Highly recommend; Master of his Craft & Very Professional; Provides Good Explanations.
*Patient outcome could vary according to their pathologies and other factors.
CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN
GET PARTY READY
Prepare for the party season and treat yourself to some transformative facial and body treatments at Dr Nyla Medispa, Cheshire. Dr Nyla Raja, a renowned cosmetic dermatology GP, has over twenty years of experience and a reputation as one of the top cosmetic doctors in the UK. With an extensive menu of advanced aesthetic treatments, including Dr Nyla’s exclusive Transformation Facelift™, HydraFacial, CoolSculpting and ENVY Facial to name but a few. Her Mayfair clinic is the ultimate destination for pre-Christmas treatments to tighten, brighten, lift and sculpt.
The Transformation Facelift™ is Dr Nyla’s bespoke, non-surgical treatment plan, designed to turn back the clock and help clients look up to ten years younger within just six weeks. By stimulating collagen production, lifting, and adding structure to the face through various techniques, the Transformation Facelift™ rejuvenates skin for a youthful, sculpted appearance - just in time for the festive season.
To treat yourself or family and friends, Dr Nyla’s exclusive Dr Nyla Skincare lineup features se en l rio s, refilla le essentials cra ted ith scientificall acked in redients that deliver the ultimate winter glow. These high-performance skincare products provide deep hydration, revitalisation, and protection from the harsh winter elements that can often leave skin dull and dehydrated during the festivities. Available only at doctornyla.com.
www.doctornyla.com
Dr Nyla Medispa Cheshire is located at Castlerock House, Wilmslow Road, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK9 7QL. Call 0162 552 3307 / 0800 009 6661 to book a complementary consultation
DR NYLA MEDISPA GIFT VOUCHERS are redeemable against all treatments and Dr Nyla skincare at all clinic locations, vouchers are available in any denomination and can be collected or posted from our clinics. (postage deadlines and costs apply).
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.
Yorkshire Hideaways is a holiday cottage agency showcasing an ever-growing portfolio of selfcatering properties throughout the county – from cosy cottages full of rural charm to luxury retreats oozing coastal chic.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a dog-friendly break or somewhere for that large family get-together, you are sure to nd that perfect holiday property with us.
EDITOR
MARK KEBBLE
ART DIRECTOR
PAWEL KUBA
SENIOR DESIGNERS
MIKE ROBERTS
SUZETTE SCOBLE
MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER
CARMEN GRAHAM
DESIGNER
MARIANA SUZUKI
PRODUCTION MANAGER
DANICA BRODIE
MEDIA CONSULTANTS
MELANIE HARDCASTLE
RACHEL STEAD
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR
JERRIE KOLECI
CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER
ALEXANDRA HVID
DIRECTORS
CRAIG DAVIES
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NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ALEXANDRA HUNTER
MANAGING DIRECTOR
SHERIF SHALTOUT
For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com
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Website absolutelymagazines.com
Scala Glen Cottage, Hebden
Yorkshire YATTER
Why Christmas really is a time to think about others, as
Lisa Byrne writes
Idon’t want to be a miserable Mary, but Christmas can be a tough time for many people. The loneliness of missing a loved one or pressure for everything to be perfect, can send the most levelheaded of us to reach for the sherry and hide under the Christmas tree! We always hosted my doctor brother Nich, who’d arrive ladened down with ridiculously expensive gifts and tell naughty jokes over Christmas lunch before heading out into the cold to help feed the London homeless. But since his sudden death in 2014, 25th December has never been the same.
It’s a similar story for Emmerdale make-up artist Virna Midgley. Christmas was always a magical time until her teenage son Jordan died from cancer in 2016. Virna, who’s building an incredible retreat in North Yorkshire for others a ected by heartbreaking life-limiting illnesses, feels it can be a time of forced happiness. “I have a lovely family, so I must be positive, but there’ll always be an empty chair at our table. And any card that doesn’t have Jordan’s name on it will not be hung up.”
Another charity fundraising mum, famed Yorkshire jeweller Kay Bradley, finds life so hectic; she must wrap her son Rupert’s presents up by October. Gorgeous Rupert, six, has spent much of his young life in hospital after being born with a lower limb condition called bilateral talipes, so Kay and her husband Kyle make the season extra special. “Christmas means everything to us; we live for the festivities all year round!” Christmas Day is a rare day o for Hoping York Street Kitchen’s coordinator Helen Meadows, who spends every weekend, along with a team of volunteers, cooking delicious meals for the city’s homeless. Helen says they normally cater for around 100 people over Christmas. “On December 15th, 22nd and 29th from 2.30pm to 4pm at the King’s Manor, we’ll serve a hot, freshly cooked Christmas dinner, together with carols and gifts. This can be such a lonely time for people who are struggling, but we always enjoy a cheerful few hours indulging in the true spirit of Christmas.”
Yorkshire businessman Andy Knowles and a team of volunteers give up their time before and throughout Christmas to support Menfulness (a men’s mental health charity), monitoring the WhatsApp support group and responding when required. “Menfulness provides a lifeline as many men share their struggles with separation from their children, lack of money and feelings of guilt over the festive season,” explains Andy. “It fosters a sense of community, helping people speak about their emotions to help prevent tragedy.”
So, over this Christmas season, forget about the overdone turkey and instead put your energy into bringing a shaft of light into the lives of others
My highlights for December…
Staying calm by indulging in Santa Maria Novella Melagrano bath salts.
Dressing our pooches Merlin & Murphy in Pets at Home Elf jumpers (do share your own festive pet pics).
Delighting guests with the delicious scent of Yorkshire wellbeing brand NEOM Cosy Nights scented candle.
LISA BYRNE
KAY BRADLEY AND HER SON RUPERT
Wish LIST
PRETTY GREEN
Pink City Prints' Tilda dress is the perfect party piece. Finished with an intricate, scalloped neckline, and fl attering, ruffl ed sleeves, it looks great with gold heels, or thrown on with brown boots. pinkcityprints.com
LET'S TWIST
A modern and colourful addition to your home, this Grassmere candlestick holder has an intriguing curved design in 100% glass, £16. johnlewis.com
TIGHT FIT
Pioneering hosiery brand Heist Studios creates tights using an innovative combination of sports and space industry technologies. These tights are gravitydefying, seamless and gusset-free which means no sagging –and all-day comfort. heist-studios.com
MINT CONDITION
Otiumberg's mint quartz Domino ring signature features a uniquely beautiful colour of the mint quartz, achieved through the heat treatment of an amethyst gemstone, £795. otiumberg.com
NEW FLAME
Diptyque's Citrouille candle features notes of chestnut and spices, inspired by traditional pumpkin pies, that mingle with crisp green accents of fruit. diptyqueparis.com
EMERALD SHADE
The Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds Green Dial Watch has a green sunray dial with polished hands and small seconds display at the 6 o'clock position. Sapphire crystal glass and water resistant up to 30m. berrysjewellers.co.uk
GEM OF A DESIGN
This elegant green tourmaline gemstone and diamond ring is a timeless and colourful addition to any growing jewellery collection. The design belongs to the extensive range of yellow gold gemstone jewellery designs at Berry’s Jewellers. berrysjewellers.co.uk
GREEN SCENE
The Villeroy & Boch Artis Washbasin in Sage Green is a timelessly beautiful design. The stylish Artis surfacemounted washbasins open up lots of scope for individual looks with their wide selection of colours, shapes and sizes. riponinteriors.co.uk
TOP CUP
Fill this Loving Cup with fl owers for the dinner table to mix and match with the dinnerware or use for special fl ower moments around the home, says Willow Crossley. willowcrossley.com
BOW TIE
Fanciful fl ourishes defi ne La Veste's limited-edition Juliette Shirt. The two statement bows stand out against the light green hue, adding a touch of retro energy to the classic design, £230. koibird.com
CULTURE
PHOTO: GUY FARROW
The Agenda
Elf The Musical
23-24 DECEMBER, FIRST DIRECT ARENA, LEEDS
The arena spectacular version of ‘Elf The Musical' features Santa’s magical flying sleigh, an audience snowball fight, and a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, amongst many spectacular scenes all set against amazing video-film backdrops on a large LED screen. With a large cast the winter spectacular, which wowed Leeds’ audiences last year, will star one of the UK’s most exciting rising comedy talents, Jordan Conway, who will step into the big floppy shoes of Will Ferrell.
elfthemusicaluk.com
7-8 December
MALTON
The Christmas Festival is Malton’s shopping event of the year. Visitors can expect a fabulous weekend of festive fun and family entertainment in and around Malton’s charming Market Place. On o er will be delicious food and festive gifts – you’ll have your Christmas list checked o in no time! visitmalton.com
Until 5 January
CASTLE HOWARD
Alice is planning a huge Christmas party, and she invites you to follow the White Rabbit through Castle Howard’s grand halls and regal rooms, with each twist and turn revealing fanciful festive surprises. Complete your experience with an elegant Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea and select special mementos from the Bauble Emporium. castlehoward.co.uk
PHOTO: NICK HOWARD
PHOTO: RICHARD PONTER
ART
Forbidden Territories
23 November-27 April 2025
THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD
Forbidden Territories: 100 Years of Surreal Landscapes marks 100 years since Surrealism began with the publication of André Breton’s ‘Manifesto of Surrealism’ in 1924. This will be the first UK survey to explore the role of landscape in one of the most influential artistic, intellectual and literary movements of the 20th century. hepworthwakefield.org
1935
A Yorkshire-based mother and daughter have launched a unique online art gallery
THEATRE
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
7 December-18 January
THE CRUCIBLE Little Shop Of Horrors will be the Christmas musical at the Crucible this year. The killer rock musical will be directed by Amy Hodge (Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World). When flower shop assistant Seymour acquires a mysterious new plant, he names it ‘Audrey II’ after his crush and co-worker. As the succulent grows and grows, it offers Seymour the kind of success he could only ever dream of… as long as he keeps feeding it. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Festive Events
THROUGHOUT DECEMBER,
his festive season, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, world-renowned as the setting for the timeless film classic The Railway Children, invites families to celebrate the magic of Christmas in style. Located in the heart of West Yorkshire, this historic five-mile heritage railway o ers a captivating blend of stunning scenery, charming stations, and rich history, making it the perfect destination for a festive day out that all the family will remember. kwvr.co.uk
In an exciting collaboration between artist, Louise Schofield, and her daughter, Molly, Schofield Studios has launched as a familyrun online art gallery; inviting art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike to delve into the natural world through evocative and expressive artwork. Schofield Studios is more than just an online art gallery; it is an invitation to step outside the mundane and immerse oneself in a visual journey. Each piece carries the spirit of exploration and reflection, offering a unique escape into natural beauty. With themes ranging from wildlife to breathtaking landscapes, the art on display aims to reignite a love for the outdoors and encourages viewers to venture into their own backyards or travel to new horizons. Louise has earned recognition across the UK for her captivating artwork, which draws inspiration from the rugged beauty of Yorkshire and far-flung destinations around the globe. Among her most beloved pieces are tranquil scenes of sailboats dri ing along the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean, inspired by her travels to the region a few years ago. More recently, Louise fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting South Africa, a journey that has sparked a new collection centred on the region’s breathtaking wildlife. Together, Louise and Molly curate a collection of artworks that not only reflect their individual journeys, but also celebrate the shared experience of travel, exploration, and their roots in Yorkshire. Molly says: "For us, art has always been about connection – about the stories each piece holds. My mum’s work is a window into memories for me. Through our gallery, we hope to stir that same sense of wonder in others."
schofieldstudios.com
RENÉ MAGRITTE, LA CONDITION HUMAINE,
“It's Mr. Swallow albeit in the guise of Scrooge”
Christmas CHEER
Leeds-born Nick Mohammed will be bringing plenty of festive spirit to the stage this month, the latest in a line of top comedic roles that have kept us all smiling
The first time Absolutely Yorkshire encountered Mr. Swallow was a now legendary appearance on 8 Out of 10 Cats, where he recounted the story of Jurassic Park in verse. It was so funny it even received a standing ovation from Jimmy Carr – and was the work of Leeds-born Nick Mohammed.
The character earnt the comedian his first breakthrough at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, becoming one of Nick’s most beloved creations. And the love for Mr. Swallow continues this festive season as he is preparing to spread Christmas cheer once again as a brand-new version of the ensemble comedy A Christmas Carol (ish) transfers to the West End this winter. Taking over @Sohoplace this Christmas, the show will run through until 31st December 2024.
Join Mr. Swallow and a star-studded cast for an all-singing, all-dancing comedy retelling of Dickens’ festive classic. When Santa cancels
Christmas on Christmas Eve, he’s visited by three ghosts who must convince him to see the error of his ways and rediscover the magic of Christmas. But with mere hours to go, and only one working reindeer, how will he deliver everything on time?
“I can’t quite put into words how utterly thrilled I am to be finally plonking Mr. Swallow on a West End stage – albeit in the guise of Scrooge in the guise of Santa Claus,” Nick laughs. “Getting to put on an all-singing, all-dancing show like this has been a dream come true and I can’t wait for everyone who saw the development run at Soho Theatre to be positively startled by how much bigger and – mostly – madder it’s got.”
Nick has received feverish critical acclaim for his live character comedy work and has skilfully transferred this success to the small screen including an appearance at this year’s BAFTA Film Awards to an enthralled Ryan Gosling. Nick has wowed audiences as Mr. Swallow multiple times on Channel 4’s Cats Does Countdown, with clips of the performances quickly going viral – viewing figures for the
aforementioned clip of Mr. Swallow’s Jurassic Park rendition stands at over 9 million on Facebook, whilst the clip of him memorising cards has been viewed over 12 million times. He also appeared as Mr. Swallow in Amazon’s hugely successful series Backstage
With Katherine Ryan wowing Jimmy Carr with his sleight of hand. But there is much more to Nick than this comedy behemoth.
Born in Leeds in 1980, Nick went on to attend Abbey Grange High School, where his interest in performing arts began to develop. Despite showing early promise as an academic, Nick’s passion for performance became more evident during his school years. While at Abbey Grange, he took part in school productions and cultivated a love for comedy. Nick went on to Durham University, where he studied geophysics. His time at Durham was pivotal for his burgeoning comedy career, as he joined the university’s sketch group and started honing his improvisational skills. It was during this time that his career as a performer began to take shape, although his academic background in science was a unique trait that set him apart from many of his comedic peers.
After completing his degree, Nick faced a decision: pursue a career in geophysics or follow his passion for comedy and performance. Opting for the latter, he quickly made a name for himself on the British comedy circuit. He became known for his intelligence, quick wit, and versatility as a performer.
Nick’s talent for character work and his ability to balance absurdity with clever humour made him a natural fit for British television. In the mid-2000s, he began landing roles in various TV series, often as quirky, o beat characters. He made appearances on popular British shows like Miranda and The King Is Dead while continuing to write and perform his own material.
Despite his established presence in British comedy, Nick’s international breakthrough came with his role as Nate Shelley in Ted Lasso. The show – created by Jason Sudeikis,
Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly – premiered on Apple TV+ in 2020 and quickly became a global phenomenon. Ted Lasso is centred around an American football coach, played by Sudeikis, who is hired to manage a struggling British soccer team, despite having no experience with the sport.
Nick’s character, Nate, starts o as the shy and unassuming kit man for the team. Over the course of the series, Nate undergoes significant character development, evolving from a timid, overlooked figure into a more complex and, ultimately, antagonistic character. This transformation is one of the key storylines in the show, and Nick’s performance was widely praised for its depth and nuance.
Nate’s journey, from the underdog whose tactical genius earns him a coaching role to a man grappling with insecurity and ambition, provided a rich role for Nick to showcase his acting range. The character’s arc is both heartbreaking and compelling, and fans of the show were captivated by the way Nick handled the shift in Nate’s personality, particularly in the second and third seasons of the series.
