‘on the tee...’
THE WORLD’S BEST AT WENTWORTH The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club. 23-27 May. Page 10 for more details.
FROM THE
R
EDITOR
ory McIlroy has confirmed he will return to the BMW PGA Championship – the first of eight Rolex Series events on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai in 2018. The four-time Major Champion set to join Paul Casey and 2017 Race to Dubai Champion Tommy Fleetwood in the field at Wentworth Club. The Investec Derby Festival held at Epsom Down’s racecourse, featuring the world’s greatest flat race, is taking place this year on Friday 1 June (Investec Ladies Day) and Saturday 2 June (Investec Derby Day). The event, widely renowned as one of the biggest social events in the British calendar, promises to attract the best racehorses in Europe as they battle it out for millions of pounds in prize money. These were the words on everyone’s lips last year during Henley Regatta 2017 as they discovered the exclusive Waterfront Enclosure on the banks of the beautiful River Thames. Surrey Hills is one England’s finest landscapes covering a quarter of the County of Surrey. It is a spectacular landscape, rich in wildlife and heritage. In 2018, Surrey Hills celebrates the 60th Anniversary of its designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Geoffrey Hughes, Director of Osborne Studio Gallery, is a lover of horse racing and the racing world. For at least twenty five years he has held an annual show of the best contemporary equestrian art during Ascot Week.
Faye Manning Editor
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Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editor Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Alex Lux ••••• Fashion Editor Hazel Englander ••••• account Manager Anita Hill ••••• Design/ Production Lisa Wade ••••• Accounts Kathy Manning, Ken Fleet ••••• Sales James Marshall ••••• Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith
out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – i mage : T H E IN V E S T E C D E R B Y
OUT & ABOUT
15 may
Claremont Landscape Garden - Trees in literature walk Join our friendly guide Hilary to find out about the trees mentioned in the works of Shakespeare. Investigate if any of the fabled trees mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays and poetry can be found at Claremont. A treat for literature aficionados and tree enthusiasts alike. 11am-12.30pm. Meet at the kiosk. Claremont Landscape Garden, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9JG
[ eve n t s ]
the calendar
20-28 may
Surrey County Show Make your way to the Surrey County Show for a fantastic family day out with something to keep everyone entertained. All the family can enjoy a fun filled day with hundreds of horses, cows, sheep, pigs and goats along with gun dogs, sheep dogs, hounds and terriers. Grand arena entertainment includes the Bolddog Ling stunt motorbike team, Grand Prix showjumping and a heavy horse musical drive. Live music, acres of shopping and rural crafts, a fun dog show and the ever popular Food Theatre (featuring celebrity chef Brian Turner) all return. Children will be entertained by their own petting farm, Punch & Judy, The Sheep Show, face painting, donkey rides and much more. Don’t miss it! 8am-6pm. Get your super saver ticket by Sunday 20th May for adult £16.50, child £6, family £39.50, senior £12. Stoke Park Guildford Surrey GU1 1ER 8 M AY 2 0 1 8
13 may
19 may
Surrey Vegan Fair Vegans should head along to the third annual Surrey vegan fair. There will a wide selection of stallholders, speakers, films and food. Seminars will be held throughout the day with inspirational speakers and Peter Egan will be attending the Fair and giving an opening address. H G Wells Conference & Events Centre Church Street East Woking Surrey GU21 6HJ
Bee-Keeping Demonstration Join Sergio, bee farmer at Albury Vineyad, for a fascinating introduction into bee-keeping. Learn about the equipment and tools used by bee-keepers, and get a glimpse inside one of our Albury hives. You’ll be suited up as a bee-keeper yourself, and so able to handle the frames and enjoy a close-up view of the busy workers. After your demonstration, you’ll return to the vineyard barn for a question and answer session with Sergio whilst enjoying a glass of our award-winning Classic Cuvée,10am-12.30pm, £35 pp includes a glass of Albury Estate sparkling wine Silent Pool Shere Road Albury Surrey GU5 9BW
5 may
8 may
Pelargoniums in the Glasshouse The glasshouse displays its own collection of this South African genus. With over 100 cultivars of Pelargonium this is a vibrant display of beautiful pink and red blooms and a myriad of different leaf shapes and textures. RHS Garden Wisley Woking Surrey GU23 6QB
Dog Walking Club Join us on a walk of the estate with your canine friends on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. 9.30am-10.30am. Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, RH5 6BD
12 may
5 may
Auto Italia Expect the site to be bursting with all types of Italian cars (and motorbikes). Test Hill demonstration will be taking place, in addition to action on the Mercedes-Benz World circuit. In previous years there have been over 200 Ferraris alone! This year there will be just as much to see and do, including many trade and club stands so come early, bring your camera and plan the whole day at Brooklands! Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0QN
until 28 may
Nature Lover’s Family Trail at Leith Hill A lovely family trail to take you from the Rhododendron Wood to Leith Hill Tower. Stop off along the way to spot bugs, birds, trees and flowers. 9am-4pm, Leith Hill, 1 mile west of Coldharbour village, near Dorking, Surrey
27 & 28 may
Pony Magic at Hatchlands Park Pony rides for children. A truly magical experience with beautiful, safe ponies and experienced handlers. Children are led on a 3-5 minute ride, suitable for 2-11 year olds. Booking not needed. 12pm-3pm. Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7RT
“A truly magical experience with beautiful, safe ponies”
Craft and Gift Market Free to enter, quality and not on the high street Craft and Gift Market. Jewellery, handbags, leather goods, metal goods, textiles, beauty products, art, cards, etc. 10am-4pm. Free to enter. Guildford Guildhall, 131 High Street, City Centre, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3AA
12 may
Haslemere Museum Annual Plant Sale A fabulous selection of bedding, vegetable and perennial plants, some very unusual, all at very reasonable prices. It is a lovely opportunity not only to brighten up your garden, but also to help the Museum as all proceeds go towards the work of the Museum. The Tea Room will also be open for some tasty treats too! Haslemere Museum, 78 High Street, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 2LA
26 may - 3 june
Spring Spectacular There’s lots of extra activities to enjoy with Bird of Prey flying demonstrations and exciting Circus Skills Workshops. Plus, farm animals to meet. The huge indoor play barns, tractor area and Small Animal Village means there is plenty to do indoors, whatever the weather. Outdoors, children can enjoy sandpits, slides, pedal go-karts, play trails and jumping pillows. With a full programme of activities including pony rides, tractor rides, goat milking, pig racing, animal handling and more. Bocketts Farm Park Young Street Leatherhead Surrey KT22 9BS
25 may
until 26 may
Tiptoe through the tulips at Ham House This spring our Ham gardeners are creating a walk through display of thousands of bulbs springing to life, including our tulip maze. We are celebrating the beautiful bulbs of spring at ham House with a walk through exhibition of as many different varieties of tulips as you can think of. Ham House and Garden, Ham Street, Ham, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey TW10 7RS
Exploring the Arboretum Meet at the kiosk for a guided walk around the Arboretum. Well behaved dogs on a short lead welcome. Meet at the kiosk for a guided walk around the Arboretum. 11am-12.30pm. Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey GU8 4AD M AY 2 0 1 8 9
OUT & ABOUT COVER STORY
BMW PGA Championship 2018 23-27 May, Wentworth Club
R Above: Paul Scholes And Niall Horan; Right: Rory McIlroy
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ory McIlroy has confirmed he will return to the BMW PGA Championship – the first of eight Rolex Series events on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai in 2018 – with the four-time Major Champion set to join Paul Casey and 2017 Race to Dubai Champion Tommy Fleetwood in the field at Wentworth Club. The former World Number One, who won the prestigious title in 2014, will get his first chance to take on the revamped West Course, which underwent an extensive renovation programme before the 2017 BMW PGA Championship, after being forced to miss last year’s event due to a rib injury. After a strong start to the European Tour season with consecutive top three finishes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it will be McIlroy’s first appearance on European soil in 2018. “I’m looking forward to going back to Wentworth,” said McIlroy. “I haven’t played there in a couple of years but from what I’ve seen, with the new grass that they’ve put in, it looks a much better golf course, a much more playable golf course. It was always a great golf course but sometimes it could get very tricky with some of the lies you could get. For them to re-grass the place and for it to look as good as
it does is great, and I’m looking forward to playing it. It’s always a good week. If Wentworth gets good weather, and hopefully we do, the crowds are awesome, the golf course is great, and the area is beautiful, so I’m looking forward to going back.” Lee Westwood is also confirmed to play, making his 25th consecutive appearance at the event, having not missed the tournament since 1994. The former World Number One has finished second on two occasions. “The BMW PGA Championship is always one of my favourite tournaments and I’m really looking forward to going back to Wentworth” said Westwood. England’s Paul Casey admits he cannot wait to play in front of his home crowd again after confirming he will return to the BMW PGA Championship. Casey grew up in Surrey and regularly walked the fairways of the famous West Course as a youngster, watching legends of the game such as Seve Ballesteros and Sir Nick Faldo play in, and win, the prestigious tournament, before the three-time Ryder Cup player went on to emulate his childhood heroes by lifting the title himself in 2009. England’s Tommy Fleetwood will make his first appearance on home soil since being crowned the European Tour’s Race to Dubai Champion. The World Number 11 (at time of release) has confirmed he will be part of the star-studded line up, with tickets to see him in action over the famous West Course, in Surrey, England, now on sale. “The BMW PGA Championship is one of those events you watch as a kid and always dream about winning,” said Fleetwood. “It has always been one of the best events on our Tour – the next one down
Rudimental
from a Major for us – so to win it would mean a 2018. Rudimental’s DJ and frontman Leon Rolle, lot.” aka Locksmith, said: “We’re excited to take the stage The Celebrity Pro-Am has fast become one of at the BMW PGA Championship in May. We think the highlights of the week, with a fun atmosphere it’s a great idea to combine a world-class sporting and fantastic access to the professionals and event with a live gig to cap off a great amateurs as they tackle the testing West day out for the fans, so I’m sure the Course. atmosphere on Saturday night will be A host of the UK’s finest awesome.” sportsmen and women have been Scottish rock band Simple confirmed to play on Wednesday Minds will bring the 2018 BMW 23rd May, the eve of the BMW PGA Championship to a close PGA Championship. These include when they headline the BMW champion jockey AP McCoy, Show Stage on Sunday May 27. Best football giants Robbie Fowler, known for their singles Don’t You Simple Minds Paul Scholes, Peter Schmeichel, Alan Forget About Me, from the soundtrack Shearer and Vinnie Jones, rugby stars Brian of the film The Breakfast Club, and Alive O’Driscoll and Mike Tindall, cricket legends Kevin and Kicking, the Glaswegians have sold more than Pietersen, Sir Ian Botham, Graeme Swann and 70 million records worldwide. With their 17th album Brian Lara, along with Olympic heroes Sir Steve Tommy Fleetwood Redgrave (Olympic Gold Medallist - Rowing), Sam Quek (Olympic Gold Medallist - Hockey), and Eve Muirhead (Winter Olympic Gold Medallist Curling) A host of TV and film stars have also been confirmed to take part, including Damien Lewis (Billions, Homeland), Jamie Dornan (The Fall; Fifty Shades of Grey) and Matthew Goode (Downton Abbey, The Crown) as well as music legend Mike Rutherford, Boyzone’s Ronan Keating, former member of One Direction Niall Horan and Keane frontman Tom Chaplin. London band Rudimental will headline the BMW out, Simple Minds are preparing to follow in the Show Stage at Wentworth Club on Saturday May footsteps of rock bands Kaiser Chiefs, Mike and the 26, bringing a close to the third day of the 2018 Mechanics and Status Quo, all of whom have played BMW PGA Championship. Their performance in at the BMW PGA Championship in recent years. May will be one of the band’s first UK-outings in Simple Minds lead singer Jim Kerr, who has fronted the band since the late seventies, said: “It’s fantastic that we will be able to experience something we have never done before when we play at the BMW PGA Championship this May. We’re very excited to bring the curtain down on what promises to be an enthralling week on the golf course. Bringing music to a golf event is a fantastic idea, and we are relishing the chance to be part of it.” Jamie Birkmyre, Championship Director of the BMW PGA Championship, said: “The BMW PGA Championship is a Blue Riband event on the British sporting calendar, attracting a world class field. It is an exceptional day out, in the most magnificent of settings, for golf enthusiasts and families alike. There really is something for everybody, with a superb package of fun, celebrity-spotting and world class golf taking place over a six-day period.”
THE DETAILS For further information, or to book tickets, visit www.bmwpgachampionship.com Children aged 16 and under admitted free of charge, if accompanied by an adult ticket holder. For information regarding Official Hospitality and VIP Packages, or to book tickets, please contact the Tour’s dedicated Hospitality Sales Team, who will be happy to answer any queries and discuss the various hospitality options, on hospitality@europeantour.com and 01344 840681.
WENTWORH CLUB Wentworth Club, one of the world’s finest golf and country clubs, is an oasis less than an hour from central London, with the famous castellated Clubhouse, three championship courses, a Tennis & Health Club, and an active social calendar. Wentworth Drive, Virginia Water, Surrey GU25 4LX www.wentworthclub.com
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OUT & ABOUT
Tu 19th – esday Sa 23rd Juturday ne
LIKE NOWHERE ELSE On a Tuesday in June each year the clock strikes two and so begins the Royal Procession, with Royal Landaus led by four Windsor Greys marking the opening spectacle of five days of world-class horse racing, high fashion, pageantry and Fine Dining.
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A
mongst the tradition, the fashion and the colour, racing still remains at the heart of Royal Ascot. But a day out at the Royal Meeting is about so much more than simply some of the most prestigious racing on the calendar. Complemented by Royal Ascot’s unique sense of style and history and supported by some of the sporting world’s finest facilities and dining options, a day here is a truly atmospheric experience to remember.
Each day has its own personality revolving around six top-class races, so choose a combination of a day and enclosure that best suits your tastes. As a good tip serious racing fans recognise that Tuesday and Wednesday boast some of the highest quality racing, while discerning social racegoers often favour Royal Ascot on these days too, preferring the more relaxed pace to the bigger crowds later in the week. Thursday boasts the iconic Gold Cup, whilst Friday and Saturday provide a chance to revel in the weekend party atmosphere.
Make an exciting occasion unforgettable The Right Location
Fine Dining Innovation
Each enclosure at Royal Ascot offers great views of the racing and delicious food & drink, yet each has its own individual character.
2018 sees four new Fine Dining restaurants join the Royal Ascot line-up for 2018; The Balmoral, The Windsor Forest, The Furlong Restaurant and The Gallery now form part of an expanded 15-strong portfolio of restaurants at the Royal Meeting. Fine Dining options now range from five-course feasts and classic a la carte menus to all-day food service and interactive chef stations that still offer the same elegant experience but with a more relaxed and flexible approach.
