Absolutely Cheshire Magazine March 2025 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

CELIA

Over 30 pages of inspiration and insight SPECIAL

Purple REIGN

B LAUNCHES A NEW COLOURFUL COLLECTION

THE BRIT FEST Why the Altrincham showcase is a highlight of 2025 SPRING INTO ACTION Ten Cheshire events to help banish any winter blues ANDREW SHERIDAN Liverpool's hottest chef on awards and ambitions PLUS

STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

SHOP LUXURY WATCHES AND JEWELLERY IN YOUR MANCHESTER AND CHESTER SHOWROOMS THIS SPRING

MAPPINANDWEBB.COM

EASTGATE STREET, CHESTER, CH1 1LE

ST ANN STREET, MANCHESTER, M2 7LF

*BRANDS MAY VARY PER SHOWROOM

NEW COLLECTION

Inspired by our heritage, designed for the modern bedroom. The Iconic Collection features floating beds with unparalleled comfort and exclusive fabrics. Handmade in Sweden

NEW ARRIVAL Bed: Hällsö Walnut I MattressFabric: Kvadrat’s Fjord 0322 I Rug: Hemsedal 2300 I Bed Linen: Vindstilla I Headboard: Pinnö

CULTURE

16 Agenda Out of this world exhibitions head to Cheshire

18 Top 10 Events to banish any lingering winter blues

30 Auto Vivendi The luxury car club celebrates 20 years

FOOD & DRINK

36 Andrew Sheridan Liverpool's top chef on continued expansion

40 Recipes Spicy dishes loved throughout Indonesia

FASHION

46 The Shoot Colourful spring attire by Celia B

53 Jewellery Nine pieces we absolutely love this month

HOME SPECIAL

64 Hannah Barnes On two decades of working in interior design

74 Graham & Brown The iconic business will bring colour into our homes

80 Helena Christensen The supermodel pairs up with BoConcept

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

For advertising enquiries please call 07818

386 or email: craig@zest-media.com

EDUCATION

108 National O er Day Everything parents need to know

111 Altrincham Prep Why they o er the best start in life

113 World Book Day Helping children to enjoy reading

ON THE COVER Celia B Wanderlust Collection (celiab.com)

Cheshire CHATTER

Jennifer Delgado on why women need to be supported 365

days a year

Welcome to March; a month with so much to be positive about. From the ﬁrst day of spring, to the beginning of lighter nights, and of course International Women’s Day – a day as a woman I should really love.

International Women’s Day comes around each year and, without fail, we see a barrage of cleverly curated footage across social media praising us, thanking us for “all we do”.

Let’s face it, most women are pretty much fed up with being celebrated on one day of the

year whilst on a daily basis the autonomy of our own bodies are under threat, our imagery exploited, our salaries are questionably lower, we’re afraid to run after dark and we daren’t walk home on our own for fear of our own safety.

I personally feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a network of strong, powerful women who really lift me up when I’m feeling down – including my business partner and fellow Cheshire chatter writer Ash. When I question my abilities, she gives me answers. When my conﬁdence is shot, she hypes me back up. All women should have this.

This is why we are now part of The Lonely Female Founders Club, an incredible community of women in business founded by fellow cestrian Kat McGettigan. “I was a conﬁdent decadeslong agency leader, but I could feel the imposter syndrome creeping in as to questions that I thought made me feel incapable and unworthy,” Kat says. “When truly all I needed to do was ask someone. We want to foster the spirit that there is no shame in asking questions, celebrating wins, supporting the lows, but ultimately a space where female-founded businesses can come together, ask the questions you want to and see others thrive. The road is not straight and often not easy, but I am a ﬁrm believer in great community and connections making it a little bit less bumpy along the way.”

Every woman deserves to feel safe, celebrated and supported every day. Not just once a year.

This month

I’ll be…

Having a Spa Evening at The Grosvenor Pulford for my husband's birthday. For £65, you can treat yourself to a 3 hour spa evening each Thursday – absolute bliss.

Work from town Wednesday at The Moxy Hotel in Chester. Working remotely can take its toll sometimes, so me and Ash will be joining other members of the Lonely Female Founders club to work together in person each Wednesday.

Watching Dear Evan Hansen at Storyhouse. I haven't seen the ﬁlm or read the book, but I’ve heard wonderful things. My Storyhouse membership card really is feeling the heat this year!

DEAR EVAN HANSEN

JENNIFER DELGADO

Wish LIST

FLEECY FEEL

We're coveting Wyse's Celia borg jacket with its cosy feel, chic faux leather detail, mock horn buttons and boxy ﬁt, £295. wyselondon.com

SOFT BUTTER

Loewe's Flamenco clutch has a chunky gold chain strap; it's beautifully so and gathers along the drawstring top, £2,700. net-a-porter.com

SCENE SET

Disney and Sanderson have joined together to bring a collection of enchanting fabrics in delicious, vintageinspires hues. From deep within the Sanderson archive emerges a newly discovered selection of classic fabrics, sprinkled in magic. sandersondesigngroup.com

WHITE OR BROWN

Richard Hart's long-awaited book on intuitive sourdough baking is here – a must for bakers everywhere, £28. hardiegrant.com

SEE ME

Eyesight failing you? No problem. We love Bloobloom's selection of specs for their stylish colours and shapes. How many pairs do we need? bloobloom.com

ONE TO SEA

The B6 is a watch from the bottom of the sea. A limited edition in two colours, Deep Blue and Shallow Green, specially created for the British Watchmakers’ Day 2025. The B6 is a patinated bronze cased watch with sub-seconds and power reserve. schoﬁeldwatchcompany.com

KNIT KNACK

Cra ed from a blend of Australian Merino Wool and Nylon, Iris & Wool's Katherine Sweater is a mid-weight, crew-neck knit designed for style and warmth, with striking contrast colour accents, £184. irisandwool.com

BISCUIT SHADES

Born out of a love for high-quality fabrics and exquisite cra smanship, ILA's everyday styles celebrate an elegant and playful attitude with reﬁ ned attention to detail. ilao cial.co.uk

FELT TOP

Simba's Stormur slipper is designed to mimic the relaxing sensation of Reﬂ exology by applying gentle, cushioned pressure to key points on the soles of your feet. Which makes them super comfortable, £69. simbasleep.com

This ﬁ ve-armed candelabra was designed exclusively for Cerabella and is the creation of designer Sybilla, £76. scp.co.uk

CULTURE The Happiness Index

1 MARCH

ROYAL COURT, LIVERPOOL

Jonny & The Baptists (Jonny Donahoe and Paddy Gervers) bring their critically acclaimed show on a UK tour in 2025, following its success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Taking its title from David Cameron’s short-lived attempt to measure the happiness of Britain’s population, this musical comedy blends sharp political satire with raw emotional depth, exploring mental health, grief, and the chaos of modern life. liverpoolsroyalcourt.com

PHOTO: MATT CROCKETT

The Agenda

Wildlife

Year

UNTIL 6 APRIL, CHESTER ZOO

For the ﬁ rst time ever in Cheshire, you can explore this amazing exhibition showcasing world-class wildlife photography work right here, in the heart of Chester Zoo. The exhibition, on loan from London's Natural History Museum, celebrates its 60th year and is a stunning visual journey into the natural world through the winning entries of this worldrenowned photography competition.

chesterzoo.org

EXHIBITION

Steve Forrest

Until 20 March

WARRINGTON MUSEUM

This powerful exhibition features photography from all over the world to challenge visitors’ own beliefs. The showcase will collect together some of Steve Forrest’s most compelling photography – covering everything from foreign wars for major news organisations to the Hollywood celebrities such as Cate Blanchett and Natalie Portman, musicians, artists and politicians he has captured for The New York Times. wmag.culturewarrington.org

6 March

PARR HALL

This is a unique theatrical experience in which Parr Hall will be transformed into a courtroom. In this interactive performance – based on a true story –ticket holders will discover what it’s like to be a member of a jury during a complex trial experience. Both the prosecution and defence will present their cases, cross-examine witnesses, and at the end it's up to the audience to deliberate before deciding: ‘Guilty or not guilty...’ parrhall.culturewarrington.org

Photographer of the

© SASHA JUMANCA, WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

EXHIBITION

ASTRONOMY PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

JODRELL BANK

Until 27 April

Travel to the edge of the universe in astounding detail at the Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition at Jodrell Bank. This is an annual competition featuring the world’s greatest space photography, with amateurs and professionals alike turning their lenses towards the ever-shifting majesty of the skies. This breathtaking exhibition makes a perfect complement to a Jodrell Bank visit. jodrellbank.net

THEATRE

Dear Evan Hansen

18-22 March STORYHOUSE

Today is going to be a good day. And here’s why… Meet Evan: an anxious high school kid who wants nothing more than to ﬁt in. The thing is, on his way to ﬁtting in, he didn’t tell the whole truth. And now must give up on a life he never dreamt he’d have. As events spiral and the truth comes out, Evan faces a reckoning with himself and everyone around him. storyhouse.com

This Month’s Must See

MARS

ars, Luke Jerram’s mesmerising planetary art installation, moves into a new orbit at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens in Runcorn. Following the incredible success of Museum of the Moon in October 2021 and Gaia in January 2024, Mars will complete the trilogy of the UK artist’s out-ofthis world installations. Measuring six metres in diameter, Mars is a touring artwork featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. nortonpriory.org

ATaste of Altrincham is a 10-day celebration of the town’s vibrant food and drink scene, and was oﬃcially launched at a special event hosted by Altrincham BID recently. The launch, held at the Everyman Altrincham, welcomed Altrincham’s food and drink businesses and partners to discover what’s in store for this exciting culinary event, running until 9th March. A Taste of Altrincham promises to showcase the town’s diverse dining scene, including its many independent cafes, bars, pubs, restaurants and, of course, Altrincham Market and Market House.

Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of the exciting events planned: Chef Demos and workshops; Sourdough Baking Class with MOST Bakery; Cooking with Fish & Shellfish; Live Demo with Cheshire Cookery School; Sushi Making Demo with Unagi; Cocktail Making at Memories Cafe Bar; Children’s Sushi Workshop with Cheshire Cookery School; and Pizza Masterclass at Nell’s Pizza. Food and drink experiences will include: The Ultimate Altrincham Pudding Final; Supper Club with Tasting Menu at Blanchflower; Six Course Tasting Menu at Aspire Restaurant, Trafford College; Wine and Cheese Night at Alibi; Crime and Nourishment Book Group with set menu and author Q&A; Sip and Paint at Tre Ciccio with Moss Studio; Foodie Films at the Everyman Altrincham; and Gin Tasting Event at Gin Can.

visitaltrincham.com/taste-ofaltrincham A tasty new event has launched with Altrincham at its heart

SPRING

There will be plenty heading Cheshire’s way to banish any winter gloom events

Cheshire is set to host a plethora of events in the spring of 2025. From music festivals to historical reenactments, here are ten notable events to look forward to.

The Cheshire Wedding Fayre eventbrite.co.uk

On 16th March, Chester Racecourse will host The Cheshire Wedding Fayre, a premier event for couples planning their nuptials. Attendees can meet a variety of wedding suppliers, from ﬂorists to photographers, and enjoy exclusive o ers and discounts. The event also features a spectacular catwalk show showcasing wedding attire.

Whether you’re just beginning your wedding planning journey or putting the finishing touches on your big day, The Cheshire Wedding Fayre o ers the chance to meet a huge variety of trusted wedding suppliers. From florists, photographers, caterers, stationery designers, makeup artists, hair stylists, entertainment and more, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for.

Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival

chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk

Celebrating its 25th year, the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival returns to Chester Racecourse from 19th-21st April. This festival

“Children can learn how to cook by getting messy and having fun”

showcases over 120 exhibitors, o ering a culinary experience with local and national food and drink. Attendees can participate in cooking classes and enjoy demonstrations from renowned chefs.

Expect to see a host of top chefs in action, including Miguel Barclay, Paul Rankin, Simon Rimmer, Valentina Aviotti and many more. They love to cook but can be fussy eaters and tend to love junk food: The Academy of Culinary Arts aims to teach children the importance of healthy eating and how to cook by getting messy and having fun. And with this being the 25th anniversary, you can expect some surprises along the way too.

Easter Historic Boat Gathering canalrivertrust.org.uk

From 18th-21st April, the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port will host the annual Easter Historic Boat Gathering. A ﬂeet of colorful narrowboats

CHESHIRE WEDDING FAYRE

EASTER BOAT GATHERING

and barges will be on display, accompanied by music and activities suitable for all ages.

The event is organised by the Canal & River Trust. A networkof over 2,000 miles of stunning canals and rivers runs through our landscapes. From our countryside to our bustling cities, canals are a place for everyone to connect with nature and our past. However you use them, we all deserve open spaces where we can feel happier and healthier, and where wildlife can thrive. But the future of canals and the habitat they support is threatened by changing temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and the tests of time. Together, we can make sure they continueto be here for tomorrow and beyond, which is why this event is so important to support.

Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival

nantwichjazz.com

Taking place from 18th-21st April, the Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival

returns with an impressive lineup of artists. The festival spans multiple venues throughout Nantwich, o ering a diverse range of musical performances. Tickets are selling fast for their 2025 lineup with some old favourites and exciting new artists. Lucy Spraggan, The Bluetones, Dodgy, Thea Gilmore, Geno Washington + The Northern Soul Train, Nigel Stonier, Nearly Dan and Ed Tudor Pole are all on the bill.

Wild Shore Delamere wildshoredelamere.co.uk

Cheshire’s premier adventure attraction, Wild Shore Delamere, reopens its doors on 5th April. Wild Shore Delamere is the ultimate destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, o ering an exhilarating array of

watersports and aqua park activities in the heart of Cheshire.

Wild Shore Delamere boasts an array of water-based activities. From the ﬂoating playground of the Aqua Park featuring tire runs, ninja jumps, and slides, there’s no shortage of thrills to be had. Stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and Ringo rides o er even more ways to make a splash, while open water swimming provides a refreshing escape for those seeking a nature-ﬁlled workout.

Boodles May Festival chester-races.com

From 7th-9th May, Chester Racecourse will host the Boodles May Festival, a prestigious horse racing event and the kick-start to the season. This is Chester Racecourse’s most prestigious three-day race meeting, taking place at the beginning of May each year and launching the remainder of the year’s racing season.

The Boodles May Festival consists of three consecutive race meetings – Trials Day, Ladies Day and Chester Cup Day. Each meeting has its own unique character and personality. Ladies Day is of course an iconic ﬁxture, used by racegoers to showcase the latest styles and trends in impactful outﬁts designed to wow. Trials Day and Chester Cup Day, however, are fan favourites amongst the hardcore racing enthusiasts, as the annual Chester Vase race is used as a trial for the Epsom Derby and the Chester Cup race weeds out the greatest of jockeys and racehorses destined for success. Cheer on future stars on Trials Day. Become a fashionista on Ladies Day. Be part of history on Chester Cup Day.

CHESTER RACES

WILD SHORES

LIGHTNING SEEDS WILL PLAY CLUBFEST

“For the more energetic, a ceilidh will be held each night”

ClubFest at Bolesworth Castle caravanclub.co.uk/whats-on/ clubfest

Running from 23rd-27th May, ClubFest is the UK’s oldest caravan and motorhome festival, held at Bolesworth Castle. The event features musical acts such as the Lightning Seeds and Boyzlife, alongside tribute bands. Activities include kids’ clubs, nature exploration, wellness sessions, aqua sports, and a dog agility show. Day tickets are £70 for adults, with free entry for under-18s.

Bolesworth Estate, located near Tattenhall in Cheshire, is a stunning venue known for its magniﬁcent castle and sprawling grounds. The estate, with its origins in the 19th century, features beautiful gardens, lakes, and woodlands, o ering a picturesque backdrop for events. Bolesworth Castle, an elegant and historic building, adds a touch of grandeur to any occasion. As the host for ClubFest 2025, Bolesworth Estate promises a unique and memorable experience, combining historic charm with natural beauty.

Chester Folk Festival chesterfolk.org.uk

The Chester Folk Festival is set to take place from 23rd-26th May, in the village of Kelsall. This annual celebration of folk music includes performances from local and national artists, workshops, and dance displays.

The festival has a relaxed, family-friendly, carnival atmosphere that makes the perfect setting for spending an afternoon, evening, whole day or the full Bank Holiday Weekend. They have carefully selected award-winning performers who reﬂect the broad range of music that is today’s folk scene. Most will

perform in the undercover festival marquee and in more intimate venues throughout the village. For the more energetic, they stage a ceilidh each night in Kelsall Community Centre, with some of the country’s best bands, and a caller to guide you through the dances. Then there is Panic Circus, who run specially tailored events for children. There is a festival market running all weekend and daily displays from the morris dancers and mummers, without whom the festival wouldn’t be complete.

Chester Craft Beer Festival beerheroes.com

The Chester Craft Beer Fest on 17th May is a day ﬁlled with delicious brews, great music, and good times with friends. Head to The Carriage Shed for a day ﬁlled with delicious craft beers from local and regional breweries. Sample a variety of unique brews, chat with brewers, and enjoy live music and food trucks. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, this event is perfect for you. Just make sure you are thirsty.

Chester Heritage Festival

chesterheritagefestival.co.uk

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Chester Heritage Festival runs from 24th May-8th June. The festival brings the city’s history to life through a series of unique events and experiences, including guided walks, talks, and exhibitions.

In 2024 a programme speciﬁcally for young people was launched and included events such as Roman zumba in the Amphitheatre and crafting sessions in Chester Cathedral.

BRYONY & ALICE WILL BE HEADING TO THE CHESTER FOLK FESTIVAL

CHESTER CATHEDRAL

THIS PAGE Kate Moss by Glen Luchford, styled by Venetia Scott, March 1993 © Glen Luchford

OPPOSITE Jazzie B by Enrique Badulescu, styled by Adam Howe, April 1989 © Enrique Badulescu

FACE IN YOUR

A stunning exhibition celebrates The Face magazine's inﬂuence on photography and portraiture from the 1980s to the present day

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The Face Magazine: Culture Shift is the first major museum exhibition to focus on the iconic portraiture and fashion photography captured for The Face, the cult magazine that shaped the tastes of the nation’s youth. Featuring photographs, magazine covers and spreads and film, the exhibition explores The Face’s monumental influence throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, as well as its continued impact on the publishing landscape and the worlds of fashion and music. Organised thematically and chronologically with a focus on portraiture, the exhibition includes images created by some of the era’s most talented photographers, stylists and models, many of which have never been shown outside of the pages of the magazine. The Face was started by Nick Logan,

3. Madonna by JeanBaptiste Modino, June 1990 © JeanBaptiste Modino

4. Sade by Jamie Morgan, April 1984 © photography Jamie Morgan

formerly editor of New Musical Express (NME) in the 1970s and creator of teen music magazine Smash Hits. Logan spotted a gap in the market for a monthly title aimed at a youth audience interested in a broad range of subjects that weren’t being featured in glossy fashion publications, teen magazines or the music weeklies. In doing so, he invented a new genre of publishing: the style magazine.

A selection of portraits and magazine spreads from The Face’s early years highlights the increasing overlap between music and fashion, with innovative graphic design by Neville Brody, who was the magazine’s art director from 1981 to 1986. The magazine’s power to promote music talent, from unknown faces to turbocharging careers, was on the rise, and photographers were given the space and freedom to create iconic images. While initially

billed as ‘Rock’s Final Frontier’, The Face pushed its influence beyond music, spearheading the influence of stylists in magazine photography, and it was soon proclaiming itself ‘The World’s Best Dressed Magazine’. Ray Petri, one of the most influential stylists of the 1980s, redefined men’s fashion within the pages of The Face. He assembled around him a group of creatives known as the Bu alo group, and worked frequently with photographer Jamie Morgan. Petri and Morgan’s images were radical because of the fashion they featured – which drew inspiration from an eclectic range of references – but also because they created space for black models within the fashion industry. Their first cover together, featuring British-Burmese model Nick Kamen in January 1984, was a key moment in The Face’s history, with fashion, photography

FROM TOP LEFT

1. Back to Life by David Sims, styled by Melanie Ward, November 1990 © David Sims

Voici Paris by Stephane Sednaoui, styled by Babeth Dijan, June 1988

Sednaoui

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Ben Roberts

Zoe Poole

Amber Roberts

Matthew Vernon

and the discovery of a new face all coalescing to create an image that deﬁned a new zeitgeist. Within two years of appearing on the cover of The Face, Nick Kamen was starring in one of Levi’s best-known advertising campaigns.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, The Face adopted an aesthetic and style that was in line with the emergence of acid house music, a new clubbing scene and the subsequent explosion of rave culture. Petri and Morgan’s stylised shoots gave way to black and white photographs by Corinne Day, Glen Luchford, Nigel Shafran, David Sims and Juergen Teller, championed by The Face’s then art director, Phil Bicker. Stylists including Melanie Ward, Malcolm Beckford, Adam Howe, Karl Templer and Derick Procope brought a new focus on casual youth style, and featured models who challenged mainstream fashion stereotypes. The images featured unconventional male models and a new generation of women, including Emma Balfour, Rosemary Ferguson,

FROM TOP LEFT

1. Face Off by David Sims, January 1998

2. Fancy by John Akehurst, styled by Polly Banks, September 1996 ©John Akehurst

3. Winter Sports by Jamie Morgan, styled by Ray Petri

Sarah Murray and Lorraine Pascale, who were photographed looking natural and authentic, in contrast with the high-fashion glamour that dominated the covers of Vogue. Most famously, Corinne Day showed a photograph of a then unknown model from south London to Bicker, who was immediately struck by the young Kate Moss. Moss’s subsequent covers for the magazine launched her career. This new approach to fashion photography was incredibly transgressive and transformed the genre.

As photography evolved in the 90s, The Face was at the forefront of exploring the creative potential of new image manipulation programs, which resulted in bold, colourful and ‘hyperreal’ images, which pushed fashion photography in a new direction – a return to glamour, but with a contemporary twist. Innovation was spearheaded by the magazine’s new art director, Lee Swillingham (one of the co-curators of this exhibition), who recognised that advances made in digital post-production technology

o ered photographers more creative potential. Digital technologies shifted the photographer’s role from image-taker to image-maker.

Fashion stories from 1994 featured models who were photographed in the studio before the photographs were digitally montaged onto vividly coloured stock slides from image libraries. Throughout the magazine’s history, The Face allowed photographers and stylists a platform to experiment and push fashion and portrait photography in exciting new directions.

The magazine ceased publication in 2004, but 15 years later it relaunched in print and online, returning to a radically altered publishing landscape. Navigating this new terrain, The Face has continued Logan’s original vision for a disruptive, creative and inclusive magazine, championing fresh talent in photography, fashion, music and graphic design, and the exhibition closes with work from this new chapter.

Until 18 May; npg.org.uk

FAST IN THE Life

LANE

Auto Vivendi is celebrating 20 years as one of the world’s leading private members’ clubs. Absolutely straps in to ﬁnd out more

Auto Vivendi, the world’s leading private members’ supercar club, has reached its 20th anniversary this year, proof if needed that it is the ultimate haven for automotive enthusiasts. More than just a club, Auto Vivendi provides an inclusive, secure, and welcoming space for members to share their passion for iconic supercars. O ering access to a world-class collection of rare vehicles and an exciting calendar of prestigious events, Auto Vivendi fosters a sense of community while delivering unparalleled experiences for its members.

A CLUB FOR CAR LOVERS

Auto Vivendi is designed for individuals who seek more than just supercar access – it’s for those who aspire to an elevated, tailored experience in every aspect of life. With a carefully curated car collection featuring Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Aston Martin, and others, members enjoy driving the latest supercars and super SUVs. Whether experiencing the latest Ferrari or the most sought-after Lamborghini, Auto Vivendi allows its members to enjoy the pinnacle of automotive engineering.

In its two decades of excellence, Auto Vivendi has introduced over 300 supercars to its members. Its current car collection, valued

at over £8 million, is constantly refreshed, with 20-25 new models added annually. Members also beneﬁt from early access to exclusive new releases, thanks to The Club’s strong relationships with top manufacturers and the signiﬁcant volume of cars it purchases.

In 2021, Auto Vivendi expanded into the North West. They now operate from two notable locations: Hotel Gotham in Manchester and Champneys Mottram Hall in Cheshire.

A LIFESTYLE BEYOND SUPERCARS

Auto Vivendi goes beyond supercars to o er a complete lifestyle experience. The Club organizes a series of exclusive, invitationonly events, ranging from private track days at renowned circuits to ultimate supercar driving tours across some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. Members can also indulge in private jet and yacht experiences, high-proﬁle social events, and luxury sporting experiences, such as Formula 1. Each experience, from adrenaline-fueled

“The events are designed to create lifelong memories”

track days to luxury social events, is designed to create lifelong memories.

Many participants describe Auto Vivendi’s events as some of the most exhilarating and unforgettable experiences they’ve ever had.

EFFORTLESS SUPERCAR ACCESS

Auto Vivendi o ers seamless supercar access, with vehicles delivered to members’ homes, o ces, or hotels as they wish. Each car is impeccably maintained, ensuring an unparalleled driving experience. Members enjoy e ortless access, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in what they’re truly passionate about – driving the world’s most exceptional cars.

JOIN A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF SUPERCAR ENTHUSIASTS

Auto Vivendi carefully limits its membership to cultivate an intimate, close-knit, and welcoming community, ensuring each member receives personalised attention and bespoke services tailored to their lifestyle. This approach not only enhances the exclusivity of The Club, but also nurtures a sense of belonging, making Auto Vivendi a truly unique space for luxury and connection for those with a zest for life.

CELEBRATING TWO DECADES OF LUXURY

As Auto Vivendi enters its 20th anniversary year, it continues to set the standard in the world of luxury supercar experiences.

With an exceptional collection of cars and a one-of-a-kind event calendar, Auto Vivendi delivers a truly unparalleled experience for those who seek the ﬁnest things in life.

