making these wings for my kids only recently and they are gobbled up before they even eat their rice.
Cooking time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
Chicken wings
• 1kg chicken wings, separated into wingettes and drummets
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt and white pepper
Sauce
• 30g fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 330ml full-sugar cola
METHOD
1 Put the wingettes and drummets in a saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Then boil for 5 minutes, skimming o the impurities or scum that float on the surface with a large spoon. Use a slotted spoon to remove the wings and keep the chicken broth for other uses.
2 To make the sauce, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan, add the ginger and garlic, then fry for about 30 seconds to start releasing the
aromas. Then throw in the chicken wings and brown for about 3-5 minutes to add extra flavour.
3 Now add all the remaining sauce ingredients to the wok/pan. Bring to the boil, then lower to a simmer and cover with a lid. Allow to bubble away for about 15 minutes until the liquid has reduced to a sticky sauce.
4 Toss the wings in the sticky sauce, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring the heat up to full again, so the sauce caramelises and coats the lovely wings.
For this recipe, you must use fullsugar cola as it is the caramelisation of the sugars that produces the thick sticky sauce. You can also use a zero or diet version of coke, but please note that the sauce will not thicken up, so add some cornflour (cornstarch) paste and boil until thickened. Any leftover cooked little wings freeze well and can be kept for a month in the freezer.
“Coca Cola was introduced to Hong Kong in the 1960s and made its way into a couple of recipes”
PIPER-HEIDSIECK PAVES
A NEW WAY IN CHAMPAGNE
BY ACHIEVING THE B CORP SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION.
A flying visit to the Hale Barns restaurant proved to be one to rememberBy
MARTIN CUNNINGHAM
San Carlo in Hale Barns o ers a sophisticated dining experience, with the restaurant’s strategic location near Manchester Airport adding to its appeal.
Our waiter, Gianluca, was exceptional, delivering impeccable service that enhanced our overall dining pleasure. Our family of four had an exceptional dining experience at this restaurant.
The attention to detail in service was remarkable, making our children, aged 12 and 10, feel like VIPs throughout the meal. From start to finish, the sta ’s thoughtful approach added a special touch to our family lunch afternoon.
The Gamberoni alla Diavola o ered a fiery dance of tiger prawns, sautéed with garlic, fresh chilli, white wine, and toasted Altamura bread creating an exquisite taste sensation.
Carpaccio di Manzo presented a symphony of flavours, with thinly sliced raw fillet of beef drizzled in a mustard and mayo dressing, Parmesan cheese and rocket, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice and a dash of balsamic added to it, creating a feast for the senses.
The Pizza Margherita, adorned with a tangy tomato and oregano, was a classic masterpiece, o ering a delightful burst of traditional flavours.
Agnello Toscana cooked pink showcased lamb cutlets bathed in
“The Filetto al Pepe Verde was a culinary masterpiece”
Barolo red wine, rosemary, and sun blushed tomato sauce, creating a mouthwatering taste extravaganza.
Filetto al Pepe Verde featured a 8oz/227g fillet steak with a brandy and green peppercorn sauce. The steak was butter soft and melted in the mouth, a culinary masterpiece.
Served on the side were the following: Patate Arrosto, sautéed potatoes with bacon, onion, and rosemary, which provided a hearty and savory addition to the meal; Spinaci, sautéed spinach with garlic, chilli, and Worcestershire sauce, this contributed a zesty and flavourful touch;
Tenderstem Broccoli, with garlic and chilli, which added a spicy kick to the otherwise crisp and tender broccoli.
Desserts were just as amazing as the main courses. The Meringata Amarena, a feather light meringue cake with Amarena cherries, delivered a sweet and heavenly finale to the gastronomic journey. The children opted for Mantecato Alla Nocciola to share, served in a stunning twisted glass which consisted of soft hazelnut ice cream with crushed Ferrero Rocher with chocolate sauce. It was a challenge to finish but concluded the meal with a rich and indulgent note. It was a meal to remember.
Life in the French Riviera is warm, effortless, and enduring—a spirit perfectly captured in the new Le Creuset stoneware gifting collection. Featuring ten sets in coastal-inspired hues, the Riviera Collection is unmistakably joyful and the perfect gift for travel and adventure lovers.
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU VISIT A LE CREUSET STORE • BESPOKE CUSTOMER SERVICE • EXCLUSIVE PRODUCT RANGES AND OFFERS •
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CALL & DELIVER. | PAY BY LINK. | FREE UK DELIVERY WHEN YOU SPEND £50 OR MORE. | CONTACT THE STORE FOR MORE DETAILS.
LE CREUSET FULHAM ROAD, 156 FULHAM ROAD, LONDON. SW10 9PR.
TEL: 0207 3707509 • E-MAIL: FULHAMROAD.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM
LE CREUSET HAMPSTEAD, 31 HEATH STREET, LONDON. NW3 6TR.
TEL: 0207 4356109 • E-MAIL: HAMPSTEAD.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM
LE CREUSET ISLINGTON, 137 UPPER STREET, LONDON. N1 1QP.
TEL: 0207 2261595 • E-MAIL: ISLINGTON.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM
LE CREUSET MARYLEBONE, 6 NEW CAVENDISH STREET, LONDON. W1G 8UH.
TEL: 0207 4865404 • E-MAIL: MARYLEBONE.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM
LE CREUSET MUSWELL HILL, 74 MUSWELL HILL BROADWAY, LONDON. N10 3RT.
TEL: 0208 8834394 • E-MAIL: MUSWELLHILL.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM
LE CREUSET NOTTING HILL, 54 LEDBURY RD., NOTTING HILL, LONDON. W11 2AJ.
TEL: 0203 2200017 • E-MAIL: NOTTINGHILL.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM
LE CREUSET ST. ALBANS, 27 MARKET PLACE, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE. AL3 5DL.
TEL: 01727 850453 • E-MAIL: STALBANS.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM
LE CREUSET WIMBLEDON, 4 CHURCH RD., WIMBLEDON VILLAGE, LONDON. SW19 5DL.
TEL: 0208 9440624 • E-MAIL: WIMBLEDON.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM
Why Booths have your Easter feast covered, from the sweet to the savoury
A“From celebration cakes to party platters, there's something to suit any occasion”
t Booths, they like to make their customer’s shopping experience as easy as possible and their online Food to Order o ering means that delicious food is only the click of a button away. They have a wide range of high quality food and drink available online all year round, which can be ordered and collected from any of their stores. From celebration cakes and desserts, to party platters and easy entertaining dishes, there’s something to suit any occasion.
Their Easter range is perfect for an eggcellent Easter feast – they have handpicked their favourite starters, mains and decadent desserts to make for easy entertaining. Located in the Yorkshire Dales is their supplier Old Hardisty, who make their smoked salmon pate that is a delicious blend of oak roast salmon, cream cheese and crème fraîche with a splash of Champagne. The perfect Easter starter!
What about the main event? There are lots to choose from including Booths
Three Fish Roast – a Scottish salmon fillet filled with smoked haddock, tiger prawns and cream cheese. Why not try the Booths Easter Lamb Dinner, which boasts a succulent slow cooked lamb shank with mint sauce, Truefoods lamb
gravy, Mash Direct roast potatoes, Booths broccoli, Booths carrot batons and Booths sticky to ee pudding to finish. If you’re looking for something sweet, they have delectable selections for dessert. Gorgeous Cheesecakes are a family run company based in Blackpool set up in 2014 who create the Easter Eggsplosion Cheesecake, which is made of a delicious salted butter biscuit base, topped with crushed gooey eggs swirled into the cheesecake layer and adorned with chocolate eggs. Whether it’s a full on Easter feast you’re looking for or something sweet to finish o your celebration, they’re sure you’ll have a Hoppy Easter with Booths. Their Food to Order is the best way to make entertaining easy this Easter.
The full range can be browsed and ordered online at orders.booths.co.uk. Alternatively you can call 0370 774 9606 to place an order. You can collect from your chosen Booths store and collection dates will be advised at the time of ordering. The last date for ordering the Easter range is midnight Saturday 23 March.
BERRY'S JEWELLERS
A perfect representation of this year’s Pantone of the Year – Peach Fuzz, the beautiful Pink Tourmaline is known as a ‘stone of reconciliation’ that can heal a broken heart by encouraging love and dispersing emotional pain. Often associated with spirituality, wisdom and mysticism, the Pink Tourmaline is also believed to help its wearer achieve their goals and protect against danger.
Discover the stunning range of Pink Tourmaline jewellery at your nearest Berry’s boutique or berrysjewellers.co.uk
Rebecca Rhoades is the name to know in fashion right now. Empowering women through fashion, each piece designed and manufactured in house is intended to celebrate femininity with timeless designs, luxurious fabrics, and intricate detail. Whatever the Leeds-based designer turns her hand to seems to turn to gold (or a whole host of colours that burst from her designs) – and the writing appeared to be on the wall right from an early age.
“I started making clothes at the age of 10,” she looks back. “It was my father who taught me how to use a sewing machine while he was making costumes for the local school play. I created my first dress at school in home economics
at the age of 12 and I vividly remember it now – it was a black baby doll dress with thin straps,” Rebecca grins.
“I think being creative was the only thing I was as a child,” she adds. “I used to make everything from clothes, candles, jewellery, flower arrangements (my parents were florists) printing on t-shirts and tie dying… anything I could get my hands on, even my dad’s socks! I went to college and studied graphic design for a year, but in every project I completed I added an element of fashion through printing the graphics on a t-shirt or fabric and then making it into a dress. I used to stay late and just watch the fashion students work and sew, I was fascinated to learn, and my tutor soon realised I was on the wrong course and swapped me onto fashion.”
When she moved from Birmingham to Leeds to head to university, the seeds of her future success were sowed. “I’ve
always been a bit of a hustler and coming from a family who worked for themselves, I set up a small business while I was still in university making clothes for a few of the shops in Leeds,” she explains. “Accent and Blue Rinse were the first shops I ever sold or created pieces for. It was such a creative time in Leeds. I secured myself a little studio behind the Corn Exchange and worked day and night while still studying – that was over 20 years ago now.”
