The Cheshire Magazine - December/January 18/19

DEC 2018 / JAN 2019 s ISSUE 060

Snow SEEKER

WINTER WEDDING Planning tips from proposal to party

Essential style both on and off the slopes

KITCHEN

Architecture Beautiful kitchens this Christmas

Party

SEASON

Unwrapped Top tips from professionals to create a season of comfort and joy

Janey Butler Interiors & Llama Architects form part of the Llama Group.

Creating award winning residential and commercial projects in the UK and abroad.

I n t e r n at i o n a l A wa r d W i n n i n g A rc h i t e c t s & D e s i g n e r s The Coach House, Capesthor ne Hall, Nr Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK11 9JY

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When you choose Delamere Manor for your Cheshire wedding venue, the stunning Manor house, beautiful guest suites and exceptional grounds become exclusively yours for the most important and special day of your life. In fact, Delamere Manor (in our humble opinion!) is one of the North West’s most spectacular exclusive use wedding venues. Whether you’re looking

for an intimate service or extravagant celebration, Delamere Manor has the perfect space for your big day.

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Janey Butler Interiors & Llama Architects form part of the Llama Group.

Creating award winning residential and commercial projects in the UK and abroad.

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I n t e r n at i o n a l A wa r d W i n n i n g A rc h i t e c t s & D e s i g n e r s The Coach House, Capesthorne Hall, Nr Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK11 9JY

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publisher’s

letter

W

ith Christmas just around the corner, if you haven’t already started (or finished) your Christmas shopping or planning, this double festive issue for December and January will help. If Christmas isn’t your thing, never fear we’ve still got plenty to entertain and delight you.

The Great British Bake Off’s, Prue Leith chats to Natalie Anglesey about her career in cookery, from teaching to presenting and how she even ventured into writing romance novels and we unwrap the party season with top tips (p.35) from professionals to create a season of comfort and joy.

Laura Garner looks at essential style for both on and off the slopes in our winterinspired style section (p.53), and Annabel Harrison completes a countdown to Christmas (p.49) on a striking new

timepiece and ring in the New Year bedecked in the sparkliest of jewels.

If you want a supercar, you go to Italy. So why should it be any different for an SUV? (p.72.) We join James Fossdyke in Italy to review Alfa Romeo’s Quadrifoglio. Our food and drink section (p.93) is full to the brim with what’s hot in the world of food, including a spotlight review (p.96) of The Galloping Major Restaurant at Oddfellows on the Park hotel and Spa. There are tons more articles and features to tickle your taste buds and lots more in our regular pages too so please enjoy the read, have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year, everyone.

- Team Cheshire Magazine

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Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

The Contributors

Where to find us...

CHESTER Abode Hotel 1539 Restaurant Boodles Chester MediSpa Gieves & Hawkes Oddfellows Opera Bar & Grill The Pied Bull The Inspiring Travel Co.

DEC 2018 / JAN 2019 s ISSUE 060 s

Managing Director Kathryn Otto Publisher

LIVERPOOL

Scott Illingworth-Harrison

Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar David M Robinson

Natalie Anglesey

MANCHESTER David M Robinson Gotham Hotel Great John Street Hotel Harvey Nichols Hilton Manchester Deansgate King Street Townhouse Mappin & Webb Rosso Restaurant Bar & Grill Watches of Switzerland 20 Stories

Natalie is an author, broadcaster and journalist as well as a television producer and director. This month she chats with Mark Williams, the new Dr Doolittle in the colourful spectacular coming to the Lowry Theatre this Winter.

M J Greenhalgh & Leila Bibby MJ and Leila are passionate about all things fashion and beauty. A few of their favourite British things include strawberries and cream, holidays to north Wales and wonderful summer events.

MANCHESTER AIRPORT

Kevin Evans Laura Garner Glyn Davies Brand Ambassador Sarah Irlam Designers Paris Fielder Kate Woods Picture Editor

Falcona Private Jets 1903 Airport Lounge, T3

Kat Hannon

CHESHIRE

Hugo Wheatley

52 Alderley Road Clinic Bolesworth Estate & Events Carden Park Hotel Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Piste Wine Bar & Restaurants Janey Butler Interiors Kitchen Architecture Willow Boutiques Coggles The Mere The Church Inn The Roebuck Inn The Colony The Stanneylands Pulse of Perfumery (POP) Piccolinos Knutsford Piccilinos Alderley Opera Grill Chester

GREATER MANCHESTER Fox Restaurant Frisør Salon & Wellness Jackson-Stops Oddfellows on the Park

Production

Advertising Danielle Mullen Charity and Event’s Coordinator Rachel O’Hare

Rebecca Underwood

Francesca Grace

Proudly published by

Rebecca Underwood is a travel journalist, born in Blackpool, educated in Brighton and London, attended Westminster University and achieved a BA Hons in the Arabic language.

Favourite destination: Kenya.

Francesca Lee-Rogers is a luxury lifestyle journalist and has previously managed a portfolio of titles. She takes a keen interest in writing about food, travel and wellness.

thecheshiremagazine.co.uk

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On the

Scene by Kitchen Architecture, photographed by Darren Chung www.darrenchung.com, designed, built and styled by Kitchen Architecture, www.kitchen architecture.co.uk.

Also published by

10

Editorial Team Richard Harrison

The Cheshire Magazine Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and The Cheshire Magazine Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions or errors.

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

DISTRIBUTION The Cheshire Magazine is the largest targeted luxury lifestyle publication in Cheshire and the north west, delivered by Royal Mail subscription service to selected homes, businesses, newsagents and retail outlets.

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contents OUR FAVOURITE

27

Romancing the Scone

The Great British Bake Off’s Prue Leith chats to Natalie Anglesey about her career in cookery, from teaching to presenting and how she even ventured into writing romance novels

FEATURES

22 35 58

You’ve Never Seen Anything Like It

Natalie Anglesey chats with Mark Williams, the new Dr Doolittle in the colourful spectacular

Party Season Unwrapped

Top tips from professionals to create a season of comfort and joy

Snow Seeker

Essential style both on and off the slopes

35

22

58

REGULARS

Cheshire Turkey Roulade Recipe for those cooking for friends and family

009 | Publisher’s letter 010 | Contributors

105 | Local Scene All the glamour and gossip from our beautiful county

014 | My life in Cheshire Dan Gibson, Director of Sales, Carden Park Hotel, Cheshire’s Country Estate, shares his life in Cheshire with us 017 | Notebook What not to miss this Winter in Cheshire and the North West. Start your 2019 in Eloquent Style

good after countless late nights! Here are our top tips for surviving the festive period

STYLE

DRIVE

049 | Watches & Jewellery Count down to Christmas and 2019 on a striking new timepiece and ring in the New Year bedecked in the sparkliest of jewels

069 | News We look at what’s hot off the press in the motoring world

053 | Fashion Whether you’re jetting to a beautiful piste this Christmas or working out your next season wardrobe, fashion editor Laura Garner has got it covered.

066 | Health & Beauty We do love the festive period with all the celebrations and overindulgence but sometimes it can be hard to stay healthy and looking

072 | As Luck Would Have It If you want a supercar, you go to Italy. So why should it be any different for an SUV?

TRAVEL 077 | Travel news The latest happenings from near and far 083 | Delightful Doha Our roving travel reporter Rebecca Underwood takes us to Doha, in the Arabian Gulf, the gem of a capital in Qatar

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123

110 | The Finer Things Natalie Anglesey chats with Ingrid Nilson, the Director of the annual Art Antiques fair held at the Mere Golf Resort and Spa in February 2019

FAMILY

088 | Here Comes the Sun Francesca Lee-Rogers journeys to Cyprus in search of some late-year sunshine

113 | Family news From toys to tempting interiors, design is for all the family

092 | Business or Pleasure?

Both at home and away, Kathryn Riley shares her recent travel highlights…

118 | Classroom Updates from some of the county’s best educational institutions

FOOD & DRINK

HOME & INTERIORS

093 | Food & drink news Local chefs, new openings and launches

123 | Interiors news News, products and advice on making the most of your home, inside and out

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096 | Spotlight On...

Oddfellows on the Park Our review of the fabulous, somewhat secret jewel of a restaurant in the Oddfellows on the Park Hotel in Bruntwood Park, Cheadle 102 | Meet the Chef Dan Speak shares his musings on ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ and a traditional

132 | Life in Design We chat to the Owner and Interior Designer at Jojo Bradley Interiors, Jojo Chantler 137 | The Edit Take inspiration from the time of year with these interior pieces in red, green and gold 147 | Hot Property The latest homes on the market, at home or away 159 | Finishing Touch Inject some colour and retro glamour into your home with this sumptuous sofa, part of Artisanna London’s made-to-order range

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

My life in

CHESHIRE DAN GIBSON, DIRECTOR OF SALES, CARDEN PARK HOTEL CHESHIRE’S COUNTRY ESTATE

How would you describe yourself ?

Passionate and driven. I always put 100% into anything I do and have recently started competing with my horse Paddy which was initially out of my comfort zone but now I absolutely love it.

Where is home? Work?

Home is Cheshire and work is also Cheshire.

I’m really lucky to be surrounded by beautiful countryside at home and work. I also get to travel around the UK visiting clients so London, Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool are part of my regular week.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I had many ‘I want to be’ moments but one that always sticks in mind was to be a paramedic, the thought of high speed and adrenaline always gets me excited.

Name a few of your favourite places to be...

Being out in the Countryside is my ultimate favourite place to be. Outside of the U.K would be Cape Town, South Africa. We are lucky to have such a variety of high profile events that take place here in Cheshire, and of course, The Bolesworth International Horse Show always makes my diary!

What / who inspires you?

I bet everyone says this but it has to be my friends and family. They have always been supportive in everything I do and I know that I can always talk to them about anything.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

I paid for my Niece Savannah and her friends to stay at Carden Park for her birthday treat, she was desperate to stay!

Tell us a secret/fun fact?

Oh, I couldn’t possibly give away any secrets.

My fun fact would that I spent 18 months working for British Airways as Cabin Crew, which meant I was able to visit a number of amazing destinations. My favourite trip was Cape Town, the people, the steak and wine were all incredible!

“Being out in the Countryside is my ultimate favourite place to be” Who or what would you place in Room 101?

I had no idea what Room 101 was, I don’t have time for TV but after talking with my colleagues I now know – I would send anyone that has bad time keeping to Room 101!

What’s been your biggest life lesson?

To aim big. I have worked at Carden Park from an early age and knew that I wanted to work my way up the ranks. I started in the restaurant at 16 years old and from the very beginning knew that hard work would pay off. Now I manage the fantastic sales team at Carden Park and couldn’t picture being anywhere else. www.cardenpark.co.uk

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Going Call us through before your a divorce? ex does.

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Call 0808 175 7838 slatergordon.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Family | Employment | Estate Planning, Wills and Probate Property | Crime | Dispute Resolution | Personal Injury

FFM’S SUMMER SWING PRESENTS

1 2 TH A N N I V E R S A RY • 1 1 TH J U LY 2 0 1 9 T H E M E R E G O L F & S PA R E S O RT Over the past 11 years, we have continuously been amazed by the generous support of everyone involved in our annual Summer Swing event, helping us to raise an incredible £827,500 for the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation. This year we are looking to make ‘One Moment in Time’ a year to remember, delivering an event which is bigger and better than ever before, aiming to break through the £1 million pounds raised mark!

This incredible day will be hosted at The Mere Golf and Spa Resort in Knutsford. The day will start with a picturesque round of golf before an unforgettable gala dinner followed by an evening of fundraising, entertainment and music.

TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE NOW We look forward to seeing you and there and thank you for your support.

W W W. F F M S U M M E R S W I N G . C O . U K

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

NOTEBOOK Start your 2019 in Eloquent Style WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

THE ORIGINAL

Midland Hotel TOUR &

Light Afternoon Tea

Explore the Grade II* 1903 listed building, where Charles Rolls met Henry Royce and a new car was born, where the watchword has always been elegance. Join a professional tour guide for an insight into the fascinating architectural and social history of the hotel, plus hear a wealth of tales of Manchester and its people. The tour ends with a beautiful light afternoon tea, which includes an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones and unlimited tea or coffee to drink.

20th January | www.themidlandhotel.co.uk

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31 DEC

What’s On? 18 JAN

Dates for the Diary

Living and Working in Chester in the 21st Century Find out from the distinguished speaker panel how Chester can future-proof itself as a leading destination to work and live in the 21st century. www.futurechester.eventbrite.co.uk

New Year’s Eve at King Street Townhouse Start 2019 in unique style with a Great Gatsby Murder Mystery Dinner at this elegant baby grand hotel in Manchester. www.eclectichotels.co.uk

30 JAN

Snow Patrol The band will play songs from Wilderness, their first studio album in 7 years, and all their biggest hits. www.manchester-arena.com 31 JAN - 2 FEB

The Creative Craft Show

29-30 DEC

Jurassic Park Film with Live Orchestra Celebrate the 25th anniversary of one of the biggest movie franchises of all time in Liverpool. www.liverpoolphil.com

24 JAN

Manchester Beer & Cider Festival

A haven for knitting, cross stitch, paper crafting, jewellery & dressmaking enthusiasts, offering all the very latest supplies, ideas and innovations in the hobby world. www.stitchandhobby.co.uk

With up to 20 different bars join the North’s largest celebration of beer, ale and cider. www.manchestercentral.co.uk

5 JAN

18

26 JAN

Frozen Sing-Along at The Grosvenor Museum in Chester

Antiques and Collectors Fair

Follow the bouncing snowflake to sing along to this free screening of the familyfriendly hit musical comedy from Walt Disney. www.grosvenormuseum. westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Join 100 exhibitors offering everything from furniture, paintings and jewellery to vintage clothing to find something new to complement your home, collection or wardrobe. www.swfairs.co.uk

25 JAN

Burns Night Whisky Tasting Celebrate the life and work of Scottish poet Robert Burns with a variety of fantastic Scottish whisky. www.whitmoreandwhite.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Arts & Culture 8-30 DEC

4-16 DEC

Six, The Lowry Henry VIII will be turning in his grave as Six; the rock musical sees his wives in concert! www.thelowry.com/musicals

18 DEC - 6 JAN

Eric & Ern, The Lowry If you long for the time when Eric & Ern were part of your Christmas Entertainment, there’s a tribute act to remind you of their comedy at The Lowry December. www.thelowry.com

4 DEC - 5 JAN

© JAY BROOKS

Cinderella, Opera House Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a pantomime. Cinderella is traditional family entertainment with Corrie villains Les Dennis and Connor McIntyre as the Ugly Sisters. Can’t wait to see them cope with high heels and numerous costume changes! Handsome Gareth Gates plays the Prince and CBBC’s Shannon Flynn is Cinderella at the Opera House. www.atgtickets.com/manchester

16-26 JAN

The Band, The Lowry Kick off the New Year at The Lowry with Tim Firth’s successful, life-affirming musical The Band. Returning after a successful London run, it tells the story of a group of friends with the fabulous music of Take That sung live on stage by a band of talented youngsters. www.thelowry.com 29 JAN - 2 FEB

Trial By Laughter, The Lowry If you’re ready for a laugh, there’s Trial by Laughter from the pens of Ian Hislop and Nick Newman (The Wipers Times). But if you take offence easily, this may not be for you! www.thelowry.com

©MATT CROCKETT

© HELEN MAYBANKS

© LEE BAXTER

Wicked, Palace Theatre Give yourself a genuinely magical treat as Wicked returns to Manchester. The witches of Oz are Amy Ross (Elphaba) and Helen Woolf (Glinda). If you loved the Wizard of Oz, enjoy this spell-binding musical with the hit song Defying Gravity! I’ve seen it four timesyes it’s that good! Palace Theatre. www.palacetheatre.org

UNTIL 26 JAN 29 JAN - 16 FEB

The Producers, Royal Exchange

Jersey Boys, Palace Theatre

If panto isn’t your thing, there’s alternative entertainment at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre with a new version of Mel Brook’s outrageously funny musical The Producers. This love letter to Broadway musicals sees a crooked duo out to fail and make money What could go wrong? www.royalexchange.co.uk/theproducers

There’s more great music to enjoy from the fabulous Jersey Boys (Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) who return by popular demand, with a show that’s a slick as their routines.

You’ll be amazed at how many songs you remember. Choose from Walk Like A Man, Let’s Hang On, Sherry etc. Palace Theatre. www.jerseyboysuktour.com 19

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

of the

Hale Country Club

Best

Ways to Unwind into 2019 We look at three of the best ways to unwind into the new year

Situated across 20 acres of idyllic land in Cheshire, unwind into 2019 with a pampering day at the refined retreat of Hale Country Club and Spa. Embrace a full body workout, then relax in the sublime thermal suite complete with a fire and ice room, a salt room and sauna. Take in the scenic views from the luxurious infinity pool and indulge in a signature ESPA treatment before enjoying some downtime in the Champagne Lounge or casual dining in the restaurant. www.halecountryclub.co.uk

Ashtanga Yoga Having practised with some of the finest instructors from around the globe, James Henson brings his experience to the North West to teach Ashtanga Yoga from beginners to advance level. Taking a holistic approach to the traditional Ashtanga sequence, James modifies his teaching for your specific needs, whether you are looking to increase flexibility, stability and strength or improve posture. James currently teaches a weekly class in Manchester city centre but also offers private lessons and one to one tuition.

Book your class today: E: jameslawrencehenson@gmail.com T: 07792934240

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Zero Gravity Drift into a blissful, deep, meditative state and rejuvenate and revive your mind and body.

Known as Flotation Therapy, you will spend an hour or more lying quietly in complete darkness, suspended in a warm solution of salt. Research demonstrates that floatation therapy has a significant impact on mood enhancement, eliminates aches and pains and helps to eradicate stress. www.zerogravityfloatspa.com

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You’ve Never Seen

ANYTHING Like it...

Natalie Anglesey chats with Mark Williams, the new Dr Doolittle in the colourful spectacular coming to the Lowry Theatre this Winter and where his bug for the stage started aboard the Mikron canal boat

I

f the name Doctor Dolittle sounds vaguely familiar let me jog your memory. You may have read Hugh Lofting’s stories about that gentleman to your children or seen the original film starring Rex Harrison - or even the updated comedy version starring Eddie Murphy.

But have you ever seen it on stage? If not you have a treat in store. There’s a new musical version of the story about this extraordinary man who taught himself to speak to the animals and you can see it at The Lowry.

The actor who won the coveted role of the Doctor is Mark Williams, who was bitten by the acting bug when he was in a school play. You’ll recognise him from a variety of roles on stage, television and cinema. “I played Mr Weasley, father of Ron, Ginny, the twins and the rest of the clan, in seven of the Harry Potter films,” Mark tells me. ” I wasn’t in the first one and I‘d

22

no idea when I accepted the role that it would be the mammoth franchise it became. But when I saw the first film I knew it was going to be huge,” he grins. “There was a lot of blue screen used for the scary bits – but it was still fascinating and great fun!”

“Fortunately, I was born into a musical family. My father played jazz guitar and I was a boy chorister” However, the role you’ll probably remember Mark best for is cuddly Father Brown, the priest in the popular television series, who dispenses wisdom while solving crimes. ” Father Brown is a delight to play and we have just finished filming the seventh series. The only thing is he’s much more intelligent than I am,” Mark jokes. This busy actor has also written and appeared in The Fast Show, 101 Dalmatians, The Borrowers, and Shakespeare in Love. His many theatre credits include working at the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the Royal Court.

This new production of Doctor Dolittle, with book, music and lyrics by double Academy

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Award-winner Leslie Bricusse, is part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the original film starring Rex Harrison and will feature the same songs, including the Academy Awardwinning, Talk To The Animals.

As Doctor Dolittle is a musical, I hoped that Mark could sing. “Fortunately I was born into a musical family. My father played jazz guitar and I was a boy chorister- so I can still carry a tune.

But it’s definitely intimidating as the legendary composer, Leslie Bricusse who wrote the music for the film has written three new songs for this show. We went to the South of France to meet

him and that was a privilege as he’s written so many hits over the years. “ Like Rex Harrison before him will Mark speak/sing his way through the songs? “ I don’t want to simply do an imitation of what Rex did in the film. It’s only Talk to the Animals that is written like that - the rest of the songs I’ll just be singing,” he beams.

Salford Quays is familiar territory to Mark.

“When I first started working in the theatre, I joined a travelling group of players called Mikron and we lived on a canal boat. When we moored we’d perform plays. Happy days! Mind you the waters at The Lowry weren’t nearly as clean as they are now. You’d find old bicycles and a lot of shopping trolleys as we travelled along the canals - but we were young and dedicated to our craft!”

Better suited to a canal boat were the cleaner Cheshire canals. ”I remember them like the back of my hand,” grins Mark. “Mikron was my first job in the theatre in the days when you had to work and get paid before you were allowed to join Equity. But when you’re young and full of fire we used to think nothing of writing plays and I’d write the music the night before, stop at a pub and perform the play either inside or outside if the weather was suitable.“ Mark laughs when I remind him I’d seen their canal boat arrive at a pub on the Bridgewater Canal just before a performance and they had a washing line with socks and pants hanging out to dry. “Yes. That was definitely us,” he laughs jovially.

The Lowry is a far cry from Brighton where Mark lives while his fellow actor Brian Capron lives in nearby Hove. As they will both be performing at The Lowry over the Christmas period, they will be driving through the night to enjoy two days off with their respective families.

The ex-Coronation Street villain, who played Richard Hillman, is also excited about his role. “I get to play the circus owner, the role played by Richard Attenborough in the film,” Brian explains.” I’m delighted that

23

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

I also get to sing the famous hit song, I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It In My Life!” Other well-known television roles Brian’s appeared in include Grange Hill and Where The Heart Is. His theatre credits include performing in Guys and Dolls at the National Theatre- although he’s most proud of the fact that he was a finalist in Celebrity Masterchef!

When I tell Mark that in a previous production I’ve seen, Polynesia the parrot was voiced by Julie Andrews, he grins. “Well we’ve got Vicky Entwistle doing that who is probably best known for her role as Janice Battersby in Coronation Street and we’ve worked together in Father Brown.” Does the parrot have a Northern accent I wonder? Mark smiles mischievously. “Well, you’ll have to come to see the show to find out!”

If you’re still vague about the story then eccentric Doctor Dolittle embarks on an extraordinary adventure to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail which holds the secret of life and makes the world a happier place. Helped by his human companions, and an exotic menagerie of animal friends including his trusty sidekick Polynesia the parrot, Doctor Dolittle teaches us not only to talk to the animals but to listen to them as well!

Mark reiterates: “This show has everything from a storm at sea to a Noah’s Ark of animals and lots of adventures. We really want this show to be magical and we’ve got a great cast on stage and a superb creative team behind us. “ As I mentioned Leslie Bricusse has written the book, as well as the music and lyrics for more than forty musical films and plays. His stage musicals include Stop the World - I Want to Get

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Off, Pickwick, Harvey, Goodbye, Mr Chips, Scrooge and Victor/Victoria. While films include Scrooge, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Goodbye, Mr Chips, Superman, Victor/Victoria, Home Alone 1 & 2, Hook, Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice, The Last Emperor and various Pink Panthers. As well as winning two Oscars, he’s won a Grammy and eight Ivor Novello Awards. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing him and he’s incredibly modest about his amazing body of work.

