Absolutely Hertfordshire October 2023

Hertfordshire

LAVISH

THE HERTFORDSHIRE SISTERS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF THEIR FASHION LABEL

CHARLIE BROOKS The Ware-born actress on EastEnders and stage antics PRIOR ENGAGEMENT Meet the new Mayor of Hertford TURKISH DELIGHT Exploring Tabure's three county restaurants

NEW KOLLEKTION

DESIGN YOU CAN FEEL

LOCATED AT ST ALBANS , BATTERSEA REACH, HARRODS, FINCHLEY ROAD, TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD, NOTTING HILL, WESTFIELD LONDON, GUILDFORD, BENTALLS KINGSTON AND FENWICK BRENT CROSS

STAY IN BED

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COPENHAGEN GOTHENBURG LONDON SEOUL STOCKHOLM ZURICH AND OTHER FINE LOCATIONS

: 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 is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP. Dr Nyla is a winner of Best Cosmetic Clinic 2019 to 2020 and a nomination for Best Cosmetic Doctor 2021.  With the largest Exilis Elite skin tightening in the UK, alongside the 2nd largest CoolSculpting clinic in Europe. Dr Nyla 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. Over her 20 years in medical aesthetics, she has transcended across the years to personally understand how to manage the menopause.

WHY DR NYLA : 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 Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP. Dr Nyla is a winner of Best Cosmetic Clinic 2019 to 2020 and a nomination for Best Cosmetic Doctor 2021.  With the largest Exilis Elite skin tightening in the UK, alongside the 2nd largest CoolSculpting clinic in Europe. Dr Nyla 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. Over her 20 years in medical aesthetics, she has transcended across the years to personally understand how to manage the menopause.

AESTHETICS IN MENOPAUSE

AESTHETICS IN MENOPAUSE

The Transformation FaceliftTM is a bespoke treatment, which Dr Nyla has designed to treat many of the ageing affects the menopause can cause. Unique to the medispa group, this treatment, combines 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.

The Transformation FaceliftTM is a bespoke treatment, which Dr Nyla has designed to treat many of the ageing affects the menopause can cause. Unique to the medispa group, this treatment, combines 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.

During menopause, lower levels of estrogen have a big impact on your skin. Less estrogen makes you prone to thinning, sagging, and wrinkling. Skin looses elasticity making open pores much more visible. Skin is also much less hydrated. Fortunately, you can relieve some of the skin-related effects of aging by taking care of your specific skin care needs using the Dr Nyla skincare collection.

During menopause, lower levels of estrogen have a big impact on your skin. Less estrogen makes you prone to thinning, sagging, and wrinkling. Skin looses elasticity making open pores much more visible. Skin is also much less hydrated. Fortunately, you can relieve some of the skin-related effects of aging by taking care of your specific skin care needs using the Dr Nyla skincare collection.

EDITOR

MARK KEBBLE

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS

SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

JUNIOR DESIGNER

JOE MUNSEY

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH

ABIGAIL GARDNER

MAGAZINE MANAGER

LOUISE PEARSON

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT

STELLA ADAMS

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

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

For advertising enquiries please call 07977 195732 or email: abi@zest-media.com

Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588

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ABSOLUTELY-

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.

Stephanie and Samantha Frost, co-founders of Pretty Lavish (prettylavish.co.uk)

LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S October issue highlights

ne of the great joys of this job is when I get to go to homes I will never, in a million years, be able to afford. In fact, even if I saved up for a million years, I am not sure if I'd be able to afford some of the places we feature within the pages of Absolutely Hertfordshire.

There is one home in Hertfordshire I will always remember. I was invited round to interview a well-known name, and I was in awe of my surroundings. I think their leisure facilities were bigger than the property I was living in at the time.

At the end of the day, I am sure many of you love to look behind closed doors, to see how the other half lives. Which is why our Absolutely Home supplement is always so popular. Inside this month, we have plenty of ideas and inspiration to spruce up your own home, plus yes we go inside a stunner of a property, a mere £5m one in Welwyn. Sit back and enjoy.

Interiors

Trend

Agenda

The best events not to miss this month (p16)

Dog Day

Why St Albans is a pup's best friend (p82)

Damson inspiration for the home (p71)

Charlie Brooks On loving the stage right now (p18)

The Shoot The latest from

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Wish LIST

GREEN LIGHT

IKKS' pledge to stop using virgin polyester by 2025 is part of the brand's commitment to improving its carbon footprint in pursuit of real responsibility

in the fashion industry. ikks.com

MELLOW YELLOW

Eberjey's pyjamas are offi cially the so est and most comfortable. We love this yellow set in jersey. eberjey.com

LIPS INC

Anya Hindmarch has designed a delightfully dinky and highly collectible leather Carmex coin purse, perfect for storing your lip balm, £225. anyahindmarch.com

LIME LIGHT

Zou Zou is a compact cross-body bag with two tassles for extra pizazz. It fits all of the essentials and is handcra ed by skilled European artisans using the fi nest nappa bubble lambskin.

tissafontaneda.com

Brodie is a boundary-pushing luxury clothing brand. Originating in Yorkshire, from a long family lineage steeped in cashmere manufacturing, the focus is on a responsible supply chain. brodiecashmere.com

ON THE NAIL

Chanel's new Codes Couleur limited edition Mirror, Brush Set and Nail Files have been created in the brand's bright nail polish, Le Vernis Colours. chanel.com

LEMON AID

This Lemonade Ceramic vase brings an amazing pop of colour to any room and is perfect for both fresh and dried fl owers. thehappyblossoms.com

GOLDEN TIME

British jewellery brand Rachel Jackson celebrates life’s beautiful moments by creating timeless personalised jewellery that is rich with symbolism. From humble beginnings on a market stall in Spitalfi elds, the brand is now sold in Selfridges and Liberty. racheljacksonlondon.com

WAVE HELLO

We love this fun and cheerful yellow mirror with its statement wavy edge. Use on its own to brighten up a wall, or style with prints and other mirrors. roseandgrey.co.uk

BEACH CLEAN

Reina Olga is a female-led luxury swimwear brand using mostly recyled fabrics, biodegradable fabrics and small runs. reinaolga.com

CULTURE

ANIMAL KINGDOM

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

The Natural History Museum

Tring’s sister site in London annually hosts the Wildlife Photographer of the Year in October. This year’s selection of the Highly Commended images suggests it will be breathtaking once again. Pictured is Forest Rodeo by Atsuyuki Ohshima, Japan, of a young Yakushima macaque on a deer’s back nhm.ac.uk

The Agenda

OCTOBER'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

MUSIC

ABBAMANIA

24

OCTOBER, ALBAN ARENA

It has been over 40 years since ABBA last toured, but even now ABBAMANIA continues to grip the nation, with little signs of this popularity slowing down. ABBAMANIA The Concert is the tribute that will transport you back in time, featuring all of ABBA's most memorable hits including Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Take a Chance, Money, Money, Money, Chiquitita, Voulez Vous and The Winner Takes it All.

alban-arena.co.uk

Letchworth Open

Until 7 October

BROADWAY GALLERY

The Letchworth Open is an annual exhibition that is taking place at the Broadway Gallery, celebrating our region’s creative community. Each year they aim to create Hertfordshire’s largest and most celebrated exhibition by bringing together some of the region’s most talented artists under one roof, whilst discovering new practitioners in our ever-expanding community. broadway-gallery.com

ART EVENT

Herts 10K

8 October ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH

The popular Herts 10K race in aid of Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care will return to Rothamsted Research this year. The annual mixed terrain race is voted one of the top 30 races in the country thanks to its beautiful course and community spirit. Whether motivated by the charity cause, the chance to run through the picturesque course or the opportunity to beat a PB, runners are guaranteed a great day out. renniegrovepeace.org/herts10k

Dame Joan Collins

9 October

THE ALBAN ARENA

To coincide with the release of her much-anticipated memoir ‘Behind the Shoulder Pads’, global superstar Dame Joan Collins is embarking on a brand new tour for 2023. With her husband, Percy Gibson, by her side, they will field your questions, giving audiences the opportunity to have an intimate chat with the world famous actress. Featuring seldom told tales, enchanting anecdotes, and rare footage from her seven decades in showbusiness, the evening will be full of wit, candour, and glamour. alban-arena.co.uk

