Absolutely Yorkshire March 2024 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

YORKSHIRE

Yorkshire MARCH 2024 / £3.95

PLU S AMY MCKIMM

The Haworth artist and her acclaimed pet portraits •

SPECIA L Over 20 pages of inspiration and insight

OUTSTANDING OTLEY MARCH 2024

Where tradition and modern day meet in harmony •

HOOT STUFF

How The Owl in Leeds is evolving its dining options

Fizz &

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FRILL

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CHAMPAGNE MOMENTS WITH YORKSHIRE'S HOTTEST FASHION DESIGNER, REBECCA RHOADES ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT

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Featured property: South View

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

Find your perfect holiday hideaway With its beautiful countryside, pretty villages and historic market towns, Yorkshire is the perfect choice when it comes to choosing a holiday destination here in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a dog-friendly break or somewhere for that big family get-together, you are sure to find that perfect holiday property with us.

MEDIA CONSULTANTS MELANIE HARDCASTLE RACHEL STEAD FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com

Yorkshire Hideaways is a holiday cottage agency showcasing an ever-growing portfolio of self-catering properties throughout the county – from cosy cottages full of rural charm to luxury retreats oozing coastal chic.

For advertising enquiries please call 07818 690 386 or email: craig@zest-media.com

Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588 Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. Social icon

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We b si t e

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents MARCH 2024

76 14

C U LT U R E AGENDA

64 ROOM FOR REM

Top sleeping tips and the stages we need for restoration

Hebden Bridge Little Theatre marks 100 years

REBECCA RHOADES

Meet the in demand Leeds fashion designer

FOOD & DRINK 38 FOOD NEWS

The latest from around the county

40 THE OWL

What Liz Cottam did next

FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y 50 AVIE STUDIO On producing seasonless style

54 THE SHOOT

Accessories from Radley London

The Leeds interior designer who doesn't cut corners

20 AMY MCKIMM

The Haworth pet artist extraordinaire

A B S O L U T E LY H O M E KAREN KNOX

82 MUNGO

The South African textiles mill that started life in Yorkshire

TREND

Why life is peachy at home

E D U C AT I O N 104 TALKING HEADS

Meeting Huddersfield Grammar's Head Boy and Head Girl

107 QUEEN ETHELBURGA'S On inspiring lifelong learners

A B S O L U T E LY M AG A Z I N E S .C O M

The online guide to inspirational living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

O N T H E C OV E R Rebecca Rhoades SS24 (rebeccarhoades.com)

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ABSOLUTELY • THIS MONTH

LISA BYRNE

Yorkshire YATTER

Lisa Byrne brings out the Sunday best with a culinary tour of the county

hile recently flicking through National Geographic Magazine, I nearly choked on my tea to read that Cheshire pub, The White Horse in Churton, had been nominated as producing one of the best Sunday roasts in the UK. Surely, Yorkshire – which boasts our world-famous puddings – must be heralded across the land as being THE place for a classic, warming Sunday roast? So, I decided to investigate where the crispiest potatoes, most succulent meat and gloriously giant Yorkshire Puddings were served in our county. Well, one relatively modern pub whose food took my breath away was The Lime Tree Inn, situated in Great Ouseburn, a gorgeous village close to the Yorkshire Dales. Despite being only a few years’ old, the restaurant produced roast lunches – particularly rolled pork belly with apple sauce and crackling – which proved to be the food of the gods.

YOU CAN'T BEAT A YORKSHIRE SUNDAY ROAST

Another Byrne family favourite is The Durham Ox in Crayke, which has a fabulous array of game and seafood dishes on its blackboard, just in case you weren’t keen on consuming a traditional roast. The baked queenie scallops in garlic and parsley butter were heavenly, as was the dry aged beef which hails from Mount Grace Farm. Over in Ripponden is The Fleece Countryside Inn, which serves a fusion of innovative and classic flavours in ancient surroundings and is very proud of its 2AA rosettes. The Whitby crab was incredible, as was the sirloin of Lee Horsley’s beef and delicious Tandoori lamb. However, we were hugely disappointed not to bump into an apparition of their resident ghost, Nancy, who we were told about in hushed tones by charming staff. Our next stop on our gastro gourmet gallop across the county was The Alice Hawthorn in the idyllic village of Nun Monkton, which boasts award winning garden rooms constructed from homegrown Douglas fir. The popcorn prawns disappeared within seconds, and we devoured the Poolbridge beef and herb crusted cod loin. Our final visit was to the Pearly Cow at the Regency townhouse Number 1 by Guesthouse in York. The salted cod and crab tacos were very refreshing, while the melt-in-the-mouth 45-day salt aged beef sirloin was to die for. And the meal would not be complete without dining on Valrhona chocolate tart with clementine and pistachio. Enough to leave our friends across the Pennines a pistachio-green with jealousy!

PEARLY COW

My highlights for the month of March… Whipping out my tricolour fl ag to celebrate St Patrick’s Day on 17 March. Burning Dublin Dusk candle by the world’s oldest candle company Rathbornes. Discovering the antiinfl ammatory power of red algae by using repair gel and collagen glow shots from Seacra.

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SPIRIT O F L AG OS

Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

Known for her unique take on luxury loungewear, Banke Kuku takes inspiration from London and Lagos, which inﬂuence her bold patterns, resulting in statement prints with captivating impact. bankekuku.com

PIN UP Turkuaz Kitchen’s Betül Tunç's has devised a new collection for Anthropologie that includes this adorable cotton apron, £35. anthropologie.com

DA I SY C H A I N NEON BRIGHT 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

Brighten up your home in anticipation of spring with this cheerful yellow-framed round mirror from Dar Lighting, £118. darlighting.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

EDITOR’S PICK

SPRING BLOSSOM It's Mimosa season – time to fill your vases with armfuls of scented yellow blooms. But hurry: the season is brief. bybloom.co.uk

TIME FOR A CHANGE

SHELL OUT 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

The OPEIA Nova Collection 18ct Yellow & White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings offer unparalleled sophistication for special occasions. These stunning earrings feature a unique interchangeable design and a row of graduating round brilliant-cut diamonds in an 18ct white gold setting, £4,095. berrysjewellers.co.uk

CHECK OUT This stunning rug is ultra-thick and an incredibly dense pile and is available in this striking yellow hue exuding vibrance and energy, £346. coaliving.co.uk

H A N D BAGS AT D AW N Each season, Dior invites a number of artists to transform the Lady Dior bag into an objet d'art.. And for SS24, Gilbert and George have done just that. dior.com

IN THE SHADE The Adidas Originals eyewear collection marks an intersection of sport and street style seen through the lens of culture. £129 specsavers.co.uk

IT'S A WRAP This lovely Indian ﬂower taupe kimono is one of a selection at One Hundred Stars, the go-to for wafty, printed pieces. onehundredstars.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Celebrate the art of printmaking with over 60 artists and galleries from across the UK. Plus family activities, new exhibitions and discounted gallery entry.

Event Partner

Print Fair entry £2 Free for Members and under 18s hepworthwakefield.org

Supported by

Registered charity number 1138117

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C U LT U R E

ARGYLLE THROUGHOUT MARCH, ILKLEY CINEMA

Bryce Dallas Howard is Elly Conway, the reclusive author of a series of best-selling espionage novels, whose idea of bliss is a night at home with her computer and her cat, Alfie. But when the plots of Elly's fictional books – which centre on secret agent Argylle (Henry Cavill) and his mission to unravel a global spy syndicate – begin to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organisation, quiet evenings at home become a thing of the past. ilkleycinema.co.uk

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The Agenda

M A RC H ' S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

EV E NT

Print Fair 16-17 March T H E H E P W O R T H WA K E F I E L D The Hepworth Wakeﬁeld’s Print Fair – the go-to place to buy and explore all things print – returns in March. The fair will take place at Tileyard North, the refurbished mill opposite the gallery, and is the perfect opportunity to support independent printmakers at all stages of their careers. Visitors will be able to buy work directly from over 60 emerging and established artists and collectives alongside a selection of galleries which specialise in selling prints. hepworthwakeﬁeld.org

MU S I C

Richmond Chamber

Orchestra 3 MA RC H , GEO RGI A N TH E ATR E ROYAL , RICHMON D

The RCO consists of some of the best professional, semi-pro and amateur musicians in the area, and will give fresh, distinctive concerts in unexpected places, also offering a platform to outstanding young players. They are thrilled that the distinguished violinist Philippa Mo has agreed to direct their ﬁrst concert. Her recent tours have included Australia, Brazil and China, and a range of concerts in the UK. Her recitals are always Swaledale Festival highlights. richmondchamberorchestra.co.uk

T H E AT R E

Lines Until 9 March S H E F F I E L D P L AY H O U S E What connects ﬁve prisons over ﬁve decades in Uganda, Palestine, and the UK? A homeowner struggling to keep ancient land. A queer woman teaching in Kampala. The son of Idi Amin’s general. Lines looks through the bars of post-colonial life as told through these stories. Created by Junaid Sarieddeen, John Rwothomack, Fidaa Zidan and Alexandra Aron with additional writing by Asiimwe Deborah Kawe. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

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A RT

Andrew Cranston Until 2 June T H E H E P W O R T H WA K E F I E L D The Hepworth Wakefield is the first public gallery to present a solo exhibition of works by Andrew Cranston. Andrew Cranston: What made you stop here? features 38 new and recent paintings that range from large-scale canvases to intimate works painted on old linen-bound book covers, comprising subjects that include still life, landscape, seascape, portraits, and interior scenes. hepworthwakefield.org

A RT

YUKIHIRO AKAMA

This Month’s Must See

9 March–30 June YSP Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) presents a new collection by Japanese woodcarver Yukihiro Akama. A display of 55 works, Basho no Kankaku – A Sense of Place – will be Akama’s largest exhibition to date. It will showcase a new collection of beautiful, intricately carved wooden houses of various sizes alongside a series of architectural technical drawings and mini prints. ysp.org.uk

The CRUCIBLE

2- 3 0 MA RCH, CRUCIBLE THEATRE , SHEFFIELD

ear and hysteria grip a feuding community as a battle between innocence and guilt exposes the very darkest corners of human nature. When a group of young girls are discovered dancing and chanting in the forest, they are accused of witchcraft. With the threat of execution hanging over them, the girls draw the people of the town into a world of secrets, lies and manipulation where the only goal is self-preservation. Joseph Langdon is one of the stars in a remarkable ensemble. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

100

Y E O F

A R S A W E

Hebden Bridge Little Theatre celebrates its centenary

HUMBLE BOY

very thespian knows that ‘the show must go on’, but during 2024 Hebden Bridge Little Theatre is celebrating keeping it on for 100 years. Since being founded in 1924, the theatre has only ever suffered two brief periods of closure – the 2020/21 COVID lockdown, and when building and relocating to its current 120-seater venue in Holme Street in 1992/3. Not even the Second World War could prevent the curtain being raised, with well over 70,000 seats being sold during the six-year conflict, despite fears of air raids and gas attacks. And the same Blitz Spirit has been evident in overcoming the floods with which Hebden Bridge has unfortunately become synonymous. Although the Boxing Day Flood of 2015 covered the theatre two feet deep in foul water, the help of volunteers, the army and the community ensured that everything was up and running again within a few weeks, and no shows had to be cancelled. Fittingly, as it was penned in 1924, the five-play Centenary schedule kicks off with Noel Coward’s Hay Fever, being staged between 26 February and 2 March. Hannah Stow, President of Hebden Bridge Little Theatre and who is directing the production herself, says: “This play sees Coward at his hilarious best, and we have a highly talented and experienced cast who are already smashing it in rehearsals. I’m confident this will prove a cracking Centenary showpiece.” Tickets for Hay Fever and other Centenary productions can be obtained online at hblt.co.uk

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R H O A D E S

T O

GLORY Absolutely Yorkshire sits down with the Leeds fashion designer who is causing a stir in the industry By MARK KEBBLE

ebecca 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.

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“I have an undeniable self-belief and unwavering work ethic” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

REBECCA AT WORK

“I’ve always wanted to be different 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 office 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 office 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 and Ireland, we are introducing an alternative bridal range into the

THE LATEST SS24 COLLECTION

“We create luxury designs that stand the test of time, the prints we create are timeless” 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

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LILY THE CHESTNUT CAVALIER PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN JAMES

Q When did you first get a passion for art? A I’ve always been arty, ever since I was little.

I was very creative – always painting, drawing and things like that. I taught myself to draw when I was about nine on my bedroom floor. I’d just draw horses over and over again until I got them right. Nowadays you’ve got things like YouTube and tutorials, but back then there wasn’t anything like that. I had a little book called How To Draw Horses, and it was ancient, probably from the 1940s. I’ve got a GCSE in art, but when I was at school, I was always told that art is just a hobby, and you need to get a proper job!

Q When did you realise you could

turn art into a full-time career?

GET TO KNOW…

AMY MCKIMM H AWO R T H - B A S E D P E T P O R T R A I T A R T I ST S E L L I N G C O M M I S S I O N S AC R O S S T H E WO R L D I n t e r v i e w b y A N D R E W VA U X

A In February 2020 I coincidentally bought

a tin of pastel pencils and during lockdown started drawing my neighbour’s dogs and stuff at my kitchen table, just having a bit of a play and an experiment. I started putting my drawings on Instagram just to see what the internet thought of them. I had no intention of getting any more commissions from people worldwide. But to my surprise, within a couple of weeks, I had about three months’ worth of commissions come through from people all over the world. I thought ‘is this going to be a real thing, can you make a career out of it?’ I spoke to a couple of other artists, and they said you can make a good career from it. I waited until we’d moved to Yorkshire in July 2020. I’d got a new job as a vehicle inspector to come to Yorkshire with and I felt quite bad telephoning my manager the day after I arrived up here to tell him I wouldn’t be coming back as I was going to become an artist!

