The Cheshire Magazine - April 20

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Cook up a storm on lockdown

Chester

ZOO

Chief Operating Officer, Jamie Christon shares his life in Cheshire

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The frameless insulated sliding doors by Sky- Frame blend naturally into their surroundings. So it is hard to say where the living room ends and where the view starts. www.sky-frame.ch

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Managing Director Kathryn Otto Publisher Scott Illingworth-Harrison Deputy Editor Craig Hough Editorial Team Louisa Warde Richard Harrison Kevin Evans Contributers James Fossdyke Joann Khatib Mary Jane Greenhalgh Leila Bibby Alexandra Delf Brand Ambassador Sarah Irlam Design & Production Kate Woods Paris Fielder Picture Editor Kat Hannon Charity and Event’s Coordinator Rachel O’Hare

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Cr e a t i ve i n t he

K I TC H E N

Cook up a storm on lockdown

Chester

ZOO

Chief Operating Officer, Jamie Christon shares his life in Cheshire

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APRIL 2020 s ISSUE 074

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he impact of coronavirus is being felt all across the world and we hope that you and your friends and family remain safe and well. For the next two months, we will be moving to a digital format to enable us to continue to bring the best advice articles, features and interviews to help guide you through these challenging times.

In this issue, we highlight some of our favourite recipes from the region’s top venues (p.41) and also meet Victor Yu, Executive Chef at Yu in Alderley Edge . Chester Racecourse and Harvey Nichols Manchester present fashion-forward looks for a day at the races (p.17) and we also profile the region’s best business minds in our Leaders of the Pack feature (p.61).

For those of you looking for a post-lockdown UK break, we highlight some of our favoured trips to help inspire your choice (p.51). And whilst we are staying home we take advantage of stylist to the stars, Martine Alexander’s advice on how to detox your wardrobe (p.12 ) and lounge with style.

In these unprecedented times, keeping positive is paramount so highlight some tips on managing your mental health (p.28) during this time.

Finally, Chester Zoo’s COO, Jamie Christon lets us know how he is keeping himself entertained during the lockdown (p.11 ).

Talking of our friends at the zoo, they are offering free virtual tours online as well as activity packs to keep the young ones entertained on their website www.chesterzoo.org.

We are excited to be welcoming new readers to this digital format and reaching a wider audience. If you enjoy the read we would love for you to subscribe and join us each month by visiting www.thecheshiremag.co.uk/subscribe.

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Contents

FOOD & DRINK

A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITES

12

STYLIST TO THE STARS

41

GET CREATIVE IN THE KITCHEN

61

42

We talk to Martine Alexander about clothes, clients and her career

Victor Yu, Executive Chef at Yu shares his signature steamed sea bass, spring onion, chilli and ginger recipe

TRAVEL

48 51

Cook up a storm on lockdown with some of our favourite recipes

LEADERS OF THE PACK

Profiling the regions best business minds

MEET THE CHEF

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS

25

HEALTH & BEAUTY

28

STAY HEALTHY

BRINGING TRAVEL IN Armchair Travel Inspiration

STAYCATION

Our top UK weekend breaks

DRIVE

67

FIVE - STAR

Audi transform the A5 coupe

Post lockdown, relax and enjoy a little me-time at The Falls Spa

Our top mental health tips in times of social isolation

FAMILY REGULARS

11

MY LIFE IN CHESHIRE

Jamie Christon, Chief Operating Officer at Chester Zoo shares his life in Cheshire with us

36

FAMILY DAY OUT

The Coyne family share their experience in Chester

HOME

80

STYLE

17

THE CODE

Chester Racecourse and Harvey Nichols Manchester present fashion-forward looks for a day at the races

87

COSY UP YOUR HOME OFFICE

We have rounded up the best work from home accessories that will transform and rejuvenate your working space

Q&A WITH...

We talk to Peter Grech, Principal Interior Designer at The Spacemaker Interiors

annabelle tugby annabelle tugby architects architects annabelletugbyarchitects.co.uk annabelletugbyarchitects.co.uk info@annabelletugbyarchitects.co.uk info@annabelletugbyarchitects.co.uk The Workshop, Cheshire, Styal SK9 4LH The Workshop, 01625 528 925Cheshire, Styal SK9 4LH 01625 528 925

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My life in

CHESHIRE JAMIE CHRISTON, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, CHESTER ZOO

How would you describe yourself ?

I am competitive and a perfectionist. I have a bit of OCD, but I am generous and kind-natured.

Where is home? And work?

Home is a victorian villa house in Hoole, Chester which I have owned for a year. I love it! Work is ten minutes away in the admin centre for Chester Zoo on the edge of the city.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I always wanted to join the police. I majored in Public Order Offences when I was at university, applied and was accepted by a force in the North East of England where I grew up. I never took up the position though but wonder where I would be if I had...

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

Devon, I lived there for six years and love it. I would like to move back in later life. I love the Yorkshire Dales too, as I grew up there. North East Scotland is also dear to me as I used to holiday there as a kid.

And Marrakesh in Morocco for its mystery and excitement.

Who inspires you?

I try and model myself on those leaders in business who are both humble but hard-working and set a clear vision and journey for themselves and their organisation. I don’t often mirror their characteristics, but they impress me.

Tell us a secret/fun fact?

I am working towards a psychology qualification which is around non-verbal behaviour of people. Sort of like people watching through their body language. It can reveal all sorts of things.

Who or what would you place in Room 101?

Social media. I still use it, but no way to the extent I used to. I have

“I try and model myself on those leaders in business who are both humble but hard-working” seen it damage relationships and even marriages and it has a dark side to it which can be very dangerous.

What’s been your biggest life lesson?

Never let issues fester. Try and deal with things early and head-on rather than ignoring them or neglecting to act. They will just grow and end up being much larger problems.

What have you been doing to keep yourself entertained during the lockdown?

It’s really easy to do nothing and end up having time at home reminiscent of Christmas all over again. We have all seen the Instagram posts of us coming out of quarantine 2 stone heavier than we went in with haircuts like Neolithic man.

I found the best idea was to write a list of home-based jobs and activities and downtime and space them out across the week. I’ve read a few good books, including the autobiography of John Bercow, the ex-Speaker in the House of Commons. I’ve bought some Lego Technic sets and am building a Bugatti. I have planted a herb garden. Technology like Microsoft Teams, Houseparty and Facetime have been a lifeline.

My PT, Richard Malpass, has been posting 6pm daily workouts from his back yard. He is getting quite a following.

Then there is the godsend which is Netflix. The Stranger and Tiger King have been a must watch over the last week.

Finally, my best friend, Patch my Jack Russell terrier thinks all her Christmas’s have come at once and has never had so many cuddles in her life. www.chesterzoo.org 11

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Stylist to The Stars Manchester-based Celebrity and Personal Stylist Martine Alexander talks to Craig Hough about her career, clothes, and clients and also offers tips to detox your wardrobe

What does an average day look like?

No two days are ever the same. My job is so varied that I could be working with personal clients, where we go shopping, giving them a six-month update or sourcing an outfit for a special occasion. Or I could be in their home detoxing their wardrobe or waiting on the arrival of a clothes delivery. Alternatively, I could be working with “celebrity” clients where I could be a client fitting for a red carpet or a TV show (for example Kym Marsh on The One Show) or I could be contacting fashion PR’s for their lookbooks where I choose samples for them to send across to my clients.

What type of clients do you typically work with?

I work with men and women that want previews of the latest trends, they want to be unique and don’t want to wear the same brands their friends wear. I work with people that are bored with their style and stuck in a rut and need a fresh eye to come in and offer help. Some of my clients are ladies who have been a mum for years, but the kids are now at school and they stop being a full-time mum and think “who am I?”. I then work with them to help find themselves again.

Other clients I work with want to look good but have no time to shop or simply don’t enjoy the activity of shopping. I offer a concierge styling service where I select clothes from stores or online retailers and take the clothes to the client’s house, so they don’t have to shop. I also offer a monthly retainer service to clients that want me to keep an eye out all the time for pieces that may be suitable for them. I

“You are dressing the mind as well as the body” have built a strong relationship with retailers so as to make sure my clients are always at the forefront of my mind.

What is your process of working with clients?

I start with a telephone conversation so that I can connect with my client, as not everyone is going to like each other and I totally accept that. The foundation of styling is someone is to understand who they are and what their wardrobe personality is, so that’s what I work on next. I work out what style boxes need to be ticked in order for my client to feel good. I usually sit with a client the first time for about 45 minutes to get inside their head and understand

“With everyone currently socially 12

a bespoke garment. If they agree, I’ll work with the designer and their creative flair to bring my vision to life, by designing an outfit of dreams. I am also always searching for up and coming designers, new brands, or something a little bit different that I can show to my clients. They will then either buy the item or the brand will loan for exposure.

who they are and how I can help them, and what their style is so I can enhance it. Obviously everyone has a different need for using a stylist. So, after working out the reason for hiring me, I would then look at detoxing their wardrobe and take them shopping. Of old, my clients are designer shoppers or high street shoppers. Now people want a unique look, so combine the two.

What is your favourite and worst kind of client to work with?

My favourite kind of client is someone that’s open to letting someone in to make them look amazing. They are open to experimenting and letting go and letting me in to see their inner person. It is such a confidential, personal job, to be a stylist. You are dressing the mind as well as the body.

The worst kind of client is the complete opposite.

In the past, someone has said to me “I’d like to try new things, new styles, I’m really open”. As soon as we were walking around the department store she just kept saying no to everything I suggested. I was thinking this is a waste of your time and your money.

How do you source clothes?

If I’m sourcing for a celebrity for a TV show I may contact the PR companies of the brands I think would work for that client, plus I may go shopping. If the celebrity is on-brand then the PR company will send out samples. If the show is daytime TV, then I tend to like to use high street brands to appeal to the show’s audience.

Alternatively, if its red carpet, I may contact a designer and ask them if they would consider making

Why did you decide to become a stylist/ personal shopper?

I used to work in IT as a Project Co-ordinator and was on a flight to Copenhagen for an IT conference.

I was moaning to a colleague about hating my job and they turned to me and asked: “if you could do anything, every day for the rest of your life, knowing you would wake up feeling excited, what would it be?”.

That really stuck with me. I loved shopping in my free time and had worked in House of Fraser in the early 2000s where I was a jean specialist (I wasn’t qualified, I just used my intuition on body shapes and what would suit the person in front of me). Because of my passion and knowing how hard it is to get jeans to fit, people would buy three pairs of jeans, which meant on a Saturday I was occasionally turning a larger profit than the Oxford Street store. I then moved into managing the fashion department. I loved giving people what they were lacking and putting outfits together. Customers would come back to me and say “you won’t remember me but you put me in an outfit that I never would never normally wear and I loved it! Could you do it again?”. I wondered if there was a ‘job’ where I could combine the hobby of shopping with the excitement of putting outfits together for people.

I left my career and retrained in 2005 to be a personal stylist and for a year I sat thinking “why is the phone not ringing?”. No one told me I had to network. One day, whilst

isolating I’m offering a virtual detox” 13

“The foundation of styling is someone is to understand who they are and what their wardrobe personality is” having my nails done, my friend asked if I would consider styling a photoshoot for Michelle Keegan as a favour. Although I had never done a photoshoot before I said yes and used clothes from Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser. After that, a friend of mine (Catherine Tyldesley) had just landed a role in Coronation Street and asked me to style her for the Soap Awards. Again, something I’d never done before but I contacted a Manchester designer and asked them to lend Catherine a dress, they said yes.

From there, Coronation Street asked me to style a photo shoot, which then got me in front of magazines. The magazines then asked me to style other celebrities, which included one of my now regular clients, Olympic Gold Medallist, Rebecca Adlington. The rest is history.

What do you enjoy most about the role?

The goosebumps I get from seeing the look on my clients face when they are really happy with their wardrobe, new clothes or outfit. The thing I enjoy the most is that this isn’t work for me because I love what I do so much. It’s so varied. I also love seeing my work in magazines and online, I look and think “I did that!

That’s me!” (especially when the press are saying your client is ‘best dressed’).

What are some of the benefits of being a stylist? Do you get to attend all of the awards ceremonies for instance?

The benefit is getting to see collections from brands six months ahead so you know the trends and you can forward plan for clients, so they are ahead of the curve. In terms of awards ceremonies, I don’t get to go! My job is to get to glam – hair, make-up, styling

14

before the awards start and dress each client. I can dress up to seven clients in one evening. The celebrities want you there to make sure the accessories and shoes are right. I’m usually running around, up and down different floors of the hotel, trying to see as many of my clients as possible.

As they step onto the red carpet, I am generally a sweaty mess, in my car ready to drive home.

Have you had any red carpet disasters?

Oh my God, yes! One awards ceremony, we had arranged for a client’s dress to be dropped to her hotel room on the day of the event. I’d been present at every fitting, so I knew the zip kept sticking at a certain part of the dress. On the day, my client got into the dress and I managed, with some gentle manoeuvring, to zip the dress up. Two seconds later, the zip fully burst open but the puller of the zip stayed at the top of the dress.

We had five minutes until she needed to be on the red carpet so I grabbed a needle and thread and had to literally sew her into the dress. The fabric was so fine that it could have laddered on her at any point of the night and the dress would have fallen apart, but thankfully that didn’t happen. She did tell me her Mum (who she took to the ceremony) spent over an hour unpicking her from the dress once they got home.

