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CHESHIRE’S LEADING LUXURY BOUTIQUE HEALTH CLUB
A unique concept in wellness and relaxation, CPASE is a member exclusive, state of the art health & fitness facility in the heart of Cheshire.
MEET SOME OF OUR TEAM Katie Tudbury
Dan Hooper
Duty Manager
Principle Personal Trainer
Katie originally joined CPASE as a class instructor, before taking on a full time role in May 2023. She has a background in performance, working on a wide variety of shows on cruise ships, dinner shows and circuses. During this time, Katie worked with and managed teams from all over the world. Katie is passionate about staff progression and loves supporting the team with learning new skills and role development.
Dan has wealth of experience within the fitness industry, he has been helping clients achieve phenomenal results for over a decade. Dan has worked with hundreds of clients including many celebrities, sports stars and musicians. Dan’s attention to detail and personal approach to all of his clients sees him help both men and women from all ages, fitness levels and backgrounds achieve the best versions of themselves both physically and mentally.
Ella Parker-Rothwell
Sal Russ
Front of House
Principle Personal Trainer
Ella has been a member of the
Sal has been in the fitness industry for over 30 years and during this time has had the privilege of working with some world-class trainers. As well as being a Personal Trainer and Clinical Pilates instructor, she is also a Kinetic Chain Release practitioner. Sal is passionate about injury prevention and believes incorporating this into training programming is essential to ensure that her clients can train safely and progress on their fitness journey without injury.
team for 18 months, she originally joined us from April’s Kitchen in Knutsford. Ella excels in member interaction and prides herself in knowing every member by name. Ella also has an interest in Social Media and plays a large part in the CPASE Instagram account.
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Find us at Mobberley / Knutsford / WA16 7RN
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 s ISSUE 110 s
Managing Director Kathryn Otto Editor Craig Hough Editorial Team Kevin Evans Toby Taylor Isla Wilson Contributers James Fossdyke Phil Aird-Mash Clare Stobart Alex Mellor-Brook Design & Production Kate Woods Picture Editor Kat Hannon Account Managers Erika Correa Georgia Barrett Barney Morriss Brand Ambassadors Keely Barrett Sarah Irlam Charity and Events Coordinator Rachel O’Hare Office Administrator Amy Ashton
Proudly published by MAG LTD
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A Note From... A
world of festive wonder is waiting for you in the latest edition of The Cheshire Magazine. To get you on your merry way, we start this issue by meeting Adele Gregson, Director of The Christmas Company as she shares her love of this time of the year and offers her top tips for surviving the big day (p.17). In Notebook, our What’s On pages are filled with fun festive events happening across the region (p.19) and we begin our countdown to the big day by showcasing our favourite advent calendars of the year (p.24). Unwrap a world of luxury with our 2023 gift guide (p.51) which includes Dior, Chanel, Mulberry, Fortnum & Mason; plus many more gift ideas are spread throughout the issue. What will be on your wish list? This issue we travel to Lapland to see how Finland celebrates a true northern Christmas and discover how you and your little ones can meet Santa himself (p.26). Also, our Travel Insider gives ideas for a frosty escape (p.69); PoB Hotels explains why an exceptional experience is the perfect gift (p.71) and we stop off at Buxton Crescent Hotel as they share their festive plans (p.72). The Christmas spirit spills into our Food and Drink section as we take a look at Tattu’s new indulgent offerings (p.47); we showcase some red wines for the season (p.48) and share some limited-edition gift ideas (p.49). And to really have your Christmas all wrapped up, our friends at Neptune have put together a collection of handcrafted decorations, life-like fir trees and hosting ideas for your big gathering will be one to remember (p.93). The jolliest time of the year starts right here…
PARTNER
CHESTER DD Clinical Gieves & Hawkes Opera Bar & Grill Piccolino’s Oddfellows Pied Bull Powells Jewellery Chester Grosvenor Abode Hotel
LIVERPOOL Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar David M Robinson
MANCHESTER David M Robinson Gotham Hotel Kimpton Clock Tower Harvey Nichols Hilton Manchester Deansgate King Street Townhouse Mappin & Webb Rosso Watches of Switzerland 20 Stories Oddfellows on the Park
CHESHIRE Carden Park Hotel Mottram Hall Spa Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet The Mere Cottons Hotel The Colony Wilmslow Guncast Pools & Wellness Havwoods International Knutsford
Happy reading, Team Cheshire Magazine
PROUD TO
Where to find us...
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Get Christmas Gifting All Wrapped Up For For orders orders large large or or small small to to recipients recipients near near and and far, far, Fortnum’s Fortnum’s complimentary complimentary Concierge Concierge is is at at your your service. service. Talk to our team today... Talk to our team today... Email CONCIERGE@FORTNUMANDMASON.COM Email CONCIERGE@FORTNUMANDMASON.COM Call +44 (0)20 7465 8668 Call +44 (0)20 7465 8668 Visit FORTNUMANDMASON.COM/CONCIERGE Visit FORTNUMANDMASON.COM/CONCIERGE
F&M AD ROYAL ACADEMY FULL PAGE.indd 1 F&M AD ROYAL ACADEMY FULL PAGE.indd 1
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Contents
FOOD & DRINK
A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITES
24 26
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS
The top 2023 advent calendars
EXPERIENCE A TRUE NORTHERN CHRISTMAS
THE GREAT SNOW
48
THE WINE CELLAR
Celebrate the most indulgent time of year at Tattu
Your must-have red wines for the festive season
TRAVEL
Meet Santa Claus in Lapland and enjoy a snowy winter wonderland
51
47
71
UNWRAP
Our luxury gift guide
HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS
32
A DAY AT DD CLINICAL
36
FIND YOUR FIT
72
THE PERFECT GIFT
There truly is no better gift than an experience from PoB Hotels
MEET THE HOTELIER
We meet the General Manager at Buxton Crescent Hotel
Sarah Irlam gets ready for the festive season
Clare’s festive gift guide
FAMILY
43 44 REGULARS
17 69
MY LIFE
Adele Gregson, Director of The Christmas Company shares her life with us
THE TRAVEL INSIDER Plan a frosty escape somewhere you can truly embrace the Christmas spirit
LOVE’S SILENT SABOTEUR
Disarming weaponised incompetence in relationships
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES
Elizabeth Hassall on staying at the top of the legal profession
DRIVE
78
LEAN GREEN SPEED MACHINE
Why Audi’s electric sports car is one of the best on the market
HOME
84 93
CASE STUDY
Harrods Men’s Personal Shopping
AN ENTERTAINING SEASON
Handcrafted decorations, life-like fir trees and hosting ideas aplenty
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Call: 01244 301 922 Social:
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09/02/2023 11:36
My life ... ADELE GREGSON, DIRECTOR OF THE CHRISTMAS COMPANY
How would you describe yourself ? I have a creative eye and a love for the Christmas season. With over a decade of experience in this industry, I’m always motivated by the opportunity to constantly innovate, generating fresh ideas and witnessing the growth of our business. Where is home? And work? I live in the quiet village of Melling, Liverpool, and work across two locations in Liverpool and Lancashire. What would you do to improve the area you live in? Given that Christmas is a significant part of my work, I absolutely love the idea of having a large extravagant Christmas tree in our local area. Ever since I was young, I remember Christmas always being the time of year when everyone came together, and I think having something like this locally would really help build a stronger sense of community. Name a few of your favourite places to be... My favourite place has to be Lake Como – it’s so peaceful, and relaxing. The food is just fantastic. I also have a love for my city and country breaks in the UK. I enjoy visiting the Lake District and, of course, London during the Christmas season! Once we wrap up our decorating season around the 18th of December, I make it a tradition to head to London for a few days to immerse myself in the festive decorations. I become like a Christmas decoration connoisseur, inspecting all the Christmas displays. My favourite places to eat would have to be Moor Hall in Aughton and Cibo in Hale. What or who inspires you? One of my inspirations is Peter Jones; he has proven that hard work and integrity pay off. I consider myself to be very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet many successful people.
“
I love cooking Christmas dinner and playing board games afterwards with a Baileys and nibbles
”
Over the years, I’ve come to realise that hard work, ethics, and integrity are at the core of success. These are the main values we operate within my business. What was the last gift you gave someone? The last gift I gave was a wreath from the “Christmas in a Box” product, and I gave it to my cleaner. Tell us a secret/fun fact? I always used to lie about my age so that I could get a job! I always loved the idea of working and earning my own money. What’s been your biggest life lesson? My biggest life lesson is to never take anything for granted. Time is precious and things can change so quickly. What’s on your Christmas list this year? On my Christmas list this year is a new cherry picker…I never actually thought I’d say this! How do you typically spend your Christmas Day? By Christmas I am usually completely exhausted and haven’t seen my family or friends for a while, so I spend Christmas morning with my brother. I love cooking Christmas dinner and playing board games afterwards with a Baileys and nibbles. Any top tips for surviving the festive period with family? My top tips for surviving Christmas would be: don’t stress! You can always whizz around the Trafford Centre, like I do every year, and get most of what you need. Also, try and buy presents which are already gift wrapped and packaged so it saves you a lot of time. christmascompanyuk.com christmasinaboxuk.com 17
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
NOTEBOOK WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH
Make Magi giccal Mem emo ories
As dusk falls, Bolesworth’s Christmas
Lights Trail comes to life and becomes the most dazzling winter illuminations event in Cheshire. The beautiful grounds will be lit with thousands of stunning lights and effects, projections and interactive installations creating an unforgettable seasonal experience for children and grown-ups alike. You’ll also discover an amazing 240sqm real ice skating rink, Santa’s Grotto and have the chance to meet Santa’s reindeer. bolesworth.com
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Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine
9 - 26 DEC
Christmas Screenings King Street Townhouse, Manchester
What’s On?
Taking place in the underground cellar of King Street Townhouse will be screenings of classic seasonal films all month long, perfect for getting in the festive spirit! Christmas film fans can enjoy hits such as Home Alone, Elf, Love Actually whilst sipping a festive cocktail and picking at popcorn and pick’n’mix. kingstreettownhouse.co.uk
UNTIL 31 DEC
Christmas at Dunham Massey Dunham Massey, Cheshire
UNITL 1 JAN
Tinsel Town Trafford Centre, Trafford Families can enjoy a full festive day out complete with a huge shimmering ice rink, festive fairground rides, Snowstorm spectacular ice show, magical Christmas Tree bar and other festive fayre. Families can also journey through the Candy Cane Land and Enchanted Forest in search of Santa’s Merry Mailroom. Assisted by Santa’s Elves, challenges and tasks await them on this journey, whilst they embark on an adventure to deliver their very own letter to Santa in his cosy cabin. traffordcentre.co.uk 20
Firmly positioned within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Dunham Massey, Cheshire has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. Discover colour-changing batons of light stretching out into the distance, a huge silver star, Nova, shrouded in mist as if just fallen from the sky and star-shaped arches high above you, just some of the new displays to see this year. christmasatdunhammassey.co.uk
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
28 NOV - 2 DEC
Edward Scissorhands The Lowry, Salford Based on the classic Tim Burton movie and featuring the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Matthew Bourne and his company, New Adventures return to this witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world. thelowry.com
UNTIL 24 FEB
Hamilton Palace Theatre Manchester The Olivier, Tony and Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical has arrived in Manchester. Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hiphop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. atgtickets.com
2 DEC
E&M Glass Christmas Open Studio Malpas, Cheshire Join E&M Glass for their Christmas Open Studio from 10am-4pm and experience the mesmerizing art of live glassblowing first hand. Explore their Christmas gift shop and discover unique and beautiful handmade gifts for all. Also see an artisan blacksmith showcasing their skills, local artists and crafters displaying their handmade creations, and help yourself to mulled wine and refreshments. Best of all, attendance to this exciting event is free and will certainly get you into the holiday spirit! emglass.co.uk
5 DEC - 6 JAN
Life of Pi The Lowry, Salford Based on one of the best-loved works of fiction, Life of Pi is a breath-taking new theatrical adaptation of an epic journey of endurance and hope. After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, there are five survivors stranded on a single lifeboat – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, a sixteenyear-old boy, and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger. Time is against them, nature is harsh, who will survive? thelowry.com
E+M Glass Ltd. present...
