The Rutland Magazine - Spring/Summer 22

Her Majesty celebrates Her celebrates 70 years of service 70 years of service The Real QU EEN of Hearts A look at

BENTLEY LEICESTER

Flying Spur W12 Mulliner WLTP drive cycle: fuel consumption, mpg (l/100km) – Combined 18.8 (15.0). Combined CO₂ – 340 g/km.

Model shown: Flying Spur Mulliner.

Managing Director

Jack Bennett

Editor

Craig Hough

Editorial Assistant

Margaret O’Donnell

Contributers

James Fossdyke

Kathryn Otto

Jeremy Taylor

Nick De Luca

James Dutfield

Design & Production

Kate Woods

A Note From...

When it comes to rare moments in time, the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most finite and important moments we will witness in our lifetimes.

To commemorate this incredible milestone, we start this issue with a look back at Her Majesty’s long reign (p.18).

We continue our ‘best of British’ issue theme by teaming up with Oakham’s Top555 for a special supercar shoot, celebrating the best of British motoring, featuring McLaren, Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin (p.26). We also showcase Purdey’s Spring/Summer Collection in Style (p.38), enjoy a quintessentially British break at Brown’s Hotel in Travel (p.72) and highlight Elizabeth Stanhope’s best British products in Home (p.97).

Our Food and Drink pages are bursting with goodness as Justerini & Brooks offer a glimpse into the world of the top whisky collectors (p.62), we put a spotlight on The Red Lion in Great Bowden (p.64), and Keythorpe Hall share their recipe for freshly harvested radishes with sunflower butter with us (p.66).

Also this issue, Adam Croft shares his life in Bedfordshire with us (p.13), Director of Sport at Uppingham School offers advice on bettering ourselves (p.51) and we spend 5 minutes with the Rutland Webdesigner (p.100).

So have a fabulous bank holiday celebration, whatever your plans and enjoy our regal Rutland edition.

Stamford

The

The

The

The

The

OAKHAM

Cavells

Dovetail

Equilibrium

Gladwell Patterson

Grainstore Brewary Tap

Oakham School

Otter’s Fine Foods

Sarpech

Smith Elliot Financial Management

The Admiral Hornblower

The Lord Nelson

The Old Wisteria Hotel

Stapleford Park

Hambleton Hall

UPPINGHAM

Crown

Don Paddy’s

Scandimania Coffee

The

The

The

Uppingham

Welland

THE DAISY HERITAGE COLLECTION IN AMETHYST

Content s

FOOD & DRINK

CASKS OF DISTINCTION

Justerini & Brooks offer a glimpse into the world of the top whisky collectors

Her Majesty celebrates 70 years of service

ICONS OF THE ROAD

The best in British motor manufacturing

BROWN’S

Author Adam Croft shares his

HEALTH,

GETTING THE BEST OUT OF OURSELVES

Director of Sport at Uppingham School offers advice

SPOTLIGHT ON…

The Red Lion in Great Bowden

MEET THE CHEF

Chefs from Keythorpe Hall share their recipe for freshly harvested radishes with sunflower butter

Positive pet purchases for your four-legged friends this spring

TRAVEL

LITTLE MOMENT, LASTING MEMORIES

Hotel Gran Meliá Don Pepe

DRIVE

GRAB THE BULL BY THE HORNS

The Lamborghini supercar you can use every day

HOME

BULGARI

LONDON

A colourful new look for The Bulgari Lounge

My life ...

ADAM CROFT, AUTHOR

How would you describe yourself?

Father, author and professional avoider of getting a real job.

Where is home? And work?

I live in Bedfordshire — about an hour from Rutland — and am fortunate to be able to work from anywhere I like. I’ve got a purpose-built office at home, which keeps the commute down to about three minutes if I stop at the coffee machine on the way.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I didn’t really have enough focus to settle on any one thing for longer than a week or two, but I’ve always wanted to entertain people in some way. Being a writer was generally at the top of the list, as were acting, being a rock guitarist and playing football for England. My brain tends not to communicate all that quickly or well with my fingers and feet, so that very much ruled out the last two of those prospects, although I’ve been lucky to do the others professionally.

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

With all due love and affection to Rutland, my happy place is a sun lounger next to a pool on a Greek island — ideally with an ice-cold beer next to me. It’s been nearly three years since I’ve managed to get abroad, and I intend to make the most up for that this year.

In this country, it has to be Rutland — without a doubt. My parents live in Oakham, so I spend a lot of time in the area and often enjoy the beautiful countryside walks — a necessary activity after the amount of time I spend in the local pubs and restaurants.

Peter James’s style and ability to write in such a visual and direct way. He spent many years as a film producer and has a unique talent for making his books as easy to read as watching a film. My absolute literary hero, though, is Harold Pinter. I fell in love with his work the moment I first read and saw The Birthday Party, and am chilled to the bone by his unique voice every time I read one of his plays.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

I took my partner away for her birthday last week, and we stayed in a hotel which was an old converted prison in the middle of a castle. It’s a fascinating and beautiful building, and it was certainly an experience spending a night in a prison cell, even if it did have a soft-pile carpet, hot water and a Corby trouser press. In short, the last gift I gave someone was a night in prison.

Narrowing my favourite Rutland eateries and drinking holes down to just one would be impossible, but the best food I’ve had recently was in Orbis’s new restaurant at the old Mill Street Hotel in Oakham. They also stock one of my favourite whiskies, which gives them bonus points. It wouldn’t be the same without a couple of cocktails from Ovation (Gaol Street) first, though. If I’m looking for a slightly lighter evening, it’s difficult to beat dinner at the Lord Nelson in Oakham, washed down with a couple of pints of Oakham Citra.

What

or who inspires you?

I think most people do, in some way or another. I know a lot of writers liken themselves to sponges (and the visual resemblance for some is striking) but I really do think I take something from all situations and all people I come across, in some way or another.

I try not to get too heavily inspired by other writers, mainly because it makes me feel incredibly inferior. I also think it’s important for writers to maintain their own voice. Readers can spot it a mile off if an author isn’t writing authentically, and it makes their books feel stilted and awkward.

Having said that, I do have some heroes. I’m always in awe of

Tell us a secret/fun fact?

It feels a bit odd calling this either a secret or ‘fun’, but I’ve seen both Ant and Dec’s ‘family bits’. I’ll leave that hanging, so to speak, because the story behind it is far more mundane than you might expect.

Who or what would you place in room 101?

People who say ‘haitch’, Oxford commas, and Stoke-on-Trent.

Your mastermind subject?

I’d love to go on Mastermind, but I’m very much a Jack of all trades and master of none. I’d do pretty well on the general knowledge round, but I’ve no doubt I’d be in last place before that. I’d either go for the history of Arsenal Football Club or the plays of Harold Pinter because I’d have an excuse to spend weeks reading them all over and over again.

What’s been your biggest life lesson?

If you see a sign that says, ‘Don’t push this button’, don’t. Readers can buy signed and personalised books directly from my website, www.adamcroft.net

- The Torridon, Scotland

With exceptional performances With performances including La boheme, The Barber of Seville, soloists La boheme, The Barber of Seville, soloists Jess Gillam and Abel Selaocoe, big band jazz and Gillam and Abel Selaocoe, band and more in an award-winning theatre, beautiful gardens, more in an theatre, beautiful delicious dining and an impressive collection of delicious and an collection of contemporary British sculpture - there is much to contemporary British - there is much to enjoy at Nevill Holt Opera this summer at Nevill Holt this summer. www nevillholtopera co uk www.nevillholtopera.co.uk

WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

What’s On?

8, 9, 11, 12 & 14 JUN

Puccini’s La Bohème

Nevill Holt Opera

Puccini’s glorious music scores one of opera’s greatest and most tragic love stories. When the beautiful seamstress Mimì knocks on the door of the penniless poet Rodolfo their passionate connection is instant, but their happiness is threatened by a tragic discovery. www.nevillholtopera.co.uk

17 JUN

Shaparak Khorsandi: It Was The 90’s

Stamford Corn Exchange

From indie discos to unflattering crop tops…enjoy a trip down memory lane to the decade where ‘kinky’ was nurse roleplay and whipped cream, and Shaparak found herself flying about London with hope in her heart, a tenner in her pocket and spare knickers in her handbag. How does the decade of binge drinking and walks of shame look now without snakebite and black tinted specs? www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

10 & 24 JUN & 5 - 9 JUL

NHO’s Summer Festival

Nevill Holt Opera

Get set for an array of concerts and events this summer that includes everything from Big Band Jazz inspired by the Great American Songbook; Grammy Award-winning Swingles; Handel’s Acis and Galatea with award-winning Dunedin Consort; iconic saxophonist Jess Gillam with Manchester Camerata; Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid with live orchestra and rising star cellist Abel Selaocoe with Manchester Collective. www.nevillholtopera.co.uk

23, 25, 26, 28 & 29 JUN

The Barber of Seville Nevill Holt Opera

Rossini’s sparkling comedy of deception and disguises fizzes with exquisite music and memorable melodies. Be entertained by Figaro’s exploits as he and Count Almaviva work together to remove the beautiful Rosina from her lecherous guardian. www.nevillholtopera.co.uk

24 JUN

Chuckl Presents Stamford Comedy Club

Stamford Corn Exchange

Enjoy some of the biggest names in comedy, hand-picked artists you’re sure to love and stars of tomorrow you’re yet to discover. Sit back, enjoy the show and get ready to laugh your socks off. www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

The Real

Queen of Hearts

Her Majesty is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of sterling service…

Britain will honour an historic reign next month as the Queen records seven decades of loyal duty to her country. The Platinum Jubilee celebrations focus around the largest pageant ever seen in London but other major events are designed to send a message of joy across the land.

The official festivities in London will include Trooping the Colour on June 2, a magnificent lunch hosted by the Lord Mayor, as well as the Queen lighting a bonfire to spark a relay of 1,500 Beacons across the country and Commonwealth. On June 4, Her Majesty will attend the Derby at Epsom, followed by the Platinum Party at the Palace -a live concert from Buckingham Palace that will be screened on the BBC.

Almost 7,000 performers will take part in the capital’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant on June 5 - a global audience of more than one billion is expected to watch the event unfold on television. The enormous procession will wind its way across the city as a million well-wishers line the route.

On the same day, the Eden Project’s Big Jubilee Lunch has the theme of encouraging people to foster a sense of community – time to unravel the bunting, or simply enjoy a barbecue with neighbours. For those who want a more permanent reminder of the day, more than 60,000 trees are being planted across the country as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Project.

The Windsor Horse Show is one of Her Majesty’s favourite events. The ‘Gallop Through History’ spectacular this year runs from May 12-15. And later in the summer, Buckingham Palace will feature the Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession display of

official portraits, from July 22 to October 2.

The Royal Mint is celebrating the Royal occasion with a series of gold and silver collector’s coins, while expect every shape and size of commemorative mug to pop up on the internet!

Throughout the year, in Rutland and elsewhere, the nation will come together as one for a series of patriotic street parties and festivities to mark a once in a Royal lifetime occasion never seen before.

It’s also time for reflection, as the Queen remembers Prince Philip – her constant companion for more than 70 years of royal duty. The Duke of Edinburgh first visited Rutland in 1957. He presented a ceremonial horseshoe that still hangs in Oakham Castle’s Great Hall collection.

The Queen then accompanied her husband on a brief stop in Stamford in 1961, including tea at Burghley House. However, the couple’s first ‘official’ tour wasn’t until 1967, when Her

didn’t take place until June 2, 1953 due to a period of mourning for the late king.

Some will remember the Queen’s 1977 Silver Jubilee, which celebrated 25 years on the throne. Back then, the Royal couple travelled to 36 counties in the UK during s series of six jubilee tours. But that wasn’t the end of it – they then travelled 56,000 miles around the Commonwealth.

Unfortunately, the Ruby Jubilee in 1992 was not a year to remember. In fact, it was best summed up in the Queen’s ‘annus horribilis’ speech, after three of her children endured failed marriages, a Princess Diana autobiography and a fire at Windsor Castle.

Majesty also visited Oakham Castle with a horseshoe of her own. After Prince Philip returned to Rutland to open a birdwatching centre at Egleton in 2001, the Queen then made a Diamond Jubilee visit to Stamford alone in 2012.