His portrayal of Nate earned him critical acclaim, and he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2021 and 2022. The role also brought him newfound international fame, introducing his talents to audiences beyond the UK.
While Ted Lasso has been a career-defining role for Nick, it is far from his only notable work. He has appeared in a variety of shows, including the satirical comedy Intelligence, in which he stars alongside David Schwimmer. Nick also co-writes the show, which centres around an inept GCHQ o cer and the brash NSA agent he’s forced to work with.
Despite his rising fame, Nick has remained grounded. He often speaks about the influence of his family and his Leeds upbringing on his work. The multicultural environment in which he was raised, combined with his academic background, has given him a unique perspective on comedy. His humour often reflects an understanding of the absurdities of everyday life.
On that note, over to Nick for the last word: “With so many versions of A Christmas Carol to choose from this festive season we can absolutely guarantee this is the only one where all the words, context and overall meaning has been altered to meet my very specific requirements. Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!”
achristmascarolish.com
STARRING ALONGSIDE DAVID SCHWIMMER IN INTELLIGENCE
TED LASSO WAS A HUGE HIT
THE JOB LOT
One to Treasure
Muggleswick Wood is an enchanting series of stories from debut author Vicky Cowie, who didn’t let the small matter of dyslexia stop her
By MARK KEBBLE
Sometimes, on those nights when having access to five streaming services doesn’t equal finding something I want to watch, I happen upon The Good Life and find myself daydreaming about living just that. Being an animal lover, too, the thought of having a whole menagerie of pets always puts a smile on my face – which is why I tell Yorkshire author Vicky Cowie I am jealous of her day to day world.
“Busy if a little hectic,” she laughs in response. “With three young girls at 10, 12 and 13 and a little boy of four, stretching
over two Yorkshire schools, all the sports fixtures and a string of ponies to compete, we certainly wouldn’t manage without the great support network we have at home. The horses and ponies are a huge part of our lives, but when you add in the dogs, cats, alpacas, wallabies, pig, ducks, and Guinea pigs, we are living in a beautiful little Yorkshire zoo!”
Considering I have just the one dog and she’s tiring enough, I am in awe of Vicky – even more so when digging a little deeper into how she became an author. “I didn’t like my prep school, I couldn’t spell and had little if any interest in reading or writing,” she says.
“I am dyslexic and found the educational side of school di cult. It wasn’t until we got a piece of homework after a class reading of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes, and we were asked to write our own piece of work to tell a story in rhyme, that I realised that this was a challenge I could do and really enjoyed. Finally, this was something that came easily and naturally to me. I feel sure that the dyslexic part of my brain is entirely to thank for this new skill that I’d found.”
When it came to putting pen to paper, she could tap into plenty of personal experience. “My writing in my teens was definitely centred around two things. One was a bit of a family tradition where at big gatherings and family parties I was asked to write a poem to include every person around the table. I have a huge family, so this task was no mean feat! My poems had the sole purpose of making everyone laugh.
PHOTO: STUART WOOD
“The second was writing poems at school, about our not so well-liked teachers,” Vicky smiles. “This was invariably done whilst I was supposed to be doing my homework or on the odd occasion in a lesson that I had become increasingly uninterested in. The teacher may have been unimpressed, but as long as I had my friends laughing, I was always pleased it had been time well spent.”
She grew up around Muggleswick Woods and, eventually, that period of her life came to inspire Vicky to write a book. “I sort of fell into my books without a plan, but it had always been an idea I had toyed with, as they were the stories that I told the children as bedtime stories,” she says. “I found myself in a rather quiet, empty house for the first time in seven years – as the third of my girls had just started school. I had exercised the horses. I reached for a pen and paper – and that was that. Within six weeks I had written my first five rhyming books, now all brought together in the Tales of Muggleswick Wood Treasury. At the time, I figured that self-publishing the books separately was the route I should take.
“I knew early that they were being well received,” Vicky continues. “I was selling them at events out of the back of my horse box at Burghley, The Game Fair and Bramham, which was great fun. Then along came Bloomsbury, and the CEO’s test was to read the books to his grandchildren – and I can only thank these children for giving me a good review!”
Now we have Tales from Muggleswick Wood: A Magical Bedtime Treasury made up of five little books full of adventures, magic, fairies, bugs, myths, moles – and beautiful illustrations by Charlie Mackesy. “I first met Charlie when I visited his home in London, reading my rhyming stories to him (silly voices included!)
as I watched him sketch my characters right in front of my eyes. All I could see was my imagination coming to life. Some of the illustrations and what I had always envisaged in my own head bore an uncanny resemblance to what Charlie depicted from my words.”
It’s the perfect book to give a younger member of the family this Christmas, which brings me to how Vicky plans to spend hers. “For me it’s all about the kids being home, dark nights and open fires all setting the scene for a cosy family Christmas,” she smiles. “The festivities do tend to stretch out a little though. By the time we have done my family Christmas (around 20 of us), our own family Christmas Day (just my husband Andrew, me and our kids), then all the wheels come o on Boxing Day and Andrew’s brothers, sisters-in-law, older children and
grandchildren arrive. Chaos! But I love the cooking, the constant laughing and excitement adjoined with the odd little sisterly scrap, just to remind us we are human. I love the smell of the tree, and the feeling of accomplishment when it is finally decorated to my slightly perfectionist standards. Christmas would also not be Christmas without the ivy we pull out of the woods at home and intertwine with fairy lights up the staircases. Apart from home, I love seeing Helmsley market place, and shops wonderfully lit up. Castle Howard is always beautifully decorated too.” That certainly sounds like the good life.
Tales From Muggleswick Wood by Vicky Cowie, illustrated by Charlie Mackesy, published by Bloomsbury £20 from all good bookshops
CHRISTMAS AT CASTLE HOWARD
ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS FROM THE BOOK
PHOTO: STUART WOOD
PHOTO: CHARLOTTE GRAHAM
TAKE THREE
Panto season is in full flow across Yorkshire, none more so than in She eld. Absolutely chats to the leading cast of Snow White, heading to the Lyceum
MATTHEW CROKE AND AOIFE KENNY, PHOTO BY VOX MULTIMEDIA
MEMBERS OF THE COMPANY OUTSIDE THE LYCEUM AT THE LAUNCH OF SNOW WHITE, PHOTO BY VOX MULTIMEDIA
In the She eld Lyceum this Christmas, Snow White will be entertaining audiences with a fun-packed, family pantomime from Friday 6th December-Sunday 5th January. We found out more from cast members, Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley, and She eld locals Matthew Croke and Damian Williams.
Q You are no stranger to She eld Damian, with this being your 17th panto at the Lyceum. How does it feel to be back?
DAMIAN: Do you know what, I love She eld, particularly at Christmas-time. I say this a lot, but the atmosphere in the city at Christmas is amazing. The people and the
city; there’s such a great buzz and when they come to the panto – listening to the audience in the auditorium over the tannoy when I’m in my dressing room – it’s such a great atmosphere and I love it. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else at Christmas.
Q Catherine, this will be your first panto at She eld Theatres. Have you ever been to or worked in She eld before? Do you have any memories here?
CATHERINE: I haven’t, but I am determined to make brand new memories in She eld. I’ve got a lot of friends in She eld and I know it’s a very warm place – I can see that already, the people are lovely, so I’m very excited.
Q Matthew, you have performed in She eld before, but across the road in the Crucible. Can you tell us about your time here, and are you looking forward to being back in She eld?
MATTHEW: Yes! Well, I’m actually from She eld and having worked at the Crucible and now at the Lyceum, I just feel very, very, very excited because it’s my hometown and I’ve always heard that the pantomime is absolutely fantastic, so to be part of it here really means a lot to me. I’ve got lots of friends and family who are really excited too.
Q Catherine, many people will know you from the Cobbles or Strictly, but
how are you preparing to channel your inner Wicked Queen for this role?
CATHERINE: I’m tuning into hormonal Cath, I think that’s probably the angriest I get! I have always wanted to do panto, I’m a huge fan and it’s been on my bucket list for many, many years, so I’m very excited to release the evil-ness!
Q This year Damian, you are playing Nurse Nellie. Who is Nurse Nellie in the story, and do you have much in common with her?
DAMIAN: Nurse Nellie is the nurse of Snow White, she looks after her like her nanny. Well, that’s what she was when I did this before so I hope she’s still the same as the Nurse Nellies I’ve played in the past… but yes, she’s back!
Q What does panto mean to you?
MATTHEW: It means it’s Christmas, which is one of my favourite times of year. I’ve done panto a couple of times before in Bradford and Manchester – so up north and close-ish – and I just have so much fun. It brings a lot of joy, and who doesn’t want a bit of joy? Especially at Christmas-time. So if it’s anything like before – and this time in my hometown She eld –then it’s gonna be a good’un. Loads of joy and loads of pantomime silliness – I can’t wait.
CATHERINE: This is my first o cial panto. We used to go every year as children and to me it’s a core memory every Christmas. It’s a beautiful tradition that we really need to cherish and you have the best time –you literally laugh ‘til you cry when you come to see a panto and it ticks every box entertainment-wise. You’re up dancing and
it’s interactive, so it’s really important to me that the tradition is held in the highest regard.
Q Matthew, She eld is your hometown. Where are your favourite local places to revisit whilst you’ll be here?
MATTHEW: I have a theatre and dancing school here in Wincobank and I’m looking forward to being there more. And I love the theatre district here, it’s so nice! Every time I come back home there’s something new that makes me feel really proud of She eld.
Q Finally, can you sum up Snow White in a few words?
DAMIAN: Snow White is going to be spectacular, funny and magical!
CATHERINE: It’s hilarious, the songs are phenomenal and the comedy will literally have you crying. In terms of entertainment, you couldn’t wish for a better night out.
MATTHEW: Joyful, heart-warming and a proper right good night out.
she eldtheatres.co.uk
In front of you
More Yorkshire pantos heading our way
Beauty
and The Beast
7 December-5 January
GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK
The most enchanting pantomime of all time, Beauty & The Beast, comes to York with a sparkling fairytale production for all the family. With an award-winning script by Jon Monie (Great British Pantomime Awards, 2019), expect a cast of larger than life characters, side-splitting comedy, sumptuous costumes, fabulous scenery, and a thrilling transformation scene. The North Yorkshire home of world-class live entertainment, The Grand Opera House York, built in 1902, has recently undergone a major refurbishment and brings the best theatre, music, comedy, dance and musicals to audiences from across the region. atgtickets.com
• Pinocchio
7 December-19 January
ALHAMBRA THEATRE
Pantomime will be making a magical return to the Alhambra Theatre this festive season with the spectacular new panto adventure, Pinocchio. Comedy sensation and Bradford panto legend Billy Pearce leads the cast as toymaker Geppetto, with his prize creation Pinocchio transforming from the famous puppet to a real boy, whose nose grows every time he tells a lie. Joining Billy is Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne who will take on the role of the evil Stromboli, and drag superstar, singer and television personality Courtney Act as the Blue Faerie. bradford-theatres.co.uk
• Cinderella
26 November-5 January
THEATRE ROYAL WAKEFIELD
Wakefield's festive adventure will be the godmother of all pantos: Cinderella. This marvellous tale of rags-to-riches is guaranteed to thrill all the family and bring a touch of magic to your festive celebrations in 2024. Featuring the glittering sets, gorgeous costumes, and glorious music you have come to know and love in Wakefield, not to mention gags a plenty to make you laugh your glass slippers off. Pop on your glad-rags and join them at the ball! theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk
DAMIAN WILLIAMS, CATHERINE TYLDESLEY AND QUANG LONG AKA VIPER, PHOTO BY VOX MULTIMEDIA
CATHERINE TYLDESLEY
HALIFAX
ILKLEY 2 THE GROVE
ILKLEY, LS29 9EG
Why we love
YORK
Yorkshire is full
of places
that Christmas is truly made for, and the historic city is certainly at the top of the tree
York is a renowned for its rich cultural heritage and centuries-spanning significance. Founded by the Romans in 71 AD as Eboracum, it was strategically established as a military fortress, capitalising on its position at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss. Its early prominence was marked by the presence of two Roman emperors, Septimius Severus and Constantine the Great, both of whom used York as a base for military campaigns. Constantine was even proclaimed emperor here in 306 AD, marking one of the city's pivotal moments in Roman history.
After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, York continued to play a central role in English history. In the 7th century, the city became an important ecclesiastical centre for the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria,
known by the name Eoforwic. This period saw the establishment of the first Archbishop of York, a title still in use today, signifying the city’s continued religious importance. York entered another transformative era when the Vikings captured it in 866 AD. Renamed Jórvík, it became a major hub of trade and culture in the Norse-controlled Danelaw region. The Viking legacy remains deeply embedded in York’s identity, celebrated today through museums such as the Jorvik Viking Centre. The archaeological discoveries from this period have helped reveal York’s significance as a bustling trade centre, connected to a vast network stretching across Europe and beyond.
The Norman Conquest of 1066 saw York’s fortifications expanded with the construction of York Castle, including Cli ord’s Tower, which still stands today as a reminder of the Norman presence. York became a major royal stronghold, often serving as a base for
English kings during conflicts with Scotland. By the medieval period, the city had grown to become the second most important in England, serving as both a religious centre and a key player in national politics.
Today, York is known for its wellpreserved medieval streets and its vibrant historical attractions, which draw millions of visitors each year. Its Roman, Viking, and medieval heritage are celebrated in its numerous museums and festivals, making York a city where the past and present intertwine in fascinating ways.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
No visit to York is complete without exploring York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. This architectural marvel, with its magnificent stained-glass windows and intricate stone carvings, has been a centre of Christian worship since the 7th century. Visitors
can marvel at the soaring nave, the impressive Chapter House, and, for those willing to climb the 275 steps, the tower o ers breathtaking views over the city. For a real sense of medieval York, take a stroll down The Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world. With its narrow lanes, overhanging timber-framed buildings, and charming independent shops, it feels like stepping back in time. Once a bustling street of butchers, today it’s home to quaint cafés, boutiques,
“The past and present intertwine in fascinating ways”
and sweet shops. Harry Potter fans will appreciate the resemblance to Diagon Alley, making it a magical stop for many. York’s Viking heritage is on full display at the Jorvik Viking Centre. Built on the site of one of the most important archaeological finds in Europe, this interactive museum takes visitors back to Jórvík. A ride through the reconstructed Viking streets, complete with sounds and smells of the time, immerses visitors in the daily life of 10th century York. This is a must-visit for anyone interested in history or wanting to learn about York’s Viking past.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit darker, York Dungeon o ers a thrilling look
at the grimmer side of York’s history. This immersive attraction features live actors, special e ects, and gripping storytelling as it delves into 2,000 years of the city’s more sinister stories. From Viking invasions to plague and witch trials, it’s a spinechilling, yet entertaining experience.
For a sweet treat, head to York’s Chocolate Story, a museum celebrating the city’s rich confectionery history. York has long been associated with chocolate production, with famous brands like Rowntree’s and Terry’s originating here. This interactive experience takes visitors through the process of making chocolate and o ers plenty of delicious samples along the way.
CHRISTMAS IN YORK
Voted the Best Large Speciality Market in Britain, the York Christmas Market returns from 14th November to 22nd December
on Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. There will be 75 famous alpine chalets, adorned with twinkling fairy lights, creating a festive wonderland. The York Christmas Market takes great pride in being predominantly local, with 80% being Yorkshire based businesses o ering food and drink, artisan products and thoughtful gifts.