Launching her own brand, it seems, was always on the cards. “I’ve always known this is my life goal,” she states, “it’s something I’ve never had any question about. I’ve worked tirelessly towards this the majority of my life. I’ve tried before and it has failed, I’ve learnt, picked myself up and tried again. I have an undeniable self-belief and unwavering work ethic that I know will put me exactly where I want to be with this brand.
“I have an undeniable self-belief and unwavering work ethic”
“I’ve always wanted to be di erent and stand out for my talent and work ethic,” Rebecca adds. “I don’t believe in doing anything half-heartedly and have always given my all to anything I’ve set my mind to. I wanted to create clothing that stood out and made people notice you.”
Recently, Rebecca’s spring 24 collection landed in our inbox and we were blown away by the designs, a mix of vibrant colours, floral patterns and intricate detailing. “I like to take some time away from the o ce to be surrounded by nature and be able to breathe,” she says on creating new collections. “I love nature and the Yorkshire Dales, being able to get out of the o ce and get away from the day to day pressures of running a brand is key in my success. I always start with the ideas of print and then start to draw. I still draw pencil to paper, as much as I love the digital aspect of my work there is something much more creative to me about drawing with a pencil.
“We create luxury designs that stand the test of time, the prints and shapes we create are timeless and are staple wardrobe pieces that can be worn again and again,” Rebecca adds on the angle of slow fashion. “They are not throw away pieces, but designs that can be brought out for special occasions. We also make everything with an all-female, local workforce of talented seamstresses, in Leeds. It’s all made to order, so there is no waste. It’s the opposite business model of a globalised fast fashion brand.”
So far, so good, when it comes to 2024 and the Rebecca Rhoades brand. “We have launched into 40 stores across the UK [including in Cheshire], and we are introducing an alternative bridal range
“We create luxury designs that stand the test of time, the prints we create are timeless”
into the collection,” she says. “We want to grow the brand via online and wholesale customers, expanding the reach into overseas markets and a retail concept unlike anything else on the market. We want to become the go-to luxury dress choice for every event a woman has in her life where she wants to feel her best.” Absolutely suggests she is pretty much there already, but it’s something that Rebecca swats away. “I still don’t feel like I’ve made it,” she insists. “I am not sure I ever really will feel like that as I am always wanting to strive for more and be better than I was. Seeing my name in print, and images of my clothing, still blows me away. I am not sure it will ever be something I get used to.”
rebeccarhoades.com
With all those new SS24 accessories hitting the market, you need a smart new bag to store them all in – step forward Radley Cheshire Oaks
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Have you ever dreamt of owning a holiday lodge in the awe-inspiring landscapes of beautiful North Wales? A place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind in pure luxury, surrounded by amenities perfect for the whole family.
You’ll find it all at Park Leisure’s exclusive North Wales park Plas Coch Country & Leisure Retreat in Anglesey, near Snowdonia National Park.
To fully appreciate what Plas Coch has to offer, we would be delighted if you could join us for a V.I.P. visit. Enjoy a personal park tour, view a selection of holiday homes available to own and experience our award-winning spa facilities.
Inspired by the desert landscape, the latest drop from the Khloé Kardashian X Fabletics collection features sporty-glam high-shine fabrics and flattering sculpting silhouettes. What we love most though is the inclusive size range –which runs from XXS to 4X. fabletics.co.uk
Absolutely Cheshire meets Helen Quayle, who has brought something di erent to the hair removal industry in Liverpool ONE
Q Pre launching your business LaserHQ, were you working in the industry?
A I actually started out in the sports teaching and coaching industry as that was my chosen degree at university. Though I still love sports, whilst studying I discovered it wasn’t an industry I was passionate about. My heart just wasn’t in it to make it a life-long career choice. So, when I left university, I completely changed career paths.
Q What inspired you to go it alone?
A I personally wanted laser hair removal treatments myself, and there was no instant brand that you could relate to. You could only at that time find the treatment at really expensive spa venues, or smaller independent salons that were harder to find and trust. I identified there was a real need and a gap in the market for a brand and company that provided consistent, high-end treatments at a ordable prices. And so LaserHQ was born.
Q Was LaserHQ easy to get o the ground?
HELEN QUAYLE
A I spent six months researching the best machinery and equipment and undertaking the specialist qualifications required to be a laser technician. It was quite a big risk to take and required substantial financial investment to first get the business o the ground. Laser treatments at the time still weren’t as popular as in other parts of the world, but I had every faith in the treatment and felt it was only a matter of time before the UK would embrace the technology and treatment.
Q Is it true you used to drive equipment to appointments?
A Absolutely! I drove tirelessly up and
down the motorway relying on the kindness of strangers to help me lift a heavy machine in and out of my car. But that is how I built the brand, I never gave up.
Q What does LaserHQ o er today?
A We predominantly o er laser hair removal and tattoo removal services including eyebrow SPMU and pigmentation removal. We also o er a hormone consultation with a specialist and can arrange bloodwork analysis for all our clients if further investigations are required.
Q Are any of your treatments ahead of the game in terms of technology?
A Yes, all of our treatments are delivered using state-of-the-art machinery to ensure optimal results and a virtually pain-free experience. We are the only clinic in the UK to have our own branded laser machines which are rated the best in the industry for their power, precision and versatility. Our diode laser hair removal machines are perfect for all skin types with customised wavelengths/ operating modes. With its four wavelengths our high powered Q10 ND YAG laser tattoo removal machines deliver the highest levels of accuracy and precision with optimum comfort and fast skin regeneration.
Q How has the opening at Liverpool ONE gone so far?
A To be in Harvey Nichols is a dream come true. Harvey Nichols is just the epitome of luxury and such an aspirational and inspirational brand. The clinic looks amazing and we are so excited to be working in partnership with them.
Q What experience can clients expect when they visit the Liverpool ONE clinic?
A Our treatment process begins with a free consultation and patch test, where our team of experts will build a bespoke treatment plan for each client. It is worth remembering that everyone is di erent, so plans will be tailor-made to fit that client. The number of treatments required will depend on the areas being treated, skin types and hair or ink density. After the initial consultation, the client will be provided with pre- and postcare advice, and will need to wait at least 48 hours before any treatments can take place. The clients will then start their treatment plan, by coming into the clinic and having their sessions and repeating the process until they have completed their sessions. To maintain optimum results with hair removal, we recommend annual top-up treatments.
“Our own branded laser machines are rated the best in the industry”
Q Where do you live?
A I live on the outskirts of Manchester. I’m within easy reach of the major motorways so I can hop in the car and be in Liverpool, Leeds or Newcastle in just a couple of hours. I also have a great team around me and on the ground to support and look after all our clinics.
Q What does 2024 hold in store?
A There’s so much on the cards. It’s an exciting time for the business. We’ve got more growth plans including opening even more clinics, and we’re also looking to launch more services.
Imagery by wambamphotography.com laserhq.co.uk
Magnesium is important for heaps of reasons, including tiredness and fatigue, muscle cramps and sleep.
Magnesium is involved in over 300 chemical processes in the body, from energy production to muscle function. If magnesium levels are low, deficiency can easily lead to tiredness and fatigue. Incredibly, as many as 70% of us get less than the recommended 350-400mg needed per day.
Magnesium acts as a muscle relaxant. It is involved in sending nerve signals that help your muscles and brain to relax. Some 90% of the body’s magnesium is found in muscles and bones, and so when levels are low, magnesium is pulled from these areas, which can lead to muscle cramps and twitches. This discomfort is likely to keep you awake at night and may make you feel tired come morning. By acting on the nervous system and instructing your muscles and brain to relax,
magnesium can help you get to sleep. It would also appear to help you sleep better and for longer, and achieve a more restful night’s sleep.
HOW DO I RAISE MY MAGNESIUM LEVELS NATURALLY?
Natural food sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, spices, nuts, almonds (especially), cereals, avocado, oily fish, dark chocolate (yes) and quinoa.
But sourcing magnesium from food isn’t always that easy. Modern farming methods often leave our soils depleted of nutrients, meaning many of us obtain less-thanoptimal amounts of magnesium from food.
A magnesium supplement can certainly help and there are plenty available, from sprays to drinks. A.Vogel’s strawberryflavoured Balance Mineral Drink contains a mix of minerals including magnesium, to help fight fatigue and tiredness. It also works well as a post-workout drink, helping to replace lost electrolytes and support muscle function.
In addition to eating foods rich in magnesium and topping up with a supplement, the following measures will help you to keep magnesium levels high:
1. Give fizzy drinks a miss - the chemicals in fizzy juice bind to magnesium and get rid of it.
2. Reduce your sugar intake - it takes 28 molecules of magnesium to metabolise 1 molecule of sucrose; simply put, sugar uses up magnesium.
3. Stay on top of stress – stress drains magnesium stores. Have a warm bath, and try some mindful stretches or deep breathing exercises to help calm and quieten your mind.
4. Lower your ca eine intake – ca eine is a diuretic and so depletes magnesium.
WE TAILOR OUR TREATMENT PLANS TO YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS, ENSURING YOU FEEL RENEWED, REJUVENATED, AND TRULY YOURSELF
can treat a range of areas, from stubborn fat and cellulite to eczema and acne.
Amanda also o ers fantastic skin treatments, whether you are struggling with particular skin concerns or wish to retain a youthful glow. Following an in-depth complimentary consultation utilising their OBSERV 520x skin scanner, Amanda can prescribe you medical-grade skincare via GetHarley, an online portal that delivers direct to your door. This revitalised skincare routine can be used alongside innovative skin treatments they o er, such as Carbon Peel or LaseMD Ultra.
Another popular treatment is thread lifts, aiming to lift and tighten the skin to restore your youthful appearance. This focuses on predominant areas that show early signs of ageing – eyes, cheeks and jowls. Following the procedure, you will notice an immediate lift in the treated area, creating a subtle yet impactful look.
2024 is the year of growth at Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics…
After a successful year, Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics are excited to welcome a host of exciting additions, welcoming many new clients to start their own journey that creates true confidence from within. The Liverpool clinic faced a stunning transformation in conjunction with an iconic re-brand to better showcase their vision and seamless experience of the treatment process. This has also transpired across their London and Buckley locations.
