Brush Mag Christmas Issue

DECEMBER

2020

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ISSUE

NO.

03

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FREE

brush

CHRISTMAS ISSUE F E S T I V E

W

A

Y S

T O

L I V E

L I F E

TEAM

EDITOR PROOF - READER BOOKS GIFT - GUIDE

Harriet Smith Sebastian Holstein Hattie Waring Coco Smith

CONTENTS 4 5

First Look

Lifestyle

Editor's Letter

18

good time to

Culture

7 8 9 10 11 12 15

Theatre TV Shows

stop drinking?

20

Interview with Mountain People

Films Art Music Books Podcasts

Food

16 20

Is Christmas a

Recipes Chef Interview

Fashion

36 38 39

Gift Guide Trends Editorial

Travel

48 Postcards from Gran Canaria

3

___________________

FIRST LOOK

___________________

Inside the Christmas Issue

__

16

Fashion

______

Christmas Fashion Editorial modelled and styled by our readers in their festive looks

39 _ Food

___

We've gone veggie!

Mediterranean winter recipes for cosy December evenings in

24 __________

Gift Guide

Business

Our Queen of Fashion is back with a Christmas gift guide full of present inspiration for the fitness, homeware and accessories lover!

Sebastian Holstein tells us all about Mountain People, his chalet rental company in the French Alps and promises there is more to the mountain lifestyle than skiing in 10ft of snow

Travel

4

48 ________

Come and get a dose of winter sun in Gran Canaria as we explore this beautiful island

36 _____

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LETTER

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Â

" We should all find something to celebrate this Christmas, even if it's just getting through this year! "

EDITOR S NOTE '

______________________________________________ In this issue, I have been inspired by art and culture and the resilience of artists

IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE

a year has gone

and makers who continue to find new

by since the start of the new normal. It has

ways of creating. With this in mind,

been almost a year since I celebrated my

although I haven't been able to shoot an

30th and looking back, how grateful I was

editorial as normal (which is why I have

to not have to spend it in covid times.

sneaked

Now, my 31st is upon me and it seems

document new travel destinations, or

apparent I will be celebrating another year

watch new releases on the big screen -

around the sun in unusual circumstances.

fresh ideas have emerged to keep the

Safe to say, it has definitely been a quiet

pages of Brush Mag alive. Thank you to

time on the parties front and Christmas

our

and New Year may not be very different.

contributed their time and creativity to

But, we should all find something to

this issue; your spirit keeps us optimistic

celebrate this Christmas, even if it's just

for the year ahead. 2021 - if you're

getting through this year!

listening, we're ready for you!

my

lovely

way

onto

the

collaborators

@harrietmjsmith @brush.mag

cover!),

who

Harriet

have

___________________

CULTURE

Find out what's on in

The world of

____________________

Film

Real dramas

Theatre

LEGENDS

MU SIC

ART Ceramics by Candy Ward

PLAYING ON REPEAT

HATTIE WARING shares her top reads

6

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THEATRE

Â

___________________

LOOKING AHEAD AT 2021 Theatres and the arts are still very much relying on public support and donations to stay afloat and emerge from the pandemic ready to grace our favourite stages again.

BBC Arts Broadcasts Theatre BBC Arts has partnered with theatres who will broadcast plays across radio, TV and streaming services in a pledge to support the arts industry and bring the theatre into our homes. A 3-week festival is set to take over BBC4 with screenings of plays from the National Theatre and many others during February & March 2021. BBC Radio 3 & Radio 4 will also be collaborating with theatres and playwrights to broadcast adaptations during the festival.

BBC channels from February 2021

Pantomime Are you a fan of Panto? Well look no further than Peter Duncan's Pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk. Filmed during the summer of 2020 in his own back garden, the production is filled with colour, joy and laughter plus all the anticipated tricks and magic you would expect of a panto. The show is being screened online and in cinemas accross the UK. Until 10th January 2021 | Tickets pantoonline.co.uk

7

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TV

&

___________________

FILM

TV SHOWS

to fill you with love (& drama) this Christmas season

2 US

1 LOVE LIFE

.

.

This is probably our absolute favourite series of 2020. In a refreshing, true and honest portrayal of finding love, Anna Kendrick's character Darby chronicles her relationships until she finds 'the one'. BBCiPlayer

3 INDUSTRY .

Parents and only son Albie are due to head to Europe on a summer trip of a lifetime before tragedy strikes. Can this family repair their relationship and once again find compassion and understanding for one another?

BBCiPlayer

Directed by Lena Dunham, creator of hit US TV series GIRLS, Industry follows the story of five new graduate recruits at a London Investment Bank. A fictitious insight into the cut-throat world of global banking. BBCiPlayer

________________________________________________________________________________

DOCS FEMICIDES SEARCHING FOR JUSTICE -

4 THREE DEATHS OF 5 CARMEL WHO MARISELA ESCOBEDO KILLED MARĂ?A MARTA .

.

-

?

In Mexico, a mother embarks on a desperate mission to seek justice for her daughter who was killed in a femicide. In a country with a corrupt judiciary system where women's rights are discounted, Marisela fights tirelessly to close in on her daughter's murderer.

Netflix

MarĂ­a Marta's death was accidental or so her family first thought. In a complex case subject to years of investigation, the Argentinian justice system is tested as testimonials of witnesses fail to add up and pressure to find the perpetrator mounts.

Netflix

6 THE TRIALS OF OSCAR PISTORIUS .

This lengthy 4-part documentary recounts the career of Oscar Pistorius and the events prior to the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. A rare insight into the man he became and the tragic events that followed. BBCiPlayer

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TV

&

FILM

_______

FILMS ON OUR WATCHLIST CHRISTMAS COMEDIES & DRAMAS 1

.