You mentioned earlier a wardrobe detox, what exactly is this?

This is an amazing service I offer where I visit a client’s house and go through their wardrobe and

TheCHESHIRE CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| Regulars | Feature The

discuss their style. Initially, I spend some time getting to know them, their likes and dislikes, their lifestyle, their personality, so that when I look at their wardrobe, I can see it through their eyes, my eyes as a stylist and also as ‘Martine’, the woman that also has fat days and can be insecure. I love getting to know my client as its when I can really connect with them, and they know I’m just a normal woman that is there purely to make them look and feel amazing.

This is also the foundation to styling anyone.

We then go through their wardrobe or dressing room and pull out clothes they aren’t wearing – it’s a known fact that we wear 20 per cent of our wardrobe, 80 per cent of the time. I will liaise with my contacts to sell certain items from their wardrobe online or through designer boutiques, to take the pressure off clients having to do it themselves. I’ll create new outfits with the clothes they already have and will also reorganise their wardrobe. We become regimented with our clothes, styling them with specific pieces only, and there are probably so many different ways to style them. For example, we only wear a certain top with jeans, or in our mind consider an item of clothing to only be worn for work. I come in with a fresh pair of eyes and challenge their existing style.

Clients feel cleansed once the detoxed is finished.

How are you changing the way you work in times of isolation?

With everyone currently socially isolating I’ve launched a virtual 1:1 Wardrobe Detox, which is

“I come in with a fresh pair of eyes and challenge their existing style”

exactly the same service but offered on Zoom or Facetime. I have also launched online 1:1 packages to help my clients better understand their body shape, plus I can then send links to clothes or accessories I’ve seen that they can order direct to their door – my job is to take the pressure out of looking amazing – whatever that pressure may be. At the moment, men and women are struggling with their wardrobes as loungewear may not be something they usually wear and are totally consumed with working from home or homeschooling. I’ve had quite a few clients and new clients contact me asking me to source them loungewear and sportswear. One hour later, they have their list to shop with and it’s all done.

Martine is offering a Virtual Wardrobe Detox experience for all readers. For a unique quote please contact Martine directly quoting “Cheshire Style” email: martine@martinealexander.co.uk, instagram: martinealexander, twitter: @yourstylist

Top Tips When Detoxing your Wardrobe

1

Organise your wardrobe into sections before you start. Group by sections (tops, skirts, trousers, jackets, dresses etc.) rather than by event (work, casual, nights out). This way, you will experiment more styling daytime clothes with workwear or evening clothes.

2

Be ruthless, if you haven’t worn something in the last 6 to 12 months, get rid!

3

Find outlets where you can sell your pieces – this can be via Ebay, Depop or designer dress agencies. At least then you can recoup some of the cost!

4

Once you’ve detoxed your wardrobe, remove the clothes from your house ASAP so you don’t have the ‘fear of having no clothes’ and start putting them back in!

5

If something has sentimentality in your wardrobe, you’ll never wear it again, but you can’t get rid of it – can you use the fabric to make a cushion or something meaningful?

6

Vacuum pack any clothes that are too small for you, and store them away – then you won’t torment yourself when you see them hanging in your wardrobe.

15

The ultimate trackside venue, combining a luxurious dining experience with the thrill of the flat at Chester Racecourse Cutting edge design, limitless detail, impeccable service, unforgettable experience.

Open 15 days of racing May–September. Availability strictly limited. POA.

01244 304 637 I chester-races.com/parade Chester Racecourse, Chester, CH1 2LY

@ParadeChester #ParadingAround

Style

Ahead of a new season of racing on the Roodee, Chester Racecourse in association with Harvey Nichols Manchester present fashion-forward looks for a day at the races www.chester-races.com

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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

OPPOSITE PAGE: Rachel Dawson Millinery ‘Jessica’ hat, £260 Earrings: Sophie collection all set with diamond, £11,500 Necklace: Sophie Mother of Pearl Diamond Pendant, £19,300 Bracelet: Sophie Mother of Pearl Diamond Pendant, £POA

THIS PAGE: LEFT: Richard James contemporary shirt in cotton poplin pink, £135 Richard James silk tie, £105 Oscar Jacobson fogerty blazer, £349 Oscar Jacobson denz wool trousers, £199 RIGHT: Alice & Olivia Bebe off-white wide-leg jumpsuit, £445 Ring: Sophie collection all set with diamond, £13,900 Saint Laurent monogram wallet on chain, £925 18

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

OPPOSTIE PAGE: Rachel Dawson Millinery ‘Felicity’ hat, £260 Ring: Roulette collection in yellow gold set with diamond, £6,850 Bracelet: Roulette collection in yellow gold set with diamond, £8,300 Alexander McQueen eyelet knitted midi dress, £2,240

THIS PAGE: Alexander McQueen white harness cotton shirt, £375 Oscar Jacobson Medallion print silk tie, £99 Oscar Jacobson Elmer suit (jacket and trousers), £676 Camden double-breasted waistcoat, £199

21

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

OPPOSTIE PAGE: Rachel Dawson Millinery ‘Sally’ headpiece, £130 Earrings: Orchard collection, pave` set with diamond, £14,500 Necklace: Orchard collection, pave` set with diamond, £14,200 Zimmerman super eight blue silk-satin wrap dress, £530 Alexander McQueen silver crocodile-effect leather clutch, £720

THIS PAGE: Alexander McQueen white harness cotton shirt, £375 Richard James silk tie, £105 DSQUARED2 tropical stretch wool Berlin blazer with exposed zipper detail, £1,100 DSQUARED2 black slim-leg wool-blend trousers, £620

Clothing - www.harveynichols.com Jewellery - www.boodles.com Hats & Headpieces - bespoke enquiries to racheldawsonmillinery@gmail.com

22

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Local designer Matthew O’Brien opens his new store in Chester in October, or order online now. www.mattobrien.co.uk

23

HELP MORE PEOPLE LIKE CAROLYN BEAT CANCER

“I’m so grateful for the research that helped save my life.”

Carolyn Hall, cancer survivor, Whitefield.

Carolyn had just turned 40 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, and has been on tamoxifen for the last 8 years. Back in 1970, The Christie Hospital in Manchester was the first to trial this life-saving breast cancer drug.

In 2017 The Paterson building, which housed a Cancer Research UK research institute was destroyed by fire. In 2022, Cancer Research UK, The Christie and The University of Manchester will be opening a spectacular new cancer research centre.

Twice the size of the old Paterson building, it will bring together the largest group of cancer scientists, doctors and nurses in Europe, all collaborating to develop more effective cancer treatments faster, to help more people like Carolyn beat cancer.

Let’s re-write cancer

DONATE right now at cruk.org/build

Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), and the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). © Cancer Research UK 2020. Cancer Research UK, The Christie and the University of Manchester are working together to build a new cancer research centre in Manchester. All money is donated to Cancer Research UK for the purpose of building this new centre.

Health, Beauty

Wellness

Lakeside Luxur uxury y

Relax and enjoy a little me-time at The Falls Spa; make your way round 12 different heat experiences, sip a glass of bubbly in the Champagne Bar and take a dip in the outdoor infinity-edge vitality pool, one of the most Instagrammable location in the Lake District.

The Falls Spa, Lodore Falls Hotel, Borrowdale, Cumbria, CA12 5UX, 017687 87024, www.lakedistrictspa.co.uk

25

Health &

Beauty Staying in on the Houseparty app is the new going out so get glammed up for your friends and family using our top five products

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YVES SAINT LAURENT ROUGE PUR COUTURE 3.8G HIGH ON STARS EDITION

Dress your lips with the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture High On Stars Edition, a collectable iconic satin lipstick in a silver star packaging.

The YSL Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks in limited edition sparkling silver star bullets are about to become your next must-have accessory. Destined to be a rising star in your lipstick collection; Rouge Pur Couture is created with same long-wearing, high-pigment, medium to full coverage blend that you love from the original. £29, www.escentual.com

3

GUERLAIN GOLDENLAND PALETTE 10 X 1G

Create a show-stopping eye makeup look with GUERLAIN Goldenland Palette, a ten-shade limited edition palette that will add a touch of sophistication to any makeup look.

GUERLAIN introduces a collectors edition palette infused with wearable hues to take you from day-to-night. The versatile palette can be used wet or dry for endless combinations and finishes.

Inside, you’ll find a series of 10 harmonious metallic and matte shades, ranging from glistening iridescent to coppery and frosted tones. £53.10, www.escentual.com

GUERLAIN METEORITES GOLDENLAND LIGHT-REVEALING PEARLS OF POWDER 25G Achieve a sunkissed glow in seconds with the limited edition GUERLAIN Meteorites Goldenland Light-Revealing Pearls of Powder, a harmony of bronze and gold radiance-boosting pigments ideal for any skin-tone and type. £39.60, www.escentual.com

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YVES SAINT LAURENT MAKE-UP PALETTE 8.6G - HIGH ON STARS EDITION

Create a showstopping look with Yves Saint Laurent Make-Up Palette - High On Stars Edition, a limited-edition makeup edit featuring a blush, highlighters and eyeshadows in an array of sophisticated finishes.

The limited-edition YSL Make-Up Palette contains everything you need to create a shimmering eye look and naturally flushed cheeks for your next party or special occasion. After every application, your eyes will be defined and your complexion glowing from within. £44, www.escentual.com 26

loves

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DIOR DIORIFIC HAPPY 2020 LIPSTICK 3.5G

Discover Diorific, the long-wearing lipstick in velvet colours. The golden jewel case embodies Dior Glamour at its finest with its signature Haute Couture design. £30.60, www.escentual.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Wellness

review

A BOTANICAL

ESCAPE

Alexandra Delf tried a unique Greek spa gem set in the rugged Pindus Mountains A relaxing break in Greece traditionally conjures up mental images of blue sea and white sun-bleached buildings, however surprisingly 80% of the Greek landscape is in fact mountainous. Within these stunning mountain ranges are some of the most beautiful and unspoilt landscapes in the world, the ideal place for an off the grid spa break.

Zagori meaning ‘place behind the mountain’ is one such area rich in flora and fauna, which is located in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, Northwestern Greece.

The wildflowers and herbs which grow within this region comprise one third of the plants which grow within Greece and historically have been used by the local people for their various healing properties.

Through the 18th and 19th century local

doctors from the area became known as ‘Vikos Doctors’ due to their talent with the abundant herbs and plants from the region, with their reach extending to achieving fame with the Ottoman Sultans of the time. Even to this day Zagori celebrates this abundance of nature through its festivals, gourmet and use of nature, through spa.

As the only spa in the region, Aristi Mountain Resort and Villas generates a unique and unforgettable experience for guests who are seeking rejuvenation and beauty in nature through the use of its local therapies and products. With this deep and intrinsic link to the natural world in mind, the hotel have recently established the Aristi open-air spa which fully maximises the resort’s magnificent setting.

The remote location instils a feeling of complete relaxation and enables you to totally unwind, surrounded by the melodic sounds of nature and a breeze subtly scented with the aroma of mountain herbs.

With Aristi’s extensive spa menu, guests can choose from treatments such as the Revitalizing Eye Treatment and Mediterranean Skin Therapy. Many of the

treatments use APIVITA products which contain Greek plant extracts and organic essential oils. A personal favourite was the Aristi Body Scrub as a luxurious way to make skin feel hydrated, smooth and soft as velvet.

Additional benefits for guests looking to enjoy a full spa experience include a meditation space, providing a total grounding and connection to the untouched nature that surrounds the resort and yoga by the river. Taking a moment to enjoy the calm waters of the pool with views out across the woodlands or indulge in a sauna was a wonderful way to start the day.

The hotel brings together elements of nature and the local surrounds throughout it’s offering and this can be seen in the resort’s restaurant ‘Salvia’ which takes its name from the indigenous herb of the Zagori region and specialises in delicious local dishes including exceptional food and wines of the region.

Surrounded by incredible natural wonders including the impressive rock cliffs the ‘Towers of Astraka’ and the Gorge of Vikos which is recognised as the deepest gorge in the world, this place behind the mountains is made for peaceful contemplation. www.aristi.eu/en 27

Wellness | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Top Daily Tips for Good

Mental Health These 7 steps will help you focus on your mental health in times of social isolation

Reframe - Think About the Bad and Good Things

Did you know that we are hard-wired to register negative thoughts over positive ones? Although this is an in-built tool to help us for survival, it can have a powerful effect on our behaviour, our decisions, and relationships. You may get a number of positive comments about your work or appearance for example but dwell on and remember the one negative comment you received.

There are a number of ways you can overcome negative bias for example reframing a situation.

This means that when you’re recalling events, experiences or people and you find yourself thinking negatively, remember to take some time to find the positives in the situation. It doesn’t mean looking at the world through rose-tinted glasses but it does mean consciously focusing on a balanced view.

Isabella Venour, Mindset & Marketing Coach, www.mind-style.com

Social Media Breaks

“Social media makes many of us feel inadequate, unattractive, envious and jealous. Whilst it can be a useful tool, it can also be addictive. People develop an ‘illusion’ of being popular or having hundreds of friends - when, in fact, they have limited social lives. It is possible to hide behind a screen of social media and still be very lonely and isolated,” explains Psychotherapist and psychologist Corinne Sweet, working with ThinkWell LiveWell.

