Absolutely Hertfordshire August 2021

HERTFORDSHIRE

Hertfordshire AUGUST 2021 / £3.95

GETTING C R E AT I V E

Just the

AUGUST 2021

TONIC The story of Tring's Puddingstone Distillery

Meet the retailers with a difference at Hatfield House

The Dark ARTS Author Leigh Russell on crime writing and why it all began in Harpenden

Garden

ABSOLUTELY-HERTFORDSHIRE.CO.UK

PARTY

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The fashion brand bringing some summer sparkle to Hertfordshire ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents AUGUST 2021

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C U LT U R E LEIGH RUSSELL

On building her crime fiction world

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HATFIELD HOUSE

Meeting unique retailers at Stable Yard

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FORTY HALL

Exploring the historic estate

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46 OUTDOORS FURNITURE

How to make the most of a summer garden

56 PALOMA FAITH

The surprising new homes sensation

FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y 68 MATCHBOX JEWELLERY Why it's all about earrings

FOOD & DRINK 26 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

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28 CAMPGIRE GIN

86 HELEN COOPER

32 RECIPES

FA M I LY 102 ANGEL & ROCKET

News from the industry

Enjoying the success of Puddingstone Distillery

Dishes inspired by the plant world

INTERIORS 42 SAMANTHA JOHNSON DIY interior design inspiration

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LIPSY LONDON

Find head-turners at Next across the county

Exploring trauma-informed yoga

Why St Albans shoppers are in for a treat

105 EDUCATION

The dos and don'ts on results day

A B S O L U T E LYH E R T F O R D S H I R E .C O. U K The online guide to inspirational living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

O N T H E C OV E R Courtesy of Lipsy London, stocked at 12 Hertfordshire branches of Next

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EDITOR MARK KEBBLE DIGITAL EDITOR LAYLA TURNER EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SAMANTHA SCOTT MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MAGAZINE MANAGER PATRICK DUNNE MEDIA CONSULTANTS CLAIRE FREENEY HAYLEY LANT BRAND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER NAVINDER LALL FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

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a b s o l u t e l y - h e r t fo r d s h i r e . c o . u k

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DANNY CLARE

Welcome

At the time of print, Hertfordshire was joining together to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Danny Clare, founder of Ask For Clive, explains why it’s so important to keep supporting local residents

THE E D I TO R’ S August issue highlights

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Puddingstone Distillery

he Hertfordshire community has remained connected digitally during the pandemic. Despite this, many residents have missed out on having real connections with the people they love and rely on. As we are nearing the end of Covid-19 restrictions it is wonderful to see people starting to reunite in the real world again.

We were proud to unite Herts’ LGBTQ+ community with our own event on 23 July. We launched our first ever Pub Pride event as a way to unite people to celebrate the end of lockdown and fill the void of Pride month being mostly cancelled in 2020 and 2021, whilst supporting businesses that have suffered from the economic ramifications of the pandemic.

We received an overwhelming response from venues across the county who were keen to take part. The night was activated locally and gave landlords total freedom to set the scale and content of the night. From karaoke to live performances, there was an event for all.

The past 18 months have been a huge challenge socially, so we wanted to give Hertfordshire residents a night to celebrate who they are, what they stand for and to reconnect. The night played an important role, especially for those who have come-out during the pandemic and have not been able to experience the love and support within their local LGBTQ+ community due to restrictions.

It is important now more than ever that we rekindle our community spirit and come together to celebrate the better times ahead, give a big finger to discrimination and support our local venues whilst we are at it.

It's very much gin o'clock

Lipsy London

The fashion brand adding a summery touch to Herts

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Forty Hall

Celebrating the picture perfect history of this estate

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Matchbox Jewellery Why this summer it's all about earrings

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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AMELIE'S FOLLIES Prima Donna Swim's Melanesia bikini is colourful and comfortable, and the trusty Amelie's Follies fit is guaranteed. With vibrant colours, textured fabrics and always well fitting and supporting designs, there are no better bikinis out there. ameliesfollies.co.uk

MURANO GLASS These individual Murano Tumblers are inspired by the classic Murano 'Goto' glass.

Each one is handblown by master glass blowers on the island of Murano. £20 casacelva.com

P E A R L LOW E

M I C H A E L P L AT T

Rose is a beautiful vintage-inspired 50s swimsuit made from the finest Liberty Print stretch swimwear fabric by seamstresses in Somerset and designed by vintage queen Pearl Lowe. £195 pearllowe.co.uk

Colouful jewels are the signature at Michael Platt and this blue topaz, amethyst and diamond dress ring is a bespoke creation from the in-house goldsmiths. michaelplatt.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

BA K E R B R OT H E RS DIAMONDS This diamond line bracelet is crafted in 18ct white gold and set with 0.70ct of dazzling diamonds in a pyramid style setting. This stunning bracelet has a tongue and groove fastening with two figure-of-eight safety catches. This elegant diamond line bracelet has a length of 7.2" and a width of 2mm. £1,550 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE

CHRISTIAN DIOR

Traditional art meets avant-garde in designer Jyoti Sharma's line of heirloom-inspired pieces. Blending contemporary trends with conventional silhouettes, Bhanuni by Jyoti exhibits a deep love of design and celebrates her Indian culture in each colourful garment. Ronika Maxi Dress, £198 anthropologie.com

Channel the 90s with these Dior Inclusion sunglasses. The green lenses offer a fun twist to sun protection and are an on-trend accessory for the summer. £365 the-eye-place.co.uk

S AY E There's a leather version of the Modelo 89, but these vegan models offer the better colours with this cool pastel collection. £125 sayebrand.com

URBAN F LOW E R CO This limited-edition floral bouquet was designed by UK rapper and songwriter Professor Green and independent London florist Urban Flower Co. to challenge stereotypes around men gifting blooms to mates. £40/£80 funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

S E P J O R DA N The multi-coloured keffiyeh scarf features mixed hand embroidered patterns. Each scarf is hand-embroidered in Jordan and each one is unique. £65 sepjordan.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Brand New near Potters Bar

Potters Grange

Brand new 20 bed Boutique Residential home with Nursing • Bespoke New Build • Luxuriously Appointed • Like no other you have seen

At Potters Grange you have all the features of a large luxury Care home, without having to share it with 80 or 100 other people • • • • • •

COVID safeCare for residents andfrom visitors Residential with Nursing £1545 a week

All bedrooms feature ensuite wetrooms Freshly prepared meals and private dining.

Air conditioning in lounges and dining areas Cinema room and optional daily activities Home comes with its own fully accessible vehicle

Come and meet the team today to see just how special Potters Grange is O1707 938 938 | Potters Grange | Barnet Road, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 2SJ | www.PottersGrange.co.uk ARDALE.indd 1

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C U LT U R E

OLD ONES ARE BEST CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW 29–30 AUGUST

Knebworth House will be welcoming some of the finest motor vehicles from yesteryear, with vehicles on show including saloons, sports, American, commercial, military and classic motorcycles. The Classic Motor Show is a brilliant day out for all ages with access to Knebworth Park, Gardens Adventure Playground and Dinosaur Trail included in the ticket price, with family tickets at £42. knebworthhouse.com

Agenda 12 • Leigh Russell 14 • Hatfield House 18 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

AU GUST ’S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

T H E AT R E

The Magical Elves 5 August ST ALBANS The Magical Elves will be performing street theatre, family fun games and interactive activities with a medieval theme from 10am to 4pm in St Albans City centre outside the Museum & Gallery. Look out for a special scavenger hunt on the day and win your own Magical Elves party as well as a St Albans Gift Card. enjoystalbans.com

EV E N T

Royston Kite Festival TH E R F I E L D H E ATH • 1 AUGUST

This annual event returns post-lockdown and it is a truly family day out. Set up your picnic or chair and watch the huge variety of kites being flown by organised and professional kite flying teams.

Children, too, will get the chance to enjoy their own sessions where they can bring along their kites for flying in the main arena, or even get some help creating kites made to their own designs. roystonkitefestival.com

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F E S T I VA L

Festival of Culture 14-15 August ST ALBANS With an inspiring and eclectic range of events on offer, featuring author panels, demonstrations from illustrators, creative writing classes, archaeology talks, musical performances and a selection of engaging children’s events, St Albans' Festival of Culture will be a wonderful celebration of literature and the arts for all ages. antonia@books-on-the-hill.co.uk

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CULTURE • WHAT'S ON

N AT U R E

Build a bee hotel 2-6 August R OT H A M ST E D M A N O R Our bees are facing an unprecedented crisis. They’ve lost much of their natural habitat in the past 60 years, but by creating bee-friendly spaces where we live, we can start to replace and restore some of this lost habitat. Using a variety of materials, children will be given the chance to create their own fabulous bee hotel to take home and hang up outside. rothamstedenterprises.com

TO

MARKET Take a trip to one of London’s famous markets

BOROUGH MARKET

Easily one of the most famous markets London has to offer and open seven days a week, traders of Borough Market include Bath Soft Cheese Co (the perfect pitstop for cheese lovers), authentic Mexican pantry Changarro and Cartwright Brothers Vintners Ltd, a family run wine merchants. boroughmarket.org.uk

F I L M

LUNA CINEMA

This Month’s Must Do

19-22 August K N E BWO RT H H O US E This summer, The Luna Cinema is turning the stunning gardens of Knebworth House into the country's ultimate open air cinema venue. The films on the bill are all crackers: Moulin Rouge!, Pretty Woman, The Greatest Showman Sing-a-Long and Rocketman, so plenty to appeal to all kinds of movie lovers. lunacinema.com

QUEENS PARK FARMERS’ MARKET

T H E SA L OMON F E ST I VA L

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7 AUGUST • ALDBURY

ollowing on from the success of previous events in London, Edinburgh and the Peak District in 2019, organisers of The Salomon Festival are welcoming participants to the new location in the stunning Chilterns, giving runners and hikers an opportunity to escape from the monotony of life in lockdown and immerse themselves in nature for a day of outdoor action in beautiful Tring. salomonfestival.co.uk

Queens Park farmers' market is a family-friendly offering that opens every Sunday, come rain or shine. Both adults and children alike love the market, and a bustling crowd attend every Sunday to sample the delectable poultry, seasonal vegetables and flowers that are on offer. lfm.org.uk

CAMDEN MARKET

Some may think of Camden Market as solely a tourist attraction, but the fact is the food and experience remains unmatched. The street food offering is vast, with favourites including Wok Boy and El Pollote Fried Chicken, and there are a number of independent shops and craft boutiques to browse. camdenmarket.com

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“The creative ability to empathise with other people lies at the heart of any fiction”

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

C ov er of

DARKNESS Leigh Russell is one of the finest crime fiction writers in the business, so with yet another release imminent, we discuss inspirations, characters and the role Hertfordshire has played

By MARK KEBBLE

A

s a teenager, dark fiction took over my life. I have no idea why – my mother adores Stephen King, and I attempted to read IT once, so maybe she’s to blame – but I couldn’t get enough of crime writing.

That has followed me into adult life, being a huge fan of Mark Billingham and Karin Slaughter – and Leigh Russell can easily be added to that list, with 25 books to her name following the exploits of DI Geraldine Steel et al.

What always fascinates me with these authors is where they dredge up the dark content that makes their work so thrilling, and it’s an apt question to put to the smiley Russell, especially as Barry Forshaw, writing in Crime Time, described her

work as taking the reader into the ‘darkest recesses of the human psyche’. “To be honest, I’ve no idea how I get there,” she admits, “and I am not sure I want to know!

As a writer you have to enter into the minds of your characters, and the creative ability to empathise with other people lies at the heart of any work of fiction.”

Russell recounts how she has always loved reading – “The common theme of all the books I loved as a child is adventure” – but it wasn’t until she had reached her mid-50s that her debut novel was published. “Before that, it had never even occurred to me that I might be capable of writing a book,” she says.

“When a story occurred to me, I decided to try and write it down. That turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.

Having started, I couldn’t stop writing.

F. Scott FitzGerald said, ‘You don’t write

because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say’ – and I had a story to tell.”

Why did Russell go down the road of crime fiction? “Crime in fiction is conflict, allowing different characters to face challenges and develop. It’s basically about good and evil, goodies and baddies, with plenty of scope for drama and tension.

Other than humorous novels, I think most literature revolves around crime in some way, and crime stories in fiction are far more wide ranging than the crime ‘genre’ implies. For example, all of Shakespeare’s tragedies revolve around crimes, exploring themes of fratricide, suicide, regicide, infanticide, and just about every other form of homicide.”

The decision clearly worked. Cut Short, which introduced us to DI Geraldine Steel, was shortlisted for a CWA Dagger Award, A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The new London shopping destination Home To Great Shops, Fashion Boutiques & Restaurants

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SHOP LOCAL

DI S C O V E R C H R I S T OP H E R P L A C E

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

WITH FELLOW CRIME FICTION AUTHORS PETER JAMES AND LEE CHILD

HARPENDEN, WHERE LEIGH RUSSELL'S WRITING CAREER TOOK OFF

essentially recognition for the who’s who in the crime literary world. “At the time, I had no idea how significant that was,” Russell says. “Only when other publishers and agents recognized me at literary festivals and came over to congratulate me did I realise what an important achievement it was to be recognized by the Crime Writers Association in this way.”

Twelve years on and Geraldine Steel continues to draw us in. “When I began writing the series, Geraldine was a fairly shadowy figure in my mind,” Russell says.

“My main focus was the character and motivation of the killer. Gradually, I have come to know Geraldine through writing the series. A champion of justice, she had dedicated her adult life to tracking down elusive murderers. Intelligent and empathetic, she is driven by her passion to see killers brought to justice.”

That’s not the only thing to have developed since Russell’s early writing career. “To begin with, I wrote every word in long hand in pencil and typed up what I had written at the end of the day,” she tells a surprised interviewer.

“For some reason, I wasn’t able to write directly on the keyboard. Gradually, this changed and I found myself typing without

“I didn't have a plan when I started writing, with no idea it would be a long running series”

the intermediate step of hand writing.

This makes the process a lot faster!”

As time has gone on, others have stepped out of DI Steel’s shadow, with Russell creating a spin off series for another much-loved character in her books. “I didn’t actually have a plan when I started writing,” Russell says when I ask if the spin offs were always on the cards. “I simply wrote a story, with no idea that it would turn out to be the first in a long running series. Geraldine Steel’s sergeant, Ian Peterson, rapidly gained a fanbase of his own, so when Geraldine relocated, leaving him behind, I responded to readers’ requests and wrote a trilogy for Ian in his own right. Later in the series, Geraldine and Ian work together again.”

The two play a key part in Russell’s latest novel in the series, Deep Cover, which comes out later in August. “Deep Cover sees them separated and working independently, with both their stories incorporated into one novel. All I can tell you is that they both encounter dangerous situations, for entirely different reasons, but you will have to read the book to find out whether they both survive!” And on that bombshell, I am ready for yet another evening diving into the murky world of crime.

Leigh Russell

O N H A P P Y DAYS I N H E RT F O R D S H I R E When we first married, my husband and I lived in St Albans, which we loved. The first place I would like to mention is the area around the water mill near Verulamium Park in St Albans.

When our children were younger, we used to meet up with friends in the grounds of Knebworth House for an annual picnic and the children all had a wonderful time at the adventure playground there.

The aquadrome in Rickmansworth is another beautiful area where we like to go for walks around the lake and along the canal. Finally, I have to mention the picturesque town of Harpenden, which is personally very special to me as that is where my publisher [No Exit Press] is based, and it’s where my writing career began.

THE AQUADROME IN RICKMANSWORTH

THE STRIKING KNEBWORTH HOUSE

Leigh Russell's latest novel, Deep Cover (No Exit Press) is out on 24 August, and is available from all good bookshops or via noexit.co.uk/deep-cover; follow Leigh Russell on Twitter (@LeighRussell) and sign up to her newsletter for exclusive offers, news and more via leighrussell.co.uk

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Hatful of

TALENT

Absolutely Hertfordshire takes a tour of Stable Yard at Hatfield House, home to retailers with a difference B y D AW N W E S T

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CULTURE • FEATURE

HERITAGE BRIDES Heritage Brides was opened by Sam Newby-Ricci in 2014. If you are looking for a bridal experience with a difference then Heritage Brides could be the place you are looking for. If you love glamour and want something as unique as you this is the place to come as they stock some of the most sought after wedding dress designers in the UK. We know that brides who go to see them will not only be wowed by the setting, but also the dresses.