SPOOKS & SCARES

Why Knebworth House is perfect for Halloween horror

FILM FESTIVAL

Throughout October VARIOUS

This October sees the inaugural Ware Film Festival. The event will include a showcase of popular films in di erent venues across the town. Sit back, relax and enjoy a film in a venue a little di erent to the norm. To allow as many people as possible to join in, tickets are o ered for free on a first come, first served basis. Films featured include The Banshees of Inisherin at Southern Maltings and Good Luck To You, Leo Grande at Fletcher’s Lea. waretowncouncil.gov.uk

This Month’s Must See

Get your broomsticks, hats and magic wands at the ready and venture into Knebworth Gardens this autumn for a Halloween adventure from 24-26 October. Completing exciting Halloween games such as ‘Hungry Ghosts’, ‘Hook a Pumpkin’ and ‘What’s in the Box’ in Knebworth Gardens will earn visitors stamps on their Pumpkin Passport. Follow the path through the Wilderness Gardens to find all the wooden Halloween sculptures and characters along the way. And, new for 2023, Knebworth House have introduced a Spooky Crazy Golf. The Mini Broomstick Workshop is an interactive experience where visitors can create their very own magical mini Broomstick with the help of the Knebworth Gardens Wizard. Bring a decorated pumpkin with you and place it in the ‘Pumpkin Parking’ patch on your way into the Gardens. A judge will award a prize to the visitor

TOGETHER

Anew art exhibition exploring portraiture, presented by University Hertfordshire Arts + Culture, opens this month. The exhibition, titled Together, is a small snapshot into the multiplicity of human experience. Every portrait captures a moment in a person’s life – through the lens of the sitter, artist, or sponsor. The stories explored in this exhibition are diverse, and begin in the 1700s, but there are connections to the issues we face today. herts.ac.uk/uhbow

with the best decorated pumpkin at the end of each session. There will be two age categories, under 6, and 6 and over. The Garden Terrace Tea Room will be open and o ering some fantastic Halloween sweet treats as well as a delicious selection of fresh autumnal soups and sandwiches. You can prebook a Children’s Halloween Lunch Box and collect from the Tea Room too. knebworthhouse.com

20 OCTOBER-13 JANUARY, ART + DESIGN GALLERY

CHLOE HODSON, COLOUR BLIND, 2020

Just the BEGINNING

Former EastEnders star and Hertfordshire-born Charlie Brooks tells Absolutely how her latest National Theatre role echoes her own soul-searching life journey

By NATALIE LI

Asoap star’s existence might seem cushty – a well-paid job, regular work, and fame.

But after more than 20 years playing villain Janine Butcher on soap drama EastEnders, a job she truly relished, Charlie Brooks is embracing a new phase and proving that there is life after a soap.

“Janine was such a big part of my life and so was EastEnders – it was an extraordinary platform. I never realised where Janine would go and who she would become. But now I am looking to be seen as something other than Janine,” reveals Charlie. “Do I regret anything? There are things I’d do differently. I compromised who I was, and I made career choices that I wouldn’t make now.”

Charlie joined the cast of EastEnders in

1999 playing out several dark storylines as the scheming husband-murdering Janine. She temporarily departed over the years with her final exit in 2022.

Charlie is now taking centre stage in the National Theatre’s production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane, the first major stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel. It blends magic with memory, taking audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten. Currently on tour, I chat to Charlie hours before her next performance in Southend. The show has visited 29 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, finally transferring to London’s West End this month.

“It’s been such a fantastic gig. I was walking with one of the cast members, Daniel Cornish, and although we haven’t finished our run of this play, we are aware of the end. There is always a period of mourning after you finish a role where you’ve formed

tight relationships and friendships,” says the 42-year-old mum to Kiki. “The creative experience has been amazing; I’ve never done a theatre show for this long, so it’s a real opportunity to gain confidence on the stage.”

Charlie has appeared in theatre productions including All in a Row at Southwark Playhouse, A Streetcar Named Desire at Leicester Curve and The Play What I Wrote for Bill Kenwright. Palpably fizzing with enthusiasm for her current role as people-pleasing Ursula Monkton, Charlie believes there are some parallels with her own personal journey of self-discovery. She describes herself as a ‘work in progress’. “I’ve always been curious and seeking in some way. When I hit my late 30s, I was even more curious about spirituality, my potential and eager to know who I am as a human being and understand my behaviours without escaping or numbing out.

“I gave up alcohol, which was a massive turning point for me, not that I was drinking every day, but I liked to party,” she says. “I finally was available to discover myself, what I want and my purpose in life. I love acting and I’ve been lucky to have enjoyed many jobs, but I abandoned myself. So, I became still and quiet, did some coaching and focused on where I want to be. Life is about staying versatile.

“The play has been transformative in so many ways, it’s timely that it came with these people at this exact time in my life. This play gets deeper and deeper, where does reality end and imagination begin – it’s so intriguing. It couldn’t have timed itself better,” gushes the 2012 winner of ITV’s survival show I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here

A happy childhood and supportive parents served Charlie well. Born in Ware, where her

father owned a shop, the family later moved to North Wales, but she still recalls fond memories of driving past the Galleria down the A1 and visiting friends in Hertfordshire.

At the tender age of 13 she moved to London to begin her drama training at Ravenscourt Theatre School in Hammersmith and aged 17 was cast as Janine. She admits that leaving home at such an early age held some trauma without her “realising at the time”.

“I grew up in a small town where there weren’t acting opportunities. My drama teacher encouraged me to go to drama school. It’s incredible how one person can change the trajectory of your whole life,” she smiles. “My parents were supportive and mustered the money to get me to London.”

After experiencing first-hand the difficulties of breaking into the industry and the financial commitment needed, Charlie has built a learning platform dedicated to making the arts accessible working in partnership with her brother Ben and sister-in law Emma.

“Iampro started organically on Instagram, and we received investment to build a platform,” Charlie explains.

“It’s grown and grown! I wanted to create something that people can easily access from high-quality coaching and create

HER CO-STARS IN THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE, PHOTO BY BRINKHOFF-MOEGENBURG

“The play has been transformative in so many ways”

CHARLIE WITH LAURIE OGDEN IN THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE, PHOTO PAMELA RAITH

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

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

opportunities for those who can’t afford to go to drama school. Our mission is to create a pathway into the industry.”

When she isn’t acting or working on Iampro, Charlie spends time with her 19-year-old daughter Kiki, who is following the acting path. “Kiki is moving to New York in September to study experimental theatre at NYU, so she’ll be acting, directing and producing,” Charlie delightfully announces.

“I am in awe of her and equally terrified. She has always rejected any help from me until she came to see Ocean at the End of the Lane. ‘Wow, you’re really good’ were her words and for the first time ever she asked me for some support with her A-levels. I burst into tears and thought ‘finally’. She is obsessed with the play; she’s seen it four times.”

As if Charlie didn’t have enough on her plate, she has teamed up with Ann Summers to design a sex toy, the U, to benefit women and their bodies. She describes the endeavour as “a wild idea, but an educational piece which led me on a journey of exploration and self-belief”.

An avid reader, Charlie is also studying for a degree in Arts and Languages at the Open University – deferring her studies until she finishes her current role. “I had insecurities about not being clever enough because I went straight to drama school. I wanted to learn how to learn. I am not an academic thinker or a great student, but I’ve learned to trust in myself more and think more academically.”

With EastEnders playing such an integral part of her life, I ask whether she is keeping that door open. “I don’t know what the future holds so I can’t say about returning to EastEnders,” she teases. “I’m in the process of creating something from the other side of the stage, I don’t know where it will lead. I am in talks about some TV work, and I’d love to do more theatre, collaborating with new writers and getting outside of my comfort zone. Right now, I feel like a bull in a gate.”

Charlie Brooks is starring in The Ocean at the End of the Lane playing at the Noël Coward Theatre from 11 October-25 November. Tickets and more information can be found at oceanonstage.com

“I don't know what the future holds so I can't say about EastEnders”

MAKING AN ENTRANCE AS URSULA IN THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE, PHOTO BRINKHOFF-MOEGENBURG

Get to know… Councillor

VICKY SMITH

Q Congratulations on being elected the Mayor of Hertford. How do you feel?

A Excited, proud, honoured, raring to go and a tiny bit nervous!

