Life Magazines (Hertfordshire editions) December 2017

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FROM THE

P

EDITOR

roudly sitting at the top of George Street in St Albans is the showroom and workshop of award-winning Designer Goldsmith Christopher Wharton and his son Sam. Born and bred in St Albans, the Wharton family have been an integral part of the city’s life since 1947, and this year celebrate their 70th anniversary. During this time, they have built a reputation for excellent quality, workmanship and personal service that is second to none. This festive season, Harry Potter fans are invited to experience Christmas time at Hogwarts and with their magical makeover for Hogwarts in the Snow, you can discover how film-makers created fire, ice and snow that never melts!

Sopwell House Hotel & Spa has created a first-class Festive Cocktail Menu featuring a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Guests can enjoy these festive tipples in the hotel’s elegant Cocktail Lounge.

As we celebrate more than half a century of James Bond films and wait with anticipation for Daniel Craig’s next instalment of stunts, style and stupendous womanising, film expert Damon Smith reveals how each of the six 007 actors fared in the role.

This year’s St Albans Christmas Market is gearing for up its busiest year yet as it celebrates its 5th anniversary. The market, in the walled Vintry Garden of the Cathedral Quarter, is preparing to welcome 120,000 visitors this year and will be open for longer than ever before.

Faye Manning Editor

THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

Editor

17, The Broadway, Old Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5HZ, UK www.thelifemagazines.com 0844 800 8439

Faye Manning ••••• Editor Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor

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Alex Lux ••••• business DEVELOPMENT manager Nicci Chatham •••••

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64 Watling Street, Radlett, WD7 7NP Tel: 01923 850444 | Fax: 01923 850456 Email: sales@radlettpremierbathrooms.co.uk www.radlettpremierbathrooms.co.uk

MONEYHILL.indd All Pages

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28/10/2015 18:49

out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – i mag e : T H E C R A Z Y B E A R

OUT & ABOUT

until 24 december

Christmas Craft Fair & Santa’s Grotto Enjou the Shepreth Wildlife park’s Christmas Craft Fair and take the little ones to Santa’s Grotto where they will receive a Christmas gift.

Adults 16 years and over £11.95.

Children 2 - 15 years £9.95, under 2’s free.

Shepreth Wildlife Park, Shepreth, Hertfordshire SG8 6PZ

[ event s ]

the calendar 16 december

until 8 january

17 december

Christmas Craft Fair Shop for beautiful crafted gift ideas, try your hand at traditional fair games and taste the joys of christmas with our mince pies and mulled wine at the bar whilst listening to our Christmas Carolers. Join in our sports games and you could win our crazy catch challenge and netball shootout challenge! Feeling crafty? Get creative in our kids craft activity corner. We even have a bouncy castle! We’ve teamed up with our local community to raise money for Mind Charity. Enter our raffle to win their top prizes! Doors open 10am-3pm.

Redbourn leisure centre, 75 Dunstable Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL37PP 8 DECEMBER 2017

Christmas Pudding Walk A self-led walk, following the puddings on this way-marked route through the woodland.

The whole family can enjoy this walk through Ashridge in winter.

Booking not needed. Not suitable for small children. Dogs on leads welcome. 10am-3pm. Meet at the visitor centre.

Ashridge Estate, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 1LX

Christmas Spectacular Join The Opus 17 Swing Band with vocalist Kimberley Devonshire and The Bones Apart trombone quartet, to give your Christmas a swinging start. The programme will include Christmas favourites from across the musical spectrum. Vocals from the Maria Carey, Brenda Lee and Ella Fitzgerald song books will be performed by the fabulous, Kimberley Devonshire. Opus 17 will play Christmas numbers in the big band groove, and Bones Apart will bring their own special magic to the evenings proceedings. As well as this musical feast, those attending will be treated to a buffet supper prepared by the band’s own, Mr Terry Veasey, well known for both his musical and culinary skills. A licensed bar will be available throughout the evening.

The Greeneway School, Garden Walk, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 7JF

6-7 january

Bride: The Wedding Show at Knebworth Barns Held in the picturesque setting of Knebworth Park, Bride: The Wedding Show Show at Knebworth Barns is an essential diary date for brides- and grooms-tobe in Hertfordshire. Meet a large variety of local wedding businesses in person and and get lost in the abundance of inspiration and ideas on offer. Enjoy the spectacular choreographed catwalk show in the designated barn - a highlight not to be missed - taking place three times daily at 11.30am, 1.15pm and 3pm. The finest gowns, menswear, bridesmaids’ dresses and guest-wear will be on display and the performance will be unforgettable. Brides-to-be will also be gifted a free copy of Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Bedfordshire Bride magazine and a goody bag containing treats and samples is available to the first 100 brides through the door each day. There will also be show-exclusive deals and discounts, as well as competitions to win amazing prizes for your wedding.

Knebworth Barns, Knebworth, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2AX

PANTOMIME TIME

7 december -7 january

Aladdin Whatever you do, don’t miss our fun-packed family pantomime, Aladdin. There’ll be comedy, singing, dancing, stunning sets, dazzling costumes, and a top-quality West End cast! Once again the show will be written by Paul Hendy and brought to you by Evolution, the producers of 2016’s hilarious production of Snow White. This years pantomime promises to be our biggest, best and funniest panto ever! Tickets for our Pantomime always sell out quickly so don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic in St Albans.

Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD

15-29 december

The Snow Queen A family show for all ages. Young Gerda bravely sets off to search for Kai, her best friend, who has been captured and imprisoned by the evil Snow Queen in her ice palace. Gerda needs help from the people and animals she meets and from the audience (that’s you!) to rescue Kai. Will Gerda arrive too late – or will Kai be saved?

Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 2DL

16 DECEMBER - 31 DECEMBER

20 december

Popdance Kids Christmas Holiday Camp If your child loves pop music then they are going to LOVE our Popdance Kids Holiday Camps. For boys and girls aged 5-11, our camps cover the school day - 9am to 3.15pm and are jam-packed full of dance, activities and also we take the children next door to DJ Jungles for a play. Arrive a little earlier to pick up to see what the children have been practising during the day. Just £20 per day which includes time in DJ Jungle too All Saints Studios, 156 St Albans Road, Sandridge, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 9LP

14 december

Carol Concert in aid of Cancer Research UK Chipperfield Choral Society concert in celebration of Christmas, including some carols for all to sing Proceeds in aid of Cancer Research UK followed by mince pies and mulled wine in the Junction Admission by ticket only. 8pm.

Christ Church, The Common, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 5SG

Peter Pan Once again, The Bull Theatre are inviting you to join them on an exciting, magical journey. Following on from some very successful recent productions, this years’ action packed Pantomime adventure promises to be fun for the whole family.

Tickets £10 - £14. Selected dates, check out the website for more information: www.thebulltheatre.com.

The Bull Theatre, 68 High Street, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 5SJ

until 22 december

Dick Whittington The whole family can enjoy this pantomime with a star cast to be announced! Various dates, please check the website for details: www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk. Tickets £14 or £12 concessions, Group discounts available.

Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 1PD

until 6 january

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs One for all the family! On Thursday 28 December at 1pm a relaxed performance – created to be a more relaxed presentation of the production, with adapted sound and lighting and minor script adjustments, plus increased wheelchair capacity. Patrons with a learning or physical disability, autistic spectrum condition, or sensory or communication disorder are especially welcome Selected dates, see website for details: www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3JG DECEMBER 2017 9

OUT & ABOUT

St Albans’ Vintry Garden Christmas Market celebrates 5th birthday

T

his year’s St Albans Christmas Market is gearing for up its busiest year yet as it celebrates its 5th anniversary. The market, in the walled Vintry Garden of the Cathedral Quarter, is preparing to welcome 120,000 visitors this year and will be open for longer than ever (for 29 days) from 25th November to 23rd December, giving shoppers even more opportunity to get some last-minute festive gifts.

It will have more than 40 stalls selling a wide range of gifts and goodies, including decorations, jewellery, clothing and homeware.

And this year the Christmas Market will be putting food, drink and entertainment at the heart of the festive experience. New for this year is the Tinseltown Tipi, which will be providing a stage for a packed programme of entertainment. Think fire eaters, choirs, jazz bands, ukulele groups, dance troupes and circus acts as well as public DJ decks so that people can try their hand at spinning tunes.

The tipi will be located alongside the market’s main bar and food providers. As well as the traditional European-style bratwurst and gluhwein at the Christmas Market, there will also be hot pork rolls, crepes and galettes to tuck into.

For those with a sweet tooth, there will be the ever-popular hot chocolate from highly regarded local outlet Hatch. Coffee and doughnuts, cupcakes, crepes and galettes, and a wide range of other sweet treats, including chocolate kisses, will also be sold at the market.

There’s lots of new additions as well this year that will make the market more magical than ever before, including a best-dressed chalet competition and a

10 DECEMBER 2017

Nutcracker Trail.

The Nutcracker Trail will feature 15 6ft 5ins tall Nutcracker soldiers and one 12ft Nutcracker King that will be dotted around the city from the end of November. Visitors will be given a Nutcracker booklet containing a map to find the soldiers and write down their names. Once they have completed the trail sheet, they pop it in a special post-box in the city centre to be in with a chance of winning an iPad. There will also be a snow globe outside Santa’s Grotto so that visitors can grab the perfect festive photo.

The Santa Express will be bringing festive fun seekers to the Christmas Market on the Abbey Line, which runs between Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey, the nearest station to the Christmas Market. Santa and his elves will be on board the Santa Express giving out festive gifts to children, along with face painters and balloon modellers.

Tap-dancing turkeys and bouncing snowmen will be out in force around St Albans city centre in the run-up to Christmas Market organiser Liz Marcy said: “The St Albans Christmas market is unique because it takes place in the Cathedral’s walled Vintry Garden, which has led many of the previous years’ stallholders to give it the accolade of the prettiest Christmas Market in the UK. The market has improved each year since its early days and now it’s opening for 29 days with a bigger and better shopping and entertainment offering, it’s set to be more successful than ever.”

For more information: www.enjoystalbans.com/christmasmarket

“It will have more than 40 stalls selling a wide range of gifts and goodies, including decorations, jewellery, clothing and homeware”

OUT & ABOUT

Christmas at Squire’s in Stanmore S quire’s Garden Centre in Stanmore has got Christmas all wrapped up this year!

Browse their huge range of Christmas gifts, trees, dazzling decorations and sparkling lights, then relax and enjoy a drink, lunch or afternoon tea in their stylish Cafe Bar. They also have fantastic events for all the family, including a Circus and a Christmas Wreath Masterclass.

11.30am and 3pm. Tickets are £10 per person. Book online at squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Christmas Wreath or Candle Centrepiece Masterclass – Friday 8th December On Friday 8th December come to Squire’s in Stanmore at 10am or 2pm to create a Christmas wreath for your front door, or a candle centrepiece for your dining table. You’ll be given a fresh Noble Fir ring to decorate with pinecones, petite baubles, snow spay and dried flowers. As well as tuition from Squire’s gardening experts, and all materials to make your wreath or candle centrepiece, you’ll also get a voucher for tea or coffee and cake in the Café Bar, plus 10% off any plants purchased that day. The masterclass lasts around an hour and tickets are £25 per person. Advanced booking is essential.

“You’ll be given a fresh Noble Fir ring to decorate with pinecones, petite baubles, snow spay and dried flowers”

Christmas Lunch – Daily 12pm-3pm Come and enjoy a fabulous Christmas lunch at Squire’s. It’s available every day from now until 23rd December from 12pm-3pm, and costs £15.95 for 2-courses or £18.95 for 3-courses, with reduced prices for children. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available. Advanced booking is required.

Festive Cream Tea – Daily from 2.30pm Squire’s has a very special Festive Cream Tea every afternoon in December. As well as a pot of looseleaf tea, scones, jam and Devon clotted cream, you’ll also get a Panettone Tiramisu, plus two macarons, all for just £7.50 per person! A gluten free option is available. No booking required.

Christmas Circus – On now until 31st December Roll up, roll up, the circus is in town! There is a very special circus in the Big Top at Squire’s in Stanmore, with two shows, one pre-Christmas and one postChristmas – the jaw-dropping acts include uni-cycling, aerial skills, juggling, and Boris the amazing dancing polar bear! Plus after the show each child will meet Santa and receive a present! Show times are 10.30am, 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Tickets are £12 per person. The Traditional Circus runs from 27th to 31st December, with new acts including bounce juggling, cube manipulation and aerial acrobatics. Show times are 12 DECEMBER 2017

THE DETAILS Squire’s Garden Centre, Common Road, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 3JF. T: 020 8954 4628. www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

FEATURE

& David Beckham launch

The Capsule Collection

D

avid Beckham has made many headlines and graced hundreds upon hundreds of magazine covers due to his football-defining career and impeccable sartorial choices. Known the world over as one of the sport’s biggest stars, the British cultural icon’s journey has seen him representing some of the best teams in the world, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, A.C. Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

Now adidas Football have launched a new footwear collection designed with one of its most iconic partners, David Beckham.

It all started with a handwritten letter that David Beckham wrote when he was 18 years old. He had just scored his first goal and was looking for someone to sponsor him with some free boots. adidas accepted the talented, but at the time pretty unknown player’s humble request and if you fast forward two decades, their relationship is still going

14 DECEMBER 2017

strong. The launch of the Capsule Collection celebrates the 20 year partnership between them.

