The Cheshire Magazine - March/April 22

MARCH/APRIL 2022 s ISSUE 093

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE RUGBY James Haskell takes his podcast on tour

Life In The Fast Lane Formula One’s Christian Horner

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MARCH/APRIL 2022 s ISSUE 093 s

Managing Director Kathryn Otto Editor Craig Hough Editorial Team Kevin Evans Toby Taylor Isla Wilson Contributers James Fossdyke Clare Stobart Martine Alexander James Dutfield Phil Aird-Mash Jeremy Taylor Michael Gates Design & Production Kate Woods Picture Editor Kat Hannon Brand Ambassador Keely Barrett Charity and Event’s Coordinator Rachel O’Hare

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A Note From...

A

fter an inspirational Winter Olympic Games, Team Cheshire goes for gold this issue as we focus on the world of sport. We start with Team GB’s Freya Anderson MBE (p.10), who discusses her life in Cheshire and what it takes to be an Olympic gold medallist.

We then put the pedal to the metal and talk to Formula 1’s Christian Horner (p.22) before picking up the ball and running into James Haskell as he discusses taking his popular podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby on tour (p.29).

Our resident fashion columnist, Martine Alexander returns to our Style pages to offer advice to those going to Ascot (p.35) and in Health, Beauty and Wellness our skincare expert offers top tips for gym-goers (p.45). This month in Travel, our health and fitness expert, Clare Stobart visits the world-renowned Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic to experience an intermittent fasting stay (p.67) and Michael Gates takes to the slopes to enjoy a luxury stay at Hotel Sassongher in Dolomites (p.71).

To celebrate Easter’s arrival on 15th April we have put together some great experiences for the family to enjoy (p.18) and offer alternative gifts (to chocolate eggs) for little ones in our Family section (p.48).

Also this issue, from shopping to socialising, we have you covered for the perfect day in Chester (p.56). We meet Lerpwl’s Ellis Robert Barrie in our Food and Drink section (p.55) and Reece Haswell from Falcon Detailing in Drive (p.76). In Home we suggest how to start an antique collection (p.86), look at new chill-out spaces for your garden (p.90) and finish off with Mary ‘Queen of Prints’ Katrantzou’s new collaboration with The Rug Company. (p.98).

On your marks, get set, go…and enjoy this sport-filled issue.

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Where to find us...

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Contents

A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITES

22

A LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

29

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE RUGBY

56

48

FAMILY

HOP INTO EASTER

Alternative gifts for little ones

FOOD & DRINK

Formula 1’s Christian Horner

55

James Haskell swaps a rugby ball for a live mic

MEET THE CHEF

Lerpwl’s Ellis Robert Barrie

TRAVEL

67

THE PERFECT DAY IN CHESTER From shopping to socialising, we have you covered

STYLE

33

THE MULBERRY SOFTIE

36

YVES SALOMON

DETOX & RECHARGE At the world-renowned Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic

The new collection of quilted bags from Mulberry

The Spring/Summer 2022 Collection

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS

REGULARS

10

MY LIFE IN...

18

CHESHIRE LOVES

35

FASHION FORWARD

Freya Anderson MBE from Team GB on her life in Cheshire

We take a look at Easter experiences for you to enjoy

Martine Alexander helps you get Ascot ready

43

PAUSE & UNWIND

45

ASK THE EXPERT

At the award-winning eForea Spa and Health Club

Skincare tips for gym goers

DRIVE

76 80

5 MINUTES WITH… Reece Haswell from Falcon Detailing

AUDI DO THAT? A spotlight on Audi’s flagship saloon

HOME

86

STARTING AN ANTIQUES COLLECTION

Renowned antique dealer Holly Johnson shares advice

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

My life ...

FREYA ANDERSON MBE , TEAM GB

How would you describe yourself ?

Resilient and determined. And I try to be happy and bubbly – most of the time!

Where is home? And work?

Home is on the Wirral, in Upton. I currently live and train in Bath but I like to get home to see family and friends as much as possible.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I actually always wanted to be a vet when I was younger but as my swimming progressed and became more than a hobby, it took over my studies!

How did your time at Ellesmere College help nurture your future success?

It allowed me to combine my swimming and studies in the same place and the support from my coaches and all the teachers was amazing. I feel very lucky to have been able to study there.

You have previously commented that swimming helped to build your confidence when you were younger– what was it about competing in the sport that helped give you that boost?

Swimming just helped me become confident in myself and my own skin, I learnt that I am quite strongwilled which is a great confidence boost. You find yourself out of your comfort zone all the time when you’re a swimmer, whether that’s training,

“Swimming just helped me become confident in myself and my own skin, I learnt that I am quite strong-willed which is a great confidence boost” competing on a world stage or speaking to the media, and that has been good for me as I’ve got older. I am definitely a lot more confident now.

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

I love going on city holidays. My favourite has to be Paris. When I’m home I just love to enjoy family dog walks along the Wirral way walk.

Who is your sporting idol?

When I was younger my idol was Rebecca Adlington. Her two gold medals in Beijing were just incredible and she has done so much to raise the profile of the sport and encourage more people to take it up.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

My friend and I baked a cake for my friend’s 21st which I was very proud of. I also gifted her some dried flowers which I love (they last for ages) and a fluffy jumper from SKIMS. Tell us a secret/fun fact?

A secret fact is that I used to have a Hunger Games fan page on Instagram when I was about 12!

10

Who or what would you place in Room 101?

Loud breathers or chewers - sounds mean but it’s a pet hate.

What would your mastermind subject be?

Hunger Games.

What’s been your biggest life lesson?

I think at the Olympics last year; to realise I’m more than just swimming. I’m a daughter, sister, friend, etc. And it took me a while to realise how important that is.

How would you describe the dedication it takes to become an Olympic Gold Medalist?

Gruelling I would say. It takes blood, sweat and a lot of tears (from me!).

How has life changed for you since winning last year?

It’s still been pretty normal. I just want to train even harder now.

What was your reaction when you found out you would be receiving your MBE this year?

I thought it was fake! My entire family was so made up. I was away when I got the letter as it was sent to my family home. My dad opened it for me and when he called to tell me, I thought it was a joke. It’s a real honour.

Do you find younger generations look up to you now and what advice would you give to the students of Ellesmere College looking to achieve their own aspirations?

Yes, I hope I can be a good role model. My advice would be to make sure you’re enjoying it, sometimes it can be hard to check yourself and it can turn into a chore when you’re not enjoying yourself so just make sure you are having fun.

Instagram: insta freyaanderson_ Twitter: freyaandersonn

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

NOTEBOOK WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

Din iniing with Dist istiincti tio on

Join the East Lancashire Railway

for afternoons and evenings of effortless elegance, style, sophistication and superb first-class service in 2022. The heritage railway is set to welcome train enthusiasts, foodies and novelty seekers onboard, for a selection of exciting evenings - from sophisticated four-course dinners, to gin and wine tasting and murder mystery nights! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

15

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

4 - 6 MAY

Boodles May Festival Chester Racecourse

What’s O n ?

The famous and much-loved Boodles May Festival at Chester Racecourse returns with full capacity crowds for the first time in three years.

It promises to be celebration time at the Roodee with around 50,000 people expected to attend across the three day meeting. www.chester-races.com

29 MAR - 23 APR

Les Misérables The Lowry, Salford

9 MAR & 9 APR

Club Concorde Runway Visitor Park - Concorde Hangar This spring Club Concorde will see the first-ever disco and house party in a hangar at Manchester Airport, with heavyweight headliners Crazy P and Dan Shake. The brand new, exclusive event is taking alternative venues to new heights – with the whole party taking place under a Concorde plane.

Featuring a line-up of some of the world’s best known electronic DJs, get ready for a smooth take- off as they lay down everything from sparky acid, Brazilian samba, itchy funk and the grooviest of house. www.feverup.com 16

Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical has taken the world by storm and has been hailed “Les Mis for the 21st Century”. With scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, the magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs; I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, One Day More, Master Of The House and many more. Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals. www.thelowry.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

16 JUN

Ascot Ladies Day Hawkstone Hall

5 - 9 APR

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World The Lowry, Salford

A date for your summer diaries! Enjoy race day celebrations in the delightful surroundings of Hawkstone Hall & Gardens. A Pimms reception on arrival, a delicious three-course lunch, afternoon tea cakes and scones await. Place your bets with the on-site bookmaker as you watch all of the races live. www.hawkstonehall.co.uk

The world premiere of a brand new kickasspirational pop musical bursts to life on stage.

Join inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek behind the scenes at the not yet open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum. Along her journey, she is surprised to meet the original and incredible wonder women: Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie, Emmeline Pankhurst to name just a few.

From explorers to artists, scientists to secret agents, hear the stories of some of history’s strongest mothers, sisters and daughters; all independent icons who really did change the world. www.thelowry.com

15 APR

Dua Lipa: Future Nostalgia Tour AO Arena, Manchester Global pop superstar Dua Lipa will bring her highly anticipated Future Nostalgia Tour to Manchester, in support of the Grammy-winning album of the same name. Expect a party atmosphere and live performances of smash hits including; Don’t Start Now, Physical and Break My Heart. www.ao-arena.com

VARIOUS DATES

Lakeside Afternoon Tea Heaton Park, Manchester With stunning views of the lake and park surroundings, afternoon tea in the lakeside dining domes is the ultimate treat. The private, heated, dining dome’s menu features several afternoon tea choices, including a vegan afternoon tea, all carefully curated by Heaton Park Cafés to offer the perfect balance of quintessential classics, and some imaginative variations of all-time favourites. www.heatonparkcafes.com

23 APR - 21 MAY

Woodland Walks With Bluebells Combermere Abbey The annual Woodland Walks are a very special time at Combermere Abbey, one of the few periods throughout the year where this private estate opens its grounds for a stroll. The walk is very dog friendly – the perfect day out for the whole family. www.combermereabbey.co.uk 17

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

C hes hesh h ire lo l o ves...

Family Easter Experiences

1

This Easter, treat yourself and your loved ones to an egg-cellent experience, from Easter egg hunts in the Cotswolds and Dorset to a relaxed country house retreat or Cheshire staycation, we have something for everyone

Habitat Escapes Easter Egg Hunt

This year Habitat Escapes is welcoming guests to take part in their biggest ever Easter egg hunt across both Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds and Silverlake in Dorset. The hunt will lead families to all corners of the sprawling nature reserves, hunting for over 100 wooden eggs hidden between forests, heathland, and even out on the lakes. With no time restriction, families can jump on a bike to explore the surroundings or hit the lakes for paddle boarding and canoeing, all as they hunt around for the eggs – the perfect activity to spend time together and breathe in fresh country air. Prizes are also available for those who manage to find over 10 eggs during their stay. www.habitatescapes.com

2

Palé Hall’s Easter Package

If you’re searching for the ultimate Easter retreat, Palé Hall is offering families the perfect package. Currently celebrating 150 years, the independently-owned luxury country house on the edge of Snowdonia, boasts a woodland garden rolling down to the banks of the River Dee, with Snowdonia National Park on its doorstep.

This Easter the five star venue is offering a treat for families with a package that includes a full Welsh breakfast, traditional afternoon tea and an Easter egg hunt, hosted by the Palé Easter bunny, with special additions for the little ones. www.palehall.co.uk

18

3

Easter Activity at Cotton’s Hotel

For those looking for a family staycation, Cottons Hotel and Spa in Knutsford boasts fantastic family-friendly amenities.

Always aiming to go above and beyond for their little guests, children will find a fun-filled welcome pack when they arrive.

During their stay, each child gets their very own fluffy ‘VI Little P’ bathrobe, personalised cookie, fresh milk and tempting snacks. In the award-winning restaurant, young diners will find a delicious menu filled with all their favourite dishes. The hotel also has a pre-bookable cinema club - complete with beanbags and popcorn, of course. For an action-packed day, Cottons has a large indoor swimming pool, with children’s ‘splash times’. There will also be a variety of fun-filled Easter activities in and around the area to keep them entertained throughout the weekend. www.cottonshotel.co.uk

TWO WORLD PREMIERE MUSICALS COMING TO THE LOWRY

TUE 5 - SAT 9 APRIL The twin-sational new musical based on the novel THE

PARENT TRAP by Erich Kästner

FRI 19 AUGUST - SAT 3 SEPTEMBER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW 0343 208 6000 | thelowry.com

polo series

At Chester Racecourse Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd July

Early Bird Tickets from £5 Hospitality packages from £89 www.chester-races.com/polo

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

Deepb eepbrridge Polo Seriies 2022 Ser Enjoy one of the premier social events in the North West as it returns for 2022

T

he sport of polo dates back to 600 BC, making it one of the oldest team sports ever played.

The first recorded polo tournament was played when the Turkomans won against the Persians in a public match. It was the Persians and the Mogul conquerors of India who first spread the game of Polo across the Eastern world. From there the sport has grown from strength to strength. The first Polo Club was formed in Calcutta and set up by the British tea planters in India.

Recognised as a quintessentially British sport, the first official polo match was played in England and organised by Captain Edward Hartopp of the British Cavalry 10th Hussars. Today polo is played in more than 77 countries and by over 50 million people each year. It has been said that polo is the fastest growing spectator sport in the world.

