Places&Faces 135 - February 2022

Norfolk's Edge Love Light Norwich February Half Term Weddings Holkham Hall National Pizza Day

e v Lo

11 fabulous recipes

February the

month of

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Issue No: 135 | February 2022

Nor folk & Suf folk w w w. p l a c e s a n d fa c e s .c o.u k

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the month of love. For some it is a time to focus on 'that' day. The dreaded 14th.

Those without 'the one' spend many an hour longing for the moment they are swept off their feet. Those who have already found that special someone ponder what big gesture they should orchestrate to demonstrate their love?

Whichever camp you are in it is worth remembering that Valentine's Day is a great time to celebrate love, but should we focus all of that romance in these 24 hours alone? Maybe we should approach this little matter of romance from a different angle? Instead of looking for one super-sized portion of romantic appreciation we should show little gestures each and everyday. A kind word here and small gift there soon accumulate and surpass the offerings of a candlelit dinner and single bouquet. Yes, celebrate your love on the 14th, but remember to keep on celebrating that love everyday and soon every month will be the month of love and not just beholden to the shortest month of the year. Romance is a marathon not a sprint.

Keep this up and you will soon have a Han and Leia relationship; when you say "I love you." They will reply...

"I know."

@PlacesandFacesMagazines

Andrew Hirst EDITOR

@PlacesandFaces @PlacesandFaces

CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Hirst, Jade Soanes, Mel Cook, Polly Coleman, Rachel Gilbert, Chantel Heath, Tom Strowlger, Adam Gunton, Emily Sparkes, Kate Morfoot ADVERTISING SALES Julia Curtis T: 01502 725857 E: julia.curtis@micropress.co.uk

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The Glasswells 75th Winter Sale Everything for your home and much, much more

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Celebrating 75 years of making homes beautiful Be part of the 75th Anniversary celebrations and enjoy huge savings on a fabulous choice of quality furnishings, at the Glasswells Winter Sale - it’s what your home’s been waiting for!

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Whether you are renovating, moving or redecorating, you’ll find an unrivalled choice of quality furniture and beds, flooring, curtains and homewares, including huge savings on designer brands.

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Give the home you love a new look for less at the Glasswells 75th Winter Sale - choice, value and great service guaranteed.

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CONTENTS

58

30 11 What's on 18 Visit Norwich 21 Discover... Fakenham 23 February half-term 27 Books 29 Gourmet gossip 30 Journal Dining

42

34

33 Confit duck leg 34 Feel good food 39 Norfolk's Edge 40 Have a slice day... pizza 42 Weddings at Holkham 50 Fashion 55 Fitness

40 50

15

56 Active Norfolk 58 Salthouse Harbour Hotel 63 Gardening with Tom 66 Inspiring women

RECIPES ON PAGES 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 40 & 41

OPEN MONDAYMONDAYOPEN MONDAYOPEN SATURDAY 9-5PM SATURDAY 9-5PM SATURDAY 9-5PM SUNDAY 10.30-5PM SUNDAY 10.30-5PM SUNDAY 10.30-5PM BANK HOLIDAYS HOLIDAYS BANK HOLIDAYS BANK 9-5PM 9-5PM 9-5PM

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Suppliers and installers of granite, quartzquartz Suppliers and installers of granite, andtimber solid timber worktops and solid worktops FROM DESIGN TO INSTALLATION FROM DESIGN TO INSTALLATION AlsoHall atEarsham EarshamHall Hall Also at Earsham Also at

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What's on

IN

with Adam Gunton

Out&About

?

Staying

N

CineEW ma

It’s February!

Apparently, the month of love.

But let’s not pigeon-hole ourselves; there’s a great range of films to watch at the cinema this month, whatever mood you’re in.

Death on the Nile Released: 11 February Who dunnit? It’s usually the butler isn’t it? Are there butlers on the Nile? I’ve never been.

You might know who did it as Death On The Nile is one of Agatha Christie’s classics but expect Kenneth Branagh to bring some modern magic to this mystery. With an eclectic cast including Gal Gadot, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Russell Brand, this sort of sequel to Branagh’s Murder On The Orient Express is worth a visit to your local cinema.

Marry Me Released: 11 February

Uncharted Released: 11 February Hollywood’s latest attempt at making a half-decent movie based on a video game. Actor of the moment, Tom Holland stars as street-smart thief, Nathan Drake.

Nate is just doing his thing when he’s recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan (played by Mark Wahlberg) to recover a lost treasure. But what starts as a simple heist job becomes a global, white-knuckle race to find the treasure before bad guy Antonio Banderas. Queue some ridiculous action sequences and some fun quips from Holland in what is sure to be the first of many Uncharted films.

A Notting Hill for the internet-age, Marry Me tells the story of how music superstars Kat (Jennifer Lopez) and Bastian are about to get married before an audience across the entire world. Moments before exchanging vows, Kat learns that Bastian has cheated on her. So she decides to marry a random man, Charlie, from the crowd (nice guy Owen Wilson). Cue Charlie struggling with her public lifestyle, being chased by people live-streaming him on Instagram and Kat struggling with his grounded normal life. We can probably guess how it’ll end but it doesn’t matter, we’re here for the ride. It’s the perfect romantic film for Valentine’s Day.

Dog Released: 11 February This film has Channing Tatum in it and his co-star is a dog. You’re probably already booking tickets. Channing co-directs this heart-warming story of a man trying to get to his best friend’s and the dog’s handler’s funeral. The dog has a lot of issues but so does Channing’s character and together they might be able to help each other out.

Bring some tissues because it’s going to get emotional.

11

Out&About

?

What's on

Staying

IN

Space Force 18 February, Netflix It’s a small step for Netflix and a giant leap for comedy as Space Force returns for a second season. Greg Daniels and Steve Carell of The Office reunite for another outing of the show based on former President Trump’s really good and really clever idea to militarize space (That was sarcasm, just in case it didn’t come across). But a ridiculous notion provides a ridiculously good premise.

General Mark R Naird (Carell) continues to lead the United States Space Force as they do their best to secure the moon as their base while dealing with their rivals in China. In space, no-one can you scream. But they can probably hear you laugh.

Severance 18 February, Apple TV+ Ben Stiller directs this workplace thriller. The employees of this office have agreed to have their memories “severed.” While at work they won’t remember anything about their home lives and while at home they won’t remember anything about their work lives. An event outside of work triggers officer leader Mark (Adam Scott) and his team to try and discover the truth about their jobs. It’s a premise that’s going to make you press that “Play Next Episode” before the remote knows what’s hit it.

Pam & Tommy 2 February, Disney+ This new show from the director of the brilliant I, Tonya follows the story of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. In 1995 they famously married after knowing each other for only 96 hours.

Their relationship fed the tabloid machine and sold countless magazines.

Expect some stellar performances from Lily James and Sebastian Stan in the titular roles and I think we can expect “the tape” to be a big part of this story.

The Legend of Vox Machina 4 February, Amazon Prime Now for something completely different. Amazon Prime’s latest adult animation is the story taken from Critical Role’s Dungeons and Dragons internet show. The cast created the characters and the story unfolded weekly, live and improvised by the cast and their storyguide and rule-maker, the Dungeon Master. Now the story they created has been animated for television and the cast providing their voices for their characters. Confused yet? Don’t worry, just hit play and enjoy. This foulmouthed, funny and violent animation is like if Rick and Morty and Game Of Thrones had a baby.

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Murderville 3 February, Netflix Terry Seattle (played by the hilarious Will Arnett) is a Senior Detective in Homicide Division. He solves murders with the help of a celebrity guest star. But there’s a twist: each episode, the celebrity guest star isn’t given a script. They have no idea what’s going to happen during the case and they have to improvise their way through.

It’s a brilliant premise and based on BAFTA award winning BBC Three series Murder In Successville. The willing guest stars include Annie Murphy, Conan O’Brien, Ken Jeong, Kumail Najiani, Marshawn Lynch and Sharon Stone. Sounds like a perfect combination of Columbo meets Whose Line Is It Anyway.

Out&About

?

Going

What's on

out

Nish Kumar: Your

power, your control

3 February, Corn Exchange, Kings Lynn www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk 2 March, Regent Theatre, Ipswich www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk 10 April, Theatre Royal, Norwich www.norwichtheatre.org

BOOK NOW

Double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Nish Kumar continues his UK tour bringing his comedic energy to the region. Internationally famed meme Nish has achieved huge success on the stand-up circuit with five rave reviewed solo stand-up shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, two of which have been nominated for the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show in both 2015 and 2016. Nish said: “It has been a period of upheaval and uncertainty with COVID and the political situation. You will be amazed by my capacity to somehow take all these things personally."

Prue Leith 17 March, Top of The Terrace, Carrow Road, Norwich

BOOK NOW

A great opportunity to experience a solo exhibition with Japanese artist Motonori Uwasu. On show are 20 acrylic paintings of buildings and cars in the style which has recently gained him increasing popularity.

All paintings included in the exhibition are available for sale and a catalogue of works and prices are available upon request.

This one night only exclusive event with Prue Leith, famous chef, caterer and judge, where you will be able to enjoy an evening that begins with canapés before moving on to a Prue Leith inspired three-course meal prepared by Delia’s talented team of chefs, and both meat and vegetarian options will be available. An exclusive Q&A with Prue herself will give you a chance to hear about what inspires her cooking, how she creates her famous recipes and what encouraged her to take on the role of a TV judge.

VIP tickets include a book signing opportunity with Prue, allowing you to meet her, a drinks reception and canapés, wine during your meal and premium positioned seating for the Q&A. Standard tickets include a drinks reception and canapés and wine during your meal.

Signed copies of Prue’s latest cookbook, Prue (Bluebird £25), will be available to order when you book your tickets.

www.mooseyart.co.uk

www.deliascanarycatering.co.uk

Motonori Uwasu: House & Car Runs until 19 February, Wednesday-Saturday 11am-5pm, Moosey Norwich

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Out&About

?

What's on

Going

out

Coldplace 19 February, Corn Hall, Diss Coldplace, the world’s leading tribute to Coldplay, on their biggest UK tour to date. Formed in 2004 by Coldplay fans, for Coldplay fans, Coldplace are a tribute band whose quality and experience on the tribute scene are second to none and have performed over 850 shows to date across the world in 30 countries.

“We’ve been busy studying the brand new Coldplay sets and have also had a chat with Phil Harvey from Coldplay about their new style and the brand new tracks,” explained Shane Crofts, frontman of Coldplace. “He’s really looking forwards to seeing our interpretation of Coloratura, as it’s such a long song.”

If you thought their last production of A Head Full of Dreams was colourful, then their new show is shaping up to be even more visual and explosive.

“We don’t want to give too much away, but we can say that there will be even more lasers on stage and lots of flashing lights on our instruments,” continued Shane. “We will be using the Xylobands that Coldplay use, as they really do give the edge to the show, and they will look even more amazing alongside all the extra lights we’re using too.”

Their adventures have lead them to appear on Sky News, BBC Radio One and Two and the band have even appeared in a Coldplay music video, at Coldplay’s request. If you haven’t been lucky enough to secure tickets to a Coldplay show, then come along to the next best thing

Cluedo 7-12 February, Theatre Royal Norwich Starring Michelle Collins as Miss Scarlett, Cluedo is an exciting, comedy thriller based on the hit 1985 film Clue and the classic board game loved by generations. Directed by Mark Bell, director of the award winning The Play That Goes Wrong and A Comedy About A Bank Robbery just like the game, this brand new play promises a nostalgic, fun and thrilling evening of entertainment. This hilarious spoof of a thriller, will keep you guessing right up to the finale as both the guests and audience try to work out whodunnit... with what… and where!

Wilko Johnson

www.norwichtheatre.org

11 February, The Apex, Bury St Edmunds

www.thecornhall.co.uk

The original Dr Feelgood guitarist, Game of Thrones actor and all round national treasure has enjoyed a rousing return to the live arena, including a number one album with Roger Daltrey Going Back Home, a sold out show at The Royal Albert Hall to mark his 70th birthday and the release of Blow Your Mind, his first album of new material in decades.

