Life Magazines (Hertfordshire editions) October 2019

Beauty Unearthed at Hanstead House

MONEYHILL.indd All Pages

D A V O N P O RT N a t u r a l l y

D i s t i n c t i v e

I n t e r i o r s

Experience Classic English Elegance

1 Moneyhill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, H a Hertfordshire n d c r a WD3 f t e7BQ d in

C o l c h1 eMoneyhill s t e r ,Parade, England Phone:Road, +44(0)1923 773906 Uxbridge Rickmansworth, celia@moneyhillinteriors.com Hertfordshire WD3 7BQ moneyhillinteriors.com Phone: +44(0)1923 773906 celia@moneyhillinteriors.com d a v o n p o r t . c o m

To request a portfolio or speak to

m o n aedesigner: y h i l l01206 i n t e 760 r i o 800 rs.com

28/10/2015 18:49

FROM THE

T

EDITOR

ickets for the hugely popular annual Pumpkin Trail & Treats at Knebworth House are now on sale and expected to sell out fast.

Upon arrival, children’s tickets will be exchanged for a ‘Pumpkin Passport’. Children will then be invited to participate in a series of fun games and activities and earn stamps on their ‘Pumpkin Passport’ from the costumed staff on duty at each activity.

The Smallford farm Shop and Glasshouse Café have been developed at the site of a second-generation, family-run nursery business in Smallford, just outside St Albans. They have been created with the history of the site in mind. From selling fresh produce by traditional market style methods on pallets, to the new, state-of-the-art glasshouse which provides a sophisticated, modern rustic interior, supplying good quality, passionate artisan producers.

Businesses, community groups and other organisations are joining forces to create a fabulous festive season for everyone in St Albans District. They are arranging a series of fun events with St Albans City and District Council to entertain residents, attract visitors and provide a boost to the local economy.

The Hertfordshire Wedding Fair in St Albans is Hertfordshire’s premier wedding fair and is the county’s oldest county wide wedding fair. Whether you are looking for the latest wedding gift ideas or a beautiful wedding venue from around Hertfordshire or beyond, this is the wedding fair to visit for inspiration. The wedding fair hosts over 70 quality exhibitors and includes some of the oldest and best known wedding companies in the region.

Faye Manning Editor

THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

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

Get this issue online

© All Rights Reserved. Life Magazines are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd. takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in these publications and any loss arising therefrom. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to Life Magazines, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for the loss or damage to such material. Fish Media Group Ltd. reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication.

Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any mistakes and no responsibility can be taken for the content of these pages.

Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editor Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Nicholas Peter ••••• business DEVELOPMENT manager Kelly Pauling ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• SALES Lewis Casserley ••••• Accounts Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou ••••• Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M AG E : T H E I V Y ST A L B A NS B R A SS E RI E

OUT & ABOUT

13 October

The Premier Hertfordshire Wedding Exhibition The Hertfordshire Wedding Fair, St Albans is Hertfordshire’s premier wedding fair and is the county’s oldest county wide wedding fair. Whether you are looking for the latest wedding gift ideas or a beautiful wedding venue from around Hertfordshire or beyond, this is the wedding fair to visit for inspiration. The wedding fair hosts over 70 quality exhibitors and includes some of the oldest and best known wedding companies in the region.

There are two professional fashion shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm featuring dresses from a number of bridal shops both in Hertfordshire and further afield.

Alban Arena, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD

[ eve n t s ]

the calendar

25 October

Soul Fever New night, new venue and new vibe. A decent night of quality music for discerning ravers who know how to party hard. Music policy is soul music from the old school to present day, boogie, funk, disco and soulful house. No gimmicks, false dawns or fake news… we just Let The Music Play! Tickets now on sale! From 8pm-1am.

143 Bar, 143 The Parade, Watford, Hertfordshire WD25 9QB

13 OCTOBER

Hertford Castle Beer and World Food Festival A multitude of world food stalls will exhibit on the Castle lawn and a large beer tent will be offering a variety of local and national beers, ales and cider. The Festival will run from 12pm to 6pm and Hertford Castle will be open from 12pm to 4pm. Free Entry, but donations are welcome.

The Castle, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1HR

11-13 October

Hertford Food and Drink Festival Head to the county town of Hertfordshire for a three day Food and Drink Festival. Event highlights include the Hertford Castle Beer & World Food Festival, street food markets, café, bar and restaurant activities, samples, events and promotions and cookery demonstrations.

Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1PX 1 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

10 October

Knit & Natter at Hertford Museum Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just a beginner, bring your projects along to Hertford Museum. This is a chance to share ideas and patterns in a comfortable setting over a cup of tea or coffee. 1.30pm-3.30pm, every second Thursday of the month. £1 per person.

Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertfordshire SG14 1DT

20 October

20 October

Shenley Apple day Apple Day is a nationwide event held at locations ranging from village halls to National Trust houses.

Every October Shenley Park Trust hosts an Apple Day Event where you have the opportunity to: Sample and buy many different varieties of apple Participate in Juicing demonstrations Try and buy Apple Juice Play games such as apple bobbing and apple shy. Enjoy refreshments with cakes, pies, jams etc many of them apple based.

Shenley Park, Radlett Lane, Shenley, Hertfordshire WD7 9DW

Ware Antique & Collectors Fair Browse 30+ tables offering antiques and collectables. 10am4pm, £1 entry. Free Car Parking.

Food and drink available.

Age Concern Hall, Priory Street, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 0DE

“The 35 acre Beale Arboretum consists of over 800 varieties of trees and shrubs”

20 October

West Lodge Park - Open Garden for NGS Open for the NGS for over 30yrs, the 35 acre Beale Arboretum consists of over 800 varieties of trees and shrubs, incl National Collection of Hornbeam cultivars (Carpinus betulus) and National collection of Swamp Cypress (Taxodium). Network of paths through good selection of conifers, oaks, maples and mountain ash - all specimens labelled. Beehives and 2 ponds. Stunning collection within the M25. 1pm-4pm.

West Lodge Park, Hadley Wood, London EN4 0PY

8-10 November

13 October

Potters Bar Antique & Vintage Fair Imagine your favourite vintage shop and antiques market rolled into one. With a plethora of eyecatching gems at every turn, no matter what you’re looking for, somebody at the Antiques & Vintage Fair will be selling it. Over 55 stalls with a huge range of antiques including silver and enamel, quality and costume jewellery, decorative antiques, mid-century homeware, china, glass, ephemera, kitchenalia, books and pictures, plus plenty of vintage items and accessories. Only 5 minutes walk from Potters Bar train station, 5 minutes drive from the A1 and Junction 24 of the M25. We are open from 10am to 4pm and there is ample free parking plus a café selling hot and cold food all day.

Admission is £2 and entry is free for children under 16 accompanied by an adult.

Wyllyotts Theatre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 2HN

Knebworth Christmas Fair Arguably the biggest and best Christmas Shopping event in the region! Kick off your festive shopping in style, meet the makers and designers and find that unique gift for family, friends or treat yourself to something extra special. Open 10am - 4pm on all days Knebworth House, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG1 2AX

O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 1 7

OUT & ABOUT

22 & 25 OCTOBER

Cliveden - Autumn floristry workshops We are delighted to launch our new Autumn floristry workshops this October. Create a beautiful posy inspired by the blooms and natural foliage found in Cliveden’s Grade I listed gardens - perfect to decorate your home or to give as a gift. We are delighted to launch our new Autumn floristry workshops at Cliveden this October. Inspired by the blooms and natural foliage in the Grade l listed gardens, our florist will help you prepare the perfect posy to take home or give as a gift. Book on 01628 605069.

Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire SL6 0JA

[ eve n t s ]

the calendar until 3 November

Halloween Half Term at the River & Rowing Museum Henley’s River & Rowing Museum will be bursting with spooky fun this half term, so why not get dressed up in your most spooktacular costume and join in? The Museum has a packed half term calendar of family activities, including Halloween in the Wild Wood, dragon boats and minibeasts! And what’s more, the Museum is still bursting with bears, some much more grizzly than others. Bears! Exhibition Open until Sun 3 November. children’s workshops: Make a Model Dragon Boat 28 October, 10.30am – 12.30pm Forest Friends: 29 Oct 10.30am – 12.30pm Family Day: Halloween in the Wild Wood 31 Oct 10.30am – 4pm children’s workshops: Towers and Turrets: 1 Nov 10.30am -12.30pm www.rrm.co.uk

1 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

8-19 OCTOBER & 25-30 November

TEN TIMES TABLE Ten Times Table is the inaugural production of The Classic Comedy Theatre Company, produced by Bill Kenwright and his team behind The Agatha Christie, The Classic Thriller and The Classic Screen To Stage theatre companies. Between them, these companies have enjoyed over 15 years of theatrical success across the UK. 8-19 October: Theatre Royal Windsor, 32 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1PS 25-30 November: Guildford Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Millbrook, Guildford GU1 3UX

31 October

Missenden Abbey Pumpkin Carve Spooktacular Bring the kids along to our spooktacular afternoon filled with lots of fun activities. There will be creepy colouring, a spooky cake sale and this Halloween event wouldn’t be complete without pumpkin carving! Costumes are welcome and there may even be a little surprise in store for those dressed for the occasion.

Entry is £3 per person. All proceeds will go towards the Rainbow Trust Charity; supporting families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. Refreshments will be available and all under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. Limited availability. Bookings only. To pre-register and guarnetee your place, please head to our website or call reception on 01494 866811. (When booking please give us your name, number of pumpkins needed and how you heard about this event) 12pm - 3pm, £3 per person Missenden Abbey, London Road, Buckinghamshire HP16 0BD

OUT & ABOUT

[ eve n t s ]

the calendar

WHERE INSPIRATION BLOOMS Our monthly pick of the very best upcoming craft and wellness workshops.

All classes suitable for beginners.

19 October

INTRODUCTION TO PRINTING 11.30am-2pm. Try your hand at screen, lino or block printing techniques.

19 October

7, 14 & 21 October

Pottery Throwing for Beginners Short Course at Queens Park Arts Centre Pottery throwing for beginners with Charlie Butters. Running on three consecutive Monday evenings, you will learn all about the basics of throwing clay at the potters wheel to make cylinders. Clay included, plus firing and glazing for three pots. Places must be booked in advance; suitable for students aged 16+ and adults.

7pm-9pm, £65/£55 members for whole course.

Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 7RT

2 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

23 October

AUTUMN WATERCOLOUR MASTERCLASS 10.30am - 1.00pm. Learn to paint leaves, acorns and conkers in their Autumn glory.

2 November

Day of the Dead Party Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday on 2nd November celebrating those no longer with us still being part of our thoughts.Whereas Halloween is about fright, this is the continuum of life and death. Many don elaborate make-up, costumes and dress as skeletons and given the Mexican origin, tequila is the name of the game where we have created a number of tequila cocktails ready to wake the dead! We welcome back International DJ Lyndsay Evans this time with her joining into the beats with her drums, and along with a tequila cocktail on arrival we will serve Mexican canapés and finger food. £50pp.

Book at www.copperhousebar.co.uk/whatson Copper House Bar, 196 High Street, Berkhamsted HP4 3BA

VINTAGE KNITTING MACHINE WORKSHOP 3pm-5.30pm. Retro fun in this speedy craft session.

26 October

INTRODUCTION TO THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE 10am-1pm. A hands-on practical workshop by local teacher Julia Brammer.

20 October

Milton Keynes Autumn Foraging Courses The course starts with a short introduction on what to look for and a brief of the general countryside codes, where they relate to foragers. We’ll then set off for about 2.5 hours of foraging around the wood, teaching you how to identify the different edible and poisonous plants and mushrooms that we find.We will finish the day off with a light wild food lunch based on what we have found.

Shenley Wood Car Park, Merlewood Drive, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK5 6AA

23 november

INTRO TO ARM KNITTING – KNIT A THROW 10-12noon. Knit a snuggly bed throw with your arms!

www.whereinspiration blooms.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Christmas Lights Switch On: Sunday 17 November

Help make Christmas truly special this year!

B

usinesses, community groups and other organisations are joining forces to create a fabulous festive season for everyone in St Albans District.

They are arranging a series of fun events with St Albans City and District Council to entertain residents, attract visitors and provide a boost to the local economy.

The move follows a decision not to stage the continental-style Christmas market which has been held for the past five years at Vintry Garden. This was in response to feedback from businesses and other stakeholders.

Instead, a Christmas programme is being planned by the Council which has set up a steering group to coordinate activities.

A number of charity partners, including St Albans and District Foodbank, may benefit from the events Among the organisations represented on the steering group are the Cathedral, St Albans BID, 92.6FM Radio Verulam and Save St Albans Pubs.

St Albans Film Festival, Eyes on St Albans, St Albans Mums Group, the Herts Advertiser, St Columba’s College, St Saviours Church and the Cottonmill and Sopwell Hub have also volunteered.

Councillor Mandy McNeil, Portfolio Holder for Business, Culture and Tourism, said: “Our businesses employ locally, spend locally, invest locally and donate time, cash and products and services locally. It’s been a tougher year for retail and hospitality, with many of our businesses, which are the lifeblood of our local economy, relying on the Christmas shopping period to help keep their doors open.

“The steering group will help us to identify creative ways to leverage the modest events budget

2 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

available to the Council to help drive footfall into our businesses this Christmas season. We also want to raise awareness of and help those who find Christmas challenging. It can be an extremely stressful period and we would like to find ways to be inclusive by ensuring that some events are free to attend.

“I welcome all individuals and organisations with an interest in improving the District to help out and play a part in producing a fantastic, inclusive Christmas offering. In particular, I want to encourage people to set up their own Christmas events that can be added to our programme and our Enjoy St Albans website. It could be a gift fair, a live music event, a children’s activity morning, or something else entirely. The Enjoy St Albans social media team, a collaboration with the St Albans BID, will help shout about it.

“St Albans has an incredible community spirit for giving. I am grateful to those who have put up their hands to join the steering group and to those to date who have volunteered to sponsor or host an activity or event.”

One major highlight of the District’s festive season will be the St Albans Christmas Lights Switch On which will take place on Sunday 17 November. More than 12,000 people are expected at the family-friendly event with attractions including Santa’s grotto, funfair rides, live music and dozens of food, drink and novelty gift stalls. Among other confirmed events, St Albans BID will run Santa’s Post Office from Thursday 14 November to Monday 23 December at Christopher Place.

