The Cheshire Magazine - Issue 120

ISSUE 120

FORTNUM’S Festive Wines

LUXURY Gif t Guide The most magical gift ideas for 2024

S H O P L U X U RY WATC H E S A N D J E W E L L E RY I N YO U R MANCHESTER SHOWROOMS THIS CHRISTMAS

GOLDSMITHS.CO.UK S T A N N S T R E E T, M A N C H E S T E R M 2 7 L G G R O U N D F L O O R , R E G E N T C R E S C E N T, T R A F F O R D C E N T R E F I R S T F L O O R , R E G E N T C R E S C E N T, T R A F F O R D C E N T R E

* B R A N D S M AY V A R Y P E R S H O W R O O M

The frameless insulated sliding doors by Swiss manufacturer Sky-Frame blend naturally into their surroundings, creating a seamless continuity between indoors and outdoors and blurring the line between where the living space ends and the view begins. SKY-FRAME.COM

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 ISSUE 120 

Managing Director Kathryn Otto Editor Craig Hough Editorial Team Kevin Evans Toby Taylor Isla Wilson Contributers James Fossdyke Phil Aird-Mash Clare Stobart Alex Mellor-Brook Laura Garner Design & Production Kate Woods Picture Editor Kat Hannon Account Manager Charlotte Ducie Brand Ambassadors Keely Barrett Sarah Irlam Charity and Events Coordinator Rachel O’Hare Office Administrator Amy Ashton Finance Michael Gates John Coyne

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

Distributiont locations may vary at present due to local restrictions All Information within this issue of The Cheshire Magazine is correct at time of going to print

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A Note From... ’

is the season for sweaters, sparkles, good cheer, and, of course, gift-giving! Should this year’s list of people to shop for be a long one, The Cheshire Magazine is here to help with expertly curated gift guides featuring the best luxury gifts for 2024.

Whether you’re shopping for friends, family, or yourself, your quest for the perfect present ends here with our luxury gift guide that includes inspiring ideas from Watches of Switzerland (p.32), Mulberry (p.34), Chanel (p.35), Jo Malone (p.36), Bvgari (p.37) and Dior (p.38). We also round up the very best health and beauty gift sets (p.42), presents for the family (p.54), food and drink treats (p.60) and offerings for the home (p.88).

Our countdown to Christmas continues as we present some gift experiences that will delight any recipient (p.22), we shine a spotlight on The Mezz at AO Arena as they explain how to elevate your entertainment with their delicious fine dining (p.62) and we take a look at best beauty advent calendars of the year (p.44).

We meet Arron Dickinson, Luxury Personal Shopper at Selfridges Manchester Exchange as he shares what’s on his Christmas list (p.16) and we catch up with Sarah O’Connor and Laura Pickwith, the stars of hit musical Wicked, ahead of their run at the Palace Theatre in Manchester this December (p.26).

Also this month, our Travel Insider suggests locations for a wintery adventure and warmer climes to relax in (p.67), we showcase what The Royal Lancaster London has to offer over the festive period (p.68) and we have a three page guide for everything you need to know about Istanbul (p.76).

We wrap up this edition with a handpicked selection of festive wines, chosen by Fortnum & Mason’s Wine Expert, Hector Lund (p.59) and Alex Mellor-Brook serves up some helpful tips on how to take the stress out of meeting your partner’s family for the first time over the holiday season (p.52).

T

DD Clinical Gieves & Hawkes Opera Bar & Grill Piccolino’s Oddfellows Pied Bull Powells Jewellery Chester Grosvenor Abode Hotel

LIVERPOOL Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar David M Robinson

MANCHESTER David M Robinson Gotham Hotel Kimpton Clock Tower Harvey Nichols Hilton Manchester Deansgate King Street Townhouse Mappin & Webb Watches of Switzerland 20 Stories Oddfellows on the Park Citysuites Manchester

CHESHIRE Carden Park Hotel Mottram Hall Spa Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet The Mere Cottons Hotel The Colony Wilmslow Guncast Pools & Wellness

Sofas and Stuff Knutsford

Happy reading, Team Cheshire Magazine

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We wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas.

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Contents

FOOD & DRINK

A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITES

26 31 32

57

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE OZ We meet the stars of Wicked ahead of their run in Manchester

The Midland introduce their festive afternoon tea

59

FORTNUM’S FESTIVE WINES

62

FEAST ON ENTERTAINMENT

LUXURY GIFT GUIDE The most magical gift ideas that’ll surprise and delight your loved ones

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY

MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS UNFORGETTABLE

Handpicked wines from Fortnum’s Concierge Team

Welcome to The Mezz at AO Arena

TRAVEL

With something special from Watches of Switzerland

68

ENJOY CHRISTMAS IN THE CAPITAL

75

INSIDE ISTANBUL

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS

44

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

47

FIND YOUR FIT

Unwrap Royal Lancaster London

The best beauty advent calendars for 2024

Clare’s journey into DNA analysis for health optimisation

The go-to guide to Turkey’s enchanting largest city

FAMILY

52 REGULARS

16 22 24

HOW TO NAVIGATE… Meeting your partner’s family at Christmas

DRIVE

82

MY LIFE Arron Dickinson from Selfridges shares his life with us

CHESHIRE LOVES Christmas experiences

LOCAL SCENE Lunch with La Prairie

SHE’S ELETRE The new Lotus Eletre

HOME

91 95

HOLIDAY HOSTING An essential list of festive décor

INTERNAL STEEL SCREENS The perfect blend of style and functionality

SPECIALISTS IN BUILDING BESPOKE HOMES CRIACONSTRUCTION.CO.UK

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Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

My life ...

ARRON DICKINSON, LUXURY PERSONAL SHOPPER AT SELFRIDGES How would you describe yourself ?

I am a luxury personal shopper, a passionate, hard working sartorial enthusiast. I love music and running and making people feel special.

I pour my heart and soul into everything I do and try to always live in the moment.

“

Where is home? And work?

Home is Leeds but I live in Manchester. My work is based in Selfridges Manchester but I’m working 24/7, my phone doesn’t leave my hand.

I pour my heart and soul into ever ything I do and tr y to always live in the moment

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to be a dancer and performer when I was growing up. I’d watch concerts for hours on repeat learning the dance routines. I’d have loved to have gone to drama school if fashion didn’t consume my brain.

Tell us a secret/fun fact?

I’m the eldest of 10 children.

Who or what would you place in room 101?

If I could put anything into room 101 it would be jealousy. You should never be jealous of anyone or anything and jealousy brings out the worst in people.

You should always encourage and support and jealous people can’t do that authentically.

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

Paris. No question about it. Roaming the streets gaining inspiration for my home is everything and I am obsessed with the Parisian lifestyle. I also love being home in Leeds; running around Roundhay Park in the rain is my favourite way to switch off.

What’s the one song you have on heavy rotation?

Beyonce - Energy (feat Beam).

CO M

What or who inspires you?

My mum’s selfless ways have always inspired me but from a creative aspect, Tom Ford is a huge inspiration.

His runway shows are everything; his campaigns, the way he directed the film ‘The Single Man’ is inspirational, the camera angles, the outfits, his aesthetic, everything about him.

”

E: IMAG

SHU

ER TT

What podcasts have you been listening to lately?

I don’t listen to your traditional podcasts but I listen to Alux videos all of the time. Sunday is my favourite day when they release ‘15 Things On’.

What’s on your Christmas list this year?

I want my house renovation finished. But if I had to put something on my Christmas list it would be a beautiful burnt orange sofa or a parquet floor.

O

CK

.C O

M

What was the last gift you gave someone?

I sent an M&S food hamper to my mum for her birthday.

.

CK O ST

R TE UT

ST

For those struggling to find gifts this year, what Giftable Experience from Selfridges would you suggest?

A personal shopping experience or a beauty concierge experience.

Both of these experiences make you feel special; you can have a full new wardrobe or a beauty pamper.

GE IM A

: SH

How do you typically spend your Christmas Day? I’d get the train back to Leeds on Christmas Eve and sit up until early hours with my mum chatting while she prepared the food.

On Christmas morning, I wake up to chocolate for breakfast and then all my siblings come together and we have a fun day. selfridges.com 16

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

NOTEBOOK WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

E n t e r A Ma g i c a l Wo Worr l d After receiving invitations from Father Christmas, children can hardly contain their excitement to visit snowy Lapland to meet Father Christmas and the Elven world. The fully immersive theatrical experience takes your family on a wondrous adventure through the Enchanted Forest and a secret doorway into Lapland. Helping the Elves make toys in Father Christmas’ Toy Factory, decorating gingerbread with Mother Christmas, ice skating and letter writing in the Elven village before meeting the reindeer at Ambolt the Elfsmith’s forge are just some of the moments you will share before your unforgettable personalised audience with Father Christmas in his snowy woodland home. portal.laplanduk.co.uk

19

UNTIL 24 DEC

The Grotto: Dear Santa The Trafford Centre

What’s On?

Children are invited to head to an exclusive top-secret tour of The North Pole Headquarters, where holiday cheer comes to life. With the help of Santa’s Elves, families will embark on a whimsical adventure through Candy Cane Land, The Enchanted Forest, The Merry Makers Studio, Santa’s Study, and finally, the cosy cabin to meet the big man himself. thegrotto.co.uk/trafford

UNTIL 1 JAN

IMAGES: CHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET FACEBOOK

Christmas at Dunham Massey Altrincham, Cheshire

UNTIL 22 DEC

Chester Christmas Market Chester Get the festive feeling and spoil yourself at Chester Christmas Market. A handmade, historical, magical experience awaits you with 70 traders situated in the square around the town hall, the new arcade and the forum surrounding the iconic sparkling tree in the heart of the city centre. Discover unique, locally made produce and with handmade crafts, jewellery, accessories and stocking fillers. facebook.com/ChesterChristmasMarket 20

Masses of twinkling lights, magnificent installations, and seasonal music come together against the beautiful backdrop of the Dunham Massey gardens, moat and park. This unforgettable, family-friendly festive event is perfect for making memories with loved ones. Find beams of light amongst ancient trees, marvel at dancing lights on the moat, and discover beautiful installations along the winding paths of the gardens. nationaltrust.org.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

30 NOV - 19 DEC

Baby and Toddler Festive Play Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire Be swept up in the magic of Christmas with a festive play and activity session, with a special visit from Father Christmas.

This 30-minute session includes an interactive story/song, a keepsake craft for you to take home, and toys for the children to play with. Father Christmas will make a special visit, giving each child a gift and there will be an opportunity to take a photo with the man himself. nationaltrust-tickets.org.uk

6 DEC - 5 JAN

A Christmas Carol The Lowry, Salford The classic Dickens story comes to life with true broadway spectacle in this Musical version brought to you by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens. Scrooge believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!”, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve which leads Scrooge on a journey through the past, present and future. thelowry.com

9 - 15 DEC

Dear Santa The Storyhouse, Chester Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to Sarah, but he doesn’t get it right straight away!

With the help of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on something ‘perfect’, just in time for Christmas Eve. From the author of the well-loved children’s book Dear Zoo, Rod Campbell, comes Dear Santa and it’s LIVE! This show is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged two and over.

The Christmas cheer continues, with the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto after the show, where every child will receive an extra special gift! storyhouse.com

Santa Special Cruise at ChesterBoat Chester

IMAGES: CHESTERBOATS

It's the most magical time of year to be on the River Dee! On this family-friendly cruise children will have chance to meet Santa, who will bring them each a festive book to read over the holidays. The Lady Diana will be spruced up with lights and tinsel, and the ChesterBoat elves will be on hand with refreshments, songs, and fun activities. chesterboat.co.uk

17 DEC

IMAGE: CHESTER CATHEDRAL

VARIOUS DATES IN DEC

The XXL Christmas Carol Concert Chester Cathedral Feel the power of a massive choir of over 100 people. You'll enjoy soul-stirring performances of the best pop music (old and new) in gospel char renditions. Get into the festive vibe of the season with festive decor and enjoy a delicious mulled wine to warm you up and help you soak in the holiday spirit. This is a charity event in collaboration with Connected Voices Choir, all profits will be donated to charities, evenly split between Ronald McDonald House, Cash For Kids, and Alder Hey Hospital. chestercathedral.com 21

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

C hes hesh h ire llo o ves...