Chester Polo Club was formed in 2006, since then, tournaments have been played each season at the home of Chester Polo Club, Chester Racecourse. A match day at Chester Polo Club has vastly become a highlight of the Cheshire social scene as enthusiastic crowds folk to enjoy an afternoon of sport and vibrancy with great entertainment, food and drink. Guests are welcomed to the Roodee to mingle with the style set and enjoy an atmosphere like no other during the great British summer.

Fierce competition is always anticipated from the worthiest contenders all fighting for the prestigious silverware and the title awarded in a Champagne-soaked presentation on finals day.

Between chukkas, guests will be invited to tread the divots on the field. It is a tradition at Chester for there to be a hidden silver cork on the pitch, that a guest must find before the next chukka can commence, the lucky individual to find the cork will be congratulated with a prize.

The Deepbridge Polo Series is back for 2022 and you can enjoy one of the premier social events in the North West with one of the following packages.

General Admission: £9 in advance and £12 on the day

Friday 1st July The perfect opportunity to entertain colleagues and enjoy premium corporate hospitality and entertainment.

The hospitality package includes; • Admission badge to Polo Semi Finals • Table in VIP marquee • Outside veranda & bar to watch the games • Laurent-Perrier Champagne Reception • Three course lunch with 1⁄2 bottle wine • Polo programme £144 per person plus VAT

Saturday 2nd July Chester Racecourse will also bring family-focussed activities and bespoke food and drink offerings to a dual event hosted beside the polo pitch.

The hospitality package includes; • Admission badge to Polo Finals Day • Table in VIP marquee • Outside veranda & bar to watch the games • Reception Drink • Two course buffet lunch • Polo programme £89 per person plus VAT www.chester-races.com/polo

21

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

A Life in the

FAST LANE Christian Horner is one of the biggest names in the world’s most glamorous sport

A

sk the team principal of Formula One champions Red Bull Racing what he wishes he’d known a decade ago and the response comes back full throttle. “Only that Lewis Hamilton would still be driving after all these years!”

The 48-year-old is only half-joking. In December, Horner led his team to victory in the most dramatic season in F1 history, with Red Bull driver, Max Verstappen, locked in a bitter battle from start to finish with Lewis Hamilton.

The intense rivalry with Mercedes resulted in collisions, accusations and open warfare in the pit lane. The final final race of the season in Abu Dhabi saw Verstappen handed the trophy after a freak series of events that has caused repercussions throughout the sport and is set to shake-up the way races are run.

“We really pushed hard to win the championship. It was no surprise to me that the season went down to that last race in Abu Dhabi. It was a fantastic climax to an incredibly challenging year,” says Horner.

“It’s been so long since Red Bull won our four consecutive titles between 2010 and 2013.

The intensity of competition was fierce in 2021 but for the first time in seven years we put Mercedes, Hamilton and their team principal, Toto Wolff, under serious pressure.”

22

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

www.therutlandmagazine.co.uk

23

Horner’s stellar Formula One career is matched by the Girl Power success of his pop star wife – Spice Girl singer Geri Halliwell. The couple’s chic Cotswold farmhouse is just outside Banbury and neighbours that of Lord Heseltine.

A sprawling collection of restored barns and outbuildings, the Horner lifestyle includes fast cars, A-lister friends from motorsport and the music industry, plus an ever-expanding menagerie of animals.

Just like any normal household, the kitchen is the hub of activity. When I arrive the couple’s four-year-old son Monty is pedalling a toy tractor at breakneck speed, while Geri’s daughter from a previous relationship, Bluebell Madonna, 15, is outside studiously grooming her mum’s horse, Beauty.

During lockdown, Horner tried horse-riding instead of horsepower. “Geri and the girls love to ride, so I’ve become a bit of a happy hacker. It’s a great way to see the countryside and switch off from the madness of this world.

Geri is much more elegant than me, I’m brute force and determination in the saddle.”

Whatever Geri really, really wants, it’s unlikely Horner will return the favour and allow his wife to try out a racetrack. “Geri is the worst driver – she’s in a total world of her own and thinks everybody else is doing

24

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

“We really pushed hard to win the championship. It was no surprise to me that the season went down to that last race in Abu Dhabi. It was a fantastic climax to an incredibly challenging year” everything wrong. When she concentrates she drives well. The problem is, the amount of time she spends concentrating on driving is minimal compared to everything else going on in Geri’s world.”

Covid also meant the family didn’t go on holiday. “Because I travel to 23 grand prix every year, it was lovely to stay in one place for a while. We bought a big tent and a neighbour barbecued for us. I filled the kids with marshmallows and sugar, so there was no chance of getting them to sleep later.”

Horner’s rise to the top of Formula One almost seemed inevitable from a young age.

His grandfather and father ran a successful car component company together in the Midlands - there were always plenty of interesting motors on the driveway.

When he was 12, Horner’s parents bought him a go-kart to speed around the fields at their home, near Leamington Spa. The grass

proved too wet, so he went to an airfield track with his father. From that moment on Horner was hooked – he wanted to be a proper racing driver.

He put university on hold after winning a Formula Renault scholarship in 1991 and later had a successful career in British Formula Two and Formula 3000, setting up his own team, Arden. However, despite a trial with Lotus, Horner realised he would never be good enough to race in Formula One. His big break came when he joined a fledging Red Bull in 2005 as the youngest team principal of the era, aged 31. “It was a massive moment in my life but also felt like a natural progression. All the principles that served me well building my Formula 3000 team I then applied to Formula One. “At the end of the day, people are your biggest asset – the right technicians, engineers and drivers. I was a big Adrian Newey

25

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

“At the end of the day, people are your biggest asset – the right technicians, engineers and drivers”

26

(Red Bull’s chief technical officer) fan, so when he left McLaren to join us people stood up and took notice. If you are going to shoot for the stars, you need somebody like Adrian.”

Red Bull finished the season strongly in 2009 and then won the Driver’s and Constructors’ championships in 2010 – the first of four back-to-back wins with Sebastien Vettel and Mark Webber in the driving seat.

“2010 was quite a year. Adrian and I both bought an Aston Martin Vantage V12 to celebrate. It was the first real present I had afforded myself.”

Horner’s luxurious home is full of memorabilia. A snooker room in one of the outbuildings is plastered with posters of the Spice Girls and countless motorsport trophies and photos from her husband’s career. In the loo is a Time Out cover of the Spice Girls, plus a framed copy of Your Song by Elton John, played at the couple’s wedding in 2015.

“I don’t mind being in the limelight on a grand prix weekend but not the rest of the time. I’m so proud of what our team achieved in 2021. A lot of drivers would have crumpled under the pressure but Max was brilliant.” * Christian Horner is team principal of Red Bull Racing Formula One

Visit us online www.thecheshiremagazine.co.uk @thecheshiremagazine

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE RUGBY James Haskell swaps a rugby ball for a live mic as he takes his world famous podcast on tour this spring

T

he world’s biggest rugby podcast will tour the UK and Ireland, bringing the banter and chat the podcast is famous for to the stage, with ‘The Bad’ James joined by fellow England hero Mike Tindall (The Rugby) and former Sky Sports rugby presenter Alex Payne (The Good). The live tour is the first ever outing for the hit podcast which, since launching in summer 2020, has grown to become the UK’s top sporting podcast, with more than 3million listeners and 20million-plus viewers online.

How did the podcast originally come about – and why you, Mike and Alex?

I knew Mike from our England days, and we both knew Alex through his work with Sky and we came together to work on JOE Media’s House of Rugby podcast. Our chemistry just worked really well, so we took it from there for the new podcast.

Most memorable moment on the podcast?

All the live shows have been pretty special.

Interacting with the audience while also chatting to our guests is a great thing to do.

We’ve got well over 10million downloads,

29

“Our chemistry just worked really well, so we took it from there for the new podcast.” we have an average listener time of an hour and 20 minutes – which is pretty much unheard of, so we’re clearly getting it right.

What’s your favourite thing about The Good, The Bad & The Rugby – and how will that translate to the live show?

For us, it’s a rugby podcast that doesn’t talk about rugby… It’s about the people and the stories behind the scenes and the worlds we live in. Giving people a look at worlds they wouldn’t have seen before, and we are at the heart of that as people who enjoy what they are doing and sharing the personalities of it all.

The whole idea is that it’s entertainment, stories, details, previously unheard anecdotes and humour. Although it has rugby at the core, it’s not necessarily a podcast for people who love rugby.

30

You launched The Good, The Bad & The Rugby right in the middle of the pandemic.

How did that impact the podcast?

We created The Good, The Bad & The Rugby because we wanted to share something with people. And we went ahead despite all the challenges of lockdowns and Covid-19 as a way of showing that the world would go on. When we started, the overarching feedback was that we were helping detract from the horrible things and sadness going on, and we were helping people’s mental health. We harnessed that and went with it. For us, we do something very different [to most podcasts] as it’s visual.

It’s live, it’s entertainment, it’s so much more than a podcast. When it came to series two, I refused to do any more Zooms, I hated it and wanted to be with people, live. I’m a natural giant show off and performer and that was important for me. We got back into the studio and back to what we wanted to do with The Good, The Bad & The Rugby. We had missed each other. It was great online but it’s really gone up a notch back in person.

Do you miss the rugby life – or does the podcast help fill that void?

I’ll be honest, it’s been really important for

The CHESHIREMagazine Magazine| Regulars | Feature The CHESHIRE

“The whole idea is that it’s entertainment, stories, details, previously unheard anecdotes and humour.” of a theatre – getting close up and face to face with the crowd?

I’m probably the most used to it from the three of us – doing my own tour shows, stand-up, speaking events, DJing, I’ve done a lot of ‘stage’ type work solo since retiring. Whereas, with playing rugby you’re on a team, the crowds are fun and you know you’re not on your own. Actually, a theatre-type audience is where I’m now most happy and comfortable. If I’m invited to a dinner, I hate just being a guest – I find the schmoozing and small talk awkward, and I won’t go if I’m not actually doing something.

Away from the podcast, what keeps you busy? me. I can’t stand still, I’m a workaholic, and the podcast kept me involved with rugby – without damaging myself anymore. I have other things I do; my fifth book came out at the end of 2021 and I did some live shows with that, and my DJing, it’s all going pretty well.

But it’s the podcast that’s changed people’s opinions of me as we’ve shone a light on some important issues within sport – such as men’s mental health, the welfare of players in particular with issues surrounding concussion, and exposing imbalances in the game, as well as the unfair treatment of the Pacific Island nations. We’ve been able to get people to come forward and talk about these things, and that’s been a great impact that we’re really proud of.

What can listeners and fans expect from the live show?

Entertainment, humour, fun, exciting. Stories never heard before. Guests to blow them away.

You’re used to performing on the pitch in front of thousands of people. But how do you feel about the more intimate setting

Lately it’s been writing and then promoting my book Ruck Me, that’s been a big project. I have my own podcast too, as well as The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, music producing and DJing, and supporting the charities I work with.

Who will be the most entertaining / shocking / revealing on the tour?

Me! Actually, it’ll be fun to see how we do all adapt to the live audiences – so who knows how it’ll turn out…

Tickets are on sale now from www.cuffeandtaylor.com

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE RUGBY - LIVE Sun May 1 – LIVERPOOL, Empire Theatre Weds May 4 – CARDIFF, St David’s Hall Fri May 6 – MANCHESTER, Bridgewater Hall

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Our Stunning Spring & Summer Collections are Here...

We began with a collection of just 5 unique items. Now you can shop a catalogue of over 500 beautiful pieces, all designed with the same attention to detail as 30 years ago.

Welcome to the world of Clogau®.

www.clogau.co.uk

Style The Mull ber Mu berrry Soft oftiie With a name inspired by

its distinctive, pillowy feel, British luxury lifestyle brand Mulberry launches the Mulberry Softie, a new collection of quilted bags in three styles. Crafted from the highest quality Nappa Leather, with a smooth finish, it features Mulberry’s unique take on curved quilting and is filled with thick, sumptuous feather down.

The Softie plays with the brand’s signature design codes, incorporating the Postman’s Lock against a soft new silhouette and a palette of bold colours from vibrant Coral Orange to pared back Cornflower Blue and Wild Primrose, in addition to classic Black and Tobacco Brown.