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CULTURE • PROFILE

HAWORTH

FLORRIE THE GERMAN SHEPHERD PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN JAMES

AMY WITH JONATHAN ROSS

Q Have you always had a

passion for animals? A I’ve always loved animals and there’s always been pets lurking about in the background. I used to have horses from the age of 11 until my early 20s. I then had a long break before doing what I said I’d never do and got another horse about a year and a half ago. So doing this as a job combines my two favourite things – animals and art. It’s perfect. Q How do you promote your work? A I’ve got 36,000 followers on Instagram,

but most of my work comes from Facebook where I’ve got around 7,000 followers. On Instagram, a lot of other creative people follow me. Many other artists who do the same as I do follow me, so I don’t really get much work from there. In comparison, with Facebook I have a much older demographic following me. The majority of my commissions are in the US. I’ve done commissions for people in Australia, Canada, and all over Europe. I’m booked up with commissions for about the next 14 months. The trick is to know how to market your work and where to market it to. You could be the best artist in the world, but if you’re not putting your work in front of the right people then you’re not going to sell anything.

“This job combines my two favourite things, animals and art” Q You must be extremely proud of all your work and what you’ve achieved? A I must be proud of all my commissions because I won’t send them out until I’m completely happy. The portraits I’m most proud of are the ones which have really challenged me the most. Quite often I’m sent a photo from a customer, and I’ll look at it and think ‘oh gosh, how am I going to tackle that? That looks hard. Where do I start? How do I get that colour to look right?’ There are sometimes so many questions when I look at a photo and then when I tackle it, I’ll stand back and think ‘wow that’s rather good actually’ and I’ll amaze myself. Q How are your workshops

developing? A At my first ever workshop at Cobbles & Clay Café in Haworth I had 30 people come along, which was great. It was terrifying for the first few minutes, but once it got going it was lots of fun and the feeling afterwards was just brilliant. Since then, they’ve grown and grown. I remember once when Jonathan Ross was filming in Haworth and he came in and had some lunch. He came over to my workshop and signed some of the drawings, which was nice.

Q What advice would you give to others wanting to turn a hobby into a career? A Firstly, you must put yourself out there. Many people fear social media and other people’s opinions, but in the beginning that’s the only way for you to gain momentum and traction. Secondly, having a positive mindset is extremely important. If you’re a positive person and always try to say ‘yes,’ then more doors will open for you. Thirdly, don’t be afraid to talk to other people in your niche, and get help and advice when needed.

amymckimmart.co.uk BRAVE HEART - PRINTS AVAILABLE ON WEBSITE - PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN JAMES

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Why we love…

OT L E Y

The historic market town that has plenty of nods to the past alongside 21st century attractions

n the cobbles of Market Place, traders ply their wares as shoppers fill their already bulging bags with local fruit, vegetables, cuts of cured meat and cheeses. The Otley Bellman, as Terry Ford, the town crier is known, makes his way to the historic Jubilee Clock that stands over the square to make his latest announcement. Welcome to Otley, the historic Yorkshire market town that bridges the gap between cosmopolitan Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales. People’s attire may have changed, but other than that, the street signs and modern conveniences, little has changed on this spot for more than 800 years. Otley was one of the first towns in the country to be given a prestigious market charter and stallholders still gather here

three times a week to ply their trade, while there’s also a monthly farmer’s market on the last Sunday of the month. The town dates from the Saxon era, taking its name from Otta (a local warlord) and leah (a clearing in the woods), but there’s evidence of people living here from neolithic times. Up on the forested Otley Chevin, a ridge escarpment carved by Ice Age glaciers that overlooks the town, there’s megalithic stone boundaries and paleolithic rock art that mysteriously comes to life when wet, while a Roman road across its highest points once linked York, Tadcaster and Ilkley. York’s famed Minster can be seen from the Chevin’s highest point Surprise View on a clear day. Back in the town itself, history is redolent everywhere: a monument to the Wharfedale Press which revolutionised the printing industry as we know it and helped the town flourish in the 19th century, a statue to famed cabinet maker Thomas Chippendale, and a monument to the Irish Navvies who lost

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• AREA• FOCUS CULTURE XXXXXXXX XXXXX

SWANNING AROUND

OLD TRADITIONS REMAIN

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

their lives when constructing the ornate, Victorian-era Bramhope Tunnel on the nearby Leeds-Harrogate train line. That sombre monument stands in the grounds of All Saints Parish Church, parts of which date from the Normans and which displays Saxon-era crosses, and tombs dedicated to a branch of the famed Fawkes family who reside in the village of Farnley just outside town. Market Place, meanwhile, played host to Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarian army on the eve of the 1644 Battle of Marston Moor. It’s said they drank the pubs dry before their famous victory! While Otley proudly shows off its history, it’s certainly not stuck in the past. The cobbled streets surrounding Market Place are lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants – which have all contributed to it doubling as the market town of Hotten in ITV’s Emmerdale. Otley’s status as a market town led to relaxed licensing laws that once saw the

town claim the title of having the most pubs per capita in the country! While that title has passed on, unlike other market towns, Otley still comes to life of an evening thanks to classy restaurants, buzzy bars and pubs serving real ale, while it even has its own microbrewery and tap room, Shadow Brewing. Combined with an excellent events calendar there’s always a good reason to visit.

Modern day attractions OTLEY CHEVIN This towering, forested escarpment stands guard over the town and offers excellent walking, hiking, cycling and horseback riding for visitors. Runners can also take part in a regular ParkRun here, plus there’s a forest school and incredible views over the Wharfe valley.

OTLEY IS KNOWN FOR ITS PUBS

“Otley is proud of its history, but certainly not stuck in the past” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • AREA FOCUS

THERE IS PLENTY OF BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

at weekends and for laid-back jazzy Sundays (tapasandtunesotley.co.uk).

O’DELI Bijoux but supercool café on New Market that’s great for those with allergies and intolerances thanks to home-baked gluten-free goodies (odelibar.co.uk/odeli).

FARE Charcuterie and fine wines in a lovely, relaxed atmosphere in the heart of the Orchard Gate complex.

MONDO KITCHEN & COFFEE HOUSE Buzzy brasserie on Boroughgate owned by former staff from high-end coffeeand-cake chain Filmore & Union. A fabulous spot for brunch.

WHARFEMEADOWS PARK Sitting alongside the River Wharfe that runs through the town, this pleasant park is the home of Otley Boats for rowing and pedal boats during the summer, as well as a bowling green, tennis courts, and an outdoor gym. With a loved one? Add a padlock with your names on to the many that are attached to the railings of Otley Bridge over the river.

CHIPPENDALE HISTORY The master cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale was born in Otley in 1718 and his 300th anniversary was celebrated in the town in the pre-pandemic era. There’s a statue in his honour on Manor Square and there are several buildings around the town with links to the Chippendale family. Chippendale Trail maps can be found at Otley Core, the town council offices in Orchard Gate.

INDEPENDENT SHOPPING Otley has very few chain stores with most shops offering artisan goods. Look out for Like Nana Did (a refill shop), Curious Hop for beers, kombucha shop Functional Drinks Club, sourdough and sweet treats from the Underground Bakery, and excellent, award-winning pork pies from the town’s three butchers.

OTLEY FARMER’S MARKET Aside from the regular market held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Otley has a farmer’s market on the last Sunday of every

month. There’s also an arts and craft fair on the same day at Otley Courthouse arts centre.

VIBRANT PUB AND MUSIC SCENE Otley’s long history as a pub town means there are still dozens of places to have a decent pint of real ale. Many of them also have regular music and open-mic nights.

Where to eat and drink BUON APPS Excellent upscale Italian dining in converted mill buildings overlooking the river. In summer, there’s also a prosecco garden with amazing sunset views (buonappsotley.com).

TAPAS N TUNES Superlative Spanish and Yorkshire fusion tapas in the downstairs restaurant with vibrant music upstairs OTLEY MARKETS ARE POPULAR

What’s on this

SPRING

Otley Coffee Festival

Saturday 27 April Held at Otley Parish Church, Otley Coffee Festival was the ﬁrst of its kind launched in the north of England 

Otley Farmer’s Market

Last Sunday of each month Fresh, local food and drink from artisan producers 

Otley Show

Saturday 18 May The oldest agricultural show in the country attracting more than 12,000 visitors to see livestock competitions, handicrafts and ﬂoral displays, plus more than 100 stalls Find out more about Otley at visitotley.co.uk

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10 OF THE BEST

E A ST E R Delights in Yorkshire

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CULTURE • 10 OF THE BEST

“York, with its medieval charm and historic signiﬁcance, is a top destination for Easter”

s Easter approaches, there are countless places in Yorkshire that offer unique experiences, from traditional celebrations to outdoor adventures. Absolutely explores some of the best places to enjoy Easter in our most charming county.

WHITBY Famous for its Gothic abbey and picturesque harbour, Whitby offers a unique blend of tradition and coastal beauty. During Easter, the town hosts various events, including egg decorating workshops and themed boat tours. Take a stroll along the sandy beaches, explore the narrow cobbled streets, and indulge in fresh seafood at local eateries. For a panoramic view of Whitby, climb the 199 steps to reach the top of the East Cliff and experience the breathtaking scenery.

WHITBY ABBEY

Don’t Miss Enjoy a cracking adventure quest at Whitby Abbey this Easter holiday, from 23 March-14 April. Explore the abbey

grounds to hunt for clues and challenges and discover traditional Easter games like egg rolling and the egg and spoon race.

YORK York, with its medieval charm and historic significance, is a top destination for Easter celebrations. The city is adorned with blooming flowers and offers a range of Easter-themed events. The York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, hosts special Easter services and concerts, and the surrounding streets, such as the Shambles, come alive with quirky decorations. Families can enjoy Easter egg hunts in the city's beautiful parks, combining history with modern festivities. Don’t Miss The Rowntree Park 'Legendary' Easter Eggstravaganza Trail is back. Join them on 28 March for Easter fun in the park. Search the park for clues to help the Easter Bunny solve a mystery and earn a reward for all your help. Children will collect a trail sheet to find hidden clues around the park to help solve the mystery. Once solved, they can return to find the bunny and receive a small reward for all their hard work. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BRIDLINGTON

RIPON MALHAM COVES

THE YORKSHIRE DALES For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a haven of tranquility and breathtaking landscapes. Easter is an ideal time to explore the dales as the countryside bursts into life with vibrant colours. Embark on scenic walks such as the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail or the Malham Cove circular walk, where you can witness the beauty of spring. Many local pubs and tearooms in quaint villages like Grassington and Hawes provide a perfect setting to enjoy a traditional Easter lunch after a day of exploration.

“Easter is the ideal time to explore the Yorkshire Dales as it bursts to life”

The cathedral city of Ripon, with its historic cathedral and beautiful gardens, provides a serene setting for Easter celebrations. Ripon Cathedral hosts special Easter services, and its architecture is a testament to centuries of history. The nearby Studley Royal Water Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases landscaped gardens and the impressive Fountains Abbey ruins. Don’t Miss The dates are to be confirmed, but a real Easter treat for the whole family is the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Easter trail. Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family.

Don’t Miss Easter Bank Holiday Craft Fair in Hawes on 30 March. Visit this high quality craft fair in the Market House.

BRIDLINGTON

For a classic seaside Easter experience, Bridlington on the East Yorkshire coast is an ideal destination. The town boasts sandy beaches, a bustling harbour, and traditional seaside attractions. During Easter, Bridlington hosts events such as egg hunts, puppet shows, and live entertainment along the promenade. Take a stroll along the beach, indulge in fish and chips, and enjoy the lively atmosphere as families and visitors alike come together to celebrate Easter by the sea. Don’t Miss Want to work off all that chocolate? The Bridlington Easter 5 Mile Dash takes place on 29 March, a well-established Easter extravaganza for all the family.

YORK

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CULTURE • 10 OF THE BEST

RIPON CATHEDRAL

SALTAIRE Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique blend of Victorian architecture, industrial history, and cultural richness. During Easter, this model village hosts family-friendly events and activities. Don’t Miss Get ready for an egg-citing adventure as Cedar Court Hotels presents the Easter Eggstravaganza on 29 March – a fantastic day filled with laughter, music, magic, and delicious treats for the little ones.

KNARESBOROUGH The charming market town of Knaresborough, perched on the banks of the River Nidd, celebrates Easter with a vibrant Easter Fayre. The town’s cobbled streets and medieval landmarks create a picturesque backdrop for the festivities.

Don’t Miss Special for a different reason, for the 36th year Skipton Castle is donating all the admission charges on Good Friday to Martin House & St Gemma's Hospice.

HEBDEN BRIDGE Nestled in the Calder Valley, Hebden Bridge is a quirky town known for its artistic community and independent shops. Easter in Hebden Bridge is a time when the town comes alive with creativity. Explore the unique boutiques, art galleries, and vintage stores. Don’t Miss Easter Monday brings Duckmania to Hebden Bridge in the form of the annual Duck Race, organised by the Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge. KNARESBOROUGH

Don’t Miss The aforementioned Easter Fayre, which features a bustling market with local crafts, delicious treats, and entertainment for all ages. Absolutely is particularly looking forward to the Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt 2024, returning for its seventh year, fun for all the family.

HARROGATE

Harrogate, known for its elegant spa town ambiance, hosts the prestigious Harrogate Spring Flower Show during March/April. And it’s not really Easter without enjoying afternoon tea at Betty’s.

SKIPTON Skipton, often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Dales,' is home to the impressive Skipton Castle. Easter visitors can explore the medieval fortress, taking in its history and grandeur.

SALT MILLS, SALTAIRE

Don’t Miss Happening later in April, the Harrogate Spring Flower Show showcases stunning floral displays, innovative garden designs, and the latest gardening trends. The Great Yorkshire Showground transforms into a colourful spectacle. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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L E A D I N G the W A Y

Lucy Pittaway BUS I NE S S : Founder, Lucy Pittaway WE B S I TE : lucypittaway.co.uk

Q Before launching your business, what was your background? A Before I became a professional artist, my career path was quite diverse. I worked as a florist, a graphic designer, and even taught creative subjects in further education. After realising I needed a change, I took a gap year to reassess. I found myself working alongside my childhood sweetheart in his catering business, managing staff and handling various responsibilities. Throughout all of this, I continued to paint and draw in my spare time. It wasn't until our children were in school that I decided to pursue an art career.