FIONA RAE Fiona Rae opened in the Stable Yard in 2006. The British jewellery designer has been designing and making jewellery for over 32 years. Through her exquisite designs and highly skilled craftsmanship, Rae has had the honour of working with members of the British Royal Family and is a Royal Warrant holding jeweller since 2001.

Rae has gained herself a renowned reputation as a goldsmith and enameller of the highest quality.

The beautiful shop and studio are open to visitors selling a range of handmade jewellery and cufflinks with designs to suit every budget.

With luxury fine jewellery, engagement rings, wedding rings, signet rings, limited edition pieces, jewellery and cufflinks for everyone.

POTS OF ART George opened Pots of Art in the Stable Yard in 2017. He still manages to keep smiling after 20 years managing four studios! The Hatfield studio is his largest with an open planned and relaxed ambience. Here you can create your own original colourful pottery masterpiece, a fantastic ceramic impression of your baby’s hands and feet, Build a Teddy or get crafting with decopatch. There is a play area for the little ones with a playhouse and lots of toys and books.

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THE HAIR OF THE DOG The Hair of the Dog opened in the Stable Yard in 2014.

With over 15 years’ experience and a multi award winning groomer in a number of different breeds, The Hair of the Dog is a professional grooming service for pooches of all types. Owner Linda also runs a teaching school to provide a setting for up and coming groomers to learn in.

RENÉE-STONE BEAUTY The newest addition to the Stable Yard opened this spring offering beauty and make-up services. From massages to brow laminations, the wide range of services on offer have been a fantastic addition to the Stable Yard.

Founder Renée has a loyal following and brings with her a wealth of experience. Her salon sits in the corner of Stable Yard, the ideal relaxed setting for a luxurious treatment.

THE JODHPUR COMPANY The Jodhpur Company was established

by Viraj Singh several years ago as a clothing brand aimed initially at sporting enthusiasts. It began quintessentially with the purpose of creating authentic, fit for the field garments that are aesthetically pleasing. Over the years the brand has evolved and now specialise in formal and ceremonial attire. Viraj’s love for all things sartorial has led him to develop a signature series collaboration with the world renowned Captain Fawcett.

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CULTURE • FEATURE

SLUMBERING HOUND Slumbering Hound opened in the Stable Yard in 2020. Slumbering Hound make beautiful, bespoke and personalised dog cushions, blankets and accessories for your dogs. The fabrics are carefully chosen to complement any interior and owner Dee is passionate about creating dog accessories that you’re proud to display in your home. Your dog’s comfort is as important to Dee as it is to you, so if there is something you don't see on their website, just get in touch.

All items are made to order and requests are accommodated.

CARL RUSSELL & CO Carl Russell & Co Gunmakers opened in the Stable Yard in 2014. With over 60 years’ experience in the British gun trade the team at Carl Russell & Co can advise on all aspects of guns and shooting. Their attractive retail shop is well stocked with new and used shotguns and rifles, country clothing, shooting accessories, best leather goods and other shooting related products.

Find out more The Stable Yard is open Tuesday–Sunday and with the Coach House Kitchen also open to enjoy a spot of lunch or an afternoon tea and cake it really is the ideal place to meet friends and relax.

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Hatfield House and Gardens are open each Thursday-Sunday and August Bank Holiday Monday. If you are looking for ways to entertain the children this summer holiday, the Woodland Walks and Park will be open each day of the Hertfordshire school summer holidays. Please visit hatfieldpark.co.uk to find out more about everything taking place this summer including events, opening times and advanced tickets.

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FO RT Y

reasons

Nestled in the heart of Enfield is a Grade I listed building that offers a whole host of opportunities to discover nature whilst uncovering significant moments in history

GATEHOUSECOTE ESTATE

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CULTURE • OUTDOORS THE LAKE AT FORTY HALL

“Forty Hall is important to architectural history being on the cusp between the medieval and modern style”

L

ike everyone, we have missed the simple things in life over the past 17 months. Summer truly comes alive when you are able to sit back in the grounds of Forty Hall in Enfield to soak up the sun and experience some of the best live music around – so it’s time to rejoice as, on 22 August, the popular Music on the Lawn returns to the venue. Now into its 9th year this popular conservation fundraiser is excellent value at £10 for adults, with children under 15 going free, if accompanied by an adult. You can bring a picnic to enjoy alongside the Pimm’s Tent (yes please), whilst listening to wonderful performances from a variety of bands and performers. This year there is a wide selection of different food and craft stalls as well as children’s activities including face painting and the ever-popular bouncy castle. What’s more, all profits go towards conservation on the Forty Hall Estate.

It’s a timely reminder of what we have right on our doorstep. You may, like us, be very familiar with Forty Hall, but there’s sure to be plenty who haven’t ventured THERE'S PLENTY OF HISTORY SURROUNDING FORTY HALL, LIKE THIS GRADE II LISTED BRIDGE

to the historic manor house. There’s a whole host of opportunities to make the most of the setting, and you can start by stepping into the Hall to admire the fine architecture and stunning period rooms.

Here you can learn about the history of Forty Hall Estate through the ages and about the life of original owner Sir Nicholas Rainton. The permanent exhibition offers a range of visual and audio interpretation and displays, so there are ample ways for all of the family to engage with learning about the Hall in an enjoyable way.

And Forty Hall has quite the history.

Set in its own Estate, with walled garden, formal and informal gardens, lakes, lawns, and meadows, Forty Hall is important to architectural English history as a fine example on the cusp between the medieval to modern style. Built by former Lord Mayor of London, Sir Nicholas Rainton, in 1632 the Hall stands on the edge of London and is important to understanding the growth of the City and of the life and times of the merchant classes.

The Elsyng Palace Scheduled Monument lies within the Forty Hall Estate. The palace is a unique and nationally significant archaeological monument, not only as the site of an early Tudor courtier’s palace later developed by Henry VIII, but as a complex multi-phased landscape with a rich history stretching back to medieval times. The palace was also a childhood residence of King Edward VI and Queen Elizabeth I. The Hall itself has been changed and reworked by a number of owners who lived there, including the Meyers, Wolstenholmes and Parker Bowles; however, many architectural features remain from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Outdoors, for us, is where the Estate really comes into its own. The 273-acre Grade II listed estate is a rare example of an intact 18th century landscape, with an ornamental lake, medieval fishing ponds and streams, a walled garden, pleasure grounds, Georgian and Victorian flora and fauna, lakes, lawns, and meadows. Forty Hall Estate is even home to one of the oldest cedar of Lebanon trees in England. Over the years, there

has been work to restore and conserve the historical landscape features, as well as the commissioning of a children’s woodland area.

The Estate parkland contains the archaeological remains of Elsyng Palace, developed from a Tudor hunting lodge and medieval manor, frequented by King Henry VIII, King Edward VI and Queen Elizabeth I. The site and surrounding land is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is the subject of annual archaeological digs, which culminates in a public event in July.

What’s more, the Estate is also home to some incredible wildlife and habitats.

All of this combines to show why Music on the Lawn – not to mention the host of other community events held there – is the perfect excuse to make the most of Forty Hall.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS WITHIN THE FORTY HALL ESTATE

FORTY HALL Forty Hill, Enfield, EN2 9HA 020 8807 6680 • fortyhallestate.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

RICH PICKINGS CHEZ BURTON

There is plenty of hype building around this new family-run restaurant in Baldock, and it’s little surprise given what we saw during the soft opening launch events. With their doors open officially from 21 July, you can expect fine dining without the formality, with a focus on small plates, handcrafted cocktails and sumptuous wines. One to watch. chezburton.com

Food Notes 26 • Puddingstone Distillery 28 • Recipes 32 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

The latest food news and most exciting openings this month B y L AY L A T U R N E R

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2017 Raventós i Blanc, De Nit Rosé, Brut, Penedès, Spain  £23.95 The De Nit Rosé spends 18 months on its lees; the result is a toasty nose of brioche, alongside hints of strawberry and fennel. Xarel·lo and Parellada, both indigenous varieties, add a refreshing herbal and pithy character, especially on the palate.

2019 Berry Bros. & Rudd Gavi di Gavi by Roberto Sarotto, Piedmont, Italy  £13.95 Produced from Cortese grapes, Gavi is the quintessential Northern Italian white, famed for its delicacy. This textbook example offers elegant aromas of white flowers and green pear. Perfect with shellfish, white fish or delicate green vegetable dishes.

2017 Gaba do Xil, Mencía, Telmo Rodríguez, Valdeorras, Spain  £16.50 Mencía is an incredibly exciting grape that’s both refreshing (here, due to the Atlantic influence in Valdeorras) and complex.

The wine is unoaked, so the purity of the fruit character shines through. Try this with cured meats or aubergine dishes. Ready to drink now.

BERRY BROS. & RUDD Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain's oldest wine and spirit merchant, having traded from the same shop since 1698. Today the company also has offices in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, a Wine School and an exclusive fine wine and dining venue in St James's.

bbr.com

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Full of Pride E L E P H A N T A N D CA ST L E

Hertfordshire's award-winning boutique brewery and pub group Farr Brew celebrated the first-ever Pub Pride day on 23 July by brewing a new beer at their brewery in Wheathampstead specifically for the occasion. Pub Pride was a nationwide campaign launched by Ask for Clive, a charity that partners with venues – including Elephant and Castle - to promote inclusion and to create welcoming environments for the LGBT+ community. farrbrew.com

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DESSERT TIME Three of the best for desserts

CHAMPAGNE MOMENTS LO L A ' S C U P CA K E S

Has beans TRING BREWERY

Leading cupcake brand Lola’s is now delivering its most famed flavours for the first time ever. The new range of selection boxes from the muchloved cupcake company features classic combinations to suit every taste, including gluten free and vegan options. lolascupcakes.co.uk

Tring Brewery are excited to launch Dagmal, a robust stout blended with coffee from Bionic Bull coffee roasters. Bionic Bull are an independent coffee roaster based in Hertford, with three coffee shop locations in Hitchin, Ware and Hertford. The team at Bionic Bull have combined Tring Brewery’s base beer with their artisan house blend of Ethiopian, Columbian and Brazilian coffee beans. tringbrewery.co.uk

JUDGES RESTAURANT

Located in Potters Bar, Judges Restaurant offers modern eclectic British & European dining and a cocktail bar, perfect for a family or friends get together. For a real experience, join them for a seated meal in their exclusive brasserie room, seating up to 30 people. Experience top quality food and extraordinary service. judgesrestaurant.com

CHIN CHIN Chin Chin Ice Cream started out in 2010, with a mission to make life more fun. They started making ice cream with liquid nitrogen, and shortly after became a viral sensation. A must try is their Signature Chin Chin Hot Chocolate with marshmallow fluff, as well as the coconut and rose ice cream. chinchinicecream.com

G O I N G

WILD ROLLAGRANOLA

The bee's knees THE IVY ST ALBANS BRASSERIE

The Ivy St Albans Brasserie celebrates summer with a refreshing new cocktail menu and a honeybee installation complete with a giant bumblebee and sprawling foliage for guests and passers-by to enjoy.

From 19 July-5 September the cocktail menu will feature the showstopping Queen Bee’s Delight, an eclectic blend of Ramsbury Single Estate Gin, peach puree, lemon juice, honey syrup and fresh thyme, along with the refreshing Ramsbury Apricot Fizz (£9.75), complete with Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka, Apricot Briottet, Apricot and grape soda, perfect for those warm summer evenings. theivystalbans.com

DA R L I S H Darlish ice cream parlour first opened in St Albans at Christopher Place, and has since opened in Covent Garden. The parlours are really where Darlish showcases its ongoing creativity, with a mission to make delicious ice cream with a focus on showcasing the flavours of the Middle East. darlish.com

Rollasnax is a new line of wild and wonderful vegan and gluten-free trail mixes from independent British granola makers, Rollagranola, created by father and son duo Robin and Sean Longden.

These mixes are powerful and punchy, designed to nourish and energise. rollagranola.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BEN AND KATE MARSTON

IN GOOD

SPIRITS How a rare Hertfordshire rock formation inspired the creation of an award-winning gin distillery

By MARK KEBBLE

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

“The botanical selections for all our gins are unique to us”

THE LATEST RELEASE, INSPIRED BY BATS NO LESS

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f you are rating campfire stories, the one about Puddingstone Distillery will surely be up there with the very best.

Created by husband-and-wife team, Ben and Kate Marston, in the space of only five years the gin distillers have built up their own operation, won awards, and have even created a tipple inspired by bats. “It all seems a bit surreal,” says Kate with a smile.

For anyone who likes a drink, running your own distillery is probably one of those dreams you have had fleetingly, before realising it’s far too much like hard work – but that did not deter the Marstons.

“Separately we were both working and collaborating with other businesses in food production and local tourism,” Kate takes up their story. “We wanted to take a new direction in our careers and realised that the region didn’t have a distillery. The gin boom was only just taking off in the larger cities and we felt it would be a great

addition to Tring and Hertfordshire.

“We did a lot of research into whether we should set up our own distillery and make the gin ourselves or whether we should have it contract distilled. It’s obviously much easier to have someone else make the product, but to us it was extremely important that we took ownership of the whole process. We therefore had to learn how to distil, how to navigate all the HRMC paperwork and find a suitable location and home for our distillery. We wanted the distillery to be a place for people to visit for tours and tastings, as well as a production space for distilling. To our delight we found a suitable home on the P E Mead & Sons Farm Shop site [in Tring]. During our three years of research and development both Ben and I sat the International Brewers and Distillers exam. Going back to the classroom was a great shock to the system when we hadn’t taken exams for many years – happily we passed,” Kate laughs.

The name of the main brand, Campfire Gin, came during the research stage. “We wanted our gin to be a lifestyle brand,” Kate explains, “we wanted people to enjoy the outdoors and sitting round the campfire.

It creates such rich conversations and friendships when good food and drink bring people together. Our initial research revealed most gins were promoted in the bar environment and not as something to enjoy at home in the garden or on a simple camping holiday. We wanted to stand out as something different.”

The company name, Puddingstone Distillery, certainly offers up an immediate USP. “We wanted the distillery to have a different name to the gin brand, but it still needed to tie in with the outdoors and have a sense of place in relation to our Hertfordshire location,” Kate says. “We came across Hertfordshire puddingstone, a rare local rock formation that was used for waymarking and in the walls of stately homes and churches to ward off evil spirits. We like to think only good spirits leave the distillery!”

That certainly seems to be the case.

Their first gin, Campfire London Dry Gin, was a huge hit, so little surprise more heritage gin styles – Cask Aged, Navy Strength and Old Tom – have followed.

“The botanical selections for all our gins are unique to us,” Kate adds. “They are juniper forward because that is what gin must be to be classified as a gin, but the other botanicals in the recipes and our distillation processes give us the distinct flavour profiles to shape our gins.”

For anyone lucky enough to visit the distillery, they are in for a treat, a kind of Willy Wonka for gin lovers. “Firstly you would notice the aroma,” Kate says about visiting the distillery. “Juniper, cinnamon, coriander seed, fresh peels of orange and grapefruit are just a few of the botanicals we use and that you might identify when visiting. You can see where we distil our gins – the Campfire Gin range, PUD PUD Christmas gin range, A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

TASTING EVENTS ARE POPULAR

THE DISTILLERY IS BASED IN TRING

plus our limited-edition gins – as our gin stills, Isabella and Amelia, and the production area are part of the distillery shop. The shop is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays for gin tastings, so pop along and try before you buy!”