Christmas Experiences

Treat the petrol head in your life to an unforgettable motor adventure this festive season. They can get behind the wheel of a Land Rover and explore challenging terrain and refine their driving technique with an all day experience. Drivers will navigate various off-road elements to attain a higher level of confidence that will prepare them for real world environments. For an added treat, you can book the ‘Land Rover & Dinner, Bed and Breakfast Package’ which includes an overnight stay at Peckforton Castle. experience.landrover.co.uk

IMAGES: WAYNE MITCHELSON

Land Rover Experience, Cheshire

Gravity Max, Liverpool Gather your friends or family and make your way to Liverpool for an exhilarating Christmas experience. Gravity Max at Liverpool One offers a dynamic blend of thrilling activities, state-of-the-art facilities, e-karting, immersive experiences and a stunning rooftop bar in Liverpool One, to make your Christmas party unforgettable. gravity-global.com

The Cube, Manchester With 12 unique Cubes, each dedicated to an iconic game, The Cube at Urban Playground will test you and your loved ones both mentally and physically through seven different challenges. Prepare to master skills like balance, speed, judgement, and memory. The perfect festive day out for both competitors and spectators, grab a drink from the bar, some food from The Butcher and see if you can handle the pressure in your attempt to beat The Cube. urbanplayground.co.uk

22

Welcome aboard!

Boeing 747-400 fixed base Flight Simulator and Upper Deck experience

744 Experience, Cheshire A great gift for the aviation aficionado in your life, as they can take control of an original former British Airways B747-400 flight deck and experience simulated flight, with a trained operator/co-pilot to offer one-to-one guidance. Pilots can customise their destination, flight time, route and even weather conditions as well as choose their departure and arrival from multiple international airports. Pilots also get to experience engines start-up, push back, take-off, climb, cruise, descent, landing and shutdown.

For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are also a selection of onboard dining experiences available.

744experience.co.uk

Try your hand at ‘flying’ the iconic Jumbo Jet inside an original British Airways 747 cockpit, a unique experience or gift (no previous flying experience is necessary).

Now open near Tattenhall, Cheshire.

To buy a gift voucher or to book your experience, simply scan the QR code here or visit www.744experience.co.uk

Clonter Opera Theatre, Cheshire

Sat 14 December 2024 CLONTER OPERA THEATRE

BOX OFFICE 01260 224 514 www.clonter.org SWETTENHAM HEATH, CONGLETON, CW12 2LR Registered Charity Number 1083903

23

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Local Scene ADVERT

Menagerie, Salford Guests were taken on a journey of indulgence and self-care as Swiss skincare experts La Prairie hosted a masterclass at Menagerie in Salford. Attendees learned about the history of the brand - a pioneer in anti-aging cellular therapy, enjoyed a beauty masterclass and tucked into a delicious two course lunch. laprairie.com 24

IMAGES: KAT HANNON

The Cheshire Magazine x La Prairie Lunch

S E N S E of BALANCE The

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The herr e’s No Placce Li Pla L ike Oz Oz Mark Fisher caught up with Sarah O’Connor, who plays Glinda, and Laura Pick, who plays Elphaba, ahead of their run of Wicked at the Palace Theatre in Manchester

T

he smash-hit theatre show Wicked is flying back to Manchester this December.

Wicked tells the incredible story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women – the popular Glinda and a misunderstood Elphaba – who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University.

Following an encounter with The Wizard, their friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths.

Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences for her future.

What is it like to star in a musical in which the two leads are played by women?

Sarah: It’s amazing. It’s important to be telling

26

stories where women are strong, independent and driven. For Glinda, it’s about where she wants to be in her career and becoming a better person. It’s important people can see that women can have that voice.

Laura: Wicked is two strong women making choices and leading this show. The responsibility we take on our shoulders as actors is that we, as two women, are the leads in this company. That’s pretty great.

In the relationship that develops between Glinda and Elphaba, do you recognise your real-life friendships?

Laura: Yes, in some ways. It helps that me and Sarah are getting on like a house on fire. That strengthens the bond between the characters. It makes any scene that’s feisty more real because you care about each other. When it comes to friendships in general, you can be friends with someone growing up and then

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

never speak to them again. I’ve got someone I was inseparable from at school and then we just grew apart. Wicked explores how friendships can grow with age or circumstance.

Sarah: Relationships aren’t simple. They take time, effort and nourishment. There is a massive part of the story where Glinda and Elphaba aren’t with each other, but they are still thinking about each other and still in each other’s lives. There are parts of Glinda and Elphaba in us both. We’re not just one or the other. They represent all parts of you in two different people. That’s why they become such a force of nature. Their differences pull them together like polar opposites.

Do you enjoy singing together?

Laura: Yes, you really have to listen to each other.

The first time we had to sing For Good together, both of us were tearing up. Looking into someone’s eyes you find a way to communicate without using words.

You reassure the other one. There are moments that nobody would even know, but they’re there. You have to connect, blend and be cohesive – especially with For Good because it can be emotional and you have to support each other. Singing is such a special thing, especially when the voices sound nice together.

Sarah: Elphaba and Glinda are so different from each other vocally. Glinda is a soprano and Elphaba is epic. They are two very different vocal worlds to put together, so when it blends it can be magic. I spend the whole musical listening to Laura singing and she is just ridiculously good, but when we get to For Good we’re thinking more about story. She’s telling her part of the story, now it’s my turn to tell my part.

Do you see your younger selves in Wicked’s coming-of-age story – the sense of finding a place and an identity as you grow up?

Laura: Yes. I’m only realising as I get

older how much I struggle going into groups with big personalities. I was anxious the day before starting rehearsals, not about doing the job but about all these new people I was going to meet. We all, at some point in our lives, feel like an outsider. Elphaba turns up at school thinking, “Right, I’m going to be accepted here,” but she is not. I’ve never experienced anything to that level but we all sometimes feel we don’t fit in. That’s why so many people connect with the show and so many people come night after night.

It is their safe space and they feel seen.

Sarah: That’s such an important thing about theatre.

It is a safe space to feel creative and to escape. When you’re creative you tend to stand out because you’re all over the place thinking of something new and you don’t quite know how to fit in. That doesn’t feel particularly nice. But every character has something we can identify with: Doctor Dillamond being an animal they want to get rid of or Madame Morrible who looks confident but is trying to get to the top and feel accepted. Glinda is pretending she’s absolutely fine but she doesn’t know who she is. She thinks she’s one thing and becomes another, and she needs Elphaba to bring it out.

Do your own friends change you in the way the characters in Wicked change each other?

Sarah: Friends can change your views on things.

They can form you into a slightly different person.

You teach each other, learn from each other, give each other confidence, encourage each other to go for that job or do that travelling. They’re all smaller things than, “I’m going to give you confidence to be who you want to be and now I’m going to take over a whole city!” But yes, the people in my life do things for me and I grow from them, for sure.

Laura: I’ve had people who are new influences 27

in my life teaching me to stand up for myself and to just be me. You do get onto paths where you’re not being your true self, but who you are is good enough and you need to believe that. Knowing my worth has been a real change for me recently and I’ve had people show me that.

Is it interesting to play a baddie who is not all bad and a goodie who is not all good?

Laura: Yes, because it’s got layers. It must get boring if you were playing someone who’s nicey-nice all the time. Nobody is that nice. Nobody is that perfect.

We all have skeletons in our closets – a part of you that you battle with, thinking, “I wish I didn’t feel like that.” It’s so good to explore all the avenues of these roles and get across the truth.

Sarah: Their names are the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good and yet they’re neither of those people. They are titles that have been given to us to make it easier for people to go, “Yes,” or “No”. it’s enjoyable to be playing characters that have more to them than just beige.

28

How do you respond to Wicked’s theme about excluding people who are different, whether it is Elphaba for being green or her sister, Nessarose, for being a wheelchair user?

Sarah: Wicked was before its time. It’s one of the reasons it’s been running on Broadway for 20 years and nearly the same length here. Thank God these things are being discussed now and acceptance is being normalised, be it disabilities, looking different or feeling different. We’re putting a mirror in front of people and going, “How are you treating these people? How are you making other people feel?”

Laura: You can come to Wicked and think, “What a good show, what amazing songs,” but if you take in those storylines, it can make you think.

What are your favourite songs to sing?

Laura: I love doing For Good because I love the connection, but I also love singing Defying Gravity because it’s the end of act one, Elphaba is going, “What I thought I wanted can’t happen any more and I have to do something.” That’s her soaring – literally – and saying, “This is me now.” As well as it being an audience pleaser, it feels powerful and if you feel it through your body it is such an amazing song to sing.

Sarah: If it’s for absolute fun, I’d choose Popular – it’s great craic. What Is This Feeling? feels nice and juicy and you can get angry with each other. For Good is incredible. And then you have Thank Goodness, which is my emotional gem. When I’m not singing, I listen to Laura singing No Good Deed and it’s the best song ever.

Wicked is set to fly back to Palace Theatre Manchester from 3 December 2024 - 12 January 2025 atgtickets.com

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Wishes, Granted.

WELCOME TO FORTNUM’S CONCIERGE

Finding the perfect bottle for every occasion is all in a day’s work for the wine experts in the Fortnum’s Concierge team.

Always on hand and at your service, whether it’s wine gifts for your clients, a sparkling selection for a landmark celebration, or wine to be enjoyed at home, look no further than Fortnum & Mason.

CONCIERGE@FORTNUMANDMASON.COM

Lux uxu ury Festi estiv ve

G i ft Gui uid de

Raise your gift-giving game with our edit of the most magical gift ideas that’ll surprise and delight everyone that surrounds your tree on Christmas morning

M AKE THIS CHRISTMAS U N FORGETTA FORGET TA B L E From precious metals in yellow gold and white gold to elegant timepieces, Watches of Switzerland have the perfect selection of gifts that will light up the eyes of those that you love this Christmas

JEWELLERY ROBERTO COIN Princess Flower 18ct Bi-Colour Gold 0.18cttw Diamond Pendant, £2,050 Available at Goldmiths, Paradise Place, Liverpool One, Liverpool and Mappin & Webb, Eastgate Chester

PASQUALE BRUNI Bouquet Lunaire Bracelet in 18ct Rose Gold with Multistones and White Diamonds, £4,090 Available at Goldmiths, Paradise Place, Liverpool One, Liverpool and Goldmiths Ground Floor, Trafford Centre

MARCO BICEGO 18ct Yellow Gold Masai Collection 0.07 CHW Diamond Three Strand Ring, £2,500

FABERGÉ HERITAGE 18ct Yellow Gold 0.08CHW Diamond & Turquoise Enamel Egg Ring, £3,840 Available at Goldmiths, Paradise Place, Liverpool One, Liverpool and Goldmiths Ground Floor, Trafford Centre

MAPPIN AND WEBB 18ct White Gold 1.00cttw Pear Cut Diamond Dress Ring, WAS £3,500, NOW: £2,250 Available at Mappin & Webb, Eastgate Chester and Mappin & Webb, St Ann’s Street, Manchester

MAPPIN AND WEBB 18ct White Gold 0.50cttw Pear Illusion Diamond Pendant, WAS £2,500, NOW: £1,500 Available at Mappin & Webb, Eastgate Chester and Mappin & Webb, St Ann’s Street, Manchester

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Available at Goldmiths, Paradise Place, Liverpool One, Liverpool and Goldmiths Ground Floor, Trafford Centre

MAPPIN AND WEBB Riveret 18ct White Gold 1.42cttw Diamond Pendant, £5,000 Available at Mappin & Webb, Eastgate Chester and Mappin & Webb, St Ann’s Street, Manchester

MAPPIN AND WEBB 18ct White Gold 0.52cttw Pear Cut Diamond Stud Earrings, WAS £2,250, NOW: £1,250 Available at Mappin & Webb, Eastgate Chester and Mappin & Webb, St Ann’s Street, Manchester

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

WATCHES HUBLOT, £10,300 Hublot Classic Fusion 42mm men’s black watch. One of 50 pieces worldwide, each numbered and engraved to celebrate the Watches of Switzerland Centenary.

Available at Hublot Boutique, Ground Floor, Trafford Centre and Watches of Switzerland, St Ann’s Square, Manchester

GIRARD PERREGAUX, £12,200 Girard Perregaux Laurerto Greeb 42mm stainless steel case and bracelet. Famously framed by a sculpted octagonal bezel, evoking strength in a subtle, elegant fashion, the Laureato is a masterpiece of aesthetics that will never age.