International Woman’s Day falls on 8 March, so we mark this by chatting to some of the county’s top female business leaders

LUCY PITTAWAY

Q What inspired you to launch your business? A I had a strong desire to turn my passion for painting into a business. The challenge of building something from scratch excited me, and having the support and encouragement of my husband fuelled my determination. Q What sets you apart from others? A Many have asked me this question,

and I believe it's the unique connection people feel with my art. My style resonates with them on multiple levels, often evoking smiles or even happy tears. The specific technique I use, creating highly textured results with soft pastels on prepared boards, contributes to the distinctiveness of my paintings.

Q How was 2023 for you? A It was a turbulent year, filled with

ups and downs. As an employer in the luxury goods retail sector, navigating the challenges was tough. However, we not only survived but thrived on the opportunities that arose. Our resilient team pulled together, adapting to whatever unexpected obstacles came our way.

Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024? A Yes, we're embracing positive change. Plans include opening another gallery, expanding our bespoke framing service,

“MY STYLE RESONATES WITH PEOPLE, OFTEN EVOKING SMILES OR HAPPY TEARS” and supporting other artists by offering various services like scanning, printing, and framing. Our long-term goal is to showcase select artists on our website and in our galleries. Q On a personal level, what are your hopes and dreams for 2024? A I aim to continue growing personally and professionally, challenging myself, and learning new skills. Stepping outside my comfort zone, though daunting at times, is rewarding. By the end of 2024, I hope to have achieved my goals, both personal and professional. Q Outside of work, what are you looking forward to this year? A I'm eager to get back outdoors as the weather improves. Whether it's walking, cycling, paddleboarding, or enjoying family picnics, I'm ready for it. Additionally, I have some exciting plans to celebrate a milestone birthday, which I am looking forward to.

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

Alex Wilson BUS I N E S S : Head, Tranby School W E B S I TE : tranby.org.uk

Q Why did you want to teach? A I enjoyed school and following a

degree reading Theology and History I knew I wanted to teach. This took me to Cambridge to train and a 23 year career in the south of England in academic schools.

Q What attracted you to Tranby School? A Having lived in many parts of the country

growing up, I wanted to lead a school which matched my educational philosophy. This led me to Tranby (a thriving 3-18 HMC school in East Yorkshire). As a passionate educator I believe in giving students ‘floors not ceilings’, and Tranby’s ethos resonated with mine as its core aim is to bring out the best in everyone. Q What sets you apart from other schools? A The ‘Tranby Way’ is to nurture the potential of each individual, inspire the students to love their subjects and learning for its own sake and celebrate the talents and successes of all members of our community. A Tranby education is one which is ambitious and full of opportunity, broadening the minds and horizons of every individual, inspiring each student to find their niche. Tranby prepares the student for life beyond the school gates, whilst instilling in them understanding and tolerance for others and a desire to make a difference in the world. Q What's to come this year? A This year we are looking forward to

celebrating the sesquicentenary (150th anniversary) of our school home, Tranby Croft, and are looking forward to building on recent successes that have seen us secure first choice destinations for all our leavers to the very top universities, apprenticeships and career pathways. ALEX WILSON

CAMILLE JOHNSON

Camille Johnson BUSIN E SS : Director PAB / The Hive

and founder of Clobber Swap Ltd WEB SITE : pabstudios.co.uk /

thehivewakefield.co.uk / clobberswap.co.uk

Q What is your working background? A I went to Salford University to study

a BA Hons in Media and Performance, but I decided to drop out after just three days and got a job at the Yorkshire Post in Leeds. I worked as a motors field sales representative and was head hunted by Mick Lee, the owner of a small motors advertising agency in Wakefield called PAB studios. I used my experience at YPN ltd to win a lot of new business and proved my worth. The thought of becoming a Director in a media agency gave me the drive and determination I needed to achieve this goal eight years later.

Q What inspired you to launch your businesses? A As well as being a Director at PAB Studios, I created a new idea for a business after the pandemic. We had some empty rooms due to downsizing the agency, so this is why I started The Hive, Wakefield. It is now a successful coworking, meeting room and private office space on the second floor of PAB Studios, and it is doing well. This business won ‘New Business of the Year’ at “We are Wakefield” Business Awards in 2022. I also founded a sustainable fashion community group on Facebook just before lockdown, called Clobber Swap Ltd. I started this at the age of 46, as I realised I had tonnes of clothes that were brand new with tags just sitting in

my wardrobe. I decided to advertise clothes I did not wear using Facebook and the response was incredible. To say I am a clothes addict is an understatement, so it felt great to refresh my wardrobe for the cost of postage and contributing to circular fashion. I turned the idea into a business using a subscription model and invested heavily in marketing and admin resource, so we now have 8,000 community members. Q How was 2023 for you? A It felt like a brilliant year; all three

businesses were fantastic and I managed to achieve a personal goal, which was to arrange a fashion show to showcase sustainable fashion. Clobber Swap sponsored an incredible event called Barnsley Fashion Week, organised by brainchild and Clobber Swap member Victoria Reddington. It was amazing to see wonderful women of all ages, shapes and sizes go out of their comfort zone and walk down a very long catwalk with Clobber Swap members cheering them on.

Q On a personal level, what are your hopes and dreams for 2024? A It is my 50th birthday in April so I am hoping to take a few more holidays this year and have Paris, Venice and Greece booked so far. I love business and find it hard to relax. I have set myself goals at every stage of my career and still do: for example, I wanted to start a podcast last year to connect more closely with Clobber Swap members. I am proud that I produced over 30 episodes in 2023 and it’s listed in no. 6 position in the Top 10 UK Fashion Podcasts. You can listen on Spotify, Apple and Google Podcasts if you search ‘Clobber Swap’. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Rhiannon Wilkinson BUS I N E S S : Head, Ashville College W E B S I TE : ashville.co.uk

Q What experiences or events led you to pursue the career path that you are currently on? A I always wanted to be a teacher. Perhaps I was influenced by my teacher parents, but my own motivations were a love of my subject, History, and a wish to make a difference in the lives of my pupils. I was lucky enough to go to a great school – a girls’ grammar school in a working-class district of Manchester – where I was inspired academically and pastorally. Q Can you share the motivating

factors or sparks of inspiration that influenced your decision to be a part of your school's community? A The defining moment in my career progression was my decision in 1991 to take up a post in a school in Hong Kong, despite robust opposition – “professional suicide” my Headteacher uncle called it. It was the making of me. I was given considerable responsibility early. I saw at first hand the benefits of wide cultural experience, diversity as it is now known, and, a bonus, was able to witness one of the defining moments of modern British History – the return of Hong Kong to China.

Q In the realm of education, which qualities or approaches do you believe set you apart from other schools? A It is now 40 years since I became a teacher. I’ve held positions of senior responsibility for 30 of those years, 15 of them as a Head. For me, all those years have not been “working”, but a way of life. I have always been committed to doing my best for the pupils. I care deeply – passionately – that everyone in the school should be nurtured to flourish. And that education should be fun. It is an enormous privilege to be Head of Ashville College, a wonderful 2-18 co-educational school occupying a glorious site in Harrogate. Q As 2024 takes shape, are there new offerings, programmes, or initiatives to come? A Academic success is obviously important, but schools are about developing young people in a holistic sense. Ashville College has always held this value dear, and we work hard at translating aspiration into reality. Thus, our recently introduced FutureReady @Ashville programme is designed to encourage pupils to prepare academically, socially and personally for life in a world of extremely rapid change. My advice: have the courage of your convictions, and follow them responsibly. RHIANNON WILKINSON

“HAVING STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE HAS GOT ME TO WHERE I AM TODAY”

Melissa Kroger BUSIN E SS : Managing Director,

Fenwood Estates WEB SITE : fenwood.com

Q Before working at your business, what was your working background? A After leaving Thomas Rotherham college with 4 A-levels I went on to study Criminology at Nottingham Trent University, however I very quickly realised that the course just wasn’t for me. I went back to live at home where my Father and Brother encouraged me to attend work at Fenwood straight after the Christmas break. ‘Building’ was my absolute worst nightmare at the time and I never ever wanted to work in the family business. After a few months of working at Fenwood I decided to explore University courses and I came across a course at Sheffield Hallam University (BSC Hons Business Property Management). With this course I could study over 5 years on a day release sponsored by Fenwood. The course covered all aspects of the construction industry which really appealed to me, I applied and got accepted… The rest is history, 22 years have now gone by and I solely own Fenwood Estates Limited. Q What inspired you to work at Fenwood Estates? A Watching my father and my brother hard at work when I first started at Fenwood, they were negotiating deals, buying land, gaining planning permissions in both the Care and Residential sectors, and I wanted to take Fenwood to another level on the residential housing side. My brother went down a path in the care world and my father was happy to build a select number of homes a year. Q What do you think makes you different? A I guess I was a young lady in a very

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

Domenica Wilkinson BUSIN E SS : Head, Ryedale School WEB SITE : ryedale-rlt.co.uk

MELISSA KROGER

male dominated industry and I'm now a woman owning a development company, which is still quite rare. Being female in what has been predominantly a man’s world is what has made me determined to succeed even more. I work very well with both men and women, but it was tough back in the early days of my career to be taken seriously. Having strength and resilience has definitely got me to where I am today, and having the courage to stand up and be counted. I absolutely love what I do even though it’s a very tough industry. It can be very rewarding to say the least! Q How was 2023 for you? A It has been one of the toughest years

to date in the construction industry. With land scarce, build costs high, new legislation and constant changes in regulation, it really hasn’t been for the faint hearted. Inflation, bank base rate and mortgage rates have been a compounding factor meaning house sales have been slow. We have scaled back our rate of build and plan to tick over until the market picks back up. Not all negative though as myself and my team are always working in the background on new exciting projects.

Q What experiences or events led you to pursue the career path that you are currently on? A I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the age of 8! I was passionate about sport throughout my time in school and this felt like an obvious specialism – the years I spent as a PE teacher and Head of Girls’ PE were very happy ones. The relationships you build with your students as a PE teacher, particularly through the hours of extra-curricular activity, are very special. It was never a career goal to be a headteacher – I simply loved education and working with young people – but was encouraged to take the next step by leaders I have worked with who believed I had leadership potential. Q Can you share the motivating factors or sparks of inspiration that influenced your decision to be a part of your school’s community? A I am Ryedale through and through! Having served the school and community for 24 years, I cannot see myself ever moving on from Ryedale and our Trust. Q In the realm of education, which qualities or approaches do you believe set you apart from other schools? A ‘High expectations’ is my mantra – I hold these for everyone I work with and believe in the power of high

expectations of all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. I am always kind and work hard to instil this value in others. I believe that as a leader, looking after your staff is the most important thing, as happy colleagues who feel valued and love their work make the best school environments for our young people. Q Reflecting upon your professional journey as you established yourself in the field of education, what piece of advice or guidance do you wish you could have given to your younger self at the very start of your career? A Believe in yourself – don’t allow self-doubt to hold you back. It’s ok that not everyone will agree with your decisions all of the time. Q As we move through 2024, are there new offerings, programs, or initiatives that your school is planning to introduce? A We are delighted that our trust, the Ryedale Learning Trust, is merging with another, Areté Learning Trust, to become a trust of 5 secondary and 4 primary schools – this will create further personal development opportunities for staff and students and support school improvement. Q On a more personal note,

what are the aspirations and goals that you aim to fulfil in the coming year of 2024? A I am really looking forward to a new opportunity as Executive Headteacher which will involve looking after two schools in our Trust – Norton College and, of course, Ryedale School.

DOMENICA WILKINSON

Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024? A Yes, I plan to launch for the first time Fenwood’s very own suite of house types. These designs will be ‘future proof’ in terms of design, legislation, regulation, modular adaptable and eco friendly. We also have some exciting partnerships looming both construction and non construction related as I’m taking on and launching new projects personally which fall outside of my Fenwood Estates realm. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Yvette Langton BUSIN E SS : Founder, YL Introductions WEB SITE : ylintroductions.co.uk

Q Before launching your business, what was your working background? A My background before launching my business was property and insolvency, finding solutions and putting the right people together in order to save a business by developing commercial properties.

EMILY GREEN

Emily Green BUS I N E S S : Deputy Head of

Sheffield Girls’ Junior School W E B S I TE : sheffieldhighschool.org.uk

Q What is your background in education? A I have always had a passion for education and working with children to help develop the leaders of the future. At a young age, I started helping out at my dance school on a Saturday morning and also worked towards my British Gymnastics coaching qualifications in Sixth Form for gymnastics and trampolining, so I have always known I wanted to make a difference to the lives of children. Q Can you share the motivating factors that attracted you to be a part of your school's community? A Being an old girl myself, I have always been incredibly grateful for the opportunities my own Sheffield Girls’ education has afforded me and wanted to be able to give back to an organisation that gave me so much. Q In the realm of education, which qualities or approaches do you believe set you apart from other schools? A Having taught girls for nearly 150 years as an organisation, we know how they learn best. Through our Fusion Curriculum and Girls of Steel programme, we are ‘teaching her everything so she can be anything’. In a fractious and ever changing world, all-girls education is paramount to address the inequalities still seen in society and forging a brighter future for themselves and the community.

Q What piece of advice do you wish you could have given to your younger self at the very start of your career? A Never lose sight of why you are who you are. In today’s digital age it’s important to be authentic and grounded in your values. Amidst the constant noise, hold onto the principles that shape your choices and guide your actions. Authenticity thrives on self-awareness and integrity. Q As 2024 takes shape, are there new offerings, programmes, or initiatives that your school is planning to introduce? A In our Junior school we are continuing to develop our ‘Girls of Steel’ character education programme to incorporate opportunities for outdoor learning and public speaking and build all the essential life skills which will serve our pupils as they progress to our senior school and beyond. Q On a more personal note, what are the aspirations and goals that you aim to fulfil in the coming year of 2024? A In September 2024 I will take up the post of Head of Junior school at Sheffield Girls’, a role I have aspired to since starting my career in teaching. I look forward to continuing the work of our current Head, Chris Hald, working with our wonderful team of expert teachers and staff and getting to lead by example and make a difference to each of our pupil’s lives from their first days in reception to the point they move onwards to life in Senior School. I look forward to bringing an innovative, positive and collaborative approach to my new role.

