SUMMER NEWS 2018
STATEMENT SLEEVES Big sleeves are back; beautiful shapes, elegant cuts and gorgeous detailing.
STEP INTO SUMMER This season’s hottest shoe trends from wardrobe staples to special occasion sparkle.
Summer 2018
Editor’s letter As I write this there are flurries of snow circling past my window, however, I don’t feel in the depths of winter as the shop is full of summer colours and I have just booked a summer holiday! It is amazing how little things automatically happen as the season changes. Those few extra daylight hours seem to also create more hours in the day. The warmth in the sun brings out the smiles, even if it is between flurries of snow! The tempo of music played on the radio changes, salad becomes appealing again and the colour of wine in my glass changes from red to white to rosé!
hits 70 with Annie’s thoughts on approaching one of those dreaded ‘0’ birthdays. At the hotel we chat to Katie our Assistant Manager about her career in the hospitality industry and we dicover the appeal of rosé.
Becky Rebecca Furbank Managing Director PS I loved my skiing trip, survived the slopes and the apres ski and will definitely be going back.
This summer I will be: • Paddleboarding in Majorca • Wearing Michael Kors flipflops • Picking a piece of Rosso linen.
Anne Furbank 41 High Street, Buckden, St Neots, Cambs PE19 5WZ Telephone: Shop 01480 811333
If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to cleanse your wardrobe. Move it around from winter to spring and summer and be brutal. If you haven’t worn something for a number of years it is time to get rid. Believe me you will want to make room for some fabulous new pieces.
Office: 01480 811321 www.annefurbank.co.uk The George Hotel and Brasserie High Street, Buckden, St Neots, Cambs PE19 5XA Telephone: 01480 812300 www.thegeorgebuckden.com
Sleeves are making a statement this season and our article shows you just some of the choices across the brands. Our big birthday feature
Front cover by Crea Concept Editor: Rebecca Furbank
Anne Furbank Director
Richard Furbank Director
Debbie Daniels Sales Director
Jacky Maskell Assistant Manager
Design & Print: Right Click Creative Tel: 01767 262858 www.rightclickcreative.co.uk
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Letter from Annie
Three-Score Years And Ten.
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can always remember my grandma when she was in her sixties, saying to me that threescore years and ten would be the norm “for folk to pop their clogs!” Well, she lived until she was 92 so, bearing that in mind, I hope to follow in her footsteps, leaving me lots more time to tick off many more boxes. It’s so interesting for me to listen to customers who are new to the shop asking members of staff, “Is there still an Anne Furbank?” “Yes,” I hear the answer, “And she’s very much alive and kicking!” Although I
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no longer play such an active role in the day-to-day running of the shop – I leave that in the capable hands of Becky, Debbie and her wonderful team, I am still passionate about the business I started 37 years ago, at the tender age of 32. At that stage, I had just one other member of staff, I worked pretty well 24/7 – and I loved it! Having been told by a dear friend who traded in Commercial Retail Estate that my chosen location for a shop was absolute rubbish, I was determined to prove him wrong – and I did! With a good choice of stock and careful attention to customer service, the business
grew year on year and I was able to build up a very loyal customer base, some of whom I still see in the shop to this day. Since starting the business, I have been through four decades of my life and am about to enter my fifth but it wasn’t until I reached the age of fifty that I found out what I was really capable of. As a keen and active long-distance walker and skier, I was persuaded to try heli-skiing in Canada (for those of you who don’t know – the helicopter does land at the top of the mountain and does not drop us to free-fall!). I was immediately
Summer 2018
“I am still passionate about the business I started 37 years ago, at the tender age of 32.”
hooked and decided to try my hand at ski-touring, hiring a guide and tackling the Haute-Route, through the mountains from Chamonix to Zermatt.This involved stopping overnight in mountain refuges with very basic food and no proper washing facilities for five days – oh, that bath at the end was pure luxury! That adventure was when I really got to know myself, believe in myself and know my capabilities. After that, I gave running a go and found that I enjoyed that, too. For the next ten years, until I was sixty, I raced all sorts of distances, on and off-road, but I became obsessed with running Marathons and ran 26.2 miles in many European countries, often raising money for charity.