Corrine adds that’s many strive for perfection on social media – “perfection is an impossible goal and can never be attained, so striving for perfection is futile. Nobody is perfect and we need to remember there is beauty in human imperfection. Striving for perfection becomes unhealthy when it becomes obsessional.”

According to research, more than half (57 per cent) think social media creates “overwhelming pressure” to succeed. If social media is making you feel anxious, The Postcard to Anxiety module on the new mindfulness toolkit, ThinkWell-LiveWell (£8.00 a month) can help change your response to the cause of anxiety (in this case social media). No one can live a life completely free of anxiety because we can’t control the world around us. But

Despite life’s ups and downs you can encourage your 28

we can control how we respond to things we find challenging in our day-to-day lives including the demands and pressures online. www.thinkwell-livewell.com

Inject Joy

Despite life’s ups and downs you can encourage your mind to spot the positives in your life more easily. The simple act of thinking about the day ahead and anticipating things in your day that brings you joy can help you register the moment as a core part of your day rather than allowing it to slip by. This practice helps us become more resilient and we start to see negative moments as short-term blips. I choose to prime my mind while I’m in the shower by asking two simple questions what am I looking forward to today? How can I inject a little joy into someone’s life today?

Isabella Venour, Mindset & Marketing Coach, www. mind-style.com

minutes daily, the mantra is ‘move for mental health’ and a walk around the block is sufficient,” explains qualified psychologist, yoga teacher, and health & fitness coach, Suzy Reading, working with the new mindfulness toolkit, ThinkWell-LiveWell. www.thinkwell-livewell.com

Inspire Yourself

“Life changes when we work harder at how we feel than how we look. When we actually live a life that inspires us, rather than one that presents well to others but feels empty on the inside, then we start to become proud of ourselves - our self-esteem grows,” explains Mindset and Purpose Life Coach Ben Bidwell, also known as The Naked Professor, working in association with the mindfulness toolkit ThinkWell-LiveWell. www.thinkwell-livewell.com

Transition - Let Go of Emotional Baggage

Invest in Lemon Balm

“It may sound unusual but the lemon balm plant is a member of the mint family, which comes with a beautiful lemony aroma. It has traditionally been used to improve cognition as well as reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that supplementation with lemon balm may help to induce a sense of calmness which may be of benefit for those struggling with anxiety,” explains London’s leading nutritionist Lily Soutter. So, if you feel like you can’t be without your phone, invest in some lemon balm and allow yourself time to indulge in another hobby – perhaps reading. www.lilysoutternutrition.com

Movement

Set aside time in your day to go outside the house to walk. “Movement is essential, at minimum 20

Isabella Venour says, “do you sometimes find your energy levels dropping as the day goes on? Does it take just one thing to happen, for you to know that it’s going to be ‘one of those days’? I use a technique that helps me stay energised throughout the day and go from one part of my day to another with ‘useful emotional states’. Between each stage, do the following steps (they take less than five minutes)”: 1. ”Accept the experience and let go of the emotions you felt” 2. “Take three deep breathes” 3. “Set an intention for the next stage e.g.

I want to show them I mean business” 4. “Choose three emotional states that will be most useful e.g. confidence, fun, energy”

mind to spot the positives in your life more easily.

29

There are some BIG animals at the zoo, some small, some weird but all of them WONDERFUL, and with your support that’s the way we can keep it.

Our BRAND NEW ADOPTION PACKS start from just ÂŁ45 and make the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life.

You can now choose between gold, silver, bronze or JUNIOR packages full of exciting benefits.

Whether you warm to our cheeky chimps or love our ginormous giraffes, adopting an animal at Chester Zoo is really rewarding.

Find out more at

chesterzoo.org/adoptananimal

Family Tall Story As it is the season of the spring clean, we are on the lookout for stylish storage solutions, as always. And were delighted when we came across this natural grass giraffe bookcase, we very quickly named Jasmine, for no other reason that she looks like a Jasmine Giraffe. Either way, she will make a great feature in any playroom, nursery or safari-themed space. ÂŁ339, www.beaumonde.co.uk

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Get Creative

Family news

Re-usable Draw Your Own Placemat, £13.95, www.eatsleepdoodle.com Kids Knitting Mushroom Kit, £6.95, www.rexlondon.com Make Your Own Llama Kit, £5.99, www.souschef.co.uk

W O R D S : G I N A N D J E L LY T O T S . C O. U K

School may not be out for the Summer but if your kids are at home at the moment then here are a few ideas to keep them occupied for the foreseeable

Get Into The Kitchen Sophie Allport Flamingo Kids Apron, £13.50, www.sophieallport.com Dinosaur Children’s Wooden Kitchen Utensil Set, £9.50, www.souschef.co.uk Cupcake Baking Set, £16, www.nhmshop.co.uk 32

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Keep your Zen All About the Journey Notebook, £49, www.smythson.com Curvy Balance Board, £79.95, www.youngandlearning.co.uk A to Z of Emotions, £23, www.fearlessflamingo.com

#1 Girls in Love

by Jacqueline Wilson

A FEW OF OUR

FAVOURITE BOOKS FOR

TEENS

140 YEARS In 1880, Margarete Steiff founded eponymous toy company, Steiff on the slogan, “only the best is good enough for children”. This year they celebrate 140 years with a special collection of cuddlies. www.steiff.com

loves #2 The Poet X

by Elizabeth Acevedo

Go Outside

#3 I will not be erased by gal-dem

Children’s Big Bird Box, £28, www.boxwild.com Welly Boots & Welly Socks, £16 & £3.50, www.squelchwellies.com Plum Wooden Play Centre, £249.99, www.dobbies.com 33

Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Pets’ Corner All the very latest news and fabulous things for your furry family members

STAYCATION Whilst we are getting our exercise where we can at the moment, why not get inspired and plan your next holiday with your four-legged friend? Tails. com has used some very fancy criteria to determine which regions have the most to offer dogs (and their owners) including dog-friendly beaches and places to eat and stay. The top 20 includes Anglesey (fifth), Blackpool (eleventh) and Windermere (twentieth).

To find out more visit www.tails.com

loves

TRANQUIL DAWN We all know that the paint and décor can really make a difference to our moods. And this extends to our pets as well. Fearne Cotton, self-confessed DIY addict and Colour of the Year ambassador can’t get enough of Dulux’s Tranquil Dawn – “perfect for calming and comforting.” www.dulux.co.uk

Ask the

VET

This month resident vet, James Dutfield, discusses vaccinations. What do they protect against, when are they due, are they necessary and how often should they be done?

Vaccinations are required to protect our pets from serious diseases that can cause significant illness or death. The timings of vaccinations for puppies and kittens is a balance between needing to vaccinate as early as possible so they can go outside and socialise, and whether the vaccination will work properly.

This is limited by maternally derived antibodies, special infectionfighting agents found in the mother’s milk. The earlier the first vaccine is performed, the higher the level of antibodies, the less likely it is to work.

These antibodies tend to wain at about 12 weeks of age.

Bearing this in mind puppies are usually vaccinated at 8 weeks then a second injection at 10-12 weeks old. I would always recommend waiting until 12 weeks if possible. Kittens are vaccinated at 9 weeks and again at 12 weeks old. Make sure to have the first annual booster to cement the body’s memory of these bugs.

For dogs in the UK the core vaccinations are Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus which are given every three years after the annual booster. It is also advised that Leptospirosis is given annually. Should you use L2 or L4? The number refers to the number of lepto bugs being covered.

Many dog breeders report increased side effects and complications when using L4 vaccines, though datasheets for the vaccine report a very low number of side effects (0.015% for L2 and 0.069% for L4). Ultimately each owner must make their own decision based on a risk-benefit assessment.

Core vaccines in cats are Feline Enteritis and cat flu, (Calicivirus and Herpes Virus). Feline leukemia vaccine is a non-core vaccine but should be given to any cat that will be going outside and meeting other cats.

At present, it is advised that cats should be vaccinated annually.

However, many people base their cat’s vaccination boosters on whether they consider their cat’s high risk (goes outside, meets other cats and go to catteries) or low risk, (indoor solitary cats, that don’t go to catteries).

Recently affordable blood test kits have been developed that can test your dog and cat’s immunity levels, so for those people keen to limit their pet’s vaccinations, this is a great alternative.

James Dutfield BVSC MRCVS - Resident Vet, If you have a question for James you can email him at, james-the-vet@thecheshiremag.co.uk

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Open Days Saturday 2nd May & Saturday 6th June Boarding school of the year Highly Commended Creativity award Shortlisted

Boarding & Day for Girls & Boys aged 13-18 admissions@shrewsbury.org.uk | 01743 280 552 | shrewsbury.org.uk

Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine

FAMILY Day Out Ahead of the Easter holidays, the Coyne family spent a weekend in Chester for some quality time together and share their experience

Chester Zoo What did you first notice when you arrived?

Ellie: Big, colourful animals at the entrance.

Aidan: Conservation notices.

Sarah: The warm welcome from the staff.

What was the funniest moment?

Aidan: Crossing the ropey bridge.

Ellie & Sarah: Finding the reptiles in the ‘Dragons in Danger’.

If you could come back to see three animals which ones would they be?

Ellie: Cheetahs, penguins and sloth.

Aidan: Sloth, sun bear and red pandas.

Sarah: Cheetahs, greater one-horned rhino and tiger.

What was your favourite part of the day?

Ellie: Getting up close to the cheetahs.

Aidan: Seeing the sun bear close-up.

Sarah: Visiting the baby elephant who was only 10 days old.

Would the zoo be a good place to celebrate a special occasion?

All: Absolutely. It’s a really unique setting and we love animals so it’s an ideal location to celebrate a special occasion.

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How would you describe your day?

All: It was a brilliant experience. We got to see so many amazing animals up close. Every moment was eventful and the whole day was packed with new memories.

How would you describe The Oakfield?

Sarah: The Oakfield is an old manor house which looked grand. The décor has purposely been designed to look old fashioned, yet it is very bright and clean.

Were the staff nice?

Sarah: The staff could not have been nicer or done more to ensure we enjoyed our dining experience. We were met with a very warm welcome and shows to our table. Our waitress, Magda, was extremely friendly and attentive. She was full of information about the zoo and animals.

What did you have for lunch and did you enjoy it?

All: We had the club sandwich, hotdog and burger.

The meals were delicious, nicely presented and perfect portion sizes. We would have no hesitation in recommending to others. It exceeded all expectations.

Was it better than other places you’ve been?

Sarah: It’s one of the best British pubs we have had the opportunity to have visited for lunch in terms of quality, service and location. www.theoakfield.org To keep the little ones entertained during lockdown please visit www.chesterzoo.org for a downloadable activity set

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Oddfellows Chester Oddfellows Chester has launched the first three-bedroomed apartment for the city centre boutique hotel and we had the opportunity to stay. It is the fifth apartment for the boutique hotel but is the first that one has been created specifically for large groups, being able to sleep eight guests at a time, so the four of us had plenty of room. The apartments sit only a two-minute walk away from the hotel, on a quiet cobbled street next to the river. We found it much better than booking an Airbnb or a hotel, sitting somewhere in between as an offering.

Lauren Chatterton, Hotel Manager, said: “We launched our first apartment years ago just before the Airbnb phenomenon really took off.

The demand has been excellent, and we received request after request for even larger spaces, which led to the creation of our three bedroomed apartments which sleeps up to eight guests.

“Although the apartments are separate to the hotel, our guests often join us for dinner and breakfast, or we can put a hamper in their apartment for them.”

Oddfellows offered a full service including daily housekeeping if required, arranging beauty therapists, restaurant bookings, and (most importantly for our family) zoo tickets.

The independently-owned, design-led boutique hotel is home to eighteen bedrooms, five apartments, restaurant and cocktail bar and garden and sits in the heart of Chester’s historic city, only moments from the River Dee. www.oddfellowschester.com

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Published by

Food Drink Stay in with a

GIN

Wild Spirit is inspired by walks through through the woodlands of Manchester; Manchester Gin has taken out the citrus and sweeter notes from their Signature gin and instead used sage, thyme, orris, lemon balm and silver birch. This is a creamy, savoury gin with complex herbaceous notes and the perfect accompaniment to a cosy night indoors.

Manchester Gin Wild Spirit, ÂŁ45, www.manchestergin.co.uk

39

...with MAURIZIO CECCO, Owner and Head Chef at Salvi’s New Tantalising Menu at Wood As we head into the lighter months, chef-patron Simon Wood has created a new seasonal à la carte menu at Wood Chester, focusing on the playful authenticity of familiar flavours. Using the finest local ingredients, the menu encompasses the philosophy of farm to fork, working with small scale local growers and producers to serve traditional dishes with a modern twist. One of the stand-out dishes includes Simon’s personal favourite, the cottage pie, his own take on the classic hearty dish, complete with 12-hour braised Cheshire beef steak, mashed potato and Josper grilled tenderstem broccoli. www.woodrestaurantgroup.com/chester

Food &

Drink news

Tell us about Salvi’s?

We offer a true taste of Neapolitan cooking which has been handed down through generations. To help maintain the traditional taste, we import our famous mozzarella from Italy every week. Each week we hold cooking classes where I teach customers how to make their own pasta to take home.

What is one unknown fact about Salvi’s?