In Rutland, like the rest of the country, the June 2 – 4 four-day Jubilee will see pubs able to stay open for longer and drinkers given an extra two hours to celebrate the royal milestone. It’s set to be one of the busiest, booziest weekends of the year!

The Queen ascended the throne on February 6, 1952 following the death of her father, George VI. The 25-year-old Princess Elizabeth was on safari in Kenya with Prince Philip when the sad news was delivered. However, her coronation

A decade later, the Golden Jubilee started on a sad note, with the death of both the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret early in 2002. As always, Her Majesty battled on with another extensive series of tours, despite her 76 years.

The Diamond Jubilee in 2012 was only the second time in history a monarch achieved 60 years on the throne. Despite appalling weather, she famously watched from the Royal Barge as 1,000 boats took part in a pageant on the River Thames. Later, a pop concert outside Buckingham Palace featured Kylie Minogue and Stevie Wonder.

Queen Elizabeth II’s latest milestone anniversary is likely to be the most memorable ever. After breaking Queen Victoria’s record as the longest reigning monarch in history, Her Royal Highness seems unstoppable in her determination to do her duty to the country she loves.

A Milestone in History

Commemorative products featuring the Platinum Jubilee official emblem go on sale direct from the Royal Collection Trust

The design is a continuous line drawing, symbolising Her Majesty’s long reign, while the shade of purple reflects that of Her Majesty’s Robe of Estate, worn at the Coronation in 1953. The font used for the lettering is ‘Perpetua’, which means ‘forever’ and imitates the font style that appeared on Her Majesty’s Coronation Order of Service in 1953.

A selection of items from the Platinum Jubilee official emblem range, including coffee mug (£15.00); keyring (£4.95); umbrella (£12.95); reusable water bottle (£9.95); lanyard (£4.95); tea towel (£8.95); children’s drawstring activity bag (£7.95); wooden spoon (£4.95); pin badge (£3.95); bookmark (£2.95); miniature shortbread tube (£2.95); tube of pencils (£8.95); hand sanitiser (£3.95) and reusable shopping bag (£8.95)

Edward Roberts, designer of the Platinum Jubilee official emblem, has also created a new design in the same style of the Platinum Jubilee official emblem. The continuous line drawing traces the outline of the national flowers of the United Kingdom, with a rose for England, a daffodil for Wales, a thistle for Scotland and a shamrock for Northern Ireland. Products featuring this design, include socks (£16.00) made in Wales and a fine bone china mug with matching presentation box (£25.00) made in Stoke-on-Trent. These products will be sold in a limited edition of 2,022.

Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2022

ICONS OF

Celebrating the best in British manufactured motors the best in British manufactured motors

Land Rover Defender

The iconic Land Rover Defender has recently been revitalised and revised for the 21st century, but as a model line, its origins date all the way back the 1940s, and the very earliest Land Rovers.

At its core, the latest Defender is still the tough, go-anywhere off-roader that Land Rover imagined in 1947 when it introduced a vehicle that would later be known as the ‘Series I’. But the latest Defender brings modern technology and powertrains to the line-up for the first time.

www.landrover.co.uk

LOCATION: Stapleford Park, staplefordpark.com CARS: - Aston Martin, Mclaren & Rolls Royce: Supplied by Top555, www.top555.co.uk - Land Rover: Supplied by Sturgess Leicester, www.sturgessgroup.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: Nick Caro, www.nickcarophotography.co.uk

Mclaren

In 1964 Bruce Mclaren, and his small team built the first true McLaren sports car – the M1A – which became a top contender in sports car racing both in Europe and America. After proving its credentials, the orders rolled in and 24 examples were built. Today, McLaren Group is a global name in cars and racing, comprised of three main branches: McLaren Racing, McLaren Automotive, and McLaren Applied. www.mclaren.com

Rolls-Royce

One of the most revered and historic name in the history of luxury and automotive endeavour grew from the electrical and mechanical business established by Henry Royce in 1884. Royce built his first motor car in 1904 and in May of that year met Charles Rolls, whose company sold quality cars in London. Through the years Rolls-Royce has always sought names that are otherworldly for its most authoritative and powerful cars. Eery names like Ghost, Phantom, Wraith, Shadow and Spirit have, over the years, developed a unique nomenclature that sets Rolls-Royce models apart. The celebrated British brand is imminently about to introduce its first electric car - Spectre. www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Aston Martin

Ever since the first Aston Martin was crafted more than one hundred years ago, the brand has had a talent for creating beautiful. Founded by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford in 1913 in a small London workshop, Aston Martin has since grown to become an internationally admired luxury brand.

From the brand’s humble origins to today, on road and track the irresistible draw of an Aston Martin endures. People all over the world seek their beautifully designed cars; cars that have always been synonymous with high performance, bespoke craftsmanship, technological innovation and timeless style. www.astonmartin.com

GLOR IOUS

GARDENS by Pride of Britain Hotels

Spring is here – and gardens up and down the country, from Sussex to Scotland, are bursting into bloom

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Imagine a riot of colour in a flower-filled garden with a blanket of purple bluebells, crimson-pink cherry blossom and sapphire-blue delphiniums. A sweet fragrance fills the air and the sunshine gently warms your skin. This is a quintessential country garden.

Pride of Britain Hotels suggests that there is no substitute for spending quality time with nature and surrounding yourself with our glorious gardens. Take a stroll through the foliage to nourish your soul, providing an instant mood boost. Our chefs gather fruit, vegetables and edible flowers from the kitchen gardens for delicious dishes and healthy spring salads allowing guests to enjoy produce from earth to plate within hours, sometimes minutes.

West Sussex

The landscaped gardens at Gravetye Manor were created by pioneering gardener William Robinson and are considered one of the most important historic gardens in England. Look out for jewel-like tulips in the flower garden. You can also explore wild meadows, orchards and a flourishing walled kitchen garden that provides produce for the hotel’s restaurant.

Wales

Situated on a peninsular with terraces tumbling down the hillside and views of Snowdonia, the gardens at Bodysgallen Hall are a spectacular sight. It is well known for its colourful

17th century box hedged parterre, though you can also meander through medlar and mulberry, enchanting follies and a rose garden.

Buckinghamshire

The revered English landscape architect Capability Brown transformed 90 acres of countryside surrounding Hartwell House in the Vale of Aylesbury back in the 18th century. Vibrant spring blooms to discover here include daffodils, primroses and anemones. A roam through the parkland reveals grand statues, canals and an ornamental bridge.

Scotland

The gardens surrounding Glenapp Castle are perched above the Ayrshire coast and boast many extraordinary plants from around the world. You’ll have a spring in your step while wandering through the Gertrude Jekyll-designed Italian garden, but don’t miss the grapevines, peach and fig trees in the Victorian glasshouse.

With so many horticultural hotels to choose from, your next Glorious Garden escape with Pride of Britain Hotels awaits. www.prideofbritainhotels.com

Style

Step into Spring

Fairfax & Favor’s Spring Summer 2022 collection is Fairfax & Favor’s Spring Summer 2022 collection is bigger and brighter than ever with their designs bringing a fresh take on summer staples for both bigger and than ever with their a fresh take on summer staples for both city and country living The brand has introduced a new seasonal colour palette which sees the and country living. The brand has introduced a new seasonal colour palette which sees the introduction of Mango and Cornflower products to their core collection The collection also sees introduction of Mango and Cornflower products to their core collection. The collection also sees a much-anticipated expansion on existing espadrille, sandal and slider collections with styles a on existing espadrille, sandal and slider collections with styles including the Heacham Slider, Thornton Sandal and Brancaster Heeled Sandal including the Heacham Slider, Thornton Sandal and Brancaster Heeled Sandal. www fairfaxandfavor com www.fairfaxandfavor.com

Purdey’s Spring

Summer 2022

Collection

This incredible collection introduces a blend of versatile garments, as well as classic wardrobe staples and knitwear with a wear-forever appeal, reflecting Purdey’s sporting heritage and the British countryside.

Alongside chic jackets available in bright patterned tweeds or beautiful linens, there are new shirt designs including romantic ruffled collars cut from jacquard fabric, featuring a subtle floral scroll design, as well as western influenced shirts in twill fabrics and printed dotted shirts with a tie detail at the cuff and collar which can be altered to suit your own style.

Purdey values traditional techniques and impeccable finishes which means each of its designs earns the title of ‘wardrobe investment’ which is portrayed throughout the collection. Knitted in London, the v neck argyle vest is a standout piece.

Designed to layer with Purdey’s shirt and summer tweed collection, its intricate design features a wide neck ribbing with striped detail adding a sporty feel that can be dressed up or down throughout the season.

Including cropped jackets designed from 52% linen and 48% mixed merino, a fabric which has been especially developed for warmth but without the weight, extending the beauty and texture of tweed into a summer wardrobe.

Other hero items include the softly tailored summer shirt jacket, an easy to wear style with a nod to safari style designed with four utilitarian practical pockets made from pure Irish linen. The jacket is perfectly paired with the summer tailored shorts for a co-ordinating effect, cut straight above the knee for a relaxed yet smart summer look.

WOMENSWEAR (LEFT):

Purdey, Cornwall Jacket in Beige, £795; Purdey, Cropped pants in Tan, £225; Purdey, polo collar knit in Seville, £495; Purdey, Brouges lightweight Vibram sole, £495

MENSWEAR (RIGHT):

Purdey, textured striped polo, in Taupe, £95; Purdey, Ripstop chore jacket in Beige, £695; Purdey, Cotton trousers in Pebble, £150; Purdey, fine knit zip through jumper in Dark Beige, £495

OPPOSITE PAGE

MENSWEAR (LEFT):

Purdey, Men’s Ripstop Parka in Green, £795;

Purdey, Textured Polo in Taupe, £95;

Purdey, Cotton five pocket jeans in Audley red, £125;

Purdey, Reversable belt in Dark Brown, £265;

Purdey, Full Zip Cardigan in Bark, £395;

Purdey, Flying Woodcock Scarf, £295

WOMENSWEAR (RIGHT):

Purdey, Dry Wax Utility Jacket in Ochre, £745;

Purdey, Pembrokshire Vest in Ochre, £545;

Purdey, Two Tone Cashmere half zip sweater in Natural, £625;

Purdey, Western Style Washed Twill Shirt in Washed Berry, £145;

Purdey, High Wasited Cotton Breeks in Dark Green, £395

THIS PAGE

MENSWEAR (LEFT):

Purdey, Tom Purdey Jacket in Navy, £695;

Purdey, Linen Classic Shirt in Salmon, £150;

Purdey, Kelso Cashmere Zip Neck in Blue Haze, £595;

Purdey, Cotton Trouser in Navy, £150

WOMENSWEAR (RIGHT):

Purdey, Aran Knitted Jumper in Cream, £575

Purdey, Embroidered Western Style Herringone Shirt in White, £145;

Purdey, Western Style Skirt in Stone, £195

THIS PAGE

OPPOSITE PAGE

Purdey, Suede Harrington Jacket in Juniper, £1,995; Purdey, Rivera Shorts in Navy, £185; Purdey, Textured Pattern Polo in Blue, £95; Purdey, Zip Through fine knit in Navy, £450; Purdey, Lawrence Holdall in Walnut, £1,195

Purdey, Western Tweed Jacket in Blue Fleck, £525; Purdey, High Wasited Cotton Breeks in Tan, £395; Purdey, Argyle V neck sweater £595; Purdey, Mirrored Scroll Printed Silk Scarf, £295

WOMENSWEAR (LEFT): WOMENSWEAR

Purdey, Summer shirt jacket in Khaki Green, £425

Purdey, Summer shirt jacket in Khaki Green, £425

Purdey, Tailored shorts in Khaki, £145 Tailored shorts in Khaki, £145

MENSWEAR (RIGHT): MENSWEAR

Purdey, Light weight Riviera shorts Riviera shorts in Khaki Green, £185 in Khaki £185

Purdey, Moleskin chore jacket Moleskin chore jacket inOlive, £695 £695

Purdey, Utility pocketed vest vest in Green, £495 in £495

Purdey, Seersucker button down Seersucker button down collar in Green, £175 collar in £175

Purdey, Grained leather boots Grained leather boots in brown, £525 in £525

www.purdey.com

UPLIFT YOUR MOOD WITH ESPA

Holistic wellbeing brand, ESPA, has reformulated its iconic Signature Blends collection to create elevated, aromatic moments throughout the day, to rebalance wellbeing, lift mood and inspire connection. The range, which used to be split into single bath and body oils, now contains bath and body hybrid oils that harnesses the power of aromatherapy with ESPAs seven signature blends - Fortifying, Energising, Soothing, Restorative, Positivity, Connection and Restful. £35, www.espaskincare.com

Health Beauty &

Restore Your Inner Calm

Experience a deeper sense of calm, fight inflammation, and enjoy the benefits of infrared heat with the PEMF Go Mat. The infrared mat combines two powerful healing technologies to create the ultimate recovery tool. PEMF grounds you in the Earth’s magnetic field for a full body reset, while Infrared’s deeply penetrating heat doubles your dose. PEMF therapy emits electromagnetic waves that mimic natural frequencies found in nature, stimulating and encouraging your body’s natural recovery process.