Available at Goldsmiths, Ground Floor, Trafford Centre and Watches of Switzerland, St Ann’s Square, Manchester

BREITLING, £9,850 Breitling Chronomat B01 Titanium 42mm Limited Edition mens watch, featuring a green dial. One of 100 exclusive pieces worldwide, each numbered and engraved to celebrate the Watches of Switzerland Centenary.

Available at Breitling Boutique, Trafford Centre, Manchester and Mappin & Webb, St Ann’s Street, Manchester

TUDOR, £3,360 Tudor Black Bay 54 37mm Steel case bracelet, with 200M water resistance.

Available at Goldsmiths St Ann’s Square, Manchester and Goldsmiths, First Floor, Trafford Centre

CHANEL, £6,500

CARTIER, £9,050

Chanel, J12 Watch 33mm, white highly resistant ceramic bracelet and steel triple-folding buckle. Featuring a white lacquer dial set with 12 diamond indicators (~0.06 carats) with a steel unidirectional rotating bezel.

Available at Goldsmiths, St Anns Street, Manchester and Goldsmiths, Paradise Street, Liverpool One

Cartier Panthère de Cartier medium ladies’ watch in yellow gold.

Available at Goldsmiths St Ann’s Square, Manchester, Goldsmiths, Paradise Street, Liverpool One, Goldsmiths, Ground Floor, Trafford Centre and Mappin & Webb, St Ann’s Street, Manchester

BVLGARI, £9,300 TAG HEUER,, £2,850 TAG Heuer, Carerra Date 36mm unisex pink watch. Featuring a vibrant pink sunray dial with contrasting hands and indexes.

Available at TAG Heuer boutique, St Anns Street, Manchester and Trafford Centre, Goldsmiths, Ground Floor, Trafford Centre, Goldsmiths, Church Street, Liverpool, Goldsmiths, Paradise Street, Liverpool and Mappin & Webb, Eastgate, Chester

Bvlgari Serpento Seduttori 33mm ladies’ watch. Featuring a blue dial, set with 38 sparkling diamonds.

Available at Watches of Switzerland, St Ann’s Square, Manchester and Goldsmiths, Ground Floor, Trafford Centre

watches-of-switzerland.co.uk

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M ulberry

Explore a selection of luxury gifts including handbags, bags, presents for the home and more from Mulberry

ULTIMATE PARTY DRESSING

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#1 - Pimlico Bracelet Bag Velvet, Night Sky, £850 #2 - Pimlico Bracelet Bag Beads, Black, £1650 #3 - Pimlico Bracelet Bag, Black, £950

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GIFTS FOR HOME

#4 - Mulberry Dominoes Set and Leather Case, Vintage Oak, £495 #5 - Bayswater Baubles, Autumn Rose, Kingfisher Blue, Scarlet Red, £95 each

FESTIVE GIFTS FOR HER

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#6 - Bayswater Shearling, Natural, £1,495 #7 - Pimlico Bucket, Birch, £1195 #8 - Clovelly Shoulder Bag, Eggshell, £850

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#9 - Antony Tote, Black, £995 #10 - Dalston Backpack, Asphalt-Black, £795 #11 - Antony, Ebony, £775 mulberry.com 34

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Christmas

CH A N EL Discover the Winter Tale Collection and give the gift of Chanel this Christmas

Chanel Diamond Dust Oversized Illuminating Powder, £70 Chanel No.5 Eau de Parfum and No.5 L’Eau Purse Sprays (3x7ML) Fragrance on Chain, £165 each Presented in a sleeve embossed with the iconic bottle, this limited edition adds new magic to the floral aldehyde signature of N°5 Eau de Parfum. The new N° 5 L’Eau Eau de Toilette and N°5 Eau de Parfum purse sprays offer an exceptional way to wear perfume this holiday season. These limited edition accessories go everywhere, worn on the wrist thanks to an innovative jewellery chain adorned with Gabrielle Chanel’s lucky number, 5. A ritual that showcases the sensuality of the legendary scent.

The Diamond Dust Oversized Illuminating Powder makes the complexion shine as bright as a thousand snowflakes in the sun. A dazzling pearly glow emanates from the cheeks and brow bone. The snowflake embossed on this oversized highlighter makes it the perfect seasonal accessory.

Chanel No.5 Beige Gold Body Oil, 250ml, £106 Discover an Eau de Parfum and a Body Oil with floral and aldehydic notes in N°5 and vibrant, ambery notes in Coco Mademoiselle presented in exclusive limited edition sets.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum and Body Oil Coffret, £180 Discover an Eau de Parfum and a Body Oil with floral and aldehydic notes in N°5 and vibrant, ambery notes in Coco Mademoiselle presented in exclusive limited edition sets.

Chanel Enchanted Night Eyeshadow and Blush Palette, £71 For eyes and cheeks that sparkle and shine, Chanel creative partner Valentina Li has created the Enchanted Night oversized powder palette featuring a daring colour harmony. From copper coral to fuchsia pink, its shimmering shades were inspired by the enigmatic hues of the aurora borealis.

chanel.com 35

Jo Mal alo o ne

Celebrate the magic of the season with Jo Malone London’s Christmas Limited Edition Gifts, an exquisite collection that offers a range of fragrance gifts that are perfect for spreading cheer

Jo Malone London Advent Calendar, £360 The treasured Advent Calendar returns with a classic, festive design to add a little extra razzle-dazzle. Get set for Christmas with the British fragrance and lifestyle house’s classic countdown, filled with 25 surprises. The decorative drawers hide a selection of timeless and seasonal colognes, miniature candles and bath and body favourites in smaller sizes, as well as a travel candle and a 30ml festive fragrance.

Fir & Artemisia Cologne, 100ml, £124 Get wrapped up in the season with the new Fir & Artemisia Cologne. Comfort and joy, the woodiness of fir and aromatic artemisia is contrasted with supple leather in this festive scent.

Bitter Orange & Chocolate Ceramic Candle, £100

MOST-LOVED HOLIDAY HEROES

A deliciously comforting new limited-edition scent, inspired by the indulgent aroma of dark chocolate and orange peel

Ginger Biscuit Cologne, £124 Spiced with ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, melting into caramel. Butter-crumbly with roasted hazelnuts.

Warmed by tonka bean and vanilla. Irresistible.

Orange Bitters: New Diffuser, £78 Cologne 100ml, £124 Home Candle, £59

GIFTS FOR EVERY OCCASION What a Cracker, £38

Toast the season with a luscious scent inspired by a wintry cocktail. Juicy sweet orange and a splash of bitter orange on a base of rich sandalwood.

Pine & Eucalyptus: Diffuser, £78 Home Candle, £59 Bring the celebrations to life with the scent of Christmas morning.

This bracing scent bursts with the festivity of aromatic pine and enlivening eucalyptus.

Roasted Chestnut Home Candle, £59 Make a gift of a true winter warmer. A rich, smoky scent, seasoned with nutmeg, cinnamon and clove and sweetened with soft caramel.

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No dining table is complete without the festive flourish of a Christmas cracker at every setting. Add an extra-special touch with designs that hold one of a trio of miniature fragrances.

Christmas Ornaments, £32 The classics are always in style: dress the tree with glittering gold and silver ornaments, each containing two miniatures to treasure in the festive run up or wind-down.

The new Jo Malone Wilmslow store is now open jomalone.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Christmas

B vlg vlga a ri

Spectacular jewels, iconic watches, ultra-glam handbags, essential accessories and irresistible perfumes: make your beloved’s festive season shine bright with an incomparable Bvlgari creation

B.zero1 Rock 18 kt yellow gold earrings with studded spiral and pavé diamonds on the edges, £7,850 Drawing its inspiration from the most renowned amphitheatre of the world, the Colosseum, B. zero1 Rock is a ground-breaking statement of Bvlgari’s creative vision infused with a touch of irreverence. Challenging the very essence of jewellery aesthetics, its distinctive spiral is reimagined here with gold studs, highlighting the unapologetic and visionary spirit of Bvlgari’s icon of design.

Serpenti Viper 18 kt rose gold single-spiral ring set with demi pavé diamonds, £3,630

Serpenti Forever small shoulder bag in midnight plum and silver Calla Crystals, £4,860 A modern evolution of a timeless model, the Serpenti Forever Day-to-Night small shoulder bag displays a contemporary metamorphosis of its versatile and iconic design, elevated by magnificent workmanship. Skilfully crafted in black suede, the bag is covered with handapplied midnight plum and silver Calla Crystals that form a sparkling leitmotif drawing from the fan-shaped polychrome mosaics of the Baths of Caracalla, source of inspiration for the Divas’ Dream jewellery line. Equipped with a sliding snake body-shaped chain strap, the creation is topped by the iconic snakehead magnetic closure, whose mesmerising design and scales, inspired by the Serpenti jewels of the 60s, display a diamond-cut effect, namely a grainy metallic texture that shimmers like a snow-set pavé. Featuring a single compartment, the model is completed by an internal flat pocket and a mirror pocket with a customisable mirror.

With its signature blend of pure aesthetics, enveloping shapes and charismatic flair, the Serpenti Viper 18 kt rose gold single-spiral ring with demi pavé diamonds is an essential interpretation of Bvlgari’s icon of endless metamorphosis. Easy to mix and match, the ring offers endless styling options, embodying the collection’s versatile spirit.

IMAGES: BULGARI

Serpenti Tubogas single spiral watch in 18 kt rose gold and stainless steel case and bracelet, with black opaline dial, £10,200 Merging two of the most iconic symbols of Bvlgari design, the Serpenti Tubogas watch coils the sinuosity of the snake with the contemporary soul of tubogas. Evoking both the sensual curves of a woman and the fluid shape of the serpent, the timepiece is crafted with the shapely lines of this specific technique, with a flexible and tubular litheness. Radiating glamour and a truly individual style, this watch marks a distinctive chapter in the constant evolution of Serpenti.

Tubogas 18 kt yellow gold necklace with diamond pavé studs, £20,700 Elevating the jewellery technique cherished by the Roman Maison since the 1940s into an iconic collection, Bvlgari Tubogas intertwines the past and the future as a testament to Bvlgari’s drive for experimentation and its ability to transform precious metal into living matter. Born from the avant-garde blend of industrial design and superior artisanal mastery, the Bvlgari Tubogas necklace in 18 kt yellow gold is embellished with diamond-set geometric studs, exalting the creation’s eternally contemporary and distinctive style.

bulgari.com 37

Christmas | The CHESHIRE Magazine

D IOR Discover a Dior creation this Christmas

Dior by Mats Gustafson Vol. 2, £88.50 In this sublime volume, Gustafson’s ethereal watercolours and vibrant collages focus on the designs of Maria Grazia Chiuri. Renewing the refined tradition of fashion illustration, this finest piece of bookmaking will be a coveted, indispensable must-have for all lovers of fashion and art.

Petit CD Earrings, £470 The Petit CD earrings are an expression of elegance and refinement. In a pavé of white crystals, the ‘CD’ signature is showcased at the front of the ear while three pearls hang from the back.

Small Lady Dior My ABCDior Bag, £5,000 Sleek and refined, the timeless style is crafted in blue lambskin with Cannage stitching, creating the instantly recognisable quilted texture.

Dior Tribales Slingback Pump, £1,050 New for Fall 2024, the Dior Tribales slingback pump displays couture appeal. The black patent calfskin upper is accented by an 8-cm (3) comma heel embellished with white resin pearls. The rear pearl features a gold-tone CD signature inspired by the namesake earrings.

The sophisticated pump has a pointed toe and can be paired easily with any evening wear.

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Baby Hooded Down Jacket, £810 The down jacket offers a tender new take on the House’s iconic leopard motif. Made in pale pink technical fil coupé jacquard, it is filled with down and feathers for added warmth. Ideal for taking on winter days in style, the down jacket is sure to please.

Baby Sweatshirt, £310 Crafted in heathered blue cotton fleece, it is adorned with three CD Diamond embroideries in shades of blue, inspired by the Dior Men universe. Featuring elastic details, the soft sweatshirt will pair effortlessly with the matching track pants from the collection to complete a relaxed look.