O ering exclusive access to the most soughtafter supercars, bespoke luxury experiences, and a global calendar of high-proﬁle events, Auto Vivendi caters to individuals seeking the ultimate in prestige and lifestyle. With a limited membership and tailored services, The Club ensures a seamless and personalised experience, combining world-class automotive access with a luxury lifestyle. Celebrating 20 years of excellence, Auto Vivendi continues to set the standard for bespoke supercar living.

autovivendi.com

FOOD & DRINK

CULTURAL HOTPOT

CHENG SUPPER CLUB

Cheng Supper Club is a new intimate dining experience celebrating the vibrant flavours of Asia-Pacific cuisine, hosted at the Agden Hall, Whitchurch on the Cheshire/ Shropshire border. Due to open in April, they will offer a refined six-course tasting menu inspired by Thai, Chinese, and Japanese culinary traditions, using the finest local British ingredients. Their goal is to provide guests with a unique and memorable dining journey, curated by chef June Cheng. chengsupperclub.co.uk

DISHES of the day

Andrew Sheridan continues to wow diners in Liverpool and beyond - and, he says, this is just the start

Andrew Sheridan’s restaurant Dishes in Prestatyn has been listed in the latest Michelin Guide. The Prestatyn High Street restaurant follows Andrew’s other venues into the prestigious Guide, including his ﬂagship venture, 8 By Andrew Sheridan in Liverpool.

Dishes, which o ers diners small and large sharing plates, has been added to the restaurant bible, which said diners could ‘take a seat at the counter or a high-topped table and relish the opportunity to delve into a roll-call of terriﬁc Welsh ingredients’. It also praised the ‘relaxed atmosphere where the service team and chefs are adept at interacting with their guests’.

It’s the latest Sheridan-run operation to feature in the Guide, which also includes 8 By Andrew Sheridan; OXA in the Wirral; and Black & Green in Barnt Green. Somehow,

Absolutely managed to ﬁnd some time to sit down with the acclaimed chef to see what all this means for the now and the future.

Q Congratulations on Dishes being listed in the Michelin Guide. How does that feel?

A Thank you! We were delighted to have Dishes listed in the Michelin Guide – yet another of our restaurants to be featured in the Guide, and a testament to the hard work of all the team there. I loved that the Guide recognised our commitment to showcasing brilliant Welsh ingredients as this is something we really pride ourselves in.

Q Why did you want to open in Prestatyn?

A I spent time in that area of north Wales growing up (I grew up in north Wales and Liverpool), so for me it’s home. I don’t live too far from there now. The town showed real potential; it didn’t have anything like Dishes and yet I knew the market for it was there. We felt if we pitched it right, it would be a success, and so far, this has been the case.

“IT’S THE BEST SUNDAY ROAST YOU WILL EVER EAT”

Q What was your grand plan behind Dishes when you opened?

A I really wanted to bring my style of food to Prestatyn as, like I say, there wasn’t anything else like it in the town. Really good eating options were few and far between. I also wanted somewhere with a great atmosphere that you’d be likely to return to again and again. This was the key consideration when we came up with the menu and drinks list.

Q Why the sharing menu approach?

A We wanted to create somewhere with a lively, social atmosphere – nothing too formal or stu y, that wouldn’t have worked. So, the idea of sharing plates of food with a great drinks list seemed to be the right way to go. There’s nothing better than sitting down with your best mates and sharing loads of delicious food. On Sundays, we do the big roast dinner sharing plate, and there really is nothing better! It’s the best Sunday roast you’ll ever eat – amazing meat and all the trimmings.

Q What dishes have you recently added to the menu that you particularly love and why?

A That’s a tricky one as I love all the dishes on the menu right now – I only really serve the kind of food that I want to eat. Obviously, I love the Sunday roast option, but – from the larger plates’ selection – the halibut steak with curry sauce always goes down a treat.

INSIDE DISHES

Q We have featured you and 8 By Andrew Sheridan before, back in 2023. How was 2024 for the restaurant?

A It was a great year for 8 By Andrew Sheridan – one in which we maintained our three AA Rosette status, and where we featured regularly on ‘the best of Liverpool’ lists. The restaurant was always fully booked, and I feel we continued to raise our game in terms of our food o ering. I am proud of every service there, we’ve worked really hard to cultivate a very special restaurant.

Q Have you looked to introduce or change anything at 8 By Andrew Sheridan?

A We’re always reﬁning dishes, working out how to elevate them, and make them even better. We’re also continuously working with new suppliers to bring in the very best ingredients which inspire the menus we put together. We

aim to constantly surprise and delight diners, while also feeling familiar, welcoming and without pretence. It’s constantly evolving.

Q What kind of dishes can we expect on the menu there in spring?

A In spring, I look forward to working with the ﬁrst vegetables of the season, as well as new season Welsh lamb – you can’t beat it.

Q How does OXA di er from

8 By Andrew Sheridan?

A OXA is over in The Wirral and a bit more of a laid-back social dining experience than 8. It’s a neighbourhood restaurant focusing – as always – on showcasing the finest ingredients, but stripped back compared to the flagship restaurant. It’s a more accessible introduction to fine dining. It’s run by head chef Jake Smith, who has his own style – he loves pickling and preserving and using locally foraged food. I’ve known Jake for 14 years and he came on board with us five years ago, starting o at our place in Worcestershire before moving to OXA. Jake’s really made his mark there, and diners are guaranteed a really lovely experience – one they’ll want to return to.

Q Do you look to o er di erent things at each of your restaurants?

A Yes, we do try and o er di erent experiences depending on where our restaurants are located. However, what they all do have in common is delicious food comprising carefully sourced ingredients, prepared with expertise. We also put a lot of consideration into our wine and drinks list in all of our restaurants; we want diners to enjoy a complete experience where nothing is left to chance.

“WE AIM TO CONSTANTLY SURPRISE AND DELIGHT DINERS”

Q What do you make generally of the food and drink scene in the North West?

A It’s great – I love the diversity of it, the variety of inﬂuences which really ignites my creativity. When we launched 8 in Liverpool (it was previously in Birmingham) the aim was to introduce a very di erent kind of dining to the city – its ﬁrst chef’s table style restaurant, and I am proud to say we have done that. The region itself is constantly evolving; it’s getting better and better.

Q Did you always have the ambition to open several restaurants?

A Yes! I have always been ambitious since starting out in the industry; I was always looking for the next opportunity. I am proud how we have taken over multiple sites in quite a short space of time – as well as our restaurants in the North West we have three in the Midlands. It’s exciting to see our brand grow.

Q In this time of high costs, how di cult is it to do?

A It is a time of high costs and hospitality continues to be a very challenging industry. In order to succeed we have to remain agile, change our business model and o ering. I think we do this well and this has allowed us to continue to grow in challenging economic times. I am a ﬁrm believer that if the product and service you are providing is good enough then it can be a success.

Q Do you still have plenty of ambition to open more establishments?

A Yes! We are only just getting started.

restaurant8.co.uk

8 BY ANDREW SHERIDAN IS A REAL EXPERIENCE

Spice world

Tasty classics from Indonesia Spice Up The World, an initiative that celebrates the nation’s culture and cuisine

Nasi goreng

Serves 6-8

Nasi Goreng has a special place in the Indonesian heart. In hard times, happy times, sad times, and even festive times, Nasi Goreng is the go-to menu for many people. This dish traditionally combines rice, chicken, eggs, chilli, shallots, and most importantly kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), all stirred into a heavenly goodness. Nasi Goreng can be served with a fried egg and prawn crackers, adding texture to every bite.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tbsp cooking oil

• 750g rice (best to use cold, left overnight rice)

• 5 eggs

• 4-5 tbsp sweet soy sauce

• 3 tbsp fried shallots

• 20g shrimp crackers, fried cucumber-and-carrot pickles

• 60g red chillies, take out the seeds

• 3 garlic cloves

• 10 shallots

• 1-2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp shrimp paste,roasted

METHOD

1 Heat oil in a wok, make a scrambled egg. Add steamed rice and mix well.

2 Sautee the ground spices until well cooked and aromatic. Place the rice and egg in the wok, and stir constantly until well mixed.

3 Pour in the sweet soy sauce to taste. Keep stirring until the rice is heated evenly.

4 Serve with sunny side-up egg, fried shallots, shrimp crackers, and pickles.

Sate Ayam

Serves 4 Succulent pieces of skewered chicken meat and creamy peanut sauce create the scrumptious dish of sate ayam. Cuts of tender chicken meat marinated deeply using a collection of spices, then charcoal grilled to a juicy perfection. This dish is topped with carefully prepared peanut sauce and a dash of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce). Sate ayam can be served with rice cake and lime on the side.

INGREDIENTS

• 600g chicken thigh and breast ﬁllet, diced

• 150g chicken fat, cut into 12-15 pieces

• 8 tbsp sweet soy sauce

• 7-8 tbsp cooking oil Peanut Sauce

• 300g peanuts, lightly toasted, grounded

• 5 red chillies

• 2 tbsp palm sugar

• 8-10 tbsp sweet soy sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• 400 cc boiled water Garnish

• 8 bird’s eye chillies, sliced

• 6 shallots, thinly sliced

• 3 tomatoes, sliced into 1 cm pieces

• 6 tbsp sweet soy sauce

• 2 limes

• 3 rice cakes

METHOD

1 Thread 4 pieces of chicken meat into each skewer, including 1 piece of fat or skin in the middle.

2 Peanut sauce: grind peanuts together with red chillies, then add palm sugar, sweet soy sauce, salt, and water. Mix well.

3 Mix one part of the peanut sauce with sweet soy sauce and cooking oil. Baste it on the sate, then set it aside.

4 Grill them over coconut charcoal, turn it often until all sides are brown and cooked through.

5 Serve with the rest of the peanut sauce along with the mixture of tomatoes, shallots, bird’s eye chillies, and sweet soy sauce. Add lime juice and rice cake pieces.

“If there's a list of food beloved by all Indonesians, it's rendang”

Rendang

Serves 6-8

If there's a list of food beloved by all Indonesians, it's rendang. Caramelised beef braised for a long time in a pot full of herbs and spices, all combined into one plate. This delicate process has been perfected and passed down for generations to enjoy. The ﬂavourful taste of rendang will surely be the highlight of every meal.

INGREDIENTS

• 1kg beef stew meat (chuck steak)

• 2.250 cc coconut milk (use 3 big, mature coconuts)

• 4 lemongrass stalks, crushed

• 2 pcs asam kandis (garcinia xanthochymus)

• 2 sheets turmeric leaves, twisted into knots

• 10 sheets ka r lime leaves Sauce

• 225g shallots

• 5–6 pcs garlic cloves

• 250g red chillies

• 3 tsp salt

• 4cm ginger

• 4cm galangal

• 3cm turmeric (to taste)

METHOD

1 Cut the meat into 20 pieces. Place meat and mature coconut milk into a pot,

together with the ground spices, lemongrass stalks, turmeric leaves, and ka r lime leaves. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally until the meat is tender. Should the sauce take longer to thicken, remove the meat and continue stirring.

2 After the sauce turns thick, dark brown, and oily, put the meat back into the pot. Stir well, then remove the asam kandis. When the thickness of the sauce is to your liking, remove it from the heat.

3 Serve with rice.

Note: Tenderloin tends to become tender faster than other parts of the beef. Take out the meat once the coconut milk starts to thicken. Turn down the heat and continue cooking until the coconut milk releases oil. Then put the meat back into the sauce. Continue cooking until you reach the desired state: dry or with plenty of sauce.

FASHION

WONDER

Heart Felt

Cool girl pieces to mark Love Awareness Month

By CARLY GLENDINNING

MARIE LICHTENBERG

18K Yellow Gold, and White Diamonds Love Collar Clip, £5,305 carolinabucci.com

EDEN PRESLEY

14K Yellow Gold, Pink Sapphire, and Opal Love Transformer Earrings, £1,630 edenpresley.com

NADINE AYSOY

JACQUIE AICHE

14K Gold, Black Rhodium, and Black Diamond Pave Outline Heart Ring, £2,580 jacquieaiche.com

HEAVENLY VICES Pink Sapphire Love Lock, £5,700 heavenlyvicesﬁnejewelry.com

GUITA M

18K Yellow Gold, Pink Sapphires, and Red Rubies Heart Stud Earrings, £1,633 guitam-jewelry.com

CCWW DESIGNS

14K Gold, Diamonds, White Sapphires, and Ebony Heart Earrings, £2,124 ccwwdesigns.com

18K Yellow Gold, Pink Sapphire, and Ruby Le Cercle Inﬁnity Necklace, £2,785 nadineaysoy.com

JULIANA KRYS

18K Gold, Rubies, and Diamonds Besos Ring, £6,500 julianakrysjewelry.com

JADE TRAU

18K Yellow Gold, and Diamonds Friendship Charm Earrings, £2,915 (pair) jadetrau.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

SOUND

MANOR HOUSE HOTEL AND SPA

The award-winning Manor House Hotel and Spa based in Alsager has announced the launch of its second wellness retreat, Stillness and Sound: The Floating Escape, following the overwhelming success of its inaugural Pilates retreat in January. This unique spa day, taking place on Saturday 1st March, offers guests a tranquil immersion into the art of sound bathing, featuring an exclusive hour-long sound bath experience in the hotel’s serene indoor pool. manorhousealsager.com

S pring BREAK

Why now is the perfect time for a physical and mental reset – and how you can do it

By NIKI DAVIES

Spring has sprung! The weather is noticeably warmer, the nights are shorter and there are more daylight hours to enjoy. What’s not to like about spring? It’s a time for new beginnings, rebirth and growth. That said, it can sometimes be di cult to shrug o winter’s sluggish mantle. Happily there’s plenty you can do to blow away the cobwebs and lift your energy levels naturally.

CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER

There’s something very therapeutic about spring cleaning both home and head, and the two go hand in hand.

Physically deep cleaning your home, throwing open the windows and doors, and changing the air, is good for your physical health, especially if you su er from an allergy. You may live in an organised mess, but it’s di cult to clean around clutter, which can lead to a build-up of dust and dander, not to mention mould. Mentally, the beneﬁts of decluttering can be enormous. Getting rid of excess stu can beneﬁt your mental health by making you feel calmer, happier, and more in control. A tidier space can make for a more relaxed mind.

REDUCE STRESS

Feeling stressed can take its toll on your energy levels. It causes our digestive system to slow down, meaning we don’t get as many nutrients (and less fuel) from our food. It also means we can become deﬁcient in the vitamins and minerals we need to keep our bodies working, and our energy levels up. Whilst it may not be possible to remove stress completely from your life, allow yourself at least 30 minutes each day to do whatever helps you to relax. Run yourself a

relaxing bath, dip into a good book or focus on your breathing to bring back calm. And for additional support during times of stress, try A.Vogel’s Passiflora Complex Spray, a gentle, non-addictive blend of herbs for those needing to relax, it combines Passiflora (passionflower) and Lemon Balm. It’s also ideal for using on-the-go.

GET MORE SLEEP

Poor sleep on an ongoing basis will soon zap your energy and make you feel

groggy. It’s as important to have a regular sleep routine as it is to get the hours at rest. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day will make the hours that you sleep more productive and will help you establish a sleep routine. Keep all electronic devices, including mobile phones, out of your bedroom. The blue light that phones and tablets emit inhibit the sleep hormone melatonin, and this can cause insomnia.

A natural sleep remedy can also help. A.Vogel’s Dormeasan® Sleep with extracts of

“IF YOU ARE FEELING SLUGGISH, THERE'S NO BETTER REMEDY THAN TO GO FOR A STOMP”

fresh Valerian and Hops is registered for sleep disturbances. It’s not known to be addictive, and is not associated with groggy feelings when you wake in the morning. Take 30 drops in a little water half an hour before bedtime, and for those wanting a non-liquid option, there’s Sleep Well Dissolvable Granules.

EAT RIGHT FOR ENERGY

Pile your plate high with seasonal spring foods. Eating seasonally is what nature intended. Food is naturally fresher, and so more nutrient-rich, it tastes better and it’s also more readily available and so better for the planet. Your body also instinctively knows what it wants according to the time of year, so feed it what it’s asking for! Aside from the traditional hot cross buns (we all need a treat once in a while), you’ll ﬁnd the likes of purple sprouting broccoli, cabbages, curly kale, mint, potatoes and spring onions starting to adorn the shelves of our local produce stores again. Low GI, energy-rich foods, such as wholegrains, nuts and seeds, and foods rich in protein, will keep you full and energised for longer. If energy levels are low, foods

containing B vitamins are recommended because they help to convert food into energy. Oat-based cereals, porridge especially, are a great way to start the day. Other food sources of vitamin B include bananas, lentils, peppers, tempeh and beans.

KEEP ON MOVING

If you’re feeling sluggish, sometimes there’s no better remedy than to go for a stomp. Physical exercise will help to strengthen mind and body, and whilst almost any exercise is good for you, outdoor exercise and green space exposure activates a primitive part of the brain involved with stress regulatory responses – just 10 minutes a day will help you to feel better and more in control. Ongoing fatigue and lack of energy can have a medical cause, so do see your GP if at all concerned or if tiredness persists.

For further information, please visit Niki and her team at Chester Health Store, 59 Bridge Street Row, Chester CH1 1NW, or online at chesterhealthstore.co.uk

PORRIDGE IS THE PEFECT START TO A DAY

BEAUTY

NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By CARLY GLENDINNING

SOAP IT UP

EARL OF EAST

Earl of East has debuted its ﬁrst soap bars. A sustainable alternative to bottled cleansers, they’re available in the brand’s signature scents – Smoke & Musk, Wildﬂower, and Shinrin-Yoku, £15 each. earlofeast.com

MAGIC WAND

NIRA

The NIRA Laser bundle is clinically proven to reduce lines and wrinkles, stimulating collagen production. I’ve been using mine for several months and can deﬁnitely report younger looking skin, £898.20. niraskin.com

MAKE WAVES

CURLSMITH

Jam-packed with superfoods to nourish your hair, Curlsmith’s ‘Wavy Discovery Kit’ contains everything you need to look after your curls. Gentle enough to use on my daughter’s hair, these products gave her curls a beautiful bounce, £57. curlsmith.com

Get ready to let it all go in the heart of Cheshire

Just in time for World Sleep Day on 30th March 30th, the Spa at Manor House Alsager, a leading Cheshire spa and wellness destination, introduces the Sound Asleep Massage by Tribe 517 – designed to help guests float into deep relaxation. Created by artisan spa brand Tribe517, this unique treatment invites guests to surrender to the sensation of having their bodies gently realigned and perfectly put back together. Guests float into a state of deep relaxation while lying face down, allowing gravity to enhance the experience. The warm Heal & Health oil, infused with orange and fennel, adds an extra layer of comfort and tranquillity - the ultimate treatment for those struggling to unwind. After, discover its post-treatment relaxation room – a serene spot for ultimate relaxation after the treatment. For an even deeper sense of calm, why not experience the spa’s Panoramic Laconium - a Roman-inspired experience that’s the perfect prelude to any wellness journey. Step into a haven of warmth, where the Laconium’s gentle 30°C-35°C temperature envelops guests. Heated floors and sumptuous tiled loungers radiate a soothing, penetrating warmth that melts away tension as guests recline. Soft ambient lighting and low to medium humidity create a tranquil oasis, while the perfectly heated loungers release any lingering stress. The Manor House o ers treatments to embrace everyone, with lavish balms and dazzling scents, warm blankets and cushions. You can be sure they will put wellness back into your lifestyle with a wonderful selection of all-natural therapies.

MANOR HOUSE

Audley Road, Alsager, Cheshire, ST7 2QQ manorhousealsager.com

EDITOR’S PICK

FLOURISHING FURNISHING S

GREYCAINE

Greycaine is a designer Italian furniture emporium that combines timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship and Italian artistry to create an unparalleled collection of furniture. Every piece in the Greycaine collection is a testament to luxury and comfort. greycaine.co.uk

Inside this section

INTERIORS NEWS p62

HANNAH BARNES p64

GRAHAM & BROWN p74

HELENA CHRISTENSEN p80

TWO-TONE KITCHENS p85

Compiled by PENDLE HARTE

INTERIORS NOTES

IDEAS, DESIGNS AND STYLES FOR YOUR HOME

IN THE FRAME

THE ROOST

The Roost's curated selection of unique, original artworks and high-quality prints spans limited editions and popular reproductions, plus beautiful frames. Whether you're looking to create a gallery wall, show o your favourite prints, or ﬁnd an original piece from an array of talented UK-based artists, there's something for you at The Roost. theroost.com

LIGHT HEARTED

MAGIC CIRCUS EDITIONS

Marie-Lise Féry founded Magic Circus Editions in France in 2015 and her lighting has a unique signature. Inspired by magic lanterns and infused with a sense of fun and theatricality, the new collection is colourful, striking and irreverant. magic-circus.fr

SIT BACK

KUSCH+CO

Kanu is a stylish and innovative lounge armchair collection designed by Tomasz Augustyniak. By promoting a sense of calm and wellbeing, Kanu brings comfort and fosters connections and creativity, while blending style and functionality. kusch.com

Pretty vases

BERGS POTTER

AFTER NOAH

Terracotta Checked Vase, £68 a ernoah.com

Bergs Potter belives that great design is more than aesthetic; it's a way to foster harmony between people and plants. Whether it's the enduring warmth of terracotta or the clarity of mouth-blown glass, these pieces are an invitation to embrace greenery in all its beauty. bergspotter.com

POTTED HISTORY TIME

ALESSI

Cronotime, originally designed by Pio Manzù, is a minimal yet playful desk clock re-issued and now manufactured by Alessi. Its tubular design, bold typeface, and rotating sections make it the perfect clock for a desk or bedside table, £60. scp.co.uk

CASA BY JJ

Cabbage Vintage Inspired Vase, £63 casabyjj.com

COX & COX

Glazed Urn Vase, £60 coxandcox.co.uk

ROSE & GREY

Sarai Wavy Vase, £75 roseandgrey.co.uk

CASA BY JJ Peacock Of Paradise Tulipiere Vase, £80 casabyjj.com

uilding a CAREER

BAbsolutely talks to Hannah Barnes about 20 years plus in the interior design industry, and juggling work and family life

Q Before renovating your own home in your 20s, were you working in interior design?

A I'd started to help a handful of clients with single room makeovers, paint techniques and design ideas, but my ﬁrst house was my biggest project to date. A very outdated Victorian terrace was certainly a challenge, but I learnt how to budget, prioritise and bring a period home back to life. I also learnt how to balance my own project, alongside studying and working for clients too – a juggling act I continue to practice today.

Q Did you launch your own business around the same time?

A Oﬃcially, I launched in 2002, and during my home renovation, I worked to build up great contacts with local suppliers and contractors to create a

trustworthy team. It was clear to me that my skills were in the design and management of projects (rather than on the tools!) and so I needed a skilled team around me to bring my ideas to life.

Q From day one, what have you looked to oﬀer?

A My business ethos has developed over the 20+ years I've been in business, but the core remains from day one. To offer a down-to-earth, nonpretentious service which feels approachable as well as aspirational. It's a difficult balance as my services are not budget level, nor are they super high end, but am now experienced at ensuring my client's homes reflect their family's taste and needs, and feel timeless for longevity, as well as giving them something they would never have thought of themselves.

Q How do you like to get to know clients?

A I like to visit clients in their homes as one of the ﬁrst steps in the design process, rather than an online consultation. I think this gives me far more insight into who they are as people, and of course it means I can connect to them and their rooms much quicker. We chat together informally, so I can understand what they love and what they don't like about their spaces, so I can understand their family dynamics and needs of everyone in the house. I then usually make a second returning visit to survey the room and take measurements, and this second visit helps to build a closer bond with my clients too.

The whole process is hands-on and personable and by the time we are picking out cabinet handles together, I like to think I know my clients rather well, almost intuitively... which makes me a better designer for them.

Q How do you work on a new project?

A After the initial consultation and room surveys, I like to start by researching lots of ideas online

and elsewhere to create an aesthetic I know my clients will love. I am a little old-school and like to hand draw ﬂoor layouts and elevations to map out layouts – it's really how my creative brain pours out and I feel more connected to the spaces with a pen in my hand.

I'll create ﬂoor plans, visuals of furniture, lighting and ideas, and create trays of samples to help my clients visualise all the elements of their room.

Once tweaks are made and everyone is happy, I then co-ordinate all the contractors to carry out the project, drafting schedules, budgets and editing materials to the last detail.

I then personally project manage the project to ensure the initial design vision is brought to life, involving my client every step along the way if they like – some like to go on holiday and return to a beautiful new space, which is also great.

I nurture the project right through to hanging their artwork and styling their bookshelves. It's a fully immersive process I've spent many years perfecting, which I am really proud of and clients seem to love.

I am a little old-school and like to hand draw floor layouts. It is how my creative brain pours out

HANNAH BARNES

WHITE FRIARS DENTAL IN CHESTER, HERE AND TOP RIGHT

Q Looking back on some of your projects, can you pick out three that stand out for you for whatever reason?

A I am lucky to have so many amazing projects to remember. I loved renovating a large dental practice in Chester (whitefriarshouse.com) a couple of years ago. It was the oldest dental practice in the UK and we discovered some amazing original ﬂoors as well as lots of other surprises during the project. The end result is stunning and it's the fanciest dental practice I've ever seen!

One of my other stand out projects was a full renovation of a Victorian home in Didsbury, in particular the entryway. This unloved, outdated space had so much potential and some wonderful traditional details I kept and enhanced with panelling, a classic stair runner and the most beautiful ﬂoor tiles which really steal the show. I love the paired back colour scheme – it's rather monochromatic but still feels warm and inviting. Practically, the space works better too as there are pull out drawers for coats and shoes under the stairs, and I love the way the classic styling works seamlessly with the more contemporary elements.

Finally, one of my favourite spaces I've created was a modest bathroom in South Manchester for a lovely couple I've worked with previously. The outdated bathroom felt uninspiring and certainly did not reﬂect their bold individual taste.