“I don’t want to simply do an imitation of what Rex did in the film” This new stage production of Doctor Dolittle has a creative team of the highest calibre. It’s directed by Christopher Renshaw (Zorro, Taboo, We Will Rock You, The King and I), with choreography by Josh Rhodes (Carousel, Sweeney Todd, Company for PBS, Cinderella and Bright Star on Broadway). The design is by Tom Piper (Associate Designer at the RSC 2004 - 2014,) who designed the installation for the Tower of London poppies and Poppies by Paul Cummins).

Mark reminds me that puppets have been used in theatre for centuries. “The innovative puppet design is by Nick Barnes, and you can watch these puppets appear to come alive with puppet direction by Jimmy Grimes. But then something magical seems to happen to me on stage when, as an actor, I just don’t see the person manipulating them- just the dog or the parrot!”

Why should people come to see this show? Mark enthuses: “When I was first asked to play this role I immediately thought yes! This is exactly the right time for this joyous, life-affirming story. Doctor Dolittle is, just like the rest of us, wondering about creation and our place in it. I just hope everyone enjoys it as much as we do.”

Doctor Dolittle is at The Lowry 11 December – 5 January 2019, thelowry.com

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Romancing

the

SCONE The Great British Bake Off’s Prue Leith chats to Natalie Anglesey about her career in cookery, from teaching to presenting and how she even ventured into writing romance novels.

“I

t was The Great British Bake Off that led me back to enjoy baking again and inspired me to write my first cookery book in twenty-five years,” Prue Leith tells me.

Titled simply ‘Prue, My All-Time Favourite Recipes’, it’s exactly that - apart from a small addition from her husband John.

Their marriage has been making the news simply because Prue was 76 when they met and married shortly afterwards. She met him at a party and discovered they’d been neighbours for years and their children had even gone to the same schools.

“This has turned out to be a particularly happy period of my life which I did not expect.” Prue smiles. “John is really good with my grandchildren and has even built them an amazing adventure playground at the bottom of the garden complete with zip-wires which is great- as they love coming here at the weekends.”

Happy wife, happy life is a well-known saying.

But not only is Prue the proud possessor of a CBE, she’s also Chancellor of Queen Margaret’s University in Edinburgh and a respected businesswoman. She also happens to be one of the most popular women on television where she co-hosts The Great British Bake Off with Paul Hollywood.

“When the programme moved from the BBC to Channel 4 in 2016, the presumption was that

27

Mary Berry would go too,” Prue reminds me. “I must admit I hadn’t even seen it when it was on the BBC! But I’d already done quite a bit of television, judging shows like Take Six Cooks, The Best of British and The Great British Menu. I felt comfortable in front of the cameras and wasn’t intimidated by some of my fellow judges who were usually male.

“However, when Bake Off was offered to me I knew it was very important that Paul Hollywood and I would get on well. Fortunately, we just clicked and it’s become something of a mutual admiration society. Sometimes he may sound a bit abrasive to the bakers but that’s only because he’s a perfectionist and he’s really just a big softie!”

Hollywood has retaliated by going on record describing Prue as “a sachertorte, as sweet on the inside as the outside.” While Prue adds: “With Paul, Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding we’re a good team. But I also have the utmost admiration for the bakers we had in that tent this past season, particularly during our very hot summer.

They had to contend with the heat and about eight camera crews - as well as we

28

judges asking questions often at crucial stages!”

Bake Off is gleaning audiences in the region of 8 million and, in spite of the unfortunate incident when, in a different time zone, Prue congratulated the winner before the show was aired, she is grateful to the public for accepting her apologies and her new role.

Born into a life of privilege in South Africa, Prue was intent on leaving to further her education. ‘I knew early on I was mad about food and Europe so Paris seemed like a good option on my way to the UK. My father was a director at ICI and mother was an actress, so for a time, I toyed with the idea of following in her footsteps but my passion for food won in the end.

“I came to the UK in the sixties when I was 18 and set up Leith’s School, a catering business which became fairly successful. Eventually, I gained clients like Glyndebourne and would cater for large parties at Hever Castle. I was on several boards and life was good.”

Married then to South African writer Paul Kruger, Prue was busy working as a chef and running a business. Acknowledged by her profession, she successfully opened the Serpentine Restaurant in Hyde Park, and in the seventies, her

The CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| Regulars | Feature The CHESHIRE

famous restaurant Leith’s won a coveted Michelin star. It was frequented by celebrities like David Bailey, the Beatles, Warren Beatty and Julie Christie.

Which of her many awards is Prue proudest of acquiring? “Well, I look forward to wearing the CBE at the next posh dinner party where medals may be worn. However, the award that gave me the greatest thrill was my first Michelin star.

Anyone in the catering business will tell you that’s the equivalent of winning the Grand Prix!

“If there’s a reason for my success it’s probably because I like to find talent, nurture it and delegate, which I know some chefs find difficult to do. When I became pregnant I then had excellent chefs who took over the restaurant so I could take time off to be with my children.

“When I opened Leith’s School of Food and Wine, my business partner, Caroline Waldegrave, was in charge and she made it such a success. I’d already written 12 cookery books and just finished Leith’s Cookery Bible with Caroline which proved an enormous success. I’d put all my knowledge of food into that book and I couldn’t see how I could improve on it – until now.”

Prue had previously been a food columnist for newspapers like The Daily Mail, The Sunday Express, The Guardian and The Mirror. “I enjoyed the actual writing process so much that back then I decided on a complete change of direction and

chose to write romantic fiction instead. My friends and colleagues thought I was quite mad and I can’t tell you how many rejection slips I had from publishers. But I kept hammering away, even writing on my laptop in the loo at boring parties.

In the end, I made the drastic decision to sell the businesses and concentrate on the writing.”

Although Prue enjoyed a career writing fiction, she has now rediscovered her passion for food.

She is still enthusiastic about less salt and sugar in our food and was awarded her CBE for her work as Head of the Schools Food Trust. She’s still full of praise for Jamie Oliver’s work in challenging education authorities on their past food policy.

“Some of us had been trying for years to get education authorities to change their policy of serving up stodgy, fattening foods for school dinners.

But it took Jamie’s television programmes to shame them into taking notice. Now it’s the job of the Trust to ensure that school cooks know about nutritional values and not take the easy option of opening a packet.”

When Prue sold three of her businesses in the nineties, it was reported she was employing over 500 hundred people and had a turnover of £15 million. Since then she’s opened a training restaurant and catering college in South Africa and a charitable training restaurant.

When Prue’s first husband died, she rethought her lifestyle. “We‘d enjoyed a very happy 30-year marriage but I didn’t really like living on my own so I suggested to my son Daniel and adopted daughter Li-Da that we live together, on separate floors, of a house we converted in London’s Notting Hill. It worked extremely well until my

29

Feature| The CHESHIRE Magazine

three grandchildren arrived.”

Understandably Prue’s extremely proud of her children. “Daniel stood against Tony Blair in Sedgefield. He eventually became a political speech-writer and actually wrote David Cameron’s flag-ship speech at the Tory Party conference prior to the election when Cameron appeared to ad-lib his way through the speech with no notes at all. Danny made him sign his script afterwards and he wrote his thanks on it.

“Now Danny’s committed to Only Connect, a drama company which works in prisons and my daughter Li-Da, who is from Cambodia, is a documentary film-maker who films a great deal in Egypt. You’ll have seen her work on television but she’s always away working.”

Prue spends more time in her house in the Cotswolds with her husband John, who’d worked in the fashion business. Is that where her fashion sense comes from? “ Fortunately John likes what I wear,” Prue replies. “But the style, the clothes and jewellery, that’s all due to a wonderful stylist I was introduced to years ago called Jane Galpin.

Fortunately, we all agreed on bold primary colours - like the cover of my book!”

With the impending festive dinners looming this month, does Prue have any alternative ideas for families bored with turkey and all the trimmings?

“Absolutely. There’s a great recipe for John’s slow-cooked brisket in the book which can even be cooked the day before. My husband could not believe I hadn’t a brisket recipe in the book, and so I added this just for him. It may seem oldfashioned but it is really tasty, makes wonderful

30

gravy and he claims it’s worth the calories! Then on Boxing Day, a real family favourite with us is salmon in pastry with curried eggs and spinach inside. It may sound unusual but you’d be surprised how delicious that is. Then, of course, something light like Normandy Tart for pudding.”

While preparing for a book tour around the country, including various dates in Cheshire, Prue has already embarked on writing her next book.

She wasn’t joking about the real camaraderie they enjoy on The Great British Bake Off because, after this book tour, she will take time off with Paul, Sandi and Noel to visit the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen before the Christmas festivities begin.

Most of the chefs I know don’t want to cook the Christmas dinner and like to eat out at this time of year but not Prue.”I love cooking at this time of year as I would not be able to enjoy eating the food when I’m not in control and didn’t know how it was prepared. But with the help of the family, of course, that’s all part of the fun. So yes life is really good!”

Pick up your copy of ‘Prue, My All-Time Favourite Recipes’ published by Bluebird, £25

• UK Event Designer of the Year • Corporate Events • Private VIP House Parties

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Big

Ambitions Meet the Cheshire business owners who are going for growth

also lease machines and operatives into the TV and film industry meaning we had a front seat at this year’s royal wedding.

Where next – what are your ambitions for 2019?

Following the merger, we’re currently going through a rebrand process and my focus is making sure our people feel empowered and part of one ambitious business pulling in the same direction. Culture is key and we are working with every employee to build the career they want with us at NSS Group. My big goal is beyond this year and I have a mission to create 1,000 jobs by 2021. I hardly recognise the business I was leading just a few years ago.

And what about out of the office? What do you do to relax and recharge?

Anyone who does business with us knows my right-hand man, Boris. Boris is a poodle and he joins me in the office every day - the team and clients all prefer him to me, but you can’t blame them! Taking him out for a walk really helps me

“BGF funding has unlocked the business’ potential and we 32

FAR LEFT TOP: NSS GROUP’S 47M BRONTO SKYLIFT PROVIDED THE PERFECT PLATFORM FOR SKY NEWS FILMING OF THE ROYAL WEDDING THIS YEAR. FAR LEFT BOTTOM: BORIS, NIEL’S PET POODLE

Tell us about your year in business…

My company is an ‘at height’ property maintenance specialist. We can repair or maintain any part of a building’s façade.

We’ve had a stronghold in the North West for a number of years but in 2016, I made the decision to kick on towards a national expansion. We attracted investment from BGF and went on to buy two businesses taking us in to Scotland and the entertainment and sports sectors. This year, we turbo-charged that growth by merging with NWC Group. Now a £30m turnover facilities management business, there are too many highlights to mention. We work with the biggest players in the property industry to help maintain their estates, retail chains, high-end and (literally) high residential and we

ENJOYING THE OPEN SEAS WITH SON MAX IN CANNES

N

iel Bethell is CEO at NSS Group based in Hale. BGF invested in his business, High Access in 2016. In 2018, High Access merged with another BGF-backed company NWC Group to create NSS Group. BGF is the UK and Ireland’s most active investor in growing businesses and has a team based in Manchester.

Niel speaks to The Cheshire Magazine about his business and what his plans are for the year ahead.

to step away for some time-out. The only way I really switch off is to leave Cheshire and I try to get away once a month. I have a place in Cannes and a boat which I move around the South of France. After my kids and Boris, it’s my pride and joy. Sailing works for me in a number of ways. From the boat I had in Abersoch ten years ago to sailing ‘Plan C’ now, it’s the same sense of freedom and clarity that makes this my go-to.

Spending time in France, I’ve met so many like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders from the UK who are now friends. We do talk about our businesses and share ideas - so I suppose we never really switch off completely.

Clare Roberts is CEO at family-owned Kids Planet. Following investment from BGF, the Cheshire-headquartered nursery business has grown quickly and celebrated its tenth year in 2018. BGF is the UK and Ireland’s most active investor in growing businesses and has a team based in Manchester. We talk to Clare about the year that’s been and what her ambitions are for 2019.

Tell us about your year in business…

It’s been a whirlwind year with some really significant milestones for Kids Planet. Now with 32 nurseries operating across the region, we’ve hit a decade of business and hired our 1000th employee. We’ve made five new acquisitions and taken further investment of £6.5m from BGF to accelerate our growth. Celebrating our tenth birthday was a real highlight. Hosted by comedian Russell Kane at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, we used the opportunity to honour our amazing teams with internal awards for our brightest and best.

Where next – what are your ambitions for 2019?

More growth. BGF funding has unlocked the business’ potential and we have big ambitions to work hard to continue to expand. Our pipeline for 2019 is already really strong as the demand for outstanding childcare continues to grow.

95% of our nurseries inspected since 2012 have

L-R: BEN BARKER BGF WITH CLARE ROBERTS AT KIDS PLANET

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

CLARE AND FAMILY IN NYC

CLARE AND RUSSELL KANE AT KP 10TH BIRTHDAY

been awarded Oustanding by Ofsted. Our challenge is to quickly bring the new sites we acquire up to our own standards.

And what about out of the office? What do you do to relax and recharge?

I clear my head while I’m running and am planning to do the Manchester Marathon again in 2019. I choose not to listen to music and even though I feel like I’m switching off, by the end of a run, I’ll often have come up with the idea or solved the problem I’ve been wrangling with.

I have three kids (aged 11, 7 and 5) and we love to travel with them and the rest of the family. I didn’t ski growing up but am a keen skier now so my husband and I take them skiing every year to build their confidence. My own skiing is improving and find my confidence builds throughout the day depending on how many bars we’ve stopped at. We’re flying to Switzerland on Boxing Day this year – I can’t wait. Last year, we went to New York and Mexico over Christmas. It’s the one time of year that the business slows down slightly.

have big ambitions to work hard to continue to expand.”

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Christmas at

COTTONS HOTEL & SPA

Buble and Baubles PARTY NIGHTS

Bublé and Baubles Christmas party nights with all your favourite Michael Bublé hits and Christmas classics until 1.00am.

30th November 6th December

13th December 22nd December

Christmas Day

LUNCH

A traditional Christmas Day Lunch with all the trimmings and a special visit from Santa. Toast the season with a glass of chilled Champagne and appetisers on arrival and then enjoy a delicious four-course lunch.

£99.00 PER PERSON £49.00 PER CHILD

19th January 2019

FROM

£42.00 PER PERSON

Festive Lunch

Monday 3rd December - Sunday 23rd December (Excluding the 25th, 26th and 31st) Relax with friends, family or colleagues, come in from the cold and enjoy some festivities in our restaurant, the perfect seasonal treat.

FROM

£25.95 PER PERSON

New Year’s Eve GALA DINNER

One not to be missed on the social calendar!

Enjoy a night to remember and bring on the New Year in style, enjoy Andy Powell our live entertainer and host DJ will play until the early hours

FROM

£95.00 PER PERSON

Aged between 3 - 12 years.

Table reservations between 12.30pm - 3.00pm.

Children under 3 years of age eat free of charge.

Festive Afternoon Tea

Monday 3rd December - Sunday 30th December (Excluding the 25th, 26th and 31st) Come in and enjoy our delicious afternoon tea, from our selection of leaf teas to our freshly prepared sandwiches, cakes and warm scones and clotted cream.

FROM

£23.95 PER PERSON

Christmas Breaks 3 NIGHT BREAK £415.00 PER PERSON

Includes dinner, bed and breakfast on all days, departing 27th December.

To book or to find out more about these events call the Sales Team on 01565 650333

Cottons Hotel & Spa Manchester Road, Knutsford, WA16 0SU

Party Season Unwrapped Top tips from professionals to create a season of comfort and joy

Entertaining at Home

‘For flawless festive entertaining, choose a theme and stick to it. From invitations (to give your guests a taster) to the finale - it’s all in the detail! Dress your table to perfection with beautiful glassware, charger plates and a show-stopping centrepiece. Keep your festive theme seamless – even down to scent. We love Gingerbread from A.H.O.M.E. which gives a warm, welcoming feel.’

Georgina Irlam & Megan Warburton - Irlam Warburton Events, Event Planners Cheshire & Beyond www.irlamwarburtonevents.com

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Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Looking After Your Hair * Only wash your hair three times a week to prevent it drying out in the cold, the less drying and heat you use the better. * Use sulphate-free shampoo; sulphates can strip your hair of its essential oils, vital to keep it from drying out. * Use the right products. Leave-in conditioners, Argan oils and heat protectors are best to keep your hair in tip-top condition.’

Richard Harrison-Illingworth – Stylist and Owner Richard Harrison Hair www.richardharrisonhair.com

3

2

How To Entertain The Kids

‘It’s a magical time of the year for the little ones so throwing them a little party will have them excited for what’s to come. Make your own snow with baking soda and conditioner, decorate your own wreath and Christmas baubles or bake and decorate your own gingerbread house.’

Sarah Brown – Nursery Manager – Kids Country www.kidscountry.co.uk

What To Do With Your Leftovers

4

‘Christmas dinner leftovers are bursting with flavour and so versatile, perfect for getting creative. Although boxing day sandwiches are always a winner, there are endless pies, curries, salads and soups, to bring these delicious leftovers back to life. In my household, the favourite is my turkey, ham & chestnut filo parcels with a creamy tarragon sauce.’

Thiago Fernandes- Head Chef – Piste www.pistewinebars.com

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Taking The Perfect Picture

Taking the perfect selfie this festive season will rely on these top tips to mastering your phone portraits. * A picture with your friend.

First, get them to take it. They can have the massive arm and awkward side profile. * Pose Stand behind, almost to the side, of your friend. This cuts you in half and allows you to drape or lean onto them. You look super natural at taking selfies. * Light Don’t take a picture in the dark, move to daylight, for example a window. * Touch screen exposure Did you know that if you touch the picture you are taking on the screen the image will get light or darker? This is called exposure.

Kat Hannon – Leading Commercial Photographer – Owner of Kat Hannon Photography www.kathannon.com

5

7

What To Have In Your Drinks Cabinet

Create a Christmas Space for the Kids

‘Everything you need for the sweetest Slumber party ever. Mini festival style tents hired out perfect for cosy winter birthdays, Christmas & New Year parties. Leave everything to us we arrive with all that you need plus some dreamy theme choices & sweet surprises to make it a magical night to remember.

Parties from £99 Midweek £140 weekends.’ | Ann-Marie Baker Party Planner/Franchisee – Sleepunder Parties Cheshire www.sleepunder.co.uk

6

‘Christmas is a time for indulgence and what better way to start the day than with a glass of Tanners Champagne (£25). Follow up with a White Burgundy, a particular favourite from Marcel et Blanche Fevre (£18.20).

To perfectly end the day a Wine & Soul 10-year-old Tawny Port (£25) is a classic that works well with blue cheese.’ www.tanners-wines.co.uk/chester

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Luxury Home Fragrance

www.florenceverity.co.uk

Winter

Weddings

Over the next two issues, The Cheshire Magazine will help you on your magical wedding journey- from proposal to party

3 Ways to Announce Your Engagemen t The rings have been bought, tears of happiness have been shed, now it’s time to share the happy news with your loved ones.

1

The Traditional Route

Once close family and friends have been told, couples with a more traditional approach may wish to announce their engagement in the local newspaper. To reach friends and family around the world, you could send a card, with a picture of your happy faces (and more importantly, shiny new engagement rings) to reveal the news.

2

Social Media

Amazingly, over a third of British couples announce their engagement on Social Media before telling friends and family.

Get creative and take the perfect couple picture with a simple “I said yes” or take a picture of you and your partner clinking champagne flutes with the ring clearly on show. From Instagram to Twitter, to Facebook, let the world know you’re ready to say I Do.

3

Party Time

For the organised couple, throwing an impromptu engagement party for close friends and family means you get to share your news with all of your favourite people at the same time. This also requires you to keep the news under wraps, but the payoff is to see the surprise and joy on everyone’s faces.

39

Photo courtesy of Shane Webber

Photo courtesy of Mark Carline

We work with a host of iconic wedding venues across the North West and North Wales and can coordinate the perfect setting to your perfect day. Already found your location? We are experts at providing outdoor catering and will work collaboratively with you, to deliver memorable culinary moments for your wedding party.

01244 304 660

horseradishcatering.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Weddings

Ven ues

to Visit

The North boasts some of the best wedding venues in the country, and once you’ve decided on a wedding date, it’s time to start viewing them. We have listed our six favourites below.

Colshaw Hall

Colshaw Hall is a country estate venue located in Over Peover.

Owned by the Irlam family, it is steeped in history but features fresh, contemporary interiors.

The estate boasts 300 acres of manicured gardens and countryside, which you’ll have exclusive use of and a stunning ceremony room to tie-the-knot. The Peel Suite and Pavilion Bar are fabulous spaces for dining and celebrating, and the jewel in the crown is a Grade II listed hall in which you can stay the night of your wedding.

It’s a luxurious venue run by an attentive team who will do everything they can to make your day perfect. www.colshawhall.com

Cottons Hotel

All you need in one place for your special day, whether it be small and select or large and loud.

We have two lovely reception rooms, our restaurant and Tabley Suite or the Verandah Suite which can accommodate up to 120 guests. And wedding organisers bringing a lot of experience and laughter to help plan your perfect day. www.cottonshotel.co.uk

Carden Park

Country house aesthetic, contemporary design features and elegant furnishings. It’s almost as if Carden Park was made for winter. It is a venue that suits the season: guests can cosy up in front of one of the open log fires or stroll around the frosty grounds before warming up in one of the 198 recently refurbished bedrooms.

Be married in the Shooting suite, a space that can accommodate up to 120 guests. Delivering country elegance, furnished with oak beams and open fireplaces, it offers a striking and romantic setting.

Accompanied with its own private bar and lounge it also makes a great space for any wedding reception extras. With multiple other space options for weddings and receptions, arranging to take a tour around Carden Park will undoubtedly be worth it this festive season. www.cardenpark.co.uk 41

Weddings | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Chester Town Hall

As one of the most desirable venues in Cheshire, with some of the richest history in the region, Chester Town Hall makes the perfect destination for wedding ceremonies and celebrations. Set in the heart of the city, the venue offers four unique rooms to hire, from grand to intimate there is something to suit every wedding. As guests enter, they are greeted by the stunning sweeping staircase, a fabulously impressive and colourful backdrop for photography.

The Town Hall is licensed to conduct civil ceremonies and has a whole host of bright function spaces for the occasion. All ceremony rooms include a beautiful space for your ceremony, a wedding coordinator to help create your perfect day, fantastic photographic opportunities and a master of ceremonies.

When the I do’s are done, Catering & Event creatives Horseradish offer reception packages delivering drinks and canapés through to wedding breakfast and evening buffet. www.chestertownhall.co.uk

Vermilion

Merrydale Manor

Sister venue to Colshaw Hall, Merrydale Manor is fast becoming the place to host your wedding or special occasion in Cheshire. This private, exclusive-use country estate in Over Peover, features rolling countryside and luxe interiors.

An oak-beamed civil ceremony room with limestone floors overlooks a tranquil lake with jetty - the perfect spot for pictures.

The Merrydale Suite combines style and state-of-the-art facilities - perfect in which to dine and party! Choose to stay in the stunning manor house with friends and family and a further range of boutique style accommodation located on the estate. www.merrydalemanor.com

With its luxury design, elegance and vibrant atmosphere, Vermilion has become one of Manchester’s most iconic venues.

Vermilion includes the critically acclaimed Asian Fusion restaurant & cocktail bar and most recently it’s new Wedding and Banqueting spaces. Designed by internationally renowned Miguel Cancio Martins (Buddha Bar, Paris), offering separately luxury designed spaces with the spectacular decor, and a sophisticated service and innovative culinary team, that can accommodate all your needs.