Q What inspired you to launch your business? A I had lots of friends who were both exasperated and disappointed with their experiences of online dating. I said to myself, what happened to old fashioned Matchmakers – or so I thought! Q What do you think makes you different? A I decided to bring a different approach to Matchmaking. By meeting all my clients face to face and having my own personal life experiences such as divorce, toxic relationships and other life

“I HAD A LOT OF FRIENDS WHO WERE EXASPERATED WITH ONLINE DATING ”

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP SARAH MCDERMOTT

experiences, I am very confident and able to identify with clients on a personal level. I pride myself on the fact that my clients only deal with me and I only match clients who have paid and are fully invested and genuine. I also provide opportunities for clients to attend sporting events such as rugby, racing, polo, shooting, golf and exclusive dining events. Q How was 2023 for you? A Post-Covid, the business

really took off and started to branch nationwide.

Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024? A I plan to expand the events side of the business and am looking at potentially expanding to the Republic of Ireland and the US. Q On a personal level, what are your hopes and dreams for 2024? A I get such satisfaction from what I do and I am very happy to carry on doing just that. Whilst having travelled extensively in my 54 years, there are still plenty of places I'd like to explore with my daughter.

YVETTE LANGTON

Sarah McDermott BUSIN E SS : Founder, Maison Parfaite WEB SITE : maison-parfaite.com

Q Before launching your business, what was your working background? A Before I dove headfirst into the world of property dreams, I was knee-deep in the intriguing world of private investigation. Picture me, perched in my car for endless hours, observing dodgy blokes and their questionable escapades. It was a bit like a real-life detective novel, minus the glamour and high-speed chases. Q What inspired you to launch your business? A Now, I’m no stranger to a good audiobook, and one fateful day in the car, I stumbled upon a gem called ‘Money’ by the esteemed Rob Moore. As I soaked in his wisdom, I had a lightbulb moment. Bricks and mortar were the keys to my financial castle, and I was armed with determination and a newfound path to wealth. A cheeky message to Rob, and the next thing you know, me and the hubby, Sean, were off to his training event, ready to crack the property code.

“WE DIDN'T JUST DIP OUR TOES IN, WE CANNONBALLED IN ”

Q What do you think makes you different? A We didn’t just dip our toes into the property pool – we cannonballed in. In six short years, we turned nothing into an 8-figure business with a portfolio of 52 five-star holiday homes and a hotel. Breaking the mould in the property industry, I earned my stripes as a female expert in a sea of suits. It’s not just about success; it’s about shattering expectations and creating our own niche. Q How was 2023 for you? A It was a whirlwind of property

deals, strategic moves, and proving that a Yorkshire lass can conquer any boardroom. It had its challenges, but isn’t that what makes the success sweeter? Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024? A Absolutely! We’re unveiling exciting additions to our property portfolio, we have collaborations with big name brands like Marriott International, House of Hackney and Tatler Magazine, so it’s all about setting new standards in the industry. Innovation is the name of the game, and we’re here to play. Q On a personal level, what are your hopes and dreams for 2024? A Personally, I aim to continue inspiring and training the next wave of property powerhouses. There’s a joy in paying it forward, and I’m on a mission to empower more budding entrepreneurs to break through the glass ceiling in the property world. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK

STAR OF THE SHOW BAR & RESTAURANT EIGHTYEIGHT

Lead by Head Chef, Samira Effa, Bar & Restaurant EightyEight at Grantley Hall offers a unique fusion of Yorkshire produce and Far Eastern flavours. Design-led décor is set against the stunning backdrop of ornamental Japanese Gardens. EightyEight is more than just a restaurant – it’s an experience. Turn over to find out why Samira is currently wowing us all on our TV screens. grantleyhall.co.uk

Food News 38 • The Owl 40 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING NOTES

GRAPE news

The latest launches and news from across Yorkshire By MARK KEBBLE

Wine recommendations for the month By THE WINE SOCIETY

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 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.

Beaujolais Villages Vieilles Vignes d’Emeriniges  2022 £9.50 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

Waffle at weekends THE IVY ASIA

The Ivy Asia Leeds has introduced a brand-new dining experience, The Ivy Asia Weekend Brunch. To kick-start the culinary adventure, guests will enjoy both Steamed Edamame and Crispy Wontons to share, followed by a choice of four irresistible main courses, including a Salmon Sashimi and Avocado Rice Bowl, a delightful fusion of succulent salmon and creamy avocado, or Spiced Avocado and Toasted Paratha, a bold combination of ﬂavours. For a real taste of brunch, Sesame and Honey Fried Chicken Waffles with miso butter and lime, promises a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. theivyasia.com

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

YUMMY MUMMY Three Yorkshire spots to celebrate Mother’s Day

Branching OUT THE GREEN TREE INN

Screen dream EIGHT YEIGHT

Samira Effa, Head Chef at Grantley Hall’s Bar & Restaurant EightyEight, is competing in the 2024 series of hit BBC cooking competition, Great British Menu. This is Samira’s third time competing on the hit BBC TV show, previously taking part in the 2019 and 2020 series. Samira says: “The show has a fantastic following with viewers from not just the chef world, but further aﬁeld and I love to see it ignite excitement in food for so many people.” grantleyhall.co.uk

THE DORMOUSE Love, appreciation, delectable dishes and classy cocktails… For Mother’s Day 2024, show Mum just how special she is at The Dormouse in York. Their Sunday roast on 10 March is sure to be a family winner. vintageinn.co.uk

A 300-year old, listed pub in North Yorkshire has reopened this month after a two-year renovation programme by a Yorkshire-based hospitality group. The Green Tree Inn, near Bedale, has been brought back to life by Crazy Rabbit Inns. The gastro-inn with 48 covers, and four guest rooms that are due to open in spring 2024, will be the group’s second hospitality venue. thegreentreeinn.uk

THE DRAWBRIDGE Mother’s Day in 2024 is coming up, so time to treat Mum to all her favourite Stonehouse treats at The Drawbridge in Rotherham. Spoil Mum rotten with their delicious traditional carved roast and doughy pizza goodness. stonehouserestaurants.co.uk

TA S T E O F YORKSHIRE HOME

Loud and clear BOOJUM

Top rated Mexican eatery Boojum is all set to bring its fresh, high-quality, ‘live out loud food’ to Leeds Merrion Centre. Boojum has developed a cult-like following, rooted in fresh, natural food, generous portion sizes, bold, punchy ﬂavours, all at an affordable price point. The menu features burritos, bowls, nachos, tacos, chips and salsas all made fresh in store every day. Boojum stores are known to be energetic, diverse and welcoming. boojummex.com

SWINTON ESTATE The Mother’s Day Signature Afternoon Tea, from £50 per person, is a very special way to treat mum. It will be served in the beautiful Drawing Room or Samuel’s Restaurant, where Georgian windows allow the sunlight of spring to flood in. swintonestate.com

HOME, which has built a loyal following since TV chef and restaurateur Elizabeth Cottam opened back in 2017, has made the choice to celebrate the joy of dining out, by launching not just one, but two new menus. Dining at HOME is always an extraordinary experience, and their new dishes are designed to push the team’s creativity even further than before. homeleeds.co.uk

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ELIZABETH COTTAM

What a

HOOT

MasterChef semi-ﬁnalist Elizabeth Cottam on the evolution of her Leeds-based restaurant The Owl B y N ATA L I E L I

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FOOD & DRINK • PROFILE

Q What was the original inspiration behind The Owl when it first opened in 2019? A I opened Home, my first restaurant, seven years ago, and we were situated in a building opposite Kirkgate Market in Leeds. It’s the most beautiful building in the whole of Europe and we didn’t think it was utilised in the way other cities have embraced their markets. As a child in the 1980s I was taken around the market as my parents had pubs and they bought produce from Kirkgate. It was thriving back then. I spent time in the market researching and my idea was to take three units and open one each year – each with a distinctive offering. I got in touch with the council, set up meetings and proposed the idea. The Owl is named after our Leeds emblem and it’s a nod to our first location on Fish and Game Row in Kirkgate Market – there were two owls above the restaurant, part of the architecture.

Q What did you want to offer from day one? A The vision was for The Owl to trailblaze and show what you can create in such a space. It was an experiment, with our reputation, to take on the challenge and put a high end price point into the market. We wanted to use fresh produce from the market where possible and to deliver high quality dishes. Q Why was Kirkgate Market perfect for the concept? A When we first walked into our unit it was enveloping, cosy, and warm with beautiful little nooks and crannies. You knew you were in the market; it is a buzzing little place. The second week we were open Grace Dent gave us a fantastic review which was great. At night we were the only place open in the market and it was amazing to bring people into this unique spot.

“The vision was for The Owl to trailblaze in such a space” Q How difficult were the years that followed when Covid and lockdowns hit? A It was tough as we opened The Owl in late 2019 and I relocated my first restaurant Home to Brewery Wharf. Social distancing was an issue at The Owl, a venue which was hard to section off. To remain operating, we offered a series of set menus for delivery or collection. Q Why did you move to Lockside Mustard Wharf? A We were battling with fire regulations at Kirkgate Market. The way the market operates means it’s hard to section off in case of a fire. This wasn’t discussed when we took on the lease. We were told we’d have to pay six different members of staff to ensure fire regulations were met. We opened in November 2019, so we already faced a lot of challenges. We were committed to being there and the pandemic hit, and combined with the market’s progress, it took its toll on our plans for the other A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK • PROFILE

“Our dishes bring out the textures and entertain on the plate”

units. All our revenue was going into fire wardens, so we had to move out. I found a unique space on Mustard Wharf. The Owl in its original guise was perfect, but I knew we could build something around the soul of the new building. I love being next to the canal, there is something awe-inspiring about moving water – we fell in love with it.

Q What kind of dishes will we find on the evening menu right now? A Our catch of the day and our Sunday roasts are popular with surprising elements – and more flavour. We steer clear of anything you can replicate at home – we want to excite and wow people. Our signature dish is our beef wellington, which is served with a rich and intense foie gras sauce. We create beautiful flavours with care and attention to detail with great ingredients.

Q How long have you been considering introducing a brunch menu and more affordable dining options? A It was an overnight success with the move, and we didn’t amend much at all. Due to the economy people don’t have as much money to spend so we have started to reintroduce more accessible options and extended our opening hours to offer brunch. My friends from Northern Monk reintroduced guest beers, it was what we were doing before and returned to our original concept. It’s been a natural evolution.

Q Why are you opening doors to children too? A This is the first venue we are trialling to encourage well-behaved children to visit the restaurant! We can do smaller, child-sized portions of what is on the menu, as we don’t have a kid’s menu.

Q What dishes on the brunch menu do you particularly love? A It evolves all the time. I love our potato terrine which is crisp and roasted – an unusual welcome to the plate. Other highlights include our treacle cured bacon and we make our own sausages. We have a malt waffle with confit duck leg, fried duck egg, maple and chilli sauce that’s delicious.

Q Is the evening menu still going to be the fine dining you have become renowned for? A I hate the term fine dining! Our dishes have been through lots of processes that bring out the textures and entertain on the plate. Are we different to every restaurant in Leeds? Yes. We want people to discover rather than expecting something fancy. We have an extensive wine menu, too.

Q As with brunch, what dishes are you particularly loving right now? A My favourite is a chip shop curry sauce made with mussels and our pan fried cod with fresh samphire. The potato terrine makes its way in there, too! Q What are your hopes for 2024? A Hospitality is on its knees as costs are

rising. The hangover from the pandemic is changing customer habits. I hope we get to do what we love for as long as possible until the tides change. From day one I’ve invested time and effort in building an empowering and connected culture – we are all pulling in the same direction. We have a tight-knit team, many of whom have been with me for five years. We continue to evolve; we are used to embracing change as it’s in our DNA.

theowlleeds.co.uk

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Handcrafted in the English Countryside A London Dry Gin from the Surrey Hills distilled with 24 botanicals, bursting with aromatic floral layers of lavender and chamomile combined with fresh notes of citrus and the subtle richness of estate grown honey.

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14/02/2024 19/01/2024 11:12 14:32

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.

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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

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“The Tagliolini all’Aragosta was a real showstopper”

SAN CARLO

FOOD Classic Italian food

For a classically Italian experience, head to this ﬁne dining institution in Leeds B y MEL HARDCASTLE

hen it first opened, San Carlo Leeds promised to offer a unique ambience, a little touch of Italy in the heart of Yorkshire. When visiting with my partner, I believe they have succeeded with some aplomb. The bright, airy space seats 140 and there was a really nice buzz about proceedings when we took our seat. Enzo was our polite waiter for the night, and it was clear that their staff were experienced at what they do.

There was light background music and the tables were not crammed in, meaning there was a feeling of space. There is plenty of choice on the menus, from tantalising antipasti, intriguing pizzas and mouthwatering mains. The starters we plumped for were both really fresh and lovely. My Gamberoni fritti (tempura king prawns dressed with a spicy mayonnaise) had a satisfying kick to, and the Gamberoni Luciana (king prawns with garlic, chilli, tomato, a touch of cream & toasted Altamura bread) was presented fabulously, and my partner took great joy at dabbing

DECOR Elegant with a modern aesthetic

PRICE Pizzas from £13.95, mains from £14.95

away at the sauce with his bread. For the mains, Enzo suggested I try the Tagliolini all’Aragosta (San Carlo’s most famous pasta dish with lobster, brandy, tomatoes, peas & a touch of cream) and he wasn’t wrong – it was a real showstopper of a dish. It was presented with an empty lobster shell on top of the food, and underneath there was a generous helping of lobster and the sauce was truly lovely. My partner went for the Grigliata Mista di Carne (steak, lamb cutlet, chicken & Tuscan sausage, charcoal grilled), a proper meat feast. Whatever the meat, it was cooked to perfection, and the Tuscan sausage in particular garnered a thumbs up. We opted for Zucchine Fritte and Patate Fritte for the sides, the ideal accompaniments to the dishes. We were both stuffed at this point, so opted to share a dessert, Millefoglie (crisp & delicate puff pastry layered with Chantilly cream), which was a satisfyingly light way to cleanse the palate. The vibe was so pleasing we could have stayed for a couple more hours enjoying the wine list, but we left in no doubt that San Carlo is at the top of its game and a leader of Leeds’ fine dining scene.