The David Beckham Capsule Collection features three new adidas shoes in three iconic colours (white, black, red) for three specific arenas (stadium, street, cage). The first of these is the stadium boot, a ‘remastered’ version of the Predator Accelerator which comes in a triple-white colour scheme. The decorated midfielder wore the Predator Accelerator for the majority of his career, creating history for club and country in the process. Beckham won various trophies at club level – including six Premier League titles and one Champions League with Manchester United – while wearing the famous boots. Some of these moments were chosen by the player and stitched into the collar of each item of the collection. His success while wearing the boots proved to be a vital part in launching the collection, with the former midfielder playing a central role in the design process.

“It all started with a handwritten letter that David Beckham wrote when he was 18 years old. He had just scored his first goal and was looking for someone to sponsor him with some free boots”

David Beckham said: “When I look back on the best moments of my career, the one defining theme of them all is the adidas Predator. It has always been there, helping me play my best when it mattered most. That’s why when adidas offered me the chance to design an updated version of the boot for on-pitch, in the cage and on the street, I absolutely jumped at the chance.”

The three shirt numbers synonymous with Beckham’s career are marked on the heel of each shoe – 23 on the triple-white ‘Stadium’ boot, 32 on the triple-black ‘Street’ shoe and the famous number 7 on the triple-red ‘Cage’ shoe. Even the lettering blends the original Predator typeface with Beckham’s name and number to produce a modern twist on a classic.

The power of the Beckham influence continues to pull strings long after his playing days, evidential by the hype stirred up by his appearance in London for the launch. Beckham kicked it off by surprising a group of young footballers by joining their 5-a-side game in East London. The players, from the adidas Tango Squad, initially believed that they were simply testing out the new Cage footwear from the adidas x David Beckham Capsule Collection, until the man himself turned up for a kick a round!

Sam Handy, Adidas Vice President Product Design said: “Our limited-edition capsule collection releases are designed to pay homage to the rich history of adidas while introducing modern technology that keeps pace with the requirements of peak performance. There are few more longer-standing partnerships in sport than David Beckham’s with adidas and so working with David on his own footwear collection was something we were all extremely excited about. We know that these will be iconic products for so many fans and collectors.”

Prices for each of the shoes in the David Beckham Capsule Collection vary - the triple-white remastered Predator Accelerator boots are £299.95 in the UK, with the triple-black street shoes less at £219.95, while the triple-red cage or astro-turf shoes are the lowest at £179.95.

The new collection is available from selected stores and can be purchased via adidas.com/ Predator.. For further information please visit www.adidas.com/football or follow @adidasfootball on Instagram or twitter to join the conversation.

DECEMBER 2017 15

OUT & ABOUT

Upcoming Events

R eci p es :

Festive Cocktails at Sopwell House

S

opwell House Hotel & Spa has created a first-class Festive Cocktail Menu featuring a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Guests can enjoy these festive tipples in the hotel’s elegant Cocktail Lounge. The Amaro Mio and Festive Mojito will join a wider festive cocktail selection, including the Christmas Appletizer, Mint Hot Chocolate, Frangelico and Home Cuddle. The cocktails are priced at from £8.50 each.

Stefano Litti, Restaurant and Bars Manager at Sopwell House, reveals the recipes for two of the decadent drinks available this December 2017.

Amaro Mio Ingredients: • 25ml Amaretto • 25ml Dark Rum • 50ml Cranberry Juice • 50ml Apple Juice • 10ml Ginger Juice • Garnish: • 1 Cinnamon Stick, 1 Glacé Cherry and a pinch of Cinnamon Powder.

Method: Add the amaretto, dark rum, cranberry, apple and ginger juice to the cocktail shaker. Shake and serve in a short tumbler glass filled to the top with ice.

Garnish the cocktail with the cinnamon stick and a glacé cherry. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder and enjoy!

16 DECEMBER 2017

Festive Mojito Ingredients: • 50ml Cranberry Juice • 50ml Apple Juice • 10ml Mint Syrup • 5ml Gomme Syrup • 5ml Lemon Juice • Garnish: Red Currants, Mint Leaves, and a wedge of Lime.

Method: Build the mocktail by adding the cranberry juice, apple juice, gomme and mint syrup to a shaker.

Shake thoroughly to ensure it is fully muddled.

Prepare a high ball glass with ice and strain the cocktail over the top. Add red currants, mint leaves and a wedge of lime to add a finishing touch.

Sopwell House, Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, AL1 2HQ. For reservations, please call: 01727 864477; www.sopwellhouse.co.uk

The Brasserie: The hotel’s relaxed brasserie will be serving its legendary buffet lunch of turkey with all the trimmings for £28.50 per person, and a traditional festive three-course dinner for £35.00 per person.

The Restaurant: Sopwell House’s award-winning 2AA Rosette restaurant will be offering set lunch and dinner Christmas menus. Priced at £38.00 for lunch, and dinner at £39.50.

Christmas Joiner Party Night: On 15 December 2017, Sopwell House will host a joiner party in their very own winter wonderland.

Prices start from £79 per person.

Christmas Eve Dinner & Dance: Guests can dance their way through to Christmas day in the St Alban Suite with a spectacular dinner and disco on 24 December. Priced at £69 per person.

Christmas Day Lunch: Sopwell House will host a sumptuous four-course lunch including all the traditional trimmings. A sparkling reception, wine, refreshments, mince pies, music and Father Christmas will fuel the festive atmosphere. Priced at £165 per person, or £85 per child.

Boxing Day Jazz Lunch: On 26 December, guests can enjoy a live Jazz band and an extravagant buffet with friends and family.

Priced at £69 per person.

FEATURE FEATURE

BESPOKE JEWELLERY DESIGNS

BY CHRISTOPHER WHARTON

P

roudly sitting at the top of George Street in St Albans is the showroom and workshop of award-winning Designer Goldsmith Christopher Wharton and his

son Sam. Born and bred in St Albans, the Wharton family have been an integral part of the city’s life since 1947, and this year celebrate their 70th anniversary.

During this time, they have built a reputation for excellent quality, workmanship and personal service that is second to none.

Today, the highly skilled Wharton goldsmiths are busy working not only on new designs but bespoke commissions for those customers excited by the idea of firstly choosing their Diamond or Gemstone and then being an integral part of the design process.

Computer aided-design images and a wax model in pre-production ensure there are no surprises - just delight at the perfection of the finished piece. The big smile says it all!

In addition to their bespoke service, the showroom boasts an extensive range of jewellery to suit all ages in sterling Silver, Yellow or White Gold and Platinum – from British and European designers including Marco Bicego, Pesavento, Fei Liu, V Jewellery, Scarlett Clogau and Rachel Galley.

Watches feature strongly in the showroom with Breitling leading the way with their iconic in-house built movements boasting a five-year warranty.

Raymond Weil ticks all the boxes for design, elegance, wearability and price whilst the Paul Smith

range starting at £179 proves irresistible.

The Georg Jensen shop-within-a-shop offers probably the biggest UK collection of Jensen Jewellery Watches and Jensen Living gifts. Whether you are already a Jensen devotee or a new customer you can’t fail to fall in love with their clean modern designs in sterling Silver and 18ct Gold. Gift ideas galore from Jensen Living, and of course, their very collectable Xmas decorations.

The Christopher Wharton Sales Team are ready to help you solve those Christmas gift problems just call in, or get some inspiration from their Gift Guide over the page.

In addition to their bespoke service, the showroom boasts an extensive range of Jewellery, Watches and Giftware to suit all ages.

THE DETAILS Christopher Wharton Goldsmith Ltd, 1-2 George Street, St Albans AL3 4ER 01727 859489 www.whartongoldsmith.com

DECEMBER 2017 19

FEATURE

Beautifully unique deco style Diamond Rings.

Set in Platinum and designed by Christopher Wharton in the St Albans workshop. £POA.

Wolf Savoy Burl Single Watch Winder A favourite amongst serious collectors and the sophisticated craftmanship of the Savoy is as beautiful as its London namesake.

Price £138.

Circles of Pavé Set Diamonds

by Christopher Wharton.

Effortlessly wearable.

Pendant £1,945. Earrings £1,665.

the Christopher Wharton GOLDSMITH

Christmas Gift guide Raymond Weil Shine Special Edition Ladies Quartz Watch with Patented interchangeable straps.

In Partnership with The Famous French Maison Repetto.

Prices start from £1,075

Dupont Liberté Fire Head Ballpoint Pen in Palladium with Pearly Blue Lacquer £275.

Sterling Silver Earrings and Necklace from Georg Jensen.

Sharp, meticulous aesthetic shapes and razor sharp lines.

Necklace £380 and Earrings £175.

18ct White Gold Diamond Tennis Bracelet.

Game, Set and Match; never fails to win!

Prices from £1,980.

20 DECEMBER 2017

Rings, Bangles, Necklaces and Earrings

by Pesavento.

Sophisticated, contemporary Italian Design in Sterling Silver. The New DNA Spring Collection.

From £215.

Astley Clarke Friendship Bracelets.

Stack and Layer for a Truly Personal Style.

From £95.

A Halo of Sparkling Diamonds Surrounding Velvet Blue Ceylon Sapphires.

Set in 18ct White Gold. Wonderfully Traditional! Designed by Christopher Wharton. £4,765.

Breitling Colt Skyracer Superquartz Watch.

45mm case in black “Breitlight” A brand new model dedicated to thrill-seekers! £1,690.

Paradise by Marco Bicego.

A Graceful Assortment of Pearls and Multi-coloured Gemstones in 18ct Yellow Gold.

Bracelet £1,610.

Marcia by Georg Jensen.

Stunning Sterling Silver Two Strand Bangle Plain or Diamond Set. £450 or £2,450.

Raymond Weil Freelancer David Bowie Limited Edition Watch Set to be a highly desirable collectors piece. Designed by Andy Warhol, the case-back also features artwork by Terry O’Neill.

Limited edition of 300 pieces are available worldwide.

Price £1,395.

DECEMBER 2017 21

OUT & ABOUT

Unique gifts that your friends and family will love!

If you’re looking for a stylish gift idea, we’ve got some inspiration….

T

he Crazy Bear is a distinctive collection of hotels, restaurants and bars located in Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire, Fitzrovia London and Stadhampton Oxfordshire.

Renowned for its dramatic décor, English & Thai cuisine, and flamboyant personality – The Crazy Bear offers guests unique character and an unforgettable experience.

With Christmas fast-approaching, you can still treat someone special with a truly impressive gift that they will remember.

The Crazy Bear gift voucher selection is exceptional, our favourites include luxurious hotel breaks, Champagne afternoon tea, Thai massage, English & Thai signature menus, Three course Sunday lunch, Bottles of Champagne, and a Dim sum tea party…. And if you can’t choose, there are also monetary vouchers available from £25.

Crazy Bear gift vouchers can be personalised and sent instantly by email (even on Christmas Day!).

Or you can select your gift vouchers to be packaged in signature Crazy Bear gift boxes for recorded delivery.

The Crazy Bear is offering 50% off selected gift vouchers for a limited time, go to www.crazybeargroup.co.uk

22 DECEMBER 2017

OUT & ABOUT

CHRISTMASSING AT INTU WATFORD Getting the tree up early, hitting the shops in search of special surprises, making time to enjoy an egg nog or two... we just can’t wait for Christmas!

24 DECEMBER 2017

H

ow you get Christmassing is up to you, it’s your kind of shopping here at intu.

With all your favourite stores, hundreds of top brands, stacks of tasty places to eat and plenty of festive events, there are loads of ways you can get Christmassing at intu Watford. Are you a wise owl searching for the perfect gift for a loved one, a bargain- hunting hawk looking for the best deals or an over excited flamingo that loves a day out Christmas shopping?

From Snowbelle the singer to stories on the sleigh, every weekend from 13 November to 24 December there will be festive fun for all the family to enjoy at intu Watford.

Over the six weeks leading up to Christmas there will be something for everyone, from getting festive in our Glitter Emporium to watching our Christmas Puddings on skates whizz around the centre.

Children can compete in our frozen games area, get silly in our icy hall of mirrors and make reindeer feed for Rudolph as the big day approaches.

On November 24, Santa’s Grotto will be opening in The Gallery. Kids can meet Santa and his magical elves, and pick up an extra special free Playmobil gift. There will be something for the adults too, with loads of great prizes up for grabs throughout the month with our exclusive Golden Ticket competition in centre.

Busy Christmas shoppers will be able to take the stress out of wrapping whilst donating money to a worthy cause at our Charity Christmas wrap desk, available every day in December. We have also partnered with Heart FM to house their ‘Donate a toy’ campaign. All donations will be going to local charity Home Start, providing toys to those less fortunate this Christmas.

The intu Watford Christmas Concierge will be on hand – taking shopper’s bags back to their car and leaving them free to load up with more shopping.

The Concierge will be based at Customer Services every weekday morning from 1st December. If there are little ones in tow for the trip, fun buggies are also available to hire from the Customer Services desk.

Late night shopping will return on December 4, meaning there is even more time to get your festive shop on. Keep your eyes peeled for our Christmas sleigh in the car parks; you could be in with a chance of winning free parking for a whole year. Plus there will be free parking from 5pm every weekday evening too, and if you spend more than £50 between 9am-11am on weekdays your parking will be on us!

For full details on how to get Christmassing at intu Watford, head to intu.co.uk/Watford.

OUT & ABOUT

READER Offer

We are offering all our readers a special 20% discount on all tickets online. Enter code - MAGS20 to redeem the discount.