This year brings an influx of new treatments, one of which being the SLIMYONIK®Air Bodystyler – a compression therapy suit, which stimulates lymphatic drainage to deliver a range of health benefits, such as boosting metabolism and balancing hormones. This therapeutic procedure will leave you feeling rejuvenated from both outside and within, aligning with their core values.
They have also introduced the Gelida Arctik-Cryo 21, a new cutting-edge technology that provides remarkable fat-freezing results and includes extra programmes for pain management and skin concerns. This
Amanda specialises in intimate health, acting as a pioneer in the Intimate Rejuvenation treatment that aims to treat multiple intimate concerns. The treatment is completely pain-free with no downtime.
Introducing these treatments and newly developed technologies would not be feasible without Amanda’s invaluable expertise and deep commitment to her clients.
Amanda is also keen to tailor this to her clientele to best support their journey.
This year, a core theme they wish to pursue is growth. They are committed to continue delivering fantastic support to clients, highlighting that this goes beyond treatments. Amanda is on-hand for any questions you may have, with advice and treatments completely tailored to your needs. Here, growth isn’t merely about the outward enhancements they provide, but also the inner journey towards confidence and self-assurance.
Whether it’s rejuvenating skincare treatments or making subtle enhancements, they nurture every individual’s vision with care and expertise. At their clinics, growth isn’t just a concept; it’s their ethos.
0151 558 0742 / 020 8191 2811
amanda@amandaazzopardi.co.uk
amandaazzopardi.co.uk
Silou's 'Lana' leggings feature contour seams on the thigh, leg, and hip, but don't have a front seam – for a flattering silhouette. They are made from eco-friendly materials that quickly wick-away moisture, £149. siloulondon.com
Made from eco-friendly and biodegradable materials, Silou's stylish cork yoga mat provides optimal grip for the sweatiest of stretch sessions. The TPE base is gentle on your joints and it's also free from harmful toxins, £135. siloulondon.com
Designed in collaboration with Barre Series founder Catie Miller, the 'Catie' bodysuit is designed with a sleek and elegant fit. Made from eco-friendly fabrics, it's both moisture-wicking and quick-drying to provide all day comfort, £229. siloulondon.com
It's a frosty Friday morning when I head to one of Catie Miller's Barre Series classes. The changing rooms are buzzing with dancers limbering up for an audition in another studio – and the anticipation and excitement are palpable. Getting out and about for classes isn't always easy since I became a mum, and it feels like a nice switch up from working out in my living room. Catie does, in fact, have an amazing online platform – a glossy on-demand Barre workout library, that you can access anytime, anywhere. But I'm ready for her to put me through my paces in-person. With a background in dance, and certified in Barre, STOTT Pilates,
Pre + Postnatal Movement and Total Body Resistance (TRX), Catie started Barre Series as a reaction to the high-intensity interval training everywhere in the fitness industry. Redefining what a Barre class can feel like, her approach blends ballet, Pilates and cardio to help you sculpt your body without burning it out. Catie bounds out of the studio to greet me. She has such a warm and lovely energy, and she invites me to choose some light hand weights and a mat. The class feels cosy, and it's not long before we're all flowing together – pliéing, relevéing, and sautéing. I find it easy to follow along, and Catie helps me with my form as the
class progresses. Cardio, abs, and core-work focus on small, but e ective movements and I definitely feel the burn. What I really love about the class though is how welcoming everybody is. Chatting after class, Catie tells me: "At Barre Series, we take pride not only in our dynamically curated classes, but also in fostering an engaging community of like-minded members who contribute to the resilience and shared success of every individual on their wellness path." And it's this that makes me want to come back to one of Catie's classes soon.
In person classes £30 per session, see more at barreseries.com
Exploring the dilemma of care for your loved ones and how Alcedo Care can lighten the load
Admitting or realising the requirement for care is a life changing decision and one that often leaves families faced with a moral dilemma when choosing a suitable care pathway. With di erent options available, Alcedo Care sheds the light on why they believe that keeping care within the home environment provides more familiarity, independence and contentment for the client rather than moving into a residential care home setting. If you are reading this article as a person who is relatively fit and well, try to cast your mind back to a time when you experienced significant change and how it a ected you, both emotionally
and physically. Now try to imagine how that same scenario could a ect someone who is dealing with a new or progressing illness, a life changing injury, mobility issues, or problems with mental capacity.
Moving home is one of life’s most stressful events and is not simply an act of relocating from one place to another. It is a separation of people from places where special memories were made, where surroundings are familiar, friendships nurtured and links to community are formed.
If sourcing care is something that will be on your radar for 2024, take time to consider how a significant move to a residential setting could impact the person who needs support. Could the move exacerbate the reason why care is required, would the person cope with changes to their
“LIVE-IN CARE OFFERS A PERFECT SOLUTION AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO FULL-TIME RESIDENTIAL”
routine, a new environment and new people, and how could it a ect their independence and ability to make informed decisions?
Live-in care o ers a perfect solution either as an alternative to respite, full-time residential, or as a step up from domiciliary care. It not only benefits the person receiving care but also the family, whose care responsibilities are reduced, allowing them to enjoy quality time with their loved ones, with no visiting restrictions. Packages of care are tailored to meet the individual needs of the client, with carers matched to share as many values, interests, and hobbies as possible, ensuring the client always remains front and centre.
Alcedo Care provides home care and o ers tailored packages of full time live-in and respite care for people with a range of needs including dementia, stroke, brain and spinal injuries, neurological conditions, cancer care and end of life care at a cost competitive to those in a residential setting. Couples can also be supported which is, by comparison, a very cost-e ective option. Alcedo Care has been rated one of the Top 20 Large Home Care Groups in the UK by homecare.co.uk for the last four years running and is a fully regulated by the CQC (England) and CIW (Wales).
Discover more at alcedocare.co.uk
Charlotte Findlater Design Studio uniquely positions itself at the intersection of luxury and sustainability, offering comprehensive design solutions that span from sustainable architecture to eco-conscious interiors and ecoscaping. Their studio sets itself apart by delivering personalised, high-end design experiences that are as environmentally responsible as they are visually stunning. For a recent project, turn to page 105. charlottefindlater.co.uk
THE LATEST DESIGN NEWS p88
THE IN DEMAND TRENDS FOR 2024 p90
HOT LOOKS FOR THE KITCHEN p97
A DELICIOUS REAL HOME p100
CHARLOTTE FINDLATER
ALICE PALMER
Alice Palmer's stylish Tangier Stripe is available across wallpapers, wastepaper bins and mirrors, with wallpaper in Olive, Mustard, Rhubarb, Iceberg and Red. With its bold candy stripes, this wallpaper is inspired by the traditional stripes typically seen in Morocco.
alicepalmer.co
BENJAMIN MOORE
Combine vibrant yellow with bold cobalt blue and bright white for a Mediterranean-inspired scheme. Paint woodwork and ceilings as well as walls for allencompassing colour effect, then introduce tactile textiles.
benjaminmoore.com
The new Pop collection from luxury rug manufacturer Louis De Poortere adds a playful twist with a series of quirky, fi gurative pieces that will add a dose of originality to home interiors. Each rug features unique and iconic motifs with contrasting background. louisdepoortere.com
EARTHKIND
EarthKind is the leader when it comes to sustainable bedding. They create new, highquality bedding using 100% recycled feathers, down and synthetics saved from landfill. EarthKind’s factory is certified by Global Recycled Standard and Zero Waste to Landfill. earthkind.co.uk
Leaf Envy's Elizabeth planter is named a er Queen Elizabeth II and has so , feminine features and a well grounded base. Elizabeth planter has a bubble shape and comes in a shell colourway as one of Leaf Envy's new range of premium pots. leafenvy.co.uk
The four furnishing trends that are set to shape interiors for the rest of 2024
When it comes to trends, never before in interiors have we seen products, colours and aesthetics go #viral and then disappear as quickly as they arrived. We have TikTok and Instagram to thank for this. So, interpreting true trends with staying power can be a minefield.
But ‘those in the know’ are the retail experts and interior design gurus that call on a range of sources and research to forecast what we can expect to see as the major trends that we will embrace in our homes.
As we head into 2024, interiors expert Lucy Mather from Macclesfield-based homeware retailer, Arighi Bianchi, reveals the top four interior trends that are set to define 2024. “The influence that social media and celebrity has on interior trends is unprecedented,” says Lucy. “Every other week we can try a new ‘something-core’, and we get more glimpses into the homes of the rich and famous.
“But in 2024,” she continues, “there is a growing movement towards a more slowed down approach to consumerism. From a cost and sustainability perspective,
people are looking to invest in pieces that will stand the test of time and blend into new aesthetics as they evolve.”
“The resurgence of iconic furniture in 2024 can be attributed to a combination of factors,” Lucy moves on, “including a desire for quality, sustainability, nostalgia, and the enduring appeal of timeless design. This trend reflects a blending of the past with the present, celebrating design classics while embracing modern sensibilities.
“There has been a lot of talk about a retro revival in interiors, in particular a lean towards 1970s inspired looks. Nostalgia really comes to the fore in times of wider cultural uncertainty, and you can certainly see why consumers may be hankering after eras gone by. However, there are other elements that are playing into this retro resurgence.”
Lucy continues: “Our approach to consumption is slowly shifting. Sustainability is a key concern and increasingly people are seeking out timeless investment pieces, versus shopping for trend-led interiors. With this in mind, it is in fact furniture inspired by design icons which is fuelling this desire for classic design. Furniture inspired by the likes of Eames, Chesterfield,
Phillipe Starck and Ercol are once again being sought out as key elements of interior design. We’ve also seen tweed coming through as a trending fabric – partly due to Chanel and because it’s a classic and timeless fabric that also offers a level of tactility that is important in design.
“Mixing vintage finds with new pieces is also once again on the rise – from a sustainability perspective, but also to seek out pre-loved investment pieces that will stand the test of time,” Lucy adds.
