SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 s ISSUE 088
DATE Night Ideas
CHESTER: Say “I do” in the city From the
MANDARIN ORIENTAL w ith love...
Weddings | The CHESHIRE Magazine
VENUES The Chester Grosvenor The award-winning Chester Grosvenor combines breath-taking architecture with contemporary yet traditional interiors. Steeped in history dating back to the 18th century, the hotel sits next to the landmark Eastgate Clock, where the pillared entrance and black and white timber set the scene for your fairy tale wedding. ‘The Gallery’ on the firstfloor landing boasts the original staircase where the grandeur of the 28,000 piece crystal chandelier offers the most memorable of settings for your wedding photographs. From the intimate Drawing Room to the sleek Westminster Suite, The Chester Grosvenor can accommodate bespoke
wedding breakfasts and civil ceremonies from 2 to 240 guests. For that extra bit of indulgence, the spa, located in the heart of the hotel, has five luxury treatment rooms, Thermal Suite and a relaxation area, as well as a manicure and pedicure station for the finishing touches so you can completely relax before, during and after the big day. Eastgate St, Chester CH1 1LT, www.chestergrosvenor.com 01244 324024 or Weddings@ChesterGrosvenor.com
Chez Jules
Chester Cathed ral If you desire a regal wedding at the heart of the city, then Chester Cathedral is the venue for you. The possibility of getting married in the most magnificent building in the county is an enticing prospect for many couples. Offering a range of stunning, prestigious locations, the team can help you plan for an intimate ceremony for two or an elaborate experience for up to 500 guests. Choosing Chester Cathedral for your special day has a feeling of exclusivity and grandeur, whilst remaining accessible to all. Meanwhile, wedding photography in the Cathedral’s beautiful gardens can give the sense of a celebrity wedding feel as passers-by share well wishes. St Werburgh St, Chester CH1 2DY, www.chestercathedral.com, contact Lorna Hobson on 01244 324756 28
Unbeatable location, seasonal fresh food and welcoming staff, in an elegant and romantic setting – Chez Jules is truly a one-of-a-kind venue. Nestled just 150 metres from Chester Town Hall, the beautiful building, which was once home to the city’s fire station, sits proudly within the city walls. With vaulted ceilings and original beams, upstairs at Chez Jules is perfect for an intimate gathering of up to 60 guests. Fresh and seasonal food is synonymous with Chez Jules. The dedicated team works with you to create a bespoke menu to suit all guests including any children on your invite list. The extensive wine and drinks list offer all you could ever need for a celebration with your loved ones. From classic to fabulous French cocktails, high quality wines and of course French fizz on hand to toast the newlyweds! This venue also boasts a sophisticated sound system and large projector screen so you can include musicians or live entertainment to enhance your special day or share precious memories and photos with your guests. The room is beautiful, and the team will do all the leg work for you, making special arrangements for linens and sorting the decorating so you can relax and enjoy every minute of your big day. Northgate St, Chester CH1 2HQ, www.chezjules.com 01244 400014 or bonjour@chezjules.com
CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel TheThe CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
B R I DA L W E A R
HAIR
My Fun ny Valent i ne
Sa ks
This brand new luxe bridal boutique, in Chester City Centre is ideal for the modern bride. Offering a personalised, luxurious and one to one bridal service for every bride coming through the door. The architect designed studio reflects MFV’s vision and is modern, elegant and feminine. It’s the perfect bridal haven, with a colour pallet of soft greys, pink and gold to ensure every bride visiting feels totally relaxed and truly enjoys the experience. Stocking gowns include: Pronovias, Pronovias Privee, Marchesa for Pronovias, Madison James, Evie Young, Luna Novias and Joyce Jackson Veils. Client Quote: “MFV Bridal was so welcoming, extremely helpful and really friendly. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience with my mum and sister. You only get to do it once and they made it really special. I wish I could do it all again. Thank you so much MFV Bridal for helping me find my amazing dress!” Northgate St, Chester CH1 2HT, www.mfvbridal.com or 01244 638778
The award-winning team at Saks Chester have extensive experience creating bridal looks. They cater for all wedding parties no matter how big or small and every look is customised to the bride’s preferences. On the bride’s big day the experienced and friendly team style hair either in the city centre salon or at the brides chosen location. Principle Stylist Jess says “Being part of a bride’s big day is more than just creating beautiful hair it’s about making a girls dreams come true, to be part of this is magical” Over the years the team from Saks Chester have travelled hundreds of miles traveling to style wedding hair near and far, brides often end up feeling part of the Saks family. Upper Northgate St, Chester CH1 4EE, www.saks.co.uk/chester or 01244 341212
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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine
PETALOUDA Volant Dress Anna €2,500.00 / £2135 PETALOUDA Bela Silva Ceramic Pendant Hello €700 / £598
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style
PET ETA ALO LOU UDA RIANNA + NINA have announced PETALOUDA: an A/W21 collection full of firsts for the luxury label — the introduction of knits and a committed menswear collection.