The Magical Lantern Festival

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he Magical Lantern Festival enters its third year in London following two hugely successful years at Chiswick House & Gardens.

This year’s Christmas themed Lantern Festival will illuminate the gardens turning it into a spectacular fusion of dual culture, vibrant colours and artistic sculptures!

Prepare to enter a magical experience and discover life-sized and large-than-life lanterns in all shapes and forms, from ‘Santa and his Reindeers’ to a magnificent giant lantern recreation of an ‘Ancient city from the Song Dynasty’.

The Magical Lantern Festival promises visitors a truly amazing experience, a visual feast of light and illumination, hidden amongst the grandeur of the 18th Century Gardens, which lends itself perfectly to the layout of the lanterns with its combination

26 DECEMBER 2017

of lakes, woodland, gardens and pathways.

The festival will not only wow visitors with its beautiful hand-sculpted lanterns, the entertainment area adds another dimension to this wonderful night out with a food and drink area, bar, Santa’s Grotto, handful of fairground rides for children and merchandise marquee where visitors can buy a souvenir of their experience to take home.

Along the route visitors will uncover vibrant colourful lanterns at every twist and turn of the trail, offering amazing family photo opportunities and vividly lit scenery, making for a magical, cultural experience. There really is no better family-friendly festival to visit this Christmas.....

The festival will be open from 24th November 2017 to 1st January 2018. Open five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday each week and open every day during the school Christmas holiday period, apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The festival is open from 5pm to 10pm with last entry at 9pm.

It is strongly recommended that visitors use public transport as the venue does not have a car park.

The small A4 car park at Chiswick House is strictly reserved for disabled blue badge holders, drop off and pick up only. Nearest tube stations are Turnham Green and Gunnersbury. The venue is approximately a 15-minute walk from these stations.

Tickets are selling fast, for more information and to book tickets today, please visit www.magicallantern.uk We are offering all our readers a special 20% discount on all tickets online. Enter code MAGS20 to redeem the discount.

“Along the route visitors will uncover vibrant colourful lanterns at every twist and turn of the trail”

FEATURE

BEING BOND

As we celebrate more than half a century of James Bond films and wait with anticipation for Daniel Craig’s next instalment of stunts, style and stupendous womanising, film expert Damon Smith reveals how each of the six 007 actors fared in the role...

007: suave, devilishly charming and - at a strapping 6ft 2 - physically imposing. That incredible, bruising hand-to-hand fight sequence in a carriage of the Orient Express in From Russia With Love confirms this Bond knows how to handle himself. He’s equally adept at manhandling SPECTRE’s femme fatales, including Honor Blackman’s purrfectly suggestive Pussy Galore in Goldfinger. Their on-screen chemistry melts celluloid. In 1983, Connery came out of retirement as Bond after a 12-year hiatus for the unofficial Bond adventure Never Say Never Again. I felt it was a mission too far - Connery was in his early 50s by then, and his wit and weathered machismo couldn’t paper over cracks in the plot.

George Lazenby Sean Connery Successful missions: 6 (Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds Are Forever) Years of active service: 1962-67, 71, 83 He may not have perfectly embodied the “cold and ruthless” James Bond depicted in Ian Fleming’s books, but Sean Connery is, for me, the defining 28 DECEMBER 2017

Successful missions: 1 (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service) Years of active service: 1969 Anyone who followed Sean Connery was doomed to drink from a poisoned chalice, and Australian actor George Lazenby took a polite sip in his one and only appearance as 007. There’s a palpable absence of charisma to his incarnation of the secret agent and his introduction as Bond, which saw him

Anyone who followed Sean Connery was doomed to drink from a poisoned chalice

running into the sea to save a suicidal woman from drowning, followed by a fight on the beach with two gun-toting assailants, hardly sets pulses racing. In a memorable dinner party sequence, dressed in a kilt and surrounded by a bevy of lovelies, he famously quips that he feels “a slight stiffness coming on”.

Lazenby could be referring to his performance. He does get to show some of the character’s vulnerability though, in one of the series’ great love stories with the ravishing Diana Rigg. Lazenby almost milks a real tear in the tragic final scene, cradling his murdered bride in his arms after she has been shot by Blofeld’s henchwoman Irma Bunt. In that moment, he comes tantalisingly close to genuine emotion.

Roger Moore Successful missions: 7 (Live And Let Die, The Man With The Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, A View To A Kill) Years of active service: 1973-85 With a perpetually arched eyebrow and a flirtatious twinkle in his blue eyes, Roger Moore restored the roguish charm to Bond during his prolonged stint with MI6. He was a master at delivering innuendo with the hint of a smirk, like when he tells a wetbehind-the-ears female agent in Live And Let Die, “I’m sure we’ll be able to lick you into shape.”

However, even Moore couldn’t kindle a single spark of sexual tension with Grace Jones, his robotic co-star in his lacklustre swansong, A View To A Kill. Moore was less convincing as a brawler than Connery - he always looked like the kind of Bond who would apologise to an evil criminal mastermind for landing a punch - but he did get one of the classic showdowns with Christopher Lee’s triplenippled Scaramanga in a funhouse hall of mirrors in The Man With The Golden Gun.

Timothy Dalton Successful missions: 2 (The Living Daylights, Licence To Kill) Years of active service: 1987-89 Unlike his debonair predecessor in the role, Timothy Dalton left you in no doubt that his iteration of Bond was an expertly trained and merciless assassin.

His 007 is utterly relentless in Licence To Kill as an avenging angel for murdered CIA pal Felix Leiter, who is fed to a shark by sadistic drug lord Franz Sanchez played by Robert Davi. In response, Bond defies orders to mete out rough justice using a shredding machine, spilt petrol and a cigarette lighter.

When puns tumbled from Dalton’s lips, they weren’t delivered with obvious relish, and there wasn’t much room left for sensuality. It was always going to be difficult to take him seriously as a silver-tongued cad, when one of his first acts of chivalry as Bond in The Living Daylights is to rescue a beautiful cellist (Maryam d’Abo) from the KGB - by slaloming down wintry slopes with her astride her instrument’s case.

That’s the closest he comes to making sweet music in the role.

“In one of the series’ great love stories with the ravishing Diana Rigg. Lazenby almost milks a real tear in the tragic final scene”

“Roger Moore restored the roguish charm to Bond during his prolonged stint with MI6”

Pierce Brosnan Successful missions: 4 (GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day) Years of active service: 1995-2002 Pierce Brosnan had been mooted as Roger Moore’s successor, but the dashing Irish actor was obliged to honour contractual commitments to the TV series Remington Steele. When he finally got his hands on Bond’s Walther PPK, Brosnan made a spectacular entrance in GoldenEye, with a leap of death down the face of a dam, followed by the infiltration of a Soviet chemical weapons facility, replete with a tongue-in-cheek quip for one henchman in a toilet cubicle. For me, Brosnan comes closest to replicating Connery’s pleasing cocktail of seductive allure and brute force, and he is gifted some choice one-liners.

His erotically charged verbal sparring with Xenia Onatopp - played by Famke Janssen - in GoldenEye, is a rapid-fire masterclass in double entendres.

Brosnan left on a high in Die Another Day, feasting “like there’s no tomorrow” on Halle Berry’s Jinx, whose bikini-clad introduction is a cute throwback to Ursula Andress’ Honey Ryder in Dr. No.

Daniel Craig Successful missions: 4... so far (Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre) Years of active service: 2006-present Continuing the alternating sequence of suave and stoic Bonds, Daniel Craig jettisoned the warmth and charm embraced by Brosnan to portray Bond as a man who preferred to communicate with his fists and a scowl. Craig is certainly well-equipped for the physical rigours of the role, engaging in some of the series’ most brutal fisticuffs in an attempt to rival the breathless, bone-crunching fight choreography of Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne. He flaunted his impressive physique by emerging from the sea in Casino Royale, his first outing as 007, wearing a pair of tight-fitting blue swimming trunks that sent audiences into a swoon. If only Craig could convincingly have the same effect on his female costars. The tragic romance with Vesper Lynd - played

by Eva Green - in Casino Royale, is sexually inert because he’s solid ice to her molten lava, while his seduction of Monica Bellucci in Spectre is a lot of heavy breathing that eventually runs out of puff.

DECEMBER 2017 29

OUT & ABOUT

The Nutcracker Brought to life by Ballet Theatre UK Watford Colosseum | Friday 22 – Sunday 24 December 2017

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his winter respected UK touring company, Ballet Theatre UK will be sharing their latest production, The Nutcracker across the UK. With a fantastic prior repertoire and plenty of accreditation from the industry and audiences alike this wellloved story is set to thrill both existing fans and those new to the company.

One of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions and a popular Christmas ballet presentation, The Nutcracker, will be brought to life

by Ballet Theatre UK, Christmas 2017. This wellloved traditional Christmas ballet will be performed in a unique setting with 24 international dancers, from companies around the world.

The Nutcracker ballet recounts the adventures of

Listings Information Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 3JN Fri 22 December 2017 4.00pm and 7.30pm Sat 23 December 2017 2.30pm and 7.30pm Sun 24 December 2017 1.00pm and 5.00pm

TICKET PRICES £23.50 Family of 4 Ticket (Maximum 2 adults): £80.00 Groups 8+: £18.50 Schools: £13.50 Prices shown are inclusive of any applicable booking fee. Fee-free booking for Priority members; Groups of 8+ please call 01923 474124 to reserve the best seats and pay later.

BOX OFFICE 01923 571102 or watfordcolosseum.co.uk 30 DECEMBER 2017

“On her journey she sees magical Snowflakes, dancing dolls and a Christmas tree that reaches the sky” a young girl Clara the night before Christmas. When Clara falls asleep with her Nutcracker, an army of mice attack her toys and the Nutcracker.

On her journey she sees magical Snowflakes, dancing dolls and a Christmas tree that reaches the sky. This opulent new production promises everything you love about The Nutcracker, brighter and more splendid than ever before. Tchaikovsky’s most loved and unforgettable musical score combines with magical choreography, exquisite costumes and breathtaking scenery that together creates an atmosphere of fantasy and illusion.

In this, the most traditional tale, Clara and The Nutcracker travel together to the Land of the Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy is reunited with her prince - and where the magic of Christmas is born. With grand sets and stunning costumes, The Nutcracker, promises to be a highlight on the Christmas calendar for the whole family. Ballet Theatre UK’s The Nutcracker is sure to leave you with a sense of warmth and treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

OUT & ABOUT

Christmas at Auberge du Lac Matt Edmonds, Head Chef at Auberge du Lac

I

’m bursting to tell everyone about our plans for Auberge du Lac this festive season.

I’m now working on the Festive Menu and Christmas and Boxing Day Tasting Menus, and it’s really got me in the Christmas mood – I love menu planning at this time of year as there are so many traditions to follow, but so many ways in which they can be executed.

Turkey is, of course, the most obvious foodrelated tradition – but simply sticking a turkey in the oven isn’t going to excite any Christmas chef or guest. There is so much you can do with a turkey and it doesn’t need to be complicated – my favourite tip is marinating the meat in maple syrup and pineapple, and this is exactly what I’ll be doing with the turkeys at Auberge du Lac this Christmas.

If you plan to use my maple syrup and pineapple tip at home, I suggest you serve the turkey with a quince puree – it doesn’t always have to be about cranberries! Turkey also doesn’t always have to be the main course, I’m currently working on some delicious turkey based starters that will really get everyone in the festive mood from the get-go.

At my house, we have our main Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve, and my wife has inspired me to look outside of turkey for this special meal. We usually opt for fish – bream or bass – and I cook up a fish and veggie storm for the family. I’ve really enjoyed creating new traditions with my family, so I encourage everyone to be a little braver in the kitchen this year! You’ll see several of my favourite fish dishes on the Auberge du Lac festive menu too.

32 DECEMBER 2017

The Auberge du Lac festive menu launches at the end of November, so why not come and enjoy the idyllic view on the water’s edge, whilst indulging in some of my festive favourites? Bookings for Christmas Day and Boxing Day are also now being taken, and I promise to make it a day to remember for the whole family.

For full details of Christmas Time at Brocket Hall please visit our website www.brocket-hall. co.uk or contact us on christmas@brocket-hall. co.uk or call +44 (0)1707 368700

“I love menu planning at this time of year as there are so many traditions to follow”

FEATURE

The World’s Most Expensive Christmas Crackers £4,018,600

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he disappointment when you get the wrong end of the Christmas cracker this year could hurt just a little bit more, as instead of missing out on a plastic toy or silver thimble, you could be missing out on the most luxurious treat ever!

The luxury launches website VeryFirstTo.com is offering the world’s most expensive Christmas crackers. Your guests will be in for a real treat - they could be going home with the Predator 84 yacht from Sunseeker, where the key fob is hidden in one of these incredible crackers. Don’t worry though, if you think a yacht is too extravagant you can swap it for a more modest speed boat. As the crackers are bespoke any item can be replaced with another and the price adjusted accordingly. (minimum £10,000) One lucky guest will get the key to a top of the range Aston Martin Vanquish Coupe. The Vanquish is the height of design, engineering, technology and craftsmanship offered by Aston Martin.

Another prize is the ‘1 Like No Other’ trip of a lifetime travelling to destinations that are truly unique with no likeness anywhere else in the world. The 10 locations include the Wisteria Tunnel in Japan and the only Ice Igloo hotel. In each location they will be given an exquisite limited edition shirt from luxury shirt maker, 1 Like No Other.