“There were two camps in interiors last year,” Lucy says, “the Dopamine Decorators and the Quiet Luxury lovers; with both trends underpinned with creating a home that will enhance mental wellbeing. And in 2024 for those who enjoy more understated, refined elegance and an all-over neutral palette, then dressed-down decor is for you.
“In 2024 how we create a luxurious aesthetic in the home will continue to evolve into a more dressed-down sophistication. Overall, dressed-down decor is about creating a space that feels comfortable, unpretentious, and welcoming – a place
“Mixing vintage finds with new pieces is once again on the rise”
This iconic sideboard is an example of how classic designs are being incorporated into 21st-century homes
where you can relax and unwind without feeling overwhelmed by excessive decor or formality. It’s a neutral and classic design aesthetic, with a focus on quality pieces but at the heart of it is comfort.
“In the same way that fashion has evolved with women just as likely to wear luxury trainers with a formal outfit as opposed to the more traditional option of heels, this idea is being translated into our interiors with the choice of furniture,” Lucy adds. “This trend was in abundance at Milan Design Week, with refined colour palettes of sophisticated tans, beiges, and creams; teamed with soft, sumptuous, oversized sofas and plush seating seemingly everywhere. It continued into Paris and other European furniture and furniture shows. At this design trend’s core is a desire to feel comfortable, relaxed and at ease.
“It goes without saying that this aesthetic is perfect for a relaxed living space,” explains Lucy. “Get the look with large, sumptuous over-sized sofas – the bigger the better. Add in a plush snuggler chair for even more comfortable seating options. Keep everything soft and welcoming with a curved coffee table or storage with soft, organic lines. Add a plush, deep-pile rug and oodles of cushions and comfy throws.
“Don’t forget that scent can play a huge role in creating that perfect ambience,” she adds. “Home fragrances can be changed with the seasons.”
“In 2024 even more focus will be placed on how lighting can significantly influence a design scheme through light washing,” Lucy continues, “the technique of using lighting to bathe a space in a soft, even glow. It involves strategically placing light sources to create a subtle and uniform illumination that enhances the ambiance of a room without creating harsh shadows or bright spots. While lighting expert Tom Dixon first spoke about the concept of light washing a couple of years ago, this approach is very much growing in popularity as people look to using lighting to create a warming finishing touch.
“Within this trend, lighting is becoming less about an overtly obvious statement fixture and more about feeding into the comfort that we crave from our interiors. By directing light upward or downward or
“At the heart of the latest trends is comfort”
using indirect lighting methods, it helps eliminate harsh contrasts and can make a space feel larger and more inviting.”
In this scheme you might find wall lights, as well as adding in lamps and lighting to illuminate shelving and storage. Embracing a more fluid approach to lighting will see an uptick in adoption of wireless, portable lamps which offer flexibility as well as a design aesthetic. It’s an effective way to highlight architectural features, create a cosy atmosphere, and set the mood within a space. “And as a trend that is easy to achieve without a complete re-design, we’re big fans,” smiles Lucy.
“Debate is in full flow about which metallic is set to have a design moment in 2024,” explains Lucy. “Homes have long been adorned with metallic finishes after all so ‘metallics in the home isn’t new’.
“However, fashion was awash with silver everything this winter – as this filters down into interiors we have seen aluminium come to the fore. We saw this trend throughout Milan Design Week and with fashion powering the silver palette forward there will be no escaping it. It’s also appearing more in homes as unique metallic decorative accessories.
“Aluminium is a versatile metal with a range of finishes, from glossy to matte, which will fit with every interior style. I’m expecting to see this coming through across interiors next year – from accessories to full pieces of furniture,” Lucy says. “Or, if you are a fan of warmer metallic hues, then you may opt for the gold metallic accents that are also proving popular. This can be seen within home accessories – hints of gold giving a luxe lift to smaller pieces.
“With this trend, my advice would be to stay true to your taste and style,” Lucy finishes. “There are so many ways that you can add a hint of metallic into your space – from clocks, ornaments and artwork, to the finishings on bigger pieces of furniture. Choose chair and tables with legs in your favoured metallic.”
An award winning Architecture, Build and Luxury Interior Design studio.
We work collaboratively with forward-thinking clients who shre our ethos, care for sustainability and appreciate outstanding design. Delivering luxury turnkey solutions from initial concept through to completion and handover.
0300 373 1840
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The ‘Curved Comfort’ trend continues to see us embrace curved lines and sculpted round shapes, inspired by organic forms of nature. A gentle curve adds interest to spaces with a multitude of straight lines. Soft shapes add flow, movement, balance and a sense of soulful minimalism to our interiors. They create an ideal environment for relaxation: a feeling of home, a sense of calm and serenity.
A free flowing sofa offers a more intimate and inviting living space, creating an element of softness and sophistication into your home. Incorporating sculpted
curves through your sofa is a perfect way to optimise limited space and can introduce a touch of femininity through your home. BoConcept offers several beautifully curated collections including the Bergamo sofa with a round lounging unit, the Salamanca sofa, the Bolzano sofa & armchair, and the Modena sofa.
The Bolzano collection epitomises this shift to curved minimalism. With a sculptural silhouette, the elegant sofa has a streamlined look and feel. Designed by Morten Georgsen, the capsule’s organic round silhouette has a cocooning effect with curvaceous frames and puffed-up seats enhanced by pairing with cosy, inviting textures, like Lazio Beige bouclé. BoConcept’s Bolzano collection stands out thanks to its curved front panel that gives a 360 degree curve all the way around the seat. Additionally, there is now an option to invest in the modern accent chair, available with swivel functionality, seamlessly blending soft organic shapes with minimalist lines.
Continue the organic curves throughout your home with the Santiago dining table. Where beauty and functionality meet, this dining table makes an elegant statement piece for people who love to entertain. The oval-shaped top comes in durable and hardwearing ceramic. This curvilinear design with enveloping shapes bring a warm and welcoming quality to dining spaces.
“There are no straight lines with Santiago. The panels are curved, and the vast ceramic top is transmitting an organic feel. Everything is like nature.”
MORTEN GEORGSEN
Enhance the coherence of your space by selecting accessories that mirror the sculpted round corners of your furniture. This approach adds visual appeal and ensures a seamless aesthetic throughout your home. BoConcept offers accessories that effortlessly complement their furniture, including rugs, lamps, and ornaments, fostering a complete, soft, organic feel in your living environment.
Whether you’re looking for a quick refresh with new furniture that will work in your living space or would like to restyle your entire home, BoConcept are here to help. BoConcept’s interior stylists can co-create your personal space via their free Interior Design Service. Get your personal styling advice today.
See more at boconcept.com
Ole Wanscher (1903-1985) was integral to the core aesthetic and functionality of modern Danish design. His classic and contemporary designs made him popular. In 1958, the Danish newspaper Politiken wrote: “Owning a Wanscher chair is an adventure every day, and will be so even several hundred years from now, for this is how long it lasts”. Today, his modern classics are still revered for their detail and his deep respect for materials.
OW449 Colonial Table, oak, oil, £827
OW149-2 Colonial Sofa, oak, soap, from £3,639
OW150 Daybed, oak, oil, leather Sif 95, £5,703
OW2000 Egyptian Chair, oak, oil, saddle leather, £1,392
The experts at Second Nature highlight the top kitchen trends coming to homes as we enter the SS24 season
Practical yet personal, the kitchen needs to be both functional and in keeping with each household’s preferences. Whether a destination for entertaining or a location to hide away a plethora of cooking materials for cooking enthusiasts, the space deserves meticulous attention to detail. From eye-catching cabinetry to artistic drinks cabinets and savvy storage, Second Nature offers a variety of statement features to naturally elevate any kitchen.
The epitome of sophistication, fluted kitchen cabinet fronts catch the light exquisitely and are a distinct detail in
both modern and traditional kitchens. This timeless design naturally enhances a kitchen, adding multiple dimensions and textures that pair beautifully with wood, natural stone and metal. The translucent design allows products to be subtly displayed, with the opportunity to add customised lighting inside the cabinets to help add to the ambience.
For those that love to entertain friends and family, drinks cabinets and wine fridges are a must. Whether tucked away behind closed doors with beautiful shelving or displayed via a recessed storage in an island, homeowners have the option of luxurious features like these that make entertaining a breeze.
For some, hiding away kitchenware and
utensils is preferred to create a paredback, minimalist aesthetic. For others, kitchens are the ideal opportunity to display their favourite crockery and glassware. Installing glass kitchen cabinets, alongside traditional cabinet doors, provides an innovative approach to create points of interest in a kitchen –resulting in a perfect balance of artistry and functionality.
Efficiency meets elegance with concealed organisation solutions. For tall, narrow cupboards or corner compartments, cleverly integrated storage means awkward, unused corners are a thing of the past. Whether an efficient pull-out larder or a LeMans corner station that easily glides in and
“Efficiency meets elegance with concealed organisation solutions”
out, savvy storage like this ensures a clutter-free environment.
Second Nature is a consumer brand of PWS Distributors Ltd, a fourth generation family business established in 1909. They are the market leader in the design and supply of quality kitchen components to the kitchen trade throughout the UK and sell about 30,000 kitchens per year. Their suppliers are amongst some of the best in the world. Their designers scour the world for the latest innovations, whether that’s in materials, shapes or textures or sourcing a new storage solution that will make life in the kitchen that bit more pleasurable. Their reputation is built upon high levels of customer service to their customers
and ensuring they have the very best line up of kitchens and accessories from which to design and create your new perfect kitchen.
Available through a network of over 180 independent retailers and showrooms, Second Nature is ready and waiting across the UK to help homeowners create their perfect space. Whether it’s re-imagining an entire house or providing the finishing touches to a bedroom, affordability, exceptional customer service and quality products are at the heart of the brand’s ethos.
Second Nature kitchens are available at stockists throughout Cheshire. Find out more at sncollection.co.uk
When Ella Mills, founder of Deliciously Ella, needed a new kitchen, it was to replace a long, industrial-style studio space which, despite large light-flooded windows, had a lacklustre atmosphere and required a rethink.