Prices for the collection start from £1,250, www.mulberry.com

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giggles giggles from from the the playground playground more more time time to to explore explore

AND AND FINDING FINDING TREASURE TREASURE AT AT 60% 60% LESS LESS

THIS IS MY KIND OF DAY OUT. discover discover yours. yours.

cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Fash ashiion Forw orwa a rd w ith M a r t i ne A lexa nder

With Royal Ascot fast approaching in June and because I’m already styling my private clients for this, I thought this month I would give you a clear ‘do and don’t’ guide to the dress codes for men and for women per enclosure

Gentlemen

• Morning dress is required in either black, grey or navy • A waistcoat and tie is required (no cravats or bow ties) • A black or grey top hat • Black shoes worn with socks

QUEEN ANNE ENCLOSURE: Ladies

• Formal attire is required • A hat, headpiece or fascinator must be

worn at all times (strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and sheer fabric straps and sleeves are not allowed) • Trouser suits must be full-length (non-matching colours allowed) • Jumpsuits should fall below the knee and must adhere to the neckline regulations above shorts are not allowed • Midriffs must be covered

Gentlemen

• Full-length suit with matching colour and pattern • Collared shirt and tie (no cravats or bow ties) • Socks must be worn and should cover the ankle • Jeans, chinos and trainers are not permitted

CLAIRE MISCHEVANI

VILLAGE ENCLOSURE: Ladies

SUZANNAH LONDON

JUSTINE BRADLEY-HILL MILLINER

SUZANNAH LONDON

• Dress and skirt hemlines should be just above the knee or longer • Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater (strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and sheer fabric straps and sleeves are not allowed) • Trouser suits are allowed, however, the suit must be in a matching colour and full length • Jumpsuits must adhere to the same rules as dresses (see above) • Hats must be worn, however, a headpiece with a solid base of 4 inches or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative (Fascinators are not acceptable)

CLAIRE MISCHEVANI

THE ROYAL ENCLOSURE: Ladies

• Formal attire is required • A hat, headpiece or fascinator must be worn at all times (strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and sheer fabric straps and sleeves are not allowed) • Trouser suits must be full-length (non-matching colours allowed) • Jumpsuits should fall below the knee and

must adhere to the neckline regulations above, shorts are not allowed • Midriffs must be covered • Please note, as the Village Enclosure is a grassed area, wedges or block heels are advised in place of stilettos

Gentlemen

• Full-length trousers and jacket • Collared shirt and tie, bow ties or cravat • Socks must be worn and should cover the ankle • Jeans and trainers are not permitted

WINDSOR ENCLOSURE: Ladies & Gentlemen

Whilst there is no dress code, it is advised that smart daywear is worn with a hat or fascinator for ladies.

Email: martine@martinealexander.co.uk Instagram: @martinealexander Twitter: @yourstylist

What I’ve Been up to…

This month I’ve been sourcing a rare vintage bag for a private client, styling Kym Marsh for an upcoming red carpet event and launching my ‘How To Be A Stylist’ 8 week online training course!

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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

THIS PAGE: Yves Salomon, Cotton dress, £441 OPPOSTIE PAGE: Yves Salomon, Short sleeve ribbed knit top in blue, £180; Yves Salomon, Belted cotton bermuda shorts in blue, £270

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Yves Salom alomo on SPRIING SU SPR SU MME MMER R

2022 COLLEC OLLECT TION Yves Salomon have released their Spring Summer 2022 Collection, offering elegant, joyful and natural designs. Rich in century-old historical know-how, Yves Salomon continues to distinguish itself through its innovation and daring creations.

F

or Spring Summer 2022, Yves Salomon has taken a cue from the simple, natural elegance of the women who embody American style. Names such as Lauren Hutton, Carolyn Bessette and Jerry Hall inspire the SS22 collection, offering a complete ready-to-wear wardrobe of impeccably cut silhouettes with subtle 1970’s and 1990’s touches throughout.

Using natural fabrics, ranging from light cotton to silk or leather, and an eclectic palette of neutrals and pastel shades of pink, yellow, blue and green with flashes of fuchsia, electric blue and citrus yellow, the collection focuses on pure lines and minimalist, utilitarian chic.

Knitwear is used throughout the collection and weaved into versatile tops, alongside ultra feminine, figure-hugging dresses with crossed over straps. Cotton is extra light, playful and cut into classic shirts, as well as belted dresses, trench coats and co-cord sets complete with Yves Salomon’s trademark jour échelle finishing, a hemstitchinspired leather detail. Silk is ethereal and used in classic bias-cut dresses, smock-inspired shirts and ample nap dresses.

Texture is the main focus in leather pieces.

Ranging from timeless trench coats to a belted saharienne - inspired jackets and a classic perfecto, outerwear is structured. Including suede trench coats - one knee-length and fitted, one oversized and complete with patch pockets - are a knowing nod to the staples of 1970’s American fashion.

Elsewhere, leather becomes delicate and almost linen-like to the touch in an oversized perfecto and a silver bomber jacket. It also proves an ideal material for shirts, shorts, dresses and jumpsuits.

Alongside the collection sits subtly disco-inspired pieces which provide the perfect finishing touch. A sequined top and shorts set is the ultimate sophisticated-yet-relaxed eveningwear; and feathered pieces offer a glam counterpoint to a particularly wearable collection.

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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Yves Salomon, Stretch-knit top, £171; Yves Salomon, Leather jogging pants, £895.50

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Yves Salomon, Leather dress, £954

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Yves Salomon, Leather top, £531; Yves Salomon, Stretch-knit, £261

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Yves Salomon, Silk dress in green, £504

w w w. y v e s - s a l o m o n . c o. u k

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Health, Beauty

Wellness

Pa use & Unw Un win ind d

This spring enjoy a full spa takeover and pay homage to Como’s history of silk craft at this luxurious lakeside property. Hilton Lake Como is set to launch a series of pampering new offerings at its award-winning eForea Spa and Health Club. For the first time, couples, families and groups alike will be able to book the state-of-the-art oasis on an exclusive-use basis. The spa has also launched a new Sumptuous Silk Treatment Menu, offering a trio of treatments that celebrate Como’s history of silk making excellence. www.hilton.com

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Start Your Day The Finnish Way In the Nordic countries, the different seasons expose skin to a variety of thermal shocks, going from extremely cold temperatures and darkness to warmer summer months. These harsh extremes weaken the skin’s own protective barrier, which can lead to dryness, sensitivity, itchiness and redness. The vegan collection from Lumene: ARCTIC HYDRA CARE [Arktis] is a true saviour for dry and dehydrated skin.

Blending soothing Nordic bilberry, oat and canola oils with a moisture-locking Beta complex that helps restore skin’s moisture levels for a lasting and intense re-hydration and relief from the feeling of tightness. This intensely nourishing collection creates a hydrating barrier - a “second skin”- to complement the skin’s own defence mechanism and protect against climate and temperature changes. www.johnlewis.com

Health &

Beauty

ELEVATE BATHTIME

MAKE AN IMPRESSION Created by perfumer Sophie Labbé, this is patchouli like you’ve never smelt before – fresh, aromatic and elegant.

Delicate notes of Iris resin and Violet leaf add a soft, powdery, vintage-like quality that’s brightened with Ambroxan and Patchouli Heart to create a clean, aromatic fragrance with a distinctly timeless quality.

Ostens Impression Patchouli Heart No II, 50ml, £135, www.ostens.com

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Introducing Mirror Water– the new lifestyle brand that will elevate your bathtime…The Mirror Water Bath Salts are formulated with a blend of three varieties of mineral-rich bathing salts to help produce a restful environment, while invigorating Canadian black spruce oil offers reassurance and clarity. Salts and essential oils dissolve under running water to release their therapeutic aromas. Inspired by forests, these bath salts are formulated with essential oils such as vetiver, cedarwood, Canadian black spruce and bergamot to help you feel grounded and restful.

SOAK Bath Salts, 400ml, £35, www.mirrorwater.earth

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Health & Beauty

A sk the

EXPERT

NEW FROM CHANEL N°1 de CHANEL Revitalizing Foundation, £55

Enriched with red camellia oil and moisturising agents, the foundation protects skin from environmental aggressors and creates an even complexion.

The product's texture blends seamlessly with the skin, offering a luminous finish and buildable coverage. Offering 20 buildable shades, it leaves the skin with a youthful glow.

KHATRA PATTERSON, AESTHETIC NURSE PRACTITIONER AND OWNER OF KP AESTHETICS OFFERS HER SKIN CARE TIPS FOR GYM GOERS Working up a sweat is amazing for your skin, but only if you get your post-workout skincare right! If you want to avoid breakouts, congestion, and irritation after hitting the gym, then I would recommend following the below tips: Exercise Makeup Free: Your best post workout skin actually starts before you hit the treadmill. The golden rule for pre workout skincare is to avoid wearing makeup while working out, especially foundations, bronzers, blushes, and any heavy oil-based cosmetics. When you sweat while working out, the sweat mixes with the oils on your skin - including oil from cosmetics. This combination of sweat and oil makes for the perfect pore-clogging combination.

Cleanse Your Skin After Exercise: When it comes to after workout skincare, the most crucial thing is to cleanse your skin as soon as possible to wash away oil, sweat, and bacteria. Exercise heats your body up and your pores open which can leave skin extra vulnerable to irritation shortly after a workout. I would recommend using a gentle cleanser to avoid irritating your face, like the SKN REHAB Cleanser, which actively removes makeup and dissolves impurities.

Stay Clean: Avoid contact with equipment or towels that aren’t clean. Use a clean towel to gently pat sweat from your skin while working out, and make sure to disinfect shared equipment before and after use to avoid spreading germs. When possible, use your own equipment, like a yoga mat, to avoid sharing germs.

N°1 de CHANEL - L’Eau Rouge, £90 Enriched with red camellia extract, an active ingredient that boosts skin vitality, and camellia water, L’Eau Rouge scents, refreshes and energizes, making skin look radiant and feel hydrated. L'Eau Rouge can be worn like a perfume, on its own or before your signature scent, or as a fragrance mist. www.chanel.com

Overheating and sweating during a workout can leave those with sensitive skin with added irritation. One of the triggers for rosacea is body temperature, which goes up during exercise. You may not want to jog outdoors in the middle of the day. Instead, jog indoors on a treadmill with a fan blowing and cooling towels on your neck. Those struggling with rosacea should also try to keep the core body temperature low. I also recommend treatments including Lumecca an IPL treatment. www.kpaesthetics.co.uk, www.inmodemd.com, www.sknrehab.com

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Local relationship banking for you and your business At Handelsbanken, relationship banking still lives up to its name. Our simple aim is to provide the best possible service.

• Direct line access to your account manager • Key decisions are made locally by us at the branch • Our experienced managers work with you to develop solutions to fit your requirements We provide a wide range of banking services, from mortgages and current accounts to savings for personal customers. Our business banking services include finance for specific funding requirements, asset and trade finance and cash management solutions.

Contact your local branch manager where we will be delighted to talk to you about your specific needs and longer term plans and how we can support you.

handelsbanken.co.uk/findmybranch Altrincham l Chester l Stockport l Warrington l Wilmslow Handelsbanken is the trading name of Handelsbanken plc, which is incorporated in England and Wales with company number 11305395. Registered office: 3 Thomas More Square, London, E1W 1WY, UK. Handelsbanken plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register number 806852. Handelsbanken plc is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ).

0079 l 00.235 l 01.2022

HB 01-22 - 0072 - THE CHESHIRE MAGAZINE (2).indd 1

02/03/2022 10:03:57

Family Worth B ARKIN ARKING G Abo Ab o ut

Canine kings and queens are set to descend on Broadlands Park, Hampshire for Dogstival, who are creating the royal-ist of four-legged Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The festival, fit for Her Dog-Loving Majesty, will welcome thousands of dogs, who’ll be given the VI-Pooch treatment on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th June at the stunning country estate of Broadlands. www.dogstival.co.uk

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HOP INTO EASTER Not wanting to give chocolate eggs this year?

We have rounded up some alternative gifts, from adorable springtime children’s clothes to cuddly toys and teethers to get their gnashers into. #1 - Polarn O. Pyret Add a spring to your little ones’ step this Easter with scandi brand, Polarn O. Pyret. Offering a wide range of seasonal pieces with fresh floral prints, bunnies and sheep, they are perfect to get little one in the springtime spirit! www.polarnopyret.co.uk #2 - Ewan Deluxe Everyone’s favourite sheep sleep aid is sure to come to the rescue this Easter… and beyond!

RRP £39.99, www.sweetdreamers.co.uk

#1

Family news WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

#4 #2

#4 - Infantino Textured Carrot Teether Carrots aren’t just for Bunnies this Easter!

The carrot teether from Infantino is easy to hold, perfect to nibble and textured for soothing tender gums, providing teething relief.

RRP £6.99, www.amazon.co.uk #5 - Kaloo Lapinoo Rabbit Kaloo is delighted to offer the iconic and truly adorable Lapinoo rabbits, the perfect gift this Easter for any newborn.

RRP £17.99, www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

#3 #6 #5

#6 - SmartGames Bunny Boo Pull a rabbit out of the box with Bunny Boo from SmartGames!

RRP £24.99, www.smarttoysandgames.co.uk #7 - SmartGames Grabbit Hungry rabbits are jumping around the vegetable garden, different vegetables become visible as the rabbits look under leaves… but can you remember which vegetable is planted where?

RRP £19.99, www.smarttoysandgames.co.uk

#7

#8

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#3 - Ladybird Happy Easter The perfect way to bring the seasonal celebrations to little ones’ bookshelves, with vibrant illustrations and a sensory surprise on each page.

RPP £5.99, www.penguin.co.uk

#8 - Infantino Glow in the Dark Bunny Cuddly Pal and Teether Gift Set An Easter gift to get their teeth into, the Infantino Glow in the Dark Cuddly Pal and Teether Gift Set is bursting with colours, characters and intriguing sounds and textures.