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T he A rt of Giv ivii ng Picture how delighted your friends and loved ones will be when they receive their favourite Ormonde Jayne treat. Choose from three beautiful scents - Etoile, Mystere or Nocturne - each carefully selected for the season. As the spirit of Christmas is goodwill to all humankind, a 10% donation to Great Ormond Street Hospital will be made from each candle sold from the Festive Collection. ormondejayne.com

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LYMA LASER PRO CHRISTMAS STARTER KIT

Health &

Includes a Globe-Trotter Centenary London Square travel case as well as a month’s supply of LYMA Skincare and LYMA Oxygen Mist and Glide. £5,595, lyma.life

Beauty FENTY POP N GLOW GIFT SET Exclusive to Selfridges, the set includes: 1 x Hydra Vizor Mineral SPF 30, 1 x Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blurring Powder, 1 x Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara brush and Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer. £78, selfridges.com

BEST OF L’OCCITANE COLLECTION This set includes the best selection of goodies from the French luxury beauty brand. £65, uk.loccitane.com

OLAPLEX HELLO HEALTHY HAIR GIFT SET Give the gift of healthy hair with this starter kid from Olaplex. Includes: N°.3 Bond Perfector, N°.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, N°.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner £33, selfridges.com

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Health & Beauty

A sk the

EXPERT

HERSHESONS THE WAND Herheson’s Wand is the easy way to achieve different types of texture, whether that’s tousled ends, beachy waves, voluminous curls or a simple effortless bend.

With a 25mm ceramic-coated barrel, it’s the perfect size and shape to create all kinds of looks. £120, hershesons.com

AMANDA AZZOPARDI ANP/INP, DR VINCENT WONG BSC HONS, MBCHB AND DR GEORGE CHRISTOPOULOS MD. PHD. MSC FROM AMANDA AZZOPARDI AETHESTICS Sculpt and Define : Non-Surgical Path to Facetite and Jawlift In the pursuit of youthful contours without surgery, cutting -edge treatments such as Ignite RF Body, FaceTite and AccuTite are gaining popularity. Could these be the ideal options for you? At Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics, we are excited to provide these transformation non-surgical solutions. To Help you decide if these treatments are right for you.

Ignite RF Body is hailed for its ability to redefine body contours non-surgically. By using bipolar radiofrequency technology, it effectively targets stubborn fat cells while simultaneously stimulating collagen. It is ideal for individuals seeking body sculpting with visible results and minimal downtime, making it a popular choice.

FaceTite For facial rejuvenation, emerges as a top contender. Often described as a game-changer, this treatment utilises minimally invasive radiofrequencyassisted lipolysis to firm sagging skin, especially round the jawline and neck. It bridges the gap between non-invasive facials and surgical lifts, providing remarkable outcomes with quicker recovery.

Perfect for wind bitten skin, faces feeling the effects of frosty weather or those dried out by heating, the Super Skin Kit is all you need to nourish and nurture your skin back to glowing health.

AccuTite, prefect for delicate areas such as the under-eye and brows. Its precision tool and radiofrequency energy make it uniquely effective for refining small, tricky spots, achieving harmonious contours without significant recovery time.

Are these treatments worth considering? According to experts, they are tailored for those looking to make impactful changes without the challenges of surgery.

Their safety and efficacy are notable, offering transformative results that cater to modern aesthetic demands.

So, if, you’re contemplating enhancing your natural beauty with cutting-edge technology, these treatments could be your answer.

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VOTARY SUPER SKIN KIT

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Health & Beauty | The CHESHIRE Magazine

RITUALS The Premium Inspired by the magic of festive Amsterdam, this beautiful new pop up Advent Village sparkles with magical LED lights. Filled with premium products, iconic bestsellers, limited editions, the newest Eau de Parfum, seven full-size products and the exclusive Advent Candles. rituals.com

C oun ountt dow down n to Chrr istm Ch istmas istma as The best beauty advent calendars for 2024

AUGUSTINUS BADER Each of the 12 drawers of Augustinus Bader’s first ever advent calendar contain a handpicked gift that include award-winning creams, serums, and latest science-backed innovations. augustinusbader.com

DIPTYQUE This unique advent calendar takes the shape of a sewing box; among the contents are three new arrivals: the Sapin (Pine Tree) candle and the Étoile (Star) and Friandise (Sweet Treat) candles plus personal products and products for the home. diptyqueparis.com

BAMFORD A carefully curated selection of botanical blends and invigorating scents from Bamford; featuring generous full-sized products such as a bath oil, single-wick candle and Geranium hand & body wash and lotion duo. bamford.com

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Wellness

F I N D YO U R F I T with Health & Fitness Expert

C la larr e S tob toba a rt My journey into DNA analysis for health optimisation One of the most exciting advancements in functional medicine is the use of DNA analysis. This innovative approach focuses on health optimisation and addresses the root causes of common health issues and symptoms through state-of-the-art lab testing. By examining our genetic makeup, we can uncover valuable insights into how our bodies function and what they need to achieve optimal health.

I had the pleasure of meeting Susannah, a highly regarded integrative and functional medicine practitioner based in Cheshire, who runs a successful clinic. She guided me through my DNA analysis journey, starting with a simple finger prick blood test that was sent to the lab for evaluation.

About ten days later, we reconvened for a detailed discussion of my results.

Susannah presented my personalised nutrition and fitness report, an impressive 62 pages filled with actionable insights. She explained the difference between normal and variant genes in straightforward terms, making the complex information easy to understand. The report is colour-coded, covering various biological processes such as lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, detoxification and inflammation, as well as detailed nutrition recommendations and exercise responses.

Here are some highlights from my results: • Inflammation Prone Markers: My genotype indicates a higher production of inflammation-prone markers, linked to chronic, low-grade inflammation.

Susannah recommended incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like avocados, berries, fatty fish and olive oil into my diet, along with a vitamin D3 supplement and regular magnesium baths.

• Nutritional Priorities: I learnt that I need to boost my vitamin A intake to support my immune system. Susannah suggested foods high in vitamin A, such as carrots, sweet potatoes and eggs. Additionally, I should focus on increasing my folate intake by eating spinach, as insufficient folate can lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

• Exercise Insights: My results revealed that I am predisposed to muscle cramps, which means I need to warm up properly before exercising, stay hydrated and ensure my calcium, potassium and magnesium levels are adequate.

Sweet potatoes and leafy greens were highlighted as beneficial foods. I also learnt that I might take longer to recover from intense workouts, so prioritising sleep and nutrition is essential.

• Taste Sensitivity and Caffeine Metabolism: Interestingly, my genotype showed a strong inclination toward sweet tastes and I have a reduced ability to metabolise caffeine, indicating a sensitivity. Susannah advised limiting my intake of coffee

and energy drinks. On a positive note, my body metabolises alcohol normally, which is a relief!

Overall, Susannah was fantastic at breaking down my results and providing tailored recommendations for optimal health, including specific foods and supplements to support my goals. Importantly, since our genes don’t change, these insights will serve me for life.

I left the consultation feeling inspired and empowered. I’ve already begun making changes to my diet and supplement regime to ensure my health is optimised. If you’re interested in exploring your own genetic insights, I highly recommend the DNA Core Analysis test available through Susannah’s clinic at interwellness.co.uk.

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Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine

How to Navigate Meeting Your Partner’s Family at Christmas W O R D S : A l e x M e l l o r- B ro o k , D a t i n g a n d R e l a t i o n s h i p C o a c h , C o - f o u n d e r a t S e l e c t P e r s o n a l I n t ro d u c t i o n s

M

eeting your partner’s family for the first time can be stressful, especially at Christmas. It may feel like a lot is riding on that first occasion, but here are some helpful tips to make it smoother and more enjoyable.

Preparation, preparation, preparation Just as you would prepare for a job interview, it’s wise to approach meeting your partner’s family with similar care. At Christmas, when emotions and traditions may run high, preparation becomes even more important. Fortunately, you have the perfect coach – your partner! They can guide you on which Christmas traditions to respect, topics to avoid, subjects to raise, and even help you navigate what food or drink might be served – whether it’s mince pies or mulled wine. These insights not only set you up for success but also provide an opportunity to discuss expectations, which can deepen your relationship. You might even decide on a ‘safe word’ in case you need a time-out during the festive fun!

Dress up, help out When unsure, dress respectfully but be ready to roll up your sleeves and help where needed, especially at Christmas when the family may be busy with hosting. Even though many families might not want you to get involved during a first meeting, offering to help with Christmas dinner preparations or clearing the dishes shows a willingness to be part of the family.

The gift that keeps on giving During the Christmas season, gift-giving takes on added importance and it’s essential to get advice from your partner about what gifts are suitable. Now isn’t the time to be overly creative or to surprise them with something unexpected. Trust their judgment on whether flowers, wine, a homemade dish, or a festive treat would be best received. A thoughtful token demonstrates that you’re investing in the family relationship.

Food considerations If you or your partner have dietary restrictions, it’s important to ensure they’re respected. Bringing a dish that caters to these restrictions might be a good way to contribute without causing a fuss, while also adding to your Christmas gift gesture.

Staying over If you’re spending Christmas night at their family’s home, be prepared for any sleeping arrangement. Don’t insist on being roomed together if that’s not the family’s specific Christmas tradition around guests. If

52

sharing a bed is important, consider staying at a nearby hotel or Airbnb.

Find your balance Meeting new people, adjusting to unfamiliar Christmas traditions, in-jokes, and different cultural practices can feel overwhelming. The key is to stay true to yourself and focus on the day’s purpose rather than the minutiae. It’s an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other, so just be yourself and let them do the same.

You’re with your partner, not their family It’s natural to want your partner’s family to like you, especially at Christmas when family bonds are celebrated but trying too hard can make you more anxious and less authentic. Simply being polite, considerate, and open-minded is enough. It’s important to remember that their opinions are theirs, not yours to control. They might be as nervous about meeting you as you are about meeting them. While first impressions count, they aren’t the whole story, and over time, your relationship with their family is likely to settle. After all, your partner loves you for who you are, and their family probably will too, given time. selectservices.co.uk

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exceeding expectations

THE BENTLEY BALANCE BIKE Available in Sequin Blue, Glacier White, Onyx and Dragon Red, the bike is influenced by the aerodynamic design of the iconic Bentley Continental GT, with its lightweight magnesium alloy frame. £350, shop.bentleymotors.com

Family Gifts “LET THEM EAT CATNIP!” GIFT TIN Indulge your cat’s desire for grandeur and the Rococo highlife so they can feel as decadent as Marie Antoinette with Cheshire and Wain’s dried British Catnip. £16, cheshireandwain.com

FUJIFILM SQ1 INSTANT CAMERA Embracing a simplicity of function and design, this beautifully creative little snapper produces fun, rich, vibrant and atmospheric square photos... in an instant. £109, johnlewis.com

HITSTER The adult party game which combines music, sharing and nostalgia - and puts your music knowledge to the ultimate test!

Choose a card, scan the QR code to hear the song, then place it correctly in the timeline.

First player to guess 10 cards correctly wins!

Age 16+ amazon.co.uk 54

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

BANWOOOD CLASSIC STEEL BIKE These little wonders are beautifully designed, expertly crafted and safe enough for the most boisterous of youngsters to have a go. £290, selfridges.com

TAMAGOTCHI CONNECTION Celebrating 20 years since its original launch, the fanfavourite allows users to connect and interact with other devices through infrared technology. Offers adorable characters, interactive game play and array of features.

Age 6+ smythstoys.com

BAMFORD LEAPING LAMB CASHMERE SWEATER Featuring a charming leaping lamb motif this cashmere jumper from Bamford is perfect for gifting, making an ideal present for new parents or special treat for your own child. £130, bamford.com

PERSONALISED NAVY FRENCH TOILE IPHONE CASE

BARBOUR DOG T-SHIRT Give your furry friend a stylish update with the Barbour Dog Logo Striped T-Shirt. £30, selfridges.com

A favourite with celebrities and influencers, HB London’s Navy French Toile with Original Font Initial iPhone Case offers a luxe quality snap-on style hard case which can be personalised - making it the perfect Christmas gift. £34, hblondon.uk 55

EXPERIENCE FENIX IN A BRAND NEW LIGHT THIS WINTER. A GREEK-MEDITERRANEAN DINING EXPERIENCE, TAKING YOU ON A JOURNEY OF GREEK DISCOVERY. BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS.

The Goods Yard Building, Goods Yard Street, Manchester M3 3BG

0161 646 0321

Food Drink E at, Dr D r i nk & b e Merry Merr y Manchester’s iconic hotel, The Midland,

freshly baked stollen and Christmas tree mince pies.