You best be quick as you may find yourself in quite a queue. The message is clearly spreading about what Puddingstone Distillery do, given recent award wins at The Gin Guide Awards and London Spirits Competition. “We’re delighted,” Kate beams about the awards. “With more and more gins coming to the market there is a lot of competition out there. The Gin Guide Awards attracted hundreds of entries from over 30 countries. For three THE AWARD WINNING CAMPFIRE GIN

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of our gins to be category winners and one gin highly commended was a great achievement, but the icing on the cake was being awarded Distillery of the Year. That was truly amazing, we never expected it. The London Spirits Competition also attracts hundreds of entries from all over the world and it was here we picked up our first Gold Medals for Campfire London Dry Gin and Campfire Navy Strength Gin. We’re still very proud of Campfire London Dry winning the World’s Best Martini Challenge back in 2019. Martinis are definitely my favourite cocktail!”

Next up is a gin inspired by, wait for it, bats. “Ultrasonic Gin is our latest collaboration with Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust,” Kate explains. “We have partnered with the Trust since 2017 when we launched the world’s first Himalayan balsam gin raising awareness of the

conservation work needed to address this invasive, non-native species. A brainstorming meeting led to the subject of bats and their importance as indicator species. They serve as a measurement of how well wildlife is faring and how well conservation efforts are working because they occupy a wide range of habitats and are sensitive to changes in the environment.

“Linking the gin to bats was perfect as Ben had just started experimenting with using ultrasound to extract flavour and aroma from botanicals in addition to the distillation process. To complement the juniper flavour we’ve selected botanicals that represent the British countryside – Bramley apple, mint and elderflower. It’s a delicious gin: serve simply with an Indian tonic water and a slice of apple, and £2 from the sale of each bottle goes to Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust.” You can see why Puddingstone Distillery is flying high.

P U D D I N G STO N E D I ST I L L E RY Unit 1, Artisan Workshops, Lower Icknield Way, Wilstone, Tring, HP23 4NT 01442 502033 puddingstonedistillery.com

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Judges Restaurant offers modern eclectic British & European dining and a Cocktail Bar

There’s nothing quite like lunch in the sunshine.

We offer alfresco dining serving the finest food and cocktails.

1 Judges Hill, Northaw, Potters Bar EN6 4NL 01707 802104 www.judgesrestaurant.com

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Plant

LIFE Summer dishes from vegan restaurant Holy Carrot

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Pea veloute Serves 6

INGREDIENTS • 300g frozen peas • 1 small bunch of fresh mint (20g) • 4 dried Kaffir lime leaves • 1 medium leek (80g), washed, trimmed and roughly chopped • 70g soya butter • 2 tbsp (30g) white miso paste • 30ml sake • 1 tsp garlic powder • 300ml oat milk • 200ml vegetable stock • 200ml water • Coconut oil for cooking • Sea salt flakes To garnish • 400g tinned black lentils • 400g green peas, fresh or frozen (if frozen, add to warm water to slowly defrost) • 200g raw cauliflower, sliced thinly • 1 tsp mint, basil or coriander, roughly chopped to sprinkle

METHOD Heat the oil in a large heavy-based saucepan on a medium heat and add the leek and miso paste. Mix well and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until soft.

2 Add the milk, stock, mint and lime leaves and cook for a further 10 minutes.

3 Add the frozen peas, garlic powder, water and a heaped teaspoon of salt.

Mix everything well and remove from the heat. Leave to rest for 10 minutes.

4 Remove the mint and lime leaves. Put the soup into a blender and pulse until smooth.

5 Add a spoonful of lentils to the centre of each bowl, before pouring the velouté around the edge. Then arrange the green peas, cauliflower on top of the lentils and velouté. Sprinkle with herbs.

Tomato Ceviche Serves 4

1

INGREDIENTS • 500g best quality seasonal tomatoes For the ceviche sauce • Juice of 2 lemons (100ml) • Juice of 2 oranges (100ml) • 1 heaped tbsp (20g) red miso paste • 50ml soy sauce • 1 thumb size piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped • 2 plump garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped • 50ml sake • 70g best quality seasonal tomatoes To garnish • ¼ bunch chives, finely chopped

• 1 tsp black or normal sesame seeds • Handful of micro coriander • Handful of garlic flowers (optional) • 2 ripe avocados • Juice of ½ lime • Maldon salt flakes

METHOD 1 To make the sauce, put all the ingredients into a high speed blender and pulse until smooth. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.

2 Cut the tomatoes into large chunks, lay them out on a flat serving dish and dress with the ceviche sauce (about half the amount of dressing to tomatoes). Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped chives.

3 Cut the avocados in half, peel, chop into cubes and put into a bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over it and add a large pinch of salt flakes. Carefully ensure all the pieces are coated and then arrange the avocado cubes on top of the tomatoes. Sprinkle with micro coriander and garlic flowers.

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PLEASE COME AND VISIT OUR

BREWERY SHOP WEB SHOP AND NOW YOU CAN ALSO ORDER

ONLINE AT OUR

 DRAUGHT & BOTTLED BEER TO TAKEAWAY  LIMITED EDITION BREWS  EXPERIMENTAL BREWS  GIFT VOUCHERS  T-SHIRTS & GOODIES  GOLDEN TOAD MEMBERSHIP  PICKLES & PRESERVES  BREWERY TOURS In 2021 our Monthly Specials will be raising funds and awareness for Chilterns Dog Rescue Society.

Dunsley Farm, London Road, Tring HP23 6HA N 01442 890721 D www.tringbrewery.co.uk LEGENDARY BEER FROM HERTFORDSHIRE. TB.indd 1 A4 Bleed.indd 1

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Lemon tart Serves 8

INGREDIENTS For the pastry • 190g gluten-free flour • 95g vegan butter • 75g coconut sugar • 25g ground almonds • Pinch of salt • Pinch of xanthan gum • 25g apple sauce

For the lemon curd • 400g coconut cream (tinned is fine) • Juice of 5½ oranges (400ml) • Juice of 4½ large lemons (250ml) • 285ml agave • 2½ tsp vanilla extract • 80g cornflour To serve • Approx. 1 tbsp zusto

METHOD 1 To make the pastry, mix all the ingredients in a food processor until a soft dough forms. Roll the pastry out to 3mm thick and then gently lay in a 28cm tart dish, lined with baking paper and buttered. Ensure the edges rise up to at least 3cm and pop into the freezer for at least 2 hours.

2 Preheat the oven to 160°C (normal) | 140°C (fan) | gas mark 3.

3 Put all the ingredients into a heavy-based saucepan on a medium heat and whisk until the mixture thickens like a custard, but don’t allow it to boil.

Remove from the heat and pour into the frozen pastry case and cut the pastry at the edge of the cream before baking it for 25 minutes. Let it cool down completely and store in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.

4 To serve, sprinkle with a little zusto and either use a blow torch or pop under the grill for a minute to caramelise before serving.

holycarrot.co.uk

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Experience summer at The Grove 20 June - 1 September — As a reader of Absolutely Hertfordshire, experience summer at The Grove and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink at the Lounges and a bottle of wine with dinner. Terms and conditions apply.

To book, visit thegrove.co.uk/absolutely or call 01923 296010, referencing Absolutely.

The Grove | Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire WD3 4TG 01923 296010 | www.thegrove.co.uk

CAMPFIRE GIN

From the Distillery of the Year 2021 The multi-award winning gin range to share with friends around the campfire.

Visit Puddingstone Distillery on Fridays & Saturdays for gin tastings FREE delivery on orders over £35 at puddingstonedistillery.com Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4NT

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CAMPFIRE GIN SHOP TAS TINGS TOUR EVENINGS EVENTS

22/07/2021 16:53

FOOD & DRINK • DRINKS

DRINKS CABINET What to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

REVIEW

SPRITZ ZERO T U S CA N T R E E Tuscan Tree is a new premium, nonalcoholic Aperitivo, inspired by the orange orchards of Northwest Italy and the Italian culture of “Aperitivo Hour”.

A 0% ABV distilled spirit infused with real blood orange juice and Italian sparkling wine, alongside a complex blend of non-alcoholic botanical distillates, Tuscan Tree is made in the style of a classic Italian aperitif.

tuscan-tree.com

CORNISH SPIRIT TA R Q U I N ' S Multi award-winning Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin has been Amazon’s best-selling gin for three years running. Handcrafted in small batches using 12 meticulously chosen botanicals to create its unique, fresh flavour, this is the taste of summer 2021.

£35; tarquinsgin.com

SHOP TALK NEW BREED The New Breed Bottle Shop was named by the Independent as one of the UK's best wine delivery services. As well as selling wines from a selection of the world's most exciting producers they also have an abundance of exquisite craft beers, spirits, and pre-bottled cocktails.

newbreedbottleshop.com

Wineapp

Wine delivered to your door in 20 minutes, anyone?

By PENDLE HARTE

E

verybody knows that a restaurant's markup on wine is hefty. And with home meal kits here to stay even when eating out is back, our domestic wine supplies need to keep up. The UK’s biggest ondemand fine wine delivery app, Wine App, stocks hundreds of bottles that you’ll find in restaurants such as Nobu, Sushi Samba, Hakkasan, The Ivy and more, but sells them at a fraction of the price. It's a simple but devastatingly effective concept. Download the app (it appears as an unmistakable single glass of wine on your phone), set up a profile that includes personal preferences, and you're ready to order. There are discounts when you buy more than four bottles, plus lots of offers – and amazingly, delivery is within the hour.

Yes, that's right, the hour. Sometimes even 20 minutes. Our order was scheduled to come within a staggering 35 minutes – and a small delay of a few minutes on the estimated time resulted in a (frankly unnecessary) compensation voucher. So this isn't just a wine app, it's an emergency wine app. Sunny day and nothing in the fridge? You're just a few taps on your phone away from a delivery of chilled, high quality wine that beats any corner shop run. The selection is ever-expanding and comes with concise tasting notes – and when you build your profile, you can note wines to reorder (or avoid). The app will suggest things for you based on your tastes. In all, it's like having your own personal on-demand wine cellar in your phone, without the hassle of the actual cellar.

WINEAPP wineapp.com

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Sale r e m Sum on Starts 5th July

Come and enjoy a stroll through our Summer Sale Offers

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INTERIORS

HO U S E OF FUN H A B I TAT

Defined by its energising colour palette and architectural forms, the new Studio collection is fun and playful. Highly influenced by architectural forms, designs take on a utilitarian feel, transformed into uplifting pieces through bright block colours. habitat.co.uk

Interiors Notes 40 • Samantha Johnson 42 • Outdoors Furniture 46 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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

By PENDLE HARTE

RIGHT ANGLE ANGLEPOISE

Anglepoise has launched a new collection of Original 1227 lamps in collaboration with the National Trust. The collection comprises three lights – a table, a desk, and a floor lamp in a new Sage Green colour. Proceeds will raise a minimum of £15,000 to help support restoration works at The Homewood, a modernist villa designed by architect Patrick Gwynne. anglepoise.com

N AT U R E LOV E HABITAT

The natural world is at the core of Habitat's new Folklore collection, promoting pared-back and considered interiors. The collection prioritises tactile materials such as cane, seagrass and jute, complemented by naive, unrefined accessories. habitat.co.uk

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Fragrance L'ORANGERIE Spiced reed diffuser, £28 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

NEW TA LE N T

T R U E B LU E KITESGROVE X FARROW & BALL

LOOK LIKE LOVE

Design studio Kitesgrove has worked with Farrow & Ball to create a new and entirely bespoke beautifully deep teal colour – ‘Kitesgrove’ by Farrow & Ball. It's a rich, complex colour tone, available exclusively from Kitesgrove. kitesgrove.com

Look Like Love has been supporting and promoting graduate and emerging designers since 2011 and this year they invited 10 designers to each create a one-off piece to form the anniversary collection, which spans prints, textiles and ceramics. looklikelove.co.uk

EMMA ALLINGTON Vine tomato and black pepper candle, £37 emmaallington.co.uk

DIPTYQUE Limited edition Citronelle candle, £49 diptyqueparis.com

JO LOVES Fig Trees diffuser, £90 joloves.com

TOM DIXON Fog incense set, £40 tomdixon.net

SET AND MATCH SETTING PRETT Y

Setting Pretty's table linens are designed to be mixed and matched – so here are Wild Child napkins and placemats with a gingham tablecloth in Dusty Rose.

Instant table style, achieved. settingpretty.com

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G U I D I N G

LIGHT Here an acclaimed interior designer explains why she wants to bring out the creativity within us all

By SAMANTHA JOHNSON

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INTERIORS • FEATURE THIS HOME IN WHEATHAMPSTEAD MADE FULL USE OF THE HISTORIC FEATURES

THIS PROJECT MAKES FULL USE OF NATURAL LIGHT

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FROM THE FAMILY BATHROOM TO WET ROOMS, SAMANTHA JOHNSON HAS DESIGN INSPIRATION FOR YOU

have always believed that – with just a little help – everyone can make their home more beautiful and easier to manage. My Essential Home Guide is designed to help people achieve those goals.

The guide was put together based on my own personal experiences as an interior designer and working with new clients who were unfamiliar with the design process and the questions you need to ask yourself before embarking on a project. Friends and family were always asking for advice, which prompted me to create a guide for those individuals who are looking to make changes to their home and don’t know where to start.

It will help you enjoy the process of designing your home, step by step. It includes all the tools you’ll need to help get you started with your project and create a home that reflects your own style.

Through a combination of printed guides and online resources, you’ll learn:

• The essential preparation and thinking that goes into a design project, • Expert tips for making the most of your space, • Professional advice on choosing a colour scheme, adding textures and using patterns, • Advice on making it happen: smarter budgeting, ordering and working with the trades.

A design toolkit is also sent out containing all the tools you’ll need to help get you started including a 5m tape measure, scale ruler, notepad, colour wheel and much more. As an integral part of the guide, I invite customers to send their plans and designs to me for one-to-one feedback.

It is aimed at anyone who is looking to renovate, refurbish or simply redecorate their home, but don’t know where to start.

It will equip you with the valuable skills and knowledge to tackle the project yourself. It provides structured guidance and practical tips to give you the confidence to transform

“I'm hoping my guide will help lots of people to plan and think about their home project” your home and enjoy the process. I’m hoping my guide will help lots of people to plan and think about their home project. The response so far has been very positive.

Something like this would have been helpful to me when I first started out in the industry. Successful home design projects are built around three core phases, with different tasks within them. From the initial preparation to the second stage of designing the scheme, and finally the stage of bringing A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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JOHN LADBURY Beautiful Handcrafted Kitchens

DESIGN • BUILD • INSTALLATION 40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

01707 262966 | WWW.JOHNLADBURY.CO.UK Showroom: UNIT 11 ALPHA BUSINESS PARK, TRAVELLERS CLOSE, WELHAM GREEN AL9 7NT

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

SAMANTHA JOHNSON

“Spending time defining the overall objectives, outcomes and requirements is time well spent” it all together and making it happen. This guide provides guidance and practical tips on each of the tasks involved and presents it in a logical, easy to follow step by step process.

I originally studied Hotel Management at Bournemouth University (Dorset Institute of Higher Education) and pursued my early career in Corporate Hospitality and Event Management. I worked in the hospitality industry for 15 years, organizing events in luxury hotels and venues around the world, but I have always loved being in beautifully designed spaces. In 1997 I took a gamble and embarked on a full-time interior design course at the Design School in London

following my dream and passion of becoming an interior designer. I found this change was incredibly rewarding and since then have really enjoyed working with lovely clients throughout the UK, spending time enhancing their family life and how they use their homes.

I ask lots of questions to clarify a client’s goals, their lifestyle, design tastes and the specific requirements of the project.

Spending time defining the overall objectives, outcomes and requirements is time well spent. It means that you’re designing from a position of knowledge, which means you’re more likely to create a design that meets your client’s needs and helps to avoid costly mistakes.

My clients are intrinsically involved in the initial stages of the project through to design approval. At the implementation stage, clients can decide to manage the project themselves with advice and support from me, or I can manage the entire project, co-ordinating suppliers and tradesmen to ensure that everything is on site exactly when it’s needed, and in perfect condition.

Interior design has become more accessible and affordable as a result of technology. Online shopping and the increase in ecommerce has inspired many manufacturers to sell direct to consumers.

The emergence of social media channels, such as Instagram and Pinterest, has created interest in the latest interior design styles and trends, which has made interior design available to a broader audience.