Wilko is famed for his blistering chop-chord strumming action, the ‘stab’, as he describes it; with this electrifying sound, his trademark black-suited, scowling look and his characteristic strut, Wilko became one of the guitar heroes of the 1970s and beyond, not to mention one of rock ’n’ roll’s most extraordinary characters.

www.coldplace.co.uk

www.theapex.co.uk

16

Out&About PAID CONTENT

Pro Corda Nestled in the depths of 14th century antiquity is one of Suffolk’s fastest growing venues and an absolute must for music lovers and foodies!

Natalia Harvey

Andrew Quartermain

Leiston Abbey

has always been a place of community, escape and nourishment. Since the late 70s it has been operated by Pro Corda Trust – one of Europe’s largest music schools. But since 2019 this magical site has also played host to a unique public concert series.

Pro Corda and Leiston Abbey’s CEO Andrew Quartermain is a concert pianist used to programming concerts throughout the country. “I realised we had a unique opportunity here at the Abbey” says Andrew. “We have some of the world’s most renowned concert artists coaching on our courses, we have the most remarkable venue, and we have our focus on great food and drink – its the perfect mix!”

And so was born the “Classical Chill” series – each concert a different theme and each paired to a specially themed menu; all served in the medieval Barn at the Abbey.

“For me, programming a concert is so similar to preparing a menu” says Andrew. “Its all about the right balance, those little extra special ingredients to add, and with the goal always of leaving our guests feeling they have escaped to something extraordinary. Last year we were so lucky with the arrival of the immensely gifted Natalia Harvey as our

new Events and Catering Manager. Her menus have been such a hit.”

Natalia Harvey arrived from a wedding venue background and has devised new and innovative menus to form the perfect pairing to the Abbey’s concerts series – all focusing local growers and producers wherever possible, teaming up with some great names in Suffolk food and drink from Pesky Fish to Friday Street Farm and a recent pop up with Fisher’s Gin. “Events, catering, and looking after our guests takes a huge amount of care, dedication and precision." says Natalia.

"The pressure of turning a special day into a special memory is a high I will never come down from.”

And the ever growing Classical Chill series audience seem to agree. Return custom is very high with many never missing a single dinner concert in the series!

“Being part of Pro Corda and Leiston Abbey isn’t like other jobs” says Natalia.

“You’re part of a family. There is love, respect and friendship. And we all have a common interest in making a difference.”

Andrew Quartermain developed the Classical Chill series with radio presenter and violinist Noel Vine; and far from the pandemic forcing a pause it led to growth. “We realised people needed the escape of live music as never before.

We were the first concert venue in the eastern region to re-open after the first lockdown. The first ones back we even

performed in the car park! Then when it was safe we re-opened the beautiful Barn. Its a spacious environment, full of intrigue.” And after a sell out Christmas season, the team at Leiston Abbey have planned something for everyone in 2022.

Forthcoming highlights include Classical Chill Romance on 12 February, just in time for Valentines Day; paired with a special romantic gala menu. Also German night on 5 March and Spanish night on 19 March – as always with specially chosen music, food and wine. The series offers incredible value for money. Tickets are £17.50 – meal and concert – and guests can upgrade to a VIP Fizz ticket for £25.

Additional drinks can be purchased from the fully licensed bar.

For the perfect evening’s musical and culinary escape book now at www.procorda.com/events or via the box office hotline 01728 831354.

Piano Sanctuary

If you want to indulge the mystical atmosphere of the Abbey for more than an evening and fancy your own spot of music making, there are also now the Piano Sanctuary Retreat weekends.

With no experience needed, these offer the perfect blend of music course and weekend break in the country for adult beginners and existing learners at the piano. www.pianosanctuary.co.uk 17

The return

Love Light

of

Norwich

festival!

Over 15,000 people attended the inaugural outdoor festival in 2020 and what a time they had says Melanie Cook of www.VisitNorwich.co.uk

Images below (Top): Celestial Sound Cloud, Artist Pif-Paf, Taken WOMAD. Photo by Hello Content Brenna Duncan (Bottom): Our Beating Heart Queen of Hearts by Damian Wootten

18

Hamilton Ice Sculptures. Photo by Dave Parry, Winter Wonderland

This

incredible three-night light festival takes place mostly outdoors, with lots of space in between the exhibitions for everybody to explore and admire! As we go to print this month, we are unsure of what new measures may be put in place post-Christmas – but the fantastic installations, projections, and artwork were chosen with Covid-security in mind. So, with everything crossed, I look forward to getting out to enjoy everything Love Light Norwich has to offer. And all for free!

Just before lockdown in 2020, the inaugural Love Light Norwich Festival took place. In a first for Norwich, Norwich Business Improvement District (BID), with funding from Arts Council England, created a diverse night-time light festival around the theme of ‘love and belonging’. Now, once again, they are bringing a huge, cultural, free programme of activity to Norwich city centre in a month where we are eagerly looking forward to spring.

Love Light Norwich is an amazing attraction to brighten the dark February month in the ‘low season’, and create light, warmth, love and hope through art, whilst offering opportunities for retailers and hospitality to enjoy more business in winter. In 2020 it was also to highlight the issue of loneliness in our society. No one could have predicted how loneliness was going affect the world once the pandemic took hold.

Our understanding of loneliness is now more acute than ever before, and the new edition of Love Light Norwich will once again try in part to address the situation. Sustainability is also important. All the installations have been made as energy efficient as possible.

When commissioning the works, their

environmental impact was considered and wherever possible, mains power will be used rather than a generator and all will use low-energy LEDs. Plus, streetlights will be turned off or have their brightness reduced to save power and reduce light pollution. The festival is also encouraging sustainable travel, spurring people to cycle or walk to Norwich, or use trains, buses and Park and Ride to get here. The entire route of the festival is walkable with the furthest two exhibitions being less than a mile apart.

Accessibility has seen the BID team working with community groups from all over Norwich and the artworks have been chosen with accessibility in mind. One piece of work in particular- DeafPLUR, will be projected onto the wall of Yard in Pottergate. DeafPLUR is a playful works with a fun audio laser show celebrating peace, love, unity and respect. Created in collaboration with the d/Deaf/Usher community and hearing people alike.

Taking place at The Blake Studio at Norwich School there will be multiple performances of LightHaus. The performance combines music, colour, startling light and stunning projections in a new show from art-rock mavericks Klonghaus. These will take place each night and must be booked in advance.

The 4.30pm shows will be autism friendly.

Two artists from 2020 will be returning with new works. If you made it to the festival previously, you’ll not forget the incredible projections onto the exterior of Norwich Cathedral. I’m delighted that Nick Azidis will be presenting, this time Luminous Pareidolia. Amber Lights (Norwich University of the Arts graduate) also returns with Out of the Cocoon, in Gentleman’s Walk. This is a solar-

Out&About

powered sculpture which sparkles with iridescent light and has been created with sustainability at its heart.

If it's at all possible to have a favourite piece of work before the festival even happens then I’m putting my money on Mobile Light-Graffiti by Nikola Dicke.

Images of previous festivals have sold it to me. Nikola, a draughtswoman and painter has travelled around the world with her work, having exhibited in Amsterdam, Vienna, Jerusalem, Detroit and Seoul to name but a few destinations. She has been working as a freelance artist since 2006 and since 2010 with her van, the mobile light drawing studio, to create her site-specific light drawings live, in front of her audience.

Iconic landmarks in Norwich are a big part of Love Light Norwich. At The Forum discover Our Beating Heart with its heartshaped mirror ball complete with dancing lights projected across two of Norwich’s most loved buildings. Whilst at Norwich Castle watch Illuminos bring Cupid to the rescue in a film projected onto its 70ft wall. See Cupid soaring over the stalls of Norwich Market and creating perfect partnerships. Will everybody find love?

The Love Light Trail features 17 site specific pieces of work in all, but the three-night festival will also include many wonderful special events as well as an emerging artist’s programme working in partnership with Norwich University of the Arts. Installations, projections and creations in the City of Stories from artists just starting their careers will be located throughout the city in another fantastic strand of works to view.

Special events take place each evening so study the map to make sure you get to attend the ones that take your fancy; some of them are just for one night. But do include The Bicycle Ballet Company in your itinerary with Strictly Night Cycling taking place on Friday 18 February in Chapelfield Gardens (5.45pm–6.30pm) and Norwich City Centre (8.15pm–9pm).

There’ll be silliness, laughter and pyrotechnic surprises in an exhilarating outdoor dance performance. Also on the Friday, get involved in the festival by participating in Glow Ride - embellish your bike and yourself in lights for a family friendly bike ride. There’s a prize too for the best dressed bike!

On Saturday 19 February there’s an amazing parade - the River of Love Procession, featuring a fleet of illuminated boats and illuminated giant octopus and deep-sea creature (let me introduce you to Ocho and Iso, who will also be wandering around the city on the same evening so keep an eye out for them) in an underwater spectacular with a grand finale performance by The Garage.

Music is very much a part of Love Light and dotted around Norwich there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy music and maybe even get a dance or two in,

or three! Truth Fairy Disco Diva will be popping up all over the place. Keep your eyes peeled for a fairy spreading magic, love and catchy tunes. The Museum of Norwich is not missing out on the action either. Head to their Bridewell Alley location for The Art of Courtly Love to rejoice in romance with a modern twist on medieval courtship. Dance with the Time Machine Disco and pen the perfect love letter for their ‘love letter tree’.

Or how about making your own music and light sequences by moving under a suspended installation? Walk over to Chapelfield Gardens for Pif-Paf’s Celestial Sound Cloud. A beautiful interactive sound and light sculpture, inspired by galaxies far away.

Finally, all of the above will be wrapped up with the return of the Love City Food Trail where eateries, bars and food stalls on Norwich Market will have special love themed dishes for all to enjoy.

Participating businesses will display a pink neon sign spelling love in their windows.

Pick up trail maps pre-festival from The Forum, or Norwich City Hosts (spot them in their blue tabards walking around Norwich). And maps will be found during the festival at arts venues and from festival stewards. Plus take a look at www.lovelightnorwich.co.uk and www.lovelightnorwich.co.uk/ emergingartists (it’s a secret set, so you will only find information here!) for loads more information.

IMAGES: Above (Top): Tim Davies Ocho & Iso CLEAN, photo by Alex Michaelis, Studio Kix. (Middle) Norwich Castle projection Cupids Castle by Illuminos. (Bottom) Mobile Light Grafiti, Nikola Dicke, Dlectricity, Detroit.

(Below left) Strictly Night Cycling Bike Ballet, photo by Raysto Images.

Love Light Norwich is brought to you by Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, with funding from the EXPERIENCE project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Interreg France (Channel) England Programme led by Norfolk County Council, and with support from Norwich City Council.

The Forum, Cycling UK, and FSG Signs & Graphics are leading sponsors for Love Light Norwich, with Norwich Theatre, Norwich University of the Arts, Norwich Cathedral and ARK also sponsoring.

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Helhoughton Road, Hempton, Fakenham NR21 7DY Tel: 01328 864743 or 855321 Email: sales@norfolkreclaim.co.uk www.norfolkreclaim.co.uk

4 Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1LZ Abbeygatecinema.co.uk BELFAST (12A) - continues

Discover Cinema Season -

THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE (12A) - 4 Feb DEATH ON THE NILE (12A) - 11 Feb

PETITE MAMAN (U) - 01 Feb

CYRANO (12A) - 25 Feb

THE COLOUR ROOM (PG) - 08 Feb

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Out&About

STAY THE NIGHT

DISCOVER

Fakenham

Sitting alongside the River Wensum, this traditional working market town is the largest in North Norfolk

Surrounded

by beautiful countryside and just ten miles from the coast, Fakenham offers the best of both worlds in North Norfolk. Aside from its racecourse, the town is best known for its market, which dates back to 1250 and still runs every Thursday, making this an excellent place to pick up some of the finest local produce.

Fakenham’s major industry in the 19th and 20th century was printing, and this is reflected in the town’s sign. Today, there are still several small printing firms in and around the town, and printing blocks have been set into the surface of the market place to pay tribute to its cultural heritage here.