Children will be able to enter a magical world to write their letter then watch it make an enchanted journey to Lapland. St Albans BID will also be running a treasure trail around the City with a chance to win a St Albans Gift Card.

Charter Market’s Christmas season: Sunday 15 December Another highlight will be the launch of the highly-popular Charter Market’s Christmas season on Sunday 15 December with live music and other entertainment.

The Market will then run every day, instead of the usual Wednesday and Saturday, finishing on Christmas Eve on Tuesday 24 December. There will also be the Mayor’s Carol Concert, open to all and held in front of the Clock Tower on Sunday 8 December.

Anyone who wants to arrange an event or would like to join the steering group should contact liz. marcy@stalbans.gov.uk.

Further information about events will be made available, once details have been confirmed, in a brochure and on the website, www. enjoystalbans.com.

OUT & ABOUT

“Rock Icons” Friday 4th October - Sunday 24th November

David Bowie © Ian Dickson

Amy Winehouse © Jill Furmanovsky/rockarchive.com

The Exhibition will include captivating shots of Bowie, Bruce Springsteen “The Boss”, The Beatles, The Stones, Elvis Presley, Bob Marley, Prince, Bob Dylan, Amy Winehouse and more... Photographed by some of the World’s greatest Photographers including Bob Gruen, James Fortune , Mick Rock, Jill Furmanovsky Would rock ‘n’ roll have become rock ‘n’ roll without Chuck Berry? Chuck Berry was so instrumental to the future of rock music, his most famous jam was played in the 1985 classic, Back to The Future.

Elvis went on to become the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll…

After the fateful rejection of the Beatles, Decca did actually go on later to sign…The Rolling Stones The Rolling Stones have dominated Rock ‘n’ Roll music since the 1960s when the band was born and through their journey, now 50 years on, filling stadiums around the globe.

2 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

Not forgetting…David Bowie Bowie became a fantastical sci-fi character for his breakout Ziggy Stardust album A leading figure in popular music for over 5 decades.

Regarded by musicians and critics as a true innovator Imagine rock ‘n’ roll without Pete Townshend and The Who… Robert Plant…Everything Led Zeppelin did was next level. Their peers were making similar music, but Robert, Jimmy, John and John took rock ‘n’ roll in a different direction, and they opened the door to the idea of hard rock with substance…

Amy Winehouse . . .Here was a woman who refused to conform!

A series of limited edition iconic images from the music world. These vintage band photos and portrait prints capture ephemeral moments in music history The Exhibition is being held in association with www.rockarchive.com.

THE DETAILS Visit Gallery 105 in St Albans to share some of the greatest moments in rock history.

All Exhibits will be available to purchase.

The Gallery is open 9.30am-6.00pm Mon-Sat and 11.30am-4.00pm Sunday.

For further information call Gallery 105 Tel: 01727 833 557

The Rolling Stones © Bob Gruen/ rockarchive.com

St Albans based Gallery105

cover story

Hanstead House, Bricket Wood

Spectacular apartments, spiced with just a hint of Royal scandal, at Hanstead House, Bricket Wood

F

ans of ‘The Crown’ and anyone with an interest in Royal history will know all about the Abdication Crisis that rocked the monarchy in 1936. What’s perhaps less well known is its connection with Hanstead House, the mansion in Bricket Wood that’s currently undergoing restoration by Griggs Homes.

The house, which was built in 1925, was the home of Sir David and Lady Yule, one of the wealthiest couples of the era. Sir David had made his fortune in India; and his wife enjoyed spending it. In 1929 she ordered not one but three steam yachts from a Clydebank shipbuilder and the first one, The Nahlin, was launched in 1930.

Six years later The Nahlin was chartered by the newly-crowned Edward VIII for a summer cruise in the Adriatic. Amongst the passengers was Mrs Wallis Simpson, the King’s latest married girlfriend. The couple were photographed together on board, and although the British press respectfully declined to publish the pictures, the American papers were not so

2 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

reticent, and Edward’s secret was revealed to the world.

Later that year he renounced the throne for love.

What Lady Yule thought of all this scandal isn’t known, but she was certainly a woman of style and would almost certainly approve of the way Griggs Homes is unearthing the beauty of her home and gardens for the modern age.

The house is being transformed into a selection of spacious 2 bedroom apartments with a specification that does full justice to the luxurious standards of its original owners. The entrance lobby alone is a showstopper, with its reconditioned grand staircase and elegant panelling.

The gardens, on which Lady Yule also spent lavishly, are being reinstated and replanted, giving the new residents the exclusive use of six acres. A sunken garden and Japanese woodland garden are just some of the delights to be encountered there.

With its impressive treelined driveway, exquisite setting and spectacular apartments, Hanstead House brings back the glamour of a bygone age.

THE DETAILS The first apartments will be ready

by Spring 2020 and vary in size from 978 sq ft - 1,946 sq ft and in price from £695,000 - £1.35M. For more information, or to register your interest, please get in touch. hansteadhouse.co.uk 01923 852 322 sales@griggshomes.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

I

n April 2014, Carl Russell and Co Gunmakers opened its doors for the first time, based in the Stable Yard on the picturesque Hatfield Park Estate in Hertfordshire. Specialising in English shotguns, Carl Russell and Co pride themselves on offering best quality shotguns for sale alongside undertaking servicing and renovation projects in the workshop. During the past five years, gunmaker Carl Russell and his team have developed a top class reputation not only for their gun making but also as a destination for country clothing. In April this year the company expanded and are now proud to present one of the finest country stores of its kind in England.

“The country clothing and lifestyle store offers you a wide selection of luxury products for both ladies and gentlemen” In the new store you can view one of the countries largest collections of antique pistols and long rifles dating back to the early 1800’s. Antique guns like these are licence free and make popular collectors items, although they are in working order and if desired, once a black powder licence is granted these guns can be fired.

The country clothing and lifestyle store offers you a wide selection of luxury products for both ladies and gentlemen. Everything from jackets, hats and wellington boots to hand crafted leather gifts and accessories. Where possible the collections stocked by Carl Russell and Co Gunmakers are from small businesses not available in high street stores or brands that provide practical clothing for a purpose whilst still offering that countryside elegance, that is so often required. The newly expanded gunroom offers over 200 shotguns, rifles and air rifles from an extensive range of makers including Beretta and Caesar Guerini to famous English makers such as Purdey, Henry Atkin and Holland and Holland.

So if you’re looking to take up shooting as a hobby or for a new pair of Wellingtons ready for this autumn Carl Russell and Co is well worth a visit. www.carlrussellandco.com 2 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

One of England’s finest country stores opens in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire’s largest country clothing and lifestyle store.

Stocking brands including Barbour, Schoffel, Fairfax and Favor, Hicks and Brown Dubarry, Le Chameau, RM Williams, Loake, Musto and more.

www.carlrussellandco.com Follow us @carlrussellandco on Facebook and Instagram for Christmas shopping event information.

Carl Russell and Co Gunmakers

Stable Yard, Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5NQ 01707 709372 info@carlrussellandco.com

FEATURE

Designer Paul Smith to publish first children’s book this Autumn

Celebrated British designer Paul Smith will publish his first children’s book this autumn, as part of a two-book deal signed with Pavilion Children’s Books.

P

aul’s first picture book, The Adventures of Moose & Mr Brown will be published worldwide in October 2019 as a hardback, with a special boxed limited edition, including a signed print, released simultaneously. The book is illustrated by Sam Usher, well known for his multi-award shortlisted book Can You See Sassoon? and popular seasonal picture book series – Snow, Rain, Storm and Sun. The Adventures of Moose & Mr Brown is a laugh-out-loud adventure story of animals, travelling the world and finding inspiration in the most unlikely of places. Mr Brown is an international fashion designer who agrees to help a Moose he encounters at an airport to track down his lost twin brother, Monty. Along the way they travel the world and help multiple animals by designing garments to meet their particular needs – including slippers for sloths, parkas for penguins and scarves for giraffes. The stories are inspired by Paul’s incredible career in fashion, and the main characters are based on toys Paul has owned for many years, and who reside in his London office along with other curios and artefacts collected from around the globe.

Paul commented on the upcoming publication: “I’ve known Moose and Mr Brown for a long time and I’m delighted to be able to bring their stories to life in my first ever children’s book. Sam’s illustrations are

3 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

really special and capture the colour and energy of Moose and Mr Brown’s adventures perfectly!”

Paul Smith is one of Britain’s foremost designers.

He is renowned for his creative spirit, which combines tradition and modernity. From its origins in one small shop in Nottingham, England, in 1970, Paul Smith has grown into a global business, selling in over seventy countries.

The Adventures of Moose & Mr Brown by Paul Smith and Sam Usher will be published

by Pavilion Children’s Books on 24th October 2019, Hardback, £12.99, ISBN 9781843654285.

Limited Edition Boxed Hardback with signed print, £60, ISBN 9781843654339

“The Adventures of Moose & Mr Brown is a laugh-out-loud adventure story of animals, travelling the world and finding inspiration in the most unlikely of places”

OUT & ABOUT

New in Town: Battlers Green Vets with comfortable waiting room chairs in separate dog and cat waiting areas. There are separate dogand cat-only wards for patient recovery as well as advanced digital x-ray room and a full dental suite with digital x-ray facility. The theatre is large and includes wipe down wall surfaces to allow for a suitable sterile operating environment. The entire practice is climate controlled, individual rooms can be controlled allowing for a cool reception area whilst ensuring our patients recover in a ward that’s temperature is just right.

There is a very comprehensive on-site laboratory for in-house blood testing. This allows for rapid diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Now as the owner and full-time veterinarian at Battlers Green Veterinary Centre, Dr Rubin wants to bring a fresh take on the veterinary industry, providing the highest level of care you come to expect but also a more welcoming experience, he says “ We want our clients to feel comfortable leaving their beloved pets in our care but also welcome to tour the practice and see our equipment and layout. We look forward to seeing you and your fur-family soon!”

Dr Jonathan Rubin BVSc MRCVS, Owner and Principle Vet – Battlers Green Veterinary Centre www.battlersgreenvet.co.uk

B

attlers Green Veterinary Centre opened its doors on the 15th July 2019. They are extremely excited to be a part of the warm and welcoming Radlett community and a part of the Battlers Green Farm Rural shopping village. It’s fair to say the landscape of veterinary care is changing and changing rapidly.

Large corporates have and continue to buy-up veterinary practices all over the UK. This can mean the loss of that personalised warm touch you expect at your vets.

The Head Vet and Owner, Dr Jonathan Rubin originally came over from South Africa having qualified from the prestigious and world renowned Onderstepoort - Faculty of Veterinary Science, He has lived and worked in the UK for the last 16 years and in his time in the UK he has worked for large veterinary groups, large charity clinics like the PDSA and RSPCA, on a locum basis, for smaller vet surgeries and also as an out-of-hours emergency on-call vet . He lives in North London, with his wife and 2 young kids as well as rescue cat Marvin and rescue dog Billy.

Battlers Green Veterinary Centre are proudly independent and corporate free. The aim is to provide affordable first-class care to both the animals and their owners in the brand-new, purpose built, state of the art veterinary centre. Dr Rubin wanted the premises to be spacious and modern but still welcoming and most importantly well planned for patient and owner comfort, safety and care.

The layout includes a spacious reception area

3 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

“There is a very comprehensive on-site laboratory for in-house blood testing. This allows for rapid diagnosis and treatment of patients”

EDUC ATION

Who are VAKS? T

We are a tutoring company with a difference!

he main focus at VAKS is on boosting children’s confidence alongside aiding their academic success through our accelerated and focused learning programmes. At VAKS we work in small groups of between 3 and 6 children, as it has been proven that children learn at a greater pace when taking part in peer to peer participation and interaction, compared to a one to one tutoring setting.

Our English, maths and science programmes are all tailored specifically to each child to boost them in the areas in which they require the most assistance. We prepare children for all entrance exams and our specialist programmes in 7+, 11+ and 13+ boast a 100% success rate in getting our students into a school of their choice.

Our weekly sessions are screen free and our traditional teaching methods are imparted in a dynamic and inspiring way, with the focus being on active learning through a wide variety of different activities and tasks. Our programmes are aligned to the National Curriculum and are one step ahead of schools which means your child will already be familiar with topics, before their teacher introduces them. Accelerating their learning immensely.

After the regular weekly sessions, we also encourage our students to join us at our FREE homework club, where they are welcome to bring their homework from school to work on alongside any homework we have given them during their

3 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

session.

At VAKS our main goal is to instill confidence in learning into children as early as possible, and by finding out each individual child’s style, either visual, auditory or kinaesthetic we are able to enhance their learning, enabling them to think and learn in their own way. This in turn creates a confidence and a positive attitude towards education which continues throughout their time in school and beyond, promoting a love of lifelong learning.

THE DETAILS To establish the needs of each child, we offer a FREE educational evaluation which is carried out in an informal and relaxed environment, this means we are able to tailor a learning plan for every child we have the pleasure to teach.

To book your child’s FREE assessment or to talk to our specialists, please call us on 0800 404 8172.

EDUC ATION

Happy Girls are Successful Girls Jo Cameron, Principal of Queenswood School in Brookmans Park, explains how all-girls education is helping to prepare young women for an uncertain future

I

am passionate about educating girls in an allgirls environment. Why? Because I know that girls achieve more in single-sex schools.

There are no enforced gender boundaries within the classroom in an all-girls school such as Queenswood. Our pupils can take intellectual risks, ask questions, or make judgements, without worrying about ‘looking stupid in front of boys’.

They build in confidence at a pace that suits them, in a wholly supportive environment. They are able to take the lead and feel confident to do so. What is more, they are encouraged to extend their thinking into the empty space that in a co-ed environment would normally be occupied by boys. Our girls literally have more thinking and reasoning space.

Single-sex education also liberates girls from the damaging stereotype that certain subjects are more suited to specific genders. Recent research from the Institute of Physics, for instance, shows that girls are two-and-a-half times more likely to take physics in a girls-only school.

Above all, in a girls’ school pupils are free to learn in the most appropriate and effective ways for them.