Working closely with Ella, Neptune’s kitchen design team had a clear vision to divide the room into two distinct sections, creating one kitchen for shooting and one for preparation, with different cabinetry to clearly define each area. This enabled Ella to maximise the
space available and manage different projects simultaneously.
Taking centre stage, the shoot kitchen is situated next to the large windows to obtain the most light. Ella was instantly drawn to the heritage feel of the Henley kitchen; its elegant and classic design reflects her personal style and means it will stand the test of time.
Fred Horlock of Neptune says: “A welldesigned kitchen should balance function and style, and dividing this studio into two distinct areas has given Ella much more flexibility and functionality. The thoughtful details help the kitchen work for Ella and her team, whether it’s the bespoke larder, easy-access drawers,
“The green has a minty coolness to it, echoing the Deliciously Ella brand colours”
clever layouts to maximise the layout, or the hard-wearing worktop.”
Painted in Neptune’s Cactus eggshell paint, the deep relaxing green has a minty coolness to it, echoing the Deliciously Ella brand colours without being too overpowering. The structure of the kitchen design required enough space for the cameras to shoot, while taking the flow and existing appliances into account. To avoid overly tight corners, standard measurements were adjusted between the island and wall to increase space for camera equipment.
High on Ella’s wishlist was a double door larder, and while the Henley collection doesn’t traditionally offer one, the team crafted an
“The design required enough space for the cameras, while taking the existing appliances into account”
integrated double cupboard to echo the same effect. Built-in plug sockets mean appliances can be used straightaway without having to be taken out, and hidden behind doors when not in use. The result is a beautiful piece of cabinetry full of storage which is ‘transformational’, says Ella.
While the shoot kitchen naturally draws the eye, the prep kitchen needed to work just as hard. “It is a space we use a lot,” says Ella. “Sometimes we might shoot 11 or 12 recipes in a day, so the layout needs to be really functional.”
In the prep kitchen space, Ella chose Neptune’s Suffolk kitchen for its clean lines and understated simplicity with recessed door and drawer panels. The design includes plenty of cupboards and drawers, and an L-shaped countertop for prepping tasks. Through clever storage and
maximising countertops, the kitchen has a much larger and practical feel to it. With the finished redesign and functionality of her new studio space, Ella can easily film her content, as well as regularly host customers and important partners.
Ella Mills is delighted with the outcome. She says: “Neptune’s design team has created the perfect space for us, and the feedback from everyone who walks through the door has been amazing. We’ve already started shooting in the new space and the layout is completely night and day to anything we’ve had before. The amount of work surface and storage space that the design team has created really reinforces my belief in the 'tidy space, tidy mind' mantra, as the new set-up makes work so much easier. It’s such a pleasure to work in our new kitchens.”
We are increasingly spending our private lives in our homes rediscovering how much pleasure it is to spend time with family and friends. A pool is an attractive extension of your living area the ultimate way to enjoy your free time and enhance your lifestyle and health. Choose from a wide range of designs and sizes with a comprehensive package that leaves nothing to be desired.
A state-of-the-art product with a quick hassle-free installation.
Your pool will not only enrich your family’s life but also increase the value of your home
Serving as a place to escape and unwind, we were commissioned to design a luxury games room for a client. It was to be a space at home for social gatherings, special occasions and family get-togethers.
For many of our clients, entertaining friends and family is at the forefront of their minds when designing their home. Our brief for this room was to provide a luxury games room, taking our cue from our client’s beloved Grandfather Clock. The space needed to be multi-functional, a pool table, social seating area, bar with seating and media. After starting the project, we learned of our client’s love for big cats, especially lions and tigers.
The room had been unused since the client purchased the house a few years before. The most important thing when designing a games room is to be as generous as
possible with the space and this was our starting point. We analysed the functions of the room and then broke the room up into zones in order to accommodate the different types of activities.
On the left of the room we removed a section of wall to provide the depth we needed for the custom bar. The bar area incorporates a dishwasher, small sink, pull-out bin, plenty of storage for glasses and a dedicated beer fridge. On the wall to the side of the bar we designed an oak open fronted cabinet backed with foxed glass to reflect the whiskey and various spirits our client wished to display, all lit by LED lighting, which is seamlessly integrated.
Taking our inspiration from the beautiful rocky mountainous landscape in which this property nestles, we chose a colour palette to reflect the flora, water and abundance of oak and bracken, colours that reference the natural world.
The room was designed with a slightly more contemporary feel in mind, but with a nod to our client’s preference for antiques. We incorporated plenty of texture including leathers, heavy linens and velvet, selecting impactful colours, brave patterns, and a selection of original unique artworks.
The stunning parquet wood floor adds a real grounding presence to the room. We chose to go dark on the built-ins to evoke drama, taking our natural green paint colour on the walls and across the ceiling. The colours within the stunning linen curtains provided a softness to the scheme and cohesively tie all the colours within the room together.
The custom designed solid oak pool table took precedence of the room due to its size – we needed to ensure that there was plenty of space all around to allow for the playing of the game with the length of the cues. As the room was to perform as an enter-
“We incorporated plenty of texture including leathers, heavy linens and velvet”
tainment space it was essential that we maximised the seating capacity. The client had a love of Chesterfield leather sofas, so we incorporated a generous threeseater into the space and added two gorgeous soft green velvet swivel chairs. It was important the chairs had the swivel function as this would allow for the watching of the media screen at any point and to socially interact from a sitting point to be able to enjoy watching the game of pool taking place. The two bar stools complete the custom bar, below which is a brass footrail.
The layered lighting scheme allows for various scenes through the use of custom LED downlighters, a feature pendant above the pool table, and two globe pendants providing soft illumination above the bar. There is an oversized picture light above the exquisite original oil artwork which sits proudly above the custom designed natural Lancashire stone fire surround. The built-in cabinetry is fitted with LED lighting, providing directional light onto the various artisan crafted and ‘from nature’ art. The oak drinks cabinet above the bar is backed with foxed glass and again incorporates LED lighting making those fabulous bottles really stand out.
To cap off the project, a full acoustic solution was installed, including in-ceiling speakers, sound bar and sub-woofer.
Find out more about projects by Charlotte Findlater at charlottefindlater.co.uk
Nick Lightowler, Director of Mia Stanza, introduces Absolutely to the company, which has had 25 years of continued success
Making a sofa purchase is an important decision and significant investment and we’re committed to ensuring that you’re not just satisfied, but 100% happy and confident with your design choices. We can show you your chosen sofa layout on our large in-store screen.
Proudly owned by our family for 25 years, Mia Stanza offers the ultimate in sophisticated living and dining furniture. We hold a wealth of knowledge and can offer practical design solutions tailored to real-life scenarios.
Our two floor showroom is open six days a week with no appointment necessary. Our family are experts in fabrics, design, and interiors, there are no pushy sales people. We are very proud of our 100% 5-star ratings on Trustpilot.
We pride ourselves in breaking conventional boundaries to provide solutions as unique as you are. Unlike traditional options, we offer the flexibility to tailor all of our sofa units to your specifications.
Whether you’re dealing with awkward spaces, large areas, open layouts, or tight corners, we’ve got the expertise and product range to address any sofa dilemma. Our commitment is to make the customisation process seamless and stressfree and we can use our in-store simulator to show you how your chosen sofa combination could look in over 500 fabrics.
We apply all your chosen details – from fabric combination, foot finish and even arm shape. This creates a vivid 3D image, allowing you to see exactly how your selected design will look before making any final decisions. We’re pleased to say that both we and our customers love this feature as it eliminates uncertainties for those who struggle to visualize the end result.
This personalized approach not only takes away the guesswork, but also encourages you to be bold and add a bit of personality to your design before making any commitments. Entirely free of charge, you can create your design with a member of the team and there’s no obligation. You can even take home a copy of your design along with some fabric samples to review at your own pace.
We deal with renowned brands Fama, Calia Italia, and Akante. They are always bringing out new innovations keeping our offering fresh and exciting for our customers. As we deliver UK wide, we find people travel from all over the country to see us. We love inspiring people. The new patented Seated Cloud system of the Teseo sofa has been our biggest excitement so far. We challenge anyone to find a comfier sofa.
Mia Stanza is nestled in the heart of beautiful Nantwich with private car park and two floors of showroom to be explored. You can look ahead of your visit on the website at miastanza.co.uk
“Your bedroom is an individual retreat in which you should relax completely”
Carpe Diem Beds is the designer brand that creates unique and well-designed bedroom environments you never want to leave. And to enhance your bedroom's beauty, the classic houndstooth pattern associated with Christian Dior and Jackie Kennedy, is part of a limited Design Edition that fuses French luxury with Carpe Diem Beds’ Swedish heritage for a perfect blend of chic aesthetics and top-modern Swedish craftsmanship.
Carpe Diem Beds has been developing beds for over 25 years with the goal of creating a feeling of near weightlessness and amazing comfort. The founder, Börje Thuleskär, used knowledge from his chiropractor profession and collaborated with the Spinal Unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg to lay the foundation for the first models and Carpe Diem Beds' patented Contour Pocket System. Carpe Diem Beds is much more than a bed, it is a lifestyle brand that puts focus on the entire design experience. The beds are designed to be as beautiful to look at as they are comfortable. A complete design experience for the bedroom that allows you to create an individual retreat in which you can relax completely.
Now the French world of fashion is united with the beautiful and natural Swedish aura that Carpe Diem Beds represents. The Design Edition is inspired by Carpe Diem Beds' Swedish heritage and the graphic tones characterising the nature around the country’s west coast, and the exclusive feeling reinforced by the classic houndstooth patterned textile with strong roots in French fashion houses like
Christian Dior. An elegant and timeless classic that never goes out of style – the perfect match with Carpe Diem Beds' soul and range. “With this Design Edition in the classic houndstooth pattern, we combine qualities from the world of fashion with high recognition that exudes the same timeless and at the same time eternally modern design, with our vision of a bedroom so appealing, timeless, and elegant that you never want to leave it,” says Rui France, Store Manager at the Marylebone Flagship store.
The Swedish sleep experts have devised a whole philosophy centered around the bedroom environment, based on the principle that the whole space should be designed as a holistic concept dedicated to the art of sleep. This philosophy comes to life at their Wigmore Street showroom, where they offer a Sleep Consultation to help you create a personalised sleep environment.