What to see and do

There has been uninterrupted horse racing at Fakenham since 1905 (except for during the two World Wars), so it’s no surprise a trip to this fine rural national hunt racecourse is one of the most popular attractions. With races and events running throughout the majority of the year, it’s easy to experience

all the excitement and buzz of a day at the races. Visit www.fakenhamracecourse.co.uk for fixtures and to book tickets.

Fakenham is a fantastic place to enjoy the great outdoors, with both Pensthorpe Natural Park (pictured below) and Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve close by. Pensthorpe offers 700 acres of walks through varied habitats, alongside five landscaped gardens and wonderful play areas for little ones. Meanwhile, Sculthorpe is perfect for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, with accessible boardwalks and hides aplenty.

Drink & Dine

While visiting a picturesque town in the middle of rolling countryside, what better place to stop for lunch than a traditional country pub? The Chequers Inn is a family friendly pub offering a cosy bar, delicious homecooked food and of course, plenty of real ale and wine options. A roast is a must if you’re here on a Sunday, or if you fancy something naughtier, the beef burger topped with Mrs Temples Binham Blue cheese is something special. www.binhamchequersinn.co.uk

Holly Lodge Boutique B&B Located 4 miles outside Fakenham, Holly Lodge Boutique B&B offers six beautifully designed rooms and a selfcatered Shepherd’s Hut to choose from. The three ‘cottages’ are situated away from the main house in the old stable blocks on ground level, while the other three rooms are in the main house. Sumptuous facilities include en-suite shower rooms, Cole & Lewis bathroom amenities, Nespresso machines, 32 inch flat-screen smart television, Bluetooth Roberts Radio and even a little welcome treat. Breakfast is served in the garden conservatory, with both a continental selection and full English breakfast on offer, using the finest of North Norfolk’s locally-sourced produce. www.hollylodgeboutique.com

If you fancy something a little more exotic, head to the Ordnance Arms. Although you wouldn’t guess from the outside, inside you’ll find a pub and an authentic Thai restaurant. On the menu you’ll find Thai staples such as pad thai and massaman curry alongside Cromer crab fried rice and rum drunken beef. www.ordnancearms.co.uk

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Out&About

February Half-term

by Emily Sparkes

It only

feels like the kids went back to school after Christmas about two minutes ago and already we’re confronted with February half term.

Worried about how you’re going to entertain the little cherubs for a week when the temperatures are still struggling to get above freezing and there’s still at least a 70% chance of precipitation most days? Summer’s easy – the weather’s on our side and we’ve got parks, picnics and promenades at our disposal but winter’s a different, and often more costly, kettle of fish all together. Fear not; I’ve been having a think!

Get Out While You Can!

I’m the first to admit, I’m not winter’s biggest fan. I find nothing appealing about the cold, wet and dark and spend six months of the year praying for longer days and warmer temperatures. Having said this, I do still love getting outdoors with my son whenever I can and I know that he and I feel infinitely better, calmer and happier when we’ve been able to get out in the fresh air.

Last month, I wrote about my passion for playgrounds. In my opinion, they’re one of the most under-valued resources us parent’s have at our disposal, especially when there’s a decent coffee outlet near-by.

I also love a good walk. My two-yearold, on the other hand, is less keen and often outright protests and sits on the floor demanding to be carried, decides he’d rather walk in the opposite direction or finds a nice big puddle or body of stagnant water to paddle in instead.

Therefore, I’ve been thinking about ways to make walks more appealing. My first idea and arguably my simplest is to market walks as “adventures.” Who wants

your common-all-garden walk when you can have an adventure instead? Not kids, that’s who. Adventures are great and can be fully diversified and differentiated to suit your needs. Fancy a nice stroll along your local beach? Turn it into a quest for treasure washed up on the shore after pirates became shipwrecked in the North Sea centuries before. Trotting through the countryside more your thing? It suddenly becomes so much more appealing if you turn it into a hunt for hidden clues left behind by spies who invaded Norfolk in 1942. Those clues could be anything, by the way. Some suspiciously crossed twigs, an abandoned shoe left behind by some equally compliant toddler or even animal footprints.

Since having a toddler, I’ve also developed a newfound appreciation for the power of a snack. Tired? Snack.

Bored? Snack. Fed up of walking around Home Bargains for the third time this week? Snack. Yes, I’m probably unlikely to win any prizes for Parent of the Year but I’m a realist and it works. How does this apply to walks, you ask? Take the humble snack and add a walk and suddenly it becomes a picnic. Again, infinitely more appealing to kids. Picnics also don’t have to be the squidgy old sandwiches and bruised bananas of yesteryear. This time of year is better suited to hot food. Get yourself some thermos flasks and the world of outdoor dining is your oyster.

Have hot chocolate on the go, soup in the open air or even hot dogs alfresco just cook the sausages first and take along some rolls and ketchup! Thank me later.

Get Creative at Home!

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that kids love a bit of art and craft and that parents hate the mess that goes with it.

I’ve been having a think around this ageold conundrum and have come up with the following low-mess, low-cost and low-stress suggestions: Build a box fort My garage is piled high with boxes left over from Christmas that have not yet managed to squeeze into the recycling bin and whilst looking at them on my visits to the tumble-dryer or out-door freezer, I’ve been thinking about how they could better earn their keep whilst living rent free amongst the lawn-mower, de-icer and Christmas decorations. It’s simple.

Kids love a box, largely because they present a blank canvas of possibilities.

How about building a box fort? Use boxes and a bit of imagination to build a castle, a replica of the pyramids of Egypt or even an elaborate mansion seen on the likes of Selling Sunset. For siblings it could prove to be an excellent exercise in teamwork or it could become a competition under strict time constraints for a small prize.

Make puppets and put on a puppet show Another gloriously easy idea using objects from around the house such as odd socks, spare buttons, loose bits of string or wool and some felt-tip pens. Puppets can be as intricate or as simple as your imagination and supply of odds and ends allows.

Give kids an hour to make their puppets and an hour to plan and rehearse their show before presenting it for critique by parents who can sit in comfort and reflect on the fact that for zero cost and little effort, they’ve just provided an afternoon’s entertainment. Use the boxes from the above idea to build a puppet theatre and you might just have a whole rainy day’s amusement.

23

Out&About Rock painting You’ve seen the word “painting” and are already recoiling in horror as you think about the clean-up operation but hear me out. This simple and accessible activity became incredibly popular during the 2020 Covid Lockdown and it’s easy to see why. Rocks are everywhere and can be picked up and collected at little to no cost. Painting is also an activity that all of us can do, regardless of ability and the fact that these little treasures when hidden in plain sight can bring joy to others is an added bonus. Acrylic paint is best for ensuring designs last and acrylic paint pens are a brilliant low-mess option. Still can’t stomach the thought of acrylic paint in the house? Make it an outdoor activity and provide hot chocolate. Simple!

Share a skill When it comes to learning new information, kids are like sponges, they’re born ready-made to soak up new information. It’s even easier for them when it’s something they’re interested in and having a passion or interest in something is the first step in becoming an inspiring teacher. Taking the time to share a skill or hobby with your children or grandchildren (my grandmother taught me to knit as a child and I found it fascinating!) is also an excellent bonding opportunity. It needn’t be complicated either, I’m not recommending you tutor your child in Latin, topiary or quidditch (unless of course that’s what you’re interested in) but if you love a bit of baking, gardening or crochet then it might be worth taking the time to share this skill with your brood – they might find a new hobby and the chances are, you’ll have enjoyed teaching them.

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Schedule a Day-Out Go Wild!

My family are fully paid-up season ticket holders for ZSEA Africa Alive and Banham Zoo. The season tickets are incredible value for money and goodness me, have we had our money’s worth out of it! Living a mere half an hour’s drive away from Africa Alive, I’d say we visit on average at least twice a month. It’s one of my favourite places to take my two year old, not just because he loves it but because I do as well.

Set in 100 acres of parkland, there’s plenty of space for kids to burn off that endless energy that they're always so full of and to maintain a comfortable social distance from other visitors, should we still need to. The park is home to over 80 species of animals ranging from giraffes to lions and from meerkats to aardvarks so there really is something that should be of interest to everyone. The beauty of animals is that they’re always doing something different or interesting, hence why we never get bored of visiting.

The park’s been closed for January for renovations and it’ll be interesting to see the improvements when it opens again just before February half-term. In recent months they’ve already built a new walkthrough meerkat enclosure and added new equipment to the already extensive adventure play-area. I’d say it’s definitely worth a visit!

If you’ve not visited before then there’s never been a better time. Just before Christmas, the zoo announced the birth of a baby white rhino.

Roarr Dinosaur Adventure Park Another favourite of ours is Roarr Dinosaur Adventure Park at Lenwade. Like Africa Alive, the setting is extensive, offering plenty of space for kids to run around and burn off energy as well as allowing for that all important social distancing (isn’t that a phrase we all wish we could have left in 2021?). There are also a variety of activities and attractions suitable for all ages including an enormous adventure play area with a dedicated area for under7s; the Secret Animal Garden featuring animals ranging from goats and donkeys to iguanas, bearded dragons and snakes; Dinomite Indoor Soft Play and Dippy’s Raceway featuring mini-motorised cars and a selection of pedal powered gokarts. Of course, all of this is in addition to the famous dinosaur trail starring life-sized dinosaur models exhibited with fascinating facts in a gorgeous woodland setting.

Immerse yourself in some history at Norwich Castle Museum Until recently, I’d not visited Norwich Castle since I was a mere primary school child myself. I remember finding it enchanting then and I quickly remembered why during a recent visit.

Built as a Royal Palace by the Norman’s over 900 years ago, Norwich Castle Museum is one of the most famous landmarks of our area and if the thought of visiting a real-life castle isn’t fascinating enough then the exhibits within are sure to be a lure. A favourite of mine is the Egyptian Gallery containing artefacts that date from around 4500 to 2500 years old, arguably the most captivating being the mummy of Ankh Hor, an important priest who worked in the temple of Amun in Karnack around 3000 years ago.

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TUE 1 FEB

LIVE MUSIC - OPEN MIC NIGHT

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THEATRE - THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

TUE 15 FEB

QUIZ - CLEVERDICK GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

WED 16 FEB

BINGO - FAMILY BINGO

THU 17 FEB

NT LIVE - THE BOOK OF DUST: LA BELLE SAUVAGE

THU 17 FEB

SALTMARSH TALK - FRUIT WITH NINA PLUMBE

SUN 20 FEB

NNMF - TED BLACK & ANA MANASTIREANU

FRI 25 FEB

LIVE JAZZ - SAM BRAYSHER

SUN 26 FEB

FILM - PETER GRIMES ON ALDEBURGH BEACH

TUE 1 MAR

LIVE MUSIC - OPEN MIC NIGHT

THU 3 MAR

THEATRE - SUSIE SELF: HER BODY AND SONGS

SUN 6 MAR

NNMF - KARSKI QUARTET

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LIVE MUSIC - THE MISSING CODA

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Books

Maxwell's Demon

by Steven Hall

The

Book-it

by Andrew Hirst

The author of the acclaimed Raw Shark Texts second novel is another free-wheeling psychological metafictional thriller which looks at the magic power locked inside the alphabet, love through the looking glass, the bond between parents and children, and, at its heart, the quest for meaning in a chaotic and untidy world. The story starts when Thomas Quinn receives a seemingly impossible voice message, he can’t help but wonder if Andrew Black – a legendary, reclusive mystery writer and his father’s protégé – is somehow involved. Thomas knows that Black can’t be trusted, that he should be avoided at all costs. But as the search for answers spirals into an examination of the nature of time, entropy, the true forms of angels, fictional stalkers and the secrets of the nativity set...

Thomas realises that he might not have a choice.

Lovers of this genre will soon fall for this engaging page turner. It has been 15 years since Hall's first novel, but I can definitely say it has been worth the wait.

Release date: Out now.

LIST

As the

pages of the calendar turn to February chances are you have already finished any new books you received from Santa.

Here are a few suggestions to escape the winter weather...