Consideration for environmental sustainability and accessibility is a top priority every year. Sustainable traders were prioritised to ensure a positive environmental and social impact. These traders are committed to ethical practices, using eco-friendly materials, and supporting fair standards. By prioritising them, they aim to promote a more responsible and conscious market that benefits everyone.
Food and drink is always a highlight and there is something for everyone, and traders include award-winning chef Tommy Banks’ pies and Millers Fish & Chips, an example of o ers made with locally sourced ingredients. Discover York’s master distillers,
including York Gin, known for sustainable packaging, and Ellers Farm Distillery, using water from the North Yorkshire farm.
York’s independently run businesses are the heart of the city. Stop by the Indie York chalet to discover local businesses, and don’t miss the Yorkshire Yuletide Village located at The Guildhall, where some of the region’s finest designer-makers come together to showcase their creations.
Elsewhere, York Minster hosts a series of special events and services during the Christmas period. The Advent Procession and Christmas Eve Midnight Mass are two of the highlights, o ering a moving experience with candlelight, choir performances, and traditional hymns. The annual Nine Lessons and Carols service is also a mustsee for those who want to experience the true meaning of Christmas in a stunning, sacred setting. Visitors can also explore the Minster’s beautiful Christmas Tree Festival, showcasing dozens of decorated trees.
York’s historic streets are beautifully illuminated with Christmas lights throughout the city centre, adding to the festive charm. The o cial York Christmas Lights Switch-On usually takes place in midNovember, marking the start of the festive season with music, performances, and the lighting of the tree in St Helen’s Square. Walking through streets like Stonegate and The Shambles, you’ll be dazzled by the decorations, and the storefronts of local shops are often elaborately decorated. Merry Christmas indeed!
Exclusive FEEL
Still searching for that something with a di erence present? Look no further as The Hepworth Wakefield may just have the solution
The Hepworth Wakefield shop has something for inside every Christmas stocking and under every tree – and even better, a purchase comes with the feel-good factor of supporting the awardwinning gallery’s work. Here’s a look at some of their unique o erings that will add the wow factor to someone else’s Christmas.
BARBARA HEPWORTH
Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975), one of the most important artists of the 20th century, was born in Wakefield. The generous donation of The Hepworth Family Gift to Wakefield by Hepworth’s daughters Rachel Kidd and Sarah Bowness via the Art Fund was integral to the development of The Hepworth Wakefield. The 44 plaster and aluminium prototypes, together with the artist’s workbench and tools, are on permanent display in two galleries dedicated to exploring Hepworth’s working practice.
Cake Server by David Mellor Design x The Hepworth Wakefield
The elegant stainless-steel cake server is part of an exclusive collaboration with designer Corin Mellor of David Mellor Design; each piece in the collection is engraved with a circle and radiating line, echoing the way Barbara Hepworth would inscribe patterned forms on some of her sculptures, £35.
Barbara’s Bucket and Spade Gift Set
Start your own Hepworth-inspired gemstone collection with this bucket, spade and sieve set – with five gemstones in a drawstring bag featuring an illustration by artist Alex Sickling, £32.
JADÉ FADOJUTIM LIMITED EDITION PRINT
Barbara Hepworth, The Aegean Suite Hepworth made a number of print portfolios between 1969 and 1971 using screenprint and lithograph techniques. This included The Aegean Suite (1971), which developed Hepworth’s fascination with Greece and made links between geometric forms and sites associated with ancient Greek culture. Presented here as nine reproduction prints in a black portfolio box with 8-page paperback facsimile with an introductory essay and details for each print, £225.
STIK DESIGNS
STIK DESIGNS is a small family run business set up by Tuula Nicholson, one of Barbara Hepworth’s granddaughters, and her partner Shaun Robinson. Based in the Cotswolds they use only natural and reclaimed materials from local sources to create unique items for the home and garden.
Form Brass Sculpture
Reminiscent of Hepworth’s Single Form, 1964, and crafted from brass with a beautifully textured surface and set on a walnut base, £150.
Semi-Circle Brass Sculpture
Crafted from brass and set on a walnut base, this ornament takes inspiration from Hepworth’s Two Forms (Divided Circle), 1969, £150.
Hepworth Slate Plant Markers
Bring some art into your garden with this set of four slate plant markers. Write your plant names on them with chalk to keep track of what you’re growing, £15.95.
TALL PAUL KELLY
An exhibition of screen printed posters by Saltaire-based artist Tall Paul Kelly – this year’s recipient of The Hepworth Wakefield Print Fair Prize – is now on display in the gallery café. Paul’s posters draw on the timeless charm of tourism posters and commercial art in general, with bold colours, striking compositions and evocative imagery that transport viewers to another place. He enjoys adding hidden visual puns to his designs to capture the essence of a place, inviting viewers to discover the magic within the landscape. Paul’s screen printed posters, including a new limited edition exclusive to The Hepworth Wakefield, are available to purchase from the gallery or online.
FEMALE PAINTERS
Louise Giovanelli
Louise Giovanelli is a Manchester-based artist who is known for her large-scale paintings that capture short-lived and sensual moments using beautifully crafted textures and vivid colour. This catalogue accompanies Giovanelli’s solo exhibition at The Hepworth Wakefield which opened in November, £30.
Jadé Fadojutimi, Submerged above ground once again
Submerged above ground once again, 2024, is the second edition produced between The Hepworth Wakefield and artist Jadé Fadojutimi. Fadojutimi’s work combines abstract and figurative elements in compositions that have intense graphic energy. This edition was produced with Red Breast Editions, a fine art printmaking studio. Edition of 47 (plus 7 artist proofs), lithograph, signed and numbered by the artist on the verso, 657 x 481mm, £4,000.
SURREALISM-INSPIRED
Forbidden Territories – which opened at The Hepworth Wakefield in November –will mark 100 years of Surrealism, since its origins in 1924 with the publication of the Surrealist Manifesto by the poet and critic André Breton. Surrealism has become one of the most influential artistic, intellectual and literary movements of the 20th century, and continues to inspire many today. Special gifts from The Hepworth Wakefield include Philippe Starck fly swat, £17; Salvador Dalí, Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee socks, £12.95; and Pop-up Surrealism by Gerard Lo Monaco, £20.
hepworthwakefield.org/shop
TALL PAUL KELLY
PHOTO BY GEORGE BAGGALEY
DAVID MELLOR X THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD
DAVID MELLOR
LOUISE GIOVANELLI PHOTO BY TIMON BENSON
Bo wled OVER
Barbara Hanly on helping you to cook up a delicious dog’s dinner
Barbara Hanly, a passionate doggie wellness expert, founded Soopa with a mission to bring delicious, plant-based treats to our furry friends. This month, Barbara shares a new and exclusive recipe with Absolutely readers, which you can create at home as a delicious treat for your dog with some wonderful health benefits.
Butternut Squash & Red Lentil Pie
INGREDIENTS
• 4 x medium-sized potatoes
• 2 x carrots peeled and chopped
• 1/4 butternut squash peeled and chopped
• 1/3 cup red lentils
• 1 1/2 cups of water
• 1 x dessert spoon nutritional yeast
• 2 x teaspoons of coconut oil
• 1 x teaspoon of fresh/dried thyme
• A pinch of salt
2 Add the peeled, chopped potato to a saucepan, simmer until cooked, and drain.
3 Add one dessert spoon of coconut oil to the cooked potato and mash, then set aside.
4 Melt one dessert spoon of coconut oil in a saucepan and add the carrots and butternut squash, cooking on medium heat, stirring continuously for five minutes.
that
“This delicious veggie pie is the perfect plantbased meal for dogs who love their veggies. Made with seasonal butternut squash and plant fibre-rich red lentils, this recipe is sure to get your dog’s tails wagging. I ingredients that are tasty and good for your dog. Thyme can support healthy digestion, carrots are low in calories, and high in betacarotene and fibre, red lentils are grain-free, so easily digestible, while butternut squash is bursting full of essential vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins A, C and D with a rich natural flavour that dogs LOVE.
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. You will need a small casserole dish for this recipe.
Add the red lentils and the water with a pinch of salt and bring to a boil, then transfer the ingredients to a small casserole dish and cook in the oven for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the veggies and lentils are cooked thoroughly, remove them from the oven. Add the thyme and nutritional yeast and allow to cool.
Pipe or smooth the mashed potato on top and serve.
This delicious dish can be stored in a fridge for up to three days or frozen. Feed within two months. Remember to always introduce new ingredients into your dog s diet slowly.
PHOTOS:
IT’S A GIFT
County Durham Castle unveils new festive events for Christmas 2024
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is a festive destination famed for its sell-out events and, this year, organisers are inviting visitors to three new magical experiences, perfect for families and friends this Christmas.
There is a unique opportunity to step inside the County Durham Castle and enjoy Christmas in the Entrance Hall. This is a new chance to see inside one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England at Christmas time and explore the ornately decorated hall, gaze up at the towering Christmas trees and warm up by the crackling open fireside. For families with little ones, they can Meet Mr and Mrs Claus at the Yuletide Yurt. Children with tickets will receive a gift from Santa Claus himself and, as part of the ticket, families will get to enter the 18th century Walled Gardens and Deer Park for a truly scenic experience.
Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Estates, says: “We’re always eager to give people a reason to return to Raby
Castle and we think these two new events are real gems in the County Durham Christmas calendar. Making memories, creating pictureperfect moments together and giving people an opportunity to do something special with their loved ones is at the heart of our events.”
As well as the new additions to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens’ festive programme, the medieval castle also plays host to a popular Christmas market filled with artisan creations. This year the market will be taking place in the newly transformed Riding School and Dutch Barn from Saturday 30th November–Sunday 1st December. Raby will also be o ering late night openings to embrace the magic of the festive evenings with Castle Terrace by Torchlight on 7th, 14th and 21st of December.
On select dates throughout November and December children can embark on a festive adventure in The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail. Explore the winter wonderland during the day and play or visit during dusk and be dazzled by twinkling lights peeking through the pine trees. All youngsters that complete The Plotters’ Forest’s Enchanted Christmas Trail will receive a treat they can treasure.
To take the Christmas spirit home, people can also visit Raby Castle’s Coach Yard and purchase their Christmas tree. Soak up the atmosphere and spruce scents with a hot chocolate and peruse the beautifully curated Coach House Shop to extend the experience. Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruce will be amongst the species selection on o er with trees to suit every home.
Raby Estate’s High Force Hotel, which is a 30-minute drive away, will be open throughout the festive months o ering Christmas afternoon teas on the 8th, 15th and 22nd December, festive dining options and overnight stays in the build up to the big day itself.
For further details about Raby Castle and its festive events, visit raby.co.uk
CHRISTMAS AT RABY ESTATE
CHRISTMAS TREES AT RABY CASTLE, PARK AND GARDENS
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ABSOLUTELY ATTENDS
YORKSHIRE CHILDREN OF COURAGE AWARDS
Ten extraordinary young people and a Leeds children’s charity were celebrated for their remarkable bravery and resilience at the prestigious Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards 2024 (YCCA).
Held on 18th October at New Dock Hall, the star-studded event welcomed over 600 guests, including well-known celebrities, who came together to honour some of the region’s most inspiring children and young people.
Founded in 2011 by the St. James’s Place (SJP) Charitable Foundation, the awards have become a cornerstone of Yorkshire’s social calendar. It not only highlights the courage of the region’s young people, but also raises essential funds for hundreds of charities.
This year’s event, inspired by the glamour of the 1920s, raised over £65,000. Among the attendees were a host of familiar faces, including charity ambassadors: Leeds United legend Brian Deane, actress Natalie Anderson and former Leeds Rhinos player Danika Priim. Former Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield CBE, also an ambassador for the charity, sent a video message applauding the courage and resilience of the finalists.
Since its inception, the SJP Charitable Foundation has supported many Yorkshire charities to continue their vital work, including Oscar’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
This year, a new award category was introduced in memory of the late Rob Burrow. The “Dare to Dream” award was presented by last year’s winners of the Compassionate Carer award, Rob’s daughters Maya and Macy, who were joined by their mother, Lindsey, and brother Jackson. Freddie McDonald, who was born with a condition called Alagille Syndrome and has had two open heart surgeries before his fifth birthday, was presented with the ‘Dare to Dream Award’.
The night also included a heartfelt tribute to award nominee Jude Mellon-Jameson, who sadly passed away in 2023. His parents were present to honour his memory and legacy.
Present to lend their support were Emmerdale stars Natalie Jamieson, Olivia Bromley, and Laura Norton, as well as BBC Apprentice winner Rachel Wolford. Radio hosts JoJo and Stephanie Hirst also attended, as did the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung.
yorkshirechildrenofcourage.com
Amazing achievement, 13+ winner Oscar Ali, joined by BBC The Apprentice winner Rachel Woolford, and Nicky Boldison from Blacks Solicitors
There was plenty of entertainment on offer
Emmerdale Stars Olivia Bromley, Laura Norton, and Natalie Jamieson
Beyond Bravery Under 12 Winner, Heidi Howson
YCCA 2024 Winners
Dare to Dream Award Winner Freddie McDonald and family, joined by the Burrow Family, and award sponsor Jack Phillips from David Lloyd
Christine Talbot, Beth Windsor, Natalie Anderson, Olivia Bromley, Jordan Odu, Natalie Jamieson, Laura Norton, Katie Woods, Rachel Woolford
Dare to Dream Award Winner Freddie McDonald, joined by Macy, Maya, and Jackson Burrow
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Colourful CHRISTMAS
Absolutely attends the opening of an exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park that will brighten up days out this festive season
Barnsley’s own Liz West opened her stunning installation at Yorkshire Sculpture Park on 15th November, Our Colour Reflection, and Absolutely was there to bask in the glorious glow. Liz lived in Barnsley with her family until she was 19 and left to attend Glasgow School of Art.
Our Colour Reflection is an immersive artwork that combines vibrant colours and radiant light, creating a captivating sensory experience for YSP’s visitors to enjoy. The artwork comprises hundreds of mirrored discs in 15 vivid colours that will carpet the Chapel’s main space. Set at di erent heights, they capture and emit natural and artificial light, reflecting architectural details that might otherwise go unnoticed, drenching the interior with colour. Dynamic and constantly changing through each day, the reflections will respond to the weather and light quality outside.
A pathway leads through the artwork, inviting visitors to become immersed in its radiating colour. Moving through the work adds a subtle element of performance and participation, and a heightened sensory awareness that brings a feeling of warmth and wellbeing.
Liz says: “Yorkshire Sculpture Park has always been a part of my life in many di erent ways. Exhibiting at the Park feels like a pivotal moment and like I have come full circle. Living locally, I was taken to YSP as a child back in the 80s and 90s – I have seen the Park evolve over the decades and new spaces open, I worked in the shops and as a gallery invigilator during my holidays from art school in the 2000s and have brought my own family and friends to visit as an adult. I am beyond delighted to be exhibiting my work Our Colour Reflection in the Chapel this winter.”
Liz, who went to school in Wakefield, has a creative practice that draws on colour theory, the way we perceive and understand light, and how it a ects us psychologically. She has drawn inspiration from artists working with these concepts and materials, such as
Dan Flavin and Olafur Eliasson, as well as James Turrell, whose Deer Shelter Skyspace at YSP she has visited over many years.
Our Colour Reflection is supported by a Culture Grant from Wakefield Council and Our Year, a year-long project of creative activities across the Wakefield District, and lighting company, formalighting Ltd. The artwork was originally commissioned by 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, North Lincolnshire in 2016 with support from Arts Council England. Available for sale is a collection of three, playful, striped concertina prints, handcrafted by the artist herself, alongside a limited edition print entitled Pick and Mix which has been created especially for YSP to coincide with this show.