As experts in teaching girls, we know that they tend

3 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

to understand concepts more readily when they can see how they work in real life. Therefore we use realworld applications from girls’ lives to demonstrate concepts in the classroom. We know that they prefer to learn in groups rather than on their own, so we teach in collaborative and co-operative ways. We know that girls are not natural risk-takers, particularly if they feel they will be judged. So we encourage girls to take risks. Overcoming failure in a safe, risk-taking environment enables girls to develop confidence in their own abilities as individuals, and to develop self-esteem. I am a firm believer that happy girls are successful girls.

The young women we educate at schools like Queenswood grow up to be resilient and resourceful, ready to face whatever the future may hold. www.queenswood.org

“They build in confidence at a pace that suits them, in a wholly supportive environment. They are able to take the lead and feel confident to do so”

EDUC ATION

a proven record of academic success S

t Margaret’s School in Bushey, Hertfordshire, an independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18. Founded in 1749, we are one of the oldest independent schools in the UK. As well as day places for all ages, we offer a range of flexible boarding options for both UK and international pupils from the age of 11.

We are a school with a proven record of academic success in public examinations and our pupils move onto competitive courses at leading universities and institutions both here in the UK and around the world. In 2019, 70% of our A-Level results were A*-B grades, with 62% of all GCSE

4 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

“We are a school with a proven record of academic success in public examinations and our pupils move onto competitive courses at leading universities and institutions both here in the UK and around the world”

results were 9-7 (A*-A) grades.

From January 2020, we will begin our transition to co-education, where St Margaret’s School will journey from being an all girls school to providing education to both girls and boys.

The pastoral care at St Margaret’s is the central pillar upon which the success of the school is based and we are proud of the quality of care and opportunity given to every one of our pupils no matter what stage of their education. We offer a rich programme of extra-curricular activities and pupils are encouraged to find their talent whatever that may be.

There is no typical St Margaret’s pupil; all are valued individually by our qualified and committed staff. However, they are all dedicated young people who strive to succeed in all that they do and are passionate about topics facing them today. The quality of care at St Margaret’s School enables pupils to grow in an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding and leave equipped with the confidence, aptitude and skills they need for life and for work.

Our beautiful 60 acre site boasts a combination of superbly resourced historic and modern buildings and we are easily accessible from both London, the Home Counties and all the major London airports. If you have not yet visited us, please do and we will show you the love of learning, culture of achievement and relish of challenge that is the essence of St Margaret’s. www.stmargaretsbushey.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

MORE THAN JUST A FARM SHOP delicious homemade cakes. With seating inside, including a small play area for young children, and a dog friendly outside seating area, it provides the perfect place to eat, meet and relax whatever the weather.

Now selling fresh sandwiches and salads to takeaway (Monday to Saturday), a range of Smallford ‘HOME’ products and award-winning Bridget B’s Butchers serving in-store every Friday and Saturday.

The festive season will see mouth-watering menu choices and exciting new products in-store. A range of hampers, gifts and seasonal produce will ensure it’s the perfect place to come this Christmas.

Love wine? Join us at our next wine tasting event, Friday 25 October 2019, 7:30pm for 7.45pm. £35 per person. Guests will enjoy six wines, including arrival drink.

To book your place, please ask a member of staff in-store, email info@smallfordfarmshop.com or call 01727 747340. Over 18s only.

THE DETAILS Hatfield Road, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0HE www.smallfordfarmshop.com Smallford Farm Shop and Glasshouse Café Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm Sun 10am – 4pm

4 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

T

he Smallford farm Shop and Glasshouse Café have been developed at the site of a second-generation, family-run nursery business in Smallford, just outside St Albans. They have been created with the history of the site in mind. From selling fresh produce by traditional market style methods on pallets, to the new, state-of-the-art glasshouse which provides a sophisticated, modern rustic interior, supplying good quality, passionate artisan producers. This includes the daily fresh range of produce from the nursery itself (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and aubergines) that is hand-picked and chosen to provide the best for the shop and café.

The fully licensed Glasshouse Café has a finely selected menu, alongside the Chef ’s daily specials and tasty children’s meals - offering a variety of freshly prepared breakfast and lunch dishes, and

Bespoke Framing Service GALLERY 105 105 Victoria Street

(Between Stevensons & Cotswolds, opposite Iceland)

St. Albans AL1 3TJ

fresh home grown produce - daily specials and seasonal menu

WHATS NEW? fresh sandwiches and salads to takeaway (monday to saturday) smallford ‘home’ range – including candles, diffusers, handwash and hand lotion. award-winning Bridge B’s Butchers serving in store every friday and saturday. a wide range of meats – perfect for BBQ’s, roasts and all meal occasions available all week.

smallford farm shop and glasshouse café opening hours: mon-sat 9am-5pm / sun 10am-4pm

The widest selection of Frames In the Country!

Traditional & Contemporary Bespoke & Ready Mades Rock Icons Exhibition 4th October to 24th November Tel: 01727 833 557

OUT & ABOUT

Tickets for Knebworth’s Pumpkin Trail & Treats go on sale T

ickets for the hugely popular annual Pumpkin Trail & Treats at Knebworth House are now on sale and expected to sell out fast.

Upon arrival, children’s tickets will be exchanged for a ‘Pumpkin Passport’. Children will then be invited to participate in a series of fun games and activities and earn stamps on their ‘Pumpkin Passport’ from the costumed staff on duty at each activity. There will be a varied range of games, including old favourites such as ‘Terror Tunnel’, ‘Hungry Ghosts’ and ‘What’s in the Box?’ Children that complete the Passport by collecting all of the stamps will be rewarded with a Halloween treat from the Gift Shop.

To get in the Halloween spirit visitors are encouraged to wear Halloween fancy dress. Each day there will be a competition which is judged at 3pm in the Garden Terrace Tea Room and for the first time this year we will be awarding a prize for the best adult costume.

Children are encouraged to bring along a pumpkin that they have pre-decorated – there is a daily prize for the best. There have been some amazing pumpkins over the years, but the judges will be looking for pumpkins that are mostly the child’s own work.

“Children are encouraged to bring along a pumpkin that they have pre-decorated – there is a daily prize for the best” Pumpkin Trail & Treats will take place on the following dates Saturday 26th, Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th October; from 12:00noon till 4:00pm each day (Last admission will be at 2:00pm to leave enough time to complete the trail).

The Garden Terrace Tea Room will be open during the event for the sale of hot drinks and snacks. The Gift Shop and Dinosaur Trail will also be open however the House, Park and Adventure Playground will be closed.

Ticket prices: Adults £3.75, children (age guideline 3-10) £7.50. To avoid disappointment it is recommend that you buy ticket early.

For more information and ticketing please visit the Knebworth House website www. knebworthhouse.com, or phone the Estate Office on 01438 812661.

4 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

OUT & ABOUT

Autumn at The Ivy St Albans Brasserie

F

The new mouth watering Autumn menu tops them all so far!

rom the moment you walk into the Ivy in St Albans you’re met at the door with tip top customer service. Then you walk into a stunning, comfortable yet luxury setting in the restaurant. It’s a beautiful addition to the centre of St Albans and brings something new to the area and the ever-changing menus and special offers are welcomed by the local community. I felt very lucky to get to try the new Autumn menu of the week on its launch, and wow – I was not disappointed.

The menus are explained to you by the waiter and there is so much to choose from it’s hard to know where to start. Scanning the menu and the array of new dishes, it was a tough choice, but I opted for arrancini for starter, a cheeky burger topped with halloumi for main course and chocolate bomb for dessert.

My sister went for tomato soup for starter, vegetable coconut curry for main and a sorbet for dessert. While waiting to order we decided to treat ourselves to a glass of bubbles and it came in the most beautiful long stemmed glasses, ice cold and full of bubbles and flavours. The waiter showed it was a brand new bottle opened especially for us. The Ivy does have a VIP edge and you can tell every member of staff prides themselves on attentive customer service and nothing is ever too much trouble.

My sister is a little picky when it comes down to certain foods and all her requests for changes were met and no problem at all. Every single dish served was piping hot, mouth-watering, full of flavour and the presentation was second to none. I loved the fact that my burger was cooked to my request which meant it was perfectly cooked for me and I felt that was a great touch for all customers. The vegetable curry had all the warmth and heartiness you need as the nights get darker. The chocolate bomb was my highlight of the meal, being a chocolate lover it was to die for in flavour, a real chocolate work of art

4 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

and obviously one for Instagram.

The Ivy deserves five stars all the way for service, style, luxury, location and ultimately the most incredible food I’ve tasted for a while. The Ivy does it all with options for brunch, lunch, dinner or just a coffee or cheeky cocktail. It’s the place to go for all, not forgetting the VIP edge you receive while you are there.

I will be back without a doubt, pop in now for the new Autumn menu you won’t regret it.

THE DETAILS The Ivy St Albans Brasserie, 1-3 Verulam road, St Albans AL3 4DA 01727 615300 www.theivystalbans.com

West of London

Over 100 Pianos. Largest choice of quality new and used upright pianos for London and the Home Counties. All pianos delivered and set up anywhere in the UK. Easy Free Parking – Only 25 miles from London.

Showroom open 6 days a week. Well worth a visit.

Showroom: 194 Penn Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP15 7NU www.countrywidepianos.co.uk | Tel: 01494 813388

OUT & ABOUT

The Galleria welcomes popular sports retailer DARE2B

T

he Galleria is delighted to announce the arrival of DARE2B to its catalogue of retailers, just in time for the winter-sports season!

Designed for the thrill-seekers who live for their next adventure, DARE2B offers a range of stylish sportswear for those who love to ski, cycle, run or hike.

Come and celebrate the new store opening on the 10th October. The store will be giving away 50 free fleeces to the first 50 people through the doors with many items up to 70% off in store at The Galleria outlet shopping centre.

DARE2B is located on the lower level mall of The Galleria outlet shopping centre between The Body Shop and TK Maxx. The store occupies a 1410sqft space and will create 5 new jobs at the centre.

The Galleria’s newest retailer will open in early October, in perfect time to kick-off the Winter-Sports season in style with up to 70% off all year round.

4 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

“Designed for the thrill-seekers who live for their next adventure, DARE2B offers a range of stylish sportswear for those who love to ski, cycle, run or hike”

The new store will stock a range of sporting apparel for Men, Women and Children for both winter and summer pursuits including; activewear, cycling, hiking, ski and snowboarding.

Liz, spokesperson from DARE2B said “We are very pleased to be opening a DARE2B store at The Galleria outlet shopping centre. We provide premium quality sportswear at fantastic prices and know that visitors to the shopping centre will enjoy what we have to offer. We look forward to welcoming customers into the store soon!”

The new store opening complements The Galleria’s vibrant mix of; outlet & high-street retail, restaurants, cinema and indoor adventure playground.

For more information visit www.thegalleria.co.uk

Belvedere Ristorante Italiano

The Perfect Venue for a Wonderful Christmas Christmas Party Lunch - £26.50 (Tues – Fri & Sun) Christmas Party Dinner - £35.00 (Mon – Thur) Christmas with Elvis Dinner - £35.00 (Thurs 12th Dec.) Christmas Party Dinner - £45.00 (Fri – Sat Live Music & Disco) Book Early to Avoid Disappointment

For One Night Only Rat Pack Tribute

Saturday 9th November Dinner Show Rat Attack recreate the unmistakable singing talent of three internationally renowned entertainers - Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis. Junior & Dean Martin - originally known as the Rat Pack - £48.00pp

54 Lemsford Road, St. Albans, AL1 3PR Tel: 01727 841444 / 859313 Email: info@ardmorehousehotel.co.uk Website: www.ardmorehousehotel.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Introducing Cottonmill at Sopwell House

C

ottonmill, the new spa at Sopwell House in Hertfordshire, opened its doors on Thursday 1st August 2019. Following a £14 million investment, the threestorey, state-of-the-art spa is the UK’s first private members’ spa, combining the serenity of a spa with the exclusivity of a club.

The new spa comprises of two membership and access options: Cottonmill, and The Club at Cottonmill. Cottonmill members, hotel and spa guests will have access to a range of spaces including the indoor swimming and vitality pools, Post Treatment Rose Relaxation Room, steam room, sauna, brand-new Gym with Technogym ‘Artis’ equipment and classes in the new studio. Whereas members and guests at The Club at Cottonmill will have complete access to every inch of the brandnew development, which features some exciting health and wellness innovations.

The Club spa experience features an indoor / outdoor hydrotherapy pool leading out to the Spa Gardens, created by award-winning garden designer, Ann-Marie Powell. In the garden, a glass or two of Cottonmill’s very own brand of Prosecco can be enjoyed in one of the hot tubs, by the fire pit or on a day bed, whatever the weather. Inside, the spa features a Thermal Suite with four choices of steam and sauna rooms – an Organic Sauna, Panoramic Sauna, Salt Steam Room and Botanical Steam Room. Total relaxation can be found in the quiet cocoons of the Rose Relaxation Room and Deep Relaxation Room, whilst the Whisper Room and

5 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

Garden Room offer soft beds and chairs to unwind, looking out over the Spa Gardens. Luxurious dressing rooms are kitted out with Tom Dixon marble wall lights, Dyson supersonic hairdryers and Elemis products.

Spa therapies are by ELEMIS, ESPA and Aromatherapy Associates and signature treatments, based around the soothing and healing powers of sand and water, include the Amber & Quartz Crystal Bed, the first of its kind in a UK spa, and a Vichy Shower treatment room. Cottonmill has also embraced the growing role of technology in the wellness world, with a Dornbracht luxury shower, Sensory Sky, which recreates the sensation of showering in the open air, and the ELEMIS Biotec machine, which increases the skins natural cellular energy.

“The Club spa experience features an indoor / outdoor hydrotherapy pool leading out to the Spa Gardens” Cottonmill now offers a new dining destination with the launch of The Pantry, adjacent to the spa, which serves up healthy deli-style buffet dishes in the day. Spa members and spa guests can also enjoy the new Sitting Room, a stylish space to curl up with a coffee and a book or catch-up with friends.