This involves much more than just choosing a mattress. The store is dedicated to optimising the bedroom environment to create an oasis of calm, and visitors can experience the company’s ethos first hand under the guidance of manger Rui Franca. And while choosing the perfect mattress for you is at the heart of the experience, there’s a strong focus on bedroom design and streamlining, so that the bed you choose can be enclosed in an environment that’s conducive to optimum sleep health.
In addition to the design edition of the Sandö continental bed, the classic French pattern also adorns a dog bed, throw pillows, and footstool/pouffe, too. Everything designed to offer you the complete bedroom experience.
carpediembeds.co.uk has concessions in Harrods and Heals, plus a shop at 15 Wigmore Street, W1
French luxury crowns the perfect design experience at Carpe Diem BedsWords EVE HERBERT
Absolutely Cheshire visits a rather unique project by Macclesfield-based David
Macclesfield-based interior designers and makers David Lisle have built a reputation over four decades as the go-to place in Cheshire for the utmost luxury in home interiors. Often being involved in some of the finest and most unique properties across Cheshire, here Absolutely delves into their most recently completed project.
Formerly an 18th-century coach house, this Grade II listed outbuilding was transformed into the ultimate private residential bar. With the original oak ceiling joists as a starting point, the concept was to craft a fantastical old-world-inspired pub interior.
It was important to the client that the interior looked as authentically aged as possible. English oak, hand-stained to a traditional mahogany hue, was used for the woodwork. The curved bar panels were pressed and polished with a gold wax to an aged finish. The chunky bar top is cast in liquid bronze, which will patinate over time to give character and depth.
The feature of the room is the tall bookcases on the end wall, with genre names engraved into the frieze panels above, crafted to look like a traditional gothic library. They have a real authentic feel, displaying antiques and stacked with leather-bound books. However, the true wow feature of the bookcases is hidden from view – a secret door, concealed behind a façade of faux books, leading to the stable yard outside.
Although such a big space, the room keeps its cosy atmosphere through the choice of colours, materials and soft furnishings. The thick velvet curtains, burnt umber paintwork and eclectic leopard print carpet all carry a warmth and richness, with the original working fireplace creating the perfect cosy corner in the room.
With multiple choices in seating areas – be it at the bar with a cocktail, around the TV or by the fireplace – this is the ultimate hideaway for friends and family to relax, get comfortable and socialise.
Find out more by visiting davidlislekitchendesign.com
There
Easy Pool’s huge modular range means that there is a shape and size to suit everyone. Gone are the days when building a pool meant having builders on site for weeks on end, not to mention delays caused by rain. Most pools in the range are completed in a week or two. Compare that to a concrete pool that can take months to complete, during which time your garden looks a mess. Pool sizes range from 4m to 12m with flat or sloped bases. There are currently short lead times as most models are in stock.
Leisure Pools fibreglass swimming pools have a smooth, clean gelcoat finish that is non-abrasive.
The gelcoat finish on a Leisure Pool not only looks great, it is also so easy to look after. The surface is smooth and non-porous so it cleans easily and is very stain resistant.
Leisure Pools offers an exclusive range of seven beautiful colours, each with its own sparkle and shimmer finish, ensuring you will be able to find the ideal colour to suit your home and taste.
Salt chlorinators, chlorine, fresh water systems and ozone systems all work wonderfully well with Leisure Pools fiberglass pools. Whatever your choice may be, it will be compatible.
“The gelcoat finish not only looks great, it is also so easy to look after”
Automatic safety covers comply with all EU regulations. Many pool owners have children or grandchildren, or entertain friends with children. When owning a pool where kids will be playing, safety is a major concern. The side of a swimming pool can often be slick and hard to grasp for children. The safety ledge allows children to stand on the ledge and grasp the side of the pool. This can be helpful for children learning to swim, and can provide parents with added peace of mind.
If you are getting quotes, ask if a lifetime warranty is being provided on the structure of the swimming pool. At best with a concrete pool you will get a seven-year warranty. Do you hope to have a pool for longer than that? The manufacturer is so certain it builds the world’s best composite pool that it offers a Lifetime Structural Warranty and a Lifetime Structural Osmosis Warranty on all swimming pools.
It can take a lifetime to amass a collection of artworks, but what to do if you’re in a hurry? Go online, of courseBy PENDLE HARTE
Gallery walls have been a major trend for several years now. But of course hanging pictures on your walls was a thing long before anyone came up with the idea of a gallery wall. And while some people naturally acquire things they like and frame them, others don’t know where to start. Realistically, it can take a lifetime to amass a collection of artworks and who has time for that?
Art lover and tech visionary Cathy Glazer came up with a solution. Her online gallery Artfully Walls is dedicated to providing something for everyone, with all tastes catered for with the same approach to high quality printing and framing. It’s a carefully curated yet vast and diverse archive of artworks of all kinds, where everything can be bought in a variety of sizes, with several framing options, and each piece is printed
to order as a museum quality fine art print with archival inks on premium paper and canvas. It’s a seemingly infinite resource, and its genius lies not only in Cathy’s professional eye for quality, but in the technology that organises an enormous body of work into a searchable library.
When faced with thousands of potential pictures, even the most decisive person is likely to feel exhausted. And where to begin? Searching by artist is an obvious starting point, but only for someone who knows artists that they like. Maybe medium? So you might search photography, say, or watercolour, or collage, or illustration. This is where Artfully Walls comes into its own. You might search something more abstract, such as, say ‘abstract’ or ‘landscape’ or ‘portrait’. You might like cats and search that, or seascapes, or architectural drawings, or botanical images. You might want something that’s mostly red to go with your
sofa. You might want something traditional, or something experimental. Each image is so precisely tagged and categorised that searches are impressively accurate.
Alternatively, the archive includes a large series of designer picks, where people from all over the world with an eye for design offer up their own gallery walls for inspiration. Most of us don’t have tastes that are entirely consistent, and these walls show how pieces can work together even if they wouldn’t be classified together by any algorithm.
All of this data creates an excellent resource for analysing trends too. Current demand shows a diversity of popular choices, with lots of searches for Greek and Roman motifs, as well as 18th century oil paintings. Linocuts are in vogue, as are portraits. You heard it here first
artfullywalls.com
C“Delicate floral illustrations, bold geometric patterns, and whimsically sculpted shapes”
onceived with the aim of enhancing dining experiences, Vaisselle is a tableware brand rooted in London, brought to life by French entrepreneur Léa Zana. Drawing inspiration from French heritage and eclectic global antiques, the collection is thoughtfully crafted to offer interchangeability, adding a playful twist to your table setting.
Under the creative guidance of Léa Zana, a French-born artist who transitioned from the world of fashion to tableware design, Vaisselle mirrors her fond memories of exploring vintage flea markets during childhood and her admiration for diverse ceramics. Executed with precision, each ceramic piece undergoes a meticulous process of handcrafting, painting and glazing, ensuring a distinctive and individualized touch to every item.
In a new collaboration with Anthropologie, the new collection showcases pastel vases and elegantly shaped coupes. The assortment extends to encompass charming dinnerware, glassware, candles, candlestick holders, and vases – each piece adorned with quirky patterns in soft pastel hues and bursts of joyful colors.
Infused with a playful romanticism, every item has intricate hand-painted details, featuring delicate floral illustrations, bold geometric patterns, and whimsically sculpted shapes. Léa says: “This collection is inspired by those lighter days, when spring is about to slowly come into the French countryside. Soft pastels from the tulips contrast with bold red, a classic tone for French homeware. Timeless gingham as a nod to my grandmother’s tablecloths, and my favourite: little hearts!” The collection promises to inject a dose of cheer to any table.
NINE ANGELS
Broken pieces jesmonite clock with peach stand, £38 nineangels.co.uk
LUST HOME Ogata Kuren
FENWICK & TILBROOK Vintage Peony paint, 1L of Pure Matt from £27 fenwickandtilbrook.com
WEBB & GRAY Gilded Barley Twist Candlesticks, £140 webbandgray.com
GISELA GRAHAM
TRUFFLE TABLESCAPES
Apricot Flower Placemat, £21 truffl etablescapes.co.uk
LIBERTY Large teapot, £130 libertylondon.com
EFFORTLESS TRADING
Jaipur pale pink mini cushion, £40 eff ortlesstrading.co.uk
DIVINE SAVAGES
Where the Wildfl owers Grow Dusk Wallpaper, £150 divinesavages.com
OLENKA DESIGN Florence Peach Wallpaper, £155 olenkadesign.co.uk
WALDORF ASTORIA
MALDIVES ITHAAFUSHI
Impossibly luxurious villas, outstanding natural beauty and excllent cuisine characterise Waldorf Astoria's enchanting Maldives outpost. Definitely one for the bucket list. waldorfastoriamaldives.com
A twin-centre break on two iconic Maldives resorts more than doubles the pleasure, as Libby Norman discovers
Maldives resorts are bywords for barefoot luxury, so the opportunity to visit two iconic resorts in one trip is too good to miss.
First stop is Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, which arguably defined the Maldives experience. It has notched up numerous firsts, including first overwater villas on stilts and first underwater restaurant. Most recent is a private residence built over and under the ocean. It also bagged a prime spot in a country of abundant nature – swimming and snorkelling are a delight from its twin natural islands.
Impressive, but it doesn’t prepare us for how welcoming Rangali Island feels. There are many repeat visitors (warm hugs and catch-ups between guests and sta ), and we feel among friends. We’re on adults-only Rangali Island, connected to livelier, larger (and child-welcoming)
Rangali Finolhu Island by a wooden bridge. We have the pick of restaurants and bars on both sides. Also, we get to dawdle back after dark marine life spotting – even rays make regular appearances to gambol in the water lit up by the bridge lights.
Our Sunset Water Villa with Pool is bliss, and with a view to thrill – a sightand-sound oceanside immersion. We love the shifting panorama from our giant bed, bathtub, large deck and personal pool. From here, it’s a few steps down to the sea below – so private it feels like our personal pool, only bigger. But we are not alone. On my first dip, I spot a crab watching from poolside. He and his tiny gang hang out on our steps to catch a breath, diving back in whenever they spot feet coming.