Our Colour Reflection runs until 5th January. See more at ysp.org.uk
LIZ WEST
PHOTO: C JONTY WILDE
PHOTO: HANNAH DEVEREUX
PHOTO: SARA FOERSTER
CTuck SHOP
Celebrity chefs join School Kitchen to launch good cause 'School Dinners' menu in Yorkshire
“The School Dinners campaign brings together nostalgia and gourmet cooking”
elebrity chefs including Matt Tebbutt, Mitch Tonks, Nadiya Hussain, Richard Corrigan, Omar Allibhoy, Will Lockwood and Tommy Banks have collaborated with innovative takeaway service, School Kitchen, on a nostalgic ‘School Dinners’ menu, which features their take on classic dishes like toad in the hole, corned beef hash and rice pudding.
Joining these household names is Neil Meyer, School Kitchen’s Executive Chef, and former Head Chef of Michelin starred restaurant, Terrazza Bosquet in Sorrento, Italy. What’s more, the new menu also supports a vital cause, as all profits from orders from the School Dinners menu will go towards funding for free school breakfasts for children at School Kitchen partner schools, including Carr Junior School in York and the rest of the South Bank Multi Academy Trust.
The School Dinners menu, which is now available to order through the School Kitchen website and app, will take Yorkshire diners on a culinary journey back to their school days, with dishes reimagined by some of the UK’s top chefs. Each dish on the menu o ers a modern take on nostalgic school meals, blending traditional comfort foods with contemporary culinary flair. From hearty mains to indulgent desserts, the menu promises to evoke fond memories while delighting the tastebuds with innovative flavours.
The menu will include:
• Tommy Banks’ Roast hogget meatballs in a creamy cep sauce;
• Matt Tebbutt’s Toad in the Hole;
• Neil Meyer’s Beef hash;
• Mitch Tonks’ Fish pie;
• Will Lockwood’s Tomato and chicken hot pot;
• Nadiya Hussain’s Cardamom rice pudding - as featured in British Food Adventure;
• Omar Allibhoy’s Crema Catalana;
• Richard Corrigan’s Apple pie.
David Nicholson, CEO and founder of School Kitchen, says: “We are incredibly excited to launch the School Dinners campaign, which brings together nostalgia and gourmet cooking. It’s fantastic to be partnering with such esteemed chefs to o er a unique dining experience that celebrates the flavours of their childhood and also introduces diners to exciting culinary creations. Creating food for good is part of our mission at School Kitchen, so this new menu will be important to help us fund school breakfasts.”
Whilst customers in York can enjoy these gourmet school meals delivered straight to their door, the menu will also be available at all new future sites where School Kitchen is based, with new locations coming soon.
For more information and to order visit schoolkitchen.com
SCHOOL KITCHEN YORK
NADIYA HUSSAIN CARDAMOM RICE PUDDING
MITCH TONKS FISH PIE
The YEAR that was
Kathryn Bumby
Yorkshire Pasta Company
yorkshirepasta.co.uk
Q What was your background before starting your business?
A As a farmer’s daughter I have always loved and been involved in good food. I studied nutrition at University and went on to work for the Food and Environmental Research Agency in York before joining Nestle Confectionery.
Q What inspired you to launch your business?
A I founded the business in 2019 at the age of 27, after realising there was a huge
Absolutely Yorkshire speaks to five local businesses to look back on 2024 and see what the future holds
gap in the market for a British pasta. I travelled to Italy to understand how artisan pasta was made and brought home the wonderful traditional methods.
Q What do you believe sets you apart?
A Combining these traditional artisan techniques, bronze drawn for perfect sauceclinging surfaces, slow-dried overnight to develop delicious flavour and made using our wonderful locally milled wheat flour has resulted in award-winning, British artisan pasta. And on top of this, very sustainable too, made using solar energy and packaged in beautiful paper bags. Perfection. Or in Marco Pierre White’s words: “Great pasta – respect”.
Q How was 2024 for you?
A It has been very busy for us (and that’s not just because I have a one and four year old too!). We are only a team of three and have been busy supplying over 500 farm shops and delis, launching gift hampers online, a recipe kit (Penne Alla Vodka) and working towards supplying some very exciting new places in 2025. I was interviewed by Times Radio in November, which was fabulous, and we were just given ‘Highly Commended’ for Best Pantry Product at the Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards. So a great year for Yorkshire Pasta!
Q Are you planning anything new for 2025?
A Yes, we have lots of exciting things planned! Our meal kit, full of produce from local suppliers, went down so well I have tasked myself to create some more. We are very excited to be attending The Great Yorkshire Show in the summer.
Q What are you most looking forward to this Christmas?
A Our website has been so busy with pre-orders for Christmas hampers already and the thought of people up and down the UK being gifted our pasta from ‘santa’ is such a wonderful feeling.
Rebecca Elsworth
Elsworth at the Mill
elsworthatthemill.co.uk
Q What was your background before starting your business?
A Bruce and I, previous owners of successful Skipton restaurant Elsworth Kitchen, combined our experience to create the most unique, versatile, and beautiful events space in Skipton – Elsworth at the Mill. We have harmoniously fused Bruce’s years of experience as an award-winning chef in some of the best kitchens including 20 years running the Angel at Hetton, and Michelin Star restaurant Rascasse, and my extensive experience within hospitality as General Manager at Friends of Ham, and The Devonshire Arms. We absolutely adored our loyal customer base at Elsworth Kitchen, and serving the local community as well as tourists in Skipton, with our extensive experience in hospitality and our passion for
KATHRYN BUMBY
ELSWORTH AT THE MILL
people and amazing food, it was essential we continued that. We saw the vast potential for our new venture in 18th-century High Corn Mill, bringing a unique, unmatched events space to Skipton, hosting luxury food events and supper clubs, wine and food pairing, live music events, weddings, cooking masterclasses, a co-working o ce and meeting space, corporate events, Christmas parties, and everything in between!
Q What inspired you to launch the new business?
A We absolutely loved our very popular restaurant Elsworth Kitchen, being able to serve fantastic food to our local community, but also build long-lasting relationships with our customers too. When we had our little girl and the apple of our eye, Florence, we
wanted to ensure we had more of a work-life balance, so we could continue doing what we love while spending as much time as possible with our daughter. We looked around High Corn Mill and we totally fell in love with its charming high ceilings, and immediately saw the potential for a versatile events space.
Q What do you believe sets you apart?
A We believe we have something for everyone, and that we o er not only delicious food, but an experience for our customers. We o er a beautiful, aesthetic, unique space for people to enjoy, and many who came as strangers, leave as friends. Our food is not only of the best quality and truly delicious, with a strong emphasis on supporting local suppliers and fellow family businesses, but also diverse.
While Bruce hosts cooking demonstrations and lunches to give customers the opportunity to enjoy a cooking demonstration experience and fantastic food, he is also always open to learning with and from his customers. In a recent Lebanese Supper Club we hosted, Bruce immersed himself in Lebanese cuisine during preparation for the event, and during. With our food events, Bruce will come out to talk about the food, including the ingredients and their provenance. We also recently hosted a Tour de Yorkshire Dinner Evening, whereby Bruce championed 15 local Yorkshire suppliers, creating a delicious menu from the best quality local produce, and invited the suppliers to come down the Mill to talk about their business. This was a great way to support the local community.
Liz Green Caché La Boutique cacheboutique.co.uk
Q What was your background before starting your business?
A I am a broadcast news journalist with a BBC Radio career and an award winning broadcaster and documentary maker. I spent time on Death Row in Florida, the legal brothels of Nevada and at Auschwitz. I interviewed the Dali Lama. I hosted a news led radio phone in and presented regional shows in Yorkshire. Always incredibly well dressed!
Q What inspired you to launch your business?
A I have always loved fashion. During the pandemic, the idea of owning a boutique became a priority. I spend time in the South of France and love the style. I wanted to create that shopping experience here.
Q What do you believe sets you apart?
A We are a unique boutique with a ordable fashion inspired by the French Riviera. Customer service is a priority. Our shop looks fantastic. Full of colour, art on the walls, racks of beautiful clothes.
Q Are you planning anything new for 2025?
A Yes! New designers – featuring Yorkshire’s best – and a major fashion week called UpNorth Runway.
Q What are you most looking forward to this Christmas?
A Sleep! Plus twinkling lights and Santa.
LIZ GREEN REBECCA AND BRUCE ELSWORTH
Mandy Morris
Werk by TCJ Designs jewellersinyork.co.uk
Q What was your background before starting your business?
A I have been a jewellery designer for 30 years. My background was designing jewellery for one of the largest jewellery manufacturers in the UK. Carl founded the business in 1987 as TCJ designs, and in 2012 we went into partnership together and became Werk jewellers.
Q What inspired you to launch our business?
craftsmanship was everything. I get to go to work everyday doing what I love.
What do you believe sets
We are unique in that everything we design and create is all done in our boutique store and workshop in the heart of York. I design all our jewellery and my husband Carl, our goldsmith and setter, brings my designs to life. We o er a bespoke design service where we create unique designs with replicas and the final piece of jewellery exquisitely crafted. We are now 37 years in business, which we are immensely proud of.
How was 2024 for you?
We had a great start to the year with both of us winning design and craftsmanship awards in London. However, it has not been without challenges. From rising gold prices to having structural building work to the front of our building, which was much needed, but meant our store was covered in sca olding for 4 months. Life is all about the ups and downs and we have embraced the year by remaining creative and positive about the times ahead.
Are you planning anything
We are always planning our next design with interesting one of a kind stones we have purchased throughout the year and are working on a unique range of wedding rings for 2025.
What are you most looking forward to this Christmas?
We love York at Christmas, but mostly we can’t wait to spend time with our family.
Callum Williams
Tickton Grange ticktongrange.co.uk
Q What was your background before starting at Tickton Grange?
A I started in hospitality in 2007, as a part time kitchen assistant in a local restaurant whilst studying at college. Food has always been my love, driven by my respect and passion for outstanding local ingredients of which there are many in Yorkshire!
Q What inspired you to work at your business?
A Working my way up through the ranks, I joined Tickton Grange as a sous chef and then became their head chef. Servicing a high quality restaurant, the Bloomsbury Room, and dealing with the complexities of running multiple function rooms to servicing our 21 bedrooms and hosting smaller events gave me valuable managerial and organisational skills.
The Whymant family, who have owned and run the hotel for 45 years, were introducing the next generation of their family to the business and asked me if I would be interested in taking on the role of General Manager as part of that transition. It was a huge step for me, but I had become more and more interested in the ‘holistic’ approach to hospitality.
Q What do you believe sets you apart?
A Quality sets us apart. The detail matters. From the bespoke Royal Crown Derby china which was designed for us specifically for our iconic Afternoon Teas to the sourcing of beautiful boxes for gifting our homemade tru es, thought and care goes into everything we do.
Q What can we expect at Christmas?
A Christmas at Tickton Grange is magical. The decorations are up, the fires are roaring and the stage is set!
CACHÉ LA BOUTIQUE STOCK AFFORDABLE FASHION
CALLUM WILLIAMS
FOOD & DRINK
GINO D’ACAMPO LEEDS
From the north to the south, leading Italian chef, Gino D’Acampo, has travelled the country’s many regions to source the finest Italian and British produce, with olives, wild mushrooms, pumpkin, mussels and wild boar just some of the incredible ingredients taking pride of place on his new seasonal menu. Available at his restaurant on Boar Lane, it’s bursting with hearty Italian dishes. ginorestaurants.com
WHAT TO DRINK
GRAPE news
Wine recommendations for the month
By THE WINE SOCIETY
Villard Le Chardonnay Grand Vin, Casablanca 2022 £18
From the cool Casablanca Valley, planted on sandy loam soils, this is fresh and fine barrel fermented chardonnay with intense aromas of apple and white peach with a light scent of vanilla.
Champagne Albert Lebrun Premier Cru Brut NV £26
Champagne Albert Le Brun is a familyoperated producer, based in Aviz, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. This premier cru release has an elegant line, with green-plum and lemon notes, balanced by brioche flavours on the palate. They o er a case saving on all non-vintage Champagnes.
Dr. Edge Tasmania Pinot Noir 2023 £29
A fine fleshy Pinot Noir from Tasmania, with impressive tension. Fruit-forward but with an attractive forest-floor and bramble character. Drink now or keep and enjoy it as it matures over the next few years.
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
TASTING
NOTES
Food
news and the most exciting openings across Yorkshire
By MARK KEBBLE
Fresh outlook
RED LION
The 16th century Red Lion inn in Burnsall, within the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, has unveiled the transformation of its neighbouring historic manor house accommodation following a six-figure renovation. The manor house’s former 11 bedrooms have been converted into eight larger spaces, with guests now able to choose between three family rooms - each with two bedrooms - four signature doubles and one large feature room. The perfect staycation considering their fabulous festive menus, too. redlion.co.uk
Bronze medal
THE YORKSHIRE PASTA COMPANY
Award-winning, British artisan pasta! Bronze drawn for perfect sauce-clinging surfaces, slow-dried overnight to develop delicious flavour. Made using locally milled wheat flour, water and solar energy, and packaged in paper. Perfection from The Yorkshire Pasta Company. A fantastic Christmas gift for foodie friends or family includes five bags of award-winning artisan bronze-drawn pasta, mouth-watering recipe cards, a Fairtrade organic tote bag and more. yorkshirepasta.co.uk
Raise a glass
THE OLD LIQUOR STORE
The Old Liquor Store, which is set in the historic Grade II listed former Terry’s Chocolate Factory in York, has opened bookings for its Christmas celebrations and unveiled a selection of foodie festive feasts to tantalise taste buds. Running from 1st–23rd December, the threecourse menu is priced at £58 per person and includes a glass of fizz on arrival. theoldliquorstore.co.uk
TAKE THREE
ROASTING PARTY
This roastery with Aussie roots certainly knows its beans – and there's a selection of clever blends and high class single origin roasts that all come with informative tasting notes. They taste great too. roastingparty.co.uk
A delicious new addition has arrived at SPARK in York. If you’re on the hunt for comforting sweet treats this winter, look no further than The Wa e Dog Co., a pop-up dessert venture that promises to warm hearts and palates. Operating until 29th December, this delightful pop-up brings a sweet twist to the season, inviting you to indulge in its unique o erings. sparkyork.org
VOLCANO COFFEE
The popular Volcano Coffee Works is back with this year’s Limited-Edition Christmas Coffee & Chocolate Calendar, pairing their incredible coffees with artisanal chocolates for a perfect festive treat. volcanocoffeeworks.com
GRIND
Grind has teamed up with Hello Kitty to create the cutset version of its iconic pink tin. The acclaimed roastery is set for world domination – look out for their coffee on BA flights too. grind.co.uk
MEAT and
greet
ELSWORTH AT THE MILL
Join Elsworth at the Mill this Christmas for a host of fantastic experiences, like their 'Wine for the Christmas Table Food & Wine Pairing' on Sunday 8th December where you'll enjoy 5 delicious courses and 5 fantastic wines from sommelier, Patrice. They have also added a Christmas Package, perfect for private dining and businesses to celebrate this Christmas. elsworthatthemill.co.uk
SPARK YORK
MERRY Christmas
Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall has delivered a five-star service to diners across 2024 - and the man behind it all promises the end of the year will be one to remember too
Guests of acclaimed chef Shaun Rankin’s namesake restaurant in North Yorkshire’s Grantley Hall are invited to enjoy an extraordinary dining experience that combines culinary artistry with warm Yorkshire hospitality, in a setting of timeless sophistication. The restaurant champions the very best ingredients from across the Yorkshire region, with chef patron Shaun striving to conduct the restaurant with food provenance at the forefront, overseeing and nurturing a Kitchen Garden on the hotel grounds which produces seasonal vegetables, fruits and herbs to supply the menu. Here, he tells Absolutely Yorkshire about what we can expect this Christmas, as well as reflecting on his own festive memories.