Spark

Top Girl

Steal

by Mitch Johnson

by Danielle Marin

An explosive, action-packed new adventure for middlegraders from the Norwich based award-winning children’s author of Pop. Ash has always lived in Last Village, lonely since the day his father left and never came back. The world is unbearably hot, water is drying up, and life is hard. After a vicious thunderstorm, Ash wakes to find that the village's water has completely run out, and all the other villagers have mysteriously disappeared.

Accompanied by the outcast Bronwyn, Ash sets off in search of water, for answers about the villagers, and with hope they might find 'The Kingdom' - a rumoured land to the north where life still flourishes. They must survive a journey fraught with dangers. Lying in wait are the answers Ash is searching for, and maybe even the truth about what happened to his father. If only he could get past The Wall...

Release date: 3 February.

Top Girl is the tell-all, true story of a grammar school girl turned county lines drug dealer. Danielle has a safe, happy childhood growing up in West London, but her bright future fades as she turns her back on school for gang life and crime.

Betrayed by the police after a brutal gang rape, she finds protection under the wing of organised criminals and falls in love with the local ‘top boy’. However, her allegiances bring terror to her doorstep when guntoting rivals target her flat – and the authorities answer by taking away her baby. Her lifestyle is the envy of her friends, but the good times and cash mask the grim realities of her life.

Danielle’s gritty, emotional, no-holds-barred memoir lays bare the reality of a county lines insider and reveals the truth about life on the frontline of Britain’s biggest drug threat for a generation.

Release date: 3 March.

by James Patterson & Howard Roughan Undoubtedly the world's best-selling author James Patterson's latest release with Howard Roughan is coming this month. The brilliant, crime-solving Professor Dylan Reinhart returns in the third thrilling instalment of James Patterson's Instinct series.

Imagine everyone's surprise when Carter von Oehson, a sophomore in Dr. Dylan Reinhart's Abnormal Psychology class, posts on Instagram that he plans to kill himself. 24 hours later and still no one has seen him.

A massive search ensues.

But when Carter's sailboat rolls in with the tide without him or anyone else on it, the worst seems to be confirmed. He really did it... or did he?

Dylan now finds himself wrapped up in multimilliondollar secrets and danger and it's going to take every bit of his wit to stay ahead of his enemy.

Release date: 8 February.

The Paris Apartment

by Lucy Foley Author of the is a New York Times best seller The Guest List sees her new mystery released later this month.

Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. Her half-brother Ben didn’t sound thrilled when she asked if she could crash with him for a bit, but he didn’t say no, and surely everything will look better from Paris. Only when she shows up – to find a very nice apartment, could Ben really have afforded this? – he’s not there...

Release date: 22 February.

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Journal Dining Founded in 2021 by Chef Nathan Rackham, who comes from a Michelin background, bringing you a flare for the unique and surprising experiences, sees private dining at its finest. Nathan trained originally in France, returning to the UK to hone his skills, whilst cooking for A list celebrities and Royalty... you know you are in safe hands. The ethically minded business focuses on customer experience, local community and the best produce available ensuring Journal Dining brings you Michelin quality to an environment of your choice. Chosse from one of their select menus or from a bespoke menu just for you. Private Dining not for you? Journal Dining does regular pop ups in Norwich.

Find out more on social media: @journal_ dining (insta) @JournalDining (facebook) or enquire via email journaldining@gmail.com

Paddy & Scott’s Date night coffee tasting gift case Providing everything you need to make and enjoy great coffee, the gift case is a perfect choice for coffee fans, or can be enjoyed as part of a date night experience on the most romantic day of the year. The gift case includes everything you need to make delicious filter coffee including an AeroPress Go, and four packs of Paddy & Scott’s delicious ground coffee, as well as a bundle of quick coffee Brew Bags to make delicious coffee in minutes. All for just £64.99. www.paddyandscotts.co.uk

Two Magpies - Woodbridge Two Magpies Bakery Woodbridge will be the group’s seventh outlet since the company was founded in 2012, and the fourth in Suffolk. It will include a 50-cover cafe and will be run by a team of highly-skilled pastry chefs, bakers and baristas.

“We are extremely excited to be opening our seventh bakery, and are hopeful that it will do as well as our others located across Suffolk and Norfolk,” comments Carl Stock MD for Two Magpies Bakery. “Woodbridge boasts many brilliant independent businesses so we’re sure our new cafe/bakery will be a perfect fit.”

Two Magpies Woodbridge will be open Monday-Sunday, 8am-5pm. www.twomagpiesbakery.co.uk

Sweettastic Churros

Anyone with a sweet tooth and a taste for delicious organic ingredients will now be able to tuck into scrumptious handcrafted, organic churros.

Making high quality churros using a traditional family recipe passed down the generations, the latest store to open at Castle Quarter shopping centre is owned by husband-and-wife team Paulo and Sandra Gamboa. Former restaurateurs from Lisbon, the couple now live in Norwich and are excited to have launched their first Sweettastic Churros in the heart of the city centre.

Paulo said, “Our niche is offering what we haven’t been able to find anywhere else; affordable, sweet churros made with organic, high-quality ingredients such as the Montezuma Chocolate Drizzler with dark chocolate and toppings. Our flour from Doves Farm is organic, and we are using organic, local ingredients wherever we can.

We chose to launch in Castle Quarter in Norwich because it has a familiar, friendly feel to our roots in Lisbon; Norwich has a similar vibe which we love. It’s the perfect location for us, with lots of visitors, easy parking, and we can’t wait to start tempting new customers with our delicious churros menu.”

To start with Paulo and Sandra will run the store seven days a week from 10.30am until 5.30pm, using the traditional recipes handed down from Paulo’s grandmother Josephine. www.castlequarternorwich.co.uk 29

al JournDining Michelin trained chef

Nathan Rackham

talks pop-ups, private dining, events and shares one of his recipes

30

Food&Drink

Journal Dining

started as a new venture back in June of 2021 by Nathan Rackham, but was over four years in the planning. The business is split into three sections. Private Dining: which is one of their specialities, creating unique, bespoke experiences in your own home or venue of your choosing; Pop ups: in which the team goes into other venues and do a takeover evening; Events catering: for larger parties, intimate weddings and corporates.

"The decision to finally open Journal Dining came about noticing how all of my friends in the industry were leaving to do other jobs outside of hospitality. The years of being under paid and mistreated had finally reared its head. I decided to do something about it and open Journal Dining and take it as far as I can while maintaining the principles of being ethical and looking after the staff, producers and customers at all times." Nathan said. "The concept came about because every chef carries a journal of recipes, notes and experiences, much like chapters.

Over time you get a collection of these books in which you look back on and develop new ideas from your past."

Nathan's menus are divided into chapters designed to help take you on your journey through your meal... much like reading a book, or notes in a journal. It is listed as ingredients to give the diner enough knowledge of what they are eating without telling them how he is going to do it. The surprise element.

"I wanted to bring my experiences and knowledge into a new venture using Journal Dining, in which the guest gets to experience a journey, not just a meal. The food itself is fine dining without all the stiffness. We are using the finest techniques to emphasise the ingredient rather than mess with it. The diners should have an enjoyable and relaxing experience." Nathan continued.

"Dining for me must be much more than just eating a meal - it has to be personal, it has to be exciting. It is our job to throw out the rule book and give the diners the best experience we can give them at any given point.

Journal Dining always sources the finest local seasonal ingredients. We are currently using suppliers such as Charlie's leaves; I spend a large proportion of time with Charlie at the farm looking at how he develops his products and what he has coming up. Fen Farm Dairy is another one of our favourites with exceptional cheeses and raw dairy products. They too try to be as eco-friendly as they can."

Part of the ethos behind Journal Dining is that Nathan and the team look at global climate problems with how we as an economy consume food, whilst bringing a more responsible dining to the table. Whether it be in the sourcing of the ingredient, using less of a product that is bad for the environment or health, or just as simple as being as waste free as possible.

Keep an eye out on Journal Dining's socials for their upcoming events @journal_dining (insta) @JournalDining (facebook) or enquire via email: journaldining@gmail.com

Crab, pickled cucumber, caviar, martini, lemon and cucumber consommé Buttery rich crab cut with a light zingy pickle, slight Asian influences in the consommé and a martini undertone, beautifully clean and crisp on the palate.

INGREDIENTS: Serves 2/3 Equipment needed: • Parisienne scoop • Metal rings 3 inch and a 2 inch • 2 x piping bags • Vac-pac (optional) For the crab • 1 x medium dressed crab meat (separated brown and 70g white meat) • ¼ lemon zested • 1 small shallot very finely diced For the crème fraiche • 1 lemon zested • 100g crème fraiche

• 50g jar caviar For the pickled cucumber • 1/3 large cucumber • 10g martini • 10g lemon juice • 20g sugar • 1g salt • 35g rice wine vinegar • 3g olive oil For the cucumber consommé • 2/3 cucumber, peeled • 5g mirin • 15g lemon juice • 5g rice vinegar • 20g ginger

METHOD: Crab: Take the white meat and mix with shallot and lemon zest.

Season with salt to taste. The brown meat beat lightly and put in a piping bag for later.

Pickled Cucumber: In a small pan gently heat all the ingredients apart from cucumber, until the sugar has dissolved. Chill.

Parisienne scoop (a smaller version of a melon baller, if you don’t have one small cm dice is fine) the cucumber into small balls, compress in a vac bag with the liquor for 12 hours, alternatively if you don’t have a vac pac machine leave to soak in the liquor for 24 hours.

Cucumber Consommé: Before you make the consommé first you need the cucumber stripes.

Peel long stripes and layer them overlapping, use a round cutter to achieve required shape. Now

you can start the consommé.

Blitz all the ingredients in a blender, strain through a j-cloth slowly. Adjust seasoning with salt and vinegar.

Crème fraiche: Mix the crème fraiche with lemon zest. Place in piping bag.

Dress the plate: Start with the ring cutter and place in the centre of the bowl. With the white crab meat cover the base of the ring.

Remove the ring and place the circle of cucumber on top of the white crab.

With a smaller ring on the centre of the cucumber circle, cover the base of the ring with caviar. Remove the ring around the circle of caviar, alternate pickled cucumber, crème fraiche piped in balls and brown crab meat. Finish with slices of radish or violas.

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This classic yet versatile duck dish is delicious any time of the year.

Serve with puy lentils and braised red cabbage.

INGREDIENTS: Serves 4 • 6 tbsp coarse rock salt • Few sprigs of rosemary and thyme • 1 bulb of garlic, cloves separated, skins on, flattened with a large knife • 4 large Gressingham duck legs • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns • 2 bay leaves • 1 orange, zested

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METHOD: You will need to start the confit process at least one day ahead. Scatter one fifth of the salt, herbs and garlic in a deep tray or dish big enough to hold the duck legs. Place the legs skin side down in the dish and sprinkle the rest of the salt, herbs and garlic over the legs along with the peppercorns, bay leaves and orange zest. Cover and place in the fridge overnight.

When you are ready to cook, remove the duck legs from the fridge, scrape off the herbs and salt, rinse under cold water and dry well with kitchen roll.

Preheat the oven to 125°C or 105°C fan. Place a large ovenproof saucepan or casserole dish on a low heat and melt the duck fat. Carefully place the duck legs into the pan or dish, ensuring they are fully covered by the fat. Cover with a lid or foil and place into the oven. Cook for two and a half to three hours until tender. Test if the meat is ready by piercing with a skewer; it should be soft and yielding. If not, return to the oven and test every 30 minutes.

When the duck legs are ready, remove dish from the oven and allow them to cool in the fat for one hour. Take the legs out of the fat and place them on a wire rack in a roasting tray, skin side up. If you wish to store them at this stage, you can put the legs into a container, cover with duck fat, put the lid on and refrigerate for up to a month. Otherwise, keep the fat for your next batch of confit.

To roast your confit legs, preheat your oven to 200°c or 180°c fan. Place them in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes until the duck is heated through and the skin is crispy. To help speed up the process of crisping the skin, you can place them under a hot grill for the last couple of minutes before serving.

ww

w

.g

• 1kg duck fat

Food&Drink

Confit duck legs

33

feel

goofood d

Recipes created by Olia Hercules showing you how to create extraordinary feel good food with Maldon Salt

Olia Hercules

was born in the south of Ukraine in 1984. She left her home town Kakhovka at the age of twelve, when she moved to Cyprus.