For reservations visit: themidlandhotel.co.uk

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Promotion

Win i n a Luxur uxu u uxury xur xu r y Festive Meal Mea l for f Four Fou r at Six One Six Chester To celebrate the launch of their Christmas 2024 menu, The Cheshire Magazine has teamed up with Six One Six in Chester to offer you the chance to win a two-course festive meal for four, including a bottle of Champagne Piaff Located on Pepper Street in the heart of Chester, Six One Six offers a large dining area and a striking bar area. The dark, moody and vibrant venue boasts a full calendar of events all year round, with a DJ every Sat night from 23rd November. Their mouth-watering Christmas menu is available in 2 or 3 courses which you can reserve for lunch or evening meal.

To be in with a change of winning all you have to do is visit:

thecheshiremagazine.co.uk/ competitions/six-one-six or scan the QR code below T&C’s apply and are available at thecheshiremagazine.co.uk Competition entry closes 4th December

sixonesixchester.com 58

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

H a ndpi ndpicc ke ked d estiv ve Wi W i nes Festi

Whether you’re searching for a memorable gift or a special selection, Hector Lund, Wine Expert in the Fortnum’s Concierge Team has you covered

White Wine/Sparkling Wine Fortnum’s Sancerre Blanc, Domaine Andre Dezat, 2023, 75cl, £22.50

This unoaked Chardonnay is a lovely white wine with flavours of ripe peach balanced by freshness and gentle citrus acidity, perfect to drink with our Traditional Scotch Eggs.

This wine, is fermented in stainless steel tanks, so that the minerality comes to the forefront on the palate; the wine is scented with white flowers, herbs and citrus. It makes a beautiful match for shellfish, goat’s cheese, our Waxed Cheddar Truckle or asparagus.

Red Wine Fortnum’s Margaux, Brio de Cantenac Brown, 2021, 75cl, £42.50 Our Margaux is sensual and alluring, with layers of cassis fruit and soft refined tannins on the finish. A delicious food wine that is ideal with roast beef.

Fortnum’s Châteauneufdu-Pape, Andre Brunel, 2022, 75cl, £35 This opulent red wine, made from the area’s classic Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre blend and heady with plum, raspberry, vanilla and liquorice overlaid with a perfume of spice. This will go beautifully with game and with stronger-flavoured vegetable dishes.

Fortified/Sweet Wine Fortnum’s Sauternes Château Briatte, 2021, 50cl, £17.95 IMAGES: FORTNUM & MASON

Fortnum’s Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne, Maison Bonnet, NV, 75cl, £45

Fortnum’s Bourgogne Blanc, Roger Luquet, 2023, 75cl, £18.50

This wonderfully sweet, golden nectar is produced from a blend of Semillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle.

Delicious with foie gras or paired with a sweet pudding.

Golden in colour with complex notes of gooseberry, cherry, red apple and quince, Extra Brut Blanc de Noir Champagne makes a delicious aperitif and pairs perfectly with foods as varied as charcuterie and mushrooms.

Fortnum’s Chianti Classico, Riecine, 2022, 75cl, £22.95 Riecine utilises organic growing principles by sourcing the Sangiovese grapes from steep south-facing slopes on hills in and around the community of Gaiole. Tasting Notes: Dark cherry and plummy fruit with soft tannins and gorgeous acidity, and a touch of rich, dark chocolate at the finish.

Fortnum’s Vintage Port, Niepoort, 2011, £45 This is a vintage port with a superb pedigree; rich and silky with flavours of sweet, dark fruits. It stood out immediately in our blind tastings at the Niepoort estate thanks to its vivid, fresh intense nose and its lovely, spicy structure.

Talk to Concierge Team for further festive advice and selections Phone: +44 (0)20 7465 8668 Email: concierge@ fortnumandmason.com fortnumandmason.com 59

CLASE AZUL TEQUILA DÍA DE MUERTOS LIMITED EDITION MÚSICA This is the fourth instalment of Nuestros Recuerdos, an annual series of five limited-edition creations dedicated to the most exquisite aspects of Día de Muertos. The Clase Azul Música release is exceptionally limited to only 10,000 decanters with a limited amount available on request at Hedonism in London. $1,500, claseazul.com

Food & Drink Gifts fts THE BEST OF SPAIN HAMPER The perfect gift for the foodie in your life, this hamper, overflowing with Spanish ingredients is one of the most joyful gifts you can receive at Christmas. £75, souschef.co.uk

TORMEK T-1 MORAKNIV 1891 The perfect gift for the head chef in your household, the new Tormek T-1 Morakniv 1891 precisely sharpens blades of any length and delivers a razor-sharp and durable cutting edge ensuring the blade stays sharper for longer. £350, shop.tormek.co.uk

LA PERLA DI TORINO SALTED PISTACHIO & WHITE CHOCOLATE CHRISTMAS TREE This limited edition white chocolate Christmas tree will be the star of your festive table. The smooth white chocolate is studded with tiny pieces of pistachio. The nuts add subtle crunch and a hint of sea salt to balance the sweetness. £39.99, souschef.co.uk

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

P E U G E OT W I N E & BA R WA R E For the wine lover in your life, Peugeot has developed a collection of wine and barware accessories including corkscrews, wine decanters and whisky glasses, that will turn every tasting experience this Christmas into an exceptional one.

From £13.99, uk.peugeot-saveurs.com

BARBADILLO MANZANILLA PASADA EN RAMA GIFT SET This delightful set features a half bottle of aged Manzanilla Pastora En Rama sherry, known for its crisp and dry profile. The gift also comes with a pair of classic sherry copitas to enjoy the sherry in traditional glassware. £34.99, tauruswines.co.uk

FIVE FARMS IRISH CREAM Exclusively sourced and produced in County Cork, Ireland, Five Farms is the world’s first farm-to-table Irish cream liqueur. Sip it on the rocks, mix it into an array of decadent cocktails, or gift it to give someone that cat-thatgot-the-cream feeling £36, harveynichols.com

SIRDAVIS WHISKY Created by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter SirDavis American Whisky is finished, blended and bottled in Knowles-Carter’s home state of Texas. £79, selfridges.com 61

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F east o n Enterr tainmen Ente tainmentt thii s Festiv th Festi ve S eason Welcome to The Mezz – one of Manchester’s most exciting bar and restaurant experiences located in the world-famous AO Arena

A CULINARY COLLABORATION TAKING CENTRE STAGE

F

lavour is everything when it comes to indulging in a dining experience to keep the long winter nights at bay. Hearty produce and ingredients guided by seasonality, coupled with sophisticated drink pairings to match, can elevate a night out to one that is truly memorable.

But what if that experience was served up as an inspiring starter to an unforgettable evening of entertainment?

The Mezz is for those with discerning tastes providing guests the chance to upgrade and elevate their entertainment experience to enjoy the best acts, artists and shows. And as the clock counts down to Christmas and the festive party season, The Mezz is just the ticket to treat a loved one with an early gift or entertaining a client ahead of the holidays.

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If you’re into fine dining or simply love food brimming with flavour and seasonal integrity, then you have come to the right place.

In a unique and exciting collaboration, Executive Head Chef, Tim Kewley, has designed a menu for The Mezz Bar and Restaurant at AO Arena in partnership with two of the UK’s most celebrated chefs, acclaimed restaurateur and pioneer of the farm-to-fork movement, Simon Rogan MBE and chef and owner of Manchester restaurant Skof, Tom Barnes.

Together they have created a distinctive autumnwinter menu which draws inspiration from shared culinary philosophies where ingredients take centre stage to produce memorable dishes served up in a stylish atmosphere perfect for festive overindulgence.

Simon and Tom have each created an exclusive dish for the The Mezz Restaurant, showcasing homegrown produce from Simon's Our Farm located in the Lake District’s Cartmel Valley and a small selection of sustainable suppliers.

Upon arrival through a dedicated VIP entrance, guests to The Mezz Restaurant are treated to Parmesan Biscuits and Nocellara Olives aged balsamic and lemon verbena offering subtle whispers of Italian summers past.

Celebrating the spirit of the season, the menu’s starters including Native Lobster Roll with fennel and caviar and a Radish Tart of ricotta, black garlic and alyssum are for sharing and connecting over conversations for the entertainment to come.

For those with an appetite to match their pre-show

excitement, dishes on the main menu feature a diverse mix of rich and hearty flavours fit for the season. Brown Butter Poached Hake with baked potato velouté, brown shrimp and sea vegetables and the Corzetti Pasta featuring honey-roast squash, Ribblesdale goat’s cheese, amaretti, sage, pineapple weed vinegar are joined by a Salt-aged Dukesmoor Rib-eye cooked on the bone, braised cheek, dripping potatoes, beef-bone béarnaise.

There is also a dish created by Simon himself, the Cartmel Valley Game is brought to life with root vegetables including grilled onions, Boltardy beetroot and beautiful chestnuts.

To freshen up the palette, the menu’s curtain call delivers a breadth of signature desserts ranging from luxurious indulgence to zesty flavours. The Manchester Bee is a 64% Manjari chocolate mousse imbued with pear and elderflower, as well as Bez’s buzzin’ honey provided by AO Arena’s friend and local icon, Bez from the Happy Mondays. Whilst the Lightly Set Woodruff Cream showcases the very best of Tom Barnes’ technique and flavour with blackberries, caramelised white chocolate and roasted almond.

ELEVATING THE ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE After enjoying pre-show libations, guests at The Mezz can sit back and relax or throw their hands in the air like they just don’t care from the comfort of their premium seats which offer panoramic views of the stage.

There is something for everyone on the festive bill which offers a truly immersive experience.

Topping the bill with his first shows in 12 years is the one and only Peter Kay set to deliver a residency like no other and the perfect comedy Christmas gift.

Disney on Ice is perfect to treat the family featuring a delightful afternoon tea with festive surprises to keep the kids smiling all the way home, whilst Pete Tong’s Ibiza

Classics offers a mid-winter escape to the Balearics with a celebration of dance culture through the generations supported by a Dave Haslam Afterparty in The Mezz Bar. Capping off an incredible roster of talent and world class entertainment, Human League will deliver a trip down memory lane for 80s synth-pop connoisseurs and one not to be missed is the classic musical phenomenon Les Miserables which follows the tumultuous journey of Jean Valjean - a former convict seeking redemption during the French Revolution.

No matter what show you attend, after the entertainment is finished the party doesn’t stop there.

Head back to The Mezz for one last tipple in comfort before heading home, totally converted and ready to make every event a premium one.

Book now to upgrade your experience or reach out via email to hospitality@ao-arena.com to find out more how you can elevate your experience.

Visit ao-arena.com for more information on upcoming shows and entertainment coming to Manchester.

Human League - 6 December, 2024: All-inclusive drinks and food package with access to exclusive afterparty with Rusty Egan

Pete Tong - 7 December, 2024:

All-inclusive drinks and food package with access to exclusive afterparty with Hacienda legend Dave Haslam

Disney on Ice - 11 – 15 December, 2024: Early access, Christmas Afternoon tea experience, face painter and other magical surprises.

Peter Kay Live - shows available until summer 2025:

Various packages available, ranging from 3-course a la carte dinner in The Mezz restaurant to bar snacks in The Mezz bar and early access options

Les Miserables - 26 – 29 December, 2024: Early access, all-inclusive drinks and food package

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S U N DAY LU N C H AT T H E FO R G E En j o y a d e l i c i o u s S un d a y M e n u in Ch e s t e r a t T h e Fo r g e .

Av a ila b le e v e r y S un d a y f ro m 1p m t o 8 . 3 0 p m , y o u c a n e n j o y w i t h d e l i c i o u s lo c a l l y p ro d u ce d f o o d a n d un r i v a l le d s e r v i ce .

O u r t r a di t i o n a l ro a s t s in cl u d e b e e f, p o r k a n d d u c k , a n d a re a l l s e r v e d w i t h ro a s t p ot a t o e s , s e a s o n a l v e g e t a b le s , Yo r k s h i re p u d din g & g r a v y. O r f is h o r v e g e t a r ia n a lt e r n a t i v e s a re a v a ila b le .

W h e t h e r i t ’s a f a m il y g a t h e r in g , o r S un d a y o u t w i t h f r i e n d s o r j u s t t o a v o i d t h e h a s s le of co o k in g , j o in a s T h e Fo r g e f o r a S un d a y M e n u in Ch e s t e r l ike n o ot h e r.