The Windsor Enclosure Bring your own picnic and delight at close up views of the Royal Procession and exhilarating racing action from the Windsor Enclosure lawns. With more food and drink options than ever before, if you’re looking for a vibrant party atmosphere then this enclosure is the place to be. Tickets £37 - £49 (Sat SOLD OUT)
The Village Enclosure Our first new enclosure in one hundred years, the lively Village lawns offer some of the best views in the house. Boutique restaurants, pop-up eateries and innovative bars are accompanied by an eclectic mix of music throughout the day. The celebration in The Village continues until 9pm, with live DJs and bands creating an atmosphere like no other. Tickets Thu & Fri £67 (Sat SOLD OUT)
The Queen Anne Enclosure With raised views of the racing as well as an impressive choice of bars and restaurants, the Queen Anne lawns and terraces are wonderful places to soak up the magic of the Royal Meeting. Enjoy an elegant lunch or afternoon tea, view the horses in the Parade Ring and take part in the much-loved singing around the Bandstand. Tickets: £75 - £88 THE DETAILS Royal Ascot Tickets £37 – £88. Visit ascot.co.uk or call 0344 346 3000 to book. For fine dining availability please email hospitality@ascot.co.uk, visit ascot.co.uk/royal-ascot/fine-dining or call 0344 346 0346. @AscotRacecourse #RoyalAscot
The former Furlong Club will be transformed for 2018 into the light, airy and spacious Fine Dining Furlong Restaurant, featuring a combination of grazing and seated menu concepts, inviting lounge areas and an expansive, elevated deck running its entire length. Michelin-starred favourites Raymond Blanc OBE and Phil Howard return as Chefs in Residence for The Panoramic and On 5 Restaurants respectively, as two new celebrated chefs also make their Royal Ascot debut. Adam Handling of Frog by Adam Handling and The Frog E1 will head The Balmoral, a brand-new restaurant inspired by summer in the Highlands and celebrating the best of British food, with fresh Scottish seafood, Royal Estate beef and locally-sourced cheese featuring on the menu. Two Michelin-star chef Simon Rogan will delight discerning race-goers with his curated menu in The Greenyard. Always special - with menus presented beautifully, carefully paired with finest Champagnes and wine and served in exclusive surroundings - it’s little wonder that Fine Dining packages are in high demand, so those looking to dine in style at Royal Ascot this year will need to book soon to avoid disappointment. Remaining admission-inclusive packages start from £329 + VAT per person. Queen Anne Enclosure casual dining options will be open for walk up bookings on the day, including James Tanner’s Queen Anne Kitchen and the 1768 Grill & Tea Rooms, the latter featuring a short menu including lobster, steak and traditional afternoon tea. M AY 2 0 1 8 1 5
OUT & ABOUT
The Investec Derby 1 & 2 June 2018
DJ’d at some of the biggest festivals in Europe, she will also bring the day to a close amidst a party atmosphere when she DJ’s after racing. Investec Ladies Day combines high style stakes with some of the best flat races in the world. It is famous for its celebration of females both on and off the course with the feature race, The Investec Oaks, attracting some of the top middle-distance 3-year-old fillies in the country. Joining Vogue as an ambassador will be, singer and presenter, Frankie Bridge. Frankie knows a lot about Epsom Downs, living just a stone’s
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he Investec Derby Festival held at Epsom Down’s racecourse, featuring the world’s greatest flat race, is taking place this year on Friday 1 June (Investec Ladies Day) and Saturday 2 June (Investec Derby Day). The event, widely renowned as one of the biggest social events in the British calendar, promises to attract the best racehorses in Europe as they battle it out for millions of pounds in prize money. The two-day festival, first run in 1780 and now in its 239th year. The 2018 Investec Ladies Day ambassador and judge of the coveted Style Award is the model, presenter and DJ, Vogue Williams. Vogue is a long-standing supporter of the day having also judged the award in 2015 and 2016, and having
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throw away from the racecourse. This year she is ambassador for Investec Derby Day, which sees three-year colts from across Europe descend to battle it out for the prestigious Investec Derby title. The unique undulations and camber over one and a half miles of the Epsom Downs track makes this the supreme test of the racehorse and is Britain’s richest race worth £1.5million. Frankie commented, “It is such a beautiful part of the world and so close to London. I’m very lucky to be based here and it is an honour to a part of this magical event. The shoot was so much fun, Vogue and I had a great time and it certainly helped me plan what I’ll be wearing on Derby Day!” Jo Whiley will be DJing the official after party on Derby Day for a second year, following in Vogue’s footsteps from the day before, on the Hyperion
Lawn. Jo said “I’m really excited to be back at Epsom Downs Racecourse, DJing the official After Party on Investec Derby Day. The crowd last year were brilliant, so I’m looking forward to playing more great tunes for them.” Investec, who are celebrating their 10th year of sponsorship of the Investec Derby Festival, have announced Elizabeth Hurley and Millie Mackintosh will be heading their ambassador line-up. Hurley and Mackintosh will be joined by two-time Investec Derby winner Frankie Dettori. Britain’s bestloved champion jockey won the race in 2007 on Authorized and 2015 on Golden Horn, and will be looking for a further win in 2018 to add to his triumphant tally. Completing the line-up is Clare Balding, one of the UK’s most prominent sport broadcasters and journalists.
THE DETAILS Investec Ladies Day tickets start from £7.50 and Investec Derby Day tickets from £10.00 for the outer enclosures and £55 and £60 respectively for the Grandstand. The Hill is accessible free of charge on both days of the Festival. For further information on the enclosures and to book tickets please visit www.epsomderby.co.uk or call Epsom Downs Racecourse on 0344 579 3004
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OUT & ABOUT
Life is a Song! T
wo of Surrey’s largest community choirs will be performing in Guildford for the first time on Saturday 16th June as part of the ‘Visit Guildford Summer Festival’. The 200+ voices of Surrey Music’s impressive choirs, Elmbridge Choir and Elmbridge Ladies Choir, will present ‘Life is a Song!’ at Holy Trinity Church, in support of Home-Start Guildford, a family support charity offering emotional and practical support to families with young children struggling in difficult circumstances. ‘We are really excited about performing to a new audience in Guildford, and delighted to be supporting Home-Start at the same time.’ says Cliff van Tonder, CEO and Founder of Surrey Music. ‘All funds raised from this concert will help Home-Start and their wonderful team of volunteers continue to make a real difference for vulnerable families in Guildford.’ Based in Cobham, Surrey Music has so far raised in excess of £170,000 for charitable purposes and has been entertaining and engaging audiences with its wide-ranging repertoire since 2005. ‘Having fun and bringing joy to our audience is high on our agenda’, explains Cliff. ‘We will be performing several new songs alongside some of our favourites in a rousing and diverse choral compilation of familiar tunes from stage and screen, golden oldies to contemporary pop and everything in between!’ Tickets for ‘Life is a Song!’ which starts at 7.30pm cost £12 (adults) and £5 (under 18) and are available from www.lifeisasong.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT
“How do we get in?”
Discover The Waterfront Enclosure During Henley Regatta 2018
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hese were the words on everyone’s lips last year during Henley Regatta 2017 as they discovered the exclusive Waterfront Enclosure on the banks of the beautiful River Thames. Located by the iconic start line opposite Temple Island, The Waterfront Enclosure hosted by exclusive event and catering company The Wild Fork is emerging as the place to be seen at the most Edwardian of English summer season events. Returning by popular demand for a third year, the eye-catchingly stylish stretch tent and idyllic English country garden add style and atmosphere to a perfect summer’s day out, either for entertaining corporate guests, rewarding your employees or for gathering friends and family for an unforgettable treat. Arrive mid-morning in time for a Great British brunch with a chilled glass of champagne or a classic Pimms, delicious pastries, fresh juices, miniature English breakfasts with healthy granola, yoghurt and fruit compote pots on offer too. Friendly, attentive staff are on hand to ensure guests quickly unwind with live jazz playing softly in the background. From 12.30 pm onwards, a four course lunch is served, a British-inspired menu with European influences, shared across banqueting tables with views of the rowers racing down the river and the team of chefs impressively working the wood-fired ovens. Expect overflowing wooden platters of gin and elder cured salmon as well as rabbit rillette, duck liver parfait, smoked pigeon and celeriac remoulade to start. To follow, mouthwatering lamb with delicate orzo READER pasta, vibrant spring greens, tzatziki OFFER: SAVE and freshly baked flat breads and deliciously tender chicken from The Thoughtful Producer accompanied by Israeli couscous, heritage tomatoes and tabbouleh. A delightful selection of miniature desserts and a fine cheese board will complete the feast. The quality bar supported by Chase Distillery will deliver good, honest drinks using the best ingredients. Stocked with thoughtfully selected wines, spirits, summer cocktails and craft ales, the free bar remains open for the rest of the day offering full waiter service. After enjoying a game (or two) of croquet, retire to a perfect spot in the garden to indulge in a decadent afternoon tea. Tickets are selling fast so see booking information and take advantage of an exclusive reader discount of 10% off. Please quote WELCOME10 when booking.
10%
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Experience the very best hospitality during Henley Royal Regatta. The Waterfront Enclosure during Henley Royal Regatta 2018 Wednesday 4th July – Saturday 7th July 2018 10.30am – 5.30pm Pricing and all-inclusive package details: Wednesday £249.00 + vat Thursday £289.00 + vat Friday £299.00 + vat Saturday £249.00 + vat Price includes: • Delicious brunch • Tea, coffee and fresh juices • Traditional Pimms or Champagne • Full bar all day • Four course lunch • Afternoon tea and artisan treats • Unique enclosure • English country garden • Croquet lawn • Stylish seating area • Kitchen theatre • Wood fired oven • Live music • Live rowing commentary • Free car parking • Complimentary regatta programme The Waterfront Enclosure has a relaxed ‘smart casual’ dress code. Bookings available by telephone on 01635 200 200 or by email to jaz@thewildfork.co.uk The Wild Fork The Old Cart Shed Haw Farm Hampstead Norreys Berkshire RG18 0TP www.thewildfork.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT
summer at loseley park T
his summer Loseley Park is hosting two outdoor performances in the beautiful Walled Garden. The first is The Lord Chamberlain’s Men’s production of The Tempest on Sunday 3rd June. Shakespeare’s late, great gem examines the power of true love, our capacity for vengeance and what it takes to forgive. A play that has mesmerised and moved audiences for over 400 years is just as relevant and powerful today. Peter Stickney, Artistic Director, says, “With some of Shakespeare’s most memorable speeches and packed with famous characters – from the elemental and ethereal Caliban and Ariel to the comic clowns Trinculo and Stephano and the enchanting force that unites them all, Prospero – The Tempest is a spectacular play and will make fantastic viewing for a summer’s evening. A truly theatrical play like this, set outdoors and in our trademark style bursting with song and magic makes for an evening not to be missed!”. You are invited to enjoy Shakespeare’s spellbinding masterpiece performed in the open air by an all-male cast with Elizabethan costumes, music and dance - just as Shakespeare intended! Bring a chair and a picnic (no tables or umbrellas, please), and watch this enchanting, fast-paced production of one of Shakespeare’s finest plays. The second performance is Old Herbaceous on Sunday 8th July. Described as “Downton Abbey
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with gardening tips”, Old Herbaceous is the humorous love story of a single-minded yet gentle man with a passion for plants and is a charming one man play which has entranced audiences around the country over the last two years. As Old Herbaceous, renowned actor Giles Shenton truly lives the part of the legendary Head Gardener, Herbert Pinnegar, inviting you to feel included in a private chat from a bygone, comforting age. He first read the script in his twenties but has had to wait thirty years until being old enough to perform the part. “There is no greater challenge for an actor” he says “than a full length one-man play. There is nowhere to hide and no-one to help. If you fail to engage the audience right from the start, you’ve failed completely.” He succeeds in keeping his audience engrossed, amused and emotionally engaged from start to finish and the play will leave you with a feeling that, perhaps, all is right with the world. A delightful tale, beautifully told, it is a treat to watch and not just for garden lovers. For both performances doors open at 5.30pm, performance at 6.30pm. Refreshments and bar available. Tickets available for both productions at www.ticketsource.co.uk or details at www.loseleypark.co.uk.
“There is no greater challenge for an actor” he says “than a full length oneman play. There is nowhere to hide and no-one to help. If you fail to engage the audience right from the start, you’ve failed completely.””
OUT & ABOUT
The 1940’s Relived at Brooklands Museum
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Saturday 12 May 2018
he closest thing to time travel has to be the 1940s Relived event at Brooklands Museum. The 32 acre site itself is a time capsule and this event brings that vintage era to life effortlessly. A huge dance marquee has a rolling programme of live singing, music and dance classes and this year there is a big band. The vintage village will have traders selling original clothing and memorabilia and there will even be a hair and beauty parlour and portrait studio. Brooklands’ own history is brought to life with the Hawker Hurricane, Wellington Bomber and original air raid shelters. Also new for this year is the recently opened Aircraft Factory that tells
“Brooklands’ own history is brought to life with the Hawker Hurricane, Wellington Bomber and original air raid shelters”
the story of aviation design and manufacture at the site over an 80 year period. Expect scores of cars, motorcycles and buses from the era as well as countless re-enactor groups and Winston Churchill himself who will be judging the best-dressed competition. The music, food, dancing and vintage celebrations go on from 10am – 9pm so if you only go to one vintage event this year, make sure you get to Brooklands on Saturday 12th May! Entry is via Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL; 01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com 2 4 M AY 2 0 1 8
OUT & ABOUT
A Hidden Jewel B
usbridge Lakes Waterfowl and Gardens is a hidden jewel situated in a magical valley just 1.5 miles from Godalming, Surrey and the home to one of the largest collection of water birds in the country. There are 40 acres of gardens and wooded hillsides, of which the majority is enclosed and houses the bird collection, where you can roam among many exotic varieties of birds, some endangered, from all over the world. The present owner, Fleur Douetil, started the collection in 1966 with a pair of Carolina Wood Ducks (just to look pretty and colourful on one of the lakes). From this small beginning the collection has grown and currently includes over eighty different species of waterfowl alone. In addition, there are peafowl, cranes, bantams and other birds. The lovely gardens date from 18th century, with
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many mature specimen trees and shrubs, which form a magnificent background for the collection of rare, endangered and exotic birds. The gardens are designated as a Heritage grade 2A, renowned for the follies and grottoes including a Doric Temple and Gothic Boathouse. There are lovely walks around the lakes that are shaded by old and rare trees. The present house was formerly the coach-house and stabling of the original Busbridge Hall and was thought to be adapted by Lutyens around 1906. The name was originally a combination of “bush” and “bridge” as was originally used by the same family from 1297 (de Bursebrugge) to 1558 (Bustbrydge). In addition to the ornamental fowl the gardens are home to owls, kingfishers, heron and many smaller wild birds, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, tree-creepers and all the usual garden birds. The lakes & banks abound with dragonfly, butterfly, fish, frogs and toads. In 2015 Busbridge Lakes to help fund its conservation work, opened its doors for wedding / anniversary marquee and other receptions with couples enjoying their special day with views from their marquee or tipi over the splendid Canal lake or Bottom lake. Busbridge Lakes is only open for a few days each year (around bank holidays), due to its breeding programme – please check web site for dates & details. Birds are for sale throughout the year.
THE DETAILS With so much work to do, Busbridge Lakes is looking for volunteers to help with the conservation of birds and maintenance of the grounds and follies – if interested, please contact enquiries@busbridgelakes.co.uk. For further information visit www.busbridgelakes.co.uk, follow on Facebook @busbridgelakes1 or Twitter @BusbridgeLakes or telephone 01483 421955. For event bookings please contact Bill Douetil - Event office on 01483 808840 or email events@busbridgelakes.co.uk.
OUT & ABOUT
Celebrating the turf The Painter, Oil on Panel, 24x36 inches, by Alistair Little
Spirling Colts, oil on canvas, 26 x 30 inches, by Nichola Eddery
18th June to 7th July 2018 at Osborne Studio Gallery – an exhibition of the finest contemporary equestrian art – to coincide with Royal Ascot (19-23 June)
Out Alone, Oil on board, 24 x 16 inches, by Michelle McCullagh
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eoffrey Hughes, Director of Osborne Studio Gallery, is a lover of horse racing and the racing world. For at least twenty five years he has held an annual show of the best contemporary equestrian art during Ascot Week. Royal Ascot, despite press concentration on its parade of frocks and funny hats, is one of the world’s greatest sporting events, highlight of the British flat racing season, a favourite with the Royals. The racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, a fanatical follower of the hunt. She discovered the open heath, an ideal racecourse, one day while out riding near Windsor Castle. Osborne Studio Gallery has been established since 1986. It is London’s leading gallery for equestrian painting and sculpture, with a particular focus on the racing world. Geoffrey Hughes grew up listening to the late Sir Peter O’Sullevan’s racing commentaries on the BBC. As a boy it transported him to ‘a much bigger, more interesting world’ At six or seven years old, he says: ‘ my twin brother and I would race around the school playground pretending to be jockeys.’ The ‘Voice of Racing’ Sir Peter O’Sullevan, became a close friend, and on his retirement, Chairman of Osborne Studio Gallery. When Sir
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S Crawford, Great Expectations,15in
Study on a Wall, oil on panel by Katie O’Sullivan
Peter died in 2015, Geoffrey took charge of his vast collection of memorabilia, even living in his flat to organise the mountains of paper. The gallery put on an exhibition of Sir Peter’s favourite artwork, and personal ephemera, including letters from HM The Queen and HRH The Queen Mother, even race cards, scribbled with eloquent asides. ‘Celebrating the Turf ’ with its galaxy of front runners, will be one of Osborne Studio Gallery’s most important shows this year. List of Artists: Susan Crawford (‘doyenne of British sporting artists’) Nichola Eddery (international commissions from Royal Princes in the Middle East, a commission to paint Frankel for Newmarket Museum) Charlie Langton (master of bronze sculpture of champion thoroughbreds) Mao Wen Biao (unsurpassable depiction of power and speed on the racecourse) Katie 0’Sullivan (astonishing list of commissions from collectors in the racing world, has been named outstanding equestrian painter in the British Isles) Alistair Little (began as an illustrator, whose paintings tell a cinematic story of racing people behind the scenes) Freddy Paske (a former soldier, has achieved major success in celebrating the horse since 2014) residencies with Household Cavalry and the Jockey Club, among others.