Opened on 1st August 2019, Cottonmill at Sopwell House is the UK’s first private members’ spa, in the heart of Hertfordshire, following a £14 million investment. Cottonmill and The Club at Cottonmill memberships are limited. Day Access to Cottonmill is available to hotel residents, for whom an upgrade to The Club is available at a supplemental charge. Spa day packages are also available for Cottonmill and The Club at Cottonmill. www.cottonmillspa.com

OUT & ABOUT

LONDONRETURNS RESTAURANT FESTIVAL WITH THE WORLD’S BEST Until October 2019

T

his month London Restaurant Festival (LRF) in partnership with American Express® has returned for the 11th year with a line-up of exclusive culinary events and chef-hosted dinners. Top chefs from around the world have descended on the capital to celebrate, cook, create and converse, welcoming 50,000 people into over 400 restaurants throughout the month.

Introducing their One Night Only events, LRF delves into the breadth of the city’s dining scene, from landmark locations to cultural evenings and transportive menus. On 21st October, Thai Airways, one of the world’s premier airlines will fly in Chef Prin, (formerly of Michelin-starred Nahm in Bangkok) for a ‘High Flyers’ dinner at the top of the Gherkin. Overlooking London’s skyline, Prin will cook alongside acclaimed London Thai restaurants som saa and Farang, exploring the intricacies of regional Thai cooking.

Brindisa and Estrella Galicia are hosting ‘London’s Longest Lunch’ with an indulgent six course Spanish feast along the Thames. Starting in Brindisa London Bridge diners will then be whisked down the Thames via Clipper to Battersea Power Station where they’ll enjoy the second half of their lunch at Brindisa Battersea. In addition, there is a special night with a celebrated Author at the newly opened Robin Gill restaurant, Darby’s, in Embassy Gardens.

5 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

OUT & ABOUT

Top Ten Cuisines celebrates the top cuisines that have shaped London’s food scene and returns with yet another star-studded line-up including: Anne Sophie Pic - world-renowned chef, currently holding seven Michelin stars across her six restaurants.

Andrew Wong – Kym’s City restaurant located in Bloomberg Arcade, is in honour of his family and their original restaurant, offering a creative interpretation of classic Chinese dishes.

Richard Corrigan - Celebrity Irish chef with his restaurant Corrigan’s, serving Modern British gourmet cuisine in a timeless gentleman’s-club setting in Mayfair.

Mark Hix of 30 Pavilion Road, uses the best of British produce and flavours, known for his original take on British gastronomy will design a four-course British menu punctuated with worldly influences.

Theo Randall at the InterContinental has been firmly established on the London dining scene since opening in 2006. Creating award-winning rustic Italian dishes with the very best seasonal ingredients.

Michelin-starred chef Nieves Barragan of Sabor will serve a five-course Galician inspired tasting menu paired with Estrella Galicia beers.

For this year’s Ultimate Gastronomic Weekends guests can enjoy luxurious stays at some of London’s top hotels including Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, and Andaz London Liverpool Street. Each hotel plays host to a packed weekend of chef-led events and dining experiences – with lunches hosted by Michel Roux Jr and Monica Galetti.

Restaurant-Hopping Tours, an LRF stalwart, sees diners discover some of London’s most exciting food neighbourhoods. From Battersea Power Station to Regent Street and St James in the heart of the capital, and the city’s latest dining and architectural hot spot, Bloomberg Arcade - the

5 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

culinary and cultural destination in the heart of the Square Mile. Guests can enjoy a course at five restaurants within the area with accompanying drinks from the likes of Rémy Martin and awardwinning Martin Miller’s Gin, Calvet Wine - the UK’s favourite French wine and beers from Estrella Galicia. Another mainstay of the festival, the Tasting Menus sees cult favourites Palomar and Barrafina join the table, in addition to newcomers and critic favourite, Kin + Deum, newly opened Wild Honey and Jack Stein in Barnes.

For the very first time, LRF has partnered with OpenTable - the world’s leading provider of online restaurant reservations, to revamp their Festival Menus. Bringing the best dining experiences to London, OpenTable and LRF have hand-picked 250 of London’s top restaurants to offer guests access to the city’s most sought-after dining experiences for the whole of October.

“We’re thrilled that London Restaurant Festival continues to offer world-renowned dining experiences – it’s a real testament to the fact London is unquestionably one of the world’s leading culinary destinations. We have encapsulated this by distilling the very best of London into one month and our new One Night Only events are really a pinnacle of how inventive London’s restaurant industry has become,” says LRF founder Simon Davis.

THE DETAILS For tickets and further information on this year’s festival please visit www.londonrestaurantfestival.com @londonrestaurantfestival @LRF2019 #eatOctober

Chefs, L-R: Michel Roux Jnr; Theo Randall; Richard Corrigan; Anne Sophie; Monica Galetti Other images L-R: Kym’s Restaurant; Brindisa; Searcys at The Gherkin; Sabor Restaurant Above: Palomar Restaurant; Hyatt Regency London, The Churchill

OUT & ABOUT

Baby to Toddler Show 2019 B

Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th November, ExCeL London

rought to you from the team behind the much-loved Baby Shows is Baby to Toddler, the ultimate two-day shopping event for every parent.

With big baby names you know and love, alongside boutique brands you might not see on the high street, over 100 exhibitors will showcase their products – everything from Prams, Pushchairs, Carriers, Car Seats & Strollers to Nursery Furnishings, Toys, Clothing, Healthcare & Wellbeing, Books and Gifts. Hear about the top toy brands for Christmas and do all your kiddies Christmas shopping under one roof!

Savvy shoppers can pick up some fantastic Black Friday offers just in time for Christmas from the UK’s leading baby retailers, including Silver Cross, Baby Bjorn, MAM, Tommee Tippee, Maxi-Cosi, Bugaboo and many more! And take advantage of the complimentary gift wrapping service provided by show partner LetsBab. The Show also proudly offers complimentary expert advice. Daisy First Aid classes with founder Jenni Dunman will demonstrate 20-minute first aid classes where you can learn life-saving skills should you ever have to deal with an accident or emergency. Topics cover choking, burns, febrile seizures, meningitis and CPR. Dr Robert Titzer, early language expert and founder of Your Baby Can Learn will teach visitors how they can help their babies and toddlers learn language during the first two years of life.

“For those in need of a wellearned break, the MAM Feeding Area has everything you need to feed your tots” The Show’s new partner OKIDO will be offering free art and science activity sessions to entertain, engage and educate pre-school children. There will also be a fantastic new Play Zone sponsored 5 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

by Little-Masters Kids who will be offering an unforgettable children’s experience with a variety of themed role play activities.

For those in need of a well-earned break, the MAM Feeding Area has everything you need to feed your tots including bottle warmers, bibs, spoons and complimentary organic food from Babease. It will also be a quiet area where mums can breastfeed comfortably. There will be a purpose-built changing area with complimentary nappies, pull-ups and wipes for your little VIPs. Exclusive ticket packages available at www. excel.babytotoddlerevents.co.uk and excludes a transaction fee.

Each MAM ticket package offer includes two tickets to the Baby to Toddler Show, a specific MAM product and the first 1,500 orders* also receive a book from Campbell Books. Prices start from £25.00. *Recipients of the Campbell Books will receive a voucher in the post which they redeem for a book at the Campbell book stand E40.

OUT & ABOUT

HART GALLERIES CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY

Hart Galleries will be celebrating their 1 year anniversary in November 2019. It has been a successful year and they would like to thank everyone that has shown their support

W

e at Hart Galleries will be celebrating our 1st anniversary in November 2019. It has been a successful year and we would like to thank everyone that has shown their support.

Our beautifully appointed gallery is situated in Hale Lane on the borders of Edgware and Mill Hill where we display a most extensive range of original and limited edition artworks.

We offer an art consultation service to both members of the public and interior designers whereby artwork can be delivered and hung without obligation. This allows customers to see the art

5 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

in situ with confidence. For those struggling to decide what artwork might complement their home or office we are happy to offer advice and ideas.

Our art consultants can visit you to discuss your requirements, preferences and budget.

Please call in or email us if you wish to be added to our customer database so we may advise you regularly of new stock arrivals and of our exhibitions where you will be invited to join us for a glass of bubbly and to meet the artists.

Whether you are new to buying art or a seasoned collector, we look forward seeing you in our gallery and will be offering a 10% discount upon presentation of our advert in this publication.

To see our extensive range please visit our website www.hartgalleries.co.uk or call in to experience the atmosphere and chat about your requirements.

Looking forward to seeing you soon, The team at Hart Galleries.

Hart Galleries, 141 Hale Lane, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 9QW. Tel: 020 3475 9795 Email: art@hartgalleries.co.uk Web: www.hartgalleries.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

T

he Junior Collection for Emporio Armani Autumn/Winter 2019-20 continues to draw inspiration from the creativity of the adult Emporio Armani looks, featuring new and vibrant pieces for kids with a light and playful spirit.

Logo motifs are increasingly bold this season and are a constant presence: on decorative bands and side piping, on patches of all sizes, on accessories and used in all-over prints. The detailing on sweatshirts, T-shirts and knitwear makes a special statement: jacquard logo bands alternate with the names of some of the world’s most famous cities, expressing the international spirit of the brand. The logo not only reinforces Emporio Armani’s identity; it provides the looks with contemporary, urban flair.

Animal print is the star of the girl’s collection: giraffe-spot references are offered in army green, pink and black, as well as fused with camouflage or floral patterns in bright green, powder pink and coral, for a completely unexpected twist. Spotted prints are featured on jacquard pieces, chiffon dresses, sweatshirts, sleeveless tops, skirts, reversible bomber jackets and even as details on trainers and accessories. For boys, animals make an appearance in stylised designs on T-shirts, jackets and

6 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

sweatshirts in shades of burgundy, olive green, navy blue and seafoam, all paired with checked shirts.

Accessories complete the range, and, in keeping with the clothing, they are colourful, urban and have the logo as the focal point. The Emporio Armani eagle can be found on shoe straps, as an all-over motif on backpacks and bags and in a maxi size on baseball caps.

Onesies, rompers, hats and bibs for little bundles of joy feature sporty details and have customised “baby” versions of the collection’s animal designs.

Emporio Armani AW19 also presents a special junior collection entirely dedicated to going back to school: one of the most important times of year for every child.

Back To School offers a selection of fun, urban clothing and accessories to enrich the winter wardrobe. The range is composed of an assortment of formal items, made available alongside pieces with sporty flair. This collection sees the perfect union between spontaneousness and formality, resulting in a range that makes the end of summer that bit more exciting.

The collection is available now in select Emporio Armani Junior retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, Childrensalon, Child’s Play and at www.armani.com

“Onesies, rompers, hats and bibs for little bundles of joy feature sporty details and have customised “baby” versions of the collection’s animal designs”

WEDDINGS

Cream of Royston O

nce you know your son or daughter is getting married a wedding is just the excuse you need for dressing up. Bride aside all eyes will be on the mums.

Cream of Royston has been trading in Royston for 44 years and is predominantly a special occasion store. The extensive stock on two floors is colour co-ordinated for ease of selection. Everything is available from outfits (sizes 6-24) to shoes and bags, hats, fascinators and lingerie. Brands stocked include Condici, John Charles, Ispirato and Ann Balon.

Less formalwear from Isabella, Frank Lyman and Gina Bacconi is ideal for a day at the races, wedding abroad or guest at a wedding.

Mothers usually purchase their outfits four to six months before the event and customers are given the option to change it if they see something they prefer later, but they rarely do. Once everything gels and you have that wow factor you have found the outfit. It is usual for mothers to co-ordinate with the wedding party. Many brides have a colour scheme for bridesmaids and mens suits and it is a good idea to either blend or contrast with this. It is very important to be comfortable with what you are wearing. A shift dress with a jacket is always a

popular choice because you can take the jacket off in the evening when things warm up. Elegant and slightly understated always works and a hat should complement the outfit. They have to be happy with the final look.

Whilst the outfit must be perfect for the occasion it is important to have the correct lingerie underneath which can alter the whole look of a garment. Cream has a well stocked lingerie department which can be tried with the outfit. A free alteration service is available on all full priced outfits bought in store a fitting being carried out one month before the event, thus ensuring a perfect fit.

Shoes and bags are made in different heel heights in Spain in beautiful leathers and Rainbow Club can be dyed to match the outfit. Feel free to pop in or book an appointment. The Sale shop Occasions for less located adjacent to Cream offers mother of the bride, shoes, bags and hats from previous seasons all at fantastic prices.

Why not pay Royston a visit, just 12 miles south of Cambridge. There is something for every occasion and budget.

Cream, John Street, Royston.

Open 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday

Condici • John Charles • Ispirato • Izabella • Ann Balon • Linea Rafaelli • Gina Bacconi • Lewis Henry

6 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

WEDDINGS

NATURAL BEAUTY:

Stunning Floral design from petal & wild Josephine Stevens speaks to Alana Watts, Owner and Floral Designer of Petal and Wild.

The company specialises in wild, pretty and romantic wedding floral design covering, London, Essex and surrounding areas Tell me a bit about yourself and your company.

I’ve always been creative and loved the outdoors.

As a child I’d spend hours outside in the garden helping my parents prune the roses and plant tulip bulbs. I trained at Italia Conti Academy of theatrical arts and performed in West End shows as a singer/ dancer for a number of years. I was frequently sent the most beautiful bouquets during the run from a florist stand outside the theatre on Seven Dials. Once I left the theatre world I struggled to find something that gave me the same passion.

By chance a leaflet was popped through my door advertising a floristry course at my local university which caught my attention. I enrolled and am delighted to say it reignited my creative fire and reminded me how much I love working with natural materials. It was totally fate looking out for me and I’ve never looked back.

I created Petal and Wild flowers to appeal to the bride who wants something completely unique and elegant on their wedding day. My style is romantic and natural, like flowers just picked from a country garden. I enjoy working with a loose brief so I can really be creative and design something stunning and enchanting for the big day.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I get inspiration from so many sources, including the natural beauty of the English countryside.

Pinterest and Instagram are great online tools too as they give you access to amazing floral designs from around the world.

6 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

What is your favourite part of being a wedding florist?

I love the early morning trips to Covent Garden Flower market shopping for my blooms and the excitement to see what’s new in and what is in season.

I also love seeing the bride’s reaction to her flowers on the wedding morning. It’s such a wonderful feeling after months of planning to know you’ve been a part of making someone’s special day look beautiful.