Q What do you remember about Christmases when you were growing up in Yorkshire?
A Growing up, Christmas was always a special time of the year for my family. My mum is a great cook and loved hosting – having family in both Scotland and Manchester meant that County Durham was the perfect halfway point for us all to gather.
Every year, mum would make Christmas pudding out of last year’s Christmas cake. I always remember it being a staple on the table and something the whole family looked forward to every year.
Q Do you remember the first time you cooked a Christmas meal?
A I have spent many Christmases cooking in restaurants, from my time down south to now here in Yorkshire. When my children were born, we were living in Jersey at
“I DREAMED OF OPENING MY OWN RESTAURANT IN THE NORTH”
the time, and it was then I decided to close the restaurant on Christmas Day to be at home with the family. My eldest son, Harry, would have been around three when I first cooked a proper Christmas lunch at home and, as a traditionalist, it had to be turkey!
Q When you opened at Grantley Hall, why was it the perfect base for you to launch a restaurant?
A For me, it must be location. When I first met with Grantley Hall’s owner, Valeria Sykes, I was instantly drawn in by her vision to put a luxury hotel firmly on the Yorkshire map. I’d always dreamed of opening my own restaurant in the North and to be able to create a dining experience within such an incredible venue was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. Having an abundance of produce from the Yorkshire Dales and Moors on our doorstep is also something we don’t take for granted – it’s such a core part of our ethos and we’re so lucky to be in such a spectacular part of the world.
SHAUN MAKES FULL USE OF THE KITCHEN GARDEN
GRANTLEY HALL AT CHRISTMAS
Q How do you look back at the past five years of Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall?
A Filled with immense pride for all the achievements of my fantastic team. The hotel opened just before the outbreak of COVID-19 and the first few years were challenging for the business. It took lots of hard work and resilience to build the brand with so many unexpected hurdles, but what we have created at the restaurant is truly special.
Q How has this year been for you?
A The last year has been incredibly busy, but so exciting for the restaurant, following some big developments we made to our
steps of service earlier in the year. I’ve also said a fond farewell to some of my longstanding senior team who have moved to pastures new, so there’s been lots of change but, as always, an opportunity to explore new creative ideas.
Q What are you planning to cook over the Christmas period at the restaurant?
A We adopt a tasting menu concept at the restaurant and our ‘Taste of Home’ menu during December is normally filled with indulgent ingredients like tru e, farmhouse cheeses and delicious seasonal produce. Our Christmas Day menu this year is a specially-curated seven-course menu featuring twists on classic favourites – of course, not forgetting the traditional roast Norfolk Bronze Turkey, which will be the star of the show!
Q What dishes are you particularly excited by?
A As a chef led by the seasons, I tend to lean into the excitement of seasonal ingredients rather than dishes; after all, there’s so many factors that can influence what local produce is available. My festive favourites must be chestnuts and cranberries – two classics that really epitomise the time of year.
Q How key is your Kitchen Garden to the menus you produce?
A The Kitchen Garden is such an integral part of our ethos at Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall. It not only provides produce for us throughout the year, but helps us form the narrative around the importance
“I TEND TO LEAN INTO THE EXCITEMENT OF SEASONAL INGREDIENTS”
of food provenance. We have recently had a meeting with the garden team to discuss our next annual growing plan and I’m so excited to see it come to life.
Q What are the NYE plans at Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall?
A Every year we curate a special ten-course New Year’s Eve menu to welcome the new year in style and 2024 is no di erent. Grantley Hall will once again be hosting its annual two-night House Party and so we always look forward to welcoming guests of the hotel for dinner – we also welcome non-resident diners who wish to celebrate too. It’s set to be a great one!
Q Will you have much time o over the Christmas period?
A Christmas is one of our busiest times of the year, so I usually save my time o until January where we enjoy a belated festive celebration. We have a house full of guests at Grantley Hall this year and the team and I are looking forward to creating memorable moments for them.
Q Are there any spots today in Yorkshire that you love visiting at this time?
A Harrogate is always a great day out and I like to enjoy a trip over with my partner, Mel, to enjoy the Christmas markets. Closer to home, I like to spend time in nature on lots of long walks with my dog around the beautiful Yorkshire Dales villages.
Find out more by visiting grantleyhall.co.uk
World Class Dining
Savour every bite in the historic setting where Robert Burns once found inspiration. Indulge in Scotland's largest Single Cask Single Malt whisky collection by the dram, plus the nest cocktails in town.
A WHISKY LOVER'S PARADISE
Whisky enthusiasts will be captivated by The Globe Inn’s extensive collection, boasting the largest selection of Single Cask Single Malt whiskies in Scotland. With over 150 unique expressions, embark on a sensory journey through the diverse flavours of Scotland’s national drink. From the peaty smokiness of Islay malts to the delicate floral notes of Speyside whiskies, there’s a dram to suit every palate, including the award-winning Man O'Words and Man O'Sword from the Globe’s sister site, Annandale Distillery.
NORTHERN LIGHT
Celebrate Christmas at the Michelin-listed Globe Inn, where history and hospitality combine
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS DESTINATION
The Globe Inn isn’t just a culinary gem; it’s also an ideal Christmas destination. Gather with friends, family, or colleagues amidst the warm and inviting interiors, creating cherished memories during this festive season. The historic ambiance, coupled with exceptional food and drink, makes The Globe Inn a truly special place to celebrate Christmas.
PRIVATE CHRISTMAS DINING
For an intimate and unforgettable Christmas celebration, The Globe Inn o ers private dining in a variety of unique spaces within the historic building:
• The Grand Dining Room: Accommodating up to 30 guests, this elegant space is ideal for larger gatherings and festive celebrations. Enjoy a lavish Christmas feast surrounded by the charm and history of this beautiful room.
• Mrs. Hyslop's Kitchen: This warm, cosy, and historic kitchen, where meals were once
prepared for Robert Burns himself, o ers an intimate setting for up to six guests. Step back in time and experience a truly unique Christmas dining experience.
• The Burns Room: Celebrate Christmas in the very room where Scotland’s national poet dined, entertained, and spent countless hours with friends. This unique experience is sure to create lasting memories and provide a special connection to Scotland’s rich literary heritage.
A CULINARY ADVENTURE AWAITS
The menus, curated by award-winning Head Chef Fraser Cameron, changes seasonally, ensuring a unique experience with every visit. From fresh seafood sourced from the nearby Solway Firth to tender Galloway beef and locally foraged ingredients, each dish is a celebration of the region’s natural bounty and a testament to the chef’s passion for showcasing the best of Scotland.
A WARM SCOTTISH WELCOME
Beyond its culinary and historical significance, The Globe Inn is also known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll be greeted with genuine hospitality and a passion for sharing the best of Scottish culture. The friendly sta are always on hand to o er recommendations on whisky pairings, regale you with tales of Burns' escapades, or simply ensure that your visit is nothing short of exceptional. Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable dining experience, a whisky adventure, a unique Christmas celebration steeped in history and charm, or simply a warm and welcoming place to gather with loved ones, The Globe Inn is the perfect destination. Create lasting memories this Christmas at The Globe Inn, where tradition and taste come together.
For bookings and enquiries, call 01387 323010 or visit globeinndumfries.co.uk
SILENT NIGHTS
Luxury gifting options for gin enthusiasts: from stocking fillers to show stopping pieces
Oering a wealth of unique, beautifully crafted items, iconic British gin brand, Silent Pool Gin, should be top of the list for every gin enthusiast this Christmas, with a host of special launches this festive season.
SILENT POOL GIN
G&T GIFT PACK
The ideal stocking filler, this perfectly packaged set includes everything needed to make the perfect Gin & Tonic. Each pack includes a beautifully designed Silent Pool Gin Copa Glass, 5cl Silent Pool Gin Miniature (Classic or Rare Citrus) and a 150ml Fever Tree Indian Tonic. Presented in an elegant gift box reminiscent of Silent Pool Gin’s recognisable bottle and reflecting the natural beauty of the ‘Silent Pool’ itself, this is the ideal gift for a loved one or friend this Christmas.
CELEBRATION BOTTLES & AROMA GARNISH
Add an extra special touch by gifting a personalised Silent Pool Gin Celebration Bottle complete with ‘Merry Christmas’
and ‘Happy New Year’ messaging for the festive season. Not only can gin enthusiasts enjoy the unique high-end gin, they can also enhance their festive cocktail of choice with Silent Pool Gin’s innovative liquid garnish. The Christmas Aroma Garnish boasts notes of orange infused with traditional Christmas mulling spices adding festive flavour and a layer of warmth.
SILENT POOL GIN
COPA GLASS GIFT SET
Whether they enjoy exploring new flavours or already know and love Silent Pool Gin, this gift set is available in the classic Silent Pool Gin, Rose Expression and Rare Citrus expression so there is certainly something to suit everyone’s taste. The beautifully presented gift box includes a 70cl bottle of Silent Pool Gin with a set of matching Copa glasses. The intricate design on the glasses, gin bottle and gift box tells the historical story of the Silent Pool.
SILENT POOL GIN
LUXURY GIFT TIN
This luxuriously embossed gift tin includes a 70cl bottle of the classic Silent Pool Gin, known for its distinctive flavour and unique combination of 24 botanicals. Whether
they’re already a fan of Silent Pool Gin or always keen to try something new, this is the perfect festive gift and keepsake, and comes complete with a beautiful copper coaster.
SILENT POOL GIN X ETTINGER
LEATHER BAG
With incredible attention to detail, the Silent Pool Gin x Ettinger Bag has been handcrafted in the UK using the smoothest Italian calf leather, embossed with Silent Pool Gin’s recognisable botanical design. The striking cross-body bag has been specially designed to carry two Silent Pool Gin G&T cans; however, the removable inner sleeves mean this limited-edition piece can also be used day-to-day with plenty of space for the essentials.
Full details of all the above and more can be found at silentpooldistillers.com
START THE
PARTY
Get Christmas up and running with canapés from Booths
Booths’ festive range of chilled party food starts to arrive in stores from 6th December, including hot and spicy British chicken thigh bites with tomato & coriander dip; and Booths’ oriental selection, a hand-crafted selection of four prawn buns, four Penang prawn parcels and four crispy vegetable balls. There’s more to follow on 18th December, with fabulous Middle Eastern inspired flatbread kits and BBQ pulled beef rolls kit. Crafted for Booths by Gazebo Cuisine, they’re all included in a four for three o er and freezable.
From one person at a kitchen table to a thriving UK company of over 100, Gazebo Cuisine is known for innovation and quality. Founder, Tanoj Shah, has always had a passion for cooking, and the team are
dedicated to exploring flavours from around the world using chef-inspired recipes.
The festive range features a host of Booths Brand products. Each range is sourced with care; they’re often created from scratch and they’re always hand selected, tasted and tested by Booths' in house team of experts. Where possible they work with suppliers from the Northern counties they call home: Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria and Yorkshire, a ectionately known by us as Booths Country.
Simply scan the QR code and visit booths.co.uk
•
Wine recommendations for the month
Belles Lettres Cairanne, 75cl, France £13.75
This has exquisite notes of black fruit and red cherry with hints of oak and vanilla. It has a smooth finish with wild berries and subtle spice. Great for Christmas as it pairs well with poultry, red meats, and game.
Bodegas Care
Garnacha Blanca Nativa, 75cl, Spain £11
The nose is very intense, with white floral aromas, hints of aromatic herbs and citrus. The fruit is ripe and exotic. This white wine is an excellent partner for seafood, fish, and salads.
E.H. Booth & Co. 20 Year Old Tawny Port, 50cl, Portugal £25
Great richness and aromatic complexity of almonds, figs and spices, this port is beautifully silky and refined. Best served slightly chilled with a variety of dishes from chocolate to cheese.
Booths has been importing quality wines since 1870, and the current curators of their awardwinning selection are Victoria and Rachael. Both use their expertise to offer Booths’ customers a wide, eclectic range, value for money, and uncompromising quality. In 2024 they were voted Wine Supermarket of The Year in the People’s Choice Wine Awards, an award they value very highly as it’s voted for by the people who matter most – their customers. booths.co.uk
DISCOVER LUXURY KNITWEAR
EXCLUSIVELY AT
FASHION
Burning BRIGHT
BERRY’S JEWELLERS
The Ember collection from Berry’s Jewellers, with its dynamic interplay of spark and flame, invites wearers to embrace jewellery as an experience and a statement, celebrating both the power of nature and the inner fire that each piece evokes. Whether you prefer minimalist elegance or bold statement designs, Ember offers versatility for all tastes and styles.
Discover the Ember Collection in Berry’s boutiques and online at berrysjewellers.co.uk
Radley York will be holding a special personalisation event on 12th December, the ideal preparation for a spot of festive shopping
TOUCH Personal
Snow business
Sparkle and shine in these dazzling festive pieces
By CARLY GLENDINNING
BERRY'S JEWELLERS
Berry's OPEIA Collection 18ct rose gold diamond circle stud earrings, £3,295 berrysjewellers.co.uk
AKAILA REID
18K yellow gold ring with pearl and diamonds, £4,586 akailareid.com
GUITA M
18K white gold with diamonds Flexible Diamond Flower Ring, £9,170 guitam-jewelry.com
77 DIAMONDS
18K white gold Circlet Necklace, £538.54 77diamonds.com
LISTER HORSFALL
18ct white gold Art Deco ring set with aquamarine, sapphires and diamonds, £4,875 listerhorsfall.co.uk
BARBARA CATTLE
18ct white gold purple star sapphire cluster ring, £4,425 barbaracattle.co.uk
MAREI NEW YORK
Platinum and diamond Dorian Floating Teardrop Shaped Ring, £POA mareinewyork.com
Mixed Diamond Drop Earrings, £14,220 suzannekalan.com
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Introducing Greenholme House Care Home, new for 2025. Experience exceptional residential, dementia and respite care in our warm and welcoming community. Join us in setting a new standard of care.
The Sanctuary at Saltmoore is a place of serenity, inviting you to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the present moment. Nestled amidst tranquil surroundings, their spa offers a mindfully curated collection of treatments crafted to rejuvenate the body, soothe the mind, and uplift the spirit. saltmoore.co.uk
& REFRESHED
Rejuvenated
Feel your best this festive season with Dr Nyla Raja
Festive stress can take its toll on your skin health, leaving skin dehydrated and lacklustre. Dr Nyla Raja of Dr Nyla Medispa clinic explains how to treat your skin and feel your festive best this season.
Dr Nyla says: “A combination of seasonal stress and winter conditions can negatively impact our skin’s health, causing increased inflammation and sensitivity. December is the ideal time to indulge in last-minute luxury treatments and set your skincare intentions for the year ahead. Even though some advanced aesthetic treatments take 2-3 months to show maximum results, there are several that give instantly visible e ects, which makes them ideal for last minute festive skincare preparations.
“Exclusive to Dr Nyla Medispa clinics, the Transformation Facelift™ is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment that combines state-of-the-art anti-ageing solutions with zero downtime, o ering a natural, refreshed
look,” Dr Nyla continues. “Tailored to the individual needs of each patient, this advanced combination therapy transforms skin quality as well as lifting and tightening the skin on the face and neck. Ideal for providing pre-Christmas skin rejuvenation, most patients only require one treatment, results can last over 12 months on average, and results start to show instantly, as well as developing cumulatively up to six weeks.”
Dr Nyla Raja is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic dermatology GP, considered to be one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having qualified in medicine from the University of She eld, Dr Nyla has practiced medicine for 20+ years and has personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with exceptional results.
A firm favourite with TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and the media, her luxurious clinic is home to some of the most sophisticated medical aesthetic technologies that the industry has to o er and provides the perfect environment for pre-Christmas skin treatments.
