MAY/JUNE 2022 s ISSUE 095
Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine
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journey is not just a metaphor for progress, dynamism and exploration, but it also represents an opportunity for exchange, it lends a new worldview and creates new opportunities to learn. The Brunello Cucinelli Autumn Winter 2022 Collection is inspired by an ever-transforming urban world, a crossroads where different ideas of daily style intersect, where culture branches out from tradition according to modern-day needs, welcoming freedom and at the same time embracing the past. Comfort, dynamism and softness are values that underpin all fabrics and volumes, striking the perfect balance between elegance and ease. Starting from the sartorial shapes of the blazer, all elements express an enveloping feel, with soft lines that combine a contemporary vision and refined style.
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New coats and peacoats merge the prestige of elegant sartorial lines with modern leisure taste. Outerwear and down jackets with enveloping and longer lines become more relevant in the creation of outfits. The soft and modern volumes of trousers play an increasingly important role in defining the style of an outfit, renewing classic sartorial models in the sporty manner of denim. The detailed research that goes into choosing the highest-quality materials and fabrics aims to ensure the utmost comfort and lightness whilst at the same time maintaining each fabric’s identity, the traditional values of its texture and the unique character of its fibers. Cashmere and superfine wools meet exquisite baby camel fibers whilst precious suedes and nappa leathers join lightweight shearlings in a variety of appearances. Patterns add a refined style to the fabrics in the collection: classic chalk stripes go hand in hand with new interpretations of tweed, houndstooth and Prince of Wales – introducing colours with refined effects to build subtle and chromatic harmonies. Corduroy is also brought to the forefront, renewed with brand new délavé effects, which enrich the colours and enhance the textured appearance. With its comfortable, relaxed and distinctive appearance, knitwear is the beating heart of the collection, filtering through its many categories including down jackets, travelwear and footwear. Soft knitted surfaces revolutionise the style of down jackets and elevate travelwear. Knitwear introduces colour expressions, pure or combined with neutrals, together with special yarns that enrich textures with a tweed effect. Wardrobe classics in all their forms offer something for every occasion whilst innovative garments are the result of new approaches to tradition: chiné and vanisé techniques, jacquard inlays, embroidery and combinations of stitches result in different textures that replace patterns, always in a refined, harmonious and contemporary manner.
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style
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Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Dinin ning g wit with h Dist istii ncti nctio on Angela Seddon took a short trip up the Ribble Valley hills to sample the new Northcote spring tasting menu
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s we all finally emerge from the slumber of a wet and miserable start to the year, it was a welcome relief to be driving through the sunny countryside on the way to Northcote, the luxury Lancashire hotel with its Michelin starred restaurant. Arguably one of the North’s finest gems. It has been a few years since I last visited Northcote and I was looking forward to enjoying their true northern hospitality once again. Hidden away in the beautiful Lancashire Ribble Valley, this once old Manor House now boasts elegant rooms and suites. We were greeted on the sunny terrace by our host for the day, Craig Bancroft, the steady hand that has steered them through the many choppy waters of late. Having been the managing director for more years than he cared to number, he confessed that the whole hospitality industry has had an incredibly difficult few years due to the pandemic and Brexit. Yet during this time, they have adapted and created their hugely successful gourmet home delivery boxes (Northcote at Home) and showed a resilience that has come from experience and hard graft. It was fascinating listening to a man whose heart and passion has helped drive them to stay at the top of their game, and whose vision will hopefully take them further. After we had been shown around the dining room, we were led to the Louis Roederer Room with its private terrace.
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A perfect place for a special occasion such as a wedding or a milestone birthday. We were served a delightful glass of English sparkling wine from Nyetimber in Sussex. I’m no wine expert, (I defer to those far better educated than me on such matters!), but it tasted of true quality, rivalling any Champagne I have ever enjoyed. We were offered two canapés, a butter pie with caramelised onion, potato and homemade brown sauce, an absolutely delicious mouthful. I have to be honest though, my heart was totally lost to the artichoke tartlet. I could have dined on them all day. They comprised of an artichoke ‘leather’ tart case filled with artichoke jelly, truffle, artichoke mousse, Inglewhite cheese and topped with black truffle. Almost cloud-like in its lightness, but packed full of such a depth of flavour. If this amount of thought and detail goes into a bite-sized canapé I knew the upcoming lunch was going to transport me to a very happy place. We then went to the heart of the action, the Chef’s table, for our lunch. When Northcote launched its cookery school (which is an incredible experience that I would highly recommend, having been on one of their courses) they placed it with a commanding view of the kitchen through sliding glass doors. When not used for teaching it converts to a beautiful dining table that seats up to 16. From this vantage point, you can watch the chefs at work creating the culinary masterpieces heading your way. What impressed me was the calmness