At sixty, I found I was spending less time on the shop floor which allowed me to spend more time with Richard on our precious narrowboat, in which we have travelled most of the canals and waterways of Britain. This year, we are heading off up The Grand Union Canal again as part of my 70th birthday celebrations. My other enthusiasm is for Rugby! No, I’m not a player but, since my grandson George has become a professional rugby player, I have become an avid follower! I am blessed with an amazing, loving family who will all be with me on May 6th to celebrate my 70th with a curry lunch at The George.
My passion for fashion hasn’t changed and, although I’m about to reach that three-score years and ten, I look back and realise that my basic style hasn’t changed much either! (see photos) I do believe it was my mother who instilled in me this love of fashion, and she was the one who persuaded me that modelling might be a good alternative to anything academic! If you would like to find out more about my fashion style, you are welcome to come to my talks and mini fashion shows in the shop on Saturday 5th May! 5
Anne Furbank Fashion
Annie’s 70th birthday talk Saturday 5th May
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he day before her 70th birthday Annie will be sharing her story of life in the fashion industry. What steered her towards a career in clothes and how she herself organises and chooses her own personal wardrobe. With a mini fashion show of her picks of the season she will take you through her everyday wardrobe to dressing for her own personal birthday celebration. Talk and show at 10am and 2pm, please remember to book your seats.
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Summer 2018
About the brands With our contemporary fashion show looming we thought we would delve into the design philosophy of two of our featured brands.
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Anne Furbank Fashion
OSKA and Crea both offer individual styling that is timeless in their design and creative in their choice of fabrics and shapes. Crea is based in Paris and was founded 15 years ago. The aim is to create clothing that offers freedom of style but still remain feminine. Architecture, modern art and urban culture are big influences of the designer and this is evident in the asymmetric lines of many elements of the collection. OSKA is a little older than Crea, having been founded in 1998, but again is a brand that wants to bring out individual’s personality. Inspired by Asian silhouettes the designer keeps the collection casual and elegant with an air of sophistication.
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Summer 2018
Both brands focus on the shapes and clean lines to give a unique look without being ostentatious. They make the collections wearable and comfortable giving the freedom to move. They have a distinctive look and can quite easily be mixed and matched within the collections but will also quite happily sit and work with other brands.
OSKA lead designer Stephanie Schmitz
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Sleeves make a statement Sleeves have undergone multiple transformations over the years and as they say with all things fashion related “what goes around comes around” - the big sleeve is back! This season is all about going outside the box and investing in something fun.
Joseph Ribkoff
Here are some of our favourites: 1. First a jazzy alternative to a favourite staple - the plain navy knit.The Blue and white colour scheme keeps the overall look classic and work appropriate.You would certainly look the part at the office!
And for those times when a plain navy knit is all you need, the sleeves are detachable!
Luisa Cerano Stripe Sleeve Knit: £279
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Summer 2018
2. Say ‘Hello to Summer’ with a pop of lime.
3. Thie Joseph Ribkoff lipstick red top with a double
Riani joins the trend with these subtle elegant fluted sleeves.They are beautifully shaped and complement a fun and feminine collection.
layered sleeve is pretty, elegant and perfect for packing in your suitcase with no creasing.
The cardigan is set to make a comeback this season. Easy, practical, and comfortable to wear!
Joseph Ribkoff Lipstick Top: £165
Riani Lime Cardi: £195
Joseph Ribkoff Champagne Top: £179
Joseph Ribkoff Lipstick Top: £165
4. This one is a real show stopper. With gorgeous flower detailing across the neckline and a chiffon cuffed sleeve, this top would be the perfect accompaniment to a dinner date.
The cuff detailing means you will still be on trend without having to worry about dipping your sleeves in your soup!
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Summer Essentials
Jeans Since Lycra was introduced to jeans there is no age limit on who can wear them and jeans are a key element in anyone’s wardrobe. For summer make them lightweight and not too skinny. Denim blue is a great base colour as you can put pretty much anything with it colour wise. Michele, Gerry Weber, FDJ and now Joseph Ribkoff all do jeans for women.
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Summer 2018
Comfy shoes Winter offers the comfort of boots but come summer you can often start getting dressed from the feet up just to make sure you can walk. Hallelujah for the flatform combined with the grown up sneaker. You have lift, you have comfort and you have cover. K&S have this fabulous soft leather bow version and you will feel like you are wearing slippers.