After finishing school, she moved to the UK where she studied Italian language and International Relations at the University of Warwick. After spending a year in Italy, Olia settled in London, pursuing a journalistic career after completing her Master’s degree.

Following the financial crisis of 2008, Olia decided to quit her job as a film business reporter to pursue her dream to cook for a living. She trained at the renowned Leiths School of Food and Wine and then worked as a chef de partie in restaurants, including Ottolenghi, and as a recipe developer before landing a book deal for Mamushka, a cookbook that celebrates her family recipes, from Ukraine and Moldova to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

Mamushka has won the prestigious Fortnum and Mason Award for best debut cookbook 2016. It has been translated into five languages, and to date has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide. Olia was named the Observer Rising Star of 2015.

Her second cookbook is called Kaukasis: a culinary journey through Georgia, Azerbaijan and beyond. It was published on 10 August in the UK and Australia and in October 2017 in the US, Canada, Germany and Poland.

Her third cookbook, Summer Kitchen, with Bloomsbury was published in spring 2020.

Olia lives in London with her son Sasha and husband Joe, writing, cooking and feeding her unceasing curiosity by researching food culture and culinary traditions of countries less explored.

34

Fermented chilli & celeriac INGREDIENTS: • 1 celeriac • 7g Maldon salt • 500ml water • 1 chilli, cut in half lengthways

You can use pretty much any vegetable that’s in season, using this brine and method. A pumpkin works well, it is a bit unusual but works beautifully. To speed things along I am dicing the celeriac and also using a splash of a brine from a ripe ferment.

This celeriac can be used as a little pickle, a relish or even to cook with.

METHOD: To peel the celeriac, put it on the surface flat side down and then using a knife slice the skin off. Make sure to get rid of all the skin as it harbours soil and you don’t want that in your pickle! Give the peeled celeriac a wash and then slice into thin strips and then across into small dice.

Heat the water with the salt, to help dissolve it and then let it cool. Put the celeriac into a 1L jar and cover it with the brine, pop in the chilli and cover with a lid.

Leave in your kitchen for about a week, opening the jar lid whenever you remember. The celeriac is ready whenever it becomes slightly sour - taste it. When it tastes good, put it in the fridge to slow down the fermentation process.

Food&Drink

www.maldonsalt.com This draws inspiration from Ukrainian cabbage parcels called holubtsi. This is basically a simpler version that does not require you to form parcels. You can use barley or diced potato, but more often than not I have lots of cooked brown rice (we do a batch every Sunday to use for my son’s packed lunch and for our lunches too), so I like to use it as a stuffing. The tomato stock is lovely and if you are not vegan - will also be lovely with a spoonful of creme fraiche stirred through it.

Photography by MALDON SALT

INGREDIENTS: • 1 Savoy cabbage • 3 tbsp olive or sunflower oil • 1 large onion, peeled and diced • 2 celery sticks, finely diced • 1 large carrot, roughly grated • 250g mushrooms, roughly chopped • 200g leftover cooked or blanched (for 10 minutes) brown rice • 100g cooked chestnuts, chopped • 1 tin of chopped tomatoes • 2 garlic cloves, sliced • Maldon salt • Black pepper

Layered Savoy cabbage ‘lasagne’ METHOD: To make the savoy cabbage leaves pliable put them into a steamer. I use a bamboo one, but you can always use a large metal colander and a lid. Separate, then steam the leaves for about 15 minutes or until soft. I tend not to cut out the stalky bit as it softens enough by the end of cooking and is pleasant to eat.

For the filling, heat the oil in a large, cast-iron pan and add the onions and a big pinch of Maldon. Cook for about 10 minutes over a medium-low heat, stirring often.

You can add little splashes of water and deglaze the pan, if at any point it feels dry.

Then add the carrots and celery and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 7 minutes. Finally, stir through the chestnuts and the rice and scoop it out into a bowl. No need to clean the pan, just start layering it with the leaves.

Build the first layer of Savoy cabbage leaves, then scoop in a third of the filling, then layer some more leaves over, then follow with the fillings again, then leaves, then filling, then leaves. Preheat the oven to 180°C. For the tomato stock - pour the chopped tomatoes into the same bowl where the filling was. Squash them further with a potato masher. Swirl some water through the tomato tin and pour into the bowl with the tomatoes. If you want - you can also whisk in 2 tbsp of creme fraiche into the mixture. Add the garlic and a generous pinch of salt and some pepper.

Pour the mixture over the cabbage lasagne, making sure that none of the garlic is right on top (where it can burn). Pop the pot into the oven and cook for about 45 minutes to an hour. The tomato liquid will be reduced, and the top of the lasagne will be nicely charred. Serve and enjoy with a big hunk of crusty, fresh bread.

35

Food&Drink

www.maldonsalt.com

Charred cabbage with almond cream and spiced salt

This is a simple but also a very impressive and delicious dish that has place both on a weekday and a dinner party table. As always - I encourage to use and substitute whatever you can easily find and that makes sense to you. The cabbage can be white cabbage, or even purple cabbage. The sauce and salt would also work well with roast cauliflower, swede, pumpkin or carrots. You might just need to adjust roasting times. I use walnuts and almonds a lot, but cashews or pecans would work very well too, just make sure, especially if you use walnuts, that the nuts are fresh and tasty - there is nothing worse than a slightly rancid nut. If you don’t have caraway seeds but have and love cumin and want to go Middle Eastern rather than Eastern European - add cumin instead! Ditto the acid - pick any good tasting vinegar or citrus. You can also blitz some caramelized onions or confit garlic into the nut cream - then it will very much resemble a Georgian sauce called satsivi. Just follow the proportions and the method in the recipe as a blueprint of sorts. But if you have never roasted cabbage wedges before - I cannot recommend it enough, it’s such game changer. This recipe is also accidentally vegan, but it would be also good with garlic yogurt if you don’t fancy the nut cream.

INGREDIENTS: Serves 4-6 • 1 sweetheart cabbage • 3 tbsp olive or sunflower oil For the cream • 250g nuts (I used almonds) • 70ml water • 1tbsp vinegar or lemon • 1-2 cloves garlic, peeled For the salt • 2tbsp Maldon salt • 1/2tbsp caraway seeds • 1/2tbsp coriander seeds • 1/4tsp sumac 36

Photography by MALDON SALT

METHOD: Soak the nuts in plenty of water, for at least 5 hours, or even better overnight in the fridge.

Preheat the oven to 220°C. Cut the cabbage in half through the core. Then, depending on your cabbage’s size, cut it into wedges - the thinner the wedges the quicker they will cook.

Put the wedges on a baking tray (line it to make cleaning easier). Drizzle the oil over the cabbage and massage it on and between the leaves. Put it in the oven and check after about 15 minutes. You may need to turn the wedges over and give them another 10-20 minutes or until the cabbages look lovely and charred.

Meanwhile, drain the nuts and save the nut water if there is any. Put the nuts and 70ml of (nut or regular) cold water into a blender and blitz into a smooth cream. Finely grate the garlic and add that in too along with the vinegar and a generous pinch of Maldon salt. Blitz again, then taste. It should be gently seasoned; remember there is spiced salt that is going on top when served.

The texture should be that of a thick yogurt.

For the salt - toast the caraway and coriander seeds in a pan until fragrant and bash them in a pestle and mortar along with the Maldon salt. The salt will help everything grind down easily. Stir through the sumac.

To serve, pour the nut sauce on the bottom of a serving plate or small platter and put the cabbage on top (which by the way is good either hot or warm/room temp).

Sprinkle over the spiced salt and serve alongside other dishes or a simple green salad or watercress.

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37

VALENTINES DAY WEEK LONG SPECIAL!

As a valentines special we are offering our Fillet of Beef Wellington meal for 2 people from 14th February-20th February.

Booking will be available from 1st February so make sure to email to book your space.

Valentine’s Menu for 2 - £70 Nocellara olives Flat bread & cucumber, coriander yoghurt Lobster bisque, garlic prawns, creme fraiche, parsley emulsion Fillet of beef Wellington, potato terrine, cauliflower cheese, butternut squash, red wine reduction White & dark chocolate mousse, strawberries, oat Duo of Norfolk cheese, pear chutney, handmade biscuits

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EDGE Alex Clare Co-founder

and award-winning head chef, Alex Clare, has been cooking up unique and memorable dishes across Norfolk for the past decade.

His dedication to the industry has gained him several awards, including Norfolk Chef of the Year 2017, along with an ongoing loyal clientele. His exclusive private dining service guarantees a personal culinary journey for your upcoming special event. It’s clear to see that Alex’s passion for food is recognised not only by the public, but hospitality professionals across the country.

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Located on Winterton seafront and based in an Airstream, Alex Clare and his team offer food using only the freshest, locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. They also serve hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury light bites. The menus change often so it is always a great idea to pay them a visit to see what's on offer... you won't be disappointed.

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Within their unique private dining packages they offer a six course taster menu, using the finest local ingredients that they can get their hands on. Within the range of packages they can adapt the menu to add your personal touch for your private dining event. The front of house team work alongside Alex to deliver the best service possible in your own surroundings.

They provide use of their own crockery and cutlery as well as an individual menu card for each guest on the evening to keep. Each private dining experience is unique to you and can be customised to suit your party’s requirements.

Mussels

white wine sauce

with

INGREDIENTS: For the sauce • 1 head of fennel • 500ml of white cooking wine • 500ml of double cream • 2 gloves of garlic - peeled • 2 shallots peeled and roughly chopped

For the mussels • 1 leek (julienned) • 1 handful of chopped parsley • 2 shallots finely diced • 15 Brancaster mussels (cleaned)

METHOD: In a saucepan place your fennel, garlic, shallots and white cooking wine. Place on the stove and reduce by half. Add your double cream and bring your mixture back up to the boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat and pass through a sieve into a separate saucepan. Place to the side whilst preparing your mussels.

Place your cleaned mussels, shallots and leeks into the white wine sauce. Place onto the stove with a lid on the saucepan.

Once your mussels appear to open they are cooked. Next add your chopped parsley.

Serve in a bowl, top with parsley and serve with some crusty bread.

39

Food&Drink

Norfolk’s

Have a

slice day

Febr9 u Nati ary o th

Pizznal Daya

Crispy

dough base, tangy tomato sauce, melted cheese and a multitude of topping choices – when the Italians combined these magical ingredients to invent pizza in the 1500s, the world (eventually) rejoiced. Although once considered a peasant food, nowadays pizza is the ultimate Friday night treat, perfect for feeding a crowd – no matter how fussy. National Pizza Day falls on the 9th February this year, so here we provide some recipes for making your own at home – go on, give it a dough!

Classic pizza dough INGREDIENTS:

METHOD:

(makes 6 8in pizza bases) • 650g '00' flour (or strong white flour), plus extra for dusting • 7g sachet of dried easy-blend yeast • 2 tsp salt • 25ml olive oil • 50ml warm milk • 325ml warm water

Mix the flour, yeast and salt together in a large bowl and then stir in the olive oil and milk. Gradually add the water, mixing well to form a soft dough.

Turn the dough out on to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a clean bowl, cover with a damp tea towel and leave to rise for around an hour, or until doubled in size.

When the dough has risen, take it out onto a floured surface and knead again to knock out the air, roll into a ball and set aside for 30 minutes to 1 hour until risen again. If you’re making ahead, you can freeze the dough after this step. Divide into 6 balls and wrap each in cling film. Then simply defrost overnight in the fridge.

Preheat the oven to its highest setting. Divide the dough into six balls and roll each out on a lightly floured work surface until 20cm/8in in diameter (you can also make one giant pizza if you like!). Spread some passata over each pizza base and top with your favourite toppings. Bake the pizzas in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the bases are crisp, golden brown around the edges and any cheese on top has melted.

Homemade pizza sauce Yes, you could just use passata or tomato purée, but we’re going the whole hog on National Pizza Day!

