WUTHERING HEIGHTS DALES HOTEL WHERE THE CAST STAYED
STANDING ROOM ONLY WORLD’S ‘SMALLEST PUBLIC ART GALLERY’ HAPPY TOWN WHAT MAKES SKIPTON SO SPECIAL?
LOVE OF WALKING EPIPHANY LEADS TO OUTDOOR CAREER
Greenholme Mews, Iron Row, Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley LS29 7DB
10 SKIPTON - GATEWAY TO HAPPINESS
Skipton has been judged the happiest place to live in the UK. Local resident Ben Hopkins trawls the streets to find out why.
62 FOR THE LOVE OF WALKING
From Tetley’s to TeamWalking, Mike Reid talks about the change of career that led him to guide thousands of people into the countryside.
80 FROM SCIENTIST TO SHEEP WHISPERER
The former scientist passing on his sheep husbandry skills to people from all walks of life.
84 HOTEL’S LINKS TO WUTHERING HEIGHTS
The remote Dales hotel which played host to the cast of Wuthering Heights and which dates back to the 17th century.
126 TINY SPACE, ENDLESS INSPIRATION
The world’s ‘smallest public art gallery’ and its connection to Queen guitarist Brian May.
Photography: Shutterstock Phil Silverman
WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES | ORANGERIES | GARDEN PODS
LIVE MAGAZINES
Chairman: Simon Smith
Publisher: Tedd Walmsley
Company Secretary: Elizabeth Walmsley
Editor: Annette McIntyre
Operations Manager: Kate Hyde
Production Manager: James Britton
Sales Account Manager: Jo Dixon (jo.dixon@live-magazines.co.uk)
Business Development & Sport: Mark Dixon
Graphic Designers: Nick Dittrich and Rob Walmsley
Photography: Jo Denison and Kirsten Platt
Editorial Contributors: Gail Bailey, Victoria Benn, Samantha Brown, Kate Bowyer, Max Gardner, Steve Garrill, Katie Hammond, Rebecca Hay, Ben Hopkins, Kate Hyde, Charles Jenkins, Andrew Vaux, Jan Woolley and Tedd Walmsley
LIVE MAGAZINES LIMITED HEAD OFFICE
Office 9, The Old Bakery Green Street Lytham FY8 5LG
LIVE THE DALES magazine is hand delivered to selected households and businesses in: Addingham, Airton, Arncliffe, Askrigg, Askwith, Austwick, Aysgarth, Bainbridge, Ben Rhydding, Buckden, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Burn Bridge, Burnsall, Carleton, Carlton, Carperby, Clapham, Conistone, Cracoe, East Witton, Eastby , Embsay, Gargrave, Grassington, Harrogate, Hawes, Hellifield, Hetton, Ilkley, Ingleton, Kettlewell, Kirkby Malham, Leyburn, Long Preston, Malham, Menston, Middleham, Pannal, Settle, Skipton, Threshfield, West Burton and West Witton
LIVE MAGAZINES LIMITED cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts or photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Live Magazines Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors. We reserve the right to publish and credit any letters. All rights reserved.
For advertising please contact jo.dixon@live-magazines.co.uk
Editor
As spring makes its welcome return it’s the perfect time to go for a long walk in the countryside.
Often seen as the ‘Goldilocks’ season, spring is - generally - not too hot and not too cold, so perfect weather for getting your walking boots on. In this edition we take a look at two great hikes - the first is a family-friendly walk taking in Great Pinseat and The Old Gang Smelting Mill, from Samantha Brown of the Reluctant Explorers.
The second, day four of Steve Garrill’s the North West Way, is 13 miles of spectacular scenery from Malham to Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
We also learn about one of the UK’s most experienced outdoor professionals, Mark Reid, who fell in love with the Yorkshire Dales on a school trip and went on to become the owner and founder of TeamWalking. Since becoming an outdoor professional in 1997, he has walked more than 32,000 miles of footpaths and guided over 21,000 people into the countryside.
Access to the great outdoors can be difficult for people with disabilities - and this subject is explored by Victoria Benn, from Friends of the Dales. She describes the inspiring story of Debbie North who lost her mobility because of spinal degeneration and set up Access the Dales, a Yorkshire Dales charity with the mission of making the inaccessible, accessible.
Fishing is also a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors - and it can have a profound effect on children with educational needs and disabilities. Fishing coach Justin Cavalier tells us more.
If fishing isn’t your thing, how about a sheep husbandry course? Kate Bowyer meets Graham Bottley, scientist and shepherd, to discover his story.
The Yorkshire Dales is known for its stunning scenery and some of its most dramatic views are the setting for Grade II-listed hotel Simonstone Hall. The hall played host to the cast and crew of the latest film adaptation of Wuthering Heights. During filming in the surrounding Dales, the hotel became a home from home for the production team, including the film’s two huge leads, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. We find out more from the hall’s owner.
The Wuthering Heights cast are far from being the only celebrities to bring their art to this area. Queen guitarist Brian May was a huge crowd puller when he exhibited twice at the ‘world’s smallest public art gallery’ in Settleeven making a personal appearance. We delve into the fascinating story of the former phone box turned exhibition space.
There’s so much to see and do in the Dales this spring - and this magazine will help you get out and make the most of it!
Annette McIntyre Editor
Photographer: Stephen Garnett Photography
SKIPTON – GATEWAY TO HAPPINESS
Forget the naysayers, Skipton has recently been voted the happiest place to live in the UK.
Local resident Ben Hopkins trawls the streets to find out why
In a national survey conducted by Rightmove, more than 19,500 residents across 200 local areas were asked to rate their happiness levels based on access to nature, friendliness of local people and community as well as quality of schools and essential services. With London’s affluent Richmond upon Thames taking second place and Camden Town in third, the result surely puts to rest the age-old adage, ‘It’s grim up north’.
Recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, Skipton, with a population of around 15,000, boasts a well-preserved 11th century castle as well as a generous choice of real ale pubs. The bustling high street features a healthy number of independent shops and an open-air market that sprouts up from the semi-cobbled streets three days a week.
“What’s not to love,” says 58-year-old market trader Claire Ashby with an air of mischief. “I mean, up ‘ere it’s wet, cold and dark for most of the year, but the people are lovely and I wouldn’t live anywhere else.”
UP ‘ERE IT’S WET, COLD AND DARK FOR MOST OF THE YEAR, BUT THE PEOPLE ARE LOVELY AND I WOULDN’T LIVE ANYWHERE ELSE
Having returned to the town she grew up in after more than 20 years working corporate sales in London, Claire is in no doubt that Skipton deserves its new status. “It’s about community – people will look out for you here.”
That sense of community is reflected in Skipton’s relatively low crime rate, registering at well below the national average. And while the town experiences some gang activities and serious felonies the district of Craven remains one of the safest to live in the UK with around 20 crimes per one thousand people per year.
“It’s just a beautiful town to visit, fantastic restaurants and lovely people,” says Dave Forshaw, manager of live music bar and record shop Skipton Sound Bar. Located a short walk from the high street and adorned with rock memorabilia from the 1950s onwards, the venue is a haven for music lovers. Regularly coming to life with the kind of live music that rolls back the years and reignites the glory days, it bridges the generation gap and spreads joy through great sounds, good company and real ale.
The Sound Bar also works with Craven Academy of Modern Music, a local initiative that brings together the next generation of young musicians. “It’s like the Jack Black film, School of Rock,” says Dave. “Every month or so we’ll have an up-and-coming band play an afternoon spot, sometimes with kids as young as eight or nine years.”
Another local initiative lifting the spirits is the Skipton Community Orchestra, set up by Catherine Davison and Anita Birch in 2012. “We wanted to play our rusty instruments and inspire our own children,” says Catherine.
“So we got some friends together who also played – and it just grew from there. Now we have over 40 at each rehearsal. Scary stuff!”
The orchestra puts on a free Christmas and summer concert every year at the Holy Trinity Church next to the Castle. “We welcome everyone to join in or listen to the happiest orchestra in Skipton!”
Not everyone is convinced by Skipton’s new status as the happiest place. “Well, it’s not the weather,” deadpans a local builder named Gerard, nursing a pint in a bar called The Woolly Sheep on Sheep Street. “And I don’t see anyone dancing around the streets clapping their hands.” When I tell him Richmond and Camden came second and third, he perks up. “I went there once. A pint was three times more expensive than it is up here. No wonder we beat ‘em!”
While exuberance may not be a Yorkshire trait, humour certainly is.
In keeping with the cost of a pint the
average property price, at £324,000, is just below the national average and around three times lower than Richmond upon Thames, which is a staggering £942,500.
As estate agent Mark Kane, branch manager of Dacre, Son & Hartley’s Skipton office points out: “It’s easy to see why people fall for Skipton’s endless charm. The town centre is bustling with a colourful and broad choice of local and national shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, a bustling market and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal are all in the heart of the town.”
IT’S JUST A BEAUTIFUL TOWN TO VISIT, FANTASTIC RESTAURANTS AND LOVELY PEOPLE
He adds that the highly regarded schools and Craven College combine to provide a sound footing for growth, which will be needed as the number of new build homes continue to increase the town’s population and younger demographic.
“The Yorkshire Dales are on the doorstep and the town’s station provides easy access to Leeds, Bradford and London Kings Cross, as well as the historic Settle Carlisle line,” he says.
Every pulse and pore of Skipton benefits from its proximity to The Dales. Day trippers attracted by the town’s moniker ‘Gateway to the Dales’ help to fuel the local economy.
“Every year we welcome thousands of day trippers onto the Leeds & Liverpool Canal,” says Ian Clarke, manager of the family run
Pennine Cruisers Boats and the Boathouse Bar located in the heart of Skipton. “For a lot of people, it’s an escape from their busy lives, a chance to unwind and experience life in the slow lane.”
When the ice melts and spring arrives punters at the Boathouse Bar spill out onto the towpath and enjoy some welcome sunshine. Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot a kingfisher as the Leeds & Liverpool Canal snakes its way through the heart of Skipton and up into the Pennines. Enough to lift the spirits of the most determined curmudgeon.
TREKKERS,
CYCLISTS, OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS AND NATURE LOVERS DESCEND UPON THE TOWN FOR ITS ACCESS TO SOME OF THE FINEST NATURE TRAILS THE COUNTRY HAS TO OFFER
Trekkers, cyclists, outdoor adventurers and nature lovers descend upon the town for its access to some of the finest nature trails the country has to offer. Walking groups, too many to mention, trail a regular path along the towpaths through the woods beneath the castle walls and into the hills that encircle the town.
For award winning animator and councillor Kettu Virpi, the colours and characters of Skipton and the Dales are inspiration for much of her work, including her animations with Aardman Studios Wallace & Gromit and more recently a video for the pop star Katy Perry.
Originally from Finland, itself named Happiest Country in the World 2025 by the UN’s World Happiness Report, Kettu made Skipton her home at the height of the Tour de France festivities in 2014. “Quality of life
is the reason my native country Finland is ranked the ‘Happiest Country in the World’ and I can see the small resemblance here in Skipton,” she says.
In a time of fractious uncertainty and flatlining economies it’s good to know the perceived national gloom seems to have bypassed Craven. And while the good folk of Skipton may not be “dancing in the street clapping their hands,” their mood assures me that it really isn’t that grim up north after all! n
THE ART OF FOREVER STYLING
Following the latest trends can be exhausting. Here’s how to make your home stylish and comfortable without stress
Each year, we’re told what the next big trend will be, urged to “chuck out the chintz” and made to feel self-conscious about what we already own.
But beyond being wasteful, this cycle of chasing trends can be stressful, costly and ultimately unsatisfying. What if, instead, we could look at our homes – and our cherished possessions – unapologetically embracing what we love year after year?
Forever styling is about exactly that –identifying and celebrating your personal taste. It’s the tassels, trims, enduring craftsmanship and aged woods you adore. It’s the textures, the layers, the pieces that tell your story. It’s style that evolves with you, not dictated by a fleeting season.
By focusing on the key ingredients that resonate with you, you can create interiors that are both timeless and evolving –a home that feels uniquely yours now and for years to come.
Beauty in Belonging
Homes that feel genuinely lived-in and loved never go out of style. For many, embracing this idea has been a long time coming. The grey, unadorned Instagram palace may look striking, but it’s rarely comfortable – or realistic. Rooms exist for our comfort, not solely for a designer’s aesthetic. The goal is tidy with smart storage, while letting your cherished objects shine on display. Think elegance, yes –but also personality, warmth and life. Not stark. Not impersonal.
Character in Every Room
Homeowners are increasingly drawn to individual pieces of furniture – both fitted and freestanding – in painted and natural wood that reflects their taste. In fitted kitchens, this material comes alive, especially when paired with other natural elements, from stone like marble to metals, creating spaces that feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly elegant. This approach extends beyond the kitchen. At The Secret Drawer, bespoke furniture is designed and crafted for every room, with each piece of wood carefully selected for its character, fit within the space and the final, unique finish.
The Finishing Touch
Mouldings are one of the most powerful tools in the interior kit-bag – but all too often, they’re an afterthought. From architrave to cornicing, dado rails to skirting boards, these details are the equivalent of the perfect accessories for an outfit – they complement, elevate and complete a space. When done thoughtfully, mouldings bring elegance, sophistication and a subtle sense of luxury to any room.
Ultimately, timeless interiors are about more than trends – they’re about choices that reflect you. From treasured heirlooms to carefully curated bespoke pieces, your home should tell your story. Celebrate what you love, embrace what feels comfortable and surround yourself with textures, colours and materials that speak to your heart. That is luxury that lasts – not just for a season, but for a lifetime. n
Say goodbye to winter and welcome in spring by clearing out cold weather paraphernalia.
Rachel Cordingley, from A Tidy Mind Team, gives some tips
It has been a cold December and January and entrance halls, cloakrooms and porches may now be full of all the winter coats and boots.
As we go into spring, it is the perfect time to consider just how many winter coats and boots we need.
Donate to charity unworn coats and jackets, they are clearly surplus to your current requirements.
Old boots, which may be well worn, have cracked soles or for some unknown reason are no longer waterproof, need to be discarded too. You may have a basket each for hats, gloves and scarves. Again, ask yourself which you haven’t worn and if you still need them.
Gloves are an easy one because if they are now single, having lost their ‘friend’, they can be discarded.
For those with children, are there any coats, boots, hats, gloves and matching scarves which are now too small and can be donated? Or if they are too small for one and still too big for the next child, can they be stored away until they are grown into? n
Tidy tip: Hang coats and jackets on slim coat hangers, they become less bulky and take up less space.
A Tidy Mind Team 07956 650146 rachel@atidymindteam.co.uk atidymindteam.co.uk
Founded by Paul and Debbie Barker, Anchor Logs is a family business selling ready-to-burn kiln dried logs from their farm in Gargrave
Anchor Logs’ success is built on two fundamental principles – supplying the best quality product and providing outstanding customer service. Being a certified member of the ‘Woodsure Ready to Burn Scheme’ shows Anchor Logs’ commitment to responsible, sustainable woodland management practices, ensuring their customers receive only the highest quality products.
The wood is processed into logs and dried in the drying kiln on site. Anchor Logs also supply kindling, coal and log stores.
We also like to talk to our customers and welcome telephone orders during office hours: 01756 748342. Anchor Logs offer free delivery within a 30-mile radius.
Online orders welcome 24/7 at anchorlogs.co.uk n
COME VISIT
DESIGNED WITH CREATIVITY, BUILT WITH PASSION
GARDENS DESIGNED WITH INTENTION
WE UNDERSTAND THAT GARDENS CAN BE AMAZING SPACES, WITH THE RIGHT UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT YOU NEED. WE LISTEN AND WE DELIVER.
FROM A FULL GARDEN MAKEOVER, TO A GARDEN UPLIFT, WE TAILOR OUR SERVICES FOR ALL. WE OFFER:
GARDEN DESIGN GARDEN LIGHTING PLANTING DESIGN
GARDEN ROOMS WATER FEATURES O UTDOOR FURNITURE ALL GARDEN STRUCTURES
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN ILKLEY.
THE OUTDOOR LIVING COLLECTIVE TRANSFORM GARDENS FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION , INCLUDING DESIGN, BUILD, AND FURNISHING OF EXCEPTIONAL OUTDOOR SPACES.
THE SECRET TO A SUMMER READY GARDEN? START NOW!
As gardens slip into winter dormancy, it’s the perfect moment to step back, rethink and redesign your outdoor space. With plants resting and the landscape laid bare, homeowners can plan ahead with clarity and create a garden that’s ready to enjoy the moment warmer days return
Last year’s launch of Bannister Hall’s state-of-the-art Landscaping Design Centre in Higher Walton, Preston, saw the company set a new benchmark in garden design and project delivery. The centre is designed to make the creation of outdoor spaces an immersive and intuitive experience. Visitors can explore an
expansive product showroom, a sprawling outdoor plant nursery and experience a revolutionary virtual reality 3D design service that allows them to see their ideas in lifelike detail before any ground is broken. Jon C Hollywood LLB (Hons), CEO at Bannister Hall, explains the ethos behind the innovation: “The ethos is simple – to provide homeowners with true peace of mind. This isn’t about a mere transaction, it’s about creating a trusted partnership from first sketch to final flourish. The journey begins with a home site visit by a skilled professional, ensuring that every inch of space is measured and understood. From there, the magic continues with a visit to the Design Centre, where clients can explore materials, discuss ideas and experience their
3D design in immersive virtual reality. It’s a seamless, joyful process designed to take the stress out of landscaping and replace it with excitement and confidence.”
The Design Centre is home to over 40,000 plant species, including instant hedges, ornamental trees, shrubs and fruit trees. Hard landscaping options are equally extensive, with natural stone and porcelain paving, decking, sleepers, pergolas, decorative aggregates, water features, lighting and more. The scale and quality of the offering mean homeowners can plan every detail of their garden with confidence, guided by Bannister Hall’s knowledgeable team.
Director Alan Lovell adds: “Put simply, we
have mirrored the retail concept of visiting a high-end kitchen design showroom and have adapted and applied this model to landscaping development projects. We can offer homeowners the opportunity to work with their own dedicated 3D garden designer and project manager, who will oversee the entire project’s development whilst helping customers choose every element of their new garden from our large on-site product stock holding and comprehensive nurseries.”
Bannister Hall’s approach is designed to remove uncertainty from landscaping. Homeowners receive full project management including written contracts, staged schedules of works and detailed bills of materials. Recommended installers are introduced and managed, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the highest standard. Flexible finance options, including 0% APR, make the transformation of outdoor spaces accessible to a wider audience, removing financial barriers to creativity.
What makes Bannister Hall stand out is not just its scale but its commitment to service. Highly trained horticulturalists and designers are available to guide customers through every stage of a project, offering advice on planting, materials and design
than two decades.
WITH OVER 40,000 PLANT SPECIES AND AN EXTENSIVE PRODUCT RANGE, CREATIVITY HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER TO BRING TO LIFE
Complementing the three extensive sites, Bannister Hall has also launched everythingplants.co.uk, a curated e-commerce platform offering nationwide delivery of plants and hedging. The site provides detailed planting guidelines, growth information and seasonal availability so even customers from further afield can benefit from expert advice and premium stock.
A SEAMLESS PROCESS…
“The ethos is simple – to provide homeowners with true peace of mind. It’s a seamless, joyful process designed to take the stress out of landscaping and replace it with excitement and confidence.”
Jon C Hollywood, LLB (Hons) CEO
“We have mirrored the retail concept of visiting a high-end kitchen design showroom and applied it to landscaping projects. Homeowners work with a dedicated 3D garden designer and project manager throughout.”
Alan Lovell, Director/Founder
The Design Centre represents a complete, turn-key solution. From the first consultation to the final touches Bannister Hall makes any garden design project seamless and enjoyable. It is an approach that reflects a deep understanding of what modern homeowners want – an outdoor space that is beautiful, functional and most importantly – totally stress free in its creation.
Bannister Hall’s commitment to innovation, quality and customer experience is reshaping expectations in the landscaping industry. By combining expertise, technology and a huge product offering, the company has created a destination where creativity and confidence come together. For homeowners with a vision, the future of outdoor living has officially arrived. n
Bannister Hall Ltd Potter Lane, Higher Walton Preston PR5 4EN 01772 877087
sales@bannisterhall.co.uk
bannisterhall.com
Business Hours
Open Monday – Friday 7.00am to 5.00pm with free on-site parking everythingplants.co.uk
choices. If a product is not in stock, the team can source it quickly through an extensive supplier network built over more
PACKED WITH PAWSONALITY
From fur to fine art, these custom pet paintings are a gorgeous way of celebrating our beloved furry friends
From cats and dogs to horses and rabbits, each portrait from this design house is hand-drawn from a photograph to capture the unique character of the family pet.
These ‘pawsonality portraits’ are illustrations with a retro vibe. Hand-created
hair-by-hair by Burnt Peach’s in-house artists, they are bold and colourful and can be customised to complement existing interior schemes.
Burnt Peach’s Pet Pawtraits, which capture the essence of the family pet in a timeless silhouette – are available in two finishes.
The Classic Collection is available in six sizes and five colourways: Orea, Sooty, Raven, Bear and Chalky and can feature up to three different pets.
The Ink Collection is a more whimsical take on the Classic Collection with light and dark tones mixing together to create a silhouette with dimension and movement.
Again, the Ink Collection is available in six sizes and three colourways: Black Ink, Brown Ink or Steel Ink. Bespoke options are also available.
Pia Gill, founder of Burnt Peach, said: “Pets are a huge part of the family and I wanted to create a piece of art to capture just how special they are.
“Just like the family pet, each portrait is entirely unique and we can even include bespoke backgrounds such as their favourite walk or spot on the couch to make it even more special.
“These are timeless gifts that will capture the spirit and nature of any family pet.” n
Prices start at £49.99
burntpeach.co.uk
REMARKABLE MILESTONES
It’s been an incredible year for Kitchen Design Centre, which is celebrating 40 years and numerous award wins
As Kitchen Design Centre marks its 40th anniversary, the company reflects on a year defined by achievement, growth and well-deserved recognition. From a single showroom in Blackburn in 1985, it has grown into a respected, award-winning brand with four showrooms across the
North West – in Blackburn, Failsworth, Urmston and Barrowford. This milestone year has been shaped not only by continued excellence in kitchen design, but also by significant staff anniversaries and national award success.
Since its beginnings, Kitchen Design Centre has been driven by a simple belief –
exceptional kitchen design is at the heart of every great home. Forty years on, that philosophy remains unchanged.
Its team of highly skilled designers combine creativity with technical expertise and a deep understanding of the latest innovations. Regular training trips to Germany and London ensure they stay ahead of product developments and emerging trends. The result is an extensive portfolio of real customer kitchens – never stock imagery – each tailored to individual lifestyles and delivered with meticulous attention from concept through to completion.
“We are true kitchen specialists,” says General Manager Will Hustler. “Our aim has always been to deliver premium kitchens at reasonable prices, without compromising on quality.”
National recognition has further
strengthened the company’s reputation. At the Neff Master Partner Awards 2025, the team secured two prestigious accolades.
Designer Paul Harrington, based at the Manchester showroom, won Best Kitchen Design Under £30k, impressing judges with his creativity, value and precision. Meanwhile, Barrowford designer Simon Thomas claimed the award for Best Use of Island Solution, recognised for his ability to create kitchens that are both functional and visually striking.
OUR AIM HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO DELIVER PREMIUM KITCHENS AT REASONABLE PRICES, WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON QUALITY
Describing the double win, Will Hustler said it was “a testament to the passion and talent of our incredible designers”.
As a long-standing Neff Supreme Master Partner, the awards carry particular significance, highlighting the strength of the company’s relationship with one of the UK’s leading appliance brands.
Among the year’s celebrations, one personal milestone stands out – the 25-year career of award-winning designer and Barrowford Showroom Manager Simon Thomas.
Simon joined the business in November 2000, helping to fit out the former Colne showroom ahead of its opening in 2001. Now based in Barrowford’s larger premises, he continues to play a central role in the company’s success.
Over a quarter of a century, Simon has consistently delivered outstanding designs, inspired colleagues and maintained his position as top overall salesperson. His
BARROWFORD
knowledge, dedication and passion have made a lasting impact.
To mark the occasion, he was presented with champagne and a celebratory voucher – small tokens of appreciation for an extraordinary contribution.
With 40 years behind them and an exciting future ahead, Kitchen Design Centre enters its next chapter guided by the same principles that shaped its success – design excellence, customer focus and a commitment to crafting
beautiful, functional kitchens.