Vermilion’s event spaces

include The Abacus Gallery, with a capacity of 100, The Alan Turing Room with a capacity of 250 and the Grand Suite, with the capacity for 800 guests. Vermilion also includes 300 onsite car/coach parking facilities, breathtakingly high ceilings with no pillars, an array of opulent chandeliers, Eastern-influenced art and furnishing, bespoke mood lighting and a dedicated staff of professionals with vast experience from 5-star hotels are on hand to ensure you and your guests can relax and enjoy an unforgettable experience. www.vermilion.uk.com

loves

Weddings | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Choose a Summer Or a Win ter Weddin g Once everyone has taken in the good news its time to start planning what time of year to get married. We spoke to two of Cheshire’s finest luxury wedding planners to get their advice on summer and winter weddings.

Tracy Lavin International Luxury Wedding Planner

Abigail Lucy Luxury Weddings & Events

The summer season is one of the busiest seasons to get married in - for me, it’s easy to understand why. On a sunny day look up to the blue sky and close your eyes, take a deep breath and feel the warmth of the light beaming down on your skin, is there a better feeling? Sunshine brings joy, happiness and smiles all around - so you can be sure your guests will all be in high spirits. Weddings are a glorious time, a celebration of love and unity so no matter the season you decide to get wed - it will be magical in its own way, but if you are considering planning a summer wedding it does have its advantages. When you book a summer wedding, the good weather means you are not limited to remain indoors, so if your venue has an outdoor space - it’s almost like you have two venues for the price of one, the weather being warmer also means you can embrace wearing beautiful strapless or bohemian beach style bridal gowns.

Lastly, you can be sure that your wedding photography will look fabulous with a blue sky backdrop. If you are a bride-to-be and would like some advice on getting started with your wedding plans, feel free to get in touch with me, my advice is free, and it would be my pleasure to help you with what will be the most important day of your lives.

Abigail Lucy Luxury Wedding & Events Planner, Designer & Stylist www.abigail-lucy.com

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As a Luxury Wedding Planner, we are always looking at different ways to make a proposal unique or wedding extra special, and when it comes to the festive season, there are lots of options. December is one of the most popular months for engagements and proposals, so try and do it when they least expect it, you could always whisk your loved one away on a surprise weekend two weeks before Christmas or in between Christmas and new year to your favourite city - New York, London, Dublin, Paris. Book a suite in one of the top hotels so when you arrive, it can be already filled with rose petals, candles, flowers, champagne and giant balloons with “will you marry me”.

Then if you don’t already have the ring, if your partner is fussy like me then go shopping for it together as that’s part of the fun too. You could also pre-arrange as a surprise for your partner, to have some family/friends to meet you at the best restaurant in town to celebrate.

Getting married in December can be so magical with all the vibrant colours, sparkling lights and everyone is always in a good mood. New Year’s Eve I think is one of the best days to get married as families can spend time on Christmas Day with their own families first, and then they all join together on New Year’s Eve for the wedding.

Book a castle with open fires, luxury furnishings, a choir during your service, bagpipes to lead you into your 5-course gourmet dinner, fireworks and band to dance you into the new year.

Tracy Lavin, CEO & Creative Designer www.tracylavinevents.co.uk

Weddings | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Wedding Fayres Dates for your Diary Gather further inspiration and ideas from The Cheshire Magazine’s handpicked wedding fayre’s

12-13 JAN 2019

20 JAN 2019

17 FEB 2019

Wedding Open Weekend at Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa

Willington Hall Wedding Fayre

Rookery Hall Hotel Wedding Fayre

Main Road, Worleston, Cheshire, CW5 6DQ Opening times: 11:00 - 15:00 T: 01270 610 016

Willington Lane, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0NB Opening times: 11:00 - 17:00 T: 01829752321

Main Rd, Worleston, Nantwich CW5 6DQ Opening times: 11:00 - 15:00 T: 0845 072 7533

13 JAN 2019

3 MAR 2019

The Wedding Fayre at The Monastery Manchester

Peckforton Castle Wedding Fayre

89 Gorton Ln, Manchester M12 5WF Opening Times: 11:00 - 15:00 T: 0161 223 3211

Stone House Lane, Cheshire, CW6 9TN Opening times: 11:00 - 15:00 T: 01829260930

13 JAN 2019

Wedding Open Day at Cheadle House Royal Crescent, Cheadle Royal, Cheshire, SK8 3FS Opening times: 12:00 - 16:00 T: 0161 492 1064

27 JAN 2019

Crabwall Manor Hotel Wedding Fayre Parkgate Rd, Mollington, Chester CH1 6NE Opening times: 11:00 - 15:00 T: 01244 851666

27 JAN 2019

Delamere Manor Wedding Fayre Cuddington Lane CW82TE Opening times: 14:00 - 18:00 T: 01606 261361 19 JAN 2019

Bramall Hall Wedding Open Day Bramall Hall - Bramhall Park, Cheshire, SK7 3NX Opening times: 10:00 - 16:00 T: 0161 474 3451 46

2019

2 FEB 2019

Chester Grosvenor Wedding Fayre Eastgate Chester CH1 1LT Opening times 11:00 - 15:00 T: 01244324024

P l a n n i n g to Pop the Qu e s ti on?

Your Perfect Proposal at The Chester Grosvenor

5 * Hotel The Chester Grosvenor, has its own bespoke proposal service including luxury accommodation, Taittinger Champagne on arrival, a three course dinner at Michelin Starred restaurant Simon Radley and an engagement ring consultation with an expert at Boodles.

Prices start at £595 per room.

For more information visit www.chestergrosvenor.com/contact-us

Free Admission | No Appointments | Altrincham Road , Wilmslow, Cheshire, Sk9 4LY

CARL CHRISTOPHER Congleton | 01260 281192 JOHN PASS JEWELLERS Crewe | johnpass.co.uk HENRY D JOHNSTONE Poynton | 01625 872470 MOCOCO Chester | 01244 312043 Mold | 01352 700456 Ruthin | 01824 705998 Wrexham | 01978 280045 Birkenhead | 0151 6477370 Liverpool | 0151 2550388 Warrington | 01925 639055 NEIL & BARKER JEWELLERS Widnes | 0151 4243343

Ariella

c hlob o.co.u k

Collection INVEST to Impress Fans of de Grisogono’s glamorous statement jewellery can now find the Swiss jeweller’s dazzling wares on Net-a-Porter. Browse pieces from the Allegra collection, first launched in 2003 and named after founder Fawaz Gruosi’s daughter. They say it’s a “relaxed, easy-going collection… for a laid-back look”. We say: its eye-catching spiral design is fun, modern and distinctive. The Ventaglio collection also features – monochrome it may be, understated it is not. Undulating Art Deco fan shapes created from white and black diamonds are made all the more mesmerising thanks to subtly articulated stones – this is a gift, for someone else or yourself, which will stand the test of time. www.net-a-porter.com

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High Time

Jewellery & Watch news WORDS: ANNABEL HARRISON

Count down to Christmas and 2019 on a striking new timepiece and ring in the New Year bedecked in the sparkliest of jewels

Put a Ring On It Christmas and New Year’s Eve are magical times of year to propose – everyone is in a celebratory mood and she’ll be over the moon to find a little box under the tree. Make sure there’s a smile on her face when she opens it by choosing wisely, and here’s some inspiration, whether she prefers timeless elegance or contemporary conversation starters.

Something Blue 6.03 carats of tanzanite, the vivid blue birthstone for December babies, are set within diamonds and 18ct white gold to dazzling effect. A showstopper of a ring.

Kiki McDonough, £7,200, www.kiki.co.uk 50

The Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 114 is the fifth in-house development from Oris and, for the first time, it features a 24-hour second time zone with half-hour indication. Oris proudly declares that no other mechanical watch in Swiss watchmaking combines these functions in a single watch, and it’s seriously smart too. The brand has long-standing ties to aviation – it made its first pilot’s watch in the early 1910s – and it’s also the first watch to carry Oris’ innovative in-house developed Calibre 114, which features a 10-day power reserve, a non-linear power reserve indicator and a 24-hour second time zone. Of course, women can wear it too, but if you prefer something rather more sparkling, turn to the Artelier Grande Lune Date Diamonds, the first ladies’ watch Oris has produced with a large moon phase indication.

It happens to be Oris ambassador Jasmine Hemsley’s watch of choice. www.oris.ch

Perfectly Classic This dazzling, round, brilliant-cut diamond, set in platinum with diamonds delicately placed along the shoulders, will take centre stage when you propose.

David M Robinson, £27,000, www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

Modern Heirloom This statement ring is inspired by India’s rich heritage of jewellery making. It’s cast in silver and topped with diamonds and an emerald enclosed in 18ct gold claws.

Amrapali, £21,000, www.netaporter.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Jewellery

Starry Night

Twinkle, twinkle little star… look to the skies and add some celestial energy to last-minute Christmas presents or New Year’s Eve ensembles. These delicate white gold diamond earrings take inspiration from the perennially popular star motif and will look just as fabulous on Christmas Day as they will with a cocktail dress for a night out on 31 December. Set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, this earring features an extended post on the reverse, allowing it to curve into the ear. Add extra sparkle to proceedings courtesy of Whirlwind, a round brilliantcut diamond set amidst a swirl of polished white gold, and a cascade of diamonds – a truly modern twist on a diamond ring.

Whirlwind ring, £2,450, and Starburst earrings, £950, www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

In the Navy Midnight blue and diamonds make an exquisite combination and these three watches showcase it beautifully, while certain to prove horological investments that will stand the test of time.

L’Heure du Diamant 27.50mm 18-karat white gold, satin, diamond and mother-of-pearl watch, £48,600, Chopard, www.chopard.com

loves Ladies’ Calatrava, POA, Patek Philippe, www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

Traditionelle 33mm watch, £36,665, Vacheron Constantin, www.netaporter.com

Halo Effect

Copenhagen’s Sophie Bille Brahe is one of the hottest names in young jewellery talent, described as ‘elegant with an avant-garde twist’. She is inspired by her family’s passion for astronomy and the clean spirit of Scandinavia, as evidenced by Danish jeweller Georg Jensen’s latest collection. The Halo collection comprises 19 pieces in 18ct gold and diamonds and is centered around hoop earrings of different sizes. “It is a story at the heart of Denmark,” Sophie says, of working with the brand.

“Everybody here feels it and recognises the name Georg Jensen. It is part of our Danish design legacy.”

Halo collection, from £650, www.georgjensen.com

You Shall Go to the Ball

Jessica McCormack’s jewellery demands that you have fun while wearing it.

Her collection names set the tone: Ball and Chain; Jewels of the Urban Night; Trip the Light Fantastic. The New Zealander, who set up shop ten years ago, makes everything in her London atelier and is inspired by influences as diverse as Maori carvings and greenstone pendants to the Bauhaus movement and feminist photography. We love her newest concept, entitled Party Jacket. The idea behind it: “To breathe new life into old, unworn rings by creating a new design to surround the existing one.

The Jacket alters the look but preserves the fabric and essence of the original piece.” Our favourite, the Diamond Fan Party Jacket, took a staggering 600 hours to craft. www.jessicamccormack.com 51

Afternoon Tea at

The Oakfield, Chester Zoo In association with

24th January 2019 £45 12 - 4pm The afternoon starts with a fizz reception in one of The Oakfields sumptuous drawing rooms and is followed by afternoon tea and entertainment within the Garden Room looking out onto the grounds of the Zoo. There will also be a raffle to raise vital funds for our chosen charities.

Book Tickets Online NOW

For more information or to book e-mail

hello@thecheshiremag.co.uk www.thecheshiremagazine.co.uk

Style Midnight MOTH High-end designer

and upcycling. Not something you usually see in the same context but Cheshire-born designer Amanda Wakeley is breaking down boundaries once again with her latest collection - Midnight Moth. Born from Wakeley’s humorous take on her own frustration when a well-loved cashmere piece falls victim to a moth attack, her new moth motifs can be appliquéd onto cashmere and any other item for that matter. ‘Wakeley-fy’ ready for Spring or buy pre-customised cashmere now. www.amandawakeley.com Black Cashmere bomber with Intarsia moth detailing, £695

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Sock it to Me

Sartorial style and socks are usually a very good pairing, but add in David Ghandi and you’ve got a match made in Christmas heaven. We are particularly fond of the colourful boxed set of men’s feet warmers, still available in the pre-Christmas rush. www.londonsockcompany.com

Fashion news WORDS: LAURA GARNER

Big Step For Blahnik

Carrie famously went to Paris for love but found it eventually in Mr Big wielding a pair of blue Manolo’s. The designer famed for gracing nearly every scene of the famous noughts NBO show is now finding his new home in the city of love. Set in the beautiful Cafe Corazza at the Palais-Royal the new store is Spanish designer Blahnik’s first freestanding boutique and we are expecting great things. It’s a risk being set away from Rue Saint Honore, but destination shopping is a thing and his shoes, well a spectacle in their own right. Open 2019. £695, MOCHETO, Black Suede Pointed Toe Pumps www.manoloblahnik.com

Regally Renowned

Safiyaa may not be on your radar, but it is certainly on new royal Meghan Markles and therefore, a name to know right now.

Having worn gowns by the British brand twice now, the ‘Saville Row for Women’ is set to be the next big thing in formal dressing. We love the Ginkgo cape in their Fijian Blue she wore on her tour of the South Pacific recently but we love even more how the brand is named after designer Daniela Karnuts’ daughter. Shop Resort 18 now.

Alani Top with Demoiselle Embroidery and Halluana Trousers in Ivory. Price available on request www.safiyaa.com

loves

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Dotty For It

“Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini’s all-American AW18 collection is tinged with ‘80s nuances. Embroidered with black polka dots and trimmed with a black satin waistband, this pink tulle dress captures the best bits from the decade of decadence,” says Harvey Nichols. Pair this dress over a pair of sheer ten deniers or flirt with the idea of some leather look pants. Go full opaque with biker boots to rough it up. £820, www.harveynichols.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Dapper Chap

Since the Chapar came into force, men have breathed a collective sigh of relief. No longer trawling around shops aimlessly or frustrating their partners with indecisive ‘um’s’, the online personal styling service for men is about as close as it gets to the whole grail of avoiding that ‘I need new a new everything’ this Spring. Chop to it chaps. www.thechapar.com

3 of the

BEST If you didn’t know that logo’s are having a moment it’s time to get monogramming.

Boxing Clever

Aspinal of London has a way of reinventing itself in smart and inspiring ways - whether that be through collaborations or bringing new people into play. The addition for this luxury leather goods and accessories brand of Mr Pop Culture Couture himself, Giles Deacon, has been genius. Mixing the elegance of Aspinals ethos with his hand-drawn creations of ‘Aspinal Girls’ - a nod to his ‘quintessential playfulness’ is joyful, to say the least. Spring here we come.

Giles x Aspinal Micro Hat Box £450, Giles x Aspinal Silk Scarf £125, www.aspinaloflondon.com

© CREATIVE LAB / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

GucciGG leather macramé dress, £3,130 www.gucci.com

Louis Vuitton Laudreate Desert Boot, £870 www.louisvuitton.com Balenciaga Scarf, £360 www.balenciaga.com

Happy Haute

If the pop-tune pioneer Pharell Williams doesn’t instantly bring a smile to your face, the next word will. Chanel. Together the two make the perfect pairing in our eyes and from April 4, the brand new capsule collection will be available for us all to enjoy. www.chanel.com

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Wherever your chosen piste, style is essential both on and off the slopes. Erin Snow’s latest collection in collaboration with Woolmark hits all the right spots.

Here we explore the American active designers’ love of cool greys, durable designs and her signature twist on apres feminity.

LEFT: Kat Jacket in Merino with Eco Sporty, £1,145, both from www.net-a-porter.com 59

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

LEFT: Kat Jacket in Merino, £1,245, www.net-a-porter.com

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

CREDITS

Photography: Lori Adamski Peek Hair and Makeup: Keri Hatfield Talent: Sierra Quitiquit All items are from Erin Snow, with thanks from The Cheshire Magazine

BOTTOM RIGHT: Lola Jacket in Merino, £1,145, www.net-a-porter.com 63

Time to

SPARKLE Mary Jane Greenhalgh talks to Alessandra Steinherr about her essentials for Christmas, how to choose the best beauty products and gets some tips on how to stay calm and retain a glow over the festive period.

A

lessandra Steinherr has become one of the most famous names in the UK’s beauty industry. Half German and half Austrian but born in Belgium she spent six years as Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan magazine followed by more than a decade in a similar role at Glamour magazine. Alessandra works as a consultant with some of the world’s top beauty brands amassing an amazing 185,000 followers on Instagram.

Alessandra was on a fleeting trip to do a master class for Chanel and I was lucky enough to meet her and was immediately mesmerised by her extraordinary knowledge of all things beauty and her infectious love for life. She was deliciously down to earth and due to her refreshing personality, we went thoroughly off script!

We sat eating dark chocolate together in the stunning new beauty hall at Selfridges, Trafford Centre which has an amazing array of new brands and products to choose from. Even as a person who has reasonable knowledge and love of the beauty industry, it was a somewhat daunting experience as it was hard to know where to start but she reassured me that this was exactly what she was here to do with her masterclasses.

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“I like to physically show people the products and how they work and love the interactive masterclasses. I spend so much time on Instagram but also love the live element too of a master class. I also love the brand Chanel and their products - they are iconic, classic and gorgeous to use and always remain true to their brand.”

“I like to physically show people the products and how they work and love the interactive masterclasses.”

Alessandra likes to mix a range of different products and price points and believes it is all about making beauty accessible. She is not ‘anti’ anything and mixes Chanel with her Primark range for example. She has been trained over the years to always have a critical eye on products and their price point and firmly believes in products that really work. On her Instagram, her Sunday Facial explains the ingredients and products. What is clear is her amazing knowledge which she uses to help give

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

her followers an informed decision of what products would be best for them. It was really interesting and personally, I love this mix and match approach which seems really sensible.

It is hard to believe that Alessandra had just flown in from Mauritius. She looked radiant, calm and has a natural sun-kissed glow and does not appear at all jet lagged. Her secret is that she treats flying as a spa in the air wearing no make-up and applying a rich moisturiser and a face mask. To save taking a cleanser she recommends the Japanese Ko Gen Do Spa Cleansing Water Wipes.

“Always pack snacks,” she goes on to say.

“Good quality nuts and dark chocolate and also tea bags. My favourites are Jasmin and Green tea. I stay away from alcohol, drink lots of water and keep off starchy foods if possible and go for protein-based options where possible.”

And your sun-kissed glow I ask? “I love the look of the sun but don’t go in it and in fact will walk on the opposite side of the street to which the sun is shining on. “Fake tan?” I ask looking for recommendations…. ‘Tan Luxe and Vita Liberata are my favourites and I use a foundation brush to apply fake tan on your face as it makes it blend really well.” Other products she would not be without are Estee Lauder Night repair and Les Beiges Healthy Glow Luminous Colour by Chanel.

As a Christmas tip, she recommends threading your eyebrows to help lift and give shape to our face and hers look amazing so this is on my list of things to do!

For Christmas, Alessandra will be with her family in Austria. She loves to keep the peace and has learnt over the years that too many cooks spoil the broth so either her mother or aunt will be in charge and she will enjoy assisting everyone and will do their make up for them. She loves to relax, let go and be grateful at Christmas time. For those concerned about black bags under the eyes and wrinkles she recommends Blue Serum Eye from Chanel and Laura Mercier Secret Brightening powder which glides on and doesn’t go into

wrinkles. “You are either a lip or eye person and eyes are good to accentuate over Christmas if you are eating and drinking.”

Alessandra will be asking for a Cartier Ring and the Chanel No.5 Red Edition on her Christmas wish list. Finally Alessandra shared with me her favourites from Chanel to help create the most perfect Christmas party look...

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Chanel Le Vernis in 918 Flamboyance, £22

2

Chanel Sublimage Le Teint Foundation, £100

ALESSANDRA’S FAVOURITES

3

Le Volume Revolution de Chanel Mascara, £28

4

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet N°5 Luminous Matte Lip Colour Limited Edition, £32

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Beauty at your Fingertips!

Health & Beauty news

We do love the festive period with all the celebrations and overindulgence but sometimes it can be hard to stay healthy and looking good after countless late nights! Here are our top tips for surviving the festive period….

WORDS: MARY JANE GREENHALGH & LEILA BIBBY

Rodial Face Mask Set With all the parties and events to survive surely everyone’s skin will be in need of some extra TLC so what better way to treat yourself than by picking the mask to suit your skin’s needs. Whether you need your skin to be revitalised, illuminated or lifted this set has it all! £45, www.harveynichols.co.uk

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Get Christmas party ready with Blow LTD and these two new limited edition packages to help you get ready for the festive season. With both hair and makeup – available in the comfort of your home, office, hotel or other location this is going to be a great app to have on your phone this December when you need to look fab.

From £64, www.blowltd.com

Glitter Queen

These cruelty-free cosmetic brand has produced a lovely sparkly eyeshadow palette that will not only add that perfect party sparkle to your makeup, and it lasts all evening.

Prima eye palette £27.99, www.primamakeup.com

Sparkly Eyes

Irritation and dryness around the eyes is very common in the winter months with wind and dehydrating heating. All that extra make-up can also irritate the eye area. Conceal and brighten dry and flaky skin around the eyes with new illuminating Dry Eye Concealer.

Dry Eye Concealer delivers the anti-inflammatory and anti-itching benefits, while also offering a skin brightening camouflage to mask signs of dryness, redness and irritation. £11.95 (4.5ml), www.skinshop.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Artichoke Supplement OUR TOP 3

DRY Shampoos

A good dry shampoo is a lifesaver and something we couldn’t live without! It gives our hair extra body, saves time, makes a blow dry last longer and if you have blonde hair even helps to hide roots!

It is very easy to feel sluggish and bloated during the party season so our top tip is to add Artichoke supplement to your diet. Artichoke is also useful in maintaining a healthy heart, cholesterol and blood circulation and by increasing digestive enzyme production, artichoke extracts help to eliminate alcohol from the body quickly and alleviates bloating for a flatter tummy. £11.99, www.victoriahealth.com

Beauty Sleep

As you may have guessed we are a bit obsessed by beauty sleep as don’t get enough of it! We believe a good night’s sleep is the first step in a good skincare regime as it’s at night that skin cells and stem cells move into repair mode - creating new cells, replacing aged ones, removing harmful toxins and generally renewing the skin.

We often find that after a late night of indulgence we find it hard to fall asleep. Enter this brilliant spray which is proven to help you fall asleep faster and wake feeling refreshed. Spray onto your pillow or bedlinen before sleep to promote rest and relaxation. Inhale and allow yourself to drift off. £18 (75ml), www.thisworks.com

This product really absorbs product build-up, oil and impurities immediately.

It also feels soothing on the scalp and claims to help restore strength and softness to hair.

Stay Germ-Free This dry shampoo contains a protective oat extract and smells delicious. A gentle way to cleanse the hair without actually washing.

This dry shampoo contains a protective oat extract and smells delicious. A gentle way to cleanse the hair without actually washing.

1. Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo £36, www.harveynichols.co.uk 2. Klorane £9, www.fragrancedirect.co.uk 3. Show £31, wwwharveynichols.co.uk

loves

As temperatures drop, cold and flu viruses flourish and can easily be passed on with all the handshakes and kisses at parties. Tackle the cold season head-on by keeping hands and germ-free with Dr Bronner’s Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizer. Simply spritz on your hands, keyboards, phones etc to kill bugs and stop colds in their tracks. This is natural too with no nasties – perfect! £4, www.drbronner.co.uk

Night Night

Slip’s slipsilk™ sleep mask helps the way we sleep, so much so that it has quite the celebrity and cult following (look for the ones looking well-rested). This sleep mask shades our eyes from light while reducing hair and skin friction for an anti-ageing, anti-sleep crease and anti-bed hair effect. A great way to ensure you get a truly relaxed night of zzz’s. £45, www.selfridges.com

Manage Those Stresses Many people suffer from anxiety and stress over the festive period so we’ve been recommended this fantastic tool to manage those negative thoughts.

The Minds for Life counselling app is an easily accessible and discreet digital service for emotional wellbeing coaching and support. It has been developed by leading clinical experts and is staffed by a fully trained and accredited team. Feel better with support every day from a qualified counsellor, matched to your individual needs. You can send messages and schedule video sessions to suit your schedule, monitor your sleep and get support in the comfort and security of your own space.

Available via the Apple App store, packages start £50, www.mindsforlife.com

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The new Touareg.

With £3,000 towards your finance deposit.

Available with Solutions PCP.* The new Touareg’s leap forward in styling is complemented by impressive specification, new technology and ground-breaking levels of digital dashboard design. You can customise the 15-inch Innovision glass display like a smartphone to project information such as speed, directions and driver assistance messages onto the windscreen.

An SUV with real power and strength, Volkswagen’s latest Touareg also offers true off-road capabilities. Available to test drive in our showroom today.

Inchcape Volkswagen Altrincham 0161 825 8006.

Manchester 0161 825 8009.

Stockport 0161 825 8010.

www.inchcapealtrincham.volkswagen.co.uk

www.inchcapemanchester.volkswagen.co.uk

www.stockport.volkswagen.co.uk

Representative

3.3% APR

We are brokers and not lenders and can introduce you to a limited number of lenders, who may pay us for introducing you to them. *At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) pay the optional final payment and own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle: subject to excess mileage and fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle. With Solutions Personal Contract Plan. 18s+.

Subject to availability and status. T&Cs apply. Offer available until March 31st, 2019. Indemnities may be required. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication. Freepost Volkswagen Financial Services. This vehicle is a WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) type approved

vehicle. More information is available at www.volkswagen.co.uk/owners/wltp. However, in line with Government guidance, to facilitate comparison between different models from different manufacturers and to accommodate the full transition to this new testing regime, we have displayed NEDC figures. These NEDC figures are the values for this vehicle used in registration and taxation documentation until further notice from the UK authorities. These NEDC figures have been derived from WLTP testing, and may not be equivalent to NEDC figures from NEDC testing, so comparisons may be unreliable. Fuel consumption and efficiency figures are provided for comparative purposes only and may not reflect ‘real world’ driving results. Choice of wheels and other options may affect fuel consumption and emissions data. Official fuel consumption figures for the new Touareg model range in mpg (litres/100km): urban 36.7(7.7); extra urban 47.9(5.9); combined 42.8(6.6). Combined CO2 emissions 173g/km. Excludes battery, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Drive BMW but BETTER

If you like BMWs,

but find them a bit too common, there’s a small company in Bavaria that you really ought to check out. Alpina takes BMWs straight off the production line and turns them into exclusive grand tourers, selling fewer than 100 cars a year in the UK. The latest product of this little-known skunk works is the XD3 Biturbo. It’s based on a BMW X3 SUV, but the 3.0-litre straight six diesel engine produces 329bhp - enough for a 4.8-second 0-62mph time. We want one. Badly.

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DRIVE

Keeping you up to date with all the latest motoring and technology news WORDS: JAMES FOSSDYKE

POWERTRIP Audi’s futuristic R8 now comes with even more get-up-and-go

A

nyone who has had the pleasure of driving the current Audi R8 probably wouldn’t complain of a power shortage from its howling 5.2-litre V10 engine. But Audi has created this new version, which comes with – you guessed it – more power.

The ‘basic’ version gets an extra 30bhp, bringing the total to 562, which is enough for a top speed of around 200mph and a 3.4-second 0-62mph time. And if for some reason, you want something even faster, you can have the V10 Plus model, which is 10bhp more potent than its predecessor, with 612bhp on tap. That’ll take you to 62mph in 3.1 seconds and on to about 205.

But it isn’t just the engines that have been updated. The new car has a fresh look, with a wider grille flanked by massive air intakes, while the rear has two enormous exhausts beneath another colossal grille. The final effect is a car that looks

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wider, flatter and more purposeful than its predecessor, which was hardly a tractor in the first place.

And Audi says the racing intent runs more than skin-deep.

There’s a new steering system designed to make the new R8 more engaging to drive, and new electronics mean the brakes stop the car faster.

As before, the R8 will be available in hard-top coupe and soft-top convertible guises when the order books open next year.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

Might is Right Just in case anyone thought the X5 wasn’t quite big enough, BMW has unveiled a new, even larger SUV called the X7. On sale in April with a £72,000 price tag, it’s Munich’s answer to the Range Rover and the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Highlights include “full-size” seats in the boot, making it capable of carrying seven adults, as well as a standard-fit glass roof and a digital instrument display for the driver. Of course, luxury touches such as leather upholstery and satellite navigation are included in the price tag, as is a 262bhp 3.0-litre diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

SHARP STYLING

loves

If you want a premium coupe, you go for a German one. BMW 4 Series, Audi A5, Mercedes C-Class Coupe... it’s just the done thing. But Japanese company Lexus wants to change all that with the new RC. The company’s nowtrademark features of sharp creases and enormous front grilles ensure it looks the part, while hybrid power is there to ensure it ticks the performance and economy boxes.

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

LUCK WOULD HAVE IT...

AS

If you want a supercar, you go to Italy. So why should it be any different for an SUV?

F

rom rabbits’ feet to black cats, all manner of things have been considered lucky charms, but none is more famous than the four-leaf clover. Quite why this rare plant became a symbol of fortune is unclear, but its supposed good fortune has captured the imagination of people worldwide.

One such believer was the Italian racing driver Ugo Sivocci, who daubed one on the side of his Alfa Romeo ahead of the 1923 Targa Florio. He went on to win the race, and the ‘Quadrifoglio Verde’ has now become the trademark of Alfa Romeo’s fastest and most powerful models. And now the famous Quadrifoglio badge has found its way onto the front wings of Alfa’s new SUV - the Stelvio.

You can think of it as a rival to the faster Porsche Macans and BMW X3s, albeit considerably more interesting to look at. Where the Porsche and BMW are at best unremarkable, the Alfa is a glorious thing to behold. It’s curvy yet aggressive, menacing yet alluring… It’s gorgeous.

The interior, however, is something of a disappointment. It looks okay, thanks to a big multimedia screen and lashings of carbon-fibre, but it feels a bit cheap and tacky next to a solidly built BMW or a Mercedes. There are neat touches, though, including the beautiful - if slightly under-padded - optional sports seats and the bright red engine start button, which can be found on the steering wheel. Don’t ask why.

Mind you, if you press that button, any whisper of disillusionment will be erased fairly rapidly. Whereas the most powerful ‘normal’ Stelvio comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 276bhp, the Quadrifoglio model has a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 that serves up 503bhp. It starts subtly - quietly, even - but when you set off, it reveals its true colours.

This car is designed to be fast, but that word is simply too puny and insignificant to describe the way in which the Stelvio Quadrifoglio gathers pace. The numbers suggest that the sprint from a standstill to 62mph is dealt with in 3.8 seconds, while the top speed is 176mph.

I know they’re just numbers, but let’s look at it this way. This 1.8-tonne 4x4 accelerates faster than a Bentley Continental and has a higher top

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio speed than a BMW M5.

It’s outrageously quick, and it feels it.

Put your right foot to the floor, and the car tenses up.

For a fraction of a second, it hesitates, letting the gearbox decide which of its eight ratios will propel you towards the horizon in the most expedient manner. Then, with a sound like high-calibre machine gun fire, you’re pinned back into the seat and the scenery becomes little more than a distant memory.

When you run out of road, though, the Stelvio’s most obvious and most important flaw is revealed: the brakes. I’m not saying they’re useless - they’re almost scarily effective at slowing the car down - but the way in which they go about it is somewhat disconcerting.

Unlike most cars, the Stelvio doesn’t have any mechanical connection between the pedal and the brake system. Instead, there are some wires and some sort of computer system, which decides how much brake pressure it wants to apply, based on your input.

If you’ve ever looked at the recommendations Amazon’s algorithms come out with after analysing your previous purchases, then this news won’t fill you with optimism.

And nor should it, because the system is deeply flawed. If you so

Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 Power: 503bhp 0-62mph: 3.8 seconds Top speed: 176mph Price: £69,500

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much as think of touching the brake pedal, the car more or less carries out an emergency stop.

It’s fine if you’re trying to avoid an imminent collision, but it’s somewhat annoying if you’re simply pulling up at the school gates. Do it more than a couple of times and your youngest child’s breakfast will soon make a miraculous reappearance.

That’s a shame, because hyperactive brakes aside, the Quadrifoglio is a great car to drive.

The steering is fabulous, with just the right amount of weight to the wheel and a linear, predictable response from the front end. And it doesn’t roll and wallow through the corners in the way that so many 4x4s do. It feels light on its feet - like a dressage horse with turbochargers.

There are trade-offs for this. It isn’t as capable off-road as a Range Rover, and nor is it as comfortable, but those are very small problems.

It’ll happily negotiate the car park at a rugby club in Stockport or a take you to a ski lift in Chamonix without breaking your back, and let’s be honest - that’s as much as you really want. If by some quirk of fate you are planning an expedition to the Darien Gap, however, take a Toyota Land Cruiser.

And that kind of summarises the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. It’s a great car, but there are a few issues that will be perfectly acceptable for some and not for others. If you can live with some iffy cabin quality and the zealous brakes, as well as a moderately firm low-speed ride, then you’ll find the Alfa intoxicating.

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Travel Behind the

SCENES

As Chatsworth, one of Britain’s most loved Historic Houses closes its doors in January and February, another schedule of work commences.

Far from entering a period of hibernation, guests of the Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants collection staying on the Estate will have the rare opportunity to see what goes on behind closed doors with a series of private guided tours.

Each tour will delve into the work taking place and offer guests the chance to learn more about the particular projects taking place; whether it’s restoring gold leaf on a wood carving, or deep cleaning a rare silk tapestry. Craftspeople and specialist professionals will share their expertise and offer an insight into the 10-year masterplan for this great house, in which more than £32m has been invested for future generations.

On selective dates, from £158.50 per person for a two-night stay, 01756 718 111, www.devonshirehotels.co.uk

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Travel news

WORDS:FRANCESCA LEE-ROGERS

Hot Hotel

Brach – the second Parisian hotel from emerging French hospitality group Evôk Hotels Collection – has opened in the 16th arrondissement and neighbours the Trocadéro. A former 1970s sorting office, Philippe Starck took design inspiration from the 1930s modernist era to erect a glasshouse exterior, which is covered in foliage.

Inside, multicultural influences from Africa, Asia and Brazil resonate from the bar to the hidden terraces. The hotel features a mix of suites with private terraces and offers prime views of Paris.

The sports and health club is inspired by the boxing clubs of the 1930s, while the rooftop herb garden is complete with a hot tub overlooking the Eiffel Tower.

From £435 per night, www.evokhotels.com

Under the Sea

You can now dive into bed underwater thanks to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s new offering, The Muraka. It might be tricky to nod off due to sheer amazement both above and below the surface villa, but if you need a little help, you can always count the fish. Guests can admire the 180-degree view of the Indian Ocean’s vibrant coral life through the expansive curved acrylic dome. Now that’s what we call a holiday of a lifetime.

Price on request, www.conradmaldives.com

loves

IMAGES: JUSTIN NICHOLAS

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

London Calling

Island Escape

Six Senses has opened in Cambodia on Krabey Island. The brand, which is known for its uncluttered and pared-down style but with an emphasis on luxury, has expanded its offering in Southeast Asia. Situated on a forested hillside and overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, it is only accessible by private jet, helicopter or by boat from Ream Beach on the mainland. There are 40 pool villas, which give the resort an intimate and peaceful feel – perfect for those who wish to switch off. The spa is inspired by the sacred Khmer Kbal Spean River and offers a wide range of holistic rejuvenation and beauty treatments, as well as featuring a rooftop yoga pavilion, Crystal Water Room, Meditation Cave and Alchemy Bar where guests can create their own natural skin care products using local ingredients.

From £418 per night, www.sixsenses.com

Manhattan Loft Gardens – the new design hotel by HH Living in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – will open its doors in April 2019. Founded by Harry Handelsman, the visionary behind the restored St Pancras Hotel and Chiltern Firehouse, the 42-storey Manhattan Loft Gardens will have 145 guest rooms and suites. There will also be three sky gardens carved into the building, affording panoramic views of the city skyline, one of which will be a wild meadow and will host daily yoga classes and weekly gin tastings.

From £199 per night, www.manhattanloft.co.uk

Hit the Slopes

In the Saddle

Polo is, without doubt, a fun day out but how about stepping out of your comfort zone and learning how to play? The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa in Midhurst, West Sussex is collaborating with The Cowdray Polo Academy in April 2019 to offer guests the chance to learn at Britain’s leading polo club. The package can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities – from beginner to intermediate – and guests can choose to take part in a private one-hour lesson or a full day, picking up insider techniques and gaining invaluable knowledge from the experts along the way. After working up an appetite, guests can enjoy a three-course

supper in the candlelit restaurant.

And with a personalised, initialled polo stick to take home, what better break for budding polo players?

Polo Stays with The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa and Cowdray Estate start from £415 based on two sharing a double room on a dinner and bed and breakfast basis, including one one-hour polo lesson for one rider and an initialled polo stick to take home. Valid on Sunday to Thursday night stays, www.hshotels.co.uk

Experimental Chalet has opened in Verbier.

Taking its interior inspiration from a mixture of a traditional Swiss chalet and the great mountain hotels of the early 20th century, it features 39 bedrooms, a restaurant, cocktail bar and club, and a spa, hammam and solarium. A combination of traditional wood panelling, fireplaces and bold colours create a modern feel, while softer tones and Viennese fabrics in the bedrooms make for a restorative sanctuary.

The new hotel will also restore and take over the aforementioned club – Verbier’s fabled Farm Club, the late-night locale that has become an institution and has hosted more than 40 years of parties, welcoming the likes of David Bowie and Diana Ross to its famous dance floor.

From £270 per night, www.experimentalchalet.com

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BLUE BAY TRAVEL

Turns 15 Years Old Blue Bay Travel Ltd celebrates its 15th birthday at the start of December.

The company is one of the UK’s leading independent travel agents and operate under three different sub-branches, Caribbean Warehouse, Tropical Warehouse and Xclusivity.

B

XCLUSIVE ESCAPES AT FINEST PLAYA MUJERES

lue Bay Travel pride themselves on their insider knowledge, excellent service and unbeatable deals, proven by an 85 strong plethora of awards. Over the years they have travelled to every corner of the globe, filling customers brains with knowledge of the destinations and resorts that they sell. They are ready to share this information to potential holiday makers. So, if you want to find out the best places to eat, the nearest supermarket to your resort or how many grains of sand there are on the beach at the bottom of your resort - give them a call.

The Staffordshire based travel agent was founded by Stuart and Angela Wilson in 2003 and has since cemented itself as experts in longhaul travel through multiple award victories and happy holidaymakers - over 22,500 in the past 11 months. Blue Bay Travel enters its 16th year coming off the back of an impressive 12 months which saw the number of bookings increase by 42.8% against 2017’s figures. In January 2018, sales records for both a day and a week were smashed; a perfect start to a year full of continued growth.

CEO and founder of Blue Bay Travel Ltd, Stuart Wilson, said that ‘since the first booking when we were based in my garage in 2003, the growth of Blue Bay Travel has been incredible and it is something I will be eternally proud of. We wouldn’t be where we are now without the past and present members of the Blue Bay Team, so a massive thanks to them’.

In 2017, the company received an investment of £6.5 million from private equity firm LDC

which resulted in a new online XCLUSIVE ESCAPES AT booking system, tripling of the EXCELLENCE EL CARMEN business office space and the launch of Xclusivity - a sub-branch of Blue Bay Travel providing bespoke luxury long and short haul holidays. Both 2016 and 2017 saw Blue Bay Travel smash the previous year’s figures for revenue, profit and conversion and 2018 has already smashed the total set in 2017 with six weeks of the year still remaining - further reinforcing itself as one of the most exciting growing travel agents. Managing Director, Maxine Rowland, said: ‘It’s truly amazing, we are delighted to keep smashing our records, it really sets a great benchmark, and we have to now, keep working on improving these figures even more.’

Over the years, Blue Bay Travel has picked up over 80 awards, the first coming in 2005 when they picked up Sandals STAR Awards Top UK Call Centre. Since then an attractive plethora of awards have been collected such as Top Independent Agent at the Virgin Holidays Awards in 2011, 2016’s Top Caribbean Agency at GMT2 Awards, Call Centre of the Year at TTG’s annual awards in 2015 and most recently Online Travel Agency of the Year 2018 at Gold Medal & Travel2’s award ceremony.

XCLUSIVE ESCAPES AT FINEST PLAYA MUJERES

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XCLUSIVE ESCAPES AT EXCELLENCE EL CARMEN

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

Delightful

Doha

Our roving travel reporter Rebecca Underwood takes us to Doha, in the Arabian Gulf, the gem of a capital in Qatar.

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oaring above the azure Arabian sky bound for Doha, the capital of Qatar, we relaxed in style on board our Qatar Airways flight and gazed in wonder at the sight of the city, spread out below and crammed with ultra-chic skyscrapers with each one demanding our undivided attention.

Qatar, located on the Arabian Gulf shoreline, features pristine beaches, mighty dunes and arid desert and Doha offers visitors an intriguing insight into a fascinating culture with the warmth of Qatari hospitality at its heart and a tantalising glimpse of a rich and colourful history.

Leading up to the demise of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, Qatar became a British protectorate in 1916, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani was duly recognised as the

ruler. In 1939 oil reserves were discovered approximately 60 kilometres outside Doha but due to the outbreak of WWII, exploration was postponed. In the 1950’s oil revenue soon surpassed the returns from fishing and pearling and Qatar’s economy flourished.

Independence was declared in 1971 and following the accession of Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in 1995, Qatar continues to thrive. This small peninsula covers only 11,500 sq kilometres, has a population of 2.55 million, and now holds the world’s third largest natural gas and oil reserves, often ranking as the world’s wealthiest nation in terms of GDP per capita.

Rapid development abounds ahead of the emir’s successful application to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Qatar is preparing to

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To learn more of Qatari history visit the abandoned settlement of Al Zubarah, a UNESCO World Heritage site located approximately 100 kilometres from Doha. This walled coastal town prospered greatly as a pearling and take centre trading centre during the late 18th and early position on the 19th centuries and links were forged with world’s sporting traders from Western Asia, the Indian Ocean stage. and Arabia. Destroyed in 1811 and deserted On our first day in in the early 1900s the site, which features Doha, we took a palaces, courtyard houses, mosques, leisurely stroll along fishermen’s huts, a harbour with double the 7-kilometre defensive walls, a canal and cemeteries, has Corniche and paused been naturally preserved by the shifting desert awhile to admire the sands. Al Zubarah’s success as a trading centre glorious views across supported the major coastal towns throughout the glittering waters the region, and this led to the development of of Doha Bay and the small independent states that remained colourful traditional beyond foreign control which later resulted in wooden dhows the emergence of the Gulf States. bobbing on the surface with their sails The most popular attraction for visitors and billowing gently in the breeze. We then made the perfect spot to soak up the Qatari our way to the spectacular Museum of Islamic experience is the Souq Waqif, located Art, a striking building designed by the adjacent to Doha’s Corniche. The original Chinese-American IM Pei, admired for his traditional market, which stood on the same talents on a variety of spot, dates back to the 1940s and has been extensively projects featuring TOP TIP renovated, but parts of the modernist architecture Hotels original walls and some and focusing on open For more information on the Fraser elaborately decorated doors space and natural Suites West Bay visit westbay-doha. components. The frasershospitality.com T: +974 4495 5000 museum, which opened E: reservations.westbay-doha@ in 2008, is located next frasershospitality.com. tow Doha’s port on an For the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Villas artificial peninsula, visit doha.grand.hyatt.com surrounded by a T: +974 4448 1234 E: doha.grand@hyatt.com beautiful crescent-shaped park. We gazed upon the most beautiful treasures, which form the world’s largest collection of Islamic art. Exhibits include enamel, wood and metal works, glass, ceramics, textiles and jewellery, originating from countries including Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Spain.

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

remain intact. The narrow meandering alleyways, where seafaring traders once plied their wares, are crammed with small shops displaying all manner of trinkets, textiles and gold jewellery, high mounds of nuts and succulent dates and the intoxicating aromas of rich spices, wooden scented fragrant oils, incense, and Arabic coffee flavoured with cardamom, hang in the air.

We practised our bartering skills with much success and then made our way to the falcon market, where the highest degree of bartering takes place, and generous amounts of Qatari Riyals change hands.

The ancient sport of falconry is practised throughout Qatar, and the prey of choice is the houbara bustard, which migrates south for the winter months.

For those with a penchant for a high-end shopping experience, the Pearl-Qatar, a manmade island off the West Bay coast, presents luxury boutiques and gorgeous Mediterranean-style marinas with sleek lined yachts jostling for position in front of waterfront restaurants. Known as the ‘Arabian Riviera’, this is an ideal spot to ‘chill’ and to recover from a credit card overload.

Doha offers an extensive choice of glamorous hotels including the excellent Fraser Suites West Bay, located in the upmarket Diplomatic Area. This property provides the highest levels of comfort and service and features luxury accommodations including spacious deluxe rooms and one, two and three bedroom apartments, which are serviced daily and include fully equipped kitchens with washer/dryers. Facilities include WIFI and access to the gymnasium and there’s a gorgeous covered swimming pool, an adjacent open-air area and a selection of very comfortable sun loungers. For visitors TOP TIP keen to take advantage of LHR and Doha Airport Transfers Book a private transfer with the freedom that apartmentBlacklane, partners of Qatar style accommodation offers, Airways. Take advantage of a this is the ideal place. The reliable and punctual, first class City Centre shopping mall service. Prices are all-inclusive and guaranteed in advance, so you can sit back and relax upon arrival. Visit blacklane.com for more information.

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Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

TOP TIP

International Flights Qatar Airways, the world’s fastest growing airline and recipient of 2017 Skytrax Awards for the ‘Airline of the Year’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ and ‘World’s Best Business Class’ offers direct flights from Heathrow to Doha. Opt for business class and take advantage of an unparalleled level of onboard comfort and service and adapt your space to suit your personal needs. For more information visit

is within walking distance there’s an enormous Carrefour supermarket.

If you prefer not to prepare your own breakfast, head for the sumptuous buffet, served in hotel’s restaurant, The Social, and there’s an outdoor terrace, which is the perfect spot for ‘al fresco’ dining.