We were the first place to sell the Aperol Spritz in Manchester.

What is your favourite style of food?

Italian, no question, but not just Italian Neapolitan.

What's your favourite ingredient and why?

Tomatoes as there is such a variety on offer. I love to cook with Piennelo tomatoes from Vesuvius, my hometown of Pompei. As well as the mozzarella we also import these to Manchester.

WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

What is your favourite drink?

Negroni but it has to be made the right way.

loves

What piece of kitchen kit, could you not live without?

Pizza oven imported from Naples.

My Tasty Cookbook Tired of cookbooks where you only like a few recipes? With the My Tasty Cookbook, you have a catalogue of over 300 recipes to choose from, each and every recipe selected by you. Mix and match from the 22 chapters to select six of your favourites such as; Quick Eats, 5 Items or Less, Meal Prep, Mug Meals, One-Pot Wonders, Recipes for Kids, Dinner Party, Vegetarian, Desserts and many more. £18.99, www.MyTastyCookbook.com

40

This spring, Bill’s Spinningfields became one of the first to add a mindful drinking section to their menu, featuring CBD drinks, kombuchas and non-alcoholic cocktails. Bill’s have developed a range of delicious drinks working with Naturally Pure Lab, who have created the UK’s first dissolvable CBD capsules, to offer some delicious CBD lattes, as well as CBD drinks company TRIP to offer a range of sparkling soft drinks. www.bills-website.co.uk

Who inspires you and why?

My mum Nonna Teresa and also my late father of whom the restaurant is named after.

What would your desert island dish be?

Spaghetti with vongole fresh clams. www.salvismanchester.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHS © EAT MCR AND SI RONCONI

Mindful Drinking

Get Creative in the

Kitchen

Use the extra spare time indoors to cook up a storm in the kitchen with some of our favourite recipes

49

MEET THE CHEF:

Victor Yu Executive Chef at Yu Alderley Edge which opened its doors in November 2015, serving a blend of traditional and modern Chinese cuisine

S

ince opening five years ago, recognition was swift, with Legacy of Taste awarding the restaurant a three-tier pagoda less than six months after opening, making Yu the only restaurant outside of London to attain such acclaim.

From the start, Executive Chef Victor Yu has created a menu which includes all of the traditional favourites, from Hot & Sour Soup, Dim Sum, Crispy Shredded Chicken to Fillet Steak Cantonese and Sweet and Sour Prawns, which sit alongside Victor’s unique take on a number of dishes, such as his Deconstructed Duck and Crispy Pancakes and Fresh Water King Prawn with Chillibean.

And there are dishes exlcusive to Yu as well, which include Roasted Black Cod with Miso and Champagne, King Prawns in Spicy XO and Wild Mushrooms and Wok-seared Wagyu Beef Fillet with Sweet Soy and Lime.

The look and feel of the restaurant is refined, modern and welcoming, with a blue light running the length of the dining area, offering a perfect contrast to the dark wood, Japanese anime artwork and low hanging lights, which were brought over from Egypt to create a truly unique feel to the space.

Victor’s career started as a kitchen porter for his father Charlie Yu in 1989, before moving to front-ofhouse then starting in the kitchen as a chef at the age of 22. Combined with the skills learnt from his father, collaborations with other well-known chefs, and travels across Asia, Victor honed and refined his style, becoming head chef at 28.

42

After opening Yu & You in Horwich in 1989, the Yu’s opened the doors to the award-winning Copster Green in 2004. Winning Best Chinese Restaurant in the UK by Gordon Ramsay in 2010, the restaurant quickly earned a sterling reputation which has only grown in momentum over this past decade.

In November 2015, Victor and brother Vinny Yu opened new venture Yu Alderley Edge, which is very much a venue which enjoys the evolution of Victor’s cooking, with dishes such as Victor Yu’s deconstructed Crispy Duck and Pancakes.

Victor has collaborated with a number of chefs, launching the sell-out Odyssey of Taste at Yu, welcoming Nigel Haworth, Steven Smith and Lisa Allen into the kitchen respectively. In addition to demos at food festivals, Victor is a regular at Northcote, offering cookery classes and teams up with Jeremy Pang at School of Wok for masterclasses. www.yualderleyedge.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

METHOD INGREDIENTS 2 x 125g sea bass fillets

(with the skin left on) 20g ginger, peeled 2 spring onions, green tops only ½ red chilli, seeds removed A drizzle of rapeseed oil SAUCE: 1 tbsp soya sauce 1 tbsp rice wine 1 tsp sesame oil 1 tsp caste sugar 1 tbsp water

If you’re using a steam oven, preheat it to 200°C with 100% humidity. Alternatively, if you are using an electric steamer, preheat it following the manufacturer’s instructions or place a saucepan over a high heat, fill twothirds with water and bring to the boil. Fit the steamer basket on top of the saucepan and reduce to a simmer.

Inspect the fish for pin bones and trim off any of the fat. Cut the fish fillets into three equal pieces and place in an ovenproof dish.

Use a sharp knife to slice the vegetables into fine julienne and place half in a bowl. Set the other half of the vegetables aside.

Heat a little rapeseed oil in a small saucepan and, when hot, pour into the bowl. Toss the ginger, spring onions and chilli into the hot oil using a spoon and then pour over the fish.

Victor’s Signature Steamed Sea Bass, Spring Onion, Chilli and Ginger

Use your hands to coat the fish well in the oil and then place skin-side down into the ovenproof dish.

Top the fish with the remaining julienne of vegetables and place in the steamer. Steam for 3 minutes.

In the meantime, make the sauce by placing all the ingredients in a small pan and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat.

To serve, arrange the fish in a row in. the centre of a warmed plate, with some pieces showing the skin, other pieces showing the flesh. Top with the julienne of vegetables and spoon some of the sauce around. Serve immediately.

43

Classic Cheesecake

Andrew Watts, Executive Chef at Hawkstone Hall & Gardens, brings a classic cheesecake to life with a pop of colour and surprise inside

INGREDIENTS

METHOD For the Strawberry Gel Boil all ingredients together and simmer for 1 minute. Set in the fridge for 1 hour. Once set blend in a blender and place in a piping bag till later.

For the Malted White Chocolate Place white chocolate on to non-stick baking tray and place in the oven to roast on 150°C for 30 mins stirring every 5 minutes until golden brown.

Chill and break into crumbs till later.

For the Cheesecake Mix the cream cheese, mascarpone, lemon zest, sugar and vanilla pod together.

Add the melted chocolate, whipped cream and gently fold into mixture.

Divide the mixture into even amounts in two separate bowls.

Place half of the mixture into the semi-dome moulds and freeze.

With the other half of the mixture, place in the semi-dome moulds ¾ full and add the frozen strawberry puree and press into cheesecake mix and smooth before placing back into the freezer.

Take the semi-dome mould out the freezer once set and de-mould the cheesecakes.

44

Then take one plain half and one strawberry puree half and heat up and stick them together quickly to create a sphere and place back in the freezer.

For Colour Glaze Soak the gelatine in a bowl of cold water.

In a pan, bring the water, sugar and glucose to boil and add the condensed milk then whisk in the soaked gelatine.

Place the chocolate in a separate bowl and pour the syrup to melt the chocolate, add red food colouring, whisking until colour has acquired.

Take your cheesecake spheres out the freezer, place your cheesecake in the glaze and cover and pick out with a spoon and place on a wire cooling rack.

TIP - don’t let the glaze cool down, as we don’t want this to set.

To Finish To build, pipe the strawberry gel on to the plate in small dots.

Place your cheesecake in the middle of the bowl, and decorate edges with the malted chocolate.

Place fresh strawberries around the cheesecake and mint to garnish.

Cheesecake: 250g cream cheese 250g mascarpone 250g whipped cream 75g sugar Zest 1 lemon Vanilla pod 200g white chocolate (melted) Frozen strawberry puree (in 1cm silicone semi-dome) Colour Glaze Recipe: 10g gelatine 50g water 90g sugar 90g glucose 90g white chocolate 64g condensed milk Red Food colour Strawberry gel: 250g strawberry purée 1.5g agar agar 100g sugar Malted Chocolate: 200g White chocolate Garnish: Mint Strawberries Required Equipment: Semi dome moulds (silicone) Miniature semi-dome moulds (silicone)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

My Little

Italy

Stuart McLachlan, Bar Manager at 20 Stories shares his favourite cocktail recipe.

INGREDIENTS 30ml Ketel One vodka 30ml Limoncello 30ml Fresh cloudy apple juice 25ml Fresh squeezed lemon juice 15ml Vanilla syrup TO FINISH: 1 sprig of fresh thyme

METHOD Firstly, prepare your martini glasses. Fill them with ice and a little water to chill them down whilst you prepare your shaken cocktail, that way your drinks will stay colder for longer.

Step 1: In to your cocktail shaker add the ingredients: 30ml Ketel One vodka, 30ml Limoncello, 30ml Fresh cloudy apple juice, 25ml Fresh squeezed lemon juice, 15ml Vanilla syrup, 1 sprig of fresh thyme Step 2: Add cubed ice to the top of the shaker you are using. (Tip: More ice in the shaker while shaking will speed up the rate at which your cocktail chills down but reduce the amount of dilution of water in the final drink) Step 3: Add the lid to your shaker securely and shake it as fast and as hard as you can until the outside of the shaker feels cold to the touch and condensation has started to form on the outside. This will mean the cocktail is thoroughly chilled and read to drink.

Step 4: Open the cocktail shaker and have a quick taste test. It really is important to make sure you taste the cocktail before you pour the final product into your martini glass. Once poured, changes can’t be made. This is the

time to decide if you want it a little sweeter (add a touch more vanilla syrup) or a maybe slightly sharper (add extra lemon juice).

Step 5: Once you are happy, remove the ice that has now perfectly chilled down your martini glass and using a hawthorne and fine strainer, pour into your cocktail glass. The hawthorne strainer will hold back the large chunks of ice in the cocktail shaker tin, and the fine strainer will catch all the smaller shards of ice and small leaves of thyme that have broken away during your shake.

Step 6: With a sharp knife, cut off a slice of lemon peel and express the oils from the skin on to the top of the drink, which will add an extra burst of lemon aroma when you go in for a sip.

Step 7: Finally, garnish with a fresh piece of thyme across the top of your cocktail. At the restaurant we use an edible gold metallic

effect spray paint on the thyme garnish, but a simple cake decorating gold spray would do the trick if you wanted to go the whole way.

Step 8: Sit back and enjoy the fresh flavour of how I imagine the Amalfi Coast to smell and taste. My Little Italy.

45

Travel The One Winner in the Best Urban Hotel in Spain category in Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List, The One Barcelona is the new five-star Grand Luxury Hotel located in Barcelona’s most exclusive and central area, a block away from Gaudí’s La Pedrera (Casa Milà) and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, where you can enjoy the most authentic Barcelona experience: local cuisine, luxury boutiques and impressive architectural heritage on your doorstep. www.hotelstheone.com/en/barcelona

47

Bringing Travel In

WORDS:ALEXANDRA DELF

We want to celebrate some of the amazing corners of the globe we can’t travel to right now, but can dream about getting to soon. From #armchairtravel inspiration to delicious recipes and cooking demonstrations from around the globe, try all this and more from the comfort of your own home Working from Home Wellness

As working from home becomes the new normal, it’s important to also be able to relax and destress at home too. To keep healthy, it is essential to focus on the immune system and a great way to do this is through restorative sleep and relaxation. Longevity Wellness Worldwide is synonymous with world-class wellness and now you can bring that home through the ‘Longevity Work from Home Wellness Playlist’. Bring some Algarvian wellness downtime home and tune in to spa relaxation music and Portuguese sounds to keep sane working remotely.

Instagram @longevityalvor to access the playlist.

loves

Derry Girls Series Launch & Tour

With season three of smash hit Channel 4 show, Derry Girls on the horizon and predicted to land on our screens by May, now is the perfect time to catch up on 4OD plus plan a trip to visit the set later this year. Hastings Hotels in Northern Ireland has unleashed a brand new tour package experience devoted to the show in Derry. Brush up on your knowledge, walk in the footsteps of Erin, Michelle, or even the wee English fella later, at key locations from the series such as the Guildhall and Dennis’s Wee Shop. So, catch up on previous seasons, watch the new one and get planning! www.hastingshotels.com 48

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

Mindful Colouring from Greece

Colouring isn’t just for the kids, for all the parents trying to work from home and home school at the same time, join in and give mindful colouring a try. Taking inspiration from the beautiful MarBella Collection properties and surrounding Greek nature, the design team have created downloadable mindful colouring sheets. Now you can colour the iconic blues of Corfiot seas and skies, you can’t be there now, but you can dream about being there soon. Said to reduce stress levels and increase creativity and calm. these sheets are available to download from the MarBella Collection website. www.marbellacollection.gr.

Home Cooking from Tuscany

What better home comfort to turn to than a bowl of delicious homemade pasta.

Villa experts, Tuscany Now and More are putting together tutorials on social media from some of the best private chefs in Tuscany to bring live Italian cooking classes right into your home.