INGREDIENTS: (covers 4-6 large pizzas) • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 1 large garlic clove, crushed • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes • 3 tbsp tomato purée • 1 bay leaf • 2 tbsp dried oregano • 2 tsp brown sugar • 1 small bunch basil, finely chopped 40

METHOD: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over a low heat, then add the onion along with a generous pinch of salt. Fry gently for 12-15 mins or until the onion has softened and is turning translucent. Add the garlic and fry for a further minute. Tip in the tomatoes and purée along with the bay leaf, oregano and sugar.

Bring to the boil and lower the heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 mins or until thickened and reduced. Season. For a smoother sauce, blitz with a stick blender. Finally, stir the basil into the sauce. This keeps well in the fridge (use within a week) or can be frozen for use at a later date.

Short on time?

If you haven’t got the time to make your own dough, or maybe the supermarket was all out of the ready-to-roll variety, fear not!

You can also put pizza toppings on wraps, naan breads, pittas and flatbreads – why not give it a try?

Food&Drink

Now

, it’s time for toppings…

The great thing about making your own pizza is how versatile this makes the dish – you can cater to all dietary requirements; use whatever type of cheese you like and really get creative with the toppings. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classics, such as pepperoni and margherita, and there will always be the age-old debate over pineapple (personally, I’m all for it), but here we thought we’d provide some different suggestions to inspire you this National Pizza Day.

Goat’s cheese, rocket and caramelised onion (V) INGREDIENTS: Per individual pizza • 100g soft goat's cheese • 2 big handfuls wild rocket • 2-3 tsp caramelised onion chutney • 2 tbsp tomato purée or homemade pizza sauce

Eggs Florentine pizza INGREDIENTS: Covers two medium pizza bases • 6 bacon rashers • 150g baby spinach leaves • 125ml passata/homemade pizza sauce • 80g grated cheese • 2 eggs (alternatively you can use 3 quails eggs per pizza) • 100g cherry tomatoes, halved METHOD: Preheat oven to 200°C. Heat a large frying pan over high heat.

Add the bacon and cook, turning occasionally, for 5 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Add spinach to pan and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

Place pizza bases on an oven tray. Spread evenly with passata/ homemade pizza sauce and sprinkle with half the cheese. Top with the spinach and bacon then crack an egg in the middle of each pizza. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and top with the tomatoes. Bake in oven for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is golden and egg is cooked as desired.

METHOD: Spread the tomato purée or homemade pizza sauce across the base, top with crumbled goat’s cheese chunks, blobs of caramelised onion chutney and scatter over the rocket.

Cook at 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 for 10 minutes or until base is golden and crisp.

Chicken tikka masala pizza naans INGREDIENTS: Serves 4 • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar • 4 garlic and coriander naan breads • 4 chicken breasts, cut into strips • 2 green peppers, sliced • 2-3 tbsp tikka masala curry paste • 150ml natural yogurt • 1 green chilli, thinly sliced • 1 small pack coriander, leaves torn • Few dollops of mango chutney, to serve

METHOD: Heat oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Toss the red onion with the red wine vinegar and a good pinch of salt and set aside (the vinegar will soften the onion slightly). Put the naan breads on a baking tray, sprinkle over a little water, then put in the oven for 2 minutes to heat up. Put the chicken and peppers in a frying pan with the curry paste, toss together, then fry over a high heat for 6-8 minutes until cooked.

Take the naans out of the oven and spread each with natural yogurt, then top with the chicken, red onion, green chilli, coriander and mango chutney.

41

42

Life&Living

Dreams

delivering Behind the veil of the wedding professionals at Holkam Hall

by Rachel Gilbert

When I say

I work in weddings, a lot of people assume my job is glamorous. It has its moments — stepping into a stately home on a regular basis, sampling food from high-end caterers and liaising with expert suppliers — but it is a lot of hard work and can be stressful.

Like any sector of the hospitality industry, COVID changed the face of weddings. I only started my current role in June, joining co-workers that had cleared many pandemic hurdles. They rebooked countless couples, organised weddings for 15 people and spent countless hours deciphering government guidelines.

When I joined the Holkham team, I was thrown straight in at the deep end with a wedding in my first week. I used to think the thought of spending so much money on flowers or a band was ludicrous, but I quickly found myself sucked in, and understanding how important the little details are on the big day.

Fast forward six months and our little team of three, dubbed “Belle’s Angels,” by one of our regular caterers, has pulled off one of the busiest wedding seasons ever. During this time we delivered 63 espresso martinis served simultaneously, hosted our first Jewish wedding for more than 150 people and welcomed more than three thousand guests in a tight window of time.

I still don’t think my job is glamorous, but it is certainly far from boring. No day is the same, and no day is spent desk-bound. Myself and the other weddings coordinator juggle a myriad of tasks including maintaining the bar in the Lady Elizabeth Wing events space, scheduling staff and showing potential couples the different venues we offer.

43

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Life&Living

Holkham has a wide array of options for every style and taste, ranging from the magnificent Marble Hall to the more rustic Temple, which is tucked away in a wooded area. Most of our couples opt to hold their ceremony in the Hall, before moving into the more modern Lady Elizabeth Wing.

Marquee sites are also very popular, with the choice of the Temple, a grand lake marquee, or the private walled garden — there really isn’t a bad view on the north Norfolk coast. A bespoke wedding at Holkham allows couples to tailor the perfect day, with many couples sticking with a traditional ceremony before a more relaxed reception.

From the day a couple books a wedding with us, someone is on hand to guide them through the planning process. With that said, I am constantly amazed by how seamlessly a wedding can come together.

Each supplier operates their plan with such professionalism, the couples need never worry about things going wrong.

My biggest tip to someone about to embark on the planning process is to trust your suppliers. Your florist, caterer, photographer and musicians do this every day of their lives and are passionate about their craft — trust them to deliver.

On a day to day basis, I find myself calling suppliers to see when they will

Before we open the doors to the reception room, and guests flood in, we sneak the bride and groom in for a quick look. Seeing their faces light up when they see their vision come to life is a special moment — and a sigh of relief when the up-lighters are the right colour. arrive, meeting with couples to discuss updates, or conducting consultations with newly engaged brides. On a wedding day however, everything gets switched up a gear.

Wedding days are full on, but run smoothly with a great team. Sometimes we are problem solving — last minute table plan alterations are a pandemic special. However, most of the time, we are able to enjoy watching a couple’s dreams come true.

Before we open the doors to the reception room, and guests flood in, we sneak the bride and groom in for a quick look. Seeing their faces light up when they see their vision come to life is a special moment — and a sigh of relief when the up-lighters are the right colour. The day is always over quicker than I expect, and usually ends with me chasing after the couple with a card box or a veil.

Reminiscing the next morning is always a highlight, with the couple nursing sore heads. Planning a wedding is such a personal process, by the end, some couples feel more like friends.

We always send them on their way with a box of cake and a car full of flowers, knowing we will have done our best to give them the day of their dreams.

www.holkhamweddings.co.uk @holkhamweddings 45

Life&Living "Belle's angels" - Niamh Walter (left), Belle Hutton (centre), Rachel Gilbert (right)

Niamh Walter

Wedding Coordinator Describe your day to day job role.

My job can entail anything including answering enquiries, telephone consultations with prospective couples, planning meetings with brides, showrounds with couples that potentially want to book with us, lots of team meetings (lots of drinking coffee), talking with suppliers and planning weddings.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I think sometimes when we have a wedding, coordinating all of the different parts can sometimes be quite challenging, and working with the different departments to ensure everything runs smoothly. I think probably the most challenging part is making sure the bride is on time — they’re always late.

46

What is your favourite part of working in weddings?

I really enjoy seeing the families coming together and celebrating the couples.

Especially after covid, seeing families get together for the first time in a couple of years, it’s really lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves and obviously celebrating the very special couple on their day. Having a part in that couple’s day is really lovely.

What advice would you give to a couple planning their wedding?

I would say have a lot of trust in your suppliers. Don’t sweat the little things — there are so many things you might stress about that you won’t even think about on your day. Work with your wedding planner or coordinator and enjoy the process, it’s meant to be fun — not stressful!

Do you have a favourite memory from on the job?

One of my favourite memories is being with the team after a really heavy slog of five events in eight days and we all sort of sat down and collapsed together and went over what had happened in the last week. It was just really lovely to all sit down and think about how many weddings we had down, how many couples we had helped and to reminisce on that with the team.

What type of wedding would you have?

I would get married in a church and then have a marquee somewhere in the summer or autumn. I lean more towards autumn because I love the pretty colours and the deep reds and oranges you can get in the flowers. Sometimes September can be the nicest month of the summer. Definitely a marquee with lots of fairy lights and lots of gin.

Emilia Hudson

Describe your day to day job role.

There really is no such thing as a normal day when working in events, and the variety is one of the reasons I love my job so much! If I am working in the office, I might be helping clients remotely, or holding a tasting or meeting in person. There is always lots of admin to do and I can often be found amending orders or creating floristry and styling proposals for clients.

If I am working out of the office, you’ll probably find me at an event. Working for a full-service events company means we often play different roles on the day. If we are providing the florals and styling, I might be delivering bouquets or setting up an installation, and if we are providing the catering or planning, I’ll be at the event all day to ensure everything runs smoothly and to time.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

When working on someone’s wedding day, it’s one of the most important days of their life and so you want to make sure that every element is perfect.

You’re often juggling lots of different things and coordinating a range of suppliers in order to bring the couple’s vision to life. And of course, you want to ensure everything is what they’d dreamed of and more. There is always that moment of anticipation, when they see everything for the first time, but any stresses are soon made completely worth while when they are happy and celebrating!

Photo: Mark Green Photography

Senior Weddings & Event Manager & Stylist

Photo: Becky Harley

Photo: Becky Harley

What advice would you give to a couple planning their wedding?

Take your time and enjoy the planning process. There is lots to think about and it’s easy to get stressed, but try to enjoy it and come to decisions together! Work out a budget early on and try to stick to it. Think about what’s important to you both and decide on your nonnegotiables and prioritize looking for these first.

It’s so important to spend time finding suppliers you both love and trust. They are going to be a part of one of the most important days of your life and so it’s important to find someone you gel with and whose style and ethos you just love. It’s worth noting that lots of suppliers get booked up quickly and so once you’ve found your dream vendor make sure to get them booked in for your date. Try to start looking early to avoid disappointment.

If you are feeling completely overwhelmed, why not consider a wedding planner? They might seem like an extravagance you can’t justify, but trust me, they could save you costly decisions and expenses further down the line and are invaluable in helping you plan your day.

Life&Living

What is your favourite part of working in weddings?

I am really lucky to have a job which I enjoy so much. The variety of each day means that nothing ever gets repetitive or boring and I love the countless opportunities there are to be creative. I have always been obsessed with styling and interiors, so a job which allows me to create colour schemes and scroll Pinterest for inspiration every day really is the dream!

If I had to choose one favourite thing though, it would probably be helping my couples bring their dreams to life.

The moment they see everything for the first time and are so excited makes all the planning and hard work in the run up to the event totally worth it!

Do you have a favourite memory from on the job?

It’s hard to choose a favourite, as I’ve been lucky enough to be part of some amazing events and work alongside some wonderfully talented suppliers.

Nevertheless, seeing some of the couples I work with finally have their dream day after having to postpone multiple times due to covid is certainly up there.

I am also a big fan of a wedding weekend, and they always tend to stick in my mind. The whole weekend has such a beautiful narrative and by elongating the celebrations there is the opportunity for so many brilliant and special moments. By the end of the weekend, you tend to know most of the guests by name and it’s wonderful to not only have built such a strong relationship with the couple, but their families too.

One of the corporate events which I loved being a part of was The Financial Times Festival in 2019. We completely styled and created bespoke florals for the members area at the festival, and we worked with them from the point of concept right through to the execution of everything on the day. It was absolutely amazing to see it all come to life. I just loved being able to work collaboratively with the team to design such a beautiful set up.

What season would you get married in?

After working in the wedding industry, I often wonder what my own wedding day would be like and where and when I might get married. When thinking about which season, I guess I’d probably go for September, I just love the autumnal tones and florals available at that time of year! www.hallandcoeventdesign.co.uk

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Carrie O’Donnell

Event Pianist Describe your day to day job role.