RRP £539.00, www.higherdose.com

Unmask Radiant, Velvet Soft Skin

Restore your skin’s natural glow with Green People’s NEW AHA Radiance Peel Mask. An infusion of Aloe Vera richly hydrates to protect new cells and prevent irritation while a blend of base oils from Cranberry, Rosehip and Pomegranate nourishes the skin and promotes cell rejuvenation. For added opulence, the soothing scents of Mandarin, Palmarosa, Geranium, Lavender and Neroli provide a luxury experience that relaxes the mind whilst you pamper the skin.

£36.00 (30ml), www.greenpeople.co.uk

NEW FROM OLVERUM

Olverum’s long-awaited at-home spa Firming Body Moisturiser completes its unique trilogy of holistic body firming products. The sophisticated, velvet-textured body creme was created to target those areas of the body most prone to loss of tone and elasticity. Its carefully chosen ingredients boost collagen production, slow down collagen degradation, and protect against dehydration, leaving skin feeling toned, softer and more supple.

RRP £40.00, (200ml), www.harveynichols.com

G ettin g the B est

Out of t Ourselves

WORDS: Nick De Luca, Director of Sport at Uppingham School

WORDS: Nick De Luca, Director of Sport at School

They say you should never meet your heroes, but after meeting Anthony Joshua by chance several weeks ago, he more than lived up to my expectations.

I have always admired this values-based athlete not just for his achievements, but for the vulnerability, graciousness and accountability he has shown even in his toughest moments.

Anthony Joshua makes no excuses. He wastes no time blaming others, instead he learns from his defeats and moves forward. His incredible mindset allows him to grow stronger after each challenge.

I was delighted to be able to thank him

in person for being an excellent role model to our young people and admired that even with crowds beginning to gather around him, he made time for each interaction to ensure he made a positive impact.

While athletes like Anthony Joshua are at their best in the ring or on the pitch, as individuals our ‘best’ is completely unique to us. In chasing someone else’s idea of success, rather than our own, we can become distracted from building sustainable happiness. Instead, we should explore our own values, and allow these to be our ‘why’ on the pathway to success.

At points in our lives, we can find

Maya Angelou - “People will forget what you Angelou - will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people said, will what you did, but will never forget how you make them feel” will never forget how you make them feel”

ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of who we are and what truly matters to us. I felt this during my professional rugby career; the sport dominated my identity and dictated my happiness. I had to go on a journey of self-discovery to understand who I really was and what my values were. Once I understood these values, I was able to develop my own ‘scoreboard for success’ and focus on what made me feel happy and fulfilled in my life.

Understanding your core values can help you to refocus and build the sustainable happiness we all crave. If you too find yourself at a crossroads, here are some thought exercises that I found beneficial.

Begin by considering how you want to be remembered: whether in a wedding speech, on your 90th birthday, or by loved ones when you are no longer around; how do you want people to remember you? Next, think about who your role models are and why you admire them. The values that stand out to you during these exercises are often those that matter most to who you are, and by focusing on these values throughout your life, you can create goals and make decisions based on what will bring you joy and happiness – your own unique version of success.

www.uppingham.co.uk

Triple the Family

Nursery St y Style

with Snüz

Iconic sleep brand, Snüz has unveiled the SnüzKot Skandi 3pc

Iconic brand, Snüz has unveiled the SnüzKot Skandi Nursery Furniture Set A first for the brand, the once 2-piece set is now complete with the addition of Nursery Furniture Set. A first for the brand, the once 2-piece set is now complete with the addition of the brand new SnüzWardrobe, designed to give the most stylish storage solution Posing a striking the brand new SnüzWardrobe, designed to give the most storage solution. Posing a striking modern and minimalist style, the 3-piece set nails the ultimate on-trend scandi look, offering three modern and minimalist the set nails the ultimate on-trend scandi look, three colourways, Natural, Grey and White The newcomer seamlessly sits alongside the already popular Natural, and White. The newcomer sits alongside the SnüzKot Cot Bed, and the matching Changing Unit, co-ordinating perfectly to finish any room SnüzKot Cot Bed, and the matching Changing Unit, to finish any room.  RRP £1,277, www snuz co uk RRP www.snuz.co.uk

Family news

WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

Boredom-busting Ideas From Janod! Ideas From

Iconic French toy brand Janod is thrilled to occupy curious minds and little hands with its imagination-sparking toys!

Boredom and restlessness will be a thing of the past, thanks to the brand’s extensive range of Magneti’books that allow little ones to carefully place their magnets in any creative layout, inspiring their very own masterpieces in the process! www.yesbebe.co.uk

Brace the April Brace the April Showers in Style Showers in

Providing children aged 0-12 years with the ultimate gear for great adventures, Polarn O. Pyret’s Spring / Summer Outerwear collection is packed full of seasonal colours, floral prints and new technical features - the wet weather experts have yet again proven they’re top of their game when it comes to designing stylish, high-quality outerwear.

•This season sees the arrival of a brand-new jacket with a genius magnetic zip.

•There’s an updated version of the bestselling recycled polyester waterproof fleece - customers can now choose the longline version, which has an integrated elastic at the waist, giving it a truly stylish look.

•Also launching is the brand-new anti-pill Soft Kid’s Fleece - a cosy must-have for every young explorer!

•The ultimate jacket for walking, exploring, going on the school run and everything in between is the Lightweight Shell Kid’s Jacket, now available in two amazing prints including fun woodland creatures or a blue floral ditsy design.

www.polarnopyret.co.uk

Playtime Is Given a Jumbo Twist Is Given a Twist

Offering a giant space for curious minds and little hands, the Jumbo Sensory Discovery Mat is bursting with textured shapes, crinkly fabrics, colourful ribbons, and a giant selfie mirror, little ones will be mesmerised for hours. Not to mention the engaging interactive activities and cheeky characters with fun animals including a monkey, racoon, elephant and sloth, to stimulate the senses. With a whopping space of 48” x 48”, the mat provides a wonderful place for rolling, crawling, sitting and tummy time, as well as lots of room for a play date too.  What’s more, it is machine washable, making it easy to wash away any spillages or nappy explosions!

RRP £40, www.argos.co.uk

SEND STARGAZERS TO SLEEP

Set to Snüz to

According to a survey in 2020, Snüz found that a staggering 7 in 10 parents lose an average of three hours of sleep every night in their baby’s first year – the equivalent of missing out on 133 nights’ worth of sleep before their baby turns 1! It is no wonder parents are sleep deprived and on the hunt for the very best products to support them in getting more ZZZs - enter SnüzPod⁴ .

Thanks to its innovative design, for six whole months, parents can feed, soothe, and be closer to their baby for a safe bonding experience. With dual-view mesh windows and a half-height zip-down wall for easy access, parents and carers can safely be by their side through every yawn, wiggle, gurgle and nap..

RRP £199.95, www.snuz.co.uk

Guaranteed to get little dreamers sleeping soundly through the night is Infantino’s 3-in-1 Projector Musical Mobile. Growing with little ones from birth to toddlerhood, it transforms from a mobile to a crib night light, then a tabletop light and projector to pop on the bedside. What’s more, it also features a 20-minute auto shut-off timer, so it stops after your child is lulled to sleep. If mobiles aren’t your thing, the Soothing Light & Projector is an ideal way to soothe tiny stargazers to sleep. Easily attached to the side of the cot, the nightlight transitions between a projector and a night lamp, as well as converting to a tabletop projector for continued use as little ones grow.  From £19.99, www.amazon.co.uk

Pets’ Corner

Our guide to the top positive pet purchases for your four-legged friends this spring

SMELL GOOD

Get your dog turning heads with the new ll over fragranced doggy body spray from Lauren Stone. Number One Pooch Pawfume has is a rich oriental spicy fragrance, perfect for refreshing and deodorising dog coats, leaving both the male and female pooches smelling amazing long after application. There is also a shampoo and conditioner available in this luxury doggy collection, the perfect pooch pampering treat. £16, www.laurenstonecollections.com

EAT WELL

Manchester-based luxury pet lifestyle brand Scruffs have launched a new range of pet feeding and drinking solutions this season. The Flat Faced Pet Bowl has been launched to help brachycephalic breeds of dog (dogs with flat faces), such as pugs, French and English bulldogs as these breeds generally have reduced airways which can lead to problems breathing, especially when eating. The collection also includes The Long-Eared Dog Bowl, that tapers in at the top, preventing long ears from drooping into the bowl, keeping them dry of water and clean of food.

www.petslovescruffs.com

SLEEP WELL

British luxury dog bedding company Charley Chau has launched a selection of cosy and comfy products that will also add a splash of style to the home this spring Charley Chau’s Signature Snuggle Bed – the style of choice for dogs who love to burrow under blankets - has been given a new look for the season in Faroe, in a choice of three sizes and three gorgeous colourways, Jade, Pebble and Nimbus Grey. With its heavyweight feel and woven, wool-like texture, the beautiful upholstery Faroe fabric has a deep-filled luxury mattress in the base, constructed like a sofa seat cushion with wall panels inside to prevent the fibre from moving around. From £100, www charleychau com

Ask the VET

With a mystery vomiting bug currently affecting dogs throughout the UK, I look at the signs to look out for and the treatment you should seek

You may have read in the media recently, about a mystery vomiting bug affecting dogs in the UK. Today I will be giving some advice and hopefully put your minds to rest, after a spike in cases of gastroenteritis in dogs. Initially, it seemed to be localised in Yorkshire and the Northeast, but there seems to be an increase in case numbers across the UK.

Cases of gastroenteritis are relatively common in first opinion practice, especially during the winter months. However, numbers seem to be increasing and are more widespread than usual. The University of Liverpool run the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET), which collects data from participating vet practices’ medical records. The latest analysis of real-time data by SAVSNET confirms an outbreak in Yorkshire with levels of disease statistically higher in this region. The head of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) advises any concerned owners to contact their local vet for prompt treatment if their dog shows any signs of illness such as vomiting and diarrhoea. The good news is most cases are mild, and the majority of affected dogs recover quickly.

SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR

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

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

•Dehydration can occur if the vomiting and diarrhoea persist.

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

TREATMENT

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

more severely affected patients, hospitalisation and intravenous fluids may be needed. Gastrointestinal protectants and occasionally antibiotics may be required, with the main aim of treatment being rehydration and restoration of blood electrolytes.

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

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

James Dutfield BVSC MRCVSResident Vet, www.goostreylanevets.co.uk

Carefully selected artists from the Royal Academy, Royal Institutes, Federations and Societies.

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8 The Mews ◦ The George Hotel ◦ Stamford ◦ PE9 2LB Tuesday Ǧ Sunday | 11am to 5pm | 01780 480800 & Lees Yard ◦ Holt ◦ Norfolk NR25 6HS Monday Saturday | 10am 4pm | 01263 713883

Edward Seago RBA RWS (1910

1974)

Storm over the Farm

Oil on Canvas | 11 x 16 inches

Food Drink Deliciously

Bri tis h British

Founded by fifth-generation Yorkshire farmer, Annabel Makin-Jones,

Founded Yorkshire farmer, Annabel

Annabel’s Deliciously British is a true celebration of the countryside Producing exquisite products for people

Annabel’s British is a true celebration of the countryside. Producing exquisite products for people who care about taste and provenance, the company is committed to achieving first class quality with a who care about taste and provenance, the company is committed to achieving first class quality with a sustainable, local supply As original strawberry growers, the brand now offers a varied product range which sustainable, local supply. As original strawberry growers, the brand now offers a varied product range which includes the farm’s iconic strawberry in addition to other local and celebrated products, such as preserves, includes the farm’s iconic in addition to other local and celebrated products, such as preserves, forced rhubarb and daffodil bouquets. forced rhubarb and daffodil www crownuppingham co uk www.crownuppingham.co.uk

CELEBRATE WITH JOHN LEWIS

Discover John Lewis’ mix of patriotic decorations, indulgent hampers and picnic baskets to help you celebrate the Queen’s incredible milestone.