Through the summer, the first will be from Chef Francesco Maruccelli, Resident Chef at The Estate of Petroio, who will be cooking Tuscan classic, Pici al Pomodoro. Learn to cook some cosy Tuscan comfort food and bring a taste of Italy to the table via Instagram @tuscanynowandmore 49

Stayc tayca a tion With international travel currently on hold, we take a look back at our top UK weekend break destinations

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Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

weekend away

Ramside Hall

Hotel Durham

Offering the perfect blend of traditional features, luxury accommodation and first-class service, Ramside Hall was the ideal setting for a break in County Durham for Pauline Hannon and Alan Edwards

O

n a bright and beautiful sunny rainbow-laden day, we headed over the Pennines to the Land of the Prince Bishops and to Ramside Hall in County Durham,.We were planning to spend a couple of nights with friends and had chosen this hotel for its reputedly excellent spa and championship golf courses.

The approach to the castellated Hall was a little muddled but we soon found Reception and although our rooms weren’t ready we were able to relax in the lounge with a complimentary cup of tea or coffee. Our room was soon ready, and we were delighted with the comfortable spaciousness it afforded. A complimentary bottle of wine was on ice in our room and ESPA toiletries were waiting in the en suite, add to which, our situation gave us a perfect view of the 18th green. Once we had settled into the room we were ready to explore the hotel.

We’re both gym/swim bunnies so that would be our first port of call. It would be fair to say that the main hotel is a little tired and needs some updating but the Spa, only some five years old, is all you could ever want. The gym didn’t disappoint - all the usual equipment was available in abundance together with a large variety of resistance apparatus.

We’d earned our fun, it was time to go to the pool.

Available to all guests the 25 metre pool, always a favourite, was

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magnificent. The pool complex also has a children’s pool, a sauna and a steam room. Attentive staff unobtrusively tidy lounge beds and replenish towels regularly – a small thing but it all helps to keep the world turning. Spa guests could access an additional pool with water jets of every variety – just great for aching muscles. Fruit and fruitflavoured water is on tap and, if needs be, a trip to the accessible bar for prosecco does not go amiss.

Later, we were joined by friends at the Rib Room Steakhouse. Managed

by Jean Rousselle from the Loire, a charming gentleman, who welcomed us to the Rib Room personally. The extensive menu offered a variety of local produce in both fish and meat dishes; the champions here were the Moulles starter and the Halibut Three Ways main. There was a very comprehensive wine menu which included our all-time favourite wine – Gavi de Gavi.

Next day the guys were hot to trot, galloping off to the Golf Academy, intent on being winners. My friend and I had a leisurely breakfast, much later, and then retired to my room to await the show on the 18th hole. For the golfers, the weather was good, and even the promised wind had not materialised! Only one of the two championship courses were open (estate management) but fortunately it was the one Alan had booked to play - the Prince Bishop course (6851 yards and par 72). This course is nicely set-up, and while having lots of apparent surface water, it is fair, with broad fairways and is actually reasonably forgiving.

In fact, Alan came home with the same golf ball he started with – always noteworthy for him!

Some good shots were played, and the round ended happily for Alan with just 2 shots from 18th greenside bunker into the 18th cup, no doubt due in part to the enthusiastic encouragement emanating from the balconies of our green-side rooms. So, the boys were both happy.

Following this, our friends left to enjoy the delights of County Durham. We have been regular visitors to the area over many years, Durham City, Beamish Museum, the Durham Coastline and country parks and reservoirs in abundance. County Durham is one of our most beautiful counties.

Alone again we headed back to the spa complex, naturally! More gym, more swim then into the spa again. There is a large outside hot tub with fab warm water spouts.

The perfect place to meet people and make new friends. One group of ladies were celebrating the huge birthday of one of their

number. Previously they had been kayaking and trail biking, clearly the birthday girl was slowing down! A lovely bunch, they had gathered from all over the country to celebrate Mum’s birthday.

On this second visit to the Spa we found an additional sauna which had views overlooking the outdoor hot tub and grounds.

Now, to be fair, it wouldn’t be right and it wouldn’t be proper, if I stayed at this lovely place and didn’t have just one spa treatment. Leaving Alan to enjoy the delights of the water jets I headed off, prosecco in hand, to the ESPA treatment rooms. I wished for a treatment that would remove 15 years (misspent in my youth) from about my person. What I got, left me invigorated and refreshed and ready for the evening ahead. Result!

Family, living locally and celebrating a birthday, not so huge, joined us for dinner at the Fusion Restaurant. Within the Spa at Ramside, Fusion offers a Pan Asian menu to delight. The stars this evening were Tempura Prawns and Yellow Thai Curry. A lovely evening was had and we retired feeling relaxed and happy.

When we arrived the front of the hotel was rather plain and dominated by the new spa building but as we were leaving the hotel the front garden area was being filled with petunia tubs and beds to welcome spring and also with rhododendrons for flowering later in the year.

Satisfied and relaxed and still in sunshine, having had a lovely sojourn in this Land of The Prince Bishops we waved farewell to Ramside Hall. www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk 53

Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

weekend away

Hastings Hotel Culloden Estate

and Spa

Alexandra Delf Hastings Hotel ...

Belfast

Alexandra Delf unwinded for a weekend of relaxtion in the luxurios Culloden Estate & Spa

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weekend break can be many things, however personally I have found a recipe for success has always been fabulous food, surroundings, service and the opportunity to indulge in some rest and relaxation. Belfast isn’t necessarily the first place which springs to mind for a weekend break, however with amazingly quick connections between the North West and Belfast, it’s a convenient and beautiful opportunity to escape for a weekend and surprisingly focus on sleep.

The recently refurbished 5 star Culloden Estate & Spa stands on the forested slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the glorious County Antrim coastline. Having recently celebrated 50 golden years of the Culloden Estate & Spa, the estate also celebrated the completion of its £4.8M Renovation Programme. Originally built as an official Palace for the Bishops of Down, the hotel stands in 12 acres of beautiful secluded gardens and woodland and provides the perfect city break.

The recent hotel refurbishment has now greatly redeveloped the Culloden’s Mitre Restaurant, the Stuart Suite and the Spa. In close proximity to Belfast City Centre, the luxurious spa at the Culloden Estate is Northern Ireland’s premier sanctuary for mind, body and soul. Guests can revel in a range of ESPA products and lavish therapies with eight treatment suites and two pre and post treatment relaxation rooms. The hotel also offers a variety of different classes at the Health Club including Aquafit, Yogalates and Pilates. Guests can also enjoy relaxing in the pool, Jacuzzi and eucalyptus steam room.

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Ideal for a winter getaway The Culloden has launched a brand new ESPA sleep ritual. The Sleep Ritual spa treatment is the ultimate ‘unwind’, allowing your body time to relax and renew; an essential element to living well. Hastings Hotels recognise that sleep is vital for physical, emotional and mental wellbeing yet often its importance is underestimated in the rush of modern-day life. The tailor-made Sleep Ritual spa treatment is beautifully simple yet effective as it relaxes body and mind, helping to lull guests

into a truly serene sleep.

Performed in calming, candlelit surroundings, the therapist will skilfully guide you through breathing and visualisation techniques to release physical and emotional anxiety and restore energies. Switch off with an indulgent and warming deep tissue massage, releasing deepseated muscular tension, using a combination of hot stones and warmed fragrant ESPA oil gently poured onto the body. This deeply therapeutic massage is continued up through the body, promoting positivity to the mind, concluding in a soothing scalp massage to relieve any final signs of stress ensuring guests completely switch off.

I left the treatment room with a clear mind in preparation for a truly serene night’s sleep.

Transported into blissful state, I was calmed by the aroma of the ESPA essential oils and soothed by the warming effect of the hot stones. Hastings Hotels are famous for their ‘Cloud Beds’ and the Culloden Estate and Spa is no different. The beds are heavenly, truly comfortable and welcoming. I really felt the difference after a weekend of sleeping in what feels like a giant, firm marshmallow.

For those who like to stay active, the beautiful grounds of the hotel offer a welcoming green oasis in which to roam, and the proximity of the hotel to Belfast means you can be in the city

centre via train or car within 30 minutes. This opens up a whole world of activities, including world famous tourist highlights including the Titanic Belfast, delicious gourmet offering such as St George’s market and a wealth of bars and shopping opportunities.

For those like me who work and live in a city, being surrounded by relaxing greenery and having a sensational spa at my fingertips meant that it wasn’t as important to take in the sights of the city, however location wise you have the choice of both worlds.

Another key focus point for any weekend getaway has to be the food. The Mitre Restaurant at The Culloden is one of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland, run by leading chef, Paul McKnight. With breath-taking views across Belfast Lough, it serves modern Irish Cuisine using only the finest and freshest local ingredients.

The décor is gothic grandeur, the food gourmet chic, while waiters ensure your glass never runs empty. The dishes at The Mitre showcase leading local producers and this is a showcase of the best local flavours from Northern Ireland. From Mourne lamb rump to Ewing’s Smoked Salmon, care has been taken to ensure this is a menu supporting and promoting the communities which surround the hotel.

This focus on fresh and local also extends to their ‘Who Made My Breakfast’ concept. A booklet is provided at breakfast introducing the suppliers and providing details on the background of your breakfast, from the apple juice to the Bushmills Whiskey available to add to your breakfast porridge, its good to know that the best of Northern Ireland is available to sample through their menus.

Stepping back onto the plane on a Sunday evening for the short hop back after a weekend of relaxation, good food and some seriously good sleep, my body and mind feel refreshed and ready for the week ahead. Whether you need some headspace from the hustle and bustle of normal life or an opportunity to focus on quality sleep, if you don’t have a week, try a weekend break to Belfast, you may just be surprised. www.hastingshotels.com/culloden-estate-and-spa 55

weekend away

Hoar Cross

Hall

Staffordshire Steven Hough took a trip to Staffordshire for a luxury spa break

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estled in the rolling Staffordshire countryside, I visited the Grade II listed Hoar Cross Hall. Boasting a two-hundred-year heritage, Hoar Cross Hall has a longstanding reputation as one of the UK’s foremost upscale destinations for leisure, spa and corporate retreats. The winding country roads leading up and into the estate created a sense of calm upon entry that set the scene for a stay to kick back, relax and to take time out from my busy life.

The Venue

The grand scale of the estate was clear upon rounding the corner as we parked the car, a stunning architectural masterpiece well worth taking a moment to stop and enjoy. Care and attention throughout the main building has respected its listed status, with wooden panelled walls alongside furnishings that pay respect to its history. This, mixed with more modern artistic installations and fresh paintwork create a true success of classic mixing with the modern.

I checked in at the reception where we were greeted with a warm welcome, underpinned by a nothing-is-too-muchtrouble attitude, a trait that flowed throughout the staff here at Hoar Cross. After being given my wristband that allowed my access

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throughout the estate - another nod to the modern upgrades to this British institution – we were ready to begin enjoying all that Hoar Cross Hall had to offer.

Rooms

The sheer size of the room was impressive, a stunning fireplace feature with mirror above created an opulent feel, whilst the view out to the gardens added a sense of relaxation and connection with nature. A comfortable bed and seating allowed the opportunity to enjoy peace alongside tea, coffee and biscuits. The en-suite was designed in a modern tiled style, with a bath and modern shower offering the perfect opportunity to refresh. Toiletries, provided by upmarket beauty brand Elemis, were on hand to offer a finishing touch of class.

Food and Drink

Before going to Hoar Cross, I had high hopes for the food; their reputation for excellence underlined by the prestigious Salon Culinaire.

And it did not disappoint. I started with a three-course lunch at restaurant Henry’s. I had a buffet starter in which I opted for the wellseasoned carrot soup. The selection was impressive and fresh; the chickpeas, salmon and pasta salad meant there was something for everyone. For my main I opted for the Cajun

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

a dish. An accompanying wine menu was extensive and offered options for any palette, with pairings throughout the menu to help aid the overall experience, alongside a gin menu and extensive list to offer something for all. For dessert, the mixed sorbet with meringue and summer berries gave me the pallet cleansing last hit of delight to round off the meal. Rounding of the food was a locally sourced full English buffet breakfast in the morning complete with fresh egg and omelette station – a perfect start to the day.

The Spa

chicken – moist and succulent, it was perfect with accompanying kale, potatoes and cherry tomatoes. Filling up, I pushed through to dessert – a mango and grapefruit cheesecake which was a true highlight of the meal. Light, tasty and highly recommended. Onto the evening and dinner in the main ballroom. Opulent and classically decorated, the room enjoyed natural light from giant central windows that offered views out the sprawling gardens. Service again impeccable, I sat down to enjoy the culinary main event.

The duo of pork to start was a delight. A bed of prosciutto, on top of which lay watercress and crispy ham hock bites. The dish was made by the addition of the apricot and I truly savoured every bite. The lamb roast main was impressive. Cooked to perfection, with accompanying mash potato and vegetables and finished with gravy, delivering an all-round knockout of

A finalist for the UK’s 2019 Residential Spa of the Year, this was never likely to disappoint and didn’t - a true highlight of the stay. The extensive facilities on offer meant that there were plenty of opportunities to unwind and relax alongside endless opportunities to hydrate with water coolers throughout. I opted for a bamboo back massage by Amy, who explained this was between a deep tissue and sports massage and so offered a firm but relaxing massage to help ease the (many) knots in my back. I then went through to swim and relax by the hydrotherapy pool, with the option of a secondary pool and Jacuzzi if I wanted more space. Alongside this was a Nordic Heat and Ice Suite that offered a 6 stage process to cleanse the body – a must for anyone visiting.