Shoals of fish race past, seemingly on the clock, and sitting on the beach or swimming in the infinity pool near The Quiet Zone beach bar becomes a nature watch. We spot resident flying foxes at dusk, graceful and silent. Then there’s George the heron, an island legend, who I mistake
for a beach sculpture until he turns up at Vilu Restaurant, our favourite breakfast spot, standing silently by like some watchful avian maître-d.
There’s a busier breakfast vibe and huge choice at Atoll Market over the bridge, which also o ers delicious a la carte and themed dinner options. Rangali Bar is our spot for leisurely lunches. We enjoy a dinner of exceptional quality at Mandhoo Spa Restaurant – designed to detox, and still leaving us feeling pleasantly plump.
Other high points include a sunset cruise accompanied by pods of playing dolphins, and champagne and canapés five metres below at Ithaa, where sharks and rainbowhued fish circle lazily. We discover that Rangali Island’s new first – The Muraka – is a level beyond on a special tour. Upstairs, this private residence has magnificent sleeping and entertaining spaces (with butler thrown in), while 16 feet down is another glass-walled suite where you are lulled to sleep by dazzling marine life. You
can even take the lift to your underwater quarters – it feels very James Bond.
And so do we when we are whisked by seaplane back to Malé and straight on to a private yacht (55-foot Princess, no less) for the short transfer to our second Maldives experience – Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. My partner is wildly excited by the boat (desperate to drive it), while I play it cool, drinking in champagne, ocean views and beautifully smooth ride.
Opened in summer 2019, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has quickly garnered a host of prestigious travel awards and high-profile visitors, and we can see why. Not only is the setting on private linked islands lush, but the dining and accommodation choices stand out for breadth – and high glamour. There’s even a totally separate private island for exclusive use by up to 24 guests.
Our King Overwater Villa is palatial, with lofty ceiling and double-height doors that can be closed to divide living and sleeping
spaces. There’s a cool glass-floored dressing room and a glamorous bathroom with ocean vista. The private pool is big enough for a party, with multiple lounge spots – plus steps down to your own slice of ocean.
Bikes are laid on; buggies are a phone call away and personal concierges organise dining and entertainment. We love the relaxed beach-club vibe at Nava, a hub during the day. There’s plenty to keep active types busy, with tennis and other court sports, exercise classes, kids' club (plus one for teens). There’s a fabulous lagoon-style pool for families – we gravitate to the tranquil adult pool for lazy laps and snoozing o lunch.
Food is definitely the thing, with roundthe-world dining options and star chefs. We can’t squeeze everything in, but we give it our best shot, grazing at Tasting Table at breakfast, lunching like kings at Peacock Alley and drinking in the after-dark ambiance at Glow. Our standout evening happens at The Ledge by Dave Pynt (of
“16 feet down is a glass-walled suite where you are lulled to sleep by dazzling marine life”
Singapore’s Burnt Ends fame). The Aussie barbecue-inspired flavours are smoky and complex – the reputation well deserved. Our rum and tasting menu pairs fine Flor de Cana vintages with tuna and caviar, lamb 'cigars', buttery lobster and the most heavenly rum baba.
If The Ledge is an out-of-this-world indulgence, so too our session at Waldorf Astoria’s Aqua Wellness Centre. We’re not usually spa goers (although the main spa here is fabulous), but here’s a unique twist. We are guided around a special pool, each zone containing a water jet that targets a tension point. Starting with feet and ankles and ending with neck and head massage, it’s a dreamy hour that leaves us both restored and relaxed. So relaxed, in fact, this feels like the perfect finale to one hedonistic week at two iconic Maldives destinations.
* Conrad Maldives Rangali Island; conradmaldives.com
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi; waldorfastoriamaldives.com
Athens is a wonderful city, worth much more than just a stopover. But if you’re just heading from the airport to the ferry port, there’s still a lot you can see. Here’s our guide to spending 24 hours in Athens... Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, blends ancient history with modern vitality.
The Acropolis, perched high on a rocky outcrop, stands as an enduring symbol of ancient Greece. It’s a good idea to visit in the
early morning or the early evening to avoid not only the crowds, but also the fierce heat.
Descending from the Acropolis, a stroll through the historic Plaka district unveils narrow cobblestone streets lined with neoclassical buildings and charming cafes. Breakfast at a local taverna o ers traditional Greek fare, with olives, feta, and fresh tomatoes for a flavorful start to the day.
a harmonious blend of the old and the new.
For a respite from the urban buzz, the National Garden provides a serene escape. Lush greenery, meandering paths, and hidden corners create a peaceful oasis in the heart of Athens. The Zappeion, an elegant neoclassical building within the garden, adds a touch of sophistication to the natural surroundings.
PIRAEUS, MARINA
The National Archaeological Museum houses an unparalleled collection of artefacts that span millennia. From intricately detailed sculptures to ancient pottery, the museum o ers a comprehensive look into the evolution of Greek civilization. Each exhibit tells a story of myth, heroism, and the enduring legacy of the Hellenic world.
No visit to Athens is complete without a wander through the bustling Monastiraki flea market. Vibrant and eclectic, the market is a treasure trove of antiques, crafts, and souvenirs. Vibrant street art and a lively atmosphere showcase the city’s modern flair,
“Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, blends ancient history with modern vitality”
Lunch at a traditional taverna might take in souvlaki, moussaka and tzatziki, showcasing the Mediterranean’s culinary prowess. And in the afternoon, visit the Ancient Agora, once the heart of Athenian life, which unfolds with ancient temples, stoas, and the iconic Temple of Hephaestus. The serene surroundings invite contemplation, o ering a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Greeks.
Dinner in the vibrant district of Psiri captures the essence of Athens' nightlife. From traditional tavernas to trendy rooftop bars, the city comes alive after dark. Locals and visitors alike savour the spirited atmosphere, enjoying live music, dancing, and the warmth of Greek hospitality.
And if you’re catching the ferry in the morning, then it’s a great idea to stay near Piraeus. The Alex hotel, Monte Kastella, is our tip, with its excellent air conditioning and breezy rooftop bar and restaurant. A cab will get you to the port in 10 minutes, and your island adventure awaits.
santikoscollection.com/thealex
Bookings: Many of our property owners achieve more than 45 bookings a year and over 200 days booked
Do you currently own or are considering investing in a holiday let in the North Wales area? Menai Holiday Cottages can help! Come and join over 800 property owners working with Menai Holiday Cottages!
Marketing: Your property will be seen by millions of potential guests
Support: 24/7 support to all our owners and customers
Handling: Full property management services available
Partners: We work with 500 partner sites such as AirBnb and Booking.com
Call our local team on 01248 665149 and or email
newowners@menaiholidays.co.uk to find out how we can help
STONYHURST
Stonyhurst has a beautiful setting, fascinating heritage, a fine reputation and excellent facilities. The Jesuit values upon which Stonyhurst was founded in 1593 continue to underpin all that they do today. A Jesuit education is a foundation for life, fostering individuality, and promoting generosity. Through this approach, their young people confidently stand up for what they believe in, ready to become leaders of the future.
stonyhurst.ac.uk
The three-pronged education approach that sets The King’s School Chester apart from all others
The King’s School Chester was recently named the Northwest Independent Secondary School of the Year in the 2024 Sunday Times Parent Power guide, leapfrogging Manchester’s single-sex schools to claim the prestigious title for the first time. “I am naturally absolutely delighted!” exclaims Headmaster, George Hartley. “This award is not only a testament to our outstanding academic results, but also our phenomenal co-curricular o ering and unrelenting focus on the individual student in terms of their care and wellbeing.
“Excellent exam results and outstanding teaching and learning have always been synonymous with King’s, but achieving a regional title in the Parent Power guide is about so much more than that,” he adds. “There are three key principles that characterise a King’s education: growth
mindset, student wellbeing and a wealth of opportunities. When these combine, we can be confident that we are preparing happy and confident learners to make their mark in a rapidly changing 21st century world.”
The school’s innovative Learning to Learn programme was name-checked in the Parent Power guide and George explains how it has become a vital part of the pupils’ experience. “I am particularly pleased that our unique Learning to Learn programme was recognised,” he says. “This has been
“There is a wealth of support available to every student”
fundamental to the school’s ethos of students working hard to reach their full potential, but doing this sustainably and healthily; a really important preparation for success and happiness in their future lives.
“Learning to Learn empowers pupils to develop their own method of sustainable learning through a toolkit of study and learning skills. One of the key principles of the programme is growth mindset and that sums up our values as a school; King’s pupils value the importance of e ort, are resilient in the face of challenge, are not afraid to fail, and act on feedback.”
Last year, the school was shortlisted for the Independent School of the Year Award
for Student Wellbeing in recognition of its whole-school, holistic approach to wellbeing. “Academic and pastoral outcomes are regarded as equal partners at King’s,” George says, “we know that students can’t reach their full potential unless their wellbeing is prioritised.”
A new Mental Health triage system has been in place for over a year and has already seen positive results. Stage one involves tutors signposting students and parents to expert-led, age-appropriate advice on the Wellbeing Hub by Teentips, an online platform the school has recently acquired.
George explains: “We believe that giving every student the tools and strategies to deal with the challenges they will inevitably face will continue to serve them well after
they leave school. If further help is needed, students are referred for peer support, to the on-site Wellbeing Nurse or, in the third stage, to the school counsellor.”
Deputy Head Pastoral, Claire Sumner, who developed this system, continues: “Our strong pastoral programme starts with the form tutor, but there is a wealth of support available to every student.
“Sixth Formers are trained as Mental Fitness Ambassadors and our fulltime Wellbeing specialist, Nurse Jess, is based in our dedicated Wellbeing Centre located at the heart of the school. The school counsellor is the third stage of our triage system.
“However, over the last 18 months, we have seen a significant reduction in
“If students can't find a club that interests them, they are encouraged to start their own”
counselling referrals, which is testament to the success of the wider wellbeing strategy.”