One lucky winner could be taking away a sparkling “Diamants Légers” Cartier necklace.

34 DECEMBER 2017

Cracker Contents & Price • Sunseeker Yacht £3,700,000 • Aston Martin Vanquish Coupe £190,000 • 1 Like No Other Trip £77,500 • Breguet Tradition Watch £19,000 • Cartier Diamond Necklace £18,600 • Graf Von Faber-Castell £6,500

The 18K white gold long necklace is set with 20 diamonds. Also on offer is a stunning Breguet Tradition wristwatch in 18-carat rose gold.

They also could pull out the beautiful pen from Graf Von Faber-Castell. The new limited edition “Pen of the Year” is inspired by Vikings, the design reflects the materials used in the construction of Nordic longboats.

The crackers themselves are created by Simply Crackers and are available in a range of colours to suit your table décor. The current image is representative, as the crackers will be custom designed to fit the buyers requirements.

Cracker prizes are subject to availability and delivery times may vary. Price excludes delivery. In order to have the crackers delivered in time for Christmas Day orders must be placed by 15th December 2017 for UK customers.

A donation of £1,000 will be made to The Prince’s Trust charity should the crackers be purchased.

For more details visit www.veryfirstto.com

OUT & ABOUT

unveils its top 10 Christmas toys for 2017

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he most famous toy store in the world has revealed its highly regarded annual prediction of the big toys for this festive season. INTERACTIVE robots and tech toys are set to dominate your children’s Christmas letters this year, according to Hamleys….

Top of the list is Tyler the playful tiger - a cute little cub which responds to petting and talking in over hundred different ways. Pet his head and his eyes might close, pet him on his muzzle and he moves. The toy is pretty much the robotic alternative to a cat but comes with a hefty price tag of £135. Suitable for age 4+ Also predicted to be a hit amongst younger kids is the Fisher Price Dance & Move Beatbox, selling for £33. The toy will teach toddlers songs and dance moves at the touch of a button. He will introduce baby to letters, colours, numbers and much more.

Suitable for age 2+ Thanks to the imminent release of the latest Star Wars film, the LEGO BB-8 has climbed back to the top, giving children the chance to interact with their favourite robot – also keeping LEGO in the top ten for another year. The robot is available to buy at £85. Suitable for age 10+.

Barbie is making a comeback with her Dream Horse figurine which reacts to touch and features more than 30 realistic reactions. The horse can also nod yes or no when you ask a question, play three different songs and show off with three different dances. The interactive animal alone will cost you £90.

The ever-popular Nerf Gun is back with a £22 Nitro Longshot version, allowing children to design long-distance jumping challenges with the longjump ramp and obstacles. The pack includes blaster, long-jump ramp, two foam cars with plastic wheels, four obstacles, and instructions. Suitable for age 5+.

36 DECEMBER 2017

Also set to be popular is the ultimate villain, Megazord from the Power Ranger’s film, which can be bought as an interactive figurine. The toy has eight features including: expandable wings, cannon and sword, battle and flight sounds, lights in the head and feet for enhanced realism, a light-up “Morphin Grid,” and five individual cockpits for each included ranger figure. Suitable for age 4+ The interactive Luvebella toy is manufactured by Spin Master - the company behind last year’s festive season sell-out, Hatchimals. The doll responds to affection, falls asleep, giggles and talks, and is available to purchase for £100 Hatchimals swept the boards last year and have proven their popularity again as the latest Egg Surprise proves to be a must-have toy of the season.

This mysterious egg literally hatches on its own into an interactive toy. The latest version which cost £75 comes with a pair of twin Hatchimals. Each creature will have its own personality and they can also interact with each other. Kids can raise them from baby to toddler to kid and they’ll learn new things at each stage.

Get A Grip, is a family game which challenges kids and adults to perform a series of increasingly difficult tasks without using their thumbs.First, players wrap their thumbs in the included hand bands so that they can’t use them. Then a player picks a card that will tell them to Draw it, Sculpt it, or Do it - all without the use of these important body parts The game is the cheapest item on the list and it might be a good way to get your kid to drop their iPhones.

Victoria Kay, Head Buyer at Hamleys says: “We’ve seen a lot of tech for tech’s sake in the past few years with app extensions, but now, whether it’s a plush or a more sophisticated LEGO build, they are getting smarter in how kids can personalise and programme them.”

For more information visit www.hamleys.com.

188-196 Regent Street, W1B 5BT

Tyler the Playful Tiger

“Thanks to the imminent release of the latest Star Wars film, the LEGO BB-8 has climbed back to the top”

From top: Hatchimals Egg Surprise Fisher Price Dance And Move Beatbox; LEGO BB-8

OUT & ABOUT

CANINE TRAVELLER KIT, for the dog that loves adventure, this curated gift box includes everything they need to make their getaway absolutely perfect. Priced £22

SCRATCHING POST LETTER ‘C’, gift your cat a cool place to scratch with this alphabet-­themed pet furniture.

Part scratcher, part lounger, there are eight colours to choose from.

Priced £375 COLLAR, BOW TIE & LEAD SET, nothing says dapper like a bow tie but with a matching lead and collar, this blue and red check set is super debonair.

Priced £47.50

FOR TOP GIFTS FOR YOUR PETS THIS CHRISTMAS,

SHOP PETSPYJAMAS W

SARDINE CATNIP TOYS, a cute little stocking filler your cat will go crazy for. Priced £3.99

LUXURY COCOON BED IN SAND SHETLAND WOOL, a beautiful gift to make your dog as snug as a bug in a rug this winter. Priced £127.99

38 DECEMBER 2017

ith a fabulous collection of over 10,000 pet accessories – all handpicked by in-house pet stylists and curated by breed, Europe’s number one online pet lifestyle destination PETSPYJAMAS.COM is a one-­stop shop for great gifts for your dog or cat this Christmas.

From personalised gift boxes, stylish petwear for a smart look over the festive season, accessories for the dogs that love to travel with their human, to gorgeous gifts for pampered pussycats, PetsPyjamas has got it covered this Christmas.

Gift your pet this Christmas at PetsPyjamas.com and share their joy on PetsPyjamas’ social channels -­ @PetsPyjamas on Facebook and Twitter, and@ThePetsPyjamas on Instagram. Don’t forget to hashtag #PetsPyjamas.

ASPEN DOG PULLOVER, a chic and cosy gift for your dog, made from lambswool in a classic cable knit. Priced £45

NORDIC STRIPE DOG CARRIER, crafted from Nordic stripe linen with soft fleece lining, this carrier is ideal for carrying smaller dogs to their adventures. It also opens into a comfy travel bed.

Priced £92

FEATURE

CLARIDGE’S LAUNCHES ITS FIRST EVER SERIES OF

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS F

or the first time in its 151 year old history, Claridge’s, the iconic art deco hotel in the heart of Mayfair, has created a series of Claridge’s Christmas hampers, bringing the magic of its time-honoured traditions, and its secret recipes of the festive season to be enjoyed at home.

Claridge’s has long been a beacon of Christmas celebrations in the Capital and the Claridge’s Christmas Hampers are full of the gastronomic treats that make the hotel such a popular haunt, from the famous Christmas puddings in their eau de nil boxes to the wax sealed bottles of aged Negroni from the Fumoir.

Presented in handmade willow baskets with the distinctive Claridge’s livery and chevron art deco details, the carefully-curated artisan treats include everything you need to create a little piece of Claridge’s distinctive style at home. From Claridge’s moreish vanilla shortbread biscuits, to the homemade raspberry and rose jam served on scones in the Foyer, to a time-honoured Dundee cake steeped in Scotch Whisky and of course their ultimate olives to be served with a chilled bottle of Sancerre, nothing has been forgotten.

Commenting on the Claridge’s Christmas Hamper, Executive Chef Martyn Nail said “For so many years our guests have been asking us to guide them on festive ingredients and open up our secret address book, so this year we have carefully handpicked some of our true favourites, and hopefully brought a little extra Claridge’s Christmas cheer!”.

To create the all-embracing Claridge’s experience, in the larger hampers you will even find the distinctive Fornasetti candles that nightly flicker in the hotel lobby, a set of Claridge’s bone china mugs inspired the art deco design and of course a signature Claridge’s teddy bear in full bellboy uniform.

Christmas is a favourite time of the year at Claridge’s, where the unveiling of its annual Christmas tree in the hotel lobby has become a festive landmark, and its glamourous decorations and famous Christmas afternoon tea draw visitors from around the world.

“To create the allembracing Claridge’s experience, in the larger hampers you will even find the distinctive Fornasetti candles that nightly flicker in the hotel lobby, a set of Claridge’s bone china mugs inspired the art deco design and of course a signature Claridge’s teddy bear in full bellboy uniform”

THE DETAILS The Claridge’s Christmas Hampers are available for delivery from 13 November, 2017 and can be ordered by visiting www.giftshop.claridges.co.uk

The hampers are available in three sizes; The Davies Hamper priced at £295, The Brook Hamper priced at £495 and The Mayfair Hamper priced at £895. www.claridges.co.uk

Claridge’s, the Connaught, the Berkeley Maybourne Hotel Group; www.maybourne.com

40 DECEMBER 2017

OUT OUT &&ABOUT ABOUT

Christmas at Warner Bros.

Studio Tour London T

Until Sunday 28th January 2018

his festive season, Harry Potter fans are invited to experience Christmas time at Hogwarts – and with their magical makeover for Hogwarts in the Snow, you can discover how film-makers created fire, ice and snow that never melts!

Visitors have the opportunity to see the Harry Potter film series’ most iconic sets decorated for festive scenes. The Great Hall has been transformed, the Gryffindor common room is dressed for the season and a blanket of filmmaking snow has been meticulously applied to the majestic Hogwarts castle model. Visitors can also touch samples of the different types of ‘snow’ used during production, each selected for its ability to float like falling snow, crunch under foot or glisten

42 DECEMBER 2017

in the light like ice.

For the first time ever, the Great Hall stage is decorated as it was for the iconic Yule Ball.

As seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the celebration of the Triwizard Tournament saw every detail of the Great Hall covered in shimmering silver, dripping icicles and sparkling snow. Visitors to the Studio Tour get a taster of this incredible set dress as the top section of the Great Hall is transformed with snow-covered Christmas trees, icicles and an orchestra of magical instruments. Conducted by Professor Flitwick, the orchestra is made up of musical instruments painted by the Prop-Making department to match the silver of the Yule Ball.

On display in the centre of the Great Hall sits one of the beautiful Yule Ball sculptures. Inspired by the Brighton Pavilion, the sculptures were cast from resin and surrounded by mounds of imitation ice on which sat an array of refreshments for guests.

In addition to the Yule Ball decoration, The Great Hall is lined with Christmas trees and the long dining tables dressed as they were for seasonal feasts at Hogwarts, with prop versions of roast turkeys, hams studded with cherries and even

green screen technology flying a broomstick over London and step into the Forbidden Forest all before marvelling at the breath-taking miniature scale model of Hogwarts castle. The Studio Tour has been well received with 96% of the 30,000+ reviews on TripAdvisor rating it as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’.

Tickets must be pre-booked at www.wbstudiotour.co.uk or by calling the Studio Tour’s Visitor Services Team on 0345 084 0900. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR

“As part of the Hogwarts in the Snow feature, many of the iconic sets housed at the Studio Tour have received a festive makeover” Christmas puddings surrounded by real flames.

As part of the Hogwarts in the Snow feature, many of the iconic sets housed at the Studio Tour have received a festive makeover. The Gryffindor Common Room and Boys’ Dormitory is decorated with the original props including handmade Christmas cards, some of which were created by the cast members during production. Fireplaces throughout the Studio Tour (including those in the Leaky Cauldron and Great Hall) are ‘lit’ with special effects fire, created by John Richardson and the SFX team using a combination of water vapour and lighting effects.

The unique attraction offers visitors the ultimate chance to get up close to authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter film series.Visitors are able to explore the original Great Hall, experience DECEMBER 2017 43

OUT & ABOUT

New Year’s Eve at Luton Hoo O nce owned by a diamond magnate, honoured by a visit from Sir Winston Churchill and previously graced by royalty, historical jewel Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa offers an exquisite setting for a grand New Year’s Eve. The New Year’s Eve Gourmet Dinner will be a feast of sumptuous courses served in the beautiful Wernher Restaurant, where the elegant marble work and rich fabrics are reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles. The selection of starters includes butternut squash velouté and Aylesbury duck, main courses offer, amongst others, winter truffle risotto and fillet of dry aged Scotch beef, followed by desserts such as Valrhona chocolate and pear and mulled red wine terrine. Stay overnight in authentically-styled deluxe accommodation.

New Year’s Eve Gourmet Dinner and overnight accommodation with breakfast costs from £250pp The Gala Dinner Dance, taking place in the stunning waterside venue Warren Weir, promises to be a night to remember. The vibrant evening will begin with a champagne and canapé reception, followed by a four-course dinner in the Lea Roding Suite. A live band will provide plenty of music for dancing the night away, and a champagne toast at midnight will round off the evening beautifully.

The Gala Dinner Dance costs £115 per adult and £75 per child (over the age of 12). Overnight accommodation, including disco & dining, costs £225 per adult with breakfast. The first child stays for free and there is a £50 supplement for the second child (when sharing a room with parents).