#1 - Partners Tourism Union Jack Bauble, £5

#2 - Emma Bridgewater Queen Elizabeth II 70 Years Platinum

Jubilee Half Pint Mug, 300ml, Multi, £22

#3 - Emma Bridgewater Queen Elizabeth II 70 Years Platinum

Jubilee Round Tray, Red, £10

#4 - Spode Blue Italian 2-Tier Cake Stand, 27cm, Blue_White, £49

#5 - Partners Empty Wicker Picnic Basket, 15L, Natural, £30

Food & D i k s

WORDS: CRAIG HOUGH

LIMITED EDITION WHISKY

Also joining in the celebrations are VCL Vintners with a limited edition run of a new single malt Scotch whisky, distilled with the sole purpose of the Jubilee at the Bruichladdich Distillery. Discussing the special bottling launch, Director and Co-Founder of VCL Vintners, Stuart Thom said: “Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that we wanted to celebrate and mark at VCL Vintners. The whisky bottled is a unique line, perfect for a hugely significant occasion for any collector of fine whisky. In the 70th year of her reign, it feels only right to show our appreciation for her many years of service to the country.”

ABV: 44.1%, AYS: 18 June 1991, Cask number: 2504, £495 (excluding VAT), www.vclvintners.london

#6 -Partners The Salcombe Basket, £60 www.johnlewis.com

A Right Royal Pickle

In celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, Tracklements - purveyors of perfect planet-friendly pickles - have created a limited edition Right Royal Pickle. Made with a selection of vegetables including tasty Lincolnshire onions and a careful combo of sweet (Muscovado sugar) and sour (malt vinegar) along with tamarind paste, chilli, all spice and lemon juice. Enjoy with a traditional British Ploughman’s. RRP £5.80 for a 200g kilner jar, www.tracklements.co.uk

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Casks of Distinction

Offering a glimpse into the world of the top whisky collectors, Justerini & Brooks presents, a curated collection of Casks of Distinction bottlings

Through the expertise of the Justerini & Brooks private sales team, who together with a small group of passionate collectors, presents a select number of single malts of impeccable provenance and quality, direct from cask to bottle, available to purchase from justerinis.com

The bottles are some of the rarest Justerini & Brooks offers from a very privileged cask programme, only a handful of bottles from only a small number of casks are ever made available. This is the first time that bottles like these have been available to purchase this way and offer special access to a world of cask ownership.

BOTTLINGS

CARSEBRIDGE, 44 YEAR OLD, 1976

Cask #32543

Bottles produced: 81 American Oak Hogshead

42.4% ABV

At 44 years old, and yielding a mere 81 bottles, this is one of the rarest single cask bottlings you’ll find. The aroma of this intriguing Carsebridge Single Grain places exotic mango chutney amid the juicy-fruity top notes. A suggestion of toasted almonds runs beneath this, on a dry, chalky base. The texture is creamy smooth and lightly coated. The taste is sweet with hints of raisin fudge at first, then a spicier mid-palate also shows some toffee notes, with a shake of white pepper. A drop of water makes it much softer and sweeter. The short finish is rich, warming and drying as the oaky note lingers. £1,630 (Including Duty & VAT)

Carsebridge Distillery

The Gartmorn reservoir, a beautiful nature reserve and former water

source for Carsebridge Distillery provided the perfect place to distil. The Ochil mountains supplied torrents of water, the flat valley floor, known locally as the ‘Carse’ provided plentiful cereal and the Firth of Forth acted as a gateway to the world. Something of a legend among aficionados, Carsebridge is renowned for its sophisticated and refined single grain whisky. Established in 1799 as a malt distillery, Carsebridge distilled for a little over 50 years before concentrating entirely on grain whisky, for which it became famous over the following 133 years, before its closure in 1983. This last tranche of casks is approaching 40 years old and very rare. Cask #32543 is one of those treasured casks.

BLAIR ATHOL, 25 YEAR OLD, 1993

Cask #0002

Bottles produced: 108 European oak cask

58.6% ABV

As the low cask number suggests, one from a finite batch of exemplary cask innovation. This large European Oak cask only delivered a mere 108 bottles, but the result is simply stunning. A rich and vibrant hue seems to echo the Autumnal tones of the birch tree leaves and Virginia creeper that envelope the distillery. Nosing the glass reveals a warming array of raisins, dates and figs; with chocolate coated candied peel and waves of sticky toffee pudding: surprising for a high ABV. A trickle of water brings Cascades of coffee, Caribbean rum and raisin ice cream topped with a zephyr of fresh mint. Satisfyingly full bodied and rich, the finish delivers a rousing crescendo of Walnut, pecan and Brazil nuts, sweet coffee and dark chocolate gradually fade in a long farewell.

£1,094 (inc Duty and VAT)

Blair Athol Distillery

Situated just north of the Birnam Wood made famous in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth.’ The Blair Athol Distillery is surrounded by Birch, Larch, Spruce, Noble and Douglas Fir trees, it is without doubt amongst Scotland’s most picturesque of distilleries. Founded in 1798 it is also one of the oldest. The soaring Ben Vrackie in The Grampian mountains, provides a bountiful supply of crisp cold water, enabling generations of distillers to distil in a way that ensures a robust, rich, deep and malty character highly suited to experimental maturation processes, of which this is a pre-eminent example.

GLENURY ROYAL, 50 YEAR OLD

Cask #1709

Bottles produced: 192 Hogshead

45% ABV

This exquisite bottling is one, amongst only 192 originally procured from the cask. Deep amber in colour, with bronze lights. On the nose, it is mild, with a light prickle, profoundly fragrant and exotic, for a whisky of this exceptional age. Top notes of roses and white lilies, this cask has been unusually kind and gentle on the luscious liquid within. Scented soft fudge, lush treacle toffee and molasses in the middle and base of tropical fruits in liquor. Sushi ginger, then smoky bacon, leather and tobacco. A drop of water heightens the fragrant notes and introduces an attractive waxiness. The body is silky smooth. On the palate, it is mouth-filling and has a fabulous taste that combines a sweet start and a dry finish with tropical gardens and Oriental spices. Rum baba, moist carrot cake and gingerbread. The finish is spectacularly rousing, slightly earthy, with rich toasted malty flavours.

£7,211 (Including Duty and VAT)

Glenury Royal Distillery

Glenury was founded near Stonehaven on Scotland’s east coast by Captain Robert Barclay, a local landowner. In time his distillery became one of the

last to be powered entirely by water. Renowned for its rich and flavoursome whisky, the distillery once contained two tiny ‘experimental stills’ perhaps these were key in developing its superb, complex and precious character, so highly prized today. Its rich malt is almost never seen now, as the distillery was closed and demolished over thirty years ago.

PORT ELLEN, 40 YEAR OLD, 1979

Cask #6819

Bottles produced: 575 European oak cask 52% ABV

This superlative bottling of Port Ellen is one of only 575 originally produced in the world. It comes from one of the last remaining casks from this legendary distillery It has a gentle nose feel and a fruity top note. Bottled at natural cask strength, which imparts the pure, unadulterated Port Ellen experience. The traces of rich oils, butterscotch and soft fudge, so redolent on the nose are brought to life upon tasting, the texture is lightly oily and the taste is sweet. The rare choice of European oak cask perhaps influences the spicier notes with a shake of salt mid-palate and some white pepper. With water, these tastes are softer with noticeable peat smoke. The finish is long and lightly drying with gentle white pepper dancing across the palate and an elegant thread of smoke that lingers in the aftertaste.

£10,813 (Including Duty and VAT)

Port Ellen Distillery

Port Ellen was established as a malt mill on Islay’s famous south coast, becoming a distillery in 1825. So treasured was the whisky made here, it was the first distillery in Scotland to use a ‘Spirit Safe.’ In 1967 the distillery was rebuilt, producing through the 1970s and sadly closing in 1983. Plans to re-open Port Ellen are underway, making way for an exciting new chapter in the distillery’s history.

If you’re interested in learning more about these bottles or purchasing direct, please visit www.justerinis.com

SPOTLIGHT ON... ON...

THE RED LION IN GREAT BOWDEN

The Red Lion in Great Bowden is an exceptional village pub, where traditional pub favourites (with a twist) can be enjoyed in the comfort of a spacious restaurant, in a village pub atmosphere. Whether it’s date night on a Friday, a family meal on a Sunday or a mid-week catch up with friends, the food and overall ambience of the place really does cater for everyone.

It has been a pub for centuries, in a beautiful setting in the heart of a conservation area and has over the last couple of years been designated as an asset of community value by Harborough District Council in recognition of its importance to the residents of Great Bowden. It has been under the current owners since 2013 and they relaunched in the spring/summer of 2021, during covid restrictions, with their beautiful Mediterranean Garden and Quadrant Courtyard. The historic pub was totally refurbished at the end of 2021 and the outside is currently being given its final lick of paint.

The food has come full circle with Head Chef James Ray, who launched the Red Lion

for the current owners and then later returned from their sister pub, The Sun Inn (in March 2022) with new and improved updates to his classic dishes. These include their best seller; The Red (Lion) Thai Seafood Curry, which is understandably so, as it is packed full of flavours, with James having worked in a Thai cookery school in Chang Mai for 3 months and then on to an award-winning seafood restaurant in Adelaide, Australia.

James creates his menus using locally sourced produce where possible to reflect the seasons,

Pub favourites with a twist

including meat from the owner’s own farm located in Great Easton, which is a special and unique factor that draws in many of their customers. This means that some dishes on the menu change weekly but due to choosing dishes based on the shift in weather and buying in fresh produce daily, the menus can slightly vary. The company’s views on sustainability also have a big part to play in this and they believe that ‘supporting your local’ not only helps small businesses in the local area to thrive but also helps to reduce food miles and in turn their carbon footprint.

The garden is stunning and has a more relaxed Mediterranean vibe, with food served from the garden kitchen and a

wood-fired Gozney pizza oven. Italian pizza chef Giampaolo has also recently moved across from The Sun Inn to take charge of the pizza oven and ensure the authenticity of the pizzas. Hot off the press another local legendary chef (Attila Agocs fondly known as Yaga and who is well known in the Midlands as being one of the founders of burger group Meatcure), is joining at the end of April so watch this space for a fresh, new menu coming to the Red Lion garden.

Part of the same ownership group as The Sun Inn and The Nevill Arms, The Three Goats Group could be seen to refer to the popular opinion that they are the three best pubs in the Welland Valley but there are also those who think that the name refers to the three owners; Raj Uppal (accountant), Dylan Bogg (marketer) and BenCripps (property developer).

James is fully in tune with the owner’s desire, to create simple dishes using the very best ingredients available, having worked with them since 2013 and been Head Chef in all three establishments. He enjoys interacting with customers and is often seen chatting at tables in the restaurant. www.redlion-greatbowden.co.uk

MEET THE CHEF’S: Pete Johansen & Bent Varming

Pete Johansen and Bent Varming, chefs at the majestic Keythorpe Hall share their recipe for freshly harvested radishes with sunflower butter

Pete perfected his skills working for a string of highly acclaimed restaurants; He began his career at the Connaught Hotel in London, worked at The Harwood Arms in London (1*), Maaemo in Oslo (3*), Brae in Australia (3 Hat) and Relæ (World’s top 50) and Bæst in Copenhagen. He was also a development chef at Quintonil in Mexico City. He met Bent when they were both working as bakers at Brød – one of the best bakeries in Copenhagen.

Bent trained at the internationally renowned Copenhagen Hospitality College before spending most of his career in London, beginning at Sketch (3*) before working at St.John (1*), the forerunner of nose to tail eating, and then moving to highly acclaimed Lyle’s (1*) where he was senior sous chef. He also worked at Dusty Knuckle Bakery – one of the best in London.

Both chefs have a Nordic background, Bent is Danish and Pete is half Norwegian. They are influenced by the new-Nordic approach to cooking which celebrates purity, simplicity and freshness. Ingredients are left to shine which is really evident in their philosophy. They are hyper-seasonal and also use forgotten methods of preserving ingredients to use in the leaner months of the year.