This landmark year – defined by celebration, recognition and continued growth – is a powerful reminder of what the company stands for. And as it continues to evolve, one thing is certain – the story is far from finished. n
To realise your dream kitchen, book your free no obligation kitchen design appointment.
For the latest offers visit: kitchendesigncentre.com
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE
Ordering landscaping and paving services from Yorkshire Dales Paving isn’t just a service – it’s a truly unique experience. Andrew Vaux speaks to founder Hayley Cavanagh about what sets the company apart
When a family member struggled to find a local company that could turn a vision for a new driveway and landscaping project into reality, experienced construction professional Hayley Cavanagh soon opened her eyes to an exciting new gap in the market.
Moving away from the traditional ‘man with a van’ image of many paving and landscaping businesses, Hayley wanted to create a totally different level of experience –offering outstanding levels of customer service and an experience second to none.
Now, five years later, Hayley and her team have grown a successful business which continues to transform the beautiful and tranquil Yorkshire Dales landscape – one driveway, patio and garden at a time.
Hayley explains: “Most companies will simply turn up, pace around the drive, have
a good look at the area and quote a price.
“When you’re investing in something as important as your home, whether it’s a new driveway or a patio you deserve to see and feel the products before committing.”
THE TEAM IS LED BY A MASTER CRAFTSMAN STONEMASON WITH 25 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE WORKING ON SUCH HIGH-PROFILE PROJECTS AS YORK MINSTER, THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER AND WINDSOR CASTLE
And so instead of simply making their decision at home based on illustrations and explanations, customers are invited into a comfortable and relaxing showroom.
Served with a wide range of refreshments,
they can spend time seeing and touching all the products and speak to highly qualified, knowledgeable and experienced professionals about all the options available to them.
This includes designing detailed CAD drawings to bring projects alive in a way that traditional brochures simply can’t do.
With a dedicated team of 10 industry professionals, Hayley is extremely proud of the service Yorkshire Dales Paving provides.
She explains: “What sets us apart from everyone else is the fact we have presence. We’re not simply a van and mobile phone company. All our work is carried out by a highly-experienced, fully-qualified team of installers and we’re proud to offer a full 15 years’ guarantee with all our work.
“We create stunning driveways, patios and all landscaping including fencing and decking both in wood and composite –transforming outdoor spaces into stunning environments which blend beauty and functionality.”
And considering the pedigree of experience on offer, Hayley has every reason to be proud.
The team is led by a master craftsman stonemason with 25 years’ experience working on such high-profile projects as York Minster, the Palace of Westminster and Windsor Castle.
In conclusion, Hayley succinctly explains the success of her business: “No job is too small and we treat even the smallest job with the same professionalism.” n For further information, call or visit the website.
Older properties can throw up all sorts of problems when it comes to new kitchens – but bespoke cabinetry can really make a difference
Designing kitchens for older properties demands a particular kind of sensitivity. Crooked walls, sloping floors and eccentric alcoves are part of the charm – and part of the challenge. For many designers, these quirks can complicate installation and layout. For Eastburn, however, simplicity becomes the guiding principle. When a building already has a story to tell, there is little need to overcomplicate the narrative.
Period homes rarely offer the clean lines of new builds. Measurements can shift from one end of a room to the other, ceilings dip unexpectedly, and corners are rarely square. Yet it is precisely these irregularities that give older properties their warmth and authenticity. The key is not to fight them, but to work with them. Bespoke cabinetry
becomes invaluable here, carefully crafted to accommodate every nuance while maintaining a sense of calm order.
CROOKED WALLS, SLOPING FLOORS AND ECCENTRIC ALCOVES ARE PART OF THE CHARM –AND PART OF THE CHALLENGE
A recent project – The Village School in Pendleton – is a perfect example. This former schoolhouse offered an extraordinary starting point – a vast expanse of original red brick, some of the largest kitchen windows imaginable and a soaring pitched ceiling with exposed timber trusses. The architectural character was already doing the heavy lifting. The design response needed restraint. Rather than introduce multiple zones or fussy details, the layout was deliberately straightforward. One long run of cabinetry
stretches the length of the room, providing generous storage without interrupting the architecture. A substantial island sits confidently at the centre – practical, sociable and unfussy. Nothing overly ornate. Nothing visually overpowering. Just clean lines and balanced proportions.
The tall windows and ceiling flood the space with natural light, creating an airy atmosphere that feels both expansive and welcoming. To complement this, the colour palette was kept warm and neutral. Cabinetry along the perimeter was painted in Paint & Paper Library’s ‘Caddie’ (No.452), a tone that
adds gentle contrast against the red brick without dominating it. The island, in the lighter ‘Paper IV’ (No. 434), subtly anchors the room while enhancing the sense of brightness. Delicately veined quartz worktops reflect the light, further softening the scheme.
Classic details reinforce the timeless quality of the space. A double Belfast sink is centred beneath the main window – a quiet focal point framed by daylight. Above it, the Perrin & Rowe ‘Ionian’ tap in English bronze introduces a note of heritage refinement. Understated bronze hardware across the cabinetry ties everything together, echoing the warmth of the brick and timber overhead. Older buildings inevitably present awkward corners, and here an unusual alcove became an opportunity rather than an obstacle. A tall, bespoke larder cupboard was designed to slot neatly into the recess, discreetly housing smaller appliances such as the air fryer and toaster. The result preserves the visual calm of the main space while ensuring modern functionality. n
eastburn.co.uk
AT HOME WITH THE CROFTS
Inside an 18th-century Lancashire farmhouse, the family behind Croft Conservatories reveal how heritage, craft and practical design shape a home made for real life
There’s a certain kind of magic to homes that have lived many lives. The sort of quiet, confident buildings that wear their age beautifully and invite you to slow down,
sit a while and simply be. For John and Alli Croft, who run Croft Conservatories with their son Sam, their 18th-century stone barn in the Lancashire countryside is exactly that kind of place.
WE ALWAYS DESIGN FOR REAL LIFE. WE BELIEVE IN ELEGANCE, OF COURSE, BUT NOTHING SHOULD FEEL TOO PRECIOUS TO USE
“We have lived here for over thirty years together now,” Alli says, opening the door to let in both the breeze and the dog Crumpet,
ever-present companions. “It’s been a family home in the truest sense: children, muddy boots, drying socks by the fire. It’s seen it all.” The house reflects the couple themselves. John brings the steady hands and experience behind Croft Conservatories. Alli brings an unfussy eye for design that feels natural and welcoming. Together with Sam they represent the fifth and sixth generations of the Croft family business. “It feels fitting,” John says, “that we’ve made our home in a building with such history. It mirrors what we do at Croft, honouring the past while building for the future.”
One of the home’s most loved spaces is the conservatory, a quietly unassuming room that has earned its keep for more than two decades. Built by Croft, it has been many things
over the years. “A drying room, a reading corner, somewhere warm to drink your coffee in January and the place where the dog dries off after a dash across the fields,” Alli smiles. Flooded with light even on a gloomy afternoon, it connects seamlessly with the rest of the house. Natural stone flooring, vintage textiles and practical touches like a generous boot rack mean it works hard without sacrificing beauty. “We always design for real life,” Alli says. “We believe in elegance, of course, but nothing should feel too precious to use.”
While original stonework and beams give the barn its timeless character, many details are quietly modern. Doors and windows have been replaced with heritage-style uPVC frames, a nod to Croft’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. “The technology has come so far,” John explains. “You can have all the thermal efficiency and ease of modern windows and still stay true to the look of a period property.” Cottage-style glazing brings rhythm and warmth to every room. In the main bedroom a circular porthole window, also in Croft’s heritage uPVC, adds a small moment of surprise. “I love how it catches the light in the morning,” Alli says. “It’s a small detail that brings so much joy.”
Downstairs, Alli’s home office is a favourite spot, bright and welcoming, surrounded by greenery. “Designing from here feels grounding,” she says. “There’s no pretence, just a view of the trees, a proper cup of tea and plenty of room to sketch.”
THE TECHNOLOGY HAS COME SO FAR. YOU CAN HAVE ALL THE THERMAL EFFICIENCY AND EASE OF MODERN WINDOWS AND STILL STAY TRUE TO THE LOOK OF A PERIOD PROPERTY
Pride runs through every corner of the Crofts’ home, not only in the careful restoration but in the legacy that underpins it. Croft Conservatories began in 1874 when Thomas Croft picked up his first trowel in a terraced
house in Preston. Bricklaying became something larger, from chimney stacks that shaped the city’s skyline to work on Blackburn Cathedral and today a home improvement company rooted in family and local craft.
continues to serve Preston and the wider Lancashire area with the same values of care, trust and a genuine love for the homes they work on and their work is now reaching further into the Yorkshire Dales with a growing number of projects.
“When you’ve been in the business for as long as we have, it’s not about volume, it’s about relationships,” John says. Back in their own home those words ring true. This is a place built not in haste but in steady steps, where history and heart meet. n
Croft
EVEN BETTER BAKING
Baking that looks just as good as it tastes with ESSE’s unique heat surround oven technology
With over 170 years of cooker craftsmanship built in, an ESSE cooker embodies the kind of oven bakers dream of. Its steady, radiant heat surrounds food evenly, with no harsh blasts or hot spots, so biscuits bake perfectly from edge to centre, hold their shape and develop a gentle golden finish without burning.
From classic Easter bunny biscuits to breads, cakes and pastries, ESSE’s unrivalled even heat delivers consistent, reliable results every time. Loved and cherished by home cooks and professional chefs alike, ESSE continues to inspire current and future generations to rediscover the joy of baking.
Proudly manufactured in Lancashire by the fifth generation of the Ashby family, ESSE cookers feature patented baking technology designed for modern living. The latest models simply plug into two 13-amp sockets and can use as little as 0.2kWh.
This Easter, enjoy the welcoming warmth, shared moments and mouth-watering bakes only an ESSE can deliver.
Happy Easter and happy baking. n
For seasonal recipes, visit: esse.com/recipes or follow @esse1854 on Instagram.
EASTER BUNNY BISCUITS RECIPE
Children will enjoy making these buttery biscuits with currants and spice for family and friends over the Easter holidays. They are also perfect to wrap for Easter gifts –often a welcome change from the chocolate eggstravaganza!
MAKES 20–25
INGREDIENTS
125g softened butter
75g caster sugar, plus 1-2 tbsp extra for sprinkling
1 egg, separated
200g plain flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground mixed spice
Grated zest of 1 lemon
75g currants
2 tbsp milk
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/ Esse Dial Guide HOT.
(Aim for the dial reading to be in the middle of HOT).
2. Beat the butter with the sugar until pale
and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk then gently stir in the flour, cinnamon, mixed spice, lemon zest and currants. Gradually stir in the milk until the dough starts to come together – you may need slightly less or more of the milk.
3. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Roll out until about 5mm thick then stamp out the biscuits using a round 7.5cm cutter or shape of your choice.
4. Place on two to three greased baking trays and cook in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven.
Whisk the egg white just a little to break up, brush lightly over the biscuits and sprinkle with the caster sugar. Return to the oven for a further five minutes until just golden.
Remove and cool on a wire rack.
5. Store in an airtight tin for two to three days.
TOP TIP!
Freshen by placing them in a warm oven for three to four minutes.
Book a showroom appointment
HOME IMPROVEMENT REIMAGINED
In a marketplace crowded with retailers offering piecemeal home-improvement solutions, one company has built steadily on its modest foundations and carved out a distinctly different identity, writes Katie Hammond
Tucked handily just off the M65, the Clearly Interiors showroom is a vast 12,000 square feet hub of inspiration which has undergone several waves of transformation, mirroring the company’s growth and vision every step of the way.
Unlike the typical home improvement experience, where homeowners are left juggling designers, fitters, decorators
and delivery schedules, Clearly Interiors oversees every stage of the transformational journey, from design and planning right through to installation, decorating and final finishing touches.
It’s this start-to-finish approach that has been refined over a decade-and-a-half, which has positioned the company as one of the region’s most trusted, forward-thinking multi-room refurbishment providers.
Founded in 2010, the business began
modestly, retailing bathrooms both in-store and online. Even in its early days, the business stood out for its meticulous service and customer care. But as Director Paul Capstick explains, the ambitions were always bigger: “We never set out just to sell a product. From day one, we wanted to improve homes and improve lives. That’s where our mantra ‘Don’t move – improve’ came from – it reflects exactly who we are and what our customers value.”
THE NEW DESIGN IMMERSES VISITORS IN LIFELIKE ROOM SETS, CURATED LIFESTYLE AND INTERACTIVE DESIGN SPACES
By 2015, Clearly had already outgrown its origins. Kitchens were added to their portfolio, representing one of the most pivotal shifts in the company’s story. This expansion was supported by the introduction of German brand Nolte kitchens, a major step in aligning themselves with premium European brands. Along with bringing in specialist kitchen designers, they also launched advanced CAD software, elevating the customer design experience and helping clients visualise their dream spaces with clarity and excitement.
The Holme Road showroom has remained at the centre of showcasing the company’s vision and in 2016, a major refurbishment of the ground floor modernised the space, making room for the introduction of the Daval bedroom range, expanding their multi-room offering even further. That same year, the team launched a new in-house delivery service, ensuring greater control over lead times and customer satisfaction.
Their investment didn’t stop at bricks and mortar. Clearly Interiors demonstrated a commitment to their hometown by supporting Burnley FC player and manager lounges, reinforcing their pride in the community which has supported them since day one.
The momentum continued into 2018, which saw another full refurbishment – this time for the kitchen showroom. The addition of Bauformat kitchens and a brand-new
partnership in digital development marked Clearly Interiors as a company embracing both the renown German craftsmanship and state-of-the-art innovation.
In 2019, their relationship deepened still further, with Clearly becoming the official UK Training Centre for Bauformat, installing a full training suite above the showroom. It was a milestone which cemented their credibility not just as retailers, but as educators and leaders within the industry.
Paul continued: “Our relationships with suppliers have always been absolutely crucial. The trust we share with Bauformat and the entire Baumann Group has enabled us to grow and innovate. We massively value those partnerships and they’ve played a huge part in our success so far.”
Another watershed moment for Clearly is a fully refurbished showroom which redefines what customers can expect from a home-improvement space. Far from simply displaying products, the new design immerses visitors in lifelike room sets, curated lifestyle zones and interactive design spaces which showcase the company’s offering at its finest.
The experience is tailored for all budgets and project sizes. Whether a customer is seeking a simple bathroom refresh, a bespoke German kitchen, a walk-in wardrobe, or even a full home cinema suite, Clearly uses the same meticulous process to guide them from first idea to final sign-off.
And for Paul, this is the true measure of how far they’ve come as a business: “We’re proud to say we’re no longer just a retailer –we’re complete multi-room refurbishment providers. Whatever the room, whatever the budget, we show customers every option available to them – good, better and best. The onus and hard work are removed entirely from the customer as we plan everything, design everything, install everything and decorate everything.”
Clearly Interiors’ unique approach lies not only in their comprehensive service offering, but in their sensitivity to the realities of home renovation. Many homeowners find improvement projects overwhelming – a maze of tradespeople, timelines and unexpected challenges. Clearly set out to simply eliminate that stress.
Their streamlined process begins with a collaborative design consultation, where customers explore styles, materials and
layouts with expert designers. Thanks to state-of-the-art digital software, clients can make decisions with confidence. From there, project managers coordinate every detail – plumbing, joinery, electrics, plastering and decorating, ensuring a smooth and timely installation.
The company’s reputation as Lancashire’s go-to specialists in bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms has expanded into more ambitious areas too. Clearly Interiors are now recognised experts in multi-room transformations, with the capability to install entire home cinemas, luxury suites or integrated home technology systems – all delivered with flawless workmanship.
Despite their rapid evolution, Clearly
remains firmly rooted in Burnley. Their location – conveniently positioned just moments from Junction 11 on the M65 –makes them accessible for homeowners across Lancashire and beyond.
But being local means more to them than geography. The company continues to invest in community initiatives and partnerships, supporting local causes and championing the area they call home.
WHATEVER THE ROOM, WHATEVER THE BUDGET, WE SHOW CUSTOMERS EVERY OPTION AVAILABLE TO THEM – GOOD, BETTER AND BEST
Paul continues: “We’re very proud of where we come from. Burnley has shaped our business, our values and our people. Supporting the community is the least we can do in return.”
The story of Clearly Interiors is the story of transformation – of homes, of customer expectations and of a business which refuses to stand still. From a small bathroom retailer
in 2010 to a national training centre and multi-room refurbishment expert in 2025, the trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Yet, says Paul, the business’ philosophy remains grounded, approachable and distinctly down to earth: “‘Don’t move –improve’ isn’t just a slogan – it’s our promise. Whatever your space, whatever your vision and whatever your budget – we make it better. And we make the journey an enjoyable experience.”
With a showroom which is open from Monday to Saturday and a team that is ready to guide visitors through the next chapter of their homes, exploring kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, or dreaming up an entire home transformation – it’s effortless. Clearly Interiors stands ready to design it, plan it, install it and perfect it. n
HONOURING HERITAGE
Loom Loft, which has a store in the Ribble Valley, has partnered with renowned interior stylist Siobhan Murphy on the transformation of a stunning Grade II listed cottage
Loom Loft is delighted to announce an exciting collaboration with acclaimed interior stylist Siobhan Murphy, celebrated for her luxurious, glamorous and boldly creative approach to interior design. While Siobhan is widely known for her colourful maximalist style, her versatility allows her to adapt seamlessly to each project’s unique story and setting. For her latest renovation, she is taking a more nature-inspired direction, embracing a muted, earthy colour palette that honours the heritage and tranquil surroundings of the property.
Siobhan of Interior Curve, said: “Although I’m known for my maximalist style, this project has been a beautiful opportunity to explore a more pared-back, nature-led palette. Loom Loft’s collection offered exactly the right balance of texture, softness and craft to complement the cottage’s history. Together, we’re creating a space that feels soulful, stylish and deeply connected to its surroundings.”
Siobhan is reimagining the historic Salterhebble Lock Keeper’s Cottage in Halifax, a charming Grade II listed building set beside
the peaceful waters of Salterhebble Basin. Currently undergoing a full renovation, the detached two-bedroom preperty, with its timber windows and characterful architecture, is being transformed into a beautifully considered Airbnb retreat. The design will fuse the cottage’s historic charm with soft, calm and organic tones that echo its landscape while still carrying Siobhan’s signature layering of texture, detail and personality.
Tracy Leeming, Head of Marketing at Loom Loft, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Siobhan on such a characterful and historic project. Her ability to balance creativity with sensitivity to a building’s heritage is inspiring. The cottage has a truly unique charm and seeing Loom Loft’s pieces woven into a calm, nature-led scheme that still carries Siobhan’s signature personality is something we’re very excited to share. It’s a collaboration that celebrates craftsmanship, storytelling and the beauty of thoughtful design.”
To bring this vision to life, Siobhan has selected a curated mix of Loom Loft furniture and accessories, each chosen for their craftsmanship, warmth and ability to enhance a naturally inspired scheme. Her product picks include:
• Ravelle chunky cord sofa, snuggle chair and ottoman
Soft, tactile comfort in tonal textures to anchor the living space
• Brevin counter stools
Streamlined silhouettes for a relaxed,
sociable kitchen setting
• Sion side tables and Idol lamp
Sculptural accents that add quiet elegance and organic form
• Raven console table
A grounding piece that adds depth and architectural interest
• Kuza rug
A beautifully textured layer that brings warmth underfoot
• Rescate hall bench and coat rack
Functional yet stylish, creating a welcoming first impression
• Inspiration bookcase
Ideal for displaying curated décor, books and personal finds
Siobhan’s approach to the project blends heritage sensitivity with modern refinement, using thoughtful materials to craft a serene, nurturing space for future guests. The result will be a unique retreat that captures both the soul of the building and the calm of its waterside setting.
The project, which is set for completion soon, highlights Loom Loft’s shared commitment to expressive, high-quality interiors that honour both place and personality. n
For updates – follow on social media: Siobhan Murphy @interiorcurve and Loom Loft @loomloft_furniture_interiors
“A renewed respect for craftsmanship and longevity”
Timeless Meets Contemporary
The Rise of Modern Heritage
THIS YEAR TRY Handcrafted Furniture
Modern Heritage signals a major shift in interiors—a move away from stark minimalism toward spaces with soul, story, and purpose. Homes are becoming deeply personal again, blending restored architectural details with contemporary lines to create interiors that feel both rooted and refined. At the core of the look is a renewed respect for craftsmanship and longevity.
Homeowners are embracing pieces from multiple eras, creating spaces that evokes the past while supporting modern living.
Restored, Replicated, Celebrated
After years of uniformity, clients are seeking character and individuality. Modern Heritage delivers this by mixing antique or vintage pieces with contemporary furnishings, layered with heritage tones and tactile materials such as reclaimed timber, aged brass, linen, marble, and textured wool.
Layouts are evolving into multifunctional spaces, where rooms adapt seamlessly to everyday life from working out to working from home. Meditation nooks, spa-like bathrooms, and cleverly repurposed corners bring calm and character, while previously awkward areas become beautifully integrated storage.
Furniture designer Richard Mason, owner of The Secret Drawer, says, “Understanding the heritage of the home and how the space will be used is the starting point for designs that are both functional and beautiful. Trends come and go, but it’s always been about creating modern heritage pieces that will be loved for a lifetime.”
Richard adds:
“Details like coving, proportionate architrave, and skirting dramatically change the feel of a room. One recent project used unused staircase space to create cabinetry and panelling with mouldings that perfectly matched the existing coving.”
Benefits of Bespoke
The approach also champions adaptability—a boot room that doubles as a utility, a library-inspired office, or a house hideaway tucked beneath centuries-old beams. Original mouldings and trims aren’t replaced—they’re restored, replicated, and celebrated as defining architectural features.
Heritage colour return with confidence. Warm, earthy tones— terracotta, amber and rich blues and greens replace cool greys and stark whites. These saturated hues bring emotional depth, intimacy, and a sense of lived-in comfort.
More than a trend, Modern Heritage is a design philosophy—one that connects people to their home with the addition of stunning welldesigned, bespoke, handcrafted furniture.
The Secret Drawer design and make bespoke interiors for every room in the home. secret-drawer.co.uk
A secret door within panelling connects to snug to the kitchen
Secret door connects the kitchen to the pantry and wine room
Foldback, panelled doors reveal secret breakfast bar
This page: Barbour Endurance casual jacket RRP £449, Barbour Spey poplin short RRP £119 barbour.com
Opposite Page: Oliver Bonas red and cream striped collared knitted cardigan £68
THE NEW ERA
OF DIAMONDS
Diamonds have always symbolised love, celebration and lasting beauty – but how we create and choose them is evolving. Declan Huppach from Huppach Jewellers tells us more
In recent years, lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) have emerged as one of the most exciting developments in modern jewellery, offering exceptional beauty, innovation and accessibility without compromising on quality.
Lab-grown diamonds are exactly what the name suggests – real diamonds grown in carefully controlled laboratory environments rather than formed underground over millions of years. Chemically, physically and optically, they are identical to natural diamonds. The difference lies only in their origin. Using advanced technology, scientists recreate the conditions in which diamonds grow, allowing a diamond crystal to form layer by layer.
EACH DIAMOND TELLS A STORY OF PRECISION, SCIENCE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP – A MODERN COUNTERPART TO NATURE’S ANCIENT PROCESS
At Huppach, we primarily work with CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) lab-grown diamonds. This method encourages controlled growth and exceptional clarity, producing diamonds that are prized for their consistency and beauty. Each diamond tells a story of precision, science and craftsmanship – a modern counterpart to nature’s ancient process.
One of the most exciting aspects of lab-grown diamonds is the creative freedom they allow. From classic white diamonds to stunning coloured stones – including fancy vivid blues, pinks, yellows and greens – LGDs open the door to designs that were once considered rare or unreachable. Combined with their more accessible price point, they allow clients to choose larger stones, higher specifications or more adventurous designs at a fraction of the cost of natural diamonds.
All of our lab-grown diamonds (excluding melee stones) are fully certificated, giving complete peace of mind when it comes to authenticity, quality and grading. We also have access to diamonds – both lab grown and natural – from trusted suppliers across the world ensuring every client has choice without compromise.
Whether selecting from our wide range of stock or commissioning a bespoke ring or piece of jewellery designed around the diamond of your choice, our focus is always on craftsmanship, transparency and personal service. And while this editorial celebrates lab-grown diamonds, it’s important to note that we proudly continue to work extensively with natural diamonds too – offering guidance so every client can make the choice that feels right for them.