Family Disco and Dining will be a fun night for

44 DECEMBER 2017

all generations. Also hosted at Warren Weir, cold and hot buffets for adults and children, will ensure everyone has the energy to bounce about on the disco dance floor!

Family Disco and Dining costs £90 per adult and £45 per child (up to 14 years of age). Overnight accommodation, including disco & dining, costs from £200 per adult with breakfast. The first child stays for free and there is a £50 supplement for the second child (when sharing a room with parents).

For more information or to book, please contact 01582 698888 or visit www.lutonhoo.co.uk/newyears-eve-luton-hoo

OUT & ABOUT

St Michael’s Manor Hotel ST MICHAEL’S MANOR HOTEL St. Michael’s Manor hotel is located close to the city centre of St Albans, Hertfordshire, formerly the ancient city of Verulamium and near the famous Abbey Cathedral. Set in five acres of beautiful private English country gardens with its own one-acre piece of lake, this country house hotel in St Albans is, surprisingly, only 20 minutes by train from London.

The original house dates back over 500 years and was converted into a hotel in the early 1960s by the Newling Ward family. St. Michael’s Manor still remains privately owned and managed, which gives the hotel its own unique flavour.

The 30 bedrooms are individually styled with a blend of classical and contemporary décor to create a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. This welcoming feel is continued through to the lounge, bar, function rooms and highly-acclaimed orangerystyle Lake Restaurant. All public rooms, along with many of the bedrooms, have excellent views of the garden and lake. Non-residents can also enjoy

the Lake Restaurant, which offers a wide choice of dining options from full breakfast through to afternoon teas, dinners, as well as a bar menu. All of which can be taken on the terrace, in the garden or lakeside. The Lakeside Restaurant is recognised as a premium fine dining restaurant in St Albans.

If you are yet to make plans for New Years Eve, St Michaels Manor is the perfect location to herald in 2018! They will be hosting a fabulous evening of entertainment, including a casino and dancing.

The nights’ festivities will begin with a champagne reception to be followed by a sumptuous seven course dinner with vegetarian options available.

For further details, bookings and Terms and Conditions please contact the hotel on 01727 864 444 or reservations@stmichaelsmanor.com

THE ROSE AND CROWN Lovingly refurbished to an excellent standard in early 2017, and under the same management as the Hotel, is The Rose & Crown, the perfect country pub to visit in St Michaels Village, St Albans.

Dating back to 1538, they are proud of their traditional values offering excellent hospitality, home cooked pub food, great beer and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Food is served between 12pm and 3pm, 6pm and 9pm from Tuesday to Saturday and 12pm to 4pm on Sunday. Why not join them for a traditional Sunday lunch each week with three different roasts on offer. Throughout December they will have a delicious a la carte Christmas menu available.

Please visit their website www.theroseandcrownstalbans. co.uk or call them on 01727 836767 to reserve your table now.

46 DECEMBER 2017

Every wedding is as unique as the venue.

We take pride in high quality, friendly service and attention to detail.

For more information, please call the hotel on 01727 864444 or e-mail us at reservations@stmichaelsmanor.com

OUT & ABOUT

48 DECEMBER 2017

OUT & ABOUT

GET YOUR SKATES ON THIS WINTER A guide to London’s coolest ice rinks

London is a wonderful place to be at Christmas. With twinkling Christmas lights and trees set to the backdrop of some of London’s most iconic locations, a trip to an ice rink is a must-do for the views alone. They are only open for a limited time so get your skates on before it’s too late!

NEW FOR 2017!

GREENWICH WINTERTIME FESTIVAL

SKATE AT SOMERSET HOUSE WITH FORTNUM & MASON Open until12 January 2018 (except Christmas Day) Enjoy the perfect winter day out at Somerset House.

Skate day or night with family and friends on London’s most beautiful ice rink. New for 2017 are Skate Lates, a programme of DJ music nights - the perfect start to your weekend. Warm up with wintry food and drinks in Fortnum’s Lodge, or watch the action rink-side from the Skate Lounge. The West Wing will once again transform into Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade. Learn to skate or perfect your skills with Skate School, and let little ones have a go on the ice at the Polar Cub Club.

Book online at www.somersethouse.org.uk or call Ticketmaster on 0844 847 1520.

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND Open until 1 January 2018 (except Christmas Day) Skate on the UK’s largest and most magical openair ice rink, set around Hyde Park’s picturesque Victorian bandstand. Once dark, the rink will be lit 50 DECEMBER 2017

with thousands of lights, accompanied by Christmas soundtracks to get you in the festive mood. Ideal for all ages and abilities, it’s a great family day out which the kids will love. Ice skating sessions tend to sellout in advance, especially at weekends and evenings, so booking ahead is highly recommended. www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Experience the magic of skating on a bespoke, covered clear canopied ice rink in the historic courtyards of the Old Royal Naval College, on the banks of the River Thames. Each 3-hour session begins with an on-ice performance by world-class freestylers before becoming a public ice rink for you, your friends and family to enjoy. Greenwich Winter Time Festival also offers artisan food stalls, an independent lifestyle market, enchanting entertainment for all ages and the opportunity to visit Father Christmas!

Visit www.greenwichwintertime.com for more details.

ICE SKATING AT CANARY WHARF Open until 24 February 2018 (except Christmas Day)

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Open until 7 January 2018 (except Christmas Day) Set against the stunning backdrop of one of London’s best-loved landmarks, the Natural History Museum Ice Rink is open throughout the winter period. The glistening ice rink which runs alongside South Kensington’s tree-lined streets will be topped off with a sparkling 30ft Christmas tree. Also, luxury chocolatier Hotel Chocolat will be serving their signature hot chocolate and other hot drinks for skaters to enjoy and indulge in. Calling all little ones looking to perfect their skating skills the penguin skate club will be running lessons for children aged four to eight.

Visit www.nhmskating.com to book tickets.

SKATE AT THE ROYAL PALACE Open until 7 January 2018 (except Christmas Day) For an unforgettable festive experience, look no further than Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink. The 1,040-square-metre outdoor ice skating rink offers spectacular views of the magnificent Tudor palace, where King Henry VIII once lived. There will be fun and excitement for all age groups and skating abilities, and The Ice Rink Café & Bar will offer a delicious winter menu and drinks including mulled wine, a selection of Champagne, Prosecco, wines and craft beers. And for little skaters there is a children’s menu that includes chicken drumsticks, chips, sausage baguettes and sweet treats.

For more information visit www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

Set to the backdrop of Canary Wharf ’s twinkling towers and enchanting greenery, this spectacular outdoor ice rink is back and runs for sixteen magical weeks in the picturesque surroundings of Canada Square Park. Offering fun for all the family, new for this year will be a dedicated children’s skating area. Back by popular demand, the famous Ice Rink Canary Wharf skate path returns for 2017/2018 following a new route under the canopy of trees.

Skaters can expect a few new surprises along the way this season with exciting new activities, including winter sports. If you want to eat, drink and shop all in one go, Canary Wharf is the place.

For more information visit www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

TOWER SKATE Open until 2 January 2018 (except Christmas Day) Ice skate in an unforgettable setting within the walls of the iconic Tower of London and take in the magic and ambience of the castle beside the Thames. There’s something for everyone whether you are a novice or an expert. Try the early morning sessions – perfect for little skaters and families, leading into picturesque afternoons and bustling evenings. The Tower of London Ice Rink gets an extra helping of stunning in the evenings when the lights, set against the castle wall adds to the dramatic jaw dropping views. For history with a modern twist, there’s no better winter location.

For more details visit www.toweroflondonicerink.com

NEW FOR 2017!

WINTERVILLE, CLAPHAM COMMON Open until 3rd January 2018 (except Christmas Eve & Christmas Day) Offering a completely different festive experience, Winterville also brings you the first ever ice rink on Clapham Common. The all-weather, outdoor rink is 600 square metres and constructed from real ice, and will be open seven days a week. And if gliding across the Common doesn’t appeal, then you can enjoy a winter warmer in the neighbouring cafe, where you can check out all the action in comfort.

For more information visit www.winterville.co.uk

OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY! JW3 ICE RINK Open until 7 January 2018 including Christmas Day! A smaller venue but definitely needs a mention as it the only ice rink in London open on Christmas Day. With a skating area of 200m2 skaters can enjoy special events, glimmering lights, vibrant music and an electric atmosphere. For those who aren’t steady on the ice, helpful penguin stabilisers will be available and for less confident little ones, they can have fun on the seated banana toboggans. Kosher tasty treats are available at the in-house Zest café and restaurant, with hot chocolate, mulled wine, pizzas, doughnuts and more.

341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET To book your tickets visit www.jw3.org.uk or call the JW3 Box Office on 020 7433 8988.

DECEMBER 2017 51

OUT & ABOUT

[SHOPPING]

FESTIVE FINDS DECADENT DINING

Star Glass Tray, £16, Sophie Allport www.sophieallport.com

Klevering Anouk Golden Star Plates set of 3, £56.25, Printer & Tailor www.printerandtailor.com

Tracy Christmas Tea Towels Taupe (Pack Of 2), £6, RAGGED ROSE LTD www.raggedrose.com

beautiful blooms Fresh from the fields of Holland, bloomon delivers beautiful bouquets direct to your door. By working directly with growers – eschewing middlemen, lorries, and supermarket stands – bloomon offers the freshest and most seasonal blooms available. Within 36 hours of being cut and hand-wrapped with love, flowers arrive in your home. That means: they last up to 10 days longer than bouquets you’d buy down the street. This festive season, bloomon has created a collection of bouquets inspired by fashion, interior and design trends. We’re upgrading the wreath with rebellious abandon, giving the traditional a twist with muted pastels and zingy greens paired with cool whites. www.bloomon.co.uk

Flower Candlestick, £195, THE SHOP FLOOR PROJECT www.theshopfloorproject.com

IT’S A WRAP! Christmas gifts have never looked more enticing with this collection of personalised festive wrapping. Printed on premium art paper, there are more than 30 designs to choose from and each can be personalised with your loved one’s name. £5 per sheet, £10 for three sheets or £15 for five, www.handmadechristmasco.com

christmas cushions

Robin and Holly Napkins, £44.95, Annabel James www.annabeljames.co.uk

52 DECEMBER 2017

We love these high quality embroidered Christmas Cushion cover in a variety of festive designs, sure to brighten up any room over Chrsitmas. The cushion covers are 43cm or 16 inch square and zipped.

Holly & berry embroidered wreath cushion cover, £8.99, Robin & tree postmark Christmas cushion cover, £7.99, www.easycaretablecloths.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

P

Until Monday 1st January 2018 (closed on Christmas day)

WR Events and The Royal Parks are delighted to announce that Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will be returning for its 11th year this winter. The event has become a must-do attraction for Londoners, visitors and tourists alike. The UK’s number one Christmas destination will host an array of new attractions and entertainment, as well as the return of many visitor favourites.

The UK’s largest outdoor Ice Rink will be located around the picturesque Victorian bandstand. The rink stretches over 1,600m² with live music playing day and night as skaters take to the ice. The Magical Ice Kingdom returns with a new theme ‘Deep Sea Adventure’ featuring an awe inspiring underwater journey of myth and mystery, made completely from snow and ice.

Family favourite, Zippos Circus, will be back with their brand new daytime show ‘Zippos Christmas Circus’ and an all-new evening performance of ‘Cirque Berserk’ showcasing jaw-dropping aerial stunts, motorbikes on high wire, spectacular trapeze and concludes with a must-see finale.

New for 2017/18, The Imperial Ice Stars presents a new interpretation of the classic tale with Cinderella on Ice, featuring world-class ice skating. The captivating show combines powerful storytelling with elegant choreography to bring a modern twist to this treasured fairy tale favourite.

A must for those who want to watch the action from above, the iconic Giant Observation Wheel will once again illuminate London’s skyline, offering spectacular views. A highlight for young children, The Sooty Christmas Show will see the nation’s

54 DECEMBER 2017

much loved bear making a reappearance with a brand new Christmas show.

For those wanting to soak up the festive atmosphere, the Angels Christmas market will feature over 150 chalets and offers a wide range of unique gifts.

No festive day out would be complete without Father Christmas. Santa Land is an enchanting experience for young visitors and gives families the chance to meet Santa and his elves, as well as explore the inside of his toy workshop.

Bar Hütte will make its London debut at this year’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Creating a mini village of Alpine huts in the heart of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, this unique take on ‘Alpine Après Ski’ offers visitors an exclusive and festive get-together venue for karaoke (or Carol-oke since it’s Christmas!) and cocktails. The hüttes can be enjoyed by friends, Christmas parties and families alike.

For the last 10 years, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has been hugely popular with members of the Royal family and the celebrity crowd. Guests who have been spotted enjoying the festivities have included: Duchess of Cambridge & Prince George, David & Brooklyn Beckham, Simon Cowell, Mel C, Nicole Scherzinger, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Caroline Flack, Elle Macpherson, Tom Cruise, Elizabeth Hurley, Amanda Holden and David Cameron.