Keythorpe Hall is a country house available for exclusive use, which means each party gets the use of the whole house and grounds privately for the duration of their stay. The hall has seven principal bedrooms all with stunning views over the rolling

Leicestershire hills, and there’s also an additional 3 bedroom apartment. Sleeps up to 20, with additional children’s beds and cots available. Guests vary from groups of friends or family gatherings staying for a weekend getaway or celebrating a special event or mid-week bookings for corporate off-sites and away-days. There is also a hyper seasonal pop-up dining club roughly every other month which has had amazing support from the local community who have come for lunch or dinner and experienced Keythorpe Hall’s food.

For the creation of the menu, the chefs are totally led by what grows in the garden and therefore work very closely with the head gardener and ethnobotanist Claudio Bincoletto. Everything served is carefully sourced - fruit and vegetables are picked moments before use from the walled garden, wild herbs and plants are sustainably foraged from the woodlands, and meat, dairy and fish are sourced from surrounding farms and the best artisan producers. Ingredients are celebrated in their prime and there is the utmost care about where they are coming from. When working with amazing ingredients, there is no need to overwork them. That is what shines through in Keythorpe Halls menus – the chefs let the garden sing.

www.keythorpehall.co.uk

Freshly Harvested Radishes with Sunflower Butter

When radishes are freshly picked, even the leaves are delicious!

This is a great dip for any raw vegetable, or it can easily be turned into a sauce by letting it down with vinegar and extra water. Alternatively, season with miso for a tangy addition that can also bring some depth to a warm grilled brassica salad.

INGREDIENTS

SERVES 2 PEOPLE:

Bunch of radishes – as fresh as possible, washed with leaves still on

170gr Toasted sunflower seeds

90ml Water

100ml Apple cider vinegar

170gr Butter, melted

140gr Rapeseed oil

METHOD

Toast seeds at 150°C (fan) for about 10mins or until they are golden.

With a stick blender, blend together seeds, water and vinegar until it becomes a smooth texture.

Then add in the melted butter and oil. Season with salt to your liking. (Butter can be fully replaced with oil for a vegan alternative). Serve.

Travel of Approval

To celebrate Her Majesty To celebrate Her

The Queen’s seventy years of service, Cliveden The seventy years of service, Cliveden House in in Berkshire is serving Platinum House in in Berkshire is Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea throughout the year in Afternoon Tea the year in The Cliveden Dining Room overlooking the The Cliveden Room overlooking the six-acre Parterre. Indulge in a selection of six-acre Parterre. in a selection of traditional British savoury treats including traditional British savoury treats including delicious finger sandwiches alongside freshly delicious finger sandwiches alongside freshly baked scones, and delectable bite-size pastries baked scones, and delectable bite-size pastries and delicacies, including Queen Elizabeth’s and delicacies, Queen Elizabeth’s favourite chocolate biscuit cake biscuit cake. www clivedenhouse co uk www.clivedenhouse.co.uk

Travel news

PLATINUM TREEBILEE

Callow Hall, a new boutique hotel deeply rooted in nature located in the Peak District, is joining in with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations with its very own ‘Treebiliee’ package. Inspired by the Queen’s own Green Canopy tree planting initiative, Callow Hall invites guests to leave their own positive mark on the environment when they come to stay by planting a sapling tree. Guests who book the package will be able to return 5, 10, 15 and 20 years to check in on the progress of their tree and stay at Callow Hall at a discounted rate of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively. www.wildhive.uk

Celebrate Like A Queen

WORDS:CRAIG HOUGH

Get ready to celebrate like a queen this June with the Oliver’s Travels Platinum Jubilee Package. Available at a variety of castles and country homes that all boast royal links, this exclusive experience lets you and your party indulge in the most quintessentially British experience of all: afternoon tea, but with a twist! Everything will be served by your very own butler, with a little Corgi running around while you savour each mouthful. And, to make the experience extra special, Oliver’s Travels will also provide you with regal outfits, so you’ll really look the part. With a glass of English sparkling wine providing the finest finishing touch, there’s simply no better way to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s sensational reign. www.oliverstravels.com

Galactic Glamping

Perfectly placed between the Solway Coast and the Lake District, Blaithwaite Estate has added two stargazer lodges to its accommodation offering. Each British built lodge has a mezzanine level with a panorama stargazing roof window, giving guests an uninterrupted view of the spectacular starscape above. The beautifully designed lodges sleep 4-6 people and come complete with modern amenities, an outdoor living area and access to the grounds of the 250-acre estate. The brand new stargazer lodges have been built using a bespoke design template, making them the only lodges like it in England and are perfect for families and adults alike.  www.blaithwate.co.uk

‘HOT TENT’ IN THE HIGHLANDS

For a very special British break, mountain experts, Scot Mountain Holidays are introducing a new ‘hot tent’ experience with Highland ponies in Scotland’s Cairngorms. The 4-night, 4-day wild camping trip brings a hike through remote landscapes together with the comfort of a ‘hot’ Nordic tipi warmed by a wood burner at night. Led by owner and mountain leader, Andrew Bateman, and his partner Rebecca who creates homemade feasts with homegrown and locally sourced ingredients, this is a truly immersive and engaging off-grid experience within a conservation area abundant with plants and wildlife. www.scotmountainholidays.com

The Tr he Travel Insider

Phil Aird-Mash, CEO of ITC Travel Group asks you to consider , CEO of ITC Travel asks you to consider incorporating a sense of artistry into your next holiday incorporating a sense of artistry into your next holiday

As experts in luxury travel, craftsmanship is something that means a lot to us. If you’ve ever experienced service that went above and beyond, you’ll know how far the finer elements go in crafting something really special. Likewise, when planning a luxury holiday, we take the time to ensure every aspect is personally tailored to exceed each client’s expectation.

So, in the spirit of appreciating fine craftsmanship, why not consider incorporating a sense of artistry into your next holiday? For those with a creative flair, or who want to get a better understanding of a country’s culture, a resort that offers authentic experiences can take your getaway to a deeper level.

One such example is Kasbah Tamadot, part of Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition collection. At this stunning retreat in the Atlas Mountains, you can hide away in an

exquisitely designed Berber tent, featuring fine Moroccan furnishings. With food being such a huge part of Moroccan culture, the cooking classes are a must-do, where you’ll be guided through cooking an authentic tagine. If you’d rather explore the wilderness of western Canada, the Wickaninnish Inn is highly recommended. Not only can you explore the beauty of Vancouver Island; you’ll also be immersed in the artistry of the native Nuu-chahnulth people. Their hand carvings are beautiful and can be admired in every room of the hotel.

Finally, nothing says craftsmanship quite like the renowned Venice Simplon Orient Express. The restored 1920s train cabins prove that true luxury really is

timeless, while the silver service at the on-board restaurants is exemplary. With expertly curated routes, grand art deco décor and thoughtful touches throughout the journey, Venice Simplon Orient Express shows that luxury travel really is a fine craft. www.inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk

KASBAH TAMADOT, MOROCCO

WICKANINNISH INN, CANADA

VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS

Location

Mayfair is in the heart of London and Brown’s Hotel is in the heart of Mayfair, boasting one of the most prestigious addresses in the city. The hotel is located within walking distance of key shopping streets such as Bond Street and Regent Street in addition to theatres, art galleries and all key central London landmarks. It also sits on the doorstep of the stunning green spaces of Green Park and Hyde Park.

History

Brown’s Hotel has a fascinating history and has hosted many distinguished guests since it opened as London’s first ever hotel in 1837 and to this day this glamorous, five-star establishment welcomes guests ‘in-the-know’. It is from here that Alexander Graham Bell made the first ever UK telephone call; President Roosevelt stayed on his honeymoon and both Agatha Christie and Rudyard Kipling were so inspired that they penned many of their novels whilst staying here.

Guest Rooms and Suites

Brown’s Hotel personifies the refined sophistication of modern British luxury. Each room and suite is individually decorated and many feature antiques and contemporary artworks, creating an elegant and fashionable air. The Donovan Bar and Charlie’s headed up by Michelin-Starred Chef, Adam Byatt, celebrates British Cuisine at its culinary best, and The Drawing Room offers an award-winning, quintessential English experience. A luxurious spa and state-of-the-art gymnasium offers a discreet sanctuary within this vibrant city.

The Kipling Suite named in celebration of the English author Rudyard Kipling, who wrote The Jungle Book during one of his many stays at Brown’s Hotel was designed by Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Hotels’ Director of Design. The suite features floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, views over Mayfair’s Albemarle Street and the use of English wallpaper and fabrics by designers Lewis & Wood, as well as silk curtain fabric by Manuel Canovas and furniture by Julian Chichester, the hotel’s location is central to the suite’s design.

Brown’s Hotel

Jack Bennett enjoyed a quintessential British break in the capital weekend away London

Food & Drink

Brown’s Hotel was home to the first hotel restaurant (formerly guests had dined in the privacy of their own suites). Charlie’s embraces the ongoing evolution of British Cuisine with a menu that celebrates contemporary British cooking complemented by European influences.

The Drawing Room – serves one of the most famous afternoon teas in London. This award-winning Traditional Afternoon Tea consists of a choice of 17 teas, including Brown’s own blend, along with delicious finger sandwiches, an assortment of delicate pastries, fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, as well as freshly baked cakes from the trolley.

For the more health conscious palate Brown’s Hotel offers a plant based afternoon tea, a nutritious twist on a quintessential British classic. With wellbeing at the forefront, Brown’s Executive Chef has created both sweet and savoury guilt-free alternatives with a champagne option, to go alongside a choice of trademark teas.

This spring, Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, will launch The Supper Club, a daily dining & drinking

experience that celebrates classic, British food and cocktails. Guests of The Supper Club will enjoy an evening of home comforts in their home-away-fromhome on Albemarle Street - simple but delicious food, perfectly made cocktails and excellent, unassuming service in the recently redesigned Drawing Room's welcoming and informal atmosphere. The hybrid concept is designed to allow guests to drop in for a light supper, a two-course dinner, or just a mid-week tipple.

My Visit

From the moment you enter the marble entrance foyer of Brown’s, you are instantly whisked away to a bygone era of quintessential British service and style – which began immediately upon my arrival once met by Brown’s hotel’s porters, in top hats, naturally. Upon entering, I was greeted by a team of warm smiling faces and the overwhelming sense of history was obvious to see. Olga Polizzi, the famed head of design at Rocco Forte Hotels, has a truly remarkable eye – from the rich wood panelling, stunning blossom and bird covered wallpaper, to the stainedglass windows, vast glittered chandeliers and antique artwork – but with fabulously fresh modernity, too.

Currently undergoing a hotel-wide refurbishment I was fortunate enough to stay in one of their brand new junior suites starting at 50sqm and each featuring an inviting king-sized bed, open-plan living area and generous walk-in wardrobe. As well as being bright and luxurious in equal measure; the room felt more like a luxury London apartment than a room for the night added to by the huge marble bathroom, complete with bath and separate enviable shower which certainly had the wow factor upon inspection; a modern pinnacle of London luxury.

Brown’s elegant Drawing Room just off the main foyer has long been a favourite haunt of London’s great and good for afternoon tea. A pleasant and welcoming murmur of chatter and china teacup clinks instantly soothed and relaxed and it became very understandable why Queen Victoria and Agatha Christie (to name but a few) are said to have spent many an afternoon here. It isn’t hard to imagine Agatha - who based her 1965 Miss Marple novel ‘At Bertram’s Hotel’ at Brown’s – taking a seat quietly in the corner, notebook in hand, maintaining a watchful eye over the different characters as they come and go, picking one of them as a candidate for murder in her next nail-biting novel.

On this occasion, we did not eat in the drawing room but rather saved ourselves for dinner at Charlie’s, now in the capable hands of Adam Byatt whose culinary skills shine through with dishes that excite and entice the pallet such as poached lobster and melon, fried squash flowers with wildflower honey or sumptuous beef tartar (a personal favourite of mine).

From check-in to check out, Brown’s surpasses all expectations of a luxury London hotel and the service, is absolutely flawless. With staff that are not only passionate but also incredibly knowledgeable about their beloved hotel and who exude a genuine love for their jobs; a tightly run ship, but constant joy abound.