Virtual reality and 3D visualisations will also become commonplace and will influence most design decisions. As design becomes more mainstream, clients will start looking for more bespoke, one-of-a-kind interiors and commissioned pieces. The focus will shift to individual, high-quality pieces that have been beautifully crafted. samanthajohnsondesign.com THE ESSENTIAL HOME DESIGN GUIDE WILL OFFER TOP TIPS ON TAKING ON YOUR OWN AT HOME PROJECT

Take three

Samantha Johnson takes us behind the scenes on stand out local projects

HARPENDEN  This detached modern house set in a quiet cul-de-sac in Harpenden has been redesigned to create an open-plan interior perfect for modern living.

Working with the architects and builders to extend the kitchen and family room, it helped to create a fantastic light-filled space that looks out onto the garden. This was then decorated in a contemporary, almost minimalist way to create a spacious area for the client to entertain. Cementile flooring from Bizazza runs throughout the ground floor to create a practical choice for a house with children and dogs.

W H E AT H A M P ST E A D  A unique and historic Grade II listed cottage with views overlooking the local golf course has been lovingly renovated, yet it retains many of its original features.

The design has a predominantly contemporary feel with soft tones running through each space and pops of bold colour really bring this family home to life.

CHIPPERFIELD  This beautiful converted farmhouse in the Hertfordshire countryside features an elegant muted colour palette mixed with contemporary furniture and beautiful handmade curtains.

This is a restful retreat for a young family where fun, dogs, horses and muddy boots are the order of the day!

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S U N

S E E K E R S

Make the most of what remains of summer with the best in outdoor furniture

By MARK KEBBLE

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Bring the indoor out GO MODERN FURNITURE

 Part of a large modular collection, the Senja Sofa has multiple elements that can be combined to create a bespoke arrangement. As well as seating elements, choose optional integrated tables, consoles or side tables in either teak or glazed lavastone.

Looking more like an indoor piece than a garden sofa, the Senja Sofa has a strong powder-coated frame in linen or wenge with deep comfortable cushions. gomodern.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

Lounge around E L L A JA M E S

 The stunning new Capri woven lounge chair is perfect for lazing around in the garden during what remains of the summer. This chair is suitable to be left outside, but there is a recommendation that during the winter months and prolonged wet weather you should bring it indoors. The chair cushion is easily removable and should be brought indoors overnight when not in use. ellajames.co.uk

Social style statement HILLIER GARDEN CENTRES

 If you love contemporary design and want a garden furniture set that can really bring people together in style, the Siena Advanced Texteline Modular Firepit Set is a knock-out. It combines modern, sleek lines with grey cushions and advanced texteline upholstery.

The set offers the comfort and appearance of a sofa outdoors, while being completely weatherproof, able to be left outdoors all summer. In the middle of the table is the real centrepiece – an integrated firepit, lit via a concealed gas bottle beneath the table. hillier.co.uk

Caught in a loop V I VA L A G O O N

 The Loop Dining Chair is light to handle and to move around, which has its advantages as furniture can be moved in line with the sun. The design gives a light and airy look to a verandah and is also unbelievably comfortable – air can circulate through the tautly strung construction. vivalagoon.com

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WHY HARTLEY

BESPOKE GLASSHOUSE Hampshire

BEAUTY & ELEGANCE The incomparable range of simply beautiful and elegant structures means Hartley Botanic can create designs that are distinctive and unique. The Victorian, Heritage and Modern Glasshouse ranges are so comprehensive you don’t have to go anywhere else to find your beautifully crafted, high-quality Glasshouses from the widest of choices.

Visit us at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 21st- 26th September 2021 Discover the secret of Hartley Botanic by calling 0800 783 8083 or visit www.hartley-botanic.co.uk

THE FINEST GLASSHOUSES MONEY CAN BUY The only aluminium Glasshouses and Greenhouses endorsed by the RHS

® The Royal Horticultural Society. The Royal Horticultural Society, and its logo, are trade marks of The Royal Horticultural Society (Registered Charity No 222879/SC038262) and used under licence from RHS Enterprises Limited.

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INTERIORS • TRENDS

Concrete plans RUST COLLECTIONS

 Gather your friends and family and get ready to enjoy some long, lazy lunches al fresco on the new St Emilion concrete outdoor table.

The stylish smooth-to-touch yet texturedto-look-at concrete top is handcrafted in Rust Collection's Buckinghamshire workshop, meaning each piece is subtly unique. It’s coated with a matte-finish, UV-resistant protective layer, which is also easily wipeable making spillages and sticky finger prints easy to deal with. rustcollections.co.uk

Head to Ascot BRIDGMAN

 This summer sees the release of the new, limited edition Ascot Collection, designed and created in the Bridgman workshop. Interior design ventures into the outdoors with four carefully designed modular sofa sets that possess the luxurious look and feel of an indoor living room suite. Each sofa is fully upholstered in solution-dyed acrylic fabric, the same material as used in luxury yachts, to guarantee complete weatherproofing, whatever the weather. bridgman.co.uk

At the double C OX & C OX

 Inspired by Cox & Cox's bestselling Indoor Outdoor Hanging Chair, this new, double sized version is perfect for sharing with a companion.

Each chair features a sturdy grey metal frame and faux wicker chair, with a sumptuous, soft cream seat cushion and two matching tie-on headrests. coxandcox.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TRENDS

It's a wrap L I M E L AC E

 Curl up and relax with a glass of something cold and a good book in the fabulous Cocoon Hang Chair Outdoor. Forming part of the chic Outdoor Lounge range by TRIMM Copenhagen, it's sure to bring the wow factor to your garden or outdoor living room. You feel embraced by the walls of the cocoon and yet you still have a free view of the sky, almost as if you were flying. It's perfect for chilling out on a summer day, or snuggle up under a chunky blanket and watch the stars come out. limelace.co.uk

The swing of it M Y FA C E

 Through a contemporary interpretation of the traditional swing, Fable intends to recreate the memories held closest, the character defining moments and the feelings that can’t be forgotten.

Lacquered stainless steel and copper joints hold an inviting floating sofa, available in a wide colour array of water repellent polyester fibre. myface.eu

Sweet & chic

HILLIER GARDEN CENTRES

 For practicality, style and comfort even in small outdoor spaces, the folding Galaxy Bistro Set is perfect. The pretty table and accompanying chairs are made from FSC eucalyptus hardwood, partly painted a stylish deep blue with contrasting grey wash surfaces. The chairs have gently sloping backs for extra comfort along with a seat safety locking bolt to avoid trapping fingers. Useful handles mean the set can be moved easily around a balcony or patio and then folded away when not in use. hillier.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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6 Raynham Close, Raynham Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 5PJ (T) 01279 213 877 | (E) stortford@jdcpaints.com | www.jdcpaints.com Follow us! @jdcpaints | Open 7 days a week

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INTERIORS • PROMOTION

Sofa

BLAZER

SO GOOD Spotlight on four of Minotti's seating systems

By EVE HERBERT

BLAZER

RODOLFO DORDONI DESIGN

CONNERY

Blazer is one of the creations that best expresses the most authentic artisanal attitude of Minotti.

The system is complemented by cushions in different sizes and headrests, which can be freely positioned, decorating the seats and offering maximum comfort.

The compositions can be mixed and matched with the complements of the 2020 Collection - coffee tables,

console tables, benches and armchairs - that pleasantly interrupt the symmetry and contribute to designing living areas with a bold personality.

Blazer is distinguishable due its exceptional quality, with a contemporary look characterised by clean, minimal lines.

The key feature of the design is the backrest with rounded internal corners, which creates a comfortable, enveloping niche, transforming the chaiselongue element with high backrest and armrest into a particularly welcoming alcove.

TORII

CONNERY

RODOLFO DORDONI DESIGN Contemporary, with a strong architectural appeal and pure lines reminiscent of the Mid-Century American spirit, the Connery seating system sports an exquisite aesthetic and design that instantly catch the eye. The clever combination of fine materials and sophisticated details adds a hint of couture to its design. An extremely versatile seating system, in terms of both composition and combination of materials, Connery has a distinctive personality also expressed in the pairing of original

square and round chaise-lounges.

As well as the fabric covering, the padded structural base can also feature a covering with strips of leather, crafted with the same technique used in fine leather luggage-crafting. References to the concept of high-end leather goods are also found in the headrests and the elegant “C”-shaped Flap surfaces, which seamlessly blend into the seating elements, animating the compositions with a vibrant rhythm.

The well-structured, customisable range, offers many different compositional options, in addition to longer square chaise-longues.

DAIKI

MARCIO KOGAN / STUDIO MK27 DESIGN Inspired by the Brazilian architect’s many trips to Japan, the Daiki seats are born out of Marcio Kogan’s deep passion for Japanese culture and are conceived as a real tribute to Japanese design.

The Daiki family includes armchairs with a deep seat, available both with and without armrests, and footstool.

Daiki offers a design that explores and reinterprets the American Mid-Century atmospheres in its bold, clean lines, precious materials and balanced proportions.

DAIKI

TORII

NENDO DESIGN Airy, with constructive details linked to Japanese tradition, the Torii modular seats play with round edged volumes, thin profiles and the apparent formal simplicity of an extremely detailed design.

The metal structure of the legs of the seats and tables is Nendo’s nod to the image of the “torii”, the entrance gate to Shinto shrines in Japan. The Torii family includes sofas - with high or low backrest and a linear shape, rounded at the arms - inclined sofas with a

combination of two different depths, armchairs and lounge and dining little armchairs, ottomans, coffee tables, and a slender, oval-shaped console table, ideal for placing anywhere in the living area.

The varied range of products makes it possible to design a flexible layout, in which the individual elements can also be combined to create a strong visual unity. The metal frame found in the components of the Torii family evokes the image of the “Senbon Torii, the wooden colonnade that forms a gallery made up of 1,000 vermilion torii gates”, as Nendo reminds us.

M I N OT T I minotti.com

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LEADING FIREPLACE SHOWROOM

• Natural stone • Marble & wood surrounds • Full installation service by HETAS & Gas Safe engineers

• Gas fires & electric fires from £175 • Stoves & fire baskets • Surrounds from £349 • Free surveys • Supply only

Showroom open Mon-Sat - 9am-5pm 01707 657070 9 Barnet Road, Potters Bar, EN6 2QX | www.hertsfireplacegallery.co.uk HF.indd 1

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Bespoke luxury spaces tailored just for you From walk in wardrobes to home offices in a range of styles

Nordikka Interiors Blinding Bifolds Showroom, The Dutch Nursery, The Great North Rd, Brookmans Park, Hatfields, Hertfordshire AL9 6ND E: info@nordikka.co M: 07738469691

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INTERIORS • TREND

CASACARTA Dinner plate set of two, £74 casa-carta.com

MARIMEKKO Siirtolapuutarha plate, £25 skandium.com

MINEHEART Undercover Antique plate, £22 mineheart.com

GARDEN TRADING Winderton Side Plate in Rosemary, £8 gardentrading.co.uk

HOT PLATES

EDITOR’S PICK

THE FIND STORE Moroccan Zwack plate, £15 thefi ndstore.co.uk

THE CURIOUS DEPARTMENT Insect Mandala plate, set of four, £160 thecuriousdepartment.com

Stylish dinnerware for your table

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

CIEL SHOP Dinner plate, £12 cielshopinteriors.com

SOUS CHEF Colour Pop enamel plate pink, £22.99 souschef.co.uk

CASA CELVA Puglian face bread plate, £64 for four casacelva.com

ARTISANS DU MAROC Tamegroute plate, £25 wearenomads.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Aura stoneware plate, £14 roseandgrey.co.uk

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

Paloma Faith has launched her own brand of homewares.

Absolutely takes a look

By P E A R L B OY D

W

hat do you get if you mix floral wallpaper, animal print upholstery and paisley cushions?

Welcome to the world of Paloma Faith.

The singer and songwriter has dipped a toe into the world of art and design with the launch of her own interiors label, Paloma Home. Elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary with her creative eye for pattern and play, the exuberant collection encompasses fabrics,

wallpapers, soft furnishings and select upholstered pieces in statement prints.

Born from her love of opulent glamour, retro bohemia and inspired by the renovation of her own kaleidoscopic London townhouse, Paloma Home is the culmination of Faith’s lifelong fascination with design and passion for vintage and thrifting. A self-confessed “nester” (and a true Cancerian), Faith has great fondness for the home and all its maternal connotations. “In times of uncertainty, the past year wholly revived my passion for my home and pouring a little bit more of ourselves into our spaces has never felt more important.”

With a nod to the romantic noirs of Wong Kar-wai and his iconic sultry aesthetic, the collection will transport you with a palette of saturated jewel tones. Each of the pieces are rich with reference: dark, loaded wallpapers are reminiscent of a louche, backstage world while highly decorative botanicals allude to a freespirited air of femininity and a touch of the bohemian. The hedonism of the music scene unites with cinematic influence to create a dazzling interiors capsule.

“Pouring a little bit more of ourselves into our spaces has never felt more important” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Are you full of ideas for transforming your home but not sure where to start?

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DIAL RESTORATION

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The Essential Home Design Guide is designed to help you create a home you will love by following a step-bystep design approach.

Samantha Johnson, a BIID-accredited designer with over 20 years experience, gives you her insight into: • The essential preparation and thinking that goes into a design project.

• How to make the most of your space.

• Choosing a colour scheme, adding textures and using patterns.

• Smart budgeting, ordering and how to work with the trades.

60 years experience; Rolex and Omega trained (I’m now 80 and still at it!)

CASE RESTORATION

You’ll get a designer’s toolkit delivered to your door and benefit from online resources and 1-2-1 support from Samantha as your project progresses.

If you want to spend a day understanding the design process to create your interior scheme then sign-up for one of Sam’s 1-day workshops.

Visit: samanthajohnsondesign.com

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Specialist in the repair, service and restoration of quality watch brands Omega, Rolex, Cartier, Breitling, Patek, Longines, TAG Heuer etc 07432 007007 jyonge@hotmail.co.uk www.goodtiming.uk

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

“Growing up we didn’t always have a lot of money, but my mum did always prioritise investing in new cushion covers and things felt brand new.

With Paloma Home, you can have one piece and it changes a room - or you can embrace the whole collection, and it still works,” she says.

The debut line comprises ten house prints, from Pouncing Tigers and Luxe Leopards to Oriental Leaves & Birds, Vintage Chinoiserie and Monochrome Stripes. Underpinned by a feeling of faded grandeur and retro nostalgia, highlights of the range include sumptuous velvet cushions in fiery animal prints and intricate hand-drawn birds in flight splashed across bedding for a boudoiresque cocoon, as well as leopard and tiger print seating, intricate chinoiserie print wallpaper and blinds. More is always more, with tactile finishing touches such as braiding, piping and ruffles making for an entirely multi-sensory experience.

Paloma Home captures the essence of Faith’s much-loved fire and soul - a playful, premium and yet accessible collection - and a welcome mode of escapism for all. Paloma says: “Home for me is a place where there is warmth, life, vibrancy and human touch. Something truly ‘lived in’. So much beauty emerges from chaos - and I hope to share this sentiment with Paloma Home.”

palomahome.com

“Tactile finishing touches include braiding, piping and ruffles” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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GOOD

TIMES

British designer Faye Toogood's work spans interiors, fashion and now a new range of homeware too

By EVE HERBERT

B

ritish designer Faye Toogood has launched Toogood Homeware: the studio’s first dedicated collection of homeware designs. The new range includes the Dough collection, named to highlight the common ground of kneading in both baking and pottery. It comprises six pieces: a mug, a jug, a platter, a bowl, a vase and a centrepiece. Hand-shaped in the Toogood studio before being cast in earthenware, the pieces share a pared-back yet playful simplicity. The mugs and pitchers boast chunky, outsized handles, while the platter has a rounded swelling quality that calls to mind rising dough. The two decorative pieces – a vase and a centrepiece – complement the range. Echoing the subtly organic swell of the tableware, these are distinguished by a reactive glaze treatment that transitions between silky matte and shiny gloss in a single piece. All pieces in the collection are available in two standard matte glazes; cream and charcoal.