RRP £19.99, www.vertbaudet.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

#1

#2

iCandy Unveils the Next Generation of a True Icon Entering its 7th generation, the iCandy Peach 7 was recently unveiled at The Baby Show. The new design promises luxury and unparalleled functionality, combining a modern knitted jersey fabric with intricate double stitching and leather-look binding, boasting features such as an even softer suspension, a new head hugger, a larger seat with increased soft padding, a removable rear seat pocket, an integrated Ride-on Board and an easy slide ‘pop up’ harness system, to name a few, clearly demonstrate iCandy’s ability to infuse functionality with finesse. www.icandyworld.com

#4

#3

#5

Give the Gift of Smiles The White Company’s clothing essentials and baby-friendly toy collections are the perfect choice for celebrating new arrivals this spring. #1 - Luna Lamb Comforter, £16 #2 - Farmyard-Embroidered Mock-Top Sleepsuit, £24 #3 - Stripe Zip Sleepsuit, £24 #4 - Farmyard-Print & Stripe Sleepsuits, £36 #5 - Hamish Highland Cow Toy, £22 www.thewhitecompany.com

Double Up on the All Important Zzz’s Iconic sleep brand, Snüz, unveils its much-loved SnuzPouch in an essential Twin Pack. Known for its stylish prints, the new Twin Packs have been thoughtfully created to ensure the duo of sleeping bags work seamlessly together. Whether parents choose the classic Grey for neutral hues, or the super cool Mono Twin Pack, or they opt for the serene Clouds & Stars, or fun Colour Twin Pack featuring the brand’s stunning rainbow print, they are promised two of the brand’s striking designs.

RRP £49.95, www.snuz.co.uk 49

Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Pets’ Corner Keep your furry friends happy with this month’s selection of products

POSITIVE PET PURCHASES FOR 2022

BLISSFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP Keep Them Warm This Winter Invest in your dog’s winter wardrobe with this quilted, reversible sherpa fleece jacket is a must-have for those cooler walks.

Lightweight, reversible, durable and good looking, the outer is made from a beautiful quilted cotton, while the contrasting inner lining uses a fluffy sherpa fleece that keeps your dog warm, ensuring your dog is fully cosy.

From £65, www.kintails.com

The Bliss Bolster Bed (shown in Jade), is the ultimate bolster dog bed, designed with four ethically sourced duck-feather filled Bolster Inserts to create a cosy cocoon around a deep-filled luxury mattress. Your dog can nestle into the sides, rest their chins on top, or squish and squash to their heart’s content and yet the bed will simply plump-up right back to shape. Available in a choice of five colours and various sizes.

From £240, www.charleychau.com

GET YOUR PAWS ON THIS Crafted with care for those that are dog-tired of exposing their pets to synthetic ingredients, allPaws is the new organic, cruelty-free pet grooming range from Green People. Offering fur-freshening grooming products that transform mucky pups into pristine pooches, every product in the allPaws pet care range is made with gently cleansing, pH-balanced natural actives that are sustainably sourced and suitable for all dog and cat breeds. allPaws Wild Mint Cleansing Shampoo £14.00 (200ml) This organic dog shampoo freshens musty mongrel smells with a soothing blend of Mint and Eucalyptus bath bubbles which leave fur soft and fragrant without irritating delicate dog skin. Suitable for all breeds and pups aged 12 weeks or older.

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allPaws Sensitive Shampoo £14.00 (200ml) This unscented shampoo is designed for dogs with extra sensitive skin and does not contain any fragrance. Suitable for all breeds, this gentle formula is the perfect choice for a puppy’s first bath. www.greenpeople.co.uk

Ask the

VET

With a mystery vomiting bug currently affecting dogs throughout the UK, this month I look at the signs to look out for and the treatment you should seek You may have read in the media recently, about a mystery vomiting bug affecting dogs in the UK. Today I will be giving some advice and hopefully put your minds to rest, after a spike in cases of gastroenteritis in dogs. Initially, it seemed to be localised in Yorkshire and the Northeast, but there seems to be an increase in case numbers across the UK. Cases of gastroenteritis are relatively common in first opinion practice, especially during the winter months. However, numbers seem to be increasing and are more widespread than usual. The University of Liverpool run the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET), which collects data from participating vet practices’ medical records. The latest analysis of real-time data by SAVSNET confirms an outbreak in Yorkshire with levels of disease statistically higher in this region. The head of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) advises any concerned owners to contact their local vet for prompt treatment if their dog shows any signs of illness such as vomiting and diarrhoea. The good news is most cases are mild, and the majority of affected dogs recover quickly.

SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR • Dogs with gastroenteritis will present with intermittent episodes of vomiting over a number of days. Some dogs will also go on to develop diarrhoea, and on rare occasions, the vomiting and diarrhoea can turn haemorrhagic (containing blood).

• Affected dogs may appear less active (lethargic) and have a decreased appetite.

• Dehydration can occur if the vomiting and diarrhoea persist.

• The worst affected cases I have seen have been in the very elderly dogs, with clinical signs persisting for over a week.

TREATMENT Once your vet has performed a thorough clinical examination and is confident that the cause of vomiting is a bug, for the vast majority of patients, simple supportive treatment will suffice. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential for a quick recovery, which usually consists of an anti-vomiting injection. Some patients may require to be sent home with oral rehydration electrolyte solution, but in more severely affected patients, hospitalisation and intravenous fluids may be needed. Gastrointestinal protectants

and occasionally antibiotics may be required, with the main aim of treatment being rehydration and restoration of blood electrolytes.

Food is often withheld during the early stages of treatment whilst the antiemetics start to work. Bland, digestible, low-fat food is then reintroduced with small and frequent meals. I often suggest plain cooked chicken. Dogs are often fed like this for up to 48-72 hours. In a small minority of cases, this treatment will not suffice. In these cases, further investigations may be needed such as blood tests, x-rays and ultrasound. They may require hospitalisation, intravenous fluids and intravenous injections and medications.

The great news is the prognosis is usually excellent, with most cases improving rapidly when treatment is instigated promptly.

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

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Food Drink Unearth Ancient Recipes

The ever-evolving tasting menu restaurant is inviting diners to discover a historically-adapted menu that has been inspired by ancient traditions and interpreted through modern delicacies. From ancient recipes to the use of age-old ingredients widely used in the modern world, ‘Ancient Rome’, will pay homage to the origins of foods we know and enjoy today. There is something for everyone in the next theme menu, which will run until April 24th at Six by Nico Liverpool. www.sixbynico.co.uk

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Food & Drink news

The Lakrids Liquorice Returns!

Crack into an egg with a difference this Easter, with one of Lakrids egg shaped capsules filled with soft, chewy liquorice spheres. Every expertlyblended piece is an explosion of exciting flavours, such as salted dulce de leche caramel chocolate, and twisted banana with a creamy white chocolate coating.

Lakrids Easter Egg 485g, £27.00, www.souschef.co.uk

WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

Latticia OT loves The new Latticia OT (One Touch) automatic bean to cup coffee machine creates top-tier barista style drinks from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Thanks to its double foaming function, the new technology enables higher temperatures to get that milk well and truly foamed– complete with a fine-pored froth. What’s more, by clicking on the One Touch button you can choose from a Café Crème, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato and Milk froth with just one touch – not to mention the super silent grinder which grinds the coffee extra quietly.

The coffee strength and grind can also be adjusted to suit individual tastes.

RRP £549, www.melitta.co.uk

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Dolce & Gabbana does Easter Cakes The colomba cake (colomba di pasqua) is Easter’s answer to a Christmas panettone. This light, buttery cake is made using natural sourdough fermentation methods, slowly proving over 72 hours to produce a fragrant enriched dough. Sicilian makers Fiasconaro are renowned for their Christmas panettone collaborations with Dolce & Gabbana, and for the first time last year, the Dolce & Gabbana Easter colomba cake was unveiled on the catwalk of designer confections. Now, this unique and highly sought after version of a classic is back for 2022. The stunning blue and white tins (oh so giftable!) are designed by Sicilian artists and inspired by the traditional majolica pottery of the island.

From £34.99, www.souschef.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

MEET THE CHEF:

ELLIS ROBERT BARRIE Chef & joint owner of Lerpwl at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool

What’s your first food related memory?

I remember sticking green garden peas up my nose as a baby…they were up there for about three weeks until my mum couldn’t understand why I stunk so much!

Anyway, she took me to the hospital in which the doctor came across them, apart from one actually which flew out assisted by a sneeze and created an all-out evacuation from the car…I suppose that’s where the attention seeking started.

When did you know you wanted to be a chef?

I’ve always loved food. Eating food has always made me happy. My grandad Bob was a cook in the TA and we always cooked with him; jam tarts, rice pudding - he was always cooking at home. My grandad Jim retired early and whether it was through sheer boredom or the pubs being closed he would always be cooking at his house. I was surrounded by both my grandfathers not being scared to use a kitchen. When I was 12 I attended a 10 week cooking course for kids and each week I’d be taking home the dinner whether it be lasagne, curries or huge pies.

Then when I was 15 I did work experience at the Radisson Fellini, which at the time it was its own modern Italian style restaurant holding two rossets and ran by Chris Marshall. I had arrived exactly where I belonged and, to this day, Chris is always on the other end of the blower. He has had a major influence on me, especially drilling in standards. He never skimped on the best produce and we never will at Lerpwl.

Where were you trained?

I trained on the job. Chris Marshal took me up to Panoramic 34 when it was erected as the apprentice chef. But the truth is that the real training comes with the 40,000 hours I've put in, to this day I still feel like I’m only just learning my craft.

Describe your style in three words.

Eat your postcode (local, seasonal ingredients are at the forefront of my cooking style).

What’s your favourite dish to create?

At Lerpwl it has to be the mussel and lamb cawl. It’s because it's so simple yet so complicated. As a customer, you're looking at a bowl of soup. As a chef, if you're .5% wrong with the finished seasoning, you have ruined the dish. And yes .5% is exact, not a guess so you best bring your scales!

What four ingredients are necessary for your kitchen?

Creativity, optimism, responsibility and self-drive What are you most proud of in your career?

My kids first Albert and Vayda. The past two years have been very hard, but I finally feel we are nearing the other side. And the fact that we have managed to just about stay open at Lerpwl is a relief, but the resilience and togetherness of our team is something to be proud of.

Are there any foods you just don’t like?

I really can't stand badly cooked food and I don't tend to really get on with people if they have an allergy to seasoning.

What do you think is the most challenging ingredient to work with?

I think time. There just isn't enough time. www.lerpwl.com 55

Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Chester

the Perfect Day Cheshire’s namesake city is a brilliant way to spend the perfect day, from shopping to socialising, you’ll drink in the city sights and enjoy every minute.

A

UK’s most revered brands like Burberry and McQueen alongside high fashion from Italy, like Bottega Veneta and Valentino, not to mention classics like Mulberry and Saint Laurent.

With three levels to explore, the welcoming team will happily help to dress you to the nines.

Leaving the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, you will find Jigsaw on your left on Bridge Street Row. Jigsaw is renowned for its classic tailoring and timeless looks. Whether it’s a casual loungewear look, a chic suit, or a floaty dress, it is the place to stop for additions to the perfect capsule wardrobe.

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IMAGES, FROM TOP - LEFT OT RIGHT: CHESTER SHOPPERS UNDER EASTGATE CLOCK - VISIT CHESTER; CITY GATE; CHESCA; EPICUREAN; FLANNELS; JIGSAW

s many racegoers will agree, there is nowhere finer to display your glad rags than the pretty Instagram-worthy streets of Chester. And as many also know, Chester city centre is the place to choose the perfect outfit. This is your guide on how to do both in style.

Outfitters, as they were once known on these historical rows, are plentiful in the period buildings that line the atmospheric Chester streets. The city has become nationally acclaimed for its wealth of upmarket independent boutiques which sit happily tucked away amongst some of the more well-known retailers.

For the ultimate in luxury attire, one of the first stops on any shopping spree should always be Flannels, situated on historic Eastgate Street, near the beloved Eastgate Clock – the second most photographed clock in the UK after Big Ben. Flannels is a beautifully fitted-out-haven with some of the

IMAGES, FROM TOP - LEFT OT RIGHT: BRIDGE ST ENTRY TO GROSVENOR SHOPPING CENTRE; THE GROSVENOR SHOPPING CENTRE, ST MICHAELS ROW; REISS; CHISOLM HUNTER; RIGBY JEWELLERS; TRUST & CO; THE ROWS JEWLLERS; LOTUS DIAMOND; CLOGAU

Take the steps down from the rows onto Bridge Street where so many independent clothing boutiques reside and take your pick of the shops.

From local favourite, Chester Boutique where the friendly Dawn is always on hand to suggest an outfit, to City Gate for men that like to stand out from the crowd.

Epicurean is the relatively new kid on the Bridge Street block. Independently owned, with a carefully curated collection of beautiful items, look out for styles from Emily Lovelock and Zanne for a cool and effortless look. While you’re there try to keep yourself away from the homewares and gifts - if you can...