Christmasr Open Studios Saturday 2nd December
10:00 - 4:00
LIVE Glassblowing Demonstrations Christmas Gift Shop Local Exhibiting Artists Refreshments Sarn Glass Studio Tallarn Green SY14 7LN 01948 770 464 info@emglass.co.uk www.emglass.co.uk
@handmadeglass @emglass
9 DEC
Annual Christmas Carol Concert Chester Cathedral, Chester Get yourself in the festive spirit at Chester Cathedral’s Annual Christmas Carol Concert. Expect to be filled with joy and merriment, an inspiration for the season! The concert will feature a selection of traditional and popular words and music for Christmas, from firm favourites to modern and new discoveries. Tickets include arrival mulled wine and mince pies. chestercathedral.com 21
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The Guardian | Evening Standard | NME | Huffington Post | The Sun | Mail on Sunday | Daily Mirror | WhatsOnStage
‘Memorable, dazzling and breathtaking entertainment’ Time Out
The perfect festive gift experience Only at the O U R O F F I C I A L PA R T N E R
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Arena | abbavoyage.com T O W A R D S T R U LY S U S T A I N A B L E S H I P P I N G
16/11/2023 16/11/2023 16:1916:19
Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine
C hes hesh h ire lo l o ves... The Countdown to Christmas
Shop the Best Advent Calendars of 2023
Caviar Advent Calendar Caviar enthusiasts and luxury food lovers rejoice! The gift to outshine all gifts, this opulent treasure trove contains 24 individual 10g tins of Caviar House & Prunier’s eponymous black gold, Prunier, promising pure gastronomic pleasure behind every door. Each day throughout December, lucky recipients will be treated to a selection of the world's finest caviar, carefully curated by the experts at Caviar House & Prunier. From the delicate and buttery to the rich and velvety, the caviar advent calendar provides a journey through the extensive repertoire of these coveted delicacies. £350, caviarhouse-prunier.co.uk
Seven Days of Christmas Cosiness For the one who loves a cosy, comfy Christmas, curled up on the sofa. A whole week of cosy Christmas cheer packed with everything for a curl-up-on-the-sofa-with-amovie Christmas. Set the mood with a Christmas scented candle, and accessorise that cosy Christmas jumper with award-winning nail polish and a designer hair band bangle. Make a wish with a WishString, before warming up on a cold winter's night with a steaming mug of winter red tea, best enjoyed in a steamy cranberry and hibiscus scented bath, and our very special, oh-so-decadent Christmas winter warmer. Cosiness in a cup! £43, sevenyays.com
Jo Malone London Advent Calendar The treasured Jo Malone London Advent Calendar returns with a gingerbread-inspired design to make the festive season even sweeter. Filled with 25 scented surprises including Miniature Colognes, Travel Candles, Bath & Body Luxuries and a 30ml cologne in one of the brand’s most popular scents. Complete with seasonal favourites Seasonal Holiday Hero Scents including Orange Bitters and White Moss & Snowdrop. Once empty, the box can be reused as a jewellery case, desk tidy or crafting kit. £350, jomalone.co.uk 24 22
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
12 Days of Clogau Gift Box The luxurious 12 Days of Clogau Gift Box contains a daily delight for the festive period from December 25 to January 5, including seven silver jewellery pieces – all containing rare Welsh gold – and five fab accessories worth over £880. £500, clogau.co.uk
Molton Brown Advent Calendar
Rituals Premium Advent Calendar The Premium Advent Calendar, which includes full size products, is here to add a sprinkling of surprise with 24 gifts waiting to be discovered. As a daily reminder and moment of holiday cheer, each house in the village and every window of Ritual’s iconic flagship store House of Rituals holds a luxurious gift for you or somebody you care about. £165, rituals.com
Begin a most marvellous countdown with Molton Brown’s highly coveted Advent Calendar; 24 beloved Molton Brown icons, distinctive fragrances and delectable new discoveries are eagerly waiting behind glorious golden doors. £210, moltonbrown.co.uk
Selfridges Beauty Advent Calendar
Spicers of Hythe’s Cocktail Advent Calendar
Filled with cult-classic favourites and skin nourishing blends, this calendar delivers a luxurious festive countdown experience. This year's calendar has an overall value of £1,094 and is brimming with a number of bestsellers from the REFY Brow Sculpt, Dr Barbara Strum Clarifying Serum to the Gisou Hair Fragrance. The gorgeous calendar also houses 32 beauty treasures (4 more than last year), including 16 full-sized products. £220, selfridges.com
Treat yourself to an exclusive cocktail-filled holiday with Spicers of Hythe's Cocktail Advent Calendar. This adultsonly advent calendar includes 24 pre-mixed cocktails that will light up your days in the lead up to the festive season. As you count down the days, indulge in a premium mix of spirits and liqueurs behind each of the windows, for a truly elegant and sophisticated festive experience. £129.99, bents.co.uk 25 23
Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Expe xperrien iencce a Tru Tr ue No Northe rtherrn
Christmas Meet Santa Claus in Lapland and enjoy a snowy winter wonderland How do the Finns celebrate Christmas? Everyone knows Santa Claus comes from Finland, but there’s more to a traditional Finnish Christmas than Saint Nick and presents. During the festive season, Finns like to take things slow and enjoy the company of loved ones – with a side of mulled wine and sauna. White landscapes shrouded in darkness, lit only by stars in the sky and ice lanterns on driveways, set the mood for a cosy festive season. For most, Christmas preparations in Finland start by deciding where to spend it. At home with family is a common choice, but some families rent a cottage or villa in the countryside. Food also plays a central part in Finland’s Christmas celebrations. Pork roast is the main dish in most households and it’s served with a variety of fish, casseroles and salads. The traditional Christmas Eve breakfast is rice pudding. Later, after a couple of Christmas ales, carols are sung with gusto. At the end of the night, a warm Christmas sauna relaxes one’s body and soul.
Traditional Finnish Christmas food The Finnish Christmas food traditions vary around the country, but there are still a few staple dishes intrinsic to this wintery feast. An ovenbaked ham served with mustard is an absolute must for many, but an assortment of fish is also considered an essential part of traditional Finnish Christmas dinner. Vegetarian courses include a classic beetroot salad and various oven-baked root dishes like the popular rutabaga casserole. Sweet pastries such as prune jam tarts, spice cakes, and rice porridge are Finnish Christmas
26
or try making one out of ice. Let a water bucket partially freeze outside, pour the water out from the middle and place a candle or a led light inside the frozen shell. You’ll be surprised what a difference a simple lantern can make - a dark Arctic night becomes cosier in an instant.
When is Christmas in Finland?
delicacies beloved by people of all ages. One of the most cherished tasks of Christmastime is decorating gingerbread, which is often hung from the branch of a beautiful spruce tree.
For Finns, Christmas Eve is the main event of the holidays and the night Santa brings gifts for children. Santa’s visit is undoubtedly the most anticipated Finnish Christmas tradition amongst the smallest members of the family. Apart from the delightful number of opening presents, the Christmas Eve traditions typically include drinking glögi, having a Christmas dinner, and bathing in a Christmas sauna. Midnight Christmas mass is a tradition for many. Did you know that Santa lives in Finland?
Glögi – Finnish mulled wine
Ice lanterns – Finnish Christmas decorations Self-made lanterns are popular Christmas decorations that light up the wintry darkness. Craft an atmospheric lantern of small snowballs,
IMAGES - VISIT FINLAND
“Glögi”, a type of mulled wine, is the favoured hot drink at Christmas. It’s usually made out of red wine or red fruit juice mixed with spices like cardamom and cinnamon and served with raisins and almonds.
27
All about Santa With Father Christmas preparing for the season, we spoke with one of his elves to learn more about Santa Claus and a Finnish Christmas
28
Since Santa is a mysterious fellow, you might want to ask him your questions in person. Travel directly to his home in Lapland, northern Finland, where you can see him for yourself any day of the year! Understandably you might feel starstruck meeting someone world-famous, but Santa is a very kind soul and is delighted to meet you just as you are.
But he has flown over the North Pole many times, and he says it’s awfully cold.
Who is Santa Claus?
Where can I meet Santa?
Haven’t had a visit from Santa? You must have been naughty! Only kidding, of course. To Finns, Santa is a jolly fellow and an ambassador of goodwill from Lapland, Finland.
Santa Claus hails from Finland’s mysterious Korvatunturi (“Ear Fell”) in Lapland. But you can meet him in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa, on any day of the year.
Is Santa from the North Pole?
Can I send Santa a letter?
Don’t be silly – he’s from Lapland, Finland!
Santa Claus’s personal post office has received thousands upon thousands of letters from children in 199 countries. But because he’s magical, he reads them all! You can send a letter to Santa using this address: Santa Claus, Santa Claus’s Main Post Office, 96930 Napapiiri, Finland. You can meet Santa Claus and cross the magical Arctic Circle every day at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland. santaclausvillage.info visitfinland.com
@thedoctorandcompany
LOOK AND FEEL YOUR FESTIVE BEST FOR THE PARTY SEASON! With autumn well under way, plans and invitations for events during the festive party season will be in your diary before you know it. Here are our suggestions to help you look and feel your best.
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Be quick on this one, Morpheus8 would be suitable if started in October!
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Treatment Plan: 3 sessions, 4 weeks apart, ideally 3 months before your event. Back Facial If you are planning to wear a backless dress and want to make sure your back is blemish free, healthy, and hydrated. Treatment Plan: 1-3 sessions, 4 weeks apart, 1-3 months before your event.
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Treatment Plan: 3 sessions, 4 weeks apart, 3 months before your event.
Laser Hair Removal can make a difference to the “shadow” you see during hair regrowth after just 2-3 sessions. Treatment Plan: 2-3 sessions, 6 weeks apart, ideally 3-4 months before your event. You can then continue the rest of your course in the New Year.
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Health & Beauty | The CHESHIRE Magazine
A Day at
DD Clinical Sarah Irlam visited Chester’s premium hair and beauty clinic to get ready for the festive season
W
ith the party season just around the corner, I booked in for a day DD Clinical to get myself party ready. On arrival, I was greeted at reception by the warm and friendly Benjamin who checked me in and showed me to the relaxing lounge area. I was then joined by Managing Director Daniella for a consultation, in which she explained the procedures and treatments on offer and advised what she felt would be most beneficial for me. We opted for the Hydra Facial and the IV Drips.
Hydra Facial Hydra Facial rehydrates your skin with one of the most moisture-quenching treatments, it is a multi-stage treatment perfect for boosting hydration and achieving glowing skin, detoxifying the skin, removing dead skin cells, extracting any debris and providing long-lasting hydration and essential nutrient support to protect and rebuild collagen levels.
This left my skin feeling rejuvenated, with a natural, glowing complexion.
DD Bespoke IV Drip Treatment This is fully tailored to meet the unique health and wellness needs of each patient. This personalised service begins with a thorough assessment of the individual’s specific health concerns, lifestyle, and nutritional requirements to create a customformulated infusion. The treatment is designed to replenish essential minerals, vitamins, and amino acids directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for optimal absorption. Patients can benefit from a direct and potent delivery of nutrients that may help boost energy, support immune function, enhance skin health, and promote overall well-being.