Should you prefer the splendour of traditional Arabic architecture, head for the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Villas, located in the desirable West Bay Lagoon area. The property, surrounded by beautiful, verdant landscaped gardens, offers a spectacular 400-metre private beach with breath-taking views across the Arabian Gulf and three outdoor swimming pools, and for those keen on outdoor activities, there’s kayaking and paddle-boarding, banana boat rides, jet skis, jet boats and pedal boats. All accommodations feature a spacious balcony and are beautifully furnished with comfortable beds swathed in crisp, white linens. Bathrooms are very spacious with oversized tubs, walk-in showers and every amenity TOP TIP is provided. The service Info, Tours and Activities throughout the property is For more information visit the Qatar Tourism impeccable, and there is a wide

choice of dining options including Rocca, a first-class poolside Italian restaurant, which features an open kitchen and a wood-fired stove. I sampled the delicious Penne Arrabiata, and accompanied by a cold glass of the 2013 Bramito del Cervo Chardonnay; it proved to be an outstanding dining experience. And as we admired the views of the tall palm trees, we could hear their fronds rustling in the breeze, and we raised our glasses in honour of the delights of Doha.

Authority at www. visitqatar.qa and for tours and activities visit Qatar International Adventures at www.qia-qatar.com

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Encompassing premium world-leading getaways composed from a curated collection of long-haul and short-haul holidays. Xclusivity is here to guide you, inspire you, and lead you off-the-beaten-track.

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Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Here Comes the

SUN

Francesca Lee-Rogers journeys to Cyprus in search of some late-year sunshine

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hile I gaze across the calm azure waters, I can’t help but pinch myself just how stunning the scenery is. Having spent a busy summer enjoying an unprecedented heatwave, ever since autumn had started to slowly envelop its tendrils round every nook and cranny, turning crisp not only leaves but also the air, I was plotting my escape to more amenable climes.

My destination? Cyprus. A small island on the very peripheries of Europe, its location south of Turkey lends itself to being more Middle Eastern than Mediterranean and offers the weather to match. While enjoying average temperatures during the high season of around 30-degrees, I’m pleasantly surprised to find the climate is still incredibly balmy during my visit in October, with the mercury regularly hitting up to 28-degrees at the height of each day. And the 4.5-hour flight from the UK makes it an ideal mid-haul destination that’s accessible year-round.

After a comfortable 25-minute private transfer from Paphos airport, my husband and our five-month-old baby arrive at our first homefrom-home for the next couple of days: Annabelle. Along with sister hotel Almyra, this resort makes up part of the high-end offerings from the Thanos Hotels & Resorts group, along

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with Anassa and Aloe.

Cool white walls, comfortable furniture and touches of light fabrics and wooden finishes give a refined elegant feel while the floor-to-ceiling windows with views across the bay make for those all-important pinch-me moments.

Everywhere in the hotel oozes a sophisticated calm – indeed, the entire area exudes a delicate quiet, with guests talking in hushed tones and fully focused on relaxing to their utmost. The atmosphere is the same throughout the hotel regardless of the activity; whether it be lounging around one of the several pools, unwinding by the beachfront, or selecting the best place to sip a pre-dinner cocktail. For this there are options aplenty. We take a peek into the lobby’s Byz Bar, check out the pool bar, and even enjoy a tipple on the

balcony of our room, overlooking the pools.

However, the highlight is Ouranos. Part of a €11m transformation in early 2018 (which to our astonishment, was completed in a matter of months) along with an indoor pool and spa, the new fourth floor has been completed with a rooftop lounge which offers unrivalled panoramic views of the seafront.

Ouranos also serves as one of the resort’s dining options, which is one of many – so foodies won’t be disappointed. There’s a restaurant for all occasions, with Fontana offering up a wide selection of buffet fare, while those after a more intimate experience can enjoy the à la carte offerings at Amorosa. The personal highlight for us is the Mediterraneo restaurant.

Located on the seafront, it’s styled like a Cypriot taverna, with delicious local food to match. We coincide our visit with ‘Fisherman’s Night’, and devour a set menu which features meze dips, fresh seafood including baked red snapper and scallop ceviche, as well as a sumptuous fish soup, all washed down with a bottle of local wine of course.

The following day, we head over to sister hotel Almyra. These two sisters are very close indeed, in fact literally next door from each other. After what must be the easiest transfer ever – a two-minute walk – we take a wander around the hotel to get our bearings, and the difference

between the two resorts becomes immediately apparent. Almyra not only has a more contemporary feel, but also the average age of the clientele appears to be much younger. It also seems more family-friendly, with the two main pools being unofficially split between adults and families; although for those looking for a very quiet retreat, the spa area and adjoining outdoor infinity pool are designated as adults-only.

Family holidays are certainly top of Almyra’s agenda. In addition to offering a room servicestyle menu of items – with everything from bottle sterilisers and colouring books to a DVD library for the older kids – there are also excellent childcare facilities, with a kids’ club that can accommodate children from four months all the way up to 12 years; ideal for keeping little ones entertained all day while giving the parents some well-deserved R&R, and a perfect opportunity to explore Paphos harbour, check out some of the sailing activities on the seafront, or catch some rays at the aforementioned adults-only spa area.

At Almyra we stay in the Kyma suite, which certainly has the wow-factor with the full-height windows framing the picture-perfect view of the lawn and the sea beyond. The décor is minimal yet stylish, while offering all the creature comforts including a large and comfortable

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bed, a bathroom stocked with Acqua di Parma products, and the cherry on the cake: a private roof terrace, perfect to while away the evenings whilst watching the sunset.

For breakfast and often evenings, we find ourselves at Mosaics, where an impressive buffet feast awaits every evening. With a range of different cuisines on offer each night and a daily changing menu, there’s plenty of choice.

Meanwhile, having already sampled the taverna-style fare at Annabelle, we forego paying a visit to Ouzeri – Almyra’s equivalent offering traditional Cypriot cuisine – and instead gravitate to the elegant surroundings of Notios.

Located by the outdoor pools with a beautiful view of the seafront, it offers JapaneseMediterranean fusion food of the highest quality. While our eye is caught by plates such as Atlantic black cod with soy and ginger and tonkatsu veal chop, we opt for more traditional dishes. After a satisfying starter of beef carpaccio alongside a king crab salad, we enjoy a main of yellowtail sashimi, spiced tuna maki rolls and vegetable tempura. The flavours in each dish are perfectly combined, and we’re left very content with our selection – the tempura

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perfectly crispy, the maki rolls flavourful and filling, and the sashimi gloriously fresh and refreshing.

On our last night, we reflect on our satisfying sojourn. Sun-seeking goal achieved, we also feel wonderfully relaxed and refreshed; having sampled two resorts which both offer their own unique charms.

Rates at Annabelle start from €186 (currently approx. £167) per night based on two people sharing an Inland View Room including breakfast www. annabelle.com.cy Rates at Almyra start from €216 (currently approx. £192) per night based on two people sharing an Inland View Room including breakfast www.almyra.com

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Business or

PLEASURE?

Wanderlust is always on the horizon for this business owner Kathryn Riley is the founder and managing director of Douglas Scott – an award-winning legal recruitment firm headquartered in No.1 Spinningfields, Manchester. She lives in Alderley Edge with her husband Jonathan and three children. Both at home and away, Kathryn shares her recent travel highlights…

I

’ve had the good fortune of travelling the world for both business and pleasure. And, while unavoidably the back of a taxi seat is a frequent view of mine, I do what I can to get out and explore. Whether in the UK or abroad, nothing gives my family and I more joy than finding new and exciting places to explore together. Here are some of my favourite places to eat, drink, see and do…

Ibiza This summer, I was lucky enough to unwind in pure tranquillity with some friends in Ibiza; it’s certainly true what they say about the magic of The White Isle. The Nobu Hotel is breathtaking and the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday.

While a day spent relaxing by the pool is never a day wasted, with so much on offer, we rarely found ourselves there. I’d highly recommend a day-trip to the smallest Balearic Island, Formentera, for a day spent in an unspoilt, peaceful paradise.

Back on the main island, the daytime experience is often more than a match for the nightlife. Head to Experimental Beach Club for lunch, amazing cocktails, great food and a dip in the sea. The flip side of the coin is Leo’s by IBIZA the marina; great food, a jaw-dropping cabaret followed by a boogie. Be sure to book a late table in the club area as once the show is over everyone moves to the other end of the venue for a dance.

London We have a considerable client base in London, so I frequently find myself

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travelling on the Pendolino. I try to tick some places off my ever-growing bucket list by arranging meetings at some of the restaurants I’ve read or heard about and have been wanting to try. A firm favourite of mine is George’s in Mayfair – can’t beat it!

The Maldives For me, nothing quite compares to the tranquillity of the Maldives. I am a believer of fully switching off when on leave and encourage our whole team LONDON to do the same. The Maldives is my place; it provides the perfect environment for our family to enjoy some real quality time together. It’s great to take the kids too; they always find plenty to do. For our most recent visit, we stayed at the LUX South Ari Atoll.

KATHRYN AND FAMILY IN THE MALDIVES

Anglesey There’s also no place like home. We have a lodge in Anglesey which, thankfully, is almost always without phone signal. It’s a great place to escape to for a weekend and I enjoy nothing more than

ANGLESEY

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

KATHRYN AND FREINDS IN MALLORCA

LAKE GARDA MALDIVES

a long walk on Newborough Beach with the family which has amazing views of Snowdon and across the Snowdonia national park.

Another fabulous beach for the sunshine is Porth Trecastell Cable Bay and is a brilliant spot to paddleboard.

You’ll never run short of activities in Anglesey! It’s also becoming well known for its gastronomy; one restaurant in Menai Bridge has recently been awarded a Michelin star, but the tables there are already booked up until July Try The Lobster Pot up in Church Bay – time has stood still in some ways for this family restaurant, but that only adds to the homely feel. Book ahead for a real value for money experience; the best lobster on the island alongside excellent service.

Lake Garda Lake Garda is as beautiful in real life as it is in pictures, although not all the excitement lies on the waterfront. Set in the stunning Garda Mountains, a bike ride through the meandering roads is well worth the effort – and the locallyproduced Bardolino wine tastes even better after a long ride. The turquoise waters of Lago di Tenno are unmissable and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring the nearby mediaeval village of Canale taking in the history, art and culture – make sure you stop off for an authentic Italian coffee.

Lancashire I am long overdue a return visit to The Inn at Whitewell, in the Forest of Bowland just past Clitheroe in Lancashire. Once you hit the village of Whalley, the drive through the countryside becomes a pleasure. The

Inn itself has a strong country feel; wooden floors, furniture reclaimed from old churches, foxes heads on the walls, waxed coats and gun boots aplenty in the bustling dining area. The food is top quality and there is always a fantastic ambience. Nearby are some excellent walks. Visit Dunsop Bridge - which some argue is the geographic centre of Great Britain - and Bowland Wild Boar Park is a good few hours family time.

South of France We’ve been holidaying each year in the South of France for 10 years now; some of our favourites places include St Tropez, Antibes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Saint-Jean-CapFerrat and Beaulieu-sur-Mer. We always try to sample a few resorts with each visit - they’re so close together it’s almost rude not to!

FAMILY AND FREINDS IN ST. TROPEZ You can’t beat a stay at The Royal Riviera offering superb formal dining with amazing views of the bay. We all deserve to spoil ourselves sometimes and I’d highly recommend the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes for a luxurious experience.

A trip to St Tropez is about days spent relaxing in the amazing beach clubs but don’t forget to explore the surrounding mountains. We managed to get up there a couple of times this year but, with a four-kilometre incline, it is not for the faint-hearted. Set off early to beat the heat.

Ski trip Something we’re all very excited about at Douglas Scott HQ is our inaugural ski trip. The team love to travel as much as I do, so when I floated the idea of a ski trip for the top performers it was met with an overwhelming response. This year we’ve booked to go to Le Chardon Mountain Lodges to celebrate success on the piste.

LANCASHIRE

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W

hen all gifts have been unwrapped, the relatives have left, and the New Year has been celebrated in style we always find we hit a post-festive slump and need a weekend break to look forward to. We recently visited the stunning Northumberland countryside for a relaxed weekend away, and enjoyed two days of walks, rest, and relaxation fuelled by plenty of fabulous food.

The County is perfect for that Winter weekend break to relax after a busy Christmas period.

Doxford Hall makes a majestic base for exploring the glorious Northumberland countryside. With its acres of unspoilt beaches and pretty coves to explore, dramatic clifftop castles and thriving seaside towns to amble around, you can see why it was voted holiday destination of the year in 2017 at the BBC Country File Awards.

Close by there’s the Northumberland National Park, the Cheviot Hills and the North Pennines for those who love big skies and wide-open space. The area’s rich with wildlife, and mile after mile of coastal paths make for invigorating walking and cycling adventures.

Head inland and you’ll discover beautiful gardens, family-friendly attractions and a wealth of stately homes to explore.

Indeed, Doxford is one of those stately homes – a Georgian masterpiece built in 1818, it’s been lovingly restored over the years, including a wealth of beautiful wood panelling and a grand handmade staircase. Old stone fireplaces, classic leather armchairs, elegant sitting rooms, grandfather clocks – the sense of a grand but homely residence pervades. The Doxford estate is conveniently accessible from the A1, and as

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weekend away

Doxford Hall Northumberland Jack Davies and Emma Carter spent a Winter weekend taking in the sights and sounds of Northumberland

Northumberland’s only four AA red star awarded hotel.

Upon arriving at the venue, the first thing we noticed was the sheer beauty of the building and its surroundings which included a Yew tree maze, something we were sure to explore before leaving. Once entering reception, the service from staff was faultless. As we were shown to our room, a member of staff explained to us everything we needed to know. The room itself was incredibly spacious, the bed remarkably comfortable and featured beautifully crafted furniture and a bespoke modern bathroom (complete with Molton Brown toiletries- a great added touch).

Having unpacked, we immersed ourselves fully into the Stately experience at Doxford Hall’s

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

range of personalised spa experiences. We opted for the Mohom deep pressure massage (not one for the faint hearted) which is designed to encourage blood flow, stretch muscles and ease joints. This is a deep tissue massage which involved extreme pressure being applied deep into the muscle. Although this is less relaxing than other massages it is great for those that play sport or require loosening up.

We also had a hot stone massage to follow which we found was a great way to destress after a long working week.

From one-off treatments, to full or half day pampering, and spa breaks they have something to lift the spirits and soothe the body.

traditional afternoon tea. A quintessentially English affair, served in the Georgian Room, the magnificent Library or the Morning Room in front of a roaring log fire with a fine selection of finger sandwiches (crusts off naturally), freshly baked sweet and savoury scones and homemade cakes and fancies.

To burn off the calories we decided to explore Bamburgh Castle (a short 20 minute car journey away). Standing 150 feet above the sea, the magnificent Castle is an icon of the Northumberland shoreline and has been the film set for many blockbusters. There was over 1,400 years of history to explore in the fine state rooms, art gallery and 12th century keep.

After all that exploring we needed some quiet time and headed to The Aqueous Spa to indulge in a little ‘me-time’. As well as the large heated swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna and a steam room, you can treat yourself to a

Fully relaxed, and ready for dinner, we changed and headed to The George Runciman restaurant where we were greeted by the Head of House who showed us to our candle lit table. Like the rest of the venue, the dining area had a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The menu was varied, and we settled on the smoked Salmon with fish eggs as an Appetizer followed by The Robert Parker Collection Signature Dish Pan Seared Scallops as a Starter. Both courses left us hungry for more. For our mains we opted for the seared fillet of beef with hand cut potatoes and mushrooms which was cooked medium rare to allow maximum taste from the cut, and the succulent pan-fried chicken.

As soon as we finished dinner we sunk into our pillows and had a great night’s sleep.

With 35 handsomely appointed bedrooms, elegant lounges and a fabulous spa, swimming pool and gym, Doxford is the ideal place to unwind after exploring the delights of Northumbria. Add to this the award-winning dining in their George Runciman restaurant, the yew maze and acres of landscaped gardens to explore and everything’s in place for a relaxing and memorable Winter stay for people of all ages.

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L EF T B A N K | S P I NNI NG FI E L DS | M A NC HE STE R | M 3 3A N 0161 3254444 WWW. A L BA TROSSA NDA RNOL D . UK . COM

Food Drink Jingle Bell

ROCK

Nothing says Christmas

more than this Dingle Gin Bauble. Filled with 50ml of artisan craft gin, the individual hand-blown Christmas tree decoration makes a quirky gift for the discerning gin lover. What’s more, it can be refilled accordingly – handy, especially if Santa mistakes his sherry for gin. Be quick to order as there’s a limited edition of 3,000.

From £14.50, www.masterofmalt.com, www.irishmalts.com

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Food &

Drink news

East Coast Concepts, the Manchester-headquartered operators of the Neighbourhood and Victors brands, has recently opened its latest branch. Situated in the former Alchemist site on London Road, the restaurant and bar offers 130 covers across two floors and brings a taste of the Hamptons to Alderley Edge.

Manchester-based Carroll Designs – of Cicchetti, Bottega and, Panacea – has created Victors’ signature sophisticated yet relaxed coastal look with whitewashed brick, oak beams, wisteria-clad walls and ceilings, in addition to importing bespoke furniture from Italy and adorning the walls and bar in Missoni fabric. Serving a modern American menu, designed to share, signature dishes include the famous Victors lobster tacos, Lil’ burgers, chargrilled lamb cutlets and a full sushi and raw bar menu. www.victors.co.uk

WORDS: FRANCESCA LEE-ROGERS

PURCHASE of the

MONTH

Seaweed Superfood

If you’re looking to turn a new leaf come January, then check out Seaspoon. Inspired by the mineral-rich ingredient seaweed, the company offers a range of seaweedbased products, from sachets to subscription boxes. www.seaspoon.com

Book Corner

Riedel Mamba Fatto A Mano Decanter £395, www.riedel.com 98

Food lover published author and pioneer of the art of eating well, Melissa Hemsley has launched Eat. Live. Drive in collaboration with BMW i. The dining guide covers more than 30 handpicked restaurants from across the UK showcasing eateries that are leading the way on eating more sustainably. It also includes advice from farmers, foragers and chefs who are driving change with simple but ingenious ideas.

Free to download from www.bmw.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: © CARROLL DESIGN, WWW.CARROLLDESIGN.CO.UK

American Beauty

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

Ingredient to

ENJOY

Seasonal Soups by Fraser Reid

Now that we’re in the full throes of winter, there’s nothing more warming than homemade soup. Luckily for us, Fraser Reid has released his new book Seasonal Soups. Packed with 52 recipes, readers can discover how to make the most of seasonal produce and create soups appropriate for every month of the year. The recipes are vegan-friendly, but also include tips on adding dairy or meat according to individual preferences. Winter favourites include spicy kale and noodle; golden cauliflower and almond; and Tunisian hot and smoky vegetable soup. £8.99, www.kitchenpress.co.uk

Butternut Squash No winter would be complete without the humble butternut squash. It is a good source of fibre, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and vitamin A. Whether it accompanies a roast or you blend to create a warming soup; it is the ultimate ingredient for this time of year.

At The Source

Boutique five-star hotel, Oddfellows in Chester, has announced the relaunch of the restaurant within the hotel to become Cultivated by Elliot Hill. Head chef Hill – who has previously worked in Manchester, Moscow and London – will be drawing on his experience to create a new dining experience, in which plates are primarily designed by seasonal ingredients. www.oddfellowschester.com

...with STEVE RODGERS, Head Chef at The Lost & Found Knutsford TELL US ABOUT WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO YOUR CURRENT POSITION? I had a long career in high street restaurants such as Café Rouge, Bella Italia and Frankie & Benny’s, covering various roles. The Lost & Found was a great opportunity to branch out; I now head up the kitchen there, and I enjoy inspiring my team to create and deliver compelling dishes.

PHOTOGRAPHY: © BEN CARPENTER

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STYLE OF FOOD? The humble lemon – it’s so versatile, and I love the difference a grate of zest or a squeeze of juice can add to any dish. More recently, I have incorporated Worcestershire sauce in my home cooking. I like to experiment all the time.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE STYLE OF FOOD? Anything that can be shared, like a mezze, tapas or dim sum. I’m a strong believer that the company is what matters the most, and the food adds to the event.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DRINK? A really good cup of breakfast tea or a Sailor Jerry’s with coke and fresh lime (when I’m not at work!).

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF KITCHEN KIT? The rational oven! It can cook almost anything from crisp and fluffy roast potatoes, perfect soft-boiled eggs and slow roasted meats. It even cleans itself!

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? People who give their best and continue to strive and support under extreme conditions like the armed forces, fire and ambulance services – they are the real heroes.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DESERT ISLAND DISH? A really good mixed tandoori with all the trimmings and a pint of Cobra.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MEAL? A dinner I attended at K&M’s restaurant, opened at my very own home and staffed by my six-year-old son Max and 10-year-old daughter Kelsey. They cooked and served a three-course meal to my wife and me without any help. It was a special night until the little monkeys gave us a bill for £20! www.the-lostandfound.co.uk 99

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Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

SPOTLIGHT ON...

WORDS: SCOT T ILLINGWORTH-HARRISON

THE GALLOPING MAJOR, ODDFELLOWS ON THE PARK, Cheadle Best for...

Where ingredients are king and flavour is respected

O

n arriving at Bruntwood Hall, the location of this fabulous gem of a hotel, restaurant and spa, you emerge from the lush greenery of Bruntwood Park, your eyes meeting the golden glow of the beautifully restored Georgian manor house once occupied by landowners and farmers to more recently the local Council's parks and gardens department. Indeed, a fitting place for a restaurant who's mantra is the Ingredient is King!

The restaurant, lovingly named, The Galloping Major, occupies the once opulent ballroom of the old manor house, lovings and respectfully restored to its current glory.

With an open kitchen and exposed cellar glad in glass, emanates a green glow, what can I say so far, we're suitably impressed, will the food meet the same standards?

Perusing the menu, you can see that the Chef respects local produce, and the season, which is perfect as I'm all about Autumnal ingredients. We pick our options from the very well curated Al la Carte menu, myself starting with the Park Broth and my colleague opts for Tomatoes, you see everything meal on the menu is represented by a particular word, which is a neat idea!

My Park Broth arrived, and for a little bit of theatre, was poured into my bowl at the

table, it was a light yet earthy clear broth, packed with a deep umami flavour, speckled with flecks of smoked pepper encompassing three perfectly formed, soft, lightly sautĂŠed cheese, arancini style balls.

My partner picked the tomato starter was gastronomic artwork, full of multicoloured tomatoes, avocado and goat cheese and black olives.

Smokey heritage tomatoes were sweet and textured with sundried tomatoes topped with a slice of dehydrated beef tomato, sat atop a quenelle of soft and creamy avocado, simple, but again packed with levels of flavour.

For my main, I plumped for Duck, and my partner chose Fillet. Arriving swiftly, our mains are presented with just as much artistic flair and love as our starters. My perfety panfried Goosnargh Duck breast was served on a bed of wilted sweet, green hispi or sweetheart cabbage and accompanied by a light but oh so tasty potatoe terrine and a sharp blueberry jus which complemented and balanced the rich duck meat perfectly.

My partners 7oz Fillet Steak arrived, chargrilled and surrounded by seasonal vegetables consisting of cabbage, heritage carrots and my starch was triple cooked chips, no skinny fries here! The steak was cooked to perfection, slightly charred on the outside and pink and juicy in the middle, total respect to chef Ross, who respecs a well-rested piece of meat. My chips were

fluffy on the inside which mopped up my peppercorn sauce perfectly.