Stroll back up Bridge Street and you can either dive into Chesca on Eastgate, the ultimate in occasion wear for sizes twelve plus, or waltz down to Watergate Street passing Chester’s famed cross, where the city’s four pedestrianised streets meet.

On Watergate Street, alongside the modish bars, restaurants, and hip beer spots (we’ll get to these...) sit some of the city’s best-loved high street retailers.

Reiss is a favourite luxury high street brand for any fashionista who loves modern tailoring and wants to transcend time and trends. The Chester store is a cool airy space that could be mistaken for an art gallery and is a joy to shop in.

If you want the epitome of a classic English gent on your arm, there is no finer, more proper place than Gieves & Hawkes for suits and outfits for special occasions. From a simple navy blazer to tweeds and linens, Gieves will make him as

dapper as dapper can be. Even a small accessory from Gieves & Hawkes, like a pocket square or tie, will be sure to bring out his gentlemanly qualities.

With the outfit put together, it must be time to style it to perfection. Chester is well-known for its jewellery offering and has jewellers to suit every budget, and many antique jewellers too if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind period piece.

Mappin and Webb are set to launch a large showroom in one of Chester’s most pretty buildings within the Eastgate rows, or dip under the Eastgate clock onto Foregate Street and you’ll find Clogau, for attractive and accessible pieces.

Alternatively try The Rows Jewellers, Chisholm Hunter, or for a little sparkle, Lotus Diamonds or Trust & Co, whose diamonds sparkle as much as their reputation for service.

Chester independent, Rigby Jewellers have the perfect accessory for the well-turned-out fellow, in the form of a silver and gold pocket watch.

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IMAGES, FROM TOP - LEFT OT RIGHT: CHESTER CITY WALLS; CHESTER CATHEDRAL; CHESTER ABBEY GREEN; ARTEZZAN; BEER HEROES; BAR LOUNGE; WATERGATE STREET; LIQUOR & CO

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If you’ve worked up a thirst or an appetite, Chester has become a front runner nationally for its dazzling food and drink offering. The Michelin Guide decorated it highly in 2021, with both a Michelin star and a green star for sustainable restaurant Hypha. And although there is no official Michelin guide for cocktails, craft beer, and wines, the city would be winning stars if there was.

At the bottom of Watergate Street sits the Chester institution, Bar Lounge. Any Cestrian that hasn’t supped a cocktail in Bar Lounge over its decade residency in the city has missed out on what is one of Chester’s best-loved experiences.

Combine it with nibbles, or one of their famed platters.

Watergate Street is also home to Beer Heroes, where Mike the owner hosts guest casks, welcomes dogs as much as their owners, and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things ale, bitter, and brew.

Liquor & Co, on Watergate Row, is a neighbourhood style social and drinking den renowned for its lively atmosphere and quality liquors. Those in the know ask to meet the caretaker. If you know, you know!

A new haunt for the bedazzled and beautiful

IMAGES, FROM TOP - LEFT OT RIGHT: SUSPENSION BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER DEE; EASTGATE CLOCK; ST WERBURGH STREET; OPERA GRILL; BOUJEE CHESTER; LEONARDO HOTEL; CHESTER GROSVENOR (PHOTO ©JONNY NOAKES)

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people is Boujee on Pepper Street. This Manchester and Liverpool favourite opened in Chester in December 2021. With eye-catching interiors, cocktails, and delicious food, as well as a fully heated terrace, it is the perfect place to strut your stuff.

Also on Pepper Street, which is becoming the place to see and be seen in the city, Opera Grill, a neo-classical restaurant and bar, brings opulence and glamour. While cocktails are amazing, they should be enjoyed with dishes from the charcoal grill and wood-burning ovens. When the sun is shining, there’s no more radiant spot than Opera’s roof terrace.

For flavours of the Mediterranean, you only need to travel next door to find yourself in Artezzan for a unique dining and drinking experience. Inspired by Spain, France, Italy and

Greece you can soak up the sun behind their double-height windows and rekindle memories of visits to golden beaches and sunsets on terraces.

If all the shopping and socialising has exhausted you – where can you lay your head? The Chester Grosvenor is the epitome of five-star luxury and is also welcoming a new restaurant The Arkle coming this spring. The new Leonardo hotel on Pepper Street is a brilliant combination of style and affordability, while the city is also in hot anticipation for the new boutique hotel Wildes, set in the heart of the city near the cross and set to open this summer.

To find out more visit www.ExperienceChester.co.uk Words provided by Chester BID – Chester’s Business Improvement District - a non-profit organisation supporting the city centre as a retail, business, and leisure destination of choice where people are proud to live, work and visit.

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Travel U lt ltii mate

Dri riv v ing Tou ourr If you’re looking for a supercar break to remember, Ultimate Driving Tours have released a host of self-guided driving holidays. Hit the road on two new routes in America or opt for an adrenaline-packed Supercar Tour across Europe, including the Swiss Supercar Tour, which culminates with VIP access to iconic car show, Goodwood Festival of Speed or Supercar Tour d’Italia, which includes the option of including the legendary, Italian Grand Prix. www.ultimatedrivingtours.com

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Travel news

WORDS:CRAIG HOUGH

EVENTS WORTH TRAVELLING FOR IN 2022 Rugby Camp With Brian O’driscoll at The Campus 11th - 15th April Quinta do Lago’s multi-sports hub, The Campus, is one of Europe’s premier sporting destinations for training, recovery and rehabilitation. From 11th April, The Campus is offering a 5 day rugby training camp for sports enthusiastic children with Brian O’Driscoll, the former captain for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions. The whole family can enjoy their time at the stunning Algarve resort with a stay in stunning Magnolia Hotel. www.events.quintadolago.com

Wein am Berg at Das Central 21st – 24th April 2022 sees the return of the annual ‘wine on the mountain’ festival, which brings together international chefs and winegrowers for a weekend of food and wine tastings high in the Alps as well as impressive skiing with world champions and former Olympians. The event is hosted by the 5-star Das Central Hotel and Europe’s highest gourmet restaurant, ice Q, which featured as the Hoffler Klinik in the James Bond film ‘Spectre’. This year’s theme is ‘Austria meets Benelux’. Perfect for skiers and non-skiers alike, the events and parties are great fun for all to enjoy. www.central-soelden.com

James Blunt at Forte Village, Sardinia 6th August James Blunt has just announced he will be performing at Forte Arena, the open-air theatre at Forte Village, in Sardinia this summer. The English singersongwriter will be performing all his classic songs as well as treating his audience to four new songs, against the beautiful backdrop of pristine Sardinian white coastline. Located on the southern Sardinian coast just 40 minutes from Cagliari Airport, the open-air arena can hold up to 5,000 spectators and is located just steps from the award-winning Forte Village resort.

Forte arena will continue to host a programme of world-class events available for Forte Village guests and visitors from outside the resort including Notre Dame de Paris which will be live on 12th - 14th August. www.fortevillageresort.com

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Verbier Festival @ Schloss Elmau 26th November – 4th December The Verbier Festival is one of the world’s most renowned festivals and academies where great musicians and music directors perform each year; it is where Lang Lang, Netrebko, Kissin, Yuja Wang and Daniil Trifonov started their careers.

Schloss Elmau hosts the winter edition and presents the young rising stars on the cusp of their professional careers in fifteen solo, chamber and orchestral concerts under the direction of Gábor Takács-Nagy, Music Director of the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra. Artists performing during the 13th Festival, a ‘conservatoire’ of the world’s new generation of musicians including; Martin Fröst, Alexandre Kantorow, Alexandra Dovgan, Alexander Sitkovetsky and Li La. www.schloss-elmau.de

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T he Tra Tr a vel Insid Insi d er This month Phil Aird-Mash, Aird-Mash, CEO of ITC Travel Group shares his advice on the best international sporting events to attend in 2022

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hile you might have spent the last couple of years adding more to your bucket list than you’ve had time to tick off, hopefully 2022 is the time to change this. With event calendars filling up, there’s no shortage of new experiences out there.

For our sports specialists at Spectate, this is exciting news! Across the world, the most thrilling live sports events are returning, giving them the opportunity to put their expertise into action once again.

What could be better than getting a front row seat to the most anticipated matches and events, complete with premium hospitality, behind-the-scenes insights and luxury accommodation planned to perfection for you? Our experts know how to make it happen.

So, if you love the thrill of stampeding hooves at Chester Races, I highly recommend heading to Paris for the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe in October. One of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events, held at the incredible Longchamps Racecourse, you’ll get to see the best international jockeys and thoroughbred horses sprint to claim the most coveted title. Combined with a luxury stay in the centre of Paris, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

To take the adrenaline up a level, nothing compares with the roaring engines of Formula 1. After Lewis Hamilton’s white-knuckle showdown last December, all eyes are on the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale. Held in November, you’ll be there as the next world champion is crowned at the Yas Marina Circuit – then, head to Ferrari World to board the world’s fastest roller coaster!

If that’s not enough for you, stop by the Singapore Grand Prix in October before the final showdown. The Marina Bay Street Circuit is nothing short of spectacular, so expect an eye-popping night-time display in the heart of this vibrant city. www.spectatetravel.co.uk

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A Litt Littll e L o cal Luxu uxurr y Kathryn Otto and friends enjoyed an exceptional holiday home right in the heart of Chester with the most breathtaking views over the River Dee

Location Edgar House is an elegant riverside residence, an outstanding and stylish holiday home, right in the heart of the city. Its elevated views over the River Dee from its enviable location, high above the Roman sandstone walls which circle the city, must be among Chester’s finest.

Facilities Having undergone a full scheme of refurbishment to mark its new chapter as an exclusive holiday home, this handsome Regency Villa can accommodate up to sixteen guests. Its size, city centre location and classic contemporary interior styling, make it the ideal gathering place for groups of close friends and family. The views from here, across the River Dee, the Old Dee Bridge, and its tidal weir, create a stunning backdrop for your stay.

Facilities include; • 7 ensuite bedrooms • Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and seating area • Snug • Cinema room with separate games room • Private walled garden area • Ample parking

Bedrooms There are seven bedrooms in total, each individually styled, with décor themes such as ‘Horse’, after the city’s legendary racecourse; ‘Zoo’, with Chester Zoo being one of the best in the world; the ‘Copper 64

Suite’, with its glorious deep copper bathtub, and ‘Blue’, all inspired by the nature and cultural heritage of the local region. The ‘Copper Suite’, enjoys its own living room, equipped with a sofa bed, which can be used to accommodate younger guests, as an interconnecting family room. Four of the bedrooms enjoy a terrace or balcony with river views.

Make Your Stay Extra Special The team at Edgar House go that extra mile and can organise anything you could possibly want, offering you a true concierge service.

Just a small number of things they offer include • Homemade food delivery • Private Chef Dining experience • Wine tasting class • Cookery classes • Spa Treatments

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• Magical sleepover parties for younger guests • Photographer to capture your holiday memories • Afternoon tea parties

My Experience I was familiar with Edgar House as it was a former hotel and has won many awards, including the ‘Number 1 Small Boutique Hotel of the World’ in the Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Awards in 2016. I had never had the chance to visit but was so intrigued to find out what made a little place in Chester so special. I was overjoyed to hear it had turned into a self-catering holiday home, offering hotel style and comfort, and the ability to enjoy this fabulous house exclusively for you and your friends and family.

We arrived on a lovely sunny afternoon and immediately noticed the view and close proximity to the river as we parked up. As we entered the property we took in the quirky artwork, tall ceilings and the long hallway leading to a grand spiral staircase with the most beautiful chandelier. Edgar House really has a way of making you feel special from the moment you walk through the door and you get an instant

feeling this will be a memorable stay.

Down the impressive staircase you arrive at the large dining and seating area with the well-equipped kitchen and pantry off the side. This really is the heart of the house with a large TV, original large fireplace and a large U-shaped cosy sofa, with windows wrapping the whole room giving you views of the historic walls and river below. From here you can go outside to the private walled garden area which has several areas, a beautiful dining area for al fresco meals with a view, or cafe style tables and chairs conveniently close to the bedrooms, or cosy seating areas for evening sundowners.

Once back inside we ventured downstairs to be met with a games room complete with an air hockey machine, which made us feel slightly nostalgic, and a jukebox which connects directly to your phone.

At the end of the corridor a cosy large cinema room, ideal for watching a film or like my partner did a football match!

We took advantage of their concierge service and ordered a freshly prepared three course meal that was delivered, ready to dine later that evening. This was truly delicious, and gave us a top end restaurant experience within the comfort and grandeur of the dining area of the house: the best of both worlds There are so many things that make this house so special, I would need a whole issue to list them all, however, you really do need to go and experience it for yourself you most certainly won't be disappointed.

Personal Note Edgar House is just waiting for you to celebrate a birthday, enjoy a family or friends’ getaway or a trip to Chester Racecourse. Whatever you decide to do here will be unforgettable, we promise! www.daisyjoy.co.uk 65

A FIVE STAR BOUTIQUE BOLTHOLE A FIVE STAR BOUTIQUE BOLTHOLE ON THE SOUTH DEVON COAST ON THE SOUTH DEVON COAST The multi-awards winner Cary Arms & Spa combines all the charm, personality and values of an English “Inn on the The multi-awards winner Cary Arms Spa combines all the personality and values of an English “Innhuts on the Beach” with the style & originality of a&boutique hotel. Stay in charm, one of our luxury sea-facing rooms, chic beach and Beach”suites with the style & originality of a boutique hotel.