Metallic bag It doesn’t have to be all metallic, although there are some great ones around, but there has to be a metallic element to your bag this summer. It will add a shimmer and shine and will make you smile even on the dullest of summer days.
Blazer We can’t rely on warmer temperatures all through the summer so a jacket is essential. Make it jersey and you have the comfort of a cardigan but the smartness of a blazer. It will handle being taken on and off, pushed through the handles on a handbag and thrown on the back of a chair.
Shirt A summer shirt is a must and with shirts really making a comeback there is plenty of choice. In the summer, shirts become interesting, with embroidered details, softer lines and, more often than not, in natural fabrics of cotton and linen so perfect for warmer days. 13
Anne Furbank Fashion
Stepping into summer This Season’s Shoe Trends Marc Cain: £185
Splash of Colour
K&S: £189
Finally, the snow-and-ice of winter has past! Bright and bold colours never looked so appealing. This season the classic slingback comes in electric blue, magenta and coral. Or for a subtle splash of colour, Marc Cain have added a pop of aqua to their sandals.
Precious Metals Time to release your inner magpie - metallic shoes are having a moment! Whether you’re looking for something to go with an occasion outfit, or simply want to swap drab winter boots for something more summery, silver is in.
K&S: £198
Sliders, espadrilles, loafers, trainers and courts. There really is something for everyone.
K&S: £189
K&S: £199 14
Cara: £80
Summer 2018
Michael Kors: £135
The Wardrobe Staples
Michael Kors: £40
Barely-there shades are the summer equivalent of black. We’re talking beige, brown, cream and everything in between. These colours are perfect for packing in your suitcase because they go with almost every outfit.
Michael Kors: £125
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Summer shows Our run of fashion shows continues throughout the summer and is a great way to be inspired and see clothes come to life. We cover all our collections so simply pick a show or brand that takes your fancy and book your seats.
April
Gerry Weber fashion shows Saturday 21st April, shows at 10am and 2pm One of our longest serving brands and a real workhorse of the wardrobe. The colours are broad, the fit fantastic and the collection covering a complete lifestyle. We will show you the best bits for this summer.
May Annie 70th birthday talk – Life at 70 Saturday 5th May, show and talk at 10am and 2pm
Keep it casual, what to wear everyday
Annie shares the story of her life in the fashion industry. What steered her towards a career in clothes and how she herself organises and chooses her own personal wardrobe. With a mini fashion show of her picks of the season she will take you through her everyday wardrobe to dressing for her own personal birthday celebration.
Saturday 7th April, shows at 10am and 2pm We get maximum use out of the clothes we wear every day and as we wear them a lot, there is no reason why they can’t be as fun, interesting or exciting to put on as something for a special occasion.
Contemporary Crea and Oska fashion shows Saturday 14th April, shows at 10am and 2pm
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Both brands offer something a little different, unusual shapes, fabrics, prints and plenty of layering options. We will show you how to put it all together and make it work for you whatever your shape or size.
Holiday fashion show Saturday 12th May, shows at 10am and 2pm It is always lovely to take a new item of clothing on holiday. After this show you might be tempted to take a few more!
Summer occasions Saturday 26th May, show at 11am Wedding, the races, garden party, family event, there is always a reason to dress up in the summer. We take you through your options, from the simple to flamboyant, including hats and accessories.
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Charm of private dining Private dining has always been popular and has in fact been with us for centuries. Rules, London’s oldest restaurant, has two private dining rooms. King Edward VII was a regular user taking his mistress Lillie Langtry there. It even had a hidden staircase to the room away from prying eyes.
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Š Blessing Photography
Summer 2018
© Blessing Photography
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oday private dining is a perfect way to celebrate and entertain with everything being tailored to your requirements. Here at The George our rooms are flexible enough to be part of the public restaurant or alternatively booked as private dining areas.