2

HAPPIEST SEASON

.Â

UP FOR LOVE

3

.

BRAVE

The latest Christmas rom-com to hit Hollywood stars Kristen Steward & Mackenzie Davis. A lesbian couple joins their family for Christmas but there's just one problem - one half of the couple is still in the closet! Will she be able to come out to her family?

Jean Dujardin stars as a 4ft6 architect who is unlucky in love due to his stature, that is, until he meets single lawyer Diane (Virginie Efra). They embark on a whirlwind romance where we come to find out, does height really matter?

Very entertaining, light-hearted comedy.

Let's face it, we all need a little bit of courage this festive season and there's no on braver than Disney & Pixar's Princess Merida, to show us how it's done. Standing up to her ruthless mother, this fiery princess fights for her independence as she wards off suitors and follows her own dreams.

Amazon Prime, US 1h 47m

Amazonprime, FR 1h 38m

Disney+, USA, 1h 35m

________________________________________________________________________________

4

.

YEH BALLET

5

.

ROCKS

6 THE FORTY YEAR OLD VERSION .

-

-

It might not be possible to go to the Ballet this Christmas so how about watching a ballet film instead? Based on a true story, two young & underprivileged dancers in Mumbai overcome the odds and navigate both disapproval & adversity to make it in the world of pro ballet.

In this British coming of age tale, teenager Rocks has to muster all the resilience she can when her mother disappears and leaves her in charge of the house and her little brother. But a series of bad decisions whilst trying to keep her family afloat lead to a heartbreaking conclusion.

New Yorker, performer and writer Radha Blank stars in this part autobiographical satirical comedy about the struggles of making it in showbiz. Fast approaching forty, Radha decides to put a fresh spin on her career and starts rapping.

Stream on Netflix, IN, 1h 57m

Stream on Netflix, UK, 1h 33m

Stream on Netflix, USA, 2h 04m

9

____________________ The Art of Banksy Unauthorised Private Collection A collection of privately owned works

by Banksy will be exhibited in a large warehouse space in Covent Garden.

The exhibition will feature some of Banksy's famous works such as Girl with Balloon. Contrary to the ethos of street art, there is a ticket price to gain access to Banksy's works - and it will be up to fans to decide whether or not they feel it is justified.

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ART

TATE BRITAIN

The Winter Commission is up at Tate Britain and never has it been more welcome! Titled Remembering a Brave New World, artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman has illuminated the museum faรงade with cultural symbols and a proimmigration message which reads 'Without us there is no Britain' a refreshing take on Christmas illuminations!

On display until 31st January 2021

Pulp Fiction, Banksy

Opening March 2021 Tickets on sale from ยฃ25

photos Lucien Smith

Artist Christmas Shops

FOUNDLAND

PANGOLIN LONDON

The London duo behind Foundland online store source beautiful and unique gifts with a special interest in Japan. We love the rattan house shoes and there are some lovely ceramics & artworks too.

Sculpture gallery Pangolin London in King's Cross has launched an online exhibition displaying small scale sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and prints. All works are for sale & make perfect Christmas gifts!

Below: Venus Vase by Candy Ward

Foundland.com

pangolinlondon.com

BECI CALLOW DESIGN Beci Callow makes beautiful ceramics in batches including some joyful, brilliant christmas decorations. She releases them every Thursday 7pm on her Etsy shop. @becicallowdesign on Insta

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MUSIC

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W H ATÂ TO L ISTEN TO TH IS W IN TER

nickkingswell.com

NICK KINGSWELL Nick Kingswell is an Australian singersongwriter who came to London to pursue his career and now calls Cornwall home. A beautifully mature sound comes from his latest album 'Brontide' where he reflects on his experiences as a man in life, love and heartache. His soulful voice, raw honest lyrics mixed with pulsing beats and melodic meanderings set the tone for relaxing evenings curled up on the sofa with someone special. @nick_kingswell on Insta

Mali Koa Instagram

MALI KOA Mali Koa Hood is an Australian singer-songwriter who started her journey in music on the first season of The Voice Australia in 2012. She signed with Island Records UK in 2018 and has been releasing feel-good empowered pop songs ever since. She is fast becoming a positive role-model to young girls and released a fan music video of her track Revolution sharing a message of love with the world. @malikoa on Insta

Youtube still from Colors video

FATOUMATA DIAWARA Fatoumata Diawara is a Malian actress and singersongwriter who built her career after moving to France in the late 90s. She has since released two albums, toured the world and received two Grammy Award nominations last year for her latest album Fenfo. She sings predominantly in her native language of Bambara and uses her music to channel important socio-political messages in her distinctively colourful way. @fatoumata_diawara__ on Insta

Video still Los animales

LOCOPLAYA Locoplaya is a rap group hailing from formed in 2014 by artists Bejo, Don Channeling the summer vibes of the creates great music to dance to with a attitude, typical of the islands.

the Canary islands Patricio and Uge. islands, the group care-free Canarian

@locoplayapalmundo on Insta

11

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BOOKS

______________________

Best Winter Reads

HATTIE WARING ASSISTANT BUYER AND FASHION BLOGGER SHARES HER TOP 5 BOOKS THIS WINTER ,

1. The Institute by Stephen King Luke Ellis, a super smart 12 year old from Minneapolis, has an extraordinary gift. One night he is kidnapped from his home and taken to a secret government facility in Maine where he discovers he is one out of a long line of children who were kidnapped and brought here for a special reason.

12

I am a huge fan of Stephen King's psychological thrillers and this book did not disappoint. I loved the depth and detail of the characters and the world the story was based in and I really felt like I was immersed in that world as if it were real. I know it's a good thriller when I stay up at night turning the pages eager to find out what happens next.