Stay in one of our luxury sea-facing rooms, chic beach huts or choose the freedom of our two, three or four-bedroom characterful cottages. Dog friendly too. and suites or choose the freedom of our two, three or four-bedroom characterful cottages. Dog friendly too.

Enjoy our delicious seaside cuisine made with fresh, seasonal, local ingredients, Enjoy our delicious seaside cuisine made seasonal, ingredients, simply and creatively cooked bywith our fresh, team of talentedlocal chefs. simply and creatively cooked by our team of talented chefs.

Unwind in the state-of-the-art Thalgo Cary Spa with its waterfall hydrotherapy pool, sauna, Unwind in the state-of-the-art Thalgoshower, Cary Spa with its waterfall hydrotherapy steam room, experience gymnasium and treatment rooms.pool, sauna, steam room, experience shower, gymnasium and treatment rooms.

For further information and bookings please call 01803 327110 Fororfurther and bookings please call 01803 327110 email information enquiries@caryarms.co.uk www.caryarms.co.uk or email enquiries@caryarms.co.uk www.caryarms.co.uk

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&

Deto etox x Reccharg Re hargee Set in Uberlingen, high above Lake Constance lies the world-renowned Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic, where Clare Stobart experienced an intermittent fasting stay The History The fasting method employed by the clinic was developed by the founder, Otto Buchinher. At 40 years old, Otto developed severe rheumatic fever, which forced him to retire from the navy in 1917.

Two years later he undertook a 19-day water fasting cure. It was a resounding success and he truly believed that it saved his life. In his memoir he wrote, “This cure truly saved my life and existence.

I was weak and thin, but I could move all of my joints again”. From then, he devoted his life to developing a method for medically sound fasting therapy. This method has been continually proven over three generations and backed by university research. The programme is designed to regain and preserve your quality of life, performance and inner harmony and allow you to integrate insights learned at the clinic into your everyday life.

Meeting Leonard Wilhelmi Buchinger Wilhelmi is a combination of a hotel, monastery and private clinic. Some people visit to

heal, others to help get back into a natural rhythm.

I met Leonard Wilhelmi, a third-generation great-grandson of Otto, who continues his family’s work in Uberlingen and Marbella. Opening in 1971, they were the first dedicated fasting clinic, and to this day, more than 70% of guests return. When asked to describe a fasting stay at the clinic, Leonard said, “After 3 days you feel more energy, it’s easy: everything is done for you. You don’t have to think about anything” Let’s see if he’s right…

My Stay I resided in an executive suite, priced from €2217 for the Relax 3-night package which is a 45-minute medical consultation, comprehensive therapeutic, spiritual and cultural programme as well as 67

fasting support and a refeeding day. The clinic accommodates up to 140 guests at any one time, and I was surprised to learn that it was full during my time there. It was so incredibly calm and peaceful, that it almost felt like I had the whole place to myself. I took heed of the advice to travel lightly - as one of the luxuries of fasting is said to be that you don’t need much and have no need for extras, therefore it makes sense to pack light, albeit aware of your schedule.

My experience of spending 4 days at the retreat are wholeheartedly positive. From my arrival at lunchtime, I felt totally at ease due to the full medical supervision and attentive members of the team. You begin your stay with a PCR and rapid flow test, conducted by a member of the medical team, followed by an initial examination by one of the onsite doctors. We then discussed my health questionnaire (which I completed prior to my arrival), as well as the personal goals I wanted to achieve during my stay.

I then headed over to the medical centre where I had a therapy planning meeting and booked in my schedule of appointments and activities. At the clinic, they have a full team of medical specialists including 8 onsite doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists, osteopaths and nutritional experts. Being supported by such an extensive group of specialists made my stay feel very safe and almost effortless because I was protected from giving in to any temptations due to the strict fasting/detox rules.

I enjoyed a fantastic full body massage in the therapy building followed by an early dinner at 6 pm. This organic, light, vegetarian meal is designed to prepare my body to start intermittent fasting. Therapeutic fasting is carried out under full medical guidance, some of the benefits include strengthening your immune system, promoting overall health and supporting 68

wellbeing. In 2019 they became the first clinic to gain a Demeter certification for the biodynamic agriculture-based cuisine and is now also a certified Bioland partner since 2021.

I slept incredibly well. My surroundings included a large, south-facing room with a balcony overlooking Lake Constance. The room itself was modern, clean and free from distractions. It was the perfect environment for such a medically enhanced stay, although I did miss a more typical styled boutique hotel room that feels a little more luxurious. However, given the reason for my stay was to detox and recharge, it makes total sense that the rooms reflect this ethos, and I was soon captivated by the view. Whilst attending the clinic, I was asked to resist the urge to use my phone, in fact, you sign an agreement to that tune on your arrival. Whilst a little hard at first, I soon adjusted to the rules and only checked in on family and work when allowed in the designated rest time. This is observed daily between the hours of 12:00-14:00 and 23:00 - 07:00 for medical reasons whilst fasting.

The second day began with meditating as a group, comprising of people from all over the world in a beautiful studio overlooking Lake Constance.

Following finding my zen, I had a medical check in with the onsite doctor where we went through the checklist including weight, height, waist circumference my heart rate, pulse and lung capacity. During my consultation, she explained the fasting process and we decided I could start the intermittent fasting immediately. My personalised plan included 1200 calories per day but no breakfast. Everything was prepared personally for me, and I ate what was offered in order to stay within my calorie allowance. People who are staying

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for a longer duration, spend 6 days consuming only 250 calories per day. Honey with herbal tea for breakfast, 20 ml of fresh-pressed juice for lunch and a vegetable broth for dinner. Most of the calories for the fasting days are drawn from the honey at breakfast and juice at lunch. The doctor also explained how beneficial intermittent fasting is for your liver. It is advised to always give a couple of days a week break between drinking alcohol, and up to a full week/month per year of zero alcohol to give your liver time to repair.

The Restaurant The first opportunity I was given to eat, was at 12pm in the restaurant and I was incredibly hungry as I hadn’t eaten for 16 hours. The restaurant only serves fresh, organic gourmet meals and I could only eat between the hours of 12:00 - 20:00. I enjoyed a salad with beetroot followed by a mushroom ragu with dumplings and carrots, finished off with a little apple strudel with vanilla sauce and a herbal tea.

Due to the exceptional level of attentive staff, they noticed I hadn’t eaten all of the mushroom ragu, so the nutritionist came over straight away to check why, and to ensure I was eating the right number of calories allocated.

Activities & Treatments I enjoyed multiple wellbeing and exercise-based sessions, including reflexology, gorgeous guided 2-hour walks around the lake

incorporating the specially planted tropical gardens. I learnt so much about other people’s experiences of the clinic during our walk and it was a pleasure to hear that many of the group were repeat visitors. The outdoor pool is fully heated, and a fantastic experience given the amazing views. I also had a Hayflower massage using Alpine hay packs. Heating them with steam, they are used to alleviate pain and release tension as well as stimulate the metabolism.

The myoreflex therapy was by far my favourite treatment. MRT was developed in the 1980’s by Dr Mosetter from Constance. It is based on the holistic interaction of the muscle chains and loops of the entire musculoskeletal system. Pain is experienced in certain movements which can lead to further tension/pain in other areas. By applying pressure, the therapist intentionally heightens the muscle tension to encourage the brain to counteract and relieve the pain whilst restoring muscle balance By day 3, I was suffering from fatigue and headaches, and felt very low on energy. But thankfully I had the best breakfast ever on Thursday morning, enhancing my wellbeing from the inside out whilst still allowing the toxins to leave my body.

Comprising of oats, fruit and bread, I thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful!

Personal Note On departure, I felt sharper with a clear mind and clear goals. I also felt healthier, revitalised and regenerated. I was motivated to make improvements in my life. It feels like I am seeing everything with a new set of eyes. Sadly, however, when it came to it, I felt overwhelmed with the pressure of everyday life which came flooding back as I left. Due to the technology detox, I wasn’t able to use any electronic devices, so going over what I had missed was very overwhelming in a bid to catch up on phone calls and emails.

The perfect reason to go back! www.buchinger-wilhelmi.com 69

KANIFUSHI

MALDIVES

WELCOME TO KANIFUSHI ISL AND! Atmosphere Kanifushi – an idyllic tropical island with swaying palm trees, vivid green cover, and beach villas spread along an endless turquoise lagoon. Platinum Plus™, the comprehensive holiday plan offers luxurious beach villa stay coupled with premium beverages, exclusive dining options, impeccable service, excursions, sunset fishing, snorkelling and much more. The popular island resort has now introduced BRAND NEW Water Villas stretching out into the turquoise lagoon, these luxurious villas come with an option of private pool and spectacular Indian Ocean sunset views!

K A N I F U S H I I S L A N D | L H AV I YA N I ATO L L | T H E M A L D I V E S T:

[+960] 662 00 66 • F: [+960] 662 00 77 • E: sales@atmosphere-kanifushi.com

@atmospherekanifushi

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

Fee l th Feel thee E ner nerg g y of N a ture...

Michael Gates took to the slopes and enjoyed a luxury stay at Hotel Sassongher in Dolomites Location Located in the heart of the South Tyrolean Dolomites, a natural and stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sassongher Hotel is situated in the pretty village of Corvara. It is one of 6 villages in Alta Badia, a region steeped in history, culture and tradition. The central location offers some of the best skiing in

Europe with over 1,200km of slopes and direct access to the Sella Ronda circuit. It’s just over a three-hour drive from Venice and a slightly shorter journey of two and half hours from Innsbruck.

Facilities Owned and run by the Pescosta family since 1933, the luxury hotel prides itself in providing warm, genuine and traditional hospitality. With 80 years of ongoing restoration and most

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recently in 2018 extensive works to expand the hotel, there are now 65 rooms and 12 individually styled suites.

Guests can enjoy the hotel on a half board basis, dining in the main restaurant or in one of the 3 traditional and cosy Stube dining rooms, one of which dates back to the 15th century. There are buffet and a la carte options with traditional cuisine, locally sourced dishes and a fantastic selection of wines. You can enjoy an aperitif or nightcap in the hotel’s piano bar which has daily live entertainment.

The wellness spa features a large swimming pool, a Finnish sauna, 2 Jacuzzis and 6 treatment rooms. You can take it easy after a day’s activities in one of the relaxation areas or visit the new Sky spa and sauna on the hotel roof. Other facilities include a well-equipped fitness centre, private cinema and a children’s playroom. If arriving by car there is a large underground car park and if you are pulling out all the stops, the hotel has a private heliport. A daily shuttle service runs you into Corvara within a few minutes or you can walk the short distance in around 10 minutes.

Rooms In addition to the luxury suites, there are room types ranging from comfort to deluxe, all of which are spacious and lovingly furnished. Rooms are fully equipped with

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everything you’d expect from a luxury hotel and also include Chopard toiletries and a spa bag for the wellness area. My balcony overlooked the village below, which looked just as stunning when lit up at night as it did against the mountainous backdrop during the day.

My Experience Having never visited a ski resort before and being a complete beginner, I must admit I was a little anxious. I needn’t have worried as the instructors in Corvara were fantastic and by day 2 I had progressed from the nursery slopes to the blues. My stay at Hotel Sassongher was wonderful. From the warm friendly welcome, the fantastic hospitality and of course the amazing food, the hotel is full of beauty, charm and history. I was fascinated to learn about the local Ladin culture and my other highlights were the spa and wellness areas and the piano bar which had a magical atmosphere in the evenings. Francesco and the team take great pride in what they do, and the experience certainly lives up to the reputation. www.sassongher.it www.altabadia.org

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Drive Par fo f or the Co r se

Maserati’s history is long and illustrious, but the Italian company made its name on the world’s race tracks. And now it’s celebrating that with the new MC Edition of its Ghibli executive saloon, painted in a vivid choice of Giallo Corse or Blue Vittoria. MC stands for Maserati Corse, and the car comes with black detailing and a specialedition badge, as well as black alloy wheels and blue brake callipers. Inside, there’s blue carbon-fibre trim and yellow-and-blue stitching on the black leather upholstery. And if you want the same treatment on something a bit bigger than a Ghibli, Maserati is also offering MC Editions of the Levante SUV and Quattroporte luxury saloon.

Maserati Ghibli MC Edition, www.maserati.com

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

5 Minutes with

REECE HASWELL, DIRECTOR OF FALCON DETAILING Reece, how did your passion for detailing turn into a successful business?