BO O K N OW: V i s i t : t h e f o r g e c h e s t e r. c o . u k /s u n d a y - l u n c h Or scan the QR code below :

the_forge_restaurant_chester

The Forge Restaurant Chester

Travel C hr hriistm stma a s at El Pala Palacc e Barcelona’s iconic Grand Dame, El Palace Barcelona, continues its tradition of celebrating the holiday season in style with its creative activations throughout the hotel with a full calendar of festive events and delights around every corner. Guests can meet Santa Claus during afternoon tea, participate in a gingerbread house making master class and cozy up and enjoy classic festive flicks on the Rooftop Garden. hotelpalacebarcelona.com

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Travel news

WORDS:CRAIG HOUGH

U N W R A P THE M AGIC OF NOBU HOTEL SA N TOR INI Ideal for discerning travellers and wellness enthusiasts, Nobu Hotel Santorini is a luxurious retreat on the serene cliffs of Imerovigli that offers something unique for those seeking tranquillity, adventure, or personalised wellbeing experiences.

For those seeking an unforgettable getaway, the Love Nobu Package invites couples to reconnect in one of the most romantic places in the world. This three night escape promises a stay in one of the breathtaking suites with a private plunge pool overlooking the sparkling Aegean sea, the finest Nobu cuisine and a private yacht tour around the island to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Gift includes: • A three-night stay in the Umi, Yuhi, or Nobu Suite with breakfast included • Roundtrip airport transfers • Welcome cocktail and special in-room amenities • Dinner for two at Nobu restaurant, excluding alcoholic beverages • Private trip for two on a five-hour luxury yacht tour around Santorini, including welcome prosecco on arrival, unlimited drinks, and dinner for two

£9,685, santorini-nobuhotels.skchase.com

Ne w Hyperlocal Adventures SKI AND SURF Adventure across Chile like never before, flying up into the Andes for a morning of unsurpassed skiing before dropping down to the coast for an afternoon of surfing in Punta de Lobos. Discover huge valleys, mountain lakes, hot springs and the rugged shores of stunning beaches stretching up the vast coastline.

A N A E R I A L E X P LO R AT I O N O F AOT E A ROA Embark on an exclusive expedition through New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. From scenic helicopter flights to immersive cultural encounters and thrilling outdoor adventures, prepare to unveil wonders from the volcanic terrains of Mount Tarawera to the pristine coastlines of the Bay of Islands and Whangaroa. Highlights include buggy racing aross Cape Reinga, a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony, a helicopter flight over Tongariro National Park to the Whanganui River and even a thrilling Fiordland heli-safari.

D I S C OV E R JA PA N ’ S L A N D ’ S E N D Discover Japan at its most authentic with a trip to the country’s northern tip, East Hokkaido. Also known as Land’s End, this region has one of the world’s highest concentrations of brown bears with other awe-inspiring natural sights to be discovered in Shiretoko and AkanMashu National Parks. Discover some of the country’s wildest and least-explored landscapes, as well as the indigenous Ainu culture, specific to this region. pelorustravel.com 66

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

T he Tra Tr a vel Insid Insi d er WORDS: Phil Aird-Mash

W

INVISIBLE FOREST LODGE

hen the days get colder and the nights get darker, there are usually two types of people – those who embrace the picturesque scenery of icy landscapes, and those who want to escape it!

So, likewise, when it comes to a festive break, you might be looking for a wintery adventure, or warmer climes to relax in.

If you’re the former type, there is plenty to inspire you with. The team at Regent have recently released their new Arctic winter brochure, which is packed with ideas for snow-seekers.

One of my favourite additions is the Invisible Forest Lodge; set in the Lappish Forest, these

stunning suites have a mirrored exterior, so they blend seamlessly into the landscape. From inside, you can cosy up and watch the snow fall through the panoramic windows.

For something more active, there’s always a ski break. If you’re serious about your slope time, you’ll want to head for Europe’s higher altitude resorts, like Val

BADRUTT’S PALACE

Thorens. Or, if you’re looking for some timeless elegance, opt for St Moritz. This region is said to be the birthplace of winter tourism and is home to some of the finest ski hotels, including Badrutt’s Place with its two-Michelin-starred restaurant.

Does that sound too chilly for you?

If you’re looking for an easy winter sun escape, I recommend making the most of Emirates’ direct flights from Manchester to Dubai. Not only is Dubai home to some of the world’s biggest shopping malls, renowned celebrity restaurants and top luxury resorts, but it’s also a perfect stopover for places including the Maldives and Thailand.

With Abu Dhabi just a

short drive away too, you could even head over to see the Formula One Season finale in December – our Spectate team still have a few tickets remaining, so contact them to be a part of the celebrations! inspiringtravel.co.uk regent-holidays.co.uk spectatetravel.co.uk

ABU DHABI

DUBAI

MOROCCO’S NEWEST LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL At the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, nestled above Dades Valley lies Morocco’s latest luxury boutique hotel, Eden.

Guests can unwind beside the pools, beneath shady trees or in the comfortable library. Watch the sunset from the rooftop bar, or relax in the luxurious hammam spa. The hotel sits right in front of the famous Monkey’s Fingers rock formations, and has impressive views over them.

Adventure seekers can discover magnificent landscapes, unspoiled Berber villages and unique culture as you journey deeper into the High Atlas Mountains through the hotel’s varied excursions, available as either a hike or a 4x4 car experience.

For the food enthusiasts, learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine through a hands-on cookery lesson with the hotel’s head chef, Mohammed Sabiri. edenboutiquehotel.com 67

Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

UNWRAP R oya oyall anca a ste sterr L anc L o ndo ndon n Celebrate Christmas and New Year in the capital at Royal Lancaster London; your home away from home this festive season

T

ake a wintery stroll through Hyde Park, which is on the hotel’s doorstep, enjoy some family fun, or head for a spot of Christmas shopping, before returning to the luxury of your hotel room and enjoying the breathtaking views of the iconic London skyline in its winter coat.

For New Year’s Eve, wave goodbye to 2024 in the heart of the city with a fabulous stay in one of the hotel’s rooms or suites – the team will have a bottle of Champagne ready for you to countdown to 2025 and watch the famous London fireworks in style.

Enjoy Christmas In The Capital Make Royal Lancaster London your home away from home this festive season with a cosy escape to the capital, including a luxurious overnight stay with breakfast and an indulgent festive treat on arrival.

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Take a stroll through stunning Hyde Park to the Royal Albert Hall for a festive show, head to Knightsbridge or Oxford Street for some Christmas shopping or experience the magic of a Christmas market, before returning to the warmth and sparkle of a hotel that makes Christmas its own.

What’s included: • Overnight stay in a beautiful bedroom with a delicious breakfast • Indulgent festive treat on arrival and a cuddly toy for little ones • Guaranteed views of Winter Wonderland and 2pm late check-out the next day

Winter Wonderland A trip to London at Christmas is always magical and it wouldn’t be Christmas in London without a visit to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay for two with breakfast, plus two VIP tickets to Winter Wonderland which allow you to visit at any time on a pre-selected date of your choice.

Festive Afternoon Tea At Hyde Café Royal Lancaster London’s enchanting Festive Afternoon Tea is pure indulgence. Relax and enjoy an irresistible assortment of delicately crafted sandwiches, warm baked scones and deliciously sweet delicacies accompanied by a selection of the finest Camellia’s Tea House teas, served in the beautiful Hyde Café.

What’s included: • Overnight stay in a beautifully designed bedroom with breakfast • Indulgent festive treat on arrival • Two VIP tickets to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland • Guaranteed 2.00pm late checkout • Guaranteed views of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland

New Year’s Eve Countdown: Overnight Stay, Champagne & Fireworks

Bottomless Brunch To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, join Royal Lancaster London on Christmas Day and Boxing Day for a decadent feast in the beautiful Park Restaurant, perfectly accompanied by the soulful sound of a live jazz trio and wintery views of the Italian Gardens in Hyde Park.

To start, indulge in a hot breakfast buffet, followed by a fresh sushi, seafood and salad selection, plus all of the traditional festive fare you would expect at Christmas, including roast turkey and pigs in blankets and to finish; a very indulgent selection of desserts. Guests can also enjoy unlimited white and red wine.

London is one of the best cities in the world to celebrate the New Year and Royal Lancaster London puts you at the heart of the festivities.

Countdown to 2025 with a fabulous stay in one of the hotel’s elegant rooms and toast to new beginnings in style, with incredible and farreaching views of the London skyline!

You’ll be treated to a bottle of Champagne to cheers to the end of 2024 at midnight and the next morning there’s no need to rush, the hotel is offering a 3pm late check-out, so enjoy a much needed lie-in and a delicious breakfast in bed.

What’s included: • Overnight stay with a delicious breakfast • A bottle of Champagne to toast in the New Year • A guaranteed late 3pm checkout • Spectacular views of the London Eye

royallancaster.com

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Faster. Easier. Friendlier

Welcome to Faster, Easier, Friendlier travel Voted #1 airport in the UK 2024/25* Fly to more than 70 destinations direct Car park to gate in 15 minutes or less** * Voted top by airport passengers in the independent Which?

Best and Worst UK Airports 2024/2025 report

** Based on parking in Multi-Storey Car Park. 94% of passengers passed through security in 10 minutes or less from January to August 2023.

liverpoolairport.com

weekend away Michael Gates enjoyed a rural retreat at De Vere Cranage Estate, tucked away in a peaceful cor ner of Cheshire ABOUT Set in 20 acres of the Cheshire countryside, De Vere Cranage Estate is an elegant Grade II listed hotel in Holmes Chapel. Designed by celebrated British architect Lewis Wyatt and formerly the country seat of the Armitstead family, the De Vere Cranage Estate is still very much a rural retreat today.

Steeped in almost 200 years of history and Elizabethan heritage, the hotel has been renovated for the 21st century, creating an eclectic mix of old and new. In addition to meeting, event and conference spaces there are 150 rooms on offer, including the recently refurbished Deluxe Rooms, which have been thoughtfully furnished and elegantly styled.

FACILITIES De Vere Cranage Estate offers a wide range of fitness facilities, with an air-conditioned fully equipped gym offering a range of cardiovascular and weight machines, as well as a heated swimming pool, steam room and spa pool. There’s also a tennis court and a program of fitness classes led by fully qualified instructors.

The Tempus Restaurant and Bar serves a

contemporary British menu with delicious seasonal food. At the bar, you can choose from a selection of craft beers and cocktails, alongside a menu of light meals including gourmet burgers and handcrafted pizzas. Be sure to sample Bach 95, a locally developed refreshing crisp beer that is vegan friendly, gluten free and low calorie.

Outside the restaurant, you will find the fully heated Tipi and outdoor kitchen, an all-new drinking and dining experience overlooking the hotel lawns.

PERSONAL NOTE My partner and I enjoyed a relaxing weekend stay at the De Vere Cranage Estate. After a warm welcome at check-in, we settled into our spacious Deluxe Room before exploring the stunning grounds. We unwound in the pool and spa in late afternoon before dining in the Tempus Restaurant and Bar. After a blissful night’s sleep, we enjoyed a tasty and plentiful breakfast. The service and staff at the hotel were exceptional, which was a real standout. If you’re looking a short break or find yourself visiting one of the many local attractions, De Vere Cranage Estate is a great place to stay.

WHAT’S ON With Christmas fast approaching, there is a selection of events throughout December. From Christmas Party nights for celebrating the festivities, to Sunday Lunch with Father Christmas, where families can enjoy 3 courses, live music and a visit to Santa’s Grotto. devere.co.uk/cranage-estate 71

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year and experience the magic of Christmas at the Marian Resort & Spa. A unique and captivating resort in North Wales, home to stunning hot tub lodges and boutique hotel rooms, alongside unforgettable spa and leisure experiences with a choice of luxurious bars and restaurants.

Marian Resort & Spa, Dyserth, Prestatyn LL18 6DX

01745 703330

Festive Gatherings...

Let us take away the stress of the holiday season as we promise to create magical memories, from festive gatherings to Christmas Day and New Years celebrations, we have the festive season all wrapped up...

Whether you are looking to spend some relaxing and quality time with your loved ones, looking for a festive escape or celebrating with friends or colleagues.

Christmas Party Nights Dine with Santa Christmas Day Lunch Boxing Day New Year’s Eve Gala

marianresortandspa.com

Find out more here!

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INSIDE

I st sta a nbu nbull LAURA GARNER’S ’S GO-TO GUIDE TO TÜRKIYE’S ENCHANTING CIT Y

I

stanbul has been home to civilisation since the dawn of history, with its characteristics of being the intersection centre of continents, seas, land and airways. So when an invitation to visit this cultural epicentre arrived from Turkish Airlines we just knew it was one we couldn’t turn down.