From their first day at King’s, pupils are encouraged to discover life-long passions, take their learning beyond the classroom, develop wider sporting, creative and social skills, and to play a full and active role in the school community. King’s has a staggering 80 weekly co-curricular clubs and activities encompassing music, art, drama, sport, academic challenge and more.
George says on this: “We encourage every pupil to take part in at least three co-curricular activities per week and we insist that at least one of those is a sporting or physical activity. The links between physical and mental health are well established and it is important to us that every pupil gets involved with our sports and fitness programme.”
Competitive team sports are popular with the pupil body, but an impressive array of recreational sport and fitness activities, such as badminton, table tennis, swimming, dance and yoga, mean that there is something for everyone, regardless of skill level.
“The beauty of our co-curricular
programme is that there is something for everyone,” George adds. “There are leadership opportunities through our popular Combined Cadet Force, an array of musical ensembles from Symphony Orchestra to the pupil-led Funk Band, and clubs as varied as Maths Challenge and Model United Nations.
“Best of all, if a student can’t find a club that interests them, they are encouraged to start their own!”
If you would like to discover The King’s School Chester for yourself, private tours are available with the Admissions Manager at any time during term time. Please contact Erica Sears on 01244 689553 or by email admissions@kingschester. co.uk. See more at kingschester.co.uk
Exciting events, activities and partnerships will encourage more children to enjoy reading, however they choose to, this World Book Day
The charity World Book Day is holding its annual celebration on Thursday 7 March right across the UK and Ireland. World Book Day 2024 will celebrate that children are more likely to enjoy reading when their choices are championed and we make reading fun.
Reading for pleasure improves children’s life chances across a range of social, educational and well-being measures. However, research from the National Literacy Trust found that fewer than 1 in 2 (47.8%) children now say they enjoy reading; this is the lowest level since 2005, and reading enjoyment is lowest among children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Read Your Way calls on everyone to let go of pressure and expectations, giving children a choice – and a chance – to enjoy reading. Young voices are at the heart of the campaign, with World Book Day’s selection of £1 books chosen with the help of children, while children’s everyday reading lives are brought to life through the dynamic imagery of World Book Day illustrator Vivian Truong.
Also, 2024 will see the launch and evolution of a number of new exciting partnerships, including new ways to fundraise, to ensure more children and families can experience and benefit from the joy of reading. Cassie Chadderton, CEO of World Book Day, says: “Our aim for World Book Day 2024 is to bring the fun of reading to more children, to celebrate their choices and encourage everyone to Read Their Way. Fewer children and their families are enjoying reading, just when the life-changing benefits are needed most.”
She continues: “The World Book Day £1 authors and illustrators will be out and about at bookshops, libraries and schools across the country encouraging children to read for pleasure and we’re excited that a fantastic array of partners and supporters are making it easier than ever to get involved with activities, fundraising or simply choosing a £1 book for free with our tokens.”
Funded by Julia and Hans Rausing, World Book Day is working with 20 libraries in highdeprived areas with low literacy levels to help create a legacy around reading for pleasure. Libraries in areas where there is limited
access to retailers/bookshops will welcome local children to swap their £1 book tokens for books, followed by an exciting event in spring, to inspire local families to continue enjoying reading together long after the day itself.
In 2024, a massive 105,000 books are being distributed through a range of supporters and partners, including working with BookTrust’s network of 6,000 local organisations to get the £1 book tokens into some of the country’s most disadvantaged communities.
Alongside events, 24,000 books will be distributed through prisons to help families read together, while 43,750 books will be shared across 17 National Literacy Hubs and over 100 football clubs to support book ownership in areas of high deprivation and low literacy.
Every single World Book Day £1 author (and some illustrators) will be at their local bookshop sometime between 15 February and 8 March. Over 400 independent bookshops and retailers across the UK and Ireland including The Works, WHSmith, Waterstones, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Asda will be welcoming children, families, schools, and local communities to have fun
choosing a free book with their £1 token to discover more wonderful ways to read.
“OUR AIM FOR WORLD BOOK DAY IS TO BRING THE FUN OF READING TO MORE CHILDREN”
Contemporary jeweller Tatty Devine has created a 16-piece jewellery collection, inspired by some of its favourite books, authors, and genres. Launched on 25 January, 10% from each piece sold will be donated to World Book Day. Vintage-style fashion brand Joanie have created two collaboration pieces for the charity, donating £5 from each sale of its TOBY sweatshirt and £10 from each sale of its TALLY dress from its collection to World Book Day this year. Amscan International Ltd will launch a new collection of World Book Day-themed
costumes from classic fairytales, with 5% from every sale going to support the charity’s work. Sales of a new World Book Day celebration pack from Party Delights will also give a 5% donation to the charity.
Children in schools across the country will also be able to enjoy a book-themed menu and activity sheet, thanks to school catering provider Green Gourmet.
Jigsaw Education Group are producing free resources based on their Jigsaw Outdoors programme (as part of their bigger Jigsaw PSHE programme) which are World Book Day themed, encouraging active engagement with reading outdoors, at both school and home.
Find out more at worldbookday.com
“WE GET TO RUN AROUND IN THE WOODS AND ENJOY ALL THE FACILITIES”
Modern residential education: why Repton Prep believes in boarding
For reasons that may not seem obvious at first, Repton Prep School would make a strong argument for one of the older and most traditional forms of education – residential boarding – actually being among the most useful and positive preparations for our ever-changing modern world.
As winner of the Boarding Schools Association’s award for Supporting Junior Boarders, sta and pupils at the school work together to create the most homely, exciting and stimulating environment in which to live while working, resting and playing.
That Repton Prep achieves this with characteristic warmth and pupil-first ethos was endorsed by the boarding pupils themselves. “It’s fun because the older boarders help me; it’s like one big family,” said one of the girls. The wonderful features of the site also came in for praise, too: “The school is our home – we get to run around in the woods, play in the fields and enjoy all the facilities. We are so lucky.”
Naturally, boarding at the school is one vitally important strand to a broader educational experience, and the school has also been shortlisted for the Independent Prep School of the Year award. In 55 acres of beautiful South Derbyshire countryside, Repton Prep ensures there is balance between its pupils’ education, their emotional developmental needs, and also the social capabilities that will render them a positive contributor to future society; those human qualities of empathy, collaboration and compromise.
Repton strongly believes that boarding in their nurturing school environment promotes personal success in the broadest, most important ways. Chief among these is the happiness of the child, and they are sure that it is on that measure that boarding at Repton Prep delivers in the very highest order.
Repton Prep’s next open day is on Saturday 2 March 2024. To register your interest, head to reptonprep.org.uk/visiting-us
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Neil Turner took over as Head of Investec Wealth & Investment’s Liverpool o ce in April 2023.
Absolutely finds out what to expect in 2024
This next year will see a UK election with a potential change of Government and new legislation coming into e ect, while interest rates could start to fall. It is important that you consider how this may impact on your finances and your future plans.
At Investec Wealth & Investment in Liverpool we are focused on building long-term wealth. We have been based in the city for more than 200 years so we have experience of the importance of committing to the long-term and not reacting to short-term volatility.
Q Is the New Year a good time to review your finances?
A If it helps people to get started then that’s great. We provide specialist Investment Management and Financial Planning, and we help our clients to achieve their financial goals – such as planning for retirement, funding education, meeting care costs or planning their estate.
We have a large team based on Old Hall in Liverpool, but we are backed by the wider Investec Wealth & Investment and Rathbones Group with o ces all over the UK, so clients benefit from the expertise of a major company. But we know clients value the personalised local touch which is what
we deliver. Relationships are the heart of our business whether we are working with individuals or their families. It is not only about recommending investments, but also about supporting clients and their families so that wealth can be passed down generations.
Q What opportunities are out there for investors?
A We are always on the lookout for new opportunities. As we are part of the UK’s leading wealth manager, we have the research expertise to look at overseas markets and not just the UK markets, allowing us to identify the world’s leading companies into which to invest.
Q What’s your long-term outlook?
A Stability is crucial for your wealth and that means focusing on ensuring you have enough money to retire on or that your wealth will be preserved for your family. Stability is crucial for us too and we look forward to at least another 200 years in Liverpool. Call me and my team on 0151 2372 109 for a no-obligation chat about your needs and how we might be able to help.
The value of investments and the income derived from them can go down as well as up and you could get back less than you originally invested. Your capital is at risk To find out more, visit investec.com/liverpool
why everyone is talking about…
The Liverpool Live Radio presenter has already had quite the musical careerand now literary success is beckoning
Get ready for a literary journey unlike any other as Stacey Jackson, the sensational award-winning singer/songwriter who we love listening to on Liverpool Live Radio every week, prepares to take the world by storm with her upcoming debut novel. Bursting onto the scene at age 40 and conquering the music industry, Stacey is now set to captivate hearts and minds with her unparalleled storytelling. She credits her success to her husband and her four children, who have been her unwavering pillars of strength and support while writing her novel.
Stacey's incredible success story, fuelled by her undeniable talent and resilience, has been a source of inspiration for millions. From topping the charts with her debut single to collaborating with icons like rapper Snoop Dogg, Stacey has shattered stereotypes and proven that dreams have no expiration date.
Now, she is venturing into the world of literature, and her unique voice is about to resonate in a whole new way.
In How A Gangsta Rapper Made Me A Better Mom, Stacey invites readers to step into the life of Stephanie Bloom, a musical sensation on the cusp of stardom, only to face a sudden and tragic loss that thrusts her into the role of a widow. The journey that unfolds is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending heartache, determination, and the resilience of a mother trying to keep her late husband’s legacy alive.
Caught in the whirlwind of managing her late husband’s iconic restaurants while
pursuing her musical dreams, Stephanie grapples with finding harmony in her chaotic world. A glimmer of hope arises with a chance to record alongside "The Most Famous Rapper in The World", setting the stage for an epic adventure. Stacey takes us from the bustling streets of the USA to the eccentric world of the music industry, we are left wondering: can Stephanie balance her dreams with the uproarious realities of her life?
After a hugely successful career in music, this publication – which hit the shelves in February – looks set to kick-start another side to Stacey Jackson. This is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the triumph of the human spirit.
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