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BOOKS

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2. The Year of Less by Cait Flanders One woman’s diary over a 12-month period about how she gave up shopping for an entire year with the exception of essentials like food and bills as well as clearing out about 70 per cent of her belongings.

This book was super interesting to me. I found it really inspirational to learn about Cait’s journey towards buying and needing less. Cait explains the reason why she chose to give up shopping for a year and it really made me stop and think. It definitely inspired me to adopt a similar mindset in my life and be grateful and content with what I already have.

3. Shagged married annoyed

by Chris & Rosie Ramsey I feel like this book needs no introduction. If you are a fan of Chris and Rosie's popular podcast like me then you will absolutely love this.

The book is essentially a print version of the podcast with chapters on dating (the sh**ged section basically), marriage, having children and consequently, feeling annoyed. It includes lots of stories and questions on behalf of the public, some of which are absolutely ridiculously funny.

I totally loved this book just like I love the podcast and Rosie & Chris Ramsey. It had me laughing out loud constantly and genuinely shocked at some of the stories I read. It’s such an easy, feel-good book!

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BOOKS

4. The Guest List by Lucy Foley A wedding on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. It’s the wedding of the year but hidden behind the happiness of the bride, the groom and their guests are dark secrets and hidden pasts. It all begins to unravel until the revelations on the evening of the wedding.

One word for this book is wow. I devoured this book in less than a week. From start to finish I was completely hooked. Every character had their own story with secrets and lies waiting to be exposed at every turn of the page. What a tale!

5. The Chalet by Catherine Cooper Set in the French Alps, two couples are on holiday in a luxury chalet. Almost 20 years prior, a tragedy had happened in the same ski resort and although time has passed, it has still not been forgotten. The story flips between the events of the past and the present day. Towards the end, it all becomes clear as is the the reason why the two stories are connected - revenge.

It was such a page turner! It had me guessing who the characters really were and questioning their motives but I got it completely wrong and was shocked when the truth came out. I know I've found a good book when I am trying to read whilst walking and multi-tasking.

I couldn't put it down from start to finish!

For more from Hattie, visit

WWW ITSAGIRLTHING NET ITSAGIRLTHING NET ON INSTA .

@

.

.

_

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PODCAST

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OUR TOP PODCASTS THIS WINTER MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING

on Art, Wellbeing and Food ART

SATURN RETURNS WITH CAGGIE DUNLOP Caggie Dunlop talks about about feeling lost & searching for meaning until her Saturn return in her late 20s. Since then, she says her 30s have brought about a powerful phase of self-discovery and personal growth. Spiritual, optimistic, funny & beautifully honest, Caggie gets into great conversations with friends about their own Saturn return.

JO'S ART HISTORY

Ed Cade, advocate for mens' mental health & owner of La Pierre Verte retreat in the South of France, invites friends and guests to discuss their life journeys and the challenges that they have overcome.

Open and honest conversations with interesting people.

Art Historian and Curator Jo McLaughlin believes art should be inclusive that's why she is bringing her knowledge of art history to the masses in the form of fun, digestible art bites.

From the renaissance to modern art, Mona Lisa to the Disney Archives, Jo hosts interesting & engaging conversations with her special guests.

@mentalpod in Insta

@josarthistory on Insta

MENTAL BY ED CADE

_________________________ COME FOR SUPPER WITH ALEXANDRA DUDLEY

Bright young cook & writer Alexandra Dudley interviews notable chefs, authors, restauranteurs and creatives about their career and their relationship with food. Full of anecdotes, foodie inside knowledge and good humour. @alexandradudley on Insta

15

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RECIPES

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MEDITERRANEAN FEAST M edi terr anean

foo d

is

o ft en

a sso cia ted

wit h

t he

s um mer

s eas on due to the Med ' s hot c lima te a nd abu nda nt produc e.

B

u t t ha t i s no r ea s on f or no t eat ing heal t hily al l y ea r round !

So

we ' v e

crea ted

a

f ew

r ecipes

to

keep

you

g l owing

a ll

t hrou gh the winter.

AUBERGINE & GOAT'S CHEESE STACKS

ROAST TOMATO GASPACHO-STYLE WARM SOUP

FRESH SPARKLING BEETROOT & MIXED FRUIT JUICE

16

____________________

RECIPES

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AUBERGINE & GOAT'S CHEESE STACKS

A

SERVES TWO PEOPLE FOR ST

2

A

RTER | 4 PEOPLE FOR

ubergines sliced into circles (1cm thick)

1 goats cheese log

A

PERITIF

Fresh Rosemary Riza Honey

B

aking tray

Olive Oil Salt & Pepper

C fan.

1. Pre-heat the oven to 170

2. Slice the aubergines evenly accross the middle into circles 1cm thick.

3.

A

rrange the slices onto two baking trays and season with olive oil and salt & pepper.

4. Roast for 20-30 mins (turn half way to get an even colour), then take them out from the oven to fill with goats cheese.

5. Slice the goats cheese into 1/2cm slices, ready to layer with the aubergine.

The stacks have 3 layers of aubergine and 2 layers of goats cheese.

Take the largest aubergine slices first and place a goats cheese slice on each. Layer each with another slightly smaller aubergine slice, add more goats cheese and top with smallest aubergine piece. Repeat until you run out of aubergine and all the stacks are ready!

6. Return to the oven for 10 mins until the cheese is melted slightly and the aubergines are golden.

7. Top each stack with a drizzle of Riza honey and serve with a fresh sparkling fruit juice.

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RECIPES

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ROAST TOMATO GASPACHO-STYLE WARM SOUP

C Fan.