I love the warmth of this room, and the slight vintage aesthetic. It feels a little glamorous but also functions really well, and the ﬂoor tiles are stunning. My favourite parts of this space include the textured rust wallpaper, which was wrapped all over the walls and ceiling for a rich, inviting feel, and then the little details such as the ceramic level on the brass tap, and the matt frosted wall tiles which add a contemporary contrast. We almost very nearly chose a lighter wallpaper, to blend with the wall tiles, and I'm so pleased my clients were brave enough to go in the opposite direction with me to create something far more unique.

Q How does family life ﬁt in around the business?

A I have six-year-old twins, and so like any working parent, it's tricky to juggle all the daily tasks. Once my children started in nursery and school, I really learned how to focus for shorter periods of time in order to be as productive as possible. I'm also very lucky that my business has been established long enough that I can be ﬂexible with my schedule, meaning I can still attend school activities and keep everything growing in the business too.

Having a family has meant I understand the needs of my clients much better, in terms of storage requirements, longevity of design, and how to spread the budget sensibly. Having these two lives blend together - business owner and then mum - does feel a lot at times, but is also rich with enjoyment and life, and my children often like to give their opinions on my design schemes too, so it's certainly helping them ﬁnd their creativity!

Q What projects are you currently involved in?

A I'm currently working on a ﬁve bedroom family home in Wilmslow for clients I loved working for in their previous home. It's a brand new build property, so adding lots of warm texture and layers to give it depth and interest. I'm just a couple of weeks away from renovating a bathroom for another client in Warrington – which will be pink and feminine and gorgeous when it's ﬁnished! And in a few months, I hope to be working on another commercial high street project which is always an exciting challenge.

I feel very fortunate to have a business I love and which suits my lifestyle, and keeps my creative brain constantly challenged with each new project

hannahbarnesdesigns.co.uk

My children often like to give their opinions on my design schemes, so it's helping them find their creativity

WHITE FRIARS DENTAL IN CHESTER

THE VICTORIAN HOUSE ENTRANCE

THE WRONG SHOE THEORY

And

other ways to be brave in your home, writes Hannah Barnes

Creating a unique and personal interior is tricky, and too often we see unpredictable, cookie cutter homes which don’t always reﬂect the individual tastes and lifestyle of the owner. It’s time to be bolder with our homes and step outside of the decor trends everybody else has and what we see on social media. It’s your home, and there is nothing more interesting about an interior than an unapologetic brave style.

Embrace the Mis-fit

The Wrong Shoe Theory is just one way to make your home unpredictable. A term coined by Allison Bornstein, a celebrity stylist, who suggests the way to have your style noticed is to deliberately add a shoe which wouldn't usually 'ﬁt' with the rest of the outﬁt. Adding a personal quirk to make it stand out and catch the eye. We can apply this theory to our homes too, so try being a little rebellious with these fun ideas for your own home:

1. Paint an interior door bright sunshine yellow. Not only does it add a happy bold splash to simpler rooms, but yellow often doesn’t work with many subtle schemes, so it's a distinctive way to catch the eye.

2. Deliberately choose cool tones to sit alongside

warmer tones. What would have been a perfectly nice scheme, will start to feel daring and unusual. 3. Clash prints and patterns with conﬁdence. Dressing a classic room with a jolt of something interesting, such as a modern red lamp or bold artwork which stops you in your tracks to make a contemporary statement.

Mixing It Up

One of the ways to break out of the boring, predictable styles we see everywhere, is to keep mixing it up. Mix the eras, styles, textures and more to curate a far more interesting home. Blending older period style backdrops with contemporary furniture pieces is one of my favourite ways to showcase an elegant and timeless transitional style.

Combine wood with painted surfaces, natural wicker and smooth metals, linens with velvets… and watch your room come to life with all these layered textures.

Mixed metals may be controversial, but it can look very elevated when done well. Much more so than restricting your home to one metal tone. The key is to make one metal more dominant than the rest, and categorize each metal colour (i.e. handles all in black and wall lights in brass).

Stop worrying about diﬀerent woods too. It’s perfectly OK to have varying wood tones in your

home, in fact having one shade of oak throughout feels ﬂat. So mix it up and create depth and interest in each room, allowing your favourite features to shine and with a style which looks elegant.

Play with scale and colour

Interior design is meant to be fun and there is no better way to experiment in our homes than with scale, proportion and colour. Opting for the opposite of what you’d usually choose feels brave and bold.

So hang the oversized pendant over the dining table for maximum eﬀect – it will feel so much more intentional than a predictable row of three smaller lights.

Display the extra large painting in your entryway to make your guests stop and notice. This is an instantly dramatic injection of colour and texture. Artwork can be just as interesting when it’s small too, so play with scale both extra large and teeny tiny to keep it unique.

Splash your favourite colour on every surface to saturate a room with this colour drenching

Splash your favourite colour on every surface to saturate a room. With a really vivid colour, the interior will feel inviting

technique. With a really vivid colour, the interior will feel intimate and inviting – it works just as well to highlight an underused nook too but choose a really strong colour here. And is there anything quite as boring as a white ceiling? I think not – so try a muted shade on the ceiling and watch as your eyes lift when you enter this space.

Unexpected Pairings

Teal & Navy: Perfect for decadent wallpaper in these close jewel tones.

Sage & Rust: Ideal for cosy autumnal spaces.

Blue & Red: Works best if the colours are muted, so paler blue and a wine-red.

Green & Gold: This vintage collab works best with a vivid emerald green and a warm golden hue. Creams & Whites: A timeless neutral lover’s paradise, but challenging. Avoid anything too pink in tone and stick to natural shades like sand, linen and stones which will make the whites appear much crisper.

Close Colours: Shades which are not the polar opposite, such as peach and raspberry. Equally delicious on your walls as in a bowl, and especially funky when used with contemporary colour banding.

Now you have lots of creative ideas, how are you going to be brave in your home? Show me by tagging me in your socials @hannahbarnesdesigns

Hannah Barnes Designs Ltd has grown and developed into a successful interiors company for over 20 years.

Hannah brings a truly personal approach, creative concepts and an excellent eye for design detail.

Sleep TALK

Carpe Diem Beds is expanding The Iconic Collection and releasing new products for the bedroom sanctuary

IIn celebration of this year’s 30th anniversary, Carpe Diem Beds has expanded The Iconic Collection, an innovative series of floating luxury beds first released last May. The brand is adding their best-selling bed model, Sandö, to the collection and releasing a range of new products to help customers turn their bedrooms into sanctuaries. The Iconic Collection debuted with four innovative designs: Kungsö, Hällsö Walnut, Hällsö Upholstery, and Vindö. Known for their innovative style, these beds feature a distinctive centred leg design, creating an ethereal floating effect. With the addition of Sandö Iconic, the collection continues to set new standards for luxury and innovation in the world of sleep.

REIMAGINING A CLASSIC

As Carpe Diem Beds’ most popular continental bed model, Sandö has been thoughtfully reimagined to align with the rest of The Iconic Collection. Its updated design incorporates the centred leg, giving it the ethereal ﬂoating appearance while maintaining the ergonomic excellence that has made it a customer favourite.

Sandö Iconic stands out due to its unique combination of three patented spring systems. Like all beds in the collection, Sandö Iconic includes both the Contour Pocket System and Visco Elastic Bottom Layer. The third layer, the X-pocket, is positioned between the top and bottom spring systems, providing exceptional suspension depth that creates an unparalleled sensation of weightlessnes and enhances the sleep experience, oﬀering an ideal balance of support and relaxation.

New standards for luxury and innovation in the world of sleep

ADDING TO THE BEDROOM SANCTUARY

Carpe Diem Beds oﬀers more than just luxury beds; they provide a variety of bedroom furniture and accessories that inspire customers to create their own bedroom sanctuary. The concept of a 360° view is central to the company’s philosophy, as they believe the bedroom should be the heart of the home – a space where one can truly unwind.

Among the new releases are the Otterö Headboard, Holme Walnut Nightstand, Holme Walnut Top and Cylinder Bed Leg in Walnut, all crafted from walnut, highlighting a commitment to materials that embody beauty, tranquillity, and lasting quality. This aligns with one of the company’s primary sources of design inspiration: nature. The new releases also include Holme Upholstery, Sälö, and Holme Plexi Top. Holme Upholstery is a soft, fabric-padded version of the popular Holme Nightstand. Sälö is an upholstered back panel designed to complement the walnut headboard models Pinnö and Otterö. The Holme Plexi Top is speciﬁcally designed for the Holme nightstands. This transparent top adds a modern touch while providing a protective surface.

Each new oﬀering is thoughtfully created to enhance the sleeping experience, reﬂecting meticulous attention to detail and high-quality materials that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

Find out more by visiting carpediembeds.co.uk

SANDÖ ICONIC

LIFT THE

SPIRITS

Graham & Brown is set to launch a fresh range of wallpapers, soft furnishings and paints which will bring some much-needed colour into homes this spring

Leading UK design-led interiors brand Graham & Brown launches a fresh range of wallpapers, bespoke murals, soft furnishings and complementing paints for the spring s/summer 2025 with their ‘Concerto’ Collection. The new designs pay homage to the themes of Craft Work, Expressing Yourself, Nature and Nostalgia. The design studio credits these as the key inspiration behind bringing the 2025 collection to life through a range of wallpaper, soft furnishings and perfectly paired paints.

The spring/summer drop celebrates individuality, empathetic design and a connection to nature. This comes to life in the fun geometric silhouette of Trelia and the beautiful ﬂoral patterns of Botanists Scroll, Oshibana and Foxglove Stripe – showcasing how you can embrace the beauty of nature from within your home.

HOME | INTERVIEW

The collection has been designed, drawn and crafted with attention to detail, bringing these creative visions to life. The craftsmanship is unmistakable in designs such as Craftwork Trial’s intricate details, which are also available in complementing curtains and blinds to create a full room look. Fresh soft pinks, sages, powdery blues and greens make up much of the spring/ summer collection, while still including some reassuring navy notes and bold colours that the brand is famous for.

Founded by two friends – Harold Graham and Henry Brown – Graham & Brown has been a familyrun business from its HQ in Blackburn since 1946. Absolutely caught up with Iona Graham, greatgrandaughter of Harold, from Graham & Brown to ﬁnd out a little more about the new collection.

Q What was the inspiration behind the spring/summer designs?

A The collection celebrates individuality, empathetic design and a connection to nature. Each design was created by our in-house design studio, by a talented team of artists and designers, all inspired by the studio’s trend predictions for 2025 and an archive of 50,000 pieces, which is part of Graham & Brown’s rich history.

Q What are the big trends for 2025?

A Stripes are set to be huge for 2025 and you’ll see a variety of striped patterns in this collection in both light and dark colourways including Floral Boheme Stripe, Petal Stripe and Laurel Stripe. Bringing the outside in is a key theme for this year – you’ll see this in the beautiful ﬂoral designs

IONA GRAHAM

QUARTET SAGE - VIRIDIS

OXGLOVE STRIPE SAGE

CRAFTWORK TRAIL GREEN

“Stripes are set to be a huge trend for 2025”

such as Botanists Scroll, Oshibana and Gilded Leaf –showcasing how you can embrace the beauty of nature and inside outside living from within the comfort of your own home.You can also see the themes of creativity and individuality through the fun geometric silhouette of Trelia and Craftwork Trail, there really is something for everyone.

Q What’s so unique about this collection?

A What’s particularly unique about this collection is that we’ve designed with the full room in mind. These gorgeous designs are not only available in wallpaper, but also in complementary soft furnishings, including blinds, curtains and cushions, as well as perfectly partnered paints to create a full room look. What I also personally love about this collection is the fact we’ve dove deep into our archive ﬁnding pieces that date back in our archives to 1978 and used these as inspiration for the collection, we’re so lucky to have them. The team hand painted many of the designs including the Botanists and used woodblock printing techniques to create the Apple of Grenada design, it’s so special to see it come to life!

Q Tell us a bit about the brand story?

A Graham & Brown is still a family-run, fourth

generation business. It was founded by my GreatGrandfather Harold Graham and his friend Henry Brown in 1946. I proudly joined the business last year and it’s been such an incredible journey so far, with exciting plans that I can’t wait for them to come to fruition as we move into 2025.

For 79 years, Graham & Brown has inspired people to think diﬀerently about their homes through continuous innovation, design, creativity, and craftsmanship and we will continue to do this from the heart of Lancashire, which has been our home from the beginning.

grahambrown.com

OSHIBANA DAY - QUARTET BLUSH

CRAFTWORK TRAIL DAY - MILITARY OPERATION

APPLE OF GRENADA PINK & GREEN

Creating Heavenly Bathrooms

TABLE

TALK

Event designer Fiona Leahy is launching a ‘table wardrobe’ of stylish accessories for the home. Absolutely has a preview

By PEARL BOYD

If anyone knows about tablescaping, it’s Fiona Leahy. The dining table has long served this Irish-born stylist as a canvas for creating atmospheric scenes of whimsy, intrigue and magical thinking. And now she has launched a collection of table essentials, which she is calling a ‘table wardrobe’, a collection of accessories to help us all recreate our mealtimes in the

style of Chanel, Dior or Harrods’ glamorous events.