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The Salon Nice and relaxed, with my skin feeling fully refreshed we walked downstairs to DD Clinical’s salon. This is what makes DD Clinical so unique - to be able to receive aesthetic treatments and beauty treatments in one place! The salon was buzzing, full of people having their hair cut and styled. As with the clinic, the team were so welcoming and friendly. We decided to start with my nails and sat down with Louise who is an absolute master at her craft and gave me the best hand massage and manicure. DD Clinical offers various MUA’s that can create any look based on your own personal style. As I was going for dinner later, I went for a timeless classic look which was just flawless, executed to the highest standard. I was then introduced to Harry who washed and styled my hair with a fabulous curly blow. I have visited many salons over the years, and I have to say I would love to have my hair worked on by Harry every day! He was exceptional. With my hair and make-up done and my skin feeling flawless I then enjoyed a glass of champagne at the bar to end what was a fabulous day with the team. This was my first time visiting but I have already booked in with a group of friends to return to prepare for a wedding we are all attending early next year. The convenience of being able to choose from a wide range of treatments - whether it be aesthetics, facials, hair, makeup or nails - in one place together with how friendly and helpful the team are is what makes DD Clinical a very special place indeed and a must visit for anyone. Put this on your to do list for 2024, you will come out feeling like a million dollars! ddclinical.com 33
Bollinger Experience Stay for 2 If you’re searching for the ultimate spa and overnight gift, Carden Park has you covered. Their Bollinger Experience Stay for two people includes overnight accommodation with a bottle of Bollinger and matching glasses for you to enjoy or take home with you, breakfast, dinner allowance, unlimited use of the Spa Garden and Thermal Experiences, a treatment plus your very own Bollinger robe and flip flops to take away. cardenpark.wearegifted.co.uk
Health &
Beauty
ilāpothecary Debuts Fragrance Award-winning functional beauty and wellness brand ilāpothecary has made its debut into fragrance with brand new Beat the Blues Eau de Parfum, available just in time for Christmas. Always functional, their debut EDP utilises an expert blend of essential oils for a beautifully natural, uplifting scent which also works to revitalise and balance your mood as you wear it. With top notes of ‘happiness-inducing’ clary sage, soothing and anti-inflammatory petitgrain, calming and stress-busting tuberose and antioxidant rose geranium, it’s the perfect dynamic fragrance with a wellness twist and an ideal unisex option for Christmas gifting. 100ml, £110, ilapothecary.com
Gift in the Skincare Spirit Lifor me x You Revolutionary yoga brand Liforme have launched the first, fully-customisable mat - Liforme x You. The latest revolution in yoga mat technology allows customers to create a product that perfectly suits their body and style of practice. Your mat can be customised from top-to-bottom using a super simple, fun and intuitive online mat builder, allowing you to choose your preferred colour and design theme and style. You can also personalise your mat, by adding your name or monogram, or can add a mantra or message on the mat to inspire you every time you get on it. liforme.com 34
Glow under the Christmas lights this December with the Luminous Glow Gift Set that includes the signature BHA Liquid and Vitamin C Moisturiser. The BHA resets skin cell renewal, while the moisturiser’s Lipid Blend strengthens the skin barrier. The 5% stabilised Vitamin C formula also brightens the dullest of skin tones and counters environmental damage. Includes: • Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (118ml) • C5 Super Boost Moisturiser (50ml) selfridges.com
Dr Aiza Jamil is one of the UK’s leading dermatologist working in Manchester University Hospitals and is a medical director of Skn Nantwich Welsh Row, part of the UK’s leading, award-winning sk:n clinics. She feels proud to be the leading dermatologist and to have joined a team of expert nurses and medical practitioners. The mission of the team is to deliver unrivalled, personalised client care by prioritising client concerns and safety first to deliver excellent quality of treatments with high satisfaction rates.
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F I N D Y OU R F I T with C la larr e S tob toba a rt
Clare’s Festive
GIFT GUIDE
I have curated a selection of gift ideas based on personal experiences, ensuring that each recommendation is a tried and tested gem. HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF GO Mat The HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat provides a full body reset by grounding you in the earth’s magnetic field. Ideal for travel, I use mine while
SleepHUB Home
travelling in the car, the mat gives a therapeutic warmth. Benefits include
This sophisticated yet user-friendly device
reducing stress, increasing
offers 4 settings with scientifically formulated
energy, improving circulation,
sounds to stimulate natural sleep. I can
improving muscle recovery
personally attest that it expedites my
and better sleep.
journey to sleep, leaving me feeling more
£699, howwellnessuk.com
refreshed and alert upon waking, resulting in increased energy throughout the day. £340, howwellnessuk.com
Technogym Bench
Shaitsu Foot massager machine Pro 2 While I don’t find myself seated often, the Shiatsu Massager Machine is a delightful
The Technogym Bench is an all-encompassing
indulgence. It’s powerful and deep massage
solution for an extensive strength and functional
provides relaxation for my feet and forearms,
workout. Equipped with 5 sets of dumbbells
especially beneficial after a game of padel.
My WHOOP
ranging from 2.5 to 10kg, 3 sets of weighted
Additionally, it can be used on calves.
serves as my
knuckles (0.45-1.2kg), 3 x varying strength bands
£220, renpho.uk
ultimate digital
and an exercise mat. It accommodates a range
fitness coach,
of exercises such as step-ups, lunges, chest
meticulously
press, bicep curls, tricep dips, shoulder press,
Soxygen Socks
tracking aspects
rows and many more.
Embrace style and comfort
like recovery,
£1,300, technogym.com
with classic Soxygen Socks,
WHOOP 4.0
sleep, training,
featuring trendy designs
health, skin temperature and blood oxygen
and slogans. I particularly
levels. A standout feature for me is the
love the “feeling good”
recovery score, which assesses my body’s
and “you got this” socks.
adaptation to the stresses of training, lack of
£14, blackwhitedenim.com
sleep and my menstrual cycle guiding me on whether my body is ready for more training or in need of a rest. £229 to buy for a gift with 12 months membership, whoop.com
www.cpase.co.uk 36
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Wellness
Revive-365 Tan Leggings Achieve the perfect everyday style with the Revive-365 tan leggings. Complete the look with JC London’s sleek black stealth jacket, signature beige cap, and black crew socks. Elevate your everyday lifestyle with these must-have pieces.
It’s Not Just an Activewea ctivewearr…
It’s a L ifestyle Shop JC London this festive season Stealth Leggings and Jacket
Revive Grey Leggings
Introducing the game-changing Stealth high waisted black leggings and jacket - the ultimate workout essentials for women. Designed to withstand any kind of intense activity, these leggings are guaranteed to stay in place and keep you comfortable. Reflective branding adds a touch of style and enhances your visibility during low-light workouts. Complete your stylish athletic look, pair your leggings with JC London’s stunning Stealth black running zip jacket. This jacket is not just fashionable but also highly functional. Equipped with thumbholes at cuffs, it ensures that your sleeves stay put during your active movements. Additionally, the ventilated panels in the jacket provide optimal airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable even in challenging weather conditions.
Discover the Revive second skin leggings in grey. These leggings are not your average pair - they are designed to feel like a second skin, providing you with a lightweight and breathable fabric that will keep you feeling comfortable all day long. The buttery soft Lycra® fiber ensures superior stretch and shape retention, making these leggings durable enough to last. Say goodbye to uncomfortable waistbands, as the high-waisted panel contours to your shape without digging in, ensuring a flattering fit. No matter how intense your workout or daily activity, these leggings are designed to stay in place, giving you the confidence to move freely without worrying about any wardrobe malfunctions jclondon.shop 37
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Family
Bewi ewillder derw wood
presents Christm hristma as The magic of Christmas is coming to BeWILDerwood this December. With a sprinkle of Christmas cheer, a glimpse of Santa Claus, a BeWILDermas panto and The Sparkly Light Trail through the woods with silly snowmen, curious Christmas crackers, a giant Christmas pudding and lots, lots more – it’s set to be the family event of the season. bewilderwood.co.uk
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Family news WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH
Get Creative This Christmas Designed with the input of industryleading artists, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet delivers a minimalist design that prioritises workflow, comfort, and intuitive use. It includes a medium black drawing glove and a pen case that contains two digital pens, a dongle, an adapter, nibs, nib extractor, providing a cost-effective, efficient, and natural drawing experience. £179.90, amazon.co.uk
D O N’ T MI SS A B E AT The perfect gift for the teenager in your household, the EDIFIER W820NB Plus headphones feature Hybrid ANC technology that cancel up to 43dB of background noise, resulting in an immersive music listening experience. Moreover, these headphones use advanced neural network call noise reduction technology, ensuring clear voice calls by accurately capturing the human voice and filtering out unwanted sounds. They also provide up to 49 hours of non-stop playtime, making it ideal for travel. Even if the battery runs low, charging for just 10 minutes gives up to 7 hours of music playback ensuring that you can listen to your favourite playlist anytime, anywhere without missing a beat! £79.99, amazon.co.uk 40
GIVE THE GIFT OF YOTO Following the launch of its 3rd Generation earlier this year, Yoto Player has firmly secured itself a place at the top of the festive wish lists this year! Making the most ideal gift for Christmas, the Yoto Player enables kids to safely explore a world of audio, helping them build independence, knowledge, and inspire their imaginations with endless stories, podcasts, music and so much more. With fresh free audio content daily, and exciting new releases dropping all the time, not to mention the many awesome features on the Yoto itself, it is truly the gift that keeps on giving, from day dot, through toddlerhood, tweens and beyond. There are already over 1,200 epic cards to choose from and lots of newness launching weekly! With classics such as Paddington Bear and Meg & Mog arriving recently, alongside inspiring tales from Marcus Rashford’s; You are a Champion as well as the iconic Chronicles of Narnia, for all those 8+ to truly escape into, there is something for children of all ages 0-12+. And, for all the kitchen dance parties, the launch of Queen Greatest Hits Volume 1 will be a winner with the whole family! RRP Cards from £5.99, Yoto Player 3rd Generation: £99.99, uk.yotoplay.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family
SUPER MARIO ROUTE ‘N GO! Help Mario and Luigi navigate through the city in their plumbing van in this challenging, fast-paced, track ‘puzzle’ game. The aim of the game – to slide the panels to create a route for the van to reach the goal without falling from the track! Play single or two player mode. RRP £34.99, Age 5+, selfridges.com
Layer Up This Season
THE ULTIMATE SHOOTOUT These laser shooters reload with a pump-action slide and shoot infrared beams for amazingly accurate, long-distance shooting. RED5 Electronic Laser Tag Game Set come with strap-on chest-plates that detect when they’re hit and light up, vibrate, and make sounds. They also automatically count the hits. To win, just shoot your friends chest-plate 6 times! As the sets are colour-coded (blue and green) it’s possible to have team games by using more than one set. You’ll avoid friendly fire as the opposite colours record hits against each other but in a team shootout, no one is safe! £35.00, menkind.co.uk
Introducing Dress Code, a truly engaging game, and the perfect gift for little fashionistas. Suitable for 4years+, The colourful game takes the fun of playing dress up to the next level. In this game, the weather is acting out … it’s like having 4 seasons in 1 day! Players are challenged to help get the characters dressed for the weather. The perfect puzzle game for toddlers, which will help little ones learn about colours, shapes, sequence, and orientation. RRP £20.99, cachaotoys.com
Good vs Evil This game features brand-new artwork and characters from the upcoming Netflix series Exploding Kittens Good vs Evil. Same kitty-powered Russian Roulette game plus new Armageddon Cards that launch an exclusive mini-game where you battle for possession of the most powerful card ever created. RRP £21.99, Age 7+, explodingkittens.com 41
grow beyond addiction
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family
Love’s Silent Saboteur: Disarming Weaponised Incompetence in Relationships WORDS: Alex Mellor-Brook, Dating and Relationship Coach, Co-founder at Select Personal Introductions
W
eaponised incompetence is the tendency of a person to pretend incompetence to avoid taking responsibility, or to manipulate somebody else. It shows up in a number of ways:
• Selective Amnesia - where somebody ‘forgets’ or claims not to know how to do certain things. In dating this can show up as ‘never having learned’ how to remember anniversaries or celebrate special occasions, for example. In fact, this is your new partner making it clear what they’re not going to do in future. • Inconsistent Performance - doing things badly is a way of suggesting they lack necessary skills; for example in making small talk, wrapping presents, dressing nicely - these are all ways that the weaponiser can transfer responsibility to their partner. • Exaggerated Helplessness - this one tends to emerge later in the relationship, where you suddenly realise you’ve taken on basic tasks that your partner used to be able to handle but somehow now can’t. • Role Reversal - this is sneaky behaviour, where somebody deliberately misunderstands or misinterprets instructions to transfer the responsibility for a task to their partner. These hidden threats can be minimised when we first meet somebody and we’re
attracted to them, but being aware of their impact on a relationship can help get you off to a better start. And it’s never too late to disarm the weaponised incompetent - I’ll show you how!