We were both reasonably full by this point so decided to share a dessert and plumped for a classic Eton Mess, which was accompanied by fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream. When it arrived we were surprised to see a different take on the presentation of this classic dessert, a more, shall we say deconstructed Eton Mess. But wow, it was the perfect light ending to our meal, two types of meringue, one soft and the other crunchy were scattered by fresh and freeze-dried strawberries one providing juice and the other packing super strawberry flavour. A few drops of sweet strawberry syrup melded with the ice cream and together made a winning dessert in my book.

All in all this meal has proved that the food Oddfellows serves is lovingly prepared and respected produce, no thick gloopy sauces overcooked veg or piled high plates of meat and starch. The Galloping Major is a real gastronomic gem and deserves to be visited and experienced, whether staying in the hotel or just a passing walk in, try it, you won't be disappointed Oddfellows On The Park, Bruntwood Hall, Bruntwood Park, Bruntwood Ln, Cheadle SK8 1HX | T: 0161 697 3066 www.oddfellowsonthepark.com

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MEET THE CHEF:

Dan Speak As preparation for the festive season heats up in kitchens across Cheshire, Chester’s 1539 Restaurant & Bar Head Chef Dan Speak shares his musings on ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ and a traditional Cheshire Turkey Roulade Recipe for those cooking for friends and family.

What has been your best ever Christmas dining experience?

I’ve never been out for Christmas dinner, so would have to say my Mum’s Christmas dinner.

What is your favourite part of a Christmas meal?

Brandy butter, any excuse to put alcohol in food!

What are you top Christmas dinner tips?

Get that turkey in early and cook it for longer on a low heat to stop it drying out. Baste, baste, baste!

What will you be serving at home over Christmas?

We’ll be having turkey, but I won’t be cooking it and it will be thoroughly enjoyed after a busy day in the kitchen here at 1539.

Any tips to make the kitchen more festive?

We have a Christmas themed oven timer that goes off about 50 times a day, meaning its impossible to forget the time of year.

Which dish on the 1539 festive menu most excites you?

Our Christmas sticky toffee pudding is to die for, very light but full of Christmas flavours and getting to eat all of the off-cuts!

Your favourite festive dinner pairing?

Try cooking your parsnips with a bit of sherry, those flavours really go well together

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Most memorable New Year’s Eve? I was working on a bar for the millennium, it was a great atmosphere, everyone was in high spirits. That’s what I love about new year, everyone coming together to celebrate the same thing and forgetting their differences.

If you’d prefer to the leave the cooking to Dan and his team and sample this dish as well as others on the festive set menu, book your table at 1539 over the festive period and enjoy a delightful dining experience from just £20 per person. Contact the restaurant on 01244 304 611 or book your table online at restaurant1539.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CRANBERRY AND GINGER CHUTNEY: 500g fresh cranberries 150ml port 100g caster sugar Juice ½ lemon 20g finely grated ginger

FOR THE SAGE AND

ONION STUFFING: 150g good quality sausage meat ½ small onion finely diced 5 large sage leaves finely chopped 1 egg yolk Salt and pepper 20g butter FOR THE TURKEY ROULADE: Sage and onion stuffing mix 10 oz turkey escalope 6-8 pieces of sliced pancetta FOR THE SAUTÉ SPROUTS: 200g sprouts 80g cooked chestnuts roughly chopped 20g butter Salt and pepper

METHOD

Turkey roulade stuffed with sage and onion stuffing, served with cranberry and ginger chutney, sauté sprouts and chestnuts

For the cranberry and ginger chutney

Place everything in a pan and bring to the boil, simmer until all the cranberries have burst and port has reduced by 2/3rds

For the sage and onion stuffing Melt the butter in a pan add the onions and sage and slowly cook without adding any colour.

When the onions have gone opaque remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Once cooled mix onions, sausage meat and the egg yolk in a bowl, don’t be afraid to get your hands in just make sure you wash them well afterwards For the turkey roulade Between two pieces of cling film batter out the turkey to an even 5mm thickness, spread, remove from cling film and place flat on a chopping board, spread the sage and onion stuffing evenly and then roll the turkey like a swiss roll and place on the side.

Then on a piece of baking paper lay out the pancetta just slightly overlapping, place the turkey on one end and roll up in the pancetta.

Roll the turkey up tightly in tin foil ready to bake, note the tin foil must tight to keep the shape of the turkey, greasing the inside of the foil will also help the foil not to stick!

Bake in an oven pre heated to 190 degrees C for 30 mins then remove the foil and cook for a further 10-15 mins.

For the sauté sprouts Take the sprouts and remove root and any discoloured outer leaves, finely slice the sprouts.

Melt the butter in a pan when the butter is foaming add the sprouts and turn down the heat, let them cook out slowly for 4-5 mins until softened but still a little crunch and plenty of colour.

Finish by adding the chestnuts and warming them up season to taste, be careful not to add the chestnuts to early or they will break up too much and discolour the sprouts To finish Serve the dish with vegetables and roasted potatoes and use any cooking liquor to make a beautiful homemade gravy

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Local scene Our social pages this month are filled with fizz, fundraising and a whole lot of style

w

Gieves and Hawkes hosted “An evening with Bentley.�

Chester Seventy guests were treated to an interesting evening, with several brand partners showcasing exceptional products.

Bentley had the New GT continental on show. Gieves had Nina Pennington, one of the cutters from Savile Row London. Waltons of Chester were showcasing Bentley Breitling watches, and Penhaligons were doing fragrance profiling. Tim Potts, the chosen sculptor for Bentley motors, had several of his pieces on display.

Gieves and Hawkes also transformed one of the salesrooms into a fascinating archive room, with uniforms and helmets going back several hundred years. Star of the show again was the replica Michael Jackson jacket. The Chester Grosvenor Hotel provided the finest champagne and canapes. www.gievesandhawkes.com

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

THE BLOSSOMS

VIP Launch Party of The Ivy Spinningfields Spinningfields, Manchester The VIP launch of The Ivy Spinningfields saw Manchester musicians, actors and sports stars gather together to celebrate the largest restaurant opening of 2018.

Hosting 750 guests on the night, guests included Mr and Mrs Caring, ‘Rock and Roll’ Royalty, Smiths drummer Mike Joyce, Blossoms and The Pins; Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent, Antony Cotton, Bhavna Limbachia, Katie McGlynn, Hayley Tamaddon, Peter Gunn, Cathy Matthews and Tisha Merry; Olympic Gold medal legend Diane Modahl; Football stars Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville, and TV chef Simon Rimmer.

Attendees were some of the very first to experience the restaurant and its beautiful interiors, including its ground floor brasserie, first-floor private dining space, second floor Ivy Asia and roof garden, complete with roaring fire pits and views across Spinningfields. Hosted across all four spectacular floors, guests enjoyed entertainment, musicians, dancers, percussionists, DJs and more from 7 pm until late into the night.

Throughout the evening, party goers were treated to flowing Laurent Perrier Champagne, delicious cocktails, bowl food and sumptuous canapés, including Devonshire crab with lemongrass mayo, mango and a wasabi wafer, and seared sea bass with girolles, cauliflower puree, Lilliput caper and brown butter. www.theivymanchester.com

RYAN GIGGS

BHAVNA LIMBACHIA

DIANE MODAHL MBE

MR AND MRS CARING

CHARLIE STAYT

PHIL AND JULIE NEVILLE

BROOKE VINCENT

ANTONY COTTON

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DAN WALKER, ANDY BURNHAM, UNSUNG HERO EVERTON’S HENRY MOONEY AND PROF DENISE BARRETT-BAXENDALE MBE

DAN WALKER, PARTICIPANTS FROM THE MANCHESTER UNITED FOUNDATION, KEELEY BAPTISTA AND JOE HART

DAN WALKER, WOMEN’S RISING STAR WINNER - NIAMH CHARLES, LIVERPOOL FC WOMEN, RACHEL BROWN -FINNIS AND JEN O’NEILL

LEANNE AND WES BROWN

DAN WALKER, MATT SCRAFTON FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR, LISA MORTON AND DION DUBLIN

The Northwest Football Awards 2018

The Point, Emirates Old Trafford, Lancashire County Cricket Club The winners of the North West Football Awards 2018 were announced at the hugely anticipated ceremony on Monday 12th November. Over 500 guests attended the glamorous black-tie event hosted by the BBC’s Dan Walker at The Point at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. Winners were named in nine, player categories voted for by the fans as well as a raft of other honours including community categories, business and the highly coveted Fan TV Channel of the Year as voted for by the fans. Award winners included record-breaking Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola who landed Manager of the Year while John Motson was handed a Special Recognition award, with Danny Ings claiming the Impact Award for his support of work across disability sport. www.northwestfootballawards.com

HUGH FERRIS AND ROCHDALE’S JOE THOMPSON

WES BROWN AND JULIA GOULDING

BECCY BARR

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DAN WALKER INTERVIEWS LEAGUE ONE PLAYER OF THE YEAR WIGAN ATHLETIC’S NATHAN BYRNE

KARINA JADHAV AND HELEN HOLT

JOHN MOTSON

DAN WALKER, JOE ROYLE, LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION WINNER COLIN HARVEY, LEON OSMAN AND MIKE HUGHES

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Lady Taverners Christmas Fundraiser Event Bar Lounge, Chester November saw a great Christmas fundraising event in Chester for Lady Taverners Cheshire. These amazing events help to raise money to create opportunities for young people in deprived areas and those with disabilities.

Collaborating with Matthew OBrien Couture Designer and BarLounge Chester who hosted drinks, canapes and a fabulous ladies lunch. Thank you to the guests for their support. www.lordstaverners.org 109

THINGS

Natalie Anglesey chats with Ingrid Nilson, the Director of the annual Art Antiques fair held at the Mere Golf Resort and Spa in February 2019.

I

f you’ve visited The Mere during the annual Art Antiques Cheshire fair, no doubt you’ll have enjoyed the delightful room-settings full of beautiful antique furniture, contemporary prints and jewellery? Well here, at The Cheshire Magazine, we’re able to give you a unique peep behind the scenes, thanks to Director Ingrid Nilson.

“If you’re looking for an unusual gift which may well become a family heirloom, these fairs provide an ideal opportunity to find the unusual,” Ingrid tells me. You may well spot her gliding around the room without being aware of all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. But, just like a swan, busy paddling below the surface, there’s a great deal of pre-planning the public does not see.

“I’m not alone,” Ingrid explains. “I have a stalwart team who supports me and we pride ourselves that no-one will notice the hard work involved behind the scenes. We want visitors to simply come and enjoy the experience! We hear much talk about watching our spending, yet the restaurants around Wilmslow, Alderley Edge and Knutsford are always busy. I admit antiques are not necessities and they are a luxury but if you can

afford to spend, you can buy something full of history to pass down through the family.”

If, like me, you associate antiques with brown furniture, considered out of fashion for so long, Ingrid also informs me that trend is actually changing. “I’m not just saying that because I’m in the business of selling antiques,” she laughs. “Just as fashion changes in clothes, so designers are veering away from the sterile hotel suite look and the new trend is to cleverly marry old furniture with contemporary art, which we’ve seen for some time now, or indeed vice versa. There are so many rich oak chests and old linen presses which fit perfectly well into modern interiors.”

But where does the jewellery come in? “Well this time, as well as beautiful contemporary designs, we are also marking this special year for the Suffragette Movement, because Manchester was a central hub of that movement. So we also have lots of antique, suffragette jewellery on display.”

Ingrid points out something we’ve all witnessed on the high street. “Our shopping methods have changed dramatically over the years and many of us now do the bulk of our shopping on the internet. However, our fairs provide a very different, intimate experience. There’s something to be said for handling a piece of jewellery that’s

If you’re looking for an unusual gift which may well become a family heirloom, these fairs provide an ideal opportunity 110

THIS PAGE FROM CLOCKWISE LEFT: ART DECO THREE STONE RING, £1,495 FROM GREENSTEIN ANTIQUES, BYZANTINE GOLD SOLIDUS OF THE EMPEROR MARCIAN (AD 450-457), £725 FROM ODYSSEY ANTIQUITIES & COINS, FROM ANCIENT CHINA, A HAN DYNASTY (206BC-AD220) PAINTED TERRACOTTA ‘FERGHANA’ HORSE HEAD. THIS FINELY MODELLED TERRACOTTA HEAD OF A HORSE, SHOWN WITH TEETH BARRED AND NOSTRILS FLARED, IS PROBABLY A REPRESENTATION OF A WAR HORSE. THE HORSE’S EARS WOULD HAVE BEEN MADE FROM LEATHER OR WOOD WHICH HAS NOT SURVIVED THE PASSAGE OF TIME, £395 FROM ODYSSEY ANTIQUITIES, FANCY YELLOW & PINK DIAMOND CLUSTER EARRINGS, £4,950 FROM GREENSTEIN ANTIQUES, ‘IRISH FISHERMEN AND BOATS’ BY IRISH AUTHOR AND ARTIST RONALD OSSORY DUNLOP (1894-1973), OIL ON CANVAS, £6,400 FROM GRANTA FINE ART, GANDHARAN STATUETTE OF THE GOD PANIKA (GOD OF WEALTH) & HIS CONSORT, HARITI, C. 2ND CENTURY BC – 2ND CENTURY AD), £650 FROM ODYSSEY ANTIQUITIES & COINS, HENRY A MAJOR (1829-1902), FRUIT, OIL ON CANVAS, 12 X 14 INCHES, SIGNED AND DATED 1872 FROM CAMBRIDGE FINE ART, RUBY AND DIAMOND HEART RING, £5,950 FROM GREENSTEIN ANTIQUES FROM GREENSTEIN ANTIQUES, THREE-PIECE CONDIMENTS SET BY ANTHONY ELSON, LONDON 1980 FROM STEPHEN KALMS ANTIQUES

The Finer

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Arts & Culture

FAIRS FOR

THIS PAGE FROM CLOCKWISE LEFT: FROM ANCIENT GREECE, AN ETRUSCAN-CORINTHIAN PERFUMED SCENT BOTTLE, 5TH CENTURY BC (NB CORINTH AND ITS COLONIES WERE NOTED FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE MINIATURE POTTERY AND FOR THE EXPORT OF PERFUMES AND SCENTED UNGUENTS. THIS VESSEL IS NEARLY TWO & A HALF THOUSAND YEARS OLD), £350 FROM ODYSSEY ANTIQUITIES & COINS, 18 CARAT GOLD, RUBY, SAPPHIRE & DIAMOND TRIPLE ROW RING, CHESTER, 1903, £1,900 FROM T ROBERT, ALFRED MONTAGUE (FL 1832-1883), A DUTCH CANAL, OIL ON CANVAS, 24 X 20 INCHES, SIGNED FROM CAMBRIDGE FINE ART, GEORGIAN STERLING SILVER DOUBLE TEA-CADDY BY PETER GILLOIS, LONDON 1759, IN ITS ORIGINAL FITTED SHAGREEN BOX WITH SILVER LOCK BEATEN HANDLE, £5,500 FROM STEPHEN KALMS ANTIQUES, COLOMBIAN EMERALD & DIAMOND RING, £3,350 FROM T ROBERT, AN 18CT. GOLD CEYLON SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND FLOWER PENDANT/BROOCH WITH REMOVABLE FITTINGS, C.1850, £7,400 FROM T ROBERT, THIS RARE MAP IS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF PHILIP LEA’S 1693 RE-ISSUE OF THE MAGNIFICENT FIRST EVER MAP OF YORKSHIRE BY CHRISTOPHER SAXTON IN 1577 – A TWO SHEET MAP PUBLISHED IN THE FIRST EVER ATLAS OF ENGLISH AND WELSH COUNTY MAPS IN 1579 WHERE THE TWO SHEETS ARE JOINED TO MAKE A DOUBLE SIZE MAP. THIS UNCOLOURED EXAMPLE IS OF THE TWO SEPARATE SHEETS OF LEA’S 1693 DERIVATIVE IN THEIR PRE-ATLAS VERSION. USUALLY REFERRED TO AS A ‘SAXTON-LEA’, THE MAP IS PARTICULARLY RARE AND HIGHLY COLLECTABLE. £2,200 FROM J DICKINSON MAPS & PRINTS

2019

decades old. Or spotting a terracotta, Chinese horse that would fit perfectly on a desk or into a more modern setting.”

Swedish born Ingrid was brought up in Finland where her father was a university lecturer and an artist. After taking an Art History degree at Uppsala University in 1982, she married Åke Nilson the same year. Ingrid and her husband, a specialist in IT (Design), decided to make this country their home and moved to London. There she applied for a job and, out of 300 applicants, was successful and joined the Stephanie Hoppen Gallery in Knightsbridge.

“I learnt so much from Stephanie, the mother of famous designer Kelly Hoppen,” Ingrid reflects.

“But after five years I decided to branch out on my own and exhibit decorative, antique prints at fairs.

I then expanded and have been staging antiques and fine art fairs since 2004 when I launched an annual event at the Cheltenham Racecourse. In 2008, I branched out again with smaller, highquality fairs often held at luxury hotels, and occasionally stately homes.“ Now Ingrid’s company is a leading UK organiser in boutique-sized quality fairs. “In fact at one time my fairs were so successful, I was organising roughly seven major fairs a year but had little time for quality of life. Now I hope I have the life /work balance right by crystallising our efforts into three exclusive annual events”.

“They are The Mayfair Antiques & Fine Art fair at The London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, the Art Antiques Cheshire fair at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, and The Petworth Park Antiques & Fine Art fair which was launched in 2015 at the invitation of the National Trust at Petworth House. In addition to The Antiques Dealers Fair Limited’s own fairs, last year I was asked to manage and relaunch The Northern Antiques fair, Harrogate’s most prestigious antiques fair which was established in 1951.”

Ingrid’s little black book is bulging with a wealth of contacts built up over the years. “In Cheshire,

The Mayfair Antiques & Fine Art Fair Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 January 2019, The London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 6JP www.mayfairfair.com

I’m regularly in touch with Mike and Art Antiques Cheshire Margaret Melody in Chester and Alec Friday 22 – Sunday 24 and Nick from Church Street Antiques in February 2019, The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, Altrincham- as we’ve worked together near Knutsford, Cheshire, happily over the years.”

WA16 6LJ With Ingrid’s reputation for a www.merefair.com commitment to the highest standards, it means the majority of the exhibitors The Petworth Park return to her fairs year after year having Antiques forged lasting relationships with their & Fine Art Fair clients who eagerly return to see the Friday 10 – Sunday 12 May latest treasures on offer. Most of the 2019, Petworth House participating dealers are members of the and Park, Petworth, West BADA or LAPADA, the UK’s leading art Sussex, GU28 0QY www.petworthparkfair.com and antiques dealer associations.

And what about Ingrid’s own home- is The Northern Antiques Fair it full of antiques? She laughingly Thursday 3 – Sunday 6 replies:” It’s the same eclectic mix most October 2019, Harrogate families have of hand me down furniture Convention Centre, from parents and grandparents, even, I Harrogate, North admit, something from Ikea when it first Yorkshire, HG1 2SY opened here and of course my father’s www.northernfair.com art is on the walls.”

Ingrid and her husband eventually decided to relocate to the country and now live in a small village on the Kent/Sussex border. “Now my husband doesn’t have to spend hours on the tube- he just strolls down the garden to his office and after a busy fair I get quality time at home to plan the next one, potter in the garden or visit the family in Sweden.”

So after all these years living in England does Ingrid considered herself Swedish or British? She laughs. “We are obviously Swedish but we are still in love with this country. We initially came here for a few years and, like my husband and I, we’ve been together here for nearly forty years and consider this home. The other day I discovered a sticker on a vegetable which I have now stuck up in our kitchen and which I think sums us up. It reads – British Swede!”

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A truly unique contemporary British pub at the heart of Chester Zoo.

Book now at www.theoakf ield.org

Family Precious HARMONY

The Mexican Bola is a chiming pendant worn by expectant mothers during pregnancy. It is worn so that it is resting on the baby bump so that any movement means that baby hears a gentle ringing. Once born the same chimes will be a reassuring and familiar sound, reminding baby of the security of the womb. A simple idea, steeped in tradition and captured beautifully for the modern world in sterling silver.

Mexican Bola, from ÂŁ23 www.blooming-lovely-jewellery.co.uk

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Family news ‘Deep and crisp and even’ nights inspire us this issue W O R D S : C O M P I L E D B Y G I N A N D J E L LY T O T S . C O . U K

Glow in the Dark

Zoom Zoom

For budding star gazers this is the perfect addition to their playset. It’s lightweight and has a detachable tripod, making it an ideal first telescope for exploring the skies day or night, anywhere in the world.

30mm Explorer Telescope, £18 (www.nhmshop.co.uk)

Kitty Caviar

Wish upon a star with these stylish blinds for kids’ bedrooms, creating a starry night sky for half an hour when the lights go out. The perfect, practical surprise at lights out for your little one. What’s more they are made to measure so you can tailor them to the perfect fit!

From £52.30 for 100cm wide by 100cm drop (www.englishblinds.co.uk)

I do admit that we tend to be a little dog-heavy in our pet stories but that is simply our personal passion. We did fall in love with this fabulous feline accessory from our friends at Cheshire & Wain though, as the perfect gift for any pampered pussy-cat. Using premium Italian leather embossed with a caviar grain and super-soft suede lining we love the pure luxe collar just as much as the gift tin. It’s all about the packaging!

Caviar cat collars from £55 and charms, £15 (www.cheshireandwain.com) 114

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

PETS CORNER Unconditional Love Starry Starry Dog

London-based lifestyle brand, Fetch & Follow is one of our go-to online destinations for pets and pet lovers. Our latest spot is this star jersey pullover for the four-legged love of your life, perfect for some winter hygge.

Star Jersey Pullover, from £35 (www.fetchandfollow.co.uk)

#1 Villa Nova Arctic Bear Rug, £280 (www.sweetpeaandwillow.com)

A FEW OF OUR ICY FAVOURITES #3 Boho Llama Snow Globe, £16.50 (www.hurnandhurn.com) #2 Snowflake Baby Shoes, £17.95 (www.annabeljames.co.uk)

I

f you have pets then you know the unconditional joy and love they can bring to your life (some even prefer them to a lot of people – I mention no names…) but now science is saying just how good they really are for your mental and physical well being.

First, it is proven that pets boost our oxytocin levels, our happy hormone through just spending time with them but the benefits are much more plentiful but if you have someone in your life to convince of the benefits, here’s a starter for ten: •

It’s All An Illusion

It’s no secret that we are huge fans of Portuguese children’s brand Circu, (we don’t try to hide it) and their magical products.

Currently, we are lusting after their Winter Playroom Illusion Collection which features a table, stool and chair made from translucid acrylic.

The table embraces a chalk board top and practical pencil cup whereas the chairs and stools have colourful synthetic fur inspired by polar bears. (www.circu.net)

•

•

•

•

Pets help you live longer, healthier lives, reducing cardiovascular related death by a third (according to a survey of 3.4million people in Sweden).

Living with a dog or a cat during the first year of life cuts your chances of having pet allergies and revs up your immune system.

Walking your favourite canine, increases chances that you are fitter and trimmer than your non-dog-walking counterparts.

Contact with pets is proven to lower stress hormones, heart rate and anxiety. It is even known to help calm pre-exam stress in school pupils.

Dogs, in particular, can help us strengthen our social skills and have proven to help with Alzheimer’s patients, PTSD sufferers as well as help kids with autism connect better. In general, they help you make more approachable and hence make more friends, or attract a date… just saying.