VERDICT

SA N CA R LO

A star attraction of Leeds’ foodie scene

6-7 South Parade, Leeds, LS1 5QX sancarlo.co.uk

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Spring at The Coniston Our 1,400 acre estate is entering its most vibrant phase, brimming with colour and coming alive with the spirit of spring. Whether you’re envisioning a tranquil escape to the countryside with one of our luxury spa breaks, indulging in an exclusive escape to satisfy the appetite of the ultimate foodie, or perhaps seeking a family experience with a difference with our on-site bell tents and spring market, your adventure awaits.

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Savour the unexpected

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12, Bridge Street, Helmsley, YO62 5DX

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21/02/2024 10:28

FOOD & DRINK • PARTNERSHIP

REASONS to celebrate Why Booths have your Easter feast covered, from the sweet to the savoury

GORGEOUS CHEESECAKES EASTER CHEESECAKE

“From celebration cakes to party platters, there's something to suit any occasion” LAMB DINNER FOR 4

t Booths, they like to make their customer’s shopping experience as easy as possible and their online Food to Order offering 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

THREE FISH ROAST

gravy, Mash Direct roast potatoes, Booths broccoli, Booths carrot batons and Booths sticky toffee 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 off 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.

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FA S H I O N

Life’s a PEACH 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

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Q&A

Fashion for

LIFE

In conversation with Yorkshire’s Sonya Bachra-Byrne, co-founder of AVIE Studio, on producing seasonless style B y A L E X I A E VA N S

Q When did you first discover your love for fashion? A One of my earliest, most cherished memories revolves around a toy sewing machine I got when I was five. It was this magical contraption that punched holes in paper when you threaded it through, letting you piece things together. The idea that I could create something from scratch, right from my imagination and wear it was incredibly fulfilling. Q How did this passion develop throughout your teenage years? A Growing up in the late 80s and early 90s left an impressionable mark on me. The bold tailoring seen in movies depicting powerful women captivated me. Simultaneously, the fashion showcased in music videos inspired me deeply; it was where my love for the classic leather jacket originated.

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FASHION • Q&A

Q Where did your exciting career begin? A I started my career in NYC, handling

backstage duties at major fashion events like New York Fashion Week. This gave me a deep understanding of the industry, working closely with luxurious fabrics from France and Italy, learning how they flow and blend together to create stunning garments. It was a real eye-opener and made me appreciate the craftsmanship and techniques used in premium fashion. Later on, I switched gears and worked within fast fashion. It was then that I realised the need for a change in the industry, especially in reducing waste. Q How did this lead you to the creation of AVIE? A AVIE’s vision was born out of a desire to bring consumers back to the idea of investable pieces – something that they really value and love – instead of pieces of disposable fashion. My varied background helped shape AVIE’s creative direction, making it a seasonless, capsule collection-based brand. Looking back, I see how each role from couture to fast fashion played a role in shaping AVIE, even before it existed. It all began with my passion for fashion and beautiful fabrications for those red-carpet events.

Q What makes AVIE pieces timeless? A We don’t follow trends, but instead are

drawn to beautiful fabrics, prints and colours that make the wearer feel great. Each piece is designed to suit multiple occasions, to be dressed up or down to seamlessly transition from desk to dinner. Our focus is on creating core garments that can be worn effortlessly throughout the seasons. Q Why is being sustainable so important to you? A I saw first-hand how the industry’s financial model fed a desire for ever-changing trends. Rather than submitting to the pressures of fast fashion trends, AVIE took a different path. Our focus was on crafting deliberately stylish pieces, appealing particularly to the creative professional. These were confidence-boosting garments designed to empower individuals. Q How do you implement conscious design at AVIE? A At AVIE, we use dead stock or existing fabric to combat overproduction. It’s astounding how even a single roll of fabric, destined for landfill, can spark the inspiration of an entire collection. This A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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“Our collections follow a limitededition concept” worlds, drawing from a wealth of experiences to create fashion that resonates globally, while also honouring Yorkshire's traditions. Q Can you tell us about AVIE’s latest collection? A ‘Liberation’ was formed post-pandemic to celebrate being freed from restrictions. We wanted to present a collection that caters for everyone, so each piece has a different aesthetic feel. There are the bolder, more assertive pieces and then you have the elegantly poised items that radiate sophistication. Q What comes next? A One exciting feature we’ve added into our

is why our collections follow a limitededition concept, with two collections per year consisting of 12-15 pieces. We take immense pride in supporting local industries and communities across Yorkshire. Our haberdashery suppliers and micro-factories are based in Leeds, Keighley and Saltaire.

us design our leather Biker 1.0 jacket. We have featured this cool, urban vibe of Denmark throughout our collections. Our stint in Barcelona sparked another facet of inspiration. The city's vibrant and flirtatious spirit found its way into our dress collections, allowing us to infuse softer design details.

Q What is the inspiration

Q Does your personal style

behind AVIE designs? A My husband and I both lived in Denmark for four years and the culture and relaxed style aesthetic influenced us deeply. It helped

SONYA BACHRA-BYRNE

align with AVIE? A Very much so. Throughout my career I needed timeless items that were versatile yet made me feel empowered throughout the day. It’s about more than just style; it’s about channeling inner strength, confidence, and individuality. Every piece exudes an understated yet unmistakable edginess – a subtle rebellion against conformity. I don’t design anything that I wouldn’t wear myself.

website is a 3D scanning technology. The tool allows customers to perform a body scan to provide precise measurements, helping to find the perfect size and fit. Our ultimate goal is for customers to feel comfortable, satisfied and confident. We are also navigating the changing environment of style and work dynamics. The shift to hybrid working has altered fashion, with more people at home or in a relaxed setting. Our aim is to curate a new range that resonates with today’s lifestyle, offering apparel that provides comfort with elegance.

avie-studio.com

MATARO DOUBLE BREASTED BLAZER

Q You’ve travelled far and wide for fashion, why settle in Yorkshire? A I grew up in Yorkshire and my family is here. My husband, Liam, suggested it would be great to start AVIE back home due to the woollen and textile heritage and highquality fabrics. Upon relocating back from Australia, our journey towards sourcing locally has been an inspiring canvas to meld these worldly inspirations. We were able to create a brand that embodies the best of both

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Carry F

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FIND THE PERFECT GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Just peachy

Pieces inspired by this year's Pantone Colour of the Year B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

CICADA

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

LE VIAN

18K Gold, Conch Pearl and Diamond Earrings, £139,685 cicadajewelry.com

Berry's 18ct Rose Gold Morganite & Diamond Halo Pendant, £3,095 berrysjewellers.co.uk

Peach Morganite and Diamond Earrings, £25,500 ernestjones.co.uk

GUITA M

LISTER HORSFALL

JENNA BLAKE

18K White Gold Necklace with Seed Pearls and Hand Carved Vintage Coral Bow, £1,306 guitam-jewelry.com

Adolfo Courrier Earrings in 18ct Rose Gold Set with 0.32ct Brilliant Cut Diamonds and 0.12ct Orange Sapphires, £2,210 listerhorsfall.co.uk

Coral and Diamond Victorian Drop Earrings, £3,031 jennablake.com

MARGONI AT TOMFOOLERY LONDON

JACQUIE AICHE

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

18K Yellow Gold, Silver and Morganite Ring, £795 tomfoolerylondon.co.uk

14K Yellow Gold, Guava Quartz, and Diamond Heart Necklace, £3,960 jacquieaiche.com

Berry's 18ct Rose Gold Oval Morganite & Diamond Three Stone Ring, £2,195 berrysjewellers.co.uk

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The sooner you’re better, the better At Spire Claremont Hospital you can see a leading medical expert in as little as 48 hours – so you can get back to doing what you love. With us you’ll get access to over 300 tests and treatments, your choice of consultant, and the latest technology and techniques wherever possible.

Book to see an expert today Search ‘Spire Claremont Hospital’ Call 0114 493 8639

Spire Healthcare offers over 300 treatments. See our website for the available treatments at each hospital. Timings given are indicative, actual timings may vary based on consultant and tests required.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

DESERT BEAUTY FABLETICS 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

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E X P E R T I N T H E N AT U R A L LO O K

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

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TRANSFORMATION FACELIFT TM

The Transformation Facelift TM is a bespoke treatment from

Doctor Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible anti-ageing treatments to make you look

and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks!

The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla. This treatment offers non-

surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns – from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity.

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UK CLINIC OF THE YEAR 2019 TO 2020 SAFETY IN BEAUTY AWARDS DR NYLA ADV.indd 2

19/02/2024 09:52

REM

to dream

Absolutely pops into Tullivers York to learn more about how we can all achieve a restful night’s sleep 64

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FEATURE

EM, or Rapid Eye Movement, is the part of your sleep when dreaming happens, and it is the first part of your sleep sequence that will suffer if you are not sleeping well or going to bed too late. REM can be compared to a mental systems reboot for your mind, as this is the stage of sleep when all your mental tasks, deeds, thoughts and emotions are processed. It’s when your brain has a good think about everything and when your thoughts are allowed an airing in the privacy of your slumber. Chronic sleep disorders and ongoing suppressed REM have been linked to a number of problems, including anxiety, KEEP AN EYE ON CAFFEINE INTAKE

“REM can be compared to a mental systems reboot for your mind” depression and poor concentration. One study in the Netherlands found that participants who got adequate REM sleep were better able to deal with fear and distress, whilst another study found that REM sleep improved the ability to solve puzzles. How much deep sleep do you need? As with non-REM sleep, everyone’s different but as a general rule of thumb, we spend approximately 75% of our time asleep in non-REM sleep and the remaining 25% in REM sleep. If you consistently wake up feeling tired and groggy, it may be a sign you’re not getting enough REM. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day will make the hours that you sleep more productive and will help you establish a sleep routine. Avoid using tablets or phones in bed, as the blue light will stimulate the brain and keep you awake for longer. If you’re having trouble getting to sleep earlier, try slowly dimming the lights an hour before bedtime to simulate the setting sun. This will trigger the release of the sleep hormone melatonin. Watch your caffeine intake. Stimulants like caffeine can keep you awake and throw off the natural balance between sleep and wakefulness. If you’re having trouble sleeping, avoid caffeine after noon. If you’re very sensitive to caffeine, you may need to limit yourself to just one cup in the early morning. A natural sleep remedy can also help. A.Vogel’s Sleep Well Dissolvable Granules contain extracts of lettuce,

lemon balm, magnesium and L-Tryptophan, featuring plant-based ingredients that work to promote a calm, restful sleep. It’s non-addictive and fast-acting, and these ingredients won’t leave you feeling groggy in the morning. Take 30-60 minutes before bedtime, under your tongue. Perfect for if you tend to wake during the night and have trouble getting back to sleep, as a dose of granules is super-easy to take. There’s also Dormeasan® Sleep with fresh Valerian and Hops, which can help you get to sleep and also stay in the deeper stages of sleep for longer. For further information contact Alan, Tracey and the team at Tullivers on 01904 636437, or visit them in store at 1-2 Colliergate, York, YO1 8BP AVOID USING YOUR PHONE IN BED

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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14/02/2024 11:18

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14/02/2024 14:21

HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS

NOTES

THREE FROM ECO BRAND SILOU

By CARLY GLENDINNING

CORE FIRMING 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

ON POINTE

GET A GRIP 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

PERFECT FIT 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

Carly Glendinning meets Catie Miller, founder of the online class phenomenon, Barre Series

t'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 effective 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 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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14/02/2024 11:19

HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

“THE SHOP WILL OFFER A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE WHERE YOU CAN PURCHASE HIGH QUALITY PRELOVED GOODS”

Centre of

ATTENTION Vital funds will be raised for life-saving cancer research through the opening of a new charity shop at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate

eople now have the opportunity to browse Yorkshire Cancer Research’s latest boutique-style shop and sample a range of freshly made and locally sourced food at the charity’s first ever cafe. The shop and cafe, based at the charity’s new centre on Hornbeam Square West, will help fund services like Active Together, a pioneering fitness, nutrition and wellbeing programme for people with cancer. The programme is now also available at the same centre. Tony Graham, Director of Retail, says: “We’re looking forward to welcoming people to our stylish new charity shop and cafe. Our beautifully-stocked shop will offer a unique experience where people can

purchase high quality pre-loved fashion, accessories, homeware, books and records. “Thanks to supporters’ kind donations, the shop offers a range of desirable products – from vintage collectables and high-end labels to nearly-new fashion. Customers are welcome to shop, try on outfits, discover books, listen to records or simply come and browse.” Cafe Hornbeam will serve healthy breakfasts, nutritious made-to-order waffles, sandwiches and salads. Harrogatebased bakery Baltzersen’s will be providing daily pastries and cakes, and there will be freshly brewed coffee, a range of speciality teas, shakes and smoothies on offer. Tony adds: “The cafe has been designed to create a warm and welcoming environment for customers to enjoy. We hope the new centre will be a great place to come and for a browse or meet up with friends, while helping to save lives in Yorkshire. With both the shop and the cafe staffed with the help of friendly volunteers, all profits will help fund vital cancer research and services for people living in our region.” The new Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre can be found at Hornbeam Square West on Hornbeam Park. yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Monks Cross | Julia Avenue | Huntington | York YO32 9JR T: 01904 610 570 | www.rodgersofyork.co.uk

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14/02/2024 11/01/2024 11:19 15:31

inside this section T H E L AT E S T D E S I G N N E W S p 74 INTERVIEW: K AREN KNOX p76 INSIDE THE MUNGO MILL p82 S U S TA I N A B L E H O M E S p 8 6