I can’t recommend highly enough.

Personal Note

The perfect London weekend break whether for romance with a partner or a family trip. www.roccofortehotels.com

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The Hari

Kathryn Otto and John Coyne enjoyed a luxury trip to the capital to enjoy boutique Hari hotel in Belgravia

Location

Situated in the residential streets of Belgravia, among sweeping crescents and stucco mansions, where Earls lived next to great poets, and dignitaries to musicians in a discreet, leafy, quintessentially British neighbourhood. The hotel is located only a few minutes’ walk from the prestigious shopping districts of Knightsbridge and Sloane Square and tourist attractions such as Buckingham Palace.

Restaurants and Bars

Il Pampero: The team delivers a traditional Italian menu complemented by an impressive wine list and cocktail menu. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Hari Bar: A nod to owner Dr. Aron Harilela’s favourite drink, The Hari Bar has a unique Haritinis list including the much-loved cocktail, The Hari, made with Jensen Gin, Masala Chai, Honey and Gold.

Fitness

The Garden Terrace: The go-to place for earthly nights in need of a celestial touch, such as their famed cigar humidor and eclectic cocktail list. Complete with a retractable roof to keep guests dry and heaters to keep guests warm in the winter months.

On-site 24-hour fully equipped health and fitness center. Female guests can enjoy preferential day rates at Grace Belgravia, London’s leading health club dedicated solely to women. The Hari’s Concierge team can also direct guests to nearby Royal Parks to train outdoors or guests are invited to use the complimentary bikes that the hotel offers.

Beauty

Whether in need of a blow dry or a mani pedi, the hotel can book guests an appointment with preferential rates at either the Errol Douglas MBE salon on Motcomb Street or the Neville Salon on Pont Street as friends of The Hari. Guests wishing to be pampered in the comfort of their room can pick something from the in-room spa menu.

Guest Rooms and Suites

The Hari’s 85 designer bedrooms, including 14 luxury suites, have been designed to make your stay as relaxing and comfortable as possible. Each guest room features a mix of plush velvet upholstery, marble bathrooms, contemporary art and stylish furnishings.

Our Visit

We loved our visit to The Hari, despite its location being in the popular suburb of Belgravia, The Hari feels secluded and was a perfect base whilst we explored the nearby attractions and shops. My partner, John, was a little alarmed when he realised I could be in Harrods and Harvey Nichols within ten minutes. We dropped our bags off in our gorgeous corner suite, that had everything you could need and just oozed luxury and comfort. After shopping during the day, we walked around the beautiful streets of Belgravia and stopped for an evening meal sitting outside watching passers-by. This was simply the perfect break away that we needed (and everyone needs) after the year we have all had.

Personal Note

The Hari really does go that extra mile and the team genuinely want you to have the best possible time whilst you stay with them. If you are looking for a stunning, stylish stay in the capital, look no further than the Hari. www.thehari.com

Little Moments, Lasting Memorie s

Located on the Costa del Sol, near the Sierra Blanca, Located on the Costa del near the Sierra Kathryn Otto Otto and her partner enjoyed Hotel Gran Meliá Don Pepe, the perfect and her partner enjoyed Hotel Gran Meliá Don Pepe, the location for exploring Marbella location for Marbella

Location

Located at the foot of Sierra Blanca, in the heart of the Costa del Sol, Hotel Gran Meliá Don Pepe is well-connected to the centre of Marbella. The hotel is known for its wonderful sea views and luxuriant spaces that will gently coax you into a state of deep relaxation.

Guest Rooms and Suites

There is a total of 194 rooms at the Gran Meliá Don Pepe, ranging from standard rooms to multi-room suites suitable for families. Standard rooms are equipped with marble bathrooms and Clarins bathroom amenities. Premium and red level rooms and suites also have their own private balconies, with some of the family suites boasting two or three private balconies and terraces. The real pièce de résistance is the penthouse suite, the first of its kind, for ultra-exclusivity and distinction. All receive glorious views.

Facilities

•Gymnasium

•Golf

•Spa facilities

•Jacuzzi

•Outdoor swimming pool

•Indoor swimming pool

•Tennis court

•Paddle tennis court

•Entertainment programme

•Sauna

•Kids Club

Food & Drink

Guests can choose from nine bars and restaurants for real variety and a diverse culinary experience including a wonderful breakfast buffet with show cooking in Veranda, Gastronomy & Nature. The Tahini Restaurant and Sushi Bar is an elegant restaurant offering the best Japanese cuisine in Marbella using superior quality products. You can enjoy traditional dishes from around the world and the chill-out atmosphere in the exclusive Paseo Marítimo at Gran Cafe Capuccino Beach Club where a new outdoor terrace has recently opened ‘Salazonia Terrace’ where you can enjoy a coffee or a cocktail.

Our

Visit

We had never visited the Costa del Sol area of Spain so as we were looking for a weekend break in the sunshine, we thought given the short flight time and forecast sun, this was the perfect time to see why our friends love the area so much.

Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá was our hotel of choice as we had recently visited other Melia hotels in Tenerife and were impressed with the level of service and how friendly the team were. By keeping within the Meliá brand we thought we would be in safe hands and it certainly didn’t disappoint. After a brief 40 minute transfer from Malaga airport, we arrived at the

hotel to be greeted and escorted to the Premier Lounge, where you could enjoy incredible views of the ocean. During check-in, we were told that we could access the lounge at any time and enjoy complimentary drinks and nibbles, which we did several times throughout our stay. The terrace was a secret sun trap that we enjoyed with views across the pool area and beach.

Our room was very spacious, and modern and had sliding doors opening the width of the room allowing you to step out onto the balcony and fully enjoy the setting. The hotel has everything you could wish for, no matter what time of year you visit. The spa includes a Turkish bath and jacuzzi and offers various treatments, an indoor pool which we enjoyed in the mornings, several bar areas where you could relax with a drink and a large outdoor pool that is very much the hub of the hotel. The location couldn’t have gotten any better, offering direct access to the beachfront that allowed us to walk into Marbella’s old town,

the marina and all the various bars, restaurants and shops on the way.

We only stayed for two nights but felt like we had enjoyed a break, the team at the hotel could not do enough for you, the food at Tahini was divine and we simply loved sitting on our balcony looking out onto the sea every day. This was a really special trip for us, and Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá ensured it was a memorable one. This may have been our first time to Marbella but certainly won’t be the last.

Personal Note

From the greeting we received when we arrived, the extensive facilities, brilliant location and superb food everything was just perfect for a lovely luxury break away. We would highly recommend - Meliá Hotels delivered yet again. www.melia.com

Drive

C H EC HEC K M8

Supercars don’t normally look like this, but BMW is don’t look like this, but BMW is adamant that its new M8 Competition can compete with the likes of Porsche That’s despite adamant that its new M8 can compete with the likes of Porsche. That’s having four seats, a big boot and lots of clever luxury technology – none of which sounds four seats, a boot and lots of clever – none of which sounds very supercar-ish However, it does come with a massive 4 4-litre V8 engine producing very supercar-ish. However, it does come with a massive 4.4-litre V8 625hp, which certainly gives it supercar performance Getting from a standstill to 62mph which it supercar performance. from a standstill to takes just 3.2 seconds, so with a choice of coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe takes 3.2 seconds, so with a choice of coupe, convertible and four-door Gran body styles, this might just be the most practical, most understated supercar you can buy. this be the most most understated supercar you can www bmw co uk www.bmw.co.uk

DRIVE

Keeping you up to date with all the latest motoring and technology news

WORDS: JAMES FOSSDYKE

END OF AN ERA

This is Aston Martin’s last V12 Vantage, so it had better be a good one.

With a ban on the sale of new petrol cars looming, it seems a shame to be saying goodbye to one of the all-time greats. But like a soap opera villain, the Aston Martin V12 will soon be killed off as new emissions regulations effectively outlaw such big, thirsty petrol engines. This, then, is the last hurrah – the final V12 Vantage. Just 333 examples of this special-edition car will be made, and they’ve all been snapped up already. The 5.2-litre V12 is the car’s centrepiece, producing a mammoth 690bhp and propelling the two-door, two-seat coupe from 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds before it roars on to a top speed of 200mph. That makes this lightweight grand tourer faster than a Porsche 911 and even an Audi R8 supercar.

Although the power is, fittingly, very impressive, the new V12 Vantage is more than just a four-wheeled power trip. The suspension is stiffer and so too is the car’s body, which has been strengthened to improve handling, while Aston has also fitted enormous carbon-ceramic brakes. But at the same time, the car is also lighter than the standard Vantage, allowing more performance and agility. And just to make sure you notice the sporting intent, Aston Martin has made the whole car wider and fitted an aerodynamic body kit.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage, £265,000, www.astonmartin.com

ISLAND LIVING

Lexus has revealed a new special edition of its LC Coupe and Convertible inspired by the Japanese island of Hokkaido. Famous for its volcanoes and home to Lexus’ Shibetsu proving ground, the island’s fiery nature has been endowed on the car, which comes with a black and “dark rose” interior, a choice of red or black hoods and a black grille. It also gets massive 21-inch alloy wheels and “afterburner-style” tail lights. Power comes from either a 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrain or the more conventional 5.0-litre V8, and there’s a choice of four colours.

Lexus LC Hokkaido Edition, £TBC, www.lexus.co.uk

OUR CUP OF T

The Porsche Macan is one of our favourite luxury SUVs, and now the range has grown with the arrival of this: the new Macan T. According to Porsche, T stands for Touring, and it marks out the models that “offer an especially authentic driving experience”. To achieve that, Porsche has given the T a 262bhp, 2.0-litre petrol engine, lowered the suspension by 15mm and fitted a selection of grey styling details to set the newcomer apart. Inside, there’s black leather upholstery and silver stitching, not to mention a heated steering wheel and the Sport Chrono pack with its driving modes and dashboard-mounted stopwatch. Porsche Macan T, from £53,970, www.porsche.com

Grab the the Bull by the by the Horns

In the controversial Urus SUV, Lamborghini has created a supercar you can

In the controversial Urus SUV, Lamborghini has created a supercar you can use every day, as use every as James Fossdyke discovered

Monty Python helpfully laid out everything the Romans did for us, but what about the Italians? While their predecessors created all the stuff that goes without saying, the modern Italians have created great food, stunning wine and they do a good line in speed boats, but their cars take the biscotti. The Ferrari name is legendary, the Fiat 500 is one of the most desirable things on the market today, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Then there’s all the old stuff, from the sexy Alfa Spider to the incredible Ferrari 250 and from the glorious Maserati 3200 to the unhinged Pagani Zonda, it’s all spectacular.

But one Italian car manufacturer takes spectacular to the next level. Lamborghini started out making tractors, and it did so with enough success to pay for Ferruccio Lamborghini, the company’s founder, to own a handful of Ferraris. But Ferruccio wasn’t especially impressed with his Prancing Horses, and he made his grievances known to the legendary Enzo Ferrari, who wasn’t especially impressed with Ferruccio’s opinions. So, in the spirit of great Italian vendettas, Lamborghini made the Miura – one of the most beautiful and most dramatic supercars of all time.

Fast-forward six decades and Mr. Lamborghini is no longer with us, but his name has been immortalised in a line of fantastic supercars. From the Countach to the Murcielago and from the Diablo to the Huracan Performante, it’s a family tree that’s brimming with outrageous designs and even more outrageous performance. But like so many performance car makers, Lamborghini has had to move with the times. In response to the success of the Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne and Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini has gone all family-friendly, building the car you see before you. Yep, this is Lamborghini’s idea of an SUV.

Technically speaking, this isn’t Lamborghini’s first SUV rodeo. Back in the 1980s, the LM002 was created for military purposes, but no army wanted it. Then Lamborghini tried hawking it as a road-going 4x4, but no customers wanted it. If we’re being kind, the LM002 was ahead of its time, but if we aren’t, it was a dog.

This modern Lamborghini SUV, however,

ought to be somewhat more successful. Under the skin, it’s based on parent company Audi’s Q8, which means all the practical boxes come ready-ticked. There’s space for four adults to sit in comfort, there’s a big boot for all their luggage, and in shock news for those familiar with old Italian cars, everything works. It will even go off-road, although I suspect the number of customers who will take this car over anything more taxing than a muddy field can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Still, it’s good to know the Urus won’t grind to a halt when the snow comes down.