After tiring somewhat, I then headed into The Sanctum, a quiet space that offered soothing music and a place to catch up on some reading before dropping off for a nap. Truly serene.

Conclusion

Hoar Cross Hall delivers on its promise – it is most definitely a place to kick back and relax and serves as the perfect break for those needing to take some time out. The whole experience is one that delivers on rejuvenation; whether this be a day break at the spa, an overnight treat or the celebration of a special occasion. So the next time you feel the need for some me-time - Hoar Cross Hall is waiting. www.hoarcross.co.uk 57

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

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

ADVERT Elle For Elle’s Galentine’s Day

PHOTOS © ROB HUNTER

Foodwell, Manchester Another fabulous Elle For Elle event in celebration of Galentine’s Day, hosted at Foodwell, Manchester, with guest speaker, The Lady Manc. Elle For Elle is a charity that gives domestic abuse survivors dignity after distress by providing them with essential body care and toiletries.

Instagram @elleforelleuk, www.elleforelle.org.uk

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Matthew O’Brien’s 30th Birthday Bash Chester Racecourse, Chester Fashion designer Matthew O’Brien was joined by friends, family, and clients at Chester Racecourse to celebrate his milestone birthday. Guests were treated a free-flowing drinks reception and live PAs from Lisa Millett and Herd & Fitz’s Jason Herd. www.matthewobrien.co.uk 59

THE

LEADERS

OF THE

PACK We profile some of the region’s business leaders and discover the secrets to their success

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

MICHAEL

JOSEPHSON

MBE

Managing Director & Owner at Stocks 2015 Ltd

A

s Managing Director and Owner of Stocks 2015 Ltd, I have seen the business grow to the levels it has reached today becoming leaders in the market place working globally both purchasing and supplying excess products to our valued network of partners. We have a strong in-house purchasing team that works with buyers and sellers from across the globe as they look to source the correct products at the right prices. Our excellent relationships from a wide range of sectors have been the driving force behind the business achieving great results. I am extremely well placed to continue to source brand specialist products for UK and global customers. Stocks 2015 help manufacturers, distributors, and retailers combat the problems inherent with surplus or unwanted stock.

What led you into the industry?

Originally studying business law and accountancy I wanted to be involved in something fast-paced and the original career path I had chosen did not fit what I wanted to be. I was business hungry for success in something that I knew instinctively I could be the best. Buying

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Don’t try to be the biggest just be the best at what you do

What’s the most significant leadership lesson you’ve learned?

To treat everyone fairly (that does not mean treating everyone the same). Plus, being transparent and consistent about core principles and values.

Has there been a truly pivotal moment for your business?

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?

2015 was the most pivotal time for me when my business partner and I decided to part company and I was now in charge of my own destiny. It afforded me the opportunity to branch out into the luxury brand market and progress the company into what it is today a multimillion-pound company. I always had a passion to help the most vulnerable children in our society and having no partner meant I could also concentrate on my charity work. From 2015 to date I have raised over £5m for children in the Northwest.

Turnover is vanity, profit is sanity but cash is reality. Don’t try to be the biggest just be the best at what you do.

Which areas of your business will you focus on in 2020?

and selling in a global market was where I wanted to be.

Who was an early business inspiration for you?

Sir Richard Branson and Lord Alan Sugar

What’s the secret of great leadership?

Being accountable and responsible for both success and failure.

With the current economic uncertainty caused by Brexit and retail store closures in the UK, I am looking to grow the business more both online and internationally. www.stocksmcr.com

DREW JONES Co-owner of Tattu Restaurants

I

n 2015, my brother Adam and I founded Tattu Restaurants and opened our first site in Manchester’s Spinningfields district. We now have four sites – Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester and, most recently, Edinburgh – so I spend most weeks travelling between cities to work with the restaurant teams and develop our brand to maintain our high standards of quality and service.

What led you into the industry?

I have worked in the hospitality industry from an early age and always found that communicating with people and interacting with others is my strong point.

The service industry is one I have always thrived in and Tattu has been a lifechanging opportunity for Adam and I to create and develop our own unique approach for the hospitality sector.

Who was an early business inspiration for you?

I wouldn’t say so much ‘who’ but more like ‘what’ was an early business inspiration for me. It stems from my brother and I travelling the world in our early 20s and being influenced by more

Business is often a risk but with that can come great success

concept-driven venues in various countries. This was something that we felt was missing in the UK hospitality industry and was a huge inspiration behind Tattu.

With regard to being influenced by a specific person, I would have to say that, being from Manchester, it would be Living Ventures’ founder Tim Bacon.

When it was a pretty dull time for Manchester’s nightlife and dining scene over a decade ago, Living Ventures really put the city back on the map with exciting venues and unique offerings, and I genuinely believe he is to thank for that.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?

I would say it was to stay true to what you believe in. Taking advice can of course be a great help in many cases, but when you have a vision and you truly believe and trust in its capability you must take that risk. Business is often a risk but with that can come great success.

What’s the secret of great leadership?

I personally believe that it is knowing your team and allowing them to know you.

This way they can share your vision and are much more likely to get behind and be motivated by, something they are inspired by. That is why I travel to each of our four venues every week, to be amongst the Tattu family. This helps me give advice and make suggestions first-hand, as well as supporting the team in any situation.

What’s the most significant leadership lesson you’ve learned?

The toughest lesson I learned early on was that unfortunately not everyone shares the same passion and drive as you in this industry.

Has there been a truly pivotal moment for the business?

I believe there have been four so far – each time we’ve opened a new site. This industry is a scary place to be in at times as it’s so unpredictable. Just because your concept works in one part of the country there is no assurance that it will work in another. Therefore, each time we’ve launched a new restaurant and all the hard work from every part of the team pays off – that to me is a pivotal moment for the business.

Which areas of the business will you focus on in 2020?

Growing with the times, staying at the top of our game and continuing to develop our standards to be the best they can be.

We want to really focus on menu development – both food and beverage – to a level where we can be even prouder of what we deliver to customers. We’re taking a real focus toward traditional cuisine and its origins in China, adding our own modern interpretation. You can never be complete in this industry, you can never stop learning and improving, you are only as good as your last service. www.tattu.co.uk

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JOANNA

SWASH CEO at Moneypenny

I

was recruited as Moneypenny’s first salesperson 15 years ago – today I am a CEO of a business that has grown to employ close to 1,000 people in the UK and US. Moneypenny manages customer communications via telephone answering, switchboards, social media and live chat for lots of different clients from sole traders to multinationals such as Joe Wicks (otherwise known as The Body Coach), BMW to three of the top 5 Magic Circle law firms.

What led you into the industry?

Having had my own small business I recognised the importance of customer service and ensuring you provided an exceptional first impression to clients, so it was an easy decision to go and work for Ed and Rachel (Ed Reeves and Rachel Clacher co-founders of Moneypenny). I believed in the business and what we were trying to achieve right from the very start and had experienced the need for it first hand having had my own small business. I knew that it would be difficult to work for others having worked for myself but I had such respect for what Ed and Rachel were doing and the amazing work culture that I knew it would work with them.

Who was an early business inspiration for you?

I have to say this is easy - Ed and Rachel!

Their determination and belief in the business was inspiring and amazing. They had, and still have, a brilliant attitude and always put themselves in the shoes of the client, as that is how they had started off themselves. They also really thought out of the box and challenged norms so that problems were turned on their head and solutions were always found.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?

Have the right team from the start and then give them the confidence to speak openly. A no-blame culture is really important as well as giving your team space to get the job done. We expect our team to give a brilliant first impression to our customers every minute of the day, so we have to do the same for them from the minute we start a conversation about working for us and this sets the tone with a real welcome and an effective introduction to the business.

What’s the most significant leadership lesson you’ve learned?

Involve the team in the process.

Everyone’s opinion matters – and your team will pick up on different things to you. It’s about making people feel comfortable, happy and well equipped to do their job. Although that sounds quite simple if you get that wrong your business will never flourish.

Has there been a truly pivotal moment for the business?

It would have to be our new awardwinning offices. Ed and Rachel asked each

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It’s about making people feel comfortable, happy and well equipped to do their job and every member of the team what they wanted from their new office. This culture shift was something we are very proud of and the staff feel such pride in their work home as they had a say in the design so we have natural ventilation, lots of natural light, a treehouse, pub, gym, allotments and orchard, free breakfast and subsidised healthy lunches to name just a few things.

Everybody enjoys coming to work!

Which areas of the business will you focus on in 2020?

We have just acquired two new businesses in the US so my focus will be maximising this investment. We are also very heavily investing in IT so that we can continue to offer the most cutting edge voice technology and digital solutions for our clients available, working with Amazon, Google and others. However, as we rapidly grow here and in the US I want to ensure we don’t dilute our DNA – we have an incredible family feel and visitors often comment on this. I want to ensure we keep this and remain nimble. www.moneypenny.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

JEFF

EAMENS Managing Director at Challenger Business Communications

I

established Challenger, along with Wayne Skellon, in 1991 in response to the explosion in demand for high quality business communications.

Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength and is now one of the largest independent B2B Telecoms specialists in the UK, and is one of O2’s top five partners nationally.

undertaking. Get up early, clean your overalls, polish your shoes, do each task quickly and, when done, ask for more.

What led you into the industry?

What’s the secret of great leadership?

I was a mechanical engineer for 11 years when an opportunity to go into sales presented itself, selling radio pagers! It was clear from increasing popularity that mobiles would be the logical evolution and next big thing, and so I established Challenger to supply the market with what it demanded. Having started with only three staff members, I am proud to now employ over sixty!

Listen to what people have to say. Having the right answer is more important than having all the answers. Be fair and honest with your team. They’ll appreciate the openness and being a straight shooter will earn you a good reputation.

Who was an early business inspiration for you?

I think many people have influenced my path in business, however one person stands out as example – Richard Branson.

Despite his shortcomings - being dyslexic and having no real qualifications - he managed to build one of the most vibrant and exciting British businesses today.

What’s the most significant leadership lesson you’ve learned?

The easiest thing to do isn’t the right thing to do. Doing the right thing is typically the hardest!

Has there been a truly pivotal moment for your business?

April 2019 was a huge moment for Challenger. We went through a

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?

My dad taught me to lead by example.

Often this means being first-in and last-out and being engaged in whatever task you’re

It is crucial to be fair in all things and honest above all

management buy-out to become a truly independent business with a refreshed set of goals that focused us on moving in the right direction with nothing to hold us back.

Which areas of your business will you focus on in 2020?

We’re laser-focused on moving the business forward to better serve our growing client base.

Internally, we’re focused on employees being happy and secure at work. We introduced a new annual summer party, Challfest, where the whole team got together to celebrate our exciting future.

Externally, we’re working with Rowan Marketing to improve touchpoints – a new website, brand reposition, digital marketing and social are just some of the activities undertaken to grow current business and welcome new customers onboard too. Plus, we’re working with Absolutely Design to make our offices brighter, with more engaging spaces for staff to enjoy.

We feel it’s critical we reduce our environmental impact too – our new fleet cars are Tesla, and we’re having solar panels installed in summer to reduce our carbon footprint. Owning and living on a farm in Wales has made me socially aware and conscious of this wonderful fragile planet we live on, and I do my bit to leave it better than I found it. www.challenger-mobile.co.uk

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NEW TOYOTA C-HR DESIGN

SELF-CHARGING HYBRID

0% APR £249 REPRESENTATIVE OVER 36 MONTHS*

PER MONTH^

Lindop Toyota Queensferry lindopqueensferry.toyota.co.uk

*0% APR Representative only available on new retail orders of C-HR Hybrid between 17th December 2019 and 31st March 2020 and registered and financed through Toyota Financial Services by 30th June 2020 on a 36 month AccessToyota (PCP) plan with 0%-35% deposit. ^Payment shown is based on a 36 month AccessToyota (PCP) contract with £5,975 customer deposit and Guaranteed Future Value/Optional Final Payment. Toyota Financial Services is a trading name of Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC; registered office Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UZ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. 8,000 miles per annum, excess miles over contracted charged at 10p per mile.

Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Participating Toyota Centres. Affordable finance through AccessToyota (PCP). Terms and conditions apply. Model shown is C-HR Hybrid Design 1.8 VVT-I Auto £28,550 including optional metallic paint at £545. Prices correct at time of being published. 5 year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty. Terms and conditions apply. Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km): combined 54.3 (5.2) - 57.6 (4.9). Combined CO2 86 g/km. Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption and CO2 produced varies significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load. All models and grades are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which replaces the New European Driving Cycle test procedure (NEDC). All CO2 figures quoted are NEDC equivalent. This means the CO2 figures are based on the new WLTP test procedure but calculated (using a standard European calculation method) to allow comparison with the NEDC test procedure. The NEDC equivalent figures will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. All mpg figures quoted are full WLTP figures. More information can be found by visiting: [https://www.toyota.co.uk/world-of-toyota/environment/wltp]. The official CO2 figures for vehicles will change as from 6 April 2020, due to a change in the official method of calculation.

CO2 figures are used in the calculation of Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) for new cars during their first year of registration. As a result, all CO2 figures, car tax and recommended ‘on the road’ prices for new vehicles are subject to change for vehicles registered after 6 April 2020. Please consult contact your local Toyota Centre for further information.