I am a wedding and event pianist so my day-to-day role varies quite a lot, and a lot of my work is done before the wedding. I have meetings with all of my couples to discuss their music choices prior to their wedding day, so a lot of my time is spent practicing and learning new song requests. I also have to do all of my own admin and marketing, so I have to make sure that I am organised!

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I really love being able to follow my passion of performing music as my job and I am really proud of the business I have built up over the years. I think one of the most challenging parts of my job is probably doing everything myself. As there is only me in my business, I do all of my own marketing, promotion, admin, meetings, performing etc, so I just have to make sure that I am really organised with a big spreadsheet and lists!

What is your favourite part of working in weddings?

My favourite part of working in the wedding industry is being part of a couple’s special day and being trusted to provide the music for one of the most important parts of their lives. I love seeing the emotion that music brings to a wedding, especially for during the ceremony. I also love that I get to work in some of the most amazing venues around Norfolk and Suffolk, doing what I love!

What advice would you give to a couple planning their wedding?

I think that the most important piece of advice would be to plan a day that you both want and something that shows your personalities. I would also say to plan early, as a lot of suppliers can get booked up quite far in advance, and also consider having live music during your day as it really does enhance the ambience and atmosphere!

Do you have a favourite memory from on the job?

There have been so many beautiful weddings that I have had the pleasure of playing at, it’s hard to just pick one memory. The thing that I love about weddings is that each one is always different. I love seeing the personal touches people add and seeing what music people choose. Music evokes so much emotion and I love being responsible for creating this at each wedding. I love that a certain song can mean so much to a couple. There have been times where I have had to write a piece of music out myself due to not being able to find sheet music, because I know how important music is to the wedding day.

What season would you get married in?

If I was to get married, I think it would have to be in the summer, as I love the sun and warmth, although there is something magical about a winter wedding as well. www.carrieodonnell.co.uk

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5.

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1. Platinum halo engagement ring with Diamond set shoulders £2195 2. Platinum Diamond solitaire engagement ring with Diamond set shoulders £5500 3. 18ct yellow Gold bar set wedding band with Princess cut Diamonds £1950 4. 18ct yellow Gold 2.5mm plain band with softened comfort fit lining £450 5. Platinum rubover set Diamond wedding band £1350 6. Platinum 1.00 carat micro-claw set Diamond wedding band £2500 This bridal ring collection, plus many more, are available from Bradley Hatch Jewellers. www.bradleyhatch.com | 01603 782233

I T ' S A N I C E DAY F O R A ...

White ng weddi

With the time for Spring weddings fast approaching, why not treat yourself to something new for the occasion? Over the next couple of pages, you'll find some fabulous wedding guest fashion inspo as we showcase our favourite new items, perfect for a Spring wedding!

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7 1. Ruffle Midi Dress, £79, CHI CHI at House of Fraser. 2. Wide Fit Silver Glitter Gem Pointed Stiletto Heel Sandals, £29.99, New Look. 3. Brioni Casual Shoes, £95, Dune London at House of Fraser. 4. Rosalie Embellished Grey Midi Dress, £150, Monsoon. 5. Azul Small Disc Peppermint Fascinator, £55, Phase Eight. 6. Erin Swirl Downturn Disc Blush Occasion Hat, £50, John Lewis. 7. Blue Chiara Disc Fascinator, £69, Phase Eight at NEXT.

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Fashion

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8. Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress, £87, CHI CHI at House of Fraser.

9. Light Beige Silver Coated Sequined Dress, £39.99, H&M. 10. Yasmine Floral Print Dress, £140, Phase Eight at John Lewis. 11. Bristal Court Shoes, £65, Dune London at House of Fraser. 12. Cream Quilted Clutch Bag, £22, Accessorize.

13. Mauve Glitter Clutch Bag, £22.99, QUIZ. 14. Cream Tie Belt Coat, £59.99, H&M. 15. Green Bardot Frill Hem Midi Dress, £29.99, QUIZ.

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Fashion

Jarrold

Services for Weddings

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Find out more at Jarrold.com Fashion Stylists If you are looking for an outfit for a special occasion, Jarrold's free style sessions are tailored to you with a dedicated stylist who has a love of fashion and passion about making people look and feel their best. Whatever your style, Jarrold will have key pieces for your special event and their special one-hour appointments for ‘The Key Look’ are the perfect opportunity for a stylist to select the perfect outfit from Jarrold's incredible range of brands.

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Personal Beauty Ambassadors Everybody deserves to be spoilt from time to time and a special occasion is a great opportunity to enjoy one of Jarrold's memorable tailored packages with dedicated Personal Beauty Ambassadors to discover the perfect products for you. ‘Occasion Makeup Looks’ offers you an opportunity to spend some time with experts and find the perfect beauty look to suit your outfit.

The service takes an hour and fifteen minutes with the price being completely redeemable against purchases on the day.

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Wedding Gift Registry With over 800 brands to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect items to begin your married life. From the latest kitchen gadgets, beautiful dinner sets, glassware and home accessories to Jarrold gift cards, you’ll be able to make the perfect selection.

Jarrold Restaurants Planning a special daytime get-together before your wedding? Benji’s, The Exchange and The Bay all offer fantastic menus to suit a variety of tastes including sharing platters and glasses of celebratory champagne. Come to Jarrold and enjoy a special day with your bridesmaids, friends and family before the you say ‘I-Do’.

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2 1. Michael Kors Bradshaw medium camel colour block leather messenger bag £345, 2. L.K. Bennet fern nude leather pointed toe courts £229, 3. Orelia London Jewellery long link linear chain silver necklace £25, 4. Phase Eight Naama twist disc fascinator £99, 5. Alex Monroe delicate feather gold heart stud earrings £156, 6. AllSaints dalby white leather biker jacket £299, 7. Phase Eight Abigail fit and flare dress £140, 8. Weekend Max Mara Garbo pleated midi skirt £299, 9. Reiss Faith lace trim satin top £158 All of the above items are available from www.jarrold.co.uk 52

Fashion

Date night

W H AT TO W E A R O N ...

Fancy something new for date night?

Are you stuck for ideas on what to wear?

Whether it's a cosy date night with your partner or an exciting first date with someone new, here are some of the nicest new items to treat yourself to!

Above: Mid Pink Frill High Neck 3/4 Sleeve Mini Dress, £23.99, New Look

Above: Off Shoulder Ruffle Detail Maxi Dress, £27.99, Select

Above: Little Mistress Lace Ruffle Tiered Purple Mini Dress, £70, John Lewis

Above: Zayni Heeled Boots, £119.95, MODA IN PELLE at House of Fraser

Above: Leather Bucket Handbag, £99.99, ZARA

Above: Black Sana Croc Chain Heel Sandal High Heels, £35, Schuh

Above: Black Faux Leather Studded Bag, £18, TU Sainsbury's

Above: Black Floral V Neck Mini Tea Dress, £17.99, New Look

Above: Silver Strappy Heeled Sandals, £65, River Island

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INSTAGRAM @chantelheathfitness

I’m a 41-year-old mother of two girls and one French bulldog, and I’m a Personal Fitness Coach. I work oneto-one with clients aged 18-80, and have additional specialisms in pre and post natal training, GP exercise referral, cancer rehabilitation and pilates. I also run community fitness classes in the Suffolk coastal area.

New Year’s

Resolutions already fallen by the wayside? It’s not too late to turn things around! These are my top reasons why resolutions fail, and what you can do to get back on track...

1. Vague goals.

The first rule of goal setting is to be as specific as possible, getting fit, is vague.

What does it mean? How will you know when you’re fit?

Fix it: Narrow it down, e.g. ‘I will do two fitness classes each week’, ‘I will increase my daily steps from 5,000 to 8,000 each day’. These are specific and measurable.

2. Too many changes.

Embarked on a full lifestyle makeover?

New diet, joined the gym, started going to classes? While that can be fun to start with, if you have taken on too much you will soon know.

Fix it: Choose one thing, or a couple of small things to change at a time. For example, doing one workout each week, and eating more vegetables with every meal. Once these changes become part of your normal routine, change the next thing.

Keeping on track in 2022 3. All or nothing.

People often think that having a ‘bad week’, means they have ruined things and they might as well just give up.

So not true!

Fix it: It’s what you do most of the time that makes the difference. So, aim for hitting your goals 80% of the time, and if you go off track for a few days or even weeks, just refocus as soon as you can.

Treat yourself!

4. Doing things that make you miserable.

Jumped on the latest exercise or diet bandwagon? If you hate spinning, not eating carbs or whatever it may be, you won’t stick with it long term.

Fix it: Find exercise you enjoy, it doesn’t have to be in a gym or class, explore and try a few things! For nutritional guidance, speak to an appropriately qualified PT, or for more specific needs consult a registered dietitian.

5. Being impatient.

If you are feeling unfit and unhappy with your body, you didn’t get there overnight. Many small things changed over months or years for you to arrive where you are now.

Fix it: Give yourself a reality check, accept that it may take you a similar length of time to reverse those changes. Lasting and sustainable change takes time.

6. Lack of social support.

You’re trying to eat well and exercise more, but are struggling with motivation and finding it a bit hard on your own.

Fix it: Tell your family/friends/co workers what your goals are and how they can support you.

Not drinking enough water?

Bottles like these ones from More Water are strangely motivating!

Love a notebook and a list?

There are lots of wellbeing journals available to help you focus on your goals! I love this one... the Fitlosophy Fitspiration Journal available on Amazon £14.28

7. Not knowing your ‘why’.

Why do you want to be healthier?

Fix it: Narrow down your ‘why’. Is it to reduce your chances of suffering with certain illnesses? Is it to support your mental health? Is it to boost your immune system? Identify your why, and remind yourself of that anytime your feel like giving up.

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Life&Living

Chantel Heath

Fitness

Norfolk

New activity finder website for fitness, health and wellbeing launched from Active Norfolk www.everymove.uk

A brand-new

activity finder website, ‘Every Move,’ has been launched by Active Norfolk. This new web-based platform will provide an easy-to-use way to access a broad directory of exercise opportunities across Norfolk for the general public and for health professionals looking to prescribe social and fitness activities.

Active Norfolk Director Ben Jones said: “It is a key part of Active Norfolk’s aim to ‘Get Norfolk Moving’, enabling everyone to have access to opportunities to be more energetic as part of their daily routine and the physical and mental health benefits that this can bring.

“Every Move aims to help people find accessible and attractive ways in which to stay active. We hope that this service will be a key part of helping Active Norfolk achieve its ambitions to make physical activity the norm for everyone. Every Move already has good quality information about numerous activity sessions which take place around the county, and we expect this only to increase as the platform becomes more embedded across the system.”

Mrs Rebecca Hill, owner of Wagdale, a new dog walking site in Barnham Broom who has signed up as business and personal user of the activities on offer with Every Move said: “The Every Move website is a great platform of information and offers lots of activities I would not have otherwise known about.

It is very easy-to-use, all in one place, a unique provider. I think this is the perfect time to launch such a site to encourage people to engage in physical activities and promotes both physical and mental wellness.”

She added: “We listed our company Wagdale on Every Move. We opened Wagdale in Barnham Broom recently to give owners and their dogs time and space for fun in a secure environment.

Mental Health is something close to my heart and when I see how much people smile whilst taking their dogs into our exercise field it really warms my heart.

I know many dogs have been rescued and this is the perfect place for new owners and pets to get to know each

Rebecca Hill, owner of Wagdale with Jacquie Grint Manager of Wagdale. Photo: Kate Morfoot

other. Dogs are therapy in themselves and bring us much joy being part of our families. We are very excited to add Wagdale to the Every Move website and look forward to booking up other activities ourselves from this Active Norfolk campaign.”

Every Move is a standalone website which will ensure users who are looking to find exercise opportunities in their areas have just one place to look. Activity providers, sports clubs and informal activity groups across the county directly list details of their activity sessions including times, locations, dates, facilities and accessibility provision on the site.