But just because the Urus has a sensible side, don’t go thinking they’ve forgotten to make it a proper Lamborghini. Yes, it sits high above the road and it has an extra set of doors, but it still has that low, pointy snout, big air intakes and the curved silhouette that underpins the design of every Lamborghini since the Countach. The Y-shaped tail light signature remains, too, as does the upright rear end and the massive exhaust pipes.

Inside, there’s plenty of Audi influence – the touchscreens in the centre of the dashboard are taken straight from the Q8 – but the details are pure Lamborghini. There’s the fussy, cluttered digital instrument cluster, for example, and the complex gear selector arrangement between the seats. Then there are the two drive mode selectors either side of it, festooned with words that didn’t come up in your GCSE Italian paper. It even has a switch marked ‘Ego’ that allows you to pick the suspension, engine and steering settings.

But the best bit is the engine starter button. Sitting in the middle of the centre console, the button itself is hidden under a big red safety cage, designed to prevent the button being pressed accidentally. At least that’s what such switches do in their natural habitat: the cockpit of a fighter jet. It’s a small, childish touch, but it just makes the Urus feel more special than something like an Aston Martin DBX or a Range Rover Sport SVR.

Press that button and you will wake the 4.0-litre V8 engine that lives under the bonnet. It isn’t as big or as cylinder-rich as the massive 10-and 12-cylinder engines found in the Huracan and Aventador supercars, but it’s still mighty.

Lamborghini Urus

Price: From £143,676 (plus tax)

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 petrol

Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic 0-62mph: 3.6 seconds

Top speed: 190mph

Power: 641bhp

With the help of two turbochargers, it produces 641bhp and a fabulous rumble. Hit the accelerator and it snarls angrily, like a wounded animal.

Thanks to that engine, the eight-speed automatic gearbox and the four-wheel-drive system, the Urus gets from a standstill to 62mph in just 3.6 seconds, while the top speed is an impressive 190mph. It’s a shame it can’t break the 200mph barrier, but that’s a whole new level of nit-picking. For most Urus drivers, 190mph will be more than sufficient.

Particularly when the Urus drives this well. Decipher the Italian, ramp up the settings to maximum attack and the Lamborghini will give some pretty serious sports cars a run for their money. For something this big, this heavy and this tall, the way it corners is sublime, with

agility and responsiveness that puts hot hatchbacks to shame. And the acceleration is epic. Pull out to overtake slow-moving traffic and you’re through before you even get a chance to gesticulate manically at the offending driver. Then, of course, there’s the noise…

Normally, a car that accelerates, brakes and handles this well would come with a pretty serious trade-off in terms of comfort, but the Urus rides admirably. It is definitely on the firm side and picking the softest suspension setting makes the car feel a bit wobbly and unsettled over broken surfaces, but it’s brilliant on the motorway. Long journeys are no problem at all. It’s only around town and on country roads that the Urus judders over bumps, but it’s far from intolerable, even in the slightly firmer mid-level suspension setting.

And therein lies the genius of the Urus. It manages to merge all the grown-up stuff – boot space, satellite navigation, comfy seats –with proper supercar performance. It isn’t the only car to do that, as Aston Martin, Bentley and Porsche will gladly point out, but it does it without sacrificing too much of the drama and aggression that makes a Lamborghini special.

Wingates Gallery

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Celebrate

35 Years Arteriors

This year Arteriors are celebrating 35 years of This year Arteriors are 35 years of imagination, creativity and meticulous craftsmanship. Their SS22 collection is all and meticulous Their SS22 collection is all about grounded interiors in an ode to mother nature Strong links to the natural about interiors in an ode to mother nature. links to the natural world occur throughout materials and tones used as well as choices of motifs – world occur materials and tones used as well as choices of motifs –incorporating mushrooms, meandering garden vines, and abstract botanicals mushrooms, vines, and abstract botanicals into designs across items from furniture to lighting and accessories into across items from furniture to and accessories. Meadow cocktail table, £1888; Juneau bowl £411; Lanny bench, £1888; Meadow cocktail table, £1888; Juneau bowl £411; Lanny bench, £1888; Jana pendant, £3591; Kalona wall plaques set of 3, £682 £3591; Kalona wall set 3, £682 www arteriorshome com www.arteriorshome.com

B ULGARI HOTEL

With refreshed interiors and launch of one year residency by eminent Italian pastry chef and chocolatier Gianluca Fusto, The Bulgari Hotel in London reveals the Bulgari Lounge

The lavish hotel in Knightsbridge called upon renowned architectural and interior design firm, Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel (ACPV) - the practice that designed the original hotel interiors - to create a fresh look true to Bulgari’s heritage as the master of coloured gems. The reimagined and newly defined space features a new ‘Dolci’ experience, as the hotel welcomes a one-year residency from eminent Italian pastry chef and chocolatier Gianluca Fusto and also launches Il Cioccolato.

The Bulgari Lounge - Design

The Bulgari Lounge offers elegant all day dining in the comfortable glamour and considered taste of a beautifully appointed modern Italian living room. Inherently Bulgari in style, the new look reveals gem-coloured rugs made of wild silk in emerald, blue diamond and citrine. This fresh injection of colour is offset by cognac-hued leather sofas, armchairs in neutral tones, Calacatta marble coffee tables and a central table in black oak. Particular focus is given to the Bulgari eight-point star which is embroidered in gold on bespoke green silk wall hangings. A custom made raised polished chrome and silver mesh partition transforms the space into its own distinct destination, with smaller seating areas

and half-height curtains in a soft bouclé sheer creating a cosy intimacy - the perfect spot to enjoy food and drinks at any time of day. With an Italian eye to every detail, ‘Dolci’ - covering everything sweet on the menu - will be served on delicate porcelain plates and dishes with a floral design by Italian manufacture Ginori 1735. A further aspect of the refresh is the addition of artworks from the Bulgari Archives; vintage adverts from the Dolce Vita era featuring images of celebrated actors and models Virna Lisi, Benedetta Barzini and Marisa Berenson adorned with iconic Bulgari pieces.

Patricia Viel, CEO and co-founder of Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel commented: “The Bulgari Lounge is much loved locally as a relaxed and elegant space for gathering in style, depicting the considered taste of modern Italian comfort. We are excited to reveal a colourful new design to take Bulgari Hotel London into its next decade at the heart of Knightsbridge.”

Gianluca

Fusto Residency and launch of Il Cioccolato

As a highlight of the new menu, The Bulgari Lounge introduces ‘Dolci’ by eminent Italian pastry chef and chocolatier Gianluca Fusto.

Described by Sky Arte as the ‘Italian architect

of modern pastry’, Fusto is known for his exceptional contemporary artisanal pastries. Using only the most precious ingredients, his minimalistic design reveals complex textures with bold and unexpected flavour combinations.

Beginning a year-long residency at the hotel, Gianluca Fusto’s desserts, ‘Torte’ (cakes) and ‘Mono Porzioni’ for one will be introduced to The Bulgari Lounge menu in addition to the arrival of Il Cioccolato; Bulgari’s signature handcrafted “chocolate gems”. Menu highlights include Torte, such as the ‘Black Caprese’, made with olive oil, black olives, chocolate and almond, and a selection of Mono Porzioni such as the ‘Sicilian’ made with fennel, citrus and almond and the ‘Maya’, made with caramelised sesame seed, Belize chocolate, and two kinds of caramel.

Il Cioccolato creations at Bulgari Hotels & Resorts use the finest ingredients and are developed with the same exquisite vision as Bulgari gem designs. The beautifully crafted chocolates capture subtle flavour notes in masterful and unexpected combinations, such as Porcini and Black Pepper. Limited edition boxes and seasonally inspired creations make exceptional gifts for all kinds of occasions, or guests may choose to enjoy a hand-picked assortment alongside a new drinks pairing. www.bulgarihotels.com

Elizabeth Stanhope:

Best of est of British

We love to source items from Britain whenever we can, it’s not only more sustainable but so nice to support British companies and keep these niche crafts alive Here are a few of our favourites…

#1 - Julian Chichester Medusa Wall Light

This wall light will add an instant pop of colour to your interior in such a fun way. Its design is so free and interesting, surely making it a talking point for your guests Adding patterned lampshades makes the fitting so unique and charming and offers the perfect lighting your Sitting Rooms and hallways alike.

#2 - Kingcome Stratford Sofa

The charm of the Kingcome Sofa comes from the traditional style and absolute comfort that they offer. As the furniture is all handmade to order, in Devon, there’s scope for special requests to make bespoke orders to your exact requirements. A firm favourite of ours is the Stratford Sofa upholstered in a textured linen, the perfect timeless piece.

#3 - Soane Britain, Rattan Daisy Mirror

This gorgeous scallop-edged mirror is such a great design, it’s made from a stream-bent cane frame in Leicestershire. It comes in several colours, but we love the emerald, green which is on-trend for this season.

wonderful burning day or night adding a warming flicker to your home. Packaged in a beautiful white gift box with a navy bow it makes an excellent present or treat.

#4 - Rapture & Wright Albicin in Palm Fabric, #5 - Editors Chair

We love the natural, earthy palette of colours used in the Rapture and Wright fabrics and wallpapers, which are all hand printed in their workshop based in Gloucestershire. Albicin in Palm is a wonderful abstract design that looks great upholstered on a chair. The Editors chair by David Seyfried is a lovely shape that would be a wonderful addition to any room.

#6 - Elizabeth Stanhope Signature Candle No 10

Our Signature Candle is the perfect blend of delicate florals and soft musks, and what’s more, they’re made and filled here in Britain. They look

#7 - Charlotte Gaisford, Belgravia Blue Wallpaper

Charlotte Gaisford is a British fabric and wallpaper designer, a truly boutique British brand working from a rural farm in beautiful Northumberland. All fabrics and wallpapers are unique designs that look amazing in both traditional and modern interiors.

#8 - Fishbone Throw

We have some lovely throws in-store and online in wonderful colours; Red, Mustard, Silver and Navy made from 100% British Wool Perfect for draping over a sofa or the end of a bed to add a splash of colour and an extra layer of texture. Perfect to have on hand to snuggle up to in the evening whilst that spring chill is still in the air or to pack up and take on a picnic. All products available from Elizabeth Stanhope www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk, www.shoplizzieloves.com

Q&A with

CATHERINE COOK, ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER AT CLASS Q

How would you describe yourself?

I work on a variety of development types currently, but my favourite has to be bespoke residential dwellings. I am a certified scuba diver and big animal lover, including my Dobermann Charlie.

A bit more about you…

I was born and grew up in Leicestershire before moving to Leeds for my undergraduate degree. After this, I travelled to Southeast Asia before starting my career. After working for a while back in the UK I then returned to study for my Masters Degree in Architecture at De Montfort University. I then got a job in Stamford at Class Q and have now been living here ever since.

I love to travel, and my favourite part of the world is Asia. I’m going back to Thailand this year and hope to see Japan next year! During my travels, I also found a love for scuba diving and became qualified. I have dived all over Asia and recently in Devon with seals, they act just like dogs and this was an incredible experience.

Who are your greatest influences?

My parents have had a massive influence on my career, in 1998 they bought a 1930’s property with mushrooms growing on every floor, wall and ceiling and complete with an infestation of fleas. They took years but completely transformed the property. A few years later my dad also built his own house from the ground up - taking 9 years as he did most of it himself! That’s where my passion and real understanding of buildings in their raw and deconstructed form came from.

My current architectural influences are from a practice based in Singapore. In 2020 right before the pandemic began, I had the chance to visit Singapore and Malaysia. Whilst in Singapore I saw some of the completed projects by WOHA. They create buildings that centre the interconnection of humans and nature, creating resilient ecosystems within the design.

They also have a book “Garden City Mega City” which is worth a read if you have any interest in planning and design for long term growth and sustainability. I was currently deep within my research for this type of design for my Masters dissertation which concentrated on biophilic and regenerative architecture as a path beyond sustainability, so it tied in nicely.

What have been some of your best experiences at work?

I am in a unique position where I have seen Class Q evolve and grow, I was the first employee and now we are a team of 8! This has all been within a year so I can’t wait to see what the practice looks like in another year. It has been

“I have a keen interest in sustainable a design and design for the future and the rather than right now. I think there is rather than now. I think there is an importance in regenerating an in unused and dilapidated spaces rather unused and spaces rather than always looking to build new ” than always looking to build new”

fun yet challenging to shape the architecture department, we are now a fantastic team of 4 designers. When I started our focus was barn conversions but now, we have a vast array of projects under our belt, including masterplans, new build developments and commercial architecture. We do a lot around Stamford and Rutland so it’s interesting to see these projects develop within our vicinity.