Q Why were you keen on running for Mayor?

A Strangely enough, you don’t actually run for Mayor. You stand for election as a Councillor. Every year the Councillors choose the Mayor. I wanted to be a Councillor because I’ve lived in Hertford for a long time now and I’m really proud that it’s my home. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do to support our local communities and I’m really pleased to have been given the responsibility.

Q Tell us about your background and what elements do you think you can bring to the role?

A I used to be a teacher and I currently work in museum education. I am particularly passionate about improving the life chances of children and young people. I’m used to working with lots of different people and I’m good at bringing people together, so I’m hoping I can join up lots of brilliant residents with great ideas and look at how we can get everyone working together.

SHE LOVES THE HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE

PHOTO: PAUL CROWLEY366DAYSOFPHOTOGRAPHY

Q What’s on your to do list?

A Lots of things! I want to look at how we engage young people with local democracy and give them a voice in the decisions that are taken about our town. There are lots of things that I’d like to do to increase our sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint of the Town Council. We’ve made great leaps forward with this over the last couple of years, but there’s much more to be done. We need to review the support we give to our local charities, to ensure we know about all the needs of our local communities. And obviously all these sorts of things are on top of the day to day things like commenting on planning applications and all the Mayoral engagements!

Q What kind of things are you looking forward to being involved with over the year?

A All of it, but I’m really looking forward to getting to know more about our local charities and finding out how we can best support them.

Q Tell us about your chosen charities…

A I have two charities this year. The first is Mudlarks, who provide employment and training opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues. They grow food on their own allotments and use the produce in their amazing café. It’s a brilliant place to visit and they do a fantastic job.

The second is the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust who look after so many of Hertford’s green spaces. They believe that everyone benefits from having access to nature and work to support local wildlife by doing everything from managing habitats to commenting on planning applications. Our local environment is one of the things that makes Hertford really special so it’s important that organisations such as this help to protect it.

Q You have lived in Hertford for 18 years. What do you love about it?

A When we first visited, the thing that made us move here was how green it was. That’s still the same now. You’re never very far from a park, churchyard, woodland, common or river in Hertford. I love that I can feel like I’m in the middle of nowhere within a few minutes walk of my front door. But I also love the hustle and bustle of the Saturday market and a night out in town.

I guess it’s the fact you can have such different experiences here that makes it really special.

Q Where are your favourite local spots?

A I love being outdoors so for me it’s Hartham Common, The King’s Meads and Panshanger Park. I think the Corn Exchange have done a brilliant job since reopening and are now a really great venue. And for food, you can’t beat Mr Tanaka’s.

Q What’s your perfect day out in Hertford?

A A nice 10km run (Cole Green Way and back through Panshanger Park) followed by a dip in the river, lunch from the bread stall and buying flowers from the market in the afternoon. Disco nap, dinner at Mr Tanaka’s and finishing off with a gig at the Corn Exchange. I’d go to bed very happy after all of that!

hertford.gov.uk/the-mayor-of-hertford/

“You can have such different experiences here”

HERTS AND MIDDLESEX WILDLIFE TRUST IS ONE OF HER CHOSEN CHARITIES

MR TANAKA'S

SHE WORKS IN MUSEUM EDUCATION

CORN EXCHANGE

FOOD & DRINK

RAISE A GLASS

SOPWELL HOUSE

A new cocktail destination has landed in St Albans – Octagon Bar at Sopwell House – bringing the London cocktail scene to Hertfordshire. Set in the heart of the Georgian manor house, discover a stunning bar and lounge, inspired by the drinking dens of the capital. sopwellhouse.co.uk

THREE COURSES

Hulya and Mark Pearse are behind a trio of Hertfordshire restaurants that have changed the way we look at Mediterranean cuisine. The former tells

By MARK KEBBLE

Love at first sight? Absolutely certainly felt that way the first time we ventured to Tabure in St Albans, and it seems there was a mutual appreciation of food when Hulya and Mark Pearse – the brains behind the restaurant – first met, nearly 20 years ago. “I met Mark in 2004 when I was out with friends in London,” Hulya tells us. “I had moved to the UK with a work placement and was surprised by the ‘Turkish’ cuisine on offer. It’s safe to say that the early years together, as I cooked many of my home inspired dishes for Mark, were an education for him.”

It’s little surprise that Hulya was determined to integrate a taste of home into their relationship. You can almost taste the joy Hulya felt growing up in Turkey.

“Day to day life was totally dominated by shopping in the markets with my mum buying fresh produce, checking all the stalls to find the best fruits and vegetables on offer,” she recounts. “Seasonality in Turkey today is still the focus, with the smells of ripeness, and the feel of the produce and of course the price, haggling with the sellers. At home we would all help my mum to prepare breakfast, whilst we would start to prepare for lunch and beyond. With pots slowly simmering through the day,

INSIDE TABURE

us how they did it

BABA GANOUSH

we would sit at each meal talking about the dishes to follow spurred on by the smells emanating through the home.”

With these memories bubbling away, as Hulya and Mark’s relationship blossomed, so too did the idea of doing their own thing. “The more we dined out, travelling abroad and experiencing different Mediterranean cuisines, we grew more confident that our ideas for the kind of restaurant we wanted to dine in was hard to find in the UK,” Hulya says. “High quality has largely been perceived as being

expensive and perhaps less accessible to many. The inspiration behind Tabure was to break these perceptions, and excite people with a lovely atmosphere, great food and drink, whilst still being a neighbourhood restaurant at our core.”

And so they took the plunge, with Tabure opening in St Albans in April 2015 – and it was an instant hit. “We have been obsessed with preparing all our food fresh to this day, and this sits at the heart of the Tabure concept,” Hulya considers what made Tabure stand out from the crowd. “We are

obsessed too with creating great flavours, with fresh herbs and spices, seasoning, and marinades. We love the joy of sharing the food at the table and our concept has always been built around this. To bring a real joy to the experience, and yet to still be as healthy an option as anywhere at the same time. We are passionate about using only organic meat from Rhug farm in Wales, who supply mainly to Michelin starred restaurants, but yet to stay affordable in comparison.

“We have obsessed too in ensuring that the standard of our service is as equal

HULYA AND MARK PEARSE

in quality to our food,” Hulya adds. “We spend a lot of time with our staff, both in service, in training, and socially for them to understand the ethos of Tabure as best as possible and this comes through in the restaurant service. In all honesty it’s so tough to deliver on all these aspects, of course we cannot get it right all the time, but we remain as passionate as ever in aiming to deliver all this as ever.”

It feels like they have certainly got more right than wrong, highlighted by the fact they have three successful sites in the county now. “We are a neighbourhood restaurant and wanted to maintain that local feel. Opening in Berkhamsted and Harpenden means we are more local to many of our regulars who would have travelled further to reach our first St Albans restaurant,” Hulya says on their trio of restaurants. “We aim to offer the same experience in all our restaurants.

This is very important for us. Many of our teams work across all our restaurants, which really helps to achieve this.”

The menu, Hulya says, has always been inspired in the most part by her upbringing, but constantly evolves. “We launched our latest menu around six weeks ago,” she says, “with one of the new dishes to feature, which has proved very popular, being the organic chicken adana kofte, served as a ballotine, stuffed with apricots, green olives, zereshk berries and fresh herbs, with a creamy tarragon veloute and crispy potatoes.”

Does Hulya have a personal favourite right now? “We eat at Tabure a lot in the name of quality control, of course,” she smiles. “I enjoy our new pickled torshi cabbage, as I’m fascinated with pickling right now and all its health benefits, and the labne yoghurt dip – a strained yoghurt with confit garlic is fresh and so tasty.”