1. Preheat the oven to 170

SERVES TWO PEOPLE

Wash the tomatoes and courgette. Slice the

1 punnet of vine cherry tomatoes

courgette in half and place onto a baking tray

1 courgette

with the tomatoes.

3-4 garlic cloves

2. Slice an onion in half, keep half and slice

Half an onion

again in 3 sections. Gently crush the garlic

Half a chicken/veg stock cube

cloves with the back of a knife to remove the

Fresh rosemary

skin and add to the tray with the onion.

250ml boiling water

3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt & pepper and 2-3

Olive oil

sprigs of rosemary.

Salt & Pepper

B

4. Roast for 30 mins, checking half way that the

aking tray

ingredients are not catching too much heat.

A

Soup blender

void burning your food in the oven as it will

add bitterness to the soup when blended.

5. Once the tomatoes and vegetables are roasted, set aside to cool slightly.

B

oil 250ml of water in the kettle.

A

dd the roasted ingredients to a blender, top up with

the boiling water and half a stock cube and blend. Try to keep some texture to the soup by blending little by little.

6. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, a crack of pepper and a sprig of rosemary.

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RECIPES

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FRESH SPARKLING BEETROOT & MIXED FRUIT JUICE

FOUR SERVINGS 1kg of apples 3 fresh, raw beetroots 5 oranges 1 thumb of fresh ginger 3 carrots Sparkling water

1. Prep the ingredients for the juice.

ore the apples, peel the carrots, beetroot, oranges

C

and ginger. Wash them under tap water.

2. Put the hard fruits through the juicer followed by the oranges on the soft setting (stick the ginger inside an orange and wedge it in between other oranges as you put it through.)

3. To serve the drink, first pass the juice through a sieve to remove the pulp (it reacts with carbonated water and separates!). Pour it into the champagne flutes till half full and top up with sparkling water to finish.

Note - If you don't have a juicer, you can blend the fruits in a powerful blender and pass through a sieve or some muslin. Store in the fridge (airtight) for up to 2 days.

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CHEF INTERVIEW

BE N MU RP HY Ben Murphy is head chef at Launceston Place, a relaxed finedining restaurant in the heart of Kensington. Set in a fine 1839 townhouse, the restaurant has a prestigious yet intimate feel. It is at once a neighbourhood restaurant enjoyed by locals and a destination for a special occasion or a romantic date.

The food Ben serves in the restaurant is classic, modern and cool all at the same time. Keen to find out more, we talked to this young chef about his career, cookery and what food means to him.

Tell us a bit about yourself - what is your first food memory and how did you get into cooking?

My first food memory that comes to mind as a kid, would be eating turkey dinosaurs and smiley faces. Cooking didn’t really play a huge part in my family life growing up.

I actually got into the world of food by chance. At the age of 16, football was my main focus but that didn’t go to plan. In school, Food Technology was one of the subjects I really turned up for and it was what I enjoyed the most. Learning how to cook pasta and making the filling for pre-made choux buns was actually quite fun at the time.

Although I didn’t achieve the best grades at school, I was lucky enough to gain a place at Westminster Kingsway College to train as a chef. This was the starting point of my career. Following my training at college, I went on to work for Michelin starred kitchens in London, Paris, Spain and New York.

Left: Scallop | Ponzu | Smoked Eel

A s He ad Ch e f o f L aunc e sto n P lac e , ho w muc h o f a say d o yo u have o ve r the runni ng o f the re staurant?

As Head Chef of Launceston Place, I have all the say when it comes to the running the restaurant. The owners of the restaurant, D&D London, are very supportive and believe in what I am doing. I have a great team around me and I am very lucky to have a waiting list of people wanting to work alongside me at the restaurant.

Yo ur fo o d i s a d e li ght to e at. Ho w d o yo u d e ve lo p yo ur me nu and w he re d o yo u ge t yo ur i ns p i rati o n fro m?

My menu is built around the seasons of the year and I use my skills, technique and flavour combinations that I believe in to create my dishes. It is rare nowadays that I’ll be seen reading a cookbook. I feel social media is an important platform for me now; one where I can see, watch and interact with what the culinary industry is doing.

Co uld yo u share s o me o f yo ur favo uri te i ngre d i e nts to us e i n the re s taurant and ho w yo u li ke to c o o k w i th the m?

Salt! Personally, I believe it is the most important ingredient - it completely enhances a dish.

Yo ur fo o d i s a d e li ght to e at. Ho w d o yo u d e ve lo p yo ur me nu and w he re d o yo u ge t yo ur i ns p i rati o n fro m?

The food we produce is focused on simple flavour combinations. I feel we don’t mess around with ingredients but rather we work hard to maximise the flavour of each ingredient that goes on to the plate. I believe that our guests eat with their eyes, so for us, presentation is key. A lot of fine dining restaurants are rather formal and a little bit stiff, whereas at Launceston Place there are emojis on the menu, we use miniature Henry Hoovers and our style of service is attentive yet relaxed. I like to think our approach to hospitality is more “fun-dining” that fine dining and so far it is paying off!

Celeriac | Mint | Pecorino | Truffle

21

Yo ur ki tc he n w as fo rc e d to c lo se fo r s e ve ral mo nths d uri ng the p and e mi c ho w have yo u be e n usi ng yo ur ti me aw ay fro m the re staurant?

While the restaurant was closed due to the pandemic, I took the first three months to relax, catch up on sleep, eat and have a bit of “me time”.

Once the lockdown got a little bit more relaxed, I decided to promote myself as a private chef and cook in people’s homes to give them an experience like no other. The standard of food was still to a high level like what you would expect if you came to eat at Launceston Place; I even used the tableware from the restaurant. The only difference was that I was serving as well as cooking so my customers got a fully interactive experience.