Dr Nyla continues: “As well as o ering our patients some of the most advanced treatment and tweakment options on the market, we are also able to support them with luxury gift inspiration for friends and family that are guaranteed to o er the ultimate in premium gifting. Dr Nyla Skincare is a luxurious collection of seven refillable, cutting-edge skincare essentials that make the ultimate deluxe stocking fillers. Each glow-giving, restorative skin treat has been formulated with cutting-edge skincare using scientifically proven, consciously sourced ingredients that have been meticulously chosen to deliver powerful, targeted results.
“Available exclusively from doctornyla.com, this is luxury skincare that works. Additionally, our Dr Nyla Medispa gift vouchers are redeemable against all treatments and Dr Nyla skincare at all clinic locations, vouchers are available in any denomination and can be collected or posted from our clinics (postage deadlines and costs apply).”
TRANSFORMATION FACELIFT™
The Transformation Facelift™ is an amazing, non-surgical facelift treatment from Doctor Nyla, with astounding results
DR NYLA SKINCARE
Dr Nyla Medispa Cheshire, Castlerock House, Wilmslow Road, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK9 7QL. Call 0162 552 3307 / 0800 009 6661 to book a complementary consultation. doctornyla.com
DR NYLA MEDISPA
LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE
How SpineArt and the man behind it, Dr Dan Fagan, can o er treatment to cure all manner of back and spine issues
Dr Dan Fagan FRCS is a leading consultant spinal surgeon with over 25 years’ experience based in Yorkshire and the North East, who specialises in adult degenerative spinal conditions and minimally invasive spinal surgery. His work is focused at Circle Health Woodlands Hospital and Nu eld Tees Hospital.
He created his practice, SpineArt, in 2010 to help people with spinal problems with the empathy, consideration, and advanced techniques that successful treatment of these conditions demand. This is summed up by Dr Fagan as “choosing the right operation for the right condition at the right time” for his patients.
“From the first point of contact with us, we see people quickly and no referral is necessary,” he explains. “Bev, my practice
manager, will guide patients through the process, and we have access to MRI scans and tests done elsewhere in the country which can be easily transferred. This is all underpinned by a modern electronic booking and records system making your patient journey as seamless as possible.” Safety and excellence is very important in your experience with SpineArt. Dr Fagan is a respected clinical leader and has been an advisor for the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). He is currently a Clinical Chairman at Circle Health Group, which involves clinical service and governance development for spinal services at national level in his role as Chairman of the Spinal Steering Group. More recently he has completed the Circle Health Senior Leadership course and has a postgraduate degree in Executive Management from Liverpool Business School.
“There are some common misconceptions in the treatment of back pain and sciatica, the commonest of which is that continued exercise is beneficial and can cure all cases,” Dr Fagan continues. “Often back pain and sciatica gets better naturally within 6 to 12 weeks, but beyond that time exercise and even walking can cause persistent or worsening symptoms. Weight bearing exercise and the heel strike when walking or running causes axial impact force which radiates up the leg to the spine and causes pain in an inflamed disc or nerve root. In my practice, we use specific exercise and rehabilitation techniques to minimise spinal pain and inflammation, in conjunction with interventional treatment.”
People who have already been seen by a physiotherapist for their pain and might be waiting for an appointment with their GP, or on the waiting list for an NHS consultation, may be interested in finding out how the advances in spine surgery can help them to get back to a full life.
“People who have sciatica and back pain need a diagnosis,” Dr Fagan states. “There are di erent reasons for the pain and a range of di erent treatments. We have the equipment and the expertise, right here at Circle Woodlands, to be able to o er patients the most cutting-edge treatment for conditions that can prevent them living their best lives.
“In my practice we can solve all manner of spinal conditions including neck pain due to spondylosis (or wear and tear), trapped nerves in the neck, lumbar spinal pain and sciatica due to a slipped disc, and osteoporotic fractures in older patients or impaction fractures in championship jockeys and sportsmen.”
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please contact Beverley Johnston on 07539330360 or email secretary@ spineart.org. For more information or to book online, visit spineart.org
DR DAN FAGAN
Take a BREAK
Give the gift of luxury at Laceby Manor's Spa this Christmas and feel any stress ebb away
Nestled in the rolling Lincolnshire countryside, the Spa at Laceby Manor o ers award-winning luxury in an unrivalled eco-conscious setting. Described as ‘the best new spa in the north of England’ by Glamour Magazine shortly after its launch in 2022 and more recently named among the 50 Best UK Spas by the Times and Sunday Times, the Spa has helped put the Lincolnshire Wolds on the luxury and wellbeing map.
The independently-owned resort has been built sympathetically into a grass and woodland area, o ering laidback luxury with sustainability at its heart. Set in 150-acres of countryside near Laceby, the Spa was created as a retreat within a retreat, taking inspiration from the peacefulness and closeness to nature of the surrounding golf course and countryside to create a dedicated sanctuary for wellness.
Popular with guests visiting for a spa or golf break and day visitors alike, Laceby Manor also o ers a fully-equipped gym, two restaurants and a selection of luxury on-site accommodation.
The luxury Spa is popular with guests visiting as part of a break, but is also perfect for a spa day or standalone treatments, with a varied selection of therapies and beauty rituals available. Spa treatments include a selection of facials with a host of benefits, body treatments, massages, cryotherapy and treatments to ease menopause conditions, utilising leading UK brands VOYA, 111Skin and Tribe517. These are joined by a selection of Hammam and bathing rituals and express treatments, while those who prefer a more hands-o approach can enjoy the benefits of a touchless full body massage with Laceby’s Hydro Massage Bed. All treatments are available on their own or as part of a spa day or break. Spa days are perfect for anyone who fancies a day or even just a few hours to unwind and relax. Many guests simply want to spend the day enjoying the luxurious relaxation facilities, which include an indoor-outdoor pool, two saunas, steam room and two outdoor natural swimming ponds.
Laceby Manor is open all year round, making it the ideal place to indulge in a bit of festive relaxation – making a visit the perfect Christmas gift. They sell gift vouchers for individual treatments, rituals and breaks and also sell monetary vouchers.
To discover more about Laceby Manor and purchase gift vouchers, visit lacebymanor.co.uk
SLEEP SENSATION
FRENCH BEDROOM
CHRISTMAS AT HOME p82
EMILY SUTTON p84
THE BATHROOM OF 2025 p88
KITCHEN TRENDS p96
As we approach the season of over indulgence, you need to make sure your body gets adequate rest to sleep off the after effects. We would like to be settling down for the night in this Gustavian Dark Low Footboard Upholstered Bed, from £1,645, available from the experts at French Bedroom. It will certainly add a touch of elegance too to your interiors. frenchbedroom.co.uk
Compiled by PENDLE HARTE
CHRISTMAS AT HOME
IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR A FESTIVE MAKEOVER
TABLE TALK
MONOWARE
Christmas is the ultimate season for hosting and nothing sets the mood for a festive gathering like a beautiful tablescape: it’s the di erence between everyday dining and a winter wonderland feeling at the table. Monoware's minimalist shapes make a stylish backdrop. monoware.com
MINIMAL STYLE
FERM LIVING
Christmas doesn't have to be garish, even with children. Take inspiration from Ferm Living's minimal Scandi style and choose muted shades, matte textures and natural materials for a cosy vibe. fermliving.com
SITTING PRETTY
SOFA.COM
It's all about getting cosy during the festive period and who doesn't need a new armchair? There are lots of shapes and sizes, all of them comfortable, in the new sofa.com collection. sofa.com
CHRISTMAS TREATS
Delicious things for gifting or keeping
DELLA VITE Rose Prosecco,
ON TREND
JOHN LEWIS
If they don't have it at John Lewis, it's not part of Christmas. The store has identified four distinct trends for decorations this year, ranging from pink and sparkly to monochrome with hints of gold. Which gets your vote? johnlewis.com
LITTLE EXTRAS
ORCHARD TOYS
Make family time extra special this Christmas with Orchard Toys range of games and jigsaws perfect for children from just 18 months old. Their range of educational games combine learning and fun making them the perfect Christmas gi . In Peter Rabbit™ Don’t Wake Mr McGregor, players race to collect the most fruit and vegetables in this action-packed board game, suitable for children aged 4+. orchardtoys.com
BONCI Panbriacone, £21.99 wholefoodsmarket.co.uk
£22.99 johnlewis.com
TOY STORY
Acclaimed Yorkshire artist Emily Sutton is heading north of the border for an exhibition that offers a special look into her home life
STILL LIFE WITH BUTTERCUPS, WATERCOLOUR, INK AND PENCIL ON PAPER, 28.5 X 39 CM
This December, The Scottish Gallery is delighted to present a special installation exhibition by Yorkshire’s Emily Sutton. The exhibition will feature a new series of paintings, alongside prints and a room filled with memorabilia, furniture and Emily Sutton fabric by St Jude’s, presented as Emily Sutton’s Toy Shop.
The Scottish Gallery Press will also launch the first in a series of small format hardback art books. This beautifully illustrated book, which has been written and designed by Emily Sutton, will launch in December to coincide with the artist’s exhibition.
“After a few years of exclusively working on book illustrating, I’m very excited to return to exhibiting at The Scottish Gallery this winter,” Emily says. “It’s been great collaborating with Managing Director Christina Jansen to plan out the space, which is going to be an interpretation of a room in my house and will include some of the objects that have inspired and feature in the artworks on show.
“The title of the exhibition – Emily Sutton’s Toy Shop – refers to my love for (and extensive collection
of!) old toys seen and acquired from flea markets and antique shops,” she continues, “both close to home and all the way back to my time at Edinburgh College Art when I would regularly spend whole days with my sketchbook.
“Alongside the exhibition, I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to produce a hardback book. Co-designed by the team at the gallery and me, it will contain the pieces in the show, alongside photographs of my house and studio (and perhaps most important of all, Mouse my dog and constant muse).” Absolutely was given a sneak peek of some of those photos, featured over these pages, and below Vicky Parry writes a little more about what makes Emily so unique...
I first saw Emily’s work in a bookshop in Whitby about seven years ago. Immediately captivated by her magical world, her imagination and sensibility struck a chord with my own love of curiosities. It was a scene of circus dogs, each with Victorian ruffs and so much character I wanted to jump in and hear their full story: a rare draw for only one image. I have since grown close to Emily and can say that her world is every bit as inviting as those small dogs hinted, full of warmth and eccentricities.
Her glorious Victorian house in York is a reflection of who she is, a modern day curiosity herself; she is propelled from the pages of a 20th century kid’s book. Whether pacing the muddied fields with her schnoodle Mouse or embroidering in extreme detail, her hands are permanently stained with ink and working on something, compelled to draw and evoke her surroundings in such minute detail.
EMILY SUTTON AT HOME
PHOTO: ESME MAI
Raised in the North Yorkshire countryside, Emily has become a true icon of modern day illustration. Garnering huge clients across the publishing and art world including the V&A, The Telegraph, Bloomsbury, Walker Books, Faber and Faber and Random House, Emily is fast becoming a household name.
Starting her artistic career at the reputable Edinburgh College of Art, Emily’s childhood obsessions were soon brought to life; it was here that her vast and detailed world of curiosities, Victoriana and rosy-cheeked children were born. Going on to Rhode Island School of Design and working on a piece for The Edward Gorey House, Emily’s own style was fast becoming a recognisable asset. Her exploration of folk art and a compelling aesthetic detail were a perfect match for books. She caught the eye of and collaborated with literary icon Michael Bond (Paddington), illustrated a series of V&A-commissioned books, and enjoyed a close collaboration with Nicola Davis, from which one of their books lots has gone on to win a multitude of awards. Emily has now worked with dozens of authors and can boast illustrating the works of Evelyn Waugh, Jane Austen, Julian Fellowes, Jesse Burton and Kate Morton, and more recently musician Johnny Flynn.
Aside from her evocative animation of other people’s characters, Emily wrote her own book for Walker Books, Penny and the Little Lost Puppy, and has created a number of other titles in the last few years, including
work for Nicola Davies and a book about the animals of the Royal Family.
Emily has also designed for iconic labels, creating packaging for the likes of Betty’s and following in Edward Bawden’s steps with work for Fortnum and Mason – it is likely there is something in your home she has created without you even realising.
Like one of William Morris’ Craft movement, Emily is a true practitioner too and has worked in many different formats with St Jude’s and Penfold Press, where her textiles, lithographs and prints are all available. Her solo show at Yorkshire Sculpture Park in 2014 was a real nod to her creative life. Town and Country was a trip with Emily, a trip to the South of France, to Italy and around her oft-trodden Yorkshire.
Every year in Emily’s career has offered a glimpse into this fascinating mind; through her books, exhibitions and design work she has been recognized as one of Tatler Magazine’s “next great artists of the future”. Her story, if a book, is only just beginning.
Emily Sutton’s Toy Shop runs until 21st December at The Scottish Gallery - see more at scottish-gallery.co.uk and emilysutton.co
THE BATHROOM OF 2025
The saying “out with the old, in with the new” is a favourite new year’s sentiment. But in the case of bathrooms, “in with the classic and timeless” often rings truer. With 2024’s final days drawing to a close, we’re taking a look into the bathroom crystal ball to see which trends and designs will be making a statement in households throughout 2025.
THE TIMELESS APPEAL OF WHITES AND GREYS WITH EARTHY ACCENTS
Classic colours like whites and greys will remain popular bases for bathrooms in 2025, but greys will shift into softer and warmer tones that blend both beige and grey.
While chrome, brushed brass and other neutral hues will continue to be a popular pairing for greys and whites, earthy accents are
Julie Gokce, Senior Bathroom Designer at More Bathrooms , refl ects on what every home’s sanctuary needs next year
becoming more common, with greens, blues, and natural materials that embrace the biophilic trend – a design trend that emphasises natural elements with the aim to reconnect people with nature. Warm wood and coloured pottery are likely to be popular for elements, including warm wood cabinetry and shelving, mosaic tiles, ceramic tiles and small pottery items.
PRACTICAL YET LUXURIOUS SHOWERS
Showers in 2025 will be both practical and indulgent. Walk-in showers are becoming the go-to choice, replacing traditional shower cubicles with low-level trays or wet room designs that create an open, accessible feel. Spa benches are a popular addition, providing a place to sit and relax. Dual shower heads – one large fi xed head combined with a flexible handheld option – offer versatility, while smart digital showers that can be controlled via Alexa or mobile apps are becoming more
popular with tech-savvy homeowners. This fusion of style, comfort, and technology reflects the desire to incorporate growing technology advancements in bathrooms for ultimate relaxation and functionality.
FREESTANDING BATHS AND JAPANESE BATHS
For those fortunate to have a large bathroom, we can expect freestanding contemporary or vintage copper baths to be more frequently selected as stunning focal points. This style of bath adds a feeling of luxury and elegance to a bathroom, creating a spa-like experience at home, which is especially growing in popularity as more people focus on self-care and spending more quality time within their home spaces.
Japanese-style bath tubs are also gaining popularity. Unlike standard bathtubs, Japanese tubs offer depth rather than length, allowing for full immersion in a more compact space. Often tiled and set with steps for ease of access, they pair beautifully with wood-effect tiles, creating a serene and luxurious bathing experience.
BOLD BRASSWARE FIXTURES
Bathroom brassware – taps, flush plates, showerheads, and handles – is a key consideration to complete any bathroom design. For 2025, we can expect black to continue its resurgence, and for brushed brass and chrome finishes to continue as popular and timeless choices.
Brushed brass brings warmth and elegance, black offers a bold and modern touch, and chrome remains a classic option for a sleek, versatile look.