BEFORE AND AFTER PAINT ENHANCEMENT TREATMENT ON A BRAND NEW CAR

I initially started to take a keen interest in the detailing world way back in 1998 when I personally purchased what I classed as my first sports car. I was never really happy with how it looked in the sun or bright light from the day I picked it up from the garage, as I could see those dreaded swirl marks and light scratching on the bodywork. What then ensued was months of researching products and methods followed by hours and hours of practice. It was not long before people started to notice the car when out and about or at events around the country and people would ask how I could present it so well. Requests then started to flow with people wanting to book their own cars in for detailing treatments with me. After researching on the internet and looking at adverts in car magazines, it became apparent there was a definite gap in the market. From what I saw at one end there were roadside car wash companies offering a cheap and fast way of getting a car clean however, the major downside was that the methods and chemicals used could and often would damage a car’s paintwork, plastic trim and alloy wheels over time. At the opposite end to this were unit based detailing companies who would take anything up to a week to carry out the work and while the results were great, the cost and time that was associated with this, I felt, would not appeal to a large number of people. This is when I decided to place my business between the two, and it didn’t take long before my decision was proven correct, as word spread and the work began to come in.

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Talk us through the services Falcon Detailing offer One of, if not the main benefit of having your vehicle detailed is that a treatment can be made bespoke for the car and client’s needs or expectations. Whilst we specialise in bespoke treatments at Falcon Detailing, we have also put together three of the more commonly requested treatment options by our clients.

Maintenance Treatment is something ideal for a car that has been fully detailed previously or a recently purchased car that is in need of a safe and regular wash. Multiple products are used which are dedicated

to specific areas of the exterior, not just one product for everything, which can be the norm at some places.

Products specifically designed for alloys, tyres, inner arches, paintwork, glass, plastic trim, carpets, leather etc. are used in an order that ensures the results are where we expect them to be.

Decontamination Treatment is where things start to become more in-depth and are ideal for clients wanting to remove the maximum amount of seen and unseen contaminants from the car. It includes everything in the Maintenance Treatment but the exterior is also given a

BEFORE AND AFTER PAINT ENHANCEMENT TREATMENT ON A 6 YEAR OLD CAR WHICH HAD NEVER BEEN DETAILED PREVIOUS

We also offer Swirl Removal. Swirl marks are those unsightly round circle marks that can be seen on a car’s paintwork under direct sunlight. When a vehicle is booked in for our paint enhancement treatment, the paintwork is given a 1 stage machine polish, which reduces/removes these. We also offer treatments that have multiple stages of machine work, which obviously remove more severe swirling and scratching to a car’s paintwork.

What work do you do in the Cheshire area?

Paint Enhancement Treatment is a treatment that over 80% of our first-time clients opt for in order to produce the maximum results that we have now become known for. The vehicle undergoes a full exterior decontamination before we machine polish each panel with a chosen compound liquid and matching cutting pad. The machine work is the method we use to reduce/remove swirl marks, light scratches and dull areas on the paintwork so the end result is a deep gloss shine. Once the paintwork has been machined, a final protective coating is applied to offer up to 24 months protection. We are able to offer spray-on sealants, show winning hand-poured wax or ceramic coatings.

The interior of the vehicle is also detailed as you would expect, leaving it looking as good as the exterior.

There have been huge leaps in what we can apply in terms of Protective Coating now.

There are products available that we use to apply protective layers on paintwork, glass, alloy wheels, plastic trim, metal, carpets, fabric seats and leather, the list being very extensive. This is why we are able to build bespoke treatments depending on a client’s needs.

Being mobile in our Ford Ranger Wildtrak vehicle offers us the luxury of being able to complete treatments at our client’s home or work addresses, minimising the disruption to their day. We have found over the years that people prefer the full day details to be carried out at their home, while the shorter appointments such as our maintenance treatments are often requested at work premises enabling the client to continue with their day.

BEFORE AND AFTER SWIRL REMOVAL

full clay bar, tar remover and iron fallout remover.

Together these products remove the stubborn contaminants from everyday driving that can over time cause a car’s appearance to become dull. The interior process is again more thorough using our upholstery machine to shampoo the seats and floor mats, often an area that can hide dirt to the naked eye.

What plans do you have for 2022?

Our plans for 2022 are to continue to expand our client base while at the same time educating as to what the detailing world really entails, what people should be looking for and what questions they should be asking before allowing anyone to work on their vehicle.

We have already been lucky enough to work with a very prestigious company and produce our first edition wax for the market, which sold out within days of being released. We are now looking at producing another product that we hope will be ready for sale this year.

Mobile: 07826 515971, Landline: 01298 211176, www.falcondetailing.co.uk 77

DRIVE THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS

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

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he new DBX707 is the fastest production SUV going, and it’s oh so British. Apart from the German bits…

The Aston Martin DBX is fast, but it isn’t quite fast enough to claim the title of the world’s quickest SUV. So Aston Martin decided to right that wrong by squeezing more power from the DBX’s 4.0-litre V8 engine and giving it a few choice extras. The result is the DBX707, a car that really can claim to be the fastest production SUV in the world.

That massive, Mercedes-derived engine now churns out 697bhp (an increase of 155bhp) allowing the DBX to race from 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds. For reference, that’s faster than the electric Porsche Taycan GTS we drove last month, and about as fast as an Audi R8.

Yep, the massive, five-seat DBX707 can keep pace with a 5.2-litre, V10 supercar with half as many seats. The top

speed of 193mph isn’t too shabby, either.

All that has been achieved with the help of a new gearbox and a clever limited-slip rear differential that helps the car make use of its power. It also has beefier brakes than the standard DBX, and there’s a re-tuned air suspension system to make the car corner as quickly as it accelerates. And on the outside, Aston Martin has applied some aerodynamic tweaks to make the car more stable at high speed.

Aston Martin DBX707, £TBC, www.astonmartin.com 78

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

SETTING THE TONE

loves

We all know the Italians like a long lunch, but Alfa Romeo has had more than most while preparing the new Tonale. First promised three years ago, the company’s smallest SUV has finally been revealed in production form, showing off a curvaceous, modern body and a traditional interior – albeit one with lots of tech. Set to launch with a choice of petrol and hybrid powertrains, the Tonale will slot into the Alfa Romeo line-up below the existing Stelvio SUV. The first examples will arrive in the UK later this year, with the most powerful examples offering up to 272bhp.

Alfa Romeo Tonale, £TBC, www.alfaromeo.co.uk

WHO GIVES YOU EXTRA? The electrical equivalent of fuel economy is going to become pretty important in the coming years, as car companies step away from petrol and diesel. MercedesBenz has twigged this, and set about making the dramatic EQXX design study, which covers 1,000km (621 miles) on a single charge without fitting an especially large battery. Aerodynamic and weight-saving features are everywhere, including in the touchscreen infotainment system, and there’s an efficient electric motor producing around 200bhp. Sadly you can’t buy one, but rest assured some of this tech will come to an electric Mercedes near you in the coming years.

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX, www.mercedes-benz.co.uk

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

A udi d o that?

James Fossdyke reckons the go-faster version of Audi’s flagship saloon is an engineering masterpiece with extraordinary breadth of capability

H

istory and logic tell us that big things should not go quickly. It didn’t do the Titanic much good, and I’m pretty sure the B-52 is not the fastest aircraft in the sky, even after the demise of the diminutive Concorde. Were large things meant to go quickly, John Prescott would be speed skating and F1 cars would be the size of ocean tankers.

So why in the name of all that’s holy is Audi – the sensible German brand that built your estate agent’s diesel hatchback – making a 2.2-tonne, 5.2-metre luxury saloon car that does 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds?

And that’s before we get on to the fact that, in this day and age, the idea of a petrol-powered superlimousine seems somewhat old-fashioned, with the clever money going electric (or at least hybrid).

In a brief nod to convention, Audi has also built a big hybrid saloon car – the snappily named A8 60 TFSI e – but decided a faster, more powerful and more expensive car was also required. So the Germans ditched the electric motor, bolted a dirty great V8 engine in under the bonnet and created this: the S8.

From the outside, it looks every inch the luxury saloon car, with chrome trim on the grille and door mirror fairings, as well as some 20-inch alloy wheels.

Even the striking Ultra Blue metallic paint looks classy, albeit a bit more garish than the traditional blacks, greys and silvers most customers will almost certainly choose. Anyway, it looks much the same as the standard A8 that chauffeurs you to and from the airport.

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It looks similar inside, too. The design is ultramodern in that oh-so Germanic way, with lots of metal and shiny surfaces, mixed in with the sumptuous leather and some glossy trim. The piano black plastic on the dash won’t be to every taste, and it looks a bit grubby if it gets touched, but when it’s clean it adds some shine to the cabin.

But the biggest light bringers are the three screens that punctuate the whole dashboard. In front of the driver is Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display, which is pin-sharp and highly configurable, allowing you to choose the information you see. It’ll even give you a Google Maps-style satellite image of the surroundings when it’s in ‘navigation’ mode.

Not only that, but the system allows you to choose the size of the instrument dials or even select which vehicle parameters it will display. Want to see the fuel economy, rather than what’s on the radio? You can, but you probably shouldn’t.

In the centre, there are two screens that work together to take the strain normally carried by conventional buttons. I’m no fan of hiding buttons in fiddly, distracting touchscreens, and this is no exception. However, the screens are clear and relatively logical, so it isn’t as bad as it could be.

Adjusting the temperature is still a bit of a faff, though, and it would be much safer if those things were controlled with proper switches.

Anyway, I digress. All this is fairly standard for Audi’s big limo, and the S8’s only real concession to sportiness is the carbon-fibre trim that replaces the usual wood, aluminium or piano black veneer.

Otherwise, it’s a picture of comfort, with soft leather seats and plenty of space.

Admittedly, there’s no long-wheelbase ‘L’ version available to offer extra rear passenger space, as there is with lowlier versions of the A8, but it’s hardly cramped. The back seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, so fitting four adults won’t be a problem, even on a long journey. Even their luggage will travel comfortably, thanks to the 505-litre boot.

That’s enough for suitcases and golf clubs, but beware of its shape. It’s long, wide and shallow, so

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive

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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Audi S8 Price from: £102,610 Engine: 4.0-litre V8 Gearbox: 8-speed automatic 0-62mph: 3.8 seconds Top speed: 155mph Power: 563bhp

only relatively flat things fit in properly. If you’re heading down to the local recycling centre, you’d be better off with Audi’s A6 Avant estate car.

But unless you go for the RS 6 super-estate, that isn’t going to be half as much fun as the S8. There’s something rebellious and ridiculous about accelerating at full chat in a car that’s this long and weighs this much. It’s like getting a piggyback from a rugby player and asking him to do the 100m. Yet such is the power of the S8 that it simply accepts the challenge, bellows with rage and takes you significantly closer to the horizon.

The key to that performance is the 4.0-litre V8 engine under the bonnet, which produces 563bhp and a mammoth 800Nm of torque.

Torque’s a little-understood thing, but it’s key to that kick-in-theback sensation you get when you accelerate. It’s what makes a car feel fast, whether it is or not.

Anyway, 800Nm is what engineers would call “a lot” of torque, and it heaves the S8 onward at an incredible rate of knots. Getting from a standstill to 62mph takes 3.8 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 155mph. It’s supercar performance from a big, luxurious barge.

And the sound is utterly fabulous. Some keen drivers will bemoan the turbochargers that

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suck some of the noise away, but the V8 engine still has a characteristic burble at low revolutions and a throaty growl as you accelerate away from the lights.

It isn’t too noisy or intrusive – in fact, it’s usually quite refined – but putting your foot down will elicit a sporty bark from the exhausts.

That mixture of performance and sound gives the S8 intoxicating motorway capability, and few things will be better for pounding down the German motorway network, but it can deal with winding roads, too. Audi has fettled the standard A8’s air suspension for use in the S8, and that means it can now ‘lean’ into corners and shift its weight around for optimum handling. It isn’t a foolproof system, and the big Audi certainly sways in bends, but it’s more composed than a standard A8 and certainly more stable than a car this size has any right to be.

It’s also more agile, thanks to rear-wheel steering that turns in the opposite direction to the front wheels, making the turning circle smaller. That’s helpful in tight corners and in town, although the sheer size means that isn’t the S8’s natural playground.

Nevertheless, it’s a comfortable luxury saloon that offers the ability to waft around in style and the chance to let your hair down when the mood takes you.

At more than £100,000, it’s an expensive four-door saloon, but it’s one that boggles the mind with its capability. Few cars will be quite so good on a long motorway slog, dance down some alpine roads and then quietly drop you outside the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo with such grace. It’s an incredible feat of engineering brilliance.

Entrepreneur vulnerable EntrepreneurMichael MichaelJosephson’s Josephson’sgreatest greatest passion passion isis supporting the most vulnerable Entrepreneur Entrepreneur Michael Michael Josephson’s Josephson’s greatest greatest passion passion is supporting isover supporting the mostmost vulnerable vulnerable people North West.

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TheMichael MichaelJosephson JosephsonMBE MBECharity Charity Ball Ball 2021 2021 raised raised an incredible £750,000 The £750,000 for for Variety, the Children's Charity, Mahdlo, Wigan Youth Teenage Cancer the Children's Charity, Mahdlo, Wigan Youth Zone Cancer TheVariety, The Michael Michael Josephson Josephson MBE MBE Charity Charity BallBall 2021 2021 raised raised an incredible an and incredible £750,000 £750,000 for for Trust.