Dating Dilemmas: Facing Weaponised Incompetence Historically, men have been ‘let off’ some social and emotional tasks, also, traditional gender roles can be reinforced by lack of role models for men. However, it’s not just men who can weaponise incompetence and regardless of who’s doing it, the solution is always the same - right at the beginning, be clear about your expectations and discuss roles and responsibilities. If your new date states a stereotype that reinforces incompetence, challenge them, politely but clearly, offering some evidence to the contrary. This sets the standard for future dates and allows your potential partner to see themselves as capable of, and deserving of growth.
How Weaponised Incompetence Affects Relationships So maybe you didn’t catch it at first, and now you’re in a relationship with somebody who regularly ducks their responsibility to be a loving, engaged, supportive, partner. If you’ve reached this point, you might be feeling like you’re doing most of the work of the relationship, and that’s because you are. Resentments
grow and the relationship feels more of a burden, less of a pleasure. Your partner is also missing out - they don’t have the experiences that create growth and maturity, so nobody is winning, even though it may feel to you that they are. It’s not too late. Begin by encouraging your partner to take on tasks and roles they’ve neglected in the past. Support them and be patient as they learn - this investment will create a richer, more balanced and more stable future for you both. Begin to delegate - focus on shared responsibility and teamwork. You don’t have to divide everything equally, but talk about fairness, so that you’re both doing a similar amount of the work in keeping your relationship healthy and strong. Hopefully, you won’t need professional help, but remember it’s always an option, and if weaponised incompetence is damaging your relationship, a detached, expert view can help solve problems and disarm weapons. www.selectservices.co.uk
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Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine
What A D Diifferen fferencce
A Year Ma Makes The Cheshire Magazine speaks with Elizabeth Hassall from HM3 Legal about her growing team and staying at the top of the legal profession.
W
hen people ask Elizabeth, “What do you do?” the short response is that she helps separating and divorcing clients navigate the complex family law process. For Elizabeth, there is so much more. Empathy. Listening. Negotiation. And protecting clients. She believes these skills separate one family lawyer from another. This human touch is precisely why in her area of law, Elizabeth remains at the “top of the tree” (a client comment from the prestigious Legal 500, 2024 edition).
Is bigger better?
A year ago, Elizabeth wanted to build a strong team of family lawyers to guide clients through tricky legal aspects of a relationship breakdown. So, how has her team grown to over twice the size in just a year? Confidence: Clients trust the breadth of knowledge and experience in Elizabeth’s team. Clients also have confidence in
LEFT TO RIGHT - HOLLY, EMMA, LOUISE, ELIZABETH, ANNABEL
44
her business law colleagues to unravel complex situations when they want to divide or retain substantial company assets (including farms). HM3 Legal is known for close collaboration and “ joined up thinking” between their lawyers. Why does this make a difference? Clients can “get round the table” with a strong legal team, committed to achieving a resolution. Expertise: Elizabeth’s team is growing and developing naturally in response to enquiries about divorce, separation, financial settlements, children issues, cohabitation and pre-nuptial agreements. Couples with children need an understanding lawyer who is experienced in how a court will manage a family’s arrangements. Emma Evans at HM3 has that expertise. Specialist knowledge is also required for financial cases when protecting existing wealth, or enabling a client to hand down coveted high value assets which they may have inherited from the family.
LEFT TO RIGHT - LOUISE, ANNABEL, EMMA, ELIZABETH, HOLLY
Recognition: A select few lawyers are recognised in the Legal 500 “Hall of Fame”. Elizabeth is on that list. To achieve this accolade year on year is remarkable. To clients, Elizabeth “stands out as exceptional, is sensitive to people, has great judgment in litigation and negotiation [skills].” Elizabeth is delighted with such recognition. She also understands that strong teamwork enables everyone to shine (Legal 500 also recognised Emma in HM3’s Family and Relationships team).
People, people, people
For HM3 Legal, being professional is a given. Their lawyers champion “being human”. A great lawyer listens to clients. The new members of Elizabeth’s growing team are “people people”. They understand family law can turn up the stress dial for people going their separate ways, and their extended family and friends. If you are separating, where do you start to unravel your shared life? You don’t have to do this alone. Contact Elizabeth and her specialists to help you. Does HM3 Legal sound like your kind of legal team? Contact: hello@hm3legal.co.uk
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS... Speak to Elizabeth who can help you through divorce or separation, bringing you a step closer to the life you want to be living.
Elizabeth Hassall, Head of Family and Relationships
Accredited member of Resolution (the national body for family solicitors). Ranked as a leading individual in the prestigious Legal 500 and Chamber & Partners publications. Contact Elizabeth for an initial confidential conversation: hello@HM3Legal.co.uk Divorce or separation Children’s arrangements Pre- and post-nuptial agreements Financial and asset protection Inheritance planning LEGAL SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS & BUSINESSES: CHESTER | LIVERPOOL | WIRRAL
N EV VE E 22 0 0 2233 NEE W W Y YE EA AR RS S E NEW YEARS EVE 2023
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Food Drink The Gre rea at Sno Sn ow Celebrate the most indulgent time of year and experience The Great Snow at Tattu. Step into an enchanted winter scene as snowfall dusts the landscape and their iconic cherry blossom trees turn icy blue, adorned with frost they shimmer and sparkle as you dine. With elevated modernChinese dishes, an artfully curated Limited-Edition Aurora Borealis cocktail and showstopping snowscaped dessert – Mount Heng Flambé, the award-winning Asian fusion restaurant will make sure that each moment is truly memorable. tattu.co.uk
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THE WINE CELLAR Your must-have red wines for the festive season
Food & Drink news
Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 The 2019 vintage of The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile wine, pairing with dishes like slow-cooked beef brisket with baby cos lettuce and a mustard dressing, white onion, and roasted beetroots with smoked honey. Enjoy it now or aged for 15+ years. RRP £40, majestic.co.uk
WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH
Familia Torres Salmos 2018 This wine has an intense garnet colour with dark fruit aromas of blueberry and morello cherry. Spicy black pepper notes and dried fruits like fig, dates, and prunes meld with oak-infused toasty overtones for a light, yet velvety texture. Salmos shines through with an array of dishes from hearty game meats such as roast lamb, slow-cooked venison, wild boar and hare to vegetarian and pulse or grain-based options. It also complements the richness of mature sheep cheeses like Manchego, enhancing your dining experience with every sip. RRP £25.05, vinvm.co.uk
Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Mar ne 180, 2019 This classic northern Italian red has a complex aroma of spice, black forest-fruits and leather that open up if decanted, and last well on the long finish. On the palate, it is full-bodied with a silky texture and intense flavours of dark fruit, tobacco, and earthy notes. This is a wine that's perfect for special occasions or pairing with hearty meat dishes. RRP £37.00, thewinesociety.com 48
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink
LIMITED EDITION GIFTS FROM HARRODS Blanc de Noirs Assemblage No. 4 Meticulously crafted, Blanc de Noirs Assemblage No. 4 is a testament to the art of champagne blending. With only 7,328 bottles available globally, each bottle is inscribed with its unique number and is finished by hand application of a French pewter label and a final hand polishing. A champagne of premium composition, the finished wine rested in the cellars 7 years until it was disgorged on April 20th, 2023, resulting in a blend of unparalleled depth and elegance. Blanc de Noirs Assemblage No. 4 is exclusively from Harrods in the special edition La Collection set, featuring Champagne Armand de Brignac’s six cuvées in a special lacquered gift box. £6,400, harrods.com
Australian Rare The high-end luxury lifestyle brand for serious gift givers has announced the arrival of its premium honey collection exclusively at Harrods. With superior craftsmanship and attention to detail, the Australian Rare’s limited collection is a masterpiece in its own right. Australian Rare’s honey is chemical-free, and 100% pure, with the highest medicinal strength in the world making it a supreme product that is uniquely different from any other honey on the market. Delve into the world of Australian Rare with their selection of exquisite honey including The Supreme Jarrah TA35+ Raw Honey, The Exotic Dwutta TA30+ Raw Honey, and The Jewel Karri TA25+ Raw Honey. From £500, harrods.com
FOR THE WHISKEY CONNOISSEUR Scotch Whiskymakers, Compass Box has been reinventing the world of whisky with its core range of distinct, boundary-pushing Scotch whiskeys. Metropolis is the third expression in Compass Box’s Extinct Blends Quartet - a limited edition paying tribute to the city. A parcel of Blended Scotch nurtured in sherry casks brings out a dried fruit richness over a creamy and zesty grain whisky. Soak in the subtle scents of hot metal and smoke from the shipyards courtesy of a very old malt whisky. This is an indulgent gift for the serious whisky connoisseur. RRP £270, compassboxwhisky.com
VINTAGE COGNAC Frapin 30 Year Old is a vintage Grande Champagne Cognac produced by Cognac Frapin. With just 1000 bottles available, this fine, extra-aged Cognac was produced with grapes from the excellent 1990 vintage and displays exceptional balance and complexity. Expect aromas of orange zest, dried stonefruits, ginger and cinnamon, with layers of dried apple, apricot vanilla and honey unfolding on the palate. RRP £201, hedonism.co.uk 49
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Unwrap
The Cheshire Magazine’s
2023
Gift Guide
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BOLESWORTH.COM
A4-Christmas-ad_03-11-23_OUTLINED.indd 1
03/11/2023 17:18
D IO IOR R Give the gift of MISS DIOR this holiday season, the brand-new bag from the French luxury fashion house
Maria Grazia Chiuri once again pays tribute to Dior’s heritage with the Miss Dior bag, distinguished by its refined silhouette and timeless design. This accessory, with its soft, curved lines, defines a new attitude, both elegant and assured. An exceptional creation combining style and functionality, its ultracontemporary allure is enhanced by two interior compartments. Fitted with a precious gold chain, it can be carried in various ways – by hand, on the shoulder or crossbody – suiting all occasions. Irresistible, this object of desire is dressed in supple, silky leather, magnified by the graphics of iconic cannage. The delicate «D, I, O, R» charms, celebrating the art of detail dear to the founding-couturier, punctuate and complete this must-have model with virtuosity. An expression of the innovative spirit of the Ateliers.
LIFESTYLE IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRIGITTE NIEDERMAIR
dior.com
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Christmas
CH A N EL This Christmas CHANEL pays tribute to the festivity of the roaring twenties, “Les Années Folles”, a period of celebration and splendour.
Bleu De Chanel Travel Essentials – RRP £197 The perfect limited edition gift for those looking for a winter break. A compact and elegant blue felt pouch, true to the style of Bleu De Chanel, which contains three travel essentials: - Blue De Chanel Parfum (50 ml) - Blue De Chanel After Shave Lotion (100 ml) - Blue De Chanel Lip Balm (3 g)
N° 5 Gift Set – RRP £136 The N°5 gift set brings together N°5 Eau de Parfum 50ml and N°5 The Body Oil 100 ml, presented for the first time in a bottle whose silhouette evokes that of the iconic N°5 fragrance. A ritual that showcases the sensuality of the legendary scent.