that permeated the whole kitchen. I can only imagine that this came from a meticulously organised and orchestrated service. It was a beautiful sight. Executive head chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen took us through each dish, talking about its inspiration. It’s clear she’s a perfectionist and hugely passionate about showcasing the wide range of incredible produce the region has to offer. “It's about taking that local produce and putting my twist on it working with the seasons, to bring out the best of every product to create new, exciting dishes.” Her food lives up to that in every way, I can promise you that. We started with Orkney scallop, green curry, cultured yoghurt and lemon. Perfectly cooked scallop, but the frozen lemony pearls which added an unexpected vibrant freshness and acidity to the dish, were delightful. The tempura scallop with the lightest, yet crispest of batter, did an excellent job of mopping up the last of the curry sauce on my plate. Next came quail, frozen liver parfait, apple verjus, bacon and sweet turnip. Sounds simple enough. But that’s the beauty of excellent food. The simplicity of the description belies the complexity of such a fabulous dish. Nothing is wasted. The whole of the bird is used in each aspect, from the jus to the frozen liver parfait. The contrast between the warm, gamey bird and the frozen liver, (a meltingly beautiful addition), was a delight I’d not experienced before, but would most definitely have again, and again! Our next course was aged Lake District beef, allium, hen of the woods and black garlic puree. Melt in the mouth beef with perfect accompaniments, topped with what could be best described as the most flavourful beef quaver. These are made from beef tendons slowly cooked, dried, then deep fried, adding the perfect crunch to an expertly balanced dish. Finally, we were presented with a beautiful warm Bramley ‘apple pie’. This dish has certainly had a glow-up in the hands of chef Lisa. A picture-perfect
sphere of white chocolate coated in a caramelised pastry crumb held all the tastes of the best apple pie. Then a warm apple pie custard was poured over it, making the sphere melt. It was a feast for the senses as it transported me to childhood memories of holidays with homemade apple pie. This was definitely the sophisticated version though, worthy of a Michelin star itself. Each of our courses were paired with wines from their award-winning selection. Our sommelier, Liam, talked to us knowledgeably about each flavour profile and why it was chosen to complement each dish. My favourite had to be the dessert wine from Hungary. Liam explained it best by saying we had apple pie in a bowl and apple pie in a glass. A little sceptical I took a sip, I think I said ‘wow!’ a little too loudly, but he was spot on with his description. From the gorgeous, cloud-like canape at the beginning, to the ‘apple pie’ at the end, I felt like I had been on a journey of culinary excellence. Nearby Pendle Hill is famed for its ancient witches, but I’m guessing even with their powers they’d struggle to compete with the magic that was created in the Northcote kitchen. The service was exemplary, yet unobtrusive. The welcome was warm and the surroundings beautiful. In my humble opinion, this haven deserves a second star, but not having the ear of the Michelin inspectors, I’ll have to settle for declaring it here. www.northcote.com
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GLENAPP CASTLE WOODLAND ESTATE
Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine
GLORIOUS GARDENS by Pride of Britain Hotels Spring is here – and gardens up and down the country, from Sussex to Scotland, are bursting into bloom
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TULIPS AT GRAVETYE MANOR
West Sussex The landscaped gardens at Gravetye Manor were created by pioneering gardener William Robinson and are considered one of the most important historic gardens in England. Look out for jewel-like tulips in the flower garden. You can also explore wild meadows, orchards and a flourishing walled kitchen garden that provides produce for the hotel’s restaurant.
SPRING BULBS AT HARTWELL HOUSE
Wales Situated on a peninsular with terraces tumbling down the hillside and views of Snowdonia, the gardens at Bodysgallen Hall are a spectacular sight. It is well known for its colourful
THE FORMAL GARDENS AT BODYSGALLEN HALL
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lose your eyes and take a deep breath. Imagine a riot of colour in a flower-filled garden with a blanket of purple bluebells, crimson-pink cherry blossom and sapphire-blue delphiniums. A sweet fragrance fills the air and the sunshine gently warms your skin. This is a quintessential country garden. Pride of Britain Hotels suggests that there is no substitute for spending quality time with nature and surrounding yourself with our glorious gardens. Take a stroll through the foliage to nourish your soul, providing an instant mood boost. Our chefs gather fruit, vegetables and edible flowers from the kitchen gardens for delicious dishes and healthy spring salads allowing guests to enjoy produce from earth to plate within hours, sometimes minutes.
17th century box hedged parterre, though you can also meander through medlar and mulberry, enchanting follies and a rose garden.
Buckinghamshire The revered English landscape architect Capability Brown transformed 90 acres of countryside surrounding Hartwell House in the Vale of Aylesbury back in the 18th century. Vibrant spring blooms to discover here include daffodils, primroses and anemones. A roam through the parkland reveals grand statues, canals and an ornamental bridge.
Scotland The gardens surrounding Glenapp Castle are perched above the Ayrshire coast and boast many extraordinary plants from around the world. You’ll have a spring in your step while wandering through the Gertrude Jekyll-designed Italian garden, but don’t miss the grapevines, peach and fig trees in the Victorian glasshouse. With so many horticultural hotels to choose from, your next Glorious Garden escape with Pride of Britain Hotels awaits. www.prideofbritainhotels.com
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Case Study
A Regal Residence by the River w it h
Hav woods W
ith outstanding views overlooking the River Dee and stunning Welsh coastline, Abbotsford is the epitome of residential luxury. This impressive detached period property recently underwent a substantial renovation and extension to reconfigure its internal layout undertaken by Mark Watson Architects. The design brief was to maintain character whilst delicately introducing modern touches through minimalist décor and the exposed wooden window frames. To complete the space and provide the perfect finishing touch, Havwoods
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Homes and Interiors
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