D
rawing inspiration from the butterflies of the collection’s namesake, RIANNA + NINA looked to the love and whimsy of the 1970s to craft Petalouda. Vibrant prints of butterflies and florals are paired with other rich, colourful motifs, with each design made using luxurious silks sourced from Como, Italy alongside specially made embroidered wool cashmere. As with all RIANNA + NINA pieces, every item from the collection has been handcrafted by the master artisans of the
label’s Berlin atelier and can be tailored to a client’s exact desires. This collection also welcomes knits to the RIANNA + NINA family. The extra time the brand has spent at home in the past year has made them long for cosiness, and today, RIANNA + NINA is introducing the love for colour and vibrance to a beautiful range of warm knit pieces. While these may have been inspired by the Winter months, their special hues and high-end craftsmanship truly feel at home in any season.
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TEE OFF with
TOM LAWTON Meet the Head of Golf at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa , Cheshire Talk to us about your current role at The Mere Resort As Head of Golf I run the day to day operation of the golf area of our business. This ranges from running golf events to looking after our retail outlet and literally anything in between. We have a team of approximately 10 people who help run the golf operation. I also work with the management team to create a strategic plan for the golf department and then manage the execution of the plan. Who have been your career influences? When working my first part time job I had a boss who taught me so much at a young age. I learnt a lot about business from him, both in golf and general day to day operations. My dad has also been a great influence as he introduced me into golf at such a young age and supported me throughout my career. In addition, meeting the Mere members has also had a positive influence on career, they have helped me so much since I started my work at the resort. What’s your first memory of golf? I remember playing golf every summer through school, but my earliest memory would be playing with my dad and his friends. When they beat me for a pound, I was distraught!
“The golf course is fantastic, and the scenery is unrivalled in the area” What’s your favourite course? I have been lucky enough to play on a lot of great golf courses. Birkdale over on the Wirral is probably my favourite, there are so many iconic holes and it’s great to play a course where so many of the professionals have played. From the moment that you arrive it feels special. Are there any dream courses you’ve yet to play on? I would obviously like to play St Andrews with it being the home of golf but would also like to play Augusta where The Masters takes place. The course looks fantastic and the exclusivity is so appealing. It looks amazing on TV. For those who have yet to visit, how would you describe the experience of playing at The Mere Golf Resort? From the moment you arrive at the well-known archway entrance I believe that Mere is such a special place. The golf course is fantastic, and the scenery is unrivalled in the area. There is so much to offer for all different needs, with the unique floating ball driving range to the prestigious houses, which surround the course. The Course Manager and his talented team work exceptionally hard to prepare our Championship Golf Course, so you will not be disappointed. www.themereresort.co.uk
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars
TH E M ERE GO LF RESORT & S PA Overview The 18 hole, 8,882 yard, par-71 course was designed by James Braid and created out of 150 acres of Cheshire parkland in 1934. Today, the championship course holds the reputation as one of the best maintained and highest quality golf courses in the north of England. Society Packages Start the day with breakfast overlooking the lake in the Club Lounge, before enjoying 18 holes of golf with your friends. Take a break
for drinks and a light bite in the unique 11th Green Bar, or enjoy an afternoon of games in the great outdoors. Later, unwind with a delicious dinner, or barbecue, hand crafted by award-winning Chefs Accommodation The Mere offer a range of luxury suites, including the Premier Suites that feature separate dining spaces and kitchenettes complete. All suites include free movie packages to keep you perfectly entertained during your stay.
Other Facilities The on-site Health Club and Spa provides the perfect escape with facilities such as an outdoor garden studio, 20 metre swimming pool, vitality pool with swan jets, a luxury thermal zone with hammam, aroma steam room, caldarium, salt-inhalation room, sauna and luxury treatment rooms. Getting There Chester Road, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6LJ
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Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Manchester does
Industrial GLAMOUR The team at Kimpton Clocktower share what they love most about their city centre venue
TIM REYNOLDS, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
The hotel rightfully boats that it combines Victorian grandeur with quirky details and modern swagger. Why would you recommend Kimpton Clocktower as the perfect wedding venue for those looking for a city centre location? Because we have a selection of spectacular rooms and spaces that can be personalised to all tastes, allowing you to curate a truly one of a kind wedding. The original features of the venue coupled with the more modern design touches offer a unique balance of history and refinement. We also have a new outdoor event space in the newly converted Waterhouse Way which boasts a fully waterproof cover, cute festoon lighting and heating – perfect for re-creating that Mediterranean terrace vibe. What weddings have you enjoyed the most at the venue? The ones I’ve enjoyed the most have used the spaces to their full potential, from an opulent Champagne and canapé reception in the Winter Garden to a luxurious sit-down dinner in the Directors’ Suite. What would you suggest for the perfect date night at Kimpton Clocktower? The Refuge offers an intimate but informal dining experience with a wide selection of small 68
plates designed for sharing, and then why not make a night of it by booking one of our gorgeous suites, who couldn’t resist breakfast in bed? Christmas is normally a huge time for hospitality, what has Kimpton Clocktower got planned? We’re keeping tight-lipped on our plans for now but past favourites of a festive feasting menu, choral performances, elaborate decorations and drag queen poem readings (yes you read that correctly) are undoubtedly going to be making an appearance! What other upcoming events can guests look forward to? We have an exciting array of activities ahead; The Refuge will celebrate its 5th birthday at the end of September with a party like no other.