THE DETAILS Exhibition: Celebrating the Turf Dates: 18th June to 7th July Location: Osborne Studio Gallery, 2 Motcomb St, Belgravia London, SW1X 8JU Entry: Free admission to the gallery Website: www.osg.uk.com
Ascot sketch, Watercolour and pastel, 14 x 17 cm, by Freddy Paske
OUT & ABOUT
PERFUME AND PARADE LIKE ROYALTY Gearing up for Harry and Meghan’s wedding, London’s Langham Hotel is offering visitors the chance to live, eat and sleep like a prince or princess. Sarah Marshall trials the experience.
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hen King Edward VII attended the glamorous opening of London’s Langham Hotel in 1865, he must have been impressed by its fancy hydraulic lifts - the first in the capital. More than 150 years later, I’m equally amazed by the elegant, mirrored capsules whizzing me up to the hotel’s exclusive Langham Club Lounge, where temporary members have their own dedicated reception. Members of the monarchy have frequently passed through these doors: Princess Diana has partied in The Grand Ballroom, Prince Edward has dined at Roux at The Landau, and the Duchess of York still pops in for tea at The Palm Court. But here, just metres from London’s busy Oxford Street, everyone has the opportunity to live (even if just for a night) like royalty. And that experience just got better, with the introduction of a new royal-themed package to celebrate the forthcoming wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Eager to capitalise on their stately connections across the capital, the hotel has set up exclusive behind-the-scenes access to companies issued with a Royal Warrant to provide goods or services to the crown.
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I went along to sample the ‘crown jewels’ on offer...
Find out how to smell like a princess A family-run perfumers since 1730, Floris has been supplying the royals with bespoke scents for decades, although the actual ingredients of each perfume are a tightly guarded secret. Proud to be the oldest family perfumers in the world, the company has earned 19 Royal Warrants throughout its history and sticks to strict regulations set by the crown - including not testing any products on animals. Filled with mirrors and ornate wooden cabinets, their flagship store on Jermyn Street is a cherished antique in its own right. I’m led into a back room museum, where a ‘peineta’ hair-clip in a glass cabinet is a nod to the company’s Spanish heritage. On the wall, black and white photographs illustrate past and present A-list customers, including Marilyn Monroe, Winston Churchill, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ian Fleming. The 1951 fragrance worn by the Bond author is a classic, leathery scent popular with visitors from overseas. “Everyone wants to smell like 007!” chuckles staff member, Amaua Robles. While some celebrity favourites are available to buy, more exclusive concoctions will never be available to the public. Robles admits that Floris has created a special perfume for Meghan and Harry as a wedding gift. “There is a relevance to the elements of the
“Proud to be the oldest family perfumers in the world, the company has earned 19 Royal Warrants throughout its history”
WITH A REGAL WEEKEND IN LONDON THE DETAILS
perfume, but the recipe is a secret,” she says coyly. “Although I can tell you it has a base of vanilla and amber.” Only one bottle will be made - and hopefully worn by Meghan on her big day - although fans can purchase Bergamotto Di Positano, a fragrance which shares similar base notes. Described as a perfume to “excite the senses, anticipating new discoveries just over the horizon”, it would be an adequate fit for the adventurous couple. Special access also takes me to an elegant chemistry lab-cum-gentleman’s drawing room, where handwritten ledgers list 18th century purchases and a piece of wedding cake gifted by Kate and William is proudly displayed. “It came with a ‘thank you’ letter,” explains Robles, “for a special scent we created using stephanotis - the flower of love.” For £450, members of the public can also purchase a bespoke fragrance. Dressed in a white overall, perfumer Nicola Pozzani shows me dozens of potions and imperial measuring jugs, all used to create scents based on memories and an individual’s life story.
Dress in a stately fashion Royal outfits regularly feature in the fashion pages of magazines, but what about uniforms worn by the Queen’s ceremonial bodyguards? Made with fiery red wool and elaborate embroidered gold thread, each costume costs around £35K to make - so it’s no surprise they’re kept under lock and key. Fortunately, members of the public can admire them from behind glass in the upstairs room of Gieves & Hawkes at number 1 Savile Row, an historic building once belonging to the Royal Geographical Society.
Issued with several Royal Warrants to make military uniforms (there’s some suggestion they were even connected to Lord Nelson), the company continues to take care of the bodyguards’ attire and carries out fittings and adjustments every time they are used. Framed pages from historic ledgers hang on the walls, and a coffee table book illustrates a red military jacket commissioned and worn by Princess Diana. On the shop floor, a mannequin is dressed in a sparkly disco adaptation of a naval admiral’s tunic - a replica of a garment ordered by Michael Jackson. Today, the store sells both ready-to-wear and bespoke suits, with prices for the latter starting at £5K. While flutes of champagne are served to prospective customers mulling over shirts and jackets, the real action happens downstairs in the cutting room, where I’m given special access. Brown paper patterns flutter from rails underneath bright strip lighting, and semi-made jackets sculpted using hundreds of stitches are testimony to the love and dedication invested in each piece. A suit can require up to 100 hours of work, and tailors consider a well-fitting garment a work of art. “When a customer tells you it’s the most comfortable thing they’ve ever worn, that’s the ultimate compliment,” one tells me.
The Langham Hotel’s Royal Season Package starts at £695 per room per night, including breakfast for two. Price also includes the two exclusive Royal Warrant holder experiences and Limited Edition Langham Pink Hunter Boots. The package is available to book now from May 19 to October 12, 2018, subject to availability. Visit www.langhamhotels.co.uk or call 020 7636 1000.
Eat like a real king Embraced by a curved window flooded with sunshine during the day, Langham’s Roux at The Landau is possibly one of the most beautiful restaurants in London. A recent renovation has given the space an oval centre counter, where diners can pull up a stool alongside Cornish crabs and bowls of oysters. It’s all part of a more relaxed approach adopted by the restaurant, where - one waitress whispers to me staff are even now allowed to have tattoos. Relaxed, though, doesn’t mean slack. Service is delivered with finesse and chef Nicholas Pasquier’s menu is outstanding; a chicken gyoza bathes in citrus zing, and the crab salad is so meticulously shredded, I wonder if it’s been done with a ruler. It’s a banquet fit for any member of the monarchy worthy of its own Royal Warrant, in fact. M AY 2 0 1 8 3 1
FEATURE
Is Time Your Friend or Enemy?
Image: 4ever.eu
This month, Hefin from Hefin Harries Coaching explains how we manage our time is a matter of choice.
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ne thing we all have in common is time; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. So why is it that some people are more effective at getting things done? Be this in their personal or business lives, or both. Maybe you’ve had days when you’ve been running around like a headless chicken and doing lots of stuff and getting to the end of the day with that niggling feeling that you didn’t really achieve that much? If you have, you were more than likely focusing on trivial tasks that had no real impact, as opposed to working on activities that mattered. We all have things to do at home and work, but what you focus on makes all the difference. Think of a large glass with a mixture of large and small rocks to its side. The large ones refer to your most important tasks or activities, and the smaller ones for the trivial jobs. Now grab all the small rocks and drop them in to the glass followed by the big ones and you’ll find that you’ve run out of room for the large rocks. This is what can happen in our day to day lives.
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By focusing on smaller activities first that are not that important, very often it’ll leave very little time, if any at all, to work on the tasks that’ll make a real difference in life. Getting through the day by simply ticking off a myriad of stuff on a to-do list will certainly keep you busy - but not very productive. We all have unimportant things that need dealing with, but the key is to not let them become a priority. Like everything in life, it’s easy to do, but it’s also easy not to do. Getting up in the morning and diving straight into something you’ve been procrastinating over for some time will be far more rewarding than completing ten less important and easy tasks. Studies have proven that happy people manage their time more effectively, and the key is to have the ability to single mindedly concentrate on the task at hand, which in turn brings happiness, stability and a sense of achievement. When you complete these important tasks, your body releases endorphins which gives you an adrenalin and addictive response and you’ll become addicted to success and contribution. It’s down to choice – easy to do; easy not to do. If you’d like to accelerate your progress in this area, I’ve designed a step-by-step guide for you at www.hefinharries.com/time.
THE DETAILS Hefin Harries Coaching, The Long Barn, Down Farm, Cobham Park Road, Cobham KT11 3NE. www.hefinharries.com/time hefin@hefinharries.com T: 01932 977 021
OUT & ABOUT
Unparalleled music industry education at ACM
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eadquartered in Guildford, The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) was founded 23 years ago on a single fundamental principle: an absolute passion for delivering outstanding contemporary music education. Whether students choose to focus on music performance, songwriting, production, technical services or business management, ACM prides itself on delivering an immersive education where it matches the highest quality of teaching and learning with an unparalleled student experience. Representing every corner of music industry, ACM creates a microcosm of the industry in which its students can work together and learn by doing. Kainne Clements - the Executive Chairman of ACM, is also the owner of Metropolis Studios in Chiswick. Since his appointment in August 2013, ACM students have enjoyed an access all areas pass to Europe’s largest recording complex, in which the likes of Queen, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Wil.i.am and countless others have recorded their music. This joining of educational and professional environments has created a unique proposition for those wanting to pursue a career in music and the wider creative industries - not to be found anywhere else in music education. In ACM’s unique environment, students are taught by the very best music industry professionals who are out there, doing it for real and pushing
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creative boundaries. Every day, they bring the most up to date knowledge and rarest of opportunities from the outside world back into the classrooms. Dedicating an entire department to supporting its students professional development, ACM’s Industry Link team is headed up by Martin ‘Ace’ Kent (of Skunk Anansie fame). Through regular networking events, work placements, performance and audition opportunities, students are able to showcase their knowledge and talent to music industry executives (from labels, publishers, management companies and more) and gain first-hand feedback from those in the know. The department connects students to a network of top-tier industry partners in the music and wider creative industries and also offers regular tutorial and masterclass opportunities with visiting guests. Classes have included those with; Carla Marie Williams (songwriter for Beyoncé), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Fraser T Smith (producer for Paloma Faith) and Phil Campbell (Motörhead). ACM’s Industry Link department offers support for both students and alumni. Equally conscious of its responsibilities to the wellbeing of its students, ACM provides services such as; specialist vocal coaches and surgeons to ensure that students care for and preserve their instrument, and professional therapists that can address performance anxiety, crises of confidence and other complex issues that are prevalent within the highly critical creative industries. Over the last 3 years, ACM has doubled its student body and opened two new Campuses in London and Birmingham. With the recent lease of The Electric Theatre and a pledge to run it for the people of Guildford as a community arts venue for the next 20 years, its commitments in Guildford have never been stronger.
THE DETAILS With regular Open Days, for anyone who should wish to visit, parents, students and the local community are encouraged to register their attendance via the website: www.acm.ac.uk/open-days
education
The whole package
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hen considering an independent school, it is important for parents to consider the whole package that is being offered to them beyond academic success and examination results.
Wrap around services State schools tend to finish mid-afternoon, long before parents finish work. This poses childcare issues for parents of younger children and can cause concern about what older children may be doing with their time. Most independent schools finish lessons around 4pm or later, with multiple after school clubs, supervised homework sessions and sports activities provided on site through to early evening. Often these are free of additional charge, providing valuable experiences for children as well as convenience and peace of mind for parents. Boarding schools can offer later options with overnight stays if required.
Pastoral Care and peace of mind Small class sizes give opportunities to get to know individual children and focus on pastoral care and well-being; happy, secure and well-balanced children are more likely to achieve their full academic potential and gain stronger GCSE and A Level results. Communication between parents and staff tends to be a regular feature. The importance placed on music, creative arts, sports, Personal, Citizenship and Health Education within the curriculum, supplemented by extra-curricular activities, contributes to the learning experience.
Interpersonal skills University admissions and future employers look for qualities at interview in young adults which differentiate them from the crowd. Opportunities provided by independent schools including leadership programmes, debating clubs, visiting 3 6 M AY 2 0 1 8
careers speakers, inter-school competitions and termly performance events all contribute to developing confident and secure young adults, well prepared for life beyond the school gates. Greg Meakin is Head of Prep at Sherfield School, a co-educational independent day and boarding all through school located between Reading and Basingstoke. Personal Development is rated as “Excellent” in all areas at the latest inspection (2017). After school clubs are provided from Monday to Friday until 6pm all-inclusive with a 7.30am breakfast club available daily if required. Weekly and flexi boarding options are available. To find out more about visiting the school plus open day dates (May 3 and 10) and summer scholarship exams (May 11 and 12), contact admissions@sherfield.co.uk Photo credit: Neil Turner
“Personal Development is rated as “Excellent” in all areas at the latest inspection”
OUT & ABOUT
English Wine Week:
The Celebration of English Wine Denbies produces a range of 18 internationally award winning wines wines, most of which are available for tasting in the Denbies Wine and Gift Shop throughout English Wine Week. English Wine Week 2018 takes place Saturday 26th May - Sunday 3rd June 2018
Highlights for English Wine Week taking place at Denbies include:
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nglish Wine Week is a national campaign, designed to raise awareness of English wine across the country with a wide range of activities which take place during English Wine Week. Vineyards of all sizes, some not normally open to the general public, welcome visitors to sample their wines and experience an insight into winemaking in the UK. Look out for local restaurants, pubs and hotels running special tastings and events. Both independent retailers and supermarkets will be offering tastings and promotions. It’s not difficult to very quickly appreciate and understand why the English wine industry is growing at such a fast pace and indeed winning so many awards on an international level, competing with and matching not only Champagne but still wines alike. Spring is a wonderful time of year, the vineyards are waking up to the new growing season, with the first hint of bud burst followed quickly by fruit set. This period is a major contributory factor towards the all-important October harvest. The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers some of South East England’s most beautiful and accessible countryside. Opportunities abound for exploring this special area; you’ll discover breath taking views, open commons, attractive market towns and villages. It is also home to several vineyards, the largest of which is Denbies Wine Estate is England’s largest single estate vineyard. Family owned and run, Denbies vineyard was planted in 1986, and since then has become one of the largest wine producers in the UK. The estate lies in the heart of Surrey overlooking Box Hill, where Denbies produces internationally award winning excellent cool climate sparkling wines using the traditional grape varieties, grown on chalky soil. The winery also produces first class still wines from the noble varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This is a combination of warmer growing seasons producing riper fruit, and a great deal of expertise in the winemaking process.
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Sparkling Vineyard Trail and Gallery Restaurant Dinner Thursday 31 May 7.30pm Enjoy the breath taking landscape of the vineyard commencing with our Outdoor Vineyard Train* tour offering spectacular view points overlooking Box Hill and Dorking. Sparkling wine, canapes and a 3 course meal will then be served in the Gallery Restaurant *warm clothing recommended for the Vineyard Tour £55 per person / Loyalty Club £49.50 English Wine Week Wine & Cheese Walk Friday 1st June 11am Join us for a guided walking tour through the vines followed by a tasting of 4 wines with local cheese in the heart of the vineyard £19.95pp / Loyalty Club £9.95pp NEW FOR 2018 - Denbies Surrey Hills Vineyard Experience Saturday 2 June 10am until 3.30pm A fascinating insight into the UK’s largest Vineyard with particular emphasis on the award winning sparkling wines. Your day includes a guided walking tour through the estate, lunch in the vineyard*, a detailed guided tour of the winery with a tasting of the Surrey Hills finest sparkling wines from Denbies and neighbouring Surrey Vineyards. £95.00 per person (EWW Special price -Loyalty Club £45.00) which includes all refreshments and lunch along with a bottle of Denbies sparkling wine to take away with you *Subject to weather
THE DETAILS Denbies is located in Dorking, Surrey with direct rail access from London Waterloo and Victoria mainline stations. Full details www.denbies.co.uk Denbies Wine Estate Ltd, London Road, Dorking, Surrey Rh5 6Aa T 01306 742002
OUT & ABOUT
CLASSIC DISTRACTION
May 19th is a Historic day in more ways than one, with a major classic car auction at Brooklands, Surrey sure to appeal
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hilst the royal wedding at Windsor will be the magnet for hordes on Saturday 19th May, those with a more esoteric following are likely to be gathering 20 miles down the road for their own bonding celebration with classic motorcars. On that day, with the evocative Brooklands Museum as the backdrop, classic car auction specialist Historics will be hosting a major sale of over 140 fine classic motorcars at this, the birthplace of motorsport and aviation. This is one of five major classic car auctions that Historics hosts each year and it promises to be yet another boisterous and fascinating day as over £5 million worth of varied cars of yesteryear pass through the auctioneer’s hands. According to Historics’ Auction Director, Edward Bridger-Stille, there is a similarity with the royal marriage: “Classic motorcars have always been a centrepiece of a royal wedding entourage, customarily superbly-presented Rolls-Royces or Bentleys, although lips remain tightly sealed as to the choice for Prince Harry and his bride…perhaps we’ll see a break with tradition?” The UK interest in classic car ownership is booming, as Edward reflects: “No matter whether it’s for fun on high days and holidays, or more as an investment, a classic car is generally bought for enjoyment, and the market is extremely buoyant”. 4 0 M AY 2 0 1 8
If you can’t be there….