What plans do you have in the future?

More weddings and more beautiful flowers! I’ve got some gorgeous weddings booked for next year at amazing venues, it’s a privilege and I’m very grateful to work with such lovely brides. www.petalandwild.co.uk; 07976 881505

top tips for brides Let your florist know your budget from the very start.

It’s much easier to advise on designs and flowers to achieve the look you are after if we have this information. If you love expensive flowers such as peonies, ask your florist to use them in your bouquet and find a more economical substitute for the table flowers if your budget will not stretch.

Ask your florist to choose flowers that are in season, it doesn’t mean they are necessarily cheaper but means they are better quality and at their best. It will also help to encompass the time year you have chosen to get married in.

Choose a few larger arrangements, rather than lots of smaller vases or jars if you really want to make an impact on your wedding day.

Pedestal arrangements and pew ends can be re-used from the ceremony and repositioned in the reception area afterwards to help make the most of your flowers.

Top left & centre: Irena K Photography.

Top right & left: Helen Elliott Photography / Venue - The Old Parish Rooms, Essex

The Speech and the Suit H

ere comes the groom! Even the most modern of weddings can often feel like it’s all about the bride, but now Debrett’s, the authority on modern wedding etiquette, is offering bespoke services for the bridegroom and his best man. They will ensure that you fulfil your two primary responsibilities – looking good and giving a brilliant speech – with confidence and style.

The two courses can be taken together over a full day or separately as half-day courses. An additional guest (usher, father or father-in-law-to-be) can be included.

The Speech Rupert Wesson, academy director and public speaking expert at Debrett’s, will deliver an intensive two-hour session on speech-giving for the bridegroom and up to two others. The workshop will focus on the content of the speech, mastering nerves, timing, humour, and using aids such as a microphone and notes. It will also cover traditional toasts, thank-yous and the order of speeches.

2 hour sessions available.

The Suit Men’s style expert Tim Lord will work with the bridegroom and up to two others to style and source the perfect outfit for his wedding day.

Whether you’re choosing traditional morning dress, a lounge suit or an alternative, Tim will accompany you to a selection of his favourite men’s outfitters on Savile Row and advise on the best cut, cloth, pattern and style to suit you and your budget. He will encourage you to try on a range of options to incorporate elements that are most meaningful and personal to the individual and to the couple. The session will help you to find a wedding outfit that best complements your personality and style, while covering the finer points of tailoring and men’s style 4 hour sessions available.

Tim Lord is a highly experienced stylist and personal style consultant whose clients have included Jude Law, Keith Richards, Michael Fassbender, Alex James, James Bay, Mumford & Sons and Jack Guinness. His work has been featured in a range of publications including GQ, Esquire and Men’s Health.

THE DETAILS Please enquire for pricing and more information: email OllyWalker@debretts.co.uk or telephone Debrett’s on 0203 705 2210. www.debretts.com

fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i ma g e : V ICTORI A B E C K H A M ’ S B E A U T Y L A U NC H E V E NT

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

BEAUTY & FASHION

we love AS FAST AS YOU CAN We love this collection from Sophie Allport. Striking cheetahs stride around the silky soft forest green scarf - the perfect pop of colour within an outfit or a lovely gift for a wildlife lover. The scarf is 100% modal, so it’s super soft and will keep your neck cosy and warm. Another offering is the gorgeous zipped wash bag, made from the forest green Cheetah canvas fabric. www.sophieallport.com

SHAVE IN STYLE

ELEGANT TRAVEL

This luxury four piece nickel-plated shaving set from Edwin Jagger includes a Mach 3 razor, pure badger shaving brush and matching stand with shaving soap bowl. Beautifully presented in Edwin Jagger gift box. www.annabeljames.co.uk

BEACH LIFE

FANCY FUR

If you still have a holiday to look forward to this year, these Tesalate beach towels are ultra compact, super absorbent, dry rapidly and are insatiably vibrant. Most importantly sand doesn’t stick to them, even when wet. www.tesalate.com

Understated and elegant, the Samantha Holmes collection is designed in Scotland and made by skilled artisans in Peru using traditional methods. The fur used is from alpaca that have died of natural causes. www.annabeljames.co.uk

6 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

This beautiful maxi Kimono Dress in 100% luxury silk. Dress up or down for a versatile day-tonight look. Pop it over some jeans for a totally relaxed vibe or wack on a pair of stillettos for knock out bombshell vibes. www.jessicarussellflint.co.uk

This beautiful design uses the ‘Arashi’ Shibori technique to create the striped repeat which is then digitally printed onto gorgeous soft pile velvet. The Rust and Pink print with the gold zip and tassel adds a touch of elegance to your travel essentials. www.tatielou.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Dermapen® Microneedling So what’s all the fuss about?

W

ith endless beauty trends out there, how does one know which one to go for. Well, one treatment that’s currently very popular amongst celebrities is microneedling and it looks like they are loving it!

The ‘A-Lister’ line up includes Kim Kardashian, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, just to name a few. Aniston recently said, “I do microneedling! I just learned about it a couple months ago from a facialist in New York. It allows the serums and whatever products you’re using to really soak in.” She is referring to the fact that microneedling provides a short window of opportunity that allows post-treatment products to travel down the newly created micro-channels in the skin penetrating into the deeper layers at concentrations that are not otherwise possible with topical lotions and potions alone. But believe it or not, that’s not actually the main benefit of microneedling.

As we age, the greatest change to our skin is the gradual loss of collagen and elastin. If you haven’t heard of Dermapen®, it’s the world’s most advanced skin-needling technology. It’s a skin treatment that rolls hundreds of tiny needles

7 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

across your face creating miniature wounds, which triggers the skin’s own rejuvenation process and is therefore, completely natural. This is precisely why it works amazingly well with all skin types… If you’re using it regularly, you’ll see results even faster!

It can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, stretch marks and acne scars (to name a few), and generally give your skin better tone and texture with continued use. Not only is Dermapen used for a wide range of issues— but it can be done on almost any part of the body too!

This phenomenal procedure can be enhanced by infusing a savvy cocktail of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, growth factors and anti-oxidants into the mesoderm (middle layer) of the skin. This works miracles on the skin due to increased penetration of the bespoke formula as a result of Dermapen treatment, giving you that ‘lit-from-within’ glow. After learning all of that, who wouldn’t want it!

For those of you wondering… Dermapen is much more effective than at-home dermarollers, as a professional treatment goes deeper into the layers of skin, delivering better results, and is performed by a trained medical professional. There is also a

Dr. Aketa Patel - MBBS BSc(Hons) DRCOG MRCGP

higher chance of infection with an at-home device, so it’s probably best you sit back and leave it to the experts.

So if you’re looking for a quick, painless, and effective way to give your skin that well-deserved TLC, with virtually no downtime, then Dermapen sounds like a great option for you.

Book Now to receive 50% off your 1st treatment!

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Boost Your Body Confidence with Riverbanks T

he end of summer has arrived, a few extra layers are going on… Is it a relief for you to be able to hide under an extra layer or two Summer holidays can be a financial burden, the changes in routine can also be challenging.

But most of all, the summer is associated with sometimes unbearable pressure to bare your body.

Every year around September we have patients coming into the clinic telling us how awkward they feel sitting around the pool, trying to keep a towel over their thighs or draped over their tummies, all whilst trying to have a good time with their families and friends.

Lots of women tell us how they want to wear a bikini but just don’t dare, or wearing a sleeveless dress or top, is something they just won’t consider.

The good news for some, is that once September hits we are celebrating that they won’t have to endure this anymore for hopefully quite some time.

But then in a couple months we all start worrying about squeezing ourselves into our party dresses for the launch of the festive period and New Year celebrations, and so the stress begins again.

Sound Familiar?

Is it “now the time to act” Here at Riverbanks we are all about the celebration of all of our bodies, in whatever shape or form. We understand that not everybody wants to be a size 8 and that on the most part they are happy with what we look like…strong not skinny is how we feel here, but sometimes there seems to be just one thing that can make us feel like the elephant in the room or by the pool, even in the photo. Our aim here at Riverbanks is that you feel comfortable in your own skin, whatever skin that is.

7 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

We understand that you may only need a tweak or maybe two to make you feel better in your favourite jeans, or you may have a stubborn pocket of fat that you cannot shift, it may be that you have a chin that just makes you avoid all those holiday / family photos.

We can help you achieve it!!

We have a range of non-invasive and also invasive treatments here at Riverbanks, the choice is yours, we help you make the best decision for your desired outcome.

The gold standard of non-invasive will always be Cool Sculpting Fat Freezing has always been one of our most popular and successful treatments.

Its effective at reducing your fat cells by a massive 25% to 45%.... non-invasive, no needles and no anaesthetic involved.

You simply lie-back and we freeze your fat, with a little massage after, ok that can be a little bit sensitive, but hey the outcome far outweighs the short amount of discomfort.

We also have Exillis and Vanquish these treatments can be used as stand-alone or used in conjunction with Cool Sculpt for a bespoke treatment plan for you.

Then we have Vaser, this is invasive and is a more considered approach to body sculpting. Dr Jain is an expert in this treatment, giving lectures and training around the world, he is undoubtedly one of the best in this field, so you couldn’t be in safer more qualified hands.

Which-ever way you are thinking, we are here to listen and give you the best advice for you for your concerns. Please feel free to come in and have a chat with no obligation, our friendly team will only advise the decision is yours.

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.

COOL SCULPTING STARTS FROM AS LITTLE AS £500

By appointment only Call 01582 762877 w w w. r i v e r b a n k s . c o . u k

Acne | Wrinkle Reduction Injections | Dermal Fillers | Fat Freezing | Skin Peels | Pigmentation Mole Removal | Liposuction | Vita min Injections | Rosacea | Non-Surgical Facelifts (Ultherapy ) Hormone Profile tests | Laser treatments | Cosmetic Surgery

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Let’s be Mindful W

hen most people are first introduced to mindfulness they often have an impression that it’s all a bit ‘touchy feely’, a little ‘airy-fairy’, not their sort of thing. Historically, I was certainly of that view. However, like lots of things that have changed for me and countless others, by accepting mindfulness it has allowed me to become calmer, more grounded, less anxious and less low generally. My relationships are more fulfilling and seem to work better without stress, anxiety and frustration.

In my opinion there are three elements to mindfulness: 1) Being in the present moment.

2) Breathing and meditating.

3) Adopting a mindfulness thought process Many people live where they are constantly shooting off on tangents. Or they may be living in a confused life where they frequently spiral or ruminate mindlessly into exasperation. Often that balanced fulfilling life never becomes a reality.

Living more mindfully has enabled many people to be productive whilst at the same time enjoying that ‘restful’ feeling. They seem more in control… They don’t miss out by being constantly preoccupied or chaotic. They own their lives and what they are doing… how they are being.

Mindfulness usually brings about a monumental change for people once they embrace it as a part of their lifestyle. They learn to stop their mind perpetually lurching and their anxious overthinking stressing them. They stop and consider and process thoughts and feelings, mindfully. Taking one thing at a time and allowing yourself to be immersed in the present will help filter out complicated clutter that may have been confusing you. Most people can juggle one or two oranges, but they struggle with five and some try and juggle ten or fifteen.

Take one thing at a time and give that one thing 7 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

your full attention. You take control when you are concentrating on being in the present… being yourself with where you are, with what you are doing, with whom you are with, with what you are feeling.

Mindfully aware people are generally more peaceful, more productive whilst performing jobs… more relaxed and friendlier with people and being in this world generally. See the world in the moment… allow a richer texture in each occurrence.

John Kabat-Zinn’s words provide a good summary: • We waste enormous amounts of time and energy musing about the past and worrying about the future…

• Whatever you are engaged in takes on a greater richness if you drop out of automatic-pilot mode and into awareness and acceptance….

• If you are baby-sitting for your grandchildren, then really be with them, become engaged…

• Make the effort to be fully present. Make eye contact. Own those moments…

• The essence of mindfulness in every day life is to make every moment you have your own…

• Even if you are hurrying, which is sometimes necessary, then at least hurry mindfully.

(Kabat-Zinn, J. 1990: 358) The relatively small commitment to daily meditation can be, after an initial struggle, very beneficial. There are ten tracks on the Emotionalskills website – www.emotionalskills.uk – why not download them and have a listen?

In summary, mindfulness has been really useful in giving many people support and respite… allowing them to move peacefully in the ‘here and now’… it teaches them they can live calmly without racing anxiously ahead…it prevents them being dragged down by the past…Individuals become able to speak their mind whilst being friendly; they can take time to just stand and stare. They can take ownership of their lives.

THE DETAILS Shane Lutkin is lead Therapist at psychotherapy organisation, Emotionalskills, which offers its services in Hertfordshire and Norfolk. Call 07986 488690 or email info@emotionalskills.uk.

Visit www.emotionalskills.uk

Gym & Swim Membership Only ÂŁ60 per month T&Cs apply.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

The doctor will see you now... yes, really,...right now.

Health just won’t wait As the nation’s GP waiting times hit an all-time high of 30 days on average, it’s only natural for those concerned about their health to consider private options. Whether you need a travel vaccination, are feeling under the weather, or are worried about a longterm health issue, up to a month’s wait for a routine GP appointment is sometimes not an option.

Your health can come first From September, all patients can choose to be seen by an NHS GP at the new GPDQ private clinic housed within the Hadley Wood Hospital, part of the Royal Free London - Private Patients Unit. Appointments can be booked immediately or for a date and time that suits. Patients can choose to be seen face to face in the clinic, at home, or via a video consultation. Patients are not required to be registered with an NHS GP to be seen.

Thorough check-ups and all under one roof Get a 20-minute GP appointment, instead of just nine minutes. As the pressure mounts NHS appointment times average at just nine minutes per patient - with the new GPDQ private clinic, each patient is allocated up to 20-minutes per appointment.

The beauty of the new GP clinic being housed within Hadley Wood Hospital means patients need not wait weeks, or in some cases, months for referrals.

Investigatory health tests including x-rays, scans and blood tests are all available on site. Patients can restassured they have easy access to over 300 specialist consultants, in the dedicated private patients unit.