Hulya and Mark have come far since that first meeting 19 years ago. We don’t know if it was love at first sight for the two of them, but Hertfordshire diners were left infatuated with Tabure from the off. But what does the future hold in store? “We will continue to focus on the small details, explore new ideas and moving trends to keep everything at Tabure fresh with a neighbourhood feel,” Hulya says. “Next month we will be closing our Berkhamsted restaurant for an exciting refurbishment, reopening in October, so we never sit still.” It’s pretty much a given that we will love it.

tabure.co.uk

STUFFED COURGETTE FLOWERS

Easy BOWLS

Makiko Sano’s wonderful ramen recipes

Pho-style Beef Ramen

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 1 kg (2¼ lb) beef tendon

• 50 ml (1¾ fl oz/scant ¼ cup) mentsuyu (Chinese soup stock)

• 1 litre (35 fl oz/4¼ cups) cold water

• 300 ml (10 fl oz /1¼ cups) hot water

• 1 teaspoon chicken stock powder

• ¼ teaspoon ginger purée

• 200 g (7 oz) beef strips, or steak cut into thin strips

• 240 g (8½ oz/2 nests) Chinese glass noodles

Topping

• Spring onions (scallions), sliced

• Lime wedges

• Thai basil sprigs

METHOD

1 Make the broth. Place the beef tendon, mentsuyu and cold water in a lidded pot, bring to the boil and simmer, uncovered, for 4 hours. Alternatively, place in a pressure cooker for 1 hour. Add more water to the broth if it reduces too much.

2 Drain the stock through a fine sieve. Discard the beef tendon (all the meat will absorb into the stock). Now ladle about 300 ml (10 fl oz/1¼cups) of the broth and the hot water into a pot over a mediumhigh heat. Add the chicken stock powder, ginger purée and beef strips, then stir. Bring back to the boil, stirring occasionally, until the beef is cooked.

3 Cook the noodles according to the instructions on the packet. Divide the between 2 serving bowls and pour over the soup. Top with the spring onions and Thai basil, and serve with lime wedges.

Mushroom Miso Ramen

Serves 2

Me de taberu Nihonjin, or ‘We eat with our eyes’, is a popular saying in Japan. This delicate bowl has beautiful stalks (stems), trumpets and caps of mushrooms floating in an umami broth.

INGREDIENTS

• 150 g (5 oz) shiitake mushrooms

• 150 g (5 oz) shimeji mushrooms

• 150 g (5 oz) oyster mushrooms

• 2½ tablespoons white miso paste

• 2 tablespoons cooking saké

• 1½ tablespoons sugar

• 1½ teaspoons Japanese soy sauce

• ½ tablespoon sesame oil, plus 2 teaspoons for frying

• 240 g (8½ oz/2 nests) fresh Chinese noodles

• 1 litre (34 fl oz/4 cups) water

• 4 teaspoons vegetable stock powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

Topping

• 2 spring onions (scallions), sliced

METHOD

1 Cut o the stalks (stems) of the shiitake and shimeji mushrooms and roughly chop them. Roughly chop the oyster mushrooms. Place the miso, saké, sugar, soy sauce and sesame oil in a bowl and mix well.

2 Heat the 2 teaspoons of sesame oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and add all the mushrooms. Fry for 4–5 minutes until soft.

3 Add the miso mixture over the mushrooms and stir-fry over a medium heat for another 3 minutes. When the flavours start to become aromatic and coat the mushrooms, remove from the heat and set aside.

Cook the noodles according to the instructions on the packet. Drain and divide between 2 serving bowls.

4 Fill another saucepan with the water over a medium heat and add the vegetable powder stock and salt, mixing well. Bring to the boil.

5 Once boiling, remove from the heat and pour over the noodles. Pile the miso mushrooms in the middle of each bowl and scatter the spring onions on top.

Chilli Miso Ramen

Serves 2

The trend for chilli ramen originated in South Korea, where spice is used both for preservation and taste. As the spicy noodles reached the shores of Japan, fusion recipes started to emerge. The addition of miso here adds a distinctly Japanese twist to this dish.

INGREDIENTS

• 300 g (10½ oz) frozen fresh ramen

noodles

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 240 g (81/2 oz) minced (ground)

chicken

• 1 tablespoon ginger purée

• 1 tablespoon garlic purée

• 400 ml (14 fl oz/1¾ cups) water

• 1½ teaspoons white miso powder

• 1½ teaspoons gochujang (Korean red chilli paste)

• 1 teaspoon Japanese soy sauce

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cooking saké

• 1 teaspoon chicken stock powder

• 2 spring onions (scallions), chopped

• 2 tablespoons ground sesame seeds

Topping

• Chinese chives, chopped

• Fresh red chilli, sliced

• Wakame seaweed, rehydrated for 5 minutes in cold water

METHOD

1 Boil the ramen noodles as instructed on the packet, then plunge into iced water to firm them up. Set aside.

2 Heat the sesame oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Once hot, stir- fry the minced chicken, ginger and garlic until the chicken is cooked through. Add the water to the pan and bring to

the boil, then reduce the heat. Now add the miso powder, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, saké, chicken stock powder and spring onions. Cook over a low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently.

3 To serve, place your noodles in a bowl and top with the chicken and soup mix. Add the ground sesame seeds and mix gently. Top with the chives, chilli and wakame.

Recipes taken from Ramen by Makiko Sano, OH! Life, £18.99

FASHION

TRUE BLUE

DIOR

The timeless and versatile blue jean has been reinvented by Maria Grazia Chiuri in a series of denim pants. Named Dior 8, in homage to the founding couturier’s lucky number, these exceptional creations come in bootcut, flared, wideleg, boyfriend or cargo styles, as well as a new straight shape. dior.com

STYLE Sisters in

Q Congratulations on reaching your 10th anniversary – how does it feel?

A Samantha: We’re so proud of how far the brand has come in 10 years and are extremely grateful for our amazing team and all of our loyal customers who have helped us get to this exciting milestone. Stephanie: It feels very surreal! It only seems like yesterday we were setting up the website ready to launch Pretty Lavish. It is not often that we stop and reflect on how far we have come.

Q What inspired its launch?

A Stephanie: We grew up in a very entrepreneurial family so always hoped to have a business of our own one day. We used the skill sets that we both had from our previous careers to launch Pretty Lavish. For us it made sense to start our own online fashion brand together.

Q From day one, what did you want to o er?

A Samantha: We wanted to emerge within the fashion industry as a brand that bridges the gap between high street and designer brands. Our aim has always been to create high quality, timeless pieces for all occasions, whether it’s for an evening out or a cosy night at home, our pieces can be worn time and time again. Stephanie: We’re so proud to be recognised today for our sophisticated occasionwear, luxury knitwear and our curve and bridal collections.

Stephanie and Samantha Frost on 10 years of their fashion brand, Pretty Lavish, and keeping things in the family

THE SISTERS AT WORK

Q Have you evolved over the last decade?

A Samantha: Our vision and core values have remained the same, but our products have evolved over time. In recent years we have focused a lot more on making all aspects of our business more sustainable. We have added a whole section on our website designated to sustainability highlighting our roadmap for the years to come.

Q How is it running a business as sisters?

A Stephanie: I feel really fortunate to be able to run a business with my sister. I take my hat off to anyone that runs a business on their own as it can be so tough.

Samantha: We are lucky that we are extremely close so we are able to lean on each other for support. Our dad and brother ran their business together so I guess we never thought twice when setting up.

Stephanie: We have the same vision for the brand and thankfully agree 99% of the time. If there are any differences of opinions they are easy to work through.

Q What’s new for 2023?

A Samantha: We have recently launched into the menswear space launching NOBL

at the beginning of year. We have been overwhelmed by the amazing response we have been receiving since the launch. There is so much opportunity for menswear and we can’t wait to see where the brand goes.

Stephanie: Sustainability is huge for us and we have been working really hard to make our designs more sustainable, so we’re introducing lots of new recycled and organic fabrications to our collections which we’re really excited about. We’re also looking at international expansion, with the US and Ireland being our biggest markets after the UK, so we’re working on growing brand awareness and revenue there as much as we can.

Q Are you doing anything special for the 10th anniversary?

A Stephanie: I don’t want to give away too much right now, but we will be celebrating our 10th birthday throughout the next year, we have some exciting things planned so watch this space!

Samantha: We also really want to get our customers involved in this exciting milestone and within the celebrations as much as we can, so keep your eyes peeled across

our socials and newsletters to see more of what’s to come over the coming months.

Q When you look back, what makes you feel the most proud?

A Samantha: The feeling we get when we are out and about and see a customer in Pretty Lavish will never get old. When stepping back it is amazing looking at how the team has grown and the office space that we have built. Our culture is so important to us. Our team feels like a family and that is something we want to maintain as we grow.

Stephanie: This year we made The Sunday Times Top 100, which was an amazing achievement and something we are so proud of. I also find it so rewarding looking through our customer tags and reviews.