“Terrazzo and encaustic finishes are making a notable comeback”
TERR AZZ O AND ENCAUSTIC FINISHES
For those seeking to make a statement, terrazzo and encaustic finishes are making a notable comeback. The speckled surfaces of terrazzo tiles add a burst of character and can be used in tiles or wall panels to create a unique look. Encaustic tiles, a type of ceramic tile that are traditionally decorated with different coloured clays and fired in a kiln, continue to gain traction. These tiles can feature on floors or walls, bringing an element of artistry into the bathroom and creating a visual statement.
SINKS AND VANITIES THAT OFFER STORAGE
Popular vanities in 2025 are expected to offer large amounts of storage while still appearing elegant and sleek. Wall-hung vanities will become more in demand, providing drawers for your bathroom regardless of your floor space.
In larger bathrooms, sit-on sink basins that match the shape of a freestanding bath will be favoured for creating a cohesive and elegant space, while recessed wall niches for toiletries or candles will become more popular for a similar reason – the feature balances an increased need for storage and practicality with a luxurious design.
In 2025, bathrooms will blend timeless elegance with a fresh embrace of nature and modern, functional styles. Whether through Japanese baths, digital shower heads, or recessed wall niches, this year’s trends will focus closely on transforming bathrooms into spaces of relaxation and beauty – a reflection of the growing desire for an all-encompassing home sanctuary.
more-bathrooms.co.uk
LAP OF LUXURY
Absolutely explores a stunning bathroom transformation by Luxe Bathroom Studio
In the heart of Yorkshire, a bathroom has been transformed into a breathtaking wet room by Luxe Bathroom Studio, showcasing the company’s expertise in high-end design and exceptional craftsmanship. This contemporary space combines modern materials, premium fittings, and thoughtful design to create a luxurious retreat.
A Seamless Canvas Of Microcement
At the core of this transformation lies the use of microcement, a material prized for its seamless finish, industrial-chic aesthetic, and durability. Applied to the walls, floors, and ceiling, the microcement creates a cohesive and modern backdrop while ensuring the highest standards of waterproofing – a crucial feature in wet rooms. Its minimalist elegance and adaptability make it the ideal choice for this project, offering a blank canvas that enhances every element of the design.
Striking Fixtures for Modern Sophistication
Every detail of this wet room was carefully curated to blend functionality with style. The Villeroy & Boch wall-hung WC is a testament to sleek, contemporary design, effortlessly integrating into the room while offering unparalleled comfort. The addition of black brassware with knurled handles introduces a bold, textural contrast to the smooth surfaces, elevating the overall aesthetic.
The wet room’s standout feature is a Formoso cast stone bath, which commands attention with its sculptural presence. Its elegant curves provide a soft counterpoint to the sharp lines of the surrounding architecture, making it the perfect focal point for this sophisticated space.
Illuminating Design Through Lighting
Lighting plays a transformative role in this bathroom, turning it from a functional space into an
ambient retreat. Luxe Bathroom Studio’s meticulous planning ensured that every light source was strategically placed to enhance the room’s design.
Recessed lights highlight the fluted shower screen, creating subtle shadows that add depth and texture. Around the vanity, feature lighting emphasizes the warmth of the wood-effect panels, while ambient lighting casts a soft, inviting glow over the entire room. This layered approach to lighting creates a space that feels as indulgent as a high-end hotel spa.
A Harmony of Textures and Materials
The fluted shower screen adds visual interest and mirrors the custom fluted design of the vanity unit, creating a sense of unity throughout the space. The combination of the smooth microcement, tactile knurled brassware, and natural warmth of the woodeffect panels results in a design that feels contemporary yet inviting.
Every element of this bathroom reflects Luxe Bathroom Studio’s commitment to
quality and attention to detail. From the precision with which the microcement was applied to the seamless installation of bespoke features, the result is a space that perfectly balances style and substance.
Transforming Visions into Reality
This project encapsulates Luxe Bathroom Studio’s ability to turn a client’s vision into a stunning reality. By combining innovative materials, luxurious fittings, and expert craftsmanship, the company has created a wet room that transcends the ordinary.
The design not only fulfils the client’s desire for a sleek, minimalist space but also showcases the brand’s expertise in blending aesthetics with practicality. Each design choice serves a purpose, contributing to a bathroom that is both functional and exquisitely styled.
Reimagining
Bathroom Luxury
Luxe Bathroom Studio has redefined what it means to create a luxury bathroom. With
this wet room, they have demonstrated how careful planning, innovative design, and premium materials can elevate a space into a sanctuary of relaxation and indulgence.
The finished wet room is more than a bathroom – it is a masterpiece that embodies elegance, functionality, and bespoke craftsmanship. Whether it’s the seamless microcement surfaces, the bold black brassware, or the perfectly curated lighting, every detail reflects the studio’s dedication to excellence. For those looking to bring a touch of luxury into their homes, Luxe Bathroom Studio offers the expertise and vision to make it happen. With years of experience in creating bespoke bathrooms, they transform everyday spaces into extraordinary havens. This wet room stands as a shining example of their ability to deliver designs that are as stunning as they are practical, proving that true luxury is all in the details.
gifts for the festive season from The French House
As the holiday season approaches, creating a warm, elegant atmosphere and choosing memorable gifts are essential parts of hosting your loved ones. The French House’s selection of furniture and homewares offers all the inspiration you need.
SET
THE SCENE
French antiques bring old-world elegance to your home, crafting a cosy yet sophisticated ambiance. Here are some essential pieces:
1. French farmhouse table
A large, rustic French farmhouse table is the perfect centrepiece for any gathering. These sturdy, beautifully crafted tables have been used for decades – or even centuries! – to host family meals, making them both practical and beautiful.
2. French mirrors
Whether it’s an intricately carved gilt mirror or a more understated painted one, mirrors add space and light to any room. Hang one above your mantel or as a statement piece on a wall to create a focal point in your dining or living room.
3. French chairs and armchairs
Antique French chairs are both stylish and functional, and ideal to complement your living room, bedroom or kitchen. Incorporating plush, vintage cushions or throws adds a touch of warmth, perfect for those crisp winter evenings.
THOUGHTFUL AND SUSTAINABLE GIFTS
The beauty of French antiques lies in their ability to tell a story while being sustainable. These pre-loved items are built to last and can be cherished for many years to come.
1. Decorative homewares
During The French House’s buying trips, they regularly visit French brocantes (the French word for flea market) – a goldmine for unique, decorative homewares. From vintage jewellery boxes and antique candelabras to crockery and enamelware, brocante finds are treasures waiting to be rediscovered.
2. Art
Art transcends borders and language, making it a truly universal gift. When buying in France, The French House often finds art in all shapes and sizes – paintings, vintage prints, advertising signs, cross-stitch tapestries, sculptures, and much more. Each piece is not only unique and meaningful, but is also a lasting tribute to the artist’s talent and skill.
3. Vintage linens
From vintage monogrammed napkins and throws to hand-embroidered cushions, these soft furnishings offer a luxurious touch. They are perfect for someone who will appreciate the care and history behind each piece. Plus, they’re sustainable and made to last.
See more at thefrenchhouse.co.uk , call 01904 400 561 or visit their York showroom at The Warehouse, North Lane, York, YO32 9SU
BOLD APPROACH
Absolutely takes a closer look at a project by More Kitchens in the heart of Yorkshire
Expertly curated by More Kitchens, Yorkshire’s leading designer and fullservice home improvement business, December’s featured kitchen of the month is a masterclass in blending modern design elements with warm, cosy furnishings for a contemporary space that feels distinctly homely – the perfect design for a home in the heart of Yorkshire.
Julie Gokce, More Kitchen’s Senior Designer, explains her method behind the design process and how the kitchen was personalised to the homeowner’s wishes.
“The homeowners had long envisioned opening up their kitchen for a more spacious, open-plan feel while still maintaining a subtle division between cooking and living areas,” she explains. “They wanted the entire floor space to flow seamlessly, with eye-level cooking appliances and a conveniently placed eye-level fridge for easy access. An island was high on their wish list, as well as seating for four. Prioritising storage was a main concern for them, deep drawers and larder storage needed to be taken into consideration.
“Initially, the space seemed rather restricted for an island, particularly if we were to incorporate divisions between
areas,” Julie continues. “To counter the problem and ensure there was enough space to move around between the island and the kitchen surfaces, we created an island concept that attached to one of the walls and wrapped around – forming an L shape. The island itself was then designed to offer deep drawer storage, including a wine cooler and an induction hob set central, as well as a return area for fout people to eat and socialise.
“To bring the vision to life, we began by removing a dividing wall and fitting an RSJ to open up the space. This allowed us to strip the entire room back and start fresh, installing all-new electrics and plumbing to suit the modern design. We replaced the old radiators with sleek vertical feature radiators, which have the added benefit of making the space appear larger, as well as contributing to the contemporary feel that the home -
owners desired. New inset ceiling lighting was fitted where needed, alongside stunning pendant lighting positioned over the island and dining area, which really bring a warmth and inviting ambiance to the space.”
The lighting, in particular, stands out.
“We incorporated LED feature lighting above the tall units and under the surfaces, casting a soft glow that highlights the clean lines of the handleless gloss Kashmir doors,” Julie explains.
“Additional under-island lighting was installed beneath the eating area, perfect for hosting on an evening. To add a personal touch, we included an open shelving section to display the homeowners’ most-used cookery books and cherished photos of their new grandson.
“We selected slim quartz surfaces as a durable yet stylish finish and equipped the kitchen with high-performance Neff
appliances, including a slide-and-hide oven, combination microwave oven, and warming drawer – all of which are not only visually appealing, but are highly functional for everyday use.
“For the flooring, we opted for luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), which run continuously throughout the kitchen, dining, and utility areas and are easy to maintain,” Julie finishes. “We fitted new skirting boards and upgraded the heating system to complement the design to finish the space. The homeowners took charge of painting the walls and, as per my suggestion, chose Mind the Gap’s Shibui wallpaper for two feature walls. This bold yet elegant design adds texture and character, tying the overall look together beautifully.”
Find out more by visiting morekitchen.co.uk
COOKING AWAY
The kitchen truly is the heart of the home at Christmas - but what trends can we expect to see in 2025? One expert shows the way
From rustic farmhouses to contemporary abodes, bespoke kitchen specialists, The Main Company, design some of the most unique kitchens for their customers. As we head into 2025, Alex Main, director of the York-based company, shares his insights into upcoming trends, including the everlasting popularity of green, a more refined approach to wood and a touch of fluting.
“Wood is being embraced in the home and in the kitchen more than ever before. From cabinet fronts to accent details,
homeowners are steering towards a lighter, more refined look with wood,” Alex says. “Part of the desire to create a more natural looking space, we have found that this elegant, more refined approach to incorporating wood is following through into other areas of the home.
“Green is still one of the most popular colour choices for kitchens,” Alex adds. “With a slight tendency towards darker, moodier palettes, this shade is likely to remain prevalent throughout next year as well. Whilst the darker tones are the most popular, we have noticed a lean towards
more uncommon shades recently – from bolder olive tones to more jewel-based teals and emeralds.”
Reena Simon, designer and content creator, designed an exclusive kitchen collection with The Main Company this year.
“There’s a noticeable trend towards what I have seen described as ‘quiet luxury’ in kitchen design,” she says. “This trend also aligns with the broader movement towards sensorial design, where the focus is on creating environments that engage the senses in a calming and subtle way. People are seeking kitchens that offer a serene, almost spa-like atmosphere, achieved through a blend of textures, soft palettes, and minimalistic details. Additionally, there’s a growing desire for personalisation and uniqueness in design. Rather than opting for cookie-cutter solutions, homeowners are embracing
bespoke elements that reflect their individual tastes and lifestyles.
“From glass doors to cabinetry fronts, fluting has become tremendously popular,” Reena continues. “Perfect when paired with a more refined approach to light wood, different fluted or grooved details add a sought-after, unique touch to kitchens, creating a more lived-in and individual feel.
“The desire to create and make unique design statements has remained an important factor in kitchen design this year, in particular when it comes to different patterns and materials. Homeowners are looking to add personality and individuality through a number of new and exciting ways, such as hessian-effect materials on cabinet fronts, opting for wallpaper in-fill panels or even having hand painted specialist kitchen panels. We expect to see an increase in these more personal touches next year, allowing homeowners to really put their stamp on their kitchens.”
See more at maincompany.co.uk
Handwoven Green Cushions, £55 emmabaker.org
JJ TEXTILE
ROCKETT ST GEORGE Set of Five Cotton Stripe Napkins, £25 rockettstgeorge.co.uk
Loose Fern Wool Throw, £120 jjtextile.co.uk CRAIG & ROSE Deep Adam Green, £45 craigandrose.com ROCKETT ST GEORGE Cabbage Leaf Plate, £18 rockettstgeorge.co.uk
Bouquet Sage Green Glass Vase, 38 cm £54.13 coaliving.co.uk
divinesavages.com COA LIVING
Amadeus Wire Pendant Shade In Gold , £25 iconiclights.co.uk AUDENZA
Aged Metal Butterfl y Mirror, £198 audenza.com
ANTHROPOLOGIE
Bear baubles, £14 anthropologie.com
PETRA PALUMBO
Mini Del decorations, £POA petrapalumbo.com
ANTHROPOLOGIE
Cocktail ornament, £16 anthropologie.com
REX LONDON
Wooden bauble, £2.95 rexlondon.com
GEORGE
CODY FOSTER
Bjork ornament, £15 koibird.com
&KLEVERING
Ribbon ornament, £13 koibird.com
JONATHAN ADLER
Lips and pill ornament, £38 jonathanadler.com
Three cheeses bauble, £22 anthropologie.com
All the best baubles for your tree
By PENDLE HARTE
MUSAE STUDIOS
ROCKETT ST
Bowie bauble, £22 rockettstgeorge.co.uk
Crying at the Discoteque Ornament £53 koibird.com
ROCKETT ST GEORGE
Set of six chocolatedipped strawberry baubles, £35 rockettstgeorge.co.uk
• Inspired by traditional designs, column radiators offer an alternative to sleek modern designer radiators, helping add the classic finish you’ve been looking for. Stylish and individual, they’re a popular alternative to their cast iron radiators. Featured right, the copper translucent lacquer finish of the Raw Steel III Column radiator will add personality to any room you place it in. It’s ideal for those who want to create a stripped-back, industrial look for their home. Beautifully made from mild steel and available in a range of designs, finishes and sizes. For those seeking other styles, there are a range of hand-picked luxury radiators and heated towel rails available that combine style and functionality in your bathroom and living spaces. All come with a five year guarantee. thetilecompany.co.uk
Studio Nest
• As you enjoy spending time with family at home this Christmas, you might begin to dream of extra storage, an additional oven for cooking the turkey, or adding island seating to relax, socialise, eat, entertain, and enjoy the festive season and beyond. If you need help to update your kitchen or home in 2025, Studio Nest is here to help. studionest.co.uk
Touch Finishing
Four Yorkshire businesses who can help to add a special something to your interior design
Ripon Interiors
• Elevate every corner of your home with Ripon Interiors’ expertly crafted kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and home offices. Ripon Interiors, nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire for over two decades, stands as a beacon of excellence in interior solutions. Rooted in a commitment to quality, professionalism, and personalised service, Ripon Interiors has become synonymous with transforming spaces into havens of comfort and style. In today’s ever-evolving world of interiors, Ripon Interiors remains at the forefront, constantly innovating to meet the diverse needs and tastes of its clientele. Whether you seek timeless elegance or contemporary flair, their dedicated team of design experts is here to guide you every step of the way. riponinteriors.co.uk
Richard Grafton Interiors
• Deep blues are a staple for creating rich, grounded spaces, as illustrated beautifully in the design top left. Here, the accent chair serves as a focal point, its deep blue fabric bringing a refined elegance to the room. This choice of colour pairs effortlessly with the warm neutrals around it, and natural wood finishes, demonstrating how deep blues harmonise with earthy tones to create a balanced, sophisticated look. Classic Navy and other deep blue shades are not just limited to upholstery but are versatile enough to appear as accent walls, cabinetry, and decor items like throws and cushions. When incorporated in furniture, especially pieces with soft velvet or patterned upholstery, these shades add depth and a touch of luxury, fitting seamlessly into both traditional and modern aesthetics. Additionally, pairing deep blues with metallic accents – such as the gold wall light seen here – creates a sense of understated opulence. richardgraftoninteriors.com
RICHARD GRAFTON
THE TILE COMPANY
STUDIO NEST
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EDUCATION
VOYAGE of discovery
Stonyhurst boarding is a home from home, with a lively, family atmosphere in a comfortable, informal and supportive environment. Boarding at Stonyhurst is centred upon excellent pastoral care within happy, well-ordered surroundings, in high quality accommodation – and offers more chances to make the most of the stunning educational opportunities on offer. stonyhurst.ac.uk
STONYHURST COLLEGE
MOVERS FREE
Parkour is fun, and with a focus on individual physical and mental challenge, this is why it’s a brilliant activity for children
Mention parkour to most people and the first thing they think of is crazy stunts across rooftops in TV adverts or the classic James Bond chase scene that opened Casino Royale. The second thing they think is: ‘That looks dangerous.’ But think again. Now recognised o cially as a sport in the UK, parkour is becoming increasingly popular for children from primary years up. And, says Dan Edwardes, founder of Parkour Generations, it has an excellent safety
record. “Statistically, parkour is way down on the risk list compared to most traditional sports. In fact, injuries per 1,000 hours is lower than almost any traditional sport.”