Historics immensely varied classic car consignments on sale on May 19th will span nine decades and 40+ different marques. Echoing the stately occasion nearby, they will have a fine selection of regal British classics from the likes of Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar and Aston Martin, but the consignments on sale also range from highly affordable to serious investment, and everything in between. Edward concluded: “We welcome all, including those interested in making their first steps into ownership. Our two viewing days preceding the sale are ideal opportunities to view the cars at closer quarters, with advice and information from our consignment team.” For full information, and constantly updated consignments, visit www.historics.co.uk
For those unable to be present at the auction, Historics welcomes commission bids in advance, whilst telephone bidding and live on-line bidding is provided with prior registration. See the website for full details, or call 01753 639170; e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk
Historics’ auction entries on May 19th are hugely varied, from this pristine and totally original 1969 Porsche 911/930 Turbo with just 29,500 miles (Estimate: £135,000-£155,000) to an evocative and beautifully-presented 1972 Morris Mini automatic with 31,000 miles, offered enticingly at no reserve! All entries can be viewed at www.historics.co.uk
OUT & ABOUT
What’s On at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village WORDS: Tom Cornelius
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f you’ve never been before, spring is the perfect season to dip your toes into the vibrant waters of Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village. As the weather begins to warm up and the whole family is itching to get outside, there’s no better time to soak up the varied offerings at one of Surrey’s best-loved cultural hotspots. First up on Bank Holiday Monday 7 May, 10am – 5pm is Papermania, a day of crafts, music and creativity inspired by nineteenth-century craft making. Spend a day watching demonstrations by contemporary makers, creating marbled wrapping paper and making elegant paper cone baskets. Enjoy folk music and Morris dancing, and join in the fun around the Maypole. Stop in at the Artist in Residence Studio to see Maker in Residence Florrie Thomas at work on her intricate hand-cut creations. For May Half Term, 27 May – 3 June, the historic gallery building designed for the great Victorian artist G F Watts – now the jewel in the crown of an entire Artists’ Village – will be at the centre of a special programme of events for families and young children. Be inspired by the colourful tiles of Arts & Crafts designer, William De Morgan: paint a fantastic beast from your wildest imagination onto a ceramic tile, then visit the Gallery to see the De Morgan collection (on long term loan from the De Morgan Foundation) in all its mystical splendour. With storyteller Olivia Armstrong, hear fables of curious creatures and tales of Arthurian legend in the Wattses’ Arts & Crafts home, Limnerslease. In Dodos & Dragons, a special workshop for 8 – 12 year olds, create a clay sculpture inspired by the amazing animals in William De Morgan’s ceramics. Pre-book tickets for May Half Term online. There’s plenty coming up for those who know Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village well, too. June sees the opening of the new summer exhibition, James Henry Pullen: Inmate – Inventor – Genius, 19 June – 28 October, the first ever gallery show devoted to the artist. A national celebrity in his day, Pullen was widely exhibited and his work awarded for its imagination and wit; he was visited by the royal family, appeared in Dickens’s All the Year Round and was dubbed a ‘genius’ by the Harmsworth Magazine. Yet Pullen was unable to communicate with those around him. This unprecedented exhibition will highlight a frequently unseen part of the nineteenthand early twentieth-century art world, emphasising Pullen’s status not as a mechanical copyist but as an innovative artist in his own right. Later in the summer, don’t miss the Gallery’s popular Woodland Fairy Fair, 7– 8 July – a weekend of magical adventures for people of all ages, with activities ranging from face-painting to live music.
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OUT & ABOUT
Hampton Court Palace Festival Brings you a world-class line-up for 2018, 5th - 23rd June: The Beach Boys, Joe Bonamassa, Jools Holland, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Lionel Richie, Paloma Faith, Gary Barlow, Tom Jones
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ow in its 26th year, Hampton Court Palace Festival is a series of truly special and unique open-air concerts, attracting worldwide artists to perform in an intimate 3,000-seat auditorium against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s magnificent Tudor Palace. Highlights of the world class line-up include legendary American rock band The Beach Boys who will grace the stage on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 June. With a torrent of multi-million selling albums, they will perform a set of iconic feel-good hits from their discography. One of the world’s greatest guitar players Joe Bonamassa will take to the stage on Tuesday 12 June. Audience members can expect the celebrated blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter to play a stellar set of his classic hits. Musical virtuoso and Hampton Court Palace Festival favourite Jools Holland returns to the courtyard on Thursday 14 June. Jools will perform a vast collection of boogie-woogie tracks from multiple decades with his renowned Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, with Soft Cell’s Marc Almond as his special guest on the night. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will also be returning on Saturday 23 June. Enjoy an evening of breathtakingly beautiful music against the backdrop of the Tudor courtyard, as the orchestra will perform scores from the mainstream masters of classical music. A fireworks display will provide a spectacular finale to round off this superb evening.
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Lionel Richie, Paloma Faith, Gary Barlow and Tom Jones also perform, VIP tickets are available for all concerts, general admission tickets are still available for The Beach Boys, Joe Bonamassa, Jools Holland, The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and Lionel Richie’s concert on Saturday 9 June. The Palace Gardens open at 5:30pm so arrive early and start your evening with a range of summer drinks and snacks available from one of the four bars in the East Front Gardens. As well as the beautiful Champagne PIAFF bar, make the most of your time in the glorious grounds of Hampton Court Palace by starting your evening with a Festival Picnic provided by British Fine Foods. Relax and soak up the preconcert atmosphere whilst sharing and indulging in seasonal mouth-watering food from the most talented of producers Britain has on offer. Picnics must be pre-booked ahead of the concert.
EXCLUSIVE HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL VIP EXPERIENCE Indulge yourself in royal splendour, walk across the cobbles and follow in the footsteps of the infamous Kings and Queens for a unique evening to remember. You and your guests will not fail to be impressed by exclusive afterhours access to the Palace’s magnificent state apartments, steeped in history. Immerse yourself in regal grandeur as you sip on champagne. An exceptional threecourse dinner fit for a king is served where royalty themselves dined and entertained, accompanied by fine wines throughout. You will finish your meal with freshly brewed tea or coffee, all before taking your premium seats in the stunning Tudor Courtyard for the main music event. VIP ticket prices vary according to artist. Also available on site are the exclusive Waterside Gazebos which are a great way to add a little luxury to your evening, with dedicated waterside staff on hand to ensure you’re kept topped up and fulfilled on the night. Gazebos must be pre-booked ahead of the concert.
THE DETAILS General admission and VIP tickets, festival picnics and waterside gazebos for all concerts can be bought from www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival. com. Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU
01932 856906
OUT & ABOUT
Join The Art Party at the New RA T
he Royal Academy of Arts, the world’s foremost artist and architectled institution, celebrates its 250th anniversary year throughout 2018. Following a transformational redevelopment designed by internationally-acclaimed architect Sir David Chipperfield CBE RA and supported by the National Lottery, the new Royal Academy, open to the public from 19 May, reveals historic treasures from the RA Collection, the work of its Royal Academicians and the Royal Academy Schools, alongside its world-class exhibitions and events programme.
The Royal Academy’s north-facing entrance, Burlington Gardens
Collection Gallery in 2018
Michelangelo’s Taddei Tondo
Highlights include: • A new link, the Weston Bridge, connecting Burlington House and Burlington Gardens, to create a two acre-campus and route between Mayfair and Piccadilly. • Dedicated galleries and new spaces presenting free displays of art and architecture for visitors to enjoy year-round, exploring the RA’s history in training artists as well as showcasing contemporary works by Royal Academicians and students at the RA Schools. • A new 250-seat Benjamin West Lecture Theatre providing a hub for conversation and lively debate with an exciting new programme of events, festivals and in-conversations, while the Clore Learning Centre offers a permanent home for the RA’s learning programme for schools, families, community groups and adult learners. Celebrate the opening of the New RA at our weekend long art party, with free workshops, tours, displays and late night performances and DJs on 19 and 20 May. www.royalacademy.org.uk 4 6 M AY 2 0 1 8
Architecture Studio in 2018
OUT & ABOUT
Surrey Hills Sculpture Garden A celebration of Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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urrey Hills is one England’s finest landscapes covering a quarter of the County of Surrey. It is a spectacular landscape, rich in wildlife and heritage. In 2018, Surrey Hills celebrates the 60th Anniversary of its designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Celebrations include a range events and activities for all the family including the Surrey Hills Sculpture Garden throughout May and the
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Surrey Hills Wood Fair in Cranleigh on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October. Surrey Hills Enterprises and Surrey Sculpture Society are joining forces to stage the largest ephemeral Sculpture Trail and Arts Event in Surrey at the 10th Surrey Hills Sculpture Garden at Birtley Estate, Bramley, from Saturday 5th May until Monday 28th May. The event makes a great family day out and is a
THE DETAILS
celebration of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It will feature over 180 sculptures created by emerging and professional sculptors. The high-quality exhibits are set within the stunning landscape of woodlands, meadows and lakeside with an indoor exhibition located in a marquee by the lake.
Cream teas and light refreshments, profiling local food and drink, will also be part of the event or visitors can bring picnics and enjoy the beautiful landscape, inspiring sculptures, woodland trail and lakeside walk or combine their visit with a craft workshop, demonstration or activity.
Surrey Hills Sculpture Garden Sat 5th May – Mon 28th May Birtley Estate, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GU5 OLB Open 10am - 4.30pm £6 in advance or £7 on the day Free parking Find out more and Book ahead - you don’t have to specify the day and the ticket entitles you to visit as often as you like over the month. Tickets available from Guildford Tourist Information Centre 01483 444334 155 High Street, Guildford GU1 3AJ www.tickets.visitguildford.com Surrey Hills Sculpture Garden is run by Surrey Hills Enterprises as part of a range of activities and events promoting and supporting the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Surrey Hills Enterprises works with local businesses to support the rural economy and to promote, protect and enhance the beautiful Surrey Hills. As a Community Interest Company, funds generated from its work goes back to support the work of enhancing Surrey Hills, its landscape and local communities. Discover the best of the Surrey Hills and the local food, drink, arts and crafts, pubs, cafes and places to visit: www.surreyhillsenterprises. co.uk Visit our directory of local producers and businesses Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive up-dates on events, wine tasting, artisan trails, tours and activities. Book on-line for Surrey Hills events M AY 2 0 1 8 4 9
OUT & ABOUT
O PERA
GALLERY
PRESENTS
ELLEN VON UNWERTH: Ladyland Until 18th May 2018
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pera Gallery, New Bond Street is proud to present Ladyland, a selection of Ellen von Unwerth’s most iconic photography from the past thirty years. One of the world’s most acclaimed female photographers, Ellen von Unwerth made her name launching the careers of supermodels Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, among others, turning them into modern icons. Her reputation for using the female gaze to celebrate the female form and women’s sensuality has made her one of the most in-demand fashion photographers. Ladyland at Opera Gallery celebrates the artist’s instantly recognisable photography that have graced the front covers of Vogue, ELLE, Glamour, and many more… Ellen von Unwerth’s fashion editorials, campaigns and short films for prestigious luxury brands such as Dior, Chanel, Rolex and Azzedine Alaïa have shifted fashion photography into the realms of the art world. Her work is now included in some of the world’s most important fine art
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collections and has been exhibited internationally. She also published nine books, Snaps, was published in 1994, followed by Wicked (1998), Couples (1999), the photo-novella Revenge (2003), Omahyra & Boyd (2005), Fräulein (2009), DieSpieler (2010), The Story of Olga (2012), and lately Heimat (2017). In a male-dominated industry, Ellen von Unwerth’s photography provides a timeless exploration of women’s power, presenting women as strong, free and independent. At a critical time of female awakening, her photography is more pertinent than ever. The Ladyland exhibition is split into three parts: • Supermodels will feature a series of the artist’s most iconic images from the decade that were defined by the original It Girls of high fashion, including photos of Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Elle McPherson • Bavaria is a humorous exploration of the German imagery, within the Bavarian countryside and its traditions, taken from Ellen’s latest book Heimat • Frivolities is a selection of photos that span Ellen von Unwerth’s career that encapsulate her “emancipated eroticism”, combining high fashion and playfulness. www.ellenvonunwerth.com. Opera Gallery, 134 New Bond Street, W1S 2TF. Tel: 0207 491 2999. www.operagallery.com/london
About Ellen von Unwerth Ellen von Unwerth was born in 1954 in Germany. After being spotted by a model scout aged 20, she moved to Paris and worked with influential photographers including Guy Bourdin, Helmut Newton and Olivero Toscani. After modelling for ten years she moved her talents to behind the camera and shot her first fashion campaign in 1989 for British designer Katharine Hamnett. After shooting a campaign for GUESS for a then unknown 19-year-old Claudia Schiffer in 1989, she then landed a shoot for Vogue Italia, and soon after her reputation flourished. Ellen von Unwerth has continued to shoot for some of the biggest brands in the world, as well as working with iconic musicians including Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Lana del Rey and many more…
TRAVEL
EXPLORE AN ARTISANAL GEM IN ISTANBUL, AJWA HOTEL SULTANAHMET
snow fountain, it provides the perfect atmosphere for complete pampering and relaxation. Intimate meeting rooms located on the Mezzanine and uppermost levels of the building are ideal venues for prestigious events and key business meetings.
The best address for Azerbaijani cuisine
Located in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City, an artisanal gem, the Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the rich past of Turkey, in a sophisticated and stylish modern setting
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njecting style, colour and sophistication into the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul, the five-star boutique Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet, is an exclusive experience in the heart of the Old City. Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet is the first hotel within the Ajwa brand. An artistic masterpiece, the property perfectly combines some of the most exquisite elements to represent ‘Old Istanbul’ in a uniquely luxurious and modern setting. Boasting 61 rooms spread across nearly 7,000 square metres, the fully Halal property offers panoramic views of the Old Town and the Sea of Marmara. Throughout the guest rooms and public spaces, Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet elegantly incorporates artisan elements in every detail: carvings made by Topkapi restorers, wooden and mother of pearl ornaments, created by a Syrian craftsman, handmade furniture, precious Tabriz silk carpets, valuable paintings by Azerbaijani
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artists, Seljuk and Ottoman inspired architecture, immaculate marble work and intricately handcrafted Iznik tiles. Sedat Nemli, General Manager of Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet, says: “The Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet is truly a one-of-a-kind property that perfectly merges old school elegance with a stylish modern twist. We wanted to offer guests something they’ve never experienced before - a glimpse of the past while living in the luxury of today. With the fine attention-to-detail, exclusive setting and prime location, the property is quickly establishing itself as a must-visit location in Istanbul.”
Turkish hospitality at its best The guest rooms comprise family rooms and deluxe rooms, which welcome guests with walnut wood furniture and top-quality, colour fabric wallpapers. The bathrooms are adorned with elements such as tiles inspired by Mimar Sinan’s mosques, and fountains with ceramic basins and marble sinks. Corner suites, decorated in shades of purple, lilac, mauve and sea green perfectly reflect the cherished history of Istanbul with Seljuk motifs and relaxed Ottoman seating. The 120 square metre ‘Sultan Suite’ is the ultimate representation of elegant tastes of the past beautifully moulded with the present. A grand dining area, coupled with a living area, master bedroom, and bathroom with jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and shower area, provide the epitome of luxury in an authentic Turkish setting. No detail is left unturned - from quaint ornaments on wooden cabinets, to immaculate marble work and ornate furnishings. Those looking to relax and unwind in traditional Turkish style can visit the Afiya Spa. Featuring an authentic Turkish Hammam, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, private treatment rooms, indoor pool, and
The distinctive property features a selection of authentic food and beverage options. Offering a special take on the rich world of Azerbaijani cuisine, Zeferan Restaurant provides a magnificent venue with panoramic views of the city and refined touches of Turkish-Islamic arts. Staying true to its culture, Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet is a dry property. The Mezzanine level welcomes guests to the Sukkari Patisserie - showcasing a rich selection of handmade pastries and cakes, perfectly complemented by teas from around the world. Providing a setting for guests to experience layers of history and savour old-world splendour, Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet is the only dry luxury hotel in Istanbul. For more information, visit www.ajwa.com.tr
TRAVEL
IS THIS AFRICA’S MOST STYLISH CITY? FOLLOW YVES SAINT LAURENT TO MARRAKECH A new museum dedicated to the designer has opened in Morocco. Sarah Marshall recommends a chic weekend away.