BESPOKE A P P R OAC H NEPTUNE

Few homes are the same – nor are their owners. That’s the reason Neptune’s designers work with customers to create kitchens that fit seamlessly into their daily lives. Whether it’s floor-to-ceiling cabinetry for extra storage or a veined marble countertop for the perfect finishing touch, Neptune kitchen designers are dedicated to making sure their kitchens are truly one-of-a-kind. neptune.com

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

STRIPE STORY 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

SUN SHADES 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

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

NEWS.indd 74

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H O M E | NOTES

TA K E F I V E Throws

WELSH OTTER Lambswool Throw in Welsh Caernarfon Pattern, £149 welshotter.co.uk

S LE E P S O U N D LY

RIPON INTERIORS

RODGERS

Rodgers of York is home to one of the largest ranges of premium beds and mattresses from renowned British manufacturer Hypnos Beds. They share Rodgers’ philosophy and commitment, focussed firmly on sustainable designs and the delivery of a deep, energising night’s rest. rodgersofyork.co.uk

DEEP D OW N

LIBERTY Cushendale Silare Raspberry Throw Blanket, £219 libertylondon.com

Upgrade your bathroom experience with Finion, the epitome of luxury in freestanding baths from Ripon Interiors. With its exquisite design and unparalleled comfort, Finion from Villeroy & Boch promises a truly bubbling performance of indulgence. riponinteriors.co.uk

WALTON & CO Lambs Tail Throws, £60 waltonshop.co.uk

JJ TEXTILE Olive Green Stripe Fern Pure Wool Throw, £117 jjtextile.co.uk

CROWN JEWEL LEAF ENVY

BRONTE BY MOON

Leaf Envy's Elizabeth planter is named after Queen Elizabeth II and has soft, 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

Falmouth Throw, £90 brontebymoon.com

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COLLINGHAM PROJECT

S P A C E S Leeds-based interior designer Karen Knox is all about accessibility and authenticity. She explains how interiors are about so much more than picking paint colour and cushions

B y R E B E C CA P I TCA I R N

hen it comes to the skills required to be a great interior designer, art and creativity are probably what first spring to mind, but psychology also plays a huge part in the role. “The process of embarking on an interiors project, as a designer, is a bit like being a counsellor, you ask really personal questions and sometimes you get to know the client better than perhaps their wider family might because you’re really digging into the details of how an individual lives,” explains Karen Knox, founder of Leeds-based interior design company, Making Spaces. “When I do a consultation, I really delve into the lives of my clients in intimate detail,” she says. “I open wardrobe doors, cupboards and

I take photos of their clothes, artwork and anything they’ve got that represents a happy memory or something they love. It’s those little, tiny details that then become the seed of a design concept for the room or entire house.” Karen’s work, which focuses on achievable design for real people, living in real homes with realistic budgets, has featured in interiors magazines and on BBC1, Channel 4 and Channel 5. She is particularly passionate about the importance of spatial planning within interior design and believes properties should be better built to reflect the way we live our lives today. “I love learning about human psychology and domestic anthropology,” the 45-year-old says. “Our lives have changed so much in the last 100 years and so the homes that we live in today don’t necessarily reflect how we live. It doesn’t seem like there are houses being designed for today and I’m not sure why that’s not happening.”

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H O M E | INTERVIEW

“I really delve into the lives of my clients in intimate detail”

Project on Tewit Well Road. Karen feels homes do not reflect how we live in the 21st century and wants to change that

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H O M E | INTERVIEW

KNOX at the door

Karen’s top tips when looking to revamp your property 1

When you look to buy a house, focus on the floorplans, not the photos. Everyone gets sucked in by the photos, but you’re likely going to change what’s on the walls anyway so they’re irrelevant. The floor plan is key.

Don’t force a Pinterest image of one house, which is nothing like your house, into your own house. A 1970s flat is never going to look like a Victorian villa. Ever. And vice versa, you wouldn’t put a big chandelier in a 1970s flat.

Most people can’t visualize exactly what a project might look like when complete in their heads so, when planning a redesign, invest in some form of mock-up or 3D visualization.

Property and interior design were not Karen’s first career choice, however. As a child, growing up in Stoke-on-Trent, she danced, moving to Leeds in 1997 to complete a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. After she graduated, she moved into the community arts sector as a project manager but, when she fell pregnant in her early 30s with her son, Charlie, hit a crossroad. “I got pregnant, and the Tories came in and shafted all of the funding for alternative education, so it was time for me to try and think about what else I could do with my life,” she says. “Interiors was always something I enjoyed doing and, at the time, my husband and I had just bought our own house here in Alwoodley and were getting our teeth into renovating, so I wondered whether there was a market for someone like me within the interiors industry.”

It turned out there was. Karen set up Making Spaces in 2015 and was soon gaining recognition for her work. She has since been honoured with a ‘Best of Houzz’ award by home improvement and interior design website, Houzz, for eight consecutive years. “Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t inundated with work immediately, so I used the first 12 months to build my online presence through social media and my blog and I think a lot of people liked the way I spoke about interiors and found it approachable,” she explains. “I’m a normal person – I still live in a three-bedroom semi, I’m not rich, or posh and I swear too much. But I’m really creative, anally organized and there’s something burning inside me about authenticity.” That authenticity is what drives Karen’s business. She only looks to work with clients

Build storage into designs, whether that’s built in cabinetry or some vintage drawers, every room needs storage because we just accumulate so much stuff in life. You might think you have enough storage now, but you’ll be screwed in two years’ time.

Most rooms should have about five light sources, if not more, and they should be placed at different heights. So, low level table lamps, floor lamps, wall lights and ceiling lights. KAREN KNOX, PHOTO BY ROB CRAWSHAW

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BATHROOMS | TILES | STONE

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14/02/2024 14:23

H O M E | INTERVIEW ILKLEY VICTORIAN HOME PROJECT

who are true to themselves and want interiors that reflect them and their way of living. “I cannot stand anything that shouts fake and I’m really funny with people who don’t just be themselves, people who want a space that doesn’t seem to represent them, and I’m quite vocal about that,” she adds. “What the client wants, of course, comes at the top of the list, but if it’s something that I think is not going to work, then I’d probably step aside or recommend that they work with somebody else, because I can’t design something that I don’t believe in.” For Karen, who sometimes describes herself as a house whisperer, the property’s needs are almost as integral to the project as the client. “It may sound strange, but I can go into a house and it tells me what it needs and I’m able to

KAR E N’S TOP 5 Yorkshire spots for interior inspiration Redbricks, Batley Nest Kitchens, Harrogate Oakwood Vintage, Leeds Victoria Quarter, Leeds The Corn Exchange, Leeds

“I can’t design something that I don’t believc in”

COLLINGHAM PROJECT

visualize that as soon as I walk into a space,” she says. “My brain works a bit like VR; you know the interiors programmes where they put the goggles on and the walls fall away so they’re able to see how a new design might look? My brain does that. I thought everybody’s brain did it, but apparently not everybody’s does.” It is most people’s lack of ability to visualize spaces in this way that clients struggle with, says Karen. That and the overwhelm of a renovation, particularly when doing a whole house. “People get decision fatigue and don’t know where to start,” she says. “A lot of people have Pinterest boards; they’ll look at Instagram and in magazines and on TV shows and they’re just overwhelmed with stimulus. It’s hard then for them to figure out what is right for them, for their family, for now and further down the line. I think that’s what a lot of people forget about interior design. It really isn’t just paint colours and cushions, it’s all the invisible stuff.” Trust is therefore a huge component of the relationship between Karen and her clients and, she says, those projects where that is distinct are the ones she likes the best because, often, she walks away with friends. “You do end up being friends with clients because you just share the ups and the downs,” Karen smiles, “you’ve cried in front of them, and they’ve cried in front of you – it’s a very intimate and very emotional process. But it’s always worth it.” Find out more about Karen Knox at making-spaces.net or by following @makingspacesnet on Instagram A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INSIDE MUNGO MILL

W E AV I N G A

Mungo is the South African master textile specialist founded by Yorkshireman, Stuart Holding. Absolutely talks to him about how High Bentham inspired an iconic business

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H O M E | INTERVIEW

Q When did you originally first start working with textiles? A In some ways, weaving was almost a destiny. I was born in High Bentham, where there were three textile mills, and for many like me the choice between becoming a farmer or venturing into the mills was a matter of course. At the age of 16, I began a fiveyear apprenticeship at the Wenning Silk Mills, going ‘through the mill’ as the saying goes. It was here that I acquired the required skills, and a profound respect for the art of weaving. Q What was it about textiles that captured your imagination? A It all started when I was about 11. At the time, the High Bentham area had three mills and constituted a large textile community. When my mother would send me to pick up something at the corner cafe I used to stop outside one of the mills. There was a window with frosted glass and inside you could see people inspecting fabric, holding it up and using the natural light to see the cloth and check for faults. This experience captivated me. I spent a significant amount of time standing by that window. The transformative journey from a cone of yarn to a meticulously crafted, finished piece of cloth is still a marvel to me.

Q Did you create your initial products in Yorkshire? A High Bentham was where my first creative experiments happened – the place that cultivated what was to become a life-long passion for textiles. At 21 after qualifying as a Loom Overlooker, however, I moved on – travelling for a few years before settling in South Africa, where Mungo took root. Q Was Yorkshire an inspiration for your work – and is it still? A The design philosophy behind the Mungo Mill was definitely inspired by the mills I grew up seeing in Yorkshire. It stems from the realisation that industrial spaces can harmoniously coexist with a pleasant working environment. In Yorkshire the mills were all strategically positioned near water sources, which once harnessed river flow to drive waterwheels. The rivers saw seasonal fish runs, which supported the livelihood of local fishmongers. The fertile land surrounding the mills was transformed into beautiful gardens with benches. There were communal vegetable allotments which thrived, providing a platform for locals to sell produce at weekly markets, creating a vibrant and self-sustaining community. It gave me the impression that a mill didn’t have to be a soulless building with billowing smoke stacks, positioned in an industrial park in the city outskirts, far from sight – it could be beautiful, and in balance with the natural environment. At Mungo today, we’ve tried to emulate the same community ethos, reminiscent of that which I grew up in in Yorkshire. The mill is situated within Old Nick Village, which serves as a hub for local small-scale

TESSA, DAX AND STUART MUNGO

CUSHION COVERS

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H O M E | INTERVIEW

“We have created something special here”

THE MUNGO MILL

Q What can we expect from Mungo, the brand, today? A Honesty. Originality. Transparency and integrity. There’s a certain feel-good aspect to it too. And we will always be innovative – that is the key. Perhaps most of all, doing the right thing. That’s what I tell the kids – whether it’s good for the business or not, do the right thing.

A MUNGO THROW

producers to sell artisanal products. There’s a weekly market and a fish pond with Koi fish that surrounds the mill. We invite visitors to come into the space and see the whole process. It’s also a wonderful place to work. Q How did you go from Yorkshire to opening a mill in South Africa? A In the 1970s, I moved to South Africa, and it was there that I met my wife Janet, who is a potter. After moving to Plettenberg Bay, I began training some local spinners, and started weaving with mohair, specialising in blankets and handwoven jackets, which I sold at the original Old Nick trading store – previously an antiques shop. In 1998 I was gifted two antique Lancashire looms from the 1880s. These mechanised shuttle looms were among the key innovations that transformed the textile industry, and were the very looms I had learned to weave on during my apprenticeship. I restored them to their former glory, and used them to weave limited pieces from what I called my ‘working weaving museum’ – an old barn at Old Nick Village where passersby could watch the weaving process. Soon demand outstripped production and Mungo was born. In 2017, we built the Mungo Mill, and today have a team of close to 100. Here you’ll find a cross-section of weaving techniques and technology, including those original antique Lancashire looms.

Q What would you say are your signature pieces? A We’re well-known for our flat-weave towels. They’re absorbent and lightweight, woven with quality natural fibres, with beautiful designs that really elevate the traditional terry cloth. Quick-drying and compact so they don’t take up loads of cupboard space – a well-suited product to countries with long cold seasons with limited outdoor drying time. Q How would you say you are different from other textile businesses? A When you look at the current textile landscape, at the rise of fast fashion and industries of scale, we’re at the opposite end of that. Our aim is to prioritise craftsmanship, and exceptional quality. Q What do you create for the home? A We have a range of kitchen linens, textural woven

blankets, cushion covers and our signature flat-weave towels. We weave with high quality, 100% natural fibres, and strong weave constructions, to produce textiles that we consider to be of an heirloom-quality. Q How nice is it for your son and daughter to now be involved in the running of Mungo? A It’s very rewarding to have them onboard. And to share in their visions of the future. Q What challenges lie ahead in 2024? A Infrastructure in South Africa is in a tricky state, so

other industries that are allied to ours – the dyers, for example – are struggling to keep going. But I think we’ve created something special here, and I’m hopeful that we’ll keep looking for new ways to innovate, and endure. mungo.co

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A SOMNUS SLEEP IS SHEER, SUMPTUOUS LUXURY

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S U S TA I N A B L E

SOURCE The eponymous founder of Rachel Fearnley Designs offers five top tips to introduce an ecofriendly lifestyle to your home

ithin my home life and business, being sustainable is really important. I think many of my practices were informed and formed in childhood when maybe being sustainable wasn’t particularly recognised. Some of the things that my parents did, probably out of necessity, I now recognise as being about adopting a sustainable lifestyle. I have built on these in my personal and business life and would like to share five simple ideas I have for introducing a sustainable lifestyle to your home.

BUY SEASONAL, BUY LOCAL, BUY WHAT YOU NEED A great starting point for introducing a sustainable lifestyle into your home is to consider what you buy and where you buy it from. Within this, I take into consideration the time of year and what produce is in season. It also means that I am not buying food that is then not used. In addition, by buying locally we are supporting independent businesses and artisans.