Ran by industry-leading medical experts The GP behind the new private, instant-access clinic is Dr Anshu Bhagat, a local NHS GP who runs a portfolio of private and NHS practices in North 7 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

London. Dr Bhagat has been listed as one of the UK’s top 50 GPs for the last two years, being celebrated as the founder of GPDQ, the UK’s original and leading doctor on demand service, and for his efforts in lobbying government for safer and more sustainable working hours for NHS GPs.

GPDQ GPs The Royal Free London Private Patient Unit’s new GPDQ clinic is delivered by a team of over 30 London-based NHS GPs. For improved continuity of care, patients will be able to request repeat appointments with the same GP, if they wish.

Grab a pen and make a note of the details below to address a medical need that just won’t wait.

Call 0203 805 1781 or visit www. royalfreehadleywood.com/gp-services

“The Royal Free London Private Patient Unit’s new GPDQ clinic is delivered by a team of over 30 Londonbased NHS GPs”

A Hidden Gem of Beauty Mobile beauty specialist Experience luxurious beauty treatments in the comfort of your own home.

Home appointments available in Harpenden, St.Albans and surrounding areas. Rosie is a fully qualified and insured professional beauty therapist, with over 8 years experience.

Specialising in the leading nail care brand BIOSCULPTURE offering GEL manicures & luxury pedicures, Lash extensions, Nouveau lash (LVL), Sienna x spray tan and many other treatments.

20% off all treatments for new clients, appointments are to be booked and taken by 30th November 2019. Call or email to book.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

VICTORIA BECKHAM’s BEAUTY LAUNCH EVENT Katie Wright

H

was in attendance as the singer-turned-entrepreneur revealed her first make-up range.

as anyone had a busier London Fashion Week than Victoria Beckham?

Not content with holding her usual headline-grabbing catwalk show, the designer went live with her first own-brand beauty collection and then held a glamorous media event to celebrate the launch.

Beckham and her beauty brand co-founder Sarah Creal spoke to guests about the new collection and the message behind the brand, revealing some fascinating insights along the way.

From her obsession with clean formulations to the unlikely inspiration behind the packaging, here’s everything we learned at the Victoria Beckham Beauty launch...

8 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

It was a beautiful setting The lunch took place in the garden at Annabel’s restaurant in Mayfair.

Festooned with flowers and plants, and with a huge, pink floral centrepiece, there was a chic English country garden feel to the venue. Products from the new collection were laid on the tables and even the napkins were embroidered with the VB logo.

The guestlist was a who’s who of industry insiders Practically every UK beauty editor was in attendance, plus a handful of digital influencers and Beckham’s beauty squad, which includes make-up

“Practically every UK beauty editor was in attendance, plus a handful of digital influencers and Beckham’s beauty squad”

THIS SERVICE COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE GOOD HEALTH IS

20% GENETIC, AND 80% LIFESTYLE

ProLongevity creates personalised health plans that can help you lose weight, lower your blood pressure and even reverse type-2 diabetes and pre-diabetes. There’s no drugs, no hunger, no diets and no calorie-counting. Find out how we can improve your health in just eight weeks at: www.prolongevity.co.uk Our philosophy is that good health isn’t about taking pills. We take an holistic approach, looking at your body and your lifestyle, and then suggest manageable changes that have life-changing effects.

ProLongevity is a totally personalised service that measures your blood-sugar levels, then creates a programme suited to your unique biology to lower your levels and make you healthier in just eight weeks.

If you are overweight, have high blood-pressure, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, then we can help you.

To find ouT how iT works Web: www.prolongevity.co.uk • Phone: 01727 834365 Mobile & WhatsApp: 07768-275802 E-mail: graham.phillips@manorpharmacygroup.co.uk

O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 8 1

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

something that is clean, but still active.”

Sustainability is also a top priority, she said: “Making sure we are using minimal plastic, and 100% post-consumer waste with the outer packaging as well. So being kind to ourselves and kind to the planet. And we feel that’s a modern take on beauty.”

This is make-up for women on the move artist Wendy Rowe and hair stylist Ken Paves.

“Every single person here is so important to me and Sarah,” Beckham said. “So, to get the opportunity to spend time with you and talk you through why we’ve done what we’ve done, and explain the collection, is really exciting for us.

“And it’s such a lovely way to do it here at Annabel’s, because it’s quite posh, isn’t it?”

The products are very luxurious Examining the products that were laid out, the first thing I noticed was the weight - the brass and tortoiseshell packaging is seriously luxe.

Beckham explained that the Smoky Eye Bricks (£48 each), which come in four colour variations, are intended to be small enough to fit in your handbag for touch-ups on the go.

After lunch, I asked her why she chose tortoiseshell and she revealed it was because of a source close to home.

“The idea came from a horn bowl in my kitchen.

I said to Sarah, ‘It’s so chic, this has to be it’,” she said.

The first collection is all about eyes “It makes sense for us to start with an eye story, because I think that’s something that is very signature to me, a smoky, sexy eye - can we say that word?” Beckham said of the range, which comprises four Smoky Eye Bricks, four Lid Lustre eyeshadows (£28 each) and three Satin Kajal Liners (£20 each).

The colours are, for the most part, on the natural or neutral side, with the exception of the Royal Smoky Eye Brick, which features three blue shades.

“I really wanted to make sure this was a focused launch,” Beckham added. “There will be more to come, there’s going to be various drops, which I think is really exciting as well.”

Beckham is championing clean beauty The pop star-turned-entrepreneur revealed she wanted to create a ‘clean beauty’ brand, because that’s what’s missing in the market.

“I felt that as a consumer, I really wanted to know what I was putting on my skin - it was very, very time consuming, trying to get my head around it. Myself and Sarah decided, let’s do this, let’s do 8 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

The mum-of-our admitted she’d had a very hectic weekend with her catwalk show and parenting duties - which is why she creates products for women with equally busy lives.

“Yesterday was a great day, and we did have a lot of wine last night, and then I was up at six o’clock this morning during school runs,” Beckham said.

Creal added: “We’re talking about beauty in motion - this is where it comes from. It’s like, we’re constantly running. We know you’re constantly running. And we want beauty that really keeps up with you.”

It’s not about anti-ageing While Beckham’s passion for make-up really shone through, the 45-year-old made it clear she isn’t striving to turn back the clock with her collection.

“It’s not about trying to make ourselves look any different, any younger - I’m not coming out with products that say they’re going to get rid of wrinkles - because I think that’s bulls**t,” she said.

“I think we should celebrate who we are and be the best, most powerful version of ourselves and celebrate each other.”

Judging by the resounding applause and the reception that Beckham got today, that’s a message women can really relate to.

The collection is available now on VictoriaBeckhamBeauty.com.

“I think we should celebrate who we are and be the best, most powerful version of ourselves and celebrate each other”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Affordable Luxury at the laboratory spa & health club

L

uxury, style and elegance create the perfect environment to escape the many pressures of London life. Relaxation is essential to the body and mind and the Laboratory Spa and Health Club provides a gateway to undisputed tranquillity.

Twice winners of the UK Health Club of the Year award (National Fitness Awards) and previously voted best private Health Club and Spa in London by Time Out. No expense has been spared. Innovative, motivational and led by some of the UK’s finest and most-respected fitness professionals, the Lab offers an unrivalled and envied timetable to cater for every age, interest, and schedule.

Their expansive gym floors flooded with natural daylight boast the very latest Lifefitness™ treadmills and bikes, designed in America they have both cutting edge technology and ergonomic engineering at their core.

A personalised fitness and well-being programme with over 100 different fitness classes that includes: • Schwinn cycling • BodyPump • Salsa • Aquatics • Yoga • Pilates • Meditation • Zumba Each Club also offers: • A spectacular 25 metre swimming pool cleansed

8 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

with the latest UV light technology, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene with minimal levels of chlorine.

• Twin spa baths • Marble steam rooms • Scandinavian saunas The Lab’s philosophy is to not just treat the body, but the mind and soul as well. The Day Spa is a haven of peace and calm providing a chance to escape the stresses of daily life.

• Newly-refurbished treatment rooms • Facials • Massage • Body care therapies • Hot stone and reflexology to name but a few.

The Laboratory Spa & Health Clubs are one of the few remaining independent, privately owned Clubs in London. The Club is surrounded by its own secluded gardens where you can sun-bathe or relax in private.

Seb Barre, General Manager says “Our members stay with us because they value what we offer and love what we do. We provide an oasis of calm in a busy life. We aim to help you achieve your goals and increase your individual wellbeing. At the Lab you will be transported to a world of serenity, where muscle tension and the mind’s concerns simply melt away allowing you to emerge refreshed, balanced and energised.”

Lab members have full use of all facilities.

Non-members are welcome to use the Day Spa.

“Innovative, motivational and led by some of the UK’s finest and most-respected fitness professionals, the Lab offers an unrivalled and envied timetable to cater for every age, interest, and schedule”

THE DETAILS For further information call: Mill Hill: 020 8457 3300 - 1a Hall Lane, NW4 4TJ. Muswell Hill: 020 8482 3000 - The Avenue N10 2QE. www.labspa.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Autumn/Winter Fashion Trends Katie Wright

has got your new season fashion cheat sheet sorted.

W

ith summer starting to feel like a distant memory, it’s time to look ahead to what autumn has to offer.

As the air turns cooler and the nights longer, golden leaves aren’t the only things dropping right now - the new season collections are landing in stores, which means we can start getting excited about coats, knitwear and all the other cosy clothes we’ll be wearing for the next few months.

What should be on your sartorial shopping list this year? Looking at the catwalks, designers were in an optimistic mood, on the whole, sending out fun feathery creations, power silhouettes plus a burst of bright colours.

So before you hit the shops, here are the most important trends to know about for autumn/winter 2019...

2 3

Heritage

One key purchase for autumn? Make it a sensible skirt, the kind of knee-concealing tweed kilt seen everywhere from Chloe and Gucci to Victoria Beckham (but make it fashion by teaming with a pair of fabulous slouchy boots).

Heritage tailoring is having a moment too invest in a mannish grey suit like the kind seen at McQueen or Salvatore Ferragamo for instant workwear cool.

Highlighter heels While the neon trend that swept through the fast fashion world is definitely on the way out, a dash of fluoro colour still feels fresh, especially when it’s teamed with the aforementioned head-to-toe beige or grey suiting.

That’s what we saw at Victoria Beckham and Saint Laurent, where Eighties-style court heels in highlighter brights punctuated neutral-toned outfits.

Wallis Bright Orange Closed Court Heels, £45

1

8 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

Feathers We usually see flutters of marabou at eveningwear powerhouses like Alberta Ferretti or Oscar de la Renta, but this seasons feathers were really flying - with pastel plumage at Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors, uber-bright gowns at Roksanda and Mary Katrantzou, and gothic feathered creations at Erdem.

It looks like this is one trend that’s really going to take wing for autumn...

4

6

Bucket hats The Nineties summer staple is still going strong.

In fact, designers are making a case for wearing bucket hats in winter, what with the AW19 versions in black lace (Valentino), leather (Dior) and faux fur (Tom Ford and Anna Sui). Add one to your bucket list.

5 Big bags Did you know that Newton’s Third Law also applies to fashion? The physicist decreed that every action has an equal or opposite reaction, and so it goes with accessories.

Just as we reached ‘Peak Micro Bag’, designers swerved in the opposite direction, sending out giant totes and holdalls at Sportmax, Lacoste and OffWhite. The handbag mantra this season: Go big or go home.

Accessorize Sofia Leather Tote Bag, £59 (clothing, stylist’s own)

Yellow Here to help you brighten up the doom and gloom of winter, eggyolk yellow is the accent colour designers couldn’t get enough of on the AW19 catwalks.

At Roksanda, Off-White and Molly Goddard, that meant show-stopping gowns, but in the real world we’ll be taking our cues from Fendi and Balenciaga with sunshine-y raincoats and blouses.

7

Power shoulders There’s a new breed of power puff girl on the runways, one who’s swapped her sharpshouldered jacket for something a little softer.

Exaggerated, puffy shoulders were added to mini dresses at Giambattista Valli and Alessandra Rich, and to sleek tailoring at Alexander McQueen. But the most fabulous iteration came with Richard Quinn’s giant floral leg-of-mutton sleeves.

Beige Spring’s neutral colour obsession continues this season, with another wave of all-beigeeverything looks, which is a relief if the thought of wearing egg-yolk yellow makes you want to run for the hills.

Naturally, Burberry was at the vanguard of the beige brigade, followed by Max Mara, Jil Sander and Valentino, who all showed beautifully minimalist separates in soft biscuit shades.

8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 8 7

HOME &

PROPERTY – A collection of Hertfordshire’s finest house and garden companies, plus stunning homes for sale in the area – I M AG E : W o o d c h i p & M a g n o l i a p r e s e n t The N i n a M a r i ka E d i t

H OME & PROPERTY

[NEWS]

INTERIORS The Velvet Collection

SPACE SAVING SECRETS

Designer sofa specialists, Darlings of Chelsea, have just launched their stunning sofa bed collection. Smart storage, high end fabrics, luxe love seats and classic corner sofa beds - this collection has been given the same Darlings design touch as the rest of their creative collection. With design at the forefront and a range of shapes, including loveseats and corner sofas, this collection is set to transform how we have previously seen sofa beds. Say goodbye to clunky, uncomfortable and unattractive sofa beds and say hello to stylish, durable and space saving luxuriousness. www.darlingsofchelsea.co.uk

WORK WISE

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

This gorgeous Simply Stripes and Highland Check bedding is made from a high-quality cotton blend that is easy to wash and doesn’t need ironing, so great for those short on time. The bedding is available in all sizes from Single to Super King, and both bedding sets are reversible, meaning you get two designs for the price of one. Also great if you can’t decide on a pattern! www.happylinencompany.co.uk 9 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

The right home office furniture can make a huge difference to your outlook on working and productivity. The trick is to find the desk that’s right for the job and that’s why The Wooden Furniture Store have desks to fit all sizes of spaces and all with storage and clever features. From innovative hidden home office desks that allows you to disguise your computer and tidy everything out of sight, to simple and stylish laptop desks – perfect as a home for modern technology. www.wooden-furniture-store.co.uk

Melody Maison’s previous collection of Velvet Chairs, Stools, Benches and Pouffes was so popular with their customers, they just had to add some more colours and styles for you to choose from!