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verywhere you look there’s colour: from bursts of sunshine hanging from fruiting orange trees, to cones of marigold-yellow turmeric and flaming-red cayenne pepper rising like exotic mountain ranges in the shadowy doorways of spice shops. A delightfully disorientating mix of wild hues and exotic patterns, Marrakech captured the imagination of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent when he first visited in 1966 - and fifty years later, its heady impact hasn’t diminished one bit. “The city opened my eyes to colour,” the Algerian-born artist famously declared. Falling in love at first sight, he bought a property here with his partner Pierre Berge and later restored the famous botanical gardens, Jardin Majorelle, where a museum celebrating his connections with the Moroccan city recently opened next door. Containing numerous key pieces from the designer’s game-changing collections, the Musee Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech (mYSLm) is set to boost this North African destination’s creative appeal once again. According to a recent survey by flight and hotel website Booking.com, 59% of travellers would prioritise spending money on experiences over
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material items when on holiday - so planning a short break to visit a new museum isn’t such a far-fetched idea.
Visit these places for a fashion-themed weekend escape. Style it out at mYSLm In a dark corridor illuminated by spotlights, a modest but carefully curated selection of garments is modelled by mannequins, providing a visual timeline of the fashion designer’s career. Now signature styles in high street stores, the jumpsuit, pea jacket, smoking jacket and trouser suit all started life in YSL’s sketchbooks. Hooded cloaks, gowns with tassels and feminine Fez hats have obvious links with Morocco, but brocade jackets inspired by Van Gogh and puff-sleeved blouses belonging to Balkan gypsies were shaped by imaginary travels further afield. “A woman handling her gloves is a gesture I adore,” claimed YSL, and a fabulous magpie’s cabinet of accessories - including bold, garish costume jewellery and an outrageous goldplated breast plate - is an exhibition highlight. How much: Buy a combination ticket which
“Marrakech captured the imagination of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent when he first visited in 1966 - and fifty years later, its heady impact hasn’t diminished one bit”
TRAVEL
includes a visit to the neighbouring Jardin Majorelle (180Dhs/£14) and avoid lengthy queues to visit the popular gardens. No cards are taken, so remember to bring cash. Visit museeyslmarrakech.com/en Tip: Skip the designer prices and size zero portions of the museum’s restaurant, and head to the Pause Gourmande cafe across the road, where sandwiches are 40Dhs (£3).
Stay at Mandarin Oriental Marrakech for a fashionable sleep Although a 15-minute drive from the Medina, this modern property still embodies all that’s great about the city. Petals from more than 100,000 roses flutter in 20 hectares of gardens, where olive trees twirl around secluded villas and the undulating outline of the Atlas mountains hovers on the horizon. Each room is a mini palace, with a pool dominating the open-air courtyard and a voluptuous tub almost drowning the bathroom. There’s even a touch screen-operated hammam in the shower, with black soap and scrub mitt provided. Alternatively, let someone else do all the hard work in the mesmerising spa, where treatment rooms come with their own private gardens - and more of those roses and olive trees. For classy cocktails and trendy dining, book a table at Asian restaurant Ling Ling; and for fine Moroccan fare, head to Mes’Lalla, where outdoor tables are set beneath the stars. How much: Rooms from E850 (£747) per night with breakfast. Visit mandarinoriental.com/ marrakech Tip: To avoid any embarrassing rows with drivers in the Medina, order fixed price taxis through the hotel reception.
“This new casual diner from the owners of boutique hotel Riad Farnatchi really is in a class of it’s own” Enjoy a chic eat at Le Trou Au Mur For too long there’s been a gap in the Marrakech restaurant market; options have historically ranged from high-end hotel appendages to simple street eats, with very little in between. So this new casual diner from the owners of boutique hotel Riad Farnatchi really is in a class of it’s own. Buried deep in the Medina’s back streets, the relaxed, friendly space is part of a renovated house with ornate stucco plasterwork and zingy lime green walls. The menu is equally refreshing, serving a selection of forgotten classics rarely served outside Moroccan homes. (The de riguer tagines are still offered, but there’s so much more besides.) A speciality is the meshoui - a slow-cooked lamb. At present, the restaurant is only open for dinner. How much: Pay around 300Dhs (£24) for three courses. Visit letrouaumur.com Tip: Ring ahead and ask to be met at the Medina walls; it’s easy to get lost.
Relax like an A-lister at the Farnatchi Spa There’s no such thing as too many hammams, so take the opportunity to squeeze in a scrub between exploring sites and souks in the Medina. Opened last year, next door to Riad Farnatchi (who also operate the spa), it features four treatment rooms and two hammams either side of a sun-splashed courtyard. Prepare to strip down (yes, completely) for a warm soak and thorough exfoliation, promising to leave skin baby soft. It’s a ritual Moroccans practise weekly - and it’s easy to understand why. How much: A 40-minute Simple Hammam costs 350Dhs (£27.50). Visit farnatchispa.com Booking.com offers flights from Gatwick to Marrakech with easyJet in January from £110 return. They offer a two-night stay at the Mandarin Oriental from £1,497. 5 6 M AY 2 0 1 8
C ARE
Step Inside Ascot Grange
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ccording to recent research, more than half of over-75s are living alone, with around 5 million of these saying that the television is their main source of
company. Worryingly, evidence suggests that extreme loneliness can even prove fatal, with the risk of early death increasing by 14%, as a result of poorer diets, worse lifestyle choices (i.e. alcohol or tobacco) and less exercise than those who have a network of friends or family. Perhaps less surprisingly it seems that the lonely are also more likely to suffer from mental health problems. Many older people won’t entertain the idea of moving into a care home, but not all care homes are the same, one step inside Ascot Grange and you will think you are in a beautiful hotel. Loneliness is a never a problem here – there is a huge range of varied entertainment to choose from seven days a week, with opportunities to make many new friends. Residents can enjoy either restaurant dining or bistro for a more casual dining experience, together with lounges, Signature café, a library, hair salon and spa. Speak to staff, chat to residents and meet the teams who head each department. Visit on more than one occasion and perhaps stay for tea or lunch, the choice is yours. There are studios and one-bedroom apartments, for singles or couples who want to stay together. Each apartment has its own lounge, wet room and kitchenette, all tastefully decorated throughout. In order to help prospective residents and their families evaluate the affordability of various care options, Signature works with a specialist team of highly experienced Independent Financial Advisors, all who are members of SOLLA and thus have specific knowledge and expertise in the care fees marketplace. 5 8 M AY 2 0 1 8
Their team can help you understand the options available to you and in most instances there’s no obligation or fees for their advice. They have given many families and residents peace of mind over the years and are available to meet you at one of our homes or visit you in yours. Moving to Ascot Grange is not about moving to a care home, it’s simply moving home, allowing you the freedom and flexibility to live your life the way you want within a spacious, comfortable environment that offers companionship and care but also privacy when you want it. For more information or to book a tour call 01344 798351 or email enquiries.ascot@signaturesl.co.uk Ascot Grange, Bagshot Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 9PR. www.signature-care-homes.co.uk
“Moving to Ascot Grange is not about moving to a care home, it’s simply moving home, allowing you the freedom and flexibility to live your life the way you want”
Sherwood House Care Home an Asprey Healthcare Limited care home
Providing outstanding frail elderly and dementia care Sherwood House Care Home
offers passionate, friendly care in a warm and considerate environment • 24 hour care, 7 days a week • Person centred care / individual care planning • Comfortable en-suite bedrooms with TVs, emergency pull cord & full laundry service • Diversional therapists providing weekly programmes & outings
• Nutritious home cooked meals • Landscaped gardens with easy access & use of allotment grounds • Homely environment with kind, caring and supportive staff • Permanent & respite stays
If you are considering a care home for your loved one and would like to know more about Sherwood House please call or pop in and meet our friendly team:
01932 221 170
40 Severn Drive, Walton-on-Thames KT12 3BH managerSH@aspreyhealthcare.co.uk www.aspreyhealthcare.co.uk
fashion, HEALTH
& beauty
– Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i mage : J E NNI F E R L A W R E N C E
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
[NEWS]
BEAUTY & FASHION SUMMER STYLES
If you are looking to wow this summer these new offerings from Mayamiko are just the ticket. Perfect for lounging around in the sunshine, this bright yellow top is made from printed lightweight cotton, ethically sourced. The Grace Top (far right) is an easy-to-wear summer essential, with a twist! Featuring a floaty open back, Grace is perfect for a day out in the city or a trip to the beach. Versatility at its best! It features a square neck line and floaty open back with thin neck straps. www.mayamiko.com
BAG A SUMMER ACCESSORY As summer approaches it’s time for a new handbag! We love this mini bucket shoulder bag in black leather, with glitter top. It features a black pin, adjustable black leather straps and an inner pocket. You can use your Maria/Maleta mini bucket choosing your favourite side, just pull the strap over to the opposite direction. £134, oostor.com
CASE STUDY This beautiful phone cover has a pretty design and comes in classic grip case, wallet case with rfid, snap case, glitter case and impact case. £25, www.casetify.com
MAKE IT MARBLE We’re so obsessed with this NEW Coconut Lane Make-Up Bag. Seriously chic and sophisticated, the White Marble Print bag has a hot pink lining. £14, www.coconut-lane.com
“Using no stitching and made from a single piece of folded leather”
vintage look, modern twist This is Bond & Knight’s first origami wallet, inspired BY 1950’s vintage design. Redesigned to give it a modern twist. Using no stitching and made from a single piece of folded leather the Bond & Knight Mk1 is slim, stylish and strong, whilst comfortably holding 10 cards plus cash. www.bondandknight.com
SUPER SOCKS These socks are the perfect gift for a fashionable woman. They are designed in-house and knitted by a 3-generation family run factory in France. £12, www.etsy.com
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tylish cuts, vibrant colour, outstanding customer service and extremely high standards – the Academy Salons team is focused on delivering an excellent experience for all clients. With modern salons situated in Surrey, the Academy Salons team consists of highly skilled stylists, colourists and beauty therapists. As members of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, our team is committed to delivering creative excellence and giving you the look you desire. Academy Salons’ ethos of “Family Hairdressing, Individual Style” is strongly supported by owners, Franco Capozzi and Salv Mulé, who have vowed “to create an insalon experience that is unique and individual for every member of the family.” If you would like to be part of such an exciting young creative team please contact careers@academysalons.com
10 The Green, Hersham, Surrey KT12 4HL T: 01932 252 464 42 High Street, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3EB T: 01932 864 929 105 Hare Lane, Claygate, Surrey KT10 0QX T: 01372 462 724 91 High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9QA T: 01372 466 400 81 Queens Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9UQ T: 01932 852289 www.academysalons.com www.balmainhair.com Academy Salons - finalists for the British Hairdressing Business Awards 2016.
Hair - Academy Artistic Team; Photography - Desmond Murray www.desmondmurray.com; Styling - Bernard Connolly www.bernardconnolly.com; Makeup - Jess Mowbray Academysalons Weybridge
WELCOME TO ACADEMY SALONS
THE DETAILS
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FASHION, FASHION, HEALTH HEALTH && BEAUTY BEAUTY
The perfect scent Katie Wright finds out how to get the most out of your fragrance - and discovers some common mistakes you might be making.
Fragrances that won’t fade 3 long-lasting notes and where to find them
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erfume: it’s such a personal thing. A fragrance that makes one person swoon might make another wrinkle up their nose in disgust - and finding your signature scent can takes years of spritzing and dismissing until love at first sniff takes hold. And while everyone wants to smell nice, you don’t want to be that person who swans around in a pungent, overpowering cloud, causing headaches and breathing difficulties whenever someone is forced to share a lift with you. Which begs the question: how much ‘eau’ should you actually wear? In a bid to strike the perfect perfume balance, we asked the experts for their olfactory advice... Where on the body is it best to apply perfume? “Apply perfume to pulse points including wrists, knees, inside elbows, the nape of the neck and even above the hip bones. These are all places which are naturally warmer and heat intensifies scent,” says Cathy Newman, customer director at The Perfume Shop. “The wrist area is particularly effective, as it allows you to smell the fragrance through the day as it evolves, learning which scents work best for your body chemistry,” recommends Rafael Trujillo, P&G perfume designer. “Another idea is to give a spritz of perfume to your dry hair so, as your hair moves throughout the day, you add scent to your surroundings.” How many spritzes of perfume should you apply? “This is very much depending on the individual’s taste and also the type of fragrance they are wearing,” says Trujillo. “Some fragrances tend to be perceived as heavier, such as gourmand fragrances which consist of synthetic edible notes like vanilla or honey. One spritz may be enough - apply too much of these and you may end up smelling like a
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Tuberose: Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Parfum, £94.50 for 80ml, The Perfume Shop candy shop!” Newman agrees: “How many spritzes to apply really does depend on each individual as our body temperature will affect the intensity of the perfume - the warmer the body, the more intense the scent. Some perfumes contain notes which are naturally longer-lasting, such patchouli, tuberose and coffee. This stands in contrast to light and sheer florals which became all the rage in the late Nineties and early 2000’s,” Trujillo says. “They allow for a few spritzes and can even be topped up throughout the day.” How can you make a fragrance last longer? “To get the longevity out of a scent, the best thing to do is layer. Using the body wash and lotion of the chosen perfume will help intensify the scent,” Newman says. “Fabric has the ability to hold a scent longer than our skin, and this should be the foundation layer in your scent regime,” says Truijllo, who developed the Parfum des Secrets collection from Lenor, made with premium ingredients that are proven to last longer than fine fragrance. “Ensure it compliments your other fragrances, then even when they fade, you’ll still be enveloped in your favourite scents.” There are a couple of perfume no-no’s to be aware of as well, Newman warns: “There is a common misconception that when one sprays perfume onto the skin it should be rubbed in. This will not only bruise the scent, it will affect its longevity. The best way to apply perfume is to let it settle onto the skin, so patience is key simply spray onto the pulse points and leave it to soak in.” How you store your scents is important too: “You wouldn’t store a delicious bowl of fruit in direct sunlight and the same goes for perfume,” she says. “Make sure perfume bottles are kept in a cool, dark place and out of direct sunlight to make sure they retain their beautiful fragrance.
Patchouli: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Moonlight Patchouli Eau de Parfum, £113.40 for 75ml Escentual Coffee: YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum, £71 for 50ml, The Perfume Shop
Blue Velvet, the home of contemporary and Luxury footwear direct from the heart of Europe. Always one step ahead, they have established themselves on their quality and first-rate service.
Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or call 020 7376 7442 buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Want to tighten your skin, reduce sagging, wrinkles and fine lines? INTRAcel has stood the test of time.
Dr Peter Forrester has been using INTRAcel skin rejuvenation for over 5 years. During this time he has witnessed the introduction of many other non-surgical skin-tightening treatments. These new treatments are usually well publicised, celebrity-endorsed and expensive. They are often promoted with ‘before & after’ photographs which are rarely achievable in practice. Dr Forrester continues to be impressed with the results of INTRAcel and believes that it offers a better and more cost-effective result than most of the newer ‘trendy’ techniques. INTRAcel cleverly combines the two established techniques of micro-needling and radio-frequency (RF) skin tightening. INTRAcel delivers short bursts of RF energy into the deeper layers of the skin.
INTRAcel can: • improve the tone & texture of skin • reduce wrinkles and fine lines • tighten the jowls and neck • improve acne scars • improve active acne Recovery from an INTRAcel treatment is usually quick. At the end of treatment the skin will be red with a sunburn-like sensation for a few hours. This redness will diminish over the first 1-2 days. A toned and tightened effect will be noticeable immediately after a treatment but the full effects will develop over subsequent weeks. Although you should notice an improvement after the first treatment, a course of 3 treatments at 4-6 week intervals may be recommended. Following this, improvements will continue to develop for up to 6 months as new, healthy collagen develops.