The Fiona Leahy Emporium brings Fiona’s creative vision and flair into this collection of expertly designed, beautiful, functional pieces that add elegance, colour and interest to every table. Alongside in-house designed core collections of table linens, candle holders and accessories, one-off pieces will digitally drop

on a regular basis alongside pieces from favourite makers Fiona has worked with for nearly 20 years. These new essentials are created to be layered, mixed and matched in the way she would do when staging distinctive, dramatic and daring events around the world.

Tablecloths and napkins made from premium linens have been uniquely colour matched in 12 shades inspired

by a copy of the 1930s British Colour Standard book Fiona found in a secondhand bookstore. Rich, deep shades such Venetian Pink, Opaline Green, Vintage Peach, Cacao and Coral Kiss as well as Riley’s Patch and Genie Pink (named in honour of Fiona’s two beloved rescue pups) have been created and extensively colour tested for use in a single sweep of monochrome colour-blocking or mixed according to mood.

Fiona began her career as a fashion stylist before pioneering her unique creative style of event design by founding her own production agency Fiona Leahy Design in 2005. She instantly became a vital collaborator for prestigious private clients around the world, including Chanel, Dior, Fendi, The Row, and retailers such as Tiffany & Co, Harrods and Asprey. Recognised for her pioneering approach to tabletop design, Fiona brings her intricate bird’s eye vision and flair to offer expertly designed, made, finished pieces.

The first in-house designed collection, Illumination, comprises four translucent tinted glass hurricanes in soothing tones of pearl, rose, peach and honey designed to allow for a fresh approach to playing with the allure of candlelight. There are

also Candleware pieces featuring glass, chrome and brass; thin 35cm taper candles available in nine unique colours. She has also curated a selection of special heirloom vintage and antique tabletop pieces collected on her travels over many years (from antique silver candle wands, porcelain oyster plates and vintage embroidered linens to unusual art de la table accessories) alongside artisanal homewares from makers with whom Fiona has worked across her career in event design, including Laboratorio Paravicini, Greggio and Kaneko Kohyo. Having special pieces custom made for each event, whether it was a tablecloth or place holder, from Los Angeles, Mexico to Baku and Doha, has always been integral to the stylist’s success.

“It was always the biggest sign of approval when guests wanted to take everything on the table home (and quite often they did),” says Fiona. “I wanted to design a collection of my most loved items imbued with my experience, expertise and passion that will bring people at home the same joy I get from filling a space or dressing a table with unforgettable moments of magic.”

fionaleahy.com

“It is a fresh approach to playing with the allure of candlelight”

MODEL A SUPER

BoConcept has announced Helena Christensen as their Global Artistic Director

BoConcept has ushered in a new creative era as it appoints the world-renowned Danish supermodel, photographer and style icon Helena Christensen as Global Artistic Director for the brand.

In her new role, Helena will help to shape an exciting new chapter for the global interiors company, working closely with new design talent, featuring in and producing brand campaigns, and designing and styling pieces that speak to her eﬀortless sense of style and easy elegance.

Helena lends her unique experience and perspective to BoConcept’s ‘Art of Living Danishly’ campaign, bringing to life what it means to live well through inspiring content series, engaging lifestyle pieces across BoConcept’s channels and conversations with fellow Danish creatives addressing what it is to “Live Danish”.

The appointment takes BoConcept’s longstanding practice of collaborating with renowned designers to a new level. Helena says: “This is a dream come true for me. I’ve always loved interiors and this speaks to so many of my passions for design, creativity, and living intentionally.”

FROM FASHION TO FURNITURE

Helena says her whole career has been about “what the eye sees and how it makes you feel”. As one of the ‘Magniﬁcent Seven’ group of supermodels that dominated catwalks, billboards and magazines in the ’90s, she was part of the fashion and culture explosion of the decade – front and centre of an era that shaped culture as we know it.

Now, she says, “the way I decorate my home is as important as how I dress myself”, and her love of home and deep appreciation for living well keeps her ﬁrmly in step with today’s zeitgeist, favouring wellness and self-care, and quality over quantity.

As part of her role, Helena will be designing furniture and developing fabrics for the brand. Interiors have always been a passion, and alongside her modelling and photography, she has worked in the interiors space for two decades. Twenty years ago she launched the concept store Butik in New York City with Leif Sigersen. She is also co-founder, with long-term collaborator Camilla Staerk, of their interior design and lifestyle studio Staerk & Christensen, which creates work across fashion, furniture, photography and ﬁlm.

Recent design projects include collaborations with New York-based studio Bower on a range of home accessories and creating a special edition of the ‘Runner Chair’ with Danish designer Kasper Salto. The duo has also been working on an ongoing prefab project of three structural houses with Revolution Precrafted, alongside the architect Gulla Jonsdottir.

“This speaks to my passion for design and creativity ”

About her approach, Helena says: “Design is more than the details of aesthetics, it’s about how it makes you feel when you walk through the door,” she says. “When your environment is comforting, beautiful and feels like a true reﬂection of you, life is better. You’re freer, more productive, more creative and more relaxed and joyful. That matters a lot to me!"

DANISH DESIGN’S NEW WAVE

The partnership is also rooted in a shared Danish heritage and cultural experience. Copenhagen-born Helena, who lives in Manhattan and has a beach house on the Danish coast, joins BoConcept at a time when Danish design and the country’s creative and cultural output is globally inﬂuential – continuously shifting the dial across fashion, design, food and beyond.

“Being Global Artistic Director at BoConcept is more than just a role to me; it’s a creative journey of unpacking what it means to live well and sharing the beauty and brilliance of Danish design.”

Danish design played a crucial role in the mid-century modern movement, characterised by its clean lines and functional forms. This is still central to the new direction, but the new wave feels more playful and personal. It’s this

“I want to share the beauty and brilliance of Danish design”

marriage of minimalism’s sleek lines and Helena’s maverick ability to be nothing other than herself that makes the partnership so invigorating.

THE POWER OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Helena’s ﬁrst creative endeavour comes with the launch of ‘Flora’, an exclusive set of art prints from her personal photography archive, available to buy in March 2025. The capsule of botanical prints highlights Helena’s love of nature and capturing the beauty of every day. “There’s something so fascinating about looking at a ﬂower, deeply and intensely,” Helena says. “The magic and complexity of nature is almost impossible to believe and understand, but I’m able to capture it, somehow, with my camera.”

A celebrated photographer, Helena’s work has been published extensively in art and design magazines and is frequently showcased in galleries from Europe to the US. Helena was also a founding partner and creative director of the hugely inﬂuential Nylon magazine.

She says photography has become “like breathing” to her. “I love the simple fact that you can capture a moment in time. I see everything in frames. I am constantly searching for moments and always curious about everything that happens in my way.”

WORLD TRAVELLER AND UN AMBASSADOR

In a role in which she combines her passion for photography with humanitarian work, in 2019 Helena was appointed a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, travelling the globe to document the struggles of refugees and displaced people. “This is a role I take very seriously,” she says. “The fact that I get to travel the world and meet people who are refugees or displaced persons and photograph them, talk to them and convey their stories to the rest of the world is the most fulﬁlling and humbling job I will ever have.”

BoConcept is thrilled to be working with Helena and excited to see the vibrant, unique perspective this

global icon will bring to the story of Danish design at BoConcept. Chief Marketing Oﬃcer Paula McGuinness says: “We are truly excited to harness our BoConcept design expertise with Helena’s intrinsic sense of global style and her Danish life philosophy. We look forward to shaping a new agenda together to inspire consumers around the world.”

BoConcept was founded in 1952 in Denmark and today is the world’s most global furniture retailer, with over 300 stores spanning 64 countries. The brand works with award-winning designers to create collections of furniture, accessories and lighting for private homes and business spaces. Under the heading ‘Live Ekstraordinær’, BoConcept is committed to bringing its flexible Interior Design Service and industryleading customisation to spaces both private and public – without compromising on design vision or aesthetics.

boconcept.com

Helena resides in New York City, where she continues to blend her passions for fashion, art, and philanthropy.

SET THE TONE

Second Nature, who have a host of stockists across Cheshire, analyse a key trend in kitchen design

Two-toned kitchens are the latest design trend to oﬀer a stunning blend of style and functionality. By combining contrasting colours, textures and materials, this design approach creates depth and visual interest whilst allowing homeowners to express their personal style. Second Nature oﬀers a range of cupboard doors and accessories to create the perfect two-toned kitchen which will elevate the home.

When creating a two-toned design, selecting the appropriate colours is essential. The ﬁrst step is to decide which tones will complement one another without clashing, with some of the most popular combinations being lighter shades like white, grey or cream and contrasting them with deeper hues such as navy, charcoal and burnt orange. A homeowner could opt for a dramatic contrast or a more subtle approach, dependent on the style of home and the space available.

A two-toned approach not only enhances visual interest, but also offers practical benefits. Lighter tones can create an open and airy atmosphere, while darker hues will hide scuffs and stains, making a space more functional. To fully embrace the trend, homeowners can also experiment with different textures and materials. For example, glossy finishes can add a contemporary

feel whilst natural wood tones oﬀer warmth and charm. Additionally, contrasting hardware, splashbacks and worktops can elevate the two-toned design to create a cohesive and sophisticated look.

The Mornington Beaded design is a prime example of how to incorporate two contrasting tones in the kitchen. Opt for one wall of cabinetry in a lighter colour and another wall in a more vibrant hue to create a dynamic visual eﬀect which adds personality and energy to the overall space. Whilst the light cabinetry prevents a smaller kitchen from feeling cramped, the bold contrast adds warmth and character. Tie the space together by opting for a similarly bold kitchen island to create a focal point.

Emma Sandford, brand manager at Second Nature, comments: “This particular trend has gained traction because it oﬀers endless customisation options, allowing homeowners to make a statement whilst keeping the design timeless. It’s the perfect trend for those who want

“This trend has gained traction because it offers endless customisation options”

their kitchen to feel modern yet welcoming. Whether you prefer bold contrasts or subtle transitions, a two-toned kitchen is a creative way to personalise your space.” Available through a network of over 180 independent retailers and showrooms, Second Nature is ready and waiting across the UK to help every homeowner create their perfect space. Whether it’s re-imagining an entire house or providing the ﬁnishing touch to a smaller room, aﬀordability, exceptional customer service and quality products are at the heart of the brand’s ethos.

Find out more at sncollection.co.uk

GEOFFREY KEY

By PENDLE HARTE

SORT CODES

SQUARE ROUTE ANTLER

1 5

BIN IT BRABANTIA

Nobody wants a rubbish bin to look rubbish. Ever on-trend Brabantia have released a new colourway for their stylish and practical bins (intelligent opening, silent closing). Because in 2025, everything is brown. Even your new bin. brabantia.com

SHELF LIFE UMBRA

With three expandable tiers, you can customise this shelf to best ﬁt your cupboard, countertop or shelf space. Made with recycled plastic and sustainable wood materials, it's a great storage solution. umbra.com

To anyone who has resisted packing cubes so far, we say one thing: Antler. These cubes in various sizes have a clever compression zip that magically makes everything smaller. Not only can you compartmentalise everything, but you can ﬁt so much more in your suitcase, £50. antler.co.uk 1 3 4 5 2 3 2 4

PICK IT UP

JOSEPH JOSEPH Banish bathroom clutter with a simple yet ingenius storage caddy. This Joseph Joseph one has space for toothbrushes and all the paraphenalia that collects around the sink, £28. josephjoseph.com

HUNG UP

ABODE LIVING

This is a shelf, but with a hanging rail. With one sleek looking item, you can solve several organisational problems at once. It even comes with hooks too, £77. abodeliving.com

Romantic retreats, boutique hotels, award-winning villas, family holidays.

Your time is precious... Our service is exceptional.

The Rou Estate, Corfu, Greece

TRAVEL

ISLAND LIFE

CYPRUS

Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Cyprus has been a coveted prize for empires and civilisations through time. And it's easy to see why. page 94

Cyprus THE ESSENCE OF

A luxurious break on the island of ancient ruins, picturesque beaches, and the warmest welcome

Words SANDY CADIZ-SMITH

Ajourney to Cyprus o ers a unique blend of sun-soaked relaxation and rich history.

Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the island has been a coveted prize for empires and civilisations through time.

Divided into the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus, following the invasion ﬁve decades ago, the island is home to ancient ruins, picturesque beaches, and the warmest welcome. Perhaps that’s because the sun shines an average of 320 days a year.

A direct ﬂight from Limassol whisks us away to our island escape and the luxury of Parklane: A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, a short drive from the airport. Our Monopoly-playing days remind us of Park Lane on the board – the pinnacle of luxury and style. And its namesake does not disappoint.

A sweeping driveway, sparkling fountain, and dazzling marble foyer welcome us and we’re soon escorted to our room. It’s a sanctuary of modern elegance with sleek minimalist furnishings and a huge marble bathroom with a deep bathtub and roomy shower. The ﬂoor-toceiling glass doors lead to a large balcony with

azure sea and pool views. The stunning tropical gardens weave their way throughout the resort and there’s a lot to explore.