Providers and clubs can also upload images of their sessions and detailed descriptions so people looking to start a new form of activity can gain as much information ahead of attending the sessions as possible.

The launch of Every Move has been timed to coincide with ‘peak season’ for physical activity as more people make resolutions to adopt healthier lifestyles through physical activity following the festive and new year periods. The aspiration is that Every Move will enable people at any stage of their physical activity journey to find activity that is right and accessible for them.

One of the key strengths of Every Move is the focus on accessibility.

Providers can specify in detail their

own considerations for people with accessibility needs when uploading their activity sessions. They are also asked several questions about facilities and accessibility considerations at these sessions.

The website already has more than 100 activity providers promoting over 300 regular physical activity sessions across the county, from King’s Lynn to Great Yarmouth. A key consideration for the platform is recognising the diversity of physical activity opportunities there are. With this is mind, the site has been set up to enable providers of all types and sizes to use it.

The activities on Every Move are primarily aimed at informal settings and groups, and the focus is not necessarily about competitive sport. At present there are archery clubs, ballroom dancing sessions, running groups, cricket clubs and yoga and flexibility classes for people to discover, read about and go along to if they so choose.

Every Move has been produced after receiving more than £100,000 of EU programme investment to help increase out of season tourism and support carers of people living with dementia, through the Interreg EXPERIENCE and MONUMENT programmes. www.everymove.uk 57

Life&Living

Active

Sal thouse Harbour Kate Morfoot from www.LoveToEatToTravel.com enjoys great views and fabulous food in Ipswich

Our

destination, the Salthouse Harbour Hotel in Ipswich, provided us with a great getaway to enjoy a night away. It’s lovely to have a change of scenery and this was the plan when my mother and I wanted some time together and to celebrate her birthday.

This hotel has been on my radar for sometime, having been recommended to me by a friend. It’s ideal for a night or two away for a special occasion. It’s fashionable and describes itself as a ‘boutique hotel with a contemporary feel,’ located on the Ipswich Waterfront at Neptune Quay alongside bustling cafés and wine bars, DanceEast and the University of Suffolk’s Ipswich Campus.

The Waterfront has been the at the heart of Ipswich's transformations over the town's 1,500-year history. From early Saxon settlers and Viking invasions to global maritime trade and luxury yacht building. From here you can take either one of two river trips on the Orwell Lady or on the Sailing Barge Victor.

During the winter, Barge Victor offers the popular Birds by Barge trip, a special birdwatching experience.

The view from our bedroom over the marina was stunning, offering a spectacular

Hotel

Life&Living

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Stay at the Swan Enjoy a delicious three course dinner and stay midweek in one of our rooms with breakfast for just £69* per person per night.

We’re located in the pretty market town of Loddon on the River Chet, just a short drive from Norwich and the coast.

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Offer not available on Bank Holidays.

Life&Living

sunset and sunrise in addition to posh motorboats moored up! Our bedroom was warm and luxurious with a comfortable king-sized bed. I was impressed to see a Melin Tregwynt cover on the bed, made from by a tiny Welsh wool mill on the coast of Pembrokeshire which I have previously visited.

Each bedroom in the hotel has been individually designed. Some feature copper baths overlooking the marina, ours had a luxurious roll top bath and walk-in rain shower with eco-friendly toiletries.

Dining at the hotel’s restaurant The Eaterie is a delight. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and the food is mostly sourced locally. There’s a mixture of well-known producers supplying Dedham Vale steak and locally caught wild seabass, as well as the famous Binham Blue and Baron Bigod cheeses.

For starters, there’s an incredible selection of nibbles priced around £5, these include tempura gherkins, crispy Cajun calamari, honey and sherry glazed chorizo or larger starters from £6.50 to £15, including duck liver and calvados parfait spiced apricot and truffle brioche, south coast king scallops, Morcela sausage, truffled celeriac and shaved bottarga.

The main courses include 28 day aged chargrill steak served with chunky chips, confit tomato and bearnaise sauce £28, red wine poached quince butternut squash with Binham Blue, Castelfranco salad, clementine and truffle dressing £15, seafood goujons £17 and wild mushroom and artichoke rigatoni with smoked almond pesto, £18. My choice was the wild local seabass, chorizo and tomato cassoulet, £22, all tasty and beautifully presented. If you have room, then you won’t be disappointed by the puddings, sadly we were too full! But tempting as they were, we could have had dark chocolate fondant, plum jam and Mirabelle plum sorbet!

After a comfortable night’s sleep and

a delicious breakfast, with a glass of birthday bucks fizz for Mum, we set off home, taking a diversion, via Goodies Food Hall off the A140. This upmarket ‘farm shop’ is a smaller version of Harrods food hall. It’s a deluxe food emporium, stocked full of delicious goodies and drinks, specialist items from biscuits to chutneys, fresh fruit and vegetables, cakes, chocolates, you name it, they have it with a good range from local producers too. I was pleased to bump into my friend providing a tasting of her new Kombucha brand, Kulture Tonic, which is being stocked another fantastic product from a local producer!

Goodies Food Hall also has a wellearned reputation for quality meat and local produce. Their master butchers

are on hand to assist at their amazing butchery department where you will see these professionals at work.

They pride themselves on being local, even the beef is handpicked from Bramfield meats which is matured for 28 days to produce the best quality cuts. Their pork is sourced 11 miles from the Food Hall. The Gunton Hall Estate supplies venison and seasonal game that includes wild duck, pheasant, partridge and rabbit.

The cheese counter is impressive! It stocks around 60 cheeses, making it one of the largest cheese counter selections in the region. Goodies has its own ready meals range and a bakery too.

Adjoining the shop is a new restaurant which serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea, seven days a week!

SALTHOUSE HARBOUR HOTEL Neptune Quay, Ipswich, IP4 1 AX. To book call 01284 714014 Prices are from £135 bed and breakfast. www.salthouseharbour.co.uk Goodies Food Hall, French’s Farm, Wood Lane, Pulham, Diss, IP21 4XU Follow Kate on Instagram @Love2Eat2Travel

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House&Home

Garden February

with Tom

Tom Strowlger @garden_with_tom

February

is the last month of meteorological winter and brings us sure signs that spring is around the corner, with daylight hours increasing and wildlife awakening from winter’s slumber. In the garden we will see a wide range of spring bulbs coming through the topsoil of our beds, borders and pots. The snowdrops and crocuses are already flowering whilst daffodils, hyacinth, muscari, alliums and tulips hold out for the milder days of springtime.

February gives us gardeners the opportunity to get ready for spring by giving our evergreen shrubs a prune before the growing season arrives. During milder spells of weather, we can plant newly

bought shrubs, trees and bare root roses into the ground. The weather in February can range widely from frosts and snow to milder sunny days so us gardeners will need to keep an eye on the weather forecast.

This is a month where we can get ahead of mother nature; we can start sowing the seeds of our favourite flowers in indoor propagators and seed trays. The seeds will require the warmth and light of a greenhouse or indoor room for the germination process to be successful. We can sow and grow cosmos, cornflower, nigella, rudbeckia, sweet pea, salvia and zinnia to name but a few in readiness for planting out the seedlings in springtime.

There is still time to create a new border in your garden or build a raised bed, either would give you extra space to grow and enjoy even more plants and flowers. A border can be dug out directly into the ground or a raised bed built by placing railway sleepers into an interlocking square and filling it with a bottom layer of soil and top layer of compost.

We can spend a few days planting out our late spring and summer bulbs, tubers and corms into our new and existing raised beds, borders and pots. The allium globemaster, anemones, lilies, begonia, crocosmia and dahlia flowers will make the garden come alive in the heady days of summer.

The pots and containers in the garden will have taken a bit of a battering over winter so we need to get them ready for springtime by giving them a good clean. Also checking they have adequate drainage holes and adding pieces of a broken terracotta pot into the base of each container to improve the soak away process.

So let’s enjoy the last month of winter beauty with a skip in our gardening step as it won’t be long before we can spend more time in the garden. Let us get our gardening gloves on and get cracking into the last of the winter jobs whilst we daydream about daffodil season and springtime.

Please do follow me on Instagram @garden_with_tom for more seasonal gardening advice and tips.

This month's

TOP TIPS: Cut back perennials ready for the new growing season Put up a nest box

Clean your lawnmower Keep feeding the birds Keep off a frosty lawn, footsteps can snap and kill the frozen grass

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Inspiring Women

g n i r i p Ins women Rebecca Mackenzie Rachel Gilbert talks to another local inspirational woman.

Rebecca

Mackenzie went to West Suffolk College with the dream of becoming a chef, but was steered towards the front of house instead.

Now, after more than two decades of experience running events and weddings, managing a Top 100 pub and hotel and hosting events for royalty, Rebecca has no regrets.

Today Rebecca runs Mackenzie David Events, a catering company, with her husband, Stephen David. The couple run the family business out of Aldeburgh Yacht Club, and travel as a team to venues across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Stephen is the head chef, and Rebecca leads the front of house brigade.

“It’s a bit cheesy but if we aren’t working together, it feels like my left arm is chopped off,” Rebecca said. “We bring that yin and yang respect and trust for each other. If we disagree on anything we discuss it after work, not in front of staff.”

The match wasn’t, however, perfect from day one. The pair met when working at Hintlesham Hall and didn’t click — Rebecca recalled falling out over a mistake with pudding orders for a large table, resulting in far too many desserts roaming the dining room.

Shortly after, Rebecca found herself sitting next to Stephen at the staff party, and the pair ended up talking all night — they have been inseparable ever since.

Rebecca’s CV has expanded significantly since she started in the industry. She has been flown around the globe to learn from the best in the business, resulting in a host of accolades.

The Hoste Arms was named a Times’ Top 100 hotel and Earsham Street Cafe won cafe of the year thanks to the duo.

With hindsight, Rebecca is grateful to the lecturer that pushed her into front of house. “It’s my forte, I love the creativity involved,” she said. “Everyone is different, I love seeing all of the details come together.”

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It all started with helping her parents run a B&B, now Rebecca’s daughter, Madeleine is following in her footsteps into hospitality management. Rebecca always knew Maddie would join the family business, she would help at events in exchange for 50p tips — collecting napkins and clearing plates.

Running a catering business is

60% of Mackenzie David’s business lies in weddings which suits Rebecca as her favourite. Often, they will build a relationship with a couple over two years before the big day — forging a lasting relationship.

Word of mouth is vital in the industry, and they are often invited back for further family events. After catering for

Couples should try to have a bit of direction for what they want, not their family or outside influences, it’s their day. I try to use the wealth of knowledge suppliers bring, I try to think of things the couple might not have thought of. no mean feat — the family spends long hours working weekends and unsociable hours, making other people’s events special.

“You need to have that passion and drive to do it,” Rebecca said. “Over long hours we see that event being built up with all of the suppliers, it’s like painting on a canvas. We see it start to finish, then clear down and get ready for the next one.”

Since the family business started, however, they have managed to find a good work/life balance. Sundays are family days, and everyone sits down at the table to eat together. Rebecca gets a look-in on the kitchen at home, when Stephen has been behind the stove all day — “it’s nice to come home and play mum,” she said.

When on the job, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone as passionate as Rebecca. Approximately

weddings, they have followed up with christening parties, anniversaries and birthdays. Some couples transition from clients to friends, Rebecca said.

Rebecca doesn’t necessarily have a favourite part of running a wedding, but advised couples to try to enjoy the planning as much as the day itself. She enjoys guiding a couple from the day they book until the end of their wedding celebration.

“Couples should try to have a bit of direction for what they want, not their family or outside influences, it’s their day,” Rebecca said. “Try to use the wealth of knowledge suppliers bring, I try to think of things the couple might not have thought of.”

Teamwork is core to Rebecca’s success, she recalled some of the lessons from her own mentors — Paul Whittombe, Mitchell Everard and Tim Rowan Robinson – all successful figures in hospitality. They pushed Rebecca to constantly learn and be open to new ideas, something she is passing on to her staff.

“It is important to be critical of yourself and see it from the bride’s perspective,” Rebecca said. “If staff have an idea or have seen something new, we will always be open to try things.” www.mackenzie-david.co.uk @mackenziedavidevents

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