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The Toogood interiors practice has executed numerous house interiors for private clients. A Mayfair apartment designed for a pair of American art collectors is filled with commissioned furniture pieces made by craftsmen and artists alongside bespoke designs by Faye. The penthouse at Tapestry in King’s Cross is a monumental space with a richly textured finish and a colour palette inspired by scudding skies.

For Casa Paloma, a seven-bedroom villa in Ibiza, Toogood oversaw every aspect of the interior to the finest detail, even executing the artworks that hang on the walls.

The practice has also made a name for itself with a number of extraordinary projects for commercial fashion clients, including the Mulberry store on Regent Street, the flagship Carhartt showroom in King’s Cross, Tiina the Store in the Hamptons, and site-specific installations for Hermes and Selfridges.

Toogood brings a distinctly sculptural approach to the art of furniture design, with pieces such as the ‘Spade’ chair and the ‘Roly-Poly’ chair achieving iconic

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INTERIORS XXXXXXXX• •DESIGN XXXXX

“A celebration of craftsmanship has been at the core of the brand from the outset”

B SLO T E LY. A BA SO UL TU E LY m aLgOaNzD i nOeNs

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

“The platter has a rounded swelling quality that calls to mind rising dough”

status through their strong geometry and form. All of the pieces are handmade by small-scale fabricators and traditional artisans, with an honesty to the irregularity of the chosen material, whether it be raw fibreglass, aluminium or Barium crystal. Toogood produces made-to-order furniture and homewares, as well as limited-edition gallery pieces which are sold through Friedman Benda in New York.

Faye’s furniture crosses the boundary into fine art, and has been exhibited at Phillips and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Triennale in Milan, and D Museum in Seoul. Her works have been acquired for the permanent collections of Philadelphia Museum of Art, Dallas Museum of Art, High Museum of Art in Atlanta,

Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and the Faberge Museum in St Petersburg.

The fashion side of the business was cofounded by sisters Faye and Erica Toogood.

They approach their work obliquely, collaborating with architects, product designers and painters to create clothes that are both practical and sculptural.

A celebration of craftsmanship has been at the core of the brand from the outset.

Each piece takes its name, inspiration and cut from a traditional trade: the Metalworker jacket, the Stonemason trouser, and so on. Toogood’s clothing is instilled with the unmistakable spirit of both sisters: Faye’s preoccupation with materiality and Erica’s audacious shapemaking. One a tinker, the other a tailor.

Toogood has more than 60 stockists worldwide, including Selfridges, Dover Street Market and Matches. Faye Toogood’s works have been acquired for the permanent collections of institutions worldwide, including Philadelphia Museum of Art, Dallas Museum of Art, High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and the Fabergé Museum in St Petersburg.

Faye Toogood homewares are stocked at scp.co.uk

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ANTIQUE OAK FLOORING

Over 100 designs | Expert advice | 20,000m2 of stock | Fast delivery SHOWROOM

20 Smugglers Way Wandsworth London SW18 1EG 020 8871 9771

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FASHION

PLACE TO BE PHASE EIGHT

Christopher Place in St Albans continues to showcase why it’s the go-to place for any fashion aficionado, particularly with the recent opening of the Phase Eight store there. Phase Eight’s summer collection is certainly fit for purpose: shop their edit of dresses, jumpsuits, swimwear and accessories, for a season of fresh, effortless outfits. christopher-place.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Fashion Trends 66 • Matchbox Jewellery 68 • The Shoot 72 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BRAVE AND BOLD

As we all look to get back to some kind of normality this summer, fashion is showing us how to take some positive steps forward

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

DEEBA LONDON Coral kimono robe, £145 deebalondon.com

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FASHION • TREND

EDITOR’S PICK

VERY Pour Moi removable straps tiered skirt maxi dress - pink, £35 very.co.uk

STUDIO B Avender linen lounge suit, £175 studiobfashion.com

MONSOON Anastasia floral midi dress blue, £99 monsoon.co.uk

STUDIO B Sleeper Atlanta linen dress in pink gingham, £245 studiobfashion.com

T

his season, the fashion world showcased an attitude that sums up the mentality we need heading into the second half of the year; bravery in being bold, and with that being said, bravery in being comfortable.

We are being encouraged to mix colours with patterns, and told to take advantage of a bold combination of colour blocking.

The trends of summer 2021 are allowing you to take risks, maybe even a leap out of that comfort zone, yet still remaining true to yourself and your style. From Rixo serving us pattern contrasting like you’ve never witnessed before, Deeba London bringing colour blocking that would halt traffic, to NeverFullyDressed serving severe shapes, here’s how to truly embrace the summer.

H&M A Meadow of Wildflowers collection, £17.99 hm.com

MONSOON

H&M

Alexis floral tiered midi dress green, £70 monsoon.co.uk

A Meadow of Wildflowers collection, £34.99 hm.com

MONSOON Benita printed maxi dress blue, £65 monsoon.co.uk

STUDIO B Gestuz black Svalagz cotton top, £95 studiobfashion.com

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Q&A

The perfect

MATCH

Meet Amy Geppert and Debbie Walsh, the Hertfordshire co-founders of Matchbox Jewellery, who clearly have their ears to the ground when noticing an opportunity

By MARK KEBBLE

Q How long have you two

known each other?

A Debbie: It is quite an interesting story as I grew up with Amy from around the age of 12 as we went to similar places and shared the same friendship groups, and it stills feels like yesterday when Amy’s dad drove us to the Eurostar at St Pancras as the two of us ventured to Paris for Amy’s 18th! We then both went to university and our friendship drifted as I was in Leeds and Amy was in Manchester, and we lost touch but by no means fell out.

Fast forward ten plus years, and we were brought back together as we both had children the same time, so again started to see each other at birthday parties and our kids' love for soft play! This was now five years ago, and it is almost as if our friendship never lost touch.

Q Most people during a pandemic

would probably think ‘let’s see what happens over the course of the year’, but you went off and launched Matchbox Jewellery. Why? A Debbie: The pandemic was a real eye-opener in so many ways. It was a time of instability, panic, and fear, but

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with this it also bought a lot of time for reflection. When the world started to shut down and ours jobs became quieter, it became clear that health and happiness was going to be two things to get us through this time, and with happiness came the idea to launch a business that would drive us towards our dream. We therefore were able to take advantage of quiet nights at home, added hours in the day as no schoolrun, social clubs or dinner reservations.

We would set ourselves goals for each week and would have regular Zoom meetings to make sure we stayed focussed. Over time our website started to come together, our stock started to arrive, and our very own MATCHBOXES, which we designed, arrived by the thousands. There was absolutely no going back. It was almost hard to process that our little idea had become real.

DEBBIE WALSH AND AMY GEPPERT

Q Why only earrings?

A Debbie: We get asked this a lot! We

both absolutely love earrings, and we couldn’t find a store which sold a big selection. Most stores sell a mix of all jewellery, but we wanted a destination

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FASHION • INTERVIEW

“We wanted a destination where people knew if they landed on our store, they would be exposed to the biggest selection of earrings” where people knew that if they landed on our store, they would be exposed to the biggest selection of earrings to suit all styles. We also wanted to make the earrings affordable, as for us it is all about looking and feeling good, whilst being mindful of the current financial climate.

Q You launched at Christmas – what was the response like?

A Debbie: We launched via Instagram two weeks before Christmas, and we never would have imagined selling out of so many styles in such a short space of time. Through word of mouth our store became an exciting new name, and we broke even in our first week, and to this

day we have retained the same customers who keep coming back for new styles.

One week after our Instagram launch our online store then went live, which gave customers who didn’t know us the confidence to shop via our store and Paypal. We purposely chose to be an online store (over bricks and mortar) as we wanted to be pandemic proof, say the high street closes down again. Our whole model is based on online, and we offer free shipping over £30, and all earrings come in our smart branded MATCHBOX.

Q What’s new for this summer?

A Amy: More colour! As we all start to hope for better weather (and no

lockdowns) we will be launching some beautiful new colourful pieces to help lift the mood and brighten up our days.

Q You both have families, so how has the work/life balance been?

A Debbie: Yet to find the balance (laughing). My husband has been amazing at supporting me set up MATCHBOX with Amy as he will take the kids after school so I can work on the brand, and also on weekends he holds fort so I can prepare newsletters, social media content and new launches. It is never-ending, and my evenings are mostly spent working.

Amy: Starting a new business with two young children at home has definitely had its challenges. For me, it’s been so important to be organised with my time. I set myself daily ‘to-do’ lists to help me stay on top of the workload and be as productive as possible.

Q You both live in Hertfordshire – what

do you love about being there?

A Debbie: I live in a small area called

Bentley Heath and I love the fresh air, lanes to walk my dogs, countryside and tranquil lifestyle. I went to school in St Albans and I am amazed at how the Roman remains are still there today. If you haven’t yet been, I strongly recommend a day out to Verulamium Park!

Amy: We are so close to London yet also have beautiful countryside, which I really got to appreciate during lockdown. There is also plenty of things to do for the kids on a day out.

M ATC H B OX J E W E L L E RY If you have a question about an order or request, email hello@matchboxjewellery.com matchboxjewellery.com

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Kitsch vision Chunky pieces that make a statement B y L AY L A T U R N E R

MERCI MAMAN

JULY CHILD

TATTY DEVINE

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Ariel Cosmo Necklace, £80 julychild.co.uk

Mad Hatter Brooch, £35 tattydevine.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

AT A STRETCH YOGA

We are familiar with the many benefits of enjoying yoga, but there's one we were not so aware of: traumainformed yoga. Given what we have been through, it's unsurprising this form of yoga is becoming highly sought after – and you can read more about in this section on page 86.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Beauty Notes 83 • Helen Cooper Yoga 86 • Nutrition 88 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y L AY L A T U R N E R

FOCUS

EDITOR’S PICK

HIGH

tech

How Tria Woman help to tackle the menopause

C LO U D T W E LV E

B y M A R I A N N E GAU T I E R

Head down to luxury wellness and lifestyle club, Cloud Twelve, for the ultimate pamper day. We highly recommend one of their ultra high tech facials, such as the Dermafrac signature treatment, for the ultimate skin makeover.

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Designed to instantly brighten a lacklustre complexion, The Glass Glow liquid illuminator comes in six dazzling shades. The smooth, gel-like formula feels fresh on the skin, and can be mixed with a moisturiser for a hydrated finish. Alternatively, apply to the face and body alone in an upwards motion for a more intense look. £26, spacenk.com

S I G N AT U R E SHADE E M O LY N E

Emolyne Ramlov, founder of Emolyne Cosmetics, spent years trying to find lip and nail products of an exact shade match. The brand offers kits containing a lip-liner, lipstick and nail polish, all of the same shade. Shades include ‘Zanzibar’, a showstopping, poppy red. £45

POSITIVE ageing his month at Tria Woman we have been looking at the transition into menopause, a topic that many women have difficulty navigating, especially as there is so much conflicting information – so what’s the answer?

Well we are all individuals, with different symptoms, needs and concerns, so what is right for one woman may not be right for another. For some women, the physical symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain and foggy thinking are intense and overwhelming.

Other women struggle with insomnia and anxiety. Some women find the end of their ability to produce children to be a huge loss and feel an overwhelming sense of grief for their youth. And then there are women who experience all of these symptoms or any number of combinations! It's not surprising that there is so much confusion about finding a solution.

We also have so much pressure on us from society, media and personal expectations to look and feel young.

How do we compete with this idea that to have value as a woman we need to look 25, and if or when we can’t, how do we begin to feel great about ourselves?

At Tria Woman we believe that every woman deserves to feel heard and understood, and we work together to establish which hormones are out of balance and tailor a bespoke plan to suit her, and (most importantly) we support her journey to positive ageing.

TRIA WOMAN

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MALIN + GOETZ Meadowfoam Oil Balm, £13 malinandgoetz.co.uk

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BITE BEAUTY Daycation Whipped blush, £30 boots.com

VERSO Body Oil Cleanser, £55 versoskincare.com

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B y L AY L A T U R N E R

GLOW RECIPE ROC SKINCARE

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Multi Correxion Gel Cream, £35.99 rocskincare.co.uk

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B r e a t h i n g E A S Y

Hertfordshire-based Helen Cooper teaches trauma-informed yoga that has changed many lives. Here’s her story...

By MARK KEBBLE

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Q Before you discovered yoga, how would you sum up your life?

A I first stepped foot in a yoga studio in 2010, a little disgruntled that my gym was temporarily closed, but curious to give yoga a try. At the time I was a bit of a lost soul: unhappy, frustrated and confused. Confident on the outside, but a vulnerable mess within.

Having suffered a lot of emotional pain and tragedy growing up, I’d become an expert in burning the candle at both ends to mask my insecurities. I had no interest in leading a balanced lifestyle, so I was constantly stressed and anxious to please everyone but myself. Despite having a doting husband, an exciting job in the music industry and buzzing social life, the chaos inside my head was growing louder. I enjoyed therapy for a number of years with a kind and supportive

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • INTERVIEW counsellor, but something was still missing.

I never thought in a million years that yoga would be the missing piece of the jigsaw.

Q Did it have an immediate impact?

A Absolutely. I totally enjoyed my first

class and the benefits that I experienced from there onward continued to escalate.

Huge release of stress and tension, deep relaxation, peace of mind, will power, patience, self-forgiveness…

Through yoga, I began to understand the enormity of the traumas I’d been through. The fog in my head gradually began to clear. I realised I didn’t have to put myself under so much pressure, or be one step ahead of everybody else.

Yoga was the one thing that truly showed me I had so much power to turn this around.

It taught me the importance of self-care, that it was okay to have a down day, and that these days should be acknowledged.

The enriched quality of the relationship I found with myself began to flow into my external relationships: home, work, play… the ripple effect was astounding.

Q How soon did you decide

to train as a teacher?

A The idea of teaching did appeal to

me quite early on; the seed was sown in my mind one year or so after I started practicing. I resisted the call at first, afraid I would lose the immense joy and abundant benefits if I began teaching others. Seven years later, I had a ‘cosmic push’ when I suddenly lost my job and enrolled on a teacher training course to fill the time waiting for another. In the fabulous location of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the 200-hour course was intense – anything but a holiday – but by far one of the most profound, enlightening experiences of my life.

Q Why do you specialise in

trauma-informed yoga?

A The positive impact it had healing my

own trauma symptoms was enormous.

I knew if it eased my pain and suffering, there’d be countless others who’ll also reap rewards from a regular, dedicated practice.

My first hands-on project in this area came

“THE POSITIVE IMPACT IT HAD HEALING MY OWN TRAUMA SYMPTOMS WAS ENORMOUS” about when I was approached by a holistic retreat for ex-army veterans. I wanted to serve these amazing men and women in the best way I could, so took a 50-hour training course on yoga for trauma. I was fascinated on positive neurological impact yoga has been proven to have on trauma. The science behind it all is vast and impressive.

primary purpose is to bring the benefits of yoga to those who need it most.

Q What are your plans for the future?

A I want to expand the reach of my

Hertfordshire to teach?

Potters Bar radio show, Yogi Bared, a fortnightly show which discusses modernday yoga with an amazing playlist and some truly amazing guests, many of whom work in the music industry.

My eight-week yoga for mental wellbeing programme, Head Space, is shortly to be rolled out in Hertfordshire. It will provide a lifelong toolbox of techniques for those who want to improve their mental wellbeing. Spaces are limited so it will also be available online.

Finally, I am extremely excited to be hosting a day retreat in September, “Taking Yoga Off The Mat”. Anyone wishing to learn more about yoga outside of postures should take a look: it’s going to be fun, diverse and educational, looking at breath work, patience, compassion, cleanliness, honesty, kindness, moderation, and how to integrate all eight limbs of yogic philosophy into modern life.

if you are based further afield. My

helencooperyoga.com

Q What happens during one of

your one-to-one sessions?

A They are a tailor-made, bespoke service

designed to suit whatever you may need on that particular day. We usually start with breathing exercises to help us feel grounded, connected and present. We can move through a series of postures that help increase mind and body awareness and it’s always beneficial to indulge in a deep relaxation to close. Props, music and essential oils are all optional treats.

Everything is slow and steady, connecting mind and body via the breath, with gentle exploration of our true capabilities.