Parklane has three large, shimmering swimming pools surrounded by extra-plush sun loungers. There’s a large private beach and pretty cabanas laid out along the edge of the gardens for private relaxation. The facilities are sprinkled like treasures to be discovered throughout the grounds. Winding pathways lead through verdant lawns and tumbling blooms, and the pure natural beauty of our setting soon envelops us. It’s serene and sunny and we soon slip into a soothed Cyprus state of mind.

Parklane days begin very happily with the vast breakfast bu et at Lanes. This sets the tone for what turns out to be a very foodie trip. The resort prides itself on its exceptional cuisine, produced using the freshest of ingredients and we truly feasted in style. There are six restaurants and bars, each with its own clear personality which is reﬂected in the food. LPM (La Petite Maison) serves inventive cocktails and dishes inspired by the French Riviera. Think luscious garlic snails, sea bream baked with Provencal herbs, and duck conﬁt.

There’s fresh ﬁsh and seafood and prime cuts of meat at NAMMOS on its beautiful

“It’s serene and sunny and we soon slip into a soothed Cyprus state of mind”

alfresco terrace overlooking the sea. And Il Teatro besides the pool serves Italian delights at lunchtime. There are palm trees, exotic ﬂowers, and fabulous views of sparkling blues of sea and sky. We’re eating in heaven.

The island itself also has many attractions. There’s time for peaceful beachside walks and strolls through nearby Limassol Marina and Old Harbour to Limassol Castle. There’s a stunning tree-lined promenade ﬁlled with happy people and we discover little markets and quaint souvenir shops along the way. We dine on authentic Cypriot cuisine on the terrace at Karatello Restaurant overlooking the castle and take in the history surrounding us.

The next morning we travel the vertiginously narrow roads up to picturesque Lefkara Village, famed for its lace, silver making, and fabulous views. We meander the idyllic bougainvilleafestooned streets and stop for fresh juice in the shade of a courtyard. Cyprus is home to the world’s oldest perfume, said to have been created over 4,000 years ago using extracts of lavender, laurel, rosemary, pine, and coriander. We excitedly join a perfume workshop to design our own personal scent with the help of the resident expert, and leave sweet-smelling with our individual fragrances.

Parklane weaves a unique kind of magic. From the beauty of the immaculate gardens to the sparkle of the pools and sea, gourmet dining and superb facilities, it’s the ultimate in luxury, style, and indulgence. Cyprus is an alluring island, a world where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. And don’t forget all that sunshine.

marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pfomd-parklanea-luxury-collection-resort-and-spa-limassol

ACELESTIAL ESCAPE

Exploring why PoB Hotels’ collection is perfect for starry experience

PoB Hotels, the renowned collection of independent hotels across Britain, invites guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of stargazing. With PoB Hotels’ ‘Under the Stars’ collection, guests can explore the awe-inspiring beauty of dark skies and stargazing, as well as experiencing the wellness beneﬁts it o ers. From exclusive packages to expert-guided tours and prime viewing locations, guests can enjoy celestial wonders while indulging in the exceptional comfort and luxury that characterises these distinctive properties.

MOON, STARS, AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN AT ARMATHWAITE HALL AND HOTEL

Leave behind the city lights and discover the serene tranquillity and stillness of the Lake District at Armathwaite Hall Hotel. This historic manor is excited to o er an exclusive ‘Moon and Star Bathing Experience’, featuring guided meditation and star-spotting sessions, allowing visitors to relax and reconnect under the Cumbrian skies. The experience is thoughtfully designed to promote deep reﬂection and connection with nature, culminating in an intimate tea ceremony where guests can embrace the documented wellness beneﬁts of stargazing. To complete the experience, visitors can retreat to one of Armathwaite Hall’s sumptuous rooms or suites, extending their celestial journey into the night.

STAR GAZING EUROPE’S DARKEST SKIES AT GLENAPP CASTLE

Guests can disconnect and leave any worries behind for a luxurious stargazing experience at the beautiful Glenapp Castle. Beneath the deep blue-black skies of Scotland, Glenapp Castle o ers a handcrafted evening designed to help reconnect with nature and enjoy the wellness beneﬁts of the activity. The grounds of Glenapp Castle are just a few miles west of the internationally recognised Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, which boasts incredible clear night skies. The stargazing extravaganza o ers

guests an unforgettable experience with the hotel’s private dark sky ranger, who will direct you to all the must-see stars. Visitors can enjoy a special Glenapp ‘tiddly’ hot chocolate, cosy blankets, night binoculars, and hand warmers to keep the winter chill at bay, all whilst viewing the wonders of the night sky. To top o this enchanting experience, guests will be whisked up to the warmth of the castle for a three-course dinner, followed by a night in one of the luxurious castle suites for restful sleep. With some of the darkest skies in the UK, Glenapp is the perfect place to see the Milky Way or, if lucky, even the Northern Lights.

STARRY, STARRY NIGHT AT BAILIFFSCOURT HOTEL & SPA

With 30-acres of private parkland leading to the beach, Baili scourt Hotel & Spa in

Sussex marks the perfect spot for stargazer enthusiasts to enjoy the starry skies of Sussex, amongst some of the best spots in the British Isles. A new o ering for Baili scourt Hotel & Spa, the ‘Starry, Starry Night’ package o ers a ‘mindful stargazing’ experience, gently combining the spheres of astronomy and cosmology together with the principles of mindfulness. This fascinating retreat, led by qualiﬁed astrophysicist and author Dr Westmoquette, includes a specially curated Qigong session, including meditation, breathwork and thoughtful movement. As dusk approaches, guests will have the opportunity to explore the night sky with a guided tour of the stars and constellations. After a peaceful sleep, a morning mindful Zen Yoga session will leave guests feeling rejuvenated and at one with the universe surrounding them.

PALE HALL

BAILIFFSCOURT HOTEL

ARMATHWAITE HALL

A STARLIT SERENITY AT GROVE OF NARBERTH

The rejuvenating crisp Welsh air, paired with the cosy comforts of the lovingly restored country house, ensures that guests will be well looked after during their stay at Grove of Narberth. This is a tranquil country house in Wales, located over two miles from the nearest village, o ering an enchanting rural escape. To enhance the stargazing experience, Grove of Narberth is situated just a short distance from Pembrokeshire’s Dark Sky Discovery Sites. This provides the perfect conditions for celestial viewings, which o er numerous mental and physical health beneﬁts. With 26 acres of land surrounding the hotel, there is plenty of space for guests to feel as though they are the only people in the world while exploring the gardens at twilight, before turning their heads to the sky for the evening spectacle of constellations and shooting stars.

STARGAZING ESCAPES AT PALÉ HALL HOTEL

Seeking a stargazing experience with a four-legged friend? Palé Hall Hotel welcomes both stargazers and their loyal friends with its welcoming dog-friendly policy. Rich in history, the hotel invites guests to explore its historic halls and gardens by day before turning their gaze skyward as evening falls. Perched at the edge of Eryri National

Park, one of just 12 International Dark Sky Reserves globally, Palé Hall Hotel o ers a peaceful respite from the mountains with its stunning Grade-II listed Victorian mansion. This secluded spot provides a tranquil haven to enjoy all that the Welsh skies have to o er. With its vast surrounding gardens, it makes for the perfect stargazing getaway, while meticulously restored suites and exceptional dining venues ensure every moment on earth is equally magniﬁcent.

STARS AND SPAS AT PARK HOUSE HOTEL

Experience the perfect balance of celestial wonder and earthly indulgence at Park House Hotel, where starlit nights blend seamlessly with spa-ﬁlled days. Set within the South Downs National Park, Park House Hotel, this elegant retreat harmoniously combines classic charm with contemporary luxury, creating an atmosphere of sophisticated tranquillity throughout the property. The dark skies provided by the rural location in the National Park create the ideal environment for stargazing.

DIVINE SKIES AT FARLAM HALL HOTEL

At Farlam Hall Hotel, celestial observations conclude with culinary celebrations as the award-winning kitchen team transforms locally sourced ingredients from its garden into memorable feasts. Situated in a secluded

area of Northumberland, the hotel stands as a gateway to some of Britain’s most pristine night skies. These serene landscapes, paired with the famously clear and starry skies, create a truly divine stargazing experience. Northumberland National Park is home to some of the clearest night skies in the UK, making it one of the best stargazing locations in the country. In these pristine skies, the Andromeda Galaxy, located 2.5 million light years away, can be seen with the naked eye – showcasing the area’s exceptional conditions.

CHASING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS AT THE FIFE ARMS

The Fife Arms stands as a premier destination for witnessing nature’s most spectacular light show – the ethereal Northern Lights – thanks to its position under some of Britain’s darkest skies. Found in the charming village of Braemar, The Fife Arms is a beautifully restored hotel nestled in the heart of the Highlands. This distinctive retreat seamlessly blends art, history, and nature, o ering guests a truly immersive experience. Its secluded location, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Cairngorms, provides unparalleled views of the region’s pristine night skies. Whether planning a romantic escape or a memorable getaway with friends, The Fife Arms o ers the perfect setting to create lasting memories under the stars.

NORTHERN LIGHTS - HEBRIDEAN SEA SAFARI AT GLENAPP CASTLE

“It's an ideal location for guests to fully immerse in the wonders of the cosmos”

A COSMIC RETREAT AT YOREBRIDGE HOUSE

Yorebright House, located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, o ers guests a cosy, laid-back escape. Its rural setting provides the ideal base for guests to enjoy stargazing, thanks to minimal light pollution and its proximity to the Dales and North York Moors – two of the darkest places in the UK. It’s an ideal location for guests to fully immerse in the vast wonders of the cosmos, o ering a truly captivating experience. Home to an award-winning gourmet restaurant, guests can enjoy fresh local ingredients, followed by a restful night’s stay in one of the beautifully designed rooms the hotel has to o er.

STYLISH STAR GAZING AT THE ANGEL HOTEL

Perfectly situated for guests wishing to immerse themselves in the renowned Welsh skies, which boast Dark Sky Reserve status, the grand Georgian building that houses the stylish Angel Hotel sits at the edge of the Brecon Beacons. As one of the ﬁrst areas to be awarded this title, the Brecon Beacons skies certainly live up to expectations. Guests can enjoy the striking grounds of the hotel while gazing up, on a clear night, at a sky ﬁlled with up to 3,000 stars.

For more information on PoB Hotels, visit pobhotels.com

YOREBRIDGE HOUSE

FIFE ARMS

GROVE OF NARBERTH

experiences ECLECTIC

Try something new: try Canada

Not many destinations can boast miles of uninterrupted scenery, natural wonders, world-class ski resorts, famous railways and modern cities. But Canada has all of this and more.

“THE QUESTION IS: WHAT ICONIC WORLD WONDER WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE CLOSEST TO?"

If you are drawn to bright city lights, choose between the charismatic Vancouver metropolitan Toronto or cultural Quebec. If nature is more your thing, then select alpine Ban or perhaps outgoing Calgary. Dip into a bit of local culture and stop by Frenchspeaking Montreal or keep it coastal by visiting colourful Halifax. Each boasts friendly Canadian culture as well as regional quirks and charms –meaning no two cities are the same. What all Canadian cities have in common is also what sets them apart from the rest of the world. Every urban hub you visit acts as a gateway to some of Mother Nature’s most beautiful landscapes. The question when it comes to Canada is: what iconic world wonder would you like to be closest to? Will it be Toronto to visit Niagara Falls, Ban for the Rocky Mountains, or Vancouver for an Alaskan cruise along the Inside Passage?

From cruise ports on both the Eastern and Western coasts to the 5 Star Rocky Mountaineer train that winds through the Rocky Mountains, Canada has something to o er everyone.

Barrhead Travel’s range of Canadian holidays includes all of the major cities as well as cruises. At Barrhead Travel they have exclusive departure dates and can tailor-make your perfect Canada and Alaska Cruise itinerary, taking in Canada by land and sea and o ering added value to create your dream bucket-list holiday.

So, whether it’s Toronto, Calgary, Ban or Vancouver you want to discover at Barrhead Travel, they can create your perfect itinerary so all you need to do is revel in the magic of glistening glaciers and the beautiful wilderness that Canada and Alaska has to o er.

Whichever Canada and Alaska cruise you are dreaming of and no matter where you wish to explore, their Canada experts will create your dream Canadian adventure.

0330 094 8391 barrheadtravel.co.uk/storelocator

JOURNEY ACROSS CANADA & ALASKA CRUISE

Tailor-made adventures crafted by experts who have lived there, loved there, and know every secret corner... Experience Australia and New Zealand like an insider to private we create journeys landscapes.

Tailor-made adventures crafted by experts who have lived there, loved there, and know every secret corner... Experience Australia and New Zealand like an insider

No one knows Australia & New Zealand like we do. Our have lived and breathed these incredible destinatio ns, deep lodges, h ideaways,

No one knows Australia & New Zealand like we do. Our specialists have lived and breathed these incredible destinations, forging deep connections with the best luxury lodges, boutique hideaways, and exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences.

From heli-hiking untouched glaciers in New Zealand to private dining under the stars in the Australian Outback, we create journeys that reveal the true essence of these awe-inspiring landscapes.