Drive Five-Star

If there’s a carmaker that knows how to make its

high-performance cars look muscly and aggressive, it’s Audi. The German company has a track record of taking some mundane — and even quite pretty — cars and turning them into snarling, fire-breathing roadrunners. The latest car to get that treatment is the A5 Coupe, which has been transformed with the help of some huge air vents, swollen haunches, and an even bigger engine. It’s a 444bhp twin-turbocharged petrol V6 that provides acceleration as savage as the styling. This thing will get from a standstill to 60mph in less than four seconds.

From £69,500, www.audi.co.uk

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DRIVE

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

VANTAGE POINT Aston Martin has decapitated the already-striking Vantage, with jaw-dropping, drool-inducing results

W

hen I first set eyes on the new Aston Martin Vantage coupe, many things came to mind and not all of them were repeatable. But I can say with some certainty that none of them was ‘they should make that better looking’. Nevertheless, Aston Martin handed its beer to the work experience kid and set about doing just that.

The transformation is, in many ways, simple. The Warwickshire-based firm has essentially taken the roof off and put a folding canvas tent behind the front seats.

Okay, I know that’s a gross oversimplification of some quite complicated engineering — it’s the fastest automatic folding roof in the world and it still leaves room in the boot for golf clubs — but you get the general idea. The result is called the

Vantage Roadster, and it’s exceptionally pretty. It’s also exceptionally fast.

Under the bonnet is the same 4.0-litre V8 engine you get in the hard-top Vantage, burning copious amounts of petrol to produce power; 503bhp of it, in fact. That means it’s good for 190mph and it’ll do 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds. If you blink, you’ll miss it, and that would be a crying shame.

From £126,950, www.astonmartin.com 68

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

LIGHT SPEED If bikes aren’t your thing, it’s probably best to think of Ducati as the Juventus of motorcycling — it’s one of the biggest names in the business, and its products are usually up there with the best of them. The Panigale V4 — the most powerful production Ducati ever made — is just one such creation, but the Italian company has now decided it can do better. Which is why it has launched the limited-edition, light-weight Superleggera V4. Just 500 will be built, each with a composite chassis that saves almost seven kilos on its own. There’s an Akrapovic exhaust and real downforce, too, and you can get a special set of leathers to go with it. £TBC, www.ducati.com

DBX ARRIVES IN CHESHIRE

THE QUIET LIFE Japan is heralded as the nation that honed the cutting edge of technological innovation, but it’s taken the country’s premier luxury car maker, Lexus, until now to launch an electric car. Better late than never, the UX300e is on its way, offering customers more than 186 miles of motoring between trips to the plug. And with 201bhp from its electric motor, it’ll be pretty sprightly, too. Better still, because it’s based on the ‘normal’ UX small SUV, Lexus says it’ll have the same “high functionality” as that car. Whatever that means. £TBC, www.lexus.co.uk

loves

Aston Martin’s new SUV, the DBX, has arrived at Stratstone in Wilmslow. Rivalling the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne, the newcomer is a 4.0-litre V8-powered 4x4 that’s built on an old RAF base in Wales. With 542bhp, it’ll get from a standstill to 60mph in 4.3 seconds, which makes it almost as fast as a Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Show it a German motorway and plant your foot deep into the carpets, and you’ll find it doesn’t stop accelerating until you hit 181mph. Admittedly, that’s fairly standard for an Aston Martin, but unlike other Astons, this one will also cope with a bit of off-roading. And you can fit your dog in the boot. In fact, there’s even a range of dog-related options to help you do exactly that.

From £158,000, www.astonmartin.com

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

WHERE WE’RE GOING,

WE DON’T NEED

ROADS!

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

American cars haven’t always been a success on these shores, but James Fossdyke reckons he’s found one that might just work

A

merica is the go-to country for a great many things. It’s the home of the fast-food restaurant, the jumbo jet and the odd questionable president.

But despite the best efforts of one Henry Ford of Detroit, Michigan, we tend to be rather dismissive of the USA’s automotive creations.

Yes, Ford has come out with a few pearlers, but most of those were designed, engineered and built in Europe. When the US-market Edge luxury SUV arrived on these shores, nobody bought it. And although the Mustang was popular when it first arrived, the hype seems to have died down now.

Again, though, that might be because the Mustang isn’t actually that good. Sure, the V8 engine’s luscious, it’s sensibly priced and it looks great, but objectively, it’s rubbish. It doesn’t handle that well, the cabin quality is borderline unacceptable and the fuel economy is pitiful.

And the Mustang is a shining, plasticky example of the issues found all too often in products of the USA. But there’s one American car that’s always bucked the trend. Yes, it’s as brash and as unapologetic as any muscle car, and it has never been at the cutting-edge of engineering, but then it hasn’t had to be. That’s because it’s the Jeep Wrangler, and its sole purpose in life is to go absolutely anywhere.

We respect cars because they can do something no other car can do. We like Ferraris because they’re faster and sexier than anything else on the road, and we like Rolls-Royces because they’re more comfortable and more relaxing than anything else you can buy. I like 4x4s because they will take you to places no other car can reach.

And the Wrangler is certainly equipped to do that. The car I tried out came in high-end Rubicon trim, which basically means it looks as though it has already been modified. The wheels are 17-inch alloys, which aren’t all that exciting, but the tyres are 33-inch mud-terrain whoppers with tread blocks the size of a small house. Then

there’s the roll cage and the second gear lever that engages the four-wheel-drive system with a satisfying, mechanical thump.

There are buttons that disengage the anti-roll bars so you can clamber over rocks more easily, a waterproof ignition switch and an inclinometer that tells you which improbable angle you’ve reached now. All these things help this car to tackle pretty much anything. You can simply drive over any boulder less than 25cm tall, and you can wade through any standing water less than 76cm deep.

Just seeing that written down is pretty impressive, but it’s even more impressive when you try it. Off-roading in one of these is a great two-fingered salute to nature. Anything it can throw your way, the shotgun-toting, Stetsonwearing redneck Wrangler will simply throw back. With change.

To be honest, things are no different on the road. The Wrangler is properly massive — particularly in long-wheelbase, four-door guise — and it’s heavy. Don’t be fooled by the leather seats and satellite navigation and a heated steering wheel; it’s a big, lumbering truck.

The steering is vague and the 2.2-litre diesel engine, which came from an Alfa Romeo, grumbles and roars as you cajole it into action.

The tyres make a racket as they rumble over the asphalt, and you can feel the rubber flex

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2.2 MultiJet-II Price From: £47,955 Price as Tested: £49,640 Engine: 2.2-litre turbodiesel Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic 0-62mph: 10.3 seconds Power: 197bhp Top speed: 99mph

beneath the car as it wobbles through corners.

But despite all that, it’s still more pleasant to drive than an old Land Rover Defender (I can’t comment on the new one because I haven’t driven it yet), or even the little Suzuki Jimny, which feels as though it’s made from old Quality Street wrappers.

That’s partly because those leather seats are quite comfortable, the eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and the cabin quality is solid. Nothing rattles and nothing feels as though it was glued onto the dashboard by an eight-year-old with a Pritt Stick. The materials are mostly very good, too.

If you want a bit more luxury, you can get your Wrangler in a more road-orientated Overland specification, which eschews the off-road tyres and some of the more Bear Grylls-esque features in favour of proper road tyres and an even smarter cabin. It’ll be more pleasant on the road, and almost as capable as the Rubicon off it. So unless you plan some really serious all-terrain adventures, it’s the one to go for.

With either version, you get the ability to remove the roof. The front part is split into two removable panels that can be lifted off relatively

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easily, while the rear part requires a screwdriver to lift it off the main bodywork. Once you’ve done that, you’re left with what looks like a sunken car in your garage, and you can set about taking the doors off. The windscreen will fold down, too, if you want.

But though the Unlimited is unquestionably competent, it doesn’t quite have the appeal of the Rubicon. The big tyres and plastic bumpers make it the desirable one in the Wrangler range.

If you love the image and you’ll use the capability, the flaws in the driving experience are simply part of the charm. It’s a vehicle with soul, and it attracts as many admiring glances as any sports car, but it backs that up with genuine capability.

That’s why I like the Wrangler.

It’s as American as Donald Trump’s MAGA cap, but there’s more substance beneath the brightly coloured exterior. If you just want a big, comfy family SUV, I’ve got just two words for you: ‘Range’ and ‘Rover’. But if you want a proper go-anywhere, do-anything, rough-and-tumble 4x4 that isn’t totally appalling on the asphalt, then you’ll be needing one of these.

VENUE

The Hilton Hotel Deansgate Manchester

CONTACT

For tickets and sponsorship packages: Email northwest@variety.org.uk Call 0161 989 1274

SAVE THE DATE! THURSDAY 15TH OCTOBER LEGENDS OF INDUSTRY AWARDS 2020

Home Go East for Inspiration

with this stunning Rama & Sita Turquoise Console Chest. Heavily distressed, yet with space for every member of the family to put their stuff, whether that’s keys or the dog lead, this antique patina table will add character to any modern hallway.

Rama & Sita Turquoise Console Chest, ÂŁ435, www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

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Interiors News FINISHING TOUCHES

The very latest news, advice and trends from the world of interior design AD EXCESTIS MAIO BERIBUSCIM VOLUM ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UT QUAS UNTIO EXCERERFERUM WORDS: LOUISA WARDE 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

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CROWNING GLORY The Queen will be turning 94 this month and in celebration, we are inspired by all things regal and bearing a crown. So, why not add a little royalty to your home this spring?

1- Queen Flamingo Cushion, £52, www.mintandmay.co.uk 2- Emma Bridgewater Crown Jewels Range, from £6, www.elitetins.com 3- Raja Black Lion with Gold Crown Statue, £47, www.artisanti.com 4- Queen Elizabeth Reclaimed Coffee Table by Cappa E Spada, £1,195, www.limeandlace.co.uk 5-Flower Crown Print, £25, www.audenza.com 6-Queen Limited Edition Print, £800, www.mineheart.com

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Home

3 OF THE BEST… OUTDOOR CHAIRS

SWING TIME

IMPERIALLY NATURAL

FEET-UP

Calma Marea Garden Swing Chair & Armchair,

Peacock Rattan Chair,

Indoor Outdoor Acacia Lounge Chair & Foot Stool,

£690, www.gomodern.co.uk

£395, www.ellajames.co.uk

£350, www.coxandcox.co.uk

THE WARMTH OF PASTELS

SET IN STONE Here at The Cheshire Magazine, we love it when we can incorporate nature into our home, so when the latest release came through from Antolini showcasing this stunning quartzite we simply had to include it. And loving how it has been incorporated in this kitchen/dining space we are now re-designing our homes to include it.

Antolini Louise Blue Quartzite, www.antolini.com

Any interior designer will confirm that a rug has the power to transform any room of your house, and the experts at Rug’ Society predict that the biggest trend this year will be warm pastels, creating a new mood and softer, brighter interiors. Whether it’s a heritage wildlife design or patterns and textures, like the terrazzo, it’s a trend to embrace. £POA, www.rugsociety.eu

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· TA K E T W O · Picnic Baskets

One to Watch

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

Rattan Picnic Basket with Lid, £57 www.beaumonde.co.uk

EMILY BROOKS Bees Picnic Shoulder Bag, £36 www.sophieallport.com

ART FOR OCEANS In support of BLUE (Blue Marine Foundation) Scandinavian wall art company, Desenio has created a new collection consisting of 18 art prints celebrating the beauty of our oceans. Art For Oceans collection will support BLUE’s work in securing marine protected areas, developing sustainable models of fishing, restoring habitats and connecting people with the sea. From as little as £8.95 it doesn’t take a lot to make a difference.

From £8.95, www.desenio.co.uk

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British designer and illustrator, Emily Brooks, has been a regular on the greetings card shelves in Liberty, Paperchase, Waterstones, and independents around the world. Following this success, she has launched a fun, playful stationery and giftware range this year. Stationery geeks, hold on to your purses… www.emilybrooks.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Home

eater ree-s £599 h T ie a, Ritch Pink Sof y om c d . e n Ca mad www.

Wendy Gold Full Bloom Jigsaw Puzzle, £13.99 www.nhmshop.co.uk

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on, £ ushi uk C l a .

Cor de.co llon beaumon o p A . www

After tudio OA S r e P n ug, £ a Win Sony ainbow R ner.com the R .sonyawin www

Catalina Woven Garden Lounge Chair, £129 www.cultfurniture.com

Unisex H Bathro ooded be, £23 www.mis 3 sonihom e.com

Rainbow Picnic Rug with Luxury Leather Carry Strap, £124 www.tollymcrae.co.uk

Hap

Trend

py Ja c store. kson Pe n wilda ndwo cils Set, lf.co. £7 uk

RAINBOW BRIGHTS Fun-filled rainbow palettes bring modernity, warmth, and fun to a home

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Home | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Feature

COSY UP YOUR

HOME OFFICE The environment you work in is essential to keep your mind focused and your attitude positive.

Why not make your working from home space extra cosy and inviting. From desirable desks to aesthetically pleasing home office accessories, we have rounded up the best work from home accessories that will transform and rejuvenate your working space.