6 Esher Park 6Avenue, Esher Park Esher, Avenue, KT10 9NP Esher, | Tel: KT10 01372 9NP890890 | Tel: 01372 | enquiries@cosdocs.co.uk 890890 | www.cosdocs.co.uk | www.cosdocs.co.uk 6 6 M AY 2 0 1 8
Esher’s Best Kept Secret
Dr. Peter Forrester MBBS FRCA
With over 20 years experience in non surgical cosmetic medicine, Peter specialises in minimally invasive facial anti ageing treatments.
Dr Peter Forrester FRCA and Ms Helen McEvoy FRCS (Plast) are fully qualified to offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures. These include plastic surgery and minimally invasive facial anti-ageing treatments.
Ms. Helen McEvoy MSc MA MBBChir FRCS (Plast)
Helen is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon based at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ hospital and she consults privately from her rooms in Esher.
“A toned and tightened effect will be noticeable immediately after a treatment but the full effects will develop over subsequent weeks”
Jennifer Luyt Jennifer brings to us 40 years experience in the high end beauty therapy industry and, has practiced as a Senior Medical Aesthetician for the last 11 years.
6 Esher Park Avenue, Esher, KT10 9NP Tel: 01372 890 890
Discreetly situated just off the High Street www.cosdocs.co.uk
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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Supplements:
Which ingredients to look out for in your supplements – and why…
An essential part of a busy woman’s toolkit for looking and feeling great!
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ellness and focusing on your selfcare can be so time-consuming – especially as we all live such busy lives. In an ideal world we would grow our own fruit and vegetables which would provide a nutrientdense diet to ensure that we don’t feel exhausted and our bodies are able to fight off illness. And also, certain food provides vitamins and minerals that ensure our skin, nails and hair are all in top condition, so we look as good as we feel. But the reality is often different – grabbing lunch on the run while juggling meetings, family, friends and other responsibilities can mean that we are missing out on all those feel great nutrients. An easy and simple answer is taking an everyday supplement which provides a way to keep you on track. Remember that high quality ingredients that have been scientifically formulated to work together as a team are best. That way you know that your body is getting the right nutrients at the right time and working around the clock – so you can too. Magnesium is known as the anti-stress mineral. Coffee, stressful situations and alcohol can all burn up our body’s stores of mineral. Fashion models use it as a way to sleep when feeling jet-lagged. Co-Enzyme Q10 is a powerful, fat-soluble antioxidant and anti-inflammatory produced within the body. It is an essential component of healthy energy generation within cells.
VITAMIN A
“Vitamin A is essential for immune system efficiency”
Vitamin A is essential for immune system efficiency by promoting the production of white blood cells and helping regulate the inflammatory response.
VITAMIN C Vitamin C, as an antioxidant, is important in protecting the body against the damage caused by free radicals. It is also vital in the production and maintenance of collagen.
VITAMIN D Vitamin D is essential for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamins A and D taken together reduce the incidence of colds, reduce muscle spasms, especially when related to anxiety states, and ease asthma and arthritis. Vitamin D also supports healthy neuromuscular and immune function and reduces inflammation.
VITAMIN E Vitamin E protects cell membranes against oxidation, supports immune function, inhibits coagulation of blood and aids healthy red blood cell formation.
ZINC Zinc is an important nutrient in healing mechanisms, healthy growth and development, muscle repair, immune function and protection from free radical damage.
SELENIUM Selenium has a vital role in boosting antioxidant activity in the body. Selenium and vitamin E work together synergistically and better together than individually.
CURCUMIN Curcumin - which is found in the spice turmeric has strong antioxidant and antibacterial effects and is a powerful anti-inflammatory shown to be as, if not more, effective than pharmaceutical drugs and without any of the harmful side effects. www.lumitylife.co.uk 6 8 M AY 2 0 1 8
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
RECREATE THESE WINNING AWARDS SEASON BEAUTY LOOKS Katie Wright picks
the best beauty looks from awards season and gets the experts’ advice on how to recreate them.
A
wards season is done and dusted for another year, but the glam doesn’t have to stop now the red carpets have been rolled up and the gowns returned to the ateliers. You can emulate A-list glitz by trying your hand at the hair and make-up looks of the stars - and for significantly less than the price of a designer dress. Here, we hand out the gongs for the beast beauty looks of the season, and ask the experts for their advice on how to get the Hollywood look at home...
Best curls: Jennifer Lawrence To complement her stunning Dior disco ball dress at the Oscars, Jennifer Lawrence opted for Seventies-inspired curls. Award-winning hairdresser Lee Stafford has this hair how-to. “For Jennifer Lawrence’s voluminous curls, opt for a wand with a medium sized barrel like my Rainbow Shine Wand. Section your hair into two and work from the back of your head towards the front. For this look you want to curl even sections of hair, roughly one-inch, away from the face. Once you’ve finished curling, take a pea sized amount of hair wax and rub between your hands and comb the wax through the hair. This will give you matte texture a la J-Law.” Lee Stafford Rainbow Shine Wand, £29.99 7 0 M AY 2 0 1 8
Best blush: Emma Stone “This was a power blush moment. I was inspired by the unabashedly high glamour and powerful feeling of the late Seventies and early Eighties - a time when women wore strong, modern looks,” explains Rachel Goodwin, Nars celebrity make-up artist who did Emma Stone’s Oscars look, starting with a base of Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation. “I mirrored the pink colour blocking in Emma’s suit and applied the Nars Wanted Cheek Palette high on the cheeks blending up toward the eye,” Goodwin explains. Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, £35; NARSissist Wanted Cheek Palette, £45
Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, £35; NARSissist Wanted Cheek Palette, £45, available from Nars
Suqqu Extra Rich Cream Foundation, £62; Face Designing Highlighter 02 Refill, £11; Hanachaori Pure Colour Blush, £32, available from Selfridges
L’Absolu Rouge in Caprice, £25.50, available from Lancome
Best lipstick: Lupita Nyong’o For the Baftas, make-up artist Nick Barose was inspired by Lupita Nyong’o’s latest movie role. “She’s wearing all black, I wanted the make-up to feel regal and fierce. The ‘panther eyes’ is a nod to her movie Black Panther,” the make-up artist says. “Dramatic graphic liner that looks cat-like adds so much toughness and attitude, and when paired with perfect elegant red lips, it gives the classic, feminine red lips a fun and tougher attitude.” Barose recommends Lancome’s Caprice shade to emulate this bold look: “Apply two coats for intensity.”; Lancome L’Absolu Rouge in Caprice, £25.50
Best up-do: Zendaya American actress Zendaya is a real red carpet chameleon, constantly switching up her hair; but for the Oscars she went with a super-sleek, scraped back chignon. Hair stylist and Viviscal Ambassador Neil Moodie offers his advice on updos: “A lot about putting hair up is having grip on the hair itself. Don’t have it too clean as it will be smooth and slippy. I recommend a little bit of root backcombing as this gives support as you’re putting it up. “For a neat, tight up-do, I always recommend spraying hairspray onto the brush so as you’re brushing the hair it distributes evenly and gives hair grip. Pins and grips are essential. Bend the end of the pin over and create a little hook so if it starts to slip out the hook will grip to the hair. I also suggest using a matte texture spray at the roots.” Windle and Moodie Sculpture Hairspray, £20
Best complexion: Helena Bonham Carter Morag Ross, make-up artist and SUQQU spokesperson, was responsible for Helena Bonham Carter’s incredible skin at the Baftas.
Ross achieved the peaches and cream glow by first giving the actress a skin-plumping facial massage, then used a trio of SUQQU products, tapping a shimmering highlighter on Bonham Carter’s cheekbones and finishing with a delicate sweep of blusher over the cheekbones. SUQQU Extra Rich Cream Foundation, £65; Face Designing Highlighter 02 Refill, £11; Hanachaori Pure Colour Blush, £32, Selfridges
OPI Lisbon Wants Moor Nail Polish, £12.95, available from OPI; Chrome Effects in Blue Plate Special, available with OPI manicures only
Best manicure: Margot Robbie Windle and Moodie Sculpture Hairspray, £20, available from Windle and Moodie
Leading actress nominee Margot Robbie was also presenting an award at the Oscars, so she drafted in the A-list’s favourite manicurist Tom Bachik, to get her nails ready for the spotlight. Bachik gave the Aussie actress a champagne shimmer, starting with OPI Lisbon Wants Moor and topping it with a chrome effect powder. The polish is available to buy, but if you want to get the exact same metallic top coat, you’ll need to book in for an OPI manicure in salon. OPI Lisbon Wants Moor Nail Polish, £10.36 (Chrome Effects in Blue Plate Special available with OPI manicures only)
Best eye make-up: Lady Gaga
Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Blacquer, £20; Magic Marc’er Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, £23, available from John Lewis
For her dramatic Grammys look, Lady Gaga turned to Marc Jacobs Beauty and the brand’s Global Artistry Ambassador, Sarah Tanno. “Gaga’s eyes were inspired by a dark, starry night, romantic and striking to complement her gorgeous gown,” Tanno says. She applied a gel crayon eyeliner heavily on the upper and lower lash line, then created a strong winged shape with liquid liner, blending the two together with a shimmery black eyeshadow and finishing with lots of mascara. Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Blacquer, £20; Magic Marc’er Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, £23, John Lewis M AY 2 0 1 8 7 1
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
KATE HUDSON ON ATHLEISURE W
The actress and Fabletics founder speaks to Katie Wright.
hile many actresses dabble in fashion design with the odd collaborative collection here or there, Kate Hudson has become a fully-fledged fitnesswear mogul with her hugely successful Fabletics brand - which later this year celebrates five years in business, and has just opened its first UK retail space. “We like calling it a presence, because it’s not really one of our stores,” the actress explains, curled up on a chintz armchair in a posh London hotel (she’s in the city for the launch). “My best girlfriend here, Stephanie [Burrows], opened her new studio called POPfit, so it seemed fitting that I would put some of our product in there and have a presence.” Fabletics now has 1.2 million members - who have signed up to get monthly deliveries of workout gear - and 24 stores in America, in addition to the UK opening. So while Hudson, 38, was in town, we sat down with the actress and mum-of-two to talk all things fashion and fitness... You’re launching the new Fabletics retail space in London at a time that’s pretty challenging for high street retailers - why now? “For us, it’s a little bit different because we’re a
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digitally native brand. Being a predominantly online brand allows us to be able to take opportunities to test the market, and what we found was that when we strategically placed stores in places where we had a lot of activity, our customers became even more engaged. They wanted to go to the store, they wanted to touch and feel, they wanted the shopping experience. It’s something that actually grows our brand, it doesn’t take away from our brand. So it’s worked the opposite in a climate now where retail is struggling.” This October will mark five years of Fabletics do you have ambitions for where the brand will be in another five years from now? “Yeah, of course, shoot for the stars, right?! It’d be great in five years to be the biggest athleisure line out there! That being said, I think our focus, as much as it is on growth - which is important for any company - it’s really about perfecting our quality. Focusing on quality and fashion first is what we’re really all about, and we know that’s what our customer loves. So that for me is always the most important thing to focus on.” A selection of Fabletics clothing is now available in store at POPfit studio (wearepopfit.com).
“Fabletics now has 1.2 million members - who have signed up to get monthly deliveries of workout gear - and 24 stores in America, in addition to the UK opening”
luxury outdoor
living &
gardening – Celebrate the great outdoors this May – i mage : L ag o o n p o o l s
OUTDOOR LIVING
Hello Summer & Hello Clifton Nurseries! T
he glorious month of May …… that wonderful time of year for enjoying the very best of our gardens. May is that time of year when the flowers are coming out, the garden is green, it’s the month for Chelsea Flower Show, and it’s (hopefully!) warm enough to sit in the garden and enjoy a BBQ. The oldest and arguably most beautiful garden centre in London, Clifton Nurseries London has been inspiring London gardeners since 1851 – and now Clifton Nurseries has another branch in leafy Surrey to inspire gardeners in 2018 and beyond! Only a few minutes away from M25, Junction 11, but tucked away in a peaceful location down the end of a drive behind residential houses on Woburn Hill in Addlestone, the new Surrey outlet of Clifton Nurseries is rapidly becoming one of Surrey’s best kept secrets. It’s a world of beautiful trees and shrubs, garden pots (from small to large, and even to enormous!), stylish garden furniture, outdoor cooking equipment, garden accessories ….. and more. Specialising in large plants, Clifton Nurseries Surrey is the place to go for ready-grown trees and shrubs; ideal for screening off the neighbours, planting an instant ready-grown hedge, or for simply adding height and variety to a border. It also specialises in topiary, from cones and balls to spirals and even horses and dogs! This exciting garden centre features a stunning show garden with an outdoor fireplace, luxury outdoor sofas, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen – all designed and built by the inhouse design and landscaping team. With a rich and varied portfolio under their belts, these experts are experienced at
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designing and building a wide range of gardens and outdoor spaces from city roof gardens to outdoor kitchens, from courtyards to country estates, and from Japanese gardens to Chelsea Show Gardens. And the icing on the cake (literally!) is the opening of a fabulous new Quince Tree Café nestled among the plants at Clifton Nurseries Surrey – offering a delicious selection of brunches, lunches, drinks and cakes. And the Café tables even extend onto the show garden, so you can relax and enjoy the show garden at leisure – just like Chelsea Flower Show, but without the crowds! I know where I’m heading this weekend – what about you?! www.clifton.co.uk
“The oldest and arguably most beautiful garden centre in London, Clifton Nurseries London has been inspiring London gardeners since 1851”
OUTDOOR LIVING
Get set to grow at RHS Garden Wisley’s Family Gardening Festival Fun-packed event runs from 26 May to 3 June
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o celebrate the start of the warmer months, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Wisley is hosting a funpacked Family Gardening Festival, from 26 May to 3 June 2018. Running during May half-term, the family event has a ‘Get Set, Grow!’ theme, with a wide variety of activities taking place throughout the week. Kids can get hands-on with garden themed activities and crafts, such as sow and grow workshops, potato and spoon races, face painting, and tree climbing. There will also be puppet shows, storytelling sessions, a ‘Vegetable Olympics’ and a ‘Mole Hill’ area with pedal-powered tractors. Additionally, fascinating Birds of Prey demonstrations will take place on Seven Acres at 11am and 2pm on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May. As visitors walk around the Festival and take in the horticultural highlights of the season, they can
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“The family event has a ‘Get Set, Grow!’ theme, with a wide variety of activities taking place throughout the week”
gain expert advice from the RHS Science Team. Exhibitors include the National Vegetable Society and Surrey Bees, who will provide honey tastings, bee-themed activities and have a variety of wax products for sale. While at the Family Gardening Festival, families can go on a garden adventure trail, sponsored by Honda, to look for the hidden Miimos - Honda’s clever robotic lawnmowers – along the way. Take a break to refuel during the Festival with a tasty bite to eat, including ice cream and barbequed treats. There is also plenty of room to enjoy a family picnic in the great outdoors. Normal garden entry applies; events and activities are suitable for all the family. For further information and to view the daily programme of activities, visit www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Garden pots and planters How do you choose?
Galvanised Steel
Galvanised Steel These planters are hand made from high-quality galvanised steel. Galvanised planters are highly resistant and durable making them perfect for outdoor use in high traffic areas. These planters will enhance any modern garden scheme and would show off ornamental grasses, ferns and other foliage plants to great effect.
Fibreglass
Powder-coated Steel Powder-coated planters can provide a sleek, finished look for a modern garden. With their striking sharp lines, the designs are eye-catching and available in an extensive range of vibrant colours to complement any situation. They are constructed from high grade UK sourced steel sheets which are then powder-coated from a large range of paint colours including glossy metallic finishes.
THE DETAILS Fibreclay
Fibreclay Fibreclay offers an attractive and authentic faux-lead planter using environmentally-friendly raw materials. Powder The unique manufacturing techniques Coated Steel require 90% less energy than is used for ceramic or plastic planters. These pots weather and age in a similar way to terracotta and this adds to the charm, providing a more natural look. Fibreclay planters are lightweight and easily portable before potting-up. They are perfect for using in traditional or formal garden schemes, for example planted with box balls as pictured here.