Dan was a UK pioneer of parkour, which is, in simplest terms, the discipline of freely moving in and around your space. While the roots of parkour can be traced back to everything from martial arts to obstacle courses, the parkour we know now is widely acknowledged to have developed in the Paris suburbs in the 1990s. It’s still a big deal there – in fact, a parkour torch bearer was part of the opening ceremony of this summer’s Olympics.
While the stunts on TV are undeniably cool, this is not how parkour is taught to children. It’s a logical step on from play. Watch any group of toddlers to teens in a playground and you will see an almost obsessive compulsion to clamber up, around, over and through things. “Our birthright as human beings is to be very physically literate and very adaptive movers, and so all parkour is doing is tapping into that natural desire to move and play and giving it a little bit more discipline and focus,” says Dan.
While Parkour Generations’ work ranges from advising on stunts and sequences in film to training serious practitioners, its
grassroots-level arm is central. It has worked with schools up and down the country and internationally since 2005, training teachers, leading sessions, and also designing and supplying parkour equipment and courses for indoor and outdoor facilities.
It’s also behind the London Parkour School, a centre specifically for the under 16 age group. This opened just after the pandemic and now hosts children from all over the capital. The school even runs micro parkour sessions for tots from six months. More centres are now being planned across London and other UK cities.
Parkour is a brilliant way for children to let o steam because it combines elements of play with physical and mental challenges. “About 25% of all play is what’s called locomotor play. So, if you leave kids alone, at least a quarter of their time will be spent in very physical, very active play,” says Dan. “If you catch them early and you encourage them to move, and you make movement easier for them and more fun, they are much more likely to stick with it.”
So how does parkour work when you’re teaching it to a lively bunch of kids? “A lot of people might think that we get them to focus on parkour techniques but actually, especially when they are young, there’s not a lot of technical instruction. That’s not a good way to get kids moving. The better way is the constraint-led method, which is basically to give them some parameters,” he says.
This might be an obstacle course to complete as fast as possible then tag a teammate, or a task where they have to stay o the ground (a lava-style game). “They won’t see it as work, they won’t see it as exercise, they will just see it as fun, and they’ll want to do it over and over again,” says Dan. “As a teacher, that’s done your job for you – you don’t need to motivate them,
they’re very happy to do that all day!” It’s a style of movement that is both natural and empowering, as children test their own limits and learn to use the space presented to them. Along the way, they are developing strength, agility and coordination, but also thinking skills as they learn to judge risks, appraise situations and find practical solutions.
One other reason parkour is so appealing to children is that it’s not about competing to win. “It’s trained in groups, and it’s got a hugely strong community base and a social aspect to it, but it’s a solo skill,” says Dan. This gives it real advantages over traditional play-to-win sports. “About 50% of kids don’t have much interest in competitive sport. But equally, the kids that do have a competitive streak also enjoy parkour because it is so challenging.”
Schools are receptive to parkour – when you talk to any sports lead these days, they are more focused on establishing
lifelong habits of activity than on trophy cabinets. That said, parkour helps with both objectives. “Sports are fantastic in their physical development, but they are quite specialised in their movement skills,” says Dan. “It’s better to give a kid a broad based, general physical literacy when they are young. If they’ve got that they can adopt any sport they want for the rest of their life.”
And the breadth of movements involved builds body resilience, something that Dan believes can help guard against injuries.
As to whether this will ever become an Olympic competition – probably not in the short term. Not that this matters to most children. For them, this is supercharged fun, with playful tests that build both confidence and a greater understanding of their own body’s amazing capabilities. For that reason alone, parkour is a brilliant addition to the sports roster.
parkourgenerations.com
SCHOOL REPORT
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Principal, DanielMachin, reviews an exciting year and looks forward to the return of some Christmas traditions
Q How would you sum up your school?
A Set in 220 acres of beautiful Yorkshire countryside, QE is an award-winning day and boarding co-educational school that welcomes children aged from 3 months to 19 years, and boarders from Year 3.
Known for our consistently highranking academic results, we place our emphasis on growing students into resilient, caring, compassionate and confident adults. Our excellent student wellbeing team are available 24/7 and ensure student mental and physical health remains a top priority.
Our collegiate of four schools - Chapter House Prep, King’s Magna Middle School, QE College and QE Faculty - strive to help every individual excel both academically and in their extra-curriculars, allowing all students to ‘be the best they can be with the gifts that they have’.
Q What do you believe sets you apart?
A Our campus feels more like a rural town than a school, in large part due to our exceptional facilities including a 312-seat theatre, activity centre, co ee
“Our campus feels more like a rural town than a school, in large part due to our exceptional facilities”
shop, 25m swimming pool and 30 acres of elite sports pitches. Nestled in 220 acres of beautiful countryside between York and Harrogate, we benefit from a secure and central location, with eight bus routes o ered across Yorkshire.
Our incredibly supportive learning environment welcomes all abilities into our inclusive community of over 50 nationalities. All students undertake QE Study Toolkit training from Year 6, which prepares students for key stages 3-5 and contributes enormously to our senior schools ranking as Yorkshire’s top two schools for A-levels (The Telegraph Exam Results 2024).
We also pride ourselves on our exciting co-curricular programme. Students can choose from over 150 activities onsite including modern options such as QE Motorsports and our own esports team.
Q How was 2024 for you?
A It has been a busy and rewarding year for us. We have had so many inspiring visitors including former special advisor to the government and entrepreneur, Samuel
Kasumu, Nikki from Team Excelsior, the all-female trio who completed the 3000-mile World’s Toughest Row, and alumna, Dr Ethan Perkins, who discussed his fantastic cancer research at the University of Bradford. We also partnered with NM Productions for a creative media workshop day for 400 students which focused on filming, lighting, and sound production, with a team of industry-leading professionals.
In addition, this year has been filled with exciting campus developments including a new cricket pavilion, mathematics block, casual basketball courts, kitchen garden and a newly refurbished boarding house for Years 3-5. The latter won the BSA Best Refurbishment or Renovation Award 2024 and is a Finalist in the 2024 Northern Design Awards. On 25th November, Kevin Sinfield opened our new gym.
Q Do you have any Christmas traditions at your school?
A QE enjoys many Christmas traditions.
A large tree graces the front of our main building, Armorial Hall, from mid-November each year and signals the beginning of our Christmas season. We host a Christmas Jumper Day, a Christmas Lunch and plenty of festive ra es, quizzes, and shopping trips. The highlights, though, are our student performances; the QE Christmas Pantomime, the Chapter House Prep nativity, and the two magical Christmas Carol Concerts, where our talented students and sta fill Ripon Cathedral with fabulous music to get us all into the festive spirit.
As Christmas is about giving and spreading joy, our student Charity Leaders do collections for the Rotary Shoebox Appeal and grocery deliveries to local foodbanks. The sta create an annual Christmas parody video for the students to enjoy which premieres at the Annual Sta Christmas Ball.
QUEEN ETHELBURGA'S COLLEGIATE
To find out more, visit the website at qe.org
Inspiring EXCELLENCE
2025 sees the start of a new era at Cundall Manor
Cundall Manor School is a dynamic and vibrant co-educational independent school for pupils from Nursery to GCSE, where each day brings new opportunities to explore, learn, and grow. Pupils are enthusiastic and engaged, inspired by a curriculum that is as enriching as it is diverse. This Michaelmas term alone has seen pupils participate in a whole school triathlon, a French trip to Normandy, hockey and rugby tours to Edinburgh and London, swimming galas, and countless educational visits taking pupils beyond the classroom to science centres and history museums in nearby cities to inspire their curiosity for learning in real-world settings.
In the second half of the term, Cundall embraces the Christmas festivities with a whole-school carol service at Ripon Cathedral, Nativity plays for Pre-prep pupils, and a captivating musical theatre production ofJosephfor the older Prep children. Creativity is in abundance for the Creative Arts, with the Art Department recently nominated as a finalist for the ISA Excellence in Art and Design Award and four first-place awards in the ISA Art Competition. Looking ahead to the new year in January 2025, the school is excited to welcome Simon Weale as the new Headmaster. With extensive independent school leadership experience, Simon brings a strong commitment to a broad curriculum and personalised learning – a concept which aligns seamlessly with Cundall Manor’s pupil-centred approach where every child matters. With a
commitment to small class sizes, Cundall is well equipped to recognise and inspire ability in the classroom and to stretch and challenge those ready for further advancement, while concurrently having time to o er tailored nurturing support to those who need it. This summer’s GCSE results saw a 50% increase in grade 9s and an impressive value-added score of 0.95; in context, every Cundall pupil achieved on average, almost one grade higher per subject than pupils of the same ability across the UK, highlighting that pupils who are recognised and supported in their learning, not only thrive but also reach their full potential.
The school environment at Cundall creates a close-knit warm and welcoming environment where every pupil is known and supported. Where teachers who are motivated, knowledgeable and ambitious for their pupils. Where everyone is inspired to be curious, eager to learn and, above all happy, compassionate, and confident individuals, encouraged to embrace all opportunities that lie ahead.
CUNDALL MANOR
To arrange a visit to discover more about Cundall, contact admissions@cundallmanor.org.uk cundallmanorschool.com
“Pupils who are supported and recognised thrive and reach their full potential”
latts House is an imposing family home with beautiful stone-elevations that has been lovingly modernised by the current owners and o ers 4,146 sq. ft. of light-filled flexible accommodation arranged over two floors, with five bedrooms. There is also the fantastic addition of a self-contained two-bedroom cottage, which is ideal for multigenerational living.
MONEY CAN BUY…
A beautiful modern home in the heart of West Yorkshire
WHERE
Located on the secluded, tree-lined Clara Drive in Calverley, the property provides privacy and easy access to Calverley Village’s schools, shops, and bars. It is conveniently close to Leeds and Bradford city centres, with nearby rail links at Pudsey and Apperley Bridge and Leeds Bradford Airport, making it ideal for both local and international connectivity.
WHAT
This fully renovated five-bedroom detached home epitomises luxury living, blending modern comfort with classic elegance. Thoughtfully designed with high-end finishes, it o ers a retreat-like ambiance.
INSIDE
The open-plan living space features a gourmet kitchen with premium appliances, custom cabinetry, and a bio-ethanol fireplace, seamlessly connecting to a formal living room with dualaspect windows, a sandstone fireplace, and log burner. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors flood the ground floor with natural light, leading to a stone terrace and landscaped garden. Upstairs, five bedrooms include a master suite with an en-suite bathroom, dressing area, and private terrace overlooking serene woodlands. Two additional modern bathrooms and premium fixtures throughout add to the luxurious appeal.
OUTSIDE
A gated driveway leads to a double garage and ample parking. The south-facing garden features a stone terrace for alfresco dining, a versatile outbuilding for use as a home o ce, gym, or studio, and a professionally designed four-hole putting green.
PRICE
£2,350,000
AGENT
Fine & Country Leeds 0113 2034939
sales@fineandcountryleeds.com
-IN VIEWIN p
And it’s chocks away!
Imagine a carefree lifestyle at a pace that suits you. A life devoid of unexpected winter fuel price hikes, where friends and family can visit and stay in the guest suite, and where you’ll never have to clean another external window, mow the lawn or clear leaves from the guttering ever again. A place where your time is your own, to do with as you please. That place is Otium of Stocksbridge, near Sheffield.
There are only a few one and two bedroom apartment suites left to buy at Otium, each with a whole host of benefits and prices ranging from just £160,000 - £300,000. Immediate occupancy is available if desired. Simply pop in or call us to find out more. Open 10am - 4pm daily for viewings by appointment
why everyone is talking about…
Mischief at the Mansion
Join a magical festive world of light spectacles, surprises and cheekiness bringing Harewood House to life
This Christmas at Harewood there is mischief afoot with decorative angels coming to life, escaping from the Music Room’s Christmas tree and popping up unexpectedly throughout the House. Cakes in the Servants’ Hall banter gleefully about their beauty pageant bake-o , and Queen Victoria’s bust reminisces about her time at Harewood.
These are part of a magical makeover by the internationally celebrated artists Studio McGuire. Revealing Harewood’s history and mysteries, Studio McGuire uses lighting projection, storytelling and music to bring unforgettable cheeky characters, objects and artworks to life. Commissioned by Harewood House Trust, Christmas includes an immersive Father Christmas experience and glittering Christmas shop.
Harewood House Trust has commissioned award-winning Yorkshire-based Studio McGuire to develop their concept from 2019’s award-winning ‘Night at the Mansion’ for a new series of installations for Christmas 2024. For 'Mischief at the Mansion', Studio McGuire worked with curator Rebecca Burton to research and uncover more anecdotes about the House and its people throughout its 250-year history. Scriptwriter Christina Lewis then developed the characters and scripts adding a new layer to the festive visitor’s experience of Harewood House.
A multitude of escaped angels pop up to see the installations in many of the rooms adding to the fun for younger visitors to spot the naughty angels. The State Bedroom features a sleeping princess, and in the Servants’ Hall, a feast of homemade cakes comes to life with projected characters chatting about their big bake-o beauty pageant.
The popular ceiling projection from 2019 is coming back to the Yellow Drawing
Room. Comfy cushions and throws provide an unusual opportunity to lie down in a country mansion and watch the light show above. Not to be missed is the quirky conversation between the busts of Queen Victoria and Prime Minister George Canning. Projected with their faces, the busts reveal fascinating stories including how Queen Victoria slept in the State Bedroom as a young princess. This year, too, Father Christmas at Harewood House will be a magical experience for groups and families.
Mischief at the Mansion is at Harewood from 15th November to 5th January 2024. Admission to ‘Mischief at the Mansion’ includes access to Harewood House, Gardens and Grounds. Father Christmas requires separate tickets and pre-booking is essential.
See more at harewood.org
PHOTO: CHARLOTTE GRAHAM
PHOTO: TOM ARBER
PHOTO: CHARLOTTE GRAHAM
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