N°5 The Body Oil – RRP £102 Majestically presented in a minimalist glass bottle, N°5 The Body Oil 250ml delicately scents the skin and provides a subtle sheen. Layer beneath your fragrance to enhance the aldehydic floral bouquet of N°5.
Bleu De Chanel Shaving Brush – RRP £85 This is the must have accessory to complete the grooming routine with sophistication and style. Composed of synthetic hair with a magnetic holder, the Bleu De Chanel Shaving Brush is made for at home or on-the-go usage.
Les Exclusifs De Chanel Gift Set – RRP £600 This gift set is the ultimate bespoke gift of luxury. Choose your favourite trio from the 19 Eau de Parfums in the collection. Available in store only. chanel.com 55
Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned Art Deco posters feature glamorous holiday destinations around the world, ski resorts in the European Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Over 100 designs to choose from, all printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, measuring 97 x 65 cms. Priced at £420 each (inc. UK sales tax). Private commissions are also welcome. @pullmaneditionsposters All images and text copyright © Pullman Editions 2023
Pullman Editions 94 Pimlico Road Chelsea London SW1W 8PL +44 (0)20 7730 0547 info@pullmaneditions.com
Our central London gallery
V iew and buy online at www.pullmanedit ions.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Christmas
Mulbe ulberrry Fest estiive
L ifestyle Collecti ollectio on Mulberry’s Festive Lifestyle collection presents as the home of gifting. From cosy soft gifts to ceramics and novelty gifts, there’s something to suit everyone.
SOFT GIFTS
The water bottle, cushion and slippers make the perfect gift for loved ones or yourself to stay cosy this winter. • Hot Water Bottle, Maple, £195 • Cushion, Maple, £295 • Slippers, Ecru, £295
CERAMICS
Ceramics in the collection are all handmade in the UK, perfect for adding a special touch at home. • Teapot, Mulberry Green, £375 • Set of 2 Cups and Saucers, Mulberry Green, £295 • Dinner Set of 2, Mulberry Green, £250
NOVELTY GIFTS
A range of novelty gifts are available including Bayswater Baubles add a festive twist to the Mulberry icon, sold individually and in a pack of 3. • Mulberry, Leather Coasters, Mulberry Green, £275 • Travel Backgammon, Mulberry Green, £695 • Set of 3 Bayswater Baubles, Malachite, New Brass, Gold, £250 • Mulberry, Leather Serving Tray, Vintage Oak, £750
mulberry.com 57
Christmas memories made with
SCAN THE QR CODE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE & FIND OUT MORE
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Christmas
For orttnum & Mas Maso on Linnea Soderman, Head of Concierge at London’s oldest and most beloved store shares her top choices for the season
My First Fortnum’s Christmas Hamper, £250
This wonderful wicker is a delightful celebration of your little one’s first Christmas! Crafted with care and sprinkled with Fortnum’s magic, this hamper is designed to make the festive season extra special for both baby and parents alike. Linnea: “A Fortnum’s wicker basket is a special treat that everyone deserves to experience. It’s a heartwarming moment when a little one receives their very first wicker basket, filled with delights and memories to cherish.”
Fortnum’s Beauty Advent Calendar 2023, £260
Altogether worth over £1020, our enviable Beauty Advent Calendar contains 30 of the most nourishing skincare, haircare, fragrance, bath, body and wellness treats nestled within its drawers - including 22 full-sized products. Linnea: “Our Fortnum’s beauty advent calendar is an absolute delight. With nearly every item being full-sized products, opening each box every day feels like stepping into a perfect dream for any lady. It’s a luxurious and gratifying experience that adds a touch of magic to the holiday season.”
The Merrymaker’s Hamper, £70
Bursting with Yuletide essentials and festive treats – from tea to biscuits and chocolate to the all-important Christmas pudding – The Merrymaker’s Hamper is sure to delight any lucky recipient. Linnea: “This gorgeous wicker basket is a treasure trove of Christmas essentials, ranging from soothing tea to delectable pudding and scrumptious biscuits. What’s even more delightful is that I can repurpose the wicker itself for home decorations, adding a touch of festive charm to my surroundings. Finding creative ways to reuse and repurpose items is something I truly cherish.”
Fortnum’s Sparkling Tea, 0% ABV, 75cl, £17.95
The latest evolution in our 316-year tea history, our Sparkling Tea is a certified organic blend of eight of our famous and rare brews – and despite its celebration-ready appearance, contains zero alcohol. Linnea: “During the holiday season, when we find ourselves indulging in fine champagne and wine, it’s important to have a great alternative for those moments when we want to wind down but still raise a glass in celebration with our loved ones. This is especially true for family members who may prefer to avoid alcohol or need to drive after dinner. This perfect alternative allows everyone in my family to join in the festivities with a bubbly and enjoyable drink that suits their preferences and needs.”
The Wine Cellar Hamper, £300
The Wine Cellar Hamper contains a dozen handpicked bottles from our Crypt to suit every taste – from our finest examples of red, white and rosé wines from across the globe to our sparkling, celebration-ready tipples and sweetest of dessert wines to finish off your fine feasts. A truly precious gift for any wine lover. Linnea: “What could be better than receiving a wicker filled with wines from around the world? It’s the perfect addition to elevate any home dinner or celebration during the Christmas holiday. Whether it’s for a cozy gathering or a grand feast, the assortment of wines is sure to enhance the joyous atmosphere and create memorable moments for all. Did you know we have a dedicated wines team within Concierge that are able to support any wine queries, big or small?” fortnumandmason.com 59
Christmas | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Har arv vey Ni N ich cho ols With stores in nearby Manchester and Liverpool, Harvey Nichols share their top choices for the family this year
Fenty Beauty - Fenty Fancies Gift Set, £60
Jacquemus - Le Petit Bambimou nylon shoulder bag, £730
Olaplex - Smooth Your Style Hair Kit, £38
Maison Francis Kurkdjian - Baccarat Rouge 540 Gift Set, £390
Stella TELLA McCartney – (Kids) Star metallic faux leather bucket bag, £130
Amiri – (Kids) Skel panelled leather sneakers, £370
Moncler - Striped ribbed wool beanie, £295
Ugg - Scruff Sis shearling-trimmed suede slippers, £85
Harvey Nichols - Mince Pies & Mulled Wine Hamper, £50 Harvey Nichols - Ultimate Foodmarket Collection Hamper, £195 60
www.harveynichols.com
SCAN TO SHOP
12 DAYS OF
www.clogau.co.uk £500 RRP. Contains seven pieces of Clogau jewellery and five accessories with a combined value of over £880.
Festive Lunch
Joinususfor foryour yourjoyous joyousfestive festive celebration celebration at at Masons Masons Restaurant. Join Restaurant. Adorned Adornedwith withholiday holiday decorations, our restaurant sets the perfect ambience for a festive lunch. Gather decorations, our restaurant sets the perfect ambience for a festive lunch. Gatherwith with family, friends or colleagues and make unforgettable memories over a delicious meal. family, friends or colleagues and make unforgettable memories over a delicious meal. DATES DATES Allweekdays weekdays All from27th 27thNovember Novembertoto15th 15thDecember December from PRICING PRICING From £20.00 per person From £20.00 per person
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK PLEASE CALL 0161 435 3044 PLEASE CALL 0161 435 3044 OR EMAIL EVENTS@DTMANCHESTERAIRPORT.COM OR EMAIL EVENTS@DTMANCHESTERAIRPORT.COM dtmanchesterairport.doubletreebyhilton.com dtmanchesterairport.doubletreebyhilton.com Let’s get social Let’s@DT.ManchesterAirport get social @dtmanair @DT.ManchesterAirport @dtmanair
@doubletreebyhiltonmanchesterairport @doubletreebyhiltonmanchesterairport
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Christmas
A NN NNII E H AA AAK K Discover beautifully handcrafted bracelet stacks, bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings in 925 sterling silver and gold plated silver
Myriad of Charms Silver Bracelet, £275 A truly mesmerising design with exclusive new charms, some of which are only featured in this special multi-charm bracelet and a choice of initial for extra personalisation! Ten beautiful, eye-catching charms dangle from an elegant 925 Sterling Silver chain bracelet, showcasing the Pearly Dangle, Royal Mint, Vintage Card, Love Lock, Crystal Key charms, amongst others, you’ll be sure to turn heads while you wear this stunning piece.
Blissful Crystal Heart Gold Charm Bracelet, £68 Delicate and dainty is the Blissful Crystal Heart Crystal Bracelet, hand-threaded with clear Preciosa crystals and gold beads making this subtle bracelet so stunning. Finished off with a clear crystal Zirconia heart, it’s blissfully beautiful! Pair this with Annie Haak’s Blissful Ring for a glamorous look. Perfect to style as part of any bracelet stack, also looks fabulous when worn as a statement stand-alone piece.
Vintage Crystal Star Silver Earrings, £48 A lovely new design from Annie Haak’s Charmed collection. Beautifully handcrafted, this elegant 925 Sterling Silver design features a Crystal Teardrop charm with dainty stars hanging gracefully with a delicate chain that adorns the earlobe, a truly unique design. Pair with the Vintage Crystal Star necklace to complete the look. The pair are fitted with a classic post and butterfly fastening for pierced ears.
Joyful Gold Ring Stack, £68 A duo of absolute classics that is here to stay. This precious stack features Annie Haak’s popular Mini Charm Gold Ring – My Guardian Angel and the new Santeenie Gold Charm Ring – Initial. Add some special charms to your fingers at any occasion.
Wishful Gold Bracelet Stack, £275 Beautifully handcrafted in gold plated Silver, this four-strand stack features one of the key charms of the ‘Charmed’ collection – the ‘Silhouette My Guardian Angel’, a new addition in ‘Annie’s Angels’ family. Accompanied by the dainty Solo Star bracelet, the sparkly Harper Star and the classic Mini Orchid Solid Heart, this is a classy and dazzling new stack that will captivate anyone you encounter.
Crystal Cluster of Stars Silver Charm Bracelet, £130 This elegant 925 sterling silver bracelet is decorated with seven different Star charm designs and features Rock Crystals for that extra sparkle. Crafted by hand, this stunning piece will be a stellar addition to your bracelet stack.