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel
SHARON CAMERON, REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF SALES When walking clients and customers around the venue, what are you quick to showcase? The Lobby is an area steeped in history and elegance, featuring a Magnificent marble floor underneath a beautiful glass Dome ceiling, this has become the centrepiece of the reception areas and the heart of the building. The most impressive feature is our new addition to the family is of course the 300lb bronze horse sculpture by Sophie Dickens, the Great Granddaughter of the renowned author Charles Dickens. The Directors’ Grand Marble Staircase located to the right of the concierge desk is an area well worth exploring as it has the finest Italian marble and the original stained glass windows with all the coats of arms who the Refuge Assurance engaged with over the year – it’s simply breath-taking. The Ballroom offers a sense of occasion, on a grand scale. Formerly the Refuge Assurance staff dining room, our Ballroom is the largest single event space within a hotel in the North West of England. Our accommodations are luxurious and filled with creature comforts. The rooms boast sweeping double-height windows and elegant wood panelling– no two of the recently
refurbished rooms and suites are quite the same. How welcoming is Kimpton Clocktower Hotel to families, including extended fur family? Due to the large number of spacious double rooms we are perfect for families. Gather your closest crew, both the human and furry kind, and experience all that Manchester has to offer with our Family Moments package. We also offer a PAWfect stay package which offers breakfast, along with a full pet setup in the room, a pet tuckbox, pet guide to the best dog-friendly places to visit and of course a toy and treat or two. Best part is – all pets get to stay for free, and that will never change. The Refuge is increasingly popular on the Manchester food and drink scene with its ever-evolving offerings and pop-up events giving guests an excuse to return again and again. What’s fresh on the menu? We have recently launched Winter Garden At the Refuge which is an Afternoon Tea, available Tuesday to Thursday. We’ve put a spin on the classic format, including a punchy pork and kimchi sausage roll, followed by date and cherry scones. Plus, there’s a host of sweet treats including our version of a Black Forest gateau – a nod to our friends at Monkey 47, whose gin showcases botanicals from the Black Forest. My favourite is definitely the Kimchi Sausage Roll! www.kimptonclocktowerhotel.com 69
Home | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Feature
Welcome Wellbeing Home Craig Hough talks to Gilles Darmon, Director of KLAFS UK about how you can create your own spa sanctuary at home What do KLAFS UK offer their customers and what is your order and fitting process? We offer the full range of specialist spa facilities, each crafted to the customers’ exacting requirements. Not only do we design and build a wide range of saunas, but also steam baths, along with caldarium, tepidarium, hamam, mud bath, ice lounge and snow cabin facilities. When KLAFS UK are brought on to a project, either when we’re approached directly by a client or through an architect as part of a wider project team, we will arrange an initial meeting with one of our expert consultants as early as we can into the process. There are a number of considerations that need to be taken into account early on and it’s always best that the team and our client are fully aligned from the outset. Our thermal rooms can be made completely bespoke, with clients able to
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choose from a huge array of personalisation options from the internal wood cladding, steam room finishes and LED illumination to high-tech infrared seats, energy-saving packages and essence injection. When designing and installing a thermal room as part of a larger renovation or new build project, we always work as closely as possible with our clients, architects, interior designers and developers to really make sure the room blends seamlessly into the rest of the scheme and meets both the client and project requirements. The actual fitting process can vary, depending on the size and scale of the project. Usually, we’d allow a couple of months for the installation of a full wellness
Homes and Interiors
suite – but this can certainly be much quicker for smaller projects of just a single sauna or steam room.Our EASY Sauna is also ideal for customers who don’t want to wait for installation and can be effortlessly assembled with just a tool bag and two pairs of hands! Home saunas have seen a rise in sales since the pandemic hit. What advice would you offer to those looking to invest in one for their home? If you’re considering investing in a sauna or wellness suite for your home, we’d suggest getting in touch with our expert team for an initial consultation. We’re able to provide bespoke advice on what might be best suited for you and your home, in terms of space, bench arrangement, and options, but also what benefits you would like to get out of the installation. We can help you to ensure that you not only get what you want out of your project, but that your project achieves its full potential.
no longer the case. Products are becoming more innovative and streamlined – the sauna S1 range has been designed to meet the growing demand for space saving solutions – both the automatic and manual saunas do not exceed the size of an ordinary bedroom wardrobe when not in use. For those on tighter budgets, our KLAFS EASY Sauna is a versatile DIY Sauna that can be quickly and easily assembled. It comes in 34 sizes, nine of which can simply be plugged into a standard 230V socket –making it ideal for compact, urban spaces. Best of all, the S1 and EASY saunas are as easy to uninstall than they are to install so owners can take them with them when they move home. We offer a full design consultancy and installation service to help our clients in their wellness journey, whatever their needs.
What would you recommend to those worried about finding the space for a sauna at home? Many homeowners assume they need a very large room to house a sauna cabin, but this is
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