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Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

KIDS’

Paradise K

ids’ Country Day Nursery is like no other nursery in the area! Residing in a purpose built nursery building set in the rural Cheshire countryside with a team who have a love for the fresh outdoors. Kids’ Country children spend a great deal of time exploring the outdoors, benefiting from fresh clean country air which is only possible in an environment where the only other sounds are from the birds singing, away from the noise and pollution of modern day traffic.

The nursery is ideally located for the surrounding villages of Lower Peover, Chelford, Allotstock, Goostrey and even accommodating families a little further afield including Northwich, Holmes Chapel and Middlewich.

Each age group’s room offers the highest quality facilities for children ages 0 to 5 years, all of which have the benefit of having a team who are extensively trained and experienced in the early year’s sector. Kids’ Country is home to a selection of highly qualified staff including a qualified teacher in our Prep School and several Early Years Teachers in our other age groups. With extra curricular activities such as PE classes held by ‘FizziTotz’ and weekly French lessons for our 3 to 5-year-olds, there’s never a dull moment at Kids’ Country!

Because of its unique outdoor space, home to Freddie the pony, the learning opportunities available to children at Kids’ Country are unparalleled to anywhere else in Cheshire! All age groups have their own outdoor learning environment adjacent to their playrooms, and they

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also share a larger natural space where they can create their own games, explore the mud kitchen, listen to stories in our nature area, get greenfingered with a spot of gardening and of course help look after Freddie.

Kids’ Country is the only nursery to have unprecedented access to some of Over Peover’s great spaces. With unlimited access to New Hall Estate, the children experience Forest Schools activities such as bug hunts, Gruffalo bear hunts as well as exploring the farmyard facilities and polo grounds on site. A trip to see the tractors, pet the horses and practice their tennis and polo skills is always something the children look forward to!

We know that choosing a childcare provider is a huge decision and not one to be taken lightly so we would like to invite you to come and have a look around Kids’ Country and see for yourself how different we are to other nurseries. Our full-time places for 3-5-year-olds are filling up fast so do not wait to arrange your visit. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Please call 01565 722449 or email manager@ kidscountry.co.uk to book in an appointment

Kids’ Country Day Nursery is a purpose-built, one-of-a-kind facility. Our vision is to provide the highest standards of early years care and education in unique surroundings set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside.

Open 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday Full and half days available 2,3 and 4 year old funded places available SIBLING & FULL TIME DISCOUNT Use discount code KIDSCOUNTRY18 for FREE registration.

Usually £100. Offer expires 28/02/2019

Kids’ Country Day Nursery, Grotto Lane, Over Peover WA16 9HH www.kidscountry.co.uk info@kidscountry.co.uk 01565 722449

S h rew s bu ry S c h o o l Co-educational boarding & day school for pupils aged 13-18

You are invited to our Evensong at Chester Cathedral on Wednesday 27th February 2019 Followed by an opportunity to gain an insight into boarding and ask the questions that matter most.

Meet with parents, pupils and staff to discuss all aspects of Shrewsbury School life whilst enjoying drinks and canapĂŠs in the magnificent setting of the Chapter House.

Chester Cathedral 9 Abbey Square Chester CH1 2HU

RESERVE YOUR PLACE www.shrewsbury.org.uk/evensong 01743 280 521 | admissions@shrewsbury.org.uk

ShrewsSchool

www.shrewsbury.org.uk

5:30pm Evensong 6:30pm - 8:00pm An evening with Shrewsbury School

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Top

Of The

Class

We spoke to pupil Miranda Bate and Headmistress Sarah Haslam from Withington Girls’ School to find out what makes their school exceptional

Withington Girls School Miranda Bate, Year 12 pupil

“During our time at the school, we’re able to fulfill our different interests while having a strong sense of community and union with our common love for learning and respect for ourselves and each other. All of the teachers have been so inspiring and have helped me to be the best version of myself. They’ve encouraged me to pursue my sporting interests (Miranda represents England Lacrosse at Under 19 level) as well as my academic ones and enable us to go beyond the specification of both GCSEs and A-levels to give us a truly unique academic experience with learning in all its forms at the heart. I‘ve loved my time at Withington!”.

Sarah Haslam, Headmistress

“While we are consistently ranked as the top performing school in the North West based on results across A Level and GCSE public exams, those who know Withington understand that what really makes Withington special cannot be tested or measured. While we may have a high bar to clear when it comes to admission in Year 7, our commitment is to support and guide every girl who joins us through to the end of Sixth Form. As a school with no scholarships or academic prizes, our girls are free to develop and explore their academic potential and broader interests in a productive, collaborative and happy environment, with their personal and social development, health and wellbeing always a central focus.” www.wgs.org

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Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine

A-L evel

REVISION UK Could a revision course be the answer to helping your child succeed in their A levels?

The founders of A Level Revision UK, Abigail Chadd and Russell Tomlin, talk to us about the recent changes in A level exams and how revision courses can be the key to student success.

What are the main challenges of the new A levels?

Over the last three years A levels have returned to linear qualifications. The main challenge for students is that the full qualification is now assessed and awarded at the end of two years of study, therefore a student’s ability to retain information as well as apply it is fundamental.

Why is revision so important?

The implications of all exams falling at the end of each A level course is huge. Two years of study now comes down to two or three papers per subject without the option to re-sit and improve. A well structured and organised revision programme can make a huge impact on student achievement as well as alleviating the stress and anxiety surrounding these crucial exams.

TOP TIP

Don’t wait until Easter to be told when your child’s exams are. All exam boards have published their exam timetables online for 2019 or visit our website where you can find links to the 2019 exam timetables.

Why did you start the company?

In 2014, when both working in the sixth form sector, we became increasingly frustrated with the quality of tutoring our students were receiving from large revision companies. As a result, in 2015 we set out to create a company specialising only in delivering A level specific revision courses offering the highest quality teaching and resources.

“I honestly think that if I had not done the course, I wouldn’t have achieved the grades that I needed for university, so thank you!” - Izzy 2018 What courses do you currently offer?

We focus solely on intensive revision courses which take place during the sixth form and college holidays. Our most popular courses take place during the Easter holidays and span across two, three or four days. A Level revision UK is currently offering up to twelve A level subject options in London and in Manchester.

TOP TIP

Nothing is worse than panicking in the final weeks running up to the exams. Talk to your child and get a revision programme in place early, include your young person in the process fully by agreeing realistic targets.

Why is A Level Revision UK different to other providers?

We have always been driven by providing quality, meaning class sizes are kept small and courses are exam board specific. We only specialise in A level revision and we know from working in the sector what the demands are and how important good tuition is. Our tutors are highly experienced in delivering A levels with proven track records of excellent teaching. In addition our courses are run at University campus locations allowing our students a unique insight into life and study at a University.

Upcoming courses: Venue: Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester February courses: Thursday 21st – Friday 22nd February 2019 Easter courses: Monday 8th – Thursday 11th April 2019 May courses: 28th – 29th May 2019.

Course prices start from £135 per day www.a-levelrevision.uk

“My daughter got the grade she needed to study at University, and I am convinced she would not have done if she had not attended. She really enjoyed the course, and I could not recommend it more.” - Sally 2018 120

The King’s School in Macclesfield The King’s School in Macclesfield The The King’s King’s School School in in Macclesfi Macclesfi eldeld

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Life at King’s Life at King’s Life Life at at King’s King’s Saturday 12 January 2019, 10am–12noon

Saturday Saturday Saturday12 12 12January January January2019, 2019, 2019,10am–12noon 10am–12noon 10am–12noon

Entrance Examinations Entrance Examinations Entrance Entrance Examinations Examinations Friday 18 January, 2019

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Top performing school at GCSE & A Level •• school at GCSE Level ••Top Top Topperforming performingschool schoolat atGCSE GCSE&& &AA ALevel • All aspects rated ‘excellent’ in ISI inspection All Allaspects aspectsrated rated‘excellent’ ‘excellent’in inISI ISIinspection inspection •••All ‘excellent’ in ISI inspection + • Bursaries & Scholarships at 11+++and 16+++ Bursaries Bursaries&&Scholarships Scholarshipsat at11 11 and and16 •••Bursaries Scholarships at 11 and 16 • Huge range of extra-curricular activities Huge Hugerange rangeofofextra-curricular extra-curricularactivities activities •••Huge extra-curricular activities

01625 260000 admissions@kingsmac.co.uk www.kingsmac.co.uk 01625 01625 260000 260000 admissions@kingsmac.co.uk admissions@kingsmac.co.uk admissions@kingsmac.co.uk www.kingsmac.co.uk www.kingsmac.co.uk 01625 260000 www.kingsmac.co.uk

Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Cheshire Students Take The

Franklyn Financial Management

Stock Market Challenge The stock exchange came to Congleton in November thanks to Cheshire-based financial specialists Franklyn Financial Management Ltd

T

he Stock Market Challenge saw more than 150 students take part in a task designed to test and encourage financial skills and judgement.

Congleton’s Town Hall was transformed into a fictional stock exchange, filled with Year 7 students from schools across the region. Teams created their very own investment companies before investing a virtual sum of £10,000 into their choice of 25 fictional businesses.

To add an element of realism, fake news broadcasts relayed news reports that may have an impact on the global economy – such as natural disasters and economic events.

Eaton Bank Academy, Congleton High School, Macclesfield Academy, Brine Leas Academy, and Shavington Academy all took part. First place in the trading was the ‘Prime Investors’ team from Brine Leas Academy, who made more than a 50 per cent profit from their trading. The runner-up was the ‘Global Investments’, a team from the Shavington Academy. There was also awards for the most enterprising team, the most resilient, and the best brand.

The brainchild of Franklyn Financial Management, the event was delivered by the Inspirational Learning Group with support from leading marketing agency Thrive, Solicitors SAS Daniels, East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Skills and Growth Company.

THE WINNING ‘PRIME INVESTORS’ TEAM FROM BRINE LEAS ACADEMY WITH IAN COTTRILL RIGHT, FROM FRANKLYN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENTLTD AND DAN MEARS FROM THE INSPIRATIONAL LEARNING GROUP.

IAN COTTRILL, BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP MANAGER FROM FRANKLYN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT LTD, TALKS TO STUDENTS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF GAINING THE RIGHT SKILLS FOR EMPLOYMENT

Franklyn Financial Management has long been an advocate for giving future generations an insight into the world of work; earlier this year, that policy led to success at the East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce & Enterprise Annual Awards, with Franklyn picking up the Business and Education Engagement Award.

Andrew Chatterton, Managing Director of Franklyn Financial Management Ltd, said: “On behalf of the employers who have worked on the project, I would like to thank all the pupils for their enthusiasm and hard work throughout the day. Like our partners Thrive, Cheshire East Chamber and SAS Daniels, we’re passionate about helping young people gain new skills and first-hand experience of the business world.”

Ian Cottrill, Business Relationship Manager at Franklyn, commented, “Before joining the company, I worked for many years as a teacher.

It’s fantastic that I can still help teach young people about things which are particularly relevant throughout their lives – such as the value of investing money wisely.”

With further activities planned in 2019, Franklyn are looking to partner with local businesses to deliver educational initiatives. If you would like to be involved, then please contact Ian Cottrill at on T: 01260 291825.

“We’re passionate about helping young people gain new skills and first-hand experience of the business world” 122

HOMES AND

INTERIORS SHOWCASING THE

finest HOMES & PROPERTY IN CHESHIRE AND BEYOND

Best of the

BEST

Exceptional design services by Uber Interiors

FESTIVE

Features

Our pick of the ultimate home accessories in red, green and gold

Into the

WILD Bring animal-inspired pieces into your home

INTERVIEW

UBER

Chic

UBER ‘signature’ look, as every brief and project requirement is unique. We work with clients to amplify and enhance not only their own style but also to ensure that the schemes are sympathetic to the property and its surroundings. Lifestyle is a huge part of what we do too, we take the time to really

We sent Danielle Mullen to catch up with Simon Evans, Founder and Director of trail-blazing interior designer practice, Design by UBER.

A

s the practice responsible for creating exceptional interiors across Europe, Africa and the US, covering everything from residential to commercial projects, new build residencies, period renovations, penthouse apartments and luxury yachts, it is fair to say that Cheshire based interior designers, Design by UBER, are rather a big deal. Known for their ability to perfectly balance the classic and contemporary while flawlessly fusing styles to create utterly unique spaces, I was intrigued to find out more.

As I settled into the luxurious surroundings of their retail showroom near Knutsford, I was keen to discover Simon’s design philosophy. He steers away from being pigeonholed explaining that clients need not expect UBER to provide an “off the peg” design solution. “There is no

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understand how our clients live to create schemes that will help enable an incredible lifestyle.” says Simon. Speaking to him it also became refreshingly clear that he does not view world class design as the exclusive domain of the elite, he is driven by the desire to deliver the same standard of excellence to all.

So the secret of his success? “Well” explained Simon “Creativity and innovation are the cornerstones of great design, but there are so many other elements that are critical to ensure the smooth running of a project from concept to completion. I am proud of the team that I have around me, and I think one of our great strengths is the

Homes and Interiors

diversity of skills which we have under one roof. We can offer the technical proficiency to work seamlessly with architects and other industry professionals, while our designers always show meticulous attention to detail enhancing every element of a project. We are also pretty unique in that we create 3D photo-realistic renders of each project which enable our clients to view the schemes for their homes even before construction.”

The formidable team Simon has amassed around him work on a diverse range of projects, locally, nationally and internationally. Design by UBER has the size and scope to be able to work on an average of 30 different projects at any given time. To date, they have completed over 325 projects worldwide, and their approach is definitely reaping the rewards. In the decade since their inception, Design by UBER has a plethora of national and international design awards under their belt.

Which are Simon’s favourite projects, I was keen to know? “I am not sure that I have a favourite, each one is so unique that they all have special memories for me. I suppose one that I am especially proud of is the ‘man cave’ - a subterranean space which we transformed into what is best described as the ultimate boy’s toys trophy cabinet – complete with a revolving turntable for displaying a McLaren 650S! The reason why I am so proud of this project was that the space planning and technological complexity of this venture was groundbreaking and had to be meticulously planned. It was only due to the technical

skills of my team that it was possible at all. At the other end of the scale, I also enjoy seeing beautifully designed spaces - a classic case in point was the turnkey design for an apartment within a beautiful Victorian building. I am a huge advocate of bringing contrasts to design as they add flavour and excitement, and this apartment was a masterclass in creating elegant and timeless spaces with the use of contrasting textures and accent colours.”

Under Simon’s guidance, The Design by UBER brand has been going from strength to strength, but he has no intention of resting on his laurels. Not surprisingly, with design so squarely in his DNA, Simon expanded his brand and created an UBER go-to interiors inspiration website, uberinteriors.com, featuring a veritable cornucopia of beautiful products handpicked by the Design by UBER team, from furniture and lighting to accessories and gifts. He is already lining up his next series of endeavours and, as our meeting draws to a close, he explains that he is now on his way to the airport. He is heading to Munich where he is in the throes of managing another mammoth project, a refurbishment of an iconic historic building into a world-class bar and grill. www.designbyuber.com www.uber-interiors.com

“Creativity and innovation are the cornerstones of great design” 125

Home & Garden News FINISHING TOUCHES WORDS:

FRANCESCA LEE-ROGERS

TheBERIBUSCIM very latest VOLUM news, advice and trends from the world ofQUAS interior design AD EXCESTIS MAIO ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UT UNTIO EXCERERFERUM VELECTIOS MOLORE CORUM VOLUPTI AUT INVEL IUS APELIGNITIIS INIS NON CONEM IL IPSAM, CUPTATE MPELLOREMPOS EST UT ET RE RE, SAM LAUT QUUNTIOS MOD MAIO. ITAE QUISTOT ATEMPOR EHENDIT EIUNT

Utilitarian CH IC

B

ring a bright American retro vibe to your home with these lockers by Rose & Grey.

The two-shelved Shorty is ideal for bedside tables or for storing toys away while the Skinny with its four shelves and rail can hide all the usual hallway paraphernalia.

The colours – blush pink, olive, navy, slate, white and mustard – are on trend and make a real style statement.

From £129, www.roseandgrey.co.uk

Brilliant Baubles Anthropologie has collaborated with artist Krafty K Design. Kristina Saywell, the designer behind the brand, creates charming home décor, children’s toys, and holiday decorations with whimsical motifs inspired by her kids’ favourite objects. Her modern monochromatic style – accented with an occasional pop of colour – will add a novel touch to any Christmas tree. www.anthropologie.com

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Homes and Interiors

Green Fingers

loves

If you’re still looking for a last-minute Christmas present, then why not take a peek at Walk Mill Botanics? The natural skincare company creates a range of products, with a selection of gift sets to choose from. Founder Vicki Evans is a keen gardener, whose love of plants and natural ingredients and passion for wellbeing drove her to develop her range of bath, hand care and room spray products. www.walkmillbotanics.co.uk

TREE OF LIFE This vivid cotton cushion is a must-have furnishing and would look at home on any sofa.

Created by critically acclaimed Central St Martin’s graduate Kristjana S Williams, the illustration of the bare tree is brought to life with the use of colourful flora and fauna. It’s clear to see that nature plays a huge part in the inspiration of the talented Icelandic-born artist. £135, www.rume.co.uk

FRUIT COCKTAIL The apple has long been a symbol of the Earth, of life, of knowledge and of sensuality. Being central to the lives of Adam and Eve, Sir Isaac Newton and Snow White, Andrew Martin has sought inspiration from the fruit with his latest range of sculptures. Available in a variety of sizes, finishes and colourways, create your surrealist canvas at home with these eccentric pieces.

From £99, www.andrewmartin.co.uk

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HOME FINISHING & GARDEN TOUCHES NEWS AD EXCESTIS MAIO BERIBUSCIM VOLUM ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UT QUAS UNTIO EXCERERFERUM VELECTIOS MOLORE CORUM VOLUPTI AUT INVEL IUS APELIGNITIIS INIS NON CONEM IL IPSAM, CUPTATE MPELLOREMPOS EST UT ET RE RE, SAM LAUT QUUNTIOS MOD MAIO. ITAE QUISTOT ATEMPOR EHENDIT EIUNT

History in your Home Cheshire-based fine wood flooring brand Ted Todd is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the brand has unveiled a collection of Rare Finds, one of which is the War Office Pine – a beautiful floor reclaimed from London’s War Office, the building which housed Churchill during the war. What better way to own a part of British heritage and to give the flooring a whole new chapter? www.tedtodd.co.uk

PURCHASE of the

MONTH

This year sees the rise of the trend of animal-inspired décor, and a few well-chosen pieces can bring a whole lot of personality to a room. You can do just that by making a statement with this giraffe side table from Pols Potten. Crafted from gold-plated aluminium and finished with a sturdy glass table top, it makes a beautiful addition to an opulent setting. £260, www.amara.com

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Scents and Sensibility Slow down, curl up with your favourite book or slip into a hot bath and light this candle by Heating & Plumbing. The #weekendplans votive will transform your room into a haven of calmness and relaxation thanks to the combination of soothing aloe extract and cool cucumber.

You’ll soon be feeling as though you’ve swallowed The Little Book of Calm in no time. £45, www.heating-and-plumbing.com

Homes and Interiors

TWEET of the MONTH

Sophie Robinson @sophierobinson Following on from the recent fashion trend, mustard has made its appearance in the interiors world in a big way.

Kelly Hoppen MBE @kellyhoppen Using different shapes on furniture like the screen, to create interesting shapes, using taupe hues with a pink accent in flowers. Total heaven… #kellyhoppen #designmasterclass #interiordesign

# H O M E W E B WAT C H : THE FESTIVE SEASON IS A TIME TO E N T E R TA I N F R I E N D S A N D F A M I LY, S O WOW THEM WITH A S TAT E M E N T D I N N E R

Dare to Bare Industrial-chic is going nowhere this year. The pared-back style is raw with a touch of masculinity. Instead of going for brick walls, this grunge statement wall covering creates the perfect look. Brand Behangfabriek is known for going beyond what is considered ‘normal’ wallpaper to create something unique for the home, and this Inner Circle print certainly does just that. £625, www.limelace.co.uk

SET – PERFECT FOR C H R I S T M A S D AY

GRAND DESIGNS

www.houseology.com

A little bit of Italy comes to Cheshire at Mizu Bathroom Design in Hale. Stocking Italian brand Devon&Devon, the brand creates statement vanities and bathtubs that are fitting to Cheshire’s large properties. Owner Deby Allison says: “Classical design aesthetics inspires Devon&Devon’s distinctive ranges. However, there are other influences too, such as the Art Deco period and the Jazz Age. One can imagine the pieces in a grand palazzo, yet they exude understated elegance.” www.mizubathrooms.co.uk

www.amara.com www.luxdeco.com

WORDS OF WISDOM “An interior is the natural projection of the soul.”

– Coco Chanel

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Photo courtesy of Shane Webber

Photo courtesy of Mark Carline

We work with a host of iconic wedding venues across the North West and North Wales and can coordinate the perfect setting to your perfect day. Already found your location? We are experts at providing outdoor catering and will work collaboratively with you, to deliver memorable culinary moments for your wedding party.

01244 304 660

horseradishcatering.com

Live your dream at Honeyvale Gardens, Moulton

Be inspired by our brand new homes at Honeyvale Gardens in Moulton that offer plenty of space and serenity.

We offer various schemes to make your move as smooth as possible, including Home Exchange and Help to Buy. Home Exchange saves you from those estate agents fees and property chains. This scheme also allows you to stay in your old home until your new home is complete.

Honeyvale Gardens Moulton Cheshire

CW9 8PT

Open daily, 10am - 5pm

01606 261014 bovishomes.co.uk

Help to Buy benefits existing homeowners and first time buyers alike. So why not take advantage of this Governmentbacked scheme with just a 5% deposit?

Photographs depict typical Bovis Homes interiors. The Help to Buy Equity Scheme has specific terms and conditions and is be subject to affordabilitycriteria as prescribed by the homes and communities agency. Subject to specific mortgage lender conditions and qualifications. Not to beused in conjunction with another purchase assistance scheme. Home exchange scheme is subject to independent valuations, survey and contract on your existing property and is subject to criteria, which include the property you are selling is worth no more than 75% of the value of the new Bovis Home you wish to purchase. Maximum property price excepted via the Home exchange scheme is ÂŁ400,000. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Ask our sales advisor for details.

LIFE IN DESIGN

Jojo

CHANTLER We chat to the Owner and Interior Designer at Jojo Bradley Interiors, Jojo Chantler.

is unique. Our family home is elegant, yet exciting, fun and ultimately a livable space. Working with clients we take into consideration their personal taste, lifestyle and vision.

What is the easiest way to transform a space?

For a simple change; amending furniture layout or changing a wall colour. If the budget allows adding depth with fabrics, rugs and wallpapers can make a real statement.

What do you see as being the design trends this year?

Intense hues of plum and midnight blue paints with brass accents, also bold wallpapers - clients seem to be getting braver!

What inspired you to create your design business?

Whilst renovating our house I saw a gap in the market, the business started in upholstery and soon evolved naturally into full-scale interior design.

How would you describe your design style?

That’s a difficult one as every project

What’s your favourite architectural style?

Georgian - as a quintessentially British architectural style I have worked with many beautiful Georgian properties, including my own. I love the high ceilings, proportions and

If the budget allows adding depth with fabrics, 132

Homes and Interiors

period characteristics. I’m always also drawn to Georgian antiques for the same reason.

Can you describe your average weekend?