Q Where are you based in Hertfordshire?

A Stephanie: We are in the middle of the countryside in Widford. When we pull up to the office there are often cows greeting us at the gate. The views and sunsets are breathtaking. It makes a difference to the hustle and bustle of working in the city.

prettylavish.co.uk

“The feeling we get when we see a customer in Pretty Lavish will never get old”

SAMANTHA AND STEPHANIE FROST

SHAPE of things to come

The Edit by Barbour – found across Herts stores – offers a blend of nostalgia and original designs with a futuredriven aesthetic

HAIR TODAY

GONE TOMORROW

By TRISHA BULLER

The majority of us use suntan creams, lotions, oils and sprays on our skin for protection against UV rays and preventing our skin from becoming dry, burnt and then peeling. However, how many of us use hair protection products to protect hair from UV rays? These cause dehydration that can lead to dull lifeless hair and a loss of its important components such as moisture, which enables the hair to stretch. Wet hair should stretch and return one third of its length without breaking. This is what creates bounce and supports your style, once you’ve blow dried or styled your hair. Our hair is made up of a complex chain of amino acids, and to maintain healthy bouncy hair, it is important to cleanse the scalp and hair daily – this removes toxins, dead skin cells, sebum (naturally

secreted oil) and product build up.

Intensive treatments support the inner structure of the hair. This is important as moisture is a key ingredient for maintaining the stretch and return of the hair, as well as supporting even colour distribution and longevity plus style hold.

Last, but not least, conditioners which protect the outer layer of hair, smoothing the outer layers creating silky smooth shiny hair, are a must.

Post-summer hair treatments are an in salon service which are an important part of your hair colour service. The results of a good professional colour are a result of good hair condition.

TRISHA BULLER

If you are experiencing any hair and or scalp problems and need advice please contact Trisha at trichology@trishabuller.com

“How many of us use hair protection products to protect from UV rays?”

TOP PICKS

ACCESSORIES FOR STRENGTH AND BALANCE

FITNESS NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

STRENGTH TRAINING

A modern and stylish take on old school weights, the Heavy Kit from Bala Bangles is designed to help you increase strength, agility, endurance, and balance, £148.82. shopbala.com

PERFECT FORM

STRETCH OUT

The Duality Yoga Strap From Alo Yoga can be used to carry your mat and also as a support in practice. Yoga straps can be used to create resistance, improving balance, and increasing muscle strength, £39. aloyoga.com

Absolutely heads to the capital to try Reformer Pilates with leading expert in the industry, Pete Pallai

hen I arrive at the My Pilates London Studio in Putney on a rainy Friday morning, the first thing I do is warn founder Pete Pallai that I’m not very flexible. “My range of motion is terrible,” I say.

I’m here for a one-on-one session and I’m feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

Reformer Pilates is having a huge surge in popularity right now, and it’s my very first time trying it out.

Wthe process of learning to move your body with more strength, control, and awareness.

Pete is a two-time Olympian bobsledder and former rugby player. He discovered Reformer Pilates late into his career and is extremely passionate about its benefits for both women and men.

strengthening my core. I slide up and down the machine, working my whole body – from my legs and glutes, to my arms and chest. At points, my legs are burning and trembling, but I actually surprise myself in the range of movements I can do.

ON THE MAT

This natural rubber mat from Lululemon has a grippy top layer to help you find balance in your practice. Stretching can have positive effects on your gains in muscle mass, £78. lululemon.co.uk

Pete explains that although flexibility is often the thing people tend to think about when it comes to Reformer Pilates, it’s actually only one part of it. He tells me that Pilates was initially called ‘Contrology’. He prefers this name as it better describes

Now an experienced Balanced Body (the largest Pilates company worldwide) trained practitioner, people of all levels come to Pete for his expertise. He divides his time between running courses for Pilates instructors, leading advanced level classes, and giving one-to-one sessions.

Pete takes me through some basic moves, modifying them as we go to make the session uniquely bespoke to my needs.

Pregnancy and life with a toddler has left me with pain in my left hip, and I’d like to work on

The challenge is concentrating on my breathing whilst making sure I’ve got the correct form. Pete explains that you really have to focus.

He tells me that this is another thing that people really enjoy about Reformer Pilates – it’s time where you have to leave the day’s stresses behind.

At the end of the session, I might be leaving with slightly wobbly legs, but I think Pete’s enthusiasm for Reformer Pilates might have just rubbed o .

mypilateslondon.com

GLOSSIER Skywash in Pool, £18 uk.glossier.com

ESTÉE LAUDER

The Summer Look

Eyeshadow Palette, £45 net-a-porter.com

GLISTEN COSMETICS

Split Liner, £11.50 sephora.co.uk

GLOSSIER

PAT MCGRATH LABS

Luxe Eyeshadow Quad: Passion Fleur, £55 patmcgrath.com

Skywash in Pool, £18 uk.glossier.com

EDITOR’S PICK

MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Metallics Eye Palette, £50 makeupbymario.com

RARE BEAUTY Discovery Eyeshadow Palette, £30 rarebeauty.com

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS

Mini Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol.3, £33 beautybay.com

COLOUR SWIPE

Get creative with popping pastels and rainbow lids

By CARLY GLENDINNING

MILK MAKEUP

Color Chalk 3G, £17 spacenk.com

SISLEY PARIS Les Phyto-Ombres Eyeshadow, £40 net-a-porter.com

Mask, £18.99 upcirclebeauty.com

EMOLYNE Eyeshadow Crème in Bwindi Forest, £24 emolyne.com

ON THE TILES

RIPPLES

Whether for the floor or walls, choosing the right tile design can make or break your bathroom. From the material type, to the choice of colour, it’s a minefield to make sure this room does become your luxury retreat. Inside, Ripples Harpenden explain all you need to know. ripplesbathrooms.com

inside this section

INSIDE A £5M HOME NEAR WELWYN p58

THE WORK OF HERTS-BASED NS DESIGN p64

A POGGENPOHL KITCHEN CASE STUDY p67

WHY DAMSON IS THE MUST-HAVE TREND p71

DUTCH GOING

Inside a stunning country house of just over eight acres with a unique history in Welwyn

Harmer Green House is an elegant Dutch Colonial Revival residence offering over 7,000 sq ft of versatile accommodation arranged over two floors, outbuildings and cottage, set within landscaped gardens and grounds.

Characteristic features blend harmoniously with up-to-date styling. A generous vestibule and reception hall offers a splendid welcome and a glimpse of the interiors to be found within this period home. Ground floor rooms in the westerly portion comprise a refined drawing room with adjoining bar area. A formal dining room offers the perfect setting for family gatherings and hosting guests. In the easterly wing, a relaxed living area leads through to a light-filled garden room with south facing aspect and doors which open into the garden.

On the first floor, there are seven bedrooms, three of which enjoy the benefit of en-suite facilities, with the principal room having a link to a dressing area and one of the bedrooms providing options for use as a luxurious bedroom suite. There is a spacious family bathroom which features a freestanding tub, twin sinks and a shower cubicle, complementing the two cloakroom facilities on the floor below.

Rosie Rickett, a negotiator at Savills’ Country House Department, spoke to Absolutely Hertfordshire to tell us a little more about this unique property...

Q What can you tell us about the home’s history?

A It is believed Harmer Green House was built for a London lawyer and his family in 1900. His initials and those of his wife feature on the two gables at the rear of the property. Harmer Green House has only had a handful of owners and whilst each have made their own personal additions, much remains of the beautifully proportioned late Victorian/early Edwardian design. Most recently, the two original Victorian greenhouses have been restored.

Q What is the Cape Dutch Revival style?

A Different to original Cape Dutch architecture, the Cape Dutch Revival style is defined almost exclusively by ornate gables. It was created by English architect Sir Herbert Baker in the late 19th century when he was asked to redesign a South African manor house for British mining magnate Cecil John Rhodes. Baker looked for a Cape vernacular style and drew influence from Cape Dutch buildings, which among other characteristics included grand ornate clock gables reminiscent of features found on townhouses in Amsterdam.

Q What kind of period features would we find?

A Decorative cornicing, original fireplaces and a beautiful sash window with views out to the lovely landscaped gardens. The dining room is wood panelled and the drawing room retains most of its original features.

Q What mod-cons are there throughout?