USING NATURAL RESOURCES The natural resources that are readily available all around us are often overlooked, but can play an important role in the introduction of a sustainable lifestyle. The simple act of opening windows and letting fresh air circulate in our homes is a healthy, free, alternative to buying mass produced, synthetic air fresheners. These chemically filled air fresheners are not good for the environment in terms of their production and how they are disposed of after their minimal usage. An example of sustainable alternatives are our individually designed, printed by hand and handmade lavender pyramids,

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H O M E | FEATURE

“There is the saying that one person's rubbish is another's treasure”

bundles and drawer liners. These are made with sustainability at the core and offer an air freshener that does not cost the earth, but that is functional as well as beautiful.

CLEANING YOUR HOME When making purchasing choices for cleaning products, we are bombarded with advertisements proclaiming the virtues of the particular product. Not only that, we are also told that we need a different cleaning product for every task. I think back to my mother who had limited cleaning products in her stash. As I recall, hot soapy water was used for just about everything. Today I have three natural staples for all my daily cleaning. These are lemons, white distilled vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. I also have a pile of old tea towels that I use as cloths for cleaning. My dusters are probably now categorised as vintage, but they still do their job very effectively. When introducing a sustainable lifestyle to your home, I suggest thinking carefully about the chemicals used in all the manufactured cleaning products that are available. Think about how they are disposed of during and after use. Generally they will enter the water system, which could potentially reenter our rivers, causing harm to wildlife, and eventually become our drinking water.

GROW YOUR OWN CUT FLOWERS Do you enjoy having flowers in your home? I believe they add such a homely, welcom-

ing touch. However, I worry about the air miles used when transporting them and also the refrigeration processes involved in preserving them so they look their best when they arrive in the shops. An alternative is to grow a few cut flowers that can be picked fresh from your garden. I have a small urban garden, but grow a range of flowers for cutting and bringing indoors, even a few bunches of homegrown flowers will reduce the air miles involved in buying shop bought ones, and they give the added pleasure of knowing you have grown them. If you have space in your garden, think about adding a small compost bin. This is a great way to save vegetable matter going to landfill and also gives you free, good quality compost too.

THE THREE R’S – RECYCLE , REPURPOSE , REUSE This final tip can be used interchangeably in all the above and is a good cornerstone for a sustainable lifestyle. I never throw anything away until I have carefully considered whether it has another use. Within my work, I always look at everyday objects and explore their potential print properties

before they head to landfill. If I can repurpose them I will do. There is the saying that one person’s rubbish is another’s treasure, and this is so true. There are different platforms on the internet that offer fantastic opportunities to use the three Rs. I’m a member of a national site that has local subgroups. Here you can ‘advertise’ items that you no longer have a use for. You can also put on posts requesting items. This is a free site to use and also you do not exchange money for the goods. However, it is wonderful to think that instead of filling our fragile earth with something that is no longer of use to us, we can give it a new home and prolong its life, the redundant being repurposed. Whatever steps you take to introduce a more sustainable lifestyle into your home, remember that it needs to be an enjoyable experience. Small changes are better than no changes, so even if initially you choose to incorporate just one of the top tips into your routine you will be making a significant difference. Discover more inspiration at rachelfearnleydesigns.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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H O M E | TREND

THE FRENCH HOUSE Caned Hairdresser's Chair, £425 thefrenchhouse.co.uk

PEPPER SQ Spindle Wood Dining Chair, £245 peppersq.com

SIX THE RESIDENCE

ARTERIORS

Wishbone Dining Chair, £225 sixtheresidence.co.uk

Dune Chair In Emerald Velvet, £3,631 arteriorshome.com

H OT S E AT S Fabulous chairs for all situations BEN ROUSSEAU

By P E N D L E H A R T E

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L.ERCOLANI X 2LG Upholstered Butterfly Chair in Jordan Colour Palette, £899 lercolani.com

ARTERIORS ELLA JAMES

Jax Chair, £2,517 arteriorshome.com

Natural Rattan Accent Chair, £469 ellajames.co.uk

SAZY Lester Dining Chair, £329 sazy.com

LOAF Squishbag Chair in Clever Velvet, £995 loaf.com

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S PR I N G INT ER IO R S Geometric designs, pastel colours, metallic textures

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H O M E | TREND

THE FRENCH HOUSE Louis XVI Style Painted Daybed, £900 thefrenchhouse.co.uk

GISELA GRAHAM Tonal Pinks Twist Dinner Candles, £6.49 giselagraham.co.uk

LUST HOME Ogata Kuren Peach Wallpaper, £45 lusthome.com

FENWICK & TILBROOK Vintage Peony paint, 1L of Pure Matt from £27 fenwickandtilbrook.com

WEBB & GRAY Gilded Barley Twist Candlesticks, £140 webbandgray.com

PE AC H Y KEEN Celebrating Peach Fuzz, Pantone's colour of the year By P E N D L E H A R T E

LIBERTY Large teapot, £130 libertylondon.com

EFFORTLESS TRADING Jaipur pale pink mini cushion, £40 effortlesstrading.co.uk

OLENKA DESIGN Florence Peach Wallpaper, £155 olenkadesign.co.uk

TRUFFLE TABLESCAPES Apricot Flower Placemat, £21 truffletablescapes.co.uk

UK HOME LIVING Peach Peony Rose Faux Flowers, £15.95 ukhomeliving.com

LOAF Shindig Sofa in Pressed Peonies Clever Velvet, £1,895 loaf.com

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N.E.S.S. G AT E S & G A R A G E D O O R S LARGE SMALL

ENOUGH ENOUGH

TO COPE TO C A R E

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

DISTINCTIVE

DESIGN

Visit Saso’s beautiful sofa and bed showroom in Castleford and make your home special

ntering Saso’s showroom in Castleford, it’s a feast for your senses. All around you is distinct furniture complementing beautiful sofas, lots of unique paintings and wall art that give the space a real zest and energy, and a whole host of side tables, coffee tables, mirrors, rugs, table lamps, ornaments and plenty more. And this doesn’t even touch upon a factor Saso has become well-known for all over Yorkshire. Their 10,000 sq ft showroom is also home to one of the largest displays of Harrison Spinks and Somnus beds in the UK. Also on show are quality beds and mattresses from top brands Tempur, Sealy, Sleepeezzee, Memflex, Relyon, Millbrook, Hypnos, Dunlopillo and more. These are all housed on the ground floor of the impressive space. Head up to the first floor and that’s where Saso have a spectacular designer sofa showroom and collection of furniture. The range of sofas is extraordinary, from the finest in leather sofas, to the classical styles, Chesterfields and the latest electric recliner sofas. Saso is a family-owned business that specialises in the retail of sofas, luxury beds,

mattresses, and furniture. Drawing from their 30 years of experience, they have handpicked hundreds of products and neatly tucked them into their 10,000 square foot superstore located in West Yorkshire. They pride themselves on being a diverse business by offering high-quality products. If you really want to treat yourself, they are a stockist of some of the most luxurious beds and mattresses, but alternatively, their affordable ranges consist of high-quality beds and mattresses that won’t break the bank. Customer service and the aftersales is one of the most important attributes to a business. It is not just about the price or product; it is about the exceptional delivery and service they give. This has certainly been proven from their 5-star feedback. The Saso family look after you from beginning to end, whether it’s expert advice you need or help disposing of your old sofa or bed and assembling your new one, they are there every step of the way. SA S O Calder House, Saville Road, Castleford WF10 1BJ 01977 559979 | sales@saso.co.uk saso.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TRAVEL

INTO the DEEP 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

Antartica 98 • Dog-Friendly Stays 101 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Scattered across nine idyllic Caribbean islands discover 18 breathtaking resorts, designed exclusively for adults. Every resort is set along exquisite beaches with crystal-clear waters and powdery soft white sands. Spend your morning floating in a captivating infinity pool, indulge in an array of delectable dining options, sip on hand-crafted cocktails, or dive into a thrilling new watersport. The beauty of the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resorts is that everything is included, so you can do it all or nothing at all.

2023

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

PAROS

GREEK O DYS S E Y Discover the beauty of Athens and beyond from Newcastle Airport

thens is a vibrant city appealing to visitors not only because of its intense history and fascinating past, but also because of the natural beauty, mouth-watering cuisine, and Mediterranean climate that awaits your arrival. The Acropolis and Parthenon are of course a must-see, but save some time to wander like a local – you’ll find some of the best hidden gems. If you like a cocktail or two, Monastiraki Square is the main hub for urban rooftop bars, offering some of the best elevated views – our favourite is ‘360’. Just a 30-minute drive from the ancient capital, you’ll be on the Athenian Riviera, boasting stretches of stunning beaches and calming coves. Here, you’ll find an array of exclusive hotels, including the renowned Four Seasons and One&Only promising nothing short of unparalleled luxury.

For a more traditional alternative to the popular island of Mykonos, visit Paros. Here you’ll find cubic whitewashed houses, bluedomed chapels, and narrow cobbled streets – the ultimate definition of quintessential Greece. Beaches in Paros are thought to be some of the best in the Cyclades with their golden sand and turquoise waters. The island also offers a cosmopolitan vibe with its scenic beach clubs and trendy bars, proving popular with island-hopping millennials. Flight duration from Athens: approximately 45 minutes. Ferry options are also available.

NAXOS

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and sits within the heart of the Aegean Sea. It boasts numerous sandy beaches, delicious local dishes, and picture-perfect landscapes. The charming waterfront town of Chora remains busy all year round and is home to the island’s main port. Naxos is conveniently located next to the popular Mykonos and Santorini, making it the perfect destination for your Greek escape. Flight duration from Athens: approximately 45 minutes. Ferry options are also available.

This twice-weekly route operating AprilOctober with AEGEAN conveniently unlocks multiple connections to the Greek islands and beyond.

The best Greek islands to discover from Athens MILOS

This Cycladic beauty has gained major popularity over recent years and is now one of the Mediterranean’s most soughtafter spots. Thanks to its social media exposure, travellers are left swooning over the island’s exotic beauty. The island is home to more than 70 beaches, but one you won’t want to miss is the lunar landscape of Sarakiniko. It is one of the most photographed locations in the world and has been used in global fashion campaigns. Top tip – get there early to beat the crowds! Flight duration from Athens: approximately 20 minutes. Ferry options are also available. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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THE BIG

BLUE

Explore Antarctica in ultra luxury with Silversea

s the sun comes up over the Antarctic Sound, blood red gives way to sky blue, and colonies of Adèlie penguins slowly shake themselves awake. The ice creaks and shifts underneath as Weddell seals roll around in pure white blankets of virgin snow. Venture a bit further inland and you’ll find Antarctica isn’t just cold and ice. Jagged grey mountains watch over fjords teeming with wildlife and species you’ll encounter nowhere else. Silversea welcomes you to Antarctica, the last and most unexplored continent on Earth. Here, no two cruises are alike, and there is a wealth of untamed wilderness to uncover. Prepare to be moved by intimate encounters with wildlife while the sheer majesty of the landscape makes you feel like you’re travelling for the very first time. Their team members will guide you every step of the way, as they take the utmost care when travelling to this remote region, ensuring that the impact on Antarctica’s delicate ecosystem is minimal to none.

ANTARCTICA EXPERTS

Silversea has assembled a top-notch team of naturalists and other experts to help you discover Antarctica’s hidden secrets. They boast one of the highest expeditionpersonnel-to-guest ratios in the entire expedition cruising industry, and every voyage features up to 28 qualified specialists. These uniquely experienced and talented experts have all been chosen for their passion and dedication to their specialised field, as well as their openness, friendliness, and infectious enthusiasm. Each team comprises a variety of experts, including biologists, ornithologists, geologists, historians and photographers. Whether you’re looking for the perfect exposure setting for your money shot, need to know the name of the bird staring at you, or would like a detailed history of the local area, you’ll find someone to answer your questions.

ADVENTURE IS INCLUDED

There’s nothing like listening to large sheets of ice break off a millennial glacier from a Zodiac, or catching sight of a great humpback whale as it spy hops vertically

out of crystal clear waters. You can get up close and personal with the stunning landscapes and teeming wildlife of Antarctica on guided hikes, keeping a lookout for unique fauna and colonies of penguins. Towering icebergs and humpback whales look great from afar, but there’s nothing like floating alongside a glacier in total silence on a kayaking trip where a curious leopard seal could even glide right beside you in the water. Under the guidance of certified instructors, you’ll be able to experience this and much more. And prepare for the onshore excursions as their experts provide you with inside information on what to expect. They’ll pique your curiosity with captivating details about the land, water, ice and wildlife of this unusual continent.

THE SILVERSEA DIFFERENCE

With Silversea you get utmost peace of mind so you can focus on what’s important: exploring the magic of your destination to the fullest and enjoying all your time onboard and on-shore. Fine cuisine has always been a jewel in their crown. Onboard their expedition ships you’ll have the choice of up to four different luxuriously appointed restaurants, where

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

“No two cruises are alike, and there is a wealth of untamed wilderness to uncover”

world-renowned chefs create dishes using the highest quality ingredients. What’s more, with nearly one member of staff for every guest, personalised service is unparalleled. Every Silversea suite features a butler, so after a day out on the ice you might find a steaming hot cup of your favourite tea waiting for you, or a warm bath already set up for you to soak in.