Traditional vs contemporary style?

Why not both! A good proportion of my projects at Class Q have been agricultural barn conversions. I love having the chance to modernise and create a habitable space that feels re-imagined and fresh with modern whilst still maintaining lots of character both internal and external. I have a keen interest in sustainable design and design for the future rather than right now. I think there is an importance in regenerating unused and dilapidated

spaces rather than always looking to build new. That’s one of the reasons I love working where I do, being able to create something contemporary using what already exists and incorporating part of the history into future uses.

What would you consider your greatest achievement?

Achieving First Class in both of my degrees has most definitely been a highlight and a testament to the hard work I put in, I think having this dedication also recognised by receiving the Foster + Partners Award for Design Excellence during my Masters Degree Show has been a big achievement! I also was asked to work part-time as a guest tutor at my undergraduate university in Leeds, that was a real full-circle moment for me and was great to help current undergraduates.

What would your super-power be?

Breathing underwater, like a fish. www.classq.co.uk

Last book you read?

American Kingpin, it details the illicit market seller of the dark web in the late 2000’s. Not architecture-related but still very interesting.

Dream buy?

A villa in Thailand, right on the beach in Koh Tao.

Minutes with 5 NITESH

BHUNDIA, RUTLAND WEBDESIGNER

‘Rutland Webdesigner’ offers a strong brand identity – what inspired you to set up the business?

I created the brand Rutland Webdesigner after realising just over 3 years ago that the local search volume for the key term had good traffic and low competition. Basically, people were looking for the service in the local area but there weren’t a lot of people doing the same thing.

I realised quickly the businesses in the area of Rutland were not getting the level of guidance, support and service that l thought was ‘normal’. It turns out that most people have bad experiences with web development agencies and the new brand was crafted to change that perspective and position us as the best.

I set up the actual business in 2006 after two good friends were made redundant and one said, “Hey Nitesh, you know how you said you always wanted to set up a design agency, well we are now free, shall we give it a go?”. After a couple of beers over a tasty Indian, we realised it was worth a shot and now 15 years later we are very proud of how far we have come.

Was web design always in your future - was there anything else you saw yourself doing?

As a child my Dad was very clear that I should be a Doctor, if not that then a Pharmacist, at the very least a Dentist. This didn’t fit well with me, partly because I passed out when we dissected a heart at school and partly because I simply loved outer space... I wanted to be an Astrophysicist.

Design and computers have always been part of my life. Design, because my family comes from a long line of tailors (called Durji’s) so understanding how panels for clothes come together, their stitching and design is literally in my blood.

I really enjoyed (what was then called) CDT at school and college. Earned a BA (Hons) in Product Design and was always a bit of a geek when it came to computers.

Therefore, web development combined both practices in a way that allowed my analytical and creative mind to be engaged.

Talk us through your team and your recruitment process.

We have a fantastic team of 7. Myself, the captain of the ship. Myles, Lead Graphic Designer and UI/UX expert, Emilian Lead Web Developer and Deeksha Head of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).

Recruiting is hard. Thanks to a few people we work with l have learnt some very important lessons:

• Ensure your potential candidates align with your company’s core values and vision

• Must want to develop and learn

• Be fun. (This is hard to understand in an interview, so we also ask potential candidates to play a round of Mortal Kombat or Mario Kart - it’s amazing how much an individual’s true character comes out when they play a game!)

I have crafted a working environment that is productive and fun. Trying to emulate and improve on the Pixar/Disney philosophy of work and play.

What kind of clients do you typically work with? How do you meet them and develop strong relationships with them? There is no typical client. From one man/ woman bands to global companies, what makes them right for us, is the right attitude

of the directors. We only work with businesses that have growth and development at their core. If you are doing the same thing as last year then chances are, we are not going to be the right fit.

I do, where possible, hold meetings in person. I am a true believer that better ideas come out of meetings when people are in the same space. This allows us to openly discuss plans for the coming quarter and year fostering a solid foundation for future partnership and growth.

Ultimately our job is to increase the bottom line, whilst making technical jargon simple and providing amazing support. The more we prove that, the greater the client trusts us to continue investing in future digital goals.

Our strapline is, “You grow, we grow”. I truly believe that it is what makes the best client partnerships.

Can you tell us about any projects you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of?

The Foundxrs Club, Rutland Plastics, TRIBEathlon and Store Log Flog. Each one of these projects had very different challenges but each one has led to something wonderful of which we are very proud. The Foundxrs Club has opened up a network of amazing individuals that are our ideal type of client. Rutland Plastics is an amazing family run business that we work closely with, to continue to

“Design and computers have “Design and computers have always been part of my life” always been part of my

improve and update their presence online, as one of the largest businesses in Rutland being their digital partner was a very proud moment. TRIBEathlon is an app that has taken real blood sweat and tears. It is going to be THE app to search for swimming, running, cycling and multi-discipline events. Store Log Flog is a self-store app that has been a journey for the client and l in many ways we did not expect. It is going to disrupt the Self Store market!

What still excites you about your role?

The people and their inspiring stories. We have worked hard to choose who we work with and working with different people, with diverse businesses and different challenges is something that l truly love. Finding digital solutions using technology and code that is still itself being developed gets me excited. The future world of the internet is going to be led by AI, VR and AR. (Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality - all areas we are actively learning and for which we are getting further qualifications).

What are your favourite haunts in Rutland and the surrounding areas?

• Rutland Records - A proper hidden gem at the Oakham Business Park over at Ashwell. Thousands and thousands of records with musical knowledge that is just unbelievable! He is also just a really nice chap.

• The Grainstore - Great ale, good breakfasts and literally 60 seconds walk from home, what more could l ask for?

• Chef’s Flavour - One of the best curry houses in Leicester. My friends and l go for a monthly ‘Curry Club’ meeting where we try to find the best in Leicester... This really is one of the tastiest places in the city. www.rutlandwebdesigner.co.uk

Hot Property

TEIGH VIEW BARN, TEIGH VIEW BARN, TEIGH, OAKHAM, RUTLAND RUTLAND

A STUNNING UNIQUELY DESIGNED SIX BEDROOM FAMILY HOME IN A PEACEFUL RURAL COUNTRYSIDE SETTING, WITH 2.8 ACRES AND LANDSCAPED GARDENS GUIDE PRICE

£2,600,000

The standout conversion of a traditional stone barn, dated 1862, presented to a fabulous standard and positioned within imaginatively landscaped gardens designed for entertaining at home.

The property was converted in 2017 and combines contemporary design details with the old stone and exposed timbers of the original building to great effect.

The gardens extend to 2.8 acres, or thereabouts, offering ample space for outdoor entertaining. The property has a great sense of privacy whilst combining open views over fields towards the village of Teigh. An extensive landscaping project has created beautifully manicured

grounds, a programme of shrub and tree planting, and a number of spaces for gathering with family and friends.

In addition, there is ample off-road parking and covered garaging for many vehicles within a spacious detached garage barn.

Perfectly marrying the original character of the building with its contemporary design, the interiors at Teigh View Barn feature all the modern conveniences desired for a home of this specification. Developed by Kaybee Developments and purchased by the vendor shortly

before completion, this allowed a chance to stamp their personality on the home. Over the years, further improvements have been made to enhance this magnificent property, while not detracting from the charm of the building.

The room with the most character is the principal bedroom, which features exposed timber beams perfectly juxtaposed against the modern windows and high-end fittings. Large gatherings of family and friends are a breeze, with all of the bedrooms benefiting from

dressing rooms and en suite facilities featuring Porcelanosa sanitary ware throughout.

A long, glazed corridor to one side of the property provides not only a striking focal point but an easy route between the living accommodation, bedrooms and work and leisure spaces.

The rest of the house is equally well set up for entertaining, the triple aspect kitchen/dining/family room serves as the heart of the home and providing a space where all can gather together to enjoy family meals and celebrations, with two sets of bi-folding doors to the gardens. The family room is a quiet retreat at the

end of the day to appreciate quality time as a family, while the useful study provides an area for homeworking. There is also a gym, which like the rest of the house, enjoys magnificent views across the grounds and the farmland beyond.

When the weather is fine, entertaining can be taken outdoors to the terrace, where there is a sunken fire pit with lighting from which to enjoy the sunsets.

To the front of the house there is ample parking on a private driveway in addition to a detached triple garage and storage area of over 1600 sq ft, clad in Siberian larch. www.savills.co.uk

Key Features Features

• Spectacular 6 bedroom barn conversion

• Fabulously appointed accommodation

• 2.8 acres of gardens with attractive rural views

• Quadruple garage / barn & landscaped gardens

Hot Property

THE LAWNS, THE

KINGS CLIFFE, PETERBOROUGH KINGS PETERBOROUGH A WONDERFULLY SPACIOUS HOME ON ALMOST AN ACRE IN A POPULAR RESIDENTIAL AREA GUIDE PRICE

£1,200,000

Kings Cliffe is a well serviced village with a church, shop, Post Office, bakery, doctor’s surgery and a public house. There are many footpaths and bridleways linking to Fineshade Wood, Apethorpe and Blatherwycke Estates, making it a great position for access to the countryside yet only 50 mins from Peterborough to London Kings Cross.

The property stands centrally within its substantial plot of 0.76 of an acre which includes a long driveway and wrap-around garden, making it ideal for entertaining and enjoying the sun at all times of the day. Internally the property is beautifully presented and has been subject to a number of improvements by the current owners, most notably

Tthe sleek modern kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen is stunning with a central island and integrated appliances. The bathrooms are equally well appointed and modern, further highlighting the excellent standard of finish throughout. The property also benefits from driveway parking and a double garage.

The accommodation is generously proportioned with a feeling of light and space throughout. On the ground

floor there is a stunning galleried entrance hall leading to a cloakroom, dining room and sitting room which features a wonderful dual aspect and glass doors to the garden. Across the hall, there is a further reception room with doors to the garden, the open plan kitchen/dining room, utility room, larder and garage. A modern staircase leads to the second floor, with a spacious landing providing access to the four double bedrooms.

The principal suite is spacious with a full wall of built-in wardrobes and a stunning en suite with double vanity unit. There are two further en suites on this floor along with a family bathroom.

The property is approached via electric gates opening to a long resin driveway providing parking for several vehicles. The impressive landscaped gardens surround the house and offer many areas to enjoy, including expanses of lawn, paved seating areas and planted borders with mature shrubs and trees. There is also an integral double garage and a garden shed. www.savills.co.uk

Key Features Features

• 4 double bedrooms, 3 en suite

• 3 good size reception rooms

• Large kitchen / diner

• Integral double garage

• Driveway and ample parking

• Landscaped gardens within almost an acre plot

And Finally ... Finally ...

To mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II, Gabriella James, Chairmakers has designed a Special Edition Jubilee Turner Counter Stool upholstered in a traditionally woven Union Flag. For every stool sold during 2022, Gabriella James will ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ in association with The Queen’s Green Canopy, a charity that has been established for this special occasion.

The Turner Counter Stool is the perfect kitchen companion. Slim enough to tuck under any counter or in any kitchen corner, the Turner Counter Stool is a winning combination of practical comfort and style. The traditional button-shaped seat is handmade from 100% natural stuffing materials including natural latex, coconut coir and pure merino wool, making it uncompromisingly comfortable to sit on. The stylish solid-wood frame is hand carved with traditionally turned legs in sustainably sourced English Ash and finished with a natural wax oil, enhancing the beautifully warm grain. For every stool sold during 2022, Gabriella James will ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ in association with The Queen’s Green Canopy, a charity that has been established for this special occasion. Turner Jubilee Counter Stool, www.gabriellajames.co.uk, £495

La bohème (Puccini)

The Barber of Seville (Rossini)

Music for a Royal Occasion with BBC Concert Orchestra

The Swingles

Sam Jewison: The Great American Songbook

Abel Selaocoe, Manchester Collective, Chesaba

Jess Gillam and Manchester Camerata

Dunedin Consort performs Acis and Galatea

Charlie Chaplin's The Kid with live orchestra