W h at ad vi c e w o uld yo u gi ve to s o me bo d y w h o i s i nte re ste d i n p urs ui ng a c are e r as a c he f?

The process of becoming a chef has changed massively since I went to college. My advice for anyone starting would be to know exactly what kind of food it is you want to focus on. For example – gastropub, fine dining or brasserie. The hours are long and depending on where you work it can be very intense. You do get out what you put in, for sure.

Havi ng had p re vi o us e x p e ri e nc e i n s e ve ral p re sti gi o us tw o & th re e Mi c he li n Star re s taurants, are yo u w o rki ng to w ard s a Mi c he li n s tar at L aunc e s to n P lac e ?

I think for any Head Chef who’s only ever worked in Michelin starred kitchens, it would be a dream come true to achieve one but I do recognise it’s like a lottery ticket. It would be rewarding to know that the food we serve is of a consistently high-level worthy of a Michelin star. Beyond that, my goal is to work in a restaurant that serves great food, with a good vibe and one that is fully booked. Before the pandemic started, we achieved this so for me, I reached an important goal.

T hanks to Che f Be n Murp hy fo r taki ng p art i n th i s i nte rvi e w .

I f yo u are i nte re sti ng i n d i ni ng at L aunc e s to n P lac e , he re are the re staurant d e tai ls.

Launceston Place 1a Launceston Place London W8 5RL 020 7937 6912

launcestonplace-restaurant.co.uk

MENUS 2 or 3 course set-lunch £29 | £35 2 or 3 course set-dinner £55 | £65 Pre-theatre menu 3 courses with bubbles £40 7 course lunch tasting menu £85 | £65 wine pairing 7 course dinner tasting menu (can be fully vegetarian) £85 | £79 wine pairing

OPENING TIMES Lunch: Tuesday - Sunday 12pm - 2.30pm Dinner: Tuesday - Sunday 5.00pm - 11.00pm Festive Opening Hours: Christmas Eve (24th)- Open Christmas Day (25th) - Closed Boxing Day (26th) - Closed 27th December - Open 28th December - Closed New Years Eve (31st) - Open New Years Day (1st Jan) - Closed

Sunday Lunch 4 course set-menu £35 New Year's Eve Menu £110 | £79 wine pairing

Yuzu Apple | Dill | White Chocolate

Celeriac Mint | Pecorino | Truffle

Ceviche Stonebass | Buttermilk | Fingerlime

Is Christmas really a good time to stop drinking?

Well, maybe it’s a good time to try...

In Britain, we consume almost 6 billion units of alcohol over the festive period and men and women admit to drinking well over the daily recommended units. Now Christmas is a time to be merry and a festive alcoholic drink is part of the fun but when is it a good time to stop, slow down and see what else is out there?

This might make me sound like a lightweight, but I wouldn’t usually drink a bottle of wine between two for fear of feeling worse for wear the next day (at least not on a week night, kids).

Which is a pain, as often, the other half of the bottle goes back in the fridge, forgotten. But with a bottle of alcohol-free wine, what’s enjoyable is that we can polish off a bottle between two, completely guilt-free, without feeling the undesired effects of over-indulgence.

24

The alcohol-free market has been growing rapidly over the last year with big labels producing their own range of 0% alcohol free beverages and many new brands popping up. There are now dedicated alcohol-free rows taking space in the booze isles of our supermarkets with a varying selection of clean liquors. We’ve had a taste of these tipples to see if they are as good as the hard stuff.

Here is a selection of our favourites!

BEER

photo damm.com

Freedamm A great alcohol-free lager from the famous Estrella Damm brewery in Barcelona. Alcohol is extracted by vacuum distillation which really preserves the flavour. It isn’t gluten free (most 0% alcohol beers are not GF) but it does contain maize & rice as well as barley.

Stocked in Waitrose | damm.com

photo coastbeer.co

Coast Beer co.

Coast Co. brew exclusively alcohol-free beer and produce a wide range of IPAs using modern & innovative methods. Eye-catching design make these little cans of goodness stand out on the shelves too.

Stocked in Ol Yeah! Beer shop, King's Cross | coastbeer.co

Freestar This is an award-winning gluten-free and vegan lager which is brewed without fermentation which saves the beer from the de-alcoholising process. This means up to to 80% less water is used and the taste is enhanced instead by combining a ‘secret sauce’ of natural ingredients to produce the beer's distinctive flavour. We feel this might be the Red Stripe of the next generation, passing hands at Notting Hill Carnival...

photofreestar.co

Stocked on ocado | freestar.co If you want to know more about no & lowalcohol beers and get access to special discounts, visit steadydrinker.com

SPARKLING WINE

photo morrisons.groceries.com

Eisberg Alcohol-free German wine producer Eisberg brings a convincing and affordable white sparkling wine to the table alongside their red & white wines. It tastes really good, not too sweet and very close in taste to a mid-range alcoholic sparkling wine.

Stocked in Waitrose, Ocado & Morrisons

photo MRG Wines

photo thomsonandscott.com

Thomson & Scott Thomson & Scott, a female-led company founded by Amanda Thomson & a certified B-Corp, have introduced an organic alcohol-free, low sugar sparkling wine from Spain called Noughty. The branding has a lux feel making a bottle the perfect gift to bring to dinner or serve to guests at Christmas.

Stocked in Waitrose | thomsonandscott.com

Richard Juhlin This sparkling wine has been developed & produced by a wine house with a difference. MRG Wines in Sweden only distribute alcohol-free wine and have partnered with Swedish champagne expert Richard Juhlin to develop their sparkling wine. Made with Chardonnay grapes in the Languedoc region of France, the wine is aged in oak barrels for up to 12 months. If you want to know something fancy, it was served at Janni Olsson Deler's wedding! (@janni_o) Stocked at deliciousdrinksshop.co.uk

SPIRITS

photo seedlipdrinks.co.uk

Seedlip Seedlip are the first alcohol-free spirit makers and are well stocked in mainstream retailers. Their spirits go through a distillation process to infuse flavour through natural ingredients & botanicals. Their sister company Aecorn produces distintive alcohol-free aperitifs which can be used alongside Seedlip spirits to make cocktails. Their website has lots of gifts inspiration & drink ideas.