For more details and to purchase tickets for the Ice Rink, Magical Ice Kingdom, Cinderella on Ice, Bar Ice, Giant Observation Wheel, Zippos Christmas Circus, Cirque Berserk & The Sooty Christmas Show, visit www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

“The UK’s largest outdoor Ice Rink will be located around the picturesque Victorian bandstand”

Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ winterwonderlanduk Twitter: @WinterWonderLDN Instagram: @WinterWonderLDN Times: 10am – 10pm daily (except Friday 17th November – opens at 5pm)

OUT & ABOUT

HARRODS AND DOLCE & GABBANA

ANNOUNCE FESTIVE PARTNERSHIP Harrods and Dolce & Gabbana partner on a programme of activity including:

This year Harrods and Dolce & Gabbana have joined forces to celebrate the 2017 festive season with an unparalleled partnership. Until 28th December a traditional and festive Italian atmosphere is the main focus of the world’s most famous department store. The partnership features special window displays, dedicated popup spaces, a traditional Italian street market, as well as a dedicated Dolce & Gabbana Christmas Tree.

56 DECEMBER 2017

• The windows on Brompton Road & Hans Crescent take inspiration from the Sicilian puppet theatre, whose protagonists will be two very special guests in the form of marionettes: Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. The two charming puppets will recount the world of Dolce & Gabbana and all the inspirations that animate it, from fine tailoring to fragrances to the poetry of everyday life.

• The Harrods Christmas Tree will be designed

by Dolce & Gabbana and situated outside door 5 on Hans Crescent. The tree will be decorated with gold ribbons illuminated by colourful lights symbolising Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s holiday cheers.

• An exclusive collection designed

by Dolce & Gabbana including ready-to-wear across menswear, womenswear,

childrenswear and accessories are featured, together with a collection of Dolce & Gabbana Men’s Fine Jewellery including cufflinks, rings and pendants.

• An exclusive pair of Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses for Harrods that recall a night full of stars.

The frame is encrusted with bright crystals that illuminate the corners of the frame in a semi-lunar shape whilst the lenses are a dark blue.

• The new Dolce & Gabbana Make up collections: Emotioneyes and Royal Parade, exclusively sold at Harrods in the UK; along with the two new Velvet fragrances: Amber Skin and Amber Sun and the recently launched The One Eau de Toilette.

• Every floor of the department store is custom decorated for the occasion, starting on the ground floor with a special pop-up boutique and a Christmas market on the 4th floor displaying accessories, ready-to-wear, toys and gift ideas, many created exclusively for Harrods.

“We put our personal [selves] in everything we do,” Gabbana says of this year’s partnership. “For me, Christmas is the tree and the nativity, friends and love and all of the most warming things… and now we are [bringing] it to Harrods.”

This is not the first time Harrods has invited a single brand to deck its halls for the holiday. Last year, Burberry installed “A very British fairy-tale” in the store’s windows, with items designed just for Harrods available for purchase inside.

For further details visit www.harrods.com/dolce-and-gabbana

The perfect Christmas stocking filler

OUT & ABOUT

58 DECEMBER 2017

FEATURE

WANT A HOME BIRTH LIKE KATE? THESE ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES As reports suggest the Duchess of Cambridge wants a home birth for her next baby, a midwife outlines the pros and cons of home deliveries. WORDS: Lisa Salmon

I

f you’re pregnant and want to follow in the footsteps of the Duchess of Cambridge, you may be considering a home birth.

One provider of home birth services, Private Midwives says it’s had a 44% increase in enquiries following the announcement that the Duchess is expecting her third child and reportedly

60 DECEMBER 2017

wants to have the baby at home.

A new Private Midwives survey suggests 29% of mums would prefer to give birth at home, although the actual home birth rate is only 2.4% of deliveries.

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have said they support home birth

“29% of mums would prefer to give birth at home”

for uncomplicated pregnancies, stressing: “There is ample evidence showing that labouring at home increases a woman’s likelihood of a birth that is both satisfying and safe, with implications for her health and that of her baby.”

However, some women may shy away from home births because they fear not being in a medical environment at either a hospital or birth centre could put their baby’s, or their own, health at risk should there be complications.

But the Home Birth Reference Site says research has found only 4.3 UK births out of every thousand have serious complications, and planned home, hospital or midwife unit births all have a low level of risk.

Mandy Forrester, the RCM’s head of quality and standards, says: “Normally the women who choose to give birth at home have straightforward pregnancies, and the risk factors are very minimal, as long as there’s a risk assessment and the woman has made the most appropriate choice for her.

“This is an experience we don’t have very often in our lives, and it should be the best experience and as close as it possibly can to how you think it should be.”

Home birth advantages Being at home is more relaxing The woman is in her own environment, with her own things around her. Forrester says: “It very much makes women feel more comfortable and relaxed, and labour will progress more efficiently.”

Better relationship with the midwife This continuity of care has a major impact on safety. Forrester says: “A midwife who knows the woman will understand the nuances around her behaviour and what she wants, as a trusted relationship will have built up. That’s a real positive.”

Family can be there Children, grandparents and even pets can be at the birth if the mother wants them there.

Less pain relief needed Pain relief such as epidurals and other medical interventions are used less frequently during home births.

Homebirth specialist midwives Most midwives who deal with home births are trained to perform baby’s

first examination, checking its heart, lungs etc as a paediatrician or midwife would in hospital.

No hospital stay The mother doesn’t have to go anywhere afterwards - she’s at home and can have that first period with her new baby without any interruptions. “It’s quite magical,” says Forrester. “Mothers have that uninterrupted time that must feel so much more comfortable, if that’s what she wants to do.”

Home birth disadvantages Possible risk from medical complications Sometimes a woman with medical complications or complexities such as a raised BMI or pre-eclampsia, may want a home birth when medical professionals want her to give birth in hospital. “When that happens, you have to work with the woman and draw up a robust birth plan, discussing all the risk factors and outlining what the midwife may be looking for that indicates there’s a need to go into hospital,” says Forrester. “If women start where they want to, even if they do transfer to hospital, they have more of a positive birth experience than if they’re told right from the start they can’t have a home birth.”

Issues with access for an ambulance Accessibility for emergency services can be an issue if a woman lives in a rural location, for example.

Forrester says this isn’t necessarily prohibitive, but very precise planning is needed to make sure emergencies can be dealt with swiftly and a woman can be transferred to hospital quickly if necessary.

Paramedics may be called Midwives working at women’s homes are trained to manage emergencies, but in dire situations such as placental abruption (where the placenta separates from the uterus), paramedics will be called for an emergency transfer to hospital. “These are the situations that need to be discussed with women so they understand that if they do need to transfer quickly, it will have to be by ambulance,” explains Forrester. “But a lot of women say even if there’s the slightest risk, they want to be in hospital.”

Neighbours should be prepped If a woman’s likely to scream a lot during labour, it’s worth preparing the neighbours. “If she’s going to feel really inhibited in her own home by that, it may well be best that she’s not at home, as all that inhibition will just slow down the oxytocin cycle that makes the contractions happen,” says Forrester.

DECEMBER 2017 61

fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i ma g e : b oto x myth s b u s te d

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Botox Myths ! d e t s u b The patient furrowed her brows, clearly uneasy.

“Botox? Really? I’m not sure…”

T

he irony was that the more concerned she got, the more clearly I could see how treatment with botulinum toxin (aka Botox) would benefit her. The frown lines between her eyebrows were deep, and so when she frowned, she looked unnecessarily severe.

Botox, which relaxes the muscles that cause facial creases and wrinkles, would soften her look considerably.

It is easily one of the top 5 cosmetic procedures in the world, used both by men and women to get rid of wrinkles and lines. It also has over 20 medical applications from preventing migraines to stopping excessive teeth grinding.

Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood, with several myths persisting despite being completely untrue.

Let me set the record straight on three of the most common ones I hear.

1. MYTH: Botox makes you look frozen and unnatural. You end up looking like a plastic mannequin…

This usually happens when patients are given very large doses meant to last six months or longer.

It’s not the approach we generally take here at Riverbanks. The aim with Botox is to soften lines, making you look younger, smoother and more relaxed – not to stop your face from moving.The key is to use small amounts of Botox relatively often. When you give subtle doses which last three or four months, the result will be completely natural. You will still be able to express surprise and smile (…in fact, you’ll do so often, because you’ll look so great!), and no one will be able to guess that you have had any work done.

2. MYTH: It hurts to get Botox. Hardly: You will experience far more pain plucking your eyebrows.

That’s even truer for patients here at Riverbanks.

The smaller the needle, the better it is tolerated.

64 DECEMBER 2017

Over the past year, we’ve started using a new type of needle which is just 1/10 the size of a blood test needle. To the best of my knowledge we are the only clinic in the UK to use them. They are so effective that often, patients ask me when I’m going to treat a certain area, and are shocked to hear I’ve already finished it. They never even noticed!

3. MYTH: When you stop using Botox, your wrinkles look worse than before.

If you’ve only had one or two Botox treatments, your skin will revert to its previous condition a few weeks after the Botox has worn out. If you have been using Botox long-term, your wrinkles will start reappearing over three-to-six months. More importantly, you will look healthier and smoother than before your started the Botox. There is no evidence whatsoever that they will look worse than before you started. More likely, people who have become used to having smooth, wrinkle-free faces have simply forgotten what they looked like beforehand…. : -) Any Botox questions of your own? Just email me on ravi.jain@riverbanksclinic.co.uk and I’ll get back to you!

Dr Rav i Jain

THE DETAILS For more information visit my informative website www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk and subscribe to my email list. Or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of my aesthetic doctors call 01582762877 to book in.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

BEAUTY & FASHION NAUTICAL GIFTS With Christmas fast approaching, we handpicked a few beautiful gifts for the nautical and coastal enthusiast www.thenauticalcompany.com

Breton Sweater, Navy Blue, £95

KEEPING TIME Created by the award winning UK Designer Kirsty Whyte and built to last using a 5-Jewel Swiss Made Ronda movement and soft italian dark walnut brown leather, the sophisticated rose gold fte3003 watch merges the classic detailing of vintage watches with a modern minimalist finish.

Small Rose Gold & Brown Watch, £155, Freedom To Exist www.freedomtoexist.com

Classic Captain hat, in wool, £39

TOTALLY TROPICAL

STOCKING FILLER

Handmade in Jaipur, India, these bird of paradise viscose scarves have been lovingly made using traditional techniques. £16.99, www.iansnow.com

Your special someone will love this beautiful handcrafted resin and silver ring – home to their very own penguin. £240, www.madebyhandonline.com

THE BIRDS Featuring the iconic work from John James Audubon’s Birds of America, the Birds collection takes the detailed life-sized watercolours and brings the artwork to life on varying canvases including ceramics, cushions and incredible wall hangings. Each of the fascinating 19th-century illustrations took Audubon around sixty hours to complete and the historic book features over four hundred breeds, some of which are now extinct. www.magpieline.com/shop 66 DECEMBER 2017

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Lisa Eldridge

shares her make-up rules to live by One of the world’s most famous make-up artists is happy to pass on some of her vast beauty knowledge. words: Katie Wright

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, available from John Lewis

H

ashtags like #ad and #spon (short for sponsored) are rife in the beauty blogging world, but you won’t find them on Lisa Eldridge’s YouTube

channel.

The 42-year-old was already one of the world’s most in demand make-up artists when she started uploading videos in 2009.

“I think that’s why they’re popular, because the products I use are never paid for or sponsored by brands. I have never taken a penny through sponsorship,” says Lisa, whose celebrity clients include Kate Winslet and Kim Kardashian.

And, unlike most vloggers, Lisa, who is also creative director for Lancome, didn’t have ads on her videos - until recently, when she decided to turn them on for the first time for altruistic reasons.

The revenue will be going to children’s rights charity Plan International.

Lisa figured that since 93% of her 1.7 million subscribers are women, they wouldn’t mind enduring a few ads in order to support a femalefocused charity.

“I have got a really nice group of people... I don’t really get weirdos, I get the people who like to answer each other’s questions and talk to each other.

It’s a very affirming community,” she says.

A few days ago she posted a photo on Instagram, declaring: “You think I’m listening but I’m really doing your make-up in my head.”

So what does a make-up legend think are the most common make-up mistakes - and what can we do to correct them?

Here are Lisa’s top 10 do’s and don’ts, and the products she says you can’t go wrong with.

1. Do use SPF50 every day “A really good SPF that works for my skin tone, that 68 DECEMBER 2017

Image: PA Photo/Lisa Eldridge; Right: Lisa Eldridge at the Letters Live Black Tie Gala Dinner, at the V&A, London. (image courtesy of Matt Crossick/PA Photos)

Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner, available from Escentual.com

is probably what I spend most of my money on.

Heliocare do a tinted version which is gorgeous and it’s not that expensive.”

Heliocare Gelcream Colour SPF50, £23.50, EffortlessSkin.com

2. Don’t overdo your eyebrows “I don’t like the really ‘blocked’ brows where you don’t see the natural hairs. I personally hate the way it looks. I much prefer when the brows are more feathered and lighter so you have a sense of the hairs.”

3. Do apply mascara from the roots “I aways apply as much as I can at the roots first.

Get down to the roots and hold [the wand] there and massage very slowly as long as you can. It’s all about getting the bulk on first, otherwise the lashes can get very heavy at the end.”

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Mascara, £24.50

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage High Coverage Concealer, available from lancome.co.uk

Heliocare Gelcream Colour SPF50, available from EffortlessSkin.com

4. Don’t forget to blend your contour “Contouring looks really bad when it’s badly applied - when it’s the wrong colour and it’s too heavy. The edges should be blended.

When it’s done really well, it’s amazing.”

5. Do use concealer sparingly “I like to have more coverage where I need it and less where I don’t, because it tricks the eye. The person is looking at you and thinking, ‘You’re not really wearing a lot of make-up’, when actually you can get away with wearing quite a lot when it’s not heavy all over.”