Each item is beautifully presented in a signature ANNIE HAAK jewellery gift box. anniehaakdesigns.co.uk 63
Something Special Just Happened at The Alderley Edge Hotel Having just completed a 1.6 million room refurbishment The Alderley Edge Hotel is a hidden oasis of bijous loveliness Featuring • Fabulously decadent suites and lush & quirky rooms • Large Event space & private dining rooms • The Grill on the Hill contemporary restaurant and Bar serving fabulous food , Drinks and signature cocktails. • Speciality quintessential afternoon tea , full of delightful delicacies • Christmas events & dining Call in ... reservations@alderleyedgehotel.com
01625 583 033 Alderley Edge Hotel, Macclesfield Road, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK9 4BJ
www.alderleyedgehotel.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Christmas
Chesh heshiire Oa Oaks Gifts worth giving at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
Coach: RRP £375, Outlet £219
Mulberry: RRP £150, Outlet £95 Charlotte Tilbury: RRP £80,- Outlet £64
Paul Smith: RRP £110, Outlet £70
Fossil: RRP £179, Outlet £125 Ugg: RRP £110, Outlet £73
The Cosmetics Company: RRP £82, Outlet £61.50
Molton Brown: RRP £42, Outlet £29.40
cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com
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IN THE DRIVING SEAT – WITHOUT THE DRIVING Providers of premium VIP chauffeur services to corporate, executive and private clients. Our Mercedes V-Class benefits from a bespoke design with passenger comfort, privacy and practicality at the fore: • Five leather seats, with heat, cool, massage and recline • Double layer privacy glass and driver intercom • Wireless chargers, sockets, wifi and phone connectivity • Apple TV with rear screen and side media control unit
Priority booking line: 07789 750 288 Email: info@svellaexecchauffeur.com
Svella executive ad.indd 1
SVELLA EXECUTIVE CHAUFFEUR
23/05/2023 11:05
Travel Most Won ond derf erfu ul T ime of the the Ye Yeaar
Treat yourself – or someone special – to an unforgettable Christmas in the heart of London. Overlooking Hyde Park and just moments from London’s best winter attractions, 45 Park Lane makes the ultimate destination for a festive city break. dorchestercollection.com
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Travel news
WORDS:CRAIG HOUGH
Festive Feasts and Father Christmas The festive season at Carlton Hotel runs from 24 December until January 6. Guests can experience a truly special few days, with Christmas treats throughout the day, mulled wine and children’s punch. In the Kids’ Club, children can listen to Christmas stories and make their own Christmas decorations. On Christmas Day, Father Christmas brings presents accompanied by a magic show with Captain Green. To wrap up the year, the hotel hosts its Candyland-themed evening with an aperitif, a dinner in the Empire Ballroom with live band Electric Beat Club Deluxe and a New Year’s party with Swiss house DJ Tanja La Croix. carlton-stmoritz.ch
Winter’s Whimsy: Sculpting Snow Mandalas What could inspire the Christmas spirit more than chestnuts roasting on an open fire? At Valsana hotel, guests can make home-roasted chestnuts in a fire bowl, while sipping on a homemade wintery punch. The hotel also runs a ‘Snow Mandalas experience’. Guided from Prätschli through the snowy forests of Arosa, guests arrive at an open plain - a fresh white snowy canvas where they can let their creativity run wild using their snow boots to practice the art of Snow Mandalas and capture their finished masterpieces from a drone’s perspective. tschuggencollection.ch
Christmas Calendar in the Castle The majestic Bovey Castle, set within 275 acres of idyllic countryside and rolling valleys within Dartmoor National Park is the perfect place to experience the magic of Christmas. The hotel transforms into a winter wonderland, with rooms illuminated by spectacular Christmas trees and plump armchairs nestled against tables laden with walnuts and oranges. Bovey Castle has stocked their winter calendar with a whole host of festive activities. Catch one of their festive days this December – which include a Christmas Cocktail Masterclass on the 8th, a Festive Dinner and Carols on the 14th, and their Christmas Craft classes, where guests can enjoy wreath making, willow star weaving and decoration crafting on selected dates throughout December. boveycastle.com
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel
T he Tra Tr a vel Insid Insi d er WORDS: Phil Aird-Mash
D
o you dream of a white Christmas? While others are planning for a dose of winter sun, would you rather stay cosied up beside the fire? Perhaps you should plan a frosty escape somewhere you can truly embrace the Christmas spirit. If you’re a snow fanatic, a ski break will tick all your boxes for a festive getaway. At Inspiring Travel, we’ve just launched our new collection of European ski holidays ready for the upcoming season. Covering the top resorts across the likes of France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy, along with the USA and Canada, the selection boasts the best experiences for all levels. One of my favourite spots is Le K2 Palace set in the chic French town of Courchevel. Along with its rooms and suites, the resort has introduced spacious new ‘chalet suites’, which you can enjoy along with a host of hotel facilities such as a sumptuous spa and a Michelinstarred restaurant. If skiing isn’t for you, I’d highly recommend a river cruise through Europe’s Christmas markets. River cruises are an entirely different experience from ocean cruises, with boutique-style vessels and a bigger
focus on experiencing culture. Amawaterways offers itineraries along the Rhine, allowing you to explore the magical markets of the Netherlands, Germany and France along with stunning scenery as you relax on board. They do book up early though, so plan your trip at least a few months in advance. When you’ve already seen thew more popular Christmas markets, our experts at Regent know where to find some hidden gems. Tallinn in Estonia hosts markets in its medieval town square – and, you can head off the beaten track to hike around the mysterious bog pools!
Alternatively, Zagreb in Croatia has some award-winning markets, while Helsinki comes alive with over 140 stalls to browse with a steaming cup of glögi in hand. www.inspiringtravel.co.uk www.regent-holidays.co.uk
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at Alderley Edge Flexible Working Enjoy 3 months for the price of 2* includes access to premium flexible workspaces, complimentary access to our gym facilities, plus tea and coffee. *Must be joined by 31st January 2024.
Meetings & Events Book a meeting room for an event in January, February or March & receive a second room booking for free* *Must take place by 28th June 2024.
TO BOOK CALL US ON 01625 836666 One London Road, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK9 7JU gm@onelrd.com
onelrd.com
One London Rd by MBOSS
@One_London_Rd
/one_london_rd
ENQUIRE
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel
The Per Perfect Gift by
PoB Hotels T
here truly is no better gift than an experience. When you choose to give someone a PoB Hotels Gift Voucher, you’re presenting them with a world of exceptional experiences and unforgettable memories. The recipient can choose to use the vouchers for luxury hotel stays, indulgent spa treatments, delectable dining or unique local experiences. The possibilities are endless. To top that off, they can use the vouchers across any of over 50 hotels dotted across the British Isles. The choice of how to spend it is completely up to them. This perfect gift can be purchased online, starting from just £75, or you can customise the value to suit your generosity. The two-year validity offers the flexibility of time for the recipient to plan their adventure. Want to make it extra special? Choose the luxury gift pack, complete with a reusable travel bag, a captivating coffee table book brimming with inspiration, and a chic gift wallet. For those spur-of-the-moment surprises, opt for digital vouchers, making it the ideal last-minute and instant gift solution.
PoB Hotels are the very best, independent hotels, inspiring guests to discover new hotel experiences that are Pampering, Outstanding and British. From castles brimming with northern charm to seafront lodges sitting along the southern coast, PoB Hotels celebrates the personality and characterful spirit that is the essence of some of England, Scotland, Wales and Jersey’s best small, independent hotels. Think of PoB Hotels as the key and each hotel as a door to new experiences. Each completely unique. Each hand-picked. Each the Pride of Britain. Give the gift of extraordinary moments with PoB Hotels Gift Vouchers - available now at pobhotels.com/gift-vouchers. It’s the gift that promises a world of joy and adventure! 71
Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Meet the
Hotelier
JONATHAN DAWSON, GENERAL MANAGER AT BUXTON CRESCENT HOTEL
What are the benefits of your location? Buxton Crescent Hotel benefits from its perfect positioning on the doorstep of the Peak District, while also being tucked in a picturesque market town that has a real sense of community. Buxton is famed for its natural mineral baths, known for their healing properties, which flow through the spa’s three pools and eight treatment rooms. Our location is just a short walk from both the train station and the historic centre which is home to boutique shops and surrounded by green landscapes. Guests can explore everything from the neighbouring Pavilion Gardens to Solomon’s Temple, making the Crescent the perfect choice for a spa retreat that offers a multitude of invigorating activities and experiences at guests’ fingertips.
What is the most luxurious suite in the hotel? The most luxurious suite would have to be one of our Crescent Suite, which sits alongside our other 80 rooms and suites - each steeped in over 200 years of history with the period features to match. With its original fireplaces and timeless views of the Buxton Slopes, the Crescent Suites offer a spacious open living area that transforms the grand setting into a comfortable home-away-from-home
experience. Luxurious additions include a roll-top bath ideal for unwinding while enjoying a glass of champagne, as well as a striking super king-sized 4-poster bed that guarantees a perfect night’s sleep.
What can you tell us about the history of the hotel? Buxton Crescent is a Grade I listed building and ranks among the UK’s most architecturally significant structures. Thanks to the 5th Duke of Devonshire, who sought to establish Buxton as a fashionable Georgian spa town, ‘taking the waters’ became a fashionable pastime for notable high-society visitors – from Mary Queen of Scots to Charles Darwin. While we are immensely proud of our recent £70 million renovation, history will always be at the hotel’s core. Today, guests can experience the therapeutic qualities of the water for themselves, with hydrotherapy at the forefront of Buxton Crescent’s spa offering. We have made a conscious effort to ensure that the hotel reflects the building’s rich history, with rooms and suites featuring characteristically tall ceilings and wooden sash windows, while the spectacular Assembly Rooms now provide the perfect backdrop for equally elegant weddings.
How would you describe the hotel’s dining experience? The Buxton Crescent Restaurant, which sits at the heart of the hotel, provides guests with the perfect setting to connect and indulge in a delightful dinner following a day of relaxation or exploring the scenic trails. Here, guests can 72
interactive journey spans nine themed rooms within the Georgian Crescent and serves as an ideal starting point for anyone exploring the historic town.
What packages are you offering for Christmas 2023?
savour a modern British menu that emphasises local, seasonal ingredients, all served with exceptional hospitality. For those seeking a more regal experience, an afternoon tea option is available – perfect for whiling away the afternoon after a day of exploring. For guests in need of a post-massage pick-me-up, the spa cafe serves more health-focused dishes, from a five-seed and grain risotto to a superfood salad. And for a nightcap, the hotel’s bar is the place to be, where resident mixologists craft exciting cocktails.
Of all the facilities the hotel offers, which is your favourite? The spa is genuinely breathtaking and truly unique, with Buxton mineral-rich water flowing throughout. As soon as guests step inside and see the stained-glass dome above the original thermal pool, they realise the extent of the maze of treatment rooms that lie ahead. Alongside the three pools, including the indoor-outdoor rooftop pool, guests will find a bio-thermal sauna, infra-red sauna, Finnish sauna, aroma room, steam room, ice fountain, and salt cave. However, what truly sets us apart are our signature treatments – my favourite is the therapeutic CO2 mineral bath treatment, which enhances circulation, while the thermal mud pack is also well-loved for its detoxifying properties. We also provide specialised treatments, such as underwater jet massages, ideal for athletes, and Jennifer Young treatments designed specifically for oncology patients.
What makes a stay at your venue stand out from your competitors? Buxton Crescent’s unique charm is its close connection to the building’s history and its therapeutic waters, which never fail to fascinate and intrigue our guests. What truly sets us apart is our direct access to the Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience within the hotel – just a short walk from the rooms, guests can explore the spa town’s captivating history, the remarkable building restoration, and the renowned Buxton water. This
For those seeking a festive getaway, Buxton Crescent offers a delightful 3-night retreat starting on Christmas Eve. Upon their arrival at Buxton Crescent, guests will be warmly greeted with our traditional afternoon tea, followed by a sumptuous 4-course dinner on Christmas Eve. The stay also includes a 30-minute spa treatment for guests to enjoy as the ultimate gift. On Christmas Day, the celebrations begin with a special Bucks Fizz breakfast, followed by a lavish 6-course Christmas dinner. The festive spirit continues into Boxing Day with a visit to Buxton Opera House for a magical performance of Cinderella, before heading back for a memorable 5-course dinner as the perfect ending to this joyful holiday retreat.
What have you got planned at the hotel for New Year’s Eve? New Year’s Eve at Buxton Crescent is always a showstopper. This year, we invite guests to join us for our annual Gala Dinner, which starts with a champagne and canapé reception, followed by a five-course dinner served in the restaurant. It’s the perfect grand setting to welcome the new year, and the convenience of having the spa just moments from your door in the morning is always appreciated for a New Year’s refresh. ensanahotels.com
– Our Experience – Buxton has been on our radar to visit for a while now as my partner used to visit as a child with his family so it holds fond memories for him which he wished to share with me. It’s only around 24 miles from Alderley Edge but takes around an hour to drive as you travel through the peaks which offer the most breathtaking views. Buxton Crescent Hotel oozes grandeur, a beautiful stone building similar to those you see in Bath. The hotel includes an incredible spa complete with a rooftop pool, a lovely large dining room with a vast menu and a fabulous lounge bar; we found it the perfect place for a relaxing break. Being so close to home we don’t have any excuses to not keep coming back!