A The period feel has been given a modern twist to provide a wonderful family home fit for 21st century living. The owners have updated all the bathrooms and the kitchen. Recent upgrades include solar panels, a water pump and wi-fi enabled heating.

Q Are there any surprising elements of the property when you dig a little deeper?

A There is a bar adjoining the drawing room that dates to the mid-20th century. It’s a great room when entertaining and has its own access onto the main terrace.

Q Do you have a favourite room or part of the house?

A I love the welcoming entrance hall. It opens to a second hall with double doors onto the terrace, affording a beautiful view across the landscaped gardens.

Q How extensive are the outside grounds?

A The house sits in grounds of just over eight acres, with wonderful gardens, a swimming pool, tennis court and one-bedroom cottage – all with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Of particular note is a beautifully maintained south facing lawned garden with flower borders and natural pond. A central grassed pathway runs between decorative borders to a wrought iron gate set within brick-pillars and manicured evergreen hedging, beyond which is an expanse of meadow interspersed with mature shrubs

and trees. The outdoor swimming area is enclosed by trees, while the hacienda style pool house includes changing rooms, two shower rooms and a bar. There are also newly restored original greenhouses for budding horticulturists.

Q Where is the property located and what’s great about the surrounding area?

A Harmer Green lies between the villages of Tewin and Digswell. To the north-west Welwyn has a range of shopping, as well as local pubs and restaurants, whilst Welwyn Garden City to the south provides more extensive amenities including a shopping centre and rail services into London. There’s also plenty of leisure facilities including a water sports centre and countryside park at Stanborough Park and golf courses at Hanbury Manor and Brocket Hall, which is also home to the renowned Auberge du Lac restaurant. For those with children there are also several well-regarded state and private schools including Sherrardswood School, Heath Mount, Kingshott and Haileybury College

Harmer Green House is on the market with Savills for £4,950,000. For more information, contact the Harpenden office on 01582 465 002

“The hacienda style pool house includes changing rooms and a bar”

ORIGIN POOLS

BUILDING AWARD WINNING POOLS FOR OVER 40 YEARS

WE DO IT ALL

FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION

Sliding Doors Moments

Discovering more about the business offering us all a wonderful view of the world

The company 1st Folding

Sliding Doors offer the installation of specialist bespoke sliding doors, bifolding doors, glass roof structures, innovative frameless glazing systems, windows, frameless glass balustrades and glass window seats. They also work closely with established manufacturers, offering both UK and offshore designed systems.

PEACE OF MIND

They have many years of experience in overcoming the technical difficulties involved in designing, manufacturing, and installing a bespoke product. They are FENSA Registered, and Glass and Glazing Federation members, and all their products come with a 10-year guarantee.

THEIR SERVICE

They are happy to undertake free design consultation and discuss their range of products. Their bespoke glazing service means they can tailor specifically to the glazing required for each project. Surveys and installations can be phased at no extra cost. Through their full on-site survey, they will assist with any technical issues your builders, architects or project manager may have. Together with this technical support they have in place, their fully trained installers and also the support they give their trade customers gives them the confidence to provide a great value for money package.

Whether your project is big or small, they can help you achieve your glazing vision.

Call 020 8997 2448 or email marcus@1stfoldingslidingdoors.co.uk to find out more

“They have the confidence to provide a great value for money package”

STORY Inside

Nestled in a quiet street of Northwood, North West London, this gated home underwent a transformation with building a side extension on the first floor to create a tailored Primary Suite. Neha Shah –founder of NS Interior Design – was appointed to create and design a space that optimised the definition of a “hotel style” look and feel.

Once the overall footprint was established with the architects, working closely with the clients, Neha created the perfect configuration that provided an open plan feel whilst providing four definitive areas: dressing table, bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite.

Neha wanted to create a main focal point as you entered the Primary Suite. Beginning with the bespoke dressing table area, she opted for a rich dark slatted screen layered with a classic circular mirror, accented with an LED glow behind. This area also included a floating dressing table with a marble effect top and antique brass trim accents.

Continuing the dark wood theme in the bedroom area, Neha opted for an oversized headboard in a grey faux textured leather with antique brass trim accents. This was completed with elegant fluted glass wall lights and bespoke bedsides.

Given that the wardrobe area was long and narrow, Neha maximised on the extensive ceiling height with a neutral profile door with rich wood inlay handles. This was accented with a bespoke smoked glass door to the centre to showcase the client’s designer handbags. To complete this space, she opted for smoked mirror panels and LED tape lighting in key areas.

Continuing the hotel inspired theme in the main en-suite, Neha made a choice on using oversized large format tiles that had a subtle marble movement and veining running through. This was paired with the consistent theme of LED glow lighting, antique brass detailing and black finished sanitaryware.

This project was provided with a full service including Spatial Planning, Interior Design and Design Management.

See more about this and other projects by Neha Shah at nsinteriordesign.co.uk

Absolutely takes a closer look at one stunning project by Hertfordshirebased NS Interior Design

It was a space that optimised the definition of a "hotel style" look

PHOTOS: NEIL RAJA (NEILRAJAARTIST.COM)

This kitchen uses a combination of ‘Natural Nut Tree’ and ‘Blossom White’ doors alongside the exquisite Neolith ‘Himalayan Crystal’ worktops.

With a soft and elegant palette, it embodies a sense of tranquility and warmth, perfectly reflecting the client’s desire for a clean and inviting space.

The customer wanted a natural and organic feel to the kitchen. The warm tones and distinctive grain patterns of the ‘Nut Tree’ doors lends a touch of rustic charm, whilst the matt lacquered ‘Blossom White’ provides a clean and modern backdrop. Together they create a harmonious balance that is visually appealing and soothing. The porcelain worktops in Neolith’s Himalayan Crystal finish add a luxurious touch that is enhanced by its satin finish. The combination of the durability and stunning aesthet-

Sense & SERENITY

Poggenpohl presents a kitchen that marries simplicity, elegance and functionality

ics makes them an ideal choice for a kitchen that aims for both style and practicality – which is just what this client ordered. Ensuring a modern finish, the LED lighting is adjustable and integrated into the kitchen, allowing the client to easily control the mood of the space, from bright and vibrant to soft and relaxing, depending on the occasion and personal preference. The play of light and shadow further accentuates the textures and tones of the materials, creating a captivating visual experience.

The client’s request for a muted colour palette that still exudes warmth is achieved with this design. The soft and elegant tones create a serene ambience, fostering a sense of tranquility and comfort in the kitchen. The clean lines and uncluttered layout further allow for easy navigation and smooth workflow. This kitchen goes above and beyond meeting the client’s expecta-

tions as it harmoniously blends aesthetics, functionality and the desired ambiance. The use of the warm finishes and modern Siemens appliances achieves a balance between visual appeal, practicality and the desired serene and inviting atmosphere.

This kitchen design captures the essence of simplicity, elegance and efficiency. The choice of materials, colour palette, lighting and appliances all contribute to a space that is both visually stunning and highly functional. Whether the client is cooking, entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet moment, this kitchen offers a quiet and inviting environment for the client and their loved ones to gather and create lasting memories, all while ensuring an ergonomic design that will stand the test of time.

To find your nearest Poggenpohl dealer, visit poggenpohl.com or phone 01737 728 100

Build with ORIGIN

Ready to dive in and install an indoor pool? You need a company that will take on everything from planning to construction

The idea of fi nally taking the plunge and deciding to go ahead with the indoor pool you’ve always dreamed of can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure about the process. After starting their own business, the Langleys had reached a stage where maintaining their health, enjoying life and everything they have worked so hard for was becoming even more important. An indoor pool would offer all of this and more so the search for a contractor began.

Building swimming pools is a specialised field, out of the many companies the Langleys researched some could offer the design and build of the pool and others could build the pool house, but what about a company that could do it all?

Knowing they wanted a company that could take care of everything and alleviate

the hassle of dealing with separate contractors, the Langleys decided on Origin. Origin drew up the preliminary designs and handled the planning applications, working around any potential risks or challenges. Once approval was granted, the build began.

Origin arranged for the Langleys to visit a variety of their recently fi nished projects to provide inspiration for the style, pool size and atmosphere they were looking for. This type of invaluable experience sets Origin apart from the rest and shows the type of relationship they maintain with previous clients.