Q Do you travel to any part of A Yes, and I also teach yoga online

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POWER

FOODS

A nutritionist’s guide to boosting productivity through diet.

By Rob Thorp, Nutritionist and Founder of Vite Naturals

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NUTRITION

W

ith so many distractions keeping our minds occupied, from the ongoing pandemic to Brexit fears and the ever-growing influence of social media, it is no surprise that for many of us, concentration and productivity levels are at an all-time low.

In addition to this, our diets, which have a huge impact on overall wellbeing, often fall short in providing the essential nutrients needed to boost brain health. A diet high in processed foods, sugars and refined carbohydrates can cause insulin fluctuations, increase toxic load, and create an inflamed body. This all has a negative impact on cognitive health, and can subsequently impair your productivity and concentration levels, cognitive function, and mood. Opting for a balanced diet packed with nutrients and antioxidants, while avoiding processed and sugary foods, can go a long way. Here's how.

THINK STRAIGHT WITH GINSENG

In Chinese medicine, Ginseng is hailed as an all-healing herb, and has been recorded to help with cognitive function, memory, energy levels, and mood – perfect for supplementing busy lives. It has also been used to great effect in studies to help patients suffering with Alzheimer’s and ADHD.

THE POWER OF FERMENTED FOODS

Fermented foods contain beneficial, live bacteria and yeasts which help to restore the natural balance of your gut, VITE NATURALS SUPPLEMENTS

stomach, and intestines. Foods such as kimchi, miso soup, sauerkraut, yogurt and tofu contain good bacteria, leading to a healthy and well-balanced gut. This can in turn help to improve mood and increase brain function, providing the necessary boost to your productivity.

ADD A LITTLE ZINC

Zinc is a vital nutrient for brain health and many who experience mental health problems are found to be deficient in zinc. An easy way to up your zinc intake and boost your brain power is by consuming foods like pumpkin seeds, cashews, almonds, and spinach.

UP YOUR FISH INTAKE

From salmon to sardines, mackerel to trout, the health fats found in oily fish are widely recognised for being some of the best brain foods around. The fats in oily fish contain the highest concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids, proven to have a positive difference on brain health and productivity. The compounds found in Omega 3s have also been proven to aid the transmission of chemical signals from cell to cell, keeping us more alert and focused. For those looking for a more sustainable way to up their omegas, try Vite Brain, a new range of supplements and delicious snack bars. Including a unique eight ingredient Nootropic and Omega formulation which has been formulated to provide your brain with everything it needs for peak performance, a daily dose can help you to feel sharper, think faster and focus longer.

“Diets have a huge impact on overall wellbeing”

TAKE A CHILL PILL

Many experience brain fog and a dip in concentration thanks to being constantly on the go and trying to multitask. It is important to include some down time in your busy schedule, simply to relax and turn your thoughts off. Aim for at least 15 minutes per day of down time.

LOAD UP ON ‘SUPER’ NUTRIENTS

Magnesium is a super nutrient, which is used in almost every process in the body. Neurotransmitters in the brain use magnesium to stimulate and regulate electrical activity. This super nutrient can also help to protect brain cells from the damage caused by poor diet and external toxins.

STOCK UP ON B VITAMINS

B vitamins are widely underrated in the food world, with foods such as legumes, green vegetables, wholegrain bread and even Marmite containing it. Not only do they help power your brain, they also help to form red blood cells and break down chemicals, whilst helping conditions like anxiety and depression, consequently boosting mental clarity. vitenaturals.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • WELLBEING

well

WOMEN Human Health by The Clinic™ Well Woman programme is designed to facilitate good health for every woman

A

re you feeling emotional or struggling with up and down hormones, mood swings or anxiety? Do you feel like you have brain fog or that you are forgetting things or walking into a room with no idea what you went in there for?

Have you lost your sex drive or want to have sex but find your body just isn’t playing ball?

Do you keep meaning to book in for that breast check and smear but keep putting it to the back of the pile with all your other responsibilities?

Do you suffer with the sensation of something hanging down in between your legs or wear dark trousers and Tena Lady pads because you are worried you will leak urine if you laugh, sneeze, cough or run? Do you have faecal incontinence which stops you doing activities you love or even leaving the house for fear or embarrassment?

Do you suffer with niggling pains in your muscles or joints that are just dragging you down?

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Have you gained weight during lockdown and are feeling at odds with your body? Do you feel tired and sluggish and just not yourself but are not sure why?

As women our health concerns are as individual, varied and diverse as we are, but one thing binds us together, we often put our own needs last.

TAKE BACK CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH

T

he last year in particular has taken its toll and, with life as we know it on the backburner, many women have sidelined their health and wellbeing in order to cope with the new challenges life has thrown their way.

The pandemic and lockdowns have impacted our lives physically and emotionally but they have also shown us how important looking after our health and wellbeing is and as a result, many women are now feeling inspired to take back control of their health.

Someone who is leading the way in this charge is Dr Mayoni Gooneratne, who has announced the launch of the Well Woman

service/programme at Human Health by The Clinic™, designed to facilitate and promote good health for every woman everywhere.

So, if you have a constant niggling worry about your health but have been ignoring it in the midst of trying to juggle everything else and are struggling to find time to get it sorted, then Dr Mayoni is here to tell you, you don’t have to suffer in silence any more.

WHAT IS THE HUMAN HEALTH WELL WOMAN SERVICE/PROGRAMME?

E

veryone’s health needs are different and that’s why Dr Mayoni felt passionate about creating a bespoke, tailored, 360-degree approach to achieving and maintaining optimal levels of health.

Human Health by The Clinic was founded to empower people to take control of their own health destiny by giving them access to treatments, advice and lifestyle strategies that combine together in a holistic way to elevate all over health and wellbeing.

The clinic opened its doors in December 2020 and is now proud

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • WELLBEING

“As a nation, we have become very illness-focused rather than wellness-facing... our future lies in lifestyle medicine” to announce the introduction of its Well Woman programme.

Dr Mayoni is extremely passionate about women’s health. A leading authority on sexual health and sexual regeneration as well as the founder of two award-winning aesthetic clinics in South East London, she has spent years working with her female patients helping them to age well. Now she wants to help them build strength and resilience through optimal health, increasing their chances of enjoying healthy longevity.

She punctuated her surgical training with a four year period of research at the Blizzard Institute under the supervision of Professor Sir Norman Williams where she looked at pelvic floor disorders, namely faecal incontinence and this is where her passion was ignited. “I was startled at the huge prevalence of this condition in women and the fact it was such a silent but debilitating condition”, Dr Mayoni says. “This is probably where my passion for female wellness has come from. I also realised how many human illnesses were preventable or

92

improved with better community based care which could mean a reduced need for drastic surgical options.

As a nation, we have become very illness-focused rather than wellnessfacing. We look for answers when our health has deteriorated to an extent where we then need medicines and surgery, which have risks and complications. This approach also places huge pressures on the NHS and the people working within it, which are not sustainable. I believe our future lies in lifestyle medicine.”

The clinic utilises effective evidence-based medicine combined with advice and support from allied medical professionals including a physiotherapist, nutritionist and health coach.

FEMALE-CENTRIC PACKAGES INCLUDE • • • •

BHRT package Pelvic floor health Well woman checks The Human Health Kitchen with Nena Foster • Acupuncture for hormonal health

The Well Woman Clinic is a consultation and health assessment designed around the specific needs and concerns of the female body. At its core the ethos is to help women to feel like they are listened to, not just fobbed off with anti-depressants and that there is nothing to be embarrassed about as they are not alone.

Your journey starts with an hourlong consultation that can be done online at home. During this session, Dr Mayoni will get to know you not only medically but as a person, human-to-human. She will likely suggest some baseline blood tests which will be followed up in a second hour-long session where she will also discuss a no-obligation personalised treatment plan that has been tailored around you and your needs.

As part of this, you can expect a full physical examination including all your observations such as height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, heart and lung function and range of movement, as well as a breast exam and/or self-exam, a pelvic exam and screening for fertility, ovarian and sexual health problems.

You will also undergo an extensive blood test and the results, along with the findings from your assessment, will be used to recommend any treatments and/or possible referrals for mammograms and pelvic scanning for example.

With clinics in Honor Oak Park and Crystal Palace, London, Human Health is the future of healthcare, putting you in the driving seat and giving you responsibility for your own health and self-improvement journey.

“Giving you the answers and tools to looking after yourself is the key to our long term health and the relief of suffering from chronic but preventable illness”, Dr Mayoni says.

Human Health is designed for living in a post-Covid country and aims to tackle the modern health problems we faced in 2020 and beyond.”

Visit the Human Health website: drmhumanhealth.co.uk to find out more or book a consultation today by calling 0208 054 9191 or using the online booking tool on our website.

• Join in the conversation with on Instagram @humanhealth.theclinic #HumanHealth #FutureHuman.

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23/07/2021 17:21

When it comes to your health, you deserve the very best A world-class preventative health programme carefully tailored to your individual needs - now available right on your doorstep.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • INTERVIEW

On the RIGHT TR ACK

Q How did you initially come to be involved with Formula One? A I was initially brought into Williams F1 team as their Human Performance Specialist after being headhunted from the driver performance programme I was working on in endurance motorsport with Aston Martin Racing. The primary reason for this was to focus on the Pitcrew, as the regulations within Formula One had changed meaning that refuelling within pitstops was no longer permitted and the entire ‘choreography’ of the stops became an important strategic operation. With the reduced time required to service the car, races could now be won or lost in a pitstop.

With over a thousand channels of data being transmitted from the car at any one point, generating around 19 billion data points per Grand Prix, Williams were the first to turn their attention to the human elements within the team, realising that they had all the information they required from the car, but knew very little about the driver and the 22 personnel that run into the pit lane in front of the car doing 60kph to carry out a pitstop. The Williams Chief Technical Officer at the time, Pat Symonds, referred to me as an ‘engineer of the body’ and it became my responsibility to conduct the detailed analysis of every aspect of the crew’s performance across a race weekend.

Gemma Fisher is the founder of Formula Health in Pangbourne, a unique clinic that was inspired by her work in motor racing

By MARK KEBBLE

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • INTERVIEW

“We offer osteopathy, nutritional therapy, DNA and blood tests, acupuncture, massage, shockwave, reflexology, psychology, homeopathy, yoga and personal training”

Q How did you want to take elements from this out into the wider medical industry?

A During my time at Williams, I was extremely passionate about the extrapolation of knowledge from the F1 environment to other industries via the Williams Advanced Engineering division and I was soon using my experience to help develop innovative technology and protocols for medical applications. This was recognised by a group of doctors at the University Hospital of Wales who saw the parallels between the time critical scenarios of pitstops and neonatal resuscitation. They therefore approached WAE for my support on a project to streamline their procedures and advise on the human factors involved.

The outcomes of this project have now been rolled out as a national standard. I’ve subsequently coached other emergency medical teams, trauma surgeons and ambulance crews. It’s great to be able to feel like I’m giving something back to medicine.

Opening the clinic in Pangbourne provided the opportunity to deliver the superior, holistic medical model that I had

established within F1 teams, making these interventions accessible to all. So, I set out on a mission to provide truly comprehensive and proactive health services available both at home and on the high street.

Q When did you launch Formula Health and what did you want to offer?

A The Centre for Integrative Medicine in Pangbourne, near Reading, was opened in 2019. The multi-disciplinary model that I have established within the Formula Health clinic strives to incorporate elements of allied, complementary and ancient medicine into thorough rehab plans to support methods of diagnosis and treatment that help our patient’s understand the root cause of their symptoms, but more importantly provide people with the tools to avoid recurrence of their present condition. The use of ground-breaking medical assessment technology allows the FH team to gain deeper levels of insight into the health and performance of our clients and deliver effective, longlasting results. Using this method and

offering a diverse range of services allows detailed physiological analysis to be followed up by effective interventions and supportive education to help each patient take ownership of their health. Cutting out the guess work and establishing a plan that works specifically for you.

The name FORMULA HEALTH mainly makes reference to creating the correct ‘Formula for Your Health’. It acknowledges that to be ‘healthy’ may mean different things to different people, and to achieve it often requires the delicate balance of all pillars that influence our body and mind.

We offer osteopathy, nutritional therapy, DNA and blood tests, acupuncture, massage, shockwave, reflexology, psychology, homeopathy, yoga, Pilates, Qigong and personal training.

Q Who are your clients?

A We have an extremely large range of clients, the youngest we’ve treated at the clinic was two weeks old (with cranial osteopathy) and we have therapies suitable for all ages. We have practitioners that specialise in women’s health, pregnancy treatments and post-natal rehab.

Instructors that work with strength training and the mental health of athletes.

Therapists that will understand and be able to support the health needs of all walks of life; manual labourers with a painful knee, desk-bound office workers with a disc prolapse, stressed out CEOs carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders and struggling with their digestion. We’ve got you covered!

F O R M U L A H E A LT H 19 Reading Road, Pangbourne, RG8 7LR 0118 418 1825 • info@formulahealth.co.uk formulahealth.co.uk Formula_Health_Ltd • Osteo_gem_F1

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“My vision is to be that trusted heritage brand within the aesthetics industry”

POSITIVE INFLUENCE Sharin Shafer reveals the vision behind her game-changing aesthetics brand, Skinfluencer

By EVE HERBERT

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

Q What is Skinfluencer doing differently to other establishments?

A At Skinfluencer, we not only offer cutting edge medical aesthetics, but we deliver our bespoke medical grade treatments through a luxury client journey experience in boutique settings.

I think heritage fashion brands get it right. Brands such as Celine, Dior and Hermès represent quality, luxury and longevity, yet they always remain relevant and fresh. I have the same vision for Skinfluencer— to be that trusted heritage brand within the aesthetics industry that represents uncompromising quality at every level. That is: to deliver a client concierge service, offer cutting edge results-driven treatments, never compromise on quality, and build and support a team that delivers on your vision at every turn.

We also stand out because we have curated the best technologies available on the market and

assembled a clinical team of world class doctors and aestheticians who understand how to layer and combine energies and treatment techniques to deliver unrivalled results. This is why we are able to deliver protocols that push the boundaries of what is possible to achieve and can say with confidence that there is not a condition we cannot treat.

Q Talk us thorough your expert team and the technologies and techniques you use A Our doctors and aestheticians are global leaders in their fields; all with a minimum of ten years of experience and multiple post-graduate or specialised training certifications in advanced techniques. When they join the Skinfluencer team, they must also go through “Skinfluencer-U”, which is an intensive training program to master our protocols and the art of combining and layering technologies and techniques. This is why we can commit to delivering unparalleled results. There is not another clinic in the UK with multiple “hero” technologies such as the Cutera Enlighten III, the Fotona Dynamis Pro, the Cutera Secret RF, Cutera XEO Limelight, and CoolSculpting, to name but a few.

Q We love the bespoke approach Skinfluencer offers – why do you think that’s important?

A No two people have the same skin, and no one person has the same issues with his or her skin on any given day – or at every stage – in his or her life. This is where experience and technology meet to create bespoke treatment plans to address everything from fighting off age to complex issues stemming from chronic or inflammatory conditions such as acne, rosacea or melasma – for every skin type, age and condition.

Q What’s next for Skinfluencer?

A To grow Skinfluencer into a

global brand so that our clients can continue their treatment protocols without compromise, wherever life may take them. Later this month, we are launching our second branch in Belgrade, followed by Paris in late Autumn. In 2022, we will open our first branches outside of Europe.

We also have a skincare line under development that, in true fashion, will be something entirely new and innovative.

SHARIN SHAFER

S K I N F LU E N C E R 307 Fulham Road, Chelsea, SW10 9QH skin-fluencer.com

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F A M I L Y

TAKE THE LEAD With summer in full swing, life is opening back up for the first time in what feels like forever. Parks and wildlife reserves are perfect to take your furry friend along for a social ride, and we aren’t short of options for family fun in Hertfordshire. Turn to page 108 to see our five top picks to take your dog on an adventure.

Happy walking!

Angel & Rocket 102 • Summer Books 106 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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F OFF

Blasting Managing Director of Angel & Rocket, Lewis Bostock, explains the ethos behind the brand and what’s next on the cards

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

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or family-run business Angel & Rocket in Marlow, the sky poses no limit. Having opened their second store in St Albans this June, the pandemic evidently did not chip away at their ambition.