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Drive C lassi lassiccally Beaa utifu Be utifull
Reinventing classic cars is nothing new - take the success of
the ‘new’ Mini or Fiat 500 as evidence should you need it - but Alfa Romeo has redeveloped one of the icons of its back catalogue. The 33 Stradale was the road-going version of Alfa’s gorgeous Tipo 33 racer, and now the 1960s supercar has been reimagined for the 21st century. Utterly beautiful from every angle, it’s available with a choice of two different propulsion systems, with the 3.0-litre V6 petrol option producing 612bhp and offering a top speed of more than 200mph. The electric version, meanwhile, produces around 750bhp and will cover up to 280 miles on a charge. Sadly, just 33 examples will ever be built, and all 33 have already been reserved. Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, alfaromeo.co.uk
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DRIVE
Keeping you up to date with all the latest motoring and technology news WORDS: JAMES FOSSDYKE
HYPER FORMANCE Lotus continues its electric journey with a new “hyper-GT’ car that aims to mix long-range electric motoring with supercar speed.
O
nce upon a time, Lotus’ motto was to simplify and add lightness. Now, with cars increasingly powered by big, heavy battery packs, that seems to have gone out of the window slightly. The company has even caved into building an electric SUV called the Eletre. And now it’s following that car with another electric vehicle: the Emeya. A kind of four-door fastback that looks like a cross between a Lamborghini Urus and a Kia Stinger, it’s a striking vehicle, but the looks are nothing compared with the performance. Lotus calls it a “hyper-GT car”, insinuating more pace than conventional grand tourers, and the Emeya certainly delivers. The twin electric motors are said to take the car from 0-62mph in under 2.8 seconds, while the top speed will be in excess of 155mph.
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As with so many other electric vehicles, power will come from a bank of lithium-ion cells, which essentially use the same technology as laptop and smartphone batteries, although the Emeya’s total battery size is yet to be confirmed. Lotus has, however, told us that it’ll charge at speeds of up to 350kW, allowing it to charge to 80% in less than 20 minutes at full speed, while 93 miles of official range can be added in as little as five minutes of charging. “This is a Lotus like you have never seen before,” said the company’s vice-president of design, Ben Payne. We’ve built on everything Lotus has achieved so far to create a luxury performance car for the drivers, designed to inspire confidence, exhilarate with raw emotion and pure joy.” Lotus Emeya, £TBC, lotuscars.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive
MINI MASTERS
loves
Mini might have launched a new electric Cooper recently, but the company isn’t the only one shoehorning electric motors into small cars. David Brown Automotive, purveyor of numerous ‘restomod’ cars that essentially see modern engineering updates applied to classic vehicles, has supplemented its modified Mini Remastered with this: the Mini eMastered. Based on the original Mini, the car has a handcrafted exterior and a fresh interior, both of which hide largely new running gear including a 96bhp electric motor and an 18.8kWh battery that provides 110 miles of range. It won’t go far, but as it’s designed for urban use, that won’t matter too much to customers, who can charge the battery in just three hours using a domestic ‘wallbox’ charging point. David Brown Mini eMastered, from £125,000, davidbrownautomotive.com
I LIKE THE WAY YOU MOVE The humble people-carrier may be a dying breed - most have been usurped by seven-seat SUVs - but Lexus is trying to play the conservationist and save the genre from extinction. Key to that is the new LM, which apparently stands for “luxury mover”, and offers customers the last word in VIP transport. Or at least that’s the idea. Available in either four- or seven-seat forms, the car is designed to transport passengers in comfort and luxury, with the top-of-the-range four-seat Takumi providing a huge lounge-style living space in the rear, complete with big armchair seats and a 48-inch ultra-widescreen monitor on the bulkhead that separates the passenger compartment from the front seats. Power comes from a petrol hybrid system, and customers can choose whether they have front- or all-wheel drive. Lexus LM, from £89,995, lexus.co.uk
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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine
LEAN GREEN SPEED M AC H I N E
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive
James Fossdyke finds out why Audi’s electric sports car is one of the best on the market
A
s Kermit the Frog once told us, it isn’t easy being green. From cutting down on the sirloin steaks to giving up single-use plastic and from recycling to, well, cycling, none of it is anything like as simple as it should be. And while our cars may not make up all that much of our carbon footprint, making the move from gas-guzzling petrol vehicles to cleaner electric alternatives is not the seamless transition it should be. Not only are electricity prices incredibly high thanks go to someone called Vladimir and the energy companies’ record profits - but car prices are on the up for much the same reasons, and the charging infrastructure is way behind where it needs to be. So much so that I’m writing this missive while queuing for a plug at a motorway service station in the Midlands. It only has three charging points, all of which are occupied. Now the Hyundai in front has finally plugged in, I’m next in line for some charge, but I’ve already been here 20 minutes and I’ve nearly finished my coffee. Send help. Clearly, the government’s plan to have the private sector install public infrastructure isn’t working, and nor is the decision to leave home charging solutions to individuals. Domestic charging points don’t come cheap, and they depend on drivers having the space to charge. Woe betide anyone who lives in a flat or has to park on the street. Strangely, though, the one cohort at which you can’t really point the finger is the car manufacturers. By and large, they have risen to the challenge admirably and built a wide range of electric vehicles (EVs) for us to choose from. Progress isn’t rapid - it takes years to develop new models no matter what fuel they may run on - but the change is happening. Nissan, for example, recently announced it would not develop any new petrol- or diesel-powered models for the European market. Volvo, meanwhile, is slowly switching to an electric future, and Jaguar has confirmed its intention to go all-electric in just a few years’ time. As a result, electric cars are no longer weird or funky. They’re just cars, whether they’re cheap like the MG4 EV, comfortable like the BMW i7 or capable like the Jeep Avenger. They can be sporty,
too, and one of the best examples of that is this: the Audi RS e-tron GT. The name might be a mouthful and the colour of this car is certainly an acquired taste, but the futuristic saloon has giant-killing potential. It looks like Iron Man’s car and it goes like it, too, with a massive 590bhp output from its two electric motors. One drives the front wheels and the other drives the rear wheels, giving it all-wheel drive and therefore extra traction, which helps with acceleration and stability. And it certainly demonstrates plenty of that when you put your foot down, getting from 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds. To get that sort of acceleration from a petrolpowered Audi, you’d need to buy the R8 supercar, which has a fabulous but somewhat wasteful 5.2-litre V10 engine. But while the RS e-tron GT might have the performance of a two-seat supercar, it has the practicality of a four-door saloon. At least in theory. After all, it is a four-door saloon with a proper boot and a little forward storage area for charging cables and suchlike. Admittedly, the boot isn’t enormous compared with other saloons, but by the standards of supercars it’s positively cavernous. And then there are the rear seats. While it’s true that the sloping roof means adults won’t enjoy life back there for very long and tall adults will need to be decapitated before getting in, there’s more than enough space for kids on the school run - something you won’t get from an R8 - and the copious amount of rear legroom means said kids won’t even be able to kick the back of your seat. Happy days. Better still, the RS e-tron GT’s cabin is so solid that even the most destructive children will struggle to break it. Audi’s interior quality is legendary, and though the buttons on the steering wheel feel a fraction cheap, the dashboard, door trim and handles all feel incredibly robust and substantial. Of course, it’s pretty sporty inside, and that means there’s a lot of black trim that makes it feel a bit dark at times, but the Audi compensates for that with two big screens in the dashboard. The central screen doesn’t do anything too fancy, but what it does it manages with simplicity and ease, which is even more important. The limelight,
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Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Audi RS e-tron GT Price: £135,180 (as tested) Engine: Two electric motors 0-62mph: 3.3 seconds Top speed: 155mph Range: 294 miles Power: 590bhp
then, is hogged by the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display behind the steering wheel, which manages to offer clarity and customisation, as well as putting all the most useful information in one place. It almost doesn’t matter what your passengers fiddle with on the touchscreen, because pretty much everything you need is right there in front of you. True, the Virtual Cockpit technology is getting on a bit now - it’s been with us for the best part of a decade - but it’s still the gold standard for systems like this. Naturally, in such a high-tech car, technology does more than just power the screens, and there’s a massive battery under the floor offering an official range of around 300 miles between trips to the plug. In the real world, you’ll probably get about 250 miles from it if you’re careful, and maybe 220 miles on the motorway. And as charging is a hot topic at
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the moment - I think the Audi Q4 e-tron might be about to leave, freeing up a plug - the RS e-tron GT’s battery can be filled from 10% to 80% in less than half an hour, assuming you can find a charger fast enough to power it. So far, so good. And things only get better when you drive the RS e-tron GT. Under the skin, it shares an awful lot with sister company Porsche’s Taycan sports saloon, but it’s a little softer in terms of its suspension set-up. That means it sacrifices a little agility - but only a little, and the Porsche has agility in spades, so the e-tron is still great in corners - in exchange for a bit more suppleness. That means motorway miles pass in nearsilent comfort, but the handling on country roads is still very good. As a result, the e-tron GT is a thoroughly useful sports saloon that manages to balance performance and planet-friendliness as well as can be expected. It isn’t perfect, and the Porsche Taycan is still a superior product in some ways, but the Audi is a great all-rounder that will tick a lot of boxes for a lot of customers. It still isn’t easy being green, as my wait at the services has proven, but the RS e-tron GT is about as easy eco- and family-friendly supercar ownership gets.
NORTHERN UK
Chris Gilbert chris@bella-figura.com +44 7734 391595 Northern England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Eire
SHOWROOM
showroom@bella-figura.com +44 207 3764564 G24 Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, Lots Road, London SW10 0XE
BELLA FIGURA THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL LIGHTING www.bella-figura.com
Home Deck the Halls ‘Tis the season to
GARDEN TRADING AW23 BAUBLES FROM £10, MADDOX STARS FROM £12
revisit old traditions and embrace some new ones. Capture the excitement of the most wonderful time of the year with Garden Trading’s festive collection, featuring everything you’ll need to create joyful living spaces and make merry in style. gardentrading.co.uk
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Home | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Case Study
Harr arro o ds
Men’s Person ersona al S h opp oppii ng F
ounded in 1985, David Collins Studio is an award-winning interior design, architecture and product Studio, creating internationally recognised hospitality, residential and retail destinations across the globe, from New York and Hong Kong to Seoul and the Middle East. The Studio works with brands that represent the best in their fields as well as private clients who share its obsession with detail, craft and refinement. Whether a restaurant, hotel, bar, residential or retail interior design project, David Collins Studio’s values remain the same. The Studio is committed to creative excellence, artisan workmanship and longevity. A cultivated approach and over
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Homes and Interiors
three decades of industry experience in luxury interiors adds value to the projects it creates. The internationally recognised interior design firm has created immersive interiors for some of the world’s best restaurants, bars and hotels, including Claridge’s, The Wolseley, The Corinthia and Nobu Hospitality.
To create the ultimate menswear destination globally, with an unrivalled overall experience. The exclusive space offers a VIP experience, with its own lounge, complete with full mixology bar, and private salons with dressing rooms. Taking signature David Collins Studio elements from each of the menswear departments, Private Shopping offers the ultimate shopping experience within an eclectic private space.
What challenges did you face along the way? Fitting the brief into a small BOH space, with differing floor levels and construction and multiple essential services to be retained.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIEN DIRAND @ADRIENDIRAND
What was the brief?