Stretching two continents, this magnificent city is packed to the rafters with sights, sounds, smells and tastes - a true stimulation for the senses. Istanbul, with a population of over 15 million people, is as diverse as it is intriguing, steeped in history and full of excitement and wonder - the perfect destination for a city break.

How to travel Turkish Airlines is the only way to travel to Istanbul.

It not only flies to more countries than any other carrier but operates four daily services from Manchester to Istanbul. We arrived in elegant style aboard the A321neo in Business Class and were served a delicious restaurant-standard three-course meal with champagne and enjoyed in-flight entertainment, reclining extra-wide seats, attentive service and the peace of a separate cabin.

Business Class gives you access to 32kg of luggage and two carry-on bags, as well as lounges at both Manchester and the incredible dedicated lounge in Istanbul.

This was a mini-holiday in itself, with various freshly prepared food stations, 76

a flight simulator and fridges packed with fresh juices, beers, wines and champagne. Going home is usually the worst part of a trip, but we were lucky to return in the echelons of luxury on the Turkish Airlines’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner which featured high-tech, lie-flat seats. The perfect way to round off the trip.

Where to stay Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus was the luxurious location to accommodate us for our visit - melding traditional Turkish style with modern design, the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus hotel rises above Istanbul with panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait. At the very centre of the city, yet far away from the hustle and bustle, Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus’ rooms and suites allow for the highest standard of relaxation, complete with personalised comfort and services. Their circular bar in the Monet Lounge is the perfect place for a pre-dinner aperitif and the Summit Bar & Terrace located on the 14th floor proved the perfect place for a nightcap and the best way to admire the spectacular view of the Istanbul skyline after dark.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

What to do We toured the city with a private guide from Turkish Airlines’ tour operator, Touristanbul who offer a complimentary tour service to Turkish Airlines passengers with international transfer flights over six hours. Our guide showed us the Old City featuring landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the magnificent Topkai Palace. Istanbul is surrounded by water so it was only fitting for us to hop onboard a private yacht for a tour along the Bosphorus sipping the famous Turkish coffee and admiring the waterfront mansions and mosques. For those in need of Instagramable moments, the views from the Galata Tower are not to be missed and it’s worth visiting the relatively newly established Istanbul Modern Museum, featuring avante-garde Turkish artists and a mirror pool on the rooftop which gives panoramic scope to the diversity of the landscape, architecture and size of Istanbul - and some.

Where to eat As a city which sits in both Europe and Asia, plus being the birthplace of the Spice Road and indeed the spice trade, it’s one of the best places in the world to be a foodie! With around 15 restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide traditional Turkish fare sits high on the agenda of most eateries, however, you could eat any cuisine you like in this cosmopolitan hub. We were lucky to get a table at the legendary Pandeli Restaurant - a favourite of the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and Audrey Hepburn, the blue-tiled interior, relaxed service and outstanding traditionally prepared food felt like a step into a secret parlour only few are lucky enough to be invited to. Epic scenes ensued for our dinner at Feriye Restaurant which sits

beside the epic Bosphorus Bridge and the enchanting Ortaköy Mosque - when lit up is truly all the dessert you need. Down at the Galataport you will find a plethora of chic new coffee shops (try Juststandart), cafes, bars and restaurants. Look out for Karakoy Lokantasi for lunchtime dining and don’t miss Karakoy Gulloglu for arguably the best baklava on the planet. We spotted Gina for quayside drinks, Skull & Bones for cocktails and Ops Cafe and Nox Karakoy for people-watching and relaxed brunch vibes.

Where to shop If Paris is the city of love, then Istanbul is the city of shopping! A must-visit is of course the iconic Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar and in fact, any Bazaar you may come across. These cavernous wonders are places where you can get lost in the atmosphere and passageways which seem to never end - but the perfect places to pick up famous Turkish tiles and plate ware, Turkish delights and of course the infamous Turkish ‘goods’. Galataport is a much more refined affair featuring stylish boutiques, European designers and independents and a great stop for those who love luxury labels.

Istanbul is as captivating as any European city and as fascinating as any in Asia. While it’s perfect for a three-day getaway, you could easily spend weeks exploring and still not experience it all. What you will encounter in abundance, however, are friendly, welcoming locals, a rich cultural tapestry, unforgettable cuisine, and a unique Turkish charm that begins the moment you board a Turkish Airlines flight. A must visit for anyone in search of something new. turkishairlines.com 77

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Drive Fa m ily Fam Favou avourr ite

For almost a decade, the Volvo XC90 has been one of Britain’s favourite family SUVs, carting passengers from pillar to post in luxury, style and comfort. But now the seven-seat 4x4 has been revamped, gaining incremental improvements to its petrol and hybrid powertrains, as well as some fresh technology and a smart new look. There’s a massive new touchscreen in the cabin, while a better hybrid system means the plug-in hybrid cars can cover 43 miles on electricity alone, before the 2.0-litre petrol engine kicks in to help out.

And, of course, there’s the streamlined new bodywork that emphasises the car’s stylish, Scandinavian design. volvocars.com

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DRIVE OLD DOG, NEW TRICKS

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

Seemingly not content with just selling the new Defender, Land Rover will now sell you a fully restored and upgraded example of the old Defender, complete with a raucous V8 engine.

T

he word ‘icon’ is dreadfully over-used, but in the case of the Land Rover Defender, we’ll allow it. Here is a car that became a symbol of rural Britain, the four-wheeled sweetheart of soldiers, farmers and landowners, as well as being a common sight on village greens up and down the country. But about 10 years ago, the Defender story was cut short, and the agricultural, boxy and uncomfortable workhorses were put out to grass with the arrival of the new, more luxurious Defender models.

But Land Rover clearly knows the value of the old Defender, and the company’s Classic division, which works to bring customers’ old vehicles back to their former glory, has turned its attention to the venerable Defender. So here is the new old Defender, powered by a thunderous

V8 petrol engine and built precisely to customers’ preferences.

Every car starts out as an existing Defender built between 2012 and 2016, before being stripped down and “remastered” by Land Rover’s experts, with a focus on “longevity, strength and enduring quality.” Under the bonnet, a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine is installed, producing around 400bhp, and it’s paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. In the cabin, meanwhile, customers can choose their upholstery, seats and specifications, so the car is built exactly the way they want it. There’s even a choice of three-door ‘90’ and five-door ‘110’ body styles.

Land Rover Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke, from £190,000 plus tax, landrover.com/classic 80

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

JOIN THE Q

loves

Audi is on a roll with its electric cars, but the company has been careful not to alienate those customers who still want a classy, conventionally powered SUV or saloon. Hence the continuation of the Q5 range, which has just been revamped with more efficient engines and a more modern look. Clever new headlights, a more high-tech interior and eco-friendly hybrid technology form the main talking points, but the car is expected to continue offering quality, solidity and space that made its predecessor such a hit with customers. Certainly, Audi has confirmed the continuation of the sporty SQ5 model, with its powerful 3.0-litre, turbocharged V6 petrol engine.

Audi Q5 , £TBC, audi.co.uk

PLA I N SA I LI NG Bentley may be based in Cheshire, but its cars – and particularly its Bentayga EWB long-wheelbase SUV – feel incredibly at home by a marina in the south of France.

So a yachting-inspired Bentayga is something of a match made in heaven. It’s called the Azure Riviera Collection, and it’s designed to offer the “sophistication and serenity” of modern yachting. Hence the Aegean Blue accents, the Linen leather upholstery and the Pale Pinstripe wood trim, intended to look like a yacht’s teak decking. Knot logos in the headrests hammer the point home, while the Airline Seat Specification in the rear ensures the car is as comfortable as lying on a superyacht’s sun deck.

Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection, £POA, bentleymotors.com

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

SHE’S

ELETRE

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

The new Lotus Eletre is nothing like the Lotuses of yesteryear, writes James Fossdyke, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be great in its own way

s Manchester United will testify, reinvention is difficult, but not impossible. Businesses can pivot, people can change, and situations develop. It isn’t always easy, but it’s possible. And that’s the position in which Lotus, the Norfolk-based purveyor of lightweight sports cars, currently finds itself. Here is a company that has spent years building cool sports cars for James Bond and various other discerning customers, now thrust into a modern world where low-slung two seaters don’t make money, but massive electric SUVs do.

So, in a bid to bolster the cashflow a little, Lotus has changed tack and brought out a massive electric SUV called the Eletre. Of course, when I say massive, I don’t just mean massive by Lotus’ standards; this is a very large car. It’s longer than a Mercedes-Benz E-Class and it’s as wide as a Range Rover, so it doesn’t cope especially well with small parking spaces. Nor does it cope brilliantly with beauty pageants – although I’d be surprised if it’s ever entered into one. The design is striking, and some might even call the rear end ‘cool’ but it isn’t pretty or beautiful. That said, aside from the Elise, the new Emira, and the first-generation Elan, Lotus has never really built a pretty road car, so maybe that at least is quite on-brand.

But the Eletre is proof that beauty can be hidden inside, and while the exterior may not set many hearts racing, the interior is fabulous. It’s thoroughly modern, with the big touchscreen in the middle and the digital instrument display behind the finely sculpted steering wheel, while the seats merge sporty and futuristic designs to great effect. And little touches, such as the way in which the cupholder ‘sinks’ into the centre console and the movement of the surprisingly ergonomic buttons on the steering wheel, give it a real air of quality that old-school Lotus owners may not necessarily have associated with the brand.

It’s a comfortable place to sit, and crucially, it feels way more special than most other electric SUVs inside. That’s partly down to the materials, as well as the way in which they have been stitched together, but it’s also down to the technology.

The touchscreen works really well, the instrument display is crystal clear and there’s a reversing

A

camera to help you back into the aforementioned tight parking spaces. It’s all much more 21st Century than you might expect from what is, essentially, a small British car maker, albeit one backed up by the might of Chinese giant Geely, which also owns a stake in Volvo.

And then there’s the driving position, which is fabulous. Yes, you sit high above the road, as you might expect from a car that sits high above the road, but the position of your feet relative to your hands is ideal, betraying the car’s sporting roots. And the highly adjustable seat is very comfortable, yet it holds you in place securely, thanks in no small part to a clever electrical system that adjusts the seat bolsters when you select a sportier driving mode.

That comfort is backed up by a sense of space in the cabin, which is largely down to the fact the Eletre is just so large. But that means rear cabin space is very generous indeed, with loads of space for even tall passengers to sit up without worrying about headroom, while still having enough space to stretch their legs out a bit. It’s definitely more business jet than EasyJet. And you won’t have budget airline-style limits on luggage, either, thanks to a rather generously proportioned boot you’ll struggle to fill, even if you take Hoopers’ entire luggage section away with you.

So far, then, it all sounds quite appealing, but it isn’t exactly Lotus’ bread and butter. And nor is the powertrain. Lotus has generally used gasguzzling petrol engines to catapult its sports cars towards the horizon at some outrageous rate, but the Eletre demanded a more modern approach, using a combination of an enormous battery and some very powerful electric motors.

And when we say the battery is enormous, we mean it. At 112kWh, it’s almost three times the size of a Nissan Leaf’s battery, and that means it can deliver a huge amount of power to the electric motors that drive all four of the Eletre’s snazzy alloy wheels. In total, the system in the S model we tested transmits 603bhp to the road, and despite the fact the Eletre weighs enough to have its own gravitational pull, it’s enough to get from 0-62mph in four-and-a-half seconds, which makes it very fast indeed. And because there’s no conventional

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Lotus Eletre S Price: From £104,500 0-62mph: 4.5 seconds Engine: Two electric motors Top speed: 160mph Range: 373 miles Power: 603bhp

gearbox to sort itself out and there’s absolutely no lag in an electric motor, the acceleration is instantaneous. So while the acceleration from a standing start is quick, the acceleration on the move – for overtaking and stuff like that – is little short of ballistic. It’s rapid. And if you get the R version, with about 900bhp, it’s even quicker, getting from 0-62mph in less than three seconds.

But if you use that performance, you won’t be able to enjoy the Eletre’s other party piece, which is the amount of range you can get from that huge battery. Sure, the car is big and heavy, but it’ll still manage the best part of 400 miles on a single charge, according to the official efficiency test mandated by law. In the real world, you’re probably looking at 300-ish if you drive economically, and that’s a very useful range indeed. Especially when it can make use of chargers with up to 350kW of power. At that speed, you can add 250 miles of official range to the battery status in just 20 minutes.