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Home Awards Flowing In

Awards have been flowing in for

Cheshire based business SpaFlo over the last few months, with their most recent triumph at the BISHTA awards, walking away with a Gold prize for Residential Hot Tubs, £14,000 and over. Their luxury bespoke stainless steel hot tub boasts a water cannon, customised seat jets and an automatic slatted cover and can be seen here overlooking the Thames. www.spaflo.co.uk

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Home | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Starting an ANTIQUES

Collection Renowned antiques dealer Holly Johnson shares her advice on how to get started in collecting antiques

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f you’re new to the world of antique collecting, it can be a wonderful and exhilarating experience, but it is important to do your research and take certain things into consideration. More and more shoppers are turning their backs on run-of-the-mill, massproduced goods, making the craftsmanship, history, and individuality of antiques more sought after than ever. Antique items add interest and a sense of maturity to a home, and when chosen carefully, they can tie different periods of art and furniture together. Many people think antiques don’t work if you have an ultra-modern home but this is simply not the case.

If you’re new to antiques the best thing to do is start with one room in the house and decide where

MARTINE BEDIN SUPER TABLE LAMP FOR MEMPHIS, ITALY, CIRCA 1982 £3200

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you’d like to put your item. Get an idea of the size of the area where it will be placed as this will help narrow your options when you go shopping. Good pieces to start with are accessory items such as lamps, art, mirrors or side tables as opposed to larger pieces of furniture. Take a photograph of the room so when you go shopping you can refer to it and picture the piece in your home.

There are a few simple questions you want to keep in the forefront of your mind when you are on the hunt for that perfect antique piece; is it genuine,

will it fit in your home, and are you paying the right price?

Historically, to determine if something is an antique, it usually meant that an item is over 100 years old. As time has moved on, the description of antiques is more fluid. For example, mid- century modern items which are typically around 50 years can be classed as prized antiques.

I suggest that the best way to get started is to visit your local antiques dealers and check that they are approved members of trade associations such as LAPADA and BADA. Collectable antiques are often made by well-known designers and are housed in private collections and museums around the world, and are made with the highest quality materials.

If a particular designer catches your eye, please don’t necessarily think it will be out of your budget.

To illustrate, we have been buying and selling Mouseman items for the past 12 years. Prices start at around £120 for an ashtray, but an early desk or sideboard could be as much as £33,000. The record price for a Mouseman piece is $70,000 for a cupboard sold at Sotheby’s in New York.

Over the last four years the market’s really risen mainly because Mouseman pieces really hold their money, it’s all so beautifully made and the quality is so high. The oak was seasoned for five to eight years

PAINTING OF AN ELEPHANT IN PENCIL, WATERCOLOUR AND CRAYON ON PAPER, BY TUNNICLIFFE (C.1960 ENGLAND), PRICED AT £3,200

Homes and Interiors

before it was even touched. While today many collectors are wealthy clients or ‘kings of industry’, when the furniture was first made it was often sold to local farmers who used it for bartering. As prices go up, copies could become a bit more of an issue.

If the mouse is stuck on rather than carved it’s a fake. If the mouse is on the board rather than the handle, it means it’s 1940s or earlier.

‘Antiques worth considering collecting are often those that were ahead of their time when they were manufactured, ones that were regarded as AvantGarde and fashionable pieces to own These are the items which then go on to transcend time, and are great pieces to collect. For example, you can see this with the Regency period, where designers were classically inspired such as the very influential Thomas Hope and the Scottish designer John McLean.

A more modern example can be found in the 1980s Italian-based Memphis Group - a design and architecture group, founded by Ettore Sottsass, well known for their post-modern, abstract and colourful furniture, ceramics, glass, and metal pieces.

Many people are worried about wear and tear.

Well-made antiques are hardwearing and react well to usage over time. In the industry, wear and tear is an ‘enhancer of the piece and each item will have different patina (the build-up on colour), as the

ROBERT ‘MOUSEMAN’ THOMPSON OAK CHOPPING BOARD CIRCA 1960 £550

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FINISHING TOUCHES

PIERO FORNASETTI CAPPIELLO IONICO CHAIR ITALY CIRCA 1960, £5500

light and how they have AD EXCESTIS MAIO BERIBUSCIM VOLUM ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UT QUAS UNTIO EXCERERFERUM been handled affects their VELECTIOS MOLORE CORUM VOLUPTI AUT INVEL IUS APELIGNITIIS INIS NON CONEM IL IPSAM, CUPTATE MPELLOREMPOS colour.’ Holly reiterates that EST UT ET RE RE, SAM LAUT QUUNTIOS MOD MAIO. ITAE QUISTOT ATEMPOR EHENDIT EIUNT well patinated pieces are prized and can command a higher price.

When vising antiques dealers, I suggest focusing in on the pieces that really stand out to you, and always ask before picking anything up. It is important to take your time checking over it, look for authenticity marks, inspect any flaws and watch out for modern fixings as these are often an indication that the piece has been altered. The antique seller will most-likely welcome any questions and should be able to give you an insight into For example, a vintage ‘Architettura’ trumeau the date and history of the items you like. If they from the 1940’s – 1950’s would be worth about can’t, you may not be in a reputable store. £150,000, whereas a newer one would be around If you’ve done your research and you’re looking £40,000. Only around 40 were produced in the to invest a substantial sum for a piece by a 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, making early examples specific designer, you highly sought after. need to visit a wellHis designs are very lively, so they brighten up known dealer. For interiors and give a signature look. Just one item will example, I adore and bring a wonderful sense of colour and character, stock many items by like a highlighter, into a room. the Italian designer We also find that Victorian items from the Arts & Piero Fornasetti, Crafts era are highly sought after; as are drawings whose work dates and artwork which are simple to incorporate into from the 50’s any home. Look out for work by well-known British through to the 80’s. artists such as Charles Tunnicliffe and Harold Riley, A dealer can as these pieces will hold their investment for many provide specialist years to come. advise on how to Lastly, make sure you actually really like the item date specific pieces you choose and you enjoy its aesthetics. As with any and while moderndecorative item, they are completely subjective to day Fornasetti the owner’ personal taste, so what I may enjoy may continues to not appeal to you, and so forth. That is the joy of intrigue, it is the collecting antiques, everything has its own unique vintage pieces that personality and identity. command the For more information, please visit highest prices. www.hollyjohnsonantiques.com

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PAIR OF AUSTRALIAN BLACK BEAN WOOD DISPLAY CABINETS BY EDWARD BARNSLEY ENGLAND CIRCA 1958 £10,000

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Caring for a loved one?

We understand that considering a care home can be daunting, that’s why we’re here to offer you as much information and support as possible.

Our free guides provide practical and emotional advice as you navigate caring for a friend or family member.

Eating as we age Hints and tips for keeping healthy and hydrated in older age

Call us on 0371 454 2559 for a friendly chat or to request Eating as we age guide, or download a copy at careuk.com/eating-as-we-age

For family carers

Our care homes in Cheshire Abney Court, Cheadle Deewater Grange, Chester Oakfield Croft, Sale Ladybrook Manor, Bramhall Formerly Sunrise of Bramhall Halecroft Grange, Hale Barns Formerly known as Sunrise of Hale Barns Cranford Grange, Mobberley Formerly known as Sunrise of Mobberley

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Work Ou O ut, Chii ll O ut or Ch or Entert nterta a in If you are looking for somewhere to entertain friends, a place to unwind after work, an outside yoga studio, or perhaps all three, Spring is the perfect time to explore your options for an elite garden room

T

he way we live has taken a shift in recent years and more of us than ever are looking for extra space away from the home to entertain in or escape to. Direct Outdoor Buildings has put together a range of elite garden rooms to offer customers a fresh option for a chill out, work out or entertain in. Each Elite building is hand-made to order by a professional elite production team in Staffordshire. Multiple layers of insulation mean the building is a comfortable year-round solution for adding extra space to your property. Direct Outdoor Buildings can manufacture bespoke sizes and can completely customise your building to suit your requirements.

Kingsley

A delightful and charming building, the Kingsley garden room has a graceful elegance that lends itself to any garden whether traditional or modern. The addition of a cedar shingle or slate eco tiled roof makes the building even more appealing.

The Kingsley would be ideal as a focal point in any garden due to its’ shape. Georgian style doors and windows will make this octagonal-shaped garden room look impressive in larger or small gardens.

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Homes and Interiors

Dukesbury

The Dukesbury is a combination of a contemporary garden room with a traditional hipped roof. The building features full pane glass windows and doors which gives the building a sleek modern twist whilst keeping its traditional charm. Alternatively; Customers can choose traditional Georgian styled doors and windows.

The Walton

The Walton garden room would be a perfect choice for customers who are looking for a traditionally styled building.

The pitched roof and clean lines with Direct Outdoor Buildings’ craftsmanship gives the Walton a stunning design. The Walton would be even more appealing with cedar shingle, cedar clad or slate eco tiled roofing upgrade; however, the Walton has felt tile roof as standard.

Call 0800 669 6003 WhatsApp 07368 577931 www.directoutdoorbuildings.com

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Q&A

with

EMMA LOUISE SEMPER-HOPKINS,

FOUNDER OF SEMPER HOPKINS UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS How would you describe yourself ?

I live and work in Scholar Green – running my furniture design and custom upholstery business out of a former Methodist chapel. It is located next door to the family home I share with my husband Dave, and our son Alfie, who is six. I work alongside my dad, Ian Semper, who helped me to turn what was originally a promising side hustle into a full-time business. A passionate cook, I also love to travel in ‘Wallie the Wagon’ – the motorhome we purchased in Spring 2021. As a family, we love to experience the great outdoors, gardening and growing our own produce.

Tell us a bit more about you...

Originally from Bedale in North Yorkshire, I completed a university degree in Business and a Masters in Marketing before entering a career in food retail. In my own time, I completed an Interior Design course in 2013 at the National Design Academy and then started training in upholstery the following year at the Ministry of Upholstery in Manchester.

What initially started out as a hobby became my true calling.

I set up Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors in 2016 after becoming a mum to Alfie the previous year. I have been with Dave since we met at university and this year, we celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary.

Who are your greatest influences?

My influences tend to be family and the people I meet on the way. It is their achievements, values and experiences that I want to replicate in my own life. In my workshop, the bespoke furniture I design is influenced by industrial aesthetics and reclaimed materials, as well as coloured and patterned

fabrics that are bold. I love transforming period chairs – especially Bentwood chairs from the turn of the century, with their curved arms – and 1920s art deco pieces. I restore the wood and add vibrant fabrics to make something new from the old. The end goal is to create furniture that our clients will love – interpreting their ideas so that they play a part in the design process, as well as having a piece that is totally unique to them.

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

With Cheshire residents turning to crafting for a wellbeing boost during the pandemic, I launched our first upholstery workshops in September 2020. They quickly sold out and, one year on, demand is greater than ever! Seeing the sense of fulfilment and joy that clients get from making a piece of furniture from a set of materials is what I love the most about our workshops. They start off the day thinking they don’t have the relevant skills. By the end, they walk away elated with what they have made. There is a huge sense of achievement for them and for me. I also love taking old pieces of furniture that have sentimental value to clients and bringing them back to life. Seeing their reaction, which is often quite emotional, is always a memorable moment.

Traditional vs contemporary style?

Traditional overall, but I do like to mix styles. Using older individual pieces matched with furniture from a mix of design eras is a great way to finish a room scheme. www.shupholstery.co.uk

P.S. Last book you read?

The Roald Dahl series, which I am introducing Alfie to at the moment!

Dream buy?

A round-the-world travel ticket. I love the experience and freedom travel brings.

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Hot Properties

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FEATURING YOUR PROPERTY FOR SALE OR LET IN THE CHESHIRE MAGAZINE CONTACT

hello@thecheshiremag.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Home

Hot Property

THE WOODLAND, MIDDLEWICH ROAD, MINSHULL VERNON, CHESHIRE, CW10

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he Woodlands is a six bedroom, four bathroom, five reception room detached home occupying a plot of approximately 1.59 acres.

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Hot Property

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2021 OMAR ATRIUM LODGE THIS BRAND NEW OMAR ATRIUM IS A STUNNING AND CONTEMPORARY LODGE, SITED AT THE BEAUTIFUL CONISTON VIEW PARK ON THE EDGE OF THE LAKE DISTRICT.

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decking, meaning you can enjoy the spectacular views both inside and out.

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Home Homes and Interiors The CHESHIRE Magazine |

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

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Home | Homes and Interiors The CHESHIRE Magazine

And Finally ...

We love the recent collaboration between Mary Katrantzou and The Rug Company.

Entitled A Life in Pattern, this collection showcases two new designs in two colourways and highlights the appreciation of beauty, craftsmanship and bold patterns that both brands share. With a nod to Jackson Pollock’s emblematic style, Splatter Bright (pictured) presents kaleidoscopic paint splashes, woven entirely in soft wool yarn.

From £2,456, www.therugcompany.com

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JF

Jack Few Fine Art

Contemporary Original Abstract Paintings Creating Raw and Vibrant Statement Pieces for your Home Commissions Available

“Painting is wild inquiry, abstraction is the revealing and teasing out of those underworlds”

www.jackfewfineart.com @jack_few_fine_art