This stunning selection of seating is perfect for those wanting to add a little luxury to their home decor theme. www.melodymaison.co.uk

A LITTLE LUXURY

In keeping with this trend, luxury furniture and interiors firm La Residence Interiors has just introduced a brand new range of hand-blended, hand-poured and hand-packaged scented candles and reed diffusers using the most exclusive and natural ingredients available. www.laresidenceinteriors.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

Kitchens & Cars:

Designing with Form & Function in Mind

A

t Hawk Kitchens & Bathrooms, we pride ourselves on designing kitchens and bathrooms around you and your lifestyle and this is one of our most interesting to date.

Situated within a Grade II listed Victorian manor house, this contemporary glass box extension was designed to contrast with the existing building and to house an equally contemporary kitchen‌and a sports car.

The family enjoyed entertaining and sports cars were a big part of their life so the space had to reflect this. With an obvious love for bold, exciting and innovative design we specified a handleless German kitchen which ran flush with the wall and state of the art Siemens appliances, including a coffee machine and vacuum drawer, which appealed to the clients love for functionalism with design.

A colourful sports car from their car collection would be housed within the room at any one time so neutral colours were used throughout to allow the cars to stand out and become the focus of the room. The seamless appearance and linear look of the cabinetry also reflected the contemporary architecture of the space too.

The island consisted of three different zones for multi-use functionality; the main L shape for cooking, a raised bar area, complete with champagne tough, for entertaining and a lower seating area for dining, enhanced with sleek curved worktops. The abstract shape of this island along with its mix of finishes and textures on the worktops was designed to reflect the curves and angles within the sports cars. The dark grey worktops also tied in with the window frames, bringing the whole space together.

Many sports car makers have teamed up with kitchen designers in the past and it is clear to see there is a link between the sleek shapes, form and functionality in both.

If you too are looking for a kitchen or bathroom, designed around you and your lifestyle call Hawk Kitchens & Bathrooms on 01442 803303, or pop into one of our two showrooms at 70 London Road, St Albans, AL1 1NG or Oaklands Farm, Gaddesden Row HP2 6JB. www.hawkkb.co.uk

9 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

HHOME OME && PROPERTY PROPERTY

Woodchip & Magnolia present

The Nina Marika Edit

A

t the heart of Woodchip & Magnolia is Nina Marika Tarnowski.

She might be the label’s founder and chief designer, but Nina is also mother, a wife, a lover of all things pattern and colour, and a very proud Lancastrian. Everything that is encapsulated in this unique collection.

The Nina Marika EDIT is an exclusive collection bringing together favourite wallcoverings and new complimentary velvets that truly embodies the Woodchip & Magnolia ethos.

While there might appear to be no one common theme uniting the 72-strong collection, Nina has selected each design on the grounds it means something to her.

Whether it’s Ava Marika, the floral creation named after her daughter, or the striking Lancashire-inspired Rivington, each design holds a place in Nina’s heart.

Nina said: “Woodchip & Magnolia isn’t defined by a single style and we don’t follow trends. We do things differently.

“The Nina Marika EDIT brings together designs I absolutely adore and ones I know our customers love.”

At Woodchip & Magnolia, all our wallcoverings & fabrics are sustainably manufactured by us at our Lancashire studio, then carefully checked & packaged by hand. www.woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk 9 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

“Woodchip & Magnolia isn’t defined by a single style and we don’t follow trends. We do things differently”

H OME & PROPERTY

Kitchen Transformations Transform your tired kitchen in as little as 2 days from start to finish...

AFTER

before

I

t’s so easy… Swapping the doors and drawer fronts will dramatically change the look of your kitchen, giving you an amazing transformation without the stress, upheaval and mess that comes with a traditional refit.

Dream Doors offers you a one stop shop for all your kitchen needs with a huge choice of doors worktops, sinks, taps, appliances and accessories.

The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home. Not only does it serve as the most functional room in the house but it is usually the most social one too, but whatever your lifestyle is it any wonder so many of us spend time planning our dream kitchen?

AFTER

before

“A new kitchen is said to add an average of between two to five per cent to the value of your home” We offer a personal service to help you realise your dream from start to finish.

A new kitchen is said to add an average of between two to five per cent to the value of your home and with Dream Doors you can change as little or as much as you want. From a simple facelift - replacement doors, a new worktop and perhaps a sink we can transform a kitchen in just a couple of days! Everything is installed by our local skilled tradesmen, the rubbish removed, and a new kitchen ready to use in the blink of an eye.

We can also provide a completely new bespoke kitchen should you prefer, and to help you visualise your dream create a computer aided design for you to see it come to life.

So whether you are looking for a quick transformation or a total redesign, Dream Doors has it all. For ideas and inspiration give Dream Doors a call and let them bring your dream to life.

Call 020 8429 3556 and speak to Tohid or Marek to arrange for your free no obligation quote.

9 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

“From the first meeting I was very impressed with his knowledge.

The fitter was very polite and professional. I am over the moon with finished result.”

– Customer base in Ruislip

“This was a big job changing worktops/ door fronts / tiles and a new floor. Guys where polite and where good workers.

Job was finished to a high standard.”

– Customer in Stanmore (Customer feedback from Checkatrade, score 9.7 out of 10)

H OME & PROPERTY

TILE STYLE

F

Deco Tayberry is announced as Original Style’s Tile of the Year 2020

or the third consecutive year, Original Style is excited to reveal their Tile of the Year for 2020 in partnership with leading Interior Designers, 2LG Studio.

Sophisticated, sumptuous and classic in design; Deco Tayberry, part of Original Style’s Winchester collection of hand crafted English tiles, is set to be the must-have tile for the upcoming year.

“As interior designers, we approach our projects with one eye on the past and the other on the future.

Deco Tayberry is the perfect representation of this motto. Square in format and with an arch motif, this gorgeous tile is a contemporary twist on classic tiling.

Moving forward from the currently popular ‘millennial pink’, Tile of the Year’s blush and berry tones provide a softer approach, embracing the new heritage trend” Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead, 2LG Studio.

The real beauty of this tile is reflected in its handcrafted nature. Designed in-house at Original Style’s factory in Exeter, Devon; Deco Tayberry is the epitome of British design. Each tile is hand crafted by skilled artisans using the age-old screen printing method which, alongside its reactive inks, means each kiln produces a different effect, so no two tiles are the same.

“Vibrancy through colour is beginning to play a big part in interior schemes. It’s exciting to see people being bolder with their interior choices and during 2020 we’re expecting to see people integrate more statement designs through greater injection of personality and individuality” – Jane Addis, Original Style’s New Products & Design Manager.

“Deco Tayberry was designed with this movement in mind. Its heritage-pink glaze encourages the embrace of colour which, when

9 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

paired with its Deco pattern inspired by the luxury and modernity of art-deco design; provides a dramatic yet sophisticated edge. Alongside its inherent rustic nature, these tiles are wonderfully characterful providing an authentic and distinctive style” comments Jane.

Renowned for their colourful and audacious interior style, Interior designers, 2LG Studio collaborated with Original Style to create a bathroom space for 2020; “When we first saw Deco Tayberry it was clearly unique and we were thrilled to design a setting to best showcase this tile for Original Style. Combining traditional style with modern influences was our primary objective and we achieved this through emphasis on shape and texture. We embedded the Deco Tayberry tiles into an arch formation to accentuate the striking curves of the pattern, incorporating matte concrete walls and accessories to contrast with and enhance the tiles rich glossy glaze. On this occasion, we styled Deco Tayberry in a bathroom but the versatility of this tile lends itself beautifully to a feature chimney breast, a kitchen splashback or even installed within a sitting room alcove” - Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead, 2LG Studio.

Through the combination of age-old production methods and contemporary style influences, this captivating tile isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but it also evokes personality and charm. With homeowners now branching out with their own design styles, the vision for 2020 is the embrace of heritage design, colour and individuality and Deco Tayberry is the perfect reflection of this interior design movement. www.originalstyle.com

“Renowned for their colourful and audacious interior style, Interior designers, 2LG Studio collaborated with Original Style to create a bathroom space for 2020”

• Family Run Business with over 30 years experience. We design, supply and install kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and studies.

• All work undertaken from supply only to full project management including tiling, plastering and Building work.

98 High Street, Harpenden,AL5 2SP Tel/Fax: 01582 766557 info@jacksonskitchen.co.uk www.jacksonskitchens.co.uk Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm Saturday 9.30 – 3pm

H OME & PROPERTY

Painted Perfection by Brandt Kitchens

L

eading British retailer, Brandt Kitchens, is delighted to unveil a beautiful open-plan kitchen living area in rural Hertfordshire.

Ideal for sunshine living all year around, this in-frame Shaker kitchen is the heart of a busy family home with the patio just a footstep away for easy al fresco dining.

Blending the best of classic style with contemporary cool, the elegant painted kitchen in Dove Grey boasts ample storage with a bank of floor-to-ceiling units and an AGA range cooker.

The centrepiece is the island unit cleverly designed with curved corners, to combine a generous food prep area with a breakfast bar, as well as a gable end which comfortably seats six for dinner.

Designed with classic In-frame style doors, this made-to-order cabinetry, is paired with 30mm Berwyn Granite creates a calm and soothing aesthetic throughout the kitchen, blending seamlessly with porcelain floor tilesfrom the Brandt Collection. Seating in mouth-watering sorbet shades injects a touch of fun and personality, balancing the elegant shades of grey. The theme continues outside with a colourful dining set and loungers by the pool.

The kitchen was designed to create a highly ergonomic open-plan kitchen/dining/family room which blends indoor and outdoor living. The scheme is functional and spacious, maximising the scenic views of the beautifully manicured gardens.

The design experts at Brandt Kitchens worked very closely with the client, from initial consultation and design concept for the kitchen and pool house as part of a renovation project for the whole property.

With a brief to achieve a highly functional kitchen to maximise flexibility for entertaining and casual dining, this modern kitchen scheme embraces some of the latest appliances by Miele including two single ovens, a combination microwave and warming drawer, complete with two Bora Classic hobs with integral extractor as part of the island unit. The cook’s pride and joy is a traditional AGA range cooker with an integrated module to left, comprising a slow cooker and a four ring hob. For added convenience when entertaining, the side by

1 0 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

side Smeg wine cooler and fridge freezer Scott Davis, Director, Brandt Kitchens, says “We really enjoy exploring new challenges when it comes to kitchen design. This was a great project to work on as we needed to incorporate a pillar into the room and work it into the design. By breaking away from the standard rectangle, we provided plenty of work space for the chef, a cosy spot for guests to perch at the breakfast bar as well as an alternative to the dining table. We clad the pillar to match the work tops and help bring the scheme together. The secret of ensuring a kitchen and living space has longevity is to really understand client’s lifestyle and tailor it to fit their individual needs for many years to come.”

• Kitchens designed by Brandt Kitchens start from £25,000+vat • The Painted In-Frame Kitchen Furniture specified in this project retails for £45,000+vat

“Blending the best of classic style with contemporary cool, the elegant painted kitchen in Dove Grey boasts ample storage with a bank of floor-to-ceiling units and an AGA range cooker”

Project by Brandt Kitchens This classic kitchen scheme includes: • Grantham Kitchen Furniture, Dove Grey painted finish & Chrome Square Knob Handles • Berwyn 30 mm Granite Worktops • Miele 2 x H6860BPCLST Ovens & 1 x H6800BMCLST Combi microwave • Miele Warming Drawer ( ESW6114CLST ) • Miele Fully Integrated Dishwasher 2 x G6660SCViCLST • Miele Integrated Built In Fridge. K32222i Fridge • Smeg RF396RSIX Fridge • Smeg WF366LDX • Quooker Hot Water Tap Nordic Square • 2 x Bora Classic CFI11 hobs with extraction • Additional high resolution images on request For further information, please contact Brandt Kitchens. 020 3758 4455. www.brandtkitchens.co.uk. info@brandtkitchens.co.uk Hatch End Showroom: 431, The Broadway, Uxbridge Road, Pinner, Herts HA5 4JR

interiors • appliances • repairs

BESPOKE INTERIORS SHOWROOMS: ST ALBANS | NORTH FINCHLEY | CHELSEA Call us on 01727 896766 www.glotech.com/kitchens

H OME & PROPERTY

Shoreline Inspiration

Immersed in the tranquillity of jewel-toned greens and deep blues, the Seaglass trend from Oak Furnitureland creates ethereal spaces cut adrift from the outside world

O

ak Furnitureland turns to the sea for solace this Autumn/ Winter with its Seaglass trend which draws us along the shoreline in search of the enchanting imperfection of wave-worn glass.

Awash in a tonally tight colour palette, this graceful scheme is submerged in a spectrum of blues, greens and greys which flow everywhere, from the walls and ceilings to the upholstery and tableware.

There are nods to vintage grandeur with full-length panelling on the walls. This reflects the cornices and beading on the more trad-with-a-twist furniture pieces which are mixed in with cleaner, more simplistic pieces to steer the scheme away from being too polished or fussy. Meanwhile, the tactile elements of Seaglass are referenced in the cabinetry’s gently rounded edges and smooth waxed and painted surfaces. Charming ‘wonky’ glassware, accessories and statement foliage reminiscent of seaweed help complete the look.

Anchored in deep blues and jewel-like greens, this living room scheme explores a variety of shades in the palette and encompasses the beautiful teal on the Brighton corner sofa in seaspray and the Trend accent chair in sky blue leather.

Sarah Boyle, Product and Commercial Director at Oak Furnitureland says: “Our Brighton sofa collection is inspired by mid-century designs. It’s set on slim tapered oak legs and features square arms with buttoned bolsters and inviting deepbuttoned backs that are fibre-filled for lounging in comfort. The upholstery has a soft touch textured weave which adds to its sumptuous feel and the foamfilled seat cushions retain their shape brilliantly so there’s no need for plumping.”

1 0 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

STYLING TIPS

By Joanna Thornhill, Interior Stylist and Author “When working with a tonal colour scheme, if you’re not sure which other colours to layer in, look to the colour wheel: locate your main colour on that, then pick out additional tones up and down it for subtle depth, as well as choosing colours from either side to add a harmonious accent.