Weekends are usually a chaotic mix of friends and family which is a great respite from a busy week at work.

Alongside running around after our two little boys and their social diaries, it doesn’t allow time for much else!

What’s your favourite colour and why?

Blue - there are so many tones from powder to navy, it’s a palate which can be both beautiful and is easily enhanced with other accent colours.

If you had just one item in your design toolbox, what would it be?

A tape measure, it’s essential for what we do - you will always find one in my handbag!

If you could banish something from the world of

design, what would it be?

Mass produced furniture, it not only has a short shelf but is bad for the environment.

Jojo Bradley Interiors, Stretton Hall Farm, Stretton Tilston, Cheshire SY14 7JA, www.jojobradleyinteriors.co.uk

rugs and wallpapers can make a real statement.

133

PROMOTION

‘I Promised Mum she’d never

Go into a Care Home’

An Assisted Living apartment at Inspired Gifford Lea in Cheshire is a positive alternative to a conventional care home. Residents can take a dip in the pool, enjoy lunch with friends in one of the restaurants... and benefit from high-quality care and support

A

t Gifford Lea, Inspired Villages’ later living community near Chester, residents can live life independently and to the full – while receiving care, tailored to their needs.

Inspired’s Assisted Living apartments at Gifford Lea offer an attractive alternative for independently-minded over-65s.

The Assisted Living properties at the luxurious retirement village, in Tattenhall, are available to buy or rent, and each one offers retirees the privacy of their own self-contained home. The Assisted Living package includes all utilities, as well as one three course meal in the comfort of their own home or in the on-site restaurant, all laundry, cleaning, provision of breakfast essentials and optional extras such as weekly personal shopping and therapy sessions. In addition to this, residents are also given access to fantastic clubhouse facilities and an active social life – all on their doorstep.

Feel independent... feel Inspired James Cobb, director of Inspired Villages, which owns and operates later living communities around the UK, says: “These apartments are ideal for people who seek independence at the same time as benefiting from dedicated care services. As well as their own front door, residents have their own kitchen, living room and bedroom with en-suite bathroom!

“Whether buying or renting, our Assisted Living apartments come with a range of services to help make life just that little bit easier. These packages also include the service charge, so you don’t have to worry about such day-to-day matters as outside maintenance, gardening, property insurance or window cleaning.”

Be part of an active, lively community Each Assisted Living apartment is located close to the wide range of social and leisure facilities that Gifford Lea is known for. These include Eric’s Lounge, a social hub for residents to meet up for a coffee, enjoy a light lunch, play games or take part in other activities.

Meanwhile, this spring will see the opening of Gifford Lea’s eagerly-awaited Clubhouse and wellness spa, including a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, treatment suite and relaxation spaces.

Villages located in Cheshire, Exeter, Hampshire, 134

Homes and Interiors

Also opening in the spring will be a brasserie, garden room, library and a beauty salon.

More! More! More!

Gifford Lea’s Assisted Living apartments offer retirees a more affordable, more luxurious and more enjoyable alternative to a traditional care home.

James says: “They also give people more independence and more opportunities to socialise and make the most of their retirement.”

Embrace the Inspired life The ethos behind every Inspired community is to celebrate the freedom of retirement and living well.

Residents can spend time with new-found friends, discover new passions and rediscover old interests. What’s more, their families are always welcome to visit – and enjoy full use of the facilities.

From Zumba to woodland walks, gastro evenings and rumba, Inspired helps residents to feel safe and fulfilled as they enjoy their favourite pastimes and make new memories.

Life made easier – and more rewarding The one and two-bedroom Assisted Living apartments vary in layout and size and are finished to a high standard. Each one is designed to suit residents who require extra care and support by combining elegance and comfort with features that help to maximise independence.

James continues: “The kitchens and bathrooms are fitted with modern, stylish equipment designed to help make life easier and more rewarding.

These include easy-turn taps, easy-open windows, level-access showers, and power sockets positioned at a convenient height. In addition, every apartment is linked to the village’s 24-hour emergency call system.

“Dedicated staff provide meals in the comfort of people’s own homes or in the village restaurant, and a minibus is also available for shopping trips and excursions.”

Rent or buy... the choice is yours Inspired’s Assisted Living apartments are available to rent or buy, and can be combined with Assisted Living and care packages.* The Assisted Living homes will be available at five of the retirement villages Inspired owns and operates in partnership with financial services company Legal & General. As well as Gifford Lea, the apartments will be available at Great Alne Park and Austin Heath, in Warwickshire; Millbrook Village in Devon; and Durrants Village in West Sussex.

James adds: “We offer our residents a real lifestyle alternative, balancing independence and support.

“Our comprehensive range of on-site care and support services provide assistance with all aspects of day-to-day living. What’s more, all packages are flexible, so they can be adapted to meet people’s changing needs or requirements.”

Inspired Gifford Lea is holding an Assisted Living event on Wednesday 30th January. For more information or to book a place on the event, please call 01829 289 124 or email info@giffordlea.co.uk *Prices for a one-bedroom, single-occupancy Assisted Living apartment start from £275,000 for the purchase of the property. Meanwhile, rental of a one-bedroom Assisted Living apartment, with an all-inclusive Assisted Living package, starts from £626 per week.

Book an appointment today and see why our residents love the Inspired life.

Call one of our friendly village advisers on 01829 238 603 to arrange a visit and find out more about Assisted Living at Inspired Gifford Lea, or visit inspiredvillages.co.uk

Warwickshire, West Sussex and coming soon in Kent.

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Homes and Interiors

THE EDIT

SEASONAL STATEMENT Take inspiration from the time of year with these interior pieces in red, green and gold

Goutal Candle, £49 www.harveynichols.com

Forest Vase, from £75 www.lsa-international.com

Float Vase, from £180 www.natuzzi.co.uk

Carafe, £35 www.lsa-international.com

Boca do Lobo Diamond Emerald Sideboard, £20,443 www.thelongeststay.com

Tom Dixon Large Bone Bowl, £650 www.harveynichols.com

Lacquer Wedding Cabinet, £1,745 www.shimu.co.uk

This Side Up Glasses, £79 www.harveynichols.com

Hampton Round Mirror, £660 www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

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PROMOTION

A New Standard of

LUXURY LIVING Located in one of Cheshire’s most sought-after areas, Harden Park brings luxurious, private community living to Alderley Edge. Situated in the picturesque Cheshire countryside, just 15 miles from Manchester city centre, Harden Park boasts 12 exquisitely designed lateral living homes.

A

ccessible via a private road and secured by an automated security system, the mixture of eight detached, four-bedroom homes and four semi-detached, twobedroom homes nestle into an exclusive 4.5-acre estate. The 12 bespoke properties are being sold by Regency Residential, in partnership with Andrew Nowells Estate Agents.

Elegant, bespoke design Developed by MCR Property Group and designed by award-winning architects, CODA Bespoke, the elegant, contemporary design of every home is perfectly complemented by opulent fixtures and fittings throughout.

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White Persian tiles flow through the communal spaces, cleverly accentuating both artificial and natural light.

Spacious, open plan living areas provide the perfect backdrop for spending quality time with family and friends while the heart of the kitchen boasts an Italian lacquer island with integrated ceramic cooktop and granite sink.

Distinguished and sophisticated spaces continue in the bathrooms with natural light projecting through the large skylights to illuminate every corner of the room. Fully fitted luxury bathtubs, each bathroom also features an incorporated glass and chromefinished shower. The large four-bedroom properties also benefit from en-suite bathrooms adjoining the master bedroom.

The stunning landscape comes into focus in the private, rear bedrooms thanks to panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows that provide immersive views of the lush greenery enveloping the homes.

Our showroom is the perfect way to see for yourself the lifestyle on offer at Harden Park.

Homes and Interiors

Stunning surroundings A result of meticulous planning and creative design, Harden Park is characterised by an astounding harmony of architecture and scenery.

A private lake sits at the heart of Harden Park and features an incorporated walkway and bridge. The exterior of each home includes a driveway and secluded 360-degree gardens bordered by sumptuous shrubs, vibrant trees and exotic plants.

The clean, contemporary design of Harden Park perfectly complements the beautiful landscape in which it is set.

Living walls and flat green roofs blend the homes into its natural surroundings.

schools are in close proximity, including Alderley Edge School for Girls, an awardwinning independent school, located on the adjacent road to Harden Park.

Customisable homes Harden Park residents will have the opportunity to customise their properties to make their house genuinely unique.

Within a limited purchase time, various interior design packages are available for each property. From simple light fitting changes to luxury kitchen detailing, Regency Residential can help turn your house into a home.

Properties are now available to buy. For more information, please contact Regency Residential: t: 0161 274 0472 e: enquiries@ regencyresidential.co.uk

Cosmopolitan village A short walk from Alderley Edge Golf Club, with close links to the M6, Harden Park presents an excellent opportunity to explore the local amenities and beyond.

The centre of Alderley Edge is renowned for its cosmopolitan feel and village lifestyle, featuring a variety of glamorous bars, restaurants and shops.

The village is easily accessed by car or on foot, and a number of popular local

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HULME WALFIELD

W I L M S LOW

An exquisite Grade II Listed Georgian country house, with substantial ancillary

wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

accommodation, nestled in about 21.7 acres.

• 5 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • 6 bedrooms (2 en suite) • 2 bathrooms • 3 bedroom barn conversion • 2 bedroom garçonnière • Garaging • Gardens • Land to about 21.7 acres • A further 21.44 acres are available by separate negotiation

GUIDE PRICE: £4,250,000

01625 540 340

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

BRERETON

W I L M S LOW

A compact Country Estate with a Grade I Listed Elizabethan country house.

wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

• 4 reception rooms • Billiards room • Conservatory • Study • Domestic offices • Breakfast kitchen • 12 bedrooms • 10 bathrooms/shower rooms • Suite of offices with potential for self-contained wing • Garaging • Outbuildings • Planning for stable block • Gardens • Approximately 23.14 acres • A further approximately 92 acres are available by separate negotiation

GUIDE PRICE: £4,950,000 EPC EXEMPT

01625 540 340

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

WINCLE

W I L M S LOW

A small Estate with 2 substantial houses, extensive equestrian facilities, farmland and

wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

outbuildings, standing in about 62.31 acres, with further land available separately.

• 6 bedroom barn conversion • 3 bedroom farm house • Equestrian facilities including 40m x 25m rubber and sand manege, field shelters and extensive stabling • Large range of barns • Small lake • Extensive farmland and smaller horse paddocks • Mature woodland • In all about 62.31 acres • Further land available by separate negotiation

GUIDE PRICE: £1,850,000 EPC RATINGS C, F & B

01625 540 340

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

HALE BARNS

HALE

A sensational detached residence constructed in 2015, offering outstanding

hale@jackson-stops.co.uk

accommodation, all set in just over half an acre.

jackson-stops.co.uk

• 3 reception rooms • Living/dining kitchen • 6 bedrooms (5 en suite) • First floor sitting room • Potential for self-contained suite • Garaging • Gardens • In all just over half an acre

GUIDE PRICE: £2,795,000 EPC RATING C

0161 928 8881

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

TWEMLOW GREEN

EPC EXEMPT

A wonderful Grade II Listed 5 bedroom house with large outbuilding.

• 2 reception rooms • Breakfast kitchen • 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) • Bathroom • Loft space • Outbuilding with utility/gym area, storage, study, office and WC (potential annexe) • Gardens

GUIDE PRICE: £699,500

TWEMLOW GREEN

EPC EXEMPT

A building plot with Planning Permission for a 5 bedroom house and a potential further plot (subject to planning).

Proposed: • 2 reception rooms • Study • Breakfast kitchen • Conservatory • 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) • Bathroom • Detached double garage (already constructed) • Orchard area • In all approximately 0.59 of an acre

GUIDE PRICE: £450,000

W I L M S LOW

01625 540 340

8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AA wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

CGI

CGI

BOWDON

EPC EXEMPT

A charming Grade II Listed property in the very heart of Bowdon, complete with an array of outbuildings and a 2 bedroom barn conversion.

• 3 reception rooms • Study • Breakfast kitchen • Cellar • 4 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • 2 bedroom barn conversion • Detached range of outbuildings • Delightful gardens • Orchard • Courtyard

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £1,250,000

HALE

EPC RATING C

A light and airy first floor apartment in a small gated development, within walking distance of Hale village.

• Dining hall • Drawing room • Entertainment room • Kitchen • 2 bedrooms (1 en suite) • Bathroom • Garage • Communal parking and gardens • Gated entrance GUIDE PRICE: £745,000

HALE

0161 928 8881

174 Ashley Road, Hale, Cheshire, WA15 9SF hale@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

HALE

MOTTRAM ST. ANDREW

HALE

PRESTBURY

BOWDON

HALE

BOWDON

ALDERLEY EDGE

HALE

GOOSTREY

ALDERLEY EDGE

BOWDON

BOWDON

ALDERLEY EDGE

BOWDON

SOMERFORD BOOTHS

W I L M S LOW

01625 540 340

8 Water Lane, Wilmslow SK9 5AA wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

HALE

0161 928 8881

174 Ashley Road, Hale, WA15 9S hale@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

PRESTBURY

ALDERLEY EDGE

RAINOW

BOWDON

PLUMLEY

ASHLEY

BOWDON

HALE

MOBBERLEY

PRESTBURY

ALDERLEY EDGE

BOWDON

MACCLESFIELD

MOBBERLEY

BOWDON

ALDERLEY EDGE

W I L M S LOW

01625 540 340

8 Water Lane, Wilmslow SK9 5AA wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

HALE

0161 928 8881

174 Ashley Road, Hale, WA15 9S hale@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

4946-LDE-CheshireAd-A4v5.qxp_Layout 1 08/11/2018 12:16 Page 1

BUCK YEATS LODGE PARK

Lakeside Lodges Windermere - The Lake District

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Looking for that perfect escape, enjoy lakeside living along Windermere as one of our luxury lodge holiday home owners.

Visit our website to download a brochure.

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Homes and Interiors

HOT PROPERTY WE’VE SCOURED THE WORLD TO BRING YOU SOME OF THE FINEST HOMES ON THE MARKET

The Sycamores NORTH WALES

T

hose who are considering purchasing a family home, or perhaps retiring should take a peek at The Sycamores.

Located within the tranquil Pwllycrochan Conservation Area of Colwyn Bay in North Wales, there are 12 threebedroom contemporary apartments to choose from. Mature landscaped grounds surround the luxury properties and have seaside and woodland views.

Situated next to the local nature reserve, Pwllycrochan Woods, yet within a short walking distance from the town centre and promenade, the development has a lot to offer all ages and lifestyles. From a walk along the coast to visiting the oldest working theatre in Wales, Theatr Colwyn, or shopping in the traditional street market, there’s plenty to choose from.

The sustainable development is perfect for those who wish to downsize without compromising as the three-

bedroom open-plan executive apartments are spacious and come complete with high-specification kitchens and bathrooms. What’s more, they’re fully accessible with a private entrance, lift access to each floor and designated parking. Accessible transport links to the train line and bus service make it easier for residents to commute or visit many of the attractions that the area has to offer.

The award-winning restaurants, bars and stunning blue flag beaches are all within a short walk of the development.

The neighbouring villages and towns such as Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy and the Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno are only a short distance away either on foot or by bicycle.

From £188,00 First-time buyers or home movers can benefit from the Welsh Government’s Help to Buy scheme for an apartment at The Sycamores. Available through Beech Developments, email sales@beechdevelopments.co.uk or visit www.beechdevelopments.co.uk

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HOT PROPERTY

Rosebank WAVERTON

S

ituated in a sought-after quiet rural location and set in approximately 8.5 acres with outstanding undisturbed views towards Beeston and Peckforton Castles, this is a well-presented and extensive detached family home with more

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than 4,000 sq.ft. of flexible accommodation throughout. It has extensive south-facing landscaped private gardens, turning circle driveway which provides parking for several vehicles, integral double garage and Coach House with planning permission.

Rosebank adjoins open countryside in the rural hamlet of Stapleford just beyond Waverton

village and some four miles to the south-east of Chester. The property is approached through country lanes and is surrounded by open fields and woodland. However, it is still within easy reach of a comprehensive range of services with extensive shopping in the renowned Chester Rows, complemented by out-of-town retail parks and supermarkets. Within close proximity are numerous sports clubs including rugby at Vicars Cross and cricket at Boughton Hall. For golfing enthusiasts, there are several courses locally including Eaton Golf Club at Waverton and Vicars Cross.

At Duddon and Waverton there are primary schools and a secondary school at Christleton together with a good selection of private schools including nearby Abbeygate College at Saighton and The King’s and The Queen’s in Chester.

Available through Hinchcliffe Homes, T: 01829 730 021, W: www.hinchliffeholmes.co.uk £1,075,000

Homes and Interiors

FINISHING TOUCHES AD EXCESTIS MAIO BERIBUSCIM VOLUM ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UT QUAS UNTIO EXCERERFERUM VELECTIOS MOLORE CORUM VOLUPTI AUT INVEL IUS APELIGNITIIS INIS NON CONEM IL IPSAM, CUPTATE MPELLOREMPOS EST UT ET RE RE, SAM LAUT QUUNTIOS MOD MAIO. ITAE QUISTOT ATEMPOR EHENDIT EIUNT

Birtles Hall Farm MACCLESFIELD

B

irtles Hall Farm and its separate cottage lie at the end of a long private driveway which meanders through parkland to the property.

Formerly part of the Birtles Hall Estate, this impressive property enjoys beautiful views to the front over the formal gardens to undulating countryside and woodland of the south side of The Edge.

The driveway leads off Birtles Lane at Birtles Church, and the location is ideal for accessing the surrounding towns and villages of Alderley Edge, Prestbury and Macclesfield. The main west coast line station at Macclesfield places London Euston 1hr 44 mins away, and Manchester International airport is a 30-minute drive away.

Prestbury and Alderley Edge have many excellent restaurants and bistros, and the area has wonderful facilities including numerous golf courses, fitness centres, livery and

sports clubs, and even sailing at Redesmere.

Local schools include Nether Alderley, Mottram St Andrew, Prestbury and Alderley Edge primary schools, Fallibroome Academy and Wilmslow Academy in the state sector and excellent private schools including Terra Nova, Beech Hall, The Ryleys and Alderley Edge School for Girls. The planned move of King’s School Macclesfield to the south of Prestbury will be especially

convenient, as it is only five minutes away.

There are lovely walks and bridle paths locally leading up to and around The Edge, and the Peak District National Park lies just the other side of Macclesfield for those who prefer more challenging outdoor pursuits.

Available through Savills, T: 01625 417 450, W: www.savills.co.uk £2,980,000

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HOT PROPERTY

PROPERTY of the MONTH Brickhouse Farm SMITHY LANE, HULME WALFIELD, CW12

B

rickhouse Farm is a handsome Grade II listed country house, built in the 18th century, constructed of mellow brick elevations with large picture windows, all surmounted by a slate roof. Internally the house has spacious, light and airy rooms, with incredible ceiling height and is typical of the Georgian period. The latest 21st-century fittings have been blended seamlessly with period features to create an outstanding family house. The crowning glory of this compact estate is its location: it is nestled in its own extensive grounds – approximately 21.7 acres – and paddock, with an impressive tree-lined driveway opening out from the electric security gates.

Breathtaking views with hardly a chimney in sight can be enjoyed from every aspect, with extensive southerly views of the Peak District hills to the rear

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– all of this yet the property is only two hours from London and a short drive away to motorways and the airport.

The main house has been sympathetically renovated to an exacting standard with a no-expensespared mantra evident throughout. The current owner has extended the main house with a substantial west wing, providing a large kitchen/breakfast room, laundry room, butler’s pantry, utility and flower room, together with garaging for four cars.

Stone steps lead to a solid entrance

Homes and Interiors

door opening into a central inner hall, which opens up to five substantial reception rooms. Each room has its own character and is generous in proportion, with all but the dining room having stunning open fireplaces.

The drawing room and sitting room both have two sets of French doors leading out to the rear southerly gardens, where breathtaking views of Mow Cop and The Cloud can be enjoyed.

A bespoke oak staircase leads to a galleried first-floor landing. The master suite comprises of an enormous bedroom, dressing room, en-suite bathroom, and shower room, with beautiful views to the front and rear.

There are two further double bedrooms on this floor, sharing the stunning family bathroom. Bedroom four sits on the second floor, with another familysized bathroom across the landing.

Also on this floor are two dressing rooms, serving mezzanine bedrooms five and six on the top floor, while bedroom five also has an en-suite shower room. At present, the main house has a huge storage space above the garage, which could, subject to the necessary consents being obtained, be converted into more bedrooms, a large office suite, games room or staff accommodation.

The property also includes a barn which forms the eastern boundary of the courtyard to the front of the main house and is a pretty space, converted with real flair and imagination, to afford wonderful entertaining space. The generous building includes two reception rooms, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. It has its own private spur off the main entrance drive, with a garden area and parking to the rear, enjoying wonderful views, yet tucked out of sight from the main residence.

Meanwhile, a further property – Brickhouse Garçonnière – forms the western boundary of the courtyard and is equally as attractive. The accommodation is located at the gable end of the barn and consists of a reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and two double bedrooms, both of which are en-suite.

The remainder of the barn is made up of a large workshop to the ground floor and a mezzanine storage level to the first floor. This, subject to the necessary consents being obtained, could form more extensive residential or office accommodation. As with Brickhouse Barn, it has a spur off the main drive to form its own parking and garden area.

Available through UK Sotheby’s International Realty T: +44 (0)20 7495 9580 W: www.sothebysrealty.co.uk Offers in the region of £10,500,000.

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Jones.

Show Show Apartment Apartment now now open! open!

Backford HallHall at Backford Park, Backford at Backford Park, Chester CH2 4DG Chester CH2 4DG Prices from £320,000 Prices from £320,000 01244 852534 jones-homes.co.uk 01244 852534 jones-homes.co.uk

THE THESTABLES STABLES at at Backford Backford Hall Hall

Show ShowHome Home now nowopen open 2 &23&bedroom 3 bedroom homes homes from from £279,950 £279,950

San Marco, Sunlight and Shadow, oil 12” x 10” by Ken Howard, RA NEAC

OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE Gallery artworks to buy For home or office

San Marco, Sunlight and Shadow, oil 12” x 10” by Ken Howard, RA NEAC

Penelope Timmis RBSA SWA Nursery Walk 30” x 30” acrylic Open Thursday 22nd November until 6th December Galleryartworks artworks totobuy buy CH2 2PB Long View, Gallery Mannings Lane North, Chester Open Thursday11am 22nd November until – 9pm each day 6th December by appointment Long View, Mannings Laneby North, Chester CH2 2PB or any other time appointment 11am – 9pm each day or any other time490 by 220 appointment 07854 www.sarahsamuels.co.uk 07854 490 220 Previous Corporate Clients include: www.sarahsamuels.co.uk Previous Corporate Clients include:

Homes and Interiors

FINISHING TOUCHES

THE HOT SEAT

Inject some colour and retro glamour into your home with this sumptuous sofa, part of Artisanna London’s made-to-order range. The compact Oscar model – ideal for enhancing a hall or entrance – takes inspiration from the 1950s and is handcrafted in the UK, with various fabrics and wood finishes on offer. Choose fiery red velvet for instant opulence. RRP £2,000 excluding fabric www.artisannalondon.com

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New Showroom Store Street Bollington Cheshire SK10 5PN t: 01625 466200 e: showroom@portraitpools.com w: portraitpools.com