TRAILFINDERS

Trailfinders have a dedicated and highly knowledgeable Expedition Cruise team who offer expert and impartial advice on choosing the right itinerary and ship for your perfect expedition cruise holiday. Our team have made countless voyages to this region and are always happy to share their first-hand experience. trailfinders.com/silversea; 020 7408 9025 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

TOP DOG S

The best places to stay with your furry friend by your side

he Devonshire Group collection is well-loved by the country set who appreciate the equally warm welcome extended to guests and their dogs alike. Each of their beautiful properties, including several hotels, inns and boltholes across the Bolton Abbey Estate in Yorkshire and the Chatsworth Estate in the Peak District offers top dog hospitality. Surrounded by some of England’s finest countryside, the group’s properties nestle in and around the diverse landscapes of two national parks, which offer moorland, riverside, forest paths and meadow land to explore right from the front door. Both dogs and owners will relish a day out exploring the great outdoors, and then to relax and savour the creature comforts

earned on a muddy, good walk. It’s not uncommon to see quite a few dogs clustered around the open fires and woodburning stoves of these characterful properties. Each property offers a selection of dogfriendly rooms, and guests have the option of an exclusive country house hotel stay The Cavendish at Baslow (which opens following an extensive refurbishment programme this month) or the wellloved Devonshire Arms Hotel at Bolton Abbey; or the intimate, boutique-style feel of the Fell Hotel in Burnsall, or a cosy break at one of their two charming Estate village inns, located in Beeley and Pilsley, a stone’s throw from Chatsworth. A canine welcome pack awaits, along with a fuss and a treat no doubt from their friendly staff, which offers a thoughtful selection of doggy essentials for their comfort and pampering. There’s a room

service canine menu to wolf down, and a choice of Paw-secco or Doggy beer to quench their thirst. Dogs at The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey will enjoy their novel outdoor dog bath, which has warm running water for cleaning up those muddy paws. The Devonshire Group’s hotels and inns all offer dog-friendly dining in their less formal dining areas, and outdoor spaces – so dogs can come join owners for meals whilst they’re resident, or even if owners are popping in to enjoy lunch or supper. In celebration of ‘National Pet Month’ (April) dogs stay free of charge (usual £15 fee per dog, per night) and for pampered pooches for whom only the best will do, there is the optional upgrade to a hand-carved four poster bed (£35 per night, select properties only). devonshirehotels.co.uk/dogs A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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senior schools rank 1st & 7th in the north for academic performance qe college placed 2nd in the uk & 1st in the north for a level results

queen ethelburga’s collegiate, york

welcomes a level, gcse & btec students

bespoke options for different learning styles & abilities day & boarding places available

excellent facilities

1st & 2nd in york for a level results

over 100 enrichment clubs

open morning:

27th april 2024

book a place: www.qe.org admissions@qe.org / 01423 333333 AD - QE_MARCH 2024_ABSOLUTELY YORKSHIRE.indd 102

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E D U C AT I O N

THE HIGH NOTES QUEEN ETHELBURGA'S COLLEGIATE

Students at Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate can broaden their knowledge of both academic and extra-curricular pursuits through an extensive co-curricular programme of over 100 different activities onsite. They can also participate in national award schemes, external qualifications, and fixtures or performances which demand a high level in their chosen field. qe.org

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GUY AND ISABELLE

of TWO Absolutely meets the Head Girl and Head Boy of Huddersﬁeld Grammar School

ISABELLE WHELDON

Q Tell us a little about yourself? A Through the years, I have always had a

packed extra-curricular schedule. However, this year I made the decision to cut back on a few of these activities to allow myself adequate time to revise for my upcoming GCSEs. I have been cast in several amateur musicals at the Lawrence Batley Theatre with Kirklees Youth Theatre Ensemble such as The Phantom of the Opera, Oliver, The Sound of Music, and Chicago. I immensely enjoy performing as it is a creative outlet and a joy to work with such an amazingly talented group of people. I was also involved as Miss Honey in the school’s production of Matilda last year, which for me was a perfect experience and it was great to collaborate with the younger years. Q What did it mean to you to be named Head Girl? A Being appointed Head Girl was a privilege and I am extremely proud to hold the title as it is such an honour – especially as there were many others also deserving of the role. The best part has been getting to know students from other year groups that I wouldn’t have come across in my day-to-day school life.

Q How do you look to create a good example for younger students? A Being a good role model for the younger students is crucial and I always strive to do this by clearly portraying the values of the school. It is incredibly important to promote inclusivity and I feel privileged to be able to support that ethos. Q What subjects do you particularly enjoy studying? A Although the decision is made practically impossible by the fact that each subject is taught by an extraordinary specialist teacher, I would have to say that English is my favourite subject as I have always been possessed by the impact of words. The texts we study for GCSE are all interesting and it is fascinating to see the different ways in which they can be interpreted.

Though the thought of the nearing exams is still alarming, the constant belief and encouragement from all the teachers spurs me on and gives me the motivation. I am hoping to get all 8’s and 9’s in my GCSEs. Q Do you have an idea of what you’d like to do next? A I am hoping to be offered a place at Greenhead College to take A-levels in Chemistry, Biology and English in the hope of fulfilling my childhood ambition of working in the field of veterinary

Q How are preparations going for your GCSEs? A As ever, there is lots still to be done but the most recent feedback from my incredible subject teachers has really helped me to reflect on my mock exams and has aided me in being able to close in on the specific areas that need the most development.

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• FEATURE • XXXXX EDUCATION XXXXXXXX

science. However, I don’t believe that this would be a possibility had I not had the unmatched support provided at Huddersfield Grammar School.

GUY BREAKEY

Q Tell us a little about yourself? A I have had very varied extra-curricular

activities outside of school with my main sport being cycling for many years, competing for Holmfirth Cycling Club in Yorkshire cyclocross and road racing, although the only time I got the top spot on the podium was at the club’s Halloween race. More recently I have found a passion for rugby, being encouraged by my classmates to join HRUFC, where I am certainly not the best in the team, but love being a part of it. Q What did it mean to you to be named Head Boy? A Being named Head Boy was a great honour as there were some excellent candidates for the position amongst my peers, all of whom would have made an excellent Head Boy. I hope that I justify my appointment in the position and represent the school in the best way possible.

Q How do you look to create a good example for younger students? A Creating a good example for the younger students at Huddersfield Grammar is an integral part of the Senior Prefect role as we work as a team to uphold the school values and code of conduct, demonstrating to the younger pupils the standard of manners, respect, and behaviour which are expected. We are the beneficiaries of the example set by previous senior years. Q What subjects do you particularly enjoy studying? A I have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying at Huddersfield Grammar and would hate to single out any subject or department to be my favourite. However, my ambitions lie towards the scientific rather than the artistic; if I was pushed, I would have to say maths and the sciences have particularly inspired me. This has been helped by the small class sizes, which have allowed me to delve deeper into the subjects with the teachers. Q How are preparations going for your GCSEs? A The prospect of my GCSEs is still

slightly daunting to me, as it seems like only yesterday I was in Year 7! With a set of mocks already out of the way before Christmas, helping me to focus on the areas I need to improve on, I feel more prepared, but am not complacent as I know the challenge which lies ahead. I would love to get all 9’s in my results. Q What's next for you? A I am still unsure of my long-term

ambitions, but my aim for the next academic year is to hopefully get a place at Greenhead College in Huddersfield to take A-levels in Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths, providing my interview goes well. I feel that Huddersfield Grammar School has provided me with an excellent opportunity to progress my education in this way and I am excited to see where this will lead. huddersfield-grammar.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

A B O V E

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BEYOND Head of College, Steven Turner, explains how Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) is inspiring its students to be lifelong learners

E College is known nationally and globally for its academic success and consistently high-ranking league table positions, placing 2nd nationally for A-level Results in the Sunday Times Parent Power 2023, and retaining its 1st place position for Academic Performance in the North for a third year in a row. Beyond that, QE offers a diverse, dynamic and enriching community that encourages learning, leadership, and belonging. QE takes pride in encouraging its students to develop across a wide spectrum of areas beyond the standard curriculum including

problem-solving, responsibility, and debate. For QE, inspiring students to become lifelong learners with the mindset required for an ever-changing world is the top priority, and that is why QE teaches students not just to excel in examinations but to be curious, think critically about problems and to produce creative solutions. The Collegiate takes pride in fostering future readiness by developing the wider skills that are essential for future employability and success. For example, QE runs an annual Whole School Revision Project, which has enabled students to develop vital life skills, including mental agility, resilience, and effective study habits. QE regularly welcomes professionals, entrepreneurs and change makers

“QE OFFERS A DIVERSE, DYNAMIC AND ENRICHING COMMUNITY THAT ENCOURAGES LEARNING”

ACADEMIC AMBASSADORS

to educate and inspire our students through seminars and workshops. In January, students enjoyed a full day of activities and lectures around the topic of 'The Power of Resilience' provided by Samuel Kasumu, Jonathan Eig, Laura Bartlett, and Lillie Almond. Success at QE is not just defined by excellent academic grades. Here, students get hands-on experience in their passions, compete nationally in competitions, undergo research projects, and become independent learners who enjoy working collaboratively and can communicate their ideas with confidence. The Collegiate is dedicated to ensuring that our students are ready for further education, for independent living, and for future workplaces, wherever they might be. At QE, success is measured in the transferable, futureready skills that the students leave with, the ambitions they carry with them, and the positive contributions to society they will make. Contact admissions@qe.org to book onto the next open morning on 27 April. Alternatively, email to organise a private tour or visit qe.org to find out more

CAREERS ADVICE

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PROPERTY

NEWFIELDS GALPHAY HG4 GUIDE PRICE

£1,400,000

ewfields is a handsome detached

N five-bedroom period property with parts

dating back to over 200 years. There are onsite equestrian facilities to include two stables, a tack room and feed store with approximately three acres of paddock/land. The property itself offers 4,117 sq. ft of light and airy flexible accommodation with a modern touch.

STRUTT & PARKER HARROGATE

01423 205442 struttandparker.com

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

MONEY CAN BUY… A family home in Bramhope that has it all WHERE Creskeld Lane, Bramhope, LS16 9EP WHAT An artfully renovated detached family home in the heart of Bramhope. INSIDE Upon entry, a tastefully appointed entrance hallway welcomes you with original Oak flooring. There is a beautiful, modern fitted dining kitchen with Silestone worktops, with contemporary fittings and integrated appliances. The kitchen then leads to a generous dining area which looks over the rear garden. Furthermore, there is a spacious living room with an original gas fire. To the front of the property is an additional reception room with Oak panelled walls, original ceiling beams, and a stunning, stone open flame fire. There is also a spacious utility room with fitted wall and base units. A staircase from the hallway leads to the first floor where there are five bedrooms in total, with three of the bedrooms boasting en-suite facilities. The main bedroom suite has a fantastic, vaulted ceiling, a dressing area with bespoke fitted wardrobes, and a superb en-suite shower room. The commitment to quality is evident in the well-appointed house bathroom which services the other two bedrooms. To the side of this wonderful home, there is access to a basement where there is a storeroom and an additional room currently used as a hobbies/ gym room, but could make an ideal home office. OUTSIDE Externally, the rear garden is mainly laid to lawn with colourful borders, a lovely play area, and a decked patio area ideal for outside entertaining and alfresco dining. Additional amenities include a spacious driveway providing ample space for multiple vehicles. PRICE £1,250,000 AGENT Fine & Country Leeds 0113 2034939 leeds@fineandcountry.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Upcroft Farm Carlton Lane, Guiseley Nestled between Guiseley and Otley Chevin, Upcroft Farm, a 19th-century stone-built residence, offers a semi-rural lifestyle with modern conveniences. Electric gates open to ample parking, welcoming you to a home blending historical charm and contemporary comforts. Inside, find a family area with a double-sided stove, a breakfast kitchen with integrated appliances, and a living room with beams and a multi-fuel stove. A side extension adds a double bedroom and wet room. Upstairs, four bedrooms include a main with an en suite. Outside, a paved terrace, patio, formal garden, and fields offer relaxation and agricultural potential. Additional land is available separately.

Asking Price £

5,000

Contact Fine & Country | Leeds T: 0113 2034939 E: sales@fineandcountryleeds.com

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The Hayloft

South Milford, Leeds This stunning barn conversion in Lumby offers contemporary living in a sought-after countryside setting. Beautifully upgraded, it features a welcoming reception hall, a bespoke German kitchen with highspec appliances, and a charming sitting room with a stone fireplace. The first floor boasts a luxury master bedroom with en-suite, two additional bedrooms, and a modern house bathroom. Outside, a garage, driveway, and south-facing garden with mature trees provide tranquility. Situated for easy access to major commercial centers via A63 and A1/ M1 link road, with nearby railway stations offering direct services to Leeds, York, and London Kings Cross. Ideal for those seeking a countryside lifestyle with modern comforts.

Asking Price £550,000

Contact Fine & Country | Wetherby T: 01937 223016 E: wetherby@fineandcountry.com

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LAST WORD • VENUE why everyone is talking about…

The

Piece Hall The acts have been announced for an unforgettable summer of music

he Piece Hall hosts a huge array of events, from contemporary music concerts, to impressive sitespecific performances, circus spectacle and street theatre. Seasonal festivities include markets alongside special food and drink celebrations and fairs. Visual arts, a substantive sculpture programme, outdoor film screenings and large scale participation projects all bring the building to life throughout the year. The Piece Hall’s magnificent courtyard creates a beautiful backdrop for major televised events – and their summer music season, Live at The Piece Hall, always attracts the leading artists in the music industry. Global music trailblazers Blondie were an early headliner to be announced for 2024 and they have already confirmed a second date in Halifax this summer. Fronted by pioneering singer-songwriter Debbie Harry, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame icons who have sold 40 million albums worldwide will now play the historic courtyard on Friday 7 June as well as Sunday 9 June. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds are coming back to The Piece Hall for what will be another incredible headline show. Fresh from the success of highly acclaimed new album Council Skies, British music icon Noel and his band will play the stunning open-air courtyard on Thursday 1 August. Then there were three more headliners confirmed. Rick Astley is heading to The Piece Hall this summer and will be joined by

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special guests Lightning Seeds on Sunday 7 July. The nine-time Grammy award winner Sheryl Crow will headline on Thursday 13 June, and electronic music legends Underworld have been added to the line-up for Live at The Piece Hall on Friday 28 June. British rock band IDLES are heading to The Piece Hall too – for one of only four UK summer dates. The multi-award winning five-piece will perform a headline set on Saturday 13 July. The Halifax date is an extension to their current world tour, which will also see the release of their fifth album TANGK in February. For anyone who hasn’t experienced a live show at The Piece Hall, you really need to be there to understand its unique power. Make a date this summer. thepiecehall.co.uk

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A Place We Are Proud To Call Home

Luxury Living, Quality Care Fairfax Manor, Wetherby Road, Harrogate enquiries@lovett-care.com | lovettcare.co.uk | 01423 462014 AD - LOVETT CARE HOME.indd 115

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