“By going all-in with a tonal colour palette you can’t go wrong so don’t be afraid to mix blue walls with similar-toned furniture and furnishings. Just ensure you have several variations of your main colour in there to stop things feeling flat, and introduce an element such as green flowers and foliage, for subtle but necessary contrast.”

Oak Furnitureland has used pieces from its Brindle cabinetry collection to bridge the contemporary upholstered designs and the room’s more traditional decor elements. The range combines solid oak tops and country farmhouse cues with a fresh sage grey painted finish and nickel handles.

The Brindle extending dining table looks cool and calm at the centre of this scheme. Smooth painted turned legs and beading support a honeyed solid oak top that effortlessly transforms from 4 ft 9” to 6 ft 5”, making it ideal for entertaining.

The simplicity and chunkiness of the

Romsey large sideboard is a deliberate choice to counterbalance other more ornate pieces. Carefully built from solid oak, the sleek recessed handles and clean curved lines help to ground the scheme.

“Break up the look of painted woods by adding in a natural piece for contrast, such as mixing in two natural dining chairs among four painted ones. Here we chose to sit the Brindle dining chairs alongside Oak Furnitureland’s Classic dining chairs, both are upholstered in striped silver fabric.

“Consider using vintage kitchenware in unexpected ways too: an old tea caddy can make great storage for any dried foodstuffs or a beautiful vintage set of imperial-measure weighing scales could make for a quirky fruit bowl.”

The Romsey king size bed is highlighted beautifully against this dramatic backdrop.

To make a feature of the oak grain, it’s finished in a natural protective wax that enhances the timber’s unique patterns.

The bed is flanked by the Brindle bedside table and Brindle chest of drawers.

Smooth curved edges give the designs flow while bun feet elevate the base to bring a light feel to even the largest pieces.

H OME & PROPERTY

[NEWS]

radiate style

bathroom beauties A TOUCH OF CLASS This designer radiator on the left will make a stunning focal point and is almost a piece of art in its own right. On the right is a classic styled towel warmer with a chrome finish, available in varying heights to suit both the small bathroom and the larger family. Also available in a white finish.

L-R: Alide Radiator Anthracite by Frontline Bathrooms, £425, www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk; Straight Radiator

by The Pure Bathroom Collection from Smiths Briten, £75, www.purebathroomcollection.co.uk

“Carefully proportioned to function secondarily as a console table, creating an additional storage and display surface”

COVER-UP A unique, adjustable radiator cover featuring hand cut, bevelled mirror panels. Will accommodate radiators measuring up to 79cm (from ground level once installed), up to 183m in width and 14 cm in depth. Carefully proportioned to function secondarily as a console table, creating an additional storage and display surface.

Simply fix to wall with integral, rear mounted keyhole fixings.

Pewter effect paint finish.

Antoinette mirrored radiator cover large, adjustable from MY Furniture, www.my-furniture.co.uk 1 0 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

We love these stylish contemporary-style radiators.

Clarissa Radiators, The Pure Bathroom Collection from Smiths Briten, £269-£349, www.purebathroom collection.co.uk

toasTy towels Keep cosy in the bathroom with this gorgeous Salzburg Traditional Victorian Chrome and White Towel Rail Radiator with a chrome finish. £159.97 www.bathroomtakeaway.co.uk

RollER ShuTTER GaRaGE dooRS Sun awninGS and RE-covERS SEcuRiTy ShuTTERS, BaRS and GaTES

www.drathmore.co.uk Tel: 01708 755667 | Email: sales@drathmore.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

Living Space Design: L

Turning Dreams into Reality

iving Space Design is a unique design house that turns your dreams and desires into a reality with over 25 years in our industry we strive to deliver the very best for your project from concept of design through to our bespoke fitting service we feel our success lies in offering exclusive items that no one else has. We focus on wellness as well as design working with industry leading brands.

Living Space is synonymous with a meticulous and a very personal experience. Every project we undertake is as individual as you are, with our hand held service on every project which is formed through a close collaboration between designer and client from concept through to the finished work that will exceed all expectations. We have an unrivalled reputation for building magnificent one-of-a-kind custom rooms that combine classic elegance with the finest contemporary materials.

Visit our brand new showroom to discover a collection of luxurious room styles. You’ll immediately find an environment in which to build your idyllic room scheme with our huge working displays and expert design team who focus particularly on a knowledge for timeless style that’s integrated with top quality fixtures and fittings, ensuring each finishing touch is in keeping with the high end specification, latest trends in luxury

“Living Space is synonymous with a meticulous and a very personal experience. Every project we undertake is as individual as you are”

1 0 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

interior design and the timeless style of the Living Space design team. Our designers are on hand to help you make your dream a reality, every step of the way, as we believe it is important to ensure a room is designed to suit each and every one of our client’s personal requirements, which is why everything we do is tailored.

We also offer a home visit service with our designers, during which they will explore all options and designs covering all room types from Family Bathrooms, Wet Rooms, Ensuites, Cloakrooms to wellness rooms Our designers will create decadence with exquisite tiles & finishes using the highest quality real stone and porcelain tile finishes with natural veins that make each piece unique and texture that adds luxurious depth with polished and honed options available to bring a stunning look and feel to any space that produce timeless sophistication and class for statement rooms with true aesthetic beauty.

We specialise in Extra large format porcelain slab piece tiles, which are available in various sizes and provide our designers with the opportunity to create a seamless surface expanse with minimal grout lines for maximum impact. Ideal for luxury residential projects these tiles are suitable for both floor or wall applications. Many are just 6 mm in thickness and it is this lightweight format that also brings with it new surfacing opportunities such as ‘hidden’ doors or shower partitions.

Our Focus is Private Wellness and with this we offer that latest elements which can be freely composed, for a total customization of one’s own shower, so to create a “private” wellness, designed according to one’s own desires. We offer a full Multisensory feeling which conjures a new relationship between water and the pleasure of a daily experience where the user can renew the contact with his/her senses and inner self.

Refreshing cascades or delicate rainfalls, bracing hydro-massage or beautiful atomization, and amazing chromo-therapy all provide for a pleasant multi sense stimulation, our Private Wellness products make aesthetic, functional and technical perfection come together: It is A-grade technology, embedded in objects of absolute beauty. www.livingspacedesigns.co.uk

Misted up sealed units? discoloured door panels? original company no longer trading?

Let us Put it riGht!

15,000 local customers can’t be wrong!

WindoWs • doors • Conservatories FasCias Gutters • PorChes • CarPorts • over 40 years experience, an established family run business • discounts for pensioners and the retired • Friendly, no pressure, advice • no deposit - payment only on completion and satisfaction

BARRY BOLTON WINDOWS

01727 866678 01438 771736 www.barryboltonwindows.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

Barnet Gate Lane Arkley, Hertfordshire, EN5

A

stunning detached family home situated within this sought-after location in Arkley, enjoying far reaching views across fields to the front. The property offers bright and spacious accommodation which is well maintained throughout and comprises 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, 3 bathrooms and a large kitchen/breakfast room with island.

Externally there is a mature private rear garden with sun terrace and wide side entrance. The deep driveway at the front provides off street parking for numerous vehicles with mature well-maintained trees and shrubbery providing both privacy and outstanding charm to this property.

OIEO ÂŁ1,600,000

Please contact our Barnet Office on 020 8449 3383

1 0 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

From Cottages to Country Estates FOR OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE, PLEASE VISIT WWW.STATONS.COM

totteridge

£2,500,000

FH Sole Agents Dating back to the late 1800’s Potential to extend STPP Triple aspect living room Master bedroom suite Sweeping driveway Detached garage 1/3rd acre plot

totteridge office 020 8445 3694

Hadley Wood

£2,250,000

FH Private Gated Close Beautifully Presented Detached Family Residence 6 Bedrooms 4 Reception Rooms Ample Guest Parking Integral Double Garage Swimming Pool

Hadley Wood office 020 8440 9797

Brookmans Park

£1,125,0000

Detached Family Home No Onward Chain 5 Bedrooms 3 Bedroom 4 Reception Rooms Modern Kitchen/Breakfast Room Rear Garden Approx 93ft Carriage Driveway

Brookmans Park office 01707 661144

stanmore

£2,350,000

LH Bentley Priory Mansion Penthouse Apartment Grade II Listed Building 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Private South Facing Terraces 4 Secure Private Parking Spaces

radlett office 01923 604 321

st alBans

£1,750,000

FH 7 Bedrooms Gated Detached Home 4935 Sq Ft Peaceful Village Location Detached Triple Garage

radlett office 01923 604 321

totteridge

£799,950

FH Sole Agents Unique and extended cottage Built in late 1800’s Open plan Under floor heating to ground floor 3 bedrooms Bi-fold doors leading to garden Secluded rear garden

totteridge office 020 8445 3694

Hadley Wood

£2,300,000

FH Beautifully presented detached family residence 5/6 Bedrooms 3 Receptions 4 Bathrooms (1 en suite) Southerly aspect rear garden Swimming pool

Hadley Wood office 020 8440 9797

nortHaW

£1,150,000

Fully Refurbished Detached Home Set Behind Electric Gates 3 Double Bedrooms 3 En-suites Open Plan Lounge/Diner Underfloor Heating Loft Room Views Over Woodland to Rear

Brookmans Park office 01707 661144

Hadley Wood

from £575,000

LH COMING SOON Off Plan Launch 17th October New Build Apartments 1 & 2 Bedrooms 2 Underground Parking Spaces Patio or Terrace Help to Buy scheme available

neW Homes office 020 8441 9555

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

dollis AveNue, FiNchley, N3 A brand new development of four luxury apartments ideally located for both Finchley Central and Mill Hill East tube station.

AskiNg Price £1,695,000, leAsehold

We’ve Noticed The development is located a short walk away from shops, bars and many Open Spaces. All apartments benefit from their own balcony or terraces and covered on the Build zone 10 year latent defect warranty.

The ground floor apartment benefits from an approx. 80” south-westerly aspect garden and light well terrace off the master bedroom and bedroom two.

Each kitchen is individual and houses Miele and Bosch appliances.

All properties come with an allocated parking space.

The homes have double glazed aluminium framed windows and sliding doors.They are heated via gas underfloor heating within individual room thermostats.

Finchley Central tube station (Northern Line) is located 0.35 miles away.

EPC Rating - TBC

Contact Scott Henderson at our Finchley Central office on 020 8346 0102 martyngerrard.co.uk

the PumP house, hAdley roAd, eN2 A Victorian conversion set behind a gated entrance is this first floor three bedroom apartment with two bathrooms.

ÂŁ895,000, leAsehold

We’ve Noticed Built in 1902 and sympathetically restored and preserved whilst brought firmly into the 21st century The Pump House is now fully equipped to continue writing pages of its history.

Families will be well served by the array of state, grammar and private schools in the area, for instance Merryhills and Enfield Grammar School, both under a mile from the properties.

Cockfosters Underground Station (Piccadilly Line) is under 3-miles and the M25 is also less than 3-miles away and Heathrow and Gatwick airports are 35 and 70-miles respectively, making international travel simple.

EPC Rating - C

Contact Sophie Henry at our Barnet office on 020 8440 2444 martyngerrard.co.uk

FrierN BArNet lANe, FrierN BArNet, N11 An extended detached four double bedroom, two reception room, three bathroom family home, boasts off-street parking and is set back from Friern Barnet Lane.

oieo £950,000 Freehold

the oWNers love “We love the family area that opens on to the garden and decking. It’s been great for family gatherings and parties.”

“We love the green at the front of the house and being set back so far off the road with parking at the front of the house. A treat in London.”

“It’s a really comfortable and practical family home that works for a busy family, lots of storage and plenty of bathrooms!”

We’ve Noticed Friern Barnet Lane is well located for some of the area’s excellent schools including The Wren Academy and The Compton School.

Public transport is close at hand with mainline service available form New Southgate, Northern Line available from Woodside Park and buses also available locally.

EPC Rating: D

Contact Craig Thompkins, at our North Finchley office on 020 8445 2222 martyngerrard.co.uk

holders hill roAd, heNdoN, NW4 A semi-detached, four bedroom family home with a south-easterly aspect backing onto the Dollis Valley Nature Walk and Windsor open space.

£885,000 Freehold

the oWNers love “We have been lucky with friendly neighbours and a great community” “The bright and spacious feel of our house, especially the garden with a large patio which is great for entertaining our friends and family” We’ve Noticed The property has been extended but there is still potential to be realised (STPP) The home is well located for various major road links including the A1, the A41 and the M1 as well as various excellent primary and secondary schools and places of worship.

EPC Rating: E

Contact Gregg Cruder, at our Mill Hill office on 020 8906 0660 martyngerrard.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

Turning dream homes to real homes is what Griggs Bespoke is all about C ommissioning and building a unique home is the adventure of a lifetime; but one that nobody would start out on without at least some trepidation. Once you’ve found the perfect plot, how do you go about transforming it into a home that fulfils every dream for you today, and stands the test of time for the generations to come?

One solution is to choose Griggs Bespoke, a company with valuable experience in creating spectacular homes for private clients. It is able to draw on the skills, expertise and contacts of its associated business, Griggs Homes, which develops exclusive collections of high-end homes throughout the northern Home Counties.

This third-generation family firm, based in Radlett, offers a turnkey service to private clients that encompasses land finding, negotiating with planning authorities, architecture, construction and project management; as well as sourcing the best materials and the latest technologies. To complete the package they also offer an interior design service, Griggs by Design. This means the company is able to offer a truly hand-crafted, individually tailored service. It knows what can be done and who can do it. So you can relax knowing that your dream is being looked after from start to finish.

One recent project was to build a magnificent 17,000 sq ft private mansion in Radlett and another was a bijou house is Elstree that featured on Channel 4’s Building The Dream. As a Griggs Bespoke client, you will be guided expertly through the whole process, benefitting from the professionalism, attention to detail and insistence on total quality that sets the company apart.

For more information on how Griggs Bespoke can help deliver your dream home, please get in touch: 01923 852 233 or info@griggshomes.co.uk

1 1 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9

bathrooms of distinction

The art of bathrooms: from inspiration to installation

Beautiful Bathrooms, Unbeatable Prices Europe’s Leading Manufacturers on Display

SHOWROOM 020 8440 1106 18-19 Green Hill Parade, Great North Road, Barnet, Herts EN5 1EU email: Neil@aquarooms.co.uk