The Langleys were eager to be as environmentally conscious as possible and were delighted with Origin’s knowledge and variety of low carbon heating and running options. Like many people, the Langleys had some unpleasant experience

with builders in the past, but having Origin show complete professionalism as well as plan, design, manage and build their indoor swimming pool has shown just how different they are.

Origin pride themselves on their communication, believing it to be one of the hallmarks of a successful project. From the beginning of the project and throughout the build, Origin maintain frequent meetings which alleviate any stress from the client as they’re always kept in the loop.

The Langleys now have their dream pool, their daily routines have changed and their health is better than ever thanks to swimming, and Origin provide all the aftercare, maintaining their clients pools for years to come. What advice would the Langleys give? “Use Origin! Seriously though, look at previous projects and talk to previous clients, use a company with extensive experience – Origin offer all of this and more.”

The Art Gallery is a stylish gallery showcasing a selection of artwork from the country’s most popular artists.

Our Framing Service begins with a friendly and experienced consultation and ends with your framing, completed to our exacting standards, by the team in our on site workshop.

We have a dedicated framing area within the gallery space showcasing a superb range of frame samples, mounting boards and glass options.

Customers have our expertise and framing creativity on hand to advise on a practical level, as well as for design inspiration to give your framing a bespoke look.

pooky.com

johnlewis.com

PLUM PICKS

Damson is the new shade of the season

By PENDLE HARTE

WHERE SAINTS GO Burgundy Eucalyptus Stems, £39 wheresaintsgo.co.uk

EARTHBORN PAINTS Lady Bug, £54 earthbornpaints.co.uk Murphy table lamp, £110

SHIMU Viscount Rug Burgundy, £129 shimu.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL WALLS

Floral Impressions Leaves and Berries, £42.98 beautifulwalls.co.uk

EICHHOLTZ Trapezium Chair, £1,124 sweetpeaandwillow.com

SCHNEID Eikon Circus Pendant Lamp, from £191 nunido.co.uk

FLOS Captain Flint Outdoor Wall Light, £799 inspyerlighting.co.uk

VICTORY COLOURS About Damson No 50, £44.95 victorycolours.co.uk

LIGNE ROSET Taru One Arm Settee, £3,620 ligne-roset.com

JYSK End Table, £30 jysk.co.uk

“AfterseeingHertford Barnspremises,Icouldn’tchoose anyotherplaceformychild.Notonly aretherebrightandbeautifulbig spacestoplay,thestaffarealwaysvery supportiveandkind.Themanagement teamisalwaysveryprofessional.Mygirl evenaskstogotonurseryonweekends, thatshowsushowmuchshelovesbeing there and how well she is treated.”

Parent, www.daynurseries.co.uk

Fun is an essential ingredient at Hertford Barns Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.

EDUCATION

HIGH ACHIEVERS

ST. FRANCIS' COLLEGE

Set in the midst of Letchworth Garden City, St. Francis' College has been providing a first class education for girls for over 85 years, blending traditional values and a modern vision. Small class sizes, individual attention and a supportive, caring environment help ensure that each and every girl enjoys their education. Inside this section, we meet head James Nichols to find out more.

Academics & ANNIVERSARIES

James Nichols, Head of St Francis’ College, on a special birthday, a year overseeing the school and an exciting term ahead

Q Can you give us a brief overview of the history of St Francis’ College?

A This is the College’s 90th anniversary year. It was founded in 1933 by the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, a congregation of Roman Catholic sisters. In 1983 the running of the College was transferred to an educational charity, St. Francis’ College Trust, run by a board of governors, and at this point the College became multi-denominational, welcoming students of all faiths and none. In May 2022, we transferred to be part of the Inspired Learning Group consortium of schools and the College is now embarking on a new phase of investment in top class facilities and growth due to demand for places here.

Q How long have you been Head?

A I was appointed Head in September 2022. I was fortunate to have worked in the College as Deputy Head before that, from April 2021, until Mrs Goulding retired at the end of the 2021/22 academic year. As Deputy, I already knew what a fantastic school this is and how wonderful the staff, students, parents and sense of community is at the College. As such, it was an easy decision to apply for the role. I was honoured that so many members of our community publicly backed my application and that our new trust, the Inspired Learning Group, had the confidence in me to drive the College forward onto the next stage of its growth.

Q In nursery, how do you look to instil a love for learning?

A Our new nursery opened last month and we’re delighted that we can now welcome boys and girls from 3 months old to 4 years to St. Francis'. Because young children are naturally curious and inquisitive, we adopt a curiosity approach to learning, within an environment designed to be awe-inspiring for our children and to help them grow and develop socially, emotionally, and academically. Cultivating a love of learning at an early age enriches a child’s life as they get older. We base our child-led learning activities on each child’s interests; this encourages the children to develop a genuine interest in learning and to be enthusiastic about exploring new topics. It also motivates them to acquire new skills and knowledge in areas that they’re passionate about. A love of learning can’t be taught, but it can be inspired.

Q What kind of boarding provisions do you offer?

A Students can board at St. Francis’ from Year 6, and there are the options of day, weekly or flexi boarding. We offer different types of accommodation; younger students share with 2 or 3 to a bedroom, GCSE students are usually in twin rooms and the Sixth Formers have individual rooms. The boarding house has a lovely family atmosphere created by experienced

JAMES NICHOLS

boarding staff and academic tutors. It’s located in the top floors of our main building, meaning all the socially important parts of the school are within easy reach without leaving the building, although most weekends exciting trips are organised by the boarding team. Boarding comes with a built-in social life, and students will be living with their friends – a recipe for fun!

Q How key are activities outside of the classroom?

A In our fast-paced, demanding world, holistic student development has become

paramount, which is why St. Francis’ puts so much emphasis on actively instilling in our students the core values of DREAMS: Determination, Resilience, Empowerment, Appreciation, Motivation, and Security. An annual highlight, Five Star Week, amplifies these values. This week-long off-timetable immersive experience not only enriches students' lives, but equips them with essential life skills, encouraging them to embrace their dreams and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Five Star Week encompasses activities both in school and on trips, such as cultural engagements, competitions,

creative projects, academic challenges, and financial workshops where students are encouraged to set goals and work diligently to achieve them. This exposure kindles an appreciation for diverse outlooks, nurturing compassion and inclusivity. Conquering hurdles and stretching their boundaries during these pursuits fosters a strong sense of determination that stays with students and empowers them to stride forward with confidence and create a brighter world.

Q What makes St Francis’ College stand out from other schools?

A Many schools champion their “sense of community”. It is often included in marketing materials and talked about at open evenings without a clear sense of what it means to that institution. That is certainly not the case at St. Francis’. We are, for a start, not an institution. Small class sizes, excellent teaching, a pastoral programme that is embedded throughout the curriculum, a keen focus on student voice and a plethora of extra-curricular opportunities all enable students and staff to build up their relationships alongside achieving academic and co-curricular excellence. At St. Francis’, outstanding GCSE and A-level results,

alongside 100% of students achieving their first university choice, are results which happen naturally. We are not a hothouse; we are a phenomenally successful educational community that enables extraordinary outcomes for our students.

Q What are you looking forward to as the new school year begins?

A We’ve just opened our new Sixth Form Centre, which is a fantastic space and which some of our younger years will also benefit from. I’m particularly excited by plans we have for our curriculum. We’ll be introducing new subjects at GCSE and A-level, further widening our offering and ensuring relevance to what students are looking for, whilst maintaining our rigorous educational standards. We’ll be offering much greater flexibility over GCSE subject options too, which we’re able to do as a small school. Our revised IT strategy will be launched, which will see devicebased learning for all students across the College. And we’ll be continuing our programme of modernising our teaching spaces. It’s going to be a busy year!

st-francis.herts.sch.uk

GUIDE girl s

Nobody ever said growing up was easy, but these days it can be particularly tough – especially for girls. That’s where Dr Zoe Williams comes in, with a desire to create a new guide for the 9+ age group – not just focusing on the physical changes of puberty, but the social and emotional pressures of 21st life. You Grow Girl! The Complete No Worries Guide to Growing Up is the result.

By LIBBY NORMAN

Dr Zoe Williams is a well-placed voice of authority, a GP, with day-to-day experience of the issues young people encounter. She is also a trusted medic on our screens.