Terracotta Powder Coated Steel
Fibreglass Made from fibreglass and resin these planters are durable, lightweight and weather resistant. With their elegant design, they are an ideal fit for any garden area, working well with a wide range of plants. They can be manufactured in a range of colours and special finishes, in matt or high gloss, to suit any garden scheme. 8 2 M AY 2 0 1 8
The colour of the clay has a mellow antique finish that is perfectly harmonious with both classic and more contemporary garden styles. The composition and thickness of the planters make them robust and sturdy. (Cedar Nursery’s terracotta planters are fully certified as frost-resistant). Mediterranean planting and herbs will look very attractive in these planters. Terracotta
There are a very wide range of garden pots and planter styles available to view at the Planter Showroom at Cedar Nursery in Cobham, Surrey. Many styles can be made bespoke to your size or colour requirements. You can also view the ranges online at www.landscaping.co.uk or call the sales team at Cedar Nursery who will be pleased to advise, Tel 01932 862473.
OUTDOOR LIVING
A hidden horticultural treat Just outside Chiddingfold in Surrey lies an enchanted historic woodland garden which has become famous for its incredible collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. Ramster Garden has over 300 different varieties which create a stunning show of colour during spring time.
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T
he garden which is family owned first opened its doors to visitors for the National Garden Scheme in 1927. Rosie Glaister, who runs the 20-acre garden along with other members of her family gives a bit of history: “The garden has been in my family for four generations. My great grandparents Sir Henry and Lady Norman bought Ramster Hall in 1922. They were the ones who initially made the decision to open for the National Garden Scheme. Lady Norman was a keen gardener and introduced many of the rhododendrons and azaleas which the garden is famous for today.” At the start of spring Ramster Garden opens to visitors so they can enjoy the daffodils, early rhododendrons, the ancient magnolias and the kaleidoscope of flowers along Camellia Walk. Towards the end of April and during May, the garden suddenly transforms with carpets of bluebells and a colourful visual feast as the collection of rhododendrons and azaleas come into full bloom. As soon as you turn into Ramster Garden you will be met with huge bushes of brilliant pink flowers which line the entrance of the sweeping driveway. Cynthia, which peaks in May is Ramster’s ‘trademark’ rhododendron and produces enormous 40ft high banks of colour which can be found throughout the garden making a real statement of its 100-year-old existence.
There are hundreds of varieties of rhododendrons to discover, however Rosie highlights a couple because of their history and spectacular display: “Everyone loves Cynthia for the pink flowers but another variety which I point out to visitors is the Loderi King George, this is possibly the finest rhododendron hybrid ever produced with its unmistakable huge, highly scented trumpets. The buds are pink, opening to pale pink flowers, fading to white. Our Loderi Walk brings together all the best forms in a single avenue, showing off not just the best of the best blooms, but submerging the visitor in an almost intoxicating scent, on a warm spring day.”
“As soon as you turn into Ramster Garden you will be met with huge bushes of brilliant pink flowers” The 20-acre woodland garden provides a peaceful setting to see these beautiful flowers and there are hidden sculptures and natural carvings as you explore the grass paths. Even though Ramster Garden only opens during the spring and then again for a couple of weeks for the autumn colour, the family has put a huge amount of effort into its visitor experience. Car parking is free and there is a tea room which has its own blend of coffee and has become renowned its zucchini and lime cake. There is no need to book, tickets can be purchased on arrival to see Ramster Garden until Sunday 10th June 2018 (10am – 5pm). www.ramsterevents.com
The Swimming Pool DeSign & ConSTruCTion SPeCialiSTS Contemporary • Reliable • Experts Indoor, Outdoor, Refurbishment, Maintenance
Contact us now and begin planning your spring project. 01932 569569 info@lagoonpoolsltd.co.uk www.lagoonpools.co.uk
Outdoor Living
[NEWS]
outdoor living AL FRESCO DINING Hersey & Son is one of the last remaining traditional silversmiths in the UK. Manufactured by hand in their London workshop their sterling silver tableware, jewellery and silver gifts have been a trade secret for the last 60 years. They are proud to announce the launch of new pieces to sterling silverware. Silver Mounted Crystal Decanter No. 1, £190, www.hersey.co.uk
SUN WORSHIPPER
Enjoy the sun with some company thanks to the double size hammock from VonHaus. The ultimate in outdoor relaxation, read, catch some rays or enjoying an afternoon siesta in comfort and ease. With strong, thick rope used to secure the hammock to two sturdy posts, you can be confident it’ll hold up all day long. Made from 100% woven cotton – the canvas is comfortable, hardwearing and breathable – ideal for use in the hot summer sun. www.domu.co.uk
cosy summer nights
As the weather gets warmer and the nights get brighter, why spruce up your garden patio with the Dynasty Fire Pit Set from The Garden Furniture Centre. It includes four sumptuous chairs and a fire pit (which can also be used as a small barbecue), making it the perfect solution for keeping you feeling warm and cosy on those colder nights. £1499.99, www.gardenfurniturecentre.co.uk
KIND TO BEES
little devil
If you’re short on space or just want to rustle up a quick barbecue for two, the Red Devil BBQ is perfect! Small enough to fit on a table top whilst looking very chic. £519, www.bridgman.co.uk 8 6 M AY 2 0 1 8
Bee bricks and blocks are innovative garden products, created to be either an integral part of a building or to be used as free standing bee nesting sites in your garden. A construction material that also promotes biodiversity. We love this Beepot mini – a stylish nesting and resting place for solitary bees, designed as a planter so that you can put your pollinator friendly planting right on the doorstep for the bees. Designed and made by Cornish company Green&Blue. Winner of the Soil Association innovation award. £35, www.greenandblue.co.uk
ColourFence
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GUARANTEED to look good whatever the weather throws at it for 25 years. No painting, no treatments, no costly repairs.
with just an occasional hose-down for it to look as good as new.
The UK’s strongest, lowmaintenance, storm-proof Enjoy your garden again fence system that can resist Your home is your castle – fit a wind gusts up to 130mph fence fit for a king. A good A genuine fit-and-forget genui fence makes for a great garden solution! Once O in a lifetime so choose ColourFence and say storms seem to occur every goodbye once and for all to year now, with high winds, wild those scruffy looking wooden rain and destructive forces panels, say goodbye to wreaking havoc on property. ongoing costly, Let your fence be the one thing time-consuming maintenance you don’t have to worry about. and get back to just enjoying ColourFence is scientifically tested and cyclonically rated to your garden. ensure it can withstand wind gusts up to 130mph. It will never rot, and you will never have to paint it! Attractive styles and colours ColourFence panels are guaranteed to last for at least to suit all gardens gua 25 years*, Available in a range of colours
with or without a decorative trellis, our highly-skilled installation team will make short work of transforming your garden. Professional, efficient and with the minimum of disruption. The best news is that ColourFence pricing is just as attractive as timber fences. Sta Starting costs are comparable with traditional systems but offer the ongoing peace of mind that your investment will continue to save you time and money year after year.
For details on our ColourRail product please call
Get in touch today for a FREE, no obligation quote & survey For Weybridge (Surrey) For Redhill Contact Jim Bamber on(Surrey) Contact Jim Bamber on Tel: 01932 481567 Contact Dan Flintan on Mob: 07810 824837 Tel: 01932 481567 Mob: 07810 824837 Tel: 01737 336660 or visit colourfenceweybridge.co.uk Mob: 07500 780449 or visit colourfenceweybridge.co.uk or visit colourfenceredhill.co.uk *full terms & conditions on website or on request
OUTDOOR LIVING
Interesting and varied furniture for your home A t this time of year if you pass No44 Furniture & Fine Things in Cobham, adjacent to the carpark you will see an area full of stunning outdoor furniture for dining and relaxing. This is continued on the indoor covered terrace area, where the 2018 collection includes outdoor furniture made from a mixture of aluminium, teak and woven rope – beautiful contemporary designs to enhance your outdoor area. On entering the main shop you will find it exactly as the name describes, with a wonderful selection of unique and individual furniture items, and many Fine Things including Lamps, Decorative Items, Mirrors, Clocks and Homewares. Paul and Jayne Robertson, owners of No44 Furniture & Fine Things, take considerable time sourcing the furniture, and buy directly from suppliers in Europe and Asia. Their aim is to provide an interesting and varied furniture range and accompany this with individual accessory items that are regularly changing. Dining Furniture features strongly in the store, ranges include beautiful Oak Dining Tables in both classic and contemporary designs, accompanied by a wide range of dining chairs including Dining Benches in Leather or Fabric – a favourite in Europe and now becoming popular with the British customer. New for 2018 are Dining Tables with the surface made from Dekton – a stunningly beautiful surface that looks like marble but is indestructible and ideal for combining family living and formal dining. The team of staff at No 44 Furniture & Fine Things really understand the furniture business and are on hand to offer advice and a personal service to their customers, Paul confirms “Our aim is to make a visit to No 44 Furniture & Fine Things an inspiring experience that will give our customers new ideas for their homes, and the first class customer service they would expect when visiting an established independent store”. No 44 Furniture & Fine Things is open seven days a week and has a customer car park at the rear of the store. no44.furniture From top: Portland Teak Sofa Set with Sunbrella Cushions £2250.00; No44 Furniture & Fine Things Shop front; Jimmy Dining Bench from £650.00 Jimmy Dining Chair from £265.00; Valencia Dekton & Teak Dining Table £3295.00; Geneva Teak 240cm Table with 8 Milan Armchairs £2650.00
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Tel: 07703 649 500
info@rfirelandfencing.co.uk
www.rfirelandfencing.com
OUTDOOR LIVING
A Posh day out at Ascot
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his weekend saw the inaugural Ascot Flower Show take place at Ascot Racecourse. The boutique event was launched to showcase the finest in horticultural talent, and one garden designer at the heart of that is Claudia de Yong. At the show, Claudia designed the ‘What Lies Beneath’ garden for the Association of Professional Landscapers which was one of the six show gardens created by leading designers in the industry. The garden was designed to create an educational piece of landscaping and invited show visitors to walk through the garden, discovering more elements as they passed through. These included various glass covered areas to peek through below the ground to show how the paving, decking and grass was laid, as well as exposed sections that revealed more about the construction methods.
“The 6ft x 4ft Gothic shed, with slate effect roof is finished in a shade of Posh Elephant” One of the features of the garden was a hand-crafted shed that was supplied by The Posh Shed Company. The 6ft x 4ft Gothic shed, with slate effect roof and finished in a shade of Posh Elephant, sat in the garden on a raised platform surrounded by a vast array of carefully selected planting. This is not the first time that The Posh Shed 9 2 M AY 2 0 1 8
Company and Claudia have worked together. Claudia’s 2016 Gardeners’ World Live Urban Nature’ garden was awarded the People’s Choice Award, also featured a Posh Shed, and proved very popular with visitors to the show. Claudia commented: “I love working with the Posh Shed Company. Their sheds are brilliant, not just well built but also stylish. They slot perfectly into my designs and sit naturally in gardens. We had a lot of comments over the weekend about the shed – everyone seemed to love it whilst exploring the garden.” For more information please visit www.claudiadeyongdesigns.com or www.theposhshedcompany.co.uk.
• Tree Surgery • Stump Removal • Hedge Trimming & Reductions • Tree & Shrub Planting
We’ll keep on top of your trees (your hedges and borders too!)
• NPTC Certified Arborists • Free Professional Advice & Quotations • Qualified, Experienced & Insured • 24 Hour Emergency Call Out • Member of The Arboricultural Association Tel: 01403 753395 Mob: 07787 553175 Email: leigh@surreyandsussextreesurgery.com Website: www.surreyandsussextreesurgery.com
HOME &
PROPERTY
– A collection of Surrey and Berkshire’s finest house and garden companies, plus stunning homes for sale in the area – I M A G E : IN TOTO
H OME & PROPERTY
[NEWS]
INTERIORS make it marine Heritage marine lighting manufacturer Davey Lighting combines industrial design, traditional craftsmanship and the finest raw materials. Authentic and unique, IP-rated exterior lights are hand-crafted in-house from the finest raw materials, with the same attention to detail required for their original industrial purpose. www.originalbtc.com
Pale and interesting
Whitewashed tones and organic materials lend a simple, earthy quality to Atkin and Thyme’s brand new collection. Peppered with ethnic influences, light metalwork and rustic, sculptural woods, the latest range offers an eclectic, global take on the new season’s most palatable trends. Victoria Atkin, co-founder of Atkin and Thyme, says: ‘the beauty of Bohemian prints and textures, tribal painting, and the artistry of nature inspired us to curate a collection that we hoped would reflect a richly cultural, organic, and design-conscious aesthetic.’ www.atkinandthyme.co.uk
FABULOUSLY FRENCH
A beautifully classic French style bed upholstered in a contemporary cement coloured linen with double piped edging. Made from an ash wooden frame with sprung slats for increased mattress support, it is available in both king and superking sizes. Mooring Manor Upholstered Bed, from £980; www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
FEATHERED Friends
With her elegantly extended neck and frou frou feathers, Fenella Smith’s leggy ostrich is the latest addition to the British designer’s marvellous menagerie. Working collaboratively with her BAFTA award-winning illustrator brother, storyteller Fenella’s imagined characters are brought to life by her sibling’s drawings. Available in store from John Lewis and online at www.fenellasmith.com. 9 6 M AY 2 0 1 8
DINNER TABLE COMPANIONS Chase and Wonder are proud to unveil their brand new range of fine china plates, available in both 8inch and 10inch designs. The plates work beautifully as part of a dinner service or grouped together as distinctive piece of wall art - a stylish addition to any home. www.chaseandwonder.com
H OME & PROPERTY
Begin planning your Spring/Summer projects now
Lagoon Pools recommend Automatic Safety Covers
L
agoon Pools are a family run business that specialise in constructing bespoke mosaic swimming pools, Spas, Steam rooms and Saunas. Either outdoor or indoor, Lagoon Pools are renowned and trusted industry experts.
Values Contemporary, reliable and expertly crafted are the values to which Lagoon Pools adheres to on every project they undertake. Based in Surrey, the company has created many stunning pools in and around the M25, neighbouring counties, and greater London. They can regularly be seen operating in private estates (but not exclusive to) around Weybridge, Esher, Cobham, Oxshott and Wimbledon. They work alongside leading property developers as a trusted partner, helping to design and build leisure spaces for some of the finest properties in England. Lagoon Pools also works alongside family home owners. For years they have been enhancing outdoor living spaces to be enjoyed by the whole family. They work closely with client needs, and provide efficient construction solutions for every unique home. Nothing gives more satisfaction to Lagoon Pools than when smiles are brought to the faces of families as they enjoy the summer time by the pool.
Design Every swimming pool they design is unique. They believe clean lines, simplicity and polished finishes are an unbeatable combination. Through their dedicated approach and technical expertise, Lagoon Pools are confident they can offer clients a superior swimming pool construction experience. Many pools now include LED lighting, speakers, water jets and fountains. Modern technology has elevated the swimming pool industry to new heights. 9 8 M AY 2 0 1 8
“They work closely with client needs, and provide efficient construction solutions for every unique home”
Indoor or outdoor? An indoor swimming pool is a luxurious and convenient addition to any home. Whether for exercise routines or relaxation, it can add value to real estate and to the quality of life. Lagoon Pools has vast experience in managing and designing indoor pool projects. Bespoke leisure spaces are often built as extension’s to the home; giving a divine feeling of relaxation all year round. Many home owners are also redeveloping basement spaces to contain entertainment suites with swimming facilities, including Spa, Sauna and Steam rooms. Outdoor pools offer summer fun for all the family and friends. Many great memories are made by the pool in a refined outdoor living space. Lagoon Pools highly recommend outdoor pools to include Automatic Safety Covers, as piece of mind can be achieved in regards to the safety of children and family pets. Safety covers also provide greater water heat retention, adding efficiency to warm water swimming all year around. Over the last 40 years, Lagoon Pools have helped countless people realise their dreams of a bespoke, luxury swimming pool. They are committed to building swimming pools that you fall in love with. 01932 569569; www.lagoonpoolsltd.co.uk
H OME & PROPERTY
The Art & Antiques Fair Olympia, 20-27 June
T
he Art & Antiques Fair Olympia is set to return for a historic 46th year as the UK’s longest running vetted fair. Featuring many dealers not seen at any other UK fair, the event hosts London’s largest choice of antiques, in particular furniture, ranging from 1600 to 20th century design. New exhibitors to the 2018 edition include: Galerie Hurtebize (Cannes, France), Tom Rooth Fine Art, Galerie de la Seine (Paris), Westland London Antiques, Michael Parkin Fine Art, Brocante de Luxe (Paris), La Galerie du Manoir (Paris), Broadbent, Berlin Walls, Precious Flora (Jewellery), Peacock’s Finest Ltd, Tobogan Antiques (Paris) and Robin Haydock. Regular returnees include: Anthony James, Craig Carrington, Anthony Fell, Joanna Booth, Haynes Fine Art, JM Baptista (Portugal), Howard Walwyn Ltd, Boccara (France), Morgan Strickland Decorative Arts, Anthea AG, Raffaello Pernici (Italy), James Brett, Titus Omega, Galerie Arabesque (Germany), Jeroen Markies, Mary Cooke Antiques, Woodham Smith and The Old Corkscrew (South Africa). The event comprises 160 dealers and is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors. Amongst the 55,000 pieces for sale will be: art,
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furniture, silver, mirrors, sculpture, ceramics, Art Deco, mid-century modern, jewellery, textiles, glass and photography. Each object will be individually vetted by independent experts. The fair opens at 10.30am daily. Closing times vary. There is a late night on Tuesday 26th June. The Art & Antiques Fair Olympia 2018 is part of the House and Garden Festival which will run from 20th 24th June. A Louis Roederer champagne bar and a specially created menu at Mosimann’s Brasserie all combine to make the Fair a prestigious and must-attend event in London’s summer calendar. There is a dedicated experts’ theatre featuring leading interior designers such as Edward Bulmer, Gail Taylor, Rachel Chudley and Rabih Hage. There will be an interior design panel as well as talks.
tickets Tickets are priced from £16 in advance and £20 on the door *. The Art & Antiques Fair Olympia takes place at the Olympia National, London, W14 8UX. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.olympia-art-antiques.com *A transaction fee of £2.20 applies
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H OME & PROPERTY
SMALL SPACE secrets
Feeling squeezed at home? Topology designers Athina Bluff and Amy Brandhorst share their top spaceenhancing hacks with Gabrielle Fagan.