Stocked in major retailers | seedlipdrinks.com

photo ishspirits.com

Ish Spirits Founded in Denmark, Ish offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages notably a gin, a rum, sparkling wines and pre-mixed cocktails. They ship to the UK and have a selection box to try their range – perfect for Christmas.

Stocked in Holland & Barrett | ishspirits.com

photo clean.co

Clean Liquor co.

We’ve included Clean Liquor even though their 'spirits' contain 1.2% ABV because, fun fact - it was founded by Spencer Matthews from Made in Chelsea. An interesting pivot from his heavy drinking days on reality TV, he has now become an advocate of dry drinking and hopes to serve the wellness community with a healthy dose of clean hedonism.

Stocked in Sainsbury’s | www.clean.co

In Conversation with SEBASTIAN FOUNDER

OF

HOLSTEIN

MOUNTAIN

PEOPLE

Mountain People is a boutique chalet rental company which specialises in unique and hidden chalets in the French Alps. Since founding the company, his collection of chalets has grown alongside the resort of Samoëns where the majority of the properties are based. We asked him to tell us more about how it all started...

I’VE BEEN GOING TO SAMOËNS since the 1990s and I was lucky enough to grow up skiing. I set up Mountain People in 2013 after identifying two beautiful converted farmhouses that were unable to find rental indentif management, due to their ‘wild’ settings. The locations were jaw dropping, but other companies always focused their efforts on central village locations and proximity to ski lifts. Our chalets are definitely still great for skiers, but we cater primarily to lovers of the mountains… so it made sense to call ourselves ‘Mountain People’.

Samoëns and neighbouring Sixt Fer-a-Cheval are some of the few ski resorts in France that are not entirely purpose built. At the core of the ‘resort’ (if you can call it that), you have a medieval village with has a rich local history. The weekly market was established in 1355. The incredible 10-metre tick lime tree, which features in the centre of the village

was planted in 1438; and in the 1600’s, Samoens became a hub for expert ‘Frahans’ or stonemakers. Today, it’s a wonderful, rich and thriving tourist destination, which is perfect for skiing, family holidays and a whole host of adventure sports in both winter and summer.

At Mountain People, I think we offer something really quite authentic and different. Yes, the mountains are primarily about the skiing, but we’re finding that there are also many non-skiers who adore the chalets for their unique style and locations – they might go for a walk in the snow, build an igloo for the kids, then later on, luxuriate over a melting hot fondue, or read their book next to a crackling fire.

These are the things you don’t think you have the time to do in normal life, but here, especially in our more remote properties, you can really allow yourself to surrender to the elements in an effortless way.

Our guests really seem to appreciate the lengths that we go, to find the best houses, in the best locations, managed by the best local representatives and to provide them with some sound advice while they’re there. Our portfolio works very well as a collective and I love the cross fertilisation that sometimes occurs – we have some guests who try a new chalet every season, or sometimes even twice a season !

Mont Blanc FROM

THE

TOP

OF

FLAINE

AT

2500M

In the winter, I’d strongly recommend snow-shoeing, Nordic skiing, ice skating, dog mushing, or just good old fashioned sledging. These activities offer a different pace to downhill skiing and really allow you to connect with the mountains. There are a plethora of knowledgeable mountain guides in the area who can help get your started in any of these activities.

It’s also worth remembering that the Alps was a originally a summertime destination – a setting for many of the original health resorts - a place to recuperate, breathe clean air and to help people reconnect with themselves. Now the area is also a hub for hiking, paragliding, climbing, trail running and wild swimming to name but a few… It’s great to see how popular it’s becoming.

It’s important for us to have a selection of locations to suit different needs – some of our guests want to feel immersed in nature, others want a village experience and have the convenience of walking to the ski lift.

We look for chalets that really encapsulate the spirit of the mountains and that sensitively express the local vernacular. For that, you also need to find great owners, who have also made this their priority and channelled that sensation in the design of their home.

I come from an interior design background, so great interiors are high up on the list of priorities, coupled with stunning and unique locations. In my opinion, the greatest chalets are the ones which let you know that you’re unmistakably in the mountains yet give you all the comfort and functionality that you’d expect from being a modern home.

We always try to steer our guests to the perfect chalet and it’s important never to force anything onto them. It’s a matchmaking process and it’s satisfying to know that we usually get it right. We have a great guest guide, but also remain on hand to provide tips and suggestions, particularly to those visiting the area for the first time.

The great thing about selfcatered chalets, is that you have an element of flexibility.

You can cook as a family, hire a chef for an evening or have pre-prepared meals delivered to your door. You can ski, snowshoe, rent equipment and hire a guide and really organise the holiday in an unprescribed and bespoke manner.

36

With covid, it’s been a very challenging year for the business – but then it has been for almost everyone else too. I think we’re lucky to still be here, when so many others in the industry have had to close their doors or go into administration.

On a positive note, it has been a good moment to reflect on our processes and make improvements in certain areas. I feel it will take another year for the ski & travel industry to regain full confidence but when that happens, we’ll be very well prepared to make the most of any new opportunities.

On a personal level, I’ve really tried to nurture a few key attributes: precision, compassion, diplomacy and acceptance. These usually get me by on a day-to-day basis.