A working GP, and a familiar face on TV, Dr Zoe Williams has written a new book designed to guide girls through the physical, mental and social trials of growing up

PHOTO: CHARL MARAIS

ZOE WILLIAMS’ GUIDE BALANCES SOUND HEALTH INFORMATION WITH INSPIRING TIPS AND CASE STUDIES

Her schedule includes roles with the Royal College of General Practitioners and British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. Oh, and she’s a former rugby player (Blaydon Women’s RFC) and appeared as ‘Amazon’ on Sky 1’s Gladiators. By anyone’s lights – but especially if you’re a girl growing up – that last bit adds up to pretty cool. She is clear about the challenges girls face today – and they go way beyond the physical changes that make puberty such a confusing time. “It was really important to me to make sure we included topics that young people are not only interested in, but should be aware of,” she says. The book gives all the sound advice you’d hope for (looking after your body and healthy eating), but also covers o everything from building body confidence to being empowered to speak up when something doesn’t seem right.

Zoe thinks that the information children are exposed to in real time makes trusted sources and sound guidance more important than ever. “If I think about myself, I had limited access to information. I could ask my parents, my teachers, find a book or magazine or ask my friends. Whereas now young people can find information on anything online. And they may get good sources of information, or they find information that is incorrect or misleading or dangerous,” she says.

She believes young people today are more attuned to the society in which they are growing up. “I think when we were young, we didn’t feel war and global issues were any of our business, whereas young people do now – and rightly so. They are not just feeling the weight of their personal experience of growing up on their shoulders.”

While You Grow Girl! focuses mostly on

supporting children through their own individual journey, it also provides inspiring case studies and guidance to reflect these bigger-picture concerns. These include topical issues such as poverty (food insecurity and period poverty). Zoe felt it was important for the book to acknowledge and support people with the most challenging lives.

The book provides thought-provoking analysis around bullying. “It’s not just about the person being bullied or the bully, we all have the responsibility and an ability to support both the bully and the person doing the bullying. It’s important, at a deeper level, for young people to feel empowered and to know they have the permission to speak out and do the right thing.”

Sex, mental health and consent are all covered in a sensitive and age-appropriate way, but also with that ‘dip in’ tips and pointers approach that is so useful in helping young people absorb information without feeling overwhelmed. Zoe is also excellent on inspiring case studies, including drawing on her own recollections as she was growing up. She gives a great account of how she learned to improve her own body confidence on Gladiators and o ers advice on adopting a gladiator name and stance in testing situations.

Body confidence is a major issue for girls as they grow, and she delivers insights about this by talking about her own teenage insecurities and her game-changing moment – in the communal showers after her first competitive rugby game. She had prepared for anything, bringing along a bikini. Then everyone just stripped o and got in the shower. “And there was this sudden realisation that nobody cared what I looked like,” she says. “Everyone is di erent, there

is no normal. I wish I could go back and tell my younger self that, and that’s why I’m telling the young people reading my book.” She thinks that, as adults, we have a duty to approach the whole business of dispensing advice to young people with care, and also due respect for their intelligence. “We have to give young people credit for the knowledge they already have,” she says. On areas such as consent and sexual identity, she suggests young people are often more aware than we realise.

“As a parent, teacher or grown up, it’s about saying: ‘you know what, you might know more than me on this. I’ll share what I know, and I’d really appreciate it if you’d share what you know, and then maybe we’ll both end up with more knowledge and be empowered’. What a wonderful thing to do, rather than us always being the educator and the young person always being the recipient of knowledge.”

“Young people are not just feeling the weight of their personal experience of growing up on their shoulders”

What a RESULT

Absolutely reports on impressive exam figures at St Edmund’s College & Prep

St Edmund’s College & Prep, Ware, is pleased to announce the achievements of its A-level students, with 85% of grades awarded at A*-C and strong performances seen across a number of varied subjects. Students studying Further Maths secured 100% of grades at A*-A grades, whilst those studying French achieved 100% at grades A*-B and in Art 50% of grades were awarded at A*-A. The class of 2022/23 has been accepted into a diverse array of universities, institutions and opportunities, with 88% securing their first-choice destinations including at the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Manchester and Warwick. They will pursue degrees in a range of disciplines such as Law, Engineering, Anthropology, History and Pharmacy.

Matthew Mostyn, headmaster at St Edmund’s College & Prep School, says: “Congratulations to our 2023 leavers, who faced their first ever set of public examinations with fortitude, courage and confidence. These results underline the determination of this cohort and the enduring commitment of our school community to supporting their growth and development. I’d like to extend my thanks to our dedicated teaching staff, whose expertise and tireless efforts have guided our students to academic success. I’d also like to acknowledge the steadfast support of parents and guardians, who have played a pivotal role in the students’ achievements. We are extremely proud to see our students take up places at some of the best university destinations in the UK. With a great set of results under their belts, we wish them all the very best for their future endeavours.”

The school also announced an excellent set of GCSE results. Year 11 pupils secured an admirable collection of grades with 84% awarded at 9-5 (A*-B) and 47% at 9-7 (A*-A). These results reinforce St Edmund’s place as a leading education provider for pupils living in Hertfordshire and beyond.

This year, St Edmund’s pupils delivered particularly strong performances in individual science subjects. Grades 9-7 (A*-A) were achieved by 88% of pupils studying Biology; 75% of pupils taking Chemistry; and 83% of pupils studying Physics. There were also exceptional results in language subjects, specifically German and Italian.

Matthew Mostyn adds: “At St Edmund’s we take immense pride in our ability to consistently deliver exceptional results across all levels of education. Returning to pre-pandemic grading standards was never going to be easy for pupils, but we are incredibly proud of their achievements, and look forward to welcoming them back in September to continue their studies in our Sixth Form.”

St Edmund’s is committed to providing an environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth, and prepares pupils for success, personally and professionally. Teaching at the school is underpinned by the High Performance Learning (HPL) framework. Embraced by a growing number of world leading schools, HPL blends a focus on academic confidence and attainment with the development of robust personal values, attitudes, and attributes to educate students as a whole. The result – for pupils studying at St Edmund’s – is an intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual education that creates self-assured individuals, who are kind and caring as well as astute problemsolvers and strategic thinkers.

stedmundscollege.org

“We are extremely proud to see our students take up places at some of the best universities”

ST EDMUND'S PUPILS EXCELLED THIS YEAR

St Albans’ Dog Day

How the city celebrated man’s best friend with a special event marking International Dog Day

St Albans BID launched ‘St Albans Dog Day’ in August to promote the city’s dog-friendly status with a day of activities and treats for our pups including free puppo-cinos and pup-arazzi selfie boards.

St Albans regularly appears as one of the UK’s top dog-friendly cities with lots of attractions, cafés, pubs, shops, and restaurants offering a warm welcome. So much so that many have dedicated menus and treats just for our four-legged friends.

Vivien Cannon, manager at St Albans BID, says: “St Albans Dog Day is a brandnew initiative designed to highlight all the ways the city is dog-friendly. With new figures showing that business owners who became ‘dog-friendly’ for the first time in 2022 reported growth of 20–50%, it was a great way for businesses to highlight their dog-friendly credentials and encourage more dog owners to visit and enjoy St Albans.”

There was plenty of fun to be had on the day on 26 August. Highlights included dog selfie frames dotted around the city centre, a dog-themed market situated by the Clock Tower with traders including Chiltern Pet, FurBabies Botanicals, Butternut Box and Husky Tails, free treat bags for all pooches supplied by St Albans BID and Chiltern Pet, raw Feeding Advice Workshop, and a raffle with prizes including a £50 Chiltern Pet Tote Bag filled with goodies, a £20 Chiltern Pet Gift Voucher, and two tickets to DogFest Knebworth House that took place in September.

The BID team have created a new page on the official tourism website for St Albans dedicated to all things dogs

including a dog-friendly directory. Head to EnjoyStAlbans.com to browse and find out how to enjoy dog-friendly St Albans. Vivien concludes: “With more dog owners in the UK than ever before, we want to showcase all that St Albans has to offer as a great destination for dogs. Beyond our amazing green spaces for walking and exercising, we have a huge variety of social and hospitality venues and retail businesses that fully welcome dogs so you can confidently enjoy time in our city with your furry friends.”

EnjoyStAlbans.com

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