1BA

For more information and to book, contact Abbotts Travel, 134 George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1BA 020 8989 9445 | email info@abbottstravel.com | www.abbottstravel.com

TO REMEMBER HOLIDAYS

The shop manager of Travelbag Knutsford & Chester on how they can make those dream destinations a reality

By RAY BALDERSTONE

Founded in 1979, we have over 45 years of experience creating journeys that are the perfect fit. At Travelbag, we take ‘out there’ destinations and make them ‘easy’. Our knowledgeable Travel Specialists live and breathe holidays, so they’re always on hand with tips and advice to help you discover somewhere new. Whether you want a relaxing week away or a month-long adventure, we’ve got you covered. From sending you to Borneo to spend time with wild orangutans to getting you to one of the most iconic cities, New York, we can tailor-make a unique adventure for you. Our customers love us: we’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot and are Good Housekeeping recommended. We’re also thrilled to announce that in 2024 we took home three gold, five silver and two bronze awards in the British Travel Awards, winning gold in the following categories: Best Travel Company to Australasia/Oceania, Best Travel Company to Southern Asia and Best Travel Company to the USA. So when you book with Travelbag, you're booking with award-winning confidence.

Our dedicated Travel Specialists take the hassle out of holiday planning. What’s more, we have multiple shops across the UK, so feel free to pop in for a cuppa and chat about your travel plans. Why not visit your local shop in Knutsford & Chester and meet our knowledgeable team? The team here have worked in the industry for years and have travelled extensively, making them the perfect choice to map out every inch of your next adventure. Fancy a slice of paradise? Piece of cake. Looking for a trip to Thailand? No trouble. And as for South African safaris, they’re a walk in the park. Whatever trip you’re dreaming of, our dedicated Travel Specialists are on hand to make it a reality. Start planning your holiday today – there's nothing to it.

For more information, call Travelbag Knutsford or Chester on 01244 459 809, scan the QR code or visit travelbag.co.uk

SHOP MANAGER RAY BALDERSTONE

TRAVELBAG CHESTER

EDUCATION

LEAD THE WAY

ALTRINCHAM PREP SCHOOL

In the Early Years Department at Altrincham Prep, they are committed to providing a broad, balanced and appropriately differentiated curriculum within the framework of the EYFS curriculum. Their exceptional Early Years teachers provide the essential building blocks necessary to ensure that they give boys the skills needed to transform their life journey. altprep.co.uk

Helping HAND

National O er Day in the UK: A guide for parents

National O er Day is a signiﬁcant milestone in the UK education system, marking the day when parents and guardians are informed of the school placement allocated to their child. Here, Absolutely explores the purpose of National O er Day, the processes involved, and how it can help parents in making informed decisions about their child's education.

WHAT IS NATIONAL OFFER DAY?

National O er Day refers to the date when local authorities notify parents of the school their child has been allocated for the upcoming academic year. The dates vary depending on the school level. Primary school allocations (Reception year) are announced on 16th April. Secondary school allocations (Year 7) are announced on 3rd March.

On these dates, parents receive conﬁrmation via email or letter from their local council regarding which school their child has been o ered. This process ensures that every child in the country has a school place for the next academic year.

THE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Understanding how the admissions process works is crucial for parents to navigate National O er Day e ectively. The process typically follows these steps:

1. RESEARCHING SCHOOLS

Parents are encouraged to research potential schools well in advance. Key factors to consider include: Ofsted ratings – inspections provide insights into school performance; School performance data – exam results and progress scores; Proximity – distance from home may impact admissions; School ethos and values – ensuring alignment with parental preferences; Special educational needs (SEN) provision – availability of support if required.

SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS

Applications are submitted through the local council’s admissions portal. The deadline for submissions was late 2024 for secondary school places, and the start of this year for primary school places.

Parents can list multiple preferences, usually up to six schools, ranked in order of preference.

3. ADMISSIONS CRITERIA AND ALLOCATION

Schools use speciﬁc admissions criteria to allocate places. Common factors include: Catchment area – proximity to the school; Siblings – priority for children with siblings already attending; Faithbased criteria – relevant for faith schools; Academic selection – for grammar and selective schools; Special circumstances – looked-after children and those with additional needs may receive priority. Local authorities process applications and allocate places based on these criteria.

4. NATIONAL OFFER DAY NOTIFICATION

On National O er Day, parents receive a formal o er conﬁrming their child’s school placement. If the preferred school is not allocated, the letter may also include details on waiting lists and the appeals process.

HOW NATIONAL OFFER DAY HELPS PARENTS

While National O er Day may be stressful, it serves several important functions that help parents make informed choices about their child’s education.

1. CLARITY ON SCHOOL PLACEMENT

National O er Day provides parents with a clear outcome on their child’s school placement, enabling them to prepare for the transition ahead.

2. TIME TO MAKE DECISIONS

If parents are unhappy with the allocation, they have time to consider their options, such as accepting the o er and preparing for their child’s start, joining a waiting list for a preferred school, or lodging an appeal if they believe the admissions decision was unfair.

3. UNDERSTANDING THE APPEALS PROCESS

Parents have the right to appeal the decision if they believe an error was made in the admissions process. Appeals must be submitted within a speciﬁc timeframe, and while success rates vary, it provides an avenue for parents to challenge the allocation.

4. EXPLORING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

If an appeal is unsuccessful, parents can explore alternative schooling options such as applying for other schools with available places, or exploring home education as an option.

WHILE IT CAN BE A STRESSFUL EXPERIENCE, PREPARING FOR DIFFERENT OUTCOMES CAN MAKE THE TRANSITION SMOOTHER

5. BETTER PREPARATION FOR FUTURE ADMISSIONS

For parents with younger children, National O er Day provides valuable insight into the admissions process, helping them make better-informed choices in the future.

TIPS FOR PARENTS NAVIGATING NATIONAL OFFER DAY

1. RESEARCH AND APPLY STRATEGICALLY

Choose a mix of aspirational, realistic, and safe options. Consider schools within the catchment area. Attend open days and gather as much information as possible.

2. REMAIN CALM AND FLEXIBLE

If the preferred school isn’t allocated, remember that children often thrive in di erent environments. Keep an open mind about the allocated school.

3. UNDERSTAND THE APPEALS PROCESS

Gather strong evidence if appealing a decision. Meet deadlines for submitting an appeal.

4. ENGAGE WITH THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Connect with other parents for insights and support. Arrange a visit to the allocated school to assess its suitability.

National O er Day is a crucial event in the UK education system. While it can be a stressful experience, understanding the admissions process, preparing for di erent outcomes, and knowing the options available can make the transition smoother. By researching schools thoroughly, making strategic applications, and being prepared for any outcome, parents can ensure their child receives a quality education that meets their needs and aspirations.

Best start in LIFE

Claire Finch, Head of Early Years at Altrincham Preparatory School, on the beginning of an exciting educational journey

H“The grounds are stunning and lend themselves to outdoor learning”

aving worked at Altrincham Preparatory School for eight years, I am so proud to be Head of Early Years. It is proven that children learn more quickly during their early years than at any other time in life and so I feel extremely lucky to work directly with our youngest children, supported by my amazing, highly qualiﬁed and experienced team. Our youngest boys are housed at Bank Place on Stamford Road, a bespoke Early Years building which sits next to Bell Field. The grounds are stunning and lend themselves to lots of outdoor learning, complete with tennis courts, bicycles, tricycles, outdoor construction equipment, an adventure playground, a football pitch, as well as access to all of the other amazing facilities that our school has to o er.

We take boys from two-years-old and o er flexibility with a 48-week provision and either ‘school days’, half days or 8am6pm, as we recognise the importance of meeting the needs of the families we serve. Our curriculum has evolved over recent years, and we are so proud of what we o er. We know where we need the boys to get to for academic success and have back planned the skills needed to reach those goals. However, we also recognise that children are only able to fulfil their potential when they are happy and secure and so this is the foundation of everything we do. Our curriculum includes daily Phonics and Maths for even our youngest boys and exploration and application of this through play. Our younger boys also benefit from our specialist teachers for Music, Games, Art, Drama and Spanish. Parent partnership is extremely important to us at APS and arguably even more so for the parents of our youngest children. We have an online platform where your son’s key worker will post images and captions of your son; we also have a weekly Early Years Newsletter, parent workshops, stay and play sessions, class assemblies, mystery readers and an open-door policy. Choosing the right nursery and school for your child is an extremely important decision. As well as our regular Open Events, I am always happy to show families around and answer any questions you have.

Cntact admissions@altprep.co.uk or 01619283366 to arrange a chat or to attend their next event on 17th June

Powerful WORDS

National Trust, Rubies and Magic Breakfast join forces with World Book Day to champion reading for fun in 2025

On 6th March, World Book Day is back across the UK and Ireland. World Book Day’s evidence shows that children are more likely to read if they enjoy it, so this year the charity will encourage them to ‘Read Their Way’ and celebrate children’s choices. World Book Day is partnering with a number of exciting brands and organisations, including the National Trust, Magic Breakfast, Rubies and McDonald’s, to get its vital message about the fun of reading to as many children and families as possible. With levels of reading enjoyment currently at an all-time low, it’s more important than ever to get young people excited about reading for fun, unlocking the proven beneﬁts it brings, including better wellbeing and improved learning across the school curriculum.

One in 10 children aged 5-18 do not have a single book of their own at home, and World Book Day’s £1 books are often the ﬁrst book many children will own: in 2024, one in four children receiving Free School Meals said

their £1 book was the ﬁrst they had ever owned. Fifteen new books will be available in the UK and Ireland for children to choose for free, in exchange for their £1 book token.

Cassie Chadderton, World Book Day CEO, says: “At the heart of World Book Day is the belief – backed by evidence – that children are more likely to read if they enjoy it and have a choice in what and how to read. Graphic novels, comics, or one of our amazing £1 books – free in exchange for a World Book Day book token – can help unlock the power of reading. We’re excited to be working with so many partners to reach even more children and families, and to invite everyone to join the party and ‘Read Their Way’ this World Book Day.”

Supported by long-term sponsor, National Book Tokens, and working alongside publishers and booksellers, the charity World Book Day will build on its work to improve access to books and encouraging everyone to give children the choice – and a chance – to enjoy reading. The World Book Day £1 books will be available until 23rd March at more than 400 independent bookshops and 4,000 major retailers.

HERE’S A TASTER OF WHAT ELSE TO EXPECT IN THE WORLD BOOK DAY 2025 PROGRAMME

• Rubies, the renowned global costume manufacturer, will be the oﬃcial dress up partner for World Book Day 2025. As part of an All Dressed Up donation scheme, Rubies, in partnership with Parentkind, will donate up to 100,000 costumes to children in deprived areas.

• National Trust are joining the fun for the ﬁrst time, with a range of World Book Day celebrations taking place at up to 80 places across the UK.

• McDonald’s will continue to support World Book Day and help provide access to books, with the World Book Day £1 token available on Happy Meals®.

• Over 400 independent bookshops across the UK alongside Waterstones, WHSmith and The Works will help bring the selection of £1 books to local communities.

Visit worldbookday.com for more information

why everyone is talking about…

THE BRIT FEST

The July music event in Altrincham is all set to return bigger and better

The Brit Fest 2025 will be returning to Ashley Hall Showground from 4th-6th July. With a star-studded line up, expanded entertainment, and exciting new features, this year’s festival promises to be the ultimate celebration of live music and family fun. Festival director, Edward Prophet, says: “The Brit Fest has grown beyond our expectations, and 2025 is shaping up to be something truly special. We’ve worked tirelessly to bring an exceptional line up, enhance the on-site experience, and add new features to make this year’s event the best yet. It’s a festival made for everyone – from music lovers to families, groups of friends, and anyone looking for an unforgettable summer weekend.”

The headliners certainly take top billing. Razorlight will headline the Friday. The indie-rock superstars will bring their timeless hits like Golden Touch, In the Morning, and the iconic America to their ﬁrst-ever performance in Altrincham. UB40 featuring Ali Campbell take centre stage on Saturday. One of Britain’s most iconic reggae bands will deliver a set of feel-good classics, including Red Red Wine and Kingston Town. And, on the Sunday, 10cc will rock the main stage. The legendary band, known for hits like I’m Not in Love and The Things We Do for Love, will close the festival with an exclusive North West England festival performance.

A Thursday night special will kick o proceedings. Get an early start to your festival weekend with an exclusive headline show on Thursday, 3rd July, featuring Squeeze, Badly Drawn Boy, and China Crisis. This standalone event promises a night of classic hits, setting the perfect tone for the weekend ahead. The Brit Fest is proud to partner with

When Nature Calls, providing premium, eco-friendly WC facilities to enhance your festival experience. Known for their award-winning service, When Nature Calls o ers spotless, comfortable, and convenient amenities, ensuring festivalgoers can enjoy every moment in comfort. The Brit Fest is more than a music festival – it’s a family-friendly celebration of entertainment and fun. Expect wellness and mindfulness, with co-therapy, cold plunges, saunas, Tai Chi, sound baths, and workshops. There will be fairground rides and attractions for all ages, with classic rides and games. Dance the night away with your favourite tunes in a unique setting in their Silent Disco. And from face painting to interactive play zones, there’s something for even the youngest festival-goers.

Find out more by visiting thebritfest.co.uk

ALI CAMPBELL

RAZORLIGHT