The Reading Room is the smallest and perfect for a party of 10, the Orangerie able to seat 30 and the Brasserie 60. ‘We’ve had everything from 21st to 90th birthday parties that have all been private dining. We’ve had shooting parties, board meetings and christenings that have chosen to have tailor-made food and drink menus,’ said General Manager, Richard O’Leary. ‘We’ve certainly found they have become more and more popular. It is no longer for the elite and really adds a personal touch to a celebration or event. It can also keep things very simple for the customer particularly if the menu is set and the drinks decided on beforehand.’ If you want to find out more contact the hotel on 01480 812300 or visit the website at www.thegeorgebuckden.com
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© John Burke Photography
Meet the Assistant Manager - Katie
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ospitality has been part of Katie’s life since leaving school. For 21 years she has looked after customers making sure they are fed, watered and generally having a good time. She started work in the pub side of Orton Hall Hotel in Peterborough and gradually worked her way through the ranks to become Duty Manager in the hotel and spa, before joining the team at The George. ‘It is the customer service side that I really enjoy about my job,’ said Katie. ‘I love that direct connection with people, it is very personal and when you make people happy it makes me happy.’
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Having worked through the ranks she has an appreciation of all aspects of the industry and can relate to every member of the team whether they only work a few shifts in the evening to full-time. ‘The job is about team work and I have been in the position, when I first started in hospitality, of doing a few evenings a week so I know how important it is to make everyone part of the team.’ At Orton Hall Katie was in charge of running conferences and weddings so it was a natural progression to take on the weddings at The George. ‘I really love doing weddings,’ said Katie. ‘Seeing them through from the first meet to the actual day is very
satisfying. And what is great at the George is being able to really make them bespoke. I feel like it makes a real difference to all the guests.’ Outside of work Katie enjoys going to the cinema but you won’t find her crying and laughing at a romcom she likes to jump out of her seat at a good old thriller! ‘The books I read as well tend to be horrors or thrillers, I think it must be the suspense that I like.’
Summer 2018
Rosé revolution For millennials Rosé is the drink of the moment, maybe because of its Instagram appeal, the pinkish hue looking great in pictures or maybe because you can pop an ice cube in it without fear of vitriol, plus you can drink it with all food types.
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owever it is not just the millennials that have influenced the resurgence of Rosé as being the drink of the moment. The Wine Society now stock it and wineries are investing in making high-end Rosé rather than it being an afterthought. It still seems that it is the preferred drink of the summer, although it does make a good all year round aperitif. ‘Rosé sales do increase in the summer, but not in the way they used to,’ said our wine supplier, Philip Amps, of Amps Fine Wines. ‘About 5 years ago everyone started to recognise that Rosé is a serious wine and is a really good food match wine as it is so user friendly. Plus as the quality of the Rosés have improved, consumers are happy to drink Rosé all year and some people will only drink Rosé!’
We have two Rosé’s available by the glass at The George, a Romanian Pinot Grigio Rosé and a French Grenache Cinsault.
Grenache Cinsault Rosé 2017 Pasquiers Pay D’Oc France The Rosé is made in Southern France from the same grape varieties that are used in the production of Provence Rosé, the region that produces the world’s most expensive Rosés! The juice has a short skin contact which produces the pale pink colour and provides the delicate yet delicious summer fruit flavours. This is delicious on its own or with fresh salmon or equally good with lamb.
Pinot Grigio Rosé 2017 Calusari Romania Romania is starting to produce some wonderful wines and at exceptional prices. This is a blend of Pinot Grigio and Grenache, with the Grenache providing the delicate pink colour. Wonderful ripe flavours of strawberries and red berries, this is dangerously drinkable.
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Theme Nights Book your dinner date for the last Thursday of each month, 2 courses plus a glass of wine for £21. Take your taste buds on a world tour. • April 26th
You’ll never miss the booze No one needs an excuse to order a cocktail, the pure pleasure of sipping is reason enough. Until recently all the effort went into the perfect blend of acidity and sweetness as long as it contained alcohol. However mixologists have been upping their game creating mocktails with the same degree of attention and creativity once reserved for the hard stuff. Felipe, our own mixologist, has produced three with enough complexity to stir mind and palate alike. Virgin Pina Colada – pineapple juice/coconut milk/ gomme syrup Ginger Med – lemon juice, ginger beer, homemade raspberry syrup Rain Forest Punch – pineapple juice, mango juice, freshly crushed raspberries All priced at £4.50
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After a recent inspection by the local authority we are delighted to have been awarded 5 out of 5 in our food hygiene rating.
Indonesian
• May 31st
Californian
• June 28th
Moroccan
• July 26th
Italian
• August 30th
Hawaiian
• September 27th
Chinese
• October 25th
Indian
• November 29th
American
To book call the hotel on 01480 812300
Summer 2018