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Yet the real draw of the Eletre is the way it drives. Anyone with an Exige in the garage should look away now, because this will all sound like heresy, but for everyone else, the Eletre is a really enjoyable car to drive. It feels heavy – of course it does – but the steering is light, sharp and precise, and the car is surprisingly agile for something of this size. It’s also very stable, without too much in the way of lean when you go through a corner, and plenty of grip from the massive tyres.

Admittedly, it probably won’t be the Lotus of choice for track days, but if you want to hustle along a country lane, the Eletre is very good. And very comfortable. A few potholes make their presence felt at lower speeds, but it’s great on the motorway.

The fact that the Eletre isn’t especially Lotus-ish, then, is a bit irrelevant. Those who just want a sports car will have no interest in this two-and-a-half-tonne leviathan, but those who want a luxury SUV with eco-friendly power and appealing road manners will love it.

Admittedly, the cadre of potential customers may not be huge, because many will overlook the Eletre in favour of an Audi or a BMW, but they will be making a mistake: the Eletre is not perfect, but it is very good at what it does, and best of all, it feels a bit special.

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Home T HE WOND ONDER R OF F IT ALL LL

Sparkly decorations shimmering in the light, armfuls of greenery spilling from mantelpieces, warming scents conjuring festive memories. The most magical time of the year is almost here and The White Company’s Christmas Collection has everything you need for the festive season. thewhitecompany.com

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DIPTYQUE’S HOME OFFICE ACCESSORIES Combining stationery essentials, graphic accessories and items crafted in porcelain, this first collection of office accessories and everyday objects offers the ideal gift for those working from home. diptyqueparis.com

Home Gifts ROBERTS REVIVAL PETITE 2 DAB BT A perfect blend of Fifties style and cutting-edge audio technology, the Petite 2 is a small, stylish, and superb-sounding gift for the home. £99, selfridges.com

SIPP OF STOKE Perfect for a cheeky mulled wine over the festive period is the brand new collection of UK made fine bone china mugs from Sipp of Stoke.

Choose from Classic Fern, Wild Fern or Midnight Fern collection, all handmade and produced at the esteemed Duchess China factory, a renowned name in British pottery. £29.99, sippofstoke.com

LA PAVONI DIAMANTINA Ideal for home baristas with a penchant for flair, Diamantina is a semi-professional espresso machine like no other. A true industrial design icon for the ages. £4,999.95, shop.smeguk.com 88

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Home

AD D ISON ROSS FO R B LAC K C HI N OI SERI E Iconic luxury interior brand, Addison Ross has joined forces with multi-award-winning interior designer, Martyn Bullard to create the chicest range of homeware.

The limited-edition collection is the sixth colour of the famous Addison RossChinoiserie design and is perfect for party season. addisonross.com

GOLDMUND ASTERIA The perfect present for someone looking deeply immersive listening experience. Asteria aims to redefine what’s possible for wireless active speakers combining unparalleled audio quality with distinctive yet elegant styling and the ability to adjust to your room’s unique acoustics. £79,000 per pair, goldmund.com

LOEWE ICONIC TV The Loewe iconic TV is the ultimate luxury Christmas gift, combining advanced technology with timeless elegance. Handcrafted from Syno-Stone and customisable in various finishes, it’s a bespoke statement piece that enhances home décor while delivering an immersive viewing experience.

From £8,500, loewe.tv

FOCAL BATHYS HEADPHONES Bathys are a clear-cut and extraordinary Christmas gift choice.

Exceptional sound is enhanced by incredible noise-cancelling capabilities, alongside support for voice assistants, an adjustable EQ, fast charging, and a 30-hour battery life for long-haul travel. £699, johnlewis.com

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Visit the award-winning Bents Garden & Home and be inspired by our stunning Christmas displays, enjoy delicious festive food, fantastic seasonal events and discover why ‘Nobody does Christmas like Bents’.

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Visit bents.co.uk Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury, Cheshire, WA3 5NT

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Home

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Hol oliida day yH Ho ostin stingg An essentials list of festive décor, ample seating, tableware, and a well-stocked bar cart - perfect for the festive period ensuring guests feel welcome

#1 - Garden Trading Hammered Tray, £35 #2 - Sofology, Flex 3 Seater Chaise in Chenille Navy, £1,499 #3 - Sofa.com Quinn Armchair from £950 #4 - Sharps, Shaker Media Unit in Slate, from £1,500 #5 - Pooky, Shelby Table Lamp, Primrose Rechargeable in Red £56 £56;; Large Cinders Mirror in Ruby Red £265 £265;; 16cm Empire Lampshade in Pink Block Printed Cotton Cotton,, £33 #6 - H&M Home, 2-pack Clear Wine Glasses, £12.99 #7 - H&M Home, 2-pack Glass Tumblers, £9.99 #8 - Arteriors Trainor Bar Cart, £2,986

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Escape to Tranquillity: Unwind with an Autumn & Winter Retreat Lyons Holiday Parks is the nations most loved family holiday parks, with 20 unique holiday parks across Wales and Cumbria, delivering precious family memories for 100 years.

As the days grow shorter and the air crisp, there’s no better time to slip away for a cozy short break. Nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, our parks offers the perfect autumn and winter escape. Choose from an array of charming accommodations that cater to every desire – from modern caravans and luxurious lodges with hot tubs to rustic holiday cottages and a serene country hotel.

Enjoy the finest of countryside walks and invigorating seaside paths, reconnect with nature and relax in comfort, and experience the charm of an autumn or winter retreat.

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

Homes and Interiors

I NTERNAL S TEEL S CREENS: THE P ERFECT B LEND OF S TYLE AND F UNCTIONALITY Crittall Windows on how steel windows, doors and internal screens are taking the design world by storm

I

n the ever-evolving world of interior design, homeowners

popular among homeowners, nowadays the screens aren’t limited

across the UK are constantly looking for ways to create spaces

to industrial-style interiors.

that are both stylish and practical. One trend in particular that has taken the design world by storm is the use of steel

windows, doors and internal screens. As a company renowned

“Over the years we have developed our steel products so that customers have more choice,” comments Russell.

“We now have a range of customisation options which means our

for manufacturing high-quality steel systems, Crittall Windows is

internal steel screens can complement any interior décor, including

at the forefront of this growing trend that is filling homes up and

everything from the more traditional to contemporary.

down the country.

The main appeal of steel screens is their ability to effortlessly

“Our Innervision® internal screens, for example, feature incredibly slim sightlines and are available in any RAL, British

transform open plan living spaces into more distinct areas without

Standard or bespoke shade colours so they can be tailored to meet

compromising on two of the most highly desired elements of

your exact specifications.”

interior design – natural light and spaciousness.

Russell Ager, MD at Crittall Windows, said: “While open-plan layouts have been incredibly popular over recent years, we’ve

The flexibility in the final finish also extends to the configuration of the screens, ensuring there’s a solution that perfectly fits any space constraints.

seen a slight shift as many homeowners are now looking for ways to create more defined spaces within their homes.

PERFORMANCE MATTERS

“At Crittall Windows, we have a range of internal screens which

Although the overall aesthetic is important, the performance of

allow you to divide rooms and maintain an airy, connected feel.”

the internal screens shouldn’t be forgotten as Russell explains.

INTERNAL SCREEN BENEFITS

screen that has been designed with performance in mind. As a key

One of the key benefits of installing internal screens is their ability

feature within your home, you need to feel confident the internal

to reduce internal noise without closing off the space entirely.

screen is durable, has a long lifespan and requires minimal

“It’s not just about looks, it’s essential you invest in an internal

“Whether homeowners are looking to design a quiet reading nook or a peaceful home office, these screens act as a barrier,

maintenance over the years.”

Ultimately, whether you’re renovating a period property, putting

helping to minimise the amount of noise being transferred from

the finishing touches on a new build or looking to update your

room to room,” adds Russell.

existing home, internal screens are a timeless design solution. Their

Another fantastic advantage of internal screens is their ability

versatility offers the perfect balance between open plan living and

to provide an extra layer of privacy, creating cosy corners or

defined spaces, allowing homeowners

intimate dining areas within larger rooms.

to enjoy the best of both worlds.

If you’re looking to redefine your existing living space, explore Crittall Windows’ internal screens today, visit: crittall-windows.co.uk

BESPOKE DESIGNS AND STYLES The sleek and minimalist frames of steel internal screens are synonymous with those first introduced in the UK by Crittall Windows in 1849. Although the black steel remains incredibly

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Hot Property

THE MANOR, CROSSLEY PARK, NEW PALE ROAD, FRODSHAM AN EXCEPTIONAL HOUSE WITH SECONDARY ACCOMMODATION AND BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPED WALLED GARDENS ON AN EXCLUSIVE GATED DEVELOPMENT IN THE HEART OF CHESHIRE

GUIDE PRICE: £1,880,000

C

rossley Park is a private and secure gated development of nine individual houses of exceptional quality and architectural design, built by the award-winning company Bell Meadow in 1999. It was the vision of the developer to create individual houses using the finest materials and exceptional design to recreate the elegance of the period style and craftsmanship of the past with the advantages of modern construction.

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The houses are set in 16 acres of private communal landscaped lawn areas including a tennis court with stunning views over the surrounding countryside with adjoining protected woodland, all owned by the properties. It is approached from a country lane via an impressive gated entrance.

The Manor is an elegant property

situated in arguably the finest position on the development backing onto woodland with magnificent far-reaching views across the Cheshire Plain and the Welsh hills beyond. The current owners have maintained the property to an exceptional standard with significant investment since they purchased the property. Features include sash window double glazing,

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Home

exquisite flooring, re-landscaping of front and rear walled gardens, new plumbing, heating and bathrooms throughout the property, water-filtration/softening system installed that services the entire property, upgraded Aga, a new kitchen including new flooring and new appliances.

The house has traditional high ceilings, deep decorative moulded cornice, fireplaces to ground and first floors.

The covered front door opens into an impressive reception hall with limestone tiled flooring and elegant hand carved oak staircase rises up to the first floor. The reception hall provides a superb entrance space and access via panelled double doors to all the principal reception rooms which have solid oak flooring. The well-proportioned drawing room has an attractive marble fireplace, doors to the study and dining room. The study is provided with fitted units.

The light and airy dining room has French doors to the garden and an attractive marble fireplace. The morning room leading to the kitchen has French doors to the garden and a minster style fireplace. Adjacent to the morning room is a well sized

cloakroom. The kitchen and utility rooms have contemporary storage units, worktops, fixtures and fittings, and 4 oven gas Aga. The galleried landing provides access via panelled doors to master and guest bedrooms, linen room and the staircase rising to the second floor. The superb principal bedroom has a stunning en suite bathroom with a huge walk in shower, dressing room and attractive fireplace. The light and airy guest bedroom has an excellent en suite bathroom, concealed dressing room and attractive marble fireplace. The bedroom suites both provide magnificent far-reaching views.

The first-floor hall provides a privacy door and staircase rises up to the second-floor landing and access to three double bedrooms and a family bathroom and loft space.

The garage block consists of a triple garage, automated doors, gardeners wc and an entrance leading to stunning self-contain flat above.

The flat offers outstanding secondary accommodation with a newly fitted kitchen with Miele appliances, a bedroom, bathroom and sitting room.

The Manor is approached through automated wrought iron gates with extensive park and turning area in front of the garage block. Stone and block paving leads to imposing front door, garage block, secret garden and side gate to rear garden.

Wrought iron gates to the side of the drive provide access to the secret garden with central paving and greenhouse, ideal for entertaining or a peaceful sun-downer.

At the rear of the house are beautiful walled gardens divided along formal lines by stone paths into rectangular lawns with well stocked herbaceous borders, patio areas and terracing. At the rear of the garden is a wrought iron private gated pathway leading down to the parkland green area. search.savills.com

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Home | Homes and Interiors The CHESHIRE Magazine

And Finally ...

We love the new Limited Edition Masterpiece 8X8 from Steinway & Sons which pays tribute to the beauty of the earth and its treasures. A Steinway is made of 80% wood and conscientiously crafted, yet much of its craft is traditionally hidden beneath the elegantly polished black surface. Perfect for the family to gather around this Christmas, these instruments are a feast for the eyes while remaining sonic masterpieces. eu.steinway.com

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