Lab-grown diamonds are not about replacing tradition – they’re about expanding it. A new chapter in jewellery, where innovation meets elegance – and beautiful diamonds become more attainable than ever. n
Relaxing bath soak to promote a deep sense of well-being. Unwinds the body and mind, cares for and conditions the skin. Infused with a floral woody aroma. suzannekaufmann.com
FLORAL INDULGENCE
Sooth, repair and replenish with these luxurious products harnessing the power of nature
NUXE PARIS HUILE PRODIGIEUSE® FLORALE 100ml £30
ALBUS & FLORA LIP FACIAL £30
4-in-1 advanced mask. Poly-hydroxy acid and fruit enzymes gently exfoliate. Hyaluronic filling spheres hydrate, plump and improve lip line definition. Lipo-fill technology stimulates fat cells to improve the look of fine lines and vertical wrinkles. discoverlaser.co.uk/skincare-products
N°1 DE CHANEL REVITALIZING EYE SERUM £78
Enriched with red camellia extract and camellia yeast, its gel formula boosts the skin's vitality and protects the delicate eye area. Under-eye bags, dark circles and stress lines appear reduced. chanel.com
Nourish, repair, replenish and beautify the skin of your face, body and your hair in a single step. Infuses all skin types with an irresistible satiny glow. uk.nuxe.com
FLORAL STREET SWEET ALMOND
BLOSSOM EAU DE PARFUM 100ml £110
Natural pomelo and juicy passionfruit over delicate apple blossom. Creamy vanilla, sandalwood and nutty tonka bean are beautifully balanced with crisp green matcha tea. floralstreet.com
KAMA AYURVEDA ROSE & JASMINE BODY BUTTER £39
Leaves skin intensely moisturised, soft and delicately perfumed, with an infusion of pure rose and jasmine essential oils, known for their calming yet uplifting properties. kamaayurveda.com
ESPA BERGAMOT & JASMINE BODY LOTION £21
Infused with a luxurious blend of pure essential oils including Bergamot and Jasmine, to leave the skin delicately fragranced, nourished and beautifully soft. espaskincare.com
OSKIA FLORAL WATER, PURE
MSM & ROSE TONER 150ml £59
From organic Rose Hydrolat distilled from fresh hand-harvested petals to leave skin soft, clean and conditioned. MSM, Rose Water & Vitamin B5 condition, calm and sooth. Hibiscus gently purifies and exfoliates. oskiaskincare.com
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, all prices and stockists are subject to change.
EMMA HARDIE LOTUS FLOWER TREATMENT CREAM 50ml £43
Enriched with lotus flower extract, it delivers deep hydration while calming and restoring harmony. The silky texture melts into the skin, leaving it soft, plump, and comforted. shop.emmahardie.com
SYMPTOMS
• Facial flushing
• Persistent redness on cheeks, nose, chin or forehead
• Acne-type symptoms
• Broken veins
BANISH THE BLUSH
Reclaim skin confidence and clarity with Discover Laser’s ground-breaking approach to managing rosacea symptomslearn how their innovative treatments offer hope and relief for this common yet often misunderstood condition
Principal Practitioner at Discover Laser, Dr Miguel Montero, deeply understands rosacea’s challenges, having personally experienced their impact for most of his life.
Rosacea typically begins as redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. A blood vessel disorder of the face, it usually affects women and men after turning 30. Over time, redness often becomes ruddier and more persistent and blood vessels may appear. Left untreated, pustules often develop and skin may swell and thicken in severe cases.
Despite studying medicine, Dr Montero didn’t fully understand his condition until 2007, when he attended a lecture by the acclaimed Dr. Peter Crouch, who introduced him to the possibility of treating rosacea with lasers. This revelation sparked Dr Montero’s passion to offer similar treatments to others, recognising the significant impact of rosacea on confidence and quality of life.
Over the past 15 years, Dr Montero has been at the forefront of advancements in rosacea treatment. He offers a combination of lasers, skincare and sometimes medication to control the condition for months at a time.
While there is no cure for rosacea, these treatments have been life-changing for many patients who travel from all over the UK and beyond to his clinic to seek his expertise.
His patients are delighted with the results, as one commented: “As a long-term sufferer of rosacea, I have been delighted with the huge improvement.
“There has a been a significant reduction in flushing episodes - virtually to zero. Skin breakouts similarly are rare and by no means as distressing as they were before. Changes to my skin tone and appearance are definitely noticeable and have been commented on by family, friends and work colleagues.
“I had resigned myself to living with the condition before Miguel was recommended to me, and did not expect the vast improvements that he has managed to achieve in relatively few sessions.”
Given the potential progression of symptoms from mild to moderate to severe, early diagnosis and treatment is advised. Dr Montero encourages anyone experiencing signs of rosacea to consult with a knowledgeable medical practitioner or dermatologist.
To book your ROSACEA CONSULTATION with Dr Montero, call Discover Laser’s team on 01282 420886
What causes rosacea?
The exact cause is unknown. Blood vessels change, becoming leaky and over-responsive to stimuli such as sun exposure, heat, stress, anxiety, caffeine and alcohol. Who is affected?
Rosacea affects about one in 10 people, usually between 30-60. Women are more affected, but in men it can be more severe. Can it be cured?
There is no permanent cure but laser treatments significantly reduce symptoms.
AS A LONG TERM SUFFERER OF ROSACEA, I HAVE BEEN DELIGHTED WITH THE HUGE IMPROVEMENT
~ DISCOVER LASER
PATIENT, SWINDON ~
This explains everything. It shows clearly why everything starts with our thoughts. Each ‘thought’ triggers a ‘belief’ that leads to a ‘behaviour’ that results in an ‘outcome’. Just think about a single negative thought you have and ask yourself what belief, behaviour and outcome does that generate?
Ask yourself how helpful that thought is to you? Once we identify the thought and challenge the belief system, the control passes away from the CEO and back into your own hands.
In therapy we discover where the thoughts originate from and learn how to challenge them. The moment you change one thing in the management of your thoughts, everything changes.
MIND MATTERS
Therapeutic coach Lynn Scholes explores emotional freedom, how we can achieve it in the coming year and why it’s a prize worth fighting for
Firstly, what do we mean by emotional freedom and does anyone really have it? If you are someone who has been consumed or simply affected by negative thoughts for part, or all of your life, it’s maybe hard to believe that you can remove that internal chatter and self doubt. Has there been an acceptance over time that ‘It’s just me’?
Take a moment to consider what would it be like to be free of this weight? I would like you to ask yourself four questions, writing down your answers:
• What would life be like without those challenging thoughts?
• What would I do if I didn’t have so many
doubts and fears?
• Why should I accept that this is as good as it gets?
What stops me sorting out this problem I have had for so long?
The answer to the last one is the most complex but important. In life generally when we have a problem we try to sort it out. So often we can see and touch a problem –it maybe with a car, a next door neighbour, the window cleaner not showing up. However, when it comes to our thoughts, we push that challenge to one side and live with it, even though it lasts far longer and has a far bigger impact on our lives than all the other problems put together. We can’t see it, we can’t touch it, so we can’t resolve it. That is just simply not true.
Our thoughts are the CEO of our lives. They can (for the lucky ones) be a good boss that likes you, empowers you, rewards you, supports you and develops you. They can give you freedom to reach your true potential. Or they can be the micro-managing boss that stifles you, constantly shows they don’t trust you, ignores your successes and focuses on your failures. Which boss does your thoughts represent?
> Thoughts > Beliefs > Behaviours
> Outcomes
So many clients arrive wanting to change their behaviours but the journey always begins with understanding the thoughts and challenging the beliefs those thoughts generate.
A good way to begin is to ‘performance review’ the CEO (your thoughts). How is the CEO doing? Do they deserve that key role in your life?
The great news is you can re-write the script. It is all about digging deep, doing the work, making the changes and moving into a happier life. The choice is yours.
Changing the thoughts that lead to belief is like getting a new boss, it changes everything. This time you have chosen the boss, one that supports and empowers you.
At this time of year a lot is made of goalsetting but this can begin on any day of the year.
So, what are you waiting for? Make the commitment – there are lots of books out there to get you started. However, if you are curious about working with me, please pick up the phone and let’s have a chat – no commitment, no hard sell, just a genuine passion for ensuring that you are managed by the right CEO. n
Lynn Scholes is a writer, therapeutic coach, trainer and speaker working with individuals and companies.
Craven Clinic Podiatrist, Corrine Dickson, offers a service to help tackle those painful heel, hip and knee problems, with a biomechanical assessment
BIOMECHANICS OF MOVEMENT
Biomechanical assessment is an investigation into your lower limb musculoskeletal system and its function. Looking closely at abnormalities or compensations within your lower limb, to determine underlying possible causes of heel, hip and knee pain and even lower back pain.
ORTHOTICS CAN CONTROL, REALIGN OR CUSHION THE ABNORMALITIES AND IN TURN REDUCE SYMPTOMS
During the assessment a static and dynamic assessment is made to diagnose any abnormalities. Once a diagnosis has been made, a plan of exercises or orthotics, or a combination of both may be recommended. Orthotics can control, realign or cushion the abnormalities and in turn reduce
symptoms, designed to support, align and improve the function of the feet and lower limbs during gait.
Corrine also offers treatments for: nail care, including fungal and ingrown, hard skin removal, corns, verruca and diabetic foot care. As a HCPC registered Podiatrist and member of The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, rest assured that you are in safe hands. n
Contact the clinic reception for further information, or to book an appointment
Craven Clinic Ltd Mount Pleasant High Street Skipton BD23 1JZ 01756 796690
info@cravenclinic.co.uk cravenclinic.co.uk
The Skipton Audiologist in collaboration with Claire Benton Audiology provide exceptional hearing care in the heart of Skipton for all your family. Together, we're committed to enhancing your hearing. Keeping you connected to those who matter most.
Hearing tests
Ear wax removal
Hearing technology
Tinnitus and sound sensitivity support and advice
Get Well, Stay Well at the Craven Clinic
Our clinic nestles in a quiet courtyard in the heart of Skipton, a place for change and healing in a peaceful environment
ACUPUNCTURE
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
ALLERGY TESTING
AROMATHERAPY FACIAL
BIORESONANCE
BOWEN THERAPY
BWRT®
CBT
COACHING
COUNSELLING
EAR CANDLING
HOT STONE MASSAGE
HYPNOTHERAPY
INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE
MANICURE/ PEDICURE
MASSAGE
NATURAL FACELIFT
OSTEOPATHY
PODIATRY
PSYCHOTHERAPY
REFLEXOLOGY
SMOKING CESSATION
SPORTS MASSAGE
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE MASSAGE
He lps t o relieve pain and tension in the body.
By slowly and gently stretching the fascial tissue this massage can help to improve; aches and pains, range of motion, flexibility, postural imbalances, circulation and the lymphatic system.
Also supporting recovery from surgery and injury.
For further information or to book an appointment call 01756 796690 or email info@cravenclinic.co.uk
Mother’s Day at Craven Clinic
SUNDAY 15TH MARCH 2026
Beautiful gift ideas to treat a special someone Neal’s Yard Remedies & gift sets • gift vouchers for relaxing therapies are available at the clinic & online
GET MOVING FEEL GOOD
UNITY brings energy, community and fitness together in a welcoming gym just outside Skipton offering classes, programmes and support for every goal
Nestled in the historic Embsay Mills, just outside Skipton, UNITY Gym is more than a workout space. It’s a place where people of all ages and abilities come to feel stronger, fitter and more confident while meeting others who are on the same journey. From strength sessions to Pilates programmes UNITY champions fitness that nourishes both body and mind.
Owner Ruth Wylde set up UNITY because she wanted a kind of gym that didn’t exist nearby. She wanted a space where effort was valued over ego, where coaches knew your name and where walking through the door felt like joining a community as much as joining a gym. That philosophy still guides everything UNITY does today.
Exercise is about so much more than physical gains. Training helps reduce stress, improve mood and give a sense of achievement on even the toughest days. Regular movement benefits your cardiovascular health, builds strength and supports mental wellbeing by reducing anxiety and boosting energy.
For many people the social side of attending classes and seeing familiar faces brings a sense of belonging that makes an enormous difference to how they feel outside of the gym too.
The variety at UNITY means you can find the type of training that works for you. Traditional CrossFit-style classes focus on strength and conditioning with functional movements that build resilience and power. HYROX training is great if you enjoy mixing strength with endurance work in sessions that include rowing, ski, erg and running elements. If strength building is your priority there are dedicated strength training classes that gradually increase intensity and help you lift with confidence.
THE VARIETY AT UNITY MEANS YOU CAN FIND THE TYPE OF TRAINING THAT WORKS FOR YOU
UNITY Move is a small-group training programme designed to help you move better, feel stronger and stay independent for life. Sessions focus on functional strength, balance and mobility, with carefully selected weight-bearing and resistance exercises that support bone health and help maintain bone density as we age. UNITY Move is ideal if you’ve never been to a gym before and want training that supports everyday life without high-intensity pressure. Every session is coach-led, supportive and welcoming. For those who want something lower
impact or complementary to strength work there’s reformer and mat Pilates, developed to improve flexibility, posture and core stability. Sweat sessions elevate heart rate and improve cardiovascular fitness while still catering to people at different experience levels. UNITY also runs speciality programmes like Learn to Lift and UNITY Row where coaches guide you through technique and progression in a supportive setting.
Besides classes there are personal training options for bespoke one-to-one sessions and flexible drop-in passes if you’re visiting or want to try before committing. Whatever you choose you’ll find expert coaching and a group of friendly faces cheering you on. UNITY is a place where goals are reached and new ones are set in a space that feels supportive, relaxed and energising. n
Our expert team can provide you fast access to treatment at a time to suit you.
Our Services include:
We offer a range of ways to pay including self-funding and using your private medical insurance. Please contact our team on 01274 051 592 for more information or scan the QR code.
Did you know you can now book appointments using our online booking system? Head to our website for more information
Do you know what gets my kids excited about a hike? Aside from a bucket load of snacks, they do love a good old ruin and something to conquer. Happily, this walk delivers on both fronts! Yes, you’ll encounter some of the best preserved ruins in the Pennines and bag a peak at the same time! Even if your explorers might roll their eyes
STEPPING INTO THE PAST
Great Pinseat and The Old Gang Smelting Mill is a family friendly walk that is jam-packed with downright interesting stuff to explore. Samantha Brown from the Reluctant Explorers tells us all about this walk through iconic Dales history
at the word ‘history’, there is nothing quite like going and seeing it up close. Plus, ruins are COOL and I defy anybody to persuade me otherwise!
Just in case your family are a little more dubious about the street cred of a good ruin, there’s also a stunning paddling and picnic spot at the end. Yes, spring may only be peeking through the door and the water might feel colder than that leftover fish finger at the bottom of your freezer, but I defy you to find a better way to revive your feet and settle a rumbling tummy after a
stomp around the Dales!
This walk starts at the dramatically titled Surrender Bridge, which spans Old Gang Beck.
YOU’LL ENCOUNTER SOME OF THE BEST PRESERVED RUINS IN THE PENNINES AND BAG A PEAK AT THE SAME TIME!
Far from it being the site of some ferocious battle from many years ago, the name is actually taken from the old English for ‘Suran’,
which means peaty or damp. Something we know a lot about in the Yorkshire Dales! (Although I do quite like the idea of a battle having taken place there. It feels very Game of Thrones!)
As you set off from the parking area, you’ll spot the ruins of the Surrender Smelting Mill, a Grade II listed structure, which is worth a stop off. Cross over Surrender Bridge and you might have a moment of deja-vu (if you can remember back to the 80s and 90s). It was used in the iconic opening credits for the original series of All Creatures Great and Small. The famous water splash from the same credits was a little further down this road!
IF YOU EVER SPEND TIME EXPLORING SWALEDALE, YOU’LL NOTICE THAT THERE ARE A FAIR FEW CRUMBLING RUINS, SPOIL HEAPS AND ALL KINDS OF MINING PARAPHERNALIA DOTTED AROUND
This is a truly stunning part of the Yorkshire Dales and you’re certainly in for a treat!
If you ever spend time exploring Swaledale, you’ll notice that there are a fair few crumbling ruins, spoil heaps and all kinds of mining paraphernalia dotted around. Seemingly at odds with the beautiful landscape, these ruins offer us an insight into the busy industrial mining past of the Dales, which stretches back as far as Roman times.
Fast forward a bit (ok, admittedly a lot) and you’ll hit the early 1800s, which was when Old Gang was built – and from Surrender Bridge you can walk right to the ruins. What remains of the old mill is fascinating. You’ll stumble
upon old machinery, mill buildings and old mine entrances dotted around the hillside, all ready to explore (safely I might add!).
But what is remarkable are the remains of the large peat store. On the hill next to the old mill building, you can clamber up the bank to see them up close and only then will you really appreciate the scale of this enormous structure. The building stretches nearly 120m in length and is over 6m wide. You see? BIG! You will undoubtedly spend a lot of time exploring the ruins, but this walk isn’t over yet! We’ve got a peak to bag!
Continue walking along the pretty beck towards Flincher Gill and you’ll see the huge scars of the once thriving mining industry on the sides of the moor. Believe me, there is plenty here to provoke an active imagination and once you begin to reach the giant cairn at
the top of Great Pinseat, the area around you will begin to resemble the surface of the moon!
After a satisfying tap of the top of the cairn, the walk heads back to Surrender Bridge offering spectacular views towards Arkengarthdale and Reeth, where you can take the time to check out the Surrender Mill or maybe even dip your toes (if you’re brave enough!)
After a wander in the wilds why not take the 10 minute drive down to Reeth, where you’ll find an ice cream parlour as well as a park. Or dare I say, for the grown ups, several options for a cheeky post walk pub!
That’s it! You’re all set to go exploring! n
For more information and route description, head to: thereluctantexplorers.com
ONE STEP AHEAD
Celebrating 10 years of helping customers find stylish, comfortable shoes that fit, fitright footwear are always one step ahead of the rest.
Photography: Kirsten Platt
In March this year fitright footwear are celebrating 10 years of being dedicated to helping customers think differently about footwear. Here at fitright footwear we believe that investing in well-fitting
WHAT FITRIGHT CUSTOMERS SAY…
“This is a fantastic shoe shopping experience. Very knowledgeable staff who are solution oriented. They have a great range of shoes, but no pressure to purchase on the day.
The appointment system means an effortless and attentive experience within a quiet, stress-free environment.”
Mr C
comfortable shoes will ensure good foot health and keep you active and enjoying life to the full.
What we wear on our feet is vitally important to our health and wellbeing –if our feet are hurting or very painful, we are less likely to move about as much as we should.
Fitright footwear are not like any other shoe shop on the high street. We are by
appointment only and have a professional team of shoe fitters trained to measure and fit you with shoes to help with any
foot problems you are experiencing. Our extensive product knowledge enables us to select the right shoes for your feet. Fitright footwear take enormous pride in ensuring
“Been there today after getting desperate about not being able to find shoes I could walk in. I have shocking bunions, swollen feet from arthritis and painful bones. The two ladies were professional, patient and very understanding. I expected comfort without style but how wrong was I! I came away with stylish and trendy trainers - I love them!”
Mrs D
“I recently visited fitright in Clitheroe and was thoroughly impressed by the level of service. The staff are exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful, nothing was too much trouble as they worked to find the perfect fit. It is rare to find such a combination of technical insight and genuine care. The excellent service is further complemented by the convenience of easy parking, making the entire experience seamless. For anyone seeking high-quality shoes and a professional fitting, fitright is the definitive choice.”
Mr I
that the personal one-to-one service, shoe fitting and advice we give in store is as individual as you are. We are totally unique as there is no one else quite like us on the high street.
Our customers return time after time, travelling from far and wide, to experience our expertise and quality measuring and fitting service, because they are unable to purchase their footwear anywhere else that gives their feet the comfort they are seeking. We work closely with foot health experts who regularly refer their customers to us as they are confident we can help their customers find appropriate footwear to help with their foot issues.
“A great experience from start to finish. Thank you, Julia and Neil. Yes, you need an appointment, but this means you aren’t hanging around waiting to be seen. I have Multiple Sclerosis and Julia listened to my footwear needs. She brought out a selection of shoes for me to try. I eventually settled on a pair, which Julia treated for me. This was great as the first time I wore them it rained. Lovely, knowledgeable and I would definitely recommend them.”
Ms W
Over the last 10 years we have dealt with a wide variety of foot problems such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, arthritis, hammer toes and orthotics to name a few.
Our shoes are deeper and wider than average shoes and we offer several different brands and styles which come in a range of sizes,
widths and depths to accommodate even the most awkward of feet.
Our styles include footwear with rocker sole units, Velcro, lace and zip options and shoes with stretch from brands such as Finn Comfort, Joya, Orthofeet, Waldlaufer, Fidelio and DB Wider Fit Shoes.
“So pleased to have come across fitright. For too long I have dreaded shopping for shoes because of my wide feet. Neil started by asking a few questions about my feet and what I was hoping for. Then, my feet were measured for the first time since I was a child. He brought out a series of shoes to try and find out what worked best for me. I came away with a pair of shoes and a pair of sandals that are the most comfortable I’ve had since I outgrew children’s shoes.”
Mr B
Did you know that approximately 75 per cent of the population are wearing the wrong size and shape of shoe? If your feet are hurting, they are telling you something. Sadly, it’s only when our feet start to hurt and our shoes become too painful to wear that we decide to seek help with footwear. Well-fitting shoes are not a cure but there are many problems that can be avoided and prevented simply by being fitted and wearing correctly fitting shoes.
“At last, the perfect shoe shop! It is by appointment, so you get one-to-one attention which is great. Neil was very welcoming and took care in measuring my feet and in finding the correct type of shoe that would suit me. He was very patient and eventually found the perfect pair for me. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase and would recommend fitright to anyone wanting quality footwear that actually fits comfortably.”
Mrs W
If your feet are hurting or causing you problems, why don’t you make an appointment to see the friendly and helpful staff at fitright footwear? The consultation is complimentary and there is no obligation to buy.
Fitright footwear – here to put a smile on your feet. n
and 5pm
3 Bower Road, Harrogate HG1 1BB 01423 561172
harrogate@fitrightfootwear.co.uk
32D King Street, Clitheroe BB7 2EP 01200 425399
clitheroe@fitrightfootwear.co.uk
fitrightfootwear.co.uk
comfort.fit.style _fitright
Fitright Footwear
FOR THE LOVE OF WALKING
For Mark Reid, exploring has never simply been about putting one foot in front of the other. It’s about curiosity, confidence and connection – and learning to truly understand the landscape beneath your boots, writes Katie Hammond
Owner and founder of TeamWalking, Mark is one of the UK’s most experienced outdoor professionals. A Mountain Leader, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and Accredited Practitioner of the Institute for Outdoor Learning, he has spent nearly three decades immersed in Britain’s hills, moors and mountains. Since becoming an outdoor professional in 1997, he has personally walked more than 32,000 miles of footpaths and guided over 21,000 people into the countryside.
Yet his journey began, as with many life-changing moments, with a flash of clarity in his teens: “I had an epiphany in the Yorkshire Dales when I was 16,” Mark recalls. “Something about those landscapes just clicked and I realised this was where I felt most alive.”
I HAD AN EPIPHANY IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES WHEN I WAS 16 – SOMETHING ABOUT THOSE LANDSCAPES JUST CLICKED AND I REALISED THIS WAS WHERE I FELT MOST ALIVE
After studying Geography at Lancaster University, Mark initially followed a conventional graduate path, joining Tetley’s Brewery and relocating to Birmingham. But the pull of the hills proved impossible to ignore and, at weekends, he escaped north to the Dales, walking, exploring and learning the language of contours and valleys. In 1997, he published his first walking guidebook – a decision that quietly set the course for the rest of his life. Over the next decade he wrote prolifically,
producing 17 guidebooks in total. His work appeared in national and regional press and he became known for his exceptional local knowledge and ability to translate complex navigation into something accessible and inspiring.
Then came the challenges. Foot and mouth disease restricted access to open countryside, prompting Mark to produce a series of town trail books. The 2008 financial crash followed, bookshops closed and smartphones and GPS apps began to dominate the way people planned their outdoor adventures.
“It was clear the world was changing,” Mark says. “People were following blue dots on screens rather than truly understanding where they were and the landscapes around them.”
IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT REACHING THE DESTINATION. IT’S ABOUT LEARNING HOW TO FIND YOUR WAY THERE –AND ENJOYING EVERY STEP ALONG THE WAY
Mark diversified into guiding and skills training, founding TeamWalking to bring together his writing, teaching and leadership experience and what began with navigation courses in the Yorkshire Dales in 2007 grew into a wide-ranging programme of guided walks, adventure weekends and corporate team-building experiences across the UK.
Today, TeamWalking offers everything from social walking weekends and Coast to Coast challenges to Scottish wild-camping expeditions and dark-sky experiences. A team of highly qualified freelancers support the growing schedule, though Mark remains hands-on with every aspect of the business, from route planning to administration.
What truly sets the company apart is its emphasis on navigation as a life skill rather than a digital convenience. Mark’s cognitive navigation courses explore how active mapreading builds spatial awareness, memory and confidence.
“Using an app is like using sat nav in the car,” he explains. “You get to the destination,
but you don’t really know how you arrived. When you navigate properly, your brain builds a mental map of the landscape, so you’re far more engaged and aware.”
He points to research showing that orienteers and active navigators develop stronger neurological pathways and may even reduce the risk of cognitive decline: “It’s about thinking, observing and making decisions –reading the weather and the terrain. A day on the hills uses your whole brain.”
Beyond skills, there is also community. Mark explains: “There’s a real social side as well. People love being with others who enjoy the outdoors, pushing themselves a little and learning together. We always offer moderate and more demanding routes so everyone can find their level.”
Family plays a central role in his life outdoors too. Now based in Harrogate, Mark
is married to a doctor and has two children –a son studying medicine at university and a daughter at college – both of whom grew up sharing his love of wild camping and mountain walking.
“With the business growing fast and such a hectic schedule, the passion has never faded,” he reflects. “The outdoors gives you perspective. It teaches resilience and how to be comfortable with uncertainty. In a world that’s increasingly screen-led and fast-paced, those things really matter.”
For those who join a TeamWalking experience, the reward is not just a beautiful view at the end of the day, but a deeper understanding of how to move through the landscape with confidence, curiosity and respect.
As Mark puts it simply: “It’s not just about reaching the destination. It’s about learning how to find your way there – and enjoying every step along the way.” n
teamwalking.co.uk
Move into an affordable property at Castlestead View!
If you’re over 55 and want to live
If your over 55 and want to live independently in the countryside, Castlstead View, in Oxenholme could be the perfect place for you.
We have two-bedroom apartments and a bungalow available to purchase.
Purchase a two-bedroom apartment from £60,000 for a 25 percent share!
WE ARE RECRUITING DELIVERY PEOPLE
Live Magazines need enthusiastic and reliable delivery people to join our established teams across The Dales.
These opportunities are ideally suited to distributors working independently across two or three areas.
To do this you’ll need to be physically fit, have access to your own transport and have somewhere to store the magazines.
We are looking for people across The Dales:
ESTATE LIFE
Gisburne Park Estate is owned and managed by Guy and Amber Hindley, who are converting it into a thriving five-star resort
It was wonderful to see King Charles III visit the Ribble Valley again recently for the second time in a few months. When I was a child, the then Prince of Wales came to stay with my family at Gisburne Park for a couple of nights during which he joined the Pendle Forest and Craven Hunt for a day’s hunting.
After the day’s hunting he returned to the hall to enjoy hot crumpets and Marmite by the fire, which he mentioned was “delicious” and the first time he had tried it. For our family, the visit was more than a royal occasion – it was a reminder of
the estate’s enduring tradition of hospitality. Over the years Gisburne Park has welcomed many historic characters including Winston Churchill and Oliver Cromwell.
Spring has sprung at Ribblesdale Park and with it comes the return of live music at Hindelinis. Whether you’re glamping under starry skies, staying in a lodge or holiday home, or popping by as a local, Hindelinis is where everyone comes together. This year we
OVER THE YEARS GISBURNE PARK HAS WELCOMED MANY HISTORIC CHARACTERS INCLUDING WINSTON CHURCHILL AND OLIVER CROMWELL
will be running an enhanced live music program including Friday evenings, Saturday and Sunday days. From homemade organic dishes to refreshing cocktails and fine wines, the music, laughter and sense of community make it the beating heart of the park.
The wedding season is nearly upon us. Our sail-tent, set in a private 10-acre valley surrounded by woodland and flowing water, is looking as magical as ever. Couples are invited to our wedding showcase on the 24th and 25th of April, from 11am to 3pm, to experience first hand the valley, riverside ceremony and our listed bridal house. Please register via the website: ribblesdalepark. com/weddings/.
Spring at Ribblesdale Park is about community, wellbeing and savouring the simple joys of estate life. Whether for a meal, a wedding, a glamping weekend, or estate-grown produce, we can’t wait to welcome you. n
WEDDING SHOWCASE
24th & 25th April 11am – 3pm Register at: ribblesdalepark.com/weddings/
Gisburne Park Estate Mill Lane, Gisburn BB7 4LP 01200 415300
Is the Dales as accessible as it could be for those with disabilities? Victoria Benn describes the inroads made by a charity with a mission
Ifirst discovered Debbie North and her inspiring story at the launch of her book, Walks Without Stiles, at Ilkley Literature Festival in 2023. To a packed and diverse audience, Debbie spoke about her love of her job as a primary school head teacher and the walking she’d done with her husband Andy. Her story then moved to the diagnosis of spinal degeneration, the loss of her mobility and ultimately the loss of her beloved Andy.
Determined to honour the memory of Andy, Debbie, despite now being a wheelchair user, aspired to once again climb to the top of a mountain to enjoy some of the views they’d enjoyed together. So was born Access the Dales, a Yorkshire Dales charity with the mission of making the inaccessible, accessible. One of the charity’s trustees is Jonathan
‘Where 2 Walk’ Smith, a walking and navigation expert who has also supported Debbie with her personal goals and the organisation of events and partnerships for the charity.
Over the last three years the charity has achieved much, establishing 14 ‘off road’ wheelchair hubs across Lancashire and North Yorkshire, including popular locations like Aysgarth Falls and Malham, with each hub operating a bookable, free loan scheme for people to borrow all terrain wheelchairs –expensive kit with the power and tyres needed to provide off-road independence and make light work of gravel tracks, shallow fords and grassy footpaths.
HER STORY THEN MOVED TO THE DIAGNOSIS OF SPINAL DEGENERATION, THE LOSS OF HER MOBILITY AND ULTIMATELY THE LOSS OF HER BELOVED ANDY
Debbie says: “One particularly successful project has been our partnership with Ribblehead Station where we now have a hub. Together, we’ve used the Settle-Carlisle Line
to demonstrate that train travel into the Dales is achievable and enjoyable. Groups we’ve welcomed include Deaf Experience from Leeds and the Parkinson’s Support Group from Skipton. For many of these participants, it was their very first visit to the Dales.”
In 2025 alone Access the Dales engaged with and helped more than 500 people with disabilities, including many children –made possible through the junior terrain hoppers now available at several locations. With Friends of the Dales having co-hosted two walking events with the charity, I can also testify to the life-line the charity offers –not just a chance for fresh air and access to nature – vital for mental health and wellbeing, but also the opportunity for individuals to feel the field grass under their feet, something one woman I was walking with thought she’d never do again. An emotional moment which will stay with her – and me – forever.
I just hope the funds are available for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to continue expanding its ‘miles without stiles’ so many more routes become available to many more people who will benefit most. n
provided stability so that farms could remain whole, and family legacies could continue without financial disruption. Generally, the relief was given at 100 per cent of the agricultural value of the property, although in some circumstances only 50 per cent relief was given. These particular assets (that qualify for 50 per cent relief) will remain unchanged by the new regime. That certainty was shaken by the Autumn Budget announcements of 2024, which first proposed capping 100 per cent relief at £1 million per individual. However, after widespread concern among farmers, the government revised its plans. In December 2025, it confirmed that the allowance for both APR and BPR would rise significantly – from £1 million to £2.5 million per individual, with the full allowance transferable between spouses or civil partners. This gives farming couples the ability to pass on up to £5 million in qualifying assets tax-free.
CONTENTIOUS PROBATE IN FARMING FAMILIES
Inheritance tax reforms taking effect in 2026 are reshaping farm succession, fuelling family disputes and making specialist contentious probate advice increasingly vital for rural estates, writes Luca Angarano from Walker Foster
For generations, British farming families have relied on favourable and consistent inheritance tax (IHT) rules to keep land and agricultural businesses intact as they pass from one generation to the next. Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief
(BPR) have long ensured that family farms could be transferred without the crushing tax bills that might otherwise force sales, fragmentation, or the loss of livelihoods. But upcoming changes to these rules –coming into force from April 2026 – are causing significant tension in rural communities. As families scramble to understand how the reforms affect their estates, disputes over wills, succession planning and the future of family farms are on the rise. Solicitors specialising in contentious probate are now more essential than ever.
A HIGHER TAX BILL CAN FORCE THE SALE OF LAND TO EQUALISE INHERITANCES, WHICH CAN DEVASTATE BOTH FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AND THE FARM’S VIABILITY
The New IHT Landscape for Farmers
Until recently, APR and BPR allowed qualifying farms and business assets of unlimited value to pass down free of inheritance tax, provided specific criteria were met. For decades, this
This change represents a major softening of the earlier proposal and is expected to reduce by half the number of family estates affected by the reforms. Government figures suggest that about 85 per cent of estates claiming agricultural property relief in 2026/27 will pay no more inheritance tax under the revised structure. Nevertheless, for families whose estates exceed the new thresholds, the impact can be significant. Assets above the cap will be subject to an effective 20 per cent tax rate rather than the full 40 per cent, but this still represents a substantial tax burden –particularly in a sector with highly immovable assets such as farmland.
How the Changes Are Fuelling Family Disputes
Even beneficial reforms create uncertainty –and uncertainty is fertile ground for conflict. The IHT changes are prompting discord within farming families in several ways:
1. Disagreements Over Succession Planning
With reliefs now capped, families exceeding the threshold must make difficult decisions about how to structure their estates. Arguments can arise over whether land
should be gifted during lifetime, held in trust, or retained until death, each option carrying tax consequences. The complexity of mixeduse estates – farmland, diversification businesses, rental units – adds further fuel for disagreement.
2. Perceived Inequality Between Heirs Farms are often left to one heir – traditionally the child involved in running the business –while non-farming siblings receive cash or other assets. If increased tax liabilities reduce the value of the estate, siblings may feel short-changed. A higher tax bill can force the sale of land to equalise inheritances, which can devastate both family relationships and the farm’s viability.
3. Disputes Over the Validity or Interpretation of Wills
Shifting tax rules often prompt will revisions. In blended families or situations where elderly farmers update wills late in life, allegations of undue influence or lack of capacity may arise. These claims fall squarely within the realm of contentious probate.
4. Conflicts Linked to Trust Structures
The extended applicability of the new
APR/BPR allowance to qualifying trusts is helpful, but also legally technical. Misunderstandings about how trusts work, who controls them and who benefits from them frequently escalate into disputes.
THE UPCOMING CHANGES TO INHERITANCE TAX RELIEFS, THOUGH MITIGATED BY RECENT GOVERNMENT ADJUSTMENTS, REPRESENT ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SHIFTS IN AGRICULTURAL
ESTATE PLANNING IN DECADES
5. Tensions Triggered by Financial Pressures
Although many estates will remain protected, those above £5 million (for couples) still face sizeable tax charges. Combined with rising costs, volatile markets and succession expectations, tax-triggered liquidity pressures can heighten emotional and financial conflict.
Conclusion: Stability Through Specialist Support
The upcoming changes to inheritance tax
Changing inheritance tax rules mean that even well-planned estates can face uncertaintyand sometimes dispute.
At Walker Foster, we help farming families protect what matters most: their land, their livelihood, and their legacy.
reliefs, though mitigated by recent government adjustments, represent one of the most significant shifts in agricultural estate planning in decades. While many farms will remain protected, the introduction of a relief cap – however generous – has created uncertainty and sparked family disputes across the country.
For farming families navigating this evolving landscape, early legal advice is critical. Solicitors specialising in contentious probate bring clarity, structure and fairness to emotionally charged situations. Their expertise not only resolves disputes but also safeguards the farms and rural businesses that sit at the heart of Britain’s agricultural heritage.
If your family is grappling with these issues, seeking proactive legal support could make all the difference. n
Walker Foster is here to make a difference in the Dales farming community, having been trusted by generations of families to do so. Reach out to Luca Angarano on 01756 700200 or via email to la@walkerfoster.com to discuss any contentious probate issues we may be able to help you with.
Quiet expertise. Practical advice.
Trusted locally.
WALK THE NORTH WEST WAY
Enjoy beautiful countryside and learn some fascinating facts on this 13-mile walk
This hike is Day 4 of the North West Way, a long distance walk from Preston to Carlisle by Steve Garrill.
MALHAM TO HORTON-IN-RIBBLESDALE
DISTANCE: 13 miles
ASCENT: 2,320’
DESCENT: 2,200’
TERRAIN: Paths and tracks. A small amount of road and lane walking.
START: Malham
MAPS: OL2 Yorkshire Dales Southern & Western
CIRCULAR WALK: Train from Horton-inRibblesdale to Settle. DalesBus to Malham.
Head north along Cove Road. Pick up the Pennine Way which forks off to the right onto a pathway which approaches the Cove beside Malham Beck. It then bears left up a stepped path to the clifftop. Pass through a gate, turn left for a few yards and then right across the limestone paving.
The cliff is 260’ high and 984’ across and was once a waterfall at the end of the last ice age greater in size than the Niagara Falls. On the 6th December 2015 the waterfall came back, making it for a few hours the highest single drop waterfall in England. The limestone paving is caused by the action of slightly acidic rain over many thousands of years on small grooves and hollows in the limestone, which become ‘clints’ (the blocks of limestone) and ‘grykes’ (the gaps) creating a unique habitat for rare wild flowers and ferns. Continue in the same direction keeping fairly close to the edge until you reach a wall where you turn left, following a sign for the Pennine Way. Cross a stile into Malham Tarn Nature Reserve. Cross another stile,
ON THE
6TH DECEMBER 2015 THE WATERFALL CAME BACK, MAKING IT FOR A FEW HOURS THE HIGHEST SINGLE DROP WATERFALL IN ENGLAND
up some stone steps and over another stile. Turn sharp right back on yourself. At an indistinct junction of tracks bear right to eventually emerge onto flat grasslands. Follow signs for Malham Tarn. On reaching a road turn right and then left to follow the grassy path to Malham Tarn.
Photography: Peter
Malham Tarn is a natural upland lake which lies on 400-million-year-old impervious silurian slate. It has a surface area of 150 acres and an average depth of 2.4 metres with a maximum depth of 4.4 metres. The tarn has a reputation for excellent trout and is also home to many water birds including curlews, mallards and greater crested grebe which are protected in a sanctuary on the western shore.
The path eventually joins the main drive which follows the east shore to enter Malham Tarn National Nature Reserve. Follow the track past Malham Tarn House bearing right, left and right into the woods. Turn right at a gate just before a house onto a grassy path. Follow this path for some distance until you cross a stile next to a gate. Ignore the Pennine Way sign pointing to the right but continue to the road and turn right. Continue until you reach a track on the left to Tennant Gill Farm.
THE LAND OF FOUNTAINS FELL WAS OWNED IN THE 13TH CENTURY BY THE CISTERCIAN MONKS OF FOUNTAINS ABBEY 25 MILES TO THE EAST
The track bears left past the farmyard and then straight ahead with a fence on the right hand side, with which it eventually converges. Cross a stile and then turn left (clearly marked Pennine Way). After a short distance turn right at another Pennine Way signpost and follow the line of an old stone wall and the old miners’ track. At a corner of the old stone wall you leave the old wall and head northeast and then northwards. The path climbs over Fountains Fell (2,192’) and then down the other side to reach a road.
The land of Fountains Fell was owned in the 13th century by the Cistercian monks of Fountains Abbey 25 miles to the east, near Ripon, who used it for sheep grazing. Coal was mined from 1790 to 1860 and used for local lead smelting. There were several pits and shafts near the summit and the remains of a coke oven building. The path up Fountains Fell was originally a miner’s track.
On reaching the road turn left to cross a cattle grid. Continue along the road past Rainscar House Farm and, just past some roadside parking, turn right to pass Dale Head Farm. Pass Churn Milk Hole and then swing north towards Pen-y-Ghent. Just before the path up Pen-y-Ghent becomes steep, take the path to
the left down towards Bracken Bottom and Horton-in-Ribblesdale. (If you are feeling energetic you can continue over the summit, down the other side and then take a left into Horton-in-Ribblesdale.)
Continue downhill to eventually turn right onto a road which takes you to the village. Pass the primary school. Continue to the end and turn right to the Golden Lion and to the end of the village for The Crown. Continue to reach the railway station.
Pen-y-Ghent translates (from Welsh!) as “hill of the winds” – aptly named as I have never been up there without it being windy. At 2,277’ above sea level on a clear day it is possible to see Ingleborough and Whernside
(the other two peaks of the famous Yorkshire 3 Peaks) as well as Pendle Hill, the Bowland Fells, the Howgills and Great Shunner Fell. n
Scan the QR code to order.
North West Way (Preston-Carlisle) by Steve Garrill is available from Plackitt & Booth Booksellers in Lytham.
A great ret irement starts with
a great
plan
Retirement is yours to define, whether it's travel, personal growth or simply the freedom to do what you love. Start planning today.
The proposed so-called ‘Family Farm Tax’ proved particularly controversial, eventually prompting a government U-turn. Whilst thresholds for tax-free transfers may have since been increased, many families argue that the changes still fall short of protecting long-established estates.
Against this backdrop, confusion is growing – and so is anxiety. Many families are deeply concerned about how these changes could affect their children and grandchildren.
The truth is, most people don’t fully understand inheritance tax and they don’t know where to begin when it comes to reducing its impact. Yet IHT is one of the very few taxes where, with the right planning, it may be possible to significantly reduce –or even eliminate – the amount paid.
Timing is critical. Effective inheritance tax planning often needs to be put in place years in advance, not rushed through later in life. As with so much in financial planning, you don’t know what you don’t know – and that’s where expert advice becomes invaluable.
Sarah Siddons, Chartered Financial Planner at Bowcliffe Wealth Management, explains: “Inheritance tax planning isn’t about last-minute fixes or loopholes. It’s about
A MISUNDERSTOOD TAX
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is one of the most complex – and misunderstood – areas of financial planning. It’s also one that’s littered with acronyms, half-truths and persistent myths, writes Katie Hammond
The myths around inheritance tax can cause unnecessary worry for families. “I can only gift £3,000 a year.” “If I give my children a large sum, they’ll be taxed on it.” “When the time comes, I’ll just sign my house over to the kids.”
These are some of the most common assumptions people make – and while they sound logical, they’re often incomplete or simply wrong.
Add in a bewildering list of technical terms – PETs, CLTs, GWRs (often misheard as GOONE), BPR, APR, taper relief – and it’s no surprise that many people switch off entirely. Unfortunately, doing nothing can be the most expensive decision of all.
Inheritance tax legislation has undergone
multiple and complex changes since the Labour Budget of Autumn 2024, with some of these changes coming into force from April 2026 and further reforms due to follow in April 2027. As a result, far more people are now at risk of paying inheritance tax than ever before.
THE TRUTH IS, MOST PEOPLE DON’T FULLY UNDERSTAND INHERITANCE TAX AND THEY DON’T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN WHEN IT COMES TO REDUCING ITS IMPACT
Simply owning a family home that has increased in value over time, or building up a pension to fund retirement, can now push people – many of whom would not consider themselves wealthy – into the IHT net and with the current rate sitting at 40 per cent, the potential cost to families can be hugely significant.
Two of the most complicated and widely discussed changes relate to the rules around passing on pensions and businesses, including farms and agricultural estates.
understanding the rules, planning early and making informed decisions which align with your family’s values and long-term goals. With the right advice, many people are surprised by how much can be done.
“If you’re unsure how recent changes may affect you, or you’ve assumed there’s nothing you can do, now is the time to act.
A conversation with an experienced adviser could help protect what you’ve spent a lifetime building – ensuring it benefits the people you care about most, rather than the taxman.”
Bowcliffe Wealth Management Ltd is a Senior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place, offering personal and face to face advice to clients throughout the country. n
At Goosnargh Lodge Park, Tedd and Liz Walmsley discovered a more thoughtful approach to lodge living, combining space, design freedom and a refreshingly unpressurised buying experience
Set against rolling countryside and wide Lancashire skies, Goosnargh Lodge Park reveals itself slowly, rewarding those willing to pause, look around and imagine a different pace of life. It is a place defined not by spectacle but by calm confidence. Where space, silence and thoughtful design come together to create an environment that feels considered, grounded and quietly special.
From the very first visit, Liz and I sensed that this was not going to be a typical property purchase. There was no hard sell, no sense of being hurried towards a decision and no feeling that we were being steered down a pre-determined path. Instead, at the lodge park, we were met with time, patience
and a genuine desire to understand what we were looking for. Stephen Ohanlon and his team created an atmosphere that was calm, informed and quietly reassuring, allowing us to explore the park, ask questions and imagine ourselves here without pressure, only possibility.
OPEN VIEWS, CAREFULLY POSITIONED PLOTS AND A SENSE OF PRIVACY THAT NEVER FELT CUT OFF
What immediately struck us was the space. Not just the physical space between lodges, but the way the whole park had been designed to breathe. Open views, carefully
positioned plots and a sense of privacy that never felt cut off. It felt peaceful rather than remote and exclusive without being closed. Walking the grounds, it was easy to picture slow mornings, long lunches on the deck and evenings where the only soundtrack was birdsong and the soft hush of the countryside settling for the night.
The choice available was another revelation. A wide range of lodge styles, manufacturers and layouts meant we could compare, contrast and really understand what suited both our lifestyle and our aesthetic. Although our purchase was with the lodge park, our personal tastes and priorities ultimately led us towards a lodge built by Your Retreats, manufactured locally in Accrington. There was something deeply reassuring about choosing a lodge crafted so close to home, where quality, pride and accountability are part of everyday working life rather than distant promises.
For Liz, whose passion for design and soft furnishings runs deep, the process became
as much about creativity as it was about construction. The opportunity to select finishes, colour palettes, textures and detailing turned the experience into a genuine collaboration. This was not about ticking boxes on a specification sheet – it was about shaping atmosphere, light, warmth and flow. Every choice, from cabinetry to fabrics, from flooring to lighting, was guided, discussed and refined with care, ensuring the final result felt both personal and timeless.
Being invited to watch the lodge being built only deepened that connection. Visiting the factory and seeing the structure take shape, piece by piece, brought a sense of involvement that is rare in modern property purchases. We could see the craftsmanship, the attention to insulation, glazing and energy efficiency and the quiet pride taken in doing things properly. The eco-conscious approach was evident throughout, not as a marketing label but as a practical philosophy, ensuring the lodge would sit comfortably within its landscape and perform efficiently throughout the seasons.
As the lodge was delivered and positioned on its plot and the finishing touches were completed, our focus naturally widened to the park itself. One of the most appealing aspects of life here is the sense of community that is gently, organically forming. Owners stop to chat, share stories of their builds,
exchange recommendations and gradually build familiar faces into their routines.
There is a warmth to it and a feeling of security too, supported by the thoughtful management and the calm, well-ordered nature of the park.
The peace, however, remains the defining luxury. The absence of traffic, the rhythm of the surrounding countryside, the changing light and the stillness of early mornings and quiet evenings create an environment that feels genuinely restorative. Yet it never feels isolated. Villages, walks, local amenities and connections are all close enough to make everyday life easy, while the park itself remains a sanctuary from noise and hurry.
THE 52-WEEK LICENCE ADDS TO THAT SENSE OF FREEDOM AND CONTINUITY, ALLOWING OWNERS TO ENJOY THEIR LODGES ACROSS THE FULL SWEEP OF THE YEAR
The 52-week licence adds to that sense of freedom and continuity, allowing owners to enjoy their lodges across the full sweep of the year, from crisp winter days to long summer twilights, without the artificial limits of a short season. It supports a lifestyle rather than a fleeting escape, one shaped
around routine, relaxation and the simple pleasure of returning to a place that always feels welcoming.
Looking back, what stands out most is how seamlessly everything came together. The unpressurised guidance from Stephen and the team, the breadth of choice, the involvement in the build, the bespoke design process, the eco-aware construction, the safety, the space and the growing community spirit all combined to create something far richer than a straightforward purchase.
For those who value quality over haste, tranquillity over noise and personal involvement over off-the-shelf solutions, this is a place that speaks quietly but with conviction. If, like us, you are seeking a more considered way of living in a setting that offers space, security and serenity in equal measure, a conversation with Stephen and the team could be the first step towards turning that vision into reality. n
Families, friends, organisations and local groups are being invited to paddle together in support of charities that matter to them
The Principle Trust Children’s Charity is preparing for its Dragon Boat Race 2026, set to take place on Sunday 10th May 2026, at Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa.
Dragon boat racing is one of the UK’s most dynamic and inclusive team sports, combining the exhilaration of competitive racing with unforgettable team‑building experiences. Each boat will be crewed by 10 paddlers and one drummer, working in synchronised rhythm to cross the finish line first in a series of head‑to‑head heats across
the picturesque Coniston Estate lake. Participants don’t need previous experience, just enthusiasm, teamwork and the desire to make a difference!
The Charity Dragon Boat Race unites competitive spirit with meaningful fundraising. While The Principle Trust Children’s Charity is a central beneficiary, teams are encouraged to support any cause close to their hearts, from local grassroots organisations to national charities. Every paddle stroke contributes to vital funds that help transform lives.
The day promises more than just racing. Participants and spectators alike can enjoy a full suite of amenities and entertainment on site. The Coniston Hotel will serve a range of hot and cold food with options for various dietary needs. Drinks and snacks will be available throughout the event and there will also be ice cream – perfect for a sweet break between races.
A comprehensive event handbook will be provided to teams upon booking, outlining the race format, safety guidance and what to bring for an optimal day on the water. Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly. Teams keen to secure their place are encouraged to book early.
To register or express interest, email lauren. green@theprincipletrust.co.uk.
EVERY PADDLE STROKE CONTRIBUTES TO VITAL FUNDS THAT HELP TRANSFORM LIVES
The Principle Trust Children’s Charity is a Yorkshire based charity that provides free respite breaks for children facing adverse childhood experiences such as mental health challenges, trauma, abuse, serious illnesses, or disabilities to improve well being and create lasting memories with their family. Every penny raised goes directly to support these breaks.
Lauren Green, Holiday & Events Coordinator, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome teams from across the Dales to the Charity Dragon Boat Race 2026. It’s such a fun, inclusive way for people to come together, challenge themselves and support causes that truly make a difference. The atmosphere on the lake is always electric, with paddlers and spectators alike enjoying the stunning surroundings, delicious food and the sheer joy of teamwork. It’s a day that celebrates community, outdoor adventure and giving back – and we can’t wait to see everyone making waves for charity.” n
DRAGON BOAT RACE
Date: Sunday 10th May 2026
Time: 9am to 4pm
Venue: Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa Skipton, North Yorkshire
Entry: £699 per boat (includes all equipment, safety gear and full instruction)
theprincipletrust.co.uk
WALK. DISCOVER. DINE...
The Ribble Valley’s Best Pub Walks Await!
Explore the Ribble Valley’s most charming pubs and inns - each offering locally sourced food, real ales, and scenic walking routes straight from the doorstep.
Whether you’re out with family, friends, or four-legged companions, these countryside gems are the perfect spots to refresh and refuel. Pick your favourite, or make it your mission to visit them both this spring!
ASSHETON ARMS
Downham
Nestled in the picture-perfect village of Downham, the Assheton Arms is the kind of country pub dreams are made of. From ancient beams to open fires and stunning views of Pendle Hill, it’s the ultimate spot to relax, refuel or enjoy a cosy countryside stay.
Stunning views across Pendle countryside
Real ales & seasonal pub food
Great walking & cycling countryside
Dogs and muddy boots always welcome
WADDINGTON ARMS
Waddington
Located at the heart of the picture postcard village of Waddington, the Waddington Arms is the hub of this vibrant little community. It’s the perfect place to stay, eat, drink, relax and catch up with friends.
The ideal base to a multitude of walks
Dog friendly
Relaxed dining & great food
Beautiful beer garden & play area
RAISING THE BAR
Fine food small plates, elevated wine pairings and luxurious accommodation mark the next chapter for Everything Retreat
Everything Retreat in the Ribble Valley has always been a destination for bespoke countryside escapes but now it is taking things to the next level in luxury and gastronomy. At the heart of the transformation is founder Louise Monk who is working alongside Stuart Clark, who recently joined the team as Food and Beverage Manager. Stuart’s vast experience in hospitality is now being channelled into curating an exceptional, award-worthy food and wine experience for guests at the retreat. Alongside Louise, Stuart and his team are working in close collaboration in order to enhance the current wine menu and offer wine pairings to complement the Balance Bar’s small plates menu, which
has been elevated into something that sits comfortably alongside the region’s best fine food and premium wines. Stuart is also perfecting a curated collection of fine wines available for delivery to guests in their lodge.
At the Balance Bar, small plates are a clever contemporary take on traditional dishes designed to delight and surprise. The menu showcases a line-up of enticing options from artisan breads to panko crusted North Sea cod with crushed peas, warm tartare sauce, curry aioli and salt and vinegar potato scraps. Moroccan lamb Merguez sausage with smoky harissa hummus, crispy chickpeas, cumin, sour cream and mint oil also features
EVERYTHING RETREAT SPECIAL OFFER!
Book three nights or more and receive £100 off your stay. Use code ER100. 01254 965095 everything-retreat.com
among the wide choice of dishes that let quality ingredients sing on a menu that embodies a balance of texture and flavour and sets a new benchmark for delicious yet refined dishes.
Every element of the Balance Bar experience reflects an eye for detail and commitment to quality that makes dining there a memorable experience for guests staying in the luxury on-site lodges that offer private terraces, hot tubs and log burners for the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Guests also have the option of having food delivered to their door – a current offer features home-made pizzas, plus wine or beer.
THE SMALL PLATES
MENU SHOWCASES A LINE-UP OF ENTICING OPTIONS FROM ARTISAN BREADS TO PANKO CRUSTED NORTH SEA COD WITH CRUSHED PEAS, WARM TARTARE SAUCE AND CURRY AIOLI
The exquisite on-site lodges, are all finished to the same exacting standards specified by Louise and the team and looking ahead, there are exciting plans in the pipeline, which will add another layer of luxury to the offering at Everything Retreat. n
Everything Retreat
Primrose Hill
Primrose Lane
Mellor BB2 7EQ 01254 965095 everything-retreat.com
DESIGNED WITH CREATIVITY, BUILT WITH PASSION
GARDENS DESIGNED WITH INTENTION
HAVE YOU EVER LOOKED OUT OF THE WINDOW AT YOUR GARDEN AND THOUGHT “WHERE DO I EVEN START?’
AND THE ANSWER IS , IT ALWAYS STARTS WITH THE DESIGN.
WE TRULY BELIVE THAT A GREAT DESIGN, ALWAYS STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION. WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO GET OUT OF YOUR GARDEN AND HOW YOU IMAGINE YOURSELVES USING THE SAPCE.
FROM THERE WE CAN TRULY CREATE YOU YOUR DREAM GARDEN.
THE PROCESS
AT HOME CONSULTATION
(A CONVERSATION ABOUT WHAT YOU NEED)
* CONCEPT DESIGN
(INTIAL LAYOUT, SHOWCASING IDEAS AND MATERIALS)
* GARDEN INVESTMENT REPORT
(BASED ON THE CONCEPT, WHAT IS THE GARDEN GOING TO COST)
* FINAL GARDEN DESIGN PACKAGE
(GARDEN MASTERPLAN WITH 3D VISUALS OF THE GARDEN- A FULL COMPREHENSIVE QUOTE FOR THE GARDEN)
*
A PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN AND SCHEDULE OF WORKS
(WE MANAGE THE BUILD FROM START TO COMPLETION, SO ALL YOU NEED TO WORRY ABOUT IS WHO’S ORGANISING THE GARDEN PARTIES)
FROM SCIENTIST TO SHEEP-WHISPERER
Swaledale sheep are casting a spell over increasing numbers of people. Kate Bowyer meets Graham Bottley – scientist, shepherd and sheep-whisperer passing on his husbandry skills to people from all walks of life
What do cancer research, cricket and shepherding have in common? Arriving at Graham Bottley’s yard in Hunton, just outside Bedale, from which he runs award-winning Swaledale Mutton and his sheep husbandry courses, I begin to unpick the riddle.
“I’ve got a PhD in immunology and was a cancer research scientist at the University
of Leeds for eight years,” he begins. Not the typical route into sheep farming – but the Dales had him long before the lab did, with family connections going back generations and every childhood holiday spent exploring the moors and valleys.
“I remember looking out of the car window aged about seven, thinking one day, I want some sheep,” he recalls, a childhood notion reawakened years later at his village cricket
club. “A friend mentioned a spare field needing grazing. I said I’d take it,” Graham laughs. “He said: ‘But you haven’t got any sheep.’ I said: ‘Not yet!’”
A visit to the Great Yorkshire Show followed, where one breed stopped him in his tracks.
“Swaledales – proper hill sheep, packed with character.” Within weeks, he had ten ewes, a tup and a lot of learning to do.
I REMEMBER LOOKING OUT OF THE CAR WINDOW
AGED ABOUT SEVEN, THINKING ONE DAY, I WANT SOME SHEEP
That was 20 years ago, during which Graham built up a reputation for supplying high quality Swaledale Mutton to local butchers and restaurants, including top chef Frances Atkins at the Yorke Arms in Ramsgill, earning him a “blink and you’ll miss it” appearance on Saturday Kitchen.
As Covid closed restaurants, Graham switched to supplying the public directly. Losing his farm a year ago – always a risk for the tenant farmer – has meant temporarily downsizing the meat-producing side of his business until flock size can be built back up again.
Yet out of this apparent setback grew something unexpected – the increasing demand for Graham’s sheep handling courses, now the heart of his work. For £85 a day, course members get hands-on with the realities of keeping sheep on a small scale – with a generous home-cooked lunch, sometimes featuring Graham’s awardwinning mutton – included. He describes each event as a “comprehensive course for novice sheep keepers”.
Surveying a paddock of handsome sheep
contentedly grazing, I discover the wide range of reasons people are signing up. Inspired by The Good Life or Move to the Country, some want pets in a paddock, others to start a career in smallholding, one attendee a petting zoo.
SOMEONE FROM THE FOREIGN OFFICE WORKING IN SUDAN SPOTTED THE COURSE WHEN HOME ON HOLIDAY AND WANTED TO COMPARE FARMING PRACTICES
A significant number are horse-owners. Sheep, I learn, are not only excellent companion animals, but also keep pasture healthy by removing parasites.
There really is no typical sheep-curious
client: “Many aren’t looking to keep sheep at all – inner city families, retired couples, groups of friends, who just want to connect with the livestock in our landscape, with an interest in making choices about where their food comes from,” Graham says.
As long as you turn up in appropriate outdoor clothing, everyone’s welcome.
“Someone from the Foreign Office working in Sudan spotted the course when home on holiday and wanted to compare farming practices. One lady now keeps Valais Blacknose sheep (a fluffy Swiss breed giving Shaun the Sheep serious competition for cuteness). She trains them for weddings – the bride walks up the aisle with one on a lead!”
Courses blend theory with hands-on practice, adaptable by season (lambing, tupping, pasture management) and participants’ requirements. We talk fencing, breeds, transport, hoof shears and the “dreaded but essential” paperwork that can trip up a beginner.
Education isn’t just one-way: “One of my most inspiring groups was young adults with learning disabilities from a specialist college farm. They were incredible with the animals, so calm and attentive. Without knowing it, they taught me so much, too,” Graham says.
Standing among the sheep, with curlews calling overhead, it’s easy to see the appeal. This isn’t just about livestock, it’s about connections – to land, to food, to rural life and the seasons – that many people feel are slipping out of reach.
As I leave, it strikes me that Graham’s path from university laboratory to lambing pen makes perfect sense after all. Here in the Dales, the classroom assistants just happen to have four legs and a woolly coat. n
swaledalemutton.com
RESTAURANT
Relaxed elegance meets exceptional dining in our onsite restaurants, The Saddle Room & The White Goose. Our menus celebrate the very best seasonal produce, to highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients throu ghout the year. Renowned for our much-loved Sunday roasts, we offer a truly memorable dining experience. With warm hospitality and impeccable service at the heart of everything we do, our restaurants are the ideal setting for everything from leisurely lunches to special celebrations.
WEDDINGS & EVENTS
Choose from a collection of distinctive wedding and event spaces, each offering its own unique blend of character, charm, and quirky elegance. Delight your guests with imaginative menus, sip champagne by impressive feature fireplaces, and celebrate in truly memorable surroundings. For larger celebrations, The Bell Barn provides a beautiful setting for up to 120 guests, while The Hayloft and the Wine Cellar create an intimate backdrop, perfect for gatherings of up to 40 guests
ACCOMMODATION
Stay in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, next door to the world’s most curious attraction – The Forbidden Corner. Our collection of luxurious B&B rooms and fully equipped self-catering cottages offers the perfect base for exploring Tupgill Park and the breathtaking surrounding countryside. With nin e elegant guest rooms and eight charming cottages available, we provide an ideal setting for wedding parties and family gatherings, keeping everyone comfortably together in one unforgettable location.
HOTEL’S LINKS TO WUTHERING HEIGHTS
There are places that feel discovered rather than visited –and Simonstone Hall is one of them. Tucked quietly into the folds of the Yorkshire Dales this elegant country house hotel has mastered the art of retreat, writes Katie Hammond
Remote without feeling isolated, refined without being showy, this beautiful Yorkshire escape, just a couple of miles from Hawes, is steeped in history whilst quietly embracing its very modern future.
Approach Simonstone Hall along its winding drive and it reveals itself slowly, rising from the landscape as if it has always belonged there – which, in many ways, it has. The Grade II-listed house dates back to the 17th century, originally built as a private residence and later evolving into
a gentleman’s country home. Over the centuries it has worn many hats, but today it stands confidently as one of the Dales’ most characterful hotels, offering guests the rare combination of seclusion, style and soul.
At the helm is owner Jake Dinsdale, who first worked at the hotel as a teenager, gaining hands-on experience in hospitality before heading south to train as an architect in London. That grounding in design and structure has stayed with him – but so has his huge affection for this particular corner of his beloved home county.
He explains: “When Simonstone came up for sale, it felt like things coming full circle. I’d always felt connected to it, so buying it wasn’t just a business decision –it was personal.”
DURING FILMING IN THE SURROUNDING DALES, THE HOTEL BECAME A HOME FROM HOME FOR THE PRODUCTION TEAM, INCLUDING THE FILM’S TWO HUGE LEADS, MARGOT ROBBIE AND JACOB ELORDI
That architectural eye shows in the careful way the hotel has been restored and reimagined under Jake’s ownership. Original features are celebrated, from its stone mullioned windows to stunning period fireplaces, the interiors strike a confident balance between classic and contemporary. It’s stylish without being intimidating and comfortable without being casual – exactly the kind of place where guests immediately relax.
That sense of ease didn’t go unnoticed when Simonstone Hall recently found itself playing host to the cast and crew of the latest film adaptation of Wuthering Heights. During filming in the surrounding Dales, the hotel became a home from home for the production team, including the film’s two huge leads, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
Discretion was key. Jake and his team ensured the cast could come and go without fuss, enjoying the hotel’s calm atmosphere away from the spotlight. The production’s
connection to the building went deeper still, with elements of the hall being used as references for CGI in the creation of several of the film’s backdrops, subtly weaving the hotel into the fabric of the finished production.
Jake continues: “It was important to us that they felt comfortable and protected here. Simonstone has always been about understated hospitality and letting people enjoy the space without intrusion.”
The location certainly helps. Set amid rolling hills, dry stone walls and some of the most dramatic scenery in the Dales, the hotel lives up to its strapline ‘the middle of nowhere is at the heart of everything’. Step outside the door and you’re immediately immersed in walking country, with routes which take in waterfalls, limestone scars and wide-open moorland.
Food is another cornerstone of the Simonstone experience. The hotel’s kitchen offers a menu which flexes effortlessly between mood and moment – from refined fine dining and carefully curated tasting menus, to comforting suppers and relaxed bar snacks. Local sourcing is central to the ethos, with Yorkshire produce celebrated wherever possible.
This commitment to provenance is set to take a new form with plans for an extension of the Simonstone brand –a deli opening soon in Hawes. The new venture will focus on good wines, generous charcuterie boards, locally sourced meats and cheeses and produce chosen with care and purpose. It’s designed to bring a slice of Simonstone’s food philosophy into the village, while championing the region’s producers and growers.
For Jake, it’s about creating something which feels authentic to both place and people: “We want everything we do to feel rooted in the Dales,” he says. “Whether someone is staying the night, joining us for dinner, or picking up produce from the deli, it should feel thoughtful and connected.”
WHETHER SOMEONE IS STAYING THE NIGHT, JOINING US FOR DINNER, OR PICKING UP PRODUCE FROM THE DELI, IT SHOULD FEEL THOUGHTFUL AND CONNECTED
That sense of connection is what lingers long after a stay at this cosy retreat of a hotel. It’s in the warmth of the welcome, the quiet confidence of the rooms, the way the landscape frames every view. It’s a place that doesn’t shout for attention – and doesn’t need to.
In a world that often mistakes luxury for excess, Simonstone Hall offers something far more enduring – space, stillness and a feeling of belonging. Right in the middle of nowhere –and exactly where you want to be. n
FEED BODY AND SOUL
This family run retreat offers the perfect getaway – allowing you to switch off from the world while enjoying wonderful food
In the Lake District, nourishment comes in many forms. There’s the obvious –fresh air, fell walks and open water –but over the past decade the region has quietly become one of the country’s most compelling destinations for food, boasting more Michelin stars than anywhere in the UK outside London. Alongside this culinary confidence sits a gentler pleasure – slowing down, eating well and giving yourself time to properly switch off. At Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, the idea of feeding both body and soul feels instinctive, with exceptional food and restorative wellbeing experiences sitting naturally side-by-side.
Set on a private estate just outside Windermere, Gilpin is a family-run, five-star retreat that balances refined luxury with an easy warmth. Spread across two estates –the contemporary Gilpin Hotel and the charming Gilpin Lake House – there’s 38 rooms, two restaurants, extensive spa facilities, a champagne bar and beautiful
gardens. It’s a place designed for unhurried days, shaped however you choose, whether that’s spa time, countryside walks or simply doing very little at all – before evenings settle into something delicious.
RATHER THAN PRESCRIBING A SINGLE PATH TO RELAXATION, THERE’S A VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES, ALLOWING GUESTS TO FIND THEIR OWN RHYTHM
Food sits at the heart of the Gilpin experience. SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel holds a Michelin star and is led by Executive Head Chef Ollie Bridgwater, formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck. It celebrates exquisite produce and distinct flavours, plus champions seasonality and sustainability. Recently refurbished, the dining rooms now feel as carefully composed as the food itself –dark panelling, rich velvet curtains and playful flashes of artwork balance polish with personality. The restaurant’s ‘buildyour-own’ tasting menu allows diners to shape their evening, choosing the pace and level of indulgence that suits them, while still enjoying the finesse expected from a Michelin-starred kitchen.
For something a little more relaxed, Gilpin Spice offers a lively contrast. Inspired by flavours from across Asia – from Thailand
and Malaysia to India and Japan – the menu is designed for exploration with vibrant small and sharing plates and freshly prepared sushi served from an open-kitchen. It’s laid-back by day, and buzzy by night.
Wellbeing at Gilpin is approached with the same thoughtfulness as its food. Rather than prescribing a single path to relaxation, there’s a variety of experiences, allowing guests to find their own rhythm. There are dedicated spas at both Gilpin Hotel and the Lake House, alongside state-of-the-art in-room facilities – in fact, 22 rooms feature their own outdoor hot tubs. Spa Lodges come complete with steam rooms, saunas and hot tubs, whilst the standout Spa Suites have all this plus a dedicated spa room including infrared beds and massage chairs. Treatments can even be enjoyed in room too. Whether you come for the food, the spa, or simply the chance to reset, Gilpin delivers something rare – luxury that feeds you in every sense. n
thegilpin.co.uk
#LOVEANDLAUGHTER
TAKE A BREATH, FEEL THE CALM
MAGICAL MINI MOONS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
Sometimes, it’s good to have a little luxury and a quiet moment to relax, breathe and let go. At Gilpin, our Spa Suites and Spa Lodges are designed to give you just that. Unwind in the luxury of your own private spa, away from it all.
MAGICAL MINI MOONS
Designed for pure indulgence and relaxation, these huge suites are perfect for mini moons, holiday moons, baby moons, recovery moons – any moons! During your three night ‘moon’, we’ll make sure every moment feels special, with Champagne (of course), spa hampers, spa treatments, Pure Lakes Experiences (creating your own bespoke products), and both Michelin-starred and pan Asian dining.
THE GILPIN EXPERIENCE
Nestled in the beauty of the Lake District, each Spa Suite and Spa Lodge offers comfort, privacy and time to really relax. We’ll take care of everything – so you can rest, recharge, and feel a little more like yourself.
NOURISH YOURSELF WITH A LITTLE LUXURY
DISCOVER YOUR DREAM WEDDING
A fabulous new space featuring everything you could possibly wish for when it comes to wonderful weddings has opened in the heart of Clitheroe
Welcome to James’ Places Weddings and Events
Boutique @ The Emporium –a unique space where visitors can discover and explore the amazing Dream Venues collection and meet the ever-so-friendly and ever-so-knowledgeable weddings and events coordinators.
THE BOUTIQUE OFFERS VIDEO SHOWCASES AND WALKTHROUGHS FOR EACH VENUE IN THE COLLECTION
The boutique offers video showcases and walkthroughs for each venue in the collection and the team prides themselves on having an answer to every question that might be asked – from styling and décor, ambience and atmosphere to the nitty-gritty of room capacities, bedroom numbers, car parking, lifts and even the loos.
As well as information, there is lots of inspiration in store too!
James’ Places has teamed up with some of the hottest names in venue dressing and styling, music and entertainment, videography and photography along with bridal and formal wear. The aim is to change the displays with the seasons to really embrace the colours and tones of the day to bring classic and contemporary seasonally-themed styling. The new Weddings and Events Boutique
is a great introduction to the Dream Venues collection and it’s a superb way of presenting all the venues in one place, at the same time, to allow couples to start working out the perfect venue for their big day. Of course, nothing compares to visiting the venue itself as each has its own personality, charms and characteristics. One-to-one tours can be arranged to suit individual diaries and availability.
IT’S A SUPERB WAY OF PRESENTING ALL THE VENUES IN ONE PLACE, AT THE SAME TIME
Being based at The Emporium also means visitors are never too far away from a wonderful cup of coffee or two, or perhaps a light lunch to enjoy while they take it all in.
The boutique will be open 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday Mondays by appointment only during the winter months, with longer hours coming in the spring. Appointments with the coordinators can be booked by emailing dreamvenues@jamesplaces.co.uk or visitors are welcome to simply pop in and explore –both are absolutely fine with the team. They can’t wait to see everyone! n
The James’ Places Weddings & Events Boutique occupies the lower ground floor of The Emporium, Moor Lane, Clitheroe. It can be accessed via The Emporium doors on Moor Lane, or from Sainsbury’s car park.
dreamvenues.co.uk
BEGIN YOUR FOREVER…
Fall in love with the elegance of Falcon Manor in the Yorkshire Dales, or the timeless romance of Wennington Hall in the Lune Valley.
Each offers an unforgettable backdrop, exquisite dining and award-winning service, ensuring picture-perfect settings, cherished moments and a day that’s truly yours.
Scan the QR code for upcoming wedding showcases.
BUSINESS MATTERS
Here is some of the latest news from businesses in and around the Dales.
If you have any Business Matters news items contact: annette.mcintyre@live-magazines.co.uk
NEW OWNER FOR LISTED HOTEL
Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has announced the sale of The Wensleydale Hotel in Middleham.
Dating back to the 18th century and overlooking Middleham town square, The Wensleydale Hotel comprises 17 en-suite bedrooms as well as the highly regarded restaurant The Tack Room which holds an AA Rosette, alongside an additional bar and private dining room.
Known as ‘The Newmarket of the North’ with 15 horseracing stables nearby, Middleham is a picturesque Dales town with cobbled square and medieval castle, once the home of Richard III.
The hotel had been owned since 2019 by Charles and Fiona Merchie, who ran the family business with their sons Monty and Hugo. It has been sold to Oliver Kwok, who plans to build on the strong foundations already in place, while contributing positively to the local community, supporting local people and placing an increased focus on sustainability and responsible hospitality. He said: “It is a real privilege to take on the stewardship of the Wensleydale.”
CHARITY PARTNERSHIP
Ilkley company Pendle Sportswear has entered into a partnership with Leeds Children’s Charity to help support vulnerable children across the region.
As part of the launch of the Charity of the Year partnership the company has donated 120 high-quality winter items, including bobble hats, scarfs and thermal gloves.
The donated items will help children stay warm and comfortable during residential stays and outdoor experiences at the charity’s home, Lineham Farm.
Leeds Children’s Charity provides a safe, welcoming space for children living in poverty, disadvantage, trauma, or challenging circumstances – offering them the chance to step away from everyday pressures.
Through residential stays, away days and immersive experiences at Lineham Farm, children can play freely in a safe environment, build confidence and resilience, develop friendships and social skills and discover new opportunities and possibilities
Throughout the year, Pendle Sportswear will provide complimentary support across charity events, equipment donations, fundraising involvement and collaborative initiatives – helping to extend the charity’s reach and impact even further.
BUSINESS RELAUNCH
A Tidy Mind Team has relaunched as a fully independent business following the closure of all eight franchises of A Tidy Mind. It has also rebranded with a new website atidymindteam.co.uk
The original A Tidy Mind business was established in Menston and later grew into a national franchise. It has now been relaunched as an independent professional organising and decluttering business, founded by businesswoman Rachel Cordingley.
Rachel continues to work alongside her team of nine professional organisers, all of whom have supported both existing and new clients throughout the transition. She says the name A Tidy Mind Team reflects the origins of the business while highlighting the importance of the people behind the service.
Rachel has worked as a professional organiser and declutter coach since 2015. Many clients, often neurodiverse or experiencing mental health challenges, feel overwhelmed by their belongings, struggle to know where to begin, or find themselves stuck partway through the process.
Based in Ilkley, A Tidy Mind Team works across Yorkshire, as well as Humberside, Lancashire and surrounding areas.
EDUCATION NEWS
RIDING SUCCESS
SCOTT STRIKES TWICE
Stonyhurst pupil Scott celebrated an outstanding double success at the North West Junior Fencing Championships, securing silver medals in both the Épée and Sabre events. His impressive performance reflects his dedication, skill and growing reputation in the sport. A school spokesperson said: “As a Year 12 boarder at Stonyhurst, Scott balances his fencing commitments with strong academic focus, embodying the school’s ethos of developing well-rounded, high-achieving young people. A fantastic achievement and one to watch for future competitions.”
Queen Mary’s School is celebrating an exceptional period of equestrian achievement, led by Ella’s superb start to 2026. Ella claimed victory at the first Royal International Horse Show qualifier of the season at Morris in Scotland, opening the Pony Premier Shows in style. Her success reflects the wider strength of the Queen Mary’s squad, who also enjoyed an outstanding day at Northallerton. With 60 entries, riders were crowned both Grass Roots and County Champions, delivering consistent performances from 50cm through to 110cm, alongside dressage success and style awards. A school spokesperson said: “Together, these results showcase the depth, teamwork and dedication of Queen Mary’s riders.”
CHILDREN’S HOUSE
BUILDING A DEPARTMENT
After nearly 20 years at Horsforth School, Sharon Mayo has been appointed Head of Design and Technology at Duchy College, Harrogate. The subject will form a key part of the expanded senior curriculum, as Harrogate Ladies’ College extends its co-educational provision and rebrands as Duchy College in September 2026. Mrs Mayo said she is “thrilled” to build a department from scratch in a bright, modern, well-equipped suite. Principal, Joanna Fox, highlighted the school’s ongoing investment, including a new Sixth Form Centre and refurbished boarding, saying the community is excited to see Design and Technology pupils flourish under Mrs Mayo’s leadership.
Early Years pupils at Wharfedale Montessori School discovered a beautifully refurbished Children’s House when they returned to school this term.
“Pupils love sitting in the new reading nook in the lovely South facing bay window,” says Kate who took over as proprietor in September, “while the sensorial and maths areas have been moved to a more intimate room, where individual and small group lessons are offered throughout the morning work cycle.”
Children’s House now also offers a third classroom, which is home to the practical life materials, inviting early years pupils to develop their fine motor skills and become proficient in skills necessary for self-care. A school spokesperson said: “The spaces are warm and inviting, a reflection of the campus as a whole which was most recently described by a visiting parent as magical.”
AGES 3-18
Another world awaits
A global community rooted in heritage
Academic rigour within a high-performing setting
A flexible boarding culture that adapts to each family’s needs
Secure, seamless and all-encompassing care
Open Days in February & March
Co-ed 3-18 | Boarding & Day | Jesuit, Catholic School
A MODERN BOARDING MODEL
Stonyhurst offers a modern approach to boarding that is designed to meet the needs of today’s families, providing full term, weekly and flexible boarding options
Stonyhurst’s tailored, flexible boarding model ensures that pupils can fully engage with school life while accommodating the busy schedules of families, whether they live locally or further afield. With its rich Jesuit ethos, tailored boarding at Stonyhurst helps pupils thrive academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
With 37 different nationalities at Stonyhurst, for some boarding is a way of life. However, tailored boarding also appeals to local families and those living between 45 and 90 minutes away, for whom the daily commute is often impractical.
Tailored boarding allows pupils to
immerse themselves in school life and spend time with friends, as Reuban Strain, Stonyhurst’s Deputy Head of Pastoral, explains: “Essentially a Jesuit education is about learning and living. Learning takes place in the classroom and living means making friends from other countries and cultures and taking part in the many and varied co-curricular and extra-curricular clubs, sports and cultural activities.”
PUPILS DON’T WANT TO SPEND TIME TRAVELLING, THEY WANT TO GRASP EVERY OPPORTUNITY THERE IS HERE
Boarders can take advantage of early morning swims in the pool, go for a run around the 1000-acre estate, play tennis in the indoor tennis dome or enjoy a session in the gym before starting school, taking full advantage of the facilities set within the extensive grounds.
“Pupils don’t want to spend time travelling, they want to grasp every opportunity there
is here,” adds Reuban.
Working closely with Reuban is Senior Houseparent Marta Gallego, who oversees more than 300 boarders at the College. She explains that boarding fosters a sense of togetherness, where friendships with peers from around the world last a lifetime: “There is a real sense of community, and everyone contributes to it, supported by the fact that all our boarding houses are under one roof,” she says.
“The many different nationalities all live and work together, giving pupils a global perspective that enriches their education.”
Alongside an unrivalled academic curriculum sits a vast array of mainstream and niche clubs, sports and cultural activities. Higher Line (Sixth Form) pupils have recently launched their own Gastro Club, visiting the many and varied eateries the Ribble Valley has to offer. Other clubs include the Heavy Metal Appreciation Society,
MedSoc (Medical Society), for potential medics and a build-a-go-kart project.
An exciting array of opportunities awaits, including a programme of adventurous activities, from climbing and mountain biking to kayaking, led by the College’s recently appointed Director of Adventure.
“If pupils make a suggestion for a new activity or opportunity, we always like to respond and make it happen,” says Reuban.
“Pupils are in their element when they’ve discovered a sport or pastime they enjoy, it allows them to find their place amongst friends with similar interests. They are truly alive when they’ve found their sense of belonging.”
While many local schools end their day by mid-afternoon, Stonyhurst has structured supervised studies (homework) with access to teacher support later in the day. With evenings free from travel, boarders can participate in clubs, sport, music and interline activities. “Pupils don’t want to miss out. The structure of the Stonyhurst day avoids the often-typical family situation whereby children come home from school mid-afternoon and they’re on their screens for much of the evening.”
Weekends for Stonyhurst boarders are designed to be adventurous and fulfilling with sporting activities and trips that often have an educational or cultural element.
The boarding experience helps pupils develop confidence and responsibility with routines that promote not only academic growth but essential skills that will serve them in later life.
“Parents trust us to educate their children, guide them spiritually and culturally. They are in a safe environment, learning independence and surrounded by pastoral care that prepares them for adulthood.”
Senior pupils can choose to make use of their own kitchen and laundry facilities, helping them develop the practical life skills they will rely on at university and beyond.
For families living closer to Stonyhurst, within five to 15 minutes, the appeal of the boarding experience lies in the deeper engagement it offers. These families want their children to experience the full breadth
of school life, beyond the classroom. Staying in school during the week allows pupils to form stronger friendships with their peers, strengthening the bonds that come from living and learning together.
The structure of the school week for local boarders ensures academic work is completed, leaving weekends free for family time. It also means that pupils are fully involved in school life, with a deeper connection to the community.
THE BOARDING
EXPERIENCE HELPS PUPILS DEVELOP CONFIDENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY WITH ROUTINES THAT PROMOTE NOT ONLY ACADEMIC GROWTH BUT ESSENTIAL SKILLS THAT WILL SERVE THEM IN LATER LIFE
At the heart of the school’s ethos is care, structure and a deep commitment to personal and academic development. Prayer, faith-led activities and regular moments of reflection and gratitude help guide pupils toward becoming well-rounded individuals with a strong moral compass.
Ultimately, Stonyhurst’s tailored boarding options are more than just a solution for families with busy schedules. Boarding gives pupils a chance to thrive in a supportive, dynamic environment that encourages independence and academic excellence, providing a flexible, enriching experience that meets the needs of today’s modern family.
Stonyhurst Clitheroe BB7 9PZ 01254 827073
stonyhurst.ac.uk
ukadmissions@stonyhurst.ac.uk
Reuban adds: “The Jesuits are known as the educators of Europe, teaching people how to become the best version of themselves, both inside and outside the classroom. At
Stonyhurst we believe by giving our pupils a vast array of opportunities, they can develop and grow into men and women who will go on and change the world for the better.” n
MEET THE HEAD
From RAF recruit to Head of Queen Mary’s School, Topcliffe, North Yorkshire’s only all-girls school for 7-16s, Fe Beadnell talks about her journey – supporting girls to find their passion, courage and voice
When did you know you wanted to teach?
From a very young child, but, coming myself from an inspiring and adventurous all-girls school in Malvern, I applied to the Royal Air Force. After a medical ruling abruptly changed that path, I went into marketing, which involved being a schools liaison, and I always came away thinking ‘this is where I’m meant to be’. So I changed career, gaining my teaching qualifications through the brilliant educational charity Teach First. What drew you to Queen Mary’s?
I began as an English teacher, progressing to Head of English, then Deputy Head, at Barnard Castle School. When the Headship opportunity came up at Queen Mary’s, it was an unmissable opportunity to join its uniquely nurturing, collegiate environment, full circle from my own formative experiences at Malvern. Is there still a place for all-girls education?
Research shows girls in a same-sex environment are more willing to put their hands up, take risks, be brave, speak up
and thrive as a result. We’re a non-selective school, but our pupils regularly surpass predicted grades. That’s an organically supportive culture, not cramming. It’s not ‘uncool’ to work hard here, the girls lift each other up.
What initiatives are you most proud of?
Her Voice: Leadership for Life, which seeks to foster bravery, confidence, emotional intelligence and leadership skills. From delivering whole-school assembly talks to debating current affairs, girls find their voice before adulthood demands it. Twilight Talks (so parents can also be involved)
bring inspiring female leaders from senior barristers to business innovators into school, encouraging pupils to see themselves shaping traditionally male-dominated sectors. How do you take this ethos beyond the classroom?
Set in 40 acres, with a river, outdoor activities like kayaking, canoeing, climbing or Duke of Edinburgh awards aren’t extracurricular, but woven into it. Connecting with animals is transformative for confidence, empathy and mental wellbeing, from staff members’ dogs in school, to our riding, equine care, competing and the therapeutic Changing Life Through Horses outreach programme, which invites home-schooled children to our stables.
What sets you apart?
Looking from the other direction, what do girls fall in love with when they visit? Our genuine warmth and fellowship. For example, there’s no hard division between boarders and day pupils, who, however young, can decide between themselves to bring their duvets from home and join for a sleepover. It’s a pretty unusual part of our flexi-boarding culture.
What excites you, looking forward?
What our girls will change in the world. Helping them find their voice, we believe they will leave ready not just to succeed, but to serve. I don’t just want them to walk into a room and be heard, but to represent and invite others up, too – that’s exciting! n
Queen Mary’s School Baldersby Park, Topcliffe, North Yorkshire YO7 3BZ 01845 575000 queenmarys.org
A JOYFUL BEGINNING
Children will be able to enjoy the best start with the opening of a new nursery at Queen Mary’s School
Independent school, Queen Mary’s will offer a nurturing, inspiring start for children from birth to reception, set within the beautiful countryside of Baldersby Park in North Yorkshire from September. Thoughtfully designed around
how children learn best, the nursery will combine calm, welcoming indoor spaces with rich outdoor experiences.
early years professionals. Each stage of early childhood is carefully catered for, with dedicated rooms for ages nought
THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED AROUND HOW CHILDREN LEARN BEST, THE NURSERY WILL COMBINE CALM, WELCOMING INDOOR SPACES WITH RICH OUTDOOR
Children will enjoy daily opportunities to explore nature, play creatively and build confidence in a safe, supportive environment led by experienced
EXPERIENCES
to two years, two to three years, pre-reception and reception, ensuring children feel secure as they grow and develop. Play-based learning underpins everything
the nursery does, supporting early communication, independence and curiosity.
The nursery will offer award-winning, nutritious meals prepared on site, flexible session options and daily forest school sessions. It accepts governmentfunded childcare schemes, childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare account payments. It will open on weekdays across 50 weeks a year, from 7.30am to 5.30pm.
The school will now provide co-educational learning for nought to seven years and all girls education for seven to 16 years. Interest in the nursery is already strong and families are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment. A series of events and Stay & Explore sessions are taking place throughout the year. n
queenmarys.org/nursery
MORE TO FISHING THAN CATCHING
Fishing can have a profound effect on children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Fishing coach Justin Cavalier, from Off The Scale Outdoor Education, explains the benefits
From the moment I picked up a fishing rod and cast into the murky, flowing depths of the river Severn, I knew that I had instantly fallen in love with it. The earthy smell of the water, the dawn chorus and the painted sky as the sun emerges from the horizon. For years prior to that, I had been catching all manner of watery based creatures in pond dipping nets or butterflies up on the grassy moorland of Leckhampton Hill in Cheltenham. I seem to have always had a strong urge to hunt creatures, not to kill
or injure but more to study, observe and admire their beauty in an intimate and exploratory way.
It seems to be an instinct that is instilled in so many of us and shared by almost every human culture on the planet. In the UK, perhaps it scratches an itch to pacify our desensitisation as to where food comes from and how it came to be wrapped in plastic on the shelf of our local supermarket.
PART OF OUR JOB IS TO CREATE A FUN AND LIGHTHEARTED ENVIRONMENT WHERE CHILDREN FEEL RELAXED, SAFE AND ABLE TO LET THEIR PERSONALITIES OFF THE LEASH
Although we know that angling can be used to reduce the symptoms of a wide range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and PTSD, there is less research available on the profound and dramatic effect it seems to have on children with special educational needs and disabilities. Diagnosis of conditions such as autism, ADHD and emotional dysregulation are on the rise and SENDCO departments
probably make up over 50 per cent of the departments reaching out to us.
Parents and teachers, who accompany their children to our activities, are often left shocked by the ability of the children to hyper focus and see first hand a concentration and patience rarely witnessed in a classroom environment. We hear comments regularly such as, “I can’t believe he is so calm and quiet – he’s usually a bundle of energy and won’t sit still,” or, “It is so rare to see him laughing and smiling,” and “Out here, he can let out all the tension created by rules, restrictions and boundaries”.
A lot of this wouldn’t be possible without the amazing coaches of Off The Scale Outdoor Education. Unlike teachers, we don’t have to be strict enforcers of rules and regulations. As long as the safety of participants (and fish) are not compromised, part of our job isn’t just to pass on technical knowledge but also to create a fun and light-hearted environment where children feel relaxed, safe and able to let their personalities off the leash.
CLIENTS HAVE REPORTED A REDUCTION IN CLASSROOM DISRUPTION AND AN IMPROVED ATTENTION SPAN IN CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS THAT HAS INCREASED ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
We also see it as an opportunity to stress the importance of the countryside code and increase environmental awareness. As a collective, the angling community are often referred to as the eyes and ears of the environment agency, uncovering uncomfortable, hidden and often illegal practices that damage the natural world and sometimes leading to those responsible being held to account. We also talk about the many job opportunities in this multi-billion pound industry.
Fishing, as a sport, has one of the widest ranges of techniques and methods to learn and a huge variety of fish species and habitats, all needing an individual and unique approach. There are a number of environmental factors that affect the behaviour of fish as well as location. Variables can be changed to maximise the chances of completing the objective set but there’s also a pinch of luck thrown in the mix too and sometimes all it takes is to be in the right place at the right time. This means that occasionally even a novice
can achieve something remarkable in the world of angling.
As more and more schools explore a wider range of outdoor alternative provision, they are starting to realise how they can use them to incentivise and improve behaviour and learning. We’ve had direct feedback from clients stating that since starting a learn to fish course, they have reported a reduction in classroom disruption and an improved attention span in certain individuals that has increased academic performance.
I have been genuinely shocked by the number of positive ways angling can be used to benefit humans and I find myself using a new catchphrase almost daily, there’s so much more to fishing than catching. n
JEKYLL & HYDE
In an era where many compact SUVs blur into one another, the fully electric BMW iX1 eDrive Shadow Edition stands apart. Premium motoring, yes – but grounded firmly in real life. Charles Jenkins takes a spin
There is an element of Jekyll and Hyde about the iX1 eDrive Shadow Edition. Rugged and roomy enough to absorb the rigours of day-to-day family life on one hand and blessed with the bold, darkened, sporty aesthetics of the M Sport on the other. How refreshing in a sea of what could best be described as ‘adequate’ alternatives.
Our test day was bleak – persistent rain and grey skies, not quite what we had in mind. Yet it reinforced what this car is about. It is not a fair-weather fashion statement. It is a fully electric SUV in its working clothes, switching seamlessly between functional and fun.
At first glance the iX1 appears compact and neatly proportioned but look closer and you realise how cleverly packaged it is. This may be BMW’s smallest SUV yet inside the
cabin feels spacious, airy and modern. The sleek dashboard, floating curved display and minimal clutter create stylish simplicity. It feels grown up and luxurious without being fussy.
The Shadow Edition spec adds extra presence to an already striking vehicle. Darker exterior detailing gives it a sharper stance. In Cape York Green metallic it looks particularly dramatic, a colour that shifts
with the light, deep and rich one moment, brighter the next. Even under low cloud and driving rain it stood out in a sea of grey.
RUNNING COSTS ARE LOW COMPARED WITH PETROL OR DIESEL ALTERNATIVES, PARTICULARLY FOR THOSE CHARGING AT HOME
Being fully electric, the iX1 eDrive delivers performance in a smooth, quiet rush. A single electric motor produces 201hp and 250Nm of torque, more than sufficient for everyday life. The 0-62mph time of around 8.6 seconds only tells part of the story. It is the instant response that impresses. Pulling away is effortless and overtaking requires nothing more than a gentle squeeze
of the accelerator whilst the regenerative braking mode cleverly feeds energy back into the battery during deceleration, adding useful miles to the range.
BMW quotes up to 278 miles on the WLTP cycle depending on specification and conditions. In cold and wet weather, you can expect less, but it remains more than enough for typical weekly routines. Charging at home overnight makes daily use simple and cost effective.
Practicality is where this car quietly excels. The boot offers 490 litres of space, expanding to more than 1,400 litres with the rear seats folded. There is ample room for pushchairs, sports kits, golf clubs and a couple of muddy dogs without drama. On our damp test day it swallowed up our gear with ease. The wide opening and low
loading lip make it straightforward to use, even when the weather is uncooperative.
Rear legroom is generous with good headroom throughout. Despite its compact footprint the iX1 feels a class above in terms of space and you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in one of BMW’s larger models once seated. Families will appreciate the easy access and sensible layout. The driving position is elevated enough to inspire confidence without feeling bulky, visibility is strong and parking assistance comes as standard to ease tight manoeuvres.
Technology forms a key part of the appeal. The curved twin screen combines a digital instrument display and central infotainment system in one sweeping unit. It looks contemporary and proves intuitive once familiar. Wireless Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto are included, along with navigation that factors in charging stops for longer journeys. It feels modern without overwhelming.
PRACTICALITY IS WHERE THIS CAR QUIETLY EXCELS. THE BOOT OFFERS 490 LITRES OF SPACE, EXPANDING TO MORE THAN 1,400 LITRES WITH THE REAR SEATS FOLDED
Affordability is relative in the premium sector, yet the iX1 makes a compelling case. Running costs are low compared with petrol or diesel alternatives, particularly for those charging at home. Company car drivers benefit from favourable Benefit in Kind rates and servicing is simpler thanks to fewer moving parts.
What impressed most during our soggy drive was the composure. The iX1 felt planted and secure on narrow, rain-slick roads while still offering a punchy response when asked.
The BMW iX1 eDrive Shadow Edition proves that electric motoring no longer demands compromise. Smart without being showy, compact yet versatile, stylish yet practical and premium without pretence, it fits seamlessly into real lives – even in the rain. n
Lloyd Colne BMW Crown Way, Colne BB8 9NP 01282 720720
lloydcolnebmw.co.uk
@lloydcolnebmw
KITCHEN IN THE WITH…
Food is never just food. It’s the memories, passion and stories behind the plate. In this series, we sit down with some of the region’s most inspiring chefs to uncover the mentors who guided them and the dishes they hold closest to their hearts. In this issue we talk to Tom Prior, head chef at The Fleece in Addingham.
Photography: Jo Denison
Astroll down any main street usually reveals the true essence of its community. Main streets uncover bustling pubs serving quality cask ales, independent cafes tempting hungry locals and visitors alike with homemade treats – and restaurants creating memorable dishes that live long in the memory.
The Fleece is a much-loved landmark on Addingham’s Main Street – and its reputation is as celebrated in the environs as it is with its locals. Old meets new in the characterful venue, which offers a traditional Yorkshire taproom and pub, as well as a first-floor gin and champagne bar, contemporary function and dining rooms and a large, south facing terrace. The pub prides itself on its menu, which includes light and fresh seafood dishes and hearty, classic meat dishes, finished with a modern twist.
Overseeing its kitchen, Tom’s ethos at The Fleece is largely two-fold – to keep the ingredients fresh and in peak condition, and to train and educate younger chefs to fulfil their culinary aspirations.
Our dishes are all made in-house,” says Tom proudly, “and we offer exciting seasonal dishes alongside perennial favourites like chicken and ham pot pie, Sunday roasts with all the trimmings and classic fish and chips.” Think wholesome pub food alongside some seriously special specials.
As one of six establishments under the Seafood Pub Company, The Fleece offers delightful seafood and meat specials, without forgetting its roots as a traditional pub. With enough room to cater for large parties and families, and with log fires in
the winter and generous outside space to satisfy warm weather clientele, The Fleece is a must-visit pub and restaurant that continues to attract people of all tastes.
“The Fleece is a large part of the village,” continues Tom, “and our team looks forward to welcoming regulars and newcomers as we develop our menus as the seasons change.”
There’s one thing that won’t change in a hurry – Tom’s drive and ambition, and his unflinching desire to keep The Fleece ahead of its game.
THE JOURNEY
What first drew you into the world of food and how did you know it was going to be your career?
I got an apprenticeship at a 2 Rosette restaurant and hotel as soon as I left school, and I’ve now been a chef for 16 years. I like to learn from every chef I’ve worked with and use the best things everyone has taught me to develop my own style.
I
LIKE TO LEARN FROM EVERY CHEF
I’VE
WORKED WITH AND USE THE BEST THINGS EVERYONE HAS TAUGHT ME TO DEVELOP MY OWN STYLE
INSPIRATIONS & INFLUENCES
Who or what has been your greatest culinary inspiration, either inside or outside the kitchen?
cooking shows like Ready Steady Cook with Ainsley Harriott and it inspired me that people could be so amazed by something we can create. I’ve always seen food as more than just a meal.
SIGNATURE DISH
If you had to choose one dish which truly represents you as a chef, what would it be and why?
I grew up in an exciting era for food, with lots of celebrity chefs on TV – Gordon Ramsay, Rick Stein and Marco Pierre White.
But I also watched more light-hearted
It’s really difficult for me to pick just one dish. We create seven new dishes each week here at The Fleece for our specials and they change on a Friday. We have three starters, three mains and a dessert each week on the specials board, always ensuring they
are seasonal and making the most of our local produce.
I also have an allotment down the road and I like to grow my own fruit and vegetables for our specials too.
Seafood is my speciality and I love a nice piece of turbot (the king of the sea). But equally, my signature dish has to be our Sunday roast here at The Fleece. Our beef, pork, lamb and half chicken roasts are all top notch.
With beef dripping potatoes, garlic and thyme roasted carrots and parsnips, buttered
mash potato and lashings of our rich beef gravy. Pigs in blankets, cauliflower cheese and our pork and sage stuffing are also essential, in my opinion.
CULINARY HEROES
My favourite chefs are Nathan Outlaw and Paul Ainsworth. I get down to Cornwall a lot and I’ve eaten at both of their restaurants. I also have all their cookbooks for inspiration. I’m also a big fan of Tom Kerridge and use his books for inspiration too.
GUILTY PLEASURE
When I’m off duty, my guilty pleasure has to be a full English breakfast – sausage, bacon, beans, black pudding, hash browns, fried bread, fried eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes. n
the-fleece.com
FOR EASTER
SIMNEL CAKE SWEET TREAT
Simnel cake is a delicious Easter treat with a tradition dating back centuries
This rich fruit cake is layered with marzipan and topped with 11 marzipan balls, representing the 11 faithful apostles (excluding Judas). It dates back to medieval England and was traditionally made for Mothering Sunday during Lent. It later became associated with Easter. The name may derive from the Latin ‘simila’, meaning fine flour.
Ingredients (Serves 10–12)
For the cake:
175g unsalted butter, softened
175g light brown sugar
3 large eggs
175g self-raising flour
1 /2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp mixed spice
350g mixed dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, currants)
50g glacé cherries, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp milk
For decoration:
500g ready-rolled marzipan
2 tbsp apricot jam
1 beaten egg (for glazing)
Method:
Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan).
Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin.
Cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time (add a little flour if it curdles).
Fold in flour, baking powder, mixed spice, fruit, cherries and lemon zest.
Add milk to loosen slightly.
Roll out one third of the marzipan into a 20cm circle.
Spoon half the cake mixture into the tin. Place marzipan circle on top (keep it away from the very edge).
Add remaining cake mixture and smooth the top.
Bake for one hour 45 minutes – two hours until a skewer comes out clean.
If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Allow to cool completely.
Decorate:
Brush the top with warmed apricot jam.
Roll out another circle of marzipan and place on top.
Shape 11 small balls from remaining marzipan and arrange around the edge.
Brush lightly with beaten egg.
Grill briefly until golden (watch carefully to avoid burning).
Serving Tip:
Let the cake rest overnight before slicing –the flavour improves. Serve with a cup of tea, perhaps English Breakfast or Earl Grey. n
DINNER, BED
Available Wednesday – Friday, until 30th April 2026. For direct bookings only, via email or phone PICTURESQUE SURROUNDINGS
& BREAKFAST OFFER, FROM £99
LUNCH TIME TREAT MENU
Wednesday to Saturday 12pm – 2pm
TEATIME TREATS MENU
Wednesday to Friday 6pm – 7pm
£21 for 2 courses • £26 for 3 courses
SUNDAY LUNCH Sunday 12pm – 6pm
£32 for 2 courses • £40 for 3 courses
A la carte menu and daily specials also available
FOOD SERVING HOURS:
Wednesday to Saturday: 12pm – 2pm and 6pm – 8:30pm Sunday:12pm – 6pm
BOOKING RECOMMENDED CALL: 01200 443339
GOOD READ
TASTE OF THE DALES – THREE COOKERY BOOKS TO SAVOUR THIS SPRING
As lambs scatter across the hillsides and farm shops brim with forced rhubarb and fresh greens, spring in the Dales feels like a quiet celebration of flavour. The air is lighter, the tables brighter and there’s a renewed appetite for cooking with what’s close to home. Whether you’re planning relaxed Sunday lunches, experimenting with local produce or baking with little helpers on a rainy afternoon, these three cookery books bring a gentle Yorkshire twist to the season.
Spring cooking in Yorkshire is about simplicity and seasonality. It’s about celebrating what grows well here and honouring the producers who bring it to our tables. These books do more than offer recipes – they capture a way of living that feels perfectly at home in the Dales. Because at this time of year especially, good food tastes even better when it’s rooted in place.
FOR HIM: JAMES MARTIN’S GREAT BRITISH ADVENTURE
James Martin
Hearty, generous and proudly northern. Yorkshire’s own James Martin travels the country celebrating regional produce –and his affection for honest ingredients shines throughout. There’s something wonderfully grounding about his style –robust flavours, unfussy techniques and dishes designed to be shared.
From perfectly cooked meats to indulgent puddings, this is food that suits long walks followed by late lunches. It’s confident cooking without pretence and ideal for anyone who enjoys mastering a classic and adding their own twist.
Read it with: A strong brew and plans for a proper Sunday roast – this one is built for gathering people around the table.
FOR HER: THE GREAT DIXTER COOKBOOK
Aaron Bertelsen
Fresh, garden-led and beautifully seasonal. While not exclusively Yorkshire, this cookbook speaks perfectly to the rhythm of Dales life – rooted in the land and guided by what’s growing now. Aaron Bertelsen celebrates simple ingredients at their peak, from vibrant spring salads to delicate tarts and comforting puddings. There’s a quiet elegance to these recipes. Think new potatoes tossed with herbs, tender asparagus with soft-boiled eggs and desserts that let fruit shine rather than overwhelm. It’s the sort of book that inspires you to visit your local market, fill a basket and cook instinctively.
Read it with: The kitchen window open and a jug of daffodils on the table – it’s spring on a plate.
FOR THE LITTLE ONES: EASY COOKING FOR KIDS
Amanda Grant
The perfect introduction to the world of cooking for young chefs. From kitchen hygiene and safety to more than 50 fun, age-appropriate recipes designed to foster a love for cooking and learning. With essential techniques such as making crumble topping, Victoria sponge, pastry, white sauce and pizza dough. Children can unleash their creativity with recipes like sushi, fruit salad and decorative herb and flower ice bowls, with vegetarian options. With clear, step-by-step photographs and easy-to-follow instructions, this book makes cooking accessible, enjoyable and rewarding for kids.
Read it with: Sleeves rolled up and a bowl of freshly picked rhubarb waiting to be transformed.
EXCEPTIONAL DINING IN THE DALES
This
spring, the award-winning Grantley Hall invites Dales residents to discover an exceptional collection of restaurants, from Michelin-starred refinement to bold contemporary Asian flavours and elegant British dining. Now open, welcoming and ready to take your reservation
Spring in the Dales brings a renewed appetite for getting together with family and friends. In this Spring edition of Live the Dales, we are delighted to introduce, for the first time, the remarkable culinary world of Grantley Hall.
While many know the grandeur of the house, with its sweeping drive and Palladian elegance just beyond Ripon, what truly distinguishes it is the breadth of its dining. This is not a single hotel restaurant, but a carefully curated collection of experiences.
At its heart sits Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, the Michelin-starred flagship where seasonal British ingredients are elevated with precision and artistry. It is refined yet rooted in Yorkshire’s larder, a destination for celebration and memorable evenings alike.
EightyEight offers striking contrast - bold, contemporary Asian cuisine served in an immersive setting alive with energy and flavour. Equally suited to a Friday evening escape or midweek indulgence, it brings a dynamic edge to the estate.
For relaxed sophistication, Fletchers
Restaurant presents beautifully executed British classics, while The Orchard provides light-filled dining overlooking the gardens, ideal for leisurely lunches or afternoon indulgence. The Norton Courtyard
THIS IS NOT A SINGLE HOTEL RESTAURANT, BUT A CAREFULLY CURATED COLLECTION OF EXPERIENCES
completes the picture - a chic social space for small plates, cocktails and long evenings beneath open skies.
Importantly for local readers, these
experiences are not reserved for overnight guests. They are open to be enjoyed, whether for an anniversary, business lunch or spontaneous supper close to home.
This spring also introduces the evocative Wuthering Heights package, launched alongside the much-anticipated new film. Inspired by the romance and drama of the Yorkshire moors, the experience pairs exquisite dining with a themed overnight stay, for a cinematic yet distinctly regional escape.
For those yet to explore beyond the gates, consider this a timely invitation. Discover more at grantleyhall.co.uk and follow along via Instagram and Facebook for seasonal menus and events and allow an evening at Grantley Hall to become part of your own Yorkshire story. n
Grantley Hall
Ripon HG4 3ET 01765 620070
grantleyhall.co.uk
REAPING THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIC FARMING
Clapham based Growing With Grace has a reputation for first class produce and a happy workforce. Rebecca Hay went along to the farm to see the success first hand
Organic farm and shop Growing with Grace puts supporting the local community at the heart of everything it does.
Whether it’s using local businesses as suppliers, working alongside like-minded conservation projects (such as the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust), or helping charities, food banks and shelters with food donations, it aims to recognise “the interconnectedness of the goodness within us all”.
Set up just over 25 years ago the community cooperative society also hosts visits for schools, disadvantaged groups and those interested in growing and conservation.
Established on the principles of the Quakers, a religious group started in the 17th century to promote equality, peace, simplicity and truth in their faith and social action, Growing for Grace works hard in the community to allow everyone access to good quality produce at a fair price, with its dozen
workers treated as equals.
It regularly delivers up to 300 boxes of goodies four days a week and free of charge to customers in Lancaster and the surrounding areas, Central and South Lakes and North Yorkshire, with on site collection available for locals.
BUYING LOCAL FOOD SUPPORTS THE AREA AND MEANS FRESHER FOOD, A RESPECT FOR THE WAY IT’S GROWN, LESS PRESERVATIVES, REDUCED PACKAGING AND BETTER VALUE FOR MONEY
With five greenhouses spread across two-and-a-bit acres, the farm has a strict ethos of sustainable farming which uses the principles of ecology to ensure that the health of the land, plants and livestock
is done in such a way to ensure the land can be continually used without adding harmful chemicals.
Buying local food supports the area and means fresher food, a respect for the way it’s grown, less preservatives, reduced packaging and better value for money. Importantly it also means providing jobs – and workers are given the chance to expand their skills and share their passion for organic farming.
Certified by the Soil Association as organic, the farm prioritises the health of the soil by adding compost and green manures, which in turns means disease free plants and lots of crops.
“Healthy produce means healthy people,” said spokesman Tom Geddes. “As much as possible, we maintain a closed loop system, where we minimise purchases and other inputs into the farm, by using onsite resources as much as possible and we grow almost all our plants from seed. The only liquid feeds we use for our seedlings are made from plants grown on site.
“Our social enterprise means we produce and sell for as little as we can, with financial surpluses reinvested back into the business. We are committed to helping sustain local
Photography: Jo Denison
communities, support people and safeguard the environment through sustainable agriculture,” added Tom.
The local community has always been at the heart of everything Growing with Grace has set out to achieve, with a team of helpers often at hand to get stuck into the soil.
Tom added: “We have a crew of volunteers who join us, usually on Thursday for our volunteering day, to help out with all manner of tasks on the farm – mostly on the growing side, but often pitching in for more unique projects. It’s always a relaxed atmosphere and we have a good natter over a shared lunch.”
THE COOPERATIVE ALSO GIVES BACK TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, WITH SURPLUS PRODUCE BEING DONATED TO FOOD BANKS AND SHELTERS IN THE AREA
The cooperative also gives back to the local community, with surplus produce being donated to food banks and shelters in the area. In 2025 alone, this amounted to more than £5,000 worth of fresh fruit and vegetables.
The farm’s onsite shop is stocked with home grown fruit, salad and vegetables, as well as organic tinned and pre-packed dry food, dairy and soya, as well as beers, wines and cider, frozen and specialist diet food and body and tooth care products. Because of its location, the farm can’t grow every vegetable and fruit, so uses suppliers, which include Suma, Organic North and Organic Pantry, who between them share many of the values of the farm – for instance, none of the bought in produce is air-freighted.
Online shoppers are in for a treat with vegetable and salad boxes priced from £16 and filled to the brim with staple and seasonal produce. Mixed boxes feature different fruits and vegetables to ensure everyone has their five a day and a choice box gives people the chance to put in exactly the produce they want. Buying via the Internet also gives the customer the chance to see the latest selections on offer.
With its excellent ethos and wonderful friendly workforce, it means buying local is not only good for the body, but for the spirit too! n
For more information, check out the website or visit the farm shop at Clapham Nursery, open from Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm.
growingwithgrace.org.uk
Photography: Jo Denison
Photography: Jo Denison
A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
From his early days learning his craft to becoming one of the North’s most celebrated chef patrons, Nigel’s career has been defined by an unwavering passion for seasonality, provenance and the very best that Lancashire’s larder has to offer. Half a century of innovation, integrity and incredible food deserves to be celebrated in style and that’s exactly what’s happening at The Three Fishes, Mitton, in 2026. Throughout the year, Nigel has curated a series of exceptional events to mark this golden anniversary.
CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY,
SUNDAY
15TH MARCH
Visit The Three Fishes on Mother’s Day for a relaxed and beautifully crafted lunch, served from 11.30am to 6.30pm. The menu showcases seasonal, thoughtful cooking designed to be shared with all the family.
EASTER AT THE THREE FISHES, FRIDAY 3RD – MONDAY 6TH APRIL
Easter weekend is one of the most special times of year at The Three Fishes and this
year they’re pulling out all the stops. Over the extended weekend Nigel’s deep-rooted commitment to provenance takes centre stage with his farm to fork menu. Expect dishes that tell a story, from field and farm to your plate, with the quality and care that has made The Three Fishes one of Lancashire’s most loved dining destinations. On Easter Sunday, join them for the famous Three Fishes Sunday Roast. Exceptional roasts, beautiful accompaniments, and the warm, relaxed hospitality that keeps guests coming back. Book early to avoid disappointment and secure your table this Easter.
MICHELIN STAR DANNY YOUNG, NATIONAL CHEF OF THE YEAR,
THURSDAY
24TH APRIL
Nigel welcomes Danny Young, one of the UK’s most exciting culinary talents, who was recently awarded a Michelin star and National Chef of the Year 2025. Danny began his journey as Nigel’s apprentice at just 15, arriving at Northcote on his first day having been dropped off by his grandad. He rose to
Head Chef before taking his skills to the newly Michelin-starred 1887 at Torridon on Scotland’s stunning west coast. This promises to be a deeply special and memorable evening.
PRIVATE DINING, EXCLUSIVELY YOURS
The Three Fishes is home to the beautiful Gusbourne Rooms, featuring the intimate 51° North private dining space, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas gatherings, corporate events and weddings. Accommodating between eight and 14 guests (or up to 20 with an additional table) and up to 40 guests when the adjoining Gusbourne Rooms are opened up, the space offers the same exceptional food, service and atmosphere in a private setting, maintaining the ambience of the restaurant. Chef Patron Nigel can create a bespoke menu tailored to your group’s tastes, complemented by custom cocktails and curated wine pairings from the bar team. n
Recommended by Michelin, The Good Food Guide, Estrella Top 50 Gastropubs and Hardens
The Three Fishes Mitton Road, Mitton BB7 9PQ 01254 826666 reservations@thethreefishes.co.uk thethreefishes.co.uk @thethreefishesmitton
This year, Nigel Haworth celebrates a remarkable milestone, 50 years at the very heart of British culinary life
Food photography: Jo Denison
There has always been something quietly confident about The Rum Fox in Grindleton. A sense that this is a place with ambition, warmth and a clear idea of what it wants to put on the plate. Now that confidence has been given national recognition, with the pub securing ninth place in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs awards and claiming the accolade of highest new entry.
For those who know it well, the news felt both thrilling and entirely deserved.
The Estrella Damm list is one of the most respected benchmarks in the hospitality world, celebrating innovation, consistency and a true sense of place. To arrive at number nine, and to do so as a new entry, is no small feat. It is the kind of achievement that puts a village firmly on the culinary map and cements a reputation built on hard work and belief.
Chef patron Bob Geldeard, his partner Kiaja Monk and their team are, understandably, ecstatic. Gratitude has been the overriding emotion. Gratitude for the staff who deliver service with warmth and precision, for the local suppliers who provide exceptional produce and for the loyal guests who have filled tables and spread the word.
CLIMBING TO NINE
Fresh from placing ninth in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs awards, The Rum Fox in Grindleton celebrates as the highest new entry and looks ahead to a vibrant spring
“It means everything,” says B ob. “To be recognised at that level, and to be the highest new entry, is incredible. We have worked so hard to build something we are proud of. The support from our community and from our guests has carried us through. This award belongs to them as much as it does to us.”
IT MEANS EVERYTHING TO BE RECOGNISED AT THAT LEVEL, AND TO BE THE HIGHEST NEW ENTRY, IS INCREDIBLE
That sense of community runs deep here. On any given evening the dining room hums with conversation. The bar feels convivial rather than crowded. Regulars mix with first time visitors who have made the journey to see what the buzz is about. The award has only amplified that energy, with bookings surging and celebrations becoming something of a speciality.
Baby showers in particular have become a recent highlight. There is something rather
lovely about a restaurant that can hold its own on a national awards stage while also hosting joyful, cake laden afternoons for expectant parents and their friends. It speaks to the versatility of the space and the spirit of the team.
For more intimate gatherings there is The Den, a beautifully considered private space that seats up to ten guests. It is ideal for milestone birthdays, anniversary dinners or simply an indulgent night with close friends. Here the experience feels entirely tailored. Guests work directly with Bob and his team to craft a bespoke menu, ensuring that every course reflects the occasion and the tastes around the table.
For larger parties there is the option of a full take over. It is easy to imagine the entire pub alive with one celebration, the kitchen sending out dish after dish designed just for that group. The emphasis is always on collaboration. You bring the reason to gather. The team will create the menu to match.
At the heart of it all is the food.
The seasonal set menu remains a cornerstone and Bob is looking forward to showcasing new spring dishes built around locally sourced produce. Expect bright flavours, careful technique and thoughtful combinations. There is a clear respect for Lancashire ingredients, handled with creativity rather than fuss.
For those who want the full experience, the seven course surprise tasting menu at £75 per person continues to be a draw. It must be taken by the whole table, encouraging everyone to settle in and enjoy the journey together.
Recent highlights have included local
partridge, morel mushrooms with brown butter hollandaise, hand dived scallop with crisp wonton, chorizo and blood orange sauce, and turbot stuffed with red prawn, sea herbs and champagnes sauce for a bright, balanced finish. A beautifully cooked dish
THE SEASONAL SET MENU REMAINS A CORNERSTONE AND BOB IS LOOKING FORWARD TO SHOWCASING NEW SPRING DISHES BUILT AROUND LOCALLY SOURCED PRODUCE
of local venison, braised shoulder hash brown with a venison bordelaise sauce, has provided a rich centrepiece, while desserts such as blood orange with pistachio and a decadent millionaire shortbread with local honey ice cream round things off in style.
Equally appealing is the weekly changing set menu, offering impressive value at £30 for two courses and £36 for three. Available Wednesday to Saturday at lunch and on
Wednesday and Thursday evenings, it makes a midweek visit feel indulgent yet accessible.
Dishes might include a deeply savoury caramelised onion soup, a perfectly risen Lancashire cheese soufflé with local apple chutney or a comforting chicken and tarragon pie with mustard sauce and seasonal greens. Sticky toffee pudding and chocolate cremosa ensure a suitably satisfying finish.
The balance is what sets The Rum Fox apart. There is fine dining technique, yes, but also generosity and approachability. The award recognition has not altered that ethos. If anything, it has reinforced it.
There are new collaborations on the horizon, partnerships that promise to bring fresh ideas and creative energy into the kitchen and beyond welcoming other pubs from the top 50 gastropub list. For now, though, the focus is on celebration. Ninth place. Highest new entry. A village pub recognised among the very best in the country.
In Grindleton, that feels like something worth raising a glass to. n
The Rum Fox Sawley Road
Grindleton Clitheroe BB7 4QS 01200 871691
info@therumfox.co.uk therumfox.co.uk
BREWED WITH CHARACTER
Sales and Marketing Manager
Miles Laprell, from Wensleydale Brewery, talks Ben Hopkins through a success story born in The Dales and celebrated in pubs across Northern England
Here in the Dales, character matters. It’s in the stone walls that snake across the hills, the straight-talking warmth of the locals and – if you ask anyone who knows their pint – in the beer. Few businesses capture that sense of place quite like Wensleydale Brewery, a proudly independent operation whose story is as rooted in the Dales as the barley in its mash tun.
Sales and Marketing Manager Miles Laprell has been part of that journey for eight years and when he talks about the brewery’s rise, it feels less like a business case study and more like a shared local achievement. “They’re proper Dale’s lads,” he says of the brewery’s Owner/Directors Geoff Southgate and Carl Gerhman. “Dead straight, dead honest and they just want to do things right.”
The brewery’s beginnings were humble and, at times, chaotic. It all began in 2003 at the Forester’s Arms in Coverdale when publican Peter Pearson’s in house brew quickly outstripped demand and was sold
elsewhere. A few years later the teenage duo of Geoff and Carl were employed as pot washers and general hands. What followed were years of graft, a rented barn converted into a brewery in the tiny hamlet of Bellerby and plenty of hands-on learning. Carl went full-time straight after school, Geoff followed and in 2013 – still only 22 – they took the bold step of buying the brewery outright with money borrowed from their families.
“It was the defining decision of my life,”
says Geoff, inundated with paperwork in his small office space adjoining the brewery. Everything changed in 2017 with the move to modern units in Leyburn and the installation of a brand-new brew kit. Today, the brewery runs both 11 and 22-barrel plants and can produce up to 90 casks in a single brew. Yet despite the scale-up, the ethos remains resolutely traditional. Cask beer is still treated as a living product, brewed fresh, tested constantly and sent out as quickly as possible.
CASK BEER IS STILL TREATED AS A LIVING PRODUCT, BREWED FRESH, TESTED CONSTANTLY AND
SENT OUT AS QUICKLY
AS POSSIBLE
Miles came into the fold through friendship and beer. Then the co-owner of a bar in Skipton, he stocked Wensleydale beers at The Sound Bar and found they sold fast. “I was buying every week,” he recalls. “Eventually they said, ‘You seem good at this – do you fancy helping us sell?’” Under his guidance, sales jumped by 10 per cent almost immediately. Today, the brewery is producing four times the volume it did when Miles started, supplying pubs across North Yorkshire, Lancashire, Northumberland, Cumbria and beyond, with Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire next on the horizon. Innovation has been key. While Wensleydale still produces four dependable core beers – think a classic bitter and pale ale – variety is what keeps landlords and drinkers coming back. Last year alone, the team brewed 121 different beers. “Real ale drinkers love something new,” says Miles. “If I walk into a pub and say I’ve got a
fresh beer they’ve never had, I’m halfway there already.”
Those beers range widely in style and strength, from session-friendly three per cent ales to hazy pales, wheat beers and darker, malt-led brews. Recipes are never re-used. Colour comes purely from malt, never additives. Hops arrive from across the world –Japan, New Zealand, the US, Slovenia and Germany – while much of the grain is sourced locally from Malton. “Hops are like grapes in wine,” Miles explains with the enthusiasm of a connoisseur as he hands me a handful of Slovenian hops to rub between the palms and sniff. “Earthy, citrus, resinous, sweet –each one brings something different.”
At the heart of the brewing operation is head brewer Nick Norris, formerly of Black Sheep Brewery, who joined five years ago. His primary role is to conjure up the ideas and recipes for the beers. Given free rein to experiment, he works closely with Miles,
who dreams up the names of the beers along with the label designs. “We’re like a family unit,” says Nick. “Geoff and Carl will give us the freedom to express ourselves.”
REAL ALE DRINKERS LOVE SOMETHING NEW. IF I WALK INTO A PUB AND SAY I’VE GOT A FRESH BEER THEY’VE NEVER HAD, I’M HALFWAY THERE ALREADY
Many of the beer’s names give a nod to music and lyrics, sparking conversation across the bar. “Some people get the reference straight away,” says Miles. “Others just like the look of the pump clip – and that’s fine too.”
That blend of tradition and creativity has earned Wensleydale Brewery a loyal following. Around 99 per cent of sales go to
pubs, gastros and restaurants, with more than 500 regular customers ordering week in, week out.
Last year marked another milestone: the opening of the brewery taproom. Open at weekends with rotating food vans, it’s become a lively local hub and a showcase for the beers. “This is where we’re from,” Miles says simply. “We’re proud of that.” n
SUSTAINABLE, SEASONAL & CELEBRATED
Ian O’Reilly, owner of Eight at Gazegill, and Chef Patron Doug Crampton talk to Gail Bailey about the recent accolades that celebrate the ethos and values at the heart of their award-winning restaurant
Eight at Gazegill was founded on a simple belief – food tastes better when it’s rooted in the land it comes from, a value that has earned the restaurant a reputation as one of the North’s most authentic farm-to-fork experiences.
The restaurant was recently awarded a Michelin Green Star. What does this recognition mean to you and your team?
Ian says: “The Michelin Guide awards Green Stars to restaurants that combine culinary excellence with a strong eco-conscious ethos.
At Eight at Gazegill, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do – from sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to reducing waste and embracing renewable energy.
Being recognised in this way feels like a true reflection of our values.”
Doug adds: “The restaurant sits at the heart of Gazegill Organics, which has been sustainably farmed for generations. Sustainability isn’t something we set out to achieve – it’s simply part of what we do. Being recognised in the Michelin Guide last year was already a hugely proud moment, so to now receive a Green Star is a powerful endorsement of both the quality of our food and the integrity of the values behind it.”
“There are only 37 Green Star restaurants in the UK, so to receive one in under two years is an incredible achievement for the whole team,” says Ian. “The process is famously
discreet – we had no idea until the ceremony itself! We are deeply committed to ‘soil-up farming’, so to be recognised for the standards we uphold every day makes us immensely proud.”
Beyond the Michelin Green Star, it’s been a celebratory period for the restaurant. Which other recent awards have felt particularly significant?
“We have been especially grateful to win two awards at the Lancashire Tourism Awards very recently,” Ian explains. “Receiving the Regenerative Tourism and Taste of Lancashire awards, along with the highest-ever Taste of Lancashire score and generous praise from the judges, made the recognition especially memorable.”
“We were nominated and invited to a presentation at Burnley Football Club to understand the process – but we had no idea if we’d won until the awards ceremony,”
Doug adds. “Two mystery diners visit the restaurant and much like the Michelin Green Star, the professionalism and secrecy involved ensures their experience is completely authentic. They get to enjoy what our guests do every time they visit!”
“Last year, we were the only Lancashire business at the National Visit England Tourism Awards – and winning the New Tourism Bronze Award was a real milestone,” Ian reflects. “With 23 regions across the UK and extensive nominations in each, being recognised was a real point of pride. This year, our focus is on reaching the finals again –and hopefully aiming for gold.”
Owners Emma and Ian are thrilled to see the team grow and achieve so much in such a short time frame.
Your menu changes as the seasons do but you are launching a new lunch offering –what can diners expect?
“We’ve had a strong start to the year thanks to The Good Food Guide Menu, a collaboration between restaurants and the publication,” Doug explains. “Building on
“The judges were impressed with Eight’s commitment to ‘food metres’, let alone ‘food miles’ – with all butchery carried out on the farm – showcasing total control over quality and welfare. That level of integrity is rare, bold and deeply impressive – making this an extraordinary culinary destination.”
“Eight at Gazegill demonstrated passion and a deep-rooted commitment to the land and to doing things the right way! Every plate that leaves the kitchen not only tastes incredible but also tells their story. Eight at Gazegill is leading the way in regenerative tourism – for them, it’s simply a way of life.”
Lancashire Tourism Awards
that, we’ve developed a new lunch offering, a four-course menu available Thursday to Saturday for £38 per person. It won’t replace our small plates or regular lunch options, but it gives diners more choice and essentially offers a shorter version of our evening tasting menu.”
“The new lunch offering will be ‘a celebration of the beginning of Spring’,” adds Ian. “Doug and our passionate team craft menus that champion flavour, creativity and the true farm-to-fork experience that is Eight at Gazegill.” n
2 large handfuls mixed leafy greens (rocket, spinach or watercress)
1–2 handfuls red chicory, thinly sliced
1 medium cooked beetroot, diced (or 2 small)
6–8 radishes, thinly sliced
1 small bunch cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 small red onion, finely sliced
Small handful of fresh parsley, chopped
Small handful of fresh mint, chopped
Dressing
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
Finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
NUTRITION WITH KELI
Expert Keli Thompson shares her recipe for a deliciously healthy spring chopped garden salad with wholemeal couscous
As the light begins to return, I always find myself drawn to lighter, fresher plates that celebrate what’s naturally in season. After the comfort of winter cooking, there’s something refreshing about crisp greens, peppery radishes, sweet tomatoes, earthy beetroot and red chicory with its slightly bitter, crunchy leaves. Adding wholemeal couscous transforms this vibrant salad into something more substantial while still feeling light and energising.
This bowl is full of crunch, colour and brightness, with just enough heartiness
from the couscous to make it satisfying. The leafy greens and red chicory provide a nourishing base, radishes bring a subtle bite and cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Beetroot introduces gentle earthiness and depth, while the fluffy couscous carries flavour through every forkful. Fresh parsley and mint lift everything, adding an aromatic, seasonal finish.
The couscous is gently seasoned as it hydrates with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon so the grains absorb flavour from the inside. The red onion is softened by a brief soak in cold water, which removes the harsh bite while preserving sweetness. The dressing is enriched with honey and freshly grated lemon zest, balancing acidity and adding fragrance. Just before serving, a sprinkle of flaky salt adds texture and highlights the natural flavours.
Serving the salad as a base for a warm protein placed on top makes it feel complete. Grilled salmon, pan-seared sea bass, grilled chicken, warm lentils, or a softly poached egg all work beautifully. The protein juices mingle with the dressed couscous, creating a harmonious, ready-to-serve dish.
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
Couscous
75g wholemeal couscous (dry weight)
90ml boiling water
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice
To finish (optional)
Toasted seeds or chopped nuts
Crumbled feta
Flaky sea salt
Protein options
Grilled salmon
Pan-seared sea bass
Grilled chicken
Warm lentils
Softly poached egg
Method
Hydrate the couscous: Place couscous in a bowl, pour over boiling water, add olive oil and lemon juice, cover and leave for five minutes. Fluff with a fork and season lightly.
Soften the onion: Soak sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
Combine leafy greens, red chicory, beetroot, radishes, cherry tomatoes and drained onion in a large bowl.
Add cooled couscous and gently toss. Scatter over parsley and mint.
Prepare the dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently. Plate the salad, place warm protein on top, and finish with seeds, nuts, feta and a final pinch of flaky salt. n
nutritionwithkeli@outlook.com nutritionwithkeli
In a tiny corner shop in Otley, O’Deli has become a destination in its own right – the sort of place people drive long distances for, simply to order lunch without anxiety
The story started in 2015, when husband-and-wife team Tony and Kay opened O’Deli as a tiny café and delicatessen. Kay has coeliac disease and she’d had enough of ‘gluten free’ meaning bland, limited or risky. So she built the place she wished existed – a small, friendly café with seriously good food, plenty of gluten and dairy free options and a team that understands how important crosscontamination control is.
Inside it’s cosy with just one table and bar style window seating for around four people. Outside there’s more seating for dog walkers and warmer days. The vibe is relaxed and informal – visit for coffee and cake, or make a meal of it with toasties, soups, Yorkshire
GLUTEN-FREE HEAVEN
pudding wraps and fresh salads. With local sourcing and homemade recipes, it’s humble, home cooked food, done properly.
Popularity snowballed and by 2025 O’Deli had outgrown the space. The answer was Bagels & Bakery by O’Deli, a takeaway-only bakery just around the corner. It’s 100 per cent gluten free and expands the best bits of the café into a grab-and-go format – loaded bagels, homemade sausage rolls, pies, quiches, cheesecakes, scones and more. n
O’Deli Café, 4 New Market, is open Monday to Saturday – 9.30am to 4.30pm. Bagels & Bakery, 9 Market Street, is open Friday to Saturday – 9am to 3pm.
COSTA RICA – COFFEE FARMS ROOTED IN TRADITION
Costa Rica is in Central America. Its coffee is considered among the world’s best and certified by place of origin, highlighting unique growing methods and regional character. Photography: hawke.tv
Wild Pen Coffee
Roasters source specialty coffee beans from farms in the Turrialba and Tarrazú regions – where volcanic soils and unique climates create exceptional flavours.
represent the farm’s most valuable asset.
The coffee is smooth, with floral notes and a sugar cane honey aroma.
Hacienda La Minita farm is in the Tarrazú valley and mountains facing west towards
the Pacific which allows for gradual warming in the morning and slow cooling in the evening. The plantation has 800 acres of land in production – there are 200 acres of natural rainforest preserved that will never be brought into production.
Their coffee possesses a citrus aroma with cacao and floral notes.
Aquiares Farm sits in the Turrialba Volcano region. Caribbean influences enable early maturation and extended harvests. Starting with seedling planting, continuing through cultivation, hand picking and milling, they have consistently produced high quality coffee. The skilled hands of the pickers
Wild Pen chooses only the highest quality coffee beans sourcing from farms which show great care to bring high ethical and sustainable practices. n
Single Origin - speciality coffee
At Wild Pen we offer high-quality coffee traceable to the farms in C Costa Rica
Aquiares Microlot
Our fresh roasted coffee is a medium roast, city to full-city, that is well balanced and versatile
We now have a Mountain Water D'caff coffee from M Mexico, the D'caff process is certified as Organic
Tasting notes:
Hacienda La Minita
Tasting notes:
Aquiares Estate
Tasting notes: caramel,
www.wildpen.coffee tom@wildpen.coffee
FULL OF DREAMS
Karl Burke is one of the country’s most successful flat racing thoroughbred trainers. Max Gardner finds out about what attracted him to the sport, his successes and his ambitions.
Photography: Mick Atkins / Shutterstock.com
Ilove sport. So, when asked if I would like to interview one of the UK’s premier horse trainers and write an article about him I jumped at the chance. With the contented smile of an athlete who has just won a race for which he has done no training, I punched the air and let out a little whoop of joy. Then reality hit me. Although I’ve been to a couple of point-to-point events and placed a couple of bets on the Grand National, I really know nothing about horse racing.
A little research was needed, first into the sport, then into Karl Burke, the internationally renowned horse trainer and his Dales-based stables.
LIVING IN AN IRISH PUB, SURROUNDED BY HORSE RACING ENTHUSIASTS, I COULDN’T BUT GROW UP LOVING THE SPORT
I think most people know there are two types of horse racing? One over hurdles and fences, of which the Grand National is probably the most well-known in the UK. Its season runs through the winter months. Then there is flat racing, run over grass from March to November, but also on all weather tracks all year round. The major prizes for flat racing are in five Classics, made up of the 1000 and 2000 Guineas, the Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot and The Oaks; 38 Group 1 races for elite horses; Group 2 and 3 races and various Listed and Handicap races. Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Spigot Lodge near Middleham, is home and training centre to one of the country’s
most successful flat racing thoroughbred trainers Karl Burke and his family-based team. With 139 stables, state-of-the-art equine training facilities, a record of over one hundred UK winners in each of the past five seasons and over £3.5 million in prize money for each of those seasons, Spigot Lodge is a major contributor to the Dales’ ongoing reputation as a heartland of thoroughbred horse training.
Armed with my new knowledge, I called Karl. I anticipated a brief business-like interview with a man who had much more important things to do. What I got was a friendly voice and a man who was prepared to give up his time and knowledge to help me get what I needed to complete this article.
Karl explained that it was the tap rooms of his dad’s pubs in Rugby, where his passion for horse racing ignited. On race days, punters gathered, pints were consumed and pounds exchanged, as Karl drank in the atmosphere. He says: “I soaked up the excitement of these days. Living in an Irish pub, surrounded by horse racing enthusiasts, I couldn’t but grow up loving the sport.”
And with the scent of horses racing through his nostrils Karl left school and his dad’s pub at the age of 16 to become an apprentice flatracing jockey. As his career progressed, he had a number of successful rides but quickly realised he was too heavy for flat racing and changed over to national hunt racing, over the jumps. Again he had some success but knew his time in the saddle was up and moved into the livery business, breaking in horses for other trainers.
He rented his first stables in Newark, then moved to Cheltenham, Wantage and Newmarket before buying Spigot Lodge in 2000. By this time, Karl had obtained his trainers licence in 1990 and had married Elaine, who is also from a horse training family. Together, with their two daughters, Kelly and Lucy, they have turned Spigot Lodge into one of the finest training centres in the country.
KARL HAS TRAINED WINNING HORSES ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE, IN IRELAND, GERMANY, FRANCE, ITALY AND THE MIDDLE EAST
“I was progressing all the time,” says Karl. “Moving to Spigot Lodge was a logical step, it was based on finances but it is a perfect location to train horses and I have no intention of moving. My family are part of the great team we have here and we’re backed by some of the biggest owners.”
These include Sheikh Juma and his brother Sheikh Rashid, and Sheikh Mohammed Obaid – among many more –and Karl has trained winning horses on the international stage, in Ireland, Germany, France, Italy and the Middle East.
Although it hasn’t all been plain sailing, in recent years Karl was treated for bowel cancer, he emphasises his time in horse racing is a lifestyle not just a business and he has no plans to retire. Asked about his current stable, predictions for the coming season and his ambitions for the future.
He says: “We’ve got a huge team here, the biggest I’ve ever had, some of the highest rated horses and a couple of really good fillies. I’d be happy if we come anywhere near the last two seasons, but the main thing is keeping fit and healthy. I’ll keep training and remain full of dreams.” n
ilkleygolfclub.co.uk Why not sample the delights of Ilkley for yourself this year?
“While Ilkley has some very fine holes, it is probably the unusual and everchanging terrain that make the greatest impact. The course is a genuine oneoff – varied and pretty, strategic and characterful – in a word, delightful.”
Rob Smith, Golf Monthly
To book, scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/2p8y8p5d. For our excellent group packages, please call 01943 600214 or email: office@ilkleygolfclub.co.uk
our TrackMan centre for the serious - and less serious - business of golf
Relax in style as you hone your skills or take on your friends on the most advanced golf simulator around. With complimentary mini bar, fresh coffee, 250+ courses to choose from and a state of the art screen, a great experience is guaranteed.
And if your game lets you down, you can always arrange a lesson with our PGA club professional, Glen Ient.
TINY SPACE,
ENDLESS INSPIRATION…
Not only does it lay claim to be the smallest public art gallery in the world but a former BT phone box in Settle also has an intriguing ‘royal’ connection. Kate Bowyer finds out more
It’s not where you would normally expect to find a rock superstar, but Queen guitarist Brian May has twice drawn the crowds to Settle’s phone box turned gallery.
The legendary musician – who is also an astrophysicist and a recognised expert in the study of stereoscopy, or stereo photography –has held two exhibitions at the Gallery on the Green and has even made a personal appearance at the phone box.
I found out about the world-famous musician’s contribution to the local arts scene and about the phone box itself when I met gallery volunteer Mike Smith.
“With the rise of mobile phones in the early 2000s, BT began decommissioning phone boxes and many were removed and sold off,” he explains. “But they also had the imagination to introduce an ‘Adopt a Kiosk’ scheme, where local groups could take over a kiosk for a nominal payment of £1.”
In early 2009 Settle Town Council became one of the first to purchase their decommissioned box. Telephony removed, people living nearby
decided to recreate it as a community art gallery, coming together under Cultivating Settle and enabled by initial grants.
At the green, the phone box stands proudly next to a huge, 130-year-old sycamore tree planted for Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.
Currently in between ‘shows’ after the perennially popular knitted 12 Days of Christmas festive exhibition, volunteers like Mike are busy with cleaning and washing and giving it a bit of TLC ready for the 2026 spring opening.
I TAKE MY HAT OFF TO THE VISION AND DRIVE OF THE PEOPLE WHO CREATED THE GALLERY
So, how did Mike get involved?
“The gallery opened just as my wife and I were looking around for retirement locations in the Dales, an area we love,” he remembers.
“We were living in London at the time and the phone box and the town were generating national publicity. We thought: “That is exactly the kind of community we’d like to be part of.”
So was the gallery instrumental in their choice?
“Yes, although we then panicked!” he chuckles: “We realised other people would be seeing Settle’s appeal too, so we’d better get moving, before we missed out!”
“I take my hat off to the vision and drive of the people who created the gallery,” he says. “As time goes on, lives change, people naturally move or step down, but the spirit endures. Now my wife and I are delighted to be among the volunteers who continue to run this amazing space.”
The setting may be small, but the scope most certainly is not, with more than 100 exhibitions since 2009 and an award for most imaginative use of a former kiosk. With a pride in showcasing local and Northern artists, anyone can apply to exhibit through the Gallery on the Green website. There’s just one criteria prospective artists must bear in mind.
“The size is pretty non-negotiable,” agrees Mike, “so huge canvasses are a no-no! However, with clever design, it’s amazing what can fit in.”
BRIAN MAY HAS EXHIBITED SOME OF HIS FASCINATING RARE VICTORIAN PHOTOGRAPHS TWICE –IN 2010 AND 2014
Looking at photos of past exhibitions, I’m amazed at the scope and range, including lettering artist Seb Lester’s intricate postcard-sized prints, Shelley Woolley’s pressed grasses and flowers and a multidisciplinary collaboration between poet Sue Vickerman and photographer Mike Kilyon.
Julie Sobczak’s portraits honoured heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic, including policemen, farmers, midwives and musicians, while abstract artist Tom Palin literally thought inside the box, creating a white cube within the kiosk and attaching works to it.
Famous names have also been keen to exhibit, including internationally-renowned photographers Martin Parr and Eamon
McCabe – and of course Brian May, who has exhibited some of his fascinating rare Victorian photographs twice, in 2010 and 2014.
But what was the rock star’s local connection?
“The fact is that one of the founders of the gallery, who before retirement worked in the museum sector, is a big fan of Victorian photography and had already been working with Brian May on various projects when the gallery was set up,” Mike says.
But it’s not all about famous names – just as important is showcasing local schoolchildren, hosting exhibitions about the town’s history and partnering with events like the popular summer flowerpot festival.
Embodying the welcoming spirit of the town, the gallery remains open 24/7 from Easter until Christmas. With two at a time a squeeze, the green becomes a natural place to meet and chat, the visitors’ book recording thousands, from all over the world.
I’m already planning my return visit for 2026’s opening exhibition, the theme of which Mike tells me is a closely guarded secret! n
galleryonthegreen.org.uk
A SHARED LOVE OF ART AND LIFE
Tucked inside the weathered stone walls of a former textile mill turned creative hub, Ruth Clayton and Stuart Gray share a studio, a life and a deeply connected artistic practice which has evolved over decades, writes Katie Hammond
Both Ruth and Stuart came to art through education. Former teachers, they spent years shaping creative minds in classrooms across the North West, with Ruth teaching art and Stuart lecturing in graphic design, after a long career in commercial illustration and exhibition design.
Eleven years ago, the couple made the move to Sedbergh, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, drawn by the landscape and the sense of creative community that Farfield Mill had to offer.
Ruth explains: “Farfield has created its own unique identity as a converted textile mill full of working artists, a café and varied exhibitions. It’s a place where people
come to simply spend time – there’s such a beautiful sense of community and a real family feel here.”
That sense of community matters to them both. Farfield Mill isn’t just a workplace, it’s a creative hub, a destination and a place to meet and has become a place where art and everyday life intersect.
What makes Ruth and Stuart’s partnership particularly compelling is the contrast in their work and they describe themselves, fondly, as yin and yang.
I’M
INTERESTED IN THE SEA AS A FORCE, WITH ITS POWER, MOVEMENT AND THE WAY IT REMINDS US ALL THAT WE’RE NOT IN CONTROL OF NATURE
Ruth continues: “My paintings are big, immersive and focus on the natural elements. Working primarily in watercolour, I often layer with acrylic ink and soft pastel to capture the raw energy of the sea. Lighthouses or distant structures may appear, but only as small, human interruptions in a much larger narrative. The water dominates, surging, shifting and remaining unpredictable.
“I’m interested in the sea as a force, with
its power, movement and the way it reminds us all that we’re not in control of nature.”
Although based in Cumbria, much of Ruth’s inspiration comes from the coast. The couple keep a caravan on the Solway Firth, where Ruth often spends time in solitude, gaining inspiration and quietly creating her artwork.
STUART ELEVATES THE OFTEN-OVERLOOKED SMALL GARDEN BIRDS WHICH POPULATE OUR HEDGEROWS AND GARDENS
Stuart’s paintings, by contrast, are intimate and jewel-like. Working in acrylic on canvas, he paints small British perching birds including wrens, robins and sparrows, perched atop carefully arranged stacks of old books. The compositions draw on Dutch still-life traditions, influenced by painters such as Carel Fabritius and Johannes Vermeer, with dark grounds, considered light and a sense of quiet reverence.
Each piece of work is layered with personal meaning. Book titles reference literature, local history and shared personal experiences. One particular commission featured a wren, perched among volumes which held significance for the couple. Another bespoke piece wove together a still life of a bullfinch and the works of Jane Austen, creating a narrative rooted in both art and literary history.
Together, their artwork shares a common philosophy – respect for the natural world, patience in making and the value of observation. While Ruth captures the sea’s overwhelming scale and power, Stuart elevates the often-overlooked small garden birds which populate our hedgerows and
gardens, giving them presence and identity.
Their lives are as intertwined as their work. Ruth and Stuart have known each other for more than 30 years, though they became partners 12 years ago, later in life, after previous marriages. That long history brings a quiet confidence to their relationship – personal and professional.
They continue to teach alongside their studio practice, running popular workshops at Farfield Mill and other venues locally.
On occasion, they work with young people and schools, as well as running workshops with numerous adult art societies across the region. “Teaching keeps us connected,” Ruth says. “It reminds us why creativity matters.”
This spring, they will exhibit together at The Whitehouse Gallery in Kirkcudbright, the Art Town of Scotland, in a show titled A Quiet Place – an apt description not only
of their work, but of the life they’ve built. Last summer, they rented, with a close friend, the Harbour Cottage Gallery in Kirkcudbright for a two-week exhibition, further cementing their presence in the northern arts scene.
In a world which often celebrates spectacle, Ruth Clayton and Stuart Gray offer something else – stillness, thoughtfulness and depth. From their well-loved, if slightly chaotic, studio space at Farfield Mill, they continue to prove that powerful art doesn’t need to shout – sometimes it simply asks you to stop, look and listen. n
ruthclaytonartist.com
@ruthclaytonartist
@stuartgraytheartist
Co-founded with his wife Rebecca, Elsworth at The Mill reflects Bruce’s passion for great food, community and celebration. Having worked at acclaimed kitchens including The Angel at Hetton and Northcote Manor, Bruce’s cooking is bold, seasonal and rooted in Yorkshire, championing exceptional local produce and the stories of the farmers and makers behind it.
Where is home?
Home is the beautiful village of Embsay. What do you most like about Skipton, the Dales and the surrounding area?
You’re only ever a stone’s throw from breathtaking countryside and open fells
MY DALES…
Bruce Elsworth is the award-winning chef behind Elsworth at The Mill in Skipton, North Yorkshire, a distinctive events and dining venue set within a beautifully restored 19th-century corn mill
in any direction. Also, it’s the people and the strong community spirit that makes it so special.
What’s your favourite walk or view?
Embsay Crag holds a special place in my heart. My childhood home looked out onto it and I’ve spent countless hours walking and running there. The view from the top across the Dales is panoramic.
Where do you most like to eat locally?
A perfect family food day would take us to Settle. We’d start at Ambrey Bakery for incredible sourdough and pastries, then head to The Courtyard Dairy to taste exceptional cheeses. A stop at Lawkland Hall Farm’s milk vending machine is a must, before finishing at The Nettle for outstanding coffee, warm service and beautifully seasonal, locally sourced dishes. What’s your favourite time of year in the Dales?
Early autumn. The leaves begin to turn, the hedgerows are heavy with fruit and berries and there’s a richness to the landscape that feels abundant, especially from a chef’s perspective.
Which Yorkshire writer, artist or sportsperson do you admire most?
It’s hard to choose just one. Yorkshire has produced so many talented, driven and inspiring people.
Favourite Sunday roast?
It has to be a roast chicken at home, with my daughter helping in the kitchen. Simple, comforting food shared with family.
Five people you’d invite to a Yorkshire dinner party?
Nicola Adams, Marco Pierre White, my daughter Florence (chief taster), Jeremy Clarkson, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Michael Palin. It would certainly make for lively conversation, plenty of strong opinions and hopefully a lot of fun around the table.