DESIRABLE DESKS #1

Comfort is key when working from home. Make sure your office space is kitted out with a desk that provides you with the space you need. A stylish yet sensible desk is the first accessory you will need for your home office. If you want a piece of furniture that is versatile, invest in a sturdy and sleek table that you can use for working at home when you desire. #1 Vintage Teak Desk, £400, www.scaramanga.co.uk; #2 Gagne Desk, £poa, www.officinainglesa.com; #3 Dennis Computer & Office Desk in Steel by Woood, £249, www.cuckooland.com

#2 #2

ORGANISERS #3

#3

#1

Being organised when working from home is so important to keep track of your regular tasks. Invest in a notebook and some stationery to keep on top of your to dos. Add a few shelves into your office to file away any important information, this will keep your space tidy, as a tidy workspace equals a tidy mind. #1 Hanging Storage Rack, £30, www.gardentrading.co.uk; #2 Seagrass Baskets dipped in white, £24, www.ellajames.co.uk; #3 Bunny Scissors and Desk Organiser, £23.50, www.redcandy.co.uk

COMFY CHAIRS Pair your desk with a comfortable chair. Remember, if you are planning on working from home for a while then having a comfortable chair to work from is vital. You could invest in a cosy armchair or opt for a classic office desk chair, pick something that will suit your needs and will not give you aches and pains and the end of a working day. #1 Luther Velvet Buttoned Armchair, £550, www.decoville.co.uk; #2 Soft Pad Office Chair, £239, www.cultfurniture.com #3 Hektor Office Chair in Tan, £199, www.made.com

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#2 #1

#3

Homes and Interiors

#2

#1

WALL DECOR If your surroundings are empty then so will your head be. Wall decor is a fantastic way to bring some life and character into your home office. There are lots of companies that sell wall decor for a reasonable price, so you won’t be splashing the cash to revamp your space. Wall art will fill in the bare spaces and will instantly lift your mood when working from home. #1 Radical Act Print, £25, www.mintandmay.co.uk; #2 Dream Big Neon Sign, £59.99, www.lights4fun.co.uk; #3 Think Positive Mural, £29/m2, www.wallsauce.com

#2

#3

PLANTS #3

#1

CANDLES & SCENTS

Bring the outside in with lots of plants. Plants are not only ideal for revamping an office space, they are also great for your health, purifying the air, increasing concentration and productivity, boosting your mood, relieving stress and even helping you sleep at night. Plants are a quick and relatively cheap way to refresh your home office. #1 Declan the Daschund Wall Planter, £18, www.redcandy.co.uk; #2 Short Grey Legged Geometric Planter, £ 38, www.ofcabbagesandkings.co.uk; #3 Bohemia Open Weave Hanging Basket, £24, www.bohemiadesign.com

#1

Fill your office space with scented accessories. From candles to diffusers, there are lots of options for bringing an inviting smell into your office and adding a touch of class and calmness to your desk. #1 Alang Alang Diffuser, £100, www.sweetpeanadwillow.com; #2 Luxury Scented Soy Wax Essential Oil Candle, £15, www.joinstorelondon.co.uk; #3 Essential Oil Diffuser, £45, www.petitsrituels.com

#2

#1

#3

#2

RUGS

Make the room as cosy as possible with a stylish rug or two.

Whether you are Scandi obsessed or a traditional trend lover, a rug will instantly lift your mood and bring joy into your work from home space. #1 Oslo Multi-coloured Cotton Diamond Rug, £19.99, www.homescapesonline.com; #2 Dayream Circular Rug, £1,500 , www.missonihome.com; #3 Pink Mongolian Sheepskin Rug, £115, #3 www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

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Home | The CHESHIRE Magazine

FINISHING TOUCHES

GET TH E LOOK

WWW.FURNITURECHOICE.CO.UK

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

#3 #1

#2

#4

SO SCANDI Go all Hygge in your home with this cool look. #1 White & Oak Computer Desk, £154.99, www.vonhaus.com; #2 Magazine rack, £20, www.blockdesign.co.uk; #3 Wise Words A2 Framed Print, £65, www.made.com; #4 Copenhagen 100% Cotton RUG, £29.99, www.homescapesonline.com; #5 Finesse Metal Desk Lamp, £29, www.cultfurniture.com; #6 Skinny Locker, £300, www.mustardmade.com

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#5

#6

Home Homes and Interiors The CHESHIRE Magazine |

AU NATURALE Indulge with some textures for a cosy feel #1 Luxury Desk Set, £400, www.iwoodesign.com; #2 Yeti Faux Fur Mongolian Beanbag, £89.99, www.beanbagbazaar.co.ukl #3 Wooden Box Desk Clock, £250, www.ksl-living.frl #4 Portobello Notebook, Fern, £235, www.smythson.com #5 Mustang Brown Leather Office Chair, £392, www.modishliving.co.uk; #6 Industrial Lansdowne Rustic Wood Bookcase, £499, www.modishliving.co.uk

#1

#2

WWW.FURNITURECHOICE.CO.UK

#3

#5 #4

#6

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Home | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Case Study

THE EPITOME OF

LUXURY With views across Moscow, this rooftop penthouse has been designed to reflect the very best life has to offer

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esigned by Ciliegio Interior, this exquisite penthouse covers the top two floors of an iconic building in Moscow’s eminent South area, with vast ceilings and large panoramic windows, not to mention, indoor pool.

The brief was to deliver the very best in line with the owner’s preferences, ensuring not only gorgeous but also practical and functional design. The design team pulled on a mix of Art Deco, Luxury and Modern trends to deliver separate spaces whilst also retaining a seamless flow around the home.

One element of significance is the use of lighting and mixed surfaces to create a spacious, opulent yet warm series of rooms.

The first floor of the penthouse features a spacious living room which includes a marvelous Empire XL Chandelier, granting character and impudence to an already grand space.

The golden hues of the chandelier match seamlessly with the details of the living room and the accent dark blue shade of the couches and curtains.

The first floor also includes a kitchen

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and dining space decorated in beige shades and golden accents, such as the Waterfall Rectangular chandelier and the Burj chandelier, both of which act as the rooms centrepieces and uphold the bold and eccentric ambience throughout the penthouse.

The private rooms, such as the bedrooms and bathrooms, are located on the second floor of the penthouse and maintain a sleek, understated yet luxurious look with the help of LUXXU’s lighting fixtures, such as the Empire Suspension lamp which accentuates the colder shades of the bedroom.

Interiors Homes Homes and and Interiors

The Details Project: Two-floor penthouse apartment design, Moscow Description: The ultimate in luxury with form and function More information: www.luxxu.net

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Property News FINISHING TOUCHES

The top homes and news from the property market AD EXCESTIS MAIO BERIBUSCIM VOLUM ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UT QUAS UNTIO EXCERERFERUM WORDS: LOUISA WARDE 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

SUPER-RENTER

A new residential development boasting 270 premium apartments across two 15-storey towers has opened its doors, exclusively to renters. Promising flexible lease terms, a calendar of social events, pet-firendly accommodation, access to a co-working space, communal gardens and onsite gym, it is set to change the way people live in rented accommodation.

Duet is situated in the heart of Salford Quays, just a few minutes’ walk to MediaCityUK and with easy access to central Manchester. www.duet-salford-quays.co.uk

THERME

Plans to build the UK’S first city-based wellbeing resort in Manchester have been approved.

Therme Manchester will combine hundreds of water-based activities with wellbeing treatments, art, nature and technology to create a unique experience, it promises.

With an estimated cost of £250m it is forecast to attract up to two million visitors per year, but we will have to wait until 2023 to dip our toes in the water. www.thermegroup.com

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IN MEMORY A much-loved soldier from Handforth who was killed on his second tour of Afghanistan has been honoured in the naming of a new road near his home.

Local housebuilder Jones Homes paid tribute to local hero Lance Corporal Jamie Webb at its Sanctuary Wilmslow development in Wilmslow, by naming the gateway to the new community Jamie Webb Drive.

L Cpl Webb’s family and colleagues who served alongside Jamie in the 1st Battalion of the Mercian Regiment attended a ceremony held by the housebuilder to celebrate the naming of the new road. They also met with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, prior to the ceremony. L Cpl Webb died in March 2013 aged just 24 following an attack on his patrol base in Helmand Province. www.jones-home.co.uk

Q&A

with

PETER GRECH, PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNER AND STYLIST, THE SPACEMAKER INTERIORS How would you describe yourself ?

I’m a traveller, textile-lover, married to Sam (solicitor) and dog-dad to Polly, the cockapoo.

I was born in Malta and have always been obsessed with homes and spaces. I have been influenced by travel and my father (an architect). I completed an associate diploma in interior design before doing a medical degree and realising, after a while, that it was not the right path for me. So, I went back to my true love of interiors and, after moving to the UK, I discovered the diversity within the design industry and established my own design firm in Altrincham after dabbling with interiors for friends and family.

Who are your greatest influences?

I remember feeling struck by a bolt of lightning when I first saw the moody/dark interiors of Abigail Ahern. That said, I am also drawn to the airier, Mediterranean looks of McGee & Co and Amber Interiors. I am obsessed with light, and I think this contrast of two styles reflects my background, having lived in both Mediterranean and British climates, ergo I draw inspiration from a variety of sources depending on my situation and where I am working. I also find art and antiques a constant source of beauty and inspiration.

What have been some of your best jobs/experiences at work and why?

My favourite moment was when my client gave me the go-ahead to create a bold and playful scheme in her apartment and she absolutely loved it! So much so that she burst into

tears and couldn’t stop hugging me at the reveal! It was such a lovely moment and I continue to work with this client helping her create a home that truly reflects her personality.

Traditional vs contemporary style?

I would say I have a blend of both. I adore antiques but also modernist shapes. I believe that you can create spaces that use both harmoniously. I tend to think of spaces I create as modern living with a nod to the past. My design mantra of bold, curated and personal enables me to have a broad aesthetic that ties in with my client’s ideas and creates great timeless design.

What would you consider your greatest achievement?

Being brave enough to do things your own way! From moving on my own from Malta to the UK to following my passion into design. All of these were big changes that required guts and determination and I believe in my strength as a person to achieve my goals and this is my greatest achievement.

What would your superpower be?

The ability to stop time. To allow me to savour each precious moment for as long as I wanted to – the ultimate luxury. www.thespacemaker.net

P.S. Last book you read?

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

by Gail Honeyman Dream buy?

My dream house would be an ancient country house in Italy in need of renovation, on a hill with orange and olive groves! I love getting into a full home renovation – and the light in Italy is just magical.

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Hot Property

BEACHFRONT VILLA COSTA NAVARINO, GREECE â‚Ź9,600,000

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ocated in the breathtaking seaside landscape of Messinia, Southwest Peloponnese, close to UNESCO World Heritage sites and untouched rolling hills, Costa Navarino is a sustainable development consisting of a number of distinct mixed-use resorts within 130 hectares of seafront land.

In Sea Dunes Neighbourhood, 22 freehold villas are available and this is one of only ten with front row access to the beach. The low-rise beachfront villa is designed by ISV Architects and arranged around two courtyards; one on the access side, serving as the projection of the villa into the neighgourhood and the other on the view side, where life here will, ultimately be centred.

Surrounded by an extensive garden, the villa is laid out on one level with a basement. Wide openings allow the entry of ample natural light.

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The residence has two large wings arranged around two courtyards. One wing houses a secluded sea-view master bedroom with en-suite his-and-hers bathrooms, his-and-hers walk-in closets and an expansive veranda, as well as three additional bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a private study. The second wing comprises of a living room with a fireplace and bar, a fully-fitted kitchen with breakfast area, a dining room, elevator and WC. There is also a separately accessed private guest area with two bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms, and living room. All indoor areas provide direct access to the swimming pool and garden. Between the wings, the fully transparent foyer offers an inspiring,

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Home

The Details 1,400 m2 total indoor areas 3,000 m2 land plot, with 35m façade to the sandy beach Sea view Master Bedroom Three Bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms Guest Suite with two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms Owner’s Study Closed kitchen Multiple Living and Dining Areas Shaded Outdoor Living Areas Indoor and Open-air Fireplace Infinity Edge Outdoor Pool Indoor Lap Pool Steam Room & Sauna Gym Playroom Area Cellar Home Cinema

unobstructed view of the sea.

The basement houses an indoor swimming pool, changing room, sauna, 15 seat home cinema, cellar, 2 bedroom staff quarters with living area, storage room, laundry room and 3 car underground parking. The villa is complemented by a planted roof, a large infinity edged swimming pool, sun lounging area, a choice of indoor and outdoor dining and sitting areas, a poolside sunken lounge area with open fireplace, and covered parking for two cars and two golf carts.

Owners enjoy immediate access to the beach, just a few steps away. www.costanavarino.com www.engelvoelkers.com

Staff Quarters, with two Bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms Extensive Storage Areas Elevator Car/ Golf cart Parking Area Planted roof Lush Gardens with Messinian flora Direct access to the beach Eco waste management State-of-the-art property management services all year long

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Home | Homes and Interiors The CHESHIRE Magazine

And Finally ...

Inspired by the extraordinary designs of socialite, couturier and designer, Florence Broadhurst, the new team at the eponymous brand has released a range of stunning velvet fabrics in perfect time for spring. In Shadow Floral, Papyrus, Pagoda and Japanese Floral we fell in love with them as soon as we set eyes upon them.

For the full story and colourways visit www.florenceboradhurst.co.uk

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