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage High Coverage Concealer, £22

Bourjois Matt Illusion Bronzing Powder, available from FeelUnique

Koji Dolly Wink Eyelash 09, available from YesStyle.com

clients underneath make-up.”

Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner, £15.10, Escentual

8. Do use face masks liberally “I am obsessed with face masks so most days I will wear one. I love Susanne Kaufmann, which is a natural Austrian brand. That is probably my favourite at the moment.”

Susanne Kaufmann Moisturizing Mask, £41, Naturisimo.com

9. Do go easy on the bronzer “The thing with bronzer is that it’s always hard to take it down once you’ve done it. Apply it with nice light layers over your cheekbones, cheeks, temples, across the top of the forehead and a little bit on the neck.”

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, £36.50, John Lewis; Bourjois Matt Illusion Bronzing Powder, £5.95, FeelUnique

10. Do buy Japanese false eyelashes “They are just so much better and so much cheaper in Japan than they are anywhere else.

There are so many incredible eyelash brands out there, like Dollywink. And they stick on so much easier because the band is light not heavy.”

Koji Dolly Wink Eyelash 09, £10.73, YesStyle. com Watch hundreds of makeup and beauty tutorials on Lisa Eldridge’s YouTube channel.

6. Don’t overload your eyes if they’re small “Sometimes people can really close their eyes down with very heavy eyeliner and very heavy lashes. If you have naturally quite small eyes, that type of make-up will make them look smaller.”

7. Do use a primer Susanne Kaufmann Moisturizing Mask, available from Naturisimo.com

“I discovered Bioderma in Paris when I lived there in the Nineties. The thing I like from them is a Pore Refining Primer, a pore refiner that I use on

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Mascara, available from lancome.co.uk

DECEMBER 2017 69

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

A Frog In My Throat I

t’s that time of year when coughs and colds start to catch up on you. Many people experience vague throat symptoms ranging from hoarseness of voice to difficulty swallowing or a sensation of something being stuck in the throat. These symptoms can persist for weeks or even months and worry and concern that it may be something serious, does little to help the problem.

Fortunately, the vast majority of patients with these symptoms do not have a serious condition.

In fact, the commonest cause for low-grade throat symptoms is silent reflux, also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). This arises from irritation in the throat from stomach acid and enzymes. Many people don’t even experience symptoms they would classically associate with acid such as heartburn or indigestion but this is still the causative agent, hence the term “silent” reflux.

The key to diagnosis is having a trial of medicines to combat acid reflux. Other conservative measures can also help such as avoiding trigger foods, ensuring there is a gap between the last meal of the day and going to sleep, and elevating the head end of the bed so gravity can help minimize reflux.

Any patient with persisting symptoms of “a frog in the throat” can seek referral through their GP but may wish to consider the points mentioned here first. In particular, if the symptoms are not

70 DECEMBER 2017

worsening over time then they are more likely to be LPR related. However, there are other features that should raise alarm bells. For example, if a patient has an unexplained hoarse voice for more than six weeks or can feel a lump in the neck that persists beyond three weeks then they should seek an urgent referral.

Mr Singh is an Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant practicing at Spire Harpenden Hospital. He is able to see and diagnose patients in Spire’s out-patient clinic. The assessment will usually include a minor procedure where a fibre-optic camera is passed through the nose to visualize the throat, voice box and possibly even the upper oesophagus. As it goes through the nose, it rarely causes pain or a gag reflex. Most patients don’t even need any local anaesthetic. This assessment will help to rule out most throat cancers or guide which patients may require further investigations or a biopsy. The commonest further investigations are a Barium Swallow X-ray that can confirm reflux or an MRI of the neck if any lumps are felt or suspected.

Mr Singh also deals with a broad range of other ear, nose and throat conditions.

For more information or to book an appointment, please contact Spire Harpenden Hospital on 01582 787 618 or visit www.spireharpenden.com

“Mr Singh is an Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant practicing at Spire Harpenden Hospital. He is able to see and diagnose patients in Spire’s out-patient clinic”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

72 DECEMBER 2017

HOuse &

garden – A collection of Hertfordshire’s finest interior companies – i mag e : T URGO N F L OORI N G

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS TILE OF THE YEAR Original Style UK is proud to present the Tile of the Year 2018 - Heath by the Winchester Tile Company. Heath is a shade drawn from nature with deep, warm tones that elicit a real sense of indulgence. This lilac hue paired with the artisanal vibe of the Winchester Tile Company’s Residence collection is brilliantly versatile with a spirit of Avant-garde. www.originalstyle.com

putting on the ritz The Art Deco movement – characterised by geometric designs, gold accents, and ornate silhouettes – is a trend that has shown no signs of slowing down. Living It Up takes inspiration from the era in their new range of Milano accent chairs. Art Deco appeal is given a thoroughly 2017 spin, by putting velvet and brass centre-stage. The first thing you’ll notice about the Milano is its striking geometric frame, made of stainless steel coated in brass, this year’s hottest metal.

It’s highly stylized, sleek and luxurious frame is accompanied by plush navy or pink velvet upholstery and a beautiful buttoned back. The chair is made even more desirable through the addition of a high-density foam seat, for the utmost comfort. As an accent piece, Milano Chair is perfect for adding ‘ritz’ to otherwise neutral interiors, or teaming with a mid-century sofa for full on retro appeal. Its clean lines, simplicity, geometrics and sharp angles will never fail to impress, making it the ideal focal point for a pared-back living space. £599, www.livingitup.co.uk

OUTDOORS IN

urban interiors

Bring the outdoors in and create a botanical theme in your living room with this stylish range of pendant lights from Escapology Inspired by the rattan frames of vintage Lloyd Loom furniture, this range of Vincent Shephard pendant lights are perfect for adding a contemporary Scandinavian twist to your home. £268, www.escapology home.com

Urban interior design stems from the modern designer lofts in the major cities. Taking cues from its cosmopolitan environment, urban modern is a fusion of various opposing and complementary traits.

Minimalist modern, glamorous chic, mid-century inspired, and edgy experimental designs all collide in a distinctively 21stcentury setting.

Nabila Floor Lamp, £649, www.urbanavenue.co.uk

76 DECEMBER 2017

cottage chic

This new Hemmingway range of reclaimed wooden furniture is ideal – with a resurgence of country style furnishings being more popular than ever it’s right on trend. Interior designers are increasingly turning to exposed materials and matt finishes to create chic and contemporary designs. By incorporating bold, simplistic shapes with raw materials My Furniture have created this new Hemmingway collection. www.my-furniture.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

IMPROVING, RATHER THAN MOVING STILL THE TREND

A visit to your local council’s planning portal will highlight the significant numbers of planning applications from home owners seeking to extend their homes rather than fork out the exorbitant costs of moving house

W

hether it is a loft extension, kitchen extension, conservatory extension or double extension, the desire to create affordable additional living space that can be used 24/7 is evident from the huge numbers of planning applications and the increase in the numbers of property owners (particularly in the last two to three years) who are having new orangeries or conservatories designed to integrate with their existing dwelling. These structures can, if designed appropriately within the bounds set by each local authority, be built without the need for Building Regulation Approval or the need for planning permission, if the home owners have sufficient Permitted Development Rights intact.

That said most new structures with solid roofs 78 DECEMBER 2017

are very likely to need both planning permission and to comply with the Building Regulations, so ensure you get professional advice and talk to your local council before embarking on any development or placing an order.

Previous research published by the Halifax Building Society showed that almost 20% of those questioned desire to move into a UK property that requires no home improvements. If this is still true to this day, it means a staggering one in five of the population would prefer to buy a house that needs nothing doing to it, which if they can afford to throw money away like that OK, but not so sensible

“Most new structures with solid roofs are very likely to need both planning permission and to comply with the Building Regulations”

a move for hard working middle England who tend to work more hand to mouth.

Buying a “ready made” home is often very expensive option, as one either pays a premium to the property developer who built or renovated the property, or alternatively a handsome profit to the home owner who did up the property in order to gain a substantial return on a relatively modest investment in risk/reward terms.

Consequently, is it not far more sensible financially for anyone considering buying a house to instead actually be the property owner who carries out the home improvements, thereby being the ones to benefit from any subsequent increase in property value?

Independent double glazing manufacturers and installers Hazlemere Windows have seen an increasing number of property owners enquiring about replacement double glazed windows and doors for their extension and/or loft conversion.

In addition, growing families are looking into the feasibility of adding a conservatory onto their house to provide much needed extra high quality living space, be it a kitchen/diner, gym, home office, play room, dining room, extra or enlarged living room.

Building a conservatory can be more aesthetically pleasing than a full blown brick built extension with a tiled or flat roof. Despite the changes to the Building Regulations that came into effect back on 1st October 2010, and the new legal requirement that all UK property owners (replacing any existing windows and/or doors, or indeed building an extension) must now fit compliant higher performing thermally efficient fenestration products, it is still easier and less costly to obtain the necessary permissions to build a conservatory.

Also a UPVC or aluminium double glazed conservatory is much less expensive to build and

“Building a conservatory can be more aesthetically pleasing than a full blown brick built extension”

available for home owners to utilise as additional living space a lot sooner than an actual extension with a tiled or flat roof that nearly always requires both time consuming planning permission and Building Regulatory Approval, plus signing off by a Building Control Officer from your local planning department when finished.

That said, having an extension built that matches in, loft conversion and/or conservatory will add value to any home; whilst at the same time provide invaluable extra living space. These types of home improvement options done professionally to a high standard are far less costly than the massive expense of moving house, especially when you take into account legal fees, removal costs or van hire, surveyors costs, estate agency fees (all of which attract 20% VAT), mortgage or loan set up charges, and of course stamp duty (which collectively can amount to tens of thousands of pounds). Is it any wonder that many UK property owners prefer to improve rather than move.

To find out what the potential home improvement options and budget costs are for your particular property from one of Hazlemere’s experienced experts, visit their showrooms in Welwyn Garden City in Herts or High Wycombe in Bucks, both open 7 days a week or call 01727 238658 or visit www.hazlemere.co.uk

DECEMBER 2017 79

H OUSE & GARDEN

Passion For Luxury S

heree Davenport - Passion For Luxury has ‘full flair’ of various styles from delicate and muted minimalism to eye-popping, era-hopping fancies, she knows how to mix, match, edit, illuminate, decorate any space from one bedroom apartments to enormous mansions houses, hotels and commercial buildings.

“Harmonious interiors, with a distinctive ambiance that will be timeless and enjoyable for many years” Passion For Luxury – creates harmonious interiors, with a distinctive ambiance that will be timeless and enjoyable for many years.

Our selection of sumptuous space makers in queen rich materials and wall coverings that enhance any dull space or home, Sheree is a master of luxury, furnishing the most beautiful homes that was once uninteresting and lacked luster.

Our projects reflect our extensive experience in creating luxurious and livable spaces for national and international private clients. www.passionforluxury.co.uk 80 DECEMBER 2017

Passion for Luxury

The Finest World Class Interior Design Service

T: 07961 380929 | E: info@passionforluxury.co.uk | W: www.passionforluxury.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

82 D NE OCVEEM MBBEERR 22001177

01708 755667

Blinds • Shutters • awnings Email: sales@drathmore.co.uk

www.drathmore.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Rasch Log Pattern Wallaper Rustic Wood Stripe Motif Faux Effect, £16.99, I Want Wallpaper.

WALLPAPER TRENDS FOR

2018

Want to wake up your walls? Gabrielle Fagan speaks to those-in-the-know about the hottest wallpaper looks.

Vixen Couture Wallpaper from a collection by Julien Macdonald, made to order from £180 per roll, Graham & Brown

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alls - like presents - look their best when well-wrapped. And there’s now a huge choice of wallpapers out there, so they can shimmer, sparkle or stun with texture, pattern and colour.

Papering a single feature wall, or a whole room, is also a ‘fast’ way to embrace a trend. After all, we’re increasingly following home fashion just as closely we do clothes - and a winning combination of cutting-edge digital technology and brilliant designs makes it possible to literally transform a setting with just a roll of paper. Here, two experts in the field reveal their wallpaper wisdom and trend predictions for the year ahead...

Create drama and personality “Wallpaper has observed tradition for too long and people are starting to acknowledge its potential in their homes,” says Catherine Jacob, head of design at Murals Wallpaper, who offers a range of designs and can create bespoke wall murals from images, designs or photographs supplied by customers.

“Platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram inspire people and help empower them to experiment, while the rise in personalisation means 84 DECEMBER 2017

people are enjoying creating unique designs for their walls.

“Generally, patterns are becoming more daring, with large-scale dark florals, jungle prints and bright coloured geometrics enlivening the landscape of walls once dominated by a conventional neutral palette of paint.”

For 2018, she predicts large-scale images or repeat patterns will offer a punchy alternative to the small, ditsy patterns of yesteryear.

“Millennial pink reigns as the new black and has become a staple base colour, but lilac tones are gaining popularity,” Catherine adds.

“Faux texture wallpapers are recognised as a brilliant way to change the character of a space, with brick for a rustic look or concrete for a chic industrial feel, or even wool for softer luxury. The craft/handmade movement is inspiring design, so look out for more free-flowing painterly styles, merging the look of artisan skills with digital-age technology.”

Top tip: To enhance a setting and ensure a beautiful wall covering is the focus of a room, pick out key colours from the design and repeat them in plain fabrics and painted woodwork.

“Platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram inspire people and help empower them to experiment”

(and below) Bugs Silver Wallpaper, £50 a roll, Graham & Brown

Play with pattern “These days, people can choose a look which totally reflects their personality and taste. Whether you prefer a bold colour palette with pops of bright colour, linear or geometric patterns, or shimmering metallics, there’s literally something for everyone,” says Paula Taylor, colour and trends specialist for Graham & Brown.

“For 2018, we’ve identified key trends which form the backdrop to our new collections. We’re focusing on raw beauty - tactility, texture and fresh white forms, which bring purity to a home - think weaves, cane work and wood grain with layered,

“We’re also honing in on gentle, subdued shades, such as millennial pink, arctic blue and cool heather, as well as offering dramatic, dark backdrops”

natural finishes.

“We’re also honing in on gentle, subdued shades, such as millennial pink, arctic blue and cool heather, as well as offering dramatic, dark backdrops. Our Gothic Damask Flock Cobalt Wallpaper (£75 per roll) comes in a rich cobalt.”

“Vibrant tones of turquoise, parakeet green and fuchsia which will burst onto the scene next year, reflecting the desire for botanical opulence and luscious vegetation,” Paula adds. “We’re also focusing on nature in our Bugs Silver Wallpaper, featuring butterflies and insects.”

“Global influences are here to stay, with an appreciation of intricate mark-making, weave dying and bold graphic elements. This trend will be a statement look, with sapphire, crimson and papaya colours, underlined by earthier rusts and greys in celebration of highly-coloured pattern.”

Top tip: For a stylish statement wall that conjures an eclectic traveller look, consider a bright tropical wallpaper featuring animated creatures and layered forest leaves, paired with natural wood furniture, bamboo accessories and wicker accents. For a modern feel, pair patterned wallpaper in a calming sage green with clean lines and contemporary furniture, and contrast vivid colours with glossy white finishes.

Gothic Damask Flock Cobalt Wallpaper, £75 per roll, in a rich cobalt, Graham & Brown

DECEMBER 2017 85

H OUSE & GARDEN

Nordic Mood:

Bringing a Koselig lifestyle to the UK

D

riven by a desire to bring a ‘Koselig’ lifestyle to the UK, new online homeware retailer Nordic Mood offer a wide selection of Scandinavian style furniture and home accessories that capture the cosy contentment of a traditional Norwegian way of life.

Based in Manchester, Nordic Mood was set up

by Emma Knowles and her Bergen-born partner Vemund, as they set about furnishing their new house and struggled to find the right pieces on the British high street to recreate the warmth and intimacy of the Vemund’s childhood home.

Passionate about design and quality, Emma and

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Vemund have curated a Nordic-inspired selection of furniture and home accessories that place an emphasis on function and form, focused on strong organic shapes that are both ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing, and tactile natural materials that add a comforting warmth and cosiness to the edit.

Further inspired by family holidays at their summer house in Sognefjord and the soft muted colour palettes of its natural surrounds, the Nordic Mood collection includes furniture, lighting and accessories that encapsulate the cosy, congenial mood of traditional Nordic home life, while promoting emotional wellbeing.

From timeless Lloyd Loom furniture designs by Vincent Sheppard that are both comfortable and cocooning, to contemporary woven textiles by Anna Lisa Smith that are pleasingly soft to the touch, and geometric plywood lampshades that recreate the twinkling shimmer of candlelight, Nordic Mood have everything you need to create a Koselig Nordic vibe in your own British home. www.nordicmood.co.uk

“From timeless Lloyd Loom furniture designs by Vincent Sheppard that are both comfortable and cocooning”

TIMELESS STYLE AT CELINE ESTATES Celine Estates headed by Director Noor Charchafchi is fast becoming one of the most esteemed London residential interior design firms. Noor’s attention to detail and focus on luxury service has distinguished her company and allowed her to excel in the world of residential interiors. Asking Noor about her preferred design style she explains that she she chooses not to pinpoint a particular style but a contemporary home that supersedes trends and is curated for each particular client until the space can truly be unique to them. Noor explains that working with her clients is the most important part of her business and a part of the business she relishes.

Showcasing one of her recent prime central London projects shown she says, I feel flattered that the business gets the attention that it does but the real business is the passion for design and the realisation of our clients aspirations for their spaces. Celine Estates works alongside an in house architectural and construction team and she explains that she is therefore involved in every part of the design process starting from where it must necessarily begin with the architectural drawings and space planning.

Believing in a hands on approach Noor explains that early entrance into the design stage always gives her team an incredible advantage and as she herself oversees every aspect of the project her clients really get full exposure to the woman who is fast becoming a permanent fixture on London’s interior design scene.

Celine Estates Ltd, Unit A 27, Jasmine House, Juniper Drive, Battersea Reach, London SW18 1GJ Tel: 02073513659 Tel: 020 8032 2911 Web: www.celineestates.com

property THE PRIORY EDGWARE, HA8

– Beautiful homes in and around Hertfordshire – I M A G E : S TATO N S

PROPERTY

THE PRIORY

Priory Field Drive, Edgware, HA8 9PU

T

he Priory at Priory Park is a Grade II listed building created in the Victorian gothic style. Once an abbey, its original features have been sympathetically retained in a stunning conversion that celebrates architectural history while also introducing modern-day luxuries and style. Owners of these homes will revel in the scale and the detail of their environment, while also enjoying many creature comforts and the security of being within a gated development. There are four elegant and spacious properties to choose from, each one absolutely unique.

Located on the Mill Hill border and set within quiet surroundings, The Priory at Priory Park is a visual treat. Brick, stone, wood and glass combine to produce a wealth of enviable architectural features, including high arched, circular and arrow slit windows, grand entrances and ceilings, and a bell tower. The high number of windows, many of them reaching over 3 metres high, ensures light streams into these properties, while The Priory’s wonderful atmosphere is also retained.

Prices from ÂŁ1,650,000

Please call our New Homes Office on 020 8441 9555 for a full colour brochure

90 DECEMBER 2017

From Cottages to Country Estates FOR OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE, PLEASE VISIT US

Wormley

guide Price £3,500,000

Stunning Edwardian House Beautifully Refurbished 8 Bedrooms /5 Bathrooms 4 Reception Rooms Extensive Garaging One Bedroom Self-contained Annexe Grounds Approx 3.20 Acres

Brookmans Park 01707 661144

Hadley Wood

£2,300,000

Impressive Georgian Style Home 5 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Reception Rooms Carriage Driveway Garage

Hadley Wood office 020 8440 9797

HigH BarneT

£1,950,000

Detached Family Home 4 Bedrooms 5 Receptions 4 Bathrooms Conservatory Double Garage Gated Entrance Wide Wrap Around Grounds

BarneT office 020 8449 3383

ToTTeridge

£3,150,000

ToTTeridge common

£2,600,000

Sole Agents 6 Bedrooms Master Bedroom Suite Completely Refurbished Well-Proportioned Accommodation Open Plan Drawing Room and Dining Room Electric Security Gates Sought After Location

Grade II Listed Family Residence Set in Grounds of Approx 1 Acre Planning Permission Granted Parts dating back to 16th Century Currently 4 Beds Garden adorned with Fruit Trees and Shrubs

ToTTeridge office 020 8445 3694

ToTTeridge office 020 8445 3694

ePPing green

£2,150,000

Outstanding Family Home Refurbished to an impeccable standard Amazing circa 40ft Super Room 4 Double Bedrooms all with en-suite facilities 2 Further Receptions Gated Entrance Plot Approx 1 Acre

Brookmans Park 01707 661144

Hadley Wood

£1,740,000

4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 5 Reception Rooms Carriage Driveway Views Over Greenbelt South Facing Rear Garden

Hadley Wood office 020 8440 9797

radleTT

£1,999,950

Sole Agents Stunning Countryside Views 6 Bedrooms Private Cul De Sac Location Double Garage Walking Distance to Village & Station

radleTT office 01923 604321

radleTT

£1,575,000

New Build 4/5 Bedrooms 4 Bath/Shower Rooms Superb Reception Rooms Cinema Room Stunning Kitchen/Diner South Facing Rear Garden

radleTT office 01923 604321

SaleS OfficeS at: BaRNet 020 8449 3383 tOtteRiDGe 020 8445 3694 HaDleY WOOD 020 8440 9797 BROOKMaNS PaRK 01707 661144 RaDlett 01923 604321 NeW HOMeS SHOWcaSe HaDleY GReeN 020 8441 9555 PReMieR lettiNGS HaDleY GReeN 020 8441 9796

Associated Offices in Mayfair, Moscow, China, USA & Monaco

silver

london estate agency

2016

me

GaLLey Lane, Barnet, en5

An extended double fronted six bedroom detached family home with off-street parking.

d i u m a g en c y

£1,750,000 Freehold

the OWners LOVe…

We’Ve nOtICed…

“We love the location being near enough to Barnet but a short walk to fields and open countryside”

The property is being sold chain free.

“We love the flexibility of three reception rooms giving plenty of space for everyone”

EPC Rating – D

The property over looks Greenbelt countryside.

“We love the semi-rural location and not being overlooked”

Contact Susan Bradford at our Barnet office on 0208 440 2444

www.martyngerrard.co.uk

silver

london estate agency

2016

me

Lyndhurst Gardens, ChurCh end, n3

An extended five bedroom, three bathroom semi-detached family home with original period features and west facing garden.

d i u m a g en c y

£1,500,000 Freehold

the OWners LOVe…

We’Ve nOtICed…

“It’s a large family home with vast room dimensions great for entertaining visiting friends and family”

There are no parking restrictions on Lyndhurst Gardens.

“The peaceful location which is very close to schools, buses, the underground station and open spaces”

EPC Rating - D

“We love the period charm like the wood panelling in the front reception and high ceilings”

Contact Scott Henderson at our Finchley Central office on 020 8346 0102

www.martyngerrard.co.uk

silver

london estate agency

2016

me

hazeL Gardens, MILL hILL, nW7

A detached four double bedroom, four reception room family home close to transport, schools and places of worship.

d i u m a g en c y

OIEO £1,350,000 FREEHOLD

the OWners LOVe…

We’Ve nOtICed…

“The exceptionally large downstairs area which includes a large through lounge, which is a great space for entertaining, with 3 sets of French doors that can open up the whole area to wrap around the kitchen”

Hazel Gardens is well located for various major road links including the M1, the A1 and the A41.

“The extension consisting of two rooms, which can become one, is a sun trap making it a great place to sit throughout the whole year”

EPC Rating – D

“The wide south facing garden is great for relaxing and summer BBQ’s” Contact Jatin Shah at our Mill Hill office on 020 8906 0660

The property has further scope to extend to the side and in to the loft STPP.

www.martyngerrard.co.uk

PROPERTY

Tower

A new level of luxury living has arrived in the heart of London

I

n an exclusive partnership with Versace Home, the global symbol of opulence, AYKON London One brings you the ultimate in branded living experiences.

Versace Tower is about to light up the multibillion pound Nine Elms regeneration zone, in the shape of a designer piece of property for those who love a label. Thanks to a collaboration with Italian fashion house Versace, 50-storey Aykon London One will be the glitziest tower on the block.

The £600million tower, dubbed the ‘Jenga tower’ because of its appearance, is due to open in 2020.

A studio can be bought for £747,000, with onebedroom apartments from £1,116,000, and twobedroom flats from £1,877,000. As the floors start to rise, so do the prices. A top-floor duplex would set you back £13 million.

Choose from studios to one, two and three bedroom arrangements, finished to the highest standards, with special ‘winter gardens’, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. Even the

96 DECEMBER 2017

“Residents will enjoy in-house dining, a concierge, a cinema, a state-of-the-art gymnasium plus a luxury swimming pool and spa all tricked up in Versace’s trademark maximal style of opulent colours and fabrics”

chandeliers in the residents’ lounge are gold-plated filigree, while “V” for Versace Home is in marble patterns inlaid into the walnut floors at the entrance to each apartment.

For their money, buyers certainly get plenty of Versace branding in their homes. The style house’s trademark Greek key decorates splashbacks, kitchen islands and mirrors in the white marble bathrooms, while master bedrooms are decorated with lavish amounts of pale gold-and-cream Versace wallpaper.

Residents will enjoy in-house dining, a concierge, a cinema, a state-of-the-art gymnasium plus a luxury swimming pool and spa - all tricked up in Versace’s trademark maximal style of opulent colours and fabrics. Even the children’s playroom has a patchwork Versace carpet in primary colours, plus a double-height yellow slide and designer chairs.

Each of the building’s outdoor spaces will be unique, with its own focal sculptures, water features and landscaping aesthetic, all complemented by stylish furniture and specialist lighting.

Nine Elms is already home to the New Covent Garden Market, the brand-new US Embassy and Battersea Power Station, a cherished feature of the London skyline. It’s also blessed with almost two miles of Thames river frontage, and will be lined with cafés, bars, restaurants, cultural attractions and public space as part of the planned regeneration.

Since construction work on “Versace Tower” began in August, 170 of its 360 homes have sold.

Unsurprisingly, many overseas buyers have taken the bait, from the Gulf States, Hong Kong, Russia, Iran and Pakistan. Developers have come under fire for selling highly priced flats at Nine Elms to overseas buyers before addressing the British market. www.aykonlondonone.com

PROPERTY

98 DECEMBER 2017