It’s taken a long time but I’ve generally come to accept there are never enough hours in the day; and I stand firm on the fact that it never serves anyone to be hot-headed or rude in the hospitality business especially in client-facing situations.

However the most important thing, by a mile, is to find reliable and hard-working people to work alongside with. In the mountains, that means teaming up with great management and cleaning teams, forging partnerships with caterers, ski instructors, rental shops and other local service providers.

Back in London, it’s slightly different, but no less important: finding the best accountants, web designers, marketing partners, designers and interior photographers that you can.

32

I’m so grateful to all our guests, owners and partners, particularly those who have stuck by us and sent messages of encouragement during the pandemic.

Going forward, I’d love to continue growing our portfolio with ever more beautiful chalets in the coming years. I think MP fills a really interesting gap in the market and as the resort becomes increasingly popular, so will the quality and calibre of the properties becoming available for rental. I very much look forward to seeing where this takes us.

Sebas ti an's s tunni ng col lecti on of chalets are avai l abl e t o rent al l year round.

Y ou can fi nd out more at

www.mountain-people.com

@mountain_people_chalets

From Left to Right: Chalet Bonnefous's cosy, chic interior, Chalet Henriette's dining room with views of Sixt, Summer in SamoĂŤns at Chalet Marllys

Chalet Marllys A

TRADITIONAL

BARN

BEAUTIFULLY

RENOVATED

WITH

MODERN

INTERIORS

AND

SWEEPING

VIEWS

OVER

SAMOËNS

Ferme Maison Neuve A

CHIC,

CHALET

OPEN-PLAN IN

A-CHEVAL

SIXT WITH

PANORAMIC OF

THE

FER-

VIEWS

MOUTAINS

Chalet Heidi AT

1230M

THIS

ALTITUDE,

BIJOU

SLEEPS

6

CHALET PEOPLE

AND MAJESTIC

HAS

VIEW

MONT

A

OF

BLANC

__________________

FASHION

__________________

Lily Cade and Ruby featuring in the Christmas Editorial

Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas Editorial

Autumn Winter Trends

31

Paloma bra, Girlfriend Collective Net-a-porter £35

Compressive leggings, Girlfriend Collective Net-a-porter £62

Cosmic Yoga Mat Yogi Bare £42.95

Gift Guide A collection of gifts that doesn't cost the earth

BY COCO SMITH Ying & Yang T-shirt Nude Ethics £25 Liv & Dom 2021 Diary Papier £21.99

Kra Shapes Scarf Oklahoma £42

Recycled Glass Vase Arket £19

36

Lex Pot Twist Candle La Gent £24

Oversized Leopard Crunchie Anthropologie £10

Astra Ring Studio Rua £95

'Joy' Jute Tote The Jacksons £68

Wood Grain Mug Hay Design £16

Maison Balzac Incense La Gent £25

Mineral Bath Soak MOA £7

Coffee Gift Set Grind Coffee from £25

Beauty Box Leo's Box £30

_______________________

_

A

TRENDS

_______________________

UTUMN / WINTER 2020 TRENDS

Checks Checks, patchworked tartans and plaids are trending this winter.

Think oversized shirts and long-line thick wool coats. Add a dark lip for evening glamour.

_

@burberry

@allsaints

@theory

Quilted Coats Quilted is cool and it's also super warm.

Wrap yourself up in a quilted coat like a duvet for that straightout-of-bed look.

_

Velvet

@uniqlo

@lawlesscapture

@anniespratt

Gorgeous, crushed velvet is a fab material to wear for the festive period with an effortlessly chic vibe.

Velvet shoes, dresses & jumpsuits and two piece suits are a musthave.

_

@flaunter

Sequins

38

@kseniavarapaeva

Sequins, always sequins. They do epitomise the holiday season - here's to a glitzy evening by the fire toasting to the new year! @canva

@canva

@canva

____________________

EDITORIAL

____________________

Christmas Editorial We asked our readers ~ 'What wil l you be wearing on Christmas day?'

Let 's cel ebrat e t he rit ual of dressi ng up even i f nobody sees it t his year!

(Un le s s yo u' re i n t hi s ed i t or i al i n whi c h ca s e, p eo p le a re go i n g t o s ee yo u )

Thank you all for your submissions

39

ALPINE CHRISTMAS

" For Christmas, we will be heading to the French Alps if we can. There won't be any skiing but we will have lots of fun in the snow sledging, snowshoeing and hiking! " Siblings Bartholomé & Pandora Meredith-Hardy

Bartholomé wears velour blazer and checked shirt, both Zara. Pandora wears velour top, black pleated midi skirt, both Zara; multi layer necklace, Accessorize.

Bartholomé is represented

by Zebedee Models and Pandora is represented by Kids London.

Shot by Benjamin Meredith-Hardy Styling Afton Ayache

NOĂ‹L IN THE WOODS

" We normally drive back from the south of France to see family in the UK. This year is a strange one for us all, so we are staying put and embracing winter in the woods. Chestnuts, crisp skies and falling leaves. We will gather round the fire pit, eat a veggie meal and send good wishes up into the stars. " Lily Cade

Lily wears black dress, Pull & Bear; black boots, Doc Martens; and accessories from her Christmas box. Ruby the cocker spaniel wears antlers from her own dressing up box.

Shot by Ella Cade

" We won’t be spending xmas together unfortunately, but Theo will most likely go to the cinema with his mum and brother and eat a good meal. And I’ll be with family going for a xmas morning walk, eating lots of mince pies, opening presents at teatime and then getting all dressed up for a lovely home cooked meal. " Elisa Gault

Elisa wears khaki trousers, Gap; cropped christmas jumper, H&M Theo wears red shirt, Pierre Cardin (thrifted); green trousers, Faguo

CHRISTMAS IN LDN

" Christmas on the farm is lovely. We usually take a big bale of hay to the sheep on Christmas day. They love it! But this year, we will be in London and it's been years since we've celebrated Christmas there.