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CELEBRATE
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*Please see website for full terms and conditions. Images are for illustrative purposes only, speak to our sales executive for more details. Pantone: 7546CP
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion
E&M Gl Gla a ss
Handmade, unique glass art gifts make for wonderful timeless presents for Christmas
‘Hares in the Mist’, £425 A beautiful piece of wall art created using one of E&M’s Country Scene pieces depicting hares boxing against a woodland backdrop. Handblown, etched, cut, fused and handprinted with a professional frame.
‘Ruby Axons’, Set of 2 by Charlie Burke, £625 This set of hand sculptured and hand polished glass includes wooden bases.
‘Phyllostachys Aurea’ by Amelia Burke, £2,498 This handmade pulled cane, hand cut murrine wall art is currently in exhibition at the National Gallery Kvadrat 500 in Sofia as part of the International Biennale for Glass, Bulgaria. The piece will be back in the UK in early December and available to purchase.
‘Lime Axon’, £395 A hand sculpted/hand polished glass, Charlie’s Axons have been exhibited and sold across Europe, gathering collectors as they travel.
PHOTO: SIMON BRUNTNELL
GLASSBLOWING SESSION
‘Lavandula’, £3,450 Perfect for the art lover, this is handmade with pulled cane and hand cut murrine. This piece took months of assembly and construction and is professionally framed to hang on the wall.
PHOTO: SIMON BRUNTNELL
‘Mice with Teasel’, £425 Part of Margaret’s long standing ‘Creatures’ series, this large handblown bowl - in beautiful aqua tones - is hand painted and engraved with mice and teasels.
If you’re looking for a unique experience to gift your loved one this year, then look no further than E&M’s glassblowing workshop. The company offers 4 different courses and can be booked to fit around your schedule; • Taster Session (up to 6 people) - £125 per person • Group Full Day (up to 4 people, minimum of 2 people) - £225 per person • One to One Half Day - £250 • One to One Full Day - £450 Gift vouchers can be purchased via the website: emglass.co.uk 89
This is health
Age is just a number in our care homes
Whether you’re 65 or 105, you’re still you. Up for new things or loving your old favourites. Find a new place to enjoy every day with Bupa care homes.
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Woodend Care Home Altrincham, WA14 4QU
Lines are open 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.30pm Saturday. Closed Sundays and bank holidays. Calls are charged at no more than local rate and count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles. We may record or monitor our calls.
Care Home Provider of the Year 2022 108749 UNI
27/09/2023 06:30:17
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Christmas
Bents Gar ard den Ho ome &H Embark on an opulent journey with ‘Royal Azure’ and enjoy majestic shades of blue harmonising with snowy whites, evoking regal elegance amidst the winter wonderland
Natural Rocking Horse, £119.99 Bring a classic touch to your holiday decor with the Natural Rocking Horse figurine. This charming rocking horse figurine features a natural finish, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the family.
Blue Deer Head, £79.99 Add a regal touch to your Christmas decor with the Blue Deer Head figurine. This majestic deer head figurine features a rich blue finish, exuding a sense of grandeur.
Blue Deer, Ranging from £44.99 - £119.99 Enhance your holiday decor with the range of Blue Deer figurines. These charming deer figurines feature a playful blue finish, adding a touch of whimsy and festivity to your space.
Blue Soldier, £49.99 This delightful soldier figurine features a blue finish, adding a touch of tradition to your Christmas.
Blue Sleigh, £74.99 This charming sleigh figurine features a beautiful blue finish, adding a sense of wonder and festivity to your space. bents.co.uk 91
Home Homes and Interiors The CHESHIRE Magazine |
A n Ent Entert ertaainin iningg
Sea Se a so son n
Christmas has arrived at Neptune, with a focus on handcrafted decorations, life-like fir trees and gift and hosting ideas aplenty
I
t’s that magical time of year when thoughts turn to festive get-togethers, long cosy lunches, and the joy of creating family traditions as you gather to decorate the home for Christmas. Step into a Neptune store this season and you’ll be transported to a world of spiced orange and eucalyptus scents, delicate, sparkling glass baubles, and luscious fir trees, along with gifting ideas to suit all the family – and every purse - from luxurious sheepskin hot water bottles to simple rosemary and thyme scented soaps. As established British furniture designers, based in Wiltshire with over 30 stores around the UK, Ireland and Europe including one in Knutsford, Neptune values the beauty of natural materials and so the Christmas collection is focused on artisan textures like mouthblown glass and cotton-mâché baubles, pure wool throws and vegetable-based, recycled wrapping paper.
Decorating Delight Deck the house with Neptune’s life-like fir trees, pre-lit wreaths and garlands, then add in layers of twinkling fairy lights and a mix of vintage glass baubles and fun trinkets like our iconic Neptune van decoration on the tree. A wicker tree skirt keeps the space looking smart, ready for the piles of presents wrapped in Neptune’s vegetable-ink patterned paper and jewel-coloured ribbons. Finally, hang a hopeful velvet stocking on the mantle and wait for Christmas morning.
Effortless Entertaining An extendable, solid oak table like the 12-seater Wycombe is the perfect solution for that festive family gettogether. Team it with Kenilworth chairs that can be painted in your choice of colour and the scene is set for a special event. A creamy white linen tablecloth and linens act as foils for the richness of hand-glazed Clovelly
tableware, foxed glass tealight holders and slim brass candlesticks. And this season, Neptune has introduced new glass and barware with elegant champagne coupes and Art Decoinspired cocktail glasses to add that final touch of glamour to an enchanting festive table. Explore the Christmas and autumn/winter collections at neptune.com Find your nearest store at: Neptune Knutsford, Chelford Road, Ollerton, Knutsford, WA16 8TA Follow us on Instagram @neptunehomeofficial
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A lifestyle tailored to you
Residents’ quality of life is at the heart of everything we do, enabling each individual to lead independent, fulfilling lives. If you’re considering a care home, call 0333 060 5918 or visit careuk.com/cheshire
Trusted to care Abney Court, Cheadle Cranford Grange, Mobberley Deewater Grange, Chester Halecroft Grange, Hale Barns Ladybrook Manor, Bramhall Oakfield Croft, Sale
Homes and Interiors
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion
Why U-values are Critical to Find Find ing Ener Energy Effici icient Repla eplaccement Windo Windows As the focal point of any property, windows not only have a big impact on how a home looks, but they also play a fundamental role in a home’s temperature, comfort levels and energy efficiency.
W
hen it comes to finding replacement windows, what should homeowners be looking for so they feel confident they’re investing in a high-performing product that can help to reduce their home’s carbon footprint? According to window and door specialists Everest, one of the best ways to find a quality window is by identifying its U-value. But unfortunately, a recent study carried out by the company found that 70% of Brits had in fact never heard of U-values. Anthony Threlfall, Head of Marketing at Everest, explains what this measurement is and why it’s so important. “A U-value is a standard scientific measurement used across the construction industry as an indicator of insulation. When it comes to windows U-values determine how effective a window is at keeping heat inside a property which is why it’s such a critical
value to consider,” comments Anthony. “Ultimately, the lower the U-value the more efficient the window material is, so we always encourage homeowners to compare U-values so they can choose the best and most suitable window for their home.” To keep up with changing consumer demand, Everest has even developed its own specialist high-performing glass ranges which have incredible insulating properties as Anthony explains. “With more homeowners wanting energy efficient replacement windows we’ve created a series of unique glazing options. Our Ultimate range and Energy Saver range have been carefully designed to deliver fantastic results and create comfortable living conditions.” Manufactured from a highly innovative type of solar reduction glass means the Everest Ultimate range is perfect for those who are specifically looking for a window which provides excellent thermal insulation and
reduces the amount of solar energy that passes through. Whereas the Everest Energy Saver range is best if people are on the hunt for an energy efficient window. Designed with a specialist Low E coating means the glass allows light and solar heat to pass through, while reflecting heat back into the home. This is fantastic for not only helping to keep the property warm, but it can also reduce monthly heating bills. “When it comes to finding the right replacement windows, homeowners should look more closely at the materials used and how well it performs to guarantee they invest in a product which meets their needs. “High performance glazing options are used for both the Everest Ultimate and Energy Saver ranges giving homeowners the reassurance their new windows look great, are thermally efficient and achieve low U-values.” To find out more about the Everest Ultimate range and Energy Saver range visit: everest.co.uk/glass
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Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine
I mmer mmers s e yourse yours e lf in Lu x ury at your own ow n P rivate Holiday Ret et reat in Glorious North Wal a l es
H
PLAS COCH COUNTRY & LEISURE RETREAT
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BRYNTEG COUNTRY & LEISURE RETREAT
ave you ever dreamt of owning a holiday lodge in the awe-inspiring landscapes of beautiful North Wales? A place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind in pure luxury, surrounded by amenities perfect for the whole family? Welcome to Park Leisure’s exclusive North Wales parks: Plas Coch Country & Leisure Retreat in Anglesey, and Brynteg Country & Leisure Retreat in Snowdonia National Park. Here you can immerse yourself in a world of luxury, where you’ll find first-class facilities, beautiful villas and lodges, a delightful on-site bar and dining experience, live events, and relaxing spa facilities. Plus, enjoy the convenience of superfast Wi-Fi, allowing you to work or relax at your leisure. Imagine those precious moments with your loved ones as you explore our adventure playgrounds, engage in exciting sports activities, or meander through serene woodlands with waterside views. And, since our parks are pet-friendly, your entire
family is more than welcome to join in the fun. We invite you to join us for an exclusive visit, where you can enjoy a private viewing of our stunning holiday homes for sale. Experience the splendour of our luxury leisure facilities, indulge in our bar and restaurant offerings, and discover the abundance of attractions located right on our doorstep. It’s time to turn your dreams into reality and create unforgettable family memories. Get in touch to arrange your exclusive visit to one of our parks: Brynteg - 01286 800 553 Plas Coch - 01248 661 617 parkleisure.co.uk
CHOOSE A LIFESTYLE OF LUXURY
B RY N T E G
PLAS COCH
YOUR EXCLUSIVE NORTH WALES R E T R E AT
Have you ever dreamt of owning a holiday lodge in the awe-inspiring landscapes of beautiful North Wales? A place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind in pure luxury, surrounded by amenities perfect for the whole family. Welcome to Park Leisure’s exclusive North Wales parks: Plas Coch Country & Leisure Retreat in Anglesey, and Brynteg Country & Leisure Retreat in Snowdonia National Park.
Elegant Villa models and Luxury Lodges for sale
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Home | Homes and Interiors The CHESHIRE Magazine
And Finally ...
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for food and drink lovers alike, look no further than Wiston Estate, the award-winning winery in West Sussex. Their new range features cases and hampers filled with curated selections of the winery’s acclaimed English sparkling wines, alongside the estate’s own gin and vodka, perfect for accompanying holiday celebrations and gifting to friends and family this year. wistonestate.com
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20% OFF IN DECEMBER WITH OUR EXCLUSIVE VOUCHER CODE
ILE009 • Plaited design by Ella Claire Was £399 • DEC20 Price £319.20 100% wool pile, handmade in India Size shown 8’ x 5’ (2.44m x 1.53m). Other sizes are available. As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time to prepare your home for the magic of Christmas. At FrithRugs, we’ve got your festive decor needs covered. Elevate your space with a stunning new rug, the perfect foundation for holiday gatherings and cozy winter nights. To make your season even merrier, we’re offering a special treat this December: use Voucher Code DEC20 to enjoy a Christmas Spirited 20% discount on all online purchases and in-store visits. Transform your home into a winter wonderland and create cherished memories with a new rug from FrithRugs this holiday season. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer to make your Christmas extra special!*
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*Of fer available on all purchase made bet ween 01/12/2023 - 20/12/2023, quote DEC20 when visiting in-store and use DEC20 in the voucher code box on the shopping basket online.
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