I
nterior designers and award-winning bloggers, Athena Bluff and Amy Brandhorst from Topology (topologyinteriors.com), have joined forces with Habitat, in a mission to help the nation maximise the space in their homes. While there’s nothing anyone can do about the bricks and mortar and actual dimensions of your property you live in, their seven home hacks could help you make the best of the space available, meaning rooms feel larger.
Tommy Copper Desk Lamp, £25, Habitat
Shine a light “Ensure you have multiple light sources within a room to maximise light at night,” says Bluff. “You should aim to have around six light sources around the room, which will ‘replace’ natural daylight and allow light to flow through the space. Enhance the effect with mirrored surfaces, which will bounce light around. Those and metallics, which reflect warm light, will create a sense of more space.” Be free with flooring “An easy trick for floors to is to continue the hallway flooring into your small room. Creating a visually unbroken flow of space will make it appear as though it’s one big area, and creates an illusion that the floor is expanding,” points out Bluff. Create colour harmony “Try painting walls, skirting boards and door frames all the same colour. Painting them different colours can actually break up a space and emphasise the shape and (small) size of the room,” says Brandhorst. “If they’re all the same colour, they’ll blend into one and make the room appear bigger.” Make a great reflection “Hang a mirror opposite a window. It’s simple but extremely effective - both in terms of cost and visual impact,” suggests Brandhorst. “The mirror will reflect natural light and instantly brighten up your space, as well as making it appear larger. If you’re feeling creative, play around with different shapes or multiple mirrors to reflect as much light as possible. More light equals more sense of space.” Choose multi-functional furniture “Opt for dual usage furniture that can be folded or expanded to suit your needs,” says Bluff. “If there’s only two of you most evenings, opt for a folding
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table which, with an extension, turns into a fourperson dining table for entertaining. Check out sofa bed options, which can easily turn a sitting room into bedroom for guests. Always consider storage in items like ottomans, pouffes, trunks, coffee tables. If there’s a design that also hides clutter (the enemy of small spaces), choose it!” Embrace the dark side “This is one for the brave! Don’t be afraid of going dark in small spaces,” advises Bluff. “It may sound counter-intuitive, but dark shades - navy and grey can actually disguise the perimeters of a room and blur boundaries which extend the space, so don’t feel you can only use ‘Brilliant White’ to achieve a sense of more space. Walk on the dark side - trust us, it works!” Work the walls “As you don’t have a lot of floor space to play with, think upwards and make use of walls instead,” advises Brandhorst. “Floating shelves, clothes hooks, wall-mounted magazine racks and bike hooks will allow you to store things like folding chairs, or display belongings without cluttering the floor. Make use of dead space, such as corners, and have wall-mounted shelves.”
Jacobs Grey Upholstered Storage Bench, grey, £250, Habitat
H OME & PROPERTY
The Rough with the Smooth… W
ARENDORF by in-toto is starting the year with amazing new kitchen materials and outstanding craftsmanship Made in Germany. With their versatile, sophisticated, tailored solutions and the unique folding carcase, WARENDORF by in-toto offers a premium quality kitchen, exclusively designed for you and your personal lifestyle. Create a point of interest in your kitchen with the combination of titanium grey concrete and American walnut. Against the rough and urban appearance of the concrete featured in the image above, the warmth of the wood emphasises its
“Create a point of interest in your kitchen with the combination of titanium grey concrete and American walnut”
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velvety side. The combination with a worktop made from hot-rolled stainless steel provides an intentional contrast. The special carcase at a standard dimension with a reduced plinth heightoffers ergonomic advantages and additional storage space as well as an extraordinary look. The high-quality exterior concept is accomplished by pull-out systems in aluminium and walnut. Matching interior organisers in walnut and writeable magnetic niece elements round up this exclusive kitchen, creating an individual living space. in-toto offers a variety of design possibilities, including a choice of worktops in the latest highquality materials and finishes, inspired storage solutions, and harmonising lighting options helping you to create a kitchen that is individually tailored to your lifestyle and tastes. Discover how in-toto can design a space for your home that is as individual as you are by visiting www.intoto.co.uk. 29-31 Queens Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9UG; 01932 856906; weybridge@intoto.co.uk; www.intoto.co.uk
ABOUT IN-TOTO in-toto means “entirely” in Latin and was embraced as the company name when it was established in the UK in 1980. in-toto has kitchen design studios spread across the UK.
in-toto prides itself on its extensive national network of business owners and designers whose passion is creating, building and installing beautiful and practical kitchens. Renowned for its “Made for You” ethos, all creations are designed in partnership with the customer to reflect their lifestyle, personality and the specific needs of their home.
H OME & PROPERTY
BEST Y
SEAT IN THE HOUSE
WORDS: GABRIELLE FAGAN
ou just know when you’ve found ‘the one’. Supportive, and always there for you when you need comfort, a snuggle or just to relax. I’m not talking about a partner - at least, not a human one, but the sometimes more tricky matter of getting the right seating partner; a sofa. But with so much to consider, from size through to shape and colour, never mind sorting through a seemingly endless array of ranges, finding the perfect match for you and your home can be daunting. People often go to enormous lengths choosing a sofa, because it’s the most important piece of furniture in a living room. It can literally make or break the look of a setting. A lot of life happens on a sofa, so it’s worth taking time to find ‘the one’.
Follow the experts’ tips for a seatmatch made in heaven... GET THE MEASURE I’m a fan of sofas which are big enough to lounge around on and are super comfy, with deeper seat cushions than average, so they’re inviting to curl up on. Top tips: Measure your room before shopping, so you choose a sofa to fit the space and scale of the room. When you have one in mind, make a paper template of it and lay it out in the room to help you visualise the reality of its size, as display sofas always look smaller in large showrooms. Ensure it will fit, especially if there are awkward stairs or narrow doorways, although bolt-on arms or removable legs are solutions if space is tight.
CHECK OUT PATTERN Don’t be afraid to be adventurous and really push the boundaries when it comes to choosing seating it’s outdated to pick a matching sofa, armchair and footstool. Create an eclectic, customised look by mixing colours and patterns, so a sofa upholstered in a plain fabric could be paired with a leather armchair, or a patterned footstool. Top tips: Don’t be led purely by design. Comfort is key, so try out a few before you decide. For instance, deep-seated sofas can be uncomfortable for short people, while those who love a squashy sofa for snoozing and sprawling will struggle with a lean, low-backed contemporary model. People are becoming more adventurous in their decor, so clashing statement patterns and bold colours are starring. Pair a sofa with a bold fabric design with a plain backdrop, or if you love bold wallpapers, create a feature wall first and then match the sofa’s colour to the wall. 1 0 6 M AY 2 0 1 8
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION In large rooms, small sofas can look lost. Generally, high-backed sofas with upholstered arms dominate more and need more space around them, while a low-back slimmer sofa can be more discreet, and won’t block a view if placed in front of windows. L-shaped sofas can work well in a compact space, or act as room-dividers in an open plan area. Intricate fabric patterns and sofas customised with different details in piping, mixed fabrics or a choice of feet, are increasingly finding favour. While bold patterns bring a room to life, my preference is for large sofas upholstered in neutral tones or leather, which suit any decor theme.
“A lot of life happens on a sofa, so it’s worth taking time to find ‘the one’”
H OME & PROPERTY
Is your Conservatory too cold in Winter and too hot in Summer? W ith over 50 years combined experience in the conservatory business, the directors of iCon Roofs know a thing or two about temperature differences and how to solve the problems many people experience. They pride themselves on carrying out conservatory and building work to the highest standard with all work undertaken by fully trained staff, giving you total peace of mind. They also promise to give potential customers a free, no obligation quotation along with no-nonsense conservatory roofing and insulated ceiling advice. An iCon replacement conservatory roof is solid, thermally efficient with an outstanding low “U Value”, delivering astonishing results, keeping conservatories much cooler in the summer and much, much warmer in the winter. The standard polycarbonate or glass roof system found in almost all UK conservatories has virtually no insulating properties, even if roof blinds are installed. This means most of the sun’s heat is conducted in the summer, making the room unpleasantly hot for everyday use. Conversely, in the winter months, it can be impossible to keep most conservatories warm, because the same lack of insulation allows most of the heat to quickly escape. iCon Roofs can either install a new highly insulated lightweight complete replacement roof or refurbish your existing that will reduce the level
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of heat conductance found in an unaltered roof, making it vastly more efficient in matching the temperatures found in the rest of your home. If you are serious about solving your conservatory temperature blues, then you have just discovered the best solution on the market today! iCon Replacement Conservatory Roofs. An IWA Trusted Installer with a 5 STAR Facebook and Google rating. Contact info@iconroofs.com or call 0800 00 33 55 today for a free no-nonsense quotation
“An iCon replacement conservatory roof is solid, thermally efficient with an outstanding low “U Value””
H OME & PROPERTY
CASE STUDY:
CEDARWOOD S et within a generous mature landscaped plot with views across the open Cheshire countryside Cedarwood offers a contemporary rural residence completed to the highest possible specification. The brief was to create a timeless yet elegant design, which connected with the surrounding landscape. Nestled deep within the established plot the simple series of refined linear buildings blend seamlessly and capture the innate natural beauty of their setting. Strategically positioned the buildings provide an array of landscaped courtyards each with its own distinct character. Constructed from the highest quality natural materials the buildings are designed to provide a healthy and sustainable living environment, highly insulated and filled with light. The large panels of recessed glazing which adorn the elevations provide panoramic views across the site whilst creating a series of bright internal living spaces. The glazing itself is highly thermally efficient allowing energy from the sun to enter the building whilst limiting
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heat loss during winter. The natural slate roof lines, which float effortlessly over the buildings, provide shelter and protection from the elements. The purity of the roof forms are further enhanced by the use of recessed guttering and concealed down-pipes. Constructed from a rigid steel frame the buildings are clad externally in western red cedar, which has a superior natural durability and resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage. Selected for its warm textured grain and rich colour cedar has an inherent quality that has been proven to retain its appearance for several decades. The use of cedar provides a strong visual connection and roots the buildings within its landscape. The buildings themselves are highly thermally insulated using sustainable wood-fibre board that not only reduces heat loss but also gives protection from overheating in the summer months. the building construction is highly breathable and vapour permeable protecting the building fabric and providing a naturally healthy living environment. Heating is provided via underfloor heating linked to a highly efficient gas-condensing boiler. Award: Northern Design Award – New Build House Winner www.nicolastyearchitects.com
H OME & PROPERTY
What can hydrotherapy do for you?
W
ater has been used as an effective natural treatment for pain and illness for thousands of years. However, many of us are still unfamiliar with the healing effects of a hydrotherapy pool and the hugely positive impact it has on our mental and physical wellbeing. Origin, the UK’s longest established swimming pool company, has helped hundreds of families to bring the healing powers of a hydrotherapy pool into the comfort of their own home, as well as installing the world-famous pool at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire. With over 35 years’ experience, the multi-award winning company answers some frequently asked questions about this life-enhancing choice.
What is hydrotherapy? A hydro pool works by stimulating touch receptors on the skin using the motion of the water to relieve muscles. This type of physiotherapy was first discovered in 2000BC when ancient Egyptians 1 1 2 M AY 2 0 1 8
recognised the therapeutic benefits of bathing in warm water. Over 4,000 years later, doctors and physiotherapists still recommend hydrotherapy as an effective treatment for a number of conditions.
What are the health benefits of hydrotherapy? Hydrotherapy has many benefits, from treating major physical illness and injuries to improving general health and well-being. A hydro pool can be invaluable in helping with muscular conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, fatigue, back pain and other conditions caused by inflammation. In addition, swimming and bathing in a hydrotherapy pool has been proven to help those suffering with long-term illnesses or those in need of pain relief. Hydro pools are often used to help physically disabled people and those with learning disabilities to exercise. It can also be used for rehabilitation by convalescent people.
“A hydro pool works by stimulating touch receptors on the skin using the motion of the water to relieve muscles”
H OME & PROPERTY
Anna’s Story Our unique understanding of hydrotherapy made us the perfect choice for Anna’s mother Jan when she selected Origin to install a specially equipped hydrotherapy pool for her daughter. Anna, who sustained a significant brain injury during birth and suffers from dystonic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, has enjoyed swimming from a young age. After trying hydrotherapy at a local swimming pool, her mother Jan realised that it could help improve her enormously, adding greatly to her strength and stamina.
Hydrotherapy is also an effective way for people of all ages to get fit and healthy and is proven to improve cardiovascular fitness, as well as strengthening and restoring muscles. As well as its physical benefits, hydrotherapy can have a positive impact on a person’s psychological well-being and is proven to promote relaxation and reduce blood pressure. It also encourages the production of endorphins, a natural stress fighter, and can help to relieve anxiety and stress.
What do I need to consider when installing a hydrotherapy pool? A hydrotherapy pool construction requires specialist design, knowledge and experience and must to be tailored to the needs of an individual. This will dictate the planning and design, the equipment required, and the water and air temperatures needed. There may also be additional access and safety requirements to be considered. At Origin, we believe it’s the smaller details that make the difference. We take time to understand how the hydrotherapy pool may help you, both now and in the future if your symptoms change.
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Hydrotherapy water temperatures of 33°C to 34°C allows you to benefit from the heat of the water, from relaxing muscles and improving muscle length to reducing pain and muscle spasms. You can also enjoy water-based exercises to improve core strength, global strength, coordination and cardio vascular fitness. Many of these benefits aren’t achievable at lower water temperatures, so a hydrotherapy pool design needs advanced equipment to manage the high levels of water evaporation in the environment to stop condensation, mould or deterioration of the building. While a hydro pool is crucial for pain relief and treating major physical problems, it isn’t just the water that’s important. For those suffering from certain conditions, the lighting, air heating, internal building finishes and even sounds can have an impact on comfort, and these are all considerations that we take into account during the planning process. Finally, it is important to think about the maintenance of your pool once it has been installed. Your pool is for life, and we understand the maintenance this requires. For many of our customers, we look after this final stage of the process, from routine maintenance to emergency support, winter-proofing your building, and water health checks. For full details of all Origin’s pools and pool houses or to ask any questions, get in touch with Origin on 01895 453996 or email info@originpools.co.uk
After consulting physiotherapists and her swimming instructor, it was decided that Anna should have a pool of her own in order to continue her therapy and Origin was a natural choice. Plans for the pool were submitted and accepted and the building was created at the family’s property alongside the family’s busy lifestyle. Today, ready access to a suitable pool continues to have a positive impact on Anna’s life and she enjoys having friends and family round to enjoy the pool with her and her siblings. Although Anna will always have difficulties as a result of her disability, swimming remains a firm passion of hers and she feels stronger, fitter and more skillful in her lifechanging pastime. Anna’s mother Jan summed up their experience of installing an Origin hydrotherapy pool: “Anna’s regular access to a pool has greatly benefited her quality of life, and that has made it all worth it.”