There's something special about it though with all the lights and the relaxed, jovial atmosphere. " Harriet Smith

Isabelle (above) wears vintage wool bouclĂŠ & fur coat; dogtooth trousers, TU; merino wool jumper and grey linen shirt, both Uniqlo; black suede boots, Ecco; necklace, Liberty's.

Harriet (left) wears metallic blazer and white christmas tree glitter t-shirt, both Miss Selfridge; silver metallic trousers and silver chainmail bag, both River Island; vintage silver leather open-toe heels.

Shot by Isabelle & Harriet Smith

CREDITS

MANY

THANK S

Pandora

TO

Meredith-Hardy

represented

by

Kids

London

@pandoraamh

BartholomĂŠ

Meredith-Hardy

represented

by

Zebedee

@bartholoamh

Sylvy

Meredith

Styling

by

Afton

Hardy Ayache

@aftonayachecreation

Ella

&

Lily

Cade

@lapierreverte

Elisa

Gault

&

ThĂŠo

Isabelle

Cristofari

Smith

__

___

TRAVEL

Views from Santa Ana Catedral in Vegueta, Las Palmas

North AGAETE

Capital LAS PALMAS

POSTCARDS FROM GRAN CANARIA

Mountains SANTA BRIGIDA

South MASPALOMAS

Photography SEBASTIAN HOLSTEIN

48

The colourful streets of Santa Brigida

photo @ksbphotography

Beaches LAS PALMAS

Playa de Las Canteras Right in the heart of the modern city centre lies 3km of sandy beach all along the bay

Playa del Confital Virgin beach, north of the city centre

Stay

photos @airbnb

LAS PALMAS

Bohemia loft, Las Canteras Hosted by Gustavo | from

£45/night | airbnb.co.uk/rooms/27730142

Casa Espiritu Santo, Vegueta Hosted by Belcasti Agents | from | airbnb.co.uk/rooms/16759764

£181/night

Bright loft, Vegueta hosted by Pablo | from

£57/night

| airbnb.co.uk/rooms/20447780

Los Perros de la Plaza Santa Ana

Patio de los Naranjos, Catedral de Santa Ana

Where to eat & drink in Las Palmas Couple Cafe | for coffee & breakfast by the sea | Las Canteras Casablanca | for sunset downers | Las Canteras Bar Kome Kome | Chef-owned Sushi | Vegueta La Bonita de Vegueta | Fresh, well-priced lunch menu | Vegueta

Norte AGAETE

Puerto de las Nieves, Agaete

BioAgaete, raises

an

money

annual to

music

support

festival

local

which

charities,

hosted by the ocean in Puerto de las Nieves.

There is a picturesque pebble beach, pretty whitewashed fisherman's houses and a quaint harbour. Several restaurants serve fresh fish, one of which is open all year round.

is

Mountains SANTA BRIGIDA

Santa town North

Brigida set

in

is

the

eastern

a

charming

lush,

part

13km from the sea.

of

rural the

hills

colonial of

Island,

the only Santa Brigida Old Town

View from a bedroom at La Casona Roja

La Casona Roja hosted by Silvia | from

ÂŁ40/night

| lacasonaroja.com

South MASPALOMAS

Car Rental An automatic car is preferable to take on the hilly nature of the island.

Having said that, who can resist a Fiat 500 Convertible?

Stay La Casa Blanca Hosted by Antoine | Collection of apartments for adults | from

Maspalomas Beach Maspalomas has the biggest beach and the hottest climate on the island. Expect uninterrupted views and beautiful sunsets over the dunes.

ÂŁ75/night | lacasablancamaspalomas.com

Maspalomas Gay Pride Maspalomas Gay Pride calls in revellers in fancy dress from all over photo @reiseuhu

Europe to celebrate on the sunny

Maspalomas Dunes

south coast.

These breathtaking dunes are part of a nature reserve which spans 1000 acres. Home to a unique eco-system, the wind sweeps across the dunes, peppered with palm trees and balancones to a lagoon that's alive with birds. Perched on the edge of the shore, rising high above the land is a magnificent 19th century lighthouse which is still active today. photo @falombini

maerdervef@ otohp

Puerto de Mogan Picture-postcard

is

what

this

pretty harbour town is. Colourful terraced

houses

bursting

with

bougainvillea line the streets of Mogan. and

Many

souvenir

restaurants

drenched

terraces

shops

with make

sun it

an

ideal destination for a day trip.

The harbour's clear blue waters are brimming with fish and there are even submarine trips to dive deeper

into

the

ocean

and

explore the local marine life.

The

ocean

here

is

home

to

parrot fish, zebra breams, grey mulets,

bastard

sometimes

grunts

trumpet

fishes

and or

groupers.

Photos shot by Sebastian Holstein

La Cofradia de Pescadores This restaurants sits at the end of the harbour arm overlooking the boats and the town. Take a seat at a table on the terrace and order a cold glass of Cava and a side of papas arrugadas followed by the fresh fish of the day.

THANK YOU FOR READING!

Love, Brush Team X

52

Dear readers, If you en jo yed readin g t h e ma gazin e, we would l ove yo u t o sh are i t wit h fri ends and f amily.

If yo u wo uld li ke t o ask a quest io n, mak e an enquiry or be a con t ribut or, you c an get i n to uch by email at har riet @br ush ma g.co.uk o r f ollo w us on In sta gram @ brush.mag T han k yo u f or yo ur con ti nued supp ort an d readershi p!

Love Harriet & the Brush Team X

53

Happy Christmas