NEARLYWED NEWS

ON THE MOVE

After decades in its current position opposite Chester Cathedral, the team at O’Hares Jewellers are excited to announce that they’re relocating to larger premises. Moving to the former Waltons Jewellers beneath the Eastgate Clock, at 45 Eastgate Street, Chester, they’re very much looking forward to welcoming customers from November 2022 at this new permanent home. The workshop too will be moving here so O’Hares can continue to offer repairs on site.

Pop in to find out more about shopping for your wedding rings and big-day jewellery, and check out www.oharesjewellers.co.uk

Catch up on the latest from around the county

WUNDERBAR!

Leading bar and restaurant brand Albert’s Schloss is set to open its third UK site in Liverpool in November 2022. Following a £3million investment, Albert’s Schloss Liverpool will take over a former food market at Radiant House, at 18-26 Bold Street.

Beautifully restored with a grand AngloBavarian design aesthetic, the venue will be spread across two floors. The ground floor will house a large stage with nextlevel performances, two impressive large bars, a fresh tank bier system and a Cook Haus dining area. Meanwhile, the first floor will be home to Ludwig’s Tavern, offering artisan Schnapps, a vermouth bar, shuffleboard and other tavern games.

By night, Albert’s Schloss will present seven days of fantastic showtime including cabaret performances and live music. The entertainment venue will also be a new home to more than 100 freelance artists, serving up fun and flamboyant performances every night of the week. The programme includes Kunst Kaberet, Baby Grand Slam, Friday Frolich, Sunday Service and everything in between.

Over at the 130-cover restaurant, the Cook Haus, all-day, everyday dining will be on offer. Influenced by Albert’s Schloss travels across Alpine Europe, the menu highlights include Klassics such as schweinshaxe and schnitzel.

To find out what the latest Liverpool hotspot can offer you for your hen, stag or sten check out www.albertsschloss.co.uk VINE TO SHINE

It’s no secret that English wine has been a work in progress since it first launched in the 1990s. But now, thanks to the change in the weather and thriving soil quality across the country, the British beverage is having a real moment. Carden Park Estate’s production of English sparkling wine from its vineyard tucked away towards the back of the Estate is no exception. With a story that dates back to 1988, the vineyard has thrived year on year since the vines were planted. Following dedication, hard work and a lot of nurturing, the 4,000 vines are now able to produce up to 6,000 bottles of quality Carden Park Estate Reserve Sparkling every year and the Estate’s fine-dining restaurant, The Vines, has now hired a new head sommelier, Patryk Kapelinski. Bringing an in-depth knowledge of wine, how to perfectly pair it with food and identify its characteristics, Patryk has been working in the industry for more than 15 years.

Having worked with the team through a record hot summer, Patryk shares his predictions for the future of English wine: “Throughout the summer, I walked past the vines every day on my way to work to see how they were doing and each day, they were visibly thriving more and more. With less moisture and dryer air, this year’s harvest in October is set to be the best yet. I can’t wait!”

Find out more at www.cardenpark.co.uk

Gill Collins Ceremonies is helmed by Liverpool-based celebrant Gill. She’s one of the newest celebrants on the block in the Cheshire and Merseyside region having qualified earlier this year, and she can’t wait to bring her own brand of understanding, care and attention to detail to local couples’ wedding ceremonies.

With an extensive background in healthcare, Gill has cared for and helped people throughout all stages of their lives, which we understand has made her see the incredible value in important life events and occasions such as weddings. She also loves nothing more than living life to the fullest and you’ll often find her salsa dancing, climbing hills with her four-legged friend and enjoying good food and wine with fine company.

“I really enjoy the stories people tell me about their lives, how they met, what they love about each other and what makes them laugh,” Gill explains. “If you choose me to be your celebrant, I promise to write you a ceremony that’s bespoke and personal. Your ideas, wishes and dreams will be woven into the fabric of the ceremony to make your special day one that you’ll never forget.”

To find out more, head over to www.gillcollinsceremonies.co.uk

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

Debbie Bennett owner of Wirral-based florist Lilac & Thyme

Please tell us about Lilac & Thyme. We’re a wedding florist based on The Wirral and are passionate about all we do! The business was born out of my passion for all things floral. I’m a self-taught florist and am fanatical about learning new skills. We work with creative flair to put together beautiful fresh and faux flower displays for all occasions. We love what we do and put our heart and soul into our work to ensure that your wedding flowers are all you’ve dreamed of and more. From consultation to the actual day, we’re with you every step of the way, guiding you and recommending seasonal flowers and styles to suit your theme.

What do you love most about working with weddings? It has to be seeing the look on a bride’s face on the morning of the wedding, when she sees her bouquet. It’s an image I never tire of!

What’s your proudest achievement so far? We’ve had the privilege for two years in a row to be nominated for wedding florist of the year at a local prestigious wedding awards event, and we got through to the finals both times too. To say this was a huge honour for us is an understatement. The fact that our brides nominated and voted for us made what we do even more satisfying than it already was. We’re a small business and were up against large florists with up to 10 staff, so to be recognised like this was a huge achievement.

Find out more about Lilac & Thyme at www.lilacandthyme.co.uk WINNING WAYS

The winners of the UK Jewellery Awards 2022 were revealed recently at the Hilton London Metropole, and John Pass Jewellers, which has a store in Crewe, Cheshire, scooped up the win for Retail Sales Team of the Year. The team were praised by the expert judging panel for creating a team spirit that other businesses would be proud to emulate.

Marking its 30th anniversary this year, the UK Jewellery Awards, organised by jewellery and watch industry title Retail Jeweller, is the country’s longest-running and most prestigious trade awards event. With 21 targeted categories, the awards cover every aspect of the industry from jewellery design and ethical business practice to customer service and successful retailing.

So, to make sure you’re looked after by an award-winning team when you shop for your wedding rings head over to www.johnpass.co.uk

© Phil Weedon

SPA HEAVEN

The independent family-owned Manor House Hotel in Alsager, Cheshire, which started life as a 17th-century farmhouse, has finished its second phase of spa developments and has opened its new English Country Spa Garden.

Making the most of the natural light and fresh air, this exciting new addition is inspired by the hotel’s picturesque rural location. Here, you can relax in the stunning outdoor seating areas come rain or shine or wander around the garden visiting the large vitality pool, sunken table top hydrotherapy tub, The Pavilion with a panoramic laconium and the Summer House where you can find the light relaxation lounge and patio. Then, make your way through a thermal journey and visit the salt steam inhalation chamber and the Potting Shed herbal sauna before braving the icy cool plunge bath.

The final phase still to come is the Pool House. This will be an inviting space for solo spa goers, couples, friends and groups to gather in a house of relaxed elegance and pure laidback luxe. It’s the perfect hideout to enjoy a selection of delectable beverages and sweet treats. So, don’t delay grab your hens or spouse-to-be as there are a range of spa days and spa stays available with prices starting at £95 per person.

Discover more at www.manorhousealsager.com