Living in a society where the next fashion ‘trend’ is always around the corner, it is always pleasing to see a family-run business being able to compete with high street brands.

With that being said, it’s not very often I am left with sincere curiosity when it comes to anything childrenswear, seeing as I am only a fur mother; however all of that changed when I sat down with Lewis Bostock, managing director of Angel & Rocket, a childrenswear brand making its mark internationally.

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• INTERVIEW • XXXXX FAMILY XXXXXXXX

“IT'S ALMOST CERTAIN THAT NOBODY ELSE'S CHILD WILL BE WEARING THE SAME THING”

“We wanted to bring a premium brand to market, offering great design in sustainable quality fabrics,” he states. “The high street is a massive influence for us, however we felt there was an opportunity to come into a market that was very trend led, but offered affordability and not at the expense of quality. The thing that sets us apart from other big retailers is that our brand is more unique. If your child turns up to a party wearing one of our outfits, it’s almost certain that nobody else’s child will be wearing the same thing.”

Fashion has always been at the heart of the Bostock family, when you learn about Lewis's mother Kate's experience in the fashion world, having held executive roles with large retailers including Next, Asda and Marks & Spencer. It was no surprise when the idea formed to launch their own

brand back in 2013. Lewis's brother Joel is a senior designer on boyswear, so it seems there is not much this family cannot do.

“My family has always been involved with fashion, retail and manufacturing,” he says. “I have so many childhood memories of going into one of my dad’s factories on the weekends, labelling garments, doing whatever I could for a bit of pocket money.

I saw the path formulating, I always wanted to be a buyer, but then I fell into the sourcing and manufacturing side – and since then, I have never looked back.”

What impresses me is Lewis's enthusiasm to understand the full process, from sourcing to manufacturing. He didn’t just want to see it for himself, he wanted to experience the entire process. “I went and lived in Sri Lanka for six months, to understand how they sourced and manufactured,” he continues.

“The opportunities I have had to travel and visit factories all over the world – India, Turkey, and China to name a few – and seeing how different cultures do manufacturing and how they treat their workforce really broadened my perspective. Childrenswear is very different: you have the fashion side, but also the safety aspect. Whenever you manufacture childrenswear, you have to make sure it performs to the highest standards.”

When I first encountered Angel & Rocket, it was the designs that caught my eye.

“We follow ladies and men’s trends and then filter them down, making them age and culture appropriate,” Lewis explains.

“A big area we will be developing is our occasion wear. With the expectation of there being more weddings and parties this year, there is a hope that the demand for occasion wear will be higher than usual.”

Since launching their first store in 2017, the brand has continued to raise the bar for both the quality of their products, and their reputation. “Whenever I see a little kid wearing our clothes, it makes me feel immensely proud – that feeling

will never get old,” he smiles. With a solid reputation, comes the ability to act on ambition, and Angel & Rocket has exceeded just that by continuously growing their global footprint. “Right now, we have customers all over the world, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and a few in the US, however our long-term ambition is to grow our international footprint, by being stocked in market places in the US. “The next phase of our plan is to look at more store opportunities. Alongside this, we are launching with John Lewis in September, and beyond this, we are also planning to be available on Zalando by the end of the year. We have been lucky enough to have the most amazing support from our partners at Next, another platform where Angel & Rocket can be bought.”

Angel & Rocket, without a doubt, have truly lifted off.

ANGEL & ROCKET 1 St Peters Street, St Albans, AL1 3DH 020 3982 9991 angelandrocket.com

ANGEL & ROCKET IS A FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS

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Now taking registrations FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS

OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM

Fun is an essential ingredient at Nursery on the Green where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as the staff who provide them.

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Please call 01582 792060 or email nurseryonthegreen.redbourn@childbase.com Nursery on the Green, South Common, Redbourn, Hertfordshire, AL3 7NB

WE WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO SHOW YOU AROUND

• HALVES QUARTERS_USE.indd 7

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Examining TIME

One Hertfordshire head writes about how you can prepare for results day

A

By LARA PÉCHARD

s the summer months approach, we are reminded that the usual rite of passage of sitting GCSEs or A-levels and all of the associated ups and downs has once again been denied to our young people. Exams might not have been sat in the traditional sense, but results days are on the horizon nonetheless, and right now, young people are feeling the pressure of what is to come.

Try to use the build-up to results day to gain as much support and information from your child’s school as possible, whether that is careers advice, questions about university, gap year ideas, resetting aspirations or simply re-evaluating priorities. Trust your school and

the systems they have put in place and reach out with any questions or worries you have as they will be best placed to reassure and advise.

If you know what you are planning to study at A-level, university or higher education, gently start preparing and reading up on the course and background. Again, speak to the relevant subject teacher at your school to get advice on what you could be researching or looking at to get ahead. This will also help you to channel any anxieties into something more productive that will help you in the next step of your educational journey.

For students, it is best to avoid online ‘worst case scenario’ chatter.

It won’t help you and, even worse, engaging in that kind of negativity online will only increase anxiety and worry. Instead, try to see friends

“Parents need to be a splendid mix of supporter and be able to let their child take responsibility”

FAMILY • EDUCATION

and family in person where you can, and focus on the future, the positives and what lies ahead – don’t look back. It has been a tough year so use these few weeks to catch up with friends, family and spend time doing the things you love.

In preparation for results day, get an early night the day before.

Spend time with your family in the lead up to the day and take time to talk and support each other. Eat together as a family, do things in the real world (away from screens and social media). On results day don’t avoid school. Find out what time the results are released and make sure you spend time with staff and teachers to get the help and support you need – or indeed celebrate!

As parents, it’s easy to become too fixated on grades. Try to focus on the hard work that your child has put into school despite the disruption of last year and keep the attention on the excitement of what is coming beyond results day. For some students, results day will not be all singing and dancing. For some there will be disappointment. The most important advice in this case is to come into school so teachers can support you. Together you can forge a plan and move forward in a productive and positive way.

Parents will need to be a splendid mix of supporter (ready with hugs) and also be able to step back and let their child take responsibility.

Whatever results day brings, this is an important moment in life, and we must find a way to celebrate that and to mark this time. Regardless of grades, students have tried hard under the most incredible circumstances, so it is important to recognise that and to work hard to make results day feel as special as possible.

ST M A R GA R E T ' S S C H O O L Lara Péchard is headteacher of St Margaret’s School in Bushey – see more at stmargarets-school.org.uk

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TOP SUMMER M U ST READ From a confidence-building journal and tales to help young people overcome shyness and feeling blue, to a powerful girl penguin and a brilliant time traveller, here's our pick of great summer reads

3+

HOW TO

MEND A FRIEND b y Karl Newson Illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi STUDIO PRE SS BOOKS , £6.99

K

arl Newson's touching picture book explores how different people react in difficult times. With simple but poetic text, it gives even very young children insights into friendship and empathy. The book explores differences between people, the nature of friendship – why some friendships are there forever and others don't stay the course.

Clara Anganuzzi's illustrations are comforting and evocative, and there's extra poignancy in a story that was inspired by the author's own experience of dark times during illness – and the friends and supporters who helped mend him.

106

8+

The Dare to be You Journal

by Matthew Syed W RE N & RO O K, £7.99

Matthew Syed is well known for his work as a motivational speaker and journalist, but the former table tennis champion has branched out to help children have confidence to be themselves – this book is a follow up to the hugely successful You are Awesome. Once again, it has brilliant illustrations by Toby Triumph and the easy-to-follow format is full of good advice – from how to get an extension on your maths homework and what to do if life deals you lemons, to how to start a cascade of kindness.

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FAMILY • BOOKS

4+

THE GREATEST SHOWPENGUIN

Editor's pick

b y Lucy Freegard PAVILION CHILDREN'S £6.99

Poppy the Penguin has performing in her veins, since she comes from a long line of circus stars. But with the expectations of her family to manage, her hardest job is not giving up the greasepaint, it's telling her Mum that she wasn't born to perform and would far rather organise the show.

This sweet and funny story, written and illustrated by Lucy Freegard, parodies The Greatest Showman, while also introducing themes of overcoming lack of confidence and managing the adult world's expectations of who we are born to be.

11+

6+

LITTLE ELIZABETH

THE SAD GHOST CLUB

b y Valerie Wilding Illustrated by Pauline Reeves

WREN & ROOK, £12 .99

b y Lize Meddings

In a year when the Queen celebrated her 95th birthday, this book offers an insight into her incredible life. It is beautifully illustrated by Pauline Reeves and with a lot of detail about royal traditions, the abdication, wartime work and the journey to the throne. The combination of history, fascinating facts (for instance, an album of her pets) and events that reshaped British history make this a book that will also inspire young readers to find out more about our history and civic life.

HACHET TE CHILDREN'S , £10.99

L 9+

THE

TIME-THIEF

b y Patience Agbabi CANONGATE , £6.99

The second book in Patience Agbabi's acclaimed Leap Cycle, The Time-Thief has all the verve and excitement of the first, and with the same fluidity of prose (Agbabi is also an acclaimed poet). Elle goes back in time to find the Infinity-Glass stolen from the Museum of the Past – the only way she can clear her Leapling friend's name. Along the way she meets Samuel Johnson, new friends and supporters, and an old enemy out to destroy her. It's a gripping read.

ize Meddings' graphic novel is a fresh way of conveying messages about fitting in, feeling sad and finding school pressure and life in general a bit too much. In short, it tackles the isolating nature of teen and pre-teen depression. The novel starts at a low point, but the sad ghost (representing the invisibility lonely people feel) meets more ghosts, learns coping strategies and recognises that they are not alone. Lize Meddings' Sad Ghost Club is on Instagram – with half a million like-minded members – so there's solidarity within a story well told.

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A PET’S PARADISE Hertfordshire’s abundance of countryside means you are never left wanting when it comes to the ideal spot to walk your dog

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

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FAMILY • PETS

Ashridge Estate

This stunning stately home is worth the visit, with not only exceptionally beautiful architecture to look at, but it’s also a great opportunity for an even grander day out with your furry companion. Set in Chilterns AONB, the landscape is breath-taking, with miles of footpaths to explore and picnic spots. There’s nowhere better for a hearty walk in the centre of Hertfordshire's countryside.

Broxbourne Woods

ENJOY BLUEBELLS AT THE ASHRIDGE ESTATE

Sarratt

Right in the heart of the forest lies an easy access walk that takes you for a leisurely 1km circuit, with a rare sculpture trail lining the route of the walk adding interest, whilst taking you through the story of the history and wildlife of the area. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, there is a further trek of 17.5km around the reserve and forest. For refreshments for both yourself and your dog, The Coach and Horses pub is perfect to relax after a long day.

This circular walk will give you nothing but the best of the Hertfordshire countryside. Part of this walk is inside the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you can be certain that you and your pooch will be surrounded by beautiful serene landscapes and the open countryside.

Take a walk along the chalk stream or river along this route, which welcomes any and every dog to take a dip on a warm summer's day.

Grand Union Canal

Therfield Heath A complete haven for any nature lover who enjoys nothing more than to venture into the great outdoors. With open fields made up of wildflowers in their plenty, the heath is the perfect landscape to let your dog run wild and let out all that energy.

THERE'S PLENTY TO INVESTIGATE IN BROXBOURNE

Enjoy a waterside walk along the Grand Union Canal, running all the way from London to Birmingham. You can take a walk anywhere along its route, with there being plenty of miles in towpath. It is suggested that the circular route is the best, starting and ending in Rickmansworth.

If you need to refuel, there is a café situated in the aquadrome. Or, close by on the edge of town, you will find The White Bear, the famous timber-fronted pub that is dog-friendly and makes the perfect pit stops for those paws.

LOOK OUT FOR DOG-FRIENDLY PUBS

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SPECI A L ISSUE

absolutely-mama.co.uk

In this section:

TALKING TOPIC

How to explain racism to your child • NEW FLAVOURS

Weaning recipes from Annabel Karmel •

TI ER ONE Clary & Peg’s beautiful, vintageinspired clothes marry vintage nostalgia with contemporary design. Their stylish and versatile clothing is designed to appeal to pregnant and non-pregnant women alike, and everything is breastfeeding-friendly. We love this colourblock Clem dress, £190. claryandpeg.co.uk

IN TRAINING

Mastering the potty

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R ISE UP How to talk to your child about racism

W o r d s PA U L A R H O N E - A D R I E N

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mama PARENTING

“The power to eradicate racism is very real”

I

t would be hard for anyone to ignore the news reports referencing Black Lives Matter and the protests in support of and against the movement. After the alarming killing of George Floyd last year and the subsequent fury that enveloped thousands of people around the world, you must have had questions yourself about how or why this has all happened? What if you have a child who was also asking you questions? What could you possibly say to explain the anger or hurt that was being beamed into your home?

Racism may just not be an issue for you and so it is hard to talk about something that doesn’t or hardly impacts on your life. So perhaps the first question should be – do you need to talk about what’s happening with your child?

If your child is asking questions because either they have seen or overheard something then please don’t shy away from answering, be brave and tackle the question head on. I say be brave because dealing with this topic can feel like a minefield.

Most people worry they will say the wrong thing or use terminology that may be insulting, but remember, it’s ok to answer “I don’t know” to a question, as long as it’s backed up with: “but let’s go and find out!”

If you try to dismiss such a serious topic, your child will sense your discomfort and attempt to rationalise in their own immature mind why mummy/daddy shut them or a topic down. If you give them the impression that there is something to hide, shy away from or be embarrassed about, then that is the impression that they will be left with. This would be wrong, particularly when history tells us that it is those who fail to question or challenge wrongdoing that permits such wrongdoing to fester.

If your child hasn’t raised the topic that doesn’t mean they aren’t aware. Children are being subconsciously taught about society, including race, all the time. In nursery they are taught to describe themselves; their family and their community; they watch TV and will notice subtle differences far more than we give them credit for. Some toddlers will be able to tell you what a ‘girls’ toy is as opposed to a ‘boys’ or that grandma is really old! When you hear a toddler say this, have you ever stopped to wonder who has told them this or why? Moreover, have you ever stopped to ask them why they think this and whether the statement is true? I suspect if you did, you would get a blank stare.

Children don’t understand why the differences they are identifying should create feelings of upset or anger, and this is where you come in. You may find that you need to challenge yourself first about your own views on what you think racism is. How do you express feelings about other races when at home, safely behind closed doors?

Do your children, for example, possess literature that references those from other races in a positive light? Do your children’s toys only reflect the inside of their home as

opposed to what their community looks like?

Be in no doubt, children are not colourblind and neither is the society in which they live. If you do care about your child understanding and appreciating other races, then take responsibility for ensuring that they receive clear positive messages from you, and that you can reinforce that positive message if they challenge you with a misconceived one.

Racism is not innate, if you are racist you will have been taught to believe that your race is superior to another. This could be because your race is deemed more intelligent, worthy, or important. However, the power to eradicate racism is very real and attainable through education, information and communication.

Racism isn’t just about the tragic loss of George Floyd (or so many others like him). Racist negative stereotyping is just as harmful, it leads certain groups to believe that others should only have particular jobs, that they are deemed as a threat or that it’s ok for them to be treated less favourably because society is suspicious of them. It is just as important to tackle this bias, because in failing to address it, those who suffer the unfair treatment will become disaffected, upset and turn away from the more conventional methods of seeking redress because they can no longer trust in the system. Those protesting the death of Mr Floyd no longer trust that the system will protect them from injustice.

So…. it’s over to you.

PAU L A R H O N E -A D R I E N is an award-winning barrister. She was awarded ‘Lawyer of the Week’ by The Times and is a trusted BBC Expert. As well as being a mama of four and a very well respected voice at the top of the legal profession, Paula is also using her platform to educate people regarding racism.

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mam a WEANING

THE U LTIMATE G UIDE TO FING E R FOODS FOR BABY

F I N G E R F O O D S How to introduce finger foods from the start of weaning – what to serve and how to serve it

By ANNABEL KARMEL

L

et’s talk finger foods. From around six to six and a half months, you can introduce soft finger foods into your baby’s diet. Finger foods are the ideal way to introduce your baby to different textures. Handing over the reins to your baby will allow them to work out how to get food to their mouth, break pieces off and chew. Don’t worry, even if your baby doesn’t have teeth yet, you’ll be surprised by just how powerful a baby’s gums are!

So, what finger foods are best for baby?

And how do you prepare them so that they are safe for your little food explorer? Fear not! I’ve pulled together this handy reference guide on how to introduce finger foods from the very start of weaning – whether ANNABEL KARMEL

it’s carrot batons, broccoli florets, avocado wedges or chopped berries, I’ve got those first taste fruits and veggies covered!

Ready for some finger food exploration? Let’s go!

Banana, apple and yoghurt pancakes

Finger foods in the first few weeks If your baby is new to finger foods, start with single veggies, and I always recommend sweet root vegetables such as carrot and sweet potato. After only having naturally sweet breastmilk or formula until now, these are foods that your baby is likely to by interested in, so a great place to start.

However, it’s important that you also introduce more bitter green veggies such as broccoli and spinach at the beginning alongside those sweeter root veggies. If introduced early in your baby’s weaning journey (by that, I mean the first week of weaning and beyond), and with repeated exposure, it’s likely they’ll be more receptive to these foods in the long run.

You can start with offering a new food once a day for the first few days, and then increase this to twice a day by days three and four. In finger food terms, a small portion will be anything from two to four small batons of food.

As a guide, your baby should generally be eating three small portions a day by the end of week two.

Makes: 25 small pancakes

Ingredients • 1 egg • 175g/6 oz Greek yoghurt • 50 ml/2 fl oz milk • 100g/4 oz self-raising flour • 1 overripe banana, peeled and mashed • 1 sweet apple, peeled, cored and grated • Sunflower or vegetable oil, for cooking

DIRECTIONS 1 Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk with the yoghurt and milk. 2 Sift in the flour and whisk until smooth. 3 Add the banana and apple and mix well. 4 Heat a little oil in a large frying pan. 5 Spoon small amounts of batter in the pan and fry for a few seconds until bubbles appear on the surface.

6 Flip over and cook on the other side for one minute until lightly golden.

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mama WEANING

Finger Food Safety Guidelines 1. NEVER leave your baby alone whilst eating and they must always be supported in an upright position.

2. Become familiar with first aid procedures. Check out the Red Cross or NHS websites which have step-by-step training videos or there will likely be first aid courses near where you live.

3. NEVER give whole pieces of small solid foods, or raw fruit or vegetables that could easily lodge in and obstruct the throat. Foods such as grapes, large blueberries and cherry tomatoes should be safely cut up into quarters.

4. Avoid fruit with stones or remove pips and stones before offering to your baby.

5. Eating is a skill and tackling texture is another developmental milestone that your baby will have to train for on their weaning journey. Which is why at the start of weaning, finger foods need to be soft – your baby should be able to squash finger foods between finger and thumb.

6. To start with, avoid finger foods that are hard that your baby could break into large chunks such as cucumber.

7. Avoid cutting foods into circular coin shapes especially if they are raw e.g. round coins of raw carrot.

8. Cutting food into batons or wedges is for your baby. They will need to be fairly long (roughly 5 – 6cm) so that some sticks out of their fist and they are narrow enough for them to hold easily.

9. Remove the skin from most fruits and vegetables. The skin introduces a new texture which can be difficult for your baby to manage and could lead to choking.

10. Babies do have a tendency to store food in their mouth, so just have a quick check they’re not storing any spare food as a snack for later before you take them out of the highchair!

Fruit and Veg Lollies Makes: 20 mini balls Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 10 minutes

Chicken and apple balls

SU ITAB LE FO R FR EE ZI N G

Ingredients Add some spice • 2 tsp olive oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into chunks • ½ tbsp fresh parsley, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme or sage, or a pinch of dried mixed herbs • 1 egg yolk • 1 unsalted chicken stock cube, crumbled • 50g fresh white breadcrumbs • Plain flour for coating • Vegetable oil for frying

Makes: 12 ice lollies Prep: 5 minutes Cook: 6 hours freeze time SU ITAB LE FO R FR EE ZI N G

Ingredients Strawberry, Beetroot and Apple lollies: • 50 g/2 oz cooked beetroot, peeled and diced • 70 g/3 oz strawberries, chopped • 50 ml/2 fl oz apple juice Carrot, Kiwi, Mango, Banana and Orange lollies: • 25 g/1 oz kiwi, peeled and diced • 50 g/2 oz ripe mango, diced • 50 g/2 oz ripe banana, peeled

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté half the onion for about 3 minutes. 2 Using your hands, squeeze out a little excess liquid from the grated apple. 3 Mix the apple with the chicken, then add the cooked and remaining raw onion, herbs, egg yolk, stock cube and breadcrumbs and roughly chop in a food processor for a few seconds. 4 With your hands, form into about 20 little balls, roll in flour and fry in shallow oil for about 5 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.

1 Put all the ingredients into a jug. Blend using a stick blender until smooth.

2 Pour into 6 lolly moulds and freeze for 6 hours.

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mama PARENTING

DRY RUN

Simone Davies shares potty training tips from her book, The Montessori Toddler

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he period when a toddler learns how to use the toilet does not have to be dreaded. After all, it is a completely natural part of being a human. Our children pick up our attitudes toward dirty nappies from infancy, and if we are screwing up our face, they will learn that it is a dirty thing instead of a normal bodily process.

I love this analogy from a fellow Montessori teacher. When a baby pulls themselves up to standing, falls down, stands up again, and then falls down, over and over until they master it, we think it is cute. When our child is learning to use the bathroom and they pee on the floor or poop in their pants, they are also practicing until they master it – except there is pee and poop.

So with open minds, I would love to help make this process a little less stressful.

SCAFFOLDING SKILL S

The child will slowly build skills around using the toilet, starting with being able to manage their own clothing. At first they practice pulling their shorts or trousers up and down, and then later their underwear.

We can offer a potty/toilet when we change their nappy never forcing them, but making it part of the daily rhythm.

“Would you like to sit on the potty/ toilet?” “Now that you’re finished on the potty, I’m going to put your nappy back on.” Using cloth nappies can also help the child feel wet when they have peed, increasing their body awareness.

SIGNS OF READINESS— LET THE CHILD LEAD

The most important thing is to follow our child. It is not a competition. I’m not including any ages here, but rather, signs that the child may be ready: • P ulling at their nappy when it is wet or soiled

• Squatting or going to a private place while they poop • Telling us they have peed or pooped • Resisting having their nappy changed (sometimes) • Taking off their nappy

S E T U P T H E B AT H R O O M WITH OUR CHILD

Have a potty or a small toilet seat on the toilet. If they are using the toilet, we will need a step that the child can manage themselves and as a place to rest their feet to feel secure while sitting on the toilet.

We can also have a place in the bathroom for soiled clothes and a pile of clean underwear. A pile of cleaning rags for puddles is useful, too. Having everything at the ready and being prepared will help us remain relaxed and not rushing about, looking for things. If they don’t make it to the potty/toilet, we can calmly say, “Ah. I see you are wet. We have everything we need right here. Let’s get dry.”

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If they usually go somewhere private to poop, gradually invite the child to move to the bathroom to poop in private. Then we can start to invite them to sit on the potty with their nappy on. Gradually they will feel safe on the potty/toilet without the nappy/underwear on. Again, we are simply supporting them and scaffolding skills.

I F T H E Y R E F U S E TO U S E T H E TO I L E T

We don’t force a child to use the toilet. This is their body. We can’t rush it or do this for them. We can only support them and find ways to work with them. We can make sure we aren’t interrupting them to take them to the bathroom. We can keep offering the potty/toilet and trust that they will learn to use them. We accept them for who they are and where they are in this process.

P E E I N G O N T H E F LO O R I N T E N T I O N A L LY

“If we ask a toddler if they need to go to the toilet, they usually answer 'no'” KEEP IT NORMAL

Involve the child in the process. Buy some underwear together, as well as a potty.

We can also find training pants that hold a little bit of pee to help when they are trying to get to the toilet in time.

As we are scaffolding skills, we can start by letting them wear just their underpants when we are at home so there is less to have to take on and off, and less to wash. They are learning what it feels like to be wet and may even stand to watch the pee run down their leg. That’s the first step. Increasing body awareness.

Next we can help them go to the bathroom to change. Montessori teachers generally say, “You have wet clothes. Let’s go change,” rather than, “You had an accident.” Offer the potty/toilet regularly at first. If we ask a toddler if they need to go to the toilet, they usually answer “no.”

It’s a common response for a toddler who is developing autonomy. Instead, we can

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wait until they aren’t in the middle of an activity and simply say, “It’s time to go to the potty,” leading them to the bathroom.

After some weeks, they generally will begin to have more awareness of their body and sometimes tell us that they need to go to the toilet. We will also observe that they are able to hold it in for longer periods at a time.

Eventually they won’t need reminders at all.

D RY AT N I G H T

Sometimes a toddler who knows how to use the toilet will suddenly start to pee on the floor intentionally. Observe them. Often they are telling us through their behavior that they are unhappy about something in their world, for example, a sibling who has started crawling and taking more of their space.

They want us to see them, and we can look from a place of curiosity, in order to understand them. We can acknowledge their feelings but set a clear limit about the behavior. “You’re upset about something?

I can’t let you pee on the floor. But I want to work it out with you.” We can go back to creating connection, finding ways to work with them, and do some problem solving together with them.

We can move to underpants at nap time and night at the same time or when we notice they can hold for longer periods and wake with a dry nappy/underwear. Place a thick towel across the child’s sheets and tuck it in, or use a bed protector; either can easily be removed during the night if needed.

HOLDING IT IN

Sometimes a child becomes scared of pooping. It may have hurt once to poop, someone may have had a reaction that made them scared to poop on the toilet, or we may not know why. Check with a doctor if you believe there is a medical issue.

If all appears healthy, help the child relax by being calm and supportive. We can tell them, “The poop will come out when it is ready. It may take a week, it may take two weeks, but it knows when to come. Our bodies are very clever.” Then try not to talk about it too much.

Rub their tummy if their abdomen hurts.

Excerpted from Montessori Toddler: A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Curious and Responsible Human Being. By Simone Davies, Illustrated by Hiyoko Imai. Workman Publishing © 2019

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PROPERTY

TOTTERIDGE VILLAGE N20

£4,500,000 GUIDE PRICE

arely on the market, this a fine character manor house residence. It is a magnificent detached, double-fronted family residence of immense charm with 250ft frontage. There are six double bedrooms, four bathrooms, a heated swimming pool, and all principle rooms face south. There are also delightful, secluded mature gardens and grounds in excess of one acre.

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STATONS TOTTERIDGE 020 8445 3694 statons.com

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PROPERTY • FOCUS BEECHGROVE IS SET IN NINE ACRES OF LANDSCAPED GROUNDS

An OASIS of NATURE

Millgate offers classical elegance in a countryside setting with new collection of homes

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his summer, a new collection of exclusive apartments will come to the market in the charming village of Sunninghill. The latest offering from renowned home counties developer, Millgate, Beechgrove introduces just 14 luxury apartments and penthouses set within nine acres of charming private landscaped grounds.

Located in a secluded position, yet just moments from the heart of the characterful village, the beautifully appointed homes sit within an impressive, traditionally inspired building – combining classic yet contemporary design with the finest craftsmanship and spacious, flexible layouts alongside much-desired private outside space to each home.

A sense of grandeur set behind private gates, Beechgrove’s impressive architecture echoes Berkshire’s historic stately homes,

with an impressive and symmetrical façade and entrance portico and columns. The notable design features continue inside, with a double height entrance hall that nods to 18th century style with marble tiling, bespoke wall panelling and bronze features.

Refined design is at the heart of each residence, whilst en-suite bathrooms and dressing rooms to principal bedrooms provide the best of luxury living. Mixing classical elegance and contemporary touches, the finest craftsmanship and stylish details feature throughout.

Where culture meets countryside, residents of Beechgrove are on the doorstep of the quintessential village of Sunninghill.

Boasting a distinctive character and surrounded by beautiful countryside, the village offers everything required for day-today life, with a post office and supermarket sitting alongside a boutique florist, wine merchant, ironmonger and art gallery. With the larger towns of Ascot and Sunningdale both just a few minutes away, this pocket of

INTERNALLY, THE DESIGN IS CONTEMPORARY

Berkshire provides a varied lifestyle for its residents.

Andy Barron, managing director, Housebuilding West, Countryside, comments: “Beechgrove brings a unique proposition to Sunninghill, offering what so many buyers are now seeking from a country home: a private, tucked-away location surrounded by nature, yet with all the benefits of village life and access to an exciting lifestyle in the wider area.

Inside, each residence offers the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail synonymous with Millgate, alongside sought-after private outdoor space and generous adaptable layouts.”

B E E C H G R OV E Prices at Beechgrove start at £1,150,000.

For further information visit millgatehomes.co.uk or call 01189 343344

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

WHO’S HOO

Heading inside this fabulous country house in Hitchin that has a unique link to the past

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his fine former Georgian Coach House and stables served Baron Dacre’s The Hoo family mansion until it was restored and converted for residential use in the early 1990s. Now the only remaining part of this unique development that has historic roots dating back to 1764, the property has been elegantly and sympathetically designed to provide a superb family home with a delightful distinctly country house feel.

The Coach House is Grade II listed and enjoys superb rural views and occupies a commanding position on the edge of fields overlooking rolling countryside. Sitting in grounds which extend to approaching three acres, it takes full advantage of its elevated and sheltered location whilst still enjoying a wonderful open aspect.

With clever design coupled with skilled workmanship, the property has been brought very much into the modern day.

With particular attention having been paid to appropriate period detailing, the Coach House stands as a suitably splendid, but reassuringly homely house. Traditional windows, exposed structural timbers and fine fireplaces balanced against a restrained palette of light tones, all add to the elegant charm of this outstanding home.

Set behind a gravelled driveway an outer lobby opens into an inner reception hall with an elegant imperial staircase leading up to a stunning first floor drawing room.

Benefitting from windows on four sides, this is a bright and airy room even on the dullest of days. With a large alcove fireplace this is a room that really comes into its own during the cooler months with a roaring fire to keep the space warm and cosy.

On the ground floor with views over the gardens to the rear, a family room with A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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£545,000

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

“There's a bright dining room with elegant French doors leading onto the terrace – an idyllic spot” fireplace and more than enough room to seat a large gathering has French doors that open onto the rear terrace.

Overlooking the front of the house, a beautifully appointed kitchen/breakfast room with large picture windows makes for a relaxed and casual place for the family to gather. Opposite is a bright and charming dining room with elegant French doors leading onto the terrace – an idyllic place for those formal mealtimes or simply having a house full at holiday time.

There is a well-designed study featuring fitted bookshelves with a window overlooking the front enjoying views over pasture land down the valley to the bridge – the perfect place for a home office, but it could

also be used as a family or TV room.

Usefully, on the ground floor with its own front door, there is an annexe with sitting room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. This could be used as a master suite for those preferring ground floor living or indeed as a guest suite or indeed an indulgent teenage den.

There are two further bedrooms on the ground floor each sharing a well-appointed family bathroom with twin basins, bath and separate walk in shower. On the first floor overlooking the grounds is a master bedroom with a range of fitted cupboards and a recently refurbished bathroom with separate style shower. Adjacent, again overlooking the grounds, is a guest bedroom with fitted cupboard

and refurbished en-suite facilities.

The Coach House has stunning formal gardens with well-maintained lawns interspersed by immaculate flower beds and an attractive central fountain with pond. With well-planned planting there is interest in the gardens for every season of the year. Adjacent to the rear reception rooms is a large attractive paved terrace, which overlooks the garden with gates to the front, ensuring a secure area for children and pets.

This feels very much like an outdoor room for the summer months with ample space for al fresco entertaining.

The extensive lawns lead down to a fenced all-weather tennis court, which is surrounded by further grassed areas bordered by tall evergreen hedges.

Hoo Park has a guide price of £2,500,000 and is on the market with Savills Harpenden. For more information, call